Jemma Simmons is a terrible liar (needanewplan) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2018-07-24 13:25:00 |
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While it was true that Jemma had a lot of equipment in her lab that came from different sets of dreams and thus were more advanced than a lot of tech equipment that was currently on the market, that didn’t mean she didn’t like to keep up on the latest trends. Admittedly this was something Fitz would be much better at as he was engineering to her biochemistry but she ran the Science Division and so it was her responsibility. Especially with her lack of engineers at present. Besides, she knew what she was looking at even if she also knew there were others more familiar with engineering.
Which was how she found herself at one of the tech retailers in the area. True, there was nothing that needed to be immediately replaced and there were wholesale retailers she could order from, but what better way to see what latest trends there were which she could potentially upgrade some equipment with than to go to one of the tech shops to see what was on the market and available.
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Cisco on the other hand, hadn’t had any reason at all to be in that store except to explore the possibilities of what could be and so, there he was. There were all sorts of tools to drool over, things currently at his reach-but he’d chosen a magazine. One labeled Tinkerer. Like they thought they were clever, all sorts of little gears had wings on them like Tinkerbell from the popular disney movies. But what it did have in it that was more interesting than the cover itself, as information on hyper tech. A few articles had been coming out lately that caught Cisco’s eye.
The shop wasn’t very busy, there was him, apparently a young woman now and an older lady who looked lost. She was asking what sort of gift to get her young son who’d gone away to school as a super smart science guy and had no clue how to understand him. Apparently the man assisting her didn’t know people or how to help her either, Cisco lowered the magazine and stepped over to the obviously awkward shopkeeper who really only knew how to sell overpriced junk and showed her what he might want as a new engineering student, and that anything that man had said was basically just bullshit.
He was wearing a shirt that said ‘Technically the glass is always full’, and had a small diagram showing off the air and water theory. Then he went back to his magazine, the woman was grateful and Cisco had done his good deed of the day. He glanced over at Jemma after a moment. “....Need any help?” She didn’t look like it, but this was basically his element.
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There were reasons Jemma never would have made it as a shop girl. She simply belonged in the lab. Of course, the conversation between shopkeeper and woman before Cisco intervened had happened too far away for her glasses to pick up on anything that might have been said where she theoretically could have helped.
Then she saw the question before her eyes and turned her head towards Cisco (thank goodness for having become a bit hyperaware of when people were close to her) so that she didn’t seem completely lost.
“I’m mostly just getting ideas on seeing what is available and what is new for potential upgrades, thank you though.”
Smiling some, Jemma had been about to turn back to what she was doing when she noticed the shirt and had to chuckle slightly.
“Nice shirt.”
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Cisco could have worked in a shop, but he never had. He had the demeanor to help others which was why he wass hired at his lab in the first place. Cisco had heart, he had humor that was severely lacking in a steril medical field like his and it gave him a leg up.
“Upgrades? If you don’t mind my curiosity to what?” Genuine interest. It wasn’t like Cisco really had anything else going on, he was jobless and searching. He had time.
Cisco couldn’t help but to grin at her notice and nodded. “Thanks. I actually wore this on my last job interview, it’s weirdly lucky. But you didn’t ask to know all that. I’ll shut up. “ He gave a sheepish sort of smile and reached down to pick up a small computer chip so as to distract from his awkwardness.
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It was always complicated when discussing her job given the relatively secretive nature of the Agency. She was used to such secrecy thanks to her dreams and working for SHIELD, especially once Hydra came out of the shadows and SHIELD retreated to them because of that fall out. And seeing at how she didn’t know if Cisco was a Dreamer or not, she had to be careful. Though she always did keep tabs on scientists in the area and he clearly knew his stuff so she would certainly look into the logistics. After all if Bernard and Nathanson could work for her despite not being dreamers...
“I’m in charge of the science division for a government organization actually.”
Vague but also specific. Thank goodness for that undercover training.
“It’s fine, really.” While she wasn’t quite sold on the notion of items actually being lucky, it could help people feel more confident and in turn help them in an interview. That and she was used to the seemingly impossible. “What sort of interview?”
It could be something completely unrelated to science. Or it could be related to science given where they were currently speaking.
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“Probably can’t tell me which one, huh?” That was generally how these government things went. “That’s cool. I was just applying for the general hospital. I’m a bio tech Engineer.” And a chatty one at that. But hey, better than talking to a brick wall right? Cisco had a sort of energy that most engineers lacked when it came to humans, he was able to relate to people and talk to them. “I was just interviewing at the Children’s hospital.” He specified, it was good work but he always wanted to do even more than that if he was honest, he felt like he should be doing more-he just wasn’t sure what.
“Well, if your tech ever needs any upgrades, I’m your dude.” Cisco pulled out a card that was simple but read Francisco Ramon, Biotechnician, technology enthusiast. One phrase on each line, followed by a phone number, email and twitter.
“I’m Cisco.”
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“Something like that.” Working for SHIELD in the dreams made it so she was much more familiar with the whole...working for an organization which she couldn’t speak about in the open. In Orange County? Well, there were specific things about Orange County that was generally preferred to be known by those who worked at the Agency. Not a necessity and she had a few scientists under her who were unaware but still.
Even so, she was already making a mental note to look into him. Which would be much easier as he handed her his card. Taking it with a smile, Jemma nodded.
“Well it’s nice to meet you, Cisco. I’m Jemma, biochemist. And I will certainly keep that in mind. Though I’m sure you’ll find something as well.”
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Cisco grinned and shrugged. “Well, whatever. I’m pretty good with secrets if you do decide you want that upgrade. I make toys, it’s kind of my jam.” He admitted with a grin as he gave her a wave.
“Yeah, you too I also am pretty bored so if you just wanna talk tech, feel free to hit me up on any of those social media things. I’m pretty new here, I don’t know anyone yet so it isn’t like I have a packed schedule.” He admitted sheepishly.
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“Definitely good to know.” While no actual talk that she could use as a baseline was happening, Jemma liked to think she was a relative good read of people even if she sometimes needed to be reigned in when talking science. Either way, she had a feeling this was definitely just the first of meeting with Cisco.
“Fair enough. It can be like that when you first move.” It had been a few years since she had moved to the States but she did remember that initial loneliness. Then again, Orange County had a way of alleviating boredom. Assuming he was on the network, which she would look into. “So I will certainly make sure to reach out.”
That was when Jemma’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out.
“And now it looks like there’s a fire I need to put out, so I’ll see you around. It was nice meeting you, Cisco.” She probably had already said that but given she was now leaving? She’d reiterate it before she turned and left the shop to get back to the Agency.
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