Gal's Place (Open RP)

"But Modesty is somethiing I do so well", AJ said Turning up his nose giving his best english impersonaton.

He rutuned to his normal, every thing is right in the world smile, as he closed the crate back up. "Does this sisiter have andy kinda of mind control powers? My powers used to be able to protect my thoughts, but with inhibitors in I feel like an open book."

The blaster shook his Head as if to clear out a bad thought or day dream, "any way lets get these crates out of your walk way, then you guys can give me the tour and fine a nice spot to talk about my pathedic love life and some info on Malta I was given".


((MY bad Sib. Ada just dislikes letting people down. He also knows you did not mean you are interested, he surprised him self when he even asked the question about a girl...last trip home kinda sealed it for him.))

Sibling were very sensitive about using their powers on others, it was something they would never do unless asked or as a last resort. Contact with minds was a very intimate thing, so the twins rarely used their powers around friends.

The comment about whether the Sister had mind control powers struck them as shocking at first, did he think they were talking about their being attracted? Then, almost instantly, they realized that was not the intent, and Sibling's soft laughter could be heard. Ad well knew their affections were not for men, but the instant thought was funny.

"Oh Ad, you had us for just a moment. As much as we are flattered, you'd have to deal with Gal over that." Their smile widened at his look, as he realized how his comment had sounded.

"We knew what you meant, but sometimes not understanding can be fun, too." Sibling laid one tiny, delicate hand on the topmost crate and concentrated for a moment. The sound of bottles shifting, then the pop of wood being stressed as the three crates rose a few inches off the floor. Sibling's eyes stayed closed, concentrating for a moment longer.

"We figured if we could lift a Warcry, why not do something more constructive?" The green light from their eyes brightened. Once they had the lift in control, they could relax a little. One thing the twins had noticed, it was easier to just fling things as hard as possible than it was to lift them and control them.

"We don't have the skills yet to just send the boxes, so we have to walk with them." They smiled again at Adavan. "And now who's the mind reader? As a matter of fact, the Sister mentioned is a Mindy, someone who can be trusted to keep her mind to herself."

That Ad would bring this up, in a way troubled Sibling. They knew he had a somewhat stormy past where he was from, and asked only cautiously about it. They understood dark times and pasts that brought pain with their memories, but occassionally talking about it helped to deal with it.

*Heh*, Cliff's thoughts echoed in their mind, *Not everyone has a live in shrink, sis.*

*Or a perfect case study, brother.* Angela replied.

"Let us give you the five dollar tour, Ad. Gal is in the kitchen, we can pass through on the way back, then maybe you would care to talk about it?" The small controller patted his sleeve once, a show of the kindness Sibling felt towards him. "We still have a couple of hours before Martin will let anyone in."

((OOC: All in good fun Ad, but you know Sib could never let you be down in the dumps. ))

((OOC: Business is looking a bit slow . So, to do my part, yet another of my endless stream of alts is dropping by. BTW, welcome back, Sibling!))

The door creaked open, inviting into the restaurant a chill breeze which fluttered the green curtains of the alcove. The door opened fully, then closed, seemingly of its own volition. A light giggle filled the entryway, and suddenly, a woman was standing there, playing with the green curtains.

She was roughly 5 and-a-half feet tall, with black hair, but that was where any semblance of normalcy ended. Her skin was a dusty red, which contrasted oddly with her glowing yellow eyes. Her torso was covered with a red chitinous armor which seemed to blend into her skin, and her legs were plated with black steel greaves. She wore a wide smile that gave her face a childlike innocence, but the teeth that showed seemed more suitable for a shark than a humanoid. She ran her hands through the fabric of the curtains, burbling happily to herself.

Turning her attention from the curtains, she seemingly spotted Martin for the first time. Her head cocked curiously to the side and her brow furrowed in confusion.

"A peanut butter and watercress sandwich and a glass of milk would have been sufficient enough, Alfred."

The voice that issued from her mouth was an eerily accurate imitation of Adam West's, but oddly enough, the words and the movement of her mouth were completely out of sync. She looked about to say more, when she seemed to notice something in the restaurant. Within a heartbeat, she simply dissapeared, reappearing by the dais at the centre of the restaurant.

Jumping up and down excitedly, she squealed in delight at the potted plants sitting on the platform. She bent over the dais, and began whispering conspiratorially to the plants, occasionally pausing as if listening to a silent reply.

((OOC: Rose doesn't mean to offend Martin, she just hasn't got a very firm grip on the English language yet.))

"Oh....my." Was Martin's comment as the girl faded from sight. His demeanor unflappable, one of the reasons Gal very much valued his presence. The somewhat stuffy Englishman was one of the few civilians to have ever visited the Shard Realm, or seen the plaque in Eden or any one of a thousand other adventures. After being an escort to The Lady, very little surprised him.

"Miss," he began, as though this was an everyday occurrence. His measured steps crossed the room, hands clasped behind his back. "I do believe that we can find seating for you, should you desire. Peanut Butter," he seemed pained at the mention of that food, "may take a moment."

Gracefully, he indicated she could follow him. "Would you care for a booth or a table?" He studiously ignored her discussion with the plants, she was not the only one who considered them intelligent.

((OOC: Welcome back Bas!))

The woman studied Martin suspiciously for a moment, as if concerned he would eavesdrop on her conversation with the plants. Seemingly satisfied that he was unconcerned about her dealings, she replied, mimicking his voice perfectly.

"Would you care for a booth or a table?"

From the doorway, another voice arose.

"Um... Excuse me... Uh... Have you seen a... Oh."

The question stopped abruptly when the voice's owner spotted the red woman. The voice belonged to a young man with sandy blonde hair an a round face. He wore a long white lab coat with the word "M.A.G.I." emblazoned on the pocket. Beneath that, there was a small nametag reading "Remington." His face was flushed from exertion, and the way that he was gasping for air suggested that he had been running. The young woman's face lit up at seeing him. Teleporting again, she popped over and enveloped the man in a fierce hug which, by the man's expression, was far more painful than it was intended to be. Releasing him, the woman began chirping and cooing happily at him. He interrupted her "monologue" with a scolding finger, like one might use to a misbehaving puppy. Concern was evident in his voice.

"Rose, for God's sake, you know you're not supposed to wander off like that. Azuria would have my hide if something had happened to you." He grabbed her by the hand. "C'mon, we should be going."

She began a low protesting mewling, pointing at the plants and the tables, before teleporting back into the restaurant.

"What, you want to stay for dinner?" He checked his watch, "I suppose we have time. Alright, we can stay, but we have to be reasonably quick." He looked at Martin, "That is, assuming that you're serving."

((OOC: Good to be back!))

"Sir," Martin was pleased to see someone of appropriate dress, but his only indication was a lessening of the wrinkles on his high forehead. "We make provisions for early arrivals, but the full menu will not be ready for some time. Representatives of the City," an almost imperceptible nod towards the name badge, "are welcome at any time."

He motioned to the room, all the tables prepared and empty. "Would you care to sit near the plants? I will have Beth bring out your choice of beverage, but the liquor board states definitively, no greater than eight percent volume beverages shall be served before five pm." The accent was intentional, it tended to bring order.

"I know the soups are prepared, and we certainly have bread. A moment and I shall provide menus."

"So, once we got back to the Island, everything was good," Sibling allowed the crate to settle near the other stacks of arriving wine and produce. Ad paused, watching a well built woman check items off a list. She had an athletic body, fairly large arms for a woman, and a white T-shirt a couple sizes small. Vegas didn't mind showing what she had, around this place, she was safe.

"Have you met Dark Vegas?" The other woman stopped with the manifest and stepped over, about the same height as Adavan.

"Pleased to meet you," she shook his hand with vigor, working in the security business, you learned to act more like a man or forget getting respect. Her smile was genuine, short lived, and then back to the work.

"Gal is in the kitchen with Gypsy," they noticed his raised eyebrow, "and yes, we do keep mental tabs on what is going on. We always do, you know that."

They were intentionally staying somewhat quiet, leaving plenty of silence if he decided to fill it. The twins had plenty of questions, and more that they wanted to know, but chattering on would not help him talk. They did notice his eyes linger on Vegas' fine form, but you would have to be dead or Devouring Earth not to pause. Something was wrong with him, or not right.

He would speak when he felt it was right, until then, the tour wandered to the kitchen.

[ QUOTE ]
Would you care to sit near the plants? I will have Beth bring out your choice of beverage, but the liquor board states definitively, no greater than eight percent volume beverages shall be served before five pm.

[/ QUOTE ]

John Remington nodded slightly, saying, "Not a problem. I'm on the clock anyways, so it wouldn't be wise to imbibe at the moment."

[ QUOTE ]
I know the soups are prepared, and we certainly have bread. A moment and I shall provide menus.

[/ QUOTE ]

"That shall be fine, then. Thank you."

Interrupting a conversation between Fel Rose and a lobster, John escorted the red woman to the table that the Maitre D' had indicated. She sat, and ran her hands along the wooden surface of the table. As if responding to her touch, the living wood glowed a soft red in a trail where she had touched. She chittered softly, and the red glow changed to a verdant green, then to a neon blue before fading back to its natural colour.

She smiled at the young man, looking for all the world like a child eager to please its father, but John had not noticed the trick, and was busy scribbling notes into a very worn pocket notebook. A brief look of disappointment crossed her face, but that was quickly replaced by happiness as Martin returned with the menus.

"Now, Miss, Sir," he nodded to each in turn as he handed over the menus, "would you care to start with a beverage or something from the appetizers?"

Martin watched the girl, she acted far younger than she appeared to be.

AJ let out an all most audible sigh as the twins stepped onto the kitchen area before him. It was as if admitting to himself that Becky wanted nothing to do with him closed a door, but as it slammed in his face he was able too see an endless corridor of possibilities. He looked back over his shoulder as he followed Sibling into the kitchen. Defiantly time for a new start.

The warmth from the kitchen washed over him, not very noticeable for most people, but for someone who channels heat energy into kinetic blasts it was like stepping out of a house into a light sprinkle of rain. The smell of foods reminded him he had not eaten since he returned to this dimension.

“Mmmmm….Food” Ada smiled as both heroes and civies looked at him. “I am starved and tired and just a lil grumpy. Is there anyway we can find someplace to sit down and chill for a bit?” he asked looking around hanging pots and pans for any sign of Gal. "And, for some reason, I am interested to hear about this friend of yours."

Nice.

-> TT MA Arc ID 1755 -> Join TankHQ -> Media -> @AceMACE

[ QUOTE ]
"Now, Miss, Sir," he nodded to each in turn as he handed over the menus, "would you care to start with a beverage or something from the appetizers?"

[/ QUOTE ]

John looked up from his scratchpad as if he were surprised that the man had returned. Rose made a sound reminiscent of running water.

"Oh! Uh... Yes, I'll have a coffee, and she'll take something high in sugar. Sugar water, if you can arrange it, otherwise a soda- any flavour- should do."

Manion stepped through the front doors into the alcove. Stopping to brush some dapmness from his jacket that a light drizzle outside had left on him. Once he was satisfied, he made his way to the podium, removing his gloves, and putting them into his left hip pocket.

He searched the room for familiar faces as he waited to be seated.

((Hello again, glad to see the place back up and running. ))

Martin nodded and moved back toward the kitchen. Once within easy talking distance, he caught Beth's eye and gave her the order. Most of the staff was still preparing, or not yet arrived, so those that usually would handle seating or greeting had to pitch in. Nothing new, and they were all expected to do what needed doing.

Beth returned to the table a few moments later, a tray in her arms. The sugar water had sounded peculiar, but the staff tried hard to please. Sugar in cold water does not dissolve well, but Gypsy had given her a quick lesson in kitchen work. Using boiling water, the sugar mixed almost instantly, becoming a solution. Next, a stop at the wine cooler and the La Travertine water bath wine chiller the restaurant used to quick cool any wine ordered. It took the hot water to a reasonable temperature within minutes, leaving the sugar suspended in the liquid.

Beth placed the glass near the small woman, grinning despite herself at the curious noises she made. Next to the man, she set the Bodum coffee glass and ceramic creamer/sugar set. Martin had not mentioned if he wanted either, but it was always proper to place them.

She pressed the handle on the french press and watched as the grounds settled out. It was custom to press the coffee at the table, in sight of the guest, to show the beverage was fresh and had not been sitting. Gal would drink some muddy water and call it coffee, but she was very particular about what she served guests. The dark liquid in the glass-sided pot roiled until the screen hit bottom, then Beth poured out a glass for the man.

"Sir, I am Beth, and if you would like anything else, I will be glad to take your order."

((OOC: Beth is not as unflappable as Martin, but she does work for a magical tanker and the Sisters are no strangers here. I don't know what little Rose eats, so I leave the menu in your hands Bas.))

Martin made a show of glancing at the peculiar sundial above the doors, then at Manion, then at the sundial again.

"Mister Manion, while you may have become a valued guest, and have caught the eye of one of the staff," the Englishman's face was bland as dishwater, "we try to open on time..."

"Yo! Manny! Nice to see you, hon." Gal's voice carried across the floor with no problem. She had just been starting the range and seen him come in. Martin's grimace was quick, this familiarity between patrons and the staff pained him. She did own the place, and he was an employee, so his comments were his own.

"Sir," he said with restraint, "Would you care to sit? I am certain we can find something in the kitchen for you."

"So, tell us," Sibling cradled a cup of tea, leaning back into one of the large leather chairs near the fire, "it sounds as though your trip was not all happy."

Gal had provided tea for Sibling and his beverage, being genuinely glad to see him. Dinner would still be a little while, but they had a basket of bread and some finger food on the small stand-table. This area was more like a comfy den than a restaurant, where you could get a good glass of Sherry and enjoy quiet conversation.

"Lady Osmella, one of the Sisters from the control room. Her first name is Nicole, but Gal called her Nikky. She was asking about you, said you have a nice smile." The twins sipped at their steaming tea, the grin that flashed hidden behind the cup. "We told her sharks do, too."

Their mouth might be hidden, but he could see the curl of their eyes. Mischief came at all times with Sibling.

Manion stood there for a moment, his jaw opened and closed a few times as he searched for the words.

He had never gotten into the habit of wearing a watch, so he was only slightly surprised that he was early. It was still embarassing though, and he could feel the blood drain from his face.

He looked up and smiled at Gal's greeting, raising his left hand in a wave. Then he looked back at Martin, the mans stoic persona only caused a slight pause. "Im sorry Martin, I didnt realize the time. I can sit in the bar if you prefer. I realize the kitchen isnt ready, and I dont want to inconvenience anyone. Came more for your pleasant company." He said with a grin, knowing Martin probably would not reply to the slight ribbing.

He looked around the room and realized he wasnt the only one who had arrived early, and felt a little better.

"I am here at your convenience, sir," Martin made several marks on the seating chart, not looking at Manion. "The bar, however, cannot open for another half hour due to liquor regulations. Please follow me, I will seat you in Beth's section."

The crisply pressed suit turned, the trousers breaking just so, one crease, above immaculately shined shoes as Martin walked into the dining room. Martin paused at a table set for two, near enough to the plants that it would not cause Beth to walk too far for both tables of guests. His body obscured the setting for a moment, as he moved across Manion's line-of-sight. When he was past, there was a setting for one, the extra dishes and silverware missing.

"Will this serve you, sir?" Not a hint of inconvenience, his stoic face asking only that question.

((OOC: Martin is totally untalented, unpowered and normal. He just happens to be from the old school of service, where if you notice his job, he has failed at it. ))

“Well, saying my visit home went poorly would be an understatement,” AJ said as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, “I am not in any trouble or anything. But I seem to be left out of a lot of the loop.” His voice gave off an air of anger that the twins had rarely seen. “Becky has decided to quite Bio Factor to work with the Government. She is going to be there, and I quote, Liaison of Enhanced Human Affairs.”

“Becky, Julian, Mia, Serra, and myself were the original Bio Factor. She is the one responsible for us coming together, she gave us our first real purpose, our goals for using our powers.” He hung his head down too look at the floor; he did not realize how much this really bugged him. He look back up too his friend and continued, “When I went back this last time she was the first person I saw, she was all smiles and polite, so much so that I did not question the extra tests they seemed to be doing.” AJ’s eyes flashed with a dim burst of light before he slowly exhaled and continued. “As soon as I was cleared medically she said it was nice to see me again and left! Just like that. It was not till I arrived home that Julian called and explained it too me.”

“He said that the President himself asked her to do this. They want to keep tabs on us in case we are needed to fight against a non conventual’s threat again.” Adavan sat back into chair, his posture relaxed as he watched Sibling casually sip at their tea. He realized that this is one of the few people in either dimension he could talk to. AJ’s smile returned as he spoke “I was the only person she felt the need to deceive.”

((Sorry about the big monolog. Ada is talking to his therapist after all , and just needed to vent. As Sibling knows it just takes a sec for him to cool off, and all is right in the world again.))

“Ya know,” AJ said looking around admiring the decorum, “I really should slap myself for not coming here sooner.” His eyes brightened and his smile began to return, ”So this is where the sisters and friends hang out when they are not fighting the good fight, lets talk about something a lil less dreary now that I have that off my chest.”

"You know this is fine Martin, and I know you have to ask." he smiled as he sat down. "Although I do wonder how you would react if I ever did actually say no. Probably wouldnt even blink as you offered me another table. One thing you are, and that's consistent."

Manion did notice the table setting change, but he had seen that trick before and was getting used to it.

"Ya know, one day Im going to figure out where you hide all that stuff you keep taking from the table." he said with a mischevious grin.

((OOC: Just one quick question, how much time, if any passed while you were on break Sib? Is this the next night, or have we gone a few days? May need to come up with an excuse depending on that. ))

"We don't ask after your personal life to cause you pain, Ad." The twins knew bits and pieces of his history, having spent quite a bit of time as his sidekick, and learning a great deal about the world of heroing. "Our apologies.

"Now, to gentler matters." They set the teacup down, a fine clink where the china met the wood. "You are right, you should have come in long ago. Gal has been very busy here, but it gives her plenty to do when we are out being Sibling. Some of the Sisters even help out, Gypsy, Nar, Lady Thorn and others."

The woman's fine hand trailed over the wooden table, enjoying a few moments at peace. In the wrap and soft clothes, they looked quite different from their work wear. Some of the peace they felt here leaked out, by intention, making a small bubble of relaxed feelings that soothed others as well. Angela was quite good at being a therapist, and not all was learned from books.

"So, are you staying for dinner? We know Gal would be very pleased, and so would we. There rarely seems enough time to just sit and talk."

Far too skilled as a mind controller to let anything slip, but they had other reasons to know if he intended to stay.

*Don't play matchmaker, Ang. You know how she feels about us.* Cliff thought.

*Not us, brother, you. And she would welcome some time away from the Island. Oh, don't get all petulant, she had a right to be mad about it. I'd be insulted, too, after that.* Angela replied, the silent conversation for only these two.

*Funny. Wait until the weekend, I'm going to take Bubbles to that ice cream shop and stuff myself.* He had a sense of humor, but rarely showed it. Angela made a rude noise in their mind, and he laughed.

"So, shall we have Gal set a table?" Sibling tossed the question off as though they didn't care.

((OOC: Typing as fast as I can Ad!))

"I am puzzled as to what 'stuff' you are referring to, sir." The Maitre 'd's face was as usual, unreadable. "A guest requests a table for one, I seat him at a table for one. It would be presumptuous of me to think he might wish to stare at an empty setting, as though he had no one for company."

That was as close as Martin came to stating the obvious. His thin figure did not have the space to easily disguise the missing water glasses, silverware and plates.

"And if Sir indicated the table was unacceptable, I would simply have to call for the owner to lodge your complaint." Did Manion catch the challenging quirk of the older man's eyebrow? "Would you care for anything, below eight percent volume, as a beverage?"

((OOC: Hey, I can take a few days off, the tips will still be there. Gal? She's supporting half the Island, no breaks for her!))

"Hmm well, if we are going by the book, then technically I dont think I ever asked for a table of one. But you're still right, I am alone, and thank you taking that into consideration.

As far as my 'complaint' goes, you and I both know that these tables are exceptional, and the section you chose for me is more than acceptable. So any 'complaint' would be hollow. Gal would see right through it, but I know you arent bluffing. Even if you knew I was joking you'd call her out anyway, so I'll let you have that. No need to waste anyones time.

And yes, I'll have a glass of water please." he finished with the same smile he had started with, happy to have gotten more than the usual routine out of Martin.

"Ah, point taken, Sir." Martin gave just the slightest bow to show he had been hit by the remark. "And you are correct, a bluff is only as good as the intent behind it. I do not, on matter of principle, ever make a statement I do not intend to execute."

He turned to retrieve Manion's water, nodding to Beth as he passed. She would be at his table in a moment, once the peculiar woman and coated man ordered.

“Food would be wonderful,” AJ said rising from his chair. “I feel like I have not eaten in a week.”

AJ looked around the bar, seeing that it was still a little early and not many people had yet arrived “If I could use your phone real fast I would be most appreciative. I need to check in and make sure I am still off the mission roster. I would hate to get a call tonight and be three sheets to the wind.”