Log:Tales From Past Times, Scene 2

Tales From Past Times 2021/08/18 Wade Artemis Magda Chen 2 Past Time's Coffee Shop The smell of fresh coffee is the first thing that assails you. The next is the very old style. It seems the owner has gone for the Edwardian style from early last century. Lots of imitation wood panelling and prints of old English countryside. There are many partitions between the tables, affording some privacy and the sound seems hushed in the room, this has been achieved mainly through very good design, which muffles sounds. At the counter service is quite quick and cheery, conveying a welcoming and friendly attitude. The menu boasts the fact that for a little extra real coffee is served along with light hot and cold meals and snacks. All in all a pleasant place to pass a bit of time. -- Wade and Artemis had been sparring. She's buying for them both, since he managed to beat her during training.

Wade chuckles, and says to Artemis. "Um....I think a decaf coffee for me. Just somethign simple. Thank you."

Artemis nods and smiles, ordering a decaf coffee for Wade and a triple venti mocha of frappe for herself. Though it takes time for her to explain this to the barista, who looks horrified at the order. "So what be this drink of decaf? I have heard tell of it, but hath never tried it myself," she asks as they pick up their drinks and she begins leading to a table.

Magda is at a back booth with an espresso cup, the remains of a sandwich, and several thick textbooks she appears to be leafing through. She glances up for a moment whenever the door opens, and gives a brief wave to Artemis and Wade.

Wade chuckles. "Decaf is just...decaffeinated coffee. It's not like the caffeine will do much to me anyway, honestly. So, probably not a distinction worth making. Coffee is pretty much coffee for me. Warm. Kind of burnt tasting."

Artemis raises her drink in greeting to Magda, then looks to smile at Wade. "Burnt tasting? Ye should flavor it to enhance the flavor. Truly, Friend Wade, ye need to savor life and all its sensations more."

Wade waves to Magda as well, "Hello, Dr. Gutzu." He turns back to Artemis. "I flavor the coffee that I drink once in a while. But that's the underlying flavor."

Cue the door opening and Chen, actually looking like Chen, entering. She's carrying a woven straw bag with the logo of her grandfather's market stall printed on it. Che's face lights up as she spots Artemis and Wade. Magda also gets a wave as Chen heads to the counter. "Delivery from Li's herbs and spices." she tells the barista.

"Some things are better when they come together in a specific union," Artemis smiles at Wade's answer. "If ye do not try all of them, ye will be lacking in an experience. Like ground Morg root and tehir. Morg root is a foul on its own, but an inventive Claxin combined it with tehir spice to create something that tasted truly divine." She lets out a forlorn sigh at missing out on this combination of flavors.

Wade chuckles. "Those all sound like...things. If I come across them, I'll give them a try." He smiles, and waves to Chen, "Hey there."

Artemis waves to Chen with her drink. "Greetings, Friend Chen of Li!"

Magda gestures a greeting to the apparently-at-work Chen, giving the lively debate of Artemis and Wade another look before returning to her telekinetic browsing. She seems to only glance at the floating books, but the pages turn after each time she does.

Three cloth bags are placed on the counter. "Black Ivory," is the largest bag. "Blue Mountain." This is the middle sized bag. "Western Kopi Luwak." The third and smallest bag is not even a quarter the size of the middle sized bag. Having made the delivery she heads to the table where Artemis and Wade are seated. "Hi. Mind if I join you?" she says while slipping into a chair. Lowering her voice, but still loud enough to be heard, "There ought to be a law against bringing textbooks to a coffee shop."

Wade nods to Chen, "Sure, you're welcome to join us. But...why do you have a problem with people bringing textbooks to a coffee shop? Students need a place to study, and caffeine fuels college students, for the most part. I used to study here sometimes, while I was at CBSU."

Artemis looks curious as well. "Is this act meant to be forbidden on this planet?"

Chen gives Magda a cheerful grin before answering Wade. "I don't have a problem with it really. Apart from the phobic flashbacks to facing my most feared enemies... High School teachers."

Artemis looks to Chen as if there was a villain to face. "Ye need not fear thy enemies, Friend Chen. Point me to these High School Teachers whom hath harmed thee, and I shall end them!" she vows.

Magda is, alas, one of that number as well -- technically, at least. She does not, however, appear to have heard the complaint about textbooks or that of teachers either.

Wade raises a brow and says to Artemis, "Umm...I doubt that the teachers actually harmed her, Artemis."

Chen clasps her hands together and puts on a woeful expression, "There's emotional damage, Wade. Definitely scarred me for life."

... did we mention Magda's a therapist, too?

Artemis is unsure of Wade's claim. "This cannot be. For what could harm the mighty Chen? Only the most dangerous of foes!" She turns her head to Chen at the motion of emotional damage and gasps. "They be twisters of minds, then! A dastardly sort."

Wade sips his coffee and shakes his head. He looks to Chen, "You know she would beat up your teachers, right?" He doesn't look amused. At all.

"Actually, the implication was kill," says Magda from two tables down. "Unless the colloquial use of 'end' has changed."

Chen nods to Wade. "I should have thought it through more carefully." she agrees. Then to Artemis, "They were trying their best to teach mewhen I was at school. But back then I wasn't interested in learning. They were the heroes of the situation. If anything they deserve praise."

Artemis looks mighty confused for a moment at the talk going on until Chen explains. She dials back the righteous fury and nods, smiling. The Godflora has been successfully disarmed! "Ah...I am most confused. So...then...there be no villains in this story?"

Wade nods as Chen is more honest about her relationships with her teachers. He takes another sip of his coffee.

Chen says, "From their viewpoint the villain in this was me. I was throwing away the opportunity they were giving me. I can't really put myself into my mindset of the period. Too much has changed in the intervening years. But when I came to Colonial Bay I hyadn't seen much of life. I know I had powers and wanted to be known. I recall I didn't care whether that was as a hero or villain. Just as long as I was known as a powerful meta."

Artemis nods slowly in understanding. Or half understanding. "As you say, then. No justice need be met out on this."

Magda lifts her small cup to her lips and takes another sip of her espresso.

Wade nods and smiles. He doesn't add anything, though. At least Artemis won't want to go looking for justice in some teacher's lounge. He takes a sip of his coffee, and says to Chen, "Did you manage to land another role yet?"

Chen shakes her head. "I've had a couple of offers. But I'm not one of the movie party set. One movie pays enough for me to live comfortably for a couple of years. So I'll work at my grandfather's stall in Ming Street until the money runs out and then start looking seriously."

Artemis actually manages to understand some of that. "Ah, a ...movie role. Like what Friend Titan does for his method of employ?"

Chen laughs, "Not quite, Artemis." She slips off the chair and morphs to a fierce looking guard dog. Acting as if there was a person on the ground in front of her she growls menacingly and snarls exposing her fangs. The reverts to being Chen. "I'm cheaper than training real animals and I never bite. There's not a lot of competition for the roles I play."

"Or live simply," suggests Magda, looking over, "and invest. Even moderate starting capital can grow nicely if you live a generally frugal lifestyle."

Artemis nods thoughtfully. "A most unique way to use thy skills for a living. If they do not appreciate animals that bite, I fear Fluffy shall never be viewed in such a way." That, and the hungry large thing is invisible, so some of what she says is literal.

Wade nods, "I...don't think Fluffy is about to have a movie career any time soon."

Chen sits again. "Found any decent challenges recently, Artemis? It all seems to ne kind of quiet on the hero scene of late."

Artemis smiles at the question. "Mayhaps. Another of the Godflora hath found themselves stranded on Urth. The trip did weaken him, but I hope to test his prowess once he be recovered fully."

Wade nods. "We had to deal with him at Starguard. He kept..harassing us about our procedures."

Chen says, "It must be nice to have another Godflora here, Artemis."

Artemis looks to Wade and offers a chuckle of apology. "I did guide him to thy halls for an introduction to Urth, much as thy Guardians did for mine brother and I. Origenians be upholders of laws. They do love their procedures," she smiles. And as polite as she may be, there seems to be some animus in the way she says procedures. She looks to Chen. "Though I be still wary. This Godflora be different from mine Bloodbound and I. Whilst we were stranding and captured through vile plots and schemes of greedy mortals, the Origenian be an exile for crimes amongst his kind."

Chen bristles a little at that. "You mean we're being used like a prison planet. They're dumping criminals on us?"

Wade shakes his head, "I would look at it as...he was exiled from their space. And he happened to be sent here. It's not like we have a pattern of that happening. Yet."

Artemis is left to think on Chen's question. She seems to like Wade's answer. "'Tis my feeling fate did put him on his path to this planet in particular. Have non-Urthians used this place to abandon their criminals? Hmmmm. Yes and no. Be there hives and scum and villain consisting of those not from this planet? Aye."

"Actually," Magda says, finally putting away her books and rising after finishing off her espresso, "wasn't it because he was being too strict for them? Something like that? Excessive zeal?"

Chen nods, after a pause. "Yet... We're one planet in a big galaxy. It does seem like trouble gravitates here." She shrugs, "Okay, admittedly at one time I would have welcomed that. More villains to fight. Guess I'm getting old."

Artemis sips her drink and looks surprised. "How old be thee by Urth's cycles? Ye still seem like a young pup!"

Chen says, "Twenty-three. An old maid.""

Wade nods and points to Magda, "Exactly. This 'Engelicus' was too strict. He was vague on the details. I suspect he'll open up in some time, but that was what he said." He looks back to Chen, "I woudln't call him a villain, exactly. He hasn't broken any Earth laws, at least as of yet."

Magda nods to Wade, passing by to order another espresso. On her way back, she pauses and says, "His position seemed almost to be Godflora Internal Affairs. Or something similar. Godflora policeman."

"He did not wish to speak of it with me. It is not uncommon for the Godflora to become lost in their zeal and stray. But for the Origen, this be rare," Artemis says gravely. It's then countered with a slurp of her frap. "I do not understand thy meaning, Magda."

Chen stands, "I'll drop into SG for a catch up if that's okay, Wade." Chen grins, "Book a training session with you as well if possible. Maybe you're getting as rusty as I am. Right now though I'm still on the clock, so mbest get back to helping grandfather."

Artemis looks confused as Chen departs. "Me thinks she was confusing thee for my Beloved, Friend Wade, for you cannot rust. Then again, mine Wayne shows no sign of being capable of rusting. He be made of quality materials."

Wade raises a brow as Chen calls him 'rusty', and then runs off. "Umm...hmm." He shakes his head, "Umm...it's a slang term. It means 'out of practice', basically. Never mind that I teach classes in combat."

Artemis looks shocked. "-Thee-? Out of practice? Ye who trains every day, teaches, and even out maneuvers a Godflora? Why would she mock thee so?"

Magda smiles a little at the colloquialism confusion, then says, "Internal affairs -- how I mean it -- is usually a division of a police department or other weaponized service. They are the ones who are meant to make sure that the police remain honest and forthright, doing good, serving and protecting the public, instead of becoming corrupt or overzealous in their pursuit, as bad or worse than the criminals they are meant to pursue. In your instance of a Godflora becoming lost in their zeal, whose task is it to return them to, mmm, what is the phrase you use ... ah. Hod's Light."

Wade nods at Magda's explanation, and he looks to Artemis, "So...do these Origenians act as law officers to the Godflora as a whole? That was my impression from what he was saying."

Artemis processes Magda's explanation very slowly. "I do not know. The highest of the Origen do...hmm...oversee their own. And should one of the Godflora break from their nature, become cowardly or cruel, it is oft the Origen whom hold trial and judgement over them if their own do not. I would say...you are mostly correct, Wade. They uphold the Highest Laws not only for the Godflora, but mortals as well."

Magda nods to Wade. "Internal affairs," she confirms -- at least to her own mind.

Wade nods again slowly as he thinks about it. "Hopefully he manages to mellow a bit while he's here. He's hard to work with right now."

"Hard? Hath he caused thee any trouble, Friend Wade? Need I speak to him of this?" Artemis offers helpfully. It's completely lost on her that she is also hard to work with.

Wade shakes his head, "I don't think it's necessary. But if it does become necessary, I'll let you know."

Artemis smiles. "He be still new to this world. Mine Bloodbound and I shall consult our Brother. We still have much to learn of him. I know of a mortal who might guide him in some of the common learnings of thy people."

Wade nods. "Who are you thinking might be able to help him?"

"A...ah...teacher of hooman cubs. Much like the ilk Friend Chen feared. Friend Joseph of Newhouse provided shelter for mine Brother and I when we first arrived. He may be willing to extend the same courtesy to our fallen Brother," Artemis explains.

Wade nods. "Starguard is housing him temporarily. But...it's definitely not a long term arrangement."

Artemis chuckles and smiles. "I know not that the Origenian would mind where he lays his head. Unlike Wayne, who found the place lacking in comforts."

Wade nods. "I'm just unsure what he's going to do for shelter. I'd prefer him to not end up on the street."

Artemis nods at that. "I do not think it will come to that. But he shall go where he shall go. I will speak with him on the matter. I imagine I might find him at Starguard in the eve?"

Wade nods. "Most likely, yes. Or else, he might be somewehre in the Alien District."

Artemis smiles. "I hath already introduced him to some other places to drink and speak and learn more of him. But I will not truly Know him until I hath challenged him in battle."

Wade says, "He mentioned that his powers were...reduced? It may be a quick fight, based on what I know of your abilities."

Artemis nods softly. "Aye, he hath had some of his divinity stripped from him as punishment, I believe. And it be not a matter of his strength that I weigh, but his honor in battle."

Wade nods again. "That makes sense. Hopefully he won't take it poorly when he loses." He smiles slightly.

Artemis laughs merrily at that. "Ye hath already decreed I shall win. I relish thy faith in me. We shall see. The Origen are not so known for their humor, but...he is an exile. He may not be what I expect."

Wade smiles and nods. "I'm a trainer, remember. And you and I have sparred several times."

Artemis smiles broadly at that. "Ah, of course. Thine keen eyes and expertise would make thee a master at evaluating who may be victorious," she realizes suddenly. "Ye know of my skills more than any mortal, I'd wager."

Artemis tilts her head in thought. "Well, save for my Beloved," she adds. "He knows of a few more than thee."

Wade smiles. "Umm...yes, I'm sure he does."

"For instance..." Artemis starts to prepare to go into detail, as she is often bound to tell the truth.

Wade puts his hand up as he smiles, to interrupt. "I...know. Thanks."