Log:Omega Recruitment, Scene 3

Omega Recruitment 2019/02/24 Rousseau Artemis Talia Sid 3

The NashCo merger with Quinn Industries are still underway, but Quinn Tower has NashCo offices already. After meeting with Talia and Sid at Talia's apartment, the invite was open for the two to come by the building to examine the facilities and meet their fellow heroes before really deciding on anything or meeting the big boss behind the money.

The lobby is quiet with a few people traveling about. Sunday means a small crew and most employees at home. There's a Coffeebucks built into the left side of the lobby, which thankfully isn't as busy as most Coffeebucks are. There's two banks of elevators and a help desk.

Sid was really coming along just for moral support, and to see if the CEO would actually be interested in providing a sponsorship to the Upper East Side' community center's Metahuman Support Group. He was on his way here when some rude teen girl literally gagged at the sight of him and crossed the road.

He stopped off and grabbed himself a trenchcoat and fedora hat. He's doing his best to cover himself, his confidence shaken. Nothing like a teenage girl to put you in a good mood.

He steps into the Coffeebucks to order himsself something sweet and decadent to take some of the sting out of things.

He thinks to himself, "You've been through that before man. Just suck it up. Put on a brave face and lets see about getting some pizzas for the group this Tuesday. We do that, and today's a win."

Lost in thought he inadvertantly mutters aloud, "...and today's a win. You just have to have faith."

Talia arrives at the Quinn-nee-NashCo Tower. She has to deal with security to get inside properly, but when she does, Talia spots Sid exiting the Coffeebucks. Promptly, Talia bee lines her way over to Sid and cheerily smiles at him, waving.

"I like the trenchcoat and fedora look, Sid! Very film noir," half-chirps Talia as she offers him a quick hug in greeting.

Sid looks up from the dredgs of his feelings (and that double expresso, extra caramel, double vanilla caramel macchiato too) when Talia catches his attention.

He gives a half hearted 'smile' and then he actually processes what she says and the smile widens and turns much more genuine.

He nods at her with the proper flair and says through the hug, "Well thank you, Miss Talia. You sure do know how to brighten a day. I'm glad you showed up too. I was worried I'd end up doing this whole thing alone just to get told to kick rocks."

After landing just outside the building, Artemis strides into the lobby in full gear. That hair bun and glasses don't do much to conceal the Bloodlit's identity to those who can get a close look at both. Her red cape billows behind her from the outside wind until the door closes behind her. As she starts crossing the lobby, her eyes scan the area and notice the two new prospects.

A smile blossoming on her face, the tall alien goddess adjusts her path to intersect with Sid and Talia.

Talia provides Sid with a cheerful, welcoming hug. She withdraws after a few moments, smiling warmly at Sid when she notes how he responds to the compliment.

"Please, I'm just Talia. I've got your back for this. No worries!"

Cheerfully, Talia starts to say something else when Artemis' approach catches Talia's attention. The petite powerhouse half-turns and looks over at the alien demigoddess, smiling politely as she waves at her.

He does that puft-faced smile of his and waves a translucent hand and skeletal fingers at the alien goddess.

Artemis raises a hand in greeting, having missed Sid's question on capes. Do heroes even wear capes anymore? Nobody told Artemis. She keeps her smile as her hand lowers. "Well met! I'm glad to see you two decided to come and examine things for yourselves."

Talia cocks her head slightly, having trouble not laughing at Sid's comment about capes. She hooks an arm across Sid's shoulders, lightly hugging him against her side while studying Artemis.

"So. Where do we begin the tour?"

Sid isn't used to the proximity & comfort Talia shows, but it visibly helps him come out of his shell a bit. His smile never falters. "Ohh! Do you think they have a lap pool here?" He inquires in a playful tone.

"Oh, hahah, you misunderstand. I am here for the tour, too," Artemis explains as she rests her hands on her hips. "This is my first time at this facility." She tilts her head thoughtfully at Sid's question. "A pool would be nice. Or a steamroom. Perhaps full fitness facilities?"

"Full fitness facilities would be good," agrees Talia. She keeps a comforting arm across Sid's shoulders while she studies Artemis. Quietly, Talia offers a little laugh and a shake of her head at Artemis' admission of this being her first visit to the Tower. "So I guess the only person who's really been here before is Captain McSeriousFace. Figures."

"Oh!" Sid exclaims in surprise. "I see! I thought for certain you were part of the 'recruiting team' too." He chuckles a bit at their error.

He nods in agreement with Talia. "Suppose so. A hot tub does sound nice though. I could get into that for sure. Not sure this 'physique' is made for weightlifting." He adds before bringing his drink to lips and taking a drink. "So is Capt. McSeriousFace meeting us here or..."

"Me? No. I was along because I was curious who else was being recruited before deciding to allow a meeting with the mysterious benefactor." Artemis regards Sid and Talia for a moment. "Perhaps you're further along than I am in the recruitment process. I haven't be introduced to Captain McSeriousFace," she says in deadpan.

"Technomorph. I meant Technomorph," responds Talia. She squints at Artemis, trying to figure out if she's as serious as she looks and sounds.

Artemis nods slowly and noncomprehendingly at first, and then it happens. A spark of understanding, and a laugh. "That name does sound fitting."

Sid is too polite to correct Artemis, but not enough to join in with her after she laughs too. "Well, if that name doesn't work out for her, we can sugest Captain McSeriousFace to her. Well one of you two can. She'll probably throw me from the top of the tower." He laughs again. "No jell-o allowed!" He says, matching Technomorph's inflection & accent- though not true to her tone of voice.

Invitations were offered and Quinn Tower which is in the process of being rebranded NashCo Tower... okay, so the staff already call the place Nashville, and some even have a country music theme going on. Some guys even wear rope-like neckties to work. Anyway, Ms. Nash is a rather average looking when it comes to comparing her to superhumanly shaped females. Her eyes are intense, and she has hazel coloring in them. Though she barely tops five feet in height, she makes up for it with her personality most days. She steps out of the elevator and approaches the lobby where she's asked the heroes to gather. "Welcome!" she exclaims in a voice that may just have the barest tinge of an unidentified accent to it. If one had to guess where her family comes from, most guesses would lean towards Italy, Greece, or -somewhere- Mediterranean. Either way, she spreads her arms out in welcome and smiles warmly. "I am so happy that you accepted my offer my heroes!"

Technomorph stands off to one side, letting Ms. Nash handle this meeting. Though she nods in greeting to her employer.

Artemis turns curiously towards the shouted welcome. "I suppose this is the, hm, benefactor," Artemis suggests quietly to Talia and Sid.

Talia has been hanging out with Artemis and Sid in the lobby. She turns at the sound of Ms. Nash's voice, finally removing her arm from around Sid's shoulders, and uses her extracted arm to wave that hand at the tiny CEO. Glancing over at Artemis, Talia raises an eyebrow before smiling politely and looking back to their mysterious benefactor.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Nash. It's a pleasure to meet you. And an honor that you want to see us on a Sunday, of all days."

Lifting a hand to wave off part of Talia's comment, Ms. Nash just smiles, "You will find that I am not one to operate according to most social norms. Such as the whole... Sunday thing. I tend to work every day myself. I do not expect my staff to do that, but I -do- allow them to choose which days off they wish during the week. You might be surprised by how many prefer to have Fridays to themselves." she adds with a bit of a grin.

"But please, please... this is -your- moment. I am merely here to show you around this evening." And stepping forward, she offers a hand to Talia first, then whomever happens to be closest at that point. No real order of preference.

"As you have likely surmised, I am Rousseau Nash. I will have as much personal contact with your team as you would like me to have. But worry not, it is -your- team, not mine. I merely ask that you allow me to use your likenesses for PR." she adds with a serious nod.

Sid's is lost in thought for a moment before coming back to reality by the shouted welcome. He glances at Artemis and nods. "Seems so."

"Seems nice enough." He notes at the extra information Ms. Nash gives before she walks over to shake their hands.

He focuses on keeping his hands solid enough to shake while she speaks.

Talia shakes Rousseau's hand firmly, smiling cheerily as she meets the diminuitive CEO's gaze. After a few seconds, Talia steps back and releases Ms. Nash's hand while she lets Sid and Artemis take their turns in shaking hands with the new boss. Glancing over her shoulder at Technomorph, Talia smiles politely before looking back at the others.

"Sinmore's likeness," replies Talia, "Not mine. I hope?"

"PR?" Artemis asks with a tilt of her head. "What do you mean, exactly?"

"Public Relations," interjects Talia, "Advertising and media control and stuff like that."

"Your -costumed- likeness, I should have said.." offers Rousseau with a bit of a cheeky smirk. She shakes her head and says, "However you wish to be represented, you shall be. If any of you are in need of... civilian employment to help any cover your involvement with NashCo, that can be arranged."

She turns then to explain it to Artemis, but then smiles as Talia does so for her. "Yes. Image is a large part of running such a large company."

Sid offers his hand while he's got it firmed up. "I don't know how much good PR this mug will give ya', but if you're willing to help people- especially some good people on the Upper East Side you can take all the photos of me ya want." He says from beneath his fedora and long, concealing trenchcoat.

"Ah. Publicity. I suppose that is part of this as well?" Artemis asks, sounding disinterested with that aspect of things.

"I understand if most of you are not interested in really playing that particular distasteful part of the game, but..." Ms. Nash spreads her arms and shrugs her shoulders, "Some parts of the game aren't exactly... optional. I am fairly good at it myself so... if you would allow me, I will not be intrusive, and I will respect as much of your privacy as you wish. I want to make it so -you- can operate freely. I do not want to dictate terms. I do not want to tell you what to do, whom to help and whom to save. That is -your- business, and frankly, I wager that you know it better than I do. I know how to make image sell and how to perform beneficial research."

"Speaking of which.." Ms. Nash adds as she snaps her fingers, "It is too bad that the newest recruit hasn't made it in yet. Doctor Samuel Howell. He is a genius in the area of technology and power systems. He is .. well a genius no matter what field he dabbles in. He makes my R&D department seem slow and dim-witted." she smiles, "I hope that you will make him feel as welcome as you have one another."

"That's the soul of it," agrees Talia to Artemis. She smiles to Rousseau, idly folding her arms across her chest as she glances over at Sid for a moment. Her attention drifts back to Rousseau while pondering. "I suppose I can live with Sinmore's face getting used for publicity."

"Doctor Howell? Hm. Interesting," remarks Talia, lifting a hand to her chin as she tries to commit that name to memory.

Sid nods. "I suppsoe that's to be expected." He says, patting Artemis on the back. He doesn't sound any more interested in that either- but he keeps his mind on his friends at the community center and the stale donuts they've been meeting over for months now.

Sid instinctively llooks to the door as Ms. nash says someone wasn't able to make it. Funny how that works. "Well, you make it sound easy. Ms. Nash. And, don't worry- we're quite the welcome brigade."

With the others accepting of publicity, Artemis relents and relaxes at the pat on the back. "If that is how it is on this planet, then it shall be so," she nods.

"See? I knew you would be fantastic at this!" exclaims Rousseau. She certainly is enthusiastic. Then a holo-field appears before her right eye... a reminder that she set herself because not everyone can remember everything every time. She glances at it and nods, "Right. I forgot. Forgive me.." She looks to Sid and says, "Ms. Santini.." she gestures to Technomorph, "Informs me that you mentioned something about a support group. I wanted to inquire how I might be able to support -them-. I could give them space to meet here... or I could assist in some other way... at your discretion."

"Maybe some light catering would be a good start?" suggests Talia, looking to Sid inquisitively. It's his support group and his call, Talia's just trying to help.

Sid looks to Ms. Santini with surprise, then back to Ms. Nash. He nods a bit absently, expecting that particular thing to need to be dragged out in conversation over the course of the day. He smiles when Rousseau gets right to the heart of the matter for him.

"Wow. Yes. That- uugh. You know, sounds great. I mean- I was just hoping to feed my friends something a bit more nourishing than day old donuts." He admits. "We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays... so just like, ppizza would do great."

He nods at Talia. "Yeah- nothing fancy. We're just regular folks, right?"

Artemis smiles at the talk of a support group. It seems some good is already coming of this adventure. "Don't forget mead and roasted pig," she adds (helpfully?).

"Mmm. Holiday hams," murmurs Talia, a dreamy, distant expression on her face.

Lifting brows, Rousseau glances at Artemis. "You really aren't from this planet, are you?" she asks, deadly serious. But then she shakes her head and looks to Sid, "I tell you what. So that I do not over or under do it.... why don't you let me provide you with a credit card for the use of feeding your friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays... in a manner that you wish them fed. It will be paid for by NashCo, and considered a community service. Will that work?" she asks ... her face no longer showing an amused smile, but a serious desire to be useful and helpful.

Sid's eyes widen and he nods quickly before anyone comes to their senses and changes their mind. "Y-y-yes ma'am. That sounds great." He says as one of those puft-faced smiles peeks out from behind the lapels of his trenchcoat.

"What?" Artemis asks defensively. "I even said roasted pig instead of roasted slarg," she says in a defeated tone, thinking she was doing so well at fitting in after all of Cryostatics lessons.

Talia looks over at Artemis. One copper-hued eyebrow quirks upward while she mouths, "Slarg," at Artemis.

Artemis's eyes shift to Talia, giving one slow nod in answer to the mouthing. "It's, hm, like pig in taste. But it is the giant multi-legged larva about yea big," she explains as she spreads out her arms about four feet apart.

Inclining her head, Technomorph approaches Artemis and says, "Hey, you're trying. That's important. Roasted pig is... not exactly the most common thing in this century. Perhaps barbecue pulled pork?" she asks as she looks to Sid with an encouraging nod.

For her part, Rousseau Nash steps back a half pace, letting her voice trail off. But she also uses her holo-interface... yes, she is using a modded version of the Temple OS for her corporate HQ systems. A small 3D printer is in her pocket, which she uses to print the card for Sid. The name on the card is... NashCo Corporate Card. It is an AMEX if you want specifics. The card is held out to Sid then.

Sid's hand reaches out and takes the card. "Absoultely- its way more than I could have ever asked for, Ms. Nash. Thank you." He sayas appreciatively. "You've really just made some very good people's weeks." He adds with a smile.

"Barbeque pulled slark," muses Talia, considering it for several moments until the word 'larva' finally processes in Talia's brain. She makes a horrified face and pales substantially while looking away for several moments.

Sid looks to Artemis and says, "Well BBQ Pulled-Slarg sounds lovely. Its a great suggestion on any world. I'm sure." His tone is kind and geniune, probably learned in his suppoort group. Its the thought that counts afterall.

"Slarg-guh," Artemis says to emphasize the hard g, just trying to be helpful as she smiles. "It flakes well when roasted. I imagine Earthians wouldn't notice the difference in taste. The texture, though," Artemis shakes her head. "I don't think humans are strong enough to chew through the rubbery toughness."

"Slarg," reiterates Talia. She starts to say something else, but pauses when Artemis starts to describe the "delicacy" in greater detail. Talia gags and scurries off toward the nearest bathroom.

"Anyway... the operations base is still under construction. We thought that the team who would be making use of it might have some... suggestions for how it should be arranged." offers Ms. Nash. She does her best to not be sick as well. But she's had a lot of practice over the centuries. That's her secret.. she is from Ancient Greece, made immortal by a blessing from the god of healing, Apollo. But hey, everyone has secrets, right?

She turns and heads for the elevator and presses the call button, "Shall we?" she asks.

"Perhaps that's best then." Sid says with a chuckle before giving Talia a sypathetic look as she rushes off.

He nods as Ms. Nash turns and moves to follow.

"That's awfully considerate of you, Ms. Nash- letting the team, you know- help design the facilities." Sid adds as he catches up to her with a visible bounce in each step. His whole trenchcoat jiggles with each footfall.

"You will be the ones using the facility." offers Ms. Nash. But she waits at the elevator for Talia... she can be patient after all.

Artemis's smile drops to a concerned expression as Talia scuttles off. "Did I say something wrong...?" she asks helplessly. She looks to Ms. Nash and nods at the talk of the tour.

Talia rejoins the others at the elevator. She looks pale still, but at least doesn't look quite as queasy as she was a few minutes ago.

"Did I miss anything important?"

"Oh no. We just chose rooms. Don't worry, Ms. Nash said there was plenty of spce by the janitor's closet for you. A whole 9 square feet!" Sid teases while simultaneously shaking his head 'no' to Talia.

Talia pouts at Sid.

"This is why I have an apartment! Dorms always assign me to the room by the janitor's closet."

As Talia reappears, Ms. Nash lifts both brows, "Are you quite alright?" she asks. Technomorph steps into the lift and shakes her head. But either way, Ms. Nash says, "There will be the option of on site housing if it is necessary." She eyes Sid and shakes her own head, "Despite the practical jokes of your teammate, the options here will be up to you all. I want the team to have a say in how the base is built and what functions it will serve. So it is being worked on as we speak. We can go up and look at the plans now. Oh.. have you all decided on a team name? I -can- have the PR department throw together some suggestions, but it is you who should choose it."

Artemis follows into the elevator, glancing at the others. "A team name? Hmm. What would you two suggest?" she asks, wanting to hear the opinions of her fellow recruits.

"I feel better now, thank you."

Talia steps into the elevator and half-hides behind Sid. Maybe she's afraid that Artemis is going to keep sharing recipes for slarg.

Sid shrugs. "Oh. We need a good name for sure. Something that *pops*." He says cheerfully, trying to keep Artemis off the subject of food himself

That is enough to keep Artemis from talking food, though she was looking a little wounded before the change of conversation. "Something to convey we're here to protect?" she suggests hopefully.

"I have no business inserting my choices for you but... the Colonies had mostly Militia before the revolutionary war, yes? This is Colonial Bay. Maybe something on that theme? Colonial Militia? Colonial Minutemen?" asks Ms. Nash as she brainstorms. "Again, don't take that as some instruction. Just brainstorming." And the elevator is heading upwards smoothly, opening onto the top floors where the base will be. Right now, mostly girders and structure with not much filler.

Artemis' face betrays her not liking the localized theme. "I don't know about that, being a foreigner myself."

"There were plenty of foreign fighters in the American Revolution," comments Talia to Artemis. She remains hidden behind Sid, folding her arms across her chest as she ponders the name issue. Cocking her head to one side, Talia absently throws out, "I think we'd more want to go with something that suggests that we are here to protect others. Some kind of Guard, perhaps?"

"The StarGuard!" Sid jests. "Maybe we can lease it. Or maybe like... The..." His voice deepens. "Omega Guard." His mind naturally makes a Biblical correlation he chooses not to share with anyone.

Artemis nods thoughtfully and smiles. "Omega Guard. It has a ring to it. And there is hopefully some positive connotations. Familiar yet new?"

Artemis nods thoughtfully and smiles. "Omega Guard. It has a ring to it. And there is hopefully some positive connotations. Familiar yet new?"

"It's all Greek to me," jokes Talia.

"Great Oh." mutters Ms. Nash before she nods. "If that is the name that you desire, then so be it. It is fitting I think." She steps out into the partially completed base. "Abi. Please introduce yourself." she says before a holographic female face appears in the air, "Good evening. I am the Automated Building Intelligence... or ABI for short. I will be on hand should you have any needs while you are within the confines of your base."

Sid was about to spitball a few dozen more but when his choice seems to be good enough he grins before stepping out.

His eyes zero in on the face, "Ooooh. Now that is fancy. What kind of needs, ABI?" He asks curiously as he looks around the base. He appreciates this behind the scenes stuff a lot so his interest is more than piqued.

Artemis leans over to Sid and whispers encouragingly, "Good name suggestion." She steps out of the elevator, stopping as the holographic face appears. "Oh, excellent. Hello ABI," she says warmly.

"I have been programmed to monitor the HERONet and keep an eye out for tasks that are suitable. Ones that can be of help to the people and which might be of interest to team members. I will need added input to help me prioritize. We can do interviews at a later time." offers ABI. "I also advise Ms. Nash on financial ups and downs. If any of you have a need for that, I am quite able to multi-task. But I enjoy conversation, and will converse with you whenever you desire, taking notes, aiding in any way that a digital identity can."

"Hello, ABI," intones Talia, momentarily confused. She tilts her head to one side, regarding the free-floating holographic head while she slowly exits the elevator. Talia waves quickly, smiling politely as she considers the projection.

Stepping off to one side, Rousseau says, "Explore. Look around. ABI can show what plans have been made thus far. But she will record any input you may have for the base. Anything from decor, to utility installations. Do not be shy." she offers with a smile as she steps away to let you guys do your thing.