Log:Meet the Lockwoods

2020/12/01 Victory|Wade Artemis Wayne Jack Lockwood Martha Paige Lockwood 1

Wade pulls the requisitioned car up outside of the Lockwoods' home. It's a three story Colonial building, but rather large. At first glance, it looks like it might be a century home. But then...with a closer eye, it's clearly newer. Just designed to look old.

Artemis is dressed in plain clothes, and at least was convinced shorts wasn't appropriate. So she's wearing skinny jeans, knee high brown leather boots, and a cream colored knit sweater. She almost looks normal. And weather appropriate. She looks up at the home. "'Twas this the home ye were raised in?" she asks with interest.

Both Wade and Wayne answer in unison, "Yup. Right here." Wayne then catches himself and says, "Umm...just Wade, obviously."

Artemis smiles at the both of them. She puts a hand on Wayne's shoulder. "Well, the memories of this place at least seem to be shared. You two are so much alike," she chuckles fondly. She studies Wayne a bit more. "How feel you about this visit? Still well?"

Wayne smiles, but he looks anxious. "Nervous. I mean...I was originally a weapon to try to replace Wade. I'm not sure how they'll take it."

Wade smiles, "I think it'll be fine. I'm here too, after all. I think that'll help."

Artemis smiles to comfort Wayne. "It will help, I wager. Especially once they meet you. You are your own man now. They will see it as surely as I do," she says encouragingly before offering Wayne a good luck kiss.

Wayne kisses back, and Wade watches for just a second before turning his attention to the house.

Artemis pulls back and takes Wayne's hand to give it a squeeze. "Now, let us go! I am eager to meet your parents," she says to both of them with an enthusiastic smile. With that, she opens the car door and steps out.

Both of the men get out as well...and the trio walks up to the door. As they get up to the door, it opens, and there is a good looking woman in her early 50s there to greet them. She has short hair, in a pixie cut, and she's wearing jeans and a Christmas sweater. She smiles as she sees the group of you. She pauses seeing both Wade and Wayne, "Oh...we're going to need name tags, aren't we?"

Wade smiles. "Hi, mom. This is Wayne. And Artemis. I've told you about both of them."

She smiles in return, "Please, come in. My name is Paige. But...if you call me mom, I'm okay with that. I've gotten used to it." She opens the door to let them inside.

Artemis smiles brightly. "Greetings, Mrs. Paige Lockwood!" she says enthusiastically at their first meeting. This seems to be going well, she thinks as she steps in. "It is great to meet you at last, hm, mom," she says, not realizing the meaning of calling her what she suggested.

There's a male voice from the adjoining living room, "One sec!" Jack Lockwood then steps out, and he smiles. "Hey there. I'm glad you could make it." Wade does the same introduction, and Jack smiles. "I'm Jack. Nice to meet you both."

Artemis smiles warmly at Jack. "Greetings, Mr. Jack Lockwood!" she says with her usual booming enthusiasm for him just as she did for Paige. "It is a pleasure to meet you both," she says to the parents. She's at least being on somewhat good behavior in practicing her local Urth dialect.

Jack goes ahead and shakes Wayne's and Artemis's hands. "Please...let's hang out in the living room for a bit. Your mom...Paige...has a meal planned, but it'll be ready in about an hour or so."

Paige smiles, "I hope you're hungry." She then looks to Wayne, "Do you eat? I'm afraid I didn't think to ask."

Wayne smiles, "I can. I just don't often do so. Thank you. I also am happy to watch while you all eat. I won't be offended."

Artemis shakes Jack's hand firmly and smiles. She's pleased they seem to be accepting Wayne already. She's also pleased at the mention of food. "I look forward to experiencing your cooking," she says to Paige.

Paige goes ahead and hugs Wade, and then looks to Wayne, "Can I give you a hug? Wade told me you have...well, his memories." Wayne thinks about it. "Umm...sure." She smiles...and then gives him a hug as well. She and Jack seem...to be pretty accepting. Probably more than anticipated.

Artemis smiles warmly at this. She expected they would be accepting. After all, Wade is of their stock, and he is accepting as well. There was still a small amount of concern that they could treat him the way Wade's friends treated Wayne at first. "See, Friend Wayne? You have no need to feel anxious," she says merrily.

Wayne smiles at Artemis, "Umm...yeah, apparently you're right." Jack leads the group into the living room, "Can I get anyone anything to drink? It's still going to be a bit before we eat."

"There DO be occasions where I prove to be right," Artemis chuckles as she follows the group to the living room. She takes a moment to study Jack to try and compare resemblances to his son and Wayne. "I would enjoy any drink you have to offer, family Patron" she says, stopping short of a title, as she's not sure what to address him as in proper Urth custom. She thinks she's passing off as hooman, after all. Not that family patron is correct, either. "What is your favored drink?"

Jack smiles as he listens to Artemis. "Wade did tell me a bit about you. You've picked up English pretty well, I think." He heads over to a wine rack built into the wall. "I don't drink terribly often, honestly. But I think this seems like a wine occasion." He pulls a bottle of red out. A Shiraz, and he pours four glasses, after checking with Wayne, who waves him off.

Artemis chuckles at that. "Thank you. I have been practicing. I suppose he told you I am still a stranger in these lands, but much less so thanks to his kindness and friendship. He has oft been my guide in Urth ways," she says warmly as she accepts the glass.

Jack hands out the glasses, and motions to the various seats in the living room. He and Paige take a seat on the couch, and Wade picks a single chair, leaving a love seat for Artemis and Wayne. Wayne seems to be quite happy with it. Paige smiles and says to Artemis, "I understand you're an alien, from what Wade said? How did you get here? And...how do you like Earth?" She looks...intrigued.

Artemis also seems quite happy with the love seat, sitting close to Wayne. She folds her legs and takes a sip of the wine. She's intrigued, as she hasn't tasted a Shiraz before. "Aye. I mean, yes, alien to this planet and this realm. I hail from the Shining Realm of Beta Orionis. It is...hmm...perhaps the best explanation is it is on a higher plane than the mortal realms," she tries to put metaphysical location in terms she thinks may be understandable.

"As for how I came to this planet from there? 'Tis a long story. My Bloodbound Brother and I had descended to the mortal realm to aid a dying planet in the grips of disaster, along with many others of our kind. Evacuating a world is a grand effort, and while we were separated from the rest of the Godflora, we were kidnapped by fiends who saw opportunity in acquiring two young Godflora who were already beleaguered from our rescue efforts. From there...well, there were many escape attempts, recaptures, and adventures, my Brother and I being pulled together time and time again across the cosmos by Netzah's fate and fortune. Our last escape to freedom seemed doomed to fail, but our damaged vessel was slung through a teargate and crash landed on Urth."

She takes a sip of wine and smiles. "I have learned to enjoy Urth for its many surprises. I still find difficulty in understanding the...ah...technology and its ways." She leaves out the primitive comment. "Friend Wade, and now Friend Wayne, have helped me much in learning more of Urth first hand, rather than as an outside observer." She thinks a moment and smiles. "I would say Friend Wade was my first true Urth friend."

Paige listens curiously, and then smiles. "I'm glad that you were able to make friends here. It must have been lonely initially. I'd say I could only imagine, but...we had a rough few years." She reaches out and squeezes Jack's hand.

He smiles in return, "Thankfully...that's not an issue now. I'm around more than I was, at least. Even with the traveling I have to do." He turns back to Wayne and Artemis, "I...also heard that you two are a couple? Is that right?"

Wade finds himself focused on his wine glass, taking a big swig.

Artemis nods in agreement. "I suppose I was alone, yes, but I had been so often for so many of your planetary cycles, a generation of your kind could have come and gone. There were some along the way, and some quite special to me," she says softly, thinking of Bethran. "I am sorry to hear of your rough years, and hope the rest shall be blissfully smooth."

She smiles brightly as he mentions them being a couple. She's unsure of Urth relationship level. "Yes, I believe that is the term. We have been dating, so," she looks to Wayne with a smile as she gently rests a hand on his leg, "that means we are a couple, yes? Or is there another Urth term for it?"

Wayne grins and puts a hand on hers. "No, that's correct." He pauses, and adds, "The umm...android model that I am...is designed to be a companion. And I have the full range of emotions."

Jack says, "Companion android?" Wade then interjects, "Made in Japan." Like that explains everything. Jack blinks and says. "Wait. Oh. I get it." Paige starts to blush a little bit.

Artemis doesn't pick up on the awkwardness right away. "From all my observations and experiences, he appears to be a true artificially intelligent being, fully capable of affection and love of his own free will, physically and emotionally," she smiles to Wayne. "And he excels at it. He even approached me first to declare his interest in courting, and I greatly enjoy his companionship and more," she says affectionately with an adoring expression.

Jack then looks to Wade, "So...if Wayne is based on you, then you have a thing for Artemis here, too?"

Wade stares at his father for a long moment. "Really?" He sighs and shakes his head, "I'm seeing Casey, dad. End of story."

Jack grins, "Just because you're on a diet, that doesn't mean you can't look at the menu." Paige then slaps his shoulder. "Stop it, Jack. You're embarrasing him."

Artemis watches the interaction between Wade and Jack with interest and some curiosity, then smiles kindly. "I have understood that to be the situation from what Wayne has told me. I did not ask Wade directly. I did not see the point. He has his lady love, and I would not do harm to their love even if I were not honor bound from doing so. And he is loyal and true to her. Never has he strayed from his love," she vouches for Wade's honor. "I was hesitant when Wayne professed his interest in me, but then he affirmed that he was untaken, so honor was not violated and we became a couple." Which implies Artemis was interested in Wade all along.

Jack and Paige both listen to her explanation curiously. Paige says, "I'm glad to hear that. I'd have been surprised to find out that Wade was dishonorable. He was always so...steadfast? That's the world I'd use." She pauses and says, "You sound very formal. Is your culture really focused on honor? It sounds like it."

Artemis smiles. "Aye, he is steadfast and true. He was always open to remind me of his beloved." Her smile grows at Paige's question. "I am being more formal to respect thy homestead. I am more used to battle than occasions such as this. My people are quite honorbound. Physically so. I cannot speak lies, nor break my oaths."

Jack looks surprised, "You...cannot lie? Ever? It's not just a choice?"

"Ever," Artemis confirms with a confident smile. "A lie cannot pass my lips, even should I ardently wish it."

Wade nods. "It's true. I've seen her physically struggle with it." Wayne nods and confirms it as well. "Definitely true. I've seen it too."

Paige smiles. "That must be pretty awkward sometimes, I'm guessing?"

Artemis chuckles. "It is only awkward because it seems most hoomans seem adverse to being fully truthful and honest, either with others or themselves."

Jack laughs, "That is...pretty astute, I have to say. Humans are indeed like that. We often shade the truth at least a little bit."

Artemis smiles at that. "I find my troubles with many hoomans is in part due to that. My...hmm...honesty makes some uncomfortable. And I have difficulty discerning their true meaning and intentions."

Paige looks thoughtful. "I guess it's a subtle thing for humans, isn't it?"

Wade nods. "I'm generally pretty straightforward, but Artemis has been able to tell when I'm holding back sometimes."

Artemis chuckles softly. "At times. Moreso now because Wayne is quite forward and honest, and it has provided me much clarity and insight."

Wayne smiles and looks fondly at Artemis. Jack chuckles. "I guess having a second...person to compare to with the same personality must help to gauge reactions."

Artemis looks back to Wayne to share a fond gaze in return. She looks back to Jack. "It does, and I hope it does not cause Friend Wade too much discomfort. They share personality and many memories as well."

Paige looks over to Wade, "So...are you okay with it, honey?"

Wade looks a little uncomfortable at first, but then says, "It's...taking a little getting used to, to be fair."

Artemis is surprised by this and looks to Wade in concern. She hadn't truly heard this before. "It does...? I had not realized it caused you discomfort, my Friend. Please...tell me how I have troubled and vexed you," she asks sincerely from a place of caring, not realizing it's putting him further on the spot.

Wade sighs as everyone looks at him. He takes a deep swig of his drink...and then a deep breath. "Wayne was right. I do indeed have feelings for you. And it...feels weird to see...me...well, not me, exactly...but Wayne, with you as a lover. It's something I just...need to get used to, though. I'll be fine with it. Really."

Artemis should have guessed, but somehow she missed that it was weird for Wade. She leans back in the love seat and thinks on how best to answer, without accidentally causing a problem with speaking truth. "You do not sound as though you will be 'fine' with it. I suspect you would lie to spare my feelings," she says, with care for his feelings. "While you both share traits I do adore, I see Wayne as his own person," she reasons gently. It takes her a moment to try and see things from a hooman perspective, and her next words come slowly while seeking to understand. "Does it hurt the feelings you have for me...? This confuses me. You have not spoke of those manner of feelings for me, and thy love is for Casey."

Wade hesitates and then he smiles, "No. It just creates a conflict for me. That's all. And when I say I'll be fine, I will. It's just something I have to deal with. And I will."

Paige remains silent, but pours herself some more wine.

Artemis pays careful attention to Wade's hesitation. "Be this a hooman deceit of politeness?" she asks with some vague suspicion. She glances briefly to Wayne as if he may clue her in, and then back to Wade.

Wayne shakes his head, "I don't think so?"

Wade laughs, though he does look a little embarrassed. "No. I was just deciding how to say it. That's all. I am being honest."

Jack watches curiously, though he's focusing more on Wayne than on his own son at the moment.

Artemis is finally convinced by the pair of younger Lockwoods. "Very well," she says. She wants to get down to the truth of things, but thinks better of doing it here. "And my apologies to you both," she says as she looks to Jack and Paige, smiling with genuine apology. "This was meant to be a time for you both to get to know more of Wayne, and he to spend time with you," she says, and now her apologetic smile turns to Wayne as well.

Paige smiles and sips her wine, "It's fine, Artemis. I...think we're getting to know all three of you better, isn't that right, Jack?" She turns to look at her husband.

He nods in return, "Definitely. I know...a lot more than I did yesterday."

Artemis smiles gently. "I have learned a number of new things as well." She looks to Wayne with a sweet smile. "Is there anything you wish to ask of them, Be...fore dinner?" She diverted from calling him Beloved, thinking it may just hurt Wade more at the moment.

Wayne pauses and nods. "I...guess I don't really have a question. I just wanted to say...thank you. You've opened your home to me, when I was originally intended to be a weapon used against your son. That shows a level of kindness that I...hoped I would see, but I wasn't sure. Thank you again."

Both of the elder Lockwoods smile, but Paige speaks up, "You're welcome, Wayne. Wade told us about what happened...and how Starguard...operated on you? Fixed your code? We trust him...and in the techs at Starguard. And...in turn, that means, we trust you. You're welcome here any time. Just...wear a name tag."

Artemis chuckles at this requirement for name tags. She sometimes has trouble telling the difference at first, too. That Wade's own mother can't tell them apart makes her feel like it's not due to negligence on her own part. "Wayne even volunteered for the science officers of Starguard to bee sure he was rid of any malicious code that could weaponize him," she says proudly of Wayne.

Jack chuckles. "I'm sure that my...advisors would tell me it's stupid to have you here in our home, Wayne. But I have a history of making what I think are the right decisions, rather then the safe ones. I agree with Paige. You're welcome here."

Artemis sips her wine, then looks curious. "Why would they claim it to be 'stupid'?"

Jack shrugs, "I work for the US Government as a Senator. I'm sure you're aware of that, Artemis. I was also a supersoldier, much like Wade is now. As a result, I have been...and sometimes still am...a target. Wayne is...admittedly, a weapon. One that's been defused, in a way, but still he's a weapon. Some people aren't going to be as trusting as we are."

Artemis shifts just enough to gently lean against Wayne. "Certainly the intent was for him to be used for misdeeds, but any mortal can be made into a weapon through force. Some even do it willingly. I know that is what even he has said about himself, but I have never seen Wayne as a weapon," she says, giving Wayne a fond smile before looking back to Jack. "I am most pleased you are all so welcoming. When he first did discover he was not truly Wade, he was grief-struck, but hid it well. He had lost...everything he knew. His life. His family. Even his friends at the time. So my hearts are warmed in seeing that this is not so."

Paige looks concerned. "So...did Wade's friends not react well? That's what it sounds like."

Artemis takes a breath and looks to Wayne to see if he wants to answer that.

Wayne nods. "Yeah, that's safe to say. I understand that they were concerned that Wade had been kidnapped. But it continued beyond the initial meeting. Thankfully that seems to have settled out. But it was still pretty jarring at the time. Especially since initially I thought I WAS Wade."

Artemis gently gives Wayne's hand a tender squeeze. "It grieved me to see you imprisoned while going through such." She smiles gently. "But they proved to still be your friends when they came to the party I threw in your honor."

Wayne smiles. "That's true. I know that I'm treated...maybe a little differently, but at least I know that means I'm starting to create my own..identity."

Wade smiles. "It'll happen. I think it'll help if we make it easier for people to differentiate. Maybe...the name tags that mom suggested?"

Artemis nods sympathetically. "It is not strange that you are treated with some difference." She looks between the two. "Well, when you are both in costume, it is easy to tell the difference."

Wade nods. "The different outfits help in that regard."

"Name tags would be useful, but would you wear them everywhere?" Artemis asks.

Wade nods. "Probably not. Maybe...we could go with different haircuts? That's something easier."

Artemis looks between the two Lockwood boys. "Hmmm, or perhaps style it in different directions? Or...a different color? Though it seems a shame to feel you two have to change yourselves. You are both fine as you are," she smiles.

Both of them smile, but Wayne speaks up. "If I'm to be my own person, separate from Wade, perhaps I should change my style slightly to accomodate? I appreciate all of the support you've given me, Artemis. But I do need to find my own identity, too. It doesn't need to be a big change."

Artemis nods and smiles at Wayne. "Whatever you wish to be happy, Beloved. I would love thee in any form," she professes in adoring tones.

Wayne grins, "Even if I was like...an AI running a figther jet?" He chuckles at the thought.

Jack laughs at that. "I suspect that your interactions might be a bit different then."

Artemis chuckles. "I would still love and care for thee then, but yes, Jack of Lockwood is correct. It would be more difficult to romance you," she grins. But she doesn't say it'd be impossible.

Wade chuckles as well. Wayne smiles, "In theory, my mind could be transferred to something else. Different hardware. I'm not intending to do that, but it's possible."

Paige nods. "I'm guessing there are some limitations, though?"

Wayne nods, "There would be system requirements. Like any other software."

Artemis thinks on it. "I suppose...you could choose another body and...hmm...chassis? The manual says XH-50's are quite customizable." She is left to wonder if it would truly still be him, or just a copy of him.

Wayne shrugs, "I think the XH-50 is all of my hardware. If I had another body, that would be another model. Like...and upgrade? But this body has a lot of customization options. The hair idea? I can grow new hair at will. I could grow it long in a day."

Artemis looks surprised at that and smiles. "I had not yet read that section. Perhaps you could grow it out, and decide how to change it? It seems as though if you do not like the cut, you can easily grow it and try again."

Wayne smiles. "I could. I just need to synthesize certain compounds to be able to continue to grow hair further. I could make it shoulder length, like Titan. Or go even longer, like a metalhead."

Artemis smiles at that. "Hmm. I am most curious to see how that would look on you. It would be so...different," she says, excited for him either way. She sips her wine and observes more of the dwelling Wade grew up in. And of the etiquette Talia tried to instill in her about visits like this. Most of it was forgotten. "Do you remember much of this home, Wayne? Such as thy room? Time spent with family...?" she asks delicately.

Wayne nods. "I remember...some of it? I'm not sure how much, though. My understanding is that people have a tendency to forget." He looks over to Wade, "How much do you remember from when you were like...three?"

Wade chuckles. "Almost nothing. Only one or two things."

Paige smiles. "We could test to see what you all remember. I had the photos shifted to digital. We can show your pictures from when you were young after we eat."

Artemis chuckles softly. "And they also say imagery, scents, and places can help recall memory. I am not sure if that would be the same with you, Wayne, but...it may be worth a try." Her mind still wanders to Wade's earlier admission about seeing them together. She makes a note to ask him when it isn't in front of everyone.