2019-05-10 - Coffee Talk

Summary:

Mera and Scandal discuss philosophy over the Devil's Brew.

Log Info:

Storyteller: n/a
Date: 2019-05-10
Location: Near Mutant Town

Related Logs

None

Theme Song

{$themesong}

merascandal

Saturday morning in New York. It is a cloudy, humid day. The city waking to the sounds of traffic jams, cursing, and sirens. Mera has found herself near Mutant Town, reading some of the anti-mutant graffiti sprayed over a wall. She will never understand such hatred, and she hopes she never will. Mera is in the same clothes that Scandal last saw her in - she doesn't have a large wardrobe.


Whether Scandal's outfit is the same or just similar might be hard to tell for sure, but she's certainly readily enough recognised as the woman who gave her card to Mera the day before. It looks as if she is continuing her explorations, wandering - hands tucked into the pockets of her leather jacket - around the corner, before blinking and grinning at the red-white-and-beige vision she finds there. "Good morning."


Mera glances around at the greeting. Wary at first before smiling when she sees her it is. "Scandal, how nice to see you again. If we keep running into each other like this, I will never have to use that number you gave me." She nods at the graffiti which proclaims that the only good mutant is a dead mutant - though with more swear words. "Is this normal for this city? That they put their hate on the wall for all to see?"


Scandal shrugs broadly. "In some fashions. People do like to put up markers to declare territory as 'theirs' in some fashion, and this is a simple way for some idiots to challenge the 'threat' posed by Mutant Town." She shakes her head at a little, dubiously eyeing the graffiti. "Firm identification of an 'other' to be hated implicitly entails identification of a group to which the author belongs. It's not so much a way of attacking, as it is a way of affirming that one is not alone. Fear is very probably the main motivating force, with the anger and hatred a mask and means of trying to control it."


"How would the painter know he is not alone by doing this? He was the only one who wrote it. Or did others tell him to?" These humans are a weird mob. "Mutant Town? This is a ghetto for the mutants? I seem to recall there was some recent trouble concerning mutants and non-mutants. A war? At least some fighting. Camps. Prisons. It does not seem a unique event in human history."


Chuckling, Scandal shakes her head, eyeing Mera with evident curiosity. "The very notion of there being such a thing as a distinct group - mutants, in this case - requires there to be a separate group, of which the author wishes to consider himself part. Many loners find a sense of community by identifying themselves with perceived communities: religions, political movements, or even terrorist organisations. It's quite possible that someone told him to do this; it's also quite possible he - or she - was acting entirely alone. But yes: there are events in the comparatively recent past of New York that have left scars upon the psyche as well as the physical structure of the city."


"And like the area where we met, they do not seem to be in a hurry to heal the scars." Mera shakes her head dismissively at the human tribal mentality. Though, if she was honest, Mera would admit that discrimination exists in her world too; she is subject to it thanks to her light skin and human mother. But, even then, she is a noble and treated with deference. No one would paint a thing like this about her. "Maybe this is what you need to fix for your new start, Scandal?"


Scandal blinks, then laughs. "This specific bit of graffiti, or human society as a whole?", she asks with a grin. "I'm not sure that I can do much to repair the failings of society, though I am flattered that you think I could."


"Human society in general" Mera confirms with a nod. "Oh, it is too much? I would not ask you to clean the wall. You do not seem the cleaning type." A pause. "And I mean that in the sense that you would have cleaning staff, not be one. Have you found something better to help you find your way?"


Scandal shrugs broadly, pursing her lips. "In all honesty, I am unsure. I have signed up to be part of something but am yet to receive much direction from it. But I could do more to reach out and see what I might be able to prompt, to be fair. Thus far, I have been quite glad of a quiet period in which to try to familiarize myself with the city. And those in it." Her companion receives another wry smile, at that.


"What did you sign up for? Someone is asking for assistance with… With what, exactly?" Mera is intrigued. "If any of them happen to know about the attacks on the city by giant sea creatures, let them know of my interest. Oh…did they trick you into signing?"


Laughing, Scandal shakes her head. "No, it was not a trick. More of a… deal. We came to an arrangement. I would agree to do some work for them; they would agree to stop causing me various difficulties." She shrugs slightly, then chuckles. "The United States of America does love its *bargains*."


"But you are not from these United States. Why would they make things difficult for you? That does not seem very fair." Mera will never understand humans…and probably doesn't want to either. Though, if she is ever in an ambassadorial role, she might have to change that. How horrible. "And they have not asked you to do anything, though you have had to live up to your side of the bargain already?"


Scandal spreads her hands. "I have not been here very long. Perhaps they are merely giving me a little time to settle in. And… the United States claims - from time to time - to be 'the policeman of the world', or 'the leader of the free world', or whatever best fits its sporadic desire to meddle wherever it chooses. Particularly if one wishes to have any involvement in areas where it holds outright power or indirect influence, it can be advisable to ensure that it, at the least, does not view one as an enemy."


"Hmm…they sound very egotistical" sniffs Mera. "They are delusional…though powerful in their way. A very dangerous combination. What kind of things do you think they will ask you to do? Are you a violent person, Scandal? Do you have 'powers'? Like the captain they have. He seemed a noble person. I cannot believe he would do anything like you suggest this country does."


Another laugh accompanies a swift twist of Scandal's lips. "Captain America was, I believe, chosen because he lived up to their ideal conception of themselves - or at least, the version that the rulers of the time wanted other people to believe was the best version of the country and its ideals. He is both an exemplar of the country, and an absolutely dreadful guide to what it is truly like. But yes, I have some capabilities that are not considered 'normal', though I am usually deemed an irrelevance when compared to the costumed 'supers'. And I am afraid that I do have some capacity for violence, as well: hence my willingness to roam dangerous parts of the city just to find out what's there. But could I perhaps interest you in a drink of coffee, or the like, rather than chatting on a street corner?"


"I met one of these people who wears a costume. And a mask. His name was Daredevil. It had something to do with him not wanting people to know who he really was. This would affect his ability to beat up those who were not living up to society's rules. I am not sure why." Mera considers Scandal's offer and replies with a single nod. "I will try this coffee. I think Eve was going to make me some but I had to leave before I tasted it. It smelled…interesting. Do you know, Eve? She is a Gothite." All humans know each other, right? "Lead the way."


"A 'Gothite' named Eve? No, I don't believe so." Mera receives a distinctly amused look, before Scandal gestures an invitation and starts guiding her towards the nearest decent coffee-shop she is aware of. "And… there are *very* few societies that grant equal rights to enforce norms to all members. Most seek to reserve such activities to those chosen, or at least approved of, by those who claim to rule. When such people are unwilling or unable to fulfill what some in society desire of them, others might step in and mete out punishments of their own - but such behavior does tend to run the risk of drawing down punishment itself. Quite possibly from both the rulers, upset at having their authority undermined in so visible a fashion; and from friends or allies of those receiving the 'freelance' punishment."


"Anarchy is dangerous in any society" Mera nods - definitely one of her ruling class and very much of the opinion that the decisions they make are the correct ones. She stares at the door of the coffee shop before pushing it open to enter; if it must have a door, why does it not have a doorman? The smell of coffee hits her and her nose screws up a little. "I shall find us a place to sit" she informs Scandal.


Scandal shoots Mera another wry smile, then goes to order simple coffees - with cream and sugar separate, to be added to taste, so that the Atlantean might experiment a little. She waits at the counter to collect them, giving her companion a chance to people-watch a little, but soon enough rejoins her with her burdens.


Mera does people-watch…a little. Surface Dwellers are so far beneath her, most of them at least, that she tries not to look at them much at all. But she is also trying to solve a mystery, and that means having to interact. It's a tough life but someone has to do it. The redhead even offers something close to a smile when Scandal returns with the strange brown beverage. Mera peers into it. "It looks like polluted water" she notes softly before sniffing at it. Her eyes almost water. "Is it meant to smell like that?"


"Technically, it *is* polluted water - since it's water mixed with another substance," Scandal says dryly. "Coffee beans are ground to produce what is used to make the drink; boiling water is added to dissolve them into the resulting liquid. Some people like to drink it 'black', as it is now. Others add milk, sugar, or both. She sets an empty mug beside Mera's current one. "You might want to use that to try mixing up small samples, to try. Coffee tends to be an acquired taste: it is acrid and can take some adjusting to."


Why would anyone drink something that was acrid? Not one to back down from a challenge, Mera blows over the water before taking a big mouthful. This was not a wise thing to do. At least she doesn't spit it everywhere. Doing her best to maintain composure as she swallows it down with an incredulous expression. "You give that to others on purpose?" she gags. "Do you hate each other that much. What is the benefit?" She eyes off the milk and sugar as if they are additional poison.


Scandal's expression does rather suggest that 'I told you so' might be going through her mind. "Heightened stimulation of the senses is something that many people find pleasurable, one way or another. We could try introducing you to spicy food next. But the drink serves as a minor stimulant in another sense: it, if only temporarily, combats fatigue. Quite a few people start drinking it to help with staying awake while pursuing tasks of one sort or another, and only gradually acquire a taste for it in its own right. For most, however, it's part of basic acculturation: as they grow up, they are societally conditioned to regard consumption of it as appropriate, fashionable, and desirable."


"People who do not drink it are considered to be breaking society guidelines and are considered criminal? People like Daredevil will attack them?" Atlantis would never torture its people so. Maybe the rulers of the surface dwellers grow the coffee? "There must be better ways to stay awake." Mera certainly doesn't need her senses heightened any further. She will not be so rude as to not finish drinking it, but it will be an example of perseverance over pleasure. "You enjoy this drink?"


Scandal sighs, eyeing Mera dubiously. "That is *not* what I said. Or is your home society one in which behavior is wholly dictated by law, and custom is inseparable from authoritarian control? Are there laws determining what people should wear, eat, and so forth? Not merely outlawing certain practices seen as malign or disruptive, but mandating specifics that must be done? Here, most things that happen by custom and as a result of societal expectation are not a matter of *law*, but of practice. Of people's desire to fit in and be seen to be an exemplar of whichever parts of society they choose to identify with. I would be very surprised if your own society did not have such norms of behavior itself. And yes, I do drink coffee for pleasure. Though I am thankfully not dependent upon it, as too many in this society are."


"Oh…is this a drug?" Mera asks with a glance at the coffee, lips pursed as she considers drinking some more. She must be polite. And no drug can better her! So, yes, she continues drinking it. As for Scandal's words, they are considered thoughtfully. "Do not most people identify with the same thing? Devoted to the same cause? If there are a group of people whose custom is opposite to the majority, are they not a danger to the unity of purpose? Even if there is no law that states it."


"A mild stimulant, as I said," Scandal asserts, while eyeing Mera a little dubiously. "*Unity of purpose*? There are around three hundred and twenty *million* people in the United State of America. 'Unity of purpose' would require rather terrifying levels of thought-control, don't you think?"


"Not at all. If the purpose is deserving, all would be driven to ensure it happens. You should not have to control minds to make them do the right thing when they know it is the right thing" Mera replies. "Three hundred and twenty million? Are they not educated? Ah…of course. Greed. The desire to be better than others rather than be as one. That will stop people working together, yes."


"Remember my comments on Captain America being an embodiment of what the country likes to think, or pretend, its ideals are?", Scandal asks. "He never ceases to have challenges to face… in large part because so many in the US delude themselves about what their country is, and what it does. He's an embodiment of selfless sacrifice, who expects his country to support him - yet that same country is driven to an overwhelming extent by greed and the pursuit of visible status. He's the ideal it sometimes wishes it had; he's not a representative of what it is. If it were, then things like Mutant Town and the Disaster Zone would certainly not be as they are now. But I'm an embittered foreigner: as such, to most citizens of the US, my views are inherently invalid."


"Does that mean that someone like Daredevil would attack you for being different to the mass? And that mass does not meet its own ideals? No wonder it is angry at those who remind it of its failure. But I probably should not comment on another country. It is impolite." Mera may one day be an emissary, so she should try and learn tolerance. "You are a very smart woman, Scandal. I think that is why they do not like you. Beautiful too."


Scandal now offers Mera a look of frank disbelief. "What about Daredevil's behavior makes you think that it is routine? Would you be talking about him if it were? The *point* is that he is taking matters into his own hands, to deal with problems that the legal authorities are failing to. 'The Devil of Hell's Kitchen' became famous by acting outside the law, to provide assistance to people it had let down." Then she chuckles, coloring faintly as she shakes her head. "But thank you. Being told that I give the impression of both intelligence and beauty is welcome. Though it is hard for me to judge quite by what standards I am being assessed. You have made it clear that you are much more of an outsider here than I feel myself to be."


"From what we have been talking about, being an outsider to this society is a badge of honor. I assess you on the standards of true intelligence and pure beauty. You do well with both." Mera is still sipping from that coffee. To be polite. She may even try the milk and sugar soon. "I got the impression that Daredevil's behavior is routine to Daredevil. And the authorities seem to be making as much effort to stop him as to stop the world that caused him. This law of theirs. Did you not say that this same law was controlling you in some way?"


"When one's identity is known, the authorities find it easier to exert pressure. And since I had some reason to wish to be free to move around in the United States of America, I thought that it might be time to come to an arrangement with them," Scandal explains - flashing a grateful smile at the redhead. The compliments, at least, are welcome. "Daredevil hides behind his mask so that threats - both legal and criminal - have a harder time reaching their target. Or being brought to bear against anyone about whom he cares."


"Does that mean you 'work' for these authorities? What kind of things do you do for them? And why do you not wear a mask?" Mera asks. "Of course, it would be a shame for you to do so, but do you not have those you care about? Those you may put in danger by not wearing a mask when you do your 'work'?" A pause. "Do they have any food here?"


Opting to take the easiest question first, Scandal nods as she chuckles again. "Yes, there is food here. And yes, I can buy you some. But a mask? I do tend to, when working. But enough people have learned my identity over the years that those with access to intelligence resources tend to be aware of who I am and at least some of what I have done. And yes, after a fashion, I do now 'work' for them. I have agreed to help resolve some problems for them, in return for them not causing problems for me."


"If you change your mask, would that help them forget who you are again?" Mera wonders before looking over at what she assumes is the food that is offered here. "Hot dog? I thought they were beloved pets here? Not a lot of seafood… Which problems do they need you to solve? Unless it is a secret. I do not wish for you to get into trouble."


"They have not yet given me specific assignments," Scandal explains. "And I have rather… run out of people they could threaten. Changing my mask would be of limited use: there are not exactly many in the world who fight as I do, or who have my other capabilities. I could hide, certainly. But I made this deal so that I would not have to do so. And… 'hot dog' is simply a term. One of many idiosyncrasies of the American misuse of language. There is no canine meat in it. Or, if there is, it is there illicitly. This culture disdains the consumption of canines for food."


"Their corruption of the language makes it hard to learn the language" Mera nods solemnly. "Why put the word 'dog' in any food product if it has nothing to do with dog? I might try that one at another time. You have no family? That is sad." Talk of fighting abilities has the redhead interested. "You have developed your own style. You must show me this. We could push a few tables to the side to give you space."


"Engaging in public combat is *not* a way to make the authorities happy, on the whole," Scandal says with a laugh. "If you want to spar, then we can probably find somewhere. If you want seafood, I can certainly find a restaurant offering a selection. And… my father is out there, but the thought of anyone threatening *him* is rather laughable. Let alone doing so as a means of controlling me. But he's not someone on whom I wish to spend either time or thought, when I do not absolutely have to."


"We can spar later then, though I am more interested in seeing your fighting styles. I have noticed that whenever I go out alone at night in this city, someone tries to rob me. Others usually stop them. We could do the same. I wander the street, someone comes to rob me, you show your style." Mera shrugs at how simple it all is. "I am sorry to hear you are estranged with your father, but we must all find out own paths eventually. No shame in that."


Laughing, Scandal shakes her head. "I think that we can find a simpler means than that, if you want to show off what you can do yourself, as well as watching my style. Street-thugs are unlikely to pose any significant challenge."


"I have no need to show off" Mera replies in an imperious tone. "If street-thugs are not enough for you, then we could find something else. I have a feeling that there are many dangers in this city that are beyond only wanting pieces of paper with numbers on them. We should find one."


"Pieces of paper with numbers on them?" Scandal arches a brow. "Have you had trouble over the lack of a license of some sort? Or a passport, perhaps?"


"I have not even had trouble with the pieces of paper" Mera points out. "I do not have any of the paper, but I do believe they have numbers on them. They certainly seem important to people."


"Proof of having earned the right to *do* things," Scandal says dryly, dismissively waving one hand in the air. "Given time, they tend to be simple enough to acquire. But most people lack the time in which to stop earning money, and instead invest in acquiring skills or qualifications."

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