thefinaljedi | Appointments

Clint Barton is a member of a group in Stark's world known as the Avengers. When Clint took a shot at Loki in front of a child there was something of a bloody conflict. Loki extracted recompense by cutting Clint's arms and I...I treated Loki rather than Clint.

I wouldn't have been able to treat him. He looks too much like Rick. While I treated Loki I did what I could to convince him that Stark and Steve had not ordered this attack. The fact that I apparently have taken a side with Loki has left me somewhat at odds with them.

Pepper is...Stark's girlfriend, secretary, and nanny. We are, we were, friends. I do not know if we are any longer.

You treated their enemy, then and they might see that as an act of betrayal? Is that what you are worried about? Forgive me but that sounds a bit absurd. Steve and Stark do not seem the sort to begrudge you doing your job. I assume, too, that Barton is alive and well?

I'm well aware of Loki's connection with the Avengers. Before he left, Coulson explained the situation to me, including the circumstances surrounding his death.

You've no need to fear reprisal though, at least from Stark and Steve. They'll understand, and if there's trouble Obi-Wan and I can handle it. I've begun working with Loki myself. He's...not that far gone. Despite what the Avengers may believe.

Edited 2012-10-08 04:16 (UTC)

I don't know for certain how they view me. The discussion was...tense. And I could not say everything I might have wished to on the matter. Pepper was present and would not leave. As we were in her home I could not ask more than once. Barton is well. He's healing- Sue Richards and Billy had a hand in his mending.

[She scrubs her face with a hand, rolling that afternoon around in her head.]

...Loki fell through a black hole, Luke. I can't- just thinking about that gave Apep's influence an entirely new flavor of horror to work with. He's bitter and scarred and when I checked in with him after the shift he was in such pain.

I don't know...this is far, far too big for me. This is the most I've been in over my head, ever. It's part of why I'm leaving for two weeks. I need to be elsewhere.

[Luke listens to Adele quietly, his lips shifting into a frown. He had hoped for better from Stark and Rogers, honestly. To involve Adele in such a manner, and to take issue with a doctor doing her job to a patient? Sure, it was good that Barton was on the mend, but he'd seen firsthand the damage done to Loki. And in front of a child? Was that the sort of man that should be called a hero? It sounded more like a Mandalorian than any hero he could recall. And falling through a black hole? Well, he certainly could believe that, given the theories Seinar Systems scientists had put forth.

Stiffly, the Jedi nodded, honestly wishing that he and Ami had been here, to at least mitigate some of the damage.]

By the Force, Adele, you really have had a rough few weeks. I really regret not being here, if only so that Ben and I could have mitigated the damage somehow.

I don't like where this is leading. At all.

Edited 2012-10-08 04:48 (UTC)

...what is, is. What has happened cannot be changed. I don't blame you for being away Luke, really. This is their mess that has spilled out into the village unduly. I warned Clint not to attack Loki the first hour he was here. I told him it would not end well.

[She sags back against the counter, weary. Worn. But resolute. She'd done what was in the best interests of those not at all involved in their conflict. However Steve and Stark saw her now, however Pepper looked at her? Didn't matter. She'd done what she could to protect those she was able, for whatever it might have been worth. She'd kept her word to Saori, to Loki, to Clint. Balancing obligations and keeping her good name was difficult without a longstanding reputation.

Somehow she's managed. She hopes.]

This is something you and Ben are far better suited to handle than me. I'm a surgeon, not a diplomat, not a hero. It is not my place to be involved. It worries me that Pepper seems so very intent on leaving herself in the middle of this as well- I know Stark is the man she loves but this is beyond dangerous, especially for her.

Adele. You did everything you could. I will handle it if it comes up again. Should I speak to Stark, Barton, and Steve?

[Luke slips an arm around her waist and pulls her into a hug.]

I get a feeling that Pepper is going to get herself killed, but I don't know. Is she...just a secretary?

Barton? Perhaps. If only to keep him from attempting to overwork his arms while they heal, and to point out the futility of attacking Loki here since he did not listen to me the first time. Stark and Steve- no. If there's something else to address with them I'm more than able to do so. They...mean well. They're just occasionally utter shit at managing what it is they intend.

[It's easy enough to lean on him, accept that support and return the hug.]

A C.E.O. A businesswoman. A civilian. I do not want to have to put her back together should she come to my operating table because of this Luke.

Adele, I'm friends with them as well. I may, if the chance comes up. I'm a bit farther from the situation than you are, truth be told. Don't worry, I'll be diplomatic. Barton I do not know, but I may, all the same.

[Luke nods and pulls her tightly in]

I'll do my best to keep an eye on her.

It's not what you would say that worries me, Luke. It's how they'd react. They take most anything involving Loki very...personally. It's not without cause but...I don't know.

[That's the core of it. She has no moves to make- doesn't know enough to make a good call. Doesn't want to know enough to make a call.]

Thank you.

Adele, do you think that matters to me? Steve and Tony are decent people, but hardly people I desperately feel the need to seek the approval of. They'll like it even less when they learn that Loki and I have been working together.

[Luke chuckles and lets her go]

I'm used to working with people like Han, Kyle, and Mara. Lets just say I find them to be a poor substitute in a crisis. Not that I don't like them, they're good people. I just...I don't know what to make of them.

They're not accustomed to compromise. It rankles Stark, at least. Steve does what he can.

[She takes a half step back and rubs the bridge of her nose.]

...Is Ben in? I should probably inform him that I mean to leave.

We'll sort this all out.

[He shakes his head]

No, he's out. What's in the basket, anyway?

Fritters and danish. I wanted to make certain I still remembered how to bake, after the last shift. It must seem silly but after what I heard of Kin'corrans having lingering effects from shifts I can't help but worry.

Ah, well then.

[He takes one out, and goes to take a bite...then remembers the fail-cake and stops.]

Did you try these first?

...I did. And they are delicious.

[She crosses her arms and gives him a look.]

Oh come on, do you remember my birthday?

[But he takes a bite and nods, not talking with his mouth full]

I do, and have since learned from my mistakes. They're palatable. Really.

[Honestly, she can't blame him. After that particular cake she almost gave up on baking for good.]

[He swallows. Slowly]

Its not bad.

[He grins, cheekily]

They're better than 'not bad' Luke.

[Fine, she's muttering and somewhat miffed. But he's teasing. And he has a right to it.]

Its good, really.

[Luke grins and finishes the pastry before reaching to his belt and unbuckling his holster and offering Adele his blaster.]

If you're going on a mission, take this. Even if its non-combat.

Thank you.

[She drops the sullen look for a soft laugh and half smile- though the blaster gives her pause. All the same, she accepts it.]

I...thank you Luke. I hope I won't need it, but I did intend to take my revolver as well. This will save me the trouble.

Its far more potent than any revolver I've yet seen. Even the...shotgun...you should me.

[He smiles at the memory]

I modified it, its got a bit of a kick to it. So be careful, it should be able to punch through six inches of steel.

I'll keep it on me.

[Six inches of steel. She'll be sleeping easier with this at her side.]

Truly? I...should have little to fear by way of my personal safety, then.

It's a blaster. Its meant to.

[He laughs]

I'll leave a note for Ben when he returns. And Alia as well. I do not wish for her to be angry at me.

[She snorts a soft laugh.]

Appointments

[Action] October 5th

[Action] October 5th

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