Esoteric Power Supply

Summary:
January 30, 2015: Simmons catches up with Fitz after a long seperation

Trisekelian


Characters

NPCs

  • None

Mood Music:
[*<http://insert.video.or.music.link.here>]


Things have changed around SHIELD R&D. Nobody comes or goes without the proper security clearance, and there are two armored agents outside the lab at all times, heavily armed, to make damned sure that's the case. Rumors, of course, have a vicious way of propagating. Some say Dr. Fitz is working on a thermonuclear bomb designed to target a three block radius, others claim that he's experimenting on alien technology captured during the attack. Things can get… pretty far fetched.

Inside the lab, it's an entirely different story. The central R&D lab has virtually been cleared of all other projects; the top secret Operation: Wand has become SHIELD's Number One priority, and that's from Director Fury himself. Leo has hand picked a small cadre of aides, but for the moment, he's the only one working inside the lab. He's closed into one of the he radiation proof glass rooms, and is hunched over a small object. A white radiation suit covers him, and a pair of microscopic goggles is worn attached to the mask. Two robotic arms are currently arrayed over the small device upon the table, surgically firing green micro-lasers into the thing's innards.

***

After an interesting discussion in a coffee shop recently, Simmons has sought out Fitz so they can talk. The british born biochemist, with a white labcoat and appropriate identification displayed on the lapel, enters the R&D Lab giving the armed agents a quick look and a smile.

Pausing inside the room, she watches Fitz in the glass room waiting for him to complete the operation he's conducting, her arms folded loosely over her chest.

***

Suddenly, there's a shower of sparks! The robotic arms draw back and shut down, and Fitz unnecessarily shields his eyes. "Gaahhh!" The room is promptly flooded with some kind of white gas, and a rotating red light comes to life outside the secured glass room. Three seconds later, the gas is sucked out of the room, and Fitz can be seen in the decontamination chamber, stripping the radiation suit off and letting the scanners check him out. That's when his eyes notice the person who's entered, and they go wide with surprise.

"Simmons!"

***

At the sparks, Simmons' eyes go wide and she takes a step forward before catching herself. Waiting, watching as the gas clears and Fitz goes through decontamination, they young woman smiles again at his greeting and nods. "Fitz!" the smile widens slightly "Looks like you were just had a bit of excitment."

She'll wait till the scan's are completed and he exists the chamber before approaching.

***

Voice muffled, Fitz doesn't seem to be willing to wait before his verbal explosion comes. "Too much bloody excitement!" he retorts. "Do you have any idea how — some things just weren't meant to — bloody impossible — I cannae just make —"

He cuts himself off when decon clears, and the lab-facing door slides open. Rushing out while adjusting his tie, the engineer seems pretty disheveled. He hasn't been getting much sleep, and the project has been pushing him to the limits of his scientific resource and beyond. "Simmons," he says, finding himself truly grateful to see his best friend. It's short lived, however, for his wick is pretty short right now. "Where the hell have you been?!"

***

Jemma shakes her head "Around… " she shrugs not offering anything more. Maybe later they can discuss where she's been. "It's good to see you too, Fitz." His disheveled look and the sharp question gets a raised eyebrow as the young woman peers past him to the decontam. room. "Want to talk about it?" It's obvious she has something to discuss as well.

***

With a frown, Leo walks over and takes Jemma by the shoulder. It's a friendly grab, but it's certainly intended to direct her somewhere. He walks with her over toward a table and set of chairs, a place where the researchers often relax, have some tea, perhaps munch on some snacks. Leo sits right down and let's out a dramatic sigh.

"Jemma, 'around' isn't gonna cut it. I…" He looks toward her with an apologetic expression. It hurts to say what he's about to say. It hurts quite a bit.

"I need to know, specifically, where you've been. Who you've been speaking with, what you've been doing."

***

Simmons raises an eyebrow as she's directed and Fitz poses his question. After a few long moments, she sighs before detailing where she's been for the last month or so. Sitting back in her chair, she folds her arms and considers Fitz before asking "Does that cut it for you?" It's not meant to sound hurtful, but it may be delivered in a slightly tart tone.

***

Fitz listens with direct attention, even though it kills him to be putting Jemma in this position. "Yeah," he answers after a long silence. "It does." There's another pause, during which he looks down to the table, then back up to his research partner. "I'm sorry, Simmons. I'm under orders." Hopefully that serves as enough of an apology; they've both been through field training, which is what earned them their Level 5 security clearance. It's just a pisser that this is the first time their rank and privilege has come in between their friendship.

Decidely, Fitz reaches out to engage the table's small holo projection system. It's not as fancy as the holotable that sits in their main research area, but it will have to do. The schematics of an item aptly titled 'Trans-Dimensional Barrier Reinforcement Amplifier', with the word 'PROTOTYPE' afterward. The item itself resembles a basic wireless internet router, with two antennae, but it's the interior mechanisms where all the fancy stuff takes place.

"I'm calling it 'Debra' for short," he explains, referencing the T.D.B.R.A. acronym. "It's designed to reinforce the theoretical barrier between dimensions in space time. The device was never tested, because nobody was able to solve its power source problem before funding was scrapped."

***

To be fair to Fitz, Simmons does realise she's returning to a rather large mess and he is just following orders. "It's alright, you've got a lot to deal with." If the meeting she had recently is anything to go by, Fitz has probably been challenged on multiple levels as well.

Paying close attention to 'Debra' and Fitz's explanation, Jemma speaks slowly "OK… trans dimensional protection and a problem with the power source." letting Fitz work her through the design.

***

"When the attack happened," Fitz explains, "there were portals all over the place, and horrible creatures coming through them. I'd first thought it to be some kind of trans-dimensional attack, but, Director Fury claims HYDRA was using occult methods. These were, apparently, demons. From hell. Like, actual, actual Biblical hell." Normally, Fitz would have doubted anything of the sort to be plausible, not to mention possible. Things have changed.

"The Director is calling it 'Operation: Wand'. He's ordered me to come up with a defense against these kinds of attacks. Which means…" He raps on the table, then points to the floating schematic. "I've got to find a way to make this… work with magical energy. And symbols. Warding symbols, like, actual Harry Potter stuff." At this, he actually grins. All things considered, the prospect of combing magic with technology is fairly exciting!

***

"Well that explains the discussion I had with someone recently." Simmons grins back at Fitz "I got shown a lesser demon and all, to help me suspend my disbelief." She considers "It was… effective."

Looking to the schematic again, she nods slowly, "So what have you found out then, about magical energy and warding symbols?" It is exciting of course and a challenge, which sits well with the young biochemist.

***

Reaching up to scratch his head, Fitz grins. "Yeah, I, uh, had something similar happen. A skeleton king. From hell." Reaching over, he turns some controls and causes the schematic to zoom in. "The device works on nanotechnology, so, working theory is to imprint the nanoprogramming with the warding symbols. Of course, I've got a lot of studying to do, but, Director Hill has authorized some outside help."

Tabbing over, Fitz draws up another file, which includes a list of names. Zatanna Zatara, Dr. Hank McCoy, Detective Sara Pezzini from NYPD, and Hellboy.

***

Jemma knows Dr McCoy and she's met Detective Pezzini in passing, the others she's not that familiar with. "Can you explain how warding works and why imprinting the symbols will help and why involve these people?" Clearly, Simmons hasn't had the crash course on warding yet and she still has to share her meeting with Jericho and Illyana with Fitz.

***

"Well," Fitz answers, "sort of. Warding symbols. I don't quite understand how, but, they counteract other spells. So, you have a specific warding symbol that sort of, well, works like a shield against a spell. They're very specific. Incantations power the symbols. Chanting, I guess. SHIELD doesn't have anyone who specializes in the occult, although you can bet that's gonna change. That's why I've gotten clearance to seek outside guidance. If I can find a way to imprint a large variety of warding symbols onto these nanoprobes, then find a practical way to power them — you know, without dragging around people who can chant spells, I guess — then we're in business."

***

"Well," Fitz answers, "sort of. Warding symbols. I don't quite understand how, but, they counteract other spells. So, you have a specific warding symbol that sort of, well, works like a shield against a spell. They're very specific. Incantations power the symbols. Chanting, I guess. SHIELD doesn't have anyone who specializes in the occult, although you can bet that's gonna change. That's why I've gotten clearance to seek outside guidance. If I can find a way to imprint a large variety of warding symbols onto these nanoprobes, then find a practical way to power them — you know, without dragging around people who can chant spells, I guess — then we're in business."

***

Nodding slowly, Simmons listens and as she looks at the list of approved people, she frowns "Have you spoken with any of those people yet?" She's interested in what they have to say. Tapping a finger against her lips, she adds "There may be a solution for the power source, I think based on that discussion I mentioned."

***

Fitz nods, smiling brightly. "All of them," he answers, before blushing a little. "I, uh, sort of did a few things off the books." He leans forward, adding defensively, "But I came clean with Hill! And she didn't throw me out of a window or something."

Now, when Jemma mentions a solution for the power source, his eyes alight. "Really?" He angles his head one way, eyes narrowing in a speculative way. "Simmons, what have you been up to?" It's mock criticism; the Scott is grinning ear to ear.

***

"I accepted an invite to meet someone… " Simmons grins back at the Scots enthuasiasm. "I'm glad you mentioned off the books… the people I spoke with feel this will be an out of hours assignment." She looks meaningfully at Fitz "And there may be some cross dimensional travel involved."

***

The answer seems to deflate Fitz a bit. He nods his head then, but the frown continues to deepen. "I should tell you something. The lockdown, it's… pretty intense. I've got to baby sit anyone who comes into this lab, any outside resource, and only those Dep-Director Hill has vetted. The amount of scrutiny they're putting on me from the upper levels. Simmons, it's intense. If I stray out of line again, it's over."

He reaches across the table, putting a hand on her wrist and squeezing gently. "You're my partner. I need your help. Unfortunately, you and I both have to exercise an impossible amount of discretion." He pauses, glancing away, before looking her in the eye. It's entirely possible that she's never seen this much weight on the young man's shoulders.

"Director Fury put me in charge of the operation. In charge, Simmons."

***

Simmons returns the look "I do understand, Fitz. As did the people I spoke with, I believe you know at least one of them." she shrugs slightly "I didn't commit to anything, it's why I'm here now though, to speak to you about it." Placing her hand on his, she looks intently at him "They didn't want access, they want us to go with them to retrieve this thing and then use it." A slight shake of her head "Of course it's up to you, it's your project as you say."

***

With a furrowed brow, Fitz nods his head, gives Jemma's hand a squeeze, then lets go. "Well, tell me about them. Tell me about this thing you want to retrieve." For reference, he draws the T.D.B.R.A. schematics up again, then looks back across the table. "Cross dimensional travel?" he asks. "Sounds like a hell of a mission."

***

"Well that's the thing, I didn't really know what they were referring to, so I didn't know what questions to ask." Simmons frowns a little "But, he said it was a device that would give you the esoteric energy you needed to power this thing and it has some cybernetic component." Sitting back and folding her arms, she considers the schematics in front of her. "So, if you get the power source, it would leave the programming aspect to be done."

***

"Esoteric energy," echoes Leo, considering that choice of terminology. "Bloody hell. This sounds like what Zatanna was talking about. She said that warding was complicated. That things have a tendency of backfiring if they're not done right. We don't need to be accidentally opening any portals to… well, to hell or any other kind of dimension, by accident." A hand comes up to rub through his hair. "No rest for the wicked, huh?"

***

Simmons looks rather blankly at Fitz "You might need to take it slowly, Fitz. I'm still catching up here and I'm relaying the information I was given last night." Arms still folded, the young woman inclines her head slightly as she continues to view the schematics "Backfiring would be a bad thing… that's for sure. And no, no rest for the wicked." Turning her attention to her friend, Jemma smiles faintly "What do you think you might like to do?"

***

For a few moments, Fitz chews on his lip, lost in thought. There's also the space mission with Barton - another thing he promised not to tell anyone about, and that includes Simmons. It bothers him a great deal, keeping secrets from her. "Well, I'm almost done modifying the power distribution mechanics. Give me another day. Or, well, a day or, uh, two. Yeah, let's say two." Pause. "Not that I need two days, but, I want to make triple sure the modifications have… well, and you did say I should take it slowly."

He sure is a terrible liar!

"I'll need you to. provide me details first. On everything. Who these people are, what they told you about the place they want to take us, the device. It will have to be reported before I can make any decisions." Then, he murmurs grimly, "Assuming I'll be the one making the bloody decision."

***

Jemma smiles faintly at Fitz's prevarication but nods as if she believes the story he's woven. "Well, you know one of them Fitz. He asked me not to mention his name but you spoke to him and another mage about this project." If he really needs, she'll given him the names but right now she'll exercise discretion "And that's all I know about the device and where it is… he wasn't very forthcoming and until I knew what you were doing, I didn't want to know anymore." She sighs "From what he said, if you mention his involvement it might not go down very well. He was fairly insistent that this would be an 'out of hours' project for the two of us, whether you're comfortable with that … " she lets the thought trail. This is not an easy decision.

***

She doesn't need to say anything more. Leo's able to put a few things together, and the result is a pair of slumping shoulders and a crestfallen look. "Oy," he murmurs. "I'm gonnae be a real bawbag if I cock this up." Looking back up, he let's out a quiet sigh. "Give me some time, Jemma. It's a lot to think about, and, it's not necessarily the only angle I'm working." The look he gives her, though, it speaks more than words.

He wants her to use discretion, and he wants her to be careful.

"Outside these four walls, Simmons, I'm… just not sure who to trust anymore."

***

Jemma looks on rather sympathetically and nods. "For what it's worth, this person understands what's at risk. He also isn't enamoured with the agency at the moment but doesn't want to see good people hurt because of poor leadership, I'm paraphrasing but that's the gist of it." She shrugs "It is a lot to think about but I'm not sure how much time you really have Fitz. He said he'll be in touch and I'll leave it till then."

It's Simmons turn to reach out and touch Fitzs wrist "I know… it's confusing as hell, not like it wasn't before, it's just more so now."

***

"They put May on administrative leave." This is the way Fitz responds to Jemma's concern. He trust her, and she'd never let him down. Until Jemma had surfaced, he'd started to feel very much alone. Even Agent Coulson hasn't been around. It hasn't been easy. He just sits there for a moment or two, before smiling. "Let's get out of here. Go get a coffee or something. We still have time for coffee breaks, right?"

***

Jemma nods slowly and her look becomes even more serious "May on administrative leave, when we possibly need her the most" She'll leave that be for now. "We absolutely have time for coffee breaks, let's our brains reset. Let's go." Standing, Simmons will let Fitz lead the way.


Back to: RP Logs

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License