A Decent Cup of Coffee

[Priya Kaur]

Priya stared at the coffee shop, unable to keep the judgment out of her striking eyes. She let them trail over the front, going all the way up to the sign with its tacky name, and then all the way back down to the entrance. According to all of the locals that Priya had asked, this was the best place to find coffee in town. Considering Kalispell on the whole, Priya was assuming that this wasn't saying much.

She sighed and adjusted her sunglasses before strolling toward the shop. However, instead of opting to immediately enter, she paused and turned to the first person coming. She hesitated only a moment to remind herself to thicken her accent slightly before she spoke:

"Excuse me," ah, yes, very Indian English, "but I have heard that this is the best place in town for a cup of coffee? Would you say this is true? I've been looking all over and I really do wish I had some about now..." Priya put on a shameful smile, adding a little sigh, as if stating that she couldn't quite believe that she'd ended up in this situation and just how very shameful it was.

[Noah Petrowski]

In the good doctor Noah Petrowski’s humble opinion there was nothing like a good cup of coffee to give him the needed “Get up and go” in the morning, but the coffee that was on offer that morning certainly wasn’t a good cup of coffee or even a decent cup of coffee maybe it was because that Petrowski was something you could easily refer to as a coffee snob, not that Noah would find that to be an insult. Quite the contrary in fact. He took great personal pride in the fact he had such high standards when it came to coffee and the coffee at home were truly the stuff of dreams to say the very least. But this? This insult that the staff at this little store had seen fit to dub coffee? He wouldn’t even give it to dogs. Where was the flavour? It tastes just like warm water.

His stay here would surely be a long one if he had to drink coffee like this the entire time…

With a touch of disgust on his face he went to leave the store, when he ran face to face with fellow international officer. Priya Kaur.

Well, things were certainly getting interesting now weren’t they?

Of all the other officers coming to Bellefonte, Miss Kaur was the one that aroused his interest the most…and maybe also made him just a little weary too… Before coming he had done a little research on the other mutant and he was well aware of certain…Stories about Miss Kaur which made her sound like quite the woman Looking at her now she didn’t seem particularly threatening. But then again neither did he… and her power, how easy was it for her to manipulate the thoughts and feelings of others. Her power was quite a deadly one…

But then again. So was his…

He needed to keep an eye on her…Keep on his guard that his emotions weren’t being toyed with. Being a registered doctor he liked to think that he posses great control of his emotions and wouldn’t be so easily manipulated.

If she wanted to try and toy with him Noah was more then willing to fight fire with fire.

“Funny enough it is.Best is a matter of debate however but you’ve come to the right place for coffee at any rate.” Noah said flashing his usual winning smile “I don’t think we’ve met before have we?” He said sketching a little mock bow in front of her “Doctor Noah Petrowski at your service” He said before moving back and gesturing towards the entrance “Would it be too presumptuous to offer to buy you coffee. You’ll have to forgive me, I’ve never been one to turn down the chance for a pleasant early morning discussion.”

[Priya Kaur]

All the people in this town, and Priya would have to stumble upon someone who was visiting. Didn't dim her smile much, though she did wonder what the chances were of her running into yet another international. Sometimes it felt like she dealt more with people from outside of Bellefonte then the residents themselves.

"Ah, yes, I've heard of you," she said, nodding. She'd most definitely heard of him. "I'm Priya Kaur, Director of the Ishvaras Development Institute, though I'm sure you've already heard of me. In fact, I believe that we've been at several functions together, though I can't say I've had the pleasure of actually cornering you." Now that Priya knew who she was addressing, she'd dropped all pretenses of maintaining some sort of accent, instead speaking in the crisp tone that she used most of the time.

"You can most certainly treat me to a cup of coffee," she practically purred. She gestured for Noah to take the lead. "I am assuming that you'll be paying, since you were so generous as to make the offer," and the way Priya spoke, there really wouldn't be an acceptable alternative.

[Noah Petrowski]

She was being perfectly mannerly. Charming and polite not to mention welcoming. However. This did little to lower Noah’s guard when conversing with his fellow international officer. After all she had heard stories about the officer from the director of the Ishvaras Institute even though this was his first real exposure to her. From what he heard she was the very definition of a wolf of sheep clothing. She seemed to have figured out something that Noah had some years ago: It was far more easy to attract flies with honey then vinegar. Her power was a subtle one yet a deadly on to the point where a person might not even being aware it was being used against them. She was a point of interest for Noah for a long time. Making sure to keep an eye out for her whenever they were at a function together, and he had to say: He was looking forward to actually speaking with her, if not to open a new file on her.



“Of course I’m well aware of who you are, I’ve been admiring your…work, for quite some time” Noah smiled I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a number of years. I try to get to know any many of the officers as I can. Educated discussing among my peers is my vice.”



Already his mind was zeroing in on comments made by the woman and her choice of words She didn’t say thank you. Nor did she show any gratitude for Noah’s action, instead she told him she CAN do so. Almost giving him permission to treat her as if that type of behaviour is to be expected. She expected to be treated, pampered as if that was her right.



Interesting…



“Oh, but of course. I’ll be more then happy to” Noah nodded folding his hands behind his back as he walked. He was almost tempted to refused, to see what her reaction would be to someone saying no to her. “and I I turn would naturally assume you’ll return the office in kind the next time

[Priya Kaur]

Priya kept careful attention on the other official. her power extended enough to read him, though the man barely put off enough emotion for her to notice, which was something in itself. Though Priya knew that it was usually the most reserved who were so repressed, almost bursting at the seams, just waiting for someone to give them that least little nudge they'd require to become well and truly debauched.

Priya specialized in little nudges.

They moved forward, and Priya could feel the temptation to refuse her offer/command rising within him. She pasted a smile, knowing full well how some people reacted to her coming on so strong. "I assure you that I most certainly will. We're going to be in the area for months, after all, so it's in our best interest to get to know one another," she nodded and then moved a little closer. Priya looked up at the man and arched a brow. "I don't suppose it's custom in your homeland to escort a woman if you're going to be treating her? I wouldn't want to impose, but it's not often I get a respectable partner in such endeavors."

Unrespectable, on the other hand, she had all the time.

[Noah Petrowski]

Would she attempt to actually to use her powers against Noah? It was certainly possible? In fact giving what he knew about her he was actually surprised that she didn’t do it sooner if certain rumours about her were to be believed (And Noah did have his sources) She used it quite often, clearly enjoying the power it granted over people. This begged the question of course whether she just enjoyed using people as her personal puppets, playing with them as she pleased (A telltale sign of an egomaniac or possibly a sociopath depending if this ability gave her the mindset that she was somehow above other people and the general rules of society, but he couldn’t say for certain at this every stage) or if there something more cunning going on behind those eyes. Certainly Noah had his own personal reasons for coming here “Examining” the Bellefonte’s, getting nicely into the heads of several students, maybe get a full time position here once IMAC was over and of course there was the act of trying to get over his wife’s death so he couldn’t really damn her for that.

Maybe they could help each other out…

Still as they walked, he didn’t feel any strong or misplaced emotions so far but he’ll keep an eye out for it as he observed Priya moved closer to him, Oh yes clearly she she does mean to impose quite a bit, establishing dominance was most likely her brain and butter still if he wanted to keep this civil, friendly and leave this open for a working relationship, well he just needed to swallow that bitter pill.

“As a matter of fact it is?” Noah smiled adjusting his glasses somewhat “and I couldn’t agree more I have to say I’m looking forward to a budding working relationship with you. I’m hoping to take my daughter’s Elena lead and make as many connections as I can” He said leaning forward and offer his arm for her to hook once she did he walked forward and gestured to a free table “Here we are, this table seems just marginally cleaner then the others” He said pulling out a chair for Priya to sit in before taking his own chair “So tell me, Because I’m just dying to know. Your power” Noah scrunched up his face and snapped his fingers rapidly as if he didn’t know exactly what her power was “Emotional manipulation wasn’t it? As a psychiatrist I find that utterly fascinating I’m more then a little envious, in my line of work that could prove very useful to have.”

[Priya Kaur]

Hmm, Priya supposed he might be savvy enough to pick up on her reading him, though there weren't any tell-tale signs of her using her ability on someone. Well, there certainly were signs if she started playing around with his feelings, especially if he were acutely aware of it, so she'd just have to make sure to be subtle, to see how far she could go before he called her on it. After all, what was the fun of having mutant abilities if you weren't going to use them to push limits?

Though she kept those limits in place for the moment, instead opting to listen carefully, judging Noah's words. Form relationships and... ah, Elena. So this was the father in question. Priya wondered if the drop of the name was purposeful of just a father's idyl words. They moved to a table while she pondered, letting Noah take the lead in the conversation.

Fascination, fascination and curiosity: the man read like a scientist, which was somewhat boring, though there was some interest in how those emotions matched up with the words that left his mouth. She didn't believe for an instant that he didn't know precisely what she could do, especially if he'd communicated with his daughter anytime recently.

"It's quite an entertaining power," she replied, smiling. She waved a hand dismissively. "Though I suppose one could say the same about nearly any ability, couldn't one? Your own for instance," she gestured toward him, then moved to grab a menu, as though they were discussing the weather. "Your daughter, Elena," she said, still absent, not looking up till she said the name, "I believe we met. Charming girl," such a horrible, dreadful lie, but one made such lies to a parent.

[Noah Petrowski]

If she was doing anything that Doctor Petrowski would rather that she didn’t she was being very subtle about it, but then again he supposed that, that was to be expected, she wouldn’t have gotten away with it for so many years. If done improperly or in the hands of someone lacking either the intelligence or drive to wheal such a potent ability it would be more then likely their attempts at manipulation would be instantly caught on to. Ruining the game nicely, but clearly she was smarter then that.

There was something to be admired in that…

Of course even the smartest of mutants, need help from time. Noah had plans, plans that haven’t exactly got off the ground at this early stage but they would at some point when the time was right and when it was, it would be wise to have someone of Priya’s…interesting talents.

“Entertaining…interesting choice of words” Noah mused and it was, she could have said “Interesting” or “Useful” Or even an acquired taste; but no. She was “Entertained” by it. More or less admitting she enjoyed using it on people, not exactly the most mature way to handle such power but it seemed to suit her well… “Entertaining? I wouldn’t go that far, fear is hardly something to play around with..Rather a tool to help, what’s the point of being gifted such potent powers is we can’t use them to help others

Despite himself, he felt his smile leave his face once Elena was mentioned. And a spike of anger went through him, if Noah had a emotional weak point, it would be that he was VERY protective of her daughter, Elena was smart she knew that but with this woman’s power…

If she so much as laid a hand on Elena…



“Thank you” His tone even, keeping himself composed “I’m very proud of her, I would hope that she was nothing but friendly. She can be a tad..blunt at times”

[Priya Kaur]

Ah, so the man paid close attention to all the little details. Those were always the most fun, really, especially if Priya could manipulate them just so. Though she suspected that she'd have a lot more difficulty doing so with another mutant, another savvy mutant who did his share of plotting.

"It's all in how you use them, really," said Priya, managing to sound mostly bored. After all, she didn't see any reason to quite share her plans with Dr. Petrowski, at least, not yet. Perhaps when she'd fully entwined his daughter around her finger, she'd consider letting him see a bit more of her. Though she couldn't help but be amused at his insisting they should be using their powers to help people. How backwards was that thinking? It almost sounded like something that the school here would propose, and the thought just made Priya want to laugh derisively.

Instead, she got to play around with a father/daughter relationship. "Oh, it was quite the... promising exchange," replied Priya, keeping her tone light, waving a hand absently. "I'm certain that we got to know each other quite well. But of course she would have told you about all that...?" she looked directly into his eyes, raising one brow ever so slightly. "Unless you don't share that sort of thing with one another?"

[Noah Petrowski]

All the world was a play and Noah was merely another player within it and rest assured he was very good at playing his role, namely that of the kindly understanding Psychiatrist that merely wanted to help the people that he was surrounded by. He always felt like he had settled for his spot as a Psychiatrist, he was an very ambitious man and very lofty ideas not only for the school but for the entire mutant race and if may be so bold to say, one of the more intelligent people St. Cadou had produced. He didn’t think that was boastful to say in the least, he didn’t enjoy bragging or egotistical claims which is why he didn’t partake in them, what he was doing was stating facts, and cold fact of the matter was if fate didn’t throw a baby girl in his path odds are he would be the head of St.Cadou, but Noah wasn’t one to complain he found the activity unproductive. In every drawback there was a hidden opportunity to be found.

So for the year he had played his part with one hand outstretched and one hidden sharpening a knife, waiting for a moment he can pounce.

“…and from what I’ve heard, your particular use for them is unique” He shot back ever so calmly leaning back in his chair and taking a moment to check his watch, he was a busy man after all. The woman was good great even, but had seen her in action from a far once or twice. Tut-Tut Miss Kaur. She does like to indulge herself didn’t she? Indulging her own ego, indulging her lust for control, indulging her….desires. The thing about indulgences however no matter what they are, you end of paying for them in the end. “In any case, how are you finding it in the mutant heartland? I haven’t been back here for a number of years. Ever since well, The “Incident” that was caused after myself and dear departed William Bellefonte got into an argument and I was thrown out…” He sighed before shrugging he was such a dramatic man”

Noah did he best to keep a calm façade as she spoke of his daughter. She was playing games with him, trying to get a reaction, this what people like her do. They crave knowing that they’re gotten under his skin. To anger Noah was to show that she had power over him and she could play games with him. Well he wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.

Even though the mental images being thrown at him was making him more then a little angry as any father would be… He was protective of Elena and if she thought she would lay her hands on her “No, in fact; she never mentioned you. She much have thought it not important enough to bring up in conversation, but I’m glad you two are becoming such close friends”

[Priya Kaur]

Ah, Dr. Petrowski was proving to be one of the few kinds of people who could resist Priya in some form or fashion. Those with strong emotional ties and beliefs could fight against her from swaying them overmuch, and other empaths could often see right through her abilities, though Priya liked to think that she could generally overpower them. Dr. Petrowski was one of the fewer, those that had perfect control over their emotions. Not emotionless: that was nearly impossible for a human to actually manage, but so much in control that from the outside, the difference would be marginal.

Though at least he flattered Priya, which served her well enough. "There are certain indulgences to enjoy," she fluttered her hand again. She was tactfully neglecting to comment on anything regarding the incident the good doctor spoke of. She'd heard rumors about the falling out but hadn't done quite as much research into it as she arguably should. Until now, Dr. Petrowski's game and hers hadn't intersected, after all.

"His granddaughters, well, at least one, seem to have inherited his flare. Shame that they're taking the reins too young, and I can't say I wholly approve of this new direction," admitted Priya, adding a sigh. She moved to gather up her coffee again, since that had been the original purpose of their being here. Priya did still want that, after all, especially if she was going to keep playing mind games.

"Can't imagine why she'd keep it a secret from you," Priya wondered aloud, "considering what we've been up to. Well, I suppose that's the prerogative of the young," she turned to look toward the counter. "Do you suppose we have to go up to get our drinks? Or should I try to get someone's attention?" Priya practically purred the last few words, clearly looking forward to the opportunity of showing off again.

[Noah Petrowski]

It was true that he made it a point to keep a firm grasp on his emotions at all times, in his line of work he found it best to separate heart from his head at all times. A man in his position couldn’t afford to let certain feelings cloud his ability to make decisions, that’s what separated him from the pack. Where most people hesitated with doing the unpleasant and wrestled with the moral implications of it. He was cold and clinical, not wasting a moment to do what he feels needs to be done. That’s not to say he was some kind of emotional robot nor did he pretend to be. For example he was self aware that he had certain anger issues and that he was still in grief on the death of his wife. However he felt like he had those particular emotions nicely under control and dealing with them in his own way. It wasn’t like he was going to fall to pieces at the slightest mention of Lana. Which in all honestly Noah would expect Priya to bring up if she was looking for some kind of emotional response, the death of a loved one would be an obvious sore spot. Maybe she just wasn’t aware. This was why Noah didn’t fear Priya nor what she was capable of. He was mildly curious certainly. But fear? No.

"Indulgences are things I made a point to avoid” Noah said adjusting his glasses slightly “Most of them are gratifying in short term but in the long term they’re harmful at best. At worse addicting. I prefer to keep a clear head at all times” It would appear that Noah and Priya differed greatly she Hs no problem letting her hair down and take joy in all sorts of pleasure her kind of fun can get her and that’s fine. Noah simply has a much more controlled life style and had no time for those type of activities.

“Oh, I’m not too harsh upon his granddaughters. Given the circumstances I would say they are making an admirable attempt,. They've had a lot thrown at them at such a young age they don’t know any better. Merely following their grandfathers flawed vision. It might take years before they leave their own mark. They have to right the good ship Bellefonte first” Noah couldn’t help but feel the recent events has validated his opinion on William Bellefonte. The man was for all intents and purposes immortal living for well over a hundred years and if the shooting didn’t happen odds are he would have outlived them all…and yet he had no back up plan? No idea what to do on the day he couldn’t fulfill his duties? No qualified successor of any kind?

He really was a pathetic man “It’s a shame what happened to him. I would have liked to say good bye”

“Oh yes of course” Noah said shaking his head and puffing out his cheeks “Do forgive me, I always seem to get distracted easily. By all means call someone over” Noah afforded himself a small smile “I would imagine that would be more fun for you

[Priya Kaur]

Shame that Petrowski didn't seem to have any chinks in his armor. The only thing that Priya could find was his daughter, and even that seemed less a chink and more a slight divot. Technically Priya could use that, push and twist and insist until something happened, but she didn't particularly feel like it at the moment. They could keep seeing things differently so long as they didn't interfere with one another's games.

Though they did seem to disagree on a few things: "The ship may have been tilting, but giving it to a pair of children isn't the way to right it," she replied, keeping her tone light. Oh, she already had her plan set in motion, and she didn't need anyone else knowing about the details. Even some of her major players didn't understand Priya's full game. She'd been working too hard to set up all her pieces.

Shame: "Shame isn't the word I would use. Opportunity, perhaps," she smiled as she finished, before leaning. She gestured and called, snapping her fingers to effectively summon a rather harassed looking young man. Priya prattled off a moderately complicated order in a clipped tone, before looking over at Noah, her eyebrow raised expectantly. He was, after all, there to indulge himself slightly as well.

Somehow, Priya suspected he'd be ordering decaf.

[Noah Petrowski]

There was a boy that was once a patient of Noah’s many years ago, he couldn’t strictly remember for the life of him (Which was a rarity for him admittedly) In truth he wasn’t a terribly unique interested case. Typical teenager acting out for attention, smoking when he shouldn’t drugs, skipping class your typical paint by numbers little hell raiser but the thing that he always remembered about him was during one of their sessons he describes a traumatic moment in his child hood where he was sent to hospital covered in bee stings after he came across a hornet net and decided to kick it multiple times. Noah asked him why would he do such a stupid thing and he just shrugged his shoulders calmly

“Because I wanted to see what would happen. Besides who was stopping me?”

That answer echoed in his mind as spoke to Pyier.

“I agree” He answered simply it’s not only a terribly immature and extremely ill fitting solution to a problem but also is a disaster wanting to happen. But yet-“ Noah paused taking a moment to slick back his hair “It hasn’t, at least not yet, which is far more then I personally expected for them.” Admittedly Noah’s expectations for the Bellefonte’s very low indeed, but for two teenage girls they should be commanded for the fate that the school hasn’t descended into mayhem quite yet. Noah gave credit where credit was due.

Just as things were getting interested, this conversation was interrupted by being asked for an order, Noah quickly snapped off a basic order of coffee nothing too complex if anything he wanted the man to go away because this was just getting interesting “You speak of Opportunity, of righting ships….” Noah said suddently leaning forward more then a little curious. “It sounds to me you’re planning to avail of these opportunities” That wasn’t a question. It was a statement of fact yet his voice was still friendly “Would you care to elaborate? Curiosity breeds the question you understand, I don’t expect you to tell me, judging from the fact I’m not drooling over you, or in some kind of emotional turmoil at the moment, you’re not using your talents against me and therefore I’m not of any worth to you. Therefore you have no reason to tell me. Correct?

What was the point in dancing around the subject, Noah knew her MO why play some kind of game that he was ignorant of such thing

[Priya Kaur]

Priya smiled as Noah continued, agreeing with her assessment. Her opinions of the Bellefonte girls wasn't quite as low as Dr. Petrowski's. She'd encountered Erika and Elsa before. The twins had good heads on their shoulders and the right attitude. Given a few more years of training and either or could have been quite the threat to Priya.

Hence the talk about righting ships. Priya nodded as Dr. Petrowski continued. The last comment had her chuckling. "Everyone seems to think I have complete control over how they feel. It's rather ludicrous, really," she flipped a hand dismissively. "I have to build upon something. I could," she smiled at Noah, "fill you up with entirely false emotions if I wanted to. But someone as astute and aware of their emotional balance as yourself would very quickly deduce that their emotions have been toyed with. The only way it could be worse is if you were an empath yourself."

Priya paused for a moment, then shrugged almost dismissively: "Or homosexual. Homosexual empaths might as well be my Kryptonite," she paused as the server came back, producing their orders for them. Priya actually smiled, mildly surprised that they'd gotten everything right. She cupped her mug in both hands and took a sip, pausing to close her eyes and smile, simply enjoying the pleasure of the moment.