Warriors

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

The phone rings at Warriors -- the one in the back, out of sight of the customers. Really, only two things ever happen on that line: private calls for Guy, and sometimes the Atom travels through it. The bartender -- who's been startled too many times -- now reflexively checks the caller ID when it rings. Seeing it's an Ivy Town number, he picks up the phone handle and steps back, as Ray Palmer and a young, handsome Chinese man suddenly appear through the phone line.

"Hey," says Ray to the bartender, who orders a couple beers and heads out to grab a table.

"I don't know if I can handle this, Ray," says the young man. "I mean, running around as the Atom is totally cool, and fighting Chronos was awesome, but meeting the Justice League ..."

Ray smiles.

"It'll be fine, Ryan. Trust me, it's better to meet them in a casual environment, first."

Ryan Choi looks unconvinced.

"Right. Becasue casual is so happening right now."

"Have a beer, Doctor Choi. Trust me, if you can map the electron flow at a particle level, you can handle Hal."

Of course, he doesn't know who all Hal's roped into this sit-down, and some of the others are a bite more difficult than particle physics ...

Comments

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

"Arthur?" says Ray, almost disbelieving. "Good to see you."

Arthur never comes out to these things.

"This isn't an intervention, is it?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Of course not.

It's more of a professional assessment.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

"...with beer. What do you want, Arthur? I'm buying."

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

"A professional assessment, eh?" says Ray, coolly, as Ryan fidgets. "Of the new kid or the old guy?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Your replacement, Ray. I fully understand the need to make sure things are right with Jean - once she's no longer being possessed by an evil witch, of course.

That last said with no sarcasm or humour whatsoever.

So, Mr. Choi. Your scholastic record at the University of Beijing was impressive, your subsequent career equally so. Why does a scientist want to become a superhero?

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Oddly, it's the crack about Jean that seems to snap Ryan from being an overwhelmed kid to someone who seems like a world-class (albeit young) scientist.

"Actually, it really wasn't my goal. I mean, I've known Dr. Palmer for years -- we've been corresponding since I was a kid -- but in China, being a superhero means working for the state, and well ..."

He shrugs.

"I came over here to do science, but when someone like Dr. Palmer asks for your help, well, you don't say 'no,' you know?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

So you're going to put on tights and risk your life - repeatedly - because of what exactly? A sense of obligation or debt?

This is important to know.

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Ryan looks at him like he's never considered the question before, and takes a long moment to consider a response.

Palmer smiles and takes a swig of Atlantean Ale as he watches Choi's face go from wide-eyed excitement to passionate-clinical in about a heartbeat.

"I'm a scientist," says Choi. "We solve problems. As the Atom, I've got a chance to help solve some of the biggest, most important problems facing the planet at any given moment. What's risk next to that?"

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

He gives the younger man a long, considering look.

Finally:

All right, I'm satisfied.

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Ryan relaxes a bit. Ray laughs.

"And as a point of information, I'm not nominating Ryan for JLA Membership. Just the science advisor job."

[ex-kingofat.livejournal.com]

Dryly:

Yes, Ray, because advisors always get to stay on the sidelines.

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

"And like I'm not going to want at the quantum mechanics trans-space disturbance up close," says Ryan.

Ray shoots him a look.

"Well, you know I would. How many opportunities do you get to see that sort of thing?"