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

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

Arisia knows Ray. Sure, it is only in that "I know you're with the Justice League and you hang out with Hal" sort of way that she knows a lot of people but that's all she needs, right?

Right.

The girl with the pixie bob haircute that reveals distinctly pointed ears and gogo boots makes her way over to the table, "So, what brings you in for a drink?"

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Ray smiles -- but when he does, it's hard to miss how tired he looks.

"Good to see you, Arisia. Supposed to be meeting Hal here in a bit. You working or can you join us?"

Ryan seems to be quietly staring in awe at the alien woman.

"Ryan, this is Arisia. Arisia, my colleague, Dr. Ryan Choi."

"Uhm, uhm. Hi."

He looks totally embarrassed by his lack of words.

"Ryan's just moved to the U.S. from China."

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

"I'm always working but since Guy made me the manager, I can sit down from time to time." The tired is hard to miss. She doesn't mention it just yet, however.

Instead, she smiles brightly at Ryan, "Welcome. It can be hard to get used to a new place. How are you liking it so far?"

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Ryan glances nervously to Ray before answering.

"Well, it's certainly exciting," he says. "Mostly, I've just been getting set up at the university ... the job came rather suddenly."

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

"Getting everything in place, making a place of your own is always something that seems to take me forever."

Arisia slides into a seat, smiling. There is a look toward Ray, "And you? How are you doing, Ray?"

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

Ray kind of shrugs.

"Got a lot on my plate, dealing with Jean and all."

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

Arisia's expression shadows a little and she reaches out to put her hand on Ray's shoulder.

[reducing-ray.livejournal.com]

There's just a hint of a flinch. He's wound up tighter than a Swiss clock.

[elfinlantern.livejournal.com]

The look of concern in Arisia's eyes frows a bit, "You'll let me know if I can help?"