xp_logs | (Backdated) Marius, Clarice: Sabbatical

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Clarice and Marius use a chance meeting in the mail room to discuss Life Choices, specifically the one Clarice has currently made.
(Backdated to March 7th)

In a world with online shopping and a mansion that hosted six or seven dozen individuals mail delivery was always an event. Typically whomever was around brought in the packages for general distribution, although depending on the day this might be a multi-trip process. Marius was wondering what sized pile he'd have to dig through for the delivery his phone had so considerately alerted him to when he saw he was not alone. The Australian smiled.

"Clarice, light of my life. Where have you been hiding?"

Sometimes, Clarice was nice. Sometimes. Like right now as she sorted through the boxes and slipped each one into the resident mailbox. They were just little cubbies, so no need to unlock anything to fill the mailboxes. "Bali," she answered, "I can't believe you were in my torture dungeon without me. Rude. You know how much I love to work my misery on you."

Marius turned his gaze away from the loose packages to give her a bright smile. "Only a precaution. Other than the absolute violation of my mind I was perfectly unscathed. No worries, I must still make regular sojourns for bloodwork. I was sorry to hear you were not so fortunate, however. How are your own wounds? No longer oozing, one hopes?

"Definitely not oozing, though they're nicely tight so I don't get to ignore them completely yet," Marius always knew how to make her smile. "Sorry about your brain. Maybe next time we don't let there be a next time?"

"No worries, I've already requested a nice clean headshot for just that eventuality," he replied cheerfully. "So, when may we expect you to grace us with your presence in the Danger Room once more? I've not seen you on the roster yet, and I can always do with a bit more practice against teleportation. It's a bit trickier when I don't have it myself."

Ah. That. "I'm on hiatus from the team," she admitted. "With the exception of some college and grad school, I've been on the team since I was 18 and you know all the shenanigans before that. I'm turning 36 this year. I need...." She shrugged, "to get back to my hobbies and stuff I enjoy that I don't have time for. Travel for fun, not battle. You know. Be a person, not a soldier."

The Australian blinked at her, for a moment caught entirely off guard. They were only a year apart, but he could not remember a time Clarice hadn't been on the team in some capacity. Then the smile returned.

"My congratulations. You of all people are deserving of an extended sabbatical. It is my experience that the mansion is quite conducive to an education in living at the mansion. Which, whilst undoubtedly a specialised skill, does not convey to other aspects of life." A bit wistfully, Marius ran a gloved hand across an unopened package. "Of course, I say that as one who chose quiet disentanglement. I never did understand how you and Kyle managed to keep on as long as you have. I suppose I simply didn't have the right temperament. Did you ever have some alternative in mind? Any particular job?"

She shrugged, "I kinda just thought being purple meant I was here," not entirely true, she had done rotations as part of her PA training and she had experience with various emergency medical organizations. Her resumé for emergency medicine and field medicine read actually quite extensive even without X-Men related events. "But even with an image inducer or being publicly me, I want to be here. The X-Men do good in their way. That's why I'm still working here even if I'm on sabbatical. And I haven't magically lost my skills, if they're needed, I'll go back out."

Marius nodded thoughtfully. "Gratifying as crisis-response may be, ours is not the power to affect meaningful systemic change. In that regard I found my subsequent career choice to be a bit more sustainable. Although," and here he rolled his amber eyes skyward in recollection, "I do admit after working alongside the public sector for some years now I do feel a great yearning for problems which may find their acceptable resolution through a kick to the face. Violence as an option should be a privilege, not an obligation."

She nodded, understanding, "I thought the X-Men did good when I first joined, and I still think they do, but it's not the systemic change needed, you're right. It's not designed for that. And I've accepted those limitations. But... when your only tool is a hammer, a lot of problems suddenly look like nails."

"Correct, although admittedly there are quite a few legitimate nails to be dealt with. Ah," suddenly Marius brightened, "whilst it may not be a systemic solution, I might have a decidedly non-tool-based offer which I might extend you. Jean expressed a desire for a devoted clinic in District X, and I, with my generational wealth and considerable guilt, believe this to be an excellent idea. The reality is some months out yet, of course, but such ventures can always benefit from qualified staff. Full-time, part-time, whatsoever you desire. Adequately compensated, of course. I have seen your collection of swords."

"Everyone should have swords," Clarice intoned, "but yeah, I'm interested. Hit me up closer to opening? Even if I only open and help turn it over to others, there's a need and I've got experience." Gotta love that generational wealth.

The Australian flashed her another sun-bright smile. "Alas, not all of us have a grip that is especially compatible with hilts, but our breadth of experience only makes us stronger. I shall keep your name on file; perhaps a few more from the Medlab would consent to a bit of poaching, at least at the outset. There is much to consider." A likely-looking package caught his eye -- a quick glance confirmed himself to be a recipient. Pleased, Marius hefted the box.

"Ah, here we are. Finally, the exquisitely-tailored means by which I may cover my shame have arrived."

"Marius," Clarice eyed his box, "You don't need that many condoms before they expire. And your tictac isn't that big."

"Gloves," he clarified cheerfully, "Although your confusion is understandable. I do have such a wide assortment of shames to cover, after all. Do you know I had to order a full-body swimsuit thanks to Akkaba? Ah well. At least it reduces my risk of melanoma."

"As someone at high risk for cancer and already had radiation poisoning, go for the least sexy swimsuit ever," she might've taken cute photos in a bikini, but Clarice lived by sun screen, shade. and UV protective swim suits. Sometimes, you had to go with practical not cute. "But gloves, condoms, same difference."

"Ah, innocent Clarice. I've three times the acceptable sets of teeth, two of which are located on the palms of my hands. Trust me when I say this assertion is truer than you could ever imagine."