Marauders #1: Homecoming

[Longshot]

Hellfire London - Black Parlour

< One thing that Simon had learned in his encounters with both The Birds of Prey and The Six was that mutants loved monologues as much as they loved metaphors, so it was kind of comforting to realize that their European counterparts were the same. Though it was done with a bit more refinement here in London. Daniel had lead with a veiled threat, and though Simon had attempted to interject, it was clear that his part in all of this was not participant but as a spectator. They had relationships that were far deeper with each other than any he had, and he had been in orbit of The Six long enough to know that outsiders were considered hostile until proven otherwise. It was a fool's game to try and insert yourself in this kind of business, so he listened. >

Archer: "I would be remiss if I said I wasn't interested in hearing you out, Daniel. I'm just simply surprised. In my experience in Hellfire, there are those born to lead, and there are those who simply want to follow - and you've always been a follower, Reed."

< Simon cocked a bemused eyebrow, running his hands through his blonde hair as he took another sip of his cocktail. This was all very curious. He had just met Daniel in that short amount of time, he knew Daniel to be a man who had crafted such realistic illusions and emotions that both Simon and Maxine were convinced she had killed him in cold blood. Why would somebody not want somebody like him on their side? Even if he was a bit of an asshole? Especially considering that Archer seemed a bit of an asshole himself. >

Archer: "Your affliction with mess and germs don't just apply to your physical body. It applies to your whole life. You don't like to get your hands dirty. You LIKE being a number two. You LIKE having somebody in front of you who's stronger than you. Someone who has to take responsibility. You were Rebecca's pup. We all knew that. You joined the rebellion in the eleventh hour only when you KNEW it was a certainty that Rebecca would fail. In fact, most of us thought you were a mole. We were only convinced of your loyalty when you delivered the fatal blow to Chameleon. And even then, we didn't trust you."

< He really had no knowledge of this supposed uprising in Hellfire London, but it was clear it was something that caused a lot of people a lot of pain and strife. It seemed stupid to him. So many powerful mutants in one room and all they could was think of ways to destroy each other. In America it had gotten so bad that there were multiple teams formed solely for the purpose for protecting their kind and the humans from Hellfire. Here it felt like Hellfire was some kind of badge of honor, some designation that made them better from other mutants. It was intriguing to hear Archer speak with such knowledge of Daniel, because despite their shared moments of vulnerability on The Marauder, he was a very closed off person. >

Daniel: "I stayed loyal to my Queen because I was loyal. You may not like my methods or my motives or how I choose to operate, but there is one characteristic I have that trumps most of my shortcomings. My loyalty. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. I've never been a tank, because that has never been my role. You're right, I don't like mess, which is why I am fighting with every fiber of my being to not take a wet wipe to those filthy nail beds of yours...but I am nobody's pup. What I am is an omega level mutant who has a level of control over his power to such a degree that I don't need to flex my bicep to make a point. And let's not forget...If I wanted your trust, I could easily force it."

< Simon found himself a bit entranced by this exchange. He was relieved to have his suspicions that Daniel was suffering from a rather severe case of OCD confirmed, but more than that, he appreciated Daniel not backing down. In the short time he knew the man, he had a strong character. He made decisions for his own reasons and he stood behind them, which in Hellfire was rare. And the amount of control he seemed to have over his own body, environment and power, was something worth noting. >

Archer: "The Red Throne was yours to take...but you didn't. You let Bretta and Alistair rise to rule the kingdom, and then you went to go suckle the TEET of Helena Quartermaine in America, because you didn't think that we knew what we were doing. Your snobbery has been entertaining at parties, but whilst you've enjoyed taking the piss out of us over the years, you never really realized that the butt of the joke....was YOU."

"Hey now, I haven't known him for very long, but I don't think anybody would accuse Daniel of being funny enough to be a joke."

< Their endless back and forthe continued. Daniel accused Archer of being a pawn in a larger game of espionage and Archer returned the favor by accusing him of being...well a pussy that couldn't take control of things when he needed to. Simon wished they could just stop this nonsense long enough to reach some kind of agreement. >

Archer: I was making myself KNOWN, and that's something you've NEVER understood about Hellfire. It's not just about relationships, it's not just about social subterfuge. It's about having the BALLS to dance in flames that want to BURN you, and walking out unscathed. You've never once done that Daniel. You've never once shown ANYONE that might want to follow you exactly why they should... So forgive me. I may be desperate, but I am not about to hand someone a court based on document or PEDIGREE. You want to rule The Red Court? You're gonna have to prove to me why you CAN, not why you SHOULD. So...care to elaborate?""

Daniel: "The Black Queen wanted your father's business, and she wanted you all for herself. But he would never budge...so she took matters into her own hands, and asked for a favor from the red court - specifically from me. All I had to do was to stoke the rage of your father's competitor just enough that he might want to try and shoot the man in broad daylight, and wouldn't you know it, Archie...he did. And then...well it was just a matter of stoking YOUR rage to get you to take his entire operation out of commission and make you feel....hopeful that Hellfire might be your best option to do that. Evelyn got your assets, ones she made sure to share generously with the red court, and she got her weapon - YOU."

"Oh shit."

< Hearing this kind of story made him reflect for a moment on his own life. Having both of his parents so deeply involved in Hellfire, it seemed like a logical conclusion that at some point, they might have wanted him to be a part of it. Both Daniel and Maxine seemed to be bred for the sole purpose of taking on roles in The Inner Circle, but that had never come for Simon. Never once. Looking back, they must have known about his power. And the nature of his power would have been a very sought after skill in a place like The Hellfire Club, or so he thought. He wondered exactly..for a moment, if his parents really had been protecting him from turning out like the three people in front of him, or if he was such a failure that they found no value in grooming him for service. Thankfully, he also realized the vitriol in Daniel's statement and immediately lashed out with his power, noting that Archer would suddenly find himself unable to move or speak, only listen. Simon smirked. This was one of the few times he had actively controlled his power, so he put his whole ass into it, keeping Archer there listening. >

Daniel: "Archer I am going to attempt to say this in the most delicate way I am able to - had a wealthy criminal not whisked you away from obscurity, poverty and the other abject horrors the slums of East London have to offer, you yourself would not be here. You simply wouldn't matter. He made you what you are. And while I will not return the favor of ignoring your own accomplishments - you have built his empire into a global crime syndicate, you are no more a pawn than anybody else here. And the fact that you sit in front of me so righteous in your belief that you truly fought your way to the crown that now sits on your head is laughable."

< It was a bit snobbish, but Archer had been kind of an asshole. He continued his hold over Archer. >

Daniel: "Now...to answer your question. Hellfire currently has an optics problem. Your uprising coupled with the current war waging overseas in America is going to leave a vast majority of our members feeling uncomfortable. The floodgates have been opened, it will not take long for contracts to dry out, for investors to back out, and for general support to be withdrawn. I am a socialite of the highest order. I am the embodiment of everything the red court stands for. You may laugh at my pedigree, but it is my secondary mutation. When people see a banner under my family name, they will be comforted. They will know that everything their own families have fought for over the years are not to be forgotten. More than that, now that three members of senior leadership within the red court have been murdered in less than a year, you are facing another uprising of your own. Those of of us who wear red may prefer to operate behind the scenes, but do not underestimate us. There are those among us who would burn this court to the ground if they thought the other two courts had declared us to be an enemy."

"Seems like he has a point, Archer. You kill enough people, eventually someone is going to ask some questions. This doesn't look good. And something tells me you wouldn't have met with us if you weren't worried about public opinion."

Daniel: "We are MUTANTS, who decided to consolidate power in such a way that we uplift each other. That we USE that power, not to FLEX it over our own kind, but to ensure that all of us enjoy continued success in spite of humans. We are the ones who run the world, and we can no longer entertain this stupid notion that our actual enemies are each OTHER. Anyone who threatens our solidarity is the enemy. You may think me a blueblood, Archer, but anyone who knows me, knows I bleed red, no matter where on the bloody planet I might be. Now...I'm not expecting a huge coronation, but at the very least might we be able to pull together a luncheon or a high tea to celebrate my ascension?"

"Now THIS seems like the conversation we SHOULD be having. Why is Hellfire so interested in eating it's own instead of uplifting those who've already pledged allegiance to the flag? I don't give a shit about a coronation, but he makes several good points and it doesn't seem like you have anybody else at the ready with his kind of reputation to lead. We came here looking for answers about the whereabout of Talisman and Viper. Give him his crown, we tell you what we know about Hellfire America, and then we can negotiate terms for a better future. One where you have a hell of a lot better standing in the courts than you do now. Sound good?"

 

[Avalanche]

Daniel: "I stayed loyal to my Queen because I was loyal. You may not like my methods or my motives or how I choose to operate, but there is one characteristic I have that trumps most of my shortcomings. My loyalty. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. I've never been a tank, because that has never been my role. You're right, I don't like mess, which is why I am fighting with every fiber of my being to not take a wet wipe to those filthy nail beds of yours...but I am nobody's pup. What I am is an omega level mutant who has a level of control over his power to such a degree that I don't need to flex my bicep to make a point. And let's not forget...If I wanted your trust, I could easily force it."

"Oh Danny boy, you aren't the only omega running around Hellfire Europe and you're not the only one with the ability to quote great works of literature. You may be able to subdue the enemy but...cue the airquotes... [mockingly] one may know how to conquer without being able to DO it."

Daniel: "You think you've somehow created a better Inner Circle? You didn't - you set a precedent that when you don't like something you destroy it. And now no matter who serves as your Knight or your Princess or your Rook, you will always have to look over your shoulder. Because you all proved that loyalty means nothing. That the only way to move forward is to kill the thing standing in your way. I don't share that belief, but it's becoming quite apparent that this new generation of Hellfire, on both shores, is going through some sort of identity crisis."

"Do you really not understand it, Daniel? Or are you playing coy? You still retain that old school Hellfire way of thinking. If we didn't upset the status quo we'd all still be rooks and knights and princesses. Familiarity breeds contempt. We showed our club that we prioritize innovation, that we exalt people who have the bullocks to move us into the future. We showed our club that there is MORE than being a PAWN your entire life. That if you have the belief, that if you have the motivation, the gumption, the GALL...then there is a place for you at our table. Something that is more than helping a queen decide what evening gown she wants to wear that evening. I'd take our new generation over your played out, calculated, foregone conclusion any day of the bloody week."

Daniel: "This wasn't your rebellion, Fairchild. It was Liam and Juliette's. They came to you and Brienne first because you've both always been so willing to flop your dicks on the table and force everyone to look at them. You both were easily swayed. And no offense to our recently departed, but intelligence was not a quality either of them had in spades. The White Court spent all of five minutes dangling a carrot in front of you, and you snapped at it immediately. I went back to the states because it was clear that this power upset was going to have ramifactions, and since I have dual citizenship in both the American and European branches, I fetl it my civic duty to see where our American counterparts would land. It's called being a tactician. Because in the wake of the fall of Hellfire America, guess who has insight as to what happened? Guess who knows what you don't? I do."

"You went to America because you were NEUTERED, Daniel. Let's call a spade a spade. We engineered this around you because we KNEW you couldn't be trusted. And honestly, it's quite offensive, how little regard you give the Black Court. I am the SON of the most BRUTAL Black King outside of Jean Luc Dupont that this club has ever known. And my Queen? Despite your clammering, she enjoys a status the likes of which you will NEVER know. We are the ravens of this court. Nothing gets done without us. We are ALWAYS looped in because our allies know that the BLACKNESS of courts extends to the color of the very souls that RUN it. You speak as if Liam and Juliette charmed us...used their wiles. They didn't. They approached us as humans who have just as much invested in this place as WE do, and we AGREED with them. Hellfire moves like an ocean. There is always one court who leads us...and right now, white has the ambition we need. We know when to let somebody control the sails. And nobody is interested in your dual citizienship. As if all of us havent been watching with baited breath the moment both you AND Maxine left our shores."

Daniel: "The Black Queen wanted your father's business, and she wanted you all for herself. But he would never budge...so she took matters into her own hands, and asked for a favor from the red court - specifically from me. All I had to do was to stoke the rage of your father's competitor just enough that he might want to try and shoot the man in broad daylight, and wouldn't you know it, Archie...he did. And then...well it was just a matter of stoking YOUR rage to get you to take his entire operation out of commission and make you feel....hopeful that Hellfire might be your best option to do that. Evelyn got your assets, ones she made sure to share generously with the red court, and she got her weapon - YOU."

Archer gritted his teeth as he eyed Daniel with a steely and intense resolve. Growing up in the east end, he had met a lot of people who wanted to discount his lineage over the years. For a long time it had been a soft spot within him. They may have not shared blood, but Michael Fairchild had raised him. Had taught him more than just the ropes, but the meaning of life, and Archer had taken that to heart. He may have been a drug addled harlot, but he wasn't stupid. Archer played his role in Hellfire well, far better than anyone gave him credit for, outside of Brienne, and he wasn't about to let some pup with a pedigree make short work of him. Perhaps it was time for Daniel, to learn the truth. The Black King took a long sip of his drink, finishing it before setting it on the table and waiting for it to replaced in front of him.

"It never ceases to amaze me...the amount of mental gymnastics you [mockingly] legacy members do in order to feel important and to rewrite history in your favor. The fact of the manner [even more mockingly] Danny boy, was that Evelyn and I had an understanding. I loved Michael. He was my father. The man who taught me how to truly operate in this world...but he was short sighted. He loved to be a big fish in a small pond. And it was the very lessons that he taught me, that gave me the tools I needed....to make his death benefit me exclusively. I was in the prime of my life. Evelyn talked a big game. She had an ambition that was bloody legendary. Father was always preoccupied with what he had, never what it all could be. So when she laid a path out to me, of how I could be King...of how I could rule Hellfire WITH her, well..who was I to deny her? You really weren't that important. You were a tool...one that both of us used to secure our futures. I took the Fairchild Family, and I MADE them what they are today. Subzero. A multi-functioning crime syndicate the likes of which the world has never known. YOU were her weapon, Daniel. *I* was her partner. We are not the same, and we never will be. And despite your wanton pedigree, I find it remiss of myself to not let you know that.

Daniel: "Archer I am going to attempt to say this in the most delicate way I am able to - had a wealthy criminal not whisked you away from obscurity, poverty and the other abject horrors the slums of East London have to offer, you yourself would not be here. You simply wouldn't matter. He made you what you are. And while I will not return the favor of ignoring your own accomplishments - you have built his empire into a global crime syndicate, you are no more a pawn than anybody else here. And the fact that you sit in front of me so righteous in your belief that you truly fought your way to the crown that now sits on your head is laughable."

Archer laughed heartily.

"And if your miserable father hadn't cum inside your mum, you wouldn't be here either. The fact of the matter is, I AM here. More than that, I AM KING. My path here, is REALLY not up for debate, especially if your argument is that you've failed to secure a crown despite your own birthright."

Daniel: "Now...to answer your question. Hellfire currently has an optics problem. Your uprising coupled with the current war waging overseas in America is going to leave a vast majority of our members feeling uncomfortable. The floodgates have been opened, it will not take long for contracts to dry out, for investors to back out, and for general support to be withdrawn. I am a socialite of the highest order. I am the embodiment of everything the red court stands for. You may laugh at my pedigree, but it is my secondary mutation. When people see a banner under my family name, they will be comforted. They will know that everything their own families have fought for over the years are not to be forgotten. More than that, now that three members of senior leadership within the red court have been murdered in less than a year, you are facing another uprising of your own. Those of of us who wear red may prefer to operate behind the scenes, but do not underestimate us. There are those among us who would burn this court to the ground if they thought the other two courts had declared us to be an enemy."

Archer smirked. For years, he had secretly enjjoyed the rows of going back and forth with Daniel, and while he hadn't anticipated Daniel going the revolutionary route, it was a welcome development. Daniel was galvanized towards a cause, and this would sit well with both Liam, Juliette and Brienne. He was misinformed but it was this kind of passion the European Inner CIrcle needed if they were going to survive. Liam had ensured Archer that Daniel was the right prospect, and this confirmed it. Now all that was left to do was...close the deal.

"This is where we agree, Daniel. This war is one of ideology. For as forward thinking as our court is right now, we would be stupid to ignore the past..to ignore you. Bretta and Alistair were never our first choices. But you forced our hands. We expected you to stand up...but you sat down. And that's on you...but it doesn't mean we can't change the future..."

Daniel: "We are MUTANTS, who decided to consolidate power in such a way that we uplift each other. That we USE that power, not to FLEX it over our own kind, but to ensure that all of us enjoy continued success in spite of humans. We are the ones who run the world, and we can no longer entertain this stupid notion that our actual enemies are each OTHER. Anyone who threatens our solidarity is the enemy. You may think me a blueblood, Archer, but anyone who knows me, knows I bleed red, no matter where on the bloody planet I might be. Now...I'm not expecting a huge coronation, but at the very least might we be able to pull together a luncheon or a high tea to celebrate my ascension?"

Simon: "Now THIS seems like the conversation we SHOULD be having. Why is Hellfire so interested in eating it's own instead of uplifting those who've already pledged allegiance to the flag? I don't give a shit about a coronation, but he makes several good points and it doesn't seem like you have anybody else at the ready with his kind of reputation to lead. We came here looking for answers about the whereabout of Talisman and Viper. Give him his crown, we tell you what we know about Hellfire America, and then we can negotiate terms for a better future. One where you have a hell of a lot better standing in the courts than you do now. Sound good?"

"I've known you since you gave your graduation speech at Brighton College. You are a mutant of the highest pedigree, and while most of the time that sickens me, I cannot ignore it's benefits. You love this place, Daniel. You care about what happens to us... Full transparency, from the moment you arrive I was authorized to give you a crown. I just needed to know that you wanted it, and that you bought into our vision. We want to rule the world. On our terms. And we will, as long as you respect our place in the heirarchy as well as your own. I am The Black King. Brienne is my queen. And there is no mountain I won't move for her. We may be platonic rulers, but there is no one I trust more than her. You move against her? It means you move against me, and I will END anyone who moves against US. Or against Liam and Juliette for that matter. If you decide you can work with us, the red kingdom is YOURS. So get it out of your system now, any misconceptions you might have, any transgressions you might need to work against in order to work with us. You want to be KING, Daniel? Done. Welcome to the club...again."

He turned his attention to Simon and gave a smirk.

"And I don't need your intel on Hellfire America, blondie. But I appreciate the gesture."

 

[Domino]

Hellfire London Estate

Maxine had endured enough of the flopping dick contest she was witnessing between Archer and Daniel and she was just about to bash both of them upside the head and go find Liam or Juliette, but THANKFULLY, it appeared they were done for the moment as Archer, surprisingly offered up the red court to Daniel. It was clear to Maxine that Alistair and Bretta died at the hands of Enchantrah and Talisman. For this inner circle to so quickly welcome one of her closer allies with open arms after such a direct attack was certainly a choice. But perhaps they were giving Helena enough rope to hang herself. If she had done this to give Daniel an opening, then it would make sense that at some point, she might return. Perhaps they were biding their time to seek revenge, or perhaps they would be willing to work with the women. Thankfully, Hellfire was not Maxine's problem, at least not long term. Her only goal was to get Jessica the freedom she promised and to wipe Kelly Shaw from existence. She exhaled loudly, not wanting to engage in politicking, but ready to play whatever game came next to get to Viper. She took a sip of her drink.

Archer: "You want to be King, Daniel? Done. Welcome to the club...again."

"Now kiss."

Archer: "And I don't need your intel on Hellfire America, blondie. But I appreciate the gesture."

[smirking]

"You've made a strong showing here, Archie, but don't get too big for your britches. The only intel you have is what I decided you should get. I played seneschal for America for months. You were fed what you needed to know, and that was mostly what benefitted them, or more specifically Diana. There ARE things you need to know, things that can help you navigate what is to come..."

Maxine finished her drink as she slid the glass across the table and gestured the bartender to refill her glass.

"Hellfire America is begging for a hostile takeover. The dust won't even get the chance to settle before somebody moves to take control. My money is on Davidoff or Cassadine. Possibly both. Even if Haleigh's loverboy really does pull off the impossible and destroys Malice, i've been where she is...standing there, looking at Hellfire and realizing that despite it being a cesspool of pain and trauma, that it's also a well of power. Power you don't necessarily WANT to take...but power you'd rather have in your own hands than anyone else's. I recognized the look in her eyes when she entered, and I know she's not done dancing in the flames...."

She stopped for a moment. Maxine had quite a bit in common with Haleigh these days, and she knew just how deep the emotional ties to Hellfire were. Even now, despite every fiber of her being telling her to walk out the door, go rogue and find Jessica on her own, she couldn't help but feel....responsible for the place. For the club itself. Her best shot at finding both Jessica and Alek was to continue to play the game, which is exactly what Hellfire wanted...and expected...and required. She would never truly be free of this place, and she hated herself a little bit for pressing on.

"I want nothing to do with Hellfire. My goals are fairly singular and straightfoward, but I can help you navigate through this. And Archer before you even consider another soliloquy about the greatness of Hellfire Europe, I ask you to cut the shit. My skill is unmatched and my record is impeccable, and quite frankly, none of you would be where you are without my fucking help, so spare me."

[flatly]

"My help is contingent on two things - One? I need whatever information you have on the whereabouts of Kelly Shaw and what she is up to. and Two? You actively search for Aleksander Hallbjörn and extract him from Helena's custody. The first is business and the second is personal. If and when Alek is found, he will be granted amnesty in Europe. If things go like I think they will, Ava will welcome him back to the states with open arms and spread legs....it will show you are willing to play ball with the Americans, and it will grease the wheels in terms of diplomacy. You're welcome."

Maxine grabbed her refreshed drink.

"Now spill it. What the hell were Kelly and Helena doing here and WHERE are they?"

 

[Longshot]

Domino:"Hellfire America is begging for a hostile takeover. The dust won't even get the chance to settle before somebody moves to take control. My money is on Davidoff or Cassadine. Possibly both. Even if Haleigh's loverboy really does pull off the impossible and destroys Malice, i've been where she is...standing there, looking at Hellfire and realizing that despite it being a cesspool of pain and trauma, that it's also a well of power. Power you don't necessarily WANT to take...but power you'd rather have in your own hands than anyone else's. I recognized the look in her eyes when she entered, and I know she's not done dancing in the flames...."

< Simon found himself identifying with Maxine in a way he hadn't anticipated. Ever since he had found himself in this world of supers, he had been longing for purpose. Finding out his family were deep supporters of Hellfire, his knee jerk reaction had been to rally against it, to try and use whatever reputation he had to fight it. And it had been met with resistance. In fact, his mother had all but pledged her undying support into seeing him fail. For the last few months he had been freefalling. His privilege had earned him nothing, and he had more questions than answers. Something about listening to both Daniel and Archer's impassioned responses awakened something within him. He was sick of being a victim, of being a bystander in his own story. And while it was clear that his efforts to subvert the status quo would not be respected, he couldn't help but to feel drawn to their side. Like it or not, his family had sided with Hellfire, and if they weren't going to let him in on the secret, he had no choice but to find answers for himself. >

Domino: "My help is contingent on two things - One? I need whatever information you have on the whereabouts of Kelly Shaw and what she is up to. and Two? You actively search for Aleksander Hallbjörn and extract him from Helena's custody. The first is business and the second is personal. If and when Alek is found, he will be granted amnesty in Europe. If things go like I think they will, Ava will welcome him back to the states with open arms and spread legs....it will show you are willing to play ball with the Americans, and it will grease the wheels in terms of diplomacy. You're welcome."

< He grittted his teeth as he remembered what got him into this mess - Ava Cassadine. He had fought her on the streets of New York. She seemed so removed from the woman he had met months prior. She tried to kill him. And then he had witnessed her trying to protect Alek - her lover, from harm's way. He didn't love Ava. But he was confused as to how he felt. Their affair had been brief, but he had held her in her sleep when she cried, he had been there for her, on her terms, whenever she needed. And her screams stayed with him. Especially after the Purifier Event. He had been by her side as she wept the loss of mutant children charred in a bus, and she had never acknowledged it. In fact, she had moved on so quickly that it had given him whiplash. He didn't know exactly what he wanted from Ava, but it started with a thank you. One he was sure he wouldn't get. >

"As much as I hate it - she's right. Alek was important to Ava. She'd give anything to have him back. Or anyone. Unfortunately."

[laughing]

"But enough about me. Maxine is a man of her word. And I have no qualms about following her into the fire...as deep as it can get. This is a PR crisis, nothing more. You admonish the former inner circle, you risk dying. You make room for them? It gives you agency. One photo of you rubbing elbows together is worth more than some of our networth. You'd be stupid to ignore Max."

Daniel: "Now you're getting it, Si-."

"I try."

Daniel: "Stop trying. Just do. You want information? You want to know how deep your family is in this? Take a seat at my table. Be my bishop."

"What?"

Daniel: "I'm not kidding. It's clear I don't have much choice when it comes to appoontments on my court. But I trust you. You are a Pratt. You don't know what that means, but I do. I can teach you, and you can learn. I can show you what your parents wanted to protect. But only if you agree. So....would you be my Bishop?"

< Simon was throttled. >

"How do I know you aren't just manipulating me? Manipulating my emotions?"

Daniel: "You don't. That's where the trust comes into play. Look...Simon. You don't have a leg to stand on here. You came about this whole situation by luck. By catching Maxine at the right moment. You've been using your power this whole time. And it's kept you safe. But i'm not interested in safe[/i[. You are a legacy member of this club, and you are being called to service. It's really as simple as that. Help me, help us. You want to help Maxine, you want answers to your past. I can help you do both. All i am asking for...is trust. Do you trust that I have your best interests at heart?"

< He did, but he couldn't be sure that it wasn't manipulation at Daniel''s hands. >

"I do. I trust you, Daniel."

< Maybe he was wrong, but he couldn't ignore such a brazen platitude. >

"I will be your bishop."

[flatly[

"But I do not care what happens to Alek."

 

[Avalanche]

The Black Parlour

Maxine: "You've made a strong showing here, Archie, but don't get too big for your britches. The only intel you have is what I decided you should get. I played seneschal for America for months. You were fed what you needed to know, and that was mostly what benefitted them, or more specifically Diana. There ARE things you need to know, things that can help you navigate what is to come..."

The Black King took a sip of drink, self satisfied. His goal was to get Daniel on board, and get Maxine energized towards the efforts of Hellfire Europe once again, and it was clear that both objectives were succeeding. Intel had always been fuzzy from America, because it was ran by a world class telepath, but there were pathways around Diana. First of all, she was the only telepath of note in Hellfire, which meant her focus tended to be big picture. Secondly, Diana hunted specific prey. Despite how much finesse she had, it wasn't hard to know where she was placing most of her focus, so Archer focused on the minutia. He supplied most of Hellfire, in every country with most of their recreational drugs, and people who did drugs frequently made mistakes. And despite his lack of a formal education, Archer took meticulous notes. He was able to track their world uniquely. Perhaps he didn't know the big news, but he knew the small news, and that often worked in his favor.

"We neither live or die based on what Hellfire America does or is going through, and you used to know that. But I'm listening."

Maxine: "Hellfire America is begging for a hostile takeover. The dust won't even get the chance to settle before somebody moves to take control. My money is on Davidoff or Cassadine. Possibly both. Even if Haleigh's loverboy really does pull off the impossible and destroys Malice, i've been where she is...standing there, looking at Hellfire and realizing that despite it being a cesspool of pain and trauma, that it's also a well of power. Power you don't necessarily WANT to take...but power you'd rather have in your own hands than anyone else's. I recognized the look in her eyes when she entered, and I know she's not done dancing in the flames...."

"And how is that a bad thing for us when we just got through the same proper row ourselves? Seems like the place needs some new blood. Let the girl dance for Christ's sake, Domino. She's earned it..."

Archer took another sip of his drink, cooling it with his hand as frost developed around the rim of the glass.

"I'd also try to remember that both Haleigh and Ava are their people. They aren't you. They weren't raised here, so they might just get alive. Or they might ignore us altogether."

Maxine: "I want nothing to do with Hellfire. My goals are fairly singular and straight forward, but I can help you navigate through this. And Archer before you even consider another soliloquy about the greatness of Hellfire Europe, I ask you to cut the shit. My skill is unmatched and my record is impeccable, and quite frankly, none of you would be where you are without my fucking help, so spare me."

He laughed audibly. Archer loved watching Maxine twist and turn her way both against and for Hellfire, often times in the same sentence. She loved this place, and her bravado was nothing more than that. It had taken a lot from her, but she had taken a lot for herself conversely. And there was a big part of her that loved to be Maxine Dupont, daughter of Jean Luc, owner of the very mansion itself. So he excused her words.

"Spared. Go on."

Maxine: "My help is contingent on two things - One? I need whatever information you have on the whereabouts of Kelly Shaw and what she is up to. and Two? You actively search for Aleksander Hallbjörn and extract him from Helena's custody. The first is business and the second is personal. If and when Alek is found, he will be granted amnesty in Europe. If things go like I think they will, Ava will welcome him back to the states with open arms and spread legs....it will show you are willing to play ball with the Americans, and it will grease the wheels in terms of diplomacy. You're welcome."

The Black King gave her a devilish smirk.

"You and your Red Knights, Max. Tell me, how is Danielle Baptiste? I haven't thought of her in ages."

And it was true. The love affair between Danielle and Maxine was legendary in Hellfire Europe. It was a Macbeth-esque tragedy, and something that Maxine would never live down. It was the one and only time they had ever seen The Black Knight's heart broken. He realized, it was probably not best to bring that up in this moment. Thankfully, Simon interjected.

Simon: "As much as I hate it - she's right. Alek was important to Ava. She'd give anything to have him back. Or anyone. Unfortunately. But enough about me. Maxine is a man of her word. And I have no qualms about following her into the fire...as deep as it can get. This is a PR crisis, nothing more. You admonish the former inner circle, you risk dying. You make room for them? It gives you agency. One photo of you rubbing elbows together is worth more than some of our net worth. You'd be stupid to ignore Max."

"Simon, darling. You're new here, so I will forgive your lack of handle on things. But I will never forgive American exceptionalism. Hellfire America was strong, but they were never the center of the world as they would have you believe. They had power, they lost it - such is life. The reality of the situation is that if any of them hope to serve Hellfire, or want to attempt to restore the pinache they built their reputations on, they need US. And I assure you, I may be a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them..."

[continuing]

"I always like Alek. The Red Courts are always so posh and polished. He was different...and very effective. And after the stunt that Helena just pulled here, prying him from her hands would be an honor. I will have my best men on the job, rest assured. As will Liam and Juliette. If he find him, he will be safe here."

He watched with curiosity as Daniel offered Simon a place on the inner circle. Today's meeting could not have gone any better. Simon didn't know it, but ever since he made himself known as a mutant and ally of The Six, Hellfire had been clammering to get him into the fold. Many assumed that his mother would guide him to The White Court of America, but he had proved to a bit of a rebel in that sense. To have him on a European court? That was icing on the cake. A side effect of Archer's power was that he ran very very cold, and that carried to his emotions. So much so that if often gave him a kind of guide as to when people were feeling emotions that were hot. Both Simon and Daniel were hot, and even Archer could not deduce whether or not Daniel was manipulating Simon into saying yes, but he didn't particularly care. A feather in the cap benefitted them all.

Simon: "I will be your Bishop. But I do not care what happens to Alek."

"Well that was just lovely. Welcome to the fold, Simon. But on to things that really matter."

[continuing]

"Kelly and Helena's arrival at the estate was very chaotic and very quick. To be honest, they both seemed to have their own agendas. Helena spent her time in the red wing, and Kelly spent her time with me....She talked a lot about Meridian Industries, which was the brainchild of Rebecca and Jean Luc. Their answer to MysTech. The Black Court here is very much invested in looking over our real estate investments, and it seemed like she was checking our pulse so to speak..."

He replayed his and Kelly's conversation in his mind. She wanted to know what Meridian property their branch still owned, and she wanted to know if any of the current Inner Circle had decided to take the helm in Rebecca's failed projects. Archer gave her nothing, and she didn't like that, but she accepted it.

"I didn't let her know this, but recently...a number of my business dealings in Madripoor had gone sour. Even for a place as lawless as it is. Someone there is trying to make moves on a global stage. In the classic terrorist sense of the word. Threatening nuclear fallout, murder, the whole shebang. Madripoor is a cesspool of crime so I haven't been able to figure out who exactly is behind it, but I have been informed that recently....somebody has purchased an asset from Meridian Industries that is helping them take over...."

[taking a sip]

"Our Inner Circle has decided that Meridian Industries is not a business we want nor will endorse. So, we are authorizing deadly force against any of it's allies or confidants. I don't have much intel on their whereabouts, but I know they are involved in this. And it's your best bet into getting the answers that you want. But I must admit - attempting to go against a woman who can see very clearly everything that is happening in the moment, seems foolish. Talisman will be able to see your every move, the moment you make it. I trust you with this mission, but how exactly do you expect to get around this?"

 

[Discord]

London Hellfire - The Black Parlour

Simon: "I do. I trust you, Daniel. I will be your bishop."

Daniel attempted a smile, not something particularly easy for comfortable for him, but he meant it. The newly crowned Red King had in fact been manipulating Simon a bit. At first it had been to move things along, and then it had become because he had seen something greater in him. He had not been using his powers on the man since they had arrived in London, so his response was genuine. Or at least that was Daniel would tell himself. He never had a fairly strict moral code when it came to using his powers to freely get what he wanted, but there were definitely consequences. In short, he never knew if people actually liked him or cared about him, or if it was simply him maneuvering and guiding all of his relationships as he saw fit. Hence the counting, and the cleaning and the many other rituals he completed on a daily basis - attempting to control the uncontrollable. But that was enough self reflection. Now was a time for celebration.

"And I will be your king."

Simon wanted to be a part of Hellfire, and he was now about to get a crash course. But if Daniel was going to be King, in the current political state, he needed somebody who wanted to learn. Someone who was admittedly a novice and ho desires for their own crown any time soon. And having an American on his court would earn him some social capital, despite how little he cared for how the American branch ran things. Today was a good day, though he barely had time to celebrate as Maxine interjected with more pressing, selfish matters. She never was one for decorum.

Maxine: "You've made a strong showing here, Archie, but don't get too big for your britches. The only intel you have is what I decided you should get. I played seneschal for America for months. You were fed what you needed to know, and that was mostly what benefitted them, or more specifically Diana. There ARE things you need to know, things that can help you navigate what is to come..."

He cocked an amused eyebrow as he felt her emotions swell inside of her. She may have had a techno organic steel cover, but Daniel could always read her like a book. She would never fully leave Hellfire, she loved the place, and it wasn't just his power that told him so. She was always tripping over herself trying to be somebody she wasn't. In one breath she hated Hellfire, in another she felt like she was the only one qualified to run it. She hadn't had a ruler in years, nobody had been keeping against her will for quite some time. Even now, she could have walked away and found Jessica on her own. Involving Hellfire, involving any of them really, it meant she was still loyal. That she stilled cared about it's reputation.

Archer: "We neither live or die based on what Hellfire America does or is going through, and you used to know that. But I'm listening."

"This should be good..."

Maxine: "Hellfire America is begging for a hostile takeover. The dust won't even get the chance to settle before somebody moves to take control. My money is on Davidoff or Cassadine. Possibly both. Even if Haleigh's loverboy really does pull off the impossible and destroys Malice, i've been where she is...standing there, looking at Hellfire and realizing that despite it being a cesspool of pain and trauma, that it's also a well of power. Power you don't necessarily WANT to take...but power you'd rather have in your own hands than anyone else's. I recognized the look in her eyes when she entered, and I know she's not done dancing in the flames...."

"Are you?"

Archer: "And how is that a bad thing for us when we just got through the same proper row ourselves? Seems like the place needs some new blood. Let the girl dance for Christ's sake, Domino. She's earned it...I'd also try to remember that both Haleigh and Ava are their own people. They aren't you. They weren't raised here, so they might just get out alive. Or they might ignore us altogether."

She wasn't wrong, but neither was Archer. Daniel's impassioned plea to Archer earlier was that he did not agree with the vision that Hellfire had taken on for quite some time. He wanted to move towards different ideals - ones that involved taking power from humans for their benefit, not killing each other and taking power from each other when it could have been shared with everyone. He didn't really know Haleigh and Ava, but he knew The Six. They were always trying to save the world and do the right thing...perhaps they would be more malleable than The Sisterhood.

Maxine: "I want nothing to do with Hellfire. My goals are fairly singular and straight forward, but I can help you navigate through this. And Archer before you even consider another soliloquy about the greatness of Hellfire Europe, I ask you to cut the shit. My skill is unmatched and my record is impeccable, and quite frankly, none of you would be where you are without my fucking help, so spare me."

Archer: "Spared. Go on."

"Yes, find a thread and pull it, please."

It was interesting to see Archer give Maxine this much room to speak, but it likely meant that The Inner Circle actually wanted her help, so he was curious to see how this was going to work.

Maxine: "My help is contingent on two things - One? I need whatever information you have on the whereabouts of Kelly Shaw and what she is up to. and Two? You actively search for Aleksander Hallbjörn and extract him from Helena's custody. The first is business and the second is personal. If and when Alek is found, he will be granted amnesty in Europe. If things go like I think they will, Ava will welcome him back to the states with open arms and spread legs....it will show you are willing to play ball with the Americans, and it will grease the wheels in terms of diplomacy. You're welcome."

Archer: "You and your Red Knights, Max. Tell me, how is Danielle Baptiste? I haven't thought of her in ages."

"Oh bollocks."

There weren't many chinks in Maxine's armor, but Danielle definitely was one. Their romance in Hellfire had ended in disaster, and when the dust settled, hardly anybody saw Maxine much after that. Until she came back to investigate Evelyn's death in fact. It was just something that nobody with any kind of sense spoke of, especially not to Maxine themselves, which meant it made perfect sense that a man like Archer, one with no good sense, decided to take the dig. Thankfully, Archer agreed about Alek and Simon interjected.

Simon: "As much as I hate it - she's right. Alek was important to Ava. She'd give anything to have him back. Or anyone. Unfortunately. But enough about me. Maxine is a man of her word. And I have no qualms about following her into the fire...as deep as it can get. This is a PR crisis, nothing more. You admonish the former inner circle, you risk dying. You make room for them? It gives you agency. One photo of you rubbing elbows together is worth more than some of our net worth. You'd be stupid to ignore Max."

Daniel nodded. At least the boy was trying. It would take him quite a bit of time to match Daniel's polish, but with a crown on his head, Daniel felt like he finally had all the time in the world.

Archer: "Simon, darling. You're new here, so I will forgive your lack of handle on things. But I will never forgive American exceptionalism. Hellfire America was strong, but they were never the center of the world as they would have you believe. They had power, they lost it - such is life. The reality of the situation is that if any of them hope to serve Hellfire, or want to attempt to restore the pinache they built their reputations on, they need US. And I assure you, I may be a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them..."

He waited to see Simon's reaction, but instead he nodded and let Archer continue. It was the right thing to do. Best to pass the probationary period before you start retorting to The Inner Circle.

Archer: "Kelly and Helena's arrival at the estate was very chaotic and very quick. To be honest, they both seemed to have their own agendas. Helena spent her time in the red wing, and Kelly spent her time with me....She talked a lot about Meridian Industries, which was the brainchild of Rebecca and Jean Luc. Their answer to MysTech. The Black Court here is very much invested in looking over our real estate investments, and it seemed like she was checking our pulse so to speak...I didn't let her know this, but recently...a number of my business dealings in Madripoor had gone sour. Even for a place as lawless as it is. Someone there is trying to make moves on a global stage. In the classic terrorist sense of the word. Threatening nuclear fallout, murder, the whole shebang. Madripoor is a cesspool of crime so I haven't been able to figure out who exactly is behind it, but I have been informed that recently....somebody has purchased an asset from Meridian Industries that is helping them take over..."

"Which means somebody on our side was still working on things...Not exactly a settling feeling..."

Archer: "Our Inner Circle has decided that Meridian Industries is not a business we want nor will endorse. So, we are authorizing deadly force against any of it's allies or confidants. I don't have much intel on their whereabouts, but I know they are involved in this. And it's your best bet into getting the answers that you want. But I must admit - attempting to go against a woman who can see very clearly everything that is happening in the moment, seems foolish. Talisman will be able to see your every move, the moment you make it. I trust you with this mission, but how exactly do you expect to get around this?"

Daniel interjected.

"She's not a Seer. Just because she can see what she wants where she wants, doesn't mean what's she is seeing is actually true. Simon and I will accompany Maxine to Madripoor. I can use my power to shield the Marauder from Kelly's omni sight. I'd like to see this one through, Archer. If I am to be a King, I think it's time to get my hands dirty..."

[smirking as he finished his drink]

"In the metaphorical sense, let's not get crazy."

 

[Domino]

Hellfire London - The Black Parlour

Archer: "You and your red knights, Max. Tell me, how is Danielle Baptiste? I haven't thought of her in ages."

Flames of rage stoked inside of her, mixed with a painfully bittersweet feeling she had long forgotten. She had few blemishes on her record, but her relationship with Danielle Baptiste had been the biggest and longest lasting. It was the one time where she had let herself love somebody, and it had ended in disaster - for both the club and her ego. She had never recovered, and people used to be too scared of her to mention it. But that was a story for another time. Right now she needed to jump across the table and rip Archer's limbs from his body and beat him with them, and she was just about to rise from her seat to do so when Simon spoke.

Simon: "As much as I hate it - she's right. Alek was important to Ava. She'd give anything to have him back. Or anyone. Unfortunately. But enough about me. Maxine is a man of her word. And I have no qualms about following her into the fire...as deep as it can get. This is a PR crisis, nothing more. You admonish the former inner circle, you risk dying. You make room for them? It gives you agency. One photo of you rubbing elbows together is worth more than some of our net worth. You'd be stupid to ignore Max."

His naivety calmed her. He really was a good kid despite just having sold his very soul to Hellfire, but she figured she owed it to him to nurture whatever goodness he had left while he still had it. Simon needed to be hardened if he was going to survive, but interjecting in such a way, despite how much of a novice it made him sound showed that he wasn't scared to play ball.

Archer: "Simon, darling. You're new here, so I will forgive your lack of handle on things. But I will never forgive American exceptionalism. Hellfire America was strong, but they were never the center of the world as they would have you believe. They had power, they lost it - such is life. The reality of the situation is that if any of them hope to serve Hellfire, or want to attempt to restore the pinache they built their reputations on, they need US. And I assure you, I may be a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them..."

"We get it, Black King, big dick. Now tell me what I ASKED."

Archer: "Kelly and Helena's arrival at the estate was very chaotic and very quick. To be honest, they both seemed to have their own agendas. Helena spent her time in the red wing, and Kelly spent her time with me....She talked a lot about Meridian Industries, which was the brainchild of Rebecca and Jean Luc. Their answer to MysTech. The Black Court here is very much invested in looking over our real estate investments, and it seemed like she was checking our pulse so to speak...I didn't let her know this, but recently...a number of my business dealings in Madripoor had gone sour. Even for a place as lawless as it is. Someone there is trying to make moves on a global stage. In the classic terrorist sense of the word. Threatening nuclear fallout, murder, the whole shebang. Madripoor is a cesspool of crime so I haven't been able to figure out who exactly is behind it, but I have been informed that recently....somebody has purchased an asset from Meridian Industries that is helping them take over..."

None of it made sense to her. To come to London so quickly, and to make such a mess of things, to share so much information, it was either intentional...part of a bigger plan, or desperate. And Maxine was hoping it was the latter. Desperate people made mistakes, and were easier to find.

Daniel: "Which means somebody on our side was still working on things...Not exactly a settling feeling..."

"Or they could just be sewing the seeds of chaos. The more obscure things are, the better for them. And let's not forget the note Talisman left for me in the catacombs. She's taunting me....and it's really starting to PISS me OFF.."

Archer: "Our Inner Circle has decided that Meridian Industries is not a business we want nor will endorse. So, we are authorizing deadly force against any of it's allies or confidants. I don't have much intel on their whereabouts, but I know they are involved in this. And it's your best bet into getting the answers that you want. But I must admit - attempting to go against a woman who can see very clearly everything that is happening in the moment, seems foolish. Talisman will be able to see your every move, the moment you make it. I trust you with this mission, but how exactly do you expect to get around this?"

"I don't particularly care, Archer. Let her watch as I carve a way towards her THROAT."

She gripped her fist in anger as it became encased in a light crimson colored energy. She was going to kill that bitch if it was the last thing she ever did.

Daniel: "She's not a Seer. Just because she can see what she wants where she wants, doesn't mean what's she is seeing is actually true. Simon and I will accompany Maxine to Madripoor. I can use my power to shield the Marauder from Kelly's omni sight. I'd like to see this one through, Archer. If I am to be a King, I think it's time to get my hands dirty..."

She eyed Daniel up and down. Part of her believed he wanted to make a splash in his first bout of king, but a smarter part of her knew that he secretly wanted to know where Helena was, possibly to help her if he could. Still, she decided that having him under her thumb was better than letting him stay at the mansion to do what he pleased.

Daniel: "In the metaphorical sense, let's not get crazy."

Maxine laughed.

"Don't worry you poof, I plan on keeping the share of blood on MY hands....Now...."

Domino rose from her seat and sat her finished glass down on the table.

"I'd like a tour, to make sure you aren't letting my house devolve into a state of disrepair...and I'm sure the new Red Court would like a bit of time to socialize with their new Inner Circle. But not too long. Madripoor is quite a drive, even with how fast my little black baby can go. We'll need to leave in two hours top. It's going to be at least a two day journey to get there..."

She took another look around The Black Parlour, a place she had cut her teeth. A place she had made deals, lost parts of herself she would never get back, and had some of the best sex of her life. As much as this was a place of trauma, it was the house that raised her. The tour was mostly so she could be a bitch, but secretly, she did want to make sure the place was okay. She gestured goodbye to the men in the room and headed into the black corridor.