The Blackout Party

[Seer]

<< The night had gone into a tailspin of despair at the revelation that Black Widow was in fact the biological child of Christopher Victory and The White Queen herself, Diana. Not only that, but she was leaving the group she helped founded to join Malice at The Hellfire Club. Though the news came as a shock, The Six is beginning to try and pick up the pieces, unaware that just across town, things were about to become even more grim, though not those attendance. >>

<< Morgan and Cameron have made a pact to work together, to unify the team against the threat that they were facing, despite their fiery altercation earlier in the day. The raw emotion felt by them all had worked to unify the two often polarized founding members of the team together. As Morgan and Cameron said their goodbyes, Morgan was able to catch Blaze before she was able to see Cameron, allowing him to discreetly slip back up to his penthouse, determined to find Ava. Assuming she has gone to Aerie, Cameron uses the enchanted door in his study, a hidden bookcase door, and finds himself at his sister's estate, hoping to find the goddess before she does something stupid. >>

<< Karen and Mike have reached a new understanding in the wake of Kelly Shaw's attack on the doctor and matriarch of The Victoria Family. Feeling confused and hurt by what had just transpired, she takes her leave to her private quarters at The Parthenon, opting not to leave the hotel after all, after everything that had transpired. Though she was weak and feeling a world of turmoil around her, she had a feeling that her services might soon be required, though she wasn't sure how willing she was anymore to help. >>

<< As Ava took her leave from Aerie, Alison retired in the parlor room of her mansion with Hazel, her mentor and confidant. With Hazel she could speak freely, and it was clear that Alison was going through a world of emotion herself, and not entirely just because of the revelation of Haleigh, but for reasons to do with her and her brother's origins. >>

<< Cassandra was reliving a painful memory of a time when somebody else she cared about deeply betrayed her for the same people. She hadn't thought of her lover in quite some time, but as the situation with Haleigh left a bitter and familiar taste in her mouth, she began to wonder what might happen to her team. She also felt bad about how she left things with Blaze and Karen. She definitely wanted to apologize but needed some to cool down. They all did. As she relaxes in her apartment, she begins to wonder what lies ahead in the days to come. >>

<< All of The Members of The Six continued to deal with things the only way they knew how. Some sought solace and others sought comfort. All of this was a painful juxtaposition to what was happening across town. >>

<< New York City – The Hellfire Club Mansion >>

<< Music could be heard from outside the mansion as limos and personal cars began to pull up to the front steps, in the most expensive and excessive outfits, some with chic and ornate masquerade masks, some in full on costume regalia. One thing was clear – this was a party that would not soon be forgotten. >>

<< Tonight was The Blackout Party – One of the American branch's most exclusive, chic and scandalous events. There were no rules as to what could happen at the party, and there was no talk of what transpired inside the walls. Excess was the name of the game, and however people found their pleasure, there was an avenue for them here, as long as they were rich, successful, connected or genetically superior. >>

<< The black, white and red modern and sexy, sparkling décor divided up the mansion, each wing of the main floor, decorated and representative of another court. A number of dance floors and secret rooms available to only those of a certain clearance were beginning to crowd, as people began to greet each other and begin to partake in any number of delicious, gourmet food and world class cocktails, or each other. >>

<< The opening of the party was about to commence, as each of the Queens of The Court continued to prepare for their first public debut as a unified front since the departure of Dominique Devereaux and the installation of several new court members, including Lord Ravena, The White King. The first King to grace the halls of the American Hellfire Club in quite some time. Each member of the court was excited and ready, knowing that once they stood on that balcony together and the world got a view of them for the first time, things would go at full throttle. >>

<< As the party was beginning, the crowd was beginning to fill with the social elite, and a few surprising guests in attendance, such as Kristen Pratt, the mother of Simon Pratt, Sharon Kelly, former member of The Six and current member of Birds of Prey, the enigmatic Alice, who had been revealed to be the one to look after Haleigh her entire life, and Jessica Marcus aka Viper, the daughter of James Marcus, and a part of the legacy that was MysTech. >>

<< The arrival of members of The Inner Circle – Fathom, Cobra, Nogistune and Amanda signaled that the Queens would soon be making their debut. As The Inner Circle and guests continue to eat, drink and be merry, they would soon be greeted by The New Sisterhood – and The Blackout Party would be in full effect. >>

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club -- Ballroom

The ballroom was bustling with members of the Hellfire Club, men in tuxedos, women in gowns. Waitstaff picked their way through many small clusters of people, carrying trays with hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne. Heidi looked down on them all as she glided by, the sea of people parting for her, the pawns falling quiet when she neared, and not whispering again until she was several feet past them.

What she wore was so distinct, it easily set her apart from the crowd, and immediately identified her as the already infamous Knight of the White Court. It was a gown made of translucent tulle, the fabric a fine soft silk that draped over her left shoulder and down her torso, all the way down to the floor, a cascade over her left leg. It rippled naturally over her form, in some cases folded over on itself, but not too thickly. Beneath the snowy white net, sun-kissed skin could be seen if one were close enough. On her right foot, a silver gladiator style heel, with straps that wrapped around her ankle and up her calf to just below her knee. Her right leg was exposed clean up above her hip, and there were no tan lines to be seen.

This alone would have drawn the eye, but it was merely the bottom layer. Her bodice was made of titanium, and it looked like the armor of old legends. It was molded to a feminine form, and intricately designed. Ornately carved at the top center of the bodice was artwork depicting the mythical hydra, on either side of the 'monster', covering her breasts, the metal was sculpted and molded to appear as sprays of sea water. Beneath this display the bodice was elaborately etched with various sea creatures, a large Kraken over her left ribs, across from that a topless mermaid with flowing hair, surrounded by sharks, manta rays, sailfish and orcas, all swirling across her abdomen. The back was just as extravagantly rendered, but only extended about half as high.

Most of her upper back and shoulder blades were bared, as was her neck and, up front, her collar bones and bosom. Her left shoulder and arm, however, were covered by more armor: a bracer and shoulder piece that matched her bodice in metal, but instead of engravings, it was laden in pearls and diamonds, including a few delicately arranged crystal starfish. Her right shoulder and arm were revealed, completely exposed until her wrist, around which the crystal bracelet presented to her by Lord Ravena was slung. Her fingers were covered as well, on both hands.

People were staring, gaping, transfixed by her appearance, and though she reveled in the attention, her expression barely betrayed it. Her sea green eyes had a gleam, and a mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth, but for the most part, she was a glamorously ruthless femme fatale. Her hair, as always, looked wet, but not the slicked back helmet of someone just risen from the water, rather, it was playful, messy and dampened, as if from sex on the beach.

She found her way to where the Inner Circle gathered, and didn't deign to look back and see how many men and women had just fallen in love with her. She fixed her gaze nonchalantly on Domino.

"Well these Americans know a thing or two about celebration, don't they?"

 

[Mockingbird]

To The Blackout Party

:: For the first time in a long time, the energy of the city brought Kristen Pratt comfort. As she watched the bustling landscape zoom by her from the window of her private town car, she elegantly brought a glass of chilled rose to her lips, letting the familiar numbing feeling wash over her as she set the glass down next to her in a holder. Tonight she would be in the spotlight, and as a public figure, she would need to watch her alcohol intake. Granted, she was a wasp of the highest degree, she could most certainly throw them back with the best of them without many batting an eyelash, however, she took her image and the legacy of her family very seriously, and after everything she had gone through to protect that legacy, she wasn't going to let something as frivolous as rumors of alcoholism tarnish her name. She would restrict herself to what would appear to be three glass of wine. The fact that these glasses would be kicked up a notch with several shots of vodka would be her own little secret. She had personal appearances down to a science. Kristen Pratt knew exactly what to say, how to say it and when to make her exit before making an embarrassment of herself. Her ability to navigate situations had kept her alive during some very dark times. Dark times, that were intimately connected to the place that she was about to go – The Hellfire Club Mansion. In the last few years, her relationship with the club and certain members had seemed to fall to the wayside, and Kristen thought she had gotten lucky, that perhaps she had somehow reached retirement. The feeling lasted just long enough to sting when she was informed that her services would once again be required. This was the consequence of choices she had made a lifetime ago, and she wasn't a quitter. She would continue to do whatever was required for as long as it was required of her because she wasn't just protecting herself, but the legacy of her family – one of the most prominent in Modern American History. As the car pulled up in front of the mansion, she downed the glass of wine, opened her Chanel compact and did one final glance. ::

“Game face on, Pratt. It's back to business.”

: The car door opened as Kristen was helped out of the vehicle, taking the hand of one her hand selected security team as she stepped onto the curb and up the carpeted steps that led to mansion doors, her beautiful vintage dress flowing behind her. Kristen never went anywhere without a team of well placed people around her, a bi-product of growing up with Secret Service Agents watching her every move. While some of her team was clearly visible, there were other, more discreet members mixed in with the actual party guests, there to watch and protect her at all times. She took no risks when it came to her own security and with this kind of crowd, it was a smart move on her part. She began to navigate her way through the floor as a perfectly time waiter greeted her with her signature, kicked up glass of white wine. She air kissed and waved as she went, executing a well rehearsed dance she had locked deep within her cell memory. Fake salutations verging on sincere and looks of approval for other's bold fashion choices ensued as Kristen asserted herself quickly into the mix of the party. She let her mind wander as she saw the face of Sharon Kelly somewhere in the crowd. Kristen's father was a former Secretary of Defense and her husband Thorn had been a Senator of Connecticut for many years, so she was very familiar with Sharon Kelly. But there was a connection between the two women that Sharon was unaware of, something that Kristen deeply regretted. She was a strong woman, a survivor who had endured many things, but the face of Sharon Kelly walking around walls that took part in the destruction of her family, it gave the woman pause. ::

:: She gazed down at her crystal encrusted diamond Cartier watch, as she began to survey the crowd. These parties usually never started on schedule. Diana always liked to make a fashionably late entrance. Kristen had come to expect it. She had invited a surprise guest to the party as a gift to The Courts, specifically The Black and White Queens. The sooner he arrived, the more time she would have to socialize, get a sense for the pulse of the party, look for any key connections that might benefit the club and begin to orchestrate pieces where they needed to be. This was her specialty. She danced through the main hall, taking another godly sip of wine as she locked eyes with a wasp thin, dark haired woman, a woman who's husband was on The Council of Environmental Affairs. In a rehearsed and sincere manner, her teal blue eyes widened as a smile curled up on her face as she gestured the woman towards her, shaking her glass in a playful way. ::

“Anette! C'est bon de te voir! Vous devez avoir débarqué de St. Bart's!”

:: A few vain compliments and a painfully long story about stolen luggage and Kristen had ended the interaction garnering herself a special invitation to an environmental summit that was exploring the effect of mutant abilities on the natural environment. For as rich and successful as these people seemed to be, they were easily manipulated. Everybody had a way in, and there was ALWAYS a way out, if one was willing to do what was required to secure. Kristen was one of those people. For a few moments she chatted up a number of important people, welcoming them to the club and ensuring them that they would have a good time this evening. She also manage to promote one of her many philanthropical causes. So far, the evening was going exactly as anticipated, which was oddly comforting. As she was chatting up an eccentric artist of the glitterati, she felt a stone cold tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she was faced with somebody she was glad to see. Her gift. ::

“Glad you could make it. Accompany a woman to the bar, will you?”

:: The mysterious man grabbed her arm as the two began to make their way to the bar. ::

“The guests are reaching a fever pitch for the revealing of the new court.”

[leaning against the back counter of the bar]

“Tell me, how have you been acclimating to your new surroundings. I trust they are to your liking.”

:: Magically and on time, a drink appeared in her hand, so quickly and perfectly that it almost appeared that she was still on the same drink. ::

:: She eyed the handsome guest, intrigued. ::

 

[Goliath]

A New Chapter

:: Ben had never really liked New York City. Everything moved too fast to really enjoy. Sure there was culture and diverse groups of people, but all these people ever did was kill each other or scream at one another on the subway. America just lacked the appeal of Europe, and that would never change to him. As he put the finishing touches on his look, a classic and sexy suit, he put a small bit of eyeliner on his eye. He was a man unwilling to let go of the glam rock bad boy he had once been, and as such, he was always wearing something a little bit eccentric. He would have never been in New York City if it wasn't for her. ::

:: Unbuttoning a button on his black leather shirt, he pulled out his wallet and took a quick look at a very faded Polaroid picture. It was a picture of her, a woman he both loved and had betrayed. He was his father's son and his desperate need for approval had caused him to let go and turn on the only person who he ever loved. The only thing worse than that choice was the reality that he failed on both accounts, and in doing such, lost both of them forever. Benjamin Lewis had been on the run for quite some time, accepting all kinds of morally ambiguous jobs to pay the bills and stay afloat. When he was approached by Kristen Pratt, and told that Cassandra was in fact still alive and closer to the former MysTech than ever, he tried to fight it. He had done enough to Cassandra. But Kristen had reminded him of his father, Agent Finn, and his legacy, and it wasn't long before she had convinced him that the only way to get salvation for his failure was to succeed where he once had failed. If he was being honest, that was what he was telling himself. Hearing of Ruby's whereabouts, Ben knew he would have said yes to a variety of different situations. At this point, he hadn't decided exactly what he was going to do, but he didn't feel the need to tell anybody about that just yet. He would make the right choice for him when the time came. ::

:: Though he was not staying at the mansion itself, he was staying at one of the best hotels in the city, whichever one wasn't The Parthenon. Those quarters would have been just a little too close, though Ben was usually unimpressed by lavish surroundings and financial excess. He was mostly excited for the sparkling water. He had been in the city for a few weeks, and he was beginning to fight the urge to watch her, to look after her. He needed some kind of distraction from his life, and as such, the Blackout Party was expertly timed. Kristen had told him he would make his debut and that he would be presented as a gift to one of the courts, as a legacy member of MysTech, and a gesture of good faith between courts. Just where he would land at the end of this party had yet to be determined, but one thing was clear, things were about to get interesting. ::

:: Arriving in his chartered car, he stepped out and onto the sidewalk, slowly walking towards the front door where he was checked and then invited in. The scene around him was like nothing he had ever seen before, and he had seen a lot in his travels. This was a party that seemed to be all about EXCESS and power in all forms. It was as intimidating as it was sexy, and Ben began to slowly separate himself from the man he was before he walked through the doors. He felt lighter and a little bit more bold. Grabbing a glass of champagne, he began to make his way through the sea of people around him, nodding as they made a variety of impressed, aroused or unamused glances as they passed. It felt like anything could happen here. ::

:: Before long he found Kristen, promptly tapping her on the shoulder.::

Kristen: “Glad you could make it. Accompany a woman to the bar would you?”

:: Benjamin bowed a bit before her as he extended his arm for her to wrap around. ::

“My pleasure. Good evening, Mrs. Pratt – you look smashing.”

:: His wispy British accent remarked as the two began to walk towards the bar. ::

“The guests are reaching a fever pitch for the revealing of the new court.”



[leaning against the back counter of the bar]



“Tell me, how have you been acclimating to your new surroundings. I trust they are to your liking.”



:: Magically and on time, a drink appeared in her hand, so quickly and perfectly that it almost appeared that she was still on the same drink. ::



:: She eyed the handsome guest, intrigued. ::

“Two fingers of scotch, I don't care what kind.”

:: He gestured to the bartender as he watched Kristen's drink swiftly appear full once again. He smiled. ::

“I wouldn't use the word like. New York City is a hell hole devoid of culture or romance, but I'm acclimating. I had a french fry yesterday, so there's that.”

:: The scotch arrived as he sniffed it delicately, slowly bring it to his lips for a taste. ::

“I'm still trying to figure out just what it is I am required to do while I'm here. I can't help but worry if I am about to sign a deal with the devil.”

:: taking another sip ::

“And when do I get to see her?”

 

[Domino]

The Blackout Party

:: Maxine was excited for The Blackout Party, despite what she had said earlier in The Parlor Room. Though it was a little uncharacteristic of her, she was ready to make herself known in the world again, and this time for the reasons that SHE and nobody else wanted. Her future was in her hands for the first time, and she was taking the time to celebrate and enjoy the moment, something she had been inspired to do after seeing the frigid and robotic actions of Kelly Shaw in the Frost Caper. She would never let herself get that wound up. After a cocktail with the members of The Inner Circle, Maxine had spent the rest of her afternoon at the fitness lab, engaging in extensively exhaustive exercise, pushing her body to it's limits. The encounter with the Silver Swan had not left her mind. It was rare for Maxine to encounter a person she couldn't pry apart with her two hands like a toothpick, and Domino had a nasty habit of falling in lust with women she simply couldn't have. Her track record proved she was capable enough to take on the odds. ::

:: After sweating and punching her sexual aggression out for a good few hours, she took a piping hot shower, one that would have scolded most, and began to get ready. She was simply not a ball gown type of girl. That was who she was often forced to be in London, under the thumb of her father and the court. The days of her wearing a long dress and being forced to curtsy at those far less powerful than she was were long over. Take her or leave her. Maxine Dupont did not give a shit. After some time, she appeared from the steam of her powder room decked out in an ultra hip and sexy twist on a suit. As she caught a satisfied glance in the mirror, she searched around the room for her final accessory – a long and ornate wooden cane. She didn't identify much with American culture, but there was one thing she had seen on these streets – a pimp had a cane, and that's what she was. As she pulled down on her top, her cleavage increasing as the softest hint of her tattoos began to show themselves from underneath the fabric. ::

:: Satisfied with how she looked, Domino slowly made her way down the stairs of the mansion towards the main opening area of the party. Diana was no liar. This party was no joke, full of powerful people and heavy hitters in all forms of industry, some Maxine had taken great pleasure in hacking and siphoning funds from for years. Moving through the crowd like the dirty little secret she was, she sauntered over towards where The Inner Circle was gathering, just close enough to the door to be seen from the outside and far enough removed to make it so that you HAD to come in to get a good look at them, a move no doubt thought of by the newly scandalous Heidi Scarborough, whom was looking good enough to eat tonight. ::

Fathom: “Well these Americans know a thing or two about celebration, don't they.”

:: Maxine was presented with a glass of vodka with a bit of ice as she sipped it with a somewhat shocking cultural accuracy. ::

“I have to say, I'm impressed. I'm half waiting for them to introduce the arrival of James Bond.”

:: She brought her drink to her lips once again and made a cheers like gesture to Heidi, whom she realized had yet to really pick up a drink herself. This only added to her allure. ::

“So far, The Sisterhood has delivered on their word. I guess it's time for a night off, and I sure as hell am going to take full bloody advantage...donner dans la nuit, as they say."

:: Her eyes began to scan the crowd of people, all beautiful, all extravagant, until her eyes settled upon the arrival of The Silver Swan. For a moment her eyes trailed Sharon Kelly's as she made her way into the room. It seemed a little bit like fate, or at least the chance that Maxine might get ruffle those feathers after all was still there. She snapped back into reality. ::

"So, what's the good word, Fathom. See anything you like out there ?"

 

[Lord Ravena]

The impish anomaly had long given her leave of him and gone to molest someone else. Lord Ravena had gotten dressed and indulged in a small snack from a lovely chambermaid, who limped away both in love and grateful to be alive once he was done with her. He went with a simple white suit with a mandarin collar. He placed his platinum Regent ring, a symbol of his political power as the ruler of his country, on the middle finger of his right hand and smiled into the mirror, the comical rules of vampirism never applying to him.

This would be an important and most of all, INTERESTING step for him to take. There was risk, as with anything, but he feared nothing and so any risk was seen as without finality. He stepped into the doorway and waved a hand, manifesting his Royal Sceptre custom-made by the artisans of his country as a gift for the occasion. It was an elegant sheath of the finest lab-formed diamond coated in platinum, with a formed claw at the top holding a small orb of unknown origin that he had commanded be placed there.

His outfit complete, he awaited his escorts patiently. The shadows of the hallway seemed almost alive as certain...SPECIAL...observers came to ensure his protection.

 

[Wallflower]

Hellfire Club Mansion

:: So her first encounter with The Inner Circle had not gone as anticipated. As much as she told herself she wasn't bothered, deep down there was a part of her that wanted their respect. Thankfully for her, she had more important things on her mind. Tonight, her rebirth would be complete. She would be free of the woman she was, and finally be the woman she had been created to be. Thanks in large part to Talisman, Amanda had a new lease on life, and a new purpose, and now it was time to fulfill her end of the deal, to be her perfectly poised and deadly Black Knight of The Hellfire Court. Once her awkward drink in The Parlor Room had been finished, Amanda lost herself in the pages of The Great Gatsby, drawing her inspiration for the Blackout Party from pages full of beautiful fashion and lavish parties. Tonight she would be Daisy Fay Buchanan, but she would not be looking for her Gatsby tonight, nor would she be like him. She planned on fulling enjoying everything tonight's festivities had to offer. She had spent the first part of her life on the streets, in the gutter with the trash. Amanda Soto was ready to live the good life. ::

:: From inside her powder room, she put the finishing touches on her twenties, old money inspired gown as she began to feel like a character in one of the many books she had read over the last few months during her “re-education”. From the vanity on the table to her right, she grabbed a black velvet jewelry case from the counter and opened it up to reveal a beautiful piece of jewelry. It was a gift given to her by The Black Queen, a beautiful diamond covered necklace in the form of a snake. The necklace had a countless amount of karats and was beautiful on it's own, but it had other purposes. Enchanted with the power of enthrallment, those who found themselves staring at the necklace while Amanda spoke might find themselves curiously more interested than they normally would be. Just one more personality trait of the snake from which she was derived, the cobra. She began to be able hear the music from the lower levels which meant that it was time for her to mingle before the opening ceremonies. Dabbing a bit of provocative and sensual perfume on her neck and wrists, she left her quarters and freed herself from quarantine. ::

:: As she made her way delicately down the steps, it was clear that at least by materialistic standards, Amanda was drawing a large amount of intrigue. One thing that Amanda had always known about herself, even when she had been strung out in a hotel room for three days with no sleep, she was an attractive woman. One thing that remained the same about Amanda was that she was a woman who knew how to use sexuality as the deadly weapon that it was. She had mastered the image of the virginal sexpot and she was no stranger to using her body to her advantage, and the fact that right now her body was covered in jewels? Well, it made her feel incredibly confident. Amanda struck a coy smile here and there as daintily she made her way through the crowd, grabbing a dirty martini on her way. Taking it to her lips, she enjoyed the warm sensation that always followed the first sip. With her addictions cured by Talisman, she was free to enjoy alcohol and whatever else she wanted without consequence. ::

:: The crowd was definitely attractive and scantily clad and it seemed as if the party was already well under way. It was a clear indicator that tonight would be wild in more ways than one. Peering out through the crowd, she noticed Heidi and Maxine talking in the corner. Taking a deep breath and a long drink of her martini, Amanda went through the crowd, sauntering over towards the two women. ::

Domino: “So what's the good word, Fathom. See anything you like out there?”

:: Amanda appeared next to Maxine's side. ::

“I don't know about Heidi, but I'm certainly seeing a few potential candidates I'd like to charm...so to speak.”

:: She surveyed the crowd once again. ::

“People are eating this up. The Sisterhood certainly knows how to pick a crowd. Everybody here is drop dead gorgeous, or so rich that I'm sure nobody cares.”

:: Taking a sip ::

“Should be interesting to see what kind of trouble we can get into. In fact, perhaps we should make a little friendly wager?”

 

[Mockingbird]

Hellfire Mansion - The Blackout Party

Gorgon: "I'm still trying to figure out just what it is I am required to do while I'm here. I can't help but worry if I am about to sign a deal with the devil."

:: Kristen laughed softly. ::

"Oh my dear boy, your father signed that deal for you. Years ago. We are simply trying to collect payment on the time and effort we put into making you who you are. Don't forget, no matter the circumstances, you willingly signed up for this line of work. Despite how you feel now, you always had a choice, and you made the choice to be an agent..to honor your father's idea of who he wanted you to be. Agent Finn was a troubled man..."

:: She brought her heavenly chalice to her lips, taking a stolen sip. ::

"And your dissappearance, well...he never really got over that. As you well know."

:: Agent Finn had committed suicide after prolonged drug abuse. Abuse that started at the time that Benjamin dissappeared after failing to procure Ruby. ::

"You owe it to him to make things right. So...if I were you..if the devil wanted you to sign in blood, I'd prick my finger and move right along."

:: Kristen adjusted Benjamin's collar in a maternal way as she fixed the lapel of his jacket, placing her hand on his chest warmly. This was simply another one of her talents. To pull those around her in, to influence them to do what she needed to do. It was why she had been on Diana's payroll for so long, despite being a flatscan, a term she was more than comfortable being. She was no fan of mutants, and what happened to them was of no consequence to her. It was the only thing that made the work she did somewhat bearable. Kristen could separate herself from their emotional struggle, from their humanity, and do what needed to be done. ::

Gorgon: "And when do I get to see her?"

:: She eyed Benjamin up and down as she tried to remember a time in her life that she cared about somebody as deeply as he cared about Cassandra Johnson. She loved her son, but there was a part of her deep down that knew the day might come that he steps too far out of bounds, and she would rather his life end at her hand than the hands of The Hellfire Club. She sat her chilled, long stemmed glass on the bar counter. ::

"You re simply being asked to serve on a court for an undetermined amount of time. Stay the course and prove yourself, and you just might be able to redeem yourself for your past failures...and this in turn, of course will put you back in the orbit of the woman you claimed to love yet tried to destroy."

:: Kristen grabbed him gently on the shoulder, looking at him with as much sincerity as she could muster. ::

"This is your chance, to make your father proud, and to go after what it is that you want. All you have to do is play by the rules. Don't waste this opportunity, Benjamin. There will be plenty of time to discuss the terms of this arrangement, but for now? It's time to enjoy the party. When your time comes, somebody on my team will alert you and put you into place. Until then, have another drink..."

:: Smirking she grabbed the scotch from his hands, and downed it in an instant, wiping her mouth with her arm in a rather shocking move for her. ::

"And have fun. Nobody likes a Broody Brody. Especially not at a party. I'll be in touch."

:: With a smile Kristen left the bar, glass in hand and made her way back towards the sea of people, silently watching as members of the new Inner Circle began to gather in one of the more prominent locations. This new life definitely meant that change was about to come through the halls, and for a moment, it gave her hope. Hope that Diana might ignore what Simon was planning on doing. Kristen had silently guided her son towards the protection of The Six. She hadn't planned on his sudden spiritual and moral awakening, or that he was now planning on becoming a face of the mutant rights campaign. She felt stupid for moving him closer to Malice's gaze, but she knew that with them, Simon stood a chance. Quickly pushing thoughts of her son out of her mind, Kristen shifted back into perfect party guest mode, navigating the party with the skill of an olympic athlete, doing as she always did at these events - making things happen. ::

 

[Nogitsune]

The Hellfire Mansion

Emiko could not care less about the party. The only good thing about it was that there would be different people around for her to play with. But the party itself…she didn’t see the point. She was meant for something other than socializing. And the waiting was getting very, very boring. Plus she was hungry.

She wore the traditional white of her court, dressed as she was when she had made her rounds: Japanese-style top with silver embroidery on the wide sleeves, collar and hem, matching wide-legged pants, and white slippers also embroidered in silver. Her black hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail tied by a white ribbon. She had dressed ages ago. Why these people were so concerned with things eluded her.

She slinked into the ballroom, gracefully extending each leg and pointing her toes in turn as she walked. She raised her arms and executed a perfect cartwheel, springing into a back handspring, then launching into the air in a twist before *POP*ing out of sight and reappearing with another *POP* in a chair on the edge of the room, sitting as if she had been there for hours.

She yawned.

A waiter asked her if she cared for something to eat. Her dark eyes, ringed with long black lashes, slid over to him, then slowly upwards to his face.

She alighted from the chair, and perused the tray he held. Then she shook her head.

“Um, no, I don’t think I want any of that right now.”

She started to turn back to her seat, the waiter began to move on to the next person. But in an instant and with one fluid motion, Nogitsune had pulled from the folds of her clothing the long thin blade of a white katana and stabbed it through the waiter, above his groin, and pulled the blade upwards, slicing him open.

Nogitsune locked eyes with the man, who was crying out in pain, his body convulsing, his face contorted into a mixture of shock and agony. She breathed it all in.

“So delicious. I guess I did want something to eat after all.”

She watched him, every muscle twitch, every eye movement, until he died, and then she let his body slump to the ground before removing her sword. She held up the blade to the light, the blood glistening like rubies. She tasted it, before wiping the blade on the dead waiter’s uniform and returning it to its hiding place.

Emiko smiled.

She scooped up a handful of the hors d’oeuvres that had fallen to the floor when the waiter had dropped his tray, and plopped back down into the chair and started eating them one by one.

She felt that fat and happy feeling that came with a good feeding, pain a thousand times more satiating than the most sumptuous of banquets. But the thing about the pain was, no matter how she had, she always wanted more.

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club -- Ballroom

Domino: I have to say, I'm impressed. I'm half waiting for them to introduce the arrival of James Bond.

Maxine replied, and lifted her glass as if to say 'cheers'. Heidi didn't yet have a drink in hand, and she was hardly interested in anything that might be traditionally served to the guests. The staff here had yet to catch on to that fact, though. The server with a tray loaded with champagne flutes stopped by. Heidi glanced at the offering, and then reached for a glass.

Domino: So far, The Sisterhood has delivered on their word. I guess it's time for a night off, and I sure as hell am going to take full bloody advantage...donner dans la nuit, as they say.

As Heidi lifted the glass from the tray, the liquid in it steadily drained out, as if there was a hole in the bottom. Each glass left on the tray gained a quarter of an ounce subtly. Her free hand passed over the rim of the fluted glass, and it filled with a clear liquid.

Domino: So, what's the good word, Fathom. See anything you like out there?

Heidi reached for the crystal vial that was dangling from a long necklace, warm from having been nuzzled in her cleavage. She glanced around the room, considering Maxine's question, then back down at her glass, as she opened the vial and dispensed a couple of drops into the water she'd conjured. Amanda joined them and spoke before Heidi began her reply.

Cobra: I don't know about Heidi, but I'm certainly seeing a few potential candidates I'd like to charm...so to speak. People are eating this up. The Sisterhood certainly knows how to pick a crowd. Everybody here is drop dead gorgeous, or so rich that I'm sure nobody cares.

Heidi swirled her concoction around until it was a well blended electric blue color.

"*I* surely don't. Auspiciously Attractive, Ridiculously Rich, those are simply prerequisites for attendance. It doesn't mean any of these pawns deserve our attention. Still..... a woman has needs, yes?"

She said with a conspiratorial smirk, and took a drink. The venom made her tongue tingle. Another server came by, offering an appetizer. It looked quite appealing, a little bite sized rye chip stacked with cream cheese, a sliver of smoked salmon, a generous amount of caviar, and a fresh green sprig of dill. Heidi sampled it, then commanded that the server stay rooted to the spot so she'd be free to snack at her leisure.

Cobra: Should be interesting to see what kind of trouble we can get into. In fact, perhaps we should make a little friendly wager?

"Clearly you've never made a bet with Maxine."

She replied with mild amusement, as she noticed some small commotion a short distance away. The crowd parted suddenly, with a collective gasp, and two people became visible. One, a slender woman dressed in white, had the other, a most unfortunate waiter, impaled by a sword. For a moment the two were locked together, and everyone around them was frozen in place, unable to look away, waiting to see what would happen. The man died and the woman pulled her katana free of his body. All the people nearby started to back away, trying not to draw the woman's attention, but she calmly wiped her blade clean and put it away, then went about collecting some fallen snacks and sat down as if nothing unusual had occurred. Heidi savored a bit more of her drink, and selected another caviar canape from her server's tray before turning to Maxine inquisitively.

"So that's the White Rook, I presume? I've heard rumors but no one seems to eager to properly introduce us. She doesn't seem all that crazy to me."

Heidi observed before biting off half of the hors d’oeuvre.

 

[Silver Swan]

Hellfire Mansion

[ Some moments can only be believed if you view them through the looking glass. How else could you rationalize a woman like Sharon Kelly being in a place like the Hellfire Mansion for one of it's most glamorous, excessive and decadant events]

[ This woman has had several incarnations in her journey up to this moment: wife/widow, mother, advocate, senator, dead, resurrected and mutated, amazon. Many of the moments that lead to these various transformations were caused by people who were present in the Hellfire Mansion tonight, including the White Queen. ]

[ This gathering was more than a mere party. It was an event like no other, where unholy unions and secrets were born or shared, where revelations happened, and the most wanton of pleasures were pursued. But for some, just being SEEN was controversy enough, and that was one of Sharon's reasons for being here.]

[The Hellfire Club could do NOTHING about the presence of the Silver Swan in these halls at this or any OTHER time, for she had a lifetime membership, courtesy of her husband...her LATE husband, Robert Kelly. The woman who reigned over the Hellfire Club was responsible for his MURDER, she was also responsible for ripping Kyle Kelly from Sharon's grasp many nights ago in the Arklay Mansion. But [ though Sharon didn't know it...YET...] the seeds of THAT set up were sewed by another woman- Kristin Pratt. ]

[ More than one set of eyes had fixed on Sharon as she made her entrance, standing tall and statuesque in her elegant, sexy black dress with silver accents . Her hair, jewelry, high heels, everything complimented her look and as she surveyed the room with her silver eyes, she knew that being here would make make more than a few waves.]

[ Her presence caused a stir, as many of those present recognized her from headlines and news footage of her in her alter ego of Silver Swan a.k.a. (to some- mostly the younger crowd) "Wonder Woman". But they could no more expose her than she could them. That was ANOTHER unique effect of this event. Even if someone recognized someone else here...there was nothing he or she could really say or do about it.]

[She WANTED them to know she was there, and so she stood for a moment, in a pose, with her hands on her hips, letting them take in the sight of her. Even certain members of the Inner Circle, and other VIP guests that were on Sharon's level took notice of her, namely Domino, and Kristin Pratt.]

[ She soon made her way further in taking in the sights and SOUNDS. Even when the "buzz" of conversations began to swell when they noted her arrival, Sharon could hear EVERYTHING that was said with crystal clarity- a benefit of her powers as the Silver Swan. No word uttered, not even in the softest whisper, would escape her detection. She heard all the comments, the COMPLIMENTS, the remarks- from the positive, to the downright LEWD. But this wasn't going to be like it was the LAST time she appeared at the Black Out Party, when she was helping the Six to get in so they could find out more about Dominique Deveraux. She'd come QUITE far since then, and much had changed around her as well.]

[ She wasn't JUST here to cause controversy. She was also going to use her unique advantage, having lifetime membership and access to this place, to gather whatever information she could for the Birds of Prey, and while she knew tonight was supposed to be a night where there would be no battles...IF any of the INNER CIRCLE were to be too aggressive or FOOLISH enough to try her, she'd certainly meet them where they were.]

[ But one thing about tonight, is that the barrier between "good" and "bad" was at its weakest...and the most unlikely of individuals might find themselves sharing a drink...a secret...a BED...just what, if ANY of those things, would be the case for Sharon...only time would tell as the night went on, and things began to fade to BLACK.]

 

[Alice]

Hellfire Mansion

<< There'd been no sign of Scion, aka Haleigh Davidoff, since their seemingly impossible "reunion" in the upper reaches of the Hellfire Mansion a little while ago, and no one in the mansion was wise to what had taken place between Alice and Scion.>>

<< Alice went back to leading her quiet, comfortable life, as a permanent resident in the mansion. As far as the general populace was concerned, Alice had disappeared DECADES ago when she was a graduate student, and was now presumed DEAD. She was something OTHER than the woman she'd been all those years ago, but she certainly wasn't dead.>>

<< She and James Marcus were the ground breaking researchers on the progenitor virus, and then....the T virus, with ALICE herself being the very FIRST (WILLING) test subject for the early version of the T virus. Alice's own anamolous gene structure allowed her to successfully BOND with the virus and assume control of it in her body, it changed her on a genetic level, give her physical POWER, durability, immortality and enhanced her already tremendous mental prowess, granting her telekinetic power. But her love of SCIENCE, and her genuine pursuit of better quality of life through avenues that "conventional wisdom" had deemed "wrong" kept her from going the route of a "would be" super hero or villain. Alice had been a sort of ANCHOR to Marcus, and in his daughter's early years, she served as an "BIG SISTER." Mentoring Jessica, who had a genius level intellect and a tremendous aptitude for science and virology She stayed in the Arklay mansion with Marcus, Spencer and a newly arrived Diana. DIANA was the beginning of change....and for more than one person in the mansion...the beginning of their END. >>

<< The tipping point came when Christopher Victory decided to play god with the most FOOLISH choice possible, DIANA. The moment Scion was created and Alice realized from WHOM, the geneticist immediately went to Diana.>>

<< Revelations lead to REVENGE, and soon...EVERYBODY in the Arklay Mansion was DEAD. The only survivors were Alice, who had been tasked with getting Scion OUT of the mansion before Diana's attack, Jessica Marcus- who had been placed in suspended animation following her father's successfull creation of the T-Veronica virus, a "designer strain" of the original T Virus, that ONLY Jessica now carried, and Diana and the people in her newly formed cabal that had violently wrested power and control of mystech from Lord Spencer and James Marcus.>>

<< For Alice's unique role in all of this, Diana rewarded her well, and she had a truly comfortable life, along with POWER and immortal youth and vitality. She was now a legend in the world of genetics and virology, and governments from around the world regularly sent emissaries to try and woo Alice into their service, but no government could offer her ANYTHING that she didn't already have, and there wasn't anything...anyONE that she could've helped to create that would be BETTER than SCION. >>

<< Before Jessica Marcus emerged from her suspended animation to display HER goddess level powers as VIPER, courtesy of the T-Veronica virus, BEFORE Silver Swan, BEFORE immitators like DOMINO, there was Scion, and despite the TRAGEDY of it all, her reunion with Scion had given Alice a sense of pride and SATISFACTION, knowing that her vision all those years ago hadn't been some mad fantasy. >>

<< But Scion was not the only reunion Alice had in recent months. Jessica Marcus 2.0 was another truly unexpected development. When it was revealed that Viper was alive via cloning, the perfect copy of the original, Alice immediately moved to make contact with her. It displeased her to find that Viper was connected to this Maxine Dupont, a.k.a. Domino.>>

<< The normally calm and collected Alice was aloof and dismissive toward Maxine when she joined the American branch of HC as an associate member to the inner circle. At the same time, Alice found new purpose, as she ACTIVELY moved to pull Jessica Marcus 2.0 AWAY from Maxine's sphere of influence, not being subtle in her actions in the slightest.>>

<< Alice despised Domino. She regarded the woman as a BAD ACTOR. In Alice's mind, Domino was nothing more than a badly constructed lego doll, pulled together from the scraps and leftovers of a once glorious genetic and scientific zenith, and then dilluted and tarnished with the cracker jack box pseudo science of a greedy, unimaginative poser- namely Jean-Luc Dupont. >>

<< It may have been a source of shock or even ANGER to Domino to see the way Viper INSTINCTIVELY responded to Alice, who had acted as Jessica's "big sister" in those early years in the Arklay Mansion, but to ALICE'S susprise, Viper insisted on maintaining her newly established bond with Maxine, while enjoying her reuinon with Alice, and it was this...uneasy "truce" between Alice and Maxine, that helped to provide BALANCE and rehabilitation that was needed for Viper to no longer be a walking timebomb, and thus...a new "family" dynamic was born. >>

<< Still, Maxine tried Alice on a few occassions, and Alice pushed BACK, leading to several skirmishes. Domino found that Alice, despite her appearance was PLENTY capable of standing her ground, and her level of genetic and scientific expertise was unmatched! Alice wouldn't give Domino any respect, only TOLERANCE, at Diana's behest.>>

<< On a night like TONIGHT, would Maxine test that tolerance in order to show off? Alice wasn't sure, but she secretly hoped the woman would GIVE her a reason to dissect her like one of James Marcus' leeches.>>

<< Alice moved about gathering for the Blackout party, dressed for the occassion.>>

<< She's a permanent Special Guest of the White Queen's, and she soon made her way to the same balcony where the other members of the Inner Circle had gathered, but she kept her distance. Amanda and Heidi were both beautiful and unique, they could have been made possible by genetics in her lab if she'd been able to continue on her original path in the arklay mansion, but they insisted on socializing with that walking fraud, Maxine, who may as well have been a flaming pile of genetic WASTE.>>

<< Then there was Emiko. There was no scientific term that really fit HER except...ANAMOLY. The white rook was a source of curiosity to more than one person in the Inner Circle, and even Alice, who was seen as as enigmatic by most of them, was both curious AND taken aback by Emiko's psychotic behavior. She was so similiar to Jessica in this way....similar to SCION in HER younger years too.>>

<< Alice wondered if Diana had gotten a bit...CARELESS in who she selected to be apart of her powerful cabal, but if worse came to worse, Alice already had an exit strategy for herself, and she would NEVER want for anything, no matter where she ended up.>>


<< As Alice surveyed these woman with a cold glare, a server glided by, and Alice unfolded one of her arms to take a flute of champagne from the passing tray.>>

 

[Viper]

Hellfire Mansion

[ How long had she been asleep? From London, to Sheena Island, to New York City, Jessica had awakened to find herself in a posh, sprawling mansion...similar to her birthplace, but very different in all other ways.]

[ When she was first awakened from the sleep that Ravena had placed her in, she LASHED OUT once again, destroying several unfortunate by-standers as Domino scrambled to get her calm and under control. Jessica was wild, ANGRY, and she wanted REVENGE against the Six, - NAMELY Persephone and Black Widow. She ALSO wanted revenge against DIANA.]

[ Her need for some point of familiarity to calm her was something that not even Maxine could satisfy UNTIL SHE suddenly appeared!?]

ALICE!?

::FLASH!::

<< Images of ALICE looking as Jessica would remember her most clearly.

[ Alice immediately intervened, calming Jessica and getting her to BEHAVE. Viper responded to her as though they had a familial connection, and really, they DID. This was a development that Domino was not expecting, and while Alice's unexpected presence had been beneficial, the geneticist wasted no time attempting to "Take custody" of Jessica from Maxine, leading to the FIRST fight between the two.]

[ Jessica couldn't help but smile and clap her hands as Alice drew a line with Maxine, coldly and methodically standing her ground and parrying Maxine's thrusts, but as Maxine escalated, so did Alice, and ALICE approached the handling of Domino like a doctor would a virus. Since Domino was NOT apart of Alice's legacy, she should be ELIMINIATED.]

[That was the first of MANY confrontations between Alice and Maxine, but Jessica made it clear that in order for her to be CALM and AGREEABLE, she wanted both Maxine AND Alice in her life. The two women wisely agreed to work together, and tolerate each other. Something DIANA insisted upon, with the White Queen reminding Maxine that Jessica Marcus' continued existence was based on HER word, and HER standing in the American branch depended on it. Alice ended up being more necessary thatn Domino would have liked.]

[ Viper was a POWERFUL woman. Among other things, able to control ALL viruses, toxins and poisons known to man. She herself carried the T-Veronica virus. but as powerful and gifted as she was...the years of experimentation, followed by isolation at the hands of her father, had left her rather....unbalanced (to put it mildly). James Marcus doted on his daughter, and he loved her, but that love was perverse and now Jessica was every bit as INSANE as she was gifted and powerful. She nearly destroyed the WORLD when she emerged from suspended animation, and when she was revived via cloning, and was manipulated by Crimson from the hellfire london branch, when she learned the TRUTH, she nearly destroyed the entire London Branch during her battle with Domino! She was a ticking TIMEBOMB and had to be handled with CARE. ]

[ Alice helped bring back the more cerebral side of Jessica, who had once been a powerful and talented researcher and scientist at Arklay Mansion. Maxine helped Jessica further hone her physical fighting skills, and refine the use of her venom blasts, and provided safe, CONTROLLED outlets for her aggression, while Alice kept her intellect stimulated. Through this delecate balance, a more true representation of Jessica Marcus' overall being began to emerge and present! It was a WELCOMED change, and like it or not...Maxine and Alice would HAVE to tolerate each other in order for this to continue to work.]

[Time passed, and Jessica, with the advocacy of both Maxine and Alice, gained more freedom and autonomy, even her own private quarters in the upper reaches of the Hellfire Mansion! She returned to her studies of genetics and virology, and soon caught the eye of Kelly Shaw, due to her gifted intellect, but BOTH Maxine and Alice kept Kelly Shaw at a distance, KNOWING that woman would do more harm than good. It was one of the FEW things they agreed upon.]

[TONIGHT was not just about the coronation of the White King. This was also a TEST to see if Viper COULD navigate a social setting of this scale, and while Alice loathed Maxine, the two were heavily invested in Jessica. Here was where they'd see a payout. ]

[ Jessica Marcus walked down the hall leading toward the balcony where the others were gathered, stepping with confidence in her black high heels and her black dress . The raven haired beauty was put together quite nicely in her ensemble, and in her mind she was every bit as PERFECT now as her father had always told her she was! ]

[ Her presence in the halls of this mansion was another source of controversy and anxiety for several individuals, and SHARON KELLY was not yet aware that Jessica was ALIVE again! Wouldn't THAT be a moment to witness? ]

[ For now, she emerged on the balcony with the others, presenting herself to Alice and Maxine.]

Maxine, Alice...I'm here.

[ She spoke with that haunting resonance that her voice had gained as the T Veronica virus bonded with her all those years ago.]

[ She stood in a pose, taking in the sight of all those in attendance. She'd never experienced anything like this at her home in Arklay forest. Her father always told her she was his perfect princess, and she had everything she wanted for a while...but she never got to dress like THIS, and she never had moments where she could JUST be the beautiful goddess that she knew she was. There was always a test, a study, SOMETHING that she was needed for.]

[ But even now, in this unusual moment, her apple green eyes fixated on EMIKO. That woman....that CREATURE... REALLY unnerved Jessica, and Maxine and Alice could BOTH see the shift in Jessica's demeanor. It was like a CAT who just spotted a bird that she wanted to stalk and POUNCE on.]

[ Jessica's hand balls into a fist, trembling as a glowing green halo of energy forms around it.]

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Upper Level

Haleigh strolled through the halls of the Upper Levels, the private quarters of the Inner Circle. Most of the security was focused on the party downstairs, and Haleigh easily slipped by the few that were stationed up here. She deactivated alarms as the systems tried to respond to her presence. It was only a mild challenge to reprogram the technology to recognize her as an ally. She scoffed at the feeble network. She'd really assumed it would have been much more difficult to break in.

This security SUCKS.

She could access anything she wanted here, and she realized she could have done this all along, but hadn't deemed it worth the risk to put her friends in danger of retaliation in the event she'd been unsuccessful. All this time, she'd been so CAUTIOUS. She'd never tried something like this, because of the threat of consequences. She'd essentially been trying to fight with her hands bound. Now that THAT was no longer a concern, she infiltrated every aspect of the technology that kept this place 'protected'.

Power without Consequence.......

She thought as she walked into an empty parlor room. She considered the idea that maybe they didn't care to have good security. It wasn't all that surprising, when one took into account the amount of power and arrogance housed here. She sauntered behind the bar and perused the vodka selection for a moment, then grabbed a full bottle of Hammer & Sickle. She walked back around to the other side, perched on the nearest barstool, and unscrewed the red square cap. She looked around this lounge, where many of her enemies drank and laughed and schemed.

FORMER enemies.

She lifted the bottle to her lips and drank deeply. As she lowered the empty bottle back down, she set off every fire alarm, every lockdown alert, and every intruder sensor in the entire building. The lackeys would scramble all over this labyrinth trying to secure every corner. The heavy hitters, the ones who ran the place because they were a cut far above the flatscan rabble, would come straight for her. It was exactly what she wanted. She wasn't about to crash their little party, as crowded as it was. Not when she knew there were new members of the inner circle that she wouldn't be able to identify amongst the throngs of the city's most influential people. She had better tactics than that. That was why she'd just wait for them to find her. Anybody who was worth a damn in this place, anybody who was serious about their position in the Inner Circle would answer her "call".

 

[Domino]

Hellfire Club Mansion - Blackout Party

Fathom: I surely don't. Auspiciously attractive, ridiculously rich, those are simply prerequisites for attendance. It doesn't mean any of these pawns deserve our attention. Still...a woman has needs, yes?”

:: Maxine eyed Heidi carefully as she spoke. The White Knight was on a high from her caper with The Birds of Prey, and though this version of Heidi Scarborough was definitely far more refined than who she was as Hydra, there was still a hint of the characteristics that held her back. Heidi stood among them as if she had already won. She hadn't, and while her power may have been incredible and more severe, Maxine had learned a lot while working with Diana, and Heidi would be doing a disservice to herself to count others out in this room simply because she was sitting in The Inner Circle. There were flatscans in this room who had outlived Fathom on their wits and tenacity alone, and she was alive because of the promise that she could be more than she was. This was a part of Maxine's work with Diana. She was keeper of the shop, she was to watch the others, analyze their progress, performance, their mental states, their personal relationships and determine who was a threat and who was in this for the long haul. She had no loyalty to any court. She was only loyal to herself and Diana by the nature of her deal. ::

Amanda: “Should be interesting to see what kind of trouble we can get into. In fact, perhaps we should make a little wager?”

:: Domino smirked as she pulled a flask out of her jacket pocket and took a swig. ::

“So the cobra wants to hiss does, she?”

Heidi: “Clearly you've never made a bet with Maxine.”

“Don't listen to jaws over there, she's still sore from our little trip to the Aqua Ring.”

Heidi: “So that's the White Rook, I presume? I've heard rumors but no one seems too eager to properly introduce us. She doesn't seem all that crazy to me.”

:: Taking another swig. ::

“That's your first mistake. She is crazy, and not to be trifled with...not that really any of us could. Diana hasn't told me the full story of her origin, but even she seems a bit uneasy around the woman, and the fact that she's been able to taunt The Black Queen and The White King so freely...well, it's safe to assume we should all keep our distance.”

Viper: “Maxine, Alice...I'm here.”

:: Maxine turned towards the other girls ::

“If you'll excuse me.”

:: Walking away from the girls, she made her way over towards Jessica, a woman she had an intimate, almost sisterly bond. Both of them had been victims of their fathers. During their firefight at the European Hellfire Club, the two got to see fragments of each other's lives, how different and similar that they were. It had bonded them and when she arrived on Sheena Island, one of her stipulations for being a liaison to the American branch was ensuring the safety of Jessica Marcus. One thing she hadn't counted on was Alice. The two of them were immediately like oil and water. Alice did not like Maxine because she felt that she was some kind of designer knockoff not able to stand with Jessica. She had some kind of maternal bond with Jessica that somewhat enraged Maxine. Both Jessica and Maxine had been manipulated by their would be parents, and Alice was no exception. She didn't care about Jessica in the way that Jessica believed she did. Alice was only concerned with protecting an asset and Domino knew that if the time came, Alice would protect herself and destroy Viper. Maxine wouldn't let that happen. Despite their motivations, they both saw the need to protect Jessica and to ensure that he had some semblance of a life and balance, and so they entered into an uneasy partnership, trying not to step on each other's toes, and knowing that she was more protected in their custody than in the hands of Talisman, somebody who would have strung her up like a turkey. ::

:: She made her way up the stairs with great speed as she locked hands with Jessica for a moment, trying to appease her, knowing exactly what she was looking at and thinking. ::

“Don't waste your time. Nobody is looking at HER, Jessica. They are all looking at YOU..as they should. You've just put all these women to shame!”

:: Maxine let go of her hand for a moment. ::

“We should get you into an area where more people can take all of this in. Fancy a drink?”

:: Her phone went off in this moment, notifying her that several security protocols had been overran and disconnected and that there was activity in The Parlor Room. Maxine had been anticipating this arrival, but really – she couldn't have cared less. That was more up Alice's alley, and Maxine's main focus was Jessica in this moment. There would be enough people tripping over their own dicks to herald the return of the prodigal daughter. She had more important things to do. ::

 

[Alice]

Hellfire Mansion

[ For now, she emerged on the balcony with the others, presenting herself to Alice and Maxine.]

Maxine, Alice...I'm here.

[ She spoke with that haunting resonance that her voice had gained as the T Veronica virus bonded with her all those years ago.]

[ She stood in a pose, taking in the sight of all those in attendance. She'd never experienced anything like this at her home in Arklay forest. Her father always told her she was his perfect princess, and she had everything she wanted for a while...but she never got to dress like THIS, and she never had moments where she could JUST be the beautiful goddess that she knew she was. There was always a test, a study, SOMETHING that she was needed for.]

[ But even now, in this unusual moment, her apple green eyes fixated on EMIKO. That woman....that CREATURE... REALLY unnerved Jessica, and Maxine and Alice could BOTH see the shift in Jessica's demeanor. It was like a CAT who just spotted a bird that she wanted to stalk and POUNCE on.]

[ Jessica's hand balls into a fist, trembling as a glowing green halo of energy forms around it.]

<< Alice's smile of approval fades to a look of concern and she sets her flute down, zooming from her spot over to Jessica's now in front of her, reaching her at the same time that Domino had arrived.>>

:: She made her way up the stairs with great speed as she locked hands with Jessica for a moment, trying to appease her, knowing exactly what she was looking at and thinking. ::

“Don't waste your time. Nobody is looking at HER, Jessica. They are all looking at YOU..as they should. You've just put all these women to shame!”

:: Maxine let go of her hand for a moment. ::

Your father would be very pleased now, Jessica. His perfect girl, his shining star.

:: Maxine let go of her hand for a moment. ::

“We should get you into an area where more people can take all of this in. Fancy a drink?”

:: Her phone went off in this moment, notifying her that several security protocols had been overran and disconnected and that there was activity in The Parlor Room. Maxine had been anticipating this arrival, but really – she couldn't have cared less. That was more up Alice's alley ::

<< Alice was in agreement with Domino's suggestion, and was prepared to accompany them. She really had no reason to stay here anywhere. She had no connection to the "new blood" that was swelling the ranks of the Inner Circle. She had no allegiance to anyone here, save Diana. Jessica's emergence was an unexpected development.>>

<< But as Alice and Maxine were prepared to take Jessica elsewhere, Maxine's phone started going crazy, as did the scanner in Alice's bracelet/cuff. But Alice's was reacting to the presence of a bio scan that could only belong to one person. Her eyes widen with shock as she looked at the readings>>

No! I told her NEVER to come back here again!

And Maxine's main focus was Jessica in this moment. There would be enough people tripping over their own dicks to herald the return of the prodigal daughter. She had more important things to do.

<< Alice hated that Maxine was...RIGHT in this instance. This WAS up Alice's alley, and Alice needed to get to SCION before the others arrived. SO, if Alice was going to have to leave Jessica for the time being, there was no better to leave her with than Maxine.>>

<< She looks at her wrist scanner, then at Maxine, then finally Jessica, gently turning her AWAY from the direction of the commotion that was now drawing the attention of other members of the Inner Circle as well. >>

If you'll excuse me, Jessica. I have an emergency. Stay with Maxine, and let her lead you into the night.

<< She HATED the appearance of endorsing this renegade KNOCKOFF, but she had no choice.>>

I will return as soon as I can, I promise.

<< And with that, Alice turns and ZOOMS away, leaving a glowing image trail behind her.>>

The lackeys would scramble all over this labyrinth trying to secure every corner. The heavy hitters, the ones who ran the place because they were a cut far above the flatscan rabble, would come straight for her. It was exactly what she wanted. She wasn't about to crash their little party, as crowded as it was. Not when she knew there were new members of the inner circle that she wouldn't be able to identify amongst the throngs of the city's most influential people. She had better tactics than that. That was why she'd just wait for them to find her. Anybody who was worth a damn in this place, anybody who was serious about their position in the Inner Circle would answer her "call".

<< Some of the guards, dressed in full costume attire for the evening, were already making their way to the source of the alarms and alerts, fully armed with powerful weaponry and ready to strike down whomever they found. But they were BOWLED OVER like so many unsuspected bowling pins being knocked down by a high speed, glowing bowling ball, as ALICE zoomed THROUGH them and onward toward SCION herself. >>

<< She reaches Scion and SNATCHES her bottle from her hand, knocking the woman on the floor in the process>>

Have you lost your senses COMPLETELY!?

<< Alice says as she stands over her.>>

I told you NEVER to come back here.

 

[Lord Ravena]

As he stood still, Lord Ravena kept changing his outfit to suit his whim. He was not normally indecisive, an indication that this occasion was of more import than he let on. Finally, he settled on something American but quite formal.

His more 'special' handlers moved swiftly as the alarm indicator went off behind him. Nothing was allowed to interrupt or sully this moment, and if blood needed to be shed to ensure that, his companions would make sure that it occurred. The shadows shimmered then moved impossibly fast, taking up residence in the corners of the room where the blonde technopath was being accosted by Alice. Lord Ravena had seen her file and recognized her. She was not here on a war footing or she would not have tripped the alarms. He could see what his emissaries saw and so he had them stay their hand and he watched. It passed the time at least and the child was lovely to look upon, even if her blood was tainted.

Lord Ravena continued to stand still. There was no indication he was even alive as he stood there in his doorway...except a smile that crept across his face. Tonight would be interesting indeed.

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion- The White Queen's chambers

:: Diana had spent some time alone after her conversation earlier. Her large, spacious, multi-level suite in the mansion was in the upper most reaches of the private, secure areas of the mansion. ::

:: The WAVES of emotion and psychic distress emminating from the likes of Cameron King and Ava Cassadine throuhought the day had been almost ORGASMIC for Diana. Her plan had unfolded JUST as she'd hoped, and the Six were left REELING from their revelation about their darling Black Widow.::

:: Diana had to take time to DRINK deeply of the emotions, the pain and distress she'd cause. She deserved to revel in that moment, and Prophet's pain had been so pronounced, that she'd considered chasing him down on the astral plane and CONSUMING him, but ALISON got to him first.::


:: She accessed her psychic "black box" during a period of meditation. Later, she lavished herself in her shower chamber, and soon, her ladies-in-waiting were attending her as she prepared for the Blackout Party. She slipped into her white dress that flaunted her well kept figure and ample bosom. The sheer design of the dress along the top, accented with real white diamonds, would draw attention to Diana's beautiful physical form, just as she wanted. Her ladies-in-waiting put the finishing touches on her coiffed hair, her shimmering make up, and her accessories.::

:: She took a moment to admire herself in a three-way mirror. She was indeed the WHITE QUEEN.::

:: Moments later she emerged from her suite. And after that...::

::FLASH!::

<< A horizontal three way split view, floor level.>>

<< We see a pair of white high heels in the top panel, red high heels in the middle panel, and black high heels in the bottom panel. Each represents the style associated with their respective queen.>>

<< All three pairs walking in time/step with one another, as the White, Red and Black Queen's make their way to the Upper Salon to meet before going to retrieve Ravena.>>

:: Diana looked like a shimmering, sparkling diva, with a body that would shame girls half her age, and power that would bring ARMIES to their knees. This was indeed a night to revel in the status of being the White Queen, crowning her new White King, and then celebrating POWER WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE as only they could. There were also a few other things to look forward to, namely the behavior of Jessica Marcus, and a REPORT on the progress of her rehabilitation from Alice and Domino, and the presentation of BENJAMIN LEWIS, by Diana's emissary, Kristen Pratt. ::

:: As Diana, Helena, and Kelly entered the Upper Salon from three points of entry...the three queens had a moment to take in the sight of each other. Diana and Helena had been here before, the night they welcomed Dominique Deveraux into the fold as the Black Queen. This was Kelly Shaw's first time, something her crosstime analogue had never come close to experiencing.::

:: But this Blackout Party was proving to be completely UNLIKE the previous one for a variety of reasons. Case in point....::

She lifted the bottle to her lips and drank deeply. As she lowered the empty bottle back down, she set off every fire alarm, every lockdown alert, and every intruder sensor in the entire building. The lackeys would scramble all over this labyrinth trying to secure every corner. The heavy hitters, the ones who ran the place because they were a cut far above the flatscan rabble, would come straight for her. It was exactly what she wanted. She wasn't about to crash their little party, as crowded as it was. Not when she knew there were new members of the inner circle that she wouldn't be able to identify amongst the throngs of the city's most influential people. She had better tactics than that. That was why she'd just wait for them to find her. Anybody who was worth a damn in this place, anybody who was serious about their position in the Inner Circle would answer her "call".

:: A look of ANNOYANCE flashed across the white queen's face, before she paused...::

I knew she'd come slinking back here...

:: A smirk soon came across her face as she held her hand up, gesturing for Helena and Kelly to stand fast.::

She's a smart girl. She knew better than to wreck this evening's activities.

Computer, recognized voice command: White Queen, and SILENCE all alarms in that area of the mansion.

:: By now, the rest of the Inner Circle was converging on their new arrival, and would KEEP Haleigh where she was.::

No need for alarm...

:: She said to Kelly and Helena.::

...Just follow me. We'll handle this ourselves. I'll PERSONALLY greet our newly arrived..."GUEST."

:: Ravena was already there, posted up and ready. Amanda, Emiko and Heidi were closing in, and Haleigh had precious MOMENTS to say something to Alice.::

 

[Talisman]

Hellfire Estate - Black Queen's Chambers

< Despite Emiko's attempt at ruffling her feathers, Kelly Shaw was continuing to enjoy her evening. After a long and luxurious bath of lavender infused bubbles, the hand maidens of the black court began to attend to her every need, and she was having the works done – a pedicure, manicure (ensuring her black gel nails were just a little bit sharper tonight) a facial, and a massage. She stood in the center of her powder room, a long black beautiful skirt stopping just on top of her hips flowed on the ground around her, as her bare chest was exposed, her chestnut hair slicked back in a high fashionable ponytail on the top of her head. Her cobalt blue eyes catching her feminine form as she snapped her fingers. Her left hand glowed a bright emerald green for a moment as little by little, it appeared as if something was materializing around her body, and it was. Nanites – of a sophisticated and almost mystic looking order began to appear around her replicating with great speed, until before long they had created a bodice and long sleeves. Sophisticated mechanical constructs, these were but a small part of the new found power she had here. Before long, they had completed their sequence and her dress, a sophisticated and highly provocative dress was completed, well almost. From her vanity, she walked over and pulled a long necklace from her jewelry box. A long beaded necklace, much like a rosary was placed over her neck, while the charm, a black onyx pentagram, rested delicately on the space between her breasts. Sitting on a parlor puff, she strapped on her vintage black Louboutins and had her maidens apply the finishing touches on her makeup. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she took her leave and began to make her way towards the Upper Salon. >

< With every step she took, she couldn't help but feel a little bit self satisfied. She looked hotter, younger and more revitalized than she had in ages, and her experience in the hangar had been one of emotional awakening. Now, people would experience more than just icy cold from her, which may have been what they wanted, but she wasn't quite sure they would be prepared. The time had come to stand with her fellow queens and usher in a new era, one that would blow the previous incarnations out of the water. >

< Stepping into the room, the queens each made their way towards each other, silently giving each other the once over, looking for something that could be perfected or changed to look better. If they were going to stand next to each other, they needed to look absolutely flawless. Kelly smirked as she couldn't any flaws, or rather, not any she felt like pointing out at this time. Suffice it to say that while these three women were a little more advanced in age, their bodies and faces certainly didn't give that away. >

< There was somewhat of a distress call coming from the security systems. At first Kelly paid it no mind, assuming it to be some drunk patron stumbling into an area they shouldn't be, but Diana led her to believe that this was actually serious business. >

Malice: “White Queen, and SILENCE all alarms in that area of the mansion. No need for alarm...”

< She arched a curious eyebrow. >

Malice: “Just follow me. We'll handle this ourselves. I'll PERSONALLY greet our newly arrived...”GUEST”...”

< Kelly wondered who exactly they were going to greet, but she had a feeling, and by the nature of Talisman's power, she was able to sense the presence of a highly evolved technological application in human form. There weren't many options for who that could be. The last thing she wanted was some exhaustive altercation involving The Six tonight. But for now, she would be a good girl and play along. As Diana led the charge, Kelly flagged down a waiter, and promptly took a glass of hemlock, handing Helena a glass of champagne before smiling. >

“If we're going to have to power walk in heels, we might as well get a good buzz going.”

< She took a long sip before she began to follow Diana towards the parlor room, where it seemed like Haleigh's arrival was going to crash and burn around her. >

 

[Enchantrah]

It was finally the evening of the Blackout Party, by far the most prestigious and high profile event that was put on by the Hellfire Club. Tonight was even more important because the queens were finally showcasing their new courts and revealing to all that the Inner Circle was redesigned, rebuilt, and ready to reclaim. Helena stood in front of her large damask framed full length mirror, swiping the last bit of ruby red matte lipstick across her lips. Pressing them together, her sapphire eyes gleamed as she smirked with satisfaction.

"Perfect."

Picking up her red satin clutch, she tossed the lipstick inside and started for her bedroom door.

"Come on my love, it's show time."

Picking up Coco--her omnimorph pet--Helena air kissed the white snake while it gently coiled around her wrist into a perfect cuffed bracelet. The only way anyone could tell the bracelet was indeed alive was the occasional flicking of Coco's tongue.

Walking down the hall toward the upper salon, her red heels clicked against the wood floors as she approached the room. Opening the door Helena stood posed in a red gown only she would be able to pull off. Her blonde hair was slicked into a sleek low bun and her makeup neutral with the exception of her bold red lipstick. She saw Diana and Kelly both arrive as well. Diana looked exactly as she anticipated her to look--like the mother fucking white queen. And Kelly didn't look horrible.

Soon the alarms started to go off.

"Well look at that ladies, we're already setting off alarms.

Helena joked as she rolled her eyes, annoyed that they were being held up from the party.

Diana: No need for alarm....Just follow me. We'll handle this ourselves. I'll PERSONALLY greet our newly arrived..."GUEST."

Diana didn't need to say anything else for Helena to know exactly who this mystery guest was. Following Diana down the hall toward the parlor, Kelly snatched a couple flutes of champagne and handed one to Helena.

Kelly: If we're going to have to power walk in heels, we might as well get a good buzz going.

Gulping the champagne, Helena gave her an approving smile.

"Oh trust me, you're going to need more than a buzz to deal with the mess we're about to walk into."

Helena quipped as they finally reached the parlor. And there she was, the white queen's daughter herself....

"Well if it isn't little orphan Annie."

Helena smirked as she sauntered into the parlor.