Gathering at the clock tower

[Seer]

A new day

<< A relatively peaceful night gives way to a bright morning with a pleasantly cool morning breeze.>>

<< The guests at Rose's sanctuary awaken to the comforting aroma of a home cooked breakfast, while Rose is already meeting with Ramsey, and Gabe (via video confrerence in her monitoring room) as the newly installed defense and security systems are being brought online.>>

<< Rae, Danny, Alycia, Xavier, Simon, and Sable are all gathered in the Rose's dining room. Everyone has had a restful night's sleep, and after breakfast, each person will embark on his or her day.>>

-----------------------------------

<< At the Parthenon>>

<< Delilah is awakened by the sound of her phone. She had a missed call from Alycia, and a voice mail, informing her that Alycia would like her to come to Charope LLC, along with a meeting time, so they could get to work on Dennis Nedry.>>

<< Richard awakens in Blaze's penthouse. He stayed with her through the night. It was the first night, since Morgan's return, that Blaze's apartment had been nearly empty, with only Tinkerbell, and the small white kitten keeping Blaze and Richard company, now that Karen and Michael had evacuated to Minerva's Aerie, and Morgan had spent the evening with Nicolas.>>

<< Nothing SERIOUSLY physical happened between Blaze and Richard. She needed someone to talk to, and under the glow of that moon, she and Richard talked, he held her, they shared a look, a kiss, and soon, they both allowed sleep to overtake them, getting much needed rest.>>

<< But now, Richard must go, as Dominique is "calling" him. She has finally reached her decision about what she will do regarding the Birds of Prey, and before she goes to see Oracle, she wants to share it with Richard, and they go together.>>

------------------------------------

<< Darren Hudson's Hotel>>

<< Sharon Kelly's silver eyes POP OPEN, as she awakens...in Darren Hudson's bed...and she BOLTS upright with a start, even startling the nude, and still slumbering Darren next to her.>>

<< The moon watched them in Central Park, and guided their path toward one another, and they spent the night together!>>

------------------------------------

<< The Clocktower>>

<< Zizi awakens. Gabe was already awake, and conducting business, via video conference, with Rose and Rasmey. The new system at the sanctuary was about to "go live.">>

<< Not even these two could escape the light and touch of the moon, and after a night of hearty eating and drinking, it was the safer thing to have him stay over. Now here they were, drawn closer not only be their mutual desire to help Rose, but their own nuanced feelings for each other, and how to reconcile them. For Zizi, this might have been an area she was less confident in, but she was no less deserving of the benefits of these aspects of interpersonal relationships. >>

<< Zizi would find that one hope that she expressed under the glow of last night's moon would come to fruition, as she had a message from Dominique stating that the sorceress and Richard would be coming to see her today to talk.>>

<< Vivica Lennox was also making her way back to the Clock Tower, after she much needed time alone last night.>>


<< The morning was off to a peaceful start for just about everyone, but it was early yet, and the sun had yet to burn away the calmness and cool that lingered from the night before.>>

 

[Cypher]

It had been a long and informative night. Gabe learned everything there was to learn about the rosters and people associated with the Birds of Prey, The Six, and Hellfire Club. It was eye opening to say the least, realizing that he was in the thick of a pending war that could lead to many people he just read about AND met, dying. And it could potentially be at the hands of his ex and her sister...adoptive sister? He still wasn't sure where their relationship stood currently. Regardless, it was a completely fucked up situation.

He insisted that an exhausted and slightly intoxicated Zizi head to bed while he continued to learn and research about the backgrounds of The Sisterhood. Without even realizing it, the night gave way to morning and he had pulled an all nighter. But it was worth it. He was informed now, about EVERYTHING. He wasn't going in blind anymore. He knew their abilities, their history, their backgrounds, their affiliations, weapons, costumes....shit, the fact that one was turned to a damn statue and put into the domain Spellbinder ruled over.

Running his hand roughly down his face, he was exhausted but he needed to wake up and focus. Ramsey had just texted him that everything was installed and ready to go. Gabe opened up a video chat with Rose--Ramsey standing next to her as Gabe began to remotely access the security system.

"Alright....lets get this up and running and give you some piece of mind Rosie."

He clicked a few keys, bringing up a red holographic image of The Sanctuary.

"Rams."

Ramsey: "Systems go."

Gabe clicked a few more keys , looking up at the holographic image as different quadrants began to light up green systematically. Gabe smiled.

"So far so good."

The holograph continued to light up until finally, the once red image was completely green. The new security system for The Sanctuary was now fully functional.

Smiling, Gabe looked up at Rose and nodded triumphantly.

"Alright, all systems are up and running! We will immediately be informed of any security breaches within a second of it happening. I've used my abilities to create multiple firewalls, faux firewalls, and codings in systematic symbolic languages that will SLOW DOWN, if not STOP Black Widow long enough to send an alert to me and you. The multiple small consoles that Ramsey installed throughout The Sanctuary will alarm off in these circumstances. This will give us enough time to prepare for any attacks she or anyone else would do against you and your children."

Ramsey: "Main console is in your new security suite. Super lovely if I do say so myself. Even put a nice vase of flowers in there for ya too."

Gabe chuckled.

"That's unusually sweet of you Rams."

Ramsey: "Well they might be weeds [daisies]....but ya know, they were pretty an I thought you'd like 'em."

Gabe's smile was wide as he shook his head and looked at Rose.

"Do you have any questions on the system, Rosie?"

 

[Persephone]

The night had started to give way to morning, the beams of sun illuminating Alek's bedroom in a beautiful early morning glow. Laying on her side, Persephone's arm was hooked around Alek's chest and her head laying comfortably in the crook of his neck. It wasn't until the beams of sunlight hit her face that she began to stir awake. Slowly opening her eyes, a soft moan could be heard low in her throat as she shut her eyes again and hugged Alek tightly, burring her face into his neck and away from the bright light. She could feel his hand gently rubbing her back.

"Morning."

She softly murmured, her voice a bit horse from just waking up.

"What time is it?"

She asked before gently kissing his neck, fully content on just staying there wrapped in his arms for as long as she could. After what happened the night before....what was said between them, she knew she didn't want to leave that room, his arms, his touch...everything.

Her eyes remained shut and body relaxed; his breathing almost coaxing her back to sleep. It wasn't until her stomach began to growl that she groaned with a small laugh.

"I don't want to get out of bed..."

Her idea of an early breakfast in the Morning Room sounding less and less appealing.

 

[Matrix]

Morning.

It had been an interesting night. Blaze was hurt about her Mama and Mike having to go. It was interesting to find that Mike rolling out hurt her almost as much as her Mama. Mike and Red were crazy close.

So I wiped away some tears, listened as she talked, answered some questions about myself, got more than few kisses and rubs in, but the timing was fucked up. The vibe I got from her said that MAYBE I could get her to do something, but it would be for the wrong reasons. I wanted this one to give herself to me, not surrender to me and perhaps regret it. Funny thing is, before now I only thought that way about one other person. And that woman was calling me.

Richard, please meet me in my suite. We need to talk.

Red was still fast asleep. I had watched her a lot of the night before getting what little sleep I needed. She was cuddled up on my chest, smile on her face as she slept. I melted away slowly, letting her down onto the mattress and reforming beside her instead. Her face frowned for a second...apparently she has some senses that were beyond regular stuff, as she explained it, and it was obvious that she missed me already.

The 5% pure evil part of me wanted to wake her up with some wood (especially since he was awake before either of us!) but instead I gave her a kiss on the lips and and rubbed her face.

Hey Red. Duty calls. I will see you very soon. I had a great time. Take care.

I kissed her again and she reached out for me. GUUUUUUUURL....nah, gotta go. I hugged her and then extricated myself, walking out of her suite and to the elevator. It gave me time to order flowers for her and change into an outfit more for my role with Miss D.

I entered the suite and she was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I gave her a good hug and kiss to each cheek (yeah, going European...what of it?) before being led to a seat across across from her. She was holding one of my hands.

You look beautiful this morning. I hope you rested well.

But she had something to say, it was obvious.

So Miss D, wassup? Something on your mind?

 

[Rose]

The Sanctuary- Monitoring Room

<< Rose conversed with Ramsey. He was definitely a colorful character, and Rose could appreciate that, but despite his gruff exterior, he, like Gabe, was a bit unsure/afraid of her. Despite that, he'd done an excellent job with the set up of the security and defense systems that not only protected the Sanctuary, but the whole Secret Garden (the unofficial nick name of Rose's entire city block).>>

<< Standing together in the control center of the monitoring room , one would see no evidence of Rose's psycho power fueled rampage from several nights earlier, when she destroyed MILLIONS of dollars of Clandestine Inc equipment in under 15 minutes! Everything was brand new, and Rose herself looked so calm and serene, standing tall, with that curious flowing effect in her purple hair.>>

<< Rose and Ramsey stood in front of the large central screen.>>

Gabe opened up a video chat with Rose--Ramsey standing next to her as Gabe began to remotely access the security system.

"Alright....lets get this up and running and give you some piece of mind Rosie."

<< smiling at Gabe>>

Yes, let's begin!

He clicked a few keys, bringing up a red holographic image of The Sanctuary.

"Rams."

Ramsey: "Systems go."

Gabe clicked a few more keys , looking up at the holographic image as different quadrants began to light up green systematically. Gabe smiled.

"So far so good."

The holograph continued to light up until finally, the once red image was completely green. The new security system for The Sanctuary was now fully functional.

Smiling, Gabe looked up at Rose and nodded triumphantly.

<< Rose watched both men, and nodded as progress was made, each quandrant coming online, now being properly secured and protected, and soon, the entire secret garden was online again!>>

<< Rose smiled with approval as Gabe nodded.>>

"Alright, all systems are up and running!

Excellent!

We will immediately be informed of any security breaches within a second of it happening. I've used my abilities to create multiple firewalls, faux firewalls, and codings in systematic symbolic languages that will SLOW DOWN, if not STOP Black Widow long enough to send an alert to me and you. The multiple small consoles that Ramsey installed throughout The Sanctuary will alarm off in these circumstances. This will give us enough time to prepare for any attacks she or anyone else would do against you and your children."

Ramsey: "Main console is in your new security suite. Super lovely if I do say so myself. Even put a nice vase of flowers in there for ya too."

<< Rose looked at Ramsey for a moment>>

Gabe chuckled.

"That's unusually sweet of you Rams."

Ramsey: "Well they might be weeds [daisies]....but ya know, they were pretty an I thought you'd like 'em."

Gabe's smile was wide as he shook his head and looked at Rose.

"Do you have any questions on the system, Rosie?"

I have all of the specs and details that you forwarded to me electronically, and you've made sure to include the special protocols for LETHAL measures if Black Widow, or any OTHER member of the Hellfire Club should trespass.

You also included the defenses for the panic rooms throughout the buildings, and the underground bunker?

<< Gabe confirmed.>>

<< Rose holds the "remote key" that Ramsey handed to her as welll, a small device, that can be discreetly worn on her person, masked as an accessory, that will allow her to access these systems no matter where she is.>>

Very well then!

Everything is in order!

<< she looks at the two men>>

And I am very satisfied with what I've seen.

Thank you both!

<< The Secret Garden and Sanctuary were once more fully protected, and with this powerful new system, along with the added unique layer of defense provided by Citadel, along with Rose herself, Black Widow, or any OTHER would be intruder would be in for a world of pain if they were to try anything again. Rose felt a sense of relief, and it showed on her face.>>

<< To Ramsey>>

Why don't you join my friends and I for breakfast this morning? I'm sure Rae would be delighted to see you!

<< She gestures for him to follow her, and she leads him through a passage that takes them from the control center, back to her Brownstown without them having to go outside.>>

<< Back inside, they reach the dining room where Alycia, Xavier, Danny, Rae and Simon are, with Sable nearby. Although the sleek feline had enjoyed her specially prepared breakfast too, she was patiently waiting for someone to slip her a treat or two under the table >>

<< An early riser, Rose had prepared a hearty spread of breakfast delights, and her guests were happily eating.>>

Good morning everyone!

Sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but I'm pleased to announce that the Secret Garden, and Sanctuary's new and vast improved security and defense systems are officially ONLINE!

Ramsey helped make that possible.

Please, sit down, and help yourself!

<< She gestured for Ramsey to take a seat at the table. Rose then seated herself at the head of the table.>>

I hope everyone had a good night's rest, under that beautiful moon?

As you each prepare to go on with your day, I'm glad that you'll be leaving here renewed minds as well as nourished bodies. Thank you for helping me to secure and protect those that are the most in need!

 

[Isis]

The Parthenon- Dominique's diamond suite


:: Dominique sat in her diamond suite, poised and stylish in a red suit, as she waited for Richard to arrive. ::

:: It had been several days since she returned to her diamond suite, following the blow up at the clock tower. She wasn't sure she could remain with the Birds of Prey.::

:: Many things had happened since that night. The threat of the Hellfire Club, and the menace of Black Widow and Persephone had cast a long, almost immobilizing darkness over them all, and Dominique had been called upon more than once to save several lives. She'd also been standing in the gap for Rose, after one of her children nearly died at the hands of Black widow.::

::She'd had important conversations with several people she trusted, including Richard, and most recently, she had heart to heart with Vivica, and she spent some time in reflection.::

:: After seeing Karen and Michael off to safety, the sorceress spent the night in soltidue and tranquility, under the glow of the beautiful full moon. She sought communion with her goddess for clarity and certainty.::

:: This morning, she woke up knowing what her decision would be::

I entered the suite and she was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I gave her a good hug and kiss to each cheek (yeah, going European...what of it?) before being led to a seat across across from her. She was holding one of my hands.

You look beautiful this morning.

Good morning, Richard. Thank you.

:: she kissed him gently on the cheek as he sat in before her::

I hope you rested well.

I did have a restful evening. The moon was comforting.

Speaking of comforting, Is Blaze okay?

So Miss D, wassup? Something on your mind?

Richard, so much has happened since Sharon revealed the status of Black Widow and Persephone.

I was prepared to leave the Birds of Prey. I could not...and still CAN'T tolerate Ashley Oldenburg's behavior.

But so many things have happened, lives were nearly lost, and the need to work closely was never more apparent.

:: She held Richard's hands in her own::

After careful thought, much reflection and consideration....I have decided to remain with the Birds of Prey. Things that you, and Vivica said...they resonated with me on a very deep level, and after everything that's occurred? To abandon Oracle and the others, it just doesn't sit well with me.

There's more to this unfolding story that I must help to write. We BOTH have a role to play in that.

:: She paused for a moment, before looking Richard directly in his eyes with her own aqua blue eyes::

Richard...my choosing to stay is NOT an endorsement of that woman's boorish behavior, and I don't EVER want you to think that the way she behaves is acceptable. NOR would I tolerate you seeking someone like HER for companionship.

::sigh::

But there's so much more at play here, so much that's important, and she is but a SMALL piece, in an overall bigger picture.

::FLASH!::

"And right now? With the state of things as they are..we could all use people around us that do the RIGHT THING."

I have traveled the world, and through dimensions, communed with deities across pantheons, lived a life that is beyond the stuff of mortals AND metahumans' dreams. I am not a novice. I have proven time and again that I can work with anyone to achieve a shared goal, and I'll do it again now.

:: She squeezes Richard's hands a bit::

::FLASH!::

"I think you should stick around because it's uncomfortable. You're so put together. So absolutely solid and strong. Maybe it's time to get a little messy. A little bit dirty. Surround yourself with people who AREN'T like you.so that YOU can grow"....

..."I think you might be at a point where it's just beginning. And I think all of us..with our different personalities..different ways of doing things, could maybe make you see the world a little bit bigger..and I think, even though it might not be easy at first...though nothing ever worth doing is..that your refinement, your CONTROL..your ability to be so strong and powerful in the face of adversity, could help our stars burn a little bit BRIGHTER."

I feel it's the right thing to do...and the possibility of it being another....learning experience.

But before I reach out to Oracle, I want to reaffirm what I said to you before I left the Hellfire Club.

I won't EVER forsake you, my knight.

:: she takes one of her hands and gently runs it down the side of his face, resting her palm against his cheek as he tilts his head, ever so slightly, inward to palm of her hand::

We must always stand together, as a united front.

With that said, I want to me sure that you still feel welcomed in this group, and that you want to remain as well?

 

[Recall]

A New Day

:: She had only slept maybe four hours when her eyes flickered open. She didn't require much sleep thanks to her ability and Clandestine training, so for Vivica, four hours felt like twelve to her. She immediately rolled out of bed, cleaned up her studio, eyed the piece she had started last night, grabbed a few of Julian's paintings and put them in her canvas bag before heading out the door of her gallery, leaving a note for her gallery manager about a few loose ends she noticed just before leaving. ::

:: She thought about going home, but it was early and if she woke Sheba, her bengal cat up before 9 am, she would be furious. So instead, she walked through the city and found herself at Clandestine headquarters. While she was no longer a traditional field agent, she still had a high level of clearance. Walking through a number of hallways she entered a private locker room, unlocked her locker and changed into her workout clothes before heading into the main floor of the large training facility. While initially she felt unsure about her future with Clandestine, she figured if she was going to be alone, it was better to be in a place with hundreds of eyes and big shiny weapons to help protect her. ::

:: Plugging her earphones in, she stretched for a moment before taking off on the large indoor track the facility had. Vivica exercised regularly to keep her head clear, and running was her favorite. Moving at peak human speed she rounded the first turn of the track, her mind becoming more awake and alert as she ran. This was one of the many things that Vivica did in order to maintain and enhance her ability. The chip in her head caused her powers to enhance to a level that required upkeep on her part to physically maintain, something that many people around her didn't know and she didn't really talk about. If she didn't keep a level head and take time to collect herself and clear her thoughts, she would become overwhelmed by her ability, lose herself a little bit. ::

:: A few hours later, she checked the fitness app on her phone and she had logged a good twenty six miles. Calling it a good day, she returned to the locker room, showered off, changed her clothes and headed back into the city which was now crowded and loud with people starting their work days. ::

:: Before long, she found herself at The Clocktower with a traveler of coffee and some breakfast quiches. There was always somebody hungry at The Clocktower. Making her way up to the top, the doors opened to reveal Gabe in front of a computer monitor talking to Rose. She raised a slightly concerned eyebrow. She had never formally met him, but knew who he was an Oracle had briefed her last night on what was happening, but still it was weird to see him alone in The Clocktower. ::

"Did he spend the night?!"

:: blinking. ::

"Morning! I brought reinforcements."

:: She carefully put the coffee and goods down on the counter opening them up and setting them up for everybody before she made her way over to Gabe. She didn't like somebody she didn't know so close to Oracle's stuff. ::

:: Rose's face flickered off the screen as Vivica turned to Gabe, taking time to peer over the other screens to make sure he wasn't anywhere he shouldn't be. ::

"So the new security system is in place. That's good..I'm Vivica by the way. Vivica Lennox."

:: Vivica looked to the left and right of her, not seeing any sign of Zizi around her. She wasn't the type to sleep in like this with so much going on. Her eyes went to one of the screens that seemed to be some kind of mission log or file. Vivica cocked an eyebrow. ::

"I'm hoping Oracle gave you permission to be looking at the information you're looking at? Or am I going to have to karate chop your ass for trespassing?"

:: She gave a smile that half joking and half serious. Even if he had permission, Vivica wasn't sure it was the smartest thing to let somebody barely into this world know so much about them. Especially at a time when veterans were jumping ship. ::

"Where's Oracle?"

 

[Matrix]

I did have a restful evening. The moon was comforting.

Speaking of comforting, Is Blaze okay?

I was not expecting Miss D to ask about her! I took a moment to get my shit together.

She is upset that her Mama and Mike had to go, but she will be OK. At least now she is not worrying about them.

Richard, so much has happened since Sharon revealed the status of Black Widow and Persephone.

I was prepared to leave the Birds of Prey. I could not...and still CAN'T tolerate Ashley Oldenburg's behavior.

But so many things have happened, lives were nearly lost, and the need to work closely was never more apparent.

:: She held Richard's hands in her own::

After careful thought, much reflection and consideration....I have decided to remain with the Birds of Prey. Things that you, and Vivica said...they resonated with me on a very deep level, and after everything that's occurred? To abandon Oracle and the others, it just doesn't sit well with me.

There's more to this unfolding story that I must help to write. We BOTH have a role to play in that.

:: She paused for a moment, before looking Richard directly in his eyes with her own aqua blue eyes::

Richard...my choosing to stay is NOT an endorsement of that woman's boorish behavior, and I don't EVER want you to think that the way she behaves is acceptable. NOR would I tolerate you seeking someone like HER for companionship.

I had to smile at that. Miss D would FUUUUUUCK her SMOOOOTH up. Sometimes you have to know what to not do in a situation. Ashley's hot little ass was safe, for now. Besides, Zach had her hemmed up anyway. I made a face and then just let it go while Isis watched me like a hawk, then sighed deeply.

But there's so much more at play here, so much that's important, and she is but a SMALL piece, in an overall bigger picture.

I was glad to hear that. If Miss D was focused on Ashley, this was not gonna work at ALL.

I have traveled the world, and through dimensions, communed with deities across pantheons, lived a life that is beyond the stuff of mortals AND metahumans' dreams. I am not a novice. I have proven time and again that I can work with anyone to achieve a shared goal, and I'll do it again now.

:: She squeezes Richard's hands a bit::

We both know you can do whatever you put your mind to. So now you know what you want to do, it will happen.

I feel it's the right thing to do...and the possibility of it being another....learning experience.

But before I reach out to Oracle, I want to reaffirm what I said to you before I left the Hellfire Club.

I won't EVER forsake you, my knight.

:: she takes one of her hands and gently runs it down the side of his face, resting her palm against his cheek as he tilts his head, ever so slightly, inward to palm of her hand::

We must always stand together, as a united front.

With that said, I want to me sure that you still feel welcomed in this group, and that you want to remain as well?

Well, you know...no matter what, you are always my best girl.

I laughed as I stood up and made myself much lighter, then sat in her lap, my arms around her as I made a zrbtt into her neck. It always made her laugh, and it did so now. She brushed at me in a shooing motion with her hand but made no move to really move me, instead holding on to me as well.

And I said my peace before then left you to your decision because I wanted you to make up your own mind with no pressure from me. If you are here, so am I. And in the time since we spoke last, I have had great conversations with John Steel and again with Xavier. There are good people over there, all of them I think, even if there are things that are to be desired. But that is where we can make this work.

I stood, then took a knee, still tall enough to take her face into my hands.

You are a Queen, the Avatar of Isis, and I am your Knight. We managed to get things done in the Hellfire Club and maintain our integrity when the chips were down. We can do good here and manage these relatively small pitfalls I believe. And I believe in that because I believe in you being here.

Just a peck on the lips, and then I stood to my full height and offered her my arm.

Let's go face the day, my Queen. We have stuff to do.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi woke up in her bed, not entirely sure where she was or how she had gotten there. It all came back to her slowly. Personnel files, fight footage, cheesecake, beer. Gabe. She rolled over onto her back. Ugh. She needed a shower badly.

She slid herself into her chair and rolled into the bathroom, specially constrcuted to accomodate her needs. Twenty minutes later she was out again and dressed in a sporty tank and shorts, Ewok slippers firmly on her feet. She was done with sexy dresses and going commando. What she had built up in her mind had crashed and burned horribly, so she resolved to stop trying to force something to happen. She had lasted this long loving someone who didn't love her back - there was no reason to suddenly start acting like a crazy person. And she would have a talk with everyone as soon as possible on the topic of Gabe and their help.

She wheeled out of her bedroom still toweling her hair. Gabe was video chatting with Rose and Ramsey. Zizi stuck her head in next to Gabe's and waved.

"Good morning, Rose. Hi Luke, honey."

She noticed Vivica was there also and wheeled out fo the video frame to talk to her.

"Good morning. How are you feeling today? I know you said you were fine yesterday but..."

Zizi looked up at her questioningly, feeling like there was something wrong.

 

[Berserker]

Red Knight's Quarters

Alek had been awake for a while, but was just enjoying the feeling of her sleeping body next to him. She was so peaceful, her arm draped over his chest, her head in the crook of his neck on the pillow next to his. She started to still as the light coming through the window got brighter. His hand lightly stroked her back, easing her out of sleep.

"Morning. What time is it?"

"Just after eight."

She kissed his neck and he smiled.

"That's certainly putting us on the road to a good morning."

She relaxed against him, and he rested his cheek on the top of her head.

"I don't want to get out of bed..."

He laughed, closing his own eyes again.

"Mmmm...let's just stay in this bed forever..."

He knew they couldn't really, but the longer they put it off, the longer they could escape reality.

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon

Delilah awoke naked in an unfamiliar bed, in an infamiliar room at the Parthenon.

She stretched like a cat, sun streaming through the windows, curtains open wide which she had neglected to close the night before. The night before. It was a whiskey and Guinness haze, but slowly was coming back to her. Bishop. Haleigh. And Gavin. She smiled when her thoughts made her way to this last one. He had been exactly what she needed, a friend, someone who wasn't trying to get her into bed and seemed genuinely to be having as good a time with her as she was with him.

Letting Bishop back into her life had been a mistake, and one she didn't plan on repeating. She might not be able to avoid him in future lives, but for this one? Their destined love for each other was just not enough, and Delilah refused to be hurt by him again. At least things hadn't gone on before she had found out. It felt like everyone she trusted let her down eventually. Haleigh had been the absolute last person she thought would ever turn on her, but she had. And what did Delilah do with that information now?

She would go along with whatever Morgan's plan was because there really was no alternative. But right at this moment? She really didn't care if she ever suited up with The Six again.

Her phone was buzzing at her on the nightstand. It was a missed call and voicemail from Alycia, asking her to meet her at Charope. She might as well; it's not as if she had anything better to do. But she had no intention of discussing Bishop with anyone. It wasn't any of their business anyway.

She went to the bathroom and pulled on a robe. Not wanting to go back to her apartment, she had checked in to a different room when she had returned last night - after her rather unceremonious defeat at darts by Gavin. She tried not to think of the incredibly stupid bet she'd made. She'd peeled off her dingy clothes and showered, and hadn't wanted to put them back on again, so had just crawled into the bed. Now, she threw her dirty clothes into one of the hotel's laundry bags and made her way back to her own apartment to get dressed before going to meet Alycia.

 

[Valkyrie]

Nomad

The feel of Zach's hands in her hair as he washed it, coupled with the opportunity to run her hands over his broad muscular shoulders and arms, was more than enough to spur her on to a steamy shower session not in the least part due to the water temperature. After helping to towel him off, she had sent him into the bedroom while she retrieved her bag and brushed her wet hair before slipping into the black lace babydoll nightie she had brought. She had crawled into bed next to Zach but had only put her arm around him and rested her head on his chest before she fell fast asleep. For the first night in a very long time, she didn't dream about war, or blood.

Waking to sun streaming through the windows, she nuzzled in against him, her leg hooked around his, her hand stroking his chest. He stirred but didn't wake as her hand lightly moved over his muscular torso and the scar tissue there, she unable to stop touching him, the need to connect to him so great. She kissed his chest, her eyes widening as her hand discovered what Zach must have been dreaming about. The corners of her lips turned up into a smile and with mischief in her eyes her mouth set about taking care of his morning ritual and waking him from sleep in one fell swoop.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Just after eight."

"Mmm..."

She answered without really answering. She didn't care what time it was--it could of been raining fire outside and she would have been content and happy. And frankly, it probably WOULD be raining fire soon enough if Blaze had anything to do about it. But in that moment, Persephone didn't care. She kissed his neck while her fingers gently traced down his side.

Alek: "That's certainly putting us on the road to a good morning."

A soft, throaty laugh could be heard against his skin. She was fully prepared to continue down that road when her stomach began to growl, loudly. She told him she didn't want to leave his bed or his arms.

Alek: "Mmmm...let's just stay in this bed forever..."

Persephone sighed, the thought of that sounding wonderful.

"Room service?"

She suggested, her hand moving to the side of his neck gently massaging it.

"Or do we actually have to look like functioning court members?"

She quipped with cynicism; the thought of pleasing Helena making Persephone want to rip her own skin off.

 

[Cypher]

Gabe just finished the conference call when he heard someone come into The Clocktower. Glancing to the entrance, he recognized it was Vivica Lennox aka Recall.

Vivica: "Morning! I brought reinforcements."

He was pretty sure that wasn't directed at him, but he smiled graciously anyway.

Vivica: "So the new security system is in place. That's good..I'm Vivica by the way. Vivica Lennox."

"Yep, just got it up and running. [Gabe nodded] Nice to meet you, Vivica. I'm Gabriel Jerome."

He knew of Vivica, her abilities, and her history with the six. But he had yet to formally meet her. She was beautiful to say the least, but apparently batted for the other team. Unfortunate for him, fucking epic for his imagination.

Vivica: "I'm hoping Oracle gave you permission to be looking at the information you're looking at? Or am I going to have to karate chop your ass for trespassing?"

"Huh?"

He turned around and looked at the screen that had the bios of The Sisterhood up.

"Oh...yeah, no karate chopping necessary. I've been brushing up on Hellfire info for the past...[looks at clock] three hours. Jesus...I need coffee."

He heard Zizi's door open.

Vivica: "Where's Oracle?"

Gabe pointed over at Zizi who made her way out into the common room. She greeted him as he looked down at her Ewok slippers with a grin.

"Morning Chew."

He teased lightheartedly, standing from the computer chair. Zizi turned her attention to Vivica as he walked over to the treats that Recall brought.

Zizi: "Good morning. How are you feeling today? I know you said you were fine yesterday but..."

And that was his cue to leave. Grabbing a black coffee out of the cup holder, he began to head toward the bathroom. He felt grimy and probably looked worse. Some cold water on his face and a little mouth wash should hold him over until he headed home.

"I'm gonna go...drink this in here?"

He disappeared into the bathroom, giving them both some privacy to talk.

 

[Longshot]

Rose's Brownstone - Morning

< The night had been relaxing. One of the first he had in a few days, and when Rose offered to have them stay over if they felt like it, Simon was the first to jump at the chance, trying not to appear as desperate as he was for a comfortable bed. His head hit the pillow and he passed out almost immediately. This sure as hell beat the mattress on the floor in his own "apartment". He awoke refreshed and only slightly hungover, thanks to that last minute tequila decision he had made in the evening. Taking advantage of the lush accommodations, he took a long and steaming hot shower, washing the scented soaps and shampoos all over his body as the windows in the bathroom steamed up. A few minutes later, even though he was wearing the same clothes he walked in with, he felt like an entirely new man. He made a mental note to himself that even though he was struggling financially, and his cause was greater than his personal need, he was most definitely getting a new bed. By any means necessary. >

< Simon made his way down the stairs with a swing in his step, humming a nondescript tune as he entered the kitchen, where a delicious breakfast spread had been prepared for everybody. Things seemed only to get better under Rose's roof. Perhaps she needed a roommate? The others were already eating as Simon made his way over to the spread, loading up his plate like a hungry college student who was visiting from school before sitting down next to Rae and Danny. >

"Morning everybody, and sidebar? I don't even want to know what Rose's monthly grocery bill looks like. These spreads are insane..."

< He plopped a piece of canteloupe in his mouth and smiled. >

"Not that I'm complaining. This is the best I've eaten in awhile."

< Simon looked around the room. Everybody seemed refreshed and in order. It was nice to see. >

"Did everyone sleep well? I know I did."

< Simon looked over at Sable who was now right by his side, with eyes that looked as if she had never eaten before in her life and that surely a scrap or two might do this down on her luck kitten a world of good. Perhaps it was the growing samaritan heart he had inside of him, or the hypnotic large and beady cat eyes, but he looked both ways, before slipping Sable a piece of bacon as he heard Rose's voice fill the room. He went on edge and jerked his hand away quickly, pretending as if it never happened. Sable seemed in on the job as well as she darted away and back to her bowl of specially prepared food. >

"Good Girl."

Rose: "Good morning everyone! Sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but I'm pleased to announce that the Secret Garden, and Sanctuary's new and vast improved security and defense systems are officially ONLINE!"

< Rose had the crass man from the night before with her. >

Rose: "Ramsey helped make that possibe. Please, sit down, and help yourself!"

< Ramsey took his seat next to Rae of course and Rose took a seat at the head of the table. >

Rose: "I hope everyone had a good night' rest, under that beautiful moon? As you each prepare to go on with your day, I'm glad that you'll be leaving here renewed minds as well as nourished bodies. Thank you for helping me to secure and protect those that are the most in need!"

"Well thank YOU for thinking of protecting them in the first place."

< Simon took a bite of his breakfast. >

"I'm going to savor this meal. I've got another day of pounding the pavement ahead of me. And a good amount of research. But I have a few volunteers today, apparently."

< Smirking. >

"In my 'tequila haze' I might have reached out to a few old classmates from college and some of my old fencing and archery teammates. Surprisingly, a few of them said yes. They are gonna help me organize the business space today, so that's nice!"

"What's everyone else got on their plate?"

 

[Citadel]

Rose's Brownstone

:: The others went to sleep last night, but Danny and Rae were still lookin' for a bit of trouble. Once they knew everyone was asleep and Danny had put the block on "night mode" - Danny and Rae escaped into the city, finding a biker bar outside of Harlem where the drinks were stiff and cheap. Cut to a few hours later, Rae had taken the stage and was performing some of her hits from her days as a riot girl rocker with her band "The Bitchkickers". Just before dawn, Rae and Danny returned to Rose's brownstone, taken showers and made themselves presentable for breakfast just as their buzzes were beginning to fade. The food was well timed. They had ran into Rose in the hallway and she just shook her head and laughed. The others were guests - Danny and Rae, they were more like family to Rose, so they kind of got away with a bit more under her roof. ::

:: Danny and Rae were the first to arrive for breakfast and they took full advantage. First thing on the list for Danny was piping hot black coffee. He took a long sip and exhaled deeply. ::

"Goddamn that's good. Great night last night, Rae. You were in rare form!"

:: Rae was fixing herself a bloody mary, taking a more "hair of the dog" approach. She often acted as if she had an iron lung and a steel liver inside her. Rae laughed and took a sip of her beverage. ::

Rae: "Dancing on tables...singing on stage..and letting biker's take shots out of my tits..What exactly about that is 'rare' form for me, kid?"

:: She laughed loudly as did Danny. It was so good to have her back in the city on a somewhat permanent basis. They had been through a lot together and he felt as if his own 'team' was expanding. It was all very exciting. ::

:: Talking with his mouth full of bacon and pancake. ::

"You didn't go home with anybody..and THAT'S rare. I think that Ramsey got your panties all in a twist."

:: Rae smirked, looking towards the outside garden area, desperately jonesing for a cigarette. ::

Rae: "First of all, I resent the fact that you think I wear panties, and second of all? I go through men about as fast as I go through smokes. I don't get twisted. But rest assured..this cougar will claim her prey just yet."

:: Soon the others gathered and their talking all went to their mornings and how well they had slept. Rose had some pretty posh digs and it made him grin about how people were gushing over it. Rose couldn't help but try and take care of other people, even if it were just dinner guests. Soon Simon joined them as well and before long Rose had made her debut with Ramsey, to which Danny promptly kneed Rae under the table. She mentioned everything was operation and she invited Ramsey to stay for breakfast.::

Rae: "Oh Ramsey! Ramsey! Sit next to me!"

:: Danny and Rae laughed as Ramsey took a seat right next to Rae. He couldn't wait for the foot nuzzling that was surely going to occur. ::

Rose: "I hope everyone had a good night' rest, under that beautiful moon? As you each prepare to go on with your day, I'm glad that you'll be leaving here renewed minds as well as nourished bodies. Thank you for helping me to secure and protect those that are the most in need!"

"All in a day's work, Rosie Q."

:: He smiled at her. ::

Simon: "Well thank YOU for thinking of protecting them in the first place. I'm going to savor this meal. I've got another day of pounding the pavement ahead of me. And a good amount of research."

"Builds character, kid."

Simon: "But I have a few volunteers today, apparently. In my tequila haze I might have reached out to a few old classmates from college and some of my old fencing and archery teammates. Surprisingly, a few of them said yes. They are gonna hep me organize the business space today, so that's nice!"

:: It was nice indeed. Simon was slowly starting to get it. This was exciting! ::

"Good work, Pratt!"

Simon: "What's everyone else got on their plate."

:: Danny looked down. ::

"Not much. I could use some seconds!"

:: thinking. ::

"I've got some day to day at the bar to tend to. My bar manager Angel's wife is about to pop at any second, she's pregnant, but he is trying to get as much moolah before the kid comes as possible. I've been working some of his shifts and giving him the tips..and a few bonuses I haven't told him about."

"Outside of that..I'll head down to city hall today. See what my local government friends can tell me about any mutant rights initiatives in the city. See what might be good for you to look into Simon..."

:: He glanced at Alycia for a moment, smirking. ::

"Who knows? You might even get a meeting or two out of it!"

 

[Recall]

The Clocktower

Gabe: "Oh..yeah, no karate chopping necessasry. I've been brushing up on Hellfire info for the past...[looks at clock] three hours. Jesus...I need coffee."

:: Vivica was only partially relieved. She sipped on her coffee. ::

"Lemme give you the condensed version. Everyone there is a wanton slut with a penchant for sociopathic and sadistic behavior. Also..they're HUGE bitches."

:: She inquired about Oracle and almost as if on cue, Oracle arrived in her pajamas. The situation was interesting. She always thought there was some kind of chemistry between them, but it appeared as if they were just friends. That gave Vivica a bit of pause. She wished that Oracle would get out there and find somebody who made her feel all giddy, but who was Vivica to talk? She was in a lesbian relationship with a woman who was trying to get her to sleep with a barely legal omnimorph. And her last girlfriend was a global terrorist. No, perhaps her and Zizi should just get a bunch of cats and live on their computers until the end of time. Seemed less painful. ::

Gabe: "Morning Chew."

Vivica: "Good morning. How are you feeling today? I know you said you were fine yesterday but.."

:: Gabe slowly made his way out of the area and towards the bathroom. ::

Gabe: "I'm gonna go...drink this in here?"

:: She watched him creep away and she rolled her eyes and smirked for a bit as he left. ::

"Does he think I'm about to talk about my period or something?"

:: Vivica laughed and then stopped laughing immediately. ::

"Which reminds me. It's coming..My ovaries feel like they're being strangled by barbwire."

:: She said the last part loudly for Gabe. ::

"But I'm fine, Zizi. I promise. With everything..I've had to do a lot more maintenance than usual..but I got four hours of sleep last night and ran a good marathon's distance today. Even got to paint..so things are..as good as they can be when the world is being flipped upside down."

:: She tried to read Zizi's pulse about things. ::

"What's going here, though? I know you were going to a dinner last night..this is the guy you've known forever right? The cute hacker boy?"

:: she cocked an eyebrow ::

"Are things still running status quo or..is there a new development? I mean..you let him on your tech all night in your clocktower. That's more intimate than holding hands for you."

 

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

Ashley wore some hot pajamas to bed but they were both so exhausted that they fell asleep almost as soon as they settled in. Zach slept soundly, with her in his arms. Thankfully, there were no nightmares, just peaceful slumber.

He was on the edge of sleep when she started to touch him. At first he thought he was having the most wonderful dream. He moaned as his eyes fluttered open and he realized he wasn't dreaming at all.

Zach pushed the covers down until he could see her, a smile on his lips. She was sexy as sin, sideways on the bed, and set to a task he didn't want to interrupt. He slowly leaned, reaching for her legs, dragging the lower half of her body towards the head of the bed.

"Two can play that game, sweetheart."

He said, his voice still a little rough from sleep. He kissed her hip as he slid her panties down and out of the way. Zach pulled her knees apart and put his head between her thighs so he could taste her.

 

[Tachyon]

It was as restful a night's sleep as he could imagine without a proper physical nightcap, though he realized immediately that trying to ravish Alycia in someone else's home was horrible form, and so he showered and slept nude, rising early to grab a change of clothes from outside at super speed and dress himself. He chuckled as he put on fresh clothes, wondering aloud who might be most excited to see him streaking the yard. The answer was of COURSE Rae and he laughed harder still.

He jogged outside as the sun rose, placing each piece of the cricket pitch just so at the corner of the expansive yard. He realized that a power hitter might reach the house so he decided to ask Ramsey or Gabe about that when he saw them next.

Next he stretched and decided to run, ramping up speed as he went. As he reached super speeds, he decided to run a quick errand. Simon had given him the address of the HQ, and so he went by, easily breaking in and and inspecting the place. It lacked infrastructure, furniture and almost everything that required money. Hmnnn....easily fixed.

In seconds Xavier was breaking into a small-to-medium time crime boss' place. He knew this one because he was one of the people who profited in stolen minor magic artifacts, among other less savory things. Just a second or two and he should be able to crack his pitiful safe YET AGAIN and this time he would empty it. But when he made it to the house and ran past the guards he realized...the place was almost empty, it was trashed, and everyone left inside was dead. Somebody had done a number in there.

Xavier stayed out of the line of sight of camera unless he was blurring by and took in the scene. The area still STUNK of dark magic, way out of this guy's league. And there was dead people here, but NO BLOOD. Shit. He tucked away the images he had of this place and cracked the still-full safe while still blurring. Geez, these poor bastards were so hated that even their money was not good enough to take afterwards.

Xavier pocketed roughly 15 pounds of one hundred dollar bills out of sequence (~ 650 thousand dollars) and dropped them off in the lobby of Vanguard HQ for Simon and sped back, slowing as he approached the house, establishing his alibi with the changing police shift. He entered and met everyone else as they took in the DIVINE smell of a huge and welcome breakfast. Taking his seat beside Alycia and across from Danny and Rae, he smiled inside as Rae took a moment to gawk at him in his compression shirt. The attorney took a look as well, and she looked amazing as always. He helped himself and nodded as Rose entered, Ramsey in tow, and thanked them.

He raised a glass of juice as Simon thanked ROSE, giving her a respectful 'cheers' and drinking to go with his hearty eating. As he cleared his mouth of food he spoke to Alycia in an almost conspiratorial whisper.

Did you have pleasant dreams? I had a great one...you were in it....

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight's Quarters

"Room service? Or do we actually have to look like functioning court members?"

He sighed with a hint of exasperation, his eyes finally opening. As much as he did want to secret themselves away from the rest of the mansion, he knew that would only make Helena angrier. Give fuel to the notion that they were shirking their duties in favor of each other.

"As much as I hate to say it...a show of Red Court solidarity and strength wouldn't be a bad idea right now."

And if he was entertaining any idea of not going through with Haleigh's plan, showing that things could go on business as usual was the first step in bringing Helena around.

He bent his neck and found her mouth, kissing her like he wanted to stay in bed.

"But I don't want to let you go, even to get dressed."