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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith- 3:30pm
“We were waiting for you and Terrence,” Drake says. “He got called up to the roof by Seraph for something, so I thought I’d get a little reading done.”
Yuki hops down from the couch and looks up at Keith before shifting back into her human form. “Did you want to talk alone?”
He tilted his head and nodded. Figuring something was new for Terrence, he would need the specifics on anything from Seraph better than anyone else could deal out. could be interesting seeing what the talk was about later though. Eh, if he could bridge that gap too.
Keith looked at the ground for a moment and then shook his head. "Nah, it may be better if Drake hears this too since it's affected everyone here." He took a deep breath to steady himself before beginning.
Stolas tilted his head on Keith's shoulder and nodded at his master. "Just take your time, Master."
He smiled a little. "Thanks, Stolas." He looked back up to meet Yuki and Drake's eyes and figured it best to get things over with. "Yuki, more than most everyone else here, I owe you an apology. Not only for how I've acted hiding away from nearly everyone the past couple weeks, but also for not telling you about my past. It's not something that's easy to share no matter what, but that's no excuse for keeping it a secret as long as I did."
"Honestly, if I knew they had been here sooner, things may have been different, but I'm not here to make an excuse for it." He looked straight at Yuki. "Because to me, betraying your trust like that has no excuse. Neither is there one for me avoiding everyone since the news came out, but I figured some space to think would be best. If not for avoidance, for at least thought processing."
He bowed quickly in apology before continuing. "I will strive to make this up to you and everyone, but I wanted to apologize to you first." He stood back up and thoughts started to pour into his head.
Stella told him not to apologize for things he didn't do. But how could he even begin to feel like none of this was his fault? Yeah, it's his sister that he knew nothing about and just randomly appeared, but what would even come next?
The one solace he had now was knowing the name of a local author, and now he just needed to set up a full plan.
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
John feels the faintest hint of amusement from Eidolon as his mental speech falters. He allows John some grace, skipping over his accidental ‘hi’.
I am looking forward to meeting them, Mr. Kelley. Emi has said great things about your mother’s pot roast, so I need to try it for myself. She also had nothing but good things to say about your family. Is there anything I should bring? Wine, perhaps? Or will your mother insist on me being empty handed when I arrive?
You don’t have to bring anything, Mr. Shaw, John replied. My father has a longstanding relationship with a wine supplier in Boston from his time at the Kennedy School. I placed an order for wine from them, saying we had a special guest and that Mom would be making her pot roast.
Of course, you are free to bring something if you would like, John added. But you will be our guest. That said, I can’t promise Mom won’t put you in charge of something. She’s been known to to that kind of thing before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
Emi takes John hand with a bright smile. “I’m glad you like it, John. Not that I thought you wouldn’t.”
John laughed and looked up at her. “I like it enough to have given my usual ‘hi’ to your father instead of you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
She looks at the doorway. “I’m ready, but are you? This will be our first higher profile outing.”
“No one will be looking at me,” he replied lightly as he took Emi’s hand and let her towards the door. “And I doubt they will recognize me without my signature picnic basket.
“As for the rest of it,” he said a little more seriously as he opened the door into the Foundation’s Manhattan apartment at One Lincoln Plaza, “I’m happy to be seen anywhere with you. So long as I don’t commit some high society faux pas, we should be okay.
“Oh, we’ll be delivering a surprise matching check for the fundraiser,” he added as he closed the door behind her. “It will be an anonymous donation but I suspect some people there might figure it out. Even so, I was hoping I could persuade you to get people to look the other way while I wrote the check.”
Although he was curious about the view, he stopped and turned to face Emi, taking both of her hands in his.
“Thank you for coming with me tonight. While I’ve been attending webinars and participating in role-play training with the Foundation, it helps to know I will be attending with you instead of just some Foundation represenative.
“That wouldn’t feel like a partnership.
“Speaking of which, I’m glad you are comfortable enough with me to have worn the heels,” he said with clear delight in his voice. “It may be silly of me, but it’s a little sign that you are comfortable enough with me to be your whole self and not try and limit who you are to fit some absurd societal norm.”
He looked down, growing a little self conscious.
“Did you want to check out the views of Central Park?” John asked, nodding towards the windows. “I think we have a minute or two before our car arrives.”
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
Versailles Rooftops
Quote:
The man smirks. “I already said I would let you ‘professionals’ handle it.” He gestures at the crow demon. “I saw this feathery ******* hangin’ out a few apartments over. Looked like he was tryin’ to peep through windows or somethin’. Saw him get blasted by some kind of energy, but he doesn’t seem any worse for wear. I can’t just have demons roamin’ around though, ya know?”
Redline's brow furrowed. What was interesting enough for a demon to take a peek at through an apartment window? He'd have to follow up on that later when there wasn't an immediate threat at hand. The demon's apparent immunity to energy was consistent with the non-existent damage it sustained from the heroes combined volley but there had to be something here he could leverage to even the odds.
Think Lou, what would Red do here?
Redline reaches into the arsenal of tricks he'd picked up from his mentor hoping to pull out some sort of trump card and finds... nothing. 'Frustrating' was the only way he could describe the feeling of inadequacy. Red Light would've burned a hole clean through the demon's chest and been done with it. But Louis wasn't the hero she was, not yet. The clear gulf in power between the two served as a constant reminder of how much Redline had left to learn and grow as a hero before he even began to approach her level.
Even if they- No, if he, lacked the power to take the demon head on he still had the ability to keep the fight on his terms and ensure everyone's safety until he figured something out. "Polaris, hold your position."
Redline is enveloped in a flash of white light and a streak of red erupts from the glowing sphere, stopping once it makes contact with the rooftop where his copy was shredded. A pair of Redlines flank the winged demon from separate buildings once again.
"I think taking on a demon is a little beyond the scope of neighborhood watch but if you have any ideas you want to try then be my guest." He says to the concerned citizen. "Burning it isn't going to work."
Spoiler: Mechanics
Show
Redline speaks as a free action! :smallcool:
Redline creates a Duplicate then teleports across the apartments to flank the demon like before.
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
November 15
Hospital
“I have never heard your name before, though I am familiar with most of the AEGIS and Myriad teams,” Camille says.
She pales slightly as Raphael reveals that she’d lost her soul and he’d retrieved it for her. “That seems like a missed opportunity for a later favor,” she says quietly. Her eyes meet Raphael’s, searching for answers. “As a Child of the Night, why would you do something like that and not expect repayment?”
She watches him carefully, eyes intent as he explains how Stella is cursed and how they came to know each other and that Stella has nothing to fear from him, even with what he is.
She pales further as the vampire reveals that Stella has met her sister. Tears spring into her eyes. “You found Callista? Where? How?”
December 2nd
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
John laughed and looked up at her. “I like it enough to have given my usual ‘hi’ to your father instead of you.
Emi’s eyes widen slightly and she laughs along with John. “You really did? You must like it then.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“No one will be looking at me,” he replied lightly as he took Emi’s hand and let her towards the door. “And I doubt they will recognize me without my signature picnic basket.”
Her smile softens. “I know I said this earlier, but you really are sweet, John.” She laughs again as John mentions his picnic basket. “True. I’m sure some of those pictures are already circulating from today.”
“Of course,” she says as he asks if she can get some people to look the other way. “Just let me know. Although, if Aurelius is a dragon, I won’t be able to affect him.”
She lightly squeezes John’s hands as he takes hers. “I’m happy to be with you and be seen with you, John. Though I am glad that you told me that you didn’t mind if I wore taller heels. I don’t have many that are shorter,” she says, glancing down at the strappy three inch heels she had on.
She moves over to the windows, keeping one of John’s hands in hers as she takes in the view. “It’s been a few years since I’ve been in New York, but the park looks the same as ever.”
Redline
Polaris pulls back slightly and hovers above the demon. “Understood,” he replies.
“I ain’t neighborhood watch,” the man responds with a chuckle. “But if it were me, since blastin’ it didn’t work, I’d move in up close and hit it. Your boy up there is strong, ain’t he? Send him in. Or, you could let me help if the ‘professionals’ can’t handle it.”
Initiative:
Polaris has Initiative, but I’ll let you respond to Mystery Man before he goes.
Keith
Yuki looks down for a moment before meeting Keith’s gaze. “Keith, I’ve thought a lot about your situation, and I’ve talked with Drake about it as well. I know you’ve been avoiding everyone but… I’ve been avoiding you as well. I was too harsh, just like I was with Stella.”
The shapeshifter bows to Keith. “I would also like to apologize. You’re our teammate. In the way I’ve treated you, I’ve also insulted Seraph and Harbinger as well.”
She raises her head. “I trust their judgement of character, if nothing else. They knew about your past, even before you joined the team. You have never done anything to make me doubt that you’re a good person, Keith,” Yuki continues. “Since you’ve gotten here you’ve been nothing but helpful.”
“I would still call you my friend, if you’ll let me,” Yuki says with soft smile.
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith
Yuki looks down for a moment before meeting Keith’s gaze. “Keith, I’ve thought a lot about your situation, and I’ve talked with Drake about it as well. I know you’ve been avoiding everyone but… I’ve been avoiding you as well. I was too harsh, just like I was with Stella.”
The shapeshifter bows to Keith. “I would also like to apologize. You’re our teammate. In the way I’ve treated you, I’ve also insulted Seraph and Harbinger as well.”
She raises her head. “I trust their judgement of character, if nothing else. They knew about your past, even before you joined the team. You have never done anything to make me doubt that you’re a good person, Keith,” Yuki continues. “Since you’ve gotten here you’ve been nothing but helpful.”
“I would still call you my friend, if you’ll let me,” Yuki says with soft smile.
Keith was shocked. He hadn't expected an apology or even half of what Yuki had said. Of course, he figured Drake would have said something, especially since he knew beforehand, but he never expected this either. And of course, Stella was brought up again and now he had to think of how to work around the curse.
Keith smiled. "Honestly, if you hadn't I'd have been confused. And thank you, Yuki."
"I don't think either Seraph or Harbinger would have taken it as an insult if anything just some thoughts on good instincts. Honestly, I wonder if they might have thought about if I may have been able to be turned." He looks at the ground for a moment in thought.
He wondered if White was right all along that he was still able to be turned towards the majority of his bloodline. He knew now that with the lessons from his uncle, and his newfound family, it would be impossible. Then again, he was to be a spy. He just hoped they would all trust him when the time came.
"At this point, everyone but North Side is on the same page about it. Unless Coldfront has told her team." Keith tilted his head in thought for a second before smiling at Yuki again. "You never had to think I wouldn't want to still be able to call you a friend, Yuki. And if my conversation with John earlier has reminded me of anything, you're all my team and family."
He wears a wide grin now. "I couldn't ask for better in either department. So long as it's ok I consider y'all the latter."
He relaxes a bit. One of the hardest parts was done, and he was glad he still managed to hang out with Aeryn too while hiding from the others. At least now the base felt a lot less tense. "I guess.... is there anything I can answer or talk through?"
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
She lightly squeezes John’s hands as he takes hers. “I’m happy to be with you and be seen with you, John. Though I am glad that you told me that you didn’t mind if I wore taller heels. I don’t have many that are shorter,” she says, glancing down at the strappy three inch heels she had on.
She moves over to the windows, keeping one of John’s hands in hers as she takes in the view. “It’s been a few years since I’ve been in New York, but the park looks the same as ever.”
“Do you miss it here?” John asked. “I know your old school is a little north of the city but it’s close enough for you to have been able to get in. And you spent a few important years here — hopefully not becoming a Yankees fan,” he teased.
“Typical New Englander,” John observed self-deprecatingly after she answered, “I haven’t spent much time here at all. Boston was the closer major metropolis so we ended up there for major events. Mom and Dad would come here on rare occasions — for a meeting or when Dad had to make a report to a UN commission.”
He looked down as his watch buzzed. “Our car is here and waiting near the elevators in the garage,” John reported, lifting her hand to kiss it. “I’m assuming you will keep everyone distracted until we are safely inside? If people talk at the sight of me bringing you lunch, I can’t imagine what would happen to social.media’s servers if we were seen leaving this apartment together.”
The wind began to howl outside.
“Oh, before we go,” he said starting to casting a quick spell as he nodded to the outside. “Something to keep the chill off.”
As he began to scribe the spell to keep her comfortable in the early December air of New York, the howl of the wind coalesced outside the window and he sensed the breath of a Wendigo spirit,.
It began to frost the windows.
“Excuse me for a moment, Emi,” John said as calmly as he could, placing himself between Emi and the whitened windows.
He adjusted his casting.
The frost began to trace an emaciated form on the inside of the window as the Wendigo attempted to enter, hungering for their life, attracted to their power, wanting to consume them in an attempt to satiate its unappeasable hunger.
Dee glared at the creature.
“I think not,” he said as he released his spell.
The frost inside instantly sublimated.
The frost outside shuddered back from the window and was caught by the howling wind., dispersing in the eddies and swirls created by the buildings.
Spoiler: Spellcasting Rolls Keep Things Interesting, Don’t They?
Show
Spellcasting: Resistance (Cold 2, 2)
Spellcasting (Resist Cold):
1d12o12 20 1d6o6 4
John has to spend TWO bennies to avoid Backlash.
Emi and John have one level of Resistance: Cold
“Clea:” Dee ordered, lifting his wrist, “Alert AEGIS: NYC’s occult division that there is a dispersed Wendigo spirit haunting their town. I’ve taken care of it for now but they should probably keep an eye out for it in case it reforms before winter is over.”
“Acknowledged, Mark Two. Message sent.”
John turned to Emi. “Sorry about that,” he apologized. “A Wendigo was not one of the interruptions I was anticipating this evening. Shall we go?”
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Versailles Rooftops
Quote:
“I ain’t neighborhood watch,” the man responds with a chuckle. “But if it were me, since blastin’ it didn’t work, I’d move in up close and hit it. Your boy up there is strong, ain’t he? Send him in. Or, you could let me help if the ‘professionals’ can’t handle it.”
"Look, if I thought my sword would work on this thing we wouldn't even be talking right now. But it won't," he admits begrudgingly.
"Polaris, hit'em hard." Redline calls out over comms.
"You follow him up and the two of us will run interference." 2ouis says to the mystery man.
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
John
“Not really,” Emi replies. “The people here are always in a hurry. Always thinking. Usually rude things as well. The things I do miss were the opportunities and the events. Like Broadway plays.”
“I also had less responsibilities,” she continues. “At that point in my life, I hadn’t really done any solo hero work. I do miss just being able to go to school and be… as normal as possible. Not that my life has ever been normal.”
She gives John a quick smile. “Not a Yankees fan,” she assured him. “I’ve actually never really watched any baseball. Watching sports never really interested me, though I have seen some of my brother’s rugby matches.”
Emi shakes her head in wonder as John easily dispatches the windigo. She lets out a small sigh as the warmth of John’s spell settles over her. “I’m ready. Don’t worry about people seeing us. I’ll keep their minds away.”
…
Their black limo pulls up to The Pierre on E. 61st St, a historic five star hotel that often hosted galas like the one the two of them were attending tonight.
Several photographers lie in wait as the limo pulls up to the red carpet.
“Ready?” Emi asks with a squeeze of John’s hand before the driver comes around and opens the door for the two of them. Cameras flash as John exits the car, and then intensify as Emi follows.
Emi has an easy smile that spoke of many outings such as this one as she takes John’s arm and has him lead the two of them to the door.
The man there checks their IDs and allows them into the venue. The ballroom is directly ahead and is already filled with about thirty people. Waiters circulate, offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
A band plays soft music from the stage up front.
“Well John, what first?” Emi asks.
Redline
At Redline’s command, Polaris dives down, clipping the demon with a flying kick as he lands, then turns and buries a fist in the demon’s guts.
The crow looks at him before its beak seems to tear open and it shrieks piercingly at the alien. It’s cape of feathers blows back, revealing a humanoid upper torso of gray skin. More orange eyes stare out unblinkingly from its shoulders.
It grabs ahold of Polaris upper arms, sinking its talons into his flesh as a sphere of darkness charges at the tips of its tongues.
“Oh ****,” the man says before he disappears in a flash of lightning. He reappears on the demon’s left side and kicks it in the side of the head, forcing its aim off just enough to miss Polaris. The dark energy flies out into the air before fizzling out like before.
“C’mon kid,” he says as the demon releases Polaris to face the man. “Can’t have you gettin’ dusted on my watch.”
The man attacks the demon with a flurry of kicks and punches, but with the power up from the earlier blasts of energy, the demon shrugs it all off.
Initiative:
6s… Polaris attacks the demon, but it soaks!
3s… The demon retaliates, but it misses!
Mystery Man goes off hold, attacking the demon, but it soaks!
Initiative resets!
Aces… Redline has Initiative!
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Emi shakes her head in wonder as John easily dispatches the windigo. She lets out a small sigh as the warmth of John’s spell settles over her. “I’m ready. Don’t worry about people seeing us. I’ll keep their minds away.”
“I have to admit that I have a hard time understanding how anyone could not notice you — even when under the influence of your power,” John observed as he tried to keep his mind from the Wendigo. Somewhere below them, he knew there had to be the husk of what was once a human being — one that had made its way to the city from the Wendigo’s range further north. Between here and the Canadian wilderness would be a trail of cannibalized corpses.
That, he forcibly reminded himself, was the business of the Occult Division here in New York. The immediate threat was gone. They could work on the details and reach out to him, should they require his assistance.
He looked at Emi as he opened the door for her, trying not to linger too long on the leg that kept appearing out of the high slit in her dress.
Somehow, he did not think it would be difficult to keep his mind off of the Wendigo. Keeping his mind on the case they were here for was a different matter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
Their black limo pulls up to
The Pierre on E. 61st St, a historic five star hotel that often hosted galas like the one the two of them were attending tonight.
Several photographers lie in wait as the limo pulls up to the red carpet.
“Ready?” Emi asks with a squeeze of John’s hand before the driver comes around and opens the door for the two of them. Cameras flash as John exits the car, and then intensify as Emi follows.
Emi has an easy smile that spoke of many outings such as this one as she takes John’s arm and has him lead the two of them to the door.
Providing the cameras a genuine smile while he was with Emi was easy — although he did note the one he had on his face after she got out of the car was broader than the one when it was just him making his way around the car.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
The man there checks their IDs and allows them into the venue.
The ballroom is directly ahead and is already filled with about thirty people. Waiters circulate, offering drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
A band plays soft music from the stage up front.
“Well John, what first?” Emi asks.
“The gentleman over there with the shaved head,” he replied with a nod of his head, “is the one we are looking for — at least initially: Mr. Harold Taylor. He’s the one in charge of fundraising for this event. I’d like to get the check and possible challenge that will have people more open to talking to us handled sooner in the evening rather than later so that we don’t have to interrupt any dancing we might do.
“One does dance at these events, doesn’t one?” John asked as they began to cross the room, turning heads as they went. “I’d hate to think the dance floor and music are just for show — especially when I have such a wonderful dance partner.”
It would be more accurate to say she was turning heads, he thought with more than a little pride at being seen here with her. He might generate some curiosity and interest among philanthropic circles but he was under no illusion that he generated the kind of interest Emi did.
She was so wonderful.
He also noticed that their nearness in height meant their paces matched well — something that he had taken for granted before but here, in formal wear while making an impression, it helped ease the slight awkwardness born of imposter syndrome that he felt.
“Mr. Taylor, I presume?” John asked politely, noting people’s attention waver. “Good evening. I’m John Kelley, with the D & K Foundation. I suspect Miss Emilia Shaw needs no introduction but it would be poor manners not to introduce you to her.”
He did not envy Taylor the challenge of focusing on what he had to offer him with Emi standing there.
“Before things really kicked off, I wanted to have a quick word about your fundraising totals. I am guessing you have reached your goals for this evening. Whether you have or have not, the Foundation wanted to make the evening a little brighter for those children and their families who need a little extra hope as the holidays approach.
“To that end, I’m here to match your donations this evening. If you have reached or exceeded your goal, that will be the figure I put on the check in my pocket. If you haven’t, the Foundation will kick in what is needed to reach your goal before matching it.
He smiled, honestly grateful to be able to offer this kind of help to others. “While our Foundation may be coming out of the shadows a little, we would still like to maintain the pretense of anonymity, so if you were to announce anything I would be grateful if you did not use our name and, instead, were to highlight the other donors here this evening.
“Did you want to handle this now or challenge the room to make an additional round of contributions? Today’s the second. Shall we set a goal of raising an additional million here tonight to be matched by the Foundation? Above and beyond what you have already raised and we are already prepared to match, of course.
“You would know your donors better than I would, though. If you think it is too much to ask right now, we can leave that off. It is important to not overextend donors or draw the ire of other charities in the area. The only difference is whether I make out the check now or if we wait until later in the evening.”
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Hospital:
Raphael lays a hand on his chest and throws his head back in mock anguish. "And I try so. hard. to make an impression."
He straightens with a smile. "I'm with West Side Provisional. In hindsight I probably wasn't around before you went to sleep."
The Child of the Night stares at his boots intently for a few moments before repeating, "I made a promise."
He grins, baring his fangs, "Besides, the chance to tweak the River King's whiskered nose is it's own reward."
Raphael scratches at his cheek, considering Camille's questions about Cassie, he hadn't thought about the timing implications. "Dee, my teammate that I mentioned earlier, made the discovery. The old fashioned way." Raphael places one finger below his eye and pulls slightly.
"She's Feris' girl. How that came to be is a story for another day. For now, she's probably almost as safe as Stella. I'm sure Feris would argue she's safer. But Feris isn't me."
Stella's Room:
For a moment, Raphael greatly torn between conflicting priorities... But when will I feel like I'm ready to show her again?
"There is, but I very much like your idea." Raphael says, wrapping his arms around Stella and tangling his fingers in her hair.
"I want to show you something." He says quietly.
After a moment, he gently untangles himself from Stella and leads her to the basement. He carefully moves all the stacked boxes and crates from in front of the "Miscellaneous Storage" door and it's baroque lock.
He turns and looks at Stella and says in a (only slightly strained) quiet voice "Please, don't be weird about this."
He pulls the key from beneath his shirt and opens the lock, and the door, and gestures her into the room, closing the door behind them.
The one, cold, blue bulb in the ceiling flickers to life, illuminating the pile of gravedirt and blackened coffin with it's opened lid.
"I..."
Raphael frowns, the doubt and second guessing overwhelming him for a moment.
"I wanted to show you where I grew up..."
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
November 15th
Hospital
Camille lifts one hand to wipe her eyes, taking a moment to calm herself. “As long as she’s safe,” she sighs quietly. She swallows before looking back at Raphael. “What clan do you belong to? Do you think that you could speak to Miss Von Stein and maybe allow me to see my daughter if she’s with Mr. Feris? I’m happy to make a bargain with you if I need to.”
December 2nd
Raphael
Stella silently follows Raphael down to the basement, watching as he moves the boxes and unlocks the door.
She crosses her arms, looking down at his coffin. “Okay, bouille. But… how?”
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“One does dance at these events, doesn’t one?” John asked as they began to cross the room, turning heads as they went. “I’d hate to think the dance floor and music are just for show — especially when I have such a wonderful dance partner.”
“Yes, we’ll almost definitely dance,” Emi says with a smile. “I would expect drinks, dinner, a silent auction or something similar, a speech from the organizer, and then dancing before we head out.”
On their way over to Mr. Taylor, John spots two raffle baskets set up on a table near the stage. One has several bottles of wine, glassware, gourmet food pairings, cheese, and a serving board. It also includes a trip to Italy and a private tour of the vineyard where the grapes for all the wines in the basket were grown and bottled.
The other is a trip to the Maldives Islands, including all inclusive accommodations, and a spa package.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“Mr. Taylor, I presume?” John asked politely, noting people’s attention waver. “Good evening. I’m John Kelley, with the D & K Foundation. I suspect Miss Emilia Shaw needs no introduction but it would be poor manners not to introduce you to her.”
Mr. Taylor offer his hand, first to John, then to Emi. “A pleasure to meet you both in person.” He flashes a smile at the two of them, before looking over at Emi, mostly managing to keep his gaze from wandering. “When I saw your name on the list I could barely believe it. It’s an honor, Miss Shaw.”
“You’re supporting such a good cause,” Emi replies. “When John asked me to come, I was happy to.”
Taylor’s eyes widen as John offers to match his totals. “We have met our goal,” he reveals. “Though we haven’t yet started the raffles or the silent auction. Your offer is exceedingly generous, Mr. Kelley. Thank you.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
He smiled, honestly grateful to be able to offer this kind of help to others. “While our Foundation may be coming out of the shadows a little, we would still like to maintain the pretense of anonymity, so if you were to announce anything I would be grateful if you did not use our name and, instead, were to highlight the other donors here this evening.
“Did you want to handle this now or challenge the room to make an additional round of contributions? Today’s the second. Shall we set a goal of raising an additional million here tonight to be matched by the Foundation? Above and beyond what you have already raised and we are already prepared to match, of course.
“I am more than happy to maintain your anonymity,” Taylor says with a nod of his head. His smile widens as John suggests another round of contributions. “Yes, I believe with the people that should be in attendance tonight that we could do that. If you would, please wait until the end of the night when we announce the raffle winners before you match anything. I know that at least one guest will insist on handing me a check himself.”
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Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
John
“I am more than happy to maintain your anonymity,” Taylor says with a nod of his head. His smile widens as John suggests another round of contributions. “Yes, I believe with the people that should be in attendance tonight that we could do that. If you would, please wait until the end of the night when we announce the raffle winners before you match anything. I know that at least one guest will insist on handing me a check himself.”
“We’ll make sure to drive up some of the bidding in the silent auction, then,” John assured him, “although the lady’s schedule does make it difficult for her to get away. She specializes in saving the world in a more direct manner than I can.”
He looked to Emi as he spoke and found himself momentarily spellbound. While he had adjusted to her gala look enough to (barely) function, she remained breathtaking enough to give him pause.
“Nevertheless,” he continued, tearing his eyes away from her with effort, “if we’re going to help help treat close to 10,000 children a year in the US alone, engendering a little friendly competition among the bidders can only be a good thing.
“Am I permitted to ask who you suspect will be ready to hand you a check tonight or do they also prefer their anonymity? If they are that committed to this kind of effort, I may want to meet them to see where we can partner in the future.
“Which reminds me: I was hoping you might engineer an introduction for us this evening. The Foundation has worked with Aurelius Industries in the past but I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Mr. Aurelius himself. If you see an opportunity to introduce us, I would appreciate it. I’m hoping to strengthen some of our charitable partnerships.”
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Living Room
December 2
Terrence saunters into the living room to meet the others grinning from ear to ear. He catches the last part of Keith's conversation and thinks to himself, "Good. Hopefully, he can stop avoiding everyone now so we can help him." After giving time for further questions, he says, "Ok team, here's the plan. Mercury and Zodiac, I want you guys to dress in civvies and just act like you are on a stroll through the streets of The 'Sades. Crow, you and I will be flying overwatch. We need to stay close but try to be out of sight. So a little illusion help from you or Stolas would be welcome."
He looks around at the gathered heroes, waiting to see if anyone asks the obvious question about how he intends to fly.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
John
Mr. Taylor’s attention wavers from John as he draws the organizer’s gaze back over to Emi. “Miss Shaw, you are indeed, an amazing individual. Once again, I thank you for attending my little gala tonight.”
Emi smiles again. “You both flatter me.”
Especially you, John.
As John continues to speak, Mr. Taylor blinks and eventually moves his gaze back to John and catches up on what was said. “It’s actually Mr. Aurelius himself that I know will hand me a check with no strings attached. He’ll probably bid on several items in the auction as well, but I’m told that he gives the packages away to his employees.”
“If I see an opportunity, I’m happy to introduce you to him,” Taylor assures him.
The organizer glances up as one of his staff catches his attention. “I apologize, but I must go. It was great to meet you both. We’ll speak again later,” he says before leaving the two of them.
Once he leaves, Emi makes a point of circulating the tables to find her and John’s assigned seats before dinner starts and has John scan the QR code beside his name to set up his name and a payment card for the silent auction before it begins. They also see that the two other people that have been assigned to their table are a Mr. And Mrs. Sprecher— a quick google search reveals that they are owners of several properties in Manhattan, including several luxury apartment buildings.
She grabs a small glass of wine from one of the waiters and sips on it as several people come up to her and introduce themselves. She keeps on an easy smile as she makes small talk, directing some of them to John, and the room begins to fill up. She also makes sure that John has the chance to buy raffle tickets for the baskets by the stage if he wants to.
By the end of the cocktail hour, the VIP room that they’re in has probably about 100 people present.
After taking their seats for dinner, waiters begin to circulate, taking orders from the small menu available at each person’s seat (steak, fish, or a vegetarian dish). Emi orders the fish dish as Mr. and Mrs. Sprecher takes their seats. They look to be in their late twenties or early thirties. Both are dressed well for the occasion.
Spoiler: Notice TN 8
Show
John spots Mr. Aurelius, Mr. Carrington, someone he can assume is Mrs. Carrington (based on how close she’s sitting to Mr. Carrington) and another older man a few tables over.
Mr. Sprecher orders the steak and the Mrs. orders the vegetarian dish.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kvard51
Living Room
December 2
Terrence saunters into the living room to meet the others grinning from ear to ear. He catches the last part of Keith's conversation and thinks to himself, "Good. Hopefully, he can stop avoiding everyone now so we can help him." After giving time for further questions, he says, "Ok team, here's the plan. Mercury and Zodiac, I want you guys to dress in civvies and just act like you are on a stroll through the streets of The 'Sades. Crow, you and I will be flying overwatch. We need to stay close but try to be out of sight. So a little illusion help from you or Stolas would be welcome."
He looks around at the gathered heroes, waiting to see if anyone asks the obvious question about how he intends to fly.
Keith turns to see Terrence walk in and was a bit embarrassed. He hadn't really meant for T to overhear the part about family, though maybe T would understand more than anyone else. He waved and nodded. He still wasn't sure what to expect in response from Yuki or Drake about the comment either.
"Sup, Terrence? Everything go well with Seraph?"
Following the plan that was laid out, Keith thought about it and nodded. "So the 'Sades, and fly overwatch with illusions. Not a problem." Stolas puffs out his chest a bit at the request for his powers.
Something didn't seem to add up though. Last Keith knew, T couldn't fly. And Keith wasn't strong enough to just, carry him along with him. Maybe making use of the physical shadows? He tilted his head to the side.
"So, I know I've been out of it for a while but...... how are we getting you in the air?" Keith asked slightly confused. "I could probably do a physical shadow board or something to keep alongside but never tried it with someone else."
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
Mr. Taylor’s attention wavers from John as he draws the organizer’s gaze back over to Emi. “Miss Shaw, you are indeed, an amazing individual. Once again, I thank you for attending my little gala tonight.”
Emi smiles again. “You both flatter me.”
Especially you, John.
I’m the one flattered that you would attend with me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
Once he leaves, Emi makes a point of circulating the tables to find her and John’s assigned seats before dinner starts and has John scan the QR code beside his name to set up his name and a payment card for the silent auction before it begins. They also see that the two other people that have been assigned to their table are a Mr. And Mrs. Sprecher— a quick google search reveals that they are owners of several properties in Manhattan, including several luxury apartment buildings.
She grabs a small glass of wine from one of the waiters and sips on it as several people come up to her and introduce themselves. She keeps on an easy smile as she makes small talk, directing some of them to John, and the room begins to fill up. She also makes sure that John has the chance to buy raffle tickets for the baskets by the stage if he wants to.
“Did you see anything in the silent auction that you wanted me to bid a little more aggressively on?” John asked teasingly as he completed filling out the ten tickets each for the two raffle baskets. “I wouldn’t want people to think I wasn’t taking you seriously enough. There were one or two things that I thought might work for Mom and Kate and I’d consider making at least a little effort for the tickets to the Met for Stephen but I’m not sure how Samantha’s parents would react to him taking her to New York for the weekend
“Or Mom, for that matter. ”
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
By the end of the cocktail hour, the VIP room that they’re in has probably about 100 people present.
After taking their seats for dinner, waiters begin to circulate, taking orders from the small menu available at each person’s seat (steak, fish, or a vegetarian dish). Emi orders the fish dish as Mr. and Mrs. Sprecher takes their seats. They look to be in their late twenties or early thirties. Both are dressed well for the occasion.
Spoiler: Notice TN 8
Show
John spots Mr. Aurelius, Mr. Carrington, someone he can assume is Mrs. Carrington (based on how close she’s sitting to Mr. Carrington) and another older man a few tables over.
Mr. Sprecher orders the steak and the Mrs. orders the vegetarian dish.
Spoiler: John is surprisingly aware of things other than Emi.
Show
Two tables over and one to the left is where Aurelius and Mr. and Mrs. Carrington are sitting. Its interesting that they have been sat at the same table. Although, my noting that and not being able to tell you who the other man is at their table may tell you more about my knowledge of New York Society than it does about the implications of the seating arrangements.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sprecher, I presume?” John offered as their dinner companions joined them. “Hello. I’m John Kelley, late of Iron Station, London, and Providence. May I present you to Miss Emilia Shaw?
“I’m happy to be joining you this evening. Our schedule only just opened up enough for us to be able to attend. Are you a regular attendee at these? I’d love to get the inside scoop on what to expect.”
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Rooftop Rumble
Quote:
At Redline’s command, Polaris dives down, clipping the demon with a flying kick as he lands, then turns and buries a fist in the demon’s guts.
The crow looks at him before its beak seems to tear open and it shrieks piercingly at the alien. It’s cape of feathers blows back, revealing a humanoid upper torso of gray skin. More orange eyes stare out unblinkingly from its shoulders.
It grabs ahold of Polaris upper arms, sinking its talons into his flesh as a sphere of darkness charges at the tips of its tongues.
Redline's eyes widen at the nightmarish transformation, his duplicate acting as a mirror. "Polaris!" They shout in tandem as the demon prepares to unleash the dark energy into to Polaris from point-blank range.
Quote:
“Oh ****,” the man says before he disappears in a flash of lightning. He reappears on the demon’s left side and kicks it in the side of the head, forcing its aim off just enough to miss Polaris. The dark energy flies out into the air before fizzling out like before.
“C’mon kid,” he says as the demon releases Polaris to face the man. “Can’t have you gettin’ dusted on my watch.”
The man attacks the demon with a flurry of kicks and punches, but with the power up from the earlier blasts of energy, the demon shrugs it all off.
Redline traces the trail of dark energy through the air attempting to glean anything about it's general composition or relative strength. Seraph's doctor friend would know what to do. John would too, naturally. Of course he would. He gnashes his teeth at his own ignorance.
Spoiler: One who knows nothing can understand nothing.
Show
"Hey! We gotta move!" 2ouis calls to out to his counterpart.
He was right. Lives were on the line and there wasn't any room for indecision or doubt in the next few moments as they could very well be someone's last. They had to improvise.
"Alright, then lets go for the gold!" The twin high octane heroes bolt into melee with the demon and try to dig their hands bathed in superheated white light behind the massive eyes planted within the creatures shoulders. The duo plants the heels of their boots into the abomination's ribcage attempting to generate enough leverage to rip the golden spheres from their dark sockets.
"So... they're kinda stuck in there!" 2ouis says as he struggles with eye.
"Then try hollowing out the back!" Redline suggests.
An intense light begins to glow just beneath the surface of skin surrounding the beasts right shoulder heralding an eruption of energy from within. The doppelganger attempts to emulate the technique but isn't quick enough to replicate it before the initial attack resolves.
Spoiler: Mechanics
Show
Redline Directly Engages a Threat:
11 + 2 Danger - 1 Insecure = 12!
- Redline and his Duplicate attempt to remove the two massive eyeballs from each shoulder of the demon! (Take something from them)
- Redline creates an opportunity for either Polaris or the Mystery Man to draw and play an Adventure Card if applicable! (Whichever is more narratively appropriate)
Redline makes a called shot to fire a ranged attack behind the demon's eyeball as he removes it!
To Hit:
15 + 2 (Directly Engage) - 4 (Called Shot) = 13, 4 misses
Damage:
27 Light, Heavy Weapon (29 if +2 is added to the damage roll as well)
2ouis emulates the tactic but misses both attacks!
To Hit:
6, 4
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
Keith and Terrence
Yuki’s face goes pink as Keith declares her family. She shifts back into a wolf to hide her blush and sits, looking down at her paws. Thank you, Keith, she projects to him.
Drake smiles slightly at his girlfriend. “I’m sure she’ll have more questions later.”
He looks up at Terrence as he enters the room and raises an eyebrow. “What’s got you in such a good mood?” he asks curiously.
Yuki nods to the plan. My only question is what Drake and I are trying to accomplish. Any smart Rooks wouldn’t try to mess with me with Drake around.
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“Did you see anything in the silent auction that you wanted me to bid a little more aggressively on?” John asked teasingly as he completed filling out the ten tickets each for the two raffle baskets. “I wouldn’t want people to think I wasn’t taking you seriously enough. There were one or two things that I thought might work for Mom and Kate and I’d consider making at least a little effort for the tickets to the Met for Stephen but I’m not sure how Samantha’s parents would react to him taking her to New York for the weekend
“Or Mom, for that matter. ”
“Stephen is still only sixteen, isn’t he?” Emi asks. “That seems a little young to be taking his not yet girlfriend to New York for a weekend.”
She looks over the baskets again. “Maybe the cooking classes for Ian and Aimee? Or the coffee for a year for Kylie? Do you see anything that you want, John?”
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
Two tables over and one to the left is where Aurelius and Mr. and Mrs. Carrington are sitting. Its interesting that they have been sat at the same table. Although, my noting that and not being able to tell you who the other man is at their table may tell you more about my knowledge of New York Society than it does about the implications of the seating arrangements.
Emi’s eyes make a slow sweep of the room, finding Aurelius and the Carringtons. The other man with them is Boris Vandenburg. He’s the Chief Neurosurgeon of NYP Hospital. He took over for Carrington when he retired, Emi tells John.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“Mr. and Mrs. Sprecher, I presume?” John offered as their dinner companions joined them. “Hello. I’m John Kelley, late of Iron Station, London, and Providence. May I present you to Miss Emilia Shaw?
“I’m happy to be joining you this evening. Our schedule only just opened up enough for us to be able to attend. Are you a regular attendee at these? I’d love to get the inside scoop on what to expect.”
The Sprechers both smile at John and Emi as the waiter comes around and fills their wine glasses. “Nice to meet you both,” the man says. “I’m Tobias, and this is my wife Adele.”
“Honestly, this is our first gala,” Adele says in a low conspiratorial voice. “Tobias has had this on his schedule for a while, but we’ve just been so busy. We almost missed it.”
Tobias nods along with what his wife is saying, though he seems transfixed by Emi.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Roguewolf
Keith turns to see Terrence walk in and was a bit embarrassed. He hadn't really meant for T to overhear the part about family, though maybe T would understand more than anyone else. He waved and nodded. He still wasn't sure what to expect in response from Yuki or Drake about the comment either.
"Sup, Terrence? Everything go well with Seraph?"
Following the plan that was laid out, Keith thought about it and nodded. "So the 'Sades, and fly overwatch with illusions. Not a problem." Stolas puffs out his chest a bit at the request for his powers.
Something didn't seem to add up though. Last Keith knew, T couldn't fly. And Keith wasn't strong enough to just, carry him along with him. Maybe making use of the physical shadows? He tilted his head to the side.
"So, I know I've been out of it for a while but...... how are we getting you in the air?" Keith asked slightly confused. "I could probably do a physical shadow board or something to keep alongside but never tried it with someone else."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith and Terrence
Yuki’s face goes pink as Keith declares her family. She shifts back into a wolf to hide her blush and sits, looking down at her paws. Thank you, Keith, she projects to him.
Drake smiles slightly at his girlfriend. “I’m sure she’ll have more questions later.”
He looks up at Terrence as he enters the room and raises an eyebrow. “What’s got you in such a good mood?” he asks curiously.
Yuki nods to the plan. My only question is what Drake and I are trying to accomplish. Any smart Rooks wouldn’t try to mess with me with Drake around.
Terrence looks at Keith, his smile seeming to grow, if such were even possible, "Everything went great with Seraph!"
He responds to Yuli's question with a nod, "Good question! Your purpose is simply to draw some eyes. Make a show of enjoying each other's company. That will give Keith and me a little more cover to scope out actual Rook activity. We are your overwatch, and you are our backup."
To Drake's question and Keith's concern about how he intends to fly, he says, "Check this out! 'Halo'..." Hovering just off the living room floor, he zips around the room twice before landing back in front of the three other heroes. "AEGIS sent me a new toy to try out!"
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
“Stephen is still only sixteen, isn’t he?” Emi asks. “That seems a little young to be taking his not yet girlfriend to New York for a weekend.”
“Which is why Mom would disapprove,” John observed. “He would like the opportunity to hear the jazz, though, and see how they would perform in the space.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
She looks over the baskets again. “Maybe the cooking classes for Ian and Aimee? Or the coffee for a year for Kylie? Do you see anything that you want, John?”
John did a double take and almost answered her question before his mouth went dry and he quickly turned back to the table and hastily placing a bid on the cooking class.
Manny would have known how to have phrased something more elegant than ‘you.’ Drake probably would have as well.
He did not.
“The, um, that is…I have a subscription with Dave’s Coffee in Providence,” he said as he only barely maintained his composure. “We can always sign her up for one of those if someone outbids us here. I’m willing to chance the look I’d get if Aimee and Ian were to leave for an overnight trip to New York.
“I have an academic interest in the Yankee tickets but I’m already arranging for one of the boxes for the RailHawks.
“I think,” he said, turning back to Emi, “if I wanted to bid on anything it would be something I would be able to do with you.”
He began to blush, remembering her question.
“Like…the cooking class we’re bidding on. For Ian.”
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, John. Keep it together.
[QUOTE=InTheMachine;25842930]Emi’s eyes make a slow sweep of the room, finding Aurelius and the Carringtons. The other man with them is Boris Vandenburg. He’s the Chief Neurosurgeon of NYP Hospital. He took over for Carrington when he retired, Emi tells John.
I can understand why doctors would be interested in this kind of charity but it does strike me as unusual that neurosurgeons would be interested in childhood cancer. I hope it isn’t the result of a personal connection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
The Sprechers both smile at John and Emi as the waiter comes around and fills their wine glasses. “Nice to meet you both,” the man says. “I’m Tobias, and this is my wife Adele.”
“Honestly, this is our first gala,” Adele says in a low conspiratorial voice. “Tobias has had this on his schedule for a while, but we’ve just been so busy. We almost missed it.”
Tobias nods along with what his wife is saying, though he seems transfixed by Emi.
“A rookie outing for both of us, then,” John replied with a smile. “What line of work are the two of you in? I’m in philanthropy. What about you, Tobias?”
This probably happens all the time for you, doesn’t it? John projected sympathetically — although he thought he detected an edge of territoriality to his observation. Let me know if he needs to be turned into a toad or something.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith and Terrence
Yuki’s face goes pink as Keith declares her family. She shifts back into a wolf to hide her blush and sits, looking down at her paws. Thank you, Keith, she projects to him.
Drake smiles slightly at his girlfriend. “I’m sure she’ll have more questions later.”
He looks up at Terrence as he enters the room and raises an eyebrow. “What’s got you in such a good mood?” he asks curiously.
Yuki nods to the plan. My only question is what Drake and I are trying to accomplish. Any smart Rooks wouldn’t try to mess with me with Drake around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kvard51
Terrence looks at Keith, his smile seeming to grow, if such were even possible, "Everything went great with Seraph!"
He responds to Yuli's question with a nod, "Good question! Your purpose is simply to draw some eyes. Make a show of enjoying each other's company. That will give Keith and me a little more cover to scope out actual Rook activity. We are your overwatch, and you are our backup."
To Drake's question and Keith's concern about how he intends to fly, he says, "Check this out! 'Halo'..." Hovering just off the living room floor, he zips around the room twice before landing back in front of the three other heroes. "AEGIS sent me a new toy to try out!"
Keith couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the reaction. He didn't realize that the family proclamation would have that reaction. Then again, it was probably a very different meaning in her culture. He would need to ask if he had crossed any lines later.
He looked back up at Drake. "And same goes for you too, Drake. Gotten used to answerin' most thing surrounding the subject." Keith's gaze grows a little distant remembering how some agents asked to just learn if he would be trustworthy.
Or even how to catch him off guard.
At Terrence's widening grin, Keith nodded. Definitely meant something was up. Or he had gotten some new clearance from AEGIS which would be nice! "Sweet! Can't wait to know what got you grinnin'!"
He listened to the rest of the plan and shrugged. "Should be easy enough, and if we need quick changes, Stolas can run a diversion for y'all to get the armor on and shapeshift." And at Terrence's growing grin and inability to contain his excitement anymore, Keith stepped back. He was right that something was up!
The name he had called first drew his attention even more. Though his eyes widened at the growing board and now having someone that could fly. "Ok, that is awesome! Is the name of it Halo or a summoning code? How does it work? Oh man, having another flyer is going to be sick!"
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“I think,” he said, turning back to Emi, “if I wanted to bid on anything it would be something I would be able to do with you.”
He began to blush, remembering her question.
“Like…the cooking class we’re bidding on. For Ian.”
“If you want to bid on those for us, I don’t mind,” Emi says. Her hand brushes momentarily from John’s shoulder blade down his back before she takes his hand. “That would be fun. I just thought that might be a nice surprise for the two of them. We can always take some classes together back in Iron Station, if you want.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
I can understand why doctors would be interested in this kind of charity but it does strike me as unusual that neurosurgeons would be interested in childhood cancer. I hope it isn’t the result of a personal connection.
It is, Emi answers. John can feel a hint of sadness from her across their link. Mr. Vanderburg lost his son many years ago to an aggressive cancer when he was only three. Mr. And Mrs. Carrington, and by extension, Mr. Aurelius, are here to support him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“A rookie outing for both of us, then,” John replied with a smile. “What line of work are the two of you in? I’m in philanthropy. What about you, Tobias?”
This probably happens all the time for you, doesn’t it? John projected sympathetically — although he thought he detected an edge of territoriality to his observation. Let me know if he needs to be turned into a toad or something.
It does, Emi says with amusement. As long as his wife doesn’t get mad at me for it, and his thoughts stay out of the gutter, I don’t mind. He has no idea who I am, either. Don’t go turning men into toads just yet.
Tobias blinks a few times after being addressed before his attention returns to John. “I’m in the tech industry. Software engineering.”
Adele gives her husband a look before replying, “I’m an attorney here in Manhattan. We recently took over ownership of my grandfather’s business. He owned several buildings here in New York and it’s been crazy trying to figure out how to manage it. I’ve been thinking about leaving my job to focus on it full time.”
Emi starts up a conversation with the two of them until dinner arrives.
As dinner wraps up, Mr. Taylor takes the stage and announces the silent auction baskets once again, allowing one last round of bidding before the end. A image comes up on the screen behind him, showing a bar that has filled up to $968,998 of 1 million. The bar ticks up steadily as people continue to place higher bids for the more desirable baskets. After about twenty minutes of additional bidding, Mr. Taylor ends the auction at the 1 million mark and announces the winners.
After the winners are announced, the band begins to play again and several couples take the dance floor as the waiters circulate once more offering additional drinks.
Emi says goodbye to their tablemates as they head up to collect the basket that they won, a luxury spa package.
“Would you like to dance, John?” Emi asks.
Keith and Terrence
Drake and Yuki exchange a glance before Yuki wraps her tail tighter around legs and looks down at her paws.
She starts to say something, before Drake says, “We’ll walk, but we aren’t gonna make any show of it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I don’t do over the top.”
The two South Siders are surprised by Terrence’s new gear.
That’s very useful, Yuki says.
Drake stands before looking at Terrence and Keith. “If you guys are ready, we can head out there.”
They head up to the roof, where Yuki shifts to her cockatrice form to give Drake a ride.
The flight to the Palisades takes about twenty minutes, and Yuki finds an abandoned construction site to land. She shifts back to her human form and gives Drake a quick look before her face heats up again and she takes his hand.
They head out after Drake melts the chain link fence out of the way and head down 5th Street, one of the main roads of the Palisades.
OOC: Roll Notice please
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
“If you want to bid on those for us, I don’t mind,” Emi says. Her hand brushes momentarily from John’s shoulder blade down his back before she takes his hand. “That would be fun. I just thought that might be a nice surprise for the two of them. We can always take some classes together back in Iron Station, if you want.”
“I would enjoy doing some scheduled or planned thing with you,” John confessed, taking pleasure and reassurance from from her touch. “You know: Something we can do together and make ours — our thing. I know our schedules — your saving the world and my work with the Foundation — requires us to be flexible but I would like us to find something like that.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
It does, Emi says with amusement. As long as his wife doesn’t get mad at me for it, and his thoughts stay out of the gutter, I don’t mind. He has no idea who I am, either. Don’t go turning men into toads just yet.
Tobias blinks a few times after being addressed before his attention returns to John. “I’m in the tech industry. Software engineering.”
It’s not that I can’t sympathize, John acknowledged with a certain level of amusement. After all, I’m the guy who was so flustered that he fell apart mid word before saying ‘hi’ to your father.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
After the winners are announced, the band begins to play again and several couples take the dance floor as the waiters circulate once more offering additional drinks.
Emi says goodbye to their tablemates as they head up to collect the basket that they won, a luxury spa package.
“Would you like to dance, John?” Emi asks.
“I always love dancing with you and have been looking forward to it all evening,” John said as he pulled her chair out for her and offered his hand. “We can pick up Aimee’s and Ian’s cooking class and settle up with Mr. Taylor later.
John kept things relatively simple on the dance floor this time out, making sure that he concentrated on his floorcraft among the high society attendees, taking care to account for Emi’s extra height. While he didn’t think his performance was boring, nor did he attempt anything as showy as he did at the Hallowe’en party or his back yard.
He also suspected that more than a little of his conservative approach was it kept Emi in closer physical contact with him. Yes, that contact helped him feel anchored in an event where he was something of a stranger. Yes, he had picked up some of what he needed to know through working in restaurants, during his parents’ dinner parties, and though the training the Foundation had given him. Nevertheless, he had felt a little like he was flying without a net.
Emi’s steadying presence and comfort at this event had been reassuring enough to steady him during the handful of moments when he began to feel at sea.
Thanks for keeping me on track here, John quietly projected as he gently and discretely kissed her shoulder (her cheek being too far up to be convenient). I’m not sure how easy it was for you to notice but your comfort level at events like this helped me a couple of times this evening. I wanted you to know I was grateful for that.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith and Terrence
Drake and Yuki exchange a glance before Yuki wraps her tail tighter around legs and looks down at her paws.
She starts to say something, before Drake says, “We’ll walk, but we aren’t gonna make any show of it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I don’t do over the top.”
The two South Siders are surprised by Terrence’s new gear.
That’s very useful, Yuki says.
Drake stands before looking at Terrence and Keith. “If you guys are ready, we can head out there.”
They head up to the roof, where Yuki shifts to her cockatrice form to give Drake a ride.
The flight to the Palisades takes about twenty minutes, and Yuki finds an abandoned construction site to land. She shifts back to her human form and gives Drake a quick look before her face heats up again and she takes his hand.
They head out after Drake melts the chain link fence out of the way and head down 5th Street, one of the main roads of the Palisades.
OOC: Roll Notice please
Keith smiles softly seeing that some things haven't changed, and starts to will up his suit. Following Terrence's answer about the board, he'll head up with everyone else and make his way there, having Stolas disguise them all as a flock of birds.
In the air, with him and Augur still under the illusion, Crowe keeps his eyes open on the group below, as does Stolas. He also opens a telepathic link between them all.
Spoiler: Notice
Show
Crowe:
Notice:
1d8o8+2 7 1d6o6+2 6
Stolas:
Notice:
1d8o8+4 10 1d6o6+4 6
"And link set, we'll be able to keep a line of communications easy now. Plus, Stolas needs the training for future ops." Stolas nodded and limited the link to just chatter, they could only share if they wanted to anyway.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
Keith and Terrence
Drake and Yuki exchange a glance before Yuki wraps her tail tighter around legs and looks down at her paws.
She starts to say something, before Drake says, “We’ll walk, but we aren’t gonna make any show of it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I don’t do over the top.”
The two South Siders are surprised by Terrence’s new gear.
That’s very useful, Yuki says.
Drake stands before looking at Terrence and Keith. “If you guys are ready, we can head out there.”
They head up to the roof, where Yuki shifts to her cockatrice form to give Drake a ride.
The flight to the Palisades takes about twenty minutes, and Yuki finds an abandoned construction site to land. She shifts back to her human form and gives Drake a quick look before her face heats up again and she takes his hand.
They head out after Drake melts the chain link fence out of the way and head down 5th Street, one of the main roads of the Palisades.
OOC: Roll Notice please
T nods to Drake's statement. "That's fine. Better my way, but I don't want you acting out of character, Drake," he says, pointedly avoiding looking at Yuki.
He smiles when she speaks, looking at his board, "And I don't even know the half of it yet. Seraph says it's like a mini-Mimi."
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Roguewolf
Keith smiles softly seeing that some things haven't changed, and starts to will up his suit. Following Terrence's answer about the board, he'll head up with everyone else and make his way there, having Stolas disguise them all as a flock of birds.
In the air, with him and Augur still under the illusion, Crowe keeps his eyes open on the group below, as does Stolas. He also opens a telepathic link between them all.
Spoiler: Notice
Show
Crowe:
Notice:
1d8o8+2 7 1d6o6+2 6
Stolas:
Notice:
1d8o8+4 10 1d6o6+4 6
"And link set, we'll be able to keep a line of communications easy now. Plus, Stolas needs the training for future ops." Stolas nodded and limited the link to just chatter, they could only share if they wanted to anyway.
Landing at the construction site, Augur quickly takes in their surroundings.
"Halo", he says quietly and his board disappears back into his boot. He looks at Drake and Yuki, seeing her blush before taking his hand, "Don't get too far ahead and at least smile and laugh, or something. We need you guys to draw looks so we can more easily go unseen."
Once back in the air with Crow and Stolas, he asks the dark hero, "Can you keep me hidden if I zip around inside the illusion? Or do I need to stay pretty still? I'd like to keep my eyes open for something going down while you keep watch on our lovebirds." When Keith's voice pops into his head, he starts, just a little. "Good job, Crow, that'll be useful for sure."
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kvard51
T nods to Drake's statement. "That's fine. Better my way, but I don't want you acting out of character, Drake," he says, pointedly avoiding looking at Yuki.
He smiles when she speaks, looking at his board, "And I don't even know the half of it yet. Seraph says it's like a mini-Mimi."
Landing at the construction site, Augur quickly takes in their surroundings.
"Halo", he says quietly and his board disappears back into his boot. He looks at Drake and Yuki, seeing her blush before taking his hand, "Don't get too far ahead and at least smile and laugh, or something. We need you guys to draw looks so we can more easily go unseen."
Once back in the air with Crow and Stolas, he asks the dark hero, "Can you keep me hidden if I zip around inside the illusion? Or do I need to stay pretty still? I'd like to keep my eyes open for something going down while you keep watch on our lovebirds." When Keith's voice pops into his head, he starts, just a little. "Good job, Crow, that'll be useful for sure."
Keith tilted his head a bit before they had left out and shrugged. If he had wanted them to not be out of character why ask?
"The best stealth ops work when things are more natural for them." He smiles at Yuki and Drake.
As Augur makes his comment about at least smiling and laughing, Crowe taps him on the shoulder. "I think you may be makin' them feel uncomfortable. Let them go as they normally do."
He looked over at Drake and Yuki, then back at Augur as they left. "Dude, you know she gets embarrassed about that stuff." He said quietly enough so that Drake didn't over hear.
He thought a moment and shook his head. It felt like Sophia was still trying to talk Drake. He really didn't want to have to get scraped off the sidewalk again.
Up in the air, he nodded at Augur's request. "It should hold but there is a slight area limit, should be fine though for the most part." He projected. "So long as a Stolas is near ya, should be ok."
Stolas projected a nod. "And so long as I'm not incapacitated or needing to complete some other task. Soon as a fight breaks out, I'll disguise myself as the Master and join the fray, unless it would be more beneficial for me to stay out of sight."
Crowe shrugged. "Will have to fight eventually, Stolas. And you don't need to keep calling me Master."
"Very well, your highness." The Raven quipped back since the shadowmancer had taken his mantle as a prince in hand.
"Seriously?" was all Crowe could respond with. And he projects back to Augur.
"It definitely takes some getting used to, but it's slightly easier as well if they see something we miss up here.
More discrete than tapping the commlink anyway." He shook his head. "We'll practice some later too since we know the demons can jam comms as well.
Stolas projects down to Drake and Yuki. "I do apologize for the intrusions, Master Drake and Mistress Yuki. If at anytime you wish me to cut the link, just say the word."
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“I would enjoy doing some scheduled or planned thing with you,” John confessed, taking pleasure and reassurance from from her touch. “You know: Something we can do together and make ours — our thing. I know our schedules — your saving the world and my work with the Foundation — requires us to be flexible but I would like us to find something like that.”
“I would like that,” Emi agrees. “Would you be interested in a painting class? I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint.”
John spots a hint of color come to her her cheeks. “We could also do a couples massage on Tuesday,” she suggests in a quiet voice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
Thanks for keeping me on track here, John quietly projected as he gently and discretely kissed her shoulder (her cheek being too far up to be convenient). I’m not sure how easy it was for you to notice but your comfort level at events like this helped me a couple of times this evening. I wanted you to know I was grateful for that.
I’m happy to help, John, she projects back. You’ve done exceptionally well tonight, I think. I noticed you hesitate a few times, but you recovered easily.
There’s a lull in the music and Emi takes the opportunity to take a short break, taking another small glass of wine from a waiter as he passes.
As she’s talking with John while taking their break, she spots Mr. Taylor attempting to catch her eye from a few tables over.
It seems our it’s our time for introductions, Emi says to John as she takes his arm and heads over to the event coordinator.
Standing around a nearby table are Mr. Taylor and Mr. Aurelius. Taylor smiles widely as Emi and John approach and he turns slightly to include them into the conversation.
“Mr. Aurelius, this is John Kelley of the D & K Foundation, and Miss Emilia Shaw. Mr. Kelley told me that your charities have worked together in the past.”
Aurelius sets his wine glass down on the table and gives both of them a charming smile. “Jasper Aurelius,” he says as he shakes John and Emi’s hands in turn. He has a hint of an accent that definitely doesn’t sound like it’s from anywhere in New York.
Still nothing, Emi says to John. His mind is completely closed to me.
“Oh,” Taylor says. “Let me grab the vouchers for your baskets before I get distracted again. I’ll be back in a moment.” He leaves, heading around the dance floor to the stage before he disappears into a back room.
Redline
The demon shrieks as Redline Prime manages to burn and pluck out the eye on its shoulder.
Polaris and the Mystery Man capitalize on its pain. The alien hits the demon with a right hook, cracking its beak, while the hooded man kicks it in the ribs, sending the crow flying.
The demon skids across the roof before recovering. It slowly gets its feet and looks at the three of them as green ichor leaks from its beak. Reality fractures behind it and it steps through, closing the portal hastily behind it.
Initiative:
The demon soaks Redline’s damage
Jacks… Polaris goes, and he uses the Ace card! He does two wounds to the demon after it rolls a 2 and a 1 to soak
7s… the Mystery Man reshakes the demon and it gains another wound!
4s… the demon unshakes and flees!
Combat Ends!
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
December 2nd
John
“I would like that,” Emi agrees. “Would you be interested in a painting class? I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint.”
John spots a hint of color come to her her cheeks. “We could also do a couples massage on Tuesday,” she suggests in a quiet voice.
“I’d be game to try both,” John replied with a quiet smile, “if you don’t think it would disturb your massage session. I haven’t gotten many massages so I’m not sure how a couple massage would even work.”
Quote:
Originally Posted by
InTheMachine
I’m happy to help, John, she projects back. You’ve done exceptionally well tonight, I think. I noticed you hesitate a few times, but you recovered easily.
There’s a lull in the music and Emi takes the opportunity to take a short break, taking another small glass of wine from a waiter as he passes.
As she’s talking with John while taking their break, she spots Mr. Taylor attempting to catch her eye from a few tables over.
It seems our it’s our time for introductions, Emi says to John as she takes his arm and heads over to the event coordinator.
Standing around a nearby table are Mr. Taylor and Mr. Aurelius. Taylor smiles widely as Emi and John approach and he turns slightly to include them into the conversation.
“Mr. Aurelius, this is John Kelley of the D & K Foundation, and Miss Emilia Shaw. Mr. Kelley told me that your charities have worked together in the past.”
Aurelius sets his wine glass down on the table and gives both of them a charming smile. “Jasper Aurelius,” he says as he shakes John and Emi’s hands in turn. He has a hint of an accent that definitely doesn’t sound like it’s from anywhere in New York.
Still nothing, Emi says to John. His mind is completely closed to me.
“Oh,” Taylor says. “Let me grab the vouchers for your baskets before I get distracted again. I’ll be back in a moment.” He leaves, heading around the dance floor to the stage before he disappears into a back room.
Anything from Taylor? John asked. Somehow I doubt he is thinking about the tablets but, given your appearance here, I thought he might make the connection to Iron Station.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aurelius,” John began. “I was happy to learn your name was on the guest list here when the opportunity crossed my desk. There are a handful of names to contact about deepening our partnerships on my to do list, now that the Foundation is moving a little out of the background, and yours was one of them. I was hoping to get a chance to meet you here this evening and have a preliminary conversation about what initiatives you would like to work with us to fund more fully — whether it is here in New York, from wherever it is you used to call home, or a region of personal interest. We want to quietly magnify your impact to insure the greatest good can be done.”
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
Versailles Rooftops
Quote:
The demon shrieks as Redline Prime manages to burn and pluck out the eye on its shoulder.
Polaris and the Mystery Man capitalize on its pain. The alien hits the demon with a right hook, cracking its beak, while the hooded man kicks it in the ribs, sending the crow flying.
The demon skids across the roof before recovering. It slowly gets its feet and looks at the three of them as green ichor leaks from its beak. Reality fractures behind it and it steps through, closing the portal hastily behind it.
Redline lifts his head up just in time to see the the crow demon slowly retreat through the gap in reality. "Of course it gets away..." He sighs before resting his head on the ground again.
A few seconds pass before the unfamiliar weight on his chest registers. Redline slowly brings his hands together, feeling the slight give in the golden orb he possesses. The hero retches and lets the the eye roll off to his side. A souvenir. Lucky me.
"Everyone alright?" He asks aloud to the group as he lies on the ground.
-
Re: Iron Station Savage Masks IC IV
December 2nd
The Palisades
Drake’s eyes narrow at Terrence’s ‘smile and laugh’ comment, but he walks away with Yuki.
The two of them walk hand in hand without fanfare for about twenty minutes down the Palisades’ main road. Neither of them make an effort to draw attention to themselves.
From up above, Augur, Crowe, and Stolas spot several possible Rooks milling around on the street. As Drake and Yuki pass, most of them look appreciatively at Yuki and some even start to move into her way, before they see Drake and back off.
An hour later, Mimi says to all of them: “Mohs and Luster have been spotted entering Beltway Gun and Pawn. The owner has tripped the silent alarm.”
Spoiler: CCM- TN 6
Show
Mohs and Luster are a brother/sister villain team. They eat gemstones and gain powers from them.
Augur recognizes the name, it’s one of the biggest pawn shops in the Palisades three streets over.
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“I’d be game to try both,” John replied with a quiet smile, “if you don’t think it would disturb your massage session. I haven’t gotten many massages so I’m not sure how a couple massage would even work.”
It’s just the same as a normal massage. You’d just be in the same room… as me, Emi explains.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
Anything from Taylor? John asked. Somehow I doubt he is thinking about the tablets but, given your appearance here, I thought he might make the connection to Iron Station.
Nothing out the ordinary, she replies. He’s only concerned about his fundraiser and making sure that he made good impressions on everyone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aurelius,” John began. “I was happy to learn your name was on the guest list here when the opportunity crossed my desk. There are a handful of names to contact about deepening our partnerships on my to do list, now that the Foundation is moving a little out of the background, and yours was one of them. I was hoping to get a chance to meet you here this evening and have a preliminary conversation about what initiatives you would like to work with us to fund more fully — whether it is here in New York, from wherever it is you used to call home, or a region of personal interest. We want to quietly magnify your impact to insure the greatest good can be done.”
Aurelius answers amicably and begins to speak about his foundations goals.
“What brings you all this way from Iron Station, Mr. Kelley?” Aurelius asks in a curious manner. He picks up his wine glass again, taking a drink. “I saw your name appear on the guest list last minute. You must have a had a rush flight to get here on time.”