AN: Apologies for the length, its more a story then a snippet, but it just kept coming and I had a bit of ground to cover and certain characters just wouldn't shut up. Also sorry if it seems a bit 'talking head-ish' - Its really needs a few more going overs by myself and by another pair of eyes but I promised to have today.I'll rewrite it if I get a chance and a hand.
It was a typical afternoon on the fourth floor of the Villa de Rogue. The windows were letting plenty of light and scenic ocean view in while keeping street noise and pollution out. Victor (aka RedThorns) and Julia (aka Red Fortunata) were busy working quietly on Victor's work desk while Danny (aka Night Marshal) was entertaining himself on the lounge chair. In truth they were waiting for several of the Sisters Spider to either wake up (Redback Spiderbite) or return from 'shopping' (in the case of Vine Widow and Arachna Tormentia).
Danny was sitting comfortable on the lounge with the latest iteration of the Longbow Nullifer Rifle partial on his lap and spread over the coffee table in front of him. He was both relaxing and working at the same time. The rifle worked perfectly well... for a paperweight and was an utter travesty of craftsmanship and design-work. He was pulling it apart with his hands, partly for the challenge, partly for the thrill of it, and partly so he could compare its design with the others he had also pulled apart. He was looking both for ways to improve it and for clues as to its designer so he could go have a 'discussion' on and 'inform' them to leave 'designing to the experts' namely him. He had come to the conclusion partway through this process that the only redeeming factors for this weapon was that it had none, was government made, and that he could strip it down and rebuild it into something usable.
Around his head the hovered and occasionally bounced down with a soft metallic bong sound a gray metal sphere about the size of a fist. It acted much like a squishy stress relief ball/mental exercise ball for him and allowed him to focus while out of uniform. At the moment it was working overtime as Danny vented much of his frustrations into the ball, deforming it into various shapes before *carefully* bouncing it around the room.
Victor on the other hand was reclining on a rather plush leather seat reading the latest finanical times insert. There was something visceral about reading news and figures on actual paper that appealed to him. Sure, the world was increasly going more online much to his dimay and disgust, but he'd buy a book any day of the week before buying one of those kindling eye-pog gizmos thingawhatis. Yes computers had their place, but they were a tool, nothing more nothing less. Not a crux on which to base a whole society.
Victor was just reaching for his pipe when the phone rang and Red Fortunata stopped her typing. Since she only ever stopped typing on important calls, and he was moving anyway, he decided that he might as well answer it. Still if it was some smuck ordering pizza or reporting a ghost running through a shop...all bets were off.
A short one-sided conversation followed during which Danny stopped what he was doing and Red Fortunata called up a particular news article on the laptop she was working on.
"Well," began Victor with an air of contemplation about him. "That was one of the Irregulars, who just so happens to work in one of the largest hotels in Paragon. Seems something rather special is going down in the city. Almost -every- single room has been booked in every single hotel or motel on April 29th. This is almost unprecedented. There is usually some room somewhere... but its a first. They almost asked me if I could shake a few rooms loose."
"Would it have anything to do with the up-swell in engagements from Valentines Day?" asked Red Fortuanta with a sweet serene smile, "According to the tabloids there are speculation that certain high profile heroes and A-List and B-List rich and famous are getting hitched, and almost all of them on that day." According to her body language she already knew the answer but she was just being friendly and polite, and participating in the conversation.
Victor leaned back into his chair and pull up his cane from beside him and glanced at it as if it could talk to him and tell him what to do. It was a rather unique cane - maple, polished, about waist high and solid looking with a rather distinctive knot just below the handgrip. The knot looked rather like a skull, to the point that there were two jewels embedded deep in the wood where one would imagine the empty eye sockets to be. Victor grinned slowly and stared deeply into the gems of the handle of his cane, watching them as they caught the light as he turned it. "One of the other Irregulars reported previously that they had spotted a group of Lady Nogitsune's Ninja's have arranged to secure a small temple on the edge of Paragon City."
"Where's there's smoke there's fire." remarked Danny, leaning back into his chair. Now that he wasn't actively pulling the weapon apart and was paying attention to RedThorns and Red Fortunata, the various components that were arrayed on the table were dancing on invisible hands to a beat of their own. It was like watching mop and bucket portion from the Sorcerer's Apprentice, as they reconfigured themselves and rebuilt themselves into a copy of Night Marshal's standard rifle.
"There is that saying," agreed Red Fortunata agreed gesturing.
"Hmm..." mused Victor, still gazing at the cane, tossing the various schemes and possibilities in his mind. "We all know what the 'good' Lady Nogitsune claims to be. She can not afford her image to be tarnished by marrying a 'mere mortal'. Hence her Ninja's must be arranging it for someone else... someone who's favor of the week." Putting his cane down but resting one hand on it he continued looking at the both of them, "She'll probably be acting as 'security'. Thus if the ninja's are there as security, one can easily reach the conclusion that the Mistress herself would be there to ensure everything went smoothly. To do otherwise would run the risk of her honor being tarnished. I know her type: Honor is paramount."
"But why the small little chapel?" asked Danny.
While Victor was talking Red Fortunata had been busy typing away on her computer, and now pulled up a list of all the various church and places where one could 'tie the knot' in Paragon City. "Because they're all full on April 29th. Everyone wants that particular day."
"The van Craft family and their industries and at least a dozen of my other identities are going to get invites till they come out of my ears," sighed Victor. "Danny, you'll be going in my stead."
"I will?" asked a momentarily taken aback Night Marshal. Both his eyebrows shot up his forehead. Flashing through the back of his head was the simple circuit he would need to gimmick the scanner at Pocket D to allow him access again to Paragon City. No computer would stop him and he wouldn't need to turn all hug-the-trees-goodie-two-shoes for a day.
"Danny, Danny, Danny. Have you been spending to much time with your robots again?" asked Red Fortunata with a tender note of concern in her voice. "Remember what April 29 is? Victor and I will be in Europe then, remember. We have a different wedding to attend and ... we're going to inspect The Baron's holdings."
"No - Oh. Ah... Ah." Muttered Danny as processed what Julia said, or rather what she didn't say verbal. It would be their one of the few times that RedThorns and Red Fortunata had recently gotten away together alone for any length of time, and it looked like they both had plans. Plans that require no interruptions. "Which one's you want me go to? Not all of them I hope!"
RedThorns and Red Fortunata shared a moment together before both turned to Danny.
"We'll have to wait and see what ones come, but definitely the one Lady Nogitune is arranging and that one." Victor stated point to a list of weddings that Red Fortunata had pulled up on the screen. "Julia will know if there are any others you need to go to." To this Red Fortutana just smiled a serene smile and nodded, clearing the screen. When Victor got in this mood it was best just to sit back and let him go, it was clear he had a plan and it was going to be spectacular.
"Anyway," smiled Victor with a smile of a good deal many teeth, his rich Scottish accent developing a burr that indicated he was up to something particularly devious, "It strikes me that there are going to be quite a few of our fellows with nothing to do on that day. Or with rather nefarious plans for no good. Idle hands are the devil's playthings. Therefore, they need something do to. Something to prevent them from interfering in the events of the day, while still appealing to their baser instincts and motives. Thus I propose a competition. Besides, its been a while since I've hosted one of them. Say beginning in the morning around 9am and ending around noon. Fastest Documented Lady Gray will get a set of what is called "Purples". Those who kill or rather dispose of the most Rikti, documented of course, will also get a set of "Purples" to share among themselves. Of course they have to get proof to me or yourself or one of the Sisters within say a few hours, but if word spreads to the Irregulars it should keep them busy. My gift to the people of Paragon: Keeping those of a liberal persuasion and morals busy for the day. What the heck, in the spirit of goodwill, I'll even open it to both sides of the morality debate."
All in the room shared a knowing smirk. It was well known among them Victor's opinion of the Rikti invasion and the subsequent scrambling by all parties to form Vanguard and the back and forth ever since.
Casting his eyes to one side and up one level, Danny remarked, "I'm going to go and tell Redback the good news: Open season in the Warzone or me in a tux. Knowing her, she'll take the warzone any day." With that he slung the now completed rifle over his shoulder and walked out of the room, bouncing his metal stress ball like a tennis ball as he went.
"I swear," remarked Victor, shaking his head, once Danny had left, "Those two. I see the attraction between them. I don't comprehend it, but its there. How those two ever got together, I will not ever understand."
"Victor, darling." soothed Red Fortunata "Love is a strange thing. Don't question it, and don't try to comprehend it."
"My Dear," smiled Victor bowing his head, "Once again, I must bow to your superior wisdom."
"You have more tricks up your sleeve? Are you done with your plans for the city?" asked Red Fortuna, settling back in her chair with a smile.
"Why of course my dear... When do I not? PET!" commanded Victor into the open air with an authoritative tone of voice.
The shadows shimmered and into the middle of the room a humanoid from came forth, intoning "Yes Master."
"Pet," commanded RedThorns, his voice ringing with power and authority. His eyes and the jewels on his cane seemed to glow as he spoke, his hand brushing a chain link on his belt. "I want you to ensure that Longbow are aware of Lady Nogitsune's whereabouts on April 29. Also put Silent Blades on her tail for the same date. Use fund 6 and a trusted go between."
"Yes Master."
"Also use fund 7 and the Irregulars to get the police to hound, or otherwise distract the following individuals: Leading Lady, Valles, Terrence Knight, Silicon Sabre, and Jelidan."
"Yes Master."
"Go!" he commanded.
The shadows shimmered again and the pair were alone again. So they took the time to enjoy the moment.
"The wedding gift dear?" prompted Red Fortunata when they separated.
"Ah, yes. Thank you dear. It would be rather poor form to send Danny boy along without a suitable gift for the happy couple."
"And knowing you," chuckled Red Fortunata, "you'll be after something both shows off and also that tweaks a few individuals noses, Nogitsune included."
"But of course," Victor said leaning back in his chair, rubbing his hands. "Opportunity beckons. Just rubbing shoulders with 'mere mortals' is enough to tweak her nose, but take it a step beyond and she's twitchy and off balance despite her outward signs of calm. Her type are ever so much fun when they're twitchy - that's when you have the most opportunity to strike."
"Any ideas?"
"Nothing appropriate." At Julia's questioning eyebrow he elaborated, "Severed head of enemy surround by said enemy family's eyeballs would probably fall flat. Works a treat in certain parts of the jungle."
"I can foresee that would not working here. How about starting with wedding sayings and going from there."
"Fair enough. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue."
"Look down you gods on this couple and drop a blessed crown"
"When love is not mad then it is not love."
"There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends."
Victor paused and tilted his had to one side, "Yes..." he pictured the present in his mind and saw Red Fortunata's face light up as well. "Yes... that will be perfect. Working off the first two, and including the third, its not going to raise any flags going in and is go really annoy several people, particularly Lady Nogitsune. Particularly if that fool Toa plays his part and delivers the right property. It'll be perfect. You'll help Danny get it in pass the screening?"
"Of course. Want me to go get it now?"
"Please."
"Back soon."
"Love you." Victor called out as Red Fortunata seemingly disappeared in a flash of light.
Victor leaned back and indulged in a old-fashioned belly-laugh before picking up the paper and commenced reading it again. He loved it when a plan came together.
Irregulars: Network of Ferrymen, Train drivers, Retailers, Porters, Paper-boys, etc that no one sees but interacts with on a daily basis.
It was a typical afternoon on the fourth floor of the Villa de Rogue. The windows were letting plenty of light and scenic ocean view in while keeping street noise and pollution out. Victor (aka RedThorns) and Julia (aka Red Fortunata) were busy working quietly on Victor's work desk while Danny (aka Night Marshal) was entertaining himself on the lounge chair. In truth they were waiting for several of the Sisters Spider to either wake up (Redback Spiderbite) or return from 'shopping' (in the case of Vine Widow and Arachna Tormentia).
Danny was sitting comfortable on the lounge with the latest iteration of the Longbow Nullifer Rifle partial on his lap and spread over the coffee table in front of him. He was both relaxing and working at the same time. The rifle worked perfectly well... for a paperweight and was an utter travesty of craftsmanship and design-work. He was pulling it apart with his hands, partly for the challenge, partly for the thrill of it, and partly so he could compare its design with the others he had also pulled apart. He was looking both for ways to improve it and for clues as to its designer so he could go have a 'discussion' on and 'inform' them to leave 'designing to the experts' namely him. He had come to the conclusion partway through this process that the only redeeming factors for this weapon was that it had none, was government made, and that he could strip it down and rebuild it into something usable.
Around his head the hovered and occasionally bounced down with a soft metallic bong sound a gray metal sphere about the size of a fist. It acted much like a squishy stress relief ball/mental exercise ball for him and allowed him to focus while out of uniform. At the moment it was working overtime as Danny vented much of his frustrations into the ball, deforming it into various shapes before *carefully* bouncing it around the room.
Victor on the other hand was reclining on a rather plush leather seat reading the latest finanical times insert. There was something visceral about reading news and figures on actual paper that appealed to him. Sure, the world was increasly going more online much to his dimay and disgust, but he'd buy a book any day of the week before buying one of those kindling eye-pog gizmos thingawhatis. Yes computers had their place, but they were a tool, nothing more nothing less. Not a crux on which to base a whole society.
Victor was just reaching for his pipe when the phone rang and Red Fortunata stopped her typing. Since she only ever stopped typing on important calls, and he was moving anyway, he decided that he might as well answer it. Still if it was some smuck ordering pizza or reporting a ghost running through a shop...all bets were off.
A short one-sided conversation followed during which Danny stopped what he was doing and Red Fortunata called up a particular news article on the laptop she was working on.
"Well," began Victor with an air of contemplation about him. "That was one of the Irregulars, who just so happens to work in one of the largest hotels in Paragon. Seems something rather special is going down in the city. Almost -every- single room has been booked in every single hotel or motel on April 29th. This is almost unprecedented. There is usually some room somewhere... but its a first. They almost asked me if I could shake a few rooms loose."
"Would it have anything to do with the up-swell in engagements from Valentines Day?" asked Red Fortuanta with a sweet serene smile, "According to the tabloids there are speculation that certain high profile heroes and A-List and B-List rich and famous are getting hitched, and almost all of them on that day." According to her body language she already knew the answer but she was just being friendly and polite, and participating in the conversation.
Victor leaned back into his chair and pull up his cane from beside him and glanced at it as if it could talk to him and tell him what to do. It was a rather unique cane - maple, polished, about waist high and solid looking with a rather distinctive knot just below the handgrip. The knot looked rather like a skull, to the point that there were two jewels embedded deep in the wood where one would imagine the empty eye sockets to be. Victor grinned slowly and stared deeply into the gems of the handle of his cane, watching them as they caught the light as he turned it. "One of the other Irregulars reported previously that they had spotted a group of Lady Nogitsune's Ninja's have arranged to secure a small temple on the edge of Paragon City."
"Where's there's smoke there's fire." remarked Danny, leaning back into his chair. Now that he wasn't actively pulling the weapon apart and was paying attention to RedThorns and Red Fortunata, the various components that were arrayed on the table were dancing on invisible hands to a beat of their own. It was like watching mop and bucket portion from the Sorcerer's Apprentice, as they reconfigured themselves and rebuilt themselves into a copy of Night Marshal's standard rifle.
"There is that saying," agreed Red Fortunata agreed gesturing.
"Hmm..." mused Victor, still gazing at the cane, tossing the various schemes and possibilities in his mind. "We all know what the 'good' Lady Nogitsune claims to be. She can not afford her image to be tarnished by marrying a 'mere mortal'. Hence her Ninja's must be arranging it for someone else... someone who's favor of the week." Putting his cane down but resting one hand on it he continued looking at the both of them, "She'll probably be acting as 'security'. Thus if the ninja's are there as security, one can easily reach the conclusion that the Mistress herself would be there to ensure everything went smoothly. To do otherwise would run the risk of her honor being tarnished. I know her type: Honor is paramount."
"But why the small little chapel?" asked Danny.
While Victor was talking Red Fortunata had been busy typing away on her computer, and now pulled up a list of all the various church and places where one could 'tie the knot' in Paragon City. "Because they're all full on April 29th. Everyone wants that particular day."
"The van Craft family and their industries and at least a dozen of my other identities are going to get invites till they come out of my ears," sighed Victor. "Danny, you'll be going in my stead."
"I will?" asked a momentarily taken aback Night Marshal. Both his eyebrows shot up his forehead. Flashing through the back of his head was the simple circuit he would need to gimmick the scanner at Pocket D to allow him access again to Paragon City. No computer would stop him and he wouldn't need to turn all hug-the-trees-goodie-two-shoes for a day.
"Danny, Danny, Danny. Have you been spending to much time with your robots again?" asked Red Fortunata with a tender note of concern in her voice. "Remember what April 29 is? Victor and I will be in Europe then, remember. We have a different wedding to attend and ... we're going to inspect The Baron's holdings."
"No - Oh. Ah... Ah." Muttered Danny as processed what Julia said, or rather what she didn't say verbal. It would be their one of the few times that RedThorns and Red Fortunata had recently gotten away together alone for any length of time, and it looked like they both had plans. Plans that require no interruptions. "Which one's you want me go to? Not all of them I hope!"
RedThorns and Red Fortunata shared a moment together before both turned to Danny.
"We'll have to wait and see what ones come, but definitely the one Lady Nogitune is arranging and that one." Victor stated point to a list of weddings that Red Fortunata had pulled up on the screen. "Julia will know if there are any others you need to go to." To this Red Fortutana just smiled a serene smile and nodded, clearing the screen. When Victor got in this mood it was best just to sit back and let him go, it was clear he had a plan and it was going to be spectacular.
"Anyway," smiled Victor with a smile of a good deal many teeth, his rich Scottish accent developing a burr that indicated he was up to something particularly devious, "It strikes me that there are going to be quite a few of our fellows with nothing to do on that day. Or with rather nefarious plans for no good. Idle hands are the devil's playthings. Therefore, they need something do to. Something to prevent them from interfering in the events of the day, while still appealing to their baser instincts and motives. Thus I propose a competition. Besides, its been a while since I've hosted one of them. Say beginning in the morning around 9am and ending around noon. Fastest Documented Lady Gray will get a set of what is called "Purples". Those who kill or rather dispose of the most Rikti, documented of course, will also get a set of "Purples" to share among themselves. Of course they have to get proof to me or yourself or one of the Sisters within say a few hours, but if word spreads to the Irregulars it should keep them busy. My gift to the people of Paragon: Keeping those of a liberal persuasion and morals busy for the day. What the heck, in the spirit of goodwill, I'll even open it to both sides of the morality debate."
All in the room shared a knowing smirk. It was well known among them Victor's opinion of the Rikti invasion and the subsequent scrambling by all parties to form Vanguard and the back and forth ever since.
Casting his eyes to one side and up one level, Danny remarked, "I'm going to go and tell Redback the good news: Open season in the Warzone or me in a tux. Knowing her, she'll take the warzone any day." With that he slung the now completed rifle over his shoulder and walked out of the room, bouncing his metal stress ball like a tennis ball as he went.
"I swear," remarked Victor, shaking his head, once Danny had left, "Those two. I see the attraction between them. I don't comprehend it, but its there. How those two ever got together, I will not ever understand."
"Victor, darling." soothed Red Fortunata "Love is a strange thing. Don't question it, and don't try to comprehend it."
"My Dear," smiled Victor bowing his head, "Once again, I must bow to your superior wisdom."
"You have more tricks up your sleeve? Are you done with your plans for the city?" asked Red Fortuna, settling back in her chair with a smile.
"Why of course my dear... When do I not? PET!" commanded Victor into the open air with an authoritative tone of voice.
The shadows shimmered and into the middle of the room a humanoid from came forth, intoning "Yes Master."
"Pet," commanded RedThorns, his voice ringing with power and authority. His eyes and the jewels on his cane seemed to glow as he spoke, his hand brushing a chain link on his belt. "I want you to ensure that Longbow are aware of Lady Nogitsune's whereabouts on April 29. Also put Silent Blades on her tail for the same date. Use fund 6 and a trusted go between."
"Yes Master."
"Also use fund 7 and the Irregulars to get the police to hound, or otherwise distract the following individuals: Leading Lady, Valles, Terrence Knight, Silicon Sabre, and Jelidan."
"Yes Master."
"Go!" he commanded.
The shadows shimmered again and the pair were alone again. So they took the time to enjoy the moment.
"The wedding gift dear?" prompted Red Fortunata when they separated.
"Ah, yes. Thank you dear. It would be rather poor form to send Danny boy along without a suitable gift for the happy couple."
"And knowing you," chuckled Red Fortunata, "you'll be after something both shows off and also that tweaks a few individuals noses, Nogitsune included."
"But of course," Victor said leaning back in his chair, rubbing his hands. "Opportunity beckons. Just rubbing shoulders with 'mere mortals' is enough to tweak her nose, but take it a step beyond and she's twitchy and off balance despite her outward signs of calm. Her type are ever so much fun when they're twitchy - that's when you have the most opportunity to strike."
"Any ideas?"
"Nothing appropriate." At Julia's questioning eyebrow he elaborated, "Severed head of enemy surround by said enemy family's eyeballs would probably fall flat. Works a treat in certain parts of the jungle."
"I can foresee that would not working here. How about starting with wedding sayings and going from there."
"Fair enough. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue."
"Look down you gods on this couple and drop a blessed crown"
"When love is not mad then it is not love."
"There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends."
Victor paused and tilted his had to one side, "Yes..." he pictured the present in his mind and saw Red Fortunata's face light up as well. "Yes... that will be perfect. Working off the first two, and including the third, its not going to raise any flags going in and is go really annoy several people, particularly Lady Nogitsune. Particularly if that fool Toa plays his part and delivers the right property. It'll be perfect. You'll help Danny get it in pass the screening?"
"Of course. Want me to go get it now?"
"Please."
"Back soon."
"Love you." Victor called out as Red Fortunata seemingly disappeared in a flash of light.
Victor leaned back and indulged in a old-fashioned belly-laugh before picking up the paper and commenced reading it again. He loved it when a plan came together.
Irregulars: Network of Ferrymen, Train drivers, Retailers, Porters, Paper-boys, etc that no one sees but interacts with on a daily basis.