[Fiction] Babylon Reborn: Arrivals

[Ptesan-Wi]

Ptesan-Wi gracefully took her seat across from Noir... and then found herself staring at the offered cigarillos. The options here were painfully obvious. Option A: accept the offer, fumble around trying to light the thing, and then probably wind up choking on the thing. Option B won the day.

"Thank you, but I'll pass. I've honestly never smoked anything other than a peace pipe before, and it didn't do anything for me other than a symbolic level." Which wasn't entirely the truth; it had also helped her turn a rather phenomenal shade of green.

The threat of carcinogenic thrills out of the way, Ptesan-Wi found herself facing the fact that, aside from interaction with Wakinyan, she had nothing immediately in common with this suave nova across the table. As far as she knew, Noir wasn't a Terat, so there wasn't even that thin thread of commonality to gently pull into broader topics. Her main hope had been to simply thank the woman for helping Wakinyan during one of his darkest moments. So, there was a long moment of silence before Ptesan-Wi made a game effort to spark some sort of conversation.

"He's been gone for over a month now, and I miss him quite a bit. I just hope that this trip helps him to find what he couldn't find here."

[Noir]

“Having some time to explore, think and clear your head can do amazing things. I’ve been away from many things while doing just that. I am sure some have noted by absence from the boards. It has lead me to some very enlightening conclusions though. I am just not all to sure of how to go about sharing them without causing too much of an uproar and stepping on toes of some people with seemingly sensitive egos.” Noir said as she slid the case back over and closed in nimbly.

“Well, you miss him, but how are you doing otherwise? I do not recall you for being one to visit places such as this and mingle with large groups of novas.” she asked before adding with a chuckle, “Though, I do suppose that is something like the pot calling the kettle black.”

[Apperance 4 (Exotic), Sexy Merit, 3 successes on Style, currently using Human Nature on Ptesan-Wi and Analyze Weakness on the club’s security and she also has That Creepy Feeling which she is using to note who is watching them and there any cameras/listening devices and so on are (spending quantum points frequently to do so).]

[Ptesan-Wi]

"Well, I've been trying to get out a bit more lately. In fact, just before he left, I took a trip on my own to Ibiza and stopped in at the Phoenix Club. You can only spend so much time living alone in the wilderness before feeling the itch for some contact." Not to mention, forcing myself to rub elbows with novas helps to reinforce the fiction that I am one myself.

"And you have been pretty scarce from the boards lately. Frankly, I wouldn't worry too much about stepping on toes; there's plenty of that going around already, and the world keeps turning. If you have profound thoughts to voice, by all means, voice them - those that aren't too busy trying to poke holes in everyone will listen, and maybe even really hear them."

[Neil Preston]

Neil it's Long, I've come to get you. You ready to go to the club?"

Neil sits up from the sofa and puts on his jacket. He looks every bit the South American gentleman, with his white linen pants and jacket with pastel shirt and tie. Long even notices Neil is sans socks and is wearing street-made sandels. He even dons a Panama hat with a brilliant parrot feather in the brim, then tips the hat back in a 'happy-go-lucky' style.

The younger Preston steps up and shakes Long's hand before speaking.

"Thanks for coming and getting me. I'm ready to go. I hope you are doing alright tonight, because I'm looking forward to a grand evening with loved ones and good friends."

By his expression, it is clear that Neil includes the Tiger-nova as one of those good friends he enjoys spending time with.

{Neil has App. 4(Vibrant), as well as the Stamina enhancements Health(x2) and Tireless going to give him a general aura of boundless life and energy.}

[Jager]

Jager has spent the better part of an hour busting still more preconceptions of who he is and what he's like as he moshes near the stage through Death Metal Girl's routine. He bounces off multiple other novas, and is springboarded off in turn. Only between sets do the other novas suddenly seem to realize who they've been dancing with. A few hasty "I didn't know it was you Mr. Jager" are countered by things like,"Doesn't she fucking rock", or "If I wasn't here to dance, I wouldn't be on the floor" (along with a playful shoove). Before too long, Jager has seemlessly joined DMG's growing fanbase and applauds between each set.

When its finally over, DMG jumps down and Jager is waiting there with sharp smile and a predatory glint in his eyes.

"That was fun! Thanks for the encouragement," DMG says as she insinuates her arm through his and leads him back towards the first floor. "In case you noticed, I didn't do any original songs up there as a way of encouraging you to come see me in Vegas. Did it work?"

Jager responds by leaning in and kissing her along the jawline, right next to her ear.

"Sounds like one hell of a plan," he whispers back. He follows that up by,

"What's your poison of choice? First round's on me."

{Jager can be achingly beautiful like some Nordic God of the Far North one moment and nebulously handsome the next. Likewise, he can pass by virtually unnoticed, or draw eyes to him with an icy depth of predatory power. Conversely, he uses Synergy with Style and Etiquette to compliment whomever he is with, to help that person shine like never before. Having rolled well, DMG can add +10 dice to either social roll for the scene.}

[Bacchus]

There was something about a fight ensuing that always got Bacchus’s blood running. He spared a glance for Flicker before following the Dead Man down into the bowels of the basement.

The fight was over before he could get there, but when he realized there were strippers, it was suddenly all worth it.

Bacchus didn’t know what it was, but there was something about the anatomy of the human female that mesmerized him. He’d seen breasts in three different countries so far, and in twenty two states as of last count, but somehow each new set was a revelation.

The amount of money on the stage stunned him. He hadn’t seen that much money in one place since he’d stumbled onto that drug deal in Chicago.

Happily, they’d all been baselines, and he’d managed to change the chemicals in their blood in time to leave them all disoriented. If he’d scooped up a few thousand dollars on his way out, no one needed to know.

He’d been clowning around, changing his face to look like a local nova, when…wait…

Bacchus blinked. He was IN Chicago now. When had that happened?

Well, he hoped he hadn’t caused any problems for the nova in question. If he had, he’d apologize…after he quit running.

He stared up at the stage in awe.

Pretty.

[Li Ai Jun Yen]

Originally Posted By: Velvet

It wasn't difficult to pick out the slight, but lovely raven-haired woman in the striking red and gold cheongsam... especially since she seemed to be waiting for the opportunity to catch Velvet's attention.

With the ever-present smile lingering on her lips, she reclaimed her drink and strode over to where Ai stood waiting patiently.

"Good evening! I'm so glad you could make it out here. Didn't have any trouble getting in the door, I hope?"

Ai shook her head with a smile before placing her hands together and bowing politely. "I entered easily," she said, her English stilted and formal, touched by a slight accent. "I thank you for the invitation."

She presented the parcel to Velvet. "Your place seems very nice, and I hope that you like this gift I have for you."

[Ai has Appearance 4 (Exotic) and Mega-Appearance 1 with First Impression active. Her Charisma is 4 (Quiet Confidence).]

[DeathMetalGirl]

Originally Posted By: Jager

Jager responds by leaning in and kissing her along the jawline, right next to her ear.

She laughs and leans a little away from him, enough to look at his face. "Down, cowboy. This is only a first date, and I'd rather save something for later." She winks, gives him a quick peck on the lips, and looks around the (much more crowded) ground floor.

Quote:

"Sounds like one hell of a plan," he whispers back. He follows that up by,
"What's your poison of choice? First round's on me."

She looks at the bar, and gives a shrug. "I'm not much of a drinker, to be honest. Pick something for me that's easy on the vocal chords."

[Letting the Center of Attention lapse, but still has the socials in the sig.]

[Noir]

“Yes, well, when a nova start talking about any form of evolution, people tend to either ignore them, get angry or just label them a Terat and do both.”

[Apperance 4 (Exotic), Sexy Merit, 3 successes on Style, currently using Human Nature on Ptesan-Wi and Analyze Weakness on the club’s security and she also has That Creepy Feeling which she is using to note who is watching them and there any cameras/listening devices and so on are (spending quantum points frequently to do so).]

[Erin 'Stellar' Donovan]

“Own one? Now that’s a new one.” Stellar remarked in a small bit of surprise. She stood there, letting him slip the belt around her as well, a small smirk crossing her lips as she knows full well Machina takes the opportunity to essentially cop a feel on her firm rear.

She moved closer as the belt is activated. In an instant she was looking around the parking lot with a ‘What the hell..?’ expression as the belt is removed. She looked at him and the car as he explained, causing her to laugh lightheartedly.

“You are really milking this for all it’s worth, aren’t you?” she asked with a playful smile as the approach the car only to have him dart over to open the door like some kid taking his date to the prom. She took her seat and swung her legs into the car, making sure her dress was clear of the closing door before relaxing a bit as she waited for him to get in.

“Alright then…” she said with her infectious smile.

“Let’s roll.”

[Velvet]

A melodic laugh, full and uninhibited, rose over the sound of nearby chatter as Velvet delightedly accepted the silk-wrapped parcel in her free hand. After glancing back and forth between gift and beverage, she shrugged and drained the remaining crimson liquid from her glass, blinking when an unobtrusive server swiftly removed it from her hand.

"Well, at least they have good service here," she chuckled good-naturedly, eyeing the carefully wrapped parcel. "It's almost too pretty to open, Ai, but I've never been all that good at restraint. I hope you don't mind." Her lazy, self-deprecating grin caused the corners of her eyes to crinkle mirthfully as she placed the package on a nearby table.

Delicately, her slender fingers unfolded the intricately wrapped layers of fabric, revealing a cheongsam of rich violet silk edged in black, embroidered with plum blossoms and purple peonies. A pair of matching slippers and sparkling silver accessories completed the ensemble. Moments later, a squeal of delight that would have made a valley girl green with envy pierced the low hum of music and conversation as Velvet flung her arms happily, gratefully around her lovely benefactress.

"It's beautiful! Thank you!" she exclaimed, embracing Ai without the slightest hint of self-consciousness until a tap on her shoulder distracted the gleeful nova. "Sorry, just a sec," she apologized, listening intently as the black-suited member of the security team whispered that her presence was needed in the foyer nearby.

"Oh, hell. I'm sorry, doll, I need to play owner for a bit instead of hostess. No rest for the wicked, I suppose, but I'll definitely catch up with you in a little while, once there's some quiet time."

With that, she gathered up the gorgeous silk ensemble, noting with pleasure that the "wrapping" was actually a scarf intended to be worn with the outfit, and whirled off toward the foyer leaving the faint scent of vanilla in her wake.

[Li Ai Jun Yen]

Ai smiled as Velvet thanked her and left. It was a good choice, she thought as she made her way into the main room.

There were a few familiar faces around, but no one she was quite courageous enough to approach without Procyon with her. Like the tiger-man Long (and who would have thought a tiger-like nova would call himself 'Dragon'?). In the end, she decided to go to the bar and try one of the drinks, though she was opposed to alcohol. Perhaps her metabolism would stop her from getting drunk.

At the bar, she ordered one that the bartender told her had pineapple in it - ironically, it was called 'The Whore of Babylon'. Taking that as an omen, she sipped it as she watched the room.

[Long]

Long nodded to Neil and returned the handshake. He smiled as he reopened the gate and ushered one of his most trusted friends to the club. They emerge inside the club and Long smiles as he returns to a room saturated with quantum energy. "Flicker was talking to your father and Selena last I saw. I'm going to head upstairs and see what's going on up there. Have a good time my friend, and if you need anything just call for me." He leaves Neil to find his own fun, confident that the young man wil have a good time. He makes his way up to the stairs and turns to watch the interplay of the gathered novas. Despite all his efforts to hide it, something's evidently wrong. Then he catches a familiar scent. "Saori, and Amped, just what I needed." His features Darken as he makes his way back to the bar ordering another drink, this time "Avarice" would be hisliquid vice.

[Machina]

Erin climbs into the Shelby as lithe as a snow leopard, and I catch a heavenly gimpse of the muscular thigh that hides underneath her dress. I can't help but wince a little bit; don't look too long, jackass, or you ain't gonna be able to look at anything else without just bein' plain disappointed. I chuckle. "Sorry, darlin', I ain't been out on a date since this sort of shit was cool, if you want to hear the truth." It looks like I'm not striking out with the nostalgia, so I glide over the hood of the Shelby and open the driver-side door, slipping in. The engine kicks on with a feral roar. I light up another smoke, back out of the space, and rev up the engine. I mock seriousness and lean over to Erin, "Hold on tight. I drive a little fast." I punch the engine and we take off like a shot. Babylon is about thirty miles away. We'll be there in ten minutes, give or take two for traffic. Light zooms past up like stars in a sci-fi flick. I go out of my way to make the ride a little more dangerous than it has to be, leastways more dangerous than drivin' at over 200mph is already. If anyone bothers to honk in protest, we're long gone by the time they react. I get the Shelby up on two wheels at least four times. We arrive at the Babylon at a breakneck speed and slow to an easy stop that'd be impossible in any card I hadn't built myself. The valet runs out in a smart little crimson vest, some punk kid who eyes my rig and my date a little too mutinously. I throw him a look that reminds him that even a boring-looking tin god like me is nobody to fuck around with and he wilts, and pull a triple-locked kuro-tech case that looks like it could fit six basketballs laid end-to-end inside it. I get out and open the door for Erin, giving her my hand as she gets out. Through the passenger window I flash the kid a smile, "And hey, junior, fair warning. The car knows who's driving it. Drive it too long and it'll send 50,000 volts of alternating current through your body and fry you like an onion ring." Panic washes over his face for a moment. A second passes, and the creases smooth out from his worried eyebrows. He chuckles nervously. "Haha, that's a good one, sir!" I smile and chuckle back. "Heh, yeah..." My face goes stone. "I'm not kidding." His face freezes up again and he gulps down his Adam's Apple, speeding off a little too fast for my liking. Fuckin' kids these days. I turn to Erin and smile a bit mischievously, offering her the crook of my free arm. It looks like the deader who calls himself Revenent is working the door, which should make getting through and getting my little package checked all the more easy. "M'lady?", I offer over to Erin, doing my best impersonation of chivalry, and awaiting the likely inevitable question regarding my king-size parcel.

[Cosmic Comet]

As he glances around Cosmic catches Tessio by the the bar quickly moves to join his friend. "Long time no see buddy. Velvet sure has out done herself hasn't she?"

[Erin 'Stellar' Donovan]

Stellar rolled her eyes and let out a ‘Oh gawd’ laugh at the slide across the hood, and shook her head.

“That was baaaad.” she pointed out to Machina as he took his seat while Erin buckles herself in for the ride ahead. The drive did not seem to bother her too much, she figured he was trying to impress and put on a show, but even still, she could not help but flinch a few times, her hand gripping the dashboard.

Finally they arrived and she lifted her hand, placing it into his as Machina helped her out of the car. The quantum surged through her, sending her aura sparkling and instantly drawing eyes to her. She put on her smile and slipped a arm into Machina’s and gave it a unexpected tug for the cameras, sending him stumbling every so slightly and drawing some smiles and a few chuckles from the crowd.

As they walked toward the door she glanced down at the case he was carrying and thought back to some mention of Edison and explosives or rockets or something. She paid it little mind, chalking it up to ‘boys and their toys’ as the approached the door.

[App 3, M-App 2, 6 successes on style, Cha 3, M-Char 1, Almost Live, Awe Inspiring, Soothe all active.]

[Machina]

The goddess gives my arm a good tug, and I stumble a bit for the cameras. It ain't tough work to get my feet under me, but she's got more people shooting at us than an Elite in Kashmir, so I figure, what the hell? If she wants to be seen with me, I got no problem with that at all. Nothing like having fond memories of your night out clipped from the scandal sheets. Arms locked, I fix a cocky smile to my face and escort my date towards the door, making a beeline for Jugs' head of security, the one I figure is going to be most receptive to the entrance we aim to make. We cross the steps like Dillinger and his moll. No, this ain't a Thompson in here, sir. Nathan Explosion catches my eye and I look back with intent. "Machina, Rev. Party'a two, and some 'party favors' for later on." [App 4 (Manly), Discerning Mind, Unfazeable, Razor Wit, Lie Detector]

[Warren Verona]

Revenant watches the couple approach, offering a polite nod as the stop and Machina introduces himself. He offers his hand and the two men lock palms. There is that air of 'manliness' as they engage in a tough man competition of grip. "Machina. I'll be damned. Pleasure to meet you [True]. I prefer Revenant [Lie]. Glad you decided to come out tonight, please, I hope you and you guest enjoy yourselves [Truth]. Edison has already arrived, but were I you, I'd not leave the arm of such a lovely lady [Lie]."

Casually Revenant looks to Stellar. "Ms. Donovan, I'm thrilled you changed your mind and decided to come to Club Babylon [Lie]. I hope your evening will be a pleasant one [Lie]."

He cocked an eyebrow and gave Machina a discerning look. "Uh, what the hell is that?" he asked. The grin on his face told Machina what he was thinking: I hope that's Edison's rocket. I hope he'll let me push the button.

With a polite pat on the shoulder, Revenant doesn't hinder the couple’s entrance any further.

[The Truth/Lie are for the purpose of Machina's Lie Detector enhancement. This applies to Machina only; no other character participating in this event may make use of the information presented.]

[Machina]

"Pleasure to meet you, too, Revenant." I nod, not altogether put off by the fact that he just spoonfed a line of bullshit to my date. Fuck it. Can't expect everyone to get along. And hey, the bastard gave me a respectable damn grip and no lip. I take back all the times I called him a carcass-stinking good-for-beatings-only brainless homo shitstain. Most of 'em.

We're about to get clear when he turns and asks me what's in the box. I turn the side facing my hip a little bit and show him the spray-stenciled label that reads 'WARNING: BIG FUCKING ROCKET' and grin a little bit. "I was just going to check it when I got inside. Good?" Danzig's zombie in a three-piece throws me a tough-guy nod of affirmation with a smile that's six tons of childlike joy hiding behind a Sherman tank. I'm about to fuck off inside and finally get rid of this chunk of Soviet-built yard sale fare when I crane my neck back around, "Oh yeah, you wanted in on this, didn't you? Hit me up when Jugs lets you take a bow and we'll get that drunken little section eight where no man has gone before."

[Angelboy]

Getting in was the easy part. Invisibility's a kick when you're looking to crash a party. I make my way to the bar on the first floor and let myself fade back into view. I consider ordering a drink but the shakes have already started up again which means my last 20 is going for another fix. So much for eating tonight. Fuck I need a drink!

I pump a bit of the 'ole juice and a glass of who gives a shit slides down the bar to my waiting hand. That rich fucker isn't gonna miss it so fuck him. I'm about to take a swig when the chicka behind the bar clears her throat. "You do realize we have an open bar tonight sir?" She says in that condeceding tone all assholes get when they think they are better than you.

"Well then it ain't cost buddy over there anything to get another drink is it?" I say over my shoulder as I head for the stairs. Fuck, fuck, fuck. You just got here dumbass, you don't need to get thrown out already. That bitch has probably already got security on my ass.

The upstairs dance club is jumpin'. The drink is already gone so I loose the glass and duck into the john to get a quick breather. I can't get my hands to stop shaking. My reflection doesn't look any better than I feel right now. I haven't showered in days making my normally blonde hair look darker and stick to my scalp. My clothes are ripped and dirty and I look like I just woke up in an ally. I wash my face and hands in a futile atempt to make myself a little more presentable but it's hopeless. Well fuck, I hope one of these rich bastards feels like slummin' tonight.

[Eris]

After recovering from her tumble Eris composes herself with a wink to the dead man and moves inside as he scurries off to go about his tedious work of Nova Cow herder.

Smoothing out her beautiful dress she begins to stalk the club like a panther on the prowl. She could go down and watch the pretty girls and those who drool over them. She could go up and dance which thankfully she could do given the cheongsams rather generous cut to her waist. Or she could move to the bar with the cluster of little wallflowers and booze hounds or rather... Kittens as she gave a pearly white smile to the huge tiger like Nova as she passed by.

Coyly she bit her finger as the bartender waited for her order.

"Lust." She shimmied her fanny onto the barstool. "For starters."

She turned to watch from her newly claimed throne and winked at the crystalline man as he passed her. So many to do and so little time the blue skinned beauty thought as she heaved a dramatic sigh. She would hit up the bouncer fellow but the poster boy for Necrophilia was ever so busy, the older fellow and his date did not look like threesome material and the tiger is leaving, he probably liked blood play to much for her taste. Little Panama Jack who he had brought with him seemed to meek to make a move.

Perhaps she should find the cute owner/hostess and ask her about the job opportunities.

,,

[Jager]

As Death Metal Girl pulls back, Jager responds with a feral grin.

"You're definitely worth waiting for, Simone," he purrs.

At the bar, Jager tilts his head quizzically for a moment then motions one of the bartenders over.

"A HellSpawn for me and something cool and gentle on the vocals for my lady-friend here," he says, taking into account Velvet's taste and expertise goes beyond decor and to the people that make up the hear and soul of any real. Turning to DMG,

"I think we can put our faith in Ms. Vincent."

[Long]

Long watches Eris move through the room thankful nobody seems to be just falling down or suddenly finding themselves very, very lucky. "It would seem things just got alot more interesting." When she smiles at him he smiles back and nods raising his drink and downs it quickly.

"Yes, most interesting." He remains at the bar and overhears her drink selection. It was one of the ones he hadn't tried yet. He looked around and spied Jager coming down the stairs with the young womanhe'd been with earlier. "Looks like everyone is having a good time tonight."

(Appearance 5 mega-appearance 2 with no enhancements active)

[BlackThorn]

Tessio nods vigorously and taps his notepad at the barkeep, who quickly places one of Cosmic Comet's favorites in front of the new arrival.

Tap,tap, tap

"This place sure looks fantastic. Why don't you go over and say 'Hi'. I'm sure she would be happy to see another fan of all the hard work she's put into Club Babylon. I'll wait right here."

Despite being well-dressed, Tessio looks out of place, a bit frightened, and very alone.

[DeathMetalGirl]

Originally Posted By: Jager

At the bar, Jager tilts his head quizzically for a moment then motions one of the bartenders over.
"A HellSpawn for me and something cool and gentle on the vocals for my lady-friend here," he says, taking into account Velvet's taste and expertise goes beyond decor and to the people that make up the hear and soul of any real. Turning to DMG,
"I think we can put our faith in Ms. Vincent."

Simone takes a small sip of her drink, nodding at the bartender in thanks. "What's she like? I mean, I've never been to Chicago, or even heard of this place before my agent urged me to show up here for publicity."

[Jager]

"What's she like? I mean, I've never been to Chicago, or even heard of this place before my agent urged me to show up here for publicity."

Jager chokes down the toxic HellSpawn and gives the bar an open-hand slap in appreciation of the bartender's craftsmanship. He turns to DMG, his light-blue eyes blazing like the sun of a glacier,

"She's a regular person, first and foremost. She's worked her ass off to get were she is today ... so in that, she's a lot like you. If we give her some time, say a bit after midnight, I'll introduce her to you. Its no big deal. She likes to meeting people who aren't stuck on themselves, or fake ... and if she gives you some advice, take it."

Wordlessly, the bartender offers to make Jager a second dose, but he shakes his head.

"Scotch on the rocks, please," Jager requests instead.

Looking to Simone once again,

"And even if she can't accept your invitation to Vegas," he adds with a gin, "she'll appreciate the offer."

[Blood Spirit]

Slowly, Bloodspirit wanders around the first floor, his drink in his hand. As he walks, he casually glances around the room, taking in the decor and the various novas populating the club. When his eyes pass over Noir, he does a double take, and stumbles, as if he had tripped over his own feet. Shaking his head, he makes his way back to the bar. When he gets there, he downs the rest of his drink and orders both a refill of his current drink and an Amp-well. When the drinks arrive he quickly drains the Amp-well, and sips on his Drambuie and Peppermint Schnapps. He gets a wistful look on his face, as he returns to his nova-watching. When the Amp-well's effects hit, he raises one eyebrow, smiles, and sits on a barstool, still sipping his other drink.

[DeathMetalGirl]

Originally Posted By: Jager

Jager chokes down the toxic HellSpawn and gives the bar an open-hand slap in appreciation of the bartender's craftsmanship. He turns to DMG, his light-blue eyes blazing like the sun of a glacier,
"She's a regular person, first and foremost. She's worked her ass off to get were she is today ... so in that, she's a lot like you. If we give her some time, say a bit after midnight, I'll introduce her to you. Its no big deal. She likes to meeting people who aren't stuck on themselves, or fake ... and if she gives you some advice, take it."
Wordlessly, the bartender offers to make Jager a second dose, but he shakes his head.
"Scotch on the rocks, please," Jager requests instead.
Looking to Simone once again,
"And even if she can't accept your invitation to Vegas," he adds with a gin, "she'll appreciate the offer."

Simone considers everything, then swipes a pen and a pad of paper from the bartender, scribbling furiously. Finished, she turns it around to show Jager, the top page now written out as an IOU for four free tickets and comped rooms at the Mirage. "Think she'll accept it? I mean, she can give it away if she wants, but I've seen a bunch of people bringing her gifts, so at least this way I won't feel like quite such a freeloader." She grins. "Besides, I can take the rooms out of my agent's fee. He's the one who said I should fly to Chicago with an hour's notice."

As Jager starts to reply, she looks up over his shoulder towards the foyer. "Whoa, that's Stellar! My dad is a major fan of her XWF fights. He will flip when I tell him I was in the same room as her."

[Jager]

Jager looks at the IOU, smiles and nods,

"Its the sentiment that matters. You want to share your craft ... and a good time, and that's what matters."

Looking over his shoulder, following Simone's gaze,

"Stellar? Yeah, she's cool," he says with some enthusiasm. "I don't know her personally, but I like her fighting style. You can tell she's dedicated to The Art," Jager says.

"Why don't we go over and say hello?"

[Bacchus]

Taking another huge gulp of his latest Ampwell, Bacchus wondered what was wrong with him. He was usually the life of the party, and he’d caught a couple of pitying looks from the people passing by. He was named after the god of partying, and he was one of the wallflowers.

The thought that any one of these people might have the power to destroy him with the flick of a finger had occurred to him, and there was still a bit of celebrity worship going on in the back of his mind, but it was easier now that he’d had some liquid courage.

He gathered up his courage and stepped out onto the dance floor. Although the baseline band was playing, few novas were actually dancing, most just standing around talking.

He stepped up to the stage and quietly asked the guitarist to play something faster, something to get the heart racing and the pulse up.

When the music started, he was out on the dance floor, dancing alone.

Before his eruption, he’d been a competent dancer. Since his eruption, he’d been amazing. He danced now, pulling occasional shyer looking women onto the dance floor for a moment before whirling away from them to dance with someone else.

For a moment, he almost seemed to be reaching some people, though many seemed to be bored. Displays of nova athletism were old hat for most, and they were already jaded.

He whirled, and found himself slamming into a wall of flesh. He found himself staring at the largest breasts he’d seen in quite some time, and he felt a thrill of adventure.

He tilted his head back and resisted a shudder. He hadn’t realized that there were nova transvestites.

Smiling politely anyway, he looked up at the man woman, and then he noticed the barbs. Recognition jolted through him, and he said “Hey! You’re that wrestler…whatsername…”

[bacchus has Mega Dex 1, physical prodigy, dexterity and charisma both 4 and perform 3. He has six successes on his dance attempt (with physical prodigy). He also has Mega-appearance 1 and appearance three. He also has style three. He receives 6 successes on his style roll.]

[Trooper]

After spending some more hard earned cash on Midnight as a way to say sorry for the hassle, Trooper decides that it's time for another drink.

He waits patiently at the bar and notices with some derision how cheap some novas could be when it came to leaving tips.

Fucking hell people, on average we're richer than any ten other upper class twits and you gotta be so tight? It's like half of us don't realize how lucky we are.

He throws the bartender a practiced smile, "Gimme a double Goldtooth Nazi and a Big Goddamn Liquid Cocaine." The speed with which the order is filled is suprising. First night opening and the place was running like a well-oiled machine, "Thanks buddy." he said and tossed a couple hundreds at the young man.

Looking around he saw faces he recognized, mostly from the OpNet but no real urge pushed him to force himself into any groups. Just being back in the States after so long was kind of nice, there didn't seem to be any reason to push it. Let the night just happen.

[z-Brawlzilla]

The man slammed into her because Sally was looking over the crowd, seeking a swirl of purple. So she wasn't ready for the guy who ran into her. Even more surprising, he recognized her.

"Yeah, I'm Brawlzilla," she said, extending a meaty hand toward him in greeting. "And you are?"

One of her tendrils snaked forward, edging toward Bacchus; with barely concealed irritation, Sally grabbed it with her other hand. "Sorry - they're a bit nosey."

[Bacchus]

“Bacchus! I’m new around here.”

Several of his fraternity brothers had been into wrestling, so he’d seen more than he’d cared to. As far as he could remember, he’d always thought she was just a mitoid.

“I had no idea you were a real nova,” he admitted. These weren’t moving around like that the last time I saw you in the ring.”

At her irritated expression he lifted his hands. “Hey, I think it’s cool. The barbs look a little kinky. Are they actually a part of you?”

He reached for one and idly caressed it.

It pulled out of his hand and slapped at him lightly. A drop of blood rose from his hand.

He grinned up at her and said “The rose has thorns, eh?”

Pulling his handkerchief from his pocket, he concentrated, and a moment later it warped into the shape of a gleaming steel rose with thorns shaped like barbed wire.

“It’s nice to know that I’m not the only newbie here.”

[z-Brawlzilla]

Kinky? What the hell kinda freak is this? "Yeah, I'm a thorny bitch," she grinned. Trying to be good-natured and polite, she took the rose. "Thanks. This would look good hanging from my rear-view." Her soft Georgia accent is incongrious with her deep voice.

"New, too, eh?" she said, looking the smaller man over again. The gaze didn't have a sexual weight, but was assessing him heavily. What she was looking for was clear when she grunted, "So, whatcha do? Fly? Kill with a glance? Ball everything in sight? Or do ya make pretty colors?" Or do you freak out wrestlers by assuming that their ring-side weapons are sex toys?

Even Sally knew not to verbalize the last question. It had been a close call, though.

[Bacchus]

“I can change things. Water to wine, shirts to skins…I can change the chemicals in your blood too, give you a bad trip…or a really good one. I’m a mean dancer…and I can make pretty lights.”

He grinned. “Compared to the rest of you guys, I’m a lightweight. Still, I can always do this…”

Glancing at her and concentrating a moment, his body began to swell. A moment later, she was facing a replica of herself, without the barbs.

“This helps a lot with the running away.”

He grinned at her, and a moment later he was himself.

[Machina]

Rev smiles in return, and Stellar and I plow through into the check room. From the look on her face, whatever bad blood Revenant feels towards her is mutual enough. Good. That puts it completely out of the realm of being my fucking problem. I get back in step with my date and hit the counter, plunking my pocket rocket up on top of the counter with a thud that rattles the otherwise distracted check valet from his duties. "Machina", I grin to him, "and Stellar. I'll be checking my coat." I slip off the brown London Fog and slump it over the case. "An' this, too. Ju-- Velvet is expecting it." The valet looks confused for a second before a glimmer of recognition lights his eye, and he smiles, slow and strong. "Of course, sir. I'll have it waiting for you under scrutinous care." Pleasant little bastard. I nod. "Thanks. See that you do." I roll out a c-note and drop it on the desk. He snatches it up and very nearly salutes me. A Navy man, by the look of it. He's got the gait of a seaman. You soldier long enough, you learn to spot each other. I tip the front of my fedora back, showing off a widow's peak of blonde and roll up my sleeves, making sure I've got a fresh pack of Luckies still firmly in my pocket. I give Erin a quick wink to let her know I'm golden and we step inside to the assembled crowd.

[Iron Rose]

--- continued from Well Deserved Shore Leave----

True to his word Typhoon had only taken a few minutes to change and clean up. Together with him Rianna opened the warpgate to the club and smiled as she stepped through the portal. The strobe flash of all the cameras was dazzling but it didn't faze her. Since she and Liz had taken over the company it had been a regular occurrence when they went out to any major function

She nodded to Typhoon and took his arm casually as they made their way through the Throng of nova-watchers. She was positively radiant, the gathered baselines drikning up her presence. It was hard for many to belive she was one of owners of a major Securities company.

(Iron Rose has a base appearance 5 (stunning) and mega appearance 3 and a style of 4 with Awe-Inspiring active.)

[Typhoon]

The behemoth on Rianna's arm stood 7'; his skin seemed to be made of a silvery metal, it was mostly covered by what appeared to be a jet black suit and tie that oddly fit him perfectly and looked damn good on him.

Despite his almost overwhelming size he was nearly a wallflower walking arm in arm with Rianna. "You sure this is a good idea?" He turned to her briefly amid the photo op.

[Iron Rose]

Rianna looked up and frowned. Her voice lowered to just above a whisper. "Why, are you having doubts already big guy? You can go back to your sub if you like. I just thought you'd enjoy a little time away from it and just getting out and being a nova with me." Her tone is only half serious, and while her mouth is a slight frown her eyes give it away that she's teasing him. The continue walking to the entrance where there's already a small gathering of novas awaiting entry. Some she recognizes from the opnet, but others she doesn't.

In a low tone she speaks to Typhoon. "The young blue nova is of course Amped, the youngest member of the Knights. The young woman with him I can only assume is Gu Saori, Ryu's half-sister."

[Velvet]

As she wove through the still-growing crowd and into the foyer, Velvet noted with no small degree of pleasure that many of those in attendance were new faces. Many had not been present at the Pow-Wow during the summer, and she made note of several she'd have to greet when the opportunity presented itself.

She caught sight of Revenant and quickly made her way to his side, offering the passing Stellar a surprised but gratified smile and a quick wave as she and Mickey Spillane sauntered by.

So she did show up after all!

"Good evening," she offered warmly to the youngish-looking blue man and his lovely companion when she approached. Revenant offered her a meaningful glance, indicating that these two were the reason her presence had been requested, and she rested one elbow casually against the coat-check counter. "What can we do for the two of you?"