Heroes: The Road of Good Intentions

[SirNitram]

"Speaking of which, where are we headed? I've got safehouses worldwide, but I'm going to need a cellphone.. One that can't be traced, preferrably.. To secure enough suites for everyone." Gravitas tilted his head. "Or do we stick close to Millenium here?"

[Cynical Cat]

"There's a number of places we can go," said Blackheart. He wasn't surprised to hear that Gravitas had bolt holes of his own. "That's not really a problem. Getting everyone here and committed to taking the big step is the top of the agenda."

[SirNitram]

"Well, you know I'm in. If Ultima's compromised, that's a nasty parallel I'd like to handle now. It could prove a vital cog in preventing my fears from coming true." Gravitas shrugged, shifting a little. "I'll go back to cancelling my speaking appointments. I doubt we'll be wanting to be seen by our noticable names for a bit."

[LadyTevar]

((The following takes place during Blackheart's meeting with Reason. Split into two parts, as we're still RPing it out.))

Argent paused halfway down the hallway to see who besides Hotfoot was following her.

Hotfoot nodded to Argent, still trying to think about something else than the memory that had played into his head. Some days he wondered if some sort of alien intelligence was responsible for the freaky things that happened in his brain. Tachyon was nowhere to be seen, leaving Argent and Hotfoot alone in the hallway.

Ghost had gone with Argent and Hotfoot, heading with them, still holding the ice bag to his chin. "Argent, seriously, next time, please don't yell into the comm unit."

Argent looked over at Ghost, then to the ice on his chin. She dropped her head in a slight bow to him. "My apologies, Ghost." she said softly, so her voice wouldn't carry. "Are you coming with Hotfoot and I, then?"

Hotfoot looked back at Ghost for a moment before looking at Argent again. The older man was relentless about such a minor point. Idly, he wondered what he had been like in High School.He managed a small smirk at the thought, but kept following Argent, saying nothing.

Ghost shook his head. "It's fine." He looked at Hotfoot. "So, kid, we are going to get you a new look, huh?" Ghost said with a laugh.

"That is the plan," Argent said, continuing down the hallway now that they had caught up. "I had also considered taking him to register himself, but now..." Her eyes move deliberately to point out Blackheart, just leaving for his meeting with Reason. " ... it may have to wait for another day." To her, the meaning was clear.

"Well, that last part can wait. Still, I suppose getting me a new outfit couldn't hurt. Everyone here already knows me for my fantastic sense of style, so I guess that's the first thing that will need to change." Hotfoot managed a small smile at that, not sure exactly what sort of look Argent had in mind for him.

Ghost laughed. He had never really understood the whole coustume thing. For him, all he needed was a set of utilities, tactical vest, and his rifle. If he needed to cover his face, either face paint or a balaclave. "My advice, stay off the register as long as you can."

Argent gave them both a tight smile. "In that case, let us move onto the next part." She reached up to her ear, and deliberately removed her commbud, looking at both of them to silently suggest they do the same. "Now, let's see about getting Hotfoot a costume, hmm?" she said for the benefit of anyone listening in.

Hotfoot removed his communications gear and dropped it in his pocket, making sure to turn it off. "Okay, so long as it's not spandex and a cape, I think that'll be okay."

Removing his commbud, Ghost gave Argent a look, wondering why they pulled out there comms. He looked at Hotfoot. "I say just get some durable clothes and maybe a face mask."

Argent was already elongating into her dragon form. "I agree with Ghost," she said, returning Ghost's look calmly. "But, we shall see when we arrive." She teleported them then... taking them BETWEEN.

[LadyTevar]

((Ok... maybe it needs a part 3. Here's the second part of the RP. Once again, this takes place while Blackheart's meeting with Reason, to catch us up with the rest of the team.))

She teleported them then... taking them BETWEEN. The great heartbeat thrice before they emerged into Argent's loft.

There had been changes since that morning. A different song was playing on the stereo. A new room, marked out by Chinese panels with cranes and masculine figures now stood to mark Hotfoot's bedroom. Otherwise, the loft was still cool and welcoming, draperies over the loft windows to make it comfortably dim, chairs and couch-futons to mark out the livingroom, and a kitchen seperated from the living room by a L-shaped counter. It was simply decorated as only a feng-shuied home could be.

"Well, I suppose it could be worse. Yellow and black leather and spandex come to mind." He smirked before being taken between, still somewhat discomforted by the odd timelessness of the teleportation. When he emerged, he saw an apartment much like the one Argent had taken him to earlier, or at least that was his first reaction. It took him a momement to recognize that this was the same apartment he had been in just a few hours ago. "Whoa, those guys work fast. It looks awesome, thanks Argent."

Ghost looked around. "I'm guessing this is your place, Argent?" He said. Ghost nodded. "Nice. So, I take it we are going to get Hotfoot's costume here?" He asked.

Argent had her head tilted, listening to the song playing for a moment before answering. "Yes...," she answered, picking up the remote and changing the song, programing a certain pattern to the next four. "If they have moved this quickly, the new costume should be on his bed." She herself moved to the kitchette. "Would you like a drink? Green tea, or something stronger?"

Hotfoot went into the "room" and looked around, sure enough the costume was on the bed. He picked it up, trying to figure out what the material was. He shrugged and started to take off his own clothes, figuring out how everything went.

When, Hotfoot stepped into the room, Ghost looked at Argent. "So, tell me, Argent, what do you think of Ultima?" He asked her, wondering if she was working there to perhaps repay some sort of debt she felt.

Argent poured herself and her guests each a glass of bottled green tea. "I think that they would have followed the commbuds to find us here, if that is what you are asking, Ghost." She set the glasses on the counter, inviting him silently to take a seat on one of the stools that lined that side of it. "I have better security here than they seem to have."

Ghost smiled, shaking his head as he sat down. "Thats not what I'm asking. I'm asking if your working at Ultima because they have you on a leash or because your trying to repay some debt you may feel you owe."

Hotfoot slipped into the dark brown pants, pulled the crimson shirt over his head, then looked at the jacket. It reminded of something his grandfather had worn once when he was younger. He always liked the style, but his parents would never buy him one while he was still growing, saying he would just outgrow it in a few years. Still, it was nice to see. He shrugged it on and looked at himself. The day was getting better already.

Argent's black-on-black eyes stare into Ghost's. "You are no fool, Ghost. You know why I am here. Ultima or Gramercy were my choices, because of what I did to earn this loft."

He smirked. "What if someone was to offer a third option. Would you be interested? Say if a different government agency offered a job." Ghost asked, looking at her through narrowed eyes.

Argent's eyes narrow, looking at him. "So... you are playing two sides," she stated quietly, so it wouldn't carry to Hotfoot over the stereo. "Do they want a nation overthrown? An assassin to remove heads of state?" she asked scornfully. "Or do they wish items stolen or moved tracelessly across the country?" It was a hint to how she earned her place.

Ghost shrugged. "I'm not going to pretend you are an idiot and say I never said I was playing two sides. As for what they want you for, they don't need more assassins. I've done my share of that. However, the items retrieved from hostile territory and perhaps national policy influences that you can provide would be very valuable."

Next was the mask. It looked nice, roughly the same color as the shirt, a deep crimson with some sort of symbol on the front. It was a full on cowl, Hotfoot tried it on and moved his head around a bit. It would work, but he'd have to see about talking to Argent to get it so his hair would come out. He liked the way it felt as he ran. Still, the entire package was pretty impressive. He walked outside and strutted around. "Well, I think I'll have to make sure I can still move like I normally do in these pants, but otherwise, it looks pretty cool. What do you think guys?"

[LadyTevar]

((Final part of the RP. Thanks to Hotfoot and Fisher for making this work so well. ))

"No." Argent said flatly, and would have said more, but for Hotfoot emerging to show off the new costume. Brown pants, bomber-style jacket over crimson undershirt, and a matching crimson cowl over his hair and eyes, with a contrasting Chinese chop on the forehead. "Hotfoot, you look...." she trailed off as she read the chop, her eyes narrowing. "Not funny, Zufu," she finished, seeing the chop for 'pheonix' on the mask.

Hotfoot blinked at Argent's reaction and looked over himself again. "Huh? What is it? I know the pants are a little tight, but I didn't think they were that bad." He starts to adjust the pants slightly, trying to get full mobility out of them in the process.

Ghost frowned for a second but shrugged it off. The first time someone was recruited the answer was usually no. In fact it was quite rare for someone to say yes right way. There would be more offers in the future, the Agency was not done with Argent. He looked at Hotfoot. "Nice kid."

Argent's fist was clenched, obviously angered. "The provider has made a joke, Hotfoot," she explained slowly. "The chop is translated as 'Pheonix', which is seen as the opposite of Dragon." It had also been Zufu's pet name for Ember, fire to Argent's shadows. Even as her mind told her it fit Hotfoot, she was still annoyed that Zufu would make the joke.

Hotfoot blinked, still confused by Argent's anger. "Oh, okay. Well I can kind of see how it's funny, though I don't know the context really. Still, I guess it kind of fits. Ying and Yang, right?" He smiled at her, wondering why she was really mad about it.

Ghost just kept his mouth shut and drank his tea.

Ghost was wise not to say anything, as Argent sighed, letting her anger go for the moment. Hotfoot would not understand the nuances. "Yes... Yin and Yang, Fire and Ice, LIght and Shadow." She managed to give him a smile. "In short, the provider believes you to be my new partner, and marked you as such." Privately, she swore to make sure Zufu never dragged Collin into Tong business.

"Well, we are partners, after a fashion. I mean, it's not quite Dynamic Duo, but hey. Besides, I really don't think a green mesh bikini bottom suits me. Now I just need to figure out a way to get my headset back on under this mask, and I think I'll be set." He paused to a moment, reaching into his pants, only to find nothing. "Whoops, hold on, gotta get my stuff from my other pants. Be right back."

Ghost looked at Argent as Hotfoot left. "So, Argent, you never said who owned this place?" He asked, mentally keeping track of all the clues he can find. The smell of different types of chinese food, meant it was probably over a restaurant. Then he noticed that the same four songs had been playing the entire time. Maybe a signal to someone.

Argent faced Ghost calmly over the countertop. "No.. I did not," was the serene answer. "Blackheart has guessed, although he has never been here. He is a very perceptive man."

Hotfoot quickly rummaged through his pockets, getting his wallet, the earpiece, and a few other scraps of paper and miscellaneous bits he had been hanging on to. He quickly found what he was looking for and put them into pockets on his new outfit, coming back out to rejoin Ghost and Argent.

"If you wish," Argent answered. "I believe Blackheart will have had enough time to speak to Reason." She looked again to Hotfoot. "You do look good, Hotfoot. While the chop did surprise me, the rest of it looks very professional."

"Sweet, here I come to save the day, all official and stuff." He struck a corny action pose, his grin now fully returned. "So yeah, let's meet up with Blackheart, gotta show off my new threads, right?"

Ghost laughed at the pose. "Oh, god, never do that again, kid." He said. He looked at Argent. "Anyway, Argent, just think about what I said."

Argent stepped out from behind the counter, a shadow dragging along a six-pack of bottled green tea. "I will give it all the consideration it is due," she said serenely. What he made of it was his own interpretation. "Hotfoot, please carry these?" she asked, the shadow handing him the tea bottles as she took her dragon form. "It will be hot on the rooftop, unless Blackheart invites us inside his house."

"Sure thing." He took the drinks and nodded, "So, any idea on where we're going now that we're 'Undercover'?"

Ghost stood, finishing off his drink. "Ok, lets head out." He says. He knew Argent would not think about the offer until the situation began to look horrible for her.

The ebony and silver dragon nodded, making no move to turn off the stereo before they left. Another odd move for Ghost to ponder. Then they were BETWEEN, wrapped in the chill darkness.

Three heartbeats later, they were on the sun-drenched rooftop, facing Gravitas, Tachyon, and Blackheart. "Sorry we are late..." Argent said softly. "We had to pick up a couple items...."

[Marcao]

He watched the exchange between Blackheart and Gravitas begin and did his best to not focus on it. Oh he was listening, it was the only prudent choice but he tried to not make it obvious. His head turned, his eyes darting about his surroundings as if seeking something. He had expected that Argent and the others would join them but they had not arrived just yet. He was not overly concerned; although that he was concerned surprised him in some level. They had barely met and he was feeling concern for her and it was not simply the concern that he would feel for a mere member of a team. He blinked, unwilling to follow that thought to its logical conclusion.

Blackheart and Gravitas continued their exchange, Ghost’s apparent hidden motivations brought to the light. Hmm, it seems that his first instincts had been right about him. Ghost had stood out in a Team full of supers, his abilities seemed…lacking. The idea that Ghost could be with Argent swam to the surface of his mind but he did not allow himself to worry about it. What could Ghost do to Argent? Ghost was simply outclassed assuming that he did not have some sort of ace up his sleeves. Still, odds were that Hotfoot was tagging along with Argent as well. The young speedster had seemed very comfortable around her. They both should be safe enough.

He took a step to the side and then another as he killed time as best he could. The height did not bother him in the slightest. He had been about two and half minutes into his pacing when Argent and the others arrived. His eyes flickering over her before moving on to Hotfoot in his new costume of sorts and Ghost. A ghost of a smile danced on his lips as his eyes returned towards Argent but he said nothing immediately. He was the newest member of Team Mirage, this was not something that was going to actively handle. Still, He could not maintain his silence for long.

“Welcome back.â€

[Hotfoot]

Hotfoot smiled as he greeted the other members of the team again. He turned to Tachyon, mock horror on his face. "Aw no! He recognized me! I'm doomed! Doo-med! Alas! Alack! Allagory!" He chuckled and nodded to Tachyon, "Thanks man, trying it out. So far so good, now I just need to go and knock down a few bank robbers or something to give it the tried and true red white and blue test, y'know? So, what all have you guys been up to while I changed my clothes?"

[SirNitram]

"The usual. Cancelling my lectures, discussing where we're headed next, blaming the morphine for my fuckups." Gravitas shrugged a bit, eyeing the new arrivals. "Nice getup, speedy. Enough to make me pull out the old persona; might even be needed, with us going undercover."

The gaze drifted onto Ghost, studying him.

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost chuckled at the mention of morphine and fuckups. He remembered a few times in his past when morphine had made things interesting. "So, what is the plan? Are we going to just get ourselves sorted first, or just jump right into the looking around part?"

[Marcao]

Something had to be said about Hotfoot’s outlook, the mock horror that appeared on his features and his words afterwards met with a smile which widened into a near grin. He was really starting to like this kid. He had always gotten along well with supers that did not take themselves too seriously. He could only hope that Hotfoot could hang on to that as time passed. Not everyone could. “I am sure you will be fine, and this definitely agrees with you.â€

[LadyTevar]

Argent reached out and took the six-pack of tea out away from Hotfoot as he posed for the team. She walked around, passing the bottles out and getting a feel for the current emotions. The glances to Ghost were not unnoticed. Something was up.

As she gave Blackheart one, she felt he was still on edge, but no longer on the razor-edge of rage. Gravitas was in pain as she opened the bottle before handing it to him. Absently, a shadow curled up over him like a sunshade.

The last bottle was given to Tachyon, and she paused the briefest of moments as his hand met hers, eyes meeting as her Empathy pushed against the shroud around his mind.

The silken curtains moved, but did not part. She would have to try harder.. but now was not the time. "You may wish you had not joined us," she said quietly to Tachyon as her hand dropped. "But welcome either way."

[SirNitram]

"You are too kind, Argent." Gravitas said as he took the tea, sipping from it. "Thank you. We're still working out where we go, that sort of thing. We don't know how many rats we have to deal with, and of course, there's eagles too." A gesture sent skyward. "If they're serious about watching us. Feels like home already. Makes me wish I hadn't cut off so much power to do what I do, but eh, you survive, right?"

[Marcao]

He watched as Argent reached out and began to offer bottles of what appeared to be tea to various team members. When she reached him, there was only one bottle left and he was uncertain if there was any particular significance to it. His arm moved, his hand reaching out as her own moved towards him. He would meet her half way. His hand touched hers and the contact while simple carried with it an electrical quality to it. It had to be in his mind, and for a moment he cursed the fact that there was a layer of clothing preventing the skin of his hand from brushing against her own skin.

His eyes met and locked against hers and he felt her push against him. He did not have control over his defenses, but he was aware of intrusions or attempts at such. It was the first time in his lifetime that he actively wished that he had control over it. He had always seen his defense a blessing, now it somehow seemed a hindrance. A small part of him whispered caution, that the woman before him was far more dangerous than he gave her credit. Still a part of him wondered what it would be like…

He shared an honest smile with her, pearly white teeth flashing for a moment before his hand left hers and the bottle was opened. Her words met with a shake of his head. “I am not big into regret.â€

[LadyTevar]

It was frustrating, unable to read his emotions and forced to go by words and expression alone. Still, Lei thought absently, he had a nice smile... and nice eyes too.

"You're welcome," she replied, turning away as she mentally berated herself. Yes, he was cute. Mind on important things, like everyone's not-so-covert glances to Ghost.

Well, time to see who let the cat out of the bag, since it seemed she wasn't the only one to learn Ghost's little secret today.

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost frowned, having noted the glances he was getting. His pistol was in a holster on the small of his back. He could feel its weight and it gave him a small bit of comfort. The baton was in a holster on his belt. Both gave him a little comfort, but if it came down to blows, they wouldn't do much good. He concentrated, ready turn invisible at a moments notice.

[Cynical Cat]

Blackheart nodded in thanks to Argent as she gave him a bottle of tea. Hotfoot's appearance told him she was probably still seeing that gang boss, which was a no-no according to the terms of her employment and of going to ground, but it would be silly to try and make a big deal of it now. He would have to pull her aside and reminder her to stay away later.

Everyone knew something was up with Ghost. Time to take the bull by the horns. "Ghost, we were just talking about you. Care to tell us which agency you're really working for?"

[SirNitram]

"And please relax. If anyone here was plotting something sinister, we're not the sort to sit here and gloat about it or make you sweat. We'd just get it done." Gravitas added absently. "We just need to know how everyone stands."

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost considered lying but knew that Blackheart wouldn't be fooled. "I'm afraid I can't say who I'm working for Blackheart. You've done the whole dance before, you understand classified. I will say I'm not here to mess with your team, or anyone of you. I'm just here to do my job."

[Cynical Cat]

"I understand," said Blackheart. "You have your limitations. Say you're about to take a team into hiding and you know one member of the team will be reporting everything you do and everyplace you stay to someone else, possibly to the target of the operation. What do you do?"

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost chuckled. "Well, for one, my orders are if that I go undercover, I wait till I'm done to come back and report. But to answer your question, I either isolate them from reporting, or cut them loose."

[Cynical Cat]

"And there you have it," said Blackheart.

[LadyTevar]

"If you're thinking of letting him loose, Blackheart, it might be a mistake," Argent added her two cents into the conversation. "His talents are useful, and his contacts could get us equipment as needed."

She pulled out her Ultima-issued Commbud, holding it in her hand, "Unless you want Ultima to know where we are through these, that is...." No, she had no proof that Ultima could track the little earbuds, but if they weren't they were bigger idiots than she thought.

To her, it was practicality; use Ghost for what they could get out of him, abuse the hell out of his connections, and then get away clean.

[Cynical Cat]

"These are being left at my apartment," said Blackheart. "Why do you think I called the meeting for here? And no, we are not having a spy for another organization riding with the team and shooting off his mouth to his bosses while we are supposed to be hiding."

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost shook his head. Nothing he said was going to change Blackheart's mind. "Well then, good luck, and if you all die, it's been fun." With that, he turned and started walking for the roof access.