The dinner hall

DESCRIPTION:
This room in brightly lit by candles and a chandelier that hangs the center of the room. there are tables and chairs that are set with christmas decorations and a tree is in the corner decorated with bright christmas lights, tinsal and an angel right at the top. the walls are lined with full book shelves and paintings. all in all this is a very cosy and comfortable room.

~the dinner hall~

...........................................................................

The door opened and Katsa walked in. She looks a bit nervous. I would too if I was having a meeting with myself. I mean, I can be scary and it doesn't help that I am the boss of all bosses in the government. Anyway, the room was decorated with Christmassy things giving it a very Christmassy feel. I was already well aware that I did not fit in with all the Christmas brightness. I was standing in the middle of the room wearing a black tailored business suit, and black shiny shoes with my arm crossed over my chest and a very serious look on my face. I was a dark spot in a room of brightness.

I turned to face Katsa as she walked in. I glared at her. She was late.

"your late girl" i looked at my watch "and so is everyone else by the way" I said in the sternest voice I could manage. I seemed to be enough because she stopped and stared at me for a minute then half bowed. the bowing surprised me. I had heard that the generals where having trouble with her because she didn't follow the rules. they said that she had no manners as far as they where concerned. she showed up late and I mean really late, and even then she would not enter thought the traditional means. she would come through windows, out of the ceiling or through secret doors that the generals where sure that only they know about. in short, they all called her a trouble make. I had asked them why they had not just kicked her out if she was suck a problem but they replied rather unhappily they she was one of the best supers they had, with amazing abilities and intelligence that rivaled mine. I thought she sounded rather interesting.

"sorry sir, I ran in to some... trouble... on the way here. but it is all sorted." said Katsa. A strange look pasted over her face but is pasted so quickly that I wasn't even sure whether I had seen it at all. It looked almost like evil delight. I shrugged mentally. it didn't matter. "why have you asked me here? no offence but it seems a little... well, weird. It’s so... bright. not a place I would have thought that you would hold a meeting Also, the fact that i am the only one here seems a little on the strange" she said and I could see some of the spark that pushed the noses of the generals out of joint.

I raised an eye brow but this time she didn't even flinch. There was no visible reaction to my disaproval at all. i frowned, she was a tough nut. "yes I can understand your confusion, the invite was rather criptic, but that was the point. Here is your answer. we, meaning myslelf and a young woman by the name of Kalie Dekin, who is a member of the resistance council of twelve will be hosting a party here, the party will also double as a meeting whose agenda will be reveled when all the gests have arrived and are seated. I have hired people how will be cooking, serving drinks, playing music and so on for us. we will be meeting with the resistance and that means that this building and the surrounding grounds are neutral. no conflict aloud." I looked Katsa in the eyes "do I make myself clear?" Katsa persed her lips but nodded with out braking eye contact and so I continued. I was now pasing around the room with my hands clasped behind my straight back. "You my dear, are now the first guest to arrive. take a seat a get comfortable." I watched as she went to take her seat, noting that she sat with her back against the wall.

I walked through the door a little nervous. It was just so weird. Why on earth would Judah, Stern, angry and oh so strict Judah, have a meeting here? It was so... so... well, bright and he was so dark. it was just down right weird i tell you.

As i walked in Judah glared are me and scolded me for being in a very stern and slightly irritated voice. i stopped and stared at him. i was trying to decide wether i really needed to be polite or if i could just be myself. It was hard being polite nut i decided that it was for the best. Judah wasn't like the generals. He wasn't a pushover by any means or so i heard. i gave him a half bow and when i straightened I apologized and gave my reason. "sorry sir, I ran in to some... trouble... on the way here. but it is all sorted." Sorted it was in deed. the 'problem' was now hanging from a great high by his underwear. An expression of evil delight crossed over my face but i was able to suppress it quickly enough that he didn't see it... i think. it was replaced be an exression of confusion. "why have you asked me here? no offence but it seems a little... well, weird. It’s so... bright. not a place I would have thought that you would hold a meeting Also, the fact that i am the only one here seems a little on the strange"

He raised an eyebrow. i must have spoken out of term. Meh, I shrugged mentally and listened to his reply. The explained the situation. He also gave me strict orders that this building and the surrounding area was strictly neutral ground. that meant, no trying to kill the members of resistance when they showed up and visa versa for them. i pursed my lip but nodded in assent.

Judah began to pace around the room. He had his hands clasped behind his back like an old man. My good mood returned instantly and i had to hold in a laugh. Good god. he was only 40 and yet he behaved like an old man. I you never say this out load, i valued my life, but i could think it. "You my dear, are now the first guest to arrive. Take a seat and get comfortable or you may go out to the foyer and wait out there for more people." he waved his hand in dismissive gesture.

Still holding my laugh in i walked towards a table next to the wall and sat in the chair that had its back to the wall. If we where going to be eating with the resistance then i was going to make it so the i could see all of the room. Judah continued to pace the room, looking at the decorations as so on. We completely ignored each other.

I had heard the door open and close as i walked into the dinner hall but i had ignored it expecting whoever it was to follow me into the hall. They didn't. As Judah and i spoke i heard the soft click of the lock on the door. I wasn't worried though. If it came to it, there where many other ways i could get out.

Brandon was standing close to the large double doors so decided to make the good example, and go inside. Kalie was behaving a little strange, and above all things she mentioned Judah and I in one sentence. That sounded more like treason then a something worth a celebration. Preparing for the worst Brandon entered, and as he expected he found Judah standing in the middle of the room, ready to except guests. That was at least what the room made you think, with all the christmas decoration and tables lined up for a nice dinner.

It all became clear to Brandon, this was a christmas celebration. It seemed so at first, but now there was no doubt left anymore. But what makes Kalie think they would sit in one room with the man responsible for all their troubles, and his lackeys to boot. What was she doing with Judah in the first place, didn't they escape from that guy for a reason? He glanced back inside the hall, towards Kalie, with a look that would kill any lesser being. He wouldn't act however until he knew what Emma's reaction would be.

Brandon quietly found himself a table in the corner and nested himself on a chair, seeing the rest of the crew follow him inside. He heard Judah say something that sounded like a greeting, or some sort of season's greating, but his loyalty demanded him to keep his mouth shut until he knew what to do with all this.

Kalie better have something good to say right now.

Xzuk had awoken outside to someone poking him with a stick, who, mysteriously dissappeared. He didn't bother his mind with it too much, he was alive and unharmed, so he still really didn't care. He was hoping for a fight of epic proportions, but, the longer he sat around, the more he realized that this was just some kind of a dinner gathering...

"Dissappointing really...."

He spotted Alyss and Emma and began to wonder why one of them wasn't dead. He was itching for a fight, but he wasn't out to start one. But, if someone got even the least bit offensive with him, it was on. He wandered lazily over to Emma and smiled wide, realizing some of the electrical supplies would short out as he passed by them. He hoped most people would take it as a warning to back off. He stopped when he finally reached Emma's side.

"So.. Where's our Bushy friend?"

Alice walked elegantly through the doors. Nice dark jeans clad her long legs with a black semi-dressy top. She had known what to expect, unlike most, when she had walked through the doors. A christmas party of all things seemed very out of place but she kept her character. Silently moving across the dining hall with the exceptions of a few greetings she found a relatively safe looking place to sit, though she knew no harm would be done tonight.

Brandon was by himself at a table so she decided to be company. She smiled lightheartedly, the expression seemed out of place despite the decorations and the season, because nearly every other face seemed ready to break the war out right here. She knew better.

"Well Merry Christmas Sphere." She said using his nickname.

Keaton looked at Kalie she was smiling? what was this all about. Whatever it was Keaton wasn't going to be the first to strike that would be stupid. He looked at Alyss and Darius. "I will be inside if you would like to join me. " He then walked inside remembering to keep his guard up. He saw Sphere and Alice sitting together and decided to join them. "uh....Hey guys whats up?"

Victor walked in and saw Jessica sitting next to her father Ben Hall. He quickly went and sat in the open seat next to her.

“Hey Jessie, what's going on here why is every one...here?”

“I don't know, but it is good to see every one so happy together. Speaking of which why are you here?”

“Invite by one of the 12, you?”

“My daddy got an invite by Judah.”

“So, how is every thing? Is every thing alright in the government?”

“Yeah, same old same old. What about you hows your place?”

“Well, good so far. I am finally getting it presentable and with the money I got from the raid I buy the place....instead of hiding out there and hoping no one sees me.”

“Cool, is Omega helping you?”

“No one of the 12. He can walk on walls and stuff. I haven't seen Omega around lately.”

“Hmm, wonder why.”

"Merry Christmas Willow. You look great."

Brandon smiled for a second when he saw Alice join them in the dining room. She was dressed for the occasion, figures she'd known this before hand. He would have dressed up a bit if he knew what would've happened, but that didn't matter anymore. Brandon pulled back a chair next to the table he sat at and offered it to Alice. He then rested his elbows on the table and looked into her eyes.

"You knew this would happen didn't you?"

He knew he shouldn't ask the question when he knew the answer, but he wanted to hear her say it. He couldn't help but grin a little at his question, she probably enjoyed things like this, who wouldn't? It was probably for the best that she didn't tell them anyways, that way everyone shows up. Brandon was glad to see all the friendly faces among the crowd and didn't want that otherwise.

In the meantime Keaton had caught up with them and gave them a little welcome. A super for hire indeed, but as long as they didn't do anything he opposed he wouldn't mind them at all.

"Merry Christmas to you too Keaton, I see you got an invite too."

Alyss sat down next to Keaton and smiled. She looked around the great room and spotted Judah Marshall, her eyes growing wide. He truly was gorgeous. Alyss's mouth dropped slightly and she grew angry as she saw a man threatening Judah. She looked over to Radiant and scowled.
Forcing her chair backwards, she got up and stormed towards the man. She stopped very close to him, looking up. Being 5"4 she was a lot shorter than the man, a lot thinner and a lot less terrifying to look at. But twice as dangerous because of her innocence.
Alyss frowned at the man and looked him straight in the eye, twirling a piece of blonde curl around her finger. "Excuse me, but I don't think you should be so rude to our wonderful host." she hissed. Her other hand was clenched into a fist, and her pupils expanded entirely black, but her fangs were still retracted. But she was ready, just in case.

Darius followed his companions into the next room. Here Judah finally made an appearance, he stood in the middle of the room. The words the council member just spoke still fresh in his mind made him a bit worried. Judah planning something together with the resistance, there really was something they were missing, he had no doubt about it. For now he'd keep up the facade and see if answers would come to them in the end. Darius spotted Katsa in the along the crowd and made his way over. Along with Alyss and Gregory the whole team was now completely present.

"So this is where you were hiding." he grinned. He took her hand, shook it a little, not daring to go any further. "Merry Christmas Cat."

A man, Darius recognized him as a council member, threatened Judah a little. Nothing that the man couldn't handle but Alyss took offense. She glanced at him before acting in Judah's favor. He'd keep an eye out just to be sure, but he didn't expect any hostilities beyond words. Maybe Katsa knew something more.

Keaton got up from his chair quickly when Alyss went to confront Jackson. He sped up to get there and grabbed Alyss's hand. And spoke softly to her. "Alyss calm down. Jackson can kill you and he already wants to don't give him a reason." Keaton then looked at Jackson. "I don't want to get in a fight with you. I don't want there to be a fight today. And no i am not working for the government but i don't want blood on my hands! I understand if the room starts shooting i will do everything i can to get Emma and the rest to safety but if you are the first to swing i will help Alyss." The energy in Keatons body shot towards his hands and they started to glow a darker blue. "I don't want to hurt you Jackson."

Alice took the seat Brandon offered her. "Why thank you." She said about both the greeting and the chair. "Whoever thought the gentlemen hadn't survived this war were wrong apparently." She joked as she pulled herself into the table. As she settled next to Brandon she felt the tension of the room. But she remained calm, as long as everyone behaved this could turn out to be a lovely meal...Whether everyone would behave was still in question however.

"You knew this would happen didn't you?"

The small brunette only smiled at Brandon's question at first. Then looked him in the eye, "I might have had an inkling..." She said though her mysterious smile told him all he needed to know. She did indeed know this was going to happen, how it was going to happen however...was still the unknown future, even to her.

When Keaton and Alyss joined them Alice smiled and returned the greetings but they both soon rose back to their feet. She saw Jackson's anger but chose to let him find Emma, she would calm him down, she knew it.

((If anyone asks: Done with Gregory's permission))

''Well well, look who finally showed herself again. Scavenger. And demanding that the Juggernaut would be...nice...to the man that killed almost everything I held dear. And you, the girl that almost killed virtually all that's left of what I hold dear for now. A wonderful host is as much a lie as your life is. Isn't there some hole you need to crawl in right now, digging for things you will not find?''

Jackson, still with the same look in his eyes, shifted over to Keaton. He already was pissed he had to held up a facade, and that it involved Judah. He had not forgotten the sparring hall ,but he never made much of a point out of that alone. Sarcasm had taken the prize. This was new wood for the fire, however, and still full with sarcasm in his low voice, he continued.

''And since you talk to me like that...Omega, you make yourself even more suspicious. You already implied that you'd both save Emma, but on the other hand, would attack me. Fine with me until that point, but it's a start... And if that was not enough, you stand up for one of the biggest frauds in the business. A government spy why looks frail but can literally suck your blood.''

Jackson raised two fingers in the air, in between him and those who wanted to say anything to him.

''One. If I make a swing, it is the last one. If that 'swing' also is the first, then you have no chance nor time to 'save' your garbage. Two. You want me to believe you are on my side while you sound so high and mighty. You couldn't hurt me even if you wanted to, let alone kill me. Go ahead and try and see how in much pieces I'll leave you. Guess you'll be similar to your garbage then. And don't give me the lie you don't want to fight. It's all you want, but you know it's nothign more then assisted suicide.''

Taking a deep breath, Jackson kept looking at the two standing in front of him. If this was going to be a fight, it was going to be one he liked. But as he didn't want to lower himself to these puny individuals who were a thorn in his side, he had one last thing to add, while he towered over them with his length.

''If you're going to stand there like some married couple, don't think I'm going to be giving the vows as some sort of bishop. The longer you stay near me the more chance you have of going at it. It's your choice really, I'm fine with anything.''

''Excuse me comrade, but I would like to add something to that, after hearing about this couple just now.''

Jackson felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked to his right. Gregory Karkarov was standing there, and while Jackson contemplated on the comrade thing, and how long Gregory must have stood there, the mad scientist spoke his mind, apparently wanting to join in on this conversation.

''If Judah is going to keep me in this facade, I must say he could have at least let me plant some bombs to make this party a bit explosive. I guarantee, there are no good bombs here, because my department did not make any. What is a party with only vodka and no explosives?!''

''Doc, you do know you're taking away one of things that is keeping me from an all-out slaughter. It is only fair I warn you..''

Gregory nodded as he looked at the big guy. Strangely, Gregory didn't seem threathened, not even a little. Jackson wondered if Gregory thought the vodka was a thing tht would make Juggernaut go rampaging. Gregory however knew that in a fight, he would probably lose. He was a scientist, not a target. He had no value in person, but in his inventions. And he knew Jackson was talking about the bombs, but if he ket Juggernaut guessing, that would only be better. His jade green eyes shifted from Juggernaut to Alyss, as he talked on.

''Yes, but I am going to make this even better. Miss Ray, I see you found a new enemy to stay with. It is not only rude to not inform me of this event, but I also find it very unfriendly that I had people prepare a room for you, only for you not to show up. I thought you wanted to be ..supported by your comrades. Lies do not match with Gregory Karkarov as much as explosions do. Not at all.''

Gregory scratched his hair, and Juggernaut took the time to see what this doctor was made of. He had read files, but this doctor was quite different then any file could explain him. He couldn't find enough words to describe it himself.

''So Doc now you got another room to invent stuff to kill me.''

Gregory looked surprised at Jackson, and replied instantly. A surprised look of disagreement was seen on his face.

''No, why would I do that? I had other plans for that room. A bagpipe recording studio actually. Why would I invent something to blow you up? I had it made into a bedroom for miss Ray, with a bottle of good wine as she asked, because I am a comrade to my comrades. I guess that isn't a common mutual gesture these days. Weird though, if you cannot trust me then who can you trust..''

Gregory seemed sincere in what he said, only confusing Jackson even more, but Juggernaut would talk to the weird doctor about all this later. He turned back to the couple in front of him.

''Well kids get a table and get out of my sight. It seems Scavenger is running out of friends because of her expected unfaithfulness, and me and the doc also don't seem to like her boyfriend. What a coincidence.''

''Yes it seems that tomorrow, we both get new newspaper delivered called 'Backstabber Daily'. Disgracing a Russian is one thing, but keeping him from his bagpipe studio is even worse. It is fact that we are on the same side, but you better not expect any well-meant services from me anymore...I wonder where Judah is going to get your blood if I refuse to make it. But that is where our Hired gun-Rebel comes into play...Omega was it? Good luck, you will need it.''

''...Whatever you say doc.'' said Jackson with a gruff voice and a small smile on his face.

Jackson corrected his tie as he had enough of this childish prattling. Omega standing in front of him saying he was on Jackson's side while he was defending one of the Resistance's hated enemies, and Scavenger, of all people, saying he had to be nice to Judah. Judah, of all people, was someone who didn't deserve to be nice to. Viper better explain what was going on, as this was getting weirder by the second. Almost weirder then the support he found in the scientist, who was clearly an enemy.

Gregory on the other hand didn't seem changed at all. He just told Alyss that he felt offended by her actions. It was to be expected. All you would need to do for Gregory was to show some respect, and if plans change, all you would need to do was notify him of it. Truth was Gregory had made a device for Alyss that would help her with her blood issue, but he would keep it in stock now. He already knew where he was going to place it, which would be next to the never-retrieved Suchi device. He still would be a colleague, so for him, not much changed at all, except for a slightly dented pride. He still liked Alyss, but to hear she didn't even give him a call or anything... Gregory wondered if Alyss would be effected at all, but on the other hand, she didn't deserve his thoughts right now. this was no way to interact, and not the good place for such insolent disputes. Gregory looked at Juggernaut with a sly smile on his face.

''You are big man. Ever heard of vodka?''

''Yup. I guess one glass to cover all this nonsense would be allowed. I hope it's not poisoned? You still are an enemy..''

''If it is, we will both die from it..''

''Sounds like a plan doc, lead the way so I can still see you.''

Gregory moved to the bar and Jackson followed. He'd get himself a drink to ease up a bit before he would go and look for Emma. If he would find her all aggrevated, she would have no value in his presence, and he didn't like that. Not one bit.

Feeling a bit guilty, Alyss hung her head slightly and shuffled her feet.
"Sorry Doctor. I only moved in tonight, I was gonna tell you tomorrow at work. Sorry, really."
Alyss put her hands on her hips and glared at Jackson. "Don't call me Scavenger. I don't go by that name unless I'm ripping out people's throats." she smirked and looked up at him, standing on her tiptoes. "Didi I kill anyone you know? I do hope so. Just to annoy you. Maybe if I tasted your blood, I could find out if it was any of your family that I tore to shreds and forced-" she stopped, tapping her lips suddenly. "How did you know that I was a government spy?"
She stepped forwards and got close to his face. She raised a hand and lightly patted his face, patronizing. "As for a fraud? Don't judge me till you know me." she hissed. Stopping, she reclined back onto her heels and looked around the room. "Where's Emma?" she asked. She looked straight in Jackson's eyes and smirked. "Have you seen the scars I left on her throat? I was hoping to see her again," her eyes darkened and her smile grew wider. "Maybe tear her veins out this time.." she trailed off.
Obviously trying to provoke Jackson, she stood patiently, her arms held folded behind her back, a serene look on her face.

Keaton was getting angrier at Jackson every second he and Gregory talked. "Jackson! what the hell is your problem?! You do know you are drinking with the enemy. Because last time i checked you didn't care much for them. I could give a dam if you think i am suspicious. If i get paid i will do my job. I have no ties to any side. So, yes i will protect Emma and the others including Alyss. Because i like them as people. If i was paid to go against the resistance so be it I would have no trouble at all with hurting you. With the rest i would most likely just put them in force fields. But you i would make you bleed." Keaton was boiling with anger but not letting it show as much as usual. His words were spat out angerly but other than that his hands were the only give away. He created an invisible Force field around Alice, Emma and Alyss. Just to make sure if anything were to happen they would be safe.

Keaton was pushed against the wall at that was it. He hated Jackson as it was but pushing him no, that was not cool. Keaton floated up a few feet in the air so he was the same height as Jackson. His back was turned to him and Keaton tapped him on the shoulder. "You pushed me!" Keaton put a force field up between them so if Jackson did anything stupid there would be something to block him.

Alyss turned and glared at Jackson. She walked haughtily towards the bar and sat next to him, casually. "Oh, that's good news about Emma. Fighting fit? Oh wonderful, that means she'll be a good fight on the battlefield. It'll be nicer to kill her that way. Weak prey are no fun to kill." she smiled and nodded her head towards Keaton. "He's not my boyfriend. So stop calling us that." she smiled at Jackson sweetly and her eyes expanded slightly further, making them entirely black. "And don't use the expression 'good girl'. I don't like it."
She leant forwards and downed the rest of his vodka, wincing slightly at the taste, before hopping off the stool and moving towards Keaton.

Alyss whirled around, the vodka glass still in her hand, her fangs extended as she grew enraged. She stormed straight up to Jackson and pointed a finger straight into his face.
"Be careful who you're talking to, mister. You can get yourself hurt with talk like that. Parlor tricks are enough, don't be put off by my appearance. I could kill you quite easily, Mr Muscles." she hissed, the vodka glass in her hand shattering under the pressure in her hand.

She stopped and breathed in deeply for a second. Blood spots were appearing on her hand and she held her breath, she couldn't smell it now. Not now.

Keaton was pissed. He wanted to kill Jackson he wanted to murder him. He was tempted to put a force field around Jackson's head cut of his air. So then he couldn't breath and even he did break through the force field the actual force of him breaking it would mess with his head. "If you say one more thing i will hurt you." Keaton said this calmly and ruthlessly.

Alyss let out a hiss, almost imitating a cat. She pulled her finger back from Jackson and stood, as if ready to pounce in front of the hulking man. "How did you get those ugly scars Jack?" she mocked, laughing harshly.
Losing all her inhibitions with the smell of blood she paused and her body relaxed, before she opened her eyes again and cocked her head, a manic look in her eye.
She didn't want to fight. No, no. SHe wanted blood, and now.

''Very well, time to talk then. For me.''

Gregory turned around in one sweep.

''The man only reacts to what you say. Say nothing and he does not. Omega, you are ruining my drink just by harassing a man that wants to know about bagpipes. I think he was quite clear when he wanted you to go.''

Juggernaut popped in, turned around at Keaton.

''...And if you want to do something on Christmas, be a bitch and try me. I think you just said you wouldn't start a fight. Going back on your word? Against one of the twelve, the people that employed you? I think both Judah and Kalie would kick you out...or I would. Whatever rings your bells boy. The scars, well..I'm still human, don't know about you but it shows I'm still here. those who gave these to me..not so lucky.''

Gregory looked to his left, surprised. Juggernaut simply talked, the threat meant nothing to him.

''I think it is better you both left. I do not think comrade Judah would like this one bit..Alyss...Omega. I ask as Gregory, take deep breath and go enjoy. I do not want trouble and you three are all about to give it. And if this Juggernaut is alone against two, then he obviously has a plan. He is not stupid..''

''Comrade Judah...damn Russian.''