An Invitation to Dinner

[AmbushCat]

Elly nods. "Well, most people can't handle military life in the long term. I can't blame her for wanting a normal life..."

Yeah. ... I can't decide if she's been more fun to hang around with since she made that decision, but... *shrugs* Whatever.

[Jello Shot Mischa]

Rising from the table, the woman made her way across to the meeting, her heels clicking and her hips swaying. Stepping behind the Major, she leaned down, giving Bones quite the view of her cleavage, her glossed red lips moving close to the Major's ear.

"Major... there's someone with a rifle on the roof of the building opposite. They're watching this table as we speak...". She hesitated, and eyed Bones for a moment. "We think they're working with him...".

The Major glances curiously at the woman as she approaches. "Hmmm... well, that's not terribly surprising, considering that we have our own assets in the area. Still... it seems inconsistent with what we know about Lord Bones."

She turns her attention back to Lord Bones. "My apology, but the doctor here has notified me there seems to be an individual showing a certain interest in our conversation from across the street. Is that one of your assets?" she asks.

[Feng]

(Of course. Don't worry about it.)

"Doubtful," says Bones, swishing his glass about and giving the woman in the red dress a piercing look. "If I really wanted to take you out Major, I would have employed a far more discreet method. A "clock tower sniper" targeting someone in a restaurant is not my style."

He scratches his chin as if in thought.

"Then again, it could be the new recruit Dagger," he muses quietly to himself. "I wonder what she's doing here? I didn't give her orders to come to this meeting."


Bones turns to the waiter walking by and gives him an order in Chibi. His faces pales before nodding before dashing off into the kitchen.


"I've informed the Chibiwanbanshu about this 'gunman' lurking in the area. Hopefully that will put a stop to these idle threats. Now then, Major Durant, tell me about yourself. How long have you been a member of the CTC?" ^_^

[Jello Shot Mischa]

(Of course. Don't worry about it.)

"Doubtful," says Bones, swishing his glass about and giving the woman in the red dress a piercing look. "If I really wanted to take you out Major, I would have employed a far more discreet method. A "clock tower sniper" targeting someone in a restaurant is not my style."

He scratches his chin as if in thought.

"Then again, it could be the new recruit Dagger," he muses quietly to himself. "I wonder what she's doing here? I didn't give her orders to come to this meeting."


Bones turns to the waiter walking by and gives him an order in Chibi. His faces pales before nodding before dashing off into the kitchen.


"I've informed the Chibiwanbanshu about this 'gunman' lurking in the area. Hopefully that will put a stop to these idle threats. Now then, Major Durant, tell me about yourself. How long have you been a member of the CTC?" ^_^

The woman in the red desk pales slightly at Lord Bones' look, and takes a deferential step back, although she remains near the major's side.

Major Durant holds up a hand to try and forestall Lord Bones' irritation. "Now, now, Lord Bones... I was working on the assumption that you had brought your own security detail, much as I have." She smiles slightly. "You didn't really think that Elly is simply an aide, did you? Nor that I chose a seat with such a charming view of the ocean simply for aesthetics? Given the fact that this restaurant is obviously related to the Chibi, I simply assumed that you had taken your own precautions."

She shrugs. "Now, it may be possible that it is a member of a third party curious about the meeting -- the presence of Raleigh confirms that other organizations have noticed it. Hopefully your Chibi will be able to find out the truth of the matter. If it is a somewhat energtic new recruit, however, I'd ask for a little leniency. Recruits are an asset that should be encouraged, rather than discouraged. For example... the young girl over there, accompanying Doctor Bellisarius, has recently joined our organization. While she has yet to be tested in a proper combat environment, she does seem quite eager and energetic to help -- although that may be due to her origins..."

Considering a moment, the major strokes her chin. "Doctor, perhaps you should bring Summer over here for a moment, for a proper introduction..."

[Feng]

"My humblest apologies" states Bones with a sheepish grin to the woman in the res dress. "It seems I did temporarily overlook the possibility of the CTC bringing in a security detail as well. After all, my reputation isn't exactly very noble..."

"As for the sniper, I suppose I should be forgiving if it is Mistress Dagger. My newest recruit shows great potential, although there is much I can still teach her."

He turns to meet the girl known as Summer.




Meanwhile, on the roof, a Chibi ninja approaches the sniper. It's Grumpy!

"You there! Is that you Mistress Dagger? If so the Master wants us to confirm your presence as the CTC have detected your presence and has created a bit of a stir in the restaurant."

He draws his sword.

"Of course, if you're simply an assassin hired by a rival third party, I've been instructed to take your head instead..."

[Harri-chan]

The blonde woman nodded, "As you wish, Major". She offered Bones a smile and bowed her head, before returning to the table she had been dining at, or at least, pretending to dine at. Bending down beside the teenage girl, she spoke to her in a quiet voice, causing the youngster to turn and glance over at the meeting with a somewhat nervous look upon her face. After more words from the women, she rose from her chair, smoothing the cream dress out with her hands, and walked over to Major Durant, Lord Bones, and their friends.

"Major Durant... I apologise if I've relayed false information... we thought it was better to inform you... ", she started to explain. "If you'd like, I personally volunteer to look into the matter further... ".




The sniper on the rooftop turned at the Chibi's approach. There was very little to give away her identity, with the large hood of her black cloak drawn up over her head, with just the occasional glimpse of black leather around her body showing as it shifted around.

"It's me, you idiot, but I'd like to see you try", came the robotic voice from within the hood. "Bones doesn't keep me as well informed as he should, I was merely curious", she explained. "I wouldn't have expected him to be meeting with them... ", she said, pointing her finger down at the restaurant.

[Jello Shot Mischa]

"My humblest apologies" states Bones with a sheepish grin to the woman in the red dress. "It seems I did temporarily overlook the possibility of the CTC bringing in a security detail as well. After all, my reputation isn't exactly very noble..."

"As for the sniper, I suppose I should be forgiving if it is Mistress Dagger. My newest recruit shows great potential, although there is much I can still teach her."

He turns to meet the girl known as Summer.

The blonde woman nodded, "As you wish, Major". She offered Bones a smile and bowed her head, before returning to the table she had been dining at, or at least, pretending to dine at. Bending down beside the teenage girl, she spoke to her in a quiet voice, causing the youngster to turn and glance over at the meeting with a somewhat nervous look upon her face. After more words from the women, she rose from her chair, smoothing the cream dress out with her hands, and walked over to Major Durant, Lord Bones, and their friends.

"Major Durant... I apologise if I've relayed false information... we thought it was better to inform you... ", she started to explain. "If you'd like, I personally volunteer to look into the matter further... "

"No harm, Lord Bones. Ahh... here we are." She motions for the teenaged girl to sit down. "That's quite all right, Summer. Lord Bones has already mobilized a unit to investigate, but I do appreciate your efforts. It is a reminder, though, that we need to get you properly integrated into the commnet."

She turns her attention back to Bones. "Lord Bones, this young woman is Summer Bellisarius. I'd refer to her by rank, but as she's currently serving in an auxiliary capacity, she doesn't have an official rank yet. Still, she does show some promise, and is perhaps a demonstration of how the CTC prefers not to waste resources if necessary. She was originally a soldier in another organization, but after being captured and..." She casts a glance at the woman in the red dress. "... afflicted with a transformation into this younger form, she has had some difficulties. Still, she retains all of her original skills and capabilities, so I have hopes that she can assist us in a specialist capacity."

The major looks at Summer, and offers a slight smile. "In the interests of furthering your training, I felt I should offer an analysis of the situation for you to consider. I suspect that Doctor Bellisarious, in her eagerness to get you into the field, likely didn't debrief you as fully as she should have. Currently, we are meeting with Lord Bones, considered by many to be a criminal mastermind, with access to a relatively significant amount of resources, including naval assets and at least one island facility, as well as the information and logistical network of the Chibiwanbanshu. Obviously he has enemies, and may not entirely trust an organization such as our own, so a security element of his own could be expected. On the other hand..." She glances at Lord Bones for a moment. "He has demonstrated a high degree of confidence in his own abilities, having been seen investigating several minor incidents personally, and as a 'criminal mastermind', carries himself with a certain degree of decorum, and seems to have at least some personal code of honor. From that, then, it can be assumed that he would likely not engage in an obvious assassination attempt -- if he did, it would be a subtle one, most likely befitting the manner of the Chibiwabanshu. A toxin in the food, perhaps, although even that would likely offend the sensibilities of those running this restaurant. Instead, one can expect that Lord Bones would indulge his curiosity and his sense of honor, and have an open meeting, with only a defensive perimeter deployment for security."

Her smile widens, and she reaches over to squeeze Summer's shoulder reassuringly. "I also hope that you don't take this as a reprimand -- I see a lot of potential in you, and simply want to help encourage you to reach that potential. Being able to properly analyze a situation is essential." She considers a moment. "I have an assignment for you. Take the information gathered on this individual you detected, and analyze it. I'd like to see an assessment of their intentions and capabilities from you after the conclusion of this meal."

The major looks back to Lord Bones. "Also... I should apologize for not having answered your earlier question yet, but I felt it might be a good opportunity to demonstrate at least some of the mindset that the CTC tries to encourage."

[Harri-chan]

Pulling out a chair, Summer swiftly sat herself down, one hand holding her dress in place around her thighs so it was tucked beneath her. Despite not looking as if she belonged in such an organisation, she clearly had a great deal of respect for Major Durant, which showed in her blue eyes, and was probably the reason she looked a little nervous. She'd expected to experience this meeting from across the room, not up close and personal as she suddenly found herself.

As the Major introduced Bones, she turned and nodded her head in greeting. "Pleasure to meet you, Lord Bones", she said politely. It looked as if she tried, and failed to keep a small smile from her lips as the woman spoke highly of her potential, but she soon got herself under control, her expression becoming serious once more.

Her gaze shifted back to Major Durant when the woman began to explain who Lord Bones was, along with the purpose of the meeting. She had the sort of look most teens wore when watching a favourite pop singer perform live, in awe of the Major's amazing ability to analyse her situation. Her blue eyes only left the woman to glance around the room at the things she spoke of, such as the dinner plates and the serving staff.

When the woman reached over to squeeze her bare shoulder, she flashed a nervous smile once more. "I welcome any advice such a great military mind as yourself as to offer, Ma'am", she said, seeming to grow in confidence slightly as time passed by. The Major had her complete attention when she spoke of the assignment, and the girl nodded. "I'll do my best, Major", she said clearly. Her phone had been in her hand the whole time, and when Major Durant looked back to Bones, she turned it over in her lap and started to poke at the screen for a second too before a look of panic spread over her face.

"Major Durant... my apologies. Mother thought this would be an effective way of recording what I learned from the meeting, while at the same time helping me blend in as my disguise... ". She used the word disguise, as if this teenage girl look had taken a lot of work to create. Holding up the cell phone, she showed the Major the notes she had been creating. "I don't mean to come across as rude... but I think that was exactly the impression Mother was hoping to create with the other diners... permission to continue?".

[Feng]

"Likewise Miss Summer," says Bones with a smile and acknowledging nod before returning his attention to the Major.

"An impressive observation, Major," he chuckles, "However there are some other details that you appear to have overlooked."

"First, while I do possess a code of honor (twisted as it it may be), one that frowns upon the act of gunning down my opponents during meetings, the real reason I choose not to kill you is because you possess information on the Brotherhood that I do not. Tantalizing information that I greatly desire for my future endeavors. Since killing either you or your associates would not put me in the good graces of your superiors, I find that your continued survival to be beneficial to myself."

"Two, while I do engage in various acts of depravity, murder has never been one of them. True, the victims of my schemes are often transformed against their will, often having their mind's affected as severely as their bodies due to my love of Green energy, yet not once have I ever killed someone in cold blood, unless it was in self defense. This is less about my code of honor, however, than it is with being pragmatic. Once you've crossed the threshold of taking a life into your own hand for the sake of callousness, you enter a whole new level of depravity, one that I would rather not delve to. One can get away with turning a male into a busty airhead and get off lightly in this town, but murder gets you locked away for a long time. And to me, time is rather valuable. Needless to say, while you are putting your identities on the lines, your lives are far from being threatened here."

"Finally, while I do enjoy spreading chaos and mayhem throughout the city I prefer to keep the consequences of my actions within a manageable means. I fear not the local law enforcement of the city. From what I have seen, they are either to cowardly or too incompetent to combat the various super villains who prowl the streets in full daylight, myself included. The CTC, however, is a different matter. While I am aware our organizations have clashed before, becoming full time enemies of the CTC is something I would like to avoid if possible. Should this require keeping my acts of villainy in check, so be it.

"Before you say anything though, let me stress that this is a matter of tactics, not cowardice. I respect the mighty military power of the CTC, but I do not live in fear of it. However I would like to keep my list of enemies short and simple, yes?

"Besides, now that I know your share similar interests, I believe we could perhaps cooperate in our investigation of the Brotherhood remnants. As the ancient maxim goes, the enemy of my enemy is a friend, non?"




"Do not try me, little girl" says Grumpy. "You may be the Master's prized assassin, but I am the chief of his intelligence network I fight my battles through the spread of information... The identity of what's behind that mask of yours being a good example."

"Nevertheless, it would be foolish to fight up here, not when we both have a job to do."

[Raleigh]

You know now would be a good time, with both of you present, to ask if either faction needs new weapons or other supplies. Can't very well be a regular merchant of death, dismemberment, and food without clients after all and selling to both sides has always been a favorite pass time of mine. So do either of your groups need any resources you can not easily get?

[Harri-chan]

"Ah... informing me of his little meeting slips his mind, even when he wants my assistance during it. That's so typical of him... ", she sighed, walking towards the chibi ninja. Reaching him, she bent down with her hands on her knees, like an adult would when talking to a child, and the lips that were just visible from under the hood twisted into an amused grin. "That might not be such a wise on your part, shorty. The masking of my identity was for his benefit, not mine. Now... what is this job?".

[AmbushCat]

zzzz....

*Ambush Cat dozes off, falling asleep in his meal.*

[Jello Shot Mischa]

"Major Durant... my apologies. Mother thought this would be an effective way of recording what I learned from the meeting, while at the same time helping me blend in as my disguise... ". She used the word disguise, as if this teenage girl look had taken a lot of work to create. Holding up the cell phone, she showed the Major the notes she had been creating. "I don't mean to come across as rude... but I think that was exactly the impression Mother was hoping to create with the other diners... permission to continue?".

The major listens attentively, and nods. "Very well, continue."

"An impressive observation, Major," he chuckles, "However there are some other details that you appear to have overlooked."

"First, while I do possess a code of honor (twisted as it it may be), one that frowns upon the act of gunning down my opponents during meetings, the real reason I choose not to kill you is because you possess information on the Brotherhood that I do not. Tantalizing information that I greatly desire for my future endeavors. Since killing either you or your associates would not put me in the good graces of your superiors, I find that your continued survival to be beneficial to myself."

"Two, while I do engage in various acts of depravity, murder has never been one of them. True, I victims of my schemes are often transformed against their will, often having their mind's affected as severely as their bodies due to my love of Green energy, yet not once have I ever killed someone in cold blood, unless it was in self defense. This is less about my code of honor, however, than it is with being pragmatic. Once you've crossed the threshold of taking a life into your own hand for the sake of callousness, you enter a whole new level of depravity, one that I would rather not delve to. One can get away with turning a male into a busty airhead and get off lightly in this town, but murder gets you locked away for a long time. And to me, time is rather valuable. Needless to say, while you are putting your identities on the lines, your lives are far from being threatened."

"Finally, while I do enjoy spreading chaos and mayhem throughout the city I prefer to keep the consequences of my actions within a manageable means. I fear not the local law enforcement of the city. From what I have seen, they are either to cowardly or too incompetent to combat the various super villains who prowl the streets in full daylight, myself included. The CTC, however, is a different matter. While I am aware our organizations have clashed before, becoming full time enemies of the CTC. Should this require keeping my acts of villiany within check, so be it.

"Before you say anything though, let me stress that this is a matter of tactics, not cowardice. I respect the mighty military power of the CTC, but I do not live in fear of it. However I would like to keep my list of enemies short and simple, yes?

"Besides, now that I know your share similar interests, I believe we could perhaps cooperate in our investigation of the Brotherhood remnants. As the ancient maxim goes, the enemy of my enemy is a friend, non?"

She listens to Lord Bones' response in turn, swirling her wine slightly in the glass. "You do raise some interesting points, Lord Bones," she comments. "Admittedly, my analysis was based largely on the information we knew before coming here. Still, this does provide some very interesting insight into your beliefs."

She takes a sip from her wine. "I feel I should point out, that we have no interest in making people live in fear of us. What we've had to do in the past was done out of necessity, rather than intimidation. And we would prefer to keep our own list of enemies short and simple, if possible."

"Now, as for the Brotherhood... I believe cooperating would be quite helpful."

You know now would be a good time, with both of you present, to ask if either faction needs new weapons or other supplies. Can't very well be a regular merchant of death, dismemberment, and food without clients after all and selling to both sides has always been a favorite pass time of mine. So do either of your groups need any resources you can not easily get?

The major glances at Raleigh. "We don't need any particular weapons at the moment, although if you'd like to contact me with a catalog of what sort of items you might have to offer, I will take a look at it."

zzzz....

*Ambush Cat dozes off, falling asleep in his meal.*

Elly blinks at the sleeping cat. "... Mr. Ambush?" she asks curiously.

[Feng]

"I understand. From what I've witnessed, your mission is to maintain peace and order, or what semblances of those things this city possesses. A noble endeavor, I will admit."

A waiter, noticing Ambush asleep in her gumbo, drapes a towel over her head.

"Nonetheless, your analysis was quite impressive Major. If you weren't in the employment of the CTC I would offer you a job on the spot."

Bones takes another sip of wine.

"But yes, I agree. Cooperation would be in the best interest of our two parties. By pooling our information and resources maybe we can delve deeper into the enigma that surrounds this shadowy organization..."

"Especially if it flushes out the red cloaked entity" he muses to himself.

"Out of curiosity, why is the CTC interested in the Brotherhood? Despite the remnants that are allegedly aboard the Beige Star, they haven't been as active as of late... Or so it would seem anyways."

[Jello Shot Mischa]

"I understand. From what I've witnessed, your mission is to maintain peace and order, or what semblances of those things this city possesses. A noble endeavor, I will admit."

A waiter, noticing Ambush asleep in her gumbo, drapes a towel over her head.

"Nonetheless, your analysis was quite impressive Major. If you weren't in the employment of the CTC I would offer you a job on the spot."

Bones takes another sip of wine.

"But yes, I agree. Cooperation would be in the best interest of our two parties. By pooling our information and resources maybe we can delve deeper into the enigma that surrounds this shadowy organization..."

"Especially if it flushes out the red cloaked entity" he muses to himself.

"Out of curiosity, why is the CTC interested in the Brotherhood? Despite the remnants that are allegedly aboard the Beige Star, they haven't been as active as of late... Or so it would seem anyways."

Major Durant sips her own wine. "Admittedly, the priorities of our mission have changed somewhat in the time we've been active. But we still try to do what we can."

"As for the Brotherhood, we haven't had much direct contact with them. But they have left a number of potentially dangerous facilities lying around, so we've been doing what we can to secure them before they fall under the control of... other organizations."