Emily had to return to Chicago and unfortunately couldn't meet up with Ayden beforehand. Emily called Ayden and said that business had called her back to Chicago and apologized. Ayden hopefully understood, but Emily couldn't get the thought of the expansion out of her head.

The meeting had been held the day she returned. She had phoned Andrew ahead of time and he set up the meeting. There was very little to discuss. Most of the board wanted this to happen and Emily agreed - a move to the CCD could only increase their client base and lower costs in the long run. In essence not much would change - they would just have a second headquarters.

Emily returned home directly after the meeting, feeling tired and jet lagged. She spoke to her sisters regarding the move and to her surprise, both of them wanted to join her. There were too many ghosts in the Shale Mansion for them. Rachel would transfer to the University of Moscow and Mara was ready to see the world. Emily gave them both a hug and smiled at them both. She was glad.

When the press were notified of the expansion, Emily would send Ayden a message that she would be returning permanently. For that Emily was glad. Emily felt the same as her sisters - there were too many ghosts in Chicago.

Tired, but unable to sleep, Emily went to her office to check on some things and found the mail she had missed while she was gone. Mostly it was the same old stuff - bills, junk mail, ect. - but one envelope caught her eye. It was addressed in neat block letters to the Shale family and postmarked from Moscow. There was no return address. The only person she could think of from Moscow that would send her something was Ayden, but the lack of return address puzzled her.

Emily took a letter opener and opened the envelope. Her eyes widened in surprise at the contents. She emptied the contents - two hundred CCD dollars and a small note. It read in the same neat block letters "Sorry for your loss."

There was only one loss that it could refer to, and Emily leaned back in her chair and contemplated. First she wondered who would send her money. It was appreciated that this person had sent something to help with the issue, but she didn't need the money. Secondly, she wondered why this person was being so secretive. Everyone she knew in the CCD had given her their condolences, and none of them would have been this secretive. Clearly the person who sent it didn't want the recipients to know of them. The old wounds partially opened and Emily resisted. She was just beginning to move on, and didn't need to feel this pain again.

Emily decided she had to find out who this person was. The plane crash that killed her parents was still under mysterious circumstances. Perhaps this individual knew more about it. Maybe Emily could have complete closure.

Emily did a quick internet search and found what she was looking for. She dialed the number and when the male voice answered, she responded. "Hello, I'd like to hire you..."

Aria was fairly sure that the man in front of her, leading the way, was Martin Borovsky. He was a well known hunter, he was a rigid man, with ambition. He was young, yet he held one of the most anointed positions with in the Atharim, next to the Regus himself. Aria remembered him in the Vatican. She remembered watching him train, she looked for weaknesses in all her brethren. It was part of her training, to kill men after all. What better way to learn other than to watch those trained to fight. They were after all the hardest to kill. Aria never once saw weakness, saw a flaw in his stance. He worked to near cold perfection, something Aria herself strove for.

He walked with a the fluid grace of a wolf, the robe made him look like he glided over the floor. She was sure there was a predatory look underneath the hood of his black robe. She'd watched the man for years, but she'd never spoken to him, never worked with him. He wasn't a lone wolf, but he was always leader, he took down monsters that others needed two or three other hunters. Rumors say that Borovsky took down an Oni bare-handed. But that was only rumor, the report read much differently.

Aria had studied Borovsky's record, as she had Antoinette's and Father Dimitri's records. She studied the best of the best of the Atharim. Their reports gave her insights into the world she was working in. It was after all something a young child would do, study their role models.

The man leading the way scared Aria. He was a hunter, he was ambitious, but most of all he believed every word the Atharim told him. If he knew what she was, and from the way he'd spoken her name before she was pretty sure that Martin Borovsky knew that Aria was Sentient. It was fear that guided her feet. She had told Nox it was okay, that everything would be alright, but she didn't believe it. Not for a moment.

He lead her through the crowd, the Atharim parted for him, she was pretty sure they would have done the same had he not worn the full uniform of the Inquisition. He was a legend, one that most with in the Atharim would step widely for. And she followed him, she prayed it was not to her own death.

The last few days had been slow going. Oakland was out of the country, it seemed, from what she could ferret out. Rumors about his abilities seemed to keep cropping up, enough to confirm her suspicions.

Up until now, the only reborn gods she'd ever hunted had been young and with little knowledge or control over what they did. That was not to say that it wasn't a bit harrowing at times. A kid with a gun who didn't know what they were doing was still dangerous. Still, she'd never failed.

Oakland, though, appeared to have control over what he did. It made him more formidable prey. Of course, that just meant it would be all the sweeter when she won. Still, she needed more information. And she could be honest. She needed bigger guns. Something new. You didn't hunt mountain lions with a sling shot.

She got on the dark web and found the hidden Atharim message boards. She wanted to dig through posts of god-hunts. She did love a good story. And there might be things she could use. Some of the names would be familiar to her- especially here in the west. Hunting for 30 years tended to get you around.

Instead, the boards were ablaze with the historic convocation that had been called in Moscow and all that had happened. The Regus had set the collective Atharim afire. Few were stupid enough to post any kind of disagreement, even anonymously, but she was sure there were a few bleeding hearts even among her brethren who were beating their chests in dismay at the direction they were taking.

They just didn't get it. The Atharim existed because they hunted down gods. That was how it began. Every Atharim had it drilled into them. The gods had meant slavery, suffering and death for mankind. Period. Instead, they would have them wait until the gods were so numerous and powerful that the earth would be awash in blood at the inevitable fight. So short sighted. War was war. Humanity against the would-be oppressors. And they would do it to, of that she had no doubt. Thankfully, most did get it though.

Oh, but she wanted to be part of this new Order of Archangels. More than anything. God, what a hunt to a part of. An elite team dedicated to saving humanity from the worst slavery ever known. And the hunts....talk about adrenaline.

All thoughts of Oakland were pushed aside. Oh, she'd come for him someday. That was for sure. But she'd do it prepared. There were already hints and speculation about the type of weapons that would be employed. They ranged from the fantastically imaginative to the fearsomely real. Sonic weapons, medical drones the size of fleas, directed energy weapons, and so very many others, many she'd never even heard of. There even whispers of other things, though if anyone knew what they were, they were keeping very silent.

This, right here, this was what she was born for. It took all of 10 minutes for her to get her tickets on a red-eye and contact Atharim HQ notifying them of her arrival. She hadn't been asked, but she didn't care. She wanted in. They'd be stupid not to take her, either. She knew what she could offer.

She'd never felt so excited in her life. Or at least not in a good long while. This was gonna be fun.

VaiaPlus' new facility was built upon an old site, a site that Dr Issac Flynn had been waiting years to purchase. He knew the city plans, knew what lie underneath farther than most would dig, but the new facility required deep pockets, and it required a deep facility, something to secret away things the world didn't need to know about yet. Yes VaiaPlus was a leader in research. They were one of the pinnacle's of success in terms of curing some of the most common annoyances in life.

The common cold nearly eradicated because of their research. But it's pesky nature still produced issues with a full cure. But they were getting there. Cancer was close in many areas, some like brain cancer was a bit harder to understand and cure. You can't exactly transfer a person's brain and expect that person to be the same. Though some had their theories.

Flynn knew that there was much controversy in finding cures. The ethics of it, the morality of testing upon subjects of the human variety. But the good thing was, it only hurt what they actually knew about. Flynn had plans, many many plans.

But tonight was not a night about plans, it was about the money!

The conference room was decked out ballroom style. Round tables around the perimeter of the conference room covered in freshly pressed white table clothes, silver and gold candelabra's sitting on each table. Fine china and crystal goblets with real silverware sat at each place setting. It cost a pretty penny just to make that table reservation. And Flynn hoped that more would bring their attentions to spending more money the more the wine flowed and the music would thrum in the background. He hoped they would open their pockets wide.

Tonight's fine menu was catered by one of the most prestigious chef's in all of Moscow. Flynn didn't know what it exactly entailed, and he didn't really care, and neither did those in attendance. The name brought them in.

The music was a small string orchestra playing their beautiful music just under the noise level of the room. The center of the floor was left for dancing.

Flynn was not surprised to see many familiar faces, and probably a few unfamiliar ones as well. It was not uncommon for the rick and famous brats to show up and make themselves know and fancy functions like this. They wouldn't know a cure from a drug. But the presentation later on in the evening by some of his most finest researchers would hopefully provide some entertainment as well since they too would more than likely be only half way tipsy before their turn at the stage.

Flynn walked through the throng of money, greeting and chatting with those who stopped him, or those who were more than rich enough for him to stop and present himself to them. He knew those faces, he would smile and laugh and drink with their pleasant little selves until they gave him the money he needed. He was a businessman after all, and this was his business.

((NPCs and PCs welcome to pop in. I'll keep the thread open for few months so when you are free feel free to pop in))

VaiaPlus is once again in the news as their new state of the art research and medical facility have been completed. The underground bunker halted the project temporarily causing the city of Moscow much grief as the traffic was affected in the area as well as the protesters who would stand outside the old bunker and demand answers, demand the information be released.

VaiaPlus has released press announcements stating that all research was benign in nature and that if there were any pre-cold-war secrets to be held, they were not in the bunker that once lay under the newly built facility.

VaiaPlus will host a fundraiser/open house in the coming weeks to showcase some of their new facilities and the researching being done at the new site.

Just a friendly reminder to not let yourselves get drawn into more than 1 thread at once. Or at least try your best to avoid the situations - extenuating circumstances excluded of course. It really is best for everyone, even if its a hassle now and then.

Thanks!

-A

Calvin had wanted to give himself a treat. He wanted to go out for dinner, but so many restaruants served alcohol and he was by himself. After awhile, he decided to cook his own dinner, feeling a craving for a rare steak. He walked through the open air Izmailovsky Market looking for a butcher, but then thought he should get some fresh veggies while he was at it.

Last night had been an AA meeting and Calvin hadn't made it. That reminded him that he should call Lucas and let him know everything was okay. He had missed because he had been working on Chase's assignment and was so exhausted he fell asleep early.

Calvin leaned against a wall, took out his wallet, and dialed Lucas. "This is Lucas."


Calvin smiled. "Hi Lucas - it's Calvin calling. How are you?"


"Good. Just finishing up with work. What's up?"


"I wanted to call and check in because I missed the meeting last night. I've been working pretty hard this week and fell asleep early. Everything is fine. Still alcohol free."
That thought still made Calvin smile.

"Glad to hear it. You keeping up with your routine?"


"Yes, sir. Practice guitar every day. I started working out too. I had a couple of things I wanted to run by you too - if you have time."


Calvin had been thinking about a career change ever since he had started getting better and now was considering going to Police Academy. He got the idea from when he was the Wolfman - the difference would be that this time he'd be doing it the right way. He wanted to help protect people - but not injure others in the process. The problem was his record. He was looking to get it expunged.

Calvin waited for Lucas response. He could hear the smile in the man's face. "Good. Don't let up. I told you I'm going to be blunt with you. I'm glad you're sticking to it. You'll see it helps. So what's up?"


"I've been thinking about a career change - looking into entering into the Police Academy. I'd have to get my criminal record expunged and a letter from my sponsor might help with that. I'm not asking you for it now - I think I need to continue focusing on beating my addiction now, but for the future - I mean - I should wait right?"


"It's good to have goals like that. But you're being smart. You don't want to change your routine too much right now until it IS a routine. Where you don't feel right unless you've done it."
He heard a laugh. "I'll tell you what, you'll be busy. But that's a good thing. I'd be happy to help."


Calvin smiled and laughed. "Thanks - while on the topic of life-long decisions, I'm also thinking of getting a tattoo. I know that's kind of what you do. Would you be interested in meeting and maybe going over some ideas sometime?"


"Sure. I can help with that. No problem."


"Great."
Calvin paused for a moment. "Well I won't keep you any longer. I have food to buy and I'm sure you have things to do as well. It was good talking to you and have a good day.


"You too Calvin. You will see, the longer you go, the more proactive you are, the better you'll feel. You'll feel empowered."


"Thanks, man. Good night.


They hung up and Calvin decided to bring the career change up to Alex as well - she might have more to add on that. He would also need to get her recommendation on the expungement. He really thought that this was what he wanted to do, and hopefully could overcome the obstacles with that.

Calvin kept his Wallet in his hand and began walking again. There was a slight crowd in the market and Calvin bumped against some people. Calvin said apologies when needed and approached what appeared to be a vegetable market. He could start there and then get the steak later.

((With Lucas))


Edited by Calvin, Jan 23 2015, 07:27 PM.

Working with Aria had been interesting to say the least. She encouraged him to explore his talents. He knew it was multiple purposes considering her ultimate mission was to kill Ascendancy. A nearly impossible task, one which she didn't want to actually do but with the new way of things in the Atharim there might be no way out.

Today he spend the day alone in the warehouse. He'd been doing some designing of the work space, dojo was his work in progress name, he had thoughts and plans and ideas to go over with Aria. But today he was not working on that, he was playing. Playing with the power was dangerous, it could back fire, and he'd rather do it without prying eyes and those who could laugh at him when he failed. Nox hated to look like a failure.

Nox looked at the large open area that they'd designated training room. It was literally empty, one day he'd fill it with obstacles and other various things to test his skills and others like him, but right now, he was looking to extend his ability with things. To understand what worked with the new tying off technique and how to increase the duration he could use his power, which ultimately meant using it less. He grinned as he popped in his ear buds and the music thrummed in his ears. It was some catchy tune with a good beat, he used it when he needed to keep the momentum going. He had Aurora edit out the lyrics and replace the melody with just some other instrument. She found it all fun and interesting.

Nox knelt on the ground and surveyed his kingdom with a grin. He picked up a handful of gravel on the ground that they'd yet to sweep away. Nox rolled the gravel around in the palm of his hand contemplating his arrows weave, earth and fire. He had earth in his hand. Nox took one pebble of gravel in his between his forefinger and thumb and threw it like a baseball. It was small and had little weight to it, it didn't go far. But a weave wasn't heavy either, it was particularly insubstantial.

Nox wove a bed of air and dropped the gravel on it. It floated in mid-air, he smiled happily at the small little feat of power. Magic!

The modification to the original weave he used air instead of earth, and left the fire off just for now. The ball formed around the small earth pelts and Nox flung the weave at the pallet he'd used with Bas and Pytor here. It flew into and landed neatly into the wood like a bullet might. He'd have to figure out if it pierced Oni skin, but it was a neat trick none the less. He could unleash a few of these with one weave and if they were fast enough they'd hurt. What if they were sharp?

A new thought rattled around in his head.

Calvin got started on his assignment the next day. He had to admit he was feeling excited about it. Calvin hadn't felt this way in a long time. Chase had given him ten locations and the first was somewhere in the wilderness of Spain.

Calvin started off by running at a normal pace through the Moscow wilderness, feeling free from his struggles. He increased his pace - moving as fast as he had been taught he could. At this rate, it shouldn't take long for him to arrive in Spain.

He arrived in a forest and Calvin began to search. He needed to find an item - something permanent and he began to look for one. He walked through the forest, his wolf eyes scanning until he arrived in a clearing.

In the clearing stood a woman. Calvin recognized her, although he hadn't expected to see her here. Guilt swam into Calvin's mind and his clothes began to shift to what he wore the last time he saw her. A knife and a bottle of whiskey appeared unbidden into his hand.

NO! It wasn't my fault!
Calvin thought closing his eyes. He focused on Lucas. He wouldn't give into it now.

When Calvin opened his eyes, his clothes had returned to normal and the knife was gone. The bottle of whiskey had been replaced by his guitar. He willed it away and stepped forward to the woman. She had turned to face him, but he didn't know how much of the struggle she had witnessed.

"Hi."
Calvin said, not sure of what else to say yet.

Every gleaming society had its darknesses, and often, the brighter shone the elite, the deeper the colour of the shadows.

The Almaz was a club bolted into the Underground, but claimed exclusively by the favour of the obscenely rich. Cash or favour granted admittance - often both were required to get a foot through the door - but it did not hold the prestige of somewhere like Manifesto. It was not the sort of place one openly admitted to attending, nor a name that found its way into polite conversation or the sparkle of the tabloids. No paparazzi paved the way to its doors. On the contrary. Recording devices were prohibited within, and security took the rule seriously enough to break fingers and worse for transgression.

The clientèle was mixed; the golden elite getting their dark kicks alongside the cream of local gang life, though you might only tell by the absence or proliferation of tattoos amongst the formal dress-code. Big money was won and lost on the fights, that being the Almaz's bead and butter. Allies forged and shattered in its walls, deals soaked in loyalty of blood. Upside leather and velvet decorated a lavish bar area, filtering down into the pits below, where the real entertainment happened. Down there rings and cages separated the various fights, couched by plush ringside tables. This was not sportsmanship; it was brutality.

For now Ori lingered upstairs, by the bar, indulging in the hum of conversation beneath the drum of industrial style music. She was known here, but not a regular face; Luka came here too, albeit not as a customer, and it had sucked some of the lustre easily recovered elsewhere. Intention had pulled her here tonight, though. The promised heat of violence below stirred passion and ferocity in those around her, and it was whispered rumours of a particular fight tonight that had bent Ori's ear.

Some time earlier that afternoon she'd sent Giovanni a message to meet her at the club, though the details had been vague. She trusted he'd come running. In any case, he was her delay; his name was cleared at the door - supposing he wasn't foolish enough to try and spin an alias, though he would still be searched before the bouncers allowed him in. If he didn't show it changed nothing of her plans, but he would be missing a fuckload of fun.