(no subject)
**OOC Entry, since Jean's definitely without access to her computer right now. Jean makes a deal with Sabella. Herself for Xavier and a start on a cure for the toxin plaguing the Mansion. Also, an All Your Base quote buried within**
X-Men MUCK - Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 1:50 AM
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< NYC > The Sanctuary - Back Room < NYC >
A simple back room off of the main Sanctuary. With smoothly featureless walls of cream plaster and a floor of institutional grey carpet, the purpose of this place seems to be as a space for meetings, banquets, or any number of functions needing a private setting. Tables and chairs are folding and portable, kept stored in a smaller room off the back wall when not in use. A whiteboard adorns one rectangular wall, although markers and erasers are absent.
[Exits : [O]ut ]
Small, anonymous back rooms. New York City is full of them, used for everything from seances to mob meetings, bar mitzvahs to bondage club brew-ups. The back room of The Sanctuary looks much the same as any of these, set up with a single table centrally placed, with a chair at either end of it. Settled in the chair with the head-on view of the doorway, for whatever tactical or psychological advantage that might grant, Jean Grey sits and waits, an expression of absent focus (Not as much of an oxymoron as one might guess) on her face as she passes the waiting time with a little meditation.
Rachael projects, "<< Aunt Jean? I'm surprised to see you out here...esspecially so close to Sabella, anything going on? >>" to you.
Next to the door of the room stands Jean's "chapparone." He stands stationary and stoic, head down, arms crossed, frozen still like some sort of living statue. Behind the golden tinted sunglasses he wears gleams hints of icy blue. He doesn't have much to say at the moment, his head filling with every possibilty this encounter could have, and still missing a view- in short, he's nervous.
Things just can't go any better. Got her friends back, the attack went perfectly, and now she's got her powers back! Sometimes life is just too good. Sabella couldn't be happier as she makes her way near the door, loaded to the teeth with ammo. She's not a stupid woman, and certainly wouldn't come unarmed. Of course you couldn't tell, all of it disguised by pretty jewelry. And of course that ever handy bullwhip curls at her side. But the most useful piece of equipment she's brought with her has to be those soft, fuzzy cat ears that do wonders from keeping out those pesky telepaths. With a sway in her step, Bella comes into the room, leaning up against the doorframe, looking like the cat who ate the canary. "Well Jean darling. So glad you could make it." Rain is given a once over and a seductive wink. "Haven't seen you in awhile handsome, here to protect you're little doctor?" she clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Such a waist of talent."
You project, "<< Negotiations, Rachael. I'll have the Professor back shortly, if all goes according to plan. >> There's something... hidden... behind Jean's words, despite the positive and reassuring mental tone, before she attempts a gentle tease. << I might ask what -you're- doing out here past curfew, kiddo. >>" to Rachael.
Rachael frowns mentally. << You've trained me too well aunt Jean, you're hidding something you don't want me to know about. I'm about a 1/2 mile away aunt Jean, you're making me worry. >>
Jean matches the mental frown with a little bit of stubbornness, the psychic equivalent of a set jaw. << I -am- hiding something, Rache, but it's business. Don't worry, I've got this situation well in hand. Rain's with me for backup. >>" to Rachael
Rachael sends, << I don't care, I don't trust Sabella...whatever you're planning, she probably knows about it. >> She digs in the mental heels, also having the stubborn streak.
Jean's playing her purposes for being here exceedingly close to her chest, for the very good reason that gossip travels fast around Xavier's, and it's really hard to be a martyr for the Cause when everyone's offering to go in your place, y'know? But it was Jean and Sabella's game in the beginning, and by God it'll be Jean and Sabella's game in the end. As the bubble of mental nothingness that is Sabella's presence enters the room, Jean looks up, blinks once, and then nods slightly at the cat ears. "Mystery solved." she pronounces softly. "Although I must say they suited 'Jenny' a little better. Have a seat, and shall we cut to the chase?" Rain is ignored outwardly, letting him play the proper, invisible bodyguard.
Jean replies that << I don't trust her either... and I'm -counting- on her knowing what I'm planning, Rache. This is old business between her and I... it goes back several months, and I intend to finish it. >>" to Rachael
Rachael starts to struggle with instinct over what she knows she should do. << But...it'll be no different, we'll just have come and get you too. >>
Rain doesn't say a thing as Sabella passes him. He tries his best to ignore her completly, welcoming the new swell of nervousness that arises inside of him. He feels slightly more ease remembing what he's wearing. His battle uniform. Well, not really a uniform, just what he normally wears when he leaves to do "things" that require gunpowder. Speaking of which, he finds himself wondering for a second, what kind of weapons Sabella's planning to use tonight, and then he goes back to watching and waiting quietly..
Sabella lifts a hand to the cat ears, a mock pout dancing over her features. "You wound me Jean. I think they look much better on me." She chuckles and takes a seat in the other free chair, legs lifting and draping casually over the table. "Besides, doing her voice gives me the biggest migraine." The woman rubs her temples for the effect of her words, before leaning forward just a bit to give Jean a wide smile. "I love cutting to the chase. How about we start with what on earth you could possibly have to offer me, that I'd even /consider/ returning your precious Xavier. After all, he's quite powerful, and bending that kind of power to my will, through whatever means deemed necessary of course, if far too good a thing to be given up for something ridiculous."
Jean's logic is simple, calm, and surprisingly cool considering she's discussing herself. The product of sleepless nights, no doubt. << If worst comes to worst, I'm replaceable. The Professor is not. I'm also younger and in better shape to hold out for rescue if that becomes necessary. We cannot risk him being collateral damage in an up-front assault, Rachael. And in any case... >> There's a bit of a canine quality to the mental smile offered, all mixed in with a bit of otherworldly focus. << Sabella doesn't quite know what she's got, here with me. Something strange happened during the battle at the gates... I'm not quite sure what. But I'll tell you when I'm out of this. >>" to Rachael
Rachael grits her teeth mentally and wants to argue more but instead slumps, << Yes aunt Jean...you're right. Except about the replaceable part. No one, /ever/ can replace you in anyones eyes aunt Jean. >>
Jean smiles absently, a slightly unearthly quality to the expression as the woman sits with preturnatural stillness, letting Sabella say her peace. Jean is actually distracted by the telepathic 'What the -hell- are you -doing-'s of her niece, but... it looks nicely impressive. Dr. Grey learned to wear the telepath's mask from the best in the business, after all. "You're a fool, Sabella, if you think you've bent him to your will... but that's beside the point. What I offer is myself. Free and clear, I trade you myself, to go willingly as your prisoner in exchange for Charles Xavier and the cure to your cupcakes. Other options are available, but not ones I'd care to pursure." A pause, and the abstraction vanishes into a sharply focused gaze. "'Nor should you."
Rain's shocked, generally. Of course, he's trainned himself not to show emotion with the best of them. You should see him play poker! Jean, offering herself in exchange for the professor? already he's thinking about ways to get her out- but he says nothing. It's Jeans show. She's got the plan...
Jean offers a firm mental hug, with as much reassurance and love poured into it as she can fit. << Hold that thought, then, kiddo. And when Professor Xavier is back, you two can figure out what to do with me, huh? And... try and keep Logan from doing anything, uh, drastic? >> she asks, sounding half-sheepish and half-fond. << Sabella isn't Emma Frost. >>" to Rachael
Rachael looks confused as well as mentally sounds confused, << Emma...Frost? I don't understand. >> Of course, what she's not tellin her autn is now that she's hovering directly over the building and 'feeling' the presence of all the mutants inside...watching that way.
Now that's /exactly/ what she was hoping to hear. Wow, today really is her day after all. Though she offers a tiny distraction of a dismissive waves of her hand to the others as she gloats to herself silently. "I didn't say I already have bent him to my will, I meant I /would/. All it takes is time." Leaning back her chair, Sabella rests her hands over her stomach, fingers interlocking in an oddly 'Magnetoesque' gesture. "And I'd suggest not calling me a fool again. Insults really aren't the way to go in your position." Quirking her head slightly, Bella pretends to ponder before finally nodding, after what seems like a very long time. "I'll exchange you for him gladly, but I'm afraid the cure is out of the deal. After all, I'd have to /create/ a cure to be able to include it in the deal." Yeah, she really does have one, but they don't need to know that.
Jean lifts two fingers in a warding gesture, a little smile touching her lips as Sabella rises to the little bait she's played. Can we tell she's going to be an extremely irritating prisoner yet? "Ah, ah, check your hearing, I didn't call you a fool unless you choose to embrace the title." is corrected with an academic tone. "That aside, we're both scientists. Don't tell -me- you created a new toxin without creating the antidote. Xavier and the cure," she states again, more firmly, her own fingers steepled together in a somewhat Professor X-like gesture. Products of their mentors both, it seems.
Jean bubbles very brief amusement, before her mind settles back into the firmly businesslike frame of mind. << Logan broke down her door 'rescuing' me after the Essex episode. I don't quite think she'll forgive me. >>" to Rachael.
Rain listens quietly. He's got stuff to say of course. But actions speak louder then words. He wants to walk over there, and press one of his pistols to Sabella's head, and demand the cure- but that's on the "Bad" idea list too. No no..lets see where Jean's going with this.
Rachael briefly gives images of ripping the whole roof off, but quells them. << I'll...stay until the professor is safely outside. >>
Jean sounds a little dry, but there's another flash of amusement, dear to her at the moment, at the image. << Your restraint impresses me. Thanks, kiddo. >> is offered more quietly. << Now... I'm going to need my focus for this negotiation... >>" to Rachael
Rachael mentally speaks in muted tones, displeased but accepting. << Good luck aunt Jean. >>
Sabella lifts both eyebrows into the air and nods. "You always have me beat in a battle of wits." She offers in a very un-Sabella manor. But instead of saying anything further, the Succubus simply stands up slowly, her gaze intent on Jean's and quite serious. "You offered yourself in exchange for Xavier, I'm willing to accept that. But the cure is no-go. If you can't handle that, then come back to me when you're ready." Inclining her head in a dismissive manor she turns, looking like she's heading for the door. Yes, pushing a gun against her head, might be a very very bad idea.
Jean offers a simple parting before dropping off the psychic aether. << I love you, kiddo. >>" to Rachael
"This offer won't be made again, Sabella." Jean calls, fingers remaining steepled, and posture in general remaining completely unchanged. She may not have access to Sabella's mind, but she's betting on whether the other woman's noted taste for revenge will really let her pass this opportunity up. "The toxin has served it's purpose. Xavier has served his purpose. This is about you and me, and it always has been. I offer you a chance to finish it. Xavier and the cure. Or..." And here she tips her chin slightly. "I can be reasonable. Research notes or even a sample of the toxin itself will do. We're not without other scientists." Not the least of whom is Charles himself, even if he's not seen in the lab much any more.
Sabella purses her lips and turns to regard Jean for a moment, studying her. Tapping a blood red nail against her lips, Bella nods once more. "I think we can arrange for you to get a sample." She considers. And having Jean for her very own test dummy really is worth it. "Fine." She exclaims and points at Rain. "You'll be coming as well, but only to get Xavier, once you have him, you leave and you don't come back." She turns to Jean and grins, fangs glistening in the dim light. "You'll have to wear the ears" she informs the telepath and turns, striding out the doors. "Follow me."
Jean gets to her feet with a natural grace, head held unbowed and not hurrying her pace to suit that of Sabella's. Surrender, it seems, doesn't always mean yielding. But then again, Jean's seeing this all as a tactical maneuver anyways. A definitely-painful, possibly-lethal tactical maneuver, but hey, who's counting? "Better those than that kicky helmet... Does 'Dear Eric' know you've borrowed that, by the way?" is inquired, with a long pause to let Sabella figure out just how Jean knows that Xavier was forced into the thing. "But Rain takes the sample with him as well as Xavier. And lead away."
Rain follows along behind them swiftly. Not a word, arms still crossed. "And after I get the professor home safe and sound, Do I sit and wait, or come back and make my little fantasy of me putting a bullet into Sabella come true?" He mentally asks Jean. He isn't expecting an answer really, just a random thought that was directed towards the psychic. "I can you know...sneak in and out. It's what I do...Water can't be traced..." He psychicly whispers. He doesn't know if Jeans picking up any of it, so he goes about silently making his own plans..
Sabella chuckles softly and glances over her shoulder to Jean. "I'm sure he knows by now." Is quipped with a wide grin as she sashays out the door and out of the Sanctuary, ushering the two into a waiting limo. Jean may be her prisoner, but that doesn't mean she can't treat her with style. At some point during the trip the cat ears are switched to Jean's head, the little metal wires that make up the backing grafted onto Jean's head. This is after whatever mental comunications are made. Of course that also leaves Bella free to screw with Rain's mind if she really wanted to. But he's safe for now.
Sabella has left.
Rain has left.
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< NYC > Succubus Entertainments - The Whip and Chain
The basement area is amptly named the Whip and Chain. As you discover as you are luck(or in most cases) unlucky enough to make it here. Quite unlike the rest of the building, the light in this room is quite dim. No light fixtures of any sort, simply alight with candles. The soft glow eminating from them casts a dangerous shadow through the room. As you get a closer look, you realize this room is made up of nightmares. Across the back wall are an array of cages ranging from sized to fit a rat, to one so large it could fit alteast three people. The floor is made of hard wood for easy cleanup and there's a large stone slab that catches your eye. As you study it, you notice there are metal shackles in each corner. Upon further inspection you can see stains of deep red. Only a few feet away is a small cobinet with an assortment of whips, chains and other dangerous looking toys. Lining the bottom is a row of vials that remain unmarked. There's a single hanging cage and an array of posts and tethers to the walls. The final compliment to the room is the nine foot bar, filled to the brim with whatever your heart desires.
[Exits : [C]age [R]oom, [E]xperimentation [R]oom, [Lab]oratory, and [El]evator ]
[Players : Rain, Sabella, and Xavier ]
Sabella leads the two into her company, past the extensive guards. She inserts a key into the slot, and punches a few numbers into the keypad of the elevator, taking the group to the hidden level. "Come on it, make yourself at home Jean." She says and glances around. "Charles, it looks like you'll be going home a bit earlier than we had planned." She says and strides to one of the metal cabinets, glancing around inside it before pulling out a vial and tossing it towards Rain. "There's your sample."
Xavier steps... yes, steps out from around the corner of a padded slab. He's standing on his own two feet, his hands in his pockets as he smiles gravely, "Hello, Jean. I've been expecting you."
"I sincerely hope you had your interior decorator shot, after they finished this room." pronounces Jean as she's led unresisting from the elevator, letting the deadly-dry comment cover her horror at taking in some of the decor of the place, a clinical eye assessing the condition of any human occupants of the cages as she swallows hard, and then simply stands with her hands clasped before her in the center of the room, the psi-baffling cat ears looking more than a little ridiculous when mixed with Jean's usual sense style. "And thank you for keeping that part of the bargain. I will, of course, want proof that Professor Xavier's made it home, and hasn't been reassigned to a different cell as soon as he's out of my sight... sir!" It seems Jean's just turned and caught sight of her mentor. "You're... walking? But..." Clearly, this doesn't twig with visions of torture and general not-being-nice-ness which seem to be Sabella's favourite game to play. Still. "That's wonderful."
Rain walks in quietly. Eyes searching about the room. He takes everything into memory instantly, studing ways to use diffrent things around in the need arises. However, he'll try not to, even if the need does araise. Whips in the corner, chains on the table, and My GOD what is THAT thing?! Rain doesn't want to think about it. He raises an arm silently to catch the vial throw at him. The littel clear tube twisting and turning in the air, before it slowlys down to Slow motion, just before he catches it. He frowns slightly, looking at it, then slips it into a hidden pocket within his vest. He stares at the professor for a few seconds, then remains quietly, waiting for more instructions from Sabella. Humph.
Sabella walks over towards the stone slab that will soon be occupied by one Jean Grey. She works to remove the pillows that were there before to make Xavier comfortable. Jean gets no such niceties. Sabella can certainly hold a grudge if she chooses to. A soft chuckle escapes her at Jean's confusion over the healed legs. Always keep them guessing. She hops up onto the slab and sits there. "Rain, be a darling and take the good professor home now. If I see you back here again, I will kill you." She informs him in no uncertain terms. "Charles. It was a pleasure, and make sure to see a physical therapist regularly about your legs." Her head slowly turns to Jean, that eerie smile creeping back onto her face.
Xavier takes a few steps forward, nodding to Sabella, "Ms. Miller and I came to... an accomodation of sorts. I am surprised you're here without guns blazing..." he takes a closer look both with his eyes and his mind, "And with those dampeners..." He frowns slightly and looks at Sabella sharply, "What is the meaning of this?"
Jean ignores Sabella completely for the moment, quite possibly with the idea in mind of irking her that little bit more, although she no doubt notes the modifications to the slab being made for her benefit. Does she award herself a prize if she can goad her nemesis into some really high-quality torture? Of course, Jean's got a few tricks up her sleeve, (or under her sleeves), that she's not mentioned to anyone. Although Rain might recall the surreal incident in the kitchen last night. "The risks of a traditional assault were too high, sir. And with Scott affected by the toxin that -she-" a jerk of her head towards the waiting succubus "Cooked up, his tactical judgement was suspect in my opinion, so we couldn't safely risk the team." Translation: Jean didn't ask him. "I negotiated a hostage swap instead. They should have the front gates repaired by the time you're home... and you can walk through them now."
Rain crosses his arms glancing at the professor. The dude is WALKING!!. He's defenintly getting questioned when they get outside. Second he gets a chance. Yup yup. No doubt. He shifts his hips slightly, feels the reassuring bulge of his firearms, and turns towards the door. Not another word. But he'll be back as soon as possible...without getting killed hopefuly.
Sabella knows Rain's armed, after all she could smell the gunpowder and oil from yards away. But guns don't frighten her, and neither does the prospect of Rain returning, after all, she has plenty of chemicals that react when combined with water. She watches jean and Xavier for a moment before growing bored. "Charles, Rain, out now please. I have things I have to do." She reaches over to Jean and gestures for the woman to take a seat on the slab. "Don't you worry Charles darling, I'll return her when I'm done. Alive." And that's all she has to say about that it seems.
Xavier nods at Jean's reply, "I understand." He pauses, giving a meaningful, yet vague glance at Sabella... then another one in Jean's direction, as though trying to communicate something to her, despite the psi-dampeners. He says clearly and distinctly. "Everything will be fine." With that, he turns on his heel and strides away.
Jean could assume that Sabella's done what she's claimed to, and swayed Charles to her side, but... there's something in the man's expression. Green eyes narrowing thoughtfully, she nods once, slowly, to her mentor before brushing her hand against his and walking over to face her destiny. (For great justice!!!) Or some such melodrama. "I'm sure it will... Feed my cell cultures for me?" Lacking appropriate dramatic chords in the background, the redheaired amazon inclines her head gracefully to the petite succubus, crosses the floor as Xavier and Rain leave, and settles herself on the edge of the slab, head tilted to one side. "Well, I'm afraid my manners lessons never properly covered dungeon etiquette..."
X-Men MUCK - Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 1:50 AM
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< NYC > The Sanctuary - Back Room < NYC >
A simple back room off of the main Sanctuary. With smoothly featureless walls of cream plaster and a floor of institutional grey carpet, the purpose of this place seems to be as a space for meetings, banquets, or any number of functions needing a private setting. Tables and chairs are folding and portable, kept stored in a smaller room off the back wall when not in use. A whiteboard adorns one rectangular wall, although markers and erasers are absent.
[Exits : [O]ut ]
Small, anonymous back rooms. New York City is full of them, used for everything from seances to mob meetings, bar mitzvahs to bondage club brew-ups. The back room of The Sanctuary looks much the same as any of these, set up with a single table centrally placed, with a chair at either end of it. Settled in the chair with the head-on view of the doorway, for whatever tactical or psychological advantage that might grant, Jean Grey sits and waits, an expression of absent focus (Not as much of an oxymoron as one might guess) on her face as she passes the waiting time with a little meditation.
Rachael projects, "<< Aunt Jean? I'm surprised to see you out here...esspecially so close to Sabella, anything going on? >>" to you.
Next to the door of the room stands Jean's "chapparone." He stands stationary and stoic, head down, arms crossed, frozen still like some sort of living statue. Behind the golden tinted sunglasses he wears gleams hints of icy blue. He doesn't have much to say at the moment, his head filling with every possibilty this encounter could have, and still missing a view- in short, he's nervous.
Things just can't go any better. Got her friends back, the attack went perfectly, and now she's got her powers back! Sometimes life is just too good. Sabella couldn't be happier as she makes her way near the door, loaded to the teeth with ammo. She's not a stupid woman, and certainly wouldn't come unarmed. Of course you couldn't tell, all of it disguised by pretty jewelry. And of course that ever handy bullwhip curls at her side. But the most useful piece of equipment she's brought with her has to be those soft, fuzzy cat ears that do wonders from keeping out those pesky telepaths. With a sway in her step, Bella comes into the room, leaning up against the doorframe, looking like the cat who ate the canary. "Well Jean darling. So glad you could make it." Rain is given a once over and a seductive wink. "Haven't seen you in awhile handsome, here to protect you're little doctor?" she clicks her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Such a waist of talent."
You project, "<< Negotiations, Rachael. I'll have the Professor back shortly, if all goes according to plan. >> There's something... hidden... behind Jean's words, despite the positive and reassuring mental tone, before she attempts a gentle tease. << I might ask what -you're- doing out here past curfew, kiddo. >>" to Rachael.
Rachael frowns mentally. << You've trained me too well aunt Jean, you're hidding something you don't want me to know about. I'm about a 1/2 mile away aunt Jean, you're making me worry. >>
Jean matches the mental frown with a little bit of stubbornness, the psychic equivalent of a set jaw. << I -am- hiding something, Rache, but it's business. Don't worry, I've got this situation well in hand. Rain's with me for backup. >>" to Rachael
Rachael sends, << I don't care, I don't trust Sabella...whatever you're planning, she probably knows about it. >> She digs in the mental heels, also having the stubborn streak.
Jean's playing her purposes for being here exceedingly close to her chest, for the very good reason that gossip travels fast around Xavier's, and it's really hard to be a martyr for the Cause when everyone's offering to go in your place, y'know? But it was Jean and Sabella's game in the beginning, and by God it'll be Jean and Sabella's game in the end. As the bubble of mental nothingness that is Sabella's presence enters the room, Jean looks up, blinks once, and then nods slightly at the cat ears. "Mystery solved." she pronounces softly. "Although I must say they suited 'Jenny' a little better. Have a seat, and shall we cut to the chase?" Rain is ignored outwardly, letting him play the proper, invisible bodyguard.
Jean replies that << I don't trust her either... and I'm -counting- on her knowing what I'm planning, Rache. This is old business between her and I... it goes back several months, and I intend to finish it. >>" to Rachael
Rachael starts to struggle with instinct over what she knows she should do. << But...it'll be no different, we'll just have come and get you too. >>
Rain doesn't say a thing as Sabella passes him. He tries his best to ignore her completly, welcoming the new swell of nervousness that arises inside of him. He feels slightly more ease remembing what he's wearing. His battle uniform. Well, not really a uniform, just what he normally wears when he leaves to do "things" that require gunpowder. Speaking of which, he finds himself wondering for a second, what kind of weapons Sabella's planning to use tonight, and then he goes back to watching and waiting quietly..
Sabella lifts a hand to the cat ears, a mock pout dancing over her features. "You wound me Jean. I think they look much better on me." She chuckles and takes a seat in the other free chair, legs lifting and draping casually over the table. "Besides, doing her voice gives me the biggest migraine." The woman rubs her temples for the effect of her words, before leaning forward just a bit to give Jean a wide smile. "I love cutting to the chase. How about we start with what on earth you could possibly have to offer me, that I'd even /consider/ returning your precious Xavier. After all, he's quite powerful, and bending that kind of power to my will, through whatever means deemed necessary of course, if far too good a thing to be given up for something ridiculous."
Jean's logic is simple, calm, and surprisingly cool considering she's discussing herself. The product of sleepless nights, no doubt. << If worst comes to worst, I'm replaceable. The Professor is not. I'm also younger and in better shape to hold out for rescue if that becomes necessary. We cannot risk him being collateral damage in an up-front assault, Rachael. And in any case... >> There's a bit of a canine quality to the mental smile offered, all mixed in with a bit of otherworldly focus. << Sabella doesn't quite know what she's got, here with me. Something strange happened during the battle at the gates... I'm not quite sure what. But I'll tell you when I'm out of this. >>" to Rachael
Rachael grits her teeth mentally and wants to argue more but instead slumps, << Yes aunt Jean...you're right. Except about the replaceable part. No one, /ever/ can replace you in anyones eyes aunt Jean. >>
Jean smiles absently, a slightly unearthly quality to the expression as the woman sits with preturnatural stillness, letting Sabella say her peace. Jean is actually distracted by the telepathic 'What the -hell- are you -doing-'s of her niece, but... it looks nicely impressive. Dr. Grey learned to wear the telepath's mask from the best in the business, after all. "You're a fool, Sabella, if you think you've bent him to your will... but that's beside the point. What I offer is myself. Free and clear, I trade you myself, to go willingly as your prisoner in exchange for Charles Xavier and the cure to your cupcakes. Other options are available, but not ones I'd care to pursure." A pause, and the abstraction vanishes into a sharply focused gaze. "'Nor should you."
Rain's shocked, generally. Of course, he's trainned himself not to show emotion with the best of them. You should see him play poker! Jean, offering herself in exchange for the professor? already he's thinking about ways to get her out- but he says nothing. It's Jeans show. She's got the plan...
Jean offers a firm mental hug, with as much reassurance and love poured into it as she can fit. << Hold that thought, then, kiddo. And when Professor Xavier is back, you two can figure out what to do with me, huh? And... try and keep Logan from doing anything, uh, drastic? >> she asks, sounding half-sheepish and half-fond. << Sabella isn't Emma Frost. >>" to Rachael
Rachael looks confused as well as mentally sounds confused, << Emma...Frost? I don't understand. >> Of course, what she's not tellin her autn is now that she's hovering directly over the building and 'feeling' the presence of all the mutants inside...watching that way.
Now that's /exactly/ what she was hoping to hear. Wow, today really is her day after all. Though she offers a tiny distraction of a dismissive waves of her hand to the others as she gloats to herself silently. "I didn't say I already have bent him to my will, I meant I /would/. All it takes is time." Leaning back her chair, Sabella rests her hands over her stomach, fingers interlocking in an oddly 'Magnetoesque' gesture. "And I'd suggest not calling me a fool again. Insults really aren't the way to go in your position." Quirking her head slightly, Bella pretends to ponder before finally nodding, after what seems like a very long time. "I'll exchange you for him gladly, but I'm afraid the cure is out of the deal. After all, I'd have to /create/ a cure to be able to include it in the deal." Yeah, she really does have one, but they don't need to know that.
Jean lifts two fingers in a warding gesture, a little smile touching her lips as Sabella rises to the little bait she's played. Can we tell she's going to be an extremely irritating prisoner yet? "Ah, ah, check your hearing, I didn't call you a fool unless you choose to embrace the title." is corrected with an academic tone. "That aside, we're both scientists. Don't tell -me- you created a new toxin without creating the antidote. Xavier and the cure," she states again, more firmly, her own fingers steepled together in a somewhat Professor X-like gesture. Products of their mentors both, it seems.
Jean bubbles very brief amusement, before her mind settles back into the firmly businesslike frame of mind. << Logan broke down her door 'rescuing' me after the Essex episode. I don't quite think she'll forgive me. >>" to Rachael.
Rain listens quietly. He's got stuff to say of course. But actions speak louder then words. He wants to walk over there, and press one of his pistols to Sabella's head, and demand the cure- but that's on the "Bad" idea list too. No no..lets see where Jean's going with this.
Rachael briefly gives images of ripping the whole roof off, but quells them. << I'll...stay until the professor is safely outside. >>
Jean sounds a little dry, but there's another flash of amusement, dear to her at the moment, at the image. << Your restraint impresses me. Thanks, kiddo. >> is offered more quietly. << Now... I'm going to need my focus for this negotiation... >>" to Rachael
Rachael mentally speaks in muted tones, displeased but accepting. << Good luck aunt Jean. >>
Sabella lifts both eyebrows into the air and nods. "You always have me beat in a battle of wits." She offers in a very un-Sabella manor. But instead of saying anything further, the Succubus simply stands up slowly, her gaze intent on Jean's and quite serious. "You offered yourself in exchange for Xavier, I'm willing to accept that. But the cure is no-go. If you can't handle that, then come back to me when you're ready." Inclining her head in a dismissive manor she turns, looking like she's heading for the door. Yes, pushing a gun against her head, might be a very very bad idea.
Jean offers a simple parting before dropping off the psychic aether. << I love you, kiddo. >>" to Rachael
"This offer won't be made again, Sabella." Jean calls, fingers remaining steepled, and posture in general remaining completely unchanged. She may not have access to Sabella's mind, but she's betting on whether the other woman's noted taste for revenge will really let her pass this opportunity up. "The toxin has served it's purpose. Xavier has served his purpose. This is about you and me, and it always has been. I offer you a chance to finish it. Xavier and the cure. Or..." And here she tips her chin slightly. "I can be reasonable. Research notes or even a sample of the toxin itself will do. We're not without other scientists." Not the least of whom is Charles himself, even if he's not seen in the lab much any more.
Sabella purses her lips and turns to regard Jean for a moment, studying her. Tapping a blood red nail against her lips, Bella nods once more. "I think we can arrange for you to get a sample." She considers. And having Jean for her very own test dummy really is worth it. "Fine." She exclaims and points at Rain. "You'll be coming as well, but only to get Xavier, once you have him, you leave and you don't come back." She turns to Jean and grins, fangs glistening in the dim light. "You'll have to wear the ears" she informs the telepath and turns, striding out the doors. "Follow me."
Jean gets to her feet with a natural grace, head held unbowed and not hurrying her pace to suit that of Sabella's. Surrender, it seems, doesn't always mean yielding. But then again, Jean's seeing this all as a tactical maneuver anyways. A definitely-painful, possibly-lethal tactical maneuver, but hey, who's counting? "Better those than that kicky helmet... Does 'Dear Eric' know you've borrowed that, by the way?" is inquired, with a long pause to let Sabella figure out just how Jean knows that Xavier was forced into the thing. "But Rain takes the sample with him as well as Xavier. And lead away."
Rain follows along behind them swiftly. Not a word, arms still crossed. "And after I get the professor home safe and sound, Do I sit and wait, or come back and make my little fantasy of me putting a bullet into Sabella come true?" He mentally asks Jean. He isn't expecting an answer really, just a random thought that was directed towards the psychic. "I can you know...sneak in and out. It's what I do...Water can't be traced..." He psychicly whispers. He doesn't know if Jeans picking up any of it, so he goes about silently making his own plans..
Sabella chuckles softly and glances over her shoulder to Jean. "I'm sure he knows by now." Is quipped with a wide grin as she sashays out the door and out of the Sanctuary, ushering the two into a waiting limo. Jean may be her prisoner, but that doesn't mean she can't treat her with style. At some point during the trip the cat ears are switched to Jean's head, the little metal wires that make up the backing grafted onto Jean's head. This is after whatever mental comunications are made. Of course that also leaves Bella free to screw with Rain's mind if she really wanted to. But he's safe for now.
Sabella has left.
Rain has left.
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< NYC > Succubus Entertainments - The Whip and Chain
The basement area is amptly named the Whip and Chain. As you discover as you are luck(or in most cases) unlucky enough to make it here. Quite unlike the rest of the building, the light in this room is quite dim. No light fixtures of any sort, simply alight with candles. The soft glow eminating from them casts a dangerous shadow through the room. As you get a closer look, you realize this room is made up of nightmares. Across the back wall are an array of cages ranging from sized to fit a rat, to one so large it could fit alteast three people. The floor is made of hard wood for easy cleanup and there's a large stone slab that catches your eye. As you study it, you notice there are metal shackles in each corner. Upon further inspection you can see stains of deep red. Only a few feet away is a small cobinet with an assortment of whips, chains and other dangerous looking toys. Lining the bottom is a row of vials that remain unmarked. There's a single hanging cage and an array of posts and tethers to the walls. The final compliment to the room is the nine foot bar, filled to the brim with whatever your heart desires.
[Exits : [C]age [R]oom, [E]xperimentation [R]oom, [Lab]oratory, and [El]evator ]
[Players : Rain, Sabella, and Xavier ]
Sabella leads the two into her company, past the extensive guards. She inserts a key into the slot, and punches a few numbers into the keypad of the elevator, taking the group to the hidden level. "Come on it, make yourself at home Jean." She says and glances around. "Charles, it looks like you'll be going home a bit earlier than we had planned." She says and strides to one of the metal cabinets, glancing around inside it before pulling out a vial and tossing it towards Rain. "There's your sample."
Xavier steps... yes, steps out from around the corner of a padded slab. He's standing on his own two feet, his hands in his pockets as he smiles gravely, "Hello, Jean. I've been expecting you."
"I sincerely hope you had your interior decorator shot, after they finished this room." pronounces Jean as she's led unresisting from the elevator, letting the deadly-dry comment cover her horror at taking in some of the decor of the place, a clinical eye assessing the condition of any human occupants of the cages as she swallows hard, and then simply stands with her hands clasped before her in the center of the room, the psi-baffling cat ears looking more than a little ridiculous when mixed with Jean's usual sense style. "And thank you for keeping that part of the bargain. I will, of course, want proof that Professor Xavier's made it home, and hasn't been reassigned to a different cell as soon as he's out of my sight... sir!" It seems Jean's just turned and caught sight of her mentor. "You're... walking? But..." Clearly, this doesn't twig with visions of torture and general not-being-nice-ness which seem to be Sabella's favourite game to play. Still. "That's wonderful."
Rain walks in quietly. Eyes searching about the room. He takes everything into memory instantly, studing ways to use diffrent things around in the need arises. However, he'll try not to, even if the need does araise. Whips in the corner, chains on the table, and My GOD what is THAT thing?! Rain doesn't want to think about it. He raises an arm silently to catch the vial throw at him. The littel clear tube twisting and turning in the air, before it slowlys down to Slow motion, just before he catches it. He frowns slightly, looking at it, then slips it into a hidden pocket within his vest. He stares at the professor for a few seconds, then remains quietly, waiting for more instructions from Sabella. Humph.
Sabella walks over towards the stone slab that will soon be occupied by one Jean Grey. She works to remove the pillows that were there before to make Xavier comfortable. Jean gets no such niceties. Sabella can certainly hold a grudge if she chooses to. A soft chuckle escapes her at Jean's confusion over the healed legs. Always keep them guessing. She hops up onto the slab and sits there. "Rain, be a darling and take the good professor home now. If I see you back here again, I will kill you." She informs him in no uncertain terms. "Charles. It was a pleasure, and make sure to see a physical therapist regularly about your legs." Her head slowly turns to Jean, that eerie smile creeping back onto her face.
Xavier takes a few steps forward, nodding to Sabella, "Ms. Miller and I came to... an accomodation of sorts. I am surprised you're here without guns blazing..." he takes a closer look both with his eyes and his mind, "And with those dampeners..." He frowns slightly and looks at Sabella sharply, "What is the meaning of this?"
Jean ignores Sabella completely for the moment, quite possibly with the idea in mind of irking her that little bit more, although she no doubt notes the modifications to the slab being made for her benefit. Does she award herself a prize if she can goad her nemesis into some really high-quality torture? Of course, Jean's got a few tricks up her sleeve, (or under her sleeves), that she's not mentioned to anyone. Although Rain might recall the surreal incident in the kitchen last night. "The risks of a traditional assault were too high, sir. And with Scott affected by the toxin that -she-" a jerk of her head towards the waiting succubus "Cooked up, his tactical judgement was suspect in my opinion, so we couldn't safely risk the team." Translation: Jean didn't ask him. "I negotiated a hostage swap instead. They should have the front gates repaired by the time you're home... and you can walk through them now."
Rain crosses his arms glancing at the professor. The dude is WALKING!!. He's defenintly getting questioned when they get outside. Second he gets a chance. Yup yup. No doubt. He shifts his hips slightly, feels the reassuring bulge of his firearms, and turns towards the door. Not another word. But he'll be back as soon as possible...without getting killed hopefuly.
Sabella knows Rain's armed, after all she could smell the gunpowder and oil from yards away. But guns don't frighten her, and neither does the prospect of Rain returning, after all, she has plenty of chemicals that react when combined with water. She watches jean and Xavier for a moment before growing bored. "Charles, Rain, out now please. I have things I have to do." She reaches over to Jean and gestures for the woman to take a seat on the slab. "Don't you worry Charles darling, I'll return her when I'm done. Alive." And that's all she has to say about that it seems.
Xavier nods at Jean's reply, "I understand." He pauses, giving a meaningful, yet vague glance at Sabella... then another one in Jean's direction, as though trying to communicate something to her, despite the psi-dampeners. He says clearly and distinctly. "Everything will be fine." With that, he turns on his heel and strides away.
Jean could assume that Sabella's done what she's claimed to, and swayed Charles to her side, but... there's something in the man's expression. Green eyes narrowing thoughtfully, she nods once, slowly, to her mentor before brushing her hand against his and walking over to face her destiny. (For great justice!!!) Or some such melodrama. "I'm sure it will... Feed my cell cultures for me?" Lacking appropriate dramatic chords in the background, the redheaired amazon inclines her head gracefully to the petite succubus, crosses the floor as Xavier and Rain leave, and settles herself on the edge of the slab, head tilted to one side. "Well, I'm afraid my manners lessons never properly covered dungeon etiquette..."