11420/Hellfire Club Inner Circle - May 2022 Meeting

Hellfire Club Inner Circle - May 2022 Meeting
Date of Scene:	01 June 2022
Location:	The Inner Sanctum - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Susan Richards is introduced as the White Queen, to indifference, interest, and infuriation.
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost, Tessa, Thomas Blake, Wade Wilson, Wilson Fisk, Susan Richards

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
It is a night of celebration of the cause - the monthly full court meeting of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle. Those who were members, and even some prospective members, had gathered in the council chambers to bear witness to the discussion of new business and old, mingle, pose threats to each other, and generally engage in the business of being seen among the truly elite of the Hellfire Club.

Presiding over all of this was Sebastian Shaw, owner of the club itself (on both paper and in reality) and its Black King. He sits upon his thrown in the traditional garb of the club - a Victorian era purple waistcoat, complete with lace coming from the neck and sleeves, watching as the various members begin to file in. He is a patient man, and ensured that he was the first to arrive. A glance is spared towards the seat opposite him - the White Throne, as usual unoccupied. The White King has more pressing matters, running the United States as its President. He could be given a pass for skipping this meeting.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost is here as a former member. Whether it's being done out of a sense of inclusion or Shaw wanting to make a point to her and play a game.. Well, Emma Frost is there. The woman's not wearing hte regalia of the former White Queen. Instead Emma Grace Frost is wearing a head to toe business suit the likes of which is more suited to a corporate board meeting and costs more than many penthouses in the city. She's quiet and waiting. Just to see over what sort of agenda Shaw has and to file the important bits away to make sense of later and see if she can play them to her advantage.

Tessa has posed:
Shaw need not wait for Tessa, because of course Tessa is already here. The dark-haired woman is likewise wearing traditional Hellfire Club garb, though in her case the Victorian fineries are much more revealing. Or they would be, anyway, if she wasn't wearing a majestic purple cloak over it all. Tessa stands behind and to the right of Sebastian's chair, always ready to serve.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake strolls in almost on time. He wears his 19th century hunter's garb, which is actually pretty darn comfortable. Drink in hand, he takes a seat at the far end of the room from Sebastian. He assumes that the higher ups sit close but more to the point, he seeks a point to watch. As usual he has little idea what his purpose is yet.

Wade Wilson has posed:
    Deadpool, of all people, is in attendance. If he's here on purpose or just happened to stroll into the place is anyone's guess. Really you're only really going to need one, after all this place is -very- well guarded. Breaking in would be a hassle even the Merc with a Mouth wouldn't want to waste his time on. He's in... his normal suit, mask and all. Not exactly striking material given the regalia (or just simple attire) of the others, but he isn't sure were he fits in the grand scheme of things and negotiations would need to be made to decide on his future attire for the group as a whole.

    Does he have any weapons on him, certainly, but the most notable ones are in absence. The twin sheathes on his back for his swords (usually katanas, but he's been known for a ninjato on occasion too) are empty. Likewise the twin holsters at his hips. No big guns today, at least none that can be openly seen. His pouches don't exacly bulge in Liefield glory but they're also no flaccid either. He's got some goodies on hand, though it's unlikely that they're of the explosive variety. Even so it would be unwise to think that the Chatterbox of Insanity is unarmed. After all, it's Deadpool, when can he ever be trusted to follow the rules.

Wilson Fisk has posed:
It is an unusual position for Wilson Fisk to not be the biggest man in the room figuratively as well as literally, but this is one place where, for the moment, it is true. His gaze occasionally drifts up to the Black King sitting above them, and just as occasionally to the unoccupied match across from him. Is he content to remain the Rook to an absentee King? Those that know him could tell from his face that he is not exactly content with his predicament. But nonetheless, the Kingpin of Crime remains perched in his duly earned spot, hand resting upon the diamond topped cane that he carries with him everywhere.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The crowd has gathered, and while there may be many ranks not filled in, the Black King is there, and perhaps that is all that is needed. With a nod, the attendants close the door, and the proceedings are sealed to only those in attendance. Members of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, the Council of Cardinals.

"Welcome, everyone. I am pleased that you all could make it this evening." Sebastian Shaw looks around for a moment at the members of the club, and nods appreciatively.

"As you know, it has been my ardent desire to see our organization rise once again to the level of prominence that it once had. I have been looking, over the past few months, to fill in gaps in our ranks. We have restocked considerably in new members," a glance is spared towards Thomas Blake and Wade Wilson. "And we have seen the ascent of some members to greater prominence. Tonight, we shall bear witness to the dawning of a new age of the Hellfire Club."

Shaw leans forward in his seat. "I had been charged by our White King, who as we all know has far greater matters to attend to than courtly politics, to find him a Queen worthy of the title, one who could help usher us into new heights. It was a charge that I did not take lightly, given not only his status and the fact that his White Queen would have to rule their side alone, if fortunes favor us for the duration of this and then another term." A chuckle. "I spoke with many as I thought about what we needed, and I determined that we need look outside of our conventional board when seeking such leadership. And I believe that I have found just the right individual to join our ranks."

Shaw pauses to allow no doubt some murmurs among the crowd. "So it is my pleasure to be introducing your new White Queen tonight. She comes with the endorsement of the White King, the Black Queen, and a number of other members of our order. She needs little introduction, however, as she is one of the most famous women in the world." Another pause. Shaw drags out the drama. "There are many areas here we wish, as an organization, to have greater influence, but none perhaps more instrumental now to our potential growth than space. And so, my friends, I have drawn to us a woman who can deliver that to us, along with so very much more - wisdom, maturity, knowledge of how those whose interests may seem counter to ours. Those who possess power but are unwilling to wield it."

Shaw looks over the gathered group. "It is with a great deal of honor and pleasure that I introduce to the Hellfire Club its new White Queen - the Invisible Woman herself, Susan Richards."

Susan Richards has posed:
Susan Richards had a difficult choice to make in how to make her grand entrance, of course. Perhaps she'd considered fireworks... but that was surely too gauche. And a fire hazard, and heralding one's ascension to her position with a potential need to exert influence upon the fire marshal seemed needlessly ostentatious.

And so she went with something a little more difficult for anyone but her to pull off. There's no grand procession through the doors, they don't even swing open from an invisible force.

No, Susan Richards is simply /there/. Perched in the throne of the White Queen like she'd been there the entire time. Given the partly empty glass cradled in her right hand, she surely has been. And while she's certainly known for being seen in figure-clinging bodysuits, that classic shade of blue and 4 symbol have been replaced by sheer, gleaming white with some rather... daring cuts to the fabric to reveal just how hard she works to maintain a figure that can pull off those suits.

Her lips are quirked in an almost sardonic little grin, bright blue eyes giving a roll as she murmurs out dryly, "Well, I suppose I owe Mr. Shaw some thanks. I imagine having the White King introduce me would be more... traditional. But I suppose his other duties are understandably somewhat more... pressing."

Emma Frost has posed:
Oh now -this- is interesting. Emma Frost goes to give events her full attention and perspective. The former White Queen of the Club goes to smirk lightly, not that it is quite noticable on the 'charged by' implication. Even Shaw had to admit that there were those whom outclassed him. And for the President to think such a thing as this quite possibly beneath him. So trivial.
    So as Shaw goes on about 'find a new Queen' Emma gives it her full attention. Selene's not made an appearance or at least done anything particularly spiteful this evening to mak eher stand out. So Emma goes to just consider. Who comes out.. This, this definitely catches Emma by surprise.
    Such things are visible for a few intakes of breath before Emma goes to join the sensation of polite, fascinated interest, being sure to match her responses tot he rest of the people about the room. And hte outfit.. Well, it's not a Van Dyne original but it will do. She has to allow it that as she goes to join in the spectacle of reactions.

Wilson Fisk has posed:
There is an audible *crack* that comes from the vicinity of the White Rook. The Kingpin is holding a diamond, and a span of wood beneath it, but half of it falls to the grand with a slight clatter. His body has not moved, not noticeably, of course - just some downward pressure from his large hand upon the wood of that cane. His face seems placid, and if not for the slight flare of his nostrils he might be mistaken for one simply out to dinner with some friends. His eyes are fixed upon Sebastian Shaw across the room, and he does not as yet turn his head to regard his new White Queen. But aside from the sound of half of his cane clattering on the marble floor, he says nothing.

Tessa has posed:
Tessa's expression remains neutral. She doesn't bat an eyelash at the sudden reveal of Mrs. Richards; then again, it would make all the sense in the world for Sebastian Shaw's right hand to have been looped in on what was to come. She surveys the room from her standing spot, watching the reactions and responses.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake doesn't react, unless you're the sort to note pupil dilation. He is a card player after all. He takes another sip of his drink. Wilson Fisk is spared a glance. Waste of a perfectly good cane, Tom thinks. Yeah this place is a puzzle he's still figuring out. It doesn't seem a good fit for the Invisible Woman.

Wade Wilson has posed:
    "Oh, this is just lovely! Bravo! Bravo!" Deadpool says as the Fantastic woman herself makes an entrance he can appreciate. He claps and his voice drops. If anyone is near him they can hear his address to the audience that resides in his head (or behind the computer screen as he so often has aluded to).

    "See friends, this is how you make your presence known. Disregard for moral authority and placement above those who do not like you." His attention is directed to Wilson Fisk and it's as if a camera focuses on the man's demanor silent and stoic in his displeasure. "I know Kingpin over there doesn't like to play bottom but now he almost -has- to and to Mistress Sue Richards of all people. I know you're all as giddy as me at this turn. Let's see what comes next."

    His piece to his loyal viewership said, he does just that, turns back to see the further precedings of his inaugural meeting. Will he have to make a statement upon introduction as well? He sure hopes so.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"I am sure that some of you may be curious as to my login in this determination," offers Sebastian, his gaze drifting over Rookward. "But rest assured, there have been multiple conversations with Ms. Richards prior to her joining our esteeemed council, and I determined based around her unique contributions and well established reputation that she would be the perfect person to sit beside our White King." A pause. "She has been a leader since before many of you knew how to manifest your abilities and influences." He turns his gaze towards Susan.

"Please, take a brief moment and tell the rest of our Council how it is that you shall serve space to us on a silver and White platter."

Wilson Fisk has posed:
NOW Wilson Fisk turns his head, slowly and ponderously, towards the Invisible Woman. It is not comfortable for him - looking up and to the back. Despite his best intentions, he simply cannot do so without having to leave his seat, standing and turning his body fully to look up at her.

His back to the rest of the court save for his own ranks, his face is free to display to the White Queen herself the fury which threatens to overtake him. A narrowing of his eye and a clenching of his jaw as he seems barely restrained. And yet he remains silent, as he must, by the Black King's decree. Eager to hear how it is that a hero found herself above him in station.

Emma Frost has posed:
And now up to things Emma Frost turns her attention as Shaw continutes to pontificate. Oh yes, this will be interesting. And Mrs. Richards likely hasn't the slightest idea of what she's in for. This is all quite useful to Emma Frost. And is one of the reasons she's very appreciative for what few connections to the Club she can maintain.

Fisk's reactions are met with amusement; though few but perhaps Tessa could if they noticed it see them for what they were.

Susan Richards has posed:
Susan seems entirely unconcerned with how she fits into the Hellfire Club... or, given the gleam to her eyes, she's far less concerned with that soft, welcoming image that's been her bread and butter for literal decades. But no one's vocally questioning her suitability, and so there's no... risk of a display of the temper that was shown when she was first questioned about her willingness to demonstrate the necessary force of will in the face of what might be called of her.

Her lips quirk into a slightly wider smile as she locks her gaze with Shaw, voice crisp, not quite sharp, but matter of fact. Controlled. Like she's discussing another trite, routine licensing deal for the next line of Thing lunch boxes. "Of course, the Fantastic Four already has detailed star charts of local space, and the most readily available supply of interstellar ships. And while those resources will afford the Club an advantage over any would-be competitors. We will have immediate access to, in effect, all Earth-related stellar traffic." She smirks and lets her gaze drop to match Wilson's for a long moment, "And, of course, with the inevitable import of restricted alien weapons, we'll have an ability to direct interdiction and control of those smuggled supplies. Away from any... organized elements that may take exception to the... personal organizations of our members. After all, one wouldn't want smaller fish attempting to take on a... great white shark in a moment of perceived weakness?"

Wade Wilson has posed:
    Deadpool can't help but gasp. All of space, that was her bargaining chip to gain the throne? Bow-howdy and how's your mother's bedspread all in one. This is a side to Sue he's never seen before. Mind you, his interaction with the Fantastic Foursome--(innuendo -heavily- implied there. Yes, ew, I know!)--has been minimal, he's kept abreast of the crew and their goings on in the face level of things.

    That being said, the fact that the woman showed up in sheer white with strategic cuts that give her a more sensual appearance and her wording as a ruthless smuggling lord of organized crime makes him break into a grin that tugs at his mask even as the expression is covered. He also can't help but shift in amusement to Fisk's discomfort at the situation.

    Better for Sue to be on the receiving end of the Kingpin's ire than him. Those fists could break bones as well as canes and while DP can heal like Wolvie on steroids, he's not immune to pain.

Tessa has posed:
The apparently looming confrontation between Fisk and Richards draws Tessa's focus. The woman steps forward, so that she's fully next to Sebastian Shaw, rather than in the shadows behind him. Beyond this, she says nothing so far, and takes no further action. Yet, anyway.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The display from the White Rook is not lost on the Black King, and he fixes the man with a steady expression. A flicker of a glance to Tessa. He knows she has marked it. And then he nods to Susan as he raises up his hand, before Tessa steps to his side.

"Thank you, Ms. Richards, for your elaboration upon your plan." A pause. "If anyone here is working on any projects involving the space port, or wishes to do so, then I encourage you to speak with the White Queen."

He reclines in his seat, gaze drifting back to the Kingpin. "If we have no discussion further to be had on the ascendency of Susan Richards, I would like to open the flood to new business. Do any have a boon to present, or a favor to ask, of this court?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Now it's interesting to watch the two not quite go at one another. Fisk and Richard's aggression against onea nother is noted and filed away, but not reacted to further. Such is the sort of thing for the Master of the House to take under control if the two can't keep themselves controlled. She is rather thoughtful now. Useful still knowing that Wilson Fisk has joined the ranks of the Circle and is active in it.
    Susan Storm is given an appriasing look and Emma Frost can be seen clearly filing away to approach her later.

Wilson Fisk has posed:
The Kingpin's mouth opens, and then closes, as Susan speaks of fish. There is a sneer on his face, but it is gone by the time he has turned back around from her. He added a small bow of his head before doing so, of course, and then his gaze turns towards Sebastian.

"I have nothing to contribute at the moment, Mr. Shaw." The words come through clenched teeth, and then finally the man moves to reclaim his seat. The half of the cane that remains is laid lengthwise across his lap as he settles in to observe the rest of Court.

Tessa has posed:
When the Kingpin retakes his seat, Tessa takes a step backwards, after exchanging a brief sidelong glance with the Black King. She resumes her placid surveying of the room, collecting all the little details and filing them away.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Space? He isn't done with earth yet. Plenty to interest him here. The last thought results in a look at Tessa and a little more pupil dilation than the White Queen got. Susan Richards' words do get through to him. He was never one to consider superheroes some ideal form of human. He was sure they had their dirty laundry and plenty, except for the Kryptonians (and they were aliens.) Yet this on the face of it seems like a sting operation. The bait is perfect. What do you tempt people who have the world with? The stars. Or it is true that super power corrupts superbly?

Goddammit. All the effort he'd put into appearing legit. To be caught up in this.

Fisk's obvious seething and Tessa's shift lead to him leaning forward. A subtle shift to a more ready stance in case of unpleasantness. He isn't sure what Tessa's deal is but he doesn't like to see women hurt. Frost should have brought Shiva with her. That'd be a fun show.

Susan Richards has posed:
Susan lifts her glass for a sip and sinks back onto her throne once Wilson's turned around... and seated himself once more. And then she's putting on an air of relaxation, and giving a little flick of her free hand at Shaw's question of bringing further business.

After all, she's said her piece for now, and trying to run before walking is never a good idea.

It's a downright dangerous idea when you're walking through a pit of vipers.

Emma Frost gets a longer glance from Susan, and a small dip of her chin... she might not be a telepath herself, but she's fully expecting they'll meet up in the future. Tessa relaxing seems to be another signal for Susan to dial back her tension... she might only be briefly acquainted with her, but the woman's instincts have proven impeccable. Wade and Thomas... well, they're the real wild cards. But Susan's mind is already churning... who knew joining the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club wouldn't have an introductory period of adjustment?

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost can't read minds here. The area is quite well warded against telepathy, scrying, recording, and just to be thorough no doubt magic. So Emma Frost settles for reading body language. Not remotely as well as Tessa, however. Thomas appears to be almost frustrated, Fisk has his own agenda for the evening and seemingly enough power to not be called on to calm himself.. Wilson..

Emma hasn't the foggiest notion as to why he's here. Her own goblet of wine is raised up and over at Susan as she would muse idly, not speaking but merely twitching her lips upwards in a smile. 'Welcome to the Den'. Emma mouths it but does not say it.

Susan, Emma at least can try and get from her body language is trying to play the angles and claculate things. Emma's face now turns to a shade of irritation that quickly vanishes. At least.. Unless one has looked at her face first.

Wade Wilson has posed:
    Deadpool clears his throat, audibly and stands from his position. "I do have one order of business, Your Ebon-clad Majesty" he says turning his attention to Shaw. When in Rome (or Great Britain in this case) do as the Roman's (or Brits) do. See, Deadpool isn't entirely without class or understanding of origins. He can read. Some.

    He continues reflecting on ho many BBC shows he's watched in the past. The Tudors was pretty steamy, he sort of remembers the dialogue in it. Doctor Who is more his flair and that can be helpful here too. He relies on both as he speaks, "I wish to reflect on the prospect of my position among this honored court. I speak in reference to the prior conversation you and I had regarding this subject." He hopes that is enough of a nudge to the Black King.

    His eyes shift behind the two-way mirror coating of his mask's eyes. He sees no Hounds in attendance, but the position of Tessa is noted. He's not sure what she is to Shaw besides commercial eye-candy, but he's definitely interested in finding out.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
There is a moment of consideration on the face of the Black King as he regards the Merc with a Mouth. He heard the man's request. He weighs it. "I am aware of our prior conversations, Mr. Wilson. And I would ask that you indulge me in holding off, for the time being, on furthering that." A pause. "I believe that I can present a suitable enough cause for that, if you would allow me to do so later." He inclines his head towards Wade respectfully.

Tessa has posed:
Tessa isn't blind to any set of eyes upon her. When she attracts Deadpool's attention, her gaze directs itself toward the masked man. Her poker face is immaculate and gives away nothing. Not even a hint of an inner monologue.

Wilson Fisk has posed:
This is a matter of some interest to the Kingpin. He looks to the other Mr. Wilson in the room, considering quietly. And wondering just what this topic of conversation must be.

Susan Richards has posed:
Susan's eyebrow quirks slightly herself. The idea of Wade Wilson looking to ascend in the ranks, or... whatever it is he's wanting to ask Shaw about is... well, not terribly worrying. After all, he's asking Shaw.

It might be worrying for _him_, but that's literally not her problem. No, her problem might be the other Wilson.

And any other invisible threats she's got looming now that her new position is... some level of public. But for now Sue's content to bask in her ascendance. After all, there's no point in risking a fall if you can't enjoy the dizzying heights that come with it.

Wade Wilson has posed:
    Deadpool inclines his head gratefully and graciously. "Of course, Your Majesty, the Ebony King. I will wait at your leisure for such matters to progress." That done, he spins in place and slides back into his seat. His attention turns to his ever present viewers. "BBC," he pantomimes bringing a phone to his ear, "call me. You've had a woman as Doctor and a black man as Doctor. Having a mutant is the next logical step for inclusion, right? I'd even do my own stunts." He winks to the camera in his mind's eye before returning attention to the room at large for any further intrigue that catches his eye.

Emma Frost has posed:
Fisk is slowly given a flat look from Emma Frost. The interest given the commentary exchanged between Wilson ahd Shaw is.. Well, Emma has standards.
    This clearly does not meet them. And as far as she has to guess she presumes if she knew it would be something she would flee screaming from.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Finally, Shaw nods, as he looks out into the court. "If there is no further business, then I will hereby adjourn our Council." He raps his hand down on the side of his chair. And with that, he rises from his chair, the sign for all that they are free to depart. Or linger and discuss, as the case may be.

Tessa has posed:
When Shaw rises, Tessa is... well, she's right there. Where the Black King goes from here, Tessa follows. She doesn't even so much as give the room a last look, let alone say goodbye or anything like that. She seems content to remain a figure of some mystery.

Wilson Fisk has posed:
Standing slowly as the Black King rises, Wilson Fisk nods his head to him. He glances around the room for a moment, and then stalks out the door, offering no commentary or statement to anyone. He simply leaves.

Emma Frost has posed:
Shaw departing, Emma Frost goes to do so as well. Glancing over at the new White Queen. Seeing if Susan will be going along with Shaw or heading out on her own. Presuming that Susan is going out of the club.. Emma would depart in an arc to hopefully meet her soemwhere aboveground.

Wade Wilson has posed:
    Deadpool watches Tessa, Emma, Sue, and Shaw depart. "Hate to see 'em go, love to watch 'em leave" he mutters under his breath as he waits. After all, Sebastian Shaw is not an unhandsome man in this universe. If Emma decides to tear out the man's eye at a later date then maybe his opinion will change. But that's unlikely given DP's track record.

    As the others in attendance filter out he finally stands and makes like Fleetwood Mack ('Go Your Own Way' reference there), knowing full well the fifteen minute ordeal that is getting all his accoutrements from the Coat Check is going to take out any opportunity for further calamity on his part.