14726/Powerhouse in the House of Power

Powerhouse in the House of Power
Date of Scene:	20 April 2023
Location:	VIP Lounge - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Another night in the Hellfire club, deals are made and unkind things said.
Cast of Characters:	Daimon Hellstrom, Franklin Richards, Riley Black, Tomie Kawakami

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Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon Hellstrom was dead, maybe three days ago. The rumor was that there was a massive explosion and he bit the big one in it. So of course today he's fine and hanging out in the hellfire club. And of course it looks like he has a brand new body, just like the old one only this one still has new car smell. He'd been carousing in the club for days, disappearing between the lounge and the apartments with various patrons for trysts, pulling anyone even remotely special or famous out of the lower floors to come up and drink with him. A non stop party with no point, or purpose, breaking in the new body no doubt.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin Richards was in his 'disguise' of Fantastic Four merc from the shoes that were black, and blue with the matching socks, both having a four on them. To the shorts that were black and blue as well. The Hoodie he had the hood up to which covered him, as well as the hat under it which hid him more the four on both again fitting the theme.

Franklin walked right up to the doors as he felt it was time he had a talk with this establishmemt. So here he was at the front door with two large men in his way as they didn't just let.. everyone in. The first man reached forward, and touched Franklin's shoulder as he asked. "Aren't you a little young to be here?" not really even threatening yet more confused with what was going on. Franklin lifted a finger, and the large man started wincing in pain, as his hand moved away forcefully from the young adults shoulder. Franklin turned and looked at him, and without saying anything the large man dropped to his knees. Franklin considered he deservied it a little calling him young... he could drink now. While this was happening the other guard realised this was one of those situations, and polietly held the door open for him giving him a "Sorry.. Sir."

Releasing the kneeling man Franklin entered and went to go talk to whoever was supposed to be in charge. It wasn't hard to find, as he did not wonder long. Though he did not know about the explosion Franklin enters the club, and pulls his hat down a litle. "This might be a bit more difficult then I thought."

Riley Black has posed:
    She didn't come in with Daimon, but well word is getting around that the two hang out for who knows what reason. So perhaps it's no surprised she's down at the far end of the bar by her lonesome, off by herself as she smokes her way casually through her second pack of cowboy killers. Absently paging through whatever social media nonsense has her so transfixed, pointedly ignoring the guy at the bar giving her looks. It's almost as if she's here purely to be in a holding pattern out of deference to somebody, how odd right?

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon beckoned Riley over, and then Frankie. To Riley, "Give the kid one of your smokes. I want this kid smoking and drinking in the next ten minutes." he slurred, smiling with half lidded eyes. "Theres a whole world of bad decisions waiting for you my son. From losing years off your life by smoking, to screwimg somone you just met, to snorting something illegal off a the back of a toilet in the VIP." he smirked at Riley, "But why stop there when we have diet soda and pork rinds? And electric unicycles. And bareback hookers. And...hey hows the car coming along. You got it sorted?"

Franklin Richards has posed:
As he is pulled into to the central party where Daimon is he is stopped by someone beconing him over. "I neither smoke nor drink, and I doubt you wish to gamble in cards with me. I am looking for the owner, I was looking for someone and I believe they maybe able to point me the right way." his eyes narrow at him. "Though if one wishes to waste time at a party other then being active then perhaps I have come to the wrong place."

Franklin Richards was not a party kind of person, and the lights, dancing did not seem to affect him as he seemed to be bored by it. There was just too much to do, and to have idle time ment he could do some of the other things he was considering, and didn't have the time for.

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
Reiko Mizutani does not like to leave her apartment.

It is, in fact, a rare day that one can get her past her front door, let alone to someplace as big and busy as the Hellfire Club. Worse, you can't really get INTO a place like this without dressing up a little. Thus, she slips off her warm, long coat for the gothy, black, halter top dress that matches the appropriate style. She's already drawing eyes, and doing her best not to let it get to her.

The discomfort is a little palpable as she scans the interior. There's people. Some probably important, even, but she's looking for one person. One particular person who she agreed to finally meet here, against her better judgment, for the purpose of securing their cooperation.

Ah. There. Her eyes have finally lit on Riley.

Her phone dings with an incoming text. She doesn't look at it.

Riley Black has posed:
    "Car's good boss, paint is drying as we speak. Waiting on parts for the Engine, transmission, suspension and a few interior bits I'm having custom made for you."Comes the easy reply as soon as Riley's risen to respond to Daimon. She offers Franklin a cigarette, but well once he declines she melts back. Content to let Daimon run court, as she slinks back over to her spot on the bar. Conviently within earshot, but of course.

    Casually she chains up her cigarette with the one Franklin declined, before snagging her coffee and taking up her phone once again. Scrolling through grainy street race footage, shitty selfie snaps and idle chatter in search of..whatever it is that Riley actually fills her time with when nobody is looking.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon retorted casually, "You dont want the owner. You're a dumbshit, I like that. You probably want the Black King, his name is Sebation Shaw. Trust me, you dont want him. You think you do, maybe you wanna tell some truth to power? Make a stand for the Press. Maybe running some erand for your pops?" he waves his drink grandly. "Guys a billionaire, and a rightious asshole. I cant wait to bag his soul one day, but none of you capes can fade him. He's too fuckin strong."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin sighs, and looks at Daimon calmly, then after he is done he smiles, "First I had already told you what I want, though perhaps your correction though crude does hold some truth to it." Franklin considers, and turns to look at Daimon again, "And if you have issues with my father I would suggest you take it up with him, other then trying to hide them behind me." he just smiles at Daimon, "See it sucks when people make assumptions of you doesn't it?" shaking his head, "I am actually looking for a friend, but she is hard to find. So.. I figure he would know. Most people I need to talk to independently are rather forthcoming it is just a matter of finding an agreement."

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
A glance out of the corner of her eye towards Daimon, towards Franklin, but otherwise Riley has her attention as she moves towards them.

"Ms. Black," she cuts in, fingers laced behind her back tighten enough to whiten her knuckles.

There is a smile, however slight. Her phone dings again. And then again. She continues to ignore it.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Diamon mocked the youngster as he spoke "Mai mai mai, mewmewmew." he rolled his eyes feigning exasperation. "You think a Prince of Hell can't find your friend like that? *fingersnap* Your worried about assumptions? Kid, I probably have your grandmothers soul in a locker on my basement. If I dont, I probably will soon. You wanna play the socials graces game? How about I just leave, go find her, sleave her into some strung out hookers body and set her loose in Hunt's Point?" he laughed harshly, "See, I don't even have to touch you. Right? I can just lever off anything you say, and visit it on someone you love. Thats what I can do, you still feel cool and in control, kid?"

Riley Black has posed:
    Theres a loft of the brow, before she turns to peer after Tomie from behind those scratched up shades. "I'm hardly that formal darlin, everyone just calls me Riley."Gesturing casually to the seat beside her, moving those cigarettes across for Tomie if she fancies one. "Why don't you saddle yourself up, and you can tell me what it is you think I can do for you."Hmming softly as she ashes that cigarette carefully. "and do me a favor, relax just a tiny bit alright? Get wound too tight in here you start inviting all sorts of unpleasant attention."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin sighs, and looks at him. "Interesting that is your go to threat, you would not be the first though you would not remember any of them as no-one does.... anymore.," he shrugs a bit, at that. "But fine, if you are who you say you are I will admit it would be very irritating, though know once you ring that bell it can not be unrung. Besides I think this friend works more for you then she does anyone suit side. I wouldn't be here if she did, as I could find them."

Looking around he notices the other two, and looks over the crowd. "instead I have to come to some party that seems to be going on for... how many days? To someone who is telling me they are the prince of hell, and has been drinking enough where I believe them." he shakes his head at this, "Though if you are to be threatened by the Prince of Hell is a new one.. I might have to write that one down."

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
She takes a cigarette and leans forward for a light. It's not like she's carryign one in the expensive, designer handbag she brought with her. The exchange between Daimon and Franklin isn't going unnoticed, really, but it's not *why* she's here. Let's just say she's keeping an eye on it. Just in case. There's a certain level of interest to be expected.

Then to Riley...

"I need transport. Transport and protection. As we spoke of, I understand you might bw willing to provide both."

She does not relax. She isn't good at that.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon Hellstrom tossed back his drink, waved over another, and in the delay he regarded the reserved young man. "Does your friend have a NAME?" he interrogated lazily. "Is it...Riley Black? I know, I'm fucking psychic. No wait its worse, see we both belong to the same Homeowners Association. Thats how you know we're evil."

Riley Black has posed:
    "Transport where, and protection from whom?"Riley returns, snapping her zippo open to grant Tomie the gift of fire."I'm quite capable of providing both, but my fees vary depending on the situation obviously."And a pause as she flips that zippo shut and tucks it away. "Specificity will help me give you an accurate price up front, It's in your best interests to insure I don't end up feeling like I need to collect extra to cover my ass on the back end yeah? I do endeavor to be quite the straight shooter, have a reputation after all."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin looks at him. "Ah yes she does, why do you often run into people without names?" he asks with a grin. Then continues, "No I am looking for Miss Killmore. I know what a name right, but what can you do." he shakes his head considering how well it fit. "And the Homeowners Association is that your work? That isn't bad, good use of the rules against them." he notes but doesn't seem too phased by the admitance. "Also... why are you here? I mean I get it club, sins galore, but I mean. You know whats out there right?" he glances around and says a little lower leaning in a bit. "You know about them coming right?" his voice much lower so only they could hear. Then stands back away again.

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
"For starters, the uber drive continually texting me," she says with a sigh as her phone continues to ding.

"I assure you, I have means. I have burned half a rain forest for my wealth, and I will burn another if it means I can accomplish my goals -- I mean, do you take crypto?" She asks, taking a llttle puff on that cigarette as she idly dances it between her fingers with anxious nerve.

"I require someone I can keep on retainer. I do not need to go many places, but when I do, I need protection. I tend to attract attention."

Boy, does she. Plenty of people are checking her out.

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon Hellstrom glanced around the room looking for someone who looked like a 'Miss Killmore'. "There she is." he said spotting Tomie. "Come on, lets go see. Shes kinda skinny though, more your type. You like complexity and excuses in your women. I can tell." he clapped his hand on Frankie's back and gently guided him toward the real demon in the room.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Looking at Tomie Franklin sighed, "No.. If you do not know her." as the hand would not reach his back a force would push his hand back as if a shield he did not seem to trust Daimon at all for now, but he will follow to explain a bit more. "You would not believe me, but what if I said that it was already too late, by coming in asking, and making a small deal about it in three days I will meet her?" he asks Daimon curiously. He might understand how some of that works, maybe better then Franklin did. Though that would be interesting how all of that worked.

Riley Black has posed:
    "Ten grand up front, five a month with the understanding that I have one and only one client who has any sort of priority ahead of you. If you ring me and I can't make it, I forfeit that month's retainer full stop. Otherwise it's two grand a drive, plus expenses."She inhales slowly, rising to her boots. "I'm cash only exclusively, no bonds, no gold coins nothing I can't spend in a scuzzy bar."Lifting one finger finally, as a familiar word draws her attention.

    Riley slips down from her bar stool, cutting in between Tomie and Franklin. "Howdy there I'm Riley."She states casually, before pulling that cigarette free and flicks it casually after Franklin. "His highness has been remarkably polite considering your impudence, but I'm not going to be remarkably polite. Nobody knows what the fuck you're talking about, and if they did nobody here would tell you fucking shit out of general principal. So why don't you take your low born-amateur hour-chuckle fuck-bitch ass right the fuck out of here directly? The fuck do you think you fuckin are, walkin around like you own the fuckin joint like it's a thing to fuckin do? People have business to conduct, and you have a corner I'm sure you could be crying in so why don't you get right on that shit?"

Daimon Hellstrom has posed:
Daimon Hellstrom kept on walking, Franklinlessly toward Tomie and Riley, a collision course in which nothing good would come of it. He'd tuned Franklin out at this point, breifly mesmerized by the waif, and then diverted by a small party of debutants he would disappear into the crowd as the dutiful Riley gave Franklin the business. And then he was just there, leaning beside Tomie as if he'd been in the conversation all along. "Woofa. Look at Riley go. How many fucks you figure that was?" to the improbably attractive Tomie.

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
Tomie Kawakami is clearly a woman of means because she doesn't even bat an eyelash at the price.

"Very well," she says, "Cash, if necessary, will be fine." She doesn't love it. It means having to get her assets converted to cash, but it's not the biggest deal in the world. And then Franklin and Daimon are coming closer. Her eyes meet Franklin for a moment, then Daimon, then she's staring at the back of Riley's head.

Her phone starts ringing. Again. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.

There is a sigh. It's going to be one of those nights.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin listens, and takes in the whole thing quietly listens letting the cig bounce off, and then with a chuckle turns to look at Daimon "You are right I like her. And if you choose to do buisness it is no buisness of mine. Why would it be because I save the earth?" he glances around a bit. "All of this is supposed to be, and if I stopped it do you know what would happen? Just nothing but complaints as they don't want it that way either. So if ya think I care... I don't." he looks over at Daimon, "And the rest while he maybe your highness doesn't make him mine, just another person with powers in this world. I will admit a notch higher then most." and gives Daimon a nod in respect for that, "But you are right I should go." he nods to Daimon one last time. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter." he looks at Riley, "And your honest input." turning to leave as he came the front doors.

Riley Black has posed:
She's a stalwart laze if nothing else, never breaking her slouch before Franklin turns to go. "There is an accord in place, sir."Riley doesn't even have to turn around to know what trouble she needs to head off next, casually retaking her stool and lighting up another cigarette without delay. She spends another moment or so watching Franklin go, before finally turning to give first Daimon a decidedly cryptic look before finally returning the full weight of her attention to Tomie.

    "I apologize for the interruption, but considering your here and I am to be paid? I suppose you may consider me on the clock, starting from this moment."Half spinning to slump against the bartop. "Now whom is sending you all those notifications, and would you like me to deal with them for you?"

Tomie Kawakami has posed:
After Daimon grows disinterested (at last), Reiko breathes a sigh of relief.

"Yes, I've got problems of my own to attend to. This driver is irritating. Please deal with him."

She then moves to the outside, glad to be heading out of the club. There's a mixture of annoyance and pleasure. As if she simultaneously hates the attention she gets *and* loves it at the same time.