14920/Cheery Ol' London: Part 2

Cheery Ol' London: Part 2
Date of Scene:	03 June 2023
Location:	London - England
Synopsis:	It's time to get dressed up and enjoy...nothing. The night is ruined. At least there is alcohol!
Cast of Characters:	Clea, Natasha Romanoff, Yelena Belova, Alura In-Ze, Bruce Banner, Scott Summers, Steve Rogers, Lara Croft, Pietro Maximoff

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Clea has posed:
The convention is over and besides the one weird possessed dude that showed up and gave a CRYPTIC message to Clea, the event had went off without a hitch. Some of the suggestions were to make it a shorter event given that most of the people that were showing were human and really, you don't need to bleed a person dry all in one event.

You can spread it out over the years!

Because there would always be ways to include heros into the mix and make money. It was for a good cause though. Or at least that is what many PR people told individuals are day two of this whole thing to keep them going and to not feel burnt out.

The news of a murder happening over night near the ExCel London center had been kept quiet by the tabloids and news outlets until earlier in the day Saturday. Which a few people were unhappy about.

Saturday evening was reserved for people to relax, put on something fancy and come out and enjoy dinner at a rather lavish ballroom known as The Great Hall at The Guildhall. Security is thick and a lot of the people who are here are either really really rich and powerful or other people that wear supersuits! The decor is pristine and expensive and the food is divine. Thank god the bar is free. A lot of people are going to need alcohol to get through this and it might get them on the dance floor!

The red carpet was rolled out and people were allowed to skip it if they didn't want to be photographed.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
She's taken in what information has been available, and come in wtih reinforcements. Withw homever the Avengers and SHIELD have sent as backup, Natasha is along with the group heading in for rendezous. Because one bit of chaos engenders another. Natasha is here over incognito as 'reinforcement'. She has a mop in one hand, a janitor's outfit on, enough makeup to have her look like an old man, and is slowly working her way along some of the areas of the convention center, doing quick cleanup duty. It has her ignored, ready to be backup, and her 'position' lets her pop up almost anywhere without issue or being noticed.

For these sorts of situations, best to be keeping things simple.

Yelena Belova has posed:
Free bar? Score!

The red carpet is passed by; Yelena isn't about to be photographed. At least by her choice anyway. She is on the arm of a slightly older, obviously falling under the 'really really rich and powerful' category, looking the world like 'arm candy'- properly vacuous with that touch of giggly giddiness that underscores it all. "Oh, Sven," the Russian accent absolutely purrs, "Get me a drink, won't you? Please?"

The moment he acquiesces, of course, clear blue eyes scan the room, her gaze not lingering on any one person or thing. If seen? There is that smile.. and if needed? A pert little head tilt before she's looking around again, approaching 'Sven' and that drink of bubbly that he now has in hand.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Alura drew the short straw. Besides, this was a 'learning experience' they'd said. The S on her chest draws in donations and that can be a good thing in a money focused society like those on Earth. So, it was up to her to fight against her baser instincts to reconfigure the world in to something more sensible and instead play ball with the powers that be here.

That doesn't mean she can't make an entrance. Dropping down from the sky and landing with fists to the ground from high up. She flicks back her hair and rises up in her white Kryptonian clothing. Her cape billowing behind her. A small smile on her face, the more mysterious than other Kryptonians' Superwoman strides down the red carpet letting the cameras flash and capture her image.

She gives small nods and waves to the people as she passes. This was all to draw out the money. She reminded herself of that - these people hoard money and this will help relieve some of the pressures of the world. Oh how she wished she were anywhere else than here.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Dr. Banner normally would not be the one on the carpet, though this time he was glad they lead him in the back way so he could enter without a lot being seen. Banner is dressed nicely in a fresh suit, and black shoes with a purple tie. After the thing in New York he thought it might be good to get out of country for a bit. Flying... coach of course. He had a high shot of concentrated tranquilizer if things were to go too badly, but was here to Enjoy London. It was a new country, a new start, as he got into a cab. He was excited when he asked his cabby to take him to the hotel, but frowned when the man driving was dresssed in a suit and had sunglasses on.

"Sir.. You are requested." and Bruce sighs, as he is passed a suit to wear thinking if he should cooperate, but saw all the people along the way so just nodded, and changed to the propper suit. He does give a "Really.." for the color of the tie as it is different, but puts it on.

So Bruce is now here looking at this large place with a smile as it was something truely unique for one who does not get out much. For now he stands in the back by one of the walls away from the tables with the person in the suit standing next to him having drove him here, and escorted him in. Bruce had no idea why, but here he was to see what this was about.

Scott Summers has posed:
    "He's the first one in, and the last one out. While the others are out partying, or spending time with loved ones. He's the one putting in the over time." Scott shrugs his broad shoulders, the tux he's wearing doesn't fit poorly, he just feels wrong in it. The man is wearing the black costume with the mirror finished piece over his eyes, with a rather fetching tuxedo on top. He was told it was black tie, so the man wears his best black tie outfit.

    Cumberbund even. Scott avoids the alcohol, wanting to keep his senses and awareness sharp as possible, curious after the lack of reports on the murder, but he's not speaking about it out loud. No Scott carries a glass of carbonated mineral water, the bubbles more than enough kick for the leader of the X-men.

    Nearly bumping into the elderly janitor, Scott says, "Pardon me, didn't see you there. Hell of a night to be working no?" Being his most polite self while at the biggest fanciest event he's ever attentded. That stuff with the Hellfire Club not withstanding.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Not ones to shirk duty, Steve and Lara had walked up the red carpet together. They were here to raise funds for charity, and being photographed and raising more publicity for the other efforts came part and parcel with having agreed to attend.

Steve is wearing a very nice suit. It's actually one that was purchased for him by SHIELD when he was sent to a function in Nick's place. Far nicer than what he would have bought for himself, but he's glad he has it so he looks a fitting escort for his date of the evening. The pair stop for photographs before continuing into the building.

"I understand a few others are about now," Steve comments to Lara. "Doctor Banner, I think. And Natasha." He glances around once they get inside, spotting Bruce, and Scott as well. "Scott, nice to see you out here again," he offers. "Do you know Lara?" he inquires of Scott Summers as he gestures with a smile towards his date.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara is right alongside Steve as the duo stride in to the gathering. Dressed in a azure hued number, sleevless with glimmering silver jewelry adornments on her ears, wrists, and draped around her neck, Lara smiles to those who greet them, offering waves and quiet words of greeting in return. She's sure to keep at least one arm attached to one of Steve's as they shift places here and there making the entry in to the party itself.

Once inside, Lara is fast to smile toward Scott Summers when Steve makes the introductions. She offers him her right hand, her arm sleeveless and bare, her dress backless down to the small of her back as well.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mister Summers. I saw your booth at the convention. It was filled with wonderful items. I saw quite a few I would've purchased for gifts, had I had more time."

Clea has posed:
Clea had been asked to NOT attend the event.

Because there was apparently a serial killer in London that was offing people that she shared a resemblance with. Coincidence? Probably. But it had made some of the people that ran things on edge. Honestly it was a beat cop that pointed things out. So he was getting a promotion.

The white haired sorceress had taken the back way in, which others seem to have taken. She's dressed in a purple and black silk gown that trails behind her a few feet. The pumps make her taller than a few of the security guards that seem to look nervous at her arrival.

The fire crowned woman notices a familiar form though in the group she's approaching and her smile lights up, "Bruce!" she looks ecstatic to see her friend. Then she oofs, "Sorry. Didn't mean to be that loud." she assures him.

Her hands raise to conjure a little flower and she makes quick work of tucking it into his lapel. "There." she smiles to him and then steps back to give him lots of space. Then to the others, "Captain Rogers, Lady Croft and Mister Summers." she dips her head in greeting. "We could just cut out and find a pub. It's not too late." she muses quietly to the others.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
The janitor goes to walk on past Scott and sigh, speaking in an accent fitting one of the lower income areas of London. "Time and a half, time and a half." He would note. "So them's the sort of things you put up with with inflation 'an all." He would give a low tip of a hat over to Cyclops that the X-Man can tell who it is in a 'just in case' way to coordinate.

Natasha has comms coordination wtih everyone on the network and they're probably at least aware of her. And she's on standby if there needs to be any sort of interception. For now, she just goes to work sweeping her mop back and forth.

Scott Summers has posed:
    Scott would straighten up at the greeting from Captain America were he not already fully straight. He extends a gloved hand towards Steve, and takes a slight pause at the first name basis but he chooses to keep those concerns internal and unspoken. "Good to see you too Captain Rogers." Scott says with a kind nod and a firm handshake. Then his covered eyes turn to Lara, "The pleasure is mine miss Croft." Scott is polite, gentlemanly and very much a fish out of water with this penguin suit, but he's well behaved about it for now.

    Following up with Lara, "If you would send over a list of the items you were interested in, I'm sure we can arrange a swag bag of goodies quite easily." Scott notes with a smirk.

    The Woman of a thousand faces giving Scott the subtle show that she is here and hidden as an old janitor gets Scott to lift his eyebrow, hidden thankfully, and a soft smirk behind the bubbly water lifted to take a sip. "Keep up the good work sir." Is all he says, softly enough to not be heard, but the thought is there at least and is given the gift of Clea in such a dress. Scott swallows hard, choking briefly on the bubbles and on the shock, "Miss Clea." He says, after the other introductions and the exposed portion of his face is red as can be. "Lovely to see you today." As he missed the fun at the event the other day.

Bruce Banner has posed:
As Bruce stands there, the suited man says.. "Sir?" and starts leading him over to some dignatary looking people, and announces to them at a normal volume, "This is Kofi..Deputy Commander of the current Sudan colony." as Bruce looks just as surprised as the others. It seems he got into the wrong cab, and since the driver was already late he had just assumed it was him even though he looked like Banner. Right now at the airport somewhere is a very upset Deputy Commander, but for Bruce he smiles a bit. He offers a hand, and says "Hello.. Pleasure to meet you." in Sudanese Arabic.

He sweat a bit, and looked around spooting others and actually spots Steve mouthing "help... me..." hoping he see's it, but doesn't think he did. This place was beautiful, and he just looks up at it only looking away as he addresses the questions asked to him with a smile. He never outly admits he is this person, but he doesn't correct them either.

Well that is until Clea spots him, and says his name outloud, and then one of the others repeat in english "Bruce? Who is this, Bruce?" The whole time he just smiles, "Excuse me I have important things to discuss with my friend."

He quietly follows Clea, and leaves the flower as she was his chance to get out of that situation. Thankfully it looks like they are distracted yelling at the escort to pay him any mind, but he does whisper a "Thanks. That was akward.". Bruce was still a ways away from Natasha, though he prefer his lab then the kind of company she had to keep.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
The conversation is all over the place filtering in to Alura's ears. Some of the 'heroes' wanting to cut and go to a pub. Good idea. Rich people talking about a new yacht they're having constructed. Quarterly earnings. Policies and tax breaks for the rich. An elderly man with dyed black hair approaches and takes her hand before she has a chance to be rude.

"Superwoman," his British accent en pointe, "I'm Secretary of Extra Human Affairs. It's such a pleasure to have you here. The name's Yates."

She's in the thick of it now. Politicians want to talk to her. Great. She smiles and shakes his hand, "Mr. Yates it's a pleasure to meet you."

Despite having introduced himself that way he chuckles, "Oh, that's my fathers name. Please, call me Charlie." He turns and poses for the cameras as he continues to shake her hand. She gives it an ever so slightly firm squeeze and whispers to him. "Charlie, I appreciate you wish to further your career but that's not what this night is about."

He withdraws his hand quickly and makes a professional smile to cover the slight pain on his expression and nods to her, "Have a wonderful evening Superwoman. Enjoy the best the UK has to offer."

She makes her way closer to Clea and offers an opinion, "They might notice if we all cut. I'll take one for them team if you really need that beer." An amused smile upon her lips she introduces herself not as Superwoman, but as "Alura. Alura In-Ze. I recognise some of your faces." From Kal-El's database.

Yelena Belova has posed:
The drink is set into Yelena's hand by the tuxedo'ed Sven, attentive in an appreciative manner that he's gained such a lovely date for the evening. Now as the evening gets underway, those that the 'other' Widow recognizes causes that hint of a smile to couple with a glint in her eyes. She is all about the acting and the evening, however, and she bounces in her step as she turns to face her date. "Perfect," is virtually purred as she reaches out to take the stemmed glass. "Thank you."

Sven is approached by another couple, and with that, she touches her date's elbow and reaches up onto her toes to whisper in his ear. In the next moment, the man is looking down at her and nodding his acknowledgment.

With that? Yelena begins to mix in the room, her hand firmly on that champagne.

Clea has posed:
"It's nice to meet you, Mister Summers. I hope that your trip here has been going well." she states with a smile. "Everyone looks amazing tonight." Clea tells the group of people. Then Bruce is needing saving and she puts on her invisible cape and does what she does sometimes. Which is save the Doctor! She gives a smile to the men he was talking to and then there's a look to him, "You're welcome. Always happy to help out." she states. "I've been trying to keep Loki's cocounuts from invading the lab back home. They can't be left to wander too much these days." she tells him. "Surprised to see you at this." she comments to him.

The band that they have playing live is taking a moment to refresh themselves and to switch up music. There's plenty of opportunity for folks to get out there on the dance floor. Or...to become a viral meme if they try.

There are people that have their cellphones out and waiting to spring like trap door spiders onto unsuspecting heroes to get selfies or little videos of themselves with them.

So far the chatter on the security channels has been low. A few drunken fans or disturbances, but nothing that would alert the heroes to anything being high enough on the radar to call it in.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers tells Scott after his offer to Lara, "Thank you, that would be greatly appreciated." A passing waiter has a tray of drinks, and Steve has him stop and passes around drinks for anyone with him who wants one, offering one to Lara first and then the rest. At the end Steve gets one for himself and thanks the waiter who moves on.

"Hrm, what's going on over there?" he says aloud though more to himself as he spots the distressed look from Bruce Banner. Steve's head tilts to the side slightly as if he'd deciding if a rescue is needed. But as he makes his escape with Clea instead, Steve stays where he is, though gives a smile and nods to Bruce to greet him while they are far enough apart he can't just greet him verbally.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
She's confirmed her contact with Scott, she sees Yelena running drinks.. Knowing that half of SHIELD's special agents are here means that when the situation goes catastrophic, they're able to just as quickly inflict collateral damage. The old man janitor goes to move on with the mop, going over to another area where there's a bit of a spill. It puts her in a positionw heres he can keep a better eye on things while going over to work at quickly fixing over some damage from someoe a bit drunk bouncing off the wall.. And let sher palm a quick small spy cam there in place to give a litlte better coverage.

Lara Croft has posed:
A smile is given to Scott at his offer from Lara. "That would be amazing, but I wouldn't dream of making you go to any trouble on my behalf." She tells the man as she leans against Steve's arm for a moment to lightly bump shoulders with him. She's quick to offer a little casual wave to a passerby who greets her, before her hand goes out to accept a drink offered by a server.

Her eyes scan the crowd then for a moment as she indulges in a sip of the champagne.

"Quite a lovely celebration tonight." Lara comments. "I hope a sizable amount of money is raised." She notes with a look toward Steve. "Might have to see to helping that, in fact." She tells him with a soft smile once more gracing her red painted lips.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Alura feels a tap on her shoulder and turns around, faced with the prowess of a young woman in her early teens and a look of entitlement taller than the highest skyscraper in the world. "My mother said that you have to take a picture with me or we won't donate any money."

This is not the kind of challenge that Alura has ever faced before. Sure, Kryptonians have their social flaws - there's no denying that. But the arrogance from this child has her shocked beyond belief.

"You know, so all the stinky little starving children with big bellies can have some soup for dinner or whatever." She flicks her hand and then takes out her phone. Alura grits her teeth and casually takes the phone from the child. Lifting up her bracer she connects to the phone. There's a brief flicker on its screen as its simple human cryptography is broken.

"Here's a new deal. You run along without a photo and I won't delete all your social media accounts." The little girl's mouth drops open and she stomps a foot on the floor, "You wouldn't!" Alura raises an eyebrow, "I'm a mother, do I need to start counting backwards? This phone will stay with me for the rest of the night."

The horror on the girl's face is evident at the threat of backwards counting. She hasn't been talked to like this -ever-. How dare this 'superhero' do this to her. Take her phone. She makes little fists and stomps her foot again, turns, and walks away furious.

Scott Summers has posed:
    "Lovely to meet you too." Scott says towards Clea before she's moving past leaving little more than a chill breeze, like the feeling of someone crossing over your grave. The X-man, can only take a sip of his water again and face those still near by. "Oh miss Croft it's not too much a hassle." But he doesn't press further, already accepting that she wont send the list. But he's already decided that he's going to simply send one of everything in their catalogue with a hint of extra. But that isn't spoken either. A nice surprise certainly.

    Scott lifts his drink in a show of greeting to Bruce, but remains quiet. Anything he might say would only interrupt the Captain, and would only confuse the doctor. Extra noise as some might call it. But the X-leader knows when to listen, and how to listen. Such as now.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Bruce is quiet listening, then smiles just a little bit. "I think I was kidnapped..?" though he sounds more confused by it then bothered as at least they took him somewhere were the others were. He looked at the two, and then down so any pictures wouldn't show his face directly. "This was supposed to be an escape to London, but it seems I just can't get away from it." and chuckles a bit.

He looks up at Clea, and then Steve.. "What are you two doing here? I have seen others too, but.. Is everything okay?" he glances around a bit.. "Is this a mission?" he whispers like that helps. He chuckles a bit, and glances at Alura talking to the picture taker after introducing herself.

He quietly whispers to Steve... "It isn't her is it? I wouldn't do it." he notes as Alura has already got him to surrender just watching her.

Then Bruce sighs, "I will be right back.. something is bothering me." and walks over to an old man.. "Excuse me.. Umm Sir." he has no idea it is Nat, "It is okay, we are okay there isn't a need to clean it now right. Do you want something to drink? A seat?" he offers as he was not for all this celebrating while others worked hard to clean up your mess as he had enough of that as hulk.

Yelena Belova has posed:
Yelena is freeeee! Free enough to wander the room, bedecked in gems and jewels for the evening, looking every inch of one of those that is going to be asked for money- but when it does invariably happen, there's a laugh and a look back towards Sven in the tuxedo. She even points with her drink, not spilling a drop!

Bruce's kindness towards the janitor gains Yelena's attention, and brows rise before she chuffs a breath. "Bozhe moi.." is uttered under her breath as she approaches Dr Banner. She reaches out to loop her free arm around his in order to lead him away once more, purring as she does. "Buy me drink? I know I have one, but it is too soon gone."

Clea has posed:
Clea looks...confused, "You think you were kidnapped?" she asks him. "We're here for a convention and this is a gala event for the end of it. Who do you think kidnapped you?" she asks the man quietly. She looks over to where Steve and Lara are, a bit of distress in her features and her fiery aura flaring. "No, nothing is up, this isn't a mission." she tells the Doctor. "That's Superwoman. I don't anyone wants to fight her." she admits. Not even Clea.

"Hey...take it easy." she states as she tries to keep track of him. And then Yelena has him and there's a relieved sigh, "Okay, he'll be fine." she states. Then she looks around for Steve and heads that way, "He said he thinks he's been kidnapped...should we be concerned?" she asks him quietly. Not wanting to worry others.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
The janitor would glance over at Bruce and speak, again in an accent from a lower class neighborhood in London, "S'fine Sir. Job's a job. 'An gotta keep the place clean and pristine for all you tourists." The man would speak with an edge of sarcasm to his voice - he had no clue who Bruce was or however he was important. Just another person here.
    "Gotta be.. What's the way you say it, all spit 'an shine. Still, gets me time anna half so isn't all that bad." The 'man' would muse while going to rest her head over on the edge of the mop handle, tapping foot over to it. "Now go enjoy the party. IF you can afford to be here, you paid enough fer it."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers stands with his drink in one hand, the other one resting on Lara's lower back as he tells her quietly, "They really did a nice job with it. I'm still a little surprised people care to pay that much to come meet us. But if it's for a good cause, I have a hard time saying no."

A confirmation of what Clea told Bruce Banner comes from Steve then. "It's a charity convention. Autographs and... pictures," he says, his hand holding the drink giving a little bit of a gesture as if he doesn't fully get it, but goes along with it.

The man's blue eyes drift over to the confrontation that Alura has with the one 'fan'. Steve waits for her to depart before asking Alura, "I don't suppose you could do that globally? The getting rid of social media accounts part?" he offers in a light-hearted tone. "I don't think we've had a chance to meet. I'm Steve Rogers," he offers to Superwoman. "This is Lady Croft. Bruce Banner. Clea. And Scott Summers."

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
Arriving in a blur, is Pietro. The man looks a bit weary, but quite happy - the price he gladly pays for his current living situation. The speedster glances around, taking inventory of who might be here, along with any available exits. Just in case. Never know with all these heroes in one place, when one may have to usher people out.

Spotting a few familiar faces, Quicksilver finds himself near Steve, Clea, Bruce, Lara and Scott. "Good evening, all."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara is enjoying another soft sip from her drink glass as she listens to Steve, showing him a sweet smile after she lowers the tall glass down to in front of her chest. She leans over to whisper something in to his right ear before others approach to speak to Steve. It's then that Lara separates herself from the Captain to move toward the donations area. Soon the Duchess of Surrey has her small leather clutch in hand to pull her phone from it. She follows the directions on the card to make the donation via her smart phone, adjusting her weight to her left heeled foot as she taps away with the device in her right hand, her drink still held in her left.

Someone does approach Lara to ask if she needs help, and a few words, and laughs are exchanged as Lara assures the attendee that she has this figured out, even if navigating the donation process is a little unusual. She taps in her donation amount though, and confirms it with a little ding emitting from her phone to signify the transfer of funds.

Lara is given a card for her donation by the attendee, and after a few more words are shared, she turns to walk back toward where Cap is, her eyes scanning the crowd once more as she walks softly upon her heeled shoes, the spikey heels clicking on the floor amongst all the sounds of the ongoing celebration this evening.

Scott Summers has posed:
    The situation with Bruce is quickly and seemingly easily resolved, at least for now, with little to no intervention from Scott, thankfully. Juggernaut is one thing, or Rogue on a bender is too, but the Hulk, yeah, that's not something Scott is equiped to deal with especially in London.

    "It seems you have things under control Captain." Scott says, and is beginning the process of extricating himself from the conversation politely, to allow people to be comfortable, knowing full well that his being a mutant is something that will stir some pots and cause some social drama for certain people. Looking around the room, certain dignitaries and 'influencers' haven't approached, and Scott is quick to assume that's because he is a mutant. So, he's doing his social obligation and freeing the Avenger's to be approached. But then there's Pietro and Scott offers a half mouthed grin, "Evening Pietro." Is all Scott offers, again lifting his bubbly water as a greeting before turning and starting to make his way back towards the bar for a refresh.

Clea has posed:
Clea gives a look to Bruce, afraid that Hulk's going to come out and she's going to have to punch him...or get punched in turn. Not in this dress! "I think it's been a week for all of us..." she whispers.

There is a smile to Alura after her talk and she dips her head, "Superwoman." she greets her.

Then there is a silver blur and she looks to Prince Maximoff when he appears, "Pietro. It is good to see you. I hope married life is going smoothly." she offers with a bright smile. But that smile fades when she feels something in the air.

Yes it's like that Phil Collins song.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Snuck away only to get caught again he nods to the worker, he was prob right nothing Bruce said or did would really mean anything to him in this situation. "Just Bruce would works." as he is being pulled away now. And what do you mean paid?" but he is already taken away so might be a bit far to be heard. Turning he looks at Yelena. "Is that what one does at these things?" he asks just going with being moved away as he didn't want to bug the the worker as so far he was zero for two.

Okay this was the one Bruce has had two horrible attempts at a normal conversation, he glances at Yelena, and then down not saying anything this time as he blanks instead just saying, "umm.. I don't have any money... well on me." he smiles.. "My bags, are back at the airport you see, and so..." sighs as he just hangs his head as he just waves as he is then introduced so they know for sure who he is now.

"Thanks Steve,, Thanks." and turns to try to talk the bartender out of a drink.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
And as the janitor that is Natasha goes to pull away from any attempts at conversation with them, Natasha goes to pause a moment as she picks up something from one of the spy cams that she's darted throughout the area. She goes to take a moment to wearily rest over on the mop handle, before going to call it in. Comm toggle is pressed by tongue as she goes to calmly speak into it.
    <<Possible disruption targeted exterior facility. Unknown body dropped. Appears female. Some sort of portal in reality that has just closed. Moving to investigate>> That called in, she goes to slowly pick up the mop, going on a quick jog to the side while going to fumble out for a cig, intent on taking a quick smoke break. Oh well, it was inevitble that something was going to happen. Now to go out and get a handle on things before the sirens start.. Or the body animates itself into some Golem.

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Alura turns back around and grins at Steve's request. She tucks the phone in to her belt and lowers her bracer. "That's the kind of interference we're trying to avoid, unfortunately." She smiles to Steve and says, "It's a pleasure Steve. I've heard a lot of great things about you."

Though Scott Summers is a mystery to her - as is Lara Croft and Clea. Bruce Banner she recognises. Ally. Threat level: Really, *really*, -Don't go there-. The hulk. One of the weirdest things about Earth is playing catch up with all the things Kal-El had learnt up until this point.

"Lady Croft, Dr. Banner - Bruce, Clea, Scott Summers." She nods her head memorising their names and faces. "This sort of thing isn't too common I hope?" She hopes the painful extraction of money from these rich and well to-do's is successful enough it won't be needed for a few more hundred years.

She turns her head just a little and her eyeballs track the blur that is Pietro. For the smallest of moments she thought he might be attacking the place but she let the moment slide and, thankfully, that was the right call.

That's when her eyes turn toward Natasha. A momentary look of confusion. Undercover? security? isn't she one of the Avengers? perhaps this is part of a performance piece. She leans a little past someone so as not to be so rude as to stare through them (people don't like that!) as she watches Natasha.

She asks in hushed tones to Bruce, "Is Natasha British? I thought she was American..." Shows how much she knows about the Black Widow's past. A finger quietly pointed toward the janitorial staff Bruce just interacted with. All she knows of these people are from news reels and notes from Kal-El. It's fascinating to meet these larger than life characters in person.

The quiet chatter on comms in to Natasha's ear has her turn around and look through the walls of the building. "Hey.. people of heroics." What do you call a team of teams? "There might be something weird going down."

Yelena Belova has posed:
Yelena's brows rise as she and Bruce walk away from the undercover Natasha and she leads him away and towards the bar. "While I think you are cute in dorky way, you are not my type," she offers with no little wry humor. "You need drink." Soon after, she amends the statement to add, "I need drink."

Once they arrive at the bar, Yelena turns to look out over the room quickly, blue eyes searching out her erstwhile 'date', the man who //didn't// forget his money in a suitcase in an airport hotel...

It's Natasha's movements, however, that gains her attention, but again, she's better than to allow her gaze to linger. Instead, she turns back to Bruce with a genuine-looking smile before looking past to Alura. Blue eyes narrow briefly; no Widow likes to be made, and certainly not outed, even to allies in a crowded room. "I think I might like a little air. It is very stuffy in here."

Clea has posed:
About the time that Natasha gives the heads up there is the certain intensity that comes with security rushing to the front of the venue where most came in. Some are commenting about some weird anomaly that dropped a dead body. Others are responding to it as well. Like security teams starting to try to escort their high paying bosses to a safer climate. Which might be the back of the room for now.

The heroes that go to check on the body are not barred in any way though. This is...kind of their thing.

There is one person that has reached the body of the woman and they turn her over. It is with a gasp that blood starts to run out of her wounds, it looks like someone slashed her to ribbons.

There is the lone strobe of a camera that goes off and it's followed by absolute silence.

Until security starts shouting to get the press out of there.

Scott Summers has posed:
    "Nice to meet you Superwoman." Scott says just as he was stepping away to the bar, he would linger and chat, but he was really trying to be polite and allow the Avengers people to speak with whoever was waiting for their chance. He knows there's people out there in all levels of society that don't want a thing to do with him and his kind. And he's trying his best to put his preaching and Charles' preaching into practice. Giving space. So he's not avoiding Superwoman, just a matter of circumstance. You too Pietro. Not avoiding, just being a social recluse.

    Scott's aware of something going on, piggy backing on the Avenger's comm channel, but refusing to become an active participant on the channel, He slowly moves to the outskirts of the room, eyes behind the mirror finish of his goggles scanning the place constantly. He doesn't report that there's nothing to report yet, the only thing to do for now is listen.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
Clea gets a smile. "It is going well. I am soon to be a father." He says, proudly. "Micola is doing well, though I am sure with the heat of summer looming, she is hoping for an easy time with twins." Not likely. A tip of his head to Scott. "How have you been, Scott?" He ask, politely. The normally cold clip of his voice bears more warmth these days.

Body? "Excuse me, please?" He offers to everyone by way of apology. Then he's zipping over to where the body was located. He's an Avenger. He's got a job to do, right?

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
She's given them a minute or two heads up and now she's going outside. Somehow along the way she's slipped into full costume and full combat loadout as she goes towards the body that's just been dropped. She's given the team enough of an alert to form a perimeter if there are more threats - and if not to secure the area and figure out what exactly happened.

And then her next priority is going to be reading the manual on all of the various magical threats in the greater area of the United Kingdom and it's separate constituents and breakaways. The very, very voluminous manual that is far from comprehensive.

And hoping that they're not dumped on having to liase with that Wisdom bloke. No one likes him at all.

Bruce Banner has posed:
On his way he hears Alura, and shakes his head stopping for a moment. "Oh no she is russian, but I am sure she could speak in any language. Yea that could be her right now and you would never know." and smiles a bit. "But I could never find her, and don't point.. It is rude." turning to follow Yelena. He smiles, and looks at his watch knowing that she isn't trying to lure him away the number did go down a bit though it was still well under the alarm.

"As you heard Dr. Banner. I am usually in a lab so these things are kind of difficult." he looks at the drinks. "Only water please.." he just smiles a bit. "I might have to drive later." is all he explains. Though he nods, "It is nice out lets go get some air." he offers and waves a hand for them to go. Of course he doesn't know there is a body out there, but he figured it couldn't be as bad as it was in here,

Yelena Belova has posed:
Yelena reaches to put her arm through Bruce's once again, once the good doctor agrees that going outside is a good idea. As she turns him towards the door, her voice drops an octave lower even as she whispers, "Natasha is outside, and is obviously concerned with something. Is good idea to give her a little support, particularly because she did happen to mention it to room. See people are leaving?" Spy 101. She doesn't even need to be on coms, Avenger or otherwise, not when Natasha is around anyway.

Her tones rise to a sing-songy quality, light and lilting, "I hope you have another nice suit."

Clea has posed:
There is a gathering of security and a few police officers that have started to surround the body. "People with cameras and video recorders, if I see one more filming this dead body we're going to have a word with you." one of them shouts. The accent is thick. Apparently someone was upset because of the disrespect to the dead.

The heroes can get access though and someone has brought a table cloth to drape over the body. Clea's towards the back of the group that is heading out when someone shakes their head at her, "No, you need to stay in there. For security reasons, ma'am." the man tells her. The white haired woman looks at them sternly for a moment and then sighs deeply. "I'll see myself back home." she hisses then. Her aura flaring before she simply disappears.

"Well fuck we didn't want her to leave either. Good job, Rookie!" someone tosses an empty water bottle at the man.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
With the perimeter established, Natasha Romanova goes out and moves to intercept the man that had gone to intercept Clea, "She's with the Avengers. She'll have a statement later." The low threat there of the jurisdictional takeover of it being an 'Avengers matter' hopefully enough to make the man go quiet and let them get a bit more control of the situation.

Because no beat cop wanted to deal with international jurisdiction when it came to superteams. The paperwork was hideous even by EU standards.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Bruce smiles, and leads Val out listening. "Would you believe it isn't mine? I mean it is wierd for kidnappers to offer nice clothes so I thought I would cooperate." he notes as if it were nothing. He frowns though as she brings up Natasha, "We must hurry then. If I can help her out I should. She helped me find a pair of pants." he then stops thinking about it. "I seem to run into clothing issues a lot lately." shaking his head at that.

He is glad he stopped as he see's the person talking to Clea like that. There is a single beep from his watch, as he is about to head towards them, but then she disapears, and Bruce realises, of course, and breaths the watch not needing to warn him again. He looks at Yelena, "Sorry about that shall we?" and heads back out.

"Hello Natasha." he looks at the others. "I am a doctor." he explains, as he moves forward to look at the body. There were many things he could help her determine from a corpse, but he was just doing a spot check for now, "I need a lab." and puts the sheet back. "Nat.. Whoever did this.. it isn't thier first kill." he says glancing around. "And it is still fresh, look around.. they might be in the crowd."

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
No paperwork for Pietro - not if he can help it. He moves around the body, trying to get a look from all the angles, without disturbing anyone or the actual body. His other Avenger friends, along with Scott, are certainly not impeded or interrupted. He's just taking in every view, to see if there might be something telling as to what caused the death, who the person was, all the standard information one might need to help solve a crime.

Scott Summers has posed:
    Scott does move around the gala, not enough to go outside, and inspect the body himself, he knows this is way out of his wheel house and those that have jurisdiction are already present, but he can't help but be himself.

    The man's eyes are everywhere, and the mutation that gives him an unusual tactical awareness is screaming things aren't right. He's got the sense that there is much more going on than even the Avengers are aware of. Moving to the front doors, Scott steps through to stand just outside of the event and examines the buildings around, windows, rooftops, cars, anything that might seem out of place. Something's going on. Someone's watching something, looking to see how people will react. Maybe there's an off chance he spies that person. Persons?

Alura In-Ze has posed:
Alura is there in an instant. She looks down over the body. A frown settling on to her face. She studies the body too. It's not exactly her field of expertise - death, medicine, especially human medicine. But perhaps something odd will stand out to her. There's one thing she knows from the files on these people, this dead person will be avenged.

Yelena Belova has posed:
No, Yelena isn't about to whip out her 'I'm with the GRU and I'm here to help' card. It wouldn't work anyone. After all, who knows what the GRU is, much less...

Nevermind.

Nope. Even MORE paperwork than the EU and Home Office. (Even if it would be funny.)

Yelena (and Bruce) are outside just when the small tete-a-tete is happening between Natasha and the nice PC. "Heh," the sound is a barked laugh from her throat, genuine amusement as she side-eyes the hulk in scientist-clothing. "I bet you do. And Natasha is very nice. I am certain she will have extra pair of pants for you. Just in case."

When Bruce steps forward a little more, announcing his credentials, Yelena is happy enough to fall back once more. Blue eyes are on the other Widow for a long moment before she spins on her high-heels and goes back into the reception room, where the booze flows and her 'date' remains. Someone has to keep an eye on the room, after all!

Clea has posed:
"She's sadly dead. Probably dead when they dropped her." One of the officers tells the crowd of people. They pull the tablecloth back for people to view the body. It's another young woman with white-blonde hair and no need to check the eyes. They're probably blue. The resemblance to the disappeared Avenger is striking. "Sorry about our rookie. He's usually good at telling people that we need them to stay back for their safety. Even if you guys can toss most of us to the sun." the officer offers.

"We'll gladly share information with you guys. Just want to get this girl packed up and to the morgue so we can figure out if she's linked to the other murders." he states. "Anyone that wants to get changed and come over when we do that is more than welcome to." he adds.

With that, he goes back to roping off things and awaiting others to get there. There are no other disturbances or anything to note. Just the delivered dead body.