2214/Proportionate Responses

Proportionate Responses
Date of Scene:	24 June 2020
Location:	Harry's Hideaway (Bar)
Synopsis:	X-Force is discussed, and an idea of a team is formed...
Cast of Characters:	Jean Grey, Alex Summers, Gabby Kinney, Illyana Rasputina, Julio Richter, Clarice Ferguson, James Proudstar, Rahne Sinclair, Neena Thurman

---

Jean Grey has posed:
It was a rather cryptic message from Jean to those concerned, at least those living in the Mansion. "Meet at Harry's Saturday afternoon for poker and conversation." Though, why would anyone (save Illyana) actually want to play poker against a telepath???

Plus... Jean's never played poker as far as anyone has seen?

In any case, the back room at Harry's was reserved for the afternoon, and Jean made sure there weren't any unfriendly ears listening in as she was sitting at the table. Even shuffling cards with her telekinesis while waiting for the others to show up.

And before you ask, she is wearing a green dealer's visor on her head, keeping her hair pushed back out of her face as she's decided to have at least a little bit of fun with this.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex comes partly out of curiosity. He's never actually been invited to a poker game at the mansion, and really with all of the recovery from the fight during the rescue, he could stand to get out of the house, especially since Emma has gotten well enought that she's setting her phone ablaze with texts and emails and calls while she reconnects with business.

    So, here he is, stepping in after having paused to snag a German beer from the front, the cold bottle in his hand as he waves idly. "Hey Jean..." he says, looking around, before wandering over to take a seat at the table. Dressed down today, with jean shorts and a green hawaiian shirt with surfing kittens on it. WEaring loose tops helps with the ribs a bit...less twisting required.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
A very short ... man? Walks in wearing a wide brimmed hat, aviator sunglasses, a leather jacket apparently two sizes too large, and jeans and boots. Clearly this is a man though because he has a MARVELOUS MOUSTACHE of epic proportions. It's all dark hair that is twirled around in a handlebar style afixed firmly beneath his nose. It is totally not stuck there with a single staple holding it in place.

A gruff non-commital grumble is given toward the barman before the figure shuffles over to the table that Jean and the others are beginning to gather at. In a sort of deepish voice Jean is greeted with, "Heya Red! Came t'cut the cards." ... That's a term right? RIGHT.

Gabby probably isn't fooling anyone.

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
In these troubled times, nothing like a spot of liquor and a deadly smirk to lighten the atmosphere. Or mysterious messages sent by invitation far and wide. Illyana doesn't have a car to drive any friends over; on the other hand, being able to fold space into origami shapes as she pleases makes for excellent transportation options. Her friends receive the benefit of such things, though they might have to brave a bracing foray on an alpine path where archaeopteryx-like demons plunge into a turquoise lake and keep up their patrol at the Demon-Queen of Limbo's behest. If nothing else, someone can come away with a very colourful feather like the pair she tucks into her hair, shades of vermilion and aquamarine blended together.

One foxfire portal later into courtyard later, the short walk over to Harry's comes easily. No reason to set off anyone's mutant-feelers worrying about vanishing and reappearing young people, right? A casual afternoon means casual clothes, ambling dangerously close to a certain Apache. When ID is checked, hers is presented with a flick of her wrist. She is, in fact, old enough.

Though anyone at Xavier's longer than three years know this is an utter and complete lie, the ID exists, the database to back it up exists, and thus she's through with a smirk and a smile.

Julio Richter has posed:
Julio arrives through Illyana's cascading portal, wearing jeans and a T-shirt for a long-defunct punk band. He's clutching his head as though he was inches from that band's stage at their last gig, in fact -- passing through Limbo always hits him like the heart of a particularly aggressive mosh pit, and he's not sure he's ever going to get used to it, as some others do over time.

He slumps into a seat at Jean's left, takes a few seconds to collect himself, and then focuses on the world outside his aching head again. He watches the deck as she shuffles it mentally, smiles, and comments, "I bet you could stack the deck pretty well, shuffling like that."

He has no ID, real or otherwise, but figures he's unlikely to be carded in the afternoon while surrounded by legal regulars. That might change if he actually tries to order, but for the moment he's content to sit back and knock a chair back with one foot, so that the mustachioed stranger knows that, whoever he might be, he's welcome at their table.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
One way or another Blink found her way over here once the invitation was received. Had she been here before? Well, close enough. So a portal was made, a blink was heard, another Blink stepped out of it and then approached. She is dressed in casual clothing. Jeans, a t-shirt atop, nothing really made to cover the markings of her mutation so the ears and the eyes all show her as one when she wanders within the bar.

A beer later from the bar and she is walking into the back room. "And here I was thinking 'playing poker' was code for uh.., secret meetings, and not actual playing poker. Should I had brought more money than what's needed for a beer or two?" she does manage a faint smile at Jean, which is at least better than what she managed while out at the sentinel factory the other day.

As for the others, she offers her nods of greeting and a wave or two before finding her way to a chair of her own.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar rarely gets carded. Mostly because even when he's here he rarely orders much in the way of booze. Also because he's hugenormous and people really don't want to make a fuss. But it'd be a lie to say he doesn't have a convincing ID regardless, which this time he does flash to the hostess before moving to the backroom in Illyana's tow.

"Hey Jean. Alex." He pauses at the third, short, mustachioed figure, a dark brow lifting in something between amusement and utter confusion. And in typical Jimmy fashion, he doesn't say anything further to the "stranger" if only because he doesn't want to ruin a joke in progress if he can help it.

Rahne Sinclair has posed:
    Poker...was not Rahne's thing. Neither, really, was the location. A bar....nothing but sin there. At least, according to her rather rigid upbringing. However....conversation? That Rahne could go for. And with her friends going with, there was really no reason not to go for that. And so, Rahne walks into the bar proper...and follows the flow to the reserved room after a little hold up in the main room.

    Once there, the Scot finds a seat. Normally, it would be away in a corner, but that isn't going to work here. Which means Rahne finds a seat at the poker table, to the right of Jean and about three chairs away. About as comfortable as she is going to get in a room full of people. Her petite frame settles down, as a hand runs through the short red hair. "Ah had tae convince 'em Ah'm not gonna be drinkin' back 'ere. As if Ah'm really gonna do that." Which...is probably pretty damn true. Rahne engage in drinking? That would be a surprise.

Neena Thurman has posed:
Poker.

Who doesn't love poker? Not this girl. 'Luck be a lady tonight' is her theme song, but it works in strange ways. It might even work against a telepath, who knows?

Then again, it's poker. And drinks on the house. *cough*

A distinct mutant, albino with that spot over the eye saunters into Harry's as if she owns the place, a brief smile for some of the patrons that perhaps she's 'owned' over her time in the area is given as she heads into the back. She's obviously armed; never comes off, really, and as she takes her path into the back, she's taken aback a bit by the attendance, and she nods in directions in brief greeting.

"Whoa... nice, Red," is given towards Jean as she reaches to pull up a chair in order to sit in it backwards.

"Aces high?"

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean smiles towards everyone, "Glad you could all make it... though I have to say, Alex... Emma let you out of the house wearing those?" She gives the jorts a wry look, then winks at Alex, "Sit down, relax. And don't worry, I'm not mind reading at the moment. Honest." The paragon of innocence, is Jean.

Then she looks around, "I know you're probably wondering why I asked you all out here. This isn't exactly my style, and we're not exactly all with the school." She passes a glance towards Clarice, giving her a friendly nod. She also gives a wink to the just-arriving Domino, "By the way, if you get three royal flushes in a row I'm reserving the right to use my powers in revenge."

Jean looks around, and telekinetically arranges the chips out for people, making sure everything is counted out properly and fair. Then she shuffles with her fingers, eschewing the telekinesis so people don't think she's stacking the deck.

"So. Given recent... events, I'm thinking we've been too passive in regards to threats. Like Sinister. Or Brainiac. And I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm tired of reacting to things, and I'd rather preempt these problems before they start." Her eyes flicker around to the group, reading their reactions as she adds.

"And I think it's time we formed a team that would do exactly that."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
The mustachioed heavily disguised Gabby sits next to Jean with hands resting on the table. Nevermind she has to be pretty much on the edge of her seat, literally, to do so. Darn shortness. The familiar people and unfamiliar alike are looked over, and when Rahne sits down mentioning drinking she pipes up cheerily with, "Oh, actually they have a really good rootbeer on tap here..." The 'man' pauses, clears his throat to lower it again to gravelly levels. "I mean if you're into kid stuff like that."

Domino's entrance gets a stare as well. More for the weaponry and she lets out a sigh. "Man, they never let me carry my weapons like that anymore." Ah well. Given the 'gig' was likely up she pulls the bucket hat off, and sets aside her aviators. The moustache is still in place until she reaches up to grab hold and pop it off with both hands. It's just a cut length of her hair, and the staple that went clattering to the floor is likely how she kept it attached to her lip. OW.

"Okay, serious time. I'm listening."

Julio Richter has posed:
Julio bounces his head back in a casual greeting as Blink approaches from her own portal. "If Jean wanted players with deep pockets, she wouldn't have invited me," he assures her, his accented voice friendly. They might never have hung out causally, but he easily recognizes her from X-men missions they've been on together.

Unlike Blink, Domino is a new face, and Julio's eyebrows shoot upward as he notices that she has decided to show up strapped. "I didn't think this was that kind of card game," he murmurs.

Granted, he has plenty of questions about what kind of a card game it is, exactly, but Jean speaks to them herself pretty quickly. "I hear that," he tells her when she mentions a more preemptive approach. "De verdad, I'm surprised we weren't doing that already."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Alas, punk went the way of the VCR, it so seems. An approving nod to Julio's choice comes from Illyana, who herself owns a few t-shirts in honour of slightly better known bands -- Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Sex Pistols. Wearing the latter probably makes her brother uncomfortable, but Piotr isn't there to judge, therefore that and a pair of fitted dark jeans will work. "Always a job in Monaco or Macauif you need one," she tells Jean, the older redhead earning that kind of nod. That odd sound of a blink brings her head turning before she settles into the backroom, and whatever uneasiness might habitually twig her usual level of paranoia proves far from elevated. Those pale arctic eyes alight upon Clarice, acknowledging her without a smile, but then there never -is- a smile with that one. Usually. "We can pool funds if need be." Domino's arrival she gives a measured, purposeful look.

Because some of them have jobs, and some have money from unclear sources. Best not to ask, especially as Rahne is nearby. Still, she slips her arm around Jimmy until they can trust in finding a place to sit, stand, hold up a ceiling. Let someone else question on Gabby's mustache, though she asks, "How long does that take to groom, da?"

Jean's statements get a slight incline of her head, little more. Not much of one for long conversation or small talk, especially when they get down to business. "Thought you would never ask. In." That much is a simple, straightforward statement. "I know where they are."

Neena Thurman has posed:
Domino gives Jean a lopsided smirk before she wiggles fingers for cards and chips. Shifting her weight briefly in order to access a pocket (that leather has pockets?!), she pulls out some bills in order to buy in. "Tell me it's not penny a point, 'cause if it is, this 'pre-empt thing' is gonna take a lot of luck." To make her price for such work.

Ahem.

Casting a glance to the side as the 'man' de-costumes, brows beetle and the smirk drops. She looks all the world like she's going to push away from the table, given the man/girl's obvious.. young age.

"So.. in other words," Domino turns her attention back to Jean, "You all are finally growing some and actually want to fight back." And by fight back, Neena leans on that word /fight/ to mean something .. a little more final.

"Now you got my attention."

Rahne Sinclair has posed:
    Green eyes flicker as the poker chips float into Rahne's vicinity. The attention from the cards is broken as the only other person in the room shorter than her speaks...and it doesn't take wolf senses to recognize the voice before the disguise is discarded. An actual smile crosses over the shorter redhead's features....one that widens when Gabby actually finally ditches the hat and glasses.

    There is a blink as Rahne is brought back to the present. "Another team? Ye mean besides the two or three already goin' on?" She leans forward just a bit more, subconsciously, as that, rather than the cards on the table, has her attention. "Ye mean sumthin' other than the older adults runnin' around while us younger set sneak around like normal..."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Domino's entrance gets Blink's attention to shift there, a grin given to the other woman. Brotherhood unite! Or something like that, the weapons not even getting a second glance out of her. "Hello Dom." she lifting her head up in a chinjerk given in her direction and then settling back on her chair.

The answer from Blink comes fast enough too, having seen way too much misery towards mutants as of late. Or some could even contest seeing it all her life. "That is something which captures my attention too." as if any other answer would be expected from her. "I am interested."

But something else appears to catch her attention, her unnatural green gaze turning to Illyana and those last words of her. "You do?"

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean chuckles, "We're pretty low stakes here, as far as the poker is concerned. Fifty for the pile of chips. If you need a loan, I can spot you, I know you're good for it." She eyes Domino, then adds, "Well, not you." With that, Neema gets a wink and she hrms, considering her question first.

"Not... exactly. Look, I'll be the first to admit that there are times that we don't have /any/ other option. And if we have to do that, we do that. But by the same token, we're not going to just murder anyone and everyone because they look at us sideways."

She nods slightly towards Illyana, then looks at Gabby and Julio, "What I am saying is that we do whatever it takes to keep mutants, and humanity, safe from threats instead of waiting for half our team to be abducted and experimented on so we can rescue them after the fact."

She pauses, "People /still/ have trouble looking me in the eye at the Mansion, and I don't blame them one bit considering what Sinister did." Or more precisely, what her clone did.

Neena Thurman has posed:
Good. Fifty.. and not fifty cents.

"Gimme an hour. I'll spot anyone with reasonable rates." Domino's been in the game for awhile now.

Clarice gets a nod of greeting, but she aslo rates a quick smile. Good to have familiar faces, if not familiar... skills.

Illyana's comment regarding where they are, well, that gets a pale blue eyed stare of interest. There's calculating behind it, but information is definitely needed. "Okay, spill."

Reaching for her cards, however, the merc is more than happy to be able to play and talk at the same time. She lifts them, checks her hand, her facial expression not shifting from reactions to the conversation.

"I figured 'killing' was 'murder' in X's eyes. The 'who are we to determine who lives and dies'.. yadda thing." Still, she's obviously not opposed.

"Talk to me." Beat. "Us. What're your thoughts." She looks around the table. "Anyone kill? Anyone?"

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex rummages in a pocket for his wallet, pulling a pair of twenties and a ten. "I'm in." he says, settling back in a chair. "..and I guess that depends. I'm...more for being proactive. But if I'm going to be blunt, some of the individuals we ran into were just utterly flucking evil. What do you plan to do about them?" His eyes grow more shuttered. "...I killed that one Sinister. Know it wasn't the real one." He looks down at his beer, then takes a drink. "Mmph. I don't regret that." he insists.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney grins over at Rahne even as she had revealed herself. See? She wasn't the only one that was not quite fitting in here. A fact that is made all the more obvious when Domino reacts to her reveal. Her green eyes gaze across the table at the woman to whom she offers a smile as she gathers up her chips without looking. "I'm Gabby," she offers to the unfamiliar woman. "I might be young, but I've been trained to be akiller since I was created. ... I haven't killed, though. My sisters always did. They made me turn around." A small, stiff shrug. The rest at the table knew her history. Knew what she'd been through. The fact that she came out still able to smile and joke was still good enough for her.

Illyana gets a chuckle. "Not too much I just cut a length of hair off for it," she explains as she pulls her hair forward to show where it was missing a chunk. It's dropped away again, and she does indeed get a little serious with chips tapping together passing from one hand to the other.

"I'll need a spot," she declares with a solemn nod. More seriously she adds, "I promised my sisters when they died I wouldn't kill. I'm not trying to end up like Laura or Logan. But..." Here she hesitates with eyebrows knitting together in a serious, contemplative frown. "I've been around people that have had to make that decision before. I'm not against it if that's the only choice. Just... Trying not to *make* it be the only choice, you know?"

Lightly clearing her throat she adds, "Otherwise I'm in."

James Proudstar has posed:
"John was a marine." James has been characteristically quiet and stoic for much of the conversation so far. "He never talked about it, really, and I never asked, but I know he saw real combat over in Iraq and AFghanistan. I dont' know if he ever crossed that line, but I do know he understood that there were times and places you might have to. Couple weeks back, I guess I found my line." Two and a half dead Marauders can attest to it, though such things are rarely permanent where that particular pack of wolves is concerned.

"I already lost one tribe in the last year. Ain't looking to lose two. Whatever you need me for, I'll do it. I don't have to like it, but I'd rather feel remorse than more grief if I can help it."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Domino's statement to Jean may prickle, but from the poker face that Illyana wears, any reaction might need a Richter scale to detect at all. She holds her confidences in mute accord, watching her peers while they react to the plans and respond accordingly. Not quite out to derail the question and answer period, she nods to Clarice and keeps it pointedly short. "We act instead of waiting. Time is not a luxury for most of them."

Still and poised where she stands, arm crossed over her midsection, her posture may be all the more notable for moving very little. Fidgeting is inimical to the Russian, though her faint smirk lifts. "We will help you, Gabby. Ask for it, and you have it, da?"

No answer right away when others acknowledge their kill lists, or lack thereof, but eventually her response will break into the void. "I am a Hell Lord," she adds, shoulder shrugged in a deliberate twang of muscles like a bowstring, and she leans against James the more.

Julio Richter has posed:
Julio sits back in his chair, peering at Domino for a few seconds. "A few hundred," he answers her flatly. It's pretty obvious that he's not feeling nearly as flippant about it as she is, but he leans forward again, engaging the rest of the group. "I won't cry about certain people dying." He nods to Jean and Illyana, who can personally attest to this fact. "I also don't think it should be our solution for every problem. But getting out there and /solving/ those problems? That I like."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean glances over at Domino at her question, "I crushed my clone underneath a steel door. I hated that I had to do it, but no one knows better than me how dangerous my powers can be without any moral compass to center them." And honestly, she doubts anyone at this table would judge her for it.

She does, however, give Gabby a smile, "I appreciate you wanting in. And I'd be glad to have you along, Gabby." She nods over towards James, and Illyana in turn.

Then she looks at Julio, "And that's my intent as well. Killing shouldn't be the answer to everything... or even most things. But by the same token... I don't feel that we should leave it completely off the table, either." Which is a big admission for her.

Neena Thurman has posed:
"When all's you got is a hammer, problems look like nails. I just want to get an idea of who is sittin' at this table. Other than my poker cash cows." Domino takes a chip and tosses it into the center. If anyone was annoyed with her for asking, it doesn't look like it's affected her in the least. "'Cause, if you haven't and it doesn't affect you when you do it for the first time? You need to put down." She grins and shrugs, "'They' keep trying."

Once her chips are tossed, the albino puts her cards down, face down, on the table and looks around at all the younger faces. Blue eyes linger on Gabby, and the way she phrased, 'was created', and grunts her acknowledgment, her tacit understanding.

"Right." Domino clears her throat, "so now that we know we're all in, we'll vote on a secret handshake later. Intel first."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
"I have killed." Direct, without flourishes. But then again Blink is Brotherhood, and some may even know of her history with the Magistrates, the previous owners of Genosha. Not that her expression shows any pride about what she has done. But then again, whoever is proud of killing? Her eyes roam the table as people speak of their own experiences, a nod given here and there but attention then falls upon Gabby. She tells her. "It is something I have been looking for as well. An alternative, so that it does not become the only choice. Even if it's one that should be considered." a sigh, she certainly agreeing with what Jean says even if it doesn't mean she has to like it.

A pause, a look around the group and then she asks. "Where do we draw the line though? How do we decide who should or should not die?"

Rahne Sinclair has posed:
    "Ah don't like killin'. Against what He said, ye know." There is no doubt that Rahne is referring to one of deity level, and simply not a mortal. The reverence of how she said it is proof enough. "Ah'm not gonna get comfortable with it, either. The wolf in me? She's not gonna care so much." There is a pause, as those green eyes of Rahne's drop to the table. "But...if someone's gonna hurt mah friends, Ah'm gonna do what Ah gotta to keep them safe. Ah'm already goin' tae Hell. Ain't nuthin' gonna stop that from happenin'."

    With that, Rahne looks up, the normal nervousness within her expression set with a grim determination. "So...Ah'm gonna help. Ah'll do whatevah Ah need tae to keep ye all safe."

James Proudstar has posed:
"Just gotta go with your gut. Try to keep a cool head about things. Gotta try to weigh what nets more good, saves more lives." Jimmy replies, glancing to Illyana and nodding to something she murmurs to him, "Like other folks have said, though...doesn't always have to be the path we take." He laughs suddenly a touch bitterly, "I guess this probably isn't the best time to mention that for one side of my heritage getting proactive has never really worked out too well in the long run. Lots of pitfalls we're going to have to try to avoid."

Neena Thurman has posed:
"I'd say that'd be situational, Blink. And mission critical. Guy needs to not die, try not to kill 'em. Guy needs to be killed? Don't be afraid to take 'em down."

As far as Domino is concerned, it's pretty cut and dry. As for what anyone else thinks? Well...

"I hope this doesn't get bogged down in committee. Ultimately, there are marks, there are saves for intel, and there's collateral damage. Mitigate the last and that's the best outcome for something like this." Domino shrugs soon after, a shoulder lifting easily. "Just my two cents."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"I think it's on a case by case basis. There's no hard and fast rules on that sort of thing," Gabby says as she looks over her own cards. ... Those were good, right? Eh. It was a mere distraction to the talk. "But basically... Yeah. If it means staying alive, or keeping others alive? And it's not like talking to them is going to redeem them?" She gives a sidelong shrug. "I think we can all agree nobody *deserves* to die. It's when others forget that, too, that it becomes something to consider. Sinister for instance."

SHe was usually all cheer. Usually. Or at least not morose and moody. When this topic comes up though, there's an obvious... disgust. Hate. And anger in her voice that was rarely if ever there.

"I would not blink a single tear over him."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods in agreement with James, "That's why I wanted you here. Why I asked all of you here." She smiles faintly, "Doesn't take a telepath to see that we all have some demons." A pause, and then gives Illyana a wry glance, "Some more literal than others. And well, Neema is right. Just because we can kill, doesn't mean that we should." She nods over at Gabby, "And I don't think any of us here would. I definitely wouldn't."

Julio Richter has posed:
Having admitted his kill count, Julio takes a while to shake off the grave demeanor that accompanied it, but the chatter around the table doesn't slow while he does so. A beer might not be the worst idea, actually.

"Tan pesimista, Rahne," he says when he's finally feeling light enough to join back in -- albeit with decidedly sardonic humor. "Ask yourself: what's Hell got on the United States of America?"

Jimmy's comment about his heritage earns a resigned chuckle from his Mexican friend. "I don't know about heritage, but whatever people like us are doing now is definitely not working. Once we've got our people back from that alien and we've dealt with that pinche giant robot" -- he glances over at Clarice -- "I say no more surprises."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
Quiet in her observation, Illyana isn't the type to spill diatribes or lengthy exposition struck with all the necessary flourishes. Her blonde bangs fall across her face, swept low enough to lie along her eyes. The Russian watches the exchange of cards and pass of chips keenly, possibly gathering a sense for the game's rhythm or the playstyle of the various contributors. Her shoulder lifts a fraction still and slips back to an even line, though she isn't in any sense relaxed. Probably wouldn't know how, all in all.

"Focus on the immediate facts." Blunt spoken doesn't mean rude, and she waits for a break in the conversation on that. "A broken transmission confirmed the obvious. Bushwick was transported to this Brainiac's ship." A beat, then she goes on. "So far, the victims live up there being made into drones. Do we know any weaknesses of them or /him/?"

Rahne Sinclair has posed:
    The shorter redhead levels her eyes upon Julio and gives him a completely straight-faced answer.

    "Warmer climate."

    Then, as if she didn't just make a joke (partly because she believes she didn't), Jimmy's comment about a cooler head is addressed. "Ah don't like admittin' this. But...when Ah'm the wolf, Ah'm a lot more impulsive, if ye get what Ah mean. So, Ah may do stuff that is less than cool-headed. Ah'm still there...Ah remember...and it tears me up after the fact. But...Ah guess that goes back tae what was said earlier, yea? Bettah tae have remorse later than grief."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Clarice's expression remains thoughtful even after all the responses, but the nod is telling that she does accept what is said, and what this group means. "The world isn't perfect..." she says, "Neither can we be." she adds in conclusion. A nod later she looks back up to the others. With her eyes setting on Julion and then on Jean she says. "There's the drone we got that still needs to be examined. Perhaps through it we can pinpoint the location of the ship?" she considers. Not that technology is her strong point! "If they got some kind of homing beacon.."

As for weaknesses, and Illyana's question, she shakes her head. "Had never heard of Brainiac till a few days ago."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex nods to Illyana, leaning forward with his arms on the table. "Yeah. Alright. Killing or no killing, what are we doing about that? How do we even get up to that damned thing? It's floating practically up in space now, and we don't know what the hell's already been doing to all those people. Or the people from Genosha."

    He frowns. "I can't...imagine that any of it is good. He's had them for months..."

Julio Richter has posed:
Julio gives a little groan when Illyana asks about Brainiac's weaknesses. "Five of us fought one of those drones and barely -- BARELY -- took it down. Even that only worked because it was distracted by Master Mold crawling up its fundío halfway through the fight. We brought the pieces back if you want to look at them for weaknesses. I hope you find some, because the jet is never going to smell the same again." He would say he won't hold his breath, but in fact that was exactly what he did for most of the return journey.

He's gotten right back to his dour old mood when Rahne's response to his sarcastic question hits. He turns to her, grins, and then, bit by bit, nearly falls apart laughing. After a while to get his breath back, he wipes at his eyes and answers, "That it does. That it does. So, who was offering to spot the ante, again?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney reaches over to lightly pat Rahne on the shoulder at that offering her a smile. "I don't know about heaven and hell and all that stuff, but I don't think trying our best to do the right thing is ever bad, is it? I dunno. That's part of it though. We got to keep ourselves in check. Just... make sure we look out for each other while we're doing this. So that we don't get out of hand," she points out with a solemn nod.

"But if people are in trouble right now, then we should try our best to find a way to help."

Neena Thurman has posed:
It seems like Illyana has all the information, so when the blond speaks, Domino actually listens, and listens carefully while pulling one card from her hand, laying it down upside down, and wiggling fingers for a single card in return.

"We know they're alive," is a question formed in a statement. "Clones." She shakes her head, the closest thing to a shudder she'll allow. Too close to home, and too soon.

"Let me at him, and I'll sure as hell find a weakness."

Julio's question regarding being spotted gets a nod from the albino merc. "Usually it's 20% daily, but I'll let it slide. This time." She pulls out bills and hands them over. "So, you're in."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods, "First order of business is figuring out what weaknesses, if any, these drones have. We'll have to have Hank take a crack at the one we recovered... and we might want to open up our doors for other groups to take a gander at it too. I have a few ideas."

She hmms, and gives Domino a wry look, "Thanks for covering that... what do I owe you, then?" Her eyes dance a bit, as she also grins at Rahne's comment about the difference between Hell and America, then she nods at Gabby. "That's still the priority, Gabby. I want to get these people back, and safe. And Brainiac, well... he doesn't seem to be the type to waste resources. Just an educated guess, mind you, but... well, I'm hoping we can get all our people back. From Mutant Town /and/ Genosha."

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
"Organic, cyborg, hybrid?" Ticking off the possibilities there, Illyana opens doors of possibility. Deliberate and slow in her approach, but it's definitely purposeful. Julio's offer of samples gets a curl of her lip, disdainful, and then a nod in agreement. "Each needs a different strategy. Overloading a cyborg's system remotely is not the same as an organic being." Leaving a pause for the others to interject their thoughts right there.

"Getting there is no issue with Clarice or me." She lightly inclines her head upward, tilting her gaze upward. "Working on the trail coordinates. It is not something I can just show you."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"And I'm good at sneaking," Gabby puts forth with a shrug. "I've crawled through more sewers and ventilation shafts than you'd imagine. Good thing I'm small." Looking at her hand she puts a card down, and squints. "I should probably learn how to play this game, huh?"

Neena Thurman has posed:
'So, you're in' obviously can be taken both ways, and Domino truly meant it that way. In a strange, merc fashion, it's her first official, 'welcome to the party', even if she's not the one technically forming it.

With more information coming in, Domino listens before her phone *boops* with that 'incoming message' sound. Black, sculpted brows rise as she checks her phone and actually lets out a sigh.

In question as what what is owed, Domino's only response is a lopsided grin and a quick shrug, "I'm sure I'll think of something." She's changing who she gets payment from, obviously, from her expression. "Not twenty per-"

*boop*
*boop*

A long string of message announcements begin to come in, much to Domino's obviously consternation. "Excuse me a moment. I have to kill someone--"

If anyone is close enough, they'll see a long list of text emojis.. Unicorn, taco, begging face, wilted rose, crossed swords, gun and love-happy face...

"By the way? Wade is in." Domino sounds .. not really happy, but he's like that obnoxious little brother who is too smart for movie money. Take it and still annoy you!

"I'm good at, well.. finding weaknesses so I can take someone down. Or, my team can." Just in case they didn't know.

"Lots of experience."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney perks at the name with a sudden look of glee crossing her face. Why? Because... "Wade? Deadpool!? He's so cool and funny!" Of course she would think so. Didn't she staple a mustache to her upper lip? Fft. She'd met him once or twice at least, and was apparently quite OK with the thing. "Tell him Dropbear says hi!"

Julio Richter has posed:
"Cyborgs," Julio answers Illyana, "Two and a half meters or so. Ugly skull faces with laser eyes. Not metal, Lorna said." He reserves a special heap of disdain for the last pair of words: "They fly." Shaky Ground Boy is fast learning to fucking HATE things that fly.

Then, smiling quietly, he accepts Domino's lax terms for the buy-in, well aware that the first hit is usually free. As the hands play out, he establishes himself as a cautious player, quick to fold and slow to bet big, except for a couple of rare hands that he turns to his significant advantage.

Illyana Rasputina has posed:
"Important to know. Flying, non-metal cyborgs with outsized strength. Time to summon the demon armies," Illyana remarks without a trace of irony in her tone, following up on Julio's comment with one of her own. Her fingers curl, palm resting against the inset of her waist. "There are a few debts I am owed. It might be worth cashing them in."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean just gives Domino a /look/ at the mention of Deadpool. She knows he's got a good heart, and he's really a good guy deep down, but... "Okay, Wade can be in. Two rules. One, he doesn't get into the psychic link when we're in the field. Two, he doesn't get access to my old costumes."

Just. Don't. Ask.

Then she tosses a wink at Neema, "I'm sure you'll think of something." What that means, Jean doesn't elaborate, as she settles in and looks positively enigmatic while she regards her cards. Bad enough she's a telepath (even if she said she's not using that), she's also got the doctorate in psychiatry working for her.

She probably doesn't even NEED telepathy!

Rahne Sinclair has posed:
    There is a slight frown as Rahne considers. "Cyborgs...." It would seem that she is trying to contemplate on how 'alive' a cyborg is. And, if Jean is listening, her mind is most definitely trying to determine if something like that has a soul. Because, if not, then it is a lot easier for Rahne to rationalize taking it apart. Violently, if necessary.

    Still, Rahne herself doesn't say anything more. Instead, she concentrates on the game in front of her. And...it is apparent she is a novice at the game. Not that she is betting much at all, though. Just like her thoughts, Rahne's gameplay is extremely conservative. She leans down to Gabby and murmurs softly. "guessin' Ah need tae learn, too..."

Neena Thurman has posed:
Domino doesn't fly, but she's never been averse to being teleported, or thrown.. or jumped on her own volition out of a perfectly good aircraft. Lucky lady, that she's walked away (or was still breathing and had a pulse) after the encounter.

"Get me up there, get me near him, I'll find the weakness," is repeated. She shoots a glance at Jean, her expression shifting to pure deadpan, "I have a good imagination." For finding the chink in the armor!

"And yeah..." She looks to Gabby, perhaps a little too sharply, "Don't ever encourage Wade." Beat. "Ever."

She looks down her phone that is currently in the process of blowing up. Her fingers move quickly, as black lips form the words she's creating on the screen, "Knock it off dont want pics"

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex gets a slightly alarmed flicker in his eyes. "...cyborgs...who are the mutants from Genosha?" he says slowly. "If...they're all the people we're supposed to be saving...then...what do we do about that?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney nods solemnly as she looks to her cards, only to pause and blink at Domino. "Why? He's a nice guy. We're scar bros," she points out lifting a hand to gesture to the symmetrical cuts on her face that had long ago scarred over. Glancing back to her hand she squints again. She really didn't know what she was doing, entirely, so she just... winged it.

"Is it good if your cards are all the same color and symbol thingie?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Perhaps voicing some of the concerns Clarice states quietly. "The one we took down. It could feel pain." a frown, eyes fleeting to Alex and she nods her agreement. "I think that's what he's doing too. If we kill the source though, the others should stop being controlled?" but then again she is just spitballin' now.

"Can't even begin to figure out what kind of life those people would have when they are liberated." She appears to not have chosen to participate on the poker game for the moment. Maybe she is just reading her opponents for the future. Because apparently there will be more meetings in the future!

When people start talking about Deadpool she eyes Domino for a few moments. "So, how worried should we be about this Deadpool joining in?" a brow arching up. Apparently she is one of the few that doesn't know that guy!

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean hmmms at Clarice's question, "That's the thing, we don't know how much of the original person is even in there. But we need to find out." She then looks wryly at the mention of "Deadpool... is best served on our side, because if we don't invite him in, he'll make his own way in. And that'll be even worse." She passes a wry look over at Domino, seeking confirmation there.

Alex Summers has posed:
    "Well then...we need to figure out a way to take them out without killing them. I mean...I can't imagine, if they're all like that...." Alex shakes his head, draining the rest of his beer and tossing down his cards. "I'm out, also." He's been distracted enough to play like crap as it is, to be honest. "I don't have any abilities like that, i don't know if anyone does, if this tech is so powerful and alien."

Neena Thurman has posed:
Domino sets her phone down on the table, face down with a *thump* and a frown. It continues to *boop* and signal a message coming in every few seconds, so either the person on the other side has fast fingers, or she's popular, she's getting seriously spammed by...

Deadpool.

"That's why 'don't encourage him'." An annoyed gesture is given towards the phone, including flipping the bird at him. It's all in good humor, mostly. Mostly. "And I don't encourage him."

Leaning forward, her expression turns deadly serious, as in 'merc serious'. "If anyone EVER tells him I said this, I'll deny it, then.. well. But I've worked with him before. He's good. But someone has to be on him to tell him to focus. He's like.. a guided missile with a really bad tracking system. Gotta ride it in. But, yeah," and she nods at Jean, "Better on our side than not. He's hard to kill, anyway."

Ah.. poker.. and Domino catches Julio's cards and looks at Gabby, her brows rising, and a smirk rising to her face once more. "Yeah," is given as she tosses in another chip to the pile.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney hmmms. Seeing that Domino throws her chips in, she does the same. Sure it might mean there's most of her chips in, but that was good, right? Right. Perhaps. She would see. She wriggles in her seat a bit excitedly to see how this plays out since she HAS NO IDEA. "Okay. I think we're almost done. How do we finish this then?" She looks around at Julio and the others curiously.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean grins, "Well, now you say, 'call' and reveal your hands." Jean folded a while ago, mainly because she knows better, especially when her hand was that bad.

"So, what did you have?"

Neena Thurman has posed:
It's a smokey 'back room', a poker table, and mutants betting on poker. It's a friendly game, mostly, and after serious conversation, laced with some humor is had, the crowning 'event' is given before all casualness breaks loose, completely with drinks.

"Yeah, call."

Domino's kept a 'poker face' for the game, at the very least, and lays her cards down. A pair and a three.. pair of Jacks, three Queens. Brows rise at Gabby, her brows rising.

"Like the lady says, 'What do you have?'?" It's not a weak hand, but it's not the strongest either...

And even as Domino says those fateful words, she can feel that familiar tingling. Things.. aren't going to end up good. Not for her. Not now.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney nods to Jean in understanding, and glances over to Domino as well. "Okay. Call!" she agrees cheerily only to lay her cards out before her. They were indeed all of the same suit, Spades. A mix of numbers, a mix of face cards, but otherwise all the same suit. A nice little flush that wins her the pot.

"I'm gonna buy so much cotton candy!" She decides with a broad grin.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean laughs, "Well, that's just the first round, Gabby. You want to deal next?" She slides the deck over towards Gabby, letting her shuffle as the remaining group just settles in for a friendly evening of cards, drinks, and chat...

Something to keep their minds off of what lies ahead. Because there's a lot of darkness on that path... let's have a little light for once, while we can.