[Deleted]

It took a good bit of convincing to get the higher ups in the hero leadership to get them on board with the idea of a party where all of their heroes would be mashed in to one building, but Francine was convinced that this was a good idea for a number of reasons and managed to get them to relent finally. Her orange sports car had arrived at the San Francisco HQ that afternoon loaded with food, snacks and party favors for the lounge and she'd got out the invite to all the other capes; this Friday Francine was putting on an office party for the other super heroes. They'd all been working so hard, they deserved some time to mingle and meet!

... not to mention there were still heroes on the staff that she hadn't met. San Francisco might not have been her home office, but it'd be easier for Paladin to get to. She liked Paladin already, she was excited to share more stories of her adventures with the blue haired girl. The party was set to start at five,and she was waiting eagerly for her first coworker. She had something special for the bunch of them to unveil!

So with the sparse decorations of the room Francine had elected for a few banners of bright orange to liven the place up whether or not she could actually do anything about the ugly choice in carpet and drab lounge furniture. Francine was just getting the drinks set up when her first guest arrived; no alcohol just in case something happened to call their attention, she'd been told, but plenty of soda and juice varieties. Francine turned to beam at her first entry with a winning smile, flipping her long red hair back over her shoulder and out of her face.

"Hey, you made it! It's not as much stuff as I wanted to do, but I'm excited! Help yourself, there should be plenty for all of us-- and if not I know this pizza place nearby that delivers, great stuff. I'm Francine, but you probably know me as Nova!"

[Deleted]

When Audrey got note of the proclaimed "Hero party," her first instinct was to delete the message and get on with her life. She'd sighed and spun 'round in her office chair, closing the window of her browser instead of actually trashing the email itself. She had gotten a cup of coffee, then sat down and really debated whether or not to go. 

She hadn't wanted to sign up for this stupid program-- well, it wasn't stupid but she didn't like being part of it nonetheless-- but not going to this party or meeting or whatever it was meant she'd be left in the dark about possible updates and news. She had only joined for Jemma, her best friend whom she had killed. With her own powers, because she never took the time to learn to control it. Running a hand through her hair she clicked to RSVP, and set the date on her Google calendar. Well. 

San Fransisco was nothing short of different from Chicago. The moment she stepped out from the airport she popped a cigarette into her mouth and lit it, breathing in the smoke like it was vital oxygen. One hand toting her small luggage and the other in her pocket she strolled down the streets, not bothering to call for a taxi just yet. The air was totally distinct from that of the Windy City, and altogether it was not too terrible. There was an atmosphere, however, that wasn't unlike her hometown. It was busy and bustling and cheerful and bright. She almost felt bad for polluting the air with her smoke. 

She stopped by her hotel and flopped onto her bed, scrolling through her phone a bit to read emails before stepping into the bathroom for a shower. She made quick time donning on a new outfit, which was a bit more catered towards a party than her airplane clothes, and double-checked the address of the Hero office before leaving the building and hailing a yellow cab. 

Audrey had the driver drop her off a couple blocks away, and walked there, lighting a new cigarette along the way (she'd put out her old one before getting into the rider). No doubt if she gave him the actual address he'd either be all excited about having a Hero in his car, or be terrified at the knowledge, or be disgusted. She wanted zero attention, and kept her head down as she pushed open the door. 

The moment she stepped into the door she wrinkled her nose. A glance at the clock told her she was right on time, which was typical for her. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes before moving forward, eyeing the bright orange decorations littered around the office with some disdain. None of this fit her and she couldn't help but feel drastically out of place. Almost like a Villain. 

There was a woman speaking, and Audrey looked over at her mid-conversation. She probably should put out her cigarette. She snubbed it out on an ashtray by the door and shrugged half-heartedly. "No, I don't," she responded curtly, as she had never heard of the girl. Well, she didn't bother keeping up with the social aspect of the Hero program anyway. This was her first time meeting others, really, outside of training.  So no, she had not heard of any person named Nova. "Since we're doing introductions," she half-sighed, pausing in mid stride and turning to face Francine, "I'm Audrey Thurgood.-- or Libra, I guess if you want to call me by my alias. Just flew in from Chicago today. So what is there to do here?"

Words: 607
Tags: Francine Bell

[Alice Morrow]

Paladin Am I more than you bargained for yet? + Francine Bell + @audrey + wearing

Paladin was a little late to the party, having been busy out on patrol and then delayed when someone tried to rob a store at gunpoint when she was only a block over. The man had thoroughly regretted his chosen profession when she strolled casually in through the door and dropped him with a single punch. That dealt with, she had headed back to the Hero Program's offices. She had been told that they were working on something purpose built, but until then a couple of recreational rooms and a set of changing rooms would have to do the job. In truth it was already a hell of a lot classier than her original Hero 'base'. The old warehouse that Dominic had rented seemed more like the location a sketchy gang might gather than where the Justice League might be based. Admittedly at the time they had been more like a sketchy gang that the Justice League, so maybe it had been appropriate. She arrived only just after a new Hero, just in time to hear her greeting Nova. Paladin was still in costume as she entered and she waved at Nova with a smile once she caught her eye. "Hey, sorry I'm late. Someone got held up." It was at this point that she recognised the other woman. They had met only a few hours earlier, shortly before she was due to start on her shift, in an ice cream parlour a few blocks away. She smiled in delight. "Oh my god. What are the odds? I knew there was something fishy about the way you said business." She reached up to pull her mask off, revealing her smiling face. "Small world right? I can't believe we met in that ice cream place a couple of hours ago. If I'd known you were a Hero I could have taken you on the tour round the offices." She paused for a moment, reconsidering that offer. "OK, maybe not, they are pretty boring offices."

© seadra of gs

[Stephen Steelman]

When Stephen first heard there was going to be a workplace party, he was excited. Then he heard that there wouldn't be any alcohol served, and decided he might not go. Then he heard there would be pizza and decided he might go anyway, but the alcohol requirement still stung. What were they so worried about? It wasn't loke anybody had been hurt last time. He'd barely been able to aim.

The lounge at HQ wasn't exactly a place Stephen chose to hang out a lot- it was too drab for him- but he rounded the corner to see that Frankie had spruced it up with bright orange banners. He grinned. It might have been cheap, but he appreciated the effort. Alice was unmasked but in costume, apparently just back from work. Stephen gave her a wave. "Hey Alice. Frankie!" Stephen flashed a grin at the redhaired woman. "Looks great!"

In the center of the room stood a tough-looking woman with the lingering smell of smoke around her. Stephen extended his hand. "Hey, I'm Stephen."

[Deleted]

Work party. Is that what this is? Or was it different because it’s a… superhero thing.


That had been Coraline’s first thought when she had received the memo that Nova would be putting on a party at the HQ. Her second thought was: Maybe I can finally make some friends! Which was honestly kind of pathetic. Still. She didn’t really know anyone here and despite her best efforts, she was having a hard time connecting with her fellow students (or at least it felt like that). Perhaps it was time to stop actively avoiding all the other superheroes and at least attempt to get friendly with someone. They’d probably be more understanding of her troubles than the average person. Hopefully.


With that, she found herself in front of the lounge door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. Before she could even take a single step into the room, all previous confidence evaporated like her constructs in light. God what was she thinking? This was a terrible idea!! There’s Nova! Paragon! Libra! Even Paladin!!!!! She did not belong here. This was a mistake. But they’ve probably already noticed her and it’d be way weirder if she just turned around and left. With her luck, someone would recognize her and she’d be known as that weird girl for the rest of her career. Maybe there was a safe spot she could hang out at for a few seconds before escaping…


The food!


Sure it was a bit close to Nova but… food was safe. People go places to get free food all the time. Heck, she had attended more club orientations that she can name just to get the free food they offer as bait. She’s just here to grab some pizza before going on her way. Yeah that works! With her mind made up, she started to slink move towards the food table, her body posture being somewhere between scared and terrified despite her attempts to hold herself with some level of confidence.