ic Thanks for the Cheers

[Brown Dynamite]

Jameson Airport

North Freedom, New Jersey
2:24 PM Wednesday November 26th, 2014

 

Normally when Erick Sloane was speeding through traffic at break neck speed it was while narrowly avoiding gunfire in pursuit of some sort of mafioso.  Today, he was actually combating traffic for an entirely different reason.  He was running late and it would be a tight squeeze to arrive on time.  Erick had somehow found himself oversleeping despite normally pulling late nights.  His barely street legal Porsche 918 was put to the test as it raced to the airport to pick up his guest.

 

Erick didn't want to leave her waiting at Jameson of all places, as it was less of a rest stop than Jordan International.  If not for the likelihood of attracting attention to himself, he would have taken his new even fancier mode of transportation.  But, there was plenty of time to show that off later.  One rushed car ride later, with thankfully no police stops along the way, Erick found himself on the edge of the curb waiting for incoming arrivals.  There was a brief moment in which he felt like an overly expensive taxi as he looked around the curbside pickup.  Searching for the VIP guest he had invited to spend the holiday with him.

 

Did your flight get in?  If he was waiting on someone else he might've considered texting or calling first.

[Thevshi]

Dee Farrington already had her luggage, having to collect it before she had gone through customs. The young Englishwoman had slept most of the flight over from London, something made easier when flying First Class on the British Airways jumboliner.

She was wearing black jeans, and a white T-shirt with a British flag on the front. Her shoulder length black hair was loose, with a couple of solid stripes of dark red adding a bit of color. Coming to a halt in the chill afternoon air curbside outside the terminal, she sat her roller suitcase upright and took a moment to scan the mass of taxis and cars that crowded the lanes nearest the sidewalk.

A faint smile came over her face as she picked up Erick’s thoughts, aimed at her. Yes, it was in awhile ago. But customs took a bloody long time.

[Brown Dynamite]

It's funny to think when there are people running around with X-Ray vision customs takes as long as it does.  It's a conspiracy really..  As the cars in front of him pulled out, Dee came into view in front of the terminal exit.  Driving forward a short distance he'd stop directly in front of Dee and get out of the car.  Where he would make his way over to her.  Playfully bowing he'd make his taxi or limo driveresque greeting, "Shall I take the lady's bag?"

 

As he rose back up he took a better look at her noticing the added bits of color.  Extending an arm out to take the roller suitcase.  "I like the hair, red suits you."  For his part, Erick had made his own changes to his hair.  The sides were shaved down and blended with the back into a more formal haircut than his standard haircut that would be more reminiscent of a skater.  His attire consisted of a white polo shirt and jeans.  The jacket left behind in his car spoke more to how high he was running the heat than the actual air outside.

[Thevshi]

Probably only one for increased employment of people to slow to work any other job. Dee replied mentally as she moved forward toward the curb, looking about a moment before locking onto Erick’s Porsche. She gave a small grin as he asked to take her bag. "Sure, tired of lugging the bloody thing around anyway." She replied in her crisp British accent, rolling it up for him to take.

"Thanks." She then added at Erick’s comment about the red she had recently added in her hair. "It is a nice change, for however long it lasts." She glanced at his hair and choice of clothes a moment and then grinned again. "Looks like someone has sharpened up their look a bit. This just for me? Or you have some important meeting coming up next week?"

[Brown Dynamite]

Missing accomplished then.  Erick chuckled a little as he rolled up to the trunk of the car.  If Dee wanted to she could likely move more weight with her mind than he could with his bare hands.  Not that he thought she was using abilities for casual luggage carrying.  It was just an amusing bit of perspective

 

"I'd be lying if I didn't say a more professional look doesn't help fledgling business owners in need of some investor backing all the more likely to talk.  Unfortunately for them my grooming habits isn't related to that at all."  Erick responded all but confirming he cleaned up a bit for her visit.  It wasn't so drastic a change as to make him comparable to the likes of Amir al-Misri.  But, he could channel his inner socialite when need be.

 

Making his way back around he'd open up the passenger door.

[Thevshi]

"Hmm, well no need on my account." Dee said with a small smile as she climbed into the passenger seat of the Porsche. "Although, I suppose it is to be expected with this being something of formal holiday and all over here. Don't worry, I brought along a few things a bit more appropriate for a formal dinner." She then stated.

Looking out the windshield at the crowd of cars and people loading baggage into them, she could only grin slightly. "They really are not joking about this being one of the busiest travel days of the year were they?"

[Brown Dynamite]

Closing the door and entering his on seat Erick would continue the conversation.  "It is a bit cozier than your standard fare Harvest festival.  Now, I should warn you.  You're probably going to be thoroughly vetted even before dinner tomorrow."  Turning the key he'd begin the drive away from the terminal access.

 

"It gets pretty bad for sure.  Last year, I spent my Thanksgiving in an underground fighting ring with a team of female heroes.  And even then our limo to the proceeding had a rough go at it, at least in my opinion, and that was just local travel"  Getting off the airport was an easy enough task.  Especially when not driving for dear life.  It was only a matter of deciding the next destination.

 

"So, do you want to do the tourist thing before we head to my house?"

[Thevshi]

"Ah, good. So I will have plenty of chances to fail to meet expectations first." Dee replied with an unconcerned shrug when Erick mentioned being thoroughly vetted before the holiday dinner the following day. She then glanced sideways at him, arching one eye brow slightly at his comments about how he had spent the holiday last year. "So, hanging out with female superheroes is a rather common thing for you?" She asked in a sly voice.

The Englishwoman then settled back in her seat as they pulled away from the airport, though not completely the holiday traffic just yet. "I got a good nap on the way over, so I'm good for a bit of sightseeing while we still have some daylight."

[Brown Dynamite]

There did seem to be a bit of a disproportionate number of female heroes in his various team ups over time.  Not that he was complaining either.  But, using the Raven's orchestration of the team likely would not have been the best counterpoint.  Even to a tongue in cheek declaration.  "I guess I'm just popular this time of year.  Must be something special to win my time over then."  He gave her a wink before laughing.

 

"Really you're the first hero, female or otherwise, that I've actually shared my identity with.  So, I can assure you this is far from the common."  Seeing as the tourist route was in the works the moment they hit the highway Erick began driving towards Downtown.

[Thevshi]

Dee gave a smile as Erick mentioned that despite his various team ups with other Powers, he had almost exclusively kept his identity a secret. "Well, you certainly know how to make a girl feel special." She stated in a teasing voice. "But then, I suppose you do tend to operate in Powers central, so I would imagine there are far more opportunities for teaming up."

"I have to admit I have been a bit cavalier with my identity thus far, but then I have not really had as many opportunities to team up with other Powers thus far. Of course there were my fellow Vanguard members, and there was this one hero with whom I ended up in an alternate dimension for a bit. Though he was an older gentleman." The young Englishwoman had focused her attention out the windows as they went along, taking in the sites of Freedom City.

[Brown Dynamite]

"Powers Central.  That sounds about right.  When I once went a guy who brought a bank's furniture.  We might have been oddest coalition of heroes to arrive on a scene."  That particularly heist was Erick's first meeting of Comrade Frost one of the various Freedom League members he's worked with over the years.  Notable in that his second meeting of the man included him dressed up like Santa Claus and likely drunk as can be.  "How goes it with Vanguard?  I'll ask about the older gentleman another time.  But a man only has so many Jane Austen jokes tucked away that he can't waste them all willy nilly."

 

Dee was treated to a view of the Wading River as they approached the Mangold bridge.  Bringing them ever closer to the high tech North End of Freedom City.  In the distance the high rise buildings dedicated to the various tech companies in the areas.  "Now, most would like the academic tour seeing all the museums.  Those in our line of work might prefer to see Heroes Knoll.  But you my dear, would love to visit the Amusement park.  Unfortunately, it is closed until the summer.  So, I guess we'll have to make a date for later on next the year."

[Thevshi]

"Hmm, I could imagine there have been quite a few odd collections of Powers show up from time to time in this city." Dee commented with a smile. But the smile faded some when Erick asked about Vanguard. "Well, we are still going, somewhat. We probably should have known it would not start well when we were brought in to figure out what happened to the last team."

Dee decided not to focus any longer on the past events with her team, instead focusing on the present. "Well, while an excuse to come back is nice, most amusement parks tend to be something of a disappointment." The Englishwoman stated. "I mean, it is hard for something to compare with driving a snowmobile at high speeds down a luge course with bullets whizzing about."

[Brown Dynamite]

Erick would have pressed forward on the 'somewhat.'  But, he invited her to the city to show her a good time.  Which did not involve probing her on matters she clearly did not feel chipper about.  

 

"I was unconscious for that last bit of the chase."  He chuckled at the thought of the smacking he got from the butt of the rifle.  "But, I might be able to top it.  I got my hands on a grav bike recently.  Handles like a beauty.  It can't fly as high as a sky bike.  But, hovering at over 500mph is pretty awesome."  Now that was a subject he felt might return the smile to her face.   Turning the wheel he would pull out on Wading rd.

[Thevshi]

"Ah yes, so you were." Dee replied with a small grin as Erick reminded her of how part of that chase in Sochi had turned out for him. "Pity you missed some of the best parts, always the next time." She added as she began to study the buildings of the Wading Way as they headed down into the heart of Freedom City's Financial District.

The Englishwoman did perk up when Erick mentioned having a grav bike. "Really? Now that sounds like something I have to see, although I suppose taking it out for a spin would have to wait until dark, even in this town."

Looking out the windshield, she saw the trio of twisting towers that rose up above most of the Freedom City skyline. "So, that is Pyramid Plaza right?"

[Brown Dynamite]

"I'd say being nursed back to health by you more than made up for it.  Or maybe it's the hot tub I'm thinking of."  Erick eased next to the monorail lane.  Positioning the car to give her a better look of the three spiraling towers.

 

"The tallest building in Freedom City.  It's practically a vertical neighborhood with shopping districts, commercial, and residential.  I actually considered living there when I was looking for penthouses early in my career.  I settled across the Atlantis casino instead. Overlooking the seedy mob connected businesses.  Talk about taking your work home with you."  Erick admitted he had a habit of getting obsessive when getting into following down a lead.  His pursuit of certain criminal elements over the past few months was a testament to that.

 

"Speaking of overlooking."  Erick pointed out to the right.  In the distance in the skyline above the large sphere that held the Starlight Room, the revolving restaurant on top of the Tremont Hotel, was in view though some relative distance away.  Closer still was the brewery, not pointed out solely from the outside looking in, the Wading Way brewery wasn't  as visually appealing

[Thevshi]

"Yes, the hot tub certainly helped distract from the trials of that vacation."  Dee replied with a grin before she focused out on the towering spiral towers of Pyramid Plaza as they drew closer.  She gave a glance back at Erick as he mentioned opting for a location closer to his "work," instead of one of the penthouses in one of the three towers.  "Well, I cannot say that surprises me any I am afraid."  She started, giving him another grin.

 

The Englishwoman glanced to the south toward part of Midtown and the dome holding the Starlight Room as Erick explained what its significance was.  "Hmm, I suppose it could be an interesting dinning venue, so long as there was dancing at some alternative or underground club afterward."

[Brown Dynamite]

"Just as long as the club isn't Eclipse.  Popular with the goth scene in town and nothing wrong with that, but used to be a big vampire hotspot.  Foreshadow, the first one, drove a nest out of there.  Makes one watch their necks.  The theater district has some underground clubs as could be expected with the artsy types going to school in FreeSA."  Erick turned on 28th Ave.  Bringing the large Masonic temple into view.   And with it the nearby headquarters of the Pinnacle Path organization.

 

Erick didn't really think much of the organization, believing them to be nothing more than Jeremiah Ross' cult.  But, no hero that he knew of, had brought to light any criminal activity from the religious order.  Which was good enough for him.  "So how long will you be in town for?  It's a short holiday season and I'd like to know how long I get to keep Dee Farrington around for."

[Thevshi]

"Hmm, other than the vampires, sounds like my sort of place." Dee commented with a smile as Erick mentioned the history of the Eclipse. "But, I suppose there are likely plenty of other options to allow us to avoid that one. Besides, if that sort of history is well known, I imagine the reputation attracts a lot of those fascinated with the idea of becoming a vampire."

The Englishwoman glanced absentmindedly at the large impressive buildings they were passing by. While they were architectural marvels, Dee was not exactly a fan of the secretive organizations that were based out of them. Instead, she focused on Erick's question about how long she was going to be in Freedom City. "Well, it is only a holiday over here you know." She began with a small smile. "But I do not have any pressing engagements back home, so I am not flying back until late next week."

[Brown Dynamite]

Driving to the heart of downtown, they made their way in front of Freedom Hall.  Erick went on to recount the Christmas party from last year.  A more international holiday than the one he had invited her for.  But, Thanksgiving had the benefit of not seeing Comrade Frost's bare legs seep through a Santa Clause outfit.

 

The rest of the tour continued in this fashion.  Pointing out architectural landmarks with Erick providing some mixed commentary of his experiences of certain locations in and outside of his domino mask.  Coming to a close in the North Bay, they pulled up to Erick's Manor.  The private estate was a beachfront property with the marina well within view at a distance.

 

Almost in complete contrast with the dark hues of his costumed persona, the estate was as bright white as could be. With its myriad of balconies front and back.  Erick pulled into the public garage.  One of a few possible entrances to the property itself.  With a door that had direct access to the rear of the property.

 

"Alaina's in the middle of moving out.  So, there might be some boxes here and there.  But, most of her stuff is out of the way in the pool house.  So, let's get to making you right at home. "

[Thevshi]

As they finished the tour and headed into North Bay, Dee looked around at the large homes and estates that were common in this part of Freedom City. The Englishwoman had grown up amid such luxury, although her family's estate in Dorset had been rather secluded. Soon they had arrived at Erick’s manor, an impressive structure light along the bay.

"Quite a change from a penthouse down near some casinos." Dee stated with a slight teasing in her tone. She then looked over as Erick mentioned Alaina moving out. "Alaina? Oh, right, your assistant, or the like, who was with you in Sochi?"

[Brown Dynamite]

"The gambling's still the same at least.  Always a gamble to see some of the rich kids take their parent's yacht out for the first time" he joked in response.  The joke wasn't entirely wrong come spring break there was some questionable boating going on.  But, he stayed out of such minor commotions.  Most of the time. 

 

"Assistant, best friend, snarkmaster general.  That's her.  Though she knows my masked identity, I haven't actually told her yours.  Not my secret to tell.  So, you're just the gal I ignored the Olympics with, spontaneously flew to Egypt, etc."  He chuckled as he moved back to grab her luggage.  "Yeah, her boyfriend and her are cozing up.  He plays for some sports team.  I think the Heroes.  That's American Football.  Less kicking, more concussions."

 

"Speaking of sister like figures and Sochi.  How's your brother?  Getting shot at less I hope."

[Thevshi]

Dee nodded as Erick talked about Alaina and what she knew about him, as well as her reasons for moving out. "Yeah, I'm at least vaguely familiar with American Football." She commented as she allowed Erick to take her luggage, only keeping her carryon as she let him lead her into the house.

"Edward?" She commented, as he asked about her older brother. "He is good, and yes, getting shot at considerably less. Still a bit annoyed with how things were rather hushed up at Sochi, but still glad to have had the opportunity to compete. Will likely be back in some training this Winter in Switzerland for Worlds, but has been getting more pressure from our father to start preparing himself for the day he inherits my father’s title and seat in the House of Lords."

[Brown Dynamite]

"Vaguely familiar.  That describes my knowledge as well."  Erick may have been an athlete in his youth.  But, he wasn't exactly participating in contact sports.  Unless contact with the ground counted.  In which case he was intimately familiar with that aspect of contact.  There was a beep signifying he received a text message.  Which he took a moment to look over.

 

"They still do the whole title inheritance thing?  Or is it a work to get the position everyone will assume you'll get sort of thing.  Forgive me, I'm not up to date on my British politics."  Erick asked as he lead Dee into the living room.  Her luggage in his hand.  The furniture was positioned around the fireplace television.  Which sat directly in front of Erick's personal library.  A large collection of books which were used to keep educated for the sake of staying ahead of his foes.

[Thevshi]

Dee followed after Erik as they made their way inside the living room of the house, looking around idly as she replied to his question. "There is still inherited titles for a portion of the aristocracy, which my family is part of. But that is fine, as I certainly do not want the title or position." She stated with a small smirk.

"But that is not to say that Edward has not been required to prepare for his eventual inheritance of our father's seat on the House of Lords. Lord Farrington would never stand for his son to be ill prepared for such responsibility. And Edward is generally a dedicated sort, as evidenced by his earning a spot on the UK's Winter Olympic team."

[Brown Dynamite]

Dee's  visual scan of the room made her aware of Erick's favoring a bright color scheme for the interior.  Even the library, that was visible from the living room.  Led upstairs it'd be easy to note that this coloring pattern continued.  Furniture tending to be a subdued brown.  The entire establishment was a complete contrast to his night time attire habits.  "Sure, not everyone can make it to the Olympic team.  Even after the super powered screenings.  I'm sure he'll do well on the seat.  But is it what he wants to do?"  Erick commented.  It may not have been a political atmosphere.  But competition was still cutthroat with an equal amount of grooming since youth regardless of pedigree.

 

"I was able to get us restaurant reservations for later.  As for the somewhere to dance, I think I know the right sort of club."  He said stopping in the middle of the hallway still rolling her bags.  "Welcome to Hotel Sloane.  Six Bedrooms each with a terrace, five if you don't count mine four with Alaina's.  Three on each upper floor. Each with a Full Bathroom.  One half bathroom on the bottom floor.  Gym and game rooms on top.  Pool in the middle.  Cellar leads to the big Crime Fighting stuff.  Does the lady have any particulars in her sleeping arrangements?"