blink

Twelve... Blink pondered this before replying. While she wasn't sure of his age, that was likely five or six years ago. That likely meant that Chechnya was his destination with possibilities in Armenia or Georgia as well. Still, his description of the lawlessness lead her to believe Chechnya was the likely place. Not much of a place to take a twelve year old. Although, she certainly was not someone who could judge what a childhood should be like. If he had been there at 12, his training and education had to have started far earlier. It was another mental note to keep for later. "Vsjakomu ovoshhu svojo vremja," she said quietly quoting a favorite saying of her father. "Nichego dovol'no kak trenirovka v zime Sibir'" She had not expected to find someone that she had anything in common with in this place. It was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise. While he didn't have the bearing of a soldier, she guessed that he was trained by a professional or someone who had that experience. There were certainly enough mercenaries operating in those parts to warrant it. His bearing suggested that he was sure of himself, and not in the way of a typical man his age. "After the fall, my unit was not paid for close to six months. There is only so many field rations and promises you can stomach before finding something better. Besides, the country had lost it's way and they began to use us in ways that were pointless and a waste of our training." Nadia shrugged, "This country seemed to have many opportunities, and I..." she paused trying to think of how best to phrase her response. "...took them where ever I could." =============================== ((Translation 1: Everything is good in its season. Translation 2: There is nothing like training in a Siberian winter.))

Wait who are you calling less reputable!! ...and what parties! We need to be training, and scouting, and working, and cleaning equipment... oh and marching should definitely be involved.

Taking Kris' hand, she confirmed one thing, he had spent a decent amount of time training in the martial arts. She had shaken hands with soldiers and equals for too long to have a dainty handshake and not only met his grip, but his eyes for a long moment. While he might be young, she saw something in there to indicate that he had seen and done much. She nodded to him and said, "Nadia. Pleased to meet you Kris, am sorry you had work in former republics." She had few illusions as to what kind of work that would have been. Georgia, Chechnya and others had suffered dearly after the collapse of the USSR. There had been ample work for those motivated to take less than savory jobs. Although, this was to be a gathering of heroes, so perhaps she was wrong. It was one of far to many mysteries that had to be unraveled. Letting Kris' hand go, she watched All Star lift the front end of the large transport vehicle then proceed to fly around it like a small kid who had just received a new Christmas gift. She made a mental note of his power and filed it away with her estimation of Velocity's speed. One never knew when that kind of information would come in handy. "Meaning no offense, Kris, but how old were you when you were there?" she asked casually trying to make her interest seem less than it was.

"Net byvshego sovetskogo bloka, kak raz Rossija. Horosho uvidet' ee sil'nuju i zadne v mirovyh dela," she replied quietly before switching back to English. "Was this a recent thing... Kristian, right? The fall was a very turbulent time. I did not stay long after..." She studied him as she spoke, guessing at what his abilities were. While there was nothing obvious, she could at least guess that he was probably versed in various martial arts from the callouses on his hands. He had to be quite gifted, assuming he was as young as he looked, to have the kind of skills that would fit into this kind of operation. Of course, it was just as likely he could fly or shoot laser beams from his eyes. She had to keep forcing herself not to assume anything in this place and with these people. ==========================

"True, but as long as the action is sufficiently visible, than the threat need not have occurred to both. They just need to know that we can shut them down wherever and whenever we want," Blink said thinking the problem through. "Then a visit to both of the parents can be emphasized with that sample."

Now this was more like it. The facilities down here were much more like what she was used to seeing, both in the military and for her former clients. Even more impressive was that it seemed to exceed the capabilities of several people who made it their business to stay on top of the heap. There was some real coin pushing the venture. Why? She looked around the collection gathered watching the show and tried to guess at capabilities and their reason for being included on the team. Some, like All Star were obvious, others less so. For herself, she could see several places that she would fit in, roles that could be assumed. However, she was not the sort of person that wanted to assume. At some point she hoped their host would reveal what this team was being assembled for; because if it was for a heist, they could grab some amazing things. Shaking her head, she shifted her train of thought. No, this was no heist. That was an life left recently behind. Her train of thought was interrupted by the youth who had stepped up to her. His Russian was good and she raised an eyebrow at his knowledge of the differing designations of the Russian Special Forces. Most Westerners didn't know or care for that matter. "Vash russkij horosh, ne chego ja nadejalsja by v jetom meste. Vojska ministerstva horoshi, dlja postojannyh posetitelej armii, real'noe special'nogo GRU tol'ko. Ono dovol'no specificheskij vopros, kak vy znal jetoj raznicy?" ((Translated: Your Russian is good, not what I would have expected in this place. The ministry troops are good, for army regulars, but real Spetsnaz are GRU only. It is quite a specific question, how did you know of this difference?))

Hearing Jack's comment about his posterior Blink hesitated on the stairs. She truly hoped he was not some kind of mind reader as that would cause all sorts of problems. However, it did help her studiously remove her eyes from his backside as she set about trying to find the concealed defenses of the place. Behind her was the youth who had yet to speak much more than his name. If she had her way, she would have been the last one down, to avoid people closing behind her. However, a certain amount of trust was going to be required, even if all her instincts screamed otherwise.

We should be fine. React to what you can, and things that you don't are assumed that you didn't hear, were busy, whatever. Seven is going to be a tough number to interact with. However, some creative retconning should help when needed.

Blink looked at Arrowhawk sizing the man up. He lived up to his reputation as a driven, overly zealous persecutor of crime. She could see it and could now understand where some of the legend came from. Then she considered Dark Star's statements on shutting down the mob. After seeing him in action, she had little doubt that he could. "Perhaps finding one of their locations, and closing it would be sufficient currency to get their attention. Then a... reasoned... conversation with them would be far more receptive. I know of a few places, but am open for suggestions."

Ooooh a hero point! That's a first! Yeah! Go team good!

For a brief moment the tense smile melted into a real one as she nearly laughed at Jack's comments. Yet years of training only let a fraction of the humor she felt show through. It didn't pay to show your hand early and even if she instinctively liked the affable hero in front of her, she didn't know what still lay ahead. However, if they all had indeed received the same offer than it wouldn't hurt to let her guard down a small bit. "No, not KGB, they are soft and corrupt. They used the power of the state to do their dirty work. Spetsnaz." the last word she said with a note of pride in her voice. "As for a trap, I have known people who would go to any lengths to get what they thought was theirs. Even worse are the ones that would do the same to repay some slight to their ego. I hope this is not the case." What she left off is that often she was working for those people and paid to acquire the things they could not easily get. As she walked behind Jack down the stairs into the cavernous basement, she had to berate herself as her eyes spent far too much time looking at the fit swordsman ahead of her. She really needed to be looking for the things that were not obvious, or quite so appealing. Like cameras, defenses, traps, and the like. If something were to happen, there would be little time and every bit of knowledge would make the difference between escape and capture.

"Nor would it mean it's a permanent state," Blink replied looking Jack square in the eyes. "I hate making assumptions and being in the dark. It leads to mistakes and carelessness. Yet, even so, you are right, down we go... and I'm sorry, trust is not something that comes easily to me." She tried a feeble attempt at a smile, but her nerves were so amped up and rattled that she doubted it had it's intended effect.

As the others walked down the staircase, Blink took a good look at the group moving and even rushing down the stairs. She supposed she should have expected the secrecy and the dramatics after the manner in which the letter had appeared. Their benefactor, or captor, seemed to have a bit of showmanship in him. As long as it didn't get in the way of the job at hand, it should be fine. Come to think of it, she reflected, the secrecy and layers of deception might just work to her advantage. She wasn't quite sure she was ready to fess up to anyone about her past. The stairs beckoned... however, she couldn't help but think that it would make the perfect spot for an ambush. It's what she would have done.

Just watch whose chest you are bumping!

With her ears drinking up any scraps of conversation, it did indeed appear that this was the team that the rather vague letter had referred too. A collection of heroes... how did I end up here and who made that mistake. Frankly, the idea hadn't ever really crossed her mind; heroing that is. She had never been able to figure out a way to make it pay the bills. Although perhaps now there was a way. Several of the gathered heroes, of which a few she recognized from various interviews and intelligence briefings, certainly seemed to think that this team was a foregone conclusion. If that were the case, the sniping displayed was a bad omen of things to come. While seemingly minor, there were undercurrents of challenge in more than one introduction. "I hope it is not. You seem to have some experience to draw from I take it?" she said quietly to Velocity. Then more to the group she said, "excuse me, if you don't mind my asking. Do any of you know precisely why we are here? My offer was rather vague on details and high on promise. I just would like to know all of the cards on the table before leaping to other conclusions. I have already been wrong a number of times today."

"Well this is kind of new territory for me. I don't suppose you'd go for just rubbing him out, and to be honest that's not really my style anyway. Personally, if it was me, I'd kick the door in, wade through the goons and whatever security he has, and sit down for a long chat. While we might not intend on rubbing him out, he doesn't have to know that we aren't. Besides, I think he could do a pretty convincing job of it," she concluded pointing to Arrowhawk. "Of course, if you want to get fancy about it, you could hit a few of his illegal joints and make sure his pocketbook really feels the pain. That's more likely to matter to him in the long run anyway."

Well if one thing could be determined, these hero types were certainly a cheerful bunch. There was nothing but smiles and greetings all around, which was just about the complete opposite of what Blink was currently feeling. Every instinct in her was screaming to port out quickly and be done with this business. Although, if there was one thing to be said, at least none of them had arrested her in the past; that certainly would have been awkward. Blink followed the group as they made their way into what looked like a sparsely finished, but rather expansive, living area. She kept her back close to the wall and tried her best not to look like she was trying to be ready for one of them to slap cuffs on her wrists. Replying to Velocity she said, "I suppose it is... it's just usually that the people I deal with are a lot more reserved... and military. I think I just need to adjust my thinking a bit." Of course she had already insulted the one named Grim, who appeared to be some kind of illusionist, or shape changer. Either way the trick with the clothes was quite a useful thing, "I meant no insult Grimalkin, you are just not who or what I expected. I assume you are here for your talents as well. I seek no quarrel with you."

"Perhaps, I should say that if the letter is to be believed," she paused trying to come up with something less offensive to say then the thoughts crossing through her mind, "then I was expecting some kind of... group. A very special group that would lead to some employment. This doesn't quite match other such offers that have come to me in the past." In the past she would have expected someone in a crisp suit opening the door, leading her through a series of false fronts and furnishings to a back room, or cellar. There a certain number of hard faced men and women would be checking weapons, gear, and other equipment. There would be little talking, other than details, and certainly little in the way of creature comforts. The employer would come, give out intelligence, maps, details, and objectives, and they would move out. While the letter had intimated that this would be a more long term assignment, she still expected at least some of the trappings of her para-military brethren. Slippers and cereal didn't quite fit into her expectations. Still, a job was a job, and she had no idea who any of these people were. She'd stay close lipped until she could figure out the nature of this gig. At least she could rule out mob hit. A slight grin revealed itself at the corner of her mouth, their slipper clad greeter was as far from a mob hit man as she could imagine.

As the door opened to reveal the beyond casual Grimalkin, Blink became aware of the others coming up behind her. Sloppy and careless. If this is a trap, you've already let yourself get hemmed in. Dressed in loose fitting dark cargo pants and a skin tight blank tank top, Blink wasn't exactly dressed for a formal occasion. However, the woman in front of her was not what she had expected at all. Nor was any mention of a party. This was supposed to be some kind of business arrangement, a paying job, not some kind of slumber party. Forcing herself to relax out of a ready stance, she nodded to the girl while pulling out the mysterious letter. The address was right, this was the place. She was about to step in when a blur of motion flashed past her. Another woman seemed to appear as if out of thin air in front of her. Nadia blinked rapidly, reminding herself that it wasn't likely that she was the only one with powers at this meeting. The girl in front of her announced herself as Velocity, obviously sticking to code names. So there was some amount of secrecy to be involved. Very well. "Thank you... Lynn," she said stepping into the foyer of the surprisingly large house. "I'm Blink, I think I am expected, but am beginning to doubt the intent."

Yeah!

We could have Grim join in slightly later if access is a real issue. Shouldn't be that much of a problem for Doc to announce that we have a seventh member who shall be joining us shortly. That way we can move on with the posting. Perhaps Grim is already out on assignment? Getting things for the base? Just a thought if you think you'll be held up for a bit.

Blink hadn't quite shifted fully when she was called out to reveal herself. It didn't say much about her ability to sneak up on people. While she hadn't had a lot of time lately to practice, she shouldn't be this rusty either. Still, fortune favors the bold, she thought as she stepped out into the clearing sizing up each of the inhabitants. "I heard some noise and thought to check what was happening. Not sure about your friends, but you have an interesting technique," she said. Then continued a little defensively, "Besides, it's a free park and it's not like I was breaking any laws." She looked around, meeting their eyes as she looked at each of them in turn. Her father had always told her to do so, showing weakness was never a good idea. Especially when you might be called on to fight or make a tactical retreat. If you appeared weaker, it made your foes bold and there was less chance they would hesitate. Then it hit her, she hadn't actually been doing anything wrong and the park was a public place. More to the point, there was likely some kind of law about brawling in public... not that it concerned her overly much.

All good by me. I'll have to come up with Blinks DC checks at some point.

Blink has several identities that she can use. So keeping them secret isn't all that big of a deal.

For a moment, Blink looked as if she might step through with them. However, she remained in place and asked, "you can get them back... right?"