regnare_vocatus:

Julian called upon Benedict Thorn the morning after his meeting with Minnie, intending to discuss a few things. He didn't need anyone actively plotting against him, though plot they would, whether he liked it or not. He couldn't please everyone, but he did allow the Inner Circle to direct itself as necessary, so long as they came together when needed.

Julian sits behind his desk and thinks over what he's planning to offer Mr. Thorn. He wishes Minnie were here right now, but he'll deal with this as it happens.

"Mr. Howard, we have a Benedict Thorn for you in the lobby." his receptionist says over the speaker.

"Please escort him in." Julian orders.

hellfireprince:

The room above the Eighth Street Bar was rented under the name "Robert Frank" and when Julian entered that night, he looked nothing like his usually clean-cut self. He'd forced himself into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt (horror of horrors) and mussed up his hair. He looked like a cross between a broke frat boy, a starving artist and a college student who'd been in a few years too long.

Minnie would receive a voice mail early in the day from an individual on Julian's payroll, directing her on where to meet him around eleven p.m. this evening. When she shows up, the door is unlocked and Julian is sitting in a wood chair at a desk across the room.

"You're here." is his greeting. He offers her a smile.

nextgen_asgard:

The lie-smith had drawn lots with the lady of strife, and they'd each chosen a handful of targets. Loki had, of course, cheated. His hobby and his grandson were too amusing to leave to chance. His favored granddaughter might feel some of the sting of this game, but all that he did served the greater Loki, which was what mattered in the end.

These days would be most amusing.

nextgen_citizen:

The phone rings in Julian Howard's office.

When anyone answers it, the response will be immediate.

"I understand Mister Howard needs an in-house geneticist."

your_talents:

Lisa stopped by a bench in the middle of her jog through Central Park, She checked her pulse with satisfaction. Bradley had cleared her for general exercise and activity, even if 'feeding' was still off the table per Julian's request. Minnie was gone, somewhere, and without her around to confirm the success of more feedings by Julian, they'd been proceeding with caution. She was feeling better, physically, and working out more often than just maintaining her weight dictated had been part of that. She'd felt so helpless during the struggle in Mutant Town. Julian, all of her co-stars, the Genoshans, they all had powers no matter what. Without someone to feed on, she was vulnerable.

The cravings, the need to hunt, were still miserable. She'd gotten very good with her powers. She could pick up other mutants and genetically altered individuals at medium range now, even if she still couldn't tell exactly what made them different. She'd passed by four of them just in the hour and a half of her jog today.

She sat down and took out her water, things running through her mind. She was comfortable with where her life was right now. More than enough money for herself, even some put aside for her little sister Emily's college fund. She was recognized enough that she got into any club she wanted and all the best shops, but she could still go out in public without getting swarmed. She actually counted Pauline as a friend she could talk to about most anything (aside from Julian stuff).

And there was Julian. Unless she's at work on something, she does find it difficult to think of him without smiling. He was definitely more than a boyfriend, but there was a certain emotional descriptor she'd never used aloud before. It wouldn't have felt right, not while he still had so much control. She delighted in being able to push him to do better and more, but being an equal was a important to her.

The moment they'd met, he'd been the one with everything. She'd fought tooth and nail to use the resources he gave her to pull herself up as well. Sure, she didn't doubt he had the pull to harpoon her career if he wanted, but for the simple fact that he wouldn't; but as it was, she could walk away from X-Factor, cut off any support from him, and still stand on her own. She maintained her own calendar without her agent having to hold her hand, she did her own shopping and managed her own money. She was strong.

And she was still dieing.

Alright, too much time to sit and think. She texted her significant other to check his dinner plans, then got up to resume her jog. She was dieing, but she wasn't dead.

burnwithlight:

When Gio returned to mutant town with Angelo, Miss Fantasia, and Sengai, who was carrying a somewhat sleepy young boy, there were a few hastily-repaired cameras in her face.

She was glad to see that the poor man had been taken down and was sedated in custody. She hoped he'd be dealt with fairly, considering the entrapment he'd been in, but who knew?

To the slew of questions, she responded only, "Upon realizing how agitated his father's situation was making the younger Mr. Carter, we evacuated him, along with Miss Fantasia -- thank you again for the help, Pauline -- away from crowds and buildings so that he could calm down."
Mrs. Carter, meanwhile, was running for her son, and Gio stepped back to let her at him, nodding to Sengai to hand the tired boy over.
"Mom! There were men with guns opening the door, and Dad got so scared, and then everybody was hitting him, and I just wanted to run and there was only one way to go--"
"It's okay, honey!"
Gio nods politely to the reporters. "If you'll excuse us, we're hoping all the families displaced at this difficult time can be kept together."

And she gives Sengai, in particular a 'good soldier' nod as they walk away.

weighed_down:

 Edmund was tired, annoyed, aching, and damn glad to be back home. Carter Howard was dead, though the bastard hadn't gone quietly. He had stopped at his apartment for a change of clothes and ran into some old...employers. They wanted to speak to Julian and they were very insistant that he convey their message. Edmund had returned to the place Julian had asked him to meet after the Carter job. He sighed before knocking on Julian's office door.

yourtruecolors:

There was garbage burning a hole in her pocket, but she'd think about that later.

"She's ready," Minnie told Julian when she came into his room. She'd pulled the strings and crossed the Ts to create the cover identity of Minerve del Garda. She reached behind her neck to try to take her choker off.

your_talents:

"Well Miss Graves, you're an interesting case study." Dr James Bradley, a.k.a. Dr Nemesis, commented, browsing through some data as Lisa got herself dressed again. Julian had been asked to wait outside the room they used for her exam, and once she was decent enough for anyone that might have been passing by, she opened the door to beckon him back in.

"Well that's encouraging.." She mutters in response to Bradley's analysis.

"Honestly, I was just making small-talk. I've seen much more radical and interesting genetic deviances than your personal stepping stone to reality tv stardom, oxymoron that that is, and a trendy new addiction. You're relatively pedestrian." He shrugs, tipping his hat slightly as he double-checks something. "You can come in whenever you want, corporate overlord. Your girlfriend's a tad edgy."

nextgen_holiday:

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." -- Unknown

yourtruecolors:

There. That had finished the business they were working on for now. Julian's posture was sifting as he looked ready to settle in for some private time. Time that Minnie wanted. Time that she wasn't sure she could get enough of, when soon she'd be beginning her "errands" with the LOHN in earnest.

But she had to tell him. She'd been reviewing her memories, and she had to tell him.

"Julian? I need to talk to you about Lisa."

assaultnbattery:

A lot going on very quickly. It had been so long that it was just him and Gio... then Angelo. Since then, things have grown quickly. Andrew fully intended to take advantage of that. Now that they've brought on some official staff, it was time to take advantage of all that momentum. As soon as he gets caught up, however temporarily, on paperwork, he starts making calls...

Calling Xavier's.... asking for both Cassidy, and one of the McCoys.
Calling Nell.
Calling Rikki up at her convenience.
Calling Julian.

Any of these could go quite badly... but nothing was ever acheived through a lack of effort.

weighed_down:

Edmund was on the outskirts of Jerome Howard's home, scanning the area. He had a few guards, but nothing that couldn't be handled. For such a big man, Edmund could be deceptively quick and quiet when he needed to be. From the cover of a nearby bush, he waits for the first guard to get close. When he got close enough, Edmund grabbed him, quickly snapping his neck. He hid the body, quickly filing away where he put it, before moving in closer. He slinks along the back of the house, making his way toward the front door. He sees another guard by the entrance. Using his power, he forces a piece of wall tile to fall lightly, but audibly, near the guard. The man turned at the noise and went in the direction it came from. Perfect position. Edmund sends another tile down, but with much more significant force as it cracks the man's skull on the way down. With the front cleared, Edmund snuck inside. Someone must have heard the second tile come down as another guard raced around the corner. Edmund didn't hesitate. He flung a right cross at the man head, and just before his fist connected he increased it's mass. The man's face caved in from the impact, instantly killing him.

"What the hell's going on out there!?" Edmund sees the man, Jerome if Minnie's description was accurate, who raises his gun upon seeing him. Edmund extends his hands, forcing the gun down on the man's feet like a stone. "Fuck! You mutie freak!" the man writhed on the floor, the bones in his feet crushed. "You're with him, aren't you!? That freak wants to take what's mine!"

Edmund raised an eyebrow at that, the only indication that he put the pieces together. Looks like he'd have something to talk about when he got back to New York. He looked back down at the man. "Yeah, he did.  He says to see you in Hell." And then he brought his foot down, finishing the job.

-15 minutes later-
He had gathered up all the bodies, cleaned up any remains, and loaded them into his car. He loaded some of the late Jerome's furntiure into the back on top of the bodies, making it look as if he were either moving or delivering orders to someone. He then took a series of alternate routes to avoid as many potential law enforcement and checkpoints as possible. Those few he did he maintained his calm and went by with no fuss. He reached the Atlantic Ocean, having had a boat prepared ahead of time. After some more lifting, he put the bodies on board and sailed out a ways. He dumped the bodies overboard, using his power to force them to sink to the very deepest depths. As the last one sank, he though again to what Jerome had said. Edmund had an idea of who the "freak" was, but he would see for himself. Time to go home.

hellfireprince:

After a busy few days, Julian has to get back to the business of running his businesses. Ideas to pitch and people to meet, after all. Today's appointment with Carolyn Fisk was a long time in coming. They'd spoken briefly at a few charity events and other happenings in New York, which was where Julian had first become intrigued in the idea of working with her. She came from a wealthy family and he was also scouting out her potential for another venture down the line.

He arrived for their dinner meeting wearing his finest Black Armani suit, his metallic cane in hand and waited at their table in the most private room Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse had to offer. The wine would arrive only minutes after she does, and Julian reads a bit of the stock reports while he waits for Carolyn to make her entrance.

yourtruecolors:

Minnie had been running countless background checks, but her hands were empty as she knocked quietly but distinctly on Julian's door late one morning. Anything her Julian might need to know was in her head.

She'd already knocked when she noticed the colors bleeding through the door didn't seem right. Was he not there? And whose was the pattern that was?

nextgen_citizen:

"If we do this... there's no going back. This is going to burn through every favor you and I have above my pay grade." Police Captain Erica Strauss poured herself and her associate a shot of whiskey. The strongest she had.

"And yet you will do it. District X's time is over, and this is the way to do it." The gentleman raised the glass, before downing it. He pushed a dossier across the table to her. "This file does not exist. There is no file which contains this exhaustive a cataloging of the District's residents, and their... unique qualities. Just make sure you don't get anyone with wings involved. The media loves them, almost as a rule."

"Nobody's going to love anything about that hellhole after this, not until it's torn down and rebuilt as high-rises." Strauss flips through the files, downing her own drink. "This... if this existed--" she humors him. "--it would be perfect. Let's see those brats try to derail this now."

-----


"The public was shocked today as, in an historic announcement, the governor signed an act to grant emergency powers to the 11th Precinct. Martial law and standing search warrants for the entire District X area have been put into effect. Policymakers are still reeling, as this is the first act of it's kind within the city. Captain Erica Strauss was available for comment earlier today."

"I want everyone in the five boroughs and beyond to understand that no-one involved in this is looking to make any kind of history. These are unfortunate measures to have to be implemented, but it's been determined there is no other appropriate response to the still surging crime wave from District X, and the continuing allegations of disappearances. I'd like to thank my fellow captains of the neighboring precincts for helping to pool emergency funds, as, in an effort to protect taxpayers from the cost of bringing in the National Guard, as well as keeping public safety our first priority, we will be bringing in the brave men and women of Castleton Security Holdings to support our own men and women as we deploy into the District." Every syllable was crisp, except for the parts where the public would respond better to signs of stress or remorse.

Strauss locked her gaze on a camera. "I want those people hiding within this district of our fair city to know that we will not stop. We will put everything as it should be. To the law-abiding citizens of District X, I promise you this, we will be among you."

----

The searches started the next day at dawn. Doors were pounded on. Homes were turned upside down. Residents were subject to 'mandatory relocation' to hotels and shelters in other parts of the city. Every 'successfully' searched building had security stationed nearby afterwards. By nightfall, and the enactment of the district-wide curfew, over five hundred residents had been moved, with well-crafted gentle assurances they would be back in their homes soon.

The efficiency alone was something of wondrous terror.

yourtruecolors:

Minnie was wearing the choker Julian had given her for her 18th birthday. It and a few other added elements classed up her dance clothes enough for the club she was in. It wasn't one of her usual clubs, but all the better. She'd snag the Black Queen at her tattoo parlor later. This one had to come first. She made her way quietly towards the glistening beacon across the room. "Ms. Frost?"

nextgen_citizen:

"And we're back. If you're just joining us, we're talking today about what local voices have been calling the 'Exodus of Mutant Town', along with the current wave of mutant crime sweeping the five boroughs. With us are Julian Howard, the man behind the modern sensation of X-Factor, and Police Captain Erica Strauss, of the 11th Precinct, which oversees District X.

Before we had to go to break, Mister Howard had brought up the reports of disappearances of transients and the alleged sewer-dwellers of the district. Captain Strauss, your thoughts?"

Strauss gave a practiced smile and tilted her head with a modest shrug. "Well, to be honest, we're at a bit of a loss for the situation. Strictly speaking, we're not even sure that people like that can be classified as 'missing'."

nextgen_holiday:

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul

hellfireprince:

Julian's plane touched down in New Orleans shortly after nightfall. The investors he'd spoken to were excited about the new club he wanted to open, but they weren't sold on the idea of New Orleans. The city had seen some hard times in recent years, but it was slowly building back, like Fargo, Georgia. For that, Julian thought it was the perfect place to build something that would endure into the future.

Not to mention, he also has plans to build a recording studio in Fargo in the near future, but that's another time and place.

Today, he's here to meet with the last potential investor and see if he can allay any concerns she has. Julian's been doing this for a few weeks, but a lot business issues have delayed this meeting. He hopes that this woman is worth the trouble of a face-to-face meeting, because he's not sure he can take one more vapid socialite filled with botox and silicone trying to get one over on him.

He arranged to meet Lyta Braddock-Worthington at the Seasons Restaurant, and hoped she wouldn't be late.

He hated tardiness. He was ten minutes early, himself.

hellfireprince:

Each member of X-Factor receives word of the meeting at X-Factor Plaza's Boardroom with instructions to attend as soon as possible on a matter of urgency. Julian has some minor refreshments set up, but doesn't have the usual feast ready; they may need to move quickly regarding this matter.

Julian waits in the boardroom for the team to arrive.

They'll all notice immediately that there are no cameras in sight.

burnwithlight:

Shortly before she could have her dinner and symphony and passionate embraces, Giovanna made the call to Julian.

your_talents:

Lisa got out of the town car and told the driver to put it on her usual tab. She was fresh off another modeling gig to pay off the date she'd lined up from the auction. She told herself it was a good cause, even though she knew she'd be telling herself that even more intently if she didn't get a 'taste' of her date. She also needed to have a 'talk' with Julian to further figure out what the two of them were.

Plenty of time for that, and freshening up for her date. The shoot had let her borrow a simply stunning black number that she'd be treating her date's eyes to. Possibly hands as well. She smirked as the car pulled away.

She had taken five steps when the rushing air was all the warning she got. Hands grabbed her from behind and the block blurred past. She was shoved into the front of a building and dragged across it for several yards, before being thrown to the ground.

The damage to the building itself showed that if not for the super-strength she'd helped herself to earlier in the day, there would be plenty of herself embedded in it. As it was, her clothes were all but destroyed and her belongings were thrown across the street. Her breath had been pulled out of her by the shock and the velocity.

Her attacker was silent, dressed all in black. They seemed to hesitate before speaking. "You need to shut your mouth and stop asking questions Stick to being pretty on tv." Their voice is muffled by the mask. They take off again, leaving car alarms screaming in their wake.

Lisa's eyes are wide with disgust, rage, and panic. She slams a fist into the ground, letting out a scream of frustration as the pavement cracks. She pulls her clothes, what's left of them, around her. Mercifully, her phone had survived.

She calls Julian.

hellfireprince:

"Thank you, Shawn and please tell your wife I appreciate both of you helping out with relief concerts in Fargo. Roc Nation is has been really good to me, and I'm glad for it. We still on for the Super Bowl? Good, I can't wait. See you both tonight." Julian says, then hangs up the phone. He's still smiling when he does so, looking at the table full of gifts he's already received, like some kind of tribute.

Despite what his mother always says about aging, birthdays have yet to lose their mystique for him. Then again, his mother is also seventeen millennia old, so that /may/ color her views on life and aging somewhat. Besides, her gift to him each year is the gift of life and someone new to taste it through, so Julian won't gainsay his mother on something as small as a matter of opinion.

After finishing his mother's gift (and asking Paulo to sweep up her remains), Julian is feeling much more animated . He takes one  more look at the preparations for this evening's parties and goes over the guest list, which reads like a who's-who of the entertainment industry from actors to musicians. There are also a few businessmen and women among the names, and even a politician or two. Even on his birthday, he's still working to get Andrew's message heard by those who most need to hear it.

The text messaged invitation and location info goes out at 2 p.m. to those that are twenty and under, inviting them to come out and see him at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House at 6p.m.

At 6 p.m. the second set of messages goes out to the twenty-one and over crowd, providing only an address, a password and a time: 11 p.m. - ????

With that,  Julian started getting ready for the party, readying himself to enjoy the night.

nextgen_holiday:

The beginning of a New Year, a time for new hopes, new experiences to come. A time to reflect on times past, remembering fond memories happily and trying to put less pleasant thoughts and experiences in the past.

It is a time of renewal, a time of rebirth. And for much of the world, it is a time of celebration. This is no less true for the super hero set as anyone else. If anything, they just have that much bigger of things to look forward to.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

nextgen_parent:

Paris and Carmella had gotten to bed late, after some extra time and work and much interest and speculation on the whole Latverian Thing. But going to bed late normally never prevented them from getting up early.

This morning, it didn't happen. The sun was starting to climb high by the time Carmella groggily stirred, barely able to open her eyes.

nextgen_media:

Staggered and vague reports are coming that Dr. Doom has now followed his unprovoked aggression against neighboring Symkaria with attacks against Atlantis and Wakanda. As both of these nations are insular and isolated, these reports have been difficult to confirm, and no public announcements have been made by any of the governments involved.  There are even rumors that the respective kings of Atlantis and Wakanda are missing in action.

Even though all the reported victims so far have been isolated or marginalized nations, the U.N. and various governments around the world are reported to be in an uproar trying to decide what action to take.

nextgen_media:

"Reports are coming in from Symkaria that both major cities are under siege by what are unmistakeably Doombots and other Latverian military automata.

After decades of only occasionally mildly disturbed peace, Latveria has apparently finally invaded its southern neighbor.  Victor Von Doom's motivation for this attack remains unknown; he has made no public statement."

nextgen_media:

Spider-Man on a Rampage! - Just when you thought it was safe to walk the streets of New York again, the menace known as Spider-Man has reared his web-covered head. Recent months has seen an surge of gang violence gripping New York, beginning with the shooting death of a 15 year-old student from Midtown High. Since then, the so-called "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" has attacked any groups with gang-affiliations. Members of street gangs such as the Poison Memories, the Midtown Saints and the Grim Bastards Motorcycle Club have been admitted to hospitals with alarming frequency. ..(CONTINUED ON PAGE 2A)


Local Media Mogul Seeks Support For Relief Efforts- Julian Howard, known as the manager behind the mutant reality sensation, X-Factor, has met in recent weeks with a slew of politicians and attended Congressional hearings in Washington D.C. seeking ways to bring more federal aid to the embattled citizens of Fargo, Georgia.

"We are just a few months removed from this tragedy, but we cannot forget its impact or that there are real people still suffering." Howard says.

Mr. Howard has been outspoken in his desire to bridge the divide between humanity and mutantkind in the wake of the tragedy that took the lives of over 3,000 people. A three-day benefit concert is close to being announced and is rumored to have the names of several prominent mainstream and independent artists on the marquee. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A)


USA v. Mutants? - A robbery enacted by a group of mutant criminals two weeks ago was thwarted by a new task force created by the Department of Homeland Security. A unit of the Mutant Response Division, led by Command Master Chief Windham Carter, apprehended the crew of mutant thieves after an hour long stand-off. Eyewitness reports also state that another group of mutants came to the aid of the MRD, but this cannot be confirmed. Colonel Audra Wesker, head of the Division, expressed relief and gratitude that there were no serious injuries or deaths. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B)

burnwithlight:

She was angry. So, so angry.

She had to exert her self-control to keep her fingertips from bursting into crackling light. It wasn't good for the telephone.

"May I speak to Mr. Howard?"

little_mermaid:

Kassia had done exactly as Julian instructed the night she took down Sebastian Shaw.  She'd found Big Nick's with ease and made sure that people saw her there, a simple task seeing as she was probably the only vegan to have ever walked into the burger joint in its entire history.  Having ordered what amounted to a bun with tomato and lettuce with a big side of fries was certain to make an impression with the waitress as the girl kept looking at Kassi weirdly after.  After the restaurant, though, Kassia was on her own.  She spent the night in the city and the next day did a bit of shopping--another task that seemed like it would make for a good cover.  It didn't feel right, though.  It all felt strange and off.  She also found it hard to focus because every few minutes her mind would drift back to Shaw.  He had put his hands on her...there wasn't enough soap in the world to wash that from her.  And he had done the same and worse to Christina for years.  Then there was the whole business of having poisoned Shaw.  It all swirled around in her head and Kassia knew that she needed to talk to someone.  She needed her mother.

The door to the penthouse was unlocked when Kassia arrived, something the young woman noted as being weird but she pressed on just the same.  The front rooms of the apartment looked normal and still.  Her mother's handbag sat on an entry table untouched and there were fresh flowers like there always was. 

"Mom?"

As Kassi moved through, however, normal disappeared.  As she turned towards the inner rooms the young woman saw signs of struggle.  And blood.  Smeared on the carpet, some on the wall, and a great deal of it on the bathroom floor, Kassi saw blood and knew instinctively that something was very, very wrong.  She backed out of the rooms and fled to the untouched kitchen where she scrambled in her purse for her phone, dialing Julian.  She barely gave the man a chance to answer.

"Julian, my mother's missing and there is blood smeared all over her apartment."

hellfireprince:

(OOC Warning: Mature Content in the Link Below)


Three hours after dealing with the last vestiges of the old guard, Julian Howard finishes tying his tie and checks over the light gray suit he's chosen to for tonight's event. He is clean-shaven, combed and dressed to execute the final part of his opening gambit. The first two portions went according to plan, and Kassia's plan also worked to maximum effect. The picture he'd received on his phone five hours ago had already been deleted, but Emma Frost and Viveca Van Roehm each received a copy for their own personal enjoyment. Never let it be said that Julian didn't follow through on his promises.

The rest of the documents from the area would be in his possession tomorrow evening at the latest, because that was what he paid for. It had been considerably harder to move Sebastian Shaw, but the rush of energy he'd taken from feeding on the older man had given Julian the spring back in his step. Now Shaw was on his way to a special location to serve out the remainder of his days.

Things would not be the same after tonight and Julian expected rancor from at least one of the meetings participants, but that bothered him little. Walking into the meeting room at the Waldorf Astoria, he looked about at the other members of the Hellfire Club. Even when he's fashionably late, Sebastian would have been here over an hour ago, though he was known to take longer when he deigned to do so.

Julian had only been to one meeting of the Lords Cardinal, to introduce himself, so his appearance here now might offer confusion to those who were in the know....which was about three people on the left side of the room.

"Sorry, I'm late everyone. Should we go ahead and start?" he asks, striding in as though he owns the place. He stops over at the table to the left of the doors and grabs himself a carrot or two, chewing happily before taking up a glass of wine.

Then he looks about as if just now noticing what's wrong with this picture.

"Why, where is Sebastian?" he asks, as the doors close behind him of their own accord.
 

hellfireprince:

Julian's message to Kassia Frost is simple and to the point.

"I have what you seek. Room 112." he says. He doesn't bother leaving his name or saying hers; she knows what he's talking about as it is. He hangs up his phone as his limo sets off toward her hotel, and he takes a look at the small container in his hand. It's hard to imagine that something like this will bring him his heart's desire, the thing he's sought since he came to this city, but all the waiting, the watching, the planning will have been worth it if it does.

He makes a call to Paulo, who is on a plane to New Jersey to oversee the final touches on The Violet Room, and after this call, he'll be headed down to New Orleans to begin work on his next club, Hedonism. Howard Entertainment Group is growing rapidly, and Julian is the driving force behind it, X-Factor, and several other pursuits.

He smiles to himself as he pulls up to the hotel and enters, heading to room 112 to wait for his partner in revolution.

clothesline:

X-Factor was a team, right?  Jason didn't know much about teams, but he was aware that MOST teams actually sat down and got to know each other.  He didn't rightfully give a damn, but the press did.  So, like a good boy int he public eye, Jason set up a dinner with his team at Masa.  If somebody was unable to find something appropriate to wear in their current wardrobe, they were set up with information to contact Jason's people and get something appropriate.  As for Jason?  He was looking fancy and dashing in a custom suit.  He was always overdressed.

Jason, of course, was at the restaurant to make sure everything was in order.  The menus were already on the table, including the all-important drink menu.  They were seated near a window so the press could see them having a great time.  And by God, they were all going to smile-even if Jason would have to force them by the hairs on their lips.

hellfireprince:

DJ Whedon will receive a message asking him to meet with Julian around ten a.m. to discuss a favor of importance. He'll request that they meet in the boardroom at X-Factor Plaza on the third floor, and that DJ should come hungry.

When DJ arrives, Julian is there in one of his usual tailored suits, along with a pretty blond woman and two other men who look like scientists of some kind.

"DJ! Glad you could make it." Julian says cordially, getting up to shake his hand. "Before we get down to the reason for the meeting, I'd like to meet Dr. Jennifer Crane. These are her assistants, Miles and Warren.

There's food, of course, so please don't be shy. Let's all eat, and then we'll talk about why I asked you to stop by today." Julian says.

little_mermaid:

Kassia waited until Marrina was asleep.  The girls had decided to wait until morning to return to Canada, which was plenty of time for Kassia to decide that letting her father handle things wasn't something that she could do.  The longer she sat with her thoughts the more she grew angry and wanted the darkest justice of all: revenge.

She had so many names and contacts thanks to where she had grown up and the people she had met.  None of them seemed particularly trustworthy now, save for one.

Julian Howard.

<i>It's Kassia Frost, can you meet me somewhere tonight?</i>

The call was made quietly from the bathroom and if he agreed, she'd ask him to meet her at a coffee shop a few blocks from her hotel.

hellfireprince:

Julian Howard's day is going, according to his notes, exactly to plan. Two days after his meeting with Emma Frost and Roberto DaCosta, both agreed to aid him in his plan to remake the Hellfire Club. With two powerful allies backing him, Julian feels he's scored a major victory, but this is not enough. He needs to bring another potential ally to his cause.

"Mr. Howard, I contacted Viveca van Roehm." Paulo Seganti, his manservant, says.  "I informed her that you requested her company today, and the food will be ready when she arrives."

"Thank you, Paulo. Please bring her in as soon as she arrives." Julian says, settling back into his chair to wait.

hellfireprince:

Julian Howard has made the phone calls requesting the company of  both Emma Frost and Roberto DaCosta in New Jersey tonight convenience to discuss matters of mutual importance. The meeting place is a renovated club he's just purchased that will reopen in four weeks under the name of The Violet Room. After long months of waiting, watching and planning, Julian is ready to begin moving in on his primary goal. All that was necessary now was to gather the necessary support to secure his victory. Every last one of the people he is dealing with is dangerous and a manipulator of the highest order. They've all been at this since before he was born, and continued up this point. Besides his own intellect, prestige and power, the only thing Julian can really count on is that he was taught this game of thrones by the only person with more experience than all of them.

The food and drink is hot and waiting, though he doubts they'll partake; still, effort must be made. When Emma and Roberto arrive, they are ushered in through what will be the  V.I.P entrance and escorted across the expansive dance floor to. The meeting is here, rather than at X-Factor Tower or even the Popular Outcast because Julian wants to keep this business separate and secret from his other dealings. As they Julian rises and moves offers and comes around the table.

"Miss Frost, Mister DaCosta, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Food and drink are available if you like, and I apologize for asking you to come out of town, but I'd like to keep prying eyes out of our business, so to speak. Please, take a moment for refreshment and have a seat. I'll begin when you're both ready." Julian says, gesturing at the onyx marble desk at the head of the room. A chair is provided for each of them, though Julian pulls one of them back a little further for Emma.

ministryoftruth:

“…The damage here in Fargo, Georgia is catastrophic tonight. Reports are still coming in, but the latest casualty toll is over 2,000. Military planes are being loaded with supplies and moved in from as far away as New York at this time.” Adrian Carver says solemnly, looking directly into the camera.

“Behind me, you can see the damage that occurred yesterday morning.” Adrian says, and the camera pans around the area to show the husks of ruined buildings, rubble, and emergency crews helping people to medical tents. The camera returns to Adrian, his eyes slowly misting.

“ Eyewitness accounts say that a battle between rival groups of mutants reached a fever pitch before a bomb or explosives of some kind were activated. Investigators are still researching the cause of this disaster; more information will come as this story develops. My name is Adrian Carver, signing off from Fargo, Georgia.” he says.

 “Good night and God Bless.”

nextgen_holiday:

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

ng_independent:

Phoebe Stevens sat in her brightly lit, perfectly decorated office at the Foundation for a Finer Life headquarters.

She was reading the newspaper.

It was reporting that Roxxon Energy executive J. Pierpont Krieger, alleged to have been the driving force between many of the corporation's most socially and environmentally harmful recent policies, had been robbed, tied to his bed, and beaten within an inch of his life in the night. The concussion was too severe to make an adequate description of his assailants. His bodyguards, who had been with him for several years and were said to have impressive superhuman powers, had gone missing. All of the building's security cameras had been stolen in the course of the night.
The paper reported that a note on perfumed yellow paper had been pinned to Krieger's pajamas saying "Someone might need to rethink his life!"

The paper reported that each "i" in the note had been dotted with a heart.

Phoebe smiled as she put the paper down. Such nice boys, those guards. They'd look so confused as she'd walked towards them, giving them a bright, serene smile as the energy fields they throw at her skidded like water off a duck's back. They'd just needed to be shown the way, poor things, her hands on their faces as she explained, as they broke down.

More recruits for the foundation, a just deed done....and publicity.

nextgen_holiday:

Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom. - Anonymous

hellfireprince:

As much as Julian wanted to settle the issue with X-Factor's secret admirer (or detractor), life had to go on. Business was booming, and the Outcast was still making a killing on the club circuit, as the rich and famous were now patronizing the place. X-Factor, along with N.I.C.H Machinegun, made the Popular Outcast the place to be, and Julian had finally traded the loft above the club or his own penthouse apartment inside X-Factor Plaza.

He packed his suitcase, and readied his garment bag with three days worth of suits, wanting to make an impression on the new partners in Atlantic City. Next, he'd be off to New Orleans to make an offer to another partner, and then California. If he could get all of the clubs open by the end of the year, he'd consider most of the work done. For now, though, he thought it prudent to focus on Atlantic City and put the rest of out of his mind. One goal at a time.

Anyone asking after him would hear that he was preparing for a trip, and couldn't be disturbed unless it was important.

ng_independent:

After she had seen them on television, she'd gone into her bedroom for a long heart to heart with Daddy. He was so happy, so proud. They'd laid down the ground rules -- lots and lots of rules, or it wouldn't be any good, after all.

Now for the opening move. She had a meeting with some of the Foundation for a Finer Life's best and brigh--- well, they were good boys, anyway. Nice boys. They tried hard; and that's all Phoebe was asking for.

Starting that night and continuing throughout the week, there was a surge in break-ins, burglaries, and vandalism in the area of town surrounding X-Factor's new home/studio.
Three churches -- all coincidentally connected by their contributions to such things as 'sexuality rehabilitation' centers -- ransacked with 'Glass Houses!' spray-painted in bright yellow on the inner walls. Numerous stores robbed only of their entire supply of cigarettes, with 'Nasty Habit!' painted across the empty storage display cases in the same bright shade.
Scores of cars stolen from a parking lot that had been made just a few months before by paving over greenspace, with 'Ride a Bike!' in yellow.

Every single security camera anywhere near any scene of the crime had been taken as well.

By the end of the week, letter with no fingerprints or return address will be delivered to the plaza which reads simply,
'Welcome to the neighborhood. And nobody hurt yet. Ain't we sweet?'

nextgen_media:

ENGLAND Braddock Manor, home of Brian Braddock, was destroyed during the night. All that's left of the stately manor house is a smoldering pile of rubble. The individuals responsible for this attack are unknown at this time, but police are investigating. No bodies were found in rubble and it appears that Brian Braddock is missing at this time. CONT ON PAGE 1A.

BRAZIL In an unusual turn of events, it appears the Amazong Rainforest has somehow come alive and the trees and plants are attacking loggers. To date about twenty loggers and other citizens have gone missing into the jungle depths. Witnesses say that they were grabbed and abducted by the trees. Investigators are looking into the situation, but at this point they have no leads. CONT PAGE 2A

WASHINGTON DC The Registration debate has cooled down and the bill that Senator Sloane was trying to push through Congress has been officially dropped. Recent events in New York City have brought to light certain individuals sponsoring the bill and Congress is doing an investigation into these individuals. The issue of mutant and superhero Registration has been shelved, but it is certainly not the end of the debate. CONT PAGE 1B

hellfireprince:

The results are in: Everyone wants a piece of X-Factor.

He's gotten offers from Letterman and Leno. Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein want to speak to Jason about joint projects.  Slash and Gene Simmons thinks DJ and Pauline are the future of music. Harry is morphing into a young heartthrob; between the ladies from The View and Oprah, the young man might never know another day of obscurity in his life.

And Julian's thinking he may need to get another phone if the Owner of Suicide Girls doesn't stop trying to blow his up about having Lisa do a shoot for them.  Besides, Maxim wants first dibs.

As for Julian, bumping into Jay-Z at a recent after-party (he can't remember where) landed him a spot in Rihanna's newest video.

X-Factor's star was rising higher with each passing day, and he still hadn't had time to tell the team about X-Factor Plaza yet. He'd have to get them all together, but time was conspiring against them. And there was still the World Tour, actions figures and everyone's solo ventures to discuss. Not to mention his trip to New Orleans to open up another nightclub. 

Julian asks Paulo to call the rest of the team to the Outcast to discuss the next step in their adventure together and set down some rules. This is probably also a good time to give anyone who wants out the chance to get out clean.

hellfireprince:

Paulo held the door as Julian strolled into the hotel, adjusting his tie for the third time since getting in the car. He was sure there were paparazzi following them; they hadn't let up since the business at the Statue of Liberty several days ago. The others were caught under the limelight just as much, if not more, and while Julian relished the attention on one level, some things deserved the consideration of privacy.

Like today.

"Paulo, you're certain you delivered the invitations?" Julian asked again before entering.

"Yes, Mister Howard. Again, I couldn't put them directly into Mister Summers' hands, but the attendant I tipped said he would be certain they were received." Paulo says.

"He should have called by now. Or at least told me to take a flying leap. What if he's still not well after..." Julian wondered.

"Sir, you said you saw him leave with a young woman before you could get to him. I'm sure he's fine. Now, calm yourself and go see him." Paulo said gently.

Julian took a deep breath and nodded, then steeled himself. There was no telling how Andrew would react to him, or news of their relation. He hoped to be welcomed, but it was quite possible that Andrew would want nothing to do with him at all. It was also highly possible that his father would feel the same way.

Pushing the doubts out of his head for the moment, Julian walked up to the service desk and smiled at the young lady behind the counter.

"Julian Howard to see Andrew Summers, please. Let him know that I'm here, and I'll wait at his convenience." he says.