icecoldfrost | Emma's Manhattan -- The Hellfire Club -- Later Thursday Evening

It was startlingly simple to find a secluded corner at the party -- or perhaps not, given that the Hellfire Club seemed to specialize in hidden nooks and crannies.

"We have a problem," she said shortly, once the others have arrived. "Namely, bad people doing bad things, and while I normally don't care about that sort of thing, I am not very fond of their idea of fun."

George Cooper	Don't mind George, he was just sliding his hands over the walls to make sure there wasn't anything obvious to allow others to listen or spy. He knew Emma'd check with her Gift, but it wasn't like the Gifted couldn't hide from each other,. "What does their idea o' fun be?" George asked, slipping back into the Lower City accent he'd discarded for the party. His suit still lay perfectly neat, but he wasn't unhappy with the collection he'd taken so far. "An' how does it make a problem?"
Emma Frost	"Genocide, apparently," Emma answered, watching George work with a flicker of approval in her eyes. "Aimed at those of us who are Gifted." Which was three of the four of them in this little group, and made it rather personal.
Jack Priest	And Jack had his own issues with the concept of genocide, so he seemed equally eager. His jaw worked in concentration and anger. "How can we make things more difficult for them?"
Emma Frost	"It's rather hard to make machines of murder without funding," Emma replied. "So we're taking away their resources." "Diamonds, gentlemen. Which we aren't stealing since they don't exist legally anyway. I'm thinking a series of sizable donations to various anti-discrimination and equal-rights organizations may be in order."
George Cooper	Okay, there was totally an eyeroll at donations. Who stole stuff just to give it away again? But George was still mostly facing the wall and it wasn't terribly obvious. "Yer thinkin' yer wantin' t'steal some diamonds?" George asked, turning to lean his back against the wall and raise an eyebrow at Emma. He tilted his head. "Know anythin' about where they are?"
Jono Starsmore	//They're in a safe in one of th'offices in th'building,// Jono replied, his expression grim and his hands in his pockets. //Can't imagine it'll be an easy job, but then, where would th'fun be in makin' it easy, right, mates?// If anyone actually asked Jono what he'd like to do in the wake of overhearing talk of Sentinels, it would probably involve a lot of yelling and punching things and possibly a small explosion or two.
Emma Frost	"You are not allowed to yell, punch, or explode anything inside the Hellfire Club," Emma hissed, giving him a glare. Not subtle thoughts, Jono, at all. "Not unless it's exploding that safe to get us the diamonds." "And I would prefer to get in and out of here tonight without getting arrested or blacklisted, thank you."
Jack Priest	"So we need a distraction," Jack suggested. "Get people to look at some of us" -- glance to Emma, there -- "so no one pays attention to the rest of us." He would go with making out in public, but he suspected that wasn't enough.
Emma Frost	Emma would be happy to make out with Jack in public, but somehow she doubted that would be enough. Still, they'd manage. "George," she asked sweetly. "How much space do you have left in your pockets? Can you go with Jono to hit the safe, or are you too weighed down to move quickly?"
George Cooper	"Bite me, lass," George said, rolling his eyes at the insult. "I thought y'did say ye wanted it actually done and not caught halfway there." He glanced over at Jono. "No offense, but 'm not thinkin' y've th' experience in this one."
Jono Starsmore	//None taken.// Jono gave his shoulders a shrug. //I've more experience sneaking in back doors I shouldn't be gettin' into than I have pullin' off heists to run off with diamonds that're worth more than th'bloody crown jewels.// A pause. //But trust me, mate. If we do happen to get caught, yer want me around.//
Emma Frost	"Jono's acting as the backup," Emma agreed, nodding at the British boy. "If it comes down to it, he can blow the safe, or get both of you out of here through alternative exits." Like blowing holes in the wall. "But I'd prefer finesse over damage. It will be more fun to make them wonder what happened, rather than leave scorch marks all over." "Jack and I will find a way to make some sort of distraction. Hopefully that should get the party-goers out of your way, and maybe security as well," she continued. "Unless someone else has a better idea."
Jack Priest	"Lover's spat is the easiest thing," Jack said softly as he nodded from Jono to George. He trusted them in this. "I'd prefer we keep security out of it, but it shouldn't be hard to get everyone gawking at us and not at you."

Anthony 'Tony' Stark	To say Tony wasn't exactly a fan of these parties was an understatement. There were so many better things he could be doing right now than sitting around with alcohol and-- Oh, hello barely there dress. How are you doing this evening? --look, he might have been a genius, but there were still hormones there.
Jack Priest	Jack wandered over to one of the youngest people in the room, twirling the stem of his champagne flute in his hands and with a smile pasted on that people who knew him well would have known meant to watch out. Poor Tony. "Were you going to go talk to her?" he asked, glancing to Ms. Barely There Dress. "Or can I steal a moment to introduce myself?"
Tony Stark	Then it seemed Tony would just have to learn the hard way about that sort of grin aimed at him. Perhaps after the third time the person attempted to kill him? "Introduce away, I've got all night." Ah, charming and smug. It always worked so well with women. Nevermind the last name factoring in.
Jack Priest	Please. Jack didn't want to kill him. Just use him to create a distraction to help in a felony. That was infinitely superior. "It's Paul Weston," he said, grabbing for the first name that came to mind. "I don't know much about this club, I'm afraid. A family friend suggested this would be good for me." He sipped his drink and gave Tony a friendly ogle. "I've found ... a few good things."
Tony Stark	"Family friend?" Tony echoed, looking away at the ogle and then back as he gathered up all that teenage bravado to return the favour. "Tony Stark." It was, of course, said as though 'Paul' already knew that.
Jack Priest	"No one interesting." Jack waved it away, since his powers of invention only stretched so far, and then perked up appropriately at the mention of the name he should have already known. "I have to admit, I'd been hoping to catch you while I was here. What do you make of the crowd tonight?"
Tony Stark	Ego suitably stroked, Tony shrugged. "A bit boring compared to most I've been to." You know, all... two so far.
Jack Priest	"Quite." Well, it wasn't the most scintillating gathering Jack had ever been to, either, current mission aside. "How do you feel about making your own fun, Tony?" The suggestiveness was there, if Tony wanted to take him up on it, but it was more a hint than anything else.
Tony Stark	"What did you have in mind?"
Jack Priest	Jack made himself blush as he thought hard to summon Emma, and he leaned in and sought out Tony's eyes. "I think there's a little room under the stairs. We could ... get to know each other better, there." Which was an intolerably blatant pass for Jack's usual style, but Tony freaking out would make for a good distraction, too.
Emma Frost	"Pardon me," a female voice said from behind them, and there was Emma, arms crossed and blue eyes frozen with fury. "Paul, darling, there you are. I was starting to think you'd gotten lost amid all the shiny things. I know you have a short attention span, but honestly."
Tony Stark	"I think the misses is calling you," Tony said, glancing over at Emma with far less concealed interest.
Jack Priest	"She's been stalking me since I got here," Jack said, rolling his eyes. "She thinks we're together. It's rather bizarre."
Emma Frost	Emma looked at Tony with barely disguised skepticism. "My eyes are up here," she offered, snapping her fingers to get his attention. "I'm a person, not a stock market commodity, and my value is probably higher than your entire portfolio." "As for you," she continued, rounding on 'Paul' again. "I didn't hear you objecting when you had your hand up my skirt earlier, especially considering I got you into this party in the first place."
Tony Stark	Tony just grinned. "I'm sure it is." Yeah, so, so was not. "Now, I wouldn't want to get in the middle of a--lovers quarrel, so how about I leave you both to figure this out?"
Jack Priest	"You'd abandon me to her?" Jack pouted. "You aren't in the middle of anything except the web of a girl with a very vivid imagination. I haven't had my hands near her, I don't know where she's been." ... oh, he'd owe Emma for the rest of his life. His eyes flicked over Tony again. "I am sorry for bringing you into this."
Emma Frost	He knew exactly where she'd been, so that earned him a quick glare. To stay in character, of course. "Oh, no, do stay, darling," Emma practically purred, sliding over to Tony with a smile. "I am absolutely thrilled to meet one of Paul's little friends. Tell me, has he bothered to learn your name yet? Or your going rate?"
Tony Stark	"Got a few billion to spare?" Tony asked, eyes cool, but still smiling. It wasn't like he hadn't gone to the right schools with the right people and not learned how to handle himself in less than pleasant social situations. He put an arm around 'Paul's' waist. Just because now. "I'm sure there are a few dim men over in the study for you to charm. Maybe more your--" He looked her over. "--price range."
Jack Priest	Jack settled as comfortably against Tony's side as if he'd been born there, eyes cool and amused as they appraised Emma. "You heard him," he said. "Go bother them and let us finish ... talking. I'm sure you'll find someone else who wants his hand up that skirt."
Emma Frost	Jack was getting ignored in favor of Tony, and Emma was going to kick him for that. Later. "Actually, I do have some to spare," she replied, smile bright and tone equally cool. "Frost. Cordelia Frost." And since Cordelia hadn't actually been seen in public since, oh, she was seven, no one could say otherwise. For once, Emma was glad that her younger sister was an anti-social creature. "You'll forgive me if I pass on the 'dim' option, as I prefer company that has more bite than bark."
Tony Stark	"Charming," Tony replied. "Tony Stark. Are we done comparing pedigrees?"
Jack Priest	"Oh, god, I hope so," Jack put in. "Nothing's more boring than people who think who they were born to makes them someone." He glanced up at Tony and added, "There are so many better things to do here."
Emma Frost	They were starting to attract quite a crowd, and Emma threw Jack an amused glance. "You do realize you're speaking with someone who thinks he's all that and a bag of chips, just because of his last name?" she asked. "Just like everyone else here." She took a step closer to him, lowering her voice just slightly -- but still loud enough that those eavesdropping close by could still hear. "Look, Paul, we had a deal. I don't care who you play with in private, but you are not going to snub me in public. Not if you don't want people finding out about how you knocked me up." "Now if you don't want a scene, you better hold up your end of the bargain."
Tony Stark	"I'm sorry, did you say 'all that and a bag of chips'?" Yes, Tony was still a teenage boy who couldn't help but laugh at that. "The difference between you and me, Cordelia, is that I'm more than just a name and a bank account," Tony said, not caring who was listening in. Ah, bravado. "Then again, we can't all marry our way to success."
Jack Priest	"I don't think marriage is in her plans," Jack said, calm and cruel -- and a bit louder yet. The waiters were slowing to eavesdrop. Good. "She can earn a few billion more selling scandalous stories about her 'love child'" -- finger quotes on that -- "and that would get her more press than marriage and divorce, anyhow. And that'll be important, with the extra mouth to feed."
Emma Frost	And that was Emma's champagne being flung in Jack's face. "Actually, I was going to let Emma keep it," she replied coldly, opening her fingers to let the champagne flute shatter on the floor at his feet. "She's the bleeding heart in the family, always pining for a bit of love or affection." "Besides, I'm not stupid enough to marry a two-bit social-climber like you, not when you'd insist on a pre-nup that was in your favor," she continued, voice rising a bit. "I was already stupid enough to sleep with you because I liked you, and I thought you liked me too." She turned a nasty grin on Tony. "I suppose if you really want him, then enjoy him. But you've already seen what he's like to me, so don't be shocked when there's a knife in your back, too."

George Cooper	The impulse to slip out unseen before Emma and Jack cause their 'distraction' was strong in George. He trusted his ability to move like he belonged and let eyes slide off him, but twas better t'be safe than sorry in this case at least, an' if you were working with a team, you might as well not let it go for naught. He mingled at the edge of the crowd, blending but only speaking a few words until the crowd's focus turned inevitably to the scene being played out in the middle of the floor. George's eyes shot up to find Jono's and he turned to slip out the door they'd decided upon, trusting Jono to follow.
Hellfire Club Security	The hallway ahead of them was clear; all the security that had been around earlier had already drifted towards the main hall, drawn by the drama unfolding there. There was a clear shot to the stairs, and no obvious security to be seen.
Jono Starsmore	The lack of security, if you asked Jono, was pretty much a godsend, and he followed closely after George, looking around warily to be certain that there weren't any stragglers still in this hallway. There, down the hall, was the corner office that Emma had said the diamonds would be found in. He gave a nod toward that door as he pushed onward. //That one,// he reported, keeping his voice directed at George and George alone. //There's a painting behind th'desk. Safe's behind that, mate.//
George Cooper	The glance George threw Jono was full of amusement. It was - a little bit creepy keeping his shields down around th' lad t'be able t'hear him, but at least he was funny. //Of course. It's behind the painting,// he thought hard in reply. //That's not typical at all.// Sometimes it did seem like th'nobles in Corus were a bit more inventive. He slipped on a pair of thin leather gloves that had been in his suit coat as they approached the door. There wasn't any of that odd almost-buzzing that often heralded magic, and he checked carefully for any of the electrical traps Sophie had taught about. Seemed good. Time to pick the thankfully non-electronic lock. Th'lock popped up smoothly, and George grinned, beckoning Jono into the office with him.
Jono Starsmore	//And they tell me that th'Hellfire Club is known for their creativity,// Jono mused. Picking up on George's thoughts was easier for Jonothon than he'd ever care to admit. Another facet of his powers that he didn't want to touch on, but circumstances meant that they couldn't afford to get themselves caught, and thinking was infinitely quieter than a one-sided whisper, and so he was putting forth the effort to 'hear' what the other boy had to say. They could be mildly creeped out by this situation together. It balanced nicely. //Yer got much experience crackin' safes, at all?//
George Cooper	George just nodded a little as he moved into the room, eyes alert for alarms or traps or magic, anything that'd slow them up or alert others to their presence. He glanced up in the corners of the room, picking out the two video cameras and held up his hand to Jono to stop for a moment as he looked for the wires. Finding them, George pulled a knife to offer hilt first to Jono and he pointed to the wires. And then remembered he could think at him. //Can you be cutting the wire to that security camera while I do t'other?// he thought. //Otherwise they'll be picking us up on their feed.//
Jono Starsmore	Jono nodded, reaching to take the knife that was offered to him. //Last thing we need is an audience,// he agreed. //Provided Jack and Emma are still causin' a riot out there, now'd be th'time to do it, before security thinks to look back toward the offices.// And, really, there were certain things that he didn't want to see caught on film, if they did happen to get caught and needed to fight their way out. Without another word, he made his way to the camera that George had indicated, and he made short work of the wire leading to it.
George Cooper	//Tis th'idea,// George agreed easily, taking care of his own camera and then moving farther into the office. He didn't see anything else that looked suspicious. No feel of magic, nothing that looked like laser traps or alarms. It was oddly not reassuring. George eyed the painting for a moment, locating the hinges where it would swing out and scanned it as he made sure there wasn't anything else to be aware of. Finally he pulled open the painting to reveal the safe. The...very, very high-tech safe. Even at first glance, George was completely certain he was not going to be able to break into this without a lot more preparation. And tools. And - possibly some lessons in computers. What was wrong wit' something a little more practical? //...when th'lass did say you could blow somethin' up was she meaning it?//
Jono Starsmore	//And then some,// Jono agreed, squinting and crouching down in front of the safe. //Bloody hell, yer could almost rig this naffin' thing up to a television and play video games on it.// Only no, probably not. He gave his head a shake, and then glanced sidelong at George. //Think I'd have better luck tryin' to blow th'hinges off, or just goin' for that... padlock-lookin' bit, there?// The part that looked like it was made for Tetris.
George Cooper	George studied the safe for a long minute, glancing over his shoulder every so often just to make sure they were still alone in the room. He tried to remember everything he'd learned about this world's safes as he just barely traced his finger above the hinges and number pad-video game-thing. //Bet it'll make us a pizza if we do ask,// he thought wryly, glancing back at Jono. //I'd say go right through th'lock. Just on the chance tha' there'd be an alarm if it's not taken out.//
Jono Starsmore	//Th'lock it is, then, mate,// came Jonothon's reply as his hand reached up toward his face. His fingers slipped under the top of his bandages, revealing just the slightest glow of flame from underneath, and then he glanced toward George. //Yer might want to stand back.//
George Cooper	He raised an eyebrow at the magic and took a few steps back, moving to cover Jono's back and keep an eye on what was going on. //G'on then//
Chamber	If anybody were to call his flames 'magic' to his face, Jono might even go so far as to thank them for the sentiment. It was a pleasant change from some of the things he'd heard people say about them in the past. As it stood, he was going to just nod, and pull his bandages down just far enough to let them hang loosely about his shoulders. Fire did as fire was wont to do, licking up around his face, tousling his hair as heat and raw psionic energy crackled up around him. As he focused on the lock, his eyes shifted, glowing solid white as his power reached out, a blast of flame from where his mouth should have been, and burned a neat hole in the safe, completely obliterating the lock. //Almost a shame, really. I wanted to see if yer could program it to play annoying tunes when yer hit th'wrong buttons.//
George Cooper	Oh right. That was still - twas an interestin' Gift that. Flames. Coming out of his face. George was totally cool with it really. //We'll get ye one t'play with when we get out of here,// George said, giving Jono an elated grin and using his knife to wedge the door open without having to touch where the metal had been glowing a little bit ago. And there was a - well, that was obvious - a black velvet bag in the otherwise empty safe. Twisting the knife so it disappeared back under his sleeve, George reached for the bag and spilled the contents into his gloved hand. Diamonds. Lots of them. Lots of them worth a lot of money. //Seems like that's what we came for,// he thought at Jono, palming the bag back until his suitcoat. //Shall we?//
Jono Starsmore	//Let's,// Jono agreed, more concerned about getting his bandages wound properly than in getting a good look at a handful of diamonds that were worth more than he'd ever see in his life. He did so surprisingly quickly. He had plenty of practise. //Th'sooner we collect the others, th'sooner we can get th'hell out of here. I don't want to be around when they realize what's missin'.// He blinked, and his eyes returned to normal.
George Cooper	George was curious about the bandages, but he was too busy moving back towards the door to really watch. And possibly slipping a few other things off the desk. Just to make this look a little more like a random break in and nothing focusing on the diamonds. ...cause the energy beam thing through the safe was not going to be a giveaway... //Door's clear,// George sent as he checked the hallway carefully. //Let's go.//

George Cooper	George's nerves were still buzzing with the success of theft. Wasn't a real one, of course. Using Jono's Gift was a bit like cheating, but he didn't care so much right now with way more diamonds in his pockets than he'd ever seen before. He wandered casually back into the ballroom, hands in his pockets as he looked around, hoping to catch either Emma or Jack's gaze.
Jack Priest	Jack caught George's glance while he was still mopping off champagne. He was grateful -- he wasn't sure how much longer he and Emma could keep going without one or both of them giggling. He murmured an apology to Tony and sauntered toward George, hands in his pockets. "Is it all good?"
George Cooper	"Not if ye can't keep a lass from throwing a drink on ye for five whole minutes," George said lightly, smirking a little at Jack and giving him a nearly indistinguishable nod.
Emma Frost	There was a telepathic snort of amusement. <<He deserved it,>> Emma promised from where she was across the room, gossiping with and being consoled and fussed over by most of the female population of the party. Someone was shamelessly using her powers to eavesdrop by listening (lightly) to Jack. <<How did it go?>>
Jono Starsmore	//There are more rocks in George's pocket than I've seen in my entire life,// Jono reported, making his way into the room not far behind George. //I'd call that a success, gel.//
Emma Frost	<<I think we can call it an evening, then,>> Emma agreed. <<I'll excuse myself to go to the washroom, and slip away to meet you gentlemen out front?>> <<If I have to listen to this gaggle of geese chatter much longer, I might start experimenting to see if I can use my powers to get them to break out in song. In-key.>>
Jack Priest	Jack bit back his grin -- there was just the slightest hint of a glare at George in his eyes -- and, with a nod to show he understood, started heading to the exit.
NAME	George? Amused at the glare? Not at all. Really. He let Jack wander off before following at a relaxed saunter, looking to catch Jono's eye and make sure no one else was really paying too much attention. That was a good evening all told. Anything that involved stealing far too many diamonds counted way up there.

Sebastien Shaw	Sebastien watched the children slip out, smiling slightly as Selene telepathically updated from the Security office about the 'shocking break-in' in Buckman's office. Well well well. He turned to the large man standing silently beside him. "Miss Emma Frost," he said, handing over the invitation. "I'm leaving this to you, my friend. You're the only one I can trust with to find what I need."
Harry Leland	"Not Selene?" Harry Leland asked, raising one bushy eyebrow. "I'm not a telepath Sebastien. My gifts are far less...subtle."
Sebastien Shaw	"It's not your powers I need, but your your other skills," Sebastien rumbled. "And I don't want Miss Gallo too close to any potential talent. Besides, she must return to Nova Roma soon, before the drain becomes too much for her." "Find her, Leland. I want to know what this Miss Frost and her friends are capable of doing, and why we haven't seen her here before."
Harry Leland	Leland swept a bow. "As you command, Shaw."