1:20 to Go [Lex,Selina,Summer, Aria,Vicki,Clark] [Metropham]

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The press corps came to the Liberta del Mar, that opulent oasis of the upper crust of Gotham City. Awash in the lights, colors and sounds of the pre-gala experience. Lex Luthor and Selina Kyle were working the floors with as much energy and grace as possible. 

There were still the last minute touches of setup occurring behind the scenes, an entire level of the del Mar had been reserved for the Gala with sections and themes based on the elements of fire, water, earth, wind and spirit. It was clear already that the Gala had utilized most of the significant design professionals in both Gotham and Metropolis. A significant work, the opulence suggested a Lex Luthor production, the quality and taste behind the design aesthetics suggested Selena Kyle. 

This, however, was not a show for those easily amused by bright colors and shiny lights, no the people here were member of the working press, the creme de la creme of Gotham and Metropolis alike, with press corp members from beyond. Lex Luthor standing calmly reveled at being the center of attention, tall and monumental. Dressed to the nines in a well tailored suit, he felt himself smiling as he gestured again. Selina Kyle moved with a graceful fluidity that made her the center of attention in any room she tended to find herself in. She smiled and guided and whispered, and while Lex Luthor stood at the center holding court like a colossus, Selina was everywhere, exactly where necessary, speaking with everyone, moving with a remarkable flexibility that served to hit every point that Lex missed. 

The security presence was unobtrusive but still noticeable. This was still Gotham, where madmen had a habit of blowing up schools after writing egg themed rhymes about them, and where people dressed in clown suits had a nasty habit of engaging in acts of terrorism. Lex Luthor smiled and caught Selina's eye, then he approached the area of the press junket from the right, Selina Kyle disengaging from her small group conversation to meet at the center.  "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you all for coming to celebrate the creation and the promise that is Metropham. We're still getting the last bits of everything together, but I promise you. The entire effect will be quite worth it. So ladies and gentlemen, I just wanted to welcome you all to a new day in Gotham City. "

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There was something to be said for a plan coming to fruition. Like a flower in near full bloom, she could see all the hours, the bickering, the compromise coming together as they held the press conference. She had been chatting with different people through the crowd, her charcoal grey suit sharp, her hair demure, her eyes bright and teasing with a hint of what was to come for the night. Press had came out in droves to try and catch a glimpse of the venue, and were aptly impressed, even as it was in the thoroughs of preparation, still. As she orbit Lex, circling like a moon to his sun, she finally wound her way through the people to stand at his side. The Queen to his borrowed Kingdom for the evening, the bright light to his sceptre.

He'd done a fine job with security. Well enough that she had almost forgotten he'd planned for it, the plainclothes guards barely, just barely not passing by sight in their suits, and other outfits. It was a rather nice touch to see them milling about, the whole construct giving off an air of false security needed to lull everyone into having a good time, and at the least, enjoying themselves.

As she set food beside him, he spoke, welcoming them to the junket. They had limited time before they, too had to get ready and present at the Gala themselves, personally welcoming each and every guest. After he spoke, she seamlessly picked up where he left off. "As we stand here in an eventful day between two prosperous cities, I'd like to welcome your questions, queries, and concerns before the actual event starts later this evening. So if there are any inqueries, please, we invite you to try and pick apart this coupling of Gotham, and Metropolitan technocolgy, industry, and influence."

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First on the scene as always, Summer Gleeson moved her extensive and large crew toward the front of the room so they could set up their equipment. The group moved fast constructing everything so the evening would go with a flaw. Massaging her cheeks, Summer had one of the stations newest interns help run her through her vocal exercises as well as run through the flash cards of questions that Summer had scrawled down the night before. It was rare that she was able to cover an event with limited scandal, one that could only reassure the city and benefit everyone involved. While most of her exposes typically revolved around the crime life, bedlam and dramatics of the city it would be nice to take a break to cover something out of her comfort zone. The most anticipated event of the season was finally beginning to piece together beautifully and the young reporter was there to cover every single baby step in the process.

“I need make-up. Where is Celia?” She asked, taking a moment to observe the other members of the press who were also making the necessary preparations. Smiling at the outcome, she was relieved they had shown up so early and managed to secure a large sector of the room that was close to where the successful co-hosts were to be standing. Ah, the perks of being friends with the hostess. Seeing as this was all to be recorded for her evening airing, this conference would be easy to engage in and gather information for the citizens of Gotham who sat and watched the events unfold religiously from the comfort of their living rooms. The ability to cut and edit out whatever pieces she wanted to use were going to come in handy significantly, especially seeing as she intended to interview the successful head of Black Cat Securities this evening on her television show in accordance to covering the events within the next few hours.

When the co-hosts made their appearance, the noisy room was silenced instantly at their appearance. Summer couldn’t help but notice what a good looking pair they were together and took a moment to marvel both of their appearances before she locked herself in to her ‘showtime’ mode. Camera’s rolling as they spoke; Summer tossed her hair over her shoulders and watched with a smile, hoping that her correlated crew managed to gain the attention. Once the floor was opened for questions, Summer’s graceful hand was first in the air, waiting patiently to be called upon.

With her most charming, white smile, the redhead alternated direct eye contact with each host. “Summer Gleeson, News Anchor of Gotham Live. It’s a pleasure to be here and you both look stunning by the way. I know that both of you have selflessly contributed the ample costs, time and efforts to make this magical event become a reality, how much money and time do you feel like has gone into this event thus far? And how much money do to you expect raise after everything is all said and done and would you be willing to officially reveal where the proceeds will be donated too at this time? I know it's been mentioned that some of the proceeds will to towards revamping the security structures of both Gotham's and Metropolis's prime institutional facilities. Is that correct?"

outfit: click here!

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Though Aria is certainly not a member of the press, she's quite pleased to be able to be here and also a bit depressed that she's going to miss the event that they're previewing. And the thought of that causes her to glance at the sky to locate the sun so that she can silently curse it for setting so soon. All the real fun happens at night, and she's so unable to enjoy it. True, she's probably going to be here all evening, silent and invisible, observing the proceedings but not participating. It's a bit of a tease, really, like walking into a kitchen full of the delicious smells of cooking food that you won't able to eat since you can't stay for dinner.

Still, she promised Selina that she would come and see, perhaps offering a bit of advice on the last minute details. But really, as wise as Selina believes her to be, she's no slouch herself. If anything, she suspects that Selina has a much easier time adapting to the most recent trends, while her tastes tend to be rather old-fashioned even though she very much does enjoy the new. As the press gathers, Aria stands off to one side - she both enjoys and despises being in the public eye so she'd rather not mingle with them. In fact she hopes that by and large that they keep more of their attention on Selina and Mr. Luthor. They are, after all, the stars of this show, while she's merely a politician who happened to help here and there. But she trusts that, in return, her name will come up a few times during the evening.

Knowing that it's possible that the cameras will turn in her direction, she's ensured that she's photo-ready - like she told Selina, she's made it a practice to never allow herself to get caught by the media when she isn't ready for them. She's wearing a simple, black blouse that's fitted around the waist, a rose pencil skirt that brings out the pinks in her lipstick and blush, and her black heels with the pointed toe that make her look older - always a goal right now. Her hair is pulled back into a rippled bun, minus a few curled locks around her face, and her gold earrings are long enough to nearly reach her shoulders with a waterfall of dangling stars.

And for now, she's simply content to stand and watch the proceedings, simply enjoying this spectacle that anticipates a greater one to come - the one that she's missing. Damn the sun!

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Vicki Vale was among the corps of reporters in attendance, at the ready to capture dramatic photos of this exciting and highly anticipated event.  As far as her front page written story for The Gotham Gazette was concerned, she already knew what her angle was -- how she was going to approach her story -- thanks to her previous exclusive interview with Lex Luthor, which had already been published several weeks prior.  She took pride in being the first to break the Metropham story.

Vicki didn’t mind other reporters on the scene.  It didn’t bother her in the least.  It was a free country and a free city, despite constant criminal efforts to take control. 

Despite the obvious security presence, Vicki loved what she had seen of the Liberta del Mar, and could hardly wait to confirm that Lex and Selina’s vision for the evening had finally become a reality.  Tonight, with all her heart, she hoped both Lex and Selina’s companies reaped the rewarding benefits of this exciting joint endeavor.

As she waited for the press conference to begin, Vicki eyed the crowd from her front-row-seat position and took several pictures of politician Aria Lloyd standing in the distance.  Then Vicki saw her friend Clark Kent, from The Daily Planet in Metropois, enter the room.  Although he didn’t think so, Vicki considered Clark one of the cutest guys she’d ever met – inside and out.  Sure, he would look better with contacts than those geeky thick-rimmed glasses, but – Hey! – to each his own.  If Clark wanted to wear those, that was his prerogative.

Frantically waving her right hand in the air, Vicki caught Clark’s attention and motioned for him to come and sit with her.  She watched him maneuver through the crowd until he was finally at her side.  When he invaded her personal space, she greeted him with a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.

“Hello, Clark!” she exclaimed.  “It’s so good to see you again!  Don’t tell me you’re attending this thing stag!  I’m surprised Lois isn’t with you.  I guess she didn’t make it back in time from Istanbul, did she?  I hope she liked that scarf I mailed her for Christmas.  Did you like the Superman boxers I sent you?”

Wrapping both of her hands around Clark’s arm, Vicki squeezed his bicep.

“Ooh!  Nice gun, Clark!”  she exclaimed.  “Been working out, I see!  Clark Kent, you are soooo adorable!" she cooed, putting the squeeze on his arm again.

Suddenly, the crowd got quiet as Lex Luthor appeared.  Before he welcomed the group, Vicki greeted Lex with her eyes and a smile.  He looked so ruggedly handsome dressed in his well-tailored suit.  His aura radiated power and sex appeal, which enticed her greatly. 

Lex’s greeting stirred Vicki’s heart.  She was anticipating a wonderful evening, and she was certain that the best was yet to come.

When Selina spoke next, asking if there were any questions or concerns, Vicki's eyes turned to the familiar redhead who raised her hand instantly.

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Ah, Gotham. Clark often wasn't here without a cape- and when he was it was seldom a pleasant stay in the grim city. But, tonight was going to be a night of expensive drink, fine dining, and live entertainment; he only wished his other visits to the city were as fun and eventful. But, like with other events that brought him here, his concern was mainly professional. Lex Luthor and Selina Kyle, two rich and prosperous socialites. The main difference was the former's obsession with power, and belief that the man of steel was a threat to his plans. But, no matter; Clark had a job to do, two jobs in fact. One was to report on the Gala, the other was to keep an eye on Lex.

The Liberta Del Mar was quite impressive this evening, even if the sun hadn't fully set. Clark passed through her gates and juggled his way through a large swarm of reporters from Keystone to Seattle, quite a turnout. Lex couldn't allow his presence anywhere not to be thoroughly reported and documented, subtlety be damned. . Upon entering the junket, he saw a familiar face- Vicki Vale, it had been a while since she'd last come into his life. They had worked together on a select few stories in the past, and have remained in contact ever since. Clark'd occasionally get the flirtatious email, and holiday gift in the mail. What was it this year? Ah yes, Superman boxers. The rather fiery blonde waved at him through the crowd of reporters, which provided him little in the way maneuverability. Graceful as the black swan, Clark squirmed and worked his way through the sea of reporters to the seat next to Vicki. At his arrival, he was greeted with a warm hug and kiss.

He blushed a bit, always with the pda, this one. He let off a light chuckle “Hey there, Vick.”
He flashed a quick smile. “It's..it's been quite a bit.” The reported stammered a bit, as was par the course with Clark.

“Lois is out of town at the moment.. so yeah, just little old me.” That was partly true, in reality Clark had requested to go alone, for simply the sake of being able to watch the “philanthropist” with his undivided attention. It seems fate had other things in store for Clark Kent.

But, as to go with the flow, Clark slouched back and relaxed, as he felt Vicki cling onto his arm. For the second time (nor the last time as well.) this evening, Clark's face turned red again. Desperately looking for a plausible answer, he let out a small chuckle. “You know, drink lots of milk.”

Despite Ms.Vale's presence, Clark was determined to keep his mind in the zone. He listened intently as Selina welcomed and asked for questions of the press, he pulled out his handy dandy notebook just as miss Gleeson's hand shot into the air and asked her question. He leaned forward, pen pressed to notebook, and was prepared to rapidly scribble down every word said in response.

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Lex Luthor stood in front of the crowd, the poster child for elegant power, turning the charm on, he had an easy stance about him that still managed to dominate the room. Practiced yet seemingly so second nature now as he rested one hand on the podium, and smiled an easy smile to the press. Clark had seen it numerous times before in Metropolis, and needless to say Lex Luthor had always managed to charm the locals there, although with the Daily Planet it required significantly more work than most places. 

Still, it said something that despite the animosity between Luthor and the Planet he'd still donated money to help reconstruct the and repair the landmark globe atop the building, out of respect for Perry White, he said, and out of respect for a Metropolis Landmark. It was one of the odd paradoxes of Lex Luthor, ruthless, obviously engaged in deeper and darker businesses than showed in public, but impossible to pin down. He'd perform some massive magnanimous gesture one moment, and then ruthlessly engage in hard business negotiation the next. He'd lobby and use government contracts to bend regulations his way one day, then the next he'd fund schools and scholarships and help with retrofitting buildings. Even the Metropham project was hard to pin down. Part of a darker dealing for inevitable profit or was it one of his magnanimous gestures that seemingly came with whimsy whenever something crossed Lex Luthor's mind or hit what weird remnant of sentiment existed in the man's soul.

" “Summer Gleeson, News Anchor of Gotham Live. It’s a pleasure to be here and you both look stunning by the way." Lex responded with a nod and a simple "Thank you" Then quieted to hear the rest of the response.

"I know that both of you have selflessly contributed the ample costs, time and efforts to make this magical event become a reality, how much money and time do you feel like has gone into this event thus far? And how much money do to you expect raise after everything is all said and done and would you be willing to officially reveal where the proceeds will be donated too at this time? I know it's been mentioned that some of the proceeds will to towards revamping the security structures of both Gotham's and Metropolis's prime institutional facilities. Is that correct?"

He smiled faintly at the question and then nodded while listening to all the questions. Raising a hand near the end of it all as if to slow her down for a moment. "Ms. Gleeson, those are almost an entire press conferences worth of questions in and of itself, but good questions nonetheless, so I'll do my best to answer them in turn, if the assembled press corp will allow me to speak at length." He smiled again at that, self deprecation. Lex Luthor was never one for quiet or letting anything stop him from speaking his mind at great length. 

"To answer your first question as to how much money and time has gone into the event thus far, the only real answer that matters might be unsatisfying. The honest answer is not enough. I could give you an answer right now but I promise it wouldn't be entirely accurate due to new donations coming in from new sponsors and associates daily. The primary and first goal, but far from the last goal, does involve Arkham Asylum and Blackgate prison. Those represent one of the largest concentrations of dangerous people on the entire planet, second possibly only to Stryker's Island in Metropolis, although I've heard some debate about that regard. The millions that we've collected already and the millions that I have donated and that Ms. Kyle has assisted with are a significant fraction of what we need, but a fraction nonetheless. " 

He smiles as he says "Does this represent the only goal of the Metropham project? Absolutely not. Metropolis and Gotham have long been sister cities, and while Metropolis has flourished with a new wellspring of economic, scientific and cultural development, due in part to LexCorp investment in addition to other developers and key players, Gotham has undergone . . . somewhat less of an economic boom in recent years. Crime and perceptions of safety and private confidence represents one of the primary deterrents to further investment in Gotham, and that's why the project seeks to help reduce crime first, before other investments are made. The donations to the Metropham project therefore will go into development, to help ease the path for future investment and development." 

He raises his hands before him, gesturing to emphasize his point. "Gotham City was once known as the Jewel of the Atlantic, and I know that what Gotham needs is investment, it needs someone to  believe in its future, in addition to the strength of its past. Metropolis is known as the city of tomorrow, and that's why Metropolis is investing in Gotham's tomorrow. I believe in Gotham City. And I believe that together there's nothing that Metropolis and Gotham can't accomplish. Next question?"

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As she waited for the rest of the questioning crowd to settle, she spotted Aria, a smile beamed her way. She couldn't outright welcome the woman yet, but would make sure to show her the area before she left the venue to get prepared. As she stood beside Lex and the flashbulbs going off in their faces, she exuded charm, poise and warmth. Summer's question brought a smile to her lips. It was informed, and Lex handled it quite well.

As he goes on, waxing and waning, she has to agree he's quite skilled in the oratory arena. But as for facts and responding to the question? He hadn't nailed down many specifics. All the better for a teaser for those to actually attend the Gala, and the press post the event. She agrees with what he is saying, even though she has to admit her own business has been flourishing part in due to the crime issue. Either way, if she is addressed, she will speak her mind, as is due to the question.

[Deleted]

Summer looked around the room confidently, watching as a majority of the reporters paused hungrily to record whatever words were to fall from the man’s mouth. She smile, relieved that she didn’t have to resort to such petty methods of recording. Not only was she filming, but she had several of her crew members strategically placed throughout the room recording the information with their own devices. Just in case something were to go wrong, she had her newest assistant scribbling down the highlights from his motivational soliloquy, leaving Summer hands free and able to make direct eye contact, which she felt as though was very important. She tilted her slender and modern microphone slightly toward the stage to signify that he had her full attention, though it would do little later when it came to actually understanding his sentimental sentences in regards to the productive expectations of this event.

Once he had finished, she pressed her hand to her heart, almost dramatically. “A very inspirational answer. Thank you Mr. Luthor. Gotham is very privileged to have Ms. Kyle and yourself in our midst. You are truly a dynamic duo.” It was so awkward calling Selina that, but she had to be as professional as possible. Unable to refrain from sending Selina a playful wink once the cameras were off her pretty face, Summer waited for the next individual to ask their share of questions. Honestly, Summer wanted nothing more than to command the room as she always did, but this wasn’t her typical coverage. She decided she would give the rest of the press a fair chance to have their questions answered; however, the young reporter might not have been as willing if it were not for the fact that the dark-haired hostess was a dear friend of hers.

Taking a moment to look around the room, she noticed that some of the individuals amongst the media industry had their attention on her, sending her false smiles and a various other amount of expressions. Was it conceited to say that she rarely knew who any of them were other than on a names-only basis, if even that? She simply sent her own sparkling smile back in the direction, tossing her long red hair over her slender shoulders before turning her attention back to Lex and Selina on the stage, prepared for the rest of the conference and waiting eagerly for the next opportunity when she could ask another one of her elongated questions.


outfit: click here!

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Spotting the camera pointed in her direction, Aria smiles and shifts her position just slightly so that the reporter is sure to get her good side. After all, good photos are a good thing for both of them: she has her image to keep up, and with the exception of tabloid publications the media would rather have a good photo to use. And even if it doesn't end up as a part of the coverage for the Gala, it will probably end up as a file photo.

When the camera disappears, Aria shifts her attention back to the front. And she can't help but be amused by the exchange between the reporter and Mr. Luthor. Because, well, he answered her questions - and at length too - but with such vagueness that he didn't really answer her questions. Not the important ones, anyway. And everyone in the public eye needs that skill - she developed it herself quite some time ago.

Of course, she's not neglecting to pay attention to Selina, and she catches the smile cast her way and returns it. She can be patient for this phase of things to finish - actually, she finds it entertaining to watch so far.

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Vicki Vale was the next reporter to stand and get Lex and Selina's attention.

“Vicki Vale with The Gotham Gazette.  My question is two-fold.  One is for Mr. Luthor– Hello, Lex!– and the other is for Miss Kyle.”

Vicki smiled and addressed Lex Luthor first.

“Mr. Luthor, we are all looking forward to tonight’s festivities.  There is a lot of buzz everywhere, and that is all fine and good.  But what happens tomorrow morning when this event is all said and done?  What is the next step -- the next phase of your vision?  Can you take us through each phase from beginning to end so Gothamites will be in the know?”

Giving Lex a minute to gather his thoughts, Vicki turned her gaze to Selina Kyle.

“Miss Kyle, being a successful business woman, how does it feel to have such a strategic position in this partnership between LexCorp and Black Cat Securities?  And, as far as security is concerned, what measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety of the prominent figures of Gotham City who will be attending the Gala this evening?"  She added with a hint of humor and sarcasm, "Did you hire Batman and Superman to handle security?  Will they be making an appearance tonight as well?"

When she mentioned Superman, Vicki turned and winked at Clark.  With him being from Metropolis, she figured he’d be flattered by her mention of its local hero.

The room filled with laughter.

[Deleted]

Lex nodded to Vicki saying "Hello, Vicki. Good to see you. Do you have a question?" He nods as he listens to the question, and then smiles faintly. 

"That's a very good question, Vicki, and I wish I could tell you all of the things that Metropham has planned, and everything that Metropham wants to do, but I do have to leave SOME of it for the Gala this evening." He chuckles a bit at that. "But, I'll summarize the salient points. Metropham is, at it's heart, a conduit for funding, a way for services, investment and goodwill can exchange and flow between two cities. Towards that end, there are three major focuses for the initiative. Number one, of course, is security. Without improved security, nothing else we do matters. There's only so many times an investor will put their money into something that's just going to blow up. Secondly, investment is key. We're looking to try to improve the economic infrastructure of Gotham City. I grew up around poverty, and there is no greater source of misery than poverty. Through investments in select businesses, infrastructure creations and nonprofit services, we hope to bring the quality of life up in Gotham City, while also serving to create profit, profit that can be spread among the people of Gotham, to create a lasting and vibrant economy. The third thing we hope to focus on is education. An educated workforce is an efficient and improved workforce. For far too long, we've raced to the bottom, scrambling over jobs sent overseas, disappearing, in a race to the lowest common denominator."

He leans forward as he starts to gesture at the ground, speaking now as a politician, a pedagogue, this is the dynamic Lex Luthor, the charismatic man of Metropolis, the Man of Tomorrow, some once called him. "I don't begrudge those companies sending labor overseas. That's their business. Because I believe in Gotham City, and I believe in this grand society of ours. The jobs we make here, will be jobs for tomorrow. For an educated workforce, for a people who no longer compromise to survive, but can dream and fight for a better future. Metropham is not about small measures. Metropham is about coming together to help people live better lives, to have more mobility, more chances, more opportunity. A world where children feel safe to dream of being whatever they want to be when they grow up. A world where parents don't have to fear their children starving to death. A world where people feel free to take chances. A world where the streets are safe, where children don't lose their parents before their time, and a place where parents can see their children live better lives than they ever dreamed were possible."

He drew the answer to a close, putting his hands back on the podium and speaking with that quieter rumbling bass of his. "That's the mission of Metropham, Ms. Vale. And to do that, we're going to have to all work together, to create a better Gotham and a better Metropolis."  

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Selina acknowledges Vicki in kind, allowing Lex to give his answer before he steps back and she stands at the podium. A smile is on her lips as she starts, her eyes gliding across the entire throng of press.

"Thank you Ms. Vale. As to your first question, it's quite an honor. I feel that myself, and my company being chosen shows the scope of practice, and how Mr. Luthor and myself hope to unite both cities in this vision. While a larger company magnate could have been selected, my focus is rather narrow, but has depth for such a project."


As to security, we have poured over several options, but have put in place a very adaptable, yet secure form of staff for the evening. I'd rather not divulge our manner and method of security, as it could be compromised, but not without much planning, and foresight; both of which is impenetrable at this point, considering the Gala is to start in under two hours."

I will just say that those who are present with have a peace of mind beyond the glaring stares and stoic faces of guards stationed at every exit, entrance, and accessible point. We've gone beyond such frivolities for this event."

She smiles, a few flashbulbs going off before she entertains the final question from the blonde. "And as far as I am aware, both Batman and Superman were prior occupied, and unable to attend. As much as we love our costumed heroes, I think our respective police forces sometimes get the short end of the stick because they don't rally press coverage with masks, gimmicks, and illusions of grandeur. Not to say they don't keep the criminal activity at bay, they are quite pivotal in their union with our police forces.

"Mr. Luthor and myself took it upon ourselves to secure the venue tonight with a blending of our respective resources. Thank you." She steps back to stand at Luthor's side once more to wait for another round of questions.

[Deleted]

He hadn't wanted to be late but had a minor 'complication' with one shipment that had required a round of yelling not only in English, but in French as well. And a refusal after that to trust the company that was moving the wares. Instead Marc had changed into boots, jeans and a fitted pullover, and had bartered with one of the kitchen folks at the del Mar for a handtruck. Down the elevator, and to the van which he had borrowed to bring up the last, and final of three trips of boxes packed with delicate glass bottles.

Pushing the handtruck, he whistled to the driver and signaled his thanks with a nod of his head. He understood the commotion, the need for the press to be there early but he still rolled his eyes at it as he made his way with handtruck across the multitude of different atmospheres, and decorations prepped and ready for the event. His boot would push the door of the kitchen open as the Mar's sommelier would meet him with a smile as they went about chilling certain vintages, and decanting others to breathe in preparation. The waitstaff had been instructed on which glasses to pour each varietal in and so forth. All he could do was hope for the best at this juncture. He'd set aside several bottles for Lex and his hostess as a present, also a gentle yet asshole reminder to his dear friend to not forget to name drop him. He knew Lex would not forget.

As the sommelier and himself chatted for a few moments several pairings of food and liquor were brought before him to sample considering even at Luthor's insistence over several days he had still turned down the invitation. Not his cup of tea he'd mentioned to his friend who sadly, did understand.

[Deleted]

Summer took a quick glance around the room, smirking silently to herself. So many reporters were hustling to jot down scribbled notes on a note pad, while she had someone to do that for her. Her job didn’t consist of hand cramps and newsprint, but the glamorous life on a screen. While it had its deal of trials and tribulations, she was sure that her leads were more effectively conveyed from the comfort of her studio and viewed by a majority of Gotham. The gala had been the talk of the city for the past several weeks, and Summer was even fortunate enough to of have Selina on her show for a segment. Though the woman withheld some of the major secrets swirling around the event, Summer was fortunate to disclose a great deal of information that pleased her viewers.

The gala proved to be a worthy distraction for her viewers to avoid the true crime and chaos that occupied their city. In fact, it was all so exciting, that even Summer found herself caught up in all of the shopping trips, preparations and fancy invitations. She felt like Cinderella being invited to a ball, minus the Prince Charming.

She waited until the next opportunity to speak, not hesitating to command the floor. Shooting her hand up abruptly after Selina was done speaking; she couldn’t help but smirk once again. It seemed as though most of the room was still trying to scribble down the words the fell flawlessly from the woman’s lips. Honestly, it was about time that they caught up with the century. Clearing her throat quickly, her warm smile graced her pretty face once more.

“My question is directed towards Ms. Kyle” She began, directing her attention to her dear friend. It was still so awkward to call her Ms. Kyle. “When you were on my show last week you hadn’t officially decided on who was designing your ensemble for the gala! My more fashion forward viewers are dying to know if that has changed yet, especially with time running out. Have you selected a designer or a dress– are you going with someone local?” Yes, the question as incredibly materialistic, but she also wanted the chance to brag to the rest of the media members in the room that she had a good relationship with the host, a friendship that she valued more and more each day!

outfit: click here!