Metropham Gala: Brave New World

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Phase II is upon us!

If everyone could make their way to the stage and dining area, which are on the cusp of the earth and air atmosphere's, much would be appreciated. Dinner will be served, in which the presentation, brought to you by LexCorp and Black Cat Securities, will be lead by co-hosts Mr. Lex Luthor and Ms. Selina Kyle.

The following tables shall be seated as such:
1-Bruce, Diana, Thorne, Gordon, Mayor Hill, Jere
2-Nathniel, Iris, Joan, Dick, Kory, Roy
3-Bivins, Renee, Piper, Charlotte, Babs, Elise [Tim]
4-Oswald, Lola, Vicki, Zahira, Rooster, Rowdy
5-Bullock, Eddie, Dee, Blake, Summer, Helena

[Reference to Gala setup]

[Description of the Stage and Dining Area]

SPOILER: Click to show

The Earth Environment: This element represents the main theme to be experienced at the main ballroom/stage and dining location. Rocky walls with lush flora and fauna lining their sharp points cultivate the main dining area – leading out to a stage that overlooks Gotham’s shoreline with a seemingly unprotected opening to the night sky. However, this opening behind the stage’s platform is indeed protected with a highly powerful, invisibly lined sheet of specialized weather-pane glass (capable of adding enhanced visuals to any presentation). Dining and presentations is the desired main effect here.

[OOC Notes: As for direction-have your characters make way to their tables, seat themselves, and chit-chat while the meal is served, and the hosts[Lex and Selina] mingle before the start of the presentation. As always, if there are questions, please direct those to either Lex, or myself. And have fun!]

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As everyone was crowding into the area, Thomas was still keeping as close to Harvey Bullock as he dared. Keeping an eye on the man, was still extremely easy, but remaining cordial as he was being ushered to the new venue was not. He did admit, Selina made this place look amazing, which it probably did in its own right to begin with. And he hadn’t had sufficient time to take in the sighs before their dinner announcement, but now, he could take a moment to look around. His eyes settling on the ocean view through the rocky interior. It was breath taking. Thomas ran a strong hand through his red mane and smiled at it. Not much could take his breath away.

He took out his invitation once he regained the ability to breath and then slipped in back into the interior pocket of his tuxedo. Selina had insisted she buy him one, but he had be more insistent that he owned quite a few of his own. But earlier in the day he had received a text from her informing him to meet her at the apartment she allowed him to use, and when he arrived, she was nowhere to be found, he couldn’t even track her scent. But there was a package on the table, a box with a purple crocus and a note beside it:

"Tom,
A small request, wear this tonight.
-Selina”

He felt it was and unusual request as he never wore flowers on his lapel because the scents were overwhelming. But there was something about this flower that spoke to him and he was certain that Selina had realized it would.

He straightened the purple crocus on his lapel and continued over to table five. Then he stopped for a moment, and smiled inwardly at Selina’s deviousness. Walking towards him was a raven haired beauty in a lovely purple gown. He closed his eyes and shook his head. If Selina were anywhere near him, he shake his head at her, but for now he just continued to stare at Huntress as she grew closer. This was the second time tonight that his breath was taken away, but for a much better reason than a wonderful scene. Selina, you’re a horrible woman. Tom nodded as he thought, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of the flower. I hope they’re not serving meatballs.

Tom waited a few moments as Huntress drew closer to the table. They had an arranged seating, but being this close to her after so long was more than enough for him. Would she recognize him? He didn’t know, but this was very similar situation to their first meeting. As long as they didn’t end up tossing food at one another, that was probably a good thing. His smile was charming as he approached her, stepping as close as he dared, and pulled the chair out for her. “It’s been a long time…” His voice was a purr of a whisper, but the moment her eyes looked up to him he knew she recognized him.

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Harvey moved through the crowd with steady foot and righteous confidence. He was enjoying himself along with whatever the else got dragged in. He was slugging out all that troll in him. He would mind his manners but he would not refrain from having a good time. He had to watch Lex Luthor yap for a bit, but he could managed that, especially if it meant things could get done. Harvey figured it would be interesting to hear but Luthor wasn't a Gothamite, he couldn't truly understand how Gotham worked. Few outsiders could.

He looked around the room and the other tables. He was in the mood to sit and watch people around him. Never truly keeping his mind away from working to work. Even in times to relax and take break he found ways to keep working. Se la monsieur Bullock.

He looked across his table to the younger man with a respectful nod.

"I know you?"

Harvey loved asking people that. It was a great way to figure out if he actually did know them. Maybe.

Harvey took a swig of his drink. Tapping his finger on the glass afterward.

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Helena had given a polite-ish smile to Rupert Thorne as he had eyed her like a school boy. He was on her list, he had always been on her list of people in Gotham, but now he was a bit of a political figure and that made it harder for her to get near him. The old her wouldn’t have cared so much about that, but now, she took precautions. Made sure she was safe. She didn’t have a death wish anymore. Somewhere along the way she was given a reason to live. Perhaps it was when she realized that the best way for her enemies to really suffer was to see her alive, and happy. But she didn’t mind kicking their teeth from time to time. That gave her a bit of satisfaction every time.

She moved along with the rest of the crowd and then broke from the pack as she didn’t like being moved around like a heard of beef. She walked over to her designated table and she wasn’t paying too much attention until she felt like she was being watched. It was useful sixth sense type ability that helped in the field, especially when she was constantly feeling the Bat looking over her shoulder. She looked up as she approached the table and nearly stopped in her tracks. A playful smile made its way to her face and she walked over, nodding to Thomas as pulled her chair out for her. “Yes. I can almost agree.” She let her smile turn into a smirk and placed her hand on her own chair as he had pulled it out for her. She had to play hard to get, it wasn’t like her to give in so easily, and this guy was after all, Catman. “Good to see you.” She smiled, her voice a husk of a whisper as pushed some hair back from her shoulder as she adjusted herself into her seat. She hated sitting in this long gowns.

She hadn’t known he was in town, and now she wondered why. Her instincts were kicking in and she felt herself panic a little as she continued to go over all the map as to his reasons for being here. Good Job, Helena, you’ve got yourself a stalker. Well wouldn’t be the first time. She smiled up at him and nodded as he took his seat. She wanted to talk and listen, but this was probably the worst place for them to do that. Then Helena looked up and saw one person she didn’t want at her table. A cop most likely a good one but he was a cop none the less and she was a Bertinelli. Even the parents of her students who were cops eyed her in an annoying way. Now she had one sitting at her damn table. And she still didn’t know a good reason why she was here. God she could have gone the whole night with all of her insecurities flaring up at once. But she had a great poker face, that was one thing she was grateful to Nero Bertinelli, her uncle who taught her to shark a game.

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Okay, I will be at that table over there.” She informed her camera man, gesturing towards her designated seating arrangement – which she honestly couldn’t say she was very pleased with. Summer hoped that they were randomized, though each passing moment made her wish that she had caved and brought a date alongside her. If she had simply been attending the gala for pleasure and left her work back at the studio it might have been realistic to bring a date, however, Summer assumed that she would be so busy covering the gala that he would feel neglected in the process. Therefore, the young reporter once again chose her career over attempting to pursue any male that might have suggested some form of interest in her.

The evening prior had been eventful, but chaotic, making her wonder what her experiences at the table would consist of. She was familiar with every name that was to be at her table, though two names in particular made her grow somewhat weary of the situation. Both her unfortunate ex-boyfriend and the man who had his hands tightly around her neck a mere few hours ago would both be seated along the outside of the table along with her. Summer had a reasonable approach to the situation, deciding to simply avoid conflict and simply stay as collected as possible. With a few glasses of champagne in her system, her nerves were quickly disappearing.

The young redhead quickly informed her camera man and the rest of the limited staff she had brought along to cover the event and directed them to their rightful positions. “I feel as though the host and hostess will be coming from that area over there. I want full coverage of everything that leaves their lips, understand?” She ordered, smiling when they all seemed to nod. “Good. Right well, I will be about.” The redhead turned, her heels clicking loudly against the floor as she started toward her table where two of its occupants seemed to have already adjusted. She smiled at their presence, taking the opportunity to introduce herself once she approached.

The redhead flashed her award-winning white smile and reached her hand out to Helena first, but was sure to acknowledge the others as well. Having memorized the guest list, she was already aware of who all of them were. “It looks like I will be sitting with you all this evening. I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement.” Lying through her teeth, she still was glad for the opportunity to talk to the two of them, though the other additions to the table was sure to be horrid for the pretty young redhead. “I’m Summer Gleeson of Gotham Live. My station is actually considering awarding you Gotham’s Teacher of the Year and giving you the Golden Apple Award this school year. I think one of the students at the elementary school you substitute at nominated you. I think that’s remarkable, you seem to have made a great impression on the youth of our city.” She said in hopes of starting a light conversation with Helena.

Hoping to ignore Harvey, the irony persistently placed them right next to each other in the seating arrangement. She didn’t bother speaking to him at first, instead practically forcing a smile as she slipped into her chair next to him and smoothing the feathery texture of her short dress. Finally after several moments had passed she couldn’t help but comment. “I think our darling Selina did this on purpose.” Making only a quick statement, he seemed to be preoccupied with the gentleman across the table. While most of their major issues had been resolved, Summer still couldn’t help but notice how awkward it was being around Harvey after their relationship

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Charlotte takes the announcement that it's time to gather for dinner with a bit of relief. The whole mingling thing wasn't going very well for her - too many people she didn't want to talk to kept finding her, when she actually does want to be able to meet some people she hasn't met before. Hopefully dinner will bring her better luck - and even if it doesn't help in the people department then at least she'll have some hopefully good food to eat.

Still, as she approaches the tables and looks for where she's supposed to sit, she's crossing her fingers and hoping that Selina hooked her up with some cool people to sit with. Instead of, you know, people who Selina thinks she'd like even though she doesn't. Locating her place at a currently empty table, she takes a moment to check out the other names before sitting down. Let's see... Don't know her, don't know her, don't know him, don't really know him, oh that one lady, and Babs she already knows but... yeah, she doesn't mind her. So! Looks like things are looking up, then!

Having completed her survey, Charlotte sits in her designated chair, being careful with the many layers of her skirt as she does so. As used to her shoes as she is, it's a relief to be able to sit. And once she has herself sorted out, she looks up to watch the people filing in and waits to see which of her designated dinner companions will join her first.

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When the announcement occurred, his head was still banging with fresh pain that could be compared to a toddler throwing a tantrum in the middle of the store. His face was tense, as he tried to calm it into control. He would have enjoyed chatting with Ozzy for a moment longer, but it appeared that their conversation would be delayed. He finished off another champagne flute in two gulps and waited as the people started to move to their designated spots like cows to the butcher. The pain was starting to numb as a buzz from the alcohol finally began to take place, not that something as silly as intoxication could ever halt his brilliant mind.

“I suppose we will speak after,” he noted to the Penguin, as he reached into his inward pocket to pull out a lollipop. He had been having less of his candy since the dip in the Lazurus Pit, but it had become a habit of his when faced with even the smallest of pains. He popped the candy into his mouth, his eyes looming over the people moving, looking for a particular person until finally landing on Mr. Wayne. He would need to get closer to him when the opportunity presented itself. He knew his last debacle at his office had turned terribly wrong. He should have put his temper in check, but it didn’t matter. There were other ways to get what he wanted from Wayne Enterprises.

“Eddie!” a woman’s accent, followed by the smacking of gum appeared on his left. The quick glance in her direction told him that she was furious and based on the state of her dress, someone had spilled their drink on her.

“Did you go for a swim, dear?” he smirked, slipping his hand around her waist, his eyes stayed focus on the major players, including Gordon and Luthor, noticing that quite a few were heading to a particular table.

“Don’t kid. These folks are stuck up. Stuck up like they got a stick where the sun don’t shine. No respect for a young lady like me! Didn’t their mothers teach ‘em some manners,” Deidre starting ranting on, but over the years, especially the early years when they work together more regularly, Edward had become talented at muting out most of her conversation and only picking up on the items that pertained directly to him. She continued on about a man who caused her to spill her drink on her dress and how she had spent the entire time in the restroom and that rich socialites were ‘giving her that look’.

Edward merely nodded and headed them to their table. It had become filled with people and Edward’s contact lens, quickly recorded each person and who it was. However, two of them had very little history in his background computer, which could mean the people were absolutely pointless and hardly were worthy to sit at a table with him, or that there was something more going on with them. Edward would have to ask Selina about this Mr. Blake and Ms. Bertinelli who she somehow thought were good enough to sit next to him, but they weren’t his priority, so he wouldn’t waste his time on likely two nobodies. His eyes fell next to….ah, it seemed fate (if Edward ever believed in such a stupid concept) was wanting him to handle the current problem of the little stubborn reporter.

He was about to open his mouth to say something to her, when Deidre screeched, “That’s him!!!” She pointed squarely at Bullock. “That’s the stupid copper that drenched me in my dress and didn’t even have the decency to apologize, ran off with some bimbos like some New Jersey pimp!”

Edward gave her a small squeeze on her hip, a note that Diedre knew well as reign yourself in or expect a pay cut. She huffed in frustration, crossing her arms underneath her large chest. Edward pulled out her chair. “I’m sure he didn’t realize his mistake, dear. After all, the GCPD has never been known for subtly or having a keen eye for small details,” he smirked, glancing at Bullock, the slob fat cop who outfit wasn’t even worthy of being given to goodwill. “But I suppose tossing a game of chess on the floor and stomping on it until the pieces break is one way to handle business, even if some would see it as childish,” he took his seat next to her, his eyes falling away from Bullock. The man didn’t even deserve his words.

He turned to Summer as he reached for his drink, “With your presence here as well, I think we are in for a full dinner of immaturity. Please warn me, before you sic another one of your idiotic brutes on me again, Bambi,” he stated, his tone short and cold.

The lollipop in his mouth cracked as he bit too hard into the candy. He couldn’t believe Selina had stuck him with such morons. He would have to make the most of it.

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Chugging what had to be her fifth flute of champagne, the teenager’s cheeks matched the shade of her hair. With a giggle, she brought her hand to her lips in order to smoother and uprising of hiccups. With the announcement, she couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved. Having rushed from work to the gala and still arrived a bit late alongside her father, it was safe to say she hadn’t eaten all day. While she typically slaved over an oven in attempt to find a new recipe to experiment with her dad, it was good to know that she didn’t have to cook this evening. As the crowd began to drift, she held the skirts of her dress so that she would not trip over its length in her high heels.

Flashing smiles at those she knew and finding the room spinning slightly around her, she gladly accepted her sixth flute of champagne from a passing waiter – only after scanning the perimeter to insure that she was not going to be caught while doing so. Taking a careful sip, she was beginning to feel the contents swirling in her system as she started toward the desired setting. It was a gorgeous venue all together – unlike any she had ever seen. The dining room caused her to pause momentarily as she marveled it before she was off to find her seat, a goofy smile masking her expression.

When she found her assigned table, she quickly laid eyes on Charlotte. Thank goodness it was someone that she knew. A smile quickly tugged at the corners of her mouth as she sat in her designated seat, only several chairs away from Charlotte. Smoothing the excessive layers of tool so that they would fit underneath the table, she flashed the girl a smile before oh-so-subtly finishing the half-consumed glass of champagne. “Char- you look lovely!” Babs commented, ending her statement with both a hiccup and a giggle. She placed the empty glass on the table before her as she examined the name places on the table; her smile only grew with each name.

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The Dallas Debutante batted herself fashionably with a fan she had hanging by a strap around her gloved wrist. She found her seat and settled in. She continued to bat herself, pouring herself a drink from the bottle of whiskey Mr. Luthor had presented to her earlier. She popped the cap from the bottle and began to pour herself a pair of fingers of it into a glass set near. She set the bottle down, recapped it, and picked up the glass, having a few sips of the amber liquid.

She batted a bit more and then snapped the fan shut as others began to arrive at the table. She adjusted her eye patch just a little before leaning back into her seat a little more.

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Piper couldn’t help but pout once the signal to migrate to the other side of the venue had sounded across the room. She looked up at the exotic woman who she had been greatly enjoying the company of and brought her drink to her lip. “It was a pleasure” She said politely, a rarity for the blonde as she stood up, almost reluctant to go. “Hopefully we will run into each other again.” Piper ended with a wink, starting toward the designated location with her drink in hand. It was incredibly dry with great flavors, certainly a fitting drink to be created by such a beautiful woman.

Drink in hand, she found her designated table noticing that it was already occupied by two younger females. On arrival, the blonde rolled her eyes as she sat down in her seat. “God, they put me at the kiddie table.” She whined, eyeing both girls from the top of her glass as she took another hearty sip. “Let me guess, my little brother is sitting here too.” The blonde bombshell continued to complain as she stood up, looking at the fancy name labels that were placed properly in front of each long-stemmed glass of ice water. Unsure of whom the first two were (at least until she saw their faces), she picked up the third to recognize the name instantly – seeing as she had just met the woman a matter of minute ago.

With a smirk, she switched the name tags so that Elise was seated next to her rather than the Renee Montoya that previously was. Tossing her blonde curls over her shoulder, she smiled as she sat back down at her respected place, completely ignoring the two girls across the table from her as she sat up straight and pulled a tube of lip-gloss from her cleavage. After applying it to her plump lips, she shoved it back in its place and rubbed her lips together in order to even out the fresh coat of lip-gloss.

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“Where the hell is Vicki?” Rowdy asked aloud as he waited at the bar for her.  He didn’t see her anywhere.  In fact, he couldn’t see anything because of the crowd that had gathered to move to the stage and dining area.  He refused to leave the bar without her.  He hated the thought that she was working the event.  Of all the people who deserved to be enjoying this evening, Vicki did.  And where was Ethan Young?  He should’ve arrived by now.  Something didn’t feel right, and that really meant something coming from an empath!

Finally, Rowdy couldn’t take it any longer and went in search of his friend.  Before he left though, he gave Zahira a hug good-bye.  “I don’t know what the chances are that we’re sitting together, so I’ll look for you later, okay?” he told her, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek.  “It was great seeing you again, Zahira.  Save me a dance, okay?”

Making his way to the main lobby, Rowdy found Vicki with Tim in transit to the dining area.  “Standing me up again, eh, Vicki?” he mocked as he walked up on the duo.  “I always knew you liked younger guys!”

Seeing an awkward smile appear on Tim’s face, Rowdy grinned and offered his hand in friendship.  After introductions were made, Rowdy escorted Tim and Vicki to their common destination.

Once they reached the dining area, Rowdy went to find his and Vicki’s seats while Vicki helped Tim find his place.  Rowdy had requested to sit at the same table with Vicki and Ethan.  If he found one name card, he’d find the others.

When Rowdy finally found the table, he noticed the beautiful woman already sitting there.  He loved the fan she had strapped to her gloved wrist.  He also noticed the whiskey bottle near her.

“Hello, I’m Rowdy Yates,” he said, offering her his right hand and trying not to stare at the eye patch.  “Whatcha drinkin’ there?  Is that bottle just for you, or are you going to share it with everybody at this table?”

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Rooster raised the brow above her covered eye. She put the glass in her right hand down and stood, reaching over to shake his hand.

"Rooster Stone. I assume with the fact that Mr. Cobblepot will also be seated at our table that you are Rowdy Yates, fellow club owner. It is always a pleasure to meet my competitor's."

Rooster picked the bottle up and poured him a splash of the amber liquid.

"A gift to myself from Mr. Luthor, we've become fast friends as of the last week or two."

Fast to bed was more like it, but a lady did not kiss and tell. She was in an even mood, ready to get on to the rest of the night. Her mind had melodic patterns and vivid, bold color. Her mind was privy to music and bright images.

Rooster took her seat once again, picking her drink back up.

"You have been enjoin' the evenin' thus far, Mister Yates?"

Rooster, like a queen, sipped at her $20,000 whiskey gracefully while continuing to bat at herself with the fan fashionably.

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Vicki pretended that nothing was bothering her as she and Tim shared in conversation.  Vicki found him to be a charming young man, and he was so darn cute!

When she saw Rowdy approaching in the distance, Vicki knew he was going to have something smart to say to her.  “Rowdy Yates at twelve o’clock,” she whispered to Tim, giving him a heads-up.  “Consider yourself warned.”

Tim gave her a confused look.

Of course, Rowdy had to greet them with humor, and Vicki just smiled politely.  Then she introduced Tim to Rowdy and watched them interact for a moment.  She decided to tell Rowdy about Ethan’s departure later, after his performance.  She didn’t want to ruin Rowdy’s fun night, too.

When they reached the dining area, Vicki gave Rowdy a soft kiss on the cheek.  “I’m going to make sure Tim is squared away.  I’ll find you, okay?  Don’t worry about me.”

Before she left Tim at his table, Vicki kissed him on the back of his head.  “Have fun, kiddo,” she whispered in his ear.  “Keep Bivins straight!”

Heading off to find Rowdy, Vicki came across Harvey Bullock and patted his shoulder in passing.  She felt like talking, but she remained silent and kept on walking.  She knew Harvey was busy.

[Deleted]

Competitors?  Cobblepot?  Oh, shit.

Rowdy was impressed with Rooster’s firm handshake, but he didn’t care to hear that they’d be sharing a table with Oswald Cobblepot.  From what he’d read in The Gotham Gazette, both Rooster Stone and Oswald Cobblepot had bad things happen to their establishments.  He hoped their bad luck wouldn’t brush off on him tonight.

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Ms. Stone,” he said, letting her be seated first before he sat down himself.  His eyebrows shot up when she started namedropping.  Rowdy assumed the beautiful woman rubbed more than just elbows with Lex Luthor. 

Lucky bastard.

“Yes, I’m enjoying myself so far,” he lied through his teeth, trying to sound as pleasant as possible as he reached for the glass she’d poured him.  “How ‘bout you?  Got your eye on anybody yet?”

Immediately, he stopped himself, realizing what he’d just said.

“Sorry,” he apologized and shut his mouth before he embarrassed himself even further and made things worse.

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Rooster smiled at his accidental offense, which she did not take in offense. She was a former lawman. She was tougher than a two dollar steak.

"My eye watches all, Mr. Yates, and please, if I were ashamed of my eye then I would have replaced it with a glass one to create a facade. Do not apologize."

Another sip of her drink and more batting with her fan.

"Are you from Gotham originally? I am quite sure it easy to tell that I am not."

Even when she enunciated her words that Texas twang dripped like honey from the hive.