Sebastián walked into his den, the inviting aroma of coffee preceding him. Rich mahogany bookshelves lined the south and west walls, filled with a mixture of medical texts, and recreational reading. The large sectional couch, capable of housing at least 5 people, only held one tonight, and it's occupant seemed to be staring out over the balcony. The door to the balcony were open, a tall, floor to ceiling affair, allowing an impressive view of the city. Streetlights and streetlamps both illuminated the night, giving it an almost festive air. 

Setting the tray down gently on the cherry wood table, he sat down, poured two cups of coffee, doctored them appropriately and waited for his sister to come out of her dreamy eyed reverie.  She leaned forward and silently picked up her mug, blowing over the top of it as she inhaled it's rich aroma.  It took a few moments, but she finally tore her eyes away from the balcony and gave her brother a warm comfortable smile before settling back into his plush couch.

"Do you ever use your powers Bastian?"  Ophilia pulled the question midthought out of her mind.  It wasn't unusual for her to speak midstream, but the subject of their powers rarely came up.  

Sebastián cradled his mug in his hands, the temperature making the mug almost unbearable to hold, as he thought about his sister's question.  It was easy for her to tell he wasn't deliberately ignoring her, or intentionally delaying his response. After an extended pause, he took a sip, and looked over at the petite woman. "I do, rarely but I do. If I drop something, or knock something over, I'll use my power to correct it. On rare occasions, I'll look at things that have happened. Why do you ask?" 

She shrugged her dainty shoulders, "I've just been thinking a lot about it lately.  I'm interviewing these people, most with super powers...but not all of them.  ...and they're all driven to do good and make a difference."  Her face pinched a bit in thought.  "I just wonder if maybe I've been wasting my powers." 

He set his mug down, and leaned forward in his seat, his dark eyes focused on her intently. "Wasting your powers? Why would you think you are wasting them? Granted I don't know exactly what you can or can't do, but I have the gist. What I do know, is who you are, and I am damn sure if the situation arose where you needed to do something, you would. Just because you don't actively seek trouble, does not make you less of a good person. In my opinion, it makes you sane."

She looked at him seriously, "Bastian...I think I'm going to join the team.  I mean, not just be the spokes person, but actually be a part of the team."

To say a look of shock crossed his face would be saying Noah got caught in a rain storm. This completely floored him, and stunned, he sat in silence for a bit, before he reclined, sighing as he did. "Phi, do you realize what you are thinking about doing? Do you realize that these heroes, who have trained all their lives to do this, can still end up hurt or worse? Then there is the issue of your health. I say this, not to upset you, because I know you hate it, but I say it because you need to consider your own health issues. Men and women at the peak of their physical health die, or are horribly maimed. Do you honestly think you can avoid something like that happening?"

Ophilia shrugged her shoulders in thought, he could tell that she was still teetering with her decision, he could tell this because she was listening to him.  Usually, once she made her mind up about something, she was as unmovable as an iceberg.  Or, as Dad would have said, stubborn as the Devil.  "I hadn't really considered my health in all of this.  ...I mean, I like the idea of doing good; some of these people are damn inspiring.  Admittedly though, I'm not a true hero, I wouldn't give my actual life to do good...but who would?" 

Sebastián tried to hide his shock, as he realized she was actually considering what he'd said.  "I understand that these people are inspiring, you wouldn't be putting a team of miscreants and degenerates together.  However, that being said, they can't be angels.  I'm sure they have all had a lapse in judgment or something they would not want to come to light. They are flesh and blood, just like you and me." Sebastián tried to keep the derisiveness out of his tone, and desperately hoped his sister wasn't going to be swept up by some idealistic moron. 
 
Her pursed lips twitched a bit as she mused.  "Oh...it's just a thought I've been having, is all.  Don't worry, I don't plan on jumping into any burning buildings or anything, but I think I could add value in a support role.  Assuming Nemesis and Soldier Boy agree, I might join the team on missions."

"Assuming they agree? Aren't you running the show, or is that not the case? Not that I am endorsing your endeavor, I am merely wondering. If you are putting this team together, and this is your project, why would you need their permission? Another thing, if this is under the umbrella of the Pharmaceuticals division, will these people be on a payroll?  If they are on our payroll, then for absolute certainty, they should have no means of denying you." Sebastián's voice held a bit of an edge to it. Among the things the twins shared, was a strong dislike of being told they couldn't do something. The mere thought of someone denying Phi something, even if she really wasn't sure she wanted it, was intolerable.

Ophilia chuckled a bit at her brother.  "I had to make certain compromises to get the core leaders that I wanted on the team.  Among them was to allow them to have a say in each of the team members.  What do I know about heroes?"  She looked at him pointedly.  "Other than finding out that they're high maintenance, I really know very little.  I expect these two to make my project a success and that will rely on me listening to their better judgment, in things that fall under their domain.  Don't get me wrong, if I really want something, I'll get my way...but if those two think I'll be more of a liability than an asset, I'd listen to them."  She paused for a second, "...I think, I mean, I’ll really try to listen to them, assuming they didn't irritate me."

Nodding as she spoke, Sebastián's smile grew wider. This was the Ophilia he'd grown up with. There was a bit of sadistic glee as he thought to himself 'I do so hope they irritate you, and let them do it where I can see' "Well, that certainly makes me feel better. I was worried that you'd started this project, and were going to end up a figurehead. I should have realized, given my vast personal experience, that you would not relinquish control, that easily at least."

"Well, of course not...I mean, technically Angelo could rip this out from under me.  At least he could right now.  ...but with time, and the proper management and allies on the team."  Her face had turned calculating and sober now.  "If things fall into place the way I want them to, then not even Angelo will be able to take this away from me."  

Sebastián's eyebrows raised, and he couldn't help thinking to himself, 'Angelo really has no idea what he's started, and what he's likely going to lose'.   "Well, seems like you have your plans laid out, if you need any help, let me know. I'll be more than happy to do what I can."

He paused and reached for his mug, the warm beverage was very comforting, helping him to keep the nerves he hadn't been expecting tamped down. Also, by taking a drink he could have time to compose his next question, without seeming like he was plotting something. With a barely audible sigh, he set his mug down, and resumed speaking. "So, what are the qualifications for team-members? Is a display of your power required? What about those of us with alternate lives, are those laid bare to everyone?" He hadn't realized he would be this curious about the team, and he was surprised to have to admit it was wholly his own desire, and not a sympathetic feeling coming through the bond they shared. 

Ophilia cocked her head to the side a bit, hearing both the question he asked and the ones that he didn't ask.  "Reputation is playing the biggest part in this.  Nem and Soldier Boy are kind of scouting people in the field and from the press, mostly the lesser known types, after I clear them for any image concerns."

"I'm not sure what story I'll make up for Raphael...  I don't feel comfortable about him being on the team at all."  Her face was openly conflicted.  "As a matter of fact, I'll probably tell Nemesis up front that we simply have no choice in this.  I can't let one bad seed ruin my reputation with him."

Confusion covered Sebastián's face, as he visibly struggled to make sense of what his sister had said. "Why would Angelo insist that Raphael is on the team? Well, I am guessing it is Angelo, and not someone else forcing your hand. Thing is, I just don't understand it. Wouldn't Angelo be better served having Raphael on call, as he is? I agree you need to be upfront, explain to this Nemesis the situation, and if things don't work out, well maybe we can 'arrange' some sort of solution, to keep your team in positive public light."

“My best guess is that Raphael is there to keep his eye on things and report back to Angelo and Javier.”  She offered up a sporting smile and her eyes were somewhat alive with the DiSantiago power game.  “I have to assume that the family’s reasons for establishing this team go further than what I’ve been told.  …and while my reputation serves their purposes now, I might not be the future they have in mind once they show the rest of their hand.”  She shrugged her shoulders.  “It only makes sense that they would need him there.”

She paused for a couple of minutes in thought.  “I have plans though, Elijah for example.  Angelo has no idea how attached he is to me, and he wants him on the team.  I plan on going to bat for him.”  She bit her bottom lip in thought as she continued to think on the Apostate situation.  “I know he’s volatile and a considerable risk…but, I think that I can handle him.”

Sebastián groaned to himself. Elijah, again. As much as he wanted to argue with her, he would never make her see that the danger of what she was proposing, her mind was decidedly... focused when it came to Elijah.

“I don't know if I'll get any resistance from Nemesis, he has a record with the HCPD.  …but he needs to be on the team so that I can monitor him.  After the last incident with Fabian...and then Elijah, I don't think there are going to be any more chances.  ...but, I can't tell Nemesis about him.  I think he's too much of a straight shooter to tolerate it.”

Something she said caught Sebastian’s attention and made him suddenly very introspective.  "I understand completely not wanting to tell Nemesis, and in this instance I agree that keeping that secret is much better than telling him the truth. You just need to be ready for him to react badly when and if the truth gets revealed. People tend to get upset if they discover they've been lied to, regardless of how good the intentions behind the decision are." Ophilia wasn't completely sure, but it seemed Sebastián was talking about more than it appeared.

Phi cocked her head a bit in curiosity, but the matters of the team were too keen in her mind to bother inquiring further as to what was bothering her brother.  “So…that’s pretty much the low down on the team.  Other than Elijah and Raphael, anyone else that I get on the Conquistadors, I'll have to do so in a Staff role.  As a matter of fact, I already promised one to JACE."  He could tell by her tone, just how excited she was about that.

"Oh, wait, you have a spot already for JACE, you poor thing, working with him is going to be a chore for you." It was difficult to keep a bit of a smile off of his face.

His sister’s eyes narrowed a bit in pretend anger, and even as he watched he could see the wheels in her head turning.  “Bastian, I can tell that you want to be a part of this.  Why don’t you join us, as the team’s Psychiatrist.  You know that I’ll be needing someone in that position and the idea of finding someone that I can trust implicitly.  …well…  There is no one else.”  She gave him an impish grin, knowing that he wasn’t going to be too hard of a sell.  “Besides, this way you’ll be able to keep tabs on me without your ridiculous attempts at being sneaky.”

Sebastián grinned and clutched his hand to his chest "O, foul woman, thy words cut me to the quick, with your baseless accusations of duplicitousness." Taking another drink from his mug, he considered her offer. His practice was just starting out, and he'd only acquired a few patients as of yet. There would be ample room to fit this into his schedule. Another bonus would be actually getting into the heads of these so-called heroes she was gathering. With access to them, and their psychiatric profiles, he could easily make sure they wouldn't be jeopardizing her.

Looking up at his sister, with that little grin, he knew his choice had been made. "I think this is something I could agree to. I do have a few questions, regarding my 'position' and responsibilities. First, would you have them come to my offices, or did you have somewhere less public you'd like our sessions to take place? Second, are you sure these people are going to open up to a DiSantiago, doctor or not? Our family does have a reputation, can they put their fears and prejudices aside to trust me with their secrets? If that's not possible, then this is going to be a charade, and nothing more. Third, I am gathering that from your earlier statement, this is a Staff position only. This means I will not be dressing up in God knows what kind of outfits and parading around the city? Speaking of that, what ARE you going to wear, if you do go out on 'missions' as you've called them?" From the tone of his voice, and the hurried way he added the last bit on the end of his question, Phi could tell he wasn't sure he wanted his position to be limited to book work, and hour long therapy sessions.

"Lotta questions, Bastian."  She smiled at him fondly before diving in.  "Any dealings with the team will take place at the Cathedral.  As to whether they trust you or not, I don't know.  I assume you're good at what you do.  For the most part I need you verify that they're mentally sound and when the team runs into traumatic events, be available to council.  There will be no need to force them to tell you their life history, just be there for them when they do need someone."

Smiling and shaking his head lightly, he held up his hand, to politely interrupt his sister. "Phi, that's just the point I was trying to make. I do need to know some of their life history. In order for me to be able to determine if they are fit, and unaffected by any traumatic events, I need to establish a baseline of their mental health. Their family, their upbringing, their past and current relationships, all of those factors into their mindset. Let me have an hour with each of them, once you've made your final selections, and I can tell you, with no small certainty, if I can give you what you are looking for." His eyes sparked with excitement, this was a new challenge for him, one he was determined to overcome.

"As far as a costume, I really haven't thought that far ahead.  I'm not at all certain that Nemesis will agree to me being on the team."  She sighed at that.  "…but, I'll have my designer throw something together for me, something simple and black, conservative of course and something that will protect my identity.  I suspect that I should also let Nemesis know that you have particular talents as well, just in case they're needed.  Only with your permission of course, and only when you're ready."

Sebastián stood abruptly, and began pacing around his living room. His face was a blank mask, as he considered having his secret revealed to someone outside of the family. He'd worked hard to get where he was in his life: successful career, well educated, and socially accepted. Having his secret out, even to someone trusted, was a dangerous risk. He could lose everything.  Coming to a stop, he looked his sister in the eyes. "You can tell him that I do have talents. If he wants specifics, he can come to me directly."  His heart was pounding in his chest, this was really happening and what he was feeling was not at all what he'd expected to feel.  There was no joy, at the end of it all, he was just excited and a little bit scared.

"Don't worry Bastian.  This can wait till you're ready, for now we'll get you on as staff."  Ophilia offered him a reassuring smile.  "...but as you wind yourself into the team and in the center of their trusts..."  She paused to shake her head, "...the longer a secret like this waits to be revealed, the more difficult the repercussions can be.  It would forgive so much, if they knew you had already confided in the leader or the trainer.  Just something to think about.  ...and I won't volunteer the information to Nemesis, and if he asks, I'll send him to you."  Her tone lowered a bit as she continued.  "Some of my loyalties will be tilted where the team is concerned; lines are going to be blurred for me between family loyalty and what's good and right for the success of the team.  ...but my loyalty to you will never be in question.  You get that, right?"

A swell of love and affection poured through their shared bond, and he rushed over to embrace his sister tightly.  Hearing her say how strong her loyalties were to him only reminded him of how close he was to losing them. His arms gripped her closely, tightening a bit. He couldn't stand it if he lost her trust, and yet he feared he would, eventually. He buried his face in her thick hair, and forced himself to stop thinking about it. She'd never once invaded his mind without permission, but sometimes things he was thinking of intensely got broadcast, and he did not want what he was remembering to slip out.

Forcing himself to remain calm, he thought about what Phi had said. He was being foolish, wanting to hold onto his secrets while expecting these strangers to open up to him. As usual she was right about this, and as usual he wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed to tell her as much. With his cheek resting on the side of her head, he spoke softly. “You are right, Phi. They should know, at the very least, that I am different, just as they are. Maybe it might even make them more willing to open up to me. I was just worried, about everything I could lose. I never once thought on how much I could gain by sharing this.” Holding his sister for a few more moments, eventually he broke the hug, smoothed out her hair and stepped back.

“More coffee?”

Ophilia giggled at the question and shook her head.  "I think you've had quite enough coffee!"