"Nemesis!"  Angelo's voice boomed enthusiastically.

The costumed hero threw the curtains wide as he strode out to the stage. His expression was carefully neutral but for a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth, a smirk awaiting its chance. He walked forward purposefully and came to a stop. his head slowly surveying the crowd as if searching for the next target of his particular brand of justice. Seemingly satisfied he assumed a wide stance and crossed his arms. His stern countenance faltered and a smile finally broke free, unable to keep a straight face at his obvious theatrics.

Sebastian took his turn in the spotlight following the Willoughby success.  His was an interesting exchange of bids, fueled by his family name and his boyish good looks.  Angelo gave a colorful narration.  A few minutes later, after a familiar six-figured call, Sebastian was escorting a pair of very enthusiastic forty-something divorcees.

Lana and Edison added their polite applause to the fray as Sebastian made his exit off of the catwalk.  Then they returned to their companionable conversation, both leaning low over the table, in a very promising display of body language.  Most people could tell that the meeting was an enjoyable affair for both involved.

August 2008 
(A few days after the Soldier Boy vrs Nemesis fight)

“Thanks for giving Soldier Boy a ride home.”  Phi said to her friend as they lounged together by the pool, in the lingering August sun.

“It was fun, he was so full of stories, and so animated.  I could talk to him all day.  By the end of the ride, though, talking wasn’t really on his mind.”  Christie’s tone was good natured as she sipped her lemonade, a smile on her lips at the memory.

“He didn’t!”  Phi sat up straight, making a few droplets of water from her wet hair, splash over the exposed skin of her dry belly.  “He didn’t.”

11:45 PM

When Stone returned to the garden bar, Heatwave was gone, but Christie Danner and Tara Winston were talking quietly amongst themselves.  They seemed to be having a good time despite his absense and there was evidence of a few more exhausted drinks between the two of them.  Although, it seemed as though Ophilia's friend was having the harder time of the two with processing it.

"He came back!"  Christie said happily as she gave him a grin, copletely oblivious to the fact that she shouldn't have seemed so eager.

11:55 PM

As Heatwave scanned the room, she saw Ophilia exiting through a door, set into the side of the ballroom.  Her actions seemed a bit hurried and when Clementina glanced at the clock she could guess that it was because it was almost midnight.  Her boss' eyes swept the room, and finding what she was looking for, she headed in that direction.

Seeing Ophilia was busy and not seen Nemesis anywhere Heatwave decided to forego saying goodnight. There was no one else at the party she wanted to speak to so she made her way to the front door and slipped out into the night.

11 PM

Jennifer DiSantiago clung to Stone companionably until he emerged into the Garden's area. A few pictures were taken and murmured rumors were had as people watched the well known socialite cling to the new and mysterious Hudson City Hero.

Heatwave stepped out into the garden area happy she was wearing her costume. As the night wore on it was getting colder and if not for the insulated fabric she would be finding things more than a bit uncomfortable. She looked around trying to find the newest member of the team and spotted him speaking with the beautiful woman Heatwave had seen with Orion when she had arrived.

The far end of the room opened through huge glass doors to the expansive manicured gardens beyond tiered decks, all lit with elegant string lighting and accompanied by a huge pool, another open bar, and bountiful more seating.  In strategic locations, concert speakers washed the entire area in the classical composition from the indoor stage.

9:15 PM

Ophilia's eyes grew wide at that last exchange and it was all she could do to keep from laughing. She was very pleased to see that Nemesis had his feet firmly underneath him again, and had a really good feeling about the upcoming test of skill. "Alright. Follow me."

Christie jumped to her feet with considerable enthusiasm, excited to join Ophilia and the others as they made their way back towards the front of the Cathedral. Other than Ophilia nobody was familiar with the lay out of this place, so they followed her lead. At the entrance to the stairs, she asked Soldier Boy to bring the cooler down with them, promising that it had refreshments for later.

Nemesis paused on the steps of the Cathedral and stared up at the towering spires. He wondered if he should cross himself or offer a prayer, but being relatively anti-organized religion, allowed himself the hypocrisy of a mental apology before taking a deep breath and opening the oversized doors.

This time, at least, it was important to enter through the front.