Alfhedil

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@ihinka Considering that, being green-water would actually give her at least one thing to talk to her about and give that little bit of something in common :v

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@ihinka I thought of something, your character has background in the military(Yes, the coast guard still counts :v) and so she might be able to spot that Genevieve is packing heat even if it's a pretty close to body waist holster, and the shirt she's wearing is loose enough to hide it. Most likely from the way she would subtly favor that side when sitting, a thing anyone with decent military experience would be able to pick up on with practice.

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@ihinka@Lionhearted Genevieve screaming internally "I will tolerate your presence."

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@ihinka As said in the post, probably the worst hunter :v

Don't worry though, I'm not in the habit of shooting someone else's character in my second post lol. Third post though.... :D

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

Didn't really direct the post at anyone in particular, so approach at your own risk :v

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

Genevieve Alleron

Target, retail hell
Day one - Afternoon

---

"Spooky, scary spectacular! Monster deals now thru the first of November!"

Her eyes narrowed as that damned sign caught a breeze from the entrance doors and blocked her view from camera three. That was the third time today it had happened, and she had already told the executive lead that it was a security issue. Why it was he allowed it to be hung in that particular spot, she would likely never figure out, but that didn't stop it from annoying her to no end. It didn't help that it was advertising the swiftly approaching holiday, perhaps her least favorite time of the year. All the people scurrying from aisle to aisle, getting the last of their decorations in order or stocking up on candies… It was truly unbearable.

Speaking of which, a knock on the door to her office announced the entry of Richard, the short and portly executive team leader for the store. His beady and nervous eyes reminded her constantly of a farm animal, the kind that if she said aloud would be fairly accurate for his appearance and behaviour, but would see a fast response from HR.

"Ah, Jen. Good to find you in the off-"

"Out with it, Richard."

There was only so much of his nasally tone that she could tolerate in one sitting, and with the way her day was going that point was swiftly approaching. As if sensing as much, Richard backed slowly out of the doorway and into the adjoining hallway, giving a short nod to acknowledge her. "We're having a store meeting in fifteen minutes. I would appreciate it if you attended this one." Great. She hated these meetings, and if it wasn't for him showing his porcine face in the security office, she would have dodged this one as well. Rather than dignify his request with a yes or no, Genevieve narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth, as much of a "Fine." as she was going to give. As if the day hadn't been bad enough, now she had to stand around on the floor in uniform with the rest of the team. With luck no one would bother her and she could clock out after the meeting in peace…

---

"... He's just been so frisky lately, I think it's the colder weather or maybe the humidity. The rain is really bad for his fur you know? That and being cooped up with all the others. Oh, I think this winter is going to be a really bad one, what do you think miss Alleron?"

"Jesus. H. Christ." Sometimes she truly wished she was still making a living off getting shot at. At the very least back then she could shoot back. No one talked about their fifteen cats back then either. Who the hell keeps that many of anything under the same roof? Thankfully Richard was coming around the corner with his clipboard, perhaps the only time she would ever be happy to see him waddle into view.

"I think the winter will be manageable enough, Edith." She was courteous enough to give a response to the elderly inventory team lead, even managing a false smile her way as the meeting began.

It was the same song and dance for much of the meeting, monthly figures for each department was rolling in and the yearly lecture about overtime. Make sure to do double the workload in the same amount of time as normal, and also keep the orders extra tight so as not to go over budget, but make sure to stock all the sale items. The collective groan was the same this year as it was the last, and the one before it. Retail woes at their finest, and the big one was just a month away. At the very least she would be a fair bit more relevant during that time, instead of feigning interest in the wonders of the latest store display for the grocery department, or the new furniture they were setting up.

"And last, but certainly not least." Thankfully, he was nearly done talking to them, a quick glance at her watch showed it was five minutes till and everyone else was already eyeing the door to the timeclock. "Halloween is in just a couple days, and that means two things! First, a reminder that while everyone is free to dress up in costume for the day of, corporate would like to ask that we keep everything family friendly for our guests. Nothing scary, and no monsters! We don't want a repeat of last year…"

Oh. That was directed at her. Genevieve tactfully looked in a different direction, avoiding the pointed stare her way. It wasn't her fault that someone thought it would be a good idea to sneak up on her in a werewolf costume. She hadn't even broken anything, except for maybe the poor sod's dignity when he got flipped onto his back by someone half his size.

"Also, we have the company picnic coming up in the third week of November. Since only a couple people brought items last year, we've decided to cater this year's event. It'll be the barbecue place a couple stores down from us in the shopping center, so if anyone has any requests please make sure to place them in the suggestions box next to my door. That's it for today everyone, have a good rest of your shift for those of you on flow, and everyone else have a great night! Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!"

She was gone before he finished speaking, already at the time clock and punching out with the rest of them on her heels. After today she really felt like she needed a drink, thought it honestly took little convincing for her to consider taking the drive down to the bar. Perhaps the Indo would be good for a change of pace? It had been awhile since she stopped by, and her misunderstanding with the bar owner was water under the bridge at this point… Unless he didn't have any good scotch. That would be cause for a rather dire misunderstanding.

---

It had been an hour since Genevieve escaped retail hell, changing out of the red polo and khaki pants into something far more comfortable in the form of a rather conservative purple blouse and jeans. She wasn't exactly looking to impress, and anything except work clothes was appealing to her at that present moment. Luckily the Indo was a fairly short drive away, though she still despised driving any distance and would have preferred to walk if it wasn't so inconvenient most days. Even better it seemed the pub wasn't too busy this time of day, perks of visiting on a Monday she supposed.

She parked at the side of the building, the beep of the car's alarm automatically switching on just barely audible over the jaunty music from within the pub. Drinking songs never really were her thing, though she understood it to be the national pastime of the Irish. That and actually drinking along with the music. Her eyes briefly crossed over the bike parked in front, something about it striking her odd and triggering a feeling of unease deep in the back of her mind. It was just a motorcycle. Perhaps she was a little more on edge than she thought, and that drink would be even more welcome in that case.

Inside she found it to be just like she remembered from the last visit, and like every other pub and bar in Salem or elsewhere. People sat at the bar with their chosen drink while others enjoyed a meal either before or after their own long day. Two in particular stood out to her, the tarot cards on the counter attracting her attention before she took a seat not too far away.

"You are quite possibly, the worst hunter I have ever heard of." Ah, there was Harkin. At the very least he wasn't calling for her to be escorted out by the security guard near the door. Her night could very well be salvaged with a decent drink assuming that no one else was in earshot and got the wrong impression of her. To that end, she kept her voice down though allowed the faintest of smirks to cross her lips.

"But you have heard of me."

That was enough to diffuse the situation and let him know that she was only here for a drink, not to cause trouble. Then again, that was generally her reputation among the varied supernatural communities in Salem. At least those who kept track of those who hunted them. It afforded her some leeway, as she was known for not actively tracking people down unless they started making trouble. That meant she could sit at the bar and order drinks from a Vampire without much more than idle teasing, and more easily acquire information from them.

"I see you've managed to get a bottle of Bruichladdich Classic."

She inclined her head towards the blue bottle sitting on the alcohol shelf behind the Vampiric owner. "Neat if you would." Harkin shook his head slowly and turned to grab a glencairn glass, setting it on the counter in front of her and pouring the alcohol slowly. Genevieve didn't take long to indulge in the drink, the smoky overtones melting away the building stress of her day and allowing her to quietly enjoy the moment of relaxation in the pub. Seated as she was, she had a decent view of the floor of the main room, eyes tracking movement between the kitchen and each table as well as the patrons. Nothing stood out to her at first other than the pair a few chairs down from her with the tarot cards. What kind of person brought cards to a bar that weren't for playing poker?

That distraction had taken up quite enough of her attention, though she was aware of herself enough to keep her face directed down at her drink while she surveyed her surroundings. That was when she noticed the woman sitting by herself at a corner table. Something about her made her uneasy just in the way her eyes roamed the other patrons. Those blue eyes were uncomfortably sharp, to the point where she returned her attention back to her drink in order to gather herself. It had been quite a long day, and she was capping it with a rather strong scotch as her first drink of the night. A slow and deep breath reordered her thoughts, dismissing one by one the threat indicators her mind had drawn up, and the already forming route of withdrawal.

It also helped to feel the weight of her Beretta pressing against her waist in its holster. Everything was cool. The thought repeated in her mind until she had taken another few drinks, relaxing down again and leaning back in the high back bar-chair. Salem had been keeping her more on edge than she had liked of late, perhaps the approaching holiday made it feel more tense than it really was. Maybe she just needed a good drinking budd- Nope. Genevieve killed the thought before it proliferated beyond just idle musing. She was just fine drinking alone at the bar. Absolutely nothing wrong with having a drink all by yourself. Another drink dismissed those thoughts as well, and with a tap of two fingers on the counter, Harkin swung back by to refill her glass. Another wonderful day in Salem.

Heroes Reborn - A DCAU Roleplay (Always open!)

July 8th, 05:45
NATO Allied Command HQ-NA, Norfolk, Virginia

The distant drums of war were beating, and all around him he could see the faces of those who knew they were soon to be drawn into a conflict that they truly wished no part of. For him though, those drums beat fiercely in his chest and he felt an invigoration in his step as he wound his way through the hurried office staff of NATO military command. Many of them had been woken up by the reports of gunfire across Arabian lines, some had not yet gone home after pulling a night shift. All had the same look on their face. It was the same look he had seen for millennia. Anticipation. Anxiety. Dread. Never mind that these men and women wouldn't be the ones risking their lives, and that as they worried themselves across an ocean and beyond the reach of this enemy, there was little chance they would ever see the danger. They would be the ones to give the orders though, to send other men to die for them in a war they cared nothing about. Such is the way of war.

Yet it was clear there was something different about this conflict, he had felt it building over the last few days, and then this morning when he had been studying that drug again.

"Elysium..."

It had nearly broken New York, plunged it into anarchy and violence. A select few had stopped it before it got out of control, but there was still the troubling issue of why. He had pondered on it since the end, since Lady Arcana had been shown all over the news as the hero of the city and since everything went quiet again. But it hadn't truly gone quiet had it? Through arcane study he had traced slight similarities between the strange pill and other sources in the middle east. While he didn't have the time to set up more exacting means of tracking, there was enough there to make him think that perhaps the two events are not so dissimilar after all.

The doors to the summit chambers were ahead and already reporters were thick in the hall. Several guards kept them back a respectful distance, but it was still hard going trying to press through them, especially when they saw his face.

"Please, save any questions for after the meeting." He threw them a bone, promising to speak with them after the emergency summit, and it was enough at least to clear a path and allow him to actually reach the doors.

Beyond sat the representatives of NATO, most of them just ambassadors here for their country and linked back home via sat-phone. It was refreshing to see a few faces though, primarily the secretary-general of NATO had been stateside, and the president herself was present. He abstained from his typical greeting, merely giving a nod to all those assembled and seating himself at the end of the table.

"My apologies, there's a decent mob of reporters at the doors wanting to know what we decide before we do so. I would properly greet everyone, but I think I've held things up quite long enough and I'm sure our madam president would prefer to deal with this as quickly as possible."

President Gloria Vanderhall eased forward in her seat, her hands folded in front of her face. An African-American woman in her early forties, she was known for her stern yet oddly charismatic demeanor, almost akin to a military commander. When Raymond entered their conference, she inclined her head ever-so-slightly to acknowledge the businessman's presence.

"I'm sure Mr. Luneburg and everyone here is fully aware of the severity of our current situation," she addressed the room, though her eyes were still centered on Raymond. "Basil Al-Asad has launched a full scale invasion of the Republic of Arabia, and has made not even a token effort to negotiate with either President Basri, the United Nations, or this council."

Her eyes briefly darted to a set of photographs on the table at that point, showing captures of what appear to be bright flashes in the distance. "Furthermore, we detected a nuclear detonation in the Mojave Desert an hour ago, which I'm aware is a concern for many here in this room."

"Could Asad really have the capability to strike so far into the United States?" The German Prime Minister questioned, sweat lining his brow.

The President gently shook her head. "No, we do not believe it is Asad. As of right now, this should be considered an internal matter of the United States, rather than an international concern."

The sound of the other NATO leaders murmuring in a mixture of confusion and unease quickly filled the room at her statement, but Gloria pressed on. "Ladies, gentlemen...stopping Asad's advance is our top priority right now, and we cannot afford to have our attention divided at such a critical juncture."

"Now, it is an incontrovertible reality that the Republic of Arabia will fall without the immediate intervention of NATO's military forces. Truthfully, however, it may be impossible for us to have boots on the ground before the Republic collapses," Gloria exhaled, a weary admission for her. "Which would mean driving Asad back across the desert. That is bound to be a costly campaign, both in terms of resources and lives. Particularly if the rumors regarding his new weaponry are indeed true."

Her eyes settled firmly on Raymond this time, a frown set upon her face. "And I believe few would know better than Mr. Luneburg here."

A detonation in the Mojave, one that was nuclear and obviously not scheduled. That was quite interesting, especially in how quickly Vanderhall brought it up just to dismiss it. Raymond's interest was piqued, but that was a discussion for another evening and behind closed doors with the madam president. His thoughts turned militant immediately, drawing up what he knew of the nation's current military strength and where it was deployed.

"Yes, those new weapons are rather troublesome. Lost a few agents over the last months getting what little I could on them. Which is paltry compared to what we see now." Damn Basil and his meddling. If only he could have played ball those years ago, then this situation would be far different.

"Fortunately, I have also been busy with my own efforts. As madam Vanderhall is aware, the US Navy has been slowly retrofitting their Arleigh Burke class of destroyers with my new railgun weapon system. I believe a dozen are already blue water capable and could be en route to the gulf immediately."

Schematics of the rail weapon were brought up on the projector in the room, displaying the range of attack and estimated damage. Assuming they could acquire targets, it would be devastating, though Raymond had to wonder if Asad may have planned for just such an eventuality.

"Obviously, we have two choices here on how to proceed. We move with all speed, mobilize our naval forces in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, try to make a show of force to let Asad know that we will not accept this move. Or, we do what we can with assets in country to evacuate President Basri and Arabian government officials. While they are being secured, we draw up full-scale invasion plans to retake the republic and push Asad back to his palace. Neither option is ideal, with us having to sacrifice either Arabian lives to the invasion while we prepare, or many of our own troops while we stall and make a show of force."

Raymond paused for a moment, staring down the rest of the NATO council members. "What I can be sure of however, is that doing nothing is not an option. Basil Al-asad and the Arab Federation have tested us for far too long, and we can no longer sit idly while they simply conquer all of the middle east."

Gloria nodded firmly in agreement with Raymond, knowing that her predecessors had long struggled with containing the Asad family. They had always struck when the United States was at its most vulnerable in the past, conquering lands and acquiring more oil whenever they believed that NATO was too preoccupied to intervene. That had been their methodology...until now.

This was something different. Something unprecedented in its boldness, its audacity. She couldn't hope to understand what the Dictator was thinking in this moment. Perhaps he believed his new weapons made him invincible, even to them? She wasn't sure whether to be amused or terrified at that notion.

"I agree that the immediate evacuation of our ally President Basri and his government should be our top priority," the President finally spoke up. "In the meantime, we'll start -"

Gloria paused as her cellphone vibrated, her eyes darting to it. It was a text, from the Secretary of State. High priority, at that. "Please excuse me for a moment."

Taking the phone in her hand, she quickly thumbed open the text, reading over it. Her face visibly darkened only a moment later, as she lowered it back to the table. This did not go unnoticed by the other NATO leaders, who stared expectantly at the most powerful woman in the world.

No. That was no longer true, was it?

"...I have just received a report that Lady Arcana, Emerald Knight, and several more UMH's have been detected approaching the front lines of the ongoing battle," Gloria muttered, falling back into her seat. Her brow was now clearly laden with sweat.

He had expected the involvement of some of the rising heroes in this matter, though planned around them remaining out. This made things quite a bit easier, and for that he once more had a reason to give thanks to the inheritor of the rock.

"How fortuitous that they have chosen to intervene." It was no secret that he had been observing a few people of interest, in particular Lady Arcana and the Superman. Some of which had been at the behest of officials in the US government, though always in the vein of containing them as threats.

"Do we by chance have any lines of communication to Lady Arcana? The 'daughter of America' should have our support if she's intervening on the behalf of the republic. She could give us the edge we need in order to secure the safety of president Basri, and delay Asad's advance sufficiently enough to put troops on the ground." Raymond glanced over at the British representative as the question formed on his lips.

"How soon could British ships be in the Red Sea and providing support to the front lines?"

Gloria shot a stinging glare at Raymond when he began to sing the praises of the single greatest threat facing the free world today. No, you could drop "free" from that equation; the entirety of the Earth was at risk thanks to her. "The United States government does not typically keep contact with the FBI's most wanted criminal," she tersely reminded him.

An awkward silence filled the room in that moment, the NATO leadership exchanging glances with one another. It was only broken when the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom answered the question that had been posed to him. "I imagine within a matter of hours, if need to be."

"The French Navy can likewise provide support," President Legrand spoke up, folding his hands neatly in front of his face.

Raymond managed to hide his satisfaction at getting a rise out of the president enough to acknowledge the comments from both Legrand and the prime minister. "Excellent, that gives us striking power within a few hours. Standing NATO Maritime Group two should be in the vicinity of Cairo as well, so they can buy us some time with coordinated strikes on the coasts until group one arrives and we can get some carrier support."

His thoughts turned to ground forces available, since the combined navies would only delay the inevitable and coerce Asad away from the shores. They needed air and land assets in order to turn the tide of the invasion and retake land already surrendered to his advance. "Once the seas are secured, we can impose a blockade on the Arabian Federation and focus on taking the fight to them directly. C-130s are present at the LSOC and I can have troops in the air with just a single call, but I feel that we should all be in agreement on the course ahead before we commit any resources."

Gloria forced herself to remain calm despite Raymond's seizing of the reins of this meeting away from her, and his blatant efforts to get a rise from her. She had to focus on the bigger picture right now, and that was Asad. "We will feasibly be unable to deploy troops to the Arabian Peninsula until the tenth at the earliest, and even that is a massive stretch involving only the most token of forces. Asad might have seized the capital by then, so I doubt that would dissuade him."

That was the reality of the situation. They had been caught completely with their pants down, and any show of force would do little to impede the Federation's conquest. Still, there was no reason to oppose Raymond's suggestion of a naval strike. "The United States Navy will of course cooperate with its allies to delay Asad in any way possible, but we will simply need more time before we can have enough boots on the ground to make a difference."

"I can have LIS special operations present in Riyadh within the day and working alongside Republic of Arabia's internal defense. From there it's just a matter of working with their military and resisting the invasion as much as possible. If we can keep the capital out of Asad's hands, then that will keep morale up with the people of Arabia until American troops can put boots on the ground."

It was a dangerous committment to make, as he didn't have countermeasures against magitech just yet, and could only have them hold ground as best they could. The tanks were the most problematic, as he was already receiving some video from the front courtesy of diligent reporters. Javelins would have to be sent over in large numbers to counteract their heavy use of armor. Already he could feel the pain of the expenses of this war, but it was necessary.

"If we can get carriers in the Red Sea quick enough, then I can have tanks shipped over from Utah. Sorry if that delays the end of year shipment of Challengers by the way." That comment was directed at the British Prime Minister, who he had previously worked out a deal with on the acquisition of the tank designs in exchange with supplementing their need for more modern armor.

"If anything will stand up against the onslaught of Asad's new arsenal, it will be the collective willpower of this alliance and good British tank design."

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@Themerlinhawk Is Harkin the pub owner just an NPC, and if so is it cool if I borrow him for my post? :v

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

I got most of a post together, probably well enough to actually put up in the thread, but would prefer to round it out with actually placing my character in the bar. The same bar which seems to be quite popular with people :v

{Casual - High Casual} Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts

@Themerlinhawk Currently working on post, expect a decent bit of bitterness towards the holiday and everyone's favorite: a retail safety meeting.