[center][h1][b][color=dodgerblue]Wards and Other Heroes:[/color] Charity Event Aftermath[/b][/h1]
[@Old Amsterdam][@Gardevoiran][@Lugubrious][@solokolos][@yoshua171][@BCTheEntity][@LemonZest1337][/center]

Thus the charity event came to an early close, merely three hours after it had begun. What was to be a festivity lasting well into the night to raise money for crime fighting ended mid-morning and would now cost hundreds of thousands in repairs. The media jumped on the opportunity, questioning absolutely anybody within their reach. For the most part, the reporters were handled directly by Inkscape, who took his responsibility as Protectorate leader very seriously. His fellow senior heroes remained on site, while the newly recruited junior Protectorates, and the Wards, were made able to get through the crowds and return to headquarters or home, whichever they had preferred. No doubt the Wards' parents would be wanting to bond with their children after such an event. Of course, one of the teen heroes was denied the possibility of going home: Epsilon. She was to be escorted back to headquarters under both master and stranger security protocols.

Hermes in particular was given an additional statement beyond the simple "you're excused." Inkscape's orders were quite clear on the matter: until they had such an opportunity to debrief, he was not to engage in any hero activities. The little rebellion against orders that had set the scene for Ceramix to take hostages would not easily be forgotten, it would seem. Furnace gave his condolences, shaking the teleporter's hand. What nobody else could have seen was the note he had slipped Hermes.

[quote]Let's meet at 6745 W Colfax after I deal with reporters. A mutual friend told me to help you.[/quote]

Meanwhile, Shatterpoint and Ceramix had been loaded up into PRT transport vehicles and removed from the scene. Ceramix had been apprehended twice before, making this his third strike. Add in the hostage situation, and it was all but a done deal that he would be deposited into the Birdcage, never to come back. Shatterpoint's fate was less clear. He had never threatened anybody's life, was on his first strike, and by all accounts only seemed to be following orders, which was a great recipe for a plea deal. Of course, he was far more threatening than his boss, so perhaps it all came up to whomever was the presiding judge for his case.

No matter how you looked at it, everyone had had enough action for one day, yet the day was only half done. What would come next? Perhaps some rest and relaxation? They'd all certainly earned it. But maybe, just maybe, there was more to this day for those who sought their own adventure.

[hr][hr]

[center][h1][b][color=red]The Jacks[/color] and Other Less-Than-Legal Individuals[/b][/h1]
[@yoshua171][@BCTheEntity][@Eklispe][@Old Amsterdam][@solokolos][@PlatinumSkink][@Gardevoiran][@Xandrya][@Spiffy][/center]

Each of the representatives in the room took a vial, then exchanged contact information with the sharply dressed man. With that, all business concluded, and they were free to leave. So, naturally, they did. Every one of them took off in order to pursue their own avenues, their own goals, and their own plans. For some, this meant seeking out the best new recruit for their power-in-a-bottle. For others, it meant staying the course they had already set. But for one vigilante, it meant speaking to the man orchestrating it all.

[color=slateblue]"Such flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Mantis,"[/color] the Broker replied, a little taken aback by the vigilante's sudden brazenness. [color=slateblue]"Particularly when complimenting on something I have worked quite hard to keep completely unknown, until this very moment. Now, [i]your[/i] reputation on the other hand..."[/color] He trailed off, clapping his hands together somewhat excitedly before reeling himself back in. [color=slateblue]"Mhm. Yes, well, regardless I find myself irritated by your lack of punctuality. Nevertheless, the representatives you placed here in your stead handled themselves with..."[/color] He appeared to be looking for a kind word, but found himself at a loss. [color=slateblue]"Well, they handled themselves, at any rate. But yes, had you been on time, you would have been present for my reasoning on providing these valuable resources. I'm afraid I disdain repeating myself, so you will have to be filled in by your subordinates."[/color]

If there was one thing Judah was learning real quick in this line of questioning, it was that the man certainly enjoyed hearing the sound of his own voice. [color=slateblue]"As for a good set of mates, might I recommend working with Purge and his mafia? Not the usual crowd you'd surround yourself in I know, but for a murderer he really is a man of conduct. Or perhaps you could work more closely with Sabotage? That is, so long as you watch your valuables. No honor among thieves, right? But she's among the most tame here. Then again, Retcon has a fascination with your shifter, so perhaps they would be willing to extend the ol' olive branch? Regardless, I really am quite the busy bloke and must be on my way. Good day, friend."[/color] 

The man tipped his head in a gesture of respect, though it somehow felt quite disingenuous, and made his way toward the door, briefcase in hand. Just before exiting, the bartender accidentally dropped a glass on the floor, the sound of its shattering causing the suited man to pause. After a moment of the two exchanging looks, he gave a simple command. [color=slateblue]"One round of drinks to Lethal Force, on me."[/color] He then turned back to face Farce. [color=slateblue]"The power nullification field leaves with me. You're welcome."[/color]

And just like that the man who called himself "Broker" was gone. A few moments later and the bartender had provided drinks for each member of Lethal Force, as requested, in the process brushing against each of them in turn. [color=purple]"Sorry, sorry. Nerves. The situation is rather... Frightening. Sorry."[/color]

[hr]

A minute after having left the building, each of the Jacks received a text message from an unlisted number. [i]Next assignment at the hideout,[/i] was all that was written. Heartless shrugged, got up, and began to leave without bothering to so much as speak to his fellow teammates. It looked as though their day hadn't yet come to an end.