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[color=00aeef][center][i][b][h1]Friday[/h1][/b][/i][/center][/color]
[color=00aeef][center][i][b][h1]7:00pm[/h1][/b][/i][/center][/color]
[color=00aeef][center][i][b][h1]SDN California Gala[/h1][/b][/i][/center][/color]


((ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴꜱ: [@FourtyTwo] /Black Rose and Lightning Girl, [@BigPapaBelial] /Hat Trick | ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ: [@SonnetNSunbeam] /Asteroid [@cosmiccowgirl] /Blackstar [@Ezekiel] /Ikret))

[quote=@FourtyTwo]
"Yeah, Kat didn't tell me, which means it must have been quite secretive....and a hell of a thing." James wondered. Did this change things? A new opportunity? Or something else? "We'll catch up later. For now, do you want a drink, and yeah, meet the team?" James asked, letting the others introduce themselves to Riley, keeping a fairly short reach himself, given how the team was getting on. He felt like he wasn't quite like them, he was just a manager, nothing more, nothing less. But it was good to see old faces, and well, let them relish in the pomp and circumstance.
[/quote]

Riley couldn't help but let out a chuckle, [color=00aeef][i]"Yeah that sounds like Kat. Hell, she even sprung the transfer on me super last minute. We'll definitely have more to talk about later. I've got a new team of my own. We finally got approved for field work and I'm bringing them back to Claremont. We ev-"[/i][/color] It was in that moment he was interrupted by Black Rose. 

[quote=@FourtyTwo]
"I'm surprised. I thought you were going to just watch longer. But, I do admire your ability to get the most out of people who wouldn't have made the cut. Anyway. If you see Salem, tell her she needs to watch her back. Or her arm. She is good at stealing, so I hope she doesn't take it personally."
[/quote]

Riley didn't say a word as the heroine dropped the bracelet into his hand. It took everything he had to hide the smirk in his expression. He watched the typically aloof hero trip on her dress momentarily as she walked away. From behind a nearby pillar, Salem smiled in satisfaction as a little dark energy swirled around her fingers. Of course she'd let the hero get close. She couldn't make a scene, but Riley had told her she was free to use her powers as long as no one got hurt. Mild luck draining was fair game. Not that she needed it tonight, but Salem was sending a message. She may be repenting and "playing the hero", but she wasn't taking anyone's shit for a second. 

[color=00aeef][i]"Fair play on the distraction, Salem,"[/i][/color] said Riley as the cat burglar walked up.[color=00aeef][i]"I'll admit I'm impressed, but I thought I said to avoid draining anyone who's going to have a camera in their face all night?"[/i][/color]

[color=silver][i]"No worries, boss. I only took enough to make her a little woozy. Comrade Rosie will be just fine in about ten minutes. Besides, I need luck if I'm doing the job you assigned us tonight right?"[/i][/color] Salem just fingered the talisman around her neck as Riley let out a sigh. [color=silver][i]"So is this the new team?"[/i][/color] Salem walked right up to the Claremont table, black dress shimmering in the ballroom lights. She sat down with feline grace and addressed the table with sarcastic enthusiasm. [color=silver][i]"Good evening, folks. I'm your security for the evening tonight. Salem. Starting tomorrow I'll be your partner in crime at Claremont. We'll be getting to know each other VERY well in the coming weeks."[/i][/color]

Riley fought off a blush of embarrassment as he watched Lightning Girl give him a confused look. [color=00aeef][i]"New recruit for an experimental team I put together. None of the branches wanted her on Phoenix Program so I took her along with Tsunami and Brick. We're set to be returning to Claremont and resume working with all of you."[/i][/color] As eyes around the table started looking his way, Riley offered a curt wave. 

[color=00aeef][i]"It's like the cat-girl said. Some of you may have heard of me. I'm Riley Ryder and I'll be returning to assist with dispatching at Claremont. Tonight however my team is working Gala security. You've all met Tsunami. Meta-Man is around as well."[/i][/color] Riley gestured to Tsunami as he spoke. [color=00aeef][i]"If Kat hasn't told any of you. She's like that. Needless to say, I've been briefed on your recent... escapades, and I'm proud of the work you've been able to do. We look forward to joining the team, and hopefully..."[/i][/color] His gaze went back and forth between Tsunami and Salem before he continued, [color=00aeef][i]"We are going to try and move on from any past incidents and work together as a team."[/i][/color]

He didn't expect much of a response, but it seemed like most of the table had either moved on or simply didn't care. He cleared his throat before raising a glass of champagne, [color=00aeef][i]"Corporate BS out of the way... We need to get back to work and we can get hammered when this gala is over!"[/i][/color]