From The Dead (Narrative, will be followed by threads)

[ngm_parents]

It had been a delicate piece of work, feigning his own death, and even more delicate to ensure that he had the funds he needed to operate his long-term schemes while leaving the publicly-known, above-ground wealth of Shaw Industries alone, and keeping other Shaws from knowing. The financial chaos surrounding his estate provided a useful smokescreen, aided and abetted by close allies among the Shaw Industries top brass and elsewhere. But now the time had come to reemerge, to make his presence known. To let his wayward family know that Sebastian Shaw was not dead. To take the reins of the Shaw empire and shape the future.

Shinobi Shaw had been a treacherous little worm, and he needed to be eliminated. Alistaire had performed that function, though with a decided lack of finesse. Too much collateral damage. He would have to speak to the boy about that, though it was in his own interest to make sure that the incident be covered up. The boy's connections to Selene were far more problematic- Sebastian would have to determine where his loyalties truly lay and act accordingly. The Black Queen had been quiet as of late, but she was very much alive and would no doubt seek to undermine his plans once she got word of them.

Then there was the girl. Stephanie, a latterly-arrived bastard child from a fairly unremarkable liason with a Spanish woman. The girl had shown real talent, particularly for business. And she seemed to have admirably ambitious plans for a sizeable area of the city. Ones that he could support in its broad strokes, though there were many signs of excess sentimentality in its conception. Perhaps, though, it could be turned towards something genuinely useful, as long as it was remembered that the primary goal of the Club was to build a mutant elite and sustain it.

Worst of all, both of them had outed themselves as mutants, which would make things considerably more difficult. Stephanie had even gone so far as to say that he himself was a mutant, which would throw all manner of his past actions into a harsh public light if people cared to look. In his mind, they had both made a serious tactical mistake there, though perhaps it was understandable enough given the circumstances at the time. Sebastian was confidant he would be able to handle any issues relating to it.

There was potential, then, for the Shaw dynasty, but it would have to be carefully constrained and guided. The Shaw name had taken a frightful battering in the last few years and that would have to be put to rights. As for the Hellfire Club, the New York branch had faded into virtual oblivion. That would also have to be put to rights, though during his imposed exile, he had been created Lord Paramount of the international Hellfire Club, the ultimate authority of all the otherwise autonomous Hellfire Clubs around the world.

It was settled, then, that the children would have to learn how to manage affairs in their fiefdom of New York, but quickly, as Sebastian had a global empire to run and could not spare more than the necessary time. The girl could be trusted with the bulk of his interest in Shaw Industries- his men had positive reports on her skill, and Alistaire was well-known to be an excellent host. Perhaps the boy could turn his talents towards making the New York Hellfire club an essential destination for New York's elite again.

The rest of the ranks of the Club remained frightfully empty. New nobility would have to be created, possibly from the next generation of the traditional mutant elite, but possibly also previously unaffiliated individuals. Soon, Sebastian would reveal himself to the younger Shaws. And then the Hellfire Club's grand plans for the future of mutantkind could truly begin to unfold, with the Shaws at the forefront of it, just as it should be.

Comments

Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[ngm_parents]

Alistaire and Stephanie Shaw had each been sent a confidential summons to appear at a reception room in Shaw Industries Towers, one done in a Colonial style that belied the ultramodern image of most of Shaw Tower. The summons had been served by Reginald Crane, the primary member of the Shaw Industries legal team and the point man for the ongoing case regarding the lost assets of the Shaw Empire.

The day before the summons was due, he had arranged for the release of a significant portion of the missing assets and proper alternative medical care for any wounded Shaw retainers. More than enough to make sure that the Institute had no need to lay a claim on either of them and for both of them to resume their full previous lifestyles. It would not do for Shaws to be living on means that appeared at all limited. There was a family reputation to uphold.

They would be ushered into the room by Mr. Crane, a middle-aged man with pale grey eyes, a strangely soothing speaking voice and no discernable emotions on his face or in his bearing and told to sit while they awaited a guest. And then Alistaire and Stephanie Shaw were left alone for a brief time, as they awaited this mysterious guest, whom Crane rose up to get.

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[hellfire_child]

Alistaire is not in the best of spirits. Sure, the cane was an excellent accessory, and his usual hangers-on were more than happy to tell him such, but he hated the appearance of vulnerability.

Not to mention that he's still not entirely over the fact that the first time he ever killed a man was his own father, resulting in an explosion that almost killed him and his retainer...

And now this. Alistaire had looked after the share in the company he'd been given with due dedication, but he still felt out of his element here.

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie felt similarly about the appearance of vulnerability, though she had fewer hangers-on to fawn after her. Thankfully school was out of sessions, so she didn't have to worry about the annoying sympathy of any of her fellow students or professors there. Pain was still a very real and constant thing, and she refused to take painkillers for them save for the very worst attacks. Her joints were coming together, all things considered, amazingly well, but it would be a long process until she felt altogether herself.

Shaw Industries was much more her realm, so to speak, than Alistaire's, but there was something strange about Reginald's summoning and the secrecy surrounding it. It made her wonder what was going on. A large portion of funds had just been released, so things must have been proceeding well on the legal front.

"I assume you're wondering, just as I am, what is going on here."

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[hellfire_child]

"Naturally. I'd normally say I welcome a surprise, but this hasn't quite been the month for that."

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[ngm_parents]

"Indeed. Allow my return to constitute yet another unusual twist of fate." A very familiar baritone voice spoke as the doors swung open grandly to reveal, of all people, Sebastian Shaw himself, very much alive. His eyes met with each of them briefly, sizing them up. "The last month has been full of surprises, many of them bitter indeed. How ironic that the supposed dead man is in much better condition than either of his would-be heirs."

Sebastian took his seat at the head of the table, steepling his hands together. "Fortunately for both of you, I am very much alive. And ready to rebuild the family name to what it should be. In all of our fields of endeavor." While he would not deny that each of them had potential, it was clear that they needed his guidance.

"Needless to say, any discussions of the dispensation of my estate will immediately come to a halt. You are Shaws and I will see to it that your lifestyles are able to match the name, and that your pettier ambitions are well-funded- but make no mistake, the Shaw patrimony is mine."

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie's steely resolve completely shattered at that, though she remained rather still. She gripped her cane so hard that the metal began to bend slightly as all colour drained from her face. She forced herself to set her expression, not really hearing the other words he was saying.

"How? I saw your body in the station. The police made me identify you." She wanted to defiantly meet his gaze, but she couldn't quite. There was a hardness in his expression that she couldn't match. She'd only known him personally for a short time, but she'd been raised with stories of him all her life. She idolized him.

When he wasn't around, she could look back and see his flaws. She moved on and became a strong and independent young woman, but how he was here, somehow and she felt like she was the girl who first arrived in New York again. Alistaire would probably handle this better, she realized, grimly, he'd known Sebastian for far longer and had more exposure to the bizarre carnival that were the Hellfire Club's machinations.

She just resolved, that she would not cry. She wouldn't give him the ... but why was she thinking that way? He was her father. She should be happy to see him again, and she was, she really was, but she knew that this would mean the end of her hitherto near-total independence.

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[hellfire_child]

Indeed, Alistaire isn't so much stunned and obviously surprised. He almost looks resigned, as he takes note of Stephanie's reactions. "Psychics. Prosthetics. Manipulation of emotional state. Take your pick, Auntie." He says, with as much sympathy as he can muster.

It takes him a token of effort, but he gets to his feet, leaning forward on his cane. "Grandfather... you've made my intentions of securing my father's remains feel much more justified. Pity that didn't work out." He tilts his head. "You're looking well.

"I'm sure you already know, but Stephanie has performed admirably in your absence, and I've hardly been idle." He smiles. "What have you been up to?"

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[ngm_parents]

Sebastian remained seated and a servant briefly came into the room to bring drink and glasses, pouring three generous glasses. Sebastian took his up and took a sip. He would have to restock the cabinets at Shaw Industries to his own preference. There was far too much Iberian wine floating about for his liking. Stephanie had made herself very comfortable here, it was clear.

"You look like you were expecting this, Alistaire. Resignation on your behalf, and numb shock on the other." He smirked coolly. "And here I thought this was worthy of celebration. The Shaw dynasty, made whole again." He regarded them both again. Alistaire's inability to feel limited his utility in some fields- he'd never be able to attain political office with that jaded facade, however useful it might be in backroom circles. Stephanie on the other hand, for all of her considerable talent in the field of business, for all the charisma she could muster, she was still green. Overly sentimental.

"I remained behind the scenes in both of your lives, while simultaneously I maneuvered myself into supreme power in the global Hellfire Club. I am the Lord Paramount of the Hellfire Club, above all of the Kings and Queens of all the local chapters."

Re: Gathering the Children (forward dated slightly, to when Alistaire is able to move some)

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie managed to collect herself, somehow, using reserves of will that probably came to her from that man who was sitting across from her. Part of her wanted to slap him in the face and scream at him for doing that to them. Another part of her wanted to hug him, like ... like a normal daughter would do for their father who had mysteriously returned. Right? She looked down for a moment and when she looked up, her face was a mask and she was doing her best to transport her true self far away from that meeting.

"Why now? Why come back now, and not earlier? And what happens next?" She knew that he wouldn't have come back for no reason, not simply to reunite with his children. He was cooler and more calculating than that. There had to be a reason he picked this moment.

Aftermath Thread (part I, Marcelo)

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie first tried to send a text, but it came out completely garbled. Her hands were shaking too hard to type out anything coherent. So she immediately afterwards speed-dialed Marcelo's phone, hoping that he would pick up. She'd managed to walk out of the meeting, but the moment she had left the eyes of either Sebastian or Alistaire she'd literally collapsed into a sobbing mess under a tree.

Re: Aftermath Thread (part I, Marcelo)

[vesper_verde]

Marcelo was not in a good mood. He had just gotten off the phone with his father after losing an argument. He was massaging his temples to try to get his headache to come down when a text came in. He picked up his phone and smiled that it came from Stephanie.

His smile faded when he tried to read it. Was that even English?

He tried to think of a response when the phone in his hand started ringing. He jumped slightly and then answered the call. "Querida, were you texting with your butt or something?"

Re: Aftermath Thread (part I, Marcelo)

[pyroprincess]

The first thing that he heard was a strangled sob that she couldn't quite suppress, and a few shaky breaths while she tried to collect herself.

"He's alive. Shaw. Father. He's alive and I just talked to him, and I don't know what any of this is going to mean ..."

She was starting to attract attention. It didn't help that her face was rather well-known due to her recent confession. So far, people seemed torn between ineffectual sympathy and lingering fear. But they left her alone, which was good. She didn't want kindness from strangers right now.

"I need you, please. Take me home. Get me away from here."

Re: Aftermath Thread (part I, Marcelo)

[vesper_verde]

"... he what? Who? Wha?" Too much information was hitting his ear along with the realization that was probably one of the worst greeting she could have gotten from him. The idea that her father was alive was not parsing to him. He picked on one thing to focus on: Stephanie herself.

"Querida? Where are you? I'll come and get you." He was up from behind his desk and moving toward the door.

Re: Aftermath Thread (part I, Marcelo)

[pyroprincess]

She wasn't surprised that it wasn't parsing, it was barely parsing for her, let alone him. And she was there in the room with him. She managed to give him an address between shaky breaths, continuing to lean there against her tree, desperately trying to seek composure, and realizing, bitterly, that the sudden sitting was not doing her joints any favors. She was going to have a very, very difficult time getting up.

She just hoped he would come soon.

[vesper_verde]

As tempting as it was to get his Vesper suit on and get there faster, Marcelo dismissed the idea. Especially in broad daylight. His dark green Tesla would have to do.

He got to the address Stephanie had given him with as much speed as traffic and his car would give him. He couldn't park exactly right in front, but he did find a parking space on the block.

He got out of the car and rushed toward where Stephanie was waiting.

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie was still there, under her tree. She looked up to see him and immediately, instinctively tried to get up and run into his arms. And then, just as immediately and inevitably, fell. She had got up too quickly, not nearly carefully enough. This time when she cried out it was in simple pain. Her next breath was a hiss. She'd probably set herself back at least a few days in recovery with that.

But the pain, at least, the pain made her think of something other than seeing her Father. Having him effectively dictate her life to him. She looked up at Marcelo, trying to muster all the dignity she could, with everything dusty and in obvious pain, physical and emotional.

[vesper_verde]

Marcelo winced watching Stephanie get up and fall back down. Whatever else he felt he stuffed down. His concerns were secondary to hers. He slowed to a stop in front of her. He'd left his office without his jacket and nervousness had made him a bit sweatier. His light shirt had some darker, wet patches.

He reached out carefully. "Here, querida. Let me help. I'll get you home."

Meeting with the King

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

A few days after Alistaire revealed to her that Sebastian Shaw was indeed alive, Alisa managed to make an appointment to see the man himself. She had to be sure it was not just him, but that the Enforcer branch of the Thieves Guild would continue their business with him. While not 100%, Alisa managed to get out of her rehabilitation facility to make this meeting happen. She just had to use crutches for the time being, as she was still unsteady on her new prosthetic leg.

She remained quiet, sitting with her back straight in her chair, and toying with the long black skirt she wore. It had a long slit up on the side, showing off her good leg, and hopefully taking away from the other that wore the blade. Once she saw someone come out and give her the single to go into the room Sebastian was in, Alisa looped her arms through her crutches and made her way inside.

"When your daughter made dat speech about you, I t'ought you would be rollin' over in your grave. Not punchin' a hole an' gettin' out o' it to stand here before de world once more." Alisa managed a small smile before bowing her head in respect. "You may not remember me, but we met years ago an' you practically paid for my education. My name is Alisa B. LeBeau, your grandson's personal bodyguard an' high rankin' T'ieves Guild Enforcer. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance once more, M'sieur Shaw, Sir."

[ngm_parents]

Sebastian was meeting with some close associates when he was informed that Alisa had come to see him. As a representative of the Thieves' Guild, she was worth a few minutes of his attention. Perhaps even as a retainer of one of his children. He nodded slightly at one of his men to send her in, as he waved off his associates, all but one, Reginald Crane, a fairly nondescript, pale middle-aged man by most appearances, save for virtually colorless grey eyes and a face that appeared totally devoid of emotion.

When she came in, Sebastian eyed her carefully. She'd clearly dressed to impress, though the hobbling on the crutches did no particular favors for the effect. Crane for his part looked like he was examining a slightly faulty piece of machinery, his face completely impassive. Shaw on the other hand looked like he was reining in impatience.

"You do not need to concern yourself with my sentiments regarding Stephanie's little speech. I trust that you are here to represent the Thieves' Guild? I've had a good working relationship with them in the past, and I anticipate that will continue. And as always, those who work with me will be well-rewarded for their loyalty." And crushed like so many ants for any trace of disloyalty or defiance, just as he'd coldly ordered the killing of Selene's Inner Circle.

"I've heard much about the Thieves' Guild of New Orleans." Crane added, mildly, in a voice that was just above a whisper, just below ordinary conversational tones. "Like all stories, though, I wonder how much of them are true."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"I am here to represent de Enforcers part o' de Guild, oui. You 'ave funded us quite well over de years. An' when you... "departed", your support was sorely missed." She could not help but smirk as she spoke. "As for dere loyalty, you know dat if you pay dem well it is wit'out question yours. As for me, I am loyal to Alisatire Shaw via contract... but I do not LIKE his contract wit' de Black Queen, at all." She could not bring herself to tell Sebastian she may actually love his grandson, but she knew the man did not love her in the same way.

The mention of the Thieves Guild and their stories suddenly peeked hr interest, enough that she let out a small chuckle. "Dat depends on what you wish to know about dem, an' which stories you'd like to hear. Only wit' M'siure Shaw's permission, o'course."

[ngm_parents]

Crane offered a smile that seemed devoid of any real emotion. "Another time, perhaps. Lord Shaw is too busy a man to brook my idle curiosities." Sebastian seemed to agree, gesturing for Alisa to sit down.

"I have funded you because you have delivered me consistent results. If that continues, than you shall have my support." When she mentioned the Black Queen, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Alistaire will have no contract with Selene. Not any longer. You needn't worry on that account." There was a dead certainty in his voice. He would not tolerate a Shaw being under the control of that witch, not ever again.

"Now, Miss LeBeau, is there a reason you wanted to speak to me other than to request that I get in touch with the Thieves' Guild? A phone call or an e-mail would have sufficed for that purpose." He was a busy man, and if she had no further business, he did not tolerate having his time wasted.

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Actually dere is. It is about your choice for de new White Queen." Alisa spoke softly, leaning back in her chair a bit and looking much like "Le Femme Diable Blanc" with her eyes narrowed. "I 'ave my concerns, an' if I got concerns, so will my Guild. Your daughter is not one for de inner circle, M'sieur Shaw. She is a woman o' business an' not of power or excess. Forcin' her into a role she is... uncomfortable in, could lead to disaster. I do not speak like dis to further Alistaire's power, nor de power o' de Guilds. I speak more from experience an' knowledge o' what could 'appen when you bash a square peg into a round hole. I am makin' a request dat she not be part o' de inner circle."

Alisa had overheard Alisatire talking about Stephanie and her reaction to what happened. While she normally had nothing to do with her, Stephanie offered her a new leg, and had been nothing but kind to her. Perhaps she could try to do something, anything to return the favor.

"I am willin' to offer you anyt'ing you want if you leave her out o' dis new Hellfie Club, M'sieur Shaw. Name your price an' I will see to it personally you get it."

[ngm_parents]

"She is my daughter and a Shaw. The Hellfire Club is my kingdom and she is one of my heirs." He responded coldly, his eyes fixing hers in an even glare. "It is not your concern whether or not she is uncomfortable, nor is it the Guild's. She will grow into her new role. You insult her by suggesting otherwise." He wondered if she even understood, how important it was. Alistaire and Stephanie were virtually the only Shaws left, his only hopes to build a dynasty.

"You have nothing of even remotely equal value to offer me." Crane for his part was watching the interaction with his typical impassivity. "Stephanie will be part of the Inner Circle. And you will mind your proper place." She was a retainer, not an advisor, not a member of the Lords Cardinal. A simple enforcer, whose job was to serve and obey. "Are we clear on this?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"I see..." This was not the outcome Alisa had intended for. her eyes remained narrowed as she watched Sebastian's glaze. She refused to show the man fear, even if her heart was pounding like a jack rabbit in her chest.

"Perhaps you wish to show me my place den." She muttered under her breath, instantly Alisa wished she could take those words back. Instead, she stood up on her crutches and gave Sebastian A humble bow, rather gracefully considering her condition.

"Oui, M'sieur Shaw. You 'ave made yourself quite clear. You will 'ave de continued support o' de Enforcers branch o' de Guild an' dere loyalty. may I now be dismissed, or is dere sumt'ing else I am needed for?"

[ngm_parents]

Sebastian gave no visible indication of caring whether or not she was scared, but it was Crane that curved his lips slightly, as if he knew something he wasn't really supposed to. His eyes met hers for a second, just half a second, but it was clear that he knew that she was unnerved. And that he was enjoying it.

When she muttered under her breath, all Shaw did was raise his eyebrow. It went back down to its normal place when she bowed, appropriately, given her stature. "Good. I will speak with the Guildmaster as soon as time permits. That is all." One of his servants opened the door for her, though both Shaw and Crane remained seated.