Just as Kaz had picked up his custom fitted suit he had gotten a page from Hunter, asking him to go to the Black Talon. He donned the suit and had his other clothes put into a case before he got into his Corvette and made his way to the club.

As he pulled up he noticed there seemed to be a lot of people waiting to get in. He threw the keys to the valet, and walked right past the bouncer without question. As he made his way towards the bar a young woman walked up to him and whispered into his ear. Kaz nodded to her as she began to walk towards a familiar private room set high in the club. Following in her footsteps, he sat himself down in one of the plush chairs in the room and had the girls bring him is regular drink.

Looking down at his watch, <Hunter should be here shortly.>

Hunter arrived shortly after Kaz. He would have been their earlier, but he was coming from the labs. Things had gone wrong very quickly. At least Kitra was out and Derrick silenced. Calley having his human form cover blown was unfortunate, but not much more than an annoyance, as his various animal forms were still capable of infiltrating the sanctuary if required.

He had only one more thread to tie off to wrap this up. Abyss. Calley had done his best to avoid suspicion, but in the end failed and was bringing Abyss to the Black Talon. The moment he heard that he made a call and now half of the patrons at the club were armed employees of Hunter. While he hoped to defuse the situation, Abyss was too dangerous to not prepare for the worst.

As another precaution he had gotten hold of Kaz and asked him to come. Kaz should be able to provide him with enough information to try and deal with the situation. Arriving at the club he got out of the car and went straight inside, heading for the private room. Upon entering he dismissed the girls before turning to Kaz.

“We have a problem,” he stated bluntly, “my spy in the Sanctuary has been uncovered by Abyss and both are now on their way here. I don’t know of his intentions, but I want to try and deal with this without violence, but just incase half the people down there are armed and ready to shoot on my order.”

Rather than ask Kaz for help or information he waited to see what the silver haired youth made of the situation. This would be a good opportunity to see how Kaz dealt with a problem rather than as a simple tool for Hunter to devise his own solution with.

Kaz watched the girls leave as Hunter made his way into the room. <Curious.> He raised an eyebrow at Hunter when he mentioned Abyss and armed 'patrons'. Kaz set his glass down, "I would suggest not using guns against him. Or even let on that you have a backup plan anywhere close to that. I'm not surprised Abyss was the one to find who your spy is. He's not stupid. Syn has too much on her plate at the moment, and the others, as much as I like them..." He let the sentence die off.

Picking up his glass again, he took a sip. "Since you know what was said between the two, mind giving me some info. It's a bit..." He searched for the word in his head for a moment, "Difficult, to deal with a situation like this with so little information."

Hunter smiled, Kaz went straight for the information. Before engaging an opponent in anything it was paramount that you knew everything you could about them and the situation. Pulling a DVD from his suit pocket he tapped the dinks cabinet in a certain way and out folded a computer. He inserted the DVD and hit play. The DVD showed the recorded conversation from when Abyss entered Calley’s room at the Sanctuary to them getting on the bike.

“Prior to this Calley, the spy, and Kitra, a Kabal member, got caught up with Syn, Abyss and the twins,” Hunter explained, “a mutant who Syn recruited to the Order attacked the copies of people that Kitra made using her power causing her to pass out. I sent in Kitra’s bodyguard to try and get her out and he made the mistake of naming Calley. Another Kabal member, Sapphire, managed to teleport Kitra out, but Derrick was left behind. I had him killed rather than offer Syn the chance to extract information from him.”

Now Kaz knew everything that was leading up to the approaching confrontation. Hunter was curious as to what the boy would make of it, and would offer no guidance unless asked for. While a serious matter, it would prove a good test of Kaz’s problem solving skills, which could be vital in the future.

Kaz watched the video and listened to the words exchanged between the two guys. He honestly couldn't hide his chuckle when Calley fidgeted and spoke, and Abyss' analogy of Mom and Dad. "Well, I don't think Abyss is coming here for a fight. If I were in his shoes, I'd be coming to meet you too." Standing up, Kaz made his way to the glass and looked out over the club. "He's reasonable. Keep Calley away from the Sanctuary from now on. If you're honestly trying to make a sort of alliance, pact, whatever with the Order, then that sort of thing will only screw things up. The vest is just for in case, preparing for the worst as best he can. Though," Kaz turned to Hunter. "It was sloppy for, Kitra did you say her name was, her bodyguard to screw up like that. Might be better to hire some mutes, or, make them mute." Kaz moved back to the chair. "I say we let him speak, and see exactly what he wants."

“Derrick’s slip of the tongue is a large part of why he is no longer with us,” said Hunter flatly with the faintest hint of a scowl. Derrick had been good, but even the good people make mistakes and his had cost him his life. “I’ll impress the need for the next one to think very carefully before speaking. As for Kitra, I’ve already spoken to her.” She was excused because she was still training, but had such a screw up happened on a mission it would have been a different matter.

“I’ll hear Abyss out, as I wouldn’t like for a brawl to take place here,” he said, agreeing to Kaz’s suggestion, “and as for Calley, he won’t be going near the Sanctuary again.” At least not while he was human. “I think it best that you be here for this, as you know the man could help keep him calm. One final thing, how many clones can he make?” Hunter wanted to know how many powerful men he could end up dealing with if this went badly.

((ooc: Continued from "The Room of an Entirely Innocent Individual".))

Calley got off the bike, and promptly sat down next to it, his hands on his knees, and laughed. "That," he finally gasped out, flipping up the visor on his lime green helmet and grinning up at the towering man next to him, "was great. Can we do it again sometime?" He wasn't quite sure what the best part was. Either the monkey tail that had been keeping him safe, or the look on that one woman's face when the wind from the bike's passing had lifted up her skirt. His gaze slipped towards the club, and his smile slipped, period. There was a long line waiting to get in. Popular place, apparently. He recognized a few faces, here and there, from his wanderings and soldier-pesterings at the Labs. And if he recognized a few faces... there were probably more that he didn't recognize. He didn't tell Abyss. If things went really badly, the big red guy would have to get past Hunter before he had to worry about any of the Scary Boss Man's employees. "So... Here we are. I guess we just go in. He probably knew we were coming--I think he keeps tabs on me." Calley stood up, and wiped off the back of his pants casually. "It's like he doesn't trust me, or something." A very small grin had come back on his face. He wasn't dead yet. So obviously, Hunter didn't want him dead yet. This was more than just his usual default-expression smile--this was something that was full of fear, and of something else. He didn't know what. But maybe some part of him enjoyed ticking off the Boss Man, and never mind the consequences. Underneath the collar and the effect that the constant threats had been having on him... he was still someone that the Boss Man couldn't control completely. There wasn't any pride in this situation, but still; he felt it. Pride and suicide walked a very fine line together, in Calley's world.

I wonder if I'll ever be able to fight him. Really fight him.

His grin got a little bigger. His hands were shaking, just the slightest bit. "Right this way, Sir." He took a step towards the club, and motioned towards the entrance with a half-bow and a melodramatic sweep of his hands. "Hunter Antonescu awaits your charming company, I'm sure."

---

((ooc: In this thread, writing in this color is by Abyss. The posts were deleted; I’ve reposted them with his permission.))

"That....was great can we do that again sometime?"

Abyss got off of the motor cycle and brought it up to the side walk, there was a lot of people here, he was wandering if the man owned the palace or was a frequent patron, from the way that some of the people kept their eyes on him, he felt like he was being sized up.

After coming back from being distracted by counting up the people Abyss nodded. " Sure, whenever we get a chance."

"So... Here we are. I guess we just go in. He probably knew we were coming--I think he keeps tabs on me." Abyss dropped his head a little bit, why hadn't he realized what was put into a watch most likely could be put into a button or a necklace or a pair of pants. Damn."It's like he doesn't trust me, or something." Abyss looked at the line he wasn't waiting in a line, nope. Before he could get ready to start some trouble up. calley piped in.

"Right this way, Sir. Hunter Antonescu awaits your charming company, I'm sure."

Abyss smiled briefly and then followed Calley over to the bouncer. He didn't say a thing it was diffrent dealing with a cruel leader opposed to an optimistic youth. he simply sized up the man when he got there, waiting for Calley or the thug to make the next move. He wouldn't speak to anyone other than Calley or hunter here, he didn't care for humans particularly ones that thought they had something on him.

The bouncer recognised Abyss the moment he pulled up, he doesn’t really blend into the crowd. When he reached the door he stepped aside to let the man pass. “If you’ll head for the stairs at the back, go up and head right you’ll see the room in which Mr Antonescu is waiting for you in sir.” He said, pointing to the room with the glass wall up overlooking the club. Hunter was visible, but Kaz wasn’t, and wouldn’t be until Abyss and Calley entered the room.

Abyss nodded to the man, it wasn't what he expected. " he didn't expect Sirs or any respect for that matter, he half expected to have to beat his way into the place, this wasn't a man, who was accustomed to being confronted. Or perhaps he was so used to it, he did it with a smile. Abyss was now over thinking the matter. Abyss walked past the man and into the club stopped at the bar and ordered a drink a amaretto strait, hunter could wait for a moment. the bartender waved away the money in his hand, apparently, three people were aware why he was here, after getting the drink he walked up the stairs and drank it along the way, he set the emptied glass down on a random table at the top of the stairs once he actually took the time to look at the window his eyes fell on hunter, He must have been hunter. His eyes locked on the man and only briefly parted as came to and opened the door.

---

((ooc: ...I just hit 666 posts. Why does that seem appropriate for this thread? ))

Calley trailed in Abyss' wake, looking very much like a Cheshire cat in human form. His hands were in his pockets, his shoulders were back, and his grin was large. And largely unreadable. He stepped lightly, and silently--not that anyone would have heard him move over the noise in the club. But they wouldn't have heard him on a dark and empty street, either. His eyes roamed the room in casual sweeps, locking on each person present as an individual before moving on. He didn't realize that he was focusing intently enough to copy forms until a dull ache of rusted, jammed gears filled his brain. So I can't copy humans. Wonder why. He did copy a Pekanese stuffed into a woman's pink rhinestone-encrusted purse, however. Poor pure breed.

He had seen Hunter in the glass window the moment they'd stepped into the club. Now, he was looking everywhere else. He didn't speak. Just followed. And stood at the big red guy's side as he opened the door.

Well, then. Let the fun begin.

“Hello Abyss,” said Hunter with a pleasant smile, like the one a host at a dinner party wares, “Please come in and take a seat.” Hunter motioned to one of the couches, but waited to see if Abyss would accept before sitting himself. “I assume that you know my associate, Kaz.” With an unnecessary wave of his hand he indicated Kaz.

“Now, to what do I own this pleasure?” Hunter was much more relaxed about this than he would be where he meeting Syn. Her mind altering ability was most dangerous, something he was glad that her brother didn’t share. He wondered if he would mention the meeting with Syn, as from the recording he had of Abyss he didn’t seem pleased about it.

Abyss walked into the room realizing that he was correct the man in the window was indeed who he thought it was. Abyss walked in and set on the couch, almost instantaneously one of the clones were standing next to the door leaning on the frame. Abyss wasn't surprised to see Kaz, in fact he marked Kaz being there as a good thing. if it came down to it, He was sure he knew he could count on Kaz. A slight nod acknowledged Kaz, but he was remaining professional. He didn't like the fact he used his name, he hadn't been introduced to the man, he hadn't shaken his hand. Abyss ground his teeth slightly. "I am afraid Antonescu, that this isn't a meeting of pleasure, its business. Furthermore, I am sure you know exactly why I am here. Thats the problem. You offered an alliance, and if you have any attentions of keeping it an alliance I am think the need for spies have passed. I made allowances of caution for the previous invasion on our privacy. But If I find another spy within my home they won't be returning alongside me, they won't be returning at all." Abyss intentionally stopped for a moment allowing for a moment for hunter to respond, before he did so he cut him off. " I will say that if several other instances hadn't provoked my attention to him, I would have never expected him and I am sure you understand that he is not to blame for this. He seems to fear you, I don't like that. I suggest that as far as the order is concerned you change his position from spy to emissary, I don't mind an ally gaining information, however if as I said earlier if I find another spy, then I won't consider you an ally in the least." Abyss looked to the man and then announced with in a low tone and a stare for Hunter. " I'm finished."

---

Calley nodded to Kaz, and nodded very awkwardly and respectfully to Hunter. Then he took a seat on the floor next to Abyss, with his back against the couch, his legs to his chest, and his arms loosely draped over his knees. This was probably the safest spot in the room for him. Until Abyss left, he was pretty sure the Scary Violent Abusive Boss Man wasn't going to do anything to him. So he was just going to sit next to the big red guy for awhile, and enjoy feeling semi-safe.

Though he had to admit, all that talk about "spies" and "they won't be returning at all" made his shoulders tense. And the next bit, about how it wasn't his fault... he sunk down until only his baby blues eyes were visible over the tops of his knees, watching for Hunter's reaction. He did not expect a positive reaction. Especially not when a promotion to "emissary" got mentioned. It was nice of Abyss to try and help. But Calley sort of wished... that he wouldn't. This was between him and the Boss Man and his little friend, Mister Blinding Pain. And no doubt all three of them were going to have a lovely tea party after this meeting. And no doubt Abyss and his nice thoughts were not going to be invited.

Kaz watched as Abyss and Calley walked into the room. He returned Abyss' nod with one of his own as he sat back comfortably in the plush chair. Kaz could almost hear Abyss' thoughts of displeasure about Hunter and how he was greeted, he let a slight smirk play across his face. He let Abyss talk without interuption, but when he was done Kaz leaned forward a bit, "See. Just like I thought. Abyss is level headed." Kaz looked at Abyss and winked, "For the most part that is. And willing to give someone a chance." Kaz raised his glass to Abyss. "Abyss, a healthy amount of fear is nothing bad." If Kaz knew how much Calley feared Hunter and what had passed between the two, his words would have been different.

Kaz's eyes were drawn to Calley as he sat on the floor, curling up into a ball, tighter and tighter with each sentence spoken. Setting the glass down he stood up and moved to Calley. His tone was stern and commanding, "Get up." When Calley didn't get up immediately Kaz reached down, grabbed the back of his shirt collar and hoisted him up to his feet. "What are you doing on the floor. You're a mutant not some Human trash. The floor is no place for you. Don't let me catch you there again." He looked Calley up and down for a moment, "And for god's sake, don't curl into a ball like a beaten dog, it's really pathetic."

....Aaaaand he was getting picked up by the scruff of his shirt by Speedy Gonzales. Great. Just great. So Kazzy was looking him up and down, was he? Calley straightened himself up, stuck his hands in his pockets, and looked the former Order member down and up. "Three things, Flash. One: cat, not dog. Two: do not touch me, and do not tell me what to do. 'Cause three: I don't have to take that from you." The only one he had to take it from was Hunter. And he intended to change that, one day. For now: he did not need Kaz and his self-righteous little speeches coming his way. His head hurt enough without having to listen to wisdom from Speed-Mouth Racer. Without breaking eye contact with the guy, he sat back down. On the floor. And brought his legs up to his chest, and let his arms hang loosely over his knees. But he kept his head up. It was too hard to stare down the significantly taller, significantly more standing man when he was slumping.

A healthy amount of fear is nothing bad, huh? A healthy amount of mind-your-own wouldn't kill anyone, either.

Kaz listened to Calley speak, and talk back to him. It gave Calley some points in Kaz's mind, but not the way he said it and not that he disregarded everything Kaz said. He swore he could see the contempt in Calley's eyes, and it annoyed him, whether it was really there or his imagination. When Calley sat down, on the floor, again, Kaz didn't care that Hunter or Abyss were in the room, didn't care that Calley was a member of the Kabal and employed by Hunter.

Kaz reached down again and grabbed Calley, not by his shirt this time, but by the two pressure points on either side of the neck. Squeezing enough to make it hurt and give him control, but not enough to injure, he lifted Calley up. Once he was on his feet Kaz roughly turned him round to face him. At which point Kaz grabbed Calley by the throat and squeezed, not enough to stop air or blood flow, but enough to stop him from speaking.

"One: I've seen and heard enough about you to know you act like a bitch, and thus I call you a dog. Two: I will touch and tell anyone I feel like, whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like, however I feel like. Three: You are the lowest class of mutant, and thus You Will take whatever I give to you." He gave Calley a quick squeeze to get his point across. "Understand." He tossed Calley onto the couch, "Lastly: When I speak and tell you what to do, listen, because it's for your own benifit. Be quick to learn that."

Calley hit the couch with a little bit of shock. He glared up at Kaz. The pain had been bad. But it wasn't like the guy hadn't done to him something that Hunter had done... how many times had Hunter done something like that? ...Now was not the time to count. The point was: Calley suddenly stopped glaring, and switched to a grin. "I," he said proudly, turning himself so that he was sitting up-side down on the couch next to Abyss. His legs hung over the back, his head hung at a weird angle over the front, and his arms were crossed over his chest. He'd switched back into Cheshire cat mode. "am above your petty words. Shoo, shoo--" he waved one hand at Kaz, just the slightest little motion; "--I do not wish to speak with you further. Good day, Flash Philosophy."