The Defenders Renewed (Group Thread Open To All)

[KimaniNight]

POV Zuya Wagner & Lynx

As the two women entered the room, Lynx made a beeline to a seat near the right rear corner of the meeting room.

"Aren't we supposed to sit closer to the front?" Zuya asked her new acquaintance. "So that we can be heard?"

"Force of habit," Lynx said, as she found a spot where there would be nobody sitting behind her. "When you've had your tail stepped on by people who aren't in the habit of looking out for a tail, you try not to give them the opportunity to do so again. But, please, don't feel the need to sit here in the corner with me."

"Oh, considering the reason I'm here, it's probably for the best I stay on the sidelines as well," Zuya responded, taking a seat next to Lynx.

In truth, Zuya was more than a little fascinated with Lynx. Zuya had had more than one interaction with an individual who could transform into some type of anthropomorphic being, but there was something different about Lynx. From the file Zuya had seen on Lynx (and the other Defenders, from various security and intelligence agencies across the globe), the theory was that Lynx was a brilliant if obscure scientist who had found a way to transform into her Lynx form.

Zuya didn't know about that. The people who Zuya knew who could transform, always had something that gave them away. No matter how well they moved in their new form, you could tell it was learned behavior. But not Lynx, Zuya noted. Lynx moved as if she had been born into her Lynx form.

"Despite their recent statements, not all of us have a uniformly negative opinion of the United Nations, Sergeant Wagner," Lynx replied. "I myself have a high opinion of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. I've even been asked to give input to that august body on more than one occasion."

"Well, I'm glad I have one friend in my corner," Zuya laughed. Lynx gave the other woman a friendly pat on the hand before turning her attention to the front of the room.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

~Cloe~

Cloe nodded grimly as she listened to Peter, concerned about his suspicions. She hadn't had enough of a chance to tall to John that morning to sense anything either way, but she knew his history with Jane and figured that Peter may not be all that far from the mark.

"We should keep and eye on it... And I can have a girl to girl chat with Avery later if the time is right," Cloe said, smiling at Peter and putting her hand on his arm reassuringly. "Yes, I'll sit with you if you like. I think my fauna would approve." The last sentence make her chuckle and look down at the font white flowers over her neck and shoulders. They were all still tilted towards his warmth. A few more joined them in bloom when Cloe realised that. Little hedonists, Cloe thought to herself.

~Avery~

Avery got up and went to the corner of the meeting room as they asked if the ladies would like a drink and activated a panel on the wall, revealing a small bar and refrigerator. She filled any requests before getting a water for herself and John and setting them on the table.

 

[silvertongue217]

COMMANDER POV

"Sorry for the delay" John said coming into the meeting room and nodding at Avery as thanks for seeing to them "I dont want to be to long however every one is gathering in the meeting room as we speak"

"I understand" Orror replied glancing at Avery "To be honest we do not have to speak of the past"

"But we do" John said "at least I want to speak of it very briefly...... When the defenders were active we werent scrambling to figure out all that Jane was doing her syndicate suddenly appeared over night and spread like wild fire it was hard to guess her intentions and who she was working for or with"

"I didnt know about the attack and the sacking of your village until after the fact" John said glancing over at Avery "I went in alone I had solid intel she was there and wanted to end it but I was to late..... I was one of the last people your mother ever spoke to"

"What?!" Orror said her eyes widening in shock "she was alive?"

"Well dying but yes" John said hesitating "she spoke of you in her last breath begged me to find you I tried I did but by the time I got wind of your trail you had busted out of the station but that being said you and I have the most desire to see Jane taken down.

"Whatever the cost"

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter smiled at Cloe's acceptance of his offer. He placed a hand over hers on his arm before walking down the side of the room towards the front. "I don't mean to be pedantic, but these guys..." he lightly brushed some of the small white blooms. "Are flora and your friend up here..." he gave a corresponding rub to Caro on her shoulder. "Is fauna. I know you spend a lot of time surrounded by nature so I wanted to make sure you didn't mix them up when you went back again."

He smiled warmly as they made it to the front. Ushering Cloe to her seat, he sat beside her. For some reason, he slipped his hand back into hers. He didn't think anything of it; it just felt natural after feeling her hand on his arm as they walked. Once settled, he began looking around. "Still remember when we used to fill this room..." he muttered to himself regretfully.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Wind Hunter

Alya politely accepted a glass of water from Avery when the winged woman offered her a drink, then listened quietly to the interchange between her sister and the Defenders' commander. Alya had been quiet all her life, and appeared especially so in her newfound sister's presence. But it had always been a reflective quiet. Now it was a withdrawn silence. A worried silence.

"Sister," she said softly, "I'm going to sit by the back wall. In case Parkhala chooses now to return."

 

[silvertongue217]

COMMANDER POV

"We should go in any ways" John said noting the sisters words and clearing his throat awkwardly "I do not want to miss the meeting I did however want you to know that in private"

"I-" Orror said shaking her head "I thank you I did not know-"

"I know" John said with a shake of his head "Take strength in it and together I promise you we will see that bitch hang for what she did"

The fire in his eyes was back as he turned nodding at Avery and opening the door. He left knowing the others would follow as he went into the main meeting room.

"Were about to get started" John called out as more of the group trickled in "find a seat close by Gregory bring up the map please"

"Aye Commander" Gregory said started at the fierceness in Johns voice. His fingers danced over the holo console a map of the earth appearing and circling around as John took the center stage.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Cloe took a deep breath, embarrassed by her slip up. She had known as soon as it was out, but wanted to appear more composed than she was and chose not to acknowledge it. The truth was that it was distracting being back (in more ways than one). The flowers enjoyed Peter's touch, sending a thrum of pleasure ringing through her body at the warmth. She pushed it aside, trying to clear her head.

"It seems my flowers like your touch. They are little hedonists. They like anything that gives them pleasure," Cloe said, looking up at Peter. Then her eyes widened and she shook her head. "Sorry, you didn't need to know that. It was inappropriate of me." She inwardly cursed, but decided to go easy on herself. After six months without human contact in the Amazon, socialisation would take a bit of getting used to. "You must forgive me Peter, being back on the moon has me all bamboozled."

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Avery watched the exchange with interst, seeing how the sisters reacted to John's words. She could see the fire in him, the thirst for revenge, to avenge the wrongs committed by Jane. She walked out with him, settling into a seat at the the front of the room, as close to him as she could be.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Jane Smith

Jane went straight from her transport to the throne room. The heels of her boots clacked heavily on the smoothly polished floor as she went. With the exception of the Horsemen being too late to do anything against the Defenders, and the subsequent break out from the research facility, her day was going well. Production on her secret was far ahead of schedule, and the preliminary tests were better than she dared to hope. Mother had expressed a few concerns about her interest in a mechanoid army, but with her trip today there was no doubt that her time had been well spent. She could hardly wait to unleash them on the newly reformed Defenders, to take back John and finally prepare the world for their rulership.

It was, perhaps, only the success with the mechanoids that spared the Horsemen from annihilation due to their failures.

Jane threw the throne room doors open with a mere whisper of a suggestion in her mind. They slammed back against the wall and sent shockwaves vibrating through the strong walls. She could see the backs of her minions as they bowed to her, the four horsemen on one side and the Eleventh hour on the other. From the tension in their bodies she knew she had interrupted another one of their competitive tongue lashing matches.

"You may rise," Jane said as she strode through the gap between them. She didn't bother to turn around as she passed, only deigning to look at them once she was comfortably settled on her throne. "Horsemen. You failed me. The Defenders destroyed a prime, supposedly impenetrable, research facility and stole away some of our greatest experimental assets."

Jane's eyes settled on the mirrored faceplate of Jonathan's visor, her gaze full of deadly promise.

 

[silvertongue217]

DEMON SQAUD POV

Johnathan bristled at her words his failure evident and apparent to her and the eleventh hour. He bit back the retort the one stating that even if they had left promptly they wouldnt have made it in time. The base was to far away even by helicopter.

But he would not and could not speak out against her. So instead he rose standing tall in front of her as he did.

"By the time we got there they had already left" Johnathan replied ignoring the huff of Spectrum behind him "I promise you if we had been there they would not have escaped and they will not next time"

"Next time" Spectrum said snorting and moving forward "Mistress my eleventh hour is ready already we have been in russia performing diligently to our cause there the defenders mean nothing to my time they have never went up against us before we can succeed where the Terror Twins and the "demon" hunters did not" She said directing a sneer at Johnathan and his team.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Yes, yes, blame the timing all you like, " Jane said, a growl in her tone, "But did you follow them? No! Hunt them down? No! This, horsemen, is your first and final warning. If you fuck up again I will see the walls of this throne room painted with your blood."

Jane sat straighter in her chair and turned her sharp gaze to Spectrum.

"And you, I am glad to hear at least one of my teams isn't utterly useless. I want you to keep up the work in Russia. Keep that information safe, or I will make the worst types of human torture seem like a walk in the park."

Jane stretched her limbs, settling in herself like a vicious cat after a good meal.

"I expect both of your teams to continue with their missions. I also want you to keep your ears and eyes open for any further Defender action. If you find anyone going to join them, here of them going on a mission... I want you there. I have a message to send to them, and the only ones that you are not to kill on sight are John and the Bird Bitch. They must be brought to me. Do you understand?"

 

[Wolfias]

Looking about the the Hall Adam couldn't help but be happy, some wore costumes that looked to be right out of a Comic. Maybe they would bond some type of bullet and fire proof material into his black leather jacket and pants. A apparatus with multi frequencies of light to select from in the form of a Visor, now that would be cool. Self targeting Spear, Knife and arrows similar to Hawkeye's gear. Now that would be one of the top three on his superhero wish list.

Snapping out of the daydream I'd unintentionally slipped into, with a glance at the girl with too much shit seated beside him. The hulking Commander was nowhere to be seen within Meeting Hall Alpha. Slumping down low into his seat slipping back into daydreams that would keep Adam's attention, well almost his full attention. The sexy Redhead steps from the pool the string Bikini matching her blue eyes, running her hands through her wet hair joining him. Handing her a drink she kisses his lips her arms around his neck cuddling he woke suddenly.

 

[silvertongue217]

DEMON HUNTER POV

Johnathan stiffened at her warning and every one in his team gave an affirmative. Johnathan struggled with his anger at the mention of John. Of course she would want him brought in alive! Of course she would want to give him what he didnt deserve! what he couldn't possibly understand!

And by god was it infuriating

"I promise My Queen" Johnathan replied bowing along with his team "We will not fail you again I will wait in Russia for them to come"

"Excuse me" Spectrum growled moving forward "She's given Russia to the eleventh hour"

"And told us to hunt for the defenders" Johnathan growled rising up "And my intel suggest thats where he is going next" Johnathan snapped turning to the Queen.

"I wont let her get in my way" Johnathan warned

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Very well," Jane purred, watching Jonathan scramble in his apologies. Yes, she thought, you are very lucky I am in a good mood right now. Nevertheless she knew she had to make a point.

So Jane reached out with her mind. She gripped the leaders of the two groups by their throats, hauling them up into the air, letting them wiggle and struggle in her telepathic death grip.

"How easy it would be to snap your necks right now," She sighed. She held them for a minute more, enjoying their grunting and spluttering, before she dropped them to the ground with matching thuds. "You will succeed. And you will make sure this pissing contest you have between you doesn't get in the way of that. Do you understand?"

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Macha and Wind Hunter

So unfair!

Delen had just left her assigned bedroom, forbidden to leave it by the Commander until she got everything done for her online classes. So after snacking on some yogurt and finishing her Cal I assignment, Delen ran a quick brush through her hair and switched out to a Ravenclaw Tshirt before heading to the meeting room for the first team meeting. That's when she overheard someone talking about a tiger on the base.

And she missed it! All because the Commander had told her she couldn't leave her bedroom until she had all her assignments done. It wasn't like anyone else was having to take online college courses. Delen wanted a year off at least, but the Commander had promised her parents that she wouldn't miss anything while on the moon.

As Delen entered the meeting room, she could almost feel some of the old guys perving on her ass. Even in her loose jeans! Delen spotted Lynx talking with someone, but Delen decided she was going to take a pass on Lynx. The Commander had recruited Lynx to act as sort of an academic enforcer. The last thing Delen wanted to do right now was to have to give an academic rundown to Lynx.

Delen looked around and spotted a girl her age leaning against the back wall. Delen walked over, giving the girl a nod. "I'm Delen. Mind if I join you back here?"

"Alya, and please," the other girl said in an accent Delen couldn't recognize. It must be Arabic, Delen thought. Since the other girl looked like a live version of Jasmine, that would make sense to Delen.

Delen settled against the wall and turned her attention to the front.

 

[Armphid]

For the one hundredth and eleventh time that morning, Makoto shook her head; she shouldn't have come. But since she had, she should have left last night. Or this morning before the wake up call. But she hadn't. "Baka," she cursed herself under her breath. It was too late now.

The Commander's recall message had found her through one of her old lines of communication. She had fretted over it, torn between fear and her loyalty, and had called him. They had spoken long at a distance and she was glad. Because it meant if he reacted badly to her, both to her reaching out to him from his fallen friend's comm, and to her truth...he wouldn't be there to actually be able to hurt her.

Not that she thought he would but she was afraid. She knew how people often reacted to those like her; especially strong, masculine men. But it wasn't like that at all. She had been floored by his reaction; surprise but then...relief and acceptance. She could have been knocked over with a feather then. It meant so much to have someone from her past who knew, who accepted. And that it was her old friend and leader made it even sweeter.

Makoto should have felt it there. Agreed to be the team's eyes and ears in Japan and eventually join up. But he'd talked her into it. And so she had come on to the familiar station last night...and her heart had ached with so many emotions it had almost burst. Regret, guilt, fear, delight, excitement, shock, all and more. She had also felt a certain level of indignation at the state of the place...but it actually should be far worse. This "Spiders" that John had spoken of had done a good job. Her nanites could help a great deal more. She could have this place up and in perfect form within the next week.

Assuming she didn't freak out and bolt.

Makoto already felt the strain and she hadn't even interacted with any of them yet. Just knowing they were there and seeing them was bad enough. Peter, Cloe, Avery, she knew David was here too. What would they make of her? Would they be mad at her for "stealing" her past self's identity? Would they think she was a worthy legacy? ...If they ever found out the truth, what would they think?

The new faces helped to ease her nerves. Surely they wouldn't make a scene with all of them there. Maybe they wouldn't even notice her for a while.

It was that hope that had made her eat a breakfast stolen from the kitchen late last night in her room, well, not her room...her original one was still empty. She'd taken another one, not wanting to push the idea of stepping into the "old" Kuroari's shoes too hard. Makoto had cleaned up and slipped into the meeting room as early as she could, taking a spot in as dim a corner as she could find and waiting.

She leaned there now, slender shoulders against the wall. Makoto had opted to wear her costume; she always felt braver and stronger in it. A strong layer of carbon nanotubes hugged her body, tight on her pleasant curves, displaying a figure that was ample for her size and her national origin and clinging to a body that had defined muscle but none that detracted from smooth femininity. Her silvered boots and gauntlets gleamed dully when they caught the light, as did the tines of her open helmet. The translucent visor was a pale rose color and behind it her large violet eyes studied the others coming into the room and the exits. Her tongue slipped out over pink lips, dry from her nerves. Her dark hair was a glossy waterfall of jet black that fell over her shoulders now, the locks splaying across her chest as she waited, arms crossed under her breasts.

She had been joined in the back by two other women; a lovely and shapely redhead and an elegant young woman whose every move was graceful in a way Makoto could only envy. Makoto gave them what she hoped was a polite nod and a slight smile before her eyes again returned to their relentless survey of the room and its exits.

 

[Zagreus_D]

Romeo/Kid Crux POV

Romeo answered David's question as they walked together toward the meeting. There was a shift in the energy around Romeo as the Baron moved distinctly away from David, and Nibo moved towards him. Almost like they had changed position in cue, next up Nibo.

"I went way too long without eating yesterday!" Romeo answered, "I hadn't quite anticipated a mad dash across Manhattan, followed by a trip to the moon, followed by foot race on the base and a gymnastic assault. All I ate yesterday was half a scone and a cup of tea! Really I do okay most of the time, although possession can be exhausting under the best conditions. I don't think it should be a problem on any missions though. Nibo knew that I was in a bad spot, and that's why he stuck around as long as he did. He won't drop me in a dangerous situation... although sometimes he will drop me for a laugh."

Romeo was particularly concerned that his teammates would think him unable to handle intense situations because of the way he ended up after the brief altercation with Maya last night. He had been eager to prove that he was capable, and he only ended up over extending himself unnecessarily.

They reached the meeting room and Romeo took a seat front and center.

-------

Imogen/Improv POV

"Hi" Maya said to her "I noticed you walking alone and thought we could go to the meeting hall together? My name is Maya" she said smiling at her.

"I'm pleased to meet you Maya, I'm Imogen." Her voice was open and friendly. "I'm very glad for the company. This whole hero thing is all really new to me. I'm feeling a little bit like a fish out of water. Have you been with the Defenders long?"

Imogen walked slowly in order to steal a few extra minutes talking to Maya. She spoke about feeling out of place, but the feeling was really more excitement than anxiety. Gen had never been particularly shy, and she hadn't felt this kind of rush since her first opening night in a leading role.

 

[silvertongue217]

SPECTRE POV

"I know the people I have possessed before always complain of the same" David replied nodding "Makes me always glad im on the possessor in these situations not the one being possessed"

David followed him into the large amphitheater and sighed breathing it in and stopping for a minute. The memories rushed forward to greet him, countless planning sessions and late nights. This was where they celebrated all the big news to like the Sound and Thunders wedding or when Kid Crater left them to join the peace corps.....

"Countless memories" He murmured sighing in pleasure.

And he was back to make some more

"Another go around" David said smiling sadly as he moved to join Romeo. Nostalgia had taken a some what melachony tone to it as he neared closer to the end. He saw every thing as a last moment in his life even if it was also the first.

He slid into the seat next to Romeo nodding and letting John know they were the last to come in. Maya and the other new girl were already sliding into the seats behind them chatting amongst each other.

..........................

RUNNER POV

"A defender?" Maya said blushing and shaking her head as they sat down "I dont know if I even am one yet I was rescued last night I havent even had a chance to speak to the commander"

She turned eyeing the girl once more as she chewed on her bottom lip. She berated her self for starring and turned trying to focus on John and not the pretty girl seated next to her.

...............................

COMMANDER POV

"Everey ones been accounted for Commander" Gregory said glancing at the roster "well every one but Tetris"

"She wasnt ready for the big group" John replied noting the way the younger man said her name "After im sure Delena and you will fill her in.... Lets go ahead and start please"

"Aye Commander" Gregory said his fingers dancing on the keyboard. The doors slid shut sealing as the lights dimmed and became red. To some it might have seen freaky but to the older members of the defenders it was old hate. The room was designed to seal just on the off case some one was listening in or trying to evesdrop. Davids technology shielded them from any one trying to "shift" in.

They were officially in mission mode

"Welcome" John said loudly moving onto the stage "And thank you all for coming every one old and new"

John paused looking around at every one and taking the time to rest his eyes on every one gathered.

"Five years ago the defenders were disbanded" John started clearing his throat "Before that we had protected and safe guarded the planet for five years we were brought together and forged out of fear and hope fear of the OMNI forces and the hope that a group of powered people working as a team could stop them"

"And stop them we did"

"It took all of us and it wasnt without our own causalities, it was a hard war but in the end we succeeded as a team and as a family. It was then that we turned our direction back to the people saving them helping them and fighting crime"

John smiled at the memory swallowing past the lump in his throat as he turned to Gregory and nodded at him "It was a golden age..... and it was taken from us I know you all know the stories... What happened we were disbanded and evil celebrated and increased their operations around the world"

"But your here because your hero's because you never stopped being hero's for some of you the journey is just beginning and for those of you that are starting its you I admire the most in this day and age its so easy to become a villain, to use your powers to terrorize and take what you want. To have the strength to stand for the opposite.... Well its awe inspiring to all of us"

"We used to have an official ceremony and maybe one day we will but for now I think a simple welcome will do and a round off applause from all of us old timers" John said smiling softly and clapping as he looked at all the new comers.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter listened and nodded along as John told a condensed version of the history of the Defenders. Hearing it laid out for him again brought back a lot of memories and a lot of images in his mind of the people they helped over the years that he worked with the Defenders. That was the part he missed most while in captivity: being on the ground, directly improving people's lives. 'We'll get there...' he thought as John continued.

There probably were too many new faces all at once to go through the usual induction ceremony. That much he agreed with. Hearing John start to clap, Peter stood up and turned to face the room, clapping for all the new people that set aside their old lives to be part of something bigger. He knew why he joined, but this new wave didn't have the same luxury of an established team and direct government contact that he and the old Defenders had. It was going to be tough for this new crop, but they were all here for a reason.

 

[KimaniNight]

The Chief's call to arms was one that Lynx thought no one could resist. Applause was not a custom of her own people, but she understood the emotions behind it, and understood the reason she should emulate the Chief's actions. When Peter began clapping, Lynx stood up to clap as well, She wasn't just clapping for the new heroes who had joined the Defenders, but for the old ones who had been tossed aside by the world in the past, but who kept the hope alive in their heart. And that hope had come back to life right here and right now.

Sitting next to her, Sergeant Zuya Wagner stood up as well. True, she wasn't part of the Defenders, and some might even see her as a "monitor" of the team from people who strongly disapproved of the Defenders and wanted to see them disbanded for a second time. But that wasn't why Zuya was here, and the Commander's speech reinforced her belief that these Defenders could do the job that needed to be done. And Zuya was going to use whatever connections she had to make sure the Defenders got to do that job.

Delen felt her cheeks flush when the Commander talked about the new heroes making the tough choice that had to be admired because it was so tough. It didn't seem that tough to her. Whatever she did...well, it was what had to be done. Nothing special about that, she thought. Still, when Delen looked over at the dusky skinned girl next to her, the one she had shared just one sentence with, the other girl met her gaze. And in that shared look, the two young women knew they were bonded with each other and with everyone else in the room. How did her Dad put it? Fight the good fight. Yeah, that's why we're here, Delen thought, as she and the olive skinned girl and others started clapping. Clapping for themselves and for the people who were here five years ago and had returned. Because we're going to fight the good fight, Delen silently vowed. Maybe it was a tough choice, Delen thought, but she knew it was the only choice for her and the people around her.

 

[Wolfias]

Adam Stone.

Adam awoke to the Hall in a red out that reminds him of an old 80's scifi movie is called Dreamscape. Somewhat impressed to see those his Uncle Jamison often told stories to a young big starry eyed child. That youngster didn't exist anymore, just the jaded man that sat here could only question why walk away? Still casually sitting down low in his seat crossing his arms as "Old Timers" as they referred to themselves, obviously going against their ego applauded us newbies. Adam didn't feel the warm and fuzzies the other newbies seemed to feel very enthusiastically. He wished he could but ain't built that way and he never would be. Hearing his Uncle saying this from memory "Can't never could do anything boy."

Never one to do well in crowds wished the pep talk to end and disperse into smaller ones. He wouldn't do much better in that situation either, he was just uncomfortable. Now training was something he looked forward to, you didn't have talk you did as you were told. He knew he was skilled, but joining the Defenders wasn't a tournament if you fuck up you or another dies. Sitting up straight in his seat he didn't need to appear to be lazy here, he didn't want to be tagged as lazy at all. The challenge finally hit him and it hit him like a sledgehammer. Feeling a little sick thankfully his tan skin hides that. "Just don't puke Adam" He told himself as he didn't imagine standing up and applauding would help this either, but managed to do it.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

~Avery~
At the moment that the room locked and the lights switched red, a wide grin spread across Avery's face. She was hit with a solid wave of nostalgia, watching as John got up and started to speak. Memories of the 'golden days' flooded back, of her old friends and rivals, of the heated arguments and joyful moments in this room. When John referred to the new recruits, Avery turned, eyes surveying the incredible number of people who had come to join them. It was a pity that they couldn't do the ceremony; but she made a promise to herself that none of the new ones would get lost in the crowd. So she stood with her peers, new and old, and joined in the applause that John had started. Welcome indeed.

~Cloe~
The sound of the room locking stirred something within Cloe's blood. As the air quality change subtly and the lighting went to red, her fauna retreated, pulling in closer to her body, holding her tighter, and Caro gave an irritated chirp as he nuzzled into the now limp curtain of her hair. Cloe had always hated briefings for this reason; they were a time when the barely passable air and light quality of the moon base became barely tolerable. She had to concentrate to take in John's words, and found herself unable to drum as much enthusiasm up as her colleagues. She still rose to her feet and clapped, but the trembling of Caro and holding the fauna in place (that wished nothing more than to retreat) was taking most of her energy. Cloe managed to push through a smile though, not wanting to appear hostile to the new members or disrespectful towards John.

 

[silvertongue217]

COMMANDER POV

"Thank you" John said smiling at the old members who rose "We all welcome you and together hopefully the defenders can shine once more"

"For now however we operate in the shadows" John told them his tone growing serious "Until the UN accepts us once more this time its different for many of you it will become old hat but for those of us from the old days it will be us that has to adjust.... Gregory?"

The map behind John disappeared morphing into an overview of the Russian country. It then shrunk replaced by a long list of syndicate agents and members.

"I raised the call for a reason" John said stepping forward "The syndicate our enemies from before the fall they grew bold once they managed to turn the world against us at first it was just expansion and recruitment but then it all changed"

"Jane" John spoke and pictures of her began appearing in prominent Russian settings "Usually leaves her dirty work to her agents it isnt unless she needs to use her powers to control some one that she gets out in the field six months ago she began appearing heavily in Russia with the prime minister"

Pictures of them both appeared along with time stamps of when they were taken.

"Around this time hostilities between the American Canadian coalition rose up of course they have never been friends but there was a cold war of types between the two Russia knew they couldnt face the combined forces but was still willing to play games and try to bait and garner sympathy"

"Now however Russia has all but assured the U.N that they will be going to war soon Of course no ones taking it seriously yet but...... With Jane there I have no doubt her hand is behind it and that Russia is giving her some thing that she wants"

"So the million dollar question is what that is?" Darius asked pulling his laptop out.

"Basically" John remarked not minding the open floor approach "Unfortunately my resources are not what they used to be I did have an agent working in Russia but they went dark one month ago..... Before they did however they sent me this"

The screen changed once more to a holographic representation of a office building.

"The bulk of the syndicates cyber network run through this hub" John said pointing at the top floor "my contact identified it as a High Value Target so its our best lead Darius your going to hack into it a team of veteran agents are going to cover and help you Davids going to be running the team. The rest of you the ones that are new are going into training with Avery and I were going to show and teach you how to work and act as a team. For those of you cleared for the mission go see David and let him know he will pick a team of four was there any questions?"

 

[Zagreus_D]

Romeo/Kid Crux POV

"I know the people I have possessed before always complain of the same" David replied nodding "Makes me always glad im on the possessor in these situations not the one being possessed"

"Wow, you can do that?" Romeo asked half under his breath. He wasn't really sure if David had heard him. David seemed lost in thought for a moment.

"Countless memories" He murmured sighing in pleasure.

Romeo wondered what it must feel like, seeing this place as something familiar and beloved. He wondered if he would last long enough to find out.

More and more he was beginning to worry about how the lwa would fit into this very military style operation. Romeo felt comfortable enough taking orders, but Baron was very difficult about that sort of thing. He needed to be plied and persuaded, and in the end he always did whatever he wanted to do. Nibo and Brigette would hardly be much easier. They were all willing to help, but helping is not the same as following orders, and Romeo couldn't predict how much leeway the lwa would be given, when it came down to the proper rank and file of operations.

He decided it would be a good idea to try to speak to one of the more experience members soon before it became a problem in the field. He had spent a lot of time already, trying to explain how things would work to the lwa, and they were a little too dismissive of Romeo's concerns, but then they didn't care so much about approval or belonging to a group. If they were cast out of the Defenders tomorrow they would shrug and move on, only Romeo would feel like a failure.

The lights dimmed and the Commander began speaking. Romeo tried to set aside his worries and just listen.

..........................


Imogen/Improv POV

"Then we can be new to this together!" Imogen took Maya's hand and squeezed it, sharing her excitement and her nerves. "I got the chance to speak to the Commander briefly. He seems really good, a little stiff, but most of the best leaders are. What were you rescued from? If you don't mind my asking..."

 

[Armphid]

Makoto couldn't help but smile. "You and your speeches," she murmured under her breath. John had always led more with his heart than his head; something she had disagreed with him about a few times in the past. But she couldn't deny that it worked. And it worked on her.

Her smile grew into a beaming expression as the "old guard" rose and applauded, and many of the new Defenders joined suit. She felt a pang in her heart at wishing she could be standing with her old friends in that moment.

Never again. That was the price of being who she truly was. Part of it, anyway.

As the briefing got started for real, Makoto stiffened at the name of that woman. Then the commander had his assistant start putting up pictures of the Russian prime minister and Her. Jane Smith.

Makoto's right hand moved to her chest and she clutched her uniform as best she could, hand over her heart. She could almost feel it again; her chest collapsing, ribs bending inward and snapping one by one, her own sharp bones ripping her lungs open...her face was flushed and there was a cold sweat on her brow.

She shook the memory away as best she could, hoping her mini-flashback had gone unnoticed. This Makoto would have hard feelings about the bitch, true, but not like that. The Japanese woman leaned more fully against the wall, tipping her head back against it and breathing slowly. She was more glad than ever she was in a back corner; with everyone looking forward for the briefing, no eyes would be on her.

When John asked for questions, she took a breath and then stood away from the wall. She did NOT want to draw attention to herself. But she had to ask. "Commander." She licked her lips nervously as she felt people looking her way and her hands twitched a few times before she put them behind her back, trying to appear at ease. "My predecessor left behind some records for me. I know of Jane Smith and why she is a danger but I don't know that everyone here does. Perhaps some background would be helpful? In brief, of course.

That wasn't what she had really wanted to ask. Just spit it out! After a pause, she spoke again, "I...I am also curious if you have developed any...solution to her. I, well, I have looked into a few of my mentor's ideas on the subject. I can begin researching and refining them immediately."