Log:Princesses' Guard Revived, Scene 5

Princesses' Guard Revived 2014/04/02 	 Ghost Titan Sasha Bard 5

Past Times Coffee Shop
The smell of fresh coffee is the first thing that assails you. The next is the very old style. It seems the owner has gone for the Edwardian style from early last century. Lots of imitation wood panelling and prints of old English countryside. There are many partitions between the tables, affording some privacy and the sound seems hushed in the room, this has been achieved mainly through very good design, which muffles sounds. At the counter service is quite quick and cheery, conveying a welcoming and friendly attitude. The menu boasts the fact that for a little extra real coffee is served along with light hot and cold meals and snacks. All in all a pleasant place to pass a bit of time.

Recruiting I
The door of the coffee shop opens, held by Johnathan as Ghost slips inside, Johanthan following. As soon as they are both inside Ghost reaches out towards Johnathan's hand seemingly unconsciously. She smiles on seeing Sasha already in Past Times. "Hi, Sasha. Can I get you anything? Don't hesitate, I can put it all on expenses. Johanthan, do you want your usual?"

Sasha seems to be playing some form of solitaire at the corner booth. A half drunk glass of water sits on the tabletop while his skateboard and bag rest beside him on the bench seat. He looks up as Ghost addresses him. "I am fine with my water, spasiba."

Titan nods to Ghost, "Umm....sure. Just a regular coffee for me. Thank you."

Ghost disengages her hand and heads to the counter to order a hot chocolate and orange drink for herself and a regular coffee for Johnathan.

The cards Sasha is playing solitaire with seem to tarot cards.

Titan walks over to Sasha's table. "I don't think I'm familiar with a game that uses those cards. Unless you're doing a reading now?"

Sasha looks up at Titan. "Oh, I have taken out the Major Arcana. If one does that, it is just a deck of cards with unique pictures for each card." He grins. "Tarot strted out as a card game called Triumph long ago after all."

Ghost comes to the table with the drinks, "May we join you, Sasha?" she asks. "You know, my translator program hiccupped on one of the words you used just now. Is it an English word I missed or is it from another language?"

Titan smiles and takes the coffee from Ghost's hand. "Thanks again. 'Tarot' is a French word. Though I admit to knowing little about it, other than that people believe the deck can be used for divination."

Sasha gathers up the cards, shuffles them expertly, then lays out a few on tabletop. As he finishes doing so, a sense of quiet seems to descend upon the table. The sounds of the coffeeshop become muted. The youth seems to become somewhat still as well as he murmurs with a smile, "Well, they can be used that way. They also make a good prop for quiet conversations."

Ghost smiles, "Did you read my mind, Sasha? I was just about to ask if you could provide us with a little privacy. If you're willing to teach me, I must try to learn that spell some time. However for now, I'd like to discuss potential names for additional team members. I've approached Sukeban, and she has agreed to rejoin the team. Despite her hot headedness she brings a substantial amount of firepower to the team. Q has declined to join as a full member, but has agreed to be a consultant. I believe he has the same agreement with Starguard and the FBI meta group. Finally, I'm considering Rift. Her teleportation capability could prove useful, although I don't know enough about her as yet to know if she'd be suitable even if you agreed to have her as a team member."

Titan takes a seat at the table. "Neat trick. I kind of wish I could do more utilitarian things, rather than just....well, punch stuff." He grins, and takes a sip of his coffee. "Glad to hear Sukeban's aboard again, and I'm not surprised about Q. I'm afraid I don't know Rift at all."

Sasha shakes his head. "No mind reading. Just paranoia on my part I fear." He then adds. "I have met Rift briefly here. And yes, her abilities would be useful." He grins. "Nor is her outfit hard on the eyes."

Ghost chuckles, "I hadn't considered that aspect, Sasha." She says and reaches for Johnathan's hand. "Johnathan, punching stuff is good. Palanir didn't hang around last time we saw him, did he? And there has to be one hero in the team I can hide behind..." She pauses for a moment, "That still leaves us a bit thin on the ground. I'm sure that when we operate on Earth other heroes will join in. Whether that is a good or bad thing depends on which heroes. But on Undermoon it's likely to be just the core members, and I'd like a couple more, if either of you can think of anyone else who might be suitable."

Titan takes Ghost's hand and sips some more of his drink, "Oh, I know my role...and that it's necessary. I just have run into a couple of situations where I really couldn't help at all. That's all." He shrugs slightly, "Hmm...as for someone else...I've been a little out of the loop as of late. I hate to admit it, though. Most of the people I know are already tied up with working for Starguard."

Sasha nods. "The same can be said for me. Most of those I know well are engaged with Starguard or other organiztions," he murmurs. He places as few more cards into the pattern on the tabletop as he adds, "I am wrapped up in Harrisburg a great deal and few heroes frequent that locale."

Titan tilts his head, "There are always new heroes in town. Perhaps it might be worth putting out an open call?" He looks to Ghost, "I know you wanted to be selective, but if the command structure is clear from the outset, it might be possible to find that 'diamond in the rough'."

Ghost nods, "I'll speak with Spirit at Starguard, and whoever is in charge of the Hero group in the FBI. It may be that they'll be able to recommend some names. Mm... Sasha, I'd like to follow up on something you said the last time we met. About your distrust of motives. You are free to question me at any time if you ever doubt I'm being honest. And please bring it to my attention if you think I'm being manipulated. I'm smart. I know I'm not supposed to say that about myself. But I am. I'm not infallible though."

Sasha grins. "I doubt you find I am reticent to speak my mind, Captain. But thank you."

Ghost grins back.

Titan chuckles quietly. "I suppose I should have spoken more openly to Scrapper during the last iteration of this team. Before it became an issue."

Sasha looks down at the cards again. "Is that what brought the team down?"

Ghost laughs, "I think you spoke pretty openly to her, Johnathan, when she tried to pull you into the place she wanted you to be." She says, and then answers Sasha, "I think there were several issues, Sasha. Divergent opinions on what the role of the team was, was one of the major factors. And some of the members turned out to be.. well, unreliable is the polite way to describe it."

Titan nods, "I would have got with 'flighty' rather than merely 'unreliable'. Though I guess that means basically the same thing, more or less."

Ghost watches Sasha head to the male restroom. Then she turns to Johnathan, "Jo, Scrapper, wanting to be the team leader didn't help. Especially when she just couldn't seem to grasp the Princesses' intent. I understand her to some degree. I hope this doesn't lower your opinion of me, but when I joined the team it was with the mindset of a merc. I was doing it for the paycheque. It took a while, and the experience of watching others, such as yourself, before I got the idea about being a hero. But, you know, when I did, it felt good. It was the first time I'd done stuff just for the good of others and it felt right somehow."

Titan shrugs and smiles. "It certainly doesn't lower my opinion of you. No worries there. It's a path a lot of people with special abilities follow. I think the issue with Scrapper was...basically just how presumptuous she was."

Titan says, "Don't get me wrong. She was talented at what she could do herself."

Ghost nods, "Everyone was remarkably talented in their own way. I felt quite outclassed. Raw talent and abilities isn't enough though. Unless you happen to be one of the 'greats'. Mm... Your idea of putting out a general call is probably something I should do. I can post an announcement on HeroNet." She chuckles, "I have a login for that now, after getting my nose smacked."

Titan grins, "Smacked by whom?"

Ghost says, "An AI I think. I tried to hack an access into heronet. Now I'm not as good as I used to be. Part of my hacking talent came from magical skill. I was a Wizard as well as a Mage. A Wizard is someone who can enter cyberspace without needing a cyberdeck. I'm still pretty good though. But before I could even get started someone, or something, smacked me on the nose and booted me off the system. A couple of hours later I got login details sent to my PDA."

Titan chuckles. "Ah. Well...for the best, I think." He takes another sip of his coffee, "I think that if you make it an open call, just make sure it's clear where the new folks stand. And of course some kind of background check would need to be done on each. I know that's tough with secret identities for some people, but I'm sure something can be worked out."

Ghost nods. "Although I think it would improve efficiency if the team members were willing to share their 'secret' identities I understand why they would be reluctant to do so until sufficient trust has been built up. But in a way what their secret identities are is largely irrelevant. It's how they behave in their heroic identities that counts, and that can be checked for all but the newest heroes by asking others who have seen them in action."

Ghost and Johnathan are seated at a table in the coffee shop when Bard arrives. Sasha's gear is on a chair next to an empty pushed back chair, but Sasha isn't visible at the moment.

Titan nods to Ghost, "Yeah, I agree with you. My only concern would be say...having a mole get on the team, or something."

Sasha returns from the back of the coffeeshop. He walks back to the corner table where the others sit.

Ghost nods, "I can ask Aunt Silif to do a reading. And maybe Harlequin will do one also. We can't absolutely prevent it but we can take precautions. And at least for the immediate concern, no one who isn't fae is likely to be a problem."

Bard enters the Cafe. Guitar on his back and all. He seems to be getting up sooner in the day, but he does seem to have recently gotten up, and is still partically waking up. He approaches the counter in search of Caffiene

Titan nods. "That's true. Just something to be cautious about. That's all."

Sasha retakes his seat at the table. As the youth sits, he flicks a hand to one side and the quiet grows deeper again.

Sasha murmurs, "So, did I hear Harlequin's name being bandied about as I approached?"

Ghost looks to Sasha as he returns and nods with a smile, "Indeed. I was wondering if Harlequin would give me readings on any prospective new members. And... Well, I do have one recent concern, Johnathan, Sasha. The Princess has been spending time with a pair of human females. The Princess seems to know them, but I did a quick check and they are known to have been part of an assassination group. It seems an unlikely coincidence that they'd turn up just now. However one of them acted as the Princesses' champion in a duel. You know them I think, Johnathan. Should I be worried?"

Sasha laughs softly but lets Johnathon respond.

Titan raises a brow, "Are you talking about Jennifer and Jessica Markham?"

Ghost nods, "Yes, I am."

Titan nods and chuckles quietly, "I have no doubt that they're fine. No need to worry. I know they tend to be...perhaps a little abrasive at times, but they're good people."

Ghost sighs, "Good. The coincidence worried me. One less thing to have to deal with."

Titan nods. "They might be carrying iron weapons, though. That I think...would be worth noting."

Sasha smiles slightly. "The Twins are likely to prove to be very good at spotting any threats to her Highness when the Twins are around her."

Bard walks up behind Sasha. "Speaking of retiring duos, anyone here willing to step up and take care of China town in their absence?" Bard says before drinking his coffee. "Evening." Bard smiles, adding "Long time no see."

Sasha glances back over his shoulder at Bard with a slight frown that then turns into smile. "Ah, droogmya! It has been some time." He glances at the others. "This is Bard. He might be able to help as well."

Ghost says, "Cold iron weapons? In Undermoon? Are you serious, Johnathan? The Palace guards wouldn't allow it for one moment. You know how the fae feel about cold iron." She looks up and nods as she sees Bard. "Hello. Chinatown? And in who's absence?"

Sasha glances down at his skateboard as Ghost talks about cold iron.

"The twins. The two you spoke of. They're taking a long break. And given their standing with the captain of the guard, I'd not worry too much about their choice of armaments." Bard shrugs. "Though it sounds like this is Fae politics, which is something I try to avoid."

Titan nods to Ghost, "What is considered polite and what is considered prudent by the twins...don't necessarily coincide. It'd be good to remember that." He looks up to

Bard, "Hey there."

Sasha grins slightly. "Oh come now Bard. Fae politics are no more complicated than say, hmm, quantuum mechanics."

Ghost says, "I don't know if I agree with that, Sasha. I mostly understand Quantum Mechanics. Fae politics on the other hand..."

Bard points at Ghost. "On the same page. Anyways, if you're worrying about those two I'd stop. They're taking themselves out of commission." Bard sighs. "Shame though."

Sasha grins then slaps his forehead. "I cannot believe I forgot. Captain Ghost? This is Bard. Bard, Captain Ghost, head of the Princess' Guard."

Ghost says, "Bard? The Bard?"

Titan chuckles. "He's not Shakespeare, if that's what you're asking."

Ghost says, "No. But is he the Bard that the Palace guards still talk about? The Bard that scared a goblin into talking. Goblins don't talk when captured. They just don't. Unless, it seems, when facing someone who's name was Bard."

Ghost adds, "Anyway, who's Shakespeare?"

Titan blinks, looking at Ghost, "You...should look the name up."

Bard scratches the back of his neck. "Yeah, I did that, not my proudest moment." He definitely doesn't seem proud of the fact this is something on his resume. "It was to see who tried to frame one of the twins for murder and start a war between Earth and Undermoon. Though Titan caught everything well before me." Bard looks at Ghost. "A playwrite from Elizabethian Era, known for plays such as Hamlet, Othelo, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, and many more."

Sasha nods slightly. "A Russian at heart if not nationality." his eyes twinkle.

Titan chuckles. "I caught it, but you got the credit for the questioning, Bard."

Ghost nods, "Okay, Johnathan. I'll look him up. After all I have so much spare time I don't know what to do with it all." She grins. "I wish."

Titan shrugs and smiles. "As Bard says, he's a famous playwright. He's known as 'The Bard'."

"Yup. He was also an actor, but he's better known for his plays." Bard shrugs. "Not like we have recordings of Shakespeare in action." He takes a long drink of coffee.

Sasha looks up at Bard. "So, Harlequin has decided to join the Princess' Guard. Care to sigh up as well? I think there is a signing bonus." He grins.

Ghost hears what Sasha has said. She doesn't say anything herself but glances to Johnathan to see his reaction to it.

Titan looks to Ghost, "He's skilled. Unorthodox, but skilled." He then smiles, "I'm noticing a pattern."

"Again, there is a chance I'd get mixed up with Fae politics. I'd rather be a civilian consultant when they need it than be a full fledged member." Bard shrugs. "But thanks." Bard looks at Titan. "Unorthadox?"

Sasha nods to Bard. "As you will, droogmya. And have a seat, Bard. I do not wish to get a pain in my neck, yes?" " His attention turns back to other two. "I have many faces as I said."

Titan nods. "Yup, unorthodox." He shrugs and smiles. "That's not a slight, you know." He then checks his watch, "I'm afraid I need to take off. I'll catch up with all of you later."

Bard nods. "Take care." Bard says to Titan, taking a seat. "So what is being talked about?

Ghost says, "Just so you understand, Bard. The team should not be involved in fae politics. The duties of the team are firstly to safeguard the health and well being of Princess Stephanie, Princess Liandere, and Quinton Dallimore, and secondly to function as a hero team for the protection of the Embassy and Colonial Bay City. Neither of those requires the team to become involved in fae politics, except in as much as protecting those I have mentioned. Both Sasha and Johanthan seem to think you would contribute to the team. I note that nothing has been said about your ability to function as a team player. But if Sasha and Johnathan approve you, as they have, I wouldn't want you to decline due to a misunderstanding."

"I was there when this thing was tried the first time. I appreciate the offer, but I'll take a pass." Bard says. "Though I'm not above helping, I just know that it means a lot of playing 'who wants us dead this week'. Besides if Titan's there, those there are safer than they know."

Sasha listens quietly and places a few more cards into the tarot pattern on the tabletop.

Ghost looks to Sasha, "Did you receive my threat assessment? And can you make the lunch next thursday, Sasha. You'll want to wear your other face I suspect."

Sasha nods to Ghost. "Yes, I received it. And yes, I will come as Harlequin. While I do not mind Johnaton and yourself knowing Harlequin and I are but two faces of a greater whole, I am not ready to share that with everyone." He shrugs slightly.

Bard takes a long drink of coffee while listening. He puts his cup down. "So any other news beyond PG reforming that I should be told?" He seems to just be asking a question, not insinuation he knows something others might not.

Ghost says, "I've been so tied up with this I haven't really been keeping up, Bard. So I'm the last person to ask. In fact I ought to return to Undermoon. I have some of the suspected opponents under watch but I need to be on Undermoon to make use of the information. Unfortunately, the greatest threat, at least in my opinion, has successfully gone to ground. I have no idea where he is or what he is doing. So, if you'll excuse, I should make my way back."