In a world torn between heroes and villains, it can be a dangerous and hostile place. Some take comfort in the Gifted that stand up against those who would use their powers for greed and chaos. While others choose to hide away, fearful of the day...
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It had been almost half an hour, and he still hadn't seen her.
Perhaps this is for the best, he thought, while pretending to listen to one of his suppliers drone on about fan prices. If I haven't found her, it's because she hasn't caused a mass panic or unleashed a hell beast on a rude financier. It's fine, everything is fine.
"Heather," he interjected, pausing the supplier's lecture on how Cramer Industries' enhanced robots needed more fans to cool their superpowered processors. That was a lot of assumptions on her part, considering the only thing he shared with her was how many they wanted and what size they needed to be. "I'll take your recommendation into consideration, but I don't have numbers in front of me and I can't address the needs of all our projects. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
She whipped out her phone, ready to schedule a time where they could look at those numbers. However, Tudor trained her dutiful staff to be overly hospitable. The moment Dominic stepped out of the conversation and toward the corner of the room where Civic stood enjoying a drink, was the moment a server glided in to offer Heather a glass of wine.
"What are the readings?" Dominic addressed the scientist in a hushed voice, angling his body so no one could read the words on his lips.
"Vitals are normal," she answered, after checking her elegant smart watch. The accessory paired well with her long, dark grey sheath dress and shimmering white vest, which cinched in at the waist and extended to the bottom hem of the dress. Even in formalwear, she looked every bit a scientist. "She is currently showing up in the parlor," continued Civic, before her employer could ask the question. "It's hard to discern on this screen, but it appears she is hugging close to the north-facing wall."
Doesn't sound like she's socializing, he thought to himself. Kind of defeats the purpose of the test.
"Thank you, Civic," he replied with a sigh. "Are you enjoying the dinner?"
"It is significantly better than being holed up in a conference room where I missed out on a mass psychological phenomenon—so yes, in comparison I'm enjoying myself." She took a sip of her champagne, her painted eyes sparkling with understated playfulness.
"Well, I hope all the psychological mayhem you've witnessed since then has made up for it."
"Not until I see a hundred people reacting to a behemoth that isn't really there."
"Sorry, that won't be happening tonight... hopefully."
"To each their own," she replied before giving him a wink and sauntering off to go speak with one of Dominic's top robotic technicians.
Taking a deep breath, Dominic set his sights on locating the quickest route to his parlor. Unfortunately, he found himself at the far end of the expansive open plan room that included his foyer, living room, dining room, and kitchen. If he moved towards the entrance of his house, he could cut through the foyer and arrive at the parlor. However, guests were still streaming in and would inevitably get caught up in welcoming enthusiastic attendees.
