Invitation ACT I, SCENE I (Roberto De Costa)

[Sebastian Shaw]

Alcatraz Island might not have seemed like a good place to hold a meeting of this caliber, but it was the solitude and presence of the place which helped Sebastian choose it as his office for today. There were no surveillance cameras or prying eyes to worry about here and considering what this meeting was about, that was the good thing. The Sentinel program was up and running and within a week or two, it would be at full operating capacity. If Sebastian was to have all his safeguards in place, he would need to re-establish the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club and seeing how miss Frost was MIA for the moment, he moved on to the next best thing. Roberto De Costa wasn't easy to dig up dirt on, but thanks to Sebastian's connections, he had finally unearthed the truth about mister De Costa. His mutant ability, if indeed true, would prove to be very useful to the club, but the real prize was the wealth and business connections which De Costa possessed.

Sebastian sat in his private helicopter, dressed in a black suit and and tie, the corporate staple dress attire. He read over his newspaper, his eyes scanning each line slowly. It was still a bit earlier for the meeting, if Roberto decided to accept that was. Sebastian had only requested a meeting, purposely leaving out the reason. Such open forms of communication could easily be intercepted by the wrong people and until Sebastian could secure a closed line with De Costa, this cloak and dagger stuff would have to suffice. A shadow passed over the page Sebastian was reading but it didn't seem to bother him. Two of Sebastian's personal bodyguards patrolled the derelict landing pad while the pilot ran a routine system's check to pass the time. The guards were for show really and if necessary, cannon fodder to buy Sebastian time to escape. Being a seemingly normal human, Sebastian had to pretend to be worried about those who might want to kill him.

Closing the paper, Sebastian folded it up and laid it down in the seat next to him. He looked at his watch seeing as it was about time for De Costa to show up. It was unclear how Roberto would arrive and to be honest, Sebastian didn't care. All that mattered was that Roberto showed up. If he turned down Sebastian's invitation, then Sebastian would be forced to visit mister De Costa and find out why. A smile crept across his face at this thought as he was unsure if he could take Roberto in a fight. Sebastian liked to test his ability and see just what he could and could not do, but he wasn't stupid. He wouldn't challenge anyone he hadn't researched first as they just might have an ability he couldn't handle.

[Roberto da Costa]

Bold...stupid...reckless...insane...

Some of the few thousand words that ran through his mind as the car transported him to the drop off point. Some individual contacted him asking to meet him on Alcatraz Island. A bit of checking uncovered it was Mr. Sabastian Shaw, bit of a information but nothing he found intriguing enough to bother himself with, but Shaw was, like him, a business man. If business was what he wanted to talk about, why not set a meeting in an office with comfort and luxury that his kind is probably used to...why Alcatraz? Guess he'll find that out in a bit. For a brief moment he let his mind rest and closed his eyes for a second; allowing calm to seep into him and loosen his muscles till he was in a serene state...and then his cell phone shattered it all. A hiss escaped his lips as he pushed his hands into his jeans pockets and pulled out his cell; filled it open and answered.
"What is it?"
"Sorry to disturb you sir."
"It's fine Deb, what is it?"
"I'm just trying to strengthened on what I was saying earlier-"
"Deb..."
"- that it isn't wise for you to be going there alone, sir...I-"
Click.
He tossed the cell phone into the seat beside him and sat back in the seat, closing his eyes again to try and keep his mind at ease. Absently, he started to rub his thumb against the gold ring on his middle finger, bearing the family crest. The da Costa Crest. His father made such a big deal about family, and power and money...sadly, if you arranged them in order of importance, family always came at the bottom. Whatever.

The car came to a halt and without hesitation, he opened the door and stepped out. Compared to the suited men around him, he was completely casual. Black jeans, plain, dark grey, t-shirt and a black cotton jacket with a pair of black sneakers. This is the exact kind of attire he wore to most meetings except for when he was meeting with the higher ups in his labs and companies and for the rare businessman he found a rival. No offence to Shaw, but he wasn't feeling the suit and tie routine...especially with his mode of travel. And there it was, bobbing slightly at the side of a poorly constructed pier. But at least it was out of the way, no one was around so if something went down, no one should be able to place him anywhere.
"You can go." He said to his driver before he took off walking for the boat. The closer he got to it the smaller it seemed to become and it was as amusing as he was amused. Can't have luxuries everywhere you go, right? Finally he reached it, but there was a problem, no owner around...well, that was his deduction till he heard something move in the boat. Moving closer, he gazed upon the owner. A middle aged, slender gentleman with dirty blond hair, a face and clothing just as dirty and he was all wrapped in a ratty sheet. He actually hesitated for a second, not wanting to disturb the man but one thought and his mind was changed.
"Hey." He called out.

A board. That was basically what he had for a seat. And as for comfort, he wasn't exactly living it up but his mind was too distracted for his motion sickness to take play. His mind was back on Shaw. Was he trying to pull some sort of buy out? Was he planning on purchasing controlling shares? In that case he was smart to keep da Costa Labs a little secret of his.
"What business you be having up 'traz?"
Rob glanced around at the boat's owner. Wouldn't exactly consider him the captain, one mishap and this 'fine vessel', as it was termed, earlier was sunk. His gaze met that of the nearly toothless gentleman and with a slight smile, he turned away. He wasn't here for socializing with common strangers...oddly enough, that's what he was on his way to, but he had the distinct feeling this wasn't anything social...or business for that matter. Then what was this about? Yeah...that's right, he'd find out soon enough and sooner was getting here quicker than he had hoped. The boat docked, he disembarked and walked the rest of the way, stepping solely into the infamous prison. Now that he was here, it was up to Mr. Shaw to seek him out. If he wanted Rob's time that much, he wouldn't mind working for it...t'was a big facility after all.

[Sebastian Shaw]

Sebastian put one hand out to hold onto the seat as he climbed down from the chopper, his feet kicking up some dirt and debris as he landed. Alcatraz was hell, or at least looked the part. This was the first time Sebastian had been here since he helped Worthington scout out the place for a potential site for the 'Cure' project. It was a good thing Shaw had decided to pull his shares from the program as looking at the mess that the X-Men and Brotherhood left screamed lawsuit. Looking around, Sebastian surmised nothing had changed since the battle that took place here. No doubt Worthington labs was still in the courtroom with all matter and property concerning the cure locked down and unable to go anywhere.

"Sir," said one of the men patrolling the heliport as he approached Shaw, "A small boat not too far out," he said, offering Sebastian his binoculars while pointing to the direction of the small craft. Sebastian took the binoculars and adjusted them until he could make out the small craft with its two passengers. A smile broke out across his face as Roberto came into view. "Make sure the chopper's ready in case we need to make a hasty escape," he said as he lowered the binoculars, handing them back over to the other. The man nodded quickly and motioned for his partner to take up position with the rifle he had brought. The pilot put his helmet back on and climbed into the seat, flipping few switches to get everything warmed up and ready to go in case things went wrong. Sebastian himself buttoned his jacket as he moved to the side of the heliport, stepping off casually while his men weren't looking.

Landing feet first and in a crouched position from reflex, Sebastian absorbed the kinetic energy from the fall, his body storing it, making him a tad stronger than he was before. Sebastian liked to keep something in reserve at all times, just for safety reasons. He looked around casually and straightened his tie, knocking the dust from his slacks before walking off toward the far end of the island and what was left of the boat dock. He figured that by the time he reached the dock, then the small boat and mister De Costa would be there. He knew Roberto would be curious and cautious, but Sebastian had a way of setting moods.

As he stepped around a crumbled building, Roberto was walking across the grounds. "De Costa, glad you could tear yourself away from the company for a while," he said smiling as he offered his hand to Roberto. The greeting was simple etiquette, one that both men knew but it seemed one which was hard to not perform. "Sorry for the choice of location, but it best suits the situation and offer I have for you," he said, still waiting for Roberto to take his hand. The relationship between the two was business at best. Both had fought over contracts and research, nothing out of the norm and both belonged to the Hellfire Club's social face. To Roberto, Sebastian was just another rich face in an elite social club, however to Sebastian, Roberto was a prospective member to the Club's Inner Circle and another means to an end.

[Roberto da Costa]

It was interesting, to say the least. This facility had to be the most influential, infamous of institutions ever constructed. It once housed the lowest, the filthiest, the darkest of criminals...being termed the inescapable fortress...then it was shut down and later years saw it's remodel into a facility where they sought to cure a disease which didn't exist. To eradicate a new breed of humans that they were simply afraid of. Mankind. When they assume they're threatened by the unexplained, what do they do best? Search and destroy. They sought out mutants and killed them...then they took this publicized, "humanitarian" approach to hasten the genocide. Any mutant who ever took that cure deserved far worse than humanity, they even deserve life...but that was his opinion, and long shall it live. He wasn't a hateful person, he didn't just openly hate like that, Rob was just offended by the idea of a cure, and hurt that his own kind would do such shit like that without even thinking it through...but why should he care? That's why he distanced himself from them all and kept to himself...well, that and the fact that was a bit busy with his own business life kept him preoccupied, so preoccupied he hadn't taken the time to phone his mum, ask how she was doing now that dad was gone. She should be happy...his influence over her and the family was gone...

...but sadly, his legacy remained. Roberto turned around when he heard his name called. There was Shaw, approaching him and when he was close enough, Shaw outstretched his hand and, it may have seemed rude but still, Rob just looked at him, keeping eye contact. His aim was just to get to the point of this rendezvous and be on his way back home or something but Rob was a good-natured man, and he wasn't one for following each and every one of his heart's intentions. He then lifted his hand and gave Shaw a firm handshake, actually squeezing his hand more than he should before he released, pushing both his hands into his pockets, returning to staring curiously at Sebastian. If anything, this meeting ought to be interesting but still, he wasn't planning on making this a social visit. To be honest, he was a bit pissed at his father. Once a member this shity club, it all passed to him when he inherited it all and how he had to deal with with likes of Sebastian Shaw. Perfect, now his life's dreams were complete...not.

"Ah...you lead me here, to pitch to me, a proposition." Roberto took a few steps back and glanced around him, just for the sake of having something to do while he pondered how he was going to get back and also, why he was here. Mostly, how he was going to get back. Probably a quick fly to some high rise and foot it the rest if the way. "Know what I hate about myself...I can't pass up anything...I'm like Lex from Smallville, just better looking and a bit more powerful if you know what I mean. My curiosity is almost as insatiable and...I'm ten times more bored than he is...so count your luck because you've got a few minutes of chatter before I go. Like you said, it was fortunate for you that I could tear myself away." Rob spoke, almost giving his permission for Shaw to speak but he won't go so far as to say such, now would he. "And couldn't you have done better when it came to seating arrangements? You mean I have to hear you blabber on while standing? Cruel." Rob went on. Yeah he was bored, but he was enjoying this. He glanced around for a second before his eyes fell on some steps; then he beckoned for Shaw to follow him and he led the way to the steps that were probably lined with three to ten layers of filth. A seat is a seat and so, he sat, looking up at Shaw with false interest. "Waiting."

[Sebastian Shaw]

When you were as rich and influential as Sebastian and Roberto, you tended to be a bit full of yourself. Sitting on top of the world filled one with an arrogance which at most times was very unhealthy and dangerous. You never really had any friends and couldn't trust anyone save for one or two if you were really lucky. Competition ran through your blood like a disease and coming in second just wouldn't work. Second best was still losing and arrogance left no room for failure. So, when Roberto seemed to shun the hand Sebastian offered too him, it wasn't a surprise. Sebastian might have done the same if the shoe was on the other foot, however, that didn't mean it sat well. Of course, out of proper business and social etiquette, Roberto finally took Sebastian's hand, squeezing it harder than need be. Unfortunately for Roberto, Sebastian was a bit stronger so the threat indicated was minimal.

As his hand dropped, Roberto began to whine and insult Sebastian and the place chosen. It was inevitable really considering the stock which Roberto came from, and so, Sebastian let it go for the moment. He simply smiled and put his hands in his pockets, politely nodding his head and laughing with a mocking tone. Roberto was making it painfully clear that he was not pleased with the meeting, but his appearance here showed he was curious. No doubt he was suspicious of a take over of his company and while Sebastian had thought about it, he had other business to pursue currently. The Sentinel program was almost ready to go public, Emma Frost was still hiding from him and the Inner Circle was far from being complete. Maybe once these things were taken care of, then he might pursue Roberto's company, along with Emma's.

Following slowly, showing the lack of intimidation on Roberto's part, Sebastian took a deep slow breath. He flashed a look of disgust as Roberto took a seat on the filthy rusty steps of an old guard tower. "Yes," he said as he stared at the common place attitude of Roberto before shaking it off and continuing. "Poor choice of a meeting place I know, but the solitude is needed. Prying eyes and what not," he said, looking off and about now, "What I'm about to tell you and offer you isn't something that either one of us need to have plastered about the papers," he went on cryptically, taking his time in getting to the point of things. "Tell me, just what do you think you know about the Hellfire Club Roberto?," he asked, smiling now, falling even further into the secrecy of the moment.

Sebastian doubted that Roberto knew anything of the Inner Circle as it was a closely guarded secret. The only member currently was Sebastian as the old members were now gone. Being a mutant was required to be in the circle, it just sort of worked out that way sometimes and had it not been for an associate of Sebastian's, he never would have pegged Roberto for one. Perhaps the common thread there would help Roberto decide to take this offer Sebastian was about to make him, but more than likely, if Roberto did take it, it would be because of the power and money that went with the membership.

[Roberto da Costa]

The question seemed to hit then bounce off of him. He just had that annoying feeling that it had something to do with that 'elite' association. A club. The Hellfire Club, as if the name alone didn't scream eternal damnation. "Poor choice indeed." He went on, purposely stalling as he tried to gather what knowledge he had on the Club and so far he was pulling at air...he needed more time. "But I guess you have a point...won't like to see myself beside you with some headline that would result in me giving my publicist a raise and a bunch of luxuries..." He couldn't stall anymore. It would seem pointless to as it would just prolong his stay here and he wasn't about that now, or ever. "I know what the Hellfire Club allows me to know...sadly, my sources aren't skilled enough to dig up some significant information on the society...but I guess a certain kind of power is needed to pull something like that off. Right 'Bastian?"

He smirked and his gaze fell slightly. He knew his father was always involved in more than he ever spoke about...and it seemed Roberto inherited more than his father's eyes and estate...his reputation was harder to shake thank a leech. "What more am I supposed? What offer have you got for me?" Rob asked. He wasn't interested...yet. He was curious though...and his curiosity right now was insatiable and he was willing to play along as far enough as to hear the offer. If he so decided to accept it then 'Bastian's visit wasn't in total vain, but if Rob decided against, then he'd simply have this new interest. Finding out more about what Shaw knew about this incredibly private club and using it to his advantage. Shaw did have quite a business arsenal and coupled with Rob's...well, there'd be no business he couldn't take and reform for fit his intentions. This may seem ambitions...possibly even cruel, but it was just passion. Passion that was a bit twisted but name one thing in this world that wasn't twisted...it was fight or die and he was fighting and in on winning. "Well? Come out with it then."

[Sebastian Shaw]

Judging from the way Roberto was stalling for time, he knew exactly what Sebastian assumed he knew, and that was nothing. The Inner Circle did a fine job of keeping existence a secret from the rest of the socialites and the rest of the world in general. Sure, there were a few crack pots out there who carried on and on about the plans of global domination which the Club aspired for, but that was only because the Inner Circle allowed it to happen. Sometimes keeping a secret was easier when it was absolutely ridiculous sounding and put right out in the open for everyone to see. Misinformation was a great weapon and one which had been exploited all throughout history. The more ominous and fascinating the Hellfire Club sounded, the more it would be written off as just a gathering for poor rich bastards who had nothing else to spend their time and money on.

Finally, the truth came out and Sebastian merely nodded his head once again, seeing just how right he was. Roberto knew what he had been allowed to know, but fortunately for him, he was about to be allowed to know more. He had the drive and ambition which the Inner Circle and Sebastian needed. Being a mutant was a plus, but something which mattered little. People like Sebastian and Roberto employed others to keep them safe so they wouldn't have to dirty their rich little manicured hands. The Sentinels were a threat for mutants for sure, and perhaps a threat which Sebastian could use to keep the mutants within the Circle under his thumb.

"The Hellfire Club, or rather the public face of the club isn't anything all that special. Its merely a tool for the real face of the club," Sebastian began quickly, now done with wasting time. He looked about casually as he spoke, as if he had practiced and gave this speech more than once. Being a CEO called for being comfortable with such things like this and Sebastian's carefree attitude showed just how relaxed he was. "The Hellfire Club is made up of different regional branches and each branch is controlled by an Inner Circle," he rambled on, waving his hands about out of habit. It was a silly little habit, one his mother used to make fun of him for on several occasions. She used to say that Sebastian couldn't talk if you tied his hands together. "As for each Circle, there are eight spots for the members and currently, the North American Branch only has one spot filled," he finished, smiling to Roberto. Sebastian had given much thought and put a great deal of research into picking possible members and while Roberto may have been a royal pain in the ass, he brought a lot of power and influence with him.

Sebastian paused for a moment, letting the ridiculousness of what he had just said sink into Roberto's brain. No doubt Rob would laugh and attempt to make some hasty departure in some misguided thought that all he was being offered was a status spot in a rich kid's club. "Now before you start rambling on with the insults again Rob, let me finish," Sebastian said, his tone and look more serious than it had been since this meeting started. "This isn't some stupid club officer nomination I'm talking about. For all intents and purposes, the Inner Circle does not even exist. The things we do and plan to do, aren't exactly smiled upon by society as a whole, but in all reality, none of us really care," he said, taking a breath, giving Roberto a chance to speak now. Sebastian hoped Rob was wise enough to see the opportunity he was being given here, after all, if Rob declined, then he would never leave this island alive.