The X-Project

While various groups might have been struck, the work is not done yet.

"Well, not everything might be going very fast, but if you follow the media cracks are definitely starting to become visible." Hope examined the computer screen in front of her with satisfaction. "Have you all been able to keep up to date with the developments?"

“I’m certainly keeping up to date with Frost Enterprises acquisition of a number of intellectual property rights and patents that Frost Enterprises has acquired from Hominis Verendi.” Emma smiled, as sharp-edged as diamonds. “It seems not even the most virulent ideology can stand up to very generous financial offers and armies of persuasive lawyers.”

"It's the lawyers, everyone's always scared of the lawyers." A smirk tugged at the corner of Sue's lips as she leaned back in her chair, fingers lifting a cup of coffee to her lips before gesturing at the screen, "We managed to siphon off some if their patents and we've lured away several members of staff, I've shunted them into other 'safe' projects where their talents can be more useful."

Doug chuckled. "I'd be more scared of lawyers if I didn't occasionally plus-one with a lawyer who's only the lesser disaster of his family because his foster brother is Clint." He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "The Church of Humanity's complete financial records, including the sketchy parts, got..." And here he couldn't resist a smirk. "...'mysteriously' released by an 'anonymous party', and as a result the IRS has some very pointed questions for them about their attempts to circumvent the laws surrounding tax-exempt status for religious organizations." He sprawled back, satisfaction oozing from his body language. "I think they'll be tied up in uncomfortable legal proceedings for at least the next couple years."

"And the loss of their trump card of Ms. Inoue, there seems be a bit of a crisis developing as well. Much of their strategy was built around her and her story. " Hope smiled in satisfaction. "And from what I understood, Ms. Inoue is currently safely on Muir."

“Have we stirred the pot with all of them?” Emma asked. “Hope, tell me you’ve got some kind of fancy project management software that’s keeping track of our milestones and key dates? Is there anyone we haven’t covered yet?”

"The Right has been extremely quiet, so I do not have a definite picture of the situation there. What information we do have suggests that Mr. Hodge and other high functionaries are currently having a discussion on what their next step should be." Hope easily summarized. "Do they stick to their strict principle of non-violence or do they cherish their new found advantage too much? I will continue to monitor."

"A Gantt chart for demolishing fascist bigoted organizations. You know, Auntie Em, I bet there's a market for that." Doug had started out silly, but abruptly took a sharp turn into Praxisville. "Humanity First is -also- under investigation, and according to an official statement, their website has been, oh, what's the word..." He glanced over to Sue with the biggest shit-eating grin of all time. "Oh right. -Hacked-."

A hand raised covered Sue's mouth as she fought down a laugh before she gave him an innocent look, "I wonder how that happened, they were so nice, who could have done such a horrible thing?" The blonde leaned back and tapped a finger on the table, "I think that we can say that the cracks are starting to show."

"Definitely." Hope nodded, a small satisfied smile playing around her lips. "But I believe this might not be enough. We need one more definite strike, to fracture any chance of a future relationship between these two organisations. Doug?"

Doug snapped his fingers as he had a brainstorm. "That event coming up in October! The 'fellowship' dinner." He made several retching noises theatrically. "Basically they all give each other awards and tell each other how great they all are." He thought about making some extremely crass references, but decided he'd been snarky enough already lately.

"Instead of tying the organisation further together, it is going to be what breaks them apart. It does mean having to find some evidence to be dramatically revealed, but I have some plans in mind for that and then Sue and I can infiltrate the event for the big reveal." Hope outlined the basics of her plans.

“Douglas, darling,” said Emma. “I have cupboards full of delightful trinkets presented to at lavish dinners where captains of industry pat each other on the back and tell each other they’re the bestest at making money. I might consider pouting if you don’t think my “most innovative CEO” award isn’t entirely true and not just because there was an excuse for too much champagne and back-patting in Prague one evening.” She grinned at her Knight, her teasing obvious. “But it does sound like a good idea to strike there,” she added, more seriously. “Those kinds of events are often where guards are down the furthest. The attendees think they’re all there to be feted, so nobody is ready for things to go wrong. Do we have enough details to ensure you can get in without being noticed?” she turned the question towards Hope and Sue.

"Sue is looking at possible tech they have available to detect mutants, but the chance is small they have it just installed." Hope simply outlined. "Between a slightly different identity, which Doug should be able to facilitate, and a real reference or two, we should be all set to get in."

"But you -are- the bestest, Emma, and everyone acknowledging it is completely separate from bigots circlejerking each other." Whoops, there went Doug's resolve to not be crass. "As always, I have cover IDs ready and waiting." The trick was to always have a few identities being spun up that could then be tailored to whoever needed it. All the foundation could be laid without putting a face to an identity, so if you had three-quarters of it set up, the final assembly and polish would go much quicker.

"Wonderful." Hope smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I have a few minor details I would like you to incorporate, but otherwise I will turn my attention to getting the evidence to be dramatically revealed, while Sue continues to make sure we do not encounter any unexpected surprises at the event."

“Ah, I do love a well-functioning Court,” said Emma and smiled. “It sounds like everything is coming along nicely. If you need anything in the lead-up to their dinner, feel free to ask, of course. And I think I might start planning an after-party at the Club. It’s been far too long since we’ve had a truly decadent celebration, but if we do smash this nasty little conspiracy to pieces, then I feel something extravagant and insufficiently clothed is in order.”

"My pants serve - or not - at the pleasure of my Queen," Doug answered with a matching smile.