"How did you make this, John?" Gordon questioned, in awe of the video that showed him knocking out someone he'd never met, much less fought, before.
"EOS was able to create the moves from footage she's been accumulating," the astronaut explained. "And then I overlapped your image over the 3D model. Easy."
"If you say so," Virgil commented over his shoulder as they sat in the hotel room waiting for the girls to get back with lunch. They'd spent much of the morning getting their rooms organized, too tired to have done it the night before. "How are Brains' new nanobot trackers working?'
"Still reading your positions loud and clear. Looks like Kayo and Lady Penelope are headed your way," for emphasis, the red-head threw the blueprints up of the hotel and they could see the figures at the end of the hall with Park at the rear.
"Great! I bet Brains is happy," Gordon could imagine the excited scientist happily watching them on the same readout. "How's big brother?"
"Currently helping a group of climbers down a mountain," John grinned. "He got a rescue call pretty early."
"Ah, that'll keep him occupied for a minute," the aquanaut chuckled. It wasn't that he didn't like the constant fretting from Scott, but his brother didn't need to put himself through so much stress when they had the situation handled.
"Oh, he's already gone with Alan to drop off a pod in your area in case something happens," John grinned, just as aware as the rest of them of Scott's overprotective tendencies. "Transmitting coordinates now."
"Thanks, John. We'll keep in touch," Virgil added as the information came through just as the rest of their team entered the suite. The connection cut after a quick farewell and Gordon could already smell the local cuisine even through the takeout containers.
"Oooh, yes!" The aquanaut climbed off the bed once Sherbert had abandoned the warm lap in order to greet his mistress. "You guys are the best!"
"I'm fairly certain you mean the food is the best," Kayo teased and she wasn't completely wrong. Food just took priority at the moment as his stomach let out a growl. Without another word, Gordon accepted his container, Virgil producing a handful of utensils for the group.
They sat and ate with the contentment of good food and the anticipation of a mission about to begin. The smell of season rice, chicken and shrimp still hung in the air as Lady Penelope produced a set of passes and an agenda for an evening meet and greet. Apparently, they were going to need to attend a pre-tournament event with all the other fighters and their managers. For Gordon and Kayo, it would be a great deal of regurgitating their profiles and making small talk with their potential opponents. Virgil would just confirm that he was capable of treating injuries and talk to anyone willing to converse with him. The London agent would be agenting - seeking any information that could lead to the missing fighters or those responsible.
"Imagine if you got everything you needed tonight," Gordon observed as they made their way towards the tournament center.
Lady Penelope smiled, her dark lips making her seem that much more sophisticated. He figured it was an intimidation tactic. She was a powerful woman most wouldn't dare cross - or withhold information from. "I suppose this would all be for not," she gestured to all of him, which was impressively dressed in a suit.
"A real shame," he glanced over to Kayo who looked somewhat uncomfortable in a cocktail dress and heels. Definitely not what he expected to see her in and by the look on Virgil's slightly flushed face, he wasn't prepared either. It was something the younger man had observed on their way to Santa Luzia where their hotel lay. Gordon knew Virgil better than any of his brothers and it seemed a few feelings he'd revealed after a particularly grueling rescue were creeping back out.
The car came to a stop and Parker opened the door, allowing the group to file out. Penelope gave a quiet indication that Gordon was more than happy to accomodate, offering his arm that she claimed without hesitation. It sent a thrill through his chest and he hoped she couldn't feel the way his pulse was racing. If she did, the hectic crowd within the building would distract her from it.
Galas and Benefit events were usually all class and sophistication - Lady Penelope's comfort zone he suspected. This was entirely different. This was booze and lights, noise and show - Gordon's comfort zone. As they filtered into the cacophony of sound and movement, though, he realized how well she could adapt, taking them straight to the bar. Virgil and Kayo followed, doing their best not to attract attention unless absolutely necessary.
"Wait here," the London agent ordered before disappearing into the crowd. He frowned, trying to lean back to see where she had gone, but unable to make her out through the walls of other attendees.
"Hey, relax," Virgil's voice spoke over the noise. He didn't elaborate, simply meeting his little brother's gaze to make sure he was going to do as he'd been instructed.
Gordon let his arms rest on the table to support his head, "I'm fine."
"Sure," a chuckle before movement caught their attention and a man - obviously one of the participants in the tournament - leaned against the other chair.
"Well, hello, then," his smile was bright save for the gaps where teeth had been knocked out. "Name's Gavin - and you're the mystery couple, eh?"
For a second, no one spoke, but Gordon thrived in social situations, so with a beaming grin to match their guest, he answered, "Mystery? Sounds awesome! I'm Sam."
"Mai," Kayo offered with a wave.
"And you?" Gavin asked as he took a seat, Gordon catching the slight twitch at the corner of Kayo's eye. "You a fighter?"
"Medical," Virgil seemed just as put off by the sudden intrusion, which meant it was up to the aquanaut to play nice.
He sped through the videos he could remember and his mind snagged on one with the name he needed, "Wait, Gavin McGregor?"
"One and only!" Obviously, he wasn't modest. Good.
"Oh man! You're amazing! I saw you take down Mitch Williams in thirteen seconds flat!" It was true and he didn't have to hide just how impressive that was.
"You're not half bad yourself," a brow rose as Gavin scrutinized the aquanaut. "Lot o' us are curious where you popped up from, seein' as none of us have heard of ya."
"Understandable, since this'll be my first big tournament. The boss found me at some fights run by a local gym. Apparently, they weren't sanctioned, but what can you expect from a small town." And the videos that John had fabricated would testify to that. Poorly kept equipment and a small crowd didn't make for a savory scene. "Who knew a couple wins at some smaller events would get me all the way here!"
"Then you must be worth keepin' an eye on if that boss o' yours gotcha all the way to the big leagues," for emphasis, Gavin didn't blink, simply staring Gordon down with the intent. After a moment where the sounds of the bar filtered in between them, the man let out a jovial laugh, drawing a broad grin from the aquanaut. "Just messin'. You make it far enough and I'd love a chance to fight ya."
Gordon genuinely laughed, "Feeling's mutual, just promise you won't go easy on the country kid."
A throat cleared and everyone turned to see Lady Penelope had returned, accompanied by a woman holding a tray of drinks. "Gentlemen," it was aimed at Gordon and his new 'friend'.
"That's your boss?" Gavin whispered as he leaned over.
"Yep, and you're in her seat," he whispered back with just enough emphasis to convey how much trouble he would be in if he didn't move.
"Apologies, love," the chair slid back and Gavin stood, gesturing for her to sit. She didn't, her fingers running over Gordon's shoulder, her thumb brushing the edge of his hair.
"Samuel, dear, I have someone for you to meet. You as well, Mai," she didn't have to ask twice as he got to his feet, catching the sly grin on Gavin's face. Kayo gave Virgil a quick nod before standing.
"Later, man," the fighter called as Gordon followed Lady Penelope towards a table not far from their original.
"Mr. Gilroy, this is Mai Nguyen and Samuel Tucker, the fighters I spoke to you about," her voice was cool, in control of a situation he only had a slight grasp on, so he offered a smile and his hand, which the gentleman promptly ignored.
Instead, the older man took Kayo's, offering his own smile, however, rife with superiority, "My pleasure." His eyes shifted to Gordon, "You believe you can offer a challenge in the ring?"
Gordon faltered only a moment as Penelope's arm looped into his, "Uh - that's the plan, so, yeah."
If the woman on his arm was upset with his answer, she didn't indicate it. Instead, she went on with the introduction, "Mr. Gilroy co-manages this event. I'm certain it will be quite the show."
"Thanks in part to your company's generous donation," Gordon couldn't remember how many times he'd heard that statement and wondered just how her ladyship managed to invest in so many endeavors. If it helped save lives, however, he wouldn't question it.
"We do hope the event will attract more attention," Penelope continued, the aquanaut certain that she meant the attention of the appropriate authorities if this really was a hotbed of human trafficking. "If all goes well, I'm sure there will be more investments to follow."
This piqued Gilroy's attention and his demeanor shifted to gratitude, "I'm certain it will. In the meantime, anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."
With a few more pleasantries, the trio was headed back to their table only to find Virgil and Gavin in an intense conversation. The fighter was holding up his dress shirt to show off his abdomen. Gordon was quite eager to hear what they were talking about and wasn't surprised to see the intricate tattoo work that had caught his brother's attention.
"It's not easy to find so much depth. The artist did an amazing job," Virgil marveled at the work.
"If it's gonna be permanent, best be a masterpiece," the grin on Gavin's face lit up as they returned. "Oi, hear you've got some ink yourself. Care to show it off?"
His heart rate jumped, knowing it might be easy to spot the fake tattoo this close up. His arm lifted, the cuff of his jacket pulling back to show just enough of the brightly colored ocean-scape, "Sorry man, this is all I'm allowed right now." Gesturing to the woman next to him drew a bit of sympathy from the other man, who also took the hint it was time to leave.
"Gotcha, another time then," he certainly hoped not, but Gordon gave a quick thumbs up as Gavin left to join other participants.
"A new friend already?" Lady Penelope smiled as they took their seats, the drinks waiting for them. He was surprised to find the taste of alcohol in his and flashed the agent a questioning look. "For show, best make them last."
"So, time to mingle?" Virgil asked with a wince at the taste in his tongue.
Penelope glanced at the intricate watch on her wrist - a deceptive replacement for her compact, "We have an hour. Find out what you can and we'll meet back here."
Gordon suppressed the urge to answer with their usual FAB, "Sounds good."
"Mai, you're with me," Penelope stood, her champagne flute held like the accessory it was, Kayo doing the same with hers. "Do try to stay out of trouble."
"We'll do our best," Virgil steered him away before he could add any worry. They were just meeting people after all.
And meet people they did. Gordon hadn't realized how long it had been since he had attended an event with more than a handful of people and it seemed his need for socialization had starved to the point he was happy to talk to anyone. Virgil stayed fairly silent for most of the verbal back and forth, offering medical advice and stories of the worst injuries he'd treated.
That's where Gordon had left him - in the middle of a gruesome rescue that had been toned down for his persona - while the aquanaut excused himself to the bathroom.
"Popular kid already?" A voice sounded behind him. He turned to face the man who was now blocking the exit, absently turning off the faucet and wringing the droplets off his hands.
"Hi - uh," recognition hit him a moment later. "Micah, right?"
"Good eye," the man's arrogance coated his words. "Was hoping to meet you before the fights begin tomorrow."
"Well, ya found me," Gordon cocked a grin to match the other fighter's. "If you'll excuse me, though, I should get back to -"
"Oh, no need to rush off just yet," Micah took a lumbering step forward, easily towering over the aquanaut. The hands that landed on Gordon's shoulders kept him in place, an ache shooting through his left clavicle as the grip tightened. "I'm simply curious how a shrimp made it this far."
The desire to bristle against the jab at his presumed insufficiencies was smothered by the need to be the better person. With a grunt, Gordon shrugged off the hold, taking a step back, "You'll just have to watch and see. Hey, if you're lucky, we might have a match."
The big man laughed, "Surprise me, Shrimp. You make it to the finals and I'll show you what real fightin' is." With one last look at the aquanaut, Micah turned and left the way he'd come, "See ya later - or not."
As the door closed, Gordon drew in a steadying breath, rolling his shoulder and massaging away the dull pain he hoped he'd hidden during the exchange. Well, that's just great. First day and I've already made an enemy, his thoughts were interrupted as the door opened again, Virgil appearing in lieu of another participant who might want to add their own forms of intimidation.
"Hey, you okay? I got a call," the engineer didn't need to elaborate. John was watching and would have picked up his increased heart rate.
"I'm good - might've stepped on someone's ego a bit too hard, though," he gave his brother a reassuring grin. "I think Micah Huller might be worried I could beat him."
Virgil's brow rose and Gordon more than forgave the disbelief in the engineer's voice, "Seriously? He's probably one of the best fighters here."
Correct, which begged the question, "So why go out of his way to intimidate someone in the lower ranks?"
A pause as Virgil processed that information, pushing his unnecessary glasses back up his nose, "You think - maybe he's hiding something?"
"Wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on him," and they would let Lady Penelope know. She could probably find out more through her connections. "C'mon, let's go see if he's messed with anyone else."
"After you," Virgil let him lead, exuding a level of protectiveness that Gordon could see if no one else could. The elder brother didn't like missing moments to watch over him, especially after what had happened with Braman. Even after hours spent talking his brother down from self-inflicted guilt, it still hadn't lessened the worry.
Gordon suspected there would be more talks to come, but as they stepped back into the crowds, he let himself focus on their mission.