Zaltana sits at the bar, a beer in hand. Zarana is more of a party person, so is Zaltana, but tonight neither girls want to dance. The music sucks anyway, but all of the Prototype Project are in there. Zaltana is one of five lined up for the position of Prototype Z, though she's been assured the part is hers. Prototype Z is a relatively important part of the whole program as she or he is the one who leads Alpha Team, the primitive combative team. They can receive suggestions, but they ultimately decide what to do on missions and in serious situations.
Zarana takes another swig, positively drunk. "Hey, Z, remember that damned white ninja from earlier?" Zaltana looks sharply towards her; she was the one who wanted to keep tripping the alarm of the White House on the down low. Looking around, Zaltana sees that all of the other tests are too preoccupied, even Mina, the funny and cute one full of energy, is trapped in her thoughts. She nods. "Next time we see him, we have to kill him. He's the one who killed Zartan."
Zaltana sits up a bit straighter, her thoughts focusing on that one sentence. Zartan had been a very close friend, her best friend, when he had rudely taken away while under cover. Having a face to match the name makes Zaltana feel hatred toward him, a bit of rage. She keeps her mouth shut, but Zarana knows the seed has been planted; she hates him and everything he stands for. The pinkette smirks to herself, taking another swig. "He'll die a bit more painfully than the rest."
Hawk throws the file on the table, showing them to Snake Eyes, Lady Jaye, Brian(now known as Pelican), Roadblock, Flint, Duke, and Storm Shadow. In the corner is Aron, trying to do his homework and not be interested in what the Joes are doing. It is so hard for him since he's become a genuinely curious boy. Even Pelican has a bit of trouble keeping him from not knowing something. His hair is a bit darker than it was when he last saw his mom two years ago, but his green eyes are every bit like hers and his uncle's and his aunt's, who still won't talk to him after her sister's gaining custody over him.
"This is the girl who broke into the White House to snipe Nomad?" It's a confirmation more than anything. Snake Eyes was the one to get the best look at her, up close and personal. He nods, not sure if he wants to say anything with Aron nearby. As if sensing his hesitance, the blonde looks up to stare into the mask of his friend. Pelican doesn't really want him around now that he's hooked up with someone else, so Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes, and Lady Jaye watch over him, a bit of help from some of the Joes every now and then. "Do we know who she is, Snake Eyes?"
He sighs, and Jaye gets the message, handing him a sheet of paper. He shakes his head, pointing at the kid. "Snakes, you and I both know he'll find out anyway. Who is it?" He signs faster than Aron can read. Jaye nods, going to Aron and kneeling down.
"Hey, wanna come join the the conversation?" Aron is a bit wary, leaving his Math homework where it is and walking with Jaye's hand on his shoulder. "Snakes, tell us what you got. Hawk, hand Aron the pictures." The older man does so without question, and Aron tries to keep up with Snake Eyes while looking at the pictures of a woman in all black. Most of what they have is her with the half mask, some blurry when she doesn't have it on.
"Wait, wait... Back up." Aron glances up at Pelican, green eyes questioning the rather loud outburst. No one just interrupts Snake Eyes. "Zaltana isn't alive. I told you what happened that day back then."
"You were also an empty sack," Aron mutters under his breath. That day is a sore point between them. Pelican glares at him. After Cobra took his mother, Brian swore that killed her. Aron knew this to be a lie. Cobra doesn't clean up their messes, not even to take over the world. It doesn't help that he also says Aron is the reason his mom's gone. He was supposed to be the test subject, blah, blah, blah. Brian really became an ass after Zaltana left. "Don't bother denying it."
Storm Shadows steps toward Aron, a clear sign for Pelican to back off. He does, but not without sending him a warning look. Aron already kicked his ass once. He isn't afraid of him. "If she isn't alive, then Cobra is good at duplication," Roadblock says. "Streaks are all in the same spots as they were two years ago, and it took months for Zaltana to get them how she wanted. A clone wouldn't be as picky as the real deal."
"You mean couldn't," Jaye says, a smile lighting her face slightly. Snake Eyes nods, signing again.
*She doesn't remember us. She doesn't know who we are anymore. She's joined the Prototypes.*
Zaltana dresses up a little bit for this part of the promotion. Commander wants her to be truly impressive physically, to show off her body especially. He knows the video will impress them, he is impressed and he watches her train all of the time. So she wears some tight jeans to make herself look like she has a backside and an over the shoulder crop top. The make up is already done, her green eyes coming off as dark and sinister emerald. Her bracelets jingle as she moves, brushing her hair for the blue streaks to be seen.
Zaltana smiles as someone comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck. She knows they aren't in love with each other, so does everyone else. They love the feel of each other's bodies. His looks more than great in the tight black shirt beautiful across his toned body, his jeans loose but somehow sexy all the same. His dark eyes take her in at once. Zaltana thinks he looks like someone who should be trying to get a big break in the music industry.
"I thought I would find you here," Thomas says, his breath hitting her skin in a way that makes her shiver. Zaltana smirks into the mirror, hand coming up to run through his bleached white hair. "You look spectacular like this. Save me a private dance later?" Zaltana turns in his arms, seeing how nervous he really is. She wraps her hands around his neck loosely, trying to give him some confidence.
"Make sure you were impressive enough for later." She stands on tip toe, whispering in his ear, "I doubt you did well enough for a private dance tonight." Her fingers trail down, and she pulls away from him, going to her vanity set. Zaltana sets her hair in a way that seems nice enough for the occasion. She turns around, already knowing what's coming as Thomas traps her, kissing her.
He's a great kisser, she thinks absently, eyes slipping closed and moving her hands over his body. She always thinks that when they kiss, desperate for the attention they can give each other. Of course, there is always a chance to settle down with him later... Nah. Sounds like too much trouble to Zaltana. To do that they'll have to be free of Cobra, and you're never truly free from Cobra. They have a hand in everything you do once you've met them. Zaltana doesn't want to even bother.
His hands slipped down, grabbing her thighs and pulling her up so could wrap her legs around his waist. Zaltana pulls back, her breathing heavy as she slowly slips. "Sorry, Tommy, but not right now. We have to be presentable for later." She feels herself being let down, touching the floor again. She moves away from him, her hand trailing across his torso as she goes. "By the way... you've impressed me."
It seems like a million eternities pass before the videos finally start. Zaltana had to mingle with men and women who have no idea of her limit, both physically and emotionally. One woman she wanted to hit for insinuating that the Prototype Program is just a better trained army. Zaltana quickly shut her up when her clipboard fell and she caught it on her foot, balanced perfectly. "Still wanna say you'll find us anywhere?"
Zaltana watches all of the videos, all one hundred thirty of them, waiting for the betting pool. She sits next to the other tests trying for Prototype Z, Zoe, Zaahira, Zebedee, and Zedekiah. Hibiki turns in his seat, rolling his eyes as he looks at her. The tallies are being counted for the results of the new team. There are many factors into being chosen for the official position of Prototype. Personality, skill, healing factors, and many other things they themselves aren't sure of. Zaltana is sure she'll get the position, rigged or not.
Zaltana gets up, going to sit with Hibiki. Several of the Prototypes are moving around, getting with their friends. Thomas sits on Hibiki's other side, Mina next to Zaltana. "How boring is this?" Hibiki asks, rolling his eyes again. "I mean, we made the stupid videos. Why do we have watch them?"
"Because we're supposed to work as a team," Thomas replies, watching the groups. "Hibiki, lower your voice. Personality is part of it, and no body likes yours."
Zaltana gasps, wrapping her arms around him. "How dare you!" She kisses his cheek, an automatic gesture between them. "He's my precious baby! Look at those chubby cheeks and big, big green eyes." The blonde smirks as Hibiki turns a threatening look on her. He reaches up, messing with her hair, and Mina jumps on Zaltana's back. Mina is small with bubblegum pink hair that she dyes herself. Zaltana knows how amazing her skill with a gun is, but she isn't too shabby at all with a katana. Zaltana thinks she's almost as good as those ninjas.
"Hey, guys, shut up! It's time for the calling!"