I had finally purchased black box technology from the system and added it to the false Traveler project. I'm sure if someone were reading about my life they would probably scream "FINALLY!!". I would like to point out that as a con artist I never really cared about consequences beyond my own immediate benefit unless it was a long con. Things like protecting proprietary information were usually things I worked against not with regardless that was a massive oversight on my behalf one that was pointed out to me by almost everyone in my harem.
Usually I just left such things to Cortona and Miranda thinking that it would solve itself with bothering me. Did that mean I was going to work on all my glaring issues? Nope! I'd rather live than be a doomsday preper for every possible scenario what is the point in living if you have to prep like your Batman to go get coffee. I mean I don't want to worry constantly if the barista girl is a possible assassin, alien or demon from another dimension and that cup of coffee was part of some sinister plot against me.
Before Raven had her usual treatment of primordial light I along with Komand'r were able to strong arm a promise to not remove the love logic I planted in Komand'r. They weren't happy about it but Starfire's support of her sister finding a new lease on life forced them to concede. Afterwards Cortona brought snacks which they were wary of except Starfire being a natural glutton and Raven having eaten here multiple times before with zero attempts to drug or poison. This forced the rest to calm down as there were no traps or any form of subversion which left them ironically more nervous although they were no longer panicked.
Raven and I continued to with our usual behavior despite her friends discomfort I asked about her about her life and if she felt safe enough to start trying to feel more. She knew what I meant and appreciated the effort I took not to mention her father which she vocalized as they already knew according to her. I feigned ignorance of their knowledge but accepted her thanks for my attempted discretion.
They seemed genuinely shocked by the fact that I was aware of her heritage especially considering the fact that I wasn't trying to actively slaughter her. Their thoughts made logical sense until I pointed out that I was doing my level best to adjust to this reality and I hadn't tried to kill them for the exact same reason. It forced them to remember that they were Xenos by definition and instead of attacking them on sight with lethal intent I instead choose to allow them to remain in my home and even treated them as guests although I did occasionally glare Ms Martian followed by taking a deep breath as if attempting to remain calm. It was to keep up the pretense of being a anti xeno bigot and preventing the martian girl from being to comfortable and try to read the minds of those around me.
It wasn't really because they knew critical things about me but more than likely proprietary knowledge which is why they were linked with psychic tethers. It wasn't enough for me to read their minds but it let me know if someone was trying to slip inside. Although they were heroes they couldn't pretend that knowing such things wouldn't affect their judgment and I am certain that someone like Bruce Wayne has done so regardless of what he claims otherwise. Raven was forced to cut our usual session short as her friends (excluding Starfire) continued to be uncomfortable.
I didn't relax as Cortona informed me that the person watching my home since before Raven arrived with her allies had finally decided to approach. Yet another gorgeous redhead which made one wonder if comic creators were obsessed with blondes and redheads. Her figure was hypnotic as she strode up the walk way like she was meant to be here there was absolutely no effort to hide her presence or obscure her face. The most intimidating fact of the emerald eyed woman was the way she blatantly wore a medallion with the Hydra symbol on it.
She is none other than Grace aka Hydra Queen. A former resident of Nowhere that escaped into reality and now is essentially a Perpetual as her only known ability is being ageless. She has clearly had people watching me for quite some time and has only chosen now to meet with me directly. This meant that she was either desperate or optimistic and judging by her confidence it definitely wasn't desperation she came with a clear purpose on her mind. Whatever that purpose was it seemed like I was about to find out.