Here is an omake inspired by that line where Garment tries to get Fletchette to agree to an evening wear line based off her costume. It ended up getting a bit away from me, so here's part one. Edit:
Part Two is up!
The Gala Part 1
"Joe, you have to do something," Lisa said over the watch-powered call. "Yes, you just killed the Nine, and that is fantastic. But I don't think you understand just how unsettled you've made everything."
"Is it that bad?" I asked.
Lisa rubbed her hand over her face. "It is. Look, I appreciate everything you've done. But you have to understand, you are currently the worse thing the country could face, short of the Endbringers right now: an unpredictable S-rank threat. And Brockton Bay? It can't handle that. Not right now."
"I'm not planning on doing anything," I muttered, weakly.
"You say that," Lisa said. "And the last time you did say that to me you promptly went after ABB's financial center like right afterwards."
She sighed. "Look, I can't believe I'm asking this, but maybe you should do something. Some big, flashy project so that everybody knows what you are working on, and thus they can think that you aren't going to go after them next. Or do something else to destabilize the entire world."
"That's been about the opposite I've what I've been trying to do," I argued. "But fine, I'll try to think of something."
"Please do. Tattletell out."
I leaned back in my chair as the call ended. As soon as the call's ending was confirmed, Survey and one of the duplicates showed up.
"That bad?" the duplicate asked.
Survey simply sent a report on the state of the internet. Most people were still partying, but enough time had gone by that people were now starting to ask what we'd do next and the Protectorate offices were starting to send out increasingly nervous sounding messages trying to figure out what they do now if the Celestial Forge turned hostile.
"Yeah, that bad," the duplicate answered himself.
"And we still have to figure out more about the Passengers, deal with whatever Taylor has going on, and prevent any more stupidity from the Teeth, the Empire, the Merchants, Coil, and the PRT," I added.
"Honestly, if there was a way to do all of that, maybe tie everyone up so they can't be stupid, and do a flashy project at the same time…"
We were interrupted by Garment excitedly entering, waving her sketchbook at us. A quick glance revealed that it was full of evening wear versions of various cape costumes.
I met the duplicate's eyes.
"I mean," he said. "It could work…"
…
Weld stared at the ornate envelope bearing his name that had appeared outside his door like it was a live bomb. The envelope had come bundled with multiple others, each bearing the name of a heroic cape from Brockton Bay, with the sole exception being Director Piggot.
There was no doubt as to who the sender was.
And as the only one with a confirmed contract with Aperion, it was decided that Weld was the safest one to open his first.
Weight analysis suggested that it didn't contain any of Garment's works, now that she had been confirmed to be working with the Celestial Forge, so Weld didn't tip his out. Instead, he pulled out a beautifully decorated card, bearing exquisite calligraphy that was at the same time perfectly readable.
Dear Weld, it read.
It is with great pleasure that the Celestial Forge is inviting you to a celebration of the ending of the Nine, henceforth known as The Hellfire Gala, to be held in one week's time.
…
"Look," said the duplicate. "We need to be flashy, tie up as many parahumans as we can, and try to connect as many parahumans to specific passengers as possible. And what better way to do that then to throw a massive event that shoves as many parahumans as possible in a non-violent setting near us to scan at our leisure."
"You want to pack multiple conflict-driven capes, many with active grudges against each other, into a confined space," I said slowly.
"After what we just did, and if we provide outlets? I think it would work." The duplicate shrugged. "Also, if they're all preparing for a party, then they aren't preparing to do something that would qualify them for a Darwin Award."
Garment suggested that if the clothing was good enough, then the sheer social pressure would ensure that disputes stayed non-violent. Also that this would absolutely make high-end cape fashion evening wear a thing.
…
As invited capes include those from all sides, the Hellfire Gala will be held under Truce, with infractions being dealt with by the Celestial Forge as needed.
Lisa stared at her invitation in despair. This was not what she was thinking of when she suggested that Joe publicly take on a major project.
"So does this mean we're getting new costumes?" Alec asked as he munched his cereal.
…
"Where could we even hold it? Because none of those people are getting access to the Workshop," I said.
"I mean, there kinda are a lot of empty and half destroyed buildings around here," the duplicate said.
Survey agreed, and provided a thorough analysis of where the theoretical party could be held, how much it would cost, and the basics of what it would take to construct an appropriate venue there.
The overall price was nowhere near as high as it should be, given that I had access to both the rewards from the Nine's kill order and Build Rome.
…
"We have confirmed payment from the accounts created by the Celestial Forge regarding a plot of land in the area of Brockton Bay known as the South Docks, Director," one of her assistants told Rebecca. She nodded as she glanced over her invitation.
Well, one of her invitations. Rebecca had been given two, one for Alexandria, and one for Director Costa-Brown, sent through Director Armstrong.
She'd need to make sure her double was well briefed on what to do. Although it was a pity she wouldn't be getting two complete outfits.
As we are aware this is short notice, Garment has offered to make appropriate and themed clothing for all invitees. If you wish to take advantage of this offer, please submit your measurements to the Celestial Forge's website within the next two days.
…
"Garment, what do you mean Director Costa-Brown's sent in measurements don't match her actual measurements?" I asked. "Do you think we might have an infiltrator?"
Garment shook her head, then wrote out two identical measurements, each with a different name at the top.
I glanced at it, then reeled back in shock.
"Garment, are you suggesting that Director Costa-Brown is Alexandria?"
Garment emphatically agreed, and then commented that it meant that the outfit for the Director would have to be adjusted for her body double's fashion sensibilities even if it meant it couldn't quite meet Alexandria's sensibilities.
"Nope," I declared as I turned around. "Not dealing with this. Garment, I'm leaving this up to you. Survey! How are we doing?"
"Construction is continuing on schedule. Fleet is requesting that we add a racing track to the venue," Survey replied.
"You know what? Sure!" Building that sounded like a great distraction from what I just learned.
…
The Celestial Forge will be providing activities and entertainment. In order to prevent unnecessary conflict, all confirmed groups will be provided with individual and personalized group resting rooms.
Accord steepled his fingers as he reread that section. He had admittedly been worried when he first received his invitation that he would be bothered by the chaotic masses at the party. But a personalized resting room? If it was as calming as the Sea Meditation Chamber, the gala would be a breeze.
…
"Are you ready?" I asked Tetra as we did a final outfit check before heading out.
"Ready!" she declared with a smile.
"Alright then."
I took a deep breath, and tried to relax as much as Classy Contortionist would allow.
Showtime.