Aberrant: Quantum Zero - Quantum Zero

[malkboy]

The receptionist bows low to the old man, addressing him in Chinese. She stays bowed as she awaits his reply - the old man looks from her to Ian, then seems to be assessing the young man... Finally, he snaps a few, sharp, words of Chinese, & turns back into the room. The tattooed Asian girl straightens, & turns to Ian,

"The Master has agreed to see you..." she indicates that the younger Jacobs brother is to enter the shadowy room...

Ian nods at the receptionist politely just before stepping into the dimly lit room. Letting himself glance around at the designs while his eyes adjust to the light. Turning towards the elderly man, Ian says to him, "Thank you for seeing me."

Ian keeps his eyes towards the man the receptionist called "Master", silently waiting in respect for him to speak.

[Ayre el KaBeer]

Is that your choice to make?

*Yes* Will shakes his head slightly, not replying to Terry he steps through the warp. *I won't let them touch her again, that's for certain*.

Noticing the crowd once he's through the rift *Crap* Will recovers almost instantly and flashes them a smile ::bigsmile "If you'll all excuse me..." Will darts past them in a flash giving them a small show in the process.

Taking the long way back to the MI building Will thinks about the discussion he's just had with Terry. If only Terry knew the extent of what Will would do to protect Natalia, the last time she was taken and hurt was his fault, he had to play boywonder and save the day, for his action she paid the price. That and his feelings for her compounding his thoughts... *I have to tell Masters*His mind made up, he will decide for her! He has to, he can't take the chance of her being hurt again, even if it meant she would hate him for it and never speak to him again, or if he never sees her again because she'd be shipped to some distant place for her own protection, he has to grow up, his own feelings can't get in the way.

Part of him knows he's lying to himself, that bit screaming his reasons are selfish and his vision of Janny is what's truelly scaring him, he doesn't want Natalia hated by those who once cared for and loved her. If she is to become a nova, will she be out of control like Glacier? Would she despise humanity like Pathfinder? Would she turn into the monster that people fear of all novas? But he pushes aside that little voice, what he's doing is what's right, he's sure of it *I guess...*

Finally reaching the building Will walks over to main reception and asks if Masters or Ash are in the building *You have to tell him* "It's urgent".

[Asbjørn]

::m60 ::ohcrap

Vinnie got up from his lying-down position behind his new toy and scanned the treeline a klick and a half down the valley. Heat rose from the heavy weapon, turning the air - to his eyes, anyway - shimmering and visible.

*Bullseye again. Good.* ::cool

Pleased with the results of his much too short practice session he glanced down at the power indicator of the laser and shook his head.

*But I definitely need more power. Damn! It's got to be possible to make this f*ckin' powerpack more compact! I'll have to have a little sitdown with Joey...*

Taking out a can of beer from the passenger seat of his borrowed SUV he took a sip, glanced over at the target and put the can down on the hood of the car before he 'ported over to inspect the damage.

He gave the fruit salad spread around in the small clearing a brief look before checking the trees behind the targets, noting the degree of burns and damage further into the woods.

*I gotta test how much punch this thing really packs... Just how many brick walls can it penetrate...?*

ring.... ring....

Snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of the cellphone he left on the hood of his car, he quickly ported back and checked the caller's ID while raising the phone to his ear.

"Yeah..?"

"Vinnie? Hi. How's the job going?"

"The job's going fine. Just taking a break right now, but..."

"No - no details, please... "

"Don't worry, Liz, I wasn't gonna tell you any... So... Got any news for me?"

"No, I was just calling to ask if you wanted to escort me to dinner?"

"Dinner? You asking me for a date, Liz...? ::sly ::wink Yeah, you know I'd love to take you out. What did you have in mind? Windhoek?"

"No... No, I'm in New York at the moment. I'm meeting a client. You may have heard of him - the actor, John Fabry?"

*Freak coincidence...? Not bloody likely.... But this could definitely be interesting.*

Someone with Vinnie's sharp ears might have noticed the brief pause before he continues

"John Fabry, huh? He's that new Hollywood hotshot, right?"

"Yes, yes - the one who's dating Janet Thorne. Well, he's bringing a date, so I thought... "

"He's bringing Janet Thorne to a business dinner?"

"Yes, I think he might have mentioned her name... ::rolleyes  Anyway, how about it ?" Elizabeth waited for an answer from the handsome Elite, hoping that she hadn't sounded too desperate...

Vinnie takes a sip of the beer and smiles to himself. His agent might as well have added 'Please!!! I'm desperate!!!', and he couldn't really blame her... Anyone could get starstruck even in the presence of a relatively up-and-coming guy like Fabry, but throw the most beautiful woman in the world into the mix and anyone would be out of their depth.

"Well...", he replied, "It just so happens that I have a few hours free tonight. I'd love to go with you. Where do I pick you up? And when?"

[Archer21]

Ms Cable just about manages to hide the disappointment & annoyance that fight for dominance of her expression as Fabry suggests the very last thing she'd ever want to have to deal with - dinner with the most beautiful woman in the world. Instead, her face manages to retain a professional composure as she says,

"That'd be fine."

Standing & offering her hand the DeVries rep' concludes the meeting,

"Until then, John."

Once the actor has departed...

With a nod and smile, John made his exit. A few minutes later, settled in the luxurious interior of his newest Mercedes-Benz, he sighed inwardly to himself. *A shame you had to do that, pal. Poor thing obviously wasn't happy about Janet being there for dinner, but an outstanding way to shake her game when it comes to negotiating the final details. And, let's admit it, you're a bit loath to bring up the subject of bodyguards without Janet's input.* He shuddered slightly, thinking about her probable reaction regardless. Shaking off an impending feeling of doom, the up and coming star headed back to his apartment to share the pending hiring with Ms. Thorne.

[Asbjørn]

As the warp, & its Nova passenger, appear, the group - many with cameras or autograph books - surge forward, snapping pictures (of both Interface & the scene through the other side of the portal)

Resisting the impulse to cover his face - cause that's gonna help ::rolleyes - Nathan just looks at the crowd, hoping none of them get through the warp.

Will shakes his head slightly, not replying to Terry he steps through the warp.

[Er... This is a different warp, right? One that leads somewhere else...?]

When Will has gone, Nathan looks around at the jungle for a moment before he turns back to Terry.

"So... Where were we?"

His brow furrows as he seems to have forgotten something he was about to say.

"Anyway," he shrugs, "You can't really blame people for getting upset, can you? Actually, I agree with Will a long way. It is wrong to force... no, try to force an eruption on someone, regardless of whether it's possible or not to block nova potential. Even if that conspiracy theory about Masters having done that to Natalia was right, it still wouldn't be ok to treat her like they did. Two wrongs don't make a right, Terry."

After a brief pause he adds

"Personally, I wouldn't go so far as to choose for anyone either way."

Plucking a leaf from a nearby bush and proceeding to methodically tear it apart he says

"You know... I figured we'd come here to talk. Find out what's been happening with you, what you're doing, and why. I guess I didn't expect a friendly chat, but I didn't expect anyone to leave in a huff. ::confused Well, maybe Derek... He must have just forgotten that we agreed to meet you the other day when I called." ::rolleyes

Taking a breath, he launches into something that seems to have been on his mind for a while

"Anyway. I think I understand you a bit better now. You've seen and heard stuff that makes you doubt Masters, and you want to make sure. I get that part. Nobody likes to hear that their boss is a bad guy, and I don't know what you believe, but you want to make sure. Fair enough."

"What I don't get," he gestures at Terry with the half-torn leaf, "is what the hell you're doing with Pathfinder. Ok, she's pretty damn sexy, and I bet telepathy gives the whole relationship an edge, but wake the f*ck up and smell the coffee, Terry! You can't stand there with a clean conscience and say you don't support torture when you're sleeping with the woman who brought an innocent girl into a madman like Zia's hands. I can understand the first date, as a bargain, a price to pay to get to see the Harvesters. But that's not it anymore, is it?"

"There's another reason I'm telling you this, by the way. You were the one who linked the Teragen to Nefertiti. With you literally sleeping with someone you told her is the enemy, I'm not sure Emma trusts you anymore. If she decides she doesn't want to meet you, Pathfinder is probably a big part of the reason. Just so you know it."

[ProfPotts]

Media Circus:

[Er... This is a different warp, right? One that leads somewhere else...?]

[Nope - same place]

"No comment? Please?"

"If you'll all excuse me..."

The unwanted public scrutiny which Derek has suddenly come under is momentary relieved as Will emerges from the second Warp & dashes off like a streak of crimson... ::blink

... But then the babble of questions returns - redoubled in intensity...

::nervous

A short while later, at the Masters Building:

"It's urgent."

The pretty brunette receptionist nods, rapidly typing something into the keyboard descretly molded into the desk in front of her. A couple of seconds tick by, then she smiles up at the young Nova,

"Take the express elevator up, Sir - Mr Masters is expecting you."

Soon enough Will steps into Masters' private lounge in the penthouse of the skyscraper - the repairs & refurbishments after the 'Nefertiti' incident having all been completed a while ago. Masters himself stands, still using a cane to lean on, peering out of the large window across the cityscape. A glass of brandy is in his hand. As Will enters the 'old man' speaks without turning,

"William... What can I do for you?"

The aspect of professional calm is there, as always, yet Will fancies he can detect a faint hint of fatigue & stress in the multi-billionaire's tone...

... Back on the street outside Terry's apartment Interface is trying his best to make his way through the crowds. Suddenly he spots a parked limosine with two athletic-looking men standing by it... men wearing smart business-style suits, but also sporting the Masters International logo on their pockets. Both also wear dark glasses, but the one standing on Derek's side of the car peers over the top of his shades to make eye-contact with the Nova... He then smiles, winks, & quietly gestures towards the car - it seems more like an offer of assistance than an order... Or, at least, that's what Derek hopes it is... ::lookaround

Tattoo you:

"Thank you for seeing me."

The old Chinese gentleman directs Ian to remove his shirt & lie face down on the cot-like bed which takes up one wall of the small room. As the master tattooist begins to busy himself with preparations, the Elite looks around the room - descretely. None of the designs on display match anything he remembers from his scans of the demon-girl, but there is something familiar... He almost misses it, but suddenly Link realises that the sharp scent wafting from one of the old man's ink bottles - a small, featureless, stoppered glass bottle with a thick dark liquid inside - triggers some of the memories he took from the girl. Her thoughts were all a jumble, but it seems to have something to do with some sort of ritual - from the girl's point of view the important part was serving as part of the post-ritual celebrations... ::blush ::devil

Phone Call:

"Well... It just so happens that I have a few hours free tonight. I'd love to go with you. Where do I pick you up? And when?"

"That's great, Vinnie," Ms Cable's voice sounds a little relieved... "but it's for tomorrow night, if that's okay?"

She continues on to provide details of times & places...

Spending on the Company Card:

The next night Vinnie picks up Ms Cable - who's wearing a rather fetching low-backed evening dress in a shade of blue that highlights the colour of her eyes - & escorts her to 'Diamonds in the Rough': one of New York's trendiest (& most expensive) new restaurants. It's a hot rumour that the chef at the restaurant is, in fact, a Nova - & that the food really is the best you'll ever eat. Vinnie's also heard that the waiting list for a booking is over twelve months long - that the DeVries rep's pull managed to swing a table for four at a moment's notice tends to support the rumour about the chef - after all, if he/she/it is a Nova, then there's a good chance that DeVries had a hand in the contract...

Inside the exclusive establishment the lighting is subdued, & there's a definite 'diamond' theme - with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, & walls covered in artistically displayed glittering stones. The waiters & waitresses are so professional that, just for a moment, Vinnie forgets that he's in America... [ ::tongue ] The couple are soon seated & awaiting their guests. Ms Cable appears both quiet & more than a little anxious...

[brilyn]

Derek uses the brief respite to deftly move past a couple more people, before the crowd surges, putting him almost back where he was.

Looking lost and forlorn, in a sea of people, Derek casts about for some sort of hope....

Both also wear dark glasses, but the one standing on Derek's side of the car peers over the top of his shades to make eye-contact with the Nova... He then smiles, winks, & quietly gestures towards the car - it seems more like an offer of assistance than an order... Or, at least, that's what Derek hopes it is... 

Derek's shout of exultation is almost feral:

"Yes! Freedom!"

Interface briefly concentrates, and ripples into transparancy.

The breeze-that-was-Derek smiles disparagingly at the gravity-trapped-mortals around him, and surges effortlessly through the crowd to the limo.

He solidifies by the door, and nods (gratefully to the driver):

"Please get me the hell out of here!" ::smile

And without waiting to open the door, steps through it into the Limo.....

[Ayre el KaBeer]

"William... What can I do for you?"

The aspect of professional calm is there, as always, yet Will fancies he can detect a faint hint of fatigue & stress in the multi-billionaire's tone...

Clearing his throat nervously, Will informs Masters of the meeting with Terry doing his best not to leave out too many details, this effort alone almost making him forget about the discussion about bahrain but he manages to recall what was said about that also.

It's clear Will is holding something back, not out of duplicity, he just seems verry uncomfortable, *TELL HIM!*, strengthening his resolve "It's about Natalia..." ::confused he proceeds to tell his namesake of what he heard and said, describing the reactions of all present as accurately as he could, his anger and fear surfacing from time to time "I don't want anything to happen to Natalia, it was my fault they grabbed her in the first place, I won't let them get to her again William, not if I can help it!".

Calming himself "I believe Terry's intentions are pure, but I don't think he's seeing the dangers for what they are, you'd probably call him an idealist had it not been for the circumstances...". Will continues for a bit longer finally finishing with "Nathan might still be with Terry, he might have more to tell you when he returns".

[ezekiel]

As the warp closes Terry turns his back to Nate and Mike and starts pacing back and forth angrily...

Taking a breath, he launches into something that seems to have been on his mind for a while

"Anyway. I think I understand you a bit better now. You've seen and heard stuff that makes you doubt Masters, and you want to make sure. I get that part. Nobody likes to hear that their boss is a bad guy, and I don't know what you believe, but you want to make sure. Fair enough."

Terry looks to the canopy and almost screams

"I don't know what to believe anymore!"

"What I don't get," he gestures at Terry with the half-torn leaf, "is what the hell you're doing with Pathfinder. Ok, she's pretty damn sexy, and I bet telepathy gives the whole relationship an edge, but wake the f*ck up and smell the coffee, Terry! You can't stand there with a clean conscience and say you don't support torture when you're sleeping with the woman who brought an innocent girl into a madman like Zia's hands. I can understand the first date, as a bargain, a price to pay to get to see the Harvesters. But that's not it anymore, is it?"

Terry keeps walking around, talking as much to the trees as he is to Nate.

"You don't think I know that?! Sometimes I wonder what the hell it is I'm DOING with her! I wonder if what she tells me could actually be true, could she be lying to me? You see, we're not all telepaths, I can't just know if someone's lying to me...then sometimes...sometimes...I wonder how I could ever think of any other woman. I never said I agreed with everything she says or does, believe me we do have our arguments!"

Terry then stops fidgeting around and gives Nate a determined stare as he slowly and deliberately speaks in a low voice. the same stare Sam Jackson gave during his repenting soul speech in Pulp Fiction...

"I try...really Nate, I try to do what's best. But all this is big...big...major stuff. I don't have the money to hire help and my friends seem to think that I'm some kind of monster for even thinking that what I'm told might be true. That maybe not all Terats are monsters. That maybe some of what they say isn't total bullshit. How about you Nate? Have you ever seen anything that might suggest that Masters isn't the total philanthropist he claims he is?"

"There's another reason I'm telling you this, by the way. You were the one who linked the Teragen to Nefertiti. With you literally sleeping with someone you told her is the enemy, I'm not sure Emma trusts you anymore. If she decides she doesn't want to meet you, Pathfinder is probably a big part of the reason. Just so you know it."

"Charles Manson also thought the Beatles were the four angels from the book of revelation...does that make the Beatles monsters for what he did? Participants to his cause? The fact that the cult said Akhenaten revealed himself to the world the same day Mal did doesn't mean Mal is in on their schemes..."

Terry looks Nate earnestly in the eye

"Nate, if I ever think Pathfinder might try to do something to bring Nefertiti out while I'm with Emma, I'll cancel the meeting. I don't want Emma to be harmed any more than you do. If you know of a place Telepathic scans won't work, I'm willing to meet you there...as long as it doesn't double as a one way ticket to John's cell."

[Asbjørn]

Inside the exclusive establishment the lighting is subdued, & there's a definite 'diamond' theme - with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, & walls covered in artistically displayed glittering stones. The waiters & waitresses are so professional that, just for a moment, Vinnie forgets that he's in America... [ ::tongue ] The couple are soon seated & awaiting their guests. Ms Cable appears both quiet & more than a little anxious...

Vinnie instinctively chooses the seat that offers the best view of the restaurant and holds out the chair opposite to it for Ms Cable. Sitting down facing her he smiles and comments

"I'm impressed, Liz. This is one of the very few really expensive New York restaurants I've never been to before. Guess there are a few perks to being an agent as well, right...?" ::sly ::wink

Glancing around the room he takes in the sounds of the waiters' voices, the smells of the various dishes, all reflective surfaces and the various reflections they offer... all as he looks away a fraction of a second before meeting the DeVries rep's eyes again.

"I have to tell you, Liz... You look great. Too bad this is just a business dinner..."

The handsome elite's suggestive words hang in the air as he holds her eyes with his gaze for a few moments.

"I'm sorry. That's not why you asked me to come with you tonight, I know. You're going to talk business with Fabry, right? Are you sure he doesn't mind me being here?"

[Archer21]

Diamonds in the Rough:

Appearing out of the crowd with Janet on his arm, and being escorted by a young waitress, John Fabry glides across the room. Dressed to the nines in a very fashionable and expensive three-piece suit, his confident stride and slight smile acknowledge his comfort in such a fine establishment.

Still, even with his All-American good lucks, powerful physique, and masculine charm, he paled beside his date for the evening. Janet Thorne radiated grace and beauty, her presence tangible throughout the room with no effort at all. A smiling whisper in John's ear, and the two arrived at the table.

Grinning at the Elite and Ms. Cable, he pulls out Jan's seat for her, brushing away the attentions of the fawning waiter. As she sits, he smiles over her head at Vinnie. "I don't mind at all, Mr. Gigante. In fact, I consider your being here a very pleasant surprise."

Seating himself, he sits calm and composed, that slight smile quirking the corners of his lips. "It's not everyday I get to meet an Elite, you know."

[malkboy]

He almost misses it, but suddenly Link realises that the sharp scent wafting from one of the old man's ink bottles - a small, featureless, stoppered glass bottle with a thick dark liquid inside - triggers some of the memories he took from the girl. Her thoughts were all a jumble, but it seems to have something to do with some sort of ritual - from the girl's point of view the important part was serving as part of the post-ritual celebrations...

Ian thinks to himself, *Intresting avenue... it's been productive thus far, lets keep going down this road.*

Unbuttoning his shirt and moving towards the cot, Ian decides that he's got to go on with the charade as long as he can before trying to force his way to the awnsers wanted. With that, he lays down on the cot, face down... but as aware of his surroundings as he can be.

"Did you have an idea for a design? Is that why you asked for my back?"

[phoenix]

"An interesting choice of words, Glacier - 'deathwish'? 'Grudges'? Even your descision of inaction speaks volumes about you. Of course, it's only yourself you're deceiving. Not feeling any pent-up rage? No frustration? Not even a few horny little teenager hormones racing through those icy veins? Maybe you aren't human any more?.. I've already stripped your mind away one layer at a time. I know you better than you know yourself. Make no mistakes, you belong to me."

John shrugs in a "we'll see" sort of way.

The T2Mer shrugs slightly,

"However - it was your choice, so you'll have to live with it."

The tattooed telepath very deliberately turns her back on the teen, walking a few paces away. Still facing away from him she asks, over her shoulder,

"Tell me, Glacier: what are your darkest fantasies?"

John sighs.

"Are you trying to get me to tell you I’m not some bloody animal for you to taunt, so you can tell me how much I am? If so, just tell me.. I’ll say whatever you want...

[Asbjørn]

"I try...really Nate, I try to do what's best. But all this is big...big...major stuff. I don't have the money to hire help and my friends seem to think that I'm some kind of monster for even thinking that what I'm told might be true. That maybe not all Terats are monsters. That maybe some of what they say isn't total bullshit. How about you Nate? Have you ever seen anything that might suggest that Masters isn't the total philanthropist he claims he is?"

Nathan is quiet for a moment, seemingly considering Terry's question or his own answer to it. Then he looks up and says

"No."

His eyebrows furrow for a moment, then

"He's got plenty of secrets and doesn't have a lot of respect for authorities, but that just makes him an arrogant bastard like every other multi-billionaire on the planet. He probably thinks he's got a right to do things his way based on all the good he's done for people. Doesn't make a difference if we agree or not, it still doesn't make him evil incarnate and nova-kind's worst enemy. If I'd wanted to I could find hundreds of clues to the opposite, of course. Just like with every other organization."

Terry looks Nate earnestly in the eye

"Nate, if I ever think Pathfinder might try to do something to bring Nefertiti out while I'm with Emma, I'll cancel the meeting. I don't want Emma to be harmed any more than you do. If you know of a place Telepathic scans won't work, I'm willing to meet you there...as long as it doesn't double as a one way ticket to John's cell."

His eyes like two flashlights running low on batteries, Nathan shakes his head.

"No, I don't know about a place like that. We might have one, but I guess you wouldn't want to come to a Masters' installation, huh? ::confused How about Central Park? Or on the roof of some skyscraper? The park is probably better if you're afraid of eavesdroppers. On second thought, it'll have to be away from people, or we'll never be left in peace..."

"Damn!!" ::angry He kicks a small rock from the ground, sending it flying through the foliage and breaking off a branch somewhere in the distance.

"I guess I should have been watching more spymovies..." ::sarcasm

[Asbjørn]

Grinning at the Elite and Ms. Cable, he pulls out Jan's seat for her, brushing away the attentions of the fawning waiter. As she sits, he smiles over her head at Vinnie. "I don't mind at all, Mr. Gigante. In fact, I consider your being here a very pleasant surprise."

"You know my name, Mr Fabry? Interesting.. I didn't think I was that famous, and I can't remember if we've met before either... It's a pleasure." ::sly

Even while replying to John's greeting, Vinnie turns his attention to Janet Thorne

"However...", he smiles ::smile , "I'm certain I've never met you before, Miss Thorne. It's an honor to meet such a famous and talented actress. I am Vincenzo Gigante, Vin or Vinnie to friends."

In the interest of his own image and Ms Cable's self esteem he - naturally - does his best to hide the impact Miss Thorne's looks, movements, scents and voice have on his superhuman senses, appearing suitably - but not overwhelmingly - charmed. ::cool

[First impression again... Who cares if he's met the Stranger before, there's a much more important woman present... ::tongue ]

Still talking to Miss Thorne as her date takes his seat, Vinnie gestures to Ms Cable and adds

"I don't know if you've met Elizabeth Cable...?"

Seating himself, he sits calm and composed, that slight smile quirking the corners of his lips. "It's not everyday I get to meet an Elite, you know."

"Aha... so that's the explanation. I take it you've been skimming the catalogue, then. Unless there's some truth to the rumors that you will be starring as a rookie Elite in an upcoming Fox production, and this is all part of the research...?" ::sly

[ProfPotts]

Media Pressure:

"Yes! Freedom!"

The crowd gasp their shock as Interface appears to simply disolve... ::nervous ::blink

"Please get me the hell out of here!"

Obviously well-drilled Masters agents, the men by the car show no more amazement than a raised eyebrow as Derek's wispy body momentarily forms like a ghost & speaks to them, before drifting through the cracks in the door to the interior of the car. Following the Nova into the vehicle (by the more conventional door-opening means ::wink ) the men start to drive off as one replies,

"Yes, Sir - that's why we're here."

Confessional:

"It's about Natalia... I don't want anything to happen to Natalia, it was my fault they grabbed her in the first place, I won't let them get to her again William, not if I can help it!.. I believe Terry's intentions are pure, but I don't think he's seeing the dangers for what they are, you'd probably call him an idealist had it not been for the circumstances... Nathan might still be with Terry, he might have more to tell you when he returns."

Masters quietly listens to all William has to say. Once the young Nova finishes, there's a pause, before the older man turns towards him,

"Don't you think I feel the same way? Natalia's safety was... & is... my responsibility. This is family we're talking about William. They went too far. I like to think of myself as a reasonable man, but..." for a moment it seems as though the tough businessman is choked up with emotion, but it's soon pushed aside & replaced by a firm set to his jaw & a determined look in his eyes, "... They tortured & raped my granddaughter. Robbed her of her innocence - stole her childhood..." Masters' eyes fix William's , "They're all going to die." ::angry

For a few tense moments longer Masters' eyes reveal the depths of his hatred for the Teragen, then - suddenly - it's gone. The old man looks away again & shrugs, managing to sound quite relaxed,

"Well... I shouldn't burden you with such things, Will..."

The young Nova can't help but feel impressed by the old man's mastery of his own outer demeanor - no wonder he's such a demon in the business world. However, before Will has a chance to respond, Masters continues,

"It's time for you to make a choice, young William. Your father has received an invitation for you to join a new experimental group which the Utopians are forming to train young Novas like yourself. To be honest I feel it's little more than a publicity stunt but..." he pauses again, then shrugs as his tone turns deadly serious once more, "... but - there are serious, dangerous, unpleasant matters which I am about to engage in. If you're with me, then there's no turning back. That's not something I'm willing to impose on you, William - after all you have your whole life ahead of you. So - if you wish - feel free to join this 'teen tomorrow' with my blessings. I've already had a hand in destroying too many young lives..."

Diamonds in the Rough:

"I'm impressed, Liz. This is one of the very few really expensive New York restaurants I've never been to before. Guess there are a few perks to being an agent as well, right...?"

Ms Cable casts an eye over her superhumanly handsome date,

"A few..." ::sly

"I have to tell you, Liz... You look great. Too bad this is just a business dinner..."

The rep' blushes & looks down at her hands... ::blush

"Thanks. You look... well... words can't really..."

"I'm sorry. That's not why you asked me to come with you tonight, I know. You're going to talk business with Fabry, right? Are you sure he doesn't mind me being here?"

"I don't mind at all, Mr. Gigante. In fact, I consider your being here a very pleasant surprise."

Ms Cable's blush deepens as she jumps & looks up at the two remaining dinner guests. ::blush

"You know my name, Mr Fabry? Interesting.. I didn't think I was that famous, and I can't remember if we've met before either... It's a pleasure."

"However... 'm certain I've never met you before, Miss Thorne. It's an honor to meet such a famous and talented actress. I am Vincenzo Gigante, Vin or Vinnie to friends."

The world's most beautiful woman smiles - breaking Vinnie's heart as a side-effect - & offers her hand,

"The honour is all mine, Vinnie."

"I don't know if you've met Elizabeth Cable...?"

The two women shake hands, although Ms Cable seems to have lost the capacity to speak in the presence of the goddess-like beauty of Janet Thorne... ::nervous

"It's not everyday I get to meet an Elite, you know."

"Aha... so that's the explanation. I take it you've been skimming the catalogue, then. Unless there's some truth to the rumors that you will be starring as a rookie Elite in an upcoming Fox production, and this is all part of the research...?"

Janet grins & turns to John,

"Why darling - I thought you said you were researching a role for The Sopranos - The Movie?" she offers Vinnie a cheeky wink ::wink .

Tattooing:

"Did you have an idea for a design? Is that why you asked for my back?"

The old master sounds a little annoyed as he barks a reply in heavily accented English,

"No talk!"

He continues to prepares the tools of his trade, & Ian starts to get the distinct impression that he's not going to have much say in the design he's going to receive... ::nervous

Rebel without a Clue:

"Are you trying to get me to tell you I’m not some bloody animal for you to taunt, so you can tell me how much I am? If so, just tell me.. I’ll say whatever you want..."

Psyche shakes her head & sighs. As she does so the room, the entire scene, fades away - dripping a layer off reality like washed-away paint. With a little confusion, Glacier finds himself back in his cell - still strapped to the chair - with the famed T2M psychic standing before him. Psyche speaks, but she doesn't appear to be talking to John - but rather some unseen audience,

"You see - he can't even follow the simplest of instructions. It's my opinion that he won't be ready until he's experienced the alternative; maybe not even then. This one may well be a lost cause. The Doctor has already expressed an interest in him due to his high stamina & ability to heal - I see no reason, considering these poor reactions, to deny his request."

There's a pause - during which the leather-clad tattooed beauty seems to be listening, then she again speaks,

"Well yes, I could just control him directly, but quite frankly I have better things to do. He's not the most powerful subject here - his talents are mostly destructive in any case - not a great deal of use in terraforming. No - without some evidence of co-operation, I recommend that we drop this one from the Project."

The Masters Building:

Soon enough the car sent for Interface returns to the building's extensive underground parking facilities. The two security men escort the silvery Nova up to reception, where the pretty young lady at the desk smiles up at him,

"Welcome back, Sir - Mr Masters is expecting you upstairs." ::smile

[Ayre el KaBeer]

They tortured & raped my granddaughter

::confused *raped?... Raped?... RAPED?... RAPED!!!* ::angry The weight of that word repeating itself in Will's mind came crashing down on the young nova, his rage burning through his very soul. Even Will who saw her condition in his mind's eye couldn't imagine they would rape her, the thought brings the taste of bile to his mouth *THEY'RE ALL GOING TO...*

"They're all going to die."

*...DIE!* ::angry

"Well... I shouldn't burden you with such things, Will..."

Genuinely insulted that Masters doesn't consider it his burden aswell, about to protest but is beaten by the old man.

So - if you wish - feel free to join this 'teen tomorrow' with my blessings. I've already had a hand in destroying too many young lives..."

The temptation doesn't even cross his mind, the thought of Natalia being raped has changed the nineteen year old, always wanting those that harmed her to pay, only now knowing the the price they must pay for their crimes, their utter distruction! "Whatever you need me to do, William, it's done!" A thought crosses his mind, a fevered dream starting to make sense, a bleak future, strange people in stranger armour, and a word, no to a word a name! Prophet! ::mellow "You're right, William there is is no turning back" ::hmmm.

[brilyn]

Derek thanks the Security guys for his rescue, and subsequent escort.

"Welcome back, Sir - Mr Masters is expecting you upstairs."

He rasies an eye at this, but nods to the receptionist.

As Derek heads for the elevator, he confirms the time, and mentally notes how long he has til his appointment with the tailor.

[Archer21]

"Aha... so that's the explanation. I take it you've been skimming the catalogue, then. Unless there's some truth to the rumors that you will be starring as a rookie Elite in an upcoming Fox production, and this is all part of the research...?"

Janet grins & turns to John,

"Why darling - I thought you said you were researching a role for The Sopranos - The Movie?" she offers Vinnie a cheeky wink.

The actor laughs richly at the joke. Raising his hands in mock defense, he says, "Guess I'm busted."

Still smiling, he cocks his head at Vinnie. "I hope you have a healthy appetite. Elizabeth chose an outstanding place for us to dine. Why don't we order an appetizer or two, then we can discuss business?"

Raising his hand for the attentive waiter, the actor takes the initiative, waving the man over to take drink orders, as well as a few sample platters of appetizers.

After the drinks arrive shortly, John leans back slightly in his chair and regards Ms. Cable. Sipping his gin and tonic, he raises an eyebrow at her. "I can't wait to see who you've got picked out. I sincerely hope Mr. Gigante here is part of the plan, otherwise I'm a bit confused as to his presence at our business dinner."

[Asbjørn]

[The actor laughs richly at the joke. Raising his hands in mock defense, he says, "Guess I'm busted."

Janet grins & turns to John,

"Why darling - I thought you said you were researching a role for The Sopranos - The Movie?" she offers Vinnie a cheeky wink  ::wink .

"Well, I may be able to help either way...", Vinnie laughs. ::biggrin "I've been to more than my share of Italian restaurants." ::wink

As an afterthought he adds

"Always been more of a Godfather fan, myself... Pacino's work in those movies is some of the best I've ever seen - present company included."

Still smiling, he cocks his head at Vinnie. "I hope you have a healthy appetite. Elizabeth chose an outstanding place for us to dine. Why don't we order an appetizer or two, then we can discuss business?"

"I could eat anything you put in front of me... Well, almost anything."

Vinnie nods his agreement and lets John take care of the orders.

Raising his hand for the attentive waiter, the actor takes the initiative, waving the man over to take drink orders, as well as a few sample platters of appetizers.

After the drinks arrive shortly, John leans back slightly in his chair and regards Ms. Cable. Sipping his gin and tonic, he raises an eyebrow at her. "I can't wait to see who you've got picked out. I sincerely hope Mr. Gigante here is part of the plan, otherwise I'm a bit confused as to his presence at our business dinner."

"As far as I understand", Vinnie shoots in, "my role here is similar to Janet's. It would hardly be polite of Elizabeth to come alone to a meeting when you're bringing a date, would it?" ::sly

With a sideways glance at Ms Cable he shrugs and adds

"Of course, knowing Elizabeth she might very well have plans for me that I'm not aware of. It wouldn't be the first time. She's more or less taken control of my life lately..."::tongue

He gives John a sincere look.

"If I'm involved depends on the plans, of course. But regardless, you have my word, John. You don't mind if I call you John, do you? You have my word - written and in three copies if you like - that any secrets I may learn here will be safe."

[Archer21]

"As far as I understand", Vinnie shoots in, "my role here is similar to Janet's. It would hardly be polite of Elizabeth to come alone to a meeting when you're bringing a date, would it?" 

With a sideways glance at Ms Cable he shrugs and adds

"Of course, knowing Elizabeth she might very well have plans for me that I'm not aware of. It wouldn't be the first time. She's more or less taken control of my life lately..."

John smiles, wryly, Vinne thinks. "Point made, and taken, Mr. Gigante."

"If I'm involved depends on the plans, of course. But regardless, you have my word, John. You don't mind if I call you John, do you? You have my word - written and in three copies if you like - that any secrets I may learn here will be safe."

He chuckles. "Triple copies would be fine." Somehow, Vinnie's sure the actor is only partly joking.

[ProfPotts]

Sanctum Sanctorum:

"Whatever you need me to do, William, it's done!.. You're right, William there is is no turning back"

Masters fixes the young Nova with a stare for a few long moments - almost as if he could see into the young man's soul. Then he nods, & offers his hand,

"Thankyou, Will. You're a fine lad... sorry, a fine man."

As the handshake ends, the elevator arrives bearing Derek. Masters turns to the silvery Nova, much of the serious tone gone from his features & voice as he calls over to him,

"Derek - come in. So... what have you been up to lately, eh? Anything I should know about?.." ::sly

Diamonds in the Rough:

The food is, as rumoured, the very best any of those present have ever sampled. Both Jan & Liz spend at least a few moments 'ooh-ing' & 'ah-ing' over the delicious appetizers - & the DeVries rep' appears to relax somewhat, aided as well by the friendly banter between 'the boys' - & Miss Thorne's generally pleasant personality. At Vinnie's suggestion of their mutual 'date' status, the South African blonde fails to supress yet another blush ::blush , but doesn't deny (or confirm... ::sly ) the comment's truth (or lack of... ::wink ). Still, some business-sense remains in her head as she replies to Fabry's question with one of her own,

"Would Vinnie's services be the sort of thing you'd be willing to pay for, John?" ::sly

[brilyn]

Derek shrugs at Masters.

"Not particularly, to be honest."

"I went to see Terry, like you wanted, and dealt with his paranoid bullshit. It quickly reached the point where it was clear that he wasn't capable of having a rational conversation, choosing to use emotive and hyperbolic phrases, as opposed to simply discussing things.

"So I left."

[Archer21]

Diamonds in the Rough:

"Would Vinnie's services be the sort of thing you'd be willing to pay for, John?"

Dabbing his lips with a napkin after a particularly delicious morsel, John takes a moment to mentally file away the recipe before answering. With a grin, he quips, "I suppose that all depends on how expensive he is..."

The grin remains, lessened a bit but still there, and an intrigued light sparks in his blue eyes. "But before we discuss cost, I really can't make any determination unless I've some idea of what services Mr. Gigante has to offer. Well, Vinnie? What do you say? There's a choice of investigative work, or chaperoning me, as a bodyguard of sorts. What talents do you bring to the table that may persuade me?"

[ezekiel]

Nathan is quiet for a moment, seemingly considering Terry's question or his own answer to it. Then he looks up and says

"No."

His eyebrows furrow for a moment, then

"He's got plenty of secrets and doesn't have a lot of respect for authorities, but that just makes him an arrogant bastard like every other multi-billionaire on the planet. He probably thinks he's got a right to do things his way based on all the good he's done for people. Doesn't make a difference if we agree or not, it still doesn't make him evil incarnate and nova-kind's worst enemy. If I'd wanted to I could find hundreds of clues to the opposite, of course. Just like with every other organization."

Terry shakes his head

"Not all multi-billionaires take on T2M to protect whatever it is they're hiding. You're right, if you wanted to you could find a hundred clues pointing to shady stuff...but you don't want to. I didn't want to...what if those clues are true? I just want to know. Depending on what Derek and Will are now doing, maybe its too late."

Terry rolls his eyes and sighs

"Just keep your eyes open Nate..."

His eyes like two flashlights running low on batteries, Nathan shakes his head.

"No, I don't know about a place like that. We might have one, but I guess you wouldn't want to come to a Masters' installation, huh?  How about Central Park? Or on the roof of some skyscraper? The park is probably better if you're afraid of eavesdroppers. On second thought, it'll have to be away from people, or we'll never be left in peace..."

"Damn!!"  He kicks a small rock from the ground, sending it flying through the foliage and breaking off a branch somewhere in the distance.

"I guess I should have been watching more spymovies..." 

Terry smiles briefly

"Not many spy movies with telepaths...Look, I'll meet you wherever. Somewhere I know of which isn't too public. Text me when you're ready with the location and I'll get there, don't tell me where ahead of time. Hopefully I can get us away somewhere safe from there, but I can't think of a location now or she'll know..."

Terry then looks at Mike

"So what about you? You've been quiet...just want to make sure you won't be missing anything to report back to Masters?"

Terry shakes his head.

"Sorry, at least you haven't stormed off on me yet. Maybe Mike can come along for potential backup if things do get nasty. I'm not sure I want Will or Derek along though."

Terry sits on the ground leaning back on a tree trunk and raises his face to the sky, eyes closed...listening. The forest was alive with sounds, the smells were vivid, fresh.

"Life seems so simple here, doesn't it?"

[Asbjørn]

"Not all multi-billionaires take on T2M to protect whatever it is they're hiding. You're right, if you wanted to you could find a hundred clues pointing to shady stuff...but you don't want to. I didn't want to...what if those clues are true? I just want to know. Depending on what Derek and Will are now doing, maybe its too late."

"That was never supposed to happen, Terry!", Nate protests.

"We were stalling them, buying time while Masters was trying to stop them through official channels. We weren't 'taking them on', just protecting private property to the extent any multi-billionaire with Masters' resources would have."

His shoulders sag a little.

"But then you and the terats showed up, and John went berserk - again - and it all went to hell. Nobody wanted that..."

"Not many spy movies with telepaths...Look, I'll meet you wherever. Somewhere I know of which isn't too public. Text me when you're ready with the location and I'll get there, don't tell me where ahead of time. Hopefully I can get us away somewhere safe from there, but I can't think of a location now or she'll know..."

"Sorry, at least you haven't stormed off on me yet. Maybe Mike can come along for potential backup if things do get nasty. I'm not sure I want Will or Derek along though."

"I'll leave that entirely up to Emma. But I'm sorry, Terry, I don't want you to warp us to somewhere else. If somebody removes you from the equation that'll leave me up shit creek without a paddle. I can't protect her if I can't get her safely home."

"It's a messed up situation..", he shrugs ::confused , "I trust your intentions, but I don't trust your 'friends'. Sorry."

Terry sits on the ground leaning back on a tree trunk and raises his face to the sky, eyes closed...listening. The forest was alive with sounds, the smells were vivid, fresh.

"Life seems so simple here, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does..."

Reaching into his jacket Nathan produces his cellphone and tosses it on the ground next to Will's.

"Can I have Derek's phone for a second, Terry? Yours too, Mike."

He holds out his hands to both of them.

[Asbjørn]

With a grin, he quips, "I suppose that all depends on how expensive he is..."

::devil

The grin remains, lessened a bit but still there, and an intrigued light sparks in his blue eyes. "But before we discuss cost, I really can't make any determination unless I've some idea of what services Mr. Gigante has to offer. Well, Vinnie? What do you say? There's a choice of investigative work, or chaperoning me, as a bodyguard of sorts. What talents do you bring to the table that may persuade me?"

*I think you have a pretty good idea already... But all right, I'll humor you.*

::sly

"I'm afraid I'd make a poor bodyguard... I'm not bulletproof like some of my colleagues, and I have a tendency to draw too much attention to stay in the background." ::rolleyes He smiles at the ladies.

"As an investigator, however, I would be much more useful. For instance, I..."

His voice trails off, and there's a glimmer of recognition in his eyes

"You know, I think we have met before. On Ibiza, maybe? Weren't you staying at the Hotel Isla Blanca a few weeks back...? I think we met at that costume party. I must say that suit looks a lot better on you than what you wore then." He looks John in the eyes, his look telling more than his words what he knows.

"But let's not go into that. As I was saying, I have some experience with investigations. No particular area of extreme expertise, though I think I could make life harder for both criminals and law enforcement - if I was so inclined, of course..." ::halo

[Archer21]

"I'm afraid I'd make a poor bodyguard... I'm not bulletproof like some of my colleagues, and I have a tendency to draw too much attention to stay in the background."  He smiles at the ladies.

"As an investigator, however, I would be much more useful. For instance, I..."

At the pause, John looks up from his drink. "Yes?"

"You know, I think we have met before. On Ibiza, maybe? Weren't you staying at the Hotel Isla Blanca a few weeks back...? I think we met at that costume party. I must say that suit looks a lot better on you than what you wore then." He looks John in the eyes, his look telling more than his words what he knows.

"But let's not go into that. As I was saying, I have some experience with investigations. No particular area of extreme expertise, though I think I could make life harder for both criminals and law enforcement - if I was so inclined, of course..."

Years of acting serve John well. Only the tiniest narrowing of his eyes, masked quickly by a ready smile, give any indication that his attitude has changed.

"Ibiza, you say? Hmmm. Well, I was there doing some location scouting...and I do recall a party or two...but it's always so difficult to tell who's who when the masks are on." Blue eyes meet Vinnie's green, and his grin spreads. The mirth it conveys doesn't quite match the sudden calm calculation in his gaze.

"Well, I imagine any Elite worth their paycheck could make life difficult for anyone, Mr. Gigante. I'm afraid that if I'm to hire you, more specific details of your abilities would be needed."

Taking a sip of his drink, he studies the cut crystal of the glass before continuing.

"Now, some things I can guess, just from knowing the little I do about you. Your pseudonym is Ghost. This implies stealth, with overtones of fear or intimidation. Quite possibly you exhibit some means of moving undetected, and as your presence just sitting at this table is palpable even now, I imagine you can strike terror into your opponents at least somewhat easily."

The handsome blond actor taps his lips thoughtfully as he enjoys the light refracting from the glass.

"You make little effort to hide your family name and connections. Pride, loyalty, and obligation must be important to you. I applaud those characteristics. They match well with my needs for this investigation. But back to your abilites. You obviously recognize the effect your looks have on others, and understand the advantage it gives you. I've noticed you're very focused on whatever occupies your attention, yet you still give the impression of sensing everything around you; which, along with other information I already have, tells me your perception is very acute."

"I'm very sure I've only spied the tip of the iceberg, but how am I doing so far?"

[malkboy]

The old master sounds a little annoyed as he barks a reply in heavily accented English,

"No talk!"

He continues to prepares the tools of his trade, & Ian starts to get the distinct impression that he's not going to have much say in the design he's going to receive... 

Ian rethinks his previous idea and decides to scout the information he needs as subtly as can be...but immediately, rather than waiting for it. Letting his thoughts reach out into that of the tattoo master in a manner to not draw attention to the fact he's doing it (or.. trying it).

[phoenix]

"Well yes, I could just control him directly, but quite frankly I have better things to do. He's not the most powerful subject here - his talents are mostly destructive in any case - not a great deal of use in terraforming. No - without some evidence of co-operation, I recommend that we drop this one from the Project."

Angry about being tricked, Glacier looks around the room.

After Psyche says this, he protests,

"What? You didn't even tell me to do anything!"

[Asbjørn]

Years of acting serve John well. Only the tiniest narrowing of his eyes, masked quickly by a ready smile, give any indication that his attitude has changed.

"Ibiza, you say? Hmmm. Well, I was there doing some location scouting...and I do recall a party or two...but it's always so difficult to tell who's who when the masks are on." Blue eyes meet Vinnie's green, and his grin spreads. The mirth it conveys doesn't quite match the sudden calm calculation in his gaze.

[i was pretty sure I'd described Vinnie as a typical dark-eyed latino, but now I can't seem to find it... Terry is the green-eyed monster, not me. ::wink ]

"Well, I imagine any Elite worth their paycheck could make life difficult for anyone, Mr. Gigante. I'm afraid that if I'm to hire you, more specific details of your abilities would be needed."

Taking a sip of his drink, he studies the cut crystal of the glass before continuing.

"Now, some things I can guess, just from knowing the little I do about you. Your pseudonym is Ghost. This implies stealth, with overtones of fear or intimidation. Quite possibly you exhibit some means of moving undetected, and as your presence just sitting at this table is palpable even now, I imagine you can strike terror into your opponents at least somewhat easily."

*Now, there's a thought... That is something to work on...*

The handsome blond actor taps his lips thoughtfully as he enjoys the light refracting from the glass.

"You make little effort to hide your family name and connections. Pride, loyalty, and obligation must be important to you. I applaud those characteristics. They match well with my needs for this investigation. But back to your abilites. You obviously recognize the effect your looks have on others, and understand the advantage it gives you. I've noticed you're very focused on whatever occupies your attention, yet you still give the impression of sensing everything around you; which, along with other information I already have, tells me your perception is very acute."

"I'm very sure I've only spied the tip of the iceberg, but how am I doing so far?"

"Not bad at all. You're pretty perceptive yourself..." ::sly

Vinnie sips his drink and seems to think a little before he answers.

"The quantum genie - as a friend of mine refers to it - mostly improved my abilities. I'm faster, tougher, smarter, my senses are much better... you know. Lots of novas have some pretty flashy powers, but my abilities on the whole are more subtle. In fact, the one gift I have that I'd classify as a 'power' is teleportation. I can get to more or less anywhere in the world in a few seconds, or I could 'port to the kitchen, snatch the recipe and be back in my seat in the blink of an eye." ::wink

Scratching his cheek slightly he leans back in his seat as he continues

"As for your investigation... I'm a good interrogator. People who have something to hide always give themselves away. Even seasoned actors such as yourselves have small tells you're not aware of."

He smiles at Janet "Good thing I'm not a reporter, right...?" ::wink

Returning his gaze to John he adds

"I've also seen a crimescene or two since my eruption and so far I've always picked up more clues than the cops. I'm not Sherlock Holmes, but who is...?"

"Of course, there are investigations and then there are investigations... Some are dangerous and some are not. Some are in conflict with the law and authorities and some are not. Some require weeks of study and research on the net and in public files and libraries, and some require streetwork and scaring or tricking information out of people. You need different skills for different jobs."

"What kind of job is yours...?"

[Archer21]

"Not bad at all. You're pretty perceptive yourself..."

John smiles. "Thank you."

"The quantum genie - as a friend of mine refers to it - mostly improved my abilities. I'm faster, tougher, smarter, my senses are much better... you know. Lots of novas have some pretty flashy powers, but my abilities on the whole are more subtle. In fact, the one gift I have that I'd classify as a 'power' is teleportation. I can get to more or less anywhere in the world in a few seconds, or I could 'port to the kitchen, snatch the recipe and be back in my seat in the blink of an eye." 

Scratching his cheek slightly he leans back in his seat as he continues

"As for your investigation... I'm a good interrogator. People who have something to hide always give themselves away. Even seasoned actors such as yourselves have small tells you're not aware of."

He smiles at Janet "Good thing I'm not a reporter, right...?" 

Returning his gaze to John he adds

"I've also seen a crimescene or two since my eruption and so far I've always picked up more clues than the cops. I'm not Sherlock Holmes, but who is...?"

"Of course, there are investigations and then there are investigations... Some are dangerous and some are not. Some are in conflict with the law and authorities and some are not. Some require weeks of study and research on the net and in public files and libraries, and some require streetwork and scaring or tricking information out of people. You need different skills for different jobs."

"What kind of job is yours...?"

Sipping his drink as Vinnie speaks, John seems the epitome of the loose, comfortable celebrity-about-town. Taking in every word, every nuance of the Elite's speech, the actor studies Vinnie for a silent moment before he answers.

"That is yet to be determined." A grin flits across his chiseled face, showing perfect, even white teeth.

"I can tell you this: If you accept, you'll be following my instructions. If I tell you to leave something alone, make sure you do. There will be certain information that you will be privy to that is unknown outside very few people, and I intend to see that it stays that way. Are we clear?" The grin remains, demonstrating to the other patrons of the restaurant that there's nothing to see here, idle chit-chat among friends. The tone of voice is something different entirely, hard as iron.

"You, Mr. Gigante, will help me find the sons-of-bitches that killed my brother."

[Asbjørn]

"I can tell you this: If you accept, you'll be following my instructions. If I tell you to leave something alone, make sure you do. There will be certain information that you will be privy to that is unknown outside very few people, and I intend to see that it stays that way. Are we clear?" The grin remains, demonstrating to the other patrons of the restaurant that there's nothing to see here, idle chit-chat among friends. The tone of voice is something different entirely, hard as iron.

Vinnie nods in response to the actor's words

"As crystal."

"You, Mr. Gigante, will help me find the sons-of-bitches that killed my brother."

Vinnie smiles slightly, and takes another sip from his glass.

"I might. But not under those conditions, I'm afraid."

"This really isn't the place to discuss it, but I can't take this job for you for one simple reason: I'm already on it."

[Archer21]

Vinnie smiles slightly, and takes another sip from his glass.

"I might. But not under those conditions, I'm afraid."

"This really isn't the place to discuss it, but I can't take this job for you for one simple reason: I'm already on it."

Allowing the grin to fade, John's face slowly transforms to a dangerously blank expression. He turns his attention to Ms. Cable. "I assume there is an explanation for this?"

[ezekiel]

"That was never supposed to happen, Terry!", Nate protests.

"We were stalling them, buying time while Masters was trying to stop them through official channels. We weren't 'taking them on', just protecting private property to the extent any multi-billionaire with Masters' resources would have."

His shoulders sag a little.

"But then you and the terats showed up, and John went berserk - again - and it all went to hell. Nobody wanted that..."

Terry shakes his head

"Bernal was insisting to get in. Nothing short of blows was going to stop him, you admitted as much yourself. There's something going on between the Team and Masters. He'll do anything to avoid having to ask for their help. I've yet to see such conflict with Viasoft...I'm not saying Masters wanted them to die, of course not. But he was willing to have some sort of conflict with them to protect whatever he's hiding."

Terry rolls his eyes

"Of course I'm sure whatever he's hiding has 'end-of-the-world' consequences and only MI can stop it, or so he says."

"I'll leave that entirely up to Emma. But I'm sorry, Terry, I don't want you to warp us to somewhere else. If somebody removes you from the equation that'll leave me up shit creek without a paddle. I can't protect her if I can't get her safely home."

"It's a messed up situation..", he shrugs  , "I trust your intentions, but I don't trust your 'friends'. Sorry."

"Neither do I, Nate. I don't trust anyone anymore. Reality is that if I keep us moving then there's much less chance of being found. If Pathfinder does show up with her friends I can take us away much faster than you could...I did take both of us away from all of Nippontai while we were within their grasps after all...I promise to always be close to civilization though, ideally within cities. That way if I am taken out, you'll be close to some cover. Is that good enough?"

"Yeah, it does..."

Reaching into his jacket Nathan produces his cellphone and tosses it on the ground next to Will's.

"Can I have Derek's phone for a second, Terry? Yours too, Mike."

He holds out his hands to both of them.

Terry frowns

"Actually I wanted to donate them to Devries for inspection. If we destroy them then we'll never know if I'm just paranoid or not..."

[Asbjørn]

Allowing the grin to fade, John's face slowly transforms to a dangerously blank expression. He turns his attention to Ms. Cable. "I assume there is an explanation for this?"

"For what?"::huh

Vinnie sounds surprised by the actor's change of tone. He raises an eyebrow and replies

"Does it surprise you so much that others might be interested in the organization resonsible for your brother's death? I'm already investigating them, and I'm sure we have more than a few things to discuss in that regard, but like I said: Maybe not right here and now."

"I'll tell you this much: I'm not investigating your brother's death in particular, but it's come to my attention. From a friend of yours, actually. Or so he said. The name Terry Nathanson ring a bell...?"

"You should be pleased, John. Here's a chance to gain my help, without hiring me."

Turning to Ms Cable, he laughs and adds

"I can't believe I just said that..." ::rolleyes

[Archer21]

"For what?"

Vinnie sounds surprised by the actor's change of tone. He raises an eyebrow and replies

"Does it surprise you so much that others might be interested in the organization resonsible for your brother's death? I'm already investigating them, and I'm sure we have more than a few things to discuss in that regard, but like I said: Maybe not right here and now."

"I'll tell you this much: I'm not investigating your brother's death in particular, but it's come to my attention. From a friend of yours, actually. Or so he said. The name Terry Nathanson ring a bell...?"

"You should be pleased, John. Here's a chance to gain my help, without hiring me."

Turning to Ms Cable, he laughs and adds

"I can't believe I just said that..."

Tense shoulders relax, and John shakes his head ruefully. "Please accept my apologies, Elizabeth. And you, Vinnie. I misunderstood. I thought you were saying you were already investigating my brother's death, which is a family affair we like to keep private."

He smiles. "I do know Terry. He's been quite...avid...in trying to help me. I hope he didn't come off too strong. As for your services being volunteered, well that's something I'll toast to."

He raises his glass and looks at Janet. "This is working out much better than I expected." ::biggrin

Clinking glasses all around, he sets his glass down just as the main courses arrive. Glancing across the table at Vinnie and Elizabeth, he says, "Why don't we hold our discussion until after dinner? Both of you are more than welcome to join me at my home afterwards, and we can hammer out the details there."

[Asbjørn]

"Neither do I, Nate. I don't trust anyone anymore. Reality is that if I keep us moving then there's much less chance of being found. If Pathfinder does show up with her friends I can take us away much faster than you could...I did take both of us away from all of Nippontai while we were within their grasps after all...I promise to always be close to civilization though, ideally within cities. That way if I am taken out, you'll be close to some cover. Is that good enough?"

Nate nods quietly.

"Yeah, I guess..." ::confused

Terry frowns

"Actually I wanted to donate them to Devries for inspection. If we destroy them then we'll never know if I'm just paranoid or not..."

"Devries?!? Can you afford that?" ::blink

Nathan lowers his shades and gives Terry a disbelieving look.

"I guess I don't mind that, if you can arrange it. I just have to erase some of my numbers. Oh, and a few messages..." ::halo

He picks up his phone again, and starts pushing buttons. That done, he throws it back on the ground and faces Terry, his hand outstretched to shake.

"I hope we can get back to what used to pass for normal some time soon... Just drop me somewhere in New York, and I'll get in touch when I've talked to Emma. OK?"

"You coming, Mike...?"

[ProfPotts]

Somewhere near the centre of the universe:

"Not particularly, to be honest."

"I went to see Terry, like you wanted, and dealt with his paranoid bullshit. It quickly reached the point where it was clear that he wasn't capable of having a rational conversation, choosing to use emotive and hyperbolic phrases, as opposed to simply discussing things.

"So I left."

Masters stares into Derek's eyes for just a moment, before shrugging & slapping the silvery Nova on the back,

"Hey - sounds like a reasonable response to me. After all, you could have turned his underwear into acid or something, right? Just walking away was the mature way to play it out." ::sly

The old man grins then heads over to the drinks cabinet, adding as he goes,

"Of course, I'd have gone for the underwear thing - but that's just me..." ::wink

Pouring himself a drink he takes a sip, then says to Derek & Will,

"I'll want a word with all of you - Nathan & Mike as well as you two - at some point..." The senior William's eyes flicker over to his younger namesake, seriousness hardening the look for a fraction of a second before the professional act & smile is back in place, "... but I hear you have a date tonight? Good luck with that, Derek... although, if you break her heart, I'll have to cut out yours..." ::sly

A grin breaks again across the older man's face,

"Just kidding! I imagine you & the good doctor will have a lot to talk about. Although I'll be sorely disappointed if all you do is talk, young man - she's a fantastic looking woman, & we do things the Masters way in these parts." ::wink

Shooing Interface away he adds,

"Go on, get out before you miss the tailor."

Linkin' Minds:

Concentrating, trying to focus & 'quieten' his power, Ian reaches out to the master tattooist's brain - linking with the system of nerves & impulses he finds there just like he'd link to a computer... The old Chinese man appears oblivious to the Elite's efforts as he continues to busy himself mixing inks & the like...

... Images & thoughts flash across Link's mind, until he settles on the scent he recalled from the girl's memories. Finding it, he matches memories in the old man's head - a special ink only for special jobs - an exact recipe he has to follow, including the finest of rare & exotic ingredients - as well as one substance, a thick black liquid, which is provided to him by the customer: the old man has no idea what the substance is.

Focusing on the customer he sees first an image of a tattooed biker - large & athletic - with several friends. They come to the old man when they've 'initiated' a new member - they come to receive their 'marks' - the sign of Baphomet: the goat-head in an inverted pentangle, but surrounded by a ring of arcane text unique to the group. The old man knows the design well, but doesn't know what it means. The faces of the biker - both male & female - are clear to Link.

There are also, on rare occassions, 'house calls' - the old master gets into a car - an expensive limo - which is arranged for him. He's blindfolded & taken to... he doesn't know where - but when he arrives the blindfold is removed & he's in a room - a small room which appears to be in a rich, old, house - & his subject will be waiting for him - usually a young, beautiful, girl - naked on a low stone 'alter', covered in black & red silk sheets. His work there is conducted by candle-light, & he is provided with rich food & drink as he works as well as, if he wishes, the services of the girl he's marking. The return trip matches the outgoing one (the old man usually sleeps both ways, but seems to think it takes a couple of hours in the car each way), & when he returns to his shop, a large sum of money has been added to his bank account.

... That appears to be the extent of the old man's knowledge on the subject...

Breaking the ice:

"What? You didn't even tell me to do anything!"

The gorgeous, leather-clad, tattooed, T2Mer glances down at John, one eyebrow raised in response to his comment. For a moment the young Nova thinks she's not going to bother with a reply, but then she speaks - her tone a patronising one, as if she was explaining something to a small, dim, child,

"You claimed to have chosen to belong to me instead of suffering the good Doctor's tender mercies. I pointed out that I'd already read what passes for your mind. Then I told you to expound your darkest fantasies - yet you failed to do so. What's so hard to grasp here? It was a simple command, yet you couldn't even bring yourself to follow that. What hope is there of you ever being any use to me?"

Diamonds in the Rough:

Liz & Janet seem content to follow the interplay between the two males as they match 'coolness' & try to out-suave each other... ::cool ::smokin Ms Cable looks a little concerned when John asks her about Vinnie's comment - but before she can retort with her stock answer about DeVries client confidentiality, Vinnie has fielded the question himself.

"This is working out much better than I expected."

Janet's smile, as always, lights up the room,

"Quite. With two such handsome men around, Liz & I are feeling spoilt rotten... & it's wonderful!" ::biggrin

Ms Cable blushes ::blush , but nods her agreement - Vinnie suddenly feels her hand squeeze his under the table: all the Nova-level social activity must be, he imagines, quite a challenge for a normal person to deal with.

[brilyn]

Derek keeps quiet throughout Master's speech, looking somewhat disapproving of the acidic-underwear suggestion (yet there's a sense of him filing it away for later use.....).

A flicker of curiousity at the mention of 'having a talk later'.

And outright astonishment at the mention of his date.

Not to mention incredulity at

"Just kidding! I imagine you & the good doctor will have a lot to talk about. Although I'll be sorely disappointed if all you do is talk, young man - she's a fantastic looking woman, & we do things the Masters way in these parts."

::blush

::blush

"uh......"

"......"

::blush

Derek, finger raised in protest, yet unable to say anything against these slanderous lies, is easily swept out of the room....

Once outside the room, it takes a moment for Derek to realise where he is.

He shrugs, and mumbles, half-to-himself.

"Guess the lady doesn't believe in 'descretion'......."

And ambles to his lab, to await the tailor.