Mercury walked through back alleys sticking more to the shadows of the Brazil college he called home. He was a history teacher here focusing on Europe, and the correlation between ancient mages and magic. To the current age of people with gifts. His hopes was that with education people would come to fear those with powers less. Though he did moonlight as a superhero keeping the peace in his neck of the city. This was allowed by his local government, and was even aided by police. This was because he was one of the first to willingly register himself with his government of being a gifted. Due to his corporation with his government he was given many freedoms most were not. However, that did not mean he was completely free to do whatever he wanted with his powers. Much in the same way a police officer wasn’t allowed to fire a gun whenever they wanted. There was a bit of paperwork involved when he needed to use his gifts. Usually just incident reports, and the similarly to police officers.
Mercury finally entered his office getting out of the harsh Brazilian sun. *Sigh~*"Man is it hot today." He looked through some files filled with his students tests. As that day he’d assigned a pop quiz. As to see if the students were actually retaining what he’d been teaching. Especially those that chatted noisily in the back of his classroom.
As far as any government was concerned, Edwina Fairfax was an experimental physicist specializing in Dark Matter. She had received her PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology a few years back, before accepting a position as a post doc at CalTech. Curiously, Edwina didn't stay in California for long once she was hired as a full time researcher. When the laws and restrictions on those with gifts became more and more prominent, Edwina applied and was accepted to a researcher exchange program at a university in Brazil. No one knew of her powers and the laws were a little less harsh in Brazil than they were in the United States.
It wasn't perfect, by any means. The physics department was able to give her a small office to use, but the printer had been busted for ages. Every time they wanted to print off anything, they had to head to the history department and use theirs. She was singing under her breath as she walked through the halls of the history department, having some journal articles that she wanted printed in order to mark up. "I'm walking on Sunshine ~ Oh yeaaaah."
Mercury was working on grading the tests. As he’d suspected the students who’d always been talking failed their quizzes. It made him almost a little amused to put a giant F on their papers. He then heard someone singing outside his office door. "I'm walking on Sunshine ~ Oh yeaaaah." he couldn’t help, but to hum along. He decided to print off some worksheets for the students that’d gotten a D or lower on the quiz in hopes of helping them learn the material a little better. After a bit he walked out to be greeted by a red head standing over the printer. He recognized her somewhat as a assistant researcher for the sciences department. However, he could never remember just what it was she was researching. Though it didn’t really matter to him as they never really talked. At least not often enough for it to really come up very often. *cleared throat~*"Hello, Edwina, correct? How are you doing?" It’d be fine if Edwina didn’t care to remember his name. After all they barely knew each other.
Edwina grabbed her papers off the printer, admiring for a moment the heat that came along with freshly printed documents. It didn't matter that it was practically boiling here in Brazil - some of life's pleasures were enjoyable no matter the weather. She grabbed the stapler, attempting to staple the journals together. The first try revealed a problem - some asshole had left the stapler jammed. "Oh, hey there...Um...Sorry, I'm bad with names. But...It has something to do with the Periodic Table...And thermometers...Mercury!" Edwina said, awkwardly wrestling with the stapler.
She managed to get it fixed and reloaded it with a fresh row of staples, then stapling her article packets together and sliding them into her bag. "I'm good, just needed to get some articles printed off. My P.I. wants me to present this week on Dr. Cooper's research on dark matter," Edwina explained. She didn't expect Mercury to know anything she was talking about - no one ever did in the history department. It didn't matter what university - the historians and the essayists and everyone in a non-STEM profession suddenly forgot the basic principles of math and science.
"How're you doing? Classes going okay? I've got an undergrad I'm mentoring - Vido Sanchez - think he's in your class?"
Mercury smiled in amusement at Edwina struggling to guess his name. "I'm good, just needed to get some articles printed off. My P.I. wants me to present this week on Dr. Cooper's research on dark matter." When he heard about dark matter he raised a brow in interest. *Quizzical hum~*"I actually have some theories about it. Dark matter I mean. It relates to how back in the Neolithic era dark matter fell to the earth in the form of a meteorite. From which it’s energy, and particles sunk into the earth, and into drinking sources. Through these sources it was transferred into people and animals. Killing some while gifting others with, gifts. Thus creating the very first gifted. Though this is all still very much a theory of mine. One I’ve been working on with Dr. Cooper." After all he was the leading expert on the history of the gifted. On how they’d existed long before people believed. On how mages, and magical creatures in fables, stories, and legends were actually gifted.
"How're you doing? Classes going okay? I've got an undergrad I'm mentoring - Vido Sanchez - think he's in your class?" At hearing the name Vido Sanchez Mercury soured. "That boy needs to get his priorities straight if he’s to pass my class. All he does is talk with his friends in the back of my classroom. Frankly I’m considering kicking him out. He’s disruptive to the other students. Other then having to deal with students like that. I’m doing well."
"Yeah, my P.I.'s told me all about that aspect of Dr. Cooper's work," Edwina said with a bit of a grimace. "Dr. Cooper doesn't exactly have the best reputation in the scientific community ever since...Well, you know, his later round of theories," Edwina explained. Not very many physicists took kindly to the idea that a dark matter meteorite was the cause for all of the individuals with gifts. It seemed a bit too mythical and magical to them - too convenient, especially given that dark matter couldn't be detected by anything on the electromagnetic spectrum. It was one of the reasons why Edwina was so interested in it - unlike optics, it was a field of physics that evaded her gifts.
"But it doesn't matter whose ego says what - if the data suggests that happened, then that's that," Edwina then said, summarizing her own thoughts on the matter. She couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the mention of Vido. He was one of the best undergrad researchers in her lab and to hear that he was almost getting kicked out of a humanities course wasn't a huge shock. "I'm not surprised. Most physics majors go through a phase like that - when anything that isn't physics or math isn't worth their time," Edwina said.
"Why so interested in the gifted, by the way? One researcher to another."
"I'm not surprised. Most physics majors go through a phase like that - when anything that isn't physics or math isn't worth their time," *Distraught sigh~* Mercury shouldn’t have been surprised. But, it still chafed at him at how people could act that way about history. He’d even worked so hard to make the lectures engaging, and entertaining. "Just goes to show not everyone respects where they’ve been. Truly a shame," Mercury sighed out. He rubbed the bridge of his nose a little with frustration.
"Why so interested in the gifted, by the way? One researcher to another." *Warm chuckle~*"That’s because I’m a gifted myself. I don’t hide it, I just obey the laws and don’t use my powers outside the simple mandates my government has given me. They are essentially the three rules of robotics. Just with some minor alterations in wording.”
"But remember, they're young. He's fallen in love with science and nothing else can compare to it - at least for now. How many history majors treat chemistry with the same attention they do history? Or art majors - do they adore math as much as they do painting? It's their first academic love," Edwina said, smiling a bit wistfully. While she understood the need for a well rounded education, she also understood the desire to focus on one's declared field of study. She had friends that had loved literature and history in high school, but once they studied science in college, suddenly those literature classes were not as much breathtaking as they were a pain in the ass. Maybe it was some of the rivalry between the hard and soft sciences - maybe it was just human nature.
"Asimov fan? I hope they don't tell you that you have to sacrifice your life for others," Edwina commented. She wasn't sure what to make of Mercury. She knew that some individuals with gifts cooperated with governments - but back in the United States, they usually ended up imprisoned rather than greeted with open arms. However, despite all of her warning bells in her head that she should leave and go back to her work - just in case she accidentally drew too much attention to herself - she was curious. It had been a long time since she met another individual with powers. The last one being her cousin... The girl was in a highly secure mental institution now specifically designed for the gifted.
"Mind if I ask what you can do? I've got a cousin with powers - she's super sweet, little bit shy, but can heal from almost any injury."
"But remember, they're young. He's fallen in love with science and nothing else can compare to it - at least for now. How many history majors treat chemistry with the same attention they do history? Or art majors - do they adore math as much as they do painting? It's their first academic love," Mercury could understand the boy. But, that still didn’t excuse his more than rude behavior. It also didn’t help that Edwina didn’t seem to care in the slightest that Vido had no sense of manners in his class. In fact she seemed to laugh it off. Which just angered Mercury to no end. "Look If you’re mentoring him. Than tell that boy he needs to at least show some god damn respect. I don’t give a damn about what his first love is, or what takes his priority. Tell him when he’s in my class. He’d better damn well show me some manners."
He sighed out deeply with annoyance. But, he continued on from the subject of Vido. He’d handle that more later if Edwina failed to teach the kid that even if something fascinated him more then other things. That still didn’t mean he got to be disruptive to the other students. Who actually were attending his class because they loved to hear his lectures.
"Mind if I ask what you can do? I've got a cousin with powers - she's super sweet, little bit shy, but can heal from almost any injury." The first part Mercury wouldn’t answer due to Edwina’s rude behavior. But, when the sister was brought up Mercury sighed out softly. That was something that did occasionally happen. Especially with those that had gifts that could benefit all of mankind. "Look, I don’t feel comfortable just flaunting what I can do. I’m not exactly normal as compared to the rest of the gifted. You could say I’m my governments Ace. So I can’t just go out telling government secrets. Especially to someone I don’t trust, or respect... yet. I mean yet, because if you can get Vido and his buddies to stop talking in my class. I’ll tell you about part of my gift. I might tell you more if you tell me what you can do."
Edwina frowned slightly at Mercury's exclamation. She could have understood a simple misunderstanding on diction, but the terminologies were quite clear. In a research lab, a grad student or post doc (of which Edwina would be considered the later) served as a mentor to whatever undergraduate the P.I. assigned to them. It wasn't her job to teach Vido manners and etiquette, to get on his case about his other classes. Her job started and ended when it came to how he acted in their research lab - the data he collected, the techniques he learned, and the articles he tried to write.
Vido's behavior in Mercury's course was simply not her problem. If he was messing with the equipment in the lab or falsifying data - that was her problem. She wasn't his mother and this wasn't high school anymore. This was a university campus. "I'm not asking for you to respect me," Edwina said flatly. "But correcting Vido's behavior in courses isn't my responsibility - and if he is disrupting lectures, kick him out. He's not a child anymore."
"And for what I can do?" Edwina added. "I'm not gifted - I'm just an associate researcher." She then checked her phone - she had to head back to the lab soon.
Mercury took a moment to asses Edwina’s words then sighed softly before smiling. She was right after all she wasn’t Vido’s mother. Only the person making sure he did the right things in the science department nothing more, and certainly nothing less. "You’re right, and I apologize for my rude outburst. Perhaps there is one thing I can tell you. That will completley blow your mind."
Mercury leaned in close to Edwina to whisper a secret. "I’m made out of an energy that shouldn’t quantifiably exist. That, and I’m older then dirt. It’s why I’m so positive my theory on the meteorite, and dark matter is so positive." Then he backed up calmly smiled at her again, and laughed. Then looked at the clock. "Well I need to get back to work. See you around." Then he walked away to his office shutting his door behind him. Acting as if he hadn’t just told Edwina something mind boggling.
Edwina stood still for a moment, mulling over what Mercury had just told her. Was he claiming to be made out of dark energy? If that was the case, then he wouldn't be able to interact with light. His interactions with gravity would then be repulsive in nature as well. And if there was anyone who was familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum, it was Edwina. Although she only manipulated light, she had the potential to manipulate other forms of energy - if she only pushed herself hard enough. Maybe one day, she'd be able to master electromagnetism.
Making a slight plan to test Mercury's claim at a later point, Edwina headed back to the physics department, ready for a particularly grueling group meeting...
Later that evening...
Edwina sat on the rooftop of a building, peering down into the alleyway below. This area was a hotspot for criminal activity, where abductions, murder, and rape were all common. She was dressed from head to toe in black, in order to keep herself from needing to use her abilities as natural camouflage. While it wouldn't have been hard by any means, the more things she had to concentrate on, the slower her reflexes would be.
It was a little before midnight when Edwina noticed movement in the street below. The darkness didn't impact her sight - it was a different sort of sight that she was using. She was a light manipulator - seeing in the dark was child's play. "Finally," Edwina whispered. She then quickly and silently began making her way down the fire escape, ready to surprise the unsuspecting criminal below...
Late at night Mercury was sent to go check out crime alley. There were children going missing, and the police had managed to track down a lead. They decided that being a shapeshifter Mercury could take the place of a criminal in the gangs organization. In order to track down the missing kids before anything worse could happen.
He walked down the street his head down in his usual hoodie, and jeans ensemble. Which allowed him to blend in to this alley. Ladies of the night ignored him, and gang bangers as well.
He made his way to his contact, and they revealed to him who’s place Mercury needed to take. They’d kidnapped them the night before, and was keeping them hidden. His contact had been interrogating him for hours. Mercury’s contract was also told what he needed to get from their warehouse.
So he walked alone towards the warehouse district in the back alleys. Keeping in mind everything he’d been told.
Edwina had made her way onto the last balcony, crouching up against the bars. Her hair had been tied back and then placed in a beanie - red hair tended to draw attention and that was the opposite of what she was going for. From what her information told her, they tended to meet up in a large group before they went hunting. She saw one coming from the South end of the alley, with three coming from the North end. Odd they're not in one large group... Edwina bit her lip, considering the plan she had in order.
The small tracking device felt cold in her hand. There wouldn't be too many chances at this - she'd need to sneak up on them and plant the tracker. She could then follow them back to where the kids were stashed and take them all out - drop a call to the police first, then blind the bastards into submission. It was just a waiting game at this point. As soon as the thugs on the ground started talking, she'd make her move.
Mercury met up with some other members of the gang, and greeted them with their signature greeting. Then made their way to the warehouse. Mercury wasn’t interested in talking he was interested in getting proof. More importantly he was interested in getting those kids to freedom. That is if they weren’t actually missing of their own volition. Though he did stop for a moment. He scoped out vantage points for anything that shouldn’t be there. Then stopped seeing a figure of someone, just barely. It was hard to tell, but his gut. That’d told him to scope out the spots he’d stand post at in the first place. Screamed that it really was some idiot that thought they were a superhero. They were gonna make a mistake possibly get kids killed. Because if they weren’t Mercury would have been told that he’d have a tail. He quickly looked away before anyone could notice what he was looking at. "dammit, who in the hell? Shit," He thought. Then went inside of the building. He hoped that they weren’t dumb enough to seige the building.
In the midst of their signature greeting, Edwina had used her abilities to render herself invisible. She successfully planted the tracker on the leader of the group, throwing a mild optical illusion up towards the fire escapes in order to draw the attention of anyone perceptive. Mercury hadn't actually spotted Edwina - he had spotted a shadow that she had bent into existence there. Once they entered the building, Edwina remained outside, using both the shadows and her ability to stay hidden. No one had noticed that she was there and for a moment, she wished her friend Nyt was there. They always made a spectacular duo together. Nyt manipulated sound and Edwina manipulated light.
She waited for a few minutes, before quickly hurrying out of the alleyway. The nearest police station wasn't too far away. By the time she had hit the main road, Edwina made her way into the middle of a small crowd - college students going out partying for the night - and ceased using her power. No one noticed an extra person in the crowd suddenly appear. She walked through the crowd and made her way to the police station, heading inside.
"1Olá, gostaria de denunciar um crime," Edwina said as she walked into the station.
The tired officer looked up from the desk, staring for a moment at her. He then sighed and nodded. "2Sim senhorita?"
"3O anel de abdução - o Crânio Vermelho - você sabe o que eles fizeram. Isso lhe dará as coordenadas para onde eles estão mantendo os reféns," Edwina replied. She handed over a flash drive to the officer. It contained the same tracking software that she had - meaning that even though she was giving it to the police, she also had a copy for herself.
The man blinked awake. They already had an asset in the field working this case, but there was always a chance something could go wrong. He accepted the flash drive and plugged it into his computer, before opening the program. It was tracking the abduction ring, just as Edwina promised. "4Vou deixar o chefe saber - há uma recompensa," he said, signaling one of his fellow officers to go get the chief.
Edwina shook her head. "5Não preciso de uma recompensa." She then smiled at the officer and left the police station. She imagined it'd be a while until they were on the move - and thankfully, they shouldn't notice the tracker she had planted. She had a lot of practice with this - it was her field of expertise. Edwina paused for a moment before heading down the street, stepping into another alleyway and using her power to vanish from sight. She didn't want anyone to follow her. She then made her way back to her tiny apartment, only letting herself be visible once she was inside and sat in front of her laptop, program running.
It was just a waiting game now - just waiting for the gang to move.
1 = Hello, I'd like to report a crime 2 = Yes, miss? 3 = The abduction ring - the Red Skull - you know what they've done. This will give you the coordinates to where they're keeping the hostages. 4 = I will let the chief know - there's a reward. 5 = I don't need a reward.
Mercury worked the warehouse keeping in attitude with the man he was impersonating as best he can. Maybe a little better with how hard he worked for the guys superiors. Just to let their guards down a little bit around him. Seeing as he was trying to get a look around see where the warehouse office was. Thankfully he got the location of the office quickly. Now he just needed to get inside, and get the juicy info that just had to be inside.
That would require a distraction. Thankfully he had that covered, but he should continue to look around. Try to see if he could find any of the kids. Because god knows if he only brought home trading info. When there were kids to be found here he’d never forgive himself. Especially once the shooting started. Because they’d become collateral damage.
He looked around a bit more listening carefully for any cries coming from the numerous crates that littered the warehouse. That’s when he heard someone say, “*<Hey! Antonio what are you doing? Your supposed to feed the kids this time.>” Mercury hit paydirt! He chuckled, and rubbed the back of his head. "*<Sorry man, I got lost this place is like a maze.>" The gangster laughed, and agreed with Mercury.
“*<Come on then follow me, and be careful not to trip. God knows poor Juan’s wife is still grieving.>” Then the man lead Mercury over to the kids, but something seemed wrong. Ungodly wrong with the way things were set up. The stood on a walkway over a crate with an open top. There was a sack of raw meat on a crate on the walkway close to the crate. Inside this crate we’re kids, but they didn’t look right they seemed to be looking straight up hissing like alligators looking at their next meal. There was old dried blood on the bottom of the crate.
What in the hell was this?! He immediately reached into his pocket, and pressed a button alerting the local police to begin the operation. He then turned into a massive raven, and knocked the man back, and flew towards the office to grab the info. Because it’d tell them just what the hell was going on with these kids.
The warehouse doors were smashed through by a tactical truck. Brazilian special operatives poured out like angry ants out of an anthill. They opened fire on the gangsters. The fight was heard from blocks away.
Mercury found the info he needed, and some strange fluid that reacted to his presence.
