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    1. Cultural Titan 10 yrs ago

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Sounds good
So I do have questions. Perhaps I should apologize ahead of time. I should also state now that I am not concerned with what the answers to these questions are you n specific. They are just nagging me.

So politics... How fuedal is the UE? They're labeled as a monarchy so they've got the familial succession thing down presumably, but I guess I want to know if they take anything else from what I might associate with an old European style kingdom. Presumably not everything since they have a pretty modern sounding name. Are there Lord's collecting taxes to maintain their familial rights to rule territory? Is there a serf class? Since it is the United empire is the leader a king of Kings? Emperor of Kings?

And then how is the vertex different in it's flavor of autocracy?

So shields. Does kinetic force transfer to the suit or pilot? Like if I pick up a boat and start beating another mech with it will I start damaging internals before I break the shield? Will the pilot feel anything?

Might have more later. Sorry in advance.
mechs
I realize this is dead, but I do find it an interesting idea and would love to be involved with something like it.
Alan had spent the last few days stalking a certain Jace Williams. Madison had done a lot of the early work of scour the net and narrowing down his location, but it was still on Alan to watch him more closely. Honestly it all seemed kind of boring on the surface. Jace just seemed like some street punk. Ordinarily not worth Alan’s time. However, the kid had pissed off the wrong
people and since Jace had disappeared for a week… he probably had powers. Which would certainly make it more interesting than just beating up on a young wannabe.

In his surveying, Alan had found out quickly that Jace was not staying at his condo and was mostly sleeping with a Tyra Washington. Her place was on a college campus, which was a bit crowded of a place. At least it was too crowded for a place that Alan could not easily blend into.

Which is why Alan now found himself waiting inside Jace’s condo. It was quite nice. Top floor and with all the perks that may imply. Probably all earned with money stolen from Nova’s thugs. The best part was that it had a music studio. Or rather that because it had a music studio, that it also had soundproofing. Jace still stopped in here regularly it seemed and it was a good enough place to kill someone.

Upon deciding on this simple plan Alan had told Kalep that it was time to fight a super. Kalep was positioned on the floor below. This would keep him out of the way of danger that he may not be ready for, but in range to read minds. When that target came by Kalep would read their mind and let Alan know anything important. Maybe they could get a conversation going first to give Kalep a bit more time to sift through the target’s mind.

Kalep was positioned and ready. He wanted to handle this assignment, then move forward with getting to the Heist. He looked down at his watch, and adjusted his ear set again. Just gotta provide communication with the boss, and then next stop mega millions . His whole life he'd been waiting to live a different life, one where he could prosper & excel. In his mind he was beginning to become convinced that fate had brought him together, in alliance with this mysterious Carter working together to finally achieve his life's mission of being wealthy and successful. Luckily Alan hadn't even provided him with any information about who the target was, allowing him to further remove any feelings of guilt from the situation. He projected a telepathic thought straight to Alan. [b][i]I just heard some thoughts I think it's our guy he's coming to the room. [/b][/i]

Jace was irritated, as much he liked the condo he had a distaste for security. After all he was his own security, he’d just left from meeting up with his uncle Cornell. Business was booming, especially since they no longer had to purchase cocaine, marijuana or any of the drugs they were selling, it was all 100% profit. Oh well more money for him either way, he decided to send a text to Tyra. Hey Tyra, when you get outta class push up to my spot I wanna see you He added two winky emoji’s and clicked send.

I ain’t even going lie shawty one of the best things that happened to me recently, especially cause we getting money together. He was thinking about her as he was in the elevator all the way to the top floor where his sky house condo resided. He took out his wax pen hitting it again only to see it was out of THC. “Fuck” He took out the cart tossing it into a trash bin as he walked over to the entrance to his condo. Taking out his room key he swiped it twice then unlocked the door to step inside.

When Jace walked in and put his stuff down he cought something in the corner of his eye and spun left. Alan stood facing him on the opposite side of the dinning room table like he was Darth Vader or something. Of course his backup was a bit farther away than right next to him, but that was not so much of a concern. "How's business?" Alan asked. It would be fine if Jace started fighting immediately, but if he could entice him into a short, but tense conversation then Kalep would have time to relay just how the target intended to defend themselves. Especially if that meant he learned their powers. Anything in that department would be a huge boon. Even if it was unlikely that 'lightning bolt to the chest' would be ineffective. "I assume good" Alan added. "This is a pretty neato place."

Jace was putting his stuff down, and occupied with thoughts of the next phase of his plan. If I really want to get some free drugs I need to rob the police, whole evidence room guns, drugs, whatever He'd also set his THC pen down having no need for it now until he went to go acquire some more carts at least. However he was taken back spinning around to see an older white gentlemen who'd managed to get into his condo. "Who the fuck are you!!! Bruh are you out yo damn mind!!" Jace was furious his muscle's tensing, although he was a jack boy himself he had no desire to deal with any one coming inside his property. So Bella trying to get me knocked off, this how you wanna play it bitch Reaching in his draws he pulled out a 30 with extended clip and pointed it at Alan. "Glad you like the spot motherfucker cause you finna die in it." He pulled the trigger to shoot twice

Kalep was growing bored, and decided to take a seat, while going on his phone to check his twitter. I really need some new hoes, no cap. I'm tryna get pussy erryday lol He decided to put his phone down after scrolling to Instagram, and seeing a couple bad bitches on his feed. As soon as he heard Jace's raging thoughts he projected another thought to Alan. Heads up, he thinks someone named Bella sent you and he's not to happy....oh shit he's pulling out a gun right now! Kalep first informed him of the Bella statement, and about a minute later he projected to Alan that the target was pulling out a gun.

Alan left Jace's question unanswered. for now. It would be dramatic to answer it only when the thief was on his knees and about to die. It was as technically as Kalep relayed to Alan. Bella did send him on this hit. However, it was a professional courtesy that he did not just go after Jace on his own. As Jace pulled out his gun Alan side stepped and pointed at the punk. A bolt flashed between him and Jace. With any luck it would cause him to convulse and drop the weapon. Both because Alan didn't have much in the way of protection from bullets and because it just was not what he was there for. "Come on!" Alan goaded. "Show me what you can really do!"

As Jace pulled the trigger twice, he was shocked to see Alan had dodged the bullet or rather it seemed he knew he was about to shoot so he was already moving as the trigger was pulled. The Fuck is this dude's deal how the fuck. I'm done fuckin around OH SHIT He braced himself as a bolt of electricity slammed into him causing him to yell out as he was catapulted by the blast through a wall. "Oh you done fucked up bruh I'm going to fuck you up!!!!" He yelled out standing up his shirt having been burnt by the bolt as he stood up some blood had been drawn and a burn mark was seen but otherwise he was okay. Cracking his knuckles he focused on his power to increase his own strength. "And you fucked up my wall bruh I gotta pay for that shit!" Jace reached over to his desk grabbing a bottle of lotion and tossing it at Alan increasing his throwing strength to propel the object at heightened speeds towards the electric assailant but also increasing the strength of the lotion bottle to the point that getting hit by it would cause physical damage.

Kalep now had no attention for instagram, social media or any other form of distraction. He had to make sure his boss's survival was ensured especially after the target had survived getting hit by a bolt of lightning. Ah man what the fuck just happened . Kalep was surprised as well figuring the target had some type of power that made him more durable. Shit I wonder if Jace could tank a lightning bolt, this why I be trying to warn this idiot there's other people out there with powers to stop being so reckless with yours before you meet your match. Casting that thought aside he went to survey the mind of the target and relay information to Alan. [i][b] Okay, he's just now getting serious, your power hurt him so he's not invincible but he's not putting out any thoughts that are letting me figure out what his power is. He just threw something at you, he didn't specify in his head what it is but it's likely related to his power be careful. [/i] He wondered if he'd have to intervene and get directly involved, maybe try to use his own mental powers against the target.

A bottle. This punk literally threw a bottle at him. The guy was durable and strong, but his getting serious was just to start throwing shit? These were the thoughts running through Alan's mind as he quickly flicked his arm, pulling a small handgun into his right hand from a hidden sleeve. It was not the time to figure out if he could shatter the glass with his powers. A gunshot rang out followed by the shattering of glass and the splash of liquid across alan and the backdrop. Alan sniffed the air "Is this stuff soap or is this for you to jack off with?" he asked mockingly. For good measure he punctuated the insult with another bolt of lightning. This time with a little more oomph. Might as well do some testing on exactly what the guy could take.

Jace was irritated, this guy's powers were dangerous, and with his range as well as the speed he'd have to maintain his enhanced durability, but he knew he'd need a projectile attack to reach him not yet ready to test running through a stream of lightning. Ight I know bullets cant fuck with me when I'm boosted, but that last bolt burned my ass. Hol on I know how to fuck this joker up Jace rolled to the side barely dodging another blast of electricity as he grabbed a coin on the ground and tossed it at the roof simultaneously increasing the strength of the coin while weakening the roof above Alan so when the coin hit the roof it shattered the roof above so it would rain down on the electric attacker. He had no retort towards Alan's comment about the lotion only focusing on figuring out a way to hurt him and close ground to get his hands on him.

Kalep was following the fight when he picked up thoughts from the assailant again. [b][i] Yo whatever he just did he said you ain't going expect it, that ain't much info but if it don't look dangerous just get the fuck out the way! [/b] [/i] As he projected another thought to Alan, he heard a thought that made him almost drop. Bullets cant fuck with me...that sounds like..naw it can't be bruh..but..he took a lightning bolt to the chest ah fuck.. Under the sudden realization that Alan's target might be Jace he bolted from the room and began heading towards the stairs while still doing his best to keep track of the man who he now assumed was Jace's thought patterns.

When the coin was flicked Alan assumed it was aimed for him and rolled out of the way. If it could be thrown with even similar force to the bottle then it would just pierce through his body and depending on where the thug hit him it could all be over. Alan expected to look back and see a glint of metal buried into the wall. Instead he figured out that he was not the target, but the ceiling was. Ruble poured down onto the spot Alan just was. Curious. The bastard could affect the environment too. Though how exactly may be too early to bet. Probably better to keep this from going on too long then. As fun as it was. Alan began charging up for something big, even if he'd have to figure out the exact application in a few moments, while simultaneously he fished out a flash bang from his coat and tossed it into the other room with Jace and pressing up against the partial wall between them. It would probably make the bastard make a mistake and if he took the opportunity to charge Alan, then the thief would be able to sense him coming closer through his brainwaves and act accordingly.

Jace groaned when he saw that Alan had evaded the rubble trick and was thinking about using a particularly dangerous move considering his power. I might have to just say fuck the floor, the condo's already fucked up. But if this motherfucker manages to catch me with a whole fucking stream shit fuck all that Jace was trying to figure out a way to close ground with the guy wishing he was outside where he could utilize more of the environment to his advantage. "OH SHIT!" Jace yelled out seeing the flash grenade deciding to focus on his own durability and not even chance trying t affect the strength of the flash grenade
"STOP!!!!" Kalep burst into the room right after the flash grenade went off knowing it was time for him to intervene. "KALEP?! BRUH THE FUCK!" Jace yelled out in agony reeling from the flash grenade while Kalep quickly went to utilize his power on Alan to telekentically restrain him. "Listen stop! STOP! You can't kill him not him!! That's my best friend!!" Kalep yelled out trying to use his power while Jace not wanting to miss out on the action had thrown a small box his remote came in however it knocked Kalep off his feet instead of his intended target.

"Ugh AH! JACE!!! You hit me motherfucker! " Kalep yelled out as the cardboard box had sent him into a table near the television set also causing him to loose his telekenetic grip on Alan.

The Flashbang went off and Alan, now crackling wildly with electricity quickly turned the corner to take advantage of his disoriented opponent. Then he couldn't move. Kalep, of all people was holding him in place. Couldn't read his mind, but Kalep could affect his body. Alan would have to file that one away for later. Fight only with a clear plan. Getting held would be bad if he wasn't already aiming a lightning bolt. Like right now. Kalep had busted in before Alan could raise a hand. And he was going on about Jace being his best friend? Kalep needed to hang out with people his own age. and who weren't street punks.

And then Just as soon as he was arrested, Alan was free to move again. Jace had thrown a small box at his apparent friend and sent the poor salesman flying. "That isn't any way to treat your friends" Alan said in a low growl. The thief crossed out of the dinning room and towards Jace. He breathed in deeply, channeling more and more energy, but he let it spark off somewhat towards the floor and ceiling to be more menacing. He raised his right hand in a claw and pointed it to where Jace lay on the ground. "That is especially not any way to treat my crew!" he howled, letting loose a torrent of lightning. Kalep had asked him to keep the guy alive and maybe Alan could find it in his heart to honor that by cutting the attack short, but for now he would channel it and see what damage it did to this super.

Kalep groaned trying to get up surprised by how much pain the cardboard box had put him in, while Jace was screaming forcing his eyes open despite his vision blurry, and the ringing in his ear from the flash grenade, although it hadn't affected him as much as it would a regular man it was more then a nuisance. "FUCK YOU!! AAAH!!!!! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU AAH!!!!" Jace screamed as the lightning hit him causing him to scream as blood was drawn, as his skin slowly starting to burn he decided to lunge forward through the stream of electricity charging towards Alan at full speed in an attempt to body slam him into the television powered by his own ability & adrenaline. "FUCK YOU AND FUCK BELLA!!!!!!"
Kalep inhaled sucking up the pain from the cardboard box irritated. Fuck his power, he really fucked me up with a god damn card board fucking box "ENOUGH!!!!!! STOP THE DAMN FIGHT!!" Kalep yelled out getting up and going for round 2 with his own powers going to form a telekenatic wave of pressure to blow back Jace & Alan attempting to separate them from each other while making sure not to utilize enough force to hopefully cause either of them harm.

This guy just wouldn't go down. And he wasn't really thinking anymore. Which was a pity in its own right. At least the coin trick had been interesting, but one would suppose this sort of thing happens in the aftermath of being completely disoriented by a flash bang. Or maybe it was just the pain and burning flesh. Either way a brick shithouse was charging at Alan. the Thief kept up the electrical discharge up to a few moments before impact. Alan stepped to his right side and forward sticking his foot out just as Jace's left foot was picking up for the thug's latest stride to trip him up and limit the force it could generate.

BOOM!!!! Jace hadn't expected Alan to stick his foot out to trip him up, the pain flowing through his body from the torrent of electricity had him focused on one thing and one thing only eliminating the threat. Still it hadn't been enough to completely veer him off course just altering the course of the collision into Alan allowing him to still slam into the electric attacker bringing them both colliding into the dining room table shattering it. "I'm bout to fucking kill you bruh!!" Jace raised his right hand and swung it down hoping to shatter Alan's jaw or at least break some bones. Before he could land his punch the telekenetic wave emitted by Kalep separated him from his attacker throwing him back.

"I told you mother fuckers to stop!! STOP!!!" Kalep was infuriated now and getting hit by the box as well both of his "allies" still continuing the fight was making him mad. Turning to Jace he decided to unleash his powers of mental dominion on him. "Calm the fuck down! Calm down! CALM DOWN!!! Don't attack Carter! Breathing heavily he walked over to Alan. "Come on man! Just explain what's going on! Maybe we can work something out? Who sent you to kill Jace, what happened??" Kalep didn't raise his voice knowing that his friend was no saint, and was aware of his actions as YRN Reparations figuring one of his robberies was probably the reason, the exact thing he'd been warning Jace about constantly including earlier today at Darius's bar.

Alan coughed heavily and then started to calm his his breathing by holding the individual parts again while Kalep badgered him... This had suddenly become a lot more trouble than he thought it would. Killing the psyker's friend was not exactly conducive to maintaining a good relationship with Bella since he was supposed to kill Jace. On the other hand working with this punk would probably work out poorly for all of the reasons that lead Alan to him in the first place and nicely iced with attempted murder and dangerous super powers. Still, it was more of a sure thing than pretending Alan could exile Jace...

"Your friend her has pissed off a lot of people recently" Alan stated flatly while dusting off his coat with his hands. "For now that is all you need to know..." Alan sighed, sensing that his explanation up to this point would not be good enough. "That said..." shaking his head. "There may be a way to please all parties involved..."

Alan whipped out another phone and started to text Bella. Hey, almost done with the wedding shoot, but my assistant has some concerns about the bride that we would like to discus with you at your earliest convenience

Kalep groaned this is exactly the situation he'd been trying to keep Jace from getting in and now it had blown up in his face. Although he wasn't prepared to sacrifice his close friend, he was focused on the life changing effect the heist would have on his life. "God Damn it..." Kalep groaned in response to Alan's comments as well as picking up some surface thoughts from Jace on Bella & her character. "Really Jace you going hit a lick on someone tied to someone running the fucking coke game in the city ugh. "What's this way? Or what's it gonna cost?"

"Man what's it going cost! Bruh is you really debating with Sparky over here on whether Imma live or not." Jace retorted irritated to see his friend was on speaking terms with Alan. "I ain't had no fucking smoke with Bella, this bitch done sent Storm's white couson to merk me so I think yall should holla at HER over me." He was pissed although he knew Ramon's death was the trigger he had total disregard for Ramon's life due to his family's past conflict with them. "And" Jace turned his focus to Alan pointing at him. "First off whatever solution we have you betta not throw no fucking lightning bolts at me bruh I got fucking second degree burns!! IF Bella willing to let by gones be by gones I can get her lil small ass sack back, ain't no bank in Atlanta I can't rob!" Jace barked confident in his abilities to make right but really he wanted to see if he could reverse the situation to get connected with Bella as a cocaine dealer again.

"Oh" Alan smirked looking up from his phone. "No bank you say?"
A well organized stockpile of masks, guns, bombs and many, many tools sat upon shelves in an underground bunker that only Alan's crew knew about. He had it in secret outside the city limits and slowly filled it over time. He had another one in New York when he was operating out of there. Maybe he should take a trip up there to see if it was in working order.

The heist was going to be a bit risky. It was a huge building with lots of workers and was sure to be heavily guarded, but that was really what Alan was after so it was not really a problem. If he was being honest there was almost no way to make it out with the possibly billions of dollars that would be stacked floor to ceiling within, but that really was not a concern. Making out with enough cash to make it worth it for all the help shouldn't be a problem, so there was really no need to go the whole nine yards and clear the place out.

However, Alan need to test something. He walked over to the chemistry shelf and pulled down some thermite . It was easy enough to make when you knew how and there was a bit of a stockpile built up. He needed it to benchmark himself. Thermite is quite hot and quite capable of melting its way through things. Alan found some metal plates and tossed them on the ground. Next came the thermite on top and a magnesium fuse that he stuck in the top. When he lit it, the whole thing sputtered to life and started eating away at the plates. Alan timed it and then measured the depth. He did this a few more times with varying amounts of thermite, recording the results in a notebook, before he would test himself.
Lightning was also quite hot and Alan could generate quite the amount of electricity now after three months of mostly just training himself. So could he generate enough and concentrate it enough to melt through a vault? He released all the air from his lungs held that state for a few seconds before breathing in deeply through his nose. He let it out again and started channeling his powers. He went from nothing to 60 and Electricity was already sparking off of him. As he built up more and more though, the sparks became less and less. He couldn't let any of it go yet. When Alan felt like his skin would burst from his bones he pointed his hands down at the final stack of plates and let go.

The sound was deafening. The light was blinding. Or it would be for lesser men. Alan directed lightning at the plates and burned a hole in them, mentally timing how long it took him. Eventually everything Alan had built up was gone. He allowed himself to catch his breath. It was a lot of energy and he could really feel it in his muscles. Still he didn’t complain. Alan just walked back to his notebook and compared himself against the thermite.

He’d need some more practice. Perhaps later after he source some vault doors to test his powers on. Speaking of practice though… Alan needed to check on the progress of his latest underling. He whipped out a phone from off the shelf. Some cheap thing he could just destroy when he was done and called Kalep. Kalep would need a code name. Maybe ford… Jackson? Maybe he’d let the psyker choose himself.

Kalep had found the perfect place to practice his powers, keeping true to his word after he departed from Paradise. He couldn't believe he'd found another person with powers,wondering why everyone was always coming to Atlanta with the new thing. He felt his phone buzzing and picked it up. "Yo It's Kalep, who it is? Was good?"

"It's Carter" Alan informed his associate. "I wanted to see how far along you are with your practicing." Alan walked over to the gun rack and started to pull out a few holdouts to stuff in his suit while he talked. "Maybe we could go out and do some practical tests?"

"Ah.." Kalep didn't even check the phone, once he got out of selling drugs he was very nonchalant about phone calls. "Yeah I'm out putting in work in the field right now. But we probably should meet up, get some mutual work done."

"I was thinking we needed a vehicle. Something with a lot of space. We won't be able to take nearly everything, but certainly enough to set the crew for life. I was wondering if you could convince someone to let us have something I had in mind.

"Convince em how, oooooh I see what you mean yeah we can do that." Kalep knew what he meant, and he wondered if he should reveal the other side of his power to Carter. "Where you wanna meet at?"

"You can meet me in front of the Nova consolidated building." Alan said. "I'm fairly close by and it should be easy enough for you to find." Really meeting near Nova just meant he could ask a favor if things went wrong. Stealing from them would cause more trouble than it was worth.

"Nova Consolidated, you mean the folks who was on the news cause they employee went giant size and was stepping on people? " Well at least they don't gotta problem with empowered, well the wrong king He took out his phone to see how far he was from them. "Shit I'm not even that far I'll head that way now."

"I'll meet you there" Alan said before shocking the life out of his burner phone. The whole giant woman thing was concerning, but Alan couldn't trust that the news would give him the whole picture. There was rampant speculation online, but it was doubtful any of it was correct. Bella would be his best source, but if she did not want to bring the problem to him then it was not Alan's problem.

Alan walked out of his vault and locked the door behind him. Walking up the stairs he checked a camera on his phone. Convinced that nobody was there he let the wall in front of him swing open. He stepped into what was a fairly normal, if only legally occupied home. It was quaint and a good place to meet relatives whenever they deigned to speak to him.

Alan drove to Nova alone. He didn't want Kalep messing with his subordinates and they shouldn't be necessary anyway. Once he got to his location he got out and looked for Kalep.

"Thanks for the ride Baby" Kalep grinned as he hopped out the SUV, having used his powers to convince a woman to drop him off a block away from Nova Consolidated after confirming she wasn't on the way to work or anywhere pressing. "Alright so now let's find Elelctro" He muttered to himself taking out his phone to call Carter as began walking to the front of Nova Consolidated.

"I'd really appreciate it if you didn't refer to me as Electro" Alan sighed from behind Kalep. "I have a name you know."

"Man fuck don't do that pop up shit especially from a guy use to hearing people walk up." Kalep shook and turned around spooked, he always wondered how it felt to talk to Batman and have him just vanish in a conversation or appear it wasn't pleasant. "Alright then Carter, so what do we need to do."

"I need to know how far along you are and what the limitations are" Alan said flatly. True Alan had some higher hopes in what they might be able to acquire if Kalep was up to it, but for now if he only learned the shortcomings of his new associate then that would be okay. "You also need a new name... I was thinking Jackson or Ford. What about you?"

"Shit my last name Jackson, and my pocket fulla dead presidents so we can run with that." Kalep instantly was attracted to the name, and the allure in it. "How far I've come along, I'm doing pretty good but I gotta new trick that might make this whole thing more lucrative. You see that stand over there selling food" Kalep raised his eye brows using them to focus on his telekinetic power causing a sprite can no one was paying attention to fly over to them into Kalep's hand. "How's that for practice" He said as he popped the sprite can open and took a sip.

Interesting, he could affect the real world with his mind too. Potentially very useful. A lame example being that he could snag a guard's key and let himself out of a jail. Not so much a prison, but that was always a pain in the ass. "Oh right, your last name is Jackson..." Alan sighed. "You'll have to pick another one. It won't do you any good for everyone to go calling you by your real last name over coms. But... you can always pick it later I suppose..." Getting back on topic Alan asked "How many ways do you think you could get a free meal out of that food stand?" He looked directly into Kalep's eyes and added "Hypothetically, of course."

Another sip of the refreshing carbonating beverage was downed as he listened to his newest partner in crime. "Oh yeah, damn you make a good point." A hint of disappointment in his voice was heard indicating how he felt about having to change the code name he was starting to take a liking to even if it was simply just his surname. "Hypothetically huh, okay. Well I could just "Tell" them to give me food so that's one, have someone else go up and pay two, have a wallet fly over to me that's three, there's a pretty good looking girl at the place I could sweet talk her four, use my powers to enhance her sexual attraction to me so she just gives it to me to try to flirt, hmm I'm thinking five, well six if I just make a meal fly to me. So Six, why that question Carter?" Curiosity oozed through his voice wanting to know what was the real intent behind Alan's question
@Adam

"Just trying to feel out what you can do" Alan smirked. Then his real phone rumbled in his pocket. He pulled it out and read it silently "Hey! I couldn't reach you through call, but I had to get this news to you! Jace Williams is the one. I know I've been a little wishy-washy on this, but now I'm absolutely sure. The wedding will cost us a bit, but this has to happen. 15k, but it's worth it. I don't have a real preference, but I definitely want a good photographer. Looks like he would have to get Madison to dig into this Jace person so that they could elimenate him. Could be another good test of Kalep's abilities. Regardless it would have to be done after some information gathering. Even if that may not take that long based on the kind of trouble this Jace character was causing "Anyway..." Alan collected his thoughts. "If I asked you convince a man to hand over an armored car that may or may not be parked nearby, would he ever even consider calling the cops?"

"Oh so being nosy then" Kalep teased not really thinking that was entirely the case or situation but it was amusing to him. " He saw he was on the phone and pondered on what was so important, but it's not as if he could read Carter's mind anyway. "Well not if we tell him not to. you know like If I told him "Hand over the car, and never ever call the cops about it." you know obviously with a little of my power behind it, it should work. What you wanna steal a Brinks truck or something." Kalep laughed thinking Alan was just trying to be humorous at this point

"Yes, that is exactly what I had in mind" Alan said looking Kalep directly in the eyes. "Now how far away can you do that?"

"How far away?" Kalep put his hand under his chin and looked stretching to see the farthest people's thoughts he could hear from this distance. "OK so I just listened to thoughts as far as I can from here by my estimate it's looking like 20-50 feet away at most, although the farther the more effort I have to put in." So now what? @Adam

"Now, you walk with me" Alan answered. He lead the younger psyker down the street. "and when you can find the driver's thoughts you should be able to take care of the rest." Alan smiled to himself. This would either prove easy or incredibly interesting. Either way worked for him. Then another thought occurred to Alan and he sent a quick text to Madison. "Assuming I had a smaller job lined up in the meantime, do you think you could help me out? I need to meet with a super in a day or so and I was wondering if you use your talents to help me out there. Just need you to talk to me while I meet them."

"Alright let's get it then." Kalep said going along with Alan walking with him to see how exactly this would all play out. "Right I gotchu" Now was the time to focus, this guy was very smart, everything he was planning was all strategic to actually getting their goals accomplished. "Shit I'm open for any and all work, I'm actually quitting the car dealership soon. Might as well cash in on these talents, stop." Kalep was able to pick up thoughts from a nearby Brink's truck driver and closed his eyes to focus he was about half a block down. The Driver in hand had just made his last money drop for the day, and began making his way over to them in traffic. "Now what?"

When the truck came to a stop Alan accepted the keys from the driver and stepped up to the open driver's door. "That's all for today" Alan Beamed. "The good news is that you just bumped up your take on this job" Alan let that hang for a moment. "The bad news is that you will have a bit more... responsibility. I'll let you know exactly after we... have a chat with that super." Alan sat down and started the Brinks. I'd ask if you needed a ride, but I know you don't." With a final wave he was off to store the armored car for later.
Nova Consolidated HQ

Alan/Bella

Maddison pulled the car to a stop in front of the Nova Consolidated building and Alan got out of the passenger side door. They’d stick around in case things went really poorly, but that seemed likely. Still, you always need a plan to kill everyone you meet in this business. Even the daughter of an old associate. Apparently the old man went and died while Alan was gone for a week. He really ought to have Maddison dig into everyone who vanished so that he could at least have an idea of who had powers. It was only a few million people. Should be doable in a month. Right?

The building itself blended into the inner city well, at least after the big red Nova sign stopped registering from having seen it so often. Alan walked straight in the front door and took an elevator all the way to the top and Bella’s office. “I’d like to have a word with Ms. Nova if she can find the time” He said to the receptionist after he came out of the elevator. “”Tell her a Mr. Carter would like to see her. She’ll understand.”

The receptionist, Deborah stared at Alan with an almost deer-in-headlights expression. There was nothing on Bella's scheduled for this time and this man didn't appear to be important enough to request her boss. His direct manner of speaking did make him seem important enough to not shoo him away. Deborah forced a smile.

"She just got in, but I'll call her." She said a bit nervously before dialing Bella's office. "There's a Mr. Carter here to see you. Oh. Yes ma'am." Deborah hung up and looked to Alan. "Just down the hall, sir." Deborah pointed down the long hallway that led to Bella's office.

It never ceased to amaze Alan how simply acting like you belonged somewhere was enough to make most people go along with you. Of course its not as if he was entirely unwelcome, but his official reason for being here if asked was somewhat weak. Officially he needed to provide belated condolences for the late Mr. Nova. Unofficially..."Why thank you ma'am" Alan said with a slight bow before turning on his heel and heading directly down the hall.

Entering Bella's office Alan walked up to her desk and pulled out a chair on the other side "May I take a seat?"

"Of course. You've earned the privilege from the work you did with my father." Bella was seated behind her desk looking at the man seriously. She hadn't dealt with Mr. Carter before, but only heard from her father that he was the best man to use in the worst of times. "Reliable, professional, and an expert at his craft" he'd spout. She had heard this man hung up the towel, so she was a bit concerned to see him so suddenly. "How are things?" She asked as if she hoped it was the correct question to ask. The question that would reveal his intentions.

"They're going spectacularly!' Alan almost sang as he sat down. "The state of things these days has really got me going." He talked with his hands, spreading out his arms as if to encompass the whole world. "Which," he added with a calmer voice "Is why I'm here. To tell you that I'm coming out of retirement for some.... Personal projects. Not that I think you should be worried. I have no intention of messing with your business, just that you should put my pieces back on the metaphorical chess board. Call it a professional courtesy."

"Really?" Bella leaned forward as a smile crept onto her face. She wanted to remain serious, but this was the first bit of good news she's heard all day. [Color=magenta][i]Dad was right about this man.[/color] She cleared her throat which gave her a moment to prepare her words carefully. "I guess you just have perfect timing. I have a few projects you might be interested in taking up. My company is successful as it stands, but I have to be honest about needing a man with your experience. You see I currently have a few clients, but one in particular needs just the right package with just the right services attached." Bella grabbed a picture of her father on her desk and turned it to show Alan. "I can't help but be as much of a perfectionist. I think I'm going to see what I can do first. Give this Jace Williams fellow a way to sample or try out a few things before I go looking for your help. I want to make sure this goes well." Bella placed the picture of her father back on the desk, but facing Alan. "He vanished one time.... Didn't see him for a week... So now that he's back, he's got my attention." Bella was a lot more intimidating with her tone that had grown harsher with each pause.

A wicked smile crossed Alan's lips. "He vanished you say?" he asked rhetorically. "I've been listening to some stuff on the net recently and one of the tidbits that caught my attention was that most criminals stop being criminals around age 28. After that it's like they..." he wiggled his fingers in front of him like he was trying to grasp onto something intangible. "They just lose the impulse... become more conservative and less willing to go against the man. Just a thing that happens when people grow older" Alan sighed. I couldn't really say how true it is, but I find it sort of funny. I got out at 28, but I felt completely differently about it."

He leaned in to make sure he got Bella's attention. "I'm going to tell you something that your father knew well. I work to push myself. So when I tell you, that if you give me the word, that I will hunt down this... Jace fellow, for whatever your base rate is, I want you to know that its because I want the opportunity to test myself." Leaning back the wicked smile returned. "It sounds fun. Hunting supers."

Bella would never admit it, but the man took her by surprise. It was like having the knowledge of something thrilling versus actually experiencing. She had wondered what he was getting at, but it all came around as he talked to her straight.

[Color=magenta]"Like a second wind?" Bella almost said to just herself as she thought about a lot of what the man in front of her had said. Did he disappear too? Getting out of retirement... testing himself... Plus the confidence. Bella bit her bottom lip and looked away for a second. When her eyes met Alan's again she shook her head. "I don't know you that well, but I don't want to send you into something I don't even have knowledge of. These people that came back can do a lot of damage. They can kill people without touching them." Bella spoke in a low voice. She knew the power she herself held, and she could make a deadly man a ragdoll.

She was worried. Cute. Even if it was only out of a need to keep an asset around. He did not say anything about it though. This relationship needed to be kept as professional as could be managed. Being in good with Mr. Nova had allowed Alan to mostly ignore the politicking within the underworld while skimming some good jobs and there was no reason to jeopardize that with some jokes at Bella's expense. Or being too eager. "Alright" Alan stated flatly. "I will wait till you need me. I can always find some already planned on methods for prepping my personal project. Alan stood up added. "I really only came here to say hello, so unless you have anything you are dying to discuss I don't think I should be taking up any more of your time."

"I'll contact you when I'm ready. I just need to be sure I know what I'm dealing with... Thank you for the courtesy of meeting with me." Bella wore a smile, but she was beginning to feel the pressure of her position. A lot was happening and she needed answered before she could just act on things. Hopefully no more bad news would get to her. As Alan exited, her phone rang... It was Anthony.
“Kalep? Where does that name come from?” Alan’s face skewed in confusion as he turned back towards Madison, his short hacker.

“It’s biblical boss. Don’t worry about it” she sighed.

“Alright. Alright” Alan exhaled and turned back around as if it would give his conversation any more privacy from his two crew members standing no more than ten feet away. He dialed the number Maddison provided him and waited.

Kalep had just finished up his conversation with Darius, legitimate money that was the goal. It was better then resorting to crime, it's not like he was going to get some lucrative opportunity that would influence him to change his mind. As he was walking back to his apartment he felt his iphone buzzing in his pocket and picked up. "Hello?"

"This is Carter. I'm looking for a driver. Someone who knows the area and can help me get around to several... meetings. I'll be sure to make it worth your while, I am under the impression you are in need of funds. For more information" he said as he began motioning to Madison to pay attention "I will have an aid email you an address." Catching the hint the short hacker got on the menial task of emailing the location of Raven's Haul, a small bookstore on the edge of town toKalep. "Consider that the location of an interview. Be there in" Alan stopped to consider how long it might take him to prepare for this new meeting "two hours."

"Carter" Kalep paused as he allowed himself to focus and listen to the conversation. He tried to remember if this was someone he met through his brief stint as an Uber Driver when he first lost his law license. "Well I certainly know the area, but I've got pending charges so you going have to let me know what kind of funds your talking about." He felt hesistant after he said that but the $2500 he'd got wasn't going to cut it, and Darius made a point that mind controlling people connected to him could have unintended consequences. "I'll be there."
Two hours later Kalep parked his car outside the book store looking around to make sure no police had spotted him, he had yet to pay his car insurance, and he'd had a couple drinks. I really need to be more careful "A book store, what the hell can they pay me in starbucks gift cards?" He rolled his eyes as he made his way to the entrance and knocked on the door. "Yo, I'm here for Carter."

A tall and lanky man in a long black coat greeted Kalep by the door. "My boss will see you upstairs in his office" he instructed before motioning Kalep to follow him. The store itself seemd almost devoid of people and considering its location on the outskirts of the city, maybe that should be expected, but it was more like nobody was really wanted around here. Still the shop looked the part. Rows of books lined shelves with advertisments for all of the most current fad reading materials and old classics. A checkout counter sat next to the door where Madison was currently seated, though she was paying much more attention to whatever was on her monitor than Kalep. Above it all was a long balcony where one could oversee everything if they wanted. It was there Tyler directed Kalep and more particularly to a heavy wooden door which he opened to reveal his boss.

Alan for his part had taken some of his two hours to change into a more presentable blue suit. Sitting behind a desk which was half covered in security monitors and half covered in folders he beckon Kalep. "Come in. We have much to discuss. I understand you have a criminal record.."

"Yup that's who I'm here to see." Kalep announced to the man in the black coat as he entered the store, and followed along as instructed to where he needed to be. He took note of the disintereted woman on the computer, and wondered what role she had to play in all of this. This place is filled with books, but there's not a customer in site. So either they cleared the area just for me or this is a front, hope I didn't get dragged into some more nonsense involving drugs "Alright looks like it" He took a seat without asking for permission and let out a sigh. "Yeah I gotta criminal record, it's hard to go from a corporate lawyer salary to working at a run down car dealership & support a family." Not that my family's together anymore, shit child support might cost even more "What's this about, get to the point?" He decided to put the ball in Alan's corner.

"The point" Alan stated as he stood up from his desk. "Is just like I said. I need a driver." A murmuring came from the left side of the room where a lone closet door adorned the wall. "A competent one who can keep his mouth shut." Alan said with some venom, though he did not face Kalep when he said it. Alan paced towards the closet door and turned back to Kalep. "Someone who knows the area and..." he said and exhaled to calm himself. When he continued his voice was very serious "One so desperate for money that they wouldn't hesitate when I told them I could easily pay them over a million dollars to be my getaway driver when I hit the federal reserve in the city."

"A Driver huh" Kalep said still having some regard about this situation, wondering what he was really getting himself too. He'd just sat down with Darius about getting Taste of Paradise off the ground, and getting some legitimate money. He was half way thinking about just waltzing out the door when Alan mentioned this would involve robbing the federal reserve, until he heard the dollar amount. He felt his skin tingle, that amount of money would change his life forever, and would take care of any initial financial barriers to working with Darius, to getting his whole life together. " A million dollars or more, and you just need a driver huh."
No doubt this will definently get me in jail, and how I know this ain't the feds tryna trap me.
Focusing on his own ability he began to filter through the thoughts he could read from some of Alan's subordinates. Ight so he checks out, this man is the real deal but let's see what's going on his noggin He turned to Alan focusing on him intent to peer into his mind picking up only a few words before all he heard was static. Static, what the fuck... Undetered by his failed attempt to pierce his mental veil, he attempted again pushing through the static suddenly causing a mental feedback that was felt by both of them, a brief yet sharp pain. Why the fuck can't I read his mind, what the fuck was that He thought accidentally speaking to Alan telepathically due to being caught off guard by the feed back.

Alan winced a little in pain until he heard the voice in his head. Kalep's voice. Interesting. Very interesting. Maybe he would be more useful than just a driver. Or more trouble. This guy might be another person to return with powers. It seemed like he was having some trouble with them though. "You wouldn't happen to be trying something funny with would you?" The how would have to wait till later. Alan couldn't let up on his performance just because Kalep had powers. " Reading someone's mind is really poor form you know. Even if you are failing to do it."

"Ohhhh fuck" Shaking his head he was irate, he was exposing his powers to more people then Spiderman in the third film with Toby playing him. "Funny? Naw man I've dabbled in a little bit of everything but when I tried comedy they were laughing AT me not with me." Recovery with an attempt of humor, his go through when he felt stressed but he worried it might not work in this situation. "Yeah your not the first person to feel some type of way about me playing Professor X today, really think yall are too sensitive. It's not like I'm turning people into stone or making them breathless. You ain't normal either man first off your talking about robbing the federal reserve, second your mind is like a fucking electric grid it literally shocked me." He added in his defense wondering what his retort would be, he didn't know what he was capable of but if he was trying to rob the federal reserve & confident in his ability to do so he was dangerous

Alan laughed. It started off low and dragged out too long, getting louder and louder till eventually he calmed himself. He wasn't laughing at Kaleps attempt at humor, but rather that he told Alan that he was not normal. If only Kalep knew the half of it. Understatement of the year. "Kid" he smiled. "You don't know the half of it." There was another murmur from the door and Alan kicked it, but otherwise paid it no mind.

"I suppose" seriousness seeping back into his tone "that your description of being shocked is apt" Alan said splaying out his finger between himself and Kaleb. "I too returned with a pretty impressive power." Electricity ran from one finger to the next and slowly increased in intensity from a slight connecting strand to a raging and erratic storm that threatened to leave the confines of the space between Alan's fingers, but the thief would not let it. It was just a demonstration, not a weapon, but maybe it was a threat. In an instant Alan dropped the energy. "And I can do more besides that."

"I agree I don't know the half, maybe not even a quarter." Kalep spoke although he felt more reserved then before as he sat back in his chair watching the display of power Alan put forth. This was the first individual he met with abilities like his own outside of Jace, and it seemed this fellow was trying to cash out in a very big way. "So The Incident turned you into Electro, and me into Professor X, huh, and buddy in the closet, what's his name hmm Garfield he's the unlucky fool who tried to betray you." Kalep hadn't payed much attention when he first came in but due to the murmuring he couldn't help but investigate and peaked into his mind. "I'll take the job, as you said I need the money, I do want some more practice with my powers I doubt that's why you brought me in, but clearly with my power and yours we have a better chance of pulling this off and getting away without dying or being in a cell until we have gray hair."

"Exactly!" Alan Exclaimedisn't it all so exciting. "I haven't felt this giddy since I robbed my first bank! My associates will be keeping an eye on you an you'll recieve an email tomorrow explaining anything I might need you to help with in the preporatory phases. We can handle the specifics of the heist closer to the date. In the meantime... I suggest you get some practice in. And some confidence."

A scowl came across Kalep's face, and he shook his head. He'd been wanting the universe to hand him something better then selling used cars. "Exciting isn't the word I'd use for the heist, that's what I'd use to describe my life after we get the cash if we get the cash." He said matter of factly, although Alan was right that he'd need practice. Almost certain this wasn't some ploy by the authorities put him at ease in that sense but not in the actual mission ahead. He'd promised Darius he wouldn't drag him in down bullshit so there was another promise to keep. "Glad to know I'll have Electro's minions watching over me, and I'll be sure to check my email, as far practice if we're robbing the Government I'll be putting in over time Coach." He said as he got up from his seat his adrenaline racing today had put so many lucrative opportunities in-front of him, if he could carry them out he wouldn't be worried about his family struggling, child support, or money for lawyer fee's he would finally end up ahead in life. I need a fucking drink, a couple of em
A man in black plastic pants and a red t-shirt stepped out the back of a plain grey van. It was far from what many of his associates would consider his normal dress, but he'd been out of the game for a while, slowly laundering his hard, but illegally earned money through his bookstore. Of course it was about time he got all of his suits out of the attic.

When he got back after the incident he had a bit of a dispute with his microwave and had been disputing it with his fist when and arc of lightning shot off. It was invigorating. Alan hadn't felt alive like during that moment in years and he knew from that moment he was going to have to get back into the game and use this power for something huge. Something worthy of his talents. Since then he'd spent the last month trying to get a handle on just what he could do with his powers and getting the gang back together. Which is why he was now a few blocks away from some forgotten warehouse. The last man he got in touch with, a getaway driver by the handle of "Garfield" had called him out here to discuss something in private. It seemed fishy, but probably nothing he couldn't handle.

Alan walked up to the driver's window and knocked on it to get her attention. She was a short woman who went by the handle "Madison". She normally handled hacking and other computer based functions, but Alan was short on available manpower right now with everyone taking care of personal things before they were ready to come to him. Across from her was "Tyler", an expert gunman and occasional sniper. He was mostly around in case things went wrong; which was often enough to keep him on the payroll. That and he was good help around the bookstore. Madison rolled down the window and Alan directed her to drive around the warehouse until she was needed.

A few blocks of walking later Alan came upon the open door of the warehouse. Inside in the center was an expensive looking, orange sports car. All around the place though there were old moldy crates and rusting racks with various decrepit pieces of hardware strewn along them that Alan payed no mind to. Next to the car was Garfield in a fine black business suit. It was a trap. Alan's new powers were pretty cool like being able to detect the electrical signals running through people. People like the two guys Garfield had as backup behind some of the crates. Of course he had guessed from the moment this meeting was set up that it was going to go badly and under normal circumstances Alan would have scouted it first and then probably come in guns blazing from as many angles as possible. This time however, Alan just wanted to test out his new powers.

"You're a little dressed up for this don't you think?" Alan called stepping through the huge doorway. "I thought this was supposed to be a casual meeting between friends."

Garfield spat some chewing tobacco on the ground. "It is. What do you think about my new car?" Garfield said motioning to the orange vehicle with one hand while the other wiped his lips.

Alan stepped forward into the room and pointed a hand out to the stack of wooden crates Garfield's backup was hiding behind. Without warning a bolt of electricity shot from his fingers and burned a hole through the wood. The anguished screams of two unfortunate souls signified an end to that particular threat. "Now Garfield, I'm sure later that I'm going to have plenty of time to look at your car after I'm done mounting your head to it, but why exactly are you trying to kill me?"

Garfield had a look of shock on his face with eyes glued to Alan's hand. it took Alan walking up no more than a few meters away for the driver to suddenly collect himself and reach for something in the breast of his suit. Wrong answer Alan thought as a second bolt left him, this time at Garfield. It wasn't meant to kill. It was meant to stun. Alan intended to have some... fun with this traitor later. Preferably after he had tortured a motive out of him.

----

Some time later with Garfield tied up in the trunk of his own car and Alan lazily waiting on the hood the grey Van Drove in and with the vehicle still running Madison came out. Tyler stayed in the car with a vigilant eyes scanning everything. "So, I take it that the meeting went" Maddison paused to look around only counting the burning crates as damage "Well... Did you convince Garfield to be our getaway driver?"

"Not at all" Alan replied. "I'm going to need you to give me that backup one you were talking about.

"He's not" Madison stopped herself. "Sir we don't know what he'll be like on a job. He's untested. Are you sure you want that?"

"We're always going to need new blood Madison" Alan sighed. "Now give me his number or whatever." Maddison fished out a cheap looking phone that was probably just a burner and dialed a number before handing the device over to Alan. "What's their name?" Alan asked belatedly.
I could be convinced.

On a separate note, does anyone want to discuss more particularly the baselines of their characters' powers of the r is that not a thing we are interested in establishing out of character?
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