Kidd

Darkness and Dust, Revelry and Rust(Post-Apocalyptic, Dramatic, Intense, Rp.)

That's what I've been wondering...

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Collab with Paragon & Dabomb

The President was in the oval office sitting down getting ready for this meeting. President Ray Mason was sitting down, his time in the oval office had been stressful. But nothing compared to the past month, ever since that Storm things had been going down hill. He remembered the speech he gave the day of the Storm. Then things began to progress, all sorts of weird things happening across the country. The whole rumors of super powers were dismissed, but after yesterday it was time to take federal action. He gave a speech on live television about what happened in Atlanta, how they'd get stronger as a nation, how the person would be punished it didn't matter if they could move walls and shake the foudnation of the earth itself they couldn't ruin the country. Now he was going over some information that a high ranking CIA operative Cori had sent him.

All this information was unbelivable, a project to experiment with superhuman abilities, documentation and proof that it caused the global storm three weeks ago, re-engineered extera-terrestial alien technology, and the fact that said aliens had tried and failed to invade the planet and they had been detained somewhere on this planet. "This is insane, Director, Cori Woods is almost here..and this meeting can start? I understand you have a more..militaristic approach about we should approach this issue, and deal with potential superhuman individuals. I must admit I'm eager to hear Ms Woods opinion first before I make my own, these people no matter what abilities they may or may not have many of them might still be U.S Citizens."

Director Verdock rolled both hands into fists at his side, and his knuckles cracked. Yes he had a more direct approach to deal with these........things, but you could not consider them U.S. fucking citizens. Because in fact they arent citizens, they are monsters. Hell bent on causing destruction and mayhem. "Mr. President I assure you if you let me take over the super power front, I can contain it within a week and keep all damage within the predetermined amount specified. These.....Empowered ,as we have labeled them, are nothing more than super powered insane criminals sir. I can only hope Ms Woods does not have a sympathetic approach."

The door opened and Cori Woods was escorted in by a man in a suit, who curtly nodded and returned outside the office. Another operative may have been nervous or tense, but within the short window since last night, she felt properly prepared. Even as she prepared, though, there were new developments happening in Atlanta alone, and it was almost too much to keep up with. Being the woman of grace she was, she stepped forward to formally introduce herself, offering a firm handshake to both the Director and President. "Good morning and thank you both for inviting me here. I've put together a comprehensive portfolio about, um, my findings, but I'll walk you through it, of course," she explained, handing both thick binders before sitting down across the table.

"I...retrieved documents that explain everything, outlined in those binders for your eyes only. And it's inconvieable, what has happened: there is an unaffilated organization called Coalition. According to the information, they obtained alien technology. The storm three weeks ago was caused when they attempted to-- I'm not even sure what they were thinking. Duplicate it to use it as a weapon? But that Storm is exactly what created the superhumans we see now. And, just to confirm, they are superhumans, Mr. President. I've seen first hand what they're capable of." Wondering if she had talked too much--over both these powerful men--she pulled back a bit and cleared her throat, red eyes flickering between both.

Ray could tell that Director Verdock didn't have a sympathetic stance towards these superhuman individuals, although he could hardly blame him with everything that happened especially with that hospital in Atlanta. "You will certainly have the leading authority, as well as Cori as it was the CIA who brought this to the United States attention, but I still think some discretion is needed. Yes there's been some chaos, and some suffering, but we can't jump to the conclusion that every person who has these abilities is a killer." He wondered what Ms Woods approach, and relaxed in his chair as she entered.

He shook her hand as she came in and was ready to hear what she had to say.He accepted his binder and began a preview of looking through the information she had."This Coalition seems to be a very dangerous organization, I read about what they did in their efforts to kill you to prevent this information from getting into the CIA''s hands if anything they should be a priority just as much as these Empowered individuals if not more seeing as how there responsible for not only the powers, but also the Storm three weeks ago. I see at this point as far as I'm concerned there not rumors, so Verdock what do you suggest?"

Verdock held his wrist by his right hand behind his back and narrowed his eyes. "Mr.President I have to urge extreme prejudice. We have had strange reports of these empowered people, enought to warrant labeling them, and now that we have proof it is obvious. We have to keep the proof out of public hands about what happened, and then hunt down every Empowered we can. They are all dangerous criminals. It does not matter if there are any nice ones, the bad ones have gone too far. They have ruined anything these...creatures...could have obtained." Verdock sighed. "And as far as this new organization is concerned......we should leave them alone. They seem to want to get rid of these Empowered, so we can deal with them after this crisis has passed."

"We can't ignore Coalition--with all due respect," she said maybe too quickly. "When they attacked, it was with a platoon's worth full of armed men, trained to kill. They killed American civilians in trying to retrieve the information I've given to you this morning. I don't know what their goal is in regards to the Empowered now that we all have to deal with them, but I haven't seen any evidence of them acting against these superhumans either." Cori paused, searching for words. "Whatever we do...I think we need men in the field on both fronts: searching out more intelligence on Coalition because we know so little. But I do agree with Director Verdock that we must act against the Empowered, as well. They're too dangeorus. And who knows how that Storm affected them--it may have altered their minds too or something."

Director Verdock narrowed his eyes at Cori. "Ms Woods, do you presume to have all knowledge at your disposal? That your rank allows you to everything?"

Cori could feel the heat creeping to her ears, but she only swallowed hoping she wasn't turniing too red. "No, Sir, not at all. It's just that I have experienced these dangers first hand--both Coalition and the Empowered--so I feel like my input is valuable." She paused again, deciding whether or not to voice her thoughts. She decided wrong, her tone ice: "But, please, feel free to educate us with your experience, Sir."

Ray wasn't expecting all of this. This discussion was not going to be as smooth as he planned, but with the matters they were discussing this was to be expected. "I agree we need to take action against individuals with powers..but what exactly that action should be" Ray paused as Verdock didn't bother to let him finish as he explained why they needed to do what he said and soon. "I'll say this..The Coalition took the lives of innoncent American citizens, not to mention they experimented with highly dangerous foreign technology that could have even worst disastorous effects then it did on the planet, then what?" He said stressing the point that while the Empowered where the main issues The Coalition had already shown to be a dangerous third party. "Her direct experience is something you don't have Director" He could sense the tension and actually wanted to smile but not now.

Director Verdock could almost feel a vein popping in his forehead. If onyl they knew........."Sir I was appointed head of the entire CIA for a reason. Believe it or not, not everything is shared amongst the politicians of DC. You people here are busy, you have other things to worry about." Verdock gripped his wrist so tight he could feel it almost cracking. "But in this case I shall share. This is not the first report of Coalition I have had. And right now, the Empowered are more of a trheat than Coalition can ever be." Director Verdock then looked at Cori. "Ms Woods you will remember your place. And you will remember you are not the Director. I am."

"Then what do you suggest, Director Verdock?" she asked, sitting up straighter to frown at him.

"I suggest we immediatley outlaw all Empowered. Any empowered that surrenders willingly will be spared, apart from the ones that have commited mass murder but we dont tell them this. We send those ones to trial, find them guilty, and have them executed. Humanely for the publics sake. We send all empowered to government facilities for testing and safeguarding." Verdock laughed in his head, safeguarding.........."Coalition's goals are slightly obscure, but they are interested in the Empowered. We can use this Mr President."

Ray had to nod his head in agrement Verdock was picked for a reason, and he thought it was about time to bring up the proposition he'd been talking about with Congress. "I can accept and believe that perhaps some information about The Coalition has circulated around before, my only concern is there willingness to kill American citizens to cover up information. "I must say Verdock..first off..your idea is..effective but extreme..I still believe there are some of these people that may be good U.S. Citizens who didn't even want abilities, or abilities that may not even be dangerous or even those willing to co-operate with the laws. First I want to tell you this the CIA will be in charge of the anti superhuman actions against the Empowered, Verdock of course your in charge, but we'd like Cori to run the Task Force and submit directly to you." Ray paused to let that sink in.

"So Cori will be in charge of everything else field missions ect regarding them, however her department will focus on Empowered, you still have the CIA to run after all she'll just run every major executive descision by you, and you can of course get as involved as you can be with the task force as well. Second there's been talks to allow this Task Force to have authority over Homeland Security, the military, national-guard, FBI, and even police forces whenever is neccessary. But I will say this..what your suggesting..I really don't want to do but I admit if it turns out all the Empowered is dangerous I will 100% support these actions Director Verdock, and I'll even propose a bill to put them into action. However this is a democracy, and without Congress, and the Supreme Court I can't authorize that only what's already been put on the table. We're in the talks of developing facilities to contain these individuals across the country, so I can authorize the CIA to began rounding them up and removing them from society for now. Deadly force can be used against those who prove dangerous or those who've already commited heinous acts whether or not their powers were used to support them. I will inform you that this is illegal, but this is an emergency situation based off what happens the next few weeks or months we can make a desiscion about whether or not an Anti Empowered Bill needs to be passed and if the extremes you want will be neccessary." Ray said releasing all the information he had and his final opinion on the matter.

Director Verdock was not one to smile often, but he did let out a partial upward side lip raise. This was just what he needed. He had been given authority, and now even more freedom to do as he wished. He knew what was at stake, and he knew he was the only one who had the courage to do what needed to be done. But Cori Woods........Verdock sideways glanced at her. She had been given more privelage than he wanted her to have.......the Verdock thought of something. The President had given her a chance, or a rope. Maybe that rope was long enough so she could hang herself with it. "Excellent ideas sir. But If I may, despite the previous words said, shall we allow Ms Woods to have more? She certainly is motivated. And has the attitude to boot. She is in charge of the task force, and all Empowered Operations, so lets give her the access she needs to do her job. I would like to promote Ms Woods to Director of the Georgia branch. That way she is able to have all the freedom to act she needs, and we should give her level 1 access." Level 1 access was the highest level of security access an agent could have, right below directior access.

Cori remained silent as the men discussed what plan of action to take with the information she gave them. Needless to say, she was pleasantly surprised when President Mason himself declared her in charge of the field techniques that would fight the empowered. A rare smile--two in one week, impressive--started to show and she thought it was excitement that had her and Verdock sharing knowing glances. However, she found herself stunned by his suggestions and taken off guard. The smile faded and her brows furrowed together inquisitively. However, she didn't dare interupt. This was exactly what she wanted: to excellently serve her country with the goal of rising through its ranks. So despite that nagging feeling in the back of her mind telling her to protest and be appropriately humble for once in her life, she didn't.

"Director Verdock, that..that's quite an honor that I can't say I expected," she said carefully, her ears ringing. "I appreciate the proposed opportunity and responsibility and I'll take it on seriously."

Ray was surprised by Director Verdock's change in attitude but in some ways he wasn't. Verdock wasn't neccessarily a bad man, he was a man who liked to get the job done. What some say as a cruel strike he saw as a willingness to get the things done that others didn't at all costs. Still he couldn't give in to such an extreme motion so early especially illegally, it was bad enough he was doing what he was doing. Still he'd feel bad if Verdock turned out to be right and lives were loss but it was a risk he was willing to take for the sake of democracy. "Alright Verdock.. I can agree to that, I'll grant your request congratulations Cori Woods. I know you'll serve your country well, and Verdock..we do tend to disagree but you know I picked you for a reason so needless to say I know you'll do the same, we can get a handle on this situation, and although I know I couldn't immediately authorize the actions you requested I hope this compromise turns out for the best..."He spoke confidently but still in the back of his mind he'd seen the footage of the hospital in Atlanta, if they all turned to be like this he'd be the first one to push Verdock's bill mainly due to all the sleep he'd loose at night knowing he had a chance to start now.

Director Verdock nodded. "Understood sir. Now, may we depart? We have much work to do." Verdock indeed had much to do. So much planning, so much strategy, so little time. And Woods.....oh Woods. Verdock inwardly smiled. She was a pain in his ass. This will show her that women have no place in the CIA.

Cori blinked at the Director and hesitated. This was it? She had expected--or at least hoped--for more direction, of any sort, and the size of her role was quickly dawning on her. "Right... Uh, thank you. I'll stay in touch," she said, looking between them.

"Alright this meeting is adjourned, we're having make-shift facilities set up right now. Get everything set up by Monday we can start removing Empowered individuals from society. Like I said this is illegal, if they have a prior criminal record that makes it easier, build up from that..if they don't just do it swiftly..if there going to be lots of people who notice there missing plant evidence of crime or criminal history if neccessary or just blame it on Empowered themselves it's not as if they haven't shownt he capability to make people go away..let's get to work, we have a coutnry to fix." President Ray began organizing the paper work on his desk, he had a speech later today yesterday he'd talked about Atlanta, today he was going to talk about the whole country.

Director Verdock nodded, walked over to the door, and held it open as he motioned for Cori to walk through first. As rhey walked down the halls and to their own respective means of travel Verdock spoke. "I assume you will treat this temporary grant of power with care. After this fiasco of an event, maybe you can even keep it. Just so long as you are actually able to end this Empowered nightmare."

Despite the generous promotion, Cori could sense the tension between them and the coolness of his tone. "I don't want to keep it, sir, with all due respect. I'm aiming for the top, but I appreciate the sentiment," she responded before coming to a pause where they would go their seperate ways. "And I won't be a second choice when I'm there."

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Cori Woods
Friday

The day was finally slowing down. Kieron was still on her mind after the phone call, and she pulled the keys to the base from her pocket to eye. He was putting her in a mind by insisting she see him tomorrow night, but she supposed it would be the weekend. She would be free to do as she wanted, at least for Saturday. "Ugh," she grumbled, resting her head in her arms. Why did her freelance and violent contact have to make friendly with her? She didn't want that sort of baggage in her life, and especially not in her professional life.

"Better get home and rest up. You have a plane to catch in the morning."

Cori flinched at the voice in her office doorway and sat up. "You scared me," she breathed, resting her hand on her chest and quickly hiding the keys in her pocket again. "Wait, what plane?"

Her father looked around the office as he approached her desk, putting the flashdrive down in front of her. "I haven't told you to clean your room in over ten years. Don't make me start that again," he said. Then he sniffed, his teasing smile fading. "Is that smoke?"

Cori rolled her eyes, but was smiling, as she grabbed the drive. However she paused and looked to him. "Uh, Sir, this isn't the flashdrive." The one she had stolen was black and sleek. This one was black, sure, but it was clunkier and looked like something you could find at Staples.

Damon nodded and sat down across from her. "Don't worry. Everything was copied exactly as you found it onto that drive. That one's a little more durable too. Didn't take much to destroy the first.The one you had was able to be tracked, as I'm sure you found out. " He paused, brows furrowing in concern as he eyed her bruised face and messy hair. He sighed and continued anyway. "But about that plane--pay attention, now--this is big.

"I talked with the Director myself. We're flying you out to DC in the morning to meet with him," Damon explained, pausing, "and the President."

Cori blinked and exhaled sharply, eyes widening as she stared at the flashdrive she was fiddling with as she tensed. "W-wait, what?"

"I explained to them how you've been investigating the incident since its happening. How you've been gathering information on these empowered humans, and how you successfully took the initiative to put together a team to...retrieve the intel from Coalition and finished the job personally. I suggested you at the very least advise whoever ends up taking the lead on all this. But, Cori, if your briefing goes well with the Director and the President, they want you leading this operation. You have first hand experience already. There's no one better for this task right now." His words were stiff and curt, not soft like he had been when he first entered the office. "So I hope you have something prepared."

"I-I-I do," she said. Exasperated, she gestured at the computer in front of her and the yellow folders all over her desk. "Oh my God, I have-- I have to go home. I have to prepare. This is so much," she rambled, gathering the folders and stuffing them into her bag. She continued like this for a few minutes before stopping, remembering Damon was right there and silently watching her. She swallowed and cleared her throat.

"Thank you," she said as she got up to run around the desk. He stood to meet her and they hugged: Cori was tall and had broad shoulders and lean build. But embracing Damon, she appeared much smaller. "Thank you so much, I won't let you down."

Damon pulled away and nodded at her at arms length. "I know, Cori. I'm so proud of you."

The two stood there for a moment. And while Damon had no problem being warm, Cori had always been colder and more awkward, taking after her other father. So she cleared her throat and pulled away, fixing her hair. "Right, I'll...I'll pack up here and get home."

---

Satuday

Cori Woods awoke early and downed a cup of coffee and a cigarette well before the sun rose in the east. Her home was large for one person and very stylish: modern and minimalist, designed by the prestigious Woods Co.. She hated the color white, so the walls and furniture were decorated with warm, neutral patterns. The furniture complimented it perfectly, and each room had modern art hanging on the wall. However, the home lacked personality and intimacy. There were no personal photos save for the office, of her parents, and the entire house was far too clean. Even the kitchen was mostly bare except for the frozen dinners and wine.

So it was easy for Cori to leave, only hesitating at the door as she struggled to pick between the keys to the Rolls Royce, the Bentley, the Aston Martin, or the Porsche. Deciding after a stuffy briefing with President, she would want to get off the plan to a speedy Aston martin, and away she went.

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Ariana

The incident by itself didn't interest Ariana. Once the world recovered from the minor hiccup three weeks ago, it was reported on and covered by every news outlet, mainstream or otherwise. There was nothing left to say about it, and the incident was old news after a couple days. Things weren't like they used to be, Ariana complained to her roommate. No one is shocked anymore, especially when so few people even trusted their news. When everything is reported on, nothing is news. So Ariana had continued drafting click-bait articles for her liberal-orientated, website based "journal," her dull life unchanged and her mind uninspired.

However, in her time on the internet, Ariana would occasionally come across strange claims and stranger videos. Her critical eye blew most of it off as fiction, editing, or classic bull shit, but as the days went on, more and more stories started to pop up. It wasn't until a week and a half after the incident that Ariana started documenting and saving these strange stories to her personal laptop. And the more she collected, the more serious she took the strange super powers: she dedicated a good sum of money to keeping all the files--well organized and sorted--on an external harddrive. She even wrote up mock stories and summaries and notes, detailing her finds and theories. She knew none of the powers appeared before the incident, for example, but she hadn't shared a single thing...she was missing substance. Hard proof.

Atlanta, Georgia. The closet major city to Ariana's home far on its outskirts was blowing up with news and violence. So, she decided to do what any good reporter would: dive straight into the chaos.

So there she arrived, bag on her back, wide eyed and excited to do something that mattered--

Ariana squinted at the skyline. A giant...bullet? had crashed into the hospital, creating chaos and destruction. "Oh my God," she gasped quietly, eyebrows raising and jaw dropping. Awestruck, she stood there, fresh off the bus and already frozen in fear--but not for long. "Oh my God!" she said again, finding the ability to move toward the commotion as others scattered. As she jogged toward the chaos, she took out her phone to record.

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Ariana Morales | 21 | Female

Apperance: Ariana's light brown skin is dotted with a variety of freckles covering her face, shoulders, knees, and the rest of her body. It's complimented by her dark brown hair and thick eyebrows. Her eyes are particularly stunning: upon a first glance, they may be mistaken for plain, dark brown, but a close look reveals flecks of gold and green. Her full lips are pretty pink, and the makeup she wears compliments her natural beauty. She stands short at 5'3", and she has a full, curvy figure. She's fashionable, her clothes reflect an urban chic sort of style.

Religion: (Loosely) Catholic

Sexuality: Bisexual

Occupation: She tells her parents that she's an investigative journalist, but she primarily writes click-bait articles

Abilities:

- Bilingual. Ariana is fluent in both English and Spanish as first languages. In college, she studied Arabic, though she's not fluent in it.

- Subterfuge. Picking locks, snooping through computer software and documents, spying. Ariana has the skill set to gather information, even if it's not always in the most lawful way.

- Inquisitive. Curious, Ariana almost never runs out of questions.

- Strong writing skills. This goes without saying; she has been writing since she learned how to read, and allowed her to coast easily through college.

Faults:

- Curious. A strength for most people, Ariana will seek the truth to her death. And soon that passion will be put to the test.

- Combat. Unlike the rest of the cast, Ariana lacks superpowers or intense training in any sort of defensive combat. She's dependent on her pepper spray and wits to get out of conflict.

- People skills. Elegant and interesting on paper, Ariana is easily nerved and anxious face-to-face.

Power: N/A

Personality: Ariana is, of course, curious. After all, that's what it takes to write for websites that make a profit by crowding their click-bait articles with so many ads that the reader is bound to click on at least two per articles. She's self conscious about her work, desperate to give her career a stronger and more interesting foundation. She's informed and believes in truth-seeking even if she doesn't hesitate to be dishonest if it means getting her way. True enough, she has all the strengths a classical journalist might need--but the field has devolved, and it weighs on her spirits. Beyond her "professional" life, she's a friendly and warm character with a genuine interest in the lives of people around her. She will rarely hesitate to do what she believes is the right thing.

History: Ariana is a recent college graduate. She graduated early at 20 (having taken post-secondary classes in high school). Her degree was in journalism and while she was a great studet on paper, she never really stood out beyond the 3.8 GPA. Now she works part time, and she shares an apartment with a roommate still in college. Her diet consists of ramen noodles and frozen pizzas, but she does alright, all things considered. Ever since the global outrage nearly three weeks ago, she has been researching the strange incidents since. With the recent commotion in Atlanta, she arrives on the scene to investigate from her home just outside the city limits.

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Ariana the Journalist

Ariana Morales | 21 | Female

Apperance: Ariana's light brown skin is dotted with a variety of freckles covering her face, shoulders, knees, and the rest of her body. It's complimented by her dark brown hair and thick eyebrows. Her eyes are particularly stunning: upon a first glance, they may be mistaken for plain, dark brown, but a close look reveals flecks of gold and green. Her full lips are pretty pink, and the makeup she wears compliments her natural beauty. She stands short at 5'3", and she has a full, curvy figure. She's fashionable, her clothes reflect an urban chic sort of style.

Religion: (Loosely) Catholic

Sexuality: Bisexual

Occupation: She tells her parents that she's an investigative journalist, but she primarily writes click-bait articles

Abilities:

- Bilingual. Ariana is fluent in both English and Spanish as first languages. In college, she studied Arabic, though she's not fluent in it.

- Subterfuge. Picking locks, snooping through computer software and documents, spying. Ariana has the skill set to gather information, even if it's not always in the most lawful way.

- Inquisitive. Curious, Ariana almost never runs out of questions.

- Strong writing skills. This goes without saying; she has been writing since she learned how to read, and allowed her to coast easily through college.

Faults:

- Curious. A strength for most people, Ariana will seek the truth to her death. And soon that passion will be put to the test.

- Combat. Unlike the rest of the cast, Ariana lacks superpowers or intense training in any sort of defensive combat. She's dependent on her pepper spray and wits to get out of conflict.

- People skills. Elegant and interesting on paper, Ariana is easily nerved and anxious face-to-face.

Power: N/A

Personality: Ariana is, of course, curious. After all, that's what it takes to write for websites that make a profit by crowding their click-bait articles with so many ads that the reader is bound to click on at least two per articles. She's self conscious about her work, desperate to give her career a stronger and more interesting foundation. She's informed and believes in truth-seeking even if she doesn't hesitate to be dishonest if it means getting her way. True enough, she has all the strengths a classical journalist might need--but the field has devolved, and it weighs on her spirits. Beyond her "professional" life, she's a friendly and warm character with a genuine interest in the lives of people around her. She will rarely hesitate to do what she believes is the right thing.

History: Ariana is a recent college graduate. She graduated early at 20 (having taken post-secondary classes in high school). Her degree was in journalism and while she was a great studet on paper, she never really stood out beyond the 3.8 GPA. Now she works part time, and she shares an apartment with a roommate still in college. Her diet consists of ramen noodles and frozen pizzas, but she does alright, all things considered. Ever since the global outrage nearly three weeks ago, she has been researching the strange incidents since. With the recent commotion in Atlanta, she arrives on the scene to investigate from her home just outside the city limits.

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Cori Woods

Everything was about to change.

Men and women eyed her curiously as she jogged through the hall, an occasional whisper or giggle. It didn't go unnoticed, but the bitterness and jealousy of others had ceased to bother Cori. She was an excellent agent, and she was always striving to be better. Agent Woods took initiative when others hesitated, and she was comfortable taking charge. She had also learned to ignore the gossip and bitching from others, putting energy into bettering herself instead of wallowing in self pity. It was all this and more that her father greeting his pride and joy with a smile, even as she barged into the office and closed the door behind her.

"Cori, your face," he realized, the smile falling as he furrowed his brows at the woman. He looked her up and down. "Your, uh, everything. You're a mess. What happened?" He started to stand, but Cori was quick: she was at his desk, insisting he stay sitting with a gesture and shake of her head. Damon Vaughn was a large man, his hair silver and a nasty scar across his tan face. He was a walking example of experience, authority, and intimidation: he had a history and reputation as an agent who came from nothing and rose to the top. Still, his daughter had a presence that softened him. He chose a position to keep an eye on her safety, and ensure that other agents were being trained to expectations.

"I know, Sir, I know. It's that case I've been working on. I need you to take a look at this," she said quickly, clacking the flashdrive down in front of the man. Her expression had softened since arriving at the office, there was something vulnerable about it now that she shared the room with someone familiar.

He couldn't help but laugh as he took the drive to plug into his computer. "I'm your father, Cori. Call me Dad," Damon said lightly, eyes flickering about the screen as he loaded up the documents. As he did, his smile faded and his gaze hardened. Cori watched his expression: his age showed as the frown lines on his face tightened. He straightened up and leaned into his monitor. Tension hung in the air, the only sound in the office the tick of the clock and click of the mouse or keyboard as Damon investigated. Then, finally, his clear blue eyes looked to her crimson ones. "Who else knows about this?"

Cori found herself hesitating. Jace had been involved on a fluke, but she didn't believe he knew anything--he hadn't even gotten her name. But Kieran's face flashed through her mind. "No one. Just you and me," she replied coolly. "It explains the storm two and a half weeks ago. It confirms the rumors of people committing superhuman feats. Sir--Dad, I saw a man take a hail of bullets to his body without any armor and protection. He survived without a single scratch. These people are all over Earth, causing all this death and-and we need to stop it. We need to stop the superhumans and Coalition--they are willing to kill for the information we have now. I need you to put me through to the top, so I can organize a force against this national--no, this global threat."

Damon was silent, his attention refocusing on the screen. He was torn. On one hand, Cori was right and--as far as he was concerned--her initiative against the crisis meant she deserved to continue her mission. On the other, she was his only daughter. She had returned from a retrieval mission bruised and injured, and every fatherly instinct was screaming against the very idea of sending her deeper into this mess, into this danger. Why didn't she pick up the fortune left behind for her ten years ago? She could've been living a comfortable life, away from this shit storm. But, Cori was stubborn and sought to do good in the world. It was a choice she made at a young age, and looking at her now, Damon could still see that determination in her hard eyes.

Maybe this wasn't one the most difficult decision he had ever had to make, but it certainly felt like it. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, his voice rough. "You're right, Agent Woods. I couldn't trust anyone else to handle this. And I'm here to advise you as you need it."

For the first time that day, a genuine smile came to Cori's face. Had the desk not been a barrier between the two of them, she might have even hugged her own father. Might have. "Thank you so much, I won't let you down," she said, voice higher with excitement. "You do your phone calls, e-mails, whatever. I'll keep gathering intel, I already have so many leads, just give me the drive back when you're done-- Just, do your thing, Sir. And thank you again!" As she spoke, she backed up toward the door, suddenly animated with anticipation and excitement.

The door closed after her and Damon sighed into the silence, a mix of dread and pride swelling as he heard Cori Woods dart down the hallway.

---

Cori sat down at her desk, the mugs cleared as she had requested from Raymond. She wasn't supposed to smoke in the building, but it had been one hell of a day. She had nearly died multiple times, and she needed to get to work. So, she opened the window behind her, lit a cigarette, and sat down to get to do it. First, she started with documenting her field experience--conveniently leaving the clash she had with her...contact out--and that's when she paused, remembering she had ignored a text and a call earlier. Annoyed to be interrupted in her work, she sighed as she punched in her passcode and opened the message--it was from the same number who left a new voicemail.

It was a picture message: Kieran taking a selfie, but upon opening the picture full screen, she saw men passed out--or she hoped they were passed out--on the ground behind him. She squinted against the screen, as if she might see something else. What was the point? Was there more coded into the message? Who were the men? They looked like civilians, maybe criminals. Was this some sort of threat? Scowling, she tapped, "??? Why?" and sent the short message before taking a long drag of the cigarette. Then as an after thought, she added, "I gave you this number for leads and emergencies."

It wasn't until after she sent the rude texts that she decided to actually listen to the voicemail: "Cori listen there is trouble. A super just recently got into a huge fight in the city, and it didn't end well. I am going to investigate. Call me when you get this."

Cori texted, "Oh. Just got the voicemail. Disregard those, I'm calling you."

As she placed the phone between her ear and shoulder, cigarette between her lips, her curiosity return to the computer screen. After a few clicks and a glance at her office door, she typed in his name: Kieran Hishamie. As he suggested, he was in the system, but there wasn't a lot of information. And attempts to dig further were restricted at her access level. Well, that wouldn't be an issue much longer.

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Cori & Jace

The day had been a long one already, and Agent Woods was itching for a drag. In her rush, she had left her cigarettes in her office. As she briskly strode toward the building, she knew she wouldn't have time to sit down and relax for the rest of the day. On any other day, it may have soured her mood, but the last week was about to finally pay off. She had been betrayed, lost good men, and was beaten by a freelancer (who admittedly apologized and offered an alliance, but regardless) for the flashdrive in her pocket, her ticket to advance even further through the ranks. This would be the case of the decade--maybe even the century. And, of course, Cori sought to stop the violence and chaos plaguing the globe. She intended to lead US forces against superpowered humans, aliens, the mysterious Coalition. All three were a threat, and the flashdrive was her key to stopping them.

Jace was feeling a rush of power, it was crazy that Luke had powers.. He didn't exactly know what powers he had, he wasn't a big fan of the whole superhero genre. The extent of his fiction viewing was Dragon Ball Z, and he'd love to learn how to shoot a kamehameha wave today just as much as he'd wanted growing up. The fight was great, and he'd managed to keep his mask on, but now world knew there was a superhuman out there for sure thanks to his actions not that he cared. Once he murdered Judge Alton he was done his revenge spree would be satisfied at least for now. He had decided to mug someone and change clothes for..reasons. He was just walking minding his own business, and simmering down from his earlier intoxication. Whatever Luke had done to his head to get him to relieve all his dreasm in real life so intense had messed him up, and now more then ever he wondered if he was going down the right path..or was simply dancing with the devil.

Jace just needed something to get his mind off this, everything he'd been doing he wasn't a bad guy...these people were bad they needed to be punished and he had the power to punish them. Maybe he went too far with Luke, but he didn't care if it was drugs, powers or both he didn't need to do his sister like that..at least respectfully cut her off but don't make her a side fling. He just wanted to change, and he looked up to see some albino girl walking. "damn she's pretty fucking sexy, all that fighitng I need some..mhmm." Jace grinned thinking about whether he wanted to approach the girl when suddenly an armored van pulled up near Cori, and two men hoped out the window in body armor and armed, with another coming out firing a taser at her. "What the Fuck.."Jace said as they began yelling at her "RETURN THE EVIDENCE OR DIE"

When the wheels squealed to a stop beside her, it was only gut feeling that urged Cori to actually look at the van. She had done her best to be alert since leaving Kieran; her guard wasn't high enough, clearly, but she was almost prepared. Had she not been carrying the very evidence that lead them to her, her reacation would've been to fight back--but this was bigger than her. As the armored men jumped out, she turned on her heel to run, her hand grasping the gun under her jacket just as the electrode projectile's snagged onto her back. Gasping, she fell to her hands and knees, the men yelling at her. "Shit," she gasped, barely managing to turn to face them. Somehow, she found the strength to pop a shot off at the man with the taser, a little low on his face, but good enough to get him off her, at least. She was still weakened, though.

The man was knocked back by the shot, but the other soldiers reacted. Jace didn't know what was going on but Jace rushed forward intervening and grabbing one of the soldiers that came out the van and tossing him into the window of a nearby store. "Hey! What the fuck are you guys doing to her."

The two other soldiers looked at Jace and seemed uneasy then heard orders being yelled to them via their communication devices. They both opened fire, and Jace stood in-front of Cori protecting her from the bullets. Jace then rushed forward elbowing one of hte soldiers into the truck, snatching the other soldiers gun and pistol whipping him then opening fire shooting the driver of the armored truck, and the passenger. Jace realized he'd done all this without a mask on, and quickly took off one of the soldiers helmets and donned it rushing over to the woman who was tasered to help her up." Hey! Hey! Fuck are you good?!" Jace didn't bother to ask why these guys were after her, he saw that they intended to kill her.

Cori watched, awestruck, by the young man's interferance. "No--you need to run," she warned, sitting up as she regained her strength, slowly. She heard the crackle of radio static, and she gasped. She wanted to warn him again, to get away before he was killed but she wasn't quick enough. Shots were fired and she threw her arms up to protect herself and... And nothing happened. She looked up again, watching Jace fight off the men, struggling to comprehend what had happened.

Attacking her in broad daylight--they were desperate to get the flashdrive back, and it only made her more eager to open it up again. Luckily, this mysterious, bullet proof kid showed up just in the nick of time. "You're one of them," she realized as he helped her up, gaze hard on the helmet that hid his face. "I-I'm fine, thank you. I need to go," she added, her eyes flickering back to the mess he had made of the Coalition agents.

Jace wondered how this woman would react to his powers, but didn't care. He made the news but he had his mask on but she'd seen him do this stuff without a mask. Only way to remedy the situation was to kill her but he couldn't do that she hadn't done nothing to him or his family. "One of them..oh..you mean..yeah..them super motherfuckers shit you right." Jace thought she simply knew from the news but had no idea who she really was. "Go, man you just had some folks tried to smoke you in broad day light if you dont mind me asking who the fuck

"ELIMINATE THE TARGET" An armored helicopter descended from the sky, and rained down bullets causing Jace to jump off to defend Cori from the bullets, then before they could fire again he twirled around flinging the armored truck at the helicopter causing both to crash down into the streets landing in traffic no doubt taking innocent lives." FUCK!" Jace yelled but two more cars zoomed out and windows rolled down as they began to open fire. Jace grabbed Cori picking her up like nothing and ran forward ducking into a nearby ally if they continued to fight in public more people would die. Running he rushed into traffic with a car skirting in-front of him, and Jace opened the door pulling the man out and pushing him away then got in the car." Get in!" He yelled at her, figuring her pursuers weren't far behind.

If Cori had to be honest, she was almst thankful the rain of bullets interupted Jace's question. Especially since he was able to protect her, taking them without earning a scratch. It was incredible--and a little terrifying--but she wasn't given much time to ponder it. The kid picked her up and they were off, his body protecting her from more assailants. And with every attempt on her life, her resolve was hardened to survive, to get the flashdrive to the base. She pulled herself up on Jace's shoulder, peering over and outstretching her arm--two shots and two drivers spun out as they dsiappeared into an ally.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry," she said to the men who was suddenly out of a car, but they need it more than he. She didn't need to be told twice, and she hopped into the car, looking back, watching for more agents. She flinched as her cell phone rang to life, and she ignored the unknown number, at least for now.

Jace didn't even know what he got himself involved in, for all he knew she was a terrorists, and he was picking a fight with the Government. Then again the Government had labeled him a criminal, and put his brother in a cage. Suddenly the radio in the car began acting up and a message was delivered.

"Jace Williams cease immediately. The woman your aiding is an enemy of the U.S Government of the highest degree. We will offer you 100,000 dollars and pardon you of all your pending legal charges if you deliver her dead or a live to the agents in pursuit repeat. The woman." Jace punched a the radio putting a hole in the car destroying it." Fuck the government." He said and he had to swerve to the left to avoid one of the cars that attempted to drive into him head on, and Jace made a sharp right nearly loosing contorl as he went fast escaping onto the back-roads only to hear police sirens in the back-ground. Jace just glared at the girl and wondered what she did as he went even faster how did these guys know where they were." Ok...fuck all this..if I'm keeping your ass alive..and turning down a 100k spill the beans..what the fuck did you do..you a fucking terrorist or something cause i swear to god I will stop the car myself and turn your ass is in if your killing people for some imaginary motherfucker in the sky or for any reason at all..and how the hell do these people keep finding us fuck!"

Cori tensed as the radio sparked to life, apparently for the kid sitting beside her. She squinted, side glancing him. Was he a criminal? Would that be surprising? she thought, recalling the ease he had in throwing the agents around, and shoving the poor man out of the car. She gasped as he punched in the radio, denouncing the very government that she worked for. As he drove, she had a hand on the dashboard and her other against the door, holding on--God forbid she escape Coalition only to die in some freak accident with superhuman. One who was not shy about demanding answers, by the way.

"I can't explain it right now! she said, wincing as she leaned against the door on a sharp turn. "But they are lying. I am not a criminal, I-- They're lying. They don't have the grounds to pardon you from whatever it is you did, and they'd probably kill you for all this." She had almost declared herself as part of the actual US government, but a glance at this kid who might be a criminal had her decide against it.

Jace hoped she gave him an honest answer otherwise he'd just turned down money for nothing, but as she spoke he had a point.

"Can't explain it were gonna fucking die, what the hell can you not explain, that's fucking retarded gahh damn" Jace was mad but it was too late, and driving drunk he almost swerved off the road again but caught himself and kept up the speed. "Right the whole U.S Government is lying makes sense I guess, and I don't need a fucking pardon, trust me I've gotten what I need.." Jace said thinking about his revenge it felt good in the moment but afterwards not so much. Just as he was thinking Jace slammed the breaks as he wasn't paying attention and the car swerved off the road tearing up the tires but stopped before they hit anything." Fuck" Jace yelled getting out the car and examing it." Fuck fuck..we gotta go this car is fucked up. Alright miss mysterious..these people whoever they are want you dead, I know a thing or too about people in uniforms wanting to kill me..thing is I stay off the radar, so what's your plan want me to just walk away, or you want to actually let the only person who can probably keep you alive..know where the fuck to take you." Jace inquired..wondering why he'd done so much to help a random girl out, well he knew why....all these labels..villain..menace..monster..he wanted to escape it.

Cori gasped and yelled out in surprise as Jace suddenly breaked and drove them off the road. He got out before her, and she took a moment to regain her breath and calm down. When she did step out of the car, she demanded, "What the hell was that? I knew I should've been the one driving--" As she ranted, she followed his example of eyeing the car, her eyes lingering on the tires with a shake of her head. Looks like the US Government was covering John Doe's insurance on his shit car.

She sighed, just calming down as Jace started at her again. He had a point: after that fiasco, she needed a bullet proof escort to the office, and she rubbed at the bridge of her nose--only then realizing she had lost her sunglasses a long time ago. She squinted against the light, then around. "I need to get the CIA's office buildling. By the park," she admitted, eyeing him for his reaction. But she didn't exactly want to hear it, so she continued, "Why are you even helping me? You are putting yourself in more danger than you would be with the cops."

"Oh alright, my bad for taking the lead, I should have waited for you to talk to the man kindly to see if he'd let two strangers borrow his car. "Jace said in response to her comment about driving thinking back to how she apologized to the guy he snatched the car from in the first place. He wished he'd just driven his mustang, but considering helicopters and armore trucks were shooting at them he was glad he didn't, this also meant something he dreaded he'd ave to catch an uber back to his car.

"CIA Office building.." Jace sighed..so it was probably flipped, whoever was trying to pay him was probably an enemy of the country, He didn't exactly like people in authority, but she was attractive and he figured with the way his life was going he'd need someone who owd him a favor high up. "I'm Jace, Jace Williams feel free to give me a bullshit name I know you feds be lying anyway so it dosen't matter." Jace sighed and leaned against a tree."Why...let's just say..lately I've done some things...things I regret...with..my powers. When I first did them I felt good about them, but afterwards I had a sour feeling. I've been having nightmares, I can't sleep, I feel guilty...people are trying to label me a monster..I guess..I just seen you was about to get clapped...and I wanted to do something, tired of people trying to say I'm something I'm not fuck I know I'm drunk I don't know why I'm telling you all this..you probably don't give a fuck anyway." Jace shrugged this drinking was starting to get to him, he needed to cut it out.

Cori watched as he got comfortable against a tree, and looked around. Admittedly, she didn't have time to sit and listen to Jace's story, but she wasn't the one with scary super strength. So she resigned herself to liste, frowning as he went on. The agent in her wanted to press him further--what he did exactly--but she also didn't want to know. She had so much on her plate already that she wasn't confident she could do anything about whatever horrors he committed. So she just slowly nodded, irritation setting in as he admitted to drinking before driving, but she only crossed her arms. "I'm sorry," she offered. "If it were up to me, you wouldn't have been a part of this. But since you are, thank you. You--you saved my life, Jace."

Jace hated rambling on when he was drunk especially to a CIA agent, but it's not like he had any heavy crimes he was hiding well besides technically being a serial killer. "Yeah well don't blame yourself, trust me this isn't for you..it's for me..for my soul..I just need a cleanse." Jace sighed. "All the odds are stacked up...I'm fucking drunk, the car was fucked up, how do we get to the CIA building?" Just as he was saying that a bullet whizzed past him and nearly hit Cori. Jace moved to push Cori to the ground as bullets began whizzing through the air as the two cars pulled up from before and Jace kicked the car he snatched into one of the approaching agents cars killing the driver and passenger upon impact. The other car sped towards Jace shooting bullets which bounced off Jace and suddenly skidded to a stop as one of the drivers got out and raised his hand drawing a weird gun and firing it at Jace he merely slapped the bullet away then grimaced in pain." Fuck...what the.."Before teh agent could shoot again Jace tossed his gun at the agents head full force knocking him out then hit the ground in pain the bullet hadn't hurt him..but it seemed like..it had some other effect it was making him sick it was..poision. "Damn it..you gotta drive..I don't know what the fuck he hit me with..but I'm not good."

Cori gasped as she was shoved to the ground, and the familiar pop of gun shots echoed about her and Jace. "I'm sick of being shot at!" she yelled into the ground, hiding her head in her arms. When Jace got up to confront Coalition, she followed suit and stood up, gun in her hand. Three out of six, she recalled mentally, her trained eyes quickly identifying the enemies. The passenger of the second car stepped out, but had a bullet a between the eyes before he could even raise his gun again. When it quieted again, Cori approached Jace--pausing to shoot the man he had knocked out. On another day, she might have spared the agent, but her life and country was in danger, so she acted unflinchingly.

It wasn't until Jace spoke that she slipped her gun away, scowling at him. "What are you talking about?" she asked, finding the strange gun. She picked up, and took Jace's arm to help him to the agents' car. "They might've used some kind of poison--since you're, well, bulletproof. That's some fast acting," she said, hint of admiration in her voice. She grunted as she pulled the passenger door to help Jace in before quickly moving to the other side to take her seat in the driver's spot, placing the gun in the glove box. "Just hang in there. Here we go."

Jace couldn't help but take note of Cori's ruthlessness. Although he didn't revel in brutal killing he still enjoyed combat and he found her..aggression highly attractive. Damn she's a fucking savage! I wonder how she is in bed Jace paused to let himself entertain these thoughts as he felt the poision spreading through him making him feel worst and worst."Fuck posion" Jace had felt so confident in his powers that he'd forgotten to realize that although he felt invincible he wasn't Superman." Fuck.." Jace leaned back in the seat as they were on the way, and decided he had an idea..the helmet he had on had some sort of communication deivice fooling around with it and it clicked on" Hello Agent..update status?! The Flashdrive is in Vehicle 5..where is the target? Where is the target." Jace groaned and tried to put on his best agent voice." The Target eluded capture, the flashdrive......" Jace paused not knowing what they were talking about but still he was gonna attempt his plan." is our posession in the vehicle..."

"Roger that..forget the target..we'll send a team to find her and kill her, our systems detect element X was fired..so I'm presuming the superhuman is down we'll send a team to grab his body as well...hurry up and get back..The CIA can't get their hands on the info in the files.." Roger that Jace was breathing heavilly his diversion plan had actually worked. "Shit..maybe I need to try acting" Jace said trying to joke before falling unconscious.

Cori tensed, her fingers gripping the wheel as the radio on Jace's helmet came to life. She glanced at him and opened her mouth to speak--but stopped, not wanting to be heard--and shook her instead. He took on a different tone and started speaking and she lightly hit the wheel in frustration. They were almost out and Jace was going to give them away with his stupid Hollywood stunt. She kept her eyes on the road, occasionally glancing at him with those sharp red eyes...And then they bought it. Cori's shoulder's relaxed and she sighed long and low, quietly. That was far too close, but it worked out--and they freely gave up orders.

Element X, two teams... Once the second team showed up to collect Jace's body, Coalition would know they were tricked. It was tight, but it gave her just the time she needed to get to base. "Jesus, don't scare me like that," she sighed, glancing over at Jace when he didn't reply. "Oh no," she whined, pressing on the gas.

---

"Inserting the antidote," the woman said. Jace had been out the whole time, his heartrate slowing by the minute at this point. The lab team couldn't use needles or scapels on Jace's strange skin, so he would soon be waking up with a tube down his throat, the antidote to Element X being poured directly into his body. A dosage maybe too high that would leave the poor kid feeling rather groggy, but they had to counteract the alcohol.

Cori watched from feet away, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, hoping it worked. And quickly. Her eyes dropped to the watch on her wrist and she glanced up at the ceiling.

"Uhh Uhh! UGHH!" Jace yelled with the tube down his throat,he yanked it out and was coughing. His eyes shot open, one minute he was lying to the government like always the next he felt everything going to black. But unlike when he usually fell asleep he felt a sense of peace, if he was going out at least it wasn't as a monster. At least he'd done one good deed before he was gone, but now here he was back alive again looking around in some sort of hopsital room looking at Cori and some other scientist.

"What the fuck....."Jace was trying to recall what happened then remembered the whole poision fiasco and got up with the scientist muttering among themselves in shock, not only had she saved his life but proven to the CIA that the superhuman threat was indeed real. He felt disoriented and weird. "I'm alive..I guess you saved my life...person whose name you wouldn't tell me..uh..CIA building..don't..worry..all..the Remy I drank..and whatever the hell you put me on I won't know what the fuck is happening." He noticed he still had his clothes on and frowned." Fully clothed..and here I thought you might want to check me out." Jace struggled getting off the hospital bed and focusing seemed to regain some strength somehow and shook his head the last thing he wanted to do was stick around in a govenrment building. "Stay safe..don't get murdered by whoever.." Jace said to Cori and looked confused.

"I'll escort you." Jace turned to see another agent..and he was reluctant but had no other choice and followed the other agent who took him out the building the back way and shut the door behind him." Wow..slammed door..fucking prick." Jace rolled his eyes and decided to keep going ..he tried to save a woman got involved in the middle of CIA conflict and almost died..it was definently easier being a prick.

Darkness and Dust, Revelry and Rust(Post-Apocalyptic, Dramatic, Intense, Rp.)

I'm thinking we should go ahead and move on, @ManoftheNorth. We don't want the RP to die due to inactivity/impatience

Empowered!!! (Closed)!

Cori & Kieran

Kieran had a plan, so carefully laid out and while rough around the edges it was plan that twelve straight hours were invested into. Kieran first almost went home, and he was on the steps when he made a huge mistake. He let his curiousity get the better of him, which he never does, and went back to investigate the flashdrive. There was just....something that gnawed at him. Kieran went back to the house where the drive was stashed, and used the spy equipment and computers to decode and look at what was on the drive. What he saw.....words could barley contain what he felt. Kieran knew he needed to forget what he saw, but in the corners of his mind he already had wheels moving towards what he was going to do.

Thats what was happening now. Kieran had messaged his employer, set up the pick up, and now here he was hours early scouting his contact. This women, the albino, was definetley who he was meeting. From her out of scene appearance, to the way she held herself, it was obvious to him. Kieran wore a black suit jacket with black button up shirt with black suit pants and shoes. He had a gun hidden in the back of his pants, and the flash drive in his jacket pocket. Kieran decided he was going to wait, see how she was reacting.

Hours passed and ten seconds before the on the dot time Kieran walked over and sat on the bench. He spoke soft but loud enough so he could be heard by the women next to him.

"Did you hear about the bird? What kind of bird was it again?"

Cori remained composed once she caught sight of the man in a black suit approach. Behind her shades, her white eyebrows furrowed together: he was young, maybe college age, but tall, and his strides boasted confidence as he moved toward her. And if it wasn't for the way he carried himself, she might have paid him no mind. However, her suspicions seemed to be correct as the young man took the seat beside her, and she glanced down at her watch. He was exactly on time, and the evidence continued to prove that this kid was the contact. So she decided to put her phone away and give him the time of day.

She licked her lips, the sunglasses remaining on her nose. "A blue jay. What'd he steal?" she responded. At that point, she was only following procedure, and there may have been a hint of impatience in her response.

"The worm."

Cori nodded, satisfied at his quick response. "Right, and I'd like to get that from you," she said, though she hesitated after, raising her head to look around at the park goers. The kid was young--maybe not even the killer hired to retrieve the data, maybe just a messenger--and her guard was against those who she didn't know, walking about. Contracting through a third party was good for saving face, but you had to trust quite the line of people to keep things underwraps.

Her questions were straight forward, and it was unclear even her knowledge stood. "But, how did it go? What did you learn?"

Kieran sighed mentally. He could not believe he actually had to do it this way. A gun was easier to use, force would be more.......well he would be more passionate about. But this.............

Kieran sta up straighter and looked at the women. He barley spoke above a whisper.

"Lean in, I can't speak of this out loud. What I found will shock you and it is something I need to say now. It is vitally important."

Cori was more annoyed than suspicious, her sunglasses shifting as her nose wrinkled against the request. However, she wanted the information, she wanted the data--she could humor the contact because it meant getting out. So, she complied, leaning toward the young man, listening.

Kieran leaned forward and with a swiftness that would suprise anyone who knew him in any way shape or form, kissed the women on the lips. Kieran cupped her cheek with his right hand, letting the knockout poison on his fake lips he stole from the espionage house be absorbed into the womens lips.

Stunned, Cori was still for a moment, eyes growing wide and face starting to flush from embarressment--obvious red on her white, white skin. It was as she acted that her head suddenly felt full of air, and she shoved him away weakly as she snapped at him, "You just assulted a federal..." Her words trailed off, and she lulled, panic setting it--but it felt far away. "Wh-what did you do to me?" she gasped lightly, instinct drawing her hand to her phone in her pocket. She had to get help-- and then she was out.

Kieran held the women in his arms, as if she was feeling ill and he was embracing her. Kieran refused to look around, believeing doing so would make it clear that he was doing something suspicious. Kieran liften the women, carrying her bridal style, and rushed to a nearby car. Kieran had already scouted the vehicles in the area and broke into one so when he needed to dash he could. H eput the women into the back seat of the chevy blazer truck, the hopped into the driver seat.

Kieran took many back roads and sharp turns, making sure he was not followed by her hidden security detail. He was sure she had one. But he needed to hurry, before he realized it he only had twenty minutes before the poison would wear off. After 12 minutes he fina;;y felt cnfident about losing her tails, then parked at the house where he found the flash drive. Kieran had two minutes.

Kieran was thankful he made all the prep work in advance. Kieran was able to move her into the living room, tie her hand behind the chair he set her in, tied her feet up, then tied a rope around the under part of her chest. Kieran then hooked the flashdrive up to the computer he set up in front of the women on a table. He wnated answers and there was no way she could lie when he had hard proof.

The woman stirred, her head lulling as she slowly came to. She squinted as she blinked against the grogginess--her sunglasses were gone, she didn't know where the brief case was. And when she went to move, she couldn't. With a grunt, she tugged at the ropes binding her hands and arms, panic threatening to set in, but she knew she needed to stay calm. The contact had nabbed her, she realized, and her eyes shot up to find him toying with a computer. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she demanded.

Kieran spoke but did not turn around.

"So here how this is going to work. What I am doing right now is accessing the flash drive that contains the files you hired me to nab. I nabbed them, and they can be yours. But first you need to answer three questions.
One, who are you? what is your name?
Two, What organization do you work for?
Three, What the hell were you people thinking? Messing with stuff like this? Did you plan this? Why I some sort of "intended target" along with everyone else?"

Fear was slowly setting in at the accusations, prompted mostly by her recent mistakes. If she had made the mistake of sending one mole in, then it was definitely possible she only set herself up to get killed, too. She wouldn't allow herself to get comfortable with death, though, and her wrists twisted behind her back as she spoke. "What are you talking about?" Cori said, her narrowed eyes drilling daggers into the back of the man's skull. "You know I work for the CIA. So who are you working for?"

Kieran turned around and backhanded the women. His hand made a shapr popping noise as it made contact with the womens face.

"Again I will ask...What is your name? Who do you work for? Why was I chosen? Why did you do this to me?"

Cori gasped as his met her cheek, and she struggled as the pain shot through her head, her vision clouding for a moment. Unaccustomed to being on the recieving side of an interogation, she feeling surprisingly angry at the backhand. Her voice shook with that anger as she spoke agian, her wrists twisting again as she struggled to maybe loosen the ropes.
"My name is Cori Woods. I work for the CIA. And I don't know what you're talking about--I didn't handpick you."

Kieran sighed and turned around. Kieran then jumped and mid-air he spun around and kicked Cori which sent her flying backwards. Kieran walked over, picked her up chair and all, then set her supright and rolled her forward so she was looking at the computer.

"Look at the screen! Alien experiments! Freakin super friggin powers! Human testing! Look at it!"

Cori felt the air leave her chest before the pain, and she was left unable to cry out as the chair fell back. She coughed, struggling to catch her breath, the kick leaving her dazed and her hands crushed painfully under the chair. Then, suddenly, she was up again, being shoved in front of the computer screen. She could hear the man shouting at her, but the words weren't quite registering as she recovered the energy to focus again. There were multiple documents open, all about what he was talking about.

"Wh-.." she stammered, but swallowed instead, not wanting to incite more violence as she read what was in front of her. It was as she read that his words echoed again: aliens, super powers, experiments, and Coalition. She couldn't help the raspy laugh, a short gasp of disbelief. This couldn't be real. "I've never seen any of this before-- please, you have to believe me," she explained quickly.

Kieran studied Cori's face. He looked at her, then the computer then at her. She........he didnt know what to think. He knew in his heart she was telling the truth and his brain was saying the same thing. But.........he was so sure. Kieran took the moment to pace the room. If it was true she had no idea what was on the drive, then more likely the CIA had nothing to do with it. His employer, to his knowledge, was someone high up there. And here she was, innocent in all this.

Kieran walked over in front of Cori.

"Seriously? Never?"

Kieran reached down and pulled out his hidden ankle knife. He raised his knife hand up, and cut the ropes under her chest. Then he went around and cut her hands free, then went around and cut her legs free. Kieran sheathed his knife and knelt in front of Cori.

"I swear I thought for sure you were somewhat behind this. What on the file........trust me its horrible. If you want to read it you can, if you to just take it you can. But...please....forgive me."

Kieran reached up slowly and gently felt the bruises on her face.

"I thought I was being controlled. I hate that feeling of being manipulated."

As the man paced, she eyed the files, comitting as much to memory as she could. She wasn't sure how long she'd have this in front of her, and she didn't exactly trust the man at this point to let her go with it. When he stepped in front of her, she tensed, bracing herself for another attack with a steely glare-- that admittedly faltered when the knife was unsheathed. Cori swallowed and watched with wide eyes as--

As he cut the ropes. As he knealt in front of her, her instinct put her on the defensive: her hand raised to reach under her jacket-- the gun was missing from her holster, however, not that could admit she was surprised. "You were hired to get the information, why would I know anything that was on it?" she snapped.

Though as he reached up to touch her, with her hands free again, she didn't flinch or tense. She shoved his hand away, and somehow managed to refrain from punching him in the throat. "Don't! Touch me!" she said as she stood up, moving back against the chair. "You assaulted me, a federal officer! You-- you-- I don't know who the hell your employer is, but this is getting back to them." Despite the apology and sudden gentleness, she was still shaken, and she was far more interested in the data. So she not-so-gently shoved passed him, reading the files again, her hand on the flashdrive that stuck out of the computer. "If you want to make it up to me, I need you to tell me exactly who you are and exactly what you know, right now," she added, glancing back at him.

Kieran sighed, then sat softly on the edge of the table. His eyes never left Cori.

"My name is Kieran Hishamie, I am a freelance espionange agent of the highest caliber. You may know some of my work, the assassination of the previous war lord of {classified}, The theft of the english crown a few years back, and more recently my work here in the states working on dismantiling the entire smuggling operation of the North-East Mafia. I was contracted about a week ago by someone in the CIA to hunt down a rogue CIA agent and return a missing flashdrive. It contained top secret covert information. I confronted the agent at an abandoned home under construction but there was complications."

Cori paused in her reading to listen, relaxing further as he freely gave information. She didn't quite trust it, but she had yet to hear anything that sounded like a blatant lie. A realization set in, and she closed her eyes with a small sigh, watching the screen again but not quite reading. She hadn't given the information that she had her team stolen the files from Coalition, so of course Kieran would've thought these files were the CIA's. Couldn't really trust that to be recieved well, even if it did almost get my killed, she thought, wincing as she rubbed at the bruise on her face.

Kieran ruffled his hair.

"The house ended up exploding. I tracked a black market criminal to a cafe, where I obtained information off his laptop that brought me to this very house. I recovered the drive here. Thats also where I discovered the information on this drive. What I know...........apparently someone or something aka an organization has been using the CIA as a cover to conduct illegal human experiments so humans can develop super powers. They also have hidden the fact that aliens have landed, fought, and lost. They now condiuct secret experiments on alien tech."

The woman listened to the end of his tale, and she hesitated as she connected his words to the files in front of her. Cori cleared her throat, deciding against admitting to blatant theft--his end of the job was completed, anyhow. "Needless to say, this is...sensitive information, Kieran. You handled your contract--" a wince-- "thorougly. So thank you." She closed the files and ejected the flashdrive, dropping it safely into her jacket pocket. "Obviously, you'll be expected to keep this quiet for now, and trust that we'll be handling it." Her hand twitched, but she seemed to decide against a handshake with this dangerous man. Instead, she gave a curt nod.

"Now, where are my things and where are we? I need to get back."

Kieran reavhed underneath the table the computer was on and he was leaning against, and pulled out a small brown paper bag tape underneath. He set it on the table.

"All of your personal effects are here."

When Cori went to reach for her stuff though he held a hand out, not aiming to touch but to halt Cori.

"Let me ask this, you have to have a blacked out record of me. And you must be able to tell my skill level. I am sorry I hurt you but like I said I thought I was being betrayed by the CIA. When proved wrong I stopped. So let me in, let me be part of your team on this. I wanna find the guys who used me, hell I would have probably destroyed the CIA if it wasnt for your honesty. I am an invaluable asset. Besides, how many people can you trust with something like this? Let us go back to my base of operations, let me tend to your...injuries....and we can discuss what we need to do next tactically."

She scowled at his hand, and then at Kieran, new suspicion setting in. It seemed like he was telling the truth. And Cori would have been happy leaving with the documents, never to see this man again. But as she watched him with those narrowed, red eyes, and the pieces came together in her head, she found herself wondering a few things about him. Since he insisted on keeping her here, she asked, "How did the house explode...exactly?"

Kieran put his suit jacket on, and buttoned a few buttons up.

"You already know how dont you? Why even ask? Just know I didnt ask for this, and I never use "it" in crowded places. No one who doesnt have it coming has been hurt by "it""

Kieran checked his knife, then his gun, then made sure he had his wallet and phone.

""You can hate me all you want, but dont deny you need me. Who else is as motivated as me to find the people who did this, so they can reverse it?"

And just like that, the other questions she had to drill with were irrelevant. He didn't even try to hide "it" and she scowled further, irritation setting in. She was like an AP Honors kid, hyped up to present a PowerPoint she had poured hours of effort in only for the bell to ring. There was no pleasing Cori, clearly, and she slowly gathered her things as he explained his personal involvement and his goal. "You can help by escorting me back to the office, she offered, her tone sober and serious. "I can't sit on this information. It has to be reported right away."

Kieran shook his head but offered an arm, ready to leave the house, get in the car, and drive away."If you choose to report it that is on you, I did my part of my contract. But I am warning you if you do make sure you protect yourself, because whoever wanted me to think it was CIA, isnt going to like the fact you are filling out official reports and sending them up the chain."

Kieran swiped the side of his nose with his other hand. "I do nto want to see you get hurt even more after today."

"You're freelance. You don't care. You just follow where the money goes," she accused coldly. "I know what I'm doing, and I need the rest of my men behind me. You offered to help, and I told you how you can do exactly that: by taking me back, even if it's just to the park you kidnapped me from." She ignored his his arm as she walked out of the house. Had she known where they were, she would have demanded the keys herself, but nothing looked immediately familiar. And while she had futher questions--what exactly "it" was, maybe how exactly Kieran thought he could help--she figured they would be best demanded once they were in the car and he couldn't avoid them.

Kieran sighed and gently but forcibly wrapped her arm through his, and walked them to the car. He opened the door for her, while she gave him attitude and evil looks, and Kieran......felt guilty. He normally had no problem doing what he did, but normally he gets paid for it. This wasnt that. That was......just wrong. He was mad. The last time he got that mad it was over his brother........

Kieran shook those thoughts away. Not now, he thought, not now. Kieran almost closed the door but stopped.

"I may be a freelancer but I was tricked. I dont "get tricked" ok. I am perosnally involved, I wont even charge for it. Stop trying to assume me and my intentionds."

Kieran dugg out of his pocket a ring key with a few kets on it. He gently laid it on the inside of the car right in front of Cori within hand range.

"The keys to the place. I dont think it is a CIA place, but the owners arent coming back probably. I let them know who it was that stormed the place so the CIA has nothing to worry about."

Kieran closed the door, ignoring Cori's looks whatever they were, then walked around and got into the drivers seat. He started the car.

She sighed as he took his seat beside her, eyeing the keys. Hesitantly, Cori took them and dropped them into the pocket opposite to the flashdrive. At the very least, Kieron would make a useful contract. A freelancer, yes, but it was growing more obvious to her that he had personal stakes in this whole mess. So, she licked her lips and sat back, relaxing her tone and some of the attitude. "Okay. What exactly do you want Coalition to reverse?" she asked, recalling the name plastered all over the documents.

Kieran gripped the steering wheel slightly tighter. "Ok so imagine this. Matter is the building blocks of the universe. But imagine if matter was poisonous and explosive. That is what my power is. I call it Black Matter. I can construct physical manifestations of Black Matter. Problem is, its unstable and deadly. I hurt myself whenever I use it, and anything around me. Its why I try not to use it. The explosion........that was me. I knew my and the rogue were alone, and he got lucky. He had me in a corner, I would have died from dumb bad luck otherwise. One problem is......well I can feel the energy inside. It feels....awful.....always....."

Cori remained silent for a bit, absorbing the fact that Kieran just explained that he had an insane superpower. She sighed and placed her glasses on her nose before looking back out the window. "I don't understand any of that," she admitted plainly. To admit she didn't understand something was difficult for the woman, and actually not getting it was even more frustrating. "We'll figure it out, though. You won't be outted, but I'm going to need my people on this as soon as possible. This could explain all the chaos going on--all over the world--since that huge outage. I need to figure out what Coalition is..." Her voice trailed off.

"I do appreciate that you want to help. But you have to understand. I can't just... let myself trust you so easily, right? We can stay in contact, but I just can't promise some sort of partnership with you right now," she explained. As she did, she pulled her phone, checking the time and flipping through her messages.

Kieran sighed and nodded. He pulled up to the park and parked.

"I get it, I dont like it though. Here put in a number I can reach you at in my phone, and if you need me for an emergency or for a mission call me or text."

Kieran pull out his phone and handed it to Cori.

She punched her number into the phone before handing it back to the man. It would reach the cellphone she had on her. Then Cori sighed, puasing for a moment. An awkward silence hung in the air as she searched for the right words. Professional Cori was, but this matter seemed too personal and shady to be professional. And she sucked at personal. "Right. Thanks," she said stiffly before exiting the car.

Kieran nodded, sensing the awkwardness. Kieran sighed and hated it. He left the keys in the car, got out, and started wlaking away. He turned around once to look at Cori...then turned back around and walked away, heading towards his base of operations.