forum Power Play

Started May 07, 2020 by @SupernaturalSyGuyIsTIred group

tune

((See note at bottom.))

[At the Bank of Midtown a robbery is taking place. A man in a dark red suit stands pointing a gun at the head of one of the bankers. Bank customers and staff are being held hostage by the man and his partner.]

Vortex: "You’re gonna call your manager, or I’m gonna blow your brains out! Understood?"

Banker: "Y-yes, please don’t kill me!"

Eight: [Cannot be seen on the ground level, but can be heard. Has a soft drifting tone to his voice.] "Do you have to be so rough with them? They’re scared."

Vortex: "We came here to get a job done, kid. Gotta do whatever it takes!" [Shoves the banker towards the phone.] "Don't do anything stupid, lady!"

Banker: [Whimpers, close to hysterics as she dials the number.]

Eight: "Kid? I'm not a kid."

Vortex: "Fine, Ocho, or whatever the hell you're calling yourself."

Eight: [Hisses, an odd snapping noise in the background of his voice.] "It's Eight! Ugh, I told the boss this wouldn't work…. You're so stubborn."

Vortex: [Rolls his eyes. Notices that one of the bank guards is reaching for his taser. Turns and fires a shot into the floor next to the man. The hostages all cringe, some of the women let out small shrieks.] "Consider that a warning to all of you!" [Turns back to the banker, who is trying to tell the manager not to call the cops. Vortex had threatened to kill all of them if anyone called the cops.] "Eight, how're the bombs holding up?"

Eight: "They're set…. Is it really necessary though? Everyone's cooperating!"

Vortex: "Just extra motivation for them to do as told." [He presses the gun into the back of the banker.] "Get the code to the vault."

[The banker gets the code. Vortex then forces her to open it. He unbuttons his shirt, and the money suddenly flies towards him and into his body.]

Vortex: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's been fun. Thank you for your time and cooperation." [Grabs onto the arm of the banker.] "And just to make sure that any of you doesn't try anything, this woman will be coming with my cohort and I. Eight, grab the jewelry bag."

[From the ceiling drops a dark figure, lean and gangly, with two more arms than your average person. A black sack with two eye holes covered by lenses hides his face. His only other garment being a pair of dark jeans leaving his extra arms plenty of room to move about, and exposing his fur covered body.]

Eight: [Swiftly grabs the bag before following Vortex. Leans down to whisper to the lady.] "Don't worry, ma'am. Just don't anger the mad man and you'll be perfectly safe."

Vortex: [Drags the woman outside and forcefully pushes her into a car. Gets into the car followed by Eight.]

Eight: [Throws him the bag.] "That was completely unnecessary. None of those people could have beat you. Why torment them like that?"

Vortex: [Shrugs.] "It amuses me to watch people squirm."

[The driver drives out to a secluded area, where Vortex orders that he stop. He shoves the woman out, and gets out himself.]

Vortex: [Speaking in a hushed tone to where only the woman can hear him. Smiles.] "Thank you Nadia. You played your role beautifully."

Nadia: [Smiles.] "That's part of the reason why you hired me."

Vortex: "The other was because of your connection to the bank itself." [Some money falls out of him, and he gives it to her.] "There's what I owe you for your service. You can be on your way after you do one last thing for me."

Nadia: [She nods and screams.] "No, please don't do it. I did everything you asked!"

Vortex: [Loudly.] "Well, unfortunately I can't let you live!" [Fires a shot off to the side of her, and gets back into the car.]

Nadia: [Walks off with her money as the car moves away.]

Eight: "Won't people go looking for a body after that?"

Vortex: "There isn't a body to be found. I have her corpse in the void."

[After a bit of silence Eight snorts, somewhat amused. His arms cross and uncross trying to find a comfortable position over his chest.]

Vortex: "Now that Phase One is complete, we finally have the funds to pull off our endgame. Next, we have to secure some associates of sorts."

Eight: "Question?"

Vortex: "Fire away."

Eight: "So we're villains. We fight the law, steal cash, and buy illegal merchandise with it. Correct so far?"

Vortex: "Villains? No, I like to think of myself as a liberator. We go against the corruptive regime that holds people captive. The worst part is that they act like sheep, going along with their masters. We do what we do to show them how manipulated they are."

Eight: "….Ok. Point taken. We're still doing illegal shit. Right?"

Vortex: "According to the rules set up by the regime, yeah."

Eight: "Then why not save yourself a step and just steal whatever you need for the next phase? Whatever that is."

Vortex: [Chuckles.] "The next phase is getting trained mercenaries, soldiers, to join our cause for our endgame."

Eight: "…..So is this a world domination like deal, or…?"

Vortex: "World domination? Hmmm. That's a nice thought. Thanks for the idea! For now, we'll just start with overthrowing the government."

Eight: "….You know statistically speaking that would take eons."

Vortex: "I hate to admit it, but Hitler came close. The difference is that I don't want to kill the Jewish, or anyone else that the maniac killed."

Eight: "Then who do you want to kill?"

Vortex: "Simple and straight to the point: the mayor."

Eight: "….Why?"

Vortex: "Why? Why? Because the death of the mayor will open the way for a friend of mine to run for mayor."

Eight: "And if they don't get it?"

Vortex: [Shrugs.] "I have no clue."

Eight: [Teasingly.] "What if I run for mayor?"

Vortex: [Looks over at Eight.] "You? Run for mayor? Ha, that's hilarious! What even makes you think that you could win?"

Eight: [Shrugs.] "You don't know me. What if I was someone high up? What if I was a hero? Undercover to thwart your evil plan and save the city?"

Vortex: "True, I don't know who you really are. Now you as a hero, that would be something." [Laughs.] Though, you are kinda soft. [Squints his eyes, which are covered by a full-face black mesh. Forcefully shoves his gun against Eight's head.] "You're not, are you? Because if you were this will end badly on your part."

Eight: [Silent for a long moment.] "I don't have any reason to be involved in all this senseless violence, but I also don't have a reason not to be, or get myself into anymore trouble by backing out when I'm this deep."

Vortex: [Silent for a bit.] "Good answer." [Lowers the gun.]

((Note: There's a lot more to this, so I'll be going in chunks.))

[A few months later Vortex, Eight, and a dozen or so men are standing inside city hall. The police and swat swarm the outside of the building.]

Vortex: [Has the mayor's wife as a hostage.] "Now, Mrs. Mayor, there's more than one choice here. You can stand down and resign as mayor, refuse and be the cause of the deaths of all these people and your wife, or simply kill yourself. There's so many options!"

Eight: [Grimacing at the whole situation. Staring out the window as the events unfold.]

Vortex: "How many damn times do I have to tell you to get away from the window?!"

Mayor Trish Campbell: "That's what you want? You don't want me as mayor. I've done great things though. I made it so that superheroes and vigilantes can work side by side with the police, and so those with powers can live peacefully here, without being discriminated against!"

Vortex: "Yeah, well, I never liked those 'superheros'. As for the non-discrimination of those with powers, that's great and all. Unfortunately, you still have to go."

Eight: "Vortex. I think you should stop…."

Vortex: "Stop? We're so close! Why half-ass things when we're this close?"

Eight: "There's still time. This is all pointless."

Vortex: "You're too soft for this. Which is why I'm gonna toughen you up…. I'm not going to kill the mayor, you are."

[The mayor, her wife, and the other hostages shake in fear. A voice is suddenly heard through a loudspeaker from outside.]

The Flame: "Vortex, you don't have to do this! Just tell us what you want, and we'll give it to you."

Vortex: [Becomes even more aggravated.] "Damn it, why is he here? He's supposed to be out taking care of the 'bomb threats' at the hospitals and airports!"

Eight: "About that…. I don't know how to wire explosives, Soooooo they're kinda inactive?"

Vortex: "Ugh, you're fucking useless! Now, kill the mayor, and lets go. If you don't kill the mayor, I'll just have to suck in everything around us!"

Eight: "You'd really do that? And start all over again? Why?"

Vortex: "Either way, the mayor will die. What you gonna do to stop me? Shoot me? Knock me unconscious? You don't have the guts!"

Eight: "Hmmm…." [Took note of the large chandelier above them. In an almost instant he's fired a bullet at the chain holding it. As it falls he pushes the mayor out of harm's way allowing himself and Vortex to be crushed underneath it.]

Vortex: [Stunned.]

[The mayor goes to her wife and holds her. The other hostages become somewhat relieved.]

Mayor Campbell: "Thank you! I'll make sure that you don't get prosecuted for this, Eight, was it?" [Gives a call to the outside.]

[In an instant police, swat, and others swarm into the building. The goons are apprehended, and the chandelier is lifted to get to Vortex. The mayor explains the heroics of Eight, saving him from being arrested.]

Vortex: [Glares at Eight.] "When I get out, and I will get out, I'll be coming for you! I promise that I will get my revenge!"

Eight: "Send me a postcard when you do, bud. I'll bake you a cake and everything."

[5 years later, Vortex is being released from a S.N.O.W. (Superhuman Nullification Operative Workforce) facility due to good behavior and the "desire" to reform.]

Vortex: [Once free he goes back to Midtown, gets a newspaper, and looks for ads for apartments.]

Ad: Looking for Roommate: decent two bedroom apartment in downtown Midtown. Splitting of fees negotiable. Must be tolerant of insects.

[The ad shows an email, but no phone number.]

Vortex: [Speaking to himself.] "Well, it's a start." [Writes down the email, and goes to the library, where he sends an email to the person that put the ad out.]

Email: Hello, I saw your ad for a roommate in the paper today. I recently moved here from a small town in Michigan, and am in need of a place to stay.

Vortex: [Waits a few minutes after sending the email.]

[Surprisingly there's an immediate response.]

Email: Hello. I'm pleased to see someone has taken an interest in my ad. It's difficult to find agreeable roommates in this town. If you're interested, I could show you the place now.

Vortex (now using his given name of Oliver Jackson. There's no records of Oliver being a superpowered criminal): [Responds by asking for a meeting location.]

Email: 220 East Burrough road, apartment 2G.

Oliver: [Goes to the apartment.]

[It takes a moment for the door to open. When it does the first thing that can be noticed about the man standing there is the unusual bulk of his chest compared to his lean arms and legs. There's a dark hood hiding the top half of his face, while a bandana across his jaw covers the lower half.]

Stephen: "Are you the guy interested in the room?"

Oliver: "I am."

Stephen: "I'm Stephen. Stephen Weaver." [Holds out a gloved hand in a friendly handshake.]

Oliver: [Shakes Stephen's hand with a strong, firm grasp.] "Oliver Jackson."

Stephen: "Uh, before you come in, do you scare easily?"

Oliver: "No, not really…. Not unless it comes to heights. Oddly I'm fine on rollercoasters and airplanes."

Stephen: "Well that's a relief. Well, come on in." [Steps to the side allowing plenty of room for Oliver to walk in. The inside of the apartment is dim, with multiple long leaved and vine plants in pits, some even hanging. Oddly there are dozens and dozens of reptile tanks lined along the walls of the room of different sizes and shapes.some are even stacked on top of one another.]

Oliver: [Looks around.]

Stephen: "I know what you might be thinking but they're completely harmless, and I only let them out when I need to check on them."

Oliver: "How many of them are there?"

Stephen: "Well Suzy just laid eggs, but as soon as she stops guarding the bunch they're moving to the Zoo exhibit. So about…. 42? Give or take."

Oliver: [Goes to look inside some of the tanks. Crosses his arms behind his back.] "How long have you lived in Midtown?"

Stephen: "Born and raised."

Oliver: "So, what do you do for a living, Stephen?"

Stephen: "I work at the zoo as the expert on entomology. I take care of the insects, lead tours on Friday, stuff like that."

Oliver: "I see why you asked for someone that doesn't mind insects…. Well, when can I move in?"

Stephen: "Oh, You…. You're really ok with the insects and spiders? Wow. That's a first." [There's an odd movement in his chest.] "Uhh. Whenever I guess. Just give me a heads up and I'll help you move in. Did you want to discuss the rent?"

Oliver: "Unfortunately I'm still in the market for looking for a job, but I can help out with chores and such in the meantime."

Stephen: "Fine by me. Uh, if you need, I know a couple of guys that are hiring. Nothing fancy. Retail work mostly…. Actually the zoo is looking for a new mascot, but no one wants that job so I guess it's pointless to mention."

Oliver: "Hmmm. Retail would be fine. As for the mascot thing, I'm not one that would parade himself around in a silly outfit…. I don't know how those superpowered people can do that."

Stephen: "Heh. I know right? Well, I can get their contacts together for you. I'll email them to you actually. It'll be easier."

Oliver: "That would be nice." [Falls silent for a bit.] "Since you've lived here your entire life, I guess you were here when that thing with the mayor went down. When was that again? 6 years ago? The news of that took to fire, for sure. I mean, kinda hard to miss when something like that goes national!"

Stephen: "Yeah. Sure was hectic. Heard the guy's out on parole now. Good to hear the system works. For some people at least."

Oliver: "They actually let that freak out! Wow…."

Stephen: "I wouldn't call him a freak. Disturbed maybe, but not a freak."

[Over the next few days Oliver gets his things moved in, and Stephen helps him look for a job. Oliver eventually gets one, and pays what he can towards rent. Stephen is easy enough to live with, making accommodations where he can. Oddly he dresses nearly the same every day giving no insight to his actual appearance, and only appearing out of his room (He's politely asked Oliver to stay out) to care for the insects and plants… and himself. The only other odd thing is the massive stock of soap he keeps.

Oliver goes to his probation hearings early, and acts like a civilized individual. All the while he gets in contact with those in the criminal underworld that he had under his influence. The media is making a big deal out of the fact that Vortex had been released, and wonders what he'll be up to next. He orchestrates some robberies and assassinations here and there, and nothing is ever connected back to him, for the people that did these things for him simply disappear without a trace.]

Stephen: [Is out of his room one day hunched over one of the tanks housing a large tarantula. His face can't be seen, but the bandana lays to the side. As he caresses the creature small clicking and calling can be heard from him. The creature seems to be tuned in to every sound.]

Oliver: [Had the day off from work and enters the apartment.]

Stephen: [Rushes to grab the cloth. Returns the creature while re-attaching the fabric. Coughing nervously.] "You're back?"

Oliver: [Drops some groceries on the counter.] "Last time I checked I live here too." [Also puts an envelope filled with cash on the counter.] "There's my part of the rent." [Pretending that he didn't notice Stephen hurry to put the cloth back on.]

Stephen: "I just didn't expect you back so soon." [Fully covered again. The tarantula is pushed up against the glass towards Stephen who hurries to go to his room.]

Oliver: [Gets something to drink before sitting down.] "Ever hear of someone that calls himself Eight?"

Stephen: [Freezes.] "….Uh…. You mean that uh… four armed f-freak? The one that saved the mayor?" [Stutters. Some nervous clicking escaping him before he clamps a hand over his mouth, pretending to cough.]

Oliver: "Yeah, him…. You ok? You catch a cold or something?"

Stephen: "Uh, yeah. May-maybe…. What about him?"

Oliver: "Just wondering if you knew what he's been up to since saving the mayor…. I heard a rumor that she's thinking about resigning and going into retirement."

Stephen: "Why would I know anything? Besides, that guy was a complete recluse according to rumors. I heard not even the mayor has seen his face. Even after they interrogated him for being an accomplice to Vortex…." [Talking a bit too fast.]

Oliver: "Speaking of not seeing faces, why do you always cover yours?" [Becoming suspicious.]

Stephen: "I’m…. I don't… don't really look…normal…."

Oliver: "What do you mean?"

Stephen: "My appearance makes people uncomfortable…. Which makes me uncomfortable."

Oliver: "Fair enough, I guess. We all have things about us that we don't like." [Gets up, and takes care of his cup by washing it out and placing it on the drying rack. Turns on the TV where the news is telling of The Flame curing several people after they had been accidentally poisoned by Detox.] I think that I might have to try to contact this Detox woman for my revenge scheme.

Stephen: "That reminds me…. I should be taking more samples."

Oliver: "And I need to go out to take care of some things." Such as getting into contact with Detox, and preparing myself to run for mayor now that Mayor Campbell will be 'taking her leave'. [He had a henchman kidnap the mayor's wife and hold her for ransom, demanding that Mayor Campbell meet with someone. Turns the TV off and leaves to go meet with the mayor.]