metalogs | Closed | Watching On The Wires

Entry tags:

Closed | Watching On The Wires

Who: David Alleyne

helpdesk_hero, Bart Allen

kid_flash_found, Balthier

portolan, Peter Parker

kindofamazing
What: Technopath Investigation of Excelsior
When: February 15th
Where: Excelsior City Streets, The Chai House
Content Warnings: N/A

I. The Initial Investigation | Closed to Bart

Picking where to live in a world like this is always something to be cautious about, and no one could honesty say that David wasn't a cautious person. He had to figure out what he wanted after all, and privacy was an important thing for him.

Which would be doubly true if he really was going to live here in this world as a hero. To finally have a chance to choose the life or not, and get to have the shocking chance to have an actual secret identity was strange. So he wanted to be able to protect it, and the people he loved, the best he could. Which was the purpose of being here today. From the little he'd learned of Excelsior, it was a perfect choice for him. Which of course made him all the more suspicious. Good thing he had backup for investigations.

"Here," he said to Bart, offering his friend his hand to hold now that they'd arrived. Not that it was his hand that he wanted to give Bart so much as the earwig in his hand. The best way to stay in contact with Bart without actually talking about what he's talking about.

"This place looks amazing," he said aloud as they moved through the streets.

II. A More Targeted Approach | Closed to Balthier (and a hint of Bart at the start)

First phase of the plan completed, David had to admit to himself that there was as a need for a whole different kind of assistance, and he thought he had an idea of who might serve for it. Sure, Bart could work in a pinch, but a specialist might be better. So he sent the text invitation and hoped for the man to agree to join him.

So he sat in the tea house, sipping a cup of the rose black that of course reminded him of the person he was hoping to get some help from. Still, he sort of twitched in his seat, anxious to see if he'd get the support he'd thought.

More than anything, though, he needed a specialist, and Balthier didn't show up, David might have to ask another favor of Loki.

As he looks up from his latest check of his phone he catches sight of Bart looking at him.

"What's that look for?"

III. Crossing A Hero | Closed to Peter (TASM)

Of course even after Balthier, David realized he still had other things to do. It wasn't intentional, but he'd been passing by the local police station by accident and... Well, he got to thinking. Not like anyone would notice him if he got onto the roof, right? And up there he could easily run into all sorts of wires and antenna and other methods that he could access a system out of sight. And since he'd gone with a very tech world look of dark brown slacks and a warm black sweater, all he had to do was stuff his yellow scarf into his pocket to be a bit less obvious. He circled the building casually, waited until there was a moment where no one was looking and he could see he was in a camera blind spot, and then he moved.

Climbing up the side of older concrete buildings like the police station wasn't hard when he could use his energy projection to form climbing claws on his palms. These helped him easily scale the side of the building, quickly and safely, until he lifted himself quietly onto the roof to look for some sort of access point for his technopathy.

Always helped to know what the local PD was working with.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The tech is actually interesting, especially with how it seems to mostly be in a degree of harmony with the environment. Not really Bart's cup of tea, but he can see why David is intrigued.

"You just like the idea of living where you can be in at the ground level of bleeding edge tech," he joked. "And yet you bring me along. The guy who actually drove an AI to self-destruct rather than deal with him."

Of course, he'd wanted to bypass the system in the first place...so making it crazy had worked perfectly.

"I do love my tech," David agreed. And hell, he was in love with new forms of tech. He loved working with Krakoa's living plant-tech, and he wanted to do cool things here too.

"I've never really had too much of a problem with AIs, so I can probably deal with it. And come on, you'd be visiting me, right?"

"Well, duh. It'd be rude to make you have to commute all the time," Bart replied, easily, even as he pretended to brush a hand through his hair in a move to hide putting in the earwig. Subtle wasn't usually his thing, but he could manage. And it was more about being able to cover multiple angles today.

"I guess for me it's just so...sedentary most of the time."

There it was. At least David could communicate to Bart in peace now. Granted the voice in Bart's ear would be completely synthesized. He hoped Bart could divide attention.

"What, living in one place? I don't know, it's nice to have a home. Not like the Limbic system house wasn't all about that. Giving us a home that we sorta lacked.

"Working at a desk. Ugh." He doesn't even sit still when he's playing games, which was probably part of what made him a good streamer.

"I mean, even when I was older and lying to everyone about having lost my powers, I was doing manual labor. I just need to bleed off energy, and tech isn't that kind of job."

But that's not why he's here, anyway. And while Bart totally can divide his attention to a certain extent, there's also a limit to how fast one can process sound meaningfully, so he'll have a bit of a speed limit because of that. Of course, he knows David has probably planned for that aspect, too.

"After Max, well, there was the Tower, but that wasn't really a home. The place Kon and I got was really the first time I got to make something from the start into a home. Even if it did need a LOT of renovations."

"Hey, if it's not customer support, then I'm fine with it," David points out. He'd done that. He hated it. He might murder someone. Hard pass. "But you're not wrong about that. Tommy worked in tech only so far in that he made high end electronics at insane speeds. Custom jobs in smaller batch orders so that it would be a pain to convert a whole place over to the work."

So he got it. And Bart was even faster and more tied to an external power source. Gotta suck.

"Maybe you can find somewhere good for that here too. And someone to live with. And not going back to school."

He keeps them walking even as a voice starts to speak in Bart's ear.

My target is to try and get near an intersection with obvious red light cameras. Those systems often integrate with other surveillance networks. Routing for them takes place on the boxes on the corners, which of course I can't use. I'll need you to slip a bluetooth device I made for this purpose onto one to let me find where the short burst signal goes to so I can access it.

Bart gives a hum of acknowledgement to both the electronic and spoken conversations. "I think I'll go back to streaming. It was comfortable and pretty easy, and I could really help people by just being available. Although getting a moderator or two to manage chat will be a chore."

He'd liked being that kind of mild celebrity. It was far more justified than being known simply for being powered. And it had given him a buffer between himself and the publicity unless he was out doing events.

"I take it you're going civilian?"

"You did enjoy it too. I don't doubt you'll have a following rather quickly. But no dragging me in without protecting my identity. Though you can count on me to moderate. I could at the very least code a really good bot for you."

He can't mod always, but it's something.

"Civilian," David agreed. Which was a lie to himself. He won't be able to stay there. That isn't who he is.

I'll need one of your eyes watching the relay point once we get there. Any reasonable ingress into the area, maybe even a rooftop set of eyes. I don't want arrested, or to mess up your guild chances.

"You've checked that five times in the last few minutes. It's like you've got a hot date or something." Bart knows it isn't quite that, although there might be some degree of potential there. He just hopes David isn't setting himself up for trouble.

"Tell me about this guy."

The most frustrating thing was of course that David didn't need to look at his phone. It would just ping his glasses. And yet here he was, checking.

"No it's not," he said, instantly defensive. "He's just not experienced with technology and I want to give him more assistance getting here if he needs it."

But since Bart was saying it, David sighs and puts his phone down, picking up his cup of tea again to sip it.

"For the purposes of what we're doing today, he's apparently a bit of a pirate back home. But a noble sort. And interested in privacy as well."

"I wonder if our century really understands what piracy and privateering were really like back in the age of sail," Bart mused, absently. Then he focused. "And since you're up to, um, skullduggery might be a word for it, I guess it seems like a place to begin."

"Not from Earth, or not from a time where this kind of tech is ubiquitous?"

"Sky pirate, not age of sail," David answered with a shrug. It was... It was romantic. How stupid was it that David was falling for the idea of the romance of it? Dammit, it was still stealing from people. But it was useful today.

"So not from Earth OR a time of tech like this. More like magic-based technology."

"And there's a part of you that really likes the idea of being accountable only to yourself, even if you know logically it isn't reasonable." They all have a leaning towards that in the caped community, even if David wasn't interested in being a hero in the typical sense. Capes were tolerated because they got the job done, but there were always going to be aspects that weren't precisely legal in the strictest sense.

"And you being you are fascinated by the idea that magic and tech can blend."

That's a good analysis, and from what David had heard from Balthier, not far off the mark. That said, it appealed to David as well. He knew sooner or later he'd get swept up into the communities, but the idea of just being able to look after what mattered to him and not have a label was... appealing.

"We have to play their game, or we get hurt," David sighed.

As for the magic and tech, well, it was intriguing.

"In my world they don't go together well. AND I'm shit with magic. It always intrigues me even when it drives me mad, like the love spell thing."

[ Balthier does not yet understand he can text without direct communication needs, but he's excellent with a map. He enters the cafe wearing this. It should be over the top but instead just has the effect of making others' feel underdressed. He checked by walking around the mall near Diadem before leaving.

He immediately spots David and makes his way over. There's a second person he doesn't recognize. ]

Afternoon [ he says cheerily. He's not sure if this is the mark or not so waits to see how David engages. ]

Bart can't help a grin at the look of the guy coming over, because that's definitely a look, but he dials it back a little for David's benefit. No sense alienating an ally.

"I feel like I missed a memo. Was I supposed to dress up?" He'd been in his usual urban teen look of a well-broken in pair of jeans, hi-tops, and a slightly baggy hoodie that may or may not have some claw-marks on it from the kitten he hadn't brought with on this particular venture. It had worked perfectly for their meandering through town. Not too hipster, not too grunge, but mostly nondescript. The red hair and gold eyes made him stand out more than enough.

"Good afternoon."

[That is... a ton of embroidery. Enough that David doesn't know whether he should smile or tease. But he's definitely looking.]

You, were supposed to be no more noticeable than I was. Him? Him I want people looking at.

[David had gone more middle ground. An older programming professional, an almost Steve Jobs look. Dark gray slacks, black sweater, and of course a yellow accent scarf because is it David without yellow. He doesn't even know how to react to the fact that he sort of compliment's Balthier's look, other than the fact that it will better cover what he needs to have happen.]

Balthier, did you leave any embroidery behind for anyone else? Though I suppose it does match the flashes of highlight in your hair.

[Is he flirting? Is he teasing? Why can't it be both? But it's not flirting. Shouldn't be flirting. There is no spell here.]

Bart, this is Balthier. Balthier, Bart Allen. Bart covered my first approach. Balthier will be a more appropriate assistant for the second.

[ Balthier catches the compliment and grins, but quickly covers it with his response; he has no discomfort still being attracted to David and is please it's reciprocated, but he's not sure what information he wants this stranger to have. Even if David knows him. ]

I'm afraid I am now the lord of embroidery and no other mortals may use it. I've paid off all the designers to remove it from their lines for the next two years.

[ Balthier holds out a hand. ] Pleasure. I'd tell you I don't always dress like this, but I'd be lying, and that seems unbecoming for a first impression.

[ To David he says, ] Are you briefing me here or do we need somewhere more private. [ He has definitely turned the heads in this shop. He also didn't miss that it was tea again, not coffee. ]

Bart stood from his seat at the able to take the hand in his, using the grip to assess the man more fully, to see just how he handles the polite gesture and also feel what kind of calluses he may have. The teen's hand is clearly that of someone who often works out, and also works with their hands at various things, but nothing too specific.

"I understand all about choosing to be flashy, even if I downplay it a lot of the time. It's definitely a good impression."

He glances around, eyes darting almost too fast to be followed as he checks what kind of attention they have, and nods to them both. "I don't see anyone taking too much interest by what they're saying. But I probably should get going. I'd hate to have to explain another shredded bedspread to the hotel."

[People measuring each other, isn't that just how things go sometimes? David lets them do that and is content to let them find their own lines. For David, it's about the importance of finding information here, not even the teasing.]

Thanks for your help, Bart. And the company. I'll brief you on what I ultimately found later. Send Kat-El my love.

[To Balthier he indicated Bart's vacated chair.]

Feel free to order something to drink while we talk.

[he wanted to see just how attention getting this outfit of Balthier's is, not to mention brief the guy on what he's after here. While some of it will have to happen on the fly, he can at least do the initial stuff.]

Good thing I wasn't thinking of an embroidered vest.

[ Balthier nods to Bart as he departs. He's used to meeting new people and logging new faces, but he can't help noticing he's a little more interested given he knows little about who David spends his time with. He's still a little hesitant at having interest in someone, and someone powerful, but he's pushing himself to enjoy it. Which is easy enough to do. ]

As the lord of embroidery I can easily procure you any embroidered garments you desire. It is my solemn duty. As is tea. [ He disappears briefly, ordering the same black rose tea. He wonders if rose water exists here and where to find it -- ah the joys and frustrations of new culinary landscapes.

He settles into the empty chair. ] Briefing commence.

Who would I be to refuse the assistance of so noble a gift as assistance in procuring embroidered finery?

[Stop flirting David, that's not the point. Geez. He keeps smiling and mostly, he's trying to focus. He nods to Balthier as the man moves away, and returns to sipping his own tea. When Balthier returns David has already moved his seat closer because, yes, conspiring here.

Though if he knew about the rose water concern, he'd point out frilly stores that offered such things, or just make it himself for the man.]

First, going to say if your wardrobe is filled with things like these, maybe don't consider Little Love. You'll stand out a lot in the country. Now, business. Excelsior seems to be the tech capital of this country, and one of the places that have been offered to us. Given my powers and what I'd want to do in my free time, this is my primary place of contention other than Central City. I'll be here or there. I've already had a chance to scope what things are like there. Here...

[He shrugs.]

Increased tech means increased monitoring in a place like this. Bart and I worked on trying to figure out how much there is on cameras in a public space. Given his powers, he could easily watch my back. But I need to check some internal stuff. What the average is with businesses and the like. Unfortunately as these will be spaces that are more controlled I won't be able to just stand around interfacing with stuff, I have to be quick in and out, delving to put in backdoors for me to hack somewhere secure later.

And that means I need people not looking at me for brief bursts of time. I need them to be looking at something else. Someone else.

[So he gestures at Balthier.]

Someone likely used to finding, and getting away from, attention.

[ Balthier is very experienced at staying focused when he's absolutely interested. It's easy to slip into business mode. ]

Little Love is the place we originally landed, yes? I'd already removed that from consideration, but the affirmation of my suspicions is appreciated. [ He likes remote, but without a ship to go back and forth, he'll probably be happier in a city.

He doesn't understand all the details of the tech, but he gets the style of mission. He'll be more curious about how cameras work later. His only experiences so far have been his phone and the day Eddie caught him experimenting with his new illusion abilities, which did not cross over to fool cameras. Not that he needs them to; he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. ]

I see you are excellent at delegating tasks to the right crew member. Is this a space we could reasonably be in to scope, or do we need an entire reason for being there?

If the first place you landed had a dragon with dangerous words, then yes, that's what I mean. I don't see you as a jeans and plaid guy. Though you could pull it off, of course.

[But the main thing to talk about is this little job.]

Mostly they're going to be businesses, of different levels. High end, mid-level, lower end. This place won't have as much of the last sort. And one last pop in to the show room attached to a major tech company here. I expect it will be less easy there. We'll build up to it.

I need to know what you might need from me before we start. We don't have the time that you might want to learn how to work easily and on a more instinctual level as a team. I need to touch a computer, or control panel, or some other electronic that will let me get a foot into the system, and will likely need to be holding onto it for a few moments. Anywhere there is reasonable purchases the best way to do this might just to be to buy something. That would be a fall back plan. I would have an excuse to have my hand on a payment device long enough to get a foot in, but I don't want to do that if I can avoid it.

[ So David likes his fashion sense but is thinking about what he may look like elsewise. Balthier is pleased with himself, all the more because David clearly has an eye for both detail and style. ]

Well it's fortunate your difficult, arrogant, and slightly idiotic wealthy client just happens to be in the market for technology he doesn't quite understand and is going to need to ask a lot of questions and see a lot of demonstrations. [ The technology may be different here, but people aren't. He knows how to be a difficult aristocratic arse, and how to feign wanting but not understanding what he's trying to buy. Not that he entirely understands, but that will just make the con stronger. ]

I won't know what you're specifically targeting and there isn't time for me to learn, but I can default to keeping the staff occupied. How will you signal me if we're defaulting to purchase?

Also I have an idea on getting access to secure locations but I haven't tried it yet. Do we have a few minutes? I can see if it works on you or someone else here.

I

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II

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