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

[Yeah, David had dealt with someone just like this for work, so yes, he definitely thought the act was a good one. One that had the employee coming over to talk them through what they wanted. David made sure to demure at all of the up selling that she did once he outlined a very basic machine, because she was taking the 'nothing cheap' seriously. And David? Well, he was happy to, once he could look at his 'beau' in concern over how much it was being marked up and up, excused himself for a moment. The timing was perfect really, at this point the talk was toward the high end gaming laptops, and David mumbled about needing to get a feel for keyboards.

Only then did he pull away from Balthier, after squeezing his hand lightly in what should seem an affectionate gesture. It was what he needed though, an excuse to run his fingers over a good many computers until he found one in the back corner that one of the employees had been naughty and set onto the store's secure internal wifi.

Jackpot. Another few moments, he just needs some time. Once he's got his little bug into the system David returns to Balthier and the conversation, looking vaguely uncomfortable as he curled back around Balthier's arm a little.]

I don't know. This all seems so much.

[ While David peruses "keyboards" Balthier asks a series of inane questions, focusing on concern over only the best. He can tell the salesperson is a combination of exasperated but hoping for a good sale; he's almost guilty they won't be buying.

When David slides back in, he pats his hand gently. ]

We can discuss it over dinner. I wasn't that impressed with this establishment anyway. [ He leads David out the store, saying not-so-under-his-breath ] We really ought to get you something nice that you can use. There's no reason to be modest. You're an excellent designer and you need the right tools.

[He is, and honestly this was all rather amusing for him as they left. Yes, he felt bad, but he'd make sure that he'd find out if they worked on commission here once he went into the systems, and then he would do a large order through the store for delivery and credit it to the woman.

But that was for later. For now he was heading outside with Balthier, still looking nervous, until he had led them from sight of the shop. Only then did he laugh.]

Funny thing is, I am a good designer in some areas. But damn, if you ever came somewhere I was working, I'd want to slap you.

I’m a charming and considerate gentleman. William von Hombolt is a royal arse who should have been sent to boarding school. [ He grins. ] And if I were visiting you at work, annoyance wouldn’t be my objective.

You got what you needed? [ It’s disorienting not having the information to lead the mission. The impulse is there — how could it not be. But it’s pleasant too. Frans the only competent partner he’s had, really, and he’s surprised how much working with David reminds him of that. They don’t have the easy wordless exchange or synergy, but it took months with Fran to become fluid even.

He briefly wonders how she’s doing but banishes the thought. Those aren’t feeling he can do anything about so may as well keep them aside. ]

Remind me not to spend too much time around Willian von Hombolt unless I really have to. He should still be sent to a boarding school. One where they take away your favorite hunting falcon or something.

[As for the getting what he needed, David nodded.]

I buried my door so deep that no virus scanners should catch it. And if they do, that will also teach me a lot. I'm going to have a lot of work to do tonight, just curled up in my hotel room, trying not to fight with my roommate, working my way through all this.

If we could send insufferable adults to boarding school, we could fix a lot of the world's problems -- regardless of which world.

When you aren't on a short timeline, you'll have to show me how some of this works. You've got me quite curious. Also, if you're at the Diadem, you're always welcome to work in my room, at least until my roommate demands sleep. [ Balthier realizes after it's out of his mouth that he's invited David to his room but lets it stand. David doesn't have to accept, and Balthier is going to respect a deadline. ] Truly, he's a gentle soul -- young thing. Don't think he's put together that I'm an actual pirate.

[David chuckled at the idea of a second high school phase, where people had to learn to be nice. And then stopped. Reeducation camps sounded, well, like a similar enough thing and he should probably let it go.

Mostly though his head snapped up at the offer. That was unexpected, and he might have to consider that. Him and Matthew were... not getting along.]

I'm at the Diadem, I haven't bothered to sign on with either group yet, clearly. And I'm very happy to teach you some tech stuff if you want. I'm used to teaching if I'm being honest. More complicated history from home, that. But really, inviting me into your space without checking with your roommate, sounds like an invitation for drama. For all you know I know the kid and maybe he was a high school bully of mine. Which I doubt it because if Julian Keller was here, I'd know.

[ Balthier raises an eyebrow. ] Well, lucky I have a magickal box that allows me to contact people remotely. [ He pulls out his phone and uses the talk to text feature -- he's a very slow typer. ] Would it be alright if someone came by the room for a few hours?

There, conscious cleared. Also I cannot imagine a reality where this boy was a bully. [ Peter was worried enough about the secret carnival suit business that he doesn't offer his roommate's name.

He could skip over that he's joined the Society -- he's skipped over it with David already. But he's finding himself leaning more into coyness today, while wanting the openness of their conversation from the tea shop. Part of him worries that it was the Valentine's spell after all, but he also knows he was being more forthcoming. That, at least, he can control. ]

I joined with the Society. That's what I had to leave for the other day. I don't see myself as particularly villainous, but I don't like others telling me what's right and wrong, or refusing criticism of their own methods.

And I have my fine tastes to support. [ He had to join one of the groups. There was no way he was going to try to make it from nothing here -- again, but without any cultural capital. ]

[David would applaud him for using the adaptive tech to suit his needs, but that might be condescending, and if there was one person he didn't want to cross that line with, it was Balthier.]

Well, that magickal box seems to be helping, so I won't join it.

[Then the shoe dropped. Society. Of course he had. David's smile falters for a moment. Though as Balthier explains why he knows he can understand. David has the same issues with the rules and the like.]

Back home, I told you my people aren't really liked. It was worse than that. They actually tried to make this law that would force us all to be listed on a registry. We managed to keep that from happening, but afterward, there was this incident. All people with powers had to register them with the government, or be criminals. It was a hard time, if I'm honest. I get it, not wanting to be beholding to other's ideals. Both sides scare me.

[And yet he doesn't think he could handle the life of the unregistered. Though it was the chance that he could that had him here, doing this. Trying to figure out what he could and couldn't get away with.]

I... I guess I should warn you that if it comes to it, no matter who I do or don't join, if I find you out there, hurting perfectly average, normal, kind people, I'll have to stop you.

[It was a line he'd drawn with Damian. Of course he wasn't about to admit to Balthier that he'd sort of... then helped Damian figure out what rich assholes it would be, within David's own moral beliefs, be more okay to target.]

You still want to be friends with me, knowing I'd have to draw that line?

[ Balthier squeezes David's arm. ] I'm sorry. That's a terrible way to live and a terrible way to be treated.

[ His expression morphs into a delighted smile at David's expression of a line. ] You've entirely misread the situation, my friend. One of the reasons I like you is you share my...flexible interpretation of the law and inflexible respect for other people.

When I was first made a Judge, I was...hopeful. Excited even. I thought I could make a difference, and being in a high power position would make that easier. The political machine was too big though. I was just complicit in hurting others. Being a pirate, I got to choose what codes I did and didn't follow. I don't hurt innocent people. I don't stand for it either. I chose the Society because they'd leave me be, but they hold others to a moral code of sorts.

[ He laughs as a memory crosses his mind. ] Actually, I got into my last mess because I comforted a teenage girl, one of my rivals mistook her for my lover and kidnapped her, and then I had to make right and go fetch her. Didn't really need me -- she somehow befriended a prince but the story stands.

[ He thinks for a moment. He doesn't want to say it, but he respects David too much not to. ] I completely understand if you aren't comfortable being friends across that line, though. You told me if I didn't want to see you again to say the word; the same is true for you.

[Flexible interpretation of the law? See, David just thought he was a socialist. But he supposed that wasn't that far off. Mutants had different laws these days, and saw the world differently for all they'd been through. But surely he wasn't that flexible.

Was he?

Perhaps that didn't matter as much as what Balthier was telling him. Those words made David straighten up from the position of curled around Balthier's arm to instead catch the other's hand and squeeze it in what he hoped would be a comforting way.]

I didn't know the Society had a moral code. I mean, I've got recruiter contact information for both sides, so I guess I could have found out. Apparently my technopathy is considered useful.

[If he knew one of the heads of the Society was a technopath, he might understand why it was happening though.]

Of course I'm not going to say I don't want to see you again. If I did then I'd have to declare what I had with my ex-boyfriend a lie. He was a con artist, you see, of a rather lofty level. Thief too, pretty sure there were some museum thefts that I could put at his feet, even if I couldn't prove it. My boss back home? Former terrorist, though I understand why he did it too, sometimes when you're fighting for the rights of your people you get those labels. Hell, there are probably still files back on my Earth that call me one. I just want you to know that if you did take that turn, cross those lines, I'd act. I... I can't stand by while people get hurt. I've tried before. I hated myself for it.

[ Balthier stands by his read of David but he isn't going to push it; he knows better than most how poorly someone else's view of you can fit -- even if some of it's true. He's not entirely sure how to read David's response -- his objections are reasonable, of course. The hand tells him it's not meant to push back on Balthier specifically. It's memories that are still raw. ]

I only join groups that have codes -- one reason I left Ba'Gamnan's crew. They were willing to crush whoever it took for the biggest profit. I could have stayed in the Archadian government if that was what I wanted. [ His voice gets hard. There weren't a lot of grudges he couldn't bury, but times he was made complicit in the harm of others stood out. ] My father's research was weapons. He found a way to level an entire city. Gone, in an instant. If I'd stayed I might have been able to prevent it. Regardless, that was when I got involved again. I couldn't let that keep happening. I shouldn't have let it happen the first time; I knew what he was researching. I just didn't think he'd use it that way, and I was too young to influence the system in any meaningful way.

[ There's a lot of personal information in that last admission, and now isn't the time to dig in. ] I'm being verbose. My point is, I respect your line. And I respect more that it's come from personal experience and not just theory. Labels don't matter to me; morals do, and I'd rather you have strong ones instead of just agreeing with whatever I say. [ That was how Archades had been. Lies and manipulation and being two-faced. Pirates did it too, but you usually knew it was on the table. And honestly, more of them had good hearts and strong moral codes. ]

[Eloquence was a gift that David often ran into, but rarely did he ever see it put to use not to convince someone to another's point of view, but rather to say that it was okay to hold one's own so strongly. Listening to it all from Balthier just made it feel all the more right. It... It gave him hope. This friendship would work. And comforted by that, he squeezed Balthier's hand again.]

Going to put it out there that if looking into antiques or acting doesn't work for you, you should consider writing your memoirs. Except make them more fantastical and sell them as fantasy novels. People would want to read them, Balthier. I would claim to want to read them too, but I think I prefer hearing them the way I am, little crumbs that can be gathered together to find the shape of you.

[Perhaps that was weird to say, but it was true. Then again, suggesting such a thing to Loki had only resulted in quite the fight, so he didn't press further on that direction.]

If, perchance, you hear rumors of that sort of tech with the Society, or someone planning for that, don't try and stop it alone, okay? Get word to me, and I'll make sure there are people to deal with it. There's a serious difference between living your life your own way and something like this Ba'Gamnan or your father. And I won't live in the shadow of people like that.

[He finally smiles again at Balthier and pulls him along. They have other stores to check out. He'd made a decision for himself, he was going to keep Balthier. Friend or whatever didn't matter. What David wanted was the showy man around him.]

So, I know it's a bit late into our work to be asking this, but how am I paying you back for this favor?

[ There's something heady to being direct and having it accepted so readily. Balthier had been fully braced to part ways; he always was. David's hand in his didn't enter his calculations. He processes too slowly to react before David pulls his hand away. ]

I think epic poet with myself as the main character may be too grandiloquent even for me. But I wouldn't refuse a private audience. I'm not sure if I shouldn't be more careful about the shape I'm painting. [ Honestly he's both flattered and a bit intimidated. He's excellent at cons and bluffing. He's not sure what's actually there will hold up. But that's the point, isn't it? Learning to stand in that truth, too. ]

I can agree to that -- I've learned my lesson about acting alone. And you're clearly both experienced and brilliant. Both are helpful when trying to save the world.

[ If he knew about David's decision, he would both melt and be so caught by surprise that he would, as was rare occasion in his life, be at a loss for words. He's used to people flirting and charming him. He's not used to them seeing him, the real him, or sticking around. He feels that something has shifted though, and he's a little more at ease. ]

I know better than to waste the favor of someone so skilled. I'll let you know.

[ This time when he follows David's lead, there's no pull to be in control, no anxious energy. He could get used to that. ]

You think it would be too over the top, but I don't. One of my friends, Laurie, she made her life off of it actually. Though if you were to invite a private audience, he'd have to owe you at least a drink.

[Experienced and brilliant? Nope, not flustered and flattered. And man, he's definitely trusting this guy so much more than expected by not trying to get an exchange or idea of an exchange now. He trusts that Balthier wont' abuse the favor.]

Come on, the next target is probably more your speed. Not computers, but rather a jewelry store. It's going to be more complicated.

Oh this is actually a valid occupation? Fascinating. I might end up liking this world more than Ivalice. Regardless, I'll need to practice. Drink sounds like a fair entry price.

[ He has the absurd urge to take David's hand. Arm in arm is something he's had to do for events since birth, but hand-holding is intimate. That also makes it a little too forward. Flirting is one thing. ]

What's a jewelry store have that the tech stores don't?

Oh it really is. Writers are sort of beloved here. I'm going to buy you Lord of the Rings. You'll like it, even if it might be sort of deep. And you'll have to tell me what you like. I've also got the skills of a certified bartender.

[If only he did, if only he reached for that. But David, he's not thinking of the possibilities as they approach the next target. HE's got to focus.]

A lot more cameras. They watch a lot more closely. The cases everything is stored in are also alarmed. There will be more sales reps probably. My best hope is to try and touch a case and follow the electronics there, but zoning out won't be easy to get away with.

Now you have me wondering if I haven't stumbled into the afterlife. Unlimited access to funds, good company, and a bottomless list of recommendations for books. No one's going to believe I was a pirate when I end up spending all my time in cafes reading. [ Honestly it sounds too good to be true. Once, a long time ago, before his father and the Judges and pirates, he'd dreamed of going to university, becoming an actor or a professor or an art dealer, having that kind of quiet peace. He had moments of it on the Strahl with Fran, some of his happiest memories. But never within the fold of society. ]

Ah, the cameras. I haven't adjusted to consider those. Unfortunately my magick doesn't seem to fool those, at least not yet -- I'll happily take ideas in the future if there's a way to do so.

How long do you need contact? We could be looking for something to buy for you and point through the cases.

I doubt the unlimited access to funds will last. There's too many of us. The guilds can't maintain this without the Society going apeshit on robberies for someone's benefit other than theirs I expect. And there is nothing wrong with reading in cafes, though I prefer nice wood paneled private libraries when I read.

[He didn't read things often, save for the purpose of brushing up on the more scientific skills. When he did, he wanted peace for it, and not a lot of people around.]

Talk to your Society recruiter. Maybe they can set you up with something nice.

[Cameras not fooled by magic? How interesting.]

How long will be variable, if I'm honest. I have to find if there is a system, and then find a way to get through the glass and metal to the wire. That may not be possible at all. Then i've got to follow that to the system it's connected to and see if it-

[That's probably not helpful.]

I don't know. But yeah, looking for something to buy me sounds like a good idea. If we're lucky the place will be one of those that likes to show off ring designs. Some places in my world do that. You pick the loose stone and they help you pick a setting and the like. If they have that, it's the best way I can work.

And now you know why I'm setting up antique dealing. Haven't been to a place that the wealthy won't pay hand over fist for a rare and beautiful item. If I'm in the Society, black market clients will seek me out -- I can screen them, of course, but they'll pay better. Plus if there's anything like an aristocracy here, someone has pockets that are unimaginably deep. [ His family was new money. His father had coveted old money more than anything -- wanted Balthier to marry in, though that would have worked better if he'd been a daughter. Ironic, he supposed, that when he had a chance with a queen she was essentially penniless. ] Reading alone is also wonderful. I just haven't wanted to be alone lately. I'm sure that'll even out.

Alright, so we go in asking for help with a ring setting? William von Hombold can have some family jewel he wants reset but was too pearl-clutching to bring along. If you need me to separate and distract, tell me these just aren't your taste.

Rare and beautiful items, all sold by something equally rare and stunning.

[Listen, it isn't often David flirts, so please don't look too closely at his face while he's blushing for having said that. Just, don't.]

The US doesn't, in my world, have a lot of aristocracy. Just wealthy business people who see themselves as such. You'd need places like England for true landed gentry who are trying to show off with purchases. No, the New World, as it has been called, is all different levels of New Rich.

And my desire to read alone comes from being in a world where anyone ten feet around me is ringing in my head a little. So, you know, not always true here.

[Ring setting sounds like a choice. How do they work that out?]

Sounds good. We'll ask to see the loose gems first, as a means by which to compare what you have at least in terms of color, so we can use that as guidance in their systems. Might make it easier to make us seem very serious. What's my reason for being there? Is the resetting for me?

[ Balthier doesn't catch the blush but he catches that David's gaze is elsewhere. For how direct the fellow usually is, Balthier takes that as mild self-consciousness, and he's flattered. ] It does help. Pity for them that I'm harder to catch.

[ In a few months when Balthier has a better grasp on American history, he'll be happy to debate the idea of whether there isn't an aristocracy or it's simply been folded into more palatable terms. But for now, he takes David's word for it. ] New Rich has a deeper hunger for status objects. Sounds like I'm in business.

I'm glad that change in your abilities was a pleasant one. I know I'm repeating myself, but your life sounds exhausting. I'm impressed you accomplished as much as you did besides, but with navigating a head full of noise--it's a lot of self-discipline. I'm not sure I'd have ever left my ship at that rate.

I definitely think it's for you. We can use the same dynamic of your being uncomfortable with large purchases and my being insufferable. Are you my primary lover in this scenario or would there be someone else? [ He feels a twinge of possessiveness in that question. Balthier, darling, you met this person two days ago and are inquiring about their character. Easy. ] My question is does the piece of jewelry need to steer clear of any particular marriage or courtship conventions here? If we're doing jewel I'm assuming we'll look at something bulkier.

[There is nothing at all mild about that self-consciousness. It's there, it's full on, and he's trying ot keep himself controlled on the relief that Balthier takes the compliment and doesn't really have an issue with hit.

Though one day they should have that debate. It would thrill David to talk about it.]

Oh yes, very hungry for status objects. The United States has a very consumerist culture, and collector too. Even if you went into a different sort of sales, you'd find buyers. You won't have trouble there. It's the finding them and having them come to you that can be hard.

[As if 'never leaving his room' would have solved anything. David had dreams once too, just like Balthier. He's stated with his own longing for art, though his mixed with sports in the form of figure skating. When he couldn't have that he'd wanted college and university and beyond, and he hadn't known what he'd wanted to do with it. In some ways the paths they had taken were not too dissimilar. But that would be a lot of nights, and perhaps a few bottles of wine, before David would talk on deeply.]

If this Earth is like mine, there are deep meanings to getting another person a ring, at least if it is worn on the left ring finger. So provided we make sizing abundantly clear to relate to another finger, it would still be seen as a romantic gesture, but not a pending nuptial, which would be courtship. But men's rings are typically made bulky compared to women's. In my world marriage between two men is a lot more recent so there's still evolving trends on how you would make that look. You'll see pieces there which will help with the idea. But giving rings and jewelry is common. Most men tend to get jewelry given to them in the form of watches or cufflinks or if they have pierced ears, earrings.

[Which David clearly doesn't. Though his eyes do go to Balthier's. Some of his were very different from anything David was used to seeing.]

But earrings can sometimes be related to whole other subcultures and all of that. I warn you, they will be eyeing yours and evaluating you as much on that as on what you're wearing. Jewelry sellers can be snobs.

[And next to Balthier, David would look bland, not wearing a single bit of jewelry. Though, after a moment's hesitation he reached up and took his ever-present glasses off to pocket them. While he would prefer to display data on them, he wanted a specific look going in, to seem a touch more appropriate on Balthier's arm, which meant abandoning the glasses.]

Our worlds share at least some ring tradition and snobby jewelers it seems. [ He takes in the gender information for future thought. He’d assumed with David’s ease that male male relationships were accepted here. He’s disappointed to hear that’s not entirely the case but also all the more pleased David is willing to be seen that way with him, even as a con. ] There are other styles as well — I’ll have to see what I can spot that’s similar to home.

I have to admit I’m not used to being the least culturally savvy. I have a lot of studying to do. They can certainly judge my earrings all they like. Those came through with me.

[ He offers his arm again as David pockets the glasses. ] Shall we, dear?

[Oh, David had absolutely researched to make sure that being out wasn't going to be an issue here. It had been a relief. But that didn't mean that there were deep traditions yet.]

I'd be glad to know what reminds you of home. Mostly because the small things, like how people decorate themselves, can speak to culture and history. As for your earrings, well, they look nice.

[He wants to suggest that Balthier would probably be well served with asking his guild handler about some sort of cultural crash course. But that's for another time. He takes the arm and curls around it again.]

You know, it's a good thing I chose a sweater. Makes me seem a touch slighter. People would absolutely look at us weird over a guy built like me just snuggling up to you. This Earth clearly has some of the whole toxic masculinity mine does.

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