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

Charming. Nothing like a power imbalance to really build the foundation of love and friendship. [ He had liked that attention once. His first real relationship after becoming a pirate had been with one of his superiors -- Infamous. Witty and connections all over the realm. He'd loved how special he felt, the precious, coveted object of desire from the most desirable person int he realm. Then that pirate had become threatened as Balthier got better at his work, sold him out to teach him a lesson. He'd dated his father was what had happened. It was the reason he'd hesitated with Ashe; what was going to happen, when she was Queen again? Some day he'll tell David that story. ] I commend you for navigating that and having an open heart. I don't think I could trust a god, not closely.

[ Balthier is genuinely surprised at the last comment. ] I have worked with a lot of people and you are nowhere near the difficult list. I honestly haven't had this much fun in ages. It's a treat to speak openly and have someone keep up -- make me keep up, even.

I don't know, my friend is the Emperor of the united interstellar empire of two different alien species, so I don't feel like they have a power imbalance at all. But we're friends now, and Billy is a gentle guy most of the time. It was just a bad situation.

[One Loki had put them all in, but he's not touching that.]

I... I like understanding things, and people. I like learning them. And it's not necessarily something he liked. What I am, who I am, means I want to understand the world. To talk about it. To share and question and be questioned.

[Something Balthier had allowed for, and as he noted, kept up with.]

Oh I can't be that fun. I'm known as a stick in the mud by people who know me.

I'm not going to begrudge you your friends. You clearly care for them, and if they respect you back, then I'm happy for it. [ He's still going to be protective. He doesn't trust high status, and he doesn't trust gods, not until he's been given a reason to. But he's glad, too, that David has had so many people in his life. For as charming as he is, Balthier has had limited close relationships. He knows what it is to be alone and lonely. ]

That's exactly why I find you fun. I get the same complaint sometimes -- more so when I was younger. I don't share my questions and thoughts as often these days. [ Fran would listen, but she didn't really like to discuss at length. He had a few theaters and ports and old friends where he could buy someone a drink and chat for awhile. It's been awhile though. ] I understand not everyone shares joy at those pursuits, but you shouldn't feel self-conscious for it. You are a delight.

[Status is something David knows he could gain back home if he wanted it, he didn't want it. And Billy didn't want to be a god either, so he could respect that as well. But it was nice, to know he had those friends. He'd had his own time of being alone and lonely, and he didn't want the repeat.

But being called a delight for wanting to know makes him chuckle.]

It's nice to be seen that way once in a while. Respected for the things I can't help about myself anymore. For me it's sort of necessary. The more I know of the world, the easier it is to pick out all the things in my head that are me and not lingering echoes of other people. It can be hard to find those lines sometimes.

I relate to that. It took a long time to tangle out what was me and what was the things that had been put on me -- I'm still sorting. Though yours is a good deal more literal.

I'm still learning to let people see me. I spent so long protecting myself by keeping what I wanted or cared about obscured. It's less exhausting, be seen, but a little terrifying too. I admire that you're more forthcoming about it.

Also what kind of pirate would I be if I didn't like new things? [ A surprising number of them actually, but he couldn't stand them. ]

[He wants to say 'I see you'. But that was a claim that David didn't think he could justify yet, and it also was too forward. Though at least he could admit to one thing to show that he gets it.]

I was the same way for a while [words said while the knuckles of his free hand rubbed unthinkingly over his heart, over the memory of scars] too afraid to let people close. Certain that if I did I'd be disappointed. I sought my distance, and I got it for a long time, and I didn't realize how bad it was for me. I've learned to open up since then. I've been reminded just how important that is.

ANd yeah, I suppose a pirate should know how to adapt, otherwise you might end up losing quite a bit.

I know that tune. I'm glad you found people. [ He wants to say I'm glad I met you, but that's too forward too. He doesn't know him yet, not really, but he wants to. Fran had a word she'd say sometimes. It meant, "I want to have known you for a long time already." He was feeling that. He was missing Fran too. ]

I'd be very bored, too. Happy that hasn't been an issue here yet. Speaking of, did you get what you needed, or did we have somewhere else to hit?

[Now that would be a good word to know. David would love a concept like that, a term like that. He knew so many languages and he always loved those words that didn't easily translate, that could speak to feelings the heart and mind knew and didn't always know how to express.]

I have one last place I want to hit. I'm not going to do the small store. But there's a tech company here, they've tried to recruit me. I want to learn more about them but their website is surprisingly strong. Think you're good for one last con?

William von Hombold lives to harass salespeople. [ Cons are fun, and he's reluctant to leave David's company. He'll be thinking about how to propose that date as soon as he leaves. ]

What's our angle here? I'm going to be less knowledgeable but we can probably use that William's annoying advantage. [ He doesn't press on being recruited. From their earlier conversation, Balthier assumes David will end up joining the hero guild; if he can find work he's fine with, then that's a good situation. Balthier is honestly relieved he's not dealing with existing social order or people seeking him out. As much as he likes attention, it's nice to be a nobody and be able to construct the persona he wants. It's also nice to be honest without much fear of repercussion. He knows that will pass the longer he's here. ]

I don't think this is one where we can go for the same thing we've been doing. This won't be quite the same sort of place. It's a show floor, where they display some of their cool new tech. This stuff is more concept work, less 'free to buy'. More people, less sales, and more possible points of access for me.

[Which makes him think maybe they should split up for this one. Balthier making his own sort of distraction away from David, while David just does his best to gather what he needs. Of course the security on this place will be a lot higher.]

What’s the goal of a place like this? Are they looking for possible investors or is it more to attract attention from the public? Alternatively I can insist on trying to buy something. How high is the risk that I get escorted out before you’ve finished?

[ Balthier runs through similar cons in his head. It’s been awhile and these spaces have usually been more invite-only where he has known what he’s talking about. Still, he can make this work. A challenge is enjoyable. ]

A bit of both, but mostly, it's one of their business locations. Higher levels in the building will be where employees work. We're just focusing on the show room so I can try and figure out what the place is like. But if you get pushy, a place like this might well throw you out on your ass.

[It's less invite only, but definitely not going to take well to disturbing the peace. That said, they'd also have their reputation to uphold.]

Honestly, I'm not really sure that it wouldn't be easier to learn about them by agreeing to take an interview and hoping to be left alone for a bit.

If you’re going to come back for an interview then we definitely shouldn’t be seen together. I could just play the over zealous ignorant nouveau riche who touches things and asks too many questions and head in a bit before you. I defer to your expertise here though; easier path is sometimes the better option.

Splitting up might work.

[He doesn't like it though. They can't cover each other if something goes wrong. Still, he'll figure it out.]

Alright then, let's do this. Just, well, get as many eyes on you as possible. Loud and worth looking at, that's the goal.

[ Balthier's more concerned with covering David's back, given he'll be more occupied. Still, he thinks he can keep up a distraction. ]

See you on the other side.

[ He strolls into the building. He forces himself not to pause, a skill he's mastered. He hasn't seen anything quite like this yet, though there are analogues at home. He has no idea what half the things are and would enjoy actually perusing. Maybe there will be a time David can walk him through these things.

He heads for the middle of the floor. Better to have options, and it gives David more openings. There are tables with an immense amount of lights on them and products staggered throughout. He needs to scope, but he also isn't sure how long David is going to wait. He plants himself dramatically near a display that has no attendants. He begins to tap his foot, counting time in his head. He sighs loudly. When he feels like enough time has passed he says loudly, ] I'd heard the service here was incredible but that was obviously a mistake. [ If he's difficult, but not throw-out difficult, he's hoping they'll send one of their smarter associates to deal with him, further freeing up David. ]

[Oh, that gets attention. This wasn't much the sort of place where there were people hovering to show off things, but clearly this man needed some hovering. A young man in nice clothes, a company pin, and a big smile comes to Balthier.]

Good afternoon sir, what's brought you to Winter's Industries today.

[David gives it just a little longer before walking in, glasses off, just trying to blend around the edges as he considers different displays. He stops by one that discusses new, high end displays, and showing a demonstration of a new top of the line video game. Since it's an interactive demo, he considers it before putting his hand on the mouse and trying the game.]

[ Balthier notices David come in so makes sure the keep his associate faced the other way. ]

My nephew will not shut up about some entertainment product your company is developing. And he's a prodigy, so when he likes something, I listen. [ Alright, vague enough to keep the clerk guessing. ] I wanted to see it. I'm considering investing the development team if I like what I see. But I wanted to see the real thing, not those insufferable product meetings. [ Reason to be here and not in the back door -- either gets employee on a possible Huge Break, or makes him enough of a Lunatic that they'll be trying to satisfy him and get him out.

For added effect, he grabs at the thing he's stopped next to. Looks like some kind of arm brace. He's purposefully a little awkward with it, not enough to break it, but enough to send some fear into the employee's eyes. ]

[Well, that's definitely got attention on him, and another staffer in the back with a suit looks interested now. But so does a security guard, who doesn't like the picking it up. The nearby attendant nervously reaches for the device.]

Please, sir, let me get that for you.

[David, meanwhile let his senses delve in. It was connected to the network, and the security was stronger than what he'd seen so far, so he has to devote more of himself to it while trying to play some.

Except... Something else is there. Powerful. Intense. A security that is more self aware than just firewalls and antiviruses and other tech. Something, or someone is watching, and so much force is shoved back into David's face that the mouse sparks under his hand. Which made David fall over, actually.]

[ Balthier has the good sense to let the attendant take the item from him even before David falls.

Balthier doesn't mean to but he immediately reaches for the Mist to do -- he hasn't even really thought it through because destructive elemental magick wouldn't have helped in this situation, but it's what he's been using most recently every time there's a problem.

Except he doesn't produce a thunderbolt. Instead there's a very bright flash of light that has everyone blinking.

Which gives him an idea. He quickly picks a nearby important looking display. He pulls for whatever the not-Mist spell space is again, willing the machine to look powered down. Last time he had an issue with the security cameras, so he tries to pull the spell wider to accompany anyone looking at it, now or remotely. Something has to be working because he feels the low-grade pressure in the back of his head that he felt when he sent out the double. ]

I would think a place like this would be protected against power surges he says.

[The light show works more than Balthier might have expected. Or perhaps exactly as he did. Because this would be a truly troubling thing, the chance of power issues here, especially with nothing flickering back on. The best thing to do was to address this now.

Which as the suited manager approaching.]

Ah, we're very sorry, but it seems we have had a minor issue with the displays. We 'll need to close down briefly to address the issue. Please, we would glad to see everyone return in a few hours. Please follow our social media accounts, and we'll let you know when the show floor reopens.

[Meanwhile the security guard was making a beeline for David. David who was slowly pushing up to his feet, and he was clearly aching a little as he stumbled up. This coudl be more trouble.]

[ He hadn’t meant to get the place closed entirely. He suspects even if the light comes back they’re going to do full security checks.

He’s got an idea but no idea if it will work.

As he’s slowly being ushered toward the door he reaches for a vanish spell, casting it as wide as he can with a focus on David.

One second he’s there and the next no one in the store can see him.

Balthier has no idea what his range or stamina is or how to signal David. He hopes he figures it out. But he manages to shout ] You people can’t see problems right under your noses. I’d expect more from such high security personnel.

[With the people being ushered out, the security guard loses sight of David between one moment and the next. David doesn't notice that. He just notices that the attention is off of him, and he slowly rises to his feet to join the group in slipping out through the front door. And dear lord, even that much hurts. He doesn't make it much down the street before he has to lean against a wall and hold his head.

While this was happening the attendant dealing with Balthier just winced.]

Sir, please, we're asking for your safety for you to exit the premises.

[ Balthier sees the guard go another way and then loses track. He lets himself be ushered out and does a loop of the block. While he’s away from the store front and hopefully any cameras he drops the vanish spell and reaches for decoy. It’s like the trick with the ID just more complicated. He blacks out his clothes and does his best to make his face seem…unremarkable.

He makes his way back around the block to see David leaning against a wall. He doesn’t look good. ]

East mate. [ His voice hasn’t changed. ] You want a minute or you want me to walk you elsewhere? [ He doesn’t love being here. ]

[The voice hasn't changed, but enough else has that David wants to be sure. Unfortunately he doesn't dare dip into any of his other powers for fear of more pain.]

And you expect me to just trust that I should go off with some stranger?

Hardly. [ Balthier tries to clear just his face but it drops the whole spell. He can’t tell of course, but the pressure in his head recedes. ] If that didn’t work I’m going to just have to start reciting our conversation from the cafe in excruciating detail.

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