acertifieduser | ○ 04: Maybe they once locked eyes.

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○ 04: Maybe they once locked eyes.

[Filtered AWAY from George]
[AUDIO: There's a short pause before Eddie speaks.]

I have a favor to ask. I'm trying to help my warden understand a more modern approach to romance. What I need is a woman, between the ages of twenty-four and thirty-two.. thirty-three, who would be willing to take him out on a date. Maybe a private dinner, drinks afterward, and a starry walk in the CES or something. He'll know up front what this is; this isn't some trick and he won't be expecting to fall in love or anything.

I don't have anything specific to offer as a thanks, but I'm pretty resourceful if there's something specific you're looking for. I'm not providing any weapons and I reserve the right to refuse anyone for any reason.. because even knowing what's going on, he's still a nice guy and I don't want to mess with him. I'm really just looking to help him out.

Oh, it's George Crabtree. Some of you might know him.

[Private to George]
I want to know more about your time. Are there any books, fiction or non-, that you can recommend? I'm a pretty fast reader.

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No offense, but I don't really believe in luck. I'd be curious to see you try it, though, if your warden gives you the ability back.

How does that play into memories?

Eddie laughed at her explanation of her world and costumes. Then he leaned in a little to create an instant level of intimacy as the smile returned to his lips. When he spoke, his voice was entirely free from mocking and, if anything, insinuating a sexual curiosity. "Did you wear a costume too?"

He stays in that space for the moment, holding his wine comfortably and still smiling at her, even as the topic shifts to George again. "I think it's a good idea to keep your eye on the prize, so to speak. You don't want to get caught up in something here and let it interfere with your redemption, graduation, or getting home. You deserve better than that. If you decide to go for anything here, either take it slow or make it fun and make sure you both know what you're getting into."

At the last, he let out a small chuckle. "Maybe you're just not doing it right. You could get paid for public appearances and advertising if you really wanted to. If you were a known hero."

To be fair, I've only ever been brought up to put the Collective before myself.

For all their failings - nobody whips us. [misinterpretation is a go.]

I guess I'll live with it. I don't have much other choice at the minute.

I'll show you when I can. But I'm not optimistic about my warden agreeing to it.

That's just a weird side effect.

She blushed slightly and ducked her head. "Yeah, I um...do." She fished in her purse and came up with a slightly tilted Polaroid of a bunch of costumed teens. On one edge was Wanda, swathed in a scarlet leather overcoat and a matching unitard with a bodice top. Giant stompy boots; gauntlets in black, and a scowl that looked foreign on her face.

"That and I really...I want to make sure I have a handle on my powers before I get too close to anyone. I don't want to have our first fight end in poltergeist activity and bruises."

Wanda frowned a little. "Some of us do work for the government...."

What other side effects are there and how do they work? Do you have control over the side effects to some extent or do they just happen? Is there any sort of correlation between the primary goal and the collateral damage?

That doesn't mean that's what you have to do.

It's an expression. It means that they have you under similar psychological effects whether physical whipping is present or not. It's a statement of submission and passive behavior.-- You guys really weren't allowed to go anywhere else?

You could offer the Admiral another deal for a second inmate, if I understand the system correctly.

It varies, that depends, and probably not. You know, you ask a lot of questions.

Do you mind elaborating?

I like knowing what I'm talking about when I can. The best way to do that is to learn as much as I can about a subject and, when that comes from something that's not written down, it usually means asking questions. On that note: do you mind if I ask your warden about this too or would you rather I didn't?

I know I still owe you that story. As soon as we're done with this topic.

But I can put the Collective before myself in a good way and actually help everyone.

No, we weren't. We had to apply for an open return - or be sent somewhere else. I was sent to East Carmine by my Council on a pointless task.

Once I've got this deal, I'm going home to fix things.

How are you managing that?

What kind of "pointless task," if you don't mind my asking?

I'm glad you're still hopeful about it.

In saving it from itself.

A chair census. It's one of the better Pointless Tasks.

I could over a drink. If you could make that happen. Otherwise, no can do.

You can ask Prefect if you want, but I warn you, he's got some pretty misguided ideas about what my power is. I can't get him to change his mind about it, which is irritating.

Go for it, slick. I'm expecting something good.

Eddie ensured that his fingers grazed her head as he took the photo from her. By now, it would be a rather obvious gesture, but it was still performed with an ease he could never muster without the magic of NZT. His mind took in every detail of the picture as a grin broke out on his face again. "You look amazing."

Then he was offering it back to her in such a way that she could easily return the hand grazing gesture or avoid it, whichever she preferred. His eyes were back on hers, listening intently. Eddie's smile faltered only the smallest hint when she spoke about her abilities, but it quickly recovered and spread wider even. "That sounds intense. How do you think you'll be able to get control of it? Is it something that happens any time you're.. passionate? Or only when you're angry?"

Ah, the insinuations. Then he gave a shrug. "I'm not surprised. The government likes to have their hands in a little bit of everything in order to provide existing knowledge and a basis for combat in any field if the public gets concerned or other countries get anxious."

It's still generous.

How does a person like you earn a pointless task anyway?

I'm sorry. I don't really drink and I can't afford to call in a favor for a story, even one as good as this.

People can be pretty close-minded. Give him time and, in the meantime, work on a plan B. There's nothing saying that we can't work with wardens outside of our own and get them to realize the truth about us and to support us -- even with our own warden. Maybe you can find some more allies, take some time to explain your power better. Worst case scenario, just make a jab every time he mentions anything. "Oh, sorry, I was researching luck;" "I want to work in the lab and research my ability." There's a lot of options.

I'll do my best.

...It was designed to teach humility.

And there's an official answer to that question and a real one.

The surprise showed in her eyes, and a little shock went through her that made it clear to the observant that she plain was not used to being touched. At all. Not that she minded, but it certainly muddied the waters about whether this date was really "practice" or not.

(Did she mind about that? She was still deciding.)

She did touch his fingers very delicately as she took the photo. "Thanks. Putting on a costume...there's almost a ritual aspect to it, like putting on a uniform or vestments. You become someone else, sort of, but that person is also more you than your street persona."

A thoughtful glance at the sky; she sipped her wine absently. "Meditation, intense concentration, ritual. I get better all the time. Pretty soon I'll be able to do a lot more than just hexing people."

She giggled a little. "It's just negative emotions. When I'm angry, when I'm scared..." normally she had to make a gesture as well, but the thing was that those gestures were often unconscious when she got upset enough. "The biggest thing I ever did, I took all my passions, focused them and sort of threw the energy out there at my target."

She stroked her chin. "It's part of why I debate being part of anything with a government stamp. I mean, sometimes you're lucky and you get superiors with a grasp of the greater good, like Xavier. But finding them...that's the trick, especially if you're locked into a contract."

Are you more humble now?

Why not give me both?

Not from counting chairs, trust me.

I played a trick on Bertie Magenta. That's the official reason.

The real one? I suggested an unauthorised way of queuing.

You went against the system. I understand. I'd say I'm proud of you, but I don't want to demean you at all. I'm actually kind of embarrassed that we share names now because I feel like I better step it up if I'm going to be a good example.

Eddie smiled a hint more at her touch, glad that she was following his lead. This was still a practice date in his mind, but it also meant that he was willing to take this 'practice' as far as she wanted to, to a point. There was a place where he would cut them off if only to leave her wanting more. Then again, with someone like this girl, it might be better to take it while he could get it. If he could get it.

When she spoke, he listened intently, despite his mind's ulterior motives.

"I know what you mean. I've never worn a costume like that, but I could tell the difference even from when I stopped wearing t-shirts and jeans and started wearing suits more often. It's a whole different personality." Of course, there was more to it than just some new clothes, but there was a difference there or else he would have still been wearing the same ensemble he used to. He flashed another smile about getting better. "I'm sure you'll continue to get better. Determination and motivation are the two most important parts of learning or doing anything."

"What happened to the poor bastard you targeted all your passions at? If I can ask?" There was an undertone of whining behind his words, a feigned sort of humility that made him sound even more interested.

Eddie took a sip of his wine and shook his head. "I think it's good you're not with the government. You're right about finding a good leader and having a contract, but it's more than that. All those moves are so political and you would end up as some kind of pawn just by being different than the traditional middle-aged caucasian male. They can talk about equal opportunity all they want, but someone like you would be too powerful for them to promote to the ranks you would be capable of."

You don't drink? Seriously?

[Pause. The first part is literally what Barron has been doing with some wardens.] You've got it all worked out, haven't you?

To be fair, the other Eddies aren't exactly amazing examples. It all depends which one you pick.

"The Tie. There's something about the tie especially. Like it's a Talisman of Credibility or something." She tilted her head at him. "Yeah. I got motivation, and I'm totally stubborn. Usually in the good way."

She laughed. "No, no, I've never gone full steam at a person. This was at a genuine doomsday machine. I can glitch machines usually, but this one was hardened. So I went full out. It feels like pushing a mountain with your frontal lobe.

"Politics. I don't know. Maybe becoming a contractor would be a better idea. Though I'd have to be super picky about who I worked for.

"So...what do you do?"

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○ 04: Maybe they once locked eyes.

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Private. ohgod the tl;dr of eddie all the time in everything.

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Private. It's amazing ;-;

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