Holding Out For a Hero, A Battle of Contrasting Ideologies Options

[Bennet]

OOC: Alright; the GAME does not start until next week. Until then, I'll be the only one posting in this thread. For those who need to be reminded:

DO NOT POST IN THIS THREAD UNTIL THE GAME HAS BEGUN.

These series of posts are designed to offer insight and explanation to the world your characters are about to enter. I'm undecided on how many of these posts are going to be made, but I'm going to do enough as I feel are needed to get the story rumbling along the right path. Also, expect NPC Character sheets to start appearing soon in the OOC thread to let you guys know more about the people you're dealing with.


And without further ado, I give you:

Prologue, Part One: Everything Old is New Again
Berkeley, California, 2010

Eric Jones stepped off the small city bus, taking a deep breath of the smell of university air around him. After wading through many useless years in High School, Eric had finally arrived to a place he wanted to be.

He adjusted the backpack on his back, and began to walk around the campus. He flashed a smile to those he saw, a friendly wave to a few others, as he walked around trying to find the Art Museum. He looked at the large campus map he printed off the day before, but it didn't seem to be too much help.

"Should always magnify before printing..." He muttered to himself, as he calmly walked over to a large group of students.

"Hi, excuse me...I'm Eric Jones. I don't suppose one of you could tell me how to get to the art museum?" Eric asked awkwardly, as the students just cast him a 'drop dead' look, before returning to their own conversations.

"The Art Museum?" A voice called out from behind him.

Eric turned to see an older looking woman standing not to far from him. Must be a professor, Eric thought as he nodded and folded up the map in his hands.

"Yes, the museum." Eric replied, as he looked at the older woman.

"I'm Eric Jones, and you are?" Eric said, as he extended his hand.

"Sherry Vered, Professor of Art History." Sherry said, as she shook his hand and looked at him for a moment.

"Jones...I believe you're in one of my classes. First year." Sherry added, as Eric smiled and nodded.

"Well, come along with me. You're with the right person for a gander at the art museum." Sherry said, as she motioned for Eric to follow her.

The two walked silently along the campus, as Eric tried to remember the paths he was walking for future reference. Eventually, the two made their way to the far east end of the campus, moving slightly southward as they came to a large building where they stopped.

"Here it is." Sherry said with a smile, before glancing down at her watch.

"Thank you, professor." Eric said, with a boyish grin on his face.

"No problem, Mr. Jones. I'll see you in class on Tuesday, remember, nine am." Sherry said, as she waved and walked away.

Eric nodded as he watched her turn to walk away, then he stared at the large building in front of him and smiled, before running inside with boyish glee.

Eric wondered around the halls, looking at some of the exhibits as his mind wondered. He thought back to when he told his parents he wanted to study Art and Art History. They were crushed. Eric had always been a A plus student, always. When ever he crammed for an exam, he crammed enough knowledge into his head to kill a small animal. He was just really good at it, even seeming to know stuff he didn't remember reading.

However, there was a shortcoming to his 'brilliance' as his homeroom teacher used to call it: Once he switched over to study something else, he could barely remember what he had wrote about earlier. Most of his teachers called it laziness, some said it was simply because he lost interest in the other subjects, and others suggested it was some form of mental defect...One teacher went so far as to call him an 'idiot savant'. His parents weren't impressed with that one.

Eric wandered past more exhibits, before he checked his schedule and watch and realized he had three minutes to get across campus to his first class.

"s***."

***********************************************************

Davin Holden walked across the campus like he owned the place. His grey suit reflecting slightly in the sunlight, as a band of people followed behind him.

"Holly, make sure you swing by my place tonight." Davin said to one of the women behind him with a wink, as she giggled and ran off from the pack.

Davin smiled, as he continued walking, the others behind him waiting for their own marching orders.

"Paul; go to my economics class and get the notes for me would you. Don't forget to slip Professor McFarland his tip for the week." Davin said, as he handed Paul two hundred dollar bills.

"The rest of you, give me some f***ing space." Davin proclaimed, as they all scattered away from him.

"d***, I love that." Davin whispered to himself, as he walked around the campus, flashing his smile at any pretty ladies who passed his way.

Davin made his way towards Davis Hall, slipping inside and then making his way to the basement. Once he was inside, he leaned against a wall and pressed ever so slightly. A small popping noise was heard, as the wall moved slightly and Davin slide between it. Popping the wall back into place once he was inside.

He looked around at the large mausoleum like structure he stood in.

"You're early." A voice called from the shadows, as Davin turned to see an older woman leaning against a wall.

"Professor Tural...I didn't think anyone would be here right now." Davin answered, as the older woman looked at him.

"That's often one of the cruxes of youth, you tend to underestimate a lot of things...Especially when you breeze through life on good looks." Tural said, as she walked over to Davin.

"But, I suppose that's something you wouldn't care too much about." Tural said, a bit of anger in her voice as she stared at Davin.

"Stop it Kira!" Davin yelled, anger obvious in his voice now.

"Fine; you're no fun anyways. If you can't learn to block out my control, how the hell can you hope to avoid the control of others?" Tural said, as she stepped back from Davin with a smile.

Davin became more relaxed as he saw her smile, even smiling himself for no reason.

"Do you know why Sherry has called this unusual meeting?" Davin asked, as Tural looked around.

"My guess; a new recruit. She seemed excited when I spoke to her last in the 'lounge'." Tural said, as she continued to keep her gaze off Davin.

"That's more than likely." Another voice said from behind Davin, as he turned to find a younger man standing in front of him.

"Ross. You forgot to close the door again." Davin said, as he looked at the secret passage still open from Ross' entrance.

"My bad." Ross said, as he motioned towards the passage and it closed.

"Show off." Tural said, as she walked over to a small sofa in the mausoleum and sat down.

"Well boys, any idea how to pass the time while we wait for the others?" Tural asked, a note of lust in her voice.

Davin and Ross looked at each other, trying to fight the emotional manipulation that Tural was using against them.

"You forget, Kira...You can make us feel your emotion, but its still up to us to decide whether or not we follow it." Ross said, as Tural frowned and the feelings disappeared.

"College boys, always thinking with the wrong head." Tural said dejectedly, as she slumped on the couch...

*************************************************

The alarm went off as Katherine Solomon leaned over in bed and slammed her palms hard against the alarm clock.

"God damned time...If I ever find the man who invented it, so help me." Kat muttered to herself as she got up from under the blankets and slipped on her father's old Ramones T-Shirt.

She glanced in the mirror for a moment.

"Whoa, creature from the black lagoon look going on." She said, as she made monster movements towards the mirror before laughing and adjusting her hair slightly.

A knock came from Kat's door, as she swung it open, ignoring the fact that she was only wearing a black t-shirt and bright pink underwear.

"Yeah?!" Kat yelled, as the man at the door cast her a strange look, before shaking his head and walking into the room.

"And what would you have done if it wasn't me?" The man asked, a thick Greek accent muttering some of his speech.

"Well, it's 7:45 and you always come at 7:45...I'm not exactly worried, Kyros." Kat said, as he sat down on the bed and nodded.

"True enough. But please, put on pants before we go to the meeting. I already don't like the way Davin stares at you." Kyros said, as he pulled a pair of pants out from underneath the bed and tossed them to Katherine.

"Really? I'd be more worried about the way Ross stares at Davin...That guy's unbridled, unapologetic, YET EXTREMELY closeted homosexuality worries me. It's just not healthy." Kat said with a smile, as she put her pants on.

"You think every one is gay though...It took me three years to convince you about me, and even then, we were rocking the casbah through most of those years." Kyros said.

"Yea, well, that's just you're more effete than I am." Kat responded, as she blew him a raspberry.

Kyros shot her a look.

"I'm European, we're well groomed and polite. Sorry for sending the wrong message." Kyros said with a smile, as Kat leaned in and gave him a kiss.

"Think it's dark enough?" Kat asked, as she looked out the window into the night sky.

"Should be." Kyros responded as he opened the window and held on tight to Kat.

Kat smiled, as she lept through the window with Kyros and the two lifted off into the night sky, heading towards Davis Hall and the meeting that awaited them...

***********************************************

Carlos locked up the doors to the lab, as he tried to balance his keys, briefcase and coat on one arm. He dropped the briefcase, as he muttered a few less than appropriate words. He finished locking the office, as a student walked by and began helping him with the papers that fell out of his case.

"Thank you." Carlos said, as he looked at the student.

"No problem, Doctor Oded." The student replied, as Carlos took a closer look.

"Wait, you're in one of my classes." Carlos said, as the student nodded.

"Sure am. Jake Charles." Jake said, as Carlos nodded as his memory came back to him.

"Ah yes, I remember. You did the research paper on the effects the ebola virus on livestock. Interesting, not entirely appropriate for the course, but interesting." Carlos said, as Jake smiled.

"Well, what can I say. That virus scares the hell out of me, so I thought it would be interesting. They said you had some experience with it, back in the Congo?" Jake asked.

Carlos sighed. Talking about his past wasn't something he usually indulged in, but Jake had helped him.

"That's right. Saw a few cases of it while I was there." Carlos said, as he put his papers back in his case.

"But accounts from others say that everyone treated by you didn't die. Their symptoms disappeared and they were good as new. Yet your papers don't mention this...I've done some reading." Jake said, as he looked at Carlos with wonder.

"And just what are you saying?" Carlos asked.

"That you found some kind of a cure...Something you're not telling the world about. Something that might save millions from Ebola, and other diseases." Jake said, as he started to sound crazy.

"I think you've read too much. It was just luck, and good medical practices that saved them." Carlos said, as he began to walk away.

"And I contacted some old patients of your from your private practice days. Cancer, AIDS, and a lot worse...All of them, miraculously healed. What are you trying to hide!?" Jake yelled, as Carlos turned around quickly and grabbed the young man by the throat.

Jake could feel his windpipe closing in on itself, as he began to shake and convulse, his blood boiling.

"I took an oath to do no harm, and that's what I did for those people. Don't make me break it for you. Abandon your little theories of some miracle cure that doesn't exist, and I'd suggest you drop my class and never come near me again. Got it?" Carlos said, as he let go and Jake returned to normal.

Jake nodded as Carlos looked at him.

"Now get out of here." Carlos said, as Jake stood up and took off down the halls.

Carlos wiped some sweat off his brow, before regaining his composure and walking out of the medical building, making his way through the campus and towards Davis Hall.

As he was about to enter the building, Kat and Kyros touched down in front of him.

"Kat, Kyros." Carlos said, as the two looked at him with embarrassment.

"Doctor Oded." Kyros replied, as he avoided eye contact with him.

"I hope for all our sakes, no one saw you two flying here. Come, we're running late." Carlos said as he opened the door and led the two into the building.

They made their way into the basement, walking to the same wall Davin and Ross had leaned against and entered the secret mausoleum behind it. The others were already gathered, sitting a long table, Sherry at the head of the table.

Carlos cast an apologetic nod towards Sherry, as he closed the passage way and made his way to the seat beside Sherry.

"Well, ladies and gentleman, let's begin. This emergency meeting of the Marauders is now in order. I've called you all here to discuss a new arrival, as I told you would come. He has arrived, and tomorrow I shall make the reveal to him, as I had done for all of you." Sherry said, as she stood up from her seat.

"I know he will join us, and together, we shall become the group that I sought to establish here for so many years. We are ready, and he will complete us." Sherry said, as she took out a small folder and tossed some photos of Eric onto the table....

End of Prologue Part One


OOC: As mentioned, NO ONE reply to this thread until the game starts. I've established most of the NPCs you'll be dealing with in this post, as well as subtle hints to most of their abilities with the exception of a few which will come in later posts. Enjoy the read, I hope.

[Jerub-baal]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Alexandria, Virginia, 2012
IC: Brendan O'Hara

Brendan stopped and smiled slightly, pushing a bit of hair out of his eyes. "Yeah. Well. I'm no Oscar Wilde, but I am sure earnest, heh" Brendan said self-consciously.

"Ssssooo," Brendan scratched his neck a bit, "we can either be awkward and everything here, or we can pause the trivial comedy for serious people," Brendan said with a sort of 'hurr literary reference hurr' smug chuckle that was enough to remind everyone that despite being a hirsute boor most of the time, he still was a book shop owner with enough culture(or ability to fake culture) to hold his own, "and get some food. The kind that is eaten?"

[tag: Bubs, WickedM]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Last Chance Pub, Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: George Black

George laughed slightly as he watched Raven.

"No, you're not in any trouble, at least none that I'm aware of." George said, as he looked at her for a moment.

"As you probably know, us NSA types usual deal with telecommunications and transmissions, nothing like what I'm doing now...But as fate would have it, I'm the closest thing to a Federal Agent they've got in these parts." George said, as he reached into his pocket and took out a sheet of paper.

"We got faxed a list early today, by some bureaucrat over at the United Nations...Eric Jones, one of those young fellas who 'came out' at Berkeley about evolved humans a year ago. He faxed us this list, told us to track down who we could because he wants to speak with everyone on it. You can look, see if there's any other names you recognize." George said, as he slid the piece of paper across the table.

"Now, I'm going to assume that this has something to do with the EH-words, whether or not that's a correct assumption...Now, I've been given a first class plane ticket to New York City, and been told to give it to you and escort you to the nearest airport if you agree to go and speak with Mr. Jones." George said, as he took a breath.

"Frankly, I don't care strongly one way or another whether or not you go. However, if you don't...I'm going to assume that means you're hiding something, and then you're going to be flagged as a person of interest on a lot of government lists...blah blah blah...So, it's probably in your best interest to go." George told her, as he took the plane ticket out of his jacket.

"So, what do you say?"

[TAG: Sylar JPC]

***********

Seattle, Washington, Local Mall
IC: Brian Carlin

Brian smiled as he sat down beside her, as put out his hand.

"I'm Brian." He said, as she looked at him, giving him the clear impression that she wasn't going to shake his hand.

"You can relax, Lakshmi, you're not in any trouble. I just need a few minutes of your time to have a little conversation with you. I'd advise you not to run, you wouldn't get very far."

[TAG: DP]

[Dear Prudence]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Seattle, Washington
Local Mall
IC: Lakshmi Kumar

Her eyes widened.
The was getting scary for her, her grasp on her cup got tighter as it crumpled under her hands.
Lakshmi didn't shake his hand, she only touched the dead. Live human touch was odd, awkward, unnecessary and she hated it.

"What...is it about?"

Hesitation was in her voice as she looked back at him, remembering his words about running.
She was on the edge of her seat, ready to dash and scream for help, Stranger Danger most likely from what she learned in school. But she knew it was a joke, nobody would help you if you screamed stranger danger and a strange person snatched you up, they'd just wonder what the hell was going on and get back to what they were doing.

"How do you know my name?
Nobody knows my name."

[Tag: Bennet]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Seattle, Washington, Local Mall
IC: Brian Carlin

"Well, obviously that's not true...I know it, and some friends of mine back in New York know it." Brian answered, as he looked at her.

"It's alright, I'm not here to hurt you, Lakshmi, I just need to talk to you." Brian said, as he took out some paper from his pants pocket.

"This list got forwarded to our office, it came from New York, from an office inside the United Nations. It's a list of people within the United States a certain diplomat wants to speak with, Eric Jones, perhaps you've heard of him?" Brian asked, not waiting for a response as he kept going in his speech.

"They sent it off to numerous people, trying to optimize their odds of finding everyone on it. And you're name, is right there. Now, I don't know what it's about, but considering Eric Jones is involved...It probably has something to do with evolved humans." Brian said, quieter than most of his other words.

"Whether or not you are one, I don't care. A few people in this food court might, though. So, if you start screaming for help or think I'm not on the level, go ahead and scream for help...I'll just tell them what you are, and then there's no one who's going to help you...Not in Seattle of all places, this is hardcore Dobbs country." Brian said, as he thought to the mission he'd been pulled from to come to the mall.

"I've been instructed to take you to an airport and get you on a plane to New York, expenses paid so you don't have to worry about how to pay for it. Once you're there...Well, I don't know what happens when you get there, you'll have to talk to Jones about that one. Either way, you have a choice: Are you going to go?"

[TAG: DP]

[Sylar JPC]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Last Chance Pub, Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: Raven Spire

Removing her hand from the sunlight she pulls the paper towards herself, glancing through the names. Shaking her head she pushes the paper back "No..never seen anyone on the list, sorry"she says allowing her smile to fade. If this man came to hurt her no doubt he would have attempted to do so, its not like there are tons of witnesses. Raven stood walking behind the bar " So..I really dont have a choice do I?" she asks grabbing her jacket.

[Tag:Bennet]

[Dear Prudence]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Seattle, Washington
Local Mall
IC: Lakshmi Kumar


Her face hardened as he spoke, she leaned in to hear him speak as he got softer about evolved humans.
Lakshmi knew she was one when she began watching the news, stories of attacks on people who could do, 'special things'.
But she looked at him with curiosity as he went on.
It was too hard to believe, what would the government want with her of all people.
"You're joking, right?"
Did he honestly expect her to leave her new home, go on a plane to New York and wait for some guy, an Eric Jones. She laughed a little at what he said.
But sometimes you had to take risks in life, and he sounded legit.
"Do you have proof or something, or are you some creepy guy that wants me to leave this place alone with you so you can rob me, or something like that."
Lakshmi didn't feel like joining her friends beyond the grave, not just yet.

[Tag: Bennet]

[Misunderstood]

((OOC: Didn't do EXACTLY what I wanted...but whatever))

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Boston, Massachusetts – "Harper’s Auto”
IC: Harper

Walter -- Harper’s desk clerk -- looked up as the door sounded, a man with a grim look upon his face, ducking through the doorway. He stood at least 6’ 7”. Narrowing his eyes at the older gent, Walter stood upright.

“May I help you?” he asked.

“I want to speak with the mechanic…” he growled as he slammed a muffler down upon the counter. “Now….” He boomed. Walter swallowed and nodded, walking to the door into the shop, opening it, calling for Harper.

The 5’6” man walked into the front, wiping his oily hands upon his cloth, jumper pulled down from his shoulders, tied around his waist, leaving a dirty white wife beater. “I’m Seamus Harper…” he extended his hand. “You wanted to speak with me?” He asked.

The man glanced down at the extended hand and scoffed. “You are responsible for tampering with my muffler…”

Raising his brow Harper looked down at the muffler, looking it over. “Oh really?”

“Yea…I came in here for a fix and you said it was fine, didn’t need to be replaced…then it fell off just like that.” He snapped his fingers, looming over the counter and breathing down Harper’s neck.

“Just like that eh…” Harper said, turning it over. “Well now….see…this is the problem here...” he ran a hand through his hair; not caring for the grime for his hair was already dirty to begin with. “The muffler was fine when it left my shop…it was in good condition…” he looked down at the part.

“You see here?” He leaned over the counter, causing the man to stoop to his level. “Those marks riiight there…are made by your basic wrench…” he smirked and looked up at him.

“See I know you took your tools to this muffler so you could come back here and try to scam me out of money…however…my tools did not make those marks…” he said as he stood, narrowing his eyes.

The man slammed his fist down onto the table. “No…YOU messed with it so it would fall off so YOU would scam ME out of money…” Standing upright, the man glared down at the small man.

Harper gave out a hearty laugh. “You are so full of sh*t…” he tossed the muffler across the counter. “Take your sabotaged parts and find a dumb mechanic…this one’s not swayed by height nor attitude…” Turning back he headed towards the shop door.

“Freak…” the man scoffed as he saw the marks upon Harper’s back. This caused him to stop in his tracks and turn on his heels. Slyly smiling at the fact he got the man’s attention, the taller gent took his muffler. “I wouldn’t want you touching my car anyway…you’d mess it up because you yourself are a screw up.”

Harper tilted his head at the man, remaining silent.

“Oh yes…a screw up…”

“Hmmmm….” Harper raised a finger to his bottom lip where he tapped it. “A screw up you say…” He shrugged. “All the same…I’m not the one who just wrecked my car…have a good day.”

Harper pushed the door open to his shop as he grabbed the next sheet, glancing over what work needed to be done, bobbing his head to the beat as he started to sing along once more, twirling in place as he grabbed the tools needed for the next car.

[Tag: none]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Buffalo, Wyoming, Last Chance Pub
IC: George Black

"Oh, there's a choice." George said, as he stood up from the table.

"But as always, there's a right choice and a wrong choice. Not going would be a wrong choice...It would start simply enough, a tax audit...Then move on to no-fly lists, surveillance, background checks of everyone you ever knew...And then one night, a bunch of black ops people might storm your house and drag you and everyone else there to a secret location to be 'questioned'. I doubt that's what you want, so my advice would be to go." George told her, as he gathered his own stuff and placed some cash on the table for the beer.

"So, do you have a vehicle, or are we taking mine?"

[TAG: Sylar]

[Sylar JPC]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Last Chance Pub, Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: Raven Spire

Raven was already preparing to run before he began to speak about what her "choices" were. If it was just her she could care less..but never could she risk her friend and family. Sliding on her coat she makes a quick call to Rachel the other girl that was scheduled to come in a couple hours "Hey Rachel? Im going to need you to come in early" pausing for a moment allowing her to respond "No everythings fine..just realized I have an errand to run" glancing over the bar at the agent "I'll lock up...see you" she finishes the conversation, hanging up the phone.
"Small town...dont really need or have a car"

[Tag: Bennet]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: George Black

"Well then, I guess we're taking mine." George said, as he walked out of the bar with Raven, into an empty parking lot.

George took out his cellphone, dialing a number, as a dust trail could be seen in the distance. Within a matter of minutes, a large black SUV was in the parking lot, along with a rather burly looking man who was driving it. George opened the back door and motioned for Raven to climb in.

"Don't worry about Hector, he tends to keep to himself." George said, as he motioned at the driver.

"Go ahead, climb in." George said, as he opened the passenger side and prepared to climb into the vehicle himself.

[TAG: Sylar]

**********

Seattle, Washington
IC: Brian Carlin

"Proof? Well, that's the harder part." Brian said, as he looked down at the list on the table.

"That list should be enough proof, but I guess you're not going to come along until you know I'm not some kind of homicidal maniac who's going to hack you into little pieces once you come along with me. Fine." Brian said, as he pressed a button on his watch then held it up to his mouth.

Brian scoffed a little at what he was about to say, a stupid codeword that a bakery obsessed CT came up with.

"Cookie jar." Brian said into his watch, as he lowered it quickly from his lips.

Within the seconds, the doors of the mall flew open as men rushed in, each wearing a trench coat and sunglasses, pistols in their hands. They made their way to the food court, stopping a few inches away from Brian and Lakshmi's table.

"More Agents for you to deal with, on loan from the CIA. Thanks guys...Of course, this now means I have to make it look like I'm arresting you." Brian said, as he stood up and motioned for Lakshmi to do the same.

"I'll assume we don't need the handcuffs, I'll give you that much. Now come on, up...If you keep sitting there, someone with a camera will make sure you make the six o'clock news." Brian warned her, as he motioned again for her to stand up.

[TAG: DP]

[EllesSacrifice]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Mid-Afternoon
New York, Hotel
IC: Alicia Baker

Alicia heard his words, but she didn't trust them.'Why chance it? Pop into the lobby already..' She sighed disagreeing with herself, again. "Alright..." 'He does look somewhat familiar' She closed the door and slid off the chained lock. 'You got this.' she thought. Taking a moment to calm herself and gain her breathe, she reopened the door and with her hands motioned him past her towards the living room. 'Like me huh?'

"So you think you're like me?" she asked with a sarcastic smile as she closed the door, putting the lock back on it, instinctively, running her hands over it's wooden frame. "I doubt that." She added, popping over behind him and giving him a tap on the shoulder. "You were saying?"

Before he could answer she teleported over to the kitchen. "Want something to drink" she asked as a stray thought passed through her head 'Maybe a knife' She looked around waiting for his answer.


[Tag: Bennet]

[Admiral Cheesema...]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana
IC: Josie Dammer

Josie was mildly worried. At least twenty people had seen the man accost her, and then fall dead. There would be some kind of search. If she could avoid the police for three days or so, the coroner's report would certainly put her in the clear. Nobody investigated heart attacks, especially in New Orleans, which still hadn't fully recovered form the hurricane. She had stowed the hat in her satchel, and her hair was done up to be curly and messy. As "Jessica" she had looked to be about 30. Josie Dammer, however, was 18, and her current attire reflected this. She looked like a typical college student, bored and disaffected. It was interesting to see how one's social position and status affected perceptions. She doubted Lazlo would recognize her like this, not to mention the New Orleans police.
She was indulging in her favorite pasttime: the zoo. She had taken the riverboat from the French Quarter all the way out to the New Orleans Zoo, in the Garden District.
Though she liked the flightless birds, the jaguar, the African animals, the creatures that really captured her imagination were the alligators. There was a boardwalk constructed, under around which which the massive gray-green gators lounged, lazily basking in the sun. Josie felt a certain sort of kinship with them. She purchased a BBQ Pork sandwich, and sat at a table admiring the gators, and, like them, basking in the sun.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be one of them, she wondered to herself. Free of fear, undisputed king of the swamp, livin' large. They didn't have to worry about the police when they killed something.

[Tag: Now, Bennet, NOW!]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
New York, Hotel
IC: Eric Jones

Eric couldn't help but smile as Alicia did her thing, popping in behind him then disappearing into the kitchen.

"No thank you, I'm quite hydrated." Eric responded, as he walked into the hotel room and took a look around.

"Nice place...Certainly better than the motel they stuff me into when I'm here." Eric said, as he walked into the kitchen after her.

"And no, I'm not like you. We're all different, in our own ways. I may not be able to teleport, but I can tell you about anything from books I've never read. You can test that if you like, just don't ask me about people...I can't quite do that. I get flashes, now and then, but never enough to form a cognitive sentence about it." Eric said, with a bashful smile as he looked at Alicia.

"Although, I suppose you don't care too much about what I can do. You're probably wondering why I'm here."

[TAG: Elle]

*************

New Orleans, Zoo
IC: Lauren Taylor

Lauren brushed the hair out of her eyes, as she walked around the zoo. They had gotten a tip that someone matching the description put out had been spotted walking around the zoo. She wasn't sure if they would still be there, but she could hope.

She took the old warn picture out of her jacket, the picture was of a much younger woman, but forensics had used a nifty computer program to age her up a bit. If they did a good job, she was looking at what Josie Dammers should look like.

Lauren walked around, she decided to check the dangerous animals first. From what she knew of the 'Dammers' history that got faxed to her office, chances were she liked watching things getting torn apart. Lauren made her way to the alligator tank, and that's where she saw her, sitting at a table enjoying some type of sandwich.

Lauren made her way slowly to her, keeping her badge hidden underneath the long coat that she was wearing. There were some days when she was glad she was a plain clothed officer.

"You know, I think they'd like it if you threw them some of that sandwich." Lauren said, as she got close enough to see the meat in between the bread.

Lauren got slightly closer, as she smiled at the young woman.

"I'm not going to bullshit you Josie, there's two ways we can do this. One; we can sit down and talk like civilized people and I can let you know why I'm here...Or two; a bunch of my friends can help me take you downtown for the chat we could have had here." Lauren said, as she sat down in a chair across from Josie.

"You're call."

[TAG: Cheese]

[Sylar JPC]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Last Chance Pub, Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: Raven Spire

Raven followed the agent out quickly locking up the doors behind them. It was not long till a large black SUV pulled into parking lot. The man driving sent a slight shiver down her spine but quickly disappeared when the agent told her not to worry. Shaking her head at herself for taking anything the man said to heart. Pulling open the door Raven slides in growing more nervous about the situation. Did he know and only want her because of her ability? she asks herself quickly buckling up.

Look...whenever your scared just hold onto this

The words replaying through her head causing her fingers to wrap around the ring hanging from the small silver chain on her neck. Closing her eyes she begins to breath in slowly calming herself down.

[Tag: Bennet]

[Bennet]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Buffalo, Wyoming, Outskirts
IC: George Black

George watched as Raven sat in the back of the SUV, playing with a ring that she had tied around her neck.

"We'll be at the airport in a few hours, feel free to sleep or think, or what ever it is you like to do on car rides." George said, as he glanced back for a few seconds, then turned to look back out at the Wyoming landscape.

"It's beautiful out here." George said, just openly in the car, not sure if he was talking to Raven or Hector.

"When I was first told I was being stationed out here, I was a little disappointed about it. Thought they were removing an old man from where the action was...But, I have to admit the fresh air and open spaces have done me some good." George added, as he glanced around at the Wyoming landscape.

George looked into the back, looking at Raven.

"Have you lived in Wyoming long? I don't mean to pry, but it's a long drive and Hector isn't much of a talker. You don't have to talk, but its a good time killer."

[TAG: Sylar]

[Zensu14]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Dallas, Texas
Bar
IC: Matthew Lewis

He walked into the bar and looked around the place. Most of the usual patrons were there, maybe one or two new faces, he wasn't sure and frankly, he didn't care.

He walked over to the dartboard and grabbed the darts, prepared to play a game. He smirked on the inside as someone, apparently new to the place, took him up on a challenge, betting a nice $10 that he couldn't throw a bulls-eye.

"Well, we'll have to see about that, now won't we?" Matt said as he ordered a glass of water, setting the money on the counter. The bartender gave him his drink and Matt swished the tip of a dart around in it. He'd done it numerous times before in front of this crowd, claiming that he preferred his darts clean of 'bad aim'.

In all actuality, he was dampening the dart to where he could easily re-direct the throw of the dart to hit the bulls-eye. He did it when it was going to be close to the target so it didn't look odd that the dart suddenly changed course mid-flight.

He smirked a bit more as he walked back toward the dartboard. "You sir." he said, bending his arm back some. "Need to listen to everybody when they say to not challenge that guy." he added, moving his arm forward and letting it go of the dart. He tweaked its path a bit and watched as it made a bulls-eye.

He held out his palm and the man gave him the money, to which Matt just smirked and sat down at a table, opening his newspaper to read it while he used the money to get a new glass of water.

[Tag: Bennet]

[Admiral Cheesema...]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana
IC: Josie Dammer

Lucky fukkin alligators... Josie looked at the women with unconcealed contempt.
"If you know who I am, then you know you're risking your life even talking to me. The gators have the zookeepers, but what have you got? I'm not afraid of your threats, but...I can be reasonable. One thing that separates me from them is that I can reason. And I would guess it's a reasonable course of action to deal with you. Judging by the way you approached me, you're not really looking to arrest me. Then...what is it? The government typically doesn't hunt for legally dead people. Could it be...ah. It's not a coincidence. This is tied into that whole civil war thingy that happened a while back. That asshole wanted me to join that loony Guild thing, or kill me if I refused. And I suppose you're representing the other side, asking me to do my part, and help save the world." She laughed sardonically.
"I was always pretty good at guessing games. 'Sides, if the Cult nutters are out and about recruiting again, something's gotta be up. I didn't know the government was so desperate as to look for dead people, though. So, am I right, or am I really right?"

[Tag: Bennet]

(OOC: EDITED )

[Sylar JPC]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Last Chance Pub, Buffalo, Wyoming
IC: Raven Spire

Raven was so caught up in her thoughts she failed to notice that the agent was speaking to her. Lifting her head she listens in trying to take her attention off her all ready clouded mind.

"It is very beautiful out here"she replies looking off into the distance "Shame I have to leave..." cracking a sarcastic smile. This place was amazing which was more then she could say for Chicago. Sighing she allows her fingers to leave the comfort of the ring, gently running her hand through her hair. It was hard to tell if this agent was attempting to strike random conversation or if his questions were actually more. Either way the last thing she wanted to do was fall asleep on the car ride so maybe conversation was not a bad thing.

"Ever since I was sixteen"she says with a smile "It takes a little time to adjust...but after a while it just fits perfectly."

[Tag: Bennet]

[wickedm]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Alexandria, Virginia, 2012 the bookstore ~~~ O’Connell’s Pub
IC: Kari Martel

“Well, that makes three of us, I like food too.” She smiled taking Aiofe’s hand and giving it a friendly shake. “It’s nice to meet you Aiofe.”

“Why don’t we head over to O’Connell’s I’m in the mood for potato leek soup.” Kari grabbed a light sweater to cover the slightly mangled t-shirt she’d thrown on to work in and the trio moved up the block to the touristy yet cozy Irish pub.

It was just after lunch and the only people left in the place were the tourists who wanted to say they ate in Old Town. They snagged one of the snugs that would give them some privacy while still looking out on the street and over at Brennan’s Bar across the way.

“So Bren’s old friend, how do you two know each other?” Her eyes sparkled with some mischief, loving that Brendan would squirm a little at question. This person was from his past, something he didn’t talk about a lot but in Kari’s mind the past was over with and they were now each other’s future. That’s really what mattered to her.

(Tag Dez & Bub)

[Jerub-baal]

Chapter One: The Gathering Storm
Day One, Afternoon
Alexandria, Virginia, 2012
IC: Brendan O'Hara

And squirm he did, as Brendan thought back to how he met his friend. "It's a funny story, actually," Brendan said, then became suddenly quiet. Brendan squirmed a bit more, busying himself with taking off his leather jacket and putting it over the back of his seat, feeling a bit more comfortable in his grey, slightly tattered What Would Batman Do t-shirt and blue jeans.

"I'm just not exactly sure on how to tell it without making myself sound like a total jerk," Brendan said. "I met Aiofe on a plane to..." Brendan thought for a minute, "I don't really remember, I think that was during my 'finding myself' period, I was all over the place. But yes, I met her on the plane, she had the seat across the aisle from me. And of course, me being me and her being...her, of the female gender, you know what I mean..." Brendan sighed, it wasn't exactly the kind of thing he liked to come up in conversation with his wife, his former attempted conquests.

Brendan shrugged, chuckling once more. "I put the moves on, being much more smooth than I am at this moment obviously, numbers were exchanged, and then the flight ended." Brendan's face scrunched up a bit, it wasn't a wonderful memory. "Attendant came by with her wheelchair, I...I freaked out, with the blabbing idiot routine and all, she took it all in rather marvelous stride. Umm...we've kept in contact every now and then since then, though we kind of lost touch a while back, until now." Brendan looked at Aiofe pleadingly, like please get us off this oh-so-uncomfortable subject "So, what brings you to Virginia? What are you doing these days? What's it like to be you? Other questions trying to get off this topic?"

[tag: Bubs, Wicked]

((OOC: Brendan shares his taste in t-shirts and tendency to babble and be barely coherent while uncomfortably stressed with me. Take that as you will.))