fourteen swords seek the light.

[swordedpast]

[ text, locked to the following: Mordin Solus, Curt Connors, Tony Stark, Hank McCoy, Peter Parker. ]

It'd be polite of me to introduce myself, since I think only one of you knows me, but I don't really care. All of you are involved with science or technology, so you'll be useful. That's all that matters.

This is about Vulcanus. Is that enough to get your attention? If not, I don't think I need to bother with you after all.

Incidentally, if this isn't addressed to you but you're clever enough with hacking to read it anyway, you'd be useful as well.

[ END LOCKED CONTENT. ]

[ video ]

[ Archer's in his apartment, finishing up attending to some household tasks. He's just traded in a dusting rag for his communicator. ]

What's the most useless power you've seen the 'Porter bestow on someone?

I've recently learned of a truly pathetic one, so I'm curious.

[ OOC: The filtered content is in reference to this plot. Archer is making good on his plans to start hunting Vulcanus through the power of research. ]

Comments

[swordedpast]

Don't be disappointed, but it starts off in the most mundane of ways.

They'd have to be looking for some really specific advances. How many people intensively study xenobiology and genetic engineering, while networking with people who research technological applications of quantum mechanics? Well, the world is a strange place and scientists can be funny people, so there must be some. But how many of them regularly travel to Dolvania? What if they changed their area of study abruptly in the past two years? You know, that sort of thing.

[liverletdie]

It's an interesting thought.

I hope you're not concerned that import scientists are doing that. I take it you're asking us if we've heard anything, or if we can look?

[swordedpast]

Of course, that's what I meant. Do you think I'd even talk to you so openly if I were worried you were the enemy?

[ Soft laughter. ]

No. Consider yourself allies for the time being.

[liverletdie]

Hey, first off? I don't consider someone a resource to be trusted unless I've made that determination.

Second, let's talk about what you get out of it, and why. Sorry, consider me paranoid.

[swordedpast]

Oh, my apologies. You're as cynical and embittered as I am, huh?

[ His tone says he doubts it. His tone says he considers himself king of cynical and embittered mountain. But, moving on! ]

I get to use the information you find to organize a strike at Vulcanus. They're a threat to the peace here and possibly a threat to my own world as well, the way things are going. That's all.

[liverletdie]

No, I'm pragmatic.

[ A pause. Well, if the information needs to be withheld, it's not like he can't stop it. ]

If we find it, I want in.

Believe me, it's not going to sound that bad, when you get right down to it. I'm handy to have around.

[ And also a pain in the ass if he's not leading it, but he won't admit that. ]

[swordedpast]

[ A pause. ]

Fine. It's a deal. You must have some use beyond mere business if you've made so much of yourself here, after all.

[liverletdie]

Do you not know my other line of work?

I haven't exactly kept it a secret.

[swordedpast]

[ A snort. ]

Yes, yes, you're a superhero. I'll tolerate it for these purposes.

[liverletdie]

No, I hate that term. It's ridiculous. Superhuman, maybe, but not a hero.

If anything, you'll do more than just tolerate it. You'll be thankful you brought me along.

[swordedpast]

...ah.

[ The disdain ebbs away from his voice, just like that. ]

I see. Yeah, that'll be useful.

[liverletdie]

See? We can all play along quite nicely.

[ He sounds pleased enough. He's kind of a dick! ]

Believe me, you need someone to watch things and figure something out, I'm your man.

[swordedpast]

Hmph, I can do the same thing.

[ Yeah, this may not go well, considering Archer's also kind of a dick. ]

...but my talents alone won't do the job, and you have more connections and the right kind of experience.

[liverletdie]

You're right, I do.

And looking for something like this? This I can do.

[swordedpast]

Good. Will you contact me if you find something, Tony Stark?

[liverletdie]

That's what I meant by it, yes.