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]

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.