Hydra Corp. Main Lobby and Halls.

[Bernard]

((SP 0 of 82 Exp 8/10))
HP:=120
KARMA:0+2
Focus skill 19/20
Fatigued
----

"Yes, we've been covering it up this entire time." Rycroft spoke as he entered the room.

Rycroft and a female agent holding a tray walked into the room. The female agent handed Bernard a platter. Food was a welcomed site with which the red head waisted little time wrapping a breakfast sausage in a pancake bun. The sweet maple pig in a blaket was quickly consumed. The Sensitive couldn’t help but notice the strage look upon Jeanette’s face at his arrival. The executive spoke candidly as the blonde Cataloger looked on.

”….. With Glory here we plan to cure her while allowing her to keep her new enhanced abilities."

The news hit him like a ton of bricks. The Sensitive managed to maintain some semblance of composure issuing a relatively benign response despite the bombshell.

”So am I to understand the current gas doesn’t actually cure the mutation but only supressress the psychotic mood swings? Bernard quiried.

Rycroft continued. ” "You are probably wondering why I am sharing all of this information... “
Bernard had all but lost his appetite by this point of Rycroft’s delaration although the famished guest had already managed to put away a good portion of the meal to this point. His stomach churned as he swallowed the bitter pill that this might well be the end.

”I have a very good reason and would like to show you our latest project. I do believe that you will be the key to help her find her way back to humanity. With your help, we could do a lot of good for this city. How would you to take a small walk to see what we have been working on?”


Perhaps it was a blessing not to have walked through those doors at peak performance level. If he had he most likely would not have survived any confrontation. The offer was likely nothing more than a rouse to get the Sensitive to a more convenient location. Given the company, Rycroroft’s unsolicited candor fueled even more questions. Had Bernard been one step behind all along? The costumed vigilante saw little option but to play along.

”I’m game.” The Sensitive replied. ”Lead the way!

[FG Admin]

”So am I to understand the current gas doesn’t actually cure the mutation but only suppress the psychotic mood swings?" Bernard quiried.

A slight smile crept across Rycroft's face, much like the one that had appeared on Jeannette's face just moments before. Jeannette squinted her eyes at Rycroft.
"Sir, I don't think we should let him see that area. Perhaps he should get some rest and we pick up tomorrow..." She suggested.

Rycroft raised a hand to dismiss her, ignoring her words altogether to continue talking with Bernard.

"That is what I would like to show you. We had a very promising psychiatrist that worked for us that made a huge breakthrough with the way the Consumer mind works. As I said earlier, with Glory here we can isolate their behavior. Meaning, yes she could keep the abilities without being psychotic. Or, any of the former Consumers for that matter. At the moment we would simply cure all the infected and restore them back to normal, only having a select special team to wield the enhanced powers. Think of it this way, the Yellow performance enhancing serum could be triggered at will, giving you a huge boost to your existing powers without the crash. The only side effect would be that you would need to consume a large amount of food at the end of the day, but I am sure that is quite reasonable...
Walk with me, Glory will be here when you return." He reassured.

He led Bernard back out to the main hall towards the elevator. The second Jeannette was standing there directing the agents and giving orders as if the first had never left her post. The first Cataloger Bernard saw however did not follow them out to the hall, she stayed in the room with Glory. Rycroft stepped onto the elevator and removed a key from his jacket and inserted it into a small hole located just below the normal buttons, the doors closed and they began their descent into the sub-basement. 

"I'm sure you aren't very trusting of us, but I would like to extend the offer that I proposed at the Mayor's office once more. With you fighting for us you could continue what you are doing without interference from the authorities. As promised, we will wipe your record clean. You could proceed acting as Omen with us lending you state of the art equipment and supplies. Think it over. Before answering, I would like you to meet someone a bit like you..." He extended a hand to allow Bernard to walk ahead.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a pristine white hallway with large metal blast doors, a mirror image of the basement halls located in District Zero. 

[Bernard]

((SP 0 of 82 Exp 8/10))
HP:=120
KARMA:0+2
Focus skill 19/20
----

”….Think it over. Before answering, I would like you to meet someone a bit like you..."
Rycroft extended a hand to allow Bernard to walk ahead.

Curiouser and Curiouser. That was the only way to explain it as Bernard was guided further down the rabbit hole. It culminated in the shade wearing executive’s final statement as they reached the bottom and the doors opened. Rycroft extended a hand motioning the Sensitive to walk ahead into the pristine white hallway with large metal blast doors. A mirror image of the basement halls he had traversed in District Zero. The feeling was almost surreal as the red head looked around in amazement.

”Was this a dream?

”Stephen had mentioned a place such as this?” Bernard elaborated as he slowly made his way down the hall toward the blast doors. ”Showing me all this, I’m curious as to why the good doctor was slated for termination? Had he surpassed his usefulness? Is that what I am to become? Hydra’s cleaner?

”in any case, I’m sure you will agree my services are worth far more than a few tinkets and gadjets.” Bernard remarked reaching the doors. He looked back at Rycroft. ” Like me huh? You have my attention. Make the introductions.”

[FG Admin]

They walked into a pristine white lab at the end of the hall to reveal a decent sized room with smaller glass rooms lining the walls. Inside the glass rooms was a single person, a cot and a toilet, they looked a lot like some type of special prison. In total there were about eight glass rooms, four on the left and four on the right. There were four special clones in the room wearing heavy black armor, they were closely watching everyone in the room but they appeared to be unarmed and had their hands patiently folded behind their back.

”Stephen had mentioned a place such as this?” Bernard elaborated

Rycroft stuck his hands in his pockets as he walked along. "Did he now...?" He spoke the words dryly.

"He went insane. That is a topic for another time though." He said matter of factually.

"Yes, a man of your caliber must have a very high price. You said you wanted Club Exxel as well as a Vita-tank, the Ace's base was all but destroyed, but I am sure our team can salvage what is left of it. A cleaner makes it sound like you do our dirty work... You would be more of... a hidden ace. Consider the club your own base of operations, we would lend you a team of clones that you can command as your own as well. For the most part you could continue operating on your own, something like a shadow agent of ours... However, the only catch would be that if we need you to handle a difficult task, you come back to assist us. Such as, taking on a target much like Glory. You'd be surprised at how many others are at her skill level... I think everyone would win in the long run..." He gave a slight shrug as if the topic wasn't that big of a deal.

In the center of the room was a man in a suit standing hunched over a computer terminal. He straightened up and turned around to stare at Bernard and blinked his tired eyes a few times as if he was trying to understand what was happening. He was none other than Nathan Baris, the man Bernard had robbed all those weeks ago at club Exxel. It didn't look like Nathan recognized him through his disguise though.

"That is Doctor Baris, he has been doing a lot of research on the Consumers after his Grandfather passed. On your right in the farthest glass cell is Manfred Hollis Garb, also known as 'Clarity'... He is a fellow Mind-bender much like you. We discovered that when his eyes began to fail him his mind opened up, he can read minds, make people do as he wants and has the ability to see the future. He has quite the gift, but mostly used it to satiate his own twisted fetishes. Funny thing is that Doctor Baris' sister actually captured that one and brought him in not too long ago. It took a bit of work, but we were able to piece him back together and patch him up. Together they have been combing the minds of the Consumers to learn more in an attempt to bring them back to sanity. In case you had failed the mission, we were working on alternative methods to restore them." Rycroft now looked to Bernard and stared at him.


((I was lazy with Nathan's picture, his face is a preset face that was already made. ))

[Bernard]

((SP 0 of 82 Exp 8/10))
HP:=120
KARMA:0+2
Focus skill 19/20

((Observation-Give me a sign- roll= ++))
intimidation-+5
----
The Sensitive looked nervously about the room.

Well played Mr Rycroft!
I appeared Bernard had been all but wrapped in a bow to be presented to the victor. But as with any wild animal, they were always most dangerous when cornered.

”So, am I to assume that should I refuse your generous offer I am to inhabit one of these cells like Mr Garb for your amusement?” Bernard began dryly.

His gaze rested briefly upon the man displayed within the glass room. Bernard doubted that Naida currently wielded the talent to bring in a mind bender with similar abilities to that which he possessed. Even a fledgling such as Manfred. No,the man in the box was likely nothing more than a diversion. The masked red head continued to walk about the pristine white room eyeing up the four special clones in the room wearing heavy black armor.

”You say Dr. Guy was insane but he had taken you this far. Next generation clones complete with synthesized abilities. Nothing too over the top I suspect. Not with all the control issues. A power blocker perhaps to keep your captives in line as you carry out your research?”

The red head let it go moving on in his deliberations.

” You see, I’m still not quite convinced this gig will live up to all the hype. There is really nothing more to further my services than what was promised to me to enter the District in the first place. I’ve surpassed your expectations and that intrigues you.

”You’re amassing quite an army Mr. Rycroft. One must wonder for whom? We both know you are not what you seem. If the stories involving your run in with Phantan are true and you yourself are a clone, I find it hard to believe that with all the operational flaws found within your relatives, one such as yourself would be found in a position of power making all the decisions. NOT without a handler."

”Tell you what Vladimir, take off those glasses, look me in the eye and answer me THIS and I’m all yours.”

Bernard lowered his hood, removed his spectacles and stepped forward, getting up into the executive’s face to study him closely.

”Who holds the strings to the specicious king of this empire? Show me the wizard behind the curtain.”

[FG Admin]

Rycroft pursed his lips, but he did as he was asked and slowly removed his sunglasses to reveal the synthetic eyes behind them, placing the glasses in one of his pockets. At this point both men seemed to be losing interests and were talking dryly. Nathan just watched with a perplexed look on his face, listening as the two men spoke.

"How this plays out is entirely up to you. Having someone of your talents behind that glass is such a waste of potential, but if you are running around without control... that causes problems. The fact of the matter is, I am only one of many that runs this business. Hydra has many heads." He walked over to one of the other glasses nearest them and looked inside.

"This is true, the original Rycroft was killed... the original Jeannette died ages ago from a terminal illness, both the women you saw up above are clones... there is another in one of the labs down here as well, all of them think that they are the originals and have been at war with each other." He shrugged again as if the problem was now obvious. He turned back to look at Bernard.

"They broke Protocol. There was only supposed to be one active clone at a time to avoid identity issues. Jeannette was the original Cataloger, she volunteered as part of a research study and donated her body to science. Stephen simply had a god complex and wanted more power and control. Both cases quickly spiraled out of control. I can assure you that I am the most reasonable out of the lot. There is one other that is still alive... One that is 'pulling the strings' so to speak. We call him, 'The Founder'... he is probably the worse out of the three..."

[Bernard]

((SP 0 of 82 Exp 8/10))
HP:=120
KARMA:0+2
Focus skill 19/20

----

I can assure you that I am the most reasonable out of the lot. There is one other that is still alive... One that is 'pulling the strings' so to speak. We call him, 'The Founder'... he is probably the worse out of the three..."

”I would very much like to meet this Founder at some point. If I am to accept, do I report to you or YOUR father?” Bernard quickly moved forward .

” There just a few details that trouble me. If they broke protocol why was nothing done about it? There seemed to be no problem executing Stephen. And why is it YOU are aware of your former existence while the Jeanette’s are kept from the truth? Surely there are records?”

As stern look crossed the Sensitive’s face.

”How.. many… others …are oblivious to WHAT they are?”Bernard slowly vocalized before narrowing the scope of his quiry.
”Are we ALL copies?

[FG Admin]

((Danger sense: 98. Might as well for RP reasons.))

Bernard's ESP sent a ping of pain that something was now changing and danger was near... warning him that he needed to leave that specific room immediately.

"Wait, what is going on here? This is madness! You have to let us go!" Nathan interrupted.

Rycroft raised a hand to silence him. "Not yet, there is more work to be done and you work as future leverage. Sorry to say but you are a pawn in a game of kings." Rycroft stated flatly. Nathan flinched and clinched his jaw.

"You can't just keep us here like prisoners!" He shouted back.

"You'll be let go soon enough, not yet. I still need your sister's cooperation. Clarity has predicted that when she learns the truth it will leave a sour taste in her mouth, we need the public to continue thinking Glory is alive. You have no idea how many criminals behave and back down knowing that she is on the way. You are my bargaining chip." Rycroft replied. He now returned his focus to Bernard, although during his exchange with Nathan he never actually physically looked at him.

"You are very perceptive, Omen. Shame that gift of yours isn't being used on our side... Mass cloning would cause problems. There are many ignorant clones... a few victims caught in the crossfire have been restored. But we try to keep it to a minimum because it becomes costly and creates long term problems. However, most are aware of it. Jeannette and Beck were loyal to my father, removing Beck was like plucking a thorn from my side. Jeannette however now has a personal grudge against you for killing her lover... Their lover..." He let off a disgusted sigh.

"I doubt she... they... will let you leave the building at this point. The funny thing with the clones... there is a genetic mutation, the more you clone a clone the more corrupt and unstable it becomes. They've gone insane. We try to fix it with Mental processors but there are now three Jeannette's all active at once. Soon one will get the idea to make another clone of herself in fear of dying." He rolled his hand in the air as if the problem was obvious.

"Stephen was more concerned about powers and not so much cloning himself. You can imagine how much work it was keeping all of this from the public. Springfield was paid millions for his work to keep this under wraps. There was no punishment for breaking protocol because it all started with the founder disregarding protocol, the others just followed orders and played god for more power. Yes, my father Bartelmus is the founder and a very powerful Sensitive. I would like you to meet him as well. He never died, but acting as chairman and running the cooperation openly would cause problems if the public never saw him age, he needed a pawn to run things publicly... Me.
With the birth of cloning and regeneration a lot of the founding members looked at themselves as gods. A power struggle followed with everyone trying to be the top head." Rycroft loosened his tie and unbuttoned his suit jacket before returning his hands to his pockets.

"Stephen and I were working together on power transfers to fight for control, we were successful and things went well, until he realized that he too could be a god and went to gain Ortega's abilities... That would have been a mess. I ordered his death. Jeannette didn't mind because the two had been competing for control and now she is one step closer to taking over. If I lose, I can guarantee you that they will be after you next. My proposal is that we work together to eliminate the last two heads of Hydra, starting with Jeannette."

[Bernard]

((SP 0 of 82 Exp 8/10))
HP:=120
KARMA:0+2
Focus skill 19/20

((Bernard ATK-let the show begin-Roll=33- that should do it))
----
Bernard smiled as the room cleared

”As you said Vladimir, I’m very perceptive. I was their prisoner as soon as I passed through Hydra's doors. Coming down here with you only served to strengthen her position. But we needed to talk.“

”As ill-timed as it may seem. I'll accept your offer. All I ask is for your patience and trust you will keep me alive until the time is right. You will know that time when it comes. And when it does you may pull your Ace from your sleeve.”

"There're coming for me Vladimir. To save face, it is best if you and me aren’t too chummy when they do." Bernard gestured toward one of the special glass prisons." Maybe it's time you escorted me to my cell.”


Without warning the red headed fugitive lunged forward in an attempt to knock the well dressed executive to the ground.


”Or at least make it look as though you were in the process!”

[FG Admin]

((Evasion: 60
Attack: 3...
Put on a show: 95. Da fudge, this dice! ))

Rycroft stared at Bernard with a slight frown upon his face as if he was trying to understand what he had just told him, and then Omen lunged and attacked him. He deftly side stepped out of the way to allow Bernard to stumble passed him, but he didn't put forth much of a fight in pushing Omen through the glass prison. However, the show seemed to be enough because two of the Jeannette's emerged with a group of clones to see Bernard attempt his attack, somehow it was enough to win them over.

"I knew he couldn't be trusted. It was a ploy to get into the building all along. Lock it down." And that's when the doors to the room locked.
The Jeannette in the lab coat put a finger to her ear. "Do it." She said flatly.

The room began to fill with a grey gas from the air vents above them. Nathan was the first to start coughing because he was the only full human in the room, next was Rycroft, then the Sensitives in the glass rooms. Nathan collapsed on the ground as the gas took effect, then Rycroft as he fell to his knees. It didn't take long for Rycroft to black out as well. The clones all had masks and breathing apparatus on so it had no effect on them, and unknown to the occupants in the room, the Jeannette's had been enhanced with artificial organs allowing them to filter the substance out of their bodies.

"Move all of the unconscious victims into the holding cells to detain them, use power blockers if necessary. As long as Doctor Baris cooperates he can continue his work when he awakes, just don't let him leave this room. Rycroft will come with us, we have a lot to discuss. I'll get to the one called Omen later..." She pressed a button on her tablet and the doors unlocked so that they could depart. The gas in the room slowly began to filter out as the air cleared.

((As long as Bernard does not act the gas will subdue him and knock him unconscious, at which point he will be held in the special glass prison.))