So it Begins

[Max452]

Jack Kane was sitting at his desk in his Virgina home, writing a speech for Congress. More like pleading... He thought as he glared at his hand written speech. "I sound like a moron...I've said what I've already said before." He groaned, annoyed that he hadn't been able to convince some of the members of Congress.

For three weeks he had been urging the members of Congress to validate and pass a Bill that would protect mankind from these crazy people! But most of them had all believed that he was the crazy, only going on a witch hunt for someone who put him in a wheelchair. He grinded his teeth. I only want to make sure that no one else ends up where I am. He thought sadly and pushed the notepad away.

Stressed, Kane knew that today was his last chance and he needed to get through to Congress. He sighed again, knowing full well of Senator Petrelli's urgency against his Bill, stating that there was no proof that all of the Gifted were dangerous. It was not up to Congress to dictate mankind, let alone become a country that advocated the annihilation of it.

Kane grunted at the thought of Petrelli. Wasn't he the man who also started a covert program to track and take down these people? Why had he changed his mind? He was gotten to by one of them. He thought bitterly. They somehow got him to be quiet...like how they wanted me to be quiet...well, he won't be quiet. Jack clenched the pen in his hand, unaware that these thoughts were being slowly placed in him. He wondered momentarily on how he got this way, why had he really become to hate a group of people. Why was he discriminating against them? This was not how he grew to be.
They're dangerous. They put you in a wheelchair. You need to stop them. Make Congress see. He heard himself say.

"Yes. They're dangerous. They put me in a wheelchair. I need to stop them. I need to make Congress see." He repeated the words and had an odd feeling of someone smiling in his head in approval. After a moment, Jack craned his neck to the left.

Cain emerged, pleased at his ability to hypnotize Jack. It's for your own good, really. You're just too weak. He thought as he got up from the wheelchair. Walking, he exited the study and went inside the Parlor. "Hazel." Cain called out, as he went towards the bar.

[trinn]

Sitting at the bar, Hazel held her head in her hands. This day had been boring so far. Jack had been around for most of it, fretting over that bill. A bill that only her Cain could have thought up. Brilliant, really. And because Jack had been around, she had to act like the perfect little asisstant so he wouldn't catch on to Cain, or the others. Sighing heavily, Hazel let her head fall against the bar counter with a thud. Hearing her name, Hazel bolted upright, beginning to put on a fake smile. But, wait... No, this wasn't Jack. "Cain!" she said in evident excitement, jumping up from her seat. "Finally! I missed you so much today." Hazel pouted, "Jack is such an idiot." Clapping her hands together, she skipped over to him, a hard feat to do in heels. Managing, she stopped before Cain. "What do you want me to do? I'll do it, anything." she pleaded, eager to please.

[Max452]

Cain smiled at Hazel's excitement as he approached her. Oh, poor girl... He thought, but with little emotion behind it. I'll personally end your misery when its all done...but not yet...you're too important. As Cain neared Hazel, he knew exactly what to do to gain her loyalty, well, during her obedient days. He gently pressed his hand on her shoulder and drew in to her side, as if he was going to kiss her cheek. He stopped short, knowing what it would do to her. "How's my favorite girl today?" He whispered to her and then abruptly backed off and drew a glass of bourbon for himself. "I'm so glad I can count on you today." He said, in a rather kind voice. He knew he always had to start out like this with Hazel...if she was happy, she would produce better results. "I need you to find someone for me. Someone...special. I need someone...a telepath. Can you find one for me? (OOC: I'm thinking of getting Jeriah's villain in...maybe she'll be happy now. lol) And also...I need you contact..." He stopped short and pulled out an address book. Glancing at it, he stared at the name that he had chosen. "Find Deo Alexander for me, please. I believe he's very good at persuading people." He instructed to her. "After today, I don't want any more hinderances against our project. Oh, and I will be speaking at Congress today. I don't want Jack to get confused on why he's doing this." He drank his glass and then turned and smiled at Hazel. "Can you do all this for me?" He asked her sweetly.

[trinn]

OOC: Gotcha.

Cain's touch was like a jolt of electricity, not unpleasant. Hazel shivered, closing her eyes. His whisper sent chills down her spine. And then he released her, plunging her into a short depression. But still, he had almost kissed her... on the cheek! Hands clutched together, Hazel listened intently on what he was saying now. He had been gone so long today, she would do anything, even if it meant searching through files to find some Deo Alexander.

"Yes!" she said quickly, before he had finished his sentence. "I said I would do anything. I mean it, anything. I would, Cain, I love you, I 've said it before. You're like a master, I have to do what you say. I want to do what you say." Stopping short, Hazel smiled again, clenching her hands so hard her veins stood out in sharp relief. "You'll do great in congress today. You always do." Giggling, Hazel tapped her head.

"I'll get that telepath for you, Cain. Right away! Right now!" Moving hastily back to the bar, Hazel took a seat and shook back her hair. A telepath, she needed a telepath. Telepath, mind-power, mind-invasion, telepathy, brain bomber... Hazel ranted in her mind, closing her eyes.

[Max452]

"And I love you too." Cain said, placating her. "You have no idea what you mean to me." He told her, however, he eyed her carefully. She had called him a Master...how close she was to the truth. He would have to rectify that little detail later. He didn't want her real self to be so close to discovery what he's doing to her. "I'm glad I can count on you." He placed his bourbon down as he watched her find who he needed.
"I need them to be powerful, Hazel." He reminded the girl. "But not too powerful." He added.

[trinn]

Cain's comment was the last thing she heard as her trance overtook her. The plethora of glittering spheres spread out before her, floating in surreal grace. One orb came surging towards her, halting in the center of her vision. Yes, this one had the flavor of a telepath. Targeting on this orb, Hazel watched as it shifted into a man. Yes, here was a perfect telepath for her Cain. Alfred Bester.

Hazel's eyes flew open and she stood up quickly. "Alfred Bester!" she exclaimed, pinning Cain with eager eyes. "Alfred Bestor is the telepath you seek! He's in California!"

[Max452]

Cain smiled. "Thank you, Hazel. You never disappointment." He said as he took out the address book again and wrote down the name. "Seems like everyone is in California." He muttered as he thought of Julian. Speaking of which. "Hazel, I think this is the perfect opportunity for our Mr. Riker. Call him. Tell him to bring me, Alfred Bester." He told Hazel as he wandered out of the room. "I need a speech to write."

***
Julian was sitting on Sahira's couch, watching a program on her TV. He wondered when she would be back from her training. He sighed, not really watching the television, but was staring at his phone. It had been four days since he accepted the Shadow's proposition...and he still hadn't told Sahira about it. He felt guilty about it, but he knew she wouldn't approve of it, but he needed to do this...he needed to touch her again...he just hoped that "Shadow" kept to both his terms. As he thought, his mind lingered on what kind of an idiot would call himself Shadow...it sounded like some sort of pokemon or something. He crossed his arms, trying to convince himself that he was doing the right thing.

[trinn]

OOC: lol! Pokemon! hahaha

Pouting, Hazel watched Cain walk away. Well, at least she had found him that telepath. And she would find that Deo man as well. He would be happy. She would make him happy. Grumbling to herself, she removed her cellphone from a pocket and flipped it open. Riker's number was basically etched into her mind. It seemed like she was always texting him for Cain. Dialing his number, she tapped her fingers as she waited for Julian to pick up. He was proving to be the hardest gifted to get so far.

[Max452]

OOC: I thought u might enjoy that. lol i did! lol

Feeling his phone vibrate, Julian glanced down. He recognized the number immediately. "Yes?" Julian answered, tensed at what this Shadow wanted.

***
Inside his study, Cain sat back into the wretched wheelchair as he tapped his fingers. He glanced at the notepad and pen and smiled. He knew exactly what he wanted to say. Writing something, so that Jack would at least think he had spoken in Congress, Cain smiled. It wouldn't matter if Congress would agree or not....all he had to do, was stare them down. His sincere smile turned into a triumphant, sinister one. He continued to write something about the Gifted being dangerous as they would lead to war and all that. Of course, he believed these words fondly, but he knew that not many would think he was right. He needed to persuade them that he was right.

[trinn]

In the midst of inspecting a nail, Julian picked up. "The Shadow has your first assignment." Hazel said, her voice monotone. "There is one Alfred Bester. Find him and bring him to Shadow. Be warned, he is a telepath." Hazel paused, covering a yawn with the back of a hand. "Any questions?" she asked afterwards, rolling her eyes impatiently. She wanted to go find Deo Alexander. Cain wanted him, and calling Julian was just delaying that.

[Max452]

Julian blinked as a woman belayed his orders. He was about to ask where Shadow was, but by the woman's tone, he guessed she probably wouldn't answer. He quickly made note of what he had to do, especially if Bester was a telepath. "Where do you want him?" Julian asked, slightly annoyed that he was being treated as some sort of lacky. "And..." He remembered Shadow's words. You'll be hunting your own kind. "do you want him...intact?" Julian chose his words carefully, wondering if this woman wanted Bester as an ally or whatever the Shadow was planning for him.

[trinn]

Hazel thought the question over. She would have to go meet Julian someplace beside the house, otherwise he would know that Cain, or at least Jack Kane, was behind all this. "You will bring him to the abondoned gas station just of the highway." Hazel said, twirling a strand of hair around a finger, she gave him the highway exit, the nearby city, and other landmarks to help him get there, assumably, through his teleportation. "Just get him there however you can. Alive and functional. When you've done this, call this number. I'll be there to get him." Hazel had to hold back a sigh. Going out to that gas station would cost her valuable time in her search for Deo. But she wasn't going to let Cain down. She would stay up all night if necessary. "The Shadow extends his thanks." she said, then hung up on the man. Well, she could at least start the search for Deo now while she waited for Julian to get the job done.

[Max452]

Alive and functional. Julian chewed those words over carefully. Okay, so that meant that he would approach Bester as an ally, not as the hunter. "Got it." He told the woman. "I'll call you when we're on our way." He said as he memorized the location. He thought it odd that she was choosing an abandon gas station. Didn't the Shadow trust him enough to show himself? He stared at the phone as he was hung up on. Slightly irritated, he snapped his phone back into place on his belt. He stared at the clock on the wall, wondering again, when Sahira was going to show up. Granted, he did teleport to her apartment unannounced, in order to surprise her with some flowers, but found it to be empty, no doubt she was training. Didn't all girls like flowers? He wondered, not wanting to start his assignment until he saw her. After all, she was his main motivation.

***
Finished with his mock speech, Cain wheeled himself out of the room. "Hazel. Its time to go." He called out, bringing the fake speech and placing it inside his suit pocket. "We don't want to be late on our big day." He cooed after her.

After a moment, Tom, one of Kane's bodyguards appeared in the foyer of the large house. "Senator Kane. I have the car ready."
"Thank you, Tom." Cain said and then paused. "Didn't I tell you to call me Jack?" Cain delivered one of Kane's charismatic smiles.
"Yes, sir." Tom smiled. "Sorry, sir, I keep forgetting."
"Its all right, Tom. Anyways, I'm just waiting for Hazel." He said politely as he heard the three voices in his head chattering away at themselves as if they were dreaming. Quiet. He silenced them, although, he could feel some confusion from two of them.

[trinn]

Hearing Cain calling her, Hazel composed her features before stepping out of the parlor. One of the big bodyguards was around, so she'd have to control herself. Seeing Cain in that wheelchair was just unnatural. He didn't belong in it. Putting on a fake smile, Hazel nodded to Jack and the body guard. "Sorry for the wait. I was just making a last few phone calls." She eyed Cain, flashing him a quick smile, then let if slip away before the guard could notice. The guard began wheeling Cain out the door, and Hazel followed closely after him. Checking her phone, she put it on vibrate in case Julian should somehow accomplish his task without delay.
****

Fumbling for her keys, Sahira cursed as they fell out of her hands. She had bandaged the knuckles to keep them from further damage. During training she had pushed herself hard, preparing for the big upcoming match. Her knuckles had taken the toll for such intense training. Finally getting the door open, she hauled herself and her duffel bag inside. Turning away from the door, she jumped, startled, at the sight of Julian. "You scared the hell out of me, Julian," she said breathlessly, a hand on her racing heart. Spotting the flowers, she immediately relaxed, giving him a reluctant smile. Compared to his composed form, Sahira felt absoultely disgusting. She was sweaty and disheveled, not fit to be seen. "Those don't happen to be for me, do they?" she asked, trying to shrug off her earlier fright.

[Max452]

Julian heard the door open and his features quickly brightened. He withheld a chuckle or two as Sahira reacted out of fright. He crossed his legs and placed a gloved hand over his lips, trying to contain himself from laughing. "Sorry." He apologized as he tilted his head, observing her quite closely. He turned his head towards the bouquet next to him when the comment on flowers were made. "Nope, they're for my girlfriend." He said as he got up with the flowers and walked over to her. "For you." He presented them with a smile as he gingerly took her duffel bag from her. He resisted the urge to bend down and kiss her, remembering that he was no longer ability-free. He placed the bag down and observed her hands. He frowned and gently took a bandaged hand in his. "You all right?" He said, fretting over her.

***
"Its all right, Hazel." Cain said smoothly as Tom wheeled him to their car. Allowing Tom to help him into the car, although, Cain did present somewhat of a disgruntled expression without Tom noticing. "Thank you, Tom." Cain said as he waited for Hazel to hop in next to him, while Tom and his driver rode up in the front. Lucky for him, the buick was spacious and acted like a mini-limo, black-guard and everything to negate any unwanted listeners.

[Firestar]

OOC: Just for the sake of sticking myself in here, until Julian comes and finds me. lol

Bester sat in his house in a better part of town. It wasn't a mansion by any means, but he prefered it that way. Small and cozy. He flipped through the channels of his TV and took a sip from his drink.
His door was suddenly thrown off its hinges and three men dressed in black charged in. He turned to look at them with a slight, malicious grin.
"Evening, gentlemen," he told them. His power was already working, and he was blocking the part of their mind that would tell them to shoot him. "Would you care for a drink?" He gave a mocking concerned look. "You three don't look so good. Perhaps you should all go home and rest." The instant he mentioned home, he got three different images from them. One was of a man's wife and what he wanted to do with her whenever he got home. One was of his elderly parents he was taking care of, though Bester got the distinct feeling he wanted his own place. The last was of three cute children, all smiles and happy to see their daddy.
All three of the images made Bester feel sick. He hated to see the joy of their families. He induced a killer headache in the three of them, and it would just get worse and worse until they needed to be hospitalized and treated.
"Allow me to escort you out," he said, standing and sending them out the broken door. He winced at the damage left. He would have to get that repaired sometime soon.

[trinn]

Hazel stuck her tongue out at the retreating back of the bodyguard before climbing into the vehicle. Closing the door, she turned to look at Cain. "The call was successful." she said, grinning.
***

Taking the flowers, Sahira brought them to her nose and sniffed. They were very pretty, and they reminded her of the flowershop she and Julian had gone to so he could restore his energy. At the mention of girlfriend, Sahira couldn't help but smile smugly. Looking up at him, she wished not for the first time that his touch wasn't like poison. At least he could wear gloves and give himself some freedom, she thought as he took one of her hands. It was amazing how gentle he could be. "Perfectly fine," Sahira responded, scoffing. "Just went a little intense on the punching bag," she added, "But no big deal." Sahira stood for a moment, enjoying his touch even if hampered by a glove. "Well," she said, "I'd better put these in some water." Keepingh is hand in hers, Sahira pulled him towards the kitchen, releasing him only when she had to get into the cuboards to retrieve a vase.

[Max452]

OOC: I'm afraid of Bester...lol

"Good." Cain said as they began to drive towards the Capital. The ride would be about an 2 hours, so Cain just reclined in his seat. "Let's hope he's as promising as I had hoped." As the car ride continued, Cain lifted up the blackguard so he could talk to Hazel privately. "Once we get the Bill signed off today, send out the teams to track down the people with abilities that have are being watched. Is the warehouse prepared to receive them by the end of the week?" Cain asked, referring to the temporary building they would be using until he got Congress to fund the camps he was envisioning.

***
Julian frowned slightly. "Don't overwork yourself." He said gently, knowing she would just roll her eyes if he tried to baby her anymore. She was a tough boxer after all. "Okay." He said, brightening as he was tugged towards the kitchen. As she was getting the vase he sat down on one of the bar stools. "When's your next fight?" He asked, "I, uh, I have a business trip that I have to go on this week." He eyed her carefully, wondering how she would take to the news.

[Blod]

occ: Guess I'll be like Firestar and join till I'm brought in.

Deo flashed a man his card before walking in with his fellow soliders looking from side to side just keeping aa lookout even if it was on the walls. They might have appeared docile but Deo began to wonder if they could hide something in their chipped paint. Grumbling as he wondered what these powered humans did to him he turned down another corner and say a gaurd standing at the shooting range's door. A few guns, a lot of bullets, and torn up fake bodies. Lots of fun.

Walking through the door Deo quickly picked his door by the front and pulled out his ear buds. After they slipped in his hand pistol slipped out and he waited for something to pop up, turn around, swing from side to side, or whatever they would throw out at him. Laughing loudly he fired twice as a man board jumped from the ground and ended up with a bullet in his groin and then in his heart. Another jumped form the side and hand his shoulder ripped off as Deo pulled out the shot gun next to him. His arm shook from the force but his dark eyes glittered as he held the two guns lazily. Oh what fun.

[trinn]

Sitting on the edge of her seat, Hazel watched Cain with unwavering eyes. When he mentioned the warehouse, she nodded vigorously. "Yes. Everything is in order. The teams are waiting to move at any second, and the warehouse is all but complete." she said, seeing the makeshift holding camp in her mind. The building was large and perfect for holding people with varying degrees of dangerous abilities. Just another product of perfection that was to be expected of Cain. "I could just alert the teams now. I mean, there's no way the bill isn't going to be passed. Not with you in control." she said, grinning.
***

As the vase was filling with water from the faucet, Sahira leaned against the counter to wait, watching Julian. A business trip... she wondered what exactly that entailed. "The match is Friday." she said, eyeing Julian askance. "So, what kind of business trip is this?" she asked as she turned off the faucet and set the flowers carefully in it.