The Enemy of Correct Understanding - [Open||R]

[atlas]

“Pity. I could have gotten him one of his powers back, oh well. We must live, or die, by our choices mustn’t we?” Dane sat down on the hard asphalt, images of the horrible place he witnessed flashed into his mind. So many people sentenced to death, and if Dr. Clarke and his associated manage to do what they want, those deaths will be in vain.

Dane chuckled “Never understood love myself. Hope I will someday” He watched as bullets bounced off the shield. “I don’t really care how long you stay at haven, but when you wanna leave, just ask and you’ll be taken wherever you want to go. Oh, and you could probably let that shield go, your powers will maintain it even if you don’t concentrate on it.” Dane looked up at him. “sorry if I frightened you before, it’s been a long time since I did something like that. A long time indeed” As he finished a man grew out of the asphalt between them, lifting to a standing position he looked confused “Boss, you said three passengers?” “There’s been a change of plans. Lets go, straight to the office Joseph, I don’t wanna mess around”

As the man grabbed the two users he made sure to tell Joshua to hold on. The world got cold as they sunk into the ground, and within a moment they were rising again in a concrete office building. It was a bustling place, all but two people inside were users.

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

Joshua shook off the cold feeling from the bizarre method of travel and took stock of his surroundings, the masses in front of him were quickly scanned using his telepathy in order to aleviate his fear of this unknown place. His head titled to the side picking up some thoughts he would rather have not known yet there was nothing that spelt 'Danger Will Robinson' to him "That was not a fun way to ride Doc, i felt like that kid from Neverending Story II when they traveled under the dirt...it felt wrong. Hell, even Cronus' portals into nullspace left you feeling slightly dirty yet that was soemthing else i have to admit." Joshua looked around at the area they had arrived in and noticed not many people were openly staring at them, as if this thing happened a lot or they just didn't give a damn. "So does the good doctor have a place for me to freshen up or do i have to charm my way into some single man's house to use his shower. Unless this is some wacky cult where that sorta thing doesn't fly and i'm about to get sacrificed to 'He-Who-Walks-Behind-The-Rows', if so i would kinda like to get laid first before death. Gotta get those priorities and all."

His slight rant was all he could do to ease his nervousness at being alone, his mind supplied him with many scenarios of finding that Levi had left him to fend for himself once he found out about today's incident. Joshua had never truly been alone in all his years and for the first time could taste the bitterness of his fear "Cat got your tongue Doc? How about you Joseph? Can i interest you in some company in return for some answers?

[atlas]

Dane smiled at Joshua’s response. “Your safe here, we’re all users, cept Stacey over there, but that’s a long story. A mystery really, one I’d like your help to solve. Just need a few drops of your blood.” He turned to a man sitting at one of the computers “How’s the list coming?” “Good sir, we have only a few unknowns that don’t seem to fit any abilities, and we still don’t understand how two people can have different intensities” He smiled “Well, keep at it, hopefully we’ll catch a break huh”
After a quick moment with his employees Dane turned to McArthur “Sorry about that, No we’re not a cult. We just want to understand the genetics behind powers, so we can help the world to better understand us. As for cleaning up, there’s a decontamination shower complex down the hall and to the right. Feel free to make yourself at home, everyone’s welcome here.” Dane placed an empty syringe on the table beside Joshua before returning to look at the young mans computer. “Oh” Dane spun round before he forgot “all kinds of people are accepted here, you should have no trouble finding someone with ‘your interests’” He smiled and returned to work.

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

Joshua nodded along with the speech Dane gave to him and wondered just who was funding such an extensive and quite sizable operation, and why on Earth he hadn't heard of it while working for MacArthur Enterprises. They had taken over many of the genetic research companies that had been their competition and surely something like this would have raised some blip on the radar "Your interests indeed. Such a nice way to say 'other guys who like dick as much as you do', and why have i not heard of any of this? he said gesturing wildly with his hands "I personally saw to it when our last bit of competition went under last year and there was nothing else out there that could have held any kind of candle to this. Wait...why do you need my blood?

He had always been careful about leaving any trace of blood behind when he had to go on missions for the company, it had been a rule of his own that there were those out there that could easily duplicate the work they had been doing and further develop his powers in someone else. Joshua could see with his own eyes that the work being done was nothing nefarious like what was going on at his Grandfather's facilities, and with a sigh gave into the need to help others and began drawing his own blood. His hands were meticulous i the act and after it was done he cleaned up and followed the directions to the showers, his mind saving all the sites of this place for future reference.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Joshua returned with slightly damp hair and looked for his 'kidnapper', the man in question was hunched over what appeared to be some current project and alone for the most part. His footsteps were soft as he walked over to Dane and waited patiently for some sort of direction, he had time to spare since Levi would know to stay low due to the attack today and Joshua could find him in a few days. "So what was wrong with Stacey? And why my blood?" he said once his short patience ran out.

[atlas]

Dane knew all to well about the competition assimilation of MacArthur Enterprises. “We’re funded by a non-American Government, sorry if I offended you, we’ve been kind of busy of late… and I don’t think my head of security enjoys being hit-on” When he heard the psychic leave he snatched up the syringe, tossing it to the man beside a rather heavy looking door. “I want that run, documented and preserved immediately”.

For a long time he waited for Joshua, the data of the blood had just been uploaded into the system when he heard his guest behind him. He winced at the question. “We found Stacey in South Carolina, her power activated every time she got emotional on any level. Everyone within a 8mile radius would die instantly if she was set-off. Stace? Do you mind if I tell this young man?” Stacey looked between the two of them “He’s helping us, helping me. I owe him.” She nodded and Dane continued “we had to be quick, I weakened her power but it still made us very ill. We were able to collect a sample of her blood before she started begging me to kill her. She was the only other person who’s power I’ve removed. When we analysed her blood her DNA showed a simple combination we’d seen before in a telekinetic… the reason we need your blood is because you are the most powerful user I’ve ever encountered. If we could understand just why your so powerful genetically, we might actually be able to give Stacey a power back without fear of her returning to how she was before.”

Dane had a single tear streaming down his cheek when Stacey spoke again “Dr. Clarke! Your gene-stacking theory-” Dane spun around to see the big screen “it’s true!” Dane was ecstatic so much so he nearly kissed joshuas cheek in thanks. But did not, he’s not like that

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

His eyes traveled across the way to the girl in question and took in the pain that laid within the depths of her eyes, it spoke of despair and yet there were subtle flickers of hope that seemed undying. Joshua could relate to the girl, it was terrifying to wield such devastating powers within yourself and know that your hold on them was only tentative as long as you kept your will iron clad. Yet hearing that kind of admition from Dane left him blushing a light tinge of pink and wishing that the man wouldn't say stuff like that "I will do anything that i can in order to help you Stacey and with the Doc's help i'm sure we can find out some answers, if anything else i can see if some mental shielding training can help...i'm new here so bare with me if it's been done." Joshua showed his million dollar smile to everyone and hoped he could do some good here for as long as he could, the good emotions abated somewhat when everyone turned to look at the giant screen on the front wall.

"Most of the projects within the company tried using this technonlogy with limited success, there were few achievements that my Grandfather cut off further research for some reason. When i asked him why he only told me that it was best to let sleeping dogs lie and that it was fools gold, this is pretty much perfect in all regards and something i'd only think to see on paper." Joshua walked over to get a better look at the image on the screen and took in everything that the genetic coding told him, he smiled a bit at the sudden memories that took him back to whe he had enjoyed working with information like this...but those days were over for the most part.

[atlas]

Stacey smiled at Joshua’s offer, it was very kind of him indeed. Dane listened intently to his spiel of immaturity. After whispering to an associate the letters on the screen disappeared and a rendering of the molecule replaced it. Instead of the standard double helix molecule the DNA strand before them had extra genes connected in a branch off the original. “That’s your DNA, that is why you and the horsemen are so powerful. You have the benefit of several ‘stacked’ genes” Dane grinned like the Cheshire cat. “Jamie, please plug this information into the list and print it out for me. Stacey, Joshua, would you join me please?”

********

Dane stood on the roof of the complex, looking out upon Kodiac island. “Brothers! We have succeeded, the list of powers has been completed. And as proof of this my good friend Stacey will choose her power." He signalled for Stacey to stand beside him as he showed her the three powers she could choose from. Once she chose he hugged her. In front of the eyes of the entire of Haven they rose into the air. Soaring above the island and into the clouds, before landing safely back down on the roof. “And all this thanks to a psychic who I just met today! Now you all know that this doesn't mean you can change your ability. but if you know someone who wants to become like us, perhaps a family member, or partner. they now can, thank you”

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

Joshua smiled as the girl chose her new powers and stood quiet waiting for his chance to ask Dane what he meant about a list of powers, he couldn't feel comfortable unless he knew just what would be done with his blood sample. He took his chance once the two safely landed on the roof once more "May i have a word with you Dane? I have some concerns i need addressed soon just to give me some peace of mind, then after that's done i can focus on figuring out why my Grandfather did what he did to me. How ironic that in the end i turn out to be a project after having hunted down numerous power users who were in turn tested on, it's like some messed up Twilight Zone episode. You're not Rod Sterling are you?"

Joshua sighed as he waited for the doctor to give him the answers he needed, it was times like this when he yurned for Levi's calm presence to ground him and help keep his mental shielding from added stress. Levi had to only place his hand upon Joshua to settle him down yet it took more intimate touches for when he would hang on the edge of sanity. "Anyways i kinda wanted to know what this list was you mentioned and just how my blood is going to be used, i have no problem if you use it to help people like Stacey but i can't allow you to do as my Grandfather has done. If they were meant to have powers like us then God would have had it born with them, the Horsemen are a perfect example of when gene manipulation goes wrong."

[atlas]

Dane could see Joshua’s concern, he understood the fear he had that he may be the accessory to a weapon. “Your blood was needed to prove or disprove my hypothesis of gene-stacking. Now that you have proved me correct, my colleagues and I have succeeded to match every power with it’s genetic combination. This list could be used to track down anyone with potential or actively dangerous powers, and help those people to lead a safer life, with friends and family. It also enables me to determine if someone is too dangerous to receive an ability. Your blood has completed it’s mission. But we will keep the sample you supplied, in the unlikely event that something happens… On a personal note, your sample has helped me to understand how my own power works. Thank you” He led Joshua to the edge of the building and held his hand high to the cheering of the crowd “You’ve helped make the world a safer place” He smiled sincerely. His work was almost completed. The contingency plan was now possible, but it would have to wait for a much later time.

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

"In the unlikely event that something happens? I don't know about you Doc, but i'm hesitant to sound so fatalistic about our current situation. My Grandfather is by no means a stupid man and i can fully guarantee that he will be making a move soon, knowing this i can head him off at the pass only if i know what the end result is." Joshua could feel the pull his Grandfather had on him even so far away, his life would never be normal again unless the man was stopped and now with the cooperation of the American government things got even more dangerous. His eyes glanced down at his pocket watch held in his hand and knew it was time for him to go, these people could go on with their research and he would return to Levi and plot.

"So life is sunshine and rainbows for a bit with you guys and that would be my cue to leave, i hate to ask this but can i hitch a ride somehow? I have no idea where the hell we are, for all i know we're like in Australia or something and i'm going to go home with the worst case of jet lag ever." His face gave nothing away save for his eyes which were filled with laughter at the chance to just babble, he had missed the moments where he could cut loose a berage of words that left his 'victims'more than confused. With things over at rebel central it was stupid to show any sign of weakness and so the babble stopped, but here on this island...he was for a time free. "So before i find out if i get the quick shortcut back home or not, do you think you can tell me what the next step is? You have your list to check on potentially dangerous power users now, what's to stop it from getting into the wrong hands and paint fucking target symbols on our asses? Don't get me wrong i do trust you, but i'm still at the point where that trust comes with limits and one of those is that i must question your every move until i arrive at the moment where i can put my life in your hands. We're not there yet Dane."

[atlas]

Dane nodded in agreement. He could understand the fear of Liam MacArthur but believed it unfounded. “This place is safe, no need to worry about that. And the only people with access to the list are the people who were in the room when you arrived.” He felt a little taken aback at Joshua’s willingness to leave. “Sure you could hitch a ride anywhere you wanted… we’ve succeeded in creating objects with user-abilities. As for the lists safety. The only person who could possibly, and when I say possibly I mean it’s highly improbable, get their hands on that list, is your grandfather. And trust me” the grin on his face showed a great level of pride “if he steps on this island, he will become no more than a human. He is the only person who I have an itching to knock down a rung; his pedestal is so high he can’t see anything beneath the clouds.” Dane led Joshua back into the complex

“I really do wish you’d stay a bit longer, stay the night and mingle with the locals. We’re all friendly here” they stopped outside a room “this is one of the guest rooms we have for situation like this, there are more permanent rooms on the island, but those are for the refugees… but if you’d prefer to just leave it’s ok by me, we have a shortcut to anywhere in the world just down that hall. When you get to the end room, the password is ‘kakolukium’ just quote it to the guards and he will let you in and explain the device to you. Enjoy your day.” He walked off down the hall and took the first left down a flight of stairs. He didn’t really care if Joshua stayed, there was no pressing research to get done. Not until the first stage of the contingency plan was completed. A stage even Nazi scientists had a problem with.

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The room is a cosy 4m x 4m with a large bed a comfortable carpet. the walls are a cream colour with no writing or markings on them. it reminds alot of people of a 3 1/2 star hotel.
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The guard is immune to almost every power including psychic intrusion.

[Joshua D. MacArthur]

Joshua furrowed his brows at the man walking away from him and continued to stay rooted to the spot even after Dane left his sight, the guy was a walking puzzle and it left him wanting to solve it more than anything else at the moment. His memory replayed the words all but begging him to stay on the island for a time and another memory this time pulled from Dane's very own thoughts "Hmmm, he says not to leave and yet the thoughts i just got from him pretty much said he really didnt care one way or the other. Asshole!" His lips quirked up into a smile at the paradoxical doctor and wondered why on Earth he cared to find out anything of this man.

He chose to stay and upon entering the room wondered why they always went with a cream coloured theme in all hotel rooms, Joshua closed the door behind him with a flick of his wrist and settled on the comfortable bed. His thoughts began calming themselves down as he was finally able to go over everything and file it properly, the one thing that would not go away was his need to be near Levi. This 'war' had changed the dynamics of their relationship and most days it seemed like he wasn't as needed as he once lead himself to think, the night they committed to eachother was the moment he had learned that he would be cherished. Now all he could feel was a sense of being a tool, a means to an end...but for now he would rest and later make some decisions.