2.00 ♚ bbs/action | post superpowers event

[swagneto]

If you were not affected by Time Compression's latest stunt, then disregard this message. I assume you have nothing of interest to offer me.

The remainder of those who have unfortunately been affected, I would like to speak with you, either via message or in person if you so prefer. Particularly, I'm interested in whether or not you've showed a distinct lack of powers beforehand.

Those of you who have had prior abilities can rest easy. I have no desire to round you up for identification.

Erik Lehnsherr

Comments

action;

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

[Fenris has a crumpled-up apron next to him. They keep trying to make him wear one when he's assigned to help with the food. He refuses. His armor would tear it anyway.]

Work like yours is the only chance I have of returning home.

[swagneto]

I'm sorry to say my intentions aren't catered towards returning immediately. [ He looks down at his food, taking a bite out of it despite his disgust. ] Although I would like to return home just as much as the next person, my attention is aimed at preventing people like us from being shamed.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

[A brow arches.]

"People like us."

[Dangerous territory, Erik, though only the sudden measured quality to Fenris's voice indicates it.]

Besides coming from different worlds, what do you imagine you have in common with me?

[swagneto]

[ The tone is evident, and Erik pauses, reconsidering phrasing his words. ] A dislike of what this world has to offer, Fenris. I don't see you embracing the culture here any more than I have.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I have no love for the bargain they ask us to accept.

[swagneto]

Is it the same as where you're from? Or are you fortunate enough to be treated better than you are here?

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

Do you dream your situation has anything to do with mine?

[He leans forward slightly.]

You're mistaken.

[swagneto]

Hardly. [ His palms are on the table and Erik looks at him, cold and calculating. ]

Your situation would never compare to mine.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

[His mouth curls into a sneer.]

Are you suggesting we compare our histories of suffering? Lay bare our pasts like cards in a game? See who has the more terrible hand?

[He leans back.]

I'm uninterested.

[swagneto]

Not in the slightest. I couldn't care less about your tale of woe.

[ He furrows his brows, clearly annoyed by the direction of conversation. This had intended on being a pleasant discussion, focused primarily on the state of affairs in the Garden, so the turn of events was unexpected. ]

I was merely interested in what society was like. It's not as if there's much else to do here. The library gets rather dull, and the training center's far too weak. Conversation's necessary to get by without suffering from sheer boredom.

[ He moves to stand up, a hand on his tray. ] If you're uninterested, I apologize for wasting your time.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

[A beat, as he watches Erik stand, his expression fading back to neutrality. When he finally speaks, his tone is careful.]

...I apologize. You reminded me of someone from my world, a man I have no love for.

[swagneto]

Who's making assumptions now? [ Erik doesn't fully relax at the apology, a hand still firmly gripping the tray. ] You'd be wise to reconsider your first impression of me if I'm a reminder of someone you hate.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

Would I?

[He's calmer now.]

What would you have my impression be, Erik Lensherr?

[swagneto]

One that isn't based on assumptions. [ He frowns briefly, not necessarily offended, but still frustrated. ] I'm not here looking to please everyone, I'm here for myself first and foremost.

Though if you're going to judge, I'd suggest you do it based on my actions and not first impressions.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

At least you admit it.

[He lifts a hand, flicks it slightly.]

You wanted to talk about the powers inflicted on us here, didn't you?

[swagneto]

Yes. [ Erik pauses briefly, the hand on the tray relaxing and he takes a seat again. There's a moment before he speaks up, looking straight at Fenris with a sort of contemplation over whether or not Erik's getting way over his head. ]

[ He runs a hand through his hair, straightening it. ] After what I've learned from some of the others, I can't help but wonder if there's a larger force at work here. And of course, whether or not it has a penchant for certain people.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

[Fenris's own expression is carefully neutral now, not betraying any of the anger from before.]

Some larger force? Then you suggest that something behind time compression has a mind of its own, and preferences as well?

It can't be ruled out.

[swagneto]

It's merely a theory, mind you. [ Erik taps his fingers against the table, organizing his thoughts and understanding of the whole Time Compression deal. ] I'm not so quick to discount the possibility that there are larger forces at work, nor am I likely to discount the fact that perhaps a single person is at work.

If it does have a mind of its own, however... [ He narrows his eyes in response. ] Then perhaps it's for the better to harness it.

[freewolfmoon.livejournal.com]

And what would you mean by that?

[A little more animation, a note of grimness, creeps back into his voice; his mouth curls downward in disgust.]

There is no good ending to bargains with such forces, and less still for the people who would think to make them.

[It's the most thought he's put into the mechanics of time compression so far himself, beyond the basic, nearly unshakable assumption that some magic is at work.]