Participants:
| Scene Title | You Stay Behind |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | Simon joins the Evil League of Evil and Adam tells him to stay behind. |
| Date | May 5, 2009 |
A stone's throw away from the little makeshift harbor on the foreshore of the Arthur Kill river is this little even more makeshift bar. Little more than a shack, the interior barely fits more than its own stock of alcohol and kitchenware, and the seating spaces are outdoors under a rickety wooden cover decorated with fishing paraphernalia and nets. The chairs and tables are broken down cheap things that look like they've been scavenged from all over the place, mismatched but comfortable with some cushions or blankets thrown over them. The ground is sandy and dirty, as if the beach extends right under your feet, and despite being outdoors, the place is cluttered. Simple alcohol is provided - whiskeys, rums, and beers - without a chance of food, and you'll mostly find yourself in the company of thieves, considering the kinds of boats that dock here.
Adam is sat down at a particular table in the Angry Pelican. People have come to leave him alone, despite his not fitting in. Perhaps helping are the men at a nearby table who appear to be with him, though not sitting with him. Adam, for his part, apparently has decided to continue drinking a glass of water thoughtfully as he waits for a young man.
Simon is starting to fit in a little better on the Island, much to his dismay. He walks into the Angry Pelican tonight with confidence in his demeanor and fading scars on his face. They're small, and probably won't be noticed with a glance, though those talking to the kid will see them. Speaking of those talking to him, Adam is spotted almost instantly, thanks to his standing out and all. The kid sighs softly and heads over to his table. "How's it going?" he asks, settling down in the chair across from the other man.
Adam looks up as Simon makes his way to his table. He frowns a moment in consternation as he says, "Well, lad, you look like Hell." he tilts his head, "Not a bird thing, is it? I can only say that while they're much worth the effort, the effort is quite taxing."
SImon smirks and shakes his head, "No birds, no." He doesn't say what it did bang him up, though. That might make him sound crazy, not that he honestly cares. "You look good yourself." The smirk fades and suddenly the kid is all business. It's a look that doesn't quite suit him, though he's wearing it well. "So, I wanted to talk to you about your offer. I think I might be interested in helping you out."
Adam nods a bit, "Alright." he says, "But when you say think, it means you're still not sure." he pauses, "Which generally means you want more information from me. So let's have it lad, what sort of things is it you want to ask me?"
SImon shakes his head and says, "It shouldn't be that hard to figure out." His hands are lifted into the air and he adds, simply, "I want you to just lay it out for me, right here," he taps the table with one finger before his hands retreat to fold across his lap. "What exactly do you want me to do for you, and what are you planning? Other than taking down The Company, that is."
Adam arches a brow for a moment and leans in, "I want to use you for a messenger and help you train your power. And as time goes on and when you're mentally ready, I want you to help me destroy the company." he tilts his head, "Other than taking down The Company? Kiddo, for most people, that's a life long goal. That's not something that's going to happen over night. They're too old, too connected and too big. It's a long and arduous task in which 'after' is more about dreams and fairy tales."
Train his power? Simon chuckles a bit, but nods his head nonetheless, "Alright, well, I appreciate the help, but I'd rather just work on the whole power thing by myself for now." He eyes Adam and pauses a moment, thoughts running through his mind as he considers this meeting and what he is being asked to do. "It looks like you and I can work together, then. I'm interested in learning more about the company, and you need a messenger. Do I have to sign something?" he asks, though the grin on his face suggests it's a joke.
Adam mms, "Well, usually with groups like this, it's much better if there's no paper trail." he pauses for a moment, "And what specifically are you hoping to learn about the company right now?"
Simon shrugs and responds with, "Anything I can. I don't know very much about them, but what I do know scares the hell out of me." He loses all form of playful grin and simply locks gazes with Adam. "I don't like the idea of kidnapping people with powers. Or kidnapping people in general."
Adam hmms a bit, "I see." drumming his fingertips against the top of a table, "Well…one thing you should know is that they travel in pairs, their agents. So, the first thing you have to look out for is that. Also.." he pauses,, "They will kidnap who they want, when they want. You don't even need to do anything to provoke their radar. You just have to be you."
Simon nods, listening to Adam speak things that qualify as New News to the kid. "That's what freaks me out, Adam." He glances away a moment, then turns back to and sighs. "Is there, um, any way to know whether you were or are a target?" The look on his face, one of worry, suggests he believes he is being targeted by them.
Adam shakes his head,, "No, not really. Once they have you in their records though, you're there for life. However, most people who get tagged tend to find their tags in their neck somewhere." he watches the boy, "What's got you so scared?"
Simon stops himself from reaching up to rub is neck, where that strange bug bite has been for the past few weeks. Yeah, bug bite, sure. "Nothing, it just freaks me out is all. You remember those kids who killed themselves not long ago? They were all freaked that someone was after them. Homeland Security or whatever. They were just - kids, man." Simon shakes his head, collects himself, and sighs. "So, count me in. If you're trying to put a stop to it, I want to help."
Adam nods, "Good.." he pauses, "I'm not sure I'll need you in Japan, though." he says, "There really won't be a whole lot of messaging going on…just a lot of…well, violence, I guess." he watches the boy, "Perhaps it's best if you wait here for us to return."
Simon blinks a few times and leans forward. "Wait, violence? What exactly are you going to do in Japan?" Simon's eyes narrow, and while he looks surprised, he doesn't exactly look angry or stunned. Maybe he's just becoming used to violence.
Adam hmms, "Simon…what methods do you think we're going to end up employing?" he asks, "This isn't a hippie protest group. They've got an army. We've got to do what we can to whittle that army down."
Simon supposes Adam is right, but he doesn't feel like that's what they should be doing. "Well, is the Company based out of Japan or something? Because I heard they were working with Homeland here in the States." Obviously, he doesn't know much if he's asking these kinds of questions.
Adam shakes his head, "The company is based in America, but they've got offices around the world." he says, "The leadership is /mostly/ all here. But look to South America, to Asia, to Europe and you will find Company agents."
"Oh, well ok, then. Who's in Japan? Sorry for all the questions, it's just that, well, this is all really huge for me, you know?" Simon shrugs and this time can't help but reach up to scratch as his neck. Yeah, he's been marked.
Adam shakes his head, "It's best that I keep you out of some of the details for now. You've got a lot of promise and I can tell you're down for the cause, Simon. But.." he pauses, "You're young yet. You have a lot more to learn. It's best if this information comes to you in…lessons, let's say."
Simon supposes he shouldn't overload himself with information, anyways. So, he calmly sits back in his chair and nods to Adam. "Alright, well be careful over there. Don't leave me out of any other trips, though. You have no idea how much I need a vacation." He smiles, softly, and a bit forcibly.
Adam nods,"Is there anything you want to talk to me about? Perhaps something I can help with? You look like things are…going tensely for you."
Simon smirks and shakes his head. "No, man. Don't worry about it. You've got a lot on your plate, too. When you get back from Japan we'll grab some beers and exchange stories, ok? I have a feeling we'll both have some good ones."
Adam mms, "I'm not sure you're old enough to drink beers, but I appreciate the sentiment." he reaches forward, offering his hand, "Welcome to the cause, Simon."
Simon reaches over to Adam and shakes his hand, firm, but not overly strong. "Thank, Adam. Just one thing," he says, still holding onto the man's hand, "Don't mention my age again, ok? People my age drink all over the world, except here." He lets go of the hand and sits back once more. "It's pretty dumb, don't you think?"
Adam shrugs a bit, "I think a lot of things are dumb, Simon. The drinking laws are pretty low on my list. I like to prioritize." he leans back for a moment, "Alright, well, if you have nothing else for me, I'll be going."
Simon offers a nod and stands, not wanting to stick around here alone. "There's nothing else. Have a safe trip and, just, don't hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it. Alright?" He figures that might be asking too much, but it never hurts.
Adam nods, "Well do our best." he says and then begins to walk out of the Pelican, along with three or four guys who might best be described as 'goons' or 'thugs'.