[test run] Nikola Tesla | Sanctuary

[hiddenagenda]

A: Network post

[It's outrageous, this place, the way it takes things from those it captures, the way they're kept at arm's length from their captors. Nikola isn't a fan. When he can't make something to solve the problem, he'd rather attack it head-on. These people probably like Edison and have some kind of penchant for ugly curtains; the whole thing is irritating, tasteless, and getting to Nikola in a way he isn't keen to admit.

Screw it. Direct approach? He can work with that. If they won't do it, he will.]

You know, it's really annoying when you're too cowardly to face someone down directly. You leave us alone, you come after us in subtle little ways--by the way, that's the worst supervillain approach next to explaining everything--without taking much in return. What do you want? Do you want a fight, or are you going to just rest on your contrived laurels, waiting for someone to challenge you?

[His eyes go dark, his teeth morph into something dreadful as he stares into the camera.]

I'm done with this. Come and get me, already.


B: action

[Standing before you is a man of taste, a man of distinction. He's wearing clothing that is quite stylish, as he ought, but there's something very wrong, if you're looking at his face. His clothes are a bit out of place for the general theme, and beginning to look the slightest bit distressed. In fact, he looks distressed--no, disgusted. His taste having changes over the decades, the 1920s fashion before him isn't going to cut it. Yes, the 20s had their moments, but he isn't really willing to go back to them now. There's been too much progress since then, and that mustache is nothing but a memory of true folly.]

You've got to be kidding. If I wanted a time machine, I'd make it myself.

Comments

[65287_98303_sp]

I don't think you do, either.

[hiddenagenda]

I want a fight. Not a discussion, not parley. They won't listen, so we make them listen. It's simple enough. I don't have the tools to do it my way, so I'll do it the other way. The tasteless way, I know.

[65287_98303_sp]

Yeah, it's not going to happen. These guys don't ever deal with us directly.

[hiddenagenda]

Yet.

[65287_98303_sp]

Yeah good luck with that. [Entirely unconvinced.] Let me know when you get bored of nothing happening.

[hiddenagenda]

You'd have a point if I wasn't already bored.

[She may be kind of... let's say bitchy, but isn't everyone when it comes to Nikola? It's the default reaction to him, most of the time. Ask Edison. Fortunately, he can muster about .0001 ounce of respect for her at least having a realistic view of the situation.]

There are ways. There always is, but people aren't creative.

[65287_98303_sp]

What, like you are? Oooo let me show them my fangs and act all angry! That'll get them going.

[She hefts a sigh, trying to level with him.] Look. It's a frustrating situation. You can't say we haven't tried, on all fronts. And we'll keep trying. But I can already tell you; what you're doing right now isn't going to work.

[hiddenagenda]

If they want an experiment, I'll give them one. [Yep. Annoyed. He doesn't want to be reasoned with right now. He'd prefer something more useful.]

Then tell me, oh oracle, what works.

[65287_98303_sp]

If I knew what worked I sure as hell wouldn't have waited this long to tell you. Right now in a case of process of elimination I can tell you what doesn't. -- and trust me, you do not want to be one of their experiments.

God you eggheads are all the same.

[hiddenagenda]

Well you're fabulously useless, then, aren't you? Your talent is what, calling me an "egghead" and complaining?

[65287_98303_sp]

My talent is beating things to a pulp, so if you'd like a demonstration keep insulting me.

[hiddenagenda]

Well, how constructive of you.

[65287_98303_sp]

It certainly helps when there's nasties trying to eat everyone else.

[hiddenagenda]

Lions and tigers and bears?

[65287_98303_sp]

That would be too easy. Unless you're talking about lions that spit fireballs and flying tigers and bears that teleport. Then you're right on the money.

[hiddenagenda]

[WELL THAT CHANGES THINGS.]

Take me to your leader.

[65287_98303_sp]

[She stares at the video feed, her expression flat and wholly unimpressed.]

Right. I'm almost afraid to ask if you've learned anything since you've been here.

[hiddenagenda]

I've learned that I'm surrounded by idiots and a handful of highly attractive people. Sadly the two intersect more often than not.

[He sighs as he speaks.]

And I've noticed that people value inactivity and hiding more than trying, even trying stupid things, which just adds to my incredible disappointment.

[65287_98303_sp]

Hiding usually means not dying. [No, it's not what Palmer has been doing, but she's perfectly happy with the less-adept keeping out of her way.] It's good to see you so enthusiastically taking up the quota of trying stupid things, though.

[hiddenagenda]

What is life without a little risk?

[So far all she seems like is a grouchy meathead, so he's not impressed.]

LOL KEYWORDS

[65287_98303_sp]

[He's not exactly wrong but that's certainly not all she is.]

See there's good risk and bad risk. Risk that has the possibility of ending in progress is good risk. Risk that makes me have to drop what I'm doing and drag your ass out of trouble is bad risk. Choose wisely, I don't forget.

[hiddenagenda]

[Close enough, close enough.]

Calculated risks are admittedly something I'm not known for taking, but I have ideas and getting them to parley is the first step.

[65287_98303_sp]

Ideas? Really? Stop the presses. Let's throw down the red carpet. Wow, I feel so special talking to a guy with ideas.

[Oops sarcasm off the charts.]

[hiddenagenda]

[Yeah. Sarcasm is just so attractive.]

If I wanted your opinion, I'd give it to you. Don't think I need to be rescued like some fairy tale damsel.

[65287_98303_sp]

[Oh. You. Did. Not. Just.]

Your opinions don't matter here, so you'd be smart to keep them to yourself. Maybe I should have just let you have your tantrum and learn the hard way that people who stick their necks out only get killed for their trouble.