Waiting for the welcome wagon (Open)

[Primer]

Sean- no it’s Primer now-asks the woman in the passenger seat what the perfume filling the car is when they’re about an hour outside of New York City. “L’eau de Fleur.” she answers, all shy and adoring with those big grey eyes liquefying like rain-time storm clouds under his gaze. “The scent of flowers.”

“It figures.” he says, voice smooth and deep (he likes to imagine the sound waves of it reverberating through whatever space he is in when he speaks so, like velvety tides washing away all the world’s cacophony for the instant he releases them) “It definitely figures that you would be that type.” he reaches over and tangles one hand in her brown hair for a moment, running proprietary fingers through all that chocolaty sheen. She’s nodding dumbly, probably too intoxicated with his own scentless perfume to have any idea what he’s saying. “I knew it when I saw you standing there, the walking cliché with your little Office Girl Barbie skirt, talking a mile a minute on that horribly tacky phone, what are they calling them? Razor phones. I saw you there and I knew you’d be just the kind, just the kind of slut to dress up respectable, calling her perfume pretty French names, and under it all, under that foreign name, it’s just cheap musk for a cheap slut.” he yanks his hand back to the wheel hard at this and several strands of hair catch in the pinkie ring he’s wearing, tear from the woman’s scalp and trail his slender, piano player fingers back to the wheel. She doesn’t flinch, too rapt, enthralled by the movements of his lips that somehow stir up all her deepest and longest held passions. She’s wondering how a pair of lips can evoke such emotion and the response slips thoughtlessly from her own lips,

“Charlie bought it for me. For my birthday. He can’t afford anything better but I don’t mind.” Primer sees her eyes cloud briefly, her perfectly lined lips starting to droop from their vacant smile.

“Oh don’t you think about Charlie right now sweetheart.” he whispers, running a hand across her cheek, concentrating for a moment on attraction. At his next glance sideways all confusion has cleared from her expression. He smiles at her, “Much better my dear.” he murmurs as he pulls over the car to the shoulder of the deserted road and steps carefully down, steering his new leather shoes carefully away from a puddle as he curls a lip in distaste at the necessary mess of the enterprise.

It’s the work of fifteen minutes and some pheromones to lead the young woman a little ways into the woods, induce her to sleep, and then strip her of her jacket, cell phone, and wallet. He almost leaves at this point, then grins suddenly as if it a joke recalled, and carefully removes her shoes. “Wouldn’t want to ruin such pretty heels on the ice and rocks.” he whispers, sounding almost fatherly, and begins walking back to the car, throwing one item every few steps as far as it will go. The shoes go the farthest, he waits till he hears them thud somewhere on the other side of the road and takes a moment to be pleased with the increased strength the change in weight lifting he’d been trying lately has given him before getting back into the car and starting the ignition. It hasn’t occurred to him to wonder what the woman’s name might be.

He arrives at his destination, the manse of the infamous Brotherhood, twenty minutes later feeling calmed by his earlier diversion. An unidentifiable edge is smoothed away by the thought of the unnamed woman waking up alone right about now. He doesn’t wonder, and if he did he wouldn’t particularly care, whether she will manage to find her way back to the road and from there civilization or not. “Might as well worry about moving a bug from one tree to another.” he would have responded had concern been suggested to him.

No, his thoughts now are reserved for brushing some imagined lint off of his navy Armani suit and glancing at his shoes to make sure his brief venture into the wilderness hasn’t sullied them. He starts to approach the doors of the building but stops himself after a step and backtracks, leaning against his car. A mutant terrorist cell should have watches, maybe even psychic ones, let’s see how this one reacts to a random presence in the courtyard of their top-secret-hideout he thinks, raising his hand to eye level and inspecting his nails for dirt while he waits for the welcome wagon.

[Magneto]

Elliot had been sulking ever since her rather humiliating defeat at that hands of that would be X-dork not long back. She hadn't always been this prideful but ever since her induction into the Brotherhood, he identity seemed to have changed somewhat, perhaps the effect of just being around someone such as Magneto. Of course, her sullen and withdrawn mood had to do with the absence of Pyro, even if she had already begun to pull herself away from him. She had developed a weird sense of desire for John but since her little link and intrusion into his mind and the discovery of one Bobby Drake, she had grown less fond. She walked the main floor, her arms crossed and her red hair hanging loosely about her shoulders, bouncing with each small step she made. Her mind worked over time as of late, doing her best to shield itself from that wayward little dick of a telepath who bested her, but she also kept a slight scan of the property the manor sat on, keeping one mental eye out for any unexpected or uninvited guests.

"Uh oh," she muttered softly to herself as her small steps stopped and she looked up, feeling the unfamiliar mind of another on the Brotherhood grounds. <We've got company boss...not sure if he's on our side or not yet though> Elliot sent her thought to Magneto, detecting his mind somewhat faintly, meaning his helmet was off. The old man was more powerful than most new, even with his helmet off, his mind was still hard to reach...no doubt due to countless years of training his mind to resist such things, but Elliot guessed that someone stronger than her wouldn't have any problem breaking through his mental walls if they pushed hard enough.

Magneto was sitting in his office when he felt Elliot's faint whispering in his head. He looked up to one of the Madri clones sitting in the chair across from him, clasping his hands together on the desk. "Gather more of yourself and greet our guest out front," he said rather authoritatively as the door to the study opened slowly by itself. The Madri clone nodded and stood quickly, readjusting the sub-machine gun slung across his shoulder. He whistled as soon as he reached the hallway and jerked his head toward the staircase before taking off and being followed by three other Madri.

The front doors of the manor swung open and four Madri poured out, all brandishing sub-machine guns and quickly setting up a gun line. "Afraid you'll need an appointment pal and too bad for you the boss ain't takin' any right now," each Madri said in unison, clicking the safety off of each gun as well.

[Primer]

“Took you long enough.” Primer remarks as he lowers his hand from his line of vision and unfolds his slight frame from its relaxed stance against the car. “Honestly, what would you have done if I’d had some sort of offensive mutation? By now I could have thrown a handful of fire or lightning or what have you.” He walks forwards towards them, completely relaxed, as if the Madri had held out their hands to shake instead of brandishing machine guns at him. As he makes his advance Primer concentrates on feelings of affection, respect, and calming. Shooting at him at this point should seem as appealing, and as necessary, as shooting a puppy rolling on its back in the driveway. Though he’d prefer not to think of himself that way really- someone’s wise old grandfather might be a more apt comparison. Or maybe father, he was only forty after all. Right Garrison, that’s nice, but we’ve got more important things to think about.

Of course the guards could be out of his range (he sincerely doubts it but being depowered by a pathetic human assassin has shown him anything is possible) or somehow immune to his pheromones, he hasn’t had much experience with other mutants, but he decides this is an acceptable risk. He doesn’t really believe such a thing could happen to him anyway, for all that he claims to be humbled in one thought by the next his arrogance has reasserted itself.

“Not taking appointments?” he asks conveying his amused scorn at the notion to the Madri with another drift of pheromones. “Now that’s a bit insulting. Last week a presidential candidate called me begging for a pep talk and now I don’t even rate consideration for an interview?” he grins, “Still, I’m willing to overlook this welcome.” Now he tilts his head upwards, addressing a point somewhere above the heads of the guards, trusting that Magneto will somehow hear the message: “Magneto, I’ve brought some Cognac brandy. If you’ll be kind enough to provide some glasses and a chair I propose we enjoy it while I tell you how I learned the location of your top secret base and why your doubtless highly trained guards won’t tear me to pieces.” he’s lifted a clear crystal bottle filled with expensive amber liquid as he speaks this last bit and wiggles it slightly in the air, smiling an ingratiating little grin.

[Magneto]

Primer was way too cocky and at first, each Madri looked to each other, smiling as they seemed all to ready to gun the man down, however, when they directed their attention back to Primer, they really couldn't bring themselves to pull the triggers of their guns. Taking any action against Primer seemed foolish and not really worth it all of a sudden and each clone lowered their gun in unison wit the others, smiling to Primer as if he was some old friend. The intruders mutant ability was clearly mastered and the Madri quickly and easily fell prey to Primer's pheromones. Of course, just because the Madri outside were rendered useless by the pheromones that Primer released, didn't mean that the Madri inside were.

Elliot monitored the situation carefully, of course safely from her little hiding spot within the facility, and directed the other Madri accordingly, making sure to keep the 'boss' informed of every step. <I don't know what he's doing but its not any sort of telepathy or mind control...its....something strange> Elliot thought toward Magneto's mind, just scratching the surface of the old man's mind. Magneto of course, was watching the scene unfold from the safety of his study, his figure just barely visible through the glass of the upstairs window. "I'll meet with him," Magneto said softly and casually, knowing Elliot would pick up on his thoughts and words.

The little telepath nodded from the small room she had taken refuge in downstairs and alerted the other Madri in the vicinity to bring Primer inside and confine him to the main foyer. Elliot herself would remain hidden and well out of physical sight in case this intruder decided to try and manipulate anyone else within the Brotherhood.

[Primer]

Primer smiles as the guards stand aside, nodding politely to them as they usher him through the doors. His expression doesn’t falter as he notices faces watching him from windows. He knows it had been a risk to advance, to be so cocky, when a sniper within would have been unaffected by his pheromones and a word from Magneto or one of his lieutenants could have laid him flat in a moment. He was confident, however, that no leader as capable as Magneto- and he did believe that the other mutant was capable despite his fairly recent and highly publicized defeat- would let so curious a thing as a well dressed business man strolling up to the doors with a glass of brandy offering the leader of the most reviled mutant terrorist organization in the world a drink be eliminated without at least seeing what brand of insanity had possessed said business man before he had him shot.

And once he hears what I have to say having me shot will hopefully be the last thing on his mind. He straightens his tie before stepping into the Brotherhood’s foyer and looks around at the room full of armed guards like those who had greeted him at the door, his mouth twisting upwards into a wry smile. “I’ll end the demonstration now.” he announces and closes his eyes briefly, more for effect than anything else, as he puts a mental stopper in his pheromones, coaxing the calm and respect he had been exuding back into himself.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” he says, aiming his remarks toward Madri as he unbuttons his coat, though obviously speaking more to hear his own voice than to impart anything in particular, “but I certainly hope we can get the preliminaries over with quickly. You know there’s not a decent restaurant for an hour all around this place? I passed four McDonald’s though. Figures doesn’t it? Sometimes I think all we need to do is give them some slack and the baseliners will just hang themselves.” He shrugs his coat off and tucks it securely over one forearm. “Far too slow though.” he decides aloud adding much like your employer rather tartly in his mind.

[Magneto]

Magneto moved away from the window as soon as Primer disappeared through the front doors and out of physical sight. Elliot no doubt still had a mental grasp on the situation and while that was comforting and reassuring, it still wasn't a totally calming factor. The little girl was useful in certain situations, but she was still lacking in power and drive, so really counting on her was a large risk and one that the old man wasn't willing to make right now, after all, the trespasser was still a mystery and while he was for sure a mutant, his power was still primarily unknown. Elliot said his control over the Madri outside wasn't telepathy of any sort, so what he used was dangerous until Magneto could figure it out and think of a way to isolate it to keep himself safe.

Tugging at the end of the black long sleeve top he wore, Magneto took a deep breath, already plotting his next three or four moves, treating the situation as if he were in the middle of a chess game. Staying ahead of your opponent was the key to victory and survival in this sort of world and had it not been for such thinking, Magneto would still be sitting in his plastic prison somewhere...or dead.

The main foyer was alive and filled with others of the Brotherhood besides the increasing number of Madri who happened to show no sign of decreasing in number. The first floor was lined with a few unfamiliar faces, one of them being a rather short older man who moved with a limp and carried some sort of short cane, his black hair and mustache only adding to the dark glance he gave Primer. On the other side of the first floor was an average sized young woman with what appeared to be large growths of bone jutting out all over her body, the sharp spikes running along her spine being the most eye catching. Other mutants slowly gathered in the foyer, a very large and blubbery young man who appeared to be eating a turkey leg, a white skinned woman with one black mark over her eye and a few others. The Madri took up several vantage points within the room and smiled to one another, waiting for Magneto to make his entrance.

"Confident....aren't we?," Magneto said as he finally appeared from the left hallway of the first floor, "Not just anyone could waltz into the inner sanctum of my Brotherhood you know....," he continued slowly, his hands behind his back and his gaze locked onto Primer. Magneto's blue eyes were perhaps the most disturbing feature the old man had, they just seemed so lifeless and cold, but at the same time they drew you in, making you at least consider anything he said, the look of a leader and a veteran. "So, before I have mister Madrox eliminate you, why don't you tell me just what you had hoped to gain with this little act of bravado," Magneto said, stopping now at the center of the room, his hands finding their resting place on the waist high railing in front of him.

[Primer]

Primer stares directly and inscrutably back at the mutants who have crept like spiders from their various crevices and shadows to peer at him. He restrains a fastidious shudder- some of them don’t look very well groomed at all, and some much worse than that- but doesn’t let his mild disgust show on his face, maintaining a pleasant smile, for after all these are the mutants whom he hopes to make his allies. Unfortunates, he thinks pityingly of the blubbery man and the woman with the bone ridges, superiority surely… but at such a price.

Magneto’s entrance halts these thoughts and his face lights up as if the other mutant has greeted him like the prodigal son instead of with cool suspicion and thinly veiled threats.
"Confident....aren't we?,"
“I hope I’ve reason to be.” Primer laughs slightly self-depreciatingly a light, social sound, artificial and expiring around the edges. “I’ve built quite a career- if I do say so myself- around my… talents… after all.” the polite chitchat response is as natural as breathing. He’s a bit surprised Magneto doesn’t recognize him- after all he is one of the more renowned mutant sympathizers in the country today not to mention a formidable public figure. Then again I’m known in the Doctor Phil and Oprah circles more than the world of high politics. Perhaps I should even respect the lack of recognition.
"Not just anyone could waltz into the inner sanctum of my Brotherhood you know....,"
“I’d hope not, and I must say even with my talents it was difficult. However, as I’m sure you know, aptly applied power and money will loosen even the tightest-clenched jaws.” he cocks an eyebrow, assuming a wry facial expression, his tone conveying a co-conspiratorial air rather than a triumphant one. He’s handled enough difficult social situations to be able to convey with tone and posture ‘silly humans and underlings’ instead of the criticism of Magneto’s security the comment could have been taken for.

"So, before I have mister Madrox eliminate you, why don't you tell me just what you had hoped to gain with this little act of bravado," With that the older mutant stops and rests his hands on the railing, his blue eyes- slightly disturbing even to the supremely composed- fixed on Primer who is standing in the same relaxed posture, looking straight back into the eyes of the Brotherhood’s leader. Inside he is feeling if not fear a sudden swell of respect. Magneto’s well appointed personal appearance, cultivated accent, and controlled movements have made an impression and Primer does not attempt conceal the responsive approval and respect but neither does he drop his eyes or so much as flinch at the threat. Explanations then.

“Well, I’d hoped to get in the door. That being accomplished I’ve moved on to hoping you’ll reconsider exterminating me before I’ve said my piece.” he holds up the bottle in his left hand again, “I did bring brandy after all, surely that buys me a few moments at least?” he considers asking for a private audience, he’s made a career of demonstrations yet still finds them distasteful, but figures he’s already proved his point- he will serve, but not submit- and has no need of pushing it now. “And as I’m sure you’re wondering my mutation is pheromone emission. I can inspire anything from desire to hate to sleep. I came here hoping, with that little demonstration, to gain entrance to your Brotherhood. Recent events-“ his jaw clenches slightly, a startling momentary lapse in composure, “-have taught me that to merely manipulate complacent humans, to look out for oneself and ignore the larger goings on so long as one’s own pockets are filled, is not sufficient for a mutant. I go by Primer these days, for the primer pheromones that cause long term biological effects. Does that satisfy you?”

[Magneto]

Primer's little act of bravado was impressive enough on its own and perhaps it was this that held Magneto's attention for a moment, but when the newcomer mentioned his power, well...that's where all the interest immediately went. Being able to control someone else's thoughts was impressive but being able to actually inflict an emotion on them, well, that was even more impressive. Sure it was satisfying to watch someone do something against their will, but when mind controlled, that person really didn't have a clue as to what they were doing, but with emotion, they knew full well what was going on and that my friend was a powerful and scary ability.

The glass of brandy Primer brought with him and offered to share with Magneto was a well thought gesture, but no matter how tempting the gift, Magneto knew better than to hastily accept, after all, who was to say that the drink wasn't laced with something that would affect him later on down the road? No, words first and then after a quick mind probe by Elliot, then a drink might be in order.....maybe.

"See to it that the car is taken care of mister Madrox," Magneto said with a smile as he waved his hand toward the door, causing it to swing open, "Everyone else.....," he added, giving a slow glance around the room indicating that the small crowd should disperse and find something else to entertain them. The minor members of the Brotherhood quickly disappeared, but the four who stood out openly smiled and then nodded to one another before slowly leaving in opposite directions, no doubt members of a more elite inner group, Magneto's lieutenants so to speak. "Elliot.....," he said aloud, letting Primer know that just because they appeared to be alone didn't necessarily mean they were. <I'm on him boss> came back the mental reply from the fiery red head hidden away in her private little room downstairs. "Now Primer.....let's have that discussion...and some brandy," he said with a smile, jerking his head back indicating for the other to join him upstairs.

((Okay, if you want we can continue in this thread or just move it to Mag's private room. Doesn't matter to me which one.))