genessia | Dude Where's My Megacorp [Open ] [after Darkness Event]

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Dude Where's My Megacorp [Open ] [after Darkness Event]

((a day or two after the Darkness Event))

Lex wasn't sure how long it had been between waking up here and finally deciding to open the mysterious box that had, evidently, been left for him. He guessed no more than fifteen minutes. The situation was far from ideal, but he was now as sure as he could be, without special tools or anyone else around, that it wasn't a bomb or some other trap. Finally, he cracked it open, opening it away from himself first, and breathed a sigh of relief when it didn't explode in his face, unleash some kind of deadly gas, or turn out to contain a live viper.

His estimate of the probability that this was some sick way of torturing him before getting around to the killing adjusted downward. Slightly.

Whoever or whatever had brought him here had to have been been powerful enough to not only separate him from Mercy, his cybernetically enhanced bodyguard, but to evade a great deal of Lexcorp security and leave him with no memory of the incident, as well.

If they'd gotten past Mercy... No. Dwelling on worst-case scenarios would be no use. He didn't even know if anything harmful had befallen Ms. Graves or Lexcorp, and likely couldn't find out until he got out of this place. Luthor doubted his captors would allow him any information about home, and any they did obviously couldn't be trusted.

The contents of the box implied the existence of some sort of community nearby, perhaps composed of other captives like himself. If this place, this... Genessia, apparently... had developed enough of an economy to require currency, Lex's skills as a businessman would doubtless prove useful.

There was only one thing to do. Gather information and power--often, the two were one and the same--until he could find a way out of this place.

Lex Luthor stepped through one of the twelve identical archways, and into the light of Genessia City.

((And there we go! Feel free to hop in and greet everyone's favorite amoral megacorp owner. I expect he'll be making contact with those of your characters that may prove useful soon enough anyway...))

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It's on a chance that Luthor might come across Ryu trying to help clear the rubble now that the storm of fire had passed. He's not shy about using his healing magic to help people, though now he seems significantly calmer than he was a few days ago, but there was still a certain burning anger inside him, but he stops himself from dwelling on it too much.

"At least it's easier to clean now that there aren't any fires around."

Lex took the better part of a minute observing the young man from a distance before approaching. One had to be careful around these costumed freaks, especially one whose powers and psychological profile were unknown to him. This one, at least, seemed stable enough not to be an immediate physical threat.

The thought that he might no longer be on Earth-16 had, as yet, barely occured to him.

what just happened here? was filed into the list of questions he'd have to get answers to. The answer would likely affect any plans he made.

He finally approached. "Excuse me, young man." Lex extended a hand to shake along with his introduction. "Lex Luthor. I'm afraid I'm a bit lost as to what I've been dragged into." The confidence of his tone didn't waver, despite the unnerving circumstance.

"I can see it's not the best of times, but I've just arrived." He inclined his head toward the unusual structure he had come from. Judging by the package he'd been given, new arrivals were likely a regular enough occurence here. Of course, it was departures that interested him. "If you're too busy with cleanup, perhaps you could direct me to someone or somewhere to help me get my bearings."

All the while, he was surveying the surroundings, taking in and inferring whatever he could glean from what he saw. Lex would find a way to turn the situation to his advantage, one way or another, but for now it was best to play the innocent, befuddled newcomer.

Ryu shakes his head, shaking the man's hand. "Ryu, it's nice to meet you Lex. It's something we all go through when we arrive." He answers, motioning to the destruction. "Someone with a lot of power decided to make an example of what Hell is to people. Called himself Lucifer." It's clear Ryu is restraining a bit of anger at just mentioning his name. With everything he's done? Yeah, he's gonna see to it personally Lucifer is beaten.

"I'm not that busy. The worst of it was when everything was on fire. I can still talk and work at the same time, I mostly just want to make it easier for the people living here to clean up." To that, he motions off in the distance towards Fayren's archway. "I live over in Fayren. It wasn't affected by his firestorm, but I couldn't just sit by and do nothing, y'know?"

A madman calling himself Lucifer? Obviously an unstable element, from the sound of it. Someone best avoided when possible. Lex was somewhat less concerned with the level of devastation than the perpetrator's psychology; when one's dealings so often involved Kryptonians, Lanterns, and the like--beings with the power to singlehandedly exterminate or conquer entire planets, if left unchecked by others like themselves--this type of damage to a single city found itself bumped down to the lower-middle section on the scale of potential disasters.

"My thanks for your hospitality, Mr. Ryu. I take it I'll want to keep my distance from this 'Lucifer'."

Lex craned his head to look into the distance where Ryu indicated. It was too far to make out in detail, but an archway that large, and standing on its own, without walls to the sides... it was either decorative, or the archway itself was a means of transport. Zeta-beam based or sorcerous in nature, most likely.

"Fayren? This place--Genessia, is it?--has access to other regions, then?"

"If you're not strong, then that may be the best idea. He's already hurt a lot of my friends, and the coward blew up the hospital when someone had the guts to challenge him." Of course, that isn't going to stop Ryu if he gets the chance, but the boy isn't exactly human. "Right. The main city is Genessia, and each area around it is a separate city. The only two I've gotten a look at so far are Nova City and Fayren. Nova City has a lot of advanced science in it, and Fayren is closer to my home. Castles, undisturbed forests, small villages and the like."

Ryu lifts his own necklace, showing it to Lex. "This is why you can pass through the archways. But nobody knows who gave them to us, or why. Let alone who brought us here."

((Ryu's necklace is green, right?))

From the boy's description of his home, Lex could guess he must either be from an isolated civilization not unlike the Amazons, or an alien from a primitive world. It was plausible, then, that this prison was on another planet.

Lex glanced from Ryu's necklace to his own. "They're a key to the transportation system, then." He gestured toward his own predominantly purple necklace. "Color-coded, are they?"

As long as the boy was being helpful, Lex might as well get as much information out of him as he could.

((Yes!))

"Truth be told, I never got a good look at a lot of different ones, but that's probably a safe assumption. I've been told you can't pass through the archways without it." Though now that Lex brought his attention to it, Ryu is curious as to just what the colors mean. Could it be tied to their past? Some sort of power? Hard to say, really.

"Oh, and there's no need to call me Mister. Just Ryu is fine." He answers with a smile. "No need for formality if we're all gonna be stuck together for awhile, right?"

"Ryu, then." Lex put on a charming smile. "I do hope to find a way out of here, but I suppose it might take longer than I'd like. It couldn't hurt to make a few friends."

"There's clearly some kind of community here. Is there a government, or some central authority? Anyone who could be said to be in charge?"

Brock felt a little bad that he couldn't be helpful during the chaos the fell upon Genessia unexpectedly. There was plenty of clean up and straightening to be done, and that's where he could at least put his team to use. The gym leader deployed his pokemon, Geodude and Onix to move and relocate the debris. They weren't too far off as Brock separated momentarily to get the ingredients necessary to make them food. He stopped abruptly to a face he didn't recognized. Perhaps they were new?

"Ah, did you just arrive here?"

He figured he would ask just in case. It was normal for people to come and go all the time, so he might get the question a lot.

The young man looked ordinary enough. Likely not worth wasting much time on, but of course Lex couldn't be sure. Best to make a good impression, see if he could get any new information out of him, and move on.

"Lex Luthor." With a friendly smile, he offered a handshake. "New arrival, just as you thought."

He noticed the unusual creatures helping to clean up the rubble.

"Might I ask what those creatures are?" Magically animated rocks under the control of some wizard, if he had to guess.

((That initial judgement is, of course, liable to change once Lex finds out Brock is the one controlling the giant rock snake))

Brock welcomingly took the hand to shake it. Granted he was just looking to make sure the new person wouldn't have a difficult time adjusting to this word.

"Brock." Pleasantries were a thought, but this wasn't a vert pleasant situation to wake up to.

"They're pokemon."

Not that he thought about, how do you explain what a Pokemon is to someone who's never heard of one before? "They're creatures capable of a lot of things depending on what they are. Those two in particular are rock-type pokemon. So it's easy for them to handle of the debris like that."

Brock's explanation left a lot to be desired. Lex might have to learn about these creatures from someone more articulate... or perhaps just at a better time.

"I take it you have some means of controlling these... rock-type pokemon? They're... domesticated?"

Zelman would not appear until later in the day, when the sun had weakened to a dusk state. Due to his weakness of it, he generally didn't spend a lot of time outside during the day. Just is the nature of a vampire, after all. He carried a confident stride, hands in pockets. Whether Zelman sought Lex out or not was unclear, but the vampire knew very well this being had just arrived here today.

After Lucifer took the city down a couple notches, things have once again grown dull. Genessia was a boring city through and through, and his only means of entertainment would be whatever the foreigners presented him.

The redhead revealed a faint grin, greeting the other.

"I've never seen you before." His tone lacking any real enthusiasm, but it held a hint of interest. "You must be new."

Zelman's grin widened.

"If you're looking for an exit, there is none, but I'm sure you've been informed of that already."

Edited 2014-07-22 10:52 (UTC)

"Lex Luthor. And you?" Noting the stranger's aloof manner, Lex didn't reach for a handshake just yet, instead opting to hold an open palm just a couple of inches forward. Enough to signal that the offer was there, without giving the man an opportunity to leave him hanging.

"I'd hardly expect to be imprisoned someplace with an obvious way out. I'll simply have to make my own. Finding out who brought us here would be a good start."

"Zelman Clock." His hand would not be met if he had tried. The vampire simply came to inspect as it was unusual for people who arrive to not make a signal attempt as a broadcast for those around to hear. He himself did such a thing, but for different results.

"No one knows who the culprits are, and if they did, I'm sure the atmosphere here would match it."

Those details were unimportant.

"Wolf in sheep's clothing was a thought of mine, but if that's the case, they're skilled deceivers."

Lex had had dealings with more unpleasant individuals than this in his life. At least this Zelman didn't seem immediately aggressive. Fortunate, given that he'd been separated from his usual security measures and hadn't yet had time to establish replacements. In light of which, it wouldn't do to provoke him.

Wolf in sheep's clothing? "You suspect the wardens of this place might be hiding inside the prison, then? And," he noted Zelman's plural phrasing, "you believe it to be a group, not a single entity?" A group did seem more likely to have the resources, but it was possible for certain individuals, especially an artificial intellect like Brainiac, to manage alone.

As for motivation... a diseased individual collecting people for their own amusement or a cabal of alien scientists studying other species' behavior were just two of many equally likely possibilities.

For all Lex knew, this man could be one of the jailors himself, toying with a new acquisition.

"I'm curious if you've found evidence to lead you to those ideas, or if it's merely idle speculation."

"It was a simple theory, though there is no evidence to support it." Even if there was, Zelman wouldn't have shared the information so casually.

"Of course we could speculate all day, but in the end we'll lead to the same result." Nothing.

"There is some rather interesting patterns to take note of."

"I see. And what patterns might those be?"

Lex didn't miss the fact that Zelman hadn't yet given him any real, useful information. He'd likely have to create an opportunity to disengage soon, before it turned into Zelman simply talking in circles for his own amusement. He'd give it a few more seconds to become productive.

Zelman did get rather bored easy, not to mention he wasn't the type to share information without something in return. After all, back in the special zone, he might have been responsible for some underground organized crimes.

"Contrary to their intentions of living a mundane lifestyle, events due occur." Vague as always. Lately fellow residents have even been sparking some.

[So annoying.. All of Satsuki's work had gone down the drain thanks to the disaster, and currently the Deputy Guardian stands at the remains of what was supposed to be the Newcomer Learning Center near The Bay. Now it's just a giant mess.

The whole event wasn't a total wash, however, it did raise some opportunities, even if the cost ended up being higher than she liked.

So at the moment a woman in a white outfit (that's some sort of amalgam of a japanese school uniform and a military uniform) can be seen overlooking the work of a sizeable clean-up crew (which is made up of several of Wily's mechanical robots that she could access) in preparation to start over once more. Maybe Lex was walking in circles and didn't notice right away, but he may notice should he pass by again since there's a massive, but controlled, explosion.

Should he pass again, she'll certainly see him this time- Sats has made several efforts to greet newcomers and get them started when she can.]

Edited 2014-07-24 22:25 (UTC)

Lex had been investigating the menus on the 'videophone' he'd been given--a somewhat outdated form factor, but seemingly containing, or connected to, something more advanced than its appearance would indicate--when he heard the explosion.

He noticed Satsuki and approached, offering a handshake.

"Excuse me, Miss. Lex Luthor, new arrival."

Something about the young woman reminded him of Supergirl. It wasn't just the costume; the way she stood, she held herself almost like a Kryptonian. Like someone with nothing to fear from almost anything in the universe.

"I seem to have caught this place at a bad time. But if you can spare the time, I'd appreciate any help getting my bearings here."

The others he'd met so far had given no hint of knowing who he was. Without the ability to leverage his reputation, the best option right now was to find someone knowledgeable and helpful, and play up his ignorance of the place until he had the information he needed to begin establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. If he could make a good impression on those already in power, as this woman clearly was to some extent, so much the better.

Satsuki turns to face Lex upon arrival, and a brief glance is given to the offered hand. Which she does accept. It's always interesting for her when non-japanese people arrive here, though Genessia seems to be accommodating of most human cultures so far.

"I most certainly have the time, Lex Luthor," she replies, though her expression is incredibly neutral. Nothing personal, but she just doesn't smile very much. "I am Satsuki Kiryuin, Deputy Guardian of Nova City. Think of the position as akin to a governing police force."

At the ready, she reaches within her small pack to produce a long, folded sheet of paper. "For staters, here is a simple map of Genessia as a whole. As you can imagine, there is much to explain." As the young lady hands it over, she gives him a onceover, looking him up and down when she asks, out of curiosity, "A businessman?"

"Kiryuin-san. Arigatou." Lex hoped the nod to her native language would put the deputy guardian at ease. He could have had the whole conversation in Japanese if necessary, not to mention Mandarin, French, or German.

"The other locals have been helpful, but it's good to finally meet someone in charge." He glanced at the map, taking in what he could without taking more time on it, and pocketed it for later reference.

"CEO of a multinational corporation, in fact. But that doesn't seem to do me much good while I'm trapped here. I'm sure my expertise could be put to use for the good of this place's economy until I manage to make a way out."

Someone in charge? The Deputy Guardian often doesn't feel that way, but it is possible it's all just a matter of time. She silent for a moment, then for one reason or another ends up smirking as she shakes her head.

".. I do not speak English." which should get a confused look from him, she suspects.

"All of our languages, both verbal and written, are translated by some greater power. But all the same, I commend your multilingual abilities. But they will be of little use to you here." Satsuki can't help but be a bit relieved, though. Her record with businessmen now tallies up to 1-1. One she wants eliminated, the other not.

"I certainly agree that your expertise could be of help; it may even be possible they are key to unlocking this world's secrets. My mother similarly is CEO of a major corporation by the name of REVOCS. But if the track record continues, neither of us are familiar with either of our companies. It would appear a number of us have been pulled from alternate versions of our worlds. Might I ask what your corporation specializes in?"

((huh. The FAQ made it sound more like everyone instalearns a shared extra language, but can also still speak their own. Could have been useful for weakly-secured semi-private conversations. Oh well.))

"Convenient, I suppose. Although the implications about our captors are less than reassuring." Whoever or whatever had trapped them here had gone further in invading the prisoners' minds than merely erasing the memory of how they'd been captured.

"Lexcorp has interests in a variety of industries, managed in large part by a number of subsidiaries. The company itself is best known for a number of advances in cybernetics and biotechnology." And, for those with an interest in such things, weapons technology. Lexcorp had, after all, developed his planet's first practical infantry laser weapons. But there was no need to mention that to a new acquaintance.

"All that doesn't seem to do us much good while we're trapped here. But the skills and dedication I used to build Lexcorp will no doubt be of use."

"It is a mystery.. Through my investigations the only thing I could confirm is that the intent does not appear to be malicious. Genessia is abundant in quality of life services, but if I had my way I would apply some sort of balance to keep denizens from getting lazy."

"So.. Biotechnology?" Satsuki repeats, as if it were the first time she heard of it. Obviously she has; this might be the very thing she's been looking for. "That is certainly an unrepresented niche from what I have seen thus far in Genessia. I would be interested in helping you rebuild this 'Lexcorp' and feel Nova City may be the best area for you to settle for the time being. You may look and confirm that on your own of course."

Obviously there were potential drawbacks for the young lady. For the moment she cannot tell if Lex's friendliness is a front, nor can she determine the likelihood that things will explode in her face. Regardless, leaving him stranded isn't an option.

"Of course, being a man of business, you must suspect there is a catch. I certainly won't deny that there is; there is a project I am working on that I do not possess the expertise to perfect; but I am not prepared to disclose the details until I can confirm our works are compatible."

"Of course, your help would be most appreciated."

He added, in French, "I wouldn't expect it to come free." If the young woman's explanation of languages here was accurate, she'd understand perfectly without noticing that he'd done anything different. If not, he'd know she was either mistaken or lying.

"I'm inclined to agree to your offer, though I'm afraid there's little I can promise with neither knowledge of your project nor access to Lexcorp's existing research."

"Very well. Once you have gotten yourself settled in, we can discuss business in a more appropriate setti-." Satsuki starts, though goes silent followed by slow blinks. Was that French? She doesn't speak it but it sounds it. Following that moment of realization, her frown increases and her cheeks redden a little. This isn't the first time an adult has corrected her. "... It would appear that I was in error. Was that French?"

"I do not ask for promises at this time, other than that you repay your debt. If it turns out you cannot help in my project, then monetary minus interest will be acceptable. That said, I am sure you have many more questions.. I'll answer what I can."

"Oui, Mademoiselle. I trust you'll forgive me for not taking your word. It seemed a simple enough way to test the hypothesis." Satsuki didn't appear to have made an attempt to hide her surprise, so it was likely an honest mistake on her part.

"We can work out the details of the loan later." He glanced at the communications device he'd been given. "It seems I already have your contact information."

He retrieved the map she'd given him, looking it over briefly before continuing. "This Nova City you mentioned, it's to the north? Might I ask why you recommend it over the other outlying areas?"

Pleased that Lex agrees with her, Satsuki moves on to the question answering, "Of course. There are two reasons actually; the first being that the green section of your necklace is lit. The other is potential. Though perhaps I am getting ahead of myself; if anyone could find potential in settling within Attleton, it appears it would be you."

She proceeds to explain a bit about each sub-city, Fayren being more mystical in setting, Attleton's suburban set-up, Everglade's supernatural air, and Nova City's technological setting.

"You may travel to and from any sub-city, but the lit sections mean that you are allowed to open an archway of your own within a matching colored archway. That means that there is a way to open up a version of a city of your choosing." Satsuki likely doesn't need to explain the potential value of such a 'trick'. "This comes at a price, however: the price being giving up something of significant value to you. Given our situation, it would appear the most likely trade others have used is either a memory or knowledge."

"I'm sure I'll have a presence in all five cities soon enough." There was no sense sticking to one corner of the prison. That would only limit the resources available for escape attempts. "But Nova City does seem to suit me best. Whoever went jewelry shopping for me would appear to think so as well."

His eyebrow raised a fraction at her explanation of the sub-archways. "I can create a gateway to a facsimile of Metropolis? How many others have used this... feature?" Lex fired off questions as they came to him, all the while thinking of ways to use this new information. "How perfect are the facsimiles created this way? Is there a way to regain whatever one pays? What else do the jailors provide, and does it require a similar sacrifice? What, if anything, can be brought through one of these new archways?"

Satsuki's brows furrow. Not out of suspicion, but such.. Drive. That just further confirms she is not dealing with someone lazy, and that is always a plus. "That would be something worth seeing."

"That you can. The question is a little difficult to get into details- I have seen several, but the only one that I actually know is still around is my superior whom requested access to his tower that holds his many robots." Whom has actually be pretty silent as of late. Probably up to no good again. "Actually that is untrue, Kazuya Mishima has also performed a similar act for his own company. Chances are he may end up your competition, but I am not up to speed on what he produces."

"I am unwilling to make such a sacrifice so I cannot speak from my own experience though I have used another service. You may make smaller requests to some sort of program through your communication device, and the only penalty that I know of is that it may deny it for whatever reason."

Her superior? So the Kiryuin girl wasn't operating independently. It didn't escape him that she hadn't mentioned his name... he would have to look into this roboticist, but at the moment it would likely prove more profitable to continue questioning Satsuki on subjects about which she was less reticent.

"Mishima? I'm not familiar with anyone by that name myself." He wouldn't discount the man as a potential asset simply because Satsuki didn't seem to like him. If nothing else, it was someone he could likely play against other rivals.

"You mean to tell me we can simply request things, and there's a chance of getting them for free? What sort of things can be granted that way? How are they delivered?" Why the hell hadn't she told him about that and the sub-archways first? But of course it wouldn't provide a means of escape. Not if you simply asked it. And there must be some failsafe in place to prevent it from giving the inmates anything that could actually be used to get out or harm the jailors... right? "Is there anything else along those lines I should know?"

She does have her reasons.

"Well I am certain you will run into him soon enough," the Deputy Guardian replies. "And yes, that is quite literally all it takes from what I understand. From the very moment you awaken you are set for life." there's a brief pause, "I do not know what resources it uses to perform these tasks, nor am I aware of the limitations other than denying a means of escape."

Why she's having things constructed herself rather than ask the CPU is not entirely clear- for one reason or another she doesn't seem to like using it.

"Yes, on the subject of miracles, you will likely want to know of the existance of charms. Roughly every month an event occurs in which one can be obtained, usually through a competition. There is one representative of each sub-city, and if one collects all four, a wish can be made. Or so it is said, no one has collected them all just yet." she continues, "They must be able to grant something the program cannot."

Edited 2014-07-27 09:15 (UTC)

So the wardens of this place had some kind of competitive game in place... alien scientists trying to keep the subjects busy? It was one of many possibilites. Too many; there had to be some evidence he could find to narrow it down, weight the probabilities somehow.

"Or more likely, something it normally won't grant." This program would certainly not give him a means of escape, but that didn't mean he wouldn't use it.

"I believe I can make good use of this information. You have my thanks, Kiryuin-san. I hope we can continue to work together and find a way out of this place." It had been as profitable a conversation as Lex could have hoped for, but it seemed there was little more to be gained from continuing. Now was the time to act on the information he'd gained.

"Indeed. It is only a matter of time before we know for certain." Satsuki notes, "It was no trouble at all, Mister Luthor, and I most certainly hope for the same."

She's pretty straightforward at this point; not because she wants to get back to work, but she actually is starting to get a little tired. But she is looking forward to seeing what Lex brings to the table. She nods her head, then turns to go on her way; "Until then."

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Dude Where's My Megacorp [Open ] [after Darkness Event]

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Pokemon character was totally necessary!

inb4 genetech experiments on pokemon

lets not xD

come on, we'll just splice some Martian DNA into the Psychic types... what could go wrong??

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You are completely correct. Let's just say Satuski was mistaken and Lex can correct later

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