The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 11, 2008 20:28:05 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
This girl had to be one of the most nervous Luke had ever met... even with his power toned down to an extremely light level she was acting like most people acted when he was pumping out at full power. He couldn't remember the last time he had been truly blind... it was years ago back before his power actually developed. Ever since then he had always kept his senses up in order to make sure that he didn't really crash into anything. Was it even possible for him to still function without his sonar?
Closing his eyes behind the sunglasses Luke concentrated... this was something he had never attempted or at least, hadn't attempted in years. Was it even possible for him to completely stop his sonar emission? Obviously it was going to take some concentration to keep it off since he was so used to it being on but the big question was whether it was possible. Vega had already found his first audio book and as she tried to find the second he continued to search for the elusive 'on/off' switch that he knew had to still be there. Sure it might be covered in cobwebs and disuse but surely it must still exist.
"Oh, that London! I didn't recognize the name at first. Here." She pressed yet another box into his hands, this one larger. "This says it's his 5 most famous books. The Call of the Wild, White Fang, The Sea-Wolf, The Iron Heel, aaaand," She twisted the box in his hands so that she could read the last title, "Martin Eden. Will that be all for you today, sir?"
Fighting as hard as he could Luke suddenly found himself enveloped in absolutely blindness and silence... at least at the infrasonic level. It was disconcerting and for a moment the man actually felt helpless. So this is what it was to be completely blind. He had forgotten.
"Uh... um... yeah... yeah that'll be it I do believe." Luke spoke slowly, suddenly unsure of himself as he ran his hands over the front of the embossed cases, feeling the outline of the letters with his hands, "I... uh... can't think of anything else. Um... thanks... thanks for your help."
This was the wierdest feeling in the world... true his hearing was still better than most but to be unable to know exactly where every bookshelf and even every bump in the carpet was felt extremely disconcerting. Luke felt out of place and completely unsure... instead of the confidence and kindness he had been exuding he was suddenly just one more blind man that had difficulty in certain areas of life.
"Uh... since I have the cane would you mind carrying them to the counter? Once their in a bag I, uh, should be fine."
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 11, 2008 7:33:01 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Things were beginning to look up... the Sweet Tea was excellent with just enough sugar and strength of flavor and Victoria was beginning to calm down. Maybe the three of them would get to enjoy their meal after all. If only...
It was right then that the stupid waiter tried to do something that no human being should attempt... as he failed and the dishes rained down with a loud SMASH, it was all over. Suddenly Victoria was gone and Tris was falling through where Victoria had once been, making her own loud crash onto the floor.
WIth the passive sonar reading Luke had been getting there was no way he could find Victoria but as soon as she dissapeared he went active, putting a lot of power into this small area immediately... there was a lot of dust and debris but no Victoria unless... was that cloud slowly drifting down under the table Victoria?
"Oh my... she does go to pieces." Luke thought to himself in astonishment. Quickly feeling around the table Luke realized that there was no table cloth to hide her from sight once she rematerialized, quite naked under the table.
"Just what the poor girl needs! More embaressment!" It was time to act but Luke wasn't sure what he could do. Scanning the room around him very quickly the only think that appeared to have any size was the aprons that the waiters were wearing. "Whatever works."
Sliding out of his seat quickly Luke slipped over to the waiter that was now desperately trying to clean up all the broken dishes and undid the bow that was tied on the back of his apron.
"Hey!" The waiter suddenly called out as his apron fell to the floor, "What are you doing?!"
"I have to borrow it... you can have it back in just a couple of minutes." Luke replied without looking back as he moved back to his table. The apron didn't quite cover all the way to the floor, or the whole length of the table but it did at least cover some of the space. Spreading out the apron and holding it in place Luke stood there, doing his best to look as natural as possible.
"Um... Tris... do you think you can slide Victoria's clothes to her?"
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 11, 2008 7:09:34 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Decision time was swiftly approaching once again only this time it was Wraith that was going to have to make the decision. The dog wasn't protesting about cat-boy being there and had actually layed back down causing Wraith to wonder if the dog was all right or if there were problems with the animal. "Maybe the dog is abused or sick and this animal lover is out to try and save it... but why start to steal stuff if all you want to do is safe a dog?" He silently pondered as cat-boy walked over towards the dog and then apparently tried to coax it over towards the steps.
Shaking his head slowly back and forth Wraith came to a decision... it was probably the stupidest think he could have decided since becoming some type of crime fighter but he was going to follow it through. Collapsing his staff again Wraith dropped lightly to the ground and then slipped inside.
Being back inside the house again made sound carry so much better... sonar had always been Wraith's strongest gift but his hearing was better than most although he did have to focus more in order to use it. with the house adding a touch of echo to the voices though, it was now much easier to him to hear cat-boy still talking.
"I can't get you to the Mansion unless you sort of cooperate here, dog. Com'on. DocProf is going to fix you. Maybe. So you should come with me. 'Cause I'm... Clearly workin' for the forces of good, here."
Good? Had he just said he was working with the forces of good? If both of them got out of this alive without being total enemies, Wraith was going to have to talk to cat-boy about his sense of right and wrong. Last time he had checked, burlary and some vandalism wasn't good. Crouching in the living area just in line of sight of the bottom of the stairs where the boy would see him when he came down Wraith waited... he wasn't huge on conversation but this situation probably did deserve done.
"So it's gonna be like that, huh? Fine. Okay. Have it your way, Blobby. You just lie there. I'll show you."
The next few moments were rather comical actually... when not in cat form, the boy was not overly big or overly strong by all indications as he struggled to carry the large dog down the stairs. Every step was labored with plenty of stumbling thrown in. Several time Wraith though he was goign to have to leap forward and catch them but the boy kept recovering just in time. Finally at the bottom of the stares it appeared to be to much and the boy sat down rather hard on the bottom step.
"I hate you, too." The boy told the dog somewhat wearily as he just sat there with the large animal on top of him.
"There's a couple of things I just don't get about you kid." Wraith spoke up, his voice as gravelly and rough as ever, "Why start steeling stuff when all you really want is the dog and why try to rescue that animal when you hate it? I bet you'd even give a shrink a run for his money."
For the moment Wraith was remaining as non-threatening as possible... crouched by the end of the couch with both of his weapons put away and simply looking at the young man waiting for some sort of answer. It was an odd situation but according to New York standards it probably wasn't even worth a second glance. "This city will probably give me ulcers later one... how does so much strangeness end up in one place?"
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 21:40:03 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Many people would consider this situation strange... a burglar that could change into a tiger facing a blind hero that could actually sense better than most people could see. Well Wraith would agree... this was strange and seemingly growing stranger with every moment. Cat-boy had remained sitting in the hallway for several moments before suddenly moving farther down the hall and attempting to open another door. Without warning the cat was suddenly human again, opening the door and then backpedalling quickly as he tried to avoid the dog that was rushing forward.
Wraith tensed to rush in and keep the boy from being killed... he would arrive to late but he had to try but then the dog stopped. From this distance there was no way to be sure why but he was guessing that the boy was trying to talk to the dog. Concentrating as hard as he could Wraith reached out with his hearing, trying to catch what was being said but unfortunately only a few words filtered through.
Raising an eyebrow questioningly the shadow did his best to maintain focuse as he monitored the young man moving back into the bedroom. Apparently he didn't want to leave the house in cat form so clothes were a necessity. It had to be strange digging through someone else's wardrobe to find clothes but this is now what the young man was doing. After finally finding garments that were satisfactory the young man turned back towards his pile of stolen goods. Thankfully, with the window still open sound was a little clearer so this time Wraith had no problem picking up any words that were spoken.
"Alas, poor pilfered tea cup I hardly knew ye."
"He's not picking up the loot?" Wraith thought in astonishment as the boy turned and began to make his way back towards the bedroom door, "Was he really here just because of that dog? And a rescue? Is this some kind of animal crazy mutant that thinks everyone should roam free or something like that?" What was it you called someone like that? An eco-terrorist or something like that. That would be great for the reputation of mutants everywhere. But a question was now pressing on Wraith's mind... what should he do? Trying to stop the boy as he left with the dog would more than likely just mean another ruined set of clothes and more physical harm but it rankled him to just let a criminal walk away.
"Maybe there's more to the story... maybe I should ask him or something." The shadowy form thought to himself as he remained silent and still, crouched above the doorway, "And maybe I should just ask him to snap my neck. Great choice." More than anything it was coming down to a question of what a real hero was made of... would a real hero face odds that basically guaranteed his destruction or would he slip away in order to do more good at a future time?
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 13:55:13 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
It was a staring contest or... it would have been if Wraith had anything to stare with. He could look menacing but there was no way to truly stare someone down but at least he could make them think he was in on the contest. Several moments passed with neither of them moving to attack and then he noticed one of the cat's legs move.
"Here it comes." Wraith thought his muscles tensing as he tried to come up with some idea of how he would defend himself... just the weight of the cat would crush him to the ground so what did he actually think he could do with this staff?
Another leg moved and then a third and forth. Slowly, but with deliberation, the cat was moving back towards the door. He wasn't attacking? Maybe the kid wasn't as bad as Wraith had been beginning to think. Moments later the door closer and he could hear/see the tiger wedging a chair up against the door.
At least his clothes had been shredded and left behind so... that meant his loot was being left behind too right? Moving closer to inspect the small pilot the shadowy figure crouched to inspect what had been taken. Money, a now broken china cup, silverware, a picture frame... all of it was worth something but none of it was the kind of thing your typical thief would take.
"And why did he leave it behind? He silently wondered to himself as he once again focused on the opposite side of the doorway where the cat simply sat looking at the door, "What is he really after if he's willing to give up these things without a fight?"
Deciding that was a question not really worth worrying about Wraith turned towards his next dilema... leaving. With the cat sitting outside there was no way he was going to try and go out that way but just leaving the cat inside to loot whatever he wanted just wasn't an option.
"I can still get out through the window... the same way he came in. But there's still the question of what does he really want? I better just watch for now." Wraith finally decided. Moving slowly over to the window he slipped outside, doing his best to maintain silence as he moved along the roof to crouch over the doorway they had both originally entered through. Concentrating Wraith reached out with his sonar, focusing on the cat to monitor exactly what he was up to.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 12:42:24 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
THAWCK-creeeak!
Even within his hood Wraith had to wince a little... he was ticked at the kid sure but he didn't particularly want to do serious damage... at least there had been no crunching of broken bones so it was all good. As he prepared to strike again the boy suddenly dissapeared... no changed. He swelled tremendously leaving a huge cat in his place. Wraith couldn't be sure whether it was a tiger, panther, leopard, or what but he knew that it was REALLY big.
Leaping away with self-preservation suddenly on the forefront of his mind he felt a paw slam into the heels of his feet as he went across the bed and then rolled to a rather ungraceful stop against the far wall. His landing would have been a normal shoulder roll except for that swat from the animal. "Cat... cat... oh man... I don't think the frequency is right... I think he can see." Wraith though to himself as he desperately tried to figure out how to fight... whether he should run... and what kind of cat that was.
"At least I know it's not a lion... no mane... unless of course he changes sex when he changes shape? Gross.." Quickly moving back up to his feet Wraith remained in a crouched position as his mind argued how to handle the situation. He didn't have super strenth... super speed... super healing... what did he have? Some stupid sonar device. How in the world was he supposed to stop somebody that could change into a gigantic cat?
Opening his mouth to begin to speak Wraith thought better of it. He had hurt the guy. Why in the world would he listen to him now? "Ok... big cat... he's faster, stronger, and has better senses than me. Smarter? That's still up in the air." He thought as his left hand replaced the baton on his back and grabbed his staff, extending it with a quick motion of his hand. Bracing himself with the weapon gripped in both hands Wraith prepared himself. "I've gone crazy... certifiable... I'm facing a tiger or something... boy did I get the short end of the mutation straw!"
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 11:37:15 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
As the kid turned to walk out Wraith breathed a sigh of relief. His adrenaline was already dropping back to normal levels and for a brief second the hero allowed himself to relax. He had done it... perhapse the most important think he had hever done. He had helped save the kid from himself. "Gotta follow him and make sure to get his name... I can help out of costume even more than I can in costume."
Expanding his sonar sense even more Wraith idly watched the young man walk outside... the kid was really leaving. He had known there was hope in this messed up world and this kid had proven it. If you gave people a chance. more often and not they were willing to...
Alarm bells suddenly went off in his head as the boy suddenly ducked behind the bushes and began to move back towards the house. "Oh no... is he..." Wraith murmured, his brow knitting slightly in concentration as he focused on what was happening. As the boy whom he now once again classified as 'target' climbed up onto the roof via the porch railing Wraith could feel his blood beginning to boil.
"I've been played... let's see how he likes my games." Wraith murmured humorlessly. Moving towards the stairs he began to make his way upwards, following the target's process with his sonar. The kid thought he was just facing some vigilante in a halloween costume... he was about to find out that there was much more to Wraith than that. As he took the steps cautiously, one movement at a time he could feel his adrenaline surging again, even more powerfully than it had before. Anger just had a way of doing that.
"I can't believe I let myself get sucked into that." Wraith thought to himself as he allowed his anger to slowly boil up stronger and stronger, "If I could hit him with a sonic blast I would but maybe a few extra wraiths will help."
Pausing outside the door to the bedroom he allowed his concentration to fall completely on his sensory perception... the key was to bring the distance in to only about twenty feet but to put as much power out as he could. If he could make the boy see enough ghosts it would free him to get in his blow. Finally when the moment came he pushed in the door and charged in, ready to strike the target right across the head with his baton. It wasn't a fancy blow but it would work. After all there was no way that some drugged up kid could dodge a strike from him... was there?
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 10:32:29 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Was the boy crying? Was he actually crying? Wraith didn't think he had come across that strong but maybe his comment about the young guys mother had struck harder than her immagined it would. "His mothers probably dead and so just hearing about her makes him break down." He thought to himself, coming to the only conclusion he could possibly come to.
"I... I don't know what I'm doing. It's like I can't think straight. I'm... I'm seeing things, even. I... are you going to call the police? I can't go back there again! I can't!" The boy said, tearing up part way and almost calling out in anguish at the end.
"As long as you leave without taking anything I won't call the police." The shadow spoke, a touch of compassion edging his rough voice, "I'm out to protect the innocent... sometimes punishing the guilty goes along with that and sometimes it doesn't... you've got a chance kid. Take it."
He had met kids like this while over in Europe... heck, he had met kids like this while he was in the states. He'd be willing to be abuse was part of the family life along with alcohol. More than likely the family was pour and the kids had never been told they'd have a chance out in the world. There was no telling what the kid could accomplish if there were just someone out there to encourage him. Shaking his head ever so slightly Wraith shook it, bringing his focus back on the situation at hand. The kid still hadn't chosen to leave and until he did that there was no helpilng him... he had to want the help.
"I doubt we have all night until the owner comes home." Wraith spoke again as he continued to watch the young man, although his grip on the baton had lessened slightly, "What are you going to do?"
With the combat finished things were pretty quiet in the house... there was that squeeking from the clock, creaking from the house as a light breeze blew against it, and the sound of some animals somewhere near the garrage it sounded like. Sleeping or moving just a little but not aggressive. "People really need better guard dogs."
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 9:24:44 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
That had gone even better than Wraith could have hoped... the impact had been hard but his landing and roll had absorbed most of the damage. True his shoulder would be aching for a little while but it was nothing he couldn't handle.
As he came back into a crouched position and focused his attention on the figure he had attacked he had to hold in a laugh... the guy was kicking a coffee table! Wraith was pretty sure that his ghostly images were out in full force thus making the guy want to kick at something but that didn't really matter. What did matter was stopping this guy from burglarizing someone house. That had to be one of the most helpless feeling in the world... to come home and find your houe broken into and your things taken. You would feel violated and unsafe in your own house from that day on.
"What the hell was that, you, you... person, you! This is my house to rob. Go find your own. Shoo, or I'll... growl at you, or something. And that's your final warning!" The boy said rather shakily before a literal shiver suddenly ran over his form.
"Is this what the drugs have done for you?" Wraith's voice rasped out from where he remained crouched in the hall. He couldn't help but pity the boy but there was still no way he could let this burglary suceed. "Why don't you just leave the stuff you were going to take and get out... get yourself cleaned up. There's nothing here worth ruining your life for and the drugs aren't worth it either."
The shadowy form maintain his grip on the baton in his left hand, ready to respond defensively if his opponent rallied and attacked but for a moment there was a respite. His blow had obviously taken a lot of starch out of the youngster so hopefully he would be smart and stay down.
"And what would your mom think if she could see you now? Just looking for your next fix and willing to do anything for it... do you think she'd be proud?" He wasn't out to be cruel but he had to get through to him. Drugs would ruin your life as fast if not faster than anything else out there. If the kid would leave Wraith's alter ego would do his best to help the young man but that was in the future. Right now he was standing at a cross roads... it was up to him to choose his path.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 8:39:50 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Wraith could 'see' his target in what was probably the living room... slowly moving through the shadows towards him, Wraith reached back and grabbed his baton, holding it firmly in his left hand. This was not your typical thief. There was no methodical movements or searching just... randomness. Then Wraith heard the person speak... a young man from the sound of the voice.
"Mom always said drugs were trouble. Meh." The man murmured to himself. Without Wraith's enhanced hearing there was no way he could have heard the words but it just so happened that he had been blessed just for this kind of situation.
"Drugs... just great... that could mean increased strenth, speed, and stamina because he's out to get a fix." The shadowed man thought to himself as he prepared to move, "Less coordination though. No warning this time... strike hard, strike fast and bring him down."
Remaining in a crouched position Wraith continued to move closer, closing on his target. He could already feel his adrenaline beginning to pump and he knew that the 'wraiths and ghosts' of his namesake would more than likely begin appearing in the young man's vision. Without a sound Wraith suddenly stood and charged, leaping towards the young man with all the strenth he could muster. The impact was going to hurt but he knew how to fall and should be able to roll with it in order to make sure that only the criminal got hurt and not the hero.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 7:37:42 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Wraith's patrol normally kept him in the city but at least once or twice a week he tried to move out through the neighborhoods. While out of costume there was no way that Luke could ever drive a vehicle with his blindness but in costume Wraith often used a motorcycle to help his patrols move more easily once he was away from the city. Anyone checking Luke's owernship records would fail to find the motorcycle since he had it owned by a parent company he had set up... just a front for purchasing his Wraith equipment but it worked.
The weather was beautiful with the touch of autumn in the air and the feeling that winter would soon be arriving. So far the night had been quiet and while Wraith enjoyed his confrontations with the enemy he also enjoy a quiet night just out and about the beautiful city. With the cool breeze blowing against his costume and against the bare skin of his cheek where the visor didn't cover he could admit that it was just good to be alive. He had passed several vehicles over the course of the evening but most people seemed happy to just stay at home tonight.
*CRASH*
Wraith slowed his motorcycle swiftly expanding his awareness as he tried to find what had just caused that sound... breaking glass if he wasn't mistaken. Just in time his sonar extended to catch someone slipping inside of a house about half a block away. He couldn't be sure from this distance but it sure looked as though the pane glass window in the door had been broken.
"Time to go to work." Wraith murmured coldly as he pulled his motorcycle into the shadows and then killed the engine. Shadows and darkness were his friend and he embraced them much like a lover. Sliding through the darkness with little to no sound he soon arrived at the house he had spotted and his first guess had been right... the window had been broken allowing someone to slip inside. As Wraith stepped in the still open door he crouched and then concentrated, reaching out with his sonar, trying to find where the intruder had dissapeared to in the house.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 10, 2008 5:02:50 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
(OOC: Wow... someone noticed the nervousness side of Luke's ability? Cool!)
IC: As Luke had slowly scanned the area around him he noticed a young woman and man speaking... from what little he could pick up of their conversation it appeared that she was the cashier but there was no way of knowing for sure until she walked over.
"Welcome to the Full Circle Bookstore. My name is Vega... Can I help you find something today, Sir?" The young lady spoke in a voice that seemed nervous... cautious... and only getting worse with each step she took closer.
Silently Luke swore in his head as he realized how powerfully he was scanning the bookstore. Automatically he toned down the power, bringing his field of 'vision' back in to only about ten feet out. Though that wouldn't aleviate his... side-effects completely it would help at least a little.
"I would greatly appreciate your help...Vega. I'm interested in your audio book selection and was curious whether you had any of Clive Cussler's works. Also... some of the classics such as those written by Jack London, but you can finish helping this gentleman." Luke spoke his voice was kind, but strong enough that both individuals could hear him quite well, "From what little I heard it sounds like you have a project ahead of you." The last statement was obviously direct towards Kaz as the 'blind' man leaned up against the counter, relaxed and conegenial as he did his best to overpower the nervousness that his ability often projected.
"I should have known I had it dialed up to strong when I came in but this young lady does seem more sensetive than most... remind me some of Victoria but a little bit more confident than that." Luke thought to himself as he waited for either of them to reply.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 9, 2008 8:01:58 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
Luke Jacob's former secretary Miss Langstan had recommended that he check out the audio book selection a a local shop he had never visited... 'The Full Circle Bookstore' was deffinately a different sounding name and hopefully that would have a decent selection. Of course Luke knew that with his disability he would require help making his choice but since there were normally salespeople and cashiers that could help it shouldn't be a problem.
Walking confidently down the sidewalk Luke's white and red cane gently swung back and forth in front of him making sure there were no impediements in his way. Not that he truly need the cane but it was always important to keep up appearances. Many people did their best to avoid rain but Luke had always found it fascination... rain had a sound all its own that was unique from everything else.
"Excuse me sir... Is this doorway the Full Circle Bookstore?" Luke asked several of his fellow pedestrians before one man answered with a very gruff "Yes!"
"Thank you! Have a nice day!" He called after the man before turning to go inside. Stepping under the covered area right under the door Luke ran a hand through his hair getting as much excess moisture out as possible before stepping inside. It was strange to see a store like this with a revolving door but more than likely it was how the store had gotten its name. With his sunglasses on and a white cane it wouldn't take anyone very long to figure out that he was blind but that really wasn't important. The store was a little cool because of the dampness in his hair but thanks to his light wind jacket he was mostly dry. Slowly making his way over to the counter Luke settled in to wait patiently for the first available clerk.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 9, 2008 7:45:45 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
1,041
0
Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
As Victoria straightened slightly Luke took his hand away, a look of helplessness still on his face. "How in the world did I get mixed up in this?" He silently wondered to himself, "By being the nice guy... just like always. I really don't need this kind of complication but there's no way I can just walk away. I would feel like such a jerk."
"I'm sorry."You must think me very silly." "I...." Victoria hiccuped "I...." she hiccuped again. "I lost my...<hic>.. my Mummy and... D..Daddy three... <hic>... m-months ago." She got it out and immediately burst into tears again.
And with those words at least a few things suddenly made sense... Victoria had already been through a straining day and to hear Luke speak about his parents and how he had lost them must have brought the pain up all afresh.
"Awww hunny." Tris spoke as she swiftly moved from her seat to give the girl a hug of comfort.
For several moments Luke remained silent... what was there to say after all? Because of how young he had been when he lost his Dad the grief had been dealt with a long time ago. Plus the fact that he had never even met his mother, there was no way for him to truly understand what Victoria was feeling.
"I know that things must look hopeless to you right now." He finally spoke softly, dredging up the long forgotten memories of how he had felt after his father's death, "You feel sad and angry all at the same time. Questions run through your mind demanding you at least try to find an answer even when another part of you knows that there is no answer. The only things I can say is that it does get easier... you never forget but as the raw shock begins to discipate you can concentrate on the happy memories that are left as well as the new friendships and relationships that have come into your life since then. It's not easy... don't let anyone even begin to say that it's easy but it will get better."
Luke didn't know what else to say and so he leaned back in his chair and reached out to gently touch his glass of Sweet Tea before grabbing it firmly and bringing it to his lips. The combination of sweet and bitter flavors was always a pleasure on the mouth and for a moment he focused on this enjoyment, trying to withdraw slightly from the sadness that was beginning to invade their time together.
Posted by Luke Jacobs on Oct 8, 2008 20:29:35 GMT -6
Omega Mutant
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Sept 8, 2010 9:05:47 GMT -6
"Sounds like an interesting life you've had......though I don't care how good your security system technology is, I'd able able to think of a few people who could get past them. And of course while I am happy to learn any new information about potential friends....sordid details and plenty of them are greatly appreciated."
Luke smiled and even chuckled slightly, appreciating the quick mind that obviously fueled Tris' comments. He was about spoke again when he noticed that Victoria's shoulders were shaking slightly and then suddenly she burst into tears.
"Wha... what did I say?" Luke asked softly and somewhat incredulously as he swiftly thought over what he had just said. There wasn't anything offensive that he could think of but somehow what he had said had triggered something in the young woman.
Reaching across the table with amazing accuracy the blind man gently touched the young woman's shoulders as he tried to think of the right words to say. He had never spent much time around emotional women... the affairs of his life had always involved beautiful women that weren't looking for attachment but just a fun couple of day or weeks.
"Victoria..." He began, his voice trailing off before he finally decided on exactly what to say, "I'm sure you've been through a lot but things will get better... the world is often suspicious and even hateful towards people like us but you've found a couple of friends that can understand and help you get through whatever your facing. Tris can probably understand more than I can of course since she's a woman but... anyway... um..."
Luke was at a loss. He had begun well but then his whole speech had fallen apart. He was at a complete loss when it came to crying young woman so now all he could really do was gently pat her shoulder while desperately trying to think of something else to say.
"And here are your beverages!" The waiter's voice rang out as he walked up before suddenly noticing the crying young woman, "Oh... I'm sorry... um... do you three need anything?" It was obvious that this young man was out of his league as well though he did manage to put the three drinks down on the table and sound like he actually cared.
"Well he gets points on his customer service training but somehow I doubt his untimely arrival has helped the situation." Luke thought to himself.
