The Price of Power

[Michael Vellas]

(OOC: I was trying to write this post up before any replies but you beat me to it But yes, Michael is - strange I know - doing as he was told and waiting)

Michael's contemplation did not last long. Nervous tension prickled at the nape of his neck like needles. The Facility's staff hovered around him out of sight, fascinated but unwilling to approach. He understood their hesitation, but understanding did not make it any less tiresome. To them he was like a lion. An interesting specimen but one that might strike if you got to close.

Well, it could be worse. They could be Atharim and eager to put him down like a rabid dog.

Denied the comfort of solitude, he approached the closest team that sat behind the opaque glass looking into his makeshift training room. He was received with courtesy but their eyes told him of their discomfort. "How is Mr. Monserre? I would like to see him."


A lean man with a clipped tone spoke reluctantly. "I'm afraid he is still receiving treatment. I...cannot allow any unauthorized access. You would have to speak to Dr. Weston."


Michael shook his head. "Never mind. Thank you." His entrance was soon followed by his exit. So much for that. Hell, they probably thought he wanted to finish the job.

He shook his head again. The Facility eroded his equilibrium. He had never liked hospitals and this place felt like one giant hospital used to contain people like him. He wondered if this is what an insane asylum felt like. No wonder the things never seemed to help anyone who went in.

Not long after he sat down to calm himself once more he felt the menacing presence of the ascendant power. His eyes darted in the direction of the source.

Marcus.

The pulse was too strong and steady for it to be one of the recruits.

Damn the man, why must he be so contrary when lives were at stake.

His movement resembled a stalking tiger as he made his way to the source. He was of course halted by two staff members who questioned him hesitantly.

Frustration and concern ran through his chest in waves. "Where is the Sigma and Dr. Weston?"
The doctor baulked. "I am in command here,"
he interjected with icy steel. "I defer to you as experts in your field, but this is not the time. Find them. Now."


They scurried off without protest and Michael forced himself to wait. He had no reason to suspect there was anything malicious and he did not want to raise tensions any higher than they already were. Instinct told him otherwise, but he was not on a battlefield or dealing with assassins.

Minutes later the doctors came back looking slightly put out. Good. He would not need to take further action, it seemed.

"Dr. Weston is performing tests on Sigma DuBois. I did not disturb them."
The last sounded accusatory.

"Thank you. My apologies, you may return to your work."


The two left in a huff only a doctor who was taken from their studies could make. He let their annoyance run off his back. Better that than telling them they may have all been in danger of being burnt to cinders. The Ascendants were feared as it was.

Despite his annoyance at Marcus for flaunting his rebellious streak, he was not displeased. Dr. Weston could be insistent, and while Michael was not a dullard, a scientist he was not. From what he knew of the man, Marcus could do a much better job as a test subject for Dr. Weston. Hopefully it provided some information.

So Michael settled down once more and waited for Dr. Weston to inform him of her decision.