06-19-2020, 04:16 PM
Marcus stood in the elevator for what seemed like forever. Sanjay was next to him, fully decked out in his black flared uniform. Ascendancy's team knew what they were doing. It was a powerful tool that operated on a subconscious level few even noticed. One study observed that it was part of the "military imagination" and a "seductive form of dress." He had raised an eyebrow at the next few paragraphs that suggested it "gave the wearer a private sexual fantasy of power." Having given that some thought- especially when considering the fetish community with their stylized dominatrix attire- he had to concede that there might be something to that. Foucoult saw it as a tool of social control, the belief that a soldier could be made from the crude materials of civilian life into the steel of a soldier. A forged weapon.
It had made its point, and from then on Marcus noticed the way people- himself included- responded, even without conscious thought, to its presence. Some cowered, some deferred. Still others' hackles rose, feeling threatened though not sure why. It was a powerful tool and one he fully intended to use one day. The German uniforms of the late 19th and early 20th century cut an image that was doubly empowered by history. They were potent.
Indeed, it was this transformation, Marcus wanted to see. As his Liaison, Sanjay did not get to spend as much time down at the Facility as the some of the others- those who were still in the city, anyway. And while his application was gaining widespread use, there was only so much that could be done in isolation. Partnerships, teamwork, and live collaboration could lead to real advances. And if nothing else, he could watch men spar with the power.
He missed Andre for that. At one time, what seemed a lifetime ago, he and his brother had done that very thing. It was exhilarating. He and Sanjay had never really gone that route, for reasons he was not entirely clear. Perhaps it was the man's deference, at trait he would need to have culled from him. Rods of Dominion should not be submissive by nature.
The air was cool though the pressure unmistakable. They were deep in the bowels of the earth with miles of rock and steel above them. The feel of being in a bubble was real. He wondered what prolonged exposure could do to ones psyche. An interesting experiment.
Sanjay went off to find others of the Rods while Marcus briefly greeted Dr. Weston, their conversation terse. Ever to the point, she was. And not a little territorial. Despite the Ascendancy's assurances, he was the Consul over channeling. It was only natural to be fearful he was here to begin encroaching on her territory. He was not- at least for now. He was here more as a curiosity.
His appetites, as of late, had changed somewhat. Malik no longer stalked back and forth in front of the cage door, egging him on with his hunger. A different kind of desire had surfaced now, one he wanted to explore.
While he waited, he wandered from room to room to observe the training. A pity not many women were down here. He had a thought concerning that, though he would have to be careful how he proceeded. They needed more structure too. He wondered how much planning Vellas was putting into his training program. Another thing for the future. The man needed to be around to inspire his people.
Room to room, he wandered.
It had made its point, and from then on Marcus noticed the way people- himself included- responded, even without conscious thought, to its presence. Some cowered, some deferred. Still others' hackles rose, feeling threatened though not sure why. It was a powerful tool and one he fully intended to use one day. The German uniforms of the late 19th and early 20th century cut an image that was doubly empowered by history. They were potent.
Indeed, it was this transformation, Marcus wanted to see. As his Liaison, Sanjay did not get to spend as much time down at the Facility as the some of the others- those who were still in the city, anyway. And while his application was gaining widespread use, there was only so much that could be done in isolation. Partnerships, teamwork, and live collaboration could lead to real advances. And if nothing else, he could watch men spar with the power.
He missed Andre for that. At one time, what seemed a lifetime ago, he and his brother had done that very thing. It was exhilarating. He and Sanjay had never really gone that route, for reasons he was not entirely clear. Perhaps it was the man's deference, at trait he would need to have culled from him. Rods of Dominion should not be submissive by nature.
The air was cool though the pressure unmistakable. They were deep in the bowels of the earth with miles of rock and steel above them. The feel of being in a bubble was real. He wondered what prolonged exposure could do to ones psyche. An interesting experiment.
Sanjay went off to find others of the Rods while Marcus briefly greeted Dr. Weston, their conversation terse. Ever to the point, she was. And not a little territorial. Despite the Ascendancy's assurances, he was the Consul over channeling. It was only natural to be fearful he was here to begin encroaching on her territory. He was not- at least for now. He was here more as a curiosity.
His appetites, as of late, had changed somewhat. Malik no longer stalked back and forth in front of the cage door, egging him on with his hunger. A different kind of desire had surfaced now, one he wanted to explore.
While he waited, he wandered from room to room to observe the training. A pity not many women were down here. He had a thought concerning that, though he would have to be careful how he proceeded. They needed more structure too. He wondered how much planning Vellas was putting into his training program. Another thing for the future. The man needed to be around to inspire his people.
Room to room, he wandered.