David Bruce Banner (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
incrediblegreen) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sixwordstories2015-04-17 09:31 pm
incrediblegreen) wrote in sixwordstories2015-04-17 09:31 pm
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I wouldn't try that. Trust me.
[Not many people can recognize Banner these days, so he grows a bit more nervous when he's called out by name. He watches the man warily, feeling the monster stir faintly.]
What do you want.
What do you want.
[Oh, he didn't recognize Banner at all, he has only seen old photographs of the man from before his transformative experience, and hard living has certainly taken its toll on him. No, he had other means of finding and recognizing this man who takes such great pains to not to found or recognized. He spreads his hands before him, palms out, in the universal way of showing that he is unarmed.]
Nothing at all onerous, I assure you. I am not affiliated with those who hunt you, nor do I stand among your enemies. You needn't fear me.
Nothing at all onerous, I assure you. I am not affiliated with those who hunt you, nor do I stand among your enemies. You needn't fear me.
[Banner is, if anything, a person who wants to see the good in anyone. The disarming motion goes a long way and his own defensive posture calms, as does his mind. He is a doctor after all, and if someone needs help, that will be his first priority.]
Sorry. Is there something I can do for you?
Sorry. Is there something I can do for you?
[Bennet has been many things, but what he will always be first and foremost is a warrior, and the warrior in him is almost startled by how quickly Banner calms. Somehow, he expected the man beneath the Hulk would be slower to trust.]
Aye, you can walk with me, listen to what I have to say and then tell me what, if any, insights you have for me. Because I have been told that you are the world's leading authority on gamma radiation, even today, and it is a leading authority's counsel I seek. Do those who describe you as such speak true?
[His speech is strange, almost archaic, but he keeps his focus on Banner's face the whole time, not once looking away despite knowing well the threat that hides inside of him, just waiting to be unleashed.]
Aye, you can walk with me, listen to what I have to say and then tell me what, if any, insights you have for me. Because I have been told that you are the world's leading authority on gamma radiation, even today, and it is a leading authority's counsel I seek. Do those who describe you as such speak true?
[His speech is strange, almost archaic, but he keeps his focus on Banner's face the whole time, not once looking away despite knowing well the threat that hides inside of him, just waiting to be unleashed.]
[Constance glances up from her work. She was about to activate the alchemic array when he spoke.]
And just why not? The people in that building deserve a taste of their medicine, and I've already calculated it so they're the only ones who would get harmed. [She pulls the sleeve over the mark on her wrist, half an alchemic symbol for water, there's also marks from some form of binding. The anger in her eyes shows that she's pissed about something.]
And just why not? The people in that building deserve a taste of their medicine, and I've already calculated it so they're the only ones who would get harmed. [She pulls the sleeve over the mark on her wrist, half an alchemic symbol for water, there's also marks from some form of binding. The anger in her eyes shows that she's pissed about something.]
[Banner is a healer. Consider his gentle nature a weakness or a strength, becoming the Hulk has actually helped him work to be a more kind and understanding individual.]
Your sources are correct.
[He nods, knowing that while humility is a noble trait, he is in fact the leading expert on the topic.]
I'd be glad to give you what insight I can to your concerns.
[Walking and talking. Regardless of the topic, is a pasttime he is more than willing to partake in. His company's speech is a bit awkward, but hardly anything Banner finds bothersome. He motions with a hand for the man before him to take up a position alongside Banner as he adopts a slow, easy stroll. Something to give them motion, and plenty of time for whatever it is that needs discussion. ]
Your sources are correct.
[He nods, knowing that while humility is a noble trait, he is in fact the leading expert on the topic.]
I'd be glad to give you what insight I can to your concerns.
[Walking and talking. Regardless of the topic, is a pasttime he is more than willing to partake in. His company's speech is a bit awkward, but hardly anything Banner finds bothersome. He motions with a hand for the man before him to take up a position alongside Banner as he adopts a slow, easy stroll. Something to give them motion, and plenty of time for whatever it is that needs discussion. ]
Revenge doesn't solve anything!
[David is trying not to get worked up. He's angry too, but taking things into your own hands tended to backfire around him.]
Just...look. There are other ways to go about this. Whatever it is you're doing now, it doesn't make you better than them. And there's still too much risk involved.
[David is trying not to get worked up. He's angry too, but taking things into your own hands tended to backfire around him.]
Just...look. There are other ways to go about this. Whatever it is you're doing now, it doesn't make you better than them. And there's still too much risk involved.
Edited 2015-04-18 02:35 (UTC)
[ She actually laughs]
I might be pissed, but I'm not going to kill them. Just going to give them a reason to soak their heads until the cops arrive. Will buy me time to get out of here too.
[She does stay kneeling on the ground though.]
It'll stop others from getting experimented on too. I flood their underground lab and they'll be stuck back at square one.
I might be pissed, but I'm not going to kill them. Just going to give them a reason to soak their heads until the cops arrive. Will buy me time to get out of here too.
[She does stay kneeling on the ground though.]
It'll stop others from getting experimented on too. I flood their underground lab and they'll be stuck back at square one.
Ex-experiment?!
[A brief, horrified pallor comes over David as he looks back to the building.]
Are you certain that the flooding won't put anyone at risk?
[It sounds like there's some first hand knowledge, but it could be hard to tell. If there are people in the lab, it was anyone's guess if water might short their life support systems, if that was the kind of horrors being discussed.]
[A brief, horrified pallor comes over David as he looks back to the building.]
Are you certain that the flooding won't put anyone at risk?
[It sounds like there's some first hand knowledge, but it could be hard to tell. If there are people in the lab, it was anyone's guess if water might short their life support systems, if that was the kind of horrors being discussed.]
[Coming here, Bennet knew little of this man himself past his reputation, and his reputation is at best clouded. Of course much of that comes from his being a fugitive, as unbeknownst to the man they both are, but it is still interesting to witness how mild and even-tempered he is in person.]
Ah, good. It took great effort to find you, it would have been a shame had that effort been wasted.
[For now, he does not make mention of what that effort was. Should Banner ask, he will not lie, but neither will he volunteer it freely, at least for now.]
Like you, I am a man far more known by my title than my name, and like you, it is a title I was given rather than chosen. You may be familiar with it, and if you are, I ask only that you hear me out, for I speak true when I tell you I did not come here to fight.
[Though still calm, the slightest hint of wariness betrays itself in his tone now; the Hulk's association with the Avengers is long public knowledge, and he made himself no friends among the Avengers when he fought and defeated a number of them in Genosha's Hammer Bay.]
I am a mutant, known to most as Exodus.
Ah, good. It took great effort to find you, it would have been a shame had that effort been wasted.
[For now, he does not make mention of what that effort was. Should Banner ask, he will not lie, but neither will he volunteer it freely, at least for now.]
Like you, I am a man far more known by my title than my name, and like you, it is a title I was given rather than chosen. You may be familiar with it, and if you are, I ask only that you hear me out, for I speak true when I tell you I did not come here to fight.
[Though still calm, the slightest hint of wariness betrays itself in his tone now; the Hulk's association with the Avengers is long public knowledge, and he made himself no friends among the Avengers when he fought and defeated a number of them in Genosha's Hammer Bay.]
I am a mutant, known to most as Exodus.
[She nods]
I calculated it so that it should contain the area without damage. That is if the laws work the same here as it does back home.
[ She touches the array, but nothing happens. She taps it again and mumbles something under her breath.]
Figures arrays won't work, and the mark on my hip's still too messed up to use my body as a catalyst.
I calculated it so that it should contain the area without damage. That is if the laws work the same here as it does back home.
[ She touches the array, but nothing happens. She taps it again and mumbles something under her breath.]
Figures arrays won't work, and the mark on my hip's still too messed up to use my body as a catalyst.
Nonsense. I've performed this trick plenty 'a times. [So says the confident teen on the motorcycle. He's revving up to perform it on a long stretch of backcountry road. However, he hasn't got a helmet or so much as a jacket on to protect him if his little stunt fails.]
[Banner makes a note to ask after their conversation is completed. He'd like to know, if only so he can prepare for trouble if they follow whatever method Bennet used.]
[Perhaps for the better, Banner does not recognize the name and can only nod in an effort to urge the mutant to continue. He's kept away from others for a while now, and isn't in touch with recent events. Perhaps it's selfish to distance himself from the Avengers like that, but it gives him stability and a relative predictability which allows him to settle, even for a short time. So long as Exodus remains true to his word about not coming to fight, he might even have a chance to relocate calmly, and continue his self-imposed exile in peace.]
[Perhaps for the better, Banner does not recognize the name and can only nod in an effort to urge the mutant to continue. He's kept away from others for a while now, and isn't in touch with recent events. Perhaps it's selfish to distance himself from the Avengers like that, but it gives him stability and a relative predictability which allows him to settle, even for a short time. So long as Exodus remains true to his word about not coming to fight, he might even have a chance to relocate calmly, and continue his self-imposed exile in peace.]
[As horrified as David is by the idea of human experimentation on others, he's privately glad that whatever it is she's trying to do doesn't work. Perhaps it's his proximity, or something else completely unrelated, but it almost looks magical in nature, and he wants no part of it. If he can help it. Because right now with the idea of people doing something very wrong, he wonders if he should risk stepping in.]
You said they were conducting experiments. What were they doing?
You said they were conducting experiments. What were they doing?
[David doesn't like it. No safety gear whatsoever. He used to be a doctor, so he's seen some very ugly results from similar situations in the past.]
There's enough debris in the road that I think you're taking a real risk.
[Oh why did he feel the need to cut between roads and find himself here? He always invoked trouble when he left the main road. He can only sigh, pointing along the way. It's not a horrible road, but certainly not ideal either. There are images in his head of the wheels catching a loose patch of stone and sending the rider for a head-on with the ground.]
There's enough debris in the road that I think you're taking a real risk.
[Oh why did he feel the need to cut between roads and find himself here? He always invoked trouble when he left the main road. He can only sigh, pointing along the way. It's not a horrible road, but certainly not ideal either. There are images in his head of the wheels catching a loose patch of stone and sending the rider for a head-on with the ground.]
[Bennet glances over to his slightly shorter companion, briefly, before continuing. He isn't sure whether he feels relieved or guilty to find Banner does not know of him, but either way it makes the rest of their conversation easier. There's also no visible disgust on Banner's part to the news that he is a mutant, something that raises Exodus's estimation of him by a few notches.]
I am sure you are aware of the theories concerning gamma radiation's role in accelerating mutation in the present day, so I will not belabor upon that point. If that theory is true, then the consequence is accidental, as was your own mutation. What I am here to ask you, though, concerns the consequence of a more directed form of irradiation. Imagine, for argument's sake, that a man with the capital and isolation required to pursue such research, intends to create a new, artificial gamma-irradiated isotope, one that would exist for the sole purpose of making living creatures into beings like yourself.
[From the way he speaks of the scenario, in a grave tone and with the lines of his face drawn, it probably isn't too hard to deduce the scenario is not all that 'hypothetical' at all, but should Banner refuse to hear more, Bennet would leave him with his peace of mind more or less intact. He probably could have couched a more intricate deception, but he's not a good liar, never has been, and does not really have any interest in becoming one. If Banner deduces the truth, then so be it.]
Would such a thing be possible? The theories I have read all conclude that what happened to you was an extremely unlikely result of a mixture of events that would be very difficult to replicate, but to my knowledge at least two other men in the world have become mutated into superhumans as a result of exposure to gamma radiation. So far all of them have been the result of accidents, but what might the results be of a man intentionally trying to create creatures with your abilities? Is there a chance that man could do it?
I am sure you are aware of the theories concerning gamma radiation's role in accelerating mutation in the present day, so I will not belabor upon that point. If that theory is true, then the consequence is accidental, as was your own mutation. What I am here to ask you, though, concerns the consequence of a more directed form of irradiation. Imagine, for argument's sake, that a man with the capital and isolation required to pursue such research, intends to create a new, artificial gamma-irradiated isotope, one that would exist for the sole purpose of making living creatures into beings like yourself.
[From the way he speaks of the scenario, in a grave tone and with the lines of his face drawn, it probably isn't too hard to deduce the scenario is not all that 'hypothetical' at all, but should Banner refuse to hear more, Bennet would leave him with his peace of mind more or less intact. He probably could have couched a more intricate deception, but he's not a good liar, never has been, and does not really have any interest in becoming one. If Banner deduces the truth, then so be it.]
Would such a thing be possible? The theories I have read all conclude that what happened to you was an extremely unlikely result of a mixture of events that would be very difficult to replicate, but to my knowledge at least two other men in the world have become mutated into superhumans as a result of exposure to gamma radiation. So far all of them have been the result of accidents, but what might the results be of a man intentionally trying to create creatures with your abilities? Is there a chance that man could do it?
[She bites her lip.]
Trying to find a way to control others like me. Idiots think I'm Mutant. I just normally hang out with them. [She wiped away the drawing and stood.]
Nearest town's which way?
Trying to find a way to control others like me. Idiots think I'm Mutant. I just normally hang out with them. [She wiped away the drawing and stood.]
Nearest town's which way?
[The fact that Bennet has brought up the topic quickly takes Banner to the conclusion that this situation is more than hypothetical, it's a reality. There are too many people in the world who would be interested in such things, that even just the fact that the thought exists, is potentially proof that it's already being pursued. Quite immediately he looks troubled, but doesn't interrupt Exodus at any point. He wants to hear the whole thing before he allows himself to muse over it. Once the question is out there, Banner continues walking, the turning wheels in his head practically visible as they move. He's puzzling over the potential risks, a spark of fear welling in his gut until he finally resolves his conclusions into spoken word.]
I think it could be a very real potential, given an individual with the resources you described. Taking into consideration the fact that there are others like me, even accidental, means that whatever causes the condition could be duplicated to some extent in a controlled environment.
[While running has done little for Banner, that concept of someone intentionally making monsters like himself almost brings an added age to the man's appearance. He's deeply disturbed, though not surprised, that someone might want the power of the creature. He doubts, however, that any such individual would be using it for the betterment of the world.]
There will likely be a significant volatility in the results. There are too many additional variables when it comes to genetics, timing, dose, just to name a few. But given time, as with any experiment, there's a chance it might be refined a little more.
[A world of hulks is a terrifying prospect, and Banner sighs, closing his eyes a moment to try and quell the pit in his stomach. His words are generic, anyone with a scientific mind would know such variables, but it's the details he's concerned with. There's no telling what an artificial isotope would do, now that he had first-hand knowledge what havoc a natural one could cause.]
In short: it's plausible. Highly difficult, but I think it could be possible.
I think it could be a very real potential, given an individual with the resources you described. Taking into consideration the fact that there are others like me, even accidental, means that whatever causes the condition could be duplicated to some extent in a controlled environment.
[While running has done little for Banner, that concept of someone intentionally making monsters like himself almost brings an added age to the man's appearance. He's deeply disturbed, though not surprised, that someone might want the power of the creature. He doubts, however, that any such individual would be using it for the betterment of the world.]
There will likely be a significant volatility in the results. There are too many additional variables when it comes to genetics, timing, dose, just to name a few. But given time, as with any experiment, there's a chance it might be refined a little more.
[A world of hulks is a terrifying prospect, and Banner sighs, closing his eyes a moment to try and quell the pit in his stomach. His words are generic, anyone with a scientific mind would know such variables, but it's the details he's concerned with. There's no telling what an artificial isotope would do, now that he had first-hand knowledge what havoc a natural one could cause.]
In short: it's plausible. Highly difficult, but I think it could be possible.
Um, 30 miles East. [David studies the ground a moment where the drawing had been and then looks back to her, then to the building. He bits his lip gently, feeling conflicted about the situation. There's always something important he doesn't know about the situation, but he's very much against people trying to control others, mutant or otherwise.]
Look, you mentioned the police were coming. Did you call them? Do they have a statement on record?
Look, you mentioned the police were coming. Did you call them? Do they have a statement on record?
[Going by the common media depictions of it, Bennet went into this half-expecting Banner to be volatile, potentially exploding with rage that he would have to reach into the man's mind and calm by force, but so far the man's been quite the opposite: calm, almost subdued, and listening to him speak without interrupting once. Truth be told, there are many among his own people who have more difficulty following a simple conversation like this than this supposedly volatile mutate. And a good thing it is, too, because now that he is in Banner's presence Exodus has learned something new about him: even in his ordinary human state, he has a mind that's unusually resistant to telepathy: with most, he can pick up surface thoughts without even trying, but Banner's surface thoughts by comparison are mere whispers, and while he could learn more with more invasive probes, he sees no reason to use such measures on a man who might offer his aid willingly. It's something he files away, though, just in case.]
Aye, that is what I feared. The man we speak of has had success with creating mutation-inducing artificial isotopes already, if he is allowed to perfect this one it will be his fifth. He has successfully engineered previous isotopes that have allowed him to accelerate the intelligence in creatures to such a degree as to confer sapience upon animals, though as you already know from your experience with the mutate Samuel Sterns, such artificially-bestowed intelligence is oft-times... unstable.
[He has abandoned the pretence of hypotheticals entirely now; one more glance at Banner beside him was enough to convince Bennet that the man understands well the situation. Though he cannot say he is pleased to have come here like this and put fear into the heart of a man who was doing his best to live a quiet existence, he is at least glad that Banner has not dismissed his questions outright and that the other man is taking this matter as seriously as he is.]
This man has also subjected himself to mutation from these artificial isotopes, and while I cannot say with certainty the effect they have had upon them, at the very least they have conferred enhanced intellect to an already gifted mind and a longevity that has allowed him to survive into the present day despite having been born at the dawn of the 20th century.
[Bennet stops walking, holds out his hand to stop Banner. They've come to it, the heart of the reason for his visit, and now that they have he wants to look this man face to face, eye to eye as men should, for it will be at his word next that he will decide what action to take. His is not a scientific mind, he knows, but neither is he the sort of soldier to let his emotions cloud his judgment. Knowing he was compromised thus is why he decided to find Banner in the first place.]
I will be plain, Dr. Banner. Mine is a powerful mutation and I further have the loyalty of dozens of mutants around the globe, those who follow the creed as I do of Magneto. I have the ability to lay siege to the mountain stronghold of this man, and I believe that I have a duty to as well, to stop him from crafting an army no force in all the world can stand against. But... I am not objective, my stake in this is personal as well, for this man sees my people and I as genetic flukes to be sterilized and forgotten by the march of history. It is for that reason that I have sought you, a neutral party, out for counsel.
Aye, that is what I feared. The man we speak of has had success with creating mutation-inducing artificial isotopes already, if he is allowed to perfect this one it will be his fifth. He has successfully engineered previous isotopes that have allowed him to accelerate the intelligence in creatures to such a degree as to confer sapience upon animals, though as you already know from your experience with the mutate Samuel Sterns, such artificially-bestowed intelligence is oft-times... unstable.
[He has abandoned the pretence of hypotheticals entirely now; one more glance at Banner beside him was enough to convince Bennet that the man understands well the situation. Though he cannot say he is pleased to have come here like this and put fear into the heart of a man who was doing his best to live a quiet existence, he is at least glad that Banner has not dismissed his questions outright and that the other man is taking this matter as seriously as he is.]
This man has also subjected himself to mutation from these artificial isotopes, and while I cannot say with certainty the effect they have had upon them, at the very least they have conferred enhanced intellect to an already gifted mind and a longevity that has allowed him to survive into the present day despite having been born at the dawn of the 20th century.
[Bennet stops walking, holds out his hand to stop Banner. They've come to it, the heart of the reason for his visit, and now that they have he wants to look this man face to face, eye to eye as men should, for it will be at his word next that he will decide what action to take. His is not a scientific mind, he knows, but neither is he the sort of soldier to let his emotions cloud his judgment. Knowing he was compromised thus is why he decided to find Banner in the first place.]
I will be plain, Dr. Banner. Mine is a powerful mutation and I further have the loyalty of dozens of mutants around the globe, those who follow the creed as I do of Magneto. I have the ability to lay siege to the mountain stronghold of this man, and I believe that I have a duty to as well, to stop him from crafting an army no force in all the world can stand against. But... I am not objective, my stake in this is personal as well, for this man sees my people and I as genetic flukes to be sterilized and forgotten by the march of history. It is for that reason that I have sought you, a neutral party, out for counsel.
[Against his better judgment, a spark of anger strikes in Banner's heart at the revelation that not only is this being pursued, but actively tested. He had opened Pandora's box, but it seemed that no matter what warning he gave, others seemed to only want to open it, and unleash more horrors upon the world. Of course the ones doing it knew what they were unleashing, but it angered him to see his mistake, his research, being used in such a way. His concerns with going back into exile are starting to fade the more Exodus speaks. He knows a return to the world, as it were, would only bring destruction, but for his gentleness, he does not tolerate the perversion of his template.]
[Banner stops when Bennet motions to him, but his mind is humming with a thousand thoughts and worries. Perhaps Exodus can't read Banner's thoughts, but the concern and frustration is written plainly in his face, and the way he stands. The calm man who started off wanting to be invisible, stands with a determination and purpose as he looks his company in the eye.]
I appreciate your honesty, but you should understand that I'm hardly a neutral party when it comes to this sort of problem. I don't care how anyone plans to use it, artificially induced gamma mutations are as much my problem as they are anyone else's, and they must be stopped. I can't condone violence, but perhaps there are other ways to stop the research, something other than a siege.
[His voice is faintly strained, troubled as he takes a breath to calm himself. The situation is unacceptable to Banner, and while his presence will likely cause trouble, he wants a hand in stopping this. He knows what it takes to stop gamma-powered mutations, and if they're imperfect, perhaps one of his failed cures could undo the damage created. It's a long shot, but regardless of the human-mutant factor, this is a serious issue he doesn't want unleashed upon the world.]
Artificial gamma sources are fickle. There could be a chance the damage could be reversed, if we're very lucky. In the very least, the work has to stop.
[Banner is not a warrior, and the Hulk is little more than a barely-directed brute at times, but this is a fight that on the rare occasion, Banner is willing to take up. When the Hulk was created, there was already one-too-many gamma monsters in the world, it didn't need more. He has little involvement with the fight mutants are waging to survive in the world, but he certainly doesn't believe anyone should be killed. If the source of the gamma research is trying to exterminate the mutant population, all the more reason to make certain no one is killed because of it.]
[Banner stops when Bennet motions to him, but his mind is humming with a thousand thoughts and worries. Perhaps Exodus can't read Banner's thoughts, but the concern and frustration is written plainly in his face, and the way he stands. The calm man who started off wanting to be invisible, stands with a determination and purpose as he looks his company in the eye.]
I appreciate your honesty, but you should understand that I'm hardly a neutral party when it comes to this sort of problem. I don't care how anyone plans to use it, artificially induced gamma mutations are as much my problem as they are anyone else's, and they must be stopped. I can't condone violence, but perhaps there are other ways to stop the research, something other than a siege.
[His voice is faintly strained, troubled as he takes a breath to calm himself. The situation is unacceptable to Banner, and while his presence will likely cause trouble, he wants a hand in stopping this. He knows what it takes to stop gamma-powered mutations, and if they're imperfect, perhaps one of his failed cures could undo the damage created. It's a long shot, but regardless of the human-mutant factor, this is a serious issue he doesn't want unleashed upon the world.]
Artificial gamma sources are fickle. There could be a chance the damage could be reversed, if we're very lucky. In the very least, the work has to stop.
[Banner is not a warrior, and the Hulk is little more than a barely-directed brute at times, but this is a fight that on the rare occasion, Banner is willing to take up. When the Hulk was created, there was already one-too-many gamma monsters in the world, it didn't need more. He has little involvement with the fight mutants are waging to survive in the world, but he certainly doesn't believe anyone should be killed. If the source of the gamma research is trying to exterminate the mutant population, all the more reason to make certain no one is killed because of it.]
[He may not be an expert on gamma radiation, but if there is one thing Bennet knows when he sees it, it's the will to fight. He has seen it light many times under those in his charge, enough times to know that what sparks it is different for every man, but certainly he hadn't expected to see that fire in this man, a scientist in self-imposed exile who by all accounts has seen more than his share of death and tragedy. Such a man was someone he expected would seek to remain neutral in whatever conflict would come, but Banner's expression now is not that of a pacifist wishing to remain away from the fray. Were the man one of his people Exodus would be encouraged by that look, would be happy to call him to arms and welcome him into the fold, but Banner is not one of his people. He is neither a mutant nor a youth to be shaped and molded into a proper soldier, but a grown man with a power comparable to his own and a long history of struggling to control it. Under the wrong circumstances, Banner could become a threat to his people just as easily as that man in Wundagore Mountain.]
[Bennet folds his arms and considers the man before him. He does not carry himself with the bluster and swagger of General Ross, but his posture, the way he stands so straight as to be almost at attention, they all speak of a man who, if not cut from the same cloth as Ross, was cast from a similar mold. He is curious of the newfound determination of his companion, cautious of it as any sane man would be, but no so cautious that he will reject Banner outright. The man received him fairly and he owes him the same, to hear him out entirely before making any decision.]
I see. Your candor is appreciated in kind, Dr. Banner. I had not expect the issue would be one you would take to heart thus. Truly, had I known that, I would probably have left you alone, for I would have known what I know now, that you will not be able to allow yourself to stand by and let others fight this battle. You should know, however, that this man is deeply entrenched in his stronghold, a mountain fortress he has spent decades expanding. I am open to other avenues of approach, but know that this is not a man we will be able to persuade with diplomacy to give himself up and let his work be destroyed.
[His tone is even, lacking the patronizing sneer warriors like Ross can't help but indulge whenever they are forced to work with men they do not consider to be one of them. True, Banner is not one of his people, but Bennet is not such a fool that he cannot see the value of what the man brings to the table. A knowledge and experience with the enemy's weapon far outstripping his own, a great physical strength to match that keen mind, and most importantly, that will to fight. That will, the look in Banner's eyes now, it tells him this man won't lose heart if they face opposition, that whatever may happen, he will see whatever may come through to the end.]
His name is Herbert Wyndham. It is a name you will likely not recognize, being recorded only briefly in Oxford University ledgers as a student who attended briefly in the 1920s before being expelled for putting university resources to improper use. How such a man could became what he is today, I do not know, but I do know that Wyndham will not stop unless he is made to stop by force. I believe the experiments he has subjected himself to have corrupted his sanity, for the intelligence I have gleaned from captured soldiers of his indicates that he considers himself a god. The title he has chosen for himself -- the High Evolutionary -- would seem to substantiate this.
[Bennet folds his arms and considers the man before him. He does not carry himself with the bluster and swagger of General Ross, but his posture, the way he stands so straight as to be almost at attention, they all speak of a man who, if not cut from the same cloth as Ross, was cast from a similar mold. He is curious of the newfound determination of his companion, cautious of it as any sane man would be, but no so cautious that he will reject Banner outright. The man received him fairly and he owes him the same, to hear him out entirely before making any decision.]
I see. Your candor is appreciated in kind, Dr. Banner. I had not expect the issue would be one you would take to heart thus. Truly, had I known that, I would probably have left you alone, for I would have known what I know now, that you will not be able to allow yourself to stand by and let others fight this battle. You should know, however, that this man is deeply entrenched in his stronghold, a mountain fortress he has spent decades expanding. I am open to other avenues of approach, but know that this is not a man we will be able to persuade with diplomacy to give himself up and let his work be destroyed.
[His tone is even, lacking the patronizing sneer warriors like Ross can't help but indulge whenever they are forced to work with men they do not consider to be one of them. True, Banner is not one of his people, but Bennet is not such a fool that he cannot see the value of what the man brings to the table. A knowledge and experience with the enemy's weapon far outstripping his own, a great physical strength to match that keen mind, and most importantly, that will to fight. That will, the look in Banner's eyes now, it tells him this man won't lose heart if they face opposition, that whatever may happen, he will see whatever may come through to the end.]
His name is Herbert Wyndham. It is a name you will likely not recognize, being recorded only briefly in Oxford University ledgers as a student who attended briefly in the 1920s before being expelled for putting university resources to improper use. How such a man could became what he is today, I do not know, but I do know that Wyndham will not stop unless he is made to stop by force. I believe the experiments he has subjected himself to have corrupted his sanity, for the intelligence I have gleaned from captured soldiers of his indicates that he considers himself a god. The title he has chosen for himself -- the High Evolutionary -- would seem to substantiate this.
Edited 2015-04-18 18:59 (UTC)
It's better that you told me.
[Banner nods, crossing his arms but now that he's stepping down, and has information, his mind is processing clearly again and he's coming up with better ideas. For everyone. Yet that determination stays.]
You're right, I don't recognize the name, but that doesn't mean I can't help. I won't stand by, but I can still do something of value, without ever leaving this place.
[Staying put for now is the best thing he can do for the world, he's coming up with ideas on how to help these mutants deal with a stronghold which knowingly contains gamma sources and monsters. He feels responsible for the situation, and for the people who will be making this fight. He doesn't want to accept any losses due to his inaction, so he will get involved, in his own way.]
The least I can do is attempt to provide protective measures. Whatever he's created could be radioactive itself, you'll need whatever help you can get. And if there's anything left afterward, I'd like to see it. I can find out what else he's been up to, and see that it's properly destroyed or deactivated. There are other people out there who don't need the help from his work.
[Banner nods, crossing his arms but now that he's stepping down, and has information, his mind is processing clearly again and he's coming up with better ideas. For everyone. Yet that determination stays.]
You're right, I don't recognize the name, but that doesn't mean I can't help. I won't stand by, but I can still do something of value, without ever leaving this place.
[Staying put for now is the best thing he can do for the world, he's coming up with ideas on how to help these mutants deal with a stronghold which knowingly contains gamma sources and monsters. He feels responsible for the situation, and for the people who will be making this fight. He doesn't want to accept any losses due to his inaction, so he will get involved, in his own way.]
The least I can do is attempt to provide protective measures. Whatever he's created could be radioactive itself, you'll need whatever help you can get. And if there's anything left afterward, I'd like to see it. I can find out what else he's been up to, and see that it's properly destroyed or deactivated. There are other people out there who don't need the help from his work.
That remains to be seen... but for now, it would seem as such.
[Bennet's expression does not change, but he does step back, meeting that nod with a slight incline of his head, and then turns to resume walking again. Yes, they know each other now. And now that they do, he sees no issue with accepting the support that Banner has to offer. He knows now the man won't take needless risks, even if he too has a personal stake in this.]
The Evolutionary's fortress is far from here, nestled deep within a mountain called Wundagore. I do not think he would be so foolish as to send any of his creatures here... if he even could find you at all.
[He nods, agreeing with the other man's assessement. Banner is right, they will need protective measures, none of his people are scientists and though he has the power to shield himself from harmful radiation few of his Acolytes can say the same.]
Very well. I can supply you with whatever capital or resources you may need to do this. If you will consent, I can bring the members of my strike force to you, either individually or in groups, for you to evaluate the appropriate armor or equipment that may be necessary for them. Once we have secured the site, I will contact you to come and instruct my people to defer to your authority in all matters regarding the elimination of the Evolutionary's work. Also, if we take the Evolutionary alive, I would welcome your aid in neutralizing any of his potential abilities. I intend to turn him over to S.H.I.E.L.D., but only after we can be sure he will not be able to escape them and resume his work elsewhere.
[Bennet's expression does not change, but he does step back, meeting that nod with a slight incline of his head, and then turns to resume walking again. Yes, they know each other now. And now that they do, he sees no issue with accepting the support that Banner has to offer. He knows now the man won't take needless risks, even if he too has a personal stake in this.]
The Evolutionary's fortress is far from here, nestled deep within a mountain called Wundagore. I do not think he would be so foolish as to send any of his creatures here... if he even could find you at all.
[He nods, agreeing with the other man's assessement. Banner is right, they will need protective measures, none of his people are scientists and though he has the power to shield himself from harmful radiation few of his Acolytes can say the same.]
Very well. I can supply you with whatever capital or resources you may need to do this. If you will consent, I can bring the members of my strike force to you, either individually or in groups, for you to evaluate the appropriate armor or equipment that may be necessary for them. Once we have secured the site, I will contact you to come and instruct my people to defer to your authority in all matters regarding the elimination of the Evolutionary's work. Also, if we take the Evolutionary alive, I would welcome your aid in neutralizing any of his potential abilities. I intend to turn him over to S.H.I.E.L.D., but only after we can be sure he will not be able to escape them and resume his work elsewhere.
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