15391/Target Found!

Target Found!
Date of Scene:	16 July 2023
Location:	Union Square
Synopsis:	Spiral and Franklin meet. Only trouble could follow this.
Cast of Characters:	Franklin Richards, Spiral

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Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin was sitting atop the Baxter Tower on the ledge of the ceiling in a meditative state, with his legs crossed. He had been there for a while, scanning New York, patiently waiting for someone who matched his search criteria. But what exactly was he searching for? To Franklin, Mojo's actions were unacceptable, and at present, Franklin felt powerless to do anything about it. Mojo resided in a different dimension, and although Franklin had briefly entered that dimension, the people responsible for sending him back had made a mistake. Franklin carefully observed the energies from the other dimension that affected him and his sister, using them as a means to track down others. He had already found Felicity and had a brief conversation with her. Additionally, he had access to his sister, which gave him several examples of what he should be looking for.

This afternoon, as Franklin sat, he sensed a source of energy larger than anything he had encountered before. It gave him pause, as none of the survivors he had encountered thus far possessed such levels of energy. It made sense to Franklin that if these individuals had the power to teleport people, they might also send their spies to carry out their bidding. While these spies might put up a fight, they likely held valuable information that could be useful to him. Standing up, Franklin checked to ensure he had his tools: a simple universal translator his dad had created, a rope made from cutting-edge technology that Franklin speculated could hold even the Hulk, and a bag full of units, just in case.

Satisfied with his preparations, Franklin snapped his fingers, and a dark cloud materialized in front of him, expanding to create a portal large enough for him to walk through. Simultaneously, in Union Square, another portal opened as Franklin manipulated space itself to connect the two points. The sudden appearance of a hole in space about ten feet above the ground caught the attention of the neighborhood. People began running, and traffic came to a halt as they looked up and witnessed a young man with black hair and bright blue eyes floating out of the portal, dressed in a Fantastic Four outfit. Blue sparks emitted from his body as Franklin harnessed his power now that he had arrived. Looking down at the people, he spoke rapidly, attempting to reassure them.

"Everyone, please remain calm... Someone among us does not belong here." Franklin raised his hand, creating a blue dome that encompassed the block, preventing the people from fleeing. The dome even blocked the path of a car, separating those outside the dome from those inside. "Until I find the intruder, no one may leave," he declared. Though his words didn't make him the most popular person at the moment, the people seemed more confused than angry.

Spiral has posed:
Rita Wayword, one time stuntwoman, pauses in reaching for the double-mocha-sprinkle-chino. The coffee shop she's entered within the radius of the formidable dome. The sense that things have gone pear shaped didn't need the widening eyes of the barista beforew her to clue her in. "Yeeeeeah, thank ~you~." she quips tartly, snatching the hot beverage with a little bit of leverage. Her other hand moves like clockwork to slide stuff that looks remarkably like money to these muggles.

Cocking her head to the side, she slides along the counter, giving the coffee and its protective cap some swirly centrifugal motions. Wouldn't do to burn her lips so soon after kissing the blubbery pair she's been forced to pucker up to. Which one is perferable is worthy of a contest of comparisons. The motions of her arm would be delightful to some, and the liquid cools through a sorcerous bit of swishy-wishy-woo. The tips of her ears are burning like they've been trying to listen in on the percolating of coffee carafes. Her own other-dimensional senses feeling the sand-paper friction of someone else ripping reality a new one, spackling and smoothing over in their own fashion. She maintains her disguise whether she's radiating the kind of detectable deets or not, her lips curling as she brings the drink up to her lips and making her way towards the exit. Bypassing pedestrians that are gawking, hoisting their phones like crucifixes or making chicken-like clucking soundss isn't difficult. She's got style, she's got grace, few can get up in her face.

Well, this boy apparently can. Spiral takes another fortifying sip and peers up and over towards Franklin. Beneath her sorcerous disguise, her extra arms move in slow arcs, akin to a cephalopod gently floating along with tidal flows.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Still floating, Franklin raised his hand towards the people near him, and a blue light briefly covered them before dissipating. From his actions, Spiral could tell that he didn't know who he was looking for and was scanning everyone indiscriminately. Initially, a few people panicked and ran as far as they could, but they soon realized that the blue light had no apparent effect on them. They patted themselves, checking for any signs of injury or strange occurrences.

As Franklin continued scanning, the people grew more agitated, shouting at him and even throwing objects. However, everything that was tossed stopped in mid-air, hovering just inches from Franklin. The angry yelling persisted, with cries of "You don't have a warrant! You can't do this!" But Franklin paid no attention. In his view, they failed to comprehend the magnitude of the threat they were facing. While they may be concerned about being detained and scanned without consent, Franklin believed it posed a much greater risk to leave them alone.

Amidst the chaos of the crowd's protests and demands to be left alone, Franklin remained calm. He had no intention of engaging with the civilians unless necessary. However, his attention was drawn to someone who was staring at him. It was obvious that Franklin was the source of their feelings of reality manipulation. He emitted cosmic energy as if he didn't even bother to conceal it; it simply radiated from him.

Finally, Franklin turned around and pointed a hand in Spiral's general direction. Another blue light emanated, although this time it was directed towards her as she had approached him. To everyone else, nothing appeared to happen. However, when the light reached Spiral, several red blobs of reality floated around her, creating an aura-like effect. These blobs represented her connection to her own reality, which remained stuck to her despite being in the current reality. There were also some blue and possibly other-colored blobs, indicating that her time here had started to influence and replace some of her original reality. However, the process of complete conversion to the new reality would take a considerable amount of time.

Floating in the air, Franklin focused solely on Spiral, his expression serious as he frowned at her. Raising his fingers as if he were about to snap, he made a statement in a stern tone, "I know where you're from. We should talk. Don't run." He then pointed towards the alley, a secluded spot away from prying eyes, devoid of any onlookers, and motioned for her to follow him.

Without waiting for a response, Franklin started floating towards the alley. Meanwhile, the people around him began wondering, "Where did he go? Why is the field still up?" They were unsure of what was happening since they no longer saw Franklin. He had pushed the boundaries of his telepathy a bit, but fortunately, with many people preoccupied with other concerns like finding an exit, only a few who were directly focused on him had lost sight of him.

Franklin remained silent as he continued floating away, his fingers still positioned as before. He contemplated the various questions he had for Spiral, realizing that she wasn't what he had expected. However, he couldn't express his surprise to her; he had to maintain a serious demeanor, given the gravity of the situation. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but wonder how her involvement related to Mojo?a connection he was yet to fully understand.

Spiral has posed:
Cosmic shenanigans. That kind of syrup wasn't something Spiral ever found sweet. To her, it's not she was Pepsi-girl and Franklin was a Coke-fella. They weren't dueling franchises. They weren't even serving up the same fast food. But still, there were things she understood, and cared to understand a great deal of. Nevermind there's stuff she couldn't fathom about it.

The oddly textured coffee is sipped again as Rita's eyes take in the pomp and circumstance of the situation. There's someone that would be so very happy with the level of showmanship on display. It was practically cinematic if she was able to command the camera angles. With a bit of a sway in her step, Spiral heads towards the alley, her conscious mind gathering enough clues to help narrow down the individual requesting an interview. Other facets juggle her calendar, catching snatches of how this has disrupted more than one timeline. Not enough for a deep dive, just another migraine-tempting ride on the carousell past some frightful dimensions, real and imaginary.

The sway of her hips develops a subtle counter-cadence, draining the disguise from her form like over-saturated watercolours seeping down the page. "You about to make me an offer I can't refuse?" she asks demurely, practically purring out the question. Her heart races, pulse racing delightfully fast with the surge of legally dispensed caffiene. Two pairs of hands on her hips, two steepling fingers, and the remaining gesturing palms up.

Franklin Richards has posed:
After entering the alley, there is a brief moment of silence as Franklin Richards prepares himself, aware that the person he is facing may be connected to Mojo. He holds his fingers ready, for a snap but as a precautionary measure to defend himself against any potential attack. Franklin understands the snap isn't crucial, but helps him concentrate on the necessary changes rather than being distracted by incoming threats such as fists or swords.

Taking a deep breath to maintain his composure, Franklin initially disregards the comment made by the person in front of him. He proceeds to explain his perspective, his voice filled with a deepening frown, "Usually, I don't pay much attention to the people who reside here. This place is a melting pot of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own stories. It creates a balanced environment." His expression grows even more serious as he continues, "But Mojo crossed a line when he abducted my sister. Now, I'm determined to find him."

Franklin takes a moment to steady himself, exhaling slowly to keep his emotions in check. His las comment that provoked him is what triggered his response."You can assist me and come out on the right side, or you can side with Mojo, in which case I snap." Franklin gazes at his own hand, contemplating his abilities, and then directs his attention back to the person, his voice unwavering. "So, I'll be asking you questions about Mojo, his dimension, and the individuals involved. Just be honest."

He nods, having delivered the rehearsed part of his speech, now entering the more challenging territory. Franklin even manages a slight grin as he adds, "The choice is yours, and I won't deny you that right. However, I strongly advise against making the wrong decision." Placing a hand on his chin, he pauses briefly to gather his thoughts.

"First question," he begins, then quickly corrects himself, "Do you know the dimensional number? Or perhaps you can provide the name of the dimension where Mojo operates?" Franklin clarifies, knowing that this crucial information would greatly expedite his search for Mojo's location.

Spiral has posed:
Spiral uses her highest tier of hands to flutter down to her temples to preen at her silver hair. A little shake of her head, then a lift of her chin, to send the strands into a loose cascade of chaos before her fintertips are putting them back into a degree of order. Her eyes don't blink by necessity, their almost pure hue offering a lingering stare. Within her mouth, her tongue makes a slow tour of her upper palate, smearing around the remnants of her drink. Her licker folds upon itself before offering a singular cluck. It's not anything as sharp as a snap, but it helps to punctuate the sigh.

"A balanced environment..." she muses under her breath, though her tone is droll as it lingers over that opinion. She herself moves, shifting her balance from one foot to the other, her limbs moving with gyroscopic artful movements to counter-balance her own weight. The corner of her mouth quirks, and even this requires a kind of counter-weight, subtle, serpentine and silken in physicality.

If she's able to read the kind of control that Franklin is operating under, his own checks and balances, it's uncertain. "The Right side..." Coquettishly she twists almost in profile to Franklin. "You mean my good side?"

Spiral paints a fairly stepford Wife smiling expression on her face. "Please, if you're presenting me with a contract, do explain more parameters for my ~choice~ first. When I'm under contract negotiations, when I'm shown where to sign the dotted line, how many years of servitude I can expect, the residuals, the merchandising rights...Mojo, may he boil alive in a vat of sewage runoff...at least he would dangle what ~I~ would get out of it, even if it was just my life. Are you offering me my life? Just be honest."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin Richards lets out a sigh, realizing that the woman standing before him is indeed a mercenary. Why did it have to be a mercenary, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he briefly contemplates how mercenaries often became his weakness and that some of his closest friends were also mercenaries. Understanding their motivations, he knew that their choices were driven by their personalities. Trying to refocus, he considers the possibility that this woman might not be a zealot or brainwashed, unless she is lying. Reflecting on his previous encounter with one of Mojo's creations, which was brutally honest, he entertains the notion that this woman may be the same.

Raising his hands in a non-threatening gesture, Franklin descends and lands on the ground. "I'm open to making a contract with you, but first, answer my question. It will serve as proof that investing time in this contract is worthwhile," he says, chuckling softly and flashing a grin. "While the idea of making you a herald is intriguing, I have no intention of demanding servitude." He sighs, his tone softening. "Perhaps I misjudged you. Mojo rarely acts directly, so the possibility of encountering someone under his influence was high, but still..."

Franklin looks at her intently, genuinely curious. "What is it that you desire? Money, extravagant possessions, perhaps vengeance against a local kiosk operation? Maybe you simply wish to have two arms?" He smiles, albeit cautiously. "Although I wouldn't recommend the latter, I can see how it would be useful."

Feeling more at ease now that the conversation has taken a less confrontational turn, Franklin continues, "Listen, I have no intention of taking your life, even if you are currently aligned with Mojo. How would that answer my questions?" He shakes his head. "The snap... It's a grandiose threat, often hyped up more than its actual impact. I won't deceive you, Miss. Lies are for those who lack the confidence to speak the truth, so please don't doubt the veracity of my words."

Spiral has posed:
"If it were that easy, then life would be so simple." Spiral tut-tuts. She raises extra hands to start counting off on so many fingers at her disposal. "You wouldn't have roms, coms...rom-coms, thrillers, mysteries, I mean the whole concept of interpersonal relationships would have little magic left if no one had to workout what other people desire." Spiral sasses.

Hands on her hips tap her fingertips against her waist rhythmically. A finger raises to index at her own temple and her expression becomes thoughtful. Maybe she's considering less arms, or what she really wants. After a pregnant pause she parts her lips and licks at them. "I'll tell you at least that I don't work for Mojo anymore. I'm banished, kicked to the curb, told to slum it here on Earth and scrounge for what entertainment and meaning I can, far from the greasy bosom of the big boss baby. If I went back...If I ~dared~ to go back, it would have to be for a pretty damn good reason. Risking life and limbs, and I've got more to lose than most."

Spiral quirks her lips, teeth showing in a scary kind of attractive to a small subsection of fringe folk that like crazy. Uncanny valley for some others. Very open to interpretation running the spectrum of looney to try-hard edgelord. "I'm the worst kind of employee, trust me. But we haven't even had the backstory yet. You got flash, though you seem wound up pretty tight. This sounds like some big revenge trip, and I don't drive the bus to that destination unless I know...why."

Truth be told, Franklin setting his soles on the same level, sharing the same plane in the alley, has a remarkable effect to making Spiral more talkative and emotive. "Why did Mojo want your sister? Did he...entertain her for a good while? She have the secret to magical friendship he needed to pry out? You say you wanna find Mojo, not her, which means you already got her back or there was nothing left to collect. And here's the kicker: What are you gonna do if you come face to face with him?"

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin walks to the side of the alley, leaning against a wall as he contemplates. He shares his experience with people constantly asking for things from him, whether it's healing or fixing various issues. He then playfully guesses what Spiral might want, suggesting she probably wants to be left alone. But since that's not possible at the moment, he proposes a question for her to answer. "Is it a plant, material, or biological?" he asks, hoping to gain some insight into her situation and how he might be able to help.

As Franklin approaches her, he holds out his hand for a handshake and introduces himself, "Franklin Richards, and maybe what your looking for is just a friend?" He acknowledges that he believes she no longer works for Mojo and sees her as a survivor, like himself. He admits that he wants to help her but also needs information. Franklin chuckles, saying he doesn't fight if he can't win, hinting at his strategic approach to situations.

When asked about facing Mojo again, Franklin pauses, considering his options. He acknowledges that Mojo took great interest in him and explains that without the Ultimate Nullifier, he would likely be stuck and jailed in whatever containment Mojo has. He mentions that the Ultimate Nullifier could be a powerful weapon against even Galactics. Franklin then reveals that his sister, was brought in to entertain Mojo, but it was because of him as he was the one Mojo truly wanted to engage with, and Franklin wouldn't play ball. He expresses a mix of guilt and anger towards Mojo for putting them in such a situation.

Franklin chuckles with a shrug, "I am all ears though if you had a way. With what you know I hope that I can find the thing to bring him down. There is something for everyone, and I am really good at finding things."

Spiral has posed:
Spiral listens, the corner of her mouth quirked until it's making an artifical dimple. Her brows almost knit together beneath the brim of her silver bangs. By angles and degrees, she folds her arms: Two in front and one behind.

The initial question has her tilting her head to counterbalance her crooked mouth, confused by it, but it begins to dawn upon her that there's some offer of payment here as intel is sought. That dish gets set aside for the moment. The offer of a handshake has her hold up a palm, unwilling to shake as it's too close to sealing a deal that hasn't been ratified. Or maybe she's just paranoid.

"I have a way I can slice back and slip back to where Mojo is. With enough force or momentum, a little...push...it would be enough to re-enter the Hellish place. Probably ~you~ got the juice, if not your ~friends~ in conjunction, would be enough of that special ~unf~ to steamroll in no matter what countermeasures Mojo has set up. He couldn't take away all my razzle dazzle when he banished me. I can't spin up a situation where I become my own Grandmother anymore, but I can see the way back, avoid most of the ambushes and traps, sniff out the false passages that won't drop us into the heart of a sun or the bowels of a world-eating Eternal..." she yammers and gnashes her teeth before letting some steam out. She flashes her teeth with a sneer and recomposes herself.

"But what are you gonna do to Mojo if you get what you want, face-to-face, at your mercy or mayhem. If you get your title fight?"

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin chuckles again, as he pulls back his hand. He understands that handshakes might not be a universal gesture, especially from an Earth perspective, but he doesn't mention it. He rubs his chin again as he listens to Spiral speak. "That... is a bit more than I thought," he stops to consider what she just said. "You are right, we are not there yet, but I will keep that in mind. If I gave you something to make it more difficult for Mojo to find you, would you wear it? Or would you distrust me?" he chuckles a bit before continuing, "I could charge for it, but if he realizes how important a role you are to go against him..." He stops, chuckling a bit, looking at Spiral shaking his head.

"I have friends that could help, if they haven't had their powers taken away, or some without powers if it is an issue." Getting back on topic, he thinks about it. "But what I would do to him," he looks around at the people walking just outside the alley. "I would strip his powers, disconnect him, and make him into a human," he answers with a grin. "He would live, for a while, but as a normal guy somewhere broke, alone, and done with whatever games one would play." He turns to face Spiral with a grin, "Would that be satisfactory? Or must we kill him?" he asks, a bit worried as while he hated Mojo, others did too.

Turning to look out at the people again, Franklin continues, "Either way, after we are done, he is off the board. He tried to play with powers greater than he knows, and those powers do not like being messed with." He shakes his head at that, "And I am no longer neutral on the topic either," emphasizing his commitment to taking action against Mojo.

Spiral has posed:
Spiral purses her lips and lowers her chin. Even moreso she's peering up past her silvery brows as if trying to peer into Franklin's head or gauge his sincerity. It goes hand-in-hand with her slightly bowing and her crossing one foot in front of the other while her other limbs seek balance. "The place in space that Mojo rests his ugly face, evidence to the practical contraries, abhors a vacuum. Whatever greasy chess piece he represents can't be turned into a pawn without consequences. He's a spider in the middle of a vast sticky web, tethered to so much. He's infused others, in turn been bloated into more than a figurehead. More than just a CEO, an oily hub that keeps the wheels greased. If you throw the brakes on Mojoworld, it'll make more than the 11 o'clock news with the aftermath." She allows a pregnant pause and licks her lips.

"Oh my, does it look like a ring, thing thing? You're not propositioning me are you? I can assure you my sorcery is quite up to the task of cloaking myself...until the dimensions are breached closest to the beached whale. Unless we tumble into one of his pitstops on the way. Which won't happen if everyone does as I say on the way."

That little digression, she straightens. "I don't want him dead. I want his power. I know how Wonka runs the Chocolate Factory. I'd keep it from drowning everyone in caramel or slipping out and staining the carpets once Mojo is...unavailable." A blink. "Anyone else you put in as a replacement is just gonna go crazy. Then you're down one friend and gained a new nightmare."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin smiles and nods, acknowledging the information she shared about the people she heard talking to Mojo. He then pauses for a moment, contemplating something that seems beyond her current capacity. "They are on the list too, but I can't talk about that. I'm sorry, but that is a bit out of your pay scale for now," he says, withholding specific details. There are powerful beings, like those who shape galaxies, involved, and they are nowhere near Earth.

He admits that he had considered pulling on that web to see who falls out, but he defers to Spiral's experience in this matter. Franklin chuckles, suggesting that the heroes of this world might need a new challenge, like some sort of crisis, but agrees that it's not the kind of fight one would have on her own homeworld. He clarifies that he's not upset at Mojoworld itself, but rather at the people who made the decisions.

When Spiral asks if it's a ring, Franklin blushes and turns away, admitting with a mumble, "Maybe..." He couldn't look at her directly when she suggested it could be a proposal. He stammers, "I am glad you have your way." Despite his incredible power, he still gets embarrassed around women, especially ones who resemble Spiral. He quickly steers the conversation back on track.

Upon hearing that Spiral wants to take over, Franklin looks surprised and amused. "Well, now that is interesting... Though if you do, I hope you understand that the Richards are not to be messed with, yes?" he grins at her. He playfully teases that if she becomes the new Mojo, she might need to eat a bit more, as Mojo is a bit... bigger. Franklin acknowledges the challenge of gathering people at Mojo's level from local resources and admits that it might be quite interesting to accomplish.

Spiral has posed:
Spiral maintains an almost statue-still composure as the ball is back in Franklin's court. Perhaps Mojo spliced something avian in her, something lizard, a component that allows her to attain stillness or constant motion or those other oddly gyroscopic qualities afforded to other entities and creatures by rote. But when Franklin appears uncomfortable, or at least that physical reaction, she cranes her head inquisitively. If she had pupils, they'd probably go to slits or contract like a camera lens. She steps lightly like a trotting show pony to try and get a better angle on his expression as she listens and tries to read that body language.

"I won't pry to your preparations..." she adds, "Franklin." tests out the name in her mouth. It requires a lot of lip and tongue movement to enunciate it, which isn't a bad thing. "The only appetites I have are towards Order...not chaos. The Celestials and CEOs can play their metaphysical pocket pool. I can juggle quite well, but those billiard balls...I have no interest in that scope and they won't fit comfortably in my hands." She raises up a pair of hands and chinese-worry-ball motions, magically materializing and massaging sorcerous celestrial orbs in mid-air. "Give me Mojo's, so to speak, and you'll have none of his troubles from me, not a squeak."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin smiles at her when she says his name, but he appears a bit embarrassed, not because he dislikes her or anything, but simply because interacting with women is something he's not entirely knowledgeable about. His body language reveals this, as he isn't trying to hide anything, including his micro-reactions, which he couldn't control. He clears his throat and looks away, trying to create some distance between them. "You have a very disarming stare, Miss," he says, attempting to put some distance between them as it was his normal defense mechinism, and still smiled a bit as he wasn't unhappy with her.

Instead, he takes out a card from his pocket, with just his name and a number on it. With a slight shift in focus, he offers it to her. "Call me in a week, use something untrackable like a burner, and I will give you details. I am going to have to visit Latveria, and that place is always a pain to get into," he explains, redirecting their discussion to the plan he has in mind.

He then turns his attention to the magical creations on display, expressing his joy in seeing how different people utilize magic in their creations. Franklin shares his perspective on the different power structures out there, revealing that because he is a human, they sit him at the "kiddy table" glad he could talk to someone about the Celestials or CEOs.

As for Spiral's plan to replace Mojo, Franklin acknowledges that a little chaos is acceptable, but he emphasizes the importance of not harming his sister. He raises concerns about potential rioting from Mojo's followers and questions whether Spiral has a plan to handle that situation. He seems curious about her approach and whether she can handle the self-centered nature of the people involved in Mojoworld.