TheAbsurdist

He looked at her, and grinned a little, chuckling a bit over her response. "You are skeptical, that is understandable. Simply put, I am an eccentric billionaire playboy, layabout twit. Or it is if you read any of the articles on me. I am not, however, stupid. My identity is public knowledge, and my hiring of you will be assumed to be based on some short sided thing of me having to have someone on staff who has powers and is attractive to boot" He pushed away from his desk and going to a cabinet, opening it up and pouring himself something amber out of a snifter and into a highball glass. "Would you like something to drink?" Asked looking over his shoulder at her. He took a sip of his scotch and pondered her, for a few moments. Now he had to answer the why. "I have an idea in mind of who I want, I am looking at skills and abilities and the person as well. So I am offering the position in the team solely on the fact that I feel your abilities will lend well to teamwork, and how I envision the group functioning."

Audrey did a double take at the woman walking up to her and nodded. "Yes, he is in. I'll buzz him for you." Pressing the intercom button, her breath coming out steaming from her nose, she cleared her throat. "Mr. al-Misri, your guest is here to see you." "Excellent, have her come in." Audrey gestured to the double doors behind her. "Right through there, ma'am." Then the secretary went back to her work. Amir al-Misri met her at the door, and once she saw his face, she recognized him, maybe not from where, but he was a known figure in this town. He had a smile on his face, a crooked, sly expression, that hinted at a couple things. If he was bothered by her cold he did not seem to notice. "Hello Miss... hm, Lady Winter. I am Amir al-Misri, however in recent days I am almost know as Asad. I know you are wondering why I asked you here." At that he turned and walked into his large office, it was well appointed, especially with his new rugs. Which he rather liked a lot. He was dressed in dark gray slacks, and a white shirt with his collar open and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He stopped at his large desk and leaned against it. "Simply, put, I want to offer you a job . The title is irrelevant, translator, personal assistant, bodyguard or something else to be thought of later. Now what is important is that I want to offer you a place in a team I am form. I find myself in an interesting position of having a substantial personal fortune, and now possessing superhuman abilities. And I wish to do good with the means at my disposal. You will retain your autonomy, as this team will be largely a confederation of like minded heroes, this is still in the early stages of development, and a field commander hasn't been selected yet. So... do at least have your interest?"

October 17th, 2011 The courier service called to notify him that the letter had been delivered. There was some complaints, so he simply tripled their fee. Though Maxie's words rang in his head when he did that, but he shrugged it off. He had looked into getting a new building, one to accommodate his plan, but for now he was more than content with that. It still was thirty stories, an older building, but he rather liked it, the windows in his office could still be opened. Should the meeting need that. The message had been simple, he had asked Lady Winter for the a few moments of her time at his office to discuss a job offer. Simple and to the point, if a little vague. He had notified the staff today that he might be having a special guest. And then he settled in, skimming over the various reports that had built up... well more accurate he was looking over his assistants notes, and then checking what needed to be checked. He knew he had to buckle down, but right now he was focused on casting his net. Hitting the intercom to call his secretary, "Audrey, would you please order out some lunch. I am feeling like Greek, a few gyros and some dolmas, make sure they have extra tzatziki. Get yourself whatever you want dear." As had promised her Ms. van Cleef was currently away on a deserved vacation. Otherwise he'd be bouncing ideas off of her. Folding his hands behind his head he leaned back in his chair, and played the waiting game.

Doktor'd 10/30/2011 Asad: *In his family listing, change Hasma to Hida. *Under his Enemy Complications, add Red Death II "Asad is unwittingly the very thing she despises, even if he intends to us his wealth and powers as a force for good." *In Skills, drop Knowledge (Civics) to 4 ranks, and put those 4 into Knowledge (Business), so they should read: Knowledge (Business) 4 (+5) Knowledge (Civics) 4 (+5) Thank you! Doktor'd 10/30/2011

Amir was not nearly the twit the media had made him seem. He was well aware that he was viewed as a laughing stock, and the news reports and articles seemed more concerned with his fashion sense in his costume than his actual efforts as a hero. But then, this was his first day. He had already dealt with something at the park. Had a press conference this morning. This was a busy day, and he hadn't been able to get in a run, or a flight, to clear his head. "Well I promise I wont let you fall, if that will help persuade you." Amir had the reputation as a player and a playboy. Of course he never really presented himself as a serious individual. Until today, where he had all but said that he was serious now. Though this was different, this was flirting. It was inherently lighthearted. He made eye contact, he smiled, he laughed, he showed his interest with her "Mmm, there are rumors are there? Well I am a bit new to being a hero, so I have never done that, as for others I cannot speak for them." His smile took an amused turn. "I do appreciate the coy forwardness, Annice, I truly do. But, were you aware you get a little crinkle around your eyes when you are being disingenuous?" "I like to flirt, especially with a beautiful woman. It is fun. And I believe you are interested in me so..." Letting the sentence dangle there for a moment in the buzz of the party as he took her hand and lifted it, so he could kiss her knuckles. "If you would like to spend some time in each others company away from this setting, I would be more than thrilled to do so. As I enjoy the company of a beautiful woman as well. And the offer to take you up for a flight shall stand." Releasing her hand as he looked at her. His interest still apparent, but he was making clear he knew she was misrepresenting something, and from the sly smile on his face, he seemed to like the game.

Amir trying to read between the lines with Annice. Sense Motive (1d20+11=20)

"It would be for the best, wish I could give you more. But Recall is not necessarily a flashy fellow. So it is a bit hard for me to get more information." There was a pause, and his voice hardened slightly. "Yet." His thoughts clearly went elsewhere for a few moments as he looked down at the streets eyes narrowing. After a few beats, he blinked and looked back to King. Can't bring that up without explaining. "A few. And ones I meet. I am trying to assemble a diverse group. People who can get along together. Some people with foreign ties if possible. And offer them jobs." He lifted his head a little and grinned. "I can front the facilities and such, but I know some public heroes simply cannot find work, and that some mask wearers need some help with money as well. It is not a perfect plan, and it is more complicated than that, but I am recruiting." It wasn't a question, and he didn't look like he was asking, but Asad was still looking at the King of Suits.

Behold lucky Observational Prowess! Notice: (1d20+6=24) And... and Meh for him knowing stuff. Gather Information (1d20+11=16)

"It is alright, you are hungry and sandwiches as good." Asad shrugged as he looked around. "I get to do research and keep up to date a bit more than most. I am trying to compile information..." And he sighed at this, and shook his head. "I just know general information, I am working on getting contacts on the police and AEGIS. Though he is a planner, and if you saw his men, it means something is stirring. Maybe something with you. He likes to go after heroes. I think a healthy bit of wariness and suspicion is warranted." Starting to pack up his garbage. "I wish I could be helpful about that specifically. But if you something else I can help with, let me know, King of Suits. I am planning on putting my formidable resources to back several heroes."

"In fairness, I do a fair bit of globehopping myself. And given my personal business ventures are diverse, it helps to know things and people." He met her gaze with one of his own, and returning her smile as well. "Why Miss Stone, I would be honored to accompany you to such an event. As you can see I can hold my own at parties. And..." He trailed off watching Victory's entrance. Now there was a man who understood an entrance. "Well if you ever want to find out what it's like, I'd be happy to take you up for a spin around town." No, he was not above using his powers to help flirt, and the playful expression on his face an exaggerated eyebrow bob showed that. Taking his drink off the tray of the returned waiter, he took a sip of it. Truthfully he was glad that Victory was here and making an entrance. It meant some of the paparazzi would focus on him for a time.

He looked at King for a beat, his expression amused. "Just so you know, I held a press conference Saturday announcing that I was becoming a hero. So you do not have to spare my identity any." And then he flashed his winning smile, on others it might seem practiced and forced, but it was natural. "Amir al-Misri, if you see me in public. CEO, Summit International, or is it COO? Hm. Well I hold the majority stake, so I suppose it does not matter too much." Then smile dissipated, as he narrowed his eyes in thought. "Recall, real name George Mitchell, he has been in and out of prisons, professional assassin, who uses different tactics every time, and likes to use the weapon his foe does. I do not have any specifics given to me. He is dangerous. He is lethal. And if you have run into goons working for him, he may target you. My number is on the card, I always have my cell on me, or my comm is patched into it. So call me as needed. I will be there. Or, you know, if you are bored, lonely or... hungry late at night give me a buzz. I know not every hero has my budget, well yet anyway." Again that smile brightened up his face, as the topic went to the less serious.

Amir grinned, at her reaction, her voice, and all of it. "I get that a lot. Hello Ms. Stone it a pleasure to meet you. I do believe I own your album. If you want we can exchange autographs?" A disarming smile. Phasers set to charming. He raised his glass then, "Well, strictly speaking, I am not coping without alcohol, but I am what is known as a social butterfly. So I think I am managing considerably better than some others I have seen." His rich voice sounding amused, as he surveyed everyone, and then looking back to Annice with a conspiratorially crooked grin. Taking a sip of his drink, he glanced to Lord Lockwood, immediately liking the fellow, without skipping a beat, he extended a hand to Lord Lockwood. "Hello, I am Amir ibn Jafar ibn Abd al-Aziz al-Misri, or, as the beautiful lady has said, Amir for simplicity sake. It is a pleasure to meet Lord Lockwood, you seem to be enjoying yourself this evening." Far be it from him to not meet someone new. Especially in this setting. He resisted the urge to fidget with his tie. While he liked the feel of a fitted suit, ties always bothered him. "I see you are empty handed Lord Lockwood, fair is fair, let's get you a drink too." Flashing a quick grin, as he waved down one of the wait staff, and, stuffing a bill in the man's vest. "Whatever Lord Lockwood wants, and another scotch and soda for me, no ice." And he knocked back his drink and put the glass on the man's tray.

Well-Informed on Annice (1d20+11=27). Amir is not a stalker! Well-Informed on Lord Lockwood (1d20+11=16).

Asad chuckled again, King was friendly. Was a nice change of pace, at least the guy wasn't immediately assuming he was a putz for him being wealthy hero, or, more accurately, by his reputation up until now. "Well I am glad to be aboard to this. I already had a bit of fun, of course I did do a press conference announcing. But when you are the head for a Fortune 100 company, what do you expect?" Slowly he pushed himself to his feet, leaning from the edge in a weightless way at an impossible angle. Asad hung there, looking down at something in the street as he ate his sandwich. Eventually he shrugged his shoulders as he leaned back to standing on the edge. "Thanks, I have got a couple different ones based on the basic design." Asad shrugged a little, flashing King a winning smile. "Glad you did not have too much a trouble, but if they working for Recall, I'd be a little concerned. Oh, heh, yeah Theriot's Sandwiches, they are in the phone book." He fished a card out of the breast pocket of his jacket, and offered it to King. "Just flashed the card to them, they'll take care of you. Least I can do for a fellow suit wearer."

No problemo. Resolve at your leisure!

Seeing the spread of the gas, he was rather happy he was up in the air already. That does not look pleasent. I would feel bad but, well, it's icky and I glad it's not me. Way to go with the Ivy League schooling Amir. Icky. Criminy. He dipped down selecting an area that he could see. Alright just like practice... only this time it's real people, so it counts. Here goes. Also say something pithy. "Gentlemen, I see you are trying a bit of applied shared economics, I commend you. Now let us see how you handle some trickle down!" Asad yelled as he released the power boiling up inside of him. Throwing out his arms was a little dramatic, but the electricity arced out from him and he controlled the released, it crackled and shot out, completing their circuits with the Lads and Mr. Mist. He was uncertain how he was going to handle the Lads' boss. Uncertain what happens if he gets gassed, as he still had to breathe. He felt the crackle of power still in him, as he readied himself for the next salvo.

Well on my Initiative Asad will move into a better position and unleash his Damage effect with his energy. Since it is Selective, he is hitting as many Lads as he can while still getting Mr. Mist. Given a 200' range.

Asad's Initiative (1d20+7=17)

Tonight, tonight Amir got to shine. This was his sort of thing, he hit most of the charity circuit around town, and despite coming off as an affable twit, he was known to give to causes, and so he was always invited. Plus with his recently announcement his appearance would create a little publicity stir, which when used correctly was always a good thing. Of course he arrived late, this time not having a date on his arm (or two). He walked in like he owned the place, a little cocky and with some swagger. He had opted for the white coated tuxedo, having spent more than a little bit of change on it, but he loved the feel of a fitted suit on himself, and as often as he went to these things it was almost a write off. Once inside the event proper he set to making the small talk immediately. Sure it was often banal and pointless, but he was good at it. Something even his father to admit, Amir had the charm in his family, and willingness to use it. So he glad-handed, and flirted, and chatted people up. And wielded him comfort in the setting as a bit of a weapon. He knew there were people better at this than him, but he still felt comfortable here. Mingling. Telling jokes with some of the other captains of industry, chatting it up with counselors, and the deputy mayor. Eventually he had made enough rounds he found himself standing off to the side, drink in hand that he'd nurse for awhile, a scotch and soda. And he moved towards Annice, in some much as that was how it ended up. "Hello there. Hope you don't mind an intrusion, but you look moderately miserable, miss. I am Amir al-Misri, may I have the honor...?" Letting his question

Well-Informed (1d20+11=20) on Recall. So Asad knows a small bit about him.

Pushing up his glasses as he looked at the King. Oh, this man is getting a nickname. "Mm, well I am new to the hero business, but I've been around town for a couple years, before then all around." He nodded a little as he looked at him and finished that half of the sandwich before tearing into the other half, between sips of his coffee. "I am that rich guy who thinks he can be a hero." He said it in a self-deprecating tone, and a bit of a grin on his face as he looked at King. Chuckling a little as the other hero's apology for tearing into the sandwich. "It's okay, I bought the place because they have good food, so my story is more embarrassing. But I am an eccentric wealthy guy. These things happen." Waving at the town with his sandwich he shrugged a little. "I came over here from Southside, I stopped a couple muggings but it's been quiet otherwise, or I wouldn't have grabbed the food. You?" Asad found this a little funny, but then this sort of thing was good. He wanted to meet more of the heroes out there. And bumping into them during a late night food run was about as normal as you could expect for a guys in a funny outfit sitting atop the Beauderie.

Alright, drain the Generator, then move up fifty or so feet in the air. Figure that's all Asad can do as we're not in rounds yet.

Scanning the area, he frowned as his phone buzzed. Who the... Pulling it up he glanced at the incoming text, and 'lo and behold. "Well I was right... Time for some applied capitalism!" He resumed scanning the area, this time looking for something else... Bingo! He dashed to largest generator he could see, and grabbed it. The moment his hands made contact he could feel it. Asad never could adequately describe what was happening, there was no sensation he could compare it too, just the feeling of being flooded with power. And the electricity arcs around and into him. as it died in his grasp. Releasing the smoking husk of a machine he stepped away, and started towards the others, rising into the air to get a lay of what was going on, before rushing wildly into a situation where bystanders might be hurt. Remembering to yell down to the owners of the generator, "I will absolutely cover that, I'm sorry!" "First day on the job Asad, try not to do something stupid..." muttering to himself, "... this one actually counts." He surveyed what was happening, and with this vantage point he could make better use of his powers, or cover ground rather than dealing with the milling throngs of people, who would likely be screaming and running soon.

Asad is going to look for something to Drain, something electrical. While he moves towards the gathering longcoated guys and heroes. If possible. If he gets something to siphon on, he'll do that first before going to the group.

To Asad's credit, he did not jump. Much. But he was startled by the King. Nothing to replace the need for caffeine like a sudden spurt of adrenaline to the old system. Taking another bite of his sandwich, he looked at the other guy, and blinking a little behind the lenses of his glasses as he tried to recall who this guy was, with his recent research into other heroes. He frowned a little bit and gestured to the brown boxes beside him. "Still half of this sandwich, and some fries in this one, and two more unopened sandwiches. Help yourself, just leave me the pickles" He reached into the grey fleece vest he wear wearing tonight, and withdrew a can of soda and set it down by his things. It wasn't wearily that he eyed the other guy, he just hadn't expected this. Not that he was complaining, hell, he kind of found it funny to be sharing his food with another hero. But it was something A commonality. Noticing that there was a decided lack of time to get a bite to eat. And while he was listening to the police scanner this part of town was fairly dead. Apart from what the King had just done. "A turkey avocado, and a chicken foccacia. If that makes a difference." Asad was flexible on his costume. He wore the basic same thing. Well similar color schemes. But he had variety. If just because he wanted to perpetuate the idiot playboy image. And if he rarely stuck to the same costume that would help. But tonight the vest, with it's zip up pockets, had been essential for carrying around snacks and other things. He definitely was going to keep something like that on him. Maybe even a utility belt... Asad blinked and stopped his mind from wandering too much. "My 'name' is Asad." Nice to meet you King of Suits. Park it, and grab a bite."