Survival of the Fittest (Xander)

Ants, that's what Lucius had come to call the human race. It might have seemed like a cut and dry insult, but it did have deeper meaning. Ants had qualities, they were incredibly resourceful and no matter what you could never seem to get rid of all of them, no matter how many you stomped under your foot. They all worked toward a purpose, but that purpose was mostly unknown to them despite the effort they put into achieving it. Mindlessly ants devoted their entire lives to something so insignificant a lawn mower could destroy it in one swoop, but they still went on doing it. Humans had a lot of parallels to ants, yes, but their underlining difference was that humans knew better. They could break free from the meaningless grind and seek higher purpose if they wanted, but instead they chose ignorance.

Humans had been around for a long time yet they achieved so little, meta humans had been around for a fraction of the time and achieved things once thought of as impossible, and their full potential hadn't even been fully realized. Anyone with a basic grasp of logic could see which was better, yet Lucius was called evil for supporting evolution. It was true meta humans were superior, but they lacked the numbers and organization to blow this ant hill the humans had made over the centuries to smithereens, that's where Lucius came in. He wasn't going to allow the stomping out of potential and progress, not as long as he drew breath.

Forces opposed him only because they feared change, they say they want to save the world but they are actually destroying it, keeping it primitive by halting progress. They didn't mind killing animals, why? Because they felt superior, and they are. But their time was over, it was humans turn to be overthrown just as it was with all the races before them. Unfortunately like humans many metas didn't see where Lucius was coming from, they had become to attached to the concept that killing or controlling a human was wrong. Every day Lucius tried to convince more and more metahumans to see the light, sometimes he succeeded, sometimes he failed. But eventually he would get enough of them for his plan, eventually he would get enough of them to rise.

Today Lucius was going out and trying to find others himself, like old times. Recently he had employed others to find metas to join him, but Lucius never could resist doing things himself. He had been tracking a meta human that presumably had some form of electricity manipulation, being able to hack into pretty much all of New Yorks cameras whenever he wanted was pretty neat. Of course he had to be cautious when approaching unknown superhumans, but he also had to lay off the preaching. Some was good yes, but spilling everything he believed in one conversation was an obvious no-no.

All it took to find this guy was a quick facial recognition scan, he seemed to work at some auto shop in one of the more run down areas. So, watching the shop for a few days Lucius waited for an opportunity. Once he knew the guy was alone and he could make his offer without some random guy interrupting them, he made his move. Wearing street clothes Lucius approached the man, a friendly look across his face.

"Hello Xander."

There was always something new within the city of New York. Things changed almost constantly. It was only a few days ago when I met a Were-alien, and then also found two other people with electrical abilities like my own. However if they were on my side or not, I didn't care. I was more focused on turning the wrench in my hand to tighten a bolt on my motorcycle. The work for today was already done. I had to work on some old man's car, and then fix a few dents in a wrecked one. Nothing that a well placed hammer couldn't do. I worked on a few more jobs after that like changing the oil, and trashing a different car by putting salt water into the engine. At the end of the day, my hands were covered in black soot, and oil. I had some on my jeans, and a little on the sleeves of my shirt.

Sam had walked up to me and was giving me a hard time by playing with the tools that I needed to put my motorcycle back together. I had gotten a new fuel tank, and had replaced it. While the bike was all black, than tank was actually a vibrant yellow. I smiled as Sam got tired of me. Vocalizing her distaste.

Fine, don't listen to me.

She walked away and left me alone for the rest of the time I was here. Even to the point of leaving early, and letting me close up the shop. I did so as she was leaving. Checking everything out after I was done fixing my bike. I put up all the tools. And was putting up the cash as a man began to walk up to me. I started speaking to him.

Sorry man, we're cl-

Only stopping as the man knew my name right off the bat. Calling me by name, I put the cash down. Looking right at him as I wondered what he was doing here. My hands were placed on the counter. He could see them, and I was ready for him should he try and attack. I never really trusted anyone but my friends. And well, he wasn't a friend. Even more so that I could see an almost deranged look in his eyes. Something was a little off. I could almost feel it in the air.

Do I know you stranger?

I was half tempted to grab the sword that I had bought back a while ago. Only the project I had with it wasn't quite done. So it wasn't ready to be fully used, but I could still use it as a plain sword. Still having the feeling like I was being out gunned, I kept my hands on the counter. Leading him to believe that I was not going to do anything rash. I really needed to play it safe around this guy.

For some reason the male seemed like he was ready to either flee as fast as he could or attack, which was odd considering Lucius hadn't done anything hostile. Perhaps the kid knew who he was and just wasn't saying anything, but then again if he knew who Lucius was the male would know attacking him was really, really stupid.

"No. You don't know me, but i know you." Lucius said as he pulled up a stool and sat. What he didn't know was that the stool was covered in oil and grease, how disgusting.

"Why are you so tense? Relax kid, i just want to talk." Lucius said hoping his words would calm the man down. Lucius had to admit he let off an aura of violence, perhaps his deeds come back to haunt him. But he didn't think he was THAT intimidating. Each person had to be dealt with differently when it came to getting them to do the things you wanted, already Lucius was changing his attitude to better suit the man.

"...I know what you are Xander, and i want to help. I'm like you, you see." Lucius explained after a short pause. This kid probably wanted to know more about his powers, most meta humans did, so appealing to that might be the key to getting on his good side.

"I think you're better then this my friend, actually, i think you're far better." Lucius said looking around the shabby shop. The man seemed to be talented from what he gathered from watching the place, he did most of the work around here. Whether that was part of his meta human abilities though wasn't know, but it didn't matter really.

"I'm offering you a chance to rise far above, a chance to change the world as we know it. You have more potential then you think, and i can show it to you." Lucius said igniting his hands with his crimson flame like energy which illuminated the mostly dark room. It was a way of showing the man he wasn't lying.

I didn't know him. Well that was kind of obvious since I asked who he was. Even more so, he moved to the stool in front of the counter, and sat down. His body posture showed that he was rather proper. Instead of some guy from the slums. I looked him over as he sat there. Only to tell me to relax myself. I didn't really know what to do. I stayed there, but I let my arms relax somewhat. Even more so when he said he just wanted to talk. However, talk could mean many things. And I really didn't want to find out if it was the bad one. Instead of arguing with him or even just ignoring him, I nodded my head once for him to continue.

Continuing on, he spoke to me as though I were a friend that needed help. Even telling me that he knew what I was. I furrowed my brow in a little disappointment. I had tried to keep my identity as a Metahuman under wraps. Looks like he had somehow found out about me. Other than the conventional way of having to ask me and maybe trusting him. Him knowing my name, what I was, and likely every other dirty thing I had done even since I was in high school, I knew that he had contacts, and power to back it up. He wanted to help me. Even saying that this place was low, and that I could do better. Sure, maybe I could if I used my powers against others, but I was not like that. I would bite the bullet for a friend of mine. Not kill them. However, something sent shivers down my spine about him. Something that may lead to another. Maybe a future in which I could do something.

I wasn't about fame, or fortune. I wanted to do what I wanted. If that was just to sit here and talk to a man about philosophy, then so be it. He offered me his proposal. Saying that he could get me the chance to get me to a higher place within the world. And as soon as he said it, I watched as his own hand raised up, and ignited in a red light that looked almost like a fire that was warped by dark forces. Yet, it felt almost good. Strong, powerful. Almost as though he could simply hand me the powers I needed. I wanted to become better. Maybe this man could help me with that.

As now, I was a little bit more comfortable. My arms were now down at my sides. Waiting for him to continue. But he didn't. He was waiting for me. I looked around. Then back to him. His face that had a slight angle at the jaw. And how much I wanted to punch it. Yet I could also see why he wanted me. He had some fire like ability I am guessing. And I was lightning. Both powers can be used for good, yet they were also capable of being used for evil like projections.

And how would this chance manifest itself to me? I won't accept it just because I look to have potential. If you have seen me, then you know that I work for what I want. So, how will it come across for me to expand myself?

Good question sent at him. Well enough to allow myself to grow, and continue the conversation, yet also had an aura of obscurity. Maybe this man was the key to what I needed. Sooner or later, I will find out.

Of course the man didn't blindly accept Lucius' offer right off the bat, Lucius would have been disappointed if he did. He was young, a free spirit, untempered by time. He would only do what Lucius wanted if he believed he had absolute choice in the matter, and that's what he would be given.

"Well, not to gloat, but i have one of the greatest scientific minds on this planet. I have trained countless of my kind to use their gifts, i can do the same with you if it is your will. I'm offering you money, power, brethren, and ultimately rule. I won't make you do anything you don't want to, but it is our destiny to be more then this, to be more then humans ever were." Lucius said letting the energy fade from his hands. It wasn't known how the male would react to this, it was a major life changing decision, but Lucius was all about making and offering those, they were the only choices that mattered.

"I understand its hard to trust someone who just shows up at your work place saying these things, but you don't have to trust me. What do you say i take you to my lab, you can meet the others, see my tech, maybe have a little fun, then make the choice?" Lucius said getting up from the rather unpleasant, half broken stool. Lucius genuinely just wanted to leave this dump.

He was a great mind? From his looks, he may have been just some model, or an "entertainer" in other words. But after he continued on without any interruption, about powers, wealth and a rule that no one could question. Not giving it to me, but pushing me in the right direction in which I would choose my own path. He made sure to say that. letting me know that I could choose what I wanted. Even if I wanted to turn him down. While a part of me thought he might kill me if I turn him down. I kept that thought out of my head. He wouldn't because I could still be useful later on for him.

He spoke of knowing how hard it was to trust him. And offered me to come with him to his lab. Sure, that would be good. seeing the tech he has. Maybe get some good ideas on tech to make myself. I walked out from behind the counter. I faced the man.

Fine. I'll come. But if I want to leave, I get free will. If I accept anything, I want the ability to leave.

Well that was a bit redundant, Lucius had already said he wouldn't force the man into anything, why did he have to state what had already been said? Regardless, Lucius had to make him feel comfortable, he had to let the man know he wasn't being forced against his will.

"Always." Lucius said simply in response. Touching an earpiece Lucius contacted one of his underlings, one with a rather convenient ability.

"Come and get us." Lucius said with a single finger on the very small communicator in his ear. In a moment his second in command, Daniel, appeared in the room out of nowhere.

"Daniel, Xander. Xander, Daniel." Lucius said quickly introducing the two. Lucius then walked over to Daniel and grabbed his hand, Daniel offering the other to Xander.

"First times gonna make you dizzy, just a warning you." The young man said with a smirk, still outstretching his hand. Upon grabbing the hand the three would be teleported to Lucius' lab, which was directly under his HQ. The room was lit with white florescent lights yet still had darkness along the edges of it. Below each light was a sleek black table with various gadgets and unfinished trinkets sitting on them. Mixing containers and various high tech weapons and armor were also scattered about, yet still it all had a sense of order to it. Holographic computers and controls dominated the room, there were so many just floating there it was hard to believe any person could keep track of it all. Overall, it looked like something out of science fiction.

"Welcome." Lucius said plainly as he walked toward a large holographic computer screen which he then typed a few commands into. In moments a voice could be heard throughout the room, one Xander hadn't heard yet.

"Hello Lucius, i see you have a guest, as expected." The AI said in his British accent.

"Anyway, i suppose i should introduce myself. I am Hector, or High-End Computerized Technology-Operating Resource." The AI said with a confident ring to his voice. Lucius was showing Xander this pretty much to legitimatize what he had told him before, that and he just loved hearing the AIs voice.

"Hector, please see to it that project X is stable, i trust Alpha's work yes, but we are putting it in my head after all." Lucius said speaking of another matter, it was mostly only brought up to give Hector something to do, left bored he always got a bit too chatty.

"Of course sir." The AI said before cutting off communications to do just as Lucius had told him.

"So, can i get you a drink?"

Confirming what I had restated, not because I was stupid, but because I wanted to make sure that he was agreeing, and that I had all the information about it. I liked to make sure things were what they were. Not what I assumed it to be. So many things could go wrong just from a simple assumption of a word or what someone says. It was then he called for someone using the device in his ear. Simply commanding for someone to come and get us. Only, it seemed there was suddenly another man in the room. Either he was hidden, or maybe since it wasn't out of the question, he could have teleported. In New York there were stories of people moving out and about back and forth with the blink of an eye.

He was introduced as Daniel. And myself to him. He reached out with his hand for mine. Saying that the first time, it would make me sick. it seemed like in a flash, we were at the lab. Almost instantly I felt lightheaded, and might throw up. I kept my lunch down, and focused on the ground. Tile. Once that was done, I looked up and around. Hearing the man who had not yet told me his name, welcomed me to his place. I wasn't really paying attention to him as all these gadgets around were broken apart or even some were being worked, and some were done. Just waiting to be used. That is when a British automated voice rang out welcoming Lucius. As well as expecting guests.

it was then I realized it was an AI just before it introduced himself as Hector. Or in essence, some long ass acronym for what his name stood for. I nodded my head as I looked around. Not paying attention to what was happening with Hector, other than the man, Lucius, talked about something that was called Project X. It seemed like every project that the bad guys did in the movies did Project X. Despite that, I didn't really pay that much attention to it. I was then asked if I wanted a drink. I shook my head as my attention came back to Lucius. I shook my head.

No, I think I am good for now.

I continued to look around. Wanting to ask so many questions about why this was here, and why make that if it's not even done. But I kept my mouth shut for the most part. So I wanted to see how much work he was doing. How fast was it going, and most of all, if I could somehow get in on this.

How many projects do you have currently running?

No drink? Odd, the male struck Lucius as a man that liked a good strong beverage. Shrugging, Lucius walked over to a small bar and poured himself some bourbon. Taking a sip the kid would ask him a question, one regarding his numerous projects.

"Well, that depends on your definition of 'projects'. But if your only speaking of technology, 164." Lucius said, remembering every single thing he was currently working on with his near perfect memory. The male seemed interested, only good things would come of that. Perhaps it wasn't the promise of money and power that would lure this one in, but his interest in mechanics.

"Now that i think about it, i don't believe i introduced myself. Lucius Alba, at your service." He said as he walked back toward the man, reaching out to shake his hand. After that he leaned up against a nearby table and continued to drink, thinking of things that he could show his fellow technology enthusiast.

"As promised, i'll show you my gear." Lucius said with as he sat his drink down on the table. Walking over to a very tall, sleek black rectangle he typed in a code on its keypad. In a moment it opened, releasing compression and making a hissing sound as it did. Once fully opened Lucius' suit could be seen inside in its full glory.

"This is for when i have to take matters into my own hands, i may have pawns but in the end I'm my most valuable piece." Lucius said unclasping a single gadget from the belt in the cabinet and removing a hand gun from the shelf below it. Reclapsing the gadget onto his own belt and activating it with a press of a button he tossed Xander the handgun.

"Shoot me." Lucius said with a blank stare. He was being entirely serious.

"Though, you may want to not shoot straight ahead, the bullet might come back at you." Lucius said, now smirking. Upon Xanders firing of the gun he would see the bullet just bounced off a nearly invisible barrier that only showed itself once it was hit.

"This is my repulsive field, saved me more times then i can count." Lucius said deactivating it and placing it back in the cabinet. Lucius wasn't one to show off his technology, but to appeal to this mans interests, he would. Suddenly a pink haired woman entered the room, wearing her usual 'punk rocker' clothing that Lucius didn't really care for.

"Hey Red, i took care of.....Oh, new guy." Isabel said with an almost mysterious ring in her voice, oh god, not this again.

"I think i like this one." Isabel said with a giggle after closing distance with Xander and touching him by the chin, as if he were being examined.

"......Isabel..We're busy." Lucius said blankly, yet sternly. Isabel just shrugged and let go of Xander, trailing off with a bit of hop in her step. Turning to Xander Lucius just smiled, then walked over and grabbed his drink.

"Isabel is a bit of a character." Lucius said downing the last of his liquor.

My mouth almost hit the floor when he said there were 164 projects that were going. I could barely keep track of my three. One for a sword, one for my motorcycle, and another for my jacket. Though, he did have an AI that could keep track of it all for him. Mostly though, it seemed like he also had a lot of staff on hand to actually do it himself. Though there were some points in which he might have to do a few himself. Once he had poured himself a drink, and came back over to formally introduce himself as Lucius Alba, I shook his hand. Trying to limit the amount of electricity that I might be giving off. To my relief, I didn't shock him or anything.

He then lead me over to the black cabinet where he opened with a password, in which I could not see, and then took out a gun and a little device. After putting the device on his belt, he then handed me the gun telling me to fire. I was so very tempted not to take it because it might blow up in my hand. But after a careful look at it, it didn't seem to run of of the conventional means. I took it, and before I shot, he told me to not fire it straight on. Instead of aiming for his chest or head, I aimed for his arm. And with a ping sound, the bullet went into another direction that I couldn't quite see. The shield he was using showed itself. The slight colorless hue that manifested after being hit. I smiled a little and wondered how many batteries and electronic connections it needed to complete the circuit. Even more so the cycles it had to endure to keep up that kind of power. Though I didn't try it, I could have probably poured my electric powers into the device, and shorted it out by literally blowing a fuse.

He then mentioned that it had saved his life many times when a girl walked out. She looked very nice, but when she noticed me, she had all of her attention on me. Her hand came up to my face and was trying to inspect me. Saying, something along the lines of "liking this one." Meaning me. She touched me and I reached up to take her hand away from my chin when she did after Lucius almost commanded her to let go. I shook my head and blinked a few times as she almost literally was hopping away. I looked at her for a second more when Lucius said that Isabel is quite the character. I didn't see him take the last drink of his liquor, but I noticed that it was now gone when I looked at him.

That's an understatement. I smiled just a little knowing that Sam would have been so jealous over this Isabel grabbing me, and me not doing anything about it. Turning all of my attention to the man, I then look him up and down.

I'm interested. What else do you have?

Xander seemed to be interested in it all, and Isabel interested in Xander.... But that was not the subject of this little visit.

"Many things....but i think I'll show you the most important." Lucius said turning around to face a holographic screen. With a few motions and a password a confirmation sound was heard. Across the room, another sleek cabinet much like the one holding Lucius' gear opened in the same manner. But this time, something entirely different was inside. Stepping out was a high tech  exo suit  under Hectors control, this exo had been in the works for nearly a year now and was finally in the beta stages of development. The exo suit then walked toward Lucius and Xander, not like a robot at all but like an actual human.

"Hello again Xander. Sir, the exo body turned out just as planned. Weaponry will be fully installed in approximately sixteen hours." Hector said, his voice coming from the robot.

"And sir....Lucius, thank you." Hector said, showing a bit of the sentience he was allows said to have.

"You're very welcome Hector. Please power down the exo and run diagnostics." Lucius said in return, proud of his work. The exo body then walked away, fitting itself back into the cabinet it came from. How Xander would react to the highly advanced exo wasn't really known, but he would likely be quite shocked. Though, he didn't seem that impressed that Lucius had an AI, so you couldn't tell.

"So what do you think? Your the first besides me to see that, not even Hector got a very good look." Lucius said trying to read the male, it was so difficult to tell what this one was feeling.

"Anyway, have you made your decision? Either way, i want to give you something. " Lucius said crouching down to retrieve a case. Opening it and setting it down Lucius continued.

"In the case is a million dollers, you can have it regardless of what you choose. You see, i hate to see one of my kind, especelly one so bright, working at a run down place like that. Lucius said sitting down in one of the labs chairs and then leaning back.

Once more, after asking the question of what else he had, he mentioned something else being more important. After a few taps away on the keys, and another cabinet opening up, I saw an Exo suit. A suit made to be worn by people, but in this case, it was Hector who was in it. I looked it up and down. I mean, seeing movies of robots moving like they had a stick up there ass was normal. But watching it as it fluidly walked like any other human, or metahuman could over to us. It stood there. Taller than myself, and was clearly going to be used to fight others who had abilities like myself, I so wanted to see the limitation that this suit had. I had a bright smile on my face as Hector introduced himself.

The AI could move from the system it was stored in, to the suit. Now I wondered if he could do other things like move from the body to another, or even a chip implanted into someone's head. This is very much what I wanted to see. Even more so be a part of. Not just to watch it happen, but to be the one who helps create such things. This suit didn't show limitations, but showed me that there were roads for me to travel on.

Hector was then told to turn the suit off. I almost expected it to start flying around and shooting laser beams after charging or something. Maybe even shift into a larger form. But instead it was turned off. Turning to Lucius, he told me that even if I didn't join him, he would give me something. Revealing that it would be well over my pay grade in years worth of work. If he was willing to give away that kind of money and just slack off, then I knew he was powerful not just physically and mentally, but financially as well. He had power within almost every part of the world. While that is not what I wanted, I knew if I needed to call on someone for need, it would be him.

Turning to him, I slid the case over to the other side of the table it was on.

You are gonna need that money back.

My face changing slowly from a blank stare, to a smirk that showed everything that I needed.

You might need it for all the projects that I want to do.

So he was one of those types that never accepted money, bothersome yes but it was a somewhat admirable trait. Lucius didn't need the money, he had vast coffers and even if they were ever emptied getting currency was easy for him. Perhaps it was the males sense of blue collar pride that made him not take it, but he would help Lucius more then he knew soon enough.

"Haha, no, i don't need it what so ever. And even if i were to use that money toward your projects, it wouldn't get me very far." Lucius said pushing the case back to the male. One of Lucius' underlining qualities was his insistance, he wasn't budging on this.

"Have some real fun for once in your laboring life, move away from that dump part of town or something. After you get your head clear, contact me and we'll get to work." Lucius said turning in his chair. He had work of his own to do, and Xander really needed to....clean up before they did anything. Lucius was glad to finally have someone under him interested in the technological arts, no one except Daniel really bothered with it. Hopefully this would turn out to be a beneficial meeting.

The money was shoved back at me. Saying that this kind of money was no where needed for what may have been for the creation of new tech. As well, The man wanted me to have "fun" or get a new place or something nice with it. I shrugged my shoulders as the man wanted to do his work. I could see it that I was overextending my stay. I looked down at the case, and grabbed it. Letting it fall down to my side, I held it there. Wondering what in the hell to do next.

I hoped that this meeting would be beneficial for not just him. But for me as well.

So what do I do, just say your name in front of a mirror three times?

I smiled. Having a sense of humor about it, and looked around for a way to leave. Only then, Daniel came up. and placed a hand on my shoulder. In an instant, we were back in the shop, I looked around to find where Daniel had gone, only to see that he was not there. Having the briefcase in my hands, I walked over to my bike, and went home. Thinking of all the things I could do.