retconman | IC contact.

IC contact.

"You've reached Maxwell Lord. Talk to me, and keep it good. I'm a little preoccupied at the moment, but your call is important to me. Leave your name and number and I'll return your call ASAP."

( calls | text | email | voicemail )

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The powers they seem to think you have are a hell of a surprise. [ A beat. ]

If they're what everyone seems to think they are, I'm not surprised they're concerned. Anything you can illuminate on that one?

What can I say? With great--

[ NOPE. He sighs. ]

I never wanted them.

I sympathize, and I think a fair amount among the Avengers would do the same. They're certainly biting you in the ass now.

Who would want them in that sort of situation, huh? How strong are we talking?

That's hard to say. I don't think I could use it myself to anything near the strength of what it's been forced to. Possession's its own can of psychic energy worms.

Isn't it just? Possession normally does complicate things just a bit. I'm afraid to admit I've had a brush or two with it in the past, and it's not easy to get over, even when everyone knows you were, let alone if they don't.

Yeah, well. I'm not volunteering to get my neck snapped again to solve the problem here.

I'd like to avoid that if at all possible, honestly. I don't think that should be necessary, either way.

That begs the question of what is. Business as usual?

I should hope. I think they're going to want to talk, once they get things together.

I think, if we get things together, preempt things, trouble could be avoided.

What did you have in mind?

Do you have any idea what they're going to say? If they look elsewhere for information?

If we we have a good idea, we can redirect that. They're pretty upset about the powers thing, but they'll get over that, I think. There's an ace up my sleeve on that front.

Anyone else they ask around here that knows me is going to give them the same story. It's the only one anyone knows, to my great fortune. In terms of questions? I'm sure they want to know if I've mind controlled any of them, which of course I haven't, how on earth would I be able to get away with that?

You might as well share it.

I'm pretty sure that's a concern, but I don't have any doubts about that. At least when it comes to me. [ A beat. ]

Don't worry, I'll pass that one right along.

You're golden, Tony. I knew I liked you for a reason.

I mean the ace up your sleeve. Don't I get to hear it?

Well, you're not the only person whose lied about their powers, Max.

Not that I think they don't know, but if they're going to talk about powers being a secret, you're not the first to keep things quiet.

Ah ha. [ A pause. ] Pretty good.

[ Another pause. ]

For the record, I never actually lied about them.

Fair enough. Withheld information is a bit more accurate, you're right.

Can't blame me though, can you?

No, I can't. I'm not well-known for exactly being the most forthcoming of the Avengers myself.

[ He takes a moment to light a cigar. ]

Being with a team doesn't forfeit someone their right to a little privacy.

[ He laughs ]

That's how I've always felt about it, but I've had years to build their trust, which is unfortunate that they can't extend the same courtesy to you.

[ Except none of them trust him to do anything more than be a dirty, manipulative dick. ]

It's the nature of the business. [ This place, etc. ] I don't use it. I never even wanted it. How do you talk about a power like that?

It's not exactly easy. I can't imagine having to do it, but most people don't exactly ask to go through the situations that give them their powers. I was lucky enough, I chose mine.

Exactly. Everyone assumes the worst regardless.

They're going to. We as Avengers, we've had some troubles back home. They have reason to be paranoid, but I'll what I can to ensure they remember your actions.

call;

retconman - 2013-01-14 07:58 (UTC) - Expand

call;

liverletdie - 2013-01-14 08:43 (UTC) - Expand

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