Thunder Corp Recruitment Drive

[raisednpcs]

Who: Everyone who agreed to be approached by Thunder Corp
When: September 21st
What: Thunder Corp is out to recruit
Where: Various Locations

On the date of September 21st, the visitations begin.

For some, they arrive in the form of men in well-pressed business suits. All of them are fit and attractive, almost artificially so, carrying suitcases that contain contracts they wish for those they approach to sign. Their friendliness is also absolute, though they are somehow aggressive at the same time. They've bought themselves into absolutely every location possible, either having traveled great distances with ease or simply found people where they would logically be. In any case, they approach their "targets" out of the blue, greeting them with an outstretched hand and an aggressively polite demeanor.

Still others receive a message in the form of electronic mail. The approach is different simply as a matter of personal resource. How exactly did they find out your e-mail address? Why, it's for the same reason they're able to approach people wherever they happen to be right now: They're Thunder Corp, and they are very resourceful! That's how!

A much more pressing question would be... how did they know you are a Numbered?

[OOC: There's two threads you can reply off of depending on how you decided to be contacted, ones for being approached in person, and ones for being contacted by personal e-mail.]

Comments

In-Person

[raisednpcs]

[OOC: Please see the above, for details on just what's coming your character's way, and respond here. Please tell us in your top level where your character is when they're being approached.]

In-Person | Shepherd's Haven | Dusk

[meteormercenary]

Jacob locks up his shop, carrying a bag in his hand. They contain bulbs that he plans to nurture at home first. He has been closing his shop early enough for there to be daylight because of the ghosts. He's in a pretty good mood, a small smile on his face. He recaps the little events he had of the day, the few customers he had, and how happy he hopes the flowers will make the recipients. He starts walking down the street in the direction of Woodend.

[raisednpcs]

Jacob won't get far down the street before a sharply-dressed man appears some distance ahead of him, seems to check something on his cell phone, and nods very slightly. He closes the gap quickly enough with a short, pleasant-enough call of, "Ah, Mr. Howland!" The man is... tall, and while he'd normally be imposing, something about his build makes him seem somewhat non-threatening.

Sliding his sunglasses into his pocket, he smiles faintly. "Do you have a moment? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you." He pauses briefly, before adding, "I assure you, there is no ill will in my visit. Just a conversation, and perhaps a business opportunity."

Edwin Weller | Afternoon

[speedpariah]

Edwin is, more or less, recovered from the night before. He's not at his lab today. Rather, he decided to take a personal day, and is staying at his apartment.

He meant to catch up on some reading, but honestly, his thoughts keep coming back to the other night. The vision he saw, and the fact that the man in the yellow suit that had attacked him? Had the same powers as both himself and the Flash. He had also killed someone.

The implications were, quite frankly, disturbing. It took Weller everything he had to not assume the worst. As such, all he ended up really doing that day was sit in his chair. Thinking.

Just what kind of man was Harrison Wells, and who was the man in the yellow suit? He couldn't help but feel there was a connection.

[raisednpcs]

Even very secretive, careful and intelligent people who have taken steps to ensure their privacy during an uneventful evening might be in for a surprise tonight. A man in a suit with a businesslike, strangely fixed smile appears, formal enough to get glances but certainly not out of place enough for attention to dwell on him for very long. Kids only pause momentarily in their playtime, gardeners shrug and go back to their hedges.

The man holds up a card with an address written on it; it matches the door he's standing in front of. He straightens his tie and raps sharply on the door.

Miles outside Locke | Late afternoon

[oncedevil]

In a small, refugee town some miles away from Locke Tony had paused to rest. His search so far had netted him nothing. Naught but rubble and disappointment. It was about time he consider swallowing his pride and heading back.

Difficult a task as that may be. If something happened to Shepard's Haven because he was too busy being stubborn, knowing full well his doppelganger was likely to make good on his promise? He probably couldn't live with himself after that.

As he stands from his perch on a crumpled pile of concrete and brushes the dust from his coat he notices the smartly dressed man approaching. With an unnervingly friendly smile on his face. Something about it just seemed... off.

"I dunno what you want, but I'm not buying." He snaps before the gentleman even has a chance to speak, curling a lip back to show off teeth that might just be slightly sharper than those of a normal human.

[raisednpcs]

Even in the outskirts, far from what passes for established and organized society these days, these representatives have a way of finding their marks. A man in a clean, pressed suit parks his company car parallel on the shanty streets, meticulously despite the absence of other vehicles. Nothing sloppy about this one; no shortcuts, full decorum, controlled smile and square shoulders.

"I'm not selling," the man replies, raising his hand in an unconcerned greeting. "I'll keep my distance if you like, but I'd just like a word with you. Several, if you'll permit it, on behalf of the company I represent."

In-Person | Gateway City | Evening

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

This was a good day. A very busy but a very good one.

Right now, it's at the end of a long day's work and Kirara's sitting cross-legged on the bed of the hotel room she's been staying in during her time in Gateway, giddily reading through the script in her hands. The second script for her second movie, and it was looking like a good one. A little more "Hollywood" than the last one but, hey, blockbusters are where all the fame is at. At least the script's pretty good.

Closing it, she falls backwards onto her pillows and casts a glance at the magical perfume and dress-shaped key sitting on the nightstand beside the bed. Oh, man, it's going to be great when the whole secrecy thing gets lifted. Who would've thought that a crazy coincidence like this could have happened?

Yep. Absolutely nothing can ruin her mood today.

[raisednpcs]

Kirara has likely seen a million men like the one walking up to the door of her hotel room. Agents, executives, they all dress alike. Even before meeting Kirara, he has a wide, practiced-looking smile on his face. It's all part of the job.

A job he's confident he will be able to execute as he knocks upon the hotel room door. Never in his wildest dreams did this man think his job would lead to him meeting a movie star!

Rakka Yoshitoshi | Shepard's Haven | afternoon

[charcoalfeather]

Today was.... a day. Or something to that effect.

In the Numbered town of Shepard's Haven, things were the same as they always were, no monsters, or ghosts, or slime monsters about. it seemed that there was a moment of peace taking place, and Rakka was going to take advantage of that!

And what better way to do that, then to recline on the couch and surf the internet, while dressed in the comfiest sweat pants Rakka had ever owned? Even Fougere had taken to the calm, having fallen asleep right next to her as she typed away.

There was nothing to expect today, besides discussing what to do about the snakes in Locke with the others. They'd show up eventually, in the meantime Rakka could wait!

[raisednpcs]

Even out here in the remote wilds of New Zealand's South Island, in a town peopled entirely by Numbered that is intentionally hard to find for individuals who are not specifically led or directed there, the stranger has managed to arrive. His sleek, black company car causes quite a stir (and one particularly lustful groan from Nux), but even though those that glimpse him do so with suspicion and distrust, wondering how and why he's here, he's got very particular people in mind.

There's no immediate reason to kick him out or make him leave. He's perfectly polite, cordial and friendly. He doesn't seem to be armed. He doesn't seem to be hostile. He's just an odd and unwelcome presence in a famously insular community.

There's a knock on Rakka's door.

Lily Tsukuyomi | Afternoon | Locke City

[alilyinthemoonslight]

Of course, they couldn't be back in town long before trouble reared its head. Lily could almost smell it on the horizon, and to some degree she'd accepted that. As well as been incredibly impressed at the upkeep on their home in the meantime... Which she supposed informed their doppelgangers being good for something, which was a tad strange to consider in itself.

As she opens the door to the well-dressed man however, something screams in the back of her head, and its only through sheer force of will she doesn't slam it in his face.

"Can I... help you?"

[raisednpcs]

The knock had been gentle enough; everyone knew this house. More specifically, everyone with half a brain knew to be careful approaching it, because you either got the housekeeper that knew little to nothing about the owners, Summer Adamas and an impending sense of doom, or... well, one of the Tsukuyomi women. Thankfully, between research and sheer good fortune, he'd even found the one he was looking for. Today is going substantially right.

Or, at least, it was. The man notices the very subtle twitch that she already has a vague inkling what he's here for, and he mentally shifts to recognize that he's in for a long talk.

"That's my hope, Ms. Tsukuyomi. I'm here representing my employer, Thunder Corp. Before I do anything else, I solemnly swear I bear no ill will toward you, your wife, or any of the other Numbered, and I'm only here to talk. It's my wish, and my employer's, that we can foster a better relationship with you and your family and friends than our previous leaders strove for."

He pauses for a moment, taking off his mirrored sunglasses and giving her an honest, understanding expression. "If you don't mind giving me a few minutes of your time, I'd appreciate it. I know we've done wrong by you in the past, but our company, and our people, have changed since then. If you're still not convinced after I've said my piece, I'll be on my way. But give me that time before you send me away."

Arlene Machiavelli- Gateway City, Buddy's 24-Hour Diner| around 3 AM

[billkiller]

Arlene's working the graveyard shift, as is her general tendency and wont. She's feeling good lately, having met a cute guy who at least gives her something to think about when she's otherwise in a state of mind-numbing boredom... but her feet still hurt, and her hair cold probably benefit from a good washing.

She's on her break now, leaning on the side of the building out back and smoking a cigarette. She knows the habit is hell on her lungs and her skin, but it's not like she particularly cares. She has so little to look forward to that she can forgive herself the occasional smoke.

[raisednpcs]

At that point, a black car rolls up on the road in front of Arlene. It's a black vehicle, with sharp lines, an environmentally friendly engine, and a design that just screamed "high performance" and "expensive".

The door opens, and out steps a man in a black suit, well-groomed hair, and a winning smile. His appearance might even be called "handsome".

"Miss Machiavelli," he said, extending a hand. "I realize you're likely quite busy right now, but I have a proposal that could change your life."

In Person | Gateway City | Evening

[evowhisperer]

If there's one thing he's glad is different from Locke City, it's that parking is easier.

Cesar closes his car door behind himself, and its automatic lock chirp in the quiet lot. There's enough cars to prove that the area is well-inhabited, but there's not a living soul in sight. Cesar has no reason to look around; he's only paying enough attention to navigate his way towards the open stairwell, and his attention seems to mostly be towards working at a knot in his shoulder. He aches; maybe he should set an alarm to remind himself to leave his desk every so often...

[raisednpcs]

The Thunder Corp rep followed Cesar here, keeping his sleek black car about a half a block away from the man at all times. Just because they're persistent doesn't mean they can't be a little bit stealthy about it, but not to the point of being suspicious. Some might call it "stalking", but really, what it comes down to is being a determined recruiter. That sounds better, and infinitely more forgivable.

He parks a few spots over from Cesar, his strides long and brisk to catch up. He's a tall and clean-cut sort with very white teeth and a panama-style hat, and he's got a skill that can help him particularly with communicating with someone who can't vocalize.

"Mr. Sanches-Ortiz?" he calls when he's close enough to be heard. "Hello! Good evening! Can I borrow a moment or four or your time? I'm fluent in ASL, don't worry about getting out your tablet."

E-Mail

[raisednpcs]

While some are being approached in person, some Thunder Corp have elected to respond to by way of electronic correspondence. The message they receive reads:

To the recipient of this message:

I am sure by now that you are aware of Thunder Corporation's call for a new age of cooperation between us and the Numbered. While we are fully aware of the friction that has existed between your community and our company, we feel that the we have more than made up for any past incidents in our facilitating the rebuilding of Locke City.

Please note that we understand if you are suspicious of our intentions. However, prior incidents involving our company and the Numbered were conducted by a permutation of our company that no longer exists. We have worked hard to weed out the corruption within our ranks, and we believe that we have done more than enough to convince the world of our benevolence.

If you care about the future of Locke City, the future of the Numbered, and the future of the world, we strongly urge you to consider our offer, which is to work with us. You would be given a stipend from our company in exchange for your agreement to represent us positively to your fellow Numbered. Other opportunities would be offered based upon your individual talents, including roles in security, research and development, and many, many other areas.

All you have to do is agree to work with us. We very much hope that you willing to take this first step with us!

- From the office of Thunder Corp Numbered Relations Department.

[dragon_blossom]

Thunder Corp:

While I do have a vested interest in the future of Locke City, the world that I risked my life to fight for, and the many Numbered who remain, both friends and otherwise, I will not be accepting your offer at this time. While I am open to these other representatives, should you acquire any, changing my mind, and I will keep this offer in mind, there are circumstances that prevent me from taking part at this time.

I'm also not entirely certain how you found this e-mail account, although that could be my fault for all I know.

At any rate, assuming you mean as well as you say you do, good luck in rehabilitating your image among us. If you don't mean as well as you say you do, then, you know, screw you.

- Marina Santana

[raisednpcs]

Miss Santana:

We are disappointed, but understand your decision to refuse our request. Unfortunately, we cannot help but wonder if we didn't make our case well enough. Perhaps if you could clarify for us what the circumstances you say are keeping you from accepting our most gracious offer were?

There would be a chance for you to finally return home, and for you and your loved ones to live in the city you worked so hard to protect. If we have some idea of what the issue is, we can work together to address it.

- From the office of Thunder Corp Numbered Relations Department.

E-Mail

[guitar_case_vagabond]

fuck you

[raisednpcs]

Miss Satterfield:

We are utmost sorry to hear you are displeased. We can truly understand that speaking with us may stir up old memories, and we should have realized that upon our initial letter. Your father was a highly valued employee among our staff, and his loss saddened us all. While we cannot speak for those in charge two years ago, you have the current management's condolences for your loss.

We hope that you and your sister are doing well.

Please understand, we mean nothing but the best for this world, and our city. If you could please reconsider speaking with us more fully, perhaps we could all make steps towards rectifying old wounds.

- From the office of Thunder Corp Numbered Relations Department.

[e-mail]

[peacefulwinter]

Before I begin, I believe it would be in your best interest to review my recent, extremely public reaction to your prior statement; I would be remiss not to ensure you'd seen it.

You're right that we're suspicious. With everything that's happened in the past, it would take a saint's patience NOT to be. Between all of us, the laundry list of grievances is far too large to set aside for a simple management change. You can understand, therefore, why I am still not convinced that everything will be all right, despite assurances. I appreciate the effort to reach out to the Numbered at large, though as I've commented, I am certain there were better ways to accomplish that goal.

Speaking to your requests for the future, as you have no doubt already realized, I've set some plans in motion. In the spirit of cooperation and goodwill, my wife and I have returned to Locke City for the foreseeable future; if I'm being totally honest, we've been away too long, and the timing was right. I anticipate this arrangement will continue as long as our presence isn't challenged - if we're harassed excessively, or things get too dangerous, we're out.

As a direct consequence of that, I cannot agree to your terms as they are. Not having the option to act freely is NOT an option. I appreciate your insistence of change, but there are many people among the Numbered and around the world that look to me for advice. It would be a gross error to do anything that requires me to present anything less than the truth. But by the reverse, I am not opposed to positively representing actual good works by your organization. The truth is a powerful weapon, and it is one I would not seek to restrict the power of. I am similarly not opposed to cooperation in projects or in emergencies - honestly, you'd have a harder time asking me to stand down if something happened - but I can't agree to have my actions restricted.

I suspect this isn't quite the response you're looking for, but it's my hope that we can work something out. If Thunder Corp. has truly turned over a new leaf, there's a lot of room for good to be done.

[icy_heavens]

[Toushirou spends a long time just glaring at this message. He really doesn't like the tone he's reading in all this. But in the interest of being a mature, rational adult (nevermind he's only fourteen), he doesn't immediately dash off an angry response. He can handle this with some dignity.]


Yes, I am very aware of your "call for a new age of co-operation". What precisely made you think it was a good idea to publicly shame us before asking for help? That doesn't do anything to create an atmosphere of trust among us like you seem to want. You recognize that you're not trusted anyway, and then pull something like this? You haven't improved your position, as far as I'm concerned.

I of course have a concern for my home, the future of the Numbered, and the world, but I can't put my name under the banner of somebody I don't trust. If others agree, that's their own business, and any proof that comes from them holds more water to me than anything you can say. Maybe things have changed, and maybe they haven't. That remains to be seen, in my eyes. Consider this offer declined.

[brotimaeus]

To the office of Thunder Corp Numbered Relations Department,

It'll be a cold day in hell before I'm stupid enough to trust you to do anything in my favor.

Kind regards,

Richard Stroud.