Well, I went to see the doctor. Turns out it's just a really persistent virus, it should be gone in a few days, thankfully. On another note, I'll be getting (and building) a new computer tomorrow, so I'll finally be able to play new games :D

On a second note, the project with AaronDragon is starting up, here's the fiction page! http://royalroadl.com/fiction/7286

On a third note, I'm going to be rewriting the first two chapters of Technomage soon, so watch for the third chapter, and re-read the first ones when you see it! :D

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Elliot pursed his lips thoughtfully, stroking his chin. He leaned back, and the wooden chair he sat upon creaked ruefully.

“I see...”, he said under his breath.

“So, it’s definitely not a power that’s particularly useful in combat, but I can see how valuable it could be for use in business dealings. Still, I’m sure there’s some use we can get out of it around here.”. Elliot remained in this position for a few seconds, staring up at the ceiling. After a moment, he looked back at Simon, who sat straight at the other side of the table.

“You can only create and destroy contracts with the permission of both parties, correct? I guess that really does rule out combat use completely. Well, if nothing else, you can help with physical labour, I suppose.”, he continued.

Simon nodded his head, looking over his power screen.

Name: Simon BelfonsePoints: 424Race: HumanLottery Slots: 2Class:Contract CreatorAbilities:Create Contract, Destroy Contract, Edit Contract

Create ContractCreate a contract between two consenting living beings. Each party will follow all terms set by the creator of the contract. Failure to comply will result in punishment as detailed by contract parameters. In the case of contract being between the user and another being, only the consent of the user is required.

Destroy ContractDestroy a contract created through the use of ‘Create Contract’, regardless of other party’s wishes or defences in place.

Edit ContractChange the contents of a contract created through ‘Create Contract’.

Of course, the fact that Simon absolutely needed the permission of both parties to create a contract was a lie. Simon did not trust Elliot, especially not with his recent experience with powered people. He knew the power the information could have, especially misinformation.

Until Simon knew he could trust Elliot, he would believe Contract Creation to be a useless power.

Fortunately, Thomas was not in the room. Simon knew his brother had a bad history of trusting the wrong people, and was sure he would’ve made a commotion if he had tried this with him in the room. He would have to be told later, to prevent any suspicion, but Simon figured he could do that in an environment that wouldn’t mess with any of his plans.

Elliot cleared his throat and stood up from the creaky wood chair, holding his hand out to shake.

“Well, regardless, I look forward to working with you to keep this place safe. Until the government recovers from the chaos, we’ll be holed up here.”, he said.

Simon got up and shook his hand firmly.

“And I hope that time comes soon. I’ll do what I can to help the people here.”, he replied.

Elliot smiled ruefully and said, “I suppose that’s all you can do for now. If you ever decide to help with defence, just let me know. Your brother is part of the scouting team, you know. He’s been especially helpful with rescuing citizens.”

Simon frowned at that. “The scouting team, huh. I trust you’ll make sure he’s safe?”, he said.

Elliot smiled widely. “Of course! The safety of all members of this base is my highest priority.”, he said confidently.

Simon said nothing, but nodded and made his way to the door.

After he left, Elliot was left standing alone in the dim room away from prying eyes and ears. He combed a hand through his long hair, and muttered, “Hmph. Useless. Distrusting too, he may be a problem. His brother though....”

A malicious smile spread across his lips.

-----Later-----

“Simon!”, a female voice rang through the cafeteria. Simon felt a weight slam into him, and found himself being hugged tightly by a heavyset woman with long hair.

“Oh, Simon! I was so worried about you! You’re alright aren’t you?! Not hurt or anything?”, the woman said worriedly, looking up at him.

“I’m fine, mom. You’re okay, though, right? Did Thomas bring you here?”, Simon said, hugging her back.

A few people around the cafeteria looked at the scene with warm eyes, happy for the family. Others looked on enviously, and continued watching the doors.

“Oh, no, we were already here when that dreadful sign popped up. Elliot calmed everyone down and drove off some rude people. Oh, have you met him? Such a nice, respectable man! I’m glad your brother decided to help him, maybe he can learn some manners for once!”, said Mrs. Belfonse rapidly.

“Yes, mom, I met him. Where is our spot?”, Simon asked her.

“Oh, good! Well, since Thomas has joined the defence, we’ve been given a nice little room to keep our stuff. We’re posted up in the Bell’s Tacos over here. Are you hungry? The woman with us, Tiffany, can make such delicious meals, I’m sure we can sort you out real quick!”, she said, finally letting him go and pointing to a Bell’s Tacos against the wall.

Simon sighed, reminded of the reason he moved out at 18.

“No mom, I’m fine. I just wanted to know you were okay. Do you know where Thomas is? I need to speak with him.”, Simon told her.

“Oh, dear, Thomas just left on one of their fancy missions. Something about an “advance position” or some mumbo jumbo. I don’t follow all that military garbage, but my little Tommy says he’s saving lives, so I’m proud of him!”, she said, puffing her chest up in pride.

‘Advance position?’, Simon thought, confused. ‘Are they trying to move into another area? What’s going on?’

That didn’t sound like something a group with ‘safety as their number one priority’ would do, but Simon had had a bad feeling about Elliot ever since he first met him. He wasn’t sure, but he knew he couldn’t put it past him to try and profit somehow from the confusion.

There was another thing, too, that his mother had mentioned, almost in passing. The defenders and their families were getting better living conditions than those who weren’t. That’s a pretty major incentive to get people to join the defence. It may sound like a good thing, but if Elliot was using them as some sort of militia...

Simon was getting more suspicious about this place the longer he was here.