I13DT: Sightseeing

[David Andros]

After a follow-up visit with Doctor Bowen, Dave decided to explore the campus and check out the lighthouse he had heard such mysterious rumors about. He walked up the path to the Point facilities, gazing up at the structure with glowing eyes.

(open)

[Altamira Vazquez]

"See something you like?" Mira said, coming up behind him.

[David Andros]

Dave turned around, only a little startled.

"It's a beautiful lighthouse you have here," he said, smiling.

Then, he frowned slightly in thought. "I should know that outfit..."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Should you?"

[David Andros]

"It seems significant..." he thought aloud.

"Ah! The Phoenix! Yes?" he asked enthusiastically.

[Altamira Vazquez]

"That's me. And you would be?"

[David Andros]

"David Andros. Avenger," he answered, offering a handshake.

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Ah. A pleasure, I'm sure," she said, returning the shake.

[David Andros]

It would be obvious to Altamira that this man wasn't completely human. He seemed like two beings, one human and one something not of this planet or universe, but where one ended and the other began was indiscernible.

"The pleasure is all mine miss," he smiled.

[Altamira Vazquez]

"And who's your friend?"

[David Andros]

"You can sense him? Right, Phoenix, of course you can."

"His name is..." he began before producing a sound akin to a whale song if a whale song were imitated by a symphony of fingers on wine goblets. "But humans called him, The Benevolent One Who Dances Among The Clouds To Calm Heavenly Violence. Cloud Dancer to his friends."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Interesting name. Even more interesting place for him to be. What's he doing here?"

[David Andros]

"We believe he passed through a rift generated by Doctor Tomorrow's machine. As for how he and I met, he was being held as a research subject and I was the helicopter pilot transporting him between labs. He tried to escape, there was a crash, and as we were both dying... he sacrificed his full independence to save me. Though it's more of an us now."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"How's that working out for you?"

[David Andros]

"It's... complicated. But because of him I'm able to help people in ways I never could have before. I can't describe how good that feels."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Hrm," Mira nodded. "I understand. I hope the arrangement pleases both of you."

[David Andros]

"It does," he nods, smiling.

"And you need not worry about his intentions, his is a peaceful people."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Even a peaceful people can have bad eggs, but I see no reason to judge before anything's happened."

[David Andros]

"I at least know he was no bad egg."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Good to hear it."

[David Andros]

"Is it true that this lighthouse is connected to the multiverse?"

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Everything's connected to the multiverse.

But yes, this is one of the more accessible portals."

[David Andros]

He thinks for a moment.

You still want me to ask?
Please.

"He... wishes to know if seeing his home world would be possible. Not to go home, just to see."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Why do you wish to see, if you can not return?"

[David Andros]

"He is concerned about those who were under his protection when he disappeared."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"He fears harm may have come to them?"

[David Andros]

"Nothing specific, but he wishes to alleviate his worries."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Opening the rift between worlds is not something to be taken lightly."

[David Andros]

"We both understand the havoc it can cause, which is why he will accept a refusal. Neither of us wish to cause harm."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"You'll want to speak to the guardian of the tower--Captain Britain. I could arrange a meeting, if you'd like."

[David Andros]

"We would appreciate that, yes."

[Altamira Vazquez]

"Consider it done."