beck lyrics go here (voice testing)

[dramaticflair]

In 2036, a fourth dimension was discovered. This new dimension, named Dimension W, was the source of unlimited energy, which was tapped into by devices called coils. Now, electricity and fossil fuels are a thing of the past. Everything is coil-powered, from cell phones, to vehicles, to robots.

Loser is an art thief of the most unusual kind. He made his debut by hijacking the communications network of Paris, projecting his image over the Arc De Triomphe, and announcing that he would be stealing a painting from the Louvre. The police naturally arrived to intercept him, but he managed to slip away without getting caught. Since then, his heists are always announced by a calling card, and are gaudy spectacles broadcast to the masses. He's actually got quite the fandom.

He's never managed to actually steal anything, hence his moniker. So, why does he do it?

That might be the real mystery.

Comments

[nostalgiabomb]

[ His head tilts to one side. ]

Which means you're taking something else, right? I mean, I can't imagine you've gone to all this trouble to hype yourself up if you're not gonna get yourself a souvenir.

[dramaticflair]

You don’t know my reputation very well, do you?

[ He’s beginning to wonder if he’ll have to call this one a bust. There had been no good entry points from the ground floor, so he had been forced to come in from the roof. Usually he nabbed what he needed before going after his supposed target, but this time around it just hadn’t been plausible. ]

I can assure you, no one will find anything missing from this museum. [ It’s not exactly a “no”, but it kind of sounds like one. ] So run along back to your employers and collect your paycheck.

[nostalgiabomb]

Then why go to the trouble? That's what I don't get. If you wanted the attention, go into show business.

[dramaticflair]

What I fail to understand is why you care so much. I have my reasons, just as I’m sure you have your reasons.

[ He motions to Peter’s… all of him. ] I can’t imagine mercenary works is especially rewarding, so why do it?

[nostalgiabomb]

The pay is good. I take jobs when I want, and when I steal things, they stay stolen.

[ Another shrug. ]

Mostly I wanted to see if you could sign something for me, but I'm thinking we're gonna have to call professional and creative differences on this one.

[dramaticflair]

I don’t do autographs, anyway. I’m sorry to disappoint.

[ The authorities would be analyzing his handwriting every chance they got, if he did, and that’s a headache he doesn’t need. ]

So, where does that leave us, Mister Mercenary?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He purses his lips behind his mask, then clicks his tongue. ]

Not sure. Didn't think this one through, honestly. We could fight again, if you want?

[dramaticflair]

I’d rather not.

[ Loser falls quiet for a second, green eyes narrowing as he considers the mercenary before him. ]

Would you be willing to make a deal?

[nostalgiabomb]

Maaaaybe? [ He draws the word out, giving an inquisitive tilt of his head again. ] Depends what it is?

[dramaticflair]

[ He dips a hand into a pocket on the inside of his coat, withdrawing what looks like a plating card with his face printed on it- one of the calling cards he uses to announce his heists. ]

A simple trade. Collectors have paid upwards of two and half million for an authentic calling card. You’re free to say you wound up with it in our scuffle- it’s sure to fetch quite the price under those circumstances.

In return, I ask that you simply look the other way.

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He's quiet for a moment, considering. Then, ]

And when I look the other way, do you bop me on the head or something?

[dramaticflair]

Not at all.

I finish my business and I leave. That simple.

[nostalgiabomb]

I don't even get to see what it is you're doing that warranted all this trouble?

[dramaticflair]

I'd rather maintain an air of mystery while I can.

[nostalgiabomb]

Boooo.

[ He pauses again, then nods once. ]

Fine. Toss it on the ground.

[dramaticflair]

Maybe next time.

[ As though there would be a "next time".

He gives a flick of his wrist, and the card skims along the tile, coming to rest at Peter's feet. ]

[nostalgiabomb]

[ He kneels to pick it up, gun still trained on the other thief, and spares only a quick glance down to ensure it's the genuine article. Once he pockets it, he takes a step back, lowering the gun but not his guard. ]

Pleasure doing business with you, then?

[dramaticflair]

The pleasure is mine, Mister Mercenary. [ There’s a smile in his voice, and evident in the slight narrowing of his eyes. He sweeps into a bow. ] Until we meet again.