The newly named Vidocq was standing in the newly created lab. The equipment still hasn't been installed or even arrived, but that was okay because it gave him a temporary place to gather his thoughts. Consuming the three evil geniuses from before had allowed his brain to start firing on all cylinders.
The first thing he realized was that he knew a lot more about the project then he should have. Evidently the scientist he first fed on, had done the most work and thus held the most knowledge on the project. Apparently inter-lab politics meant that the most important information about the project was not in the data logs, but in that guy's head.
The guy had studied extensively his abilities, he even enhanced it to its current level. Before, Vidocq's ability simply allowed him to get into the mindset of anyone he had simply shaken hands with. From mimicking skill to understanding their way of thinking. The scientist unfortunately didn't know Vidocq's background or anything about him before he turned up at that lab. However, he did learn how his power works now. For example, with Emma, she is currently an empty puppet to use as he sees fit.
That being said, she has no self-preservation skills. If he's not careful she could die because she didn't eat, or sleep, or do really anything a person needs to do in order to survive. Thankfully, Vidocq does know how to address the problem.
Prolonged physical contact would allow him to recreate her mind. However, there were tradeoffs. If he simply held her hand then it would take roughly three months, but he could have absolute control on how she turned out. On the other hand, it would only take three hours of bedsheet bingo to get her up to snuff, but while completely obedient a large part of her personality would return.
Which is one of the reasons why he was thinking alone in the empty lab. On the one hand she wasn't exactly a spring chicken and the other she was far more attractive than her cartoonish appearance in the game, a real cougar of a woman. While she would undoubtedly be competent in whatever task he gives her. She always could try doing things her way as long as she thought it was to his benefit.
Vidocq decided to put that decision on the back burner, since his inner sanctum hadn't been built yet. The other thing was how to deal with Zalika and Polar in a more long-term solution. Through Emma's memories he learned that the five of them raided the lab that held him. They did it to acquire the very device that was allowing him to design and manage the lair with ease.
It wasn't a collaboration, but a competition. Each with their own unique wager in the pot. Maximilian was offering 40,000 in gold. Red Ivan was wagering the opening batch of minions. Emma had the locations of the abandoned island casinos. Zalika's entry was the I.R.I.S. mainframe. Finally Polar, who was wagering the Lair-Builder 4,000.
The device that allowed the minions to carry several tons of equipment and furniture with ease, as well as the bodies without notice. The same device that was responsible for the swift construction of the rooms. Now some might ask why he needed Zalika and Polar?
Simple, when he completed recreating a person's mind then they would develop an immunity to his abilities. So, if he was careless in his meddling, it might come back to bite him later. Vidocq's mind started comparing the game he had memories of versus what was happening.
Since there was no fast-forward function, he realized he would have a lot more free time. Just then the door opened and the two minions carrying the new lab equipment entered and began installing the whiteboards. Vidocq gave the order for the first research project and left. Then he pondered on the side stories, he doubted he would be able to pick and choose what happens. He would just have to wait and see.
[(<+>)]
Polar was sitting in the now empty, cover casino. Zalika was there, pacing back and forth, obviously worried about how this all will play out. However, Polar was quite comfortable with the situation.
She gave Vidocq a much-needed haircut and confirmed what she already knew. Vidocq was someone she used to know a long time ago. He disappeared from the hospital after a car accident left him in a coma and his parents dead.
She always had a torch for him, the one guy she didn't mind heating things up for. She honestly didn't know how to tell him this of course. Her thoughts were interrupted when another helicopter left, obviously to enact some new scheme or pick up some new furniture.
Noticing her movement again, Polar looked at Zalika. Since she couldn't replace her helmet, she kept her hair in a low hanging ponytail. She apparently was now doing yoga in order to calm herself down. The door opened and Vidocq stepped through.
Polar asked, "So, what's on today's agenda?" Vidocq answered, "Right now I'm solving some staffing issues." That statement put Zalika on edge again. Since technically, that could apply to them.
Polar remarked, "I take it to mean you decide what you are going to do with us." Before he could respond, the door opened again, and Emma stepped through. She said, "Sir, the I.R.I.S. mainframe has been installed, and the guard expert is being interrogated as we speak." Vidocq nodded and dismissed her.
Zalika was visibly left stunned, as it appeared that Emma was back to her old self or at least capable of taking care of herself. Polar not waiting for an explanation rushed into Vidocq's arms and planted a kiss right on his lips. A visible aura could be seen engulfing both of them. Polar could feel something different was happening. She wasn't losing herself but rather binding herself to Vidocq. When they separated, Vidocq said, "Well that was something." Polar smiled and responded, "Yes, yes it was."
Zalika again looked confused, but still said nothing. Vidocq then said, "It appears you and I have much to discuss, especially after this little revelation. Now Zalika! Polar has just let me know where she stands, as for you, well, during our little blackout, you tried to turn my minions against me. A betrayal to be sure, especially since I graciously gave you an opportunity to work for me as you are. Now that being said. Every day that passes I learn a little more about myself and my abilities. Now the punishment that happens next is unavoidable, but you can still beg for what will happen after that."
A small smile forms on Polar's mouth, as the fear in Zalika's eyes are on full display without her goggles.
[(<×>)]
Agent X, PATRIOT's top investigator. The man pursues the truth, sometimes to the annoyance of his superiors. However, with a steady rise of organized crime, X suspects a new evil genius stepped forward.
Not that he bothered to report it yet. Something was different, the crimes were less of a crime and more like a message. Someone was baiting him, and not just him. X was seeing a similar pattern in other jurisdictions as well. On the surface it looked like typical crimes, but each one was making subtle jab at the super-agent in the area.
X doubted the others would make the connection, and if he straight up told them then they would most likely take it as a challenge. Looking at the ones in his own territory, election fraud and corporate scandals were the most common schemes with this signature.
However, what really peeked Agent X's suspicions was the fact that his superiors were going out of their way to deny the possibility of a new Evil Genius. No, it wasn't that they were denying a new Evil Genius, but that it's not someone who's already on their list. He figured that one of these days he would have to dig up every one of PATRIOT's skeletons.
A pop-up ad suddenly appeared on his computer. It was for some island casino and hotel. Annoying was the word that came to X's mind. Afterall, the filter was supposed to block such ads. After dismissing the ad, he continued his research. If he could predict where the next crime will happen then he could trace it back to the mastermind's lair.
[(<+>)]
Vidocq was sitting at his newly constructed desk. Polar entered the room, her eyes lowered to the desk, or perhaps something else that she noticed. With a smile she said, "Enjoying yourself, are we. Well, I guess that's your privilege. Anyway, the rest of the dossiers are coming along nicely. Have you decided on who will be your right-hand?"
Four folders were laying in front of him. They were opened, and each had information on a potential recruit. Vidocq said, "The real problem is the budget currently only allows for one hire of this level. Another problem is that given their nature, I'm sure if they are not hired, they will attempt to become competition."
Polar responded, "While I understand how that could be a problem, and I understand why I can't fill that position, you need to make a decision." Vidocq nodded, closed the folders, shuffled their positions, and then opened one. He smiled and said, "It appears the I.R.I.S. mainframe will be getting a mobile platform. I trust you'll make the necessary preparations my dear."
Polar nodded, and before she left, she said, "Before I forget, Zalika your needed in the lab after you finish up here." A muffled affirmative voice could be heard from under the desk. Polar looked at Vidocq and said, "Our little romp last night proved to me that you'll need plenty of ladies to tend to your needs, all I ask is that you remember to make time for me now and again."
Vidocq answered, "You my dear will always be several cuts above the rest." With that statement Polar left and Vidocq turned his attention elsewhere.
[(<÷>)]
Penny Foxworth was overlooking the Steel Program's graduating recruits. It was with hope that the recruits would live up the program's namesake and continue the legacy of Agent Steele. Of course, there was no substitute for real experience.
So, when she heard of a new threat on the rise, she hoped to use this opportunity to show off the results. Alas, the brass had vetoed the idea and instead suggested that she use some of her many vacation days.
An annoyance to be sure, still the idea that she should let her guard down was the true insult. She knew the real reason they wanted her to; it was because they wanted to swoop in and take credit. She wasn't going to give them the satisfaction.
A new criminal organization was spotted making waves. Once she tracked the source, Foxworth would immediately dispatch an agent. Maybe she could call them, give them fair warning and ascertain their location at the same time. Still, she would need to investigate. Normally her agents should be responsible for investigating but it's too much of a waste of their talents. That's what interns were for.
After she set up the assignments, she looked over the brochure of the island casino and hotel. Some of the activities were nice, and a spa day was severely overdue. It was annoying that she couldn't put this off any longer. Still, she could remote monitor everything. No one was getting the drop on her. Even if she was on a forced vacation, she would still find a way to come out on top.