RP for kneel_majorzod

[have_no_mercy]

Tess has spent the majority of the day at her Metropolis labs, making certain the test has been set up to her satisfaction. If she's succeeded, this is a very important step forward. If she hasn't, then she needs to be certain the error is in the environmental specifications and not some preventable technical mistake

Comments

[kneel_majorzod]

Most of the Major's day has been spent overseeing more planning. His own pet project (namely, two fairly large solar towers) is finally starting to get off the ground. Unfortunately, he's finding that the process is long and tiresome.

But he understands that Tess' part of the project is vital, as well. In fact, it could very well be the key to the whole thing. And now, as he walks briskly toward the Luthorcorp labs, he's choosing to be optimistic. If the test does fail, Tess will certainly get an ear-full. But he has faith that she is well aware of that, and he knows that she will take every possible precaution to make sure things go smoothly.

Two of his soldiers were happy to come along: a tall, dark man by the name of Basqat and a female named Faora. They have both proven useful to Zod in the past, and the rest of his soldiers seem to look up to them. He's hoping that they will have good news to spread to the others when they return.

When he finally walks through the door and sees Tess waiting for him, he greets her with a quick nod. "I trust everything is ready?" He's obviously in no mood to waste any time. Not today. Today, he is very much all business.

[have_no_mercy]

As is Tess. She dismisses Marcus with a look (though he seems happy enough to leave) and then nods a greeting in return.

"I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't." Despite any personal concerns on her part, Tess isn't about to let them show outwardly. "Follow me," she instructs her guests, then turns and starts leading the way toward the prepared room.

[kneel_majorzod]

Zod gives Marcus a half-scowl, half-smirk as he leaves and then follows Tess, eager to see what, exactly, she has planned.

Basqat and Faora stick close to their leader, following just a few paces behind.

[have_no_mercy]

It's not far, but further into the building than Zod has been before. Tess finally stops outside a larger than average, closed door at the end of a particularly long hallway.

"I believe you wanted to be first, Major?"

[kneel_majorzod]

He regards the door with curiosity and nods. "Yes," he says without hesitation.

Turning to his people, he orders them to stay put before returning his attention to Tess. "Ready and waiting," he says softly, beckoning for her to proceed.

[have_no_mercy]

Tess gives no reply, turning back to the door. She enters a security code into a side panel and then presses her thumb to a screen for fingerprint identification. Only then does the door slide open.

"After you."

When the Major enters, he'll find a large, brightly lit room with high ceilings. It's also more or less empty, save for several large concrete slabs at one far end and roughly the same amount of wood opposite. The only real item of interest would be what appears to be a long, blank screen attached to the walls, running a strip around the entire room.

[kneel_majorzod]

Once the door is open, Zod steps inside, glancing at his surroundings with interest. His eyes moving to the screen, he frowns slightly. He considers asking Tess what it is, but he gets the feeling that he will find out momentarily anyway. Therefore, he remains silent and waits expectantly.

[have_no_mercy]

The door closes once Tess follows him inside. And since they're being all business today, she's not going to keep him waiting any longer.

Without saying a word, she presses a button at the bottom of part of the screen. The overhead lights go out and for a moment, there's complete darkness. And then the screen starts to emit a red glow, eventually reaching a level of light Zod is likely extremely used to; a near perfect emulation of red sunlight.

"It may take a few minutes to absorb into your system," Tess says quietly. "You'll let me know if you feel anything."

[kneel_majorzod]

The Major holds his breath as the room is lit. "Of course," he replies in a hushed voice after Tess speaks. Zod stands in the middle of the room, waiting for something to happen.

The atmosphere is tense. For good reason, he thinks. This could very well be the most important moment since his arrival. Or the biggest failure. Either way, he can't help but shudder slightly with anticipation.

[have_no_mercy]

For once, Tess' patience is being tested. This was always the part of the scientific method she hated; that period of time when you can't tell if you've succeeded or failed. Even if she's seen the results under a microscope, in person it's an entirely different experience.

And all she can do is wait and hope, watching him for any sign that something's going to happen.

[kneel_majorzod]

Minutes pass, and still nothing happens. Zod remains perfectly still, his expression serious and unchanging.

Finally, he gives Tess a sidelong glance. "It would seem--" His mouth snaps shut, and he frowns slightly. He feels something. Though he isn't exactly sure what. "Something is happening," he breathes quietly. He looks down at his hand, half expecting to see some physical change take place across his skin.

[have_no_mercy]

It seems like forever and when he does finally look her way, a knot forms in her stomach because she knows he's going to tell her she's failed.

Except he doesn't.

Tess follows his gaze to his hand and takes a hesitant step toward him. "What is it?"

[kneel_majorzod]

"I'm not sure," he admits, his eyes flickering up to glance at her only briefly.

He begins to experience a strange feeling. Invulnerability. He suddenly has the sense that he cannot be hurt, no matter what sort of physical trauma he undergoes. He feels powerful...invincible...like he can do anything he wants without risk. And he likes it.

The hint of a smile plays at his lips as his stare finally comes to rest on Tess. "I think it's working."

[have_no_mercy]

The only indication Tess feels any sort of relief is a relaxation in her posture. Otherwise, she maintains her distance, studying him near clinically.

"What does it feel like?"

[kneel_majorzod]

The Major looks away and considers for a moment. "It feels like...power." It seems a bit too good to be true, and not wanting to jump to any conclusions, he adds, "But I think we need to see for certain if I really do have my abilities." He raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps another sort of test is in order?"

[have_no_mercy]

"Well, I suppose I could always shoot you. See if the bullet bounces," she offers dryly, then gestures toward the cement and wood. "Strength of ten men and can set fire with your eyes. Be my guest."

Tess raises an eyebrow back at him. "Unless you had something else in mind."