( sexual preferences/orientation cont. ) Being something of a Romantic (most of the time ironically), Oxford believes in love. It's something that can certainly exist between two people - or more, who knows - but he also believes that it is not necessary suited for everyone, and he would certainly count himself amongst these numbers. Of course, while he has never tried to define his relationship with Cambridge, for example, there's certainly something there, which may not be love, but it definitely extends beyond the reaches of a relationship that is purely sexual.
Powers: The role of the Oxford operative within the UK Order has always been that of the telepath, and this is the power that John was bestowed upon joining. The simplest description of this power is that Oxford is capable of listening to the thoughts of just about anyone he chooses, and communicating with them mentally, as well as projecting images and emotions to the other person. He can only communicate with one person at a time, unless there is another telepath listening in on the conversation, of course.
However, Oxford's telepathy is not limited to this. He is capable of very low level mental manipulation as well, which generally consists of being able to make someone spontaneously trip over their feet or suddenly have trouble picking up a pen. To be honest, it's not so much an ability as a way for Oxford to troll others or else gain the upperhand in a fight. A martial arts genius isn't going to be too deadly if he or she ends up somehow punching themselves in the face, Oxford likes to think. He can also poke around in someone's most recent memories, or specific memories that have recently been on their mind, though he cannot specifically manipulate or do anything about them. More painfully, Oxford can also generate what is colloquially referred to as a "mental punch", which, depending on how much force he is putting into it, is roughly the equivalent of suddenly forcing one hell of a migraine on someone, but it usually left as a last resort as it has a rather draining effect on the person doing the punching.
Somewhat less vicious is that Oxford can share emotions between himself and another person, or between two other people, ranging from sadness to elation to arousal. It has proved quite a fun addition to the bedroom, as well as helping to sometimes cause changes in moods and attentiveness at key moments. Though Oxford prefers to use this aspect of his power recreationally, it does also aid him in some lengthier missions. Once he has mentally connected with someone in any way, though, be it through brief communication or shared emotions, that consciousness becomes imprinted in his mind, one that he can immediately recognise if he is to feel or find it once again.
Though it is a power that can easily be abused, Oxford has a surprisingly strict policy on using it. He prefers to effectively keep his power "switched off" unless he is under orders or on a job, staying out of people's personal affairs and thoughts. This usually doesn't apply to Cambridge, however, as the two are quite used to having mental conversations across the room at boring parties and meetings, and since Cambridge takes to regularly reading Oxford's e-mails and texts, Oxford tends to extend the same courtesy to Cambridge's thoughts.
Telepathy is not without its flaws, though. Though he was never a keen flyer, nor overly enthused by confined spaces, Oxford finds it incredibly troublesome to be contained in small spaces with lots of people. In these sorts of places, Oxford cannot entirely switch off his power and instead is bombarded with thoughts, sometimes clear, sometimes muffled, always loud. Even travelling in a lift with one other person can prove trying, and Oxford makes a point of taking the stairs whenever possible. The outcome is always a headache, and thus he makes a point of always carrying ibuprofen on his person. In the instance of travelling to other countries, he makes sure to drug himself according pre-flight in order to try and sleep his way through the ordeal.
Long story short...
Powers: The role of the Oxford operative within the UK Order has always been that of the telepath, and this is the power that John was bestowed upon joining. The simplest description of this power is that Oxford is capable of listening to the thoughts of just about anyone he chooses, and communicating with them mentally, as well as projecting images and emotions to the other person. He can only communicate with one person at a time, unless there is another telepath listening in on the conversation, of course.
However, Oxford's telepathy is not limited to this. He is capable of very low level mental manipulation as well, which generally consists of being able to make someone spontaneously trip over their feet or suddenly have trouble picking up a pen. To be honest, it's not so much an ability as a way for Oxford to troll others or else gain the upperhand in a fight. A martial arts genius isn't going to be too deadly if he or she ends up somehow punching themselves in the face, Oxford likes to think. He can also poke around in someone's most recent memories, or specific memories that have recently been on their mind, though he cannot specifically manipulate or do anything about them. More painfully, Oxford can also generate what is colloquially referred to as a "mental punch", which, depending on how much force he is putting into it, is roughly the equivalent of suddenly forcing one hell of a migraine on someone, but it usually left as a last resort as it has a rather draining effect on the person doing the punching.
Somewhat less vicious is that Oxford can share emotions between himself and another person, or between two other people, ranging from sadness to elation to arousal. It has proved quite a fun addition to the bedroom, as well as helping to sometimes cause changes in moods and attentiveness at key moments. Though Oxford prefers to use this aspect of his power recreationally, it does also aid him in some lengthier missions. Once he has mentally connected with someone in any way, though, be it through brief communication or shared emotions, that consciousness becomes imprinted in his mind, one that he can immediately recognise if he is to feel or find it once again.
Though it is a power that can easily be abused, Oxford has a surprisingly strict policy on using it. He prefers to effectively keep his power "switched off" unless he is under orders or on a job, staying out of people's personal affairs and thoughts. This usually doesn't apply to Cambridge, however, as the two are quite used to having mental conversations across the room at boring parties and meetings, and since Cambridge takes to regularly reading Oxford's e-mails and texts, Oxford tends to extend the same courtesy to Cambridge's thoughts.
Telepathy is not without its flaws, though. Though he was never a keen flyer, nor overly enthused by confined spaces, Oxford finds it incredibly troublesome to be contained in small spaces with lots of people. In these sorts of places, Oxford cannot entirely switch off his power and instead is bombarded with thoughts, sometimes clear, sometimes muffled, always loud. Even travelling in a lift with one other person can prove trying, and Oxford makes a point of taking the stairs whenever possible. The outcome is always a headache, and thus he makes a point of always carrying ibuprofen on his person. In the instance of travelling to other countries, he makes sure to drug himself according pre-flight in order to try and sleep his way through the ordeal.
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