[audio]

[takeittothemax]

[There’s still some hustling and bustling going on in the background as he gets himself settled. Moving in days. Always a classic. The audio wavers in and out, as if he’s moving around as he speaks into the computer.]

Usually my dreams have more blondes in them. [Some muttering that peters out. More distinctly:] Serves me right, trying to catch a nap on the job. [Sigh x2. He brightens up eventually, though.] Ah, well. There’s no use weeping about it just yet. [If he says things could be worse, they immediately will. So he cuts himself off and moves on.]

Does anyone know if a Dr. Fate’s here? This seems right up his alley. Although I think he stopped taking my calls... can’t imagine why. [Yes he can.]

[More focused on the computer now. From here on out, the audio is much clearer. Finally took a seat, apparently.]

Right, introductions. I’m Maxwell Lord, but most people go with Max. If anyone’s in need of work, I think I can provide.

Well. Soon enough, anyway. I’ll keep you posted.

Now, how do I turn this thing off...

[Oh, there’s the button. Click.]

Comments

[takeittothemax]

Yep. Long story, trust me.

[backwordscompatible]

So, if I call up Superman...or any other League member I know, they'll verify this?

[Not bluffing; half of them were basically on her console equivalent of speed dial]

[takeittothemax]

I'd try J'onn first, if he's here.

[Not bluffing, either.]

[backwordscompatible]

He's not.

[As far as she knew. And neither was M'gann, who could've scanned his mind to figure out if he was lying.]

Why you?

[A legitimate question this time. Less insulting and more curious.]

[takeittothemax]

Oh.

[Man, he kinda misses him, now that you've mentioned it. There's a shrug, though.]

Weaseled my way into the group up at the start, stopped being that much of an ass, the big guns said I could stick around, and there you go.

[backwordscompatible]

[That was the best story ever.]

[Except not at all. Because it didn't tell her much.]

What can you do?

[Powers. No powers. Fighting abilities. Intellect. There had to be something, right?]

[takeittothemax]

Keep them from wracking up too much property damage, mostly. I used to be able to do this persuasion thing with my head, but that fizzled out a long, long time ago.

[backwordscompatible]

Mind control?

[takeittothemax]

More 'get me coffee' than 'dance puppets dance', but kinda, yeah.

[backwordscompatible]

[That would explain a lot. If she were to go ahead and start making assumptions now.]

Word of advice: stay out of people's heads here. Mine, especially.

[takeittothemax]

Being more machine than man tends to yank your powers away. But, you know, will do.

[And that other thing that happened, with the possession, but let's not think about that right now nope.]

[backwordscompatible]

You're doing that thing again. Where you say something, and you probably think it means sense...but not really.

What do you mean "being more machine"?

[takeittothemax]

Went all cyborg back in the [90s] day. Not really good for much, unless you need a can opener, but there you go. That about everything?

[backwordscompatible]

...give or take.

You don't look like a Cyborg.

[takeittothemax]

What, guys can't get plastic surgery?

[backwordscompatible]

Wouldn't it technically be metal surgery?

[...somebody tell her to stop before she starts breaking out the puns again.]

[takeittothemax]

Technically, yeah, but that one's not covered under our insurance plan.

[Hey with puns like that you probably have a shot in this League.]

[backwordscompatible]

[Please, Max.]

[She's way out of your league.]

You've been cheated. If I were you, I'd get your manager on the phone, ASAP.

[takeittothemax]

[Oh come on!

Batman once thought we were cool!

Kinda.]

First thing I do when I get back, trust me.

[backwordscompatible]

[...don't even get her started on "Batman". That's a whole 'nother can of words she's not getting into with a stranger]

In the meantime, welcome to Turtle Land. It's like Disney Land, only with less rides and more hostility.

On the bright side, fewer waits in line.

[takeittothemax]

Does it come with overpriced souvenirs too?

[backwordscompatible]

If you catch the shop owners in a bad mood, then yes.

[This part? Not a joke.]

[takeittothemax]

What, really?

[Huh.]

[backwordscompatible]

Really.

Some of them are alright...but the majority of them? Not really fans of foreigners. On the bright side, they hate us all equally, so it's not like anyone of us are being singled out specifically.

[Silver lining?]

[takeittothemax]

Awfully progressive of them.