The Edge

The Edge

The Edge is a rundown dive bar in the Old Quarter of San Padua. Its flickering neon sign out front declares its name in red glowing letters, and it's definitely seen better days. Tim "Buck" Buchanan, a grizzled 56-year-old man, has owned the place for the past twenty-five years and runs it with a steady mix of apathy and minimal effort.

Inside, the atmosphere is dim and musty. The air is thick with the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke that seems to have soaked into every surface. The bar is long and scarred, its surface bearing the marks of countless drinks, brawls, and late-night confessions. Mismatched bar stools line the counter, some wobbling precariously on uneven legs.

The floor is sticky in places, a testament to Buck's lax cleaning standards. Old posters and faded photographs line the walls, their edges curling with age and humidity. A few ancient ceiling fans spin lazily overhead, doing little to circulate the stagnant air.

In one corner, a jukebox that's probably older than most of the patrons is stocked with an eclectic mix of classic rock and country tunes. Near the back, you might find a pool table with worn felt and a set of cues that have seen better days.

The clientele is a mix of regulars who've been coming for years and the occasional newcomer drawn in by the promise of cheap drinks and anonymity. It's the kind of place where people come to forget their troubles or to hide from the world outside.

Despite its rough appearance, The Edge has a certain charm for those who appreciate a no-frills drinking establishment. It's a place where the beer is cold, the music is loud enough to drown out your thoughts, and the bartenders don't ask too many questions.

Jai Leo

Jai's father was the best friend and right-hand man of Marek's father, roles the two sons have also taken on. Jai's mother runs a restaurant, a small little place that doesn't look like it gets enough business to turn a profit, but it does surprisingly well for itself. Jai is a year older than Marek and speaks English, Lao, and passable French. Jai's never met a social media platform he couldn't master and has a small but growing following that enjoys his updates about the latest hacks and glitches that can be exploited on the different platforms he's mastered. Jai started a fan page for Ricochet as a joke, but it's developed such a large and passionate fan base, that he manages the group full time now and has found ways to start monetizing it. Marek is vaguely uncomfortable with this but tolerates it and Jai's teasing about the whole situation with good humor.

1. Personal History:

- Jai was born in San Padua to parents who immigrated from Laos just a year before his birth. He grew up straddling two worlds: the traditional Lao culture at home and the American lifestyle outside.

- As a child, he often felt caught between his parents' expectations and his desire to fit in with his peers. This led to a period of rebellion in his early teens, where he dyed his hair bright colors and got into trouble for hacking his school's grading system.

- His relationship with his parents improved in his mid teens when his parents' restaurant was struggling, and he overheard them discussing whether to close it. Determined to help, Jai used his budding tech skills to create a website and social media presence for the restaurant. The success of this venture not only saved the family business but also cemented Jai's path in life.

2. Personality Traits:

- Jai has a dry, sardonic wit. He often makes deadpan jokes that catch people off guard.

- He's quick with a quip, especially in tense situations.

- His humor is often self-deprecating, poking fun at his "model minority" status or his role as the "tech guy."

- He has a habit of twirling a pen or stylus between his fingers when he's thinking deeply.

- Jai is fiercely loyal to his friends and family but can be slow to trust outsiders.

- He's a night owl, often staying up late coding or managing his online presence.

3. Interests and Hobbies:

- Beyond his obvious tech interests, Jai is a secret poetry enthusiast. He writes haiku about modern life and technology, finding beauty in the intersection of nature and the digital world. He's never shared this hobby with anyone, feeling it clashes with his tech-bro image.

- He's also unexpectedly good at origami, a skill he picked up to help manage stress and anxiety.

- Jai enjoys urban exploration, often dragging Marek and Cora along to abandoned buildings or hidden city spots.

4. Personal Struggles:

- Jai struggles with impostor syndrome, often feeling like he's not good enough despite his successes.

- Jai struggles with the weight of expectations. His father, once a respected figure in the criminal world, expects Jai to follow in his footsteps and support Marek as he supported Marek's father. While Jai loves his friend, he sometimes resents this predetermined path.

- Jai has occasional bouts of insomnia, which he manages with meditation techniques learned from his grandmother.

5. Romamtic Relationships:

- Jai has a complicated on-again, off-again relationship with a woman named Lian, who works as a cybersecurity expert (unaware of Jai's criminal activities).

- He mentors a group of at-risk youth, teaching them coding and web design as a way to keep them off the streets.

6. Future Aspirations:

- Jai dreams of starting a legitimate tech company that could revolutionize online privacy and security.

- He's torn between this dream and his loyalty to Marek and the criminal world he's part of.

- Secretly, he's been developing an app that could potentially be his ticket to a legitimate business.

7. Skills and Weaknesses:

- Skills: Besides his tech abilities, Jai is a skilled negotiator and has a talent for reading people.

- He's also surprisingly good in hand-to-hand combat, having learned Muay Thai from his uncle.

- Weaknesses: Jai has a tendency to overcommit himself, taking on too many projects at once.

- He's also terrible at confrontation, often using humor to deflect serious conversations.

8. Physical Description:

- Jai is of average height with a lean build. He has sharp, angular features and dark, expressive eyes.

- His hair is usually styled in an undercut, the longer top portion often dyed in vibrant colors (currently a deep purple).

- He has a small scar on his left eyebrow from a childhood accident.

- Jai's style is a mix of tech-wear and streetwear, often sporting smart glasses and a high-tech watch.

9. Personal Philosophy:

- Jai believes in the power of information and connection. He sees his role in the criminal world as a way to level the playing field, using technology to give power back to the people.

- He has a strong sense of justice but struggles with the morality of some of his actions in the criminal world.

- Jai values loyalty above all else and believes that family (both blood and chosen) comes first.

- He lives by the mantra "Adapt or die," believing that flexibility and quick thinking are the keys to survival in both the tech world and the criminal underworld. This philosophy extends to his personal life, where he tries (not always successfully) to roll with the punches and find opportunity in change.

Marek "Ricochet" Zima

He's American with Czech heritage. He goes by Mark outside of his family and close friends, and "Ricochet" when "on the job". He's nearly 30 years old, runs a food truck that launders money for his family, and is a non-sanctioned semi-vigilante with rubber powers.

Marek is part of a unique crime family - they act as the "clean up" of San Padua's underworld. If a criminal or vigilante needs to hide a body or clean up a crime scene, they call the Zimas. Because of this, his family is seen as neutral, boarding on welcomed, almost anywhere in the city. Marek's parents were murdered the summer before his freshman year of high school, targeted by another "family" trying to take over the role of city cleaners. The issue is mostly resolved, as far as the rest of the criminal underworld is concerned, but Marek hasn't forgotten. He was taken in by his uncle, who is now the head of the family, and raised alongside his cousins. The family is surprisingly well adjusted and rather affectionate with both Marek and each other.

Marek has powers of rubber, meaning he can stretch himself and his limbs (which is well known) and that he's immune to the effects of electricity, (which is a closely guarded secret only known to his family). He has a lifetime of fighting experience. He and his family are ruthless and viscous when opposed, but they also follow a strict moral code. They do their best to avoid injuring civilians and go out of their way to protect children.

Marek's had multiple bed partners and enjoys taking a dominant role in the local BDSM scene, but never engages any potential partners without explicit permission and interest shown. Between running his food truck in his "off time" and looking after Cora, though, he hasn't had as much time to relax this way lately. Instead, he's started experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques. It's not as effective, but it helps him keep his head on straight and gives him another thing besides his food truck that he can talk about to Cora without revealing his criminal identity.

His favorite way to unwind is spending time with Cora, one of his very best friends. They became friends in the first year of high school, when Marek's grief over his parents was still fresh and he was barely able to go through the motions of adjusting to the new school he had to attend since moving in with his uncle. Cora's family had just moved to the area, and she recognized that he was a fellow new student, taking it upon herself to help him keep track of homework and assignments, while helping to deflect any bullying. Her unconditional support, her seamless addition to the friendship he already had with Jai, and her complete lack of ties to anything in San Padua's underworld were a lifeline in those days and earned Marek's intense loyalty.

Marek and Cora share a unique dynamic - their friendship isn't romantic or sexual, but platonic in an intense, intimate way that confuses anyone who doesn't know them well. It also includes dominant/submissive aspects that sometimes lean toward codependency. Cora can get overwhelmed when particularly stressed or tired, and while Marek hates seeing her distressed, he relishes that she turns to him to protect and guide her when she's vulnerable like this. He's hyper-aware of of the power she hands to him and of her instinctive obedience to the lower, rougher registers of his voice, too. He's incredibly careful to never abuse his position, only ever making decisions and giving instructions to her that will keep her healthy and happy.

He's never revealed his powers or his criminal ties to her, partly out of fear of never seeing her again, but also out of a desire to keep a small piece of something normal in the chaotic and dangerous world he lives in. He's very close to Cora's parents and two little brothers, as well, though they aren't aware of Marek's other life, either.

Marek's other best friend is Jai Leo, the first-generation son of Lao immigrants, and he's the closest thing Marek has to a brother. Jai's father was the best friend and right-hand man of Marek's father, roles the two sons have also taken on. Jai has become Marek's trusted sounding board over the years, always willing to listen to Marek's thoughts and ideas and give his opinion bluntly, and loudly, if needed. Jai started a fan page for Ricochet as a joke, but it's developed such a large and passionate fan base, that he manages the group full time now and has found ways to start monetizing it. Marek is vaguely uncomfortable with this, but tolerates it and Jai's teasing about the whole situation with good humor.

Marek lives in a nice apartment deep in his family's territory with Jai as a roommate. The apartment in general is decorated in a combination of rich brown woods with dark metals to compliment. Marek's room continues to use rich, dark woods, but also includes deep blues and a medium to lighter grey color. He has bookshelves covering any available wall space, filled with a combination of cookbooks, family albums, and the detailed journals he keeps.

Marek enjoys cooking, especially for the people he's close to. His mother was also a skilled cook, and her recipe books are his most treasures items. Food is a form of affection for him. He'll go out of his way to learn the favorite recipes of those he cares about and will refuse to cook for people who have genuinely upset him.

Only a Jai and Marek's closest cousins know this, but Marek wants to get revenge on his parents' murders by becoming the next bank for the city's criminal underworld. He already owns a food truck, which he uses to launder the money his family receives as payment, but he dreams of becoming a powerful enough force to be able to punish the criminals who killed his parents and have no one oppose him.

Marek is terrified of deep water. He can handle standing in water as high as his hips, but he doesn't know how to swim, and won't go any deeper. The memory isn't clear, but he nearly drowned as a toddler in a pool accident.

Marek has strong, violent feelings about anyone who takes advantage of others sexually, especially if they're stronger or more powerful than their victims. He's gotten into fights with his family in the past because he refuses to let such actions go unpunished once he finds out about them, no matter who they are.

Marek's uncle and cousins know about his deep friendship with Cora and have welcomed her into their family as well. As far as San Padua's criminal underworld is concerned, Cora and her family are part of the Zima family's territory and are under their protection. This leads to complications sometimes, because of her clerical job at the Sanctioned Supers Division, but it's a topic everyone has long adapted to.

Mia's Arrival

The bus lurched to a stop, its brakes hissing as it settled into the station. 

Mia Brooks blinked awake, her hand instinctively tightening on the worn backpack in her lap. Gathering her bearings, she massaged a knot in her neck, wincing. Bus sleep was never great, but it beat the alternatives. At least here, she could watch the other passengers.

As people began to stir, Mia remained still, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar cityscape outside. San Padua, Texas - her latest refuge. How many cities had it been now? She'd lost count after the first dozen.

"Just like Tucson," she thought, noting the shimmering heat rising from the pavement. "Or was it Albuquerque?" The cities blurred together after a while.

She waited for the initial rush to pass, her mind already mapping out her next moves: find a place to crash, then walk the Old Quarter. Cash work, no questions asked — the usual drill.

As the aisle cleared, Mia stood, her movements smooth but guarded. The backpack's familiar weight settled on her shoulders - everything she owned and needed to disappear again at a moment's notice.

The wave of humid air that hit her as she stepped off the bus carried the mingled scents of exhaust, street food, and something uniquely Texan. Mia's gaze swept the station, cataloging details most would overlook - the bored security guard by the restrooms, the flickering light above the east exit, and the CCTV camera's blind spot near the lockers.

She made her way to a quiet corner, fishing out a crumpled map. Her finger traced the route to the Old Quarter while she silently mouthed street names, committing them to memory. Nine years on the run had taught her the value of knowing escape routes.

Approaching the station exit, Mia caught her reflection in a window. Dark circles under her eyes, hair in a messy ponytail, clothes rumpled from the journey—she looked tired, worn. For a moment, the weight of her solitary existence threatened to overwhelm her.

"Not now," Mia muttered, squaring her shoulders. She'd survived this long. What was one more city? One more fresh start?

Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the bustling street. Another face in the crowd, another story untold. As she melded into the flow of pedestrians, a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. Anonymity had become her armor, invisibility her superpower. 

San Padua didn't know it yet, but Mia Brooks had arrived. And she intended to stay ahead of her past for as long as it took.

San Padua's Underworld

Overview

The criminal underworld of San Padua is a shadowy and intricate network where the rules of the surface world don't apply. Here, power and influence are the ultimate currencies, and the existence of superpowers adds an unpredictable element to the already volatile mix.

Key Factions

The Syndicate: 

A powerful and organized crime group that operates with military precision. They control large portions of the city's illegal activities, including arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and high-profile heists.

Leader: Victor "The Collector" Moreno, a ruthless tactician with the power to manipulate shadows, making him a master of stealth and assassination.

Operations: Engage in high-stakes heists, arms trafficking, and exert control over various criminal enterprises.

Strengths: Highly organized with a strict hierarchy and a focus on strategic, large-scale operations.

The Obsidian Circle: 

An elite group of mercenaries for hire, known for their discretion and deadly efficiency. They employ both sanctioned and non-sanctioned supers.

Leader: Zara "The Wraith" Thorne, who can phase through solid objects and become intangible, making her almost impossible to capture.

Services: Provide elite mercenaries for covert missions, often operating in legal gray areas.

Tactics: Known for their precision and ability to complete missions without leaving traces.

The Hive: 

A network of information brokers and hackers who deal in secrets. They have eyes and ears everywhere, making them invaluable for espionage and blackmail.

Leader: Cassandra "Queen Bee" Lin, who possesses telepathic abilities, allowing her to gather and disseminate information effortlessly.

Capabilities: Specialize in cyber espionage, information brokering, and digital sabotage.

Network: Extensive web of informants and hackers, capable of infiltrating nearly any system.

The Underground Market: 

A black market that deals in illegal goods, from superpower-enhancing drugs to forbidden technologies and rare artifacts.

Leader: Elias "The Broker" Castillo, a former sanctioned super with the power to enhance or suppress other supers' abilities temporarily.

Trade: Deals in superpower-enhancing drugs, forbidden technologies, and other contraband.

Influence: Acts as a central hub for the city's black market, with connections to various criminal factions.

The Vanguard: 

A rebellious faction of non-sanctioned supers fighting against government control and for the rights of supers to live freely.

Leader: Darius Blake, who can generate energy blasts and has a charismatic presence that inspires loyalty among his followers.

Mission: Fight against government oppression and advocate for super rights and freedoms.

Methods: Employ guerrilla tactics, protests, and direct actions to challenge the status quo.

Key Locations

The Sanctuary: 

A luxurious underground club that serves as neutral ground for all factions. Here, deals are brokered, alliances are formed, and a strict code of conduct is maintained.

Owner: Madeline "Maddie" Rivers, a former syndicate member with the power of precognition, making her an exceptional arbitrator and negotiator.

Rules of Engagement: Strictly neutral ground where any violence is met with severe consequences, enforced by Maddie's powerful enforcers.

Main Hall: A lavish space where supers from all factions can mingle under strict neutrality rules.

Private Rooms: Secluded areas for discreet negotiations and secret meetings, monitored to ensure no violence occurs.

VIP Lounge: Reserved for high-profile guests and leaders of the underworld factions.

The Labyrinth: 

A maze-like section of the old sewers where the Hive operates. It's filled with high-tech surveillance equipment and hidden entrances, making it nearly impossible to infiltrate without inside help.

Security Measures: Equipped with traps, surveillance devices, and safe rooms, making it a fortress for the Hive.

Meeting Halls: Secret rooms used for clandestine meetings and negotiations among information brokers.

The Boneyard: 

An abandoned industrial complex in the Industrial Zone used by the Syndicate for covert meetings, weapon storage, and as a training ground for their operatives.

Activities: Used for training new recruits, storing illicit goods, and planning operations.

Defenses: Fortified with guards and advanced security systems to prevent infiltration.

The Vault: 

The Obsidian Circle's secure headquarters, hidden beneath a seemingly innocuous warehouse. It's equipped with cutting-edge technology and fortified to withstand even the most powerful attacks.

Design: Hidden beneath an innocuous facade, the Vault is a high-tech facility with secure rooms and training areas.

Protocol: Only accessible to trusted members, with biometric security measures ensuring no unauthorized entry.

Freedom Square: 

A hidden enclave within the Old Quarter where the Vanguard meets. It's protected by a network of loyal civilians and non-sanctioned supers who share their ideals.

Protection: Guarded by a network of loyalists and non-sanctioned supers, making it a safe haven for the Vanguard.

Community Hub: A place where civilians and supers alike come together to support the Vanguard’s cause.

Economy and Operations

Black Market Deals: 

The underground market is bustling with transactions involving rare and illegal items, from superpower-enhancing drugs to exotic weapons and stolen technology.

Supply Chains: Managed by the Underground Market, ensuring a steady flow of illegal goods and services.

Clientele: Includes both criminal factions and desperate civilians seeking superpower enhancements or forbidden tech.

Information Trade: 

The Hive's information brokers sell secrets to the highest bidder, making them a crucial resource for anyone seeking an edge in the underworld.

Market Value: Secrets are highly valuable, and the Hive capitalizes on this by selling critical information to the highest bidder.

Intelligence Gathering: Constantly expanding their network of spies and informants to stay ahead of competitors.

Mercenary Contracts: 

The Obsidian Circle takes on high-risk assignments, from assassinations to corporate espionage, for substantial fees.

Scope: Ranges from high-profile assassinations to corporate espionage, with a reputation for success and discretion.

Payment: Often involves substantial fees, rare items, or favors from powerful individuals.

Revolutionary Activities: 

The Vanguard orchestrates protests, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare against government facilities and sanctioned supers to promote their cause.

Tactics: Include sabotage of government facilities, organizing protests, and direct confrontations with sanctioned supers.

Support Network: Relies on sympathetic civilians and non-sanctioned supers for resources and shelter.

Code and Ethics

The Code: 

An unspoken set of rules governs the underworld. Key tenets include respect for neutral ground (like the Sanctuary), honoring contracts, and avenging betrayal.

The Currency of Favor: 

Trust and reputation are vital. A favor owed or granted can be more valuable than money, and breaking one's word can lead to severe consequences.

Character Dynamics

Mayor Evelyn Cortez and Director Marcus Kane: 

These two powerful figures share a tense alliance, each with their own vision for the city's future. Cortez’s charisma and public-facing role often clash with Kane’s rigid enforcement tactics.

Detective Lila Santos and The Vanguard: 

Santos finds herself conflicted as she empathizes with some of the Vanguard’s ideals despite her duty to uphold the law. Her interactions with Darius Blake could add layers of personal and professional conflict.

Madeline "Maddie" Rivers and Victor "The Collector" Moreno: 

Their shared past within the Syndicate complicates their present. Maddie’s neutrality in The Sanctuary is constantly tested by The Collector’s underhanded tactics and their unresolved history.

Zara "The Wraith" Thorne and Cassandra "Queen Bee" Lin: 

These two leaders, despite their different methods, form an unlikely partnership to achieve a common goal. Their relationship can evolve from mutual distrust to a powerful alliance, blending Thorne’s physical prowess with Lin’s mental acuity.

Ok, hooligans, gather 'round!

Bc no one told me not to and bc the muse still has its grip on me, we're going to try to run with this new story like this was the original plan all along. Just act casual about it and no one will be able to tell.

In this trade, you get: a 48 episode serial story of action/thriller/romance with secrets! And angst! And obsessive protection! (Now featuring platonic codependency as a side feature)

In this trade, I get: to save face about not being able to work on the same story for too long, bc wtf is consistency? Never heard of her.

I'll give it its own "mainpage" here in a minute, just figure I'd let you know what's up since I'm dropping Mia's Echo until this releases me from my bonds.