Luke was running unopposed in Nebraska, and had rather a lot of time on his hands as such. He thought a trip was necessary, to perhaps get people to learn his name. Politics was a rather large thing....sometimes, and Washington always seemed willing to hold campaigns for lowly governors. Even if he wasn't governor yet, he could go on the assumption that he would be elected Governor. Yet the chances were he would end up placed in some ‘plastic bubble’ his members of parliament would most likely put him in, it would still bring him one step closer to his prize. Luke had organised a public appearance, to announce himself as Governor of Nebraska, a position he had decided may not hold much power, yet would get himself one step closer to the presidency, or even better the president and his competitors.

A podium stood erect in front of Washington monument, more so in front of the National Mall then the monument itself. A small crowd had gathered, rather forced to be there as compared to wanting to be. Security, with rather strange cold hands, and hidden faces held and forced people to stand within the small area that Luke’s podium and stage found itself upon. Luke was simply speaking quietly with a few people, dressed rather finely, fidgeting with his waistband every few minutes or so. He found himself rather anxious; he had noted a few faces of authority. However there was at least one he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Taking a deep breath as he took a seat upon the stage, followed by a few little known faces. He turned to the podium, where ‘Lucien’ his ‘personal protection’ had taken the stand. His neck had a scarf wrapped around it, white lined gloves covered his hands, his eyes in large sunglasses, covering most of his face.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like your attention for a short few moments. For those of you, who hold any interest in the going ons of the other states, you would know, and that with the sad and sudden decease of former Governor of Nebraska, a quick election has to take place. Running unopposed at this moment, and come this weekend, the next Governor of Nebraska, I would like to call Luke Holmes to the stand.’

A smile cracked across ‘Lucien’s’ face, the edges of his lips appearing above the scarf. His mouth seemed...odd, decayed and rather...skeletal. With a soft nod of his head, he stepped back to the applaud of the crowd. A rather forced applauds. Luke slowly took a stand, stepping up to the podium, a smile spread wide across his face. He turned slightly, gazing over the crowd. He was sure that most of the opposition was now within the small venue. He nodded to the security that all backed away, leaving the small conference area. Luke grinned softly and nodded, before placing his hands at his waistband.

’Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow politicians, I am basically, the Governor of Nebraska, Luke Holmes. Some of you may remember me from a few years past, and for that I am dreadfully sorry. You will know of what I had hoped to achieve, and will have known that I would strive to complete my work. The Bio Warriors you strove to stop from happening gentlemen have been....created. I have not yet, perfected my work, and they do not always understand the difference between ‘help him sleep’ and killing. As of, when I’m elected into office, Nebraska will become the safest place, in all the world.’

An uproar erupted through the crowd, as the displeased politicians gave their rather angry opinions. Luke smiled softly, some of the 'ignorant' people tried to leave, only to find themselves trapped. Luke sighed gently, tapping the microphone. He gazed about, as the crowd silenced, giving him a rather evil and angry stare. He laughed softly.

'I quite expected this reaction. As such I've taken precautions to make sure, any and all who know about my work are here. I'm sorry to say Ladies and Gentlemen, that I hope you left your families happy. I know I did. Good Night.'

Smiled rather widely, Luke leaped off the stage with a happy smile, leaving out a door to the left. Closing it behind him, the people inside began to panic. He'd set them up, he could have no one know of what his intentions were. Not until he had the president's help. He turned to Lucien who had locked everyone inside. He smiled gently to him and nodded. Lucien nodded and walked off. Luke slowly began to walk away, reporters flooding around him. Ignoring them, like useless flies. A large 'bang' erupted loudly, and the 'conference' centre collapsed, a cloud of smoke billowing out from inside. He faked fear, yet he silently was grinning. He'd gotten away with it....or had he?

Luke Holmes. That was the name of potential Nebraskan Governor that Otto had come to hear about. The man had been in exile for two years, after attempting to create some form of BioMech Warriors the poor fool planned to 'protect' the world with. His return would have been of no consequence to Otto... Except for one small detail.

It seemed Mr. Holmes' aspirations were firmly planted in the way of Otto's own goals, something the good doctor simply couldn't allow. When he'd first heard of the 'unfortunate' death of the Governor of Nebraska, his curiosity had been piqued. Looking into the situation on his own, Otto had been able to determine that what was happening, wasn't something he was meant to support. The murder of the head of state was, again, something Otto could truly care less about... Though, what disturbed him was the fact that the man seemed willing to cross any line to get to the next stepping stone in his plan, without so much as a thought for the consequences of leaving a sloppy trail. Were anyone other than the Master Planner after him... He'd likely find himself placed in jail shortly.

Of course, there was always the possibility that the man hadn't murdered the former Governor, or even ordered it... But, if that were to prove the case, it would simply make it appear that this Mr. Holmes was incapable of truly planning, though he was a sloppy planner if it were of his orchestration. And, given the state of the meeting that Otto stood outside of as Mr. Holmes walked away hurriedly... It seemed to confirm Otto's suspicions, when the building was entirely destroyed. A weak ploy on Holmes' part, assuredly, to believe no one would make the connection between his own meeting being destroyed, and himself being the only major survivor.

This man was after power... And, unlike Norman and Lex, Otto had no intention of sharing power with this one. He was a bug to be squashed... Between his foolish convictions, and his arrogant belief that no one could connect the dots between the string of deaths he caused... It truly left Otto feeling as though the man were insane... Almost as insane as the Joker that he and his other allies had been forced to accept into their cabal.

Moving swiftly after the explosion, Otto used the full reach of his tentacles to bring him directly to Mr. Holmes, and his apparent right hand man. "Ah, Mr. Holmes... Are you alright? It seems the convention center you were just in was bombed..."

"My name is Doctor Otto Octavius... And I believe it would be in your best interests to come with me... To ensure whoever just attempted to kill you, doesn't get away with it." While he was sure his image would precede his introduction, Otto made the formalities anyways. His face a mask of concern, and his voice filled with what most would perceive as genuine worry for the other man, Otto was sure he'd listen.

And if he did, he'd find himself being taught a lesson in how to handle things properly. This Luke Holmes could have Nebraska, if he could learn to act accordingly. But if he was aiming for the presidency... Otto's presidency... Then he would find himself locked in a cell by SHIELD forces, held as a terrorist... For his attack here, and... Soon enough, for an attack leading to the deaths of most of the higher ups in the American government. Whether or not he'd be able to grasp any power was entirely up to Mr. Holmes... What he told Otto, and how willing he was to reason, would prove the most important decisions the man would ever make...

And, more than likely, he had no inkling of just what he was getting himself into... To even mistakenly find himself on Otto's bad side... It was a fate few would wish upon themselves...

((Quite sorry for the horrific nature of that post. It was the worst of the 3 rps I typed up, yet I lost the other two, and haven't been able to find them. I'm also afraid this might be a 'on the shortish side' post.))

Luke then began to go over the events, and thinking about the trail he had been leaving...he'd have to do something about that. He'd made a fairly sloppy trail behind him, and he could see it. However, the only thing he had going for him, was the fact, that Lucien was the one who had done everything, and Lucien bore the fingerprints of the current President upon him. Not the official ones, but enough to fool most computer technology they had today. He sighed gently, and went to move away, as the reporters rushed off, only to be stopped by a man. He was the one he couldn't quite recognize before....Luke recognized him now.

He quietly listened to Doctor Octavius, and nodded when he needed, and smiled when it was just. He sighed gently, and looked Otto over. If what he had heard, he too was a genius, and rather witty man. With as much wit as he'd have, he would easily have traced Luke's path. He would however, play along with Doctor Octavius for the time being, and perhaps land himself in with a deal. It was doubtful, but he could only hope not, to end up on the bad side of this man. The last thing he needed was more S.H.I.E.L.D on his rear end. He nodded complacently towards Otto.

'Of course, Doctor Octavius. Would you prefer me to call you that? Or Doctor Otto Octavius? Just so you know, I'm an absolute fan. I have been meaning to talk with you for quite sometime actually. I've just had my troubles is all. Alas, I believe your timing is impeccable. So, shall we go? Or is there something you need to attend first?'

For someone who had nearly 'died' Luke wasn't very convincing. He however, could pass this off as 'practice'. 'A good politician must remain calm, in the most dire of cases.' Those words would make the reality seem very much more real. He gazed about, checking for any signs of survivors. It seemed everything was fine, and the only one that may have heard his speech was Doctor Octavius. If he could get on his right side, then the dangerous matter of the speech wouldn't be so...dangerous. He smiled softly, his eyes shining. He had to make himself look as innocent as possible, for the time being.

Hm... He seemed willing enough to listen to Otto... But, Octavius knew better than to let his guard down... Given that he was dealing with a man seeking power, the odds were that Mr. Holmes was only acting along... Either to hide himself from Otto for as long as he could...

Or to coerce Otto into helping him. If the man believed he'd be able to force Otto's hand in helping him... The insufferable fool would find himself nothing more than a pawn in Otto's own schemes. If he so much as gave Otto a reason to suspect that he was being played... He'd be more than happy to treat the man as his personal scapegoat... But, if he seemed he could prove a worthwhile ally... He'd be allowed to stick around...

"I have nothing to attend to, save for your safety, Mr. Holmes." Otto replied, maintaining the tone of sincere concern in his voice. "Now... Come with me, I have a safehouse nearby."

Leading Mr. Holmes, and by extent his right hand, to a nearby laboratory, Otto made sure they were alone in the building, before securing every entrance shut. Looking about himself, Otto remembered his last meeting in lab... Where he'd met with an associate of his, who'd proven less than willing to work together. The man had lost access to the lab, and been restricted to working only on projects Otto deemed him capable of not screwing up. Hopefully... This meeting would go better.

"Now that we're alone..." As he spoke, Otto's air of concern was instantly removed. "I know, as well as you do, that the explosion we just witnessed was caused by your own hand. Now... I, personally, don't care for the lives of the men who'd attended your conference, or for what they'd done. I wasn't involved, and I don't plan to retroactively involve myself."

"However... I do plan on stopping you from going too far. This city, indeed... This country... More tactful eyes than your own have been laid upon them. You can have the governorship of Nebraska, that is of no concern. But I would suggest you stop killing the people working in this city. It will raise questions, questions you don't want to have to answer."

"And if you continue seeking to cause trouble in this city... Well... I'm afraid I'll be forced to intervene, and you, Mr. Holmes, will likely find yourself taken into custody by SHIELD... Perhaps thrown into your cell by the hands of Norman Osborn himself."

"If you wish to gain the governorship, opposed or not, I would also recommend you stop killing your opponents... Especially not in such plain ways. A true mind would be able to carve a path through their enemies without leaving so much as a fingerprint to follow. You however... You've written your own name across these deaths... Don't become arrogant enough to presume I'm the only one who's caught on..."

"More likely, I'm simply the only one who's caught on who'll be willing to offer you some leeway. A chance to better yourself, if you would. I don't know of your plans for Nebraska, nor do I care to hear them. I only care to keep you from hampering plans I myself have set into action. I will not see my hard work and effort made meaningless. I'd be far more likely to see you removed, if you prove a danger to what's coming."

"Do you understand, Mr. Holmes?... If you don't like my advice, I suggest you speak now, Neither you, nor your friend there, is powerful enough to do anything to me. If you choose to attack, you both shall find yourselves quickly dismantled, and left here to rot alone, with the world forgetting you ever were. Instead, I would suggest you give in to reasoning, and come to accept my terms."

((Got the Muse flowing on this post. It's a bit better then the others.))

Luke followed like the little obedient dog he had become; at least he put on the ploy of such, to perhaps be alone with Otto, was that possible. Otto was a very powerful man, incredible intelligent, and witty. It was these things that made Luke....fearful of Otto? No not fearful, but perhaps....weary. Luke was able to make fronts very easily, and show emotions without effort. It was what made him very successful when talking with others, and what would hopefully help him with Otto. Yet, as they came inside the warehouse, Luke’s hope became in dismal supply. Luke could not read Otto’s face, yet he could read his lips. The words however, spoke just the same as his lips. He had not fooled Otto like he had hoped. However, was that a bad thing for Luke? Most would say yes, although their minds did not work the same as poor Luke’s.

Luke was no in the presence of a man, who could talk, just as much as Luke, was ample times better at planning, and most likely the smart man of science of the two. He also had much more money, and space, which Luke soon noticed by the supposed ‘innocent’ warehouse, was in fact, a lab of some sorts. Most of which did not matter to Luke, and he could care less what was being done inside of it, however, it was the way it was masked from outside that made Luke a lot more suspicious. Otto, had checked the ways of entrance, escape, and made sure they were securely locked. Should anything happen, Luke would be on his own. Not something he overly enjoyed the feel of.

"Now that we're alone..." As he spoke, Otto's air of concern was instantly removed. "I know, as well as you do, that the explosion we just witnessed was caused by your own hand. Now... I, personally, don't care for the lives of the men who'd attended your conference, or for what they'd done. I wasn't involved, and I don't plan to retroactively involve myself." Luke’s eyes widened gently, and he nodded slightly, unsure of what to say as of yet. Instead of speaking, and most likely getting his head ripped off, he did what did not come naturally to him. He kept his cocky mouth shut.

Words went in, and they went in deep. They delved into his mind, playing with what made it up. Otto had instantly seen through him, and it did not surprise Luke in the least. He had suspected to be caught by one of two men. Otto being one, Norman being the other. Both of these men, he knew he would not convince with petty lies and excuses. He would have had almost no luck with Norman. However, with Otto, he may have a chance. The way he spoke, it was decimating. He was attempting to pick apart Luke, destroy his hope. To any lesser of a man, this would work. Given enough time, this berating way of speech would eventually destroy any persons hope. However, Luke would not allow that. As Otto’s little spiel came to an end, Luke felt it high time for his own, nothing to insult the man, as that would be a death wish, but simple speak on some points raised. Almost like a little debate with no consequence.

“Ah, glad, you noticed my sloppy handiwork Doctor. I will admit, I have been rather....distasteful, and unorganized with my movements. Even the prints of the current president would only stop the average authority. S.H.I.E.L.D, is what worried me a little. I needed to garner the attention of someone, worthwhile, someone with plans. My sloppy handiwork seems to have worked that much. I’ll assume that you, Norman, and most other members of S.H.I.E.L.D have caught onto my actions, and that much would not surprise me. I suppose it is lucky however that you’ve found me first Doctor, even though, it is you I am most weary of.”

“Also, my plan with Nebraska was nothing more then something to get my face back up. I’ve been hidden away for so damned long. Head of Homeland Security tells me I have to ‘hide’ for a few years because I’m ‘not all sane, and I might get myself killed’. All that crap. So it wasn’t going to be easy to get back within the Governmental system. Nebraska was never more than a stepping stone back. I’d never have been in more than one session, but that would have been enough to at least get me somewhere. Perhaps a nice lofty spot in the Senate. I doubt it, but it would have been a start. You could see the sense in such a thing I assume Doctor

“Which brings me to your last point I believe? Doctor, I’d want nothing less than to accept your terms. The most stupid thing I could do, would be to ignore such a thing, and brush you aside like a crazy man. It would get me killed for one, and two, it would put be back in a stump with nothing to go with. So, whatever your terms are, and whatever they involve me to do. I quite happily accept Doctor Octavius.” Luke, grinned slightly, a rather plain grin, holding no real meaning. He really had no reason to anger the man who was offering ‘the world to him’. It would mean nothing to Luke if he did get on the wrong side of Otto.

For some reason, Mr. Holmes seemed to have convinced himself that Otto was working as part of SHIELD, a belief which could not have been further from the truth. While he was, indeed, currently working alongside Norman as something of a partner, he was not working under Norman, in any capacity. If anything, he was being played to Norman's advantage, but as he was doing the same to Norman, he could accept it, for the time being. Still... How anyone could come to believe Otto was working for SHIELD was beyond him, especially a man with aspirations to work in the government. Clearly a sign that the man didn't pay attention to things as well as he should, it was at least something Otto could use to his advantage in this meeting.

The man's plans with Nebraska were meaningless to Otto, all that mattered was that his plans not be interfered with. Of course, the man admitted to his insanity, and seemed to lack an understanding of the position he was seeking. He was planning to use the governorship as a stepping stone to the Senate, something most politicians would see as backwards. To be a governor was, for lack of a better explanation, to be the president of the state... To be a Senator would provide far less power than to be the governor. Still, if that was the man's goal, he would allow him his delusions.

Most fortuitously, the man agreed readily to any terms Otto set forth. This made things much easier. "It's good to know you will do as I request. However, I must first set the record straight. I do not work for SHIELD, or with them in any capacity. The director, Norman Osborn and I are nothing more than acquaintances. I work directly for the government, for Homeland Security, to be specific. My work and experiments go to the benefit of this nation, not to the international organization of SHIELD. Were I you, I would suggest more thoroughly looking into the men you may find yourself running into, to avoid offending them. I work below no one, I answer to no one, I simply work alongside those in charge of Homeland Security."

"As for your plans involving Nebraska... I care not the reason you choose there, only that you end this foolish business of killing so many people. This number of deaths will come down on your head, and while it won't affect me, I would much prefer not to have all of this nonsense drawing attention away from important matters that need to be addressed."

"As for my terms, I shall lay them before you. Firstly, you shall seek no position higher than a Governorship. If you attempt for the presidency, you will be swiftly removed. Secondly, you shall report directly to myself in any problems that arise. You will no longer kill your enemies so blatantly, until further notice, I shall handle them for you. Finally, you shall be granted the freedom to run Nebraska as you see fit, as long as you bring up any implementations with myself, and allow me to review your decisions. This will ensure you keep yourself out of trouble, as well as allowing myself to keep an eye on at least one of the states, to ensure things don't grow out of hand. Do you understand, Mr. Holmes?"

Luke simply, and most knowingly, canted a brow upwards, as he canted his head to the side. He knew quite well, the Good Doctor did not work for SHIELD, and Luke completely and oblivious could not figure out where he had got this notion from. Perhaps Luke had spoken in a way, that did make it sound like that, although, he did not implement in any way or form, that Doctor Octavius was a member of SHIELD....at least, these were the thoughts that ran through the 'crazed' politician, Luke Holmes. As he shifted his weight from foot to foot, simply listening, wanting nothing more then to get things in motion. This was probably the main cause of Luke's impulsive and thoughtless plans, which lead to the blatant death of so many.

What troubled him most is that, it seemed the Good Doctor wanted Luke to keep his Governorship, and not seek a spot in the Senate or anything that would be of more worth to the Former President of Weapons Development. He simply furrowed his brow, but found himself biting his tongue once more, not wishing to press on the issue, yet he'd love nothing more, than to tell the Doctor to step off on such a thing. Luke had his plans laid out, and Presidency did not matter to him. Sure, he'd love to rule the country, and make himself somewhat more of an authority, yet, he wished nothing else but to return to his seat atop the Weapons Development board.

He nodded slightly, and smiled brightly. 'Well before we get to the clean up, and the 'acceptance' I'd just like to clear something up. I think, we might have to clear up, somethings about the way I talk. I'm not the most straightforward guy, and I'm even worse when asked to evaluate on something, however, I would believe that you'd be able to recognize when I mean something, in a good way, and when I mean it in a bad. I would also believe that you'd be able to tell, when I'm using comparisons, who simply throwing down names. I did not at all mean, to associate you with Norman and his SHIELD operatives. I'm fairly familiar with your more 'public' work, and I know quite well, that you are only acquaintances with Norman. I think, it would have come across much better, if I had of said. I assume that yourself, as well as Norman and His SHIELD operatives are quite aware of my working."

This didn't really clear much up, as it seemed he was just repeating the same thing over and over and not actually getting anywhere, yet Luke smiled, knowing exactly what he meant in his own head, and this is all that ever seemed to matter to Mr. Holmes. He smiled and nodded slightly. "As I said before, I'd be following your orders...for the most part. I would still have to hold some independence, if my own research is ever going to further itself. I only ask, that as I do not inquire and do not need to know all of what you are doing, that I have some privacy, nothing that would affect you, or the presidency, but still maintaining some of my privacy. Aside from this, I would be completely at your whim. So, I agree to your terms, Doctor, if you'll agree to my small one."