001 | video

[mcgill]

[The man seated uneasily in front of the camera probably looks familiar to anyone who knew or knew of Saul Goodman, ex-defense attorney and daytime TV judge extraordinaire. He has the same face, mostly, save for the abundance of hair on his head (which is sticking up just slightly, like he's been exposed to a stiff breeze or, in his case, static electricity) and fewer wrinkles around his eyes than anyone who got close enough to him might remember. And his smile, just like Saul's, is playfully crooked — though it's laced with a nervousness that doesn't really fit the image Saul projected whenever he had an audience. This man isn't as confident as his older lookalike, that much is clear, nor is he as brightly dressed. (A white dress shirt and a bland, striped tie are all that's currently visible.)

But he has that same ol' sparkle in his eye, and he straightens up a bit as soon as he's ready to speak, which is a habit anyone would recognize: that sudden shift from casual to professional Saul made any time he approached the bench or a business meeting.

And as for his voice — that's the same, too.

This is almost definitely Saul Goodman, but:]

Hiya. The name's Jimmy McGill. James, technically, but — I prefer Jimmy.

[He lifts his hands into view. Saul's trademark (fake) Rolex and gold pinky ring are missing, but that's because they're obscured by a pair of heavy-duty electrical gloves.]

I've got a little problem on my hands, pun only halfheartedly intended. [A laugh, one quick huff of air. Saul's laugh: Heh.] Seems the powers that be decided I should have the ability to manipulate power itself. Electricity, I mean. More specifically — [A brief pause, a swallow. He tries to play it off; there's no reason this word should bother him.] Electromagnetism. So, since I have no idea how to control an honest-to-God superpower because they're not really real where I come from, this is... uh, it's an issue. Anyone got any tips? Tricks? Ways to wake up, maybe?

[He smiles again, this time thin-lipped and a little desperate. It looks like he's on the verge of panic.]

Please?

Comments

[resipiscent]

Go out somewhere in the wilderness where you won't hurt anybody and let loose. Learn to control it.

[mcgill]

What about hurting myself?

[resipiscent]

Have you? Shocked yourself, I mean.

[mcgill]

...no.

[It sounds a lot like he hadn't realized that until just now.]

[resipiscent]

You shouldn't. Powers like that seem to come with a safety against wrecking yourself.

[mcgill]

[Flatly:] That's convenient.

[Not that he's not thankful, but he'd rather just not have the powers at all.]

[resipiscent]

Hah. I know it's hard to get used to, but... you'll be all right, man.

[mcgill]

Spoken like a true veteran. I'm guessing you've either been here a while or are used to this whole superpower thing?

[resipiscent]

Used to the powers. Not so much calling them "super", though. I've only been here for maybe five months, though. Not nearly so long as other people.

[mcgill]

[Only five months. Jeez.]

Who's been here the longest? That you know of.

[resipiscent]

I don't know any names, but -- I've heard of people being here for a year or more.

[mcgill]

[On the one hand, that sounds awful.

But on the other hand, there's the survival factor. If other people can survive for a year or more in this place if they have to, then so can Jimmy. Probably.]

And you can make a life for yourself here? That's a possibility?

[resipiscent]

Yeah. Honestly, it's... not too hard. If you're Registered, it's pretty cushy.

[mcgill]

There are people who aren't?

[resipiscent]

Sure. Some people don't trust the government as far as they can throw them. For me, it's... I'll trust them for now, but if they step over the line then I'm done. You know?

[mcgill]

Yeah, I get that. What would be stepping over the line, for you?

[resipiscent]

I... if I had no choice in a matter that would hurt someone I love. I think that would be enough.

[mcgill]

Mm. Yeah, that's fair. You got a lot of those here? People you love?

[resipiscent]

... No.

[After this conversation, tomorrow, he'll find someone he does. For now, no.]

So I guess for now, I'm staying Registered.

[mcgill]

[That's good timing.]

Sounds like a plan.

[Despite what he said to someone else, he will be registering. It's too good an offer to pass up, even with the strings attached.]

[resipiscent]

You're planning to swear in, then?

[mcgill]

I think so. Don't really see any reason why not to. Yet, anyway. Like you said.

[resipiscent]

Yeah, that's what I thought, and what I still think, pretty much. The government may do questionable things, but they haven't antagonized me outright yet.

[mcgill]

I'd count the bringing us here thing as pretty antagonistic, but...

[resipiscent]

Well, that's true, I guess. But outside of that, I haven't been asked to do anything that goes against my morals or anything.