While the unexpected acceleration of the bus startled Maksim, he was more than startled by the deceleration of the vehicle. The ride had been forever, he had mentally traveled to half the world and back, but none of it prepared him for what was beyond the door. A bustling metropolis of talent and talented individuals, waiting to be seized for the good of humanity. He could barely find his footing. On second thought, it was a wonder to Maksim why the bus seemed to be travelling over gravel. Maybe this was a slight detour from the numerous onlookers of this momentous occasion, maybe leaving the public eye. It would have to be secluded, so they could demonstrate the full efficiency of their powers, but the gravel didn't seem to stop. 

When Sasha had grabbed the bus, Maksim felt a shot of adrenaline run through him. He had been on edge for the whole ride. Not willing to question the sparks of fire to his left rising to the top of the bus, or the large clang of a dropped metal tool, the thrill of being surrounded by the powerful had been binding inside of him as a stretched elastic band. The sudden speed made him fear for his life, and he wondered if he could use his power. It would be painful, but he's always known that's what it would take. Pain. 

Maksim didn't use his power, but just gripped the edge of the seat. Kidnapped? The possibilities flashed in his mind like a flock of birds soaring from a troubled tree. A figure passed the window, but it didn't seem evil or malign; she had a [i]smile[/i] on her face. Maksim was dumbstruck. He sat in the corner in shame for the rest of the trip.

At least, he thought, the new Hands-On experience would be welcoming. The very best of government funding, a pooling of resources to aid the next generation and protect the future. It would stretch into the sky and be a beacon of hope. Everything he could have dreamed would be about to greet him. A new home, new friends, new mentors. And as the bus rolled up on the endless gravel, Maksim glued his face to the window to see this majestic structure.

[color=92278f]"Oh."[/color]