David Haller (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} xgene) wrote, |
As Syd explained in more detail, Oliver took each of it in. Touching was a work of progress, often avoided; curiosity; expectation of power backlash causing physical damage to items in the room; no issue with physical swap; earthquake; nerves. He processed all of it as he observed the situation again, expression studious and laser-focused.
"It's often the case that stress and nerves can be triggers, as is a subconscious overreaction. For example: you have to make a leap from a harbor into a row boat, you see the jump and know if you miscalculate, you could catch the edge of the wood or land in the water. Which would hurt more? Catching on the wood." Oliver motioned to the connection about to happen between Rudy and Syd's hand. "This is the leap." Then, a motion to the room. "Destruction of pillows, maybe a light or two -- the wood of the harbor." And finally, all the eyes on Syd or in the vicinity: "The stress and nerves."
From there, his eyes were back on Syd-as-David, finishing the analogy: "There's a chance your power overreacted, a capability you've had all along -- you've always been able to jump this far, but never had the need to. To avoid catching the wood of the harbor, you leapt clear over the boat and landed in the water." Causing everyone around to get just as soaked as she was. A working theory for now, but one he had a good feeling about.
"This is only the second time you've swapped with a mutant, correct?" A beat. "I'm discounting Kerry as, mutant though she is, the Loudermilks' power is very distinct." Distinct and not exactly something that would cause an earthquake like a telekinetic's power could.