More on the previous idea

Looking at my previous post, given it's complexity - it is definitely something I'm not considering too heavily at the moment if only just due to the fact I would have to look at possibly derailing an entire subplot to make it work.

But given that line of thought, the potential with it is so great that my mind has been locked on it all day long. The idea of the second and third storylines with intersecting sections with the main storyline at times, and giving a deeper understanding into the other going ons has my brain running in overdrive with excitement. The only real issues with this is the second POV, involving Allison and Heather would be rather dull unless its carefully crafted to include some sequences of action, such as defending themselves from would be assassins and the like.

This idea has some merit as they would undoubtedly be the target of multiple attempts. SOCA would defend them to the death as necessary, so there wouldn't be many opportunities for this to happen except at select times. The other idea would be to change their roles up and make them into some sort of agency role as field agents, perhaps originally in Italy on VIP detail and they 'know too much' making them the target of the Ultranationalists. But that is where the derailing comes in, and I'm not liking it because I would literally have to rewrite that entire subplot. In a word: Uncool.

So, with my idea of having to protect themselves from attacks is a bit more plausible except for the fact of when and how. At the moment, there is really only one instance where they would have to make some sort of effort to defend themselves and that is during the attack on SOCA HQ during the third mission. Otherwise, most of their time is spent researching - and Lord knows I don't want to spend a lot of time trying to feign some kind of expertise in writing out scientific research. While my knowledge of science is better than most other subjects, its the principality of the situation in that I really don't want to bore people with a science lesson in a book that is supposed to be more action oriented.

That will remain a mystery for now, but the third POV - that from Mark Gladius has a lot of merit. Is it possible to run just two POVs? Sure. The added dimension of a third would be nice, but I also don't want to push my luck nor make my brain explode more than it already wants too. The third POV, Mark Gladius's mission to undo the world along with a mysterious-yet-to-be-named associate who, if used, I'm leaning heavily toward being a woman just for an added taste of a femme fatale type who is an expert at everything from gunplay to seduction and is not afraid to use whatever means necessary.
The only real problem I have with this is Mark's reliance on himself to do everything, could I make him where he would be willing to place some measure of trust in a woman who has the same lust for destruction as him? It would add some measure of depth to the character in that he is still human and a woman who could regularly act as sexual appeal to more darker side of things (as Mark is the yin to Travi's yang, this chick could the yang to Allison's yin). Having a destructive duo in Mark and <insert name here> would be a polar opposite of Travi and Allison.

With all that said, Mark's missions would mainly involve gathering a following of people who want the same as he does, complete mayhem and genocide ala the Joker from "The Dark Knight". Some in it for the money, others just plain depraved and maniacal. Mark's story could occasionally intersect with Travi's, leading to encounters between the two Gladius brothers (to be told from Travi's side probably, as the story would continue with him). After the encounter, the elder Gladius will normally escape and the story continues from Travi's POV (kind of like a switching characters type of idea like in a video game, one character takes you up to a certain point - then you take control of another).

So, Mark's missions would more than likely involve busting open prisons, raiding prison ships or aircraft to free those men and such. His associate would act as his help, assisting him in his rallying of the gathering. During this time, he may also carry out missions for General Aramov, perhaps all just feigning loyalty to the Ultranationalist leader, but in the end - has his ulterior motives. Using others for his ultimate goal, using the General and his soldiers to get the weapon of mass destruction and genocide, then after the heavy lifting is done, take over and execute your plan. The idea of Mark working for his own ambitions adds another level to his character, and also shows what lengths he'll go to, to accomplish his goal of literally setting the world ablaze and killing everything in sight, perhaps even turning on his own people once its all said and done. Or maybe he does have some trust in the people who share his lust, and they are merely cannon fodder for when the good guys show up.

And of the female associate, her role would have to be a bit more defined - but I think, as I said earlier, she will make a perfect femme fatale, some sexy seductress who more than knows her way around a gun, and other types of persuasion - perhaps even being the kind that will use her body to get what she wants. The added sexual appeal of her character, and given how I want her to be shown as - would give a deadly combination to her character that would mirror Mark's genocidal nature to a T. In the end though, she would face the same fate as Mark, or would she...? Hmm...I'm getting ahead of myself, but I think she may have future plans (sequel perhaps?) It could be that she is the one who is using others to make her own ends. Mark may be her pawn in her game of chess. Damn, it's amazing what happens when I just let my brain pour out.

If I'm thinking this out the way I think I am, she would wind up much like Ada Wong from the Resident Evil series. That would make for an interesting twist, (spoiler here, so don't read if you don't want to know) especially when you consider her doppelganger from the newest Resident Evil game.  (spoiler ends here). 

All of a sudden, that second POV is looking very enticing. The third one involving Allison may or may not be used and I think I may keep her sections regulated to the "Meanwhile at the Hall of Justice" type of interjections. None less important, but its hard to build a storyline around her character in its current role. Without an adjustment to some sort of role involving action, I cannot build a good subplot that wouldn't bore readers to death.

Alrighty, off to bed. 'Till next time.