Melania nods at Daredevil's conclusions
Your timeline makes sense, this isn't your first rodeo is it?
she muses.
One other thing we should share in case it helps you or you can help us... we've found a couple of references to a firm called 'Metrocab'. Have you heard of it?
She watches the man's outline as she waits for a response.
Daredevil smiles grimly.
No miss, it isn't. I've been around the block a few times. And nice job on picking up the language. Can't be easy for visitors like you.
He stalks back and forth in the apartment, his leather and kevlar outfit creaking with every move.
Metrocab. Small time firm, don't think they've been in business long. Can't say I've heard of anything going on with them. But if you think it's worth checking out you should follow your gut. That's the best advice I can give you.
He turns his head toward Connie, not looking at her but again tilting his head in that curious way he seems to. As if he were listening to something. Not liking what he is hearing, he says;
Listen. You’re getting yourselves into a dangerous line of work and my other piece of advice is to get out now before you start. Bones break, flesh tears but all that heals - if you survive. What doesn’t is the things you see out there, the things men like the Punisher, and the ones he hunts, do to others. If you don’t have the stomach for that and worse besides, go home to your families.
Ebon turns to look at Concussion as Dare Devil try to talk her out of this line of work. "Concussion you're with us right? If this is too much, you have so much more you can do. Don't force yourself into this life."
He then turns to the other. "Very good deduction, glad to see we were mostly right." He pick up the Metro card and pockets it. "We will be heading to this Metro cab then its our only lead, maybe we'll see you around again. Maybe you'll need some help with The Punisher."
He shakes his head and turns toward Ebon.
Leave the Punisher to me. he says, more forcefully than perhaps he meant to. Frank is... he's ill... there's something broken inside of him that I don't think anyone can fix.
You have to ask yourself every day why you're doing this. And one day you won't be able to answer and that's when you become like him.
Ebon pauses for a moment thinking over what Daredevil is saying. "I respect you, you've done so much for the kitchen. But don't think you have to go at it alone. The punisher is extreme, he will just escalate everything good luck on finding him." He bows then. "We had better be off." He looks towards the others.
You talk of a 'calling', doing what's right because you can. You'd have made a good Peacekeeper I think...
She nods
Thank you for all the information, we may be newcomers to this, but if you need us I've a suspicion you'll be able to find us, the door's always open... I don't really sleep much...
Really Melania? Really!?
She winces internally at her words.
I DJ at a club if you're ever in the neighbourhood and want to grab a coffee or anything...
With that she turns and walks away to stare at anything else, apparently unable to trust her mouth at all any more around the kevlar and leather-clad vigilante.
As cool as she appears, she cannot mask her rapidly beating twin-hearts from Daredevil's incredible extra-sensory perception and the vigilante cracks. a smile.
Maybe some other time, Midnight, I don't sleep much either, but I still don't get many nights off. And nightclubs aren't really my thing, they are kinda loud for me. he says cryptically.
He sighs and grits his teeth, the muscles of his jaw standing out as he gnaws over his thoughts. In the end he shakes his head and says. Listen, after Cap and Iron Man’s Civil War a lot of heroes went underground or just retired completely, but the bad guys didn’t. If you’re set on doing this and you need help or some advice use this. he reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small burner phone, handing it to Midnight. There’s only one number saved in there. Mine. The NYPD are pretty tolerant of capes these days. They got to be, there’s so few of them left and they can’t cope with what’s out there. But that doesn’t give you a free pass. If you get into trouble with the law, I know a couple of good lawyers who might be able to help.
Lucas takes the phone, looking at it with suspicion. "What, no giant spotlight in the sky?" He gives the man a quick smile, but then slips the phone into his pocket. Easily trackable with the right resources. But I wonder if I can trace the number.
"Well, I guess you have our number too. You seem to like to work solo, but the Punisher.... If you need help, call. He might not be expecting us."
Ebon nods. "Since so many older capes left, have you heard of any newer ones picking up the cause other than is?."
Melania takes the phone reverently, and it vanishes somewhere in the depths of Melania's skin-tight black club-wear before Lucas can grab it. He gets a raised eyebrow and nearly a snarl beore Melania remembers herself. Still she mouths 'Mine!', but at least she's grinning...
Thank you Mister Devil, you can count on it... calling you that is... not getting in trouble with the law...
She turns to the others
So on to the metrocab offices? Presumably it will be a twenty four hour operation, so we either sneak in or send someone that can sweet talk the comms operator... what do you think?
She turns to Connie
Do you uh... do you want to do some research for us back at the firm? Maybe do some electronic digging or something, you can call it through to us if you find something?
Ebon nods. "Since so many older capes left, have you heard of any newer ones picking up the cause other than is?."
A few. Captain America is on the run, Thor and that Hulk thing left Earth - that's just as well - everyone seems to forget what that thing did in Brooklyn eight years ago.
The Fantastic Four seem to spend most of their time in Eastern Europe, there's these schools springing up for mutants across the country and then there's a whole bunch I don't even know about who seem to come back and forth to Earth like it's just a rest-stop.
But I hear about a few who are actually willing to help everyday people. There's a guy in Queens - they say he's bullet proof - and another all dressed in white. Spiderman has been around a while now and he does good where he can, but he's just one man.
So yeah there aren't enough of us, and the worst of it is with new capes showing up everyday no one knows which way they are going to go. Like you guys who actually want to do some good, the ones who use their abilities for gain and then you get Frank.....
A look of frustration and pain crosses his face and his muscles bunch beneath his suit.
Be safe and if I hear anything about these disappearances I'll let you know.
With that he climbs out of the window and onto the fire escape. He takes his batons that you now see are joined by a hair-thin filament of wire and hurls one up onto the roof of the brownstone beside this apartment block before being whisked up and out into the night.
Ebon nods. "Thanks for the heads up. Again if you need us we're here to help" He then watches as Dare Devil masterfully jumps out on to the fire escape and is gone.
"Well, I didnt expect that. He's... very interesting. I suppose it's a look at where the life can take you." Turning to Connie he looks into her eyes. "Midnight is right, if you want to sit this one out don't worry about it. We can call you in if we need anything looked up, no one expects you to be here you're here because you want to be and if you don't there's no pressure." Taking the card out he's looks over it again. "But I guess we'll be heading to the Metro cab, I'm not one for talking my way into anyway but we could try sneaking in."
Ebon places a hand on Concussion shoulder. "Don't worry about it, not matter what you decide. I'd like to thank you for everything you've done for me so far and what you will do for us in the future. I'll see you around." He smiles.
As they begin to depart the apartment, Lucas smiles at Connie. "Don't worry, we'll still come to see your band play. Take all the time you need. You know where to find us if you need anything. I hate to say it, but I'm sure SHIELD will keep tabs on you."
Melania smiles at Connie
We'll catch up over a mineral water later in the week!
Having no real legal authority, I'm not sure we'd get much from Metrocab if we simply appeared at their offices and started asking questions about their clients.
Midnight sighs
On the other hand, breaking and entering is against the law... I couldn't possibly countenance such unless the target justified such means, and all we have right now is speculation. What do you think Akio and Lucas?
"You might be right.. We have very thin evidence that anything is happening there. My gut is telling me this is the place but maybe we should atleast check it out in the day? We can look the place up on the computer too."
Lucas nods. "I agree that we might learn more by taking a day. I can do some searching online. Maybe we can come up with a ruse to get inside. Maybe Akio is looking to become a driver?"
"And maybe Metrocab has link to the other disappearances. We could do some digging. I know we have some missing people, but we're not going to be doing them any favors if we don't know what we're up against."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Now that's a good idea Lucas... think you can pull it off Akio?
A sudden buzzing noise puts Melania on the alert, before she suddenly paws through her clothing and finds her phone vibrating.
Blasted thing, why you haven't moved to sub-dermal implants yet is beyond me, still it's nice to be able to turn them off!
She stares at it a moment longer before adding
My gig is in half an hour, you are all welcome of course! I can stay if necessary but might be best if we call it a night and meet back tomorrow to cover off what Akio's story will be?
Akio stands a little stunned. "I'm no good at playing a part but I'll give it a try" He puts the card away in his pocket.
"Let's call it there, we've all had a lot of excitement." He looks over to Connie. "I think maybe I'll give your gig a miss tonight, I had better take the time to get in character but let's meet early tomorrow and go over our plans."
Hmm.... come to think of it, and I don't wish to offend, after all I can't either... but Akio, I've only ever seen you on your bike... can you drive a cab?...
Midnight chews her lip as she considers the implications.
You could always ask about getting a shift as a dispatcher?
"Well.. I've never tried." He smiles. "I've only been here a few months, Do you think they will ask about that? It seems pretty straight forward just like a bike."
The group slip from the apartment building as quietly as they can and without incident.
Already late for her gig, Midnight says her brief good nights and then streaks up into the neon-illuminated sky over Hell's Kitchen, thoughts of the leather-clad vigilante still fresh in her mind and the weight of the cell phone he had given them somehow comforting in the folds of her costume.
Lucas pulls his hood up and takes the short walk with Akio to the nearest station and rides the subway back uptown. Getting to his apartment he enters quietly and removes his boots on the wooden floor of the entrance hall before creeping in. A light in the kitchen catches his attention and he realises Maggie has left the microwave door open with a note on it;
Keep your strength up, hero!
Inside are leftover chinese containers.
Akio meanwhile chooses to walk back to the temple, though he knows it will take him well over an hour. He is not intimidated by the city any more and is even beginning to find strange comfort in the high rises and low places. Daredevil was impressive, he cannot deny it. And though he did not see him in action, he longed to know where such a man learned to fight, what styles he adopts, how he can see through the leather hood and a hundred other questions.
But tomorrow will bring new questions as the group follows leads on these disappearances.
Melania will complete her gig and then head home for the night, sending a text to the others to meet for breakfast at a cafe not oo far from SHIELD HQ.
So is there anything we can do to assist your disguise Akio?
Getting up early at 6am he gets to his training normal routine and his course around the temple. Getting to the cafe with time to spare.
"Disguise? I didnt really think about using one. I suppose I could give a fake name. I always liked John." He muses thinking about the plan. "Am I just going to walk in and ask questions? What should I ask?"
Lucas smiles as he sees the leftover chinese food. How did he ever land a girl like that? He grabs a pair of chopsticks and proceeds to finish off the lo mein. Afterward, he slips silently into the bedroom to join his wife. Maggie was snoring lightly and the scarred man gently wraps his arm around her as he settles in for the night.
The next morning, he gets the text from Midnight, and both Maggie and Lucas stop by the cafe on their way to work. Yawning from their activities the night before, he orders a large, black coffee, while Maggie gets a cappucino. They sit, facing Akio and Melania with Lucas in his customary hoodie. "Really, a disguise? Nah, you just need to go in and say that you're looking for a job. I would help if you could be a driver, but you can just say you're looking for an office job. Maybe until you get your license. Just so you can get a look around."
"Maggie and I will research the company today. Maybe I can find something on them. Hey, Melania, do you have that phone our friend gave you last night? I want to have someone look at it. Maybe trace the number that's in there."
Melania pauses for a moment
My grasp of your language is still imperfect, by disguise I sought the concept of your 'cover' as it were, not the suggestion you should don a fake wig or anything...
She blinks
...and I suppose I should suggest, whatever elements of truth you can bring to the 'act' would be beneficial towards your convincing them of your legitimacy.
As Lucas asks after the cellphone, Melania frowns
I have to ask Lucas, why would you want to do that? If I gave my number to another person in confidence, I'd be trusting them not to do exactly as you're suggesting...
She stares at Lucas, completely puzzled as to why he would ask her for the phone.
Akio smiles slightly at the thought of him in a wig. "Look I'm just going to go in and ask about a job. I'm not a good liar, I give myself away every time I'll just play it as normal."
"What's the reason of tracking him down Lucas? He clearly trusted us as Melania said, our new friend is clearly someone we want on our side and it looked like Melania was very impressed by his.. friendship." He smiles taking a long sip of his water.
Lucas stares incredulously at the other two. "A mysterious hero meets us and you don't want to see what we can learn about him? We don't know the first thing about him. I'll agree with you that he seemed friendly, willing to share some things. And we need friends. But, it wouldn't also hurt to know what he can do and where to find him. What if he goes missing? What if he starts a war with the Punisher? We'd be little help right now."
"And that assuming he's really in our side. A cell phone can do all sorts of things, even a dumb phone like that. Depending on his resources, he could track it, activate it remotely, or have it record this conversation. That's assuming its even a real phone and not hiding a brick of C4 ready to explode when he triggers it."
Lucas holds up his hands defensively. "Look, I get it. That was really dark, and he seems like an ally. All I'm saying is that he could be learning all about us right now. Maybe we should do the same. Even if its just to know our friend better."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I'm not advocating betraying him. But let me xray the phone. See if the number has been used before. See if his number comes up with a name. Just basics."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I don't know about this, there's being safe then there's..." He looks to Melania. "I suppose we only know stuff we've heard, we know he's a hero. He's helped people but in this line of work." He looks around the room. "In this line of work there has to be some trust. But who am I to say that, I got off the boat a month ago after spending my whole life at the temple."
Melania continues to stare at Lucas
So you don't support the right of people to their privacy? Whilst I agree it would be wonderful to know who he is, what he does for a job during the day, but the point is those are his secrets to divulge. Trust has to begin somewhere, and it can be lonely out there without others to trust. Believe me, I know...
She shakes her head
I do not discount that what you say is true, that I ought to get the phone checked just in case... but as to the 'what if?' scenarios you list, I'll reach out to him myself and build trust rather than doing it underhand. I'll let you know.
She drops the topic completely then.
So then Akio, you need a job... go get one!
Maggie adds her two cents to the conversation;
It's not just about trust though Melania. We might actually be able to help him. she says, sipping her drink.
I mean from what I understand he's on his own out there. You don't hear about him being part of a team like the Fantastic 4, so who's to say what kind of resources he has? Lucas and I know some of the best tech in SHIELD, so maybe we can have a look at it and find out if anyone has been listening in on him.
As you get up from the table to pay, Maggie quickly stands up to join you at the counter and casts a quick look over her shoulder.
Satisfied, she whispers;
I can't believe you actually met Daredevil! I mean I've only seen a couple of photos of him in the Bugle and they are normally blurred, but all that red leather... you gonna call him?she adds with a sly grin.
"Maybe we should talk about it later, since we're all together. I've always found openness to help when you have to work so close together." He turns to look at Lucus. "Lucus if you dont mind me asking,. How did you and Maggie meet? was it at Oscorp? I also wondered what happened after the incident at oz corp?"
"He gave us a phone; he gave us a number. It's not an invasion of privacy to check up on those. If he's smart, and I do believe he is, I won't find anything. If I do find something, then maybe it's something we can tell him to help his security." Lucas sighs and shrugs. "Melania, he gave you the phone. If you don't want me to check it out, don't give it to me, and I won't. But I will try to learn about Daredevil. I don't want to go into the next encounter blind."
He turns to Akio as the ladies get up and prepare to leave. "No, Maggie and I met in school. Stanford University. We actually worked on a graduate project together. Something flashy that caught the eyes of Tony Stark, who hired her pretty much on the spot. Can't blame him, right? I decided to work for OZCORP, which was one of the leading biochemical firms at the time. That choice lead to this." He shows his arm, scarred from chemical burns and mottled, grayish skin.
He closes his eyes for a moment, thinking about the time after the incident. "What happened after? She saved my life, that's what. I was nearly dead anyway, but it wasn't the doctors who saved me. I mean, sure SHIELD's got some great medical tech, enough to bring someone back from the dead. But it was Maggie's face, her comfort, her determination that healed my spirit. She never looked at me like I was anything less than I was in college. You know we hadn't seen each other in years? We weren't together. I think she was even dating someone else. But when she found out that SHIELD had brought me in, she forced them to let her in. And she's been carrying me ever since. She's why I can do this." He glances up at his wife as she and Melania talk.
All valid points Lucas, I don't doubt your intelligence and logic. However they don't invalidate the points I bring up either, which leaves us at an impasse debate-wise, I think we are wise to 'Go to the Range' on this one!
At his blank look she realises what she's said and explains
It's a saying in the cor... from where I come from... the meaning is to go to the shooting range because there's nothing left to talk about, that sort of thing.
Melania grins at Maggie.
I'd heard of him of course, but wow, that's oone form-fitting suit you're glad is worn by the right guy!
She laughs
You can bet your next paycheque I'm going to try calling him!
Akio continues to move the conversation away from their new mysteries friend. "Then it's done, I suppose we'll leave it up to Mel to deal with him."
He then turns to Lucas as Melania gets up."It seems like you and Maggie have a real bond. Thank you for sharing Lucas." He looks between the pair. "It's quite amazing how you came back together after all that time. You've been through so much I'm glad you can channel that and want to do some real good where it's needed." With Melania out of hearing. "What do you make of Melania? She was very drawn to our new friend."
Maggie laughs and covers her mouth with one hand.
Go for it. But tell me everything!
Maggie returns to the table and smoothes the back of Lucas' head. She does it without thinking but it is a gesture so like the ones she performed when he was deathly ill that it gives him great comfort nonetheless.
Hey, listen. I've been badgering Angstrom about that training facility in SHIELD. I figure if they are going to give you guys access to some of the tech labs then that place should be small fry - and who knows, training with better equipment and more experienced Agents is only going to make you gel better as a team, right?
Melania returns to the table having paid the bill, smiling at Maggie as she sits back down.
The meta range? Count me in, I've been catting him every chance I get to let me in there!
She leans over the table
Akio, you want a lift to the cab office?
"I'd like to try out these SHIELD training facilities see just what they have for us. Maybe when we're there we can run some drills together. Little hand to hand combat." He points his fists and Melania and Lucus.
"Now? I suppose it's best to get it done. What exactly am I looking for? Do I try and just get a job? I hope the whole unable to drive thing doesn't disqualify me instantly." He ponders on the mission ahead of him.
"You know, just play it straight. You didn't know you'd need to drive. You're just looking for a job, any job."
"And I guess, getting access to training would be good. I'll still spend most of my time in the lab, but it wouldn't hurt to train a little, I guess. Something tells me it's ain't Gold's Gym though."
"Maybe we could go to the training facilities first? We haven't really had time to look up the cab company, and we should do that after a few rounds I've only done an hour today." He smiles.
It's a nice enough day. says Maggie. Why don't we cut through the Park?
Stepping out of the coffee shop and into the day you still feel the stifling heat of a New York summer in spite of the whispy grey clouds through which the sun pours with a kind of watered-down quality.
The Park is a couple of blocks away and the group strolls pretty easily along the street, passing dozens of small businesses that spring up on the east side of the island.
The group enter through the south east gates and wander with little attention, heading roughly north but mostly just chatting or speculating about the life they have found themselves leading, Daredevil, the Avengers and a dozen other things besides.
You find yourselves in the middle of a forest ablaze with the vibrant green of summer, a cool, dense thicket with rich vegetation. Silent and untamed, the clearing is surrounded by tall oaks, impenetrable bushes and rocky outcroppings. You realised you have wandered from the myriad paths that criss-cross the park like veins the body and have to squeeze through some of the rocks to find your way again. Midnight simply floats over them.
You get a weird feeling as you pass through the thicket of trees, almost like you are being watched. Not from the trees, but somehow by them.
It's odd and you shake it off after a moment or so, catching up quickly with the rest.
So where exactly are you from, Akio? Maggie asks. Is everyone there a hero? she realises that sounds odd and she rephrases. Like can everyone do the things you do, I mean?