Look, a lot of powerful people have trouble accepting help, or showing weakness. I think she... I think if you really want to help, do it without her telling you to. she says
Fair... I bid you good luck. she says, looking sympathetic.
Here.... dude, I think you need to go to an ophthalmologist.
Shaun nods. "Yea'...thanks. I'll...I'll try ta' give that a shot."
There are two wildly different reactions at the same time as Gill trades numbers. The first is from the Trio, who each put on a nearly cartoon-level exaggerated face of shock and awe as they witness Shaun "score." Shaun meanwhile suddenly pales. "What!? N-No I don't! I-I-I-!" He swallows audibly. "I-I can see just fine! I don't need glasses...!"
From on top of the cooler, the radio squawks to life. "Unit 1138, please report to Founder Avenue, reports of a Code Blue in progress. Depth Charge on-scene."
The Trio whip around to face the cobbled device. Shaun sighs in relief. Saved by the capes...! "Hey I'll text ya' later, right now we gotta take this one." He momentarily stoops down to close and grab his kit. "C'mon guys hustle! We're not missin' this one!"
As Shaun trots off, Mordecai and Sam in hot pursuit, Bert lingers for a moment. The radio under one arm and the cooler another, he gives Gill a small smile. "It was...nice meeting you, Gill." Then he totters off, trying his best to keep up with his cargo in tow.
After setting up her profile as Cat Rivers, Alexandra got in contact with Jordan Winters, the running back for the team and likely social second-in-command. Alexandra throws in possibly an unnecessary amount of vapid admiration paired with a healthy amount of flirting that Jordan seems to obliviously eat up. Eventually, Jordan does admit to having a semi-serious girlfriend and starts playing wingman for some of his fellow jocks. Alexandra manages to steer Jordan's attention to his 'main man Jack,' and Jordan immediately begins raving about Jack's exercise routine, clearly under the impression that Cat would both care about this and be impressed. He makes sure to mention at least three times how Jack could probably bench press the girl with ease (with some less than subtle innuendos about how he could demonstrate that). Now thoroughly convinced that Cat has it bad for 'his boy' (and unintentionally convincing Alexandra that Jordan may be a little more into Jack than his 'semi-serious girlfriend'), he offers to e-introduce the two in exchange for Cat putting in a good word with her father about him.
This introduction comes in the form of, apparently, Jordan stealing Jack's computer and using it to send Cat a slightly crude message from Jack's facebook account, for which Jack apologizes profusely. The beginning of their conversation is a little rocky, and it's pretty clear Jack is doing this more for his friend/potential connection to a college recruiter than because he has any real interest in Cat. Unlike the wild, fun-times girl she presented to Jordan, Alexandra gives Cat more of an innocent, girl-next-door-looking-for-romance vibe for Jack. When he finally seems to warm up to her, she 'accidentally' suggests he take her out to see the falls from a local hook up spot, to which he responds
> look, u seem sweet so im gonna b str8 w/ u
> not really in the rite headspace to date rn
> gt crushed bad few months ago nd nt over it
> sry if that ruins my chances w/ ur dad
> i could hook u up w/ Raph? hes a solid dude
> bet hed take u 2 see the falls
> they look gr8 by starlight
Arrgghh a story about how a family settled somewhere? That's guaranteed to be very long, and 20% interesting tops, and... Her parents were across the room, talking with Mrs. Browne? Okay that's not that weird. I mean, they're friends. Of course they'd talk. It's not like that means she's on their side...
"Maybe another time, Mr. MacGregor?" Don't bring up Shaun. "I've, uh, got to get to confessional before too long, but umm, look you're new. If you want to get hooked into some of the church's activities or outreach or something, you should talk to the deacon, or my parents. They're always super involved." She gestured vaguely at where Mrs. Browne was speaking with César and Marian.
I can tell Shaun his dad wants him to come home too. That's one bit of Good News I can share today at least.
He nods. "Aye, I understand. I need to pay a visit there myself..." He looks over at the Pascals, then looks back at Bronwyn. "...do...do ye know how to reach Shaun? I mean, get something to him?" Again, hope glimmers in his eyes...or maybe that's just a fresh wave of tears. "I have something for him but...he's been avoiding me..."
Shayera listens to Shaun's ideas and a smile spreads on her face. "Dress rehearsal, huh? I think that's a pretty good idea. Full outfit practice, and maybe we can work on some improvements. Whetstone's always designing something or other, so maybe we could give him some ideas."
She turns to Alexis. "No, put the razor down. I'll make you an appointment with a salon. If your hair grows fast, they'll love that. You'll really feel pretty once a professional stylist does their thing."
She turns back to Abacus and inputs a few commands. The screen flashes up Matrix's logo. "Greetings, Wingblade. Congratulations on your new appointment."
"Thanks, M. Hey, I was wondering if the Practice Grounds are free this afternoon? My team wants to get some workouts in."
"The Grounds will be free from four pm to eight pm. Afterwards, it is scheduled for maintenance."
Wingblade slumps in her chair. "Who has it before us?" Please don't be Tectonic. Please don't be Tectonic.
"Tectonic."
Dammit. "Okay, thanks Matrix. We'll be there. And we'll just have to use whatever equipment still works."
She has Abacus send a message out through the ident card that there will be a team practice at the Grounds at four.
She swivels the chair around to look at Shaun. "How does that sound?"
Kaoru had woken up at her normal early hour. She was aware it was blasphemously early for a tech person (especially on the weekend), but she really liked the quiet of the early morning hours. It was peaceful, and it made her feel like the only person on the planet. No one else to stare at her or judge her or expect things of her. Just her and whatever project she was working on.
This particular morning, she was staring at the unopened SCA file on the Silver Shadow, debating if she wanted to open it. Well, not debating if she wanted to open it. There was absolutely no doubt on that front. Rather, debating if she should open it. ...ok, that wasn't quite right either. Her desire to open it was warring with the feeling that she really shouldn't open it. On the one hand, it's not like Alexandra had told her not to. Plus she had to be aware the SCA would have a file on her as an underaged hero, even if she was currently sanctioned. They'd have to be pretty dumb not to given that licenses could be suspended and that even if someone didn't turn from a hero to a villain, mind control was totally a thing.
So really, if Alexandra hadn't told her not to read the file on her, wasn't that like giving her permission to read it? It's not like it could be super personal or embarrassing. After all, it was on the Silver Shadow, not on Alexandra herself. It might even be hilariously mistaken. Her fingers hovered over her mouse, all but ready to open the file. Yet still she hesitated. If it was ok, then why did it feel wrong? Why did it feel like she was stalking about behind Alexandra's back? It wasn't like she was doing something illegal. ...ok, well, the method for getting this data was totally illegal, but it wasn't like she was doing something new that was illegal like hacking into her bank accounts or facebook profile or school records not that she ever thought about doing any of those things *cough*. And it's not like she hadn't googled the Silver Shadow earlier that week.
Still, she hesitated. If she were being honest, she didn't really care that much about the Silver Shadow. That wasn't the person she wanted to know more about. She wanted to know more about Alexandra. And this just...wasn't the right way to go about doing that. She'd just feel bad about doing it. And then it would probably show on her face and Alexandra would know and everything would blow up on her. Or she would say something she wasn't supposed to know and get the same result. Besides, it would mean nothing if she just took the information. She wanted it to be given freely because Alexandra trusted her with it. And if that took longer, so be it. It'd be worth it. Plus she would probably hate it if someone else were to invade her privacy like that.
Sighing, she stepped away from her computer. It was still probably too early to text Alexandra and see if she was ok after her peace talks, and mother was home, so she'd have to go out if she really wanted to practice her new sheet music. But she could probably at least get familiar with the fingerings for it without disturbing her. She pulled out her tablet and started to phantom play the music, singing the lyrics softly to herself as she went.
Shaun cocks an eyebrow. "Whetstone? Who's Whetstone?"
He scratches his chin as he evaluates Alexis. "Y'know, I could probably cut it. I mean, how hard could it be? I know my way 'round sharp stuff."
Shaun involuntarily releases a high-pitched squeak as he realizes who Wingblade is talking to. "Holy s%@%! Matrix!" I really need to remember that the Defenders are just a phone call away now! This is so f~&%ing cool!
"Sounds good ta' me. Though, I don't actually know where those Trainin' Grounds are..." He smiles sheepishly. "But I'm still down. Can't wait ta' see what Bron comes up with f'a uniform. I'm guessin' some kinda smith-inspired deal."
Alexandra rolled her eyes all through talking with these people... it wasn't hard, just... a lot And, for f#%&'s sake, You can use full words, it isn't that hard, we aren't using numberpads anymore, and non of you are old enough to have done so!
>Aww, You seemed.... I'm sorry.
>Chances with my... on, right. I'm not, like... yeah, It'll be fine
>Who was she? The girl who got there first?
> grl next door
> or used to b
> we new each other 4eva n i loved her bout as long
> was pretty psyched when she aksed me out
> we were 2gether 4 months b4 she dumped me 4 no reason
> prbly 4 the best
> she wuz pretty spiteful even tho she nded it
> luckily whole skool saw it 2
> the boys had my back
> think she got xpelled or whatevs
> she moved anyway
> even tho i no shes not worth it still hurts :(
> thought she wuz the 1, u no?
>Oh. That's rough
>She started and ended it? Wow, that's hard.
>But yeah. super weird.
>Did she... like, How do you think she would tell it... this feels really weird.
Alexandra is fairly ready to end the conversation pretty soon. maybe find some way to Catfish Chloe... oooh
Alexandra mocked up a male profile , and tries to message Chloe, opening with.
>Look, I know you don't know me. I know this is kinda weird. but there's a new girl at my school who asked me out. and I... look, everyone Facebook stalks new people these days. but hers is pretty bland, and I saw her on yours. and I get a bit of a weird vibe from her, and ... is there something I should know.
> man i dunno
> she wuz kinda psycho
> wouldnt no it to look @ her tho
> she tried to make it my fault somehow
> but every1 nos the truth
> she deserved 2 get kicked out
> OMG!! KAY?!?
> Is she alright?!?
> I've been trying to get in contact with her
> Can you tell her to answer my texts? I've been super worried!
> Is she still mad at me?
> Tell her I'm really sorry! :( :( :(
>I think there are usually two sides to most stories.
>I also think that usually, in a breakup, it's not usually just 1 persons fault.
>I think that you are pretty hurt over this still, and it is good you know you aren't in a state to date anyone right now.
>But reflect on how it went, and see if she really was Psycho, or if she feels as hurt as you, and that's why she lasjhed out when it was over.
with that, Alexandra closes the chat. and set the account to delete itself in 3 hours.
>She seems okay.
>But she is pretty hesitant to talk about her past.
>Caught her in a few lies, actually.
>it sound sliek something pretty big happened.
>Can you tell me? It's starting to feel like something I should know.
> If she lied to you, it means you were pushing too hard and need to BACK OFF
> If she doesn't want to talk about something, you need to respect her boundaries
> Just because she asked you out doesn't mean you have the right to force her to do or say anything!
> All you need to know is that she's an amazing, loving, and brilliant young woman who's worth getting to know the RIGHT way!
G**#*~nit. Alexandra says, as Chloe proves uncooperative. This wasn't ever going to be easy. Protective, still thinks of them as friend. Guilty, likely trying to make up for something... not a good button. Angry, need to back off and not push boundaries. Means Jake did... Jake, good button? How to push it? Imply Jake already told his side... almost the truth? or do i talk about not being like him, have her let her guard down, think I know that story already... no, want her angry. Nice and irrational, and I bet Jake gets her there... Imply he reached out to you... retcon a little post of you two together! make it sound like he mentioned it afterward.
>Okay. You're probably right, this seems like I should Back off.
>After this and What Jake commented on my post
Beat. leave a beat here, let her brain fill stuff in
>Yeah. thanks.
"Of course, I'd be happy to. Next time I see him."
For a moment she turned to walk towards her parents. No. I told them what would have to change.
So instead she got in line for confession.
***
She was almost at the front of the line, which was long enough today to practically count as an early penance. And this is *before* all the CAPE Catholics show up for Easter... She'd been flipping through a devotional while she gathered her thoughts, so she didn't hear her mom approach.
"Bronwyn?"
Her throat dried up in an instant; her mom's voice was... not mad, but not good. "Hi Mom." Her voice was quiet. Even if she wasn't sandwiched between two families, the acoustics here could easily send her voice to every corner of the nave.
"Are you done with this foolishness? Your father's barely eating; he hasn't slept a wink for worrying about you."
Bronwyn blanched with embarrassment. There were people everywhere! Why is she picking now to talk about this?!
"Mom, is this the place?"
"Bronwyn, whether or not we talk at a church, God knows our hearts. I'm not ashamed that I want you to come home. Are you ashamed because you left?"
"I- I'm not ashamed."
Marian cocked an eyebrow, somehow looking down at her daughter despite being a half a foot shorter.
"Of course. And if you're stretching the truth or hiding something else, well, you won't have to wait too much longer to confess that too. I just wanted to tell you that we haven't changed the locks or anything else drastic. You can come home whenever you're ready. Your father's already agreed to that at least."
"Does that mean you'll take down the-" "Bronwyn, you're our daughter, but that is still our house. We have the duty and the right to take the appropriate steps to keep our family safe."
"Okay.
I love you Mom. I'll come home when I'm welcome." She turned back to her devotional, but she saw her mother stiffen in the corner of her eye.
"I hope the suit isn't here to stay like your hair. You look so much prettier in dresses. We're praying for you Bronwyn."
She left.
> Pfft, Jack's just mad because he got dumped and his fragile male ego couldn't handle it
> He just thinks Kay should have been grateful that the oh-so-mighty football star deigned to go out with her and was too dumb to see the writing on the wall
> And if you're seriously going to listen to the ex with an axe to grind about the girl you're dating, I'm not sure you'd last long in the relationship to begin with
Mr. MacGregor smiles slightly as he reaches into his suit jacket, producing a small, rectangular package decorated with snowmen and a metallic red ribbon. "I wanted to give this to him for Christmas but...he, ah, he didn't come..." He gingerly passes it to Bronwyn, making sure the lose top doesn't slide off. "When ye give it to him, tell him...tell him "it's okay." Please..." He pauses to wipe his eyes, then stands and goes to meet the Pascals.
Jack tires his best to clear his eyes and straighten his hair as he approaches the couple. "Ah, sorry to interrupt. I'm, ah, I'm Jack MacGregor. Your daughter, Bronwyn, said I should talk to ye if I'm interested in church community events?" He addresses Cesar and Marian, easily picking up on their body language.
Oof, retaliation, found a nerve anyway. Lets see what It will take for the dear girl to slip... but she is defensive now. Don't hit her again, that will only entrench her. Make her let her walls down... "Admit" a bit of weakness.
>Yeah. you're right.
>Guy came off a little... unhinged, honestly. but Maybe that's just a result of his style of typing.
>I'll back off, and tell her (Or him... that's kinda a whole other thing. Which I'll admit has me in a bit of a... confused state)
> That you still want them to talk to you, and you're sorry.
"Okay. It's against regulations to have hair that's too long, but I guess that I don't need to cut it all off every month now," She nods, looking okay with all of that. She looks at the razor in her hand, shutting it off and putting it down.
"Thank you Shaun. I think I want Shayera's professional to do it. It should be nice. I'm going to go and read until we're ready for the team meeting," She says, practically skipping off.
> Wait...'him'? What do you mean?
< Well, Kayoru has been dressing pretty masculine, and introduced themself as male a few times at the new school. Kay... are they Trans?
< Like, I don't know if it's transphobic to say I'm still pretty attracted to them? is it Homophobic to... this is kinda an emotional mess.
< Sorry. I figured you knew. They haven't told me, officially so I'm kinda unsure with Pronouns...
Chloe's response came a little slowly. Alexandra got the impression that there was at least some amount of type and then retyping that was going on behind the scenes.
> I...don't know. This is news to me. I definitely didn't see it coming
> Look, I'm sorry I got mad. It's the red hair :-P
> I just...care a lot about Kay. They're like a younger sibling to me
> You seem like an ok guy, so I'll say this
> But...take it with a pretty big grain of salt because I chose some pretty bad timing to bring it up, so Kay and I, we never really had a chance to discuss it
> I'm...not really sure you're Kay's type
> I was pretty surprised to hear they'd asked you out 'cause I was kinda convinced Kay liked girls
> Again, I don't know for sure
> And clearly I don't know Kay as well as I thought if I never saw this guy/trans thing coming
> Sorry :/
Shayera looks at Alexis for a while when she talks about regulations with a mixed expression, then she sighs and turns back to Shaun. "Whetstone is Whippoorwill's weapons designer. He makes her quills and modifies her whip and outfit. He also made the earbuds we're using. He's a good guy; I like him."
======================
The directions to the Practice Grounds were simple: head to Defenders HQ. Everyone had been instructed to wear their costumes and arrive at the large marble building at the center of Downtown Halcyon around 3:30. There, they'll receive a short tour of the main level of the headquarters and then take the elevator down to the massive underground arena that is the Practice Grounds.
A Matrix drone conducted the tour, showing the main entry hall and the oval table where the Defenders would meet and confer about matters involving the defense of the planet and sometimes, the universe itself. A few of the other locations are also pointed out, including a medical suite that puts Wingblade's to shame, and a science wing so elaborate that it should be able to crack all the mysteries of the cosmos.
When the appointed time comes, the Matrix unit escorts them to the bank of elevators which takes them down several hundred feet below Halcyon. It opens into a well-lit arena roughly the size of a domed football stadium. Wingblade's there, trying to figure out which of the various combat drones are operable. There's three bipedal robots that seem mostly intact, a hovering drone that sends out intermittent sparks, and one massive behemoth that is clearly missing a limb but otherwise functional.
"Dammit, Tec, you couldn't have left one Z-drone intact? Those are so fun..." she's muttering when everyone arrives. She looks up and gives a weak smile. "Hey, everyone. Ah, looks like it's going to be a light practice today. I'll see about setting something up later in the week when there's more functional. The Defenders can be pretty hard on these things."
Marian's eyes quickly shifted through several layers of calculation and considerations while César promptly said. "Oh, is Shaun your boy? It's good to meet you, I'm César, and this is my wife Marian. Is Shaun here too? Bronwyn didn't mention that you went to our church, but I'm glad to hear it."
"I have an idea." Alexis speaks up from behind her helmet. The hoodie covers part of it, as she steps forward and stretches out her arms, before turning to the group. "Well, I mean, it's how we trained in the barracks. Or how I trained. Um. Well, the objective is to take me down," She said. "Using whatever you have. My goal is to make it to an escape," She said, looking around for a bit before deciding to point at the entrance they had come in. "So if I get to the door and touch it, I've escaped. If you can capture me before that, you succeed. I think...it would be nice if we took turns. Because I was always the rabbit. It meant that nobody had to hold back or risk killing me."
She looks at Shayera, wondering if the exercise would meet her approval.
Shaun’s eyebrows shot up. ”Oh! Sick! Is he gonna...be there then, or is like an application process or...?”
- - -
By the time the tour was over, Shaun was practically drooling onto the floor. THIS PLACE IS THE F$#&ING COOLEST S@@$! Between one of Matrix’s drone leading them around, all the cool tech, and getting to see THE table (”...I wanna touch it.”), his jaw had been hanging open for so long he wouldn’t have been suprised if a fly flew in. Though frankly, he wouldn’t have cared, because the HQ really was that cool.
The tour also gave him a chance to put the finishing touches on his warpaint. He’d taken the ice pack off, and while his shoulder was technically functional again, he was still having some issues reaching higher than his head. Thankfully, he was right-handed, so it wasn’t too big of a hassle.
His full uniform consisted of his combat boots and kilt (of course), his claymore, and a device that up until this point he’d never had the chance to show off: the magnetic sheath for his sword. It was a pretty csimple device for how sophisticated it’s constriction was. It was essentially an oblong plate on his back that only became magnetic when the radio chip in his claymore’s handle was activated, folding up a bit to contain the blade and make sure it didn’t shift and cut his back. He more than subtly showed it off to everyone as they arrived for the tour, scooching around to face his back to them and coupling and de-coupling the massive blade a few times.
As he exits the elevator, he tucks the jar of paint away and whistles a low tone. ”This is ta’ s&$&...! No need ta’pologise Wing, this is f@!!in’ sick!” He looks eagerly up at the massive robot with only one arm. ”Can we use this one!? I wanna use this one!”
@Wingblade: As Shaun ogles at the machinery, you can easily see the sone excessive amount of blue warpaint he’s decorated his exposed skin with. At first it doesn’t seem like anything special, mostly just vertical lines and the occasional wavy pattern. But as he turns and looks about, you can see a familiar symbol drawn crudely onto his left shoulder: the lose spiral encricled by smaller spirals that you saw in the pool water. It’s not very big, or prominent, but it is unmistakably the same glyph.
Cassie heads to the training ground with her charm still on, finding a small alleyway near the HQ to slip it off before she heads in to meet the others. Unlike some of the others, she is not wearing a costume. Instead, she's just wearing street clothes and is holding a sports bag. Cassie asks where she can change and emerges a little later wearing fairly normal workout clothes.. black yoga pants and a red top with long black sleeves that hook over her hands.
"Sorry I'm not in, like, a costume or anything." she says to the others. "I haven't really thought about anything like that. I figured I'd just wear my normal workout gear for today."
Jack shakes César’s hand and smiles pleasantly. ”Good to meet ye too.” He glances away awkwardly. ”Ah, no, Shaun isn’t here today. He...he hasn’t come to church in a long time...*cough* an’ ah, well, I come now. We just moved to town a few days ago. St. Ambrose was in the area, so I thought I would stop by, see how it was.”
It’s at this point he notices Marian’s studying glance. ”...o cha robh. I know that look. What did Shaun do this time?”
Wingblade can't help but smile at Shaun's enthusiasm, and hopes that it stirs a little excitement in the others.
"Yeah, of course we'll use Giganto here. He's one of the few still working." She leans against it casually, narrows her eyes at Shaun briefly, but puts away whatever it is she noticed for later.
She gives Cassie a thumb's up. "That's okay, Cassie. Do you have something for going into public?" Wingblade pauses and then switches gears. "Oh! Do you have a code name? Something we can call you to keep your name secret?"
She quickly addresses everyone. "Real important, everyone: Use your code names. Get in the habit. I don't want you calling me Shayera or Shay in the field. I think Bran's the exception, but this goes for everyone else. Don't make me have to use negative reinforcement."
"Understood. My callsign is Mercykiller. But you can shorten it to Mercy," Alexis said to the others. Today she also has brought her sword with her, held in its thick scabbard in one hand. "I'll try to go easy on everyone. But I won't on these," She says, pointing out the drones.
The next thing was to fix this 'tapping' UI. Really? Your options were a) talk to everybody, b) talk to the last person who talked, or c) talk to Wingblade. What kind of a setup was that? Though it was at least nice to see that they hadn't used an audio interface for this. Unfortunately, as she began carefully taking the device apart, the design decision started to make a little more sense: the earbud really only had enough memory to store its programming and three frequencies to communicate on. Hence the 3 option limit. It was annoying but could be worked around by telling the device to take a frequency as input when her watch told it to start broadcasting. The watch at least had plenty of memory. It was pretty easy to get her own frequency, the open frequency, and Wingblade's frequency, but she'd have to wait on recording the frequencies of the other earbuds.
While she was at it (and since she already had the code to do so), she went ahead an added in some functionality to tap into local cell towers. It was pretty trivial to tack that onto the pre-existing functionality to use the towers as a signal booster. She'd have to later look into trying to up the battery life but definitely didn't have the time to do that before whatever new hell their glorious leader had cooked up for them. She suspected this would involve gutting the processors from who-the-fk-knows-when for smaller, modern models in order to make room for larger batteries. It was really a shame that battery technology hadn't been progressing nearly as quickly. Though she suspected that had something to do with companies wanting their batteries to die out, so they could force consumers to buy their newest device every couple of years.
When all was said and done, she had plenty of time to make it to...where was she supposed to go again? She checked the ID card. Fkkk, Wingblade had moved up the time by 30 minutes. Way to give us enough heads up for these things. Doing a bang-up job so far. She looked up the location. Yup, she was definitely going to be late. Sighing, she grabbed her bag and headed out. Despite the message to 'come in costume' she came in what she had already been wearing. It was comfortable and it wasn't exactly like her fancy clothes were specially reinforced or anything, so it didn't really matter. She had her mask tucked into her bag, but suspected she wasn't going to need that either. They already knew who she was, so a mask wouldn't really do anything.
She wasn't too late. But at least she wasn't the last- oh, Bronwyn wasn't coming? Ok yeah, nevermind. She was the last one to arrive. It actually oddly pleased her though. She moved to stand next to Silver Shadow, giving her a quick once over for missing limbs. Seeing none, she gave her a quick smile before they were off on their whirlwind tour. Though pretty soon she was wishing she had been even later and could have skipped the entire thing. Oh mah gawd guys, it's a table! Oh em gee, a reminder of how dead we're all going to be soon. Hey, look at that *amazing* centrifuge! She rolled her eyes and quickly started entertaining herself by half-heartedly trying to get into the tour drone's operating system to try to make it do a waltz. She didn't get anywhere near close, but at least it was amusing. She was pretty sure it kept stopping to give her dirty looks though. Which was actually quite impressive considering that it's 'eye' was just a camera lens.
Things got better when they finally got to the training arena. Which is to say as soon as she got a look at the robots they would clearly be working with. They were in surprisingly terrible shape, but at least it wasn't more of a history lesson. With her soft spot for flying things, she approached the spazzing hoverbot first. If she had known she might have been doing this kind of work, she would have brought insulated gloves, but as is, she'd have to make do with some small cloth she had in the repair kit she always carried around. Once again, way to give us a proper heads up about what we'd be doing, oh shining leader of ours.
The cloth was barely enough to cover her hands, but nonetheless, she used it to grab the hoverbot, which she oh so creatively named Sparky. The cloth dampened the shock a fair bit, but she still winced and had to shake out her hands from the still rather painful jolt. From there, she made quick work of grounding the loose wires, fixing its stabilizers, and trying to make what few other adjustments she could with such little resources. She set about working on one of the tripods next as the rest of the group started trying to figure out what they would be doing and calling each other. She didn't bother speaking up or weighing in. It was dumb and she just wanted for this to be over in as painless of a fashion as she could get.
Marian shook her head, "It's not that. I... do you know that your son is trying to be a superhero?"
***
Bronwyn took her seat facing Father Rotoli, as usual not concerning herself with a privacy screen.
"Hello Bronywn."
She made the sign of the cross, and quickly recited, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been a week since my last confession."
"And quite a week from what I've heard. Where should you begin?"
Bronwyn's eyes shot up to meet his. "What did- You're not supposed to-" "No one has told me anything under the seal of the confessional if that is what you are concerned about. But go on Bronwyn."
"Well umm... I took the Lord's name in vain. I was having a fight with Sh- with my... You know I'm gay, right?"
"I do. What led you to take His name in vain?"
"Wait wait wait, and you're going to just breeze past it?" "Bronwyn, you are the one who has to confess your sins. So, blasphemy, were you angry?"
"Well... yes. I'd just kicked myself out of my home-" She gave Father Rotoli a quick searching look, but he didn't seem confused, so she continued, "And my girlfriend had basically abandoned me and-" Father Rotoli interrupted, "I'm sorry Bronwyn, but is the fight relevant? You were angry and you blasphemed. Did you make your point more effectively? Did it even make you feel any better?" "No." "This is an uncommon transgression for you. Say two Our Fathers and two Hail Marys in front of the tabernacle before you depart."
"So what about me being gay?"
"Has it led you to sin in some way? Bronwyn, having homosexual inclinations is not inherently sinful." She nodded surprised, "I know... I've been reading up on it and-" "Bronwyn, did you think I was going to castigate you, but then you would reveal to me after what was no doubt a frantic, self-motivated search of scripture that your sexual inclinations do not negate the overwhelming truth that God loves you? Well He does; you are right. Let me instead ask you: Do you understand that to act on any sort of sexual urges outside the bonds of matrimony is intrinsically disordered?"
"Yes... I am concerned about giving in to sins of lust, but I'm being careful not to put myself in situations that would be too tempting. That's actually what we fought about."
"Oh? She wants to-" "No!" She had no intention of hearing her priest describe anything involving the word genital again. "She just... didn't understand that I'm..." "Called to chastity?"
"Yeah, you've got that right, Father..."
The whole Bran thing is a lot harder with a team-team, with practices and everything... Maybe I shouldn't have told everyone about Bronwyn?
Unsurprisingly, Bran too had attended in his full regalia. He ran his gauntleted fingers along the table. "I see that Myrddin's symbolism remains relevant. A worthy seat for the Defenders of any realm."
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! I touched it!
Outside he sized up the towering bots, carefully assessing their likely abilities.
"Do you have tasks prepared for our training, Wingblade?" His helm was held in his off hand, so the look of consternation on his face at Alexis's suggestion was clear. "Though testing ourselves against one another is only reasonable, I find the idea of hunting her to be... distasteful."
Wingblade thinks on Mercy's suggestion for an exercise. "I think that's a good idea for a later practice. But I agree with Bran. We need to first learn to work as a team before pitting ourselves against each other."
She dusts her hands off as she moves closer to the others. "Let's set our egos aside. We don't need to figure out who's the strongest, toughest, or most powerful. Being on a team isn't about that. It's about watching each other's backs. Helping out. Making sure the bad guys lose.
"Early on working with Whippoorwill, we fought the Monk together. I didn't land a single punch. And I took several, and twice as many kicks. Afterwards, I felt awful, like I hadn't helped since Whip took him down. She said if I hadn't been there it would have been a hundred times harder for her. Maybe she was making me feel better, but I don't think she lied that I still helped."
She makes a pointed glance at everyone, one by one. "We're not keeping score today. Everyone helps out, everyone encourages. As we go, if a little competition makes us better and won't make us jealous, we can do some of that. We good?"
Jack sighs. ”Yes, I do. Yes, I have tried to stop him. No, I don’t know why he’s doing it. No, he doesn’t have...”abilities.” An’ yes, I do know how dangerous it is for him.” He bites his lower lip subtly. ”I’ve...gotten those questions a lot these past months...I’m sorry if he was rude to either of ye. He’s got a good heart, just...not the best self-control...”
Alexandra shows up late to practice, long coat swayign as she rushes to get into the training.
Oh, good. So I'm the only late one. she says as Wing in mid introduction. Yeah. we have 3 bruisers, I'm a half-decent interference. Kaoru is denial and harassment, and Magic Girl is... Well, what can you do... Cassie? Alexandra visibly struggles to get the name out.
We haven't fought anyone big yet. not as a team anyway. we fought a b-lister at the museum, and a bunch of Idiots on the freeway. and Machina and I had a run in with a c-lister by the Name of Kanga Ronnie. She rolls her eyes. I think the best course of action is for us to develope tactics designed to disrupt larger targets. if we're just against more flying bricks, we've proven we can win.
Bran looks over at Alexis with a nod at Alexandra's assessment, then very carefully doesn't draw attention to the fact that she seemed to have left Shaun out of her list of useful roles...
"Well said. Against an automaton of this scale in the past, the key to its destruction was making a ruin of its inner workings. Perhaps an exercise could be made of this one's unmaking. Can this Giganto's defenses be made safe but... memorable?"
Shaun turned to regard the rest of his team. In truth, he’d hardly registered any of them during the tour. But now, with all of them assembled, despite his misgivings about some of them, he was a little giddy. ”Well then, Mercy, what kinda blade are ye’carryin’ there? An’ more importantly, ya’ any good w’it?” he asks eagerly.
He blushes slightly when he notices what Cassie was wearing. Thank God this thing has so many folds. Way easier to...go undetected with it on. ”Well Cass, If ye’ need a costume, I bet Whetstone might be able ta’ hook ye’ up w’somethin’, yea’?” He looking over at Wingblade for confirmation.
He involuntarily gives Kaoru the stink-eye before rembering what Bronwyn has asked of him. ”Give him a chance,” eh? How? He avoids people like there’s a plague about. Then he notices the try-hard tinkering with the damaged drone. Wait a minute... He smiles, then subtly sidles closer to Kaoru as he starts talking to Wingblade. ”Actually, Wing, what kinda gear can that Whetstone guy get us anyway? Like, could we get somma these bots f’feildwork?” He winks at her and subtly points at Kaoru, hoping the heroine would catch on to what he was trying to do.
He didn’t have nearly as much issue giving a look of death to Bran and Alexandra. The Great Tin Can was still on his s&&~ list for the “flying Scotsman” incident, plus he still didn’t fully trust the giant. It’s like he only shows up when he wants to. A&%$@#+ could probably be doing so much more good than he is. I’ll bet he’s just showing off to Wingblade... Alexandra got the look for a more...express purpose. ”OI, I’m a damn good bruiser m’self! Plus, I got tactics. Been learnin’ how ta’ work a unit f’years.”
Alexandra looks over at Bran. Hey, hot stuff. Glad you came. After this all, we should talk. Alexandra says, giving a slightly impish grin.[/i]
Then she looks over at Shaun. You are strong in the same way I'm strong. we are pretty good for humans, but those three are superhuman. And you can't take a hit like them, or heal as fast. So... You might classify as Harassment, or interference... but given the number of bruises and scars, your current approach is lacking. She says
As Bran mentions the gigantic robot, an wide grin spreads across her face I feel like that scenario is missing something? Do we have a spare lava monster? She laughs
Kaoru keeps her expression carefully neutral during all the chit-chat. Though she does stop work on the tripod to give the larger drone a look over, doing her level best to get as far inside the bot as she can. Or at least to stick her head inside it in an attempt to hide from everybody. Focus on the problem at hand. Electronics and wiring. Repair what you can. Ignore everything else. She kind of wanted to pull out her headphones, so she could really focus. Anything to distract her from the churning in her stomach. But then she'd probably just end up getting chewed out by Wingblade for not paying attention. Or they'd start attacking the bot while she was still inside, and she'd get hurt.
"Well. I'm sure that Shaun isn't doing it out of any glory-hungry or selfish motivations, but he has gotten hurt, and he dragged our Bronwyn into it as well. Thankfully only for some stitches, but I hope you'll be able to talk some sense into him soon. If he really wants to help people, we can help him find better ways."
***
"But here's the real thing I'm wrestling with, Father. I... kind of ran away from home. Or, I mean, I kind of kicked myself out of the house so they didn't have to." "So they didn't have to? Or so you didn't have to hear them do it?"
Bronwyn nodded.
"I just don't know if- I mean, I'm sure they don't feel honored by this, but I love them, and I want to go home, but I don't think I can! I mean, I'm supposed to 'obey my parents in the Lord for this is right,' right? How can I honor them when they try to tell me not to do what I know is right?"
"This is a dangerous area for you Bronwyn, and your attitude veers dangerously close to pridefulness. If you are unable to both live beneath their roof and show them honor, then a temporary distance may be better. But how do you know what is right more than they do? Because you are still deceiving them. By keeping to your secrets, you deny them the possibility to speak to you in the fullness of their own wisdom. You can disagree and still honor them, Bronwyn but that isn't what you are doing."
"I can't. They could be hurt."
"Bronwyn, I am not saying that you must unmask and tell all the world where you can be found, but do you truly think your parents are so foolish that they will endanger themselves if you trust them with this knowledge? If you are afraid of what they will think, then rejoice. Your family's trial can strip away your fear. You have already placed yourself outside of their house and their rules. Do you truly think that learning you seek to serve others will make them turn their faces from you?"
He visibly pales when Shaun’s injury is mentioned. ”A-Ah, that’s all...” He puts a steadying hand on a near-by table. ”Sorry. I’m, ah, I’m sorry he involved Bronwyn. She seems like a well-mannered lass, I’d hope he doesn’t get her mixed up in this...”
”Thank ya. I hope I can too...if ye see him, please, tell him to come home. He’s not in trouble, I just...want to know he’s okay...” He sighs deeply. ”I’m sorry, I’m dragging my own troubles into our meeting. This isn’t how I saw my first Sunday in Halcyon going...please, forgive me.” He clears his throat and straightens his tie. ”Are the two of ye doing anything after this? After confessional, I’ll have a free day. We could go out to lunch, my treat. Though, I would ask that ye pick the spot. I tried finding something myself an’...well, I’m still not certain what it was.” He chuckles and smiles sheepishly.
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Cassie frowned in thought. "Well, I haven't really given any thought to a code name" she glances at Alexis. "or a callsign or whatever. Until a couple of days ago I hadn't thought I'd be doing anything like this... As far as a costume, well, I've got the charm for not being recognised although,.. it doesn't seem as full-proof as I thought. I've been thinking though that I might need something with somewhere to keep a few odds and ends for spellcasting though... I might be able to come up with something."
Cassie smiled at Shaun, pleased at his reaction to her appearance - She'd almost gotten used to people not looking at her at and it felt good to be noticed again. "Maybe? I guess it wouldn't hurt to get some advice from Whetstone if he's willing... Um,.. that body paint looks like it must take a while to put on. If you like, I think I might be able to figure out a charm or something that'd make it quicker, just a couple of seconds? I made one for myself that I just use for makeup when I'm in a hurry, but I think I could make one up that'd work for your body paint. Like, a ring or a charm, or,... something you could put on and the body paint would appear?"
She turned to Alexandra "What can I do? Well I'm just starting off but magic's pretty flexible really, most of the time anyway, but it can be a bit,.. unpredictable sometimes. At the moment I can usually get simple spells to work and complicated things like healing I can do most of the time, although it helps if I've 'read' you - that's what the questions I asked Shaun in the car were for. I guess you're really asking what kind've roll I'd be good at? Well, I'm no tougher than most people.. so I don't think I'm going toe-to-toe with anyone like Alexis or anything... I'm not really sure. Magic's weird. Sometimes you don't know you can do something, or even that you might be able to do something until you just,... do it. That's how it works for me anyway."
Bran's expression showed a certain consternation at Alexandra's cryptic remark, but he quickly smoothed it over and nodded. Turning to Shaun he added. "Your bravery and prowess is unquestioned; I am certain that Silver Shadow merely wishes to ensure that you do not take on a burden unsuited to your shoulders. Rest assured, we will ask much of you."
Turning to Cassie, he took on a more thoughtful countenance.
"Well Cassie, I know that you seek to stand against Circe's plans. Do you wish a name that will throw your defiance in her teeth? Or perhaps a more simple statement of self will suffice. In any case, should you require any assistance in your workings, please do reach out to my acolytes. They have among them some learning in such matters, and Bronwyn in particular can be relied upon to craft suitable vessels for such enchantments. She would likely be of use if you wished your costume to carry such workings as well.
"...Though she has informed me that her access to raw materials may be somewhat lessened for a time." He turned to Alexis and Shayera, "She has not yet been able to obtain quartz in an appropriate quantity to enact the repairs upon your armor, Mercy, but she has thoughts as to its acquisition that she would appreciate your assistance in, Wingblade. Either of us can provide you with the details at a later date."
"Now," He settled his helmet upon his head, "Turning to Giganto, Kaoru, are you prepared to guide us in the automaton's destruction? Fear not, despite Silver Shadow's words, I do not expect a lava monster to assail us." Wouldn't say no to kissing Shayera afterwards though.
Wingblade watches closely as the team banters back and forth. Her eye twitches briefly when Alexandra flirts a bit with Bran, and bites her tongue when Kaoru starts diving into the big droid.
"Oookay. Good points, everyone," she says, trying to keep everyone on track and civil. "Let's see about switching off. I'll ask Whetstone to take a look at Alexis' armor, and maybe Bran can have Bronwyn and company look at some protective charms for Cassie. Kilt, give me a wish list of the kind of gadgets you want, and I'll give it to Whet to see what he can come up with. Okay?"
She turns around and bends to get a look at what Kaoru's doing to Giganto. "How is he? He seemed functional when I looked at him, but I'm not really good at specifics." She glances over her shoulder. "Giganto doesn't really have any safety features. He's big, slow, but hits hard. And he's a b@@$# to take down.
"If we end up encountering a bruiser like him, I'd recommend Silver Shadow use some smoke bombs to help you and Kilt get close for a distraction. Let him take a swing or two at you, but focus on defense. Then while his attention is on you, Mercy and Bran can charge in with a power strike."
She turns to Cassie. "Your best bet, just like Kaoru, is to stay nearby where you can observe the battle, and cast your spells or do your tech mojo. Like Kay's drones, or, I dunno, can you bring up a shield? You said you can levitate yourself, can you levitate something else? A big guy like Giganto pushes off against the ground. You lift him up, he loses his leverage."
With a few powerful beats of her wings, Wingblade is into the air and circling overhead. "Let's try that. Kay, get him online and get clear."
Cassie nods. "I think keeping my distance might be best too." she says, nervously eyeing the large robot. "I think I could levitate it, maybe, but i'd have to get close enough to touch him I think. I'll come up with some kind of simple hex. I can manage smoke or mist or something too if Alexandra, um,.. Silver Shadow, can't."
Before they start, Cassie kneels down and goes through her bag, pulling out a smaller satchel that she hangs over her shoulder. "OK, I guess I'm ready", she says, moving off to the side of the space.
Steam practically shoots out of Kilt’s ears as Alexandra retorts. ”Lackin’ my ass...! I’d like ta’ see you take a bullet and keep goin’...!” He mutters such that she (probably) can’t hear him, but his angry glare says enough. Consider yourself lucky that I respect Wingblade more than I despise you, b#@#~. If she hadn’t embargoed team vs team, I’d beat your ass in a sparring fight...
Blood rushes to quite a few places as Cassie smiles at him. ...oh s&%~. She noticed me noticing. And...she liked it? I dunno, is that a good smile or a bad smile? Do I say something? Is this where you’re supposed to give a compliment or some s#&!!? What the f+#~ do I do?! I gotta say something right?! ”Uh, w-well, I, uh, I gotta few code-name f’ya’, If ye’ wanna hear ‘em.” CODE-NAMES?! WHAT CODE-NAMES?! WHY THE F&@+ DID I SAY THAT?! OH JESUS WHAT THE F+#$ DID I JUST DO?! QUICK CHANCE THE SUBJECT! ”*cough*, uh, yea’, a glamor like that could be damn useful. I’d sure save a lot of time gettin’ dressed f’a fight, that’s f’sure!” OH GOD WHY AM I LIKE THIS?! ”Do ya’ think ye’ could put it on something like a mask r’somethin’? I’ve been tryin’ta’ think of some way ta’ better hide my face, so I was thinkin’ maybe like a Saltire bandana over my mouth? Would that work?”
...GADGET WISHLIST!? Kilt’s eyes are huge with wonder and glee. ”...gadget wishlist?!” he manages to squeak out as he readies his blade.
"That would be lovely, Jack-" "Ah, ah, ah. I have one condition," cut in César with a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye, "You have to let us vote on who pays. Deal?"
***
"I don't think now is the time to tell them, Father, but you're right."
"Bronwyn, I think you have grown to accustomed to secrets that you really must keep. The weight of them is real, even if you no longer recognize it. I charge you to write a list out, in your own hand, no typing, of all the people you have deceived about your activities as a hero, and as a girl with homosexual inclinations. I suspect you will be surprised by what you have written, but we can talk more about that next week.
"Is there anything else that weighs upon your soul, Bronwyn?"
"You said that nothing can happen, uh, sexually, outside of the bonds of marriage."
"Nothing in line with God's teachings, correct."
"I umm... it wouldn't be any time soon, and I know that you probably couldn't do it, but..."
"I'm sorry Bronwyn. No. I have seen a great many changes come to the church in my lifetime, but there are some things that are irreconcilable with the written Word.
You may love her, but that's not what a marriage is."
Mercy was glad to know that people were on helping her with her armor. It was a constant worry for her. Just because she could heal from a stab wound or a bullet hole didn't mean that she should allow it to happen when it might slow her down.
She wanders over to the drones where Kaoru was working. She's not sure how she feels about the enigmatic techie, except that she knows that she likes him, but not sure if that's love or not. She just wanted to get to know him better. That was a good start, as she thought over the advice of everyone else. And she decided it should start with an apology.
"I'm sorry." She said, curling up and wrapping her arms around her knees, her helmeted face looking at Kaoru. "I think I made you upset. I didn't mean to. I want you to like me. But I'm not good at reading people. So please just tell me exactly what you want from me and I'll do that. Even if it's to just go away. I don't want you to hate me for not understanding what you want."