Fly! Yes! Turnabout wants to say. Instead, he says "Thanks...but the van's signed out to me, and you know Mrs. Mulvaney would have my hide if I left it here, or didn't bring it back myself. " Actually, she can fly - she probably doesn't know!
He offers Sorrel and Solmira a "We'll catch up with you later, yeah?" as they depart.
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Tox feels his phone buzzing in his costume. He slips a hand down to retrieve it and glances at the screen.
Jae, you gotta get back here. We are swamped and the new girl just quit. I cannot handle two birthday parties and a retirement home dining out on my own. -Syrus
"Sorry guys, Raincheck. Something's come up."
With Solmmira already handling Sorrel, and Sorrel acting twitchy again, and two poisoners in close proximity was usually a bad idea, Tox starts jogging off, mentally mapping where his nearest cache of street clothes was.
Solmira almost jumps.
Almost. She'd already slipped up once, and she was NOT doing that again.
What she was doing was leaving. NOW.
A quick "Naturally." to Turnabout, and Solmira's taking off to not here with Sorrel before anyone can call her out.
Going in the right direction was a secondary concern at that moment.
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I'm taken aback by how quickly Sorrel wants to get away from me. Tox too. I'm basically committing social suicide by being kind to these two pariahs and they don't want to hang out with me.
I give a "I tried to do the right thing" shrug to my sister. Alright, guess we're joining you after all. I'll buy you a milkshake if you don't give me crap for my principled stand blowing up in my face...
Sorrel let's Solmira catch up to him. "So you have a ship?" He fails to keep his voice from cracking. "What kind of ship? I mean, it's a space ship, obviously, but comepared to other ships, what was it made for?"
Quentin & Michael
I think I may just take you up on that, little brother. Lucy smirks to Quentin, walking back to the others with you.
In that case, I think we will ride along. Kendra says to Michael, dismissing all of her armour, except a small patch, like a domino mask, over her face.
Besides, Annette will be thrilled to have you there, She's saving us all seats. Lucy says, dashing into the "shotgun" seat
And Jeremy will be pleased Archangel adds, as she joins you in the van He always complains about being the only guy at the table.
I know Lucy laughs He's the only 16 year old guy who could possible complain about being constantly surrounded by beautiful women.
Ricardo & Solmira
You brush past the reporters, already trying to get a "spin" on the attack on town hall, and enjoy a relatively peaceful jaunt back to the taylor institute.
Tox
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I load into the van, surprised that Lucy is riding with us. If I could run like her, faster than a car, faster than a photon...I don't know I'd ever stop. I wonder why she had to exist, why I couldn't have just gotten all of the powers. I wonder if she ever feels the same way.
Surrounded by beautiful women, huh? Did he join a new team?
"Ah, erm..." The question throws Solmira off guard, and for once it shows. "I don't actually have a ship of my own." Briefly, her composure is gone.
As she continues to talk though, she seems to recover. "It's not for lack of availability, or insufficient technology, of course. We have numerous designs developed, be they formidable gunships that could outmanoeuvre any of their counterparts from other planets, or simple cargo ships designed to adapt their size to fit the load they carry. In memory, they were even developing ships capable of wireless neural interfacing that would allow even an untrained pilot to competently control a ship, and do wonders in protecting it from being flown away by any would-be thief. I would have loved to have one of the prototypes."
"Interstellar traffic is heavily monitored back on Celdimeravi, though. Few ships would have been able to get on or off the planet unnoticed, and our ships do have rather distinctive energy signatures to anyone that knows what they were looking for. I couldn't afford to be caught or traced back here, so I was forced to leave without one. It's proven to be a rather regrettable thing, but I suppose it's worked out."
It's a few steps later before she realises what she's said, and she stumbles as it hits her. S$+*! Why did I say that?! She looks quickly over to Sorrel, and looks away again, trying to pretend nothing is wrong.
It isn't working.
Had it been anyone else dragging Sorrel's sorry hind end back to campus, he'd be worrying over Jae-Lin. This stuff about tracing and capturing is going to take a while to sink in though, because Sorrel's eyes are filled with stars. To Solmira's culture, he's just an earthling, and the things she says paint a picture of roaming the galaxy in a ship he could very well fly himself.
Whatever she said last, it sounded sad. Sorrel had to fix that somehow. "That sounds amazing. Flying... I'll bet it sucks being stuck here though. Our very best equipment must look like tinker toys. I mean, you've got it made here. Untouchable intelligence, seamless grace, peerless-" Sorrel fakes a cough. "Uhm, I mean, you stand out- but you seem to get the right kind of attention... When I'm not wading through gasps and screams, I get the weirdos and their highly invasive and creepy questions." He shakes his head, having gone off topic. "I guess what I'm saying is, you're lucky you landed on the planet of the apes. We're mostly harmless." He flashes his hollow smile and cuffs his nose.
Michael shares a look with Quentin as the rest of the team heads off...again. His mood improves noticably as they pile into the van, though. Be cool. Michael slides into the driver's seat. He's unusually quiet, though. Best not to interrupt those two when they're bickering.
It's not easy to show off when driving a van, but Michael certainly gives it a try.
Solmira blinks. Then, she smiles. It's soft, it's honest, and it's utterly unlike the politely condescending smiles she tends to hide behind normally. "Don't be ridiculous. I like it here, Sorrel. I'm not about to begrudge this place for its vastly inferior technologies, or I'd have to have grievance with the entirety of our universe. Beside that, it makes up for such things in other ways. Did I ever tell you that there's no such thing as pizza back at home? It seems like such a simple thing, but the idea never occurred to anyone. Your kind seems to have a habit of creating things that are undeniably unique, if not always practical."
She turns her head to Sorrel, one eyebrow raised as she smiles happily. "There's no need for you to feel so terrible about yourself either. You might not view your attentions as so positive, but...it's so much better than just not being seen at all." She pauses, looking away for a moment. "Most people don't get the privilege of being able to communicate directly with their planet, either. We have the Envoys, but it isn't quite the same."
She closes her eyes as she walks forward, taking a breath as she takes in the surroundings, memorising the moment. Cars passing by, people walking around, a few kids making a fuss - and the centaur she was walking with, of course. There was just a little bit of sun, and there was a slight breeze that made her hair flow a little in the wind.
It was a good day.
She looks back to Sorrel. "Allow me to make you an offer. Just get a piece of technology, something inexpensive that you wouldn't have a problem with being rendered inert, and bring it to me at any time. Do that, and I'll take the time as soon as is possible to make you something rather special with it."
The Institute was coming into sight. Guess they wouldn't be walking much longer. "I do hope you'll take me up on that. I wouldn't be offering to just anyone."
She continues walking, an easy stroll. Just to enjoy this a little longer.
Jae-Lin arrives at the Bent Gasket, a popular diner with its main draw being its emphasis on steampunk themes. The kitchen was already in full swing as he headed in through the back door, the sound of clattering pans and chopping knives dulled from the main dining area by a pair of solid oak swinging doors.
Ducking into the employee area, he quickly stashes his costume in his locker and takes a few extra seconds to lace his belongings with a few spiders, just in case someone got through the combination lock and started rifling with his stuff.
Ducking a pair of servers, Jae-Lin enters the dining area with his business smile and uniform on. It seems Syrus was dealing with the worst of it. The "lounge" area was already full up and it seems folks were getting antsy about not having a place to eat.
"Here, what needs to be done?" He asks, as he starts looking over the notes on reservation times, last names, and wait time estimates.
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Reciprocation is Sorrel's middle name. "My name was- My name is Ricardo." The wellspring of ego blossoming in the centaur's chest collapses. Snapping shut behind the seed that's slipped loose. "-the campus mail. It's by government name. -or code, if you don't -if I need to send it to you--the thing--which I will. Send you a thing... or give it to you. Con yo!" Picking up to a trot, Sorrel traces circles of flowers around Solmira as he scrubs his face with his hands in bashful embarrassment. He wanted to gallop far, far away, but that would make things worse. If he needed to move, this was just what he was going to do.
This was all it took, most of the time. Solmira may not be a true cape, but she looked like a cape. Keep his distance from crowds and gathering places, cross more streets than he follows, and have a person of apparent authority with him, and Sorrel is in the clear. Mostly. Maybe he just needed to embrace it more. Maybe if he just tried harder at being more graceful, at projecting that air of majesty. Turn awful to awe-inspiring? It just wasn't him. At least, it wasn't the him that he'd been working on so far.
Outside of all of that? She wants to do stuff with him, and that is really pretty great. So despite it all, he is smiling.
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Sorrel and Solmira
Michael
So, Kendra begins Are you and Quentin and Sol and the others like, a thing. I know this is the second time you guys have gone out and all, But is this just a temporary alliance? do you guys have a name or anything?
Quentin
Jerk Lucy says, her fist flying out, and smacking you in the shoulder playfully. She takes a second to survey you. Hey, Bro, are you okay, that looks like you could have gotten really hurt? She indicates the armour plate where you took warlock's bolt. what do you do?
Jae Lin
Oh thank god you're here man Syrus says Listen, We've got Zach and Jasmine on the miscellaneous tables, and Amy is coming in too. She'll handle the college kids. I'm taking the... He gestures over into the corner, where almost a dozen rambunctious kids (probably about second grade) and a pair of beleaguered adults sit I don't know who the hell thought this was a good idea for an 8th birthday party. Anyway, and, cause you came in to help and all, you'll take them. He points over to a group of costumed capes.
It isn't unknown, or even uncommon, for members of the Paragon alliance to be spotted, in costume, at some of the "Nicer" restaurants, as Pr or because they're on call, and need to be ready to respond at a moments notice. They're here (well, Maximus, Lady Justice, Quickman. Gryphalcon, and Gadget Girl at any rate), probably because it was Gadget girl's turn to choose the eatery.
Syrus considers this a favour because Supers tend to tip pretty well
I'm pretty sure this is your first time waiting on a hero... at least, that you know of. Zach puts his hand on your shoulder as he says Don't sweat it, just be a normal waiter. They'll order a tonne of food, and leave a nice tip, and if you ask 'em after the meal they'll probably sign something for you. You'll do fine
I look for a moment like I'm going to totally lose it. I'm still pretty freaked out, after all. I buzz my voice to a frequency that only Lucy can hear.
To be honest, no. I got so scared I lost cohesion. Fell into the sewer. When we fought Calamity, I could only attack him when his back was turned. I almost caught fire today. It was really scary. You know dad always pushed this sort of thing on me...forcing me into danger to awaken all my powers...
We squabble and compete, but I can trust her, open up to her. She knows what dad is like. Just talking about my fear makes it dissolve.
Jae-Lin makes his way over to the table, thankfully they've already been given menus.
"Welcome to the Bent Gasket," he starts warmly. "I should mention our specials today are steam pressed kaiser burger and Bronzed Chicken. And seeing as your supers, the boss would like to mention we accept payment in the form of junked hero or villain gadgetry for his collection."
Jae gestures to the various items hanging off plaques or displayed proudly in cases strewn about the eatery.
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"Maybe? We definitely don't have a name yet. I think it could work out - we've managed all right, and I definitely owe Sol and Sorrel, in particular, after that first outing." It's hard to say we're a team when everyone scatters as soon as the mission's over, though. "Guess we'll see what happens." he says with a shrug, and feigned nonchalance.
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I phase my voice audible to everyone. I've been pitching "The Quickettes" but no one is biting.
"Don't feel bad, nobody likes mine either. Though I still think 'Fair Play' has a nice ring to it. "
I laugh maybe a little too loud at his joke. We've been friends awhile but I still want Turnabout to like me...and it was a funny joke.
Quentin
You need to be careful, little brother Lucy says I'm fast enough to stay out of harms way. You don't have that advantage. SHe pats you on the head.
Michael
We decided on "The Choir" pretty quickly. Kendra says. What are you guys gonna do now? She asks
Jae-Lin
The five heroes continue their conversation, one of them still holding up a tablet, with what appears to be a police report.
I'm amazed this place is open Gryphalcon says in his gravelly voice Apparently the city went to hell without us.
Yeah, two villain attacks in one day. and apparently quick's kids were at both GG says
And they did great, from what I've head! Quickman says
I think I'll get the chicken Lady justice says, loudly enough to get the rest of the group to pay attention, and place their orders.
after getting their orders (including an inhuman amount of food for Quickman), they go back to their discussion.
When are you gonna do that "Missing persons" thing, over by the industrial district? Maximus asks Gryphalcon
I'll get to it in a couple days, once I've finished with the Arctic Eagle investigation.
We could let someone else take it. We know who it is already. Gadget Girl adds in.
Not certainly. Lady Justice says
It's gotta be Tox, Him or the Blockbusters Gadget Girl insists
what do you do?
Sorrel & Solmira
On you way to wellspring, in the hallway, you hear another patient already inside.
-Attacked me, always attacks me. the patient says
This is the first time they've attacked you a lethal weapon. Do you know what prompted this escalation Wellspring asks in their calm, low tone
No, it doesn't talk. I finally thought I had cornered it in Quanteck's Rift-labs, and it just went berserk.
What were they even doing there? That should do it, it that to tight?
It's fine. I don't know What it was doing in there. Seemed to be destroying the machines. I don't know why.
what do you do?
I prove her wrong by phasing as she passes her hand through me. I might not be fast, but I can take care of myself. I got a little spooked, but I'm fine out there.
The labs were a place of highs and lows. The sterile setting put Sorrel's instincts on edge, but this is where he could talk to Dr. Coolidge about things like this new eye. Just thinking about it, Sorrel's hand goes to his forehead.
Sorrel's cloven hooves clatter against the linoleum. Outside, the centaur was a chatterbox full of stories that conspicuously excluded himself when he wasn't listening intently to anything Solmira had to say. Now that he's inside, he's grown quiet.
Solmira was just about to walk in. It wasn't exactly uncommon for people to sit in on their doctor's other appointments before it came to theirs - Celdians were rather open where someone's health and wellbeing were concerned.
Her hand was almost on the door, when the change in Sorrel's attitude registers, and she stops. She steps away from the door. "Sorrel? Is there something wrong?"
Sorrel sighs. "It's just always something new, yeah? I come in here and tell the doctor about something that's changed and sometimes it's no big deal, but sometimes it's this whole life changing thing... I just got this eye, and it's right in the middle of my face. I don't think people can see it when it's closed, but..." The eye slides open, red and piercing. It rolls slowly, taking in Sorrel's surroundings. "I feel like I'm watching my humanity circle the drain, yeah? -and I'm always afraid my mind is going to go next." Sorrel pauses for a deep breath. "I just don't know how I'd handle the news."
"Should you be going in there? I think someone's with Wellspring right now."
"Honestly, I'm not sure. Wait and see what the next call is. I've got some studying to do." Also, gotta try and figure out how DarqSoul and Calamity knew I've been training with Mirror; she's going to ask. "But first - lunch!"
Amber eyes look up to the third eye, and briefly, their soft glow turns to a sharp gleam. As it fades, a sense of curiosity and excitement lingers in place of the sudden light. Satisfaction, even. He really was full of surprises, even now. She smirks. "I believe you're worrying entirely too much, Ricardo. Did you ever even stop to consider the new perspectives that might be gained with your third eye?" She laughs, just a little bit.
Solmira goes back to the door. "This much is not an issue either." Solmira makes to walk in, and grab a seat in an out-of-the-way section of the room. Manners dictated you didn't obstruct a session you were sitting in on.
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Sorrel's hand goes back to his forehead to make sure the eye closes. It was sweet of her, but maybe she just didn't understand. She had always been and would always be superior.
He looks up just as she heads through the door. "I don't- hey,no wait!" The centaur lurches forward, slipping on the polished linoleum. Here he was again, playing Savior... Both of them barrel into the room.
Jae Lin keeps a straight face as best he can, and takes down the orders mentioned.
"Alright, we'll get your food out as soon as we can. Though, Quickman, sir, yours may take several trips."
Tox doesn't mind being talked down on, and defending himself here would be an obvious blunder. However, a case the supers were too busy for may be perfect for him and his comrades.
Wish I could hear out of my critters.
Instead, he makes it a point to personally deliver Quickman's continued supply of food, bring everyone their food at first, then Quickman's additional plate by plate.
Quentin and Michael
I suppose. God, that feels like my hand fell asleep Lucy says, withdrawing her hand from your head.
the lair is a nice enough place, has a "heroes" section, and an "adolescent wonders" section (the primary difference being the availability of alcohol, or lack therein).
A group of girls in sky blue bodysuits, with long black hair sit at a booth with a young man in a green suit, with long cape and showy gauntlets, or rather, 5 copies of the same girl sit with the young man.
We're over here. The girls say in unison
Yep, still creepy Lucy says, nearly instantly joining the group, taking a seat just as the girl who had occupied it disappeared.
as the rest of you take your seats, Lockdown asks So, dish, what happened over at city hall?
Solmira and Sorrel
As the two of you enter the medical ward, Sam Morgan jumps. Ricardo, Solmira... you guys are here. He says. He has several injuries, similar to knife wounds (maybe they are), all expertly dressed.
Solmira, here to resume our appointment? Wellspring asks, rummaging through a pile of folders, probably looking for you file.Sorrel, are you injured, or here for morale support. they ask, not even turning around.
Jae-lin
The five heroes continue their conversation, thanking you every time you bring food out. you catch slivers of their conversation, but they're hard to string together, would require some deduction on your part to get anything out of them. what do you do?
"Sorry, sorry. Solmira was just really keen on getting back to her appointment." Honestly, it's the first time Sorrel registers why they had come here. Always best to follow through with others' expectations. "I, uh, there are just some new, uhm, developments I need to talk to Dh-octor Coolidge about."
I give a warm smile to Lockdown and Gestalt. Two c-list villains riding dirty with a mastermind. No idea why he wanted to hold the mayor hostage. They were expecting the Choir though, so be lucky you pulled the bank. I turn to Archangel How was that, by the way?
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I guess I could always poison them...but what would that get me? Jae Lin muses to himself sarcastically, trying to figure out a plan. It was times like these he wished he had a more useful, less lethal powerset.
So he tried winging it.
Jae Lin, while delivering food, had a series of ants carry his communicator under the table and out of sight. When in place, he had them press the activator hard enough to begin to send the heroes conversation to his teammates. To hide the place of conversation, he shut off the communicator before he arrived with food to hopefully dodge those sections of the conversation.
He wouldn't know what was going on, but his teammates would.