Gritting her teeth, she picks Snowflake's unconscious form up off the floor, stowing the sceptre away on her own person rather than leaving it with the unconscious girl.
...if she is arrested, this may well end here. And if she is truthful about why she was doing this...I cannot allow that. I've done enough to her as it is.
Carefully floating a little further from the house with her body in case pursuing this would require running from Michael, she opens up comms. "Michael...what are your plans now? What do you intend to do with Snowflake?"
He couldn't keep bowing. That's what got him here. He can't keep making the same mistakes. Gritting his teeth, Sorrel snaps back. "No, I did hurt those people. I did allow the sittuation to get out of hand. I need to stick with my team," he cocks his head to KQ, "and follow orders. I get that. Someone else having arranged things to put me here to make that mistake doesn't absolve me of my choices or actions, but are you really going to tell someone whose abilities still aren't stable that his visions cannot be true, and risk overlooking one of the chosen, Harbinger, or worse? You won't even bother proving to me there is no one there? We're wasting time!"
His tone is hysterical. His shoulders shake against the restraints. Sorrel is at the end of his rope, and there's still a ways to go before he's back on solid ground...
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Someone bringing us here, manipulating events? Crap...this lines up perfectly with what I overheard dad talking about.
I believe you, Sorrel.
I'm so angry with Tox I'm practically shaking, but I think I get through to Sorrel.
Kite, stop harassing my friend and call my dad. Tell him this verbatim "Quinten says that 'He's already here. He's targeting teen capes. He started with Sorrel. Meet us at the institute.'" Dad will know what that means.
"I'm not sure... It's the first time I've seen her " Michael replies. Snowflake said "she"... So it's this woman, not her husband.
He steps a couple of paces away to respond to Solmira. "Take her back to the institute, I guess. Maybe Dr. Coolridge could help her? Try to avoid Maximus."
He returns to the woman, and asks a variety of questions - her name, what she's done the last few days - trying to get a hint of what Snowflake was upset about.
Tox is swearing under his breathe. While Kid Quickman goes to play being leader, Tox moves on to the other two injured.
"Steady, steady." he says, as he goes to examine their vitals.
Bones don't seem fractured spine's still in one piece. Vitals are weak though...I could use venom...but Kid-
To instantly regrets having this thought. It meant that Kid, ever the conclusion jumping moron ( at least today), he still felt inclined to go with his lead.
Okay, no more venom. Gotta do this the old fashioned way.
Using his bugs as sensors, he finds anything he can scrap together to keep these guys warm and alive. Couldn't have their body temperature dropping anymore As he scurries around, Tox looks at Kid.
...I suppose that's workable...
"I see...I shall see to that, then." Carefully, Solmira rises with Snowflake in her arms. Avoiding going too fast with an unconscious girl in her arms, she makes her way to the institute, hoping that she won't wake up mid-flight and cause an issue that would jeopardise her safety.
Now, what shall happen once I arrive with her...? I can't let her be taken away by the staff when I arrive...I need to control myself. Maybe...get her to my room before anything else, without drawing unwanted attention...if I even can. I...I can't let her fall victim to my uselessness today!
She continues to fly on, and realises she'd forgotten about something. The last thing she needed was to give herself another opening to do wrong today. She opens comms. "Who is Maximus? I ought to be aware of anyone of significant importance, but I do not remember anything about them."
You see kites lips move, as you lash out, asking if she can ignore the possible threats, and she goes white as a sheet when KQ gives her the message. How the hell did you... suppose it doesn't matter now. I'll tell him. but you need to egt your teammate back to the institute. And he's under house arrest until the disciplinary committee have had time to review his case. Is that understood?
after a moment, you realize that you are doing more damage than good. every push soaks your hands and gloves with more blood, and on the third, you feel ribs crack beneath your hands. still no pulse, no breathing. odds are, Vitas didn't heal them, because they're dead already. what do you do?
The woman is helpful, as best you can tell. a worker for social services , almost retired. but she simply doesn't know who you could be refering to. DCF doesn't investigate deaths, after all. to get more details, you'll have to get some answers out of Ava... which will be kinda hard at the moment, unless Solmira or Genevieve help. what do you do?
...oh. It's HIM.
WAIT. IT'S HIM. Of all the...AAGH!
Desperately reigning in her telepathic output, Solmira starts flying with significantly more urgency than before.
Solmira's flight turns far more reckless as sheer terror propels her with a level of speed and agility she's never known.
ONE THING! I simply need to do ONE THING right today, and KEEP THIS GIRL AWAY FROM THAT INSUFFERABLE BASTARD!
One eye on the sky, Michael notes Maximus approaching. Ugh...I hate to do this. He reaches for his communicator. "Maximus, this is Turnabout. I've got a civilian here, pulled her out from an attack by a super; can you help me get her back to the institute? "
Before Maximus arrives, Michael turns to the woman. "I think it'd be a good idea for you to stay at the Institute for a couple of days, just until we make sure everything's under control. Will that be alright?"
Sorrel nods meekly, not trusting himself to speak.
[dice=Piercing the Mask]2d6+3
I give a curt nod to Kite.
Sorrel. I believe you and my dad will believe you. I'm not going to let them lock you up forever, but you need to come with me back to the institute before you make this worse. Things happen, especially when outside forces get involved, but if you run, that's on you. That's the line. Will you come with me?
Tox stands up, his hands hanging from his side.
They were dead. Of course. It had been futile.
He stood there, thinking about his day, and the two bodies before him. He took his time, slowly getting back to the old way Tox was, calm, composed, maybe a bit wiser than when he was angry.
He makes his way over to Kid and Sorrel, finally noticing the state his other teammate's in.
"Kid, when we get back to base. I think you and I need to have a conversation. And sorry about bringing your dad into this. That was a low blow, and I knew it would press your buttons."
He turns to Sorrel.
"I think I missed most ofwhat happened here, but sorry I wasn't here to help. I was off...making dumb decisions. I'll try to be there from now on."
"Nah, Tox. This one was on me... Thanks though. You too, Quicky. I don't know what's up, but it's out of our hands for now." Sorrel gives Kite an inscrutable look.
I give a curt nod to Tox. Yes, we should.
I turn to Kite The three of us are heading in, unless there's anything else we can do here...
The transmitter setup they were working on when you and Michael left, but the technicians are gone now. mercifully, you can find a discreet landing location. Where do you take Snowflake?
Maximus alters his course, and lands (3-point landing too, the showoff). His aura washes over you, and he strides over. Which villain was it? he asks, after taking one look at the woman, and deciding he was not concerned about her. I will escort the two of you back to the institute, unless I'm called away. we have had an interesting night.
Your dad says He'll be right there. Kite says. You're free to go, you should probably run along if you want him to only beat you by a few minutes.
As we walk back to the institute, I turn to Tox and Sorrel. We should get our stories straight before I talk to my dad...which one of you wants to go first?
Michael grits his teeth as Maximus closes. Reflecting Maximus' aura back at him...the older hero doesn't take it well, and suppressing the effect is...uncomfortable.
"Sorry... Between the blizzard and worrying about the target, I didn't get a good look to see who it was. Winter powers though. Solmira engaged her, I didn't see what happened. But thanks for the escort, sir!"
"Sorrel's still pretty shaken up. Take him first. I can get there on my own if need be. I know a few unseen ways back."
Oh, we should all go in together. I just meant which one of you wants to start telling me what's going on first. Tox...what's the real deal with your new friends? Do you vouch for them?
"Slam and Hyla were just trying to fill out their team." It wasn't going to get anywhere pointing out how deep it cut each time they pointed out his vulnerability. The only thing for it was to make a point of disproving the perception. "I had to help. A team is all some of us have. We got here following a lead on a machinist. When we got to the area, these gangers stopped us. We weren't coordinated. I let things escalate. In a moment of panic, I saw something. Maybe a hallucination... But I could feel a strong presence nearby, and strings pulling us all together. There's something more going on than just me mauling some street thugs."
I think we can keep you out of too much trouble. Sor...Were you the one who opened the comm channel while my dad was having his meeting?
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Sorrel nods hesitantly, "Yes. I didn't mean to call you, but I'm glad you came. I'm not so good with all of this technology. I can send an email, but that's about it."
You stow Snowflake safely in your room and walk into the lobby, at almost the same time as Tox, Quentin, and Ricardo. Tox and Quentin are both soaked in blood, and Ricardo looks badly shaken. also in the lobby are Quickman and Omnirangutan, clearly expecting the trio. what do you do?
Quickman and Omnirangutan are both at the institute when you get there. Cryonova said it was bad, but.... why are you two covered in blood? Quickman asks
Cryonova's initial message reported a number of injured. I would guess these two gentlemen were administering first aid. Omnirangutan replies in his strange mixture of modulated "ook"s, before any of you can speak. More importantly, you said your son reported that this was likely connected with... an ongoing case. Omnirangutan catches himself before he says Harbinger.
Liam is right, why don't you three come over into the debreif room, one at a time, and explain what happened to me and Omnirangutan.
That's unfortunate, but it's good that you prioritized evacing civilians. I'm sure, if the alien hasn't already, that you and Quentin, or the choir, will track down the person responsible, and make sure they're put behind bars. Maximus says patting you on the shoulder
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Don't worry dad, only a little of it is mine. We were helping the people that...the ongoing case...hurt.
When dad suggests splitting us up, I bristle a bit. With all due respect, splitting us up is what you'd do if you thought that we had something to hide, to make sure that our stories all line up. Since this is a cooperative effort, not an interrogation, I think we should all go in together. Sorrel, especially, has been through a lot tonight. He was used as a puppet by the...ongoing case...and I think he could use the support of his friends.
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Autonomy came with issues she'd never had to deal with before.
As she moves toward the bed, her balance and her consciousness starts to fail her, and there's a brief wave of panic as she tries desperately not to drop Snowflake. Lios lightens the girl's body as quickly as possible, and practically throws her onto the bed as she hits the floor.
For a while, she's stuck collapsed on the floor, feeling worthless and upset.
There's a knock at the door. "Are you alright? It seemed like-"
It's out before she can even remember Snowflake is still on her bed, and a pang of guilt hits her for potentially disturbing her. "I'm...I'm fine. Just give me a minute."
"...alright. I'll leave you be." There's a sound of footsteps, going away from the door. Lios reaches out with what she can muster of her mental faculties, and sure enough, there's nobody there anymore. Just her and Snowflake, now.
She grasps about until her hands find the bedframe, and drags herself up to her knees. She looks at where Snowflake is sprawled on the bed, somehow not yet awake, and breathes a sigh of relief.
Slowly, she brings herself to her feet, not letting go of the bed until she's somewhat steady. Then, trying not to disturb her, she does her best to make Snowflake comfortable in her bed.
When she's satisfied, she rummages around for something to write with. While she'd done little with her room, she was sure she hadn't neglected to at least get a pen and some paper...there. She doubted she could get away with waiting here til she woke up, let alone that that was smart to in the first place, but...at least she could leave something for Snowflake.
After a lot of hasty writing, scribbling things out, and general frustration with the still unfamiliar written word, Lios places the note down. She walks to the door, takes look back at Snowflake's sleeping form...and leaves.
On the desks are a few books, written for teenagers and older children. Near them is a folded note on the desk with Snowflake's name on it, written in a sloppy, childlike hand.
I wish to My apologies I'm sorry for earlier.
Today has been a I have had to
I screwed up, today. People I never wanted to know where I was are coming, so I can be brought back with them. And I don't know when.
They don't even understand I don't want to be with them. I doubt I c0u could make them. Not that this matters to you, I guess.
Still, that and the things that led up to it made me emoci imotio ...upset. Very angry, and very upset.
I tried to take it out on you, and I have no clue why I thought that was at all a good idea.
Again, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that.
Right now, you're in my room - if you haven't left it, that is. I haven't told anyone you're there, as of when I wrote this. I hope you weren't too uncomfortable when you woke. Feel free to rest there as you need to.
I'd like to talk to you? If you'll let me? About what that person did?
I agree with why you were doing as you were, but...not how you did it? it wouldn't help the people that were hurt because of them. It wouldn't help others like them. You could have hurt p6 people yourself you didn't mean to. Things could have even gotten worse if it all went to plan.
You were upset, weren't you? A little like I was. But...well...I hurt you badly because I was upset. I only felt worse for it. So what about you? What would happen to you?
I'm trusting you. I don't expect you to trust me so easily, but I will trust you. Michle has faith in you, after all. I think that means something.
You can do this better. I want you to. Because then, things can get better.
I should be back, sooner or later. Hopefully you're doing better by then. I hope nothing happens to you.
If you're going to leave, try not to get caught. And if not, try to relax. One of us has to.
L
S o l m i r a
Solmira's eyes flick between her three teammates as she comes into the lobby, and seeing the state of them, a few words return to her that she had been very wilfully ignoring up until this point.
"Multiple injured...most by me..."
As Ricardo's words return to her, her eyes linger on the blood covering Tox and Quentin, unbelieving of the implications of just how bad it really was - and more to the point, just what Ricardo had actually done. She's shocked.
And then, when Quentin says that Ricardo's been used as a puppet, something snaps. Her anger rises and does not stop rising, hammering down on all present as her face becomes a blazing beacon of light. "What..." She's shaking with rage as she walks up to the group. "What...did you...just say? Quentin? What did you say just happened?"
Her mind rapidly latches onto Sorrel's. Ricardo...is what Quentin saying true, here? Do you know who did it? Where they are?
My eyes dart between Solmira and Quickman. I'm not sure how much I should say in front of her. He clearly wants this under wraps and I'm WAY pushing my luck.
A super villain with an MO for manipulation pushed Sorrel into making some bad choices. Why, what do you know about this? You seem pretty shaken. Did something happen?
Touching Sorrel, psionically, is like passing one's hand through cold water, especially with the rage welling up in Solmira's heart. There's a fountain of calm working against the anger: a learned reflex to always choose anger last. Through a mud of guilt and fear, Solmira touches the edge of Sorrel's epiphany. People like lanterns hung against the night sky, powered by a strong and silent source. The whole experience is tinged with doubt.
Sorrel keeps his mouth shut.
Amidst the anger, a sense of futility starts to make itself known. ...it...no. NO. Not HERE. NO. The connection breaks off.
Solmira scoffs at Quentin. "As I told another earlier, anything that happened occurred long before I arrived on this planet. I admit I know little, Quentin. But I know exactly enough to be unable to abide it." She snaps to Quentin's mind next. There's a sudden shock of writhing fury delivered directly to his mind as it happens.
Ricardo saw something real, Quentin. Something...loathsome. And I have little reason to care what it costs me to see its end, currently.
Whoever would dare to do this to another, they shall be found, and their cruel chaos ended. And with the meagre time I have, obstructions are NOT welcome.
Harsh psychic pressure exerts itself on Quentin's mind, demanding response - demanding answers - backed by a feeling of urgency, a need to do this before something else happens.
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I'm shocked by the sudden psychic assault, but I keep from exposing Solmira to my dad and my uncle who is also a robot primate.
Solmira gets a full blast to the situation, as Quentin understands it. A cruel, manipulative telepath, likely taking control of the gangbangers, POSSIBLY taking control of Sorrel. Exactly the kind of thing that'd set Solmira off.
...Solmira's twitching now. She's definitely twitching now.
The psychic link is sloppy and I get Solmira's feelings back as she feels them. If I don't put a lid on this soon, she might do something stupid and dangerous, to Harbinger or to my dad...
I slow my breathing, trying to send her my feelings of calm and safety over her feelings of anger and betrayal. My dad is going to help us. That makes me feel protected. I push that back to her.
Tox jumps in to immediately rectify the misunderstanding.
"Kid, that was me." he says in a hushed tone. "I was in the area and thought I'd use the opportunity to get information that could be helpful to the team. I didn't want to outright get caught so I used the comms sparingly."
It was a half lie, to cover up the fact he muted the instances when he was in the area.
With Solmira acting as dangerously heated as the sun, he shied away from her. He had enough time being in the wrong today.
I nod to Tox.
You did the right thing. Thanks to you, we know who is behind Sorrel's misfortune. Let's stick together in there when we see dad and whomever else the institute throws at us. We can talk later about your...extracurriculars. If dad or Maximus ask, play dumb.
I lead Sorrel, Tox and myself into the institute, dripping blood...
For a moment, there's nothing. And then, Solmira starts to calm. The incredible fury recedes, and Solmira's eyes dim down to their typical soft glow. Maybe a little dimmer. Without the waves of anger to conceal them, bleakness and regret comes to the surface - feelings that only strengthens as Tox shies away.
Somewhere among the tide of emotion, a sense of unfamiliarity and a pang of distinct envy makes itself known in response to Quentin's feelings about his father.
She continues to stare Quentin down. "Are you going to tell me anything, or not?"
Play along. If we say nothing, it looks strange.
They may help, Quentin, but first they need convincing. I have little doubt you are the only reason this has even been given consideration.
If you wish...I can try and connect you all. Even if you were separated, you could then act as one.
I just.... Uncertainty. Do not know if I am capable.
it isn't that we don't trust you, but Herman and Cryonova Both want to take this into a disciplinary council. Al of you having matching stories will be helpful if that happens. And sorrel will need all the help he can get he doesn't say, because everyone is already thinking it. The council, Maximus and Robert Clyde in particular, has a tendency to come down harder on the less "Photogeic" capes.
Maximus says he is En-route. Omnirangutan hoots, the robotic voice translating for everyone I would prefer is we could get this over with before he arrives.
If you think it's best that we talk to you individually, then that's what we'll do. Just...please go gentle on Sorrel. We both know that he's as little to blame for this as Kilt-tilter is for Glasgow. The longer we waste time on this, the worse things will get out there...
I turn to Sorrel. Don't worry buddy. Just tell the truth. Solmira I give her a quick glance and send her mental signals that I want her to try to link us all together. I still have no idea how to "talk" to her in my head. and the rest of us will be there for you in spirit.