"Ah– Wait wait, I didn't mean it like that! I'll try not to kill anyone and, I mean that like, not that I was trying already, and of course I haven't killed anyone yet– N-not that I was planning on that! I just mean that, that uh... Er... Watashi wa, gomen'nasai, ima hanashite teishi sa remasu." She wrings her hands together, and looks away in emberresemnt. Perhaps it wasn't too late for her to leave?
Darkstorm looks at the girl and laughs. Don't listen to them, I'm sure you haven't killed anyone. I haven't yet, and I can throw around Bio-energy. No way I think you could have killed anyone.
Atsuko blinked. "More than a lot of people would think. To be honest, I wouldn't want to work with people who thought that jumping immediately to violence was the best solution to all problems. It's one thing if time is too short for anything else, or if somebody is so mentally unbalanced that they can't be reasoned with... but empowered vigilantes tend to skirt the law a lot as it is, and I think we have a moral responsibility to look for a peaceful resolution whenever it's possible and practical to do so." It didn't always work, of course, but refusing to look for non-violent solutions because some people wouldn't accept them was a lot like executing everyone who was arrested because some of them would commit crimes in the future. She had no intention of associating herself with a group that wasn't genuinely heroic.
Fighting happens. Do you see groups like the Justice League, or the Avengers stop fighting? I understand that peace should be kept, but honestly fighting will happen, but limiting yourself to certain situations to be willing to fight will most likely end up with you dead.
The Darkstorm shook his head. Your way seems good in paper, but how many times do you think it will work. How many times is some villain mentally stable. Even Doctor Apacolypse states that he found something in his head and fixed it. Im not saying that we should kill people, but take them down, make sure they end up in prison. Even so there will be situations where we have no choice. Honestly when was the last time you heard of Pacifist-Man
"How about we get some more details before we talking philosophy, eh?"
Masumi seems very in favor of Felix's suggestion, rather then more talking.
"How about we get some more details before we talking philosophy, eh?"
Sounds preferable. Need to write a paper anyway. Anyone have a pen and some paper?
Punching things, essentially. The Phantom said. I hate to admit it, but that's all some of the newer folk see these days, and it's what I fell into after my ideals got old. None of you should have to kill anyone, but I've got a bodycount too high to be able to judge anyone here if it comes to it. Fighting should be avoided at all costs, of course, the same way you would deal with a jumper, but if you can't talk someone down, then the only way to handle the situation is with action, preferably non-lethal. He nodded. The honest truth is that most of us aren't diplomats when we put on the mask. Stark and Richards help without their masks, but fight when they suit up. We're closer to soldiers than anything. And we drop into needless vigilantism along the lines of the Punisher, we're just criminals.
He nods. But you're right, enough philosophy. He turned to Masumi, speaking in japanese.
Relax, you made a good point.
The goal here is to finally set up a sturdy defense for Eden. Me, Banshee, Wraith, the ECPD, and Media are doing our best, but we're being overwhelmed. We're not Gotham just yet, but if what's happening keeps happening, we're headed to Bludhaven. I want to see how capable you are as a team, I'll have a task for you tomorrow night. Now, we're officiating the group. Publicity shots will be taken in a week.
Public figures and heroes sounds nice. Question, we can still keep our identities secret right? I don't want to pull a Stark and get my house blown up cause I said to much.
In due time he said... Thoughtform stews silently as the others talk about whether to fight or not, or some-such ridiculousness, but tunes in again as Phantom speaks once more.
<They want our help>
Her again... at least that was the impression he got, not that he could say why. That was an all too common occurrence these days, if only he could find his family he was sure... sure that he would be able to remember. A catch 22 if ever he heard of one.
He was delaying though, he felt the tug of Phantom's words, knew that She was right; Eden was his city, he knew that much like he knew that Phantom was... a friend. If things were as bad as Phantom said--and he had to take his word for it, the place was so different from the vague memories he had--then he had to help. But... how?
<Accept. Together we are strong.>
Damn Her...
"Alright..." She mutters, still unsure. "Uh, when should we be here? And er... Should we need to... Go over what we can do? For strategies and stuff?"
The girl makes a good point. Lets see, I can write a C- paper in four hours... ohh she means power wise. I am told I am good at intimidating people, I can walk through walls, disappear and fly. Well I can make people disappear with me. I can control bio energy, and have used it to enhance my strength. Darkstorm states outright.
He glaces around. I also am tough, probably due to... reasons... have a working application of Boxing and Self defense, and apparently can heal myself and only myself. Some kind of regeneration. And never get sick. I don't know if that is a power though. That is all I know of power wise.
"My abilites? Let's see. First of all, I have a skill matrix taken from the entire population of Philadelphia. The compression algorithm means I can't know it all at once, but I can am an expert in everything.
I've implanted an alien neural system that gives me psychokinetic powers; flight, telekinesis, shielding, etc. I can carry other people when I need to.
I have agreed not to build robots anymore, but I can build devices when I need to."
Hearing about how they are essentially soldiers makes the alien beam internally. Ha! The humour falls ironically on this cast! For I was already sent here to defend the humans! This should decrease the margin for error exponentially!
Seeing the others talking about their abilities sort of leaves him feeling sort of jealous when he thinks of his own capabilities. He's never had any extra-ordinary gifts or talents - compared to the others, he might seem more like a human than anything! Speaking in his monotonous way, Mick adds to the conversation when he sees a chance emerge.
"I have been chosen by my home planet Uurthrana's military to come to this planet's defenses. I have extensive training in combat - with and without weaponry - I can operate as a scout for others, and I have exceptional cloaking technology to hide from sight and to distract the enemy... I am not abnormal from you all - I possess significance. My commander has trained me to adequate measures. I serve practical purposes..." As his voice trails off, he looks around the room before stepping back and awaiting the others, thinking to himself how he must prove to the others that one does not need powers to be a hero!
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She get's a little less confident, and hits herself slightly seeing that they're actually going with her idea. That wasn't the intention she had at all, and now the pressure's going to be on her soon if she doesn't speak up. Which... she just doesn't yet, but she does grip her backpack a little tighter. 'That was an absolutely terrible idea, why did I ever suggest that?!'
<As we are we can perform only the simplest of functions. Accept what is and there is much more we can do. The minds of the native species are simple things, easy to read, manipulate, deceive or disrupt. Simpler even to manipulate the local environment and our place within it.> the voice says calmly. It was not quite emotionless, but She seemed very... clinical.
He didn't particularly like the way she talked about the 'native species', but he couldn't help being a little intrigued. What was to stop Her from taking him over though, if he was such an inferior species?
<Do your scientists want to control the things they study? The being known as Simon was different, it's potential unrealized while it lived.>
Eh, Different? Unrealized potential? What was She talking about. But that name... That was him! Holy smokes! How did She know that?
<Told you. Accept what is, you know too.>
He could feel his resolve faltering... She wanted to study him, and to do so he had to accept her, and he would regain his memories. Had she taken them from him then?! But... no, that didn't feel right. Stubbornly he tries to hold onto his independence, but finally he gives a mental sigh. Alright, he would do it.
It started as a small flare of light, like a sparkler and grew rapidly in brilliance and size; the size of a baseball, a basketball, then it took on the shape of an egg, which sprouted symmetrical lumps at base and upper sides. No not an egg, a torso.
In a few more seconds the uncomfortably intense light began to fade, leaving the figure of a lightly glowing, mature gentleman wearing neat, dress fashion that was several decades out of date, with a large bushy moustache, and a bowler hat, though it all appeared to be made of the same glowing substance as the rest of him. The figure seems to be staring at his hands in shock. Those who were able to see Thoughtform before would find this new 'body' enveloping the ball that had been floating in midair before.
"What... what is this?" he asks in confusion
<This is a mental projection of Simon. We thought it would be easier for those the one known as Phantom wishes us to join with.> She answers his question, speaking only to Simon.
"Er...yes. I suppose so." he says to apparently noone as he brushes himself down and tugs at his vest. He shifts his attention to those around him who may be surprised at his sudden 'entrance'. "I suppose you can call me Thoughtform. Nice to meet you all." he says, his manners taking over as he tries to get control of himself. He holds off on sharing his newfound name, though he casts a glance at Phantom, beaming a short thought to him as he begins to instinctively manipulate the powers that She was feeding to him, feeling her gentle touch guiding him. Does the name Simon mean anything to you? I believe that is who I was.
"Right! We were talking about what we can do! Well uh... I have no physical body normally, but as you can see I can create images and, uh, yes sounds. I am, I believe what you would call a psychic! None of that rubbish fortune telling mind you but... uhh if someone would volunteer perhaps?" he says, hoping he could trust Her to support his claims. He gets only a surge of positive feeling in response as he feels her presence fading as it wraps itself around and he believes through his own. It was distinctly unnerving and his avatar shivers visibly.
Senses 3 (Acute: (Scent), Low-light Vision, Tracking: (Scent) 1: -1 speed rank), Speed 3, Leaping 3 (Alternate), Enhanced Trait 3 (Advantages: Improved Critical 2 (Unarmed), Improved Trip)
Tau sat in a worn, overstuffed leather chair, listening attentively as he sipped at his black herbal tea. They discussed the morality and efficacy of violence, and while he kept his thoughts to himself, the young woman, Masumi held her moral ground. He smiled to himself, she reminded him of his mother, Sabella, and her many discussions regarding morality, and how one, especially a Prince, had an obligation to walk the higher road, the harder path.
She once again, in her mild manner, urged the group ahead, so that they may learn of one another and their capabilities. She had an intelligence, and humility about her that spoke of strong character.
"I a warrior of some small skill, trained in the many killing arts of the tribal people of the African sub-continent. I have been blessed with the right, and the responsibility, to call upon the strength of the various totem spirits which pervade our world. Anyone familiar with the recent history of my home nation, Bangalla, would know that I am committed to combating the depredations of corrupt and evil men where ever I may find them. Eden City is no different, for I have already seen the roots of corruption in the short time I have been here."
"Right! We were talking about what we can do! Well uh... I have no physical body normally, but as you can see I can create images and, uh, yes sounds. I am, I believe what you would call a psychic! None of that rubbish fortune telling mind you but... uhh if someone would volunteer perhaps?" he says, hoping he could trust Her to support his claims. He gets only a surge of positive feeling in response as he feels her presence fading as it wraps itself around and he believes through his own. It was distinctly unnerving and his avatar shivers visibly.
<italics> - Her. The entity that gives Simon/Thoughtform his powers. Most likely will never speak directly to anyone else in normal circumstances.
bold&italics - Simon's mental communications. Will generally include who the thoughts are directed too unless this h as been previously established.
"bold" - Simon using mental illusions to 'talk', generally will only be visible/audible to the team (yay for Selective)for the volunteer to read:
Hmm, I wouldn't mind Thoughtform. Darkstorm replies.
Darkstorm shudders as his subconscious attempts to reject Thoughtform. Before it can however, his conscious mind allows Thoughtform in. He then dances a quick jig, and bows.
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Atsuko just watched. It, uh, probably wasn't a good idea for others to go digging around in her head - who knew what they might find in there? (Her gifts were barely friendly to her, much less anyone else.)
On the other hand, it was interesting to listen to other people's motivations for being here. She didn't have a great tragedy, or the expectations of her people, or anything else driving her - she just wanted to help people as she could and pay her bills along the way. It was almost awkwardly mundane.
She watched wide eyed as Thoughtform manifested himself, even if only some sort of mental illusion, that was extensively impressive. She wondered how that would've even looked to her using the sight granted to her as Ravager, if she would've even seen anything at all. And then, seeing that Darkstorm guy's body get controlled just like that? No doubt such an ability would come in useful for them later.
"So... well... all this talk. Guess i should add my input. I can do almost anything. Provided i have the correct tools where needed. Not saying i am the best. But i have skill. Second. I can cause people to see things. That are not really try. Make them think have been hurt. Where they are not. Comes in very handy. Oh. And i can shadow jump. Thats a lot of fun. Especially at night" he chuckles
"Then... well then... there is my partner. The one people call The Jester."
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"Welp, we got two people who can do anything. At least that makes it easier for the rest of us, right?"
Felix chuckles to himself.
"I've had some training myself, though I wouldn't put it at the level of an alien military commando. Hmm..."
He thinks to himself, about anything else that is unique about him.
"Well, I guess I have a few knick-knacks that my family hunts for. You know, make sure they aren't used for evil and all that, though I'd be lying if a few members weren't a bit greedier than others."
He pulls the small bag tied to his side, undoes the knotted rope, and holds it upside down. A torrent of various items falls onto the floor including: paperback science fiction, empty soda bottles, loose change, a few loaves of bread, a cinderblock, among other things.
"Saint Nick's Magic Bag," He explains as he starts shoveling the mess back in."By the way, Santa isn't real, though I don't think I need to explain that bit."
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Hearing such a statement from Felix has Mick feeling confused, leaving him to conclude that Felix must not get around during the holidays. Perhaps he hibernates?
"What do you mean, 'Santa is not real?' I have seen the gift-bearer in red many times personally when I have needed to replenish my provisions. Perhaps I should take you shopping during the winter - you shall see him with your own two eyes then, and may even perhaps feel inclined to insert currency into his benevolent bucket. I am told his proceeds go towards helping the humans in need. His operation resonates with my mission's task."
Leaning to Felix, Mick takes one of the humans hands inbetween two of his own and stares awkwardly closely into his eyes, saying, "Do not worry human. If you ever require lessons in combat, I will instruct you as my commander has instructed me." On his planet, such an action was meant to portray camaraderie between fellow soldiers, and he can only hope that his ways are translated as such.
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"Um...."
Felix leans to the side to look past Mk'voryal at the rest of the group. He doesn't move his hand though.
"Am I missing something here?"
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The good doctor will simply look at Felix and put a finger to his lips.
Thoughtform's illusory body remains as he plucks a thought from Darkstorm's head, but when he shifts his effort to manipulating his actions that form disappears and his 'true form' streams forward to envelop the young hero before sinking completely into his body (for those two able to see such things).
The experience is strange to say the least for the both of them as Simon's mind slips in to envelop Darkstorm's own. The control itself if simple Simon finding it just the same as it had been with the illusory form, like it was simply his own body.
When he relinquishes control he reestablishes his glowing body. "Uhh, thank you..."
<He is known as Darkstorm>
"Yes. Thank you Darkstorm."
Darkstorm laughs. No problem Thoughform. That is pretty useful. I'm glad we are on the same team.
Darkstorm grabs his root beer taking another sip. So a lucky guy, an Alien military man, a former villain, a guy with ghost powers, a jack-of-all-trades in a super suit, Thoughtform, a Prince, and two girls who have yet to mention their powers. Anyone else feel good about this team.
Darkstorm will take a minute to relax, still a bit unnerved, and definitely impressed, by Thoughtform's powers.
Now I have several serious questions. Primarily, how are we supposed to juggle our non hero lives with our hero lives. I have college and work to do. At the mention of work, Darkstorm quickly glances at Tau, before looking back at everyone else. Second, how public will we be? And third off, will I get a decent amount of Root beer working with the team?
She makes a face of disgust at the drink's mention, "Just keep that s@$# away from me and we'll be good," She mutters. The fact that he's pointed out how she still hasn't given a summary just continues to weigh down on her, increasing her nerves tenfold. So much for hoping they'd just forget about her and move on.
"Just so you know, I care about my reputation." Atsuko explained. "I won't hesitate to disappear from anything I don't want to be associated with." Reputation was everything, after all. It was a matter of practicality - you really didn't want someone like the Justice League coming down on you for going too far, or even viewing you with too much suspicion. It wasn't about superpowers, either - if the people hated you and nobody wanted to sell you a house or give you a job, that was almost as bad.
"A-ahaha, y-yeah, I care about reputation too, h-hehehe... Heh." Her voice falters and cracks, perspiration beading down her forehead as she thinks back to the numerous negative posts about Ravager. This was more then likely a very huge mistake. Especially with good heroes with good, respectable reputations, she doesn't want to drag anyone down just because of how inept she was at this whole thing.
Are you ok? Darkstorm asks the youngest girl. Whatever powers you got, use em for the good of the city and you got my support. Would it make you feel better if I walked through a wall? Explain how hard it is to keep from telling my friends about these powers? How I'm seen as a scourge to some of my classmates, at least my hero self is?
He pauses to look for some chips among the snacks. Then thinks better of it. If it makes either of you feel better, Batman didn't always have a good reputation, and now he is considered a hero to the world. I certainly have a hard time considering myself a hero, and no, I have not killed anyone. Even the Former Villian has been let into this group of heroes. No offence intended Dr.
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Simon... I think I knew a few Simons. The Phantom said, taking a long look at the newly projected image of thoughtform. Though something about you... Oh, nostalgia, it fails me at the most innoportune times.
He observed it closer. You look familiar.
He turned to Felix. Santa's real. Met him. He said. I don't know why most people doubt he is. We have Superman, Dr. Strange, and a Hulk, what makes Santa so weird?
Don't worry, Atsuko, I will handle anything that could damage the team's reputation personally, and behind the scenes. Though I don't know how associating yourself with me will help. I'm friends with half the community, and the other half wants to punch me in the face, with a venn diagram of folks in between.
He hummed at the mention of Batman.
Him... he's... overated.
He's awesome. The Wraith said.
Ol' Phantom's had a grudge with the bat since he first appeared.
It's not a grudge, it's a... healthy rivalry. The Phantom said. We have a great deal of respect for the other, even if his head is getting to big for his cowl.
I think you've got it the other way around there, Phantom. The Banshee said.
The Black Phantom's looking a bit green, I say. Said the Wraith.
The Phantom grunted. Regardless, there is this crime lord with a taste of the flamboyant, codename Cardinal, that's been evading me. I was planning on sending two teams out to investigate the streets at night in search for him. I'm told he might have... well-known criminal reinforcements. How does that sound.
"What year is it anyway?" Thoughtform asks suddenly, looking around at the gathered individuals. He knew this wasn't the same time as he'd come from, but had never thought to investigate it when there were much more pressing issues. Now he was starting to feel a little more... stable however; even if his past was still largely a mystery he was starting to actually look forward and well... this talk of reputation made him realize that he likely didn't have one. For all intents and purposes he didn't exist.
I'll take him on, I'll just need a sick note for school. Could use a challenge, college level crime isn't all that big.
Darkstorm reaches to his side, as if thinking he had pockets. Well, if I die, Alexa will never know what happened. Probably for the best
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The hell? Phantom can talk about the big guy in red? They made me sign a non-disclosure agreement before I left the workshop!
Felix merely shrugs. Old saint Nick has some pretty powerful detection abilities. Didn't make it this fair to goof up and land himself on the naughty list.
"I'm up for a little action. So long as you don't mind helping me dig up some info I'm looking for."
He looks over to Darkstorm.
"Cool it down a bit. Not everyone here is up to sharing. There's quite a range of experience here, not to mention we all met for the first time not too long ago. Give the girls some breathing room, eh? Provided they stick around, we'll have plenty of time for trust falls and mediation circles."
Hearing Darkstorm and the others talking about their publicity, Mick nods his head and hums in agreement before adding, "I hold the tactical advantage here - I hold no separation from self and heroics. I am unlike the girl who sweats though for I am opposed to being overly exposed to the public outside of necessities. I have my combat gear to keep me hidden from sight - if you wish for us to have a positive image however, I will agree to your terms though I will still try my best to remain without detection in public. That said, if you are needing a sick note explaining your absence from academics, I will happily provide you with a letter. Your pursuit in intellect is admirable, and your desire for heroics even more so. I commend you, bearer of canned grace."
The alien turns his head to face the Phantom and crosses his four arms, saying, "I will serve in this operation. I have experience in reconnaissance and scouting. You will not be disappointed with my performance." Crouching down into a stealthy form and holding his position, Mick awaits their next move.
...When had they actually started talking about Santa Claus? Atsuko sighed slightly, but kept her opinions to herself. She still wasn't sure what to make of these people - or how they'd react to her... traits - so it was best to simply observe for now. She could leave anytime she wanted, after all, so there was no harm in sticking around to see how things went.
Darkstorm nods at Felix's comments. Perhaps you are right.
He then turn toward Mk'voryal. Thank you, and I can't wait to see you in action. I believe there may be a few more cans with the rest of the snacks. There's a lot there.
Glancing to the watch around his upper left arm's wrist, he nods to Darkstorm and says, "Y-you know.. It couldn't hurt to go ahead and have another one... Or two. I will be awaiting our next move over here!" His tone is one of excitement as he practically skips over to the table, opens his helmet's mouth-cover, and begins eating another can or two of cat food, feeling a wave of bliss falling over him as he consumes.
"You want us to show up uh... around this time? I can do that... But, I'll look a little..." Her voice get's much quieter, as she barely manages to get out, "Different."
"No, really. What year is it?" Thoughtform repeats, still looking expectantly at everyone "I remember... we beat the bloody reds to the moon, and... I suppose Nixon's not in power any more. Uh... Hey have we got space colonies yet? That'd be worth a look!"
No space colonies yet, though the Doctor here tried if I remember correctly. Its 2016. Darkstorm replies.
What are we waiting for, lets go after this guy... wait, first can I borrow a phone. I need to call someone important. Why did I say that out loud
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"I succeeded, and the Justice League and Avengers destroyed it." He corrects. There's no judgement in his voice.
"What time and place are we meeting again? And you said two teams. How are we splitting up?"
You hear the Phantom laugh a bit. It was common knowledge since that scandal after the Cold War, but Simon might not have been around for that. I'm Russian, Simon, though you are narowing it down a little bit.
Ah, good times, good times. The Phantom said reminescing about the combined force it took to take down Apocalypse's moon base. We do have the JLA Watchtower, though. That almost counts. Reed's working on a colony proper. Just blueprints, now, though. Based off of the Doctor's, in fact.
Will you be able to... control yourself, Masumi? The Phantom asked.
Here. 10PM tomorrow. He answered Felix. Fully suited and ready to kick ass. This being your first time out, I'll pick the roster of the two teams. Until then, you can stick around or go home and consider your new life as a Masquer.
"I'm exactly how I am now when I'm like that, just look different," She mutters out, sticking to her home language. She fiddles her hands together, before she decided to make a beeline for the exit. "I-if we're done here for today then, I should get going-!"
I should head out, finish a paper... Darkstorm says.
"Do you get a kickback for having your blueprints used Dr. A?"
He looks at the Phantom.
"I'll stick around if that's all right you with you. The Cabricornious estate is on a far off island and my little law office isn't the most comfortable place. Got a billiards or ping pong table? And mind if I have a pizza delivered?"
"Oh, interplanetary colonization is such a boon to humanity that I am honored to be a part of it." he says selflessly. "And if my design was better than anything Reed Richards could come up with, it says something."
"10pm. Gotcha! All done? Need to get back home. Cant be out all night. Long day. Training and all that!"
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