”I guess,...” Mattie replies to Shon, a doubtfull look on her face, But why would they necessarily be hiding somewhere related to animals? I mean, they’re not really animals. They’re people. In fact, from what we can tell they hate that they’ve been turned into hybrids. Wouldn’t that mean they’d avoid places like zoos? I mean, after all, just ‘cause my powers are to do with fire, that doesn’t mean I have to live in a chimney.”
Kayla shakes her head at Holly’s suggestion. ”That could antagonize them too much. Make them do something so stupid it puts civilians in immediate danger. Maybe we should blend everyone’s plans. Drop off cameras at each possible target location, and then we go scout out where they could possibly be hiding. Those who can’t fly remain in the Inquiry and keep tabs on the monitors while the fliers search for their hide out. That way we are doing everything simultaneously, and if we find them great, but if they strike we will already be on the move and together.”
She places a reassuring hand on Horizon’s shoulder when his confident shell cracks.
Psyche nods at Mattie's doubts. "You're right. We don't have enough information to find their lair, yet. They don't have any specific needs for it except privacy, which is unfortunately easy to find." She softens her tone, "I agree that it would be better to take the fight to them, Shin. I just don't think it's practical right now.
"Oh, and Blockbuster. Old-fashioned Stakeout: Phrase: Meaning a period of covert on-site surveillance of a building or area."
The computer's algorithms process the new information provided by Psyche. "Acknowledged. 'Old-fashioned stakeout' has 100 percent chance of success if the Mongrels attack the Dawkins Facility. Current analysis of probability that the facility will be the Mongrels' target, however, is at 34.3 percent."
"Animal instincts. They're part people, yeah, but they can't blend into the crowd. They need supplies, food, and can't get that by walking into a Woolworth's. So they got find someplace secluded, with access to food, medical supplies, while preparing for whatever job the Chosen want them," He presses, crossing his arms. "My dad always taught me in chess, you got to think more than just one move ahead if you want to win."
He glances at Kayla's hand on his shoulder, confused but relieved she's trying to back him up. He also hears Psyche, and pitches in with another idea. "We should also consider that they're working on the Chosen's behalf. If the bug lady has her bugs sacrificing themselves for the Chosen, that means they must have a target in mind and I doubt it's anything to do with genetics. Blockbuster, high profile events happening in the next twenty four hours?"
Okay, no calling out. But I'm gonna see if some crowdsourcing can't speed this up a little
She opens Twitter Good morning Halcyon fans! We want to know if you've seen any members of the Mongrels. If you have, DM or mention me when and where. Cheers!
"34.3's not bad. High enough that it definitely merits a few cameras at least. And, Shin, the people in her hive aren't insects. I hope it's just the other Mongrels she's thinking of, but it could easily be innocent bystanders that she's planning on sacrificing.
"There are too many possibilities if we don't have any extra information. I guess we have to hope this is one of those times Twitter isn't used for evil."
The supercomputer spits out a list of major events scheduled. The Halcyon Halos hockey team has a match against the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon. Celeste Dios is in concert at the Siegel Center. A street festival is going on all day in Little Italy. Halcyon's Race for the Displaced charity 5K is going on at 6 a.m. tomorrow. Shark Week is ongoing on the Discovery Channel.
Blockbuster, pull up a map and mark possible lairs, recent sightings, and possible targets. I want to see if anything jumps out.
"None of those sound like obvious targets," Shin comments on the list. He's glad for Kylie's support, though again he's confused by it. "If we can't find them, then we're reactionary. If we're reactionary, then people are probably going to be hurt before we get a chance to arrive..." He clenched his fists, angry at not being versed enough to see the full picture.
"...If we can't find them, we should at least try not to advertise our team to them. We don't need them preparing extinguisher grenades for Scorch or a lead box for me," He muttered. He really wished that he could ask his dad about what to do.
"Also, what nutjob charity starts a race at six in the morning? Why is a charity running a race in the first place? And why are bird sounds possibly evil?" He asks, pacing as his brain works the problem. "...I think Kayla's right about patrolling. We should try and cover as much of the city as we can, and have Blockbuster be our switchboard for our handset radios," He says as he holds up the comm Rory gave him. "Anyone disagree with her choices on partners?"
Frostbite's instructions result in a display of a map of Halcyon City. Several dots appear -- blue for possible pairs, yellow for possible targets, and red for recent sightings. The only red dot is the containment facility from which they escaped, though that is not within the city limits. The dots are randomly distributed across the map.
"Hey, why not highlight the most likely ones? Blockbuster acknowledge: Isaiah. Attach probability estimates to the target and lair sites, please."
"We might as well start with Blockbuster's recommendations, but legwork is going to be necessary. We will need to split up. Especially since we have nothing resembling a guarantee that they won't do the same to create as much of a distraction as possible."
With that, she started floating towards the mercifully unoccupied shower, sending only a quick message as she got ready to depart.
"I'm still listening in, but I have a hunch we'll need to start moving soon if we're going to find those Mongrels before they strike."
”Then let’s break up into the four teams I proposed and each cover an area. Soon as we get a sighting we report in and gather up on the scene to engage ASAP,” Kayla says, feeling like they had gone full circle back to her original plan.
"Sounds good." For a moment, everyone feels a static-y mental fuzz, and then the connection clears.
Psyche arrives back in the common room, a striking outfit of black leather and creamy silk already dissolving into the layers of psychic webs that make up her costume.
"With Chiros's ears, this should be a safer way to call for backup."
"So, start by placing cameras at the likely targets, then start searching potential lairs?"
"Welcome, Isaiah," Blockbuster responds. The computer then shows its limitations, as the probabilities in the display do not go higher than the 34.3 percent calculated at the Dawkins facility.
Having stepped into the background to observe, Silver Shield folds her arms and says nothing.
If we're patrolling... Holly pauses Kayla will want to go with Rory, Scorch doesn't super like me, and honestly, Kylie freaks me out... and if we find them, I don't think Nes and I could fight them off, even enough to escape.. so Isaih or DuskShin... the media just saw Shin carrying my out of that fight. I'll go with Isaiah
”We need to split the flight capable ones of us up with those who can’t to give us the greatest mobility. That’s why I had originally suggested myself with Gallowglass, Rory with you, Psyche with Horizon, and Holly with Isaiah. Then if something comes up, the flier can carry the other to the scene,” Kayla counters.
Kylie could feel that more hurt at Holly's thoughts would creep into her mind's voice than she wanted, so Psyche responded audibly, a hint of scorn at the edges of her words instead, "Praetoria has already come up with appropriate teams of two:
You and Isaiah,
Horizon and I,
Praetoria and Gallowglass,
and Scorch and Frostbite."
A blush tried to form, as she realized she was talking over Kayla, but Psyche squashed it as she finished, "Unless someone has a pressing reason why their partner is unsatisfactory, I suggest we get to it."
"I'm fine with that... but what will our routes be? We don't want to spread too far apart, but also want to cover as many potential locations as possible. I can spread a few cameras around to cover some spots, but there are limits to how many can reasonably be kept track of at a time. We should also have plans ready for if we do spot them. I'd recommend not engaging without our whole team together if possible."
Shin is once again distracted by Kylie broadcasting while she goes to clean up. He buckles down to focus as they lay out their plans.
"I think we've refined the plan with discussion. Isaiah can set up the cameras for us to plant, then hit the different targets. Kylie, you mind if we hit the University? I know the area. Well, I did." He says.
It also suddenly occurs to him that she'll be suspending him in the air flying over there, with no other support. It was both thrilling and terrifying to think about.
”Gallowglass and I can take Dawkins Facility. And yes, unless ABSOLUTELY necessary, nobody engage until the team arrives,” Kayla says as she walks over to Gallowglass.
”Ready to fly?” she asks the archer.
"Oh, and one other point. While its quite likely they'll strike soon, there's not guarantee that the Mongrels will do anything today. We may be at this for several days before anything major happens, and we can't stay awake forever. When and where should we meet up if we don't find anything suspicious in the first few hours?"
"We'll be linked psychically and electronically. We can figure that out once we actually need a break. And yes, I'm fine starting with the University."
Privately she sends, "So, telekinesis means you aren't restricted to The Damsel or the Awkward Armpit Hold. How would you like to fly, Shin?"
Mattie glances around the others and then over at The Silver Shield. Sterling herself, she speaks up. ”So we’re going to split up after-all? I thought we decided that was a bad idea. I still think it’d be better if we all went to Dawkin’s and monitored the other places - it’s the most likely target after all, and we can still monitor the other possible targets... I don’t see what we gain by splitting up if we aren’t going to engage anyway. If you think splitting up and checking them all out is the best plan then ok, we can do that. I just don’t think it’s a great idea.”
"If we were pursuing a wholly reactive plan, I would agree Mattie. But if we want a chance of finding them before they strike, then splitting up is the only way we'll cover enough ground. Just stay smart, and it'll all be fine."
"Praetoria. You've got to crack the whip a little. Someone has to take charge; Holly doesn't want to take center stage, and I'm the scary one. It has to be you."
”They’re pretty unlikely to show themselves though.” Mattie replies ”After all, they probably know we’re looking for them... we posted it to twitter! Wouldn’t monitoring the net and Mosaic’s followers be more likely to find them than us patrolling? Splitting into four teams just provides the chance for them to take us out two at a time.”
"Does the Rhino have scanners? Isaiah definitely has scanners in his ship, I'll be doing a closer-in telepathic sweep, and there's no way that a place where the Mongrels have been hiding out won't have some kind of odor Bear can pick up on. And that's before any of the benefits we'll have from getting some actual eyes on some of these potential hideouts."
”But if we don’t, then they have the chance to run a rampage with no hope of any of us being there to stall if need be for the team to arrive. This way at least if things are desperate and civilians are at risk, we can at least use hit and run to try and distract them to buy the team time,” Praetoria says as she steps into the middle of the discussion. ”The longer we wait, the more time they have to make their own preparations. Let’s move out, Sentinels. My team to Dawkins. Psyche and Horizon to the University. Scorch and Frostbite to Infini-Corp, and Holly and Isaiah to the Medical Institute. Start there then search the region for signs of their activity. Scouting only. Maintain contact with one another. And try not to engage unless absolutely necessary until the whole team arrives.”
She turns and pats Gallowglass on the shoulder before moving to the elevator.
Mattie shrugs, still looking unconvinced but resigned to the decision. ”Ok then.” she turns to Rory. ”You take Rhino, I’ll fly.”
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A chill went through Psyche at just how receptive Kayla's mind was. I have to keep her safe from Vespid. Someone who really wanted her as a weapon, or wanted to control her... She might never break free on her own. Did Dusk know? How?
And beneath all that, a less frightened, sadder thought. One of her mother's rules of survival drifted up from her memory. "Don't worry about it with boys, they're all dogs anyways, but you can't be a girl's first Anything. I don't care if it's fair, Kylie. Sooner or later she'll find out what you can do, if you haven't already been foolish and told her, and she'll wonder if you whammied her, or worse, she'll run her mouth, and other people will wonder, and BAM! Pitchforks, torches, suitcase bombs, men coming to take you away in the middle of the night! So you promise me, Kylie!"
The conversation hadn't been about Kayla. It hadn't been about anyone in particular. It was just the first thing her mother had told her after she'd come out as bi. Well, the first thing after, "Well of course you are! Why would you worry me, telling me you had something big to tell me...
The rule was easy to follow. She didn't date much, boys or girls, and she'd gotten over her tweenage crush from before Kayla transferred away a long time ago. Had barely even thought about it even when Kayla was leaning on her.
Mom's right. Even if she did like girls, now that you know how easy it would be... That can never happen.
Look at how even your team thinks about you. And would You even really be sure you hadn't ever given her a little subconscious nudge? It can Never happen.
My preference is under my own power, but I think I can manage my panic reflex if you just float me along with you, He thought back to Kylie, obviously still nervous but placing his trust in her not to drop him. He wondered what force she manipulated to move things. He was at least glad that Kayla was stepping up to lead.
Well, let's get going. I'll show you where my father's lab...well, was. He was a great scientist, one of the leading physicists in America. I hope his work in the Big Apple didn't get disrupted when I...well I guess I didn't just vanish. Time traveling is a real brain twister. He thought as they headed out. He noticed that Kylie was quieter than usual.
Hey, this seems like an odd requesr, but do you think that you could use your powers to help someone relive their memories? I'm wondering if I might be able to recall all of the lessons my father taught when I was just a kid sitting quietly in his lecture hall. Might help me figure out my powers. In exchange...well, you get to see what life was like in your far past I suppose. Could be fun.
Maybe he was trying to cheer her up by presenting a problem she could solve with her powers. He was definitely warming up to the idea of her in his head.
Oh, that works.
Holly strides over to Isaiah Hey, partner. We're starting at the Medical institute? Can we stop by Pediatrics on the way... If Ms. Lester okays it?
"That should be fine. Oh, and don't forget to pick up a couple cameras, everyone! There's a stack of them next to Inquiry now. Anyway, I'm guessing you'd probably prefer to ride onboard Inquiry rather than have me carry you around by hand, right? I can even blank the windows if you'd prefer not to be seen."
Isaiah gestured toward the exit, while Inquiry carefully stacked a dozen freshly fabricated spycams ready to be deployed.
Yeah, let's take Inquiry. but no need to blank the windows. we're being heroes, not buying drugs. let the world see us. Holly says
So, Rory, Mattie, Kayla, you, and Kylie. It's just me, Ness, and Shin who can't fly. I always kinda Envied Abby for that. But I guess with her powers, I really couldn't do this.
"Okay, well if you've got problems with heights, I've got a couple ways to help with that, just let me know." The sending is accompanied by a low current of warmth.
"And I'd be happy to help with memories. It's not time travel or anything, but you'd be surprised what's locked away up there. When you're from has a lot of... attitudes that I don't find very welcoming, but it could be fun to see what made it home for you." The warm current of her thoughts intensifies, carrying with it the feel of her lips spreading into a quiet smile. "And you could definitely see your dad again.
"Either way, it should probably wait til we aren't looking for a bunch of fur-covered lunatics.
Yeah, I know what you mean by attitudes. I'm not used to spending so much time with white people that don't start asking if I know secret martial arts, or ask if I've had my buckteeth fixed when I've never had it. But there was this Jewish couple with their kids in our neighborhood, and they got it bad as well. I'm glad that none of the others are like that. I hope not, at any rate. Psyche's mental warmth is met by his own, feeling comfortable with her presence, forgetting a bit that he was floating high above the ground with her.
So, since your attempt to psychically locate them hit a snag, do you think that Vespid will be looking for strong mental presences? Maybe you should try to mask it somehow-
His train of thought was derailed as he glanced down in the city and noticed again how high they were, slight panic setting in. He fumbled with his hand before grabbing Kylie's and squeezing it, feeling better with something solid to hold.
Need to get to heights if I'm ever going to learn to fly, He thought to her as they hit the University campus grounds.
"Vespid seemed like more of a broadcaster than a receiver; I think we should be fine..." A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as Shin took her hand. I was thinking I could reach in to dampen his anxiety, or give him some mental blinders, or just find something opaque to float on to block the view, but holding hands works too.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to get used to this while you learn to fly. And it's always better to have someone who can catch you when you're first hitting the sky, you'll have that for sure."
Alright, Infini-corp it is, I'll grab the Rhino unless you want to give me a piggy back ride?
Rory heads off to change and get the Rhino.
Inquiry flies to the massive hospital complex located near the heart of Halcyon City. Several large helipads are inviting, though indicative of the locations of the ER theaters.
Holly, you're well aware that feel-good public appearances like visiting children's hospitals doesn't need prior approval from your publicist. She's perfectly fine with those kinds of spontaneous gestures, and keeps you in good standing with the parents of your main demographic.
You spend a little bit of time brightening the day of the children in the oncology wing while Isaiah sets up a remote camera to view several angles of the genetics research center.
The Dawkins facility is on an island in the bay a couple miles from the Halcyon City shoreline. As you fly over the water, Bear whimpers a bit being carried by Gallowglass who is in turn being carried by Praetoria. From the air, you see the single dock of the island complex, the helipad, a small dormitory, and the broad, squat building that is the premier genetics research facility in the world.
The high security of the island is evident in the form of a large perimeter fence, lookout towers, and a sizable security force that has mobilized upon your approach. When you touch down near the helipad, several well-armed guards and black vehicles are arrayed around you.
One of the guards wearing an officer's cap rather than a tactical helmet approaches. "Silver Shield called ahead and let us know you were going to be coming. Welcome to the Dawkins Research Facility, Praetoria and, um, Gallowglass?" He glances at the dog, but doesn't say anything to Bear. "I'm Major Munnerlyn." He extends a hand.
After introductions, he offers to escort the trio toward the complex. "We've heard about the Mongrels' escape. We appreciate you coming, though security's been improved since their last rampage. They won't be successful if they try anything here."
The Double-Helix research arm of Infini-Corp is located in a patch of landscaped green in the otherwise brown and gray area called Rustside - the section of Halcyon full of old foundries, mills, and warehouses. It's a gleaming angular building behind a secure gate.
Scorch flies overhead while Frostbite drives the Rhino up to the gate, where a security guard comes out of the booth, glancing at a clipboard.
Flying over the ivy-covered campus, Horizon can recognize some of the oldest buildings near the center, but others have been replaced with newer, modern buildings and the campus has also spread, with new buildings in areas that used to be just green space.
Shin spies his father's lab, which has a new addition to the original structure. A bronze statue is erected in front of the building's entrance.
The College of Medicine is a cluster of three grayish white buildings a short walk (and shorter flight) from the main college green. Several parking lots surround the buildings, along with a few large oak trees that were a lot smaller when Shin and his family held picnics during the summers of his youth.
"Flying? And a superhero Team-Up Special? Boy am I ever ready. Aren't you, Bear?"
Ness keeps here civvies on under her outfit, and has a lightweight satchel tucked under her quiver as they go soaring through the air.
Gallowglass excitedly steps to the front and shakes the officer's hand. "Good meet you, Major Munnerlyn. And that's right, Gallowglass, like the elite Scottish warriors active between the mid 13th and late 16th centuries." Maybe I should get a business card, with a short link to the Wikipedia page on it. Unless...I wonder if anyone's started a Wikipedia page about ME yet?
Realizing she's still pumping the major's hand, she steps aside so that he can meet Praetoria.
Shin doesn't let of Kylie's hand as he points out his father's lab on the ground. He's actually glad they're talking in their heads because he could barely hear much with the wind whipping past them. That's my father's lab right there, next to the Curie lecture hall. They've added stuff to it, but I'm glad it's still there. Never saw that statue before though. Do you mind if we check it out before the medical labs? He asks, wanting to set down for a brief look.
"Sure thing." She sounds a little distracted, already beginning to skim through the minds around her for signs of undue alarm, and searching out the campus security station. No need to double up on our cameras
As she sets them down near the statue, she gives his hand a quick squeeze before letting go.
It's probably going to be hard, walking where his father should be. I don't even know if it's safe to send him back, but I hope we can. As quickly as he's adapting, it's clear he misses his home.
”Major. Thanks for greeting us. We won’t be staying long, we are going to patrol the area. But we wanted to make certain your security was prepared for potential attack,” Praetoria says when Gallowglass finishes her own introduction. ”Our hope is to locate them before they can strike to minimize any damage they can cause.”
The university students react with awe and surprise as the pair drop out of the sky. A few cell phone cameras are brought up to record their actions for posterity (and the internet). Psyche's quick scan finds no one of ill intent, and cannot find any serious threats as she broadens her awareness.
Shin sees that the statue depicts the likeness of an Asian man in a cap and gown. The brass plate at the base of the statue says,
Dr. Hidenori Akebono, Professor Emeritus
In afflictione spiritus, victoria
Major Munnerlyn adjusts his cap and walks back to his vehicle. "All right. Patrol as you like, but let me know if you want access to any of the buildings." He grabs a headset and tosses it to Gallowglass. "Keep us informed. I've seen your parents in action. If you're half the fighter they are, I'm glad to have you here."
Oh.
Horizon can't help but stare at the bronze likeness of his father as he stands there in front of him. Strange that he thought he was taller in real life. He's ignorant of the cameras flashing as he steps towards it.
He had little doubts his father would be gone by now. It was the better part of a century he'd leapt forward in time. It was still a shock to see something like this in front of his old lab. It looked different and the same, electric lights and doors upgraded, but the brick and mortar was the same, if crumbling a lot. It had been only a few years old when his father started working here.
He felt a sudden welling of shame in his heart. Had his father lived to see him start down his dark road? Silver Shield had given him a basic idea of why he'd gone dark, angry and hurt about oppression. He could tell she'd held stuff back from him. How could he have done such awful things when he'd loved his father so much?
He finally turned around, shaking his head and thinking about what his father would say to him when he was upset: Count pi. Three point one four five nine two six five three five nine...
He let out his breath slowly, before turning to Kylie. I'm okay. Let's hit the medical lab now. He wasn't, but they needed to move on and he put that out there as he heads to the lab.
She just nodded. She didn't want to pull back from him, but that meant she was buffeted by the waves of his pain, his guilt.
Victory in a wounded spirit. Or something like that
It didn't take any mind reading to decipher that inscription.
At least there weren't any statues saying what her dad thought of her, wherever he was.
Words, even privately thought words, felt too intrusive, so she just kept that stable presence in his mind, hoping it would feel like a lighthouse in a storm, instead of a spyglass aimed directly at a private anguish.
"So, where to now? We could check out some nearby potential lairs. Might want to go incognito for that, in case they're watching."
Hey jefe, how's it hanging? Need me to sign in? Rory reaches out the window to receive the clip board.
Holly is still beaming from her visit to pediatrics. It felt good to give the poor kids some happiness.
Yeah, lets go for it. Do you have any way for me to go incognito?