Those Halcyon Days III -- World's Finest

Game Master Stalwart

"It can be both." They shrug their shoulders. "I might as well ask questions that pertain to any geniuses currently trying to build power armor in their parents' garage. Or the kid who inherits his grandpa's sleep gun. Anyways, you said social events? Would love to get more opinions on this place from the people who've been attending classes."

"I suppose this is a principal example of the contextuality of decisions."

Empyrean has kept rather quiet, taking in the variety of people and the many sights and sounds, without comment. She seems perfectly at home in such an environment, with a slight look of... bemusement?

"So... who is ultimately held responsible if a student of this school does wind up engaged in unadvisable activities?"

Ms. Vallejo continues the tour, leaving behind the practice arena for now and returning to the main campus buildings. As she walks, she continues to discuss. "We certainly consider individuals who can cobble together power suits or grav guns in their garage as extraordinary. They rightly have a place here to be challenged and given more opportunities than they would have had in generations past."

The dormitory is a multi-storied building linked to the main building through one connecting wing and one covered walkway. The building's age is evident, likely constructed almost a century ago, giving it character. The facilities have been fully modernized and restored, with new wiring, HVAC, and plumbing tastefully installed thus leaving its art deco charm intact.

As the tour continues, Ms. Vallejo considers Empyrean's question. "'Ultimately responsible?' That is a heavy question, Miss Empyrean. I would, of course, expect personal responsibility to be first and foremost. Are the teachers blamed for a student who later commits a crime? Should it be different for Daedalus? I'll agree that the stakes may be higher when we're dealing with students who can knock a building down, but we can only do so much. Though," she adds, "what we're about to do is so much more than what's ever been done."

Her last stop is the small but serviceable cafeteria where a large portion of the students are gathering and having snacks. The flight class is there, along with the students from the magic class, plus about a dozen more.

"I'm going to gather the faculty so you can meet the rest of them, but in the meantime, feel free to socialize," Ms. Vallejo explains.

Everyone's comms blow up as Chroknight spams the group chat.

Chroknight: Did some scouting outside of the tour
Chroknight: Ran into some psychics in the middle of some meditation
Chroknight: scared me half to death
Chroknight: also found some construction going with asbestos removal
Chroknight: I'm pissed but I didn't find any nefarious plans
Chroknight: sucks to admit I might be wrong
Chroknight: sorry if you think I'm being an ass
Chroknight: Someone else take the lead talking to the students
Chroknight: Gonna initimidate them in my normal fit

They look expectantly at their allies, gesturing them forward towards the other students here.

Sam reads then responds
Station: Intrusion attempts into their surveillance methods produced similar results: Normal.

At Chroknight's encouragement, Sam gives her a look that would be mild in anyone else but as you get to know Sam, the widening of her eyes scream ARE YOU INSANE... but then she realizes the gesture is meant for the other more social members.

Still her matrix beams at the prospect, so the awkward hacker heads over, pulling one hand out of her hoodie pocket and waves "Um... Hi. Do you like studying here?"

Greeting followed by blunt interrogation (how to win friends 101)

"I will keep looking or homeschooling I guess." Gui says to Archie. "I woke up today with no school to attend and so far still have found no school." Just a training camp. "Perhaps in e couple weeks or e month dey will be able to find normal teachers to offer normal classes here and den I might reconsider."

"I had never imagined dat when organizing e new school, it would be easier to set up e shooting gallery dan finding e history teacher." He shrugs. They might not be bad, but their decisions were sketchy to say the least and he wasn't desperate enough to jump in before looking for safer options.

"Anyways, you said social events? Would love to get more opinions on this place from the people who've been attending classes."

"Yes!" Andromeda agreed, with rather more desperation than she'd meant to show.

"Perhaps in e couple weeks or e month dey will be able to find normal teachers to offer normal classes here and den I might reconsider."

For a second her gaze stops cycling between Ms. Vallejo and the other potential threats/students, and then she fixes it carefully into the corner. "Gui, would you try it? I want to, and I'd feel better about this if you were here too." The words are simple, but the need undergirding them is unpleasantly palpable.

Provoke: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 1 = 5

Andromeda tries to prompt Gui into giving Daedalus a chance, but tips her own hand a little too much. Gui, you can ask a question of Andromeda as if you Pierced her Mask.

The group's arrival in the cafeteria does not go unnoticed by the other students. One mass of students circled around a board with several names in a tiered list stop and study the new arrivals.

As Ms. Vallejo leaves the team alone surrounded by Daedalus students, they quickly become the center of attention. Recognition is apparent on several faces, with most of the gawks focused on Devil Diva and Indarius.

The students make up a diverse group, ages ranging from high school upperclassmen to college undergrads. The ones with inhuman features have gravitated together, while others have grouped themselves based on factors not immediately obvious. A small few are keeping themselves distant. There is one exception, however, Indarius notices that the team calling themselves the Finals are hanging at a table together.

A tall young man with an athletic build steps forward when Statian poses her question. The shockingly handsome youth shrugs casually. "Yeah, it seems all right so far. No complaints." He extends a hand for a shake with a chuckle. "I'm Johnny."

He looks to the rest of the team, nodding his head in greeting. "Hey."

"Hello," says Empyrean with a frank smile. "I'm called Joy."

"Is this kind of training routine, or was it set up just to show off for visitors? What do you usually spend your time learning?" she asks.

The Janus looks at Joy and Sam talking up the devilishly handsome boy. "And she goes and talks to the Timothee Chalamet of all students here."

Chroknight sighs, turning to look at Digits. "Okay, space kid, today's lesson in earth custom is school cliques. Note the physically transformed. The quiet kids in the corner. The...I want to say reformed, because I'm like for sure certain that one was on the news a few months back having been caught by the Sentinels."

"We however get status because we're chummy with the most famous super-powered folks in the room. Seriously, you should some of the mini figs they're coming up with for DeeDee. And I know like a dozen people who already have dragon fantasies, so Indarius is set for whomever he wants. But also, by proximity, people are going to want to be our friends, so try and be friendly so we can get some more dirt on the place."

They turn to DeeDee. "Care to turn on the charm? I'll be your brooding bodyguard. I'm sure most of these folks will want a chance to bask in your glow."

Johnny flashes a smile back that reaches his eyes and accentuates his strong jaw. "Hey, Joy." He thumbs over his shoulder in a direction toward the practice area. "You mean the flight school? No, it's just training. Didn't know you'd be here. As for other classes, let's see, there's also math, soc, science, and lit. Some of it's self-paced stuff." He ticks off his fingers as he lists the classes he's taking.

The attention on the team becomes spotty. Some of the students gather around Devil Diva asking for selfies. Ne'veah studies the faces of the team like she's looking for someone, then turns back to her own clique.

Eliana is also present, strategically sitting in a patch of sunlight streaming in from the windows. She keeps giving Indarius the stinkeye, but every so often her gaze drifts to Archie and softens considerably.

A side door opens and an sweaty and out-of-breath Ringtone proudly strides up to the chart and enters a figure. Whatever score he'd earned, he seems happy with it and also gets some disbelieving looks.

Her matrix inside her head stutters for a moment. Same determines it needs refactoring, but later.

Introduce Yourself! the matrix screams "I am Samantha." more! "Thank you." the matrix frantically asks why are you thanking him??? So she stops talking, the angel comes to talk to this Johnny, but the matrix is screaming again, keeping talking! "We are considering attending this collegiate institute, but wish it ascertain if it is a honeypot." the matrix gawks at the word honeypot, almost being at her girl, until it searches Sam's own mind and realizes it is just a defensive hacking term.

The red head then cocks her head slightly to the side and ends her conversation with a direct question of "Is it?"

Indarius tilts his head at the buzzing device on his neck and slows to the side to check it. He very carefully taps away at a message of his own before reclipping it and catching up with the group once more, but he remains at the back of the pack now.

The group's arrival in the cafeteria does not go unnoticed by the other students. One mass of students circled around a board with several names in a tiered list stop and study the new arrivals.

As Ms. Vallejo leaves the team alone surrounded by Daedalus students, they quickly become the center of attention. Recognition is apparent on several faces, with most of the gawks focused on Devil Diva and Indarius.

The students make up a diverse group, ages ranging from high school upperclassmen to college undergrads. The ones with inhuman features have gravitated together, while others have grouped themselves based on factors not immediately obvious. A small few are keeping themselves distant. There is one exception, however, Indarius notices that the team calling themselves the Finals are hanging at a table together.

A tall young man with an athletic build steps forward when Statian poses her question. The shockingly handsome youth shrugs casually. "Yeah, it seems all right so far. No complaints." He extends a hand for a shake with a chuckle. "I'm Johnny."

He looks to the rest of the team, nodding his head in greeting. "Hey."

Still not quite used to having so many eyes on him, and filled to the brim with worry that it's the bad kind Indarius looks to Diva to see how in the world she manages to stay cool during these situations. When Johnny approaches and even speaks to their group, as a side thought to him talking with Statian, Indy nods and utters a low energy, "Hey." back in acknowledgement. To the others gathering around weather for him, DD, or any other member in their group he offers less confident. Hey's, Hi's and Greetings

Chroknight sighs, turning to look at Digits. "Okay, space kid, today's lesson in earth custom is school cliques. Note the physically transformed. The quiet kids in the corner. The...I want to say reformed, because I'm like for sure certain that one was on the news a few months back having been caught by the Sentinels."

"We however get status because we're chummy with the most famous super-powered folks in the room. Seriously, you should some of the mini figs they're coming up with for DeeDee. And I know like a dozen people who already have dragon fantasies, so Indarius is set for whomever he wants. But also, by proximity, people are going to want to be our friends, so try and be friendly so we can get some more dirt on the place."

Indarius points to the group that makes up The Finals as subtly as he can at Chroknight's mention of reformed folks. "That's the Finals, Lovelace's attempt of putting together a team of super villans in training. They were the last group that First Class tangled with before we went our own ways."

He does make a face at her comment about him, "I... don't know if I want to know how you mean that. Besides unless they're offering and accredited as college courses. And if my own application gets pulled to the current school i'm shooting for, i'm not exactly in the running for joining here."

Max nods to Chroknight. ”Sure thing. Watch and learn.”

A broad smile spreads across her face as she greets her adoring fans with practiced ease. ”Hey there. Hi! Hola! Nice to meet you, too. Of course, you can take a selfie. Smile, now! Uh huh... You don’t say?”

She works the room like only a Star can.

Chroknight just gestures to Devil Diva to Indarius as she takes a lap. "Like that. People awestruck, some want to be with you, some want to be you. You're talking college courses, which I'm guessing even Gum-Gum Woman would have accounted for some AP stuff here. So, maybe ask some of the college aged folks here - you know what?"

Clearly fed up with the passivity exhibited by their teammates in this social situation, they pull Indarius over to the crew of less human looking students here. "Hi there, I'm Chroknight, this is Indarius, and he clearly needs a reminder that he's a big cool dragon magician. Please discuss the curriculum here and how it's helped you out!" They walk away to leave the team leader at the mercy of his peers.

Now they walk next to Devil Diva. "I swear that dude of yours thinks too damn much...hey, can I ask you a question? Did you have any input on your upcoming model for the new Cardclix expansion? Or am I showing my nerd credentials for actually knowing that game exists?"

It was easy to get into the light conversation while also peering at the others here in the cafeteria, trying to gauge them and this place and figure out what what their best line of attack would be to gather intel.

Assess the Situation (Guilty): 2d6 + 0 - 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 0 - 2 = 1

...crap. I hadn't realized how great she looks up close. Wait, does she think I'm hitting on her?!

Johnny laughs at Samantha's question with a bemused look of confusion on his face. "What's a honeypot? Oh, I wasn't, like, trying to come onto you or anything. Just saying 'hey.'"

He gives Indy a nod at his rumbling greeting while stepping back to make sure Statian has an exit lane. Turning back to Empyrean, Johnny gives her wings a pointed look. "Well, if you enroll, I'm sure I'll see you in flight class. Assuming those are functional, obvs. You can be the second winged flier along with Xaiara." He nods his head in the direction of the girl with the metal wings who is currently sitting on top of a table with her knees drawn up to her chest. "The rest of us fly using other powers."

Indarius gets his own share of greetings, but Max is positively in her element. Her social media presence ensured that everyone in the room already knew her (and may have even purchased one of her sponsored products), but the fact that she has worked with First Class, and later the various heroes of the Taylor lineage gives her an impressive amount of cred.

Indy's attention on the Finals manages to pick up a whispered conversation between its members.

Chroknight pulls Indarius away before he can listen in any more to interact with the less human students. One girl with white feathery hair and a black band across her eyes as if she was wearing a mask or cosplaying as Furiosa, coyly greets him at the forced introduction. "Um, hi. I'm Cygnus," she says. A young man with a feral look similar to how Caio would sometimes get when he was still afflicted with lycanthropy gives Indy a brusque grunt. "That's Carlos," Cygnus says. "He looks scary, but don't worry. He's a vegetarian."

Although Carlos seemed nonplussed at meeting Indarius, a thickly-built lad with an insectoid carapace offers a jointed hand in greeting. "I'm Matt. Or, well, Chitin if you want."

Merde! Why? He had just said he'd not enroll and he hated to go back on something he had decided. This Chicle woman was smart and deceitful, that was a fact. This could not be totally a trap, but he could feel there was something wrong. Yet... if he was away and most of the others were here, then it would mean that when things get bad, he'd not be here to help.

"Fine..." He says, with a sigh. "I will talk to my faders about it, but de decision will be deirs, anyway."

He then steps closer to Andromeda. "But, if we discover dat dis is bad, we both leave, ok?"

Indarius gets his own share of greetings, but Max is positively in her element. Her social media presence ensured that everyone in the room already knew her (and may have even purchased one of her sponsored products), but the fact that she has worked with First Class, and later the various heroes of the Taylor lineage gives her an impressive amount of cred.

-Indy hears stuff-

Chroknight pulls Indarius away before he can listen in any more to interact with the less human students. One girl with white feathery hair and a black band across her eyes as if she was wearing a mask or cosplaying as Furiosa, coyly greets him at the forced introduction. "Um, hi. I'm Cygnus," she says. A young man with a feral look similar to how Caio would sometimes get when he was still afflicted with lycanthropy gives Indy a brusque grunt. "That's Carlos," Cygnus says. "He looks scary, but don't worry. He's a vegetarian."

Indarius is pulled, pushed, or otherwise incentivised to move to the table with the other 'strange-like-him' folks. He raises a paw to give a two talon waggle of a hello.

"Nice to meet you Cygnus, Carlos. I'm Indarius if we're sticking to hero names that is. Most of my friends shorten it to Indy, or some kind of dragon pun.. one had a particular fondness for Puff the magic dragon." he laughed not so nervously.

"And yeah no, I get the whole look scary on the outside but not actually, thing. Before all this one of my old teammates was a werewolf. How um... well how have things been here for you? I mean classes, the other students, all that. I know it's a pretty new thing, but like how's it compare so far? Oh and what kind of powers do you have, mine are uh.. well spells and dragon stuff..."

Indarius shows off by tracing some arcane runes into the air for them, which little to them is also an actual spell which allows him a short mental message to his group.

Max turns her smile back to Chroknight. ”Oh, yeah. They had me try out different poses and focus-tested them to see which one would best capture my heroic image for the game. Do you play? I’m a bit rusty on the newest updates and errata, but I’d be happy to throw down with you some time!”

When Indarius send his message, Max looks across the room and gives him a nod, letting him know she understands.

He then steps closer to Andromeda. "But, if we discover dat dis is bad, we both leave, ok?"

Andromeda tilts her head to the side quizzically. "Gui, if this place is bad I'm going to tear it down from the inside."

Barely pausing, she walks over to Ringtone. "What was the score in?"

"I know the rules well enough. And I'm trying to avoid thinking about how you're both drop dead gorgeous and apparently a nerd. Just...I know a friend, they frequent this pretty stellar game store called Mortal Peril - I think you would make their day if you ever showed up there." Chroknight averts their gaze from Diva.

"...Here's a question. If we were to walk into what might be a trap, would you rather there be some people outside to help rescue the others, or for everyone to go together so we can pool our resources?" They ask in hypothetical. "I...am worried that if this isn't a trap I'll be passing a huge opportunity."

"...I think I've let some genre blindness keep me from seeing this place objectively. So I need a fresh perspective. Hey, Joy! Come over here." Nothing fresher than someone who was apparently practically less than a year old.

Sam feels a sudden bloom of twenty three different emotions inside her at once at the suggestion she thought he was initiating a mating ritual, followed by the quick easy rejection of that ritual which she had not been doing in the first place.

As muted as her feelings were inside her body, they were like a fly in a sterile meth lab. Not overwhelming, no tears or blushing or running, but extremely annoying to the point of madness.

Her matrix flashed something, but Sam ignore its completely, turned around and went to find a seat. Her tablet comes out as she finds the farthest chair and she buries herself in what she is good at, finding information.

assess the situation: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 2 = 9

The little hacker/data scientist is looking for what here is the greatest danger by compiling information on each person in the room (other than her teammates) starting with the school's databases since she assumes they are where their power listings are most likely located.

Ringtone gives Andromeda a proud smile. "Check it. Highest score yet in the Shooting Gallery. Each hit target gets you points, while taking hits subtracts them." He offers a hand. "Hi. I go by Ringtone. It's all right if you haven't come up with a code name. Not everyone has, either because they can't think up a good one, or they think it's stupid. Maybe it kinda is, but I still like the tradition, you know? Do you have one?"

In another part of the cafeteria, Indarius is talking with some of the students who don't look entirely human. When he asks them about powers and gives a small demonstration of his own, Cygnus looks off to the side worriedly while Carlos growls softly in his throat. "Not cool, man," he snarls.

Cygnus bats at the glowing sigils, trying to get them to fade away. "Did no one tell you? Johnny, Liam, and Tim all agreed that we shouldn't start with introducing our powers. They said it's, ah, cringe, like only our powers matter."

"Eeeeeeerrrtt!" someone from the other side of the cafeteria shouts. A handsome youth -- maybe not quite as good-looking as Johnny but a close runner up -- smoothly crosses the short distance and snuffs out Indarius's arcane sigil with the flick of a finger. "No showoffs allowed!"

Cygnus comes to Indy's defense. "He didn't know, Tim!" 

Tim just smirks. "He may not have known, but no one else here is setting off their powers. He can't just be a dragon, no, he's gotta show off his sorcery too." He gives Indarius a dismissive look and turns his back on the dragon.

Anyone who watched the Gary Grummond special with William Westscott Mathers' children will recognize Tim.

Meanwhile, Chroknight gets two strings of messages on their phone.

Statian retreats to a seat the furthest away from people and does what she can to learn about the students already enrolled in Daedalus. She quickly discovers that the student files are locked behind complex and robust encryption protocols. It's possible that she could crack it, but it'll take time and a better access point. So, going to more easily accessed public sites to match the students with any powered activity, Statian learns that the group the Finals were partly responsible for the capture of First Class, and then shortly thereafter they fought and took down the villainous group the Instigators.

From the video footage, Statian sees the one called Valence throw up a shield that completely ablated a barrage of lightning bolts caused by Stormfront, then redirected the plasma sheath surrounding the fiery Propane causing him to fall out of the sky!

Though it's possible that other students have greater or more diverse powers demonstrated or implied, but the direct observation of Valence's powers leads her to conclude that he is the biggest threat.

"Excuse me!" says Joy to her conversational associates, and she makes her way over to Chroknight.

"Hello!" she says with a chipper smile. "This is a strange tour, isn't it?"

"...and now I have a devil and an angel on my shoulders. I'm going to try to avoid flirty energy even though you're both adorbs. Yes, the tour is strange. But, do you think you would like learning here?" Chroknight asks her. "I got to say, my research says while this place has shady history the school itself seems legit. So...I'm torn. Because unlike everyone else, I have more choices. But I like everyone even Gui and I do kind of need some help with controlling my powers. If the bridge thing didn't clue you in on what happens when I lose control."

They look out to the rest of the team. "I'll say this though: we're certainly not First Class anymore. More like the Expelled."

Chroknight sighs, turning to look at Digits. "Okay, space kid, today's lesson in earth custom is school cliques. Note the physically transformed. The quiet kids in the corner. The...I want to say reformed, because I'm like for sure certain that one was on the news a few months back having been caught by the Sentinels."

"We however get status because we're chummy with the most famous super-powered folks in the room. Seriously, you should some of the mini figs they're coming up with for DeeDee. And I know like a dozen people who already have dragon fantasies, so Indarius is set for whomever he wants. But also, by proximity, people are going to want to be our friends, so try and be friendly so we can get some more dirt on the place."

"Thanks, I don't know that I've ever been around so many teens, of any species. There was certainly a pecking order on the Madcap though. And the Pugrocites always stuck together.

"Do you know anyone here? Seems like Indy knows just about everyone."

Guillaume Roy-Côté, Aquarelle wrote:

He then steps closer to Andromeda. "But, if we discover dat dis is bad, we both leave, ok?"

Andromeda tilts her head to the side quizzically. "Gui, if this place is bad I'm going to tear it down from the inside."

Digits snort-laughs at Andromeda's reply. "Well, I'm hoping it's just the normal, banal, 'out-for-a-profit' sort of bad...but if I'm wrong, count me in.

"And Gui, glad you're giving it a chance. I dunno, but I feel like this place might be fun. And learning to do more with your cool talents can't be all bad, right?"

Sam frowns at her tablet, her inability to crack, well, ANYTHING. Her bespectacled eyes looks up to watch her teammates. Conversations between them, Deva suddenly owning the crowd, while other unfairly shaming Inarius.

There were too many unknowns, way too many, if she was going to help them.

Her fingers blur on her tablet, then a group chat pings
Statian: Encryption on external access ports, algorithms are working them, but will take time. Going to look for greater access.

Then the redhead gets up to go explore.

In another part of the cafeteria, Indarius is talking with some of the students who don't look entirely human. When he asks them about powers and gives a small demonstration of his own, Cygnus looks off to the side worriedly while Carlos growls softly in his throat. "Not cool, man," he snarls.

Cygnus bats at the glowing sigils, trying to get them to fade away. "Did no one tell you? Johnny, Liam, and Tim all agreed that we shouldn't start with introducing our powers. They said it's, ah, cringe, like only our powers matter."

"Eeeeeeerrrtt!" someone from the other side of the cafeteria shouts. A handsome youth -- maybe not quite as good-looking as Johnny but a close runner up -- smoothly crosses the short distance and snuffs out Indarius's arcane sigil with the flick of a finger. "No showoffs allowed!"

Cygnus comes to Indy's defense. "He didn't know, Tim!" 

Tim just smirks. "He may not have known, but no one else here is setting off their powers. He can't just be a dragon, no, he's gotta show off his sorcery too." He gives Indarius a dismissive look and turns his back on the dragon.

Anyone who watched the Gary Grummond special with William Westscott Mathers' children will recognize Tim.

Indy tries not to look annoyed at Tim's interjection, even though he feels bad for accidentally breaking the agreement the others had between them.

"Sorry, didn't know you agreed to not talk about powers."

He leers at the back of Tim's head recalling that face anywhere, Great another one here. "I also didn't know the only showing off allowed was the scoreboard at the other end of the room or pouncing on someone else's mistake. Especially for a Mathers."

Provoke: 2d6 - 3 ⇒ (1, 6) - 3 = 4

His temper however gets the better of him and let's slip how he really feels in the moment.

Dang it I forgot to drop my one-liner bomb before moving off to talk to Chroknight

Empyrean, no worries. You can roll the scene back a moment to drop your bomb! Same for everyone else; I'm moving the scene along but feel free to complete (or start) any conversations.

As Digits, Chroknight, Devil Diva, and Empyrean gather together to discuss the merits of the school, Statian continues to sequester herself to gather more information. Realizing that she's going to have to find a direct access link to the school's data on its currently enrolled students, her matrix posits a supposition that it's for the students' benefit that their strengths and weaknesses are not easily accessed.

On the other side of the cafeteria, Indarius tries to snap at Tim Mathers but fails to get under his skin. He scoffs at the dragon trying to equate a social etiquette rule with a scoreboard listing actual achievements. "Oh, good one there, Percy. The Scoreboard's for real performance, you know. But go on, do your little light shows and see how cool that makes you here." Indy, he's taking Influence over you.

As Statian gets up to try and find a suitable access port, Ms. Vallejo reappears in the cafeteria. "Excuse me," she announces. "Would our visitors be so kind as to follow me? I'd like to introduce you to the faculty."

Ringtone gives Andromeda a proud smile. "Check it. Highest score yet in the Shooting Gallery. Each hit target gets you points, while taking hits subtracts them." He offers a hand. "Hi. I go by Ringtone. It's all right if you haven't come up with a code name. Not everyone has, either because they can't think up a good one, or they think it's stupid. Maybe it kinda is, but I still like the tradition, you know? Do you have one?"

"Had one before; I didn't like it. Now I'm Andromeda. What if you just hit all the targets?" Her voice is flat, but... maybe a smile tried to escape?

***

"Would our visitors be so kind as to follow me? I'd like to introduce you to the faculty."

Andromeda nods and follows along, air flexing a bit where her sheath strengthens her legs. "Dr. Igwe's good, but who do you have that's qualified to teach powers?" she asks impatiently.

Slight retcon

Empyrean replies to the ersatz Chalamet's comment about her wings with "They are real, I assure you," just before she receives the call from Chroknight and excuses herself from the conversation.

"Looks like we're being called to say hi to the teachers, Joy - Deedee, gonna get you some more info on Cardclix stuff later," They tell her, stepping up and noting Andromeda's question.

"Well, there's general classes like flight, magic, psychic powers, maybe even martial arts or weaponry," Chroknight says. "I think that for our specialties, it's gonna be best fit. Like that flight teacher is probably your best fit," They tell the Bull, following along with the tour.

They stop next to Statian when they get to the faculty meeting, taking a moment to address her. "While we've been touring, Daedalus just put their website online. Might try looking for a backdoor there if you're still snooping around." And then a little louder, "You think you could make your tendrils into wings to fly around with Joy? Might be useful for getting around in a pinch."

Indy's throat gives a menacing but ultimately harmless rumble, as he turns to leave. "Whatever Tim."

He struts back over to Ms. Vallejo and his group, giving Chroknight a slight stinkeye for their meddling. "Yeah anything that gets me away from the people who want to turn me into a living battery."

Ms. Vallejo wrote:

"Would our visitors be so kind as to follow me? I'd like to introduce you to the faculty."

Andromeda nods and follows along, air flexing a bit where her sheath strengthens her legs. "Dr. Igwe's good, but who do you have that's qualified to teach powers?" she asks impatiently.

Ms. Vallejo regards Andromeda with a cooly confident smile. "We have people with actual powers." She leads them all into the adjoining hallway, where there is a line of individuals ranging in ages from appearing a few years older than the students to white-haired old men.

"Ballista, aka Professor Yamada, you've met. As well as Professor Mathers," Ms. Vallejo says with a corresponding nod from each of the teachers. "Along with Flight class, Ms. Yamada also teaches history and math. Mr. Mathers will teach literature along with the mystic arts."

Next in line is the wrapped and cloaked figure that Chroknight saw in the Psychic Wing. "Our teacher of Psionics is Professor Ascher," Ms. Vallejo says. The hood obscures the teacher's face, but peering deep into the shadows reveals a pale glint of light that seems to pierce one's mind and leave thoughts bare.

Ms. Vallejo moves to stand next to an elderly gentleman with wisps of white hair dancing around his scalp. "We're honored to have Professor Mecklenheim here to teach our students in robotics and cybernetics. He'll also teach basic computing and calculus." The old man gives everyone a kind smile.

A young man, looking even younger than Ballista, is next. The wiry fellow looks like the "cool nerd" trope as he pushes his glasses up his nose anticipating the introduction. "Mr. Hopkins will be teaching advanced tech and computer science," Ms. Vallejo explains.

Last in line is a female wolf-human hybrid, but wearing a professional business suit although her canine feet are bare. "Last but not least, our hand-to-hand expert and phys-ed teacher, Janice Foster, aka Terrier."

Turning to face the group, Ms. Vallejo puts on a brighter smile. "I'm pleased to inform you that I will also be teaching Business on Wednesdays and Thursdays."

"Quite the colorful assembly you've arranged. Ms. Vallejo."

He notes Bazinga and Terrier, and despite his glowering attitude he softens as much as his mood allows, which isn't much. "It's good to see a wide variety of professions present as well, seems you've got most of the bases for cirriculum covered."

Bowing his head specifically towards Janice, he intones. "Ms. Foster, good to see you doing well."

Sam looks up at the glossy faceplate of her teammate "Inside actors show statistically greater success at penetration, but... it is worth an attempt. Thank you."

As they move on, the brainiac lets her tendrils out for the first time at ANY school. The threads weaving tentatively into thicker strands, then connecting into sheets, flattening and spreading, until she manages a decent wing shape, but they are small (due to the trunk to length needs). Too small for flight.

The young woman flaps them a bit, then lets them loosen into their normal mode of environment correction.

As introductions are made, Sam looks briefly between Professor Mecklenheim and Mr. Hopkins, before stepping in front of Mr. Hopkins. Her matrix whirls. "Hello, I am Samantha Murphy. Recent education in school etiquette states that I am not allowed to talk about what makes me special enough to ab allowed to enroll in this institution, but discussing deeds instead of abilities was not prohibited."

"I created a robotics facility in my basement and with it... these." Her threads stop their subtle corrections on Sam and the hallway, and all turn to the professor, fanning out to look at him with their pointed ends. She glanced at the other professor, Mecklenheim, but then back at Hopkins "Each fussed nanobot is encoding in individual recursive algorithms allowing both swarm intelligence without static reliance on inheritance." It would have been easier to say she was really really smart.

general technobabble that means nothing in truth, but trying to sound as neat as I could with just awake brain

The hacker girl paused before cocking her head to the side slightly, red pony tail floppy as she did so. "Would your class provide anything for someone like me?" her tone is curious, almost hopeful.

"...Here's a question. If we were to walk into what might be a trap, would you rather there be some people outside to help rescue the others, or for everyone to go together so we can pool our resources?" They ask in hypothetical. "I...am worried that if this isn't a trap I'll be passing a huge opportunity."

"Having been trapped before... Yes, it's a much safer bet to have somebody on the outside ready to rescue you if things turn sideways. But I've got folks from Taylor Int'l. monitoring my every move here. So you don't have to worry about a trap right now. And if the worst does come to pass, well, stick by me and I'll keep you safe."

They stop next to Statian when they get to the faculty meeting, taking a moment to address her. "While we've been touring, Daedalus just put their website online. Might try looking for a backdoor there if you're still snooping around." And then a little louder, "You think you could make your tendrils into wings to fly around with Joy? Might be useful for getting around in a pinch."

Joy adds, "What do you think so far? The curriculum we've seen is all focused on... super-abilities. How would our experience here compare to Halcyon or some other school?"

"... I am not sure what to expect from a school experience, actually."

"Aw, shucks, you sure do know how to reassure a g- person," Chroknight says to Deedee, before focusing their gaze on the group of teachers here.

"Joy, so far we've got an upstate campus, students who are already forming cliques, and an eclectic group of teachers. This would totally be typical for the school experience in a JPRG where we summon demons from our brains." They can't help the quip here, even as they edge away from the creepy Psionics teacher.

"I'm disappointed there's no art or music teacher. It's looking harder for me to find a reason to change my mind and attend this school." This suit has to have psiblockers, right? Got to figure that out...

The oldest Mathers sibling steps back to allow Janice to move forward to talk with Indarius. "I'm doing better, thank you. And thanks to your teammate. I heard about his girlfriend. Next time you see him, tell him I'm sorry for his loss."

She looks the dragon over, her golden eyes intent. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you become this? Magic? Science? Something like the Wyvern Serum? We're forming a society, or fraternity, of people who don't look human. Even if you don't plan on attending school here, maybe you'd like to consider joining?"

Statian strikes up a conversation with the two tech-oriented teachers. "Oh, splendid!" the elder gentleman exclaims when she explains the nature of her nanite threads. "Robotics has always been the future, my dear. Glad to see the next generation delving so deeply into the discipline."

Mr. Hopkins affixes a device on his eye that incorporates a large round lens. "Very nice. Looks like your subroutines take the place of standard interfaces, allowing them to operate on the reflex level. Clever." He takes off the device and tosses it in his hand casually, as one would do with a baseball. "I don't think the tour took you though the science labs, did it? That's Chicle for you. 'Ooh, let's all see the place where the bricks and blocks can show off how strong they are, but forget to show off the places where actual minds can work.'"

"It is much nicer than most of my old labs," Professor Mecklenheim comments.

"What I mean to say is, yes. I think we might be able to teach you a few things," Hopkins says.

Ms. Vallejo lurks nearby, watching everyone's levels of interest. At Chroknight's mention of no art or music teacher, she interjects. "Instituting art and music classes is one of our priorities. However, finding the right teacher with the skills and reputation for our high standards has been challenging. But I expect we'll have someone identified in a matter of weeks."

Sam's green eyes flare brighter and more eager than anyone has ever seen, not that most would notice. "Good." she says, a tentative smile curving on her lips.

The oldest Mathers sibling steps back to allow Janice to move forward to talk with Indarius. "I'm doing better, thank you. And thanks to your teammate. I heard about his girlfriend. Next time you see him, tell him I'm sorry for his loss."

She looks the dragon over, her golden eyes intent. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you become this? Magic? Science? Something like the Wyvern Serum? We're forming a society, or fraternity, of people who don't look human. Even if you don't plan on attending school here, maybe you'd like to consider joining?"

Indarius inclines his head quite a bit remembering Skyler's 'demise', "I'll be sure to let him know next time we talk. It'll do him very good knowing that he helped you reach such a stable place."

At her series of questions he's left a bit at a loss. "Long story short, I've always been this. A dragon I mean, with the veil torn and weakening my true nature manifested more. I was still able to assume a human guise however, until, well I sealed another much older more powerful dragon into his human form to help prevent him from wrecking as much havoc on the world. In doing so he bound me to my own charm and locked me in this state, he believes humans will Only ever see our kind as monsters evil beings. I... had hoped to prove him wrong."

His tone is dour about that last point, having done plenty of good, but also at least one evil act, which is enough for him.

"I would, be interested in seeing it at the very least. It's good to have a support group of similar folks."

He doesn't want to admit it's been hard, even with his old teammates and the new to really acclimate.

Andromeda can't help but sour a bit at how excited Statian is about the STEM program. Great. So I'd be joining up to be the dumb one in every class?

But she quiets that voice a moment to cut in with a question for Dr. Mecklenheim. "Will your labs be able to handle me? Can't use my hands for anything serious; can't promise stability over a long enough time frame. Theory's only good enough until you devise a way to bring it out of your head."

Archie stood around taking in all the sights and sounds of this super power school. No one was paying him much mind, (except for Eliana of course, she was a specimen for sure) this was new to him, he was either seen as the rebellious bad boy stereotype or just a downright villain. Archie couldn't tell if he liked it or not.

Archie surveys the room one last time looking at of his teammates acclimating to a potential new environment.

Overhearing Statians conversation with two nerdy looking professors Archie heads over to them.
"Hey Red. You look uncharacteristically happy." he says to Statian as he approaches with a smile.
"Overheard a little bit of your conversation, you two seem science-y. I'm looking for some help mastering all things technological so I can take over the world." He flashes a sly smile. "Just kidding." he adds.

Sam blinks at Phalanx's comment, has a moment of introspective confusion, then whispers "I am?"

Happiness leads to one thing... pain. The young woman inserts an item at the top of her todo list, to recalibrate the emotional dampeners.

Her focus on the rest of the world comes back to hear the rest of Phalanx's statement. "Taking over the world is statistically impossible unless it is first proceeded with mass genocides, limiting the scope of necessity for that dominance." she tells him... helpfully.

"Hmm. Tell you what - as much as find this place to still be incredibly suspicious, if you can bag some incredible music teacher that can also teach me a thing or two about time, I'll sign the dotted line for attending here. Until then, I have prior obligations," They tell Chicle, looking to the others.

"Hey, I'm about done with this tour - anyone need a ride home? I can't guarantee it'll be comfortable but it will be fast."

Terrier nods to Indarius. "You'll be welcome to sit in even if you don't end up taking classes here. I'm sure the group will be interested in hearing your perspective."

In the rapidly-growing science corner, Professor Mecklenheim looks over Andromeda. "The robotics lab has a number of prostheses, and many have been purposed for the handling of sensitive materials in the other labs. Perhaps something can be used to assist you?"

Mr. Hopkins chuckles at Phalanx's quip about world domination. Statian's rather grim assessment drops the mirth off his face. He takes a lecturing tone as he turns to her. "You're not thinking creatively enough. Mind control devices, replicants in the place of world leaders, holding the world for ransom with a doomsday device... sure, they've been tried before but they don't require that many deaths."

As Chroknight looks to wrapping up the tour and offers a ride, Ms. Vallejo smiles. "How about a method that's both fast and comfortable? A teleportal to the city is already up and functional. Step through, and you'll find yourselves in the heart of Halcyon City and conveniently near the skyrail hub."

Before taking everyone there, she passes around tablets with applications for enrollment on the screens. "If you're interested, please fill out the fields -- it's all quite straightforward. You can enroll under an alias if you so choose." She gives a pointed look to Chroknight. "You can also select the option of superhero classes only, leaving you responsible for your regular curriculum... assuming that a mundane school will take you."

Archie looks back and forth at Statian and the Professor, kind of confused about how far they were taking his quip.
"You two both know I was joking right? I have since renounced my villainous past to move towards a brighter future. I'm like President Nixon." He pauses. "That was also a joke."
Ugh, tough crowd. They either read way too much into it or it'll go over their heads.

After hearing Ms. Vallejo, Archie excuses himself from the conversation and heads towards the tablets and picks one up.
"I'm gonna call my foster parents real quick." He says to Ms. Vallejo.

Archie moves to a more uninhabited part of the cafeteria and pulls out his phone to dial his parents.
Anyone with super hearing would definitely be able to pick up on the conversation.
"Hey Mom, is Dad there? ... Yeah? ... Cool, I just got accepted into a super school called Daedalus. ... Yeah you can look it up. ... There's a good amount of super people here already and it seems the majority of my team is applying too. ... They said it would be free I think. Yeah I'll send you some details, is it okay if I sign up? ... Awesome, I'll see you in a bit. ... Love ya." Archie hangs up and rejoins the group to fill out his application. Archie makes sure to select a full curriculum, this may be his best chance yet to set things in the right direction.

The applications request a number of fields to be filled out:

Name (choose one or both):
Given _____
Alias _____
Powers: _____
Personal Contact: ____
Do you require lodging? Y/N
If yes, do you have a roommate preference? Y/N
If yes, who? ____
Do you have any dietary needs: Y/N
If yes, please explain ____
Classes
Please select:
[]High school curriculum
[]College curriculum
[]Genius curriculum
Advanced classes:
[]Flight
[]Mystic arts
[]Psionics
[]Cybernetics/robotics
[]Advanced Technology
[]Particle physics
[]Combat - Beginner
[]Combat - Advanced
[]Combat - Hard Knocks*

*Hard Knocks requires advanced forms of survivability, toughness, or healing to enroll (or a total waiver in case of disability or death).