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Nimbus accepts the fact that not everyone is of the same mind regarding attending Daedalus, much less in agreement that it's some sinister plot. "That's all fine." He turns to Aquarelle. "And that's certainly a great approach. With the exception of a few of the students, I'm sure the rest have all been fed the same lines about opportunity, education, growth, and blah blah blah. So they're probably all innocent too."

"Don't be afraid to call us in if you find out it's rotten to the core," Tenfold adds with a smile. "You know, so you don't get to have all the fun."

===================

There have been recent tracks of bipedal creatures occasionally on the same path, though frequently the hard stony ground would give no sign of passage. But the heroes do believe that they are on the same path as the trox slaves.

At the crossroads Aerel sees no obvious creatures or traps in the cavern.

"Welcome to 'What's Happenin' Halcyon!' I'm your host, Marcilina Mayweather, as we talk about all the latest news and gossip in the City of Heroes, Halcyon City! Thank you for joining us, because today we've got a doozy of a story for y'all.
"Just days after Halcyon Preparatory Academy shut its doors and its classes to people with powers, a new school -- a super school opens its doors to those kids who can shoot lasers, read minds, or project force fields, and all other kinds of things. They're calling it Daedalus, and there's already a class of nearly fifty students enrolled.
"Now, thankfully, Daedalus isn't just down the block, meaning a stray optic blast won't fry the local Jamba Juice. Which is good, since my insurance rates are high enough, you feel me? Anyway, let's take a caller. This here is Turner from Old Town. Hey, what's happenin, Turner?"

"What's happenin, Marcilina. First time caller. So, anyway, don't you think this is convenient, with the one school known for having openly super powered kids saying no, and now this other school is here all of a sudden?"

"Great question, Turner. I think something's smelling to high heaven, don't you, listeners? Say it with me, y'all: Coincidences don't happen in Halcyon! What do you think's going on, Mr. Turner?"

"Well, it's gotta be something big, right? Maybe they're going to train all these kids for something. Like, the Alliance is out in space, right? Maybe they're going to be fighting in some galactic war or something."

"Man, you might be on to something. Lord, help us if he's right. Now I've--"

"-- Or the government! With the Alliance gone, maybe the government's figured it's time to make super soldiers! Or--"

"--Mr. Turner, you make some great points but I got to go to commercial, all right? People, stay tuned and we'll take more calls from you, right after this."

================
Heralds HQ

The team's been invited to speak with the Heralds by Nimbus. The team of twenty-somethings heard the news about Daedalus and wished to speak to the new teenaged team.

"Thanks for coming," Nimbus greets everyone after they stepped through Rendezvous' portal. The Heralds Headquarters is located in a highrise tower on the southwestern side of town. The floorplan is open and large windows give a commanding view of most of Halcyon City's distinctive skyline. The entire team is present and gathered around a comfortable arrangement of couches near the center of the room with the exception of Gothic, who is leaning against a wall near the corner. Half-Pipe is sitting on his energy board, and Tenfold does not have any extra duplicates taking up spots unnecessarily. Ragnarok is sitting next to Rendezvous, speaking rapidly to her in a low voice.

Nimbus gestures to the number of still-open spots on the couches or recliners. "Have a seat, make yourselves comfortable. There's a fridge over there; help yourself to anything non-alcoholic.

"We want to talk with you all about Daedalus. From DD's livestream, we know that most if not all of you were invited to attend. And from what we can gather, most, if not all of the staff there are, well, bad guys. I've been talking with Whippoorwill's guy in the chair, and he's been trying to piece together who or what funded the place. And... we're still not sure at this point, but only because the money is coming from a number of philanthropies that are very good at hiding the identities of their benefactors."

"Sounds like they don't want to be identified. And the types who don't want to be known are generally the kind that don't have the best interests of the people at heart," Ragnarok rumbles in his deep baritone.

Nimbus nods. "Exactly. When the Alliance gets back--"

"If the Alliance gets back," Ragnarok mutters.

"When the Alliance gets back, they'll no doubt want to take action. They have the clout to push back on Halcyon Prep, and get their board to reopen classes to gifted students. But until that happens, Daedalus is the only game in town. That puts us in a tough spot."

"We'd love to crack that place open and find all their dirty secrets," Tenfold says.

"But zhat is not subtle," Rendezvous adds. "And we are tasked with zhe protection of zhe city while zhe Alliance is away."

Ragnarok interjects. "What everyone else is beating around the bush to say is, we think that some of you all are going to try out the school. That's fine. What we're also hoping you all do is go in with eyes open, and maybe even report on what they're up to."

"And be careful." Nimbus finishes.

What do you do??

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).

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."

"No thanks," Kisegar says, and is satisfied that Benedict isn't interested in having her follow along with them.

Aerel leads the way in exploring the wild caverns beyond the fissure. Having been used to the immense halls of the duergar-constructed Long Walk, the Heroes of Phaendar have to reacclimate themselves to cramped and claustrophobic tunnels and tight passageways.

For hours that turn into days of laborious and lightless travel, the heroes have to contend with narrow ledges, switchbacks, sheer climbs, and sudden dropoffs, while evading dank pools of mysterious liquids and slimy tracks left by unfathomable creatures.

The long journey does slowly, inexorably, climb upwards. It's not a straight shot up, however. By the second day, the tunnels begin to get hotter. The smell of sulfur intermittently appears, along with ancient lava tubes and gas vents that indicate the heroes have entered a volcanic network. Haela speaks up with hope in her voice, because the Dwarven stronghold of Kraggodan used the magma chambers of an ancient volcano deep underground to provide heat and power to their industries.

Aerel's scouting takes him into a long and narrow ancient lava tube, that opens into an unusual chamber. Highly reflective crystals protrude from the cavernous walls of this spacious chamber. The interiors of some of the crystal formations glow with a white light that illuminates the entire area. Connecting tunnels in the stone continue to the north and to the south, while a smaller passage slopes down to the northeast.

Rovalda looks upset at the terse refusal of her offer. She is discouraged from taking further action by Kisegar who recounts some of the Darklands threats the party has handily dealt with.

"You want to go this way, across the lake," the duergar scout tells Benedict, then leads the way along the shores of the still black waters. Once they reach the far side, a yawning crack in the rock promises the beginnings of a wild and unworked cave system. "There you are," Kisegar says, pointing it out. "I'm going to wait out Rovalda here. I'd rather she think I'm traveling further with you lot instead of tempt her into replacing her lost slaves with me," she explains while setting up her camping equipment.

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."

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."

Rovalda frowns as the party discusses privately in an unfamiliar language. She makes a couple hand gestures to her guards and they come around the huge glossy beetle that is carrying much of their supplies.

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?"

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

Kisegar looks disappointed that Benedict reclaims the waraxe, but doesn't say anything. She steps off to the side to stay out of the way of Rovalda, whose patience had clearly reached its limit after being ignored. She glares imperiously at Benedict.

Ms. Vallejo leans back and puts one hand on her hip. "Well, that is a conundrum, isn't it? Open the school to someone like Gallowglass, or restrict it to just powered individuals... If we open Daedalus up it may appear that we're just a 'super' school, since trick arrows and a faithful dog are the trappings of a costumed hero. Keep it closed, and we look elitist."

She lets out a gentle sigh. "At the moment, we have the room for someone without powers yet driven to rise to the occasion. As our numbers grow to capacity... I cannot say for certain, but I would hope that the precedent will have been set." She shrugs, but then regards Chroknight with curiosity. "Since you have stated you were not interested, is this genuine concern or are you merely searching for something to criticize?"

"Did you speak to Hal prep's board of directors any time in the last week?

Ms. Vallejo's voice is firm when she says, "I have never spoken with the board of directors, either separately or as a group. Their decision to exclude powered students only moved up our own timeline."

She looks disappointed at Aquarelle, but doesn't say anything about his comment. She focuses on Andromeda. "If I sound like I'm rushing you, I apologize. I am excited, and maybe a little surprised at the pushback thus far. I'm not going to insist that you sign up immediately, though you certainly can.

"Even if you say you aren't interested," she continues, sparing a glance at Aquarelle, "Please think on it. And if you want to get to know some of our current students, I'd love to arrange that. There are social events each evening after classes, and you're welcome to join us tonight."

After consulting her phone, Ms. Vallejo answers Andromeda's other question. "Ah. Doctor Omar Igwe will be teaching particle physics. And basic physics for non-genius-level students. Which is most of our student population, by the way."

She turns to Indarius. "Our coaching staff are all certified with EMT training. And we have counselors on staff as well. Yes, the practice arena is rather focused on combat, but isn't that to be expected, with generations of good guys versus bad guys resolving problems with fists and energy blasts? This draws them in. Gets the students excited to come here. Then we open their mind to the possibilities. That maybe their gifts can be for more than punching."

She claps her hands together. "So, we can certainly put a rain check on trying out the practice arena. Would you like to see the rest of the grounds? The dorms, for example? There's one area under construction, but that's for future growth. Right now we have plenty of space for our current student body. Or is there something you think I should have covered but didn't?"

The journey continues, with the heroes perhaps hopeful that their long trek in this lightless realm will soon be over. After several hours of uneventful travel and one final rest in a secluded spot, Kisegar points out a landmark to Aerel.

Phosphorescent fungi cling to the walls here, shining a soft violet light across a large underground pool to one side of the paved highway. An immense statue of a plump dwarven woman appears to hold the ceiling aloft by the shore, her spiderlike face half-collapsed and leaving only a scowling mouth and five eyes behind.

The heroes find another caravan camped at the site near the underground pool. This one, they quickly realize, is populated by numerous Duergar.

The camp's leader, an imperious-looking woman, shouts to the group haughtily in Undercommon. Kisegar, joining Aerel in the lead, answers quickly while waving Benedict to come forward.

Ms. Vallejo laughs dismissively. "Good luck with that. Is the Alliance facility repaired? Or will you choose a public park or playground to ruin while you 'train' yourselves?"

Her eyes bore into Gui. "What sort of classes are you looking for? Hmm? Art? Theater? Literature? Creating a custom curriculum takes time. Maybe you'd like some classes in business administration, to learn that I cannot simply snap my fingers and have a world-class educational curriculum ready mere hours after we've just met."

She looks to the others, her composure completely restored. "What about the rest of you? I find it hard to believe that no one's not the least bit interested."

Her smile drops. "Those classes are not currently in session. May I remind you, Daedalus is in its beginning stages. We've brought on top experts in a number of fields, including engineering and robotics, genetics and microbiology, and psychology. Our particle physics professor is still waiting on her Visa."

She gestures to the rooms in the arena. "This is symbiotic. The facilities attract our special students, who in turn attract the experts in fields who wish to attract the students into their areas. You see?"

Ms. Vallejo studies everyone's faces, then offers a satisfied smile. "Would anyone like to try out our facilities? Or would you like to invite some of my students for a sparring practice?"

Ms. Vallejo makes a concerted effort to ignore Archie's banter and focuses on the ones interested in the tour. She looks to Statian with a smile. "You're probably right. The dormitories can wait. I believe you'll all be suitably impressed with our practice facilities."

She leads them out of the far end of the hallway, which opens into the rear garden. A service road winds around the side of the estate grounds, which are lush and full of topiary. Weathered statues and fountains dot the landscape, and moss-covered cobblestones compose the path leading to the far newer structure in the rear of the facility. Shrubs and bushes block most of it, though its sleek roof still can be seen over the hedge.

"Though they lacked powerful gifts, the Church members weren't idle when they owned the place. They did tend to this lovely area. It's my hope that the superpowered shenanigans of our students still respect the beauty of these gardens," Ms. Vallejo comments.

Once the group passes through the gardens, they get the scent of recent construction and new landscaping. The arena is a large structure with heavily reinforced walls and braced struts running up and down its length. Ms. Vallejo produces a key card and swipes it at a station causing heavy double doors to slide open. A short hallway leads to a central hub. "Here we are," she says proudly. "In Room A you have the weight room, with a variety of equipment ranging from normal human parameters to Class N-rated strength. We also feature specialized equipment to test abilities like telekinesis and tactile-kinesis forms of strength.

"Room B is the competition arena, that students have affectionally called the Rumpus Room. This is where students pit themselves against each other, either one-on-ones or team versus teams. We have a variety of props and obstacles that can be introduced in order to create any number of scenarios. And that includes your basic sports games. Baseball, basketball and the like." She smiles and studies the faces of the heroes before her.

"Room C is the shooting gallery." She hits a panel and a window slides open, showing a youth currently using the room. As drones fire an array of blunt projectiles at him, the young man frantically dodges. He tumbles and rolls, then waves a shiny object in his hand and points it at the drones. Waves of sonic force blast them away, though more drones appear, continuing the exercise.

Indarius and Devil Diva recognize the subject in the shooting gallery, though he is no longer wearing the ridiculous homemade costume he had when they first met him. Ringtone looks like he's done some growing up, and now has a practical outfit that seems designed to help him with his powers.

Ms. Vallejo allows everyone to watch Ringtone for a few minutes, then she hits the panel to have the window slide closed. "The Shooting Gallery is specially designed to withstand all manner of energies, from your basics like fire or electricity, to more esoteric radiations and cosmic energies. Our last room, Room D, is the all-purpose room. It can simulate a number of different environments, like underwater, lava pits, and even outer space. For those who like a challenge."

Novvi happily barters and trades with the group. Meanwhile, she also asks about threats they may encounter on the road the Heroes have just traveled. Kisegar joins in the conversation at that point, and the two discuss the state of the Long Walk in either direction.

When the buying and selling is done, Novvi wishes them all well and safe travels. Kisegar tells Benedict, "I think we're good to go. We should be able to make the Matron in less than a day."

Eliana's eyes go wide and she flashes a predatory smile. "Would you like one hair, or three?" she asks Phalanx.

"Not a good idea," Abram interrupts. "She's fey-touched. You might literally be binding yourself to her if you accept her gift. She's here so we can learn how much of a fae she really is."

Eliana twirls a lock of hair around her finger as she giggles softly. "Aww," she pouts. "It's just Lord of the Rings, that's all. Isn't it, Gimli? Or would you prefer to be Aragorn?"

"That's it! Yes, Indarius, time to get back on your tour," Abram Mathers says, urging the group to continue.

Ms. Vallejo nods and waves everyone down the hallway. "Let's continue, then. Would you like to see the dormitories? Or the practice arenas?"

Abram nods. "I didn't expect blind trust. Just a chance; that's all I'm asking for."

When Indy looks over to Eliana, he gets nothing but a hostile glare in return. His words don't soothe her ire, and all he gets from her is a haughty, "I do not speak to oathbreakers" addressed to the room.

Eliana's scowl softens when Phalanx produces the picture. "Yeah, Treebeard's an Ent, not a treant. There's a difference," she corrects.

Trying to diffuse tensions, Abram clears his throat. "Quincy's... a little better. Still recovering. I saw him a few weeks ago, just after I arrived in town."

Ms. Vallejo gasps in surprise at Andromeda's dismissal of magic. "I think you and your teammate should have some words, if you don't believe in magic. Or you can ask our teacher of the mystic arts, Mr. Mathers."

She opens up the door and leans in, causing heads to turn. "Pardon the interruption, everyone, but we've got a group of potential students taking the tour. How's magic class going?"

The man, presumably Mathers, leaning casually against his desk, looks past Ms. Vallejo at the group of visitors. "Hey everyone!" he says in a genial tone. "Welcome! Any of you think you have apt--" His eyes go wide when they land on Indarius.

He moves quickly to the hallway, blinking in astonishment. "Indarius, I presume? Abram Mathers. I must say, I would be happy to make your acquaintance... though you may have some reservations about me. Completely understandable ones, given my... ahem... parentage. I hope that you would extend to me the courtesy of an open mind, considering you were once teammates with my sister?"

An otherworldly-looking girl clad in clothing looking like leaves and branches stands up, eyes blazing. "Him!?! You're not letting him in here, are you?"

"Eliana, please," Mathers says, not taking his eyes off Indarius.

Ballista confirms Indarius's hypothesis before she gets back to her class. "Yes, time travel is weird. I didn't think I was the teaching type, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Hope you will too. Maybe I'll see you in class!"

Indarius gets Scythe's attention when he acknowledges her, and she meets his stare. There's a look of recognition on her face, but it's tentative as if she's trying to remember where they'd met. She eventually shrugs and returns to class.

Valence doesn't show any concern at the dragon's rumbling threat. He smirks at Indarius and gives him a dismissive wave as he rises in the sky.

Ms. Vallejo then begins walking the group through the main entrance. The front building's large atrium is grand in a turn-of-the-century style of brick and marble. Ms. Vallejo's voice echoes as she speaks. "What's the 'real' deal? Well, let me ask you something. Have you ever wondered why there are academic scholarships? The real reason? Why is K through twelve education ostensibly free as well? It's because employers want an educated workforce. They need scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers, et cetera, so they offer educational opportunities so that more are made each day."

She turns and faces Digits with a smirk. "Sinister, isn't it?" She leads them into an open courtyard where some students are in a study group. Most are inhuman in some way, sporting fur, feathers, or scales. Those who have been attending Halcyon Prep for at least the last year recognize Ne'veah by her sleek dark fur. Most of them look up and watch as Ms. Vallejo leads them by.

"This is something that has been a long time in coming. For too long, extraordinary beings have been lumped into two categories: superheroes and supervillains. But that's not fair. Why not train young people with gifts on how to best use them, and let them make up their minds? To do other things than punch bad guys or rob banks? Industry, research, technology, medicine, there are fields out there that would benefit by having someone with the kind of gifts you each possess.

"And no tights required." She giggles lightly at her joke. Then she looks to Indarius. "Our benefactors are many, some anonymous, but all agree that change is necessary."

She walks them through a hallway with standard classrooms on each side, all utilizing modern equipment. Only one is occupied, with a middle-aged teacher with his sleeves rolled partway talking to a class of about four students ranging in age from twelve to nineteen. Arcane sigils cover the walls.

What is the normal limit for Navvi's wares?
Like, "She has anything under _,000 GP and then a few items above that"?

I'm expecting that real high-ticket items would be found or commissioned in Kraggodan. But wands, scrolls, potions, maybe some Talismans, could be good to pick up here.

She has a 75% chance of having anything 1,000 gp or less in stock. She can buy up to 5,000 gp worth of items off the PCs.

Ms. Vallejo scoffs lightly at Andromeda's logic. "I believe you missed the part where I said that this is the inaugural class of Daedalus. Prior to our acquisition, this facility was a vanity project by the Church of Higher Consciousness. That organization owned the Estate for more than a decade. It was a place for barely gifted people, card readers, spoon benders, and the like -- if they had any gifts at all." She laughs lightly at the absurdity. "You can examine the practice areas if you like. They're starting to show some battle scars, but we try to encourage our students to aim away from the building."

Meanwhile, Ballista returns Max's handshake. "And nice to meet you too. I take it you're thinking of attending classes here? It's a lovely facility. I'm honored to be a part of it. Halcyon has never had something like this."

Ms. Vallejo adds, "Yes, we're taking inspiration from the Alliance's work with First Class, but expanding it to a full curriculum and opening the school to more than just a hand-picked group."

A girl with metal wings lands bone-jarringly hard on the pavement, but stands up seemingly unharmed. Indarius recognizes her instantly as Scythe, and then realizes he recognizes the young male descending out of the air with a corona of buzzing energy as Valence!

"Excuse me," Ballista turns to the metal-winged girl. "What have I told you about landing like that?"

The girl huffs. "But it's fun."

"Ugh, you're making my knees hurt just watching you." She turns back to the guests. "Sorry. You interrupted flight class. I should get back to it. Welcome to Daedalus!" She starts to corral the flying students as a violet sheath of energy envelopes her and she rises into the sky.

"Thank you, Professor Yamada!" Ms. Vallejo calls out, then she turns to her guests. "Shall we continue the tour?"

Ms. Vallejo tilts her head at Chroknight's cutting remarks meant to get under her skin. "A giftshop? What a nice idea! By the way, there's currently a competition amongst the students to come up with a mascot for Daedalus." She offers the Janus an unflappable smile that shows her efforts to annoy her are not working. "Of course, given our students' talents, there's no way we could fairly submit teams into collegiate athletics, but there's no reason why we shouldn't foster school spirit, right?"
Chroknight, take Insecure

As the team disembarks, Ms. Vallejo responds to Statian's question. "Absolutely. Before you go, I'll provide you with contact information, and a brochure if you want, so you can have your parents explore everything Daedalus has to offer."

The arrival of the aero vehicle has drawn a fair amount of attention from the students. The fliers arrive first, lightly touching down or slamming hard against the earth depending on their level of skill. A woman sheathed in violet energy also lands near Ms. Vallejo. Once her feet touch the ground, the energy dissipates revealing a young woman of Japanese descent. "New recruits, Rosa?" she says, then gasps when she sees Indarius and Devil Diva. "Sugoi! You're friends with Horizon, right? He's my-- well, there's no easy way to put it. He's my grandfather. Professor Hoshiko Yamada. Or Ballista, if you'd like." The woman who is clearly older than Shin Akebono reaches out a hand for a shake.

While that scene unfolds, Chicle folds her arms and looks confused at Andromeda's comment. "Um, really? Evil? Did a plant controller attack you at some point? I can assure you, we've only one of those so far in the student body. And she's not the type, unless you piss her off."

Ms. Vallejo looks pleased that some appear interested. "Excellent. This way, please. I have room for everyone, by the way. So please, at least join us to see what Daedalus has to offer." She addresses Empyrean. "You. And anyone else who may be unconvinced by what Daedalus has to offer."

Chroknight's suggestion to DeeDee about unveiling the place to her audience doesn't get the reaction they were probably expecting. "That's a great idea! Our grand unveiling is scheduled for a couple weeks, but I don't see the harm in a little sneak peek. Oh, I would just ask that you get permission before livestreaming or posting the faces of our students. Not everyone wants their gifts made public. I'm sure you understand." She arches an eyebrow at Chroknight.

She walks out the same path of tunnels in which she arrived, reaching an large aero vehicle parked just outside an abandoned service tunnel. It is roomy enough to hold everyone interested in taking the tour, even Indarius at his smallest size, with large sliding side doors and a rear bay door. Ms. Vallejo takes a seat nearest the pilot's chair, which is occupied by a nondescript fellow in mirror shades and earphones. She nods to him and he starts up the engines.

Once everyone is on board, the craft takes off and rises up through the buildings of Halcyon City and heads north. As the aero vehicle puts the downtown Tower District behind it and rises in altitude to crest the Heights, Ms. Vallejo hits the intercom so she can be plainly heard. "You may have heard of the Estate. We acquired the campus and its grounds when the previous owner was downsizing. The Estate has been in use training gifted individuals since the 1950s, and has changed hands numerous times over the years. I won't lie; there's been some shady groups in contol of it in the past. But that's firmly behind us. We're looking to the future. "

Soon, the aero vehicle is past the high-end homes of Halcyon Heights and flying over the countryside. Ms. Vallejo points out a spot on the ground that gets larger as they approach. It's a small collection of stately ivy-covered buildings and a larger modern structure out of view of the campus by strategic and artful landscaping. The spring weather has made the entire grounds vibrant, lush and inviting.

As they get nearer, figures become visible, including ones flying in the sky performing loops and turns! Others on the ground are engaged in various exercises, sometimes causing intermittent bright and colorful flashes of energy or muffled explosions.

The vehicle approaches the manicured front lawn and gently touches down on a disguised pad solid enough to take its weight. "May I welcome you to Daedalus," Ms. Vallejo says as she throws the doors open.

Ms. Vallejo -- Chicle -- smiles and inclines her head when DD points out her alias. "Hola, Senorita Diva. I'm delighted you remember me."

She smiles brightly at the swell of interest. "I didn't mention it yet? Thanks to the generous financial backing of our benefactors, there will be no cost to students or their families. You needn't worry about cost."

Looking at Gui, she adds, "And I have transportation waiting on street level if you're interested in taking a tour of the facility. It's not in Halcyon proper, which gives the students privacy and room to grow.

"I'm sure you'll find our professor of the mystic arts to be fully capable," she tells Indarius. "His name is Abram Mathers."

Chicle looks back to Devil Diva. "The Slipknots are not students, no. We have hired some competent administrators to oversee the school and make sure our instructors provide challenging, enriching courses."

She looks at everyone, including Chroknight. "So who would like a tour?"

"Flaunting your ability, then. I see." Chroknight seems to become invisible to Ms. Vallejo as she looks to the others in the room.

Ms. Vallejo lights up at Statian's question about tailored classes. "I'm glad you asked! Daedalus offers all sorts of classes, from flight school, to magic -- both beginner and advanced--, to the theoretical and quantum sciences. Oh, robotics, power armor, and advanced weaponry workshops. There are also combat classes at a variety of skill levels. Our buildings are all reinforced structures able to withstand all but the most concerted destructive efforts." She gives Andromeda a pointed look. "Imagine a place that's finally not built of tissue paper."

As she talks, Sam's search identifies Rosa Vallejo as the former hero called Chicle, most recently affiliated with the global conglomerate Lovelace International.

She accepts Indarius's welcome and joins him in the meeting room, though she stands as though making a presentation.

Ms. Vallejo turns to Chroknight. "You are fortunate that your masked persona has not been linked to your civilian one. What if that changes? Or, are you so willing to flaunt your ability to have 'Meatloaf Mondays' while the rest of your friends here are locked out? I believe Daedalus has the resources to keep your secret." Chroknight, she is telling you how the world works. Shift your Freak up and your Mundane down

Ms. Vallejo's smile becomes slightly strained at Andromeda's question, but her tone becomes playful. "I wouldn't put too much stock in names, my dear. Especially considering you have chosen a moniker associated with the classical damsel in distress." Her smile becomes genuine. "And I know you are not."

She next addresses Phalanx. "I'm inviting you, so yes. You have a choice. But I would hope you would at least first consider the opportunity. Consider, a school completely dedicated to teaching and training extraordinary individuals such as yourselves. You can get to know others like yourselves. You won't have to be alone."

Turning to Chroknight, she tilts her head. "You'd refuse just like that? Without having even seen the campus? Met the faculty? The other students who will be your classmates?"

----------------------------------------------------
Session 2: Higher Learning
----------------------------------------------------
1 Team

Unity Base has rarely felt this crowded. As the young group of special beings have explored the concept of being a team, each hero has struggled to find where exactly their membership fits into their lives. It's fitting that Unity Base used to be an old subway station as their individual comings and goings have made First Class's base of operations more transitory than ever.

"Unity" Base, however, had never been more of a misnomer.

That of course changed when a reactionary school board elected to prohibit extraordinarily gifted youths from attending alongside its unpowered student body. This left those who required special dispensation to attend Halcyon Preparatory Academy suddenly without a school or classes.

Unity Base now provided a place to occupy the mornings and afternoons where once they would have been filled with classes and extracurriculars. The entire team, their futures uncertain, find themselves commiserating or planning their next move.

Unity Base's proximity alarm sounds briefly, but it is abruptly cut off. As the heroes react to possible danger and prepare for an attack, a beautiful Hispanic woman in a pristine business suit walks brazenly in from one of the tunnels.

"Hello," she says politely, then holds up her hands in a placating gesture. "Please. I don't mean to alarm you. My name is Rosa Vallejo. And I'm here to extend you all an invitation. To be part of the inaugural class of the first ever school for the extraordinary: Daedalus."

A light smile plays upon her lips as she regards each of the faces and expressions in the room. "We feature state-of-the-art facilities and an enriching curriculum that includes the core disciplines, math, science, language, arts, but also classes specifically tailored to developing your unique gifts. Most of our faculty have special gifts as well, and look forward to imparting their experiences to the next generation of extraordinary individuals.

"Are you interested?"

"Welcome, viewers, to The Line in the Sand with Rav Tuscon. Our top story, the Board of Directors of Halcyon Preparatory Academy has finally come to its senses and, as we like to say here on this program, drawn a line in the sand when it comes to the safety and security of its students. At long last, the prestigious school has done the sane thing and stopped putting kids with powers in the same classes as regular students. I swear, it was like putting ticking time bombs under the desks of every child in that place.

"Of course, just like whenever anyone these days decides to do something wise and proper, there are those whack jobs out there who will find a way to stir up controversy. I'm joined tonight by someone who for some reason thinks it's a good idea putting demons and aliens in the same classrooms as regular, normal students. Nimbus of the Heralds."

"Thank you, Rav. I appreciate the chance to address your viewers."

"Happy to have you on the show. Maybe you can articulate why you think it's a good idea to put these kids in danger?"

"It's not a question of putting kids in danger. It's--"

"--So you admit they're in danger! It's what I've been saying all along, powered people are a magnet for mayhem and chaos!"

"Please, let me finish, Rav. Kids need connections. Friends. And they might be kids with powers, but they're still kids. You know me and Half-Pipe both went to Hal-Prep. We were learning, building relationships not just with each other, but our classmates. I'm still friends with the Class of--"

"Nimbus, let me educate you. In just the last year, the Hal-Prep all-purpose room was destroyed by an extradimensional alien, the boy's dorm was blown open by one of Whippoorwill's explosives, the Halloween dance was crashed by joy-sucking demons, and now this crazy vigilante shows up blasting away at students! And those are just the ones we know about!"

"And with the exception of one injured student, zero casualties. Buildings can be fixed, Rav. The lives saved are priceless."

"Let's look at Franklin, Halcyon North, Moremont Regional, Greenfield, and Riverton high schools... Oh, here! Zero incidents. You can't say because they got lucky that--"

"Wasn't Franklin's sports field and bleachers destroyed during the same time frame? Moremont reported several mass panics among the students, and the "Ghost of Greenfield" was--"

"That's life in Halcyon, Nimbus. Where was your team during these incidents?"

"Now it's our fault? Rav, you understand there's a choice when it comes to dealing with young people with powers. You either integrate them or keep them separate and apart from the rest of humanity. Apart, they start believing they're different -- and worse, better-- and that's where ideologies like Shard and the Chosen start to take root. Do you want that?"

You mean the elven archer and scout doesn't want the dwarven-made stoneplate heavy armor?

I'm shocked

The ring is a ring of evasion. The armor is a +1 light fortification stoneplate. The pigments are marvelous pigments. The sword is a +1 anarchic obsidian nine-ring broadsword.

The news that Halcyon Preparatory Academy has shuttered its doors to powered individuals spreads rapidly to the various young heroes looking to take classes or are already enrolled in the storied school. Those given special dispensation to attend through the Alliance's behind-the-scenes' organizations suddenly find themselves with letters regretfully informing them that they were no longer able to continue to take classes at Hal-Prep. Not only clearly inhuman figures like Indarius and Devil Diva, Samantha Murphy, Archibald Greene, Angelica Freeman, and Guillaume Roy-Côté all receive the bad news.

Furious at the hypocrisy that Joy Jones apparently was still allowed to attend, Empyrean's handler Ms. Trask informs the Newborn being that she should not attend the school as well. "We'll figure something out," she says, not elaborating further.

================

Max's call to arms to her followers gets a lot of responses, but few actually have real insights. That is, until @batdude79 provides a picture of what looks like an exhibit in a museum showing several heroes fighting what appears to be a vaguely Egyptian-styled supervillain. Above the main picture is a shot of the night sky with colorful streaks arcing across it. The caption from @batdude79 reads, TOOK THAT PIX AT THE PRAETORIUM BEFORE IT CLOSED. I THINK THIS MIGHT BE YOUR METEOR SHOWR GUY BUT I DONT REMEMBER WHO IT WAS

After that post, there are a lot of comments from Diva and Taylor fans that recall going to the museum highlighting the legacy of the Praetorian throughout the years. Shut down after the tragic disappearance of the last Praetorian and Ultra-Star, the Praetorium has been closed to the public for several years now. The general consensus of Diva fans seem to indicate that she should push to have it reopened and maybe do a big production to celebrate its grand reopening!

"Sure!" the Darklands trader exclaims. "You usually find the neatest stuff. What do you have now? Can I interest you in a truesilver shield? Or maybe you'd like a ghost touch sling?"

She pats her pockets in a show of finding something on her person. "I've done pretty well since we last met, so I might have something you want. Well?"

Empyrean, still need an end of session move.
Phalanx, still need a Friends in Low Places roll (also, your Freak should be a +1)

"Good evening. I'm Gary Grumman for W-HCY Afternoon Edition. Tonight's top story, major changes at the Halcyon Preparatory Academy, the historic and prestigious high school. After the recent supervillain attack at the school where the gun-toting vigilante Mourning Dove attacked multiple students causing one major injury and the school's temporary closure, the Halcyon Prep Board of Directors have now voted to bar all students with extraordinary abilities.

"Once a place of learning for such heroic figures such as Praetoria, Nimbus, and Half-Pipe, and the team of young heroes called First Class, the academy is now shuttering its doors to anyone with powers.

"The lone voice of opposition, Dean Dr. Rico Alameda, held a press conference this morning."

<Video of Dean Alameda at his podium in the faculty hall.>
"I cannot stress how disappointed I am in the Board's decision today. The founder of this school, Horatio Walden, understood that the most gifted among us need the most nurturing. The most different among us need the most acceptance. The most powerful among us need the most guidance. I'm certain that if the Alliance heroes were still here on Earth, this decision would not have been made. I pray for their quick return so that this short-sighted decision can be soon reversed."

<Gary Grumman again seated before the camera.> "Powerful words. In a statement issued by the Halcyon Prep School Board, the members responded by saying, 'Non-powered students outnumber students with powers two hundred to one. The open presence of individuals with powers on our campus paints a target on the back of each student, powers or no. Halcyon Prep will continue to be a beacon of acceptance and learning, but for regular students who seek to excel without the constant distraction of super-powered mayhem.' 

"More on this story as it develops."

The caravan continues its approach, though as soon as they come into view it's clear the beings look nervous. The beings, fifteen in total, are cloaked and covered in wrappings with dark eyes peering out from behind their hoods.

One of the beings, shorter than the rest which are tall and lanky, leans forward while tilting their head curiously. After a moment, they step forward and pulls back the hood to reveal a familiar face. It's Novvi, the svirfneblin trader from the troglodyte caves!

"Benedict? And is that Grum? Amkarang as well! By the Great Stone!"

Officials arrive and take control of the scene, closing the campus until the gas has enough time to fully dissipate. Police also arrive with containment units to take custody of Mourning Dove.

As a result of the super villain attack, Halcyon Prep announces an emergency closing for a week while its kitchen is repaired and the attack is investigated. Hal-Prep students find themselves logging in to classes through online portals from home while the campus remains closed.

Time passes...

==============================
END OF SESSION 1

At the end of every session, choose one:
• Grow closer to the team. Explain
who made you feel welcome; give
Influence to that character and clear
a condition or mark potential.
• Grow into your own image of yourself.
Explain how you see yourself and why;
shift one Label up and another down.
• Grow away from the team. Explain why
you feel detached. Take Influence over
you away from another character.

The night is uneventful as predicted. The group heads out the next "morning," returning to the Long Walk's main thoroughfare.

Roughly another day passes of lightless travel, with little events but the regular scurrying things in the darkness just at the edge of darkvision or hearing. Kisegar keeps scouting with Aerel, using her superior darkvision to guide the group away from hazards like deadfalls or dropoffs, vents of noxious subterranean gasses and patches of virulent fungi.

Just as the party begins to consider stopping for another rest, Aerel hears a distant creaking that seems to be getting louder. Kisegar signals that it's a group of twelve or more beings pulling a rickety wagon. "They look like legitimate travelers on the road," she says. "Not Duergar, but they're displaying a sigil of passage."

She clicks her tongue and her beetle companion trundles up to her side. "If you pick a fight with them, I'm not helping." She falls to the rear of the group.

At the ambulance

The EMT crew all hop out of the ambulance and get Beebee onto a stretcher with practiced efficiency. They quickly identify the wound and apply a tourniquet to staunch the bleeding while they work on getting her stabilized.

It's a tense few minutes as they determine that the bullet had nicked a blood vessel which caused the unexpected hemorrhaging, requiring her to get a blood transfusion. Eventually, one of the EMTs informs Chroknight that she's stable, but they need to rush her to an ER for surgery.

Moments later, the ambulance screams off leaving the Janus in the street.

=================
Back on campus

Large illusions of flashing warning signs lead the last remaining students away from the danger area. (no roll needed) Heading in the opposite direction, though, is Statian rushing to the maintenance closet to shut off the natural gas line!

Meanwhile, as Andromeda and Phalanx are securing Mourning Dove, the concentration of the gas gets too strong to be ignored.

0 Team

"Come on, we'll go around," Beebee says taking a left turn. "They were in the cafeteria, so we can sneak in through the kitchen entrance and stay out of their way." Still clutching her red-streaked arm, the defiant girl leads Gui to the service entrance.

Meanwhile, Chroknight doesn't see any open flames currently, so as long as nothing ignites the gas there won't be an explosion. The best way to keep it from happening is to cut off the gas and get some air moving through the kitchen so the gas dissipates faster. Fortunately, Statian just gave her the coordinates to do part one of the plan.

Indarius charges up his powers as he directs Chroknight -- the fastest -- to cut off the gas while making sure that Mourning Dove is contained.

Chroknight rushes out of the kitchen and around to the exterior of the building where the outside maintenance closet holds the valves to the gas line. As they race around the corner, Chroknight sees Gui and Beebee!

Beebee sways and stumbles up against Gui. "Whoa. Woozy all of a sudden..." She doesn't look good!

What do you do?!?

0 Team

With the crowd

Beebee pauses at Gui's words, but the concern on her face grows as the gunfire ceases. Sirens take the place, getting louder and louder as first responders get closer to the campus.

"Do we-- Should we go check on them? It's gone quiet."

Inside the kitchen

Mourning Dove relents and allows the handcuffs to be put on. Her face never changes from her mix of tortured sorrow and hate. Her one arm hangs limp from its shattered forearm while her other refuses to relax its death grip on the pistol.

As the young heroes start to take control of the scene and the supervillain they just beat, the distinctive smell of natural gas reaches their noses!

What do you do??