Search Posts
Wendy doesn’t flip the coin:
Nine months later… Wendy flips the coin:
Nine months later… Seriously, though: Happily taking his hand and gazing lovingly into his eyes, Wendy promises Wes, “What side of the coin, or when to flip it, is always your choice.”
”The fifties are making a comeback… this is the year, Daphne!” Wendy takes Daphne into her rainbowy mind cloud where the two train hard: one to master her own true powers; the other to trigger her borrowed powers without self-abuse… • • • • • It was hard for Wendy to accept that her wild days with Kalilah had to come to an end. Tears were shed, and since the woman she made a promise to was just a power manifested, she rationalized the promise was nothing. An old habit resurfaced. Wendy had done more than simply knock out a tooth. But all anyone noticed was the young Hatrix nerdette with more powers than the time the bullet struck her heart. She survived her recklessness, but it came at a heavy cost. Her self-destructiveness perhaps validated Ziss’ concerns, or maybe a powerless leader was what made the team so intriguing. Either way, the Bay Watchmen were heading in the direction of all-victory-no-selfie. Their dwindling fanbase prompted Cape Watch’s Jerry Woodrow to ask, ”Who’s watching the Bay Watchmen?” • • • • • After the training, Wendy takes her scooter to Wes’ place. Her outfit is adorable, classy, and as usual, sure to meet the approval of Wes’ parents. That Respectable Hatrix Girl, with her teal derby tilted to show her chestnut curls, patiently awaits her fiancé. (Not yet, but in her vision from the Temporal Tiara’s power, she expects a proposal on her 18th birthday.)
Wendy takes a moment to answer the door. After all, she can’t train her cousin to be Bay City’s mightiest hero without triggering her powers.
Phasing through her own door, levitating, she says to her cousin, ”Let’s fly!”
”That’s fine.” Wendy replies to C.T. ”Preferably in a couple days, but we’ll get 86 what she needs.”
"Making final adjustments Wendy-red. It shall be ready for a field test when we need it." Wendy’s voice replies over the Ear-Buddies, ”Are we taking the new wheels on our mission? Either way, see you at the base!”
“Full disclosure: we talked after you left. I believe Wes and Kalilah both accept that they’re parts of a whole, and our mission is to save the whole. “We’re out of the woods once either Wes has the lamp, now that I’m relatively certain they aren’t plotting against each other.” She smiles at the pair, looking side to side as she has taken the middle seat between them.
As it appears the meeting is over, Wendy informs everyone, ”You won’t be able to leave the cave on your own. Diego could easily. “Feel free to take the same card back, or pair or group as you see fit. We can head to our own base first to take 86’s transport. And we got a few hours until lunchtime, so base by 11:30 or find your own way to the Fun Putt Hut and we can meet there. Keep Ear-Buddies on to coordinate and if course hear Tumbler’s call.”
Wendy changed. —into a golf ensemble: a teal babydoll polo, teal and magenta plaid skirt, sensible shoes and a derby—also teal, with a magenta band. She has turquoise earrings, and she offers Carmen a choice of jade or emerald. ”Ear-Buddies guised as jewelry. Keep both. Emerald today, and Barbs can hook up Jade as a private pair for your contacts. No Hatrix can access the Jade ones.”
Before Wendy heads to the teal room, she assures Carmen, ”Yes, I agree to giving peace a chance. “Emerald or jade?”
Wendy has to admit, I even like the tune. ”Tumbler, if we go with that plan, do you want a head start? We can hook you up with inconspicuous Ear Buddies so you can keep in touch. I think I’m gonna change clothes myself.” Gesturing over her own ensemble. ”This look screams, Obviously, You’re Not a Golfer.” She heads toward the door.
Wendy does not want to openly disagree with Ziss. But then she truly would be letting an interpersonal relationship get in the way of the mission. Respectfully disagreeing doesn’t make anyone look bad. Hostile tones do. ”Only catch to that,—“ She said to call her ”Fox, is that Thorn’s likely done her homework. And if they’re sitting on the lamp, knowing it’s a golden gun but thinking they’ve one bullet or three, that says Thorn bides their time, thinks. Plans. Assesses risk. Waits. Strikes. Doesn’t miss. “If we can determine the likeliest target, parlay or interception is possible. Fox’s idea on fake targets can work with the interception, if Kalilah transmutes one or some of us to look like oil CEOs. Is that the next target though..?”
”Hey, to be fair, infiltration isn’t the norm on the capes-and-tights side of the Fence of Justice.”
Wendy is annoyed at Ziss’ self-righteousness, but complies for the sake of not being baited. Or was I already baited? She scares Kalilah into talking about burying herself, I say comforting words, she hugs me… and of course Ziss pounces.
Wendy replies, ”It’s the unthinkable. It’s worse than Hell because even Hell has company. “It’s not that I wouldn’t respect the choice… but if you can do something that extreme, then you’re still capable of other methods that don’t eternally damn yourself to eternal isolation.”
Wendy is immediately at her side, ”Definitely not. No matter how powerful you can become, it’s our job as your friends—your team—that you maintain your free will.” Wendy does not address Ziss’ insistence that rubbing the lamp forces Kalilah. I’m no slave driver. She’s too spiteful to believe me. And as an aside, not caring who overhears her, Wendy adds, ”You remember what I told you about my past. This—wanting to be buried forever—not the same path, but a parallel road.”
”Wow… thanks m, Ziss.” She takes in the weight of Kalilah’s phrase: extinction event. ”Maybe reasoning with Thorn’s likely with this knowledge… that w-’s can have a Monkey’s Paw effect. You can’t avoid collateral damage with magic you don’t understand. “We still need something to offer up though, since Curator’s an asshoIe, but a green asshoIe.”
Wendy throws out a question mostly to Wes and Kalilah: ”Any chance the Curator is a big polluter?” Archaeology seems environmentally friendly enough, but given the lengths the professor will go to get what he’s after…
Wendy makes it a point to be close to a fembot (camera) as she backs Wes. ”If we give them something they can use to stick it to polluters without doing anything harmful or destructive, could be a win for everyone.”
Wendy says, ”Ha ha,” which she literally just says. ”Good one, CT. Of course we will ensure that lives our saved. However noble a cause, these are still people setting out to hurt people, and the lamp is their eco-friendly nuke. But I don’t have to tell you which side we’re on or how gently or roughly you act to complete the mission.” Hoping this isn’t about to be made into a big to-do that will arouse suspicion from her family, she goes on, ”Speaking of complete, I think we’re close to wrapping up here.” She turns to a fembot. ”Sorry we started without you… but didn’t I tell you we’re efficient? “Okay. Summary of so far— “Goal: get the lamp.
Wendy can’t help herself. The lap photo is cute. What’s not cute are the ”Known Risks: Kalilah’s will; Wes’ existence.” She makes eye-contact with Wes. The tinted glasses come off. She hopes he understands that ”You’re one of us.” She goes on, ”Another risk that endangers the mission is finger-pointing crowds. If we want to do this in broad daylight, I’m thinking those of us who can blend in with the normies should. Carmen’s appearance will make our intentions obvious, but I’m not suggesting a disguise. Maybe there’s an advantage to being recognized when the time comes. “Carmen, how do you want to play it when we confront your ex? Everything’s dynamic, improv’s in our collective toolbox.. but you know Thorn best.”
Kalilah’s assurance is a good place to move on. ”Right, likely they don’t. If they did, they’d have used it. “So the trick is not to do anything to give the evil ex any funny ideas.” Wendy looks at Carmen… she maybe grins just a little. ”Not gonna lie. I’m intrigued, but it’s necessary to go into this informed. “So… details? Does your ex have a record? Maybe Barbs can get a visual onscreen.”
Wendy mutters, ”Taking that as yes.” Her question asked, she faces Kalilah. She doesn’t bother to correct Ziss about what rubbing the lamp actually did. She lets Kalilah decide what to say of the rubbing.
Wendy takes all that in— ”Possibly, said the w- word, nothing happened, laughed it off and…” She looks at Wes, at Kalilah, ponders… ”Can Wes safely hear the word? Kalilah, you said mages stay in the back. Can you then be safely deafened?—rely on your eyes, on Wes to point you to danger that he hears? “Or if him-hearing is you-hearing, there’s always Barbs.” She calls back to the tune in the wall. ”Ya back there, Barbs?”
”So accidental slips don’t do the trick? Still keeping the word outta my vocabulary, but any other rules?—like can’t kill, can’t make people fall in love, and… what’s the other one Robin Williams said? ’Ixnay on the’—oh, can’t w- for more w-‘s.” Wendy wonders if there’s a three-per-person limit, come to think of it.
”I’m worried about that myself,” Wendy says, ”It goes without saying that anyone who knows the lamp can affect your will, and would take advantage, is a complete scum bag. “But someone ignorant could just say the word… and… I suppose they haven’t yet.” Wendy sits at Kalilah’s side. ”You would know, right?”
Wendy looks at which signals lead to potential storage areas or hidey-holes… and Carmen’s pick is a winner in her eye. The other spots are more for moving and exchanging. ”As much as I’d like you to turn that prick into a pile of coins… movie reference. Not condoning bizarre violence. “…what’s the play, Carmen? Can your ex be reasoned with? Are we trying to be subtle? I’m thinking skates and a cherry-red helmet’s a bad play, so maybe I’ll stick to my classic look. I brought my Hatarang derby just in case.” She doesn’t mention it was just in case her family disapproved of the roller derby aesthetic.
What Wendy sees and doesn’t see is difficult to determine, given how she faces her audience when presenting and is wearing rose-tinted glasses. However, the expression on her face is one of hope as 86 narrows locations. ”Okay… not down to one location, but a handful. So do we split into pairs, or find a systematic route and stick together, or delve into each ping to determine likelihood?”
Wendy continues to a stonework archway built into the natural wall. She opens a bronze-and-mahogany double door. Even Tyr-Gal would find there is abundant headroom. Inside is a grand hall. Everything not-natural-stone is white marble, gold, fire, mirrors and mahogany. Two Fembots in black maid outfits open one pair of doors. (There are many.) This room is hues of burgundy, well-furnished, has books, a fireplace, Fembots with teapots, and a 120” flatscreen that looks out of place, especially with several color-coded wires which resemble an unraveling rainbow-brain. The wires converge into a pipe that is obviously a recent (and likely temporary) addition to the Burgundy Room. Wendy starts, ”My family is here, but given the dire situation, I want to start now, as Zi… White Fox requested. “One of our own is in grace danger. We all have varying degrees of feelings on what happened and to whom, none of which are relevant. I state this only to emphasize: whether a mission is personal or not, the goal is always the success of the mission. “In this we are fortunate. The goal is obvious: get the lamp. More specifically, get the lamp in Kalilah’s hands. That’s female-Wes. “86 has done some amazing work at the base. Let’s take a look.” The screen is on, and a Fembot gives 86 a control she can use to operate the holocomputer from where she is seated. (There is a chair designed for a person even bigger than her!)
Wendy offers Kalilah her hand. She gives an encouraging smile. ”Don’t let it get you down… some of your powers are beautiful, but in a way that’s best just for us. Like the amazing skate-run that followed your sorceress guises… and what followed the skate run that night!” She doesn’t mind her girlfriend stealing the thunder of her own costume-reveal. I wonder if anyone even noticed at all.
”Mmm… yeah. My favorite was a ‘Darling Derrière’ comment under one of my bikini photos. Y’know, that time we were at the beach?” No one saw that because ”Barbs deleted that one. And several others.” She does not tell her girlfriend how to dress, but does mention, ”My great-grandfather might greet us if we’re lucky.”
Wendy had seen her do the thing with the mask before. Hero name? But it’s Ziss… only Ziss. ”Sure thing, White Fox.” The name does not roll off the tongue. To be fair, neither does Darling Derby. ‘CT’ was quick to run with ‘Derbs,’ which Wendy had appreciated far more than she would ever admit aloud. Her naïve hope that CT would come up with a nickname for ‘White Fox’ is instantaneously dashed by the realization she already calls her ‘Li’l Ziss.’ Advice from Carmen and 86 are helpful. Wendy does not try to fix this. ”Well, thank you all for coming. This is the home of my Great-Grandfather, the Capped Crusader. Apologies for the lack of a signal here aside from the direct line to my holocomputer.” Wendy leads the party further into the cave, toward her great grandfather’s underground mansion-slash-lair.
Wendy offers a cheerful smile. She is glad to see Ziss. She’s not blind to the crossed arms. ”Good morning, Ziss. I’m glad you made it. Is everything okay with you?” In the interest of not being fake, ”I get that you’re upset with me, but I mean…” Don’t pry. ”…I just hope you’re safe and, whatever you’ve been up to, you’re happier for it.” Though a little more long-winded than intended, Wendy is being sincere…
…it’s carried in her tone, though she’ll be surprised if anything she says can get Ziss to open up.
Wendy pats close attention to the construct that looks like Wes. So *she* is madly in love with me, but *he* retains all the bits about life outside of our relationship. And I’m not sure why the sexy sorceress look exactly, but that led to… yeah. Ride the wave; don’t think about the crash. I wonder if Megan could make sense of… ”Hmm.. just an observation, but I think you two are parts of a whole. Be sure to both stay as you are after the lamp is back. Maybe we can debrief.” Wendy does NOT mean—”I mean talk, sort out how not to lose yourself, -selves, or half of you. “…if you don’t object to my being in that conversation.”
Wendy of course appreciates the enthusiasm and takes in the hug. ”Great! You’re both here,” Wendy says, not wanting to leave out the grumpy Wes construct. ”So… before the others arrive, just a… suggestion. You might want to fill us in on the goal. “You get the lamp, then what?”
Wendy can see the construct is self-aware, as Barbs is. And he and Kalilah are in a disagreement. Wendy wants to get a read on him.
After the meeting with Carmen, Wendy heads off to… Undisclosed Location: Wendy speaks to her aunt. ”I have two things to discuss. One, my team member, Tumbler, asked a favor. White Rabbit is up for parole, and she was wondering if an established hero could speak on his behalf. Now, I don’t have enough information to vouch for him. But Tumbler has told me what kind of person she was versus who she is now. “Perhaps she could be an influence for her old friend.” Wendy is aware that the reverse could be true, especially if White Rabbit is more than just an old acquaintance. ”I understand the risks, but I also know you wouldn’t meet the parole board before speaking to White Rabbit directly. “The second thing… Ziss moved out. It’s no mystery we’ve had a falling out. She once confessed feelings for me, but at that time, I was just starting my relationship with Wes. Kalilah now. Means ‘darling’ in Arabic.” Wendy stops herself from mentioning the shape-shifting. ”All of her recent actions point to her problem with Kalilah and I being a couple. First, she was hit in a sparring match because she was focused on me, not her opponent, and shouted at me when I advised her to focus on the ‘foe’ in front of her. When I spoke to her in private, she got upset, then told me about what happens if someone rubs Wes’ lamp. This resulted in a state of panic when I realized I did rub the lamp, and Wes—Kalilah now—panicked, questioning if her feelings for me are magically compelled. “After that was settled, Tumbler and CT had fortunately taken initiative, compensating for time wasted on my relationship being needlessly dragged into the middle of a critical mission. Ziss then W’d the lamp away!” Wendy takes a breath. This story is long, she knows, but has a point. ”I managed to pull the team together. Our mission succeeded, as you know. How is a separate conversation. “But after the debrief—which in part went poorly due to my own approach, admittedly—Ziss said I was unfit to lead this mission due to my emotional attachment.” She raises a finger. ”The team as a whole does not agree. “Additionally, she has been critical of you, discounts my offensive tactics as recklessness, and has refused multiple invitations to meet in private, yet she expects to be here tomorrow. I invited her, so… me too, actually. Benching a team member sounds like the outer ring of a death spiral. “I fear her sewing seeds of dissent has the potential to destroy the team. Mutiny. The faster death spiral. I don’t intend to engage in unpleasantness, but I don’t want her to feel like she doesn’t have a voice or a place with us. “I’m at a loss as to how to deal with her, and as far as emotions go—the mercy I showed Carbine is proof that I don’t let my emotions get in the way of being a Hatrix.” Wendy will hear her aunt’s advice. Her question: ”How do I handle Ziss?”
Wendy replies,
Let me know where you want to meet me, or if any time between 4pm and 9pm at the base works. I’ll reschedule or relocate accordingly.
Wendy sends a text message to the team. Our next meeting is scheduled at the base. I will be taking lead on this mission, as well as all missions going forward until I see evidence that we are unified as a team. Megan was right that we have a problem, and we don’t need to cast a wide net. The net is over all of us. That said, your voiced concern about my safety, as one who lacks superpowers, has been noted and addressed. I hope you will find this evident when you see me, and that going forward all of us, including myself, improve the team through self-improvement and trusting others to use their abilities as only they truly know how. That said, the Bay Watchmen are Bay City’s best. Backing that claim is our win record, our killer rep, respect on both ends of the super spectrum and an ever-growing fan base of normies and maybe a few supers and ex-villains as well. We’re gonna pull together and get that lamp! Special thanks to 86 and her amazing Treznak tech! (Yes, it’s better than mine. There. I said it.) See you soon! ~The Darling Derby Attached is a scheduled private meeting at the base called “Private Meeting - OPTIONAL.” Each team member can only see her own, except Kalilah who sees Wes’ optional meeting the hour before her own. These are at the base. The “⭐️BAY WATCHMEN TEAM MEETING⭐️“ is not. Location: TBA
GM:
Wendy gets the feeling that at least one on her team feels she does not uphold the Hatrix traditions. She does not make her family proud. Maybe they don’t know what those traditions are. But… would that really matter? Three years of intense training is exhilarating to experience, but boring to talk about. Wendy tries not to dwell on just one aspect. I did survive a bullet to the heart. Victory party for one. Yay me. She finds internalized sarcasm makes things worse. She knocks on the mahogany door, wondering which Hatrix is going to talk about her moment of truth…
Delivered. Read. No reply. Wendy puts her cell phone away. She could try the private channel on the Ear Buddies, but if Ziss is this upset at me, she’s not wearing them. Wendy breathes. She recalls Wes’ words: "She'll come around. They'll all come around. We'll all be stronger for it."
Wendy lets the disastrous meeting end on that awkward note. ”Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ll relieve Barbs of piloting the craft and drop you all off at your various homes. Carmen, I need directions from you since I don’t know which place to pick.” She heads to the cockpit, leaving the door open after entering.
Ziss (a text): Hey, Ziss.
I was just thinking about how close we were before I started dating. I don’t think it’s that I’m failing as a leader, but I definitely blew it as a sister. Can we meet? No team stuff, no leader—as equals. As sisters who have drifted apart, and that’s at least mostly on me. Pick a day—tomorrow, or another day or two later if you need a break from me. ♥️,
Wendy says to 86, ”Technically, the point of this exercise was to hear wants, needs and gripes without responding. The purpose: to let everyone’s voice be heard, and to let the mind process alternate perspectives. “I’m not denying I got pulled into the back-and-forth. But I can explain the tactics later, if you’re interested. For now, I heard you. Concern noted. “And seeing how Ziss is home, or… maybe packing her bags, I suggest we hear Crimson Tide and Guy-Wes in the Hat Wing.”
Wendy tries to play off Wes’ words to cool the temperature. ”And no need to acknowledge the error or repeat the apology. We need solutions at this point. “If anyone wants to air a want, need or gripe, let’s try to get those out without interruption. Then I suggest we adjourn, rest, have fun… and plan on thinking with clear heads before we hunt down that lamp.”
Wendy’s mind is a little at ease with Carmen’s reply. (But less so from Ziss’ look.) ”Thanks, Carmen. I am still making a decision on next mission. As stated earlier, I hand over lead when I have reason. I’m not obligated to.” Wendy pays attention to how Ziss responds to this. She wanted Tumbler to lead permanently. So how damaged is our relationship?
Wendy, respectful of her own rule, does not respond. But there’s no f##!ing way Carmen is on lead. The Guy Wes construct sees her as an ally, and Ziss is too pissed off at me to see the threat. Or worse, she does see it, and I got a bad read on her. The question is, do I need to actually bench people? That is the death of a team. That is not what she wants. But the lack of trust, the undermining from both Ziss and Carmen. It confirms the initial wisdom behind her ‘dumb rule’ about not dating a team member. But now that the relationship means the world to her, she can’t go back. To break her and Wes would break her. And Ziss hates me now! She wants this—she doesn’t care how the lamp hurts Wes, because it hurts me! Wendy’s non-super-grip tightens in Jinn-Wes’ hand. Wendy keeps a poker face, but she’s trembling. |
