Phenomenal Cosmic Power
Heist of the Century 1.9

I stood patiently in front of Director Piggot's desk after I finished my report. Callie had worked with the Freedom League before going on her interdimensional adventure, so she'd picked up some practice at giving a concise report. I could practically sense Armsmaster tensing up behind me to my right as I rattled off about Bug Girl's role in taking down Lung and her undercover scheme.

Director Piggot glared at Armsmaster. "That would certainly explain a few things, wouldn't it, Armsmaster. Such as the types of venom found in Lung's system."

It clearly wasn't a question. I'm so glad grab bag capes are a thing here... and that Thinker powers were ill-defined enough for her to buy it. Well, with corroborating evidence, anyway.

"I was... concerned that a new cape with no support would be vulnerable to retaliation from the ABB," Armsmaster bit out stiffly. "It was for her own safety."

"That might hold water had you bothered mentioning it in your report," she said acidly. Her eyes flicked in my direction briefly. "We will discuss this later. For now, let's focus on this... undercover operation?"

"I told her it was a stupid idea!" he snapped. "I did not authorize anything of the sort."

"I see," Piggot said, nodding. She sighed, then looked back at me. "I hate to rely on an unaffiliated parahuman's alleged Thinker powers, but Armsmaster has clearly confirmed your claims, and we do need more heroes. If she comes in, I'll see that the courts take this into consideration, and if you can find a way to get in contact with her before then, I might even be able to arrange something more official and save them the trouble."

"If I do, I'll let her know, Director."

"Now, Centuria, that leaves two other concerns. Miss Alcott and yourself," she said. "First, tell me, have you considered the Wards program?"

I scowled and resisted the urge to snap at her. Maybe giving Callie the appearance of a sixteen-year-old and a minor complex about it hadn't been such a good idea. "I'm older than I look," I said finally, "and at this point, I think I can accomplish more flying solo."

"I urge you to reconsider," she said. "The Wards program-"

"Is something I'm too old to qualify for, Director, despite my appearance."

Her jaw clicked shut. "The Protectorate can offer support and backup, Centuria, along with a six figure salary. Independent capes don't last very long."

"Considering the city likely wouldn't survive anything that can kill me, I think I'll be fine." Especially seeing as how I'd outlived the last planet I was on. Well, for a given value of "outlived." Did it still count even though I actually died and self-resurrected?

"That's a bold claim," she said but declined to pursue it further. "Next, we have Miss Alcott. Your parents are on their way, and-"

"Zero point zero three six percent chance I'll be safe if I go home."

Silence reigned. Not that I hadn't been expecting those odds, what with Coil still out there, but the girl sure had a habit of picking the dramatic moment.

Instead, I turned and knelt down to look her in the eyes.

"Odds you'll be safe if you stay with the Protectorate or the PRT?"

"Thirty-one percent." Ouch, but not unexpected, given Coil's moles.

"New Wave?"

"Fifty-four percent."

I closed my eyes. I had a sinking feeling where this was going to go.

"And me?"

"Ninety-three percent," she said, then paused. "Ninety-seven percent if you coordinate with New Wave."

Damn it.