"Perhaps the city could sponsor a team?" Mother's off the cuff suggestion came after Taylor and I had reiterated our thoughts about our options as heroes. "There are other cities that do – Phoenix, Orlando, San Jose."
"But none of them have a Protectorate team in place," Father argued. "If we tried to set a city team up, we'd be in direct competition with the PRT. Piggot would go crazy."
"You're right. And Roy would never go for it anyway," Mother admitted. She and the current Mayor were not exactly rivals, but I could see this woman running for his job at some point in the future. No politician is without ambition, at least no successful one.
"But didn't today's attack show that the Wards aren't safe either?" Danny had been pushing back on Taylor working as a hero at all. His points were valid. It was a dangerous role.
"That's true," Mother replied. "I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with you getting involved with them while they're actively being targeted."
I chose not to remind them that Breakaway had been ordered to kill or capture me.
"Maybe we could concentrate on defending an important area, trying to keep the gangs away, while freeing up the heroes to take the fight to the bad guys," Taylor offered.
"Like what sort of area?" Danny asked almost suspiciously.
"Like a school or hospital," his daughter responded.
"The schools are shut down for the duration," I mentioned. "But I hear the hospitals are having trouble dealing with the injured. I could help with some healing while we protected the area."
"Hospitals are not usually targeted in these sorts of skirmishes," Mother said. She'd been following the news more closely than I had and was getting reports as part of the city government. "However, Brockton General and St Joseph's both reported clashes between injured gang members until they segregated them, sending all the Empire injured to BG and the ABB to St. Joe's. There is concern that the segregation may make the hospitals targets for the rival gangs. New Wave has been concentrating their efforts on Brockton General, as that's where Panacea's been working for the most part."
"Then we could concentrate on St. Joe's," Taylor declared.
"I'd still rather you just stayed home," Danny argued. "If you feel you have to use your powers, you could work on your costume and train, getting ready for patrols when it's safer."
"It's too late for that, Dad," Taylor said, gently taking his hand. "The people of the city need help now more than ever. I can't just stay home and do nothing. You and Mom taught me better than that."
He looked like he was going to say something but just sighed instead. Taylor squeezed his hand.
The next morning, Friday, Myriad, Manifold, and Merit were standing near the top of the five-story parking garage next to St. Joseph's Hospital. Melissa had agreed to join them to protect Taylor.
"So, what do you think?" the older woman spun in place, showing off her costume. It was a black business jacket buttoned over black tactical armor and a weapons harness. She wore a black billed helmet with shooting glasses and a soft face covering.
"Combat chauffeur?" I asked.
"Something like that," she agreed. "If I am going to do this often. I'll want something better. Preferably including an armored command vehicle. That would be the way to keep her safe."
"I don't need that," Taylor objected. "Besides there are times I'll need to be on site."
"That's true," Melissa conceded. "But for the rest of the time, you can make use of your range to keep concealed. Speaking of which, I could really use some camera drones to keep a better look out. Armed ones would even be better."
"Price some out and we'll see what we can do," I agreed. This world was technologically more advanced than mine, so I had no real idea what that might entail. "I'm going to offer my services in the hospital while you keep a look out from this building. I'll keep in touch." I tapped my earbud.
"Be careful," Melissa instructed. "According to the news things heated up last night. There were skirmishes between ABB and Empire forces all along their territorial borders. The ABB showed three new capes. The multiple-doll cape you identified as Breakaway seems to have replaced Oni Lee as the gang's suicide bomber. Two out-of-towners, Acoustic and Fierceling, have joined as direct counters to the nazi capes. According to BBPD reports, Bakuda has only been spotted once leading a group against an Empire warehouse. This shows we don't know the extent of the ABB's power."
"Thanks. Just let me know if you see anything out here." I waved then disapparated to the doors of the emergency room.
Two hospital guards turned to me, hands on their weapons.
"I'm Manifold, one of the good guys," I said clearly, raising my hands. "I'm here to offer my healing powers, like Panacea."
"Uh, I think you'll need to talk to an administrator or someone about that," the larger of the two said uncertainly.
"Make sense, I suppose," I relied with a friendly smile. "Any suggestions on who I should start with?"
"Dr. Megna," offered the smaller guard after a moment's consideration. "She's head of the ER. If she can't give permission, she'll know who can."
"Thanks." I tipped an imaginary cap and entered through the automatic doors.
The emergency room – I had to remember not to call it casualty or A&E – was crowded. Gang violence was causing a lot of collateral damage to civilians. Between them and the gangsters in green and red the waiting room and hallways seemed overflowing with misery and pain. I got in the back of the line for the reception desk. Several people looked at my costume and stepped out of the way.
"Please, I can wait my turn," I protested, gesturing from them to go before me.
Variations of "No, that's alright." were returned from the obviously frightened people.
Capes were not always seen in the best light.
I wondered if that was because of the situation, or if it was the norm. I hoped the former but feared there was some long-term anxiety for many people given the reputation capes had for violence. I was also not well known so they may not have recognized me as one of the good guys.
Rather than prolong their discomfort I moved to the desk and asked for Dr. Megna.
"If you'll have a seat over there, I'll send her to you when she's free," the receptionist said.
"Thank you," I replied and walked to the indicated area. Again, several people moved away from me, offering several choices of seats.
Eight minutes later a middle-aged black woman with cornrows leading to a tight bun approached me. She was tall and stocky and was wearing a lab coat over purple scrubs. Her badge and coat both bore the name DR. MEGNA. "I understand you're a healing cape and are offering your services."
"That's right," I replied. "My powers are limited, but I can heal most lacerations, contusions, simple ligament damage, and bone breaks. Can't do much about organ injuries."
"So, more limited than Panacea or Othala? What about brain injuries? That is something Panacea can't manage?"
"Some," I replied. "Scalp wounds, even skull fractures I can heal, and I can relieve simple concussions. But not much more."
"You're Manifest, right? I remember seeing you on the news working with the Protectorate to clean up after Lung."
"Manifold," I corrected. "Yes. That was me."
"Alright then," she said. "Let's see how you handle a simple case. Mr. Woo was hurt when his car was hit during one of the attacks. He's got …"
I spent about two hours helping as I could to handle the mass of patients flooding the department. My medical stasis charm proved to be the most essential to several patients brought in very near death. While I could not cure them, stabilizing them was one of the first things taught in my basic healing class.
I made sure to keep Myriad and Merit apprised of what I was doing. Just as they keep me aware of possible dangers approaching from outside.
"Is that Panacea?" Taylor asked just after noon.
"What?" I asked. I was resting as there had been a lull in new patients, or at least ones that I could help with.
"It looks like Panacea and Laserdream just got out of a car. They're heading for the ER entrance." Melissa's tone was calm and comforting.
I looked up as the two heroes entered. The young healer looked exhausted. I wished that I had been able to find all the ingredients to make Pepper-Up potions. She looked like she could use one, or better yet twelve hours in a comfortable bed.
"Ah, there you are. Thank you for coming." Dr. Megna said as she approached the costumed pair. She motioned for me to approach as well.
Turning the doctor addressed me. "This is Panacea. I asked her here to double check your healing to make sure that there are no unforeseen side effects and that the improvements are likely to be permanent. I'm sure you can understand the need to be certain."
"Of course," I replied. I nodded to Laserdream then offered my hand to her younger cousin. "Panacea, it's an honor to meet you."
The tired teen took my hand almost automatically. As soon as we touched a strange look swept over her face. She brought her left hand up to touch my chin, the only part not completely covered by my costume. She stared at me for several seconds.
"Amy?" Laserdream reached out to touch the younger girl's shoulder, her voice filled with concern.
This seemed to pull the healer out of her apparent trance. "Oh, sorry," she said as she snatched her hands back.
"That's alright," I assured her. I started to tell her she looked tired, then realized that was a silly thing to say. She knew how weary she was. She didn't need a stranger telling her it was written on her face. "You seem distracted for a moment there."
"Yes. You …" she stopped herself and looked around, almost as if she had forgotten where she was. After falling silent she closed her eyes and shivered. "Sorry."
"Do you feel up to checking on a few patients Manifold has healed?" Dr. Megna, who looked almost as exhausted as Panacea, promoted.
"Right. Yeah, I can do that." The healer allowed herself to be led to the treatment area. It was obvious that the staff were all familiar with her. They did not look at her with the same awe that most of the people in reception did.
As Laserdream started to follow them, I laid a hand gently on her arm. "Forgive me if I'm over stepping, but I hope she's going home after this. She looks ready to collapse at any moment."
"Amy always pushes herself too hard," the older girl replied, her eyes following her cousin. "Just getting her out of Brockton General was a good thing. She slept some in the car, but she really needs a full night's rest, maybe two. She's been up all night. Already outlasted Vicky. I'm the second shift guard and I'm ready to crash."
"Was there any trouble?" I asked. "At the hospital, I mean. I heard that people are worrying since they segregated the gangs."
"I saw some vehicles with red and green over there, but they didn't get close. If they were planning anything, nothing came of it."
"What's the rest of your family doing?"
"Patrolling, trying to stop any incidents that flare up." She shrugged. "Doing what we can, I guess. We coordinate with the Protectorate and Wards to avoid overlap. What about your team. I hear there's at least a third member."
"We heard Panacea was at BG so we came here. I guess that's a kind of coordination."
"Hmm." She rubbed her eyes then stretched. The latter was well worth watching. She caught me doing so and gave a rueful smile. "Actual coordination requires communication. Does anyone have any idea how to contact you? Our info is online."
I had gotten new phones for our cape use so I offered Laserdream the number. She called it to make sure it worked, and we both saved the contacts.
"Does your team have a name?" she asked.
"No. Not yet. We're not sure …" I cut off as I realized how much the other people in the room were paying attention to our discussion.
She followed my gaze as I looked around. Some people averted their eyes while others continued to stare openly.
"I suppose I should tell you that you'll get used to the attention," she said with a sigh. "But you're probably right not to say anything you wouldn't want to see online or in the news."
"Must have been hard growing up in the spotlight," I offered sympathetically.
"You have no idea." She smiled. "The stories I could tell. Of course, they are all online anyway. Just check out my wiki I guess. I'll admit there are drawbacks to the New Wave philosophy. Lack of privacy being the dark side of accountability."
"I can understand, even support, the foundational ideals of the movement. But I still can't decide if the reality is something I could live with."
"Yeah. It never really spread like the parents hoped it would. If I wasn't already known to be in the family, I'm not sure I'd have chosen to go open."
I was surprised she was being so explicit. "Should you be saying that here? Given what you just warned me about."
"Nothing I haven't said before, on the record." She shrugged and rubbed at the back of her neck.
"May I?" I asked holding up a glowing hand. I had a silent muscle relaxing charm ready.
She looked at me warily for a moment then nodded, turning slightly to offer me her back. I laid my hand gently on her neck and let the charm flow into her as I gently rubbed. Her knees buckled a little and she swallowed a moan.
Then she straightened and turned her head back and forth. "That's great. Thanks. How come Amy never offers super neck rubs?"
"Too busy. Too tired," the young healer replied as she walked from behind the reception desk.
"That's just not right," Laserdream pouted. "You gotta take care of family first."
"I think you'll survive," Panacea replied.
"What's the verdict?" I asked, looking between the teen healer and Dr. Megna.
"Those patients that you've healed show no negative reactions or effects," the ER chief replied. "We're going to clear you to continue treatment within your limits."
I looked to Panacea, but she was looking down. I though it was more that she was effectively asleep on her feet than she was avoiding my eyes. I turned to her escort and motioned silently to the somnambulant teen.
Laserdream nodded. "I think if we are done here, it is time to get this girl home."
"Are you ok to drive?" I asked. "I could give you a little energy boost to stay awake if you need it." The reviving spell was not just for stunned people.
"No, thanks though. I'll be fine," the older girl replied.
"One sec," I activated my comm and asked "How are we looking out there? Any sign of trouble?"
"Not in the area. Though there's still smoke in the distance." Melissa replied.
"Nothing in my range," Taylor concurred.
"Thanks. The New Wave pair are on their way out."
I nodded to Laserdream. She smiled and nodded back.
"You got your own eyes in the sky?"
"We are here for more than just the healing." I replied.
"Good to know," she said then led her cousin out through the sliding doors.
Almost two hours later, my teammates sent word that was trouble approaching.
"Hookwolf's inbound!" Taylor announced over the team comms. "He just crossed my outer range line. He's in full wolf form and moving fast towards the ER entrance. I-I don't think there's anything I can do to him. His blades are always moving and that kills my bugs before they can get inside him."
"Look for vulnerable spots," Melissa advised calmly. "Eyes, ears, mouth, nose. If he's breathing, that might be your best avenue of attack. Maybe your spiderwebs can bind him or bugs can carry sand or debris to gum up his moving parts somehow. Everything has a weakness."
"Right," Taylor replied, obviously trying to steady herself. "He's moving fast. You need to get out here if you're going to try to stop him."
"On my way." I thought quickly, running over what I knew about the villain. After Lung, he was probably the most feared villain in the Bay, with only Oni Lee and Purity as competition for the title. Super strong and nigh invulnerable with a body made of deadly blades.
I had no idea how he would react to my magic. A stunner might take him down or he might be able to ignore all direct spells. If he was only partially spell resistant, Melissa's advice about attacking his vulnerable points applied to me as well. If all else failed, I would have to try to use the environment against him.
I apparated to the parking lot, hoping to intercept him.