by Louis IX
Check first chapter for disclaimer and global warnings. Style is… you guess.
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In: Boards Events Brockton Bay
Topic: Aftermath of Winslow
By: Bagrat, on January 3rd, 19h48
Good evening all,
Just to summarize the chaos that happened today: the Empire 88 and the Azn Bad Boys were known to use Winslow High School as recruitment grounds, for years – and that's where the Merchants sold their shit, too. This morning, it came to a head when push came to shove, literally – the spark of this battle seems to involve some girls pushing another into her locker (not literally, I hope). Empire youths took exception of the skin colour of the protagonists, and Asian students reacted due to proximity. It then escalated to the point of the gangs' young members calling cape reinforcement.
In a school, yes.
As a result, most of the school is in rubble, ten students and three teachers are dead, thirty-six wounded… and a few triggered. The number is difficult to ascertain, as some power effect were felt but the source disappeared or fled.
Among the capes, Oni Lee is confirmed dead, as are Mush, Krieg, Stormtiger, and Alabaster, the last one swallowed whole by Lung. Lung himself being the cause of most of the collateral damage, he fled the city. Same for Squealer, after Skidmark got a free and quick lobotomy – courtesy of Kaiser's blades.
The Nazi leader himself was wounded in the scuffle, and arrested… and shockingly revealed as being Max Anders, CEO of MedHall. As a result, the company is under scrutiny, and many employees already are under investigation for various crimes. The DA discounted hate-mongering, but it was only because zey (chosen pronoun) wanted to focus on finding, arresting, and convicting as many capes as possible – so far, they got Victor and Hookwolf, and Othala is rumoured to have entered a deal with the Protectorate, asking for a rebranding.
But back to Winslow. Because of the destruction (and the fact that there was some sort of biological waste found after the fact), it will take some time to sort the mess, and the students are going to be left to their own devices for a while. And since that situation is the kind to spark another disaster, the Mayor and the School District pushed for them to have something to do. Preferably far from the Bay, in order to air their minds.
We'll keep you posted.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 3rd, 20h02
First! Woohoo!
Also, I was totally there! So damn frozen in fear I was, they seen't me. I even saw [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] trigger. Wow. I didn't, which is sad, because powers are cool. Well… except when flyin around and tryin to kill you.
[EDIT by Tin_Mother: no revealing civilian identities of capes. Have two infractions and a warning.]
Reply by: Alathea, on January 3rd, 20h13
Thank you, Mother. As a general warning, any further speculation on cape identities (except Kaiser, as it was plastered on TV) will result in warning and bans.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 3rd, 20h19
Nice to see the cowboy self-banning himself. Again.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 3rd, 21h08
That was scary! I was with my friends, doing as usual, such as, like, chatting, and mocking… I mean chatting, really, when the crowd pushed us, and then the wall and ceiling exploded on us!
I don't understand how we didn't trigger from that!1! It was really scary!1!1! Even the freak didn't – she even pissed herself, I'm sure.
Reply by: Grammaryan, on January 3rd, 21h39
Too many exclamation points (guessing from the ones we can see, as what we post is filtered). Also, don't use "like" like you're speaking.
Reply by: IInsist, on January 3rd, 22h06
*you are
Reply by: TheBruce, on January 3rd, 22h58
We knew the Bay was bad, but this? A school?
Here's hoping they get rid of the gangs, now that they are beheaded of most of their cape, including their leaders.
Reply by: AnonymousMouse, on January 4th, 06h50
I hope the new capes will join the heroes. With how the gangs are occupied, they won't press-gang them. I hope.
Reply by: AgingRaver, on January 4th, 07h12
…unless those were in gangs to begin with. It is (was?) Winslow, so it's possible.
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 4th, 08h08
I agree with Mad. All this, and nothing in return? Sucks.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 4th, 10h05
Uh… what?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 4th, 12h34
That was a private statement, I believe. Also, Geronimo, you can [EXPLETIVE DELETED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: *sigh* Another infraction.]
Reply by Guest94280, on January 4th, 17h09
Nice to see the school razed. Never liked it there. Gangs and bullies everywhere.
Reply by Reave, on January 4th, 18h00
The PRT released a memo about the whole thing. The short version is that the captured capes have all been sent to the Birdcage.
Lung got a Kill Order, followed quite rapidly by Alexandria punting him down (while Eidolon kept him from escalating).
Squealer is still at large, and the only reason she hasn't got that order is because it was Skidmark who drove her tank into the school.
In short, gangs: keep away from the kids.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 4th, 18h27
Taylor? That you? Red, Soph, let's fill her inbox again!
Reply by: TheBruce, on January 4th, 19h01
Everybody knew that these gangs were only semi-civilized. If what is necessary for a Kill Order is a few dead students, there are [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: no threatening of other people, directly or indirectly. Especially kids. You want a Ban Order?]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 4th, 19h14
Hey! Why they can say someone name and I can't? Taylor's nice.
And if us "kids" are so protected, why I'm always the one ban'd?
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 4th, 19h52
It's called "learning incentive", and you failed at the first word.
Reply by: ApeksPredator, on January 4th, 20h22
Yeah. Guest? She sucks. Must be how she seduced that cowboy loser, too.
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 5th, 03h45
Shadow Stalker, report for suspicions of bullying. Also, turn your phone on if you don't want us to contact you this way.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 5th, 10h10
Without access to the usual infrastructure, I can only post here.
Due to the extensive damage to the school, Winslow High is currently closed. Due to the number of students, we can't move them all to the surrounding schools. As such, here's what's going to happen, starting next week:
1) Winslow High will be completely razed and reconstructed. A few capes, including New Wave, have volunteered time and powers to speed the process up (especially the razing, a task at which some of them seem to excel).
2) Meanwhile, the students in Junior and Senior years will be sent to Immaculata or Arcadia if their grades allow it. If not, they will get remedial classes in small groups, in small places near their home, with running and other sports in between.
3) The students in Freshman year who have lower than average grades will be sent back into the Middle Schools they herald from. If they misbehave towards the (much) younger students, they will join the higher grades in remedial lessons (with an object lesson at being the younger ones, then).
4) Since there is not enough space to host the rest of the students, they will be sent away for a while: the City Council has unlocked enough funds for a trip along the East Coast. They will visit some of our country's most important and historical landmarks, and stay at the youth hostels dotting the way.
This is not a vacation, as teachers will accompany them, and there will be quizzes along the way and back.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 5th, 10h22
The school district should take advantage of the situation to change Winslow's name at the same time. Win-slow… it sounds like it was predestined to fail its students.
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 5th, 10h30
To what? Win-fast? Arthur Winslow was one of the pioneers who established the Brockton Bay settlement, back in the day. The school which took his name has been around for centuries (well… just two, but it means that we can use the plural). We aren't toppling down statues, here, so calm down.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 5th, 10h38
I know all that, and I also know that, in those centuries, much fewer of its alumni entered higher education than the national average. Excluding the sunk cost fallacy, I vote for a change of name. In fact, in order not to derail this thread too much, I created another on that topic, here.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 5th, 10h50
To note, for those of us wary of having capes doing honest (and mundane) people's work: the Unions have worked a clean deal with the Mayor. The capes will be directed by (mundane) people proficient in the various jobs required, so as to respect all regulations relative to the workforce and the environment.
That said, thanks to them, the whole thing should take a month, perhaps even less.
Reply by: ErgoSum, on January 5th, 11h29
Nice! I wish we had that when I "studied" as a sophomore, there. Without the death toll, though, of course.
Also: I recall that the local PRT doesn't like external capes much (because besides Collateral Damage Barbie for the razing, I don't see who can help, locally). Still true?
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 5th, 11h40
The Director of the local PRT branch, Emily Piggot, was heard arguing against the whole offer, but she was overruled by the Chief Director. She has since then tried to resign thrice and kill herself twice, but she has been overruled there too (heh… powers).
She's now in Master/Stranger isolation, cooling her heels in a ball of containment foam. Reportedly, she's fed by IVs and foaming at the mouth.
But you didn't hear this from me.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 5th, 12h18
As a father of a wounded student, can I ask what you propose for them?
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 5th, 12h55
I believe Panacea is doing even more hours than usual, skipping her own classes, to heal all the kids (and the attempts at the PRT Director's life). She did mine without us asking for it.
Thank you, Panacea!
Reply by: ApeksPredator, on January 5th, 13h23
Meh. Better let them live as is, separate grain from whiff.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 5th, 14h05
Insensitive. Also, it's "chaff".
Reply by: NotGuest84437, on January 5th, 14h09
Please stop. They'll leave. Hopefully.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 5th, 15h51
Guest, not guest, not that clever. I see that you've tried, though. And, a guess? They won't leave if you don't make them.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 5th, 16h38
There she is!
Reply by: TDHumble, on January 5th, 19h50
Not nice, Tats.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 6th, 09h07
Papers have been sent. If agreed and turned signed at the School District, departure for the sophomore (and those freshman students with good grades) is Monday morning.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 6th, 11h28
I aint sure I wanna go. Too nice geekin all day.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 6th, 12h39
Parental, Void. No dice.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 6th, 13h29
Hey, I now! If we all go, I X-ref them not goin wit the dead and I have teh capes!
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: …and that's a ban for you, so that you can cool your head for three days (and a half, because I'm feeling generous)]
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 6th, 15h01
It's always the shadenfreude to see Cowboy getting his due. Mixed with disappointment not to have his adventures for a few days. Mixed yet again with some satisfaction at not to suffer his atrocious (and repetitive) insults for a while. As well as the grammar.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 6th, 16h11
You can all suck his… ice cream cone.
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: after checking for id theft, you still get an infraction for dirty language through innuendo – everyone understood what you said]
Reply by: Vista, on January 6th, 17h41
What?
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 6th, 18h13
What's the little girl doing here?
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 6th, 18h15
Yeah, totally. Don't you have to be thirteen to open an account here?
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 7th, 02h36
Stalker, stop hiding behind your friends' account to post, and report to the Rig. Also, Vista is thirteen.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 7th, 10h26
Anyone suspicious that Armsmaster has an AI writing posts for him? I saw him doing PR stuff yesterday, I can't imagine working up to three in the morning, afterwards.
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 7th, 12h35
Yes, perhaps the PRT can do something about that. Unchecked working hours can impact judgement, after all. I'll submit it at the next Council.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 7th, 14h54
…and a proposal to re-establish utilities in the Docks, now that the Merchants are gone?
Reply by: Serpensortia, on January 7th, 15h33
No tattle. And, report.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 7th, 18h41
"Report" this and that, from established heroes and anonymously? Working day and night? And city-wide decisions taken without the proper oversight and committees? It's time the Unions get notified, because hiding labour is the first step of destabilizing an economy.
Reply by: KurtOnLacey, on January 7th, 20h15
Still got your collar, old boy? Warn us beforehand, if not.
Reply by: LaceyOnKurt, on January 7th, 20h32
And do speak about the little owl, sometimes.
Reply by: R3d1sB4d, on January 7th, 20h59
I'm still alive.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 8th, 11h11
I can't be the one not understanding everything, here.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 8th, 22h22
I can't be the one understanding everything, here (grins)
Reply by: TDHumble, on January 8th, 23h32
No tattle. Bad.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 9th, 00h00
Okay, you got me. Us. Whatever.
Reply by: Richelieu, on January 9th, 01h23
Let her, chief. More fun that way for us insiders. Also, no speaking to dogs. (whistles and munches on popcorn… yes, at the same time)
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 9th, 02h34
Richelieu… French regency… mentions insiders…
Reply by: Richelieu, on January 9th, 03h45
(spits popcorn) bad kernel. I plead the Fifth!
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 9th, 04h56
Kernel panic! Kernel panic! Restarting process… Zzz…
Reply by: StGeorge, on January 9th, 05h67
That, here, is proof he uses an AI. And that AI is draconian.
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: you get a permanent ban, this time]
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 9th, 09h09
Why? That wasn't even mentioning a cape. Unless…
Reply by: Tin_Mother, on January 9th, 09h19
…for hacking PHO. And stupidly leaving traces such as an invalid posting timestamp.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 9th, 10h01
On Sundays, too! It reeks of illegal work permits…
Reply by: KurtOnLacey, on January 9th, 10h31
That bone was old before you picked it up. Like six thousand years old.
Also: how is the little owl preparing to stretch her wings?
Reply by: LaceyOnKurt, on January 9th, 11h35
Didn't know you had it in you, dear.
Also: I vote we make a joint account. Disconnecting to post twice with alternate names hurts.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 9th, 10h01
The owl is somewhat happy for the change in vista.
Also, to your second also: that was Big Owl's idea, when she was moonlighting with her friends… esses (how does that even works?)
Reply by: Vista, on January 9th, 16h01
What?
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 9th, 16h16
Also: Vista, you'll learn about vistas when you're older. As in minutes older, cause you only have to open a dictionary.
Meanwhile, you can return to your afternoon snack.
Reply by: R3d1sB4d, on January 9th, 17h17
Yes, da (and not Russian, here, independently of the name). And hoping not to cross some… cross-wielding welding witches in a wretched wedding. Or somesuch (you know which).
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 9th, 18h36
Nice catch. The three witches with bees (but without Queen) won't see it. Probably.
Also: no need to answer, I'm not intending on staying long. Thanks to my incautious partner, I can already hear an Armscycle approaching. On Sunday, too!
Reply by: R4d1sB4d, on January 9th, 20h00
I'll tell da. And then to bed.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 01h29
Back online, baby! So, what's new, after having waited up till that ungodly hour? Nothing but gibberish? Sad, sad day. Or night. Whatever.
Still, I'm up, so I'm going to write some more. Tomorrow, big day! We're going to see Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Museums, visits to the various PRT to see the Heroes and their Wards… nice!
(yawns) I hope I'm not late to take the bus, tomorrow. Today. Whatevezzz [REDACTED: many 'z' removed]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: flooding forbidden]
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 07h00
Dude?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 07h25
Dude? You weren't in the bus, and aren't at school, where are you?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 07h30
Dude? They're calling, now. We're in the coaches. Where are you?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 07h35
Dude? Last call.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 07h38
Dude? Fuck you.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 08h30
Oh COME ON!
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 10th, 09h04
What? Let me guess… missed the departure?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 09h07
YEAH! And you can suck my [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: *sigh* and that's one infraction. Again. Also… one goes to Geronimo, for goading]
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 10th, 09h10
Ow. Okay, I'll admit to that. Harsh, but fair.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 10h30
…aaannd we're in Boston, now. To our right, we can see the campuses of famous universities, one after the other. Some students are excited because they think they'll get there later. Except they come from Winslow, and won't be recruited for their smarts. Probably.
Reply by: ApeksPredator, on January 10th, 11h02
Fuck you very much, you weirdo! Drug use won't led you anywere either! And I'm not the one named after a sextoy!
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 11h05
Funny how you treat names, as you clearly don't know how to write your own. Also, I don't do drugs: my sunny disposition is entirely genetic… mon.
Reply by: KArmstrong, on January 10th, 11h19
Stalker, when you visit the PRT this afternoon, head to my office. That's an order. And if you don't follow it, your probation ends with prejudice.
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h16
Mad, have you seen Soph? I told Gladly she's not there, but he got shifty and got the coach running anyways.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 10th, 16h22
I don't know. Say, if Gladly isn't concerned, do you think it's because [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: no speculating on cape identity]
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 10th, 16h25
REALLY?
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h34
Damn.
Reply by: TotallyNotGuest, on January 10th, 17h07
This unbelievable ray of hope warms my heart, it doth. Is there some justice in this world, at last?
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h34
Go to hell, T[REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: that kind of language is unbecoming of anyone, especially a young lady]
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h35
What? You can't do that, [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: you'll find that I can. Have another infraction]
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h36
I WILL [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: appeal to the mundane power of a divorce attorney won't release you from the contract of this site – which contains rules for flooding, too]
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 10th, 16h37
YOU [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: …and that's done. Enjoy your temporary ban]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 16h40
Strange. Seein this happen to another person… I think I got schoold. Even if I don't particularly like E… that person (whom I won't name, now that I just re-read teh rules I had signed before), I can also understand how people seem happy for me to take a blow of the ban-hammer to the head.
Reply by: Tin_Mother, on January 10th, 16h45
You're welcome.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 10th, 16h49
May I have a ban too? Emma's pestering me for my phone, and seeing and learning what I did… and everything… oh my god, T[REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: if you want]
Reply by: TotallyNotGuest, on January 10th, 17h07
Apparently, yes.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 10th, 17h17
Happy for you, kiddo.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 10th, 17h27
Still not understanding everything. Except Red (wine? hair? blood?) took Cowboy's place at the bottom of the totem pole.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 10th, 17h37
(grins)
I'm actually forbidden from commenting… but not from posting.
(grins)
Reply by: Serpensortia, on January 10th, 17h47
That can be arranged.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 18h22
Keep me updated, Sparks?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 18h35
Of course, my lord. Straight away, my lord. It will please my lord to learn that we reached the youth hostel and deposited our meagre belongings before heading to where refreshments could be had.
Damn, old-speak is hard, mon. Still, one can learn things when using those books full o' words. Sure did.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 18h42
Thanks. You the best, mon… cher.
And that's a dic-tio-na-ry. Like a printout of wiktionary.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 10th, 20h45
I'm not even deigning to respond to that.
We got to eat some fast food in a cold park surrounded with busy highways. Not that poetic. Nor particularly good. I guess the whole trip has been arranged hastily, and I hope all the meals won't be of the same (lack of) quality.
Now, we're back at the hostel, and battling for the best bed. Or just not the worst – given the bugs here, I prefer to sleep on my stuff than on some beds.
Reply by: Mazarin, on January 10th, 20h52
"Mon cher" means "My dear" in… another language.
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 10th, 21h04
Mazarin… follows Richelieu… French again…
Reply by: Mazarin, on January 10th, 21h12
Oh COME ON!
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 10th, 21h31
Won't Cowboy miss his plug, tonight? You both seem(ed?) quite close.
Sorry, couldn't resist. Not my fault you took a name implying a sextoy. Please don't ban me, Tin Mother.
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: if Void_Cowboy doesn't rise to the provocation, I might let this one pass]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 10th, 22h22
I forgive thee. Je pardonner vous.
Reply by: TotallyAnonymousReally, on January 10th, 22h27
You'd say "Je te pardonne".
And if someone is stalking me, I'm calling the cops.
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 10th, 02h07
Proficiency in French… check.
Link with historical characters… check.
Allows the reduction of the sample size from "normal people" to "those weirdoes who speak French", which… doesn't change anything, because both samples count 300 million people. Strange, that.
Checking data integrity, now. There is no proof that the French can actually infiltrate US, but I take no chance.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 11th, 09h45
Mister… Sparky (the rest can be a bit offensive, I-hope-you'll-understand-that-it-is-not-an attack-on-your-person-or-any-part-of-your-identity-and-if-you-believe-so-I-apologize-profusely-in-advance), we back at Brockton Bay thank you for the beginning of reporting you have done on the trip already. Would you mind continuing?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 11th, 11h03
Eh. Why not?
Today, we're rolling south. On a train. I suppose that's educational, in a way: we were told us Americans mostly used planes or cars, nowadays… but there are some trains, still. Not the most comfortable thing that could be, but certainly less cramped than a plane (even if it takes three times the time). And we can stand, move around, discuss with friends… quite nice, all told.
At least we have time to admire the countryside… and the various stops, such as Providence and New Haven. And the sea. Strangely enough, it doesn't appear the same colour as Brockton Bay's bay. I guess the Boat Graveyard plays a role, there. And that older people can perhaps remember how it was before (hint: much clearer and bluer), and dislike that eyesore.
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 11th, 11h58
Not the Boat Graveyard, again!
Cue the social "workers" in 3… 2…
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 11th, 12h00
Nice quotes, here. Insinuating that we don't work? Whose fault is that?
It's certainly not my fault that politicians decided to replace us with social "justice warriors". How has this helped anyone? Look at Win's forced use of automated addenda.
Thank you, Mr Plug, for your comments on the trip. I'm also a parent with a child on that way, and hearing multiple data points is always appreciated.
Reply by: ThatChildOnThatWay, on January 11th, 12h33
DAAAD!
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 11th, 13h10
Since the secondary accounts are the rage, nowadays, I'll follow the youngsters and create my own. Besides, I can realize the future horror of having my own family, friends, and co-workers, and having them find those earlier posts of a snot-nosed reporter.
Ahem.
We've arrived in Manhattan and started exploring the usual tourist traps. We have eaten in a slightly better eatery – at least we could be seated, it was warm, it was edible, and filling. Pizza. I think the waiter was close to hyperventilating when he heard some of us betting that they would each ask a different pizza. They did.
He retaliated by doing a "Starbucks": writing not the content but the name on the pizza boxes – they didn't have enough clean plates for everyone, not that we minded, as for most of us, eating pizza out of its carton is the normal way. And, of course, the boys had forgotten what they had asked for, so they couldn't complain.
Several had anchovies. Joy.
Reply by: VeggieHuggie, on January 11th, 14h04
How can you eat anchovies! They are animals! They have feelings too! You should feel ashamed! Eat insects, instead, if you really want proteins from moving things!
Reply by: DirtySoutherner, on January 11th, 14h04
Dead anchovies had no feelings.
How can you eat insects! They are animals, too! They have feelings too! Wait, they don't, but you do… you should feel ashamed of your specist privilidge! Eat some sausage, if you really want proteins from moving things!
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has received a temporary ban for hate-provoking speech and insults]
Reply by: VeggieHuggie, on January 11th, 14h44
Yeah! Tin_Mother rules! Given the name, I infer she's a person who menstruate, even if some biological male humans can choose to switch to the superior gender and adopt, too. As long as they don't choose to compete against us in sports, where they would humiliate us – another inequality against which we must fight.
GIRL POWER!
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has received a temporary ban for hate-provoking speech and insults]
Reply by: SmugMug, on January 11th, 15h55
Hey! Why did you do censor Veggie, Tin_Mother? Are you not for equality?
I guess you're an old and fat white man, then, lurking in a basement, and shitting on any woman expressing herself.
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has received a temporary ban for hate-provoking speech and insults]
Reply by: Tin_Mother, on January 11th, 16h00
Speech that exacerbates the current dissension between people, along whichever separation line you can imagine, is now considered hate speech.
I ban everyone equally, always with an explanation. If you don't understand, that's on you. Besides that common decency, I don't have to answer to anyone.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 11th, 16h28
As I said before: harsh, but fair.
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 12th, 08h09
We're up and ready to visit some museum of fine arts. Given that our school's reputation precedes us, there will be ten cops around us at all times. I hope nobody will provoke them into a mass shooting or anything.
Reply by: HumanRightSwatch, on January 12th, 08h53
That many? That's a hundred times too many! With that number of firearms, no wonder someone will shoot – increase the number, increase the likelihood. In a crowd of kids, too. Cops shouldn't have weapons, period.
Reply by: AntiMatterMatters, on January 12th, 09h42
There seems to be a confusion, here. On one side, you have "kids", young children; and the other you have sixteen-year old teenagers, able to drive… and able to goad anyone into madness by acting stupid. I should know, I have kids, now fully adults and with kids themselves. That is when they come back, hat in hand, to ask about life (and give us the little ones for the week-end).
Also: a hundred times too many? Somebody failed at math, badly. Statistics might work, but don't ignore that, normally, those who hold firearms legally also have trained to use them sparingly. Most cops don't use their weapon for their entire career (except for training, of course). Increased discipline, decreased likelihood of accident. You'd know that if you weren't among those puking when hearing "discipline".
Reply by: HumanRightSwatch, on January 12th, 10h31
You are a stupid fascist Nazi. Given your name, you're also racist. I motion for the admins to remove your account on these grounds. Only us level-headed people should be allowed to talk. If not, it's PHO who will be sued for providing a hate-speech platform.
Kids are kids, period. Until they are eighteen, they must be protected at all cost. Especially those already targeted as minorities. They must all be taught how to think the same thing.
[EDIT: Alathea: user has been issued a warning for goading and insults]
Reply by: AntiMatterMatters, on January 12th, 10h50
"You" is personal attack. Given your id, you're hiding your deficiencies behind a feel-good banner. You are the one inflicting hate speech on us all. The compassion you profess towards others? It's on your feelings alone. The less said about your racial baiting, the better.
The rest of us look at you and wonder if you'll ever grow up.
[EDIT: Alathea: user has been issued a warning for goading]
Reply by: Alathea, on January 12th, 11h11
Keep calm and civil, people. Next one on that off-topic topic will get a ban.
Reply by: HumanRightSwatch, on January 12th, 11h29
I don't deserve that warning. He deserves [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Alathea: you do. And you have been warned]
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 12th, 12h27
Well… sorry to have sparked that exchange. The museum visit was… interesting, all told. I never knew I'd admire the things, but… standing in front of a painting ten times my size is not the same as seeing it as a thumbnail on the web, you know?
As for the cops, there was only one instance in which they had to intervene. I'm sure the three guys pushing each other next to the aforementioned (lookit me using those big words) painting didn't have the money to pay if their scuffle had progressed as they intended – through it.
They blanched when told the price of finishing their move. And, strangely, after that, my co-students were much more disciplined and accepting of their presence.
We are heading to a Wendy's, now, with another museum this afternoon. I wonder how "modern art" will compare.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 12th, 13h23
Badly, I gather.
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 12th, 14h07
Art is Art, there is no comparing.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 12th, 14h44
Art shouldn't mean "overpriced", especially when using public funds to decorate places. Whereas ancient art reached for beauty and/or realism, which can be understood by anyone without saying, modern art needs an introduction. Otherwise, people won't know why a urinal can be considered a work of art…
They would use it.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 12th, 15h01
Ack. And I was drinking coffee, too. That's one ruined shirt.
Reply by: KurtOnLacey, on January 12th, 15h26
Don't browse and drink. Should be on the web explorer exam.
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 12th, 16h56
Given that we are poor students on a trip with few funds, most of us didn't care to pay for a guide, either human or the museum's phone application. Some did, and a rare few were able to transmit some of what they were hearing so that others could benefit. And you're right, Roger: without explanations, we couldn't even see what was artistic… and what wasn't. Someone tried to sit on some weird-looking bench but got held up by the security – no cops there, but many security agents trailing us.
Tomorrow morning, we leave towards Philadelphia. On the program: Liberty Bell – for whom doth it toll?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 12th, 18h00
Thx, bro. At least I can follow you in my head. Can you believe that they put me with the kiddies, here? I'm with the freshmen, held in Middle school. And… sad to say, but a competent psychologist discovered my new cape power: I'm autistic, with deficiencies in social interactions. I thought not. She proved me wrong. So, in retrospect, I'm sorry to all those I may have insulted without meaning it – apparently, Tourette's syndrome can express itself through online communication too. The woman was even quite giddy about that, for an obscure reason I didn't catch except that it was about "research papers".
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 12th, 18h39
…and I'm now properly ashamed. I do know some things can't be cured, so I won't wish you a quick recovery. Here's hoping you succeed in your endeavours despite the hurdle.
Reply by: MrMrSchmidt, on January 12th, 19h08
That was sympathy-gathering, based on a faulty assumption by a too-compassionate doctor drowning in oestrogen. Everyone should be equal under the law.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 12th, 19h20
And you can suck [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has been issued a warning. Due to past circumstances, user now has a higher threshold of warning before automatic ban]
Reply by: MrMrSchmidt, on January 12th, 19h49
Yet another minority getting privileges [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has been issued a warning about hate speech. Due to past circumstances, user now has a lower threshold of warning before automatic ban]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 12th, 20h03
What minority? I'm white, blond, with [REDACTED]
[EDIT: Alathea: Void, you are a minor. And even if you weren't, you shouldn't give a physical description of yourself on an open forum]
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 13th, 10h00
This is Philly, this is Philly. Not Syphilis, thankfully. Nor Sisyphus' frilly filly. I'm in a poetic mood, so sue me.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 12th, 11h06
Nicely done. Do you want us to publish it, with your running commentary?
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 13th, 13h00
…and that killed the mood. No, thanks.
Another thing that killed it is the Bell: it's damaged. I see it as a sign of the times: the liberties infringed and split along faulty lines… Faultline, was it you? Forget I asked. Please.
Reply by: PalanquinExecutive, on January 12th, 13h46
No.
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 13th, 14h06
Er… no to what? Forget it, or did you do it? Or nothing. Someone said I shouldn't continue that line of thought. Yes, someone reading OVER MY SHOULDER AS I WRITE.
(cough)
Anyways, we're heading for the Mint. Given what happened in the museums, I'm not surprised that we're going in small groups, with as many cops as students. Unarmed, but quite burly.
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 12th, 14h18
Eh. The mint. Isn't it the place where the freak should work, Maddie? On her knees, I mean. After all, it's where you can make "money from nothing, and the checks are free", when you're in Dire Streets. Given she has nothing in terms of assets, you know…
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: even if nobody knows who you're talking about, it's clearly not a fictional character, so you can eat an infraction for the insults]
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 12th, 14h24
(sigh) No name-calling on public forum, please. And based on the mangled lyrics and group name, please refrain from citing music in the future.
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 13th, 15h34
The visit was interesting, but I wonder if the platforms we were walking on were solid enough. I mean, I heard that the Mint was old, but they could have put sturdier ramps, right? I guess that, being adults, they forget that some people tend to sit on them. Thankfully, the cops prevented any such action before we could do it.
Now, if I could know why, after our group went through, the alarms started blaring…
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 13th, 16h00
Soph, wherever you are now, know that we did it.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 13th, 16h01
You did it. I tried to stop you.
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 13th, 16h02
And, in doing so, you blocked the cop. So you're accessory.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 13th, 16h05
Accessory? You did what?
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 13th, 16h06
Oh my god!
Alarms are blaring everywhere in the building, barely audible in the din that comes from inside. Employees are exiting in a run, covering their ears. A few security guards are walking out with tears in their clothes.
That just after a group of girls exited the visit at a run. What happened?
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 13th, 16h07
If you cite me as accessory, I'm pulling you down with me. I never wanted this anyways. It was your fixation, and yours alone, that made you target T[REDACTED] all those months. It was funny at the beginning, but criminal in the end.
You. Pushed. Her.
The railing broke, and she fell into the machine.
And, guess what? She isn't dead.
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: user has received a warning for possible cape outing]
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 13th, 16h08
What do you mean?
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 13th, 16h09
What do you mean?
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 13th, 16h10
I was with the girls, at the mint. But as far as possible from what remains of the Trio. They pulled shit on her for so long, I was forced to grow up and become disgusted by myself. Not enough mental fortitude to stop it, though.
But things change.
She was strong enough, I realize now, to forge ahead after her collapse due to her mother dying – and we all know about that, thanks to your taunts.
She was strong enough to resist our bullying. Many others would have killed themselves. And it wasn't yet a powerful enough motivation to trigger.
Imminent death? You bet.
Last thing I saw, pushed outside as we were by the security cops, was a cloud of coins hovering in mid-air, around the machine. So, congratulations, Red, you've gotten yourself a super-powered enemy.
Reply by: RedIsBest, on January 13th, 16h12
So what? It's dirty money anyways! Trust her to attract pennies (pun intended) rather than large-denomination bills.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 13th, 16h14
I'm on my way!
Reply by: LaceyOnKurt, on January 13th, 16h17
Da, your pickup is not apt for highway roads, less so driving hours. You'd end up stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no communication either, as you have no cell phone. However, we can go together.
Tay, if you find a way, tell us you're fine. If not, I fear that someone will remove his collar.
Jules, SP, Sparky… thanks a lot for the information. Can you continue?
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 13th, 16h24
A new parahuman? Sweet!
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 13th, 16h39
Let's hope that she won't join the villains of Brockton Bay.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 13th, 16h47
Why not? It's not like she'll be well-perceived among heroes, given her powers.
Reply by: Serpensortia, on January 13th, 16h51
What powers? Don't tattle to others before me.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 13th, 16h55
No need. I'm just that well-informed.
Reply by: Reave, on January 13th, 17h00
As your five-o'clock news agent from the PRT, there was a parahuman-related disturbance at the Philadelphia mint today.
Apparently, after using telekinesis to gather the copper coins around themselves, said parahuman simply walked out of the place, the doors pushed away by the cloud of coins.
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 13th, 17h13
So. What are the newbie's stats? (rubs hands in glee)
Reply by: ErgoSum, on January 13th, 17h21
I heard that the new cape is tentatively called CoinCoin and assigned a Shaker 4 threat rating. But Watchdog issued several warnings in a row, pushing that rating upwards. Last I heard, it was seven, and still rising. I don't know why.
Reply by: TotallyNotFrench, on January 13th, 17h37
Seriously? CoinCoin? Is her power related to duck quacking?
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 13th, 17h42
I would be wary of a Kaiser-lite cape able to do the same as he did, even if it was with copper and not steel.
Reply by: ErgoSum, on January 13th, 17h49
They are not creating blades, just moving coins around. Besides, Kaiser's civilian identity being known, we know where his children are. But I guess that having cents bombarding you can be hazardous for your health.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 13th, 18h00
What are you talking about?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 13th, 18h05
Sparky, dude, you fine?
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 13th, 18h16
I'm a bit light-headed. I also don't remember what happened this afternoon.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 13th, 18h18
Oh shit, it's the Men in Black! Run!
Reply by: HumaneRightSwatch, on January 13th, 18h27
Racist.
[EDIT: Alathea: warning for insult]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 13th, 18h30
Suck my d…
[EDIT: Alathea: kudos for trying]
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 13th, 18h45
I don't remember much either. I don't remember parts that I wrote about, even. Strange.
Reply by: Guesst, on January 13th, 18h50
I do. I'm fine. Sorry for the delay, da and K&L.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 13th, 19h03
I also have gaps in my memory. I guess there's a parahuman with memory-altering powers, somewhere. Perhaps they work with the government.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 13th, 19h10
Beware of the almighty government!
So, what is happening in Philly, now? (whistle innocently)
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 13th, 19h51
My son tells me that the trip continues South tomorrow, with no change. Washington it will be, with the Smithsonian – whatever that is.
Am I the only one wondering about the security at the mint? Open machines, faulty railings? Students will be students (we're way past the times when you'd mention "boys", here), and the adults in charge should be… charged, shouldn't they?
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 13th, 20h25
I'll sick the onions on ham.
How can you be fine?
EDIT: *sic the unions on them. Tired and angry.
Reply by: HOwling, on January 13th, 20h52
I'm healthy, and reasonably happy: the bully is in jail for attempted murder.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 13th, 21h12
Nice.
How many accounts do you have that I don't know about?
Reply by: Hedwig, on January 13th, 21h25
Always one more (grin)
Reply by: HowlHook, on January 13th, 01h09
Hey! No stealing nickname ideas!
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 14th, 08h00
Don't worry, Mr Wolf, these are throwaways.
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 14th, 08h55
I would like to report that several students found themselves devoid of cash, this morning. The cops are investigating the youth hostel's management, but it appears that the warnings that "everything in the room is not watched and thus not their responsibility"… is genuine.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 14th, 09h01
You should follow the money trail.
Reply by: ReggieIsForRegulus, on January 14th, 09h04
Or train, if you're in one.
Reply by: TDHumble, on January 14th, 09h06
(facepalm) That was bad, even for you two.
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 14th, 11h11
We're in Washington, dude. Place is nice. Train was late due to sacred cow on the tracks – and it was not the animal, just some political representatives sent to greet rail workers, and who doesn't respect instructions from said workers. Such as "no stepping on the tracks even if it cuts your trip to get back to your car". Meh. She tripped, and we (collectively) lost much more than the five minutes it would have taken her to walk around.
Some of us got to climb inside the infamous obelisk, but not me: I remember Spiderman, the movie from Earth Aleph (even though we have a time discrepancy with them, it only hit the theatres last year), and didn't want to be stuck in the elevator. Especially as we know that Spiderman won't help us, here: such heroes don't exist. Here, heroes exist only in relation to the PRT, and Spiderman would be a villain.
Instead, I'm visiting the Air and Space Museum. Nice birds, there. And not only the planes.
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 14th, 10h36
Hey!
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 14th, 10h47
I meant the rockets, and space vessels, of course!
Except for, of course, the fact that you rock your look.
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 14th, 10h59
…thank you. (blush)
Reply by: SparkyPlug, on January 14th, 11h10
I'd treat you for lunch… but I'm broke.
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 14th, 11h26
Same here.
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 14th, 11h50
No courting here, folks.
Also, and perhaps related: I found several more bills in my wallet than I left the train with, and we can all eat somewhere nice.
Reply by: EnrapturedClass, on January 14th, 11h52
Woah! Thank you, professor Gladly! You are the best! Can I sit on your knees during the meal, like last time? Will your big wallet push against m[REDACTED]
[EDIT: Alathea: user received an infraction for slander; user being brand new, suspicion of malfeasance observed; police warned]
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 14th, 12h12
Thank you, thank y- Wait! What is this? Who is it from?
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 14th, 12h39
Gladly, you just received a summon from the district. That's next week. You should head back as soon as possible.
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 14th, 12h59
Alright. There's nothing to prove anyw*
Students, we'll head back tomorrow. I booked trains for the morning and afternoon, with enough time in New York for a movie. And, afterwards, I'll buy you something from the vending machine. Er… or not.
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 14th, 13h12
Yay! Movies with friends! Although… Jules? You there?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 14th, 14h47
Sparky, dude? You don't answer my PM anymore?
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 14th, 15h32
Sorry, man. I'm a grown man, now. Just had my first kiss, and all. I'm light-headed again.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 14th, 16h04
You're supposed to breathe by the nose.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 14th, 14h47
Proud for you, dude. My turn, now.
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 14th, 15h16
Not with me you ain't. This is not Truth or Dare.
Mad, I'll see you there.
Reply by: Geronimo, on January 14th, 16h09
Wow, Truth or Dare has changed from when I was teen myself!
Just kidding, it was exactly the same.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 14th, 17h19
(calming breathing)
So, Sparky, leavin tomorrow?
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 14th, 18h38
Sparky, dude?
Reply by: SpecificProtagonist, on January 14th, 19h09
I believe he's a little tongue-tied atm.
For the news report, yes, we are leaving tomorrow morning, as indicated. Departure is eight, with an arrival at noon, meal and movie in the Big Apple, leaving at four, arrival in Boston at eight, overnight stay, and back by coach the next day (times nine to eleven).
It will be good to go home for a while.
Reply by: RogerDerick, on January 14th, 19h35
Here's not understanding why y'all weren't put in a plane back home, when that shit happened. What's done is done, but, still… there might be a reckoning.
On that topic, I saw some news about the Philly mint being sued for criminal negligence.
Reply by: Coined, on January 14th, 21h06
Wasn't me. Should be. Who profits? I'll follow the money trail, as some said.
Reply by: Reave, on January 15th, 11h00
Despite Watchdog's warnings, the new parahuman dubbed CoinCoin has "attacked" the mint at West Point this morning – and we believe that the offices of Washington were targeted earlier in the day or before. Fort Knox is on high alert, as are the mints of Denver and San Francisco.
But not only, as the Federal Reserve has increased its security too. Apparently, the cape can target banknotes as well as coins: during the night, several caches of cash, belonging to villain gangs established in New York, have been raided. That's why there are quotes, above: the attacker took the coins at the mint… but left an even higher amount in banknotes. Some employees, dazed by the action, have been heard mentioning that the cape "ate" the coins. If coins are the new cape's sole nourishment, its actions can be better understood.
Still, between Watchdog and the other offices, CoinCoin has been dubbed a villain for the time being. And renamed Usurer. Despite doubts about it, his or her civilian identity can't be the one several persons suspected, because they were in a moving train at the time.
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 15th, 11h22
So, Usurer… Shaker seven? Eight? What's the final score? People want to know! I want to know…
Reply by: Bagrat, on January 15th, 11h47
The PRT rating for Usurer is as follows: Shaker/Mover/Blaster/Brute, all with a threat level of five. All this based from observation when he's in his armour – because the coins, when stuck to his body, act as armour. Note that I use "he/his" as in "generic and singular human being", here. And to clearly not link to the identity a few of you suspect. So, no trolling, please.
On a purely hypothetical level, Watchdog estimates his Shaker power to have a larger radius than what you can see in the video (link here) of the "heist", as it was a couple meters wide. There is also a suspicion of some Thinker power to detect money as well as coordinate the various telekinetic pushes to control the many moving items.
Why Mover? Because, as a consequence of his telekinesis, Usurer can move his armour (and himself) into any direction, including upwards – and we suspect that he can easily "fly" through any other medium too, such as water or loose earth (with the coins orbiting him acting as a drill).
Using the coins around him, he can also move other people around – he has thus saved several employees from being shot by overzealous security cops. Those shots which connected didn't faze him, too, probably because of the thick armour around him (with a thickness of several coins).
You might wonder how steel bullets can't penetrate a mere stack of coins? As it is understood, said stack is compressed telekinetically, and the impacts on the armour let PRT Thinkers estimate its uncompressed size to five inches. And growing. Hence the Brute rating.
Finally, there are suspicions of a Breaker, Changer, and/or Stranger power in play, as Usurer shouldn't be able to stay discreet for long, in an armour like that. And there is no sighting of the cape except at the mints.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 15th, 12h08
Nice to see one's abilities splattered on a public forum. Have you people ever wondered if your high-handedness and holier-than-thou attitude are the reasons so few people join the Protectorate?
I bought those bits of coinage. Legally. With banknotes taken from criminals, sure, but they were mine under salvage laws. And since I was there, I concluded my transaction despite the eagerness of some people to shoot me.
They thought I was Kaiser? If it had been him, there, the shooters would have been left impaled in such a way their colleague would have needed to cut them even more to get them out… so either dead or soon to be, by their hands.
I then had to move innocent tellers to the side. And then I was accused of "assault with parahuman power" or somesuch. Rest assured that I won't collaborate with sanctimonious people like you.
Reply by: Bagrat, on January 15th, 12h39
Sorry about that, Usurer, but it's a common sport, around the forums, to guess at capes' powers. Do you want to add to what had been said about yours?
Reply by: CapeLife, on January 15th, 12h57
From what has been reported before, Usurer moves copper coins and banknotes. However, I watched the last video, and noticed that the coins taken aren't all that reddish tint of cents, or even the grey of nickels and other coins. There was white and even yellow.
Online data on the West Point mint indicates that it contains important reserves of silver, gold, and platinum. That must be too common data, if villains can storm in and help themselves, rendering the definition moot and past-tense.
At the end of the video, you can even see him proudly displaying his theft of precious metals on his armour. If he's not Kaiser's son, I will eat my hat.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 15th, 13h15
You will have to renege on that promise, as your postulation is simply not possible. Given my age, Kaiser would have been eight when having me. And I know my biological parents, thank you very much. They both support me against your stupidity.
At the risk of repeating myself: I bought those coins. As it happens, I brought the banknotes in, after Philadelphia's event, and the employees were helpful and gave me a receipt for it. Same at West Point, before they were shot at. What happened around this commercial transaction is railroading an innocent citizen into villainy.
Reply by: Tin_Mother, on January 15th, 13h30
Because of thread derailment, I will soon move the posts about Usurer onto another thread (link here). Title will be "New villain: Usurer" unless someone objects in PM
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: Title will be "New cape: Usurer"]
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 15th, 14h03
Guys, I'm not sure Brockton Bay is the place-to-be at the moment. There are rumours about the S9 being in town.
Reply by: ReggieIsForRegulus, on January 15th, 14h08
Not really rumours, no.
Reply by: Armsmaster, on January 15th, 14h11
Reggie… Reg… Regent? Gotcha!
I completed the data integrity check, and established proofs that the French have infiltrated the United States, dating before there were United States to begin with. They got Lousiana in the South, Quebec in the North, and several islands in the Atlantic. The famous three-prongs attack!
With that, they have started insinuating their uncouth ways, such as gourmet cuisine, elegance, style, erudition, culture… and of course their wines and cheese – although I suspect that their wine is the sole reason they can eat their cheese. I procured some Roquefort, and it was rotting when it arrived. I had to throw it out and then call the cleaners.
I'm writing a program, now, to purge every ounce of all that from proper America.
Reply by: CherryOnTop, on January 15th, 14h18
It's supposed to be rotting, in a controlled fashion. Much like penicillin, in fact, that rot is beneficial to your health. And to say that you haven't even tasted it…
Reply by: Vista, on January 15th, 14h21
What? The S9 is in town? How comes we haven't heard of them! Stay away! The heroes will save you!
Reply by: FangVexThee, on January 15th, 14h31
Yeah, come to Boston, the weather is nice. So are the people: we smile widely, showing all our TEETH!
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 15th, 15h10
No panic, people. These posts must surely be written by people with more brawl than brain. Besides, the tickets have been bought, and my account is empty. Blackwell must have blocked my pay again. Did I say that out loud? Oops. Damn speech-to-text apps! Stop! Stop, now!
Reply by: SparkyUnplugged, on January 15th, 15h52
(deep breath)
Done with NYC, we are. Some of us preferred staying at Central Park instead of watching a movie. But we're all back together for the penultimate leg of our trip. Thanks for the word, sweetie.
Reply by: JulesJa, on January 15th, 15h54
(deep breath)
You're welcome.
(going back to work – those kisses won't be had by themselves)
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 15th, 17h48
Oopsie.
Sorry, Wall Street. I didn't know my money powers would work on you.
You see, I have these powers (and I can come clean about them, otherwise you won't understand) that allow me to find money from afar, and it gives out a certain… "taste" depending on the type of money.
I had successfully isolated the "taste" of ill-begotten gains, allowing me to drain criminal of their riches… and, guess what? Wall Street reeked of the same. So I went that way, not knowing what institution the building held – covered next year, apparently, so you can sue the school. Or me, I don't really care (I'm rich, now, apparently, so I'll have the better lawyers).
Apparently, my ability to pull money transfers well to electronic accounts. So… thank you everyone who has ever done under-the-table transactions there, I got them all!
After that, it's not my fault if the thing crashed. And I mean the market and the computers and their networks. Enjoy a reality check.
Reply by: Reave, on January 15th, 18h00
Usurer, with actions like these, how can we not call you a villain? You even got your story here before me, cancelling hours of work.
Yes, the Watchdog Thinkers upgraded your ratings. Enjoy your new threat rating of six, with the additional Stranger and Thinker bits.
And many people lost fortunes, there, and are suing you. They also say you ripped gold off of them, including gold teeth. That's reprehensible.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 15th, 18h36
If you spend hours writing three lines, and wait at the hour to post them, I can't really take your works seriously.
Also, to those losers: good luck finding a lawyer willing to work when you've lost all your fortune. And all your underlings, in fact. Including your pet politicians.
And, everyone, beware of liars: I knew exactly where all those gold teeth were, disgusting as they were, and I didn't touch them. Those complaining of that are trying to get money out of their insurance, with those claims.
Now, I did get some precious stuff off their watches. A timepiece is a timepiece, and they don't need more than that – yes, apparently, I can get precious stones too.
Reply by: GladProfessor, on January 15th, 20h24
WinnieSecret, if you want the kids not to come back due to some rumours, tell me… and send me some cash to postpone our departure from Boston. Because I have paid for most of the unscheduled things, and I'm broke.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 15th, 20h45
No can't do. Besides, it's unconfirmed.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 15th, 21h28
Uh oh. Please stop tempting Murphy. Please.
Reply by: NedIsCrawling, on January 15th, 22h22
TOO LATE, LITLE BOI
Reply by: DashingSlashing, on January 15th, 23h33
What my barely literate friend implies, my dear, is that we're coming whether you want us there or not.
And, as per our mood and as our Modus Operandi operates, we nominate nominees! Who wants to step on the carousel of fun and delirium tremens? Who wants to partake in the chaos that is the Slaughterhouse Nine?
Reply by: ISawBone, on January 16th, 00h44
Big sis Panacea!
Reply by: Panacea, on January 16th, 00h53
(sigh, as she won't let the matter drop if I don't answer)
Yes?
Reply by: DashingSlashing, on January 16th, 01h02
(sigh too) Good little girls should sleep, at this time, my dear. But I take your proposal into account. Now, I have received other nominations through PM, as well as voluntary subscriptions – the world is full of chaos, tonight.
Reply by: ISawBone, on January 16th, 01h24
Yes daddy.
Big sis, as we can discuss by PM, I nominate you. Alright?
Reply by: Panacea, on January 16th, 01h43
You're still on the forum thread, here. And why "big sis"? (shuddering in advance at the upcoming reasoning)
Reply by: ISawBone, on January 16th, 01h50
Darn!
Because we share a mom, is all. You know, when the Brigade took you in, your daddy was too hurt to tell them mom was alive. You'd have been with me, Amelia. Or not: she did cheat on him before divorcing and asking half of the man's fortunes. When she lost everything instead, including you, she was quite bitter.
Oh darn, I'm live, again. Continuing in PM, now… and, sorry, folks, forget about everything you've heard until now – that's an idea, there: I'll make a thought-removing toxin, someday.
Reply by: CherishMe, on January 16th, 03h07
Is there a free spot, Mr Slash? I'm a Master, one of the powers everyone hates – you only have to look at Canary.
Reply by: TwcctTwcct, on January 16th, 06h00
Dgn't lggk qt mc. l'm sg rcstrjctcd thqt cvcn prgpcr wrjtjng js jmpgssjblc. 4s jf l cgvld vsc my pgwcr thrgvgh tcxt.
Reply by: DashingSlashing, on January 16th, 07h04
That can be arranged.
And my dear Bonesaw, I think that late-night chats will be forbidden, from now on.
Wait.
Why can't I move my body? Only my fingers are moving, still, and it's… with… difficultttttttttttttttt
Reply by: ISawBone, on January 16th, 07h12
Must be the result of the toxin I made, with the help of big sis.
Reply by: Panacea, on January 16th, 07h17
You're welcome. PRT has been sent to where you are, with instruction to keep you entertained. I'll see you later. Meanwhile, I need some sleep. After all, I did heal many people last night, before our brainstorming session. Including the criminals my other sister likes to play solo badminton with – they are the… thingy… shuttlecock.
Zzz…
Reply by: PointMeAtTheSky, on January 16th, 07h19
AMES! Ixnay on the urdermays!
Reply by: CarolDallonLawyer, on January 16th, 07h21
VICTORIA DALLON! What is the meaning of this? Have you any idea of the mess you're in?
Reply by: PointMeAtTheSky, on January 16th, 07h24
Mom, we agreed that Saturday nights were for patrols, right?
Reply by: CarolDallonMother, on January 16th, 07h26
Vicky, you can find your breakfast on the table. What is it about late night patrols that we agree about? I don't remember that…
Reply by: FlashGang, on January 16th, 07h29
There she/they goes again. And I'm the fool. Should have spoused the ster, but Man's the man. Big. Lemme get another Laphroaig.
Reply by: AccordManagement, on January 16th, 07h30
Who dares doing battle in the street nearby? The sound is horrible, and disturbs my concentration.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 16th, 07h42
Sorry about that, Animos was quite loud. And the crowd of Sprees was quite numerous. They still fell.
Panacea, sorry if I interrupt your happy family reunion, and your nap too, but can you take a look at the package coming to the Bay with the Winslow coach? Hint: it's in the luggage rack, under the thing, and on the left. There might be some on other places, too: it was too big to fit in one place.
Reply by: AccordManagement, on January 16th, 07h45
You are excused, as the Teeth were a menace for everyone. The execution was still dreadful.
Reply by: Panacea, on January 16th, 07h58
I'm not asleep. Little sis has quite a package of advantages, and we exchanged some… and ideas. It was both difficult and easy to convince people to let us do what we wanted: it was difficult, and then easy when we used powers to make them change their mind.
They agreed to process the bodies of the Slaughterhouse (for the bounties), and to kill those who were still alive but unmanageable. Shatterbird has been reduced by Little sis into a superpowered glass blower – which she had been before she was "enhanced".
Now, what is it I hear about Boston sending us a multipart package?
Reply by: Reave, on January 16th, 08h00
Apparently, I'm late again. Well, the salient points have been gone over, so I'll shorten things: the Teeth and the Slaughterhouse Nine are gone – the former thanks to Usurer, and the latter through an inside job.
Bonesaw was having bouts of sanity, and got adopted by Panacea, who was apparently her half-sister through their mother. Panacea herself has been emancipated.
In Boston, Butcher was literally disarmed (and dislegged) before being shipped in the undercarriage of a coach returning from Boston to Brockton Bay. Drugged on top of everything, to avoid her teleporting out, she was just awakening when Panacea and her ward took good care of her – and that means removing her powers. Now that Quarrel is a normal person again, Panacea can reattach the missing limbs. Or not.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 16th, 08h31
What a week.
Reply by: MadDogDanny, on January 16th, 08h48
You don't say.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 16th, 09h01
I can help Winslow's reconstruction.
Reply by: WinnieSecret, on January 16th, 09h29
No offence, but we'd rather not. Unless you can work out some sort of a truce.
Reply by: VindictPompulous, on January 16th, 09h45
I believe such a truce can be achieved – I understand that Armsmaster is occupied and Piggot unavailable, so I take upon myself to start the process.
Reply by: Panacea, on January 16th, 10h00
This message to indicate several things: first, as an emancipated person, I can take my own decisions, so I don't have to obey any persona of Carol Dallon. Thanks to the actions of my ward Riley, we have enough to buy a big house, doubling as a station for healing. We will recruit some personnel to take care of the latter, especially triage and determining how much should anyone pay for healing – so that poor people can still be cured of cancer.
Reply by: AllSeeingEye, on January 16th, 10h01
All this without my input! Months of research made useless! Darn!
Also: Usurer, I seem to have lost my monetary assets, both the stacks of bills taken from the gangs and the electronic funds from my boss. If it's you, we'll have words.
Reply by: Serpensortia, on January 16th, 10h25
Me first, my dear… employee.
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 16th, 10h44
If it looks like loot, and tastes like loot… I'm sure Reggie will understand and explain to you. Eventually. After Armsmaster releases him.
Reply by: FriedNotFrench, on January 16th, 10h59
Damn you! Stop raising my profile, everybody! You don't want my dad in your city!
Reply by: UsurerOfficial, on January 16th, 11h18
Is your dad in the habit of moving in a gold-plated car, wearing multiple items of jewellery, and holding court with a number of females with piercings in specific parts of their anatomy (shudders)?
If yes, he has been encased in the gold I extracted from the car and its occupants. There was enough for him not to move or speak without my say-so… or a metal saw. And since all that reeks of villainy, I deposited the lot in front of the PRT.
Reply by: LobbyPRT, on January 16th, 12h01
Thank you, Usurer, but we can't process the person if we don't know who they are.
Reply by: FriedNotFrench, on January 16th, 12h04
It's Heartbreaker! Don't allow him to speak!
In fact, he's the very thing those judging Canary are afraid of. If she's treated the way she's treated, in the name of equality and fairness of treatment… you should kill him on the spot. If his destination is the Birdcage, Canary should be freed with, at most, a slap on the wrist.
Reply by: TwcctTwcct, on January 16th, 13h46
Thqnk yvg! Thqnks tg yvg, thcy qrc rccvqlvqtjng my cqsc – sgrry fgr thc wrjtjng, bvt thcy hqvcn't rctvrncd my thjngs yct. 4nd, gncc frccd, l kngw whcrc l'll gg, qnd whg l'll gjvc q kjss.
Reply by: XxVoid_CowboyxX, on January 16th, 14h01
What's that with the coded messages? I have tried many apps, but it give nuthin! If it's some smartass-people way of fuckin with us normal people, well, you can suck my d[REDACTED]
[EDIT: Tin_Mother: and to say you were going good, there. Sorry, but you incur a new temporary ban. See you later]
Due to a recent ban, you have been disconnected.
"Oh COME ON!"
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To be continued… if I gain that kind of powerAuthor's Notes: Yes, I know, it won't be anytime soon. But one can dream, right? As for what inspired this… "Implacable", again.