Table of Contents
Introduction
May you live in Interesting Times Part I
May you live in Interesting Times Part II
May you live in Interesting Times Part III
May you live in Interesting Times Part IV
May you live in Interesting Times Part V
May you live in Interesting Times Part VI
May you live in Interesting Times Part VII
May you live in Interesting Times Part VIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part IX
May you live in Interesting Times Part X
May you live in Interesting Times Part XI
May you live in Interesting Times Part XII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIV
May you live in Interesting Times Part XV
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVI
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part IIXX
Wyrm of Apocalypse (Marvel Comics-Worm SI)
By: SupasouljaX
Case 54 squared. That's what you call someone whose a double dimensional refugee right? Well if you want to know what that's like feel free to ask. It's one hell of long and interesting answer. As in that famous group of faux Chinese curses from an Earth our unwitting victim hero will never see again.
A high school teacher goes to bed one day and wakes up in a fairly strange Marvel Comic Universe where he discovers that he is "destined" to become the "Wyrm of Apocalypse." One who would define conflict in a world of conflict. As the concept of conflict has emotional, spiritual, economic as well as physical meaning the confusion becomes clear. Obviously such a vague prophesy makes his life very interesting.
Interesting as in 5 parts pants shitting terror, 3 parts balls busting hard work, 2 parts adrenaline rush high, 1 part moment of awesome variety. As anyone with the misfortune opportunity to experience the Comic Marvel Multiverse or Worm's Earth Beta could tell you that the bullshit never stops. Well unless you make it stop.
Our Intrepid warrior's adventure didn't start in a dark alley but that's where it got interesting.
Hints
The definition of wyrm can be taken literally, as in a worm that is used to bait a fishing hook. Though it can also mean a dragon, spiritual appendage or a person lacking social graces.
Apocalypse can mean final and utter destruction. It can also mean great and often violent change or revelation of great truth. It's also the name of one of the oldest mutants in Marvel's franchise.
Warnings
Adult Language
Some adult situations
Violence
Disclaimer I don't own Marvel Comics or Worm. One is owned by Disney and the other soon will be.
If you like what you read please do like
To the fans of the original version let me say I have changed a few things. I've gone over spelling issues and fixed some lore mistakes. I also improved the overall presentation of the paragraph spacing. Feel free to let me know if I don't have my characterizations down as I don't know Worm as well as I do Marvel.
Status: ongoing
Published: 2021-01-15
Updated: 2021-02-10
Words: 53582
Chapters: 19
Original source: https/forums./threads/85361
Exported with the assistance of
Wyrm of Apocalypse (Marvel Comics-Worm SI)
Introduction
May you live in Interesting Times Part I
May you live in Interesting Times Part II
May you live in Interesting Times Part III
May you live in Interesting Times Part IV
May you live in Interesting Times Part V
May you live in Interesting Times Part VI
May you live in Interesting Times Part VII
May you live in Interesting Times Part VIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part IX
May you live in Interesting Times Part X
May you live in Interesting Times Part XI
May you live in Interesting Times Part XII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIV
May you live in Interesting Times Part XV
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVI
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVII
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVIII
May you live in Interesting Times Part IIXX
May you live in Interesting Times Part I
January 4, 2009
Brockton Bay, Dogaron Alley
5:00 PM
"Look lady just give us the purse and we'll call it a night. You can get back home and finish making your Dim Sum."
The bald man with a variety of swastikas and Neo Nazi tats chuckled. His two friends to the right followed along with him, their half hearted guffaws intimating baldy's lame racist humor was actually funny.
"Damn!" I cursed myself for wandering around this part of town on my way back to the Lormion Youth Shelter. I had just got my ticket to what looked like a decent foster family. No record of abuse, wealthy and two prior successful, well adjusted foster children. For a universe this shitty I had hit a major lucky break for someone who had just shown up less than 3 months ago.
Yeah, my Id was a master work of record's fraud and I was gaming the system, but still a damn master stroke of luck.
I was fortunate enough to be able to pass for one of the refugee orphans fleeing New York after a major cape battle. A bit of PTSD, a little "selective amnesia" and you'd be surprised what a handsome athletic 16 year old can get away with. My high academic aptitude scores didn't hurt either. Being smart enough to breeze through what passed for education in Brocton Bay made you a golden candidate for adoption, even if you were black. In fact since it was good for the agencies optics, that was a bonus.
Now I just had to stumble onto a fucking mugging in progress. I would have called the police except for two reasons. The first was the shitty phone the adoption agency handed to me didn't get service in this part of the city. It seems Worm didn't get the super reliable Nokia along with a shit ton of other cool devices.
Second, a disgustingly large percent of the police were actually pretty corrupt, jaded or incompetents. That and it would take them two hours to get here.
That's if they had the balls to tangle with Empire 88 or weren't racist plants that would shoot me and the victim. Yes, Worm could be that damn shitty. At least this looked like a simple robbery, the middle aged Korean lady would give the 5 hard cases her money and jewels and that would be it. I'd offer her to share a cab ride to my orphanage like I should have called for 12 minutes ago. She could call the cops from there and it wouldn't be my business anymore.
If you're wondering how I knew she was Korean, it was because she was wearing a blouse stamped with Korean calligraphy. Her blue jacket had the South Korean flag's Ying Yang symbol on the back. Even her earrings were patriotic. It seems that this version of North and South Korea were even more hostile toward each other and played cape tag. Her pride was reflected in the koi fish symbols on her lobes, the personal logo of Ha Rin.
Ha Rin was an extremely gifted South Korean "hard light" power using cape . A few year back she drove off a few of "Rocket Man" Kim Jongs' "black cape" shenanigans and would later survive 2 bouts with Behemoth.
And yes it is low key racist terminology to refer to black flag operations between the two Koreas, or what's left of them.
"Nope brother, we have to set an example for that scaly Japochink and his Assian Butt Boyz. They need to learn their place. Plus she looks like she knows how to swallow an egg roll if you catch my drift."
Well fuck. These assholes really were going all out here. I'm not embarrassed to say that a large part of me just said to walk away.
There was no reason I couldn't call the police once I got service on my shit Orphan Annie phone, as the last thing I needed to was to get into a scrap. Even if I won there was a chance, a good chance it would be spinned to make me seem like a "thug." That would have me assed out of a good home and wind up a bottom in the scummiest home they could cram me in. I mean, yeah I could go off the grid and pull more records switching, but doing so increased exposure risk.
The NSA analogue here was underfunded and overworked but they weren't totally incompetent. With what I wanted to get done I needed my Is dotted and Ts crossed.
If I lost I could get screwed out that golden ticket; and spend months in the hospital where my records would get more than a casual once over. As an unpowered traveler I could look forward to experimentation or kidnap by Coil. There was also the possibility that these not quite skinheads could kill me. Or worst of all I might actually trigger. I was just about to turn around when I caught her eyes. She was frightened but she didn't call out to me or give my position away.
"Don't give us that look sweetheart. I'm sure you spread 'em for Colon and his crew all the time. Bet you're itching for some real American sausage. We'll we got 5 of them here. You can compare later." He snickered.
Of course his accent toward the end gave him away as first generation Romanian and his slightly tanned tinge probably marked him as a gypsy as well. I honestly never got tired of thinking about how hypercritical these racist power types tended to be. It would be funny except I knew what they were planning to do would turn my stomach for the next four months if didn't do anything to stop it.
"Well I go first." The leader was wearing the standard Empire 88 tat on his right bicep and he flipped open his basilong with a couple flourishes to intimidate her.
The same pretentious, too clever by half logo was represented on at least two articles of clothes on each gang member. I wondered exactly how they managed to keep their secrecy when E88 loved to advertise more than the Bloods and Crips of my original world.
The fact he was going to assault this woman with a weapon associated with south East Asian culture and had such proficiency with it was just too much for me.
I let out a snicker drawing their eyes to me in shock.
"Sorry, I mean come on guys! Are you really going to start using Asian weapons to fight Asian people? I mean what's next? Are you going to study Kung Fu and break out nun chucks and a katana from Highlander?"
Oh Earth Bet had the first few movies. Though the fact they didn't have the Adrian Paul tv series was another thing that pissed me off about this dimension. Of course they did have him in the shitty Mortal Kombat direct to dvd movies and its lackluster tv series. Go figure.
"This is none of your business frog. Leave and we'll save your hide for next time." I looked at the woman whose age I misjudged. It seemed she was actually somewhat older than 35, but still altogether attractive. She was moving along the wall out of the line of sight of most of them.
I nodded in her direction and blinked, at least my distraction would do some good even if I didn't win. I noticed that the five men were on average under 20 years old, somewhat skinny and not more than 5.9 in height. The body I wore currently was exactly 5.11 and I was filling out nicely at 180 pounds. To my right was chain used to keep others from stealing garbage cans. For whatever divine reason it wasn't attached to anything.
Seeing as there was no point in delaying this with pointless small talk, I spoke clearly "It is spilt water" before snatching up the chain and bringing it across the jaw of the nearest fool. When the second one came in with looked like Bowie Knife I gave ground. Then I swung under his next strike to break his arm and fling him over my back.
Oh I knew how to fight, very well I might add. A little Hapkido here, some Taijutsu there, rounded off with a bit of Shotokan Karate. I studied nameless arts of physical devastation with some of the best fighters and killers on multiple earths in fact.
But you see it wasn't like in the movies where the martial arts master beats up thirty guys in a row who conveniently wait for him to finish the other opponents. Real bad guys, even inbred Empire 88 stooges will bum rush your ass. That and they weren't all shitty fighters.
I'd like to say I spanked the other three of them like a naughty nurse at the local S and M convention. But as Sam Jack said, "That shit just ain't the truth." I got a few more good licks in and I'm sure I knocked another one of them the fuck out, but I took a blow to the back of the head trying to dislocate the leader's shoulder and take him hostage.
After that all I remembered was pain, hoping that Korean lady made it home okay and the fervent wish that I didn't trigger.
Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part II
Nowadays even my dreams often involved a monologue of some sort. At first it was slightly annoying, but I learned to accept it a long time ago as the cost of doing business with this reality(ies).
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago (Biologically speaking I'm 16 and 3/4)
Earth 613
January 9 2004 (Marvel Earth-613 time)
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Lennox Hill Hospital
9:00 AM
It is said we are born into this world with nothing.
I know that to be patentable false. Well in my case it was an issue of being reborn. A thirty eight year old high school mostly social studies teacher goes to bed one night and wakes up as a 9 year old child. No white light, no dream mandating a divine mission, not even a cheesy disembodied ominous voice yelling "You have been chosen." Just my life being erased as though it never existed. Yes, I was and am still mad about it.
I might not have been rich or popular, but I put in over 12 years of work to build my career. At the end of the day I was damn proud of what I accomplished with my time.
I "jumped in" after a fairly nasty fall from a school stairwell. Its outcome, a nasty 4 month coma. My current guardians were warned "I" might not recover from or wouldn't recover as 'myself'. Now I personally did not gain any of Kincaid Blue Cloud Jones' memories, but I sure as hell got his problems. The first of which was the fact that I gained his life story and enemies.
From what I later gathered, Kincaid's fall was anything but an accident. Unfortunately, he went to a shitty school with crappy administrators and the "standard" uncaring "teachers." So without a witness or a victim with a functional memory there was no "actionable" case. Of course I'm getting ahead of the story, however like my powers the story of my new life began in the same type of place.
Waking up
My brain hurt something fierce and when I went to speak a weak strangers' voice answered me.
"What the fuck, that was one hell of a fucked up dream."
The first thing I noticed was the almost emaciated hand that came to rub the soreness from my throat. A throat that was way too fucking small to be mine and a right hand way darker than the one I was born with.
Attached to my skinny arms were a variety of wires and a tube with vital fluids. What followed was a large stream of invective that brought out the doctor, one Doc Joshua Templeton to come see me. My anger warred with my common sense long enough for me to calm down and take in my new surroundings.
"Well its a miracle! Good morning Mr. Jones. I hope you are well. My name is Doctor Joshua Templeton. Young man it's a pleasure to see you among the living."
His outwardly pleasant attitude reeked of kindly condensation. The kind I did my best not to show towards my students because often the disrespect shown by 'troubled' kids came as a response to adults abusing the privilege of their age. Then again maybe it was just my anger at life's unfairness that was creeping into my interpretation of reality, poisoning every interpersonal interaction. Common sense would have told me to keep my mouth shut and simply observe what going on around me.
Put simply, I was not in the mood for this shit and it showed. That was before I leaned to play my role and shut my mouth.
"My name is Mr. Laurence Barry Smith Jr. You would do well to address me as such!. And while you are working on remembering how to show respect to your patients; would you please find me something to wear and get these wires out of my arm!."
I was not paying much attention to him, which was a mistake I would pay for in terms of mandated therapy sessions later. Doctors are some of the last people you want to piss off, especially when you are a minor.
"Oh dear, I see. That is unfortunate." He was tapping his pencil and began writing furiously on his pad.
"What is unfortunate is the fact you seem to have trouble understanding English. Let me try again. Please get me some clothes and remove these wires from my body". I gave him a hard look and was about to start speaking again when he stopped and looked at me with a strange look.
"Mr. Smith, is it?" I nodded, trying desperately not to break out in invective. Foul language was something I tried to ward against in myself and my charges.
"We will have someone remove your iv drip, however the monitors will have to stay when you are in the bed. For your own safety you understand. Is that ok?"
There was that condescending attitude again. I was confused, angry and almost out of my mind at this point. The only reason I hadn't gotten out of my bed and left was muscle atrophy and the exhaustion doing this much talking had put my body through. A bit of my later good sense came through then. Otherwise they would likely have sedated me and transferred me to the psych ward until my "aunt and uncle" could get off from work.
"Yes that would be acceptable". I wasn't like I could go anywhere even if I could stand, which judging from how this tiny body responded was a no go.
"Before we do anything else could you tell me the last thing you remember Mr. Smith?". Me and my big fat mouth, answering before thinking and getting me in trouble started with the truth.
"I came home from work, cooked myself dinner and went to bed. The next thing I remember I'm waking up in. what hospital is this doctor?".
"This is Lennox Hospital sir. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and where you work?" That should have been a dead giveaway to shut my mouth and wait for a relative, but I was on a roll. In truth I was more confirming my identity and proving this must all be a nightmare than trying to convince the short, red haired 50 something year old white man in front of me of anything.
"I am high school teacher, mostly social studies. I started my career at Mims high school in Jersey City, but I've worked in St. Peters Institute for Success for the last 5 years. My students have consistently scored more than 20% higher in English and Social Studies portions of the SATs and ACTs than other classes in the school. They also have the highest rate of admittance to their college of first choice."
Most people didn't realize how linked good writings skills were to other subjects. I tried sneaking in mathematics under the guise of socio economics but the Principal caught on to me quickly, said I was doing a good thing but overworking the poor buggers.
"And could you give me the addresses of these places and where you went to school?"
I spent the next 30 minutes answering questions no doctor would realistically ask a formerly comatose patient. After all he wasn't a psychiatrist.
While that was happening some nurses came by to remove my iv and provide me with some water in a cup I could barely lift. I had to stop a few time to wet my throat. As my interrogation continued he looked at me with concern at first, but the longer I spoke and the more details I provided seemed to slightly change his perspective. If he thought I was crazy he would have done something differently right? When I was done he acted like he had seen a ghost, which was odd. Even if I were violent I could barely lift a Dixie cup, let alone harm a poodle; much less a grown man.
"Please try to rest. We will bring you some food in a few minutes, Between you and me ignore the fruit bar and stick to the fish sticks. Your family will be here shortly. They will be happy to hear you are awake. Please be patient with them, as your condition has caused them a great deal of stress."
He walked out then. A few minutes later an orderly came in with a tray with finger food and a Capri Sun. It was embarrassing to have to ask him to punch the straw through for me to drink, but I did so. To add insult to injury the man rubbed my head while he was at it. That also caused me panic. My hair was about 6 inches long and wavy instead of the nappy close cropped 'Caesar' I went to bed with.
I had to push my panic back down into my gut, which then rumbled. My mind told me "Eat first worry about this sick dream later." I complied with gusto and why not? It would be over once I woke up after all. The watercooler would get a laugh out this one.
As the orderly took my food away and gave me weak smile I noticed two things. One was that there was a rather brolic orderly outside the door to my room that was not there when I woke up. Secondly, they didn't offer me a spork or any kind of utensil. My mind again said no matter, it was just a dream. I decided to lay back in my bed and catch a nap. My brain would know how to wake itself up after all.
Last edited: Jan 16, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part III
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago
Earth 613
January 9 2004 (Earth-613 time)
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Lennox Hill Hospital
1:13 PM
Whoever said that children wanted to be taken as seriously as adults should be shot! I mean yeah I always gave my students and younger relatives enough respect to show them how they should treat others.
But it would seem that in some places people believing you had serious consequences.
I didn't understand that until I woke from my nap, disturbed by the radio reports coming from one of the orderly's friends dropping off his lunch.
"Spiderman apprehended Mysterio two hours ago, solving his string of violent crimes and returned stolen Stark and Parker industries tech."
My mind was buzzing and annoyance was center place. If I was loud enough for them to hear me speak to myself, I could understand why they felt I was crazy.
"Well shit these people woke me up to listen to radio cartoons? Really, I mean I liked my super hero serials as much as the next one but I couldn't do that whole 1940's radio podcast thing."
There was no reply, naturally. Since I was awake I stretched my limbs to discover I was still in the body of a 9 year old. I would have panicked but I remembered exactly where I was and who was outside.
Yes I was pissed and frightened, but I did not want to be put in a straight jacket. Remembering to keep calm I began my yogic breathing exercises in order to avoid setting off alarms, well any more than I already did. Thank the good lord Jesus those public school kids had driven me to start taking mental stress exercise classes.
Those mental focus techniques had come in handy on many situations. Said problems ranged from dealing with that shithead sexist principle, to Sally Pena with the too short skirt, to that group of drug dealing pimps I talked down a few years back.
Yep, the life of a high school teacher is full of drama.
A few minutes of focused positivity and I was in enough mental control to notice a white folded piece of paper near the tv remote on the desk to my right. If I was stuck in a sickly 9 year old body, then there was nothing screaming and carrying on would do to change it. Further I wanted to learn more about this crazy ass world I found myself in.
Thus I stretched my muscles to reach what my mind told me was a newspaper and I struggled to pull it on my lap. The name "Daily Bugle" and J. Jonah Jameson almost made me drop the damn thing.
It had to be a joke being played on me by my mind, despite the pain reminding me how real it was. The pictures of Spider Man fighting Mysterio were as clear as day and unlike my previous body Kincaid's had no eyesight issues. It was an enlightening read to say the least.
Not willing to just accept that at face value I turned on the tv. The bulky black Senyo (instead of Sanyo) box warmed up and displayed the mysteries of modern life. I noticed the off brand, but dismissed it as being part and parcel of the whole run down, underfunded and overworked city agency standard. It wasn't.
This earth was not the one I came from, I knew that right off the bat. It just took a while to really accept it.
The reporters spoke of things that just couldn't exist. Flying cars were toys of the wealthy, energy weapons could be purchased online and mutants and supernatural creatures were just about everywhere. Goddamn Magneto controlled about 1/5 of South East Asia, Namor's Atlantis had risen and was in a duumvirate power block with Shuri's Wakanda, Doom was menacing Russia and Apocalypse once again was Eternal Pharoah of his homeland.
It seems there were the usual anti mutant or should I say paranormal registration laws in effect. At least these people were consistent with their prejudice. Mutants or anyone with powers were required to formerly declare them and receive training and an Id. Professor X was now some department head striving to work his magic from within the system.
While things looked a lot better than some realities I read about I knew right off the bat something was wrong. Namely because a view of the White House had about 12 sentinels in front of it in various sizes.
The fact that some of them were piloted by real humans did little to assuage my fears of imminent doom.
It took everything I had not to panic. I had just probably just written my own death warrant. In a world where possession, body switching and mind control were just facts of life; separation of the crazies from the freakily deadly crazies was priority. For all they knew I was latent mutant.
Worse, seeing as how whoever was responsible for this change chose to dump me here, the odds were good it wasn't done to have me sit around as just another muggle on the sidelines. Shit and double shit.
My mind raced to identify problems and find solutions. If they believed my story what would they do? It would be obvious I didn't come from this world. Would they send me back or try to figure me out?" Would they assume I was a mutant or the victim of a mutant attack? Either way I could end up getting attacked by some faction of terrorists looking to make a point. Or some sorcerer could think a temporal and dimensional transplant would make a tasty sacrifice to summon Shuma-Gorath (Multiverse).
Would my family abandon me if they thought I was a mutant? Foster care was horrible for poor folk in my universe. Here it was hell for mutants, especially poor black ones. Not to mention they would have me in the system for when the inevitable Sentinel purge started.
In Marvel any of these things could and likely would happen, and much sooner than I'd like.
On one hand yes it was possible even likely that I could get home. Dimensional travel was stupid easy via people like Doctor Strange. On the other hand, what happened to my original body? Could I switch back and was someone else using it? I mean even if I could get back what kind of life could I expect to have as 9 year old? Proving my knowledge and competence would be fairly easy, but what then?
It wasn't like I could carry out my career like Doogie Howser, even if everyone believed I was anything other than a genius but crazy boy. Could I convince my relatives to take care of me again until I could earn a living? And while Doc Strange was a good guy in most of the universes I read; was it true here? Even if so there was no guarantee he was still alive, strong enough to do so or not busy doing other things.
Though after about 40 minutes I realized that all of those problems were secondary to getting out of this hospital without drawing the attention of the authorities.
I could always try to approach a hero later, as it seemed like these "people" under the capes were still more or less the same people I read about. They could be approached with respect at my leisure. Unfortunately, by outing myself to the doctor I might have made that impossible. There was likely some protocol that strange situations be investigated due to Skrulls or some other dimensional invader bullshit.
If they screened me and found that I was mutant I would need to be able to flee quickly, because I was not waiting around to get zapped by the damn zero tolerance mutant murder machines.
Thus I spent the next hours doing my best to remain calm while trying to find a way to survive without being institutionalized or dissected by corrupt government agencies.
I got the feeling I would have to pretend to be Kincaid at least long enough to scrap together a plan to get somewhere safe. From there I could see about strengthening this body and gaining resources. To do that I would have to find some way to convince these people I was not crazy or a mutant/alien invader of the 6th kind.
Last edited: Jan 16, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part IV
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago
Earth 613
January 9 2004 (Earth-613 time)
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Lennox Hill Hospital
An hour after I make my decision to play along I hit the button for my doctor.
I decided to ask for my chart nicely, which the red head was pleasant enough to comply with. It would seem that I suffered a number of different wounds in my 'accident'. Kincaid had three wounds consistent with a baseball bat of the variety used in junior high school baseball, one bruise consistent with a size 6 junior boot and numerous bruises made from oblique impacts with the stairs. I had feeling I was not returning to Boys and Girls Junior High school, not if I had anything to say about it.
More importantly I learned my address, phone number, that I was 9 1/2 and the names of my legal care takers. Sandra Red Snake and her husband Samuel Red Snake were listed as my aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, there was no more information on them meaning I would have to speak to them in person to learn more.
There was some basic medical ying yang: no allergies, perfect vision, perfect hearing, male, black, grey eyes, brown hair. Those last two made me shudder and I asked for a mirror, dreading what I would see.
Instead I saw a junior version of America's next heartthrob. My not face was somewhat emaciated from my four month nap, but I could see the handsome devil for what he was. My face was heart shaped, its cheeks a cross between Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. The brow reminded me of some great martial arts hero and my nose fit my face perfectly. It was straight enough to draw the eye to my thick lips and strong cleft jaw. Its nostrils were also wide enough to pleasantly frame my chiseled cheeks.
And my eyes, just wow.
They were steel grey with some sea green heterochromia. I could already see the ladies dropping dead in the future. The best part, whoever gave me this body gave me skin so dark and silky it glowed in light.
True, I was black before, but I now I was darker than Seal or Idris Elba. The only thing I could complain about was my hair. Not because it was wavy instead of nappy, but because it was more red than brown. In my opinion that color didn't really fit the rest of me. But honestly I could always dye it later.
Then I caught myself mid thought and what I had been considering registered with me. Was I really that shallow? Was I willing to ditch my old life because they gave me a body with a pretty face. For all I knew Kincaid had twelve fatal illnesses, an army of killers after him and a cursed ghost waiting to eat him on his 20th birthday. Further I had no idea why I was placed in this position to begin with. No one who snatches someone and puts them in another dimension without asking or even telling them could be up to anything good.
Nope, I was not getting attached to lil heartbreaker. I steeled myself and put the mirror down, offering the good doctor my thanks.
"No need to apologize for self love Mr. Jones, us red heads know we are as you say fine". Damn did he actually just try to bond with me over our hair color and try to use slang too? I wondered what trick he would try next.
"I take it Mr. Smith was not as handsome?"
I almost answered him with a smart remark, but stifled it. I needed to find a way to retract my earlier statements. I wasn't ready to deal with PRA or surveillance or getting my brain chopped up.
"I wouldn't know Doctor Templeton. This is the only face attached to me that these eyes have ever seen." That should give him a hint to stop trying to trip me up.
"Come now, you can call me Doc Josh. We're all here to help you after all. Can I call you Ken?" I nodded my head, realizing that I needed to play along at least until my guardians arrived.
"Very good Ken, now we both know exactly what you said when you awoke after your coma. And we will address that later, but your folks are on their way and they are dying to see you. Since you don't remember anything about your life I will stay here to help you explain. Then we can all make plans to move forward together."
40 minutes later
"Oh my god Kenny!"
An slightly rotund ochre woman about 3 inches shy of 5 feet slipped through the door. Her eyes dilated to saucers and tears began flowing down her pretty cheeks when she saw me. She was dressed as a MTA employee and there was a leather case on her shoulders.
Said bag was unceremoniously dropped as she half rushed/half dragged her work weary self to hug me. Before she made it 3/4ths of the way I yelled.
"Fragile!, 4 month Coma, Fragile!" It hurt my voice, but she stopped and moved to hug me more delicately.
In between numerous kisses to my head and cheeks. Understanding how she must feel I returned her affections just as eagerly. If the real Kinny is in my body I hoped he showed my family just as much respect when they visit him in the psychiatric ward. I just hoped I don't end up joining him there in this world.
I displaced my bitterness to focus on the woman before me and gaining enough information to fake the flow. Though the genuine emotions she displayed invoke similar ones from me. I truly did empathize with Ms. Red Snake and tears came to my eyes as I imagined what she and her husband had gone through. Your child being attacked by what must have been classmates and almost killed with no one with the gumption to seek justice. It must be terrible. And then having the doctors tell you that your child has returned, but the person you raised is no longer there. I hugged her again and I started crying myself.
Her husband came in 2 minutes later; a fairly dark skinned man with what I guessed were Seminole features from they type of bead necklace he wore. I guessed he was the strong silent type, emphasis on the strong part.
I would place Samuel Red Snake at 6.3 and solidly built at around 230 pounds. He would have to be with the FDNY civilian dress he was wearing. His 2 foot long brown hair was more red than brown and had a few streaks of silver in it, though it was hard to place his age. Instead of hugging me he took one of my tiny hands in his own.
"I truly missed the sound of your voice." Those simple words cause me to choke up. I really wished I had Kinkaid's memories so I could bring comfort to these hard working people. Then I heard more voices.
In came a boy in his mid teens who was the spitting image of his father and a girl maybe a few years younger than he. The boy was almost 5.9 and would take after his dad in a few years. The preteen was pretty and I could tell she would be a looker once she stopped being so gangly.
They both looked like they were going to rush me, but Sandra stopped them.
"You know he was hurt bad and he isn't that strong yet. Be gentle."
Each of my cousins hugged me and the smaller girl gave me a kiss. After they each pulled up a chair the Doctor stepped to my side.
My aunt began "So you don't remember anything, not even your name?"
"I'm sorry its all just a blank before I woke up." I really hoped the doctor wouldn't blow up my spot about then.
"It is not your fault your memory is gone son." Those words were said harshly though I realized my uncle's fury was not meant for me. That told me exactly how close these people were to this child and that hit me in the gut.
"These things sometimes happen with head injuries of this nature Mr. and Mrs. Red Snake. Sometimes the memories come back with time, sometimes they don't." My uncle father then interrupted.
"But you said my son came up with some new identity. That he was able to piece together a history with names and addresses."
Shit the fucker told them.
"Yes he did. You must understand that the human mind does not simply surrender to injuries no matter how serious. Your nephew's mind pulled itself together. To do that it must have created a future for itself that made his subconscious feel safe enough to allow him to wake up." The doctor was smooth, I really wanted to see where he was going with this line of bullshit.
"So your saying my Kenny tricked his way out the dream world?"
My aunt's gaze was skeptical but held a bit of pride in her nephew's ingenuity.
"In a manner of speaking. I checked his story and it turns out that most of those addresses don't match the institutions he named, or ceased existing during the times Ken claimed to be there. In fact some of the institutions he mentioned never existed all. So this confirms my hypothesis. Though you are free to seek a second opinion." Hot damn, either Doc Josh was lying or the point of divergence seriously caused lots ripples in history. Regardless the doc didn't have any reason to bring in PRA people and I could go home.
My father asked another question. "Does this mean we can take him home now?".
"Unfortunately we still need to do a few weeks of physical therapy and run more tests. Also Ken will need counseling to come to terms with the incident and his memory loss. However, we foresee he will be back with you within two months at the most."
My family spent the next 30 minutes subtly trying to jog my memories by talking about past events. I learned the 15 year old boy's name was Sedrick and the 12 year old girl was Lisa. They gave me a pad and I took notes on each of them the way I was taught in Rutgers during my first year of the master's program. I had picked up shorthand, but using it would possibly get me busted just when I was in the clear.
They left me with balloons, various candies and some stuffed bear, apparently one my maternal grandmother had made for me. It was purple and worn but surprisingly clean and well cared for. I picked it up after my family left. It had a lavender smell that wasn't commercial, implying it was cleaned by hand with naturally made soaps.
Damn, more tears came down my eyes. Someone stole a loved one from these people and not even his memories were here. Just how selfish I was being about this whole mess, reasonably or not came home in those minutes.
The doctor entered while I was crying. He placed his hand on my back reassuringly and spoke.
"Its ok to be sad for them. Those are good people who lost a child 4 months ago. I can tell just how much Ken was loved, so can you. You should find it of comfort that your compassion allows you to see beyond your own grief. It truly reassures me that I made the right call."
I paused and looked up at him from my puffy eyes, a bit scared. What call did this bastard make?
"What call? What are you talking about? You said the names and address were bad. I mean my foster parents could look them up, so could I when I get access to a computer."
Shit this fucker was good. I thought he was on my side. If he thought I was going to just roll over and go to the dissection table he had another thing coming. I relaxed and prepared to seize my best moment for resistance.
"Mr. Laurence Barry Smith Jr. I both speak and write English very well. And I know shorthand when I see it. I went to college a bit longer than you did and I know that method. Your "parents" only saw what they wanted to because they wanted their child back, but you don't speak like a nine year old."
He must have felt me shuffle in his grip, but he held me firmly.
"The life you described doesn't match this universe, but it was far too detailed to be the fevered imagination of a coma patient. As you know our universe is full of strange travelers and your story fit that bill. At first I thought you might have stolen the poor boy's body. Perhaps out of malice or desperation, but after observing you I realized you are as much a victim as Kenny was. I also noticed you were not surprised about mutants and superheroes. So wherever you are from also includes them. Which probably means you are aware of what all too many people do to that which is different or odd."
My mind froze as I processed his words.
"You were right to think of resistance just now. PRA would probably subject you to some horrible things, but I didnt call PRA. In my years working in this city I have dealt with many a costumed and un costumed parahuman. I have developed a sense for them you could say. Those encounters have been risky at times, but they also allowed me to build a list of contacts that allow me to better serve my patients in ways normal medicine sometimes can't." I calmed down in earnest somewhat.
"Who did you call? The fantastic four? The East Coast Avengers? Who else has experience with extra dimensional travel in New York?"
Since he knew and wasn't trying to harm me, I figured I might as well come clean. Perhap they could reach Ken and we could each get our respective lives back right now.
He laughed a old man trying to clown a younger one's naivety laugh.
"Why I'm surprised you missed the obvious answer. You didn't travel across dimensions; only your soul did. When you need to transcend your conscious spirit there's only one answer in New York." With that he took his arm from my shoulder and walked towards the door.
"Well don't leave me hanging, whose coming to help me doc?" He turned before exiting.
"I'll let him introduce himself, he said this was a private matter and I have come to respect him doctor to doctor." I head the door close and his footsteps vanish. When no one appeared I figured they were opting for the obligatory jump scare. I was determined not react.
"Yeah its Marvel and even the heroes are fucking drama queens, no surprise here," I said to myself.
I expected him to come through the main door.
I wasn't prepared for my closet door to fly open with flashing lights followed by the dynamic breaching of a gaunt man wearing a high collared red robe that extended beyond his head by nearly a foot. His dark black hair had a silver mallon streak of grey and his hands were festooned with rings. He raised one of them making the classic "devil's horns counterculture 80's rocker" pose he was known for. It also glowed with greenish purple light.
"By the power of the Vishanti!"
Last edited: Jan 17, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part V
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago
Earth 613
January 9 2004 (Earth-613 time)
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Lennox Hill Hospital
9:00 PM
Being slapped into a emaciated child was one thing. Having Doctor Stephan Strange waltz into my room and zap me with hold person was another.
Though I should be grateful said spell prevented me from doing anything save breathing and keeping my heart pumping, it would have been a brown pants moment otherwise. Doc Strange literally would have scared the shit out of me. Something the orderlies would not have found funny at all. Though to be fair, no one expects Doctor Strange to come out of a hospital closet.
Or well any closet. I mean yes he dresses a certain way, but he was never written to be hitting for that team.
Such questions of his sexual preference probably were not good idea while he had me in a total body and mind bind, but I did wonder internally about some of his fashion sensibilities. This was an alternate dimension and well some things, including his orientation could be different. Then he spoke in my mind and suddenly I found myself in a mental landscape.
It was the two of us inside what I figured was this universe's Sanctum Sanctorum. There was a fusion of South East Asian, Central African and some Central American culture imbuing the architecture. Every now and again I could detect the influence of Greco-Roman architecture as well.
I could tell I was in the living room/mini library where Doc Strange typically received guests. There were some high gothic arches covered in stained glass mirrors depicting the three Vashanti and famous battles along the walls.
Overall the room was various shades of green, with gold and silver highlights. Funnily enough the neon mage torches created almost as much darkness as they did light. I guessed they were meant to emphasized the magical nature of its resident wizard and the ancient tombs within. I moved toward the table and took a seat in an ornate chair, which of course moved itself to accommodate me as I approached. Yes I was a bit creeped out, but it was awesome too.
That and if the Sorcerer Supreme is going through the effort to be nice it wouldn't pay to be a bad guest. Then it struk me that I likely had mentally voiced that question about his sexual orientation.
The knowing smirk on the gaunt man's face spoke volumes.
"Of all the things to question of this Earth's Sorcerer Supreme why do 9/10ths of you dimensional tourists start with that one?" His voice was strong, yet not angry. If anything it was weary and slightly amused.
"Perhaps it might be spite about being hit with a hold person spell without even a hello. Usually you have to buy me dinner before the bondage gear comes out." Mentally I made the ba dum dish sound, which actually played in the background.
"Please, by all the Spirits do not be another Wade Wilson shade booted from his dimension by that universe's death.. " I could almost feel the only slightly exaggerated anguish his avatar emanated.
I laughed before replying.
"Yes Wade is annoying, but at least his heart is in the right place. And his snaps are usually entertaining. However, I don't think you came out of the closet over Deadpool's obsessively affectionate behavior. And if you did that's still none of my business." His mental avatar hung his head and shook it a few times with his other hand holding the bridge of his nose between index and forefinger.
He sighed deeply and straightened up.
"I apologize Mr. Jones. I was merely taking precautions against a possible incursion of another hostile spirit entitty." I bowed my avatar at the shoulder slightly in agreement.
"I figured you were out to strike first and I know you have to keep the Earth safe from a variety of foes. Don't sweat it, I don't mind too much. Though I might have an accident if you don't do something when this spell ends. You might be a good guy, but you can be scary as all… get out when you want to." Naming calls, I knew better than to mention any power when magic of this level was being tossed around.
"I thank you for your discrete word choice. Naming calls and I would like this to stay a private conversation. The red one is almost as annoying as Deadpool. I know what you want and after confirming you are who you say I am willing to help you. If I can."
Shit. If this problem was too big for Doc Strange then I was assed out. I didn't know Reed Richards well enough to ask for his son's help. And that was if he was born and had the same powers.
Strange stopped talking and did a few more cantrips and spells that seemed to further merge our mental communication. I realized he was examining my spirit's nature and perusing my memories. I opted not to resist, I might value my privacy, but getting home was more important than preventing some embarrassment.
Especially since I would likely never see him ever again. When the spell ended the Doctor stepped back a few feet and shook his head. Then he stared at me with a mixture of compassion and concern. For some reason my snark returned.
"What, it cant be the first time you were told your universe was just a source of entertainment to a extra galactic entity. I mean everyone from the Hulk humping* and flaming pumpkin head power twins to the horned transsexual edge lord Viking sorcerer god does that." He snickered before giving me a wry grin.
"No, but it is the first time I have met a tourist from a world that claimed to have invented everything in my world. That and the fact you have extensive if partially incorrect knowledge of my world's workings. You currently posses knowledge of a variety of scenarios that are likely to occur. Not to mention secret identities and origins of almost every major secret organization in this planet, and likely locations of their current bases. In fact you know of dimensional and pan galactic threats across a variety of linked nested realities."
Doctor Strange paused and gave me ominous look number four. The wone with the raised eyebrow and gleaming eye.
"If your knowledge were to fall into the wrong hands it would easily tip the balance of power and unleash destruction the likes of which have not been seen for Eons!" Knowing where this could be going I cut in.
"Or in the hands of one such as yourself it could bring about a era of healing and balance. To every object are both negative and positive attributes, as the ancient one taught you. Not to mention the fact you probably know a good deal of what I do already."
Strange stopped and looked at me again, this time his face was inscrutable.
"There is that. And the fact you will not be in this universe much longer. I believe breaching your dimension and rejoining your spirit to its rightful body is both possible and within an acceptable cost in resources."
Good, the last thing I wanted to do was get brain wiped or put down "for the greater good."
"And you are incorrect. While I already knew a good amount of what you do, the sheer breadth of your knowledge would be too much for even one such as I to use safely. Surely as a teacher of history you know power corrupts and I have my own dark side. Which is why I will be sealing a good portion of that knowledge from myself once we are done."
"Though I thank you for you trust in me. May I continue to strive to worthy of such." Strange gathered power and I could see the floor and walls around me flicker as the mental effort needed disrupted the illusion spell.
"This will be somewhat uncomfortable, you should prepare yourself. I recommend a using your Lokah Samastha*2 chant."
"I appreciate the warning sir. However, what will happen to Kincaid's spirit?" Though I wanted to go home, I really would hate to ruin those peoples joy at getting their child back.
"With any luck he is in your body and safely locked in a psychiatric ward. I will take it back with me. If possible I'll do a bit of records altering and you can get on with your life and career. I respect your commitment to your students by the way."
"Thanks. It's an important job that needs doing, every bit as much as keeping giant unclean multiheaded abominations from eating Manhattan." Strange nodded.
Often times ordinary crime and suffering caused way more collateral damage than super fiends and us normals could do a lot more to keep those conditions from forming if we actually tried.
"True indeed Mr. Jones. Now I'm done; ready your chant" We spoke the Hindi words in unison as he activated his multilevel spell. One was a shield, One was for a connection from our current location to my home dimension, and the third was a trace to find my body.
Everything exploded into colors as I felt myself leave Kincaid's body along with the avatar of Strange.
A doorway with multiple symbols I took to be script from the times of Akadia, Pharonic Egypt and Ashoka the Great emerged and opened. After a flash of light It scrolled through multiple 'screens' landing on a picture of my planet earth and gained focus, moving from continent, to nation to city. When New York City was visible Strange gestured and we went through.
I remembered a flash of heat and then for what seemed like ages nothingness.
That would be Umar who basically date raped the hulk out of Bruce Banner on one occasion, her twin brother Dormamu
who indeed has a flaming pumpkin head as his avatar of choice and Loki who changed sex on more than one occasion.
2 Chant for wholeness. Which makes sense when moving your consciousness across boundaries intact.
May you live in Interesting Times Part VI
Mr Smith
7 Years ago
Our Earth
September 5th, 2019 ('Real Time')
Manhattan, New York City, New York
I regained presence of mind while seated in lotus position facing Doctor Strange, who was in a similar seat of meditation. We were riding on a flat purple disk that completely negated turbulence or wind pressure. Strange was also holding a golden scepter with a red jewel in his left hand. In between us was a larger identical jewel.
"I'm impressed Mr. Smith. You kept your focus a lot better than most travelers between dimensions. The confusion and disorientation will pass momentarily. Try to remember that you don't actually have a stomach or mind at the moment."
I sat there attempting to not vacate that nonexistent stomach for the next 20 minutes as we floated through the air over the Hudson. When I was more coherent I turned to ask the now standing Sorcerer Supreme why he didn't just jump directly to my body.
He explained that magic was like google. The transference spell was delicate and had to be done in sequence before the search spell. Seeing as how my soul and his body were on the line I wasn't going to continue the are we there yet routine.
About 20 minutes after arrival on my earth, Strange picked up the trail of my body. It wasn't in my home, so it seemed to be inhabited by another spirit.
"I seriously hope that its young Kenny so we can resolve the issue without a complex souls swap. Spiritual hot potato gives me a back cramp. I'm not quote as young as I used to be and I have poker night with Brother Voodu later."
"I'm sorry if setting my spiritual life right interferes with your social life good Doctor."
I said with an impish grin. I mean yeah he does have a right to a social life, but he didn't get bushwhacked in the middle of the night. A lil bedside manner would do wonders.
"Apologies friend. It seems my bedside manner has gone to pot. I did put a lot of work dealing with my selfishness, though it seems I have further to go on that path.." I cut him off again. It's a habit I had yet to master, not irritating uber powerful beings.
"Relax I was just griping. You do have a right to have free time. I know you do valuable and important work with the Avengers and Defenders.. wait is this you a part of those teams?"
"Yes. Though "this me" does more work with a special branch of the X-Men. And yes it is headed by Colossus' sister Magik; and they are both alive and well I might add." We were picking up speed and I recognized the Harlem neighborhood as my own. I chewed through what Doc said as I waited for this nightmare to finally be over.
It was good to know that at least in this universe the Rasputin family didn't get shitted on. They really were a good bunch. I was disturbed from my well wishes by Strangest throat motions and gestures. We were in my apartment and it was fairly disturbed. I didn't see any blood but many things were broken and furniture was overturned. My favorite vase, an imitation Ming Dynasty piece was shattered. My standing mirror was likewise in pieces, one of my weight lifting bars nearby.
Fortunately, there was no body present but there were three distinct sets of footprints on my floor. My carpet told a story of a struggle.
Before I could raise my voice to begin worrying Strange raised his fingers for silence. Then he cast a spell that filled the area around me with translucent green shadows that filled in the prints and actions the non present bodies left behind. I saw my self, well an image of my self panic and thrash my apartment. I then noticed my replica 1494 Portuguese Man of war model fly out of my window. In the real I looked out the now broken, imitation Venetian window pane and saw its shattered remnants in the street.
It was pretty clear what happened here.
Strange speeded up the light show and I saw myself in motion as though I was screaming in deep pain. Then Kenny in my body sank on his knees and rocked himself slowly in a fetal position. Not that I blamed the young boy for his panic, but I worked damn hard for my possessions. At least he didn't wreck my comic collection, ipad or personal computer. Then he got a knock on the door and answered it meekly. Rather quickly Kenny was wrestled to the ground by three uniformed police. I was personally surprised they didn't taser him or just shoot him. A near naked black man usually didn't fare well in these situations. My body was handled with more care than I would have expected and was placed on a gurney.
As the lightshow moved so did our disk. We went down the stairs of my 3 story apartment and into the image of a EMT bus. Strange spoke again before I could ask the obvious question.
"So far the trace tells me that Kenny took control of your body a few hours ago, was subdued by local police and taken to what I assume was psychiatric care facility. Since I now have some cells from your body I can trace it more easily."
"As the number of people involved looks to be under 20 I should be able to clean this up easily. Relax, I've done this more times than you think."
A few minutes later we were moving toward what I recognized as the G-building. Strange stepped off his disk, morphing his clothes into those of a standard white lab coat used by clinical psychiatrists. He walked up to the guards, making a gesture that got him a visitors pass. We traveled past more guards and through corridors. I assumed Strange didn't become intangible or teleport more than he had to. It would seem that in this universe Strange didn't waste magic for no reason. He turned to where I was floating on the disk and his thoughts entered my mind.
"Now I will just take the elevator up to the thirteenth floor, bind the poor lad and explain everything to him. He probably wants to get his body back as badly as you do. Then I simply extract his spirit and plop you back into it. It will take about a half an hour's time to get someone to erase the records of your arrest and the file in this facility. Once I'm done it will be like none of this happened. I'm sorry about your vase though."
"Don't worry about it. It was a replica, expensive but I know where to get another one. So long as I don't lose my job I can buy another. Thank you again for getting to me so quickly. I mean I though I would have to jump through hoops to find your sanctum and convince you to get involved. Meeting Doc Josh was a very lucky coincidence that I thank Jesus for."
"Yes I assume you would. Though I add that you might not want to invoke higher powers right now. That one is mostly benevolent toward human kind, but the smallest interference could jeopardize my work here."
"And in all fairness our meeting was more than pure happenstance. I was looking for a breach in our reality. Brother Voodoo and others I trust gave me warning that a traveler of great importance crossing over this day. I had my contacts be on the look out as I have found it better to stop these issues when they are small."
"Well thank you for being proactive. I swear I will buy your limited series whenever I see them on the shelves."
"Please Mr. Jones. If you want to thank me, just continue to be an excellent teacher and good man. Though between us I would work on your Rishi; a more earnest connection to your calling would improve your quality of life. If you will forgive me for perusing your personal memories, it's clear you are in a rut. Were you more self honest you would have noticed that you have allowed yourself to become complacent while playing it safe."
I chewed on his words while the man continued.
"As you know my history you know I focused only the technical and bodily value of medicine. Ignoring the deeper meanings of wellness until I lost all that I valued most. I was given another chance, which I took to my increasing gratitude. You can too can if you wish use this experience to find out how you can best follow the path of your career. Perhaps finding a school which best utilized your talents or even starting one of your own. While you indeed have earned the material rewards you displayed is your use of your resources the most self nourishing choice you can make? I do not preach to you as you notice I like nice things as well, but I merely ask you to think on what I said."
I thought about his words. They didn't come across as insulting, but damn I didn't like being preached too; even if the sermon was good.
I knew my boss limited what I wanted to do with my students, but she gave me much more leeway than others would. If I were still in public school system I wouldn't be able to do half of the things I wanted to do. I knew my finances a might set better that some strange doctor as well. I paid off my student loans years ago and now I had a fairly decent bank statement. It was enough for the nice apartment and my Impala and I was looking to get a condominium.
While yes I might be able to get a loan, starting a school was damn hard. There were many insurance issues. Not to mention the problems with finding qualified non creepy, indolent or angry child hating teachers.
It was part of the reason there were so few quality schools for the underserved, it just wasn't a cost effective market for many with the funds. I was doing a good job where I was, helping a lot of kids who otherwise wouldn't have a chance a better life. Risking that to go on a crusade was the kind of thinking a comic book hero would think up, not someone from my neck of the woods would follow up.
I was about to frame my rebuttal to his unsolicited advice when we passed the nurse practitioner who was busy answering calls at her disk.
The stress and overwork was clear across her face. Her hair was disheveled and there was more grey in those brown locks than a woman in her early 30's should have. The monitor near her left was divided among 9 cameras and she had a cigarette package and a thermos of coffee to right. Strange flashed his badge and she waved him through. We passed two doors and entered a corridor which only had 1 beefy orderly with a slight gut on patrol. At last he reached the room where my body was. He unlocked the door as trivially as he strode into my room at Lennox.
Strange stepped in warily, as though he were expecting to have to quickly subdue a justifiably upset preteen in a well muscled body. I won't say I was brolic, but dealing with inner city youth for 8 plus years is much easier when you are taller than most of them and they know you can break them with one hand. What he saw must have shocked him because he failed to prevent me from entering behind him. I really wish he had.
Trigger warning
No one should have to see their own body hanging from a bedsheet attached to a ceiling fan after the day I just went through.
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago
Our Earth
September 5th, 2019 ('Real Time')
Manhattan, New York City, New York
G-Building
To say I went from 0 to 100 would be an understatement. I did the classic Darth Vader "Noooooooo" followed by lots of cursing and trying to touch my body. Of course Strange was back in form and had me restrained before I got within two feet of it.
"I'm afraid I can't allow that in good conscience. Mr. Jones." I was a bit short of patience and good manners at this point and I hope he didn't hold my next words against me.
"What the fuck do you mean, you fucked up magic hippie. My damn body is right fucking there!"
I carried on for a few more seconds before Strange held up his hand and I was force to be silent.
"I am sorry, but your body is deceased." He cast a spell that gently removed my 5 foot 10 body and laid it on the bed. The features I considered handsome for just over 34 years were blue and slightly puffed out. A few more spells and he had the body, my body laying in the bed peacefully.
Another wave of his staff had the ligature marks around its neck vanish and the bulging decrease rapidly. Strange then took a pieced of apple from the tray laying next to a desk and inserted it into my body's throat.
"I can't do more for you or Ken in this regard but I can spare your family and friends the grief from believing this tragedy was a result of suicide. I have altered the evidence to make it look like an accidental choking. The coroner will corroborate the story and since this world does not have practitioners its impossible the truth will come out. It's likely that your relatives will be able to sue this establishment for negligence anyway."
I had calmed down while being bound long enough to appreciate his words and actions. Strange really was a nice guy. Though I was still not ready to accept what was before me.
"Since you can affect the body, why can't you just repair the organs and restart it. Then just put me back in and do what you said you would coming in here?"
I was hopeful because I remembered he did some similar things to his own and other bodies. At least he did in Earth 616.
"There are many reasons why I can't do that friend. First and foremost is that my strongest powers of life and death are a result of pacts made with the avatars of life and death in my universe. In this dimension they don't have the power or permission to operate. My friend you know who does. And before you invoke their presence I should remind you of your lifestyle and understanding of the doctrine you lived under. Do you believe yourself special or blessed enough to warrant such a miracle on your behalf?"
"Second, young Kincaid Jones chose his own destiny. I understand why he did so and I suspect he was pushed to it by a foreign power, which not only will I not name but will not discuss with you. Such matters are under my purview, but rest assured there will be a reckoning. For the Sorcerer Supreme does not tolerate such abominations juggling the fates of innocents. The consequences of that affect the body in which he was inhabiting."
I gave the good Doctor a stern look, even though I could puzzle out the fault wasn't his.
"Meaning I literally can't resurrect this body without dealing with the masters of the realm his spirit resides in. I can alter its physical appearance and keep it from deteriorating, but such matters don't change the fact it is an empty shell incapable of hosting a soul."
"Third, the realm in which his soul is located in is not in this dimension. Said plane is also bound in treaties with forces that I command forbidding me from snatching it back. My magics would also not allow me to keep this body from deterioration. I am substantially weaker on this dimension than others. What you term magic is not accepted or strongly tied to your realm as it is within my own. I also am bound by laws ancient from moving this body from this realm."
"For all my vast mystic might I am powerless to help you in the way you desire."
His voice raised and became almost as angry as my own toward the end. I could see anguish for myself and young Kincaid in his features and body language. Doc Strange was good man, like I said. I had calmed down a bit, so he lifted the binding on my voice.
"And if I were to touch my body?"
"One of two things would happen neither good. One you would signal the psychopomp assigned to manage your fate and would enter into their hands to await judgment according to the rules of this dimension. Two, you would become a disembodied spirit, subject to the rules of this dimension. In either case I would no longer be able to help you at all." Basically, I would have to trust my fate to my creator and accept the consequences of my life and embrace the afterlife of my faith.
"Sounds like I don't have much of a choice in the matter. Exactly what help can you provide for me anyway, no offence?" Strange turned introspective a moment before answering.
"I can bring you back to the other world, where you can live the life of young Kinkaid. Though I should warn you there is a prophesy that involves his life."
"What kind of prophesy?"
I knew there was a reason I got body jacked.
"He will be the Wyrm of Apocalypse." He said it ominously.
Having read lots of sci fi I was ready with a comeback. If there was a definite or even likely chance that I was an evil threat Strange would have killed me or allowed me to touch my body. He probably didn't even have to offer me a chance back to his world. That meant whatever power I got would be under my control.
I would have the choice to do or not do.
I was not facing a possibly negative afterlife on a knee jerk reaction. I though about it for a moment. I didn't want to die and having another chance to make a difference on a large scale was a bit flattering.
"As in dragon or harbinger of death and destruction or simply an agent of violent change?" Strange looked at me and laughed.
"What is the difference?" he challenged.
"Sometimes some governments, societies or systems require destruction for better or less horrible ones to replace them."That was simple truth.
"And who are you or I to judge that a system is so corrupt that the violent death of thousands or millions is worth the end goal of positive change?"
"That's a good question. If I had to answer I would say look at what those systems enforce. If they are merely bad enough that peaceful protests or economic resistance can solve them, then perhaps violent change is not the best option. However, some evils must be met with overwhelming force despite the collateral damage. This goes beyond simple utilitarian equations."
"Some evils would leave a man dead inside despite his heart still beating. Others would turn him into a beast in human skin. Such a system would degrade the human spirit far more than combat stress does to soldiers. I know such a order should be demolished, even at the cost of large scale collateral damage."
"You speak with conviction. I respect that, but I have seen the collateral damage first hand, fought in such wars and counted the cost in shattered lives following hard won victories. To you they are histories you read about of your world or stories some artist depicts in mine. They are far more to me, and those marks burn my soul to this day."
"Let me ask you Sorcerer Supreme, barring any new insights or expanded powers would you choose to act differently? Would you have allowed conquering abominations or mystical tyrants to drown our world in eternal tyranny in order to avoid the consequences of massive violence?"
I knew just as well as he did that I had him.
"Touche' and well reasoned. Though in the future you may question your choice. You have made it have you not?" I looked at my peacefully resting body another moment before I spoke.
"Yes. I will return to young Kincaid's body. However, I ask you to give me his memories so that I could at least bring some comfort to his family. Also if you would allow me to write some words of comfort to those who I leave behind here. It would their lives easier and I would greatly appreciate it."
"I believe I can arrange such." He touched my body's forehead and it glowed for a minute.
"I can't reclaim all of them, but I believe there is enough to allow you to understand your surroundings and the people important to him. I will grant them to you later. Shall we return to your apartment now?"
I nodded and we sped away. Strange cleaned up the last of the evidence before our ride exited a window.
At my apartment I asked him for writing implementation. He simply sped up my thought process and allowed me to transfer my words to my computer screen.
I spent the next hour typing heartfelt notes to my friends, family and students. It wouldn't be all that strange because I was someone who still occasionally wrote people snail mail. My words explained how I felt a pressure to create that could not express itself due to my confines. They encouraged others to find themselves and a method to live their lives to the fullest.
Once done Strange used a spell that had them printed and placed in envelopes address to the people mentioned. Such envelopes were placed in a box in my closet in plain sight labeled 'for my loved ones'.
Next Strange worked magic on my updated will. It would be able to pass any check my government would run. Then he placed it in my safe replacing the older one. At the same time he use sympathetic magic to duplicate the one sitting in an insurer's safe. Seeing as how there were no mages here, and the insurance company had no reason to challenge it no one would find out.
Strange's advice hit home then, because I would never know If I could have created my own school now. The money and time I spent investing in all the fancy hobbies and paraphernalia I had seemed hollow at that moment.
I made sure to account for all of my possessions before I signaled to Doc Strange I was done. Before I left I asked him if it were possible to take a memento with me to my new life. Nothing like money or a comic book, but rather something cultural. He looked at me and nodded.
I opted for my Ipod 10. As an extra gesture of his big heart Strange uploaded all of the songs and stuff I had on my pc for good measure. He said since the tech on his earth was much better there was little harm in it and much good for me.
With that done I said good bye to my world and sat down on his magic disk. He turned to me and spoke.
"There will be consequences to this decision and we will have to find a solution to your knowledge of my world that is fair to both of us. Though I know we can work something out."
Not being dead or on my way to judgement was something I was willing to trade a limited brain wipe for. But since he was wiling to bargain I had hope the outcome would be a net win for me.
The ride back was much faster. We didn't need to do more that ride straight for the funky door. Without any other real mages around there was no one to bother us as we entered.
On the other side no so much. Seated in my room were two figures one on the foot of my bed the other standing. The seated man was brown skinned and wearing traditional robes associated with Moroccan gentry, including a red fez. The standing 'man' was 6 feet tall, red and wearing red robes with a high collar.
Which meant that Mephisto and what I guessed to be Shadow King (Amahl Farouk) had a part to play in this drama. I immediately put Strange in between me and them. Doctor Strange took one look at Mephisto and something in his face snapped to sudden anger. If I had to guess Big Red was directly involved in the child's demise.
Doctor Strange's hands began to glow purple and the smell of ozone filled my nostrils.
Last edited: Jan 16, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part VII
Mr. Smith
7 Years ago
Marvel Earth 613
January 9th, 2004
Manhattan Lennox Hospital, New York City, New York
1:12 AM
"Father of Lies you will release that child's soul. You claimed it when it was outside of your realm!"
Strange was nice guy, but he was far from weak. The magic halo around his hands became so thick that it appeared that Strange had Jello around his fists. I was concerned that they would destroy my body in the fight.
But on the other hand fuck Mephisto!
His lame red ass was the reason I was in this shit. I really wanted to unleash the Apocalypse on his shitty ass dimension. Of course one small boy's angry stare did little to the strech faced Faustian fashin reject.
Mephisto raised his finger and gave us a petulant look. His enlongated pink face; with its mouth of pointed teeth and prehensile tongue made the gesture obscene.
"Peace dear Sorcerer Supreme, we are currently surrounded by squishy mortals and we wouldn't want them to get hurt. Least of all young Kincaid's, I mean Mr. Jones' mortal form, now would we?" His attitude was causing my blood pressure to rise and I didn't even have a body, yet Strange's glow tapered off.
"So what do you want deceiver, I will free Kenny from you later, but speak your piece and leave. That goes for you as well."
The Doc turned to the brown man with the fez. This is where I stepped in. If this had something to do with me, and I was sure it did; then I would have say in it.
"I know who the red clown is, but are you Amal Farouk?"
Depending on the dimension he was either a gestalt dark psyche demon or Apocalypse's telepath hunting crony. The presecnes of either implied I would have amazing telepathic powers. If so I wanted confirmation and to get them to swear to leave my ass alone. Having Doc Strange in my corner might make that happen. I also wanted them to know I wasn't that afraid of them.
"I admire your courage in addressing the Garden's serpent in that way, but you are mistaken. I am far more powerful than Shadow King and the 'demon' he claimed to serve. Both made the mistake of challenging me and let us say they more formidable appetizers than opponents. I'm here because unlike this eternal purveyor of falsehood I have an actual claim on this child by right of blood."
He smiled at me knowingly, then his skin slightly greyed and I knew what was going on here.
I immediately bowed towards him. One did not insult the ruler of a country, especially when he hadn't proven himself to be your enemy.
"Lord Apocalypse or do you prefer En Sabah Nur? It is a pleasure to be your descendant. You honor me with your presence."
The self proclaimed first mutant laughed, allowing the mechanical augmentation to modulate it.
"Conjurer, did he flatter you this much?" Strange looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
I shrugged at the Doc. Mentally I sent Strange a message.
Divide and conquer is always a good strategy and he hasn't done anything to me to piss me off. Unlike the pasty ugly red mother fucker to his left. Also Egypt is a big deal to black folks and being descended from a bad ass like him even second hand is a bit flattering.
"Actually Mr. Kincaid called me a "fucking dime store Manshoon wannabee hippie' among less flattering things." Strange's voice had no heat to it, though he did sound a bit whiney. I decided to fix that right away and show my support clearly.
"I really didn't mean it and you know it. Doctor Stephan Strange is one of the best mage warriors in the galaxy and an even better example of what a man should be. And to be fair I was under stress caused by that….being over there. If he could keep his foul plots and soul addiction in check for less than a day you would have been able to meet your descendant directly instead of a traveler who can only try to ease the pain of your bereaved Clan Akkaba members." En Sabah's eyebrow raised in a similar manner to Doctor Strange's.
Then the Red One entered the conversation.
"Ha, ha haha. Well played Mr. Laurence Barry Smith Jr. Can I call you Barry? He means to have you and the Sorcerer Supreme banish or bind me from interfering in his life due to your claim on that mortal shell over there. Of course all here know I'm interested in that soul over here. It's of no concern to you Nur, just something I have a taste for."
Nur turned to him and gave him the "fucker please" look.
"You mean it is full of knowledge of this and other universes that you can use to tempt mortals into signing away their souls. I may be younger than you ancient charlatan, but I am not stupid."
It seemed like my plan was working.
"You would do well to remember that I have some of yours among my ranks. I could see to releasing one to enter that vessel. Say one of your favorite Dark Riders? Or perhaps one of your other more successful children. Tell you what, I'll let you have an even dozen. Just find some of your more useless clan members and you can switch them. I mean you probably were going to kill them anyway. And your lot invariably end up with me anyway. Something to keep in mind for yourself one day hmm?"
At first I thought he might go for it. Because let's face it, Apocalypse isn't a fatherly ruler in almost all of his incarnations. Once you no longer were useful to him you were lucky if only ignored you.
Then "the First Mutant's" face morphed into its true form and he frowned.
"Be gone foul one. I am beyond your wiles and threats. Take caution lest you find your end as the other demons I have slain across the Millennia. I see no further reason to speak to you. I am capable getting what I want on my own."
"I am not for the likes of you to banish. When the time is meet I will make what Moses did to your realm seem a dream. As for you sweet morsel, I will have my due."
I looked at Doctor Strange with a perplexed look and he gave me a nervous grimace while placing a hand on my ethereal shoulder. For some reason my spectral form was that of the 9 year old and everyone here towered over me. He then took another step forward placing himself squarely in front of me and between myself and the Prince of the Air.
"What is he talking about? I am fairly devout Christian. I haven't committed any major sins in over 9 months and those were fornications I repented of. Even if I hadn't he isn't even the right devil to take me!"
Dime Store Satan's laughter was as mocking as it was smug.
"Your knowledge is lacking. When you agreed to take possession of Mr. Jone's body you also acquired its sins. Since he is also a Christian he is bound by those rules and is open to my influence, thus liable to my court. And what sins could a 9 year old have committed you ask? Well it seems Mr. Red Snake was fond of kissing another little boy by the name of Mr. Samuel Sanchez. The last time I read a certain book homosexuality was just as abominable as bestiality and witchcraft. Both are grounds for barring a soul from paradise. My ream of course is open for everyone equally."
I was getting pissed again, this fucking bastard warped a 9 year old, wracked with guilt and missing his home into suicide. And all just so he could get his hands on meta knowledge. That and he condemned Kenny to his version of hell.
"You cock sucking piece of shit! Even if what you are saying is true children kissing isn't a mortal sin. And I am the controlling ka of that vessel now and I don't foresee that continuing. So take your fucked up, played out costume and get out of my face." I becoming killling angry just looking at the being in front of me.
"Who said all they did was kiss?"
Mephisto smiled like the greasy worm he was written as. I knew children in my Elementary school who had intercourse and unfortunately, public school junior high school pregnancy and std rates were increasing. However preteen sexual escapades encouraged by Lucifer as part of a play to condemn a boy to damnation was new. And using homophobia to condemn other preteens for murder was a whole other kettle of fish. I remembered the love Kincaid's family showed him and the bear on my bed near my sleeping head and I just lost it.
Something inside me broke. People hurting kids did that to me.
My spirit just flew quick as thought. My hands cupped and aimed straight for the red fucker's throat, my righteous anger flaring. I was going to rip the heart out that monster just like Black Panther did in the Priest run. I had no idea just how I would do so, but I was getting that boy's soul back and a piece of Satan's damn hide for putting me and all those people through this hell.
About two feet before contact, I felt Strange yank be back to his side. Instantly I realized he had saved me from self destruction. I was thrashing and would have cursed if not for the binding stopping me from communicating.
The red being taunted Strange.
"Aww too bad. Pride and Indignation are some of the tastier sins of mortals. You know I will have him eventually, why delay the inevitable." Strange ignored him and used his binding to set me upright.
"Do you trust me?" I nodded. He was the only one here that I did trust.
"Be quiet until I say otherwise, you know what is at stake."
I nodded again, calming down and using my mental techniques to lower my non existent blood pressure. Strange's bindings released themselves from my metaphysical mouth, but not from my limbs. I didn't blame him, because I was still pretty pissed.
"Demon, The soul of Kincaid Jones will be released this very night. But first we will decide the matter of Mr. Smith. You will cease any attempts to claim his soul or those of any of his family and acquaintances. Further you will not contact, influence or attempt to corrupt any of the above named at any time."
"And why would I do that? Why shouldn't I simply get up and take what is mine right now?" Mephisto's facial form changed into the lizard head version with worm snake hair. Big A answered him.
"Because little demon I will stop you, even if this conjurer can not. I don't even have to destroy you, once the shade makes it to his body you will not be able to claim him without first slaying the body and you are forbidden from acting directly on it. When in that body I have a claim and the right to defend him. Any and all information will then become mine. Even should you kill him later I suspect I can use that knowledge to put an end to you and reclaim that which is mine."
That answered a number of questions in a few words as to why everyone was there. It also made me realize just how scary Apocalypse "love" could be.
They each began to power up and I suspected I would need to make it to my body before it could get a stray blow. Then the Doctor spoke.
"I would suggest we parlay." Once again they powered down, mostly that is. Big red's eyes still glowed slightly as did the others.
"Fine, give me a portion of the knowledge and I will wait for this mortal to die."
Nope that was not happening. I wasn't giving that fuck head shit.
"No, find another method. He does not get anything that would let him ruin this universe any more than he does already!" Strange looked at me with steel eyes and I shut my mouth. Yet he didn't rebuke me.
"No, then I might as well try my luck. I see no reason to allow either of you to have access to what is in his mind. Unless you are willing to extinguish that soul in your grasp Strange you can't stop either of us from gaining an advantage."
Strange instantly replied to the Red One.
"It is not as much as you would think. For I already have most of what Kincaid knows. For instance I can find the vault of Franklin Richards or in your case old viper I know where the hammers of Skadi and the Serpent Crown rest. I sincerely doubt you could stand against him or any other powerful gods I could summon."
"If you have to fry me do it. I'd rather not exist than spend eternity looking at his fucked up face. Just make sure to use the Cosmic Egg to make his throne a public toilet."
This time Strange did hush me with a mental That will be enough.
Mr. Scratch was stunned for a moment.
"You, you are telling the truth. Both of you!" I guess he realized just how much he overplayed his hand there.
Big A pointed his index finger at Strange.
"I believe you would go that far. You are just as ruthless as I am, but I think you have another solution in mind."
"Yes I do. I will cast a spell that will remove all of the pan dimensional secret knowledge of this dimension from my mind permanently and from Mr. Smith for as long as he is in our dimension. Further, I will swear not to follow him or send agents to extract that information from him should he leave our dimension. In exchange both of you will agree to complete eternal non interference in his life."
"I already have what I wanted, you will each suffer knowing just how much I will enjoy tormenting young Kincaid. So long as no one has the knowledge I win. Promise me Strange that you will not attempt to reclaim Mr. Kincaid Jones or send your minions to do so and I will agree to your conditions."
He materialized a chair and sat down like the drama queen he was. Big A looked at Strange and spoke.
"This body is of my blood. I have ancient rights that you can't force me to abrogate. I will agree not to test or kidnap the child while he is in this dimension, but I reserve the right to shield him from danger and invite him to Clan Akkaba. Further, you must acknowledge my rights to act as force of guidance and wisdom. That is the ancient role of older relatives that you must respect."
Of course that level of hogwash pissed me off. Legalists love using tools to abuse their position.
"Like you were so anxious to guide Kincaid when his parents were alive or when he was in need of protection?"
I mean seriously since when did Apocalypse care about his relatives unless they were useful to him. Every word out of his mouth meant that this body must have some hidden powers he could use for world conquest.
"My ways are not for you to judge whelp. All must learn to survive on their own before they are worthy of guidance. I will further stipulate that he should not have any knowledge of the inner workings of this world and clan Akkaba in particular. I will not force my ways or ideas unto him. But I will not have him unduly prejudiced. He is and must be the driving force behind his own actions, otherwise any test of my ideas would be invalid."
I then jumped in again.
"Hold up what if some supervillain kidnaps me. My only defense would be any hidden knowledge I have on them, including their weaknesses. It's a death world out there."
Strange answered swiftly.
"I would amend that Mr. Smith would gain information on that specific villain or weapon used against him. Though knowledge of that stipulation would be withheld from him so Mr. Smith doesn't abuse the loophole. Furthermore Nur, you will not contact him directly or via your agents until he has reached the age of 18."
The devils voice barked.
"Yes yes, I'm fine with that clause. Add in that he will not remember meeting me. I so hate it when people have an unfair reason not to sin. Please say yes tin man so I can go home. I have a young succulent soul to flambé". The red man sight impatiently.
"Your amendment is agreeable, though I will not wait past his 16th birthday to contact him. Mr. Smith you are beginning to show your mettle. I will enjoy unleashing you to test the world."
Strange turned to me.
"Mr. Smith do you still trust me? This is for the best, please leave all other concerns to me." I realized it came down to whether I trusted Doc Strange to outwit Satan and a Tyrannical Auto-biomancer. Which was a dumb question. I took a breath before answering.
"I'll agree with the stipulation that the world I test is one that would be positively improved by an Apocalypse. And my mission parameters would be under my control, not yours great gran dad." The ancient being laughed in a mechanical voice before nodding.
"Anything less would violate my principles." Strange then spoke and added another proviso.
"You will also not remember anything said in this room in the name of protecting prophesy, but in exchange I will grant you selective eidetic memory. Is this agreeable to everyone here?"
Everyone said yes.
There was a flash of mystical light that surrounded all of us and made us all glow. The binding magics flowed through everyone present creating distortions all around the room in a multitude of colors and shapes. I could have sworn that at least one of them was man sized, but it must have been a figment of my imagination.
"Hold up, I don't feel any different. I still remember both of you and I especially want to forget your ugly ass," I said looking at the villains in front of me while pointing at the devil.
"You have to get in your body first, and have a care. I might not be able to touch you now, but should you die in sin of your own making I will remember you. Your screams can go to join…."
Before he could finish his taunt the air distorted and Tchalla, the Black Panther strolled out of nowhere. The Harlem teacher used his claws to rip out Satan's black heart, just like in the Christopher Priest run. Satan for his part made a blood curdling cry.
"You mean like that. You should know you scream like a little bitch oh First of the Fallen!" The Panther King then addressed me with a voice of mild rebuke.
"Please Mr. Smith, foul language is unbecoming. You teach young people that all the time do you not?"
He tossed the heart to Doctor strange who captured it in a mystical container produced by Namor. Upon that realization Satan stopped resisting. Though in all honesty he was too surprised to have done more than stare gawked eyed at the reversal in his fortunes. I guessed the panther did the usual techno babble to temporarily strip him of his powers.
"Treason, betrayal you gave a sacred oath." The Black Panther laughed and spoke once more in a highly accented English.
"You are one to speak lord of falsehood. Doctor Strange had us waiting for you shortly after he took Mr. Smith to try and undo the harm some greater power unleashed. So he did not violate the oath. You have been outfoxed yet again. As we now have your heart we will renegotiate the fate of Mr. Kincaid and your involvement in his school mates' lives. Though I suggest we take this discussion elsewhere and allow the young man to speak with his ancestor and get much needed rest." Turning to me the wise monarch continued.
"You have a strong destiny ahead of you. Face it with courage, humility, morality and conviction and you will prevail. To do otherwise is unbecoming a man."
I bowed before the king with earnestly and repeated it to the other king to his right. They each saluted me before entering a portal with doctor Strange.
Before leaving Strange undid my bonds and winked at me. If I were in danger from Big A he would not have done so. Having faith in his magic I looked En Saba Nur in the eyes, which were no longer glowing.
Satan was the last of the four to leave via portal and turned to face me and Nur with a scowl in his "horror face." I just flipped him the bird with both hands, mouthed "fuck you" and stuck out my tongue. He would have responded but a force pulled him through the glowing portal before he could do so.
Nur laughed his mechanical laugh again and I turned to face him. He had the 90's cartoon voice when he next spoke.
"I admire your courage. Tell me how strong are your convictions?"
"Strong enough not break in the face of adversity. I know what you are about. Growth through struggle. However, there are many kinds of strength and not having the right one at the right time can mean death. I just don't get how you ignore the power of a just belief when people with them have beaten you time and time again."
"Ha, so you seek to reform me?"
"No I seek to refine your beliefs to ones more approaching an objective truth."
He got up, and made a clear path between me and my body.
"We shall see who sees objective truth more clearly. But that is for the future. For now learn, train grow stronger. This night you have earned my blessing for your use of cunning." He looked at my iPod 10.
"The doctor will say he brought it to you in the morning." Then the first mutant pulled the covers back exposing the frail and slowly breathing chest.
"Please enter your vessel."
I took a breath and walked to my body sliding into it. As I did I felt my self merge with it. Select memories of Kincaid flooded into my subconscious, but were not directly accessible. I gathered they would be in the morning. My eyes shot wide awake and I stared at the 7 foot tall bio-mechnoid in front of me. This time I didn't panic but gave him a wry look.
What was it with these fuckers and jump scare attempts. I punched him in the arm with my small fists. Yes it hurt, but seriously fuck Apocalypse's grey technoid self too!
"Is this where you cover you eyes and say peek a boo? I'm a bit too old for that grandad."
En Sabah Nur laughed lowly, but did not use his voice synthesizers. Then Big A gently and with tenderness I would not have expected touched my small chest between the breast with his giant index finger. When he removed it there was a small red dot just under my sternum.
Then he spoke gently. His voice was within the normal human range. The accent was Egyptian.
"It may surprise you but I had my children naturally. I have loved women before and know the joy of bouncing children on my knee. My philosophy sounds harsh and uncaring because you don't understand the necessity of it. But now is not the time for debates."
"You might not believe it but Kincaid wasn't supposed to have this life. He was supposed to grow up as my right hand under my direct supervision. His parents disagreed with some other faction of Clan Akkaba and fled with you vessel. They did not survive and he ended up with relatives not of our clan. Since they did not wish to join our clan we did not force them too and thus they did not have our protection."
"Or do you believe we would allow some bigoted teens to kill one of us without recourse. Such will not happen again."
"You will have every opportunity to prove yourself. As a one time favor you will be able to just barely walk when you wake up. I have faith in you."
Then he pulled the covers back over me, bent over and kissed me on the forehead. It was weird but I could actually feel the love he had for me. The last words I remembered before magic drowsiness overtook me were subtle.
"Sleep well my dragon."
Last edited: Jan 18, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part VIII
Jamal Mordhau
January 10, 2009
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Beta
6:00 AM
It was actually funny that being tucked in by a mass murdering, nigh immortal, proto Nietzschean dictator produced one of my most peaceful slumbers. Then again, it was likely a lizard brain response to having one of the most scary things in the environment be on my side, well mostly. Small children's brains tend to simplify things even if the spirit inhabiting said brain should know better.
However, that bit of cognitive dissonance and coming to grips with it was in fact a blessing in disguise. For it went a long way towards preparing me for what awaited my waking eyes.
Waking up again
I came too glad to be alive. Even better was I couldn't feel a damn thing despite all the bandages covering my ribs and groin; which I could see from my elevated rest position.
Thus, they had to be giving me the good drugs. The second thing that ran through my mind and my mouth was "Shit If there had just been one less Nazi motherfucker I would have put all those Nazi fuck heads to bed."
My jaw wasn't wired so that implied at least it wasn't broken. The same could not be said for my right arm and left leg, which were both suspended and in casts. The third thing I did was check for powers. I strained my mind to reach out and touch anything. Yes, I stared hard at the remote to see if it would burst into flames. I even tried to teleport myself. After realizing just how silly I was being I gave it rest.
Said silliness must have made some kind of noise, or there was someone paying attention to my brainwave monitor. In few minutes I had company.
A tall doctor in a white coat walked in. He was white with reddish blond hair pulled back into a ponytail and I'd guess the man was in his early 30's. His face had crows eyes but her high cheekbones and smooth jawline gave her a very Viking warlord appeal.
"So our young hero finally awakens. You had us worried Mr…"
A part of me couldn't believe the man was trying to butter me up and check me for brain damage in the same sentence.
"Mr. Jamal Bartholomew Mordhau of the South Hampton Mordhaus at your service. But you may call me Jamal Dr…"
My throat was dry and my rasp didn't come out as debonair as I intended. Two could play at the sly imformation gathering game. The tall doctor placed cup with a straw in front of my lips and I drank half of it. Normally I might object to be treated like an invalid when I had at least one working arm, but hey might as well milk sypathy for what it's worth.
"I'm Doctor Magni Ericson, but you can call me Mag. That's if you let me have an autograph."
Uh oh, that probably meant media attention. Which probably meant I was about to have my records challenged by people I wanted to be as far away from as possible. No powers, no readily accessible funds and not being able to escape was the worst position possible for me to be in. I mean, if PRT was really competent they might be able to find my stash before I did; even if I escaped.
"Really it was no big deal….."
"Jamal, you took on 5 armed members of the Empire and stopped them from raping a woman, that's far from not a big deal." It was then the pain killers started wearing off and my body began noticing the after math.
"Speaking of which what's the damage, tell me straight."
I was dreading the fact there was a bandage over my crotch; because Nazis and knives. Doc Mag must have sensed where I was going because he entered professional mode instantly. Yet at th same time he placed a reassuring hand on my unbroken arm.
"I assure you that you have no permanent injuries." I released a breath that I didn't know I was holding.
"However you had a concussion that put you in a coma for almost two days, 7 broken ribs, a broken arm, a broken leg, a hairline pelvic fracture, bruised testicle and two broken toes. You will have to suffer my company for at least 2 weeks before you can leave here. I recommend you start physical therapy about 2 months after that time frame to ensure you recover completely." The man paused before snorting.
"I'm supposed to recommend you leave heroics to professionals, but in this case I really don't see what else you could have done."
Damn, PT and 2 month stays cost lots of money and I was unsure the orphanage or my prospective parents would cover that, pr coup or not. Using shadow cash would not help matters either.
"Um doctor, I mean Mag, who is covering my medical bills?" He seemed to like me, so I might be able to at least gleam who would come gunning to expose my purloined records first.
"That would be Ms. Su Yin Kim. She is in the waiting room. Ms. Kim came by every day and asked us to call when you woke up. Do you want to see her now?"
So that must be the Korean lady form two nights ago. If she was covering the bills then my foster parents wouldn't have any serious issues with my adoption.
"Sure, I'd like to thank her. By the way how much media did my 'heroics' get. I'd really not like to be targeted by those.."people" or have them scare off my new family".
"Relax Jamal. Only the police, Ms. Monroe and you two have knowledge of the event. I had to know because I treated you, but I don't gossip about my patients. I'll go get Ms. Kim now."
As He left I noticed the attending nurse had a well shaped rear end and her medical uniform seemed deliberately short enough to display her thighs. This of course triggered my teenage hormones and resulted in pain. Fortunately, I remembered that I had button that would release some drugs. It really wouldn't do to discuss business with Ms. Kim in in either a state of pain or obvious "excitement."
Five minutes later
Ms. Kim entered wearing her work clothes, which consisted of a black business suit, dress skirt, black pantyhose and low heels. If I had to guess I would say she was some kind of accountant. Her face was without many wrinkles and she had a decent tan. He figure was slim but I would guess she worked out moderately by the definition in her legs. She bowed upon making eye contact with me and I nodded my head solemnly. My throat was still too sore for long conversations.
"May a take a seat near you?" I nodded.
"Thank you so much for you help. I know you must be upset with me for abandoning you to those animals. You must think that we could have beaten them together. I wanted to stay but I didn't know you could fight so well…" I placed my hand in the air.
"Not angry, throat sore. pass water." She did and drank some.
"No way for you to know, If they had dropped me it would have been for nothing. I'll be fine in a few months. Don't worry about anything. Thank you for paying bills, less stress on my foster family." She placed her hands on my unbroken hand and I stopped talking.
"Don't strain yourself. I spoke to your foster family and Ms. Monroe. You are not in any trouble and the adoption will be finalized by next week. When you are released you can move right into their home. Once the paperwork is finished they will come visit you as well."
Well what did you know? Good shit did happen in Worm. Now where was the other shoe?
I heard a beeping on her pager. "I apologize but I have urgent business to attend that requires my immediate attention. However, if there is anything you need that is within my ability to facilitate I will not hesitate to aid you."
My voice felt more under my control as time progressed, so I sucked in a breath and spoke in proper English.
"Look you straightened out my adoption issues and paid my medical bills.." I paused when my eyes met the withering glare of this woman of less than 120 pounds and 5.4 in height.
"You may know some Korean proverbs, but you don't understand how Koreans treat matters like this. I have not done anything to actually repay the damage you accrued to yourself and risk of potential retaliation; no matter how unlikely you still bear on my behalf." I did not know what to say to that, so like a non complete moron I kept my mouth shut until I could say something not stupid.
"You are correct Ms. Kim. However, some of my issues can't be dealt with easily."
"Ahh I understand. Mr. Mordhau you may find that my work has earned me friends in many places."
"Exactly what is your line of work Ms. Kim if you don't mind me asking?"
"I handle public relations." She placed a hand lightly over my chest right in the middle of my….no.
"Birds hear the words spoken in the day."
"and mice hear the words spoken at night." Which basically means the walls have ears. Fuck, she was Asian mafia. I thought those racist pinheads were just being assholes. She's probably affiliated with Lung. I watched her leave without another word.
"Could this day get any more complicated?" were the next words out of my mouth. Which was the day I learned to stop asking those kinds of questions.
Not 15 minutes later
This time it was the sexy nurse, whose name was Elisa Mendez. The smile on her cocoa brown face could light up a room. It seemed I had another fan in the building, which I was not complaining about.
I made sure to focus on her lime colored eye liner and blue eye. Looking elsewhere, say a the somewhat tight fitting scrubs could cause other issues. "Guess who has another visitor, and a special one at that".
"Who someone from PRT?" The nurse stopped like I hit her with a thunderbolt. FUCK FUCK FUCK.
"Really. Is it Armsmaster, Lady Photon or Chevalier?"
The nurse snickered. "I'm sorry you aren't quite that heroic. It's "only" Miss Militia."
At least it wasn't Panacea. She was the absolute last cape I wanted anything to do with, save Bone saw. Of course I couldn't just say I didn't want to meet her because you don't make enemies of upper tier capes when you are squishy. These folks were occasionally prickly and I would have to deal with her later on.
I kinda had a thing for pretty women in military gear. Of course with my current condition that was another liability.
The perpetual overachiever came in a few minute's later. I did the whole fan boy squee thing because well her power was kinda cool.
"You're Miss Militia right? Can I have your autograph before you go?"
I noticed her sea green eyes and the slight heterochromia within them. Wisely I kept my focus on those and not the curves slightly straining her costume.
"Sure thing Mr. Mordhau."
She snorted in good humor and though one could tell she was trying to keep a semi serious demeanor. Her voice was clearly influenced by her Canadian upbringing but there were no Eh's. I also could pick up the edges of what I suspected was a Kurdish lilt.
"You can call me Jamal if you like."
Yes, I was flirting with an older woman. If you saw a woman who coud have stepped out of a Metal Gear Solid poster you would as well.
She sighed. "Don't you think I'm a bit old for you kid?"
Nope, there was no way in hell I was letting her leave with a lame impression of me. Especially as I decided I was going to date this woman once I get myself set up properly.
"No, actually I don't think you are "too old" in any any way Miss. Our country has a tendency to devalue older people and slap expiration dates on human achievement. There's a woman, Sally Doupre, made her first hit album at forty. If she let what other people thought about her pursuits bother he, we'd have never heard "Love in the Air. "
The left side of the cloth mask on Hana's face rose in a smirk and an involuntary chortle escaped her mouth.
"So, I'm not too old to achieve the breakthrough of my life by dating your heroic self?" One of her eyebrow's rose, though she wasn't offended.
"Not what I meant, per se. Merely that one can find enjoyment in any interesting pursuit no matter their age. I'll also note that in our glorious, totally not southern, state of Massachusetts the law states you are not; in fact too old to enjoy my company." Yeah, the age of consent in MS is actually 16.
At this she actually did laugh and one hand reached up to stroke a loose strand of dark brown hair from her head. Good, she thought I was a bit arrogant, but not silly.
"I was supposed to come down here and read you the riot act about taking the law into your own hands."
"Like how it's stupid, dangerous and likely to end in you and the person you want to help in the hospital with serious injuries. Or dead?" I deadpanned.
Miss Militia's face dropped and the shock was evident from Mars. Her demeanor went back to professional in under six seconds. While I missed the lighthearted banter I needed to give a more rounded first impression.
"You're okay with months of physical therapy and pain?" she asked with a bit of astonishment.
I took a deep breath and answered honestly. She didn't have mind reading powers, but her years of experience would chew through a lie.
"The alternative of my involvement would have been worse. My phone did not work and based on what I heard it was unlikely that any help would have been forthcoming had done something else. I believed it was possible to deter those idiots by taking a hostage and backing away. Unfortunately a few of them actually knew how to fight."
"Fair enough, but you realize the consequences are serious."
"I can accept my choices are what put me in this position. The consequences for not helping Ms. Kim I could not have easily lived with. I'm a martial artist and my philosophy is centered around total responsibility. Part of that is accepting that I need to experience the pain to regain and surpass my previous strength. It will allow me to make better choices in the future."
"That's an interesting philosophy k.." I bent my head to the left slowly, despite the slight pain it caused me. My right eyebrow rose in "The Rock's" look.
"Jamal. Not many people follow that code or any for that matter. Still I feel for you, being cooped up in a hospital."
"'s not that bad. We get good access to cable. There's also the fact my nurse is real sweetheart."
"Don't you mean "smoking hawt" and riding the line of appropriate work force apparel?" I gave Miss Militia, who was totally not jealous or a hypocrite, an awkward look.
"Aw don't be that way, Nurse Mendez obviously works out as much as yourself to maintain her physique. I should also point out that women fought many years to improve their dress code options. "
The earlier half smile returned to her face. The "knowing" glint in her eyes did as well.
"I'll have you know that there are valid strategic and tactical reasons for the way I dress. I understand nurses have to improve the spirits of their patients.." But that's not all Nurse Mendez raised was left unspoken. I let out a few laughs.
"Not that I noticed such, considering my current predicament." Some of the humor left her eyes and the "haha, got you you lil pervert" victory roll vanished.
"Fair enough Jamal. I take it you know the score. Aside from the autograph is anything I can do to make your time here a bit more comfortable?"
Such an open ended question given to a male teenager usually ended in rude joke. But when the other person can make firearms appear from out of nowhere, such was done without much risk.
"If you want to do me a favor you could tell me about what that attack was about. I mean I did get put in the hospital stopping it."
She pulled up a chair and turned to me. "Ok Mr. Masochist, but it doesn't leave the room or I come back here and seal your lips shut." I nodded and swallowed like I was scared.
"Basically the Empire sent some non powered grunts to gain initiation by hunting some ABB low level facilitators and middle managers. You walked in on a case of mistaken identity. They were after a minor Japanese tinker called Kitsune and decided to go after Ms. Kim when the cape didn't show."
"But Ms. Kim is Korean and not involved right?"
"Since when were lower level 88 intelligent? Besides Ms. Kim is affiliated as an upper middle class protection paying business owner. They figured if they couldn't hit their middle management they would cripple a solid portion of their revenues."
"Because why pay protection to the dragon if he cant actually protect you?"
"Exactly."
"So anything else Jamal? Because this costume looks great, but it is itchy as hell after 8 hours."
"Yeah. How bad did I fuck up those 88 guys? I know at least 2 of them had to go to the hospital. Am I going to have to watch my back for them in the future?"
"One, they got their ass beat by one man and wound up in jail. They plead guilty to the 2 counts of assault. Two, I don't think they are going to come after you again. Kaiser would not look to kindly on vendettas on non powered humans especially as it would be advertising a failed attack. And those 5 would be lucky to avoid being terminated for incompetence during their stay at county. Having said that I would stay out of Empire turf for a while."
"By the way you broke 2 arms, 1 leg, 12 ribs, 1 wrist, 1 ankle, 2 fractured jaws, knocked out 19 teeth and dislocated their leaders shoulder. And you actually ruptured their leaders' left testicle. If you ever do trigger you'd have a place on the wards. And, yes part of the reason I came here was to see if you triggered."
There was a sudden tension in the air. Then she spoke again.
"The answer is no."
I was about to ask how she knew but the older cape smiled.
"You don't have the part of the brain associated with super powers, therefore you didn't trigger. It's as simple as that. I'm leaving you my card in case you do trigger later. Though if you want to join PRT as a regular when you grow up they'd probably take you. Having said that.."
"Leave the heroics for the professionals."
"See, you really are smart Jamal. Heal well and stay well.". Miss Militia left my autography behind.
And speaking of behinds Miss Militia had a shapely one. However unlike my nurse the lady cape was conscious enough not to switch it as she left. I mean seriously, its like the woman couldn't figure out how to read a medical chart or something.
20 Minutes later
Nurse Mendez waddled back in with some food.
"Hello again Jamal. You are scheduled for a sponge bath tomorrow at 8 am. Aside from that I have a small personal question that you don't have to answer".
"Go ahead doc I have nothing to hide."
"What does the huge tattoo on your chest mean? Its really interesting and I've never seen anything like it before." What tattoo? I figured it best to play it cool before she thinks I have memory loss or something.
"Could you draw it out for me so I could break each part down?"
"I already have. I know its not exactly protocol but it's so cool I know lots of people who would want one."
She went and got a sheet with the art. It came from the drawing pads the hospital gave out to patients and staff and laid it before me. My eyes widened, Shit. Time to bullshit some eastern philosophy.
"It's a take on the Ying Yang concept of dynamic tension promoting eternal self development. The center figure represents the individual who must balance the needs, desires of himself and others in the appropriate way."
The nurse paused before answering. "So Basically it's a reminder to keep control and remember how much you need others?" I nodded, noting the various pieces of philosophical tats on her arm and upper neck.
The nurse was shopping for another piece of body art it seemed. Of course if she actually knew what that mark stood for, she would probably dislike it as much as the 88 sign.
"And to serve others as you seek to serve your own ends."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as though she felt there was more. I simply rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, I know you were looking for some serous philosophy, but I'm only 16 here. Also it's kinda my signature at least for now. I mean If you want to get one done I won't stop you, but I'd like it to be unique for as long as possible." She rested her hand in mine.
"I hear you and I wont flash it too often. Trust me you are far from ordinary Jamal. Enjoy the rest of your day."
I looked at the drawing on the note another four minutes.
[img: data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7]
Then I tore it up (which is why that one handed practice came in handy) and tossed into the waste pail nearby. Internally I was screaming
FUCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Last edited: Jan 24, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part IX
Power is what you make of it
Jamal Mordhau
January 11, 2009
Brockton Bay, Dogaron Alley
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay
Earth Bet
6:00 AM
I woke up and the world around me was as they say across the pond 'right as rain'. Or at least as happy as a man in full body cast with bruised junk could be. When I saw the Doc I would thank him for whatever he gave me.
My body was well rested, my mind was clear and I had an excellent view of the upper class neighborhood from my window. Up here on the 20th floor I could even see the bay this city was named after. The pollutants that turned part of said bay green actually created a very beautiful effect, when you didn't have to smell them first hand that is.
Moreover, the sponge bath was much less awkward than I imagined it would be. My nurse was fully professional and allowed me the privacy to clean my privates and was thorough yet gentle with the parts of my body I couldn't reach myself. Rick even cracked some funny jokes.
In the end I decided that Nurse Practitioner Burnham would go in the "I will receive a nice fat thousand dollar anonymous tip" pile.
Even better was the fact I hadn't blown myself or the hospital around me into tiny pieces during the night. A part of me kinda felt bad for keeping potentially lethal powers secret from PRT, but the wiser pieces of my mind knew just how stupid telling them would be. The first might get me and a bunch of innocent people killed. However, the latter would DEFINATELY get myself and bunch of other people killed.
No, I couldn't even think about letting my powers be known until after I had neutralized Coil.
Speaking of powers, I tried meditation and focusing on the various forms of energy. I imagined them forming in between my fingers in a controlled manner. When that didn't work I grabbed various things like my tray and left over breakfast and tried bending them into different shapes with my mind. Then I tried to bend the metal railing. After a few minutes of that not working I tried to change shape or reach other minds. Only then did I think of healing, but that usually was something done automatically and I still felt the ache in my bones.
Another nurse came in and took my tray away, while offering me greetings. We spoke for a while before she left.
While I was stewing I opted to turn on the boob tube to stave off a boredom headache. After quickly surfing away from the T and A channels I decided to hit their version of CNN. It turned out the End bringers hadn't been spotted in some time, which I suppose was a good thing.
Some rogue or another had been busted after thinking he could play gentleman bandit. Oh and some fool burglars had been admitted to the hospital with crossbow bolt wounds in their kneecaps, wonder who could have done that? I flipped the channel to the Latino News Network and listened for 9 minutes about how some super trafficker had left 30 bodies in an artistic display in some Mexican town called Pullaca. Turns out it was some guy calling himself Carnal, and not the Slaughter House 9 on mini bender.
I changed to the Korean/Japanese channel to look at something bright. It was doing one of those 'historical' dramas. While I still had eidetic memory it didn't grant comprehension. Meaning that while I had a good amount of various languages in my head I couldn't understand what they were saying. Even thought it had subtitles, my Strange given ability didn't map the words to teach me.
But I wasn't watching for learning sake, the themes were bright and the costumes were cheery.
Ever since the sinking of Kyushu there was a somewhat thaw in the hostility of Korea and Japan. Not to mention the flood of Japanese refugees into Korea and other parts of Southern Asia brought about a cultural fusion. AZNT had grown to serve this new market by delivering content that a mixed audience could enjoy, as well as making a statement about unity in the face of overwhelming despair. Yes, they still were another greedy corporation, but at least they did some good while they were at it.
After an hour or so I changed my mind about tv and tuned it out to watch the birds flying in the sky. They were moving in various wing patterns over a rooftop.
Since we weren't in the rougher part of town their flight was natural and not directed as a form of anti cop warning system. Yeah drug dealers did that in Marvel, Worm and real life as well. There was a pattern that I found particularly interesting and I felt compelled to study it. Three minutes later I could swear I knew which ones were male or older by how they related to the central pair in the formation.
This held true for each 'flight' of birds I noticed land and take off every 14 or so minutes. So this was my new power eh?
I seriously began hoping my new power wasn't super Doolittle OCD. Yes being able to micromanage small details wouldn't be worthless, but that in no way shape or form was worth 6 months of rehab and pain.
Then I thought about what I learned about the pigeons in my minutes of observation. If a few minutes allowed me to understood what their defense mechanism communicated to each other and predators, then couldn't it be applied to other situations? I decided to run with it and observe the people below me, though they were much smaller the further down they were. A pattern among the crowds became apparent as well. The way people streamed in out streets conveyed information about a shared system.
Without speaking to each other a routine formed where individual patterns came together to influence the whole.
Two people would buy a hotdog within a five minute window every so often that would create a busy space. Others would move around them creating a juncture, that sometimes stalled traffic by a few seconds. For a whole two hours I watched as the city traffic moved to an invisible conductor. It was similar to the invisible hand of Smith style economics.
After 30 minutes I could almost predict how long and in what way a given crowd would respond to particular stimuli. People were social animals and read cues given by others. And since we were socialized herd animals our nature often followed the pattern of least resistance. I felt a little better about my new mutant ability, not enough to say it was worth this much pain.
At least I wasn't a rat whisperer.
Then I was interrupted from my reverie by one of the orderlies who came in to sweep the floor. I had dropped a few of my cheerios. Yes it was harder to eat with my left hand than I thought even though I had spent years practicing being ambidextrous. Mind you, I practiced using my left for writing, grooming and weapons practice but never to actually feed myself. Anyway orderly Me Sa Park, a sweet somewhat elderly woman greeted me with a warm smile and got busy removing my mess from the foot of my bed. However, unlike yesterday she deigned to speak more than 3 words and I caught her muttering.
"So he likes the old Joseon dynasty period dramas. AZNT always does them wrong. Everyone overacts." Suddenly something klicked. My reply was somewhat automatic.
"It's more likely the collective trauma of the community has triggered a collective emotional wellspring that transcends all genres. I mean, have you noticed how over the top most of the movies coming out ASEAN have been in the last four years?"
She stopped what she was doing and looked up at me as though I had two heads.
"I don't mean to give offence, or imply I know your culture better than you do. But have you noticed that Nollywood and Bollywood films have a similar phenomenon compared to films 10 or 20 years ago? Even America and the West were not spared from it, though it is not as noticeable."
Since I landed here about 8 months ago I did various cultural studies, trying to see how powers and super battles influenced culture. It was fun to compare them to Marvel Earth 613. They even had a similar point of divergence, around the 1970's.
"You speak Korean? I mean no offense. With the amount of Asian immigration its a good skill to learn, but I thought that if anything you would know a Southeast Asian language."
At least she didn't say 'you speak it so well'. Ahh, I did look somewhat Cambodian, which was a gift from my not mother's people. It turned out that Asians and other non white peoples were just as trained in finding hints of themselves in others as black folks were. Its somewhat of a shame but many African American people can detect a hint of color in others. Call it a product of 200 plus years of being sorted by race that it became an internalized mechanism.
"Thank you for not saying I speak it so well. And yes my grandmother was from Siem Reap. Though I didn't learn any Khymer from her. I learned Korean because its a fun language to know, especially if you like video games." That second to last part was true of both my recent identities.
What were the odds of finding a genetic and cultural duplicate? The video game part was double true. With the devastation of Japan South Korea took the mantle of video game and high technology development. Japan wasn't out of the race but most of their funds went to keeping their economy from free fall and not the tech sector.
Hold up, what the fuck? I was speaking fluent Korean, after a few hours of watching a period drama, commercials and the news.
Me Sa blushed. He facial features displayed the common micro expressions Korean culture associated with shame. I would not have known that without the overacted performances I had half watched a few hours ago. Going into my memoires for various shows and personal experiences confirmed it.
Thus, I would cut her some slack. Her presence was enjoyable and I liked her friendly grandmother air. She bowed.
"I apologize for my assumption Mr. Mordhua. And I think you are probably right. It's a very different world than it was even 5 years ago." I decided to offer the olive branch.
"Say Call me Jamal, can I call you Me Sa?" She nodded.
"I kinda need someone to practice my Korean with, would you mind helping me? If you could sneak me a few books, preferably with English translation below them I'd really appreciate it."
I knew I was working her guilt but I was excited to begin using my power asap.
"I would love to," Se said while smiling. Then she finished her work and left wishing me speedy recovery
It seemed my first power was the ability of Douglas Ramsey (Earth-616). I figured it would work with music and computers, but I would have to wait to test that theory later. Even if it was limited to verbal and body language of people and animals it was definitely worth a few months of rehab.
Though to be honest once I got access to my stash I predicted a more rapid recovery than normal. Though hiding my 613 tech would be a pain in the arse.
Last edited: Jan 22, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part X
Jamal Mordhau
Janaury 21,2009
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay
I was surfing the tv channels to get at more languages every waking moment. So far I could speak 4 dialects of Spanish, 3 of Korean, 2 of Japanese, Kymer (Cambodian) and 2 of French. Due to subtitles I could also read German, Dutch and Portuguese at roughly high school levels.
Since I asked Ms. Park for her books I could read Korean with much greater confidence. My power at analyzing languages and selective perfect memory didn't let me instantly know every element of the language. It simply meant I could intuitively know how to pronounce and place the words and their meaning after hearing enough of it. I still had to read and absorb individual words to be able to do anything with them. Ye, once I was exposed to something it was mine forever.
I even had the option of innovating my own syntax. A hybrid crypto language for my notebook or personal computer had already gestated in my hindbrain.
After a few days I decided that it was better to actually focus on depth instead of breath of language control. This was both for the sake of not appearing too smart and having a practical command of syntax. For that I decided I would stick to the ones I had started with until I could read, write and speak them at collegiate level. Ms. Park's books gave me a reasonable belief I could write any language I absorbed without any difficulty. After all my left hand had transcribed a few sentences with reasonable fidelity.
Though I really wouldn't be able to write freely until I got a computer. I simply did not trust people to no go through "the genius'" trash or notebook to figure him out.
I'll admit some difficulty in being careful to avoid looking too smart to anyone who might have stumbled into my room. No point in making anyone curious enough to call in PRT to investigate me. The youth services agency clocked my iq at genius level so I could play off my studious nature. However, suddenly speaking 8 or more languages would break suspension of disbelief.
My greatest challenge however was dodging any 'stimulating' shows or commercials. Worm verse America was even worse in terms of sexploitive advertising.
It would seem my left gonad wouldn't be sufficiently healed for at least 2 weeks, and my prognosis said it would be slightly tender for a month. I was still fortunate the steel toed bastard didn't rupture it. On the bright side Nurse Mendez finally figured out that her usual attire was not improving my comfort . I really appreciated her thoughtfulness in crimping her style of dress on my behalf. She already was in my 'thousand dollar tip' column but I might just up it some.
On the flipside the Empire earned itself a mortal enemy it wouldn't exist long enough to rue creating. I was going to fuck them up anyway, but they would never know they just pushed themselves ahead of the 9 and ABB.
Yeah I was going to deal with Lung and crew because I didn't care for slavery, especially sex slavery of children. If I could I would try to salvage something of ABB for the sake of not leaving the Asian community defenseless against other gangs and the concept of Pan Asian unity was a noble goal. However, aside from Ms. Kim/Kitsune I had no real reason to view any of their affiliated metas with anything less than pure contempt.
What I loved was the fact that everything other than my body was working according to plan. I received a better phone courtesy of my new foster parents Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mordhau.
They were not able to visit me due to hospital and Social Services regulations, but I had spoken to them daily. They were originally an old school Baltimore wealthy family, very WASP and proper. But from what I could get out of my social worker and look up online with my stashes' resources something happened to them involving an emotion master cape almost 20 years ago. Within 3 months they had completely changed in their persona, becoming philanthropists who sponsored charities operating in the most devastated parts of Worm earth.
They had opened a string of primary and secondary schools for low income youth across the country. Even more surprisingly they opened their home to five children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds to share their 'good fortune' along with their three natural children, Joshua, Alexis and Samuel.
Though only Samuel, age 12, was still young enough to live at the home; that type of personality was something special. It indicated an open spirit and the courage to face prejudice head on to build a better world. Their charities were among the few that lasted longer than 8 years. The fact thier programs actually accomplished something other than being tax shelters impressed me more.
In fact that was part of the reason I had Kortana, my downgraded Jarvis Ai rig my selection with them.
There might have been a chance that I would have selected to live with them on my own merits, but I was not gambling in Worm Verse. Everything from having my file nudged to land in front of the diligent Ms. Monroe to the aptitude/optimization test scores hand been arranged. I had researched and acted out foreseeable scenarios in order to be a 'perfect match. The string of interviews I had with Mrs. Samantha Pothouse and her shrink disguised as a manservant proved my quarry were no less sneaky, so I didn't feel any ways about it either.
I picked up my phone and looked through the smiling pictures they sent me of my soon to be siblings and the luxurious home they kept 40 minutes from Brockton. I returned with snippets about how genuinely warm and caring the staff was and funny pictures of my own.
It wasn't all an act. I actually liked those people and wanted to help them do exactly what they had been doing for the last decade. Only I was going to be much more proactive. My plans and sms was interrupted by the entrance of Nurse Mendez. She was wearing a standard white lab coat and a loose fitting business suit with sensible shoes. I looked at her and exchanged greetings. She smiled a bit sheepishly.
"For the last time, nurse I'm not mad at you. Why should it occur to you hide the beauty the good lord gave you?"
"Maybe because I have a master's degree and am old enough to understand how teenage hormones and testicular injuries interact with beautiful women in revealing clothes."
Well at least she was remorseful. Seriously, was she that smitten with Jack that she forgot what high school aged boys were like?
"Again say no more about it. We're all friends here. Though speaking of affects of a beautiful woman on the male species, I do believe you hit it off well with our handsome past acquaintance."
Judging by her body language they had hit it off very well. As in there might soon be a Jack junior. Her blush was consistent with the micro expressions indicating a mating pair.
She hit me on the shoulder again. "Stop, that's grown up business Jamal."
I raised an eyebrow and cocked my head. It caused some pain in my broken arm but the affect was worth it. This woman subjected me to phycological torture to impress this dude for days, the least she could do was dish a bit.
"Oh very well."
She pulled over a chair and talked about how much fun Jack Niebolg was. How he actually morphed from a fairly skinny 20 year old to a fairly buffed and successful neurosurgeon. She loved how kind he was when they originally met but now he seemed to add confidence and style to that quality as well.
"The big salary and washboard abs didn't hurt either?" I added when Mendez was done. That earned me another smack on the leg.
"If I didn't know any better I would say you wanted to injure me just enough to keep me here so I could give you more dating advice. Though I get the feeling at your relationship stage you'd be better off reading last month's issue of Astros."
Astros was their version of Cosmo, and like Cosmo it had a variety of semi-sound advice for sexual relationships, including some fairly descriptive talk of effective sexual practices.
She stared at me a moment and I thought I might have gone a bit too far. 16 year olds didn't speak as equals with adults, especially involving sexual matters. Then she smiled and snickered before mussing my hair and speaking in an amused but firm tone.
"I'm afraid that was bit much, even for a genius teen. I think you should stop worrying about saving my romantic life and focus on getting out of here and on with your future Mr. hero. And you have a mysterious stranger of your own to deal with today. Ms. Kim is a nice lady and I'd advise you to keep your manners professional"
She softened the warning with a smile before kissing me on the forehead, pinching my cheek and leaving.
I mean what was it with adults? Either they were trying to scare me or treating me like I was some kind of doll. Damn my cute face!
Ms. Kim/Kitsune entered wearing a gold Qipao with stereotypical eastern black dragons floating in a diagonal pattern. She paired them with sensible heeled shoes and red hairpins in her black hair done in a solitary Japanese style round bun and matching lipstick. She had the geisha effect down pat. Her modest, but effective curves were well flattered without being provocative. Unlike my doctor, she did not need to be informed not to aggravate my injury and I suspect it was her that told the Doctor.
"As usual you are a vision of both grace and beauty," I said in Korean.
It was conceivable to her that I would understand the language if I studied its culture and I suspected her command of sophisticated Korean would be a lot stronger than that of Ms. Park.. Plus it would let her feel of more use to me and help us build a better and deeper friendship.
"And as usual you are the model of gallantry and scholarship."
In one hand she had a personal computer and a sample of various software packages. I had to argue with her not to get the most expensive one possible and she talked me down to a $3000.00 touch screen model. In her other hand was a boxed lunch from one of the better end Korean restaurants.
We sat, ate and exchanged pleasantries. After a while our conversation topic ranged to semi personal matters. I gave her my cover story about being caught up in the super battle near Harlem almost 3 months ago. In which my family was killed and I used our family savings to leg it out of town. She told me her cover story of a half Korean/half Japanese woman fleeing the instability of Asia for a better life. Before coming to Brocton Bay she was an electrician studying computer and mechanical engineering. When she got here she put hers skills to work fixing small machines. Over time she turned that into a thriving business serving pan Asian community.
That led Lung to decide she was worth 'protecting'. She didn't go into details but I could read in between the lines. From my online searches with my smartphone I learned Kitsune was a rogue that never got into fights, and likely used her ties to ABB to avoid being snatched by other people like that bastard Coil.
I would look more into it but it seemed all she did aside from paying into Lung's protection racket was, fix their gear and possibly upgrade their communications security.
Since her face was slightly different from the last time I saw her my power deduced she probably could change at least some aspects of her body to suit her whims. Which went a long ways to explaining how no one figured out that they were the same person. When I first realized this I panicked as she had touched my skin and I didn't know if she was in fact more than an auto-biokinetic. I then relaxed, as if she were able to read my genes I was already fucked if the shards were in automatic communication. In that case I would likely already be dead via some bullshit complex assassination plot. It was likely or almost guaranteed that she didn't have that power or that each shard was its own entity out for itself.
I swore to be more careful in the future involving unshielded skin contact with unknown metas and to be more diligent.
As to how I knew the two women were one in the same, well there are 0 coincidences in Worm. And some things you didn't have to tell a comic book fan. My body language interpretation also told me that she wasn't lying in her positive intentions toward myself and that her story had a good deal of truth within it. I still wasn't going to use my 'gift' to access my stash or any sensitive information. Life debt or no one did not just bare one soul on a computer gifted to them by a Tinker who styled herself after a mythical trickster. Yes Kitsune were loyal, and extremely so to those who they chose to be, but I didn't really know her yet.
"Thank you again Ms. Kim, both for your generosity and resolving my issue with my doctor." I was hedging but I was almost sure it was her doing.
"Think nothing of it Jamal. A grown woman with her education should know better." She frowned with distaste, her eyes hardening.
"Cut her some slack.. My nurse is head over heels in love at the moment. I'm sure you know what that's like".
"Still, it's not excuse. But I will forgive her provided she learns her lesson. Enjoy your gifts, I will be very busy over the next few weeks. If I can't come by I will call or send you some food. Please don't forget to visit me when you are well enough to travel again."
We finished lunch and she left me to digest her gifts. The first thing I did was plop in StarCraft 2. I was so happy that at least that game was real here it brought a tear to my eye. It was even out a year and half early for some reason. Playing one handed was somewhat of a challenge but it was offset by the ability to understand certain emotional and mental ticks of the players based on the way they communicated.
I decided to leave my plans for world conquest till next week and enjoy myself, I had a feeling I wouldn't get to be 16 for very long anyway.
Jamal Mordhau
February 9th 2009
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay
12:23 PM
The tight, temperature adjusting compress above my scrotum was finally removed, making it easier for me to use the urinal I was provided with.
Yet the hairline fracture along the left side of my pelvis was still present. Though it was healing a little better than the doctors expected. As it was, I was seated on some kind of potty and unable to realistically leave my bed with my arm an leg suspended as they were.
The still healing ribs weren't doing me any favors either. Though it seemed that I would be able to use a motorized wheel chair in another week or so. It was specialized with a removable bottom that would let me use the bathroom by myself for the first time in weeks. I was surprised by the tears of joy that brought to me.
Its funny how the little things matter so much when they were taken from you.
More good news was my adoption went through and I formally bid Ms. Monroe goodbye eight days ago, hopefully forever. She was a diligent ally, but frankly she was not exactly nice. Yet and still I had already wired about 4 thousand dollars to be delivered to her door in two months for her hard work. My foster parents were due to visit me today. I had opted to complete the month and a half of my major recovery here and they agreed.
It was point of pride to me that I should be able to at least walk and use an ordinary bathroom while at home. Fun fact Mr. Mordhau actually argued with Ms. Kim over who would cover that bill for a good 21 minutes. Well before I reminded her that filial piety*1 trumped Giri*2 in this case and she relented.
I actually think that argument increased my prestige in both of their eyes.
It would seem that Ms. Kim's earnest intentions toward me negated a good deal of the leeriness the Mordhaus had toward Ms. Kim for being affiliated with ABB. Even though they were in the know enough to realize it wasn't by her choice. They agreed that If I wanted to, I would be allowed to meet with her and learn computer and electrical engineering in a safe environment. I was glad, because I really didn't want to have sneak out to meet Ms. Kim/Kitsune and cause all kinds of family issues. I didn't just pick the Mordhau to hide out for 2 years until I was legally an adult. They would be my launch pad into both respectability and socio-economic power.
Anyhow I was seated and dressed in a nice, altered Korean garb Ms. Kim had delivered for me. I was also wearing the bracelet my youngest 'sibling' Noel Mordhau, aged 8 sent for me. The green colored glass on a string matched the yellow throw over quite nicely. I had taken to wearing non prescription glasses to improve my scholarly look.
My new father had sent me a few pairs of Gucci frames and the dark brown one was resting on my nose as I spotted them turn into my room.
First came in Noel, a lively little Romanian expat who approached my good arm and glomped me in hug. It still caused me a bit of pain but I endured her earnest affection. she was rather tall for her age and I could tell her ballet practice would develop her into a real beauty once she was older.
"I have a hero for a new brother, that's so cool."
Her Slavic accent was barely noticeable, but my powers could detect it by the curl of her rs, even if I hadn't had Kortana find out for me.
"I did nothing anyone else could not have," I replied to her in deliberately poor Romanian.
"You speak my language?" she gasped. Its always important to establish mystique when dealing with little siblings.
"I'm still learning, want to help me?" Kenneth interrupted with a snort. His voice was lightly chastising.
"Noel you know your brother is sick, jumping on him isn't helping."
The child was crestfallen, but I rubbed her head before she withdrew to stand near her mother. She was so cute, tugging on her blonde pony tail with mock fear at her father's faux stern gaze. Samantha put an arm around her daughter and lightly slapped her husband's shoulder with the other hand.
"She didn't mean harm dear. And are you full of surprises, hero and young scholar. Do you play an instrument and have plans to open a business as well?".
She was in her mid 40's but in excellent shape comparable to her mate. Her hair was platinum blonde and she was maybe 3 inches taller than her 5.8 husband.
"I actually make music and I think I can use that in a business or two if you'd agree to allow me to intern. But we can discuss that after I get out of here."
Everyone present was a bit put off, they must have though I was joking. Well, until I tapped a button and they listened to the first 3 minutes of a electronic symphony I borrowed from E.S Posthumous. When I cut it off they clapped and started introducing themselves.
Beside the Mordhau matron and to the left was the first of my fellow adoptee brothers. Kemal Mordhau, a 6.3, 23 year old Nigerian dentist who didn't live with them anymore. He shook my hand with dignity. I noted he was dark but lighter than me.
After him Sithala Mordhau a gorgeously curvy 5. 7, 18 year old, Indian woman with mocha skin introduced herself and kissed me on the cheek. Then I greeted her with a Namaste which she returned. I was glad she was dressed in fairly drab school uniform, because while the pain such excitement generated was diminished it most certainly wasn't gone.
Then it was Na Ran Truc a 17 year old Cambodian girl. Her spikey hair was cut short and I could tell the 5.3 young lady was a part of the goth scene by her painted nails with small skulls. She started to speak Khmer, but her father put a hand on her shoulder. Instead she switched to English and gave me a hug.
I whispered "don't see threats where there are none" in Khmer as I brought her close enough to ensure only she could hear.
Two small, rather short 12 year Australian identical twins, George and Alistair Carmichael took turns hugging me. Each was freckled with a mop of red hair and somehow managed to keep their Syndey accent. I guessed that small defiance was a way of spiting Leviathan for destroying the city.
Finally, their youngest biological son 10 year old Patrick Mordhau came to greet me. He had a mixture of his parents aristocratic features. The aquiline nose of his father, the platinum blonde hair of his mother in a colonial pony tail he actually made look distinguished rather than snooty. And his father's strong jaw complimented the affect nicely. In another 6 years his parents would be dodging paternity suits if they didn't train him properly.
I could detect a Brooklyn accent even though I'm sure he never actually lived in New York State.
We spoke for a few hours and I got a strong impression these people were on the level. After they left I smiled and video phoned Ms. Kim/Kitsune.
She was happy to know I got along so well with my future family and shared her own good news.
It would seem that she was able to expand her business into other parts of Brockton not controlled by gangs. Reading between the lines it would seem she would be able to found a base of operations outside of hostile control where we could meet. While she seemed mostly on the level I didn't quite trust her.
For one thing her 3k computer performed much better than it should have. I found myself outperforming the supposed specs on more than one game of SC2.That and I never had any issues with Microsoft windows. I had a sinking suspicion that she had supped up my laptop with a healthy dose of tinkertech. When I looked up my Model 342Sonny Virtuoso with my smartphone I proved it.
My machine was just about 30% better than it had any right to be.
The touchscreen itself reminded me of Stark tech in a world that common technology barely approached 2015 tech. Which again, meant I couldn't trust her not to be supervising me while using it. However, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. It was most likely she wanted to keep me safe and entertained rather than plotting to do me in. After all she didn't have to do me any favors whatsoever, yet she went out of her way to improve my life.
Such considerations were driven from my mind when I felt my chest start to constrict. There were no more wires attached to me at this point so it was unlikely I would draw the attention of the staff. I quickly turned off my laptop, closed it and pushed it into a carrying case I had purchased myself. The signal on my chest glowed briefly then stopped.
I wondered what new power I would get when instead of pain I felt a deep calm. To me that was wonderful news, as it would appear my body was getting used to the process. Then I saw him, all 7.5 feet of biomechanical immortal tyrant. He chose to use the natural Egyptian voice.
"Good day my young Dragon, or should I call you grandson?" My sigh at the astral projection was met by his booming laughter.
1 Duty between relatives to support or obey each other
2 Duty between individuals based on honor or contract
Last edited: Jan 25, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XI
Pain is Relative (part 1)
Warning chapter is somewhat dark*
Jamal Mordhau
February 18, 2009
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay
Instead of talking out loud and making everyone believe I was insane after all I entered my mental landscape. My teen face glowered at the 90's X-Men cartoon incarnation of my ancestor, En Sabah Nur (The Morning light in Arabic) aka the first one. You know the image of the grey skinned 8 foot tall man wrapped in various metal striated coils with solitary wires linking his gauntlets to his body.
My first thoughts were Please go away.
Which was swiftly followed by What do you want?
Come now is that any way to talk to your Most Honored Ancestor? What happened to the filial piety you discussed with that Ms. Kim person?
His laughter boomed yet again in my head.
What happened to make you wait this long before giving me any actual powers? Moreover why didn't you start with the standard Clan Akkaba healing package?
Don't ask questions you already know the answer to young dragon.
Yes, you must prove you are worthy of power and wisdom before it is granted. Don't complain about the pain involved in tests because pain is the measure of conviction. Social Darwinism blah blah blah, Will to power blah blah blah. In reply Big A's voice and visage grew stern.
Do not mock what you have only just begun to comprehend! I stopped and closed my eyes entering a state of calm. Big A moved his form into my mind more clearly and we were seated in a tourist shop in Cairo Egypt. It was better to have a conversation this way instead of pretending he was floating in my hospital room.
Since you can peruse my memories you know I went to college for more than 8 years and wrote many a report on everything you are discussing. Pretending rehashed Nietzschean or Levay Satanist dogma is new or profound is insulting to both of us.
Big A took a sip from the imaginary cup of tea in front him and replied.
Studying a thing in a book or even observing it in real life is nothing compared to experiencing it first hand. As you said to the 'hero' Miss Militia your experiences and choices define you. And by accepting the consequences of your acts, both good and bad you grow.
I stopped and breathed before I blew up at him for this bullshit. He was deliberately letting me suffer instead of activating a power I could use right now.
Yes you are angry at me for not solving all your problems with a snap? Did you consider that you were under surveillance at any time? Perhaps If you had active powers you would have been more arrogant, less careful and sniffed out?
Or I might have never ended up in the hospital in the first place. If I had been able to handle those 88 goons there might not have been a situation like this. It's not like I couldn't have pretended not to use powers on vanilla muggles. I am more than capable of just boosting my speed enough to get the win. I almost beat them, you know I did!
Tell me why did you get beaten so badly, but not killed by men who needed to prove themselves? Men willing to commit felony rape don't seem the like to let an opponent who ruined their master's plan go so lightly, do they? I don't just mean how you could have simply ignored Ms. Kim's plight.
The man in the fez took a dainty sip and continued.
Had you left she likely would have simply killed and disposed of those churls and this world would have been improved. In fact isn't it likely that your presence caused her to change her plans, forcing her to weigh exposure and her own future survival against yours. It would seem you were fortunate she shared your value of heroism or she might have truly abandoned you. Or killed everyone present to preserve her relative anonymity
His words made me pause before I answered.
I..I have to assume that Kitsune was surprised without appropriate gear or was hesitant to simply outright gank 5 people. Though I question why she didn't have surveillance or detection gear on her person while travelling in Brockton Bay, especially with anyone gunning for ABB on the warpath. Logically she didn't want to hurt 'innocent' people and has some desire to serve the Asian community or she wouldn't be living or working in gang infested areas and providing the level of aid she does. There are far simpler and safer ways to make money.
Your premise is sound, continue with your conjecture. However, I will note that a desire to protect a faction one is affiliated with doesn't necessitate 'heroism'
Yes, granddad I know you are talking about yourself.
I am aware of that. I assume that at the point were I was being beaten and could not reliably account for what was going on around me Ms. Kim switched to her alter ego and drove off the 88 thugs with some kind of illusion. Then she arranged for them to be arrested and myself to make it to the hospital Big A laughed again.
You are close, allow me to construct events from your subconscious and we can view the truth in its glory. Do I have your permission?
Fine, lets do this. Then we can get to the heart of the matter. Then you can take your trans dimensional astral projection self home to bother 613 and not me.
The was a flash and the Cairo back drop vanished instead I was 20 feet in the air watching the last minutes of the fight. I had the 88 leader in a naked chokehold and was about to start negotiations. When I got smacked with a garbage can lid in the head and went down. I received a few more blows from the two still standing. The leader got off the ground and joined them until I was whimpering on the ground in the fetal position.
"Fuck! That Fucking nigger can fight. Sam you ok?" Sam smacked the man in the head none to gently.
"What the fuck I tell you about using real names on a goddamn op? We let the damn Chink slut escape. Fuck!"
"Kaiser is going to fucking skin us man. Fuck what are we going to do?"
"Shut up!" The leader clutched his dislocated arm. "Let me think."
"First." He brought a pipe down on my leg causing me to scream "We make an example out of him. Then we say the ABB hired some of the SAB* as bodyguards. Hookwolf was always saying they were going to do that. So then we can say we showed the darkies what happens when they stick their noses where they don't belong."
Then he had this friends beat me some more and one of them turned me on my back allowing him to drop his steel toed construction boot on my groin.
That was when I threw up.
Shit I don't remembered any of that. The playback paused as I took in everyone's relative position.
I wonder why, but its not over yet. We can continue when you are ready I nodded and the action started again.
"Fuck you bitch! We were going to join Purity's crew you bastard. You fucked this up for us!" Then Sam brought his pipe down on the arm protecting my head.
"You know what we should do?" I couldn't tell where it came from but he was mightily angry.
"Kill his monkey ass?"
"Nah too easy, we send a message about what they are worth. Hookwolf loves that symbolic shit. He wants to be surround by Chinks and Gooks; we give him yellow."
Then I heard their flies unzip. Fortunately I had my eyes and mouth covered at that time so didn't actually see the next moments but my other senses picked it up.
Then I heard the sound police sirens. Never in my life was I ever so glad to see the boys in blue, though I was surprised at their speedy arrival. I stared at the two officers and noticed one of them was an Asian female.
She looked at her partner and the 5 88 thugs. Two of them were beginning to stir from the ground, one couldn't move his right leg.
"What the fuck?!"
The cop said. Her partner said nothing and simply walked in behind her with a his gun drawn.
The 88 thugs dropped their weapons as she approached. My stinging eyes noted she was roughly the same height as Ms. Kim. When she was within arms reach of he thugs she swung into action with her baton.
She broke their leader's other arm with her club, tripped him then broke the left knee of the one behind him as Kim rose again into a fighting crouch. The third received a two handed uppercut blow between his legs with the truncheon. The ones who I had put down went down again without much resistance. When Kitsune was finished there were broken teeth along the alley way.
She bent down and whispered something in the leader's ear, before striking him in the jaw.
At this point I could have sworn the image of the other officer vanished. Wisely I closed my eyes and pretended not to awake. I heard a Korean voice make a call and soon felt hands pick me up. The pain was enough to cause me to black out for real.
So I take it Ms. Kim called some of her friends who took me to the hospital. Then she advised the 88 clowns to surrender and cop to the assault charges..
The alternative would be explaining how they got thoroughly beaten by 1 man and girl while leaving enough physical evidence linking them to a multiple hate/sex assault? That's serious time and making Kaiser foot the legal bill for incompetence. Well lets just say, that I am more merciful to my flock than he is.
I take it you erased my memories?
I can't override your free will in that way. You were semi-unconscious, suffering from serious wounds and not able to make decisions. As your guardian I have certain prerogatives and responsibilities to preserve your health. I simply stored those memories in your mind until you were ready to deal with them.
Thank you. I mean that, while I don't appreciate you and Strange messing with my head I can understand why. Though in the future I would like point out withholding powers that could have prevented a negative outcome doesn't make saving me from the full effect of those consequences ok.
Which is why I have chosen to take my time to contact you here. You took a gamble that was unwise. You could have used lethal force immediately and I believe you would have prevailed. You might have kept your weapons on you and this would not have happened in this way. Relying on powers is a sure path to both defeat and death. And that is why I activated the power I did. You have much to learn and as you say 'grinding levels' would do you some good.
You dropped a lot on me, and thanks for reminding me I can selectively forget things.
I'm glad you understood at least part of what I showed you. Though I recommend counseling. An unsound mind and psyche makes for an unsound warrior. Also, you should bear in mind that your assailants almost immediately accepted plea deals. So there was no reason for your doctors or the police to discuss the crime with you. It would be fair to say that Ms. Kim did so to protect both of you from the consequences of a deeper investigation.
As in she could simply have left me to die in that corner. I get it and I'm not an unthinking out of control teenager no matter what my body may look like out there
I am glad to hear that. I simply do not wish to see you alienate allies when your survival is not assured. It would be improper tactics.
Speaking of tactics and strategy, when are you going to unlock the good powers? I mean I am at risk of getting mastered without telepathy every day I'm out here.
Ha hahaha. Millions of beings on my world and this one get by just fine without it. Learn to adapt and more importantly, stop taking risks that would expose you to such. Unless you have viable countermeasures. I wont always be watching you after all.
So I have to wait for you to feel I'm ready to unlock my powers?
Do you? I may have placed the mark on you linking us, but the body and genes are fully yours. I can't take away your powers, but I am not obligated to show you how to use or activate them. You said this was your mission and it is. Good bye Grandson. As you say I have "immortal mutant cybernetic tyrant bidness to hannle!"
Peace gramps.
I felt Big A leave. Shit now I had some more issues that required counseling to deal with.
South Arlington Brothas, a predominantly black gang without any metas. They were known for acting as muscle for other gangs.
Last edited: Jan 22, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XII
Pain is Relative part II
Jamal Mordhau
February 29th,2009
Our lady of Mercy Hospital
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
I relaxed as Kenneth Mordhau wheeled me down the lobby. As an ingratiating maneuver I'd turned off its motor function to allow Ken his "parental prerogative."
In truth I recognized it for the trust building exercise it was, though I didn't mind as he was fairly good company. The rather stocky 5.6 man would be the epitome of an 18th century gentleman adventurer; were he not so relatively short. The Mordhau patriarch was red haired as well, fiery instead of my subdued red brown. His face was square like, reminiscent of an ancient Roman Patrician with short ears and crystal blue eyes. Today he was dressed in cream business suit and bowler hat. In the crook of his arm was a matching cane with a stylish head in the form of a tiger.
"I see you are stylish as well as handsome Mr. Mordhau."
Nurse Mendez said in a slightly flirtatious voice. The Latina woman surprised me when she curtsied upon passing us as we left the 6th floor elevator.
"I must return the compliment to such a fine example of womanhood before me, Nurse Mendez. Further, I must compliment your excellent treatment of my new son."
"I've told you before you can call me Lisa. And Jamal has been a model patient. I honestly wish we could keep him longer. But I can't honestly say he needs more than 2 months of additional on site care."
She then pinched my cheeks again. I took a deep breath and let it go, as that was getting annoying. If my new parents got in the habit I would have to put my foot down.
"Hear that Jamal, you'll be coming home in less than 2 months."
My face lit up as I smiled at him. I was honestly impressed he avoided addressing me directly as boy or son. Well I guess he probably had experience dealing with black folks and common trigger words.
We rolled around the promenade to where lunch was served. My arm was out of its suspended cast. When I wasn't sleeping it was in a simple sling. My leg bone had healed somewhat, but I wasn't ready to walk on it yet either. Sometime next week I would start rehab.
I understood why they were taking their time and I had no intention of re-breaking anything. And to be honest this downtime was actually pretty useful. I had discovered my new power worked just as well with music and programming. It allowed me to expedite developing my new career as Brockton Bay's new underground king of the beat. We actually listed to some of my re-mastered versions of E.S posthumous' Moonlight Sonata while eating.
"New" dad had insisted on buying me yet another personal computer, but this time I insisted on going to get it myself. After seeing what I put together in my hospital room it was easy to convince him to "hook me up" with voice recognition, musical software and an expanded musical keyboard. I even got a electronic trumpet.
Connecting to Kortana via passcode allowed me intercept the ordered hardware and have her place her own tools inside. With a secure computer I was able to connect to Kortana and my saved work. This greatly increased my timetable. Between my powers and sudden free time I had an even more valid excuse for my sudden productivity. My foster father's voice cut me out my scheming mindset.
"So Jamal you want to develop a record label and use it to fund urban development? I can see why you feel your music will sell, but there is more to success than having a superior product."
"Oh I understand that Mr. Mordhau. I turned my tablet toward him and played a series of Power Point slides demonstrating exactly how I would build my project over 4 years."
In reality I had done this before and I could probably build at least 9 platinum selling artists in less than year. My research showed me that 5/7th of the songs I had were not patented and 3/4ths didn't have any "native" groups making anything even similar.
Ken looked over what was in front him for about 20 minutes. Ken's eyes shot up more than once. When he was done he looked at me with the same look 'adults' who had underestimated me for whatever reason had. Ei a thoughtful regard combining a mixture of respect and slight concern. Then the powerful ex naval officer's voice dropped a few octaves, an attempt to convey security and honest emotions.
"Jamal, you are clearly intelligent and your business plan is sound….. beyond sound actually. However, I sincerely hope you don't feel you have to impress me or the woman I hope you will come to see as your second mother. We are already proud of the manhood you have demonstrated. We don't mind supporting your as you grow into an independent man under our roof."
As the veteran spoke I noticed how he must have given similar speeches to his other foster children. Most of them were overachieving victims of monsters on two feet, capes or not. All of them had iq's in similar ranges, highly gifted even if they weren't thinker level capes themselves.
Ken and his wife saw themselves as gardeners for the next crop of future world leaders.
"I don't know what kind of life you've lived before today, but you don't have to put your childhood on hold. You have what, 2 years until you are man? Why not spend them doing more ordinary pursuits?"
Maybe because in less than 5 years all hell will be unleashed on this planet and thanks to my troll of a trans dimensional granddad I couldn't rely on having the power to do something about it single handedly. So I cut him off before he could go any further. I didn't really need his funding only his social standing and clearance. Still, I was not buying his 'be a kid' pitch.
"I was an ordinary teen living with my family, playing normal teenage games, buying normal teenage things, living the standard American cookie cutter consumerist life. That life was almost ended by some selfish capes on some pseudo philosophical bender against the world."
"My life flashed before my eyes when those madmen spotted us." I paused, imagining just what my trans dimensional duplicate would have felt as his family died before him. I had memories of something similar and let them briefly surface.
"Only one positive thing came from that experience. The caul was torn from my eyes and I saw just how false our little bubble of 'safety' here was. If we don't all do something there won't be any safe place left. I don't have the power to fly or blast apart buildings. But I can earn money and use it to heal and improve this world."
The philanthropist slowly nodded and motioned to get a word in, but I wasn't done yet.
"You say I should be a child, but my childhood ended a long time ago. When I was I child I acted as child and reasoned as a child. When I grew up, I put away childish things."
If Ken had some kind of truth power or tinkertech he would see the subjective and objective truth of my statement.
"I see. Jamal I'll take what you say into consideration. If you want to start small, go ahead. I bought the equipment you asked for and it will be waiting for you in your room." He gave me a slightly knowing wink.
"Just remember you don't have to save the world in one afternoon." Then my new father smiled and shook my good hand.
As he left I was forced to wonder how much about me he actually knew or suspected.
Jamal Mordhau
Hanlet Recuperation Facility
Eastern Wing (of which I rent 2 floors)
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
April 1st 2009
With an official residence, identification and parental permission I had set up the corporation X-Factor Music and Entertainment. My webpage had iron clad security and a kick ass design.
I had a patent lawyer Mr. Dan Imagawa and my new father said that he would arrange for any additional legal fees should I need to make contracts. It was a such a breath of fresh air to have a group of adults take me seriously immediately for once. I soon had about 90 songs and tracks patented within and Kortana began sending me information on the most reliable local artists which matched my needs.
Once I left out of here I would retrieve my stashes and place them in more easy to utilize places. I couldn't patent and eventually sell them piecemeal otherwise. But for now my favorite non sentient Ai and my other pieces of Marvel ware just fine where they were.
After I had established my bona fides as a producer I would branch out into never before seen novels, minor inventions like that flat metal rectangle that was an omni tool and movies.
As a side note I also patented 2 cell phone app games, Candy Crush and Bulletproof. The first was self explanatory while the second was a glorified bulldozer side scrolled based on a Bullet Bill knock off just different enough to avoid me getting sued by Disney. They were the company that bought Nintendo; post Leviathan rampage on Kyushu.
I decided to start my new career as a producer with alt metal and sent some of my samples to a Brockton Horror/Alt core group called Skulls and Kisses. They did everything from heavy metal to almost Symphonic rock. This world had Game of Thrones and for some reason they chose that obscure member of Wenda the White Fawn's Kingswood bandit clan as a muse. These dudes often dressed as medieval knights and pretended to be mad men. But in actuality they were a solid group that had been together for about 5 years and were earning decent cash. A brand new hit would put them and me on the road to greatness.
Which did not mean I had either forgotten or forgiven certain malfeasants. After visiting hours ended I retired to my studio, locked the doors and placed a small device directly over my cerebellum. The thought transceiver, originally designed by Tony Stark was fairly old tech in 613, but would revolutionize a variety of cybernetics in Earth Bet. Well once I got around to dumbing it down and ensuring some kind of controlled distribution system.
My sense of self slowly distorted and I came too within an organic structure roughly the size and shape of a very tall man. It was partially based on the biology of a Venom Symbiont, but the bioroid was far from sentient. Most of its functions were identical to that of a standard Life Model Decoy utilized by Shield and Hydra. In this case the living suit of flesh and bone would fool just about any scanner on this "primitive" planet. Which was just as well, considering I was about to be under a great deal of PRT scrutiny for what I intended to pull.
Last edited: Feb 4, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIII
Brad Meadows (Hookwolf)
32 Sanfactor Street
Abandoned Industrial Area near the Docks
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
April 1st 2009
"The strike team is closing in. We've got those jiggerboos right where we want 'em. Relax." The man known as Hookwolf was growing irritable at his co-lieutenant's backseat driving.
Then again it might just be that he had to stay in the van with Mirthas and Greta, the computer techs. Brad really wanted to spill blood with his old gladiator compatriots. Meadows had mostly joined E88 to spill blood without consequences. That and most of his friends had joined.
The fear and respect that came with his position weren't bad either.
"Listen carefully! Do not underestimate this man, He likely has.." Krieg's annoying voice was cut off by the sounds of of gunshots. The respondent radio chatter washed across their coms like a flood.
Their earlier combats with the cat man proved he utilized modified firearms along side "energy daggers" and spears. Course the sneaky bastard didn't actually stick around to fight. No, he just picked off their members, cash or drugs and vanished. Him and that bald headed bitch in red.
Which to be honest were sound tactics against a superior foe, but now they had tracked the so called "White Tiger" to his den. Tonight it would end and Empire 88 would mount this uppity frog's head above Kaiser's mantle.
Brad hoped Krieg would just go back to England once Purity was finished healing from her encounter with Lung. Hopefully she would return the fold. When she did Brad knew Night and Fog would not be far behind.
They'd mop up this trash and the ABB in record time.
There was a series of explosions. Four in rapid succession with the last being much louder than the others. A man in tactical mask and stamped with 88 tats went flying through the second story window.
On closer inspection Hookwolf recognized the man as Stormtiger.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck," his friend yelled over the coms as Stormtiger desperately gathered air around himself to stop his fall. A few seconds later the tiger masked man slowed himself enough to only put a small dent in the car beneath him. Then two small devices landed around the area of the now open truck door.
The curses of Stormtiger and the idiots in the van could be heard as the rubber and pepper balls struck their skin, following the strong blast of light. A second later two bald black women who seemed almost identical opened up on them with modified AK-47s from across the street.
Hookwolf knew despite how their leader treated the meta humans in their group they were "heroes." Thus the incoming munitions were less than lethal.
Still, Hookwolf didn't want to lose an eye needlessly and shifted into a metallic humanoid form as he exited the van.
"This is Hookwolf. Fuck the fancy shit. Everyone converge and squash these frogs!" He looked at the two geeks rubbing their arms and legs, as unlike him they were both human and unarmored.
"That means you two as well. Seems they were ready for us. That means you can share some of the glory." Brad snorted at the lazy cowards in disgust and strode out to do battle.
Approaching him from cover were a combination of large panther robots, more "African Valkyrie," and a cape in a power suit.
From the machines' sides blared the typical jungle music these "people" liked.
Some Cool Fight Music
Jamal Mordhau (White Tiger)
Hanlet Recuperation Facility (My Physical Body)
Eastern Wing (of which I rent 2 floors)
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
April 1st 2009
Like clockwork, the biological humanoid construct followed my mental commands. I ducked the lead spray of a 88 "Sturm Kommando." Not that his lame submachine gun rounds would have penetrated my Vibranium micro-weave, but it didn't pay to be complacent. The next fool might have exotic bullets after all.
Executing a flip I used my "energy claws" to plant the flying blue electric disrupter dagger into the center of his forehead.
The skull motif bulletproof mask the Einsatgruppen (Death Trooper) was wearing would stop anything short of a 45 special. But it did nothing about exotic energy weapons. Thus, the fool hit the ground unconscious before "I" landed.
When I landed I grabbed the weapon of the next person in line. Using my anti metal, "Arctic Vibranium" claws I cut the obviously not!stolen .50 cal Beowulf, mil spec A4 in half. Continuing the motion I broke the fools right foot at the ankle before slapping her friend across his jaw with the wooden part.
She of course began wailing as her leg registered what had happened.
"Yaaahha!!!" I tuned out the bleached blonde's high pitched scream and struck her solar plexus with just under the amount of power to crack ribs.
This both shut her up and kept the hateful twenty year old from pulling her authentic WW2 "Hitler Youth" knife. Then I grabbed the whimpering woman and tossed her at Cricket when the Ku Kluck Krazy konoichi charged me.
In the moment the madwoman with sickles took to dodge her "friend" I used the clear line of sight to put 3 fifty caliber rounds into Alabaster. Thanks to my bio computer I knew it was just .3 seconds after his refresh cycle hit. As I had aimed right as his crotch the zombie looking fuck promptly fell down on his face. Not being able to feel pain did jack shit about not having the functioning pelvic skeletal structure necessary for standing.
So, for the next 4.2 seconds he wasn't going to be a problem and I could focus on the squishier capes.
Victor's voice carried over their tactical net. "Fuck! Othala get Baster fixed up 'fore he bleeds out. Give him the invincible. We might need a rapid exfiltration."
"Might?" I said on broad channels.
I knew I should keep the surprise going a bit further, but at this point I couldn't resist.
The heavily Hausa accent of my body barked a laugh. I even struck a pose after tossing energy daggers at Rune, forcing her to stay on the defensive. The organic munitions were doing the same for Crusader and his pet ghosts, but the battle was far from over.
Which led me to try a bit of psyops. Pointing at the woman in a proto viking meets old school gypsy uniform I shouted.
"Oh no! It's Chuunibayo waifu to the rescue!"
Said insult was in reference to Othala's eye patch with her rune and the common "magic" motif the younger 88 capes liked. As I had said it over the 88's frequency it caught them by surprise for a second or two.
It might also be the fact that I indicated she and Victor were married.
I took that shock as an excuse to toss the now saftied assault rifle at Othala's head as I extended my authentic Wakandan spear to engage Cricket. Rune sent a section of rubble to deflect my attack, but it left her open.
B.Rutlez, the tall New York mercenary formerly known as Homer took that opportunity to land an electrified rubber baseball on the teen's noggin.
Due to Chariot's (currently codenamed Quebi) tinkering the blow was less than lethal, but enough to put her lights out. Well, unless Othala decided to take action. Of course the striker-trump could only heal one person at a time every few seconds or minutes depending on the runes she wanted to use.
Somehow the damn ball had enough energy to try and hit Vic on the rebound. Unfortunately, the 88 veteran cape was not having that and bounced eerily on his toes. In fact the Nemean bastard actually kicked the ball directly at one of my "Dora Milaje" taking her in the stomach.
As I did not have enough Vibranium or tinkertech to fully equip clones; her armor was simply bulletproof instead of a kinetic dampener. When Sasha 3F doubled over it was all the distraction Crusader's clones needed to close.
All of our armor was in fact organic composite, and unable to be cut by something as simple as his shadow spear. But Crusader's "ghosts" were stronger than the mild above average level of Duquesa Twenty's (of House Goodwoman) clones. So they simply grabbed her neck and arms and pulled. The "death" of one of her clones cause a temporary feedback loop.
Though the potential shift in our counter ambush was somewhat outside my immediate struggle. We were winning at the moment with there still being 12 clones vs 10 still conscious 88 gun hands, but I didn't count the nutty fuckers out just yet.
Of course the scarred woman with a cage mask bouncing around in front of me didn't do my tactical planning any favors.
"Fuck you bastard! Rune's just a kid!"
A teenager who was involved in an organization that brutalized defenseless children.
I ignored the hypocrisy of the madwoman shrieking curses while doing her best to disembowel me. Cricket was faster than a human could normally be and her ordinary steel blades were capable of cutting the Vbranium suit if she struck along the weave. Not, that I was going to give her the chance mind you.
The bionoid was built to be somewhere between two and three times the capacity of a human Olympic athlete. Said fact and my enhanced mental perception of her body language let me keep up with a woman who could dodge bullets.
Now could I have landed the four hits necessary to knock her out normally? Probably. But I didn't see any reason to play fair with Nazis.
Thus the flash bang in my belt brought the scarred blond hater out of her rage on as she moved to cover her eyes.
Really Kaiser, how expensive were polarized facemasks?
Emily Piggot (Director Brockton Bay PRT)
Protectorate East North East Headquarters
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
April 1st 2009
8:30 PM
The director looked at the live video unfurl and knew the combat had already been decided. The enraged 88 striker dodged an empowered strike at her ribs and attempted to castrate the unfortunate vigilante.
Had Piggot not over a dozen years of experience observing cape fights she would believe Cricket would make good on her attempt. Yet the man, if he actually was one despite the humanoid shape of the stiff looking suit, was fast enough to slide just out of the way. It was almost as if Tiger could read her movements.
Which come to think of it would explain how this "White Tiger" was able to beat down so many experienced 88 mundane fighters.
Cricket by breaking ranks to fight him one on one likely only expedited their defeat. When the flash bang went off Piggot smiled ruthlessly as her expectations were met with reality. The woman with the cage mask made to cover her eyes and face on instinct, which allowed her opponent to land two simultaneous hooks directly on Cricket's breasts.
Despite knowing just how horrible sociopathic capes could be the crippled director struggled not to clutch her own bosom.
"Ohhh, that had to hurt!" Triumph stated blandly. The video of the takedown in progress was shared with the advance team of Protectorate and wards.
"Stow the idle chatter. Pay attention to their positions and prepare to engage under orders." Collin's voice was just as rough as always. But it served to keep the freshmen in line.
"ETA four minutes. I believe we have sufficient assets to secure the 88 capes until PRT personnel can arrive to complete transferal."
When Challenger said this mysterious new cape would gift wrap the 88 for PRT she didn't quite believe. Despite the fact they had restored the ex-cape's eye thoroughly.
Now Piggot wondered if Aegis, Clockbuster, Miss Millitia, Assault, Battery and Armsmaster would be enough to "haul in" the catch.
Of course watching the tall man with stylized cat ears discharge some kind of pepper spray in Cricket's face, Piggot doubted her team's help would be necessary.
The Hausa accent rolled on especially thick as the cat man continued to berate the 88 cape facing his ambush forces.
"It seems I will need to be more clear about your situation. As you have eyes yet see not, and ears but hear not."
Then White Tiger slapped either side of Cricket's helmet/mask and her sonics abruptly stopped. Yet the Tiger was not finished with her yet.
As White Tiger was fairly displeased with the E88 gender would not garner Cricket much mercy. Neither did the woman's sudden whimpers. Piggot had a veritable book filled with Cricket's violent crimes, but it was still somewhat difficult to watch. The man in the all white costume took a Tai chi position and drove the raised toe of his right boot up between her legs. From the angle Emily guessed Cricket had just been struck in the area containing her labia majoris and clitoris.
Almost as soon as Whit Tiger's foot withdrew, Piggot immediately restricted the feed from the wards. In the next seconds the preferred boxing pants of the 88 villain were stained yellow and Cricket's stomach released it's contents.
White Tiger deftly dodged both fluids as the ex-pit fighter folded in on herself and crumbled to the floor. Yet and still the Tiger was not finished. The new hero spun around her and used his left heel to strike Cricket in the Coccyix bone.
There was no doubt in anyone's mind Cricket's tailbone and likely part of her pelvis had just been broken.
Battery's shocked voice filled the airwave. "Shouldn't we attempt to detain these Rogues for excessive force?"
Armsmaster replied quickly. "Negative. These are some of the more dangerous of the 88 and the "Avengers" are exercising control, even if their obedience to PRT regulations is more to the letter than rule."
And it was true for a giving meaning of the word. None of the 88 were dead, though without access to Tinkertech at least a few of them would have life altering conditions. White Tiger and his associates only escalated to serious injury with known murderers and sadists. They were also very careful in their use of firearms and edged weapons. Though said professionalism also gave Emily pause. It was concerning when rogues this skilled just came out of the woodwork, even when they were taking care of a problem like the 88.
Piggot's voice became steel. "I trust your benefactor understands that any consideration of PRT cooperation is contingent on following the rules of engagement."
The other woman replied promptly. "Confirmed Director and will be relayed. But do note White Tiger's forces have not strayed from protocols dealing with the 88. Broken bones and tissue damage is within reasonable limits."
The Director knew Challenger was providing the "Avengers" unofficial supervision and would have the appropriate answer. It was part the interpersonal games leaders had to play. Emily had to be seen as at least somewhat leery of how brutally efficient this new groups leader was. Even if she was secretly salivating at the prospect of gaining his new technology.
Things from that moment went pretty much as the PRT head expected.
Victor took a look at his constantly dwindling forces and changed plans. Othala ran to wake Rune as he, Crusader and the remaining 88 "storm troopers" bought time.
"You should save yourself the trouble of us hunting you down. Surrender, It will be less embarrassing and painful that way." The white uniform seemed to glow as he spoke. If it was a master effect Piggot could not understand how it failed to work. Then again Victor's power was strange.
Alabaster's recharge point once again "healed him." The brute was out of ammunition for his weapons, not that bullets were effective against the body armor of the "Avengers." On the other hand now that he was under Othala's invincibility Rune he felt comfortable rushing the White Tiger, seeking CBQ. It seemed the chalk white muscle head refused to learn from recent history.
Piggot wasn't surprised when the brute fell through the floor courtesy of a shaped charge. This gave the man in white another opportunity to mock the Nazis.
"Apologies Vic, very few people are immune to gravity."
The skill thief, who seemed surprised his power wasn't working the way it normally did, was silent as he tried cutting Tiger's throat. In response the man in white dented his chest plate with a left jab. That move probably broke a rib, but Vic was tough enough to ignore the pain. What he couldn't ignore was the Tiger's claws that glowed red as they parted the armor he wore and the skin beneath it.
Victor dropped to the floor and clutched at the diagonal wound stretching from his upper right shoulder down to just above his navel. It wasn't deadly, as it was shallow and the claws cauterized the flesh. Yet Emily bet it was painful.
"We are leaving. Protocal 6."
Hookwolf did not repeat himself. Then again he didn't need to given how badly the situation was going for the 88 forces under his command. The director understood from prior infiltration of 88 assets that code was used to refer to a PRT response.
"Such a shame. We were having a wondrous time. Will you not stay to greet our guests from PRT? They have such fine accommodations for you as well," replied the now blatantly mocking man in white.
How exactly the 88 knew PRT was inbound was a question for later. But those still able to move began to run back to their vehicles. Pigot was surprised the so called "Avengers" hadn't disable them.
Rune was using her power to bring up shield of broken metal and concrete to guard against the various projectiles. Among them was a semi constant barrage of ball like objects from the rebranded Homer. The telekinetic stepped in front of Othala, who cast an agonizing glance at Victor.
"Get out of here! All of you," was all the proud blonde man said as an Othala empowered Rune lifted a large piece of the ruined floor beneath her.
"We can't.." was as far as his spouse got before Crusader used a clone to snatch Othala and force her onto the makeshift vehicle.
A second later their getaway slab of concrete detached and floated in the air. Then the man in white spoke a strange sentence.
"Let the Chuni squad go, focus on the rest."
Piggot was surprised, but then again Tiger likely didn't want to risk fatalities from their falling from the sky. And so his forces stopped shooting at the running capes and began mop up.
Director Emily Piggot decided to focus on the the other screen.
In the alley way opposite the main battle
A battered Hookwolf decapitated one of the warrior women clones and in return accepted a punishing slash beam which claimed its left rear foot. Piggot could tell Hookwolf had seen better days.
There were pieces of his mass all along abandoned parking lot. And while both of the robotic panthers were so much scrap both the combat suit and the individual "Dora Milaje" were shooting him in the flank. Hookwolf, it seemed was playing rear guard to the fleeing normal, but it seemed even he has his limits.
"Come down here and fight me like a man!" the Nazi barked at the hovering suit of armor.
The bald woman on the other hand, was using some kind of synthetic muscle suit to bounce off the walls more fluidly than Hookwulf could keep up with. The adult woman was doing a great job of distraction the fluid metal shaper and providing openings for her support team.
"Why don't you make me, sucka?" replied a synthesized voice that Piggot's advisor Dragon said was likely Chariot.
While involving the youth in direct conflict with the likes of Hookwolf was concerning, keeping him from actual fighting distance was commendable. In fact Piggot suspected the retro looking armored suit was remote piloted.
The afformentioned warrior woman, the last one standing in that part of the battle retorted.
"And I'm not a man, in case you didn't notice. Then again neither are you so.." Hookwolf roared in retaliation, almost exploding into sixteen lances of metal spikes.
Okoye, as she named herself, must have had some kind of motion sense because she completed a series of pirouettes that left her untouched. The woven chains weaved arcs of death around the bald woman with inches to spare.
If she was frightened of being so close to such a hardened killer the look of bored contempt on her face didn't display it in the least. All Okoye did was swing her spear like a glaive and sever three of them in four simple micro arcs. Emily noted the bald woman in red armor caught the end of one the cut bio-ferrous chains and began to spin.
At the same time the exo-suit opened up with a sound based weapon that tossed Hookwolf into the wall with enough force to leave a crater. There was another cry of rage and another hole erupted in an explosion of masonry.
When the now livid villain emerged with a dent in his chest, his feet were caught in the spinning chain tossed by Okoye. Hookwolf's momentum halted and he fell on his face.
A second later the Nazi took a broadside of sonic and heat based attacks and went flying back in the opposite direction of his fleeing foot soldiers. Four unpowered 88 thugs had escaped with Rune and perhaps maybe twice that number managed to get back to their vehicles. Piggot suspected this would be the single greatest "haul" of active Empire loyalists in Brocton Bay history. Kaiser wouldn't easily live down the embarrassment of having to leave capes behind. And that impotent rage was likely what the "Avengers" were stoking in Hookwolf to keep him pinned until he was surrounded.
What Emily was not expecting was the villain suddenly shifting into a legless worm like form and spinning like a top. He began shedding mass in almost every direction as the villain made a b line for Stormtiger. Even though parts of his attack connected with the mech and knocked Okoye into a wall, Hookwulf didn't pause to follow up.
Instead he opened the side of the likely stolen 88 van, secured the wounded Stormtiger to himself and slithered off faster than the retreating vehicles.
The voice of the so called voice of the Wakandan King rang out across the coms.
"Avengers. Don't pursue at this time." He then directly addressed the PRT personnel.
"I recommend we secure the prisoners and ascertain committed resources before striking Empire assets."
Director Piggot knew Armsmaster would agree to said sensible suggestion. She also had a feeling, call it a hunch the Tiger knew where his prey was going. Emily could tell Brockton Bay's future had changed.
Hopefully it would be for the better.
Last edited: Jan 30, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XIV
Jamal Mordhau
Hanlet Recuperation Facility
Eastern Wing (of which I rent 2 floors)
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
May 16th, 2009
2:23 PM
After my impromptu ambush of the 88 Kaiser had gone into full defense mode. Attacks from ABB, a mysterious kingpin (Coil) and even the Archer Bridge Merchants forced him to delay his promised revenge on the "Immigrant Pretender." Well, that and at least six of his cape roster were either in PRT custody or too injured to fight.
Director Piggot had decided halt any further aggressive moves on the Nazi's citing the need for a cohesive plan to avoid "Power Vacuums."
In reality I was fairly certain Emily was de-ratting her organization. Calvert was no doubt doing his best to remove his oppositions spies in both PRT and BPD. If snakeface was able to place a few more of his own spies, all while casting rumors White Tiger was leading an Elite faction, so much the better.
Sure having "former" villains on White Tiger's roster, a mysterious leader who never showed up and my level of funding/competance did leave much to be desired. And the fact I had done more damage to 88 than anyone in the last four years using textbook elite tactics didn't help my case. But PRT didn't have to "forestall" our group's collaborative funding pending review. Oh we could still operate, but it was clear they didn't want us to destroy the balance of power by focusing exclusively on E88.
To a degree Piggot and Armsmaster made sense, as Lung's sex slave shops and the horrors the Merchants unleashed on those outside normal protection were objectively worse. It was a good thing The Avengers had no intention of letting any of the crime lords "win" this city. After the video of the takedown hit the internet people took notice.
The Avenger's PR department made sure "Light of Wakanda" became a street hit and it was making fairly good bank on Earth Bet's version of E-tunes.
And that wasn't the only good news. Candy Crush was almost an instant hit, meaning my website X-Factor was doing brisk business. The only downside was I still had to stay in the damn rehab facility. Using my cellular regenerator to any great extent would ruin my cover. But at least I could start training again and my bones no longer hurt.
3:15 PM
I was using the pull up bar in the communal 4th floor gym when it happened. While I could have stayed in my private ward I wanted the company. My head had past the bar on rep 20 of set four when Physical Therapist Raul Perez came in and brought his laptop. He interrupted my routine to show me some villain cape podcast by some b-list villains.
From the fact the duo were dress up in Bullet Bill costumes I knew what going to happen. My right hand pinched my nose bridge as other patients and staff gathered around.
A fairly skinny man dressed like a blue bullet opened his mouth.
"Ok boys and girls, some you think me an Uber are has-beens. Well this is for you and all our true fans."
He passed it over to his rather buffed compatriot. Uber was dressed as Bullit Bill's alter ego Cartridge Case. The leather jacket had the game's logo on his back and he seemed to be carrying two meteor hammers strapped to his belt. Said hammer heads were shaped like Bullit Bills.
"Today our theme is Bullet Proof. Its a pretty hot retro game for all of you checking us out on your cell phones. The full game's only $1.43 to download. We also want to shout out Skulls and Kisses. Your song really lifted our spirits when all the hate was getting to us. The links will up as soon as the shows over so check them out."
He passed it back to Leet.
"Today's show will be us taking down Midland Diamond exchange right in the face those Wards. Hahhahaha We'll see whose lame!"
The 'cameras' were actually about a dozen Bullit Bills that also seemed to be loud speakers. The video of feed cut off for obvious security reason for about 5 minutes. That would be enough to get everyone out of the area, yet not enough for the wards to show up prior to the heist.
If I had to say one thing nice about Uber and Leet, it's that they didn't deliberately set out to hurt people.
About 5 minutes later Uber's voice rang out and the cameras turned back on.
"I think that's enough time for the trophy wives and Kardashians to clear out."
"Um, what's the difference between the two again?"
Uber stared at him and rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, yea don't quit my day job. And action!"
A neat portion of the front wall collapsed without further ado as three Bullits smashed into it from the outside. By this point all of the customers and clerks had fled. In their place were about 2 dozen heavily armed guards.
Into the dust left in the wake of their dynamic breach entered Uber and Leet. They were immediately confronted by 9 guards armed with Ar15's and heavy body armor. When you are told a villain is coming your way and you have shit worth taking you come armed for bear.
"Surrender, we have you surrounded!" barked the likely ex military soldiers.
The duo replied predictably.
"Make us!"
Which despite the fact that neither of them had obvious ranged weapons was considered to be justification for lethal force.
The Bullets all started playing Skulls and Kisses version of Godsmack's Bulletproof.
Comback Music
About 200 rounds roared downrange at the duo who didn't move at all. To anyone who wasn't paying attention it would look like they were dead meat. Of course that was before the bullets stopped four feet from them and simply hit the ground.
A slightly blue field was apparent over their persons, which shimmered for another second before becoming transparent again.
While the closest 5 guards moved to reload Uber made a running leap an landed in among them. Feet and hands flew in complicated patterns sending armed security flying left and right. Having reloaded, one of them tried to put a gun to the in his face.
Uber actually stopped and waited, but when the guard pulled the trigger nothing happened.
He stared at one of the cameras then looked at Leet who pointed at the other guards and then wagged his index finger. Then Uber did a Jet Li disarm, knocked the guard out and tossed the gun at another helmeted rent a cop who also collapsed.
The camera cut to Leet who struck a honest to god Super Sentai pose and moved his finger like a music conductor. The Bullits began to charge the remaining security personnel. But instead of flattening them they simply gushed out air tossing them around at harsh but survivable velocities. The small machines corralling them in small vortexes of wind and ushered them out of the hole the duo's entrance created.
Uber then said "Now that the rubbish is gone, time for the loot!"
The bullets stopped over the glass cases before sitting still for a moment. Then the glass holding the various jewels glowed a moment before vanishing. Another Bullit passed over them using air to scoop the specimens neatly into its center cavity.
Leet pointed and "Now for the central vault!"
The camera cut to a thick solid framed door with a complicated lock. People near me started speculating on how they'd get the door open. Raul thought they crack the safe with a Bullit code cracker, May figured they'd burn a neat hole. Having coded the game I knew better.
Leet ran three steps before yelling "Yourmotherdrivesawolkswagen" so quickly it sounded like an Asian laguage. Then he transformed into Bullit Bill himself, breaking through the door. Of course they had a Bullit on the other side of the door to catch both angles of the explosive event.
Uber's charge ended smoothly 2 feet past the door and he transformed back, landing on his feet. The prat even used the camera editing function to make it look like a slow mow move.
People actually clapped, I mean yes it was somewhat cool but this was a damn villain stealing jewels in broad daylight. Brockton Bay was strange.
The bullets flew through the vault cleaning it out quickly and efficiently.
When they left the bank they found Shadow Stalker, Aegis and 9 heavily armed PRT personnel. The music died down in response.
Shadow Stalker scoffed at their get ups and spoke with contempt.
"Give up losers and I your adoring fans won't have to see me shove a bolt up where the sun doesn't shine."
Aegis turned to her "Shadow Stalker we are on live tv, when you work alongside PRT you will mind your language."
"What? they know we're going to kick their lame asses, we know we are going kick their lame asses. Even their basement dwelling, neck beard fans know we're going to kick their lame asses."
Uber and Leet looked at each other and Uber cracked his neck and the skinny one spoke with confidence.
"Don't count your chickens before their hatched."
This time Aegis scoffed. "Don't quit your day job. Just give up and we can avoid a painful lesson. You have until the count of.."
That was as far as he got before Leet opened fire. Smaller versions of Bullits came out from his sleeve.
The PRT and Shadow Stalker returned fire as the larger bullets broke into a pattern above the duo. Four PRT personal were knocked off their feet; two became encased in some hard concrete like substance. Two others started flailing as they lost all sense of friction.
The last deployed some kind of tinker tech shields or move to help their teammates.
Shadow Stalker faded into the ground to avoid the fire, aiming for the tinker with her bolts. Said bolts and the ammunition of the PRT splashed against the Leet's shield doing no damage to either of the duo.
"Damnit Shadow Stalker! I told you stop escalating when it isn't required. These clowns don't kill folks."
Aegis quickly analyzed that the 3 red Bullets were the shield generators and flew directly into them taking one out as he admonished the girl with the murder fetish.
Without all three his shield ceased working leaving the duo vulnerable to counter fire. To avoid being flanked Leet transformed into Bullitt Bill once more, deflecting Shadow Stalker's now sedative bolts with his hard light illusion. Then the Tinker villain drove into the vehicles the PRT personnel were using as cover, using a burst of air to send a few of them flying.
Shadow Stalker turned her attentions to Uber. He deflected her bolts with his meteor hammers and forced her to take cover in the shadows. In the same motion his flip allowed him to send his flails into the still fighting PRT, knocking them out with what seemed to be concussive tinker tech sonic amplification.
As Aegis finished the last of the 3 defensive drones Uber spoke in a slightly amused voice.
"As much fun as its been I think this is were we part company."
"Oh no, you aren't getting away. I'm not getting embarrassed by two d-list losers. Stop right now or you get a crossbow Vasectomy!"
Stalker stepped of the ground to take another shot but Uber tossed his left hammer which detached and exploded into a bunch of tasers. Since Shadow Stalker wasn't rich or a ward she didn't have electricity sensing lenses or an insulated uniform.
Thus she was hit with enough continued electric charges to leave her spasming on the pavement.
"Sorry but I'm rather attached to my little friends. And I must say with your charming attitude and man hands I think we all know whose more likely to end up old and single."
The robots added a drumroll and canned ooohs, which probably was done by Leet.
Aegis shook his head and charged Uber, who threw his other a hammer at him. Though the hero was surprised when instead of a taser it wrapped around him while its handle dug into the earth.
"Seriously? You know I can just rip it out of the ground in like three seconds. You did better than usual, I'll give you that. But you're still going to jail today," replied the costumed hero.
Leet made to charge him, gave the Mortal Kombat Raiden yell one last time and his hard light form separated from him; smashing Aegis into the wall and holding him there.
"Yeah bout that, it only was there to hold you long enough for me make sure I could hit you with that. I'm going to miss my Bullit Bills and those meteor hammers. I'll never be able to make anything like them again but, still its a win."
The other Bullits with the loot inside them flew out of the bank. Uber and Leet strapped one to each foot and floated in the sky.
Leet turned to the still struggling heroes and moaning PRT agents. "Let this be the day you remember as the time You Almost caught the Legendary UBER AND LEET!"
The camera zoomed onto them flying away quickly, then faded to black. The web addresses of my site and that of Skulls and Kisses was flashed near the timestamp.
Some people clapped, but then after piecing it together they all turned towards me. I was shocked.
I then looked at the screen as apparently they had left a disposable camera behind to pick up the aftermath. I pointed and everyone turned around to see it.
The hard light projection conked out and Aegis, no worse for wear broke his restraints and turned off the device shocking Shadow Stalker.
"I hope you learned a valuable lesson. We don't escalate with Tinker 7's for reason. If they were serious they could have killed you!"
A few seconds later more PRT showed up including Battery, Vista and Assault.
Battery took a look around "What happened here? I heard Uber and Leet were showing up; did they run into another group trying to take down the same bank?"
Aegis looked down "No Uber and Leet did all this themselves."
"So you have them tied up in the bank vault right? Remember Uber is an escape artist so its best to just knock him out."
He half mumbled "They escaped."
"Tell me you stopped them from getting the diamonds at least."
Shadow Stalker started cursing, grabbed her crossbows and limped toward the PRT truck with the other wounded. Assault's jaw dropped.
"You mean you got clowned by Uber and Leet?" The Man in armor was quite amused.
Shadow Stalker turned around with one of her bows cocked and armed.
"One more word, one snicker and you won't have to worry about girl problems ever again." Assault covered his junk and made the "I'm so scarred" motion.
Shadow Stalker then pushed an PRT medical tech helping her out the way and phased through a wall. Vista turned around to look at Aegis.
"And we want her on our team?"
Kid Win started laughing followed by snickers from Vista. Even Battery started holding her breath, not wanting to make Aegis feel bad.
About 30 seconds later the PRT techs found the last drone and seized it. It was Assault who stared into it and gave the last words.
"All right laugh it up now, but you know we are going track you down and kick your ass for this later, twice." He then used his power to crack the drone.
By the time the hospital crowd thought to turn around I had already made it to my room and locked the door. My site had all kinds of media. Digital cartoon formats for movies, novelizations, simple flash games of titles like Mortal Kombat and some digital comic books created by offsite employees were present with a subscription. There was already lots of super hero media here why should Avatar the last Air bender be so inspirational when more practical comics were not?
PRT was going to fuck with me again. And now they would probably do a more thorough sweep. I actually had powers now. Worse they might find my stash. I was so pissed I began talking aloud.
"Shit"
"Fuck Piggot and double fuck Coil for setting this up!"
Last edited: Feb 1, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XV
Paranet chatlog May 18th, 2009
2:00 PM
Greaterman324
Damn you see how bad PRT got their asses handed to them?
L33tboy34
I know right. Shadow Stalker mad. She was bouncing on the pavement like a fish out of water. And did you see her Man hands shake? That was a worse beat down than those 88 clowns got.
MidnightHunter 21
Please another 3 minutes and they would have got pasted like those losers always do. And what's with the body shaming? Where the mods at? That's cyber bullying.
X-cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
Wow! You are complaining about bullying? I thought you were the predator?
Yoloknife 3 (Admin)
Yes lets keep on topic here. We are discussing the impact of the sudden competence of Uber and Leet.
NikeLad123 (Confirmed cape)
They got lucky once. I wouldn't call that sudden competence. They used some cheap tricks and escaped with some loot. Criminals escape the Wards and Protectorate every now and again. It doesn't make them good villains, it was just their day.
Greaterman234
Yea so lucky they put one of their a listers in traction for 9 minutes and could have killed the poster child for anger management, not to mention knocked out 9 of their 'highly trained' professionals
MidnightHunter 21
@X-cutioner Shut up. No one was talking to you
As for Leet and Uber. Wait till the rematch. Uber and Leet will not be walking right when she catches up to them @#$@$
(infraction points for aggressive language and promotion of violent behavior, this is you second warning)
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
Relax,@MidnightHunter21. It's not like they did that to you. IS IT?
Besides Shadow Stalker pushed them alot harder than was prudent. It might be for the best that lesson got drilled into her head. If she keeps escalating with people who aren't trying to kill her; she's goin going to get hurt bad one of these days.
Greaterman234
Yeah. Stalker really didn't have any reason to threaten their junk. Leet and Uber aren't the 9 or 88.
Midnighhunter 21
Who the #$@#$ asked you #$#$ neckbeards to add your two cents.
(That's it you're banned from this thread for 2 weeks and don't try to sneak in again from someone else's computer)
Temporis Interruptus
Sigh.. Why is she always so short tempered. What bugs me is how they claim that they went to some website and said it inspired them. It this some kind of new master that upgrades villians by text?
Teacher was scary but at least he made villains dumber. And he had to do so in person.
X-cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
That's not too far from slander. Unspecified and unproven allegation don't mean anything. There are plenty of books, movies and cartoons that provide much clearer and direct tutelage in tinker and thinker powers than anything on THAT site.
L33tboy34
You wouldn't happen to know of them off the top of your head feel free to pm me. Its for a school project on the influence of media on cape tactics and strategy.
X-cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
Yeah that's not happening. Anyone who wants to find it just has to go over the blockbusters of 05. But all of that sights materials deal with supers whose powers work on completely different wavelengths. They have nothing whatsoever to do with symbiotic power sources or Manton fields.
How exactly are mystical or genetic powers going to teach a real cape to use their powers?
Uber and Leet just liked what they saw. Then they made stuff up to fit what their minds convinced them of.
L33tboy34
Still could you hook me up? I really need a good grade
Yoloknife 3 (Admin)
I'm about 3 words from handing out a flag and warning. Requests for material that can aid in the deployment of cape powers is not permitted in this chat. Further, any information that could be construed as aiding criminal cape behavior is a bannable offence and potentially illegal.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
@X-cutioner. You are kinda of missing the point. Cape powers are based on intuition and belief. If you think an experience is relevant powers especially thinker and tinker powers can make it relevant to an extent. I've been to THAT site and the people there make good quality work. I for one don't think they mean to do anything wrong, but they are introducing new IDEAS of how to conceptualize powers.
It doesn't really matter if logically those powers have nothing to do with actual cape powers. When Leaonardo Davinci looked at birds did he imagine using jet engines and lunar travel? Yea I know its not a perfect analogy but he took inspiration that started a movement that ended with powered flight. Its possible that introducing all this new fiction might do real harm.
X-cutioner(Confirmed Cape)
So all the people who made honest money, all the individual artists and their support workers who now have a chance to develop their skills professionally, all the people who will be helped out by That site and what its owners are actually doing should be @#$ out because two dudes decided to waste their god given gifts on petty crime?
I think you are overestimating the wow factor in new media. Literally every article of That site's media was vetted. Each and every piece is a rehash of various other works released by major corporations ranging from Disney to Universal Studios. Even some of the characters are just legally altered versions of fairy tale stories.
Greaterman324
Woah, what do you mean wasting their god given gifts. First I don't believe any God gave us these powers. and second I think that a multimiliion dollar haul and bragging rights against an A-list and B-list capes aren't peanuts.
L33tboy34
#$# right!
Yoloknife 3 (Admin)
Ok calm down with the language and confrontational tone. And let me remind you that capes using sock puppets is against the rules of the chat. I'll also ask you to link your causality of future danger back into the discussion.
X-cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
@L33tboy34 and @Greaterman324. Fine, don't much care for a ontological or theological discussion here. I do agree that a just and kind diety was not responsible for this cape mess. Let's pretend and say some great being or 2 made up of millions of cyrstal sentient entities broke itself into small pieces and chose to put them in everyone as some kind of social experiment.
You know very well Uber and Leet are going to get tracked down before the end of the month and unless they found someone willing to hold onto that much hot merchandise, or covert it to cash which is almost as much of a pain to move short notice; it wont matter. Even if they do find someone to hold that cash its likely they will just get robbed for it at best or outright murdered for it at worst.
That duo would be more combat effective if they worked for it, but even if they were; they aren't killers and 3hundred k is enough to jack and murder someone for in any part of the US right now. Hell people kill for 400 dollars. So unless they spent it that money is a write off. I also wouldn't want to be their shoes when the Wards, PRT or worse New Wave corners them. I mean they are lucky they only embarrassed the Wards, so they are only going to get an booty whupin. But as Nike said it will be disproportionately bad.
And if SS catches either of them alone there will be 2 more bodies dumped in Brockton Bay. Yeah they defeated her with a well deployed plan on ground of their choosing. But that was with tools and techniques they won't be able to repeat. SS works by catching people off guard. That girl is a mean spirited, psychologically damaged, vindictive killer. I've met her in person in the Big Apple, and she is a predator. Pissing her off can be a death sentence.
Now as to wasted talents. Leet can make any device, but only once. That still leaves so many ways to manufacture profit without actually hurting anyone and that's using legal means.
And a man who can master programming needing to rob banks is just… just sad. Yes stealing from the stock exchange hurts the average man and woman its called macro and micro economics. And I here is a simple article about how this heist fucked up the average Brockton Bay man's day. I also have a file on how Uber and Leet could make legal money.
If either of you are interested I have more.
Attached File labeled Insurance rates and spike in unemployment projections.
Attached File labeled Effective uses for One use tinker power and skill learning ability to generate over $70,000 yearly.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
@X-cutioner I'm not saying That site isn't a force for positive social change or the owners are not genuinely good people exercising their legal right to make honest profit.
I'm saying there could very well be bad outcomes from people who righty or wrongly think their powers are boosted by using those ideas even if they are not actually new.
And you have a very active imagination as to the origin of capes and micro-ecomic theory. I would be interested in PM.
Temporis Interruptus
@X-cutioner Your new here and you seem decent so I'll help you out. Some Ward fans are salty about Leet and Ubers' success and are looking to blame anyone out there. You seem pretty passionate about That site. So I assume that it has meaning to you. So try to imagine if some book came out and it inspired some hackers and they attacked it. Let say that those hackers just happened to use attacks based on chapter title in that book.
Would you care that every part of that book was plagiarized from no fewer than 5 other public sources? Though honestly I've seen THAT site and to say the people there are not pretty creative and original is somewhat of an insult to their hard work.
NikeLad123 (Confirmed Cape)
I'll have to agree with Tempus there. It's not really fair to THAT site, but it is what it is. PRT will eventually calm down. As for Uber and Leet you are right on the money friend. I wouldn't want to be in there shoes.
@X-cutioner though you might want to cut Shadow Stalker some slack. She has issues but, they are probably there for a reason she didn't cause.
And cast ye the first stone and all that Christian stuff.
IDK what she did or said to you to rub you the wrong way, but if she really wanted to kill you I doubt you'd be typing right now.
X-cutioner(Confirmed Cape)
@BrilliantView and @TemporusInterruptus I respect your views about That Site. I also don't want to bog the chat down. So I will agree to disagree.
As to my critique of SS and her MO. Any escalation I have handed out has been done lawfully and with sound tactical and stategic foresight.
That young lady has issues and requires counseling or she'll likely end up bird caged herself.
That's all I'm going to say on the matter.
Greaterman324
Wow, I haven't thought about things that way in a long time.
L33tboy34
@X-cutioner You make some sense. But villain support staff and handlers aren't usually THAT cutthroat. Some of them treat their top earners with respect.
Yoloknife 3 (Admin)
@everyone. While I appreciate your self control and spirit of mutual respect can we get back to the topic at hand now?
And seriously L33tboy34 you are the one being a bit naïve here. This is Brockton Bay. Even serious brutes get jacked for less than a third of that haul. Every villain from here to Boston will be looking for piece of that. It's a cost of doing business, every cape follower knows that.
BlabberMouth34 has entered the chat
X-cutioner(Confirmed Cape)
I believe I have other places to be. Good day all.
X-cutioner has left the chat
BlabberMouth34
Is he scared of girls or something?
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
Maybe he doesn't like the company you keep. A small hint, at least my name is plausibly deniable. The man obviously has a thesaurus and a college degree.
No matter there are other ways to contact him. I'm sure you'll figure it out
AthensRising has left the chat
BlabberMouth34
How rude, he didn't even say hello.
Blabbermouth34 has left the chat.
Last edited: Feb 1, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVI
Thomas Calvert
May 18, 2009
Coil's Lair, Downtown
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
9:48 PM
The gaunt man in the black one piece leotard sat behind his desk silently. The white snake covering his emaciated features was blank as Coil remembered the months past.
"Fuck. So that wasn't enough," Calvert replied to himself and set an alarm near his computer. Then he tried again.
April 5th, 2009
"No I don't very well agree your employment is necessary to the continued "healthy" development of my organization sir. In fact I find your "offer" insulting. Kindly refrain from contacting me or my associates again."
The man in the white hard fitting mask disconnected the call. Coil was shocked at the dismissal and implied threat. Whoever this White Tiger was he wasn't half way as intelligent as he believed.
A sly grin creased the dark hood covering Calvert's face. He would enjoy taking the pompous ass apart. Oh the villain could almost feel the resistance the so called hero's skin would present his paring knife.
So it was with great relish Coil began to use his power and imagined the steps required to acquire his new stress relief toy.
It started with a three pronged attack using a combination of Empire 88 and ABB forces to distract and overwhelm the so "called Avengers." Once they were pinned down Faultline's crew overpowered their leader. Coil was displeased at having to pay for their "unexpected" causalities, but the job was done.
Or so he thought, because slightly before the battered man could be delivered to his doorstep his office door opened and Creep walked in. It was somewhat odd that one of his more fearsome mercenaries entered without invitation. But as Coil could always punish him if his impertinence was unwarranted, the gaunt villain turned to hear the well built and eerie man out. Only the would be crime lord of Brockton Bay found himself facing a large silenced pistol. A second later there was a very sizeaable exit wound in Coil's chest.
Quickly closing his world view Coil tried a different option, namely having Creep killed earlier that day. Only this time it was his secretary, Nancy, who shot him dead.
"What the actual fuck?" Calvert said to himself.
It was a question he would keep asking himself. Because no matter what he did to acquire information about, terminate or bully this White Tiger the result was the same. Someone would kill Coil, almost always before the villain could actually terminate or capture his enemy. Calvert never even got to actually interrogate White Tiger.
The one time he successfully met the subdued cat man things progressed in a manner far from optimal. The beaten, yet defiant nondescript twenty something year old black man stared up at his masked visage with only contempt and slight humor in his gray eyes.
Before the enraged villain could reach for a heated tool to wipe such condensation from White Tiger's face he uttered two simple words; "Allahu Akbar."
Then everything went white.
Which could only mean one thing. White Tiger either was or had a precognitive of strong ability.
April 9th, 2009
Taking a breath, Calvert calmed himself. It wouldn't be the first time someone was too powerful for Coil to attack directly. Those fucks at Cauldron, especially the insipid bitch in the fedora, were a constant reminder of such. It was their lack of understanding, namely other means were available which would be their downfall. Inside Coil dreamed of teaching that woman the true price for her demeaning threats to his person. Oh Coil would pay his debts to their organization in full, even if they would not appreciate his coin…
He opened another two sided segment of alternate reality and focused instead on his other future problem. This Jamal Mordhau and his sudden success truly reeked of outside interference. No one had so much luck or skill and Coil strongly suspected Jamal was tied into this business with White Tiger.
After all the increase in rogue cape activity involving music and entertainment on the East Coast did not cause itself. That it corresponded in part with the vanishing of one Jamal Puthouse of New York following a Fallen attack almost 8 months ago wasn't a coincidence. However, when Coil attempted to use his powers to simulate simply contacting this wonder teen directly he ran into a similar, but different problem. Namely, Thomas found himself suddenly in PRT custody without explanation.
The same happened when he attempted to leverage Ms. Kim. One minute Coil would be conducting business and the next he would awake in a confinement cell. Worse, Thomas would awake to the angry faces of Piggot and Armsmaster staring down at him with contempt. These events happened when Calvert was in costume, so it was unlikely whoever was protecting them knew who Calvert was. Otherwise why go through all the pretense instead of simply removing Coil?
Coil couldn't understand what was going on, and that was intolerable. It was why he acquired the services of one "Tattletale" after all. If he was unable to crack whatever protections surrounded this increasingly powerful group then Calvert would simply go around them with alternate means.
May 18th, 2009
10:33 PM
The alarm went off and Coil ended his current attempts at finding a path to victory. Knowing his schedule was tight Thomas took a moment to relax before he initiated a call with the "sassy" teen.
"How might I serve you, all mighty Jorgmungander?" Lisa's voice was full of sarcasm and false piety even and her bow was overly flowery. Her comparison to the mystical world snake was both flattery of his ambitions and a reference to his tyranny.
"What new developments on the projects I assigned you?"
Coil made a note to find a suitably humbling assignment in the future. These little rebellions might be more than simple provocations.
"I have more confirmation in my theory that X-Cutioner is really the Punisher. Further, I'm 80% sure that the Punisher is a cluster cape with ties to the Avengers."
Coil listened with intent concentration. The answer did not surprise him. A number of rogues had signing on to X-Factor directly or indirectly. Only a few had been open in the use of their powers. Yet, Coil suspected the mysterious group behind these events was only waiting for critical mass before going public with more corporate groups like the Avengers.
"And have you confirmed this isn't in fact the opening move in an Elite power play?" When Tattletale sent the relevant files and her supposition over the secure come Coil wasn't shocked.
"Yeah boss. Unlike standard Elite behavior, the contracts Jamal writes are short term or have reasonable termination clauses. None of the X-Factor folks will speak to me. Buuuut, I've dug up enough information to know they are treated with respect and are excited about being part of something new."
Coil noted to immediately tighten his hold on the young woman. Lisa might conceivably be able to sell what she knew of his organization to gain freedom and improved financial security. He was torn though. Too rough a hand might spark rebellion and Coil wasn't quite sure he could in fact prevent White Tiger or his backers from protecting Lisa.
"Understood. I want your findings on your next assignment within fourteen standard hours."
Coil tapped few keys and what information he was able to purchase, steal or cajole about Moon Knight, Stingray, and Black Widow was transferred.
Unlike the Punisher these capes did not focus almost exclusively on the Fallen. However, they all were promoting relatively "new" less than lethal weapons sold directly to branches of the United States government. While these new tools wouldn't hinder anyone with serious brute raings they would likely change the dynamics between street level capes and law enforcement. Said weapons varied from things so mundane his experts felt stupid to have missed to almost tinkertech levels of complexity. However, Coil's people informed him that G8 nations would reasonably recreate them once they upgraded certain facilities.
Things were changing and it seemed White Tiger and Jamal were at the center of things. Even though he couldn't find any direct connection between the two.
"Won't let you down Snake Daddy," she replied before severing the link.
Coil swallowed the ire in throat and reminded himself he needed her. And worse the insipid womanchild likely could detect it, despite how well he attempted to hide his frustrated impotence.
Calvert remembered calling Accord when he first decided to act boldly a few weeks ago. His choices were between further debt and what was likely to be death or loss of power. Hence it was no choice at all. Coil needed a strategy to fight an enemy who thought him neutered. And despite his new plan's lack of final bite it did not result his immediate death or exposure. Thus, he would have to trust his associate's ability.
Jamal Mordhau
May 21, 2009
Hanlet Recuperation Facility
Eastern Wing (of which I rent 2 floors)
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
7:20 AM
All I could see was red as I sat in my expensively furnished room.
"Shit Shit, Shit. Those fuck heads blew up my spot. I can't believe I actually tried to help them!" I grumbled out loud thinking about it again.
It seemed even in Wormverse no good deed went unpunished for long.
50 minutes after the Bullet heist video was all over the internet and local media. PRT had it pulled off the air and relatively isolated from the major ISPs, well as much was feasible in the internet age anyway. Last night they froze my site under the claim it might potentially have master-tinker ratings and/or be a villainous support network.
They even had the nerve to freeze my accounts, the business assets of my employees and those of the various artists that advertised their wares on it.
I'm betting they would have arrested me as well if not for the fact I was in a fairly public hospital and doing so would have been bad PR. One did not just throw a black businessmen whose company benefitted the under privileged in the pokey out of pique. Especially as if he was there recovering from injuries sustained fighting the 88 to save someone from violent rape. It didn't hurt that my new father was a posh philanthropist and scion of an 'old money' family.
Despite my actual adult mind my teenage biology at time made it seem the end of the world times two. Which is why I had spent the next 3 hours after 'the event' dodging calls from my new parents, lawyer and business associates, while having a panic attack. Doctor Selkie, my therapist, used the skeleton key to enter my room when I told her to go away one to many times.
She had stood over me and spoke gently.
"Jamal. Sit up and look at me." Her tone of voice reached me and I complied with her order.
"You have accomplished great things in the weeks you got here. You helped people earn enough to support themselves and given them the chance to pursue their dreams. Right now at least 40 people right now know they won't be put out in the street because you opened your business." That number was closer to 200 but I wasn't going to stop her gassing me up, right then I needed it.
"This kind of shit is something Uber and Leet always pull. Trust me it will pass, but are you going to let those idiots and bad press stop you? I mean you faced down 5 knives with knives and pipes less than 4 months ago. Now you've almost finished pulling yourself through rehab. That's inspirational and it should inspire you too."
I took note of her tone. She actually believed what she was saying. Why shouldn't I?
"Look right now you might want to pull yourself into a ball, but you should know out there are 2 kinds of people. Those who want to see you fall on your ass so they have an excuse to not even try to do something about fixing this fucked up world. They will even help pull you down."
Her hand found my right shoulder before she continued.
"Then there's the people who are waiting to see you put this problem down like you beat every other challenge you've faced. We are here to help you do it. Please don't shut us out."
"Your father called me and said you won't pick up the phone and keep sending busy messages to everyone. I'm not going to mention how stressed out your employees must be right now. Every minute counts in the public eye and gives your enemies more time to move against you. You wanted to be treated like an adult in this world and pushing through things like this is part of it. Trust me this is tame compared to the things you'll see later."
"So as your doctor and your friend my prognosis is you need to get up, clean up and call your father before you force him to cancel whatever he's doing to rush over here. Then you need to put together something to put PRT in its place. Those 'heroes' are bit too full of themselves at times."
She looked at me to gauge my response. It must have been what she was looking for because she turned on her heels and left my room without another world. Five minutes and a few chants later and was having a 14 minute conversation with my new father. The man had taken time from his busy schedule to wait for my petulant ass in the common area.
He had a few words of encouragement and some rather ruthless ideas for such a genteel man. Then I took a risk and sent a series of coded phrases to Kortana and requested the presence of Ms. Kim. The last people I called were my lawyers, CFO, Operations officer and my artists. My selective memory and ability to interpret the stress levels of their voices allowed me to smooth over their hard feelings and worries with personally detailed messages.
One virtual call later and I was staring at the rather unpleasant mug of Director Piggot, Armsmaster and one Thomas Calvert. To my physical left were the older members of my new family including the two Mordhaus. To my right sat Ms. Kim. Slightly off camera were two lawyers on retainer.
To no one's surprise Armsmaster spoke first.
"Good evening Mr. Mordhau. I believe we have a great deal to discuss. Are you sure you wish to have a known associate of the ABB present, considering the issues."
I could detect a small smile creep across the snake fucker's jaw. From his point of view he likely believed Ms. Kim was a opening he could use to blackmail me to play ball.
"I assure you Armsmaster there are few people whose integrity I trust in more than Ms. Kim. And given the lengths PRT has gone through to further agitate my son's medical and emotional condition my opinion of the so called authorities is quite wanting." My father's voice was rather dry.
As I was still fairly upset, I let him do most of the talking. For good measure I glared daggers at all three of the PRT members in front of me. If Calvert thought I was actually moving along to his plans, well the better for me.
And speaking of that snake and others, there were numerous tactics at play. I had long since been fit to walk out of the door, but It had been decided that I would continue my stay here until the threat of arrest or vanishing was eliminated. While I believed Coil wasn't stupid enough for a direct attack there were still folks like Kaiser or Lung. The fact that the hospital stood to receive considerable donations from Mordhau related charities might have had something to do with it.
In any order the result of our "conflict resolution" was simple. In three weeks I would have to meet a PRT "intervention" group and reach a "mutually satisfactory agreement" to avoid dealing with legal issues. While my lawyers stated that I would likely win I didn't want to waste years in court. That level of official scrutiny would be almost as mission defeating as winding up in the Bird Cage.
Fortunately, I had a plan..
Last edited: Feb 7, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVII
The Path of the Warrior Part 1
Jamal Mordhau
May 22nd, 2009
Hanlet Recuperation Facility
Eastern Wing (of which I now rent 3 floors)
Brockton Bay, Massachusetts
Earth Bet
11:20 AM
En-route to the 3rd Floor conference meeting with X-Factor personnel
I was decked out in an Asian influenced 3 piece black silk suit. It was a compromise gift between Ms. Kim and Mrs. Samantha Mordhau. It seems they were still somewhat competing in showering me with their affection.
In the days following the Uber and Leet video fiasco Ms. Kim had become even more of a aunt figure to me. Thus the Korean woman gained a more accepted place within my inner circle. It was strange that people who just entered my life so recently were willing to go this far on my behalf. Strange but very appreciated. I entered the elevator flanked by the two most influential flesh and blood women in my life with a measure of joy.
Ms. Kim smiled at me "Don't we look handsome Jamal."
"He indeed cuts quite the figure." answered my would be mother figure.
I returned a nod to the well aged Asian woman. The Korean was dressed in a different gold dress today. A two peace suit of Italian cut and matching stilettos. Mrs. Mordhau was wearing a cream white Hillary Clinton deal, but did rocked it with much more oomph. The well preserved old money heiress fit the definition of a M.I.L.F. However she looked more like a Valkyrie than Doc Selkie usually did. And the look in her her eye convinced me the woman was actually seemed prepared to reap the fallen. With any luck such a category would include the spite operation PRT was waging against me.
I smiled at Ms. Kim as the doors opened on the third floor and more of our waiting people joined our group on the move. If Kitsune completed her tasks half the battle would be over long before our foes knew what hit them.
May 21
9:21 PM
My foster father had been livid even after the interim "compromise" had been agreed to. And when an ex U.S Naval Captain lets loose milk tends to curdle in the surrounding 3 block radius. Mr. Ken Mordhau apologized for his outburst and reassured me that I had his full support.
I didn't doubt Ken was developing a sincere affection for me and my principles, but I suspect a good deal of his desire to get into it with PRT was motivated by dislike of "Cape world." Like many people who chose to deal with the messes brought about by those entities the Mordhaus resented the high handed tactics and oft arrogant attitudes so many of them displayed. Far too many capes and cape organizations failed to pay attention to the affects of their involvement leading to crappy outcomes for the environment and the little people involved even when their actions were intended to benevolent.
To make a long story short our lawyers, pr folks and connections to have everyone's bank accounts, except mine re-opened. That dick move was pretty flagrantly idiotic. I mean how likely was it that people I just contacted 3 months ago were involved in a 'deep level conspiracy' of the magnitude I was being "implicated, not accused of?" If PRT actually thought I was an Elite patsy, well I really overestimated their intelligence.
I also informed Ken Mordhau that I would like to take a part in my own offensive and Ms. Kim would like to help. Despite her situation with ABB he had warmed to her, an immigrant using her skills to help her community was something he deeply respected. Ken got the sanitized version and he approved. I didn't explain what I had said to Ms. Kim when I met her for lunch at a nice restaurant a few blocks away.
It was a risk but by then I was to much the public eye to simply vanish and what we needed to say required a degree of privacy.
May 21
1:21 PM
Huba Yan Thai Fusion
"So how was your lunch? I trust the fusion pork Dim Sum was sufficiently tasty?"
The woman's currently green eyes were lit with some of the day's ire. Yet she made the attempt to be pleasant but its edge flavored her voice.
"Yes, I liked it a lot. Though I doubt you had me come all this way so quickly to talk about food."
"No. There is no easy way to say this and if you want to simply leave I will not act against you in any way." She frowned at me.
"I thought we had this discussion already. Your current troubles are of no consequence to me and I am grown woman capable of making my own choices."
"Yes, but I need help of a nature only a bakaemono (spirit animal) could offer. Which we require privacy to discuss, hence our meeting here."
Kitsune were considered minor 'shape changing' trickster deities in some eastern religions and that subtle hint was all she needed. Her suddenly canted black eyes opened slightly in surprise before closing into slits.
I got a variety of emotions coming from her micro expressions. They ranged from fear to anger to acceptance ending with slight amusement. She ran a finger over her purse and I felt a change in the air.
"Please speak quickly because I left my high capacity charge in my car. I trust you are not simply fishing for the wrong sort of information. As I hope you are aware that would break the unwritten rules and cause me and yourself no small amount of grief." That last part was a threat I nodded in acknowledgement of.
Kitusune wasn't known as a killer, but I had seen what she did to those 88 chucklefucks. It didn't pay to twist the tail of any cape.
"I trust that was some sort of anti surveillance privacy mod?" I more stated than asked. She nodded.
"Ms. Kim or shall I say Kitsune I have a problem that I need your help to solve. I can appreciate why you waited to get involved in the….incident. I understand that a secret identity can be the difference between life and death or loss of freedom; of many sorts." There I had said it out loud. It was up to her what to do. I doubted she would kill me and I had a few tricks in reserve if it seemed likely. However, I knew she would at least hear me out before deciding.
The fox woman wasn't faking her positive view of me after all.
"Ha, hehe. I wondered when you'd figure it out. Though I hoped you would think my return was a pain induced hallucination. I knew you were faking when I picked you up." I looked at her with my head cocked. Her whole demeanor changed. It wasn't as though she became a different person. Ms. Kim was always focused, and gave the impression of a ball of contained energy.
It was just now that energy seemed a lot less bottled. Almost as though the wrong few words would cause it to be unleashed. Yet at the same time the black eyes focused on me wanted to inform me that such outflow would still be under her full control. My ability to detect the timbre and tone of her voice and my memory combined to tell me a story. Kitsune was able to alter her voice as well and it was different in the way Batman or Spider man spoke. The word choice the woman chose also was represented by which identity she chose to give voice to.
"Unconscious men don't scream when touched. Something to keep in mind, for a hopefully never repeated episode. You probably figured out I don't like working for ABB and I can do a lot more than I let on. Let's get to business quickly. We can discuss other minutia in my car later. But first how did you piece it together?".
"Simple deduction. The PC you gave me was too much better than its design specs. Hell you even fixed Windows. No Windows post 98 works smoothly and everyone know that. So you had to be a Tinker and only one Tinker operates near ABB, and she is the fox. And your story is pretty easy to figure out. You're a Rouge using her powers to keep an economically stagnated and underserved community from worse dilapidation using mostly legal means. Though sometimes a few rules get bent while turning a profit."
I took a pause before continuing.
"In comes an unstoppable violent force that is willing to negotiate partial allegiance of a useful cape in return for not disturbing your area too much. As you don't make many appearances in costume its safe to assume you don't advertise your Shaper power, or the real extent of your illusion tricks. Basic secure secret communications and occasional hacking is good enough for Kenta."
"For now at least." Ms. Kim said in a low voice.
The fact I knew Lung's real name drew a small expression of shock. I couldn't read more into it as I didn't know the full relationship between the two. She didn't like the man much or care for his business practices. Yet what he represented, a force capable of ensuring at least some safety and autonomy of the Asian Community of Brocton Bay counted for something.
"We both know that once he gets large enough he will force every Asian person in the city to join him completely or die. Its likely he won't win his eventual bid for ruling the city like Nilbog. But by that time the body count will be staggering. Not to mention the irreparable damage to your community's people. That harm will land hardest on the most vulnerable, who will bear the brunt of his 'fund raising' efforts to build said warchest."
Kitsune almost snarled at my last implication of ABB's use of child sex slaves.
"All that is true but as they say, what does it have to do with the tea in China?" She wasn't as impatient as her tone implied but I got to the point.
"I have a plan that will do something about that. I wish I could say it was just me wanting to save innocent people from suffering unjustly. However, what I'm suggesting is a multistep operation that will keep my own ass out of the fire. It just so happens that it will also cut you free of your unwanted entanglements, position your community and others to gain greater independence and prosperity, and make a world where Rogues don't get pushed around or snapped up. Not by villains, the Elite or the hypocrites in PRT."
Ms. Kim paused a minute to take in what I said.
"What you say sounds nice, but I've heard it before. I always knew sooner or later I'd have to cut and run, but I wanted to do as much good as I could while I can. Fighting ABB or any of those names you mentioned is a one way ticket to the afterlife or the Birdcage. I realize I owe you, and respect what you've done so far. But I don't know you well enough to take that kind of risk."
"I already patched up your Id issues. It was a pretty good job, you look almost exactly like the real Porthouse and I assume you memorized his info well enough to fool casual acquaintances, but you missed a few government security tricks. Good Ids and backgrounds are more than just credible materials, Photoshop and erasing the body. I would say more, but trade secrets. The PRT won't find anything."
It was my turn to look surprised. For a minute I thought she knew just how foreign I really was. But it seemed she either couldn't or more likely respected me enough to not dig deeper.
"I'll also give you credit for not actually killing the kid based on how you didn't just murder those 88 clowns. Seriously, you showing up when you did saved me from having to make that call and I'm very grateful for that. I worked damn hard to build that life and having to just run and start over again… Still I'm not going big time. My life is safer as it is now, even if I have to ditch everything I have nest eggs elsewhere. I get the feeling you do too. Why not just cut your losses instead of getting on PRT and everyone else's radar? You seem capable and I wouldn't mind helping you set up somewhere else."
That was a good question and her argument was sound. It looked like I'd have to trust her with the sanitized truth.
"What if I were to tell you that soon there won't be anywhere safe to run too? I mean beside the Elite gobling up states like MM's and the increasing number of Lung and 9 level sociopaths. What if I were to tell you that the End bringers were going to increase their attacks and all other kinds of crazy shit was going to come down in less than 7 years? There won't be anywhere to hide unless you think living in a cave without a central power company or being beholden to a cape to provide things like running water is an acceptable quality of life?"
Ms. Kim, who had gone back to her normal voice, looked at me skeptically.
"And how would you know this? Are you some kind of super thinker?" Her eyes, once again blue were trying to pierce my soul.
"No, I'm from a different world. One where powers operate very differently and are both much less and much more destructive than here. In fact I came here to help stop the destruction of this planet. It will happen and to do something about it I will need yours and a lot of other peoples, both cape and normal. I can't promise you that you won't have to fight, but as you saw in that alley, that's not a something anyone can guarantee." She stared at me again, disbelief edging her fine features.
"Look I can prove every word I say, if you are willing to take a small trip. It wont take 9 hours and I'll even cover the expenses.." She raised a hand. I might have touched a nerve.
"For the sake of honor I will travel there. And I can afford a 4 hour plane ride myself. But even if you are telling the truth I won't promise anything. The pc I gave you is far more secure than the one you bought. Despite your thinker-tinker power I have a lot more experience in hacking than you do and I will send you a link."
Short and too the point. No reason to give out info here even if it were secure. Smart, I liked her, too bad about the age difference.
"Thank you for not calling me crazy." I wouldn't talk about mutant powers. There was no reason for her to believe me until she talked to Kortana. Being a Tinker she would know off planet gear on sight.
"Nothing you have done is ordinary. Most men would have left me to my fate or tried to capitalize on their debt the usual way. I looked into how you introduced your artists. You are ghost writing them like you had years of material stored in your head. And even my idol isn't idealistic enough to throw down a gauntlet before PRT and the Elite, indirectly or not. Being from another world is the most logical explanation I can think of."
I didn't know if she was insulting me or not. And from the mirth in her tenor I didn't think I really wanted to know.
"I will go and listen to your evidence and make my decision, but know this. I won't reveal your secrets anymore than you reveal mine. And if you should have to flee I will help you do so without charge."
Then she pressed another button on her purse and called the waitress for the bill. We didn't talk much on the way back to the hospital. I wouldn't discuss the plan until she was on board.
Last edited: Feb 7, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part XVIII
Predators and Prey Part 1
Jamal Mordhau
May 29th, 2009
Hanlet Recuperation Facility
St. Bathel Extension
Brockton Bay
After I got back from my 'power lunch' with Kitsune I and my family decided it wasn't safe for me or fair to the other patients to stay in my current suite.
Which is why I rented the top 3 floors of their new expansion across the street over the sky bridge. It was currently empty due to construction, but fully functional. This allowed me to continue my rehab in a more efficient manner and provided me greater privacy from overfriendly star struck staff .
Not to mention I was now free to greet any possible visitors with plausible deniability to everyone concerned.
The three floors were divided into my personal living space, workout center and professional meeting room/studio. The mini gym was stocked with exercise machines that would be donated to the hospital after I left, a variety of martial arts equipment and a spa for cool down. A variety of personnel trainers, ranging from MMA to Tai Chi experts coming through at regular intervals. Between my excellent medical care and the dermal regenerator I was was now operating between 90 and 96 percent of my normal physical capabilities.
In terms of security my father hired 12 body guards and set up a variety of sound, motion and electronic visual detection devices outside my rooms.
I would have placed a few inside but I didn't trust PRT or some others not to be able hack them. That and I didn't want to scare away my expected guest. For internal surveillance and a few other tricks I relied of Kitsune. In addition I had strong mirrors placed in a variety of places, like my ceiling, walls and some parts of the floor. I told my parents and hospital staff it was part of a Zen perception exercise. While that was true it was also another means to ensure my victory.
You see I was expecting one particular 'guest' much sooner than later.
And said guest did not disappoint at all.
Kitsune's limited stealth observation surveillance equipment tinker tech was good. Kortana actually was impressed and looked forward to comparing notes.
The spectral cameras might not have caught some PRT capes, another competent tinker or some masters with digital powers. However, they didn't have too. The one who came snooping by was not quite up to par despite what she believed. What said cape did have however was a bad attitude, a sense of entitlement and rage issues. Fortunately for me I had the antidote for all of those conditions.
And whadya know we were in the correct place to provide help after I was done providing treatment.
My body guards on the far end of the hall were on their routine break. Which also created created an nice predictable opening in my defenses. A professional hunter or assassin might have thought twice about such an easy opening.
But a young cape who had just lost a shit load of street cred to some two bit losers? Add in some normal hormones, emotional trauma and a conflict happy shard. Well let's just say I wasn't surprised at the young lady's shadow form crossing the threshold of my dojo. You know the one with all the mirrors in it. I had an aluminum 7 foot bo in my hand. Around me were a variety of training swords, weapons and dummies.
"So you're the little shit that trained those two ass wipes," drifted toward me with heated condensation.
Shadow Stalker had one of her signature crossbows aimed at me. I always assumed they were pneumatic or ballistic because honestly no sane person would bring manually reloading crossbows into battle with guns. Under the hospital lights I could tell they were powered by a co2 container just below the grip. The bolts were too large for true rapid fire, which really cut down on their utility.
I affected my best Captain Barbossa "English" accent.
"Whatever do you mean young lady? I'm naught but a humble media mogul."
That attitude would certainly get under her skin. I couldn't see her face, but her body position and angry brown eyes definitely spoke volumes of her resolve to make someone pay.
That person being me. My old power couldn't quite tell how far she wanted to go, but I got the feeling that by the end of our 'conversation' she intended for me to have a more lengthy stay here than I wanted to. Sophia practically growled and pointed her right hand bow at me firing one bolt that missed my head by inches and embedded itself in one of my dummies. It was hard to pretend to both be somewhat frightened and not to duck into the shot.
"Lets try this again. 5 months ago Uber and Leet were clowns the ordinary police could take if they got off their asses and tried. Less than a month ago they pulled a perfect heist. Unless you believe in magic someone helped them a lot. Now since you were in this place all that time, it wasn't you. But you who it was."
She pulled out a tape recorder, very carefully she put it down in front of her while keeping me covered.
"We are going to have a discussion and unless you want to spend more time in a cast I advise you to tell the truth. Why did your adopted father create a super villain training website? Have his business ventures always been a front for the Elite?" I looked at her eyes.
Shadow Stalker seriously believed this. For her to have a logical, if flawed diagram linking Ken and myself to X-Factor despite my cutouts meant she was tipped off by someone in PRT. Fucking Coil set me up for a fall. Either I would be scared into working for him in protection or I would piss off a loose cannon such the one before me and end up dead.
Well joke was on him.
I changed my grip on my bo staff and let out a hearty laugh.
"You really think an 16 year old orphan and a philanthropist family are part of a conspiracy with the Elite? Did someone in PRT set you up to do this? Because this is exactly how you get forced into the wards or Bird Caged Shadow Stalker."
"Maybe you should change you name to Clue Huntress?"
I considered using her real name. There was a chance it could deescalate the situation. However knowing Ms. Hess, thinking a villain knew her civilian id was likely to make her escalate to lethal force. Of course knowing her that was likely to happen either way.
Though mocking her was one way to set her off for sure.
Her next bolts were aimed to lightly graze my shoulder and right thigh. Which really wasn't smart on her part. But then again smart and Sophia Hess didn't go together very well. Fortunately for me and her I deflected her first bolt with a flick and slid liquidly around the other. Before she could figure out what went wrong I was in her face having knocked one of her cross bows out of her hand with a spinning kick.
"Show time!" I yelled and the windows went from clear to reflective and my song came on. That action cut the number of usable shadows in the room 80 percent. There were other surprises but she wouldn't know that till later.
Music to beat Shadow Stalker to
Angry she might have been, but stupid she wasn't. Hess turned intangible before I could bounce my bo off her masked face. I leaped to make distance.
A second later the huntress rematerialized. Sophia tossed one of her knives which I caught in a spin and sent back her way. She phased and the blade embedded in one of my dummies.
"So you admit to being a villain cape," she hissed.
"Damn! why are you so stupid! I'm just a businessmen and you been set up!" Not that she cared.
Hess opened up with a full spread at 5 meters I dodged and span my Bo like I was Donatello while kicking a dummy at her. Each of the bolts was deflected and I could see the surprise in her face as she phased just after impact with the dummy. The slight impact sent her off balance.
Yeah that visit with Big A triggered another power. I didn't realize I had Radar Sense until I noticed I didn't need to look where I was going in the dark. My coordination also was greatly improved. I would catch my cup before it spilled, I wouldn't fall when I tripped, or my trainers couldn't hit me when I focused on them and doing my best. Basically I had a form of radar that let me see people and objects as three dimensional drawings. Combined with the ability to read body language it was quite an edge.
Stalker re-entered reality off center, but quickly caught her step. It seemed she was still a rookie despite her rep.
Still I wasn't pushing it and I needed to end this before one us got seriously hurt and/or our fight got interrupted. So I charged into her immediate space and she decided to get serious by staying in shadow state until she had a clear shot at me.
Unfortunately for her it never occurred for her to ask how I was able to deflect her projectiles. And it seemed she didn't wonder why I was wearing rubber gloves and boots. So it must have been a surprise when I shoved my now electrified Bo into the arm holding her remaining crossbow. Said action was met by her screams of pain.
I then knocked her crossbow away and took the knife in her other hand for good measure. As she was still on the ground I took her weapons and tossed them into a closet locking the door.
"Way I see this we can have a conversation or I can toss you a Bo staff and I knock you around some more. Then we have a conversation as to why you are working for Coil."
Shadow Stalker slowly got to her knees and wobbled on her feet. She then tossed her last knife at me. As I was not frisking her thoroughly on camera I missed it's hiding place. Didn't really matter as I caught it with my off hand. Sophia used my distraction to run for the door. Her muffled voice trailed behind her.
"Fuck off. I'll get you later."
I honestly was ok with beating the shit out of her for the next few minutes. Normally I didn't prefer using violence on people, especially women. But The Trio barely counted as 'people' as I far I could reason. Ms. Hess made the mistake of thinking I was letting her go. She made to phase through the door when she realized I had electrified the entire room.
It was like watching Wile E Cayote run into the wall. I laughed as she fell right on her ass and didn't move except for various spasms.
"Did that hurt? Looked like it hurt. Oh well, hard way it is."
I tossed her another of my staffs and it landed near her head. Mean girl, vicious predator, faux Social Darwinist even baby sociopath she might be. Yet and still Sophia had heart.
She got back to her feet with determination, hatred shone in her eyes.
"This is how it goes. The walls and the floor are electrified. You could try jumping out the window, but we are about 12 floors up right now and your stranger powers don't work on gravity do they. So beat me with that, hell land 4 blows on me and I'll let you go. Oh and the red button turns on the electrical current, release it for ordinary. And no I didn't booby trap it, its a fair fight. If you don't know how to use a Bo I have other weapons. I'll match you weapon for weapon."
"Are you for real?" She picked up the staff and did few practice spins.
"Yes, I am. You broke into my room talking bullshit about me and my family and pointing a weapon at my head. You're lucky you didn't point it at my junk. Otherwise you'd be missing teeth right now." That threat shocked her for a second before her anger took over.
She charged started with a spear thrust that I blocked. Shadow Stalker then moved for another one of her knives to cut me across the face. I had to let go of the staff to counter. In her mind it meant I couldn't hurt her anymore. Thing is to gain leverage with a hand held weapon on a power strike her body had to be solid. That was something I learned from sparring with Shadowcat. At the point of contact my left foot found her leading right, causing her to trip and depriving Sophia of the focus needed to phase.
This allowed me to grab her arm, land a punch to her gut and toss her into the semi padded floor before she could recover from the pain. I recovered my staff and approached her while she moaned.
"Ready to talk yet? By the way the next time you draw a knife or lethal weapon you get broken fingers." I placed the non powered bow staff on her sternum.
"Do you fucking understand me?" Her eyes widened in shock and she nodded.
I backed off and tossed her the bo. It once more rolled near her head.
"So do we continue or do we talk? Trust me its just going to get more painful."
Stubborn teenagers are a pain in the arse and this lady was especially stubborn with something to prove. I let her get up and take a fighting stance.
"Ok! This ends in three, two, one."
I moved in with a combo that Sophia barely blocked the first 2 moves of. Then I bounced five hits off her head, right arm and lower left midsection.
It ended with a spin that swept her feet and I thrust an electrified tip into her sternum for good measure. Stepping back I took back my bo staff and replaced it on the rack. Was it a bit much? Maybe, but she ruined some of my equipment and was going to shoot me with a crossbow. I mean yeah she was kinda set up. but fuck her!
By the time Shadow Stalker stopped sputtering and breathing hard I had retrieved two chairs, and a table. I left a water bottle with a long straw in a plastic holder near her. My own bow staff was collapsed but in my belt. It was a clear message about who held authority then and there. The look in her eyes told me that she understood more than any words would.
"So can we reason this out like two reasonable people?" she mumbled.
"I didn't quite hear you speak more clearly please."
"Yeah, we can talk. What do you want me to say."
"How bout I'm sorry Mr. Mordhau for fucking up your workout and destroying your property. Or I'm sorry I came into your home and accused you of felonies without any proof and based on some bullshit conspiracy theory. Its not my fucking fault that you have an inferiority complex and some need to play alpha female all day every day now is it?" I cut her off before she could answer.
"No I want you to speak the truth, not say whatever I want because you don't want me to send this video or that tape to the cops or PRT or simply continue to beat your ass. What I want to do is talk to you about how you got set up today. Hopefully it will keep you alive in the future. So tell me how did you get this 'information' and who gave you my 'master plan' hmm?"
I stared at her brown eyes and I could sense defiance. I hoped I hadn't been too aggressive. Then she relaxed.
"Look I was on a Paranet sub forum and someone linked you to the Website. Then while I was digging around someone sent me a web link to some PRT info dump. They said you and your family were under investigation. Man you don't know what it's like to build your rep, just to have some nobody dipshit wreck it in 5 minutes in front of the whole damn internet." I could see anguish, pain and embarrassment through her eyes and shoulders.
"I see. And it never occurred to you that someone could be using you to either scare me off or simply get me killed and or you Bird Caged. Cause if I wasn't as good as I am I could have gotten hit with those sharp bolts just now." I checked my intercom. "Yes I'm perfectly ok, I'll be done when I'm done ok?"
"Who would do that?"
"Think about the number of villains in Brockton who like sneaky plans, the kind who bring various capes under their control and don't like new independent players. Think the kind who are known for hiring people like Uber and Leet. Gee can you think of one? He likes snakes a lot."
"You really think Coil set you up? That's.. crazy!". I could see that she was just trying to convince herself that her plan wasn't a stupid as fuck idea.
"What's more crazy, a supervillain uses his standard divide and conquer and bait and switch routine or villainous philanthropists are secretly helping 2 bit hoods gain rep? I mean we'd be risking our big money name brands for chump change. Even Uber and Leet make more off their video feed and merchandizing that goddamn crime."
"Ok try this. Let's say you offed me and there's no way that would happen btw. You are now all over the news as the killer of a pro community development hero who stood up to the neo Nazis. Exactly who is going to have your back? Who would you have to run too? Starts with a C ends with…"
"Fine, fine it was a mistake. I fucked up coming here, I admit it. Now what?"
"Now you shuffle you mask a bit drink some water and perhaps share tea with me. It's something I do after workout to calm myself and my nerves. You did interrupt me after all, so not being rude would go a ways to getting in my good books."
"What? I can't give up my identity."
"Really Shadow Stalker? You gave up more than a few pieces of it already. You're a teen girl, who is either underdeveloped or is strapped down. You go to school within a 3 mile radius of this hospital because I have your direction of entrance on video. Don't ask how but I know the traffic conditions. Your entitlement and dumbed down vocabulary implies you are not stupid or unpopular, narrowing down your set of 'friends'. Your body type implies athletics department."
At that comment Sophia made the stereotypical sassy black teen shoulder lean. Though she still didn't say anything.
"And don't worry too much about showing your skin. You don't quite have the upper middle class 'white English' accent down. Implies your parent or parents struggled to get you into the school you're in. Your straight hair and full body costume implies you are racially mixed and clearly not Caucasian. It's smart of you not to leave any clues that would help someone identify you isn't it? I mean yea there are plenty of people of color around but why make it easy?"
I could see some panic in her eyes from the bs I just strung together. Logically most of what I just said was psychobabble bs, but teens especially those with a shard aren't known for logic.
"Look you don't have to drink anything, but you did give me an interesting fight and I want to be a good host…"
She lifted her mask slightly and sipped the water with the straw, slowly at first then she emptied the bottle.
"Must be hot in that mask eh?"
Sophia finished the water with a slurping sound and then placed it on the table quitely. I sipped my Chai, which she did not touch.
"So which one of the three are you?" Sophia got quiet. Her eyes flashed before they focused on mine. I smiled briefly before I continued.
"I mean which of the Erinyes you represent?" When her eyes expressed confusion I continued.
"So neither of your parents are Greek then. I figured since your mask and garb were Greek inspired you were one of the 3 Erinyes or Furies. They pursued those who broke sacred laws until the ends of the earth delivering justice. They were Alecto or Alekto ("endless"), Megaera ("jealous rage"), and Tisiphone or Tilphousia ("vengeful destruction")"
I reached into my bag and brought out a copy of the Aeneid and handed it to her. She took it with some hesitation.
"Tell me why are you giving me this after I broke into your house and threatened you?"
"Because maybe I want you learn and become a better person, or at least understand the difference between a true huntress and an emo soon to be corpse. Its not a game out there and people now know your weakness. Lots of killers, sickos and other fucked up people out there and lets face there's not too many of us around Brocton Bay."
I tapped my arm twice. I would have given her self help book but there was no way she would have read it at this stage. A book about heroes who at least had some code of conduct would be an improvement. That and everyone needed a jump start on Literature Humanities.
"Think about this, you lost from the beginning. Let's say you got me to confess how would you know if anything I said was true? If it didn't pan out your name abbreviates to SS and you threatened a black man who fought Nazis without powers. How would that affect your rep? Think about how quickly I took you down with just a bit of prep."
"This wasn't the act of a real huntress was it?" I stared at her in the eyes before continuing.
"Look your powers should be working well enough to let you slip out of here. I know I can't get you to swear off vengeance for this ass whooping forever but you will agree not to bother me or enter my presence for a year and half at least. And that goes for your civilian personality too."
"How do you know who I am?" I ignored her bravado and continued my threat.
"If I have to find out it and this tape go to PRT and you at least will need to find a new city. A year and half to improve yourself. See it as a challenge. Now do we have an agreement or does this go to Piggot?" Shadow Stalker looked at me. I only sighed.
"If that happens you end up a ward stooge or in juvie your choice." I was just about done with her at this point
"Fine! I wont bother you again for a year and half starting today," she replied. I then walked over to the closet and returned her gear to her. I watched as she strapped everything back on.
"Good now get the fuck out of my place. And remember my words clearly. Should you deign to bare lethal weapons in my direction again I will break both your arms and your knees."
I stared at her wit intense killing intent and I saw her flinch.
"Do you believe I will carry out that threat if I have to?"
"Yeah," She turned and entered mist state. Before she cleared the door I gave her my parting shot so my warning would stick.
"Good. If you move quickly you can catch the 8:34 it heads by Erazny, Winslow High School and Serphon Park." Her stop motion at the mention of her High School and the fact I had deduced what direction she lived in must have stung. But for once common sense was with her, for she just kept going. My cameras and sensors showed her not stopping and holding her head with her hands.
Hopefully today's lesson would be enough to keep Ms. Hess from further stupidity concerning myself. I really couldn't afford to be watching my back for her and Coil and while I wasn't nice to Ms. Hess I was going outright Biblical on Calvert.
Last edited: Feb 10, 2021
May you live in Interesting Times Part IIXX
Paranet Chatlog June 6, 2009
Private room 32 (Warning Site rules are relaxed, but still enforced)
AthensRising has entered the chat
Ouroberous has entered the chat
Crucible Duchess has entered the chat
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
Good morning ladies and gentleman. You should understand this room is secured, though I am sure you have taken your own precautions. Thank you for accepting my invitation.
Crucible Duchess
My, my such a polite young man! It's nice to see you have stopped evading our attempts to contact you and reached out. I was afraid for a moment that you might be opposed to our organization.
It would have been unfortunate for us to start a potentially mutually profitable relationship with such an unfortunate misunderstanding. But no matter, it is the past.
Though I would ask how do you know we are in fact two women and a man?
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
Aside from your handles, your actions and my review of your words it was a lucky guess. Some people are really good guessers. For instance I'd assume one of you is a woman of refined class and dress. The other is a lady of strong pressence, but wishing to appear humble.
To add more insight would likely violate the site rules about identity security.
Crucible Duchess
An interesting analysis. I will neither confirm or deny it of course. Sometimes a handle and online behaviour are simple wishful thinking. Or just another mask created to shield an identity, sometimes even from the one who wears it.
I'm curious what is your take on your other guest?
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
I will not be deliberately insulting, but his and his associates' actions portray the standard balding mid life crises male attempting to recapture long faded glory.
I even heard rumors about potentially pedophilic tendencies. Those who send shadows to slither uninvited into the homes of young people are always questionable. Though I have no true confirmation of such acts, I believe such person will be quite regretful of their impertience post haste.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
Careful, such statements come close to violating the hidden threat chat rules. I should also remind you that big boy games have big boy consequences.
Ouroberous
Yes even indirect accusations can earn infraction points, though I'm sure you did not intend such. Also misunderstandings in the world are frequent. Especially if one misunderstands or conflates motives, capabilities and reach
Those who are new to this world would do well to bear in mind its harsh realities.
Athens Rising (Confirmed Cape)
Though such actions would hypothetically be rather rude and grounds for proportionate retaliation would they not?
Crucible Duchess
Yes they would indeed.
However, can we please speak of more pleasant things friends. The past is the past and I would like to speak with you about the many ways we can work together to improve Brockton Bay and our nation.
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
I have no problem being friendly, it's just I don't appreciate bullying.
Though should you wish to speak in person it would be on my own terms. It is possible I might have ideas you could find interesting. Perhaps we could meet at the local Starbucks?
While I don't like the taste of some of the things they brew, or their methods of coffee making I understand what keeps the city running.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
So you are an Idealist and a pragmatist?
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
When you've lived in this universe as long as i have there's no other way to be.
Ouroberous
Yes, those who don't roll with the punches have hard time in our fair city. It's good to know you'll be on board.
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
So if I make friends with one of you do I have to invite you all to coffee? I mean I'd like to do so but I'm not yet rich.
Ouroberous
You know what they say the more friends the merrier.
Crucible Duchess
I think you will find that a wide selection of friends has its own benefits. Even if a few of them have… unsavory manners at times.
Of course some are always closer than others. I trust your so far excellent instincts will help you make the best choices.
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
I believe I understand where you are coming from. I will contact you shortly to discuss the topic I and Athens began.
Crucible Duchess
I look forward to pooling our knowledge.
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
As do I. Perhaps I shall even present high fashion accessory gift cards for such elegantly dressed lunch companions. I certainly don't know your individual tastes but Gucci and Fendi exist for all sorts of occasions.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
Aww! Such a sweetheart. You're presence and capabilities are enough. Of course no woman ever refuses Fendi, just don't go overboard. It is a business meeting after all.
Crucible Duchess
I concur. Although it might us be providing you a valuable gift or two. Provided you prove to be as much a gentleman as you appear.
X-Cutioner (Confirmed Cape)
In which case I must bid you farewell. A special lady in my life requires a tennis bracelet and the day's not getting any younger.
X-Cutioner has left the chat
Ouroberous
What was he going on about? What gift was he going to give you? And what was the point of inviting me to this chat if he wasn't going to do more than insult me.
This was a waste of time.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
Speak for yourself. I believe he communicated his purpose loud and clear. And I'll let you figure the rest out yourself.
Crucible Duchess
Don't be cruel to our old friend; you know he'll be at it all day beating himself up. The young gentleman offered us gift cards to pick up luxury purses.
AthensRising (Confirmed Cape)
As in snake skin purses. Of course I think that will be least of your immediate concerns.
Ouroberous
???
Crucible Duchess
I'll leave you to figure that one out yourself. Remember our arrangement is not affected by whatever losses you suffer from your latest folly.
Athens Rising (Confirmed Cape)
I'd wish you good luck, but I then I wouldn't mean it.
Crucible Duchess has left the chat
AthensRising has left the chat