[09th November 2010]
[Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire]
Raquel Ervin, aka Rocket, was an attractive girl; and looking a bit older than the fifteen-turning-sixteen that the file on her indicated much like several other would be teenage superheroes, though she seemed a bit uncomfortable here in the bustling conference centre. I wasn't supposed to know that name, but facial recognition and her mask less face tended to make hiding her true identity somewhat of a problem against any undertaking a proper search for a wannabe hero. Both Batman and SHIELD had figured out who she was scarily fast really, and through her the identity of her much larger mentor Icon, as they moved to sit across from me at the table with the comfortable couches on either end.
"Thanks for inviting me...us, um...to the, ah Mister...Fortune, wasn't thinking to be back so soon. Not like I've, ah, got any magic like any of the others here" she started, faltering a moment having evidently forgotten my name and only realising it as she opened her mouth and settling from what she could remember. Honestly, she still came off as off as pretty confident sounding despite the moment's apparent confusion. I gave a smile back, well as best I could this early in the morning anyway.
"It's not just for magic users only I've got to, you were amongst those helping with the crisis Rocket and, well, my employers want to thank everyone involved in whatever small way they can. Even if it's just a few days holidays..." I shrugged a little in embarrassment "...plus in your case, and yourself too Icon, I've been meaning to ask you something since I saw you at the B . Well, once the magic-induced high and hangover ended at least...by which time I'd been summoned to do paperwork"
Oh, great I was rambling already, well isn't that great I noted trying to get back on track "...sorry, but it slipped my mind, and it's a bit personal so don't worry about saying no. There'll be no hurt feelings let me assure you"
She gave me an odd look "Your...not going to ask me out or something are? I'm flattered but..."
I blinked. What?
"Ehhh...no, you're very attractive and all, but I hardly know you. No, eh, I was going to ask about your belt actually?"
Icon glanced at me with a little extra focus, while his young apprentice tensed up with her tone a little on guard as she replied "My...belt?"
I brought my hands up in an indication that I wasn't looking to cause trouble "Sorry, I'm not looking to offend, but from what I've seen, well others saw and said to me, that the belt is either a focus or a source of your powers. And since I can feel energy off it, even if it's pretty clearly alien or technological in nature, I've wanted to ask about it...aaaannndddd about the possibility of studying if at all possible?"
'Oh great, she's completely on guard now and he's either looking speculative or holding back a glare at the question' my brain informed me as she tensed up even more, and a few seconds of silence fell into place as I gave my best attempt at a friendly smile.
Hard enough this early in the morning after two days straight of paperwork, and having this event thrown together by the two governments; three if you included the limited American support, and maybe Atlantis too in letting some of those students who'd helped return with one or two guardians. Or would return later in the day I'd been told, even if the place seemed busy now it merely down to it being breakfast and breakfast being free for all attendees. I sighed as the silence continued a bit more that I liked.
"Look, I'm not looking to offend, or demand, or anything of the sort. We're willing to trade, or offer support, or whatever you want really in exchange for study it. Under your purview of course and never out of your sight, but, well..."
Icon nodded cutting me off and motioning at the tense and agitated Rocket to relax "Relax Rocket, he's not trying to anger you and it is a fair question having grasped the nature of your powers..." his attention turned back to me "I expect since you approached us together that you've grasped at something of the nature of my own powers"
I shrugged "Honestly, it probably wouldn't have come up bar seeing Rocket here in action. You were pretty impressive actually, and well...I'm a wizard, and we're a curious bunch in general. Since I know it's not magic, or innate energy manipulation as best can tell, gotta figure its shizo-tech...I mean, advanced technology you created, or from extra-terrestrial origin, of some sort"
He nodded "Indeed, it is technological in nature as you suspect, though likely beyond the capacity of Earth's current technological base to easily produce. That and it may not be advisable to see such produced for others to get their hands upon, Rocket is trustworthy and puts such to good work. Others may not be so honourable in utilising it"
"Yeah! I'm going to be a superhero and help people, you don't know what some people would do with the likes of this ya know" wow, the accent was strong on this one when she was agitated it seemed. Arms folded across chest, a pout on her face, and general body language indicating that this wasn't what she wanted to be hearing from me. Or anyone in general I expected.
"Look, if you've no interest that's perfectly fine. I'm merely asking on behalf of, SHIELD and the two governments basically, and no one will argue if you want to keep it to yourself. But I will say to consider the opportunity, as, well..." I motioned at myself, at the crowd arriving for breakfast and cooks in the kitchen beyond "...I think it's better when everyone helps each other out to grow their skills and powers. In exchange for studying it we can provide enchanted gear to you to help you as a hero, or provide some sort of service that you might require. You don't have to decide now, just have a think about it and..."
The next few minutes of more pointless chit-chat seemed to relax Miss Erwin, that and the fact her mentor Icon didn't seem entirely against the proposal. That was fine by me of course, it was only one of a few enquiries I planned to make in the coming days and weeks and I didn't want to harm any possible friendly relationship by doing such. Something like Rocket's Belt, giving flight and a number of other abilities, would be a fantastic addition for a mage like myself, or even just for baseline human 'superheroes' without any special abilities, meta-human or otherwise. Even for the likes of Superboy it'd be a help as a backup to my flight spells and equipment...especially since I probably wouldn't be around much with the Team.
So I chatted a few minutes with the two, till my ever watchful bodyguard Paula came over and whispered in my ear that my 'next meeting' had arrived and I gave a polite goodbye before I moved away and left the two to their own discussion and food. It was also rather good to move, because I was getting hungry as well and a cup of coffee wouldn't go too far wrong either I thought, the first of my next meeting arriving and following me over to a larger table. The younger girl looking around excitedly at the crowd, while her mother dressed in an expensive looking business suit hustled her along very gently towards the table as I took my seat while Paula moved off to get Constantine. Late as always he was.
"Good morning Miss Sandsmark, nice to see you, and hey Cassandra, sleep well I hope?"
"Call me Helen Mr. Fortune, Cassandra say hello to Mr. Fortune" the woman replied taking a seat after getting her daughter to give a greeting before sitting down.
"No problem, I'll call you Helen if you'll call me John..." I replied good-naturedly as a coffee was brought over by one of the serving staff along with and actual menus. Fancy in my view "...feels bit odd being called Mister Fortune at my age at times. Which seems to be alot of late, probably due to be the nature of the job after all the recent madness that's happened"
She grimaced slightly as young Cassie drank a glass of orange juice as I sipped at my coffee. Ah, lovely, wonderful wake-up caffeine I noted as the mother patted her daughter's shoulder "Yes, madness indeed. The world has gone mad, but I've still got my brave little girl here all safe and sound and that's all that matters to me right now"
I sighed, a little embarrassed that I'd been in part responsible for her rather public debut when the child had answered the called for magical help. Putting a child demi-goddess; whose deity father had a wife I'd feel sorry for if she wasn't utterly petty, vindictive, and possibly murderous, towards such bastards – putting her before various pantheons, demons, and spirits who could tell what she was. Even I figured out what she was fairly rapidly after all, and I was rather distracted at the time. Still, best to be encouraging as there were ways of warding against even angry gods...especially ones far reduced in power, and currently not very popular due to not helping.
"Don't worry she, and you, will be perfectly safe...though sadly I will admit that might force some changes on your life"
"I know that young man, and it's understandable...considering the nature of things"
"I understand, though I will say I've spoken to my employers and your skills as an archaeologist would be rather valuable I expect considering the nature of various entities that SHIELD will be dealing with. From my own point of view if Cassandra here is willing, and you okay with it, then we...I at the start...can train her in using magic till she's strong enough to guard herself against...certain others. I've already got an apprentice, as I'm Constantine's, but she'd be happy to teach Cassandra as well. Though I'll be straight up and say that we're really only at the draft stages of a true magical school..."
I paused in thought a second "...oh, and she'd still get a standard schooling as well. Paid by either the Irish or British governments, it's something going to be offered all the children that helped a few days ago..."
Hopefully, Wonder Woman, and her own apprentice Wonder Girl Donna Troy, would have some suggestions on what to girl. Well other than something stupid like go to Themyscira and train amongst the Amazons. Ie the Happy Friendly Place that actually still worshipped the crazy abused wife who'd possibly seek vengeance like with Zeus's other bastard children. At least here the two were official under the protection of the Lord of the Dance, SHIELD, and me as High Priest of the Shrouded Lord. That and they hopefully arrived soon because I was getting rather hungry and would like to order the full breakfast...
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