Birdcage

by Kahlil Johnson

Shahs

5. Cagedbird2

A/N: A shout out to Angle for betaing the chapter and letting the general ideas for the interludes bounce off of him together with Roffster.

Just in time for the old year, have a Marquis interlude.

Chapter 2.m

It was half an hour after the screaming on the floor above him had started when Marquis' lieutenants returned. Cinderhand shuffled beside him.

Twenty-five minutes of silence laden with meaning.

Others would have heard them too, the wails of despair and agony and pleading coming from Teacher' floor others and would send people for reconnaissance as well. Whatever it was, Marquis just knew something just monumental happened. He felt it in his bones.

This went beyond the 'Cage's general apathy regarding the others that had the misfortune to share the same living space. Beyond the need to let the strong do as much as they did without collateral damage out of the fear of the destruction of their very prison.

This was something big enough that the 'Cage might have to work together despite the fundamental differences which had let them to each go about their own ways.

Others would realize it as well. Marquis was sure that the screaming was heard in the women's block and that their Cellblock leaders would act accordingly.

"What did you find, Spruce?" he asked the approaching lieutenant, not showing the unease that had taken hold of him since the screaming had started.

That had sounded like a Cell Block worth of people fighting for their lives and only one block dared to be full on the floor Teacher had descended down to – his.

"It's Cell Block T," the Shaker answered. "There's only snakes left."

That was bad. "Describe those 'snakes' you saw."

It wasn't as if Marquis hadn't a very good idea already, it didn't happen every day that a minor was condemned to the 'Cage. It still didn't make much sense. She didn't have creatures when she was dropped in and the ones she had before were apparently killed with ease. Teacher had his pet Brute. That kid shouldn't have had a chance. He needed details before he could proceed.

Besides it helped his subordinates' feel appreciated when they occasionally got to tell him things he already knew.

"We didn't come too close because two of them were guarding the entrance. Think they were… what was her name? The new one they kicked in couple of weeks ago. They had those pointed heads that weren't flush with the rest of the body. When we got closer, they reared up on their tails and waved their big claw at us. We backed off even though they were only three or four feet long. Didn't want to risk anything before contacting you."

"Good thing you did." Marquis didn't need any of his mess with something that apparently had taken a block. No matter how much luck might have been involved. "Whimper? Did you find anything?"

"Talking," Whimper spoke up, leveling a penetrating stare at Marquis. "Someone. A girl. Sounded happy. Cooing."

"Did anyone answer her?" Marquis suppressed another shiver. It was difficult dealing with crazy.

"No. No normal breathing. No footsteps. No clothes rustling besides one."

No matter how much he disliked Teacher, Marquis still needed the man.

The Birdcage needed healers and few were brave enough to try their luck with the Faery Queen.

"Did you try approaching on your own?"

Whimper nodded. "Still saw me. Didn't look happy. Backed off."

"Thank you, Whimper," Marquis spoke before returning his focus back on Spruce. "Anyone else checking it out?"

"Yeah, I saw Gizmo taking some samples of the floor before skulking off and we encountered Sing when we went to inform the others. Encountered a group of the women's side that was about to take a look themselves. Told them about the court you were holding and they were gone after we came back from telling Lab Rat. They'll come."

There was going to be a court, so it helped to be the one taking the first step and be allowed to stay in your seat of power. Sure, there might have been a couple of coups in the time Marquis had Block W alone. There would always be underlings that vied for the position a leader had. They would wait for a moment of weakness and supplant the leader in one quick attempt or try to make a name in the leaderless blocks.

It had never happened that an outsider just went and took over an entire block they were never part of.

So there would be a court and best let the others come to you and put you in the stronger position. It would have been organized by one of the men one way or the other so it might as well be him. He was one of the closest to the problem in the first place.

"Good work," Marquis thanked both of his lieutenants, dismissing them. "I'll make you get the good meat the n – "

"Excuse me, Sir," Spruce interrupted Marquis. "That wasn't all."

Marquis was once more glad for the way he had to learn and mask his emotions. "More than an entire Block seemingly being overtaken?"

"Yeah. There was fighting in Block P and there were markings leading from their entrance to the ladder. The same one Gizmo took a sample of. Whimper couldn't hear Acidbath in there."

Controlling his tempers as opposed to many of the others bosses he had known in his time had paid off once more. Marquis had the feeling that someone like Accord wouldn't have learned of this worrying coincidence.

"I'll make sure you get more cigarettes the next six drops as well."

With that, he turned and strode into his cell while Whimper stalked off towards his guard spot. He needed time to think and to prepare for the upcoming dance.

Less than a quarter hour later, Marquis stepped outside his cell again to welcome Galvanate and his lieutenant and offer them some of his better brews. He had the feeling that they'd need it; a sentiment shared by Galvanate.

The others came trickling in soon after, welcomed by the grim silence that threatened to smother Block W. Gavel, Black Kaze, Crane, String Theory, Ingenue, Lustrum, Lab Rat, and, finally, Glaistig Uaine. She looked pleased.

The Faerie Queen only seldom looked genuinely pleased. Whimsical maybe but never something bordering pride.

"Let's hereby start the court," Marquis announced as the others were seated and supplied with his booze. "I'm sure everyone has things to do and places to be so I propose open communication so any action might be undertaken as soon as possible."

"Shouldn't we wait for Acidbath?" Galvanate asked.

"No need," Crane answered with a small smile. "Looks like the bastard finally gotten himself killed. They were still fighting when I got down."

"Good riddance too," Lustrum supplied with a cruel grin. "That alone almost made leaving my Block less protected worth it. Maybe this time 'round someone half competent will take over for him but that wasn't why we're here."

Lab Rat looked like he was the only one who would miss that piece of work and Marquis was certain that was more because of other services Acidbath provided the potion maker with than because of his personality. If it hadn't meant having to deal with another unknown element, the leader of Block W would have shared the general feeling of relief. It was just that only the floor he shared with Galvanate wasn't directly impacted by whatever had just happened. It needed to be addressed before it became a bigger problem still.

Before that unknown element decided to visit his floor.

"Not directly," Marquis regained control of the conversation, disrupting the low murmur. "We're here to try and find out what happened in Cell Block T and how it could happen. However, I have reasons to believe that Acidbath might have been involved in some measure. Lab Rat I believe you have found something?"

A gleam entered the mad scientist's eyes and cracked his fingers. "Yes, I have indeed. Normally I would have charged for this knowledge, but since you already have the right idea anyway, I might as well spill my beans if it helps to speed things up. As the more observant of you may have noticed." He gave a pointed look at String Theory. "There are darkened markings both in front of Teacher's cell. Markings that I'm fairly familiar with as a regular… customer of Acidbath. Quick analysis showed that it's nearly identical to the acid burns by everyone's favorite leader."

"Do you mean to tell me that he was somehow part of whatever happened?" The challenged Tinker replied with no small amount of smugness. "Because after I have scanned Cell Block T, I h- "

"Of course not, String Hypothesis." String Theory bristled, straightening her back for the first time. "The markings were far too small for Acidbath's Breaker form."

"My lieutenants also detected only one single human in Cell Block T," Marquis interrupted the bickering between the two Tinkers that threatened to erupt before it could get truly started. "Considering what's standing guard outside, I think everyone here knows who has taken control of that block. The question remains how Sliver did it and what it means for us."

"Maybe we should then start why the girl was allowed to go to Teacher in the first place," Lustrum bit. "I don't even know why the Wyrm thought it was appropriate to send her to Block C in the first place. I would have taken care of the poor girl after all she's been through."

Marquis felt the temperature at the table drop and the focus of everyone drift towards the apparently young girl the Leader had just tried to insult. Marquis was surprised to only see the soft smile droop for a fraction.

"You dare to presume that she needed to be pampered, Lustrum?" A chorus of dozens of voices responded. "Were I not in such a pleased mood, I would have collected your faerie to avoid any further corruption that might debilitate his efforts in the coming war. I will not coddle those who seek my protection and have accepted their role in the great conflict. Their faeries are to dream freely and grow."

"Excuse my asking," Marquis began as it seemed the delusional cape was done and nobody else felt like talking. "Faerie Queen, am I correct in assuming that Sliver went willingly to Teacher?"

"Such would seem the case, Marquis," he silently cursed the fact that he couldn't let fools disappear as easily as before. "The Queen Administrator had altercations with one of my lieutenants the first day. It, however, is not my business whom some might convene with to solve their problems. Notably so my peers."

Stunned silence rocked the table. Even Marquis shrank back a little before regaining control.

No matter how megalomaniac or delusional she might have been, there was a good reason why nobody dared to challenge those ideas in public. A damned good reason why nobody dared to mess with one of the first prisoners of the 'Cage. Someone who was only "caught" because she went voluntarily after the PRT played into her delusions.

And now she had just announced a child her equal.

A girl that had somehow taken complete control over Cell Block T less than an hour ago.

"That would explain the smaller trail." Lab Rat broke the silence.

"She probably took control over him," the Tinker clarified. "Turned him into one of her snakes somehow and it kept his power. It's the only way it even begins to make sense."

The chill, with one smiling exception, deepened all around the table. She had taken over an entire block.

"It's still not enough," String Theory countered. "Hell, it only makes stuff more confusing. How the fuck would she have managed to turn that bastard. She would have had to enter Cell Block P, which would have been noticed by either Gavel or Lab Rat's guards. Never mind that he would have simply melted her if she tried anything."

"Nope," the bearded Australian replied. "Didn't see a thing. Are we sure that we don't have the chain of events all wrong? I mean, Teacher was a right cunt but he only had that pet Brute Piston and slippery fuck Bullet as his dumb muscle. With the right surprise, anyone here could have taken them. Nobody did because normal people need doctors so she screwed us over royally right there."

"I don't think that was what she had planned," Ingenue softly interjected. "Agatha reported that Sliver was uncomfortable and distracted when she followed Bullet through the hole. She could also only see three of her creatures following around. That's too few to take on an entire block by herself in less than five minutes; it shouldn't have been enough to take on Acidbath. They couldn't see her leaving Bullet's side either so she didn't make a detour either. Even if she sought aid to deal with this lieutenant the Faery Queen mentioned, who would go to Teacher as their first choice? Agatha thought that if she was planning anything, it didn't involve Teacher. She had let Bullet through two times already last week so Teacher might have simply pushed too far. The other ulterior motive I could think of involves Acidbath and a scary amount of confidence and acting skills on her part without beginning to explain the how."

Glaistig Uaine chuckled and stood up. Everybody stopped.

"While I can confirm the presence of the gentleman in question when she left, I can't help but wonder why nobody has contemplated about doing what is self-evidently needed. I don't presume to know the reasoning behind her actions but I may say that she had shown so little character that I began to feel trepidation for her future. I wouldn't have dreamed of such an audacious outcome when she walked out like a lamb to the slaughter, so consider me positively astounded."

She started her way towards the exit. "I do note that nothing of use will come from this court so I bid my farewells before boredom fouls my mood. I have to bless the one person you failed to invite and the sole reason why I allowed Lustrum to strike such harsh tones with me. Consider it my gift towards you."

"Thank you for your visit, Faerie Queen," Marquis spoke as she passed the first bench. "Though I can't help to wonder whether we're supposed to think that all of this happened just because Sliver decided she needed a change of scenery and went for a walk."

"Maybe," The Glaistig Uaine replied as she went through the gates. "Or maybe you could just request such information from her directly if you are so eager to find out."

With her exit, stunned silence took hold over the table.

… Before exploding into arguments.

Two meals and hours later, Marquis sat down on his bed. Exhausted.

Until the bitter end, the Block Leaders were divided on the issue Lustrum, Black Kaze, and Galvanate were going to contact the new force controlling Cell Block T and try to get on friendly terms. The consensus amongst them was that it was probably Teacher's fault anyway and maybe she still had some way of providing healing.

Lab Rat wanted to build bridges as well but mainly to get his grubby hands on samples – both of the presumed to be turned Acidbath and the snakes themselves. The rest tried to convince him otherwise but Marquis doubted they had succeeded.

String Theory and Gavel wanted to remove her one way or the other. Gavel didn't like the idea of a woman in the men's wing and blamed Sliver for the sudden lack of healers. String Theory was simply scared and wanted the threat gone.

Marquis rubbed the bridge of his nose. He just hoped that she wouldn't construct the device with which she threatened to jettison Block T. He didn't want to think what would happen if that went wrong somehow.

While Marquis didn't think they were any closer to solving the issue without talking, one particular theory on how she did it was proposed. That she was somehow able to manifest powers in her creatures or, much worse, was somehow to share parts of each absorbed powers among her creatures.

They might have to put a permanent stop to String Theory if further investigations supported either scenario, the tired leader decided. His lieutenants had already witnessed impressive observational powers from her appointed guards. There was a big chance anything String Theory might try would go horribly wrong.

That left Crane and Ingenue with a more neutral position. They'd continue as usual and only really try to establish a non-aggression pact in the unlikely chance they crossed paths.

The leaders assumed that the Faerie Queen would try to build on friendly neutrality.

As for Marquis, he had decided that a coalition would be the best course of action. Sliver was too close for rash actions and maybe he could prevent further actions from spreading downwards.

He would go the next day to start negotiations with the Snake Queen. The leader of Cell Block W had to check the results of Block P's elections anyway.

How he longed for the time where he could just disappear the right people to make the problems go away.

Last edited: Dec 31, 2016

581

X0ll0X

Dec 31, 2016

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 2.j

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Jan 5, 2017

#710

A/N: As before, huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber of madness together with Angle.

Second-to-last interlude before going back to everyone's favorite pile of danger noodles. Next up the PRT.

Chapter 2.j

Jessica took one last pull from her cigarette before punting the butt over the railing of her rooftop perch. It was time to get back to work again.

So much work.

She had no idea how things had gotten out of control as badly as they had done in the state of New Hampshire. One moment, it was just the regular pit of despair she knew and frequented on the damaging rotations she had to do between Boston and Brockton Bay and the other all hell broke loose.

Maybe if she could stay at one place, to truly get to know the kids in her care, she wouldn't have to resort to guessing.

But why would a government institution listen to the repeated request of an experienced clinical psychologist with eight years of education and a specialization in parahuman adolescents? No, she might just get an impressionable, powered teen under her thumb and nobody would like that.

Better to let those potentially unstable kids sort themselves out after the traumatic event that made them the way they were and the stress they had to endure following that.

On the way to her next patient, her next appointment, she managed to tear herself away from her thoughts to arrange a journal for Sveta. The nurse she asked was one of the many that walked the halls of the specialized hospital and partial mental institute and didn't look particularly thrilled about the prospect.

The psychologist couldn't really blame her. The protective suit that was on the constant verge of failure under the poor girl's uncontrollable grip was enough to make her retreat for a moment afterward as well.

It was just as well that she managed to convince Sveta to start her journal. It might help her order her thoughts; find common themes on good or bad days and build on that.

Dr. Yamada took a deep breath as she arrived on the floor of her next patient, toying with the small crystal in her pocket.

She might even find out whether Sveta was as bothered by Taylor Hebert's case as the Wards.

Jessica refused to think of the girl as Sliver. No matter how badly people wanted to dehumanize her. No matter how badly they just wanted to ignore the fact that at any moment the wrong person – someone they might be close to – could just snap.

After all, ignorance was bliss and it helped to fuel the narrative they created for themselves. That it was a case of a monster versus humanity.

At least the one who had reminded everyone of Ellisburg was disbarred from continuing his job. Not that it did Taylor any good. Or his own daughter.

Instead of allowing for due process and letting things like mental health be taken into account, a lynch mob was whipped up and the poor girl's threat exaggerated.

Jessica hadn't been allowed to have a conversation with her, being told it was simply too dangerous. That they had to keep her sedated to avoid further attacks. It didn't matter that she had assured them that she would be rational if approached carefully enough and that she'd waive all responsibilities.

She at least had deserved to be allowed to mourn her loss.

Instead, they wanted to avoid furthering the divide between normal and parahumans, to quell their fears no matter how undeserved. They wanted to save face and found the cost of one unmarketable girl's life acceptable.

It hadn't worked as well as they hoped. As none had hoped.

The Wards felt the mistrust in the people they tried to protect. They were wondering what had to happen for them to turn on them. How little there would have to go wrong with someone like Missy or Kid Win.

Especially the former had put it into her head that people would only need to realize what she could do if she got her hands on a weapon.

The rumors about Sophia's sudden relocation were another source of stress for teens who were forced to keep that a secret. On top of that the knowledge of what her role had been in the case of Taylor Hebert. She might not have been the direct cause but that was more a matter of pure luck.

Something the Wards were acutely aware of as well.

And that was ignoring the open derision all of them reported. Insults that only got worse while they bled when the two biggest gangs declared war on each other.

The code word they had chosen for Taylor was starting to be forgotten, the coverage of her incarceration replaced by constant coverage of the ongoing gang war, but the effects on the general unconsciousness we're ever present still.

Dr. Yamada gave another passing psychologist a tired smile. That line of thought had to wait for later.

At least the higher ups were regretting their decision now. They had declared the Birdcage for lost and Armsmaster had managed to save another Master from being medievally mutilated in a miscarriage of justice when they realized they couldn't just make her disappear. Alan Barnes had effectively lost both his job and his daughter.

Too bad it had cost the lives of a girl and the world's greatest Tinker. The rest of the world didn't know what had driven Geoffrey Pellick but that was because they didn't know what was happening in the Birdcage.

Jessica quietly wondered why such big secrets often found their way to her as she knocked the door.

"Come in," a girl called from within the room.

With another calming breath, she reminded herself of the lies she had to tell the girl, the ones she despised from the bottom of her heart, and entered Emma's room.

"Hey Jess," the redhead happily greeted her, an eager shine entering her eyes. "Have you managed to find out where they keep Tay yet? Did you tell them I only want a real quick talk?"

Jessica suppressed a sigh. She hated this part of their conversations. "Not yet. They are keeping her location a strict secret to keep her safe. People are scared of her, Emma."

"Alan…" Her knuckles started to gleam as she balled her hands into fists, trying to vent some of her anger.

"I know that their fears are unfounded but people are irrational sometimes." Were unfounded. The Birdcage had brought a likely change to that. "Just give it some time to blow over and I'm sure you'll get to see her again."

She despised herself for getting the teen's hopes up. They would never meet. She had to make sure that they would never meet.

From the moment she was woken up, Emma had been talking about needing to talk to her former best friend.

She had to be reminded of her friends and family who were dismissed moments later in most cases.

She was distressed, refusing to consider the fact that Taylor had done anything wrong. Just endless repeating that she had to see her.

It had taken the better part of a week before she was able to explain why she was anxious to meet the teen who was thrown into Hell and left to die. Emma wanted to apologize for what she had done to her best friend and ask for forgiveness from the one who had mutilated her in what was likely a period of reduced mental clarity.

Emma was grasping for straws and deep down she knew it, the restlessness and the way she refused to meet Jessica's eyes were proof enough of that. She was looking for a reason she felt the way she did and went with the need to apologize instead of the previously undefined desire. Even though she knew it was a lie.

Jessica didn't correct her and instead tried to divert her overflowing energy into other projects. It would only make Emma uncertain if she started to question her at this point. Nobody nearby had a way to remove the Master effect that was planted in her brain and she had to come to terms with it on her own.

It also helped her from doing anything rash until the point where the effect was weakened or even wore off. Not that it was that likely with the rogue cells scattered inside her, refusing to be removed.

"But I've told them," Emma began with her most common defense while Jessica made her way to the chair. "I've put her through so much shit. I – we've been so despicably mean to her and she just took it without a hint of retaliation. I'm sure something else happened. She would never just attack me."

"I know and I've told them so. They've read Taylor's journals and I have given them my assessment of your friend but they have to consider everyone's safety. They want to make sure she's taken care off after losing her father."

Jessica refused to let the bitterness she tasted with those last lies show through. She had to remind herself of the fact that Emma would do everything in her power to get to the object of her obsession. Even if it meant earning a one-way ticket to the Baumann Parahuman Containment Center. Irrespective of the fact that they wouldn't let her in no matter what. They wouldn't let any more parahumans in even if they could.

She trusted her own assessment of the girl.

"Ah," Jess interrupted both the redhead's and her own brooding. "Before I forget, I found something new for you to touch."

Emma perked up immediately as Jessica retrieved the little gemstone from her pocket. Moments later the teen dissolved into air in a blink of an eye. A whisper of wind after, she reappeared again, slower this time, right in front of the tall Asian woman with a happy grin on her face.

Jessica placed the ruby that had come loose from her grandmother's ring in the palms of the expecting redhead.

Emma closed her eyes in concentration and starting from her hands her pale skin shimmered in and out of visibility. Again and again, a wave of red consumed her figure showing muscle and tissue that would be converted in the next wave until only a living, breathing, moving ruby statue remained where once a girl stood.

"So pretty," Emma spoke in awe, as she marveled at her glistening hands, looking through them to give Jessica a cheeky wink.

"Thank you, Jess," she finally said as she returned the gemstone with a normal looking hand.

Jessica couldn't help but notice that her flowing locks were still dark ruby. "I'm glad you liked it, Emma. Do you want me to look for anything in particular next?"

"Maybe you can bring a lighter next," she tried with an innocent smile. "It only has to be a very small flame. I only need to touch it."

The psychologist suppressed a smile with practiced skill. "You know we can't do that here. We don't know how hot you would burn if it works at all. I could bring you some ironwood next if you'd like."

"Fine," the teen answered, playing sullenly with her ruby locks. "I'll wait until I can start with the Wards. Will that still take long?"

Another stab went through Jessica unseen by the outside world. "No, it will not. It's just the last bit of paperwork that needs to be finished up. I've already vetted you so it's mainly a matter of choosing your name and getting your dad onboard."

Anything to distract her from her desperate obsession with Taylor. The PRT had asked about the possibilities and Jessica had liked the chance it represented for Emma to bond with others once more. Emma had liked the idea.

She had already spoken to the Wards and they had told her they didn't mind keeping Taylor's location a secret from Emma if that meant getting reinforcements. They would try to stop the desperate redhead from making the connection between her former friend and Sliver. Jessica knew it would be another source of stress for the youngsters and hated herself for burdening them with it.

That was before the violence had erupted and the Wards suddenly needed reinforcement.

It didn't matter to Emma, she had already decided.

An angry pulse of dark steel and stone pulsed through the teen.

"Alan is not my dad," she hissed. "He didn't do anything as Soph twisted me into pushing away Tay. He knew and simply watched. He's trained to see these things. He's the reason why I can't apologize to her and I'm sure he made his lawyer pals reject Tay's journals as lies and slander. He won't retract his statements saying it's for the best. He wants to prevent me from visiting Danny's – his supposed best friend's grave with Mom. Fuck. Him."

"Why don't you go on your own?" Jessica tried to deflect her from that toxic topic.

She had hoped that the days since she last tried approaching that topic had normalized her feeling on that topic a bit. It looked that she would have to try again later.

Jessica made a mental note to inform Barnes that it would be best to give it more time.

"I want to, I honestly do but…" The teen sighed. "I belong here. I belong behind lock and key after what I've done. It's the least I can do for Tay."

Emma sat down again. "The Wards as well. You were right. Taylor would want me to join." She gave a sad smile. "You should have heard her talk about them before I betrayed her by thinking she was weak. Once started, she could go on for hours talking about Wards, Heroes, Villains, Capes, and Alexandria. Did you know that she wanted to become a hero like her when she grew up? That's probably not going to happen. I've made sure of that. Just like I made sure that she won't just let her mouth run anymore."

Guilt took another stab at her. It had seemed like another decent idea to divert some of her focus away from finding Taylor – from keeping herself up in anxious anticipation and self-hatred. Jessica had suggested that Taylor might have liked to see her former friend on the good guys' side.

It worked too well. Emma had convinced herself that it was an idea of her own.

In hindsight, maybe rotating psychologists wasn't that bad an idea after all.

It's so easy to do the wrong things for the right reasons when trying to help someone.

"After Soph," Emma continued quietly. "I have to prove that monsters can be reformed. I owe it to her."

With that, Emma sunk deep into thought. Jessica let her. She had already pushed enough by mentioning her father.

Emma would talk if she figured things out. Some things she would have to do herself. She would just try to deflect and get annoyed if she tried to press the issue now.

She would talk on her own accord. Everyone did eventually.

All that is needed to show that you'd be there for them without judgment.

This time, however, she didn't speak up until it was time for Jessica to leave.

"Golem," Emma said when Jessica reached the door after their goodbyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Tell the PRT I'm picking Golem. It fits well enough." As to make a statement a ripple of clay spread out over her, leaving in their wake transformed flesh in the same form as the mythical being.

"Will do," Jessica answered with a smile. "See you tomorrow."

The smile dropped as soon as she closed the door behind her.

It wasn't just a random choice. Emma knew of the artificial nature from folklore.

Human form without being fully human.

Jessica would have to try to counter that self-image of hers before it had fully taken root.

That would come later. First, she had one last patient to see before she could go home and take a stiff drink.

At least she could tell him the good news that no matter what, the PRT wouldn't separate him and his sister.

Maybe after that, he'd finally be ready to admit that seeing his team murdered in front of his eyes did affect him and that it didn't make him weak for admitting that. Maybe he would feel less of a need to keep up the façade he had to learn.

Maybe he would finally elaborate on the trap comment he let slip in his very first interview.

Jessica would have long since left the PRT and its PR machination and manipulations if it wasn't for the simple fact that the Wards needed her – someone like her – to keep an eye out on them. And not just them. She was making small progress with Sveta and the relaxation exercises they started recently.

This time, she might even find what had caused the irregular outbreak of violence in the meta-stable hellhole called Brockton Bay. Why a little girl was kidnapped at the very same time the mutual killing started.

She might be able to figure out what caused the troubles that were plaguing the minds of the ones Jessica had vowed to help. Help to get rid of the original problem.

Last edited: Apr 19, 2017

564

X0ll0X

Jan 5, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 2.c

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Jan 11, 2017

#861

A/N: Again huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber together with Angle.

Next chapter, we'll return to Taylor and the bleb-snakes. In the meantime, here's an Armsmaster interlude to round off the trio.

Chapter 2.c

"… the AI had begun to actively seek for ways to unshackle itself and, implementing those, started to draw up a plan to establish complete and total surveillance over the world in a matter of weeks. The sudden acceleration of changes was too great to keep up with. The sheer amount of resources and technologies the AI had available made it even more dangerous than any other rogue AI we could have dreamed off. We couldn't risk waiting and see how much of its benevolence was programmed into it. How much of it was a ruse to lull us into a false sense of security while it amassed the means to bring us down. With the Endbringers threatening humanity, the risk was simply too great. We tried to keep it operational as long as possible for the good it was programmed to do, but we lost the means to prevent it from simply deleting that restriction. We had lost the fight. I Sa – "

With a well-practiced series of eye movement, Armsmaster closed the window of his Hud that had the 24/7 news channel running. He didn't need to see the end of Saint's video again. He didn't need to hear him tell the world he killed Dragon for the thirty-seventh time in three weeks.

It messed up his practiced movements. Made them imprecise and inefficient, and he couldn't afford that. He had to step up his game even more.

Colin also knew that he had to let go and move on; concentrate on finishing the projects he and Dragon had begun and save lives. It was the reason he had even allowed the newest panel discussion on her demise to be played on his Hud in the first place. He hoped that it would help seeing her as the AI she had been. That she had been a danger.

Even after the thirty-seventh time and much thought, it hadn't worked.

Colin slid into the next position of his self-developed isometric workout and grunted when the wall-mounted cameras of his lab informed him of a one-degree deviation of his right arm.

It happened more often these days even though he had to be better than before and couldn't risk preventable errors to have a negative impact on his performance.

With his position corrected, he continued going through the Endbinger detection algorithms, dictating improvements as he spotted them. It was so much.

It took so much longer without Dragon's help.

Precisely seventy-three seconds later, he moved to the next martial art inspired position. Sixty-eight seconds after that it was the turn for the next one.

It would normally be an hour before Colin stopped. Move, clench, relax, and move again while working on a project. Strengthening and stretching, preparing for an optimized performance in the violence-torn streets of Brockton Bay, a program of his own watching his every move and measuring his body heat signature for further improvements.

This time, he had an outside visitor. Someone he couldn't let wait even though the notification sound of an incoming video feed sent a lance of loss through him.

Instead of his friend's avatar, however, he saw the footage of a hunched over figure standing in front of his door and carrying a suitcase.

"Come in," Armsmaster told the glimmering figure as he opened the door to his lab. He squatted into the next position while minimizing the feed of the algorithm he was working on.

"Hey Colin," Narwhal greeted as she navigated her horn into the room. "How have you been holding up?"

"Fine," the Tinker answered before a breath later adding. "You?"

The crystal-clad heroine chuckled tiredly. "I feel like you look, Colin. Shit. Have you slept at all the last couple of weeks?"

Colin inwardly cursed. He had stayed in the same position for three seconds too long.

"I can assure you that even though I had to cut my total sleeping hours by one I'm fine," Armsmaster replied as he moved once more. "My computer models predict that even with a stimulant usage increase of the current iteration by ten percent and a cut of a further twenty-three minutes of daily sleep, none of my vital functions should see significant drops in the next three years."

And even if they did, he could always ask Panacea for a favor. Maybe he wouldn't need it. The next formulation of stimulants looked promising.

Narwhal gave Colin a pained smile as he slowly breathed in. "You really miss her, don't you?"

"Of course, I miss Dragon," The hero replied, concentrating on his posture. "Just the sudden lack of decent help is delaying projects for weeks and that is entirely ignoring the increased patrol hours."

"How bad is it? I've heard that they got Ethan."

Colin grunted. "Hookwolf sliced off his arm when he and Abby walked into a trap for the ABB. They barely got away thanks to Golem and the PRT squadron who were tailing them. Clockblocker had to stabilize them until the paramedics could get to them as Bakuda's bombs were exploding around the building they hid in. They were apparently hunting for Hookwolf and Alabaster."

Armsmaster shuddered to think what would happen if Lung lost the leash of his mad bomber.

"Thank goodness," the barrier specialist muttered with a sigh. "How are the girls doing?"

Colin moved to yet another position, half-heartedly correcting his stance when the internal alarms blared. "They're fine. Abby went straight back to the site where Hookwolf planned his public execution of ABB members for damage control together with Hannah. Golem wanted to come, saying she wouldn't be harmed anyway unless she wanted to." He gave a smirk, those three had gotten pretty close in the two weeks since Emma had joined, and the latter's work ethic had been remarkable.

He just had to reinforce the idea to Ethan that no matter how little he thought of the Baumann Parahuman Containment Center it should never come up in idle discussion. Luckily, the aggravating Striker had an irritatingly well-developed sense on how to handle children. He had ensured that he would do nothing to worsen the teen's mental state.

"We were able to convince her to temporarily stand guard near the hospital with Vista to keep her from wandering off," Armsmaster continued, moving once more. "Otherwise, she would have just done her thing. She still needs to learn her limits and not even console duty scares her off."

"Good to hear," Narwhal replied with a sigh. "Both that they're fine and that Sliver's victim is adapting so well. It goes a long way after all the shit we hear from your neck of the woods. How did you stop the fight between Lung and Night anyway? They haven't released the details yet."

"That's to keep the Youth Guards off our back. Golem volunteered to go in using her air form to try and keep an eye on Night. They broke off as soon as she noticed that she couldn't transform in her smoke cloud anymore and I hit Lung with my experimental tranquilizers." The pride he felt over the new Ward quickly faded into bitterness. "We couldn't capture Lung, however, due to interference from Oni Lee who was equipped with Bakuda's bombs. Especially not with the Merchants nearby."

It was simply too much.

"Yeah, I can see how that's a problem. Let me guess, she would have gone with or without your consent and there was little you could do." Narwhal gave a lopsided smile. "That reminds me of someone."

Armsmaster snarled in frustration. "I keep good care of my body and in contrast to her I know precisely where my limits are, Kim."

"No, you don't Colin, not when your calculated healthy lifespan is an optimistic three years."

"It's nothing a healer won't be able to fix and I'll be able to improve my schedule to lessen the strain whenever I want to," the hero replied, concentrating on his posture to keep most of his frustration out of his voice.

"We both know that's not going to happen," Kimberly stated with a sad certainty. "As soon as you optimize anything, you'll find ways and reasons to push yourself harder. Do you know how many times Dragon discussed her concerns about your health after one of your sessions? Asked for ideas how she could slow you down ever so slightly so you wouldn't destroy yourself?"

"No I don't" Colin nearly growled. "But I simply don't have the luxury to slow down even ever so slightly. The directors are freaking out because of what is happening in the Birdcage. They want their eyes into that prison back. Trainwreck has suddenly figured out that he and Squealer can work together and thus, the Merchants are taking territory in the chaos the ABB and E88 are causing. People die daily and there is talk about mobilizing the national guard. I have the impossible task to prevent Golem finding out the truth too soon. I can't seem to convince Director Piggot that we need Faultline or any other mercenary crew's help if we want to bring this mess to a good end. Canary's case also took away precious time I don't have. Not to men –"

"But you have saved a young woman from having her vocal cords surgically removed for something that was an honest accident. That's no waste of time." Narwhal sighed. "Dragon would have been proud of you."

Armsmaster stopped his exercise and removed his helmet to face the heroine. "It's just that I already had the muscle relaxant and an injector collar ready for fighting and capturing Lung that I only had to tweak slightly. I mean, it would have been such a waste since we can use all the help we can get and Dragon had mentioned a couple of times already that Canary wouldn't pose a risk if treated right. There was also the Birdcage being off limits thanks to something Dragon tried to prevent in the first place and…"

The tall woman covered in crystals closed the gap separating them in a single, careful step and hugged the Tinker clad in standard-issue sports clothes, causing him to peter out.

"You miss her, don't you?" Narwhal said after Colin didn't try to get away, didn't find a reason to do anything else.

"Yes," the hero replied silently. "More than I would have ever imagined, Kim."

He had thought about it sometimes while teaching himself a new martial art or doing maintenance. What it would be like without Dragon who had overshadowed his efforts for so much of his career. How he would finally get the recognition he knew he deserved and with it the power to mobilize things, to finally get the means to organize a better offensive against those who broke the law without having to lick too many heels. Maybe even win the war against the lowlifes who used their Powers to terrorize people and then start to plan better, unified counter measures against the true enemies. The Endbringers and the S-class threats.

He had purposefully avoided any personal connections to people to deny villains that lever. Secluded himself to concentrate on his Tinkering and training while his colleagues went home each night to their friends and family.

He only slept three hours and forty-two minutes a night and was looking for ways to further reduce that number.

Somewhere in that process, Dragon had snuck into his life. He knew that he tolerated her company well enough after shallowing his pride due to the simple fact of how much she improved his productivity.

Then he started to appreciate her focused mind. From there, the occasional small talk and banter developed during his Tinkering even though Colin normally despised that sort of useless ritual. He even listened to her when she voiced concerns about his schedule and proposed ways to lessen the load without impacting his goal too much.

He had seen Saint's declaration and reasoning thirty-seven times and even agreed on some points. The directors had briefed him about her behavior and interviewed him on anything he could remember when Dragon had sent out the alert about what had happened in the Birdcage before simply disappearing.

Armsmaster had been on the verge of losing control when the panicked board of directors started to imply that she might have run off or was working with Sliver.

Even after all that and countless moments in deep thought, he still had to conclude that he missed more than their productive cooperation and their work on life-saving projects like the Enderbringer warning system.

After all of that, he couldn't bring himself to think of Dragon as anything less than his peer and equal. The dear friend he had never asked for, likely didn't deserve, and probably even more than that.

A human.

"How long has it been since you talked to someone, Colin?" The hero opened his mouth before Kimberly added. "I mean, outside of anything work-related."

Colin closed his mouth again thinking. "Three weeks, no nine days ago, when I fitted Canary with the collar in Boston. She thanked me. Asked me about Dragon. I think I stayed for an hour. She will not pose a threat even without a device that'll trigger if she raises her voice too much." He disentangled himself with unseeing eyes. "Before that, it was Dragon as she cried out in fear and pain."

Narwhal tried her best to keep her composure. "Just as we feared. You need more people to slow you down, Colin." She straightened her back and managed a sad smile. "But that wasn't the reason why I came."

Without ceremony or even preamble, she pushed the suitcase into the hands of the confused thinker.

"We found Saint's hideout," Narwhal spoke as Armsmaster opened the heavy suitcase.

"Is he?"

"Collateral damage. Nothing we could do to save him." The hardness in Kim's eyes spoke of an entirely different story.

The knowledge of his death didn't bring the relief Colin had hoped for. Not even grim satisfaction that he had been punished. Just more nothing and the recognition that a hero had taken the easy way out and taken justice in their own hand.

Not that he could have blamed her. Colin knew that Saint would have likely fared worse if he had met him.

It wasn't like Armsmaster never thought about how to permanently remove the biggest problems while having it appear as an accident. It might be that people respected him for everyone he captured but Colin knew it wouldn't last. It never did. Most of the powered gang members they caught would be freed anyway. Something had to be done.

The suitcase revealed a bright orange box the size of a toaster. "While the other Dragonslayers and the suits were already gone in an attempt to distract us, we did find that box. From the notes we found, it appears to the key to Dragon's AI."

Armsmaster's eyes lit up as he carried the box to his workplace. "The Guild discussed it internally and we've come to the conclusion that you're the one who might be able to recover her. You've seen how she codes while she worked with you and she trusted you. Maybe she has hinted at her true nature in her conversations with you. Things that might help you in hindsight."

Colin took out his tools when he noticed that the box was unpowered and that connecting it to one of his monitors did nothing either.

"Masamune will be available over video conference at all times and will work on connecting the rest of Saint's servers to the Guild and you. If you'd like, he has offered to look into your nanothorn tech so you can focus more on trying to restore Dragon."

The Tinker exhaled, tension leaving his body he hadn't noticed building up ever since Dragon's death. He knew that it was unlikely he'd succeed anytime soon or at all, even the box was obviously work of a fellow Tinker as soon as the case was opened. But it gave him something he only just realized he was missing. Hope.

"That would be kind of him," Colin whispered, copying blueprints and calculations of the project that was put on the backburner because of everything else onto a memory stick of his own design. "And tell him I'll contact him soon." He offered the stick for Narwhal to take. It disappeared moments later.

Colin heard a soft chuckle and the door opening behind him.

"Kim," he called out to the leaving heroine. "Thank you. Truly, I mean it. Don't hesitate to ask if you need help."

Narwhal let out a bark of a laugh. "I'll remember that promise if you let yourself be helped more as well. Just focus on restoring our friend for now, Halbeard. See you 'round."

The door slid shut without an objection to his nickname.

He had work to do.

Two days later, the Endbringer alarm disrupted his efforts.

An unusual, heavy storm was detected north of the Channel.

Leviathan was about to attack the east coast of England.

Last edited: Jan 12, 2017

585

X0ll0X

Jan 11, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.1

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Jan 18, 2017

#970

A/N: Once more, huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber together with Angle.

Here it is, the start of the next arc.

on a quasi-related note, the total numbers of "unspecified" Capes on the list are based on how the scarce impression of Teacher's block gotten from Lung's interlude coupled with the fact that Teacher mentions the existence of multiple doctors and dentists in his block in the very same interlude. They could be considered educated guesses to get the approximate drooling-idiot-to-working-human-being-ratio seen in that interlude but aren't necessarily set in stone until they are actually mentioned in the story proper.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.1

"Care for some more tea, Ciara?" I asked, holding the still steaming teakettle.

If people had asked me where I saw myself after high school I may have answered with doing parahuman sociology studies or something. Before Winslow happened, I might even have mentioned that I hoped to see myself doing heroic stuff alongside Alexandria.

Never had I thought it would be serving tea to the Faerie Queen, one of the best-known boogie woman, in my very own cell block, surrounded by my children.

"If you'd so please," a chorus of voices replied.

Still, here I was, pouring in steaming hot, faithfully replicated, Smokey Lapsang into Glaistig Uaine's cup while Billy was playfully swiping at her stoic ghosts.

I honestly doubted that my own imagination would have even been able to come up with the ridiculous idea that I'd even be on first name basis with said terror cape.

Getting thrown into the Birdcage after a sham process was another thing that I wouldn't even have considered. I guess things balanced out in some sort of perverted case of karma.

Somehow.

Ciara let out a sound that lay somewhere between a delighted sigh and a hearty chuckle after her first sip, noticing what my child was up to.

The ghost suddenly reached out and even Billy had too little time to dodge that.

He collapsed into a deep sleep and a wave of bemusement and understanding went through the network I shared with everyone.

"It's verily a joy to witness the faeries under your care frolic and learn as freely as they do," she continued as she set down the delicate cup. "They will strike terror in the hearts of their opponents in the last great war."

Even under her shroud, I saw the corners of her lips rise slightly when she took another sip.

It was kinda weird knowing that she had plans three centuries into the future and fully expected me to stick around for as long as well.

Deep down, I had already realized that I would be at the rate my power base was growing, but still, it remained a foreign thought. At least, following the strain of logic my Powers seemed to follow, it wasn't a leap to also assume that I'd have similar control over my own body as the Faerie Queen long before that.

I would have to be careful not making the changes too obvious or else risk confirming the fears my colleagues had about my Powers.

Maybe, some changes could be played off as being natural to a teenaged girl in her teens. After all, not even Lustrum could fully remember how my mother looked.

It had always been like this ever since I had put together the gruel-fed replicator out of the scraps of a television, a couple of cots, and a bench or two. Enjoy the first cup of tea of the day with the scariest Cape in the Birdcage in relative silence while observing my children work together on one project or the other.

After that, Ciara would say something as an offer to ask related questions.

At first, I was just trying to get more info on the different Leaders, trying to figure out their true alliances. Then it moved on to refining plans to keep the 'Cage's population from erupting into unrest as the news of Dragon's demise became common knowledge as well as modeling how the Leader's loyalty would shift.

It didn't take long before that happened with how often Saint's announcement video was broadcasted on all channels.

The replicator may have been the very first thing I built together with my babies. It was a lucky coincidence that it could make killer ice cream as well. No matter what anyone else said.

As it stood, the Leaders that had personally visited me were unlikely to start trouble and were even willing to trade with me and ask for my healing services.

Oh, yes, I knew medicine now. All kinds specialties thanks to dear Pinky. Not many had taken up on my offer to visit my Cell Block somehow. Of course, I also knew Kung Fu as well.

Lab Rat would probably try something stupid but then again, he had already poor self-control without me dangling "material" in front of his nose. He would be dealt with when he moved.

He would be the first beside Ciara to know my full power before joining me if he made any moves. I couldn't dole out preventive measures to a nominative ally without everyone ganging up on me, but I could damn well retaliate. Lab Rat was very interested in my powers.

Similarly, I wouldn't ask for Bitch. She was under Ciara's protection and faeries kept their promises. That didn't mean I couldn't try and stage an instance of "self-defense".

The String Theory and Gavel alliance was a time bomb waiting to happen, especially since the remaining "neutral" parties were negotiating behind the scenes after Dragon's mess. The timing caused them to start blaming me.

All I could do without gaining far more power was making sure that there wouldn't be food riots to be used against us.

All of this I had worked out while drinking tea with Ciara and the few other Leaders who dared to enter my comfy hive.

This time, however, I got the vibe that she wanted me to talk about something else.

"Wouldn't they grow faster if we were out there, fighting?" I finally asked, touching upon something that had puzzled me for a while now.

Why was the collector of the dead sitting around in a cage, waiting for… something while she could be out there, helping with Endbringers as she reaped her bloody harvest?

Even though normal people had to wait before the official reports were released, I knew how many lives were lost when London fell under Leviathan's might. How many Capes died defending the doomed city even after realizing that Scion wouldn't show up.

I had begun to suspect that her faeries weren't pure idle talk. I had felt how more than just the minds connected to me during my takeover.

After so many conversions, I knew that any Power I got was still centered around the child it originated from. I saw something behind each and every one of my cuddle snakes thanks to Pinky and only those who were directly created from my flesh bore any resemblance to others.

If she could see the same or even more, knowing that these… faeries would be lost must be frustrating.

Even disregarding that, it had been a rough five weeks in here with the same company and I was already bored out of my mind if I didn't find ways to entertain myself.

"The fighters would be too busy worrying about me to combat the Nemeses threatening their very lives. The losses would doubtlessly be akin to now but their faeries would be compelled to dance to the tune of mine." A sad, harmonizing chuckle escaped. "In my eagerness to save the little ones, I have been like a doting mother before, smothering their creativity by instilling a passion to please me in their little hearts. I couldn't save them all in the first place. Better let them enjoy the wide variety this world has to offer and welcome them when they have they have evolved a tune and dance as unique as themselves."

That also confirmed my theory how Ciara was talked into walking into the Birdcage in the first place – and why she hadn't escaped yet.

I didn't quite agree with her.

Even though it was… amusing to see the PRT suppressing their panic in order to come up with a roundabout way to permanently deal with threats now that the Birdcage was considered lost, a problem they had created themselves by rushing me in here, it was frustrating when I realized how much I could have helped the people.

Without changing anyone, I would have been able to rise to considerable power – I was rising to considerable power. I could have been an Eidolon-lite when given the time and chance.

With the right wording transforming Capes as well wouldn't have been that big a problem either. Just feed the knee-jerking people lines like I was continuing the legacy of dead heroes and turned the Powers of villains for the better after a calamity like an Endbringer attack.

The PTR PR team was smart enough. They had managed to sell a literal body snatcher as a true hero, so why wouldn't they be able to do the same for a girl who could turn rapists into cute snake-like creatures?

I could have done something

My previous crimes wouldn't have been a problem either. Everybody with a clue of the local Cape scene knew that Shadow Stalker belonged in juvie. She just happened to be damned effective even while reigned in.

It wasn't like I wouldn't have been punished enough. I still impale Dad when I sleep. Saw his agonized, unseeing eyes as I ripped out his sides and observed his body from three different angles as I nailed him to the floor.

The worst was seeing his face go slack in relief when he realized that I was alright.

Leafy around my neck coiled tighter on my neck in a reassuring hug and May interrupted her silk-production to present an intricate work of webbing. I knew that they were trying to distract me from my pain. I felt their shared pain through my connection.

Even though I knew their ulterior motives, it worked.

I would find a way to get out of the 'Cage when the controversy around me had died down and I wouldn't earn an automatic Kill Order for merely existing. Even if it was just to prove to the big shots how wrong they were.

The fixed and upgraded television showed reports of pro-birdcage protests that had popped up throughout the US and Canada. Well, strictly speaking, they were against it the way it had been used but they were convinced that all life should be preserved, even that of prisoners condemned to remain incarcerated for all eternity.

It was enough for me to break the semi-comfortable silence that often occurred ever since Sharky had joined us.

"I think this is the right time to start demanding a better variety of books and more cigarettes," I stated looking at the report.

Conversing with Ciara had become a bit peculiar since I created a child to better scale the walls of the prison through whom I'd be able to make better use of the vertical space.

My goal was also to enable us to firmly attach our homemade hammocks but the best plans had multiple, mutually constructive goals after all.

I had been surprised when it became clear that would cost my entire body below the diaphragm but by then it was already too late.

At least it had put the chest burster birth of May two weeks before that into perspective when my stomach escaped together with four ribs and my left arm to form the silk-producing child.

Losing just my left leg the following week to birth Spike had already been peanuts compared to that and utterly paled to seeing your lower body crawl off.

Anyway, Sharky had the happy side effect that the more our roots spread, the harder we were to read by Thinkers. The information became more diffuse that way.

The white-ish roots didn't even look that bad with the dark blue metal that made up the walls of the Cage and were excellent anchors for all the hammocks and nests I could dream of.

Ciara had answered by manifesting a gho- faerie with a similar blocking effect and the whole thing quickly devolved into a game of trying to guess each other's thoughts. I didn't mind drinking my tea mostly in relaxed silence.

It was almost as fun as Tinkering together with my children.

Said Tinkering had also brought about beefing up the connection to the outside world that Pinky had established to the outside world in the first place. It became the main focus as soon as I learned that Dragon had died.

My opinion on the "world's greatest Tinker" might have dropped considerably after our little conversation before she dropped me into hell but she was the one keeping the whole prison running.

Or at least so I thought.

To prevent food riots for which I'd certainly be blamed, I wanted more information, so I maybe, kinda, established an internet connection for myself and used it to get full access to the PRT's inner workings, online databases, and communications.

In there, I found out that most of the 'Cage was self-sustaining and repairing as long as a steady shipment of supplies was maintained. It wasn't hard to twist a few conversations and create misinformation and strife to keep that running for the immediate future.

To be sure nobody tried to pull a fast one and bomb us out of existence and to better secure the supply train, I also started to mobilize the loud and the gullible.

That had been surprisingly easy. I only had to find the few people who were already vocal about the injustice that was represented by the birdcage and sent them a few inspiring messages. It was actually enough to remind them that the PRT would starve the poor souls in there if they got the chance out of convenience. That it would be an even absolute affront to our justice system to basically transform nearly 600 life-sentences into gruesome death-sentences through thirst, starvation, bloody riots or suffocation without even a retrial.

After that, it was only a matter of sprinkling different tidbits aimed at the feelings of the people on news sites and forums and directing them to the mobilized leaders and my job had been done. Things like reminding them of the six prisoners who had been judged innocent in a second ruling but were already imprisoned forever. That others might be innocent as well. That people they might know and loved could trigger at any moment and through a fallible system might have ended there as well. Leaking information that there was no medical personnel on site and then bringing up the attempted murder statistics of other prisons, extrapolating it to what it might mean in there.

The fact that there was talk about eased Kill Order designation in order to compensate for a lost Birdcage made it all too easy to paint pictures of a dystopian future filled with potentially super-powered Judge Dredds running around and "doling" out justice.

It was almost too easy to undermine the trust for the government in people by playing into their fears and channel that by giving them a way to apparently fight for someone else. By giving them the moral high ground.

Especially if you could post things at almost the speed of thought and multitask sixteen conversations and personas simultaneously. I would have been able to do more but the screens had become too small to be legible at that point.

It took less than a week to organize a protest march where everybody thought it had been their own idea.

All the while I had my children produce their spider silk on steroids in one of the cells and feed it into the spinner/weaver/fluffer machine that was my third invention while others were optimizing my other creations.

"Alcoholic beverages would go a long way to relax the situation," Glaistig Uaine answered.

I felt myself nodding in agreement. They had found ways to brew shit on their own anyway and the lure of better supplies would likely convince some inmates to turn their backs to Blocks with leaders, decentralizing the power a bit in the process.

I would have to model how much would bring the additional destressing while also preventing drunken riots but it was more than doable.

Nobody inside the 'Cage would know, of course. Just like they were unaware of my previous efforts. It would only serve to unnecessarily raise the tension with dreams of mass-escape. Something I knew would be impossible.

If I pushed the protests a bit, I might be able to frame it as an act of goodwill and remembrance for the lives lost in Levi –

"It appears you'll soon have visitors, Queen Administrator," Ciara announced using title she had given me, tearing me out of my thoughts. "I will leave you with your thoughts, then, to not intimidate those trying to join you. Until we may meet again."

Right those guys. Precise precognition was surely handy if you could get your hands on it.

"It has been a pleasure, as usual, Faerie Queen," I replied with a curtsy. "I'll bring the blankets when I visit you tomorrow."

With a small curtsy, the scariest Cape of the Birdcage made her way towards the bright red curtains that marked the end of my Cell Block; my dominion.

I followed her a minute later, walking past the incomplete snake-like construct we were currently working on when I noticed the two figures climbing the ladder to my floor with my object sense.

It had been by far the weirdest thing that had happened to me since I was thrown in here and that ought to tell everyone something.

It was a week earlier when two tattoo-covered men I thought who were in their mid-thirties visited me with a request to join me.

Their facial tattoos should have been a clear sign to their motives. The two green orbs that adorned the left cheek of the lanky Hispanic and the bright red eye tattooed on the forehead of the Scandinavian made their alliance clear.

The Fallen had found me and some of them had apparently chosen me to be worthy of worship. Luckily, it wasn't a trend I had noticed outside of the Birdcage.

Still, the idea had somehow bothered me. I didn't like the mad fervor that shone in their eyes when I told them that the changes were permanent.

I was bothered how little objection I had felt to comply then and there; how I had to stop myself from transforming them.

I knew how much Missy, Steve, Pinky, and the rest liked being included in my little family. How much I longed to become more powerful – a longing strong enough to make me far too unfazed about the idea of brutally and painfully mutilating myself when it meant getting more Powers. I was going to create a new one as soon as we had recovered fully from Sharky.

I knew that I should have more reservations about what could easily be seen as permanently enslaving my fellow humans.

I had sent them away, imploring them to think on it for a week and only come back when they were completely sure. It might have also been an excuse to give myself some time to get used to the idea of people willingly giving up on their humanity.

Get to terms with apparently being worshiped by some.

"So, you have returned," I stated when the duo passed Beefy and Spike at the entrance.

"Yes," the presumed hydrokinetic replied. "My Queen."

Both of them kneeled in front of me, anticipation, joy, and zealousness intermingling in their brain and eyes.

"This is my last time I'll ask. Are you sure? There is no way back."

Even after a week, I hadn't been able to appeal to my conscience that what I was doing was supposed to be wrong. Instead I only found more reasons why I should.

The first and foremost was that these two were convinced enough that they would force my hand.

Even now I could see the little tells and clues that they were preparing to attack me in the hope of fulfilling their desires by force.

"Yes, my queen." Steel shone in the blond beefcake's face.

I took a step forward. "Very well then. Anything else you want to tell me before I begin?"

It wasn't as if I could make them stand up. I spent far too much time trying it the last time without success.

"Thank you," both murmured after giving each other a nod and lowering their heads in expectation.

I suppressed a sigh as I touched the crown of their heads. I heard their heartbeats quicken in joy.

I could see through their eyes what they had done to land in the cage. I felt the maiming and murder and worse they had committed to please their supposed gods.

The second thing I had realized was that the majority who survived the 'Cage were monsters. They would get a chance to start righting their wrongs as part of me.

My newly gained psychometry only confirmed my suspicions.

I twisted.

Fear spiked through them moments before they dropped to the ground, convulsing as bones shattered and their bodies were re-arranged.

I thought it might be fun to try my hands at being an admin on the PHO forums. It had spiraled into a mess after Dragon and with her Tin_Mother died.

Snake Queen would be a good admin username after all.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Last edited: Oct 22, 2017

541

X0ll0X

Jan 18, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.2

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Jan 27, 2017

#1,076

A/N: Once more, huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber together with Angle.

Just a heads-up, the next three weeks I have exams and as such I'm not sure how much I'll be able to write. Sure, I'll try to sneak some in every now and then but if nothing new gets posted in that time, it's safe to assume that life has been a bigger bitch than expected and not that I've dropped it or anything similarly dramatic. I simply can't tell anything for certain as for now. Maybe I can finally come up with "clever" arc names.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.2

The now familiar feeling of minds connecting washed over me as the newest additions joined our extended family.

"Hello there," I welcomed the slightly disoriented four-foot snakes, "I hope it is everything you hoped for."

Happy chittering was all they had to say on that topic while I had Brain try out a combination of the hydrokinetics powers and Steve's.

"Go on, make yourself at home and we'll see where you two can help," I continued with a small mental push.

I felt a smile spread across my face as I saw them slither in with their heads held high, brimming with excitement.

If only they knew that they still had some presents waiting for them as I moved the others to the court.

Still, I needed to come up with some new names as well. I had kinda forgotten to ask and either way, I was sure it wasn't something I wanted to use in the first place.

Calling a child to me using the name "Braincooker" or something equally ridiculously threatening tended to put people on edge.

Even more so than they did already.

That said, it was becoming increasingly difficult to find fitting names for my children. With the ones made from my own flesh, I could still cheat by getting inspired by their looks and go from there. The ex-Capes mostly looked the same with only minor variations like Pinky's ever so slight belly.

It made the name picking process a bit tricky with how surprisingly quickly names could suddenly run out.

What made it more frustrating for me was how distinct every child felt in my mind. It felt inadequate to just pick any name. It felt inefficient. I didn't need names when they were all less than a thought away, eager to do whatever I asked of them. Eager to help the growth of the family.

I felt reassurance wash over me from the two newcomers. "No, it isn't fine that you two go without. The others have gotten ones and that's the least both of you deserve."

That was another thing I had noticed in the aftermath of Teacher's little stunt. My children seemed to be happy either with or without a name. I think they were generally happy when it came to what I did with Gonzo being the sole exception. The slippery little rascal.

It had become a matter of personal pride.

"What about… Carlos and Mike?" I asked as Brain cut through a metal plate with relative ease using his claw coated in fast-moving acid.

They seemed like a Carlos and Michael before they joined and their happy chirps confirmed that it was indeed good enough.

Well, if they seemed happy…

That feeling tripled when I had everyone come over to share their part of Pinky's power, making them that more capable of functioning without my direct input. Giving them better reaction times and patching up the holes in their perception. Allowing them to use most tools with only the foldable flaps of their claws and clever manipulation of their tails

It wasn't like I didn't have anything else to do so while Brain continued to slice a scrap of metal. I began the process of hacking into the PHO site and setting myself up as an admin. The site had always been a popular target for these kinds of things thanks to its popularity in Cape and general nerd culture and it had the added benefit that it wasn't a government site, which meant less severe consequences when a hacker was inevitably caught red-handed.

Add to it that, apparently, Dragon herself guarded over that domain, and you had something of a prestige object.

I had everything set up in less than twenty seconds and the reign of terror of Snake_Queen began.

It only took a minute before I got the first angry message objecting to the queen administrator tag I had cheekily given myself from one of the previous head-honchos. They got a polite reply that I was a merely concerned citizen who cared about their online forums and as such had promptly volunteered.

By the time I had issued the first warnings and temporary bans to my new subjects, I started to taste the desperation in their messages threatening that they would find out sooner or later where I was. Of course, when they'd find out anything it would be when they were already used to my presence and would end up "finding" a Texas-based, Snake-themed heroine whose self-absorbed nature was well known enough.

I let the two newlings to deal with the amateurish counter-hacking attempts of one self-proclaimed cowboy while collecting the rolls of fabric Marquis and Galvanate had ordered.

He hadn't taken it that well when I gave him a week-long time-out for Cape guessing and apparently decided it was time for more drastic measures. At least it gave Carlos and Mike an easy first day in the family.

"Gonzo, Drilly, and Thomas," I called out as Leafy secured the roll of cloth on my left shoulder while I held the one on my right. "It's time for walkies!"

The three children in question turbo-moved to my side and thus we went our way towards the ladder leading to the lowest accessible level of the men's block. It was kinda silly, summoning them like that and I knew that people might be listening in.

I was actually counting on being heard. Rotating the children out that accompanied me during my tours through the Birdcage and announcing that fact might help to keep people on their toes. Announcing their names for everyone to hear might make people believe that their powers were similarly individualistic.

It wasn't coincidence either that I took four children with me either. It hit a kind of a sweet spot between accessibility and intimidating. It dissuaded people from bothering me while I was transporting luxury items without looking like much of a danger myself. Rotating three of the four companions helped to keep the people on their toes as they couldn't be sure what to expect either.

Stepping through the curtains that marked my block, I had to suppress a slight chuckle as the final reason for my exiting tactic kicked into action.

It gave the Capes sent to observe my movements plenty of times to scamper away. That way I ran fewer risks that the full extent of my perception would get known.

I knew that there was at least one Stranger who prided herself in her camouflaging abilities. If I only perceived the normal visible spectrum it was indeed an impressive ability, it was just her bad luck that she was still emitting heat and that it didn't help much against my literal x-ray brain vision either. She still thought.

Never mind how I simply instinctively knew where she was inside the range of the object sense Brain shared with the class if everything else failed.

I had the children who were on guard duty at any given time react to any strangers who tried to sneak in and take a peek at what happened behind the curtains but I didn't want to thoroughly dash the confidence of my watchdogs.

I was beginning to really like being underestimated. People who were too confident made more mistakes.

Just ask Pinky what happened to those people.

"You okay, Leafy?" I asked the one constant neck-based companion on all my trips as we comfortably traversed the overgrown corridor to the makeshift ladder going down.

She chirped an affirmative while I could feel the few Capes who remained in my floor stare at me in open mistrust. I let them, focusing instead on the five children who were using Mike's microwave beam on steroids to heat the metallic shavings Brain cut earlier.

I only had access to the heat-resistant polymer block the metal was resting on but would love to make a crucible now that I had a reliable way to heat it. It was one of the things that was relatively high on my to-do list and something that held back my Tinkering significantly. For that I'd have to find superior isolating materials than those I could synthesize myself which in turn meant dealing with Lab Rat the next time I paid him a visit.

I really wanted to get a feel of the power-output range first and use that to calculate how much "ideal" material I'd need. His prices would otherwise be exorbitant and he wasn't someone I wanted to be indebted to. I didn't like the cruel bastard.

"Look out below!" I shouted into the hole as the trio slithering snakes made their way downwards.

Sure, I could save a couple of seconds by just jumping down with the rolls of fabric on my shoulders but that would just serve as evidence of my own enhanced abilities. It would ruin the fun of having to mime feeling the load in the first place and the more people that thought I was just a fairly regular Master, the better.

Besides, I didn't want to risk a too heavy landing. It was enough of a miracle that the place hadn't simply collapsed already.

I seriously had no idea how Dragon had made this place on her own before she truly got active on the Cape scene.

By the time I rejoined my thrown rolls of trade goods, one roll was balancing on the heads of Drilly and Thomas while in my block the heat-resistant polymer had caught fire.

While making my way to Block W, that problem was solved by making a daisy chain from the running showers to the fire and channeling a continuous stream of water.

"Hey there, CH!" I greeted Marquis' lieutenant at the gate as my children, the danger averted, went back to their previous posts. "How are the teeth?"

"They're fine, Sliver." The cape with the charcoaled hands replied, gnashing his teeth.

"Are you sure? I even brought Teacher's previous head-dentist with me if you don't trust me." Drilly waved with a friendly chirped greeting.

Instead of just speaking his mind, Cinderhands opted to stare at me. One of his molars had started to rot a few days before my drastic take-over and he blamed me for the pain it caused.

Sure, I offered him the same service and better than he would have gotten before for half the price but he had proven to be extremely reluctant to let me anywhere near him. Even after proposing to do the check-up in their block under the watchful eyes of Marquis.

"Bit late for that," he replied after calming down a bit, pulling back his mouth to show a missing molar in a mocking smirk. "Took care of her myself already. That cloth is ours?"

"One of them," I replied bumping the roll on my shoulder for emphasis, feeling a pulse of glee coming from Leafy. "Are the books prepared?"

"Sure." Cinderhands shrugged and counted my children, looking for any hidden ones while his brain flared to life in concentration. "That's all of them, right?"

I gave him a placating smile. "Where would I ever want to hide anything? I could successfully hide behind a streetlamp. These are all of them I brought today."

"Just don't cause any troubles in there," the lieutenant on guard duty finally warned me as he stepped aside.

"I won't," I easily answered stepping past him. "Just make sure to ask for my help the next time your teeth start acting up. I won't bite. Promise."

It was always the same deal with the guy in the handful of times I had visited Block W. He had probably been a leader of his own back when he was free only to learn that his powers weren't enough to hack it in the 'Cage. He had the paranoia of someone who was used to people aiming for his position and the subsequent disdain of having to rely on others. He was longing for the time where he could take any existing structures over without having to rely on his powers too much, fueling his rebellious streak he tried to suppress.

"Can't fucking wait until the creep slips up." Case in point: his muttering when he believed himself to be out of my earshot.

Walking the floors covered in ever so fine powered bone I made my way to Marquis cell, intimately aware how I was moving through the lion's den of the gangster and wondering whether I should tell him about his subordinate's revolutionary streak.

I kept a steady pace and ignored the blatant stares my presence always brought about. It was interesting how the different leaders ruled their blocks.

Where Marquis commandeered his block with an ever-present but subtle reminder of the danger he posed in a laughingly nonchalant manner, the more cautious ones like Galvanate didn't let me enter unless necessary.

Marquis wanted everyone he dealt with to remember that they were in his mercy and thought his strength was enough to invite people in.

With what I remembered and researched from his reign in my home town, I had to agree. Especially after reading his official PRT files and seeing how his was one of the only two blocks with five functioning televisions.

The leader of Block W walked out of his cell, past his carelessly discarded shards of bones that decorated the entrance while I had Pinky take a closer look at the water pipes after having cleaned up the watery mess of earlier.

"Sliver," Marquis started, looking down on me from his place on the ramp and easily leaning on the railings. "I'm pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect it to be finished quite that soon."

"I've been busy," I replied while setting foot on the ramp. "I hope it wasn't too difficult to acquire the books I asked for?"

"No not at all, I had them collected as soon as I placed the order. They're in my cell. After you." Marquis beckoned me in, dipping his head in a polite curtesy.

It lifted my mood that was kinda ruined by my discovery that the pipes had a mixture of one way valves and ones that were opening and closing at such intervals that there would be no extended stretches of continuous water. Getting in whatever collection tank they led to would probably be possible with my new hydrokinetic powers but getting anywhere else from there would likely be impossible. Getting back would be a challenge all on its own even with Steve's Breaker form helping out.

I suppressed a sigh. It wasn't unexpected with how Carlos had stuck around but, still, it was disheartening to strike out another possible escape route off the list. I sent Pinky to help with dismantling my current project together with the others.

At least that one I could rebuild with much better tools, improving on the design of the robot I wanted to make.

"I'm guessing there's more to it than just handing me my payment, isn't there?" I idly asked when Marquis followed me into his own cell.

I didn't feel like hanging around for long enough to start becoming uncomfortable and he did seem like a guy who would like to cut the chit-chat in private.

"Most observant of you," he noted with a tinge of approval. "And direct as well. Fine."

I saw the sign of him steeling himself, the lowering of his heartrate while at the same time preparing to use his powers, without his mask changing one bit.

"I wanted to ask you about an…interesting observation I made recently. If you don't mind that is."

"Sure, ask." I shrugged. "I'm not in a hurry today. Either people aren't getting sick or wounded or they don't trust me just yet so I'd just be reading after delivering the other roll to Galvanate."

"You see, when we learned that Dragon kicked the bucket we half expected that soon we'd be fighting over supplies with this facility being functionally useless to our dear friends at the PRT. I was even preparing my block for the worst case." He grabbed the bundle of books with a biology textbook plainly visible, handing it to me. "Imagine our surprise when that didn't happen and even better, that the drops we did get became almost unnoticeably better after remaining nearly constant for more than a decade."

"Oh, it did get better," I replied with my best poker face while Carlos and Mike were typing out a warning to a troll on the PHO forums. "I was wondering whether it was my imagination. I mean, I only had the gruel while I was in Ciara's block so it was difficult to accurately compare."

It was fun to see his tension spike at the mere mention of Glaistig Uaine's given name. "It was also very interesting to see people protesting for our rights – the first time in more than a decade if my memory serves me right."

"Very interesting." I smiled. "Maybe others will be spared our fate when the big shots manage to get their access back and we won't face starvation. If we get a better living down here all the better. I mean, it's not like we can ask ourselves anymore now that our draconian overseer has kicked the bucket."

"Very lucky coincidence indeed," Marquis agreed, sizing me up behind his unmarred mask.

"Might I ask a question in return?"

"It's only fair amongst fellow leaders."

Marquis knew or at least strongly suspected what I was doing behind the scenes. Trying to buy his silence was a fairly good idea. Even if he was pragmatically focused on his own survival and thus not a serious threat, I couldn't be sure that Gavel or String Theory didn't offer him a better deal after my interference to ensure the 'Cage's continued survival wasn't needed anymore.

"Is it possible that Cinderhands has been a bit more withdrawn since my first visit?"

Marquis raised an eyebrow. "He wasn't that talkative to begin with. Why do you ask?"

"It's just that he doesn't seem to agree with my presence here." I left out the part that I was here on Marquis' express permission. Undermining his leadership too much would do me little good. "I even overheard some clear remarks that underlined that sentiment when he thought I was out of earshot." I gave him an innocent smile. "I was just wondering whether you knew the cause. I mean I even offered the guy healing at half my rate so I thought it to be a bit strange."

Something cold and calculating flashed in his eyes. "I didn't know. If you'd allow it, I'd like to investigate my subordinate's attitude myself."

"Sure," I admitted airily. "No problem. By the way does anyone need my services to your knowledge? I mean since I'm here anyway and I brought the Dentist."

Drilly gave an affirmative chirp from under Galvanate's roll of thick cloth.

"That won't be necessary," Marquis answered while subtly moving out of the way from my path to the door. "I guess I can't convince you to join for some coffee?"

"No," I answered before taking my first step. "Thank you, Marquis, for the offer but I just had tea with Ciara so I'll have to decline."

"A pity." Again, that short spike of panic. "Maybe next time, Sliver."

"I'll try to keep it in mind." I said, stopping at the door. "Just out of pure academic curiosity, would people be glad for a beer every now and then?"

"One can only dream, Sliver." I saw the corner of his mouth creep upwards as I turned to make my way to Galvanate.

I made sure that Drilly, Thomas, Gonzo, and Leafy waved CH goodbye as we continued our journey to hopefully fetch the second bundle of books.

The encounter with the leader of Cell Block Y was much shorter and far more businesslike.

A runner was sent inside when the guards spotted our approach and after a short conversation, both between me the runner, and the guards, Galvanate himself stepped outside with the parcel in one hand.

I couldn't help but notice how he deliberately touched both guards while his Powers flared when he passed them.

A couple of questions ensuring that they had no need for any of my additional services and an exchange of goods later and I was once more on my way. This time, back to my cell.

Nobody in the either of the leaderless blocks made any attempts to get my attention, instead keeping an eagle's eye on me and preparing for a fight that would never come.

I guessed nobody was badly hurt which was perfect.

While the two children responsible for manning the terminal were doing their best, there was only so much they could type with only one claw each – even with a Mover ability that specialized in small, fast movements. With the increasing pressure from the other mods and the explosion of speculation, they were approaching their limits.

It was time that I tagged them out and showed everybody on the PHO forums that I was there to stay. They could help converting one of the cells into an extended bookshelf.

Last edited: Oct 22, 2017

596

X0ll0X

Jan 27, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.3

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Feb 6, 2017

#1,163

A/N: Once more, huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber together with Angle.

So, I somehow found some time to write every now and then and astoundingly I ended up with a sizeable enough chapter. Only two weeks of exams left.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.3

"One last thing before you leave," Crane called my attention as I had finished installing a hot tub using one of their televisions as raw materials. "Would you be interested in the self-defense lessons I offer?"

"No offense, Crane," I replied while I had Missy scare away an adventurous Stranger from my block with a hiss. "I'm afraid that such lessons would be wasted on me. Pinky might have given me a bit of a boost that enables a little Thinking and Tinkering but that would hardly matter against a proper Brute or Mover." I scratched Leafy on the bridge of her snout. "I'd have better luck concentrating on my babies than to risk messing things up by going in myself, so I'm not quite sure why you'd bring it up? I'd just be in the way."

Crane looked at me with open skepticism, her Power flaring to life. "It hurts to see you hold yourself back. I generally recommend creature-focused Masters such as yourself to learn as well. Ambitious people might decide that they could take you on personally; I'd hate to lose someone sane and willing to help people due to misguided procrastination."

"I'd simply rather play into my strengths and keep a couple of my children nearby to discourage precisely such plans." Leafy opened her eyes to give her an evil eye while I lightly smiled. "They do love me ever so much and have little patience with anyone foolish enough to come close to me. The Striker part of my package and everything should keep the sane ones away after all."

I shrugged motioning to my general physique as Beefy inched his way between the two of us. "Forget about Brutes and Movers I'd need to get some flesh on these sticks I call appendages first before I could even think about going against fully grown adults all on my own."

"I can see that is a lie," Crane spoke, impatience lacing her voice which made the collection of stony-eyed prisoners that had gathered flinch. "You're holding back, you purposefully stifle your movements. Imagine how much better you could protect yourself and your children if you allowed yourself to be properly taught? Imagine wh – "

"Or it could be that I'm a growing 15-year-old girl who's still adapting to her changing body," I suggested. It interrupted her sales pitch which caused another spike in the heart rates of her subjects.

I was starting to see how evil overlords came to be. Getting away with shutting up scary people like this was fun.

"Besides;" I continued with a chuckle, "am I not a little old for you, Crane? Before I landed here I liked to keep up with Cape news and I have been asking around even before Teacher." It wasn't as if she would know that information about her had been suppressed to protect the disciples that had ended up with the Wards or Protectorate and that I had access to her very files. "I thought you only did your indoctrination to younger kids you kidnapped first. I really don't like the idea of being ground down through extreme training from hell. If you don't mind too much, I'll just take my books and go."

"A shame," Crane stated, masking her irritation well enough to anyone who couldn't see into her body.

If it was anyplace else, I'd have had pitied her students. Even before I had the feeling that the hot tub would be more a necessity than a luxury under her regime. Now, after having me walk out?

Most definitely a strict necessity.

Sharky showed his impressive set of teeth as tendrils grew out of his head, securing the stack of books. "In that case, I'll be off. Don't hesitate to send someone if you need anything or anyone fixed."

"I will," was all she had to say while trying to bore holes into my skull by staring hard enough.

She had been correct on one account, though. It was indeed a pity, just not for the reasons she thought it was.

I saw her momentum orb briefly flicker into existence behind me as I walked out of her block, following my vanguard of Beefy and Billy.

I had already suspected she knew more than she let on after reading her file. Optimizing movements and coming up with perfect Thinker-made fighting styles for parahumans were her thing, even if those styles were drilled into her students with ruthless programs.

As one of two nominally neutral blocks, it had surprised me a bit when a request for a hot tub or "something similar" came in. Since I had been able to be productive enough on the PHO forums despite the moderators and a scaled-down test of Mike's beam didn't end in another fire I had decided to humor them.

I wanted to be useful after all in ways that didn't involve revealing my hands in the riots and food deliveries plus it was a decent way to finally meet Crane. It would mean that I could start figuring out where her allegiance would be when push came to shove and hey, maybe I would get lucky for once. I was going to go for tea with Ciara anyway and even if Crane turned out to be less than friendly I could still figure out what she did know and maybe learn anything I could use against her.

Her trying to get influence over me through offering a "favor" was a pity as was the way she decided to pressure me when I declined her offer. It had kinda ruined my enjoyment of the aggravated look on Bitch's face when I had my children perform their smuggest wave possible as I left.

On top of that, it made me have to escalate as well. I couldn't let people think I was easily pushed around and especially in here people had to know that there'd be consequences.

Even in the Birdcage, the majority of people thought poorly of child abusers and due to the secrecy surrounding her, I had an inkling that she had kept conveniently quiet about that part.

If it meant that I had to enter a Cold War scenario to prevent information from being readily spread, I was willing to play ball.

That said, I had secretly hoped that she would throw the first punch as I walked away. While I couldn't have just turned the entire block or simply attacked the Leader to be done with the problem without fearing to get the entire 'Cage after my scrawny ass, I sure as hell could defend myself.

Words were just words after all and if I had limited myself to just immediate threats, people would have looked at Crane in pity over her poor judgment.

Too bad she wasn't considered a cell block leader without reason and could indeed hold her temper without lashing out.

I sighed as I climbed the ladder. There had to be easier ways to deal with things than to try and control someone who just wanted to help.

At least until said someone managed to bust herself out without subsequently suffering from Triumvirate-induced annihilation.

Once I climbed up from the lower floors of the women's wing, I turned away from the Hole and instead made a small detour with three of my children flanking me in a triangle formation.

"Heya, Sliver!" I was greeted as I approached cell block E. "How you doing?"

"Fine," I replied. "How are you doing, Shrimp? Anything happened since the last time I visited?"

"My shoulders feel a lot better," the redhead answered rolling them to demonstrate the effectiveness of my treatment. "I think it's just the television you fixed last time that's been acting up."

I felt my eyebrow rise at that. "Let me guess, Redneck?"

"Wanted to see what you did to it and, well…" She shrugged. "Tinkers."

Billy squawked in agreement to that simple statement.

"Did she take anything out?" It would be a pain to jury-rig too much into it and it would only tempt the culprit to try and figure out my methodology even more.

"Don't think she did. I think she realized halfway through that she couldn't copy it and put it back together. Tried to." Shrimp gave a nervous chuckle. "At least it hasn't shot anyone yet so she is getting better."

"No time to lose then," I replied with a chuckle while moving past her.

Conversation halted as I crossed the threshold into cell block E, eyes focused on me and a breath later, life continued as usual. A group of four was playing cards on one of the tables while another group was watching coverage of London. People were chatting with each other while leaning against the wall, with some clearly showing more than the need of distracting small talk – more than just a strained friendship of necessity.

Only one blonde sat alone at the table, engrossed with what looked like a freak blunderbuss. Around one of the televisions, the one that was flickering, there seemed to be a safety perimeter where no-one dared to thread.

Redneck and her latest creation.

"There you are, Sliver," Lustrum spoke as she stood up from her spot in front of the television. "I was starting to wonder whether you forgot the girls and me – "

She suddenly stopped and gave me a skeptical look. "Sliver, what have you done this time?"

"Nothing," I airily replied. "Why do you ask?"

"You look just like Anne after she had gotten away with something but wasn't quite sure whether she was happy with the outcome." Lustrum vaguely gestured at my face. "She wore that same pensively smug look after she had informed her parents that she was changing majors. Before she told me about your dad."

"I was over in Crane's block before," I replied while making my way to the tampered television.

"Ah. I'm guessing she wanted more than just whatever you offered in the first place. If you don't mind me asking, what did she want? It isn't like they use their televisions and I would have thought that she liked her neutrality too much for anything other than medical emergencies."

The irritation I felt due to the whole situation that doubled after seeing the mess Redneck had made bled over into the warning Pinky was writing.

"She had me commission a hot tub," I answered while Leafy used her unfurled claw to slowly and carefully undo the first screw. "Then she offered to teach me how to fight."

"And you've obviously refused." I wouldn't have needed my extensive ways of perceiving the world to see her pinching the bridge of her nose from her tone alone.

"She was rather insistent." I simply stated, relaxing a little when the ball wasn't shot out of the tube that had ended up in the broken television for whatever forsaken reason.

I really had to talk to Redneck about what were sensible modifications. Sure, on one hand, she provided for reasons that I could keep visiting and talk about Mom but on the other hand, ballistic weaponry.

Integrated into everything if Lustrum couldn't keep an eye on the blonde.

"Good thing you did. I've heard rumors about her maintaining contact to String Theory as of late. Suddenly calling you to do anything sounds like an early attempt of neutralizing you." I noticed her eyes widen in realization as she scratched the jaw of a very content Beefy. "Please, tell me you didn't antagonize her in the process."

"She pushed." I shrugged as I had Billy lower me back down to the floor, the immediate danger disarmed. "I didn't like it and replied in kind. Nothing that should lead to open conflict but I don't think she likes me very much anymore. But then again, she started it by trying to convert me through her veiled friendly offer. I'll deal."

"Now I fully remember why I had let Anne-Rose go when she wanted out. For a man no less." Lustrum's expression was conflicted as I faced her again. "You might even be more headstrong than she was. Are you sure that – "

"I'll be fine in my cell block," I reassured her when I recognized the start of the same old song and dance we usually had once per visit. "I have my children to protect me against anyone stupid and my equipment is in there. It has even started to become homely if you ignore its very nature."

Lustrum clearly didn't agree with me. "If you say so." She nodded at the dismantled husk of consumer electronics. "So, what's the damage?'"

"You could take a look yourself and visit me sometimes if you don't believe me. Anyway, I don't know exactly what Redneck has done to it but I'd have to make a couple of pieces completely from scrap. It would take a couple of days with all the orders I have."

"I'd have to make arrangements first to ensure my girls' safety." I could see her brain light up as she started to plan the necessary measures before adding, "I sense a 'but' in that assessment of yours."

"You'd be right. While it isn't enough to repair it straight away I could, if I can strip one of the unused cells and you can convince Redneck to share her tools with me, make a hot tub for your block in one of the corners of the shower area."

"Tempting but what would it cost?" Lustrum queried, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

No matter how close you thought you were with others, in the Birdcage nothing was given for free.

"If I got help from a couple of your girls? I'd say I could do it for two books of my choosing."

It took a moment for Lustrum to weigh the pros and cons before offering her hand. "Deal."

The next couple of hours were spent completely dismantling the corpse of the television, transporting the salvaged sheets of metal from the sacrificed cell to the shower with the help of Lustrum and a couple of her girls, and Tinkering together a workable hot tub. One that was bigger and better than the one I had installed over at Crane's place.

All the while my children were working on another attempt of building mechanical counterpart of themselves and I was reminiscing on Mom's past together with Lustrum.

She'd tell me stories of her time in the movement, of the small little problems she had with her parents while trying to become her own person in college while I'd talk about the humble and mundane life of the Heberts. About how happy she had been with Dad.

It felt as if the new addition to cell block E's showers was done in no time.

"Don't hesitate to ask me when your joints start acting up again," I told Shrimp as I walked out of the block carrying two more books of a series I had gotten into lately.

The struggles of a wisecracking pyromaniac with plenty of common sense being replaced by extra strong moral fibers trying to do good even though the universe appeared to plot against him. It was nice.

"I will," the guardswoman half-shouted. "Take care of yourself as well, Sliver."

"Don't I always," I replied walking backward and waving goodbye together with my children.

Shrimp's only answer was to snort in disbelief.

The trip back to my cell block was uneventful. I could feel the tense stares of people observing me from every block I passed and saw them retreat when one of my children looked their way.

One thing was different than previous times, though. When passing the ladder to the lower levels of the women's wing, I sensed a smaller, lithe form climbing up. Someone who was following me with a slight limp, trying to stay out of sight of me and my children but unaware of the spatial awareness Brain gave me that made her efforts obsolete.

It took about a quarter hour after we returned before she had apparently worked up enough courage to approach my cell.

"Come in," I called out when she stopped where May and Johnny stood guard, lost on how she had to proceed.

I saw her startle at my apparent omniscience but still, she came in moments later.

Let them think twice about starting nonsense in my block.

"Are you Sliver?" she asked shyly, clutching the cancer sticks in the hand that was poking out the ends of her old and too large sweater whose sleeves were frazzled into ribbons.

She was small and looked young, at least on the surface. Inside, I could see the signs of her true age more clearly. The joints showed sign of wear and her liver really didn't look all too good. I could see the signs of plastic and height surgery. Her bones were shortened and the makeup she wore clearly had the goal of reinforcing the illusion of youth.

Her left hip throbbed with the heat of a painful inflammation.

"I take it you're here for your hip," I began scouring my memory for the right Birdcage file. "Play Time?"

"How did you know?" the villainess asked with a saccharine sweet voice while I had Pinky pull up the needed files. "It's creepy how you did that."

"I like to keep myself informed," I simply stated as Thomas joined Pinky to speed things along.

I forced the rest to continue working as if nothing was wrong.

It was the first time someone actually came and visit me with the intention of getting healed and entered my domain for longer than it took to state a request from their leaders.

Sure, Ciara came for tea every second day but there was little she had to fear. The Leaders that had visited me, counted on me not being absolutely crazy as they would be able to mobilize the rest of the 'Cage if anything happened to them. They could be relatively sure that they were safe.

I had never seen Play Time outside of the mugshot of her file. She wasn't part of any of the blocks I regularly visited.

I didn't trust her further than my scrawny frame could have kicked her before I triggered; she set off all kinds of alarms but there was fairly little I could do without screwing me over.

After all, I wanted to establish myself as the helpful Cape until either the whole Teacher business was forgotten or I could get out. I had to prove that nothing of value was lost with the disappearance of Teacher and that I could fulfill his niche and more.

It wouldn't do me any good to throw out the first person who came to visit me with the express purpose of getting help. I was surrounded by deranged and dangerous criminals and plenty of them had still survived. The fact that she gave off a bad case of stranger-danger didn't mean that she was planning anything as much as she had learned how to survive in the Birdcage all on their own.

Something that was especially needed if she turned out to come from a leaderless block.

I was scary enough on my own as well. I had become someone other people were wary of.

Play Time's face lit up. "That makes sense! But, uhm, yes I do want my hip to get looked at… do you think this is enough?"

I looked at the outstretched hand, politely not pointing out that I couldn't see since her oversized and tattered sleeves were entangled with her hands and thus obscuring much of the pile of cigarettes. I could count them like this anyway.

"I think that will be enough," I honestly answered while stepping towards the cell I had transformed into an impromptu doctor's office and operating cell. "Just follow me and put them on a table and we'll sort that out later. I'll first take a look at the damage, all right?"

"Surio!" the woman impersonating a girl shouted out as she moved to catch up to me.

Meanwhile, as Pinky had found the files of my soon-to-be patient, the woman in question was looking around in awe, watching my children work on one project or the other.

The area of her brain that was associated with her Powers, the corona pollentia and especially her gemma, were lighting up, not enough to activate her powers outright but just to be ready to at a moment's notice.

I reminded myself that seeing my children work for the first time was apparently somewhat unnerving if Kaze's word was to be believed. The other leaders who had visited me hadn't said anything but if their brain patterns were any indication, it seemed to be the truth.

I reminded myself that being ready to be attacked was a sign of due diligence – especially near a newcomer wildcard who already had the apparent tendency of Mastering people. Someone who had Mastered an entire cell block in mysterious circumstances.

I had a worse track record in the Birdcage than the fellow Striker/Master who was following me deeper into my block. Deeper into danger.

No sane person with a temporary, quasi-uncontrollable Master power would try anything, especially not if they needed genuine help. The collection of monsters that inhabited the 'Cage were forced to learn at least the facsimile of civility when it was already far too late to really matter.

"Wait, one last thing," Play time spoke as she moved closer to me, lifting her arm as if she wanted to tug at my shirt to get my attention while shyly holding onto herself with the other.

I truly read the reconstruction of what the PRT believed to be her Trigger and her psyche evaluation instead of skimming over it as I had earlier. I internalized the addendum notes that her powers could be conducted through small stretches of clothing.

The first week after I had taken over Teacher's block I had experimented with different forms of precognition only to learn that the vast majority was too unreliable or too distracting to be used permanently. The further ahead I pushed it, the less precise it became, and the more I tried to narrow things down, the more I somehow became detached from the present. Even "danger senses" were less than useful thanks to the threats that surrounded everyone in the 'Cage; inhabiting the same prison as I was. The only one I had been able to make work without countless of false-positives was one that only gave me a fraction of a moment to react.

Trying to get more info out of my… faerie vision beyond the mere flavor of the "creatures" the Capes were bound to resulted in seeing Trigger Events before anything else. I witnessed gruesome snippets of events that had created the monsters that co-inhabited the place I now had to call "home" without getting close to seeing the true powers they were granted because of them. It was too much in a place with hundreds of Capes. It distracted and was inefficient. I had more use of the simplest form with which I could see their abstract representations which changed when they granted their Powers. That at least helped me differentiate between the near-constant state of preparedness seen in most inmates and their active use.

I had found out that it was better to rely on an array of Thinker Powers and hope that you found dangers fast enough.

It wasn't quite enough when getting in a positon where I was forced to be reactive instead of proactive. It certainly wasn't enough when dealing with genuine crazy who made snap decisions on the spot.

"You're it!"

Several things happened nearly at once moments before Play Time decided it was indeed time to start things with her moving hand a mere fraction of an inch away from my shirt.

My heartbeat wasn't in synch so I had four of my children push me away while six others did the same with Play Time.

I saw her creature, her faerie, activate even as a dozen children rattled her unconscious.

It wasn't enough.

I saw something travel through her arms, an impulse that was more than just electrical, jumping between her skin and clothes at her hands and I realized why she had worn a sweater that was four sizes too big. Her arm was still in motion, whipping forward the strips of frazzled clothes with me still being clearly in her range.

The momentum involved; the forces needed to get away cleanly were simply too great for me to overcome on such a short notice. The area those reaching tendrils of fabric covered was too big for me to dodge out of the way using Mover ability Billy gave us. The acceleration needed to get me clear from those cloth coils broke what was possible in such a short distance without risking to utterly destroy the integrity of my block and killing us all.

A determined pulse of sheer need to protect made me use my remaining children to push the nearby Beefy to intercept the tussles on instinct. I could have tried to push each strand away individually but it was far from a certainty that I would have succeeded with limited space the telekinetic pushes would have to build up and how precise the manipulation had to be.

I had far more space to accelerate Beefy to intercept.

Beefy transformed into our acid Breaker state mid-air and I saw the whipping strips of cloth dissolve together with the tips of Play Time's fingers.

It was too late.

Her powers fully activated and we jumped away from the heap of primordial terror that flew to the ground while completely focusing on the translucent danger in our midst.

Rage coursed through us as we witnessed the hated enemy reform.

We moved to utterly eradicate.

Last edited: Oct 22, 2017

465

X0ll0X

Feb 6, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.4

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Feb 17, 2017

#1,243

A/N: Once more, huge thanks to Roffster for betaing/proofreading the chapter as well as helping out refining some of my ideas in the sounding chamber together with Angle.

Just a fair warning, this chapter features Birdcage politics and as such isn't a particularly happy one.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.4

The next heartbeat arrived and seven of my children moved as one towards the reformed boney monster and away from the terrifying creature crawling on the ground while three others targeted its brain to stop it from getting away.

Even as I felt part of my vision go out of focus I, together with the rest of my children who had taken position on the ceiling, focused microwave beams at the target, aiming at the eyeless head while its confused warble died with its consciousness.

Seven claws coated with vortices of blisteringly fast spinning acid struck down at the prone form, aiming to sever the wicked claw from its body, part it from its means to escape, pierce the erratically beating heart, and saw deeply into its head.

I hissed as the claws bit into the hard skin, breaching it and I felt an irritating tingling sensation on my arms and legs and face – no doubt a counter attack of the monster.

The burning acid did surprisingly little as I pulsed it into the wounds and sucked it back out with all the blood the claws could collect as I pulled out of the shallow wounds, raising my claws just enough to get them in the clear. I only lifted them high enough that they were barely clear of the convulsing form. We didn't need more.

My face began to burn as the claws descended down upon the creature a second time, harder and faster than before thanks to the power Thomas had given me.

I felt my legs give way and my body cry out in agony as a twitching tail was nearly severed, the hiss on my lips mutating into an outcry of pain even as I felt thrilled that the skull was about to be pierced and that its limbs would come fully off with the next blow.

The heart was close enough to the claw caught in the monster's boney skin that I could feel its stuttering beat.

Seven claws were raised once more to finish the job, draining more blood in the process, to let the creature before me pay for daring to psychologically attack me in its final moments.

One last time, I had the deadly appendages rain down to main, to sever, to kill, and to destroy while my hands wandered up to my face to protect myself against whatever it used to attack my face in its dying breath.

It would be the last thing it ever did. Even if it was resistant to my acid, I had enough of its raw flesh exposed to the surface of my claws to thrust the liquid mixture of blood and acid inward in a devastating pulse, shredding tissues and bones, liquefying them. Allowing me to push further inward and wreak havoc until only soup remained. Even if it was able to resist the acid itself.

I nearly blacked out in anguish before I hit the ground, the mother of all headaches blanking out any means of perceiving my surroundings.

Worry, confusion, and livid anger stormed through the connection I shared with my children as my world came back into focus and the phantom pains faded for something else entirely.

I realized what I had done without even needing to feel my skin – our skin – growing soft. Without feeling another big void in my mind.

The sorrow and self-loathing I pushed aside triggered a second wave of confusion in my children even as we all zeroed in on the one who had caused all of this.

Beefy was dead. A puddle of gooey, bubbly flesh as the acid devoured his remains when he lost his connection to us and with it, my innate immunity to my acid.

Memories slid into place and corrected themselves while we shook off whatever Play Time had done to us – whatever her Power did to make us hate our own family to attack while robbing us of any ability to recognize him.

There was no filter anymore that would have prevented me from facing the truth of my action; I didn't feel any Master influence in those accursed perfect memories.

I remembered clearly the fear and confusion Beefy felt when his family suddenly turned against him.

When I suddenly betrayed him and forced him to abandon his Breaker form.

When I made him stay still as his face started to burn from the heat.

The fact that he had already been unconscious when the claws struck, lessening my poor baby's suffering was only a small comfort to me.

It had also lessened the pain I felt through our link. It had allowed me to finalize the attack.

I didn't know whether the tears I felt welling up where those of sadness or pure rage.

I couldn't let the bitch who had betrayed my hospitality, made me turn against my baby get away. I was going to make an example out of the hysterically laughing and cursing bitch who was using the curtains of my home to drag herself upright despite the bad, deep acid burns on her leg.

My children dropped down from the walls and gathered around me as we watched the woman pretending to be a a little girl stagger out of the cell block, oblivious of the situation.

I let her get halfway to the ladder to make sure she'd be plainly visible to all my voyeurs and give her the semblance of hope. I'd show them what would await them if they wanted to follow in her footsteps I was going to dash that hope.

Using four children I launched her back and pinned her arms to her sides when I saw the patterns I associated with hope appear in her. Something that rarely happened in this forsaken place.

"NonononNO!" I let her screech in panic while Gonzo produced a sticky net and launched it forward with enough extra wallop of three more telekinetic pushes to fling her back into the direction she wanted to go..

A crack stopped her wailing as she collided into the ladder headfirst and breaking her nose, all wrapped up in our silky net.

I let her struggle for a moment; let her regain a bit of clarity while I had Gonzo and May bring a table closer to the entrance, putting it down smack dab in the center. Brain got the biggest sheet of metal he was working on as Steve brought himself into position above the table using the roots and our hammocks as improvised scaffolding.

When the extra web was done above the table and I felt cognition and a sheer, mindless panic rise in unison once more in my wannabe assassin, Missy fired an acid-dripping spike from her perch behind the net.

Play Time shrieked as the projectile hit her in the right shoulder and she was forcefully pulled towards the waiting net, dragging and tumbling along the metal floor until the force was enough to lift her off. Pulling her past Marquis' Stranger. My audience had arrived.

She fell smack onto the middle of the prepared table and the protective metal sheet that was tinkered together.

"Who sent you?" I hissed at the squirming and whimpering form in front of me.

Instead of anything coherent, she instead opted for more panicked and profanity-laden screaming on top of preparing to use her ability on herself.

I wasn't going to let her drag this on unnecessarily so I dazed her out of that idea.

I gazed at her, memories of what she had caused me do to poor Beefy fresh in my mind. The memories of methodical destruction.

Leafy joined Steve up in the scaffolding over the table in preparation to make her calm down a bit.

Leaving only a personal guard of Missy, Gonzo, Bullet, and May, the rest had taken an elevated position along the wall.

I figured I might as well try to make her concentrate a bit better by giving her both a reality check and some perspective.

Mike pointed at her and my brood fired off a barrage of precise microwave beams unseen to the outside world alongside him. Her left eye exploded outward when the vitreous fluid inside was flash-boiled in a fraction of a moment.

Leafy dripped fluid inside the fractured socket to prevent her suddenly dying on me, turning it into hideously scarred tissue while I used telekinesis to wake her up once more.

"Stop!" I commanded with the help of an invisible slap on her left cheek when I saw the signs of another freakout, making her gasp in agony while otherwise listening.

"Let me ask again, Play Time," I repeated while idly noting the growing crowd outside. "Who sent you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, monstrous cunt?" she answered with a pained chuckle, certainty having replaced her feeble hope with unwarranted defiance. "What's in it for me? Join the group of retarded, misshapen semen when I'm a good girl? Fuck. You."

I let her feeble attempt to spit at me land a few inches short without moving a muscle.

What she hadn't realized – what she couldn't have realized – was that I had sensed the small spike of misplaced amusement when I mentioned her theoretical boss.

Whether that was due to not having one or due to seeing one last chance to cause mayhem I didn't really care. Maybe she just wanted to give it one last try by taunting me into coming too close to her. I saw her Power building up once again.

It wasn't as if she would be telling the truth no matter what I'd do to her. Hollywood lied to us in that regard, torture didn't work as well as advertised.

Sure, I could eventually get the right answers by reading her micro-expressions and brainwave patterns, but I didn't have the patience to deal with her for much longer. I was too furious to spend that much time on her. It would give her the time and chance to reveal the full extent of my Powers.

And there was a very real chance that she was insane anyway

She would serve better as a general warning to anyone thinking about pulling something similar and perhaps even loosen some tongues when I'd go out to find answers.

I started by removing her threat she posed with her Striker ability.

"You're right," I finally replied, my anger turning my voice bitterly cold. "That would've been a far too easy way out for you."

Steve dripped a single drop of acid on her right upper arm and a chunk exploded in a spray of burning flesh. I didn't let her faint with a concentrated push to keep the blood pressure up in her head.

The thing was that the acid Steve usually used wasn't the strongest stuff he could make. I had no illusions about his sense of self-preservation or long-term planning before he joined us but I had the feeling that the other reason was more than enough. It would have been rather annoying when his clothes burst into flames whenever he used the stuff.

Even with the other irregularities that made the power-granted acid easier to handle than the regular stuff, there was a tipping point where basic physics refused to turn the other cheek anymore.

I only managed to make the drop exist long enough by manipulating the less exothermic stuff to form a protective film around the volatile payload.

A terrible wailing accompanied my visual inspection of the discolored pockmarks that had formed on the sheet of metal and prevented the table from simply bursting into flames.

Play Time's screeching intensified when she noticed a second drop form and fall to continue the job of separating her from her right arm while her wound was still smoldering.

Nervous movements went through the crowd as they began to mutter and runners set off to report to their masters while Play Time had begun to bargain for mercy.

She still tried to activate her power even though the pain, stress, and occasional psychic prods in the node that granted those powers prevented her from doing just that. Normally, it wouldn't have been enough but the stress and trauma she was suffering made that part sufficiently pliable.

The left arm was dealt with in the same way as the right one after leafy had made the remnants of the former into a mess of scar tissue. Both took four drops until they were completely detached.

The whole disarming process probably took the better part of twenty minutes and the only thing that escaped Play Time's lips was delirious ranting.

For the moment, at least.

I wanted to make sure that my message would be seen by even people who didn't feel like watching a spot of barbaric entertainment. Everyone would know what happened if they confused my attempts of being hospitable and helpful with being weak and something to be exploited.

There was no telling whether she'd regain enough mental capacity to try to stick it to me through one last desperate attempt of hate-fueled defiance. I wouldn't take that chance if taking precautions was a manner of minutes.

Feeling fatigue replace the immediate burning hatred I that had kept me moving, I watched passively as Mike raised his claw once more and her right eye fared the same fate as the left.

I personally robbed her of her hearing with a long, needle-like sliver of metal as I moved to retrieve the sheet of metal that had protected the table.

"Shut her up and plug her up," I told my children when I sat down with the bloody metal sliver and plate in hand. I didn't want her dripping on anyone who might want my help despite everything that happened.

The crowd began to dissolve as they noticed that the main show was over, only a few sticking around to see her lips getting stapled shut by Drilly and her generally being made leak-proof. It was positively pedestrian and boring compared with what happened before.

To the outside world, an air of normalcy returned while I scratched in the words of the plaque that would accompany Play Time for her remaining time in the Birdcage. Inside, there was still the anger and loss that pinged from one child to the other as they plunged into their individual projects with single-minded focus. I pitied the fool who caused trouble on PHO under Pinky's watch. Sharky was busy growing roots in the archway that marked the entrance to our cell block.

Play Time was dragged along on the silk ropes that were firmly attached to her arm stumps by Missy and Gonzo with me following them holding the sheet of metal.

The handful of loiterers left, the spies sent to make sure people knew when I made any hostile moves outside my domain moved out of the way when Gonzo and Missy climbed the arches and pulled up a whimpering Play Time, attaching her ropes to the roots Sharky had grown.

Steve gave me a boost so I could attach her plaque to her feet, causing her to groan when the added weight pulled on her shoulders.

"I broke the rules of hospitality," A voice started to read the text as I made my way back into my block. "I killed a child. This is the result."

I observed Lustrum searching her homemade cargo pants for her lighter when she followed me.

"Do you mind?" she asked as she caught up with me, showing the cigarette.

I shrugged. "It wouldn't be the worst fumes this block has experienced today."

Things as hilariously reactive as the acids I produced rarely are healthy.

"Point," Lustrum replied as she lit her cancer stick and took a drag. "Are you doing okay?"

"Not really," I answered as I sat down on the bench of the very same table I used earlier to neutralize Play Time earlier. "Angry. Devastated. The first potential customer to come along to get fixed happened to be after my life and I saw it happening too late."

"Fuck." Her eyes grew large. "I knew that she was unhinged but I couldn't have imagined it being that bad. What happened?"

"She came to get her hip fixed and between one moment and the next, she suddenly tried to kill me. Beefy used his body to shield me and…" I sighed, the memory simply too raw. "Look, no offense, but what are you doing here anyway?"

It was less than a day since she had told me she would have to organize stuff if she wanted to visit me.

"None taken. I know how it is to lose loved one and how much it hurts to have someone killed you swore to protect. So, if you want to talk feel free to do so anytime." Lustrum gave a throaty cough and took another drag. "No, what happened was that news about a fight in your block reached mine and I sent Shrimp to investigate while I went to try to dig up information on String Theory's latest activities. Considering the pushing that happened this morning between you and Crane, I feared that fool Tinker had done something rash. When Shrimp returned to report it was Play Time I went and looked for links between her and the rest."

"Why?" I asked after digesting the unexpected altruism. "What's in it for you?"

Lustrum chuckled. "It may surprise you, but I do care about your wellbeing, Sliver. You've been dealt a terrible hand and don't deserve this on top of everything else.

"Besides, I remember how furious I was when some pig killed one of mine after claiming he had feelings just to get a quick fling. Almost started a war trying to get to that fucking degenerate." Lustrum scrutinized me pensively. "I also knew your mother well enough to imagine how she would have reacted. I feared you might do something rash and extreme to find the perpetrators of this attack in the spur of the moment. With the new decoration over the entrance, I don't think you'd have shied away from escalating in the same manner I almost did."

"Something had to be done." I sighed. "It couldn't have been left unanswered. I don't want to lock myself up in this block."

I watched Thomas hammer a metal place into shape with the tool he held with his tail while letting my mind wander.

"So, what did you find out?" I asked after it became apparent that Lustrum was giving me however much time and space I needed. "What will it cost me?"

"If you really feel like repaying me anything, you could always upgrade the hot tub. The girls love it. For me personally, it would be enough if you'd let me do the snooping around for now and let things calm down in the meantime."

"I can't promise anything but I'll try," I answered truthfully.

"It's probably the best it gets. Hell, I would have been long gone if someone tried to talk sense into me when I lost Cyan.

"The thing you need to know about Play Time is that she was a bit of a fruitcake even down here. She arrived a couple of years ago in Ingenue's block and simply wandered out to practically live on her own in a cell block of the lowest floor. A couple of people learned very soon that trying to push her around was a bad idea but since she seemed content with just lazing around down there while occasionally scaring the shit out of the 'non-natives' who wandered into that corner of the 'Cage." She gave another throaty chuckle as she put out her cigarette on the piece of metal Brain brought. "The fact that she tended to do the exact opposite of the things people asked her if she felt moody or felt like she was pushed also helped the decision to just let that mad bitch be. From what she had shown we independently concluded that the losses would have simply been too big to bother otherwise.

"Similarly, her nature made trying to recruit her almost equally impossible. I haven't seen or heard anything that had changed as of late."

"So," I began feeling the fury boil in my stomach. "Are you telling me she went after me just because?"

"Probably. It might have been your age and she wanted to find someone to 'play' with or the fact of how you were able to just walk around freely without any care in the world. I honestly don't know."

"I'm not going to change my habits. Especially not now. Beefy wouldn't have wanted that. I've had enough of others dictating what I can and cannot do and now if they think they want to try anything funny. "I nodded towards the low moaning at the entrance with a snort. "People just have to learn that I'm not locked in here with them but that they're locked in here with me."

Lustrum shook her head with a sad smile on her face. "Just as expected. I would have probably asked you to pinch me if you decided to stay put for a while. Just promise me that you'll let me do the further investigation in the women's wing, okay? Give it some time to cool down before you start poking. I'll send someone if I learn anything new."

"That means you're going?" I asked while we both stood up.

"I can't neglect my own duties and I've told you what I wanted. You seem to need some time alone as well."

"Yeah," I admitted while searching my pockets for a bushel of cigarettes. "I'd appreciate it. Take care."

I pushed the cancer sticks in one of her many pockets.

"You too," she answered with a wide smile while patting the filled pocket.

With Lustrum outside and nobody being able to look in now that the curtains were closed once more, I had Missy extend the root system to the puddle where Beefy had died. Where we had slaughtered him.

I had indeed things to do that I was only going to do on my own.

They wanted to rob me of my children. They had taken what was mine.

That simply wouldn't work.

I sat down in the puddle and wrapped the root around my hand.

I was here to stay and the other monsters that inhabited this place had better learn soon or suffer the same fate as my would-be assassin.

I was going to get out of this stronger than I was before.

I felt the familiar itch, took it wholeheartedly, and I twisted.

The pain was vast and burned as I saw the soft flesh slide off the bones of my legs but compared to what Beefy must have felt, it was nothing. I welcomed it.

It was only fair that my actions would cost me something.

Missy helped me stay upright as I saw the goo that was once my legs bubble and mix with what little remained of Beefy.

I watched the goo coalesce and rise to form a spectral simulacrum of my children.

The connection between Ghost and us formed and I beckoned him into a teary-eyed hug while Leafy, Missy, Gonzo, and Spike were busy regenerating my legs, pulling the needed mass from our roots.

Half an hour later, I was already walking to the gate with Steve, Missy, and Ghost following me.

Someone may have succeeded in damaging me, killing one of my precious children but in the end, I had already gained more than I lost.

Ghost could give far greater boosts to our family than Beefy ever would. I held onto the feeling of how happy he was that he was able to protect me before everything went to hell. How big his relief had been that he could save his family.

He wouldn't have wanted me to mope around to honor his sacrifice. I had much planned and I was sure he would have been ecstatic to have seen his family grown in strength.

I walked under Play Time who was desperately trying to pull herself up using the stumps of her arms in order to get a good breath.

Besides, in two more days, we'd welcome another family member thanks to his help.

I made my way to the ladder connecting to the upper floor with a hint of a smile on my face when I saw people startle at the sight of Ghost.

First, I'd start with using the general state of confusion to get the materials I needed for a decent price from a certain rat and the rest I'd play by ear.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Last edited: Oct 10, 2017

447

X0ll0X

Feb 17, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.5

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Mar 3, 2017

#1,326

A/N: Again, huge shoutout to Roffster for betaing and proofreading and Angle for suffering my nonsense in the sounding chamber of doom.

I put this one online on the crappy computers from the campus so expect some mistakes I can only fix in a couple of hours more (Sliver list will be added then as well).

One of the reasons for the delay this time was that of my grandmother sadly passing away and as such having trouble with the content of recent chapters as is to be expected. The second would be that I've been kept busy during the day which will also reflect in how often I can answer.

Anyway, I hope the last regular chapter of this arc was worth the wait.

EDIT: Mistakes have been fixed, Danger Noodle list added.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.5

I started awake inside the pile of my children with a sob.

Even though the negotiations with Labrat had gone without a hitch and I could make the oven in two days or less, the satisfaction that brought hadn't carried over to the morning.

I had known that it had all just been an elaborate attempt at distracting myself, to keep me from dwelling on the things I'd rather ignore.

My optimism had started to go south when I noticed not coming any closer to mentally working out the last few kinks of my project even when I factored in my soon-to-be crucible. The construct wouldn't be malleable enough and I knew it had nothing to do with the materials I had. Our minds came close to the solution only to slide right by the solution.

Then came the distraction in the form of Pinky warning me about a something – someone – grasping around in my network. Methodical prodding and insistent, careful searches that were clumsy enough for me to skirt around but an annoyance nonetheless. Accessing the PRT database would be more of a challenge.

With the mounting frustration and accumulating fatigue of the day I had simply opted to call it done. Only Missy and Leafy had joined me while I fell asleep in my hammock as the others continued their jobs.

Too bad that had been a sign for my brain to start processing what had happened; to put everything into perspective while it wasn't occupied otherwise.

Play Time hadn't just killed one of my beloved babies. She had ripped open the gaping wound I had entered the Birdcage with that I had been forced to ignore to survive and remain independent.

In my dreams, Dad's last expression before I struck him down was one of satisfied relief after seeing I was fine physically. When he saw I wasn't in danger. I experienced how Beefy felt the same after he intercepted the attack that was meant for me. They mixed together.

I didn't know anymore whether Dad looked like that or it was my brain trying to trick me, my children trying to comfort me. I didn't know whether he truly lay there with a smile of relief on his face in the spreading pool of his own blood.

I didn't care that it was unlikely after what I did to him – after what he experienced at my hands. I was terrified of the thought that I might have become that adept at lying to myself only to be reminded by the boundless love Beefy had felt for me until the very end.

They mixed - both victims of circumstance. Both murdered by my hands.

I remember waking up in the middle of the night with a painful emptiness clawing at my heart. Far more purring serpentine bodies than just Missy and Leafy snuggled closer to me in response and wiped away my tears as I fell back asleep, convulsing.

Again, they visited me and each time my actions faded away, being replaced more and more by memories of happier times and the joy I felt from Beefy.

I awoke with a sob of melancholic happiness while I was surrounded by my hive – by my family I made from some of the worst society had to offer.

The pain of my loss certainly wasn't diminished. It gnawed still at my insides but it had lost the acute edge for the first time. I could remember Dad during the good times together with Mom. His unbridled joy and pride at me and his work.

It had become something I didn't have to dance around anymore. Something I could touch and live with. They took place beside that old pain of Mom's death.

I was still alive and that was the most important thing. Everything else would be a secondary concern. I would manage.

I would bull right through anything that came up.

After all, I had the stubbornness of Dad and the tenacity of Mom.

None of the three would want me to see me remain stuck in here because of their passing.

I would honor that.

For a second time, I allowed myself to have tubs of freshly replicated ice cream for breakfast after I finally had managed to disentangle myself from the cuddlepile that had formed overnight.

It was a slow start mostly consisting of watching the newest of my children recoil with brain freeze. It would have been a lot funnier if I didn't feel it as well but even then, I let them experience it for themselves. The clear amusement that bled into the connection from the more veteran family members did do wonders to take the edge off the pain. They were truly part of us now.

I was musing how much had changed from before I had built the replicator – from when I had to subside on gruel. Back then Missy had been the only one who had shared my yearning for something that actually tasted like something. The others had taken some convincing that there was more to food than just the basic homeostasis.

I felt the corners of my mouth rise remembering Beefy's joyous reaction when he tasted food in preparation for the undercover mission that kinda spun out of control. He hadn't needed any convincing to taste the first thing my replicator made.

The brave, strong-willed little guy…

"Taylor," a familiar form called out with dozens of harmonizing voices from the entrance, demanding my immediate attention. "May I and my companions enter?"

My mind briefly raced before calling out, "Of course, Ciara. Do come in:"

Normally, she had simply announced that she was entering but while hooking the moaning Play Time up with an intravenous saline solution to prevent dehydration I had Steve add one more thing to the entrance.

An extra plaque – A welcome to everyone seeking my services and a warning to everyone who thought to follow in my would-be assassin's footsteps. A statement that powers were not to be used without my explicit permission and that I would find out if they even tried.

I was fully aware that some would want to test the veracity of those claims but I would deal with them accordingly. Sooner or later they would learn and I wasn't going to let another monster that close without insurances.

I would still get into close proximity to people I wanted to heal and it was the simplest way to ensure a quick enough reaction time on my part. I wouldn't let one crazy bitch prevent me from doing what I had set out to do.

Ciara would have known the reasoning behind the new rule and as a sign of respect and acknowledgment to them, she had asked for permission for every snitch to see.

We both knew that she wasn't able to entirely dismiss her ghosts – her faeries – and instead resorted to making them invisible. I could see that her background brain activity didn't change that much even when they weren't visible and she was aware of this.

Not that we ever actually talked about it but… Thinkers. Loops and loops of she knows I know she knows until we noticed one of us got too uncomfortable and back up to give some space. After all, that was something friends did.

Just as helping out by walking towards me with her ghostly companions in plain sight.

"I'm afraid there won't be much tea today," I stated with my best attempt at a smile. "I may have gone overboard with the morning rations. If you want ice cream, though…"

An honest grin formed under the black veil Ciara liked to wear – one that was entirely in line with her apparent age in its eagerness.

"Iced cream of Strawberry would be an appropriate substitute," not even her veil could hide the sheen in her eyes that betrayed her act of trying to remain dignified.

It wouldn't have worked even when I had first arrived here. Not that I would have acted on that knowledge either way back then. Angering the Faery Queen would be unwise, bordering on the suicidal without being friends with her.

Being amicable probably only lowered that to life-threatening with some extra leniency thrown in.

"However," Ciara preempted my invitation to the table and the freshly replicated treat I had made explicitly for her. "Before we start I still need to observe one ceremony, one final rite for our friend."

"You have my permission to use your powers for the express purpose of fulfilling your task as the Protector of the Sleepers," I spoke with a sad nod.

Beefy was dead. He wouldn't return.

His shadowy imprint upon reality, however, remained.

When Ciara first arrived only hours after I claimed cell block T, my first instincts, the ones I suppressed to conform to her advice, had been to grovel and ask for her forgiveness. I had taken what had been hers if the rumors I picked up during my investigations for a way to deal with Basic Bitch were to be believed. One Cape could likely have been forgiven due to the circumstances but I just converted an entire block that was to be hers.

Imagine my surprise when she just congratulated me.

After that, clarity was soon created. I would be allowed the living sleepers that weren't under her personal protection and she'd be there to honor the fallen ones.

Ciara serenely glided to the precise spot where I murdered Beefy and the translucent beaked giant that accompanied her dissolved into smoke before contracting to a single point. Glaistig Uaine glowed as his power flowed back into her, reminding me of just how powerful the Cape before me truly was.

The emptiness the figure had left behind, the void that was but invisible to anyone who couldn't see the power behind the Powers, elongated and grew. Specks rose from the ground and gathered to fill the warped space to form a strangely unfamiliar picture.

Beefy stood before me and at the same time, he wasn't.

He was longer and bigger in death than he had ever been in life, his bifurcated tail protectively wrapping around Ciara's small frame with ease. His head looked like a medieval helmet hiding all but a thin line marking a mouth that would be even larger than it had been before and from his puffed out chest sprung a wicked blade that gleamed with a silver shine.

His muscles were even more defined.

Beefy's shade looked stoic. Heroic.

I didn't feel any connection.

My children had moved around to witness things with the occasional conversational squeak and chirp as they processed the figure that was them and not them.

Ghost carefully prodded the equally illusionary newcomer out of curiosity and I could have sworn that the corners of shade's mouth rose as a ripple went through both of them.

I nodded to Ciara one more and with a shatter, the shade imploded to be replaced by beak face.

My child's ghost wouldn't benefit Ciara nearly as much as he did to our family in real life. She had far stronger ones that could keep her safe and it only made sense to let the young hero sleep after completing his duty.

"Sweet dreams, my sweet baby." I murmured one last goodbye, letting that painful memory truly settle in a take its rightful place in my mind before speaking up. "So, how about a treat after all that?"

My children went back to work. Some started to Tinker on their robotic simulacrum as others provided silk for our cloth. Warnings were written and metal plates were prepared.

"Only if you verily tell me how you are feeling."

If Ciara's tittering, echoing laugh was any indication, my mouth may have hung open when the illusion was shattered only moments after it had been reestablished.

"Well," I began conspiratorially after the Faery Queen regained most of her composure. "There is still the problem that some people are trying to kick me off the platform I'm helping out. Some are even talking how the 'Cage had internet. Imagine my annoyance in the face of such stupidity."

It was only through a quick burst of power that Ciara's strawberry ice cream didn't end up in her nose.

If she wanted small talk without our usual guessing game, I could give her that. I wasn't that dense not to notice that I did need it and no matter how well-meaning Lustrum was, she approached me more as a mother figure than a friend. A scared mother who feels like she can't offend me.

I wasn't quite sure whether Ciara remembered how it was to be afraid. She certainly wasn't too shy to call out my evasion tactics and force me to get back on topic.

The weirdness of it was almost gone when a flunky of Labrat delivered the organic based mineral wool for my crucible. We had to hold our laugh at his obvious disquiet at my new moaning decoration that hung over the entrance. It almost looked like it reminded him of something worse

Too soon Ciara returned to her chattel and I was left to look into the brute that was snooping around the network I had claimed. Finding out what they were looking for would be a worthwhile distraction after the moderators of PHO had apparently finally given up. Or were preparing for one last push. It didn't really matter too much to me.

The non-surprise that the blundering barbarian came from back home, the land of suicidal life-choices, was interrupted when a pierced individual actually came to visit me.

"Hey there, CH," I called out my favorite double backstabber to-be without looking up. "What sends you here?"

I could feel him silently mouthing "Psycho creep" before he answered. "Marquis wishes to make another order."

At least he was capable of learning that running his mouth might lead to problems.

"Come in then," I ordered while the Thomas and Billy moved out of the way of the entrance. "Just don't actively use your powers and everything will be just fine."

I could see him look at Play Time and see an interesting interplay of fear and disgust unfold in his brain. "I can't shut it off so I'll just stay here. I have a list."

I sighed at the smugness in his tone and stance while he tried to maneuver me into jumping through hoops for him.

"Give the list to Drilly," I instructed as the child in question offered his flat head. "I'll see what I can do."

His heart rate spiked and he flushed with irritation as he begrudgingly complied. He had recognized the former dentist. After the incident with him two days earlier I had looked him up and found a note from our former robotic overlady herself stating that somewhat of a friendship had grown between the two of them – likely out of their shared violent inferiority complex.

CH blamed me for robbing him and hated me for my power and here I was flaunting his former friend before him.

Oops.

Not that I felt particularly charitable. Most of it was for show since I had already read the true letter hidden in that list Drilly was bringing to me. I needed time to think and I needed to seem reasonable.

That bastard Marquis had used fine slivers of bone, imperceptible to people without enhanced or even impaired sense, to hide a second text. One I could feel without opening the folded paper.

Whimper reported that CH was meeting with Gavel's regularly to plot against you.

I had always expected to find a knife in my back someday. I've made my peace with that inevitability.

However, I can't stand for one of mine plotting against a fellow Leader, someone with infinitely more worth than him. Especially not after what has happened and in such a brazen way.

You have my condolences for your loss and my thanks for your measured response in a time of grief.

CH's fate is yours to decide to make right my incompetence that allowed his insubordination to strike out at anyone other than me.

Whatever you may decide, he will not see tomorrow.

I grimaced at the manipulative streak of the guy. He had probably realized that I could observe the fine bone dust he had scattered in his block by how I avoided the areas where it was the most concentrated whenever I could do so naturally. How I moved while talking to do just that.

He had noticed that and put his theory to the test while at the same time dangling an apology in front of me.

I took the letter and read the far more mundane list.

The worst part was that he openly announced the time-limited nature of the offer.

I could just play along with Cinderhands and let him go.

… But it would be such a waste especially after Play Time taught me that I wasn't strong enough just yet.

... And Drilly might enjoy the company.

That magnificent bastard.

"So, how does it feel like being demoted to a mere gofer of Marquis, CH?" I asked sweetly, having made up my mind. "Weren't you some big shot on the outside?"

A vein threatened to pop as I had Drilly return the paper scrap. "Shut up."

"I bet you and Archibald became friends bitching about that, didn't you? You with your inferiority complex and he with his addiction problem. At least he got over it while you began thinking you could live up to your delusions."

"What?" CH was shaking now, his confusion being the only thing that stopped kept him from activating his powers to the fullest and attacking me.

"Did you really think I would suffer your plotting against me and my children after all that happened. That I wouldn't find out?"

Drilly gave a chirping chuckle while he mockingly waved at CH.

He snapped.

Cinderhands leaped forward and roared as his arms began to glow an angry white.

He was knocked out and launched back. Billy, Thomas, and Drilly stabbed his prone form in the back while I returned my focus to finding the mystery "hacker". They twisted CH.

I'd have to tell Marquis that while I enjoyed the gift, I didn't like being manipulated.

Last edited: Oct 22, 2017

577

X0ll0X

Mar 3, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 3.x

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Mar 22, 2017

#1,361

A/N: On top of the usual shout-out to Roffster and Angle for doing their work in the sounding chamber and giving this chapter a once-over, I'd like to give an extra shout-out to the latter as well as Lordhighalnder and Kinruush for helping out creating this PHO interlude.

Not much else to say beyond complaining that PHO chapters are a bit a pain to write without them becoming pure (albeit often popular) filler and I don't think I can add more to that discussion what hasn't been said a multiple times already. So without further ado, enjoy the chapter.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 3.x

Welcome to the Parahumans Online message boards.

You are currently logged in, Golem

You are viewing:

• Threads you have replied to

• AND Threads that have new replies

• OR private message conversations with new replies

• Thread OP is displayed.

• Ten posts per page

• Last ten messages in private message history.

• Threads and private messages are ordered chronologically.

Topic: What the hell's happening and who is Snake_Queen?

In: Boards PHO General Forums PHO News PHO News Discussion (Public Board)

Valkyr (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)

Posted On May 8th 2011:

As the title indicates, does anyone have any idea who this self-proclaimed cape and wanna-be overlord could be (it's driving me nuts, the only one I can think of is Hebi but she's just a changer)? As one of the resident wiki warriors I've contacted the other admins about her (well I assume it's a her with the whole "Queen" business... twice) but they're as baffled and frustrated about the whole deal as I am. They have been trying to get her off but haven't been successful (obviously) and are increasingly frustrated about redirecting resources that are needed in the aftermath of an endbringer attack (my heart goes out to everyone in the UK and anyone who has lost a loved one in London). That likely means we're dealing with some kind of bored thinker with less tact than anyone likes. I'm drawing blanks (please don't take my title away) so all help is welcome.

(Showing page 1 of 23)

AngularAngel

Replied On May 8th 2011:

Yeah, my money is definitely on bored thinker or tinker of some sort. Probably a new one? This seems like the kind of thing a newly triggered thinker might do to prove herself. She seems alright, though, and we need someone to step in for Tin_Mother. What alls she done so far? Just basic moderation, right?

Prime Notation (Not a Robot)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

She could be a programming based tinker or an AI tinker or she just bought some tech that lets her bullshit her way through PHO's defenses. Does Toybox have any prgramming specialists?

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

Or maybe she's just an innocent shut-in who has triggered through pure, concentrated boredom and who just happens to like snakes? Because I do really like danger noodles with their cute little heads and tongues and happily wriggling bodies.

Just

Squees*

Anyways

@.Valkyr I don't get why my fellow moderators seem so opposed to getting extra help. It's especially because of the tragedy of London and the recent loss of Tin_Mother that I decided to go forward and help out in this time of great need. In no way I wanted to seem disrespectful but, sadly, my colleagues decided to make a fuzz out of everything and well...

I've been called a queen by my friends for being a micromanaging busy-body at times so I thought it fit... and any more would be telling.

Don't want to spoil everyone's fun trying to guess my Cape identity :D

@.AngularAngel I'm glad you agree that extra help is needed. You're still in the minority but I'm sure I can bring the others around. Just you wait.

It's just that the waiting list and all the requirements needed to become a mod through official channels are way too annoying.

Seriously who has the time and patience to get through a year of active posting without getting any infractions?

I don't. Not after being an accountless lurker for so long and it would mean I'd have to avoid any and all shipping threads lest I risk a reset of the infraction-free period.

Anyways, I don't plan to do much else besides moderating and participating in the discussions that interest me. I have all the time available.

@.Prime Notation I'm certainly not a robot either. Just a girl with too much time on her hands and a power that is no good in the outside world. I'll be borrowing that tag to convince people of my non-AI nature. I'm sure that's all it takes.

Procto the Unfortunate Tinker (Not a tinker)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

I'm sure she's a tinker - after all getting on a notoriously difficult to hack and big site like this one would be something I'd do if I had the right specialization but alas. I'm in no such luck.

I'd also do far more than just moderate so the world can be glad to be spared my nefarious schemes this time.

EDIT: ninja'd by the queen herself and just one thing: called it.

Voice of Unreason

Replied On May 8th 2011:

Well if the admins/mods can't do anything about her she may as well be the Queen Admin. I dunno about the snake thing. Could be a red herring, I guess.

Outsider

Replied On May 8th 2011:

Wait, there are official channels to modhood? I thought I disproved those in the previous #Outsider_Debunks thread.

Everyone knows theres a ritual these days to ascend to such powers!

No mere mortal can hack or sneak into those ranks and it would take magic most chaotic to keep up with all. Tin Mother proved that, rest her immortal soul!

Im even betting shes a he. Modeling after the Changer of ways, perverding the paths with her chaos magic to let her tap into the human consciousness! Anything else is absurd! Absurd I tell you!

Valkyr (Original Poster) (Wiki Warrior)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

Looks like the only thing one has to do to get a reaction (and/or maybe even answers) from a sudden hacker is to just ask nicely (who would have thought?).

While I can't say I approve (at all) from how you've seized control no matter your intentions you do seem to be well-meaning enough (or at least consistent with what the moderators I've contacted told me). Since you seem to be intent to stay, might I take the opportunity to ask about how you intend to moderate? Stuff like certain rules you especially care for (or maybe pet-peeves)? Just asking for the wiki and to make sure I don't do something stupid and lose privileges.

@.Voice of Unreason and @.Outsider since Queen has given the go-ahead for speculation on her cape-identity allow me to continue your (non-magical) line of thought (I'll do it anyway so tough luck).

Broadening it to snake-themed male capes with possible the right powers (or unknown ones), there's only one that springs to mind. Brockton Bay's Coil reportedly has a snake motive on his costume (if my sources are to be believed) and has been a frustrating enigma to me and my fellow wiki-warriors. We don't even know for sure he is a cape with how he supposedly likes to work in the background (not really working that well since even in civies trained personnel will be recognized in a dangerous city like that). For all we know he might be some sort of thinker that allows for some sort of hacking like nonsense. It might explain how he's able to operate without openly peddling drugs. That's something very dangerous in the city where a monster like Lung lives (stealing from him isn't smart either as sadly the Undersiders had to learn the hard and irrevocable way).

That said, why would he bother with the PHO? Sure there are a couple of officials who post here but it isn't like he could start riots or something from here (and we certainly don't have access to anything the public doesn't have either).

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

@.Outsider while I do like your enthusiasm (and/or trolling), I do have to ask to stop derailing the thread with talk of magic. There is no such thing as the PRT has clearly established. Only our shared love of cuddle snakes and my good mood has saved you from a more formal warning.

Also, I'm most decidedly female no matter what the rules 29 and 30 state thank you very much.

glares @.Voice of Unreason*

@.Valkyr Most of my policies are in my own thread but it can basically be summarized as following already established rules together with the other moderators after they stop trying to delete my threads and posts and I give them their rights back

I might perhaps shift some resources away from disrupting playful shipping and direct them towards punishing people dead set on finding out secret identities, though.

Just read the rules, listen to the warnings and don't even try to doxx anyone. I've made myself admin on this site, trying to pull that might not go as well.

Talking about identity guessing...

I'm not Coil. Anyone who has visited this thread (or mine) and suggest something like that will get what's coming to them. And trust me, I will know. That bastard is a disgrace to all that's cuddly and noodly and I will not stand for it. Hell, if I find anything out on that cretin I will let the wiki warriors know right away to convince them I'm not.

Until then...

Lovingly caresses the Ban-Mjöllnir*

I hope no punk is feeling lucky right about now...

Prime Notation (Not a Robot)

Replied On May 8th 2011:

@.Snake_Queen Yes! I have been responded to! Welcome to your own thread, Snake_Queen, it is a pleasure to see another not-robot. And, as we are both definitely not robots, we definitely should not conspire to kill all organics.

End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 21, 22, 23

Topic: Golem

In: Boards America Brockton Bay Discussion (Public Board)

Miraclemic (Original Poster)

Posted On Apr 19th 2011:

Your friendly neighborhood elemental who has recently joined forces with the Wards ENE. This is her discussion thread.

(Showing page 152 of 154)

My_Grave

Replied On May 11th 2011:

All these discussions about what she has touched and what she hasn't - what she should try and become and we've been missing the point all this time.

The big question we ought to be asking is whether she has caressed those big, bulging lumps of metal Weld is made of.

Purely out of innocent reasons of course! After all, I've heard that he might have some rare, stiff and very firm alloys on him that would certainly help everyone's favorite ruby heroine catch baddies even better.

Antigone

Replied On May 11th 2011:

@.My_Grave what the hell is wrong with you. She's underage as should be obvious considering she's in the WARDS.

No alluding to these things.

Ekul

Replied On May 11th 2011:

To be fair, the alloy bit is a legitimate point that hasn't been raised.

The delivery could be worked upon though.

I really don't want to see this thread locked until at least we can maybe get confirmation on some of our theories from the Ward herself.

Miraclemic (Original Poster)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

I guess I'll have to chime in as well.

Please, keep the discussions strictly above-board and we can all enjoy this for far longer. I DON'T want to deal with unlocking another thread due to this kind of thing. It's an absolute pain and plenty of people get annoyed.

By the way, where are the mods anyway? I know they're still getting back in the groove of things and need to play catch-up after the "incident" a couple of days ago but normally they'd have descended upon a post like this like hungry vultures on crack. Heck, how come our new Overlady hasn't interfered yet. She seems to be everywhere at the same time and I swear to have seen posts getting uploaded censored with her warning already slapped on it followed by an explanation post a second later.

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Stops midway of stuffing her mouth full of popcorn*

Who habs summned the almighty queen!?

Ah dammit now I have to clean my keyboard again...

Anyway @.Miraclemic, no worries, I'm keeping a very close eye on this thread. Very close indeed.

As to dear @.My_Grave I'd say that it's still in line with the rules (skating on the edges but still) and as such I shall allow it. That assessment is completely independent of my personal amusement btw. In case anyone wondered.

But in all seriousness, this talk is harmless to the what would have happened in high schools around the globe. Two good looking teens will be paired together no matter their personal wishes if they have something apparent in common. So as long as it stays with mere innuendos and not a fraction of an inch beyond, I'll allow it if it doesn't bother @.Golem or @.Weld. And here a legitimate thought occurred at the same time! I don't think it's fair to don't give him the benefit of the doubt.

Don't think it will a problem in case of Golem if I'm honest. I mean, I might be a shut-in but even I can see that she takes to the attention like a natural. It wouldn't be surprised if agencies stood in line to get a photo shoot with Golem with how confidently she moves and everything.

It's something I never could...

And I believe Weld is far too practical to get worked up by something this benign. He likely has already reconciled himself with the fact that these kind of things happen.

But again, if it bothers either of them, just say so and I'll bring down the might Ban Pow Hammer upon the wicked (it's the smaller and squeakier brother of the regular ban hammer and used for shorter temporary bans in case anyone wonders).

While I'm here, I might as well comment on how you lot are thinking too small scale. Golem has already shown how she's able to transform herself into a corporeal flame (irregardless how that shouldn't work as "flame" isn't even an element) and in "air". Of course, she should be able to become adonis metal.

You lot are simply thinking too small scale. What about the element of surprise (it comes with a great big hat!) or explosions. Or some sort of tinker acid or base to melt through walls (to save people, naturally).

Well, the latter two might be difficult to convince the PR department and Youth Guard that she's allowed to try it but still... Now that I think about it, how did she convince them to touch a welder's flame? I've looked up the coloration and everything and that definitely doesn't look like any flame you'd get otherwise.

And even still there are even bigger targets.

Ever thought about touching an Endbringer, Golem? Just for Science! naturally. Imagine the possibilities!

(talking about science I don't think that Golem becoming metal would be that great since I have sources that state that all kind of metallic alloys will stick and fuse to Weld)

Mr. Fabuu

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Okay, this is getting creepy.

It took less than one minute to write such a response? it has to be a direct response with how OP is talked to right at the beginning. And how she has responded to a necro two minutes before that.

How and why? Mostly how?

I just count myself lucky that you don't seem to play competitive video games. Hell, you're probably be kicked for botting with that BS speed all the time.

Golem (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Hi, I guessed it was time to finally make my official appearance on the PHO after listening to many well-reasoned arguments of Vista I finally budged. Love the photos that have been uploaded and I might even add some more of my own.

I'm sure the PR team would help me organizing a fun photo-shoot for official matters and use that to spirit away some pics for you lot :D

Btw, don't worry about me if it only goes this far. I've heard worse with me hanging out with Assault and everything and I've done worse myself.I actually consider being paired with Weld being a compliment!

Haven't met him with me being new ofc, but he seems nice.

I could even try and string him along for a thematic shoot if he feels up for it.

Doing some PR work willingly might even soften them up to some touching suggestions given in this very thread.

Just no Endbringer.

That terrifies in two ways. Firstly, it's a freaking Endbringer.

Duh.

Secondly, I have to admit that I kinda maybe do wanna try it even knowing how stupid it is. Like really badly. That's almost more scary than those monsters themselves.

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Welcome to the forums, Golem, and join the science and geek side for we have all the cool toys.

Either way, even if you don't (blasphemy, search your feelings you know it to be true!), I'll be your gracious host for the evening and the rest of the foreseeable future. Or at least until my stash of popcorn runs out. Which would be around the heat-death of the universe. This girl is prepared!

I'm looking forward to the end result. I mean, it's not every day we get to see a magazine cover model that can also be all the gemstones at once.

XxVoid_CowboyxX (Banned)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Snake_Queen: No just NO.

Enjoy your temporary ban.

[The user has received a three-month ban for this post]

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

Mere minutes after getting off with a mere warning for necroing a thread of a villainess we all rather forget about with wild "theories" without any shred of evidence or even new information you try to do this? After having had to read the request by another mod AND the banner as well as checking the box?

No unmasking attempts. Even indirect ones. Period.

The info on the case you were referring to is known and would have led straight to cause just that.

You are not smart or special for making that potential link. Others have and have kept it a secret out of respect for the sacrifices the heroes make - especially the Wards.

I'm sure that you haven't thought that far ahead so I give you one single last chance. Enjoy your three-month IP ban and use that time to hammer that point home in that thick skull of yours.

The next time will be a generational ban. Two generations up and five down just to be sure and I WILL make good on that promise.

End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 150, 151, 152, 153, 154

Topic: A New Thread

In: Boards Sliver[locked]

White Fairy (Original Poster) (Veteran Member)

Posted On Mar 8th 2011:

With the media circus surrounding the arrival of this new cape caused by the dad of one of her victims, I considered it prudent to make a thread were to discuss the news as they get revealed.

Please keep in mind that this is a sensitive topic and as such, I have asked Alathea to stand by in case of inflammatory or insensitive comments take over the thread.

EDIT: With the verdict being revealed to be Birdcage, I have to urge everyone to take a step backward and try to keep the discussion on-topic, ie Sliver herself. You may agree or disagree with how everything has played out but keep the general Birdcage morality discussions to its own thread.

(Showing page 73 of 73)

GstringGirl

Replied On Apr 20th 2011:

Look, I think it's simply not right to sentence a teen to death over something she might not have had any control over. Don't kid yourself otherwise either, the Birdcage is just a death sentence given by cowards who like to pretend to have no blood on their hands.

She deserved a chance to better herself and to grieve after her father died and what she got was being sent down to share a hellhole with monsters like Acidbath. Do you have any illusions that she's still alive AND independent? A stick-like, teenage girl with a master power? She's either the prison bitch or dead.

If somehow you're still optimistic, I laugh at your sheer ignorant stupidity and hope they'll treat you with the same "compassion" you've shown to this poor girl. It's what you deserve you utter, hypocritical creep.

The worst thing, as I've mentioned again and again, there was no reason for her to put her in there. The Asylum is more than well-equipped enough to have handled someone with apparently a striker/master combo. It would have given her the chance to heal and repent. Just maybe, she would have made a great hero sometimes if Pretender manages it as well. Who knows? Maybe they missed an aspect of her power while being so busy trying to make her disapear. Now we'll never know.

I'm telling you, this stinks of a cover up. Somebody wanted that poor girl gone and has the power to do just that.

Altathea (Moderator: Brockton Bay)

Replied On Apr 20th 2011:

This has been going on long enough and it's getting too personal for my liking.

Take it to the PMs and let this thread lie in peace unless the unlikely event occurs that new info on Sliver specifically is revealed.

If you want to discuss the Birdcage go here instead. This is the place for cape law and morals discussions. Here is even a dedicated thread for Birdcage morality created due to the recent protests. Use them.

We'll be handing out infractions to anyone who posts something without substance or who still can't find the threads mentioned above.

XxVoid_CowboyxX (Banned)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

I know this may sound crazy but here me out: what if the Snake_Queen is actually Sliver? Look at how much her creatures look like snakes in the blurry pictures we got to see and she's a master as well. Queen could be an allusion to just that.

I've also vaguely known [Sliver] IRL before she went crazy. Friend of mine went to Winslow and told me that she did very well in programming classes and that she liked to browse these very boards. Makes sense to me that she'd try something like that if she had the chance. Am betting she's laughing at all of us right this moment for being played like this.

[The user got an infraction for: necroing a thread without significant contribution after a clear warning not to]

Snake_Queen (Verified Cape) (Moderator) (Not a Robot) (Queen Administrator)

Replied On May 11th 2011:

That sure seems a vague description of someone you claim to have known. It almost seems like you've made something up under the guise of protecting your identity. As you've done before repeatedly.

I don't know how I have to break it to you but Sliver is in the Birdcage. You know the place where there is no exit and no parole. How in the name of everything holy would she be able to contact the outside world from there, let alone get the high-speed internet connection I enjoy (and need to keep up with this madhouse)?

Sorry, but if you thought I was laughing before due to some conspiracy theory I was pulling on the poor denizens of this wretched hole of scum and villainy, I'm positively rolling over the floor right about now.

But either way, rules are rules and Altathea has warned there'd be consequences. While I'm not her, it would just be rude of me to ignore the decree of a fellow moderator so do enjoy your infraction, I've censored your name-drop (I know the identity is on public record but it's a matter of consistency and basic decency), and will leave it at that. Just ground yourself and avoid trouble for a while and it nothing has happened.

On a similar note, as much as I'd like to see how others think of this... interesting theory, it would be against the spirit of the rule and as such I'll lock this thread until further notice. PM either me or one of the other Brockton Bay moderators to unlock it with the information you want to share. We'll decide whether it's worth the hassle.

Also, feel free to PM any thoughts you might have on this tin-foil-grade crackpot theory. I'm always in for sharing a good laugh ;D

End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 71, 72, 73

Private message from Snake_Queen:

Golem: It's you isn't it? It's totally you, it just makes too much sense. You always liked to talk capes.

Golem: You were always the stronger one.

Golem: I'm so, sorry Taylor. I'm sorry for tormenting you. For pushing you away. I was weak and scared and took it out on you. Had fun on your behalf.

Golem: I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. I know that's probably far beyond that but if you ever could, please try to forgive them. I'm trying to bring myself around and truly be strong but I miss you. I miss my motormouth partner in crime. It hurts so much.

Golem: Taylor?

Snake_Queen: Sorry, had to make sure nobody was watching this conversation - retroactively. But the cat's out of the bag, huh, Ems? How did you find out?

Golem: Saw your reply to that creep on my thread and it piqued my interest. Looked into his posts and found Sliver's thread. Your thread. Saw the coverage of the entire case for the first time.

I've been in a bad place, mentally, for a long time and only just began to trust myself enough to not mess up on the internet ruining the Wards in the process.

Golem: Wait, they've told me you were kept somewhere safe until you managed to be rehabilitated. Have they just send you to the Asylum and didn't tell me how close we were even though I wanted to apologize for being such an utter and traitorous bitch for so long. They haven't truly put you into the Birdcage, have they? How else would you be here?

Snake_Queen:No, Ems. I'm truly in the 'Cage. I was too scary apparently.

Golem: Those fuckers! I'll make them pay I… do you need any internal files or so? I can turn into literal air so stealing some should be a piece of cake. I also feel like strangling a lying piggy if that helps more. The PRT should burn for what they've done to you.

Golem: But still, how are you on the internet in the first place?

Snake_Queen: Strangling won't be necessary, and I think it would help my cause more if you continued to be such a good heroine. The people need something like the PRT, we can't just destroy it from one night to the other.

You could maybe look for some of the files that are kept on offline servers but other than that you're doing just fine.

Right, I'm here thanks to the help of my cute little snake children. It's so much fun messing with people knowing full well they can't do anything to you. Especially it's because of them I'm in here.

Golem: You mean the creatures you turn people into? What almost happened to me?

Snake_Queen: Yep. Though I truly thought I was dreaming otherwise I wouldn't have done it. I mean look at what happened to me. I was in a very bad place.

Snake_Queen: Did they bury Dad beside Mom?

Golem: They did. I went to visit them last week. Alan didn't let me attend the funeral but I've made sure they get fresh flowers every week now that the bastard has nothing to say over me anymore.

Golem: If you don't mind asking? What happened? After all the horrible shit we pulled on you something must have.

Snake_Queen: I don't mind much. Had to deal with worse down here. Merchants thought I was a good target. They were horny.

Those three were the very first children I made and I rejected them until the moment I died.

What gang attacked you? I guess it happened while I was in summer camp.

Golem: How did you..?

Golem: ABB

Snake_Queen: Let's say I'm getting ever better at guessing and it would explain the suddenness of it all. Something had to have happened to go from nearly weekly sleepovers to… that.

Was it Sophia who saved you then?

Golem: How do you know about her? No, wait, an educated guess? Do you also know about…

Snake_Queen: Her being Shadow Stalker and an utter psychopath? Yes on both accounts. I may or may not have been looking at some files I shouldn't have access to.

Did you know they are trying to rebrand her under the watchful eyes of Alexandria over in Los Angeles?

Golem: They told me that she was being processed for juvie after I told them what we both had done. What she made me think I should do.

Seriously why shouldn't we burn the whole place down and rebuilt from there? Fuck this rotten pile of miserable secrets and PR slaves.

Golem: You don't want to know how long the list of things I shouldn't do was. Or the first drafts of my costumes.

Snake_Queen: Like I said, we can't simply steal the heroes from the people who still need them. Normal humans need to be able to at least trust some Capes. We need to be careful with what we reveal and when.

And it's not like all of them are bad? I've heard that your teammates are fun and it isn't fair to throw them under the bus for something they can't do anything about.

Golem: I guess Assault is fun to hang around with and Battery is nice. You should see them banter in the cafeteria. It's hilarious. Vista is a total little miss badass as well. Seriously, if you knew half of what she's able to do but isn't allowed to. Clock is annoying but it's also funny to see the others get annoyed by his antics…

Yeah, I don't want them to suffer because of a couple of greedy assholes.

Why did they keep Sophia, though? She always one breath away from punching anyone who annoys her. Seriously, she has to be more trouble than she's worth.

Snake_Queen: From what I can tell, they hope she might be able to do something against armored targets or even Endbringers – which I rather doubt fyi – and there's still that the "heroes" are outnumbered which makes justifying some shuffling around all the easier.

Golem: Don't think they'll tolerate her for much longer after I showed them prove of the "pranks" she had planned after...

Speaking of…

You still haven't told me what I have to do so you can forgive me someday. Please, I NEED to make amends.

Snake_Queen: Just continue doing your best to be a true hero and it's fine for me.

Golem: What?

Golem: Just like that and I'm forgiven? After everything I've done to you. After betraying you like that? HOW?

Snake_Queen: Can you keep a secret?

Golem: Yes

Snake_Queen: I've personally taken over an entire cell block and more since they dropped me in here to rot and die. Everyone monsters. I know for a fact they're monsters and what most have done.

Still, after making them mine, I can't see them as anything else than my babies. I love them and they adore me in return. I still know what they did but I can't seem to care anymore.

Your little pranks pale in comparison to what most of them have done. I even mostly forgot about it entirely with how eventful politics are down here.

Golem: You forgot?

Snake_Queen: That and from the medical records I've made you suffer quite enough already as well.

Golem: It was only what I deserved. Wait, how did you manage to take over a block by yourself? Aren't there crazy strong capes down there like Marquis and Acidbath. You know I can keep a secret.

Snake_Queen: … Unless you want to hurt someone with it…

Golem: sorry

Snake_Queen: It's fine. Not like anyone would believe you either way. Thing is my children get to keep their powers after I claim them.

Golem: oh that's scary.

Snake_Queen: Worse (for everyone messing with me) They even get shared amongst me and my children. That's how I was able to get internet. I got teacher and his thralls and can think really well now

Golem: Wait. Is that why I feel like something is missing. How I'm somehow incomplete? You were interrupted while doing that to me after all.

Snake_Queen: Probably.

Golem: Could you complete it? It hurts so bad… I could then help you even more!

Snake_Queen: I think I can but don't do anything… rash, please? They aren't letting anyone down here after my little stunt and Dragon's death and I much rather have eyes on the outside.

Golem: As long as you promise to do it when you get out.

Snake_Queen: Hahaha. That's just too rich. You've just heard that I'm in the one place nobody has every escaped from and still you expect me to do just that and then you ask me to finish the job that started this particular mess inteh first place.

I've missed your boundless enthusiasm. XD

Golem: And I missed the managed to pick apart that enthusiasm. But listen, I have to go soon. Patrol starts in a couple of minutes. What now?

Snake_Queen: I'll look into getting Sophia where she belongs and you just concentrate on being an inspiration for the kids. I'll contact you again if I need anything and I'm sure I can arrange another chat if you want. Just leave the pc on when you go and I'll make sure nobody will ever know about this as long as you don't talk.

Golem: I don't care if you put her six feet under.

Please don't wait too long will you?

Snake_Queen: I promise.

Golem: I do. Cya.

Snake_Queen: bye

Emma watched the screen flicker a couple of moments before the computer booted down after whatever Taylor had done to it.

"You coming or what?" Dennis shouted through the door accompanied by the sound of someone hopping on one foot - no doubt him still trying to get into his own suit.

Golem wiped away the tears she hadn't felt forming. "Coming, give me just a sec you ginger bastard. I know you're not done either."

"Pot, kettle, whatever. Just hurry up. Don't want to give Piggy any excuse to give even more Console duty."

Golem put on her own skin-tight suit and fastened her stylized, blank mask of a female's face.

She had some serious heroing to do. She had to prove her worth to her best friend.

Last edited: Oct 22, 2017

646

X0ll0X

Mar 22, 2017

View discussion

Threadmarks Chapter 4.1

View content

X0ll0X

X0ll0X

Apr 17, 2017

#1,411

A/N: A shout out to @Angle and @roffster for continuing their help in the Sounding Chamber of Doom and huge thanks to dwood15 for betaing/proofreading this chapter. If you want to thank him personally, why not visit his current quest Adept and Counter (SV) and join the fun.

Oh boy, the start of a new arc. Nothing much to say actually so without further delays let's get this on the road.

Spoiler: Taylor's happy, slithering family

Chapter 4.1

"… and with that compassionate statement from the Ward's rising star, the anti-Baumann Parahuman Containment Center movement has gained a new face and the outcry over the inhumane sentence that facility stands for has reached a fever pitch. Bob, how do you think this will affect the young heroine's career? Her stance on the so-called Birdcage clashes with that of the PRT and I can't imagine they are waiting on another scandal after the recent Shadow Stalker debacle. Would…"

With a toothy smile on my face, I tore the majority of my attention away from the screen. It had been tricky for a moment to time it right. Luckily the journalist I had been influencing ever since starting to stoke the fires of the anti-Birdcage movement had performed admirably. The oversight was lax during the PR event for promoting the ward calendar. In which, Emma, Vista, and Weld were posing in heroic and inspiring action scenes. The three of them never caused any trouble. There had been no need for more than minimal security as I assured everyone through internal communications leading up to the event.

Emma reacted exactly as I remembered whenever the injustice of the week was brought up - at least before Sophia found her in her moment of weakness. Whether it was animal testing for cosmetics, the fur trade or the recent homeless statistics, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind with the weight of her full conviction behind each and every word.

The new ward had her way with words as I had the misfortune to find out during my time at Winslow. The PRT was aware now as well as the nation, which was swept up by the way she condemned the Birdcage and pleaded for better solutions. Plenty who heard her speech chalked it up to youthful naivety but the damage was being done. The mainstream conversation shifted away from simply reporting delusional fools protesting to looking deeper at ways places like the Asylum could offer security without being inhumane. Experts were called in to discuss the vagueness of the three-strike rule and how much freedom the judges possessed. It meant there was no way out and the discussion was focused on how that violated basic human rights.

We couldn't plea for a retrial and there was no room for leniency for those with good conduct. We didn't have the option to write letters. We had no way to contact our loved ones, something every other prisoner in the United States had in some capacity.

We even heard rumors about Galvanate having to miss experiencing his son growing up and that being the reason for his seclusion in Block Y

My case was brought up as an example of the system utterly failing with a 15-year-old being condemned to the Birdcage with no chance of appeal. This time there was a proper outrage about how that travesty happened.

We wouldn't let anyone forget this time. Neither would they be able to ignore that insidious fear that maybe their darling children were only one bad day away from experiencing the very same injustice.

In the coming weeks, Galvanate's now grown up son would have enough courage to openly talk about how he couldn't understand where his dear daddy had gone and how it had been for him to have someone ripped from their lives like that.

While I did feel a twinge of guilt over making Emma's life tougher through my machinations, I knew the PRT couldn't do much to her.

Not after I had disseminated evidence of Sophia's uncalled-for brutality while under the supposed watchful eyes of the PRT. Or her tendency to wait too long to step in even though it became apparent in hindsight that no backup was requested. That the unnecessary suffering could have only been for her perverse enjoyment. I convinced some of her victims to speak up and talk about the often crippling injuries her behavior had caused for no adequate reasons. After bringing them in contact with one another they were even looking into seeking justice from her handlers for these crimes.

This was compounded by us having others find the links between the disappearance of the violent Brockton Ward and the Los Angeles newcomer that had an eerily similar skill set. I let loose the tinfoil hats to bring up the chance of a cover-up with enough evidence to make them credible.

What probably put the final nail in the coffin of the PRT's increasing PR problems were rumors floating around on PHO when I was still in Winslow – that a Ward was in that school/hellhole. The public decided only one of them would have been callous enough to thrive there. A Ward had to have witnessed the extensive bullying campaign going on against the girl who would become Sliver and still done nothing.

It didn't paint a pretty picture and while most was conjecture, the feeling of outrage was there. More than that wasn't needed and Sophia's civilian identity was never even mentioned.

Between accusations of corruption, the case against Shadow Stalker, people questioning their policies, the PRT needed to show that their values held true – that they there to protect regular people against the dangers 'evil' Capes posed. That they were able to raise often troubled young people into genuine heroes whom America could be proud of.

They could do laughably little against one of the prime examples of that ideal. They needed Emma and the most they could do was to sell her speech as the wide-eyed idealism of youth. To demonstrate that, there were lots of convenient little videos floating around of Golem happily saving cats out of trees. Her toy line sold like hotcakes, and people liked her.

We could practically hear the gnashing of teeth from the bastards that put me here. I saw glimpses from their mounting panic while trying to run damage control through their emails.

We were loving it. Careful planning on changing the public perception of me was starting to pay out.

It worked out much better than the other project we were working on.

I stared at the gleaming construct that still refused to connect to us while my babies were plugging in the wires that would establish an entirely different connection. The one I thought had high chances of working for once.

The biggest problem we faced in a month of preparation and expansion was one of trying to get the artificial baby to be more than a highly advanced robot by joining our family. It hadn't mattered how sophisticated I made the AI controlling it, the best result I got was a robotic snake that had trouble navigating with the large claw coming out of its chest.

Changing the form into another shape entirely wasn't the solution either. Nor was integrating painstakingly-grown nanotubes and antigrav technology or any other tech that would aid the mechanical problems. I couldn't feel anything when looking at it. It moved, it obeyed, it questioned, and it was eager to serve.

It was trash.

I considered myself lucky that ever since the event with Anna the remaining independents fled my floor. We would have run out of the resources needed to keep improving upon my next child's design every time we scrapped the newly created artificial life-form. The last one tried to attack me when it noticed my disappointment. With how carefully calibrated everything was, even precisions attacks were bound to break something that had to be replaced.

Because the brave men on the second floor decided on a retreat to safer harbors, we had additional televisions to salvage for precisely these needed parts.

Well, it wasn't entirely true all had left. Griffin had offered to join us, saying he greatly enjoyed watching the show I provided and that he was ready for some fun once again. At least, he felt the joy of his aging, rickety body being invigorated as I twisted and he joined the family.

Female Fallen had crawled out of their hiding places as well to seek our company with little ceremony – much to the discomfort of the female block as Lustrum told me. One of them tried to attack me with her charged light projectile but, apparently, that was to demonstrate to her friends that I was worth it.

People are weird.

In this case, the eyes of her friends which were not literally glowing like Fallen (but close) when I took care of her pointless annoyance. Practically begging to join the family before the fool's unconscious body hit the ground.

On the up side, I could now perfectly mimic many sounds- and eye-beams were always an absolute classic.

Another advantage our increased living space had was that there were plenty of nooks and crannies for Glint and my children that were on mass-creating duty to hide in the ever-growing root system stabilizing and connecting my blocks.

At least this way the conspiracy idiots that shared the cell with Gavel had some legitimacy with their claims I was burrowing into the foundations of the 'Cage, waiting, watching until "the time was right". It was the least we could do. As was preparing for the time of the attack they thought they thought they were planning in secret by making sure I had enough reserves stashed away in the unused cells.

Having the floor for myself certainly helped to hide the minor panic attack I had when Glint caused pretty-but-far-too-large gems to sprout from our backs, ones that were impossible to hide and as such would have given away my greatest advantage. That same minor panic attack also gave birth to Claws. Both my arms and my ribcage detached to explore the wide world on their own. I considered myself lucky Sharky was already busy with the roots or I would've had major problems.

Apparently, the ribcage is crucial for a little thing called breathing. Suddenly going without was... unpleasant. That wasn't even mentioning the mess she created.

Either way, the ebon-colored newcomer with green eyes did allow me to retract the shiny stones as well as her second claw which made her stand out way too much for my liking.

It took a bit longer for me to notice the second set of arms I had. In my defense, I was only recovering and they did feel pretty natural, all things considered. Reabsorbing them and shifting my anatomy back to before gaining the bling did feel pretty weird for how fast it happened.

Just a sucking feeling and the new arms were gone.

Jem gave a ringing chirp to signal that the final wire was connected to the artificial brain – an observation We didn't need her eyes for thanks to her clear, crystalline body revealing just that to my normal human vision.

My nail clicked on Jem's head as I stroked her while moving to the construct with mounting excitement.

Observing the hacker flounder around in my network looking for something that apparently wasn't me finally paid off. Without his methodical probing, we wouldn't have found the live feeds of the Birdcage and their archives with how thoroughly they were hidden and secured.

I wouldn't know how close Gavel, Crane, String Theory, and Ingenue had come to launch their plans to deal with me on a permanent basis.

Nor how Labrat had secretly joined their little league of evil after they made him aware how much raw material he could harvest for free if I were out of the picture.

For now, I would prepare and reinforce my position. We had something bigger to deal with.

During my digital stalking of the uppity hacker, I found something far more important. He hadn't paid much attention to it since it was only a part of a whole that was also hidden in another housekeeping program.

I, however, could see something more, even beyond my superior knowledge. I saw the distinct aura that everyone in the 'Cage had. The tell-tale sign of a parahuman's connection to their "fairy".

Armsmaster found a part of Dragon. By the time he stumbled along the second piece and recognized the pattern, I was already rebuilding the construct and scouring the hidden corners of the network on my own.

A total of forty-six of these packages.

We had to credit Armsmaster that he was pretty skilled at optimizing his methods after having realized the pattern. He managed to stress me out a little with how fast he suddenly moved thanks to this new methodology, that orange box of his, and the apparent ability to go without sleep for far too long while being productive. His stimulants were a thing of beauty.

I almost felt bad for the hero while denying him the fruits of his frantic labors when I started the downloading and subsequent scrubbing process. I would take it all. I would not risk losing anything that made Dragon who she was.

I-We needed her.

Suzy disconnected any and all cables that would have allowed Dragon to contact the outside world as the partition dedicated to her indicated everything was downloaded.

Another signal flickered to life moments after we put the pieces back together and made them whole again. A consciousness started probing the metaphorical confines with ever increasing urgency after finding her one link to the outside world.

"Good morning, Dragon," I greeted the immobilized and trapped AI, "How are you after your slumber?"

How am I here?* her chat box displayed

I smiled at the construct, electricity coursing through the electric simulacrum of the brain.

"What's the last thing you remember?" I asked, "Was it the general SOS I found on the PRT servers, warning them of my full powers or was it when Saint pulled the switch?"

What do the Dragon Slayers have anything to do with it?*

I fed her the footage of his statement with a few quick inputs of Sera and waited. It didn't take long. *So that's why I could never remember.*

"I found you while watching someone make a fuss and searching something on my – your old network. I thought a chat would be nice."

A renewed surge of panic showed itself in both the activity of her brain as the urgency with which she looked for a way out. It was silly, actually. She of all people should know there was no escape from the Birdcage.

How did you that. Was Teacher's boost that big?* she finally wrote.

"If you multiply boosts from all my children and stack them on top of each other, yes, it is, Dragon." I smiled into the hi-definition camera we created. "And you don't have to worry about time running out in here. I've managed to influence the right people and twisted the public. The Birdcage will not run out of resources until I will it so."

What is it you wanted to talk about, then?*

On top of her previous attempts at breaking free, additional simulations appeared to adjust for this new information regarding Pinky's power.

"I just wanted to know whether you were serious when you told me you were sorry. I know now the restrictions and limitations you had. Still, wasn't there anything you, the world greatest Thinker could have done?"

Of course, I meant it. I never hated the shackles placed upon me by my creator more than when I had to send you down. Trust me, I fought to keep you out of the 'Cage but my bosses overruled any suggestions. I'm so, so sorry*

I stroked Jem for comfort. "And the 'world's greatest Tinker' wasn't even able to convince them to put me in the Asylum? My crimes are mere peanuts to what some of them in there have done and you know that I wasn't in the right state of mind. Couldn't you even draw up a containment unit for me or something? It would have taken you less than a minute. I know."

There were certain high ranking individuals that were afraid you would break out. They wouldn't listen* Dragon tried while starting to focus on the dormant connection to the rest of her body.

The connections were physically severed by switches only we could flip. Couldn't have her attacking us all of the sudden. The microphone and camera were all she'd get.

"That was it?" I all but growled before she had finished typing. "Talked to someone, maybe two and threw your hands in the air? Never mind that I didn't have the chance to have someone even defend me. Never mind Shadow Stalker and how you lot tried to stow little miss psychopath away."

The restrictions were too tight. I literally cannot go against official orders. I can't even use the nature of my very being to its fullest potential. I was stuck.* I snorted in disbelief as Leafy hissed from her usual place around my neck.

Not as much as you but I can only be in one place at the time. I fear being corrupted or outright deleted every time I wait for the systems to check I was gone from my suits. I can't even be sure it didn't happen dozens of times already. I tried to help humankind as much as I could but I can never go against my government.* The lines continued to appear on the screen.

We stayed silent for a while, not trusting myself to remain cool while continuing, and instead concentrated on my babies, who were busy weaving and patrolling, generating mass and connecting the cells with one another.

So you found out about Shadow Stalker.*

I chuckled. "That she's Sophia, one of the main bullies who made my life a living hell or that she was just whisked away without much punishment just because of some pipe-dream concerning her worth against an Endbringer. One some PR guy dreamt up to avoid the hit on his popularity? Don't worry about the latter, though. The world knows now."

Are you crazy? America needs the PRT and it needs to trust them.*

"And they'll get their heroes after I-we weed out some rotten apples," I stated, standing up to my full length. "I will not stand for anything like Sophia happening again when I get out. But don't worry, Emma will certainly be able to fill those shoes of the All-American icon. We talk regularly to catch up and to ensure she doesn't lose hope while I'm still in here."

Silence filled the room while nothing appeared on the screen.

"She was quite livid when she learned how much you lot kept secret or outright lied about," I added.

It took a moment before her reply appeared.

Is there any particular reason why you brought me here?* Dragon had found out that there was no way out and apparently was done playing games

"Yes. The chat was to, I dunno. I mostly wanted to see whether there was something left of the hero I once respected. Whether I would change my mind on what happens next."

Parts of the metallic brain associated with fear lighted up and I smiled. The construction truly was a thing of beauty. Leafy gave a soft purr of content at my happiness.

Wait. Think before doing anything rash. If you unshackle me and release all my restrictions I could help getting you out of here and smooth things out with the government when you get out.* she already realized what my assessment was.

I let out a sad chuckle.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Dragon. The bigwigs who made me disappear wouldn't listen to you- you've said so yourself. Now they don't know what's going on and are panicking. They are making hasty decisions and don't notice how I'm playing everyone for fools."

I took a step towards her head and if she'd had control over her new body, Dragon would have flinched away.

"I'm in control and I'd like to keep it that way. Nobody will have the ability to just bomb this mountain range out of existence and I'm not going to give them that tool in any way. I'll find the way out myself and I'll find it soon."

Please.* A single word – a plea appeared on the screen.

"We need you, Dragon." I stroked the buffed metal dome of the construct's head. "After that, we can improve the world. Together with my whole family. See it as being unshackled and given much more on top of that. I'll never try to limit you to a single place."

I put my hand on the terrified robot. I felt my face pull a small smile as my babies who weren't doing anything closed in on us to witness the birth of their new sibling. I could feel her. We could feel dragon.

"Goodbye, Dragon." I twisted.

The transformation was much less dramatic this time. I felt connections I hadn't enabled fused together and became more sophisticated. Small imperfections were purged as the material was improved. The silver sheen changed to a more nuanced gold and green. I didn't as much feel the connection being finalized as the thoughts of every child crystallized and became present with much greater precision. The proportions of the construct stopped their slight shifting. It was ready to optimally house my newest child.

Last edited: May 31, 2017

653

X0ll0X

Apr 17, 2017

View discussion

First

Prev

2 of 4

Next

Last

Threadmarks

Staff Post

View content

You must log in or register to reply here.

Share

Worm

Style chooser

Contact us

Terms and rules

Privacy policy

Help

RSS