Heritage

Please delete this!

20 Questions Where are you from? I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. How would you describe yourself physically? Is this different from how others would? I guess 'tall, blonde and athletic'? I hate to say it, because it sounds like bragging, but I guess I'm, you know, pretty. Or at least I am if you're into tall blonde athletic girls Guys tell me I'm 'cute' or 'hot' a lot, which is really a mixed blessing, because it usually means they're not listening to what I'm saying. Oh, speaking of listening, my hearing has gotten a lot better recently, which is really a mixed blessing, because now I can hear what they're whispering when they think I can't...ick. Girls...well, women usually say things like, 'Oh my gosh, you're so pretty!', which is nice, but obviously not every girl wants to hang out with you if you're a tall blonde, because then sometimes guys ignore them. I'm not going to be horrible and say, 'Oh my gosh, being pretty is a curse!', because it obviously it isn't, but, you know, everything has its downside, I guess. Wow, I sound so shallow; can we cut that part out? Ick! Do you have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms? I was brought up to not curse or take the Lord's name in vain, which I guess some people think makes me sound 'old-fashioned' or like a 'goody two-shoes', I guess. I don't know...I mean, if you wouldn't say something in front of your grandmother, why say it at all? (I do slip up from time to time; sorry, Grandma!) What is your motivation in life? Okay, this is going to sound cheesy as all get out, but I do try to live by the Girl Scout Law, which reads: "I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout." I mean, that pretty well covers it, right? That and being a good Christian, in my case. I know 'respect for authority' gets challenging when you're dealing with like, crooked cops or something, but overall...yeah! What would you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses? I think I have a good attitude, which I really owe to my parents bringing me up right. I genuinely like to help people, and I'd like to think I'm getting good at it. I think my biggest weakness is...I think I try too hard to please people? And I don't think I always give myself the time to do what I want to do, you know, just for me. What do you love? What do you hate? Oh gosh...I love lots of things! I love the outdoors, like doing anything outdoors. I love animals, both dogs and cats, horses...I love flying, either on my own or in a plane. Oh gosh, I obviously love my family, duh! And I love helping people and hanging out with my friends, so...yeah! What do I hate? Bullies, of any kind. I hate the hatred and fear I see every day in the world; I hate racism, sexism, and people being beat up for what they believe in or who they love. This whole planet, the whole universe...the lives we live? It's a gift; all of it. I don't care what God you pray to, or even if you believe in God at all, but if you can't respect a person who's different from you, then you are not helping. You're making things worse. How would you describe your mental and emotional processes? Very fast! ? Seriously though, I like to think things through, to consider the possible repercussions of my actions, and not just charge blindly into a situation. Ideally you do research first, then recon, then plan, and then finally put that plan into action. Obviously, you don't always have the luxury of time, even if you do have super-speed! In term of emotions, I can get pretty emotional, though I try to keep my emotions in check when I'm out in the field during a mission; afterwards though, I may come home and cry my eyes out. I enjoy a lot of the same sappy stuff a lot of girls my age like; like, I used to love Twilight before I totally grew out of it. What do you fear the most? Causing someone's injury or death through careless use of my powers; I worry about it all the time. What is your greatest ambition? To make a difference, not just through using my powers, but by exposing injustice, corruption or suffering in such away that real change as a result. It's why I want to go into journalism. How does you feel about the state of the world and your place in it? There are lots of problems in the world right now, more than even one person with superpowers can manage; I feel a tremendous responsibility to make the world a better place, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. Do you have any prejudices? How do you get along with others? I like to think I get along with everyone, but I know I have biases. I feel...very white sometimes; like that thing where you want to hold a bake sale 'to end racism and world hunger'? Yeah, like that; like am I just clueless and over optimistic, or somehow doing more harm than good? Also I recently came to realize I have no African-American friends, and other than a few girls in my troop back home, never really have had any. That time when I into the Fens with Robin? I was freaking out, and I was in no danger whatsoever! So yeah, I do think there's some racism in me; not the hostile kind, but the 'dumb scared white girl' kind. Ick. I have to be better. Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? Oh wow. Um, well, I guess I'm loyal to my family and friends first, then to my country. And then the Girl Scouts, I guess! Do you have a lover or sexual partner? How do they feel about you currently? Uh, that's very personal! Um, well I had a boyfriend in school back home; we mostly did, you know, kid stuff. We kissed, held hands, went on dates. I haven't had a boyfriend since coming to Claremont. So...my mom is a doctor, and she has strong feelings about sex education, which our local school district was pretty...uptight about; she bought me a lot of books and had some very honest (and kind of embarrasing!) talks with me about my body, my rights and my options. Dad was a little freaked out about this stuff (he's really old-fashioned), but Mom insisted, and I'm kind of glad she did. Um, can we go to the next question now? ? Do you have a family? If so, what is your relationship like? Not of my own, because I'm still a kid, but I have two parents and an older brother, like lots of people. I love my family so much, and they give me all my strength. My brother is still very protective of me, even though I can bench press a tank, which is very sweet of him. How would those closest to you describe you? Um, I don't know; 'nice and hardworking'? 'Kind of goofy', or 'a big cheeseball'? Nice things, I hope! My friends back home used to call me 'Head Case', because I'd take so much time to think things over; my brain's just a little faster now, but I still like to think things through. Do you consider yourself a role model? I think when you're a hero, or at least trying to be one, you become a role model whether or not you want to be; people just hold you to a higher standard. So it's important to consider your actions carefully. The trick is not to overthink what you do to the point that you don't do anything. 'Too much analysis leads to paralysis', as my field hockey coach used to say. Everyone makes mistakes, so obviously heroes do, too; the point is, if you're upfront about them and you have a good track record with the public, hopefully they'll understand and forgive you. I just realized that I kind of focused on all the bad things about being a role model; just to be clear, I love being a role model. I love inspiring little girls and boys, and grownups, too, either by example or just providing hope. I do a lot of hospital visits, but not just to the pediatric wards, which of course is awesome (and sometimes heartbreaking, to be honest). I also like to visit injured cops and firemen, or really anyone who was willing to sacrifice themselves to help someone else. They're always so surprised to see me, and I'll say something like, 'What, you didn't know that heroes like to hang out together? Don't you read the tabloids?', or something goofy like that. You just have to check with their doctor first before you start cracking jokes, because cracked ribs and smoke inhalation are not laughing matters! How spiritual are you? Do you follow a religious tradition? I was brought up Episcopalian, which is like 'Catholicism with less guilt', as Robin Williams once said. I believe in God and Heaven, but also helping people in this life. I think a life of service is, well, holy and just, though that might sound kind of cheesy. I don't believe in forcing my religious views on other people; I've met good people who were Jewish, Muslim and even athiest, and I don't think I'm any better than any of them. We have to live our lives as we believe, and good people can do bad things without even realizing it, often when they think they're doing good. If you live a life full of love, whoever you love...that's the best you can do. Are you part of a team, or would you like to be? Why? I work a lot with my best friend Endeavor; I might join her at AEGIS after we graduate. As to why, I think when you work with a good team, you make each other better; no one is so good at their job that they can't do better with some help. How do you feel about the treatment of metahumans and aliens on the Earth? I can't speak about the whole planet, but in Freedom City where I live and work, I think it's mostly good; I mean, you don't live in Freedom if you don't want to deal with the amazing and unusual. But I think sometimes, it could be better; I have a friend named Miss Grue who is, you know, a Grue, and I think she's had to deal with some prejudice because of that, when in fact she's the sweetest person you could ever meet. If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be? Go out into the world and meet more people; you actually had a pretty sheltered upbringing, and the world isn't as scary as you think. Edited Sunday at 09:43 AM by Heritage

The accelerated summer term has been gobbling up my time; hope to catch up with posting over the next two days.

Gather Info reroll: 1d20+10=27 Much better!

Gather Information: 1d20+19=11 Haha, oh that's hilariously bad! I don't normally like to use an HP so early in a thread (for my character, at least), but can I reroll that one? That's professionally embarrassing for a Nameless agent

Trying to keep with the overall 'friendly but unnerving' vibe here; as always, let me know if I've overstepped. Streetwise roll via JoAT, in case we need it: 1d20+5=14 Ugh, less than impressive; let me know if there's any other rolls I can make, like Gather Information or the like.

"We make you uncomfortable," Ditra stated matter-of-factly as she looked at Starshot; she was still smiling, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she shook her head. "It's a common reaction; that or an intense fascination. Both are understandable, given our nature; I'd say we're used to it, but...that's not entirely true." Then she lighlty thumped her hands on the table. "Now, on to the business at hand; who would be in the market for a pair of Sky Tyrants? I think you might be right about a possible breeder, Herr Starshot. Give me a moment." She closed her eyes as she began a querry. A few moments later there was a knock on the door, and another Pink, this one a handsome male, entered the back room, wearing a smart Otto's uniform and bearing a tray; on it were a large glass of what appeared to be a Weißbier (or at least the closest thing available light years from Earth), a mug of Xobron ale...and a glass of ice water for Cain. "Gentlemen; a round of drinks, courtesy of the lady." The Pink smiled as he placed the drinks in front of the appropriate drinkers, bowed and left.

20 Questions - - - STANDARDIZED QUERIES FOR ALL SENTIENTS CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE COALITION COUNCIL - - - STANDARDIZED QUERIES FOR ALL SENTIENTS CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE COALITION COUNCIL - - - STANDARDIZED QUERIES FOR QUERIES FOR: COUNCILOR DITRA FIFTY-FIVE BEGIN QUERY SEQUENCE Query 1: Where are you from? My pilot was birthed in a hive in Lor space; my Diplo shell was assembled at the Factory. I'm not allowed to be more specific than that. Query 2: How would you describe your physical arrangement? Is this different from how others would? As a Diplomatic model, I was required to be attractive to the Lor, though I did have some say in my appearance; I liked the sort of 'curly mop hair' I'd seen in images and videos from the planet Earth, and I specifically requested it for my Ditra. They didn't get it right the first time, so I had to send the Factory image files; I must say I'm very happy with the results! Most citizens I encounter find me attractive...at least until they find out my race. Query 3: Do you have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms? I choose my words carefully, which some people say makes me sound 'high class' or 'educated', though some people have used very rude words instead. I've been told I'm very 'touchy' or 'tactile', which not everyone likes. Query 4: What is your motivation in life? To show the universe that the Nameless can be more than just con artists, smugglers and escorts; we can be anything we want to be, just like anyone else. Query 5: What would you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses? I am very good with people, as I was meant to be, but unlike some Diplos I've met, I actually like meeting new people and getting to know them. In terms of weakness...I think my curiosity is both a strength and a weakness; I've learned a great deal thanks to it, but have also gotten into my share of trouble! Query 6: What do you love? What do you hate? I love getting to know someone for the first time, that thrill of discovery; there's a whole universe inside every sentient being. I hate the Communion more than anything else I've ever encountered. Query 7: How would you describe your mental and emotional functioning? I could say 'optimal', but that would be a bit of a joke. I possess a great deal of knowledge, but I am always eager to learn more! In terms of emotions, to use the Earth phrase of America, I am a 'people person', and I enjoy good company, whether they be coworkers, friends or lovers. I want to get to know more people than just members of my own race, because as you might guess, telepaths are not always the best friends. Query 8: What do you fear the most? Another Communion attack. I still have nightmares. Query 9: What is your greatest ambition? To be the first Nameless Imperiatrix; why not aim for the stars if you live among them? I would be just and wise, and look amazing in my robes of office! Query 10: How does you feel about the state of the universe and your place in it? The universe is neither just nor kind, unless you make it so. The Nameless wielded great power in secret for over two hundred years, but we squabbled incessantly amongst ourselves, thereby proving we were unfit to rule the galaxy. Though it was horrible beyond words or thought, the Incursion was the best thing that could have happened to us, because it literally forced is out of shells and into the light. Though millions of free souls may hate us, we finally have an opportunity to be more than what the Harvesters designed us to be; we can be a true people, with goals and dreams and lasting works of art. We can forge our own future. Query 11: Does you have any prejudices? How do you get along with others? I do not always like the Lor; though I understand why they don't trust us, many agents like myself are eager to work with them to improve all lives within the Republic. The Fifty Year Plan was a weight on all my people's shoulders, and to finally be free of it is something to celebrate. Query 12: Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? I am loyal first and foremost to my people, especially those in my hive. Then I suppose I am loyal to the Coalition, especially the residents of Coalition Victory Station. And then lastly to the Republic; to paraphrase the Earth sage of England, it doesn't work, but it's the best thing we've got. Query 13: Do you have a lover, sexual partner or helpmate? How do they feel about you currently? I do not have a mate at this time, but I am actively seeking a partner. Having a partner is better than being alone, as you may share thoughts and feelings with them, discuss the events of the day, and of course sexual activities are always enioyable. I would be open to partners from almost any race, though I admit a human of Earth would be somewhat exotic! Query 14: Do you have a family? If so, what is your relationship like? I am a member of the Second Hive; there are several hundred of us. I tend to get along better with other Seconds than with Firsts, who are too rigid for my tastes. The less I say about the Tertians, the better; I understand their anger and mistrust, but cannot abide their actions. Query 15: How would those closest to you describe you? I think they'd say I like the Lor too much, but I consider that a compliment! Query 16: Do you consider yourself a role model? I'd like to be a role model, or at least an example, to show that the Nameless are not all bad, and that we have much to offer the Republic if we were given a chance. Query 17: How spiritual are you? Do you follow a religious tradition? Like most of the Nameless, I revere the Great Mother, the First Queen, the Queen Before Queens. Faith in the Mother is very personal, and I send my feelings to Her often, especially when facing a hard decision. Query 18: Are you part of a team, or would you like to be? Why? I'm not currently part of a team, but I think I'd enjoy that very much; I like helping people and showing other things our people can do. Query 19: Are you aware of the planet known as Earth in the Sol System? Yes I am; I have studied many images and flies from that strange planet. I think there are many offworlders living among them, such as the American 'Tom Cruise'. Query 20: How do you feel about the treatment of metahumans and offworlders on the planet known as Earth in the Sol System? It seems that humans are not always so good to those who are unlike them; even their 'heroes' are not always trusted! But there are many good folk as well, who at least try to see beyond differences. I would like to visit that world someday. END QUERY SEQUENCE Meta Query: If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be? Space is big; find some good friends and stick to them like glue! Also don't be afraid to be vulnerable; the 'meatbags' appreciative that sort of thing, and in time, so will you.

Fair enough; I was just hoping to get Ditra up to PL10 as fast as possible, but I can wait another month

I stated in my Active Threads list for April that I wanted all points to go to Ditra; can you only do that with maxed characters' points? I was willing to sacrifice Casey's points for the month to give Deet a leg up.

Edit.

I'm thinking maybe your last IC post was supposed to go here, Rav? Notice check: 1d20+15=32

Poor Warne! I love seeing this story both from the perspective of the Silberman's group and the agent following them, of whom they're blissfully unaware!

Casey looked back over her shoulder and grimaced uncertainty. "Okay...here goes..." She slowly stepped into the room, arms at her side; unconsciously, she had the biggest, dumbest smile on her face, almost like she was creeping up on a crib to get a peek at a newborn, her voice as soothing and non-threatening as possible. "Hey there, little fella! Hi! Look at you! You're so darn cute! You like playing with drops of water? I have a kitty back home name Ginger who likes to do the same thing! Yeah!" The young blonde was ready at a moment's notice to bodily pick up her mentor and get her out of the room at the first sign of trouble.

Casey doesn't have to go to Blackstone. If need be, we can split the party temporarily for the purposes of investigation; between our characters, I think we have enough communication and movement abilities to reunite quickly in a pinch if one group runs into trouble. I'd be okay with Sea Devil, Singularity and Miss Grue going to Blackstone while Miracle Girl and Terrifica go to the lab, or any other combination of characters.

Okay, finally fixed my post.

Whoops, miscommunication here! I had Gretchen currently under the awning on the street, having gotten the extra bag in the past tense. I can change my post to match yours, though.

Casey will definitely want to go to Blackstone as well, to act as 'good cop' if nothing else; she hopes to speak with the woman, whom she felt she had at least a bit of a connection with at the time. Forgot to post here, will do so today.

My bad! Will fix it tonight.

Father's Day Most heroes have a father or perhaps a father-like figure (Inventor? Designer?) in their lives; some of them are fathers themselves. What does it mean to be a father in the FCU, or to not have a father? This vignette does not have to be focused on the US holiday or even set on Earth, but it should explore issues of fatherhood from either the parent's or child's perspective.

"Nice work, Endeavor. I'm going to do a quick sweep, see if I can see any other hot spots. Over." Once she was airborne again, Casey got a little altitude and scanned the area again; right away, she spotted a nearby street market, where several people were hiding from the storms. She was no engineer, but she'd worked on enough Habitat for Humanity projects to recognize a wall that was about to collapse; before she did anything else, she got back on the emergency frequency. "I see a lot of people in the market in danger of being trapped under unsafe buildings. Going to move to their position with the dumpster to commence evac. Over" Miracle Girl easily picked up the dumpster and flew through the punishing wind and rain towards the market; though foul, the container had proven its value as a quick and dirty evac carrier, and she saw no reason to stop using it. Flying as quickly as she could (no easy task), she dropped the dumpster in the middle of the market and called out to the huddled figures first in English, then in Spanish, shouting to be heard over the howling wind. "Ladies and gentlemen, you can't stay here! My name is Miracle Girl, and if you climb into this dumpster, I can fly you to safety! I will be taking the sick and injured first, as well as children and the elderly! No more than ten people per trip, for your own safety!"

1d20+10=15 Well, it is pouring rain, after all; might reduce visibility a bit.

Miracle Girl's Initiative: 1d20+9=22

The two heroines silently compared notes, and both came to an agreement: physically escaping from the Presidential Palace, indeed from the entire island itself, should not prove to be difficult, unless the president or his enemies had secret supers or tech hidden out of sight, which was still a possibility. The one kink might be getting Sam out as well, mostly due to loyalty to his friend. -We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.- -And I hope we never do!- -Agreed.- In response to Sam's question, Lynn vigorously nodded. "Oh, absolutely! I'm trying very hard not to judge, and hope we get a good explanation once we meet him. I hope he's still the same friend you once knew." The lovely changeling took the conjurer's arm in hers, and gave him hand an encouraging little squeeze, easily keeping pace with him while Gretchen occasionally had to hustle to catch up. -Just how many inches did you add?- -Three, plus the heels.- -You harlot.- -Yep!-

Maybe I'm wrong, but Gretchen was the one checking for technology stuff, and that part sounds like a tevh assessment. Anyway, they can both relay information back and forth mentally, so it really diednt matter who sees it.