KnightDisciple

I figure one or two more posts apiece, and we're wrapped up here. ;)

Cobalt Templar's eyes darted about. He was definitely ill at ease in this place. Besides the obviously creepy atmosphere, there was the more subtle frustration of being fairly uneducated about necromancy, and really magic in general. 'My ring's bloody magical, but I barely know anything about it, beyond the stuff I see in fantasy movies. Maybe I should have Blake give me a few "Idiot's Guide" books for this stuff.' As Nick talked about the variety of potential hiding places, CT frowned a bit. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. "Offhand, I'd say my vote is to head to the attic, and then work our way down. I'd prefer to have to fight our way back down, than fight our way up. Seems like we'd have a bit more freedom of movement that way."

February 20, 2011 I should be dead on my feet; I should barely be able to stand and guide myself around my apartment. Instead, I'm only just starting to feel the edges of exhaustion creep in. I still have the energy to pace, to think, to process. For instance, I think I've finally figured out the dynamic between myself and Stesha. It's like family. She's like a wise older sister I never had; I mean, Brody's good for knocking sense into me now and again, but Stesha brings the shift of a female perspective. It's not like with my mother (saints know that would be awkward); we're too friendly for that. But as much as I love Riona, and acknowledge that she's an adult, I don't know I'd ever really be able to take advice the same way from her that I can from Stesha. Having reached this epiphany, all that strange discomfort I had earlier seems to have become a shadow of a memory. It's like I knew I felt a kinship with her, but couldn't place it. Giving a name to the thing crystallizes it and gives it strength. Of course, even better was the chance to help. So many people, at that! Old and young, they all need something. Those poor children...I'm just glad I managed to fast-talk those charities into "blind drops". I'd feel bad about it, but the only reason for any vagueness on my part is that it'd take too long to explain. I think I can make some quiet contacts tomorrow and make more honest arrangements. God wants his Church to reach out and help anyone in need, even if they're in another dimension! Though, I probably should hold off from preaching just yet. They seem so impressionable...thinking me an angel. Ha! As if. I feel blessed to be considered an average hero right now. Ah well. I'm sure we'll do right by them as time goes on. If nothing else, Stesha and I can slowly petition other heroes to help out; some of them have some pretty impressive resources to bring to bear. Hm. I think I'm tired enough for bed now. I'd say helping get shoes on the feet of children was a good day's work all on its own.

"That sounds fantastic. A little spontaneity really brightens up your life sometimes, you know? Especially when you get a chance to share it with friends." He glanced down as he dug through the pockets in his large coat. "Where did I put that blasted....Ah! There it is. You'd think I'd remember things like this." He pulls out a slightly battered business card, handing it over to Miss Americana. "Call that number any time you need to reach me, no matter the reason. I figure we heroes are always "on-call", after all." With a wink and a smile, he stands and offers Miss A one last handshake. "Again, it's been a pleasure and an honor. Be sure to drop me a line if we're needed for some sort of charity event again. Take care of yourself, Miss A!" After she'd said her goodbyes, Gabriel would soon exit the building and fly off to continue his heroics elsewhere in the city, traces of his power still seeming to echo here and there in the rooms he'd been in. Or maybe that was just his natural force of personality.

Carson smiled and politely left his dance partner as the current song ended. His reasoning was quickly made clear, as he stepped up to the microphone near the DJ. With a broad smile on his face and a wink at the happy couple, he spoke. "First, I just want to say what we're all thinking: Derrick, Stesha, congratulations, and a mountain of blessings for you both. Now, with that said, I'd like to give this next dance song a personal touch." With a nod to the DJ, the music quickly started, and Carson began to sing. "Wise men say only fools rush in But I can't help falling in love with you Shall I stay Would it be a sin If I can't help falling in love with you-" He continued, smiling throughout the song, and repeating it a couple of times through, to give those on the dance floor plenty of time to enjoy this particular song.

"Well then, at the very least, I've educated myself, and helped advance the cause of science! An afternoon well spent, if I do say so myself." He'd noted the odd look, but was too polite to say anything about it. "What do you mean by "the mechanical applications of superpowers"? Do you mean giving people superpowers through devices and technology, or-" He stopped and shook his head with a chuckle. "Sorry. May not be a scientist, but I'm still one for curiosity. Tell you what. I imagine you spend most of your time cooped up in this Lab, or off fighting super-villains, or otherwise doing really important things that help people. Do you often get the chance to sit back and relax? Do you want to catch some coffee sometime and swap stories? Take a break from work, be it scientific or super-heroic, for just a bit?"

Cobalt Templar offers Mercury a smile and a handshake. "Think we've met once or twice before, but still, good to be working with you." His expression turned serious as Wander explained their goals for the night, already running over what he knew of the area in his head. He glanced at his companions, clearly considering something. "You know...I could easily make a platform for both of you to ride on while we patrol. It would make it easier to stick together. Not sure if that goes against the spirit of the exercise though, Wander. Mercury, any thoughts on what search pattern to use? I don't know "hotspots" around here, so I figure some sort of nearest-to-farthest pattern. Unless someone has a police scanner or something."

Cobalt Templar had found the meeting place a bit odd, but only because it was somewhat out of the way. After all, 40 stories was child's play, comparatively speaking. So it shouldn't have come as a shock when a blue light shined in the distance, quickly growing closer, until finally the young hero in glowing blue armor came to a graceful landing on the rooftop. He glanced around for a moment, taking in the fact that Mercury hadn't arrived yet. "So. Step one was "get to the top of a big building"?"

"Like I said, the whole idea behind places like this is "choice". It's what brings in the business." He sat down, slowly working at his plate as he chatted with the alien woman. "You come here multiple times. Seriously, that's likely the intended goal: present so many choices you have to make multiple visits just to try them all. I have to eat more than normal, too. My body has to generate all that extra energy for my sonic powers; I have the same trouble doing as much when I'm low on energy and sleep."

Gabriel gave a happy shrug. "I was mostly thinking out loud with that part. It's mostly speculation and guesses, but it seems sound. I didn't expect you to give me a final answer, though I certainly welcome opinions. Your work here has been more than helpful." He gave her a winning smile. "Reminds me of a saying I've found particularly applicable to my life: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Some might see that as a burden, but me? I see it as a challenge." He gestured at the lab around them. "I can't invent things or cure diseases or whatnot, but I can help people. I figure it all balances out, you know? Anyways. Did you need anything else from me today? Certainly if you need anything in the future, let me know. If it's within my ability to help, I will do everything I can for you and your friends, if any of you ever need anything."

Gabriel Hands and Feet: 3 IC Posts What Makes Him Sing: 26 IC Posts New to Earth: 18 IC Posts Somewhere That's Green: 2 IC Post News Post, Dated 02-20-2011: 1 IC Post Total: 50 IC Posts Cobalt Templar Picnic Blanket Confessions: 15 IC Posts Nightmare on West End: 8 IC Posts The Measure of a Hero: 2 IC Posts Total: 25 IC Posts Fenris Checking Out the Territory: 4 IC Posts Murder on the Victorian Express: 4 IC Posts Technical Difficulties: 14 IC Posts Tanks for Nuthin': 7 IC Posts Total: 29 IC Posts Count as of: 10:39pm CST Thursday, March 31.

Corbin had mostly been a tag-along for the last bit of their journey; his skills were a bit more direct in nature, and so he couldn't do much but help confirm the strength of the illusion on the car. He'd muted the colors of his outfit somewhat as they moved across the lawn of the house, and tried to concentrate on keeping the "radiation" from his powers in check, so he wasn't quite as blindingly obvious as usual to magical senses. He doubted he was very successful. He gave a slight shiver as the others discussed the nature of necromantic powers. "Yeah, super-sterile, super-run-down, both of them equal super-creepy. And yes Warlock, I've got a 5.8 on the Heebie-Jeebie meter right now. You guys want me to stick to the back, or knock really hard on the front door?"

Fenris shrugs at the questioning of how he knows anyone present. "Don't know either of you. Just thought the lady here had a good idea. Nice to meet you, Ms. Wells, Ms. Carrie. You can call me Fenris. And no, I'm not "some armored lunatic". And Ms. Wells arrival wasn't flashy overall; I just happened to be in the area. I...hm. Hold your thoughts for a moment, ladies." He turned, starting to take a step...then in a flash, was just a few feet away from those still standing around taking video of the situation. "I'm all for freedom of the press and so forth, but out of respect for our visitor, let's not treat this like a zoo exhibit folks. Thank you." His mannerisms and voice tone (muted that both were by the nature of his armor) were exceedingly polite; clearly his goal was merely to give Ms. Wells the closest thing to privacy he could in such a situation.

Magnus raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the android's thoughtful gesture. He reached out and took the basket with a smile, setting it to one side for the moment, though it was still close at hand. "Protectron, it's a pleasure to meet you. It truly is. For a scientist like myself, the chance to meet a genuine self-aware artificial intelligence is a true honor. Add to that your clearly advanced technology, and it's a rare privilege indeed!" He seemed equal parts curious and excited. "So...oh dear. I have so many questions, but I don't want to be rude...Hm. Let me turn the tables a bit; do you have a question or two for me?"

Fenris turned to regard Carrie as she tapped him somewhere close to the shoulder. His somewhat menacing visage calmly listened to her request. After a moment, he nodded. "Best not to let things get too crowded..." With that, he took a few tromping steps towards Ms. Wells and her vehicle, then turned to face a large portion of a crowd. When he spoke, his voice rang out with authority and gravity. "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand this is a curious occurrence. However, for the sake of this lady here, I would request that you all move along and let myself and any other heroes and/or members of the city authorities deal with the situation. Thank you, and have a nice day." His words and tone were generally friendly...but they were still coming from what looked like a six and a half foot tall metallic wolf-man. Hopefully both sets of factors would mean the crowd dispersed shortly.

Fenris simply stood there, arms crossed, as Blueshift continued her rant about her right to know everything about his suit. His stance revealed his skepticism, but he was polite enough to leave the matter alone once she dropped it on her own. When she shifted topics, he relaxed somewhat. "I'd also point out that what's generally considered "magic" seems to bypass current scientific knowledge about the state of the universe and the laws that compose it, while "technology" enhances it. Oh, that's not something the "common man" thinks of quite as much; you're correct that something being "mysterious" or "unexplained" can cause that label to get thrown around. But in circles like ours, it pays to be mindful of more exact definitions. And that comparison around knowledge is why I don't trust magic, and why I especially don't trust "otherworldly" beings that work entirely in the realms of "magic" and "the divine". But that's neither here nor there, in the end..."

Baron Katastroff had stood by silently while Supercape conversed with the Artificial Intelligence member of The Lab. A couple of comments made him quirk his eyebrow a bit, but he stayed silent until the British superhero was done. He'd waited a few polite steps back during the conversation, but closed the distance now that Supercape was addressing him again. "Non-organic guest? I suppose that's one of the more delicate ways to put it. I have so many questions for a being such as him! So, yes, let's head on to meet him. Lead the way; after all, you're the one with the access card." He gave Supercape a pleasant smile, though there was clearly a spark of curiosity and anticipation in his eyes.

"That's the idea. Whatever strikes your fancy, really. Some combos might get you odd looks, but in this city, who knows. Courtesy would generally say not to take everything that's out of any one thing, assuming there's more than one piece or whatnot." Gabriel glanced back at her plate size, one that had just a bit more than his own. "That looks fine. Probably no more on any one trip; your build doesn't look like a "big eater" type or anything. Besides, this way you can take your time and try stuff out more."

"Thanks for the sympathy. And the whole idea is that it's something we'll notice not having. I gave up coffee, alcohol, and chocolate. Let's just say I'm praying a bit more than I have for a while." He gave her a lopsided grin as he took the bottle of water and sat down. As she explained her findings, he nodded, his face thoughtful. He seemed to grasp at least the general principle of everything, if not the minute details. At the mention of the nodules in his body, he glanced at his hands, his expression wry. "Huh. Wondered why it tingled when I first started using my powers. Guess my body got used to it. Hm. So it's all biological?" He leans back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Maybe it's so I've got a "trump card" when fighting the forces of Darkness? I mean, I'm fairly likely to fight demons and evil wizards and such. But I've got not a trace of magic in me, not really. So while they're probably prepared for an angel or a good mage or whatnot to show up...I'd probably pass under the radar, as it were. And if they tried canceling out my powers, I might have a chance of it not working. It's actually very clever, when you think about it. Plus, it explains why some ways of doing things feel so natural. Going outside my vocal range is uncomfortable."

Corbin smiles and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad your people approve of me, then." He chuckles. "I'm your "mate", huh? I suppose it works. Does that make you my mate, then? As for traveling back: Yes, that would probably be best. I don't mind a flight, but it seems like it's a bit far even for me. Besides, even though the cold doesn't bother me, it's so much more comfortable in a warm bed. Wouldn't you agree?"

Gabriel's grin at the news he could get back into normal clothes (such as they were) almost split his head in two. "May the blessings of Saint Isidore of Seville be upon you for letting me get back into normal pants. These things are so tight! It almost feels like I'm wearing practically nothing!" His tone was playfully exasperated as he all but ran to the room where his clothing was stored. The final few feet, he all but skipped in, and it wasn't long before he emerged, visibly relaxed, an easygoing smile on his face as he came to a rest on the stool provided for him. "Hm. I'd say coffee normally, but it's Lent, so...Glass of ice water?"

Let's see here... Reflex: 15 I'll try for the toughness save. Worst case, I can reroll that. Toughness: 14 ...Yeah, spending an HP to reroll that one. Toughness: 26 There we go.

Fenris is unimpressed by her speech about how much she needed to know things. "I didn't tell you what my power source is for a reason. It won't "come up". Sorry, but that's how it is." He sighed, shaking his head as he did. "This day and age, it's not that magical. Most people ought to figure it's technology, even if they don't know and understand how it works. And the Clarke quote is good, but not perfect. Don't want to get into a long discussion on gods and whatnot. But as for Ragnarok, I just said my goal was the opposite of destruction, didn't I? I don't plan to go there, and would actively fight such a thing. It's why I'm a superhero, after all." 'This girl is more than a bit odd.' he thought to himself.

Sure! I have no problem with that.

"It's a combination of water, some sugar, caffeine, various other flavor ingredients, and carbonation; that's what makes it fizz. And we don't really have "fizzing solids" per se. Closest thing would be a steak sizzling on the grill, but that's not really the same thing." Gabriel himself had gotten water. He glanced around at the various food stations, ignoring the handful of stares he got (perhaps tourists not used to the city's glut of heroes?), before guiding the two of them to the side of the room with Italian, Chinese, and American "home cooking" stations. "Pretty much any of this is good." He started loading his own plate up, walking past various points, carefully choosing choice bits of food.