[Issue 1] Mutants and Masterminds: An Age of Transition

[Penny]

Editorial policies: [Rules] Mutants and Masterminds: An Age of Transition
Cast: [Characters] Mutants and Masterminds: An Age of Transition
Letters page: [OoC] Mutants and Masterminds: An Age of Transition

Prosperity is a city falling forward into the future. The rise of superhumans has no one cause - genetics, technology, or even magic - but they produce one effect: the strain and strife of a society that does not know what to do with them. How do the police stop someone that can snap handcuffs, deflect bullets, or disappear from a sealed room? The system was not built for supervillains; only superheroes can stand in their way. Both are mockeries of the rule of law.

Prosperity is the home to millions of people, billions of dollars, and the highest rate of superhuman activity in the world. In Prosperity, it's easy to be a super; crime tends to be lightly punished so long as it avoids serious injury or death, and vigilantism, while illegal on paper, is almost ignored in practice. Much of the public rants and raves about the law's light touch and beseeches the government to take control of the situation. Others fear that the government simply can't control supers, and all it can do is incentivize them to limit the death and destruction. Yet other, smaller, fringe voices suggest that the government is up to something yet sneakier.

Despite the growing pains of a changing society, Prosperity is a city of opportunity - a forefront of business, science, and culture. It is a great place for someone to make their fortune, find their fame, or disappear. For six people, each with different gifts, Prosperity is home.

Radiance

Lucy Aldwin works at the Prosperity Central Public Library. Due to her lack of experience or accredited schooling, she typically handles grunt work like shelving books and restocking books. Today, she's preparing the basement hall for a demonstration later that day. The Movement for Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting physical activity in local youths, has asked Prosperity-area athletes to speak about their careers to increase interest in sports.

Irma, the library's other unskilled labourer, helps organize the folding chairs into neat rows. Irma is young, possibly even younger than Lucy, and works part-time at the library to help pay for university. Though small and slight, she's energetic and ethusiastic enough that the work goes quickly.

"Are you going to stay and watch the talk?" Irma asks, looking up at Lucy while she unfolds another chair. "I've never really been into sports, but maybe I will. I read they're putting in extra effort to get girls into sports. Do you think there'll be a lot of female speakers? I'd like to see that."

Gwen Cross, Ivory Ace, Tom Drake

Gwen, Selena, and Tom live different lives and have different legacies, but all three receive the same message from The Movement for Movement, a local non-profit. All three are invited to speak at the Prosperity Central Public Library to encourage youths to engage in sports and athletics. The call details the benefits this will have on children's physical health, and the importance of such in the age of video games, internet, and other sedentary distractions. If asked at length, the call will admit that The Movement for Movement cannot pay them for their time, but think of those benefits for the children!

Buford

WELCOME BACK, reads the cake. Well, now, it's more like WE B. Everyone in the department's celebrating Buford's return to the force. Surviving an attack from Nadia Grey, Prosperity's most wanted murderer, was impressive enough; completing his physical therapy and returning to field duty was nothing short of miraculous. Buford can't go five minutes without another cop patting him on the back and congratulating his hardiness.

At one point, a young, brash officer catches Buford isolated from the others. He shakes his hand, but Buford can let go, suddenly pulls him close and whispers into his ear.

"Don't worry, Officer Justice," the young officer whispers. "Every cop in the city's got a bullet with Grey's name on it. She'll never make it to trial."

Immediately after this clandestine promise, the officer slips away. Before he can follow up, Buford hears a familiar voice from behind him.

"Buford, walk with me." Captain Davidson joined the force about the same time as Buford, but shot through the ranks instead of sticking to the streets. He's still huge, but it's clear he's not twenty-five years old anymore - clear to everyone except, possibly, Davidson himself.

"First of all, it's good to have you back," Davidson says. "Second, it's not official yet, but everyone knows it's gonna happen, so - they're gonna offer to make you detective. You're overdue and everyone knows it, but there's more to it than that. Things are...different, out there. I don't have to tell you that. It used to be, people would see a cop walking the beat and feel safe. Now it just reminds them that the system's failed. We need you putting your expertise to work on real police work, not just grunt stuff. Findings the whos and whys, winning wars instead of battles."

Davidson looks over at Buford. "You get what I'm saying?"

Trevor Night

My Apologies from Another Reality is an ultra-niche sci-fi/horror/action manga with tragic romance elements. It is virtually unknown in the west, partially because its pun-laden dialogue and allusions to Japanese society, history, and mythology are impossible to translate, and partially because it is almost as unknown in Japan itself, being published in a single magazine limited to the Okinawa prefecture. Its deep worldbuilding, complex characters, and heartbreaking pathos invite discussion, but it's hard to find other readers. In all of Prosperity, Trevor Night has only found four others who read the manga. After each chapter is released, their discussion group meets at Prosperity Central Public Library to discuss it the following Saturday - today.

When Trevor arrives, he finds three others already at their usual table waiting for him: Greg, the fiftysomething who claims to have taught English in Tokyo decades ago; Jagruti, the thirtysomething housewife and mother of two who's introduced Trevor to manga titles that get less than a hundred Google hits; and Kenji, the eighteen-year-old second-generation immigrant studying cybernetics in university. Tandy isn't here yet, but that's okay; Trevor is still a couple minutes early.

 

[mainman]

Buford liked his uniform. It has been his dream to be in the uniform and he felt like he owed it to the community for their support. Buford kept quiet, he had a lot to think about and does not have a response for his captain. Walking to the armory, Buford drew his pistol and ammo. He took a deep breath as his encounter with the cop killer did not go so well the last time and the bullets did not do much. After running a check on his equipment, he attended the roll call and went back on patrol.

It was the same old shift, same old city. Buford saw many police cars outside the library and parked to checked out what was going on. There seemed to be an event going on at the library but Bob did not see any cops. Buford walked around the library towards the rear entrance and looked around. "Hmmm, something is going on."

===============================================================================

2 ladies had 2 cops cuffed and started jerking them off. One of the ladies started fucking the cop as he got erect. The lady continued to fuck him even when he ejaculated. The other cop kicked helplessly as the lady started giving him a blowjob. The cop moaned as she swallowed his dick and started massaging his balls. She hugged him and wrapped her thighs around his waist and kissed him. As she squeezed, he could not breathe but cannot scream for help as well.

A plump motorcycle cop hear muffled moans and entered the room. He turned on the lights and saw 2 cops on the ground with their pants down and a lady fucking one of them. As he reached for his gun, the other lady behind him grabbed it and shoved it into his neck. "So round... so soft..." She said and she walked him towards the trembling cops on the ground and started taking off his pants. "We can also do what Nadia can do..." The lady whispered to the cop and forced him on the ground. "Love those boots..." She said as she pulled his breeches to the knees and started rubbing his dick.

===============================================================================

Buford saw 2 cops shoving some teenagers to the wall. "Hey!" Buford shouted sternly at the cops. Buford saw several paint cans on the ground and shook his head. "Damn kids..." Buford said as he approached the cops and stared at them. It was common for cops to be rough to their suspects but Buford was strictly by the book and most cops heard about his no nonsense policing where excessive force was frowned upon. The cops had no idea that danger was lurking just around the corner. "I'll bring them back for processing." Buford said. "Make sure you finish your report."

Buford escorted the teenagers to his car and placed them in the rear seat. The teenagers were scared and a little roughed up. But was quite glad that Buford seemed more reasonable.

 

[Tenshi]

At that moment, Lucy Aldwin could have been in a Hollywood movie about a young librarian. She wore penny loafers, pantyhose, a grey skirt, snug white blouse, tie, and a ginger pony tail held back with a blue ribbon. She was a small young woman, with fair skin and freckles. The loose blouse couldn't hide how buxom she was. Her tiny waist and slender limbs very much understated her strength.

Lucy gave the other girl a dimpling smile. "I think I will." She giggled. "You know, I've made formal study of swordplay. I don't mean fencing or Kendo. I've straight up read the old manuals Judicial Champions studied for trial by ordeal in the medieval courts, studded those moves, practiced them with museum quality replicas. It's really awesome, it makes me feel like Xena!"

She giggled again and shook her head. "I kind of wish I could do one of these talks, but I don't think they would want me to talk about trial by combat to these kids, though!"

 

[freeko]

Selena would find herself talking with her agent. Someone that she had retained even though there was probably not much reason to do so. For the most part, Selena's agent was looking for opportunities. One such opportunity would come in the form of an offer of a formal appearance. It would not take much time to set up, but both Selena and Suzy would agree to appear. Suzy only in a supportive role, as Selena was set to speak about how having tennis as an activity has provided such a positive influence.

In the time between the arrangement and the appearance, Suzy would start working on something for Selena to wear. Having this active sponsorship, even after being banned from playing, would allow Selena to take on a different role in the world. Public appearances like these could only help bolster her cause as she could garner favor in the public eye. Selena still had a few good years left in her, as she was just starting to get into her prime.

 

[Penny]

Radiance

"Xena?" Irma narrowed her eyes, concentrating. "That...was one of the prospective names for Eris, the dwarf planet, right? Then she must have been a Greek goddess. Was she known for swordfighting?"

She smiled, bending down to pick up more folding chairs. "I never knew you studied swordfighting. That's so cool! You don't look like the type. I guess you don't have to be that big to use a sword, though."

She smirks and points to another stack of folding chairs. "Okay, Xena, do you think you can slay that beast?"

Ivory Ace

The Movement for Movement's representative was grateful to hear Selena's agreement to approve. She'd be welcome to bring anyone with her, but of course, Suzy wouldn't be expected (or allowed) to speak at the panel. As the date approached, Selena was provided with more information: when and where to arrive at the Prosperity Central Public Library (before noon, and at the employee entrance at back). Just knock, and one of the employees would let her in. She would be welcome to use the employee-only sections to prepare or change as necessary.

Buford

The officers' behaviour visibly changed as Buford approached: simultaneously respectful and furtive, like schoolkids being caught by a teacher in the middle of something they shouldn't be doing. Two of the teenagers, a boy and a girl, were visibly cowed by the cops' aggression and stay quiet, watching them and Buford with cautious eyes. The third, a boy with dyed blue hair and wilder clothing, just looked all the more encouraged by the roughing up.

"Enjoy it while it lasts, piggies!" the boy yelled as Buford led him to his car. From the way the other cops looked at him, Buford can tell he'd have tripped and fallen on his face a couple of times on the way to the station had he not intervened. "The state can't control superpowers! They belong to the people! We're on the cusp of anarchy, and when it comes, your plutocratic masters will know what it means to - "

The closing car door cuts the boy off, only vague, muffled shouting audible from inside. Once he can tell he's lost his audience, the boy shuts up, simply scowling defiantly out the window.

 

[leestud]

Trevor Night pulled up a chair and sat down at his usual spot on the table. The latest chapter of My apologies from another reality was a very interesting read and he could not wait to start discussing it with the group. Although they knew who his parents were they did not treat him any differently like a lot of people did. That was one of the reasons why he moved out of his parent's mansion after all. He was quite well known all over the city, but only as a rich kid interested in having fun coasting through life on his parent's dime. They knew nothing of his vast intellect and skills in robotics and technology and he liked to keep it that way.

Giving a quick look to everybody he speaks up in a quiet friendly voice, "Hi everyone, I hope you all are doing well. As soon as Tandy arrives we can start the discussion and with this week's chapter it is going to be quite a discussion. So while we wait how has everyone been?"

 

[mainman]

Buford drove off in his cruiser and spoke into the mike to the kids. "My name is Buford T. Justice. You have broken the law and I am bringing you in. But I will not allow any harm to come to you for you are in my custody..." Buford sounds jaded, this is the same speech he gives to everyone and he does not seem interested to get a response or hear their stories on their crimes. He was just there to make sure justice was served.

There was a traffic jam as 2 superpowered people were fighting on the street. Buford stopped and looked and saw a man with flames on his hands fight another one with blue glows on his fist. They seemed to be unusually strong as well and they tossed each other around. Buford walked over and saw 2 cops behind their patrol car as they are waiting for backup.

Everyone was watching from a distance and strangely, the 2 of them did not really create any property damage -- yet. Buford walked over with a fire extinguisher and right up to the 2 off them and stood there. The 2 men were confused and turned to look at Buford. No one dared to appraoched except a pudgy looking old cop with his hands behind his back.

"What the fuck are you looking at pig? I can met you with my fingers." The flaming guy said and he flamed up and his body was on fire.

"You are a fucking show off. You are nothing without your powers, stop scaring humans..." The other guy said and turned blue with a glow around his body and was about to throw a punch over.

"Stop!" Buford shouted and they paused like elementary school students listening to their teacher. ""My name is Buford T. Justice. I have fugitives which needs to be brought back to station to process. I don't know about your squabbles, but you are blocking traffic. So far, you can be booked under misdemeanor, but I'm going to let that slide." Buford said and used the fire extinguishers and put out the flames on the fire guy.

The flaming guy was put out and he was more confused than ever. He did not know what happened and how suddenly he felt cold and how is this old cop who dared to do such a thing.

"Please move aside." Buford said. "Traffic needs to pass, perhaps you can settle your differences in that open lot over there." Buford points over to a grass mount in the middle of a park. "Then you can avoid getting hit by cars and inconveniencing others. Have a nice day."

Buford smiled and walked away, not even looking back at them. The 2 superpowered men were shocked at what just happened and stepped back on the pavement and the traffic continued to move.

Buford got in his car as some people cheered for him and he drove the kids back to the station. "Sumbitch, wasted my fire extinguisher... need to requisite another one from the station."

Buford walked the kids who were a little surprised to the police station and handed them to a fat old officer in charge of the cell area. "They are in good shape, the reports will be in soon by the 2 rookies, Franklin and Jameson." Buford said and walked off.

He went and filled up his form to get a new fire extinguisher, 'reason -- putting out a fire on the road' and walked back to the cruiser, placed his fire extinguishers back in the car and returned to his patrol route, which is back to the library.

 

[Penny]

Buford T. Justice

"Alright, people, keep it moving!" Once Buford clears the road, the two younger cops on scene get to work clearing up the traffic jam. A few years ago, they'd have had no chance of clearing out the rubberneckers, but now most of the drivers are more interested to getting to their destinations on time. As super-fights go, these two were relatively mundane. The cops' lackadasical response, too, was not unusual; by now, the standard (if unofficial) response to superpowered perpetrators was to control the chaos and protect civilians, but not to confront the supervillains directly unless absolutely necessary. Instead, they tended to wait for a superhero to deal with the situation for them. Historically, this generally reduced loss of life, but that was hard to see from the outside. Even as Buford returns to his car, he can hear drivers muttering about how goddamn useless the police were and why something couldn't be done about these super-battles in public.

Cuffed in the back seat, the blue-haired teen tried to get a rise out of Buford a few times during the trip by insulting the police, the concept of state law in general, and Buford's low-impact resolution of the traffic jam. His attempts are half-hearted at best, though, and get weaker as he realizes Buford is not likely to get into a screaming match with him. Eventually he settles into his seat and simply watches disdainfully out the window. The other two teens appear to be trying to disappear into their seat.

When Buford arrives at the station, the blue-haired punk starts shouting in renewed further as Buford brings him in, giving a good show to the cell staff and current prisoners. The other two teens don't say a word, looking thoroughly ashamed of themselves instead.

"Franklin and Jameson, huh?" the desk cop asks gruffly. "Guess they've got better things to do than bring in their own arrests. Don't know what the hell's keepin' 'em, but if I gotta go chasing after their ass, they're gonna regret. Anyway, thanks Justice."

Once he's in the car, Buford gets a call from his dispatcher. Apparently, some event at the library is attracting more crowds than expected. The dispatcher goes on to inform Buford that he's assigned to the site so he can keep an eye on the crowds, just in case.

Doctor West

"It's been...good," Jagruti says. As always, she smiles warmly, but her voice sounds politely restrained, as if she's constantly holding something back. "The house is a lot quieter now that the boys are back in school, so I can catch up on things. So, it's good."

"Guess every day of my life is good, then," Greg says, leaning over the table. He chuckles, then sighs heavily. "Well, not really. Had to go in and see the doctor about my shoulder again. It's like they can't figure out what's wrong with it. I'm getting maybe two or three hours of sleep a night because of the pain. They've got me on a prescription for the pain now but it barely does anything. I've had to take more time off work."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Jagruti says with a sympathetic pout.

"Wish I could take time off," Kenji says. "My profs just keep piling on the assignments. Remember that self-driving toy car project I told you about last time? It took me all weekend to finish it, and I've been at the lab every night this week working on other stuff. It's like every professor I've got thinks they're the only class I'm taking! It's insane!"

Kenji has voiced this complaint before, in different words, at pretty much every meeting. "Anyway, I've barely had any time for manga, but I managed to check out the latest chapter. You're right, there's a lot to talk about."

"How about you, Trevor?" Greg asks. "How've you been?"

 

[Tenshi]

The ginger librarian momentarily stared at Irma. Her eyes widened, and her jaw worked...

And then Lucy burst into giggles. She giggled so hard she panted a little, making her pert bosom jiggle a little despite her bra. Then she shook her head. "Sorry! It's an old TV show my big brother Peter used to watch. It was a spin off on a fantasy show about Hercules, where one of the villain girls went good. She traveled around doing heroic deeds with a ditsy blond poet. I had fun with it, but even when i was nine i was laughing my head off at the historical bloopers--like a farm in ancient Attica growing tomatoes! A lot of girls who didn't bother to read thought they were awesome for being independent girls in a fantasy world who didn't need to get rescued by princes or fixate on guys all the time."

Lucy grinned and started pulling down folding chairs from the new stack. "Wait..." she spun back to Irma again. "Someone tried to get Eris named Xena? The redhead snorted, then shook her head. "This is a library, i need to not laugh so hard at work."

 

[leestud]

Trevor quickly replied, "Well same as usual I am doing great. I have even managed to grab some pretty rare anime merchandise. After the meeting I can show you the pictures on my phone. Other than that I have just been watching anime, playing video games, reading manga and stuff. And Kenji I am glad to hear that you finished your project, it sounds really cool. I would love to get a chance to see it if you get a chance to that is. Greg I am too sorry to hear about your shoulder, but I may be able to help you out. One of the pharmacutical companies that my parent's company help manage are going to start a trial run for a new painkiller. A super strong one for when normal ones just are not strong enough. And practically no side effects either, this trial is basically just a formality to get it approved so they can sell the stuff. I could help you get onto the trial if you want. And Jagruti I am glad that you are doing well, but it won't be long until the schools break up for another holiday, so make use of the quiet time while you can."

Trevor then looked towards the entrance to see if he could see Tandy arriving. The small talk had definitely used up some of the time and he was really looking forward to discussing the latest chapter. The latest chapter's focus on robots certainly helped to spark his interest. It was surprising just how much of the tech in that manga Trevor had actually made into reality or was capable of doing so at the least. Science fiction was very much in the realm of possibility now. But in this city, everything was possbile and the word impossible seemed just like a distant memory. This manga was definitely a hidden gem and deserved so much more attention. But maybe because of its complex themes woven together it got passed over.

 

[kckolbe]

5 years ago no one would have requested an appearance from Tom for free. What made that particularly frustrating was that five years ago, he'd been absolutely loaded with money to the point that he wouldn't have even noticed the check. Now that he was broke, that money still isn't noticed, because it wasn't coming his way. Still, an appearance could mean a small boost in jersey sales. It could happen, not like no one wore his jerseys to games anymore, just a lot less every year. Besides, he wasn't starving, and while he hated to admit it, he needed the attention, and liked talking about his time as a pro. He'd agreed, of course, and showed up that day wearing one of his jerseys, both to remind people to buy them, but also to make sure they knew who he was. He was terrified of not being recognized.

 

[mainman]

Buford was preparing to go to the library again and he saw a police van arriving and the officers have arrested a large man in a costume and 4 officers were trying to escort him and were given a hard time. "It is one of the supers again giving trouble." Buford said and approached.

The large man was inhumanly strong and the 4 cops could not control him. And he suddenly saw a pudgy old cop approaching and tilted his head and was rather confused.

"I am Officer Buford T. Justice." Buford said, "And I see that you are not cooperating with the law. What type of superhero are you?"

Buford poked his baton on the man's chest and he did not feel anything at all.

"This guy damaged public property in a fight and he killed another person." A cop said.

"That is a super villain that killed 2 cops." The man said. "That is justice."

"I am Justice!" Buford said. "Didn't you hear? Boy? When you vigilantes damage public property, you need to answer to the law like every body else. If you helped us, we can thank you, but we still need to bring you in and take your statement. If you kill someone. This is for the judge to decide. Please don't pretend to help us and make our lives hard. We are just doing our jobs."

Buford poked the man who just lifted up 2 fat cops as he turned and Buford tapped his baton on the man's head. "You are strong, but you need to be more aware of your strength as you may be hurting others or damaging properties. The judge can work on something to help you."

The man was confused but decided to obey what Buford just said and the cops escorted him to the cell. Buford considers this a win and returned to his patrol car and drove back to the library.

Buford arrived and walked to the bathroom and checked his uniform. He adjusted his uniform and looked at the mirror and placed his hand in his pants to align everything. "An officer needs to have a professional appearance." He muttered, washed his hands and exited. "Quite a crowd here. Wonder what is going on?"

"This reading thing is popular with kids." Buford said as he saw many people in the library. He picked up a book and there are too many words and the text is too small for him to appreciate and he put it back. He nodded and greeted people as they walked by like he was some celebrity, and indeed, many local recognize him and nodded back at him.

 

[Penny]

Radiance

Irma's stare disappeared under Lucy's stare. Embarrassed, she flushed red and looked away. She only looked back, cautiously, after Lucy began giggling, dropping for a split second to Lucy's breasts before meeting her eyes.

"Well, I suppose they wanted to pay tribute to Planet X," Irma said, her voice still slightly nervous. "I imagine that fell through when they classified it a dwarf planet, though.

"Anyway..." she adds, shooting Lucy a grin, "we don't need to worry about keeping quiet anyway. I don't think anyone will get any reading done during the event today."

Between the two of them, it doesn't take long for Lucy and Irma to set up the rest of the chairs. This proves fortunate as the head librarian, Ms. Maple - whose first name they, and seemingly everyone, did not know - arrived in the basement hall just as they got the last of the chairs into place. A tall, angular woman, Ms. Maple looked especially severe today, and her bespectacled gaze swept over the rows with an air of preemptive disappointment.

"What is taking you so long?" she snapped. "Don't answer, I haven't the time. The speakers are arriving - finish up what you can while I greet them. I'll usher them into the employee sections. I want you there to handle them. Just - don't let anyone see them before the panel, or it'll be chaos! Herding those sports buffs will be hard enough as is."

Ivory Ace, Tom Drake

Though they arrive at different times, both Ivory Ace and Tom Drake are greeted by a tall, angular woman with grey hair and a pair of round bifocals. She shakes their hands while ushering them around back to the employee entrance of the library.

"Hello, I'm Ms. Maple," the woman says briskly. "Welcome to the Prosperity Central Public Library. The talk will start at noon. Until then, feel wait in the employee-only sections. We don't want to start a...ruckus before we begin. You can talk to your fans after the panel is over. We'll keep any of the public out of the employee sections, and if you have any problems or requests, just ask one of the employees.

Buford T. Justice

Buford recognizes more than a few of the faces in the library, and they him. His earlier assumption may have been premature, however; few of the attendees seem interesting in reading. Most them are milling around as if waiting for something to happen, while others scan the crowds like they're looking for someone. Buford notices a lot of them are wearing sports jerseys.

Buford also notices that this library clearly doesn't usually see this number of people. The density of the crowd compared to the number of exits - just the front door - is enough to make any first responder nervous. Currently, pushing through the crowd would be slow but not impossible; in an emergency, however, panic and confusion could easily make these conditions dangerous.

Doctor West

"Yes, Trevor, I know." Jagruti smiles at Trevor in a way that's both polite and slightly condescending. "Don't worry, I've done this before. Thank you for saying that."

"Oh, uh, it's just a school project," Kenji says, surprised but obviously pleased by Trevor's interest. "You know, it's just - well, okay, it took a while, but, y'know, it doesn't look like much if you're not into robotics. You probably wouldn't be interested, but, uh, sure, yeah, if you want."

"Could you?" Greg asked. "Uh, yeah, that'd be great! I'll try anything at this point. Uh...this trial's safe, right? You're not looking for under the table testing or anything?"

Tandy hasn't arrived yet, but other people certainly have. The library is filling up fast - it's already more crowded than during any of the group's previous meetings. Most of the visitors don't seem to be looking for books, either, but milling around as if waiting for something to happen. A lot of them are wearing sports jerseys of some allegiance or another. Trevor even sees a uniformed police officer watching over the crowd.

"Is something happening today?" Jagruti asks thoughtfully. "Why are all these people here?"

 

[leestud]

Trevor replied to Kenji first, "Well my favourite genre of manga and anime is sci fi, especially one with robots in it. I think robots and stuff are really cool, I am sure that I will be interested in it. I mean it drives itself right. That is a really impressive feat. There must be so many viarables you had to account for right. I really appriciate hard work and from what you have told me you are a very hard worker." Little did Kenji know just how interested Trevor really was. Not to mind the fact that he had built things much more complex, but he always found it fun to take a look at other people's robotics work. He never knew where inpiriation would strike him after all.

Then the next person he replied to was Greg, "I can't guarantee that you will be accepted, but given what you have told me you should qualify. At the very least you will get a free check up by a top class medical team, to see if you are suitable for the trial. I assure you that the trial is perfectly safe. This is all to get FDA approval. It is being supervised by the FDA after all. My parent's only deal in legitimate businesses and should they find evidence of any not legitmate dealings they will take swift action to stop the illegal dealings and contact the police if necessary. Plus as a participant after it gets approved, if you are ever prescribed it you will not have to pay for it."

Then he finally turned to Jagruti and told her, "No problem. And as for why all these people are here, I believe it is to see the panel of local people involved with sports that are trying to get the youths into doing more sports and physical activity. One of the doormen at the Night Towers is an avid sports fan and thus has been going on about this event since it was announced. I am actually surprised just how many people have actually turned up."

After looking at the nearby clock and noticing the time he asked everybody, "So should we wait until Tandy arrives or should we start now and catch her up once she arrives?"

 

[Penny]

Doctor West

"I, uh - alright, sure," Kenji says with a nervous shrug. He looks away with a sheepish smile. "You've got my contact. Let's meet up, I guess, and you can check it out."

Greg perks up immediately when Trevor mentions the possibility of free prescriptions. "Well...! If it's all for scientific progress, sure, I'll do it. Like Kenji said, you've got my info. Let me know when you need me to fill out any forms, or do any tests, or anything like that." He smiles, then adds almost as an afterthought, "And, thanks."

Jagruti tsks at the crowd. "They're getting very noisy. I hope whatever happens, they don't have to do it here. It'll be hard to discuss our manga when - "

She suddenly pauses as a chorus of notification sounds ring out from around the table. Kenji is quickest on the draw, pulling out his cell phone. He checks it and gives an annoyed sigh. "Tandy says she's stuck in traffic and doesn't know how long she'll take. You want to get started without her?"

Stalker

It's never easy to find work as an uneducated, inexperienced, and undocumented out-of-towner, but if you can do it anywhere, you can do it in Prosperity. Without legal documentation, Lucius has trouble finding reputable work or a trustworthy home, but the city is so hungry for workers that he can find someone willing to look the other way for at least a few days or weeks at a time. Lucius can probably owe what success he has to the internet. He's found the easiest way to get online is through a library; the computers were underpowered when they first bought ten years, but they're still good enough for browsing, and even if he can't snag one - which he usually can - Prosperity's libraries offer free wi-fi as well.

Usually the libraries are pretty quiet and relaxed, but today the Prosperity Central Public Library is crowded and noisy. Strangely, most people aren't even pretending to be interested in the books or computers. While some people are seated at tables, discussing something he can't hear over the noise, most are milling around and waiting for something to happen. He even sees a uniformed cop on duty, which generally isn't necessary at the library.

 

[Tenshi]

Lucy stayed politely quite and attentive as Ms. Maple took out her frustrations on them. With a long suffering sigh once the older girl had left, she turned to her friend and asked--voice tinted with exasperation, "What is it we're still supposed to do? I don't expect a 'good job' from a woman like Ms. Maple, but you'd think she could at least acknowledge that we'd performed the task set before us?"

 

[Tarrakhash]

Lucius didn't like cops, he didn't like crowds and he didn't like his routine changed, but that didn't mean he wasn't intruiged by what was going on. He just tried to steer clear of pretty girls, wealthy people and anyone with really nice food. Smirking to himself he wondered amonst the people, taking a moment to focus on the voices in his head, enhancing his abilities to notice things and listen in on conversations.

Tugging on the ill fitting clothing he was wearing he pretended to be interested in a book as he tried to over hear various conversations.

((OOC: Variable skills: +10 Perception))

 

[freeko]

Selena was in a place she figured to be a makeshift green room. Suzy was for a time the only other one in the room, but after some time passed they would be joined by someone that Selena thought she might have known. She did not want to be too forward, and end up being wrong. The embarrassment would have likely derailed any possible attempt at making a speech. Selena thought that it was Tom Drake, who was another previous athlete like herself.

Getting out of the sofa that Suzy was sitting in as well, Selena would look to greet the new entrant into the green room. For now, Selena was wearing a track suit. For her, this was an opportunity to get back into a small spotlight which would potentially benefit her lone remaining sponsor. The track suit hid her augmented tennis outfit that Suzy created underneath of it. Selena stood waiting to see what manner of greeting the new visitor into the employee area would try to go for. A handshake or a hug would be fine, though Selena preferred to introduce herself second.

 

[mainman]

Buford looks around, the library looks crowded... Some may think that it is in fact over crowded. Buford checked the fire codes of the building and in fact, it seemed like the building was overcrowded. Buford gave a smirk and swaggered to the librarian, she looks bookish and sweet, so Buford decided to have a chat with her.

"You know, there is a limit to the number of people that can safely occupy a building, and I do believe that you have exceeded the limit." Buford said.

The librarian looked a little nervous and Buford continued. "Well, I don't believe that the library is so crowded all the time, and I can let this slide... Only once." Buford nodded at her and she nodded back and proceeded to swagger over to people who looked like they did not belong here.

Buford gave a stern stare at a group of teenagers who were just there to check out pretty girls and stood in front of the girls and approached the boys. The boys quickly hurried off. Scanning around the room, Buford saw the people in sports jerseys and approached them, trying to find out why they are in this overcrowded library.

 

[Penny]

Radiance

Irma watches Ms. Maple leave with her lips pressed tightly together, reducing her mouth to a thin horizontal line. She takes a deep breath and releases it through her nose before looking over at Lucy.

"She's..." Irma hesitates for a moment before giving a resigned sigh. "I'm sure she's under a lot of stress. We've had presentations at the library before, but nothing with this attendance. If it works, it could lead to more events, and that means more money for the library."

She glances in the direction Ms. Maple left again. "And that means she really needs it to work," she mutters under her breath, probably not intending for Lucy to hear. When she looks back at Lucy, however, she's smiling.

"Well, I'll acknowledge it. Thank you for helping, Lucy. I couldn't have done it in time without you." Irma begins to open her arms, about to transition into a hug, but awkwardly hesitates before transitioning into pointing a thumb over her shoulder towards the door to the employee-only section of the library. "Come on. Let's greet our guests."

Ivory Ace, Tom Drake

Most of the employee-only section of the library is cramped, utilitarian, and in a state of organized chaos. It consists of a couple of cramped offices, overcrowded storage closets, and a modest break room, into which the librarian - Ms. Maple - ushers the visiting athletes. It's poorly decorated, with a cheap table, mismatched chairs, and a couch with upholstery reminiscent of a tweed jacket and probably manufactured when those were still fashionable, all set against wall paint so vibrantly green that it resembles a makeshift green room. One wall consists of a tacky kitchenette complete with sink, fridge, and coffee machine.

"Stay here, and we'll call you out when the panel's about to begin," says Ms. Maple. Her tone is obsequious, but there's an underlying sense of authority that implies this is an order, not a suggestion. "Please make yourselves at home here. I have to go make sure everything's in order, but some of the other librarians will be here soon. They'll help you with anything you ask."

She nods curtly, giving the athletes a strained smile, before turning on her heel and striding out of the room.

Stalker

Normally, reading a book would help Lucius blend into a library, but presently he sticks out like a sore thumb - if only because the noise makes it almost impossible to concentrate on a book. Fortunately, everyone is too wrapped up in their own conversations or excitement to pay him any attention. Nor are they interested in hiding their conversations, treating Lucius to an eavesdropping smorgasbord.

"...supposed to start at noon, right? They gonna do it here, or..."

"...I was actually at the game where Drake got injured. Knew it was a bad hit as soon as I saw it..."

"...think they'll give any autographs after the panel?"

"...check out the dude with the green hair..."

"...hate crowds. Place is packed too hard to move..."

"...one of the librarians here is stacked! I'll point her out if I see her..."

"...daughter wants to be a cheerleader. I was going to bring her, but she didn't want to come..."

"...wouldn't give the mohawk guy out of bed, damn..."

"...Welentleychuk got robbed. I don't give a damn what anyone says..."

"What the hell is taking so long?"

 

[leestud]

Trevor had nodded along to the others as they replied to him. But after he heard about Tandy he looked at the others while he gave a quick annoyed sigh of his own before he perked up and told them, "Well if she is stuck in traffic then there is no other choice, we will start the round table meeting now. Once she finally arrives we can fill her in on what she missed. Firstly we should discuss the main big twist in the last chapter, or at least it would have been if I did not predict it. I mean all of the small signs were throughout the manga that her boss was a evil android sent from the other dimension. Still I think it was the perfect time for him to reveal himself though, the past few chapters had been full of drama so I think the action packed chapter this week was a great change of pace. But the real question about this is, do you think that he is really evil or was he created to be a double agent? We have no knowledge on his creator so we can only go by his actions throughout the manga. Now I pass the discussion to you Kenji."

He did always take the lead in these discussions and then he would pass the discussion onto whomever his fancy struck. This would continue until the last person had spoken and then it would start all over again. Of course he really enjoyed hearing what the others thought and he hoped that Tandy would get here as quickly as possible so that she would not miss much. But as he walked to the library he did notice that the road was packed with traffic so it did not surprise him that she was late. Even after this point there was many others to discuss so he was sure that she would manage to get there before their discussion was finished.

 

[Tenshi]

Luci smiled at her shy friend. She deliberately stepped closer to Irma and gave her a soft, warm hug. "thank you. You're right, let's get going."

Penny loafers padded on the floor as she entered the employees only section. A gray skirt swished around her knees. A small, bust librarian with a fiery ginger ponytail held back by a blue silk ribbon entered the employee's only section with her coworker. Golden brown eyes sought each of the speakers. She gave them a smile when she met their eyes. "Thank you for coming. We'll begin soon. My name is Lucy Aldwin. is there anything i can help you with before we start?"

 

[Tarrakhash]

Lucius listened with interest, eventually putting the book away once he realised it wasn't helping him at all. His head turned slowly as he heard the woman making a comment about him, his eyes sliding along her long legs up to her cute haircut and as he caught her looking he threw her a wink. He wasn't going to try and get across the library to her, but it didn't hurt to see if she was interested enough to stick around afterwards, there was precious little pleasure in his life trying to just survive without any kind of documentation and training having a soft place and a willing woman for one night never hurt.

And yet he could already hear the soft whispers of Lust in his ear Ooooo she'd be tasty...she'd scream so nicely..... Shaking his head he looked up as the librarian, who he had to admit, was stacked, came into view. He pulled a slight face, pity about her hair, she had a lot going for her but red hair? Yeah, didn't do it for Lucius.....but her screams would sound the same....and her pussy would be warm.....

He shook his head again, he was getting better and better at denying the Sins, but he knew that they would make their demands and eventually he gave in.

 

[Princess_Kaylin]

======================================================	The sun shimmered through the curtains slightly into the room. It had stuffed moogles from a game about some final fantasy and other cute things. A rack of costumes was in the corner while some cheer uniforms were sitting hung up on the walls. A picture of a man with a blond girl in a light blue and light cheer outfit was up on the small table near the bed as an alarm went off.
Bangs could be heard from the door outside, "Miss Cross Miss Cross...It is time to get up....don't make me get the key" A slightly tanned hand slid out from the covers grabbing the alarm clock and chucking it with a moan. "Five more minutes James....I wanna sleep in."The hand would retract back to the pink covers. "MISS CROSS I AM GETTING THE KEYS!!! YOUR FATHER WOULD HAVE A FIT IF HE WERE HERE!"Soft breathing could be heard from the covers as the girl slept.	======================================================
	Gwen tilted her head a bit looking as she felt the covers yanked off a few minutes later. She let out a cry as she swung with her hands spazzing. "NO NO IM GOOD SHIT STOP!" The butler James holds her up glancing at her clearly overpowering her holding her by the collar of her night gown. "Miss Cross" Gwen smirks as she starts to sing a little bit, "Today I don't feel like doing anything, I just wanna lay in my bed." "MISS CROSS" "Don't feel like picking up my phone, So leave a message at the ..." "THIS EVENT YOU ARE INVITED TO AT THE LIBRARY ALSO INCLUDES A TOM DRAKE...you miss him don't you..." Gwen turns red as she mutters, "I want to go shopping." "Will a new outfit get your silly twenty something ass out of bed?" Gwen nods her head as the man sighs.
Few hours later... "Seriously.....If I go I might wind up getting others into trouble....I do not mind charities but literally last time I trie..." "Last time you went, you started a damn circus due to some corrupt benefactor." "Not my fault. That man was a slum lord and he needed to be put in his place." "And you tarnished his rep, bought his housing, became a land lady and have me do all the work.....Miss Cross...It took me three weeks to get a proper lady to your standards to be the property manager." Gwen shrugged as she paused looking at her bags and froze glancing at her desert. She smirked a bit taking her phone snapping pictures of it, "This is very well designed....I ...hmm.." She stands up smirking as she takes out her wallet from her purse, "I am going to bring a bunch of these to the event tonight!" Gwen looks over to James as she smirks, "So I think I am ready...got my new outfit...we are getting cupcakes delivered....and I literally do not see one person on these papers that seems to be well unfair." James rolls his eyes as he mutters, "Get in the fucking Limo Miss Cross....I have had my fill of chaos today." Gwen sits in the car looking at her phone in silence at the old team. She sighs a bit as she knocks on the window. "What is it Miss Cross?" "James....how are you to talk to someone you broke it off with....due to your father..." The butler kept driving as he raised an eyebrow but didn't take his eyes from the road. "Miss Cross....Tom knows your father...you were upfront about him.... You did sign that contract did you not?" Gwen shrugged, "Yeah but...I mean I didn't want to break it off...I still really like the guy." He pauses, "Well focus on the kids...then offer the brute a cupcake....you know what they say...easiest way to the heart is the man's stomach." Gwen pauses, "Why would I be asked though to talk....I mean I was a cheerleader.... I know that I can tell kids to be social but how do you explain that.... HEY KIDS GOING OUTSIDE TO CHEER IS A GREAT WAY TO MEET BOYS AND KEEP YOURSELF FIT ENOUGH TO OUTRUN THOSE WHO HATE YA OR LOVE YA..." She shrugs, "It is hard to differentiate now..." James sighs as he pulls up, "We are here Gwen....and so you know... most do not hate you..... some cops and some corrupt sure.... should you stop picking fights.... most likely but just do the usual tell them how much fun it is." Gwen pauses nodding her head, "Well I do love working with friends and performing... it is a great form of.." James glances, "Get out of the car and tell the kids... not me Miss Cross."
	Gwen blinked a bit as she stepped out of the car walking over towards back entrance of the library. She froze a bit seeing the jersey number and the butt all to familiar to her. Gwen blinked tilting her head, "I uhm....hey.....Tom.." She brushed her hair out of her face blushing. Gwen was holding several boxes of cupcakes as she looked at her ex. "Hey uh.....I am sorry about before....a year ago uh...my father...he...well I had no real choice...he uhm...well my dad you know how he gets with his threats..." Gwen looked bright red as she blushed swaying slightly holding the stuff. "I never wanted us to end....and um think that was kind of obvious specially since I am here....."

 

[Penny]

Radiance

Irma accepts the hug gratefully, squeezing Lucy tight and just a smidge longer than what would generally be considered appropriate. When she withdraws, her cheeks are pink, but she's smiling.

Unfortunately, Lucy doesn't have much time to speak to the athletes before the panel is slated to start. As the clock nears noon, she and Irma must usher the speakers into the meeting hall where they previously set up the chairs. They barely have time to seat them behind the speakers' table before Ms. Maple leads the public in from upstairs, and it's soon obvious that even the many chairs Lucy and Irma set up were not enough for this crowd. The first two-thirds of the crowd are lucky enough to get a seat, but the remaining third or so have to stand, crowded together, at the edges of the room.

At first blush, the crowds would suggest that the panel is a success, but a closer look suggests that it's missed its mark. Despite being geared towards youth, the speakers - all retirees of their particular sport - seem to have drawn adult fans. Try as she might, Lucy can't spot a single person below the age of 18 in the audience.

Gwen Cross

Gwen's path out of her home takes her through the mansion's dining room, where her father is sitting at the table. Casually dressed but looking sharp, he's enjoying a cup of coffee and half a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast, no doubt prepared by James himself. He also has his laptop open and is having a video call with Dr. Vanessa Carter, a biologist and colleague. Gwen has met her a few times through her father's work, but doesn't know her well.

"Good morning, Gwen," her father calls, shooting her a smile before turning his attention to James. "So you did get her up. How did you manage that? Did you find some illicit business for her to stick her nose into, or did you promise to help her spend more of my money today?"

"The latter, sir."

"Hm." Gwen's father seems slightly, but only slightly, disappointed. "Well, what's the point of being a millionaire if you can't throw a few thousand away every now and then? It's not like I'm using it anyway. I'm too busy earning it. Anyway, Vanessa, how's your pet project coming along?"

"Late-stage testing is going well, Cross," Dr. Carter says to the camera. Despite the bags under her eyes and other signs of fatigue, her face looks excited. Behind her is the laboratory, an obscured but vaguely humanoid shape visible in a glass pod. "The adaptive chromosomal platform seems compatible with anything we throw at her. At this rate, we'll be in production within the next five years."

"Her?" Gwen's father takes a sip of his coffee, raising an eyebrow. "Who's her?"

Dr. Carter looks confused for a moment, then chuckles. "Sorry. It's an expression, Cross. Like, 'let's get her done.' And we will."

"Ah, yes. Of course." Gwen's father smiles thinly at the camera, then looks over his shoulder at Gwen. "Have a good day, Gwen. You're doing that charity thing, aren't you? Try not to get distracted by a scandal along the way to the library."

Doctor West

"Okay, first of all - I'm not sure I'd call her boss evil, yet," Kenji says, holding up an index finger. "I know the things he said were cold, but he's a robot. He'd said a lot of things that sound cruel because he doesn't have emotions, but he hasn't done anything really vicious yet. Look at his actions, not his words. I'm pretty sure he was holding back to avoid unnecessary casualties, which makes him better than a lot of what we've seen from the other dimension."

"And Yuriko was really asking for it, too," Greg interjects gruffly. "She's been a real bitch lately, especially to him."

"Don't interrupt," Jagruti chastises Greg crossly.

"Thanks, Jagruti," Kenji continues. "Now, was he just created to be a double agent? I don't think so, I think he was repurposed. I'm not sure if it's deliberate, but I noticed some of his weapon systems were similar to - "

Kenji is cut off again as a whistle shrilly blasts through the air, coming from the library's front desk. There stands the angular head librarian, a sport whistle between her lips. Trevor had seen her before at the library, but never had reason to talk to her. She blasts the whistle again and then speaks.

"Attention, everyone!" she shouts, trying to be heard over whatever hushed conversation continues among the crowd. "The Movement for Movement panel is about to begin in the meeting hall downstairs. Please follow me down in an orderly fashion!"

She descends the stairs, and most of the crowd continues after her.

Stalker

Lucius and the young woman's eyes meet as he winks at her, and he catches her smile before she looks away. She's not here for him, however; when the head librarian announces the Movement for Movement panel, she's one of the crowd that heads downstairs, out of Lucius's sight. This leaves the ground floor of the library with only a few patrons, the same as most days; after the earlier crowd, it looks downright deserted. With no one left except a few individual readers and one table in the corner with four people, he now has the privacy and silence required to get on the internet and check his email, search for jobs and other opportunities, or complete whatever errands he needs to.

Tom Drake, Gwen Cross, Ivory Ace

The three athletes enter the meeting hall and take their seats behind the panel table. Each of them see fans, many of whom are wearing their merchandise - football jerseys, cheer uniforms, and tennis-style polo shirts. They, too, notice that rather than youths, the panel seems to have attracted adult fans. Undaunted, however, a representative from the Movement for Movement takes the microphone and launches into their introduction.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the Movement for Movement's speaker's panel! We have with us today several accomplished athlete ready to talk about their experiences and the benefits that sports have had on their lives. Before we get started, why don't all of you briefly go over your histories for us, just in case there's someone in the crowd who's not familiar with sports?"

The representative beams a million-dollar smile, then passes the microphone over to the panel.