Episode 5: When the Knights Go Marching In

...The reply never came. Or rather Jú didn't really stick around long enough to find out.

Two seconds later the girl was already looking somewhere else, looking for an 'escape route'. To her dismay, everyone in her direct camp of vision had their own group AND looked rather occupied. She would have glued into someone had this been a normal day, but it wasn't and she didn't know who her team was supposed to be even.

The silence remained. By the tenth second, the Brazilian had given into her cellphone addiction and turned the data on. Just the sudden influx of notifications had provided such a relief! Ohhh~! Someone's discussing the new episode of StarShine on twitter!!! YEEESSS~
...

Twenty seconds...And there had still not been a reply from the sleeping beauty beside her. Or maybe 'standing beauty' was more correct? Pfffft! But yeah, this... This was a lost cause:

"Weell, that was uhh, nice? Like, woooooow! Much words, such insight. 11/10 would chat again.... BUT heeeeey! I gotta go now.", she waved her hand before dashing off, "SO BYEEEEEEEE~~~"

Juliana didn't actually go that far, but it had always bothered her when others would glance at what she was typing. True, the boy had remained unresponsive so far, but it was better this way.
Okay, the bar is clean, now back to that fanart group~!!! Ohohohoh, Peter, Peter, you Greek God, you~


Ugh, who's messaging?!
The teenager had tried ignoring the annoying notifications, but not only they wouldn't cease, it started getting on the way of the reading too!!
...Not that she was supposed to be reading anything right now... Oops? Could you really blame her though? This website was way too enticing, and Brennah was and would always be the ultimate OTP!! Al.Ways. --Please come back!--

Before finally responding to the persistent message request, Juliana decided to go walking around the place. She hoped that whoever was part of her team would see her and end this stupid wait already...


The message had been read, but for a while there had been no response. Curious, Juliana had almost poked back. She didn't have to though, her little brother started responding before she could type any letter.
If the teenager had been seating, she would indubitably be on the edge of the seat right now. Suddenly, the girl had found herself so invested in this conversation, that any memory of what she was doing had been 'erased'.
Recollection of anything fairly useful solely coming waaay too late.

Having been walking on 'auto-pilot' for the last ten or so minutes, the girl had her trajectory abruptly interrupted. In other words, she bumped into someone due to lack of attention.

The cellphone escaped her grasp and Juliana felt her blood freeze. In a desperate effort, she throwed her purse in the direction of the other person and 'dived' into the grass attempting to catch the device.
Her Zaffre and Mustard Eiffel Tower top scrapes and slides across the ground, probably ruining something forever, but at least she DID manage to save the cellphone. Nothing could spoil that feat!!

Letting out the most relieved sigh ever, the Brazilian calmed down, finally remembering why she was in the floor in the first place. Then, against every bit of common sense, the girl proceed to look up and wave at whoever she had run into:

"Oh, hello there!"

Keen eyes watched as Susan's floating puddle moved on its own. All too easily it shifted its shape to fit inside the doorway before expanding back into its original shape. It was an almost human-like response, like a person turning sideways or sucking in their gut to fit through an uncomfortable gap. Like the element it was made from the disc's movements were fluid and smooth, flawlessly directed with minimal effort on its owners part if she was even controlling it. Unaware of the woman's super ranking and particular talents he could only make assumptions for now. Whatever the truth was Logan gave the disc a curt nod of approval as a sign of his silent fascination.

"No; I suppose no product could," agreed the man with a knowing chuckle. A old memory resurfaced with a sensation of embarrassed nostalgia at the topic, but it would take more than that to shake the man visibly. Even he had once tried to stave off the physical appearance of aging, but his extensive combat training had never prepared him for the battlefield that was the hair care products aisle. Dyes, specifically. It was a memory best forgotten he decided, before attempting to repress it by returning his focus back to Susan.

"However, a positive outlook is serving you quite well. I might have to try that more often. It might help me feel like I'm not fifty-five, myself." It was no trivial sign of trust for a woman to reveal her age, and to a stranger of all people. Logan felt that returning the token of confidence was the least he could do in return. The man did not truly feel so old, though; and with his suit on it was difficult to gauge his physical fitness at a glance. His posture was relaxed, but neither sloppy or frail as might be expected for someone of his age. He didn't have to hunch forward or squint, either. There were lines of evident aging on his face though.

"That makes sense," he chimed in as Susan began her story, nodding to show he was paying attention. If she was forty-one then the old exams would have likely changed almost drastically compared to the present day tests. At the mention of being unable to control her powers at the time Logan nodded again. "Like a tide pulled by the moon," came his observation. It felt like a fitting metaphor, and one even he could empathize with. A wide smile pulled at his lips when Susan then explained the results of her third attempt at the exam. That was an amusing thought, but to a teen companionship was rather important. Sharing a chuckle on the matter Logan glanced through the open doorway to stare at the setting with a small trace of admiration.

"It must feel good to know you'll be in a similar setting again. I'm told that there are a lot of clever and bright people here, students included. I'm sure you'll feel right at home, Miss Sanders."

With that being said Logan's brows raised when the topic of their conversation became his own past. Even with the sudden turnover he didn't hesitate to answer. He didn't even have to make something up to reply to her first question. It was a lesson so important to him that he was not ashamed to be honest about it.

"The most important lesson, to me, is that people need to do more than just survive. They need to find some way to live." Entering the building behind Susan he closed the door behind himself before walking at her side. As they moved along he elaborated on what he meant while thoughtful gazes studied their surroundings. "It's not something every person truly appreciates or understands immediately, of course. I just don't believe we are meant to exist with half-dead feelings inside. At least not constantly. You can't very well ever feel alive like that. At that point a person may forget that they are just that: a human being."

He paused and stared down the hallway as a voice echoed down from the far end. Someone must have been using a loudspeaker at the front entrance. Logan couldn't quite catch all the was being said, but whatever Mr. Mallory needed it sounded like all was in good hands. Nobody was screaming in horror in the very least. At least not yet, anyways.

"Maybe one day I might tell you how I convinced a depressed unicorn to avoid hurting herself, but that story has some red tape around it unfortunately," he added nonchalantly as he gestured down a turn in the corridor to where a flight of stairs were. Whether Susan interpreted his words as a joke or a metaphor for something, or to be a literal truth, he'd leave up to her imagination. "I believe the classrooms are upstairs, Miss Sanders. A courier's intuition and sense of direction, and perhaps some of the hallway signs, lead me to believe so." Never mind the hours he had spent poring over maps and layouts he had been given previously. That would have been an unnecessary, and more boring, detail.

Location: Front steps
Nearby: Syrenrei The Fuzzy Pixel
Interactions: B Bag o Fruit Teh Frixz

Anneliese looked into his eyes in that disquieting way she had, as if she saw right through one's flesh and bone down to the soul. He wasn't even certain he believed there was such a thing, but lately he'd begun to wonder, and that look... He shivered in spite of the warmth of the day.

At any rate, she seemed to be ok. Just overstimulated perhaps, undone by the crowd rather than the heat. He eased himself back to standing and shifted position slightly to block as much of her line of sight to the press of humanity as his bulk allowed. Offering his colleague a hand to steady herself with as she stood, he turned to look up at Tabitha. Knowing she was a little hard of hearing when grown, he took a deep breath and projected his voice with all the practiced authority of an outdoor teacher.

“THAT IS ENOUGH, TABITHA, YOU CAN SHRINK BACK DOWN NOW!”

Just to be sure he was understood, he made an 'ok' gesture with his free hand and then pointed emphatically downward twice.

Page was still slightly crossed with Luther. After all, it was all her fault. Nothing ever went to plan when Luther was around. Or more so, nothing went according to Page's plan. Then again, if Page had her way, things would be as vanilla as her vanilla milk steamers. Page, frowned at Luther and glanced down the street, working to spot her still absent cab.

"Want to hop a ride?"

"No. No, I called a cab and I need to get right to the school for that test thing today."

Checking her phone, the little app icon indicated the cab was still several blocks away, caught up in traffic or something.

"Think of it like a peace offering. And a way to get away before your Don Juan makes it out of the spa. Maybe he's on his way right now,"

'Nooo.'

An expression of sheer dread washed over Page's face, as it shifted to a faint hue of pale green. The idea of being required to face that man, right after what just took place, made her want to curl into a little ball.

A bit clumsily, Page stuffed her phone into her bag and snatched the helmet from Luther's extended hand. Snapping the buckle together, her gaze shifted to the bike. Glaring at the bike, as if it were a loaded weapon, Page awkwardly approached the transport.

In this moment, video proof would have been required for anyone to truly appreciate Page's attempt to climb onto a bike for the first time. A combination between fear of encountering the man she had attempted to set on fire, mixed with her concern to get to the school, caused her to to mount the bike with the kickstand down and no driver. The likeness to which was of a rider working to mount a horse they were totally terrified of. This likely brought a great deal of amusement to Luther.

Despite the awkward mount onto the bike, Page soon found herself clinging to it for dear life. The hot yoga class that morning, had nothing on the level of muscle control it took to hold a death grip on the driver, while one's legs clung to the bike and a majority of focus went to screaming at the top of one's lungs. While tossing in the occasional string of cuss words. Needless to say, it appeared the pair were going to make good time, arriving at Facility 108.

"THAT WAS RED."

"FIVE SECONDS SIGNALING BEFORE YOU CHAN- @*$(%"

"LUTH-AAHHHHHHHHHH"

"Car..that's a car... TRUCK!! @#$#%^! %$$&-#$%@#-%^&*@- ^(&$%"

Location: Nearing the boat docks
Interactions: Zahzi welian
Nearby: Necessity4Fun Lioness075

Tony resisted the urge to throw a wink at Imogen as he escorted Dr. 'Lacy' away. As with cinematic explosions, so with romantic assists; the effect was most pronounced if you didn't look back. Besides, the good doctor had almost his full attention now. If the rumors about her were even half true, he could almost certainly glean a treasure trove of classified information from cultivating a friendship, and there was no telling what favors he might wring out of either of his bosses in exchange. The only question was, what did she want that he could offer?

...well that was easy. She misses the lifestyle.

“Oh my dear Dr. Brahn, there's always room for a consulting scientific opinion from a community expert! I would be happy to introduce you to Dr. Petrovich if you like. The main lab is open to the public during office hours (modern 'transparency' standards, you know) The testing grounds are normally off limits for safety reasons, but I could certainly arrange for you to sit in with us for a session if you'd like. As for genetic data, while we certainly respect GenCorps work, and Clarke-Knight is an incredibly valuable reference database, we mostly do our sequencing in house, just to be sure. Trust but verify, as they say. At any rate, I have a very good memory for phenotypes, so it was a simple matter to guess your relationship to your sons from the files.”

Something in the way she referred to Director Swan rang alarm bells, and it wasn't just the slippery familiarity. Dr. Lacy was up to something, and he wasn't sure he wanted to be part of it. To spark a professional discussion about safety was one thing, it was quite another to cause a messy public scene...

For a split second, her ruminations about whether the director preferred chocolate or vanilla, and whether offering him 'sugar' would change his mind about her 'offer' nearly stood his hair on end. The rumors about her certainly hadn't prepared him for this! It was with some relief that a hasty scan of the Brahn boys' case files in his brain listed “Brahn's Best Bakery” under employment history. She'd meant what she said literally. Nonetheless he began to detach the better part of his mind from the conversation and scan the crowd for signs of the director, the better to avoid him. Meanwhile, he continued to rattle off his scientific small talk patter in an attempt to keep her as thoroughly distracted as possible from her search.

“Honestly, you'd be amazed how much more goes into the testing files now than did in the Clarke-Knight days... mind you that is largely as a result of extrapolation from their work. The degree to which the gene expression can be predicted pre-manifestation is still minimal of course, but once manifested, the statistical model is incredibly robust at describing peak power and limitations of most common manifestations. Light manipulation, for instance is so common that we often know more on paper about what they can do than they even realize themselves. Naturally the more rare powers still have bigger error bars, but even then we can do some clever comparisons to make solid educated guesses. We still do physical testing under chemical enhancement to be certain, but the models are very rarely wrong anymore.”

He relaxed a tiny bit when there was no sign of Swan in the immediate vicinity, but just in case, he began to subtly steer them towards the open area between the tents so as not to encounter him unexpectedly around a blind corner.

“Perhaps we'd have a better view of the area from over by the boat docks?”

As he began to drift pre-emptively in that direction, several details leapt out at him virtually simultaneously. Hunter Ward was not just walking away, he was taking evasive maneuvers: head down, avoiding all eye contact, at once skulking and yet striding out with a will... away from... that could only be Mr. Brahn. Far more clues than the merely phenotypic shouted his identity to Tony like a carnival Barker. Both the Brahn boys were there, scuffed from a tussle, and both the manner and nature of the older Man's touch bespoke peacemaker and father. And then there was the deflation that he underwent when his eye-line intersected Tony and his wife...

Oh dear.

Tony suppressed the initial reaction of a guilty start before it could manifest physically. He considered and rejected several possible explanations in rapid fire before concluding that explanation could only make matters worst. The best course was bold and jovial. He smiled broadly and waved hello. Half turning to his companion, he said, “Oh look, it's the whole Brahn Family!” Raising his voice loud enough to carry to the man with the long suffering look he added, “Mister Brahn I presume?! Or do doctorates run in the family? Your lovely bride and I have just been having the most delightful conversation about the phenomenal predictive power of genetics. I hope you will forgive my impertinence; I am sure you are well acquainted with the poor social graces of the scientist.”

Susan tilted her head at the admission that Logan was fifty-five. She had suspected he was close to her age but dared not try to put an exact number to it. Hollywood had long ago taught the world that you did not need to be a super to age with such grace it was hard to tell what decade you belonged to. What mildly surprised her was the cool, casual confidence that was in his tone. Instead of lamenting the factual truth of his physical time on earth he seemed rather apathetic. For someone that alluded to feeling his years he didn't act like it. So far he hadn't made a single complaint about his joints or lack of sleep and he hadn't been bold enough to try to hitch a ride on the water disc. "You should tell everyone you're in your thirties just to toy with them," she suggested. Her voice was playful but it was impossible to tell if it was a serious suggestion or just wild thoughts spoken aloud.

"A positive outlook suits us all!" Susan cheerfully added. "Some people will tell you that it's not realistic, but that's not true. You can see the world for what it is but still hope for the best. That's the best defense and rebellion against poor situations and bleak times. Remembering to smile, laugh, and find joy can only help you, not hurt you, and it doesn't let the 'bad things' win. I'm rather competitive like that," she buoyantly stated. There was nothing about Susan's make-up, clothing, styling, or body language that would have ever indicated such an overflowing dedication to optimism. She looked more equipped to go shopping in an upscale department store than stand on a sign proselytizing the good word of cheerfulness. The super was a fine example that the interior very seldom matched the exterior. In her case she looked as if she ought to be more reserved or haughty than eccentric and bright.

"Mmm, you know, now that I think about it I've 'beaten' my old teachers. They said that I couldn't stay at the school indefinitely but coming back here and taking this job I've proven them wrong. I don't think they ever dreamed I'd be here now," she trailed off reminiscing. Most of the super trainers at that time were already middle-aged themselves, which would make them elderly or deceased. Susan had never bothered to track them down although now she wondered why. Were teachers so easily forgotten by youth?

"Even if you can't tell me about the unicorn, surely you can tell me your secret, can't you?" Her eyes were twinkly with mischievous curiosity again. It was easy to imagine the middle-aged woman as a younger version of herself from the gaze alone. "What is it that makes you feel alive? The overwhelming amount of paperwork the Commonwealth gives you? Visiting the most troubled AEGIS facility on the East Coast? Charming old ladies or gentleman with your conversation?"

"Oh, upstairs!" The water manipulator had been rather aimlessly, and distractedly, walking down the hallway straight towards the other entrance/exit. His directions registered abruptly evidently because both the water platform and Susan herself came dangerously close to colliding with a wall as she turned, though the disc rose quickly above their heads and floated to the top floor. Susan laughed lightly at herself, smoothed her hair, and turned her attention back towards Logan. Based on her demeanor she would have happily and easily gotten lost without someone to guide her. Swan himself could have arrived to find his new staff enjoying herself wandering aimlessly.

"I've a confession to make- I've worked with the Commonwealth before. Mostly the ones they send in before, during, or after a natural disaster. Having someone that can control water is very helpful when there's a hurricane. Can't do anything about the wind, of course, but I can help with the flooding. Always liked a challenge! Shoulder to shoulder with other people trying to battle it out with nature- really builds camaraderie. Until you have to share toiletries because everything else is going to relief. We had quite the fight over a toothbrush once!"

To Luther traffic laws were more like suggestions than hard line rules. There was a litany of reasons that she didn't obey them but most important was that Luther was herself a daredevil. Going slow, stopping, and being cautious were things she only did under the pressure of combat. Some of the boys in blue themselves showed a complete lack of reverence when it came to speeding in particular and she knew more than one that used flashing lights to get somewhere that wasn't really an emergency. What was the worst that could happen? She would get pulled over and flash her blue card and claim she was on the way to a situation? Or, that failing, she call a buddy from the forces that inevitably had a tie to the police force?

So when Page objected to her blasting down the road like a speedway all she did was raucously laugh. This was showing Page a good time if she could only relax and let herself feel the thrill! The vehicles they passed were blurs of color and occasional warbled sound if they even bothered to honk. For Page's benefit she avoided weaving between actual lanes- that might be a touch too far. Had Page not been screaming she would not have even been able to hear her through the helmets, and even with her high-pitched cursing shrills she couldn't make out a single word.

It didn't matter. Luther had a good idea of what she was saying anyway.

Despite all the objections from her rider, Luther made good time to the school. Years of riding her motorcycle irresponsibly had made her almost a damn expert. One of these days maybe she'd see if she could take an evasive maneuvers driving class to truly hone her skills. The motorcycle's screeching tires announced it to anyone in proximity of the parking lot. Trying to show a shred of compassion for the almost certainly unnerved Page she parked the machine, turned it off, dismounted, and extended her hand to her friend to help her off.

But Luther didn't remove her helmet. She couldn't Something about having someone with her on the bike, holding so tightly to her waist, had reminded her of better days. Days when she had been oblivious to the tolls of being a super and thought she would be lucky enough to reap only rewards and live a dream. Days where she was madly in love with Thomas and he had been madly in love with her. Days where she didn't push people away anyone that wasn't Ernest and so firm a grip on her heart she was afraid it would break again. Beneath the helmet she felt the edges of her eyes become wet. Fortunately they were hidden and her voice was stable.

"I told you we'd make it here faster!"

“Well it’s been a pleasure to meet you. But as you see, I must be off” Nix explained to the parents of Cecelia before following the girl. They reminded them of Nix’s own parents, meaning that they were good people. Nix had fond memories of their family, and truly always desired their happiness. Cecelia’s family seemed just as warm as theirs was. Truly she was also blessed.

“By the way Cecelia.” Nix remarked to their companion as they moved through the crowd. “Where exactly are we going? I mean, I know you’re taking the test or something, but is it really happening this soon?” Nix wondered. While there was an announcement minutes before, they had already forgotten the details such as the time. Such was the luck of Nix Chrysanthemum. Hopefully Cecelia or Lara would have a better memory.

Nix also noticed that their ability had already began to take effect. Their ability to communicate had apparently manifested as Italian to Cecelia’s family. It was always like this. Nix would never know when the ability had activated. Rather, it was much more passive, more reserved. It was nothing flashy like flight or super strength. Nix however, enjoyed it quite a bit. Truly it was a unique ability and it did set them apart from the rest. It was just a shame that everybody else at the facility outclassed them so much and so hard. At least, that was what Nix thought.

Necessity4Fun Lioness075

Location: Top of stairs, first obstacle.
Mood: Mildly defiant and conspiratorial
Nearby: ManicMuse B Bag o Fruit


Manami glanced down at her feet at Chris's words, but couldn't help feeling a rush of pride at his compliment. English is a hard language compared to Japanese, and had been hard for her in particular. That somebody had noticed her improvement, that it was not just her imagination, was thrilling. The taunt from the girl from 107 pulled her back to herself, and she looked up just in time to see her disappear past the third phase of the first obstacle. She grimaced. To Albert and Chris she confided, “...I don't think I ...like... my teammate very much. I am going to wait here for Sam and Kendrick, but in the meantime, maybe I will help you two to catch up to her.” She looked at Chris. “You want an ally-oop toss, maybe? I bet I can get you even farther than she flew, if you can stick the landing.”


She grinned a toothy grin, a hint of a twinkle glistening in her dark eyes.

Tabitha

“THAT IS ENOUGH, TABITHA, YOU CAN SHRINK BACK DOWN NOW!”

Shrinking back down at the faint command, the only thing that seemingly didn't change size was her smile. The huge grin evident as she rushed over towards Mr. Mallory, her shrinking down put her a about a dozen or so yards away. Dashing right past the semi prone Anneliese, Tabby collided into Aaron. She hugged him tight before releasing and backing off. "I did it! Went up and down and everything worked out..." Still smiling she looks away over at the ground so she didn't have to make eye contact. "I think you've really helped me...is she alright?" Tabby finally realizing the girl was still there on the ground.

Ernest Rousseau


The man blinked at the comment that forced him out of his current train of though. His eyes looked upwards and his mouth twisted in a contemplative frown. "Lovely, huh? I don't think I have ever been called that before." He pondered, waiting a few moments before nodding slowly, "You know what? I'll take it. Yeah. Lovely." He mused with a chuckle. His smile returning as his eyes went back to her, "I might think you need glasses, but who am I to argue? If anyone knows lovely, it's you. You have clearly got more experience with it than I." The older man nodded at her, making his counter-compliment. Even if he was sort of feeling like a little bit if a creep for hitting on a younger woman. Ah fuck it. He to old to play coy.

He cleared his through and somehow managed to wrangle his past thought back into theit tracks. "Anyhow, yeah. I'm the janitor. And if your the safety consultant, firstly. I gotta say that I'm glad Swan has taken appropriate measures. I think it will be good for everybody. Though you got your work cut out for you, Ms. Jarsdel. Just you wait and see. You will probably be seeing me a lot, then. Just ask me if you need any help." He said with a laugh. Trying to stay casual, since she seemed a little tense.

"And secondly! I promise I put down wet floor signs and stuff." And stuff. What did he all have anyway? He look down at his shoes, "And slip resistant soles. And I'm sure I got some... other stuff. You arent gonna go all OSHA on us, are you?" He asked in jest with feign suspicion. He truly didn't mind. But hey! It seemed like a good way to break the ice and get her talking.

Syrenrei

Name: Samantha 'Sam' Casan	Rank: B
Attire: Black tank top, torn jean shorts, barefoot	Location: Boat Area
Tagged: welian (Morgan)

At this point, Sam had successfully uprooted a weed out of the ground with her foot. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she glanced back in the direction she'd come from and saw no sign of Kendrick yet. What in the world is taking him so long? She knew she tripped him, but it didn't take that long to recover.

Taking aim at her next weed victim, Sam paused when she heard someone approaching. Looking up sharply, Sam was disappointed to see Morgan Brahn heading her way instead. At the very least, she could tease him or whatever, but it didn't help her get this exam over any quicker.

Smirking when she saw how miserable Morgan already looked, Sam had to wonder who had already gotten to the kid. She didn't know the Brahns all that well besides running into them either at the bakery or at the facility. Jordan definitely had a short temper and Morgan seemed to be a bit quieter. If she didn't try so hard to pretend to be tough on the outside, Sam thought that she might actually get along well with Morgan.

At that thought, Sam kicked another weed and shook her head. Stupid thoughts. She knew better than to think that way. Her appearance was too appalling for anyone to want to be seen in public with. It was probably the only reason Kendrick ended up wanting to let her ride with him to the facility. His fancy car had shaded windows so he wouldn't actually be seen with her. She'd ruin his reputation for sure.

By now, Morgan was close enough and so Sam looked at him before purposely thinking of the scene from The Lion King where Mufasa dies in the stampede and Simba mournfully approaches his dead body. Luckily for Sam, she had a really nice visual memory and could even hear Simba's sad voice. Though, this was more unluckily for Morgan if he caught on to her thoughts.

Name: Piper Farrar	Rank: E
Attire: White tank top with analog camera on the front, short jean shorts with some tears, white socks and black converse sneakers	Location: Launcher Area
Tagged: Necessity4Fun (Kendrick)

Piper had to suppress her laughter as best as she could when Sam decided to trip poor Kendrick. Covering her mouth with her hand, Piper couldn't help but let out a giggle. Kendrick was trying so hard to remain serious and it just made the situation all the funnier. Piper couldn't understand why someone would want to act like this all of the time. It sounded exhausting to her.

Sighing when Kendrick launched into his clearly rehearsed speech, Piper didn't even bother holding up her camera. Once Kendrick finished his speech, Piper tried really hard to keep a straight face, but ended up bursting out with laughter instead. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Piper choked out, "Kendrick...oh my god...I'm not even a real journalist or whatever. Ha ha, dude, you can relax. Seriously!"

By the time she'd finally recovered, Piper finally noticed that Sam had zipped away from them. That girl was amazingly fast. Piper was forever amazed by the variety of powers at this facility.

Returning her attention to Kendrick now that she had properly recovered, Piper smiled and asked, "Why did you say all of that 'bs' anyways? Do you really practice that for the press?"

Izzy had been caught up in the excitement. Watching other teams as they took on the obstacles and boats as the whizzed by. The fun and allure of the obstacle course was never ending. Izzy's tail craned high over her head swishing to and fro expressing her excitement. Once hearing Manami offering Albert a hand up, Izzy quickly rushed to their side.

Albert, climbed up on to the inflated platform, causing it to shift enough that Izzy had to readjust to find her center on the over-sized raft.

"Albert!" Izzy squealed his name before peering around that the other's. "You found our team! You ready to go? Come on you guys!"

No sooner had Albert and the other's made it up, did Izzy start working to tug him along to the stairs and the first obstacle. Though, she suddenly stopped peering over at Chris with a wide and almost mischievous grin.

"You are on our team? This is going to be fun!"

Albert did not put up much of a fight, as the tiny hand wrapped around his and began to tug. Instead, he just gave a chuckle and shrugged his shoulders glancing over at Chris before following Izzy's lead. "You heard her let's get to it."

With that the partial team headed off toward the first obstacle where Gavin was ushering teams in one at a time.

Gus

Weaving their way through the crowds and varying volunteers. Richard listened to Ms. Barrett's suggestion giving a silent nod of agreement before shifting their path toward the pontoons.

“Thank you so much for your company, Mr. Chase, truly. I had forgotten how much more... ...fun it is to have a personal angle to a story.” As they started towards the boat to begin their amateur piracy, she continued, “...so tell me more about your daughter. I want to know all the little details!”



After assisting her onto the ship, Richard approached the controls and turned the key, starting up the motor. Quite proud of himself, for at least figuring out how to start the boat, he looked over to Ms. Barrett.

"Oh, my daughter, Isabelle. She is a great girl but she seems to have a knack for getting herself in over her head. She has always been that way, since the day we met."

He gave a chuckle.

"Caught her trying to pick my pocket in Alaska, several years back. I was in a dark place at the time. Her horrid excuse for lifting my wallet to buy cookies for Santa struck me. Somehow, I left home on a business trip and returned home with determination to adopt my daughter. I few months later, I signed the papers and been stuck with her since."

With the motor purring, he tossed off the rope attached to the dock. Shifting the boat into gear, guiding the boat away from the dock, he began to taxi away into the harbor.

"What about you Ms. Barrett? I have to assume you like children, as well. I mean considering the day's events."

He suddenly felt a bit sheepish, worried he has over shared or pried too deep. These were not normally subject of first dates after all. Normally, it was things like, favorite colors and foods. 'First date!' He was getting very ahead of himself. Flustered, he pushed the throttle up on the little pontoon causing it to thrust forward, as the motor propelled them forward.

After a quick correction, to avoid colliding with another boat, Richard quickly lowered the speed and worked to give Ms. Barrett a smile of reassurance.

"Been a bit since I was last on water. Normally, stuck in the office."

One, two, five, ten steps... Cecilia didn't look back for a while, solely wanting to be distanced enough from the couple so that they couldn't see her reaction. An equally faint and slightly troubled breeze tagging along, until the little Italian decided she had walked sufficiently. A looong , and containing a note of frustration, sigh served to calm both 'entities'.

"Ughh, perché sono improvvisamente il responsabile?", The girl muttered to herself, taking support on a nearby pole.


The familiar voice of Nix asked, causing the little Italian to turn around. This was what she needed right now, a company that could distract her from everything that had just happened. Cecilia smiled at the other girl, followed by a tiny flinch courtesy of her persisting, newly acquired headache. It was indeed a lot better at this point, but it just wouldn't leave at once.

"Oh, ehhhh, dovunque avviene l'esame? Vi è stato un annuncio... Il che probabilmente significa che dovremmo andare, pero...", she paused, looking down for a while, "Ho sorta di ha detto questo solo per arrivare lontano dai miei genitori..."

"Ahh!", Cecil realized how bad that sounded and panicking, attempted to explain herself, "Non è quello che pensi! Li amo, io sono davvero contento che è venuto! Ma... Essi agiscono come se io sono ancora quattro, e c'è così tanto accadendo già, era troppo! Ho dovuto lasciare!"

"...C-che mi rende una persona cattiva?"

Not long after that, two new voices rang from behind her and Cecilia once again turned around to check. Lara was excitedly dragging a short, blonde boy who was a little behind, probably Jeremiah who had been mentioned earlier. The sight of her British friend would normally be the source of great relief, however, the Italian realized that her friend's attention didn't seem to be on her exactly, but her parents... The girl felt herself sweat cold.
Impulsively, the Italian steps in front of the duo's path, blocking them:

"Lara! We were just talking about the exam! Cause you know, we should be going thaaat way instead, right Nix?!"

Mitch Castle
mood: A bit pissed
location: Exam Area
team: Celestial Body
tag: Necessity4Fun

The crowd swallowed her whole.

Back in China, where you are taller than the nation's average height, it was quite easy for her to navigate through the crowd. But here, she found it easy to lost direction. It doesn't take long for her to lost sight of the person she's trying call out too. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she's thinking of just of giving up finding someone herself and just ask for a help from a volunteer or teacher.

Just then, someone bumped into her back.

Startled, Mitch took a step forward to regain her balance. She turned just in time for her face to get hit by a purse thrown by the girl at her, as she dived into the grass to save her cellphone. Mitch sighed together with the girl, but hers is more of annoyance rather than relief.

"Oh, hello there!" The girl looked up, and waved at her.

"Um, yeah, hello too" Mitch greeted back, as she bowed to grab her glasses, that dropped when the purse hit her face. "Your purse... hit me in the face."

Imogen was relatively certain that Ernest's contemplative frown and glance upwards was a sign that her sparkling personality had once again mucked up the situation. Truly she shouldn't have expected anything other than an uncomfortable, awkward disaster. The politically correct term for someone with her endless lifetime and extremely potent regenerative powers was special and it would take someone likewise special to not be put off by them. She'd met a few informally ranked lower supers that had similar abilities but just a common odd trait did not create swooning and romance. If happily ever after was formulaic she would have already benefited from the logical equation. But it wasn't predictable, or simple, or even kind. It was messy, anxiety-inducing, and frustrating.

And then Ernest accepted the compliment, turned it about on its face, and shot her one twice as poignant. Despite her fervent wish that she was too old to blush she did so furiously. Perhaps it was her body's way of reminding her that her time spent on this earth would never be reflected physically as it would with others. She fixated on the one part of his flattery that wasn't making her inner self explode into confetti and tried to force out coherent words. "Glasses? I'd never. I regenerate... rapidly. I've had both eyes heavily damaged before but they always return to perfect vision." Even times when she'd have preferred to be blinded. Some things once seen could not been unseen.

"I do hope to help with restoring the facility to full compliance with modern safety standards- and more. I've made a lot of connections in the industry and I think that's what I hope to bring to the table here- the resources at my disposal to help Mr. Swan make necessary fixes and upgrades," she said, her voice becoming slowly more animated and passionate. Gone were the worried wrinkles of a second before as she made casual gestures when she spoke. "I need to finish evaluations, of course, and have some engineering reviews before official proposals can be made, but I am very optimistic." Inwardly she knew that wasn't the primary reason she had been hired- she was also nearly indestructible. For a hazard like AEGIS Facility 108 that was a damn near necessity for employment much less pioneering drastic reform.

"I don't work for OSHA, no, but by the time they make their rounds here I endeavor to have us pass with flying colors. There's no reason we can't turn the facility around and make it a flagship for innovative testing of new materials that are both safer for faculty and students not yet in control of their powers. With a little incentive for the companies that would be submitting products, they would give us their top line simply to prove how it excels. I'd comb through all the submissions to make sure they're adequate of course, but..." she caught herself rambling and paused. "I'm sorry. I promise you have nothing to worry about with signs and shoes," Gen promised with a confidant smile.

Location: Front steps of Main Building
Mood: Proud
Interactions: Teh Frixz B Bag o Fruit

Tabitha's reaction caught him off guard, but years of habit allowed him to shift back slightly as she darted in for a hug, making space enough to prevent a painful impact. Very carefully and lightly he put his free arm around her shoulder, returning the form of the embrace at least, if unable to safely reciprocate the squeeze. He smiled warmly, genuinely touched, and raised his eyebrows to Anneliese as if to say 'how about this kid, huh?' even through the blur, he had no doubt she could read the expression. And anyone with eyes could see Tabitha's progress! A few short months ago, she'd have still been a jumble of mumbled apologies and downcast looks, unable to help at all. It had been very gratifying to watch her emergence from her shell week by week, bit by bit. But this? This was a real sea change! Then, as swiftly as it had come, the miracle was gone again, like the sun being hidden by a cloud. And yet, knowing the sun was still there... it made all the difference. She was looking away, avoiding eye contact, but she was still talking.

“You did very well Tabitha! Your training has come a long way in a short time! And yes, I think Ms. Van Can will be fine. Just a little overwhelmed by the crowd is all. Thank you for your help. Oh and how about that new suit, huh? Is that another one of Gavin Dabbs' efforts? If you'd like to thank him in person, I believe he is out on the first obstacle, just over there. Hurry along, now! There are boats down by the docks just down that way, if you don't want to use the aqua launcher... or I suppose you could wade out to it? Just watch out for other students in the water if you do, ok?”

He turns to Anneliese, trusting Tabitha to trust her newly blooming confidence. More quietly he asks:

“You sure you don't want an escort to your office?”

Tabitha Crane

Wade on out to it...Tabitha continued her rapid nodding before loping down the steps to the launcher. Mr. Mallory was right, she was getting better at this. It was just odd seeing progress on something that had haunted her for so long. She felt like she had been coasting along as if you were in a dream or more accurately a nightmare with this whole thing. Suddenly, facing the trial of doing a controlled grow and in front of her teacher, she felt like she'd just woken up to the possibilities. Hiding the slight smile on her face, she continued down to the Aqua Launcher.

A brief mental image of her launching out and growing midair to land with a resounding stomp in the bay fluttered then died in her head. There was a distinction between baby steps and GIANT steps that Tabby wasn't quite ready to break mentally but physically however? With the little boost by Mr. Mallory she just had combined with this seemingly magical suit and her training. She was ready for this. That's what she told herself and that was what all her peers had been saying.

Passing by the Aqua Launcher and forgetting how cold the water would be, Tabitha jumped into the bay right off the dock. The monitors give a little cheer and Tabby dives in to the murky bottom. Her family had rented a lake house for many years in Wisconsin, they hadn't done it in forever but the memory of her dad diving in to grab plant sludge and throw it at her and her mom was still one of her favorites. The added advantage being that she didn't really get too grossed out by the nasty silt bottom of lakes. Her feet hit and that was her cue.

Emerging rapidly from the depths, Tabby briefly supposed she looked like something out of a myth. Her long hair dripping hundreds of gallons as she ascended, a wave of water appearing as she grew and displaced. The feeling was actually enjoyable, the water sort of running off her skin meshing with the heat of the air as she rose through it. When Tabby finally opened her eyes, she realized she may have possibly overdone it a little. Just under a hundred feet tall, the lake water in the shallows barely covered her feet. Her mind briefly struggled with the scale before deciding it would be alright to continue on.

Her first step saw her moving into deeper water, students scattered all over swimming around below her. Being careful to avoid directly stepping on them, there was still the matter of the sudden presence of fairly large waves from her steps. Tabitha seemed to not notice this and walked up to the first obstacle before asking...

"TEAM SIX? Who is team six? Do you need me?"

Location: On a small pontoon boat between docks and first obstacle.
Mood: conflicted
Nearby: ManicMuse Teh Frixz B Bag o Fruit

Once they were no longer in physical contact, the pleasantly fluttery sensation began to fade, but in its absence the overall feelings of anxiety redoubled in force. She clasped her wrist behind her back, nails digging in deeply, and tried to focus on his memories of Isabelle. Part of her remained charmed by him. His manner in speaking of his daughter, the awkward question about children, and his sudden faltering after it... all served to reinforce her first impression of an earnest, decent man. Somebody whose company she could truly enjoy.

At the same time, probing her feelings about children? At thirty nine, with a genetic profile that could generously be described as 'poorly understood' the idea of having children was something of a sore spot. She'd long considered that door closed, indeed barred, and yet his mention of it scraped roughly over the scab. It was clumsy and it hurt. That he didn't mean anything by it, and in fact was clearly speaking of children in general terms and not offering for her to bear his, did little to cushion the blow. She could never be a mother, and the same feelings of vicarious delight at his fatherhood, with just the slightest reflection inward, converted almost instantly to regrets and jealousy.

These were layered on top of the ongoing feelings of protectiveness which she couldn't shake. She wished now that she had stuck to her instincts and maintained her usual cool detachment. She spent most of her day to day life around people just as fragile and small as Richard Chase, and it never bothered her how easily they could be killed. If there was danger, she protected them, and that was that. No muss, no fuss, no need for thanks, citizen, just doing my job, blah blah blah. But his sweetness and devotion to his adoptive daughter had separated him out. His finger was on her heartstrings. And now she found herself filled with irrational dread. All she could think about was all the ways he could expire before her very eyes. She found herself scanning the area for threats, all pretense of listening gone. He nearly collided with another boat as he clumsily maneuvered out into the deeper water, and she had to bite her tongue not to scold him for it. What was wrong with him?! Didn't he know how vulnerable he was? She moved closer, ready to seize the controls, or indeed simply bodily take hold of him to fly him out of danger... and then he glanced back and gave her a reassuring smile. The knot of worry in her stomach melted so fast she felt dizzy. She smiled warmly back and even laughed a little.

“You're doing just fine Richard, dear!”

Her knees felt weak and wobbly and she turned away, gripping the railing of the little barge hard enough to leave handprints in it. What was wrong with her? There was a fresh onshore breeze that ruffled her long blonde hair into an unruly mane, the waves were manageable, there were supers everywhere, and the sun was shining brightly, warming her skin. It was a picture perfect day and nothing could possibly go wrong.

Then, behind them, the surface of the harbor began to boil and froth.

Kate watched with a mixture of terror and awe as Tabitha Crane emerged from the sea foam like Venus, though rapidly a comparison to one of the Titans seemed more appropriate. As she began to walk forward, she pushed waves before her. She was clearly treading carefully; they were not massive waves, perhaps no more than 3 to 4 foot swells, but they were at odds with the existing waves rolling in, which could cause issues with stability for their little barge.

“Richard! A little left and throttle up! Try to get around the edge of the dry dock there.”

Kate moved toward the back of the boat as she said this, prepared to stabilize or push the boat as necessary.