MEETING IN NEW YORK: FBI OFFICE [As Harvey Jones and Walter Shindell recover from their battle with Legion, Mitchell Langstrom has decided to contact the government as well. The government agency in charge of superhuman activities hastily arranges a meeting.] ======================================================= = [GM] There's some confusion as you get transferred from one person to another (you're definitely dealing with the government, you think ruefully.) Finally a Special Agent Dreffus introduces himself. "You're Mitchell Langstrom?" he asks in a hesitant tone, having just heard your female voice. <><><><><> Mitchell: "Yes," Mitchell replies, "It's me. I don't really want to get into it on the phone -- but shifting is one of the talents. I would like to set up an appointment, today if possible, about the possibilities. I am willing to help. I'll probably need a fair amount of help also, due to my life circumstances." <><><><><> [GM] "All right," Drefuss says. "You're still in New York City, right?" He gives you directions to the local FBI bureau, and tells you that one of their special agents will meet you there. <><><><><> Mitchell: "I'll be there. Thank you," Mitchell replies, then disconnects, and gets back in the car to drive to the FBI bureau for the meeting. Having called while in the american indian girl form, and not wanting to bother changing clothes, Mitchell just goes in that way. <><><><><> [GM] When you arrive in the FBI office, you have to go through a receptionist, then several increasingly higher-level functionaries, before you finally make it to Agent Donnay, the federal agent who was at the cleanup following the battle with Lucretia the other night. "Mitchell Langstrom?" he asks. Then adds dryly, "This seems to be a new look for you." <><><><><> Mitchell: Mitchell smiles wryly. "I figured after last night's on the air performance it would be best to keep a low -- or entirely different, profile, for a few days. I want to keep as little public connection between my private life, and heroic style activity as possible." "So, first, tell me a bit about the offer, and the current situation -- I mean, it's just been a few days since I even found out I had these abilities. I was just an average, everyday teen, if a bit of a dreamer. I had always dreamt of such powers -- but I've got a feeling it isn't just something I developed from wishing." <><><><><> [GM] Donnay says, "The situation is this; we're still an 'agency' in its infancy. We- that is, the U.S. government, have known about metahumans for a short time longer than their existence has been public knowledge. But we still don't have any miracle weapons that can take down people like Lucretia....we'd sure like to know where your friend Ms. Sterrit got hers, though. Where is she, by the way?" "Anyway, so far, the only ones who've had much luck in stopping metahuman criminals and psychos like Lucretia and Legion are other metahumans. So we need people like you for defence against the predators. But we also need you for research. The more of you who volunteer to be studied, the more we may learn about you, and we may figure out both how to stop the bad guys, and how to help you realize your full potential as well." "From what your parents said when we talked to them, you seem like the type who's probably a little paranoid about the government. Your father's exact words were, 'He thinks you're hiding space aliens in Nebraska, and keeping Hitler's brain on ice somewhere in the Pentagon'." He chuckles a little at your rueful expression. "Don't worry, I'm sure he was exaggerating a little. But perhaps it would make you feel better if you spoke to some other superhumans that just joined us? In fact, they'd barely been at our research center a day when we had to bring them up here to help with the Lucretia mess, and they wound up getting in a nasty fight at the airport. Fortunately, two of them came out of it all right, and they wouldn't mind meeting you. I think they're just as confused and uncertain as you are right now." <><><><><> Mitchell: "No," Mitchell replies, smiling wider, "I never thought you kept Hitler's brain at the Pentagon. Nikola Tesla's maybe, but not Hitler's...just kidding." "Seriously though, I have been glad to see that there is none of the cloak and dagger bit. I'm not as nervous about it -- I sort of got the hint that you were not out to capture paranormals...or metahumans, whatever, when I accidentally tossed that medic across the room, and no one opened fire. But I'll be glad to meet the others." "My family life is at an unstable place right now. My mother and father thought I was looney tunes when I told them I had developed these powers; and I think I scared them a bit when I revealed it. They thought I was going to melt down into a puddle of toxic goo or something if I kept using my powers, and failed to go see a doctor about them. I have not had any ill effects from it, though. Well, except for it scaring me out of my wits the first night." A small laugh, running a hand through the unfamiliar long hair. "I think I might have to either get declared an adult, or strike some sort of deal with my parents. Probably the former, though. We need an 'emancipation by mutation' clause in the constitution, I think." <><><><><> [GM] "We certainly don't want any trouble with your parents," Donnay says. "We'll try to work something out with them. In the meantime, would you like to meet two of our other 'recruits'?" Taking in your slender, female form again, he says "Umm, are you planning to stay in that body for some reason?" <><><><><> Mitchell: "Sure, I'd like to meet them. Lead the way." Noting the look and question, Mitchell grins. "If you're going to have a shapechanger on the team, get used to it; I'm going to be seen in birth form as little as possible, and hope to keep my name out of the public spotlight, to protect my parents. Just call me Mystery. It's good, and fits whatever the form." "I'll demonstrate shifting at the meeting, if you like...but I can't make clothing, or shift the clothes I wear. It's all a biological change." <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay takes Harvey and Walt with him to the local FBI bureau. "So far, we're pretty much using them as our contact points, even though we aren't officially connected with the FBI," he says. "Now I'm going to meet with this kid and talk to him for a little bit, then hopefully he'll want to meet you." The two men are left in a conference room, with a table full of donuts and coffee, for about half an hour. Then Donnay reenters, with not a teenaged boy, but a girl! <><><><><> Walt: He's 6', weighs 185 Lbs., has red hair and blue eyes. He's dressed casually, jeans and a button down work shirt. Just now he looks tired, and maybe a little discouraged. <><><><><> Mitchell: The shapeshifter, recognizable only by youth at the moment, walks up, an american indian teenage girl, black hair, slender build and jeans plus t-shirt; casual, common clothes. "Hi, pleased to meet you, both." <><><><><> Walt: Walt blinks, for the moment confused. "Uh, howdy...miss; I'm Walt Shindell, and this here's Harv." Walt looks at Donnay questioningly. "I'm sorry, I guess my ears must still be playing tricks on me; I thought you all said that this here was gonna be a *male*...." Walt stops in mid sentence, as if seized by a thought. "Oh." He smiles then, sheepishly but with good humor. "Ah guess it's like my ma says; 'Walter, sometimes yer mouth is best used for chewin', so ah reckon I'll just go ahead and do that right now." Walt nods to the agent and the young...lady(?) and then goes over to prevent himself from sounding stupid by filling his mouth with a donut. <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey sticks out his hand and says "hello", offering to shake hands seems almost mechanical or from habit, but the friendly smile isn't. The mildly confused look on Harvey's face clears up as Walt makes the explanation obvious. "What my friend Walt there is trying to say is 'pleased to meet you and we've been looking forward to the opportunity to talk with you'". Harvey steps back a step, glances over the young shape shifter, and pauses, wondering what to do. Harvey seems to have trouble finding something to open with during these covnersations and would rather have let Walt start, but seeing as he is unavailable Harvey will have to improvise. "If this", he waves a hand at the shapeshifter in general, "is a demonstration it is remarkable; if it is intended to impress it is unnecessary, we're already impressed. Should we all sit down and chat for a while before starting on unpleasant topics?" <><><><><> Mitchell: Mitchell/Mystery returns the handshake, nodding. "I know it's a little confusing. I'm still getting used to the powers, myself. No, it's not meant to impress, it's just meant to keep my original face and name out of the public view. I plan to stay a few steps, and a few faces, ahead of the media at all times." "Sure, lets settle in and talk. You're among the first metahumans I've met, except for Crystal and one other." <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey thinks about it, 'a few faces ahead', and a wild grin pops up on his face. "A nice convenient way of handling it, and describing it. Probably worth planning for the future that way." "Actually I think we're all still trying to get used to this." A confused expression comes over Harvey's face "Frankly, I don't get it. Everything goes along normally for a long time, which is what normal is after all, and suddenly we've got metas coming out of the woodwork. I don't understand why we've suddenly got so many." Then he shrugs, indicating he can't solve it now, and will just let it wait. "Nobody I know has met all that many metas. I suppose the Doctors back in Virginia hold the record, since they've studied the metas working with the government, trying to help them identify and learn about there new abilities and figure out how they work. One thing about meeting new metas, it tends to be interesting." <><><><><> Mystery: "Yeah, tell me about it. I was nearly absorbed by that Legion thing -- except, for some reason, my body expelled its. Or vice versa. Never was sure, but I even turned the tables and drained it's strength for a time. Seemed much weaker." "I know it may sound farfetched, but I think it has to have something to do with space, or maybe aliens -- I mean, look at it in light of some scifi authors movies. Maybe the Earth is passing through a region of space that gives people special powers or something. Or aliens are bombarding the world with mutating radiation. Anything's possible." Mystery gestures toward her face. "Everything seems to be a lot more probable these days." "I've just about figured out my powers, I think. Trial and error mostly, going by the old comic book style powers, and trying everything I could think of out." <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay coughs a little at Mystery's "alien radiation" theory. "Let's not get carried away, shall we? Next you'll be saying it's the harmonic convergence, or somebody rattled their crystals too hard." <><><><><> Harvey: "Be careful Donnay, that Harmonic Convergence stuff is as good an explanation as we've gotten so far...it just mught be right!" Harvey says, finsihsing with an expression that says 'I hope not' eloquently. When 'mystery' mentions beating Legion, a look of pure joy comes over Harvey's face. He shouts "Excellent" and stands half way up; It looks very much like you just scored a touch down or something (depending on what sport this is) and he wants to slap you a high five. After Harvey quickly regains his compsure he sits back down, still grinning broadly and starts to explain. "'Surfer dude' our inside man at legion, mentioned that only 2 people ever beat Legion. We were pretty sure you were the 'shapechanger'; Walt is the other one." He looks at mystery with respect added to his delight. "Hmm, If your ability is to absorb other meta's powers, er ...abilities... " (Harvey isn't comfortable with the term powers), "and you absorbed legions's, which is to possess people, then it's possible you started to absorb legion as fast as legion absorbed you! Which is mind boggling to try to picture, but is an interesting defense and probably a case of an irresistable force meeting an immovable object." "I don't know about your 'space explanation' of the sudden appearence of metas. I don't have a better one, but just to advance the argument: Why would one piece of space be different than another? Why would aliens want to bombard earth with wierd rays? Assuming that we aren't on Alien Candid Camera or a new episode of the Alien Twilight Zone." "Don't be so sure you've figured out all your abilities yet. You'll probably be surprised; of course, you've probably been surprised already since your a meta. We tried the 'general test for everything we could think of' approach at Virginia. It's amazing how many things they could think of, and how many things were missed. The best system they came up with was having Walt and me run an obstacle course while being observed by a very perceptive meta. Unfortunately, she's being treated for injuries right now." Harvey's face turns glum as he thinks about her. "It turns out metas often exhibit a number of completely unrelated abilities, which surprised me since I would expect them to be related. You may not have found out everything yet." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery smiles. "I don't know whether I started absorbing Legion or not, but I did win. I'm not anxious to try it again, just in case I might somehow slip up. Still, it's good to know I can beat some villain. That 'Lucretia' almost creamed me, even after I started draining her." "Well, I mean, there's one heck of a big black hole at the center of our galaxy, okay? And the space sure isn't normal there. So many it alters the structure of reality in bands extending outward through the galaxy; and when the solar system passes through some bands, this kind of thing happens." "As for the alien rays, I didn't mean like Gamma rays or anything like that. More like mind waves. To awaken our potential or something. Like the channelers always said was going to happen one day." Mystery shrugs, sitting back, thoughtful. "I don't know. Maybe the potential was always present, and is just now awakening on its own. We've got no shortage of legends showing similar things must have happened in the past. Or been expected. I mean, you don't just dream up such things for no reason." "I agree...harmonic convergence, or something similar, might be it. I mean, psychics have been predicting these changes...these elevations of humanity, and empowerments, for centuries. We saw it coming. Maybe not the mechanism, but the essence has always been evident." In a clear voice, stumbling only briefly from the unaccustomed tone and higher pitch, Mystery hums and whisper-sings a few lines of 'It's the end of the world, as we know it'. A sheepish grin touches her expressions briefly. "I'm a singer and musician, when not getting my wrists squished and head pounded by invulnerable superbeings." <><><><><> Harvey: "I decline to specualte in the dark, anything is possible. That we've always had the potential sounds reasonable, but why is it suddenly manifesting? Why not gradually? " Harvey shrugs, apparently in confusion. "I don't really want to face legion again either. Unfortunately, it is unlikely either of us will get a choice in the matter" Harvey says, sounding simultaneously serious and worried (it's obvious he's not happy about the thought of legion). "I'll trade you what we know and surmise about Legion, more of the latter than the former, for a description of your encounter with Legion. The information would be good for you since forewarned is fore-armed, and I'd like to know as much as possible about Legion. Trying to stop Legion is high priority but very difficult. Apparently, Legion will continue to target Metas and is getting more powerful and dangerous!" Harvey glances at agent Donnay, wondering if he'll try to stop him from giving out information on Legion, not that Harvey is going to let him stop him from giving a warning about the danger of Legion. "Nice voice," but sounds like Harvey knows little about music. <><><><><> Mystery: "There isn't a lot to tell," Mystery says, sighing. "But I'll try. Okay, I was out a few nights ago with my band, singing at a club. A girl approached me afterward, named Julie...well, events proceeded as they tend to do with teens, and we were going to become intimate. We became intimate in ways they just don't prepare you for in sunday school." A wry grin. "I wound up as her, she wound up as me -- I panicked, and made a mad dash for the nearest motel, where I proceeded to collapse into bed and tried to figure out what was going on. Somehow in the night I got myself back to normal. Anyway, my mind was clearer, and I went back to the house we were at when the change happened, but she was gone. I've been searching for her since then -- the next day, I went to the same club, early in the morning before it opened, hoping to find some clue of how to find her -- I, uh, didn't know her last name. Anyway, I was waiting around for opening time, when I was grabbed from behind by a very tall dark skinned amazon-like woman, who said, "What's Legion want with a scrawny kid like you?" "She then said 'oh well' and grabbed me by the throat. And my body started to merge with hers. But, my body rejected it, and then it happened again -- I mimicked her, just like I did Julie. I was suddenly as tall as her. She sent me flying through the doors of the club, and I actually dented the bottom of a counter, with my head. It was wild. She said something about her having worked long and hard to get such a body, and I should get my own...I said, 'Thanks, I just did'. A snappy comeback if I do say so myself." "So..." Mystery pauses a moment, resting chin on a fist. "Lets see...oh, yeah. I guessed from what I had felt, that she was like Vulture in those Jack Chalker novels...you know, absorbing someone, complete with abilities, and then able to assume the form ever after that? So I said as much to her, and she just said 'man, you read too many comic books', and lunged for me again. I said 'Try to absorb me again, and I'll mangle your cells so bad you'll think your father was Seth Brundle!' Pretty empty threat, I thought, but I hoped I could do something...so I tried it at a distance. Didn't work." "I punched at her, and my fist went into the wall behind her -- definitely had super strength." Mystery winces before continuing. "Before I could pull my fist out of the wall, she brought an elbow down on my arm and snapped it like a twig...felt awful, to say the least. She grabbed me again, and I tried to do something to her again...just wild attempts at changing her, or whatever." "I felt something pass out of her and into me. Energy of some kind -- and when she lifted me, she was surprised, and grunted with the effort. She was really a lot weaker. When she hit me, it didn't even hurt." "I was actually able to punch her, with good effect. Then I ran for it -- right through a door. The stolen strength let me rip through it like it practically wasn't even there. I escaped. And that was when I heard a voice... maybe it was this Surfer guy?...that directed me to the airport to meet Tyler." "That was the whole encounter." <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay seems to be trying to suppress laughter at Mystery's description of his "romantic encounter" with the unfortunate Julie. He becomes more serious as she describes her encounter with Legion. "Yes, she's part of Legion all right. One of Legion's first victims. Superhuman strength and speed, and high damage resistance, though not entirely bulletproof. She's also a trained martial artist." <><><><><> Harvey: "You KNEW about this aspect of Legion?! How come I don't remember being told about this at the briefing on legion?" Harvey sounds very irritated, then he seems to think for a moment and relaxs, a _little_. "Oh, yeah, we never got around to having a briefing on Legion, just lucretia. You want to see if you can find the briefing book on Legion so we can know what we know about him...er...it....er...them?" "You sing professionally? That explains the good voice, but I'm embarrassed to say I didn't recognize that song you sang, probably a really famous classic. Your encounter with Julie just proves something about metas, 'it'll be exciting and full of surprises'", jokes Harvey. Suddenly Harvey seems to be concentrating on something, "You changed Julie! I thought shapechanger meant you changed yourself, but you changed someone else. If you can change someone else, and you healed yourself, can you heal someone else?" Harvey sounds excited by the prospect. "Kelly, one of the metas from Virginia was injured in the fight at the airport. They'll be scars. Do you think.....?" "Have you found Julie? Sounds like you're still looking. If you want a hand, just ask. I'd kind of like to know if your changing someone has any side effects." "Who the heck is Seth Brundle? I don't recognize the reference, but it sounds like I'm missing a great insult, unfortunately Legion probably did too." "O.K. My turn to talk about Legion. Remember, a lot of this is speculation and surmise. Apparently Legion is going around absorbing metas. Let me rephrase that, possessing metas, literally. Once Legion possesses a person it shoves aside that person's consciousness and can control the body, making use of its meta abilities, which are apparently part of the body not just the mind. Yes the voice you heard, or actually that you didn't hear, is what, ah who, Walt and I refer to as 'Surfer Dude'. We figure he's a telepath Legion absorbed but that his power is part of the mind so he can still communicate. The rest of the bodies legion can use, but only one at a time, we think, hope too. There's a young male teleport, a 6 year old mega-telek, The amazon you saw and now chuck. Chuck was ... a friend." Harvey shows reluctance to discuss Chuck. "He's a big guy, very strong. It takes Legion a while to absorb a person and get the mind out of the way. I figure Legion needs to return to its real, original, body to utilize its power to possess, but haven't verified that. While possessign a person, their mind can fight back, if they're conscious. And this time frame leaves Legion vulnerable to attacks by others; Legion now knows this and will probably avoid multiple metas. Unfortunately I don't know how to get close to take out Legion with a team of metas since Legion has at least one form that is a meta-sensor...capable of detecting metas at a distance." <><><><><> Mystery: "'It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine' are the lyrics. It's by REM," Mystery explains. "I found Julie's school by becoming her, then going to a couple of high schools, and talking to the kids until I found one who knew her. I got her name, went to the principal's office, got her address, and went to her home...she wasn't there, but the father had seen her that morning, so she must have returned to normal when I did, or something." "I don't know if I could heal someone or not. Worth a try, I guess. At least I suppose I could get rid of scars by shapeshifting them away." "Seth Brundle was the name of the teleport pod scientist in the remake of The Fly." Mystery listens to the information on Legion intently, then, "Wait...if Legion has to return to its original form to assimilate someone, then the tall, dark skinned amazon would have to be the original body. But, she referred to Legion as 'I wonder what Legion wants with a scrawny kid like this. Oh well.'" "That doesn't much sound like it was the original form, to me." <><><><><> [GM] Donnay frowns. "We know a little about some of the metahumans that Legion has collected...we were there, as was Mr. Shindell, when it took Jamie Coris, the young telekinetic. Unfortunately, we don't know much about the limits of the being Legion itself, just the bodies it's using." "Finding out if, ah, Mystery, can heal people would be an interesting experiment. A lot of our scientists think that healing should be a possible metahuman power, but we haven't found a healer yet." [to Harvey & Walt, individually] You are noticing something as the meeting goes on; you are becoming VERY attracted to Mystery. She's pretty, but not the prettiest woman you've ever met; nonetheless, it's incredibly distracting watching her and listening to her talk. The fact that you know she's actually a teenage boy does not make you feel any more comfortable! <><><><><> Mystery: "I'm willing to try helping Kelly," Mystery replies, slowly, thinking. "And I'm willing to join up. I will need some kind of monetary support...probably, my parents will allow a private part time tutoring arrangement, if the tutor has major bigtime qualifications. We discussed it a time or two before, due to my plans for show business. Not too uncommon these days." "Also, I'm in serious need of a good costume. I don't know how many of the metas working for you use them, but since I can't fly or use telekinesis when not in my 'base' form, for some reason, I need some identity concealing clothes that will fit any form I assume; which means very stretchy. So I might as well go the whole costumed route, except when working undercover. I want to keep my legal name quiet. I'll want the costumes made secretly of course, due to the identity bit, so maybe I could provide the description and the agency could get it made?" "First things first, though...if someone's injured, and there is some chance one of my powers could help, lets go try. We have a lot to talk about, but while someone is hurting isn't the best time, if something can be done." Mystery looks wide eyed. "You know, Legion's right. I do talk like a comic book. Well, I guess at least the situation fits." <><><><><> Harvey: "I don't know that shapeshifting someone would help if the effects wear off, at least it wouldn't help kelly." Harvey looks over at Walter, "Hey Walt, do your ribs still hurt? It would give us a chance to perform a little test." "Wow, Seth Brundle really is a threat!" Harvey grins at the explanation of what Mystery had said to Legion. "..Dang... and it was such a nice theory, but I guess your right, Legion doesn't have to revert to original form to possess someone. Apparently Legion would be somewhat distracted, or at least busy, while possessing someone." <><><><><> Mystery: "I don't know that it was temporary, actually. _I_ haven't seen Julie; she might still be in form, and just hiding it somehow. Or maybe it wore off because it was accidental. Intentional, it might be lasting." "I tried making wings on myself to get away from Legion, but it didn't work, and just trying set my nerves on edge. I think I'm only able to work with human forms. I couldn't have mangled Legion...just changed one of it's forms, maybe." Mystery looks to Walt. "If you've got sore ribs, I'm willing to give regenerating them a try." <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey flashes a big grin when Mystery agrees to join up, sticks out his hand and says "Welcome aboard." It's obvious that Harvey likes the fact that another person is on the team, but he seems almost overly pleased. Harvey seems to be friendly with everyone but is going out of his way where Mystery is concerned. When Mystery mentions a stretchy costume Harvey seems to be distracted for several seconds, and reluctant to stop being distracted, but makes an act of will to get back to the subject. "Actually I don't think any of us wear a 'costume' but many of the agents wear a 'uniform', kevlar rather than stretch though. At least you have a good reason for a costume." Harvey laughs, "Very undercover in your case, I guess, since you can look like just about anyone". "I've been informed in all seriousness that the scientist on the project are reading comic books as part of their research. Talking 'like a comicbook' may make you fit right in." "I don't know if someone could hide such a major change from someone familiar with them; if her father says he 'saw' her, she's probably back to normal. And I'd really like to find out if it works and is permament before mentioning it too Kelly." "You still might have been able to do damage to one of legions forms. Unfortunately, we don't really want to hurt Legion's bodies, we want to hurt LEGION, and get the bodies back! Hurting Legion itself is proving a little more challenging." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery returns the handshake, smiling brightly. "Good to be aboard. It's about time comic books became official reading material." "Kevlar's kind of bulky. I guess I'll just have to dodge a lot. I seem to bounce back from injury pretty well, at least." "So, how do we test to see if my regenerating works on others? Anyone have a papercut at least?" Mystery looks about. <><><><><> Harvey: "Yo, Walt, how are your ribs? And how do you feel about playing guinea pig for the lady here?" ('Lady' Harvey shoots back at himself, silently, this is a shapeshifter! Oh, well, if she doesn't mind then why worry about it, he thinks, relaxing a little, I'll just have to watch my language if she does.) "Or have your ribs already fixed themselves? Around here, the only probable thing is the improbable." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery looks over to Walt, her dark eyes and american indian features framed by black hair, surveying the superhero whose ribs are in question. "I doubt it would be dangerous, since Legion has obviously recovered even from my draining it's strength." Mystery notices Walt is a bit tied up, and looks back to Harvey, eyes widening slightly. "I just had an awful thought...Julie looked like me, at least for a while -- and Legion was after me. What if -- what if Legion got her, and somehow that changed her back? Julie wasn't at school so far as I could see, but told her father that she was headed there..." <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey finally looks around and realizes that Walt has made a run to the toilet. So Harvey turns back to enjoying his conversation with mystery. "I don't think that it would take Legion to get Julie back to looking like Julie. There's a good chance that even if Legion found julie looking like you it would realize it wasn't you, since Legion is a meta-sensor; although I don't know if someone effected by your power would seem to be a meta not. It seems unlikely that Legion caught up with Julie. But we can check it out if it makes you feel better. It's not good to leave things like this nagging at you." Harvey smiles at Mystery, "Come to that, I'd feel better after checking this out. Umm, what school did you say she went to?" which is politer than asking how old Julie is. "I'll be glad to lend a hand looking for Julie if you like." offers Harvey, " Might be helpful to have Walt around when we go looking for her, of course, we have to look for Walt first, but I'm sure he'll turn up." <><><><><> Walt: "Well, I *guess* that I feel lucky...give it a try" Walt says, notlooking all that worried. [superhero? sheesh, give me a break; Walt is *not* a superhero! ] <><><><><> Mystery: "It's probably not dangerous," Mystery agrees. "Probably." Walking over to Walt, Mystery extends her hands to his. "Umm," she says, hesitating, "you might want to brace yourself. Just in case." Then begins concentrating intensely on Walt, willing regeneration, willing healing, gazing into his eyes for any cues as to when something starts to happen. <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey looks on as Mystery steps up to Walt. He isn't overly concerned, but he is watching attentively. <><><><><> [GM] Mystery lays her hands on Walt, and concentrates. She definitely feels something, akin to the power she used when shapechanging, and also like the very beginning of her(his) efforts to regenerate, before it became painful about a millisecond later. But it gets that far and no further. Walt can't feel anything. <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey waits patiently, at least as patiently as he can then finally breaks in "Well, anything? Walt, feel anything? Good, Bad, Strange? Are your ribs getting better, are you growing scales?" <><><><><> Mystery: "Wait, let me try something..." Mystery tries slowly shifting to Mitchell form, then waits a moment and tries again. <><><><><> [GM] Mystery's body begins rippling and altering like a claymation film, and becomes a tall, very handsome, dark-haired teenage boy. He lays his hands on Walt again, but still gets no result, aside from a feeling of resistance. <><><><><> Walt: Walt waits a moment, thinking and sort of "feeling" to see if anything feels at all out of the ordinary. "I don't *think* that I'm turning into any creature of the black lagoon or anything like that...""...of course, I don't really know as how I feel any better either." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery sighs, hands falling to sides. "No wonder. You've got some sort of resistance to being affected. That must be why Legion didn't get you." Mystery shifts back to previous form, straightening somewhat shapeshifting disarranged clothing. "It won't work on you, regardless of the form, I think. Kelly might be different I suppose. What are her powers?" <><><><><> [GM] Donnay says "Agent Donovan has what the doctors call 'physiopathy', which I think they made up to suit the power. She can read peoples' metabolisms, the biochemical activity in their bodies, and so on. Down to the cellular level, if she concentrates. She also seems to have some ability to *control* other peoples' physiology as well. The doctors have suggested she would be a good candidate to have healing powers, but so far, all her attempts to heal people have failed. It would certainly be worth a shot for you to try your own powers on her, though." <><><><><> Mystery: "Lets give it a try then. Arrange for me to visit her -- I've got about enough time today before going to talk with my parents. Lets go." <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay nods. "All right." He looks at Harvey and Walt, and asks "Any objections to taking a trip to the hospital to visit Donovan?" [Assuming not...] He takes a large government car, which comfortably seats all four of you, and drives the fairly short distance to the hospital where the metahuman woman is being treated. There is a cop outside her door. "In case Legion returns," Donnay says, "though it's a token gesture more than anything else. Unfortunately, we can't very well protect her with 24- hour surveillance by a team of metahumans." Inside, Kelly seems to be sleeping. She's covered with bandages, and connected to an IV unit, and generally looks to be in pretty sorry shape. <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery approaches, suddenly thankful for being able to regenerate. Walking over the remainder of the distance, Mystery gently touches Kelly's hand or forehead, or whatever convenient location not covered by bandages; if Kelly awakes, Mystery softly explains the trying to help in healing; if not, just very carefully proceeds, concentrating on regenerating her, concentrating on making her scarlessly whole. <><><><><> [GM] Kelly stirs, looks up and says "Who're you?" in a drugged slur. Then she sees Harvey, Walt and Agent Donnay over your shoulder. "Oh, hiiii..." She's obviously only barely cognizant of her surroundings at the moment. She smiles up at Mystery. "You're pretty..." Mystery lays her hands on Kelly, and concentrates on healing her. Though the resistance isn't as fierce as when she tried to heal Walt, something still seems to be blocking the power. "You're....doin' something..." the burnt woman mumbles. Then, after thinking a moment; "S'not working....something in me....your power...cancels out, can't do somethin'..." She looks embarrassed. "Sorry, I can't really think straight....wish I wasn't so...." her eyes lose their focus and she drifts off. <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery quietly walks away, and back outside to talk to the others, whispering, "She said something in her is blocking the effects. I think _maybe_ I could break through, given enough time and effort, not to mention practice, but it would be tiring for both of us. Listen, if something is resisting, very strongly in Walt, less so in Kelly...maybe it's something we all have to one degree or another. A kind of immune system against the powers." Mystery sighs. "I wish we had some way to turn the immune system off, if so. Maybe meditation would do it, to switch off a person's powers for a while. Or maybe some kind of drug could be developed that nullifies powers temporarily, letting effects past the 'immune system'. If that's even what it is." <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay nods. "That's one of the most useful aspects of Donovan's powers; she's been very helpful in analyzing the abilities of other superhumans. If she was more coherent, she'd probably be able to give detailed information about why your attempt to heal her wasn't working. We'll just have to wait until she heals some more on her own." "I think you may be on to something, though. Maybe some metahumans have a higher resistance to the powers of other metahumans. Shindell has proved immune to Legion and you, you also rejected Legion's attempts to possess you somehow, and your healing power wouldn't work on Donovan. What we probably need are some controlled experiments where you attempt to use your powers on various metahumans and non-metahumans. I'm sure the lab boys will be happy to set something like that up. Which brings us to you. The next step in your case, if we can get cooperation from you *and* your parents, would be to bring you back to Virginia, where we can explore your abilities more thoroughly. Jones and Shindell have already been through the first series of tests" <'First'? the two men think> "and have already told you something about them...no dissections, as you can see they're quite alive and well. I'm sure they'll have some more tests to run on these two as well...if we don't end up going somewhere else first. Like I said earlier, there's metahuman weirdness going on all over the country, and us field agents are already getting in routine fights with the scientists over allocation of our metahuman resources." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery nods quietly. "Maybe the tests can find a way around the problem. There has to be a way to shut off the immune system-like power. To voluntarily accept an effect someone is trying to produce." Mystery sighs. "Well, my Dad should be home pretty soon. I think I'll go home, get changed," a wry grin, "and wait for him. If you, any of you, want to come along, to join in the discussion, I could probably use some heavy duty support." "Then, the testing route sounds good. I've run into some major surprises along the way, which could prove dangerous with Legion after me." <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey immediately and enthusiatically offers to come along and lend support; if mystery doesn't mind giving away part of her secret identity. <><><><><> Mystery: "It's okay," Mystery says. "The agency knows my name, and you're part of the agency. Plus you've seen my birth genetics form. Probably on the news too, unfortunately. It'll probably die down, the publicity that is, if I'm not seen in public like that again. I can always hope." "At least I can avoid that face and incident being tied to my future activities as Mystery. You know, I think there was an X-Men character called Mystique that was a shapeshifter. Talk about life imitating art." "Probably should figure out a way to change the form my other abilities work in, eventually. Then I could skip the mask in any costume. Maybe the research will help there also." "Anyway, lets go. It'll do Mom and Dad good to see me as potentially a valuable part of a group effort, instead of just running around trying to defeat invulnerable psychopaths with purple hair." <><><><><> Harvey: "Maybe we'd better discuss a little strategy for dealing with your parents rather than trying to improvise completely. You're the expert on what your parents will go for so any warnings you want to give are appreciated. Basically I'd suggest we try to discuss the benefits of having similar friends, the benefits of having the experts help you with your new abilities and DEFinitely avoid mentioning field work if at all possible. That way we can suggest you come down to Virginia and let the scientist look you over, vastly adding to scientific knowledge, and let your parents get used to the idea before bringing up the possibility of your getting in a fight. Sound good?" Harvey chuckles at Mystery's comment about her (...his? It's spooky how good the shapechange is and how stable it's been so far) parents opinions of having a meta for a child, "Could be interesting when you tell your parents, 'bye mom, I have to go save the world' and they respond 'that's nice dear, be home by supper time'. It's almost enough to make you wonder if parents are a disadvantage... at least in this line of work; but I don't think so and I'll be disappointed if you say you think so, so please don't say so." <><><><><> Mystery: "They're just your everyday ordinary parents of a kid who keeps coming home with a new body every few hours," Mystery says, grinning. "They're probably wishing I would just get a few tattoos, a mohawk, and maybe an ear or nose ring, by now, and drop the shapeshifting." Mystery shrugs. "They're not too bad. My mother is going to be pretty understanding of me as a meta and a shapeshifting person. She won't go in for the heroic bit...fighting is something she would definitely not want to see me in. After all, even I was mainly headed for a career as a musician, actor, and clothing model. Standard showbiz path. It's a big leap from musician and clothing model to fighting for truth, justice, and to keep from having your head torn off by a psychopath who can lift small moons." "For Mom's benefit, I suggest you guys take the attitude of my protectors and guides in introduction to the organization. Nevermind that we're all pretty much in the same state of figuring this chaos out -- it will comfort her. Let her know I'm not alone, head filled with comic book images of heroism and great deeds." "Dad is the type that will respond well if you trigger his pride switch; make it clear that I have talents that can benefit people, and that I need training to reach my full potential. Hit his pride button sufficiently, and he'll start seeing me in a new light. I've seen the signs before." "I agree, the idea of starting off with the proposal for testing and training in Virginia is the best starting point. Make it clear that a private tutor can be arranged so my education does not suffer, and that will add a point in favour of it with both of them -- we've discussed it before, and they were not really down on the idea. Pretty common for showbusiness kids." Mystery sighs. "Though we don't want to get into it now...I can't live with them anymore. Not with people running around with the power to sense metas and seek them out. I should spend as little time near the house as possible, to keep from leading Legion or worse to them." "They're not a major disadvantage to me, but they are a weakness. Someone can get to them, when they might not be able to affect me directly." <><><><><> Harvey: "Very sensible parents. Strategy sounds good. I think I'll like them. Your dad may understand if we say your needed. At least for myself, and I think for Walt, part of the reason we're in this is _because_ we're needed." "Just remember, weaknesses like that are what we're fighting for" Harvey says getting a far off look in his eyes. <><><><><> [GM] Agent Donnay drives Mystery, Harvey and Walt out of central New York City, and into the upscale suburbs where Mitchell lives. His mother and father both meet him at the door, then hesitate, looking at the girl, and the three men behind her. "Umm, Mitchell....?" his mother asks, very hesitantly. His father looks like he's ready to either explode or have a stroke. <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey decides it is best to let Mystery start and introduce the three of them. He settles for smiling and trying to project a friendly and normal (just your every day normal meta) demeanor. His back unconsciouly reassumes the straight stance that was ingrained in his army days, and he finds himself running his hand over his hair, checking the length and realizing that as usual it looks too long, by military opinion, although actually it is still pretty short. <><><><><> Mystery: "It's me, Mom," Mystery confirms. "Meet Agent Donnay, and two new friends who are also part of the agency that left their card for me earlier. It's okay, they know all now. We need to talk...really talk. So far I've been in too much of a chaotic situation to sit still long enough, for which I apologize. I know this is hard on you also. Very hard." Mystery looks from Mom to Dad, a calm persuasiveness in place, eyes showing a quiet resolve. "This is serious, and it is my future at stake, and yours. May we come in?" <><><><><> [GM] "Mitchell!" his mother exclaims. "Of course you can come in, this IS your house!" Pausing, she looks at the three men, and adds "Umm, you can come in too, of course." She whispers to Mystery, as all enter the comfortable, spacious home, "Are you becoming particularly fond of being a woman, or are you just *trying* to make this as disconcerting as possible for your father?" Inside, Mr. Langstrom holds out a hand tentatively to Agent Donnay, saying "I'm Clyde Langstrom. I guess you all have met my....son, already. So, uh, you all have super powers too?" He seems very uncomfortable with this whole thing. <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery leans close to Mom and whispers, "I'm finding it doesn't really matter much to me either way, Mom. A psychological effect of whatever happened, I guess. I enjoy any form on its own merits. Its like a kind of art, the design and wearing of a body. Besides, I need the long term practice, and Dad will have to come to understand just how different I am. I know it's scary, Mom. I'm still your kid though, and you're still my Mom. Much as you might like to be someone else's Mom right now; someone who just comes home with a tattoo or green hair." Mystery stands by, giving the other agents time to speak and make their introductions. <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey steps up after agent Donnay shakes hands and introduces himself, offers his hand and says "Hello, Mr. Langstrom, My name Harvey.....Harvey Jones." Harvey is reluctant to give his last name but it doesn't seem polite otherwise, and who is going to believe someone who works for the government named 'Jones' anyway? Which is unfortunate since Harvey doesn't want Mr. Langstrom to think he's been told an alias. "Pleased to meet you. Yes we've met your son, who currently seems to be putting on a little demonstration. Actually, the preferred term, at least by most people, seems to be 'meta-ability'. At least personally, I find the term super-power is at best melodramatic and at worst slightly conceited. Meta-ability, an ability beyond the norm. That makes a person having meta-abilities, a 'meta'. And in answer to your question, yes I am a meta, just that it doesn't necessarily show." <><><><><> [GM] "So what are your 'meta-abilities'?" Mr. Langstrom asks, with a note of scepticism. <><><><><> Walt: "Howdy, sir; names Walt Shindell...pleased to make your aquaintance. You have quite an...unusual son there." [I *think* Walt is there, isn't he? ] "Just so you all know, it would seem that I'm one of them there 'Metas' as well. Don't you worry none, though, it ain't catchin'...'least, not as long as you had your shots!" Walt grins, obviously amused by the concept of himself being referred to as "more than human"; the "meta" is just a wee bit too close to pompous for his comfort. Just plain folks; that's Walt (or at least how Walt would *like* to be. <><><><><> [GM] Mr. Langstrom says "That's all fine, but you still haven't answered my question. And what are you all planning to do with your powers, now that you have them?" With a dour look at his very beautiful, very female son, he says "Mitchell has this idea he's going to go around in a costume being a superhero." <><><><><> Harvey: Harvey is slightly offended, almost shocked, when Mr. Langstrom comes right out and ASKS what his meta-abilities are; it isn't that he's surprised as much as that it goes against his sense of meta-etiquette, a person should volunteer that information or be allowed his privacy. But since the question seems to originate more in skepticism than in prying, he'll reply. Harvey steps to the nearest wall, places his hand on it waits a second then desolidifies his hand and presses the forarm through the wall. After pausing a few seconds for what he's doing to sink in he turns to the Langstroms and says "don't worry, your wall is still there, I'm just not. Actually I've just gotten my molecules to politely get out of the way of the wall's. Obviously this is great for when I forget my keys, but I suspect it drives the security people up the wall!" A few seconds later a funny thought seeps into Harvey's consciousness. Laughing he comments to Walt, "It just occurred to me, the first thing security people do is issue a photo ID badge; what are they going to do when they meet a shapeshifter? ... I guess they'll have to issue a whole pile so big they can't even be carried around and check each one; or else issue one id and inform everyone that if the wearer matchs the photo, the wearer's a fake!" <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery giggles, highly amused at the thought of the identification card difficulty. "The moment I got my powers, and for that matter Legion got its abilities, photo cards became unreliable. Though, for a shapeshifter, multiple identification cards might be necessary anyway. I've even been worried, driving, about being pulled over -- my driver's license doesn't change with me. Maybe I could get one with a color LCD plate that has a file of registered appearances, or something." In typical teenage fashion, Mystery pauses and moment and glances into a mirror, shaking hair into place before continuing the conversation. "It'll be a bit of a challenge to security measures, true." Turning back to the conversation, "A lot of these abilities are going to shake the foundations of society." Mystery does not return the glance unpleasantly, but corrects, "Just because I can be blond, doesn't mean I'm an airhead, Dad. Sure, I've always dreamed of such things...but believe me, I've met enough of the reality to know that I don't want to get into a lot of superheroic battles. I'm revising my plans severely where that is concerned. I'm just not the brawling type; I can hold my own, as you saw, but it's just too bloody. You know I've always been squeamish about gore." A sigh. "I've basically gotten the nonsense punched and wrung out of me over the past couple of days, Mom, Dad...I'm not living in a Marvel comic book, and know it. True, there are similarities...but when the hero loses in a comic book, you can just wait for the next edition for things to get straightened out. In the real world, some things never get straightened out; and fighting unnecessarily can be lethal." A serious look is firmly in place in Mystery's eyes. "You know what scares me more than the Lucretia's and Legion's out to get me? I'm afraid for you... I love you both, and don't want anything to happen to you." "And I know you are worried about me -- that you care about me. I'm not going to leave you out of the loop -- I want to work with you both in coming up with a way to keep you safe, take into account the changes this makes in my life, and build a future for me." <><><><><> [GM] Mr. and Mrs. Langstrom both stare at Harvey's feat, aghast. Mr. Langstrom doesn't seem to appreciate Harvey's wit, but Mrs. Langstrom asks "What does that....feel like? I mean.." her hands flutter in the air, as she struggles to adjust to this strange phenomenon, "what would happen if your power...stopped working, while you were in the wall like that?" Agent Donnay speaks up and says "We're not sending all our metahumans into battle, Mr. Langstrom. We need to conduct research too, find out how these powers work. It's entirely possible we could keep your...uh, son, safe in our research facility, living like a nice comfy lab rat. Evenings and weekends off, of course." "I don't think it's even LEGAL for you to have a minor acting as...as a law enforcement officer, or super-soldier or whatever," Mrs. Langstrom says, still looking at Harvey with his arm stuck through the wall. "A lot of laws are probably going to be rewritten pretty soon," says the government agent. "But no, I don't think we could legally justify putting Mitchell in danger, at least until he turns 18, or gets parental consent at 17." "He won't!" snaps Mr. Langstrom. "Well," Donnay sighs. "There may not always be a choice. Sometimes other metahumans come LOOKING for their own kind, with malign intent. And that's something that will happen whether your son is working for the government or not. With us, though, he has more backup in case someone nasty like Legion or Lucretia does show up." Mitchell's mother looks like she's going to cry. <><><><><> Mystery: "Mom," Mystery quietly says, walking over to comfort. "It's all right. It truly can be. I can't stay in the same house from now on, though. I'm like a meta magnet. My talents are a strong pull for anyone who wants to try and control other metas. Which means my presence puts you and Dad in danger. Very serious danger, and me too -- because Legion, or some other hostile meta could hold you hostage. I care too much about you to let that happen." "Right now I'm being hunted by Legion, who wants to literally make me a part of Legion, who is a shapeshifter like me -- except to absorb someone's form and powers, Legion absorbs the whole person, whereas I just absorb the genetic code." "I have a resistance to it, as most metas do -- not beyond breach, with enough effort. But you don't have any resistance at all. Legion could absorb both of you without even breathing hard." "The agency is an offshoot of the federal bureau of investigations, loosely; not a military organization. The first thing I want to do, is join, then go for a controlled, scientific exploration of my abilities and future potential. At the same time, I will have the backup of the agency for when Legion makes its next move to take me over. You see, I'm very valuable to Legion -- because our powers are similar, in a way; I would fill out and complement Legion's other forms and absorbed people." Mystery turns, facing both parents. "I need your cooperation to join. It is a way for me to have scientific assistance, greater resources, and allies who can help me deal with dangers as they present themselves." Pouring on the persuasion heavily, Mystery adds, "Tutoring can be arranged for a few hours a week to help me keep up with studies, and this way, if we are careful, I can stay in contact. It'll be no worse than boarding school." <><><><><> Harvey: <> Harvey raises an eyebrow in surprise, then looks at his arm embedded in the wall. After considering for a couple of seconds he responds "It doesn't feel like anything...anything in particular anyways. It's just, well, normal for me now. It sort of feels like air does to you, in other words it isn't particularly noticable." <> Harvey winces, "I have nightmares about that." "Actually there seems to be little danger except under special conditions," glancing at Walt. "I think there may be something akin to the autonomic nervous system that keeps you breathing and handles reflexs. It will keep me from accidentally resolidifying while in another solid. Of course, it works better when I'm careful." "Back when my abilities first manifested, I found them really scary, inspite of the fact that they saved my life on a couple of occasions. I've been assured that no one is known to have been hurt directly by activating there powers." Harvey then mentally kicks himself, he just referred to meta-abilities as powers, he hates that expression, especially when he's the one using it. Harvey relaxs some as Mystery laughs, somehow being able to laugh at the assorted weirdness that keeps coming up seems very important and he's glad mystery can join in. Harvey grins back, he hadn't considered the possibility of a shapechanged mystery getting pulled over. "I had the same concern about society's foundations when I was first told about the existance of metas. I guess the future just depends whether these foundations are built to earth-quake building codes ... that's something people from California are concerned about." Realizing that Mr. and Mrs. Langstrom are present, Harvey decides to amplify a bit, but still addressing mystery. "We're just not prepared for some of the difficulties that come up when certain people manifest meta- abilities. For some time to come it looks like we're going to be depending on the personal trustworthyness of the individual, And I don't know if that's good or bad!" Harvey turns to Mr. Langstrom, "Congratulations, Mitchell is one of the trustworthy ones." <><><><><> [GM] "Actually," Agent Donnay says, correcting Mystery, "we aren't exactly affiliated with the FBI, except in that we're both sanctioned by the Justice Department. The FBI works...with us, although right now we get priority service when we need something from them. They aren't entirely happy with the arrangement, nor is anyone else in the bureaucracy. The Bureau wants their own agents, naturally, and the military is already grousing, because right now, official policy is that ALL cooperative metahumans come to *us*, and the military, as you can well imagine, is eager to have a few super-soldiers of their own, if possible. Eventually it will all be settled by a bunch of bean-counters" (Mr. Langstrom turns a little red at that epithet for his own profession) "but until then, we've got about as much freedom of action as is possible in this red-tape logjammed government." Harvey's endorsement of Mitchell seems to touch his parents somewhat. And Mystery's efforts at persuasion seem to be having an effect. They soften considerably, even his rather gruff father. "Mitchell," his mother says, "I can understand your concerns, but....well, are you going to avoid ever having regular friends and family, and staying with them, because you *might* be in danger? I mean, what a horrible life, like you're in the witness protection program or something!" "Maybe it is...*somewhat*....sensible," his father adds. "But what about school, college? And just what ARE the legal aspects to this?" he demands of Agent Donnay. But Mitchell senses that he's already won, it's just a matter of smoothing over his mother's concerns and his father's ego. <><><><><> Mystery: "No, Mom. I'm not going to be a total recluse. I realize I can only go so far in protecting friends, and you. I'll visit, and we can arrange plenty of time together away from the house, too. I will have friends -- true, many may be other metas, but that's good in a way, while I'm learning more about myself, and my abilities." Mystery smiles slightly, radiating as much calm, reasonable assurance as possible. "I won't let this totally isolate me but I do have to take the safety of others into account. I'll work on taking reasonable precautions, so that friends, and you, aren't hurt. I'm not going to lock myself away." Turning to Dad, Mystery assures, "I can arrange for a private tutor, to let me keep ahead in studies, a few hours a week. We've discussed that before; it's nothing new, and it works well. The individual attention gives more advanced learning in a much shorter time. I'll still go to college. By the time I'm ready for it, more good metas should be out of hiding, and security measures can be taken to keep other students from getting hurt." "This will help me have, if not an average life, a secure, and rewarding one." <><><><><> Walt: "Folks," Walt says quietly, "I know that you don't know the lot of us from a hole in the ground; the fact that you all are listening to us at all means a lot to me, I can tell you. You all love your kid, and I can appreciate that; even though I got none of my own, I'd rather get whupped myself than see any youngster get hurt..." Walt pauses for a moment, as if trying to piece together what it is that he wants to say. "Sometimes regardless of how much you hate the idea of something, though, you just have to make it a consideration in your view of the world. My guess is that us 'metas' are here to stay, and that no amount of wishing is going to make the changes go away. Like my mama says, once the guests are in the house, it's too late to make like your not at home. Your sone got caught up in this huge change, and that's scary...but now what you all have got to do is help him to deal with it in the way that is best for everybody. I don't claim to know what that is; heck, I don't rightly know if I'm doing the 'right' thing. All I do know is that I took what I knew and made the best decision that I could with what I knew." "Now, I'm sure that if you really look at this, and still feel that Mitch here should be home and pretending to be just like everyone else, then agent Donnay here *will* respect that, and you all will be left alone...for now. But what he said about other metas is true; some of them are *HUNTING* us, trying to enslave or kill us. All you gotta do is look at the news to see that. What are you all gonna do if Legion shows up looking for ol' Mitch here?" "Sorry to put my nose in sir, ma'am, but I just figured that if someone who has been in a position like Mitch's is spoke up, it might make things a little more understandable." <><><><><> [GM] Mr. Langstrom looks thoughtful, though still not entirely happy, while his wife nods to Walt. "I see what you're saying, Mr. Shindell," she replies. "I guess....I guess we can't just pretend Mitchell can go on living like everybody else as if nothing had happened." She puts her arms around her son-turned-daughter and says "But he's so impulsive and full of bright ideas he gets from his comic books and roleplaying games....I *don't* want him trying to be heroic. This research is all well and good, as long as it stays just research, no fighting people like....Legion, whatever you called him." Mr. Langstrom says "I want phone numbers, an address, people in charge, all of that. So we know what's going on at all times, and can find out if we don't." Agent Donnay starts talking to Mystery's father, writing some information down for him, while Mrs. Langstrom helps him/her pack a couple of suitcases. <><><><><> Walt: Walt smiles slightly at Mitch's mom's blurted remark. "Ma'am, no offense, but that sounds to me like most young people that I know. Heck, it reminds me of *me* at that age, though a trifle less sharp, I'm sure." <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery returns Mom's hug. "I'm impulsive, but no fool. It wasn't fun fighting for my life and freedom. I'm not going to be seeking out that kind of trouble anytime I can help it. Right now, I'm just glad to be going somewhere I can learn more about what I am now." Mystery proceeds with the packing, then, once ready, hugs parents again, and smiles. "I'll keep in touch, I promise. We'll arrange some safer way of talking, keeping you informed, and times together as soon as the testing is through. Meanwhile, you have to stay absolutely quiet about me, except to say I went off to boarding school or something. Make something easily believed up. No one can know where I am, or that I ever showed any sign of being a meta; for your safety, and mine." >> Once the parting is over, Mystery heads out, to head back with the agents. "I'll need to pick up the things from my car, and someone should arrange either for new license plates to my car, or a safe place to store it." <><><><><> Harvey: As they are leaving Harvey takes a minute to try to reassure Mystery's parents "I'm something of an optimist and maybe a little over confident, but I really do believe every thing will work out well in the end. Of course being an optimist I can never be pleasantly surprised but I'm usually reasonably satisfied by the outcome. And don't worry too much, I think Mitchell is a little paranoid, which I also think is good, as long as it isn't carried too far" saying this Harvey looks around to see if Mystery heard the last comment, and gives a grin. "Paranoia is a survival instinct, and the agency issues Licenses to be Paranoid. Just becuase we're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get us, just that we're very hard to surprise." <><><><><> [GM] The Langstroms don't look very reassured, despite the best efforts of Mystery, Harvey, Walt and Agent Donnay. Mitchell's mother makes him promise to call her every night. Back in the car, Donnay says "We can get your car, no problem." "After that, time to check in with home base, and if there are no more emergencies here in New York," he sighs, "We'll head back to Virginia." * * * * * Mitchell's car is recovered, and Donnay arranges for it to be taken to a government storage area. You're then told that you're going to return to Kennedy Airport....presumably there's a new plane ready. Which there is, though the damage to the airport is far from repaired, it's back in business, after rush efforts by a small army of emergency workers. Harvey and Walt can't help feeling an unpleasant sense of deja vu as they climb into the plane once again. But nobody attacks, and you're soon in the air. Donnay briefs you all as you climb away from the Big Apple. "Right now we've got these werewolf killings in the southwest, and if Donovan hadn't been taken out, we'd probably be putting her on that one...she might be able to work with the FBI to track this psycho, since they're trying to get a profile. Not much point in sending any of you there, though....if we can't even find him, it doesn't matter whether or not you could capture it. This particular metahuman- we assume it's a metahuman, since I'm not quite ready to believe in real werewolves yet- is a mission for a large, well-coordinated search effort, not a small group of meta-agents." "There was also a breakout at a mental hospital in Baton Rouge. Ironically, we had already heard some reports about a guy recently confined there, which led us to suspect that we had another metahuman on our hands. We had agents on the way to investigate, and the alleged meta escaped from the hospital about three hours before our people arrived. We think he was broken out by other metahumans. We're not sure what kind of powers he has, but he's believed to have made several people disappear, and he's possibly a pyrokinetic as well. Not to mention, a more mundane killer was released during the commotion. A serial killer. The Louisiana State Police are all over, looking for both of them, but we suspect if there are metas involved, they could be anywhere by now. Nonetheless, our other "team" of metahuman agents is on their trail with our investigators right now." "There have been several incidents in Florida that trouble us, and in Los Angeles as well, but so far they're still in the investigative stages." "Where you two are most likely going to be asked to go next," he says, indicating Harvey and Walt, and conspicuously NOT indicating Mystery, "is Chicago. There was just a major battle in Chicago, involving several metahumans. Right now, we still have no idea what brought it about...although we have made contact with at least one of the participants, who seems to be somewhat cooperative. But a couple of the bad guys were caught. One can generate force fields, the other one we haven't determined yet what his powers are. They're both being kept drugged while they're brought to Virginia. In fact, they'll probably be there before we are. We're hoping that you all may be helpful in, um, questioning them." "At any rate, it gets more interesting. That same day, two women were admitted at a nearby hospital, claiming to have been abducted and tortured by a telepath. And now we have some indications that that may be connected with the earlier battle. We're getting new info on a regular basis...I'll probably get another update from the agent in charge in Chicago within an hour. But there's definitely something going on there, and we may well want some metahuman agents of our own out there pretty soon." <><><><><> Mystery: *Wonderful,* Mystery thinks, listening to the briefing politely. *Left out of the real action and travel because of two years age. Not likely. Might as well let it pass now, though. The testing will take a while anyway. Besides, I might find some way out of being hampered by age, if I delve into the science of it deeply enough.* *I need to work on a style, anyway. Meanwhile, contribute what you can; life's just turned into one big scifi flick, and you're the king of comics.* "I think you should consider that the werewolf might have the ability to infect others. I'd watch returning agents carefully, if I were you. Just because the werewolf is probably just someone who watched too many horror films and manifested a talent for wolfing out, doesn't mean that the wolfen form can't be fully equipped in that way, emulating the supernatural. Our legends of the supernatural may _come_ from metahumans. Any sufficiently advanced state of chaos is indistinguishable from Fright Night." <><><><><> [GM] Donnay listens to Mystery, with a slightly bemused look on his face. "Believe it or not, some of the government's 'Top Men' really are pretty smart," he says. "Everything you just mentioned, we thought of. So far, though, there's been no sign of this 'werewolf' being contagious. All the people it's killed...several dozen, so far, have stayed dead. And we're pretty sure there's only one out there, or at least, only one who's doing the killing." <><><><><> Harvey: When they get to the airport and Harvey sees the remaining damage he visibly swallows and turns pale, remaining quiet and troubled until they're airborne. After listening to Donnay's rapid-fire status report Harvey mutters something to himself, but the only word that can be made out sounds like 'over-time'. Since there's nothing to due until they arrive or new reports come in, Harvey leans back in his seat and tries to get some rest, while he can. <><><><><> Mystery: Mystery leans back in her seat, and rests, awaiting arrival in Virginia.