Flash: Two jiggers of vodka and one of Absynthe, mixed with orange juice. Tall glass, slid down the bar.
Shadowcat: half a glass of milk mixed with Kahlua and a dash of Morgans Rum.
DocDoom: crystal glass half full of Jaegermeister, dash of hot sauce and brandy, on fire.
Gal felt pretty good about the try out. She had only missed two drinks, and shes never heard of a Tom Collins or Harvey Wallbanger before. She had assured Jackie she could learn, and made them both correctly on the second try, after a little lesson from the harried woman.
Jackie had been rather surprised at the change in clothing, at least from what she remembered of the womans attire the day before. Now, Gal stood at the bar wearing a longer skirt, still rather short but with legs that could pull it off, a leather jerkin affair with a few buckles under the arms and a soft collar. She obviously favored dark colors, but the forest green jerkin and burgundy skirt went well with her dark complexion. The most surprising thing was the blinding smile the tall woman could flash, and her wicked sense of humor.
Being able to open bottles with her thumb was only an added bonus. She was amazing with her skills behind the bar, entertaining while also doing the job. It wasnt often someone would see a woman, almost eight feet tall, that could juggle beer bottles with one hand and pour a decent shot of whiskey with the other. How she could be so precise, and so strong, Jackie didnt know.
Jackie, Tonys voice drew his wifes attention from Gal and her curious ability to flip the tiny sword shaped toothpicks into olives from several feet away.
Yes, Love? Back here, in the store-room with the applicant for the bartenders job. Jackie poked her head out of the room and caught sight of her husband.
Applicant? She still here? Tony steered over to the side, peeking into the back room where they had set up a mock bar (made of boxes and crates) for the applications. Got a perfect test, he could see a way of getting a little free labor, getting a moment to hit the toilet and maybe finding their new employee.
Yes, Jackie waved to Gal, motioning her to the door and moving aside for the much larger lady.
By Amethyst! Tony exclaimed as he caught sight of Gal coming out of the room. Youre a big one!
Tony! Is that any way to talk? Jackie squeezed by Gal, hands on hips and glaring at her husband. Shes the new bartender, and she can throw you out if you get too cheeky! The decision was made, right there, woman sticking up for woman, and Tony knew better than to cross his wife. The couch was not that comfortable, especially not for a man of his size.
Yes, dear, Tony ducked his head and held out a hand for Gal. Welcome to Tonys. Dont know if Jackie has told you about the benefits and pay, but if you want to start right away, get out there. Got orders already waiting.
Not being one to stand, or sit, by, Gal grabbed a bar towel from the fresh laundry box near the door and pulled her sleeves up over substantial forearms, rolling them to keep them in place. She shook Tonys hand vigorously, but carefully enough not to dislocate his shoulder, she was used to dealing with more fragile people.
Heres my Register Card, use it to access the bar machine. Tony was already turning to lead Gal to the main Bar. Well get you one as soon as we can, and get all your paperwork later. Lady in Gold with purple hair, there, He pointed out the red skinned woman that had just started on her tumbler of scotch, wants a bottle of Scotch. The lady down there, he pointed to a woman that was looking very impatient, glancing side to side, wants a beer. Were working on her food order.
Tony stopped, making a little noise in his throat as Gal passed him, heading to the bar. I suppose you can handle drunks and belligerent customers? And, sorry to ask, but did my wife see your ID?
Gal pulled out her Security Card, and handed it to Tony. It was also attached to her keyring, which sported several small, intricate keys, a magnetic pass card and a piece of horn. Tony eyed the photo, which obviously was this woman, and looked up into her eyes, a silent question.
Hellions arrest, she said as quietly as her voice would allow, broke off during the struggle, figured it was a gift. That flash of ivory in the ebony face and a sparkle in her dark eyes. Tony nodded and handed the card back, she had answered all his questions at once.
Sorry about the wait, maam. Had to put in a delivery, a little stretch of the truth that would cover the long wait. What sort of drink can I get ya? We have the finest tap beer in the city, least this side of Talos Brewerys Taproom. Gal gently laid a coaster on the polished wood bar and pulled a menu from under it. Etiquette was that a good bartender never gets too close to the patron and never tries to guess the drink.
Youve been here an awful long time, Gal had bussed before, and took a chance, hoping to make the customer happy after the delay. Would ya accept an Atlas IPA on the house?
While she was drawing the beer into one of Tonys tall glasses, Gal addressed the red-skinned woman further along the bar. An you Miss? Did you want a bottle of Scotch? We have a couple good ones from across the water, she glanced up the rather impressive shelves of hard liquors behind the bar, tipping the glass so the head of beer just crested the glass. I prefer the Green 18 year-old Glenfiddich Cask Single Malt myself.
Gal carried the tall glass of beer, a small head just peeking over the rim, back to the woman and placed it lightly on the coaster. Sloshing beer over a glass or on the counter was a pet peeve, and she never did it. Touching her forehead in a gesture of service, she turned and headed back to the horned woman.
What can I get ya? It would be a good first night.
Kyriea gave the new bartender - 'Gal' she'd heard, the ears not being only for show - a once over, and grinned. Maybe this place -did- have what it took to be a Hero bar, after all.
"The worst bottle of scotch you have on hand. There's no use in wasteing good booze on someone who is drinking because it tastes bad."
She received an amazed look ('It's your nickel') and a bottle of cheap scotch in reply, and smiled, bowing her head in thanks anyway. Kyriea might look like a demoness - somewhat - but she had manners more befitting a queen.
Which is what she had been before comeing to Paragon City, actually.
Said thought was more than enough to remind the horned lady remember her scotch, which she drank - litterally in one gulp, upending the bottle and inhaleing it as if it were gatorade, and not hard liquor.
When the bottle was empty, she placed it carefully on the bar and said, "That tastes just about as horrible as I thought it would. Thanks."
Then she wet her lips with the tip of a not-at-all forked tongue and added, "Just what you need to wash the taste of Rikti out of your mouth. I'm going to remember this place, you can bet. Good service. "
As the bartender was called away to deal with another order, Kyriea turned to the bar at Large and asked, "Okay, Paragon City, what's new in our world? As long," She added sideways, "As the story doesn't involve bad tasteing aliens."
------
Kyriea
BS/Regen/Superspeed scrapper 33, Justice server.
Last Best Hope SG
'I used to be a archvillian, but then I got bored and decided to become a superhero.'
Glancing up at the new bartender... an impressive figure, it seemed, who could also help curb the violence which had presumably caused the furniture damage prior to her arrival... Dancing Edge smiled. "That sounds very nice, thank you." She wasn't terribly picky when it came to beer, but she wouldn't turn down a good one if it was offered. Really, she wondered why she drank beer at all... it wasn't as though her mutant power would even let her get drunk. It was, she supposed, just an artifact of the military men she'd hung out with during her training; they all drank beer, and she'd not wanted to be the odd one out.
Then again, she was always the odd one out back then. She was the mutant among humans, the soon-to-be-secret-agent among soldiers, the sword-wielder among gunmen. And it wasn't really all that different now, among heroes. She could feel the differences, anytime she was among them. The biggest difference between then and now... now it didn't really bother her anymore. *All* heroes were different. It wasn't just her anymore.
Taking the glass in her hand, she was about to drink from it when the question from the exotic-looking woman down the bar fell on her ears. She'd seen that one before, she thought. Twice, actually... they had some of the same contacts, it seemed, which said something for the other's security clearance. "Aliens, huh? I've seen more than enough aliens for a career, but I guess you never get away from them, do you? For now, though, I've been busy dealing with Nazis and over-cybered punks. At least they don't try to mess with my mind, though."
Usually, she thought. The damn vampyri were always annoying that way.
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showf...part=1#1662468
This is a link to the other posting I have done it is a What of Doomsday had come to Paragon City. You can follow the link to the Thread or ignor it. The bar is hopping when a Special news report comes in over the TV in the bar. Most of the currect customers are ignoring it, but a few are watching it. "This Is Jack Perlman of Live action news 5. A problem has developed here in Perez Park a Unknown creature of size and power has broken though Defensive gates leading to the Atlas Park. We have a watch commader here. What is happening there on the other side of The Gate Captian.
"This Creature of unknow origin came out of Perez park and started trashing heroes. There must be well over a dozen dead with more that 3 or 4 dozen wounded. The Creaure has already destoryed 2 poilce drones and is about to break though the Perez park Gate Enterence here to Atlas Park. " The officer moves the rest of the police getting ready to do battle with this creaure if it comes though.
"We will keep you informed of this developing story as it folds"
the TV goes back to its normal programing.
(Well, I'm not particularly interested in participating in the other thread, but it would be out of character for Edge to sit in a bar and ignore something like that, so I guess I'm out.)
Gal caught sight of the "Special report" banner scrolling along the bottom of the TV screen. She couldn't make out what the reporter was saying, too much noise between her and the set, but the pictures were of Perez Park, and it didn't look like the opening of a new playground.
There were other customers, and with her first night on the job, she couldn't afford to be distracted. Before the story had even closed, several heroes were calling for their tabs, getting up quickly. Some just threw a few of the Pre-paid Influence cards down and rushed out the door. Something was up.
Tony was running by the door to the kitchen, several plates and glasses balancing precariously on his arm. He didn't seem too worried, but she saw through the doorway that there was an exodus of patrons from the Diner as well. Not everyone, but many of the caped, eye-glowing types.
Gal had a glass of rum and a beer going for one of the heroes when she felt a prickling on her scalp. The tiara she wore, covered under her afro, was pulsing and becoming warm. The tall woman had to grab at the bar for support, barely managing to set the tumbler down before dropping it. Her head swam for a moment, and the air went cold.
"Daughter," a soft voice came from her right. The entire bar seemed to have stopped, no other sounds, no movement, time was frozen. Gal turned to look in the direction of the very familiar voice.
"Lady," she bowed and touched her forehead, a show of the deep respect she had for the much smaller woman. The figure was the same as when Tony had seen her outside the Diner: flowing cloak and cowl, face in shadow, some breeze unfelt rippling the sparkling material. "How may I serve?"
Gal did not raise her eyes or come up from the bow until the woman had laid a gentle hand on her head. Cupping Gal's ear and cheek, she bade the black woman straighten up. A hand wrinkled, with skin like parchment paper, brushed Gal's face, much the same as a loving mother or aunt would to a child.
"You must stay here, and not leave this place." The lady's voice was not heard. Like when Sibling would talk to her privately, Gal heard the voice in her head. It would soothe even the worst hurts, calm the strongest fear.
"There is trouble in the City, but it is one you shall not face. Not yet." Gal looked into the woman's hooded face. "Already several have fallen, and more shall come. Sibling comes to this place by the back ways, gathering those that she can."
The hooded woman, Almira she had told Tony, reached out to touch a tiny droplet of beer that hung in space below the tap. She pressed against the drop and it fell, at normal speed, into the still tipped glass, also frozen in space. Time was not still, but much slowed, such that this presence would not even be noticed but by a few heroes.
"I must go, there is evil to prevent." Gal still stood transfixed, waiting for the Lady to give her leave. "Gather those that are young, those that are new to being Heroes, here. Should things go badly, they will be needed. Even the ant can topple the mighty tower, working with it's friends."
The din of the bar was returned, the TV back on about some reality show. The beer glass stood on the counter, full. Tony was on his way back the way he had come, obviously none the wiser. The only evidence that anything had happened was a scent of fresh baked bread and licorice, which one of the patrons obviously thought was Gal's perfume.
"Yes, Lady," Gal said to the air, touching her forehead again, and looking at a clock. She hoped Sibling wouldn't take long.
Sibling led the few heroes she had found that could not teleport to the alley behind the Bar. The group had grown since she had begun, arresting scores of villains and allowing heroes to complete missions or return to their contacts. The agreement for the aid had been simply coming to this gathering and listening to the information. Many would not understand how the message had been passed to Sibling, so she made no mention of it.
The phone she carried was web enabled, so the twins could follow the constant news update from Channel 5. From the sounds and images, things were not going well in Perez Park. The massive blast doors had been closed some time ago, and reports indicated all the safety shields to all other parts of the city were likewise in place. What was in could not leave, what was out could not enter. At least as long as the doors held, and Sibling knew of only one other time the seals had failed...Rikti.
The small woman looked around her, most of these heroes were young, several below Clearance 30. That was fine she reasoned, even Atlas and Titan had started somewhere. It was rare that the Mistress would call upon her, or even become involved in the affairs of the city, unless there was grave trouble. She saw the Lady Almira often, as was the custom, but tasks that would bring her into the city meant elemental evil.
"Wait here, please," Angela spoke to the group. She knew some were already inside, but this number would strain the bar and just bundling in would be rude. "I will be back in a moment." She pressed an emblem on her chest, which could have been a request to the heroes, and dipped her head.
********
Gal felt the tattoo on her shoulder, just below her collarbone, tingle. Instinct and heavy training caused her to call the teleport into a space behind her, as she would do in a fight, where Sibling would be safe. A flash and the small woman was there, Gal turning in concern to see what was happening.
"No fear," Sibling held up her hand, "It would be good if we spoke to the owners. There are 37 heroes in the alley behind the bar. They came for the briefing." Sibling looked around to see most of the place deserted, others obviously forming up at the battered security doors in the distance.
She nodded in the direction of the heroes she had called on her way here, seated around a few tables toward the back. Gal disappeared into the kitchen, and brought Tony back with a spatula still in his hand.
"Sir," Cliff addressed the man, unsettling him. "You are aware of the events at the gate?" The large man nodded. "Do you know the cause, or what happens now?"
"See what's on the Tellie, that's it." Tony's eyes narrowed, "You were in here with Gal, that right?" He looked between the two unlikely team mates, one slight and barely to his chest, the other towering over him.
"Tony," Gal broke in, "This is my partner. Sibling. They've brought some heroes in case things go bad." She saw the puzzled look on the owner's face. "They, Sibling is twins. Not time to explain, it's Cliff and Angela." She swept an arm around the smaller figure of her friend.
"Yeah," Tony was sure this was a story that would take several beers to finish. "uh-huh."
"Sir," Sibling addressed him again, in a female voice, adding to his confusion. "May we bring the rest in? A meeting is needed."
"If Gal says it's OK, I suppose it is." Jackie was rounding the corner, again looking for her disappeared husband. "Jackie, Love," he motioned for his wife to come behind the bar, "This is Gal's friend, Sibling?"
"Yes, we have met," Jackie took the offered hand. Sibling bowed slightly, touching her forehead the way Gal did.
Heroes began to file into the bar from the front doors and back. Some curious, some confused. The news that awaited them would bring some measure of note to the Bar in the future, and assure it's financial success. This would a meeting of future Super-Heroes, names that would be placed on monuments and buildings, some in success, some in memoriam.
The young heroes milled about, there werent enough chairs or booth space for the entire mob that Sibling had brought with her. The young female body was slight, but the twins could command attention when necessary. Gal was always proud to see that her partner could take control of a situation, and it amazed her that Sibling needed no strength or size to gather that control.
Sibling had explained what was told to her by Almira earlier. There was a battle in Perez Park, some humanoid monster that was out of control. Very powerful heroes were being beaten into the pavement, and Gal could see the doubts in many faces that this group of low Security Level heroes could be of any help. Sibling summed it up:
You are young, but you have taken an oath. The same oath that Statesman and Ms. Liberty swore, the same that Atlas, Titan and all heroes have ascribed to, to defend those who cannot defend themselves. The slight woman spun a story, wrapped the audience in her passion. The most powerful of us can be defeated alone, but together, even the slightest of us can withstand great dangers. We may be needed now.
Sibling stopped, turning to a quiet doorway at the end of the Diner where nothing seemed to be. Gal turned as well, she could feel the approach of the Mistress, years of being trained by the Ladies tuned one to the aura that surrounded them. The assembled heroes and heroines looked around, some shifting in place. One or two drank or finished the food they had ordered during the wait since arriving an hour or more ago.
Finally, a stiff wind blew the glass and wood door open, but not against its hinges. The door opened like someone was holding it, then closed again, but the cool air did not cease. Slowly, the figure of a small and cloaked figure formed in the center of the floor, and Almira became solid.
Gal and Sibling quickly bowed their heads, placing their right hands upon their brows.
Lady, they said almost as one. The figure in the cloak walked first to Sibling, cupping her chin and raising her head, then walked to Gal and did the same, having to reach up to touch the dark-skinned womans chin, even with head bowed.
Whos this? One of the heavily armored heroes that had several bottles before him on the table asked, pointing and letting out a snort. Dont look like Liberty to me.
Gal could move very fast when she needed to, she actually beat Sibling to the speakers table even with twenty feet further to go. Her skin was covered in stone, one massive rock hand snatching the good-sized man in armor from his seat, her other arm pulled back for a powerful punch.
How DARE you! Her voice could be heard down the block, and the bar went very quiet. Tony and Jackie both came running from the Grill, sliding to a stop as other heroes came to their feet. Swords were drawn, large firearms unslung, general confusion and chaos looked imminent.
Daughter, Sister, Sibling was at Gals side, moving into the rocky tankers vision, holding up one hand. No offense is taken. This is not the Island, he did not intend insult. Release him and be calm. It was the young womans voice, but not her manner, and not her words. Regardless, Gal released the hero, whos pants would need to be changed from the look. He landed with a somewhat graceless thump, Gal returned to her normal chocolate-brown color and skin, taking a step away from her young partner.
You heroes, I am Almira, Siblings voice was steady, but the rest of her body stood unmoving, almost vacant looking. The cloaked woman moved to the center of the group, her face completely hidden, motioning with her hands. I speak through my children, Sibling. This body, the cloaked figure motioning to itself, cannot speak, but I carry news from the fight that you must hear.
Some heroes had seen stranger things, some were very disturbed by the sight. Weapons were sheathed and hidden, regardless of the sight, the feeling was that power was among them. The light green cloak floated on a breeze they could not feel, the smell of licorice and fresh bread spread around the room. This was a quiet power, one of the most powerful types.
A creature, full of rage and destruction, has been loosed in Perez Park, and now moves into Atlas City. Heroes muttered and looked quickly among themselves. This is not your fight, the heroes and creature are being used as pawns of greater powers. This battle will end badly, no matter the forces involved. Heroes will die, and be brought to life, as long as their gods need to have their sport.
The muttering gathered, a general question of What gods? What heroes?
The cloaked figure held up a hand, asking for attention. Petty gods, heroes that will not be affected in the end, other than having to experience control by an angry outside force. Should you go to fight, the same will happen to you. This too shall pass, and leave all that happens nothing but fading memories. Almira stepped to Sibling, placing a hand upon the young womans shoulder. Sibling straightened to her full height.
Do not fight this war. I ask that you not indulge these petty creatures, but the choice, as always, is yours. Almira turned to face Tony and his wife, Sibling did not. I apologize for once again bringing trouble to your place. It seems that The Goddess wills that this place will be a gathering point for such events. You have my thanks.
Sibling shuddered as the Lady removed her hand, Gal supported her partner, instinctively. They knew that when one of the Mistresses wished to speak, some were used and others were not. It had been this way since the pair had started training. Sibling, actually two minds in the one body, was an excellent Focus for the Mistress.
You have heard the Mistress, Cliff spoke, deep and resonant, as Angela still reeled from the contact. It always shook a Focus when the powerful mind withdrew, but was not painful and considered an honor. The danger is passed, the meeting does not need to be. Groups of heroes of all levels are always needed.
Almira moved to the owners, placing her hands inside her cloaks sleeves. Touching was a very personal thing for mentalists, placing hands away from sight avoided the issue of shaking hands or other contact. She stopped a few feet from the woman, and an unseen smile crossed her lips. A gesture and Tonys indigestion disappeared, the pain in his left knee with it. Jackie felt the stress of the day lift, her headache passed. Then the cloaked woman was gone, leaving them both wondering at what happened.
A week with no major destruction, no destroyed walls or blast broken windows. The antique wooden bar was still in fine shape, Gal just finishing the polish on the waitress station guards. As she could see herself in the heavy brass rails, she screwed the bottle-top back on and threw the rag into a hamper behind the bar.
The bar closed at 2AM, but clean up and shutting down was usually until about 4. Jackie and Tony were taking shifts, and only saw each other for a few hours a day form what Gal could tell. It worked out well for her and Sibling, they both had night shifts that had similar hours. Sibling had a 6 hour shift, not far from their loft in King's Row, and Gal was working nine hours. The money was very welcome, and Gal felt like she was finally doing her part in the relationship.
The swinging door to the hitchens opened and Jackie's head came out. She saw Gal placing some of the near empty bottles of liquor in a return's case, where the distributor could credit them, and replacing the shelf stock with full bottles.
*Another advantage of having the girl*, she thought, *we don't need steps or ladders for the top shelves!*
"Gal," the tall woman turned, "can you come into the office for a minute?"
Gal followed Jackie into the office in the rear of the kitchens. It was small, and packed with paperwork, a small wooden desk and various office equipment. The largest object in the room was a Crey 2100 Max security safe, and Gal knew it was a good one, she had helped Sweet Thang move it in earlier this week and her back was still sore. Jackie grabbed a stack of computer print outs and looked through them.
"Gal, it looks like there is something wrong with the bar receipts." A stern look crossed the older woman's face. Gal's face went very pale and a cold feeling moved up from her stomach.
"Ma'am?" She was completely confused. Jackie always counted the days receipts, but had never said anything like this until now. The only three who could access the register were the two owners and Gal. Was she being accused of stealing?
"Yes, Gal," Jackie turned her back to the tall woman and walked to the safe in the corner. "The receipts don't add up." She placed one palm on the safe door, which was quickly scanned for print and DNA. The door made a soft click sound and silently swung open.
"It seems that we have more money in the till than we should." She reached into the open safe, taking out an envelope and a piece of heavy paper.
"Ma'am, I wouldn't steal. Not from anyone." Gal's mind was racing, could she have made a mistake with the pricing, or an order?
Jackie turned back, a smile on her slightly wrinkled face. She showed her years, but not in her smile. Her hand held out the envelope and the check.
"It's payday, lass. There's your first check, and a bonus from Tony and me." It was another minute until Gal's face went from worried to understanding. Then her frown swept up into a grin, and she held out her hand for the check but not the envelope.
"I don' take charity, ma'am, you know that." It was true, and it had bothered Jackie for the first couple days. Gal would pay the discounted food price on her shift, but when she came for breakfast or brought Sibling in, she would not allow the discount, and would simply leave the right amount if the bill was low.
"Nonsense, dear," Jackie pressed the thick envelope into her jacket pocket. "Tony and I figure you've saved us more in broken furniture and stopping fights than this. And the bar till is always a few over, still don't know how that happens, but Tony knows it's on your shift."
"Take it, Gal." She held the money in the much larger woman's pocket, as Gal tried to take it back out, protesting. "You are better than we had hoped. If you don't take it, it will insult us."
That was the key, telling Gal she would insult someone would get her to stop, unless they deserved it. She quit trying to remove the money.
"Thank you, ma'am." She truly meant it.
A petite girl with pink pig-tails bounces through the doorway of Tony's Bar and Grill. Peeking around the
place trying to see a familiar face. Her glowing blue eyes take a little while to adjust to the lighting.
She takes a seat at the bar. Waiting excitedly for the bartender to turn and notice her. Gal is talking to
another patron. The pink haired girl, leans over the counter and asks "Excuse me...bartender. Do you
happen to know how to make a *Bubble-Gum Shocker??" Gal turns, immediately recognizing the voice.
"Bubbles!!!! I thought you'd never show up girl!!!" Gal shouted as she hugged Shock Bubble.
So this is where you are when I can't find you. Bubbles was happy to see her friend in such a good
mood. I think I'll be coming here more often...as long as your boss doesn't mind.
*BubbleGum Shocker
1 shot of Bubble Gum Schnapps
1 shot Pink Lemonade
Yum!
Trouble? Girlfriend, I get into trouble crossing the street on the way home. The tall womans smile positively glowed, stretching from ear to ear. Her hug was gentle, for all her size and strength, being careful with the brightly dressed woman. As rough as her demeanor was on the streets or in fights, she was careful and dainty when with friends, a comical juxtaposition.
These two ran the streets regularly, starting together almost from their first security clearance. The defender, slightly shorter than Sibling and a few skin tones lighter, had an apt name: Shock Bubble. It described not only her powers, Force Field Bubbles and protecting others, but also her personality. Being near her was almost like drinking champagne, celebratory with that tickle afterwards.
I just dont want you to get into trouble on my account, the pony-tailed girl looked up and down the bar conspiratorily. Time is money and all. She spun the barstool around, spiraling like a little girl on a playground, fast enough that her hair flew out like bright pink helicopter blades.
Gal looked out over the bar, it was a fair night, not too crowded but enough customers to keep the table staff and her plenty busy. All the drinks came through her on her shift, Tony had actually asked her if she wanted to get certified with the city as a liquor officer, taking notice of her no-nonsense, by the book handling of the bar. It would be good for business, he said, and offered to pay for the classes, if Gal would promise to stay for a year. The Bar and Grill was doing well, and he seemed to think she had something to do with it.
I don think you need to worry about that, girl. In fact, you might be good for business, Gal was looking over Bubbles shoulder at two heroes coming their way.
Wha? Bubbles started.
Excuse us, but will you settle a bet? The shorter, battle-suited hero said to Bubbles, coming up on her left. My partner here, he motioned to the horned, scaly skinned hero coming on her right, seems to think hes seen you before.
Bubbles turned her stool around to face the two, crossing her legs and batting her long lashes, bright blue lashes. Gal had never asked, but assumed the colors of her hair were natural. Gal did know that her friend was something of a walking, or flying, fashion statement and knew the Icon reps on a first name basis.
Sure Tin-man, whats the question? Gal could almost see the fully armored hero blush through the steel faceplate, she knew Bubbles was also an untamable flirt.
Gal walked back to serve a couple that were seated further down the bar, Bubbles was her friend and sometimes battle partner, but personal issues stayed private between them. Unless, of course, they were bantering during a fight. Few heroes or heroines could keep up with their tongues when they were in high form, and nothing was better than getting tangled up with villains. Only the Hollows seemed to cloud Bubbles sense of humor, so they avoided it when possible.
Two minutes later, Gal was grabbing a large platter of bar snacks from the kitchen, when she heard her friends voice rise.
Bubble Up, rude guy! It wasnt worry in her voice, but the humor that kept Gal from breaking through the wall to come to the defenders side. There was giggling laughter.
Gal pushed open the swinging doors separating the kitchen from the Bar, and watched as the pink-clad heroine lightly kicked a force bubble, armored hero inside, toward the front door. Her aim was good, and another female hero near the door opened it in time so that the bubble rolled into the street and out of sight towards the City Hall stairs. Bubbles had turned to the other hero,
Would you like to follow your friend by foot, or by Bubble? That wicked pink lipstick curled up on her wicked smirk. A sparkling pink hand floated in threat barely an inch from the horned heros nose. His eyes crossed, Gal could see him thinking is he was fast enough.
You aint, but Id be glad to add another horn to mah keyring. Gal stood at the end of the bar, not moving into Bubbles control of the situation, just providing back-up.
I
I
I think Ill go catch him. The hulking figure walked, faster than was comfortable, out the door and sprinted after his still rolling partner.
That was fun! Is it always like that around here? Bubbles was playing with one ponytail, reaching for her stylishly color coordinated pink and blue purse. She held something else in the other hand, Gal couldnt make it out, but moved behind the bar. She walked toward Bubbles, a bowl of pretzels from the tray in her hand.
Only when youre around, Sweetness. What was all that?
Oh, that, Bubbles sniffed at the air, and placed a large generic Influence Card on the bar. The armored one got a little fresh, his friend thought better. She fished in her purse and pulled out a smaller card, her personal one and not the generic card already there.
You gonna make me beg, Girl? Gal put her hands on her hips. You know I will if ya make me, but only for you.
Bubbles giggled again, batting her lashes at the dark woman. That sounds interesting
.but not here. I won a costume contest across town a few days ago, he said he thought he recognized me. She placed one slim, muscled leg full on the bar, OOOh! Thats where I decided to get these! She would occasionally lose track of a conversation, but that was just another reason Gal enjoyed her company, she was spontaneous like few others.
Tall, pink, spiked heels with straps mostly up her calves, her newest purchase. Gal wondered how much those had set the young woman back, probably a weeks pay here, which was not a little. What made her friend happy, couldnt help but make Gal happy, the girl was able to bring light to the caverns under Perez Park.
Very nice, she admired the gorgeous leather shoes, Yknow girl, Id give a months pay for legs like yours, I couldn pull those off. Gal was always conscious of her legs, Sibling argued she had nice legs, she felt her thighs were huge.
So, whas with the Bubbles?
Yeah, so he says he really liked my outfit, voted for it. Then he offered to buy me a drink, one pink-gloved hand motioned to the large Influence Card. Then he said something about checking out my other suit. She winked.
Your birthday suit?! Gal almost fell over laughing. Tony and Jackie were in the office, and where the booming would have brought them running a few weeks ago, the sound meant everything was good outside. A few patrons did look around at the huge woman behind the bar, but the regulars knew the joke would get around.
Babe, you are classic! Gal wiped her eyes with a towel, reaching out to tousle the pink hair, a gesture of affection and friendship.
So, since they wanted to pay, bring me a big glass! Anyone else want one? Her voice carried across the general din of the evening crowd. The consensus was Yes.
The card would easily cover the entire tab, and the pink drink looked to be a favorite among the younger, hipper crowd. Before the evening wound down, Gal had called Sibling at her club, making sure that inviting the defender to breakfast was good for them. Sibling was all laughter at the story, she enjoyed the womans company as well.
Gal grabbed a few dozen eggs and several slabs of bacon, leaving the money for them in the till, as she always did. Luckily, this morning, there wasnt any trouble between the Bar and her home in Kings Row, Bubbles giving everyone along the way Insulating Spheres. Never a dull moment for a hero.
The morning light shone on the tables and reflected wildly off of the ash trays and napkin dispensers as Sgt. Shaw walked in. He looked around, nodded to Tony and walked out.
After the wait staff shared a look and a shrug, the door opened again. This time Captain Fletcher and Sergeant Shaw both walked in. "In fact, it appears we're the first ones here."
They took off their covers and moved to a small table in the corner, out of the way. "The coffee was good. Glad to see they got the place fixed up."
Shaw was wearing dress greens that day, while the Captain never wore anything but his field gear in the city. "I've even heard tell that there's a Meta behind the bar at night now, so they may have taken your advice about a bouncer."
The waitress came over and took their orders almost faster than they could settle in and lean their rifles to the walls. Shaw ordered some tea, and Fletcher ordered a full breakfast with coffee, milk, water and orange juice.
They broached business when their coffee and tea arrived. "How long are you going to tie up General Howard's men looking for Riley's lost hero?" Shaw didn't look up when he asked, and he avoided showing any expression either. He just let the question out as naturally as he could.
"If they don't find him by sundown, I'm pulling the platoon back to the base." Fletcher stared at a spot on the wall.
Shaw nodded and made a note on his laptop. "And if he elects to stay behind?"
"Let him. Do you know what you're going to say today about the Talos Island incident?" Fletcher made no attempt to hide the fact that he was changing the subject.
"The usual. Regretable, unfortunate, catastrophe and a few more buzzwords to let the bloody idiots in the press mock us as feigning remorse over civilian deaths. As if we could possibly feel good about killing those we're sworn to protect, that we're dying to protect." Shaw pulled up some notes, then took notice of the silence. "Well, I'm off then. I hope you enjoy your two day furlough. Whatever will you do with yourself?"
Fletcher leaned back in the chair and watched his breakfast come in. "I thought I'd just... see where the day takes me."
Shaw saluted. After Fletcher saluted back, Shaw left the bar, passing the third customer of the day.
"Jumpie jump jump" said a boy as he hopped through Atlas.
"Hey lookie that theres a coffee shop. I wonder if they allow 13-year-olds"
As he landed, he passed a hero that was enormous compared to him. He was only 4 foot tall.
He opened the door and he took off his sunglasses and hat and sat down in the chair.
"Sorry kid, we cant get you any acohol."
"Huh? I dont like acomalhol. I want some sugar please."
"Okay.......get right on it."
Suddenly, a group of Fifth Column crashed through the window and tried to ambush Pixie.
"QUICK GET MY SUGAR THAT I ASKED!"
'I'LL GET RIGHT ON IT!"
He rushed in the backroom and got a bag of sugar.
"HOW MUCH?"
"ALL OF IT!"
"Okay...."
He tossed the bag of sugar to Pixie.
"THANKS"
He took the bag of sugar and just shoved it down his throat. Than, as if the sugar caused his real super powers to unfold, he FSed them and blew them to smitherines.
"Sorry bout the mess."
"Er....ah...ok?"
A fit young man leaned in the doorway smirking. He slowly glanced around the inside and slowly strided inside. He was a very, very tall person. He kept his hair very neat and straight. The mysterious teen had a very good muscle build. If you didn't notice his height or build, he would be an average teenager. Baggy jeans, tank top. Although the one weird and out of place thing were his sunglasses. They were black with a tint of blue so you could not see his eyes. There also seemed to be some bluish glow from behind them. He looked around and spotted the owner. He walked over to Tony.
(ooc: if you don't like this idea just say so)
Tony: Is there somethin I can help you with?
Mystery Man: Yeah, I notice that even though this is a small bar and grill, you seem to lack the security to keep it under control. Raising your voice won't make people calm down. My name is Ryan. Well, the city knows me as Super Shard, but Shard to other heroes. I am interested in being hired for the uhm...bouncer role around here. I work minimum wages and enjoy the graveyard shifts.
Tony: Well that seems alright but I still need to see your Hero ID card. *Tony glances at the card* Not bad. A security rating of 33 so you can obviously handle yourself. But it says here you are only 18. I don't know if you are old enough for this job.
Super Shard: Hey I'm old enough. Don't need others tellin me I ain't.
Tony: Well I guess we could use the extra help.
Tony extended his hand, as did Super Shard, but Tony lept back when a bionic arm met his own.
Super Shard: Old battle scar. I'm suprised my mutant genes still work.
Captain Fletcher looks up at Shard and grumbles "psh meta human"
Shard wasn't pleased with this remark, but it was his job to end fights, not start them. So he shuffled to a back table and sat down.
Gal was just placing the last of the homing beacons on a small group of Hellions, trouble she had encountered on her way to work at Tonys. It was a crisp afternoon, so she was glad for the heavy jacket thrown over her shoulders. Walking to the nearest Kiosk, she keyed in her Paragon ID code, and placed the Criminals for Pick Up call and coordinates. A chill spread down her arms, more a vague sense of unease than the cold, and that bothered her.
Since she had taken the first steps into the Sisterhood, many years ago, the ability to sense danger or trouble had grown. Her powers, granted by the tiara she wore (although contact with the relic had imbued many powers into her body), were more for absorbing damage and resisting injury, but that also translated into the ability to avoid some damage. She never thought of it, but intuition was one of those powers.
Pulling on her jacket, a gift from Bubbles (You cant have too many outfits!), her right arm pushed through the elbow. She turned her arm, examining the torn cotton, it looked like one of the shotgun blasts had torn away the sleeve.
Damn! She pivoted and headed back towards the pile of Hellions on the sidewalk, intent on getting the cost of the jacket out of someones hide. She paused as her cell phone chimed, then took up the ring she had for friendly calls.
Gal, Whas up? she spoke into the phone, which looked like a toy in her oversized hands. She had voice dialing, her fingers being too large to press the keys, but the phones kept shrinking. She was considering getting one of those communicators sewn into her next costume, but had to wait for payday.
Gal, its Bubbles, the voice was not happy, not like Bubbles at all. I think you need to get here really fast. The younger girls voice was shaking, afraid, We had to bring her to the loft, they wouldnt let D in at Cygnus and she said she wouldnt leave Sibling on the doorstep unless they found a doctor that could see her right away so they called the Police Drones and the Security Chief and he said she would only scare the other patients so she couldnt go in even with her security clearance card then she had to stun a bunch of the police and staff because they were going to take Sibling anyway since she is so sick and D tore one of the doors off the hinges out front getting out
.
Bubbles! Gal shouted into the phone, knowing that once the girl started rolling she could keep it up. Did you say Sib is sick? The black woman was already at a full sprint toward the Kings Row security tunnel.
Yeah, she said she was fighting Vahz. She called me from an office building across town. I got there just as she was leaving, saying something about the sewers and having to stop Dr. Vahzilok, then she collapsed. I cant carry her, so I called D and we TP-ed to the hospital
she was getting started again.
Bubbles, is D still there?
Yah! Gal had to keep her down to a few syllables.
Tell her to TP me there, NOW! The tanker disappeared in mid-stride.
At this point, the twins, Gal and several other characters will be making life changing decisions. Rather than Hijacking someone elses thread, we have made the decision to start a thread on its own. It appears the Bar will have a new Bouncer/Bartender, we do not force other peoples heroes into situations they dont ask for. Thank you, all of you, for allowing us to participate and post here. Keep an eye open for Ladies of the Lake, with Sibling, Gal O War, Almira and cast as they come.
[ QUOTE ]
Captain Fletcher looks up at Shard and grumbles "psh meta human"
Shard wasn't pleased with this remark, but it was his job to end fights, not start them. So he shuffled to a back table and sat down.
[/ QUOTE ]
((OOC: Shard must have mis-interpreted Capt. Fletcher's previous disposition toward metas, as Shaw was even trying to set him up with one earlier and he was allocating troops to aid them in a pointless rescue effort. We PMed, but I think it's too late for him to edit it, thusly I'm going to rewrite the scene and hope that Shard finds it acceptable.))
Super Shard: Old battle scar. I'm suprised my mutant genes still work.
Captain Fletcher looks up at Shard and nodded, wolfing down a bite of sausage.
Shard shuffled to a back table and sat down.
Fletcher leaned over toward him and said in a low voice, "did I hear you say you wanted to take the bouncer job."
Shard nodded to him.
"Well great," Fletcher smiled as he puffed on his cigar. "Things got rough in here day one, and that was just during breakfast. I'll say kid, you sure got big brass ones. I'd rather be fighting monsters and aliens than drunk Metas."
With that, Fletcher put his cigar back in the ash tray and stabbed at some eggs.
(OOC: Yeah my bad on that. So yeah, I can't edit it out cause it won't let me...so anyways)
Super Shard smirks at the captain.
Shard: Trust me, I've fought more heinous things than a few drunk mutants. Like those Pantheon creatures are worse off than some tipsy punk. I don't think I will have a major problem, watch this.
Shard sticks his finger in Fletcher's coffee. His arm starts to glow and a loud crack is heard. When Fletcher looks again, he sees that his drink is completely solid.
Fletcher: Son I've seen some weird things, but that was just weird.
Shard: Psh I personally enjoy it. Like I used my ice abilities all the time when I was in the Freaksh....I mean....uhm never mind.
Fletcher: What were you going to say? Speak up.
Super Shard looks at his feet.
Shard: It was nothing.
((Whatever DID happen to this one?))
Nobody much paid attention to the door of the bar as it opened - untill one of the heros sitting nearer to it choked on his drink, scrambling for a weapon.
The cause of his sudden panic reached over in a blur and plucked his gun from it's holster, placeing it gently in his hand, and pounded on his back with carefully restrained strength in more or less the same instant.
Then she smiled at him, and he toppled over in a dead faint.
"Bah. No spine." She said at the unconcious hero, and then turned around and headed unhesitateingly for the bar, ignoreing the subued hush that had fallen.
She was quite pretty, actually - with the body of a supermodel, tall and slim, and dressed to show it off: bright crimson high heeled boots, hip hugging tight dennim jeans and a gold leather bustier that showed a good deal of well formed and firm cleavage, and a waist-length fall of slightly wavy, dark purple hair.
The absurdly long pointed ears peaking out of the spiral curl of her golden demon's horns, her brick-red complexion and the fact that she stood an easy seven and a half feet tall somewhat disturbed the picture, but Kyriea thought - rightly enough - that she was a very sexy, very civilized archdemoness, thank you very much. She'd even restrained her wings to fit in with local customs - sealing them into the black tatoos of six slim dragon's wings that arced across her shoulderblades.
When she finally reached the bar, she tossed a few influence notes down, along with her ID, and settled casually on one of the barstools, the half dozen or so golden earrings in her pointed ears ringing softly. "If I could get a really good burger and - Some Scotch, please. It's been a long day - which started last week."
The Asura lady frowned to herself. "And I've seen more of the insides of Rikti bases and the insides of Rikti, power-armored and non, than I care to think about, so make it the whole bottle of scotch. The vile taste may wash the images out of my head."
Tony took a deep breath, finally realizeing he was stareing and then checked her ID - and raised an eyebrow. It wasn't the highest security rateing he'd ever seen, but it was up there, nonetheless. "Yes mam." He said and headed back towards the kitchen with her order, pauseing only to bring a drink to the lady a bit up the bar from the 'newcomer'.
Meanwhile, Kyriea turned to those still stareing, and asked politely, "Is there a problem?"
_____
Kyriea
BS/Regen/Superspeed scrapper 33 - Justice.