Coolant System found himself quickly stripping off the ridiculous outfit he had been given. When his audios picked up on the punks confession (spineless, weak-willed cowards), he allowed himself a slight smile and a nearly inaudible chuckle. The strategy hadnt gone as planned, the fight had been pathetic, and he had unnecessary fibers all over his armor; but somehow, they had achieved their goal.
After a rather crumby morning, he could see this day improving, but he found the urge to distance himself from the mop. His thermals had picked up a strange (but sadly familiar) shift from the captive in room three, and he had a feeling there was a mess in there that was better left to someone - anyone else. Besides, he justified to himself, my strength would by wasted on such a small task, Im sure one of the other wont mind.
He allowed himself another smirk at that thought, and quickly began looking for something else to do.
Newton sat in front of the mirror, washing the black and the gel out of his mustache and eyebrows. seven years ago, when he entered college, he had tried to pass himself off as a normal human. That had lasted all of three weeks. His hair would not take any sort of dye job, and it was always the eyebrows that gave him away. By the end of a day, the green had repelled whatever eyebrow pencil, pen, paint, or dye he had tried.
Things didn't work quite the way everyone had in mind, but teamwork doesn't always come with the first try. It was a very good thing that the punks were very weak; against two of the Lost or a Warrior, and the outcome could have been very different.
Newton carefully cleaned the brushes, tightly sealed everything, and sent the trunk back to where he had gotten it from.
He went looking for the others, and hopefully a little junk food would also find it's way to him.
Sting stopped listening in to the interrogation when he saw Newton come by.
"Hey man, you were pretty awsome in there. You shoulda been an actor or something." He spoke quietly enough to be sure the thug would not hear.
"From what I heard, it sounds like we may be going after one of those Freezer guys. I'm not big on cold but if you can keep guys dangling helplessly I guess I don't have to be."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
"Hey man, you were pretty awsome in there. You shoulda been an actor or something." He spoke quietly enough to be sure the thug would not hear.
[/ QUOTE ]
Why, thank thee, kind sir, Newton said with a courtly bow. Nice to know all those plays, classes, and lessons I took werent a complete waste of time. The green-haired mutant straightened and gave Sting a sly look. You played the psychopathic jailer quite convincingly. I think we both could have been a little better if we hadnt been half a second from bursting into laughter, though.
[ QUOTE ]
"From what I heard, it sounds like we may be going after one of those Freezer guys. I'm not big on cold but if you can keep guys dangling helplessly I guess I don't have to be."
[/ QUOTE ]
Hey, I know they would love to hang out with you, Newton laughed. Do you know when we might head after him?
[ QUOTE ]
You played the psychopathic jailer quite convincingly. I think we both could have been a little better if we hadnt been half a second from bursting into laughter, though.
[/ QUOTE ]
"The psychopath part comes pretty naturally."
[ QUOTE ]
Hey, I know they would love to hang out with you, Newton laughed. Do you know when we might head after him?
[/ QUOTE ]
All up to the boss man, but I imagin we won't want to wait around too long. He may be expecting a report. But then again the way that thug is singing we may know exactly when and where they were to report.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
"I'm glad we won't be waiting too long," Newton said, bouncing up and down a little on his toes. "I don't like waiting. Patience is not one of my virtues." He looked over at insect man. "I'm going to make a quick run to the store. I feel the need for some chocolate chip cookies and a Mountain Dew. You want anything?"
"I don't think you really need sugar and caffeine." Sting joked. "But if you are going, you might as well pick up some food for all of us. I can eat just about anything so I'm not picky."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Newton grimaced. "You'd be amazed at how much sugar and caffeine I need in a day. I'll grab food for all of us. I noticed you like your meat pretty raw. I'll grab some fresh meat, too. Bread, fruit, peanut butter, you know, the basics."
"Let Mystic know where I went. I'm going to go find Cool and see if he wants anything." Newton wandered off in search of the armored man.
Coolant had busied himself with shaping and welding some scrap metal he picked up the previous evening. Newton had thought to put furniture in front of the many openings in the precincts walls, but those would only keep someone out that wasnt too determined to get in. Anyone that could break through the barricades Coolant was making could just as easily use the wall.
He had overheard the other talking. He never tried to eavesdrop, but it happened. As he saw Newton approach him, Coolant placed down his welding torch and climbed to his feet to meet the red and green hero.
No thank you, my friend, he replied in a cheerful manner, I brought my own supplies. However, if youre stepping out, theres a nice little store down a block and a half on your left. Just head north when you get outside. You cant miss it.
Coolant sat back down and picked up his welder before adding, The old man that runs it is fond of heroes. Bring up what youre doing around here; you might get a discount.
[ QUOTE ]
Coolant sat back down and picked up his welder before adding, The old man that runs it is fond of heroes. Bring up what youre doing around here; you might get a discount.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks, Cool. I most surely will, Newton said as he walked out of Coolants chamber. Whatever the machine Cool was tinkering with was big. He assumed it had something to do with Cool controlling his power. Eventually, the armored man may be comfortable enough to explain how he got his powers and what his true story was, but theyd known each other less than 24 hours. At least he was being cheerful and helpful; Coolant System did, however, eavesdrop.
Newton didnt blame him at all. As a matter of fact, he had one of his little singularities above the central room so he could hear all of what was going on.
Newton sent another one down the block towards the store Coolant had mentioned. Another moment of pressure, and Newton was standing right in front of it. Amazingly, there were no gang members. The green-haired mutant went in, and smiled cheerfully at the older man behind the counter. Gday, friend. Im Newtons Apple, one of the heroes whove moved into the old Two-Six. I thought Id come down, introduce myself, and get some supplies. Newtons Apple patted his broad stomach. As you can tell, Ive got a healthy appetite, so youll be seeing me fairly often.
Mystic, by contrast to the absolute business of the rest of the Two Six, spent the rest of the day on the phone and filling out paperwork. He also turned the thugs over to the police and quietly, when no one was looking, mopped up interrogation room three. He also ordered Citywide radios. Citywide had a good reputation amongst Paragon heroes, or so it said in the add.
It was amazing the progress theyd made in such a short time. The second floor was livable, if still cluttered in places and in need of a cleaning. The old precinct house wasnt abandoned for months or anything. The incident happened recently, and before then it was mopped and cleaned regularly. As a matter of fact, Mystic plugged in a phone and found that they had phone service. This meant he could stop microwaving his head. Since he was fond of his head, he was happy about this.
The phone sat on the center desk in the first floor. It appeared to belong to a receptionist, or maybe a sergeant who would do a lot of delegating, as it sat where it could see everything. There were desks around it, but this one looked
central. Like the placement of a throne. Mystic briefly wondered about who worked there.
Only briefly, mind you, as there was work to be done. The local police had quite a deal of information on Christopher Beard, aka Sudden Chill. He liked tattoos, had fourteen of them and frequented a tattoo parlor on Bagel ave. He lived at four five one Crab street. His girlfriend lived on Bacon lane. Odd. Im actually getting quite hungry all of a sudden.
Mystic went around collecting everyone once the radios arrived. Has anyone seen Newton?
[ QUOTE ]
Mystic went around collecting everyone once the radios arrived. Has anyone seen Newton?
[/ QUOTE ]
Ask you shall receive, Newton said as he walked in the front doors. Tagging behind him were five bags of groceries, two cases of Mountain Dew, and a cooler. I forgot to look; do we have a refrigerator. If not, Ive got ice and a cooler until we get one.
He looked around the reception area. Looks very nice, boss. He motioned and the groceries landed on the desk. He pulled out an apple out of the first bag and started munching on it.
((OOC: I realize I never actually explained what Coolants chamber looks like, so Ill throw that in))
Coolant System breathed a sigh and cursed honesty, Yeah, we have a refrigerator.
Coolant took a moment to look over his metal home. The structure looked like a huge ice box, and the irony wasn't lost on him. While there were some vents and a few visible buttons, it was mostly featureless metal. He had installed it where there had previously been a large office (a Captains he assumed), and it barely fit the space that had been allotted to it. Jutting out from the front of the chamber was another rectangular section that appeared to be the entrance. The only prominent feature was a keypad next to the entry point.
I dont have a freezer - dont need one normally, but theres enough room in one of my storage compartments to keep a good bit of this stuff cold, Coolant replied neutrally while grabbing one of the Mountain Dew cases. He walked over to the left side of his doorway and pushed a square button. The wall on that same side slid open to reveal a cold section with some small pouches inside it.
Coolant put the drinks in the compartment before returning to his seat and speaking, Please dont tamper with those pouches. If you absolutely have to taste one thats fine, but please throw it away afterwards.
No matter what indignant configuration you may find yourself in from this day forward, this is how I shall always remember you. Mystic pointed to the ceiling. The second floor kitchen has a running refrigerator as well, if you don't mind the climb.
Mystic held up the two pieces of paper hed made his notes on. First, there is a radio for everyone, plus chargers which we should set up over there, where the police had their radio chargers set up. Theres good electricity and shelf space there and its central. Each of them have been coded. Your code is your birthdate now, you can change it by hitting the code key, after youve unlocked it and putting in a new code. The other six will be useless to steal, without the codes which only I know. They will be kept on file in a locked cabinet, in my office. Once, of course, we can get a locked cabinet. And presuming, of course, I get an office. We should all claim a workspace and perhaps living space if the bunk situation is not up to everyones standards. I would suggest also some paint and wall repair. If no one knows how to do this, I can have professionals come in. Incidentally, if one does know, but one wishes not to, this would be a good point for one to lie and claim ignorance of such activities.
Mystic regarded his notes. Yes, on to the next guest of our interrogation room. Mr. Beard has many hangouts on streets with food names. I suggest we split up and look for him. Hes an outcast, so be on alert for him. I believe we are in Skulls turf now. Oh, listen to me sounding all thumb on the pulse of the city. Ahem. Right, well try to keep the heroics down to a minimum. I understand the city is tearing itself apart, but we ARE trying to find out whos watching this precinct and why. We have a narrow window before he figures out his thugs are missing. I persuaded the police officers not to book them until four this afternoon. That should give us a break from the dirty cop informants.
If we each take a section of the four squares around us, paying particular attention to the hangouts I have here, we might be able to catch him quickly and ask him why hes so interested. Mystic showed everyone the addresses and names of the places. One was labeled Emilys, after his girlfriend.
Does anyone have anything to add?
Sting had spent much of the time arranging as well. It was kind of a compulsion with him keeping the hive neat and tidy.
Did you happen to get any light bulbs Newton? Practically every bulb in the place is smashed. Oh, and someone shot holes in the hot water heater, too. So no hot showers until we get that fixed. But I did see one in that building across the street while we were there. Maybe we want to see if we can hook it up if Cool and his blowtorch can manage it. I can help fix walls and such. Certainly not an expert but I have to keep active.
Sting looked at the map. Wow, this is grunge central isnt it? So we each pick an area and search for the Chiller. Sting picked up a radio and turned it on. You want us to move on him or call for back-up? Then he brought the radio up to mouth. 10-4 good buddy, we got ourselves a convoy!
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
"I suppose that's entirely up to you. I would feel better if we were all together, and if I find him, I intend to call for backup." Mystic picked up a radio and gave a wry smile to Poison's antics.
"Oh, and I can provide hot water until we get the heater fixed. Actually, I can probably provide a temporary fix to the hot water problem from one or two taps. Though it won't get too hot, it will provide at least warm water." Mystic mulled over spell options in his head. "But yes, I would suggest working as a team. We seem capable of overcoming the unexpected as a group. Individually, we may do less well."
Newton dug into the fourth bag and pulled out six boxes of lightbulbs. "This is a start, at least," he said, handing them to Sting.
He turned to Coolant System. "Thanks for the refrigeration. Nothing is much worse than a warm Mountain Dew." He pulled a cold bottle of Dew out fo the fourth bag, too.
"So, boss, do we have a physical description of this Chilled dude? Or his girlfriend? Does he have any homies
Newton stopped in mid-sentence and shook his head. Man, white guys should not be saying homies. It just doesnt sound right. He unscrewed the bottle and took a swig. Does he have any other gang members we should be watching for?
And youll notice, I completely avoided the rebuilding subject. Ill help hold things, lift things, and so forth, but you dont want to put a tool in my hand. Bad things happen when I try to use them. I wouldnt mind an office, but lets get you set up first, Mystic. Youre the one they requested to get things set up.
Team work works for me.
"Yes, yes, yes, and probably. He's about six foot, two hundred and forty pounds of muscle, and wears street clothes, typical outcast trappings, I suppose. He is part of a gang, and has about two hundred known associates, depending on who's in jail at the moment." The mage looked through his notes more.
"On the remodel, duly noted. For jobs bigger than Coolant can handle, I'll call in help. No hurry on an office for me, I'll make do with what we have. In the meantime, this desk has a phone. Oh, and just one more thing." Mystic pulled his bag up from behind the desk and began pulling brightly glowing, green crystals from it. "If you would prefer these, I keep scavenging them from the circle of thorns whenever I have the opportunity. They make great light sources, put off no heat or smoke, and cost no electricity. I could work up a way to quickly cover and uncover them, perhaps even from a distance."
Light and heat aren't a big deal to me, so you gentlemen can decide that amongst yourselves, but I will do my part to get this place working" Coolant stated while taking a seat and examining the radios, Low tech piece of
*ahem* Umm, my biggest concern is security really. Ill help with the task of the day, but if you guys could leave me to my own jobs for a bit, I would like to get these windows sealed up and put in a security system of some type. I'm afraid electronics and metal work are my only skills, and that's due to necessity more than actual interest.
As far as this search goes, I agree with the team assault observation, Mystic. Coolant replied with what could almost be excitement, An opponent with a name like Sudden Chill sounds like he would fair poorly against your fire powers, but if anyone faces him, I would like to be there to provide cover.
The blue hero reached forward to point to specific areas of the map. Most of the scum in the Row run their businesses up front due to overconfidence; if we stick to these back alleys, we can avoid unnecessary combat.
Coolant sized up the rest of the group slightly before adding, If you want to avoid fights here, look intimidating. Gangs that hang out in Kings Row like it because theres less chance of getting caught and less strong heroes. If they sense a challenge, they usually back down. Umm
Newton you may just want to stay out of sight.
Why would we want to avoid fights? Sting questioned Coolant. If we want to find this guy, the best way to do it is to crack some heads and ask who has seen him. We have a picture, dont we? Heck, he might come out after us if we make a little mess of his crib and his homies as Newton put it. Sting poked fun at Newtons attempts at using slang.
Sting lifted one of the glowing crystals and looked at it. Pretty neat boss. Still, Ill put some normal light bulbs in as well.
So what is first, beat people up, or fix the place? Either way Im ready to go. Sting clipped the radio to his belt. It hung somewhat clumsily there and he tried to get it to stay a little better. Man I am going to lose this thing first leap.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
If they sense a challenge, they usually back down. Umm
Newton you may just want to stay out of sight.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hey! I resemble that remark! Newton said in mock annoyance. To ensure that Cool knew he was kidding, he tosses a friendly grin at him.
[ QUOTE ]
So what is first, beat people up, or fix the place? Either way Im ready to go. Sting clipped the radio to his belt. It hung somewhat clumsily there and he tried to get it to stay a little better. Man I am going to lose this thing first leap.
[/ QUOTE ]
I vote for beating people up, Newton said, picking up one of the radios. He turned to Coolant System. You say this is low tech crap? Can you make us something better? Or know where we can get some cheap? The green-haired mutant stuck the radio in his sweatshirt pocket. I could try to grav them to us, but that messes up the electronics something fierce.
[ QUOTE ]
Why would we want to avoid fights? Sting questioned Coolant. If we want to find this guy, the best way to do it is to crack some heads and ask who has seen him. We have a picture, dont we? Heck, he might come out after us if we make a little mess of his crib and his homies as Newton put it. Sting poked fun at Newtons attempts at using slang.
[/ QUOTE ]
Coolant System wanted to sigh, but he kept his emotions at bay. He had the distinct feeling that doing things the easy way wasn't even going to be an option in this group.
[ QUOTE ]
You say this is low tech crap? Can you make us something better? Or know where we can get some cheap?
[/ QUOTE ]
"No, sorry," Coolant replied. "I'm a more of a repairman than an inventor."
He switched the radio he was holding on and placed it back on the table. Turning to Mystic Inferno he stated, "I hope you won't take offense if I just tune to your frequency.
Before waiting for an answer, Coolant put his hand against the side of his head, and continued to move his lips until the word Testing came over the radio in front of him.
Coolant just nodded before putting his hand back down.
"Its really too bad these things." Sting wiggled his large antenae. "Don't catch radio waves. But with my luck they would just get a religious station or country and western."
Sting looked at the map again. "Ok, lets pick a place to start and hit it. Someone is probably pulling this guys strings and we need to find out who. Heh, wouldn't be surprised if it is someone at City Hall."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
Heh, wouldn't be surprised if it is someone at City Hall."
[/ QUOTE ]
Youre a little cynical about our government? Newtons Apple snorted. Not that I blame you. The mutant issue, you understand, will definitely make one cynical. He rolled his eyes.
So, I put in a vote for looking at his hangout first, then the girlfriends.
Not many things would make Sting smile anymore. Not that he really had good facial expressions now anyway. But still, there was a certain amount of satisfaction out of the successful ruse. Newtons acting was quite enthusiastic and good. It was infectious and Sting found himself having a ball banging things around, even to the point of almost bringing down a wall.
But the true joy was the end results. The one was singing like a canary, but the other had passed out and soiled himself. Sure Coolant may be a goody-two-shoes and Mystic may be a little full of himself, but this was starting to be a lot of fun.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin