A young woman, clearly of the 'hero' variety because of the peculiar garb, stepped into the Statesman Bar and Grill. Her expression was somewhat cautious as she assessed her surroundings, then deemed it at least somewhat safe for the moment. The bar's low light glinted off the metallic nanomesh of her deep blue bodysuit; circuitry glowed faintly from within the strange material. A blue eyepiece obscured one eye, the other an intense blue and seemignly locked into an expression of permanent worry and discontent.
The blue-haired young woman slid onto a barstool, earning a somewhat skeptical look from the tender. Her tone was a touch sharp. Polite, but edged. "I am not wanting drink," she said, words touched with a slight French accent. "Just food. Unhealthy food."
One elbow rested on the bar; from the shoulder to right below the elbow the arm was a robotic construct of blue metal, the forearm seemingly real, but perhaps too smooth in texture to be actual flesh. The gloved hand of said arm supported her chin.
Jason glances over to the young hero " This woman in shiny and I already know she is gonna bring some Hellions or Skulls behind her. I need this like I need another bullet shrapnel in my leg. Dang nabit the things these kids will wear these days. The woman glances over to me with her good eye and smirks ats me, then turns around to talk to Lou. Kids with all their fancy gadgets and gear, wonder did she do this to herself? Or a mad scientist? Mad Scientists? Ha! there is only 2 left in this city everyone else is another two-bit hood with a gimmick. I rattle my drink trying to get the last sip of whisky. Ahh, thats good. I look over at Lou. "
Jason: Good drink Lou. Can I get another?
Lou: Actually the next drink is free and a meal ta boot.
"I think why is Lou being so generous? He never gives away free meals".
Jason: Hey, what is the occasion? Win the lottery or sumptin? Finally gonna close this place down and move to L.A.?
"I try to laugh but I can't help but cough along with it, but it is still funny. Lou always talked about leaving Paragon if he got a big winfall of money and setting up a Tanning salon/Bar so you can tan and drink. I know its silly but hey I am not going to bash the young mans dream. Lou is the kinda guy tho some might suspect is a hero with his big arms and rugged looks, but Lou is really a man who has dreams but not the confidence to make em a reality. Besides, Lou a hero? His Prosthetic leg and one eye would make his career real short, strong willed man I will give him that he opened this bar in a dangerous city."
Lou: Nahh, compliments of the little lady here? Be gentle with the old man, I can't afford to have him in the hospital.
Jason: haha...All this while I knew ya cared.
Lou: Yeah you and your buddies keep my bar operating. They way you guys drink, I'd swear you mooks were in your 20's. I'd lose money if you went to the hospital and if ya died I would have to close up. (laughs)
" Funny man that Lou, but he has been taking care of me for a while now, Hell the man even helps me at home with groceries, I respect him and call him my friend. Just as Lou gets me another drink right on cue with the shaking of my drink woman in metal grabs her plate of food and mine and walks over to me. I have never had a woman interested in me since Sonya died, she too was a hero, The GoldenLock was her name. Yeah I know like Goldilocks and the three bears, but she could fight that could take down a bear but loved me nontheless, ah come on Jason now. A yong woman wanting you like that? oh well, I can't help but have the old man thoughts tho. The woman places the plate infront of me it is biskets and gravy with hasbrowns, I kinda snicker she serves me breakfast at 2 in the afternoon. She sits down with a plate of bar nachos and with a side order of Lous famous hamburer heavy on the greese. She begins to unravel her fork and spoon, and knife laying them down on the puke green table with the napkin as a placeholder. I gotta tell you I'm mighty scared, thoughts race through my mind and instinct tell me to be ready. Yeah right! You are getting old Jason. LIke I can fight anyone She looks up at me with the greenest of green eyes, puts her elbows on the table and rests her chin on her foulded hands You can hear a "Clank" sound when they are finally settled on the table. What if she is with Malta? Or the Circle? Or the...."
(Continued.....)
The young woman smirked slightly at Lou for his advisory regarding the old man. "Merci."
She took the plates over to where he sat; she wasn't entirely certain why she had this spur-of-the-moment bit of generosity. The job of a hero, at least when you weren't famous or even advanced, was fairly thankless and low-paying. But she didn't have the same needs others did.
When she arrived at the table, she placed his food down first and then her own; she fussed a bit with her silverware and napkin, settling them in place...then put the silverware down and rested her elbows on the table. Bluish lips turned up in a faint smile, and from this close he'd get the impression of someone who seemed slightly weary.
She held out one hand, to shake his. "Mademoiselle Ampere. Though I suppose in here...is Marie-Ange. Civilian, more like."
Marie-Ange was not one given toward caring if others new her 'civilian identity'. She wore no mask, her hair was naturally blue after the incident and subsequent labwork.
"You looked lonely."
She was not the most gregarious individual in the world; she tended to view her surroundings with a peculiar mixture of apathy and sardonic amusement, except when on patrol. Then, it was with an almost single-minded determination-- the mind of the hunt. She tended to not find too much joy in things, except for defeating and arresting criminals. She rarely even stuck around for any civilians she saved to run up to her and thank her. Marie-Ange wasn't in this for the fame. It was a legitimate, beneficial way to vent her anger more often than not. Help people, and let out some energy and frustration.
She didn't touch her food; she didn't need to eat. She just wanted to take in the scent. One fork idly poked at the food.
"'E seemed to know you well...you come here a lot, monsieur?"
Jason: Your'll forgive me miss' Ange, if I ask this again, so who sent cha? You with Malta? Didn't think they would stoop to harassing an old man.
"Real good and polite like, don't lie to your self now man, woman just sat down and I am already treating her as if she is with Malta. I guess my suspicious behavior is getting to me, too many years of crime fighting will do it I guess, tho I was raised better in my time than how kids today are raised I should be a little polite. Strange thing is she didn't flintch or take offense to me being rude she just continues to smile at me as if enjoying my company. Okay I will try what an ol buddy of mine would do. Be cool and listen.
Jason: I am sorry ma'am for being a little rude there, the age and all just makes you say things.
"Bad lie. humph, you can't lie your way outta a paper sack any more Jason. She looks at me and with one hand brushes one hand behind her ear plays with her food."
Marie-Ange.: It is alright. Monseir, no offense taken. So? Do you come here alot?
Jason: (" huh? What is this woman looking for? what does she want?Is she propsitioning me? A hero?! Disgraceful and tasteless, figures kids morality today in't what it was in my day, but this.... I begin to shout at her but to a tone as to not to attack attention to myself") I dunno what your selling lady but I ain't buyin. I am too old and you disgrace what heroes of yesturday meant to this city. So go away, I don't want any part of it.
Marie-Ange:" (She begins to laugh it is loud she pauses to compose herself, trying to hide her wide smile of her lips, her metal arm is raised up and her hand tries to cover or contain her amusement.") So, sorry monseir, I did mean to laugh to your face. Tho I needed some happiness forgive me. Monseiur Lou can I get another drink for my new friend.... uh?
"Good going Jason embarass yourself again, no wonder you haven't seen anyone since the wife died, at the end of every date you'd be so red faced people would think you went to a tanning salon for a living. Come on lets salvage what little dignity we have left and.."
Jason: Sorry ma'am, the names Jason (extends hand).
Marie-Ange. Trez Bien, and don't be embarrassed monsier, anyone would get the wrong impression if an attractive woman sat down at his table, no?
Jason
Turns his head to cough) yeah, yeah. ( a drink is placed down infront of Jason, he takes a sip and notices it is a little stronger"). Whoa, Lou....
LouLeans over and whispers in Jason's ear) Just helpin a buddy out....
Jason: Get outta here Lou, YOU KIDS THESE DAYS!!! I think your Tuesdays Special is still waiting for ya since Saturday or sumptin'.
" I can hear Lou laughing all the way back behind the counter and just at a glance I see the young hero enjoying the show as much as Lou. What is goin on ere'? Pick on the old man day? I turn my attention back to the young lady with the blue hair"
Jason: So....Why are you here missy?
Continued....)
He was overly suspicious, and he talked about things like Malta, thinking some such was sent. Presumably, after him. Which meant that there was more to this old man than met the eye. Marie-Ange's eyebrows rose slightly, a faint smirk touching her lips throughout their exchange. Even through his shouting. Funny, that. Even if she wanted such things it was impossible now, anyhow.
She continued to stir her food lightly with her fork, not even taking a single bite.
"Why am I here? I...do not know, monsieur. Not exactly. This place was here, and I do suppose the name appealed. When I was little, my parents visited here and took me back a poster of the Statesman. So I suppose I am here because of amusement at my old adolescent infatuation, hm?" Marie-Ange laughed briefly. Truth be told, she didn't even look ten years past adolescence.
"Non, non...really, sometimes I like to go places like this. Order food, and do not eat it. I do not eat, not since this." She gestured at her arm and the nanomesh bodysuit. "I do not need to. But I miss the taste and scent, so..." Marie-Ange shrugged.
"And you, monsieur? Were you once a hero yourself?"
........."Her smile quickly is replaced with a saddened almost heavy hearted, like someone returning from some of the horrific battle. She asks me if I was a hero, i haven't been asked or referred as a hero in for so long some days I forget, guess she is looking for someone to relate to to confess some dark sin I guess. Never been much of the advice kinda guy thats my wife or was her expertise God rest her soul. But I am gonna try atleast."
Jason: I was a hero like you, but not like you and that was a long time ago and several dead friends and scars ago. (picks up his drink and takes a swig. It is strong going down that it makes his mouth twitch back.) And so "hero", this place reminds ya of your youth huh? How old are ya? You seems like still a baby to me. What are ya like 20 or something? (takes another drink).
Marie-Ange: You'd be surprised how old I am, but merci for thinking of me that young(she laughs again but then as quickly as it starts it disappears again). And yes this place does remind me of something I have lost, something that I cannot ever return to. (Continues to play with her food taking in the scent )
Jason: So are ya full cyborg? I noticed you haven't eaten and your playin with it.
"Almost when I say those words she immediately puts on her sunglasses and sniffs a bit, and a quick run of her tonque on her lips as if she was trying to hide the pain she is feeling inside. But can't help but noticed that one of those emotions escape, a tear runs down from under her glasses and just in one motion is quickly wiped away, part of tells me I have seen this before so many times and it has got to be a trick and I am in deep if I continue to stay here talking to her, but my gut tells me different, so I stay and listen".
Jason: Look Marie, I am sorry if I hit a sensative nerve, hero life tells me to always be blunt if things are obvious and expose it as quickly as possible before someone runs.
Marie-Ange: I undertsand really Jason. ( I am impressed she tries to cover her pain with a fake smile again, impresses me as much as Lou has guts for wanting his dream.) So what type of hero were you? Scrapper? Or a blaster?
Jason: You kids came up with the ident types to separate yourselves, I was just a hero who had skills to boot that was useful even in the big 2. But to answer your question I was a teleporter and a scrapper by todays standards.
( "Gotta take it slow with her I want to know as much as I can about her, detective skills don't fail me now"). Jason: What about you?
Continues.....)
His shift in expression was answer enough in itself; it did not take a genius to guess that he had indeed once been a hero. Some older types did seem to long for those days, or perhaps seemed to have a certain strange regret when it came to heroes these days. Marie-Ange herself wasn't too terribly fond of the 'hero culture'. Influence was nice...it was what got you things like upgrades and the like. But she still tended to live more for the hunt itself than anything. What else was there?
Though his speaking of her age made her smile slightly. It was fun playing it off a bit; pretending to be one of those who managed to look young despite being near fifty. (Marie-Ange was, in fact, not too much shy of her nineteenth birthday.)
"Full Cyborg, non." She looked away. She hated showing emotion beyond only slight expression, such as that faint smirk he had seen on her lips for a good deal of their brief acquaintance. Marie-Ange quickly composed herself again, giving him a smile. Fake, of course. It didn't reach her eyes (eye?).
"Me? I am a blaster. Electrical, though...I believe that would be obvious, hm?" The smile was faint, then.
"But to answer your...sort-of question before, not a cyborg. Still human...metahuman, I suppose. With enhancements. This bodysuit...is what keeps me alive. Dr. Grey teased me once, called me an electrical zombie." From anyone else the teasing would have been hurtful, and likely resulted in the individual sprawled out on the ground, stunned. From her foster-father it had been oddly amusing.
"I am still new to this...they have only granted me clearance level four. But I work at it...I will learn more soon enough."
Marie-Ange tilted her head slightly. "What was your hero name, Monsieur Jason?"
Jason: I was the first Shadow Shroud,in my time I was known as one of the great detectives of my time, before I heard some punk took my name and now is...well doing things I would never do in my time and not being the great detective I was. All those years and I am quickly forgotten with no respect for the work I did after all these years.
Marie-Ange: Why did you become a crime fighter?(" She perked real quick" Guess I pequed her curiosity Kids are funny that way") Did someone in your life die? Was your parents killed or a mad scinetist experiment on you that drove you in darkness forever shunned by society?
"Hearing that just makes me sniker over what heroes go through in order to be motivated into becoming a hero and doing something about the world around them"
Jason: No my dear I went through none of those.
"She looks at me with a puzzled look almost definitly a interest that has been sparked" Marie-Ange: Were you summoned by a elder creature or god that chose you to
bring justice to the world and carry on in it's name? "I contnue to sniker some more to point where I begin to cough, even Lou begins to laugh and shake his head at her responses.
Marie-Ange: (Looking frustrated with a smile that finally returning) Well tell me moneiur.
Jason: "Finally composing myself and almost with a embarrased response I let her know" I was born with my powers. I am a mutant teleporter, I decided to crimefight cause of Statesman at the time. And well I wanted to clean up the crime in my part of the city which was Kings Row.
"She was disappointed I could tell and a little shocked as to what why I did what I did back then"
Jason: Kid understand. During my day kids everyday wanted to be a hero and fight the good fight. To beat up the bad guy and fight for justice. Some dreamed of flying high and hear the cries for the innocent, swooping down and putting the fear in evil, that was us. Did we have the glory hounds? Yes, but they changed their tune after a while or they ended up dead. That was out life and our calling and we did so proudly, and when our country needed us, we also heeded that call as well.
"Amazed by my responses and taken back she wanted to ask me something."
Marie-Ange: Could you tell me about your old days? " I could tell I can be here for a while as a smile enters my face."
Continued....)
What I wanted to do was do a story about an old hero trying to relate to todays hero a sorta man on the outside kinda wishing for his glory years again. Todays hero is Guns and glory these days and he is wondering what the future will become if the newer generation goes on, what what of him? And are the old days trully gone?
Note:This is my real public story so if you add to it great and feed back is also welcome.
(Prometheus Park a elderly man sits on a bench to feed the pidgons that flocked to him when he throws down some bird feed begins to watch as heroes come and go into Atlas Park gives a big breath and slouches back down and continues to feed the birds).
"You know..... I have been here since the beginning, well sort of... I came in the wake of the new dawn of the new age brave men who fought the good fight in the name of justice and country, heroes who knew what must be done and did what it took to protect the innocent from those who would deny a person of their God-given right of life, liberty and persuite of happiness according to our nations constitution. Heroes were always there when people needed them and the people were happy to see em, I should know I was one of them. Fought crime and still had time to rescue a kitty outta a tree....."
RATATATAT!!!
" I know that sound. Its the sounds of gunfire coming from an alleyway. I turn my head quickly to see a Hellion running out screaming trying to escape and is suddenly shot in the back and falls hard as the pavement is red from the result of a hero with a M-16 and a big man with green skin, horns and a mace picking up the wounded man and shouts obscentities at the bleeding man and threatening him with the mace, the other hero with a gun who alot thinner than the big man takes a pack out of his combat belt lights up a cigarette and leans back, he tips his head down as to look over his sunglasses. His slick appearance and but not counting his hair in a ponytail and the ways he stands tells me he is or was a military man, enjoys the way the way the demon looking man way of interrogating the Hellion. Just as the demon man is about to smash the poor bleeding man in the head he is interrupted when the police and drones show up to take the men they fought in custody, the two heroes walk off and the smaller man giving the big man a cancer stick and pats him on the back over a job well done to meet up with others of their group, the others glad to see their comrads gloat over their battles and how great their battles were and how they beat up the bad guy. I can't help but think these new heroes are as bad a the criminals they fight.
"Oh, I seems to have gotten away from myself there, my name is Jason Brent the Marvelous Shadow shroud. Well that was a long time ago about 60 years ago, where heroes were heroes and we looked the part. I guess I can't get into this new generation of heroes. Big guns and bad attitude is the theme these days even Statesman is just as bad and his buddies. Don't get me wrong I respect the man fought with him once and it was breathtaking we were there on D-Day of 44 'along with our fighting soldiers we gave as well as we got that day, but when we got home even he gave in to brutal tactics like these kids, I heard he lost heart when he got wind about the horrible things that the 5th Column did, guess that changes a man, Humph, don't be silly Jason that kinda stuff would change any man. I am definitly showing my age, hehe. But before the war I remember when we used our brains and skills to tracked the bad guy to their lair without destroying anything, well, except the criminals hide out.
(The man gets up with his cain, the cracking of bones in his knees makes the old man moan in pain turns to begin his walk home.)
" Everyday its some new hero that thinks he can do a better job than the last batch, thinking his way is the best way. Everyday I would go to my meetings and talk of days gone by with those who came before, those who are still alive from my old team the League of American Heroes we called ourselves. We would always talk about the younger heroes and their tactics in fighting crime, and leave it to my buddy Seth to complain the human element is lost in this new generation. Or that heroes have become nothing more than a selling product to push on todays consumer. a marketing puppet.
(Tv Program:.......trust me you wanna brush with "Hero Toothpaste" BoomJack does.)
"Maybe he is right. They look for more reasons to be in front of a camera than do what is right. I go to my favorite pub for a drink the Statesman Bar and Grill. Never realised the title til now, heroes these days."
Jason: Hey Lou. Can I get the usual?
Lou: Sure thing guy. Wisky sour?
(Continue)