[Unionverse] Capecon 2010

((Every type of activity has a convention associated with it, Paragon City as the epicentre for heroes is no different. Here fans can meet their heroes, get autographs, pose for photographs and ask those awkward, difficult questions that only fans can do! Typical convention behaviour will be rife, fanbois, cosplayers and merchandising galore (both legitimate and not!) can be seen on every stall.

The event is strictly heroes only and people are more than welcome to bring heroes to sit at stalls, take part in events, meet the fans and mingle with other protectors of justice. But beware! Everything is not as it seems...

(Apologies for the late posting, I had intended to get this up a few days ago. Dates are not, therefore, restrictive. People can PM me for further info if needed, there'll be a wiki post soon.)

EDIT: This event is 'Open' so feel free to participate. I'll have to get the title edited.))

Karnac sat at table 43B next to his daughter feeling like an idiot.

“I feel like an idiot,” he muttered.

The Amber Banshee looked up from checking her watch. It was 8:55, just five minutes before the early birders could enter. Five minutes before both of them had to face every inane question ever thought of by fans and convention attendees.

“You’ll be fine,” she replied. “Just smile, sign the photographs and tell them what they want to hear. You’re a natural dad.”

Oh yes… the photographs. The man mountain looked down at the publicity photographs that he’d allowed to be taken before the event. Before he’d been taken and changed by the Devouring Earth, he’d been a 5’ 8” weakling. Now, three years later and to all intents and purposes ‘cured’ of their influence, he was now over 9 feet tall and 400lbs heavier. But posing for photographs while lifting cars and flexing his muscles pressed all of his insecurity buttons. He winced every time anyone admired his physique.

“Hopefully you’ll get all the questions,” he said. “You’re looking good… commander.” As one of the figureheads of The Militia, his daughter did her best to keep the team under control. The slender redhead blushed slightly then poked him in the ribs.

“Maybe. I don’t always follow Imogen’s suggestions, but at least this is a chance to meet the public face to face.”

She glanced over at the doors, seeing the burly security guards open them wide. Behind them stretched a long queue of people, some in costume, some clutching backpacks ready to be filled with merchandise.

“Oh boy…” muttered the half fey songstress, “here we go…”

Night-Wanderer aka Sean O'brain sat at table 38A, sitting in his power armour with the face guard cover up and his other armour standing on it's display stand next to him. Along side him on the next table was Comms and Gemme, 38B, Gemme looked nervous while Comms was busy tapping away on the table while he wirelessly used the PDA on his waist to carry on with some work.

"You know the worst part of these type of events.." Sean said glances to his partners.
"What?" Gemme replied looking around Comms to him
"The waiting.. didn't mind the photo shoot but come on.. they going to open the doors yet.."

"I still would of perfered photos where I didn't look like robotic hulk trying to rip apart a car door." Comms perked up and said glancing to the doors and the guards opening them. "Well Sean here they come."

Like a mass stampede, the attendees began to file in. Amongst the hordes, it was easy to spot the casual fans, the autograph hunters, the bargain seekers and those just out for a fun time. There were plenty of people who had chosen to come in costume as well, their home-made outfits enough to put some special effects houses to shame. Shocktroopers, Space Trek officers, cyborgs, women squeezed into very tight Princess Layla metal bikinis or Laura Croft costumes... this year they'd outdone themselves.

Lloyd and Shaun distanced themselves from everyone else pretty quickly.

"Okay, so we attack this place in a criss cross fashion," said Lloyd. "No-one else I know does conventions that way. We can get to the queue for Captain Flash's autograph quickly, watch the ten o'clock showing of Hero Weightlifting on the stage and then maybe go and get a picture taken with The Hammer."

"The Hammer is lame," replied Shaun. "He lost direction when he changed his costume in 2007 and started getting philosophical. They all go that way eventually."

"Whatever," replied Lloyd.

Behind them an entourage of Shocktroopers entered, surrounding a black robed figure who's face was shrouded by his hood, clearly a take on the Overlord.

Firmly securing her badge proudly emblazoned with the Kapow! logo in place on her khaki jacket Sara Saxon left the magazine's small booth to start her rounds. Camera firmly in hand the shutterbug snapped off shots of waiting heroes and anxious metafans that could be glimpsed through the opening doors. She hadn't stopped grinning since the second she'd arrived, Capecon perfectly embodied everything Kapow! was about and she just knew her grandfather who'd set up the original Kapow would have loved to have seen such an event.

-----

Meanwhile the petite Irradiant put the finishing touches to her table, her bright green tail flicking nervously from side to side as she pinned a banner to the tablecloth in front of where she'd be sat.

'Metaconnect - matching heroes and sidekicks
As seen in Kapow! - Issue 2'

She was still uncertain and a small amount of fear showed in the young woman's emerald eyes. There was no turning back now however so she vaulted the table with ease and settled herself in her seat beside her minion for the day, her younger sister, also dressed in her hero costume, Chaotic Bunny.

"Calm down, seriously, D you get much more highstrung and we'll be needing to peel you off the ceiling!" The younger girl jibed playfully as she put her dark boots up on the table.

"Gah! Trying to look professional here!" Irradiant replied swiftly as she pushed her sibling's heavy boots off of the nice white tablecloth.

((Metafanzine Published by @Chaos Bunny))
Unionverse Page | Virtueverse Page

There were a few less 'personal' stands at the Capecon, as there had been for some years now. Longbow and Hero Corps tended to have small but proffesional stands, to spread the good word and jazz like that. And, this year, the last of the 'Big Three' was there; Vanguard.

Although it was almost a personal stand this time around, for one reason; the Vanguard representatives were the SABRE team.
Chief Centurion Z1, Kitsune Vixen, Z22 Pyre Fox and X21 Ice Wolf; four individuals that were near the top of the Rikti 'Most Feared' list. That and multiple other groups around the City and Rogue Isles. There was, however, more to the Vanguard stand then just representing.

"You think he'll be ok?"
Fox had been stood by the front of the stand, arms casually folded and scanning the hall, checking out the other stands (and occasionally zooming his HuD in when he caught sight of the occasional cute female), but he turned as a hand touched his shoulder.
Vix had decided against wearing her full armour, instead dressing in the baggy combat fatigues that she wore around the base. Black knee length boots, grey camo trousers and jacket, and a black t-shirt underneath, as she had left the jacket unzipped.

"I mean, we practically had to drag him here as it was," she went on, glancing back to the back of the stand, where Wolf was leaning against the side in silence. He had come back to Vanguard Base just as the rest of the team were about to go looking for him, and Colonel Lyndon had point blank ordered him to go with the others. Wolf had looked like refusing, until Chief literally picked him up by his collar, marched him out and slung him through the Portal back to Paragon.

"He'll be ok," Fox murmured, patting her gently on the shoulder. "He just needs to loosen up a bit, is all. Get him outta the warzone, let him geek out a bit. See if theres any tech-heads he can argue with about computer systems and stuff. You don't forget that kind of thing," he added with a chuckle.
Another hand rested on Vix's shoulder, although this one was about half the size again of Fox's. She looked up into the sky blue visor of the Chief.
"Don't worry. We got him out, and thats a start," he said, quietly but kindly. "Let's all have a bit of a break, hmm?"
Vix nodded, smiling faintly as she looked around the rest of the con. She had to admit, it'd be nice to remember she was twenty again, and geek out a bit at some of the Heroes she had admired when she was younger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwillinger GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Photon NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.

Annette Barrington wandered in through the doors of the convention hall having left a respectable period between the doors opening and her entry. Walking in casually after the main horde, she sucked absently on a lolipop, her other hand clutching an autograph book.

You're a hero, what on Earth do you want autographs for? Ni's voice echoed silently in her head.

"I haven't played fangirl in ages," she thought back. "Just go read a magazine or something. The Kapow! stand is over there, go check their website."

Oh yeah, like I want to read about hero's egos.

Looking around, she spotted the Vanguard stand and decided to head that way first. None of them would probably know her. They looked like team types.

The Unity Vigil had, like some of the larger supergroups, several tables in a small section for themselves. There were flatscreen monitors displaying information about the group and it's teen training division, the New Vigilants. There were cut outs. There was a table manned by one of the Vigilant gynoids with shelves full of action figures of some of the group. Posters and stickers and bumper stickers were all for sale, along with any other paraphernalia the average hero fan could want.

In the middle of the section stood Jamie Mathews. Well, more to the point, his super-powered alter ego, Rushmore. Clad in blue and white spandex with red and white armour, the blond man grinned as he looked at the plastic and cardboard box containing his figurine.

"Fabric cape, comes with an earth shield and hammer, fully poseable?! I know what some cousins of mine are getting for Christmas!" He grinned, turning the box over to read the back.

"Mrs Rolando did a good job of the merchandise." Lance Silverstone nodded, clad in the red and gold power armour of the Burning Sensation, Cauter. His action figure had a removable helmet, flame streak missiles from his gauntlets, and a fabric cape too. "Funny thing is, if I took the helmet off and threw fire out like that, I'd probably catch fire and die."

"Well, they're toys. They're not supposed to be fully accurate." Rushmore laughed. "Here, this is my blurb. 'Empowered by the Spirit of America, Rushmore fought crime in his home state of South Dakota before coming to Paragon City to hone his skills. A valuable member of the New Vigilants, he stands ready to face down the toughest foes with his mastery over the earth. Get ready to rock with Rushmore'. It's freaking awesome!"

Lance looked over at Rushmore. "... We can't really get them out of the box here, can we?"

"... I'll tell Joanna that I'm heading down the gym when I get back, we meet up in the briefing room in the tower and we totally unbox these bad boys." Rushmore grinned.

BODICIA looked at the pair and shook her head. "I cannot quite believe I am hearing this from stalwart defenders of the city. ... Wait, yes. I can. Anyway. The fans approach. Stop playing with yourselves and go and greet them." The gynoid commanded with a sigh, even as the AI multi-tasked in arranging the appearance schedule for the other heroes, displaying them on one of the screens.

"Look, it's Rushmore!" A group of pre-teen children called out, dragging their minder over. "Cauter too!"

Rushmore looked to Cauter and extended his hand, fist clenched. "You ready to do this?"

Cauter bumped his fist against Rushmore's. "Damn right I am."

With a nod, Rushmore turned to the kids and grinned. "That's right! Though if either of us have to fly off at some point, well, I don't think even villains stop for Capecon."

"Hopefully not now, cause I see your own personal protector there has a camera." Cauter says, kneeling down. "So, who's up for some photos with us?"

The resounding chorus of 'Me! Me! Me!' from the kids made Rushmore laugh. "I have the best job in the world." He thought to himself, even as he easily scooped two of the kids up in his arms, starting to float off the ground for the camera.

((Unity Vigil/New Vigilant Action Figures and other merchandise are opt in, with profits going towards the group for upkeep, paying allowance and so forth.))

The building soon began to fill. All of the tables were besieged by various crowds of people, either seeking to get an autograph, a photograph or just contact with some of the city's defenders. Of course, there were problem customers, as there always were.

The cosplayers were always an issue, either from the man who kept on hovering around table 38A in his home-made power armour trying to impress his idols or it was the pair of fans around the Unity Vigil's table wearing their own version of the team's costume, despite almost bursting from the overloaded seams.

And of course then there were the conspiracy nuts who descended upon the Vanguard stand like a plague, full of questions and theories about how they'd proved that their next door neighbour was a Rikti spy due to how loudly he played his music through the wall.

Brian Mackenzie, doing his best to maintain his stoic composure as Karnac was already struggling.

"No, I've never tried to stop a train, not yet," he replied to a trio of middle-aged ladies who couldn't stop staring at his massive arms. "I'm not sure if I really would want to... not unless it was necessary..." He hastily scribbled his signature on some of the photographs and handed them out, hoping that they would go away. No such luck. He glanced over at his daughter for help but she was busy trying to show someone who was tone-deaf how to sing better. He suppressed a sigh but the atmosphere was still light and friendly and it was nice to be off duty for a while.

The Vanguard, or possibly more accurately the SABRE stand was doing pretty well. Most of the autographs were fielded by Fox, who wasted no time in getting several numbers and causing a number of female fans to have to rush off, cheeks scarlet, giggling amongst themselves. The conspiracy theorists were talked to gently and understandingly by the Chief; there was nothing like a metallic titan with nigh unlimited patience and mass capability for logic and reasoning for slowly getting even the most obtuse to realise, oh, hang on, this sounds daft, even to me.

Vix looked around, as a medical student who she had been talking to said his goodbye and headed off, his aura in a little fluffy cloud of its own. She smiled as she saw a friendly face, one she had seen at Galaxy Girl statue a few times.
"Hey Annette. Not off making the boy wish they were just that bit taller?" she quipped with a grin.
Fox looked around at that, whistling quietly under his breath.
"Why hell-oooo thar..." he muttured with a faint chuckle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwillinger GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Photon NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.

Annette looked up as her name was called, identifying Vix and pulling the lolipop out from between her lips with a soft 'pop.' "Hey, Vix. Just being a fan for once. Once in a while it's nice to be normal. Wasn't expecting to see anyone here I recognised."

Here eyes flickered over Fox and she replaced her lolly between her lips, sucking on it speculatively for a second while looking at him. There was another soft pop. "Besides, in this skirt I tend to get as much attention as I want anyway."

She approached the table through the crowd of conspiracy nerds (who appeared to part before her like magic, or possibly hormonal teenage nerds faced with an attractive girl) and planted her autograph book in front of Fox with a grin. "Please, mista, can I 'ave your autograph?"

Table 50A
Knights Exemplar stand

A high-pitched tone in her ear dragged Asuka Miyamoto back into the waking world. She sat forward with a start, clapping a hand over the offending earpiece as if that would block out the noise. "Damn it, Malcolm," she whispered into her microphone, "I didn't sleep last night. Leave me alone."

"Drink some coffee," came the reply. "You're our only hope out there. Gotta make us look good."

Asuka sighed and looked around the convention hall. Row after row of stalls, row after row of hero fans searching for their idols. "This is so stupid," she muttered.

"It's the price of fame," Malcolm replied.

Asuka shook her head. "I don't recall ever asking to be famous."

"I mean for the team. Good publicity makes people trust the Knights. People trusting the Knights makes your job a lot easier."

Asuka shrugged. "I still don't see why I have to do it."

"You're the best available candidate. I know what you're going to say, but a lot of people are busy, or missing. Mnemosynes was my first choice, but he's booked up for the week with performances. We don't let Kitty or Tawnya talk to the public, Stanford would just glare at me, and Wolfram..."

Asuka shuddered. "That would be a disaster. Fine. And you can't do it..."

"Because I'm legally dead."

"Excuses." Asuka sighed, and settled back in her chair. "Fine. Let's see if anyone notices I'm here."

Elswhere engulfed within the noisy surging crowd of excited convention goers whispered a pair of costumed meta-fans?...

"Damn it Catwalk! I look stupid, feel stupid,... this... this IS STUPID!. Why the hell couldn't we just bomb the place, and have done with it?"

An attractive woman wearing a fairly good replica of Miss Liberty's costume turned to face the moaning muscular man in the incredibly tight Statesman spandex.

"Quit your whining Brickhouse. Be thankful you don't have a host of spotty faced geeks drooling all over your feet."

"im just saying why can't we just blow up these snot-nosed sycophantic fan-bois with the rest of the capes. It's not like they don't deserve it too."

"Partisan already went through that. Security on these events is a lot tighter than it visibly appears. Although it would be immensely satisfying to off the bully-bait along with the capes the risk far outweighs the benefit. Besides our mission is important to Doctrine's Ugly Truth project. Once that's up and running it has the potential of being far more damaging to the super-powered freaks than any bomb."

"Ok, ok I get it. So where is this loser we're looking for and are you sure he's going to be here?"

"Totally sure. He got a mention both in the program and on the web site. Besides his production company are desperate for the publicity. The sort of garbage his studio churns out only appeals to the sort of girl-shy nerds that attend these things."

The pair expertly weaved their way through the crowds hunting their quarry.

"There!"

"Huh! That's Captain Hollywood? You sure we shouldn't just try some other cape? Y'know one of the local ones. I mean until you and Doctrine mentioned him I never even heard of the guy."

"Don't you ever listen to anything Brickhouse? It's because he is pretty obscure on the East Coast we chose him. Back on the West Coast he does a bit of heroing to try boost his own profile as well as create publicity for the sort of B movie garbage his studio inflicts on the rest of the world. Sure he might not be well known here in Paragon but people have heard of him. Creating a scandal around a real hero will have far more effect than if we just created a hero of our own. His obscurity here is what's going to help our scam work. Far less likely someone is going to notice something is amiss."

"You sure you can sucker this guy?"

"Totally. I met the creep once when I was modelling in LA. He's all ego and libido. This guy is so far up his own @ss that he'd have to open his mouth just to wipe it. One look at me making goo-goo eyes at him and I'll have him eating out of the palm of my hand."

"Still, you still gotta let the guy get close to you. I dunno if I could pretend to get that friendly with one of these freaks."

"Oh don't worry Brickhouse, you're not his type anyway. Don't worry about me. If modelling taught me anything it's that you don't get anything you want without sacrifice. Now stand back and let me do my job..."

Shortly after at table 17c

"Look you little punk go hassle Back Alley Brawler or something. I didn't come all the way from the West coast to be heckled by annoying little runts like you."

"Well that ain't very nice. Just thought you'd appreciate a little constructive criticism. Your attitude stinks almost as bad as your movies."

"Why you littl..."

"Ohhh Captain Hollywood. It's really you!"

"What the?"

Captain Hollywood turned away from the scruffy looking ten year old that had been annoying him for the last twenty minutes to face the cute blond in the Miss Liberty costume that had just come up to his table.

"Here kid, have an autograph." Captain Hollywood said as he shoved a signed picture into the kid's hand before unceremoniously pushing him into the crowd.

"Well you obviously are not the real Miss Liberty, because im pretty sure she never looked that good."

"Oh you're a real charmer hun!" the blond replied with a giggle.

"Sooo, you're a bit of a fan huh?"

"Your biggest." She replied as she drew herself even closer to him.

the girl started to stroke her finger up and down his muscular chest, occasionally tracing around the gold stars on his red costume.

"In fact I was kind of hoping that seeing as I am your biggest fan you might reward me with a private screening or something."

Captain Hollywood's eyes lit up behind his mirrored glasses as he quickly turned behind him.

"Hey Steve watch the booth will'ya I gotta go give an interview..."

Sara's eyes lit up as she spotted a man dressed as Statesman who unlike the scores of other 'Phalanx members' at the con actually had the physique to carry it off. Moving swiftly she weaved between the fanboys and girls to catch up with the man who made an incredibly passable States.

"Hey!" The photographer called out in the hopes of grabbing his attention, she had no idea who the metafan was but she knew she needed to get a photo, if not for the magazine, then for the girls in the office at least.

((Metafanzine Published by @Chaos Bunny))
Unionverse Page | Virtueverse Page

Juan Ramon Vasquez, also known as the Milita hero Estoque, would have liked to have been anywhere else on earth right now. A pit of snakes? A bed of broken glass? Anywhere but in the middle of a convention hall surrounded by girls who seemed almost as shy as him. He thought he’d dress in civilian clothes of a black tee and jeans to limit any attention that would come his way. But having skin the colour of marble and teen-heart throb bone structure made it hard to blend the crowd. Especially this crowd.

The girls were getting braver. They started asking him questions. Offering him things to sign. When those things involved exposed flesh he felt his skin darken and looked for an escape route.

“Um…” he said as he spotted the towering frame of Mr MacKenzie. “I have to go…Militia business,” he added as he walked briskly towards Mr MacKenzie.

He sighed when he saw a table with his hero name on it and quickly sat behind it. He poured himself a glass of water as the girls formed a line.

He looked at Mr MacKenzie and sighed again. “Imogen said this would be…fun.”

Brian took a moment to a moment to escape from the gaggle of women admiring his form. The whole charade just irritated him. He wondered for a moment what his wife would have said if she had of been alive to see him now.

"Imogen says a lot of things," he replied. "Not all of them true. But then she's our publicist so most of the things tend to be in our favour. This one... I'm less certain on. At least I don't have to suffer action figures."

On stage a dance routine was starting. Brian positioned himself to see and instantly regretted it. A troupe of five ardent fans were performing a dance to "Holding Out For A Hero" while dressed as the Freedom Phalanx.

"I guess we both seem to be suffering the same problem which while flattering, makes me wish for a good long chat about genetics with a pretty girl who could stop drooling. I didn't exactly ask for this physique. You um... been able to see any of our friends here yet?"

Behind him, the dance troupe started their individual solos, the Positron clone moving into a terrible 'robot dance'.

Ataraxis took his first step into the bustling hall full of heroes and their fans alike. He breathed a heavy sigh. This would be his job one day. To entertain hordes of savage fans and their numerous wants, some of which he couldn't bare to think about. He didn't envy them. Despite his powers, and his presence on the streets of Skyway City effectively as a hero, he could be described in comparison to many of these paragons of justice as powerless. It was the nature of his ability that it would only grow in power through training, and he had long way to go before he met their standards. Consequently, he didn't dare to come into this hall and stand among them in his hero costume.

"No, today, I'm just Lance. Plain old Lance."

As he walked among the stalls he saw many independent heroes among those of various supergroups. He had been on the lookout for a new group since then, but recently that position had been filled, still, it would probably be a good idea to meet with other heroes, maybe see what they're like when faced with the little people. Ataraxis - or rather Lance - still maintained a rather jovial attitude to the whole thing. This was his day off, and he intended to enjoy it. That was of course, until he spotted the Vanguard booth. He stared towards it with unashamedly contemptuous eyes, and for a moment seemed unaware that he was actually psychically projecting this contempt around him. He was clearly holding back from crushing the notepad and pen that were in his hand. Turning his gaze away with clear spite and distaste, he moved swiftly away from this area, and towards the Unity Vigil area.

His usual unshakeable calmness regained, he slipped carefully through the crowds to the front and showed his face to the group of heroes, assessing them each individually. Waiting for 'Rushmore' and 'Cauter' to finish their posing, he approached them casually and offered his hand. "Dr. Lance Baleman, pleased to meet you both. I'm sure you get this a lot, but I just want to thank you and all your kind from the bottom of my heart for keeping my colleagues at the Skyway City General Hospital from being completely overwhelmed." Ataraxis supposed that he said this partly because he hoped one day someone might say this to him too, not that it would make any difference to bring the balance that he would one day throw off the scales. Just that it would give him that little boost to keep going. God knows he needed those these days.

Annette sautered, almost casually up the the Vigil stand in time to hear someone giving a short speech about heroes saving people from hospitalisation. The trail of drooling teenagers behind her was beginning to make her feel like the Pied Piper and she was vaguely hoping that talking to someone shaped like Jamie would put them off.

"Lance, is it?" she said, coming up behind the speaker. "Interesting name for a doctor. Appropriate somehow. Hello boys, want to sign my autograph book?" She gave the two costumed heroes a wide grin and then casually popped her lolipop into her mouth.

Rushmore looked to Lance and smiled. "Hey, we help because we can."

Cauter nodded. "Well, in my case I help because it's the only thing I'm good at, stuck in this tin can.

Rushmore waved some children (and older fans too) off before stretching a little, his costume showing off the ripples of magic-given muscles underneath. The transformation turned the young man into a very tall wall of patriotic power. "Way I see it, I can take a rocket to the chest. Lots of people can't. If it has to hit me to stop it from hitting others? I'll man it up and take the shot."

The plates of armour on Cauter's suit shifted as he exposed his fire-fighting equipment, nozzles hidden under his wristguards. "And I do my time with the Fire Department. The suit's designed to not only fight crime, but fight fire if it happens."

The pair offered their hands to Lance for a handshake, before Rushmore looked to Annette. "I think I can find the strength to sign my name for you, lovely lady." He grinned. "Photo too? No kisses though. My girlfriend will send me to the moon otherwise."

"Oh fine, you get the pretty young woman. I'll go see to these other fans." Cauter laughs, turning to the crowd following her. "Morning boys! Any of you want to discuss tech specs?"

Sarah McKinnley buzzed through the crowd like an autograph seeking missile, her progress aided mainly by her small size, as she wormed her way past the cos-players and concession stands. There were close calls however, if she'd of been one second faster at one point she'd of been crushed, her ten year old frame dwarfed by the forty year old, man-mountain dressed as the stay-puff marshmellow man, as he fell during a mock battle with a group of beared university students, dressed as a team of magical girls. Still she made it eventually unscathed into the convention hall.

Standing still for a few moments, she took a deep breath, releasing it as she mentally prepared herself for today’s battle. From her pockets she drew the weapons she would enter this conflict with... a black marker and autograph book. Her opponents this day were many, the battle would be long and tough, but steeling her self... she joined the queue for ‘The Militia’s‘ table and waited patiently before she could ask

“Can I have your autograph please Amber Banshee!?” holding her pen and book out like sword and shield.

Saffron had been seeing off a young man who seemed oddly obsessed with her freckles. His offer to 'play join the dots' would normally have earned him a loud ringing in the ears and the loss of his hearing for a few minutes but not today. So she was grateful for the distraction by the young lady.

"Certainly," she replied, taking the proffered pen and pad, hoping the man would drift off in the meantime. "Are you having a good time at the convention?"

Around the perimeter of the convention hall, the Shocktroopers began to fan out, their gleaming white armour blending in seamlessly with the many other fans in various hero, villain and sci-fi based costumes. A convention attendee, dressed in a poor home made cosutme of Lord Recluse, replete with spider legs made of cardboard tubes, didn't look where he was going and bumped into one of the Shocktroopers. It was like hitting a brick wall.

"Hey man, sorry, didn't see you there," he muttered in a thick Texan accent.

The Shocktrooper barely even moved. It seemed to pause for a second before turning its attention to the fan, as if it was listening to instructions.

"No problem! Say, we're handing out free gifts for some of the best costumes. Let me get you one." It reached into a holdall and retrieved a plain brown box to hand to the young man.

"Really? Oh wow, thanks!"