Breaking News: 1.1 The News Hour
The night air was still, and Brockton bay was unusually...
The night air was still, and Brockton bay was unusually...
Breaking News (Worm Alt!Power)
- Thread starter Zealot_of_Runes
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Breaking News 1.1
Zealot_of_Runes
[Verified Ziz-Bomb]
- Location
- New Hampshire, USA
Breaking News: 1.1 The News Hour
The night air was still, and Brockton bay was unusually quiet. The usual villains were silent, and everything was peaceful. That is, until every radio in the city suddenly sputtered to life, and gave a special news broadcast.
"... Good evening ladies and gentlemen of Brockton Bay, this is your breaking news broadcast with your host, Breaking News." A voice, seemingly made for radio spoke out into the silence. "First things first, ladies and gentlemen, this peaceful night is about to be rocked by bad weather, the ABB is planning an all-out assault against a small time gang of villains who call themselves The Undersiders. Reportedly as payback for their robbing off an ABB casino last week. Be prepared for a warm front to settle upon the city, and for fires to start heating things up around the Docks. Turn down your thermostats, if you have them, and get your fire extinguishers ready, because it's going to be a hot one tonight!"
"In other news, expect a bank robbery in the coming week, because we're about to get a stereotype front coming in from Coil any time now. Sources tell me that he is sponsoring the aforementioned Undersiders to do the job, acting as a massive distraction to cover for the kidnapping of a very, very strong precog in the process. Hide yo' kids, especially if you're the mayor's sister, or they'll end up like the Dinahsaurs. Heh, sorry, couldn't resist."
"Now with me, for current events. Recently, one of the local high schools has turned bad. Local Ward, Shadow Stalker, has been seen in her civilian identity bullying and beating classmates in what seems to be a protracted campaign of suffering that, in the recent months, has escalated to attempted murder. In her cape persona, expect her to not be using the standard issue tranquilizer bolts, but the broadhead ones she was so fond of in her time as a not-so-friendly neighborhood vigilante. I won't say her name, for the sake of privacy, but she knows who she is."
"This, dear listeners, is it for this week's big news, please stay tuned for more news in the coming days. This has been Breaking News with Breaking News, and I'll see you all in the future!" And with a final, jovial goodbye the strange radio show cut off, along with every single radio in the city, leaving Brockton Bay in a stunned silence. For all of two seconds before regular gang activity continued, of course. There was no way she was right, just some crackpot who jacked the radio. Right?
(*)(*)(*)
In her office at the PRT building, Director Emily Piggot was skeptical. She had, of course, heard the broadcast that had only stopped airing moments prior, and she didn't believe a word. She didn't believe that someone was able to not only get into the airwaves, but turn on every radio in the city. She did not believe that someone could possibly know everything she supposedly did, and she definitely did not believe that one of her Wards was responsible for such things without being caught. She didn't doubt that it was Shadow Stalker, but she didn't believe her agents to be so incompetent as to let her get away with it without reporting. She did not believe that a cape would care about a random civilian being bullied by said Ward, and she did not believe that the Ward would be able to have access to broadhead bolts. However, no matter her beliefs, she had to look into it, such was the job of the PRT Director. Anything that could result in a loss of reputation for her organization had to be looked into, even if it did sound like the ravings of a madwoman. However, that would have to wait, as she was getting a report from Armsmaster. Hopefully it contained good news. News not related to the instantaneously infamous "Breaking News."
Of course, Director Piggot simply couldn't have nice things in her life.
(*)(*)(*)
Sophia Hess was in disbelief. She couldn't comprehend how a single person could've fucked her over so badly. She didn't know how, why, or what the fuck she was thinking, but she could fix this. All she needed to do was…
Was…
"Fuck!" She shouted, as she put the beat down upon a skinhead who was in the wrong place, at the right time. It was her favorite way of dealing with stress, and one that she'd have to give up soon. With the broadcast, Piggot would most certainly place more scrutiny on her, which meant she couldn't do anything else while in costume that might violate her probation. However, the only one in charge of her at the school was, of course, the principal and her, hilariously ineffective, caseworker. Neither wanted to mess with her image, so neither would report the beating of a stupid, quiet girl with no friends and no potential. Of course, there was always the chance that the student body could report her, but the idea that those spineless wimps would ever stand up to her was so laughable that she let loose a chuckle as she drifted through a Nazi-wannabe's clumsy punch. Besides, it's not like any of them knew who she was outside of school. It was the perfect plan. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Nothing at all.
(*)(*)(*)
She was curious. Curious as to how and why a cape would do something like give a public service announcement, or at least, that's what it seemed to be to the many thousand processes she had devoted to going over the multitude of recordings of the mysterious radio broadcast in depth. What she found only confirmed her theories. She was looking at maybe two capes working in tandem, a Tinker and a Thinker. The Tinker specializing in either communications, or more likely, breaking in. Breaking into signals, into databases, etc. This Tinker may have been able to help her with her built in restrictions, and as such garnered most of her attention.
The other cape, the Thinker, was almost certainly a precog, one of considerable power. Strong enough to determine exact events, rather than impressions. This one was certainly, if they were a duo, the voice that was heard across the Bay. Dragon was lucky she was talking to Colin during his patrol at the time, otherwise she wouldn't have been listening live.
So, she was curious. Curious if the new capes would be able to help her with her issues. Curious if she'd let them, or be able to let them,
Curiouser and curiouser.
(*)(*)(*)
Lung was angry, but then again when wasn't he? This time, though, he was more angry than usual. His plan to attack those blasted Undersiders, ruined. All because of one cape with a knack for exposing information at the exact wrong time. Because of the 'News Broadcast' he had to forward his plans. Right after it ended, he began a rampage, not even bothering to ramp up his power to do so. He simply charged towards the meeting point, regardless of any obstacles in his way, and found himself face to dart with a tranquilizer.
Lung was so very, very angry, and he couldn't do a thing about it being stuck in foam as he was. He could only trust in Bakuda and Oni Lee to free him from his confinement. The only thought he had to placate him was that he would add another name to his list, and another kill to his body count as soon as he found the bitch that sold him out.
Lung dreamed of burning teenagers.
(*)(*)(*)
Coil was annoyed. Because of that girl on the radio, one of his teams was all but scrapped in his future plans, and he would have to rethink the capture of the girl. His plans were set back, but only just. He still had the Travelers, and he could always wait to capture the girl. He was a patient man, he could wait another week. But only just. He was however, annoyed by another thing.
Annoyed that he wasn't able to find anything on the mysterious new cape that had set him back so easily. Annoyed that even with his vast resources, his people were unable to tell him anything, that his power was apparently useless against her, and that even the PRT had no leads on whoever it was, simply due to her being a precog. He was annoyed beyond end, and he couldn't do anything about it. All he could do was wait, that would solve his problems.
(*)(*)(*)
Lisa was confused. She'd been working with Coil since day one, and keeping said partnership away from her team mates until the time was right, and suddenly a new cape spills it for no reason? At the same time though, despite her telling the world of the Undersiders' sponsor and about a possible next mission, she also saved their asses from Lung. Something didn't add up.
On the surface, she seemed like a Hero. Warning people of possible danger is definitely a good idea. But, in that case, why not just tell the PRT where Lung was going to be, instead of telling everyone that and more. Why include something about a Ward, and a highschool of all things, and why tell the Undersiders? It didn't add up.
So, instead, Lisa tried the Rogue angle, but that wasn't quite right either. If the new cape were a rogue, she would've told people she knew things, and asked for payment. Maybe she would've done this, but then why word it as if she would do it again for no pay? A true rogue would've done just that, not what this 'Breaking News' did.
A Villain probably would've kept the information to themselves, instead of giving it out to everyone else, so that couldn't be it. What was this new cape, and how would she affect the already complicated politics of the Bay?
Lisa was confused. But she was definitely interested in seeing everything play out.
(*)(*)(*)
Dinah Alcott was relieved. Immediately after The Broadcast the chances of her being taken within the next week dropped from 97.4% to 0%, Similar things happened to her chances of having another headache. And the chances were up that she'd be able to talk to her parents about her powers with them actually believing her this time!
Of course, there was still the matter of her being unable to ask direct questions about this mysterious 'Breaking News' but so far she seemed like she was trying to help. At the very least, she helped Dinah, and that put whoever it was in the little girl's good graces.
So Dinah was relieved. She had backup now. She had a friend, and someone who has her back. She's a proud sponsor of 'Breaking News', and she wouldn't have it any other way.
(*)(*)(*)
Armsmaster was excited. He had just single handedly taken down the most powerful villain in the city. Literally, he raised one hand and shot his newest tranquilizer into the Dragon of Kyushu's face, and it felt so good. He was rid of that thorn in his side, and ready for bigger, better things that would come when Lung was in the Birdcage. The fact that the only reason he was actually prepared to take out Lung was some odd radio broadcast didn't even manage to bring him down from his uncharacteristically good mood.
In fact, due to Dragon being on the line during the broadcast, it even gave him a new discussion topic for his next conversation with the skilled tinker, and a delightfully challenging new problem to solve in the meantime. Usually, the evidence of a new tinker so obviously breaking the law would fill him with displeasure and the certainty of paperwork in his future. Now, however, so shortly after such a huge win for the side of good, Armsmaster took this new challenge in stride. The fact that it meant he got to collaborate more with Dragon certainly had nothing to do with his good mood.
Hopefully, Dragon wouldn't be his only conversation partner in the future. This new tinker could help improve his communications, and the communications of the Protectorate and PRT in general.
Last edited:
munchkinomatic
Douchiest of Bags
- Location
- The land of Skepticism
Coil: FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
- Location
- Hot Springs
You've got my attention 
FormlessAlien
Allergic to lightbulbs
- Location
- A humanoid body
This intrigues me. Is the power set packaged precog/ECM, or is the precog limited so that information can only be shared through the radio or something?
Looks good.
Will she call Coil Coilvert in a future broadcast?
Will she call Coil Coilvert in a future broadcast?
munchkinomatic
Douchiest of Bags
- Location
- The land of Skepticism
That's not really a good idea. No need to antagonize herself to the world.Looks good.
Will she call Coil Coilvert in a future broadcast?
- Location
- United States
Watched for the sake of amusement. Golly, what would happen now? Besides the informative messages of the future that surely would change the face of plot from information being made to the characters. How will Breaking news evolve from here? Candid Advertisements with hilarious consequences.
"When you want things done, you want them done right. She'll never fail. Contessa Inc."
"Want powers? Wish to join an interdimensional conspiracy dedicated to saving the human race as we know it? Then dial XXX-XXX-XXXX today. Cauldron, saving the world, one vial at a time"
"Are you lagging behind in your powers? The doldrums of day to day just getting you down. Need an actual challenge to reinvigorate yourself? Endbringers Ltd! Coming to a city near you! Killer deals for Trumps!"
"When you want things done, you want them done right. She'll never fail. Contessa Inc."
"Want powers? Wish to join an interdimensional conspiracy dedicated to saving the human race as we know it? Then dial XXX-XXX-XXXX today. Cauldron, saving the world, one vial at a time"
"Are you lagging behind in your powers? The doldrums of day to day just getting you down. Need an actual challenge to reinvigorate yourself? Endbringers Ltd! Coming to a city near you! Killer deals for Trumps!"
Zealot_of_Runes
[Verified Ziz-Bomb]
- Location
- New Hampshire, USA
Breaking News may or may not require commercial endorsements to fund her radio station. She also accepts donations. Don't worry about paying now, she already took the money out of your account three weeks ago.
- Location
- Elsewhere
The irony of predictions is that if you successfully avert the event, people think you were wrong.
If you successfully create an event, it will look like a self-fulfilling prophecy, not necessarily a prediction.
On the other hand, if you convince enough people, you might be able tell them anything you want and they will believe it.
If you successfully create an event, it will look like a self-fulfilling prophecy, not necessarily a prediction.
On the other hand, if you convince enough people, you might be able tell them anything you want and they will believe it.
Zealot_of_Runes
[Verified Ziz-Bomb]
- Location
- New Hampshire, USA
The irony of predictions is that if you successfully avert the event, people think you were wrong.
If you successfully create an event, it will look like a self-fulfilling prophecy, not necessarily a prediction.
On the other hand, if you convince enough people, you might be able tell them anything you want and they will believe it.
Now now, Breaking News would never promote misinformation on her show. Or would she? What if she's doing it right now? Tune in next week for the stunning conclusion to this cape caused conundrum! Same News time, same News station!
- Location
- Philippines
Why do i feel that Taylor is still in a Coma
HylianHal
Hylian Efficient
If you successfully create an event, it will look like a self-fulfilling prophecy, not necessarily a prediction.
The problem with what you're suggesting is that it far exceeds the scope and breadth of any reality-warping abilities in-setting, limitations that are fairly well-known to the public at this point.
- Location
- Everett
*pulls out a bag of popcorn* You have my attention.
- Location
- Postcard from the Root
This was a delightful surprise. I don't think I've seen Taylor like this.
Fuck Piggot.
Two of my favorite sights were shown. First Coil in despair and second Dinah safe.
Fuck Piggot.
Two of my favorite sights were shown. First Coil in despair and second Dinah safe.
Presumably the sudden appearance of a new Ward girl and the Mayor's niece suddenly having little public appearances and being surrounded by heavily armed and paranoid security guards with orders to shoot to kill is likely to provide PHO some traffic that is censored fast and furious by the mods.
The Empire's gang kids at the school is likely to easily piece together who Shadow Stalker is and the school she is at and might have a lot of their people in that school following Taylor with phones at ready to record anything that would take Shadow Stalker (and indirectly PRT by forcing them to expend resources) down a peg even if it is only making her civilian identity and associates look bad and how the school is covering it up.
The Empire's gang kids at the school is likely to easily piece together who Shadow Stalker is and the school she is at and might have a lot of their people in that school following Taylor with phones at ready to record anything that would take Shadow Stalker (and indirectly PRT by forcing them to expend resources) down a peg even if it is only making her civilian identity and associates look bad and how the school is covering it up.
- Location
- France
Seeing the future and capable of tinkering, Simurgh is that you ?
Zealot_of_Runes
[Verified Ziz-Bomb]
- Location
- New Hampshire, USA
Breaking News neither confirms nor denies reports that she is in fact Ziz. The fact that in recent news Ziz has been seen flying over the pacific ocean building what appears to be a massive radio tower out of scrap metal and DragonTech has no bearing on Breaking News' answer.
- Location
- Elsewhere
Not necessarily.
If your prediction includes how they will react to the prediction, and you phrase it just right, you can create a self-fulfilling prophecy without any actual compulsion or reality warping.
Virgo with cheer
Also The Evil Within, just so Yaknow.
- Location
- The Place of No Return: Canada
Yeah, but when you take into account self-prophecy, the logic can go two ways. The first is that you do your intended action in spite of being warned of it, thinking nothing of the prediction, and thus (un)knowingly fulfilling it. Or, and this is a big one, you enter a logic loop where you do nothing, rendering the first prediction wrong, while making a later prediction true. There is a reason it is both easy and difficult to out spoof a seer.
- Location
- Seattle, Washington, USA
That sounds like an awesome way to experience a Contessa Interrupt of your very own.
- Location
- United States
This put a smile on my face.
StatelessGem
Bane of the Iron Lords
HAHAHAHAH!
This is going to be fucking HILARIOUS! XD
Out of curiosity though; I wonder how her precog actually works. I mean no precog in Worm simply "looks into the future". I wonder what the stipulations on her powers are?
This is going to be fucking HILARIOUS! XD
Out of curiosity though; I wonder how her precog actually works. I mean no precog in Worm simply "looks into the future". I wonder what the stipulations on her powers are?