Iris-Iven-Ibis
Interested-Idiot-Immortal
- Location
- You know
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
Fate/In Glory Of (Worm)
- Thread starter Jefardi
- Start date
- Crossover Modern Superhero
Arksurek
Knowledge is power. Wisdom is leverage.
- Location
- USA
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
I wonder if Taylor realizes that the same arguments she made about capes putting regular people out of work could be applied to advances in technology allowing fewer workers to do jobs that required many more previously?
I wonder if Taylor realizes that the same arguments she made about capes putting regular people out of work could be applied to advances in technology allowing fewer workers to do jobs that required many more previously?
Iris-Iven-Ibis
Interested-Idiot-Immortal
- Location
- You know
She doesn't because she does not have the right cultural framework to look at it at that angle
( in other words because people don't think of advanced technology outside of like thinkers for the most part in worms it's a lot harder for her to come up with that idea)
She also is viewing it through the lens of her idea of employment being what her dad does and is somewhat bias in my mind because of it.
- Location
- France
The law does make it so that crime and crime-fighting are a cape's only two realistic options, wich is horrible, but there is the fact that out of universe, we know that a cape isn't ever not gonna fight because of that conflict drive shards push onto their hosts. Which means that while the law in theory is bad, in practice I think it limits the amount of parahumans ending up like Amy, using their powers on a job in an unfulfilling way for years before tragically exploding. So, yay accidentally made a good thing while doing a bad thing I guess.
- Location
- Oklahoma
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
Arksurek
Knowledge is power. Wisdom is leverage.
- Location
- USA
Maybe I'm misremembering, but didn't Khepri discover that some parahumans were hiding their powers and living mostly normal lives?
She did. It's also true that half the "conflict drive" is just "traumatized people given superpowers" usually equals conflict. It's only specific parahumans that get Shard influence (I think Breakers are more susceptible?); Amy specifically also had a lot more going on that made her explode, her Shard just happened to give her the big red button to do it.
SaberFail
All Ideas. No Skills. a bit hungry
- Pronouns
- He/Him
i don't know what that is, but it sounds like dakka, and dakka is always cool.
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
Deadweight Hero
I can't beat the demon lord help-
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
Aporia 03.22
[X] Nikki seems to have a lot of opinions on cape laws. Maybe keep talking about it? Or that might not be a good idea? She's passionate about it regardless.
Taylor had never been to this part of the city before.
Well, at least something other than just driving through it.
There was a street or so filled with buildings that Taylor knew a great deal about from a second-hand source, namely, Emma. They were the kind of places she had talked about and wanted to go to in middle school. Promised that they would go visit when they were older. That they would go shopping at when they were in high school when she got her driver's license, do a double date at, spend a day at, get clothes from-
Trickles of sanguine went through her vision, fleeting and ephemeral for a brief moment. A dark shadow lurked over her shoulder, bent like a bow at full draw.
She took a deep breath before releasing it.
Things were different now.
Just more promises that Emma had broken.
Really, not so different from the past year and a half.
"Ah, Miss Sokolova, a reservation for two at eight thirty." The maitre d' voice pulled Taylor out of her thoughts.
Saint Piera Oceanside was an upscale, formal restaurant with a waterside view. Once upon a time, it must have cost a fortune for the land, though, given it's proximity to the PRT headquarters, it probably retained its value.
It went without saying that both Nikki and Taylor were probably the least well dressed patrons within the establishment. Not by much! But Taylor would stick with that estimate.
"Right this way."
A twenty-something host led them through the expansive building.
It was… tastefully decorated. Though the decorations made Taylor think it could have not changed in the last half century or maybe even century and no one would have noticed. Nothing particularly gaudy. Low lights. No booths, but instead every table was free standing with solid wooden chairs at each place.
The pair were led to a smaller table with two seats near a window. Not the side facing the ocean but instead facing out across a four-way intersection.
The first thing Taylor did when she took a seat was look at one of the pair of menus… none of the items had prices. Or pictures. Or for that matter a description.
Their names were in english, however. So it could be worse.
As she mulled over the choices - who eats a vegetable lasagna?! - she glanced up at Nikki who was doing the same.
"Do they have the same parahuman laws in Russia?"
If nothing else, Nikki seemed to be interested in the topic. It's not a very date-like topic, but it should be fine?
Nikki perused the menu only once before setting it down on the table. "Ah? Yes, quite a few. There are no 'capes' in Russia. No colorful costumes or street brawls to be recorded and posted online. Here it seems like Saturday cartoons come to life in the street."
It kind of was, when she put it like that...
She sighed quietly. "In Russia all parahumans are conscripted into the military. There is no fighting allowed amongst Russia's powered troops either."
"...all? But… how?"
"You have three, well four, options in Russia if you are a parahuman." Nikki ticked the fingers off as she counted. "One: Get conscripted. Two: Get jailed or Mastered. Three: Be executed as a traitor to the state. Or Four: Flee the country." Nikki nodded. "I think only the Endbringers stop Russia from invading their neighbouring countries."
That was entirely different from how it worked in Brockton Bay. Or the USA. Actually kind of depressing. Well, it would have been in a detached way, if Taylor wasn't also a parahuman. She was only able to stop herself from shivering at the fate she would have had in Russia.
"That's… that's it?" It was a dumb question and Taylor knew but she asked all the same.
"Yes. That is it." Nikki noted solemnly. "That is why I do not like that law we spoke of earlier. It is coyly offering parahumans here the same fate. Just softer. Join the government, or be a criminal unless you have the correct power to jump through legal loops. Sure, one can always just not use their power. But that is an illusion of choice."
Taylor's brow furrowed. "How is that an illusion of choice? It is a choice by the absence of action." It's also what she would have done had she lived in Russia. Hypothetically.
Nikki smiled – it was not a kind one. "Have you read anything of Professor Yarrows work?" Taylor shook her head, she hadn't. "He has spoken to a number of capes, and one thing they all have had in common is that the power they have feels as if they were born with it. That it is something natural."
The smile faded. "A muscle sometimes. Should the government disallow the use of one's eyes? Regulate the control of your limbs? Legislate your ability to taste?"
That was… partially true for Taylor, she supposed. It felt like a muscle, but never once did it feel natural to her. It felt distinctly unnatural if anything. Like a perversion of the natural order…
"No." That didn't change her answer to the question of course, "they shouldn't be able to. That'd be 1984-esque."
Nikki nodded once. "So, as the laws are in place now. One is forced to use their powers in a few ways. One which is morally wrong, one which is fraught with legal issues and danger, and then the last is to join the government and do as they tell you."
"There will always be a government wanting them to join." Taylor pointed out. "You can't get rid of that."
"Then make it enticing. Make some of it more than getting into costumes and fighting. I wouldn't want to fight if I acquired powers." Nikki informed Taylor. "I have no interest in wearing a bright costume and smiling for people so that they will buy merchandise."
That… actually raised an interesting point. "Then what would you want to do with powers if you had them? Say you could…" Taylor struggled for a moment, trying to think of a power that wasn't her own, "...shoot lasers out of your eyes. What would you do besides fight?" She almost said to fight villains, but she wasn't exactly sure that Nikki would fall down that paradigm given what she suspected of the blonde's family.
"Perhaps try cooking with the power, maybe welding." Nikki mused. "I suppose it depends on how the lasers work, wouldn't it? Powers often are alike, but they are rarely the same." She shrugged. "Either way, I am not fond of violence. I have seen enough of such things and prefer the peace."
"Then how enticing would the government have to be to get you to join?"
"Government benefits, healthcare, dental, a 401k. Good pay, and not having to fight or do Public Relations." Nikki stated. "I am terrible at Public Relations."
Taylor hummed. Truthfully, she had seen the benefits for joining; the Wards had recruitment information everywhere in schools. Not that it meant anyone who was part of Winslow would ever join them… even if money alone was… enticing.
"I think they get fifty K a year on-top of an hourly wage and they have Panacea on speed dial… that's pretty good benefits." She shrugged. "I think if you had one of the inventing powers they might not even make you fight. Just build stuff for others to use."
"Panacea helps them out as a courtesy. She is not a guarantee." Nikki gently reminded Taylor.
"There are other healers." Taylor pointed out. "But I would assume they get free healthcare."
The Russian leaned back in her chair. "Tinker is the inventing type. As for the pay? That's not great honestly."
Taylor frowned. "That's more than dad makes, I think."
Nikki frowned. "It's also incredibly dangerous work. Very few capes make it to the age of 40. Nevermind... Endbringers." Nikki had leaned in, softly whispering the word as if saying it aloud would jinx it. Which honestly, was kind of a popular mindset; who in their right mind would say their names more than necessary?
There were rumours that saying Simurgh's name might make her appear next in your city if it was her turn and they were days away from said appearance…
"Isn't that just because of all the capes that volunteer?" Which was… something that Taylor was considering, possibly. Maybe. She'd look into it. Soon.
"Yes, but could you look your teammates and your friends in the eyes if you stayed behind and people did not come back from the fight?" Nikki shook her head. "No, I would try to be a rogue, legal troubles be damned, excuse my language."
"How would that change by being a rogue? Even villains volunteer for the fights. I bet rogues do too."
"No pressure for me to do so. Yes I could fight. But I am not expected to. Villains do so for reputation and so that heroes act with a lighter touch towards them, some I assume actually care. Heroes do it because they are heroes, and possibly for the reputation that comes with it. Rogues? Rogues have no reason to fight. They do not engage in conflict other than protecting themselves." Nikki nodded. "I do not care for violence. So I would not go."
It was at that point that the waiter returned to take their orders.
Taylor had a shepard's pie.
It was okay. Just okay.
Nikki quietly set down her spoon, frowning as she looked at Taylor. "Taylor, I must confess something to you."
Taylor looked up from her food that she had been nibbling at. It wasn't bad, she was just full. "Uh, yeah?"
"I-" Nikki paused. "All relationships are based upon the value of Trust." She could hear the capital T in the enunciation. "Honesty is important. So I have to be honest with you. When I offered you those chocolates, I was under the impression that one could give candy to good friends."
Slowly Nikki leaned back into her seat. "I was...simply too embarrassed to correct you when you came to me afterwards. That I put you and myself on the spot in-front of all of our peers, it was not what I had intended. I fear you might have accepted because I pressured you in such a way. Or you feared that our friendship was in danger if you rejected my apparent advances."
All of that was… actually true. Taylor would be lying if she said that wasn't a big part of why she had agreed to go on this date. To spare her friend's feelings.
That didn't change the fact that this had been fun. Nikki had acted like a gentleman, for lack of a better term, to her throughout the night, Taylor thought with some red creeping up the back of her neck. She had made Taylor feel special throughout the evening. It had been fun. She wasn't head over heels for Nikki, nor even that much attracted to her, though she was willing to state she admired the girl's… physique.
There were downsides that Taylor could think of to this; if she was trying to keep her head down and keep her power separate from her normal life, dating a girl would make her a target for a bloodening from the biggest gang in the city. Or the fact she was very sure that said girl's family was part of organized crime in Russia… and that might complicate things.
Though, the biggest and the most selfish was that it put someone closer to finding out Taylor had powers.
A hand was placed on the table, palm facing up. An open invitation. "But despite that, I found myself enjoying tonight. Enjoying the idea of being in a closer relationship with you. However, if you do not feel the same then I am perfectly happy with remaining friends. I value you, friend or more."
[] Go on another date with Nikki. Continue the dating plotline.
[] Let's just stay good friends.
Author's Note: Oh hey, only half a month this time! Improvement!
So, a few chapters(3.13 I think?) back there was a hidden option. What it would have done is realized this was a literal misunderstanding about what Nikki thought she was doing. That's it, if you are curious. The idea being readers catching the hidden vote would be Taylor catching the misunderstanding, essentially.
The date is coming to a close. The end of the next update should be a power related vote. Please vote and discuss!
Taylor had never been to this part of the city before.
Well, at least something other than just driving through it.
There was a street or so filled with buildings that Taylor knew a great deal about from a second-hand source, namely, Emma. They were the kind of places she had talked about and wanted to go to in middle school. Promised that they would go visit when they were older. That they would go shopping at when they were in high school when she got her driver's license, do a double date at, spend a day at, get clothes from-
Trickles of sanguine went through her vision, fleeting and ephemeral for a brief moment. A dark shadow lurked over her shoulder, bent like a bow at full draw.
She took a deep breath before releasing it.
Things were different now.
Just more promises that Emma had broken.
Really, not so different from the past year and a half.
"Ah, Miss Sokolova, a reservation for two at eight thirty." The maitre d' voice pulled Taylor out of her thoughts.
Saint Piera Oceanside was an upscale, formal restaurant with a waterside view. Once upon a time, it must have cost a fortune for the land, though, given it's proximity to the PRT headquarters, it probably retained its value.
It went without saying that both Nikki and Taylor were probably the least well dressed patrons within the establishment. Not by much! But Taylor would stick with that estimate.
"Right this way."
A twenty-something host led them through the expansive building.
It was… tastefully decorated. Though the decorations made Taylor think it could have not changed in the last half century or maybe even century and no one would have noticed. Nothing particularly gaudy. Low lights. No booths, but instead every table was free standing with solid wooden chairs at each place.
The pair were led to a smaller table with two seats near a window. Not the side facing the ocean but instead facing out across a four-way intersection.
The first thing Taylor did when she took a seat was look at one of the pair of menus… none of the items had prices. Or pictures. Or for that matter a description.
Their names were in english, however. So it could be worse.
As she mulled over the choices - who eats a vegetable lasagna?! - she glanced up at Nikki who was doing the same.
"Do they have the same parahuman laws in Russia?"
If nothing else, Nikki seemed to be interested in the topic. It's not a very date-like topic, but it should be fine?
Nikki perused the menu only once before setting it down on the table. "Ah? Yes, quite a few. There are no 'capes' in Russia. No colorful costumes or street brawls to be recorded and posted online. Here it seems like Saturday cartoons come to life in the street."
It kind of was, when she put it like that...
She sighed quietly. "In Russia all parahumans are conscripted into the military. There is no fighting allowed amongst Russia's powered troops either."
"...all? But… how?"
"You have three, well four, options in Russia if you are a parahuman." Nikki ticked the fingers off as she counted. "One: Get conscripted. Two: Get jailed or Mastered. Three: Be executed as a traitor to the state. Or Four: Flee the country." Nikki nodded. "I think only the Endbringers stop Russia from invading their neighbouring countries."
That was entirely different from how it worked in Brockton Bay. Or the USA. Actually kind of depressing. Well, it would have been in a detached way, if Taylor wasn't also a parahuman. She was only able to stop herself from shivering at the fate she would have had in Russia.
"That's… that's it?" It was a dumb question and Taylor knew but she asked all the same.
"Yes. That is it." Nikki noted solemnly. "That is why I do not like that law we spoke of earlier. It is coyly offering parahumans here the same fate. Just softer. Join the government, or be a criminal unless you have the correct power to jump through legal loops. Sure, one can always just not use their power. But that is an illusion of choice."
Taylor's brow furrowed. "How is that an illusion of choice? It is a choice by the absence of action." It's also what she would have done had she lived in Russia. Hypothetically.
Nikki smiled – it was not a kind one. "Have you read anything of Professor Yarrows work?" Taylor shook her head, she hadn't. "He has spoken to a number of capes, and one thing they all have had in common is that the power they have feels as if they were born with it. That it is something natural."
The smile faded. "A muscle sometimes. Should the government disallow the use of one's eyes? Regulate the control of your limbs? Legislate your ability to taste?"
That was… partially true for Taylor, she supposed. It felt like a muscle, but never once did it feel natural to her. It felt distinctly unnatural if anything. Like a perversion of the natural order…
"No." That didn't change her answer to the question of course, "they shouldn't be able to. That'd be 1984-esque."
Nikki nodded once. "So, as the laws are in place now. One is forced to use their powers in a few ways. One which is morally wrong, one which is fraught with legal issues and danger, and then the last is to join the government and do as they tell you."
"There will always be a government wanting them to join." Taylor pointed out. "You can't get rid of that."
"Then make it enticing. Make some of it more than getting into costumes and fighting. I wouldn't want to fight if I acquired powers." Nikki informed Taylor. "I have no interest in wearing a bright costume and smiling for people so that they will buy merchandise."
That… actually raised an interesting point. "Then what would you want to do with powers if you had them? Say you could…" Taylor struggled for a moment, trying to think of a power that wasn't her own, "...shoot lasers out of your eyes. What would you do besides fight?" She almost said to fight villains, but she wasn't exactly sure that Nikki would fall down that paradigm given what she suspected of the blonde's family.
"Perhaps try cooking with the power, maybe welding." Nikki mused. "I suppose it depends on how the lasers work, wouldn't it? Powers often are alike, but they are rarely the same." She shrugged. "Either way, I am not fond of violence. I have seen enough of such things and prefer the peace."
"Then how enticing would the government have to be to get you to join?"
"Government benefits, healthcare, dental, a 401k. Good pay, and not having to fight or do Public Relations." Nikki stated. "I am terrible at Public Relations."
Taylor hummed. Truthfully, she had seen the benefits for joining; the Wards had recruitment information everywhere in schools. Not that it meant anyone who was part of Winslow would ever join them… even if money alone was… enticing.
"I think they get fifty K a year on-top of an hourly wage and they have Panacea on speed dial… that's pretty good benefits." She shrugged. "I think if you had one of the inventing powers they might not even make you fight. Just build stuff for others to use."
"Panacea helps them out as a courtesy. She is not a guarantee." Nikki gently reminded Taylor.
"There are other healers." Taylor pointed out. "But I would assume they get free healthcare."
The Russian leaned back in her chair. "Tinker is the inventing type. As for the pay? That's not great honestly."
Taylor frowned. "That's more than dad makes, I think."
Nikki frowned. "It's also incredibly dangerous work. Very few capes make it to the age of 40. Nevermind... Endbringers." Nikki had leaned in, softly whispering the word as if saying it aloud would jinx it. Which honestly, was kind of a popular mindset; who in their right mind would say their names more than necessary?
There were rumours that saying Simurgh's name might make her appear next in your city if it was her turn and they were days away from said appearance…
"Isn't that just because of all the capes that volunteer?" Which was… something that Taylor was considering, possibly. Maybe. She'd look into it. Soon.
"Yes, but could you look your teammates and your friends in the eyes if you stayed behind and people did not come back from the fight?" Nikki shook her head. "No, I would try to be a rogue, legal troubles be damned, excuse my language."
"How would that change by being a rogue? Even villains volunteer for the fights. I bet rogues do too."
"No pressure for me to do so. Yes I could fight. But I am not expected to. Villains do so for reputation and so that heroes act with a lighter touch towards them, some I assume actually care. Heroes do it because they are heroes, and possibly for the reputation that comes with it. Rogues? Rogues have no reason to fight. They do not engage in conflict other than protecting themselves." Nikki nodded. "I do not care for violence. So I would not go."
It was at that point that the waiter returned to take their orders.
Taylor had a shepard's pie.
It was okay. Just okay.
Nikki quietly set down her spoon, frowning as she looked at Taylor. "Taylor, I must confess something to you."
Taylor looked up from her food that she had been nibbling at. It wasn't bad, she was just full. "Uh, yeah?"
"I-" Nikki paused. "All relationships are based upon the value of Trust." She could hear the capital T in the enunciation. "Honesty is important. So I have to be honest with you. When I offered you those chocolates, I was under the impression that one could give candy to good friends."
Slowly Nikki leaned back into her seat. "I was...simply too embarrassed to correct you when you came to me afterwards. That I put you and myself on the spot in-front of all of our peers, it was not what I had intended. I fear you might have accepted because I pressured you in such a way. Or you feared that our friendship was in danger if you rejected my apparent advances."
All of that was… actually true. Taylor would be lying if she said that wasn't a big part of why she had agreed to go on this date. To spare her friend's feelings.
That didn't change the fact that this had been fun. Nikki had acted like a gentleman, for lack of a better term, to her throughout the night, Taylor thought with some red creeping up the back of her neck. She had made Taylor feel special throughout the evening. It had been fun. She wasn't head over heels for Nikki, nor even that much attracted to her, though she was willing to state she admired the girl's… physique.
There were downsides that Taylor could think of to this; if she was trying to keep her head down and keep her power separate from her normal life, dating a girl would make her a target for a bloodening from the biggest gang in the city. Or the fact she was very sure that said girl's family was part of organized crime in Russia… and that might complicate things.
Though, the biggest and the most selfish was that it put someone closer to finding out Taylor had powers.
A hand was placed on the table, palm facing up. An open invitation. "But despite that, I found myself enjoying tonight. Enjoying the idea of being in a closer relationship with you. However, if you do not feel the same then I am perfectly happy with remaining friends. I value you, friend or more."
[] Go on another date with Nikki. Continue the dating plotline.
[] Let's just stay good friends.
Author's Note: Oh hey, only half a month this time! Improvement!
So, a few chapters(3.13 I think?) back there was a hidden option. What it would have done is realized this was a literal misunderstanding about what Nikki thought she was doing. That's it, if you are curious. The idea being readers catching the hidden vote would be Taylor catching the misunderstanding, essentially.
The date is coming to a close. The end of the next update should be a power related vote. Please vote and discuss!
[X] Go on another date with Nikki. Continue the dating plotline.
Ever forward
Ever forward
Iris-Iven-Ibis
Interested-Idiot-Immortal
- Location
- You know
[X] Go on another date with Nikki. Continue the dating plotline.
xamaplak
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE @SOUP?
- Location
- the Soup Store
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Go on another date with Nikki. Continue the dating plotline.
I think we should also take the opportunity to 'out' ourselves to her whenever we get the option. That's like, need to know info past maybe 4 dates unless it's explicitly just a casual relationship.
I think we should also take the opportunity to 'out' ourselves to her whenever we get the option. That's like, need to know info past maybe 4 dates unless it's explicitly just a casual relationship.