Holding Out For A Hero: An Original Superhero Quest
- Thread starter Agent 99
- Start date
- Original Superhero
- Location
- Head in the clouds
[X] "Don't worry. You get hurt, call me and I'll try to be there and patch you up
-[X] "That said if I'm medic to a planned bust I do expect my share"
Or essentially emergency room life saving is Good Samaritan work. If we're signed on in advance to something going down like we are with Stampede's upcoming gig we are getting payed our share.
-[X] "That said if I'm medic to a planned bust I do expect my share"
Or essentially emergency room life saving is Good Samaritan work. If we're signed on in advance to something going down like we are with Stampede's upcoming gig we are getting payed our share.
- Location
- Florida
[X] "Don't worry. You get hurt, call me and I'll try to be there and patch you up"
Forget the money, the rep and respect to be gained for this will be its own reward.
Forget the money, the rep and respect to be gained for this will be its own reward.
- Location
- Head in the clouds
Especially as I think we're going to need that goodwill since I think the police department won't like us being fairly conscientious of civilians and the like. Makes them look bad.
Also us patching up other vigilantes. They wont like that at all
- Location
- Head in the clouds
And I don't think that particularly matters when it comes to saving lives. In the vigilante works refusing to heal someone is essentially leaving them to die. I don't particularly relish choosing who lives and dies like that.
And I don't think it's a choice for him in particular but of how other vigilantes treat asking Vigil for help and what we want other vigilantes to know. Because word is going to spread through the community as to Vigil's policy.
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Once we collect enough social capital from being the medic to the vigilante community we can change the community and throw Gangbuster to the wolves.
So that's why I'm voting heal.
So that's why I'm voting heal.
I think there may have been a miscommunication on my part regarding Gangbuster. Gangbuster isn't the kind of Vigilante who has Pumped Up Kicks playing wherever he goes. He doesn't go to a place where criminals might hang out and gun down everyone. He targets people who are a part of organized crime. Usually gang members in his neighborhood, but has spread out to target people higher up the criminal food chain, specifically members of the Coalition
That said, innocent people, while not directly targeted, have been caught in the crossfire. And while he isn't alone in this when it comes to Vigilantes, or heroes in general, there has been collateral damage to his actions.
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Yeah. Collateral-Damage-Happy-Iron-Woman is our 'best friend' in the vigilante community. A precision-targeting gang-hitter...may not be as bad.
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Gambling against a psi is always a bad idea. They read minds, y'know.
No. Civilians are neutral to positive, Law Enforcement is between "I need to catch them because it's my job" and "They're making us look bad". Organized crime depends on who it is. The Coalition things "Let's keep an eye on them to make sure they aren't a threat". Ordinance's Arms Dealers think that you need to take a one way trip to the bottom of the river.
Interlude
The Department of Superhuman Affairs Command Building was a squat two story office type structure in the heart of downtown. With no identifying markings from the outside, it looked ordinary. People in business clothes walked in and out at usual times. They talked about how the game was, how their new boss was a jerk, how the paper towel dispenser on the second floor bathroom never gave you enough to dry your hands.
Nothing about the building gave any indication of the several basement levels. Of the massive computers that gathered information on crime in the cities and dispatched Heroes. It didn't give any indication of the training facilities dedicated to helping to bring out the best of any cape that went through it's doors. The medical facilities or R&D departments that worked on maintaining and improving the equipment's that Heroes were sent out with. Or even the PR teams that made sure that there was a sympathetic point of view in the media regarding Heroes.
Temple, the newest person to be accepted into the ranks of the Heroes, could hardly believe just how much was down here, right below his feet as he walked downtown. Of course, he couldn't talk about it to anyone. There were hundreds of thousands of dollars spend on every square inch of this base and the number of people who knew about it who weren't working for the DSA could be counted on two hands.
And yet, here he was, wearing a college hoodie, cargo shorts, sandals and casually playing poker in the rec room.
Capes could get a few days off a month. Which makes sense, since someone can only be a cop or a cape or a doctor or a soldier so many hours in a day and so many days in a year. And after yesterday, he could use the time to decompress, even if he could be called back into action at any time.
And apparently, there was a bit of a tradition. Once a week or so, whoever wasn't working that day would gather and play some poker and talk. Just casual conversation. Even though he had been a Cape for a little while, it still felt surreal to be this close to such powerful people.
To his left was Sunspot, real name Keith Merchant. He was wearing a brown jacket with a white T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers. One of the strongest Powered people in the city and you could pass him on the street without even knowing. Like always, he had a smile on his face. With teeth just white enough to not look unnatural. He had a small pile of chips in front of him, confident in his chances of winning.
To his right, was Saber, or Sanaz Faranakian. She was wearing a black with white patterned hijab that she wore when she wasn't in costume, a long sleeved blue shirt, black pants, and black shoes. She was... surprisingly friendly. Maybe taking out Lussiac was improving her mood, but she was casually chatting about a new drink she tried at Burger Island place in between hands. But whenever cards were in front of her, her face dropped. All expressions were gone as it became like the mask she wore. It was almost unsettling.
As Sunspot dealt the cards, Temple considered that he could try to read their minds to get an edge. But, that would be cheating. Besides, Scott didn't particularly care what his hand was when he played, and he was pretty sure that Sanaz would know if he was reading her mind.
"So, I was at this club a few blocks down, out of costume, of course." Sunspot said. "It was pumping. Great music, great people. Still wouldn't let me into the VIP section though" He said with a chuckle.
"And no one recognized you?" Temple asked. He'd been spending most of his off time much like he did in college. At home, online, or doing his best to keep his best to avoid anyone who might even come close to recognizing him.
"Scott, I could stand in front of a TV showing me, and people wouldn't recognize me if I wear glasses, slouched and styled my hair differently" Sunspot said, pointing at the younger man.
"Yeah, the civie posture helps, Temple. If you need help developing it, talk to Lisa A. in the training department. She'll give you some tips" Saber said casually. As she picked up her cards, her face instantly became neutral again.
"Anyway, I was at this club near the river, Ipsilon. Anyway, I was holding a shot of vodka, about to do my patented Dragon's Tongue"
"He really tried to patent it" Saber said in a deadpan manner, staring at her cards as if she could divine what was in Sunspot's and Temple's hands.
"Apparently, it was already taken..." Sunspot lamented. "Anyway, I was pouring the shot down, and I looked up and saw this guy in a bright green, glowing body suit.
"Really?!" Temple said.
"So, I was looking at this guy, and before I knew it, *BAM* another guy in a glowing bodysuit with Pentagon's patterns drop kicked this guy. I mean, a running start!" Sunspot kept talking while they played their hands. He's enthusially talking about how at least three other people revealing some sort of superhero/villain clothing and brawling in the middle of the dance floor. There was only really one rule in these gatherings. Don't talk about work. Not about a crime you stopped, not about a press conference you blew or a villain that got away. This table was supposed to be an oasis to get away from it.
And, to qualify of this not being work related, Sunspot let the bouncers handle the fights. Tossing fireballs at a bunch of people over a fight seemed like a bit of an over reaction anyway.
As Sunspot continues, Temple looks at his hand. A pair of Jacks. Not bad, but he had a feeling, a nagging feeling in the back of his head that it wouldn't be enough to win.
"I fold." Temple said. Placing his cards face down.
"And from the second story, this madman jumps down like he was in WWE- of, I call" Sunspot said, placing his chips in the pot. Temple was pretty sure that Sunspot didn't even look at his cards. "Anyway, he leaps on the guy that the Pentagon wannabe was holding-"
"Call" Saber said, placing her own chips in the pot.
It was around this time, Sunspot and Saber revealed their hands. Sunspot had Ace High. Saber had three Kings.
Just like a switch flipped, Saber's face brightened. "Thank you very much" She said with a smile when she raked in her chips. As she did, Sunspot looked at Temple, and he had to resist the urge to stand at attention.
"So, how you holding up, kid?" Sunspot asked. "You've been quiet lately."
Temple looked back down at his modest pile of chips, as if they would tell him what to say. He was fine, really. It was just that on the last mission, things went bad. Really bad. Innocent people almost died. And after that, half the news stations were picking apart everything he did, broadcasting his mistakes for everyone to see.
"I'm good" Temple said. This was supposed to be a relaxing time. He didn't feel like bringing up his own shit right now.
Both Saber and Sunspot looked at Temple, both thoroughly unconvinced.
"Well, if you need to talk, me and Sanaz are right here. Steel's busy, but if he has time, I know he'll want to listen" Sunspot said.
"And if it's... serious" Saber said. "If... well, if you need to talk to someone professionally. Dr. Quevedo can help you" Saber added.
"Thanks" Temple said. Well, maybe "Well-" He was interrupted as the metal door to the rec room slid open.
"Alright, people. The Main Event is finally here! Deal me in, Keith, I'm ready to clean all ya'll out!"
Temple looked up to see the Leader of Hartford's Heroes, Starhammer, real name Finn Farrel. He looked like something out a movie, even up close. Flawless skin, accomplished by a rigorous skin care regimen, styled hair, despite the fact that he was most likely just coming back from a fight, and a smile that, unlike Sunspot's easygoing smile, was like he was looking for a camera to take a picture of him. He was still in his costume, white torso with bright purple arms, legs and cape with a star emblem on the upper right side of his torso. The only thing he didn't have was his headguard, which still showed his face.
"No prob, Finn." Sunspot said to Starhammer. "So, Dave, you were saying"
"It's... nothing. Just having trouble getting any sleep. You know, missions, training, all the meetings on new threats, like those guys from Crush City making moves in Hartford" Temple said. "Haven't got a full 8 hours since high school"
"Well, you won't get many more for a while, unless we get more people on the team" Starhammer said, lightly punching Temple in the arm. "And we're part of the elite, cream of the crop. So that may not happen anytime soon"
"Well, maybe we'd have some time off if the cops did their jobs" Saber said. "'They couldn't find their asses with two hands and a map'. Isn't that what Jetstream said?"
"She did, but those guys are doing their best. They're overextended, just like us. It's not their fault we're more trained to deal with threats" Sunspot said as he dealt new hands to all four people.
"True. We " Starhammer said. Then, his eyebrows raised, as if he just remembered something important. "Before I forget. I hear I may be sent out of the city again in a few weeks. It's another mission like the California one"
"Again? But you just got back!" Sunspot said. "What do they have you doing, this time?"
"I don't know" Starhammer said,. "I just heard a couple of the higher ups talking about a mission or a project down south. They mentioned a couple of locations. I just know I'm heading down south. Either Temple or Killeen. Oh, not you, Temple" He said to the Hero currently holding a Jack High. "I mean Temple, Texas. Anyway-"
"It's alright" Temple said. And just like that, the topic was changed. Temple didn't feel like bringing up his concerns anymore. He didn't think he could, now.
...Maybe he'd talk to Dr Quevedo later.
Nothing about the building gave any indication of the several basement levels. Of the massive computers that gathered information on crime in the cities and dispatched Heroes. It didn't give any indication of the training facilities dedicated to helping to bring out the best of any cape that went through it's doors. The medical facilities or R&D departments that worked on maintaining and improving the equipment's that Heroes were sent out with. Or even the PR teams that made sure that there was a sympathetic point of view in the media regarding Heroes.
Temple, the newest person to be accepted into the ranks of the Heroes, could hardly believe just how much was down here, right below his feet as he walked downtown. Of course, he couldn't talk about it to anyone. There were hundreds of thousands of dollars spend on every square inch of this base and the number of people who knew about it who weren't working for the DSA could be counted on two hands.
And yet, here he was, wearing a college hoodie, cargo shorts, sandals and casually playing poker in the rec room.
Capes could get a few days off a month. Which makes sense, since someone can only be a cop or a cape or a doctor or a soldier so many hours in a day and so many days in a year. And after yesterday, he could use the time to decompress, even if he could be called back into action at any time.
And apparently, there was a bit of a tradition. Once a week or so, whoever wasn't working that day would gather and play some poker and talk. Just casual conversation. Even though he had been a Cape for a little while, it still felt surreal to be this close to such powerful people.
To his left was Sunspot, real name Keith Merchant. He was wearing a brown jacket with a white T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers. One of the strongest Powered people in the city and you could pass him on the street without even knowing. Like always, he had a smile on his face. With teeth just white enough to not look unnatural. He had a small pile of chips in front of him, confident in his chances of winning.
To his right, was Saber, or Sanaz Faranakian. She was wearing a black with white patterned hijab that she wore when she wasn't in costume, a long sleeved blue shirt, black pants, and black shoes. She was... surprisingly friendly. Maybe taking out Lussiac was improving her mood, but she was casually chatting about a new drink she tried at Burger Island place in between hands. But whenever cards were in front of her, her face dropped. All expressions were gone as it became like the mask she wore. It was almost unsettling.
As Sunspot dealt the cards, Temple considered that he could try to read their minds to get an edge. But, that would be cheating. Besides, Scott didn't particularly care what his hand was when he played, and he was pretty sure that Sanaz would know if he was reading her mind.
"So, I was at this club a few blocks down, out of costume, of course." Sunspot said. "It was pumping. Great music, great people. Still wouldn't let me into the VIP section though" He said with a chuckle.
"And no one recognized you?" Temple asked. He'd been spending most of his off time much like he did in college. At home, online, or doing his best to keep his best to avoid anyone who might even come close to recognizing him.
"Scott, I could stand in front of a TV showing me, and people wouldn't recognize me if I wear glasses, slouched and styled my hair differently" Sunspot said, pointing at the younger man.
"Yeah, the civie posture helps, Temple. If you need help developing it, talk to Lisa A. in the training department. She'll give you some tips" Saber said casually. As she picked up her cards, her face instantly became neutral again.
"Anyway, I was at this club near the river, Ipsilon. Anyway, I was holding a shot of vodka, about to do my patented Dragon's Tongue"
"He really tried to patent it" Saber said in a deadpan manner, staring at her cards as if she could divine what was in Sunspot's and Temple's hands.
"Apparently, it was already taken..." Sunspot lamented. "Anyway, I was pouring the shot down, and I looked up and saw this guy in a bright green, glowing body suit.
"Really?!" Temple said.
"So, I was looking at this guy, and before I knew it, *BAM* another guy in a glowing bodysuit with Pentagon's patterns drop kicked this guy. I mean, a running start!" Sunspot kept talking while they played their hands. He's enthusially talking about how at least three other people revealing some sort of superhero/villain clothing and brawling in the middle of the dance floor. There was only really one rule in these gatherings. Don't talk about work. Not about a crime you stopped, not about a press conference you blew or a villain that got away. This table was supposed to be an oasis to get away from it.
And, to qualify of this not being work related, Sunspot let the bouncers handle the fights. Tossing fireballs at a bunch of people over a fight seemed like a bit of an over reaction anyway.
As Sunspot continues, Temple looks at his hand. A pair of Jacks. Not bad, but he had a feeling, a nagging feeling in the back of his head that it wouldn't be enough to win.
"I fold." Temple said. Placing his cards face down.
"And from the second story, this madman jumps down like he was in WWE- of, I call" Sunspot said, placing his chips in the pot. Temple was pretty sure that Sunspot didn't even look at his cards. "Anyway, he leaps on the guy that the Pentagon wannabe was holding-"
"Call" Saber said, placing her own chips in the pot.
It was around this time, Sunspot and Saber revealed their hands. Sunspot had Ace High. Saber had three Kings.
Just like a switch flipped, Saber's face brightened. "Thank you very much" She said with a smile when she raked in her chips. As she did, Sunspot looked at Temple, and he had to resist the urge to stand at attention.
"So, how you holding up, kid?" Sunspot asked. "You've been quiet lately."
Temple looked back down at his modest pile of chips, as if they would tell him what to say. He was fine, really. It was just that on the last mission, things went bad. Really bad. Innocent people almost died. And after that, half the news stations were picking apart everything he did, broadcasting his mistakes for everyone to see.
"I'm good" Temple said. This was supposed to be a relaxing time. He didn't feel like bringing up his own shit right now.
Both Saber and Sunspot looked at Temple, both thoroughly unconvinced.
"Well, if you need to talk, me and Sanaz are right here. Steel's busy, but if he has time, I know he'll want to listen" Sunspot said.
"And if it's... serious" Saber said. "If... well, if you need to talk to someone professionally. Dr. Quevedo can help you" Saber added.
"Thanks" Temple said. Well, maybe "Well-" He was interrupted as the metal door to the rec room slid open.
"Alright, people. The Main Event is finally here! Deal me in, Keith, I'm ready to clean all ya'll out!"
Temple looked up to see the Leader of Hartford's Heroes, Starhammer, real name Finn Farrel. He looked like something out a movie, even up close. Flawless skin, accomplished by a rigorous skin care regimen, styled hair, despite the fact that he was most likely just coming back from a fight, and a smile that, unlike Sunspot's easygoing smile, was like he was looking for a camera to take a picture of him. He was still in his costume, white torso with bright purple arms, legs and cape with a star emblem on the upper right side of his torso. The only thing he didn't have was his headguard, which still showed his face.
"No prob, Finn." Sunspot said to Starhammer. "So, Dave, you were saying"
"It's... nothing. Just having trouble getting any sleep. You know, missions, training, all the meetings on new threats, like those guys from Crush City making moves in Hartford" Temple said. "Haven't got a full 8 hours since high school"
"Well, you won't get many more for a while, unless we get more people on the team" Starhammer said, lightly punching Temple in the arm. "And we're part of the elite, cream of the crop. So that may not happen anytime soon"
"Well, maybe we'd have some time off if the cops did their jobs" Saber said. "'They couldn't find their asses with two hands and a map'. Isn't that what Jetstream said?"
"She did, but those guys are doing their best. They're overextended, just like us. It's not their fault we're more trained to deal with threats" Sunspot said as he dealt new hands to all four people.
"True. We " Starhammer said. Then, his eyebrows raised, as if he just remembered something important. "Before I forget. I hear I may be sent out of the city again in a few weeks. It's another mission like the California one"
"Again? But you just got back!" Sunspot said. "What do they have you doing, this time?"
"I don't know" Starhammer said,. "I just heard a couple of the higher ups talking about a mission or a project down south. They mentioned a couple of locations. I just know I'm heading down south. Either Temple or Killeen. Oh, not you, Temple" He said to the Hero currently holding a Jack High. "I mean Temple, Texas. Anyway-"
"It's alright" Temple said. And just like that, the topic was changed. Temple didn't feel like bringing up his concerns anymore. He didn't think he could, now.
...Maybe he'd talk to Dr Quevedo later.
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- Location
- Earth
Second Sunspot should be Saber, methinks.
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Has there ever been a more useless profession than cop in a hero movie?
That said, the legal Capes could do well with something on the order of "licensed" heroes. People not part of the law but allowed to work with a free hand. PIs to the Capes' Police kinda thing.
I might see about writing some Town Hall where a citizen suggests this. That he's got a registered small power, selective phasing he mostly uses to make plumbing easier; but if he could use his powers to help without getting labeled a vigilante, he'd do it. "Easier to defuse a bomb when you can stick your hand into its guts and rip out the detonator, you know; that kinda thing."
That said, the legal Capes could do well with something on the order of "licensed" heroes. People not part of the law but allowed to work with a free hand. PIs to the Capes' Police kinda thing.
I might see about writing some Town Hall where a citizen suggests this. That he's got a registered small power, selective phasing he mostly uses to make plumbing easier; but if he could use his powers to help without getting labeled a vigilante, he'd do it. "Easier to defuse a bomb when you can stick your hand into its guts and rip out the detonator, you know; that kinda thing."
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If a Hero seems to have a glamorous life, they're either retired, or have a really good PR team....
The Heroes, spread so thin...I wish that option had won but well...
Being the Law just isn't as glamorous as it once was, now is it?
But then, if there were enough Heroes to handle everything, Sonya would either be working for them, or be working in her shop full time.
You're right. Fixed.
Valkur
The True Valkyria, Valkur!
- Location
- Fólkvangr
I'm trying to write a police image where a young cop handles a call of robbery in progress and has to deal with a manic man with a knife who goes after him. He shots him in a scuffle but some passerby's call it police brutality and demand a cape be there. Being a cop in this world sucks.
Ehh.
Then again being a cop in this world sucks too. Like no holds bar sucks.
Ehh.
Then again being a cop in this world sucks too. Like no holds bar sucks.