It was already slowing down before the wards. I suspect that even if the wards were not used, we would have still stopped at the same point.
I want a refund! (Tinker of Fiction Semi-SI)
Author was getting swamped IRL at work. Probably cut into his writing time. Hopefully we'll hear something soon.
I hope he hasnt gotten sick from overwork
So, I read this solely because somebody else linked this story due to mentioning the Guzzleshaft pun (And not because I have a problem, I can totally stop any time I want, no don't take away my fiiiiiiics.)
As is my habit a few thoughts.
First off, this is a gold standard example of an unreliable narrator, I'd point people at this story who need object lessons. It's not subtle at all, so its likely no one will miss it being used, contrasted with the catch up interludes from somebody elses point of view (Lisa losing her shit never gets old) to really drive it home. Confused on the concept and how to use it? Read this.
Addy slowly becoming the mask is fun to watch. She's slowly turning into more of the little girl she looks like, even if she did get isekai'd.
This is, to my surprise the first fic I've read that brought mom back, and it wasn't terrible (which is what I'd expect from a resurrect mom fic).
Addy sometimes grabs the idiot ball rather hard, which is a pet peeve. Being screwy enough to not be personally squicked out by catthulu, or any of the other bio tinkering is one thing, being completely oblivious to why not everybody else is, or that it'll attract negative attention is just straight holding the idiot ball. This is more than just the casual psychopathy we usually see out of tinkers. Even after the fact, explanations are just seen as ruining her fun, and not 'oh yea, wait, having literally the entire government trying to kill me would be bad'. There's a line between not agreeing with, or even understanding, other's motivations, and ignoring that they exist at all.
The Creepy Little Girl is hilarious to watch in action most of the time, though it goes too over the top sometimes for my taste, overall its great.
Also, "how'd you know it was me?" LOL. 'my friend is a precog' has got to be the flimisiest excuse this side of asking for links for 'research' purposes.
The only way she could have gotten found out faster was by a precog.
So with that outta the way, you get the stamp
*STAMP*
BINGED!
Time to go find the next one....
As is my habit a few thoughts.
First off, this is a gold standard example of an unreliable narrator, I'd point people at this story who need object lessons. It's not subtle at all, so its likely no one will miss it being used, contrasted with the catch up interludes from somebody elses point of view (Lisa losing her shit never gets old) to really drive it home. Confused on the concept and how to use it? Read this.
Addy slowly becoming the mask is fun to watch. She's slowly turning into more of the little girl she looks like, even if she did get isekai'd.
This is, to my surprise the first fic I've read that brought mom back, and it wasn't terrible (which is what I'd expect from a resurrect mom fic).
Addy sometimes grabs the idiot ball rather hard, which is a pet peeve. Being screwy enough to not be personally squicked out by catthulu, or any of the other bio tinkering is one thing, being completely oblivious to why not everybody else is, or that it'll attract negative attention is just straight holding the idiot ball. This is more than just the casual psychopathy we usually see out of tinkers. Even after the fact, explanations are just seen as ruining her fun, and not 'oh yea, wait, having literally the entire government trying to kill me would be bad'. There's a line between not agreeing with, or even understanding, other's motivations, and ignoring that they exist at all.
The Creepy Little Girl is hilarious to watch in action most of the time, though it goes too over the top sometimes for my taste, overall its great.
Also, "how'd you know it was me?" LOL. 'my friend is a precog' has got to be the flimisiest excuse this side of asking for links for 'research' purposes.
The only way she could have gotten found out faster was by a precog.So with that outta the way, you get the stamp
*STAMP*
BINGED!
Time to go find the next one....
Bonemaster
Bonespook
- Location
- New york
I have to ask, will there be a moment where Addie realizes her power has messed up her mind to the point she's basically another Bonesaw and blue screens as a result, or similar where an antimaster effect makes her mind return to how it was pre power and see everything in a completely different light?
I have yet to see it in stories where the characters with horrible/inhuman mindsets are returned to normal and have to deal with that.
I have yet to see it in stories where the characters with horrible/inhuman mindsets are returned to normal and have to deal with that.
- Location
- Neptune
If the story lasts for another thirty or so years, there might be.
Unders
Suffers from delusions of competence
Technically you can pull off the PunPun bullshit as any race at level 1 so long as you're a paladin, but it abuses invoking Pazuzu for candle of invocation shenanigans for infinite wishes.
In my campaigns I tend to run the average person as around level 3. I find it gives more wiggle room for interesting stuff and presents stupidty like house cats murdering random peasants. Multiclassing happens a lot on the NPCs too, with stuff like the generic city guards being Commoner 1/Warrior 2 (the captian might have the commoner level swapped with a level of fighter for example. I could probably go in more detail but this isn't a D&D thread.
They're both amazing and definitely on her to-do list.
Interlude is coming up soon. Lots of people are going to be bemoaning the shenanigans.
I've got some interesting plans for Codi :D
Nope. Had a bunch of IRL issues, which I'm mostly over now so writing and stuff is continuing.
The story definitely isn't going to be discontinued or whatever any time soon. I've already got two sort of workable plans for Scion, once the story progresses that far (along with stuff like coil, echidna, the muderhobo9, etc).
Had a ton of overtime cutting into my writing time, because people got sick with COVID.
Went on a Stellaris binge to unwind after all the stress from overtime at work (and since I hadn't played since before the federations DLC I had a loooooot to binge on), which cut further into writing time.
Then my internet was down for two weeks, because fuck my life.
Then due to the time of year we were super busy at work again and I had no time or motivation to write.
Then I finally had some holiday time and my beloved 16 year old cat had to be rushed to the vet because he wasn't eating. Turns out he was going through kidney failure and I had to make the call to have him put to sleep. I was then generally depressed and melancholy which isn't conductive to writing.
Went on a Stellaris binge to unwind after all the stress from overtime at work (and since I hadn't played since before the federations DLC I had a loooooot to binge on), which cut further into writing time.
Then my internet was down for two weeks, because fuck my life.
Then due to the time of year we were super busy at work again and I had no time or motivation to write.
Then I finally had some holiday time and my beloved 16 year old cat had to be rushed to the vet because he wasn't eating. Turns out he was going through kidney failure and I had to make the call to have him put to sleep. I was then generally depressed and melancholy which isn't conductive to writing.
Chapter 26. Grounded (But Not In Reality)
Unders
Suffers from delusions of competence
I'm back.
Sorry for such a late update etc.
Anyway, back to the mayhem.
Chapter 26
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■
♦ Topic: Cape attack on boardwalk?
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay
GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Posted On May 9th 2011:
Holy shit so i'm on the boardwalk with my gf checking out the new magical girl ward when GG flies up and suddenly dive bombs out the sky right into the pavement.
Is there a power nullifier about or somewhere? Cause she's supposed to be an alexandria package and it looks like that turned off.
[edit]
Video Links of gravity reintroducing itself to Glory Girl [1][2]
(Showing page 3 of 6)
►Saskatchew
Replied On May 9th 2011:
There's a probable cape fight about to kick off in front of you and you guys are just staying put to record it.
What the hell is wrong with you people? Is there something in the water?
►Answer Key
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Cape fight? Just a normal day in BB I guess.
@Saskatchew
Out of curiosity how come you keep reading our board anyway I you aint local?
►Sasakatchew
Replied On May 9th 2011:
It's like a train wreck. I want to look away but I can't.
►Noveltry
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Yeah that sounds like brockton bay all right.
►SamHandwich
Replied On May 9th 2011:
So Magpie spoke with Miss Militia for a moment and then did some crow discorporation mover thing up onto one of the rooftops. Anyone know what that's about?
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Maybe she's been sent off to get help. Like she's sending off a messenger crow or something like in game of thrones?
►DiscoWarrior
Replied On May 9th 2011:
@TheGnat
The heroes all hav coms and stuff? why would she need to send a messenger crow?
Even if that would be a pretty cool use of crow powers.
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Maybe the power nullifier that took out GG can block electronic signals.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
If signals were being blocked I wouldn't have been able to start this thread.
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Derp. Sorry I've been having a weird day.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
(Showing page 4 of 6)
►RandomRando
Replied On May 9th 2011:
So has GG apparently. That impact looked like it hurt.
@GRoundhog
Any chance you can update the original post with links to the video footage.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
yeah sure. PM them to me and i'll edit it.
►BeefyMcLarge (Verified Beefcake)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Well on the bright side for Collateral Damage Barbie she does have the best healer in the world for a sister, so her arm being bent that way shouldn't be permanent.
►ZeusyZeus (Not a deity)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
I wonder which gang the power nullifier belongs to, cause they have balls attacking right in the middle of a ward's debut patrol.
►Acree
Replied On May 9th 2011:
I hope their not part of a gang. Ranged power nullification without needing to reveal themselves? That's gotta be like Trump 6 at the least right?
►Deathbychocolate (Cape Groupie)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
@Acree
I'm not so sure. The power ratings are for PRT responses after all, and while power nullification is strong against capes it's kinda pointless against a squad of troopers. I'd say maybe Trump 4, depending if they can do other stuff or not.
Also, I really hope GG will be okay.
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Eh she'll be fine. Panacea is her sister after all.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Ok edited the links ion the main post
[edit]
Magpie do you know what's going on?
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Omg magpie is here. What happened with GG? Why are you on a roof?
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Nobody needs to panic. It's not a villain attack or whatever.
I maybe kinda sorta have an anti-master trump effect that kicked in when GG showed up, so Miss Militia is making me stay on the roof away from GG but close enough to be nearby in case danger shows up.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
(Showing page 5 of 6)
►ZeusyZeus (Not a deity)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Wait so Glory Girl dropping out the sky is your fault
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
No it's most definitely NOT my fault. If she wasn't spamming out love-me radiation she wouldn't have had her power shut down, so really it's her fault
►Noveltry
Replied On May 9th 2011:
But Glory Girl is a shaker right, not a master?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
I glanced away from PHO for the moment, my legs idly swinging as I sat on the edge of the roof of some coffee shop, still feeling pretty surprised this had hit PHO so damn fast. It's been like what, five minutes? I glanced at the clock on my phone to double check. Yeah. Five minutes since Glory Girl decided to ruin my debut patrol.
If I could harness the speed of internet shitpostery and gossip I could probably create a viable non-tinketech FTL drive or something.
[Confusion]
I kicked my legs out again, feeling bored. After a slightly awkward explanation to Miss Militia that I thought this was because of a bad power interaction between me and Glory Girl's Heartbreaker aura I now had to wait on this rooftop, safe and out of sight but still close enough to call for help if I needed to, instead of just going home or back to base or whatever.
Stupid regulations.
I mean yeah, I can kinda see their point but it's still annoying. There's no chance of Gallant leaving his girlfriend's side at the moment. Not if he wants to keep her a girlfriend anyways. As for Miss Militia she needs to stay nearby and provide cover just in case some idiot villain decides to start shit.
Thus poor, innocent me has been banished to time out in a safe spot and wait till more backup and ambulances or whatever show up. I let off an annoyed huff and went back toshitposting on PHO enlightening my fellow forum goers on how this totally isn't my fault.
Because that aura is most definitely a master power.
Yup, my earlier assumption was correct. No nice and shiny new PRT-approved Magpie workshop for me toplay work in today.
Stupid Glory Girl and her stupid aura.
And now I've got more power testing tomorrow too. Yay...
Glory Girl was whisked off to hospital along with a small PRT escort, probably more to stay in Panacea's good graces by protecting her sister than out of actual concern for Glory Girl. I know I certainly wasn't concerned about her all that much. Meanwhile Miss Militia, Gallant and I were then rushed back to the PRT HQ for a debrief.
Said debrief was taking place in Director Piggot's office, because apparently this is a big deal. Also the the 't' at the end of her name is silent. Which is annoying. It means all the 'bigot Piggot' jokes I wanted to make won't work since it doesn't rhyme anymore. I suppose I could do the whole Piggy thing instead but that's kinda unoriginal. Plus body shaming people is wrong.
The initial part of the debrief itself was pretty short. Gallant and I were sitting while Miss Militia opted to remain standing. We said what we were doing and then how Glory Girl got taken out by the anti-Master effect I'd forgotten to tell anyone I actually had. It's not my fault I have so many powers and abilities that I forget about half of them.
I mean what am I supposed to do? Not keep adding powers and other abilities to myself? That's just crazy talk.
"I figured it would be better to keep it hidden like an ace up my sleeve in case I ran into some villainous masters or something." I sighed after being told I had more power testing in my future and then being questioned about exactly why I never told anyone I had anti-Master defences. Oh sure, they're all grumpy now but they'll change their tune when Heartbreaker's lot show up and I can go all 'haha I got defences bitches!' before kicking them in all the nads.
Hang on, shouldn't they be here by now?
Hey Simmy.
{Acknowledgement}
When are Heartbreaker's kids coming to the bay? I only got this genemod in the first place cause you told me about them.
{Dishonesty. Amusement}
Oh you bitch! You suck.
{Negation}
Stupid fucking space pigeon lied to me. They're not gonna show up since Regent isn't even in the same state now. She just tricked me into getting this genemod because she knew this would happen and though it'd be funny. Stupid easily amused Space Pigeon.
"Magpie are you even listening?" Director Piggot asked me in a tone of voice that meant I really should've been paying attention to her instead of talking with Simmy.
That happens a lot actually. I blame Simmy.
"Sorry I kinda zoned out for a bit." I said unrepentantly. My overweight superior did not look amused, but what's the worst she can do? Ban me from tinkering and stick me on console? I'll just tinker with Splyce and/or Rickroll everyone via the console. "Thinker stuff." I added as a vague sort of excuse.
"Magpie." She began in a stern, serious tone that would've been more intimidating if it wasn't for the fact that Aunt Rose's version of that tone of voice was much more effective. "This is a very serious situation and-"
A loud incoming email announcement pulled my boss' attention from me for the moment as she went to check her email. Her frown intensified as she read the message. Then she clicked on a link and read something else. Her left eye began to twitch.
"Magpie. What the hell possessed you to then post on PHO." Piggot demanded angrily once she was done with her reading. She didn't slam her hand on her desk, though I suspect she really wanted to. I guess the PR guys caught wind of myshitposting enlightening insights and tattled on me to Piggot via the medium of super urgent email. Damn anti-fun jerkasses.
"Well people were concerned about it being a potential attack so I decided to nip that in the bud so nobody would panic. Oh and to keep New Wave from getting upset with me too." I bullshitted, saying the first thing that came to mind and inwardly pleased it sounded reasonable and professional. Sadly based on Piggot's still present anger I could tell it didn't work nearly as well as I'd have hoped. Simmy! Help! What do I say to make her less likely to yell at me.
Unfortunately for me, there was no reply from the Space Pigeon other than a vague feeling of amusement. That pale pain in the ass is probably laughing at me from orbit, I just know it. Stupid useless Space Pigeon.
"How is, and I quote, 'Collateral Damage Barbie shouldn't be shitting her Heartbreaker aura everywhere like a horse with diarrhoea' supposed to in any way, shape or form keep New Wave from being upset?" She asked sarcastically. Gallant shifted a bit to my left, probably wanting to add his own additions to the conversation. Pity he still has his stupid helmet on so I can't see what his facial expressions are.
"Um...because then they'd realise that this whole thing is Glory Girl's fault instead of mine." I hazarded a little sheepishly, now slightly regretting making that post. At the director's ever-increasing eye twitch I decided to explain further, speaking quickly. "My anti-Master thing is a passive defence. It only activates if something is trying to mess with my mind, emotions, senses or whatever. Stuff that does gets shut down immediately for a couple seconds. Apparently painfully, since it causes feedback on whoever is trying to affect me." And since Glory Girl has no self control and kept spamming out her aura my Genemod kept smacking her like a bad puppy that keeps shitting on the carpet.
Director Piggot rested her head in her hands as she thought through my impeccable logic.
"Not only do we have an incident because you didn't give full details on your powers, but you also managed to alienate the only other heroes in this city. Especially comparing one of their most popular members to Heartbreaker. On a public forum."
"Well to be fair if she doesn't keep it under control it kinda works like that. Just look at Panacea."
""What."" People said in various flavoured of confused and/or surprised. I turned to look at Gallant, who was on the surprised end of the spectrum.
"Amy isn't jealous of Vicky dating you. She's jealous of you dating Vicky. She's gay and been constantly exposed to that aura basically since puberty. She hates herself for feeling that stuff that even though it isn't her fault. Oh and there's a good chance she'll snap in a couple months due to all the stress on her. Which would be bad." Am I throwing Panacea under the bus in order to give them something else to focus on instead of being annoyed at me? Yes, and I feel no remorse whatsoever.
""What.""
"Panacea is super stressed due to Brandish being a massive bitch and terrible mother, compounded with jealousy from the whole aura thing making her Vicky-sexual. Actually, her whole family situation is fucked up. Then Bonesaw will mess things up." I paused. "Well maybe anyway. I changed things a bit so there's no guarantee that the those stupid murderhobos will even show up."
Hmm, will Broadcast be able to ping the shards of local hosts in advance to find out that I've got plans to kill him and the rest of his group before he comes here?
"Explain. Now." Piggot demanded.
"Okay well Brandish had massive issues with Marquis who remin-"
"About the Slaughterhouse Nine visiting my city!" She yelled. "I don't give a fuck about Brandish!"
"Oh. Right." I blinked. "Well it'll only happen if Leviathan shows up and trashes the place bad enough and I'm still not one hundred percent sure he'll show up. Plus I know their weaknesses so it's fine."
If the Murderhobo Nine do show up then Jack Slash is in for a big surprise when he finds out his Broadcast shard is completely useless against Tattlesnakes armed with tinkertech weapon and plasmid powers.
"Leviathan is coming?! Here?" Gallant asked, voice full of worry and panic. Miss Militia's power kept swapping between different guns.
"When?" Piggot interjected, her voice tight.
"Maybe this Sunday." I shrugged.
"And when were you going to tell anyone of the Endbringer coming to attack the city."
"When I was actually sure. I can't actually be sure where he'll attack until the attack run actually starts."
Piggot took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Everyone out. I have some calls to make. And do not tell anyone about these revelations. The last thing we need is a panic."
I quickly followed Gallant and Miss Militia out the office, inwardly happy that I'd managed to deflect attention off of me and onto other stuff enough to not be punished. Plus with Panacea's issues now out in the open she should get therapy or something and things will turn out even better for her.
With a grin hidden behind my scarf Iskipped headed off to the Wards common room and with the debriefing over and nothing else to do I hung out with Missy, who was on console now and was obviously deeply amused with what happened to Glory Girl and trying to hide that amusement. She had her phone out and was busy browsing PHO like I was on my own phone, since console is boring when shit isn't happening.
Her amusement wasn't hidden very well of course but since Dean, cause he was out of costume now, had quickly left to go visit his girlfriend and her minefield of a sister now that he was off duty it wasn't like Missy feeling schadenfreude at Glory Girl's plight mattered that much to me. Or at all really.
Seriously Missy has terrible taste in guys.
"Seriously Addy. I still can't believe you said that on PHO. How much did Piggy punish you for it?"
"She didn't." Yet. I have no doubt I'll be punished or something later, but Collateral Damage Barbie will be healed up by then so it hopefully won't be as bad.
Missy turned away from her phone and the PHO thread that had exploded in my absence. "How. Details now."
"I distracted her with some precog knowledge and she's probably calling her boss so everyone can panic about it."
"Seriously? What could be bad enough that she'd forget to punish you for something this big?"
"I'm not allowed to say. We'll probably have a briefing on it soon enough anyway." I shrugged, browsing the same thread that Missy was on my own phone. Hmm, some asshole is saying I did that deliberately to keep Glory Girl from interrupting my debut patrol out of jealousy.
I need to correct this immediately.
Once that problem was dealt with I told Missy I was off to have a nap in my room, after which I promptly swapped focus over to Splyce so I could get some tinkering done. Leviathan is coming soon and there's loads of shit I need to get made before then.
(10th May 2011)
"Addy. Mom wants you for something." Taylor poked me out of the tinker fugue I'd been in since after breakfast. "Also, and I'm probably going to regret asking but it's probably something I need to know. Why are you tinkering in just your underwear?"
"Because I'm a genius." I replied, with a wide grin. My big sister just closed her eyes and sighed.
"Addy that answered my question in no way whatsoever."
"Right, well the short version is the PRT set up cameras in the lab portion of my room to monitor me."
"And you decided that since you're now being recorded that you need to tinker half-naked. Why?"
"Okay well the longer version is that this way Armsmaster isn't allowed to watch the footage of me tinkering, and they have to delete it pretty soon afterwards since I'm underage. And half-naked." I grinned conspiratorially at her. Suck it Arsemaster.
Though on the other hand I probably need to step up my plans to get rid of Coil, since I have no doubt whatsoever his creepy pedo ass will be making copies of these tapes to add to whatever vile pedo database he has hidden in wherever his new secret base is.
I put my latest project away and looked around for something to wear before pulling on an only slightly creased dress and heading upstairs to go find Aunt Rose.
I found my aunt by the front door with a large box of freshly delivered clay and a signed delivery invoice.
"Addy. What did we say about clay." She glared at me.
"No more clay because I did stupid stuff with it but I'm not gonna be cloning myself this time I swear!" I quickly rushed out. "I need it to make another little tinker helper like I made at the PRT. It's perfectly safe. Ar-msmaster and Dragon were there the whole time and they didn't find anything bad about my tinker helper."
My aunt pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled slowly.
"Fine." She grit out. "But you are grounded young lady."
"Aww." I whined. "It's Missy's birthday this Sunday and I already promised I'd go to her party."
Adeline used Puppy Eyes.
Foe Aunt Rose was Unaffected.
"Fine." I grumbled. I'll just have to do something super cool and amazing and then I'll be ungrounded again.
Hmm, killing Leviathan should do the trick.
It shouldn't be too hard. I have a whole bunch of ideas and with the new ink machine I'd made earlier I'll be able to get the scrolls I want to make made up fairly easily.
I helped my aunt move the clay downstairs to my Lab before I went back upstairs to get some lunch. I'm scheduled back at the Rig for more power testing this afternoon. It's annoying but whatever. I need to wait for my new ink machine to make the nanite-ink anyways before I can start pumping out scrolls with the correct spells to take down.
Or maybe I should do them as wands instead? Hmm.
Scrolls use less resources, but are single use as opposed to the wands. In the long run wands are simply the better option, but the resource cost is a whole lot higher and creation time is longer too.
Eh whatever. I can worry about it later. Right now there's chicken-mayo sandwiches to eat.
The afternoon found me back in the now very familiar power testing lab on the Rig. At least I'm in my Black Mage outfit instead of a stupid gym uniform. And Arsemaster isn't here this time.
He's supposedly doing something important with Dragon that I wasn't cleared for when I asked about it. Ah well, at least it means I can lie my ass off without worrying about him and his stupid lie detector. Not that he's been using it lately. There's not much need to wear the full suit of power armour when you're staying on base due to only having one arm.
Anyway, the now rather familiar cluster of power-obsessed PRT scientists were already setting up recording devices and other instruments. The only one that really stood out to me was a doctor who had introduced himself to me on my first bout of power testing. I'd already forgotten his name and instead just mentally labelled him as Dr Beardface, due to his main defining feature.
Gallant had volunteered, or possibly got volun-told, to participate in this round of testing. Not sure which, since on the one hand he's a bit of a selfless ass while on the other hand he's also a bit of a doormat when it comes to other people's needs versus his own. Honestly I'm not sure what Missy sees in him.
Well whatever.
Anyway testing out my genemod was pretty straightforward. He zapped me with his emotion beam and my genemod kicked in and he yelped in pain and grasped his head.
I'm guessing that the massive wave of guilt his power made me briefly feel before my genemod disabled his powers was his way of getting back at me for hospitalising his girlfriend. I guess he isn't as much of a goody two shoes doormat as I thought he was. Any lingering guilt that was leftover was immediately pushed to the side, since I've gotten a lot of practice at pushing guilty feelings aside lately. If I didn't then I'd never have the time to get any tinkering done.
"Okay that was unpleasant." He winced, rubbing his head. As the scientists and technicians buzzed about with a whole bunch of tinkertech and mundane doodads that I kinda wanted to strip for parts. They tried it out a couple more times before deciding that doing it much more could risk permanent damage, so they stopped that part of the testing.
They also verified exactly what I told them, in that it was passive on my end and only activated in response to hostile mental effects.
"So any other hidden aspects of your powers you want to tell us about?" Doctor Beardface asked mildy while Gallant was receiving some nice painkillers and instructions to take it easy for the rest of the day.
"Not really but director Piggot will probably yell at me again if I don't." I sighed. I'm gonna leave out the Dragonmark stuff for now though, since it's technically tinkertech. That and I bet they'd get all sorts of unreasonable if I told them I tinkered on myself with self-replicating tinkertech nanites. "Just gimme a sec. I need to think of a good way to explain this stuff."
I leaned back against a nearby wall as I pondered things for a moment.
"Okay right. In addition to the regeneration, crows and tinkering I've also got another ability which is where my thinker and blaster stuff comes from. It's a bit like Myrddin. He has one power, which is access to a variety of pocket dimensions that do different things that he then leverages into a variety of abilities. I'm the same, just cooler since I have some regeneration, crows and tinkering on the side as well."
"Grab bags aren't supposed to grab the entire bag." I heard one of the lab technicians mutter to another one. Dr Beardface ignored the byplay behind him to focus on the proper issue at hand. "And that ability is?"
"I'm psychic or psionic or a psyker or whatever you want to call it. I do mind stuff."
"You're psychic." He deadpanned at me, clearly disbelieving how awesome I am.
"Yup. It's where the precog thing I do comes from. Oh how I control my crows too. And where my Null Lance and fear abilities comes from." I listed off, counting things out on my fingers. "I've just been focused on tinkering instead, but if I practice I can probably learn to do other stuff too."
"What sort of powers do you think you could develop?" One of the other main power testing scientists asked curiously, clearly more interested than Beardface. I named her Hot Scientist Lady in my head since she was rocking that lab coat.
Not being one to pass up a chance tobrag explain about how awesome I am I immediately began to answer Hot Scientist Lady's question. "Empath stuff, like feeling emotions." Which I could already sort of do the moment I left the psi-chamber. I've just been keeping it under wraps because it's weird feeling what people nearby feel. That and my aunt and uncle were really horny for a while after I'd brought her back to life and I really did not want to be feeling any of that. "Telepathy as well. Well sorta anyways. I can already communicate telepathically if I want, I just can't actually read minds yet. There's also telekinesis, which I'll probably try to figure out next since it sounds really handy."
Especially since it'll let me change channels on the TV without a remote like I used to do before I swapped Possession out for Peeping Tom.
Some of the power testers looked a but apprehensive, clearly disbelieving my awesome claims, but once I prove how kickass they are then they'll change their tune. "Hmm, what else." I paused to think, before snapping my fingers in an 'aha!' kind of way as I remembered more of the OP psionics bullshit I'll eventually be capable of. "Swirling psionic rift things that cause heavy damage and can possibly cause mental damage on top of it if anything survives. Immunity to negative environmental things like fire, poison, etcetera. Being able to shield myself in a bubble on energy if it looks like something's gonna kill me. Stuff like that."
It's so cool being me. I have the best power ever. [Affection]
"How sure are you about these claims? For a start telepathy isn't possible." Dr Beardface argued.
Oh I'm pretty sure. OP precog powers are great for figuring out what you can do. I smirked at their startled expressions as I spoke straight into their heads. Then I spoke out loud and in their heads at the same time, since from their perspective it'd give my voice a cool echoey quality. "I can do this too. I figure it'll be great for intimidating criminals or something."
More intimidating than I thought actually, considering the looks of fear some of these wusses had.
"What's your range?" Hot Scientist Lady asked, once she'd shaken off the surprise of sudden mind talking. At least she has a spine.
"Dunno." I shrugged.
"Let's test!" She grinned a terrifyingly eager smile that totally didn't look anything like the smile I like to use a lot.
I took an awkward step back from the obviously crazy person, not that it helped.
[Comfort]
"Hey Addy." Taylor greeted me cheerfully once I was dropped off home for dinner. I gave her a pained groan in response, causing her to frown. "You okay?"
"Thinker headache. Pity me." I groaned, slumping forward onto her to get hug and pity.
"Power testers too enthusiastic?" She guessed, rather accurately but then again she is pretty smart.
"Yeah." I rested my forehead against her chest and accepted her return hug. Hot Scientist Lady and Dr Beardface are creatures of pure evil and I was glad to be free of their clutches. They tested everything, disguising their sadism under the guise of science.
About the only thing I managed to figure out how to do was telekinesis, and that's mostly because I cheated and asked Simmy for tips. Not that I can lift much at the moment and it takes a bunch of concentration, but whatever. I can get better at it with more practice.
Eventually. Once my headache goes away. Ugh how does Lisa even manage to manifest such immense smug when she has to deal with this sort of headache bullshit all the time.
Hang on a moment.
"Call Lisa and have her drop off some of her potions. They're supposed to fix these sorts of headaches." I begged my sister pleadingly. Sadly no puppy eyes since I was too busy leaning my head against her and trying to ignore the pounding headache.
"No need. She left some behind when we were hanging out earlier."
That is the best news I have heard all day. God bless your potion addiction Lisa.
I spent dinner catching up with my family and hearing about their day. Aunt Rose, Taylor and Lisa had spent the day busy training the Tattlesnakes for their upcoming debut against the ABB, after which Aunt Rose did some shopping while Taylor and Lisa hung out at home.
After dinner on the other hand I got back to the important stuff. Tinkering!
Because thanks to that delivery earlier I now have clay to make more Dedicated Wright homunculi to massively boost production. Not that I can make too many at once, since each needs quite a bit of blood each and even with my overpowered ADAM based regeneration compensating I can only handle so much blood loss. Ugh, gonna need even more iron in my diet now on top off all the iron I need for my Dragonmark.
Maybe I should clone myself a couple times and just completely drain the one of them of blood? Technically I'm not doing human sacrifice or messing with the fabric of reality or whatever so it probably shouldn't be against the rules right? Then again I probably should should double check beforehand just in case. I'm grounded again now and I don't want to make things worse. I'm just lucky Leviathan will probably attack before Missy's party which means I'll have time to kill him, get ungrounded and then go to the party afterwards.
Eh whatever. Back to the matter at hand I'll make one homunculus, for now, for working in the Lab at home so I can get started on spamming out the stuff I want and the one in my PRT workshop can do the same. Then I can focus on doing Splyce stuff. Last night I already started incubating the new batch of Sectoids, along with some Daelkyr living breastplates for the Tattlesnakes and Vipers, so things on that end are on schedule. And I've also set the current pair of Sectoids busy managing the growth of the psionically reactive crystals, which means I'll be able to start making some psi items pretty soon.
The first on the list is the Third Eye of Conceal. Once that's done I can start working out a plan to get rid of Contessa. And maybe troll Simmy back for the whole Neural Feedback mess, though I'll have to wait till I get a speciality that'll let me shoot at her while she's in orbit. A friendly potshot or two from a high tech railgun smacking into her smug face should be enough to express my annoyance at being used like a Ziz-bomb.
[Agreement. Insistence]
But taking potshots at Simmy is something that'll have to wait. First I need to get that new homonculus built.
[Disappointment]
A/N
I'd like to point out in advance that Addy is not as smart as she thinks she is.
Sorry for such a late update etc.
Covid meant I needed to put it loads of overtime at work, then I needed some video game time to destress from that. Then my internet decided to shit itself and then by the time that got sorted we were in one of the busy periods of work.
And then my cat died.
So yeah, loads of IRL shit killing motivation or time for writing.
And then my cat died.
So yeah, loads of IRL shit killing motivation or time for writing.
Anyway, back to the mayhem.
Chapter 26
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♦ Topic: Cape attack on boardwalk?
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay
GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Posted On May 9th 2011:
Holy shit so i'm on the boardwalk with my gf checking out the new magical girl ward when GG flies up and suddenly dive bombs out the sky right into the pavement.
Is there a power nullifier about or somewhere? Cause she's supposed to be an alexandria package and it looks like that turned off.
[edit]
Video Links of gravity reintroducing itself to Glory Girl [1][2]
(Showing page 3 of 6)
►Saskatchew
Replied On May 9th 2011:
There's a probable cape fight about to kick off in front of you and you guys are just staying put to record it.
What the hell is wrong with you people? Is there something in the water?
►Answer Key
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Cape fight? Just a normal day in BB I guess.
@Saskatchew
Out of curiosity how come you keep reading our board anyway I you aint local?
►Sasakatchew
Replied On May 9th 2011:
It's like a train wreck. I want to look away but I can't.
►Noveltry
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Yeah that sounds like brockton bay all right.
►SamHandwich
Replied On May 9th 2011:
So Magpie spoke with Miss Militia for a moment and then did some crow discorporation mover thing up onto one of the rooftops. Anyone know what that's about?
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Maybe she's been sent off to get help. Like she's sending off a messenger crow or something like in game of thrones?
►DiscoWarrior
Replied On May 9th 2011:
@TheGnat
The heroes all hav coms and stuff? why would she need to send a messenger crow?
Even if that would be a pretty cool use of crow powers.
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Maybe the power nullifier that took out GG can block electronic signals.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
If signals were being blocked I wouldn't have been able to start this thread.
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Derp. Sorry I've been having a weird day.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
(Showing page 4 of 6)
►RandomRando
Replied On May 9th 2011:
So has GG apparently. That impact looked like it hurt.
@GRoundhog
Any chance you can update the original post with links to the video footage.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
yeah sure. PM them to me and i'll edit it.
►BeefyMcLarge (Verified Beefcake)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Well on the bright side for Collateral Damage Barbie she does have the best healer in the world for a sister, so her arm being bent that way shouldn't be permanent.
►ZeusyZeus (Not a deity)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
I wonder which gang the power nullifier belongs to, cause they have balls attacking right in the middle of a ward's debut patrol.
►Acree
Replied On May 9th 2011:
I hope their not part of a gang. Ranged power nullification without needing to reveal themselves? That's gotta be like Trump 6 at the least right?
►Deathbychocolate (Cape Groupie)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
@Acree
I'm not so sure. The power ratings are for PRT responses after all, and while power nullification is strong against capes it's kinda pointless against a squad of troopers. I'd say maybe Trump 4, depending if they can do other stuff or not.
Also, I really hope GG will be okay.
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Eh she'll be fine. Panacea is her sister after all.
►GRoundhog (Original Poster)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Ok edited the links ion the main post
[edit]
Magpie do you know what's going on?
►TheGnat
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Omg magpie is here. What happened with GG? Why are you on a roof?
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Nobody needs to panic. It's not a villain attack or whatever.
I maybe kinda sorta have an anti-master trump effect that kicked in when GG showed up, so Miss Militia is making me stay on the roof away from GG but close enough to be nearby in case danger shows up.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
(Showing page 5 of 6)
►ZeusyZeus (Not a deity)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
Wait so Glory Girl dropping out the sky is your fault
►Mighty_Magpie (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On May 9th 2011:
No it's most definitely NOT my fault. If she wasn't spamming out love-me radiation she wouldn't have had her power shut down, so really it's her fault
►Noveltry
Replied On May 9th 2011:
But Glory Girl is a shaker right, not a master?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
I glanced away from PHO for the moment, my legs idly swinging as I sat on the edge of the roof of some coffee shop, still feeling pretty surprised this had hit PHO so damn fast. It's been like what, five minutes? I glanced at the clock on my phone to double check. Yeah. Five minutes since Glory Girl decided to ruin my debut patrol.
If I could harness the speed of internet shitpostery and gossip I could probably create a viable non-tinketech FTL drive or something.
[Confusion]
I kicked my legs out again, feeling bored. After a slightly awkward explanation to Miss Militia that I thought this was because of a bad power interaction between me and Glory Girl's Heartbreaker aura I now had to wait on this rooftop, safe and out of sight but still close enough to call for help if I needed to, instead of just going home or back to base or whatever.
Stupid regulations.
I mean yeah, I can kinda see their point but it's still annoying. There's no chance of Gallant leaving his girlfriend's side at the moment. Not if he wants to keep her a girlfriend anyways. As for Miss Militia she needs to stay nearby and provide cover just in case some idiot villain decides to start shit.
Thus poor, innocent me has been banished to time out in a safe spot and wait till more backup and ambulances or whatever show up. I let off an annoyed huff and went back to
Because that aura is most definitely a master power.
Yup, my earlier assumption was correct. No nice and shiny new PRT-approved Magpie workshop for me to
Stupid Glory Girl and her stupid aura.
And now I've got more power testing tomorrow too. Yay...
Glory Girl was whisked off to hospital along with a small PRT escort, probably more to stay in Panacea's good graces by protecting her sister than out of actual concern for Glory Girl. I know I certainly wasn't concerned about her all that much. Meanwhile Miss Militia, Gallant and I were then rushed back to the PRT HQ for a debrief.
Said debrief was taking place in Director Piggot's office, because apparently this is a big deal. Also the the 't' at the end of her name is silent. Which is annoying. It means all the 'bigot Piggot' jokes I wanted to make won't work since it doesn't rhyme anymore. I suppose I could do the whole Piggy thing instead but that's kinda unoriginal. Plus body shaming people is wrong.
The initial part of the debrief itself was pretty short. Gallant and I were sitting while Miss Militia opted to remain standing. We said what we were doing and then how Glory Girl got taken out by the anti-Master effect I'd forgotten to tell anyone I actually had. It's not my fault I have so many powers and abilities that I forget about half of them.
I mean what am I supposed to do? Not keep adding powers and other abilities to myself? That's just crazy talk.
"I figured it would be better to keep it hidden like an ace up my sleeve in case I ran into some villainous masters or something." I sighed after being told I had more power testing in my future and then being questioned about exactly why I never told anyone I had anti-Master defences. Oh sure, they're all grumpy now but they'll change their tune when Heartbreaker's lot show up and I can go all 'haha I got defences bitches!' before kicking them in all the nads.
Hang on, shouldn't they be here by now?
Hey Simmy.
{Acknowledgement}
When are Heartbreaker's kids coming to the bay? I only got this genemod in the first place cause you told me about them.
{Dishonesty. Amusement}
Oh you bitch! You suck.
{Negation}
Stupid fucking space pigeon lied to me. They're not gonna show up since Regent isn't even in the same state now. She just tricked me into getting this genemod because she knew this would happen and though it'd be funny. Stupid easily amused Space Pigeon.
"Magpie are you even listening?" Director Piggot asked me in a tone of voice that meant I really should've been paying attention to her instead of talking with Simmy.
That happens a lot actually. I blame Simmy.
"Sorry I kinda zoned out for a bit." I said unrepentantly. My overweight superior did not look amused, but what's the worst she can do? Ban me from tinkering and stick me on console? I'll just tinker with Splyce and/or Rickroll everyone via the console. "Thinker stuff." I added as a vague sort of excuse.
"Magpie." She began in a stern, serious tone that would've been more intimidating if it wasn't for the fact that Aunt Rose's version of that tone of voice was much more effective. "This is a very serious situation and-"
A loud incoming email announcement pulled my boss' attention from me for the moment as she went to check her email. Her frown intensified as she read the message. Then she clicked on a link and read something else. Her left eye began to twitch.
"Magpie. What the hell possessed you to then post on PHO." Piggot demanded angrily once she was done with her reading. She didn't slam her hand on her desk, though I suspect she really wanted to. I guess the PR guys caught wind of my
"Well people were concerned about it being a potential attack so I decided to nip that in the bud so nobody would panic. Oh and to keep New Wave from getting upset with me too." I bullshitted, saying the first thing that came to mind and inwardly pleased it sounded reasonable and professional. Sadly based on Piggot's still present anger I could tell it didn't work nearly as well as I'd have hoped. Simmy! Help! What do I say to make her less likely to yell at me.
Unfortunately for me, there was no reply from the Space Pigeon other than a vague feeling of amusement. That pale pain in the ass is probably laughing at me from orbit, I just know it. Stupid useless Space Pigeon.
"How is, and I quote, 'Collateral Damage Barbie shouldn't be shitting her Heartbreaker aura everywhere like a horse with diarrhoea' supposed to in any way, shape or form keep New Wave from being upset?" She asked sarcastically. Gallant shifted a bit to my left, probably wanting to add his own additions to the conversation. Pity he still has his stupid helmet on so I can't see what his facial expressions are.
"Um...because then they'd realise that this whole thing is Glory Girl's fault instead of mine." I hazarded a little sheepishly, now slightly regretting making that post. At the director's ever-increasing eye twitch I decided to explain further, speaking quickly. "My anti-Master thing is a passive defence. It only activates if something is trying to mess with my mind, emotions, senses or whatever. Stuff that does gets shut down immediately for a couple seconds. Apparently painfully, since it causes feedback on whoever is trying to affect me." And since Glory Girl has no self control and kept spamming out her aura my Genemod kept smacking her like a bad puppy that keeps shitting on the carpet.
Director Piggot rested her head in her hands as she thought through my impeccable logic.
"Not only do we have an incident because you didn't give full details on your powers, but you also managed to alienate the only other heroes in this city. Especially comparing one of their most popular members to Heartbreaker. On a public forum."
"Well to be fair if she doesn't keep it under control it kinda works like that. Just look at Panacea."
""What."" People said in various flavoured of confused and/or surprised. I turned to look at Gallant, who was on the surprised end of the spectrum.
"Amy isn't jealous of Vicky dating you. She's jealous of you dating Vicky. She's gay and been constantly exposed to that aura basically since puberty. She hates herself for feeling that stuff that even though it isn't her fault. Oh and there's a good chance she'll snap in a couple months due to all the stress on her. Which would be bad." Am I throwing Panacea under the bus in order to give them something else to focus on instead of being annoyed at me? Yes, and I feel no remorse whatsoever.
""What.""
"Panacea is super stressed due to Brandish being a massive bitch and terrible mother, compounded with jealousy from the whole aura thing making her Vicky-sexual. Actually, her whole family situation is fucked up. Then Bonesaw will mess things up." I paused. "Well maybe anyway. I changed things a bit so there's no guarantee that the those stupid murderhobos will even show up."
Hmm, will Broadcast be able to ping the shards of local hosts in advance to find out that I've got plans to kill him and the rest of his group before he comes here?
"Explain. Now." Piggot demanded.
"Okay well Brandish had massive issues with Marquis who remin-"
"About the Slaughterhouse Nine visiting my city!" She yelled. "I don't give a fuck about Brandish!"
"Oh. Right." I blinked. "Well it'll only happen if Leviathan shows up and trashes the place bad enough and I'm still not one hundred percent sure he'll show up. Plus I know their weaknesses so it's fine."
If the Murderhobo Nine do show up then Jack Slash is in for a big surprise when he finds out his Broadcast shard is completely useless against Tattlesnakes armed with tinkertech weapon and plasmid powers.
"Leviathan is coming?! Here?" Gallant asked, voice full of worry and panic. Miss Militia's power kept swapping between different guns.
"When?" Piggot interjected, her voice tight.
"Maybe this Sunday." I shrugged.
"And when were you going to tell anyone of the Endbringer coming to attack the city."
"When I was actually sure. I can't actually be sure where he'll attack until the attack run actually starts."
Piggot took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Everyone out. I have some calls to make. And do not tell anyone about these revelations. The last thing we need is a panic."
I quickly followed Gallant and Miss Militia out the office, inwardly happy that I'd managed to deflect attention off of me and onto other stuff enough to not be punished. Plus with Panacea's issues now out in the open she should get therapy or something and things will turn out even better for her.
With a grin hidden behind my scarf I
Her amusement wasn't hidden very well of course but since Dean, cause he was out of costume now, had quickly left to go visit his girlfriend and her minefield of a sister now that he was off duty it wasn't like Missy feeling schadenfreude at Glory Girl's plight mattered that much to me. Or at all really.
Seriously Missy has terrible taste in guys.
"Seriously Addy. I still can't believe you said that on PHO. How much did Piggy punish you for it?"
"She didn't." Yet. I have no doubt I'll be punished or something later, but Collateral Damage Barbie will be healed up by then so it hopefully won't be as bad.
Missy turned away from her phone and the PHO thread that had exploded in my absence. "How. Details now."
"I distracted her with some precog knowledge and she's probably calling her boss so everyone can panic about it."
"Seriously? What could be bad enough that she'd forget to punish you for something this big?"
"I'm not allowed to say. We'll probably have a briefing on it soon enough anyway." I shrugged, browsing the same thread that Missy was on my own phone. Hmm, some asshole is saying I did that deliberately to keep Glory Girl from interrupting my debut patrol out of jealousy.
I need to correct this immediately.
Once that problem was dealt with I told Missy I was off to have a nap in my room, after which I promptly swapped focus over to Splyce so I could get some tinkering done. Leviathan is coming soon and there's loads of shit I need to get made before then.
(10th May 2011)
"Addy. Mom wants you for something." Taylor poked me out of the tinker fugue I'd been in since after breakfast. "Also, and I'm probably going to regret asking but it's probably something I need to know. Why are you tinkering in just your underwear?"
"Because I'm a genius." I replied, with a wide grin. My big sister just closed her eyes and sighed.
"Addy that answered my question in no way whatsoever."
"Right, well the short version is the PRT set up cameras in the lab portion of my room to monitor me."
"And you decided that since you're now being recorded that you need to tinker half-naked. Why?"
"Okay well the longer version is that this way Armsmaster isn't allowed to watch the footage of me tinkering, and they have to delete it pretty soon afterwards since I'm underage. And half-naked." I grinned conspiratorially at her. Suck it Arsemaster.
Though on the other hand I probably need to step up my plans to get rid of Coil, since I have no doubt whatsoever his creepy pedo ass will be making copies of these tapes to add to whatever vile pedo database he has hidden in wherever his new secret base is.
I put my latest project away and looked around for something to wear before pulling on an only slightly creased dress and heading upstairs to go find Aunt Rose.
I found my aunt by the front door with a large box of freshly delivered clay and a signed delivery invoice.
"Addy. What did we say about clay." She glared at me.
"No more clay because I did stupid stuff with it but I'm not gonna be cloning myself this time I swear!" I quickly rushed out. "I need it to make another little tinker helper like I made at the PRT. It's perfectly safe. Ar-msmaster and Dragon were there the whole time and they didn't find anything bad about my tinker helper."
My aunt pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled slowly.
"Fine." She grit out. "But you are grounded young lady."
"Aww." I whined. "It's Missy's birthday this Sunday and I already promised I'd go to her party."
Adeline used Puppy Eyes.
Foe Aunt Rose was Unaffected.
"Fine." I grumbled. I'll just have to do something super cool and amazing and then I'll be ungrounded again.
Hmm, killing Leviathan should do the trick.
It shouldn't be too hard. I have a whole bunch of ideas and with the new ink machine I'd made earlier I'll be able to get the scrolls I want to make made up fairly easily.
I helped my aunt move the clay downstairs to my Lab before I went back upstairs to get some lunch. I'm scheduled back at the Rig for more power testing this afternoon. It's annoying but whatever. I need to wait for my new ink machine to make the nanite-ink anyways before I can start pumping out scrolls with the correct spells to take down.
Or maybe I should do them as wands instead? Hmm.
Scrolls use less resources, but are single use as opposed to the wands. In the long run wands are simply the better option, but the resource cost is a whole lot higher and creation time is longer too.
Eh whatever. I can worry about it later. Right now there's chicken-mayo sandwiches to eat.
The afternoon found me back in the now very familiar power testing lab on the Rig. At least I'm in my Black Mage outfit instead of a stupid gym uniform. And Arsemaster isn't here this time.
He's supposedly doing something important with Dragon that I wasn't cleared for when I asked about it. Ah well, at least it means I can lie my ass off without worrying about him and his stupid lie detector. Not that he's been using it lately. There's not much need to wear the full suit of power armour when you're staying on base due to only having one arm.
Anyway, the now rather familiar cluster of power-obsessed PRT scientists were already setting up recording devices and other instruments. The only one that really stood out to me was a doctor who had introduced himself to me on my first bout of power testing. I'd already forgotten his name and instead just mentally labelled him as Dr Beardface, due to his main defining feature.
Gallant had volunteered, or possibly got volun-told, to participate in this round of testing. Not sure which, since on the one hand he's a bit of a selfless ass while on the other hand he's also a bit of a doormat when it comes to other people's needs versus his own. Honestly I'm not sure what Missy sees in him.
Well whatever.
Anyway testing out my genemod was pretty straightforward. He zapped me with his emotion beam and my genemod kicked in and he yelped in pain and grasped his head.
I'm guessing that the massive wave of guilt his power made me briefly feel before my genemod disabled his powers was his way of getting back at me for hospitalising his girlfriend. I guess he isn't as much of a goody two shoes doormat as I thought he was. Any lingering guilt that was leftover was immediately pushed to the side, since I've gotten a lot of practice at pushing guilty feelings aside lately. If I didn't then I'd never have the time to get any tinkering done.
"Okay that was unpleasant." He winced, rubbing his head. As the scientists and technicians buzzed about with a whole bunch of tinkertech and mundane doodads that I kinda wanted to strip for parts. They tried it out a couple more times before deciding that doing it much more could risk permanent damage, so they stopped that part of the testing.
They also verified exactly what I told them, in that it was passive on my end and only activated in response to hostile mental effects.
"So any other hidden aspects of your powers you want to tell us about?" Doctor Beardface asked mildy while Gallant was receiving some nice painkillers and instructions to take it easy for the rest of the day.
"Not really but director Piggot will probably yell at me again if I don't." I sighed. I'm gonna leave out the Dragonmark stuff for now though, since it's technically tinkertech. That and I bet they'd get all sorts of unreasonable if I told them I tinkered on myself with self-replicating tinkertech nanites. "Just gimme a sec. I need to think of a good way to explain this stuff."
I leaned back against a nearby wall as I pondered things for a moment.
"Okay right. In addition to the regeneration, crows and tinkering I've also got another ability which is where my thinker and blaster stuff comes from. It's a bit like Myrddin. He has one power, which is access to a variety of pocket dimensions that do different things that he then leverages into a variety of abilities. I'm the same, just cooler since I have some regeneration, crows and tinkering on the side as well."
"Grab bags aren't supposed to grab the entire bag." I heard one of the lab technicians mutter to another one. Dr Beardface ignored the byplay behind him to focus on the proper issue at hand. "And that ability is?"
"I'm psychic or psionic or a psyker or whatever you want to call it. I do mind stuff."
"You're psychic." He deadpanned at me, clearly disbelieving how awesome I am.
"Yup. It's where the precog thing I do comes from. Oh how I control my crows too. And where my Null Lance and fear abilities comes from." I listed off, counting things out on my fingers. "I've just been focused on tinkering instead, but if I practice I can probably learn to do other stuff too."
"What sort of powers do you think you could develop?" One of the other main power testing scientists asked curiously, clearly more interested than Beardface. I named her Hot Scientist Lady in my head since she was rocking that lab coat.
Not being one to pass up a chance to
Especially since it'll let me change channels on the TV without a remote like I used to do before I swapped Possession out for Peeping Tom.
Some of the power testers looked a but apprehensive, clearly disbelieving my awesome claims, but once I prove how kickass they are then they'll change their tune. "Hmm, what else." I paused to think, before snapping my fingers in an 'aha!' kind of way as I remembered more of the OP psionics bullshit I'll eventually be capable of. "Swirling psionic rift things that cause heavy damage and can possibly cause mental damage on top of it if anything survives. Immunity to negative environmental things like fire, poison, etcetera. Being able to shield myself in a bubble on energy if it looks like something's gonna kill me. Stuff like that."
It's so cool being me. I have the best power ever. [Affection]
"How sure are you about these claims? For a start telepathy isn't possible." Dr Beardface argued.
Oh I'm pretty sure. OP precog powers are great for figuring out what you can do. I smirked at their startled expressions as I spoke straight into their heads. Then I spoke out loud and in their heads at the same time, since from their perspective it'd give my voice a cool echoey quality. "I can do this too. I figure it'll be great for intimidating criminals or something."
More intimidating than I thought actually, considering the looks of fear some of these wusses had.
"What's your range?" Hot Scientist Lady asked, once she'd shaken off the surprise of sudden mind talking. At least she has a spine.
"Dunno." I shrugged.
"Let's test!" She grinned a terrifyingly eager smile that totally didn't look anything like the smile I like to use a lot.
I took an awkward step back from the obviously crazy person, not that it helped.
[Comfort]
"Hey Addy." Taylor greeted me cheerfully once I was dropped off home for dinner. I gave her a pained groan in response, causing her to frown. "You okay?"
"Thinker headache. Pity me." I groaned, slumping forward onto her to get hug and pity.
"Power testers too enthusiastic?" She guessed, rather accurately but then again she is pretty smart.
"Yeah." I rested my forehead against her chest and accepted her return hug. Hot Scientist Lady and Dr Beardface are creatures of pure evil and I was glad to be free of their clutches. They tested everything, disguising their sadism under the guise of science.
About the only thing I managed to figure out how to do was telekinesis, and that's mostly because I cheated and asked Simmy for tips. Not that I can lift much at the moment and it takes a bunch of concentration, but whatever. I can get better at it with more practice.
Eventually. Once my headache goes away. Ugh how does Lisa even manage to manifest such immense smug when she has to deal with this sort of headache bullshit all the time.
Hang on a moment.
"Call Lisa and have her drop off some of her potions. They're supposed to fix these sorts of headaches." I begged my sister pleadingly. Sadly no puppy eyes since I was too busy leaning my head against her and trying to ignore the pounding headache.
"No need. She left some behind when we were hanging out earlier."
That is the best news I have heard all day. God bless your potion addiction Lisa.
I spent dinner catching up with my family and hearing about their day. Aunt Rose, Taylor and Lisa had spent the day busy training the Tattlesnakes for their upcoming debut against the ABB, after which Aunt Rose did some shopping while Taylor and Lisa hung out at home.
After dinner on the other hand I got back to the important stuff. Tinkering!
Because thanks to that delivery earlier I now have clay to make more Dedicated Wright homunculi to massively boost production. Not that I can make too many at once, since each needs quite a bit of blood each and even with my overpowered ADAM based regeneration compensating I can only handle so much blood loss. Ugh, gonna need even more iron in my diet now on top off all the iron I need for my Dragonmark.
Maybe I should clone myself a couple times and just completely drain the one of them of blood? Technically I'm not doing human sacrifice or messing with the fabric of reality or whatever so it probably shouldn't be against the rules right? Then again I probably should should double check beforehand just in case. I'm grounded again now and I don't want to make things worse. I'm just lucky Leviathan will probably attack before Missy's party which means I'll have time to kill him, get ungrounded and then go to the party afterwards.
Eh whatever. Back to the matter at hand I'll make one homunculus, for now, for working in the Lab at home so I can get started on spamming out the stuff I want and the one in my PRT workshop can do the same. Then I can focus on doing Splyce stuff. Last night I already started incubating the new batch of Sectoids, along with some Daelkyr living breastplates for the Tattlesnakes and Vipers, so things on that end are on schedule. And I've also set the current pair of Sectoids busy managing the growth of the psionically reactive crystals, which means I'll be able to start making some psi items pretty soon.
The first on the list is the Third Eye of Conceal. Once that's done I can start working out a plan to get rid of Contessa. And maybe troll Simmy back for the whole Neural Feedback mess, though I'll have to wait till I get a speciality that'll let me shoot at her while she's in orbit. A friendly potshot or two from a high tech railgun smacking into her smug face should be enough to express my annoyance at being used like a Ziz-bomb.
[Agreement. Insistence]
But taking potshots at Simmy is something that'll have to wait. First I need to get that new homonculus built.
[Disappointment]
A/N
I'd like to point out in advance that Addy is not as smart as she thinks she is.
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- Pronouns
- Masculine
Oh fuck the hell yes. Welcome back, UNDERs! Time to READ! Its great to see you. Been worried about you!
Edit: Finished reading! And daaaamn... Addy just dropped all sorts of bombs. Holy fuck.
Yeah. Leviathan is going to be a Thing. And probably get dead. This is going to be fascinating.
Further, you have my utmost condolences for your loss, Unders, and the troubles you've been through. Its wonderful to see your muse once more. I wish you all the best and hope things improve.
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Vaolor
The Artificer
Oh, my... I'm speechless and yet still not surprised at Addy revealing what was originally an important plot point almost out of hand. At this point, it's almost a given that she'll eventually spout out the truth of Scion being a multidimensional alien space whale, the truth of the Endbringers and/or Cauldron's existence, and I love seeing the chaos Addy causes.
Also, great chapter, and man am I glad that joining the wards didn't kill this fic.
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Windborne
Devourer of Stories
- Location
- Oregon
Welcome back! Now I want to re-read this since it's been a while. I remember most of it but getting a refresher is always nice since I'm always juggling at least a couple hundred different stories plots in my head at any given time, plus I love Simmy being a troll.
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- Pronouns
- They/Them/Their
Great to see you again!
Repeated sentence.
I still remember when I found this ff, I started reading about Worm recently and I believed that the perfect protagonists who solve everything were the best, now, I think I will read this one again from the beginning.
I'm really glad to see this story back. Can't wait for an interlude to show people flipping their lid over the revelationa in this chapter.
I also have a few thoughts on the Endbringers. First, I fully expect Leviathan to attack elsewhere because Addie warned the PRT about the pre-cog paradox and they ignored her on it. At minimum, if Eldion is given that report he is going to be pissed someone knows more about the Endbringers than him. Probably causing him to decide he wants Addie to be wrong by having the Endbringers attack literally anywhere else, and would you look at that Addie was wrong about the attack! Second, the PRT are showing how stupid they are here. They knew that Addie could pre-cog the Endbringers and never asked her about them. This ability was one of the first things Vista reported to them, and no one has followed up on it. I expect now, at least, Alexandria will transfer Addie to her department, much like Dinah.
Finally, I would love to know what logic the PRT testers are using to determine that Addie claiming she has psychic powers, and can use telepathy, is fake. The entire world is scared of a psychic Angel who uses telphathy to mess with people. This is a well known, and well documented ability.
It's also also kind of amazing Addie didn't slip during that scene.
Tester: What's your range?
Addie: l'm not sure, but definitely to outer space since that's the range that I'm able to talk to the Simurgh at.
Tester: Hits the big red button to blow up the building.
I also have a few thoughts on the Endbringers. First, I fully expect Leviathan to attack elsewhere because Addie warned the PRT about the pre-cog paradox and they ignored her on it. At minimum, if Eldion is given that report he is going to be pissed someone knows more about the Endbringers than him. Probably causing him to decide he wants Addie to be wrong by having the Endbringers attack literally anywhere else, and would you look at that Addie was wrong about the attack! Second, the PRT are showing how stupid they are here. They knew that Addie could pre-cog the Endbringers and never asked her about them. This ability was one of the first things Vista reported to them, and no one has followed up on it. I expect now, at least, Alexandria will transfer Addie to her department, much like Dinah.
Finally, I would love to know what logic the PRT testers are using to determine that Addie claiming she has psychic powers, and can use telepathy, is fake. The entire world is scared of a psychic Angel who uses telphathy to mess with people. This is a well known, and well documented ability.
It's also also kind of amazing Addie didn't slip during that scene.
Tester: What's your range?
Addie: l'm not sure, but definitely to outer space since that's the range that I'm able to talk to the Simurgh at.
Tester: Hits the big red button to blow up the building.
Excellent choice. Worth every penny. One of these is usually my first major purchase when characters get that high level.
Not necessarily.
She precoged the attack, sure, but being able to precog around the Endbringers isn't as new. If you precog a city getting totaled and lots of heros dying, but not by what, fair bet its an Endbringer. Also they've all got different enough MO's that you could tell which one by the damage dealt. So even a precog shot of the city after the fact. Like say seeing a Dome over a city. So Vista reporting that Addy said "Shit, the Simugh" right after the endbringer sirens went off isn't actually proof of that much.
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- Location
- usa
I love how she just casually revealed worse and worse stuff to them. Vicky's a master, she mastered her sister, her sister's going to snap, Bonesaw and her merry band of hobos are coming, suddenly Endbringer, this Sunday.
Woo another chapter! always fun to read about more of the shenanigan's that maddy gets up too, sorry to hear about your cat .
jwolfe_beta
Semi Genre-Savvy Overlord
- Location
- Canada
Never underestimate housecats. For all their small size they are lethal predators, always ready to strike at the slightest hint of weakness.
And Ziz loves it. Constant source of amusement and all that.
Arythios
Snarky Sharky Bastard
- Location
- In your crawlspace, OOGA BOOGA
Well, she's smart in the technical sense. Problem is, she has the wisdom, impulse control, social graces, foresight, communication skills, self-awareness, and common sense of a pithed goldfish.
Pethrai Darkos
Murder Ensued
You've either got the wrong person tagged or have the wrong person responding.