So, here's my understanding of a broad "what the group was doing before they joined NuGen/JU"? In rough order?
Yazmin: Ran away from her wealth/dad, was an independent hero
Nora: College student working on her technology, Yazmin recruited her
Harper: New Dawn member? Independent hero? Yazmin ally
Leizi: Worked for her dad in the Triads, got her ass kicked, Yazmin recruited her
Eve: At some point just showed up on Nora's computer?
Rakeem: Worked for New Dawn as a regular hero, was relocated to NuGen by the board's approval
Rosemary: Let out of Wonderland to join the team
Towarri: Literally just showed up at their doorstep and went "I'm super strong and I need a place to stay, can I join"
Did Ronin kill Leizi's dad while she was still a villain and it was just a moment of game recognizing game, or did she only kill him after she became a hero?
She was trying to start her own criminal empire before Valiant Silver and Uiara strangled it in its sleep. Her dad didn't die until after she was on NuGen.
Nora recruited LL and Yazmin into a team when she called for help against the Defiance Unit and they responded. Uiara was responsible for everything else though.
She tend to defeat the enemies in a way that made them question their life philosophy. . . but she lacked the follow-through to make them allies and was too impatient to do media appearances or PR. That was Uiara's talent.
Do you think she had Ally Empowerment in her kit? Since giving them to other people inherently implies some minor ability to make sure they don't burn the people using them.
Wake me up when Hero Worship starts.
No offense but I've always hated interviews in stories and quests.
Also knowing our luck the interview will be a mess.
Also I am hoping for the sake of drama no one wins and we all lose Rep
Although will be amusing if Crusade ends up having to do damage control.
[X] Plan Silvery Barbs
-[X] Black Swan and Menagerie Witch
-[X] Valiant Gold and Handyman
-[X] Châtelet and Doctor Silver
Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest–Corporate Playground– January 18, 2068
The program on the television in front of you is nearly breathtaking with its shamelessness.
. . . having already lost her sister, that day, Gwendolyn suffered two additional losses. First, her husband at the hands of Scarlet Maturity. Second, estrangement from her only other living relative, Justice Unlimited's Châtelet, Opale Houdin-Reyes.
Été appears on camera, speaking to an interviewer off-screen. There are dark circles under her eyes, and her once vibrant personality is muted. She looks like she's lost considerable weight, and her head lulls as if completely enervated.
". . . I wish I could tell Opale how sorry I am. I . . . truly said unspeakable things to her. I was bigoted, cruel, and not just because of losing Jean-Luc. I . . . I was a terrible leader and an even worse cousin. The last time she saw me, we were enemies . . ."
Coerced into a fight she never wanted by the metahuman Faust, Gwendolyn lost what remains of her family that day. Attempts to reach Châtelet for a statement were met with silence . . .
The narrator drones on. You watch it with Chihiro in disbelief. You two are waiting in Chihiro's personal dressing room at the OCN studio, the series of interviews that would introduce the new Justice Unlimited to the world set to begin in half an hour. They are going to be broadcast live, so you had arrived early to make sure everything was in order before cameras were rolling.
DC 10 - 3 (You are Lady Leizi) = DC 7.
Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 40. Justice Unlimited has a collective ESPIONAGE 40.
You rolled: 14.
14 + 0 = 14. Success!
You needed to ensure that everyone's cover was in place and well-rehearsed. Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch. Even Ellie's story was firmly in place—you didn't trust the girl to effectively sell any story that wasn't mostly true, so it was fortunate her cover required the least misdirection out of any of them: Valiant Silver had built the armor, and she happened to be compatible. Handyman was a long-term agent of yours, Doctor Silver was using advance technology, and Black Swan had been secretly recruited years ago under the guise of an internship.
Everything was airtight.
Chihiro even obliviously remarked how fortunate Justice Unlimited had been to recruit as many young metahumans as it had! You had laughed it off. You and Chihiro had been reviewing the broad structure of the interviews, when a production assistant had rushed in and told you to turn on the television.
"Those little shits!" Chihiro hisses, her eyes narrowed in hatred. Nora's old roommate was a short woman who only came up to your chest. Her hair was dyed a brilliant orange, the color of natural red-heads, and from her ears dangled her trademark green earrings. Takanashi Chihiro had tried to make it in Horizon's musical theater industry before it collapsed, and fate had seen her land on her feet as an extremely popular anchor on Ọ̀sanyìn's news channel.
You knew Chihiro to be an extremely bubbly sort, but her face was currently screwed up in rage.
"They're trying to scoop me! Me!" she growls, "The timing of these interviews has been set for a month! We've been advertising like crazy! There's no way this is a coincidence."
The three hour docu-series, "Starbright Crusaders", had aired unheralded this morning and took the internet by storm. It was an intimate look at some of the members of Crusade—mostly those who had previously heroic affiliations—and it was as striking for its production values as it was for its actual content.
"Yeah, I ran," Joules says, looking as uncomfortable as you have ever seen the arrogant man, "You weren't there, you didn't see what it was like! There were Bethemoths everywhere, real ones, killing everyone. We were barely holding and then, all of the sudden, King was gone. Then, Radiant Silvergirl goes down and only Scarlet Maturity is holding the line. I saw one tear the Captain in half, and I turn to Bella next to me and . . . and. . ."
Joules swallows, tears beading in his eyes.
". . . it got her too. Then it was just me. So, yeah, I ran."
"Do you regret it?" the interview asks, dispassionately.
"Of course I regret it!" Joules roars, "Hattie's gone, Bella's gone, the Captain's gone, even that lunkhead Lamar is gone! He's supposed to be invincible! Why . . . why'd I survive?! I'm a coward!"
He's violently bouncing his leg, jaw set.
"I should have stayed. . . I should have died too. I was going to disappear, never be a hero again, when Silvio found me. Uhhh, that's Valiant Justice or whatever stupid name the marketing guys want to call him. He told me I could either be a coward forever, or spend the rest of my life trying to make up for my mistake. That I never would, but I would have to try anyway."
He spreads out his hands.
"And, so, here I am!"
You frown. Joules is a disgusting pig of a man—he had tried to grab your ass every time the two of you met—and you have very little love for Été, but both of them at least sounded sincerely contrite for their past mistakes. Enough that the footage of Été's transphobic rant and eyewitness testimonials of Joule's cowardice you had obtained felt duplicative instead of like silver bullets.
DC 15.
Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 10. Ronin has ESPIONAGE 7.
You rolled: 6.
6 - 1 = 5. Failure!
Not that they would have been especially helpful today anyhow. Ronin hadn't been able to get in touch with you for longer than a few moments—apparently she was being hounded by the camera crew of Starbright Crusaders to appear on the show—but she had managed to let you know that there had been a last-second change in Crusade's plan for the interviews. Step One appeared to be airing their own dirty laundry before you could.
Concerning.
"There's nothing to be done," you say, putting a comforting arm on Chihiro's shoulders, "At least the programs do not overlap completely. Their show ends right as ours begins."
Chihiro blows a strand of hair out of her face. "It better! If they had tried to steal my audience, there would have been war!"
She sighs and sits down before perking back up.
"Thank you again, Zixuan! The new-look Justice Unlimited, filled with new metahumans, and I get to be the one to do their debut interviews!" Chihiro says, a giddy grin stretched across her face, "I'm gonna be the first to get all their autographs! The guys on Heroes for Hire are gonna lose their minds! Wheeeeeeee!"
You see Chihiro bouncing in her seat, nearly salivating at the thought, and you can't help but remember a conversation you once had with Nora. You had asked, given that her friend needed a job and you needed a communications director, why hadn't she just hired Chihiro?
"I love Chihiro—and literally owe her my life—but she's . . . a lot. She's so fucking much, Zi. She shits rainbows and sunshine and she never. Ever. Runs. Out of energy. She's like a puppy on coke and I don't want to go to Wonderland for strangling a puppy."
You can certainly see what your best friend had been talking about. Chihiro hasn't stopped moving since you came to the studio, always doing something or other and always, and always talking. She is also a gigantic metahuman fangirl. Her dressing is filled with enough merchandise to put Black Swan's hoard to shame. Most of it is from Justice Unlimited, but she has memorabilia from New Dawn, SLAYERS, Global Justice and even Powers. There is even what you are certain is a pair of your old sunglasses sitting in a display on a shelf.
Where had she gotten those? You lost those fighting the third Father Pious!
You have more patience than Nora, but you could see Chihiro being a tad exhausting. Still, needs must, and Chihiro is a consummate professional who is excellent at her job. She had arranged these interviews and devised the format in a little more than two weeks—even managing to account on the fly for the additions of Valiant Gold and Doctor Silver to your roster.
She finally stops squealing and picks up a clipboard.
"Okay, here's how we're doing this: Doctor Silver and Châtelet first. It will be good to start with an experienced hero and longtime employee of Justice Unlimited to establish some continuity with the old team. Then, Black Swan and Menagerie Witch—ratings are gonna spike with those two and hopefully we hang on to them until the end. Can't start with them though. Need to get a social media buzz going first."
"Naturally, darling," you say, deeply relieved that you're not in charge of this.
"Mhmm. Then Valiant Gold and Handyman—I'm still made you wouldn't let me put Nora's successor and Blacks Swan together—"
"Trust me," you sigh, "It's less entertaining watching Black Swan insert her foot into her mouth that one would think."
"You're underestimating the appeal of cute-girl frenemies," Chihiro tuts, "But as you like. Finally, you're at the end. As the sole member of the original Justice Unlimited, it will give us the ability to have you comment on your new team after everyone has already met them. Sound good?"
"Excellent," you say, nodding, "Chihiro, I cannot thank you enough for this. Truly, you are a lifesaver."
"No problem!" she chirps. Then her eyes sharpen. "Just make sure you make those little shits pay for dragging Nora's name though the mud."
"Oh, they will," you promise. And it's a promise you intend to keep today. Your guess is that Crusade will interrupt during your interview to ensure that they can ambush you, the leader of Justice Unlimited. Only, now you're expecting them.
You just feel guilty keeping Chihiro in the dark about Crusade's plans. But there was simply no way the lilliputian woman would have allowed Crusade to disrupt her carefully scheduled program. And you couldn't risk tipping Crusade off to the fact that you know they are coming, lest you blow Akane's cover. So, you hold your tongue.
"We're gonna use the vetted questions we discussed," Chihiro says, jarring you from your thoughts, "But the studio is making me take viewer-submitted questions posted online during the interview. There will be some filtering, so they should just be awkward at worst, but you know how the internet can be."
"All too well," you sigh. Rumors were nothing new to you, but vexing all the same.
"Goodie!" Chihiro says, clapping her hand together, "Then—oh, there's my cue! It's time!"
You see a green light flicker on as Chihiro rushes on set. Yes, you suppose it is time.
Ready or not.
* * *
"Kokekokooooooo! It's me Takanashi Chihiro, ace reporter for the Ọ̀sanyìn Central Network! And welcome to our very special program today!"
Chihiro sits in a tasteful, modern chair on set, speaking into a camera. She wears a seafoam green sweater that matches her earrings, with a plaid skirt and black tights. Her presence is magnetic as she delivers her trademark introduction. If she is furious that some of her audience has been lost to the ending minutes of Starbright Crusaders, it doesn't show on her face.
She smiles for a second longer before turning sober. "We all lived through the horror of the Movement. It was an event not seen in Horizon since the Susurration, and it would have been much worse if it were not for the sacrifices made by the heroes of our city."
The set is spartan, with only Chihiro's chair, a large couch, and a coffee table decorating the room. The holographic backdrop is a depiction of the Worker's Mitt skyline as seen through several brick archways, the dome of the Apiary visible in the distance.
"At the forefront of those heroes, leading the charge against the Looming God, was Justice Unlimited. Uiara's call rallied the city, and Valiant Silver's genius silenced the Leviathan. But the cost was high."
The backdrop began to change, showing the face of each hero as Chihiro spoke their name.
"Valiant Silver. Uiara. Adamant. The Red Huntress. Radiant Silvergirl. These champions died in defense of this world, and Justice Unlimited very nearly died with them. But, at the end, there was one lone heroine who survived. And through her, like the phoenix, Justice Unlimited has been reborn from the ashes."
The backdrop fades to normal, and Chihiro's expressions soften ever so slightly.
"But who is this new Justice Unlimited? Who has joined the venerable Lady Leizi on the premiere heroic organization in Horizon? We all know about Black Swan and her dramatic defeat of Scarlet Maturity, but who is she really? What of these shadow-animals that seem to follow Justice Unlimited everywhere they go? The heroine now known as Châtelet? How did she join? And, who is this mysterious new figure in gold? The true successor to the Valiant name?"
Chihiro says that last bit with a vindictive grin, sharp enough to cut glass.
"Find out today! As I interview the new Justice Unlimited, and we delve deep into who these new heroes are! Here, on HeroTalk!"
Chihiro relaxes as the intro plays and the cameras stop rolling for a moment. She has time to grab a sip of water and swallow before she's back on.
"Now, let's move to our first interviews! We have—oh wait!" she says putting her hands to her face melodramatically, "What's that up above?"
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Doctor Silver and Châtelet have a combined REPUTATION 14.
You rolled: 16.
16 + 3 = 18. Major Success!
There's enough of a delay between her reaction and something actually happening that it's a tad awkward, but eventually a white pillar of light flickers into view. Slowly, from the catwalks above, a woman in silver armor descends down the pillar, her blond ponytail drifting behind her as she falls in the reduced gravity. As she sinks, she slowly moves forward, exiting the pillar. Just as she's about to leave it completely, it disappears and a new pillar catches her. This repeats several times until Châtelet touches the ground safely.
. . . several feet wide of her mark. She blushes and rubs the back of her head, rushing to the couch.
But her error in no way dampens Chihiro's enthusiasm. She gives Châtelet a quick hug as she walks by and holds out her arm to announce her.
"A woman who needs no introduction! Formerly of Les Quatre Saisons, and now second-in-command of Justice Unlimited, the mistress of gravity, Châtelet!"
Châtelet squeaks and seats herself on the couch.
"And can I just say, I love the new look?"
That draws a genuine smile from Châtelet. "Thanks . . . I lost some weight."
"And gained some!" Chihiro adds with a meaningful look. She eyes Châtelet up and down with approval, causing Châtelet to blush and let out a small chuckle.
"That too," she agrees, smiling.
Just then, a swarm of fractal constructs flow across the set like a storm and come together in geometric panes of light. They swirl and dance as a bald, powerfully-built man rides a blue platform from above, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes are unreadable behind his goggles, his expression serious. Then, as he touches down, a goofy grin spreads across his face.
"Man, I love these things!" he says, holding up his gauntleted arms.
"Whoa!" Chihiro exclaims, "Why are you so shredded?!"
"My wife demanded it!" he replies, as he sits next to Châtelet.
"Aww, cute!" Chihiro giggles, "But who are you? We all know Châtelet, but you're a new face here."
The man gives a broad grin. "You can call me Doctor Silver. I'm a long-time researcher for Justice Unlimited, who's finally found the means to contribute in the field."
"Ah. . . are you sure you should give that much information?" Chihiro asks.
Doctor Silver shrugs. "You could piece together who I am if you really wanted too—it's not really a secret. But I'm also not a metahuman."
He holds up his gauntlets again. They are now giving off the same glow as the barriers.
"It's all these babies. They're next generation shield generators designed by Valiant Silver. She never got to finish them . . . so I did for her."
"Oh," Chihiro says sadly, before perking up, "Wait! Does that mean anyone can—"
"They're so, so, so expensive," Châtelet says with a haunted look in her eyes, "And these are the only working prototype. Which is why Doctor Silver needs to be careful."
"Come on, 'Pale! When am I ever not careful?"
"Submit your expense report," Châtelet snaps back immediately.
"I'll finish it—"
"Submit your expense report, Doctor Silver." There is a dark violence in Châtelet's eyes, borne of weeks spent trying to make sense of accounting done by someone whose approach was "whatever, Yazy has more money than God" and then by someone who felt "I have people for that, darling".
Well, Châtelet was 'people'. Châtelet was now responsible for this mess. Châtelet was tired. Châtelet would ensure there would be changes.
"Oh, sorry," Châtelet says, blinking, "I let the darkness out for a second there."
"Ahem, yes, well." Chihiro clears her throat. "So, Châtelet, how have you found things working with Justice Unlimited as opposed to your time with Les Quatre Saisons? You have a unique perspective having been a member to two different hero teams."
"Uhh, it's like night and day, to be honest," Châtelet says, scratching her cheek, "I have a lot more responsibilities—in that I'm actually given responsibilities."
She starts ticking off items with her fingers. "Justice Unlimited does a lot more community outreach, we have a real base to maintain, we have a lot more resources available . . . there's so much more to keep track of and—wait, should I ask for a raise?"
"I'm pretty sure Lady Leizi is going to give you one whether you ask for it or not," Doctor Silver interjects.
"Wow . . . okay. Yay. Awesome. That's another huge difference," Châtelet says happily, "But I guess, in summary, it's all a matter of scale? Les Quatre Saisons was a four-person team and we were all related. Justice Unlimited already has nearly double that number of members already, and I know we're looking to expand."
Chihiro's eyes glimmer with excitement. "So what's it like working with all these younger heroes?!"
"Exhausting," Doctor Silver laughs, "It reminds me of Justice Unlimited way back at the beginning. The oldest person there was Lady Leizi and she was . . . twenty-two? Twenty-three? These kids are even greener!"
"They're a great group, though," Châtelet says, "Lady Leizi has done a fantastic job. Black Swan, Handyman, Menagerie Witch, Valiant Gold . . . they're wonderful heroes. Powerful, of a high-character, and just good people.
She gives a bittersweet smile. "Ophèlie would have fit right in . . ."
Chihiro's eyes soften, but then she presses a finger to her ear and minutely sighs.
"I know she would have," she says, touching Châtelet's arm, "And, I'm sorry, but I've been told we have some audience questions prepared. You two mind answering some questions from the public?"
"Of course."
"I'm game!"
"Wonderful!" Chihiro says, clapping her hands together. The questions fades in on the backdrop over their heads, visible to the heroes on the nearby monitors. "Our first question:"
JU seems to be moving into a new era. What's one thing you'd like to do differently than the team did before, and one thing you want to make sure stays the same?—arachaphobicangle
"Well," Doctor Silver says, rubbing his chin, "I want to make sure the kids get time to find their footing before the weight of the world comes crashing down on their shoulders. The original Justice Unlimited . . . they were abandoned by the people who were supposed to teach them. They had to learn a lot of harsh lessons on their own."
"I had to learn a lot the hard way too," Châtelet says with her eyes closed, "If I can, I would love to spare my teammates as much heartbreak as possible."
"And we will!" Doctor Silver says brightly, clapping her on the shoulder, "That's something I want to keep the same—Justice Unlimited is a family. We watch out for each other."
"Aww, yay!" Chihrio cheers, "And our next question:"
Are you planning to reopen shops and the PubTrans station in the Apiary, or is that being put on the backburner? — Piggie
"We've filed the application with Ọ̀sanyìn," Châtelet says, shrugging, "The ball is their court."
"Asked and answered!" Chihiro calls, "Next!"
Dear Chatelet, you've made quite a transformation! I've followed you for several years and I gotta say, you look more alive than you ever have! Tell us, how has Justice Unlimited treated you compared to, ahem, your previous team? — A Fan of the New Look and Name.
"Oh, t-thanks," Châtelet says, pressing her legs together and turning cherry-red, "Ummm, like I said, I have a lot more responsibility, but . . . it's also safer. I can be myself—the real me—without worrying for my safety. I can challenge Lady Leizi without being afraid of being humiliated or shouted down. The people . . . the team is happy. They want to be there. And they trust me."
She frowns, slightly. "It's a little terrifying, to be honest. I'm sort of a crowd control specialist. Our heavy-hitters are counting on me to keep them safe while they do their work . . . it's a lot."
"I know what you mean," Doctor Silver sights, "I've been in one fight and I can feel the weight of my team's life in my hands. Every decision feels heavy. Do I stop this hit and risk not being able to stop the next one? Do I let it though, knowing it will hurt someone counting on me? It's tough."
"I didn't know you felt that way," Châtelet says, looking over at Doctor Silver, "I know you're, uh, older and wiser than I am, but if you ever want to talk to someone who's been through this a lot . . ."
"I'd like that," Doctor Silver says, "We should hang out more."
"Yeah!" Châtelet says, smiling, "But, uh, will he have to tag along?"
Doctor Silver's face is pained. "I'll talk to him . . ."
"Ohhh, who, who?!" Chihiro demands.
"You're happier not knowing," Châtelet and Doctor Silver say in unison.
"Awww, okay. We'll, we're nearing the end! A few more questions!"
As Chihiro says that, an ultrasonic whine whistles through the set, only detected by the absolute most sensitive microphones. Chihiro doesn't react to it, but Châtelet frowns and Doctor Silver winces and grabs his head.
DC 10.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Doctor Silver and Châtelet have a combined REPUTATION 14.
"Fine, fine. My bad. What was the question again?" Doctor Silver asks.
Châtelet, in your speech [during the memorial] you said much about Abigail and Ophelia, but not about the death of Printemps. Do you think it's fine to be so distant from Éte in such a difficult time for her? —BodyinaBag
Châtelet's face goes blank and hard as stone.
"What kind of question is that?" Chihiro says in disgust, "I'm so sorry—"
"Ophèlie," Châtelet says levelly, "My little cousin's name was Ophèlie."
She turns to the camera. "And I wouldn't know what Gwen is feeling. We haven't spoken since the incident. I understand losing her husband was a tragedy for her, but he was trying to kill me at the time, so my feelings are understandably mixed."
"What, wait?" Chihiro says, shocked.
"If it weren't for Lady Leizi and Justice Unlimited, I would be dead at my cousin and her husband's hands," Châtelet says without emotion, "And that's all I'm willing to say on the matter."
What the fuck? Chihiro mouths, before catching herself. "I am so sorry. These questions are supposed to be screened. We'll do one more just so we don't end on that note . . . okay, I'm told that this one is for Doctor Silver."
Doctor Silver, you were very close to deceased Nora Kim. Can you speak about the state she was in prior to the Movement? —BodyinaBag
Chihiro doesn't say anything, but her lips press together very tightly.
Doctor Silver, however, is visibly agitated. "What kind of brain-dead question is that? Do you think I'm stupid? I know what you're getting at—it's that same crap Crusade has been spouting—"
The defensive hero struggles for a second, but gets himself under control. He grits out, "Nora's power took a great toll on her. She had her good days and her bad days. But, before the end, she was perfectly lucid and sharp as a tack.
He blows out a breath through his nostrils.
". . . sorry. I watched her grow from an awkward kid into a true hero. She was like a little sister to me, or one of my daughters. I guess. . . the wound is fresher than I thought."
"Of course" Chihiro says, patting his hand, "We'll call it here. Everyone, the senior guard of Justice Unlimited!"
The sound of applause is piped in as the broadcast fades to commercial.
* * *
"What exactly was that?" you demand of Chihiro, once she's backstage.
"Some little shit who's going to lose their job!" she roars, "This is not what I had planned. I don't care who owns the network—I'm not a mouthpiece for corporate propaganda!"
"Someone planned this," you say, narrowing your eyes, "It's not a coincidence."
Especially since you know Crusade is planning to confront you. They want your team looking angry and off-balanced. You lick your lips and consider pulling out all together.
"Oh no, we're not running away, Zixuan," Chihiro says, reading your face, "Leave it to me. I'll handle this. I'm going to crush them."
You nod. "Very well."
Retreat wasn't a realistic option anyway, not without a massive loss of face. And the reception to the first round of interviews was overwhelmingly positive. Many found Doctor Silver's defense of Nora endearing.
Doctor Silver gains +1 REPUTATION! Châtelet gains +1 REPUTATION.
You would simply have to remain on guard and trust your team to maturely handle any unexpected challenge. You had every confidence as the next pair up was . . .
Oh dear.
* * *
"Welcome back to HeroTalk!" Chihiro says with a dazzling smile, all trances of anger hidden, "And welcome to those just tuning in! You missed out on hearing from the old guard of Justice Unlimited, but now we have—"
The lights suddenly flicker as a howl echoes throughout the set. Chihiro sits up straight as she feels something brush against legs.
"W-we have—"
Organ music interrupted the hostess, the haunting sound adding to the suddenly eerie-atmosphere. There were more barks and growls, punctuated by the appearance of glowing red eyes on the set. Chihiro pulls her legs onto her chair, wraps her arms around her knees, and is visibly shaking.
"G-g-ghosts?!"
The sound of thunder splits the air, followed by a high-pitched cackle.
"Terror and trouble,
Fear and Hunger,
Thy peaceful days be gone.
Heed my warning—"
"Hi! I'm Black Swan!"
A platinum blonde girl zips into view wearing a black and white costume.
"O-oh," says the no-longer trembling Chihiro, "Hi! What's, um, what's all this?"
She gestures to the dark and shadowy figures.
"Oh, that's just Menagerie Witch! She's doing it 'for the aesthetic'," Black Swan confides, "I love you hair by the way!"
"Aw! Thank you! I love yours too!"
"Thankies! It's my natural color!"
"No way!"
"Way!"
"Unfair!"
"Ahem." Someone clears their throat off stage. The thunder sounds again and the organ starts back up.
"Terror and trouble. . . ah, forget it!"
A tiny witch stomps onto set, looking grumpy. She's trailed by a large mastiff and has a crow perched on her arm.A tarantula and snake ride on her hat, and Chihiro looks down and realizes there's a black twined around her legs. She squeals and pulls the cat into her lap, where it purrs happily.
The witch walks by Black Swan and swats her on the arm.
"Owww! What's that for?!"
The witch throws herself onto the couch and starts sulking. "You ruined it."
"Aww, no I didn't! You're tots spooky! Try again, we'll be ready this time—"
"Ruined. It." The witch growls. "Also, Shelob's in your hair now."
"Shelob's what—ohmigod. Get her out. Please. Please. Pleeeease?"
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Black Swan and Menagerie Witch have a combined REPUTATION 14.
You rolled: 7.
7 + 3 + 5 (Like Sisters) = 15. Major Success!
"You guys are adorable!" Chihiro gushes as she pets the cat in her lap, "Can you introduce yourselves?"
"Of course!" Black Swans says as the witch pulls Shelob out of her hair, "I'm the cute soldier of justice—"
"You already introduced yourself," the witch snaps, "She's Black Swan, I'm Menagerie Witch, my bird is Nevermore, the snake is Apep, my dog is Barkavious Rex, you've met Shelob the tarantula, and you're petting Mittens."
Menagerie Witch turns to Black Swan. "And didn't we decide that the magical girl intro was insensitive now?"
". . . but I like it," Black Swan says, touching her index fingers together.
The witch shakes her head. "She's never gonna like you back if you keep this up."
"Menagerie Witch! I told you, I don't have a crush on her!"
"Who?! Who do you have a crush on?! Tell me now!" Chihiro says, nearly panting with excitement.
"No one! Menagerie Witch is just being a butt!"
Chihiro narrows her eyes. "You will tell me someday. But for now, can I ask about your powers?"
"Sure!" the bubbly heroine chirps, "I can fly, I'm super tough, and I blast real good!"
"And you can hit red assholes so hard they explode," Menagerie Witch mutters, putting her feet on Barkavious' back.
"Language!" Black Swan scolds. Then, to Chihiro, "But yeah, that's true too."
Menagerie Witch sits up, an evil smile on her face.
"I make copies of my lovelies here to do my bidding!" she cackles as shadows snakes and spiders erupt from under her hat.
"Aww, super spooky!" Chihiro says gamely, scratching Mittens under the chin, "So how'd you two join Justice Unlimited?"
Menagerie Witch goes back to sulking at Chihiro's lack of a reaction.
"I was an intern there when I first got my powers," Black Swan says, guilelessly, "Uiara discovered me and trained me in secret. I was about to make my debut when . . . the Movement happened."
Her face falls.
Menagerie Witch's eyes are cold from where she lounges. "Lady Leizi saved me from Le Petit Prince. I'm going to kill him."
"Oh, so she saved you—wait, Le Petit Prince?!"
Chihiro's jaw drops in shock and she mouths what the fuck again.
"Clovis Laurent, I'm coming for you. And that's all I'm willing to say on the matter," Menagerie Witch says, "Now, do the audience questions!"
"Wait, you can't just—"
"Audience. Questions."
"You should probably do what she says," Black Swan says, patting Chihiro's shoulder comfortingly, "She has so many more spider-clones."
"R-right. Well, our first question is:"
What do you think is the best thing about one of your fellow teammates? — Piggie
"Châtelet knows how to mind her own business," Menagerie Witch says with narrowed eyes, "And isn't constantly involved in some drama."
She glares at Black Swan out of the side of her eye.
"Yeah! Opale's the best," Black Swan agrees, "And, um. . . Lady Leizi has amazing hair."
"Anway," Chihiro says, pulling back from the 'so unfair' feedback loop. "Next question!".
What ways are there for the average person to help a hero team like JU? —Tangible Reviver
"There's lotsa ways!" Black Swan chirps, "Volunteer to help out in the community! Donate money if you can spare it! Don't be a butthead!"
"What Black Swan said," Menagerie Witch echos, "Also: stay out of my way!"
"I think I'm beginning to figure you out," Chihiro says, sagely. The teenage witch sputters in outrage, but Chihiro is already calling for the next question.
Menagerie Witch, can you tell us more about your animals? Is it hard to take care of them? Do they require special treatment in any way? — An Amateur Animal Aficionado
"It used to be pretty hard," she says, petting Barkavious, "But then my guardian hired a vet to help out in the Apiary. They all get a special diet to make sure they're nice and healthy. Apep needs lots of sunlamp time, Barkavious needs lots of walks, and Shelob is still learning the ropes such as: stay in the hat."
She glares at the spider crawling toward Black Swan, who yelps and starts hovering in the air.
"Nevermore and Mittens are easier, although they both like to wander."
"And she's such a good girl, yes she is!" Chihiro gushes, cuddling Mittens, "Next question!"
Dear Black Swan, now that you're one of Horizon's top heroes, tell us, what was your favorite hero while growing up? I have a betting pool with my friends regarding what you're going to say, no pressure, haha. —An Economically-Minded 12-Year-Old.
"Valiant Silver!" Black Swan answers immediately, "If you have the rare First Edition of her Fourth Anniversary Commemorative Figure with the wrong-colored scarf, DM me pleeeeeease!"
"Oh, I have that!" Chihiro says, a little too casually as she examines her nails, "What's it worth to you?"
"My liiiiiiiiiiiiife!"
The hostess lets out a wickedly evil grin. "I'll hold you to that. Mwhehehehehe. Now, next question!"
As the next question is queued up, a sound tech winces as something loud whines in his headphones before fading away.
DC 10.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Black Swan and Menagerie Witch have a combined REPUTATION 14.
Menagerie Witch, you should be in jail. You are a murderer. How can you have the gall to show up here and ask to be treated like a hero!? — BodyinaBag
Menagerie Witch eyes go wide as she takes in the question. Something in her face shifts; until now, she had looked like a professional, if moody, heroine. Right now, she looks like a frightened child. She curls up on herself and starts shaking.
"I . . . I-I . . . it was . . . I-I'm s-sorry . . ."
"What is this bullpoop?!" Black Swan shrieks in rage, "You don't know anything about Maddie!'Body in a bag?' Sound about right, mister—"
Chihiro cuts off Black Swan's rant with a hand. Black Swan looks rebellious for a second, but a second sharp glance from Chihiro silences her for a second.
The No Spin Zone (Now with Spin!)
Once per mission, when Chihiro is present in a scene, or reasonably reachable through remote means, you may re-roll any failed REPUTATION check that relates to public relations. The re-roll is done with advantage and Chihiro adds +3 to the final result.
"Everyone," Chihiro says calmly into the camera, "I must apologize. I don't know how this question made its way onto air, but it seems specifically designed to cause this brave, young heroine as much emotional distress as possible."
Chihiro turns to the shaking girl. "Menagerie Witch, Lady Leizi told me about your past. Do I have your permission to share a little of it?"
Mittens hops out of Chihiro's lap and races over to sit next to Menagerie Witch and purr protectively. Said summoner gives a shaky nod and buries her face in Barkavious' back.
"Thank you," Chihiro says before turning to the camera, "Menagerie Witch has alluded to it before, but she lost all of her immediate family at the hands of Le Petit Prince. He led an attack on an apartment complex called Third North Tower, where Menagerie Witch lived."
Menagerie Witch's shoulders shake. Black Swan, oddly, isn't comforting her. She's pacing in the air, clenching and unclenching her hands, furiously.
"Le Petit Prince held the building hostage for weeks, where he systematically killed everyone inside except Menagerie Witch. Including her mother."
The only sound on set is Black Swan grinding her teeth and the hitching breath of Menagerie Witch.
"Le Petit Prince then decided he wanted Menagerie Witch as part of his court, and attempted to take control of her. She held out, alone, for weeks, with nothing but her animal companions and her power. Part of that involved the creation of hundreds of clones of those animals—who promptly went berserk in an attempt to protect Menagerie Witch."
Chihiro's eyes glimmer, but that is the only sign of emotion from her.
"As a result—without Menagerie Witch's knowledge and certainly against her wishes—numerous people were injured and three lost their lives. It was an accident, born of a teenage girl protecting herself from one of the greatest monsters in Horizon, but it torments her. I know from Lady Leizi that she has donated every penny she has been paid to the victim funds."
Chihiro leans over. "Is that right, Menagerie Witch? You don't have to answer out loud if you don't feel up to it."
She gives a furious nod without lifting her face.
DC 10.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Black Swan and Menagerie Witch have a combined REPUTATION 14.
You rolled: 13.
The Audience has granted you +2 on this roll.
13 - 1 (Menagerie Witch ?? ??????? ????? ???????????) - 7 (Black Swan ???????? ??????? ????? ???????????) + 3 (The No Spin Zone (Now with Spin!)) + 2 = 10. Success!
Chihiro's the best at what she does because she cares.
"Thank you. I know how hard this must be for you. I'm sorry my carelessness let this happen. Everyone should remember, while heroes seem larger than life, they're also people. People with feelings who deserve the same respect as anyone else."
Chihiro's eyes are steely with contained rage. As are Black Swan's.
"I think we're done!" she snaps. She grabs Menagerie Witch's arm and pulls, "Let's go!"
"I think that would best," Chihiro agrees, "We'll take a break here—"
But before she can finish, the screen changes again to display a new question.
Where was Black Swan during the Movement? Why didn't she help? — Cubemube
"Because I couldn't!" Black Swan snaps, throwing up her arms, "That's it! We're outta here!"
With that she yanks Menagerie Witch off set and the interview ends.
* * *
You are Valiant Gold.
Your interview with Handyman is scheduled next, followed by Lady Leizi. Said leader is currently in make-up and not backstage at the moment. Which is unfortunate, because Black Swan is out of her fucking mind.
She nearly yanked Maddie's arm out of its socket and then, instead of comforting her best friend, she began haranguing Ms. Takanashi. The woman did what she could to calm Black Swan down, but she was eventually called away. Now, your teammate is growling like a rabid dog and snapping at anyone who gets too close.
It's . . . not like her. She's only mean to you, and she's never angry about it. This is . . . have you ever even seen her get mad before?
It makes your insides feel cold and, before you know what you're doing, you walk over to her.
"Black Swan," you say stiffly, and then stop. You have absolutely zero plan.
"What?" she snaps, taking you aback. You bristle at the challenge in her tone.
Well, if it's a challenge then . . .
"Calm down, right now," you order, "You acting like a lunatic."
"Don't tell me what to do," she snarls, "You saw how they treated Maddie."
"I did. And now you're scaring her," you say evenly, "Look. You hurt her."
"I didn't—!" Black Swan follows your eyes and sees Menagerie Witch rubbing the quickly-bruising spot on her arm where Black Swan grabbed her.
"I . . . I did," she says in horror. Tears fill her eyes, "Maddie, I'm so sorry—!"
You stop her before she can rush over. You pull Black Swan down into a nearby chair and crouch so you're level with her.
"Mona," you say, her name awkward and oddly tantalizing on your tongue, "What was that? I've never seen you lose control like that before. You used Menagerie Witch's real name, and, while it doesn't blow your cover, 'I couldn't' isn't the answer we rehearsed to why you weren't at the Movement."
She doesn't look at you.
"Mona, come on. We're fortunate people seem to feel bad for Maddie and actually like her more now. That was very nearly a disaster. What's going on with you?"
Menagerie Witch gains +1 REPUTATION. Black Swan has REPUTATION 10 and cannot raise it further without special action!
"I . . . I don't know," she says, her face in her hands, "My head really hurts."
That more than anything alarms you, considering that this was the girl that could shrug off blows from Scarlet Maturity. You impulsively take her hands in yours.
"Mona—"
"Valiant Gold, on in five!" a production assistant calls.
"Shit," you swear, "Mona, I have to go. Just stay right here until I get back. Please?"
"Go," Châtelet says from behind you, "I've got her."
You see Doctor Silver hugging a distraught Menagerie Witch in the corner. Châtelet puts a hand on your back. You see the same concern in her eyes that you have.
"Okay. Mona, I'll be back soon. Okay? Mona?"
"Y-yeah," she says, not looking up, "Thanks, Ellie. I'm fine."
She's not, but you can't stay. Châtelet will take care of her, but the idea of not being able to look after her yourself is making you twitchy.
You get up and join Handyman, just as you're about to be called on stage.
"The fuck is goin' on?" he hisses, "When I find whoever wrote these questions, I'm gonna give them a real piece of my mind."
"I don't know," you say, trying to focus, "But something is seriously wrong with Black Swan."
"Mona? Why? Because she's ragin' worse than my ma did that time my dad blew our Christmas money at the racetrack?"
"No," you say, shaking your head, "Because that's the first conversation we've ever had that ended without her hurting my feelings."
* * *
Chihiro's face is like a placid lake when the cameras start rolling again, her expression smooth and unbroken by any disturbance. There is no sign of the furious woman who just called her producer and threatened to do unspeakable things to him and his stupid haircut if another "innocent mistake" happens with the audience questions.
She gives a warm smile and introduces the next round of interviews. "Well, we're back after some excitement! Again, I and everyone at OCN would like to extend a sincere apology to Menagerie Witch. But, Justice Unlimited has graciously agreed to continue with the show, so I'm thrilled to introduce our next guests! First, we have—AHH!"
Chihiro lets out a great shriek as a platinum blue blob falls from the catwalks and lands in front of her. As it hits the ground, it coils into a spring and bounces high in the air. Before it lands, the spring changes shape again into a muscular man, who lands on the ground on one knee. He has both arms flexed, showing off comically large biceps as he holds the post for a second and stands up.
He stares down the camera with a serious look for a moment before relaxing and rapidly waving at the camera.
"Hi, Ma! Look, I'm on TV!"
"Are . . . are you okay?!" Chihiro asks, her eyes wide.
"Oh yeah!" the clay-man says, "I'm real flexible!"
He illustrates this by turning his waist and neck 360 degrees.
"Oh . . . ehhh . . . wooooow," Chihiro says, "It's gross, but I sort of can't look away."
"Yeah, I get that a lot!" he replies, stretching out on the couch. He leans back and puts both hands before his head. "Hello, everyone! They call me 'Handyman'! It's 'cuz a do a little of this—"
He changes his head to make it look like he's wearing a hardhat,
"—and little of that—"
He changes again, now looking like he's wearing a vest and sheriff's bag.
"—whatever you need!"
A chef's hat, made of the same platinum blue material as the rest of his body, sprouts on his head.
"What are you?" Chihiro says, fascinated. She starts poking and pinching his arm, feeling the texture of the material that makes up his body.
"Ms. Takanashi, please!" Handyman says, converting his chest, "There are children watching!"
"What? Oh, you little sh—" Chihiro stops herself from swearing as she turns bright red, "You!"
"Me!" Handyman agrees.
Chihiro rolls her eyes and huffs, but she's smiling a little bit. "Well, everyone: Justice Unlimited's Handyman! But he's not our only guest for this segment. Next, we have someone who has been the subject of much speculation. First seen leading the fight against Monarch's forces during her attack at the Apiary, the true successor to Valiant Silver—"
"Make sure she does the thing," Handyman interrupts.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"The thing," Handyman repeats, "Make her do the thing when she comes on stage. She's too embarrassed to do it, but it's awesome. So make her."
"What's the thing?" Chihiro demands, "I want to see the thing!"
"Hey, VG!" Handyman shouts to someone off-set, "You have to do the thing!"
". . . I don't want to," a voice calls back.
"Too bad, you have to!" Chihiro shouts.
"Do the thing, do the thing, do the thing!" she and Handyman chant together.
"Fine," the off-set voice growls.
"Ah-ha-ha!" Handyman says, wagging a finger, "And you have to say your catchphrase!"
"What catchphrase?"
"She has a catchphrase?!" Chihiro says, her eyes shining.
"Yes! She said it before the fight with Monarch and she thinks none of us heard, but we all did."
". . . I don't wanna—"
"Say it!" Handyman and Chihiro shout in unison.
There's silence for a beat and then a long, defeated sigh. Then, for another beat, nothing happens.
"Uhh, VG, ya gonna—"
A figure in a hoodie and jeans races on stage, a domino mask the only thing preserving her identity. She's very pretty with wavy, shoulder-length hair. A look of pure determination gleams in her eyes as holds up an arm with a golden watch that is glowing and slowly expanding down her arm. She brings up her other arm, perpendicular, and touches the face of her watch.
A slight smirk crosses her lips.
"It's showtime!"
Golden light swallows her body as her clothes are replaced by a dark blue bodysuit. Golden armor encases her body and a holographic, green scarf wraps around her neck. She raises her right arm, palm open, above her head and across her body.
"Valiant Gold, action!"
She pulls both her elbows in, fists tucked against her sides, and strikes a pose.
A third beat of silence passes, and then—
"Whoooooooooooooooo!" Chihiro cheers while applauding.
"Holy schnikes, VG!" Handyman shouts. He thumps her on the back. "I didn't know you had it in you!"
Valiant Gold drops the stance and the eyes of her helmet narrow. "If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this right."
She then sits down, hands folded politely in her lap. "Let's begin."
"Okay, wait, I need to recover from that," Chihiro says, fanning herself, ". . . could you do that again?"
"Let's begin."
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 8. Valiant Gold and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 8.
You rolled: 15.
15 + 0 + 3 ("Bros" is a Gender Neutral Term) = 18. Major Success!
"Ahem, yes, of course," Chihiro says, coughing into her hand, "So Handyman, Valiant Gold, what are your powers?"
"Well, I think ya got a pretty good look," Handyman says, "But I'm a shapeshifter. I can get big, small, and twist myself into all different shapes. Makes me handy in a scrap, I'll tell you that!"
"The armor is the real power," Valiant Gold says looking at her hand, "I was just lucky enough to be compatible with it."
"Who . . . who made it?" Chihiro asks.
"Valiant Silver," the armored heroine says softly, "It was her final masterpiece."
"D-did you know Nora?"
"I only met her once," Valiant Gold says sadly, "Right before the end. She made fun of me and then made me question my sexuality."
"That sounds like her." Chihiro's eyes brim with unshed tears. She wipes her face, "I'm sorry to ask, but there have been a lot of allegations made against the late Valiant Silver. Is your armor . . . safe, for lack of a better term?"
"Yes," Valiant Gold says at once, "I don't know what some others believe, but I am the power source for this armor. I am its wielder, and I will use it responsibly. I understand what it means to be 'Valiant'," she says.
The unspoken unlike some people echoes loudly.
"That's for damn sure!" Handyman says, pounding Valiant Gold on the back again, "This gal's a hell of a hero! Tough as nails, and a fantastic leader already."
"I think that's a stretch—"
"No, no, VG." Handyman wags his finger. "I'm not letting you put yourself down. No wallowing!"
He turns to Chihiro. "It was her first mission ever, she leads the fight against five of the toughest, scariest metahumans in Horizon, drives them off, and does it all with no casualties to boot! And now she's upset because she didn't do it 'flawlessly'."
Handyman expands his orbital sockets so everyone can see him roll his eyes.
"Perfectionists, amiright?"
Chihiro laughs. "You're very supportive!"
"Look, if she's not gonna talk herself up, I will—"
"What about you?" Valiant Gold interrupts.
"What about me?" Handyman shoots back, "I haven't done nothin'!"
"You call fighting a Named-Rank Behemoth, Heracles, and Scarlet Maturity bare-handed 'nothin'?" Valiant Gold deadpans.
"Hey, big, red, and ugly tore me in half! Literally! That doesn't count!"
"I'm not letting you deflect," Valiant Gold says, "Handyman's standards are too high for himself. He's an excellent hero and even better teammate, and I won't let him play himself down."
"Hello, pot, my name is kettle!"
"So," Valiant Gold says, "You're saying it's annoying when I refuse to give myself credit, and even a little insulting to disregard the opinions of those who try to compliment me."
"Yeah! It's—wait, I see what you're doin'."
Chihiro laughs again, and gives a big smile.
"You two get along so well! I can see why. You're very similar!" Chihiro shakes her head, still amused. "How about you both just accept the compliments and let's move on to the Q&A?"
"Sure, I'm game!"
". . . very well."
"First question!" Chihiro announces.
Name a hero, any hero, who you looked up to, modeled yourself on, or hold yourself to their standard? —TaurusKiss
Handyman answers first.
"Y'know, Epoxy, oddly enough. She was always ten moves ahead of her opponents. My power's pretty flexible; I gotta learn to think like that.
"Heavenly Astrologian," Valiant Gold says, looking away, "The reasons are personal, sorry."
What kind of hobbies do you have? —EarthScreamingRed
"I like sports!" Handyman says, cheerfully, "Boxing, swimming, I just got back into tennis . . ."
"I also like tennis!" Valiant Gold says, a little too quickly, "And, um . . ."
"Reading AAR's doesn't count as a hobby," Handyman says, cutting her off, "You gotta get out more."
Valiant Gold doesn't say anything, but crosses her arms and sulks.
"Next question!" Chihiro calls.
Dear Valiant Gold, I love your suit! It feels far more personal than your counterpart's. If it's not too presumptuous, I have to ask: do you have a motorcycle? And if not, when are you getting one? A Valiant needs a cool ride! I bet Stockpile would never get one. —Signed, a Fan of True Valiants.
Valiant Gold sits up excitedly, and looks over at Handyman.
". . . yeah, okay. Having a motorcycle would count as a hobby," Handyman admits.
Valiant Gold does a small fist-pump in victory.
"Motorcycles are cool," Chihiro agrees, "But not as cool as our next question!"
Handyman, if it's not too personal a question, how old are you? I imagine you're an adult given your name and behavior when you're out and about in the Apiary, but I guess we can't really know for sure. I think some people would love to know you better! —Signed, an Apiary Refugee.
"Resident," Handyman corrects, "You're an Apiary resident. And my exact age is a closely-guarded secret, but I can say I've started to win the only prize you get for aging."
"Which is . . .?" Chihiro asks. Valiant Gold leans over in interest as well.
"Atrophy!"
Both women groan.
"Next question, next question!" Chihiro sighs, "You're lucky you're both so damn charming together.
Valiant Gold's head whips up and she leaps to her feet.
Valiant Gold, there is much discussion about your actions during the memorial, including your talk with Monarch. Is Justice Unlimited fine with your actions? You are very inexperienced, why not let the more experienced heroes take the lead? This was almost a disaster; are you sure you aren't being overconfident? —BodyinaBag
"What, this crap again?" Handyman says, annoyed.
"What. Is. Happening." Chihiro says, desperately hanging onto her facade of professionalism.
"I'm thinkin' I'm seeing the direction this is going. Sorry, Ms. Takanashi but we—"
"Shh," Valiant Gold hisses.
"VG? What's up—"
"Shh."
She jerks her head at Chihiro. Handyman turns serious and readies himself.
Then, in an explosion of red light, Valiant Gold leaps high up onto the set, stabbing a blade of psychic energy through the backdrop display. Chihiro gasps in shock as Handyman springs in front of her and guards her with his body. Valiant Gold raises her other arm, shoves it through the hole she just cut, and pulls—
Dragging out the hidden person flying behind it, Seraph of Crusade.
Valiant Gold and Seraph fall to the ground, where the angelic telepath tries to escape. But Handyman is on her in a second, wrapping an arm around her and rapidly solidifying it. Valiant Gold holds a blade to her throat.
"What. Did. You. Do?" she says with barely-contained rage. "What did you do to Black Swan?! Talk, now."
* * *
You are Lady Leizi.
You rush on set before your junior can execute another hero live on TV. You grab her shoulder, and she turns to look at you.
"Valiant Gold, status report," you order.
"Something pinged my suit's protection against mental interference," she says deceptively calmly, looking back at Seraph, "It was her. She's been here the whole time, using her power on us. Making us angry, trying to get one of us to make a mistake. It's why Doctor Silver and Black Swan lost their tempers, why Châtelet clammed up, and why Menagerie Witch was that devastated. She's been messing with our heads."
That last bit comes out as a furious hiss, and you realize the amount of self-control Valiant Gold is exercising at the moment. You pull her away from the Crusader.
"Stand down," you say gently, "I'll handle it from here."
". . . yeah. Okay. Right." Valiant Gold dismisses her blade and walks away.
"I don't suppose you have any evidence of what you claim?" a pleasant voice says from off-set. White Hawk walks into view, followed by Stockpile and Joules. Curiously, there's an ocean of space between them.
White Hawk tilts his head. "Seraph is well-familiar with the prejudice that telepaths are subject to. Every fleeting emotion is proof of some nefarious use of her power. So, please, either substantiate your claims or release my teammate."
"If she wasn't up to anything, why was she up there?" Valiant Gold demands.
White Hawk keeps his head tilted and smiles.
"Why, she was in position, waiting for her cue. Crusade was invited here today to have an open discussion with Justice Unlimited about our differences. In hopes we could overcome them and give the city confidence that there would be a united front against Monarch. Especially after Justice Unlimited's collaboration with them the other day."
"What?" Chihiro yells, "I never agreed to that!"
"But I did!" Juan Bonfim walks onto set. "Sorry, Chichi! The suits thought it would be more exciting to keep it a surprise! And to have me here to balance out your . . . conflicts of interest."
"Juan Bonfim, you little shit."
"Language, sweetheart!" he says with a thousand-watt grin, "We're still live!"
"Your team's emotional volatility can hardly be considered our responsibility," White Hawk says, "Destroying a set? Had we known you'd overreact like this, Seraph wouldn't have gotten in position for her entrance early."
"My, my, darling," you say to White Hawk, "You just have an explanation for everything, don't you?"
"Of course," he agrees pleasantly, "We've done nothing wrong after all."
This is your first encounter with White Hawk, and you can't say you care for him. However, the sheer force of his charisma is undeniable. You've caught Crusade red-handed, and somehow you appear to be the unreasonable party.
Yes . . . you don't like White Hawk at all. It's his bearing, his confidence, but most of all his sense of entitlement. Of course the world should bend to his whims. Of course you're wrong for resisting him. His eyes say it all.
And yet, you find you're unable to read him.
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: OPERATIONS 10. Valiant Gold, Handyman, and Lady Leizi have a combined OPERATIONS 17.
You rolled: 20.
20 + 3 = 23. Critical Success! Natural Crit!
So instead, you examine the two behind him. Joules' face is an open book. He's confused and uncomfortable. He keeps looking between Stockpile and White Hawk, trying to figure out who's cues to follow.
He doesn't know who's in charge.
From the antipathy radiating off Stockpile, you'd say he doesn't know either. The thief is absolutely wrathful, but why is the the question. Honestly, you're beginning to feel angry yourself, just looking at him in the armor he stole from Nora—who installed psychic protections in all of her suits.
His suit protects him the same way Valiant Gold's protects her. He gets the same alerts. He knows Seraph was doing something. He knows what she was doing and wasn't told about it ahead of time. Now, he's been undermined by White Hawk in public again, and in such a way that he can't call the Elysium-native out without a massive loss of face.
No . . . it's more than that. He doesn't approve of what White Hawk tried to pull. He's sincerely committed to an idea of justice, as warped as it may be, and he's disgusted by this display.
There's a thread to pull on here. You could push this confrontation now and try to unravel this whole mess. Hopefully even driving a wedge between Stockpile and White Hawk. Of course, if it backfires you may just unite them against you.
You could also demand they leave. With Juan Bonfim, they would no doubt still have the opportunity to debate you, but you would be able to do your interview first. With enough momentum, you could easily embarrass Crusade and strike a blow against their public image. Of course, they could do the same to you.
Finally, you could pull out of the interviews all together. There would be no risk of damaging your team's individual reputations, but Crusade would probably fill the remaining airtime with propaganda for themselves and slander against Justice Unlimited.
Now, what to do?
[ ] Confront White Hawk right now.
Valiant Gold caught Seraph red-handed, and Stockpile can confirm it. Push the thief to admit what his team was doing and try to drive a wedge in Crusade. DC 15, REPUTATION 15 check. Rolled with advantage due to previous critical success.
[ ] Delay the debate with Crusade and have your interview first.
It will give you a chance to make an impression on the public before tackling this issue. However, it will give White Hawk time to smooth things over with Stockpile, eliminating the chance to divide them. Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15, REPUTATION 8.
[ ] Leave immediately. No chance for damage to Justice Unlimited's REPUTATION, Crusade will continue to push their narrative unhindered.
Hmm...I'll admit, I'm in favor of confronting White Hawk right now. With an Advantaged roll, it's not quite as bit a risk, and...would we be rolling with Valiant Gold, Handyman, and Lady Leizi's Reputation scores?
I can't believe that's how she realized Black Swan was getting mindfucked. I mean, I can, but I don't want to believe it. Because it means BS's natural default is to piss her off.
Hmm...I'll admit, I'm in favor of confronting White Hawk right now. With an Advantaged roll, it's not quite as bit a risk, and...would we be rolling with Valiant Gold, Handyman, and Lady Leizi's Reputation scores?
Ok then, since the base Rep check would be 15, we'd be rolling with...(5+3+7=15) no real bonus, but also no real penalty. I think that we could risk it.
