PlatinumSkinkThe Zenith - Praetor’s Office
Above Boston
21st January, 2011
Praetor’s face didn’t show any hint of change throughout Knight’s entire speech. “One of the most important aspects in cape combat is the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations on the fly. To think outside the box. There was a single opponent in front of you, with four staring him down.”
“If that really was not enough, there were a number of other villains around for most of the fight - members of factions that Sickle-Cell has openly threatened. A temporary alliance may have been enough to turn the tide of the battle.” An almost vulpine smirk cross Praetor’s lips. “And then you would have had a perfect opening to drag the other capes into custody as well.”
He straightened his posture. “I do hope you’ll make more of an effort with your next task.”
Turning to the newcomer, he gave a single, sharp nod. “Welcome Ifrit. I’ll keep this as brief as I can. With the sheer number of new capes in this city, I cannot guarantee the effectiveness of them all without first seeing them in action. Wonderland has asked us if we’d like to participate in their little sponsored parahuman cage fight.”
“And I’ve said yes.”
“I needed two members to enter as the official entries for the Protectorate. I have chosen the two of you. Also in attendance will be Gamble, another newcomer, and Vector who is entering out of a sense of injured pride after missing her shot this morning.”
Eyes glancing over a number of papers in the desk, he returned focus to the two capes. “My paperwork is stacking up horrifically after the incident earlier today, so this’ll about have to do in terms of briefings. You won’t win - I don’t expect you to - but I want to see how you cope under extreme circumstances to allow me to better plan deployment strategies for the future.”
“I wish you both the best of luck. Is there any questions?”
@PlatinumSkink@SkinnyTy
The Zenith - PRT Staffroom
Above Boston
21st January, 2011
One of the PRT grunts was flicking through a number of files on a computer in an attempt to find a contact number to pass on Praetor’s orders. Finding confidential information on Protectorate capes could be a nightmare, even on their own systems. At last, he came up with something.
“Gamble? You have been requested to attend the Circus tonight by Praetor as an independent entry. He’s going to be watching closely to gauge your abilities to figure out where you slot into team dynamics for future missions in the city. Will you be requiring transport, or can you organise your own?”
[@OldAmsterdam]
The Zenith - Medical Isolation Ward
Above Boston
21st January, 2011
Stumbling towards the door - one of the automatic sliding doors which are a staple of the Zenith - it refused to open in your presence. It was then that a number of things became clear.
Firstly, the medical ward you were in only had a single bed. It was clearly an isolation ward. Secondly, it also only had one door, doubled up in a secure airlock-style barrier between you and the rest of the Zenith. Finally, it only had one window as well, behind which a row of scientists looked at your every move while scribbling on their clipboards and making notes.
Rather more worrying, though, were the row of heavily-armed soldiers behind them.
Catching your eyes, the leader’s voice came through the intercom with that harsh crackly quality you can only get via radio. “Don’t even think about trying anything to escape. So much as look at that door funny and i’ll-”
“Don’t threaten her!” A voice barked from somewhere behind the glass as a middle-aged woman strode into the lab. “She’s probably scared, no doubt confused and instead of explaining the situation, you threatenher? It’s no wonder you need outside help to handle problems like this if that’s how you treat people.”
“Let me in,” she demanded.
The PRT soldier hesitated. “Ma’am, it’s no-”
The woman raised a hand. “Believe me, Captain. I have heard what you are about to say repeated hundreds of different ways, thousands of times. Let’s save us both the hassle and just open the door.”
He sighed, and gave his subordinate a nod.
She stepped through into the airlock compartment before the door leading to it opened into the medical room. Entering, she gave the brightest smile she possibly could. “Good afternoon. Let me introduce myself. My name is Dr Jessica Yamada, and I’m a Parahuman Response Team consultant and therapist working out of Brockton Bay. I primarily deal in young people - like yourself - and I’ve been called in to speak to you in order to put minds at rest.”
“Your name is Xoxi, correct? Or would you prefer Anomaly?”
@Banana
The Circus Maximus
Victory Road
21st January, 2011
The Circus was operating out of a large, rundown building which had floodlights set up in the corridors attached to generators rather than an actual lighting system. Nor did it have any plumbing. The main room was sizable, and with rows of tiered seating centered around a single, large, octagonal metal cage. Rows of concrete ran from four of the sides, creating channels for fighters to walk out of.
Situated higher than the rest of the crowd were a number of elaborate seating boxes, decked out with a single, even fancier chair. These served as viewing platforms for the leaders of the major factions and their cabal of close lieutenants.
Passing through the surroundings leading up to the Circus - before even entering - would cause any parahuman to be met with a single, extremely uncomfortable feeling. The loss of their power. An almost empty void where that reassuring weight used to be. A result of Wonderland’s policy of keeping those within it’s walls safe.
The betting booth was at the door into the main arena, within sight of the metal cage. It was the only place to see their full listings of matches, since the posters around the arena were usually stolen by spectators wanting a souvenir. The place was already packed, although none of the faction leaders had yet made an entrance.
@Migyudon@Duoya@Lasrever