Ch. 20 Coming together

[dakota]

" I was just waiting my turn. " Jason replied as he took the pen and clipboard.

Jason Dexter, Code Name: Firefight. Abilities includes super speed that I can't use anymore because of being confined to a wheelchair and can fire bursts of energy from my hands. Use a prototype exoskeleton for mobility and as body armor. 1 1/2 yrs NSCA agent, served as special blackops agent. Several years of hands on training prior. Spinal injury is deteriating and has been known to cause seizures. See medical records on file for details. I also like moonlit rolls on the beach and have strong feelings for your granddaughter.

He grinned as he handed it over to Will. " There you go boos. Do I get my secret decorder ring now?"

Janie and Avi came downstairs, and Janie handed the clipboard to Will. She had listed her schooling

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Kerry do a bug sweep." he says, before continuing. When all's clear, he takes the two boards reviewing them. "I will list off everyone's entry here, and clarify anything, if I need to. No secrets, no lies." looking at Jason's entry, he adds "And no thinking you're god's gift to mankind. That was intelligence. I suggest we all endeavour to use it."

In the middle of the room, he reads aloud. With the whole group listening, he starts. (OOC: I'll just do everyone at once to speed things up)

"Dmitri Radsinj." William says, reading off the first name. "You have indicated that you can turn into metal, fire metal blades, open portals and fly. You have also indicated that you have no formal training or experience. Do you have any kind of education, and work experience? Is there anything else you'ld like to add?" He asks.

Continuing, he says "Trevor Mitchell, you mention your fire fighter training and that you have fire powers, and the ability to create explosions. You've neglected to indicate that you can fly while in fire form, and shoot fire balls. Are there any other details you wish to add?"

Next, "Avery Martinez, I see you have 6 years experience working with military organizations, and have enhanced healing, explosion powers and power punches. However, while you mention close combat, you have failed to mention your penchant for firearms. Anything else?"

Then, "Alice Weatherby. You have the ability to alter your appearance, advanced healing, telekenisis, telpathy, and clairvoant abilities. You're currently studying journalism, I see. Is there anything else we need to add?"

Followed by "Sierra McLean. It looks we need more detail from you. When you say you copy people, what do you mean? How is it activated? Also, why does your skin peel. Are there any other abilities you know or suspect you have that you have not included here? I see you have some experience dealing with animals. Was your veterinary work medical or general care, like cleaning feeding and so on?"

With the proceeding "Craig Fraley, you've written that you can create fireworks, become invisible by warping light - does that include a natural defense against lasers? - can create a force field, and slide around. Regarding the forcefield, can it be extended to include others besides yourself? As for training experience, please add something, as I doubt you would have been involved in yesterday's kidnapping if you didn't at least some history with the criminals."

And then "Jason Dexter, you have listed that you currently posses the ability to fire energy blasts, and that your mobility disability is deteriorating your health. You currently compensate through a powered exoskeleton and a negative self-righteous attitude. Before seeing this, I though Trevor was most likely to turn his back on his growth and developement. But you've made the top of the list. Avery, I want you to work with Jason as well as Kerry, try and turn his big pouty frown upside down. And I will be reviewing your medical file, to see how much of a risk you will be in the field."

"Right, now, Kerry Ferris, you have just over a year's experience in combat, an endo-skeletal replacement, additional sensors, and a hand-to-hand weapons package. Please elaborate."

"And last, Janet (insert last name here). You do not possess any mutant or enhanced abilities and you are currently attending school. (Details please, Dakota ;D ) I have noticed that you're taking well to the warroom, which is an encouraging developement."

And, after each one, he takes down notes summarizing their responses, and will coax the information, if he has to.

[thagema]

Craig listens to everyone else's descriptions and continually thinks he's in the wrong place. The power levels were way above his and just throwing some fireworks around wasn't going to be much of an asset when compared to everyone else.

When it comes to him, he sighs thinking that anything else he adds still won't bring him up to the level of everyone else.

"My force field only covers me. I can't use it on someone else. I've never had a laser shot at me so I don't know anything about that. Last night was only my second attempt at a criminal life. My first one was back home. I had planned on robbing a bank, but someone beat me to it. I... I hid... until it was over," he stammers. "I came to Miami to start a new life away from crime, which obviously doesn't work for me. Instead I ended up with the wrong crowd and that's why I was a part of what happened last night. Besides a year of college, I've got nothing else to add," he finishes looking at his hands feeling very inadequate.

Craig expected Will to unceremoniously tell him to leave as the others assembled laughed. Even Sierra had more to offer. Craig slumped back in his chair wishing he had left last night. If he stayed, he'd probably be assigned to clean the house and put on firework displays for everyone's amusement.

[shiivster]

"Sierra McLean. It looks we need more detail from you. When you say you copy people, what do you mean? How is it activated? Also, why does your skin peel. Are there any other abilities you know or suspect you have that you have not included here? I see you have some experience dealing with animals. Was your veterinary work medical or general care, like cleaning feeding and so on?"

Sierra listened as the list was read off. Blinks at the questions fired at her and as she ponders HOW to answer and keep certain information private, listens to Craig. looking at him now, she responds with a simple, 'at least you know what the world looks like and is about.' *looking a bit shocked by her blurt 'uhh .. well .. you know, life in a big city. i keep thinking that life should be like .. *shrugs* .. you know .. like the 'Andy Griffith Show'.

Looking at William now, she replies 'i copy ... *then demonstrates with Trevor's flames, but the look of horror that crosses the face before it dies says something is wrong in her past* .. and the skin peeling? .. i think its a reaction to being .. this close to all of you. never had this much 'itchiness' before and now its almost nonstop and it hurts. *then puts part of the peeled skin in Williams hand. its snake skin shedding.*

'its the first time i've shed the skin, so i don't know if its normal or not. and i'd rather not talk about my immediate past if its all the same Sir. i don't think its anyone's business. *Sierra has a flashback to the night of the fire and seems lost briefly before blinking and continuing*
'it's .. hard enough coming to the city and finding out that no one really gives a **** about their neighbors and that kidnappings happen in daylight and no one stops them. and when you try, people treat you like dirt for trying to stop them.'

[tag]

[OOC - and NO Sierra is NOT trying to be a smart ass about not wanting to talk about her past, but may talk about the past in private. also Sierra is NOT refering to this Group when she mentioned kidnappings]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"You will find, Sierra," William says, "that people will always tend to be upset with you when they foil their criminal acts. You will also find that, in this line of work, that our activities will not be appreciated by the greater populace. It's simply the way of things. Half this city doesn't even believe there's a problem. And, since it is all the same, yes your past is of great importance. Just as Jasons or my own. Which reminds me."

Taking a breath, he says "My name is William Black. I am a Colonel with the Canadian armed forces. My focus, for the last 60 years, has been in selected black ops and training of mutant agents for various agencies. Half the mutant agents for SCRET, both Canadian and US militaries, and even some of NSCA, have been trained under me. As have some of the villains within this city. Prior to 1945, I served with the British SAS during World War 2, as a specialized agent. It is a bittersweet pride to say that I have faced down tank battallions, destroyed whole cities, and been responsible for the death of untold criminals, as well as civilians and innocent soldiers only doing their job. My abilities include flight, regenerative abilities that have significantly slowed my aging - while I am now something like 80, I am as fit as any 30-yr-old. In addition, like Trevor, I have the ability to transform into a being of fire, though mine is silver and greys, instead of the traditional oranges and yellows."

(OOC: Anyone watching the news should have seen footage of him in action by now.)

[shiivster]

*Sierra starts to go pale and the misery of something shows in the eyes. after a single gulp and sigh she drops the half eaten apple to the counter and closes the eyes. the nightmare of that night surfaces once again briefly, and then she speaks. 'fine. i grew up in a small travelling circus. not that long ago we .. i .. '

*covers the mouth with a shakey hand and takes a deep breath* 'i lost 52 of my closest friends and family in a fire. we couldn't get them all out. we couldn't get all ... the cages open in time ... we ... we had to leave them behind. i still hear them being burnt alive. is that what you needed to know sir? ... am i guilty? .. yeah, i am. i couldn't save them all and i wanted to. i gotta live with it. its got a wonderful name called 'survivors guilt'. i figured i had it licked, guess i don't'

*raises the hands to ward off any that come near her now. 'no .. just .. just stay back there' *then the arms go up and about her head as she squats and works on regaining her composure. her voice is now a mere whisper as she regains control over her memories and the haunted look fades from the eyes. ' ... just ... just don't touch me .. i don't like to be 'touched' .. by strangers'

'one last thing. i need to get my belongings from where i was staying. i just need a ride, and then i can call the clinic and let the doc and his partner know that i won't be back. thats all i need to do. i've lost everything else that had value to me' ...o0(even myright to mourn in private. time to get to work. work will heal the hurt. time to move on)

[tag]

[dakota]

Jane Dunbrack replied, " I'm in my fourth year majoring in Computer Sciences.." She shrugged," I'm a computer geek, and you guys have some cool toys, not to mention it's the only way I can help out. Dimitri said that if I went home I'd be in danger because Wraith knows where I live, so I have to contribute somehow."


Avi shrugged. " I was a marine, I thought that was a given? I stick to automatic pistols and my shotgun, but I'm qualified of pretty much everything the army carries. And Kerry is working on it as well. Mac told me that my healing powers were copied from Jason's brother, if that helps."

" I got turned into the bionic man wannabe after I stepped on a landmine in the Afghan mountains." Kerry answered. " I can sense if there are any listening devices, bombs, radar with my sensors or if I'm targeted by infrared systems. I also have these." He extends his finger blades and wrist blades. " I've also got a flamethrower, but it might be awkward to show off."

Jason scowled and shrugged. " Guess I take after my brother too much." He glanced at Avi and folded his arms. " You wondered why I left the first time?"


" Nope, I don't think so. sorry." Trevor replied sheepishly.

Dimitri replied. " I went to high school, and I worked on my father's farm before coming to america. I worked for my uncle's import business went I first got here, and I work security part time for an armored car company. I'm also in the country illegally, if thats a problem."

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

As they go through everything, William makes notes, commenting to Avery that no information should be taken for granted. When Avery mentioned the healing abilities were copied, William raises and eyebrow.

At Sierra's story, William asks "Do you feel you have a strong afinity with animals, then? I can tell that they mattered a lot to you. Is it because of the fire that you do not like people touching you?"

"You didn't so much leave, Jason, as were handed over to me by Mac to help you become a better agent. I suggest you take the hint." Scribbling something on his pad, he looks up at Dmitri. "Well, I wouldn't consider your alien status a problem, but you should keep it in mind, as a reminder to act intelligently so as not to draw INS's attention." With a wink at Jane, he says "Green cards are a means to remedy that."

"Alright. Now, we know each other. You all have heard of the 'know thyself' proverb. It was in that Matrix movie (the way he says 'movie' sounds like he knows what the word originally meant ). "It refers to the belief that battles are won not only by studying your enemy, but by studying yourself. This is why we went through this exercise, so that everyone here has a chance to know who they're working with and what their abilities are. You will find that we will depend on each of our abilities, training and life experiences to improve our chances of success. On that note, is there anything anyone wishes to add about themselves?"

[shiivster]

*sierra pauses to think it out carefully andthen responds, her voice going flat* 'no sir. the animals were the only friends i had as akid after the accident that turned my skin to scales years ago. thats why i dont like being touched. the touches make the fabric go the wrong way. guess you can say that people scare me, cause they .. *glances at Jason for a moment and then back to William* 'ask him. he's the authority on it. nasty comments and everything'

'all that aside. i'm used to working long hours. but i do need my backpack and briefcase from where i was staying. so i will need a ride. you can supply me with one?'

[tag]

[[ooc - she WILL turn the head and stare in the direction of any mutant she senses within her carpet area and ignore anyone until the group catches her attention again]]

[Renekin Skywalker]

William nods. "Avery, Jason, please see to her safe transport and return. Wear the NSCA jumpsuits and paraphenelia until we can find an outfit that doesn't remind me of the late '80's. Sierra, you'll have one too. I expect you will be able to do this without getting into any kind of fight." His last statement is not open for negotation or contest.

[Mierin]

Alice is quiet as William talks. When he's done, she shyly says "I..I'm still learning how to use my powers. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Sometimes they happen when I'm upset or scared." Alice shrugs "An.. anyway, I just thought everyone should know that."
(tag)

[shiivster]

*watches William and nods. then shudders once at the mention of Jason going along is all that shows of her dislike of him. she glances at Avi and comments, 'so, i hope they come with gloves. i don't show my skin, tends to freak most people out'

[tag]

[dakota]

Jason glanced at Trevor and tapped the corner of his eye. " Forgetting something, extra crispy?"

" Oh yeah." Trevor took out his contacts, revealing that his eyes were bright orange, nearly the color of his flames when he transformed. " My eyes are also mess up. I can only see heat patterns without the contacts Jason got me. With them in I can see normally, except it's in black and white."

" I wonder where you got them..." Avi smirked at Jason as the pair of them stood up. Jason retorted, " You're just jealous you have to change into one of those uniforms. Luckily my suit is designed to match them."

" Shut up Jas." Avi answered and walked away, motioning for Sierra to follow. " Come on, I'll get you geared up and find some gloves for you. I'm sure there's a pair or two of Stingray's in storage."

Once the pair left, Jason turned his attention back to Will. " You won't make me a better agent, so you're wasting your time. Team player on the other hand you might be able to help with. Mac usually let me run solo, and well, Ty and I had our disagreements before that." He winked at Alice," I can think of a couple ways to work on it."

"here's an understatement. " Trevor grinned.

Janie nudged Dimitri with her elbow and a grin. " I'm sure with the hardware upstairs I can push an application for immigrant status through easily. Provided that's okay with you, Will."

" There's one other thing Will." Trevor added. " It's about Sierra. Maybe I'm wrong, but when she lost it after copying my powers, she nearly knocked a building flat with a faceplant and walked away without a scratch. If I'd done that, Avi or Ty would be nursing me back to rights."

[tag]

[shiivster]

*follows Avery to be geared up, and then listens to how the various 'extra' pieces work. she's scratching at one shoulder, and as she feels the skin pull free, sighs with a bit of relief.

'thanks sir, i'll just go get changed now, and if you find gloves good, if not? .. no worries. i'll just shove my hands in my pocket. that should do it.'

[tag]

[Dome]

As they walk, Isamu remains very quiet, intent on following Tyler and finding Ashley.

[tag]