rogue, meet hero

[peterxy]

Most of the time, patrolling is a dull, uneventful affair, somewhat akin to the Ankh-Morpork City Guard ringing their bells and calling "All's well!" at night.

Sometimes, it's not.

Dauntless was not expecting to run into two unpowered Asian gangs (Japanese and Korean? that's what it looks like at a distance) duking it out in the middle of the street. Granted, it's the evening, and it's not quite the most well-frequented of streets, but still.

He decides to call for backup, not because he wouldn't be able to take them on, but because he's supposed to do that whenever confronting another parahuman or a large number of non-capes, at least until he graduates. He turns the comm on and describes the situation - a bit over a dozen people on each side, arguing and brandishing blunt weapons and in some cases guns - then waits and watches.

Comments

[thinkering]

They are unconscious. Finest Protectorate issue tranquilizer, small puncture wounds.

"I highly recommend it," says Velocity. "Gets you training and backup and support you can't get operating solo."

[mxglam]

"That it does."

[alicornucopia]

"You could come back to HQ with us, sign on tonight if you like," Velocity says encouragingly.

[mxglam]

Glam makes a show of considering it, but shakes their head. "I think I'm fine for now."

[alicornucopia]

"Well, offer doesn't expire," says Velocity, "keep it in mind, we'd be glad to have you."

A PRT truck rolls up to collect the gang members while being slightly more prepared than average police for the possible return of the Mover villain. "Right kids, that's our cue to head back in and debrief," Velocity says.

[mxglam]

"I'll think about it," they say. "Good luck with debriefing!"

[thinkering]

Lorica waves over her shoulder. "Thanks for the assist!" she calls as she lopes after Velocity.

[mxglam]

"You're welcome! It was fun!"

Ah, yes, good old fun, a teleporter-copier trying to stab you and blow you up while two gangs fight below you. Yes, indeed.

[thinkering]

Lorica continues to keep her patrol schedule. It's usually pretty uneventful. Her flock of robots includes a ninth, in a new model, now.

[mxglam]

There is someone approaching!

[thinkering]

A robot alerts her! She looks.

"Hi, Glam."

[mxglam]

"Hullo. What-all do they do?"

[thinkering]

"The robots? Lots of things, why?"

[mxglam]

"Curiosity. Robots are cool, I have a hard time making those."

[thinkering]

"You're not actually a tinker per se, are you? So that makes sense."

[mxglam]

"I'm not," they agree. "Though I can make stuff that's pretty Tinker." And lo, a small device that makes holograms is on their right palm, showing a still shot of the teleporter they fought the other day.

[thinkering]

"Lot faster than building it would be."

[mxglam]

"Yeah. But I can't really give it to other people or sell it and become really rich so."

[thinkering]

"If you can't figure out how to get rich off cape powers - legally, even - you aren't trying. It doesn't have to be retail."

[mxglam]

They laugh. "I didn't say that."

[thinkering]

"Noted."

[mxglam]

"So, why are you bouncing around all alone in this cold, dark city?"

[thinkering]

"I'm considered responsible and versatile enough to handle solo patrol and didn't ask for company."

[mxglam]

"Ah, yes, patrol. One of the many perks of being a Ward."

[thinkering]

"Mm."