Log:The Lockwood Family Invite

2020/11/30 Victory|Wayne Artemis Magda Patriot Linda

1

Bridgend

Bridgend is an upmarket coastal stretch, between the port to the north and the yacht club to the south, where several main roads meet: Golden Sands Road from the southwest, Ming Street from Chinatown, Bridge Road from Sandy Bottoms Island, and Wharf Street, running roughly parallel to the shore. Some more prominent businesses have warehouses here, but expensive houses and nice cafes, restaurants and shops are more common. The spectacular arch of the bridge to the island guarantees these businesses always have a good tourist trade.

Artemis is in full armor and regalia as she walks alongside Wayne Lockwood on their way to Steel's. He enjoys training, so she figured she could make a nice day of things with him by letting him do something he enjoys, while telling him the good news. She's practically bouncing with energy as she tries to decide the best time to tell him. But she is not one for patience.

Wayne is none the wiser. He smiles as he watches Artemis. "You're trying to keep a secret or something, aren't you? I can practically see it in your body language."

Artemis purses her lips. Curse her inability to lie. She's trying to find a way to not answer the question at all. A diversionary statement or counter question, but instead, it comes out as a restrained, "Yyyyyyyessss." She claps her hand over her mouth. It just came out even though she tried to stop it. Betrayed by her own oaths once again!

Wayne laughs, and smiles. "It's okay. I won't pry further."

Artemis really had been brimming with excitement to tell him. Perhaps there is no perfect time like the present! "But 'tis a secret for you!" she blurts out as her hand lowers. "I thought to try to present it after a vigorous training session, but I see no reason not to tell ye now, since you saw through my ruse." She smiles and lifts off the ground, floating ahead of him and out in front as she faces him. She continues to float backward to match his pace. "I spoke with Friend Wade last eve while you were recharging, and he did tell me the Family Lockwood is interested in meeting thee!"

Wayne stops in his tracks. "I'm sorry...what did you say?" It sounds like he doesn't quite believe it.

"The parents of Wade Lockwood, and the ones in thy memory. Wade spoke to them of you over the Day of Giving Thanks and they were interested in meeting thee," Artemis states again and halts floating back as he stops. She was excited, but now she's wondering if she's done a bad thing.

Wayne blinks and then smiles. "I...um...don't know what to say. I think that would be...great."

The doubt on Artemis' face is cast away in favor of an excited smile. "Excellent! I was thinking I had given you unwelcome news for a moment there." Wait...Wade does lie. She studies him to see if he's doing that thing they're known for doing where they hide their feelings. "You would tell me if this was unwelcome news, yes?" she asks slowly with some meaning and a dash of suspicion.

Wayne grins. "It's not unwelcome. I'm just hesitant because I don't know how it will go. That's all."

Magda emerges from Steel's Gym looking thoughtful -- as she usually does. Taking a few steps clear of the door, she stands for several moments, arms crossed, frowning at the sidewalk.

Artemis smiles affectionately at Wayne. "I know fear would not keep thee from learning the truth of things. If it would make you feel more comforted, I could..." she starts to make an offer to go with him, but she's actually conscious enough to realize that it may make things worse. "...stay behind whilst you visit them."

Wayne shakes his head, "I think it would be good for you to be there. Wade too, actually." He pauses for a moment as he sees Magda, and he then waves to her. "Dr. Gutzu. How are you doing today?"

Artemis smiles and drifts closer to Wayne as she finally floats down a few inches to settle on the ground. "Then I vow I shall be by thy side when you go," she promises with a binding oath. She looks over as he waves to Magda, and raises a hand in greeting. "Greetings!"

Magda lifts her head at the greeting, then huffs a laugh. "Truly distracted if you can sneak up on me, Wayne Lockwood," she says, then nods to the tall Godflora. "Artemis. How are the two of you? What did you do for your holiday?"

Wayne smiles and shrugs, "The family I remember...isn't mine. So Artemis and I spent the holiday together, since she hasn't really experienced Thanksgiving. Well, not with the traditions."

Electric motorcycles can disappoint some people in being so silent. Some riders install gear to make them loud. Patriot is not one of them. She likes the smooth operation of her Star Spangled Triumph street bike, aka Crotch Rocket. The soft whir of the engine precedes said bike as Patriot pulls around the corner, slowing to a stop near the Gym.

"That 'twas my first, even though this holiday has passed before during my time here." Artemis smiles and steps back alongside Wayne and moves to put her arm around his shoulders if he doesn't avoid it. "I enjoyed myself most merrily and was very thankful for Wayne teaching me about the meaning of the occasion. And allowing me to assist in cooking!" By allow, it was...minimal for general safety, but made her feel like she was contributing.

Linda is making her way to the Gym. Although magical healing has cured her injuries she's feeling off peak and a bit still in her joints.

Linda spots a number of known heroes ahead of her. Quickening her pace she waves a greeting while approaching to conversational speaking range.

Artemis notices Linda's approach and recognizes the girl. She raises a hand in greeting. "Greetings, Shattered One! I am glad to see thee are whole once more!" she says cheerfully and stupidly oblivious.

Wayne notices both Patriot and Linda...and waves to both. He certainly remembers them, even if he hasn't met them in person. "Hey there."

Bike slowing to a stop, Patriot activates the gyro-stand and steps off. As she does so, her helmet melts back into the nanotech of her bodysuit. She rolls her neck and presses a stud that grows out of her left wrist.. making the bike chirp in an old fashioned way. SECURITY SYSTEM ON!

That done, she turns to look to the others, "Well, good afternoon. I trust everyone had a passable holiday weekend?"

"Good, replies Magda. "Understanding the people around you is a wonderful thing." Her gaze is caught by movement, and she turns towards Linda. "Golden Girl," she greets. "I am glad to see you again. I tried to check on you after we got back, but they said you had already been fully healed." Her gaze moves slowly down the young woman's form as if studying her. "Thank you. Very, very much. That is probably the bravest thing I have ever witnessed, and I think you saved all out lives. If I can do anything for you -- ever -- do not hesitate in the sligthest to ask." She pauses. "How well have you been sleeping?"

Linda smiles to Artemis after her greeting, "I'm back in one piece I'm thankful to say. I never thought I'd be hurt like that. I thought I was more or less invulnerable."

Linda turns to look at Magda, "Not all that well. Nightmares."

Magda nods; understandable. "Are you seeing a therapist yet?"

Linda says, "I think Starguard has plans for me to see one. But I'm still on injured reserve at the moment." She glances at the person she things is Wade, "I'm ready to resume in Gamma, sir.""

Wayne smiles to Linda. "Umm...I'm not Wade Lockwood. I'm Wayne. The...robot duplicate. You probably saw me at Starguard a few times while the techs there were working on purging my code of anything malicious."

Artemis chuckles at the mistake. It's one she sometimes still makes. "'Tis an understanding mistake. He IS superbly made!"

Linda gives Wayne an intense look. Then her eyes glow briefly.

Giving a pause to let folks respond to her greeting and question, Patriot simply falls silent when it is evident that they are all absorbed in facts such as Wayne not being Wade, and the fact that Golden Girl can be hurt. I mean sure, anyone can be hurt but... it's still quite a thing.

She grows pockets and slips her hands into them to wait and let the conversation play out for now.

Linda nods after the eyes flowing moment.

Wayne smiles. "I'm guessing you just checked?" Linda was able to see...sure enough, a mechanical skeleton with a very impressive and likelike exterior.

Magda nods, glancing towards Wayne, then adding, "If you have any more nightmares," which of course she will, "please call me -- I sleep very little, and spend most of my overnights studying. In fact, come over, just call me on the way."

Magda then turns towards" patriot, and nods courteously. "Well enough, thank you. How was yours?"

Artemis blinks at Linda's glowing eyes. "What be wrong with your eyes?"

Linda nods, "Speaking as an amateur mechanic, you are a simply beautiful design given flesh." She grins at her own joke.

Artemis smiles brightly at Linda's compliment of Wayne. "Aye, his exterior is handsome perfection indeed, and like a hoomans in all ways." She doesn't know enough about the interior beyond what she read in the manual.

Wayne chuckles. "Thank you. I'm afraid I can't take credit. That mostly goes to Automa Industries."

"Indeed." offers Patriot to Artemis. "And I remained on duty. I don't actually -have- family. I am not going to impose upon my progenitor and his family. Someone had to make sure the others were able to food-coma themselves, right?" she asks with a shrug of her shoulders while keeping her hands in the pockets of her bodysuit.

Linda turns to Patriot, "Next year you can join my family for Thanksgiving if you like. You'll be very welcome."

Magda nods in agreement with Patriot's statement. "It is upon the holidays that the watchmen must be the most vigilant."

Magda adds, "Thank you for being that watchman."

Another shoulder shrug, and Patriot just says. "Job needed doing. That's what I am here for so.. no need to think it was anything above and beyond." A pause and she adds, "Been thinking of an official signup with the SGG group. If they'd have me that is."

Artemis smiles at Wayne's humility, then looks to Patriot. "What dangers did ye face alone during this observed holiday?" she asks excitedly.

Her face transforming into an amused smirk, Patriot shakes her head, "Mostly boredom and the desire to eat far too much. And knowing I'd need even -more- working out if I ate like most folks want to for such a holiday."

"I like to think however that a visible presence was more of a deterrent than any need to respond to actual threats."

Linda's face lights up at the prospect of being on the same team as Patriot as well as the others great heroes already in SGG.

Wayne nods as he listens to Patriot's description. Sure, he doesn't have to worry about gaining weight, but Wade did, and that's what he's remembering.

Magda smiles at the expression of the threats faced. Grave ones indeed. "I was just coming out of Steel's," she mentions; "were you all heading in to work out?"

"Is not the point of this holiday to consume thy fill with beloved ones?" Artemis is puzzled why Patriot thinks it's a danger. She hasn't had an issue with weight gain even with her boozy and feasting habits. It's good to be a Godflora.

Linda says, "It's having to get the costume on afterwards, Artemis. I know the problem that Patriot alluded to."

Wayne nods to Magda, "I was. Old habits die hard, even though I don't really need to."

Artemis still looks puzzled. "Strange. An issue I am unfamiliar with." That in itself isn't all that strange. She's unfamiliar with so much. She smiles to Wayne. "Aye, but 'tis fun to keep up with thy skills and learn new ones." She looks to Magda and grins. "I was indeed heading to train with Friend Wayne as well."

Magda smiles at both Artemis and Wayne. "Not all of us," she says to the former, "have your godly metabolism, Artemis. And Wayne, if you have the capacity to learn -- or forget -- then you must practice. To gain skill, to integrate new skills into what you know, or to keep them from rusting."

Magda nods, though, and waves the others in. "I was studying the technology, but I'm more than willing to continue to do so."

"There are some of us who have to work to maintain our fitness. Overindulging can add more to the work load that way." offers Patriot as she pulls her hands from her pockets. "Speaking of workouts, I had intended to make use of the facilities." she says with a gesture to the gym.

Linda nods, "Me too. That's where I was going. And for the same reason. To lose the pounds I put on over Thanksgiving."

Artemis studies the others curiously and intensely. Perhaps she has x-ray vision, too, and agrees on the need for training of some. "Aye, then training be needed. Let us not delay and go forth to challenge ourselves!" she declares.

Wayne chuckles, and then he nods to Magda, "You have a point. I'm not sure exactly what the impact would be if I didn't practice. I certainly won't lose muscle. Or gain it."

Artemis smiles as she gets an idea. "Mayhaps we can test ourselves against some simulated supervillain, or split in teams to test eachother's limits!"

Linda says idealistically, "We're heroes. We should work together, not against each other."

Magda 's lips ripple in a suppressed smile. "But what if I turn evil? I mean, more evil than usual."

Linda points out, "Then you aren't a hero any longer."

Artemis frowns faintly, with a touch of shame. "At least, not until she can redeem herself."

Wayne pats Artemis's shoulder in a comforting manner. "Training against each other makes sense. But...working together against say...an AI opponent at the gym would also be of use. And would help with teamwork."

Magda smiles sideways at Artemis. "Quite. And what if you came up against someone with his powers?" She gestures at Wayne. "Testing ourselves against each other helps us to learn tactics against such."

Artemis looks to Wayne and smiles warmly at his encouragement. It stops her from lamenting the hubris that lead her to fight on the Would-be Tyrant's side. She looks to Magda at her sensation. "Hmm. I have sparred with Friend Wade and Wayne when he did teach me some hooman fighting techniques."

Linda gets a call on her PDA, "Hi, Mum.... Yes.... Okay, I'm coming now." She looks at the other heroes, "I need to go home."

Wayne nods. "I suspect either Wade or myself would be hard pressed to try to beat Artemis in a fight. Delay, sure...no problem."

Artemis chortles at that as if it were a challenge. "Oh? You think you could delay me in a battle with no effort if I needed to pass thee?"

"Not head on, no," Magda agrees, but then glances at Artemis. "Uh-oh. I think you challenged her."

Wayne grins, "I'm not saying it would be no problem. I'm just saying...it's already been done."

Artemis thinks a moment and smiles slyly as she recalls. "Ah, yes...there was sly work on Wade's part to cause me delay so Urth's Guardians could be victorious."

Wayne nods. "While he was blinded, even. If my memory is correct?"

Artemis nods. "And deafened! Which made it all the more impressive! I wished to give him a fair chance and offered to wait until he could see again. And then he struck true!"

Magda's eyebrows go up. "I think I want to hear that sto--" Her phone rings with a harsh, jarring tone. Immediately, she gestures. "Shalom?" She is silent for a few moments as whomever is on the other side communicates; she then responds in modern Hebrew. Another gesture to hang up, and a third at the hollow of her throat to transform her clothing. "I must go. Trouble at home."

Wayne waves as Magda goes to leave, "We can talk about it next time!"

Artemis watches Magda depart, and soon they are left with too few challengers. She looks to Wayne and smiles softly. "Of all the memories thou could be lacking, part of me wishes that memory had been one of them," she laments with a sigh.

Wayne smiles and steps up to kiss Artemis. "Why? A moment of weakness is okay. You are a strong person. One of the strongest I know."

Artemis is caught by surprise and smiles, kissing back. "If you say it is so, it must be true, Beloved," she chuckles. "And you are the strongest I know. Thy strength comes from within," she says in appreciation.

Wayne smiles. "You felt embarrassed. But...I wouldn't trade the memory of Wade helping to save you. ME helping to save you. Those are my memories."

"I also felt mournful at having to turn against my dear friend to become his enemy. And yet I was glad for the bravery shown to stop me, and to save me," Artemis smiles affectionately at Wayne. "I would not take those memories from you. Nor will I ever forget how you saved me," she says tenderly before kissing him sweetly. "Now...shall we train, or make arrangements for your meeting of your parents?"

Wayne smiles. "Training for a bit, first. Then we can talk about meeting the Lockwoods."