Log:Golden Boy, Scene 9

Golden Boy 2013/08/11 	 Liam Fox Porter Danyelle Regan Mirage 8

Champions Mush - Sunday, August 11, 2013, 9:44 AM

 Good afternoon little one. How are you today?

 I'm not broken!

 Who ever said you were?

 You asked how I am. Not broken.

 In your travels today, have you seen Porter? I'd like to talk to him about a job idea I have.

 I haven't traveled much. Mostly relaxing. Could probably hunt him down in some manner. Though it involves asking for him by name and not everyone knows him.

 No, that's fine. I have other means to find people. I'm just being lazy and hoping Porter's luck worked in my favor for once.

 So you would be one person I would ask for him by name and have a higher success rate in locating him than those who had not seen him lately.

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. ''

A portal opens near Porter. A few moments later, Liam steps through the portal and looks about.

Not in the area at the moment, Fox is lounging atop a roof on someone's lawn chair, left there for her use, a table with some lemonade beside her.

Porter recently exited the coffee shop, with a coffee in hand. He isn't terribly surprised by the portal, and not of who exits it. Since he had a head's up, so to speak. Porter lifts his cup in a casual salute or wave to Liam. "Hey. What's up?"

Liam lets the portal to the front stoop of Pied-a-Ciel close behind him, adjusts his fox-head cufflinks and smoothes down his hair as if the portal had somehow disturbed the perfect styling. Then he says, "I had an idea and wanted to get your thoughts on it."

 I found him.

 Yay!

"Ok..." Porter's curiosity is definitely piqued. It's not often anyone asks his thoughts, much less the great doctor. "What idea is that?" He sips up some of the heated caffeine.

Liam says, "Have you ever seen the bomb squad disable a bomb when the bomb creator thinks he is too clever?"

Porter's brows pop up. "Um, not really. I don't really tag along with the bomb squad or bombs. The thing at the hospital was a first time thing." He shrugs. " Explosives and me don't normally get along. Natural gas, propane, vegetable oil, flour... They all like to blow up."

Liam says, "They place a reinforced box around it, possibly with the addition of sand bags, and blow it up. They let the bomb blow, but in controlled conditions."

"Oh, right," Porter nods. "I saw something like that at the hospital.. but I thought it was just something to try and block the explosion if the blew up before they were stopped. So what's your idea?"

Liam says, "You have two traits that are found together only rarely. With your permission I would like to make use of your abilities, first on a trial basis and then, possibly, as long term employment."

That's ... different, and Porter's surprise shows. "Ok... I'm not sure what traits you're talking about, but one's usually the weird things, like things exploding. And that's enough that most people kick me out of the job. Hard to keep working somewhere after it burns down, you know."

Liam says, "First, and most importantly, you are a survivor. There are things that happen around you that have killed other people. If a bomb were to explode surprising us both, I would hazard a guess that you would be more likely to survive than me. It is that, for lack of a better word, survival instinct that allows me to even consider this idea. Secondly, you are a catalyst for change. If you pass near an improperly sealed dimensional portal, it is more likely to burst open when you are there than in the hour after you leave. In other words, if something doesn't explode while you are there, the odds that it will *ever* explode drop dramatically. ... so, in essence, I would like to hire you as a safety inspector."

Porter takes a good minute to think about that. First, he has to understand everything that Liam's saying. Then, he has to think about that part. Finally, Porter comes back with, "...Huh... since bad things are always happening around me... You want me to be a ...bad thing detector? If it ain't going to happen when I'm there, it's not going to happen? Never thought of that..."

Liam says, "Now, I wouldn't be sending you specifically to cause accidents, but when I see a situation that I am not comfortable with ... well, you get the idea. I guess the official title would be more like 'private investigator'."

Liam says, "Does this sound like something you would be interested in?"

"If it's going to help people out," Porter smirks, "and not just me walking in front of you in a mine field or something,

Liam grins and says "Good man. In that case, would you like your first assignments?"

Porter blinks. "Wow, you weren't kidding around, were you?" He sucks down a bunch of his coffee, now that it looks like he's really going to need it. "Sure, why not? Since you already have a list..."

Liam says, "First, I would like you to research whether private investigators need a license and, if they do, start the process to get one. Second, do you happen to know a young lady named Danyelle Root?"

Porter should've seen it coming. Paperwork, of course. Not as interesting as what he was hoping for, but he nods. "Alright." Next his head shakes. "Don't think I know her. I don't really know that many young ladies," his smirk returns. "I thought that was your area."

Liam says, "Miss Root has a magical affliction that appears to be properly managed and *should* pose no threat to herself and others. Because her condition is managed, she chooses to ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist. She has even threatened to ram several inedible objects down my throat should I mention her condition even to her." Liam pauses to smirk then adds, "As you may guess, I am not the best when it comes to being ordered about, especially by strangers with no references to speak of."

"Ouch..." Porter winces, then blinks. "Wait... and you're mentioning it to me? I'll remember to forget you did that. I don't need anything shoved down me."

Liam says, "In addition to her condition, Miss Root has magical training and more than a few tricks at her disposal. She considers herself a magical investigator and demanded that I take her to a client of mine so that she could offer a second opinion to my diagnosis. However, in addition to a lack of tact and no respect for authority, she may have useful abilities that I cannot afford to ignore ... if she is herself not a hazard."

Porter chuckles. "Let me guess. Since she sounds dangerous, you're going to give her a job, too? If you get enough weirdness in one place and nothing happens, then everybody's got to be safe and sound."

Liam says, "I would like you to investigate her and see if she is worth the trouble. As I said, she has no references to speak of, but that may be a side effect of her youth. Find out what she can do, if any local metas have ever met her and what they think of her, find out if there is more to her attitude than rebellion, etcetera. If, during the process of your investigation, something 'explodes', well, we clean up the mess and thank ourselves that at least it didn't happen around a client."

"I can try," Porter shrugs, "I'm not a super investigator or anything..." Now he goes back to a smirk, "but I think I can tick people off less than you do." It sounds like Liam and this Miss Root got off on the wrong foot, which isn't really a surprise to Porter. His expression gets more serious. "Seriously, though, I don't want anything to blow up. Not even her. So hopefully nothing will explode."

Liam nods, "I agree. No safety inspector *wants* accidents. That's why the best ones are undervalued.... nothing goes wrong."

Porter echoes the nod. "Right. Especially not when the going wrong would be right next to him. I can't just hop right up again if something explodes." A mixed smirk. "I'm not Fox."

Liam replies, "I hate to sound cold, but for a walking calamity you are remarkably healthy. I think you sell your own survivability short."

"Sometimes," Porter shrugs once more, "but it's not just about me, either. Something bad isn't going to care who it hurts. But that's why we're doing this. So I'll investigate and calamity detect."

Liam sighs and says, "I'm glad you understand. I assure you I don't like the idea of sending people in harm's way any more than you do." He pulls a PDA out of his pocket and offers it to Porter. "So you'll forgive me if I also plan for the worst."

Porter quirks a brow and looks at the PDA. "I've already got one, but something tells me you're not giving away freebie perks..."

Liam says, "This PDA has a record application. Hit a button, stick it back in your pocket, and it records everything it hears. A second application automatically uploads the recordings to a server where they can be retrieved. You can use it to leave me short messages (@mail) or to record conversations you want to remember later or just as a way to let people know what you are doing in case a rescue is called for..." He sighs, then admits, "Of course, should the worst come to pass, it is also vitally important that we know about it in time to protect those we both care about."

"Oh, Ok," Porter glances at the PDA then sticks it in his pocket. He guesses it is a sort of freebie perk,afterall. "Yeah, I'll keep you up to speed on what's going on." That last part makes him frown. "And if the planet's going to explode or something, I'll let everybody know that, too. But that's not going to happen."

Liam nods, "Correct. Not with us on the job. "

Liam opens a portal and returns where he came. If somebody were to look out a window before Mage's arrival and after his departure, they would think nothing at all had changed... other than Porter's coffee growing cooler.

Later that day...

Steel's Gym

''Inside the door is a spacious reception area. Directly opposite the entrance is a wide full length window of thick armor glass providing a gallery view into the workout area. To the east is a desk where gym staff check membership cards, schedule sessions and give out information. Next to the desk are vending machines selling snacks and chilled drinks and a jukebox. The west side of the reception area has a pair of old fashioned pinball machines and a holographic Hogan's Alley combat shooting game. Some framed Photographs, a Plaque, and the Gym Rules are hung on a wall beside the gallery window. '''

''The central area of the reception has a half dozen tables and chairs for members who are waiting for their booked session or discussing the outcome. A short flight of stairs leads down to the massive stainless steel door of the workout room as well as doors to the restrooms and changing rooms that are equipped with showers for freshening up after an exhausting practice. An arched opening provides access to the more conventional areas of the Gym, a weight training facility, the exercise room, and a heated swimming pool. '''

Porter stands in front of the desk, talking to Regan who's behind it. He has a paper cup with what's left of his coffee and takes sips here and there to empty it more.

As ever, Regan stands behind the counter, apparently in the midst of a conversation with Porter. "Many of us have foes from our past, and often they're large extensive organisation whil we're just one person. In my case it's Next Generation, who are smart enough that I can't realistically render them extinct."

Liam catches just enough of the conversation as he walks through the that he nods and says, "Some say the quality of a man can be judged by the quality of his enemies."

Mirage scoots in with coffee, sipping it. Mmm, coffee. He gives a wave to the collected assembled people, heading to the desk to check in. He didn't catch much of the conversation, though, and just waits behind the two.

Porter looks over at the voice and waves his cup at Liam. "Hey. If that's true then I'm pretty low on things. Don't think I've made that many. Accountants, mostly, I think."

Regan looks to the doorway and greets Liam and Mirage with a smile and a nod. "Good evening Doctor Reynard, Mirage. They also say you can't choose your family, which is in a sense who my enemies are, the people who genetically engineered me."

Mirage tips his hat to Regan at the greetings, before tossing the hat away. Ah, so fun. He takes another sip of the coffee, which is probably real coffee. Hard to tell with him. He then huhs. "Missed an odd conversation, it seems?"

Liam says, "In my case, I supplanted a favored apprentice of my master's and exposed his lies. No 'super powers' were involved, just telling the truth when I saw it."

Regan smiles to Reynard. "Recognizing and exposing the truth are in some cases Herculean efforts not to be underestimated." Her head tilts. "And efforts that are often rewarded with undying enmity."

"Yeah... I think I'll stick with acountants," Porter nods. "I usually have enough trouble worrying about something killing me or somebody else without somebody actually trying to."

Mirage hmmms at Porter. "Accountants are certainly easier enemies but... not all that exciting, I'd think," he comments. "Don't really do much."

Liam smirks, "You've obviously never been audited."

Regan nods. "The IRS have had their powers limited somewhat but they retain some breath-taking powers of search, seizure and reappropriation. Accountants don't like being dismissed as boring."

Porter shrugs. "Just the once on the big win. Wasn't really an audit. They just made sure they got their big chunk up front..." It still is pretty boring, but he doesn't say it. "So, what's everybody doing. Oh, Liam, I do need to get a license, and insurance."

Liam sighs and nods. "Send me the amounts and I'll see they are paid... within reason."

Mirage comments to Regan and Liam, "Between accountants and fighting a dragon, I'd think I'd choose the latter any day." He leans up against an actual wall this time, finishing off coffee. "And, uh. Mostly here for a bit more practice."

"He also needs to enroll in and complete two training courses. There may be fees involved with that too." Regan chimes in with unsolicited information before turning to Mirage. "Well, the simulation room is free if you wanted to use it."

Liam nods and says, "Let me know when you have a total."

"Sure," Porter nods to the rich one. "Pretty sure that'll have to wait at least until tomorrow, but I'll find out. Until then..." he looks over between Regan and Mirage. "What kind of practice?"

Mirage replies to Porter, "Mostly just practicing powers, and I guess a little bit of situations. Or just exercise." He shrugs, finishing off the coffee before tossing the cup into the can.

"Well, perhaps Porter could be your training partner this evening, perhaps for a spar or a joint exercise, or perhaps controlling the simulations." Regan opines. "He's been training very hard himself and has honed his skills considerably."

Porter quirks a brow at Regan, then shrugs. "Guess I could. What do you mean controlling the simulations though? I thought they were the targets?"

Mirage hmmms, and nods. "I could... do one of them,yeah. Haven't been in a spar in a very long time. At least against other heroes," he comments.

Liam says, "Don't look at me to fill out your quartet. I'm a doctor. I do not smash my hands for fun."

Regan smiles to Liam. "I tend not to spar against the clientele. It can potentially sour relationships, and it is not in fact that instructive other than I really like not to be hit. So I was assuming that only Porter and Mirage would be active." She looks to Porter. "I meant you could design and control the simulation that Mirage runs against."

Mirage hmmms. "I could spar, sure. Or... run a simulation set up by Porter. Or do a joint thing, one of the three. All decent ideas."

"Um..." Porter thinks about that. "You said I couldn't break anything in there anymore. A spar thing sounds way better, and probably more safe for everybody..."

Liam says, "On that note, I'll leave you three to it then. Have a good evening."

"Take care Doctor reynard, nice seeing you." Looking back to Mirage and Porter she shrugs. "So, the options can more clearly be delineated in the simulation chamber."

Mirage nods. He heads off towards the simulation room, twirling a newly obtained staff as he does so.