Log:Paragon Imprisoned

Ruined Memories 2014/12/08 Dorian Malcolm Nicky Paragon Porter

4

0700 - Starguard Shift Briefing

It's the morning briefing to update agents on what transpired during the last shift. And it's a Monday, so there's the weekend update to sit through as well, making this meeting an extra long one. Many of the agents in the briefing room have cups of coffee and following along with their tablets to follow the cases being detailed.

Most of it is updates on cases Malcolm is already aware about. There's talk of starting a meta drug task force to find the supplier MetaX, one of the street names for a drug that's granting limited meta powers to the users. Agent Keller volunteers to head it and is paired with Agent Imenez. No leads on who is behind the targeting of magic-oriented metas in the city. There were delirious, panicked reports of some horrific monster in Chinatown, but all of the accounts varied on how the creature looked or what happened. Everyone was terrified and there was evidence of a meta fight, but no monster and no heroes.

Captain Wyatt moves on to rattle the newer cases at last. Many of the agents shift in their seats to wake up, prepared to getting closed to getting to go on the move. Agent Imenez leans over to Malcolm and says, "Gibbs. The guys are going for beers after shift today. You joining?" It's a weekly ritual to bust a case of the Mondays. A group of agents go for happy hour after shift.

"You know it, man," replies Malcolm, voice low to keep Captain Wyatt from catching on to the conversation. He's following the datastreams with his handy dandy tac visor and its holographic HUD floating over his eyes. Something catches his eye a split second before Wyatt wraps up on the Chinatown incident, Malcolm's eyebrow quirking upward as he straightens in his seat.

The tall man casts a sidelong glance at Keller and Imenez before fixing his eyes on Wyatt. Malcolm must be reading this prisoner manifest wrong. He has to be, right?

Imenez grins and replies, "Right on." He leans back to his seat and starts paying attention. Captain Wyatt continues, but part of the conversation was briefly missed from Imenez's request. "...and last night, CBPD's meta unit brought in the metas Barricade, Wheeler, Persephone, Malcontent, and Paragon in connection to a series of robberies. We suspect they're associated with B.A.D. based on how fast the lawyers descended, but I want any transfer requests to be reported to me directly. Usually where B.A.D. is concerned, we shouldn't be worried about any breakout attempts because they'll just go through their lawyer, but we're going to be adding extra shifts just in case, so if you want your overtime for the holiday, it's there. Dismissed."

Nope. He said Paragon. That's what the manifest said.

Malcolm climbs out of his seat and glances around for a few moments, trying to decide on his next move. Flicking off the HUD, Malcolm starts weaving his way through the other agents for the Captain. He clears his throat and puts on his best smile before intoning, "Uh, Cap? You got a sec?"

Most of the agents rise from their seats, in need of coffee refills, desperately, and some traction on their cases. Imenez claps Gibbs on the back. "See you after work," he grins and departs.

The Captain raises an eyebrow and gathers up the tablet with his briefing notes. The holo-vid display at the front of the room with the updated information and suspect headshots shuts down. "Sure, Gibbs. First volunteer for overtime?" he assumes.

"I can always use the overtime, Cap," replies Malcolm, still smiling. He shifts his position slightly, keeping his back to the rest of the agents in the room, and seriouses up his smile a bit. "I was also wondering 'bout, y'know, us having Paragon - of all people - in custody. She got the same legal eagle as the other four? Can I take a run at her? That sort of thing."

Captain Wyatt shakes his head. "I was surprised too when CBPD brought her in, but she turned herself in willingly. The others are trying to plea bargain in exchange for information on crimes Paragon committed. They're claiming she's their old partner. There's some serious allegations that are being looked into." He looks down at his tablet and pulls up the paperwork from the case. "Paragon hasn't got legal counsel yet, but she did use her first phone call, so we'll probably be getting a visit soon. The B.A.D. lawyers came in like a damn pack of jackals within an hour of the others' phone calls. You want a run at her? Take it."

Malcolm nods, listening in silence for long moments. He vaguely wishes he had something to turn in his hands, a gadget or a gizmo or even a widget with which to fidget. Armed with nothing of particular value for this, Malcolm nods again at Wyatt and smiles again.

"Thanks, Cap. I'll see if I can't get some answers out of her," replies Malcolm, who promptly starts off in the direction of lock-up. Wyatt may thank his lucky stars that Malcolm didn't opt to just smash his way through a wall or the floor to get down there this time.

Starguard - Security Area This security room has walls of a shiny unusual-looking metal -- it almost looks like pure silver, though it has a slight bluish tinge to it that silver would not have. There are five doors in this area, one leading to the main reception area, and four leading to individual holding cells. The door to the main reception area is made of the same bluish-silver metal, while the doors to the holding cells are made of a clear substance that looks like glass, though it feels like metal to the touch. Each holding cell has a bed, chair, commode, and a sink. These holding cells are not meant for detaining aliens long-term but are just meant to keep them in check temporarily until they can be transported elsewhere.

Wyatt is quite fortunate. Also, there's no rush, because Paragon isn't going anywhere and is secure and safe in her cell. The security agent on duty at the desk greets Gibbs as he enters Security Area. He leans back to be able to look up at Malcolm from his seat. "Ohhh, hey, Gibbs. What brings you in here? You joining in the White Elephant gift exchange before the holidays?" Officer Davis asks.

"... I learned my lesson last year, Davis. Me and the White Elephant don't mix," replies Malcolm. Cue flashback panel to last year, Malcolm being chased through the Alien District by Evil Ganesh /AND/ Krampus. The flashback panel may be fan service for female readers, liberally doused in enough fire to keep the guys intrigued.

"The Captain said I could take a run at Paragon, figured I'd do it before I got tangled up in anything more unusual," notes Malcolm, pausing over by Davis to perform the perfunctory Star Guard Secret Daps. And paperwork, because there's always paperwork.

Davis has a good laugh as he remembers the reports from last year. "Ohh yeah. THAT was a fun gift exchange, but paperwork for miles," he says during the super secret Dap, something Starguard guards carefully. "Oh? Alright, lemme pull up the forms. He taps his touch screen a few times to bring up the appropriate paperwork, then rotates the stand to Malcolm so he can sign and fill out the appropriate information. "I was surprised during check-in this morning when I saw her on the manifest."

Quietly, Malcolm fills out the paperwork and nods his head. "Yeah. Caught my attention too," he comments, signing here and dotting an 'i' there. No doubt there's a couple of t's and x's to cross too, which take him some time. Malcolm eventually completes the forms and quickly goes through the process of removing anything - and everything - that could aid a prisoner in escaping.

After several minutes of making sure he's escape aid free, Malcolm starts down the halls toward the proper cell. He absently hums something along the lines of the Imperial March along the way, because why not?

The cells are pretty full today with the other villains in lockup. One to a cell. Paragon's cell is a few down from the people she was brought in with. While the villains are pacing in their cells, when Malcolm arrives at the viewing door for Paragon's, she is sitting calmly upright and immobile with her hands clasped in her lap, her eyes turned off. But the imperial march being hummed gets her attention. Her eyes slowly illuminate and her head pans to the cell door. "Oh. Hello, Malcolm," Paragon greets in her usual pleasant tones, as if they just ran into each other in the street. "How are you doing?"

"Oh. You know," replies a conversational Malcolm, "Just figured I'd stop by and see how you liked the new digs."

Malcolm waits until the door buzzes to indicate he can enter the cell. A slim metal cable comes out from under the neck of his shirt to pop the door open when it's unlocked; it slams the door securely shut behind him once he's inside of the cell. The tall man leans back against the front wall of the cell, arms folding across his chest, and he regards Paragon thoughtfully for several long moments.

Finally Malcolm starts informing Paragon of her Miranda rights, tone and pose neutral as the due process goes on and on. When he's done, Malcolm raises an eyebrow and inquires, "You try to drink Pelana under the table and lose track of your weekend? What're you doing in here, P?"

"Oh, they are suitable. I can't say much for the view," Paragon says in cheerful jest, still being her usual optimistic, pleasant sounding self. She nods along as Malcolm re-informs her of her miranda rights. "No, I do not engage in drinking," she replies kindly. There's an intact of breath as she sounds like she's about to explain a lot, and then pauses. Then sighs. Regretfully, she replies, "I'm afraid I was informed not to speak without my lawyer present. All I can say is I turned myself willingly based on some allegations made against me."

Paragon is incarcerated in a cell with Malcolm visiting. The security cells are full today, with four others occupied by various metas. She's seated calming with her hands clasped in her lap as she speaks with Malcolm.

When Malcolm came into the lobby, there were jokes, daps, white elephants and paperwork. It's not quite like that when Porter walks in. It's more alarms, klaxons, flashing lights, four and a half security scans, and then lots of paperwork. Thankfully, no rampaging white elephant stampedes.

"That's /ALL/ you can say?" inquires Malcolm. He sounds vaguely incredulous. The tall man arches both eyebrows now, eyeballing Paragon very seriously. "Who is your lawyer, by the by? Hopefully not one of the ones from Shylock, Shyster, and Schlimiel like your four little friends that got dropped off with you."

Nicky is returning from her courtyard break to her cell when she sees the unusual occupancy rate of the cells. Then she stops in shock as she recognizes one of the imprisoned. "Have you lost your mind?" she asks Malcolm. "Don't you know who that is?" After giving Malcolm an incredulous stare she waves to Paragon.

Dorian comes walking down the hall in the security wing, a tablet in hand. He mutters to himself, "One of them used the same code name as a former SGG member? What's up with that?"

Dorian

This man stands about five and a half feet tall, and is moderately good looking. He has blue eyes...brown hair cut into a crew cut, and a goatee.

He's currently wearing a standard regulation navy blue Starguard Gamma uniform with a grey inset stripe down the left side of the torso and a Starguard logo on the upper right side. The rank on the shoulder identifies him as a Commander. It's a far cry from his normal relatively casual mode of dress.

Paragon's eyes dim at the response. "I'm sorry, Malcolm. You're a friend, and I wish I could say more. Another hero, Shoro, advised that I shouldn't talk, since I do not know anything about the allegations against me," she replies politely, but clearly she's uncomfortable with having to take legal advice that involves remaining silent instead of being able to openly discuss the matter. Her head tilts slightly. "I'm not familiar with the Shylock, Shyster, and Schlimiel law firm. The Guardians are sending a lawyer to represent me."

At Nicky's outburst, Paragon's head pans out to gaze out her door. She waves politely and says pleasantly, "Hello, Nicky. It's alright. I'm sure things will be sorted out and my innocence proven."

Porter received a text whenever his phone works, sent around midnight from Para. <>

Porter is finally cleared to enter the cell block, but his pass seems to come with a pair of guards that tag along to the inside, but stop at the door. When he spies Malcolm and then Para, he starts jogging down the hall for teh cell. "Para! So what happened?!"

Nicky turns to look at the newcomer, "That's what I would like to know. Are you Paragon's lawyer?"

Dorian breezes through the security gate and ends up in front of Paragon's cell, near where Nicky and Porter are. He looks...much more formal than he usually does. He doesn't say anything immediately, instead just watching the various people.

"No, I don't believe I have lost my mind," replies Malcolm. He turns his head, peering out the cell's window slot at Nicky. The tall man quirks an eyebrow at Nicky and starts to ask something, but chokes the words off when Dorian arrives. Rubbing the back of his head with one hand, Malcolm waves to Dorian, "Uh. Morning, Boss."

Paragon looks out of the cell at Porter, her eyes dimming a bit more as she spots him jogging. "Porter, you're still injured. You shouldn't be here...you should be at home resting," she says out of worry.

Porter is admittedly breathing hard after a whole twenty feet. And that's bad, even for him. "Hey. You're here, I'm here, Partner. Sorry I didn't get your message sooner." He doesn't offer any explanations or details why.

Nicky looks at Porter. Then looks to Dorian, "If he is a friend of Paragon, with your permission and his agreement can I'll heal him."

Dorian nods to Malcolm, "As you were." He looks to Nicky and smiles with another nod of his head. "If he's willing."

Paragon's eyes blink off and on. "Do you need to touch him to heal him? If so...he should know the risks associated with physical contact with you," she responds to Nicky. "And...he is a very dear person to me."

Malcolm nods to Dorian, glancing over at Paragon for a few moments. He looks back out the window at Nicky and Porter, clearly contemplating something. Eventually, however, the tall man looks back at Paragon and folds his arms across his chest again.

"So, just to see if I have this straight, you turned yourself in because allegations were made against you... But you also don't know the nature of the allegations against you. That sound about right?"

Paragon's eyes drift back towards Malcolm and she hesitates to respond. "I understand that they are claiming I am a former partner of theirs. But I do not know those people." After a pause, she admits, "Well...I did meet one before who..."

"I would advise you to exercise your right to remain silent, Paragon," a firm voice reprimands, accompanied by the steady clap of shoes on tile. A man in a custom tailored, sharp business suit, silk tie, and slicked back black hair with a briefcase approaches and stops in front of the cell after having signed all the appropriate paperwork up front.

"Hello, Buh...Mr. Hardwick," Paragon intones with respectful familiarity.

Chen nods but looks a bit saddened, "Do you really believe I would do anything to hurt a friend of yours, Paragon? I thought we were friends. I thought I had earned your trust." Turning to Dorian she tells him, "I'll be in my cell. If it's possible I'd like to be kept informed of what is happening."

Paragon's head snaps towards Nicky and she starts to rise from her cot. "Nicky....that's not what I meant," she takes a step for the cell door. "I trust you. But he should know what others would think..." she implores apologetically.

"It's Ok. Maybe later?" Porter waves off Nicky's offer rather casually. As if he either has no idea who she is, or is used to people in maximum-security cells wanting to get their hands on him. It could be bother. "But thanks," he adds after a moment, and with a polite smile. He then returns his focus to Para and all her other company. "Wait. Para didn't do anything. Why's she in here?"

Dorian looks over at Nicky, "I'll be down there in a couple minutes, once this is sorted out."

Nicky nods to Dorian, "Thank you." she tells him, and then goes down the block to her cell and closes the door after her.

"She's been apprised of her Miranda rights," is Malcolm's flat comment to the lawyer. He holds up one hand and ticks off the time he's recited those rights, plus the probably two other times she's been informed of them thus far today.

Malcolm straightens up from leaning against the front wall of the cell, however, because he can already sense the Lawyering he's about to receive. The tall man glances over at Paragon, eyeballing her out of the corner of his eye before glancing back toward the kerfuffle in the hallway.

Dorian looks back to the newly arrived lawyer. "The Director planned to transport Paragon along with the others to Stronghold. I'm advising him against it, given the circumstances. We dont' have the facilities to house the entire group, so the others will be sent for sure. I'm just working on making an exception for Paragon, if I can pull it off."

Porter pauses his input to scroll back over the last minute or so in his head. He reads, catches up, then unpauses auto-scrolling. "Wait. So she's in here because somebody accused her of something she didn't do? Who accused her? She's got the right to know that, right?"

Dorian raises a brow and looks at Porter, "Yes. She does. And I believe she knows already? She was mentioning something about it when her lawyer showed up."

Mr. Hardwick gives a stern look at Paragon at the news that she was mentioning something. And then his gaze turns towards Porter and becomes even more stern. "The other villains in those cells are trying to plea bargain with false allegations against my client." Why does Porter get the more stern, disapproving look? Because in his hero identity, he met the young man dating his teammate, and after doing some investigating, he does not like what he has heard.

Paragon sighs as Nicky doesn't accept her apology, her head hanging down as she steps backwards and sits on the cot again.

Dorian looks over to Paragon, "I'll talk with Nicky in a few minutes. I'll sort it out."

"Yeah, exactly," Porter nods to the lawyer. They're in perfect agreement... so why is Porter getting disapproving stares? "They've got her confused with somebody else, or they're just trying to make themselves look good by making her look bad." Paragon nods softly, sounding downhearted as she says, "Thanks, Dorian. I appreciate it."

Mr. Hardwick arches a disapproving brow at the news of being transferred to Starguard. "My client with cooperate fully with the law in this matter, and I'm arranging bail for later this afternoon if possible." He looks back to Porter. "I read the report details from Starguard on my way from the Transmat station, but I need to talk with Paragon and the other's lawyers still. Were you involved in the altercation that resulted in Paragon's arrest?" He highly suspects this is the case.

Dorian nods to Mr. Hardwick, "We can keep her here until this afternoon or tomorrow. I'll make sure of that."

"Thank you for your assistance," Mr. Hardwick responds to Dorian as he reaches for something on an inner pocket. He pulls out a business card and hands it to the commander. "If the situation changes, please be sure to inform me."

Paragon says to Dorian pleasantly, "Thank you again, Dorian. I'm sure the matter will be sorted out." Her head tilts slightly. "What's the occasion for the uniform?" she asks curiously.

Dorian takes a hold of the card and pockets it. "Of course, sir." He looks over in Paragon's direction again, "I just decided I should probably take the responsibility a little more seriously. That's all." He smiles.

Porter blinks and shakes his head at the lawyer. "No, sir. I wasn't there, but I know Para. If there was an altercation, that means she tried everything ELSE, first. And they didn't listen. And she turned herself in, just because somebody thinks she might've done something. She doesn't even really need to be here. But there she is." He could probably go on about how she might be able to pretty much walk out if she really wanted to... but that probably wouldn't help her.

Paragon blinks a few times in surprise at Dorian's reply. "You always seemed dedicated and serious to me, Dorian. But...the uniform suits you," she compliments.

Mr. Hardwick regards Porter carefully. Setting down his briefcase, he straightens up and flicks on his tablet and goes over the police report. "So then, you were not present when, according to a hero's statement, the metahumans were 'allegedly' trying to kill my client?" he says with a growing frown. "The same metahumans who are now accusing Paragon of wrongdoing." He looks to Paragon with that same disapproving look, but it takes on a fatherly aspect to it.

Dorian smiles in response to Paragon's compliment, "Well, thank you." He nods to the others, "If you need me for anything, I'll be just down the hall. I should speak to Ms. Winters."

Nicky is in her cell, on the bed facing into the wall and away from the cell door.

Paragon nods politely. "Take care, Dorian." After he leaves, she looks to the others and sighs a little.

Porter starts to answer, stops, sighs, tries again. "No, I wasn't there... and I should've been." Mr. Hardwick must have nice shoes, as Porter suddenly finds them very interesting for a moment. then he looks back up. "But I'm here now. They can accuse til they run out of breath. Doesn't make it true."

Dorian knocks on Nicky's door. "Nicky, have a moment?"

Nicky rolls over and twists around to sit on the edge of the bed facing the cell door, "I have about forty years, Dorian." she says. Her expression is a bit bleak and down.

Dorian smiles slightly, "I think you know what I meant. If you didn't want to be disturbed, I've have left you alone."

Mr. Hardwick makes a slightly disapproving 'hmph'. "Perhaps we should have a discussion in private, Mr. Porter," he says once the commander clears out to deal with Nicky. In quiet tones for just Porter and himself, he adds as a disapproving father would say to his little princess' would-be boyfriend, his voice dipping to something familiar sounding, "About how I asked you to keep an eye on our Paragon."

Nicky nods, "I just got slapped in the face by reality, Dorian, and it stung. I'd let myself forget how much further I need to go. Some of your people here have started to accept me. Paragon reminded me what the majority would think if I touched her friend."

Porter gets a a look of puzzlement. That suddenly dawns with understanding. Then promptly false into night terrors. He clears his throat while his face clambers back to something more neutral. "We're partners. We usually are together, but... have YOU ever tried to keep your client from NOT going out to help the helpless, defend the defenseless, or justice the justless?"

Dorian nods to Nicky, "You realize that it wasn't Paragon's trust that she was referring to, right? She trusts you. It's only fair that you allow others to make decisions about how to deal with you with all the information."

Nicky lifts her hands. She's still wearing bright blue surgical gloves. "I would have explained the situation before doing any healing, Dorian. And when her lawyer turned up I felt it was best if I left. I'm a criminal, Dorian. I wouldn't do Paragon any favours by claiming to be her friend."

Mr. Hardwick has tried many times as his alter ego, Paragon's old teammate, Blackhawk. He sighs slightly at Porter's points and glances at Paragon in her cell as she looks up at him. "Touche. Yes. I have. It used to be easy when she was brand new, but she's become so...willful." Somehow that featureless faceplate and glowing eyes betray the look of a scolded kid as Paragon just looks back quietly. Mr. Hardwick can't help but shake his head and laugh once. "She's certainly growing up."

Dorian looks at Nicky, gauging her reaction, "Paragon took it personally. You accused her of not trusting you."

Nicky sighs and looks down, "I shouldn't have said that. But it's true. Paragon didn't trust me to explain the situation to her friend before I touched him, did she? If that wasn't the case she wouldn't have said what she did. I'm sorry if I hurt her though. I'm more than willing to apologise. Just as soon as her lawyer leaves."

Dorian nods, "In fairness to her, you hadn't made it clear you were going to tell him. But...I still understand how you feel."

Nicky says, "Mainly I feel depressed. Paragon was correct. If I had touched her friend how many would assume I had compromised him? Is even another forty years going to wipe that from being the first reaction by others? What else *can* I do, Dorian?"

"So, she's going to get through this Ok, right?" Porter looks at Para's lawyer. "I mean, isn't she basically here on her own recognizance, anyhow?" He knows what that is. The city used to sentence him do that, while deciding whether to sue him. Wait. Why is he asking the lawyer? He should be telling Para. Porter steps over to the cell. "Hey, Partner..." Para gets a smile.

Dorian shrugs a little and smiles. "First and foremost, you can be patient. I know it's difficult. If my plan to get you into SGG works, that'll go a long way. But...I need to deal with the situation at Stronghold first."

Nicky nods. Then she looks up as she remembers the earlier conversation. "You're shipping out metas to Stronghold still? That's just supplying the Marshalls and the Guild with more bodies to condition."

Dorian nods. "That's the official line. I'm trying to get them rerouted elsewhere."

Mr. Hardwick frowns at Porter's questions. "She surrendered willingly because the others alleged that she was their accomplice, and that she has been pretending to be a hero named Paragon to escape her record. Those are some very serious allegations," he says direly as he confides quietly to Porter. He looks to Paragon, then to the other cells. "Four witnesses against one. They claim she was trying to silence them once and for all. She says she was trying to bring them to justice. The one heroic witness was Shoro, and he only arrived mid-fight, so we only have heresy on what transpired beforehand."

Nicky says, "I'll be alright in a bit, I just need time. Meanwhile you could go support Paragon. I don't know why she's in a cell."

Dorian says to Nicky, "Several villains claimed she worked with them. That's all I know. If there's no other proof, it's likely to get tossed."

Porter frowns at that and looks to Mr. Hardwick. He's about to say something, then realizes the lawyer probably already knows what a big pile of chopped and formed mystery meat that is.

Hardwick stares at Porter solidly. "I need to find out what the other lawyers claim they have on Paragon, make arrangements for bail, and check into my hotel. Perhaps we can meet for lunch sometime while I'm in town." He leans down to pick up his briefcase, then looks to Paragon. "In the meantime, any and all questions should be directed through me and you are to remain silent."

Paragon's eyes expand in diameter as she protests, "But Brent, I'm innocent. I don't understand why I should remain silent instead of assisting in the investigation with what little I do know. Whatever they say I did, I don't remem--"

Hardwick holds up a hand to silence her, and Paragon falls quiet under Hardwick's reprimanding gaze. "Of course you're innocent, Paragon. But anything you say can and will be used against you, often in ways you never intended. You never did understand how wordsmiths can twist your words against you. Trust me when I say do not speak to anyone about this. It's for your own good."

Ever honest Paragon sighs and shifts a little in her seat, casting her head down in obvious displeasure at having to remain quiet and, in her mind, uncooperative. "...if that is for the best, then I will comply," she says downheartedly.

Dorian comes back down the hallway, and points at Paragon as he passes, "Listen to your lawyer."

"He knows what he's doing," Porter nods, "and he's looking out for you, Para." As much as he's personally good for the latter, it's the first one that gets Porter. every time.

Paragon blinks her eyes off and on a few times in surprise at Dorian's and Porter's advice, looking up and nodding. "I will, Dorian and Porter," she takes their advice to heart. "Thank you. Is...Is Nicky still upset at me?"

Dorian shakes his head, "She'll apologize later, when she gets a chance. She's just frustrated in general. Don't take it personally."

Paragon nods gently. "She doesn't need to apologize. I was the one who offended her. I really didn't mean to." She sighs and her shoulders sag. She's more upset at hurting Nicky accidentally than she is about her situation in a containment cell. "I'll try not to take it personally."

Hardwick claps Porter on the shoulder. "I've got work to do, young man." He looks to Paragon and smirks as he chides, "Be good, Paragon. I'll be back later today." He gives a polite nod to Dorian, then turns and heads for the exit. He seems a strong and confident man, but one may notice his left leg is a bit stiff as he walks.

Dorian says, "I need to get back to work as well. I'm sure bail will be sorted out later. And I can't imagine the case won't get dismissed."

Porter tries not to wince at the shoulder clap. And nearly succeeds. "She'll be good, don't worry. I'll make sure of it." Porter assures him while looking to Paragon. Then he looks around for something to sit on. When nothing is apparent, he leans against the wall. "That's if they even make any kind of case out of it."

Dorian nods. "I know the city's D.A. pretty well. I'll see what he knows about it."

Paragon nods and salutes Dorian. "Thank you, I'm sure this will all get sorted out. Good luck with work." Her head pans to Porter and her eyes dim. "They might. I just don't know," she sighs, then her attention turns to Porter's torso as she remembers her injuries. "Are you sure you shouldn't be resting...?"

Porter nods to Dorian and offers him a smile. "Ok, thanks." He then looks back to Paragon and shrugs. "I am resting. Not doing any heavy lifting, and if I need to, I'll sit down." She stayed with him, and he can definitely return the favor. And just in case, he presses a button on his doohickey.

You hear Porter's voice inside your head: << I can rest and stay with you. Or stay with you even if they drag me out. >>

Paragon nods softly. "Perhaps we can ask if they'd be willing to get you a chair," she says hopefully. "But I'm sure you'd be much more comfortable at home. I'm not going anywhere."

Telepathic message to Porter: << Para's mind is a jumble of uncertainty and guilt. But she deeply appreciates the thoughts. "Thanks, Partner." >>

Telepathic message to Porter: << Without intending to transmit, Paragon's deeper thoughts and concerns can be heard as almost whispers over the connection. "...should've insisted Allison tell me what she found out. Should've spent more time investigating it. So many things...I -should- have done..." >>

"Neither am I," Porter crosses his arms in front of himself, "until I can take you with me. For burgers." Since that seems to be their traditional celebration, now. A momentary not-quite-frown crosses his face at some stray thoughts, but maybe it can be chalked up to determination.