Helping Magpie

2020/03/04 Arthur Aevus Porter Timewarp Griffin Union Magpie 1

Helping Magpie
Well, the peaceful Thursday afternoon is broken in Colonial Bay City as a request for help goes out via both HeroNet and police radio. Because the police know some capes, naming no names, listen out to said police radio frequencies. It seems there's a meta powered villain at the jewelry store in the Mall.

Timewarp sees the request on HeroNet and decides she could do with some exercise anyway. She changes into costume and has a leisurely walk to the mall, arriving at the police cordon a couple of seconds later.

The Colonial Bay Sentinel is arcing over a nearby county when he picks up the distress call thanks to a fortuitous skywave, bouncing off the ionosphere.

He was planning on taking a breather up above the atmosphere for a recharge in direct sunlight but he figures its been a while since he's busted up a jewelry store robbery.

The hero dives towards the Boardwalk District, and then once the mall is in sight he reorients and accelerates to the location.

He arrives with a thunderous crack announcing his arrival as the soundwaves of his super-sonic flight catch up to him.

Union also spots the HeroNet posting and hops on the MagLev, which shakes as it pulls into the Mall station due to a sudden sonic boom.

Timewarp says, "What's the situation?"

Did Porter get the news? A call? HeroNet alert? The Porter signal? Nope, nah, he might receive it in an hour, and ... that signal is the one that tells everyone else to go the OTHER way.

Then why is he here?! Well, he does still have a wedding to plan. When he remembers. And he's pretty sure that weddings tend to include rings. And he knows rings are jewelry. And here hear about a jewelry store that...

... is apparently surrounds by police officers. Are the sales that good today? Is the foodcourt offering free donuts and/or coffee? Oooh! Coffee! He can get that here, too!

There's a police cordon around the area where the jewelry store is located. The sound of an alarm ringing loudly. One of the Mall internal security force is also there, with a hand-help monitor, showing the senior police officer the images from the store security cameras. The two look around with expressions of relief as heroes arrive. "Hi. Good to see you," the police officer calls out.

Union says, "Glad to be of assistance. And speaking of that, how can we?"

Griffin lands near the senior officer and gives the man a respectful nod and a confident smile. "Its a pleasure, Officer- what's going on insides & where do you need us?" He inquires, offering his power to whatever effort local authorities might think best.

The officer nods to Timewarp as she is the first, well you wouldn't expect otherwise, to ask a question. "Seems like a robbery in progress at the jewelry store, Miss."

Arthur appears with a FLASHfzzzzt near the police tape, looking around and looking puzzled. "This wasn't where I was trying to go," he mutters, glaring at his fog watch before tucking it into his vest pocket.

Timewarp says, "I'll have a look," and does so.

The officer points to the monitor the Mall guard is holding. "We have images from the store cameras," he tells you all.

Griffin leans over to see the monitor to scout before he heads inside.

The villain in question is shown on the monitor; seated on a corner of the display case. She is Amelia? Certainly looks like her. She looks in bad shape. Bruised face, and an arm that's either broken or has a second elbow. There's also three coal-black panthers roaming around in the store. All faithfully displayed on the store's security cameras.

Tali sees the same in her quick look.

Arthur looks at the images alongside Sentinel. "Well. That's not what I was expecting."

Union also checks the monitor. "How many civilians inside?" she asks.

The offier nods, "Good question. None. They were allowed to leave."

"That looks more like she's hiding out rather than robbing the place," Arthur comments.

Timewarp says, "Is that *our* Amelia, or...?"

Union asks, "Did they say anything about her?" she points to the screen, "Like, did she say anything?"

Arthur sighs a little. "And in need of medical attention," he comments and starts to walk towards the tape to duck under it and continue on towards the mall store.

Porter blinks at the FLASHfzzting and turns. "Hi. And sorry about that. I get it, though. Happens to me all the time." He looks back to the camera and is about to ask... "Er. Yeah. What they said..."

"I've gotten to the point where I've stopped 'expecting' anything Doc. But you're always a pleasant surprise." The Sentinel says without looking back to Doctor Arthur Aevus.

"But Colonial Bay's richest woman with a pack of panthers is extremely surprising even by Colonial Bay standards. I'm going ot head inside- check her injuries and figure out what's happening." He adds before flash stepping towards the building.

The offier signals and the store manager is bought over. He answers Union, "She just appeared in the store, smashed a display case and told us to leave."

Timewarp says, "Huh. Doesn't sound like her... Let's see what's up!"

Arthur smiles as Sentinel passes him up, and starts to run to keep up with the faster meta. "Come along, Mr. Porter! Don't daudle!" he calls behind himself.

Union says, "She may need help, and she might be waiting for someone."

Porter huhs. "That sounds a little... weird." And he is reasonably experienced with that subject matter. Weird, that is. He then notices that some have already headed for the mall, proper. Blinks. "Hold up! I'll go with you!" He heads after Arthur and the flashtepping Sentinel.

Union trots off to join the group.

Timewarp walks into the mall faster than can be seen.

As heroes enter the store, Amelia waves a hand and the panthers vanish. "That was quite fast. I've only been here a minute or so. So, I need your help. I know you have no obligation to give it. But I'm asking. Please, help."

The Sentinel stops at the door and holds it open for the others. "Alright Porter. Good to see you too buddy." He says with a cheerful smile. "I'll take point and move to deal with that arm. Hopefully she's jsut hurt and going about getting help in the worst way possible." He adds though he sounds doubtful.

Arthur smiles kindly to Amelia. "Of course, dear. We'll help get you patched up in no time. That looks awfully painful," he says sympathetically, holding out a gloved hand towards her broken arm. "May we?"

Timewarp says, "So. I'm guessing from the way you ask that either you're not really Amelia or you aren't Amelia from this dimension?"

"Does that really matter when she's injured?" Arthur asks, concerted for Amelia's well-being.

Porter shrugs. "Well, I mean, setting off alarms and scaring people is a pretty good way to get attention..." And then they're inside. And someone's asking for help. Whether it's who she looks like or another that's slightly different and looks the same or someone completely different but looks like one of the other two.

The supposed thief manages a half smile. "Correct. We've met before. I'm Amelia Sienburg. You probably know me better by my other name. Magpie."

Union says, "There are better places to go to get medical attention. Why are you here and not at a hospital or clinic?"

Timewarp says, "Hrmm Well, let's get you fixed up and you can tell us about it."

"I'm going to have to go with the Doctor on this one. We're here to help- regardless of who is in need." Griffin says as he moves to help with Magpie's broken arm. As he moves he reaches to the small pack at the small of his back and pulls out his first-aid kit.

Timewarp says, "If you can set the bone I can give it the time it needs to heal..."

Arthur smiles. "I'm sure it's not as bad as it looks."

Magpie looks toward Union. "I need heroes, not doctors. I can heal myself. I didn't because being injured was more likely to get me listened to."

Arthur frowns ever so slightly. "Well, that's rather dishonest of you," he says as he straightens out his starry tie. "What do you need help with that requires you to go through such desperate measures?"

Timewarp says, "She *is* an interdimensional thief. So, dishonesty not surprising."

Griffin frowns too but suspects that level of urgency at least deserves listening to the problem.

Timewarp assumes the problem is big too, if she came here for help!

Arthur catches himself glancing Sentinel-ward before back to Magpie. "Well, my dear, you have our attention."

Union says, "Listened to about what?"

Magpie sighs in relief as her arm is treated, "Thank you. It's a long story. The short version. We, that is Predator, Tyrant, Jester and myself, were at the Market of the Worlds. Selling our ill-gotten gains. The High Lord of the city was murdered and we were framed for it. I escaped. The others were captured and given a mock trial. They are to be executed tomorrow."

Arthur stares a moment. "How do we know you were truly framed, given what this one said?" he motions to Timewarp.

Union says, "If they are truly innocent we should help them."

"By becoming criminals ourselves?" Arthur asks. "If I could be certain, I'd be willing to help."

Magpie nods. "If there is a mentalist among you, you may read my mind and confirm that this time I'm telling the truth."

Arthur lets out a sigh. "But in all of time and space, nothing is certain." He cracks a smile. "So I suppose I will at least go to see for myself."

Union says, "By finding the real killer and proving them innocent."

Arthur's conglomerate of personas debated on how to handle this, and one rather blindly forgiving component won out. "So. Who would gain from the High Lord's death? That would help, but I'm sure it's a large pool."

Griffin knows Arthur is a whole lot smarter than he is. Naturally his instinct was to help & serve a slice of justice up to anyone who might stage trials to skip to executions but even he has to admit throwing in with a known criminal might be a bad call.

"I guess that's an option, if there is a killer. Still- I don't think I could sit around knowing 2 inno- well relatively innocent people were about to walk the gallows and I could do somehting about it." He says finally.

Timewarp says, "True or not, she wouldn't come to us unless she were desperate. So I believe that they're facing execution, anyway."

Union says, "Three, I think she said. Predator, Jester, and Tyrant."

"Oh, execution isn't in doubt. I am just uncertain if it's undeserving," Arthur comments. "This wouldn't be the first time a pretty face tried to trick me."

Arthur says, "Yes, those names don't inspire confidence, save maybe Jester."

Timewarp says, "If nothing else, we need to investigate the claim!"

"Well, sounds like we're at least willing to go for a ride and check things out, Miss Magpie- so that's a start." Griffin says with a nod.

He turns to Arthur and gies him a knowing nod but he seems resolved to investigate. Magpie shrugs, then winces as her arm, although better, it still tender. "The High Lord's sons most likely. One will inherit the throne. Or one of the many enemies the High Lord had."

Arthur nods. "And who knew your people were in the Market or dimension to frame you?"

Seeing Magpie wince despite her claims to be able to heal herself, Griffin moves to splint her arm.

Timewarp says, "And how exactly did they frame you?"

Union says, "And it is definite that he is dead, and not a dimensional alternate?"

Magpie thinks, "Really only those we were doing business with. The Collector, Silver Rose, the Alchemist."

Arthur steeples his fingers in thought. "Would you be so kind as to arrange interdimensional transport to and from this dimension, my dear Lady Magpie? I trust you don't intend to abandon us there or try to frame us for the murder in your friends' stead."

Arthur chuckles. "Because if you were, well, shame on me for falling for the same ploy twice."

Arthur thinks. o O ("Actually, that'd be the fourteenth--" "Hush, you. This isn't Astra this time.")

Magpie looks at Arthur, "The thought has crossed my mind. But I'm not that foolish. I've encountered your dimensional people twice. Both times I was defeated totally. I'm not trying a third time."

That surprises Griffin. "Twice?" He asks with surprise as he works on Magpie's arm. He pulls an extendable rod from his pack and moves to set Magpie's arm.

"This is definitely going to hurt- but it'll stay in place after I've splinted it." He says to the miscreant interdimensional Amelia.

Arthur smiles over his steepled fingers. "Very well. Is this Silver Rose in any way affiliated with the High Lord's children?" He looks to Griffin. "Well. I can't refuse a person in distress," he sniffs defensively.

Timewarp sends a quick email to (our) Amelia. Explaining what we're doing, and so where to look for us if we go missing.

Magpie shakes her head to Arthur. "Not that I'm aware of. Silver Rose is a fence. She buys jewelry, precious metals, gems."

Timewarp says, "And the others?"

"Well I suppose I can't begrudge you that, Doc." Griffin says with a laugh. He looks up to Magpie and says, "Alright... on 3."

"1..."

"...2"

"...3"

And with that the Griffin Freeman pops things back into place and begins quickly wrapping the whole thing together while he holds the rod opposite the break.

Magpie answers Timewarp, "The Collecter buys relics and artifacts. The Alchemist rare plants, ingredients, magical potions, etc.."

"If they were the only ones who knew you were there, one of them must have sold you out for a payout," Arthur suspects. "Perhaps you had crossed one of them? You were clients."

Arthur waves his hand a bit. "Or...profitable business associates."

Timewarp gets an email from Moonshadow: "WTF? Magpie? And you're going _where_ with her?"

Magpies winces as her arm is set and splinted. Then nods to Griffin. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Just pay it forward, and try not to get /my/ friends killed, yeah?" Griffin replies to Magpie as he finishes up. He's sure to make eye contact and gauge his response based off of what he sees.

Timewarp emails back, "The Market of the Worlds. Her comrades are allegedly about to be executed for a murder they didn't do. Even vils don't deserve that!"

Magpie thinks over what Arthur said. Then nods, "If I had to pick one, I'd go with Silver Rose. She's a local. The Collector and Alchemist are travelers. The Market of the Worlds is just one of many places they deal at."

Moonshadow responds, "I think I know where that is. How long before I call the cavalry?"

"Very well. Let's start there. Onwards?" Arthur smiles.

Porter listens. And nods alot. Parses. Nods more. "Ok. So it's one of those things. Sure, I can help." Mistaken for someone else and/or framed and/or farsically tried and/or impending execution for something you didn't do, or mean to do? Is it Friday again already? "Er. Where are we going, again?"

Union says, "World Market I think she said? Isn't that a Cost Plus store?"

Arthur flashes a smiles at Porter. "On an escapade!"

Timewarp replies to Moonshadow, "Execution is supposed to be tomorrow. If not back by end of tomorrow, clearly something is wrong. But I'll try to send a message before I get back if we get back safely, so you'll know for sure."

"The Market of the Worlds." Magpie shrugs. This time it doesn't hurt as much, "Grandiose title. It's a dimension with several doorways leading to and from the Hallway of Worlds. So there's trading in goods and services that the Sisters don't allow in the Inn."

Outside, a young woman is arguing with the police officer. She's carrying a vidcam marked with the CBN logo.

Arthur grins. "And you really don't want to see the Bathroom of the Worlds. Such horrors untold."

Magpie warns, "The city guards are used to talents coming to the market. They have throwing nets that neutralize most talents, and collars that do the same."

Timewarp says, "Just great. Ok. So avoid being netted."

Union says, "Or avoid riling up the guards."

Magpie nods to Timewarp. "Yes. That's how the others were captured. I was near a wall. The net got caught on the wall. I managed to wrench free. Broke my arm in the process and took a number of blows while doing so."

Timewarp says, "Got it."

Magpie says, "I can open a gate to the market when you are ready."

Arthur nods. "Ready to go. I have everything I need," he smiles, secretly thinking of Sentinel.

Timewarp says, "I'm ready." She's not so worried about how long it will take, since she can always slip back in time a bit when she gets back if needed.

Magpie opens a gate. Through the gate can be seen a very busy bustling marketplace. One thing in your favour. You won't stand out. MegaFauna might. But there's such a diversity of races, species, cultures, and clothes, that nothing less will.

The noise is loud. Hundreds of voice shouting about good deals, fabulous offers, wealth beyond dreams, etc..

Plus the smell that drifts through the gate. Not an unpleasent smell. All kinds of spices, foodstuffs, smoke from lanteens, and numerous hauling animals.

Timewarp has her sketchpad out before she's even gon through the portal. Such sights! :)

Arthur steps through the portal and looks around. "Well, this is certainly interesting," he says, sounding polite and feeling right at home.

"Hmm. I wonder if they have good rings, too..." And Porter steps on through the gate. Or stumbles through, since he's liable to trip over the bottom edge of it. Or his own feet. Whichever is more in the way.

Griffin flashsteps through the portal after the others.

Timewarp takes a second to go around and look at the sights!

Arthur slips his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. "I'm sure they do, Mr. Porter. You'll have plenty of time to look, I'm sure," he grins.

The market is off to one side and outside the walls of a small city, with a palace on a hill in the middle of the city.

Union steps through the gate. . o O (I wish Thunder were here)

He doesn't realize it yet, but a pickpocket has already taken some item from Porter as he stumbled.

Timewarp returns, several pages further through her sketchpad. A small commotion occurs close by. A flying carpet has slipped free of its hitching post and is drifting away, with a stubby green skinned dwarf chasing after it. The carpet is just a little higher than the dwarf can leap. It's quite humorous to watch.

Timewarp isn't much taller than the dwarf, but tries to catch it for him.

Griffin smirks, but he's worked special-ops often enough to know when to stay out of sight for the sake of an operation. He smirks but uses the opportunity granted by everyone's attentions being pulled away by the dwarf to look around 1000x faster than everyone else but Tali. His eyes glow as he scans the crowd & bazaar optically & with his energy powers.

Timewarp catches the carpet by climbing up a passerby two fast for him to notice, then, grabbing the edge, drops down and drags her feet to bring the carpet to a halt.

Timewarp says, "Is this yours?"

The dwarf catches up with Timewarp and bows low. He speaks in an unknown language, takes hold of the carpet from Timewarp and pulls it down. Reaching into a pocket he pulls out and hands Timewarp a glowing silver coin.

The reporter finally wins her argument with the police and enters the mall just as the gate closes, leaving her facing an empty store.

Griffin sees a busy market. Lots of trading. Some pilfering by youths, mostly food. A few obvious guards.

Timewarp almost rejects the the coin - but it occurs to her than local currency might be useful. She accepts graciously if silently, bowing back to the dwarf.

In their quick looks around Timewarp and Griffin spot Silver Rose. A stall with jewelry and gems. The stall owner is a tall thin woman with silver hair and a rose behind her ear.

Griffin notes hot spots, namely the lcoations of guards and the directions they're facing. With his eyes moving so quickly and his energy sense not being perceptible to any he doesn't need to rush- at least not by his standards.

He nudges Porter with one arm and taps Doc Aevus wit hte other before nodding towards Silver Rose. "I think we've got one of our suspects right there." He says quietly.

Timewarp, returning, saus, "OK - how do we play this?"

Arthur looks over to Sentinel, then over to Silver Rose. "How can you tell?" he asks quietly.

Timewarp says, "Silver hair and rose behind the ear? I mean, not certain but I guess that's an easy way to name people in a cultural mix like this - translatable too."

"Certainly 'on brand'," Arthur laughs to himself.

Arthur starts browsing the market in Silver Rose's general direction, listening curiously to conversations about him if he can pick up on any.

Very few conversations are in any known language. The few that are seem mostly bargaining and bartering.

On looking, Timewarp finds a stall with hundreds of notes in different scripts and languages. Advertizing short term tanslation spells.

Arthur is lucky enought to overhear a pair of guards talking. The guards are of differing species and their only common language is highly accented Latin.

Timewarp says, "Ok, I've found a place that sell translation spells - maybe that will solve our language problems!"

Griffin looks to Porter quizzically, who is the only magician here he knows well enough to have an opinion worth trusting, even if he isn't the most reliable.

Arthur only has the basics of latin down, but he tries to listen to the conversation.

Fortunately the guards are having to converse in a language neither is all that capable in So they are using common words. The gist of the conversation is how busy the executer will be tomorror. The outlanders, and also the Lord's younger son. Arrested for murdering the Lord's older son on the authority of the Grand Vizier.

Griffin gives Union a nod and a warm smile but keeps his eyes and other senses on the task at hand.

Timewarp goes to try to negotiate for translation spells. She hopes this coin is worth enough! If not, she'll have to resort to trying to sell sketches....

Arthur relays the info to the others quietly. "It would seem the younger son was implicated as well," he whispers. "And the High Lord's older son. By order of the Grand Vizier. So perhaps the advisor is the culprit."

The translation stall merchant is able to speak English. How useful. He is happy to bargain for the translation spell, until Timewarp proffers the glowing silver coin. Then he shakes his head, "I can't accept that."

Timewarp says, "Oh. Um, do you accept US dollars? Or if not, maybe we can barter?"

"Nice intel, Doc." Griffin says with a smile and a pat on the other man's back. "Very nice. Gives us a direction to meander. Looks like T-Dubb (Timewarp) found a translator too- so we won't be behind the language 8-ball for long." He adds as he watches Timewarp's back while keeping his head on a swivel.

Arthur starts to mosey towards the tent, slowing by the translation booth as he digs around an inside pocket. He time travels a lot, and sometimes the best option is gold and precious gems. He pulls out a tiny little nugget of gold. "Will this do?" he asks the vendor.

The stall owner nods to Timewarp, "I take any and all currency. But not a Dedui favor token. It would be more than my life is worth."

The stall owner nods, and smiles, as Arthur offers a gold nugget.

Timewarp says, "Oh? I was given if for catching a flying carpet - but I don't really know its signifcance."

The stall owner tells Timewarp, "Dedui give those tokens to people who do them a favor. It is a marker. It means a Dedui, any Dedui, owes you a favor in return."

Timewarp says, "Oh! Thanks!"

The stall owner initially offers two spells for the gold nugget.

Arthur pays with the gold nugget for the translation spells. "There, I suppose that'll be worth it."

The stall owner hands Arthur two pea shaped and sized beads. "Put in your ear. Spells last for one day."

Timewarp says, "I guess they should go to the people best at talking?"

"Oh, that's not so bad. Thank you," Arthur smiles and offers the beads to the others.

Union says, "I can link us together - so we can talk mind-to-mind... That way the ones with the translators can translate for the rest of us, without telling everyone else around."