Log:Princesses' Guard Revived, Scene 14

Princesses' Guard Revived 2014/04/21 	 Ghost-2|Ghost Paragon Dorian

14

Past Time's Coffee Shop
The smell of fresh coffee is the first thing that assails you. The next is the very old style. It seems the owner has gone for the Edwardian style from early last century. Lots of imitation wood panelling and prints of old English countryside. There are many partitions between the tables, affording some privacy and the sound seems hushed in the room, this has been achieved mainly through very good design, which muffles sounds. At the counter service is quite quick and cheery, conveying a welcoming and friendly attitude. The menu boasts the fact that for a little extra real coffee is served along with light hot and cold meals and snacks. All in all a pleasant place to pass a bit of time.

In Past Time's Coffee Shop
Ghost is seated in a booth of the coffee shop out of sight of the front enterance and window. There's a laptop open on the table beside a tall frosted glass of chocolate milkshake. Ghost's face is curiously unanimated, giving a sense of absence to the small girl who is dressed in Fae fashion.

On closer inspection a thin wire can be seen running from the laptop to a socket located behind Ghost's ear, her hair pushed back on that side to reveal it.

The door swings open and a large, armored humanoid stalks in, standing tall and heroicly. It looks like it could be a robot, or possibly someone in power armor. Its movements are a mixture of mechanical and organic. It steps aside and holds the door open for someone. "No need to be shy, citizen!" Paragon intones enthusiastically. A disheveled looking homeless person in desperate need of a shave walks in, then gets led by Paragon to the counter. Two glowing orbs in Paragon's helm scan the menu above the counter, then motions a hand to indicate it. "Order whatever you'd like. You look like you could use a hot meal. The soup and panini combo is filling. I'll pull up the addresses for some shelters in the area for you while you decide." Paragon turns to face the room, staring absently forward as she pulls up search results for homeless shelters on her internal HUD. To everyone else, the armored figure seems to be staring at Ghost's table.

Ghost blinks and looks up, animation returning to her face as she does. She turns to look at Paragon, stares hard, and for a moment or two shock flashes across her yougn looking face. Then she shakes her head, seemingly to herself, and nods to Paragon. "Sorry. Didn't intend to be rude. Just... you reminded me of someone for a instant." She tells Paragon.

The light orbs in the helm blink on and off, and Paragon's head tracks Ghost. "Oh, hello, citizen," she raises a hand in greeting, and chuckles. "No offense taken. I don't think I've heard that one before, though. I'm Paragon of the Guardians! Pleased to meet you." She fires off a salute, which causes her shoulder armor to creak, then asks curiously, "Who did I remind you of?" Paragon's armor is a little scuffed and dull looking, but there seems to be mostly superficial damage. There's what looks like a scorch mark along her right ribcage. The homeless man near her starts to order a smorgasbord of items. It's the hero's treat, right? Paragon pays no attention to the man's order.

Ghost looks past Paragon for a moment, "Put that on the Embassy's tab." she instructs the barrista. Then she gestures to a chair at her table, "Why don't you sit down. Because it looks like you might fall down any moment. My name is Jillian of House Nariliin, usually known as Ghost, and a Companion to Princess Stephanie of the Fae Kingdom of Undermoon. As to who you reminded of, her name was Jade-938. She was my best friend until she zigged instead of zagging and caught an anti-armor laser in the chest."

Paragon glances at the homeless man, then to Ghost. "That's very generous of you. I would've been happy to cover this citizen's meal, but your offer is much appreciated." Paragon pats the man on the back and briefly instructs him the safest route to the nearest shelter. "Enjoy your meal, friend. The shelter should be able to help you with opportunities to get back on your feet, or at least give you a safe place to sleep."

Paragon walks over to Ghost's table and hesitates for a moment, then tilts her head. "I'm sorry, I do not have protocols for greeting someone from House Nariliin in my database," she says with some embarassment. She looks at the chair for a moment, then looks to Ghost waiting for a prompt on a proper greeting. It wouldn't due to be rude! She listens to Ghost's story, and nods once. "I'm sorry for your loss. It's always difficult losing a friend and comrade," Paragon speaks sympathetically, as though from experience.

Ghost smiles, "When I'm not dealing face to face with a Fae noble I'm a pretty relaxed person. Just grab a seat. I noticed you didn't order anything for yourself. If you can consume food or drink and find that enjoyable, please do so. I'd like to talk to you if you have the time to spare."

While talking, Ghost's fingers are moving swiftly over the keyboard of her laptop.

Paragon nods in thanks, carefully pulls out the chair, and sits down, sitting up rigidly. "I don't require anything at the moment, but thank you." . o O (Pull up Fae Noble protocol file. <>) "The city seems safe and quiet today, so there's plenty of time to talk. Is there something I can help you with, Ms. Jillian of House Nariliin?"

Ghost says, "Ghost. Call me Ghost." She looks at the screen of the laptop for a few seconds, "You have an impressive record, Paragon. How did your effort to reform Crystal go in the end?""

Paragon nods. "As you wish, Ghost," she smiles behind the helm. Her eyes blink on and off as Ghost looks up her record. "Hahah, it's hardly impressive. There are many with much more impressive records. Crystal...I haven't heard from her in ages. I can only hope she's done well. A heroine named Himinglaeva took her to Asgard. Valhalla to be specific, I believe. It was a chance to give her a fresh start. Somewhere safe. I haven't seen Himinglaeva in a long time. I wish I knew how Crystal was fairing, but I don't know how to reach her now." She sounds thoughtful as she thinks of Crystal. "I'm just glad Himinglaeva was able to offer Crystal the hope of a new chance that I could not."

Ghost nods, "Paradon, I'm going to ask a question that may seem a little impertinent. Please feel free to not answer if that is the case. Are you a person in Power Armor, a Cyborg, or a Construct with an internal AI?"

Paragon's head tilts at the question, as though puzzled by it. She starts thoughtfully and slowly, "I've spent a long time trying to answer that. I think the closest designation is cyborg. But I'm not sure what makes me, me. Where the organic ends and the machine begins."

Ghost says, "In my home Nebula we had a group calling themselves the Disciples of Purity. Their aim was to advance from the organic to the mechanical and then finally to pure energy. Jade-938 was one of the disciples. We had several long discussions on the same subject but we never came to any conclusion. In the end, does it matter what makes you 'you', provided that you are? This," she taps the screen of the laptop, "and that," she points to the homeless man leaving with his arms full of food, "tells me all I need to know initially to make me want to recruit you for the Princesses' Guard team."

Paragon's eyes burn a little brighter and she chuckles. "I once spent a lot of time trying to understand where I came from. What it makes me now. And while I still ponder it, it's who I want to be that matters now. I wonder, did any of the Disciples of Purity make it to energ--wait, did you say Princess' Guard team? What's what?"

Ghost grins, "To answer in the same order as you posed those two questions. No. Personally I thought they didn't have a chance to become pure energy beings, or even partial energy beings through mechanical means. They would have had a much better chance employing magic. But even with magic, I doubt it could be done. That didn't stop Jade-938 and me being very close friends. The answer to your second question is a little more complicated, and requires a degree of background information. If you're sitting comfortably, I'll begin."

Paragon nods thoughtfully and leans back in her chair a little. "I'm comfortable. Please begin when you're ready," she says in curiousity.

Ghost says, "I have to start with who the Princess is. Princess Stephanie of the Fae Kingdom of Undermoon... No. Actually I'd better start with what the Fae are and what the Fae Kingdom of Undermoon is. If you already know any of this just stop me and I'll move on. Fae is the name for the elven race. A long time ago the Fae resided on Earth as well as other realms. This Earth. Back when humans were huddling in caves. They left, and despite Fae claims that their leaving was voluntary I think it was the presence of so much iron here that was the cause of them leaving. Plus the Mana field on Earth varies, and even at its highest is lower than the Fae find comfortable. So they moved from Earth and other worlds to concentrate on a group of dimensions they named the Twilit Worlds. Where Mana levels were higher. One large group of Fae settled on three dimensions known as Upper Heathworld and Neather Heathworld, and Gloaming. With me so far?"

Dorian comes in from outside and heads toward the counter. He notices Ghost and smiles, waving to her. "Hey there."

Paragon is leaning back a little in her chair as she listens to Ghost's explanation, trying to soak up what she can. "I am with you," she says. Her helm pans over to scan Dorian.

Ghost glances to the entrance as Dorian enters. "I'm going to have to talk faster. My competition has just turned up." She smiles and waves to Dorian, "I have first dibs." She says half laughing. "Is that right? I'm amazed at what my translation program comes up with somtimes. Anyway, in case you don't already know each other. Dorian, this is Paragon. Paragon, this is Dorian, also known as Spirit, and the leader of the Starguard Gamma team. And so likely my competition when it comes to recuiting you."

Paragon's eyes burn a little brighter as she recognizes Dorian from a long time back. "Greetings, Mr. Perrault!" she salutes. "I don't know if you remember me; I'm Paragon, of the Guardians. I sought your help out concerning Harrisburg some time back."

Dorian gets his coffee from the counter and smiles. "I'm afraid I have to apologize. I've had a lot on my plate as of late with the repairs to the Starguard base. I don't remember you very well, Paragon. But I do remember the conversation vaguely."

Ghost says, "Would you like to join us, Dorian?"

Dorian nods to Ghost, "Thank you." He takes a seat and sips his drink, "I heard you were putting the team back together. I'm glad to hear it."

Paragon cranes her head towards Ghost. "Your...competition? But...aren't you both heroes? We're all on the same team here," she says encouragingly, thinking there may be a competitive fight about to happen.

Dorian chuckles. "I'm pretty sure she's kidding. Both teams have different mandates, so they complement each other."

Ghost nods to Dorian, "Thank you. The effort seems to be going well. I hope all is well at Starguard. I... I had been a little suspicious of Starguard after Lowers, one of Starguard's personnel attacked the Embassy. But the Princess gave the local Starguard Gamma, and you in particular, a truly glowing recommendation." Ghost chuckles, "There's only so many hours in the day, Paragon. Unless you travel back and forth to and from Undermoon as often as I do. We are both heroes, but we are also both team leaders and desirous of recruiting the best people to our teams. So in that regard we're competitors."

Paragon gets the feeling she's gotten herself into something bigger than she realized. The armored hero replies in friendly tones to Dorian, "That's quite alright, Mr. Perrault. It was some time ago. I've been away from the city for a while now, but I'm back." Paragon starts to feel a little underdressed with all this attention; her armor, once polished and slick, has seen better days. There's a few dings and scuff marks from past battles, and a scorch mark along her ribcage. o O (I know I should've buffed those out as soon as the self-repairs were done before going on patrol...)

Dorian is dressed quite casually, all things considered. "Paragon, you're welcome to call me Dorian, if you like. And...I'm glad to see you back in the city. There are times where I feel the city is shorthanded, due to a lack of heroes, if you can believe that."

"As you wish, Dorian," Paragon smiles behind her faceplate, then comments in mild surprise, "Colonial Bay, short on heroes? I do find that hard to believe!" She glances between the pair of them. "I appreciate your positions. I'm sure if I can be of assistance to any group, I would be happy to lend my aid for the good of the city. Although if The Guardians need my help in an emergency, I'm duty bound to answer their call. They're still my family, even if I am on 'sabatical'."

Ghost grins, "First dibs, remember." she tells Dorian. "He is right though, Paragon. The two teams, Starguard Gamma and the Princesses' Guard, complement each other. Starguard Gamma is more paramilitary than the Princess Guard, so if you have a military background you may find it very much to your liking. I suspect I would have found myself quite comfortable as a SGG member if I hadn't been fully committed to the Princess."

Dorian smiles and nods to Paragon, "I appreciate the offer to help out if we need it. We had a couple of very open attacks on Starguard in the last nine months or so. Hopefully things will be quiet for a while during the rebuilding process."

Paragon shakes her head slowly, "I'm afraid I don't have a military background. I'm just someone doing their best to help however I can," she says sheepishly. Nobility? Military? She doesn't seem too certain about what to make of all this, but she still seems open. "My biggest concern is keeping citizens safe. All citizens, equally," she tries to say tactfully, hoping she doesn't offend the offer Ghost or the Princess' Guard. But she doesn't yet understand much about either organization.

Ghost says, "Let me continue with Fae History 101, Paragon, Dorian. So I can get to my recruiting speech. Upper and Neather Heathworld are geographically nearly identical to Earth-1. Many Fae moved to an area matching Northern Britain on these two dimensions and formed the Kingdom of Undermoon. Now in Colonial Bay a heroine named Lorelei, who you know very well I understand, Dorian, discovered she was actually the granddaughter of King Zoramin of Undermoon."

Ghost says, "This made her a Princess, Princess Stephanie, and a member of the Fae nobility. A member of the Royal family to be precise. Now Fae nobles are entitled to, and by tradition expected to have a personal group of bodyguards. Which tells you something about the Fae culture. The Princess decided that instead of having a bodyguard she would form a hero team, officially with the duty of protecting the Princess, the Princesses' family, the Fae Embassy here in Colonial Bay City, and Fae interests on Earth-1. That's our official mission statement. What the Princess actually wants, and what she'll get while I am team leader, is for the Princesses' Guard to act as a hero team in the same manner as the team she was in herself before discovering she was a Princess. I've been tasked with rebuilding and leading that team, and everything I've seen and learned about you,, Paragon, makes me want you on our team."

Dorian listens quietly to Ghost's brief history lesson and sales pitch. He sips his coffee slowly, taking his time.

Paragon takes in all this information and tries her best to process it. "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with Princess Stephanie's team prior to discovering her heritage. What team was that, and how did they act?"

Paragon says, "I think my concern is Fae interests and being restricted to guarding the princess. I feel my duty is to the whole city."

Ghost says, "The team was called the Spirit of Justice and they upheld that name with honor. Their record is a shining example of what a hero team ought to be." She looks at Dorian, "Are you blushing yet." Looks back at Paragon, "Dorian was the leader of that team."

Dorian speaks up, finally. "I believe that prior to that, she was on a team I had put together with Wasp and Black Mamba. 'Spirit of Justice'. It was a private team based out of what is now my home on East Colonial Heights." He chuckles. "Ghost beat me to it."

Ghost says, "Paragon, that is exactly what the Princess wants the Princesses' Guard to be. A hero team to help everyone who needs it, be they Fae, human, alien, or whatever. If they need help and their cause is just, the Princesses' Guard will strive to be there for them."

Paragon says, "And there's no...royal red tape to prevent them from doing that?"

Dorian smiles, and actually does start blushing a little bit.

Ghost chuckles, "Yes. Lots of it. And neither the Princess or myself while I serve the Princess will pay any attention to it. The Prinesses' aims are clear and to the best of my ability, and even if I shouldn't say it myself, I am quite talented, I will see her aims are fulfilled. The Princesses' Guard will be a hero team in the tradition of, and following the example of, the Spirit of Justice."

Paragon glances at Dorian to see his take on all this, looking between the two of them. "Then...why are you not both working on the same team, if Spirit of Justice was the predecessor of the Princess' Guard?" she just seems curious. Learning so many interesting things about the city since she's been gone has left her mind reeling a little.

Ghost leaves that one for Dorian to answer.

Dorian shrugs, "A spiritual predecessor. When SoJ fell apart, I acted as a solo hero for a while. Then the Director at Starguard asked me to help with Starguard Gamma as a consultant, rather than as a full member while the team was being reformed. I had been an SGG member in its first incarnation and as I'm a well respected member of the hero community, it gave them some more...legitimacy with the city, since the prior version of the team under Random Factor had lost the media war, so to speak." He sips his coffee and then continues, "After the prior Commander stepped down, the Director asked me to step in as Commander...and since they needed the help, I agreed." He quirks a smile, "Only one alien invasion since then, so...so far so good."

Paragon scratches her helm's chin thoughtfully, even though she can't feel the affect. "That's an interesting story. I'm sorry to hear about Starguard Gamma's troubles. I'm sure you'll make a fine Commander," she compliments earnestly.

Ghost nods. "If you need time to think it over, Paragon, I'll understand. The team is actually away on its first mission right now. Rather an interesting mission in fact." Her face falls, "My duties require me to spend most of my time on Undermoon at the moment. My team is off on its first mission and I can't be with them. That's just wrong, deeply wrong. Johnathan, that is Titan, is perfectly capable of leading the team though. If you like, you could join that mission and see how it feels working with the team members. If you like what you see, we'll talk about you becoming a full member of the team. If you don't find yourself comfortable you'll have invested three days to avoid a mistake."

Paragon smiles and replies appreciatively, "Well, going along on a mission can only help. I hope I can be of use to the team. But I do need time to consider a full membership. I hadn't expected to be discussing teams and recruitments today, that's for sure. And I don't even know the team members yet."

Ghost says, "Very true. Going on the mission as a guest member of the team will remedy that last point. Oh, Paragon, one thing I need to tell you. Fae magic plays havoc with technology. There's a Mana-hardening enchantment I can cast to overcome that, but until I do for your own safety, stay out of the Fae Embassy and off Undermoon."

Paragon grunts thoughtfully. "I hadn't known. Does Fae magic play havoc with any other magics I should know about?" she asks reservedly, glancing down at herself momentarily as she ponders how much she wants to divulge. She looks back up at Ghost, awaiting a response.

Ghost says, "It hasn't seemed to as far as I know. Certainly, other that this entire group of worlds being so poor in mana that here I can barely cast a few basic spells while I was considered a competent mage back home, I haven't run into any problems using my magic abilities, most of which are human based rather than Fae based."

Dorian checks his watch and stands up. "I'm afraid I need to get back. Nice seeing you both again."

Paragon salutes Dorian as he stands. "It was nice seeing you again, Dorian. Have a safe night!"

Ghost says, "A pleasure, Dorian. When we have time, let's get together and work out how we can best help each other out, if you're agreeable?"

Dorian nods to Ghost, "Sure, any time you'd like to meet."

Paragon smiles and sounds relieved, saying jovially, "Then I'll wait for your enchantment before I attend any Fae functions."

Ghost says, "I'll get together a mission pack for you, Paragon. And I guess explaining the mission might help, right?"

Paragon nods and leans forward with interest, ready to soak up the details of the mission brief. "The more I know, the better I can be of aid to the team and the mission."

Ghost nods and grins, "There's a school in England called Lord Markham's. It's a school for meta children. Every year the kids from the school go off in small groups for a short holiday trip. And because they are meta children they have an escort. Now one of the objectives of the holiday is for the children to learn to interact in normal society. So they are forboidden to use any of their meta powers and the escort is supposed to do the same so the children aren't reminded they are any different from the normal people around them. Only from what I've heard, the particular group of children the team is escorting are absolute trouble magnets."

Paragon says, "It sounds like a good training exercise for the children. But trouble magnets? What sort of trouble are you expecting with them?"

Ghost says, "Last year... Last year the previous Princesses' Guard team was asked to look after the children at the last moment because the official arrangements for their escort had broken down. The team did such a good job the British Government came back and asked us to do it again. It seems the children were involved in foiling an alien invasion."

Paragon leans back and whistles in appreciation. "Wow! Those kids are heroes, and they're still in school! That's amazing!"

Ghost says, "They're young too. A quick run down. There are a pair of identical twin girls, redheads, aged nine. They can fly, are strong, and tough. The daughters of a - very - high ranking British politician. A boy also aged nine, who can fly and emit lightning bolts. An older boy, aged 10, who is a mentalist. The boys are the sons of British superheroes. And a brother and sister, aged nine, genetically engineered super-soldiers liberated from a evil wannabe world conquering organisation."

Paragon's illuminated eyes grow. "So young..." she murmurs in concern. Much younger than she expected. She takes in the briefing on the kids. Her eyes dim for a moment at the mention of the boy with electrical powers, thinking of someone, but they return to their normal levels after a few seconds.

Ghost says, "Because the escort is supposed to not display any meta abilities unless needed for the safety of the children, the team members who have a unusual appearance, or are famous in their own right, Anthony Quinn and Titan come into that category, have holographic disguise belts to give then a normal appearance. I'll see one of those is available for your use. Also a set of papers for a new official identity. There's no TransMat connection to Iceland. Which I forgot to mention. The children are on a four day adventure holiday in Iceland. I'll email Johnathan to let him know you're coming. And I'll get you a PDA with his number in the contacts list so you can contact him on arrival. Would you like transport? A ticket for a air flight, or would you prefer to make your own way there?"

Paragon taps her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "I've never been to Iceland. This should be interesting. And I'm sure the kids will have a fun and safe trip. I think I'll accept a flight ticket, if that isn't too much trouble. I'm afraid I can't fly like some heroes," she chuckles, glad that Captain Amazing helped her with getting a passport when she first started working for the Guardians. "I've never used a holographic belt before..." she ponders, wondering what disguise she'll get.

Ghost says, "It's already setup, Paragon. Just put it on around your waist and it works. The quickest route would be TransMat to London, and then a flight from Heathrow airport to Iceland. When you get to Heathrow, identify yourself to airport security. By then they should have the belt and matching papers, passport, etc, ready for you. If everything goes well it should be just a relaxing fun three days of holiday for you and a chance to get to know the team members."

Ghost resets her PDA back to factory install, after making sure she has a current backup on her laptop, adds Titan's PDA number to the contacts, and hands the PDA to you.

Paragon says, "And do the children know who their escorts really are, or do we keep our true identities secret from them?""

Ghost says, "The children don't know they have any escort. They haven't been informed. It's part of making the holiday seem entirely normal to them with no reminders that they are in any way different to any of the other children and adults on the same adventure holiday package."

Paragon takes the PDA delicately from Ghost with her right hand. She plays around with the bluetooth settings, syncing it up to her HUD. Then she holds up her left wrist, and on the inside of her arm, some seams appear and open up to reveal a compartment. She slides the PDA into the compartment, which seals up again, protecting the PDA out of sight. "Got the numbers. Thanks!" Listening to the news of the children, she has an ah-hah moment. "Ah, I see. We're supposed to be undercover from them as well, unless trouble arises."

Ghost nods, "Exactly, Paragon. You have it absolutely correct. Do you have any questions? If not I'll start making the arrangements, starting with a TransMat ticket to London. The children are already over in Iceland, so ideally you should join the team members as soon as possible."

Ghost adds, "If you need time to do repairs, that comes first of course."

Paragon rolls her shoulder experimentally. "Despite some superficial damage, I'm operating at full capacity thanks to help from a good samaritan." She glances up at her diagnostic progress bar within her HUD. o O (97.3%. Exactly where it needs to be. Whew! Just some polish and grease, and I'll be much more presentable.) "Is there anything else I should know about the team I'll be working with? I've only heard you mention Jonathon."

Ghost says, "Good point. Titan, a brick. Good, solid, reliable. In my absence the effective team leader. Sukeban, a feisty Japanese flame meta. Cecila, Earth powers. Also solid. Anthony Quinn, power armor, smart, tech savy, a good man. Harlequin, a highly competent mage. Ten, almost indestructable. Not a Team member but a welcomed guest. and Pelana, a big strong girl. I mean big. 50ft at full size."

Paragon says, "Sounds like a solid team overall. I think the kids are in good hands."

Ghost says, "So do I. I still wish I could be there. But... duties."

Paragon nods once. "Well, I'm sure with so many heroes, things will be covered. And the city still needs guardians, right?" she smiles, hidden within the helm, but it comes across in her voice.

Ghost nods, "In an emergency the Iceland team members can be back in Colonial Bay in six seconds. Another member of the Team, Rift, is not with the mission team. But she has exceptional teleportation powers. Six seconds after the need arises the entire PG team can be back in Colonial Bay."

Paragon feels a lot more relieved knowing that. "That's quite remarkable! And a relief to know the city won't be unguarded should something happen. I think that answers all the questions I can think of for now."

Ghost stands, closing her laptop. "I should get back to Undermoon. Duties, as I mentioned." She extends a hand to Paragon, "Welcome to the mission."

Paragon rises up as a courtesy to Ghost and takes her hand, shaking it firmly. "Thank you. I hope I do a good job! I promise to do my best to help the team keep the kids safe and maintain my cover. I'm sure they'll have a fun and trouble-free vacation."

Ghost smiles and then hurries back to the Undermoon portal.