Log:Unpowered: Interlude

2021/04/18 Victory|Wade Artemis Magda 1

Despite protests, Artemis was escorted from the Institute upon release. There was a bit of a fight as she refused to leave without Friend Wade and Friend Joseph and the others from the reality she's become familiar with. However, with everyone in the world being super powered, she was forcibly escorted while they tried to calm her down. The sun rises and it's been a little over a week since then with no word. As Wade wakes up, once again he still finds himself trapped in this institution and reality.

Wade goes about his normal routine. And that's a workout. He's asked to have weights brought in to use, so he can keep in shape. the staff was amused, but obliging. HE doesn't use a barbell without spotters, but he does do a fair amount of work with heavy dumbells and a bench.

One of the staff peeks in through the door as Wade's working out. "Ah, there you are. I should have guessed," she says in amusement at his working out even though it's safe in the institution. "You have a guest."

Wade sits up and wipes his brow with a cloth. "Um...thanks. You can send them in."

The staffer nods and looks to a person outside of the view from the door frame. "Now, you'd best behave this time," she warns.

There's no response to that. Artemis steps into view. "I thank thee for finding mine Friend," she responds, unable to promise she'll behave. She smiles warmly at seeing Wade. "Friend Wade! Hath they been treating thee well?" she asks as the staffer departs.

Wade nods. "Well enough, for what amounts to a prison." He shakes his head, "I know this is 'for my own safety', but everything about this place rubs me the wrong way."

Artemis sighs softly and walks over to Wade. "Thee do not deserve such a fate. I hath tried to reason with these...these...bureaucrats, to no avail," she frowns over her shoulder at the empty doorway. She looks back and says quietly, "Thou art innocent of any act deserving of this. Mayhaps I can...hmm...execute a 'break out'. That is what they call it, yes?"

Wade shakes his head, "It is what they call it yes. But no. Mind you, I would like to be out of here, I don't want to break the law to do so." He simmers for a moment, and adds, "This goes against everything I believe about the country. I am...very disappointed."

Artemis tilts her head and regards him curiously. "Is it unusual for your country to do such a thing as this? Though having seen what lies beyond these walls, I am certain this is not thy Urth."

Wade nods. "It's unusual, yes. But not completely out of line for what it's done in the past. But those moments...are also some of the more un-Americant parts of our history."

"How...can they be un-American if they were done by America?" Artemis asks in confusion. "This sounds...impossible."

Wade chuckles and smiles. "When I say...'un-American', I mean it goes against the ideas set forth by the founders of the country. Those ideals...I feel strongly about. At least the big picture ideals."

Artemis smiles in understanding. "Ah, yes...ideals be different from actuality. I understand what thee mean now. And this situation is not ideal." She regards him for a moment, her smile remaining. "'Tis good to see that even in such circumstances, thou hath not yet lost thy smile or ability to laugh."

Wade takes a deep breath and smiles. "It...is difficult, admittedly. But...this is effectively a world akin to how I was treated by Cobalt. He thought I was over my head trying to be a hero without major powers, and tried to 'protect me' by attempting to show just how over my head I was."

Artemis reaches out to pat Wade consoling on the shoulder. Of note, she is actually much gentler than usual, and even then, it's a little rough, but nothing bruising. She chuckles in amusement. "He was wrong in believing thee incapable. Thou art a worthy hero of thy world."

Wade smiles. "Well, thank you. I appreciate the reminder, since everyone else seems to be wanting to tell me otherwise." He motions at the television in the room up on a mount by the ceiling, and in the direction that the staff likely are.

Artemis looks over to the television, then the staff. She looks back to him and smiles encouragingly. "Thou art a hero with or without thy superhooman prowess, because of what lies in here," she lowers her gaze and extends a finger in momentary consideration before gently laying a finger where his diaphram is. "I...believe this be where hooman hearts reside." She's a little off.

Wade chuckles, and takes her hand, raising it up a few inches to about where his heart it. "If you're looking for the heart...right about here."

Artemis blinks and lays her palm against his heart to feel for beating. "Ah! There it be. I was not far," she chuckles. "But yes, in thy heart, thou art a hero. There are many worlds that have no Guardians such as thy world, and yet, there lie heroes," she smiles warmly. "The words of this Cobalt, or this place, cannot change that fact."

Wade gets to his feet, and goes to give Artemis a hug. "Thank you again."

Artemis hugs Wade and smiles. "For what?"

Wade smiles, "Just the reminder. That's all."

Artemis smiles warmly. "If ever thee have need of it, I shall be there to remind thee."

Wade continues to smile, and takes a seat on the bench again. "I greatly appreciate that." He pauses, and says, "So, what is the world like outside? I mean, I get news, but that's going to be a warped view of reality."

Artemis nods softly at the question. "'Tis different from the world ye know. Small squabbles can become larger battles, but the world be built with stronger materials to accommodate such. These hoomans hath expanded beyond thy system. To some worlds, they might be seen as conquerors, whilst the hoomans consider themselves...explorers."

Wade frowns a bit at that. "Hundreds of years, and we don't change much. Sounds like more imperialism."

"It may be. I hath not left the planet to see for myself. But the news covers it as exploration and a boon. I only hope those planets were uninhabited and unclaimed," Artemis opines. She looks mildly melancholy as she glances to the floor. "I hath searched for thy family, for thy Star Girl, and any sign of mayhaps the existence of Wayne in this world. Thus far, my search hath not born fruit." She looks up to him with her resolve returned. "But I will continue my search. Mayhaps thy family can help thee be released. Or thy love partner. Such places make allowances for those to make decisions over their loved ones, and my hope is this place shall honor their requests as well. I...have yet to find anyone familiar to me in this world."

Wade nods slowly. "I had wondered. About my dad, specifically. I mean...the process he went through, if there were supers everywhere, there wouldn't have been a need to try to create a super-soldier. Every soldier trained would already be super." He shrugs again, "Maybe...this is an alternate dimension where my parents never existed? And Star Girl doesn't exist? I'm not sure. Thank you for looking, though."

"That...may be true. Though the name Lockwood did not help me find him or thy mother." Artemis looks around to make sure people are distant enough, then leans in to whisper (truly whisper!) in Wade's ear. "I even did search for thy beloved under her true name in secret, but found nothing thus far. I am sorry, my friend." She leans back and resumes her usual volume. "I will not cease trying."

Wade nods, with a hint of sadness in his expression. "Thank you for checking. So much about this doesn't make sense to me."

Artemis looks pained to see Wade sad. "It makes no sense to me. I hath yet to encounter any who know of dimensional travel. 'Tis strange with such science and metahoomans, that they hath not those with the talent for it." She sighs weightily. "I should go to continue mine endeavors to find a way to free thee all from here. The youngling who left with me is concocting a plan. I know not what it be yet."

After leaving last time, Artemis said she would search harder for the Lockwoods and Star Girl. It's been two and a half weeks since then. The only signs of the outside world are in the news, and Artemis has been absent from it.

And then finally, Artemis is escorted to the canteen at the tail end of dinner, carrying two paper grocery bags.

Wade is seated at a table, finishing his dinner. He's dressed in a button down shirt and slacks. And there's an open book next to him. He looks like he's reading while eating.

Artemis smiles and heads over. She drops off a bag to Joseph on the way and has a brief exchange. Treats for him to enjoy now that he can taste food. She continues on to Wade's table and smiles. "Greetings, Friend Wade. How hath thee been faring thus far?" she asks warmly. There is something off about her. While she's being all smiles and warmth, it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Wade closes up the book he's reading. It looks like it's a history book. He's been looking up some of the history of this world while he keeps busy. "I am...adequate, I guess. How are you, Artemis? It's good to see you."

Sadness creeps into Artemis' eyes. "I...am persisting," she chooses her words carefully. "But it warms me to see thee again. I am sorry I was gone for so long, but navigating this Urth is much like navigating thine when I first crashed upon it." She sets the bag down, and it clinks with bottles. She sits adjacent to him. "I hath missed familiar faces."

Wade smiles. "Well, I'm glad you stopped by. Any luck finding my family? Or...do they not exist?"

Artemis looks to Wade consolingly. "I have not. Nor any other familiar faces from thy Urth. Andrirnyl will not heed my call. I traveled to the West in search of thy Beloved, and found no sign of her. I am so sorry, my Friend."

Wade nods, and taps the book he was reading. "The history here is...similar to ours, but different. I haven't decided if it's another dimension or not yet. Maybe there's something else. A timeline change?"

Artemis looks to the book, looking intrigued. History usually isn't her strong suit. Among many other things. "I am unable to tell as well. Nor how I and the shifter's abilities were unaffected, and yet our equipment was altered. If they were fakes, meant to conceal that our items were stolen, Andrirnyl might still answer my call. Though there are still some things that will impede it." She thinks for a moment. "If it were another timeline, or a timeline change, how could all whom we know be wiped from it? I am still not convinced this be some dream. How would we test such a thing?"

Wade shrugs, "If it's a dream, it's a boring dream." He chuckles quietly.

Artemis smiles at that. "Aye. As I said...I would not have such a stale dream as this. A nightmare, though? Yes. Yes, this could indeed be a nightmare," she supposes. "I hath brought something to help make it more...enjoyable." She looks around conspiringly and lifts a beer bottle from her bag to show off some unrecognizable label. "They make it in normal Urth strength, and for hardy metahooman strength. I have procured both," she grins.

Wade chuckles. "I suspect I should have the regular stuff. I don't want to have to be rushed to a hospital."

Artemis chuckles. "It may be a way to get thee out of this place," she whispers. "But no, I wish not to harm thee. Mayhaps we can imbibe and thee can tell me more of this book on history," she suggests.

Wade smiles and nods. "Sure...let's head to the lounge, though. Comfier chairs there." He picks up his things...and leads Artemis over to the lounge area in the next room over. There are some nice chairs and couches.

Artemis picks up her bag and follows along. She sits down on the couch and fishes out two bottles. She hands Wade one after checking the label. It's a respectable 8% alcohol beer, while hers is considerably higher and has a label with an atom in the design and a bright green label that serves as a warning. "I will be remaining near from now on, so I will be able to visit thee all more frequently now. I will continue to find a way to have thee all released. I am sure all of thee have more skill in finding a way to thy home reality." She takes a deep, long sip of her drink, then lets out a sigh.

Wade opens his bottle, and takes a sip of his drink. "Mmm. I appreciate it. But I suspect dealing with bureaucracy isn't your strong suit, right?"

"Nay. If only I could challenge them to a battle for thy freedom, 'twould make things much simpler," Artemis chuckles and sips. "I think thee are much better at such tasks."

Wade chuckles. "So far, my letters have been mostly ignored up to this point. I've tried myself to get some traction, but to no avail." He takes another sip of his drink.

Artemis sighs softly at the news. She takes a long, deep swig as she thinks things over. "I shall not allow thee to languish here. If...if I cannot find someone to help free thee, or get us home, then I shall do the former myself," she says with determination. She doesn't need alcohol to help with bad decisions.

Wade nods. "Let's see what we can do without forcing the issue, okay? Like I said, I'd rather not break the law."

"The laws that keep thee here be unjust!" Artemis counters, clearly passionate by her tone. "Ye are not content here, true?"

Wade nods. "This is true, yes." He smiles slightly as he realizes that he has a weakness similar to Artemis's own. It's just different.

"Both be true," Artemis affirms as she sips more of her beer. The beer is more potent than she's prepared for. "Ye have but to ask me, my Friend, and I shall free thee from this gilded cage. I am familiar with such trappings, and thou hath saved me from being returned to them. I owe thee this much at least."

Wade grins and sips his beer, "At least there are no death matches here. So I'm not in any real danger."

Artemis tilts her head and shrugs her shoulders, her lips pursing as if that were a negative thing. "As thee said. Boring." She drinks some more, then thinks and frowns. "There be something I do not understand."

Wade grins at that, as he knows there are many things that Artemis doesn't understand about Earth in general. He nods, "What is that?"

Artemis leans back in the chair and squints a little in thought. And some drunkeness. "These....these...people," she waves the tip of her bottle to vaguely motion to the institute as a whole. "They find our presence here normal. Expected. As though we hath always been here. Our lives hath been lived out in this place for some time. And I could not find thy alternate selves beyond these walls." She thinks a moment and looks to Wade, the swing of her head a little less coordinated than usual. "I think mayhaps because that is so. Mayhaps thee hath been swapped with thy alter here, or possess his body through some strange force."

Wade thinks about it. "That...makes a fair amount of sense. But why were you not able to find my relatives?" He contemplates for a few seconds as he sips his drink. "Unless...they're in another facility like this one?"

"They...may be. Or their names be different here. Or maybe..." Artemis sighs, "I be not skilled enough to do this one task for thee."

Wade smiles. "That...may be the case, but I appreciate your attempt anyway."

Artemis smiles sadly. "Thou art kind, my Friend," she says and drinks. "Though...my theory be flawed. If there hath been an exchange or possession, then how be it that I am here? The Godflora are unique across realities. 'Tis why the Would-Be Tyrant found me such a prize. For a conqueror who could pluck the version of anyone he wished, I proved an oddity."

Wade nods. "I think that makes me think it's a timeline change. That's the only likely conclusion."

Artemis nods at that and finishes her drink, then reaches into the bag for another bottle. "I suppose so. Be there anything different with thy body? Scars present or absent?"

Wade shakes his head, "Not that I noticed. I'm not as strong or as fast as I remember. And well, alcohol has an effect on me. That's why I'm not drinking terribly quickly."

Artemis smiles at that. "Why not drink? 'Tis not like thee have thy duties to be concerned about."

Wade grins. "I like the feeling, but I want to...not lose control. That's all."

Artemis looks about at the secure facility. "Hmmm. Yes, I recall thee having difficulty relaxing," she muses and sips her beer.

Wade shakes his head, "I..think there's a difference between 'relaxing' and 'losing control'. Sure, I'm not completely relaxed in this place. And I won't be, even if I get drunk."

"And ye do not trust thyself enough and think thou wilt lose control," Artemis surmises and nods slowly. "Though I understand. Drink my mask the discomfort of this place a little, but not fully."

Artemis isn't exactly happy to confess the truth of her reasons for drinking, but the truth must come out when she speaks.

Wade nods. "This is an odd world. I'm probably in better shape and less fragile than some people with actual powers, but I'm still held here."

Artemis chuckles and looks to him. "I thought thy world strange with so many Guardians. This is even more so to me, and I hath no guide in it such as thee were to me." Her smile lessens and she looks ahead in thought. There's some struggle to resolve her thoughts and her feelings on this place. "'Tis odd. As strange as thy Urth is to me still, it...hath begun to feel like a home beyond my Home System. I...miss it. Yes, that is what it is. A longing feeling in my hearts unlike what I have felt in many, many cycles."

Wade smiles. "Clearly, I won't be a great guide for you in this world. But I can still help, at least a little bit."

Artemis smiles to Wade, receiving some comfort from that. "Should I not be the one helping thee? Urth is not mine homeworld and yet I miss it. It IS thy homeworld, so thee must miss it more." She thinks on his prior words. "Though...I know thee to be strong of body and heart, from what I have witnessed of thee, and from how I have seen Wayne adapt to believing he lost all he did know and love. Thou art capable of admirable perseverance," she says in awe of her friend.

Wade sips his beer and smiles. "I...try. But this is difficult." He looks around, "I could try to break out, like you've suggested. But what then? Be on the run all the time, in a world where nearly everyone has superpowers? And that's setting aside the issues I have with breaking the law." He takes another swig of his beer, "I feel like I'm boxed in by my own code of ethics. I'm sure you understand that at least."

Artemis chuckles in grim understanding. "Aye, I do know that much. You aided me when I was trapped by mine own oaths to act against my nature. I...had not thought hoomans binded so." She takes a sip and thinks. "If only I could find aid in a way Urth-bound to the one we know, thy escape would be to freedom and home. For now...thou...COULD blend in if ye were to escape, until the user of powers be needed. But there would be risk of endangerment. Perhaps an escape to the frontier? But...to hide all of ye would be difficult. I wish I knew how to help thee. Were this another world, I would not hesitate to break thee all free and secure a ship to elsewhere."

Wade nods. "If I truly felt that we were being held for an evil purpose, I would attempt to break out, for sure. But...I don't get that feeling.

Artemis nods. "From what I have found thus far, there be no malice in it. Still...I do not like that they take thy freedom away for the sake of protection." She lifts the bottle to her lips, then hesitates and lowers it. "I will keep trying to find a way back to thy reality, Friend Wade. But I will also not leave thee here to languish. So...since thee will not allow me to break thee free, I will merely have to visit thee with much frequency," she smiles to him.

Wade smiles and raises his drink. "Taht would be quite welcome. Thank you."

Artemis smiles and raises her drink in kind. "You are most welcome, my Friend. Mayhaps I can bring more things from the world outside. Treats, more books of thy taste. Mayhaps even some games to keep thee entertained," she smiles.

Wade smiles and nods. "Sure...a game or two sounds good. We can try to find something online."

Artemis smiles at that. "Wayne hath taught me how to play Advanced Squad Leader, Twilight Struggle, Guild Risk, and Senji. We play them on quiet 'date' nights when he doth treat me to his cooking. Mayhaps similar games exist here?"

Wade smiles. "I...think that Twilight Struggle might not. Given the history here." He pats the book he was reading. "But there might be something similar."

"Oh?" she asks with interest as her eyes scan down to the book. Artemis smiles. "If you can tell me of large events, mayhaps I can find boardgames related to them?" She looks about the room. "Do thee receive their version of the History channel here? During the time of cuddling, we watch shows of Urth's ancient history together. We could learn something of this world by doing so."

Wade chuckles. "The history channel here is as bad as the one on our world. Very little in the way of actual history is covered on it. Some of it is fine. But a lot is sensationalistic garbage."

Artemis laughs warmly at that. "Aye, Wayne hath said the same, but I do enjoy some of the retellings," she grins at her guilty pleasure. "He is always sure to point out the morsels of truth within."

Wade smiles. "How are things going with him, by the way?" He seems a bit more comfortable now...and less jealous than before.

Artemis's smile brigthens at the thoughts his questions bring. "Most wonderful. We art very happy together. I hath...hmm...I have even been trying to speak more colloquial english for him. My idea, not his," she switches to speaking more like hoomans normally do. It still had those grand tones, though. "He loves me as I am. But still...I find myself wanting to do this for him." She sips her beer. "He found a new job at am embassy, doing diplomacy work. And he recently rented a home for himself. I think it will be great for him. He has been missing having a home of his own. When he is ready, there will be a house warming party. We have already 'broken in' some of his furniture," she grins.

Wade nods, "I heard he was working for Ambassador Indira? If I remember correctly? I'm glad to hear that he's getting his feet underneath him, so to speak."

Movement outside in the hallway resolves itself into Magda, wearing her usual skirt and button-down shirt. She's in her second of two modes, struggling to read -- the first mode being depressed and staring out at the world into which she can't go. She pauses at the entry, having been using one hand on the wall to guide herself, but isn't done with the part she's on to look up, cross the gap, and keep going. So she's momentarily stopped.

Wade looks up and waves to Magda, "Dr. Gutzu. How are you doing today?" He's currently drinking a beer, and there's some additional bottles on the table in front of Artemis and himself, all currently sealed. They're each on their first.

Artemis nods to Wade. "Yes, that is the ambassador. And he is starting to feel more...hmm...settled than he first was when we freed him from VENOM's nefarious schemes. You and your family helped much with that." She looks over to Magda and nods in greeting.

Magda looks up, and smiles bitterly. 'Doctor'. They give the title to Unpowered if they've done the work, but it's rare that people like her get to do real work. "Victory. Artemis. How is life on the," and she gives a little sigh, "outside?"

Wade beckons Magda in, "Artemis will have to tell you that. I've been stuck here, like you. You're welcome to grab a drink, if you like. I know it won't really help your mood, but the company might."

Artemis takes a sip of her drink. "'tis a strange version of Urth to be sure. Many of those with powers spread across systems. I have not met any alters of those I know. Strange..."

Magda's hand lifts in a habitual gesture, swiftly aborted as it fails, her hand curling in as the powers of her dreams fail to manifest. She closes the book in her hand, then enters and sits in a chair, looking at the beer. "Thank you, none for me." Her attention focuses on Artemis, but there is a vagueness that is not usually there.

Well .. it's usual for her /here/. Not for the Magda that the two remember from Before.

Wade also has a closed book with him which has been set on the table. A history of the country in this timeline, apparently. "How are you holding up, Dr. Gutzu?"

Artemis studies Magda's strange ways and aborted gestures. "You are welcome to the beer if or when you feel the need," she says, having cut out the thy's and thou's when demonstrating to Wade how she's been practicing for Wayne. "A world with metahumans, but not so many Guardians. Many advances were made with the use of powers. That is how this version of Urth reached so far across the stars."

"Magda, please," says that lady, and puts down her book -- an advanced one on nuclear physics -- to reach out and, with a glance at Wade for permission, picks up the history text, which she opens and starts to slowly leaf through. "Same old same old," she sighs. "My waking self is never as sharp as my dream self. Of course," she adds with a brief bitter laugh, "I have powers in my dreams as well. And have lived for a century or more." She shrugs, her eyes on the book as she reads.

Wade nods to Magda, "You're welcome to look through it. It's just their version of US History. So many things are similar. And yet...different. Like echoes."

Magda, already reading, nods slightly. She's used to this sort of delusion from a few of her fellows, the ones with 'super-suits' in their closets -- that this is an alternate world or something. She couldn't swear to it, but either there's something to it -- ha! -- or else they're very good at riffing off each other. It's even gotten so that her own dreams incorporate their stories. "Seems the usual to me."

Artemis regards Magda carefully. "Do thee also flay worlds in thy dreams?" she asks the Worldkiller with some judgement. She's also dropped back into her normal manner of speaking. Speaking on hooman basic was for Wayne's comfort and to demonstrate to Wade.

Wade shrugs, "Well, the history is similar. You have to notice the details. Brown v Board of Education wasn't a thing here. Instead, the plaintiff is someone with the last name of Smith. And...Sacco and Vanzetti weren't accused of using firearms to kill in this world. Instead, it was a superpower, supposedly. It's left in vague terms."

Magda sighs. You tell your dream in one counselling session, and ... "Just the once," she says to Artemis. A glance up at Wade, and she frowns a little. She moves forward a few chapters in the book, to get to post-Professor history.

Wade takes a sip of his drink again, before saying to Artemis, "The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced it's a timeline change. This is our world. Just...altered."

Artemis looks to Wade and nods thoughtfully. "Then...how is it none that we know exist? Mayhaps they never took on mantles and I know them not by their hooman names." It takes a moment for it to sink in and she starts to look sad.

Wade nods. "If the timeline branches early enough, families wouldn't necessarily exist. My father woudln't have become a super soldier, for one. And there's no telling if he'd have even existed, if the change started back in the 1820s."

"Don't be absurd," Magda says mildly. "Of course your father exists."

Wade smiles and shrugs, "Artemis and I have been unable to find him. Now I know that doesn't mean he doesn't exist." He takes a sip of his drink, "...but it also doesn't mean that he does, either."

Wade says, "In this world that we see around us, at least."

"He does not as far as I can uncover," Artemis sighs. "And I hath met his father and mother and know them by their names. I would have found them if they be here," she says. Between thumb and forefinger, she idly rotates her bottle back and forth by its neck. "The organization VENOM does not exist. Wade of Lockwood is not a Guardian here. Which means...my Beloved was never created. And we have no way of going back to the time we know." She's been used to being lost before, but this is hitting her harder than she expected.

Magda, her head bent over the book, looks up at Artemis for a long moment before returning to her reading. Despite getting out of the place, it's clear she's still affected by its inhabitants' delusions. Well, mental stability is a thing no matter who you are. Artemis was clearly in the Institute for too long, failing to accept her lack.

Wade takes a deep breath. "Well, we'll see how things progress. I haven't gotten anything back from the letters I wrote yet. Well, other than form letter responses. Nothing helpful."

Artemis snaps out of her thoughts and looks to Wade, distracted. "What letters?"

Wade shrugs, "Letters to the local Congresswoman. Our two Senators. The Governor."

Artemis nods slowly. "Ah, yes, indeed. I hath tried to procure aid from nearby, but...such attempts have been fruitless. The, ah, hoomans here think me insane for asking aid to free unpowered mortals."