Log:Best of the Best 2069, Scene 1

Best of the Best 2069 2019/10/10 	 Dorian Mayor Cangelosi Ryosei Union Quiet Richard Chamberlain Voyager Amelia Blok Artemis Mercury Starlight Horizon The Senator

1

Here stand the grand buildings of the city constructed during the rapid 19th-Century expansion, on low land reclaimed from long-lost Harrisburg Creek. Main Street is broader here that to the south, though still paved with cobbles, and surrounded on all sides by grandiose edifices (though at any time at least one seems to be under renovation): the heart of this district. Around this are narrower residential streets with a flavor much like that of Old Town, all with faux-gaslamp street lighting.

A mayoral press conference is called outside of City Hall. Rumors have already starts to circulate about what it might be about...especially when Spirit makes an appearance outside of City Hall as well, alongside Mayor Cangelosi and District Attorney Chamberlain.

Artemis sees the gathering of people. It looks like some sort of declaration to be made, such as when the Senator made his announcement. She lands near the outer fringe of the gathering, then walks the rest of the way to draw closer.

The Mayor gets up to the microphone, and the reporters start to record what's going on. He says, "As many of you know...our city is a home to perhaps the highest concentration of metahumans in the country. And in the past, we have celebrated that diversity in our city. We intend to do so once again."

Quiet enters from MagLev System.

The VoyagerSIM reviews the coming and going of the daily news cycle and so made plans to be here for this announcement. It finds the human political game very fascinating and seeks to understand it a bit better.

It stands out in the waves of (biological) heads all facing the same way.

It begins tagging phrases as soon as they begin for later cross-referencing.

Believing it would perhaps be ill-advised to show up to the press conference as a princess, Karin attends as Mercury. Less approachable by her posture and expression (lack of) but also less prone to public incidents and attenpted kidnappings and flash photography directed at her. Also, Friend in SONA, whom she ends up near, acknowledging in silence with a hand-wave gesture.

Amelia

The first thing likely to catch the eye about Amelia for the people who know her history is that she looks like a perfectly healthy young girl aged in her late teens. Her metallic chrome blue dyed hair is asmymetically styled, the left side cut short while the right side hangs loose past her shoulder. She doesn't seem to wear any obvious make-up, however the right side of her face has a brightly colored animated tattoo of a feathered winged snake on it. Physically she is lean and athletically muscled, toned to a whipcord hardness.

Clothing wise the style seems to be futuristic techno-punk. Long black fingerless gloves. A sleeveless snug fitted vest of a metallic sheen that changes hue from red to green to blue as the direction of the light alters. Synthetic dragonhide pants stretch down to knee length black boots. Worn over all that is a long duster coat that could have come from the set of the classic cult TV series Firefly.

Blok

Blok stands about 3.2m tall and weighs about 420 kg. He has grey stony skin, flinty black eyes, and no hair. He wears blue trunks and vest with yellow trim (and Starguard insignia) and blue boots, with yellow bracers. He carrys a canvas satchel over one shoulder, marked with a Red Cross.

Mercury

Standing just over five feet in height, this figure appears to be humanoid in shape and feminine. Her body is entirely coated or made out of a shiny silver-looking fluid metallic substance which flows with ease into a new shape without a sound to accompany the change. She is notably a featureless chromed silvery shape.

Blok is here helping to provide security, and also as an EMT (just in case).

Ryosei, having had a free period, decided to do the smart thing on a Thursday. Go patrolling. And with the apparent gathering, well... what young hero wouldn't want to hear what is going on out this way? Especially one having civics class troubles. Not to mention with his newfound speed, getting here wasn't /that/ hard. A good run, some leaps... and seeing a familiar figure down below, drops down from above to make his way over towards Mercury and SONA.

Once he's close enough a nod is given to Mercury. "Mercury. Did I miss much?"

The Mayor continues, "Some of you may remember from early on in my administration that we used to hold something called the 'Best of the Best' competition. I am here before you today to tell you...we will hold it again this year."

Politics. Combined with sports, and entertainment news, forms a group which Lien follows, lovingly referred to as 'stuff playing on the muted TV(s) around the bar for something to glance at occasionally.' The current crowds are more an impediment to travel than a destination themselves, at this moment.

Lizzy is never one to miss a speech from the Mayor, and got permission from her Civics teacher to attend, in exchange for a report on the event. But when she steps off the MagLev, she sees Thunder and Mercury standing together. So she slips behind a press van, ..."E Pluribus Unum"...becomes Union, and joins her friends.

Artemis grins eagerly at this news, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Surely there will be champions to challenge there," she says to herself.

"You missed nothing," Mercury assures the thunderous one. "There was preamble. It was not informative." Hearing the nature of the competition, she considers. "...I believe I may try my hand."

The Mayor says, "It will be a series of events, starting in a couple of weeks. We will hold them at various hours, to accomodate the schedules of our varied heroes here in the city, and to try to assure that everyone has an opportunity. Rules announcements will be made in the next few weeks."

The Model 9 Prototype turns and raises a hand to Mercury upon spotting her. Its iris sifts subtly as its change of focus shifts but returns to its original stance to continue listening to the press conference.

It tags this contest for further research as it has no idea what this contest even is but the murmuring of crowd indicates that this is a beloved human activity.

Near the back of the crowd Horizon listens in. He cheers. He'd heard about htis contest & wanted in on it but he was never a powered individual or nearly of suitable age. Now anotehr of his childhood dreams is handed to him. He fights the urge to cheer aloud.

Union steps up to Thunder and Mercury just in tome to hear Mercury's response. "The Best of the Best? I think the last one was before I came to Colonial Bay."

Blok wonders if there will be a contest for Healing.

Thunder looks to Union and Mercury, "I... do not know if this one? Is it popular or something? And would it be open to us younger heroes?" He asks Union.

Jackie quietly joins the crowd near the rear of the gathering. She was just passing by and decided to see what the gathering was in aid of.

There's some clapping from the crowd at the mention of the announcement. One reporter says, "Mr. Mayor, how will you avoid the issues that plagued the competition in year's past? Villains have been known to use it as a known location where heroes are gathered to attack them."

Artemis is already eager to get started. She spots horizon in the crowd and grins, making her way to him and moving to clap a hand on his shoulder. "Friend Horizon. Would you be thinking to test your skills in this competition?" she asks cheerfully.

The Mayor nods. "I do not want to discuss security details openly, since that's a security risk. But suffice it to say, we have some of the most powerful metas in his city. One of them has alreayd agreed to help judge the competition this year. Two-time winner - Commander Dorian 'Spirit' Perrault from Starguard Gamma." He motions back to where Spirit is standing, who in turn waves to the crowd.

[To Thunder] Blok says, "I'm not sure. But the mayor did say 'everyone has an opportunity'."

Blok applauds Friend Dorian.

Horizon turns towards the hand on his shoulder. He smiles spotting Artemis. "Hey! I was jsut htinking of you." He says, suspecting she would be a fan of this news. "Definitely. I was way too young to participate last time. And... I didn't exactly have powers or anything. But I sure thought I was tough." He laughs after admitting he, like most adolescent boys was terribly egotistical & full of false bravado.

"How about you? You going to join the tournament too?" he asks her.

The Model 9 merely checks off Mercury & her friends together. It chimes cheerfully as it assigns temporary designations to them.

Artemis eyes Spirit thoughtfully. He's volunteered aid at her request already. Hearing that he's won twice in the past gets her interested in asking for another type of favor.

[To Thunder] Union says, ""I'm not sure. But the mayor did say 'everyone has an opportunity'."

The topic proves somewhat interesting, and the crowd's excitement proves to make them more dangerous roadblocks than normal... and so Lien lingers. Her attention splits between the Mayor speaking, those in the crowd around her, and her qPid.

[To Union] Thunder says, "Cool. I might try it, depends upon when it is and stuff, I guess?"

Artemis laughs heartily at Horizon. "Indeed I will, should I be permitted. I wonder if this is only for native Earthians."

Nearby, Rangel hears the word 'competition' and knows exactly how interesting it will be, finding herself elsewhere to be.

Mercury beckons the Model-9 toward her, making a sweeping gesture to include Union and Thunder. She wears a thoughtful posture overall, her face still blank and expressionless.

Dorian steps up to the microphone, "This of course means that I won't be competing this year, so you're all safe." He laughs, and there's a chuckle from the reporters as well. "We'll be recruiting more judges before the actual event date. We'll have a small panel."

Jackie speaks up from the back of the crowd, "In the past the Best of the Best has been either an individual or team event. Which format will it be this year?"

[To Thunder] Union says, "He said it would be scheduled so that everyone can participate."

Artemis is crushed by the news Dorian won't be competing. "This is terrible. We cannot challenge the reigning champion?!" she hollars with a grin.

The Mayor replies to Jackie, "We're being ambitious. We're going to do both. Individual and Team. Though probably fewer events than prior years for each. We can't have it last a full year."

Horizon nods. "Oh I bet. If Spirit can win it- there's no reason you can't too. He's native but he's like a star man." He reasons for Artemis' benefit. "Pretty sure its more based on age- but who knows how they plan on changing the rules up. Its been a while since the last contest. The world's changed since then." He adds aloud.

The Model 9 Prototype moves to join Thunder, Union & Mercury.

It beeps an acknowledgment to the other two but refrains from its usual introductions since everyone is glued to the Q&A taking place. It of course records it all.

The Mayor says, "For the team portion, no more than 5 members on the team itself."

Union says, "Team events. We should practice."

Dorian says, "Last time we had a team event, rotations on and off the team were allowed. That is being considered, but it does give a large advantage to larger teams like 'The Green' or the 'Champions of Liberty'. We do want this to be a pretty even playing field, if possible.

Artemis makes a thoughtful noise as she folds her arms over her chest. "Hmm. Me thinks my team will not be keen to participate in this competition." She looks to Horizon thoughtfully. "Then I hope to do battle in the lone competitions," she grins.

Thunder looks to Union and Mercury, then nods. "Do it as a three person, maybe? Or if we can find more our age, go up to five? Be a good recruitment, too, and probably show people we're able to help and participate?"

Artemis perks up a bit. "I wonder if Rushmore would be willing to join me for a temporary alliance..."

Union nudges Mercury, "Who's your friend?"

"Unless teams are limited to our number, I'm unsure of it," Mercury informs quietly-ish. She has some experience modulating her voice to not overpower other sounds and still be heard. She presents SONA with another metal card with introductions by heoric identity for Thunder and Union, and by gender. To Union she answers, "This is SONA, a friend I made acquaintance with yesterday."

"Yeah- I can't imagine the Millennium Legion will be sending a team either. Would be cool though. Maybe we can get a team going though. You and I would probably be a good start." Horizon offers Artemis. "I mean, if your team won't be participating." He rubs his neck nervously. "I'm sure you'll do great in the solo division though."

The Model 9 Prototype watches all this curiously. It is its first press conference and there are a number of curious behaviors that many are taking part in that make the VoyagerSIM connect other behaviors and social constructs. This competition does sound very interesting though.

The Model 9 Prototype turns toward the teens and waves. "Greetings. I am Range Technical Systems Model 9 Prototype. Entities meeting Condition: Friends & Condition: Ally also refer to this Unit as SONA, short for Symbionic Optimized Neural(Network) Automaton. I am pleased to meet Mercury's friends and allies." It says cordially.

Jackie makes her way through the crowd to the costumed Mercury, "Hello. May I have a word with you?" she asks in a pause in his current conversation.

The Mayor then says, "I'm happy to take any questions you might have. As I mentioned, formal rules will be posted in the coming days."

Artemis flashes a smile at Horizon. "Perhaps we can," she agrees, and extends her hand to him. "My team does not seem to have the, hmm, inclination for such activities. Perhaps if I can lure my brother from his hedonist revelries, he'll join the battles ahead."

One of the reporters says, "Do you have a preview of what the events will be like?"

Lien thinks a little healthy, or even a little unhealthy, competition isn't bad at all. The details won't be out for a while yet, though, so she focuses a little of that competitiveness now on trying to worm her way through the energized crowd.

The Mayor responds to the reporter, "Much like prior years, we'll have a focus on heroing. So the prior events are a good indication of what it will be like. Target shooting. Saving civilians. A show of strength. Sparring. An obstacle course. These are some of the options that might be used as events this year."

Mercury looks surprised, insofar as she can with a featureless face, and bobs her head. "You may yes. Do you mean immediately?"

Thunder makes a bit of a face, then looks to Union. "... we don't have a sharpshooter, do we?" He looks to Mercury, to see if she might know one.

Blok sees his friend Jackie speaking to a...robot?

Union says, "I doen't think so. Maybe we could recruit one?"

Jackie nods and hands Mercury a card, "I'm Dr. DelQuest. CBSU hospital. Xenobiology department. We like to encourage new metas to come to the department for a medical examination, so if you do have need of our assistance we have a baseline from which to work."

Horizon smiles and reaches out to take Artemis' hand, giving it a squeeze. He hasn't given a real handshake in months so there's a tangible joy had in the experience for the young hero.

He gets a glance at the pair of robotic looking individuals a bit further ahead and gives a nonchalant shrug. Not something he seees often but clearly he's getting used to this town.

The Model 9 android turns its head, regard and giving Jackie a designation. That designation is updated after Jackie properly introduces herself.

Artemis squeezes a little hard, but she knows Horizon is at least somewhat durable. She releases his hand. "So now there are two. Have you any allies who might align with us?" she smiles.

Mercury examines the card, nodding her head slightly, and a hole directly through it to the other side forms for Jackie to witness. The hole moves slowly down to show it can do that over her entire torso. "I am unsure if your instruments would suffice if they are keyed to organic structures," she offers. "But I do not object to this. Do you need time to procure the most appropriate instruments?"

Dorian says into the microphone, "Shortly after we announce the official rules, we'll have an open registration period. You'll be able to register yourself as an individual or your team. Or both."

The idea of a medical examination has Thunder turning to look at Jackie. He looks to Union, then to Jackie. "Maybe she could help us out a bit?" He looks to Mercury and Union. "The new place definitely doesn't have equipment for us to patch ourselves up if we get hurt?"

Jackie points to the card, "The department appointments number is listed. Call at your convenience and make an appointment. Please ask any of your meta friends who haven't seen us to make appointments as well. When someone comes into the ward seriously injured is not the time for us to wonder whether their 160 degree temperature is normal or not. Knowing what is normal and healthy for a meta can save lives."

"Ah I understand better now," Mercury offers to Jackie. "I would be happy to allow you to examine me but I am both highly resistant to harm and damage is something I can repair to myself. But I have two friends who may find much more interest in what you offer right here, and a third friend who may find your work of studious interest." She gestures to indicate the Model-9, Thunder and Union.

Horizon holds up to the squeeze. He doesn't even wince. But he definitely felt that squeeze. "I'm not sure. I've met a few 'roes but not many I've met seem like they'd be into this." He replies to Artemis, "But I bet I could think of someone in time for the contest." He adds, not at all giving up.

The Android waves to Jackie as it is indicated.

Jackie nods to each, "I would like to assure you we take privacy very seriously. We do not ask about your private lives. Our interest is solely in providing the best possible medical assistance should you need it."

Amplitude drops The Senator.

The Senator appears from seemingly out of nowhere amidst the crowd, "We shall definitely be competing, Commander Perrault. We look forward to the challenge."

Thunder looks over as he hears that one. He looks to the other two. "Who's that guy?" He thumbs at the Senator.

[To Thunder] Union says, "He's called The Senator. He has some kind of mental powers."

"That is the Senator. He's recently been in the news after announcing the creation of a new metahuman league that serves at his behest. Or that is what the newies at the library say." The Model 9 android says to Thunder.

Artemis grins as the Senator appears. "I should have expected his team to particupate to solidify their claims. Perhaps Rushmore will game both sides."

Dorian nods to The Senator. "So noted. Be sure to register once we're able to accept such. I feel duly warned." He smirks.

"Maybe. That still leaves us 2 short, right?" Horizon asks, wondering who might work well with them. "I'm sure there will be plenty of metas that step out of the woodwork for this." He adds enthusiastically.

[To Mercury] Union says, "We're short two for the team competition. Do you think your friend here would be interested in joining us?"

The Senator smiles, showing a little teeth as he does so. "Indeed you have, Commander. I will be in touch." And with that...he disappears. There one second. Gone the next.

Amplitude takes The Senator.

Artemis pulls out he rold phone and texts Rushmore. <> It takes her some time to type the message with such a small phone without breaking it with her enthusiasm.

Jackie smiles, "Forgive me to commenting during your conversation, but I'm sure you're have no difficulty getting extra metas to join you on either a temporary or permanent basis. The Best of the Best competition is a wonderful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part on the occasions I did."

Lien side-steps and shoulders and maneuvers her way through the crowd, attempting to avoid spill drinks of observers, upsetting adrenaline junkies already pumped up for battle, or even those threatening to shatter their electronics with inadvertent finger fervor.

There's a response back from Rushmore after a few minutes. << I think I can do that. The CoL has a lot of people. 12? I'm sure they can spare me to compete with you, Art. >>

Artemis smiles brightly and cheers. "Hah hah! I have our third, Horizon!"

Thunder's pocket buzzes slightly and he sighs as he looks around, finally finding a clock. "Excuse me. I need to go, and take a phone call. I forgot it was Thursday." He grumbles a bit, then turns to move off through the crowd. He's heading off to who knows where, too!

Mercury allows the android to respond, turning to look from Union to Android. "I would not dare to speak in another's stead unbidden." Her head turns toward Jackie. "It would be a new experience if it were to happen now, learning what each of us can do. We do have some idea at least in the case of two."

Artemis may be counting her allies before they're confirmed. Also questionable allies, but she doesn't understand the politics behind the Champions of Liberty. The name sounds heroic, after all. <> Artemis doesn't know how NOT to use exclamation points in her texts.

The Mayor answers a few more minor questions from the reporters and then says, "After the event, we'll have a large award ceremony and party for the winners. Again, details will be forthcoming."

Blok pushes his way through the crowd, approaching his fellow SGG member and Healer.

Horizon just watches the crowd & those presenting with relish. He can tell the crowd is excited though maybe not as much as his new teammate Artemis.

The Model 9 Android cocks its ocular sensor. "This Unit would prefer to avoid partaking in violent action where ever possible- though I recognize that many are excited for this competition. I feel I would be remiss if I did not at least assist you in training, but I fear that due to recent circumstance I should not make myself a public figure until the safety of this Unit & those around it can be assured." It says cheerfully though the words it uses are clearly marked with disappointment.

The Mayor says something to Dorian, but away from the microphone.

Lien is able to pick out what the mayor says, though. 'Are you sure that having a drunken bunch of metas in one place is a good idea, Commander?'

Now that she's through the thickest part of the crowd, Lien looks to the semi-emptying stage. in time to note the mayor and Dorian conversing. That glance promotes a smirk. As if they though people weren't going to show up that way, meta or otherwise. It'd be like opening a movie theatre and hoping no one will buy popcorn.

[To Jackie] Blok says, "Hello, friend Jackie. Do you know if StarGuard Gamma will be participating?"

Jackie grins and offers Blok a hug, "Hello, friend Blok. I imaging so. Missing Dorian will be sad. He's been the leader during the Best of the Best team events I took part in. But we still have a potentially strong team. You, Chen, Guardian, Me." She pauses, "Even maybe Lady Winters. Her skills may be useful in some of the tests."

The Mayor waves...and leaves the stairs outside of City Hall, heading back into the building, alongside the D.A. Before he leaves, the D.A. shakes Dorian's hand and claps him on the shoulder.

Blok looks surprised. "Friend Chen is a member? Blok did not know."

Artemis thinks for a bit and sends another text to Victory. <>

There's no immediate response back from Wade on Artemis's message. He might be busy with work right now.