#Sam sees suspicious activity and can't stand it

[lilybug-02]

Suspicious cousin. Walking around. Talking to leaves and stuff.

Bug Fact: The Arctic Scale Worm is named for their scaly backsides and distant relation to earthworms. Pictures & Video Below

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Volume 2 Masterpost

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This video is of an unidentified subspecies of the Arctic Scale Worm, uploaded in 2012! They look so cool when swimming.

If your interested in learning more about this animal and aren't squeamish, here's some creepy photos and facts about them!

[buckyalpine]

Give me drunk Bucky who wakes up in your bed, confused over why he's in the softest pj's he's ever felt and for some reason wearing a giant fur coat he can only assume is from a pimp because who else would own such a thing.

What the hell happened

Mere hours earlier; 3:30 am, Guys night

"Noooooo" Bucky howled, letting his body go deadweight while Thor continued to carry him to his room, the only one strong enough to get the soldier off the floor after he'd polished the bottle of Asdargian mead clean. "Wanna see y/n"

"Yeah, can't imagine what y/n would say if she saw you being carried off like a princess" A very tipsy Sam and Steve followed behind while Bucky's bottom lip jutted out into an exaggerated pout, head thrown back with is eyes closed in defiance "She's still off on that mission, she'll be back soon, you can see her then-

Before Steve could finish, Bucky's eyes shot open, scrambling out of Thor's arms and stumbling towards your room. There was no time to stop him from entering, a drunk giggle slipping past his lips as he let himself in and sighed contently. By the time the three men reached, Bucky's shirt had already been discarded beside his socks.

"Oh no- Steve snorted at the sound of Bucky's belt bucky hitting the floor, his lip sticking out in concentration as he tried to work at the button of his jeans.

"Barnes, I swear if you take your pants off-Damn it" Sam huffed, a pair of black jeans landing on his head. "At least keep your boxers-Oh hell nah" He ducked before Bucky's intimates became aquainted with his face. "Don't you dare helicopter that third leg-he's doing it"

No one intervened as Bucky decided to make himself more comfortable, clearly missing you as he sighed, walking over to your closet. He was in there suspiciously long before emerging with-

"Buck, those are-

"Soft" Bucky hummed, coming out of your closet with a set of pj's you wore often, oversized so they'd be extra comfy. Bucky giggled at the smell of your soft scent, slipping the shirt over his head and putting the pants on, flopping on your bed like a cat. "Smells like y/n"

"Do we just leave him here"

"At least he's wearing pants" Steve sighed, frowning when he heard running footsteps approaching along with a chaotic cackling, who else would be still this active at this hour-

"There you guys are!! We're doing body shots off of- wait you're here. C'mon capsicle, take your shirt off-

"For fucks' sake Tony"

"Where the hell did you get that jacket" Sam's face scrunched when he notice Tony's shirt was missing however he was in a large coat which he'd thrown off, the pile of for landing on a half sleepy Bucky. Bucky's eye peeked open at all the fuss, wrapping himself up in the coat and blissfully falling asleep with his face in your pillow, the rest of the chaos mere white noise.

"SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS-"

"TONY NO"

"TONY YES"

Present

"What do we have here" you coo, giggling at a very disoriented Bucky who blinks up at you with puppy eyes, a pink blush spreading on his face. You'd just returned from your mission with Nat, the entire compound still reeking of alcohol, the hallway littered with various still drunk Avenger men. The only thing that cut through the smell was the fresh breakfast a happy Thor had already started, the only one standing as if nothing had happened.

You'd stepped over a sleeping Sam and Steve in the hallway to get to your room, cocking a brow at the large mound of fur and soft snoring sleeping in your bed.

"Good morning, sweet boy" You brushed back Bucky's hair, bending down to press a soft kiss to his forehead, letting him take his time to figure out his surroundings, "have a fun night"

"Missed you" he mumbled, pulling you to lay on the bed so he could cuddle up with you, his head now resting on your chest instead. "Missed you so much"

"I missed you too, bub" You continued to gently play with his hair, happy your boyfriend got to have a night of fun and thankful that you always kept painkillers in your bedside drawer. Poor baby was going to need it. You noticed the pile of clothes that were thrown on the floor, they were definitely Bucky's but Bucky was in clothes so what was he wearing-

"Buck?"

"hm?" "Are those my pjs?"

[sw-33-ts-stuff]

Killer In NYC

Tara Carpenter X Reader

Part 3

Tara POV

Red and blue lights painted the scene around us as we once again went through an interrogation. After the police arrived and wrote their reports they advised us to be more cautious and to notify them of any other "suspicious" activity. Detective Brooks providing his card should we need anything.

"Don't you think you should make sure we have some protection or something?!" Sam yelled.

Detective Brooks narrowed his eyes. "Look Miss unfortunately we can't keep an eye on a group of college kids in the city that never sleeps. You're not the only one with problems so try to stay vigilant, stick together and call me if you need help."

Sam scoffed. "Great work detective. I'll let you know we need help when we're dead."

The man shook his head laughing sarcastically before walking off.

"So I guess we're on our own again?" I sighed.

"Can't be surprised cops aren't usually very helpful in horror films unless they're sleeping with the main character." Chads eyebrows raised at his sisters cadence. I couldn't help but laugh.

However our laughter was cut short by Sam's phone ringing.

"Kirby?! What? Slow down where..." she glanced to me. "Ok we'll be there in a bit." Sam hung up the phone still looking to me.

I felt my eyebrows furrow.

"What?"

Sam sighed looking to Chad and Mindy next.

"Kirby was attacked but she was able to find a safe spot before Ghostface could kill her."

Chad cheered as Mindy's eyes narrowed slightly.

"She had help from an employee at a coffee shop near by." That's when Sam's eyes went to me. "She said she's at the hospital now with the girl who helped her."

Mindy spoke up then. "Who helped her?"

Sam sighed. "She said her name was Y/n."

.

.

.

As soon as Sam parked I ran into the hospital and to the front desk.

"Y/n L/n?" The nurse looked up surprised.

"You family?" Sam ran up behind me with Chad and Mindy.

"Im her girlfriend and they're her cousins." I lied smoothly knowing I'd never hear the end of this from Mindy after.

"Room 13" I walked faster almost barging in the room seeing Kirby sitting next to Y/n knee bouncing. The girl in question sleeping peacefully with an arm sling around her shoulder. Upon hearing our arrival Kirby looked up with a bandaged nose relief shining through her eyes as she barely spared a glance to Sam.

"How is she?"

"Stable, multiple stab wounds but the doctor said she's tough so she'll make a full recovery with some rest." I sighed feeling my body sag in relief. "She saved my life."

I went to closer to the bed staring at the tubes coming from her body. Kirby looked at Sam standing up. "Can we talk?"

My sister nodded and the two went out into the hallway.

Chad going to the vending machine to get himself and Mindy some snacks.

"So girlfriend huh?" I felt myself flush a bit before turning to the girl with an eyebrow raised.

"Seriously you couldn't wait until we left the hospital?" The olive skinned girl shrugged.

"What? You know I live for gay shit and something tells me that lie wasn't too far off the mark." I shook my head.

"You do remember my boyfriend right, Evan?"

"The same dude who didn't even know you had asthma? Which brings me to another question..why did she have your spare inhaler?" I stayed quiet looking at the girl in the bed. "Tara-"

"Alright I got Funyuns, Ruffles, Cheetos, Doritos and some candies." Mindy gave me a look letting me know our conversation wasn't finished. A frustrated Kirby following shortly after with Sam and a nurse.

"I'm sorry everyone but our visiting hours are ending shortly."

"Can I stay?" I bit my lip as Kirby stared at me curiously.

"We'll we're usually not allowed but since you're the girlfriend you can everyone else will have to wait until tomorrow morning." Mindy chuckled shaking her head as Kirby's eyes widened.

Chad gave me some of the snacks he'd bought before leaving with everyone else.

I had moved the chair closer to her bed placing one of my hands on hers.

3rd Person POV

Sam was on her way to drop off Kirby to the theater where her cousin, Sasha, was waiting for her. Chad and Mindy were going to join but decided they'd "wanted to live for at least a few more minutes".

Kirby relayed the events prior as Mindy mentally tried to keep track of who the killer may be.

Exiting the car and making her way in quickly

Kirby walks in to the theater, a bucket of popcorn tucked safely in her arms. She looked around for a familiar head of blonde hair. She only found the back of her head as she was currently locking lips with her boyfriend Gabe.

"Ew." She threw popcorn at the couple making then break apart. She sat down roughly next to Sasha who wiped some of her lipstick off.

"Sorry cuz." She grinned widely grabbing some popcorn.

"Where's Joy?" The younger blonde rolled her eyes.

"She wanted to see the new Stab movie next door, and knew you wouldn't want to be involved so Gabe was keeping me company before joining her." Said boy saluted both women before heading over to the next theater over.

Hooting and hollering was heard all around as the previous Stab movie credits rolled. Everyone cheering with some even going as far to dress up as Ghostface and try to scare people.

"What's up?" Gabe had plopped down in his seat next to Joy. Who had yet to say anything. He pushed her shoulder twice before she fell forward body revealing a sharp knife in her back.

"Oh my God! HEL-“

The girls body began to shake as she laughed.

"Got ya!"

"Fuck can you not?" She shrugged looking at him.

"No popcorn?" He rolled his eyes.

"You're not my girlfriend, you can get yourself some popcorn if you want it so bad."

She scoffed rolling her eyes as the next movie begins.

A pout begins to form.

Damn it's too late now.

The girl looks to the boy again as lights dimmed and the movie began getting more cheers from the crowd.

He stared back feeling his eyes well up.

"Fuck!" He blinked first. "Fine but you gotta come back with me to see this again!"

The girl smiled nodding and clapping as she turned to the movie.

"The whole fucking series!"

Gabe ran up to the register giving his money to an acne ridden teen behind the counter.

.

.

.

Sam sat with Mindy and Chad in her living room as her phone rang.

"Samantha Loomis.."The voice sang. "How are you?"

Everyone in the apartment grew still. Mindy already dialing a number as Chad grabbed the lamp next to him.

"What do you want now asshole?"

She spoke through gritted teeth.

"I was just wondering if it was such a good idea leaving your sister alone when there's a killer on the loose?"

At the hospital, Tara slept soundly next to Y/n nothing to be heard except the beeping of the monitor next to them and the occasional squeak of a wheel chair rolling by.

The gentle rise and fall of Y/N's chest the only sign of life from the girl.

Sam shot up.

"Leave my sister the fuck alone!" She was already getting her keys as Mindy spoke with Detective Brooks.

They climbed into the car, the harsh sound of tires squealing heard throughout her apartment complex.

Detective Brooks jumped into his car, siren blaring as he tried weaving his way through traffic.

.

.

.

Joy bounced in her seat as the movie opened and the first kill had begun. She felt a body sit next to her and immediately reached for the bowl of popcorn.

"That was fast." She commented before leaning in. "And right on time for the first dumb bimbo to get slaughtered." She laughed.

The person next to her remained silent. Joy felt her eyebrows furrow in confusion. Gabe usually loved to criticize the girls on film. He also would've complaint about how he'd missed some Easter egg that he just knew would prove important later in the movie.

She turned her body to her neighbor only to see a weathered Ghostface mask staring back at her, gloved hand going over her mouth as he stabbed her.

A muffled gurgling filled the killers ears. The girl quickly tried to make her way to the front of the theater only to drop dead in the isle as Ghostface calmly stood over her dragging the knife from one ear to the other making the audience go crazier. Ghostface had picked the body up bridal style, someone else taking a picture before they’d dropped Joy and disappeared.

.

.

.

A heavy thud woke Y/n as she sat up abruptly in her hospital bed. Her eyes turning to the culprit to see Tara smiling sheepishly holding up her phone.

"Sorry." She looked down unable to look the other girl in the eye at the moment.

"It's fine." She rasped out pushing her pillows as she prepared to sit up.

Tara quickly ran over to help making the barista laugh.

"Damn if I knew getting stabbed would be the way to get your attention I would've done it sooner."

Tara stared incredulous.

"Seriously?" The other girl shrugged making the brunette give a sarcastic laugh.

"I- " a shrill ring from her phone interrupted her.

"Sam?" Y/n sat up straighter. "What?! No we're fine...we-"

A crash outside of the door made both girls look to the door and back to each other.

.

.

.

I better not have missed anything good.

Gabe walked back into the theater nearly tripping over something he looked down. He felt his head tilt as he dropped the popcorn bucket. He turned the body over feeling himself grow nauseous as he saw the body belonged to Joy.

"HELP!" He looked around trying to get someone to do something. "SHES DEAD!" He put his hands covered in blood up.

Everyone continued laughing shouting and enjoying the movie playing on screen as the boy ran out to call the police. As he reached the theaters front doors a figure grabbed him by his hair stabbing him in the chest. He pushed away running out the door and into Times Square. He tried his best as another sharp slice was made into his back.

"HELP!" The crowd around him creating a circle still watching as the screens around began to change their focus to him and the dark figure following. A knife went through his temple as Ghostface stared directly into the screen.

Everyone screaming and running once they realized what was happening.

Detective Brooks stared at the screens from his car. He quickly got out gun drawn as he tried to shove his way through the crowd. He attempted to shoot once and get the crowd to disperse but there were too many civilians too much chaos. He looked up at the big screen again seeing the boys lifeless body sit on the pavement. The puddle of blood growing quickly around him, eyes wide open still painted in fear.

He sighed as he called for the paramedic.

.

.

.

Sam ran through the dark hallway of the hospital crashing into a nurse who'd been going to change a patients IV. Chad and Mindy following closely behind stopping to help her before they continued their journey to save the younger Carpenter.

A familiar figure was trying to get into Y/N's room shoulder pushing hard as both girls behind the door blocked it off as best they could.

Chad ran and tackled the figure going to punch whoever it was when he got a glimpse of the persons face.

"David?" He coughed holding his hands up. The flowers he'd been carrying now ruined, as he groaned holding his rib cage.

"Sam texted that Tara was in the hospital I thought I'd keep her company." Mindy’s eyes narrowed as did Sam's.

The door swung open upon their arrival. Chad helping David up but still holding him close by his shirt collar not trusting him.

Y/n winced grabbing Tara's attention as she helped the taller girl get back on the hospital bed. The two accidentally turning on the TV causing everyone's eyes widening as a news reporter stood at Times Square familiar faces popping up in a box next to her.

"......Reporting Live from New York this is Gale Weathers."

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Taking Care of Business

A JSE Fanfic

SepticHeroes AU: Part 27

First Part | Previous Part

I'm starting to realize I tend to write longer chapters for this series XD I guess I just really can't help myself from going off with character interactions with these guys. In this chapter, Jackie goes back to SepTech to ask McLoughlin some more questions. Meanwhile, Marvin drops by Schneep's office, and Jameson gets to know this new guy he's met. Maybe they could be friends? Heheh :D

===============

Jackie landed outside the North SepTech location. He took a deep breath to prepare himself before heading in. Everything would be fine. Dr. McLoughlin said that he could stop by whenever he wanted without even needing to make an appointment. It would be fine. But as he walked through the doors, he still couldn’t help but be a little nervous. Was it just the natural anxiety of walking in somewhere like he owned the place? Or was it something more? Was he... suspicious of McLoughlin? Marvin had brought up some good points, after all.

No, no. He refused to judge the man before he even had a chance to talk to him. That would taint their entire encounter. For all he knew, McLoughlin just made a mistake when analyzing the Puppeteer’s mask. That’s all.

He got a visitor’s pass from the receptionist and then asked for directions again. He couldn’t remember the exact way to McLoughlin’s lab. She told him the way, and he managed to get to the lab pretty quickly. It was still a shock to see how different this futuristic basement was from the office building above. Everything white and metal. Jackie walked up to the double doors to the lab, and they slid open automatically. Cool.

The lab was just as crowded and messy as it was the first time he was here. Jackie’s eyes flicked over the robotic arms dangling from the ceiling, the monitors around the walls and standing in the middle of the floor, the wires and metal scraps and weird mechanical parts covering every inch of every surface. No sign of any people in here. “Hello?” he called. “Dr. McLoughlin? Are you in here?”

A moment passed. Then one of the monitors nearby turned on, its screen showing the words INTERCOM SYSTEM ACTIVATED. “Hey, Windstorm!” McLoughlin’s voice said excitedly. Coming from the speakers by the monitor. “I didn’t know you were stopping by!”

“Uh—y-yeah, last time I was here you said I could pop in whenever,” Jackie said.

“I did, didn’t I? Right. Sorry, my memory sucks sometimes—which I think I’ve also told you.” McLoughlin laughed. “I’m all the way at the very back. Come on over.”

“Sure.” Jackie hopped into the air, flying over the mess taking up the floor and towards the back of the lab. It’s a pretty big room. You could probably fit a handful of tennis courts in here end-to-end.

Most of the back wall was one massive monitor, but there were smaller monitors surrounding it. They were all turned off except for a couple right below the big screen. Jackie saw McLoughlin’s special SAM rise into the air and flew over there, dropping to the ground nearby. “Hey!” McLoughlin was working at some sort of console, sitting in a swivel chair that he spun around to face Jackie. “Good to see you! Welcome back to the lab.”

“Uh, nice to be back,” Jackie said, looking around. “What’re you working on now?”

“Theory and blueprints,” McLoughlin said, gesturing at the screen. “Trying to come up with new stuff. But I feel like I’ve hit a block, you know? It’s not really ‘artist’s block,’ but if you know what that is, it feels the same, I think. I’ve maybe got an idea for something to supercharge supers’ powers? But it might be dangerous so I’m not sure if I want to go through with it, lord knows the League would leap on it if they heard I was even thinking about that.”

“Uh... huh.” Jackie nodded slowly. “What do you mean? How would it work?”

“Well, it’d be most helpful for Type E, I think, supers who draw power from energy,” McLoughlin explained. “Basically it would give them a bigger dose of energy, but I dunno, there might be side effects from that. Might shock their systems. And I can’t exactly test that on myself like I did with the interface.”

“Right. I forget you have a fucking... chip in your head,” Jackie muttered.

McLoughlin laughed. “I’m a fucking cyborg, and I’m proud of it. Do you know how hard it was to work on an advanced prosthetic while you only have one arm and one eye?” He flexed the fingers on his right hand.

“Couldn’t you have gotten a less advanced prosthetic to help while you worked on the one you were making?”

“Well... yeah, I guess, but then I’d have to remove it—and that’s a whole can of worms. I figured it was easier to just wait until I was done.” McLoughlin shrugged. “Wasn’t so bad. I had the robots to help with a lot of it.”

“Speaking of, uh, your robots.” Jackie reached down, unhooking the Puppeteer mask from his belt. “Remember this?”

“Oh yeah, the mask!” McLoughlin nodded.

“Did you, uh, have your robots do the scan on this?” Jackie asked. “Or did you... How much... Were you heavily involved, or did you just leave it to the machines?”

McLoughlin chuckled. “I pretty much ‘left it to the machines,’ as you said. That’s a fun way of putting it, I’ll have to remember that.” His expression suddenly became serious. “Why? Is there something wrong with it?”

“Um... yeah.”

“Set it down there, then.” McLoughlin pointed at the nearest table. “Face-up. Tell me what this is about.”

Jackie set the mask down. The SAM flew down. Part of its metal casing slid open—specifically, the bottom part of the blue ring around its central camera—and a wave of blue light came out, scanning the mask slowly. “I took it to someone else about the mask—they, uh, asked to see it—and they said that it had been tampered with, that its LEDs were being controlled externally and so was the voice synthesizer. And they said there were cameras and microphones, and those were also being controlled externally.”

“Hmm.” McLoughlin frowned. “That’s a lot of modification. Huh.” He stood up and walked over to the mask, flipping it over as soon as his SAM was done scanning. Once it finished scanning the back side as well, McLoughlin took out that remote with the red button. “Importing scans from SAM-0 to the internal network. Display them on the nearest blank monitor.”

One of the screens turned on, displaying the scan the SAM made, a bunch of complicated white lines on a black background. Jackie didn’t understand it at all, but McLoughlin nodded thoughtfully. “Do you see them now?” Jackie asked.

“Yeah. That’s weird.” McLoughlin spoke into the remote again. “Compare these scans to the last scan of the Puppeteer mask.” A second set of scans showed up underneath the first, which shrunk in size so all four images could be displayed at once. Red circles popped up on the new SAM scans, highlighting the differences. “How did we miss this before?” McLoughlin muttered into the remote.

“It is likely that the differences are a result of modification done after the previous scan,” said a robotic voice from the computer speakers.

“No they’re not,” Jackie said. “How would that be possible? The mask was with me the whole time after you gave it to me.”

McLoughlin nodded. “Assume that the differences were there during the previous scan,” he said to the remote—clearly connected to the computer. “How could we have missed them?”

“It is possible that the damage inflicted to the mask caused errors during the initial scanning process,” the computer replied. “It is possible that the scanning equipment may need to be repaired or updated. It is possible that the scanning equipment or the recorded scans were modified by an outside party. It is possible that SAM-0 may have more advanced scanning equipment. It is possible that human error—”

“Thank you, you may stop listing possibilities,” McLoughlin interrupted. He glanced at Jackie. “You really have to stop it early, or it keeps iterating on problems and getting absurd.”

Jackie frowned. “It said... that the scans might’ve been modified by someone else?”

“Yeah, that was one of the possibilities.”

“That... might be likely.” Jackie hesitated for a moment. Should he tell McLoughlin about the new developments? Well, he’d already told the police. “Dr. McLoughlin... there’s someone else involved in the Puppeteer case.”

“Hmm? Oh, well, I guess that’d make sense,” McLoughlin said. “If there are cameras in the mask, and the lights and voice were being controlled externally, that just makes sense. Cause who would they be controlled by?”

“Exactly!” Jackie nodded. “This other person—this Anti-Virus, I’ve been calling them—”

“Anti-Virus?” McLoughlin raised an eyebrow.

“—they might be a technopath,” Jackie said. “I-I have evidence that they can see through cameras and send messages and emails and stuff.”

“That doesn’t mean they can get into SepTech’s system, though,” McLoughlin pointed out. “We have very high digital security.”

“Okay, but—but the Puppeteer was controlling people in SepTech, right?” Jackie said, his mind whirling. “If he got a hold on someone who worked with your system, like an IT guy, maybe, o-or even someone with a very high security clearance, he could’ve made them open up a path for Anti-Virus.”

“...oh.” McLoughlin went pale. “Well... shit.”

“Shit.” Jackie nodded in agreement.

“I-I can flush our system again,” McLoughlin said. “That should be able to drive out anything currently—but does it work the same for a technopath? Well, I guess if there are any viruses they planted or anything, it’ll get rid of that, at least. I’ll see if we can increase security, too, do a quick check on everything, make it harder for this Anti-Virus to get in.” He shook his head. “Can’t fucking believe it. The Puppeteer had a partner.”

“Um... no, actually,” Jackie said. “All signs point to the Puppeteer being blackmailed to do all this by Anti-Virus.”

“What?!” McLoughlin’s head snapped to Jackie.

“I know, it sounds crazy, but it’s true.”

“How the fuck do you know? You sound so sure.”

“I-I found proof,” Jackie said. He’d spent an hour yesterday making sure he’d copied the video tape JJ had left for them to find. But he only copied the part about JJ, electing to keep Dahlia’s involvement—Timekeeper’s part of the video—out of it. It might make a bit less sense, but he didn’t want to willingly tell the police a super’s secret identity. Not when Anti-Virus probably had her in their clutches. That felt like a violation.

“Must be some good proof, then,” McLoughlin muttered.

“Hopefully, combined with the mask, it’ll be enough to get—get Jameson Jackson out of the Vault,” Jackie said. “He doesn’t deserve to be in there.”

“I mean... the guy did mind control people,” McLoughlin said. “He’ll probably still be in jail, even if he was blackmailed.”

“But it’ll be a normal prison,” Jackie insisted.

“Hmm. True,” McLoughlin said slowly. “I’m just saying. The memories of people trying to get into my lab while I sealed up the one entrance will be in my nightmares.”

Jackie winced. “Um... sorry?”

“Why are you apologizing? You weren’t the one who did it.”

“Yeah, but... I-I don’t know, he’s not here to apologize, so I might as well.” Jackie laughed a little. And then his mind processed something. “Wait, one entrance? I saw a couple doors around the sides of the room, though.”

“Yeah, those only lead to storage rooms,” McLoughlin said. “All sorts of shit in there. I don’t even keep track of it all. I swear some of those doors I haven’t opened in years.” He shook his head. “Not the best organizer.”

“Oh I feel that,” Jackie chuckled. “Well. Anyway. Can you maybe print out those scans or something? So I can use them as evidence for the police?”

“Of course.” McLoughlin spoke to the computer again. “Print out all scans of the Puppeteer’s mask, including the ones with the highlighted differences.”

“Yes, Dr. McLoughlin.” A little tray popped out of the side of the console. There were several mechanical noises, and papers slid out of a slit in the console, landing in the tray.

Jackie walked over and picked them up. Yep, those were the scans. “Thanks,” he said. “I’ll be taking these with me. Oh, and the mask, of course.” He made sure to pick it up.

“No problem,” McLoughlin said. “And, uh, Windstorm? I’m so sorry about the scan from before. That it wasn’t accurate, I mean.” He looked down at the ground, embarrassment on his face. “I-I swear my stuff is better than that, usually.”

Jackie’s heart softened. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “You probably got hacked, not your fault.”

“Still.” McLoughlin sighed, then looked up again. “If there’s anything you need, let me know. Though, uh, the system flush will probably cripple my ability to do much for a while.”

“No I get it, that’s fine, really.” Jackie smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thanks for stopping by,” McLoughlin said. “Again, feel free anytime.”

“Will do.” Jackie gave him a little salute, then jumped into the air. “Goodbye.”

“Bye!” McLoughlin waved him off.

Now all Jackie needed to do was fly home and get that tape copy he made. He could deliver it and the mask with its scans to the police station today. They could look into it and start the process of getting JJ a proper trial. The sooner they started, the sooner they could finish, and the sooner JJ would be out of the Vault.

This would be enough. It had to be.

===============

Schneep was just getting ready to leave work when he heard a knock at his office door. He quickly clocked out on the computer—he could always clock in again if this turned out to be an emergency and not more paperwork—and called out, “Yes, come in.”

An unexpected face walked through the door. “So, this is your office, then?” Marvin said, looking around. “Not exactly what I expected. Then again, not sure what I was expecting.”

“Marvin?” Schneep blinked. “What are you doing here? Wait, I never told you where I work!”

“Sorry about that,” Marvin said, closing the door behind him. “I realized I didn’t have any way of contacting you. But I did remember JJ telling me where you worked once, so I figured I’d stop by.”

Schneep sighed. “Well, I suppose it does not matter that much.” He started shutting down the computer. “So I repeat my question. What are you doing here?”

Marvin glanced around the room. “Are there any... cameras in your office?”

“Security cameras? No, there are none in the offices at all. Only the places where actual important things are stored.”

“Do you have like... patient information in here or something? Wouldn’t that be important?”

Schneep stood up and walked over to the filing cabinet, tugging on the drawer. It didn’t open. “Locked. I suppose that is good enough for the hospital.”

“And... what about the computer?” Marvin jerked his head towards the desktop monitor.

“No cameras on work computers,” Schneep said. “No microphones, either. If you need either of those, you need to borrow an external one from IT and plug it in. Besides, even if that was the case, I just shut the computer down.”

“In that case, shut your phone down, too,” Marvin insisted.

Schneep rolled his eyes, but he took out his phone and did so, showing the shutdown process to Marvin. “There. Is this about Anti-Virus? You are worried about them listening in?”

Marvin nodded. “Just in case.” He paused, then narrowed his eyes. “You’re not going to call me paranoid now, are you?”

“No, not paranoid. Perhaps a bit over-cautious, but I don’t think you’ve crossed into paranoia. Paranoia would mean you are unjustified. And after hearing the truth about Anti-Virus from that video... I’d say you are very, very justified indeed.” Schneep shuddered a little.

Marvin relaxed a little. “That’s what I think, too. About... Anti-Virus. God, we’re all really sticking with that, aren’t we?”

“It is what they called themself in that text message, that is the closest we’ll get to this villain naming themself,” Schneep said. And he always thought heroes—and even villains—should name themselves. Otherwise the public would do it, and they would come up with something generic like ‘the Specter.’ Schneep’s name had grown on him over time, but he remembered being very annoyed about it at first, thinking anything he could come up with would be better. 

“Right. I guess.” Marvin sighs. “I bet Windstorm’s told the police about them, using that name. It’s gonna stick now.”

“Okay, we have talked quite a lot, and you still haven’t answered my question,” Schneep said. “What are you doing here?”

Marvin gave the room another look-around. Then he walked up to Schneep, lowering his voice a little. “Have you ever infiltrated SepTech?”

Schneep nodded. “Yes, a couple times. That is how Jackie met the Specter, actually. In the East location.” He’d gone there because he heard they had chameleon cloth. If he was going to get back into the game, he wanted an updated suit, and one that blended into the environment seemed like a good fit for him.

“Oh.” Marvin blinked. “Right. Okay. Well.” He coughed awkwardly. “What if... what if I commissioned you to spy on them some more?”

“Commissioned me?” Schneep raised an eyebrow. “What, am I an artist?”

“Depends on if you think it’s an art to break into places.”

“A skill, more like it.” Schneep grinned. And one he very much enjoyed using. He’d be happy to infiltrate SepTech... but he wanted to know why Marvin wanted him to do this. “So... what is this about, then? Spying on them? Why?”

“Because of that Dr. McLoughlin guy,” Marvin said. “There’s something up with him. Something suspicious. I’m not sure what, but I can’t shake this feeling that he’s connected to Anti-Virus. He might even be Anti-Virus.”

“That is a serious accusation,” Schneep pointed out.

“I know. That’s why I haven’t brought it up to the police. Well, that, and my whole... villain persona,” Marvin admitted. “But Windstorm wouldn’t believe me when I told him that there’s a connection.”

“Really?”

“He admitted it was suspicious, but said it could be a coincidence and isn’t doing anything about it,” Marvin clarified. “I think he’s even taking the Puppeteer mask back to Dr. McLoughlin so he can look at it. The guy who probably deliberately hid details about it! Hell, he might even have given it to him today!” He shook his head, anger clouding his features. “I don’t blame him for being so trusting—but I think it’s a mistake.”

“So... you think I could spy on Dr. McLoughlin for you, then?” Schneep asked.

“I’d help, of course. But I think you’d be best for actually going into the SepTech locations.”

“That is true.” Schneep nodded. “With the word ‘commission’ thrown in, I wonder, will you pay me for this? Or is this a favor for friends?”

“I mean, I can pay you if you want,” Marvin considered. “Not that much, but I have some spare cash. But... I thought you would want to do this. For yourself. And... for your family. After all, if McLoughlin is connected to Anti-Virus, he might have information on where Dahlia is. He might even be the man who took her, the man who made JJ do all that Puppeteer shit.”

Schneep clenched his fists. “You are appealing to my revenge?”

“...No,” Marvin said quietly. “I’m appealing to your love for them.”

“Well... that is the right thing to do.” Schneep turned away, looking out the office window at the cityscape. “If there is a chance that this McLoughlin man is connected—the slightest chance—I will take it. I-I cannot leave them behind.” Especially after he couldn’t convince JJ to run. He could have gotten him out of there before he got sent to the Vault. He knew he could have. But JJ didn’t want that. Schneep now understood that it was because of Dahlia. He wasn’t sure of the details, but he was sure that JJ thought fleeing the police would just put her in danger. Well... if this McLoughlin guy turned out to be connected to Anti-Virus, Schneep had a lead on how to get Dahlia out of danger. And JJ too, by extension. Those two were the only real family he had left. He had to do whatever he could to help them.

Marvin nodded. “Yeah. I-I know.” His voice broke a little, so he cleared his throat and moved on. “I don’t know how your, uh, infiltrations work. So I’ll leave that up to you. Just keep me updated.”

“How? I don’t know any way to contact you,” Schneep pointed out.

“Stop by my work,” Marvin said. “Here, if you have a pen and paper I can write it down, and my hours.”

“Ah, yes, of course.” Schneep turned back to the desk and pulled out a scrap piece of paper and a pen. “I will write down my office hours as well.”

“What do you do most of the day here?” Marvin asked. “SDER is a pretty specialized department. You can’t possibly have that much to do.”

Schneep laughed. “Well, since there haven’t been many super fights lately, you are right. Windstorm is very careful, which I will always be happy for. When SDER personnel are not taking care of super-related injuries, we have secondary positions. I am also a neurologist, and I specialize in patients with injuries that affect the brain and nervous system. That is why Chase was assigned to be my patient—his injuries fell into both my areas. Ah, here.” He handed Marvin the paper and pen.

Marvin took it, wrote down his work address and shift hours, then tore the paper in half and took the half with Schneep’s details. “Thanks.”

“Do you want to talk over the details some more, or should I just show up at your work once I have completed my first heist?” Schneep asked.

“Well, it’s not really a heist, I’m not asking you to take anything,” Marvin said.

“Are you suuuuure?” Schneep prompted.

Marvin laughed. “I’m sure. For the first couple times, at least. If we find out there’s anything worth taking, we can talk about it more.”

“Heh.” Schneep grinned. “Well, I look forward to working with you, then.”

Marvin grinned back. “The same to you.”

===============

JJ woke up with a pounding headache. He might have brushed it off before, but not today. Not after he heard about the neutrinalin and its side effects. Was this the first sign that the constant doses were catching up to him?

Well, he couldn’t just lie in bed all day. If he missed role call, the prison guards would come over to his cell and drag him out anyway. He was pretty sure they would do that no matter what. Given the listless state of most of the other prisoners, he was pretty sure that the only thing that would prevent him from having to adhere to the schedule... would be if he literally could not walk at all. So he got up and staggered out of his cell once role call was announced.

The cafeteria of Byrthon Vault wasn’t anything to write home about. It was completely bland, with stainless steel tables and benches and blank off-white walls. JJ got his food as he had every day before, and was about to sit down—when he spotted a shock of red hair through the crowd and immediately diverted course.

Soren saw him coming. He gave him a little wave as he sat down across from him. “Looks like you almost missed me,” he said. “Did you forget about me already?” He winked playfully.

JJ smiled a little. I woke up with a headache, it must be clouding my thoughts.

“Hmm. It does do that, doesn’t it?” Soren tapped the edge of his tray with his spoon. Looked like he’d already finished eating before JJ even arrived. Which made sense, the lower floors got to the cafeteria first at meal times.

JJ looked down at his own food. It’s going to get worse, isn’t it?

“Slowly, but yes.” Soren shakes his head. “Maybe it’ll be especially slow for you. I’ve noticed that the more powerful you are, the longer it takes for the shitty side effects to take hold. And rumors say you’re pretty powerful.”

I suppose so, he said. It must run in the family. She was—is very powerful. And Schneep seemed able to hold his own, too.

“You’ll be fine,” Soren said quietly. “I can tell.”

How? You don’t know me that well.

“Intuition, I guess? I’m used to listening to my gut feelings. They can save you more often than you think.” Soren shrugged. “So. How have things been in Daindover while I’ve been gone? Did things fall to chaos?”

JJ shrugged back. I remember hearing about a crime spree after Pathos—you—were arrested. But it calmed down. Windstorm took care of it.

“Really?” Soren tilted his head, intrigued. 

I don’t know the details off the top of my head, though, JJ said. Sorry.

“No, it’s fine. Can’t expect you to remember everything.”

I know things were calm for a long time after that, JJ said. Relatively, I mean. Seems like things are never fully calm. He paused. Then I came along.

Soren’s eyes flicked up and down, examining JJ. “I’ve been thinking about this. And you don’t like what you did, do you? The guilt on your face is clear as a bell.”

A bell? JJ asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re dodging the subject. But that’s fine. It’s clearly very personal, no need to tell a guy you met yesterday about it.” Soren chuckled.

JJ glanced around the cafeteria. If this conversation happened when he first arrived at the Vault, he would’ve been worried about sharing. Scared that if rumor got out that he wasn’t a big tough villain, people would attack him. But clearly, most of the prisoners didn’t have the energy for that. So, really, why not? I didn’t like it at all, he admitted. If I had a choice in the matter, it never would have happened.

“Someone forced your hand,” Soren muttered. “Blackmail? Threats?”

JJ blinked. How did you figure that out? 

“Comes with my line of work. I know a lot about... persuasion.”

Right. Soren was Pathos, and Pathos had been head of the biggest organized crime family this side of the country. JJ almost forgot about that. He narrowed his eyes slightly, looking Soren over. Did YOU enjoy what you did? he asked.

Soren blinked, as if no one ever asked him that before. He leaned back, looking thoughtful. “Some of it was exciting,” he said slowly. “But most of it was simply... business. I did what I had to do.”

JJ wanted to protest that you never had to become a villain... but that seemed a bit hypocritical. So instead, he simply asked, Why?

“Why did I have to? Oh, a lot of reasons.” The spoon tapped against the edge of the tray again. “Mostly to prevent something like that chaotic crime spree you mentioned. The one that happened after I was arrested. But it’s not fully that. After all, sounds like the city recovered soon enough.” Soren paused. “What about you? Do you want to talk about why you had to do what you did?”

JJ slowly shook his head. Not now.

“Right.” Soren grinned a little. “I get it.”

The rest of the breakfast passed in mostly quiet, with JJ occasionally asking questions about the Vault or its prisoners that Soren answered. Then breakfast was over, and JJ went back to his cell to lie down for a while. Maybe he could nap off the headache.

...Nope. It was still there when lunch rolled around. It wasn’t a strong pain, he’d certainly had worse, but it still dragged on him. Still, he didn’t want to miss lunch. So he got up and headed to the cafeteria.

Just like at breakfast, he spotted Soren easily and sat down across from him. Soren looked up as he did so. “Again?”

If you want me to leave, I will, JJ said. But you’re the one who asked if I wanted to sit with you, Soren. And you’re the only person who’s done that.

Soren laughed. “You got me there. Wow, it really does feel biting when you go to the trouble of spelling out my name. I get we’re not close enough for you to give me a special sign, but still. Feels like you’re dragging out the tone.”

JJ decided to take that as a compliment. Soren certainly intended it that way. Do you talk to a lot of people in here? he asked. There was that Angela woman. Anyone else?

“I’m sure you noticed that there isn’t too much talking in here in the first place.” Soren jerked his head to the side, indicating the cafeteria at large.

JJ nodded slowly. It was the silence that had bothered him. The first thing that led him to notice all the other odd things about his fellow prisoners. 

“But I know what you mean. There do tend to be... groups.” Soren chose that word carefully. “Like in movies about high school, you get different cliques.”

What the— JJ couldn’t help but giggle a little. It seemed like such a childish comparison, and it certainly wasn’t something he expected Soren to say.

Soren raised an eyebrow. “Hey, that’s the best word for it, it really is. You’ll notice that someone will sit with the same small group of people over and over again. They don’t really open up to newcomers sitting with them. Which makes sense. In this place, everyone is dangerous. If you have a group you can trust, that’s probably enough. Why waste your limited energy on a stranger? Usually, people from the same sort of... geographical area tend to stick together.” He smiled. “Like how I asked you about Daindover.”

JJ nodded slowly. He understood that. And though he wanted to say something about how trust is good and people should open up more... again, it felt a bit hypocritical. He didn’t tell anyone about what happened to her. He didn’t tell anyone about the messages through the phone.

The rest of lunch was the same as breakfast, and then JJ again went back to his cell. The headache was still there. Still annoyingly persistent, sapping his will to do much of anything. It was even making it hard to sleep. Would it keep him up tonight?

Evening role call, and then dinner again. He found Soren for the third time and sat down. I was thinking about what you said at lunch, he said, starting the conversation this time.

“Oh? What?” Soren asked. “I said a lot.”

About me spelling out your name. If we’re going to talk a lot, and I think we are, it would be convenient to give you a name sign, even if we haven’t known each other for that long. This was very, very, very unusual. Names weren’t really a thing in BSL, using a specific sign for a person was usually reserved for friends and family. But... honestly, JJ didn’t care about that right now. His friends and family weren’t here, and they would never find their way in here. 

“...Really?” Soren raised an eyebrow. “Moving a bit fast, aren’t we?”

You’re the only person who’s been friendly to me, JJ said. I know it’s fast, but... He sighs. I think I better prepare to be in here for a while. Even if he hoped he wouldn’t be, it was better to act like he would. Just in case.

Soren stared at him for a moment. Then nodded slowly. “Alright. Can I choose my own?”

JJ raised an eyebrow. Do you have something in mind?

“Yeah. If I ever talk to someone in BSL and they need to refer to me, I’ve always asked to be called the same thing.” Soren made two signs: the letter S, and heart. “Or, if we’re being professional.” A similar set: heart, and the letter P.

S-heart, JJ repeated. Any meaning behind it?

“Well you know my powers. I manipulate emotions. Some say I manipulate hearts.” Soren flashed a smile. “You know, as opposed to thoughts and the mind. That’s why I adopted a heart motif whenever I dressed as Pathos.”

Makes sense, I suppose, JJ said. You know, people don’t normally ask to choose their own.

“Really? Most of the people I talk to who know BSL ask me to choose my own. Maybe I’m just special. Or maybe your experience is that different. Have you seriously never had that happen?”

JJ hesitated. Well... actually, my sister did. Just signing the word ‘sister’ tore open a wound in his chest. Did he really want to talk about this?

“Sister?” Soren looked intrigued. He leaned forward a bit... then back again. “You look... a bit pained, Jameson. Sore topic?”

A bit, JJ said.

Soren was quiet for a moment. “I... understand,” he said softly. “We don’t have to talk about her if you don’t want to.”

JJ shook his head. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I love her. But... she’s... She’s alive, but... He trailed off.

“You don’t have to talk about it,” Soren repeated, in an even quieter voice.

JJ took a deep breath. An explanation for the name thing, at least. Growing up, after I lost my voice, she was always D-twin. But then we got older, and she became more confident in who she was, and she asked if she could be flower-time instead. 

“Flower time?” Soren asked, failing to hide the amusement in his voice.

I know. JJ chuckled a little. I always picture an alarm going off, signaling flower petals to rain down from the ceiling.

Soren laughed too. “That’s such a vivid fucking image.”

I don’t usually have a very visual mind, either, which makes it even more vivid. That’s pretty much the only image I’m able to mentally picture. His smile faded slowly. Maybe because it always reminds me of her.

Soren stared at him, purple eyes like two deep wells of water. “It’s good that you two are so close,” he said quietly. “I have a sister too, y’know. Elena. She’s about fifteen years older than me, so we never really knew each other as siblings, if that makes sense.” He chuckled. “When I was ten she pretty much left the family so she could marry someone. So I didn’t see much of her.”

JJ blinked. I didn’t know that.

“Well, Elena was never much into the family business, so the news didn’t report on her to the public that much. Makes it all the stranger that the guy she married is an arms dealer, but the heart wants what it wants, yeah?” Soren shrugged. “Anyway. I always liked Elena, even if we weren’t too close. Liked her daughter, too. Wanted to be sure she was taken care of.” He stared at JJ for a moment. It seemed like he was... waiting for something? JJ stared back, confused. “Huh. Okay, either you’re more respectful than you are curious, or you never heard the rumors.”

Oh. You mean the ones about your brothers? JJ asked. 

“So it’s the first option, then.”

You were expecting me to ask about that?

“Seemed like it.” Soren leaned onto the table, propping his head in his hand. “I mean... if you hear a guy who’s rumored to have killed his father and brothers talk about how much he liked his family... most people would want to ask. Even if they were too afraid to.”

JJ shook his head. I know those rumors aren’t true.

Soren blinked. “You do, now? You seem very sure.”

He was sure because she found out the truth one day—and she told him when she came home from that fight. Well, why don’t you tell me about it, then? JJ said. If you were expecting me to ask.

Soren laughed. “That’s fair, that’s fair.” He drummed his fingers on the table. “Enzo and Nicolas were older than me, they should have gotten control of the family before me. But, after I developed my abilities, our father started seeing the... potential of them. They got jealous. And, in an effort to prove himself, Enzo got killed by that Razor Queen villain.” He laughed. “Who would’ve guessed a woman with knives on her hands would be deadly. Nicolas was a bit more cautious, but he still got angry and reckless. Died in an ordinary shootout... but not before he managed to poison our father and make it look like I did it. The man he got the poison from confessed to me, but said he’d rather die than share his involvement with the public. So, I decided to leave well enough alone... and figured I might as well use that rumor. People wouldn’t be eager to fuck with someone who did that.”

JJ nodded slowly. That lined up with what she’d told him that night. She managed to get the poison information from the very man—Hemlock, a villain known for poisons. And then said that Pathos told her the rest.

“Or... I could be lying about all this,” Soren grinned. “Maybe I really am that ruthless.”

Well, if you are, I still don’t have many options for people to talk to, JJ commented. So I’ll probably keep showing up for meals with you.

Soren laughed. It got overtaken by a cough halfway through, so he stopped. “God. Jameson. You’re really something.”

JJ blinked. Well... thank you? Oh. Oh no. Why was his stomach fluttering? This was not a good person for that to happen with, son of a bitch—

“But still, I have to ask,” Soren continued. “You didn’t seem surprised at all during that story.”

JJ froze. His mind whirled, considering what to do. Oh shit he was probably waiting too long wasn’t he? He had to say something. So he leaned forward. What if I told you... that my sister knew you?

Soren raised an eyebrow. “I know a lot of people. That wouldn’t narrow it down. If you’re comfortable with it... can you tell me her name? Spell it out, I mean.”

JJ hesitated. Then, slowly... sign by sign... Dahlia.

Saying her name felt like a knife being driven into his heart.

“Dahlia? Like the flower?” Soren asked.

JJ nodded. His vision was getting a bit blurry so he hurriedly blinked it clear again.

“That’s a nice name,” he said quietly. “I’m guessing she chose it, like how she chose her name sign? Good choice. The flower is often said to symbolize inner strength and elegance.”

Didn’t expect you to know that, JJ said.

A memory flashed through his mind. “Yeah, that way I get to keep my initials for the towels Mum monogrammed for us when we were kids. I want to keep that, you know? And more importantly, it’s a name with a strong meaning. But graceful, too. I think it really fits me. Or... I dunno, what do you think?”

He agreed, of course. It really did fit her.

“I know a lot of random trivia,” Soren said. He paused. “Are you... okay?”

Fine, Jameson signed shortly. He blinked some more.

“Do you want to keep talking?” Soren asked in a surprisingly gentle voice. “Or... should we stop?”

I’ll be fine in a minute, he said. Just give me a minute.

Soren nodded.

The rest of dinner passed quietly, and then they had to go back to their cells. But not before Jameson gave Soren a quick Thank you. It felt like a weight was lifted off his chest after that conversation. Maybe he needed that moment. Maybe he needed to remember her name.

===============

“Alright, I got everything,” Jackie muttered. “Tape, check. Mask and mask specs, check.” He put each item into his backpack as he listed it. A carefully discrete backpack. He was going to the police station as Windstorm, and he couldn’t have anything with him that would link Windstorm to Jackie Skye.

He was just about to leave his room when his phone vibrated. It was sitting on his dresser—he’d also planned to leave that behind—so he leaned over and picked it up.

A text message was on the screen, from a number labeled Unknown. You know who it is. Pick up the call.

Jackie’s blood ran cold. Was it—but how did they know—

His phone immediately started ringing, the same unknown number calling. After a moment of hesitation, he answered. “Hello?”

“Windstorm.” The word was spoken in a familiar inhuman voice. The robotic tones that he’d last heard coming from the Puppeteer. Or, more accurately, from the Puppeteer’s mask.

Jackie knew he had to deny this. “I-I think you have the wrong—”

“Don’t lie to me, Jackie Skye,” Anti-Virus interrupted. “I know the truth. That day, when you announced it to your roommate, my puppet was outside the door, and I was on a call with him. Listening. Making sure that everything went as I wanted. It didn’t, but it worked out eventually, and I learned something so, so interesting about you.”

Jackie felt his heart stop. He opened his mouth to say something more, but nothing came out.

“Not to mention that you are currently wearing your supersuit in full view of your phone camera.”

Jackie yelped, yanking the phone away from his head. His head darted around his room until his eyes landed on a stack of sticky notes. Quickly, he peeled one off and stuck it over the phone camera. It was at an awkward angle so it didn’t cover the speaker, but it worked. Reluctantly, he pressed the phone to his ear again. “What do you want? Are you going to threaten me? Big talk from someone still using a voice synthesizer. Afraid to reveal who you are?”

“Not afraid, but my identity is one of my greatest secrets, and I will take care to protect it,” Anti-Virus said. “As for what I want... I want you to stop this. Stop trying to free Jameson Jackson.”

Jackie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh? So you’re threatened by him?”

“Not at all. But if I understand correctly, you are trying to free him through proving I was there. And I cannot have that. You cannot look further into me.”

“I think I can, actually. And I will. Bitch.” Jackie growled. “You forced someone to turn a hundred people into puppets. Clearly, I can’t have you walking around.”

Anti-Virus laughed. Jackie held back a shiver; there was something menacing in its robotic tone. “It does not matter what you can and can’t have, Windstorm. You will not look further into me.”

“Or what?” Jackie asked. “I know what your powers are. You can spy on people, big whoop. You can’t do much else.”

“Oh? Are you sure?” Anti-Virus said. “Very well, then. I will show you what I’m capable of.” And abruptly, the call ended.

Jackie stared down at the phone. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he just made a terrible mistake.

But he couldn’t stop. He wouldn’t let this villain intimidate him into leaving his friend in jail. Taking a deep breath, he put the phone down and secured his backpack with the evidence inside. Then he opened the window to his room and leapt out into the evening air.

[mythoughts-consumeme]

I definitely agree with you on all this. I'd also like to bring up the fact that Molly doesn't show up a lot after they figure out that Forge is lying to them about somthing or at the very lest keeping info from them.

Like it might just be that the show writers couldn't figure out a way to include her in the episodes but I also read it as a whole 'Molly can't lie to Max and Steel as easily as the others at N-Tek and so she stays away due to her own free will or because Ferrus told her to'.

It's not hard to believe that he would do something like that, especially considering that she's the one who calls Ferrus in 'Uncle Sam Wants You!' and says that it's probably about time they tell Max and Steel the truth. Not to mention that one of the first things we see in 'Earth Under Siege Part 1' is her call with Ferrus, where she's fighting to tell them the truth. She wants to tell them, but is being stopped by Forge because of the doubt he has towards them and all the suspicious activity from those two.

If that is the case, he's willing to keep Molly, his mother and the only person who consistently stayed with Max for his whole life since they probably moved around a lot, away from him so that they can't find out. He's willing to take the chance of Max and Steel losing trust and faith in everyone around them if it means they don't find out and possibly turn evil.

By trying to prevent them from going bad and turning on his friends and family, he almost ends up being the cause of it since they learn that they can't trust anyone around them. It's to the point where Steel says he can't be a part of N-Tek anymore because he feels like he can't trust anyone other than Max at the end of 'Earth Under Siege Part 2'. And if you can't even trust the people you called family, then why would you listen to anything they say? Why wouldn't you take your chance to work with the enemy if they'll tell you everything you want to know?

Most of what I just said relies on whether Ferrus actually kept Molly away from Max and Steel, but the point still stands. Forge is more than willing to have them give up trust and hope in those around them to get rid of the small chance that they might turn, even after they've proven time and time again that they're more than willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

I forget how early on the show starts showing, to the us and Max and Steel, that not everything Ferrus does or says can be entirely trusted, simply because it's not the whole truth.

It starts in episode 7 or 8, which makes sense considering there's only 26 episodes and they need to spread out the whole turbo star thing over the last half of the season, which relies on those two not trusting anyone and sneaking around to find the answers themselves, but it really shows how Ferrus is reluctant to trust a 16 year old and his robot friend even after barely working with them. Though that might also give him more incentive to lie, because who knows what they'll do with the information, right?

He also punishes them for trying to find out what he's hiding by giving them more training, as seen at the end of the episode 'Uncle Sam Wants You!', which is weird to me. He could have gone about making their next training session harder without telling them, but then they wouldn't know its for breaking a rule, a rule set purely to limit what they know so that they become more subservient. A rule put in place because Ferrus doesn't trust Steel enough to believe him when he says that he won't hurt his host, and more importantly friend, on purpose. A rule put in place because he doesn't have faith in Max to try and stop Steel from 'going bad' even after he sacrifices himself, his relationships with people and his grades to do good and be a hero. He thinks they could betray him, and so he lies to Max and Steel.

Steel being someone Forge worked with in the past for years, who kept one of his best friends and closest allies protected against everything. Max being his nephew, a blood relative, that grew up with Molly and Forge, thus causing Max to see him as a father figure, rather than his actual dad who was never present. He has a long history with both of them, and yet he doesn't trust them enough to tell them what they are, who they are.

[butwhyduh]

Killing the Date

Bucky Barnes x Sam Wilson

Warning: none. It's fluffy. Okay cursing.

Word count: 900

Summary: Bucky and Sam try to stop Steve and Sharon's date while being clueless. For @candycornparker @spideypeach

"So I asked out Sharon," Steve said excitedly to Bucky and Sam. They both looked at him in shock.

"You what?" Bucky asked. Sam elbowed him.

"Great job, dude," Sam said glaring at Bucky.

"Yeah, that's awesome," Bucky tried to sound excited and failed. Steve didn't notice in his happiness.

"I've got to get ready. Its tonight," he grinned. The other two nodded and smiled.

As soon as he left the room they looked at each other. "Dude, he doesn't like her," Bucky said.

"I know."

"What should we do?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Not a damn thing."

"I don't like that."

"I know."

So half an hour later Sam and Bucky were still talking about this. While casually strolling through the park. As casual friends always do. Sharing a pretzel.

"So what if I ruin the date?" Bucky asked.

"Steve would be mad," Sam said grabbing a hunk of pretzel.

"I can handle Steve."

"Sharon would be mad."

"I can't handle Sharon. She slightly scares me," Bucky confessed. Sam shoved his shoulder slightly.

"You, big scary assassin, are scared of her?" Sam teased. "You probably should be. She is terrifying. People who file their own taxes are scary."

"I knew it was for a good reason. I could call Steve for a mission," Bucky suggested.

"I'm not going to work to get him out of a date," Sam said. He snatched the last piece of pretzel from Bucky's hand and ate it. Bucky glared at him.

"You know I've killed over a dozen people right?"

"I know. I don't care. I'll fight a senior citizen."

"Wow," Bucky smiled. "I'd pay to see you try."

Both of their pagers went off. They looked. "Mission. I guess you get to get Steve out of a date."

Bucky went straight to Steve's room as soon as they got back to the compound. Steve was gone. He had already left for the date.

There wasn't anything wrong with Sharon, Bucky thought. Except the fact that she was related to Peggy who Steve definitely wasn't over. Steve needed someone totally different. The cute black girl down the hall that taught Tao boa would be great for Steve. Tough and not related to his first love.

"We're going to have to pick him up," Bucky said grabbing the keys from Sam.

"Woah, buddy. You drive like you have nothing left to live for. And I feel I have plenty to live for," Sam said snatching the keys back. "I am driving. I also pay for the car. That's my car. Don't get too familiar."

"Okay. I would have got us there faster," Bucky said shrugging.

"If we lived that long."

As luck would have it, the recon mission was a building down the street from Steve's date. Steve sat with his back to the wall facing the front of the restaurant. Sharon was talking about work. Steve was smiling politely.

Steve's eyes narrowed when he saw Bucky and Sam walk towards him. He mouthed 'go away.' Bucky mouthed back 'work.' Sharon noticed Steve looking behind her and she turned to see the pair.

"Hello guys. Why are you here?" She asked suspiciously.

"I'm only here to establish an alibi," Bucky said quickly. Sam turned and gave him a look.

"What? No. We are here because there is a mission. Did you turn off your pager?" Sam asked Steve.

"I, uh, forgot it on the counter when we left," Steve said scratching the back of his neck. He was nervous about the date.

"Well we have orders, Cap," Sam said.

"Sorry, rain check?" Steve asked Sharon who assured him it was fine.

Back on the street the 3 went to the building next door and up to the roof. Over the next 3 hours they watched the building for suspicious activity. There was literally no activity.

"Bucky, why does your breath smell like cheese? We don't even have cheese," Sam complained as they lay near the edge of the roof.

"I was going to ask why you smell like one giant arm pit," Bucky retorted. The 2 glared at each other.

"Break it up. We have a job," Steve reminded them.

"What exactly is the point of the job? Because I've seen nothing," Sam asked.

"Let me call Director Fury," Steve said standing up and walking to the other side of the roof and out of sight.

"Why do you always want to fight in front of Steve?" Sam asked.

"I don't. You always start it," Bucky said shoving Sam. Sam shoved him back. Bucky rolled to his back and Sam fell on top of him.

The pair froze. They had never been this close before. Bucky suddenly realized why Sam and him fought. Sam liked him. And if Bucky admitted it himself, he liked Sam back.

Before he could chicken out, Sam bent and kissed Bucky. Bucky froze again before grabbing the side of Sam's neck and sticking his tongue in his mouth.

"So Fury said we could g-" Steve said before realizing the scene in front of him. The pair pulled apart. "Everything okay?"

"Fine," Sam said standing up.

"Great," Bucky said sitting up and not looking at Sam.

"You know, it's about time. Finally you can stop staring at each other all the time. And maybe you'll quit trying to stop my dates," Steve said.

"We weren't-"

"I would never-"

"How did you-"

Steve raised a brow. "You aren't that smooth."

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[delilahmidnight]

How is dr. Roa involved w laurel/frank....and why does this phone call sound suspicious. ...

Good girl annie. I'm so proud that at every opportunity to drink she resists temptation

IT'S THE BIDDY FROM PRISON!!!!! YES!!!! I LOVE WOMEN HELPING AND NOT FORGETTING WOMEN!!!!

YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!!! WHEN SHE HOLDS HER HAND TO REASSURE HER--TAHTS THE GOOD SHIT RIGHT THERE

MICHAELA HAS TO REMIND HER PREGNANT GF TO SHOWER AJSKDKGLHLFKDJKS

AND THEN BUTTON UP HER BLAZER HAJDJGKNSNGKD

I love laurel shitting on connor

SHE CALLS HER MICKEY

Oh my god. Oh my god I can't believe this. Bonnies there, shes there at thE HEARING SHE LITERALLY COULD NOT STAY AWAY FROM ANNIE FOR ONE SECOND I'M GONNA EAT MY PILLOW

NEVERMIND THIS IS EVEN WORSE, ANNIE IS DISMISSIVE OF HER AND FOR ONCE SHES DISMISSIVE RIGHT BACK (BUT SHE STILL HOLDS OPEN THE GATE FOR HER)

AND THEN HER FACE WHEN SHE REALIZES WHAT BONNIES DONE IM GONNA KMS

I CANT BELIEB THIS

MY BITTY IS SO BITTY STANDING NEXT TO NATE AND SHES JSUT TRYNA DO HER JOB AND HE'S BEING SO FUCJING MEAN TO HER FOR NO DAMN REASON

Listen. LISTEN TO ME.

LOOK AT THIS EARNEST LITTLE FACE. SHE IS TRYING HER BEST. HOW CAN YOU BE MEAN TO THIS FACE??????? I WOULD DIE TO PROTECT HER

ALSO "JULIE OR JUDY OR SOMEOEN" SHES SO FOCKIN NERDY AND SHE DOES NOT GIVE ONE SINGLE FUCK

I hate being interviewed and this montage has just given me the worst anxiety spike lol

Obviously I feel horrible for jasmine but the stark contrast between her, who's given up hope of having any other sort of life, and annie, who is actively trying to turn her life around, literally all the time--

Annalise didn't check the box for rape. I cant say I blame her, especially with a male therapist, but still

Yeah Sam was a shitty therapist, he gave annie more problems than he helped her solve

Nate is such a douchebag sometimes

"My god you could not sound more white right now" I'M SCREMAING I LOVE OLLIE

THE KIDS BEING SO SUPPORTIVE OF OLLIES NEW I.T. COMPANY

MICHAELA HIGH FIVING LAUREL OVER MICHAELA'S CALLBACKS AND LAUREL BEING ALL FUCK YEAH! EVEN THO SHE DIDN'T GET ANY HERSELF, AND HANDING OFF HER RESEARCH FILE TO MICHAELA AND "GIRLS AGAINST BOYS, COME I'LL EXPLAIN EVERYTHING ELSE I KNOW"

HOLY FUCK

YOU CAN'T REALLY TELL HERE BUT ANNIE LOOKS SO GODDAMN GOOD IN THIS OUTFIT

Fuck. God no. She's right here while that dude shoots down annalise....God and of COURSE she sees her, god, g o d with her nervous fluttery fingers and her tilted shy head, I can't take this

And she runs, and Annalise follows and it's not fair, it's not, she can never say no to annalise and Annalise knows that, and she tries to manipulate her, g o d, but this time bonnie says no, she leaves, shuts annie out, even if it hurts, because annie hurt her first and it's not fair, it's just nOT

"It even smells like money" ajdkgkgklajf mICHAELA

I LOVE CONNOR BEING SHAT ON FOR BEING WHITE AND PRIVILEGED AND A PIECE OF SHIT ASSHOLE

"Gotta study" yeah right you disgusting fuckign stalker, I hope you fail every last test you ever take

A PETHETIC LITTLE WEENIE MAN BONNIE I'M AJSKDKFJSKNCVNJSJSJSKCJDK

SHES SUCH AF UCKING DORK K I LOVE EHR WHEN SHES PLASTERSD

"HER DUMB FACE" HONEY YOU SOUND SO DAMN IN LOVE STFU

But I mean honestly she was so affected by that one tiny interaction with annie that she wants to drink all the liquor her teeny lil body can hold, all by herself--honey, you're not ok

Also for God's sake, bonnie is hurting and alone and the only person she has to turn to is the fucjing caveman???? I'm so mad, let my baby be happy for fucks sake

Michaela getting asher grounded and also threatening the other dude, I love a supportive gf

Oh great, fucking frank--of course he would use bonnies vulnerability to try and weasel his way back into annies life

I'm gonna kill frank with my bare hands and I'm gonna enjoy it

Wow this is like the first conversation she and connor have ever had one on one

Of course connor makes it all about himself el oh el. Like I'm not even surprised, all he does is bawl to other people to try to get them to make him feel better. Blech

GO👏 THE👏 FUCK👏 OFF👏 MS👏 KEATING👏👏👏

I love this juxtaposition and I love this scene and I love ms viola Davis thanks very much

Shes👏 allowed👏 to feel👏 hope👏👏👏

Wait what? Why does she hate that he told her he was an addict?

*gasp* my sweet pea tiny peanut baby she carrying such a huge stack all by herself SWEET BEEEEEEEEEAAAANNNN

SHE SO SMOL AND CONFUSED IM!!!!

No don't taunt her nate god can't you see how much it hurts her

That little stubborn jut of her chin when shes lying about blackmailing denver

"SO I BLACKMAILED HIM A LITTLE" HASDJFSJBABFJ BONNIE MY SWEET BABY YOU ARE SUCH A PRECIOUS NERDY AWKWARD GOOFBALL WHEN YOU'RE NOT PERPETUALLY SAD

Do NOT make a move on my baby nate I will KILL YOU. just leave her alone.

Aw asher <3

Michaela is so gay when shes drunk lol. Laurels just gay all the time ehehehehe

2.5 months is not enough time.....that baby is really premature

What is going g on with this doctor dude????

Bitty baby bonnie all official

God that's a lot of blood

Oh no, bitty thinks it's annalise who's dead I'm gonna not survive this I can tell