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  ? Topic: Warbus on Rampage here in The Docks!

  In: Boards ? Parahuman

  Logs (Original Poster) (At Ground Zero: Brockton Bay)

  Posted On Jul 27th 2010:

  Okay, I don’t usually post but HOLY HELL this just happened and I’m still shaking when I think about thought. I saw that nobody posted anything on PHO yet, so I thought I'd post one.

  I was down by the docks doing some school survey for the photography we need to cover in class (yeah, yeah, laugh it up) when alarms start going off and everyone starts yelling about Merchants. I kinda tried to look up and see whats the fuss about, out came Squealer’s warbus comes barreling out between warehouses like a rolling junkyard from hell. Spikes, scrap armor, smoke pouring out the back, the whole deal. I’m pretty sure I saw Skidmark riding on top waving like an idiot while a bunch of mooks hung off the sides trying to stabilise the thing

  People are screaming, running. The thing plows through a shipping fence like it’s cardboard.

  Then,

  The sky screams.

  I swear to god something broke the sound barrier over the bay. I look up and there’s this giant humanoid mech, silver-black, flying like a damn jet. Not hovering. that shit is flying like Top gun, thought it was a jet or some shit, turns out it’s a big giant mech.

  Before anyone can even process it, the mech transforms mid-air, I saw the wings fold, arms swing forward and it pulls out TWIN Gatling GUNS the size of trucks.

  I am not exaggerating.

  It unloads like a motherfucker on that truck.

  Not wild firing either, the pilot seems really good at it too, aimed at it while taking pot shots at The warbus as it tries to turn, Squealer starts shouting orders (could hear her through loudspeakers??), Skidmark seems kinda useless, although I think I saw cuffs on the guy, he’s barely able to use his powers.

  Doesn’t matter.

  The mech cuts through it. Armor peels away like tin foil. Engine block detonates, lots of cool explosions and what not, One wheel gets ripped clean off and sails into the bay. Mooks go flying. Whole thing grinds, flips, and collapses into scrap metal in maybe ten seconds flat.

  Shit was unreal.

  Snap a few cool photo’s thought. you can see it here [Link]

  The pilot came out, turns out it was a Cape, new one. Never seen him before. Cool military outfit though. He helped Skidmark, Squeeler and even a new Merchant Cape I’ve never seen before out of that burning Rubble before it explodePRT showed up late (no surprise), Merchants scattered or arrested, docks are trashed but… yeah. No civilian casualties that I could see.

  The pilot kinda bailed after he drop off a really pretty lady from the mech, Turns out there’s two of them there. He then just get back in, rockets back up and vanishes into the clouds like it was never there. Leaving the pretty new cape lady to the PRT.

  I don’t know who that was. I don’t know what faction does flying mechs with gatlings. Some sort of new team? Yo, i aint into these cape business shit, but…

  All I know is: The Merchants just picked the wrong damn dock.

  Anyone else see this?? Please tell me I’m not losing it.

  (Showing page 1 of 1)

  ?Sothoth

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  fuck if I knew. Alright, so now that the vids are spreading and this isn’t just “my cousin saw it”, can we talk about how Squealer’s warbus got absolutely dumpstered by a flying mech that people are calling that it belongs to Dreamhack’s? I heard this happened like two days ago.

  ?GearHead

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  I’ve watched Squealer’s builds cars since she debuted (don’t ask). That warbus was her best work. Layered armor, Twin engines, jury-rigged power feeds.

  The mech targeted load-bearing points and power junctions first. That’s not random fire. That’s either top-tier Tinker intuition or pre-analysis.

  ?Mooky1

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  You one of Squealers mooks aren't you? Merchants pay with crack? whats the gram on drugs these days?

  ?Solbadman

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  LOL Merchants thought they were hot stuff rolling out the warbus again.

  Mech showed up like: “No.”

  Instant scrap metal.

  ?Tikkytak

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  Well I came from the hospital when it happened. Thats when it first started. Dreamhack got his whole crew visiting the Hospital, heard one of the nurses said they were gonna visit Panacea about something. Dreamhack got his own crew, some healer angel lady called "Mercy" and the other simply just "Monica" the one in the links seems to be that Monica girl. All new capes.

  ?Solbadman

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  Hospital huh? What the heck do they want with New Wave poster girl now? or was is still Gloriygirl? Still can't believe we have someone really awesome like Panacea in Brocton Bay.

  ?Saz

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  I heard that Mercy woman has been changing things up in Brockton Bay. She ain't exactly being subtle as a cape. Dr Angela Ziegler is the new talk in town these days.

  ?Acree

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  That's not the only thing new either with Brockton Bay, a lot changed since the incident from 2 days ago. Why did OP only started posting now?

  ?Logs (Original Poster) (At Ground Zero: Brockton Bay)

  Replied On Jul 27th 2010:

  Uhh, I got hit by a debris while trying to flee from a rampaging Bus, so I got sent to the Emergency ward. Lots of people were slightly injured and the ER wards are always at full capacity. Took me 16 hours to get transported to the 8th Floor and got a bed in, I was sleeping like a Log when they found me lying unconscious, Next thing I knew I was in the hospital, its 4 am. there's an IV drip on my arm and my Mom and Dad were right next to me.

  End of Page. 1

  (Showing page 2 of 1)

  Yeah-

  That happened like a two weeks ago. It's already the 12 of August right now. Lots of things changed since that day happened. A lot of things. I am currently sitting around checking my phone in the middle of a overseering some of the people from the homeless community, Well, formerly homeless I supposed.

  They joined the docks factions.

  If the docks ever had a faction? it'l be this. If you asked me what was I thinking trying to elevate the homeless population into respectable part of society? I’d told you the same thing I was thinking back then.

  I wasn’t really thinking.

  I was simply doing what I wanted. Surprisingly, the result is one of the most grounded and emotionally effective uses of sci-fi technology I’ve seen in a long time even if this is my second life. Still aint sure if this is the afterlife messing around with my mind or I really am just living my life in the wormverse with the knowledge based on Blizzard Games.

  SCvs and rapid construction technology with modular infrastructure making this all too easy as I use that knowledge for civic recovery.

  Oh- ye of noble heart. So fucking noble!

  Oh fuck off…I diddn’t think about it and just acted upon it.

  The place is a shitshow of body bags after body bags I’ve found in empty homes. Fellas too Overdose on their favourite crack dying alone as the city rots. I've taken down dozens of broken buildings, rebuilding them and replacing them with future tech building, glass paneling, Neosteel made. Efficiently normal reserves for Korpulu sector warzones.

  I aint saving anyone..

  It’s just one part of the town. The Docks.

  A place written off as too crime ridden, too poor..too politically inconvenient and easier to turn a blind side, makes the scope of planning and making it work even hit harder when the impact got through. People here living under broken roofs and tarps are handed brand new kids to new apartment without asking a single thing.

  Paperwork is such a mess.

  Im just waiting for the political blowback that will come from the government the PRT or just the mayor himself, Mayor neglects aside, I don't think he’s a bad person. Man just gotta work with institutional apathy, budget excuse in one of the worst city here in America in the wormverse.

  At least it ain't Boston.

  Fucking Boston…

  When the first modular apartment blocks rose overnight at the edge of the city, the reaction was disbelief. Within days, that disbelief hardened into something louder and uglier. Providing free homes to the homeless once framed as an unambiguously moral act had become a flashpoint for political outrage, public resentment, and cultural anxiety.

  The basic simple question was…

  Why do those people get it for free?

  The common working struggling man who struggle to pay mortgages and rent suddenly had their ire on me. Just like this radio station im listening to-

  “Hey, what cha listening to?” Vista came by. She seems really close to Shadow Stalker lately since they were forced into a patrol group. Currently both of them were dispatch here to…spy on me and also to keep an eye on things as I oversee the construction of a new water filter reactor.

  I turned to the little girl floating in the air using her powers and just shakes my head in denial. Im still in denial leave me be” Just listening to the radio, see what they think about all of this, wanna listen in? You need a break kid”

  Vista just shrug “Sure, Shadow went somewhere and I couldn’t find her. Might as well stick with you. She always bailed on me ..ugh! She’s so insufferable!”

  Getting your ass dumped huh? I couldn’t help but smile a little bit although that caught the attention of the little gremlin and she pouted “ You think so too huh? Damn it. I don't get what you see in that bully” she said.

  “Nah, she’s just shy. Give it some time. Girl like that has issues…be patient with her.” I said, and I meant it too. All the kids have issues. Anyone with powers has issues. Sucks to be them really.

  I turned to fiddle around with the wristwatch to get the right frequency for the news, There was a segment about what’s happening here in the docks. Seems like people started to notice too.

  The radio crackled to life as the signal settled in, that familiar mix of static and morning ads fading under a confident, practiced voice.

  “Good morning, Brockton Bay. You’re listening to Harbor Voices, I’m your host, Calvin Rourke, and if you’ve stepped outside in the last week, you already know what today’s topic is.”

  A brief chuckle, dry rather than amused.

  “Dreamhack of course. Our Brock Bay resident Tinker other than Armsmaster. The guy been giving away free hightech homes. Overnight construction. And a city that suddenly realized it has opinions about a Cape giving away free stuff..let’s listen in.”

  Paper shuffled. A mic adjusted.

  “Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, people who were sleeping under bridges are now sleeping in clean apartments. Climate-controlled, secure, no rent, no utilities fully airconditioned with water and electricity, totally free. And yes! some of you listening right now worked twelve-hour shifts this week and still worry about making rent next month bet you aren't that happy that a bunch of homeless useless pricks gets free homes huh? Thats the sentiment really.”

  A pause, letting that land.

  “And that’s where the phones have been lighting up…This is gonna be a doozie-”

  The faint sound of a line connecting.

  “Before we take calls, let me frame this the way City Hall won’t. This isn’t just a housing story. This is a fairness story. A who-deserves-what story. And Brockton Bay has always been real sensitive about that…”So let’s take in Caller number one, Okay caller you’re on air.

  He sighed softly.

  “Uhh Hi, John here, back when the docks were bleeding jobs, when the ABB and the Merchants were carving up streets like a buffet, working folks were told to tighten their belts. ‘Budget constraints.’ ‘Complex issues.’ ‘We’re doing what we can…but it aint fair he’s giving away workable homes for free while I still gotta work and provide for my kid…ya know? Just gotta let that outta my chest.’”

  Another caller with similar complaint.

  “Dennis here,Some capy guy, a guy named Dreamhack drops in, builds apartments in an hour like it’s a video game, and suddenly the impossible is… done? What about us construction workers? He gonna take our job too? Look here pal…give out free homes all you want, but you’re threatening my livelihood here, and I work brick and mortar stuff, build it brick by brick where it used to be slow grueling and hardwork…”

  A light tap on the desk.

  “Let’s stop right now for a moment, there ya go folks. Brockton Bay fellas, and here’s the uncomfortable part, people are getting too heated…oh snap. There’s another one. Brockton Bay seems rather livid this afternoon? I think this is the first time Our studio gotten this many calls.”

  The call-in light blinked.

  “Let’s go to our fourth caller. Line three. You’re on Harbor Voices.”

  A woman’s voice came through, strained, angry.

  “Yeah, hi, Calvin. I work two jobs. Two. My husband works nights. We still rent. No help. No breaks. And now I’m supposed to clap because people who didn’t work get free housing?When are we gonna get our free Condo? Isn’t there something this…Cape can do for us working folks? Or is it just for the homeless? Should we become homeless then? I feel like it’s just not fair some folks would simply get it for free without working on it.”

  Calvin hummed thoughtfully.

  “I hear you. And you’re not alone. That’s the sentiment flooding this station right now. People feel skipped. Overlooked. Like they followed the rules and got punished for it. It is why we’re taking calls here eh? Just to show what’s the different opinion of the Bay looks like…but.”

  Calvin just sighed like he’s tired on air.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “But here’s where it gets messy. Because the data we got from …our sources yeah, I know, nobody likes data, it screams nerd out loud haha! Anyway, data says crime around those housing blocks is already down. ER visits are down. Local stores are seeing more business. So as the data says? This is actually a good thing for the local economy…He’s also solving lots of unemployment issues here in this part of the town where even the Mayor neglects. These so called homeless people you claim dont deserve it? They had jobs now…So you can’t say he’s not exactly providing it for free.”

  He leaned closer to the mic.

  “So if it’s working… why does it feel wrong?”

  Silence, then:

  “Because we weren’t invited to the slice of the pie.”

  Phones lit up across the board.

  “Let me say that again folks..keep in mind, The backlash isn’t really about the homeless. It’s about the working class watching someone finally fix a problem, and realizing no one ever tried this hard for them. Atleast the homeless crowd got a superhero looking out for them eh? Alright…”

  A producer’s note slid across the desk. Calvin glanced at it, eyebrows lifting.

  “Huh…this is new….City Hall’s calling it ‘destabilizing.’ Real estate groups are predicting ‘long-term damage.’ And some folks are throwing around words like ‘handouts’ and ‘dependency…Carl? Why the hell is this on my desk?’”

  He scoffed quietly.

  “My intern Carl is full of jokes haha…Funny how stability only becomes a concern when poor people get it anyway…next caller.”

  Another caller cut in, voice sharp.

  “So what, Calvin? You saying we should just suck it up? I haven’t had a job since a year or so, if it weren’t for the Docks hiring again, I’ll keep being a bum and might resort to looting if it weren’t for good ol Danny Hebert and his mysterious benefactor. Im grateful I got a job again…but come on! You seen those houses he’s giving away? They hightech as fuck! There’s even a Canteen that gives out free meals and it’s alot more tastier than the ones I have to pay in the Boardwalk! Free food Calvin! Free food! Of course I’m angry! ”

  “No,” he replied immediately. “I’m saying the anger makes sense. But maybe it’s pointed at the wrong target I mean…food buddy? Come on..it can’t be that good..”

  A pause.

  “Dreamhack didn’t take anything from you. He just showed what could’ve been done all along… Free kitchen existed before didn’t it? Before it became too dangerous for NGO’s to operate on ABB and Merchant territory…We’ve seen this song and dance before during Lustrum and the Marquis reign…”

  The station jingle hummed faintly beneath his words while the buzzer keep blaring signaling there’s more call incoming but Calvin ignore all of it-

  “And the real reason this city’s on edge? That’s not on him, No no… Not because the homeless got homes but because the myth that ‘nothing could be done’ just collapsed on live television under Mayor Christner rule,When a cape with a heart can do what he wanted and the city failed them it made everyone look bad..Look I get it, The government failed you. But a single cape didn’t..and you think he has all the fixes but he dont. He’s just one guy folks.”

  He exhaled.

  “This is Brockton Bay. We’ve survived Endbringers, gangs, and politicians with selective blindness. The question now isn’t whether free housing is fair…but how we can help someone like Dreamhack here to do what needs to be done.Maybe someday he’s gonna give away affordable housing who knows? Im certain that the bloke is probably listening in right now thinking about the backlash like you good folks do and wondered if he could do more…We need to be better folks. Be better.”

  Calvin sighed-

  “It’s why fairness only showed up once someone outside the system forced it.”

  The call lines exploded again.

  “You’re listening to Harbor Voices. Stay with us. After the break are we mad at Dreamhack… or at ourselves? We will be taking more calls after this brief advertisement- beep* transitioned- ”

  I turned off the radio and Vista went silent as she scowl “Sheesh…tough crowd. I don’t really get it. Are they mad that a couple of homeless people got free homes? Or are they mad that they don't get free homes?”

  And that’s the crux of the problem. Bless this little girls soul, still so pure and naive.

  Me and my consequences of doing whatever the fuck I want got people riled up in a tiff. Over the west side, protests has begun about what I could do for everyone should be done for…everyone.

  Like I’m obliged to do it.

  The fuck does that even mean?

  Just because I can, should I?

  Local politicians like Mayor Christner, especially those previously criticized for neglecting the area, pushed back hard. Some of his cronies demanded audits, zoning challenges, and investigations into the legality of the construction. Others accused the project of undermining public institutions and “embarrassing” city leadership.

  Behind closed doors, officials worried less about legality and more about precedent. If free housing was possible if it could be done this fast and this cheaply with very minimal cost except with the power guise under Parahuman tinkering, then years of budget excuses and half-measures suddenly looked like what they were: choices.

  And choices invite accountability.

  Too bad I couldn’t bug Monica with this since she’s rather busy overseeing the rest of the Overwatch members.

  Oh right.

  Lots of things happened lately haven’t I mentioned that? We expanded the crew. Tobjorn is now part of the Docks Redevelopment zone working together with Danny Hebert in revitalizing the Docks and the surrounding area.

  I’m actually on my way to see them right now.

  I look at the time and it’s almost noon. Shadow Stalker sure is taking her damn sweet time surveying the area. And lo behold, ask and you shall receive…the gremlin bugger landed behind me in her shadow no jutsu form with those ghost armor gear I have her.

  “No signs of ABB, just like breadboy said…he really did a number on them”

  I just stared at her..Jinho did what now?

  She scowled and stared at me “What are you looking at J? Got a problem?” I turned to her and tilt my head a little “You’re a little…extra spicy today. Didn't had breakfast or something? “

  She then turns her gaze towards Vista and motioned towards her “ Are we ditching the pipsqueak?”

  “Hey!” Vista protested

  I shrug her off and said “Come on, we’re heading towards the Docks.Brief me in the car” The Stinger was parked nearby as Both Vista and Shadow Stalker climb into the four wheeldrive with a gatling gun mounted on it.

  Vista started to complain again “ Should we? Can we? I mean…you’re an independent and we’re just wards”

  Shadow Stalker laugh it off “Hah! Like this assholes gives a fuck about all that” I nodded as well “Yeah, I really dont give a rats ass if you’re a ward or not, Just hop on and meet the team, I’ll treat you to lunch. Hows’ school by the way you two? Summer Holiday just ended yeah?”

  Shadow just shrug “Same old shit. Fucking boring is what it is” Vista nodded “Just homework, and…nevermind”

  I noticed that Vista was being cagey about things then I remembered that the kid had problems at home and triggered due to parents constantly fighting. School starting again means she gotta go home..ahh. I see.

  I didn’t say anything and just drive to the Docks.

  Got alot on my mind about things afterall and so I just asked Shadow Stalker about the matter “What’s the deal with the ABB? PRT suspected something?”

  Shadow Stalker kept looking at me like I grew another head” What the…you didn’t know?”

  “Know what?” Did i missed something?

  I kept my eyes on the road and my mouth shut, which was usually the smart play when you had Shadow Stalker and Vista in the same vehicle. Two peas in a pod even if they dont wanna admit it, or maybe it’s just my bias but I see the two of them kinda mirror each other. One tyke wanna grow up fast and be taken seriously, and the other tyke grew up too fast and think in Predator and Prey mentality to cope with her issues.

  How does that not mirror the duality in their personality? It fits.

  The Stingers engine hummed low and smooth, drowning out most of the city noise as we rolled toward the docks. Brockton Bay slid past the windshield on a sunny day. Oh its sunny alright, for now. Wait till a couple of hours from now, and it’l rain cats and dogs for no reason. The weather is weird that way.

  “I’m telling you,” Shadow Stalker said, boots hooked on the edge of the passenger seat like she owned the damn thing, “ABB patrols have gotten worse.The slanted eye bastards been real organized lately and it’s getting harder to bust some caps..”

  Vista frowned from the back seat, arms crossed tight over her chest. “Yeah. I noticed that too. They don’t scatter like before. They break off in pairs, cover exits, funnel us away from civilians… Lots of wherehouse we raided lately were empty, a little too late, I dont know if the PRT has bad intel or they seem to just know where we are.”

  I glanced at the rearview mirror. “That’s new? Gangs being efficient at their job?”

  Shadow Stalker snorted. “For Brockton Bay? Yeah. ABB used to be idiots with numbers. Now they’re importing people.”

  That got my attention, but I still didn’t look at them.

  “From Boston, I think. Some of the mooks we captured claimed to flee from China and various part that came to Brockton by Boston” Vista continued, quieter. “Mostly Chinese illegals. Came in through shell businesses, fake construction crews. We’ve seen them moving at night, setting up safehouses. They’re disciplined unlike the ordinary ABB crew made up from Brockton Bay’s own members..”

  “Feels like Military disciplined.” Shadow Stalker added. “Or at least trained by someone who knows what they’re doing, Fucking chinks gotten wiser.”

  My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel with another headache. Since when did ABB became organized? I mean I think they were already organized like the Yakuza and Triads, but even more? What is Kenta doing? What the fuck is lizard boy smoking lately? Gimme some of that.

  Vista sighed. “PRT brass still thinks it’s Lung throwing tantrums. But this feels… different now, much more organized. Like they’re preparing for something.”

  She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “We chase one group, another blocks us off. It’s like playing tag with people who actually understand shit, Cockblocker even let one go, that loser..”

  Vista shot her a look. “You just don’t like anyone do you? What do you got against Clockblocker?”

  “Hey screw you pipsqueak, unlike the rest of them, at least I don't rag on your ass for being such a tiny bitch at least you’re useful” Shadow Stalker shot back, “I just have issues with dumb idiots on my team. I also prefer my enemies stupid so I can shoot them at the knee.”

  I exhaled through my nose, slow. “Come on children focus” “So,” I said finally, “PRT response?”

  Vista shrugged. “More patrols. Same playbook. Director Piggot’s worried about optics. Immigration angle makes it… complicated. Brockton Bay seems to have a surge in people coming in lately”

  Shadow Stalker laughed, sharp and humorless. “Translation: they don’t want no trouble with the local asian community. Not like they sayin anything…Its all because of you J, you and your bleeding fucking heart, free homes free food. These fucking leeches are on to you.”

  I do good? I get scolded. I don't do good? I still get scolded. The conundrum of trying to do the right thing…sigh.

  The docks came into view ahead, cranes like skeletal fingers against the gray sky. SCVs moved in the distance, welding arcs flashing like brief stars.

  I spoke carefully. “And ABB territory overlaps with the areas that’ve seen… recent changes.”

  Vista hesitated. “You mean your stuff? Yeah it does.”

  “I mean sure..my stuff. Sue me. I have a construction company now.” I replied evenly.

  Shadow Stalker turned her head toward me, visor catching the light. “Funny thing? ABB’s avoiding your zones. Like they don’t want to poke whatever monster’s living there.”

  That earned a small smile from me. “I don't think it will be for long,” I said.

  Vista leaned forward between the seats, studying me. “You’re not surprised?”

  “No,” I admitted. “Boston’s drying up and suddenly Brockton Bay’s getting targeted? I don't buy it. Power vacuums attract planners like Accord and then there’s also the guys like the Elite.”

  Shadow Stalker scoffed. “You say that like you’ve got a spreadsheet on all the factions? Who the fuck is the Elite? It better not be some playboy shit… I don't need some group calling themselves the Elite muscle into our territory.”

  I didn’t answer…not much I can say about the Elite. It’s a Boston Problem, not yet a me problem yet. And since when was it her territory? I need to sit down and have an eye to eye talk with her later about things. Probably kept a lot of issues bottled up and thats not good. Teenagers gonna rebel either way… might as well give them a proper outlet to rebel.

  The vehicle rolled past a newly erected steel barrier at the edge of the docks, sensors flickering green as it recognized us. The silence stretched for half a second longer than comfortable.

  Vista broke it, uneasy. “If this keeps up, ABB’s going to stop being a street gang.”

  Shadow Stalker finished the thought. “And start being a pain in the ass like The E88 even if they don't have the Capes enough to supplement their rank..”

  I parked and cut the engine.

  Shadow Stalker leaned forward. “And it’s getting harder to crack down if it weren’t for Breadboy’s crew. He and his girlfriends been raiding more effectively than us Wards. They don’t carry obvious weapons. They rotate patrols. Use spotters who look like ABB sexworkers... Then boom! Cars came in with flamethrowers!”

  I rolled my eye about what Jinho is doing now “Okay, what the hell is that Haremlord doing? Spill it, I’ve been too busy with my head into logistics and recruiting that I don't follow what every cape under the sun is doing”

  Shadow Stalker scoff “ Like you wouldn’t know…oh wait, maybe you didn't know. Monica gave Flame King a few hellions, those wheels with flamethrowers and Jinho has been going around ABB territory torching the Warehouse with his girlfriends in his crew, they were really effective in lowering the drug and illegal sex trade. Even had a brawl with OniLee and came out unscathed”

  Huh…why wasn’t I told about this?

  “Wait..Jinho is now Flame King? Why the fuck is wrong with this cringe ass name?” I asked. Shadow Stalker just snorted with a grin.

  Vista stared at me like I was some sort of Hermit “ Didn't you browse PHO lately? He’s been burning ABB places liberating sex traffickers, and always burning places down when they roll in. He’s been developing burning abilities with that strange powers of his”

  What strange powers?! He manipulates flour! He makes bread!

  I guess I’ve been busy overseeing things here in the docks lately and rebuilding the place and dealing with paperwork in my makeshift supply depot home. Yes. Ive been staying at the Supply Depot again at the docks just to keep tabs on all the buildings and hardpoint defense structure we build around the coast.

  The PRT aint happy about that since I’ve been evading calls from the Director directly. Monica running damage control, Mercy holding down the fort at General Hospital in Brockton Bay. I still haven’t been keeping up with her since no news means good news except yesterday.

  Yeah…

  We arrived as I parked the car and got off the Stinger with Vista and lo and behold, I find Tobjorn fighting with Danny Hebert of out of everyone this this early in the afternoon. Not quite lunchtime yet, but then again…since he’s been revived, Tobjorn been busy getting things up and running on the ground and I’m struggling to keep up with the old man.

  There’s a reason why I brought him and his granddaughter back.

  We don't have enough Mech engineers engram from the list of available terran list. Mech engineers that doesn’t just follow the manual but pioneered their craft. Not bureaucrats or pencil pushers. It took Monica a long time to formulate a plan that it’s better to just bring the Overwatch team back rather than Terran scientist even if they have to learn everything from scratch. It’s quality over the list of quantity given.

  Terran Nepotism shows its true colors when it comes to saving important engrams. Just a bunch of self important Self serving nobles, I don't think those type of people would be useful here in the wormverse.

  “You cannae just eyeball this, lad,” Torbjorn Lindholm snapped, beard bristling as he stabbed a grease-stained finger at a rough holo-projection of the docks. “Load paths, stress tolerances, access lanes ye need dedicated tinker space or the whole thing becomes a bloody bottleneck! I need some space to work on the stuff you need me to work on lad! You gotta compromise! This is just temporary!”

  Danny Hebert crossed his arms, jaw tight. He wasn’t yelling, but there was a dock boss’s iron in his voice that had held unions together through worse than what they had before especially in Marine armor. Danny Hebert? Looking cool? Now that’s something I thought I’d never seen. The man looks good in Marine. Kinda like Reynor..

  “And you can’t just rip out half the active piers because you want room,” Danny shot back. “Those lanes feed families, we need those places to store all the metal we dug up and cut underwater, things has been slow lately but its good honest job! You can’t just do that!”

  Torbj?rn scoffed. “Short-term pain! Long-term gain! Ye expand up, reinforce the pylons, modular platforms air traffic above, naval below. Think vertical!”

  Danny pointed toward the water. “You think the Coast Guard, the unions, or the shipping companies are going to sign off on flying machines over active cargo crews without guarantees? We run the docks! Not an airport!”

  Torbj?rn slammed a fist on the crate. “And I build mechs so tall that it reaches Skyscrappers lad! Look, the skyport works both ways. We just need your crew to scoot over and help me help you. Everyone gets the same job, Im just using those scrap metal you keep collecting to build something better instead of restoring this defunct place you called a Port!”

  I watched the two of them circle each other like heavyweight boxers one powered by centuries of engineering tradition, the other by decades of keeping men fed and employed in a city that chewed people up.

  Danny turned, gesturing at the docks. “You want a space port. Fine. But this city doesn’t took kindly about is this Jason’s plan or your plan? I don't think Jason would approve of this,.Jason wouldn’t jeopardize the workers future for something like this.”

  Torbj?rn’s voice softened just a notch. “The commander is fine with this! And I’m telling ye, this is how ye get that work. Air freight, naval refits, orbital logistics eventually. Ye turn Brockton Bay into a hub instead of a backwater. You get to hire more people in the long run, its an all in one in logistics for the future, This will help everyone in the Bay, Lad…you have to start trusting someone other than that bloke Jason, aye..he’s a good lad no doubt, but he’s not the only good lad around, there are people around yer with as much heart as ye-”

  Silence hung between them.

  I could see it now: the unspoken truth.

  Danny wasn’t against the idea. He was afraid of losing what little stability they’d clawed back. Torbj?rn wasn’t ignoring people. He just thought in load limits and expansion curves and thinking about the future, both are valid. Present or future. hmm…

  I cleared my throat.

  Both of them turned toward me at the same time.

  “I’m just listening,” I said quickly, hands up. “And for what it’s worth? You’re both right.”

  That didn’t help.

  Danny sighed, rubbing his face. “You say that...Jason, can you deal with this?”

  “Because it’s true,” I replied. “Danny’s right too ya know? shutting down the docks kills trust. Torbjorn’s right if we don’t build for the future, Brockton Bay stays dependent on scraps.”

  Torbjorn grunted. “So what’s yer brilliant compromise, Commander?”

  I pushed off the crate and stepped between them, pointing at the holo.

  “Phased expansion,” I said. “Cant we just build one part of the port first and the Skyport later? It'll be awhile to build the mech factory nearby so we can source the parts too, it will take time.”

  Danny’s eyes narrowed, considering.

  “Jobs stay,” I continued. “Dockworkers get first pick on retraining. Same union protections. Same pay floors.”

  Torbj?rn scratched his beard. “And you brought me to build the Thors..and maybe a Titan variant. What about that plan son?”

  “You get your tinker space, after we build the port, Im sure there’s ways to expand on the port through unconventional designs, Isn’t your granddaughter and expert on that?”

  Tobjorn frowned “Bridgette doesn't take too well knowing that we all died during the last war. She still remembers…she’s the only one that remembers..and also, she’s having a hard time coping seeing me looking like I was a young lad again, that need getting used to. I was always an old man…now I had to regrown my beard. Thanks for the beard by the way. Terran Technology is something else. Wouldn’t feel right without my beard”

  Looking at Tobjorn, he de-aged like he’s back to late 20s. Perks of being a clone I supposed. But the Engram is a one time use. If they die? They die permanently unless a new engram is created.

  Vista “wow…you build mechs?”

  I totally forgot the wards were with me.

  Danny walk forward towards Vista "Danny Hebert. My daughter is a fan of you" Vista light up like a Christmas tree "Really?! you have a daughter and she actually likes me?"

  I shook my head at her antics. Girl really need a confidence boost as Shadow Stalker just scoff..."Taylor huh?"

  Right.

  I grab Shadow Stalker shoulders and grab her as she glared at me and I kept my smiling face on "So...did you apologize to her? " I said in a hushed tone, didn't want Danny to hear. Shadow Stalker wanted to bolt I can tell but she relunctantly roll her eyes "Ugh...yes, not like she gives a fuck I tried apologizing but she kept evading me at school! Fucking Hebert doesnt want an apology!"

  I slap her back a little harder "Try harder. gotta play nice with the Heberts, also...you might not know about this, But Danny there is wearing one of the Elite CMC 500 variant armor so its really durable. I suggest you apologize properly unless her Dad finds out and he put a bolter to your face.."

  She sneered "Like hell he would, What kind of hero are you? Letting innocent girls get a bolt to the face"

  I just shrug "Not a hero remember? Not even a villain and you're not that innocent, you and Emma, well…atleast you broke off that toxic relationship with her Is she still harassing Taylor?”

  Shadow Stalker just nodded “ What the hell you want me to do? I told her I aint doing that shit no more, it’s not like I get to tell her to stop.Emma’s too fargone, she’s obsessed with Taylor for some reason”

  “Right…that, well, Emma…shit. I'm just an opportunist bastard that does whatever the fuck I want when I want it, Come on. Try harder will you Sophia? do this properly and...I'll build you a Sniper rifle. None of that kiddie Crossbow bullshit. You get to bring that shit to Boston later"

  She perked up " You're going to Boston? Can I come?"

  I nodded " I was thinking to yeah..Need someone to act as overwatch. What better way to have someone like you as a spotter. With your skills, and a sniper rifle? you could spot a boogeyman from a kilometer away. I'll even add night vision and all the bells and whistle. The kind of Sniper that will puncture a tank. PRT doesn't need to know"

  "Heck yeah! I'm in! when are we going?"

  I thought to myself..." Maybe in a week or so, see how things stabilize here, gotta check some stuff with the ABB, maybe you get to use it there too, snipe some Dragon head, be right back, gotta talk up to the old man before we go for lunch."

  **********************