by R. J. Ross
"They hyped him up too much," Deathblow scoffs. "He's nothing special. If you ask me, it just proves what weaklings they are over in the Halls--"
"Rumor has it he's the only son of Superior."
"Bull," Deathblow says. "He probably just spread the lie to make people afraid of him. I was stuck meeting him at least every other year. He hardly even talked to me--too scared, I bet."
"He talked to me," Massteria says. "He builds weapons of mass destruction faster than you pick your nose."
"Yeah, right," Deathblow scoffs.
"One time, as I was leaving the meeting my robot guard started acting funny," Massteria goes on. "It would repeat itself--I got six meals a day because somehow it forgot it served me."
"What does that have to do with Technico?" Deathblow asks, a hint of jealousy showing in his eyes.
"He looked at me at our last meeting and said that I 'looked like a scarecrow on drugs.' I think he decided I needed to gain some weight. So he did something to my guard so I ate more."
Deathblow bursts out laughing. "Why would he care what you look like?" he asks.
"When Boombastic was depressed--same day, every year, because you could hear the thumping on the wall, well Technico would take over his robot and talk with him. Nobody told the guards, but we could hear it."
"I remember that," Deathblow says. "All this is telling me is that he's a sucker."
"He was wearing the same uniform we were--at least, AFTER he built the collars. Before that, they had him strapped down with millions of pounds. It didn’t work."
"Exaggerations and lies," Deathblow says, blowing it off completely.
"Could you use your powers when you were in uniform?" Massteria asks.
Deathblow doesn't reply to that. "So since it's your fault we ran, how are we going to get Boombastic?" he asks, instead.
"I..."
"You know something. You got in his head, right?"
"There is," Massteria says slowly.
"Then spit it out already!"
"He's got a pretty little granddaughter just coming into her powers," Massteria says. "That's the way to get to him."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Norm laws for involuntary manslaughter—” Negatia begins.
“We aren’t norms,” Isotonic interrupts, in a tone that says this argument has come up far too many times to count. “And you’re not taking into account the massive amount of destruction that he caused—”
“That is honestly par for the course in our job,” Mastermental says. “But ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose another option.” They all look at him, expectantly.
“So you’ve decided that he’s not dangerous any longer?” Marigold asks.
“Oh, he is,” Mastermental says. “But we can hardly blame him for what happened—we’ve seen him under the influence of Massteria twice today. The first time, no one was hurt, the second—”
“No one was hurt,” Century says.
“Exactly, thankfully he was far from civilization. According to what we’ve learned from the guards at Cape Cells, he never touched any of them. He was telling the truth about seeing the sun. Now I know that many of you have children in the Cape High program, but the same logic for Nico upon his release would easily work for Bombastic, as well.”
“Would there be the chance of Nico and Bombastic working together to return to their old bad habits?” Negatia asks. “Because even the staff you’ve assigned would have a very hard time going up against the two if they did.”
“Do you not trust Nico? Even after what he’s done over the past year?” Isotonic asks her.
“I barely know the man,” she admits. “Mastermental, you evaluate his thoughts on a regular basis, don’t you?”
“The biggest thought in Nico’s mind—which I will admit is rather difficult to read—has nothing to do with going villain again,” Mastermental says.
“Then what is it?” the others ask, eagerly.
“Personal life,” Mastermental says. “Although his second biggest thought is how to celebrate Christmas for the school,” he adds.
“Does he know you read his mind on a regular basis?” Century asks him.
“It’s part of his parole setting—he’s read all of the paperwork involved, trust me. For the most part, though, he’s deliberately translating his thoughts from binary just so I can understand,” Mastermental admits a bit dryly. “I tend to focus on general emotions, honestly.”
“And what is his emotional state?” Negatia asks curiously.
“Enough about Nico,” Marigold says. “We’re discussing Bombastic. Can we trust him in a situation like the school?”
Mastermental is silent for a moment. “I believe so,” he says after a moment. “But this is not something I can decide on my own.”
“Falconess—Angela, I mean—will want to have a say in that,” Century says. “She’s married to him.”
“So he’s the present Falconess’s father? Or was that—” Negatia starts out.
“He is,” Mastermental says.
“Why not bring Angela in, as well?” Century asks. “Or better yet, when he proves himself for a few months, why don’t I place them in my sister school? I’ve been looking for teachers. And between Voltdrain and myself, he won’t be a problem if he gets a bit… problematic,” he volunteers.
“Your suggestion has been noted,” Mastermental says with a nod. “I’m willing to discuss it if things go smoothly.”
“I have a suggestion, as well,” Isotonic says. “He’s intent on hunting down Massteria. Why don’t we allow him to?”
“He’s at a disadvantage—” Mastermental starts out.
“Give him one of those external power blockers that Nico used when fighting Herold. Let’s let him prove he’s on our side,” Marigold says. “After watching him as we did, I think we can trust him that much. Besides, I like Falconess. She’s a good woman. She deserves a second chance at love. Some of us never will get that,” she adds quietly, glancing around the table.
“I never took you for a romantic, Marigold,” Negatia says.
“Don’t you miss Sonic Scream?” Marigold asks her.
“Every day, every minute,” Negatia says softly, “every second of my life.”
Only Isotonic looks a bit awkward at the conversation. Mastermental SHOULD, he thinks, but Mastermental never looks awkward. “So,” he says, to break the tension, “are we agreed? We allow him a chance to hunt down Massteria—under supervision. Consider this a part of his parole.”
“I think that might be quite dangerous,” Mastermental says, “but I’m willing—depending on who you suggest his supervision is.”
“I suggest Technico,” Isotonic says. “We’ll prove your belief that he’s completely trustworthy, as well.”
***
“This is driving me insane!” I declare, pacing in the soundproof room in front of my family and a distracted looking Nico. “And why aren’t you all worried?” I ask them, placing my hands on my hips and glaring at them.
“They usually do this,” Nico says. “I heard that’s how they decided what to do with Pan when he attacked the Collector.”
“Pan?” Grandpa asks. “Panther? Or Panther’s son?”
“For you it would be the son. He’s that college roommate I told you about,” Nico says. “He’s got a wife and two kids. His daughter’s my son’s girlfriend, she’s a beauty. And when the Collector somehow caught sight of her—”
“Is this really the time?” I ask.
“No, do go on, this is fascinating,” Grandma says. “Who is this Collector? Is he a super?”
“Nah, he’s a norm—he was using Shadowman as a go-between,” Nico says.
“Shadowman’s still around?” Grandpa asks. “I’m shocked someone hasn’t killed him by now.”
“I was tempted several times,” Grandma says.
“No one likes Shadowman,” Mom says, still staring at Grandpa.
“Shouldn’t we just talk about the big pink elephant in the room?” I demand. “Mom, this is Grandpa Bombastic, Grandpa Bombastic, this is your daughter. You both know that, but you’ve not said a word to each other since we got in here!”
They look at each other, staying silent for a long second before Grandpa goes, “You’re as beautiful as I thought you’d be.”
Mom looks taken aback for a moment. She clearly hadn’t expected that opener. “Why did you do it?” she asks.
“I…” Grandpa looks around the room. “The government was clearly manipulating people with powers,” he says finally. “They had just implemented a law that all people with abilities were to be registered. There was no vote on it, no word to the public, but all of a sudden we were the same as convicted criminals. We were going to be watched like hawks. They would know who we were, where we lived—all because we were born different. I heard, from an inside man, that they already had a list of capes they were planning on hunting down, on the basis of them being too hard to handle. Several of them were already identified.”
“And you thought attacking their buildings would make them feel they were wrong?” Grandma demands.
“I was going after the list,” he says. “I wasn’t going to blow up anything—I was just casing the joint to break in, steal the list, destroy any copies, and leave. Unfortunately, Superior caught sight of me landing on government property in the middle of the night and jumped to conclusions.”
“Obviously they were the right conclusions, and I’m not sure how that consists of manipulation,” Mom says.
“Who do you think they would have sent after the unruly ones?” he asks. “The Hall was in their pocket. Superior couldn’t sneeze without them offering him a Kleenex. Well I might have been a villain, but I knew a ton of capes that were just trying to live normal lives. They weren’t out to hurt anyone, they were just out to make a living. And I had one daughter about to be born and more planned. Why should they know who they were? What right did they have?” he asks.
“Clearly it didn’t gain much ground, though,” Nico says thoughtfully.
“Oh, we’re all registered the moment we use our powers in public,” Mom says, waving a hand, “but the Hall has the list, not the government. And anyone D-class or below has the choice to opt out. Others, like the healers, well, they didn’t even realize they existed.”
“Mastermental stepped in after Superior ‘died’ and left the Hall to him,” Grandma says. “He took care of the problem in an almost terrifyingly easy way. I wish you’d have asked him before you decided to step in, Austin,” she says sadly.
Grandpa looks stunned. “How did he fix it?” he asks.
“A quick appearance on television,” Grandma says. “Had he wanted, the entire U.S. would have started rioting. In exchange, though, the government has his home number and the name he goes by now.”
There’s a slightly shocked look on both Grandpa and Nico’s faces. “Seriously? He took the fall for everyone?” Nico asks.
“They don’t know about Max,” Mom says. “They probably will once he graduates, but for now he’s been kept secret.”
We go silent, thinking about that for a long moment. “It’s still risky,” Grandpa says.
“This distrust of the government is a wonderful thing to walk in on.” We all look up, seeing Mastermental standing in the doorway. “We’ve come to a conclusion, so if you would come with me, we’ll finish up the hearing.”
“Should I feel flattered that you came personally?” Grandpa asks as he stands. He reaches up unconsciously, his hand almost touching the collar around his neck. It sparks. I wonder how often he did that when he was in the cells.
“I thought it prudent not to have the black suits find out what your little group was discussing,” Mastermental says, “in case it was something personal.”
We follow him to the other side of the Hall, going back into the meeting room. Grandpa steps in front of the table, looking from screen to screen with no hope on his face.
“What do you have to say for yourself, Austin?” Century asks in a remarkably mild tone.
“I… well… I ask that you don’t hold my crimes against my family. And that Keliah isn’t punished for going with me. She’s willing to do a show in the future to pay for sneaking into the theme park—”
“Accepted,” Century says cheerfully.
“Charles,” Mastermental says in rebuke.
“Well, you can’t blame a man for taking what’s offered, Frank,” Century says.
“There will be no punishment for your family, Austin,” Negatia says. “What we want to hear is why you think we should allow you to be released on parole.”
A hint of shock mixed with hope crosses Grandpa’s face. “I…” Grandpa says, looking over at us for a moment. “I just want to live my life and… and hopefully get to know my family,” he says slowly. “I don’t want to be a villain, or a hero, I just… I can’t even wrap my mind around it,” he admits. “I mean, I’ve dreamed of getting offered this for years, but I never expected it to happen. I just—they’re going to make me do something, aren’t they?” he asks, looking at Nico, suddenly.
“It’s called ‘parole’,” Nico agrees. “It’s where they make a list of demands and you have no choice but to do them. It’s how I wound up as principal of Cape High.”
“We can hardly slap you on the wrist and expect you to work at a fast food joint,” Marigold says dryly. “You have to be at a certain level just to be considered for the Cape Cells.”
“If we could rehabilitate those in the Cape Cells they would easily change the world,” Mastermental agrees. “And you, Bombastic, are at the top of that list. So will you consider working for us in exchange for a… more acceptable situation?”
“What would this ‘acceptable situation’ be?” Grandpa asks.
“We thought we would put you under the supervision of the very well-equipped Cape High staff,” Mastermental says. “That means we will be placing you with our children, under the supervision of some of the strongest retired supers around. We are still extremely careful about who we place with them, even then. But after seeing you with Keliah we believe we can trust you.”
“YES!” I say, jumping in the air and throwing up my arms in glee. “Will he be a teacher?” I ask.
“Cape High?” Grandpa says, “You mean I’d be working under Technico?”
Nico is grinning. “I’ll accept that,” he says. “I’ll put him in charge of the demolition and clean-up program. He can train the newcomers in home and car repair on site.”
“But,” Isotonic interrupts, “there’s one more task we’re going to give you.”
“It’s more of a… test of loyalty,” Century says. “We’re going to equip you with a power blocker and send you after Massteria.”
“A power blocker?” Grandpa says, frowning. “If I don’t have my powers—”
“One that blocks other people using their powers on you—Technico built something that should do the trick,” Negatia says. “Didn’t you, Technico?”
“I did,” Nico says, “But let’s be clear, here. If anyone is questioning my loyalty, I’d like to remind you that you were there. The external power blocker wasn’t to take you on—it was purely to bypass Herold.” He stares at them until they nod. “I can arrange for something.”
“And since we’ve all established that Nico is NOT out to take down all the Hall branches, he’ll be overseeing this mission of yours. It’ll be filmed, of course, so we’ll all see what you do,” Century says. “Are you willing to accept our terms of parole?”
“Willing?” Grandpa asks. “I would get on my knees to beg for the opportunity,” he says, with a stunned expression. “I’ll take it. If I work at Cape High, my granddaughter will be there, right?”
“She will,” Nico says. “Well, as soon as her mom declares she’s done with her punishment. It’s been longer than the week I would have required.”
“Yes!” I say, running o
ver to hug Grandpa. I hesitate, though, looking at the Hall leaders. “That means he’ll have to get into a fight, though, right?” I ask them. They nod. “So you can’t punish him if he winds up blowing a few things up,” I tell them. “That’s his best power, you can’t expect him to not use it if he has to!”
“As long as you keep us informed on where the fight will be, we’ll do our very best to evacuate the area,” Century says.
“I’m sorry, I have to ask,” Negatia says, her curiosity showing, “Nico—may I call you that? If you were to overthrow a Hall, which would you aim for?”
“Hmm?” Nico asks. “Oh, I wouldn’t go for a Hall,” he says, casually. “I’d go straight for the North Pole; one night of actual work and an entire year of making toys? That sounds entertaining.”
“Can I vote on that?” Century asks, looking far too enthusiastic about that idea.
“No,” the rest of the board says.
“But I have my own little Hall, if you really think about it,” Nico says. “And when they graduate, I’ll still have a very large pull with them—someday very soon you’ll be leading entire Halls of people that have me on speed-dial.”
“Is he trying to make us paranoid?” Isotonic asks.
“Of course he is—he’s got a terrible sense of humor,” Mastermental says with a sigh and a shake of his head. “Nico, reassure those that don’t know you of your loyalty, please?”
“Star Born,” he says, holding up a finger, “Mimic, Kunnins, Mother, Herold, Shadowman, and Boombastic, just now.” He shows them his finger count before lowering his hands. “I’ve had a hand in catching all of them, with the help of teenage capes. I’m training those teenagers to be the best capes you’ll ever have. And if I can turn around so completely, I can promise you that Boombastic here will, as well,” he tells them. “Not because of you, but because he has the same thing motivating him as I do--family.”
“Are there any others that might be capable of changing like this?” Negatia asks.
The two men hesitate, looking at each other. “I’m still keeping an eye on Star Born,” Nico says. “She’s dangerous in ways we’re not used to, but she’s been surprisingly helpful as long as we keep her equipped with enough to keep her busy.”
