When Villains Cry

What The Observer Sees

Elisabeth sat in the food court of the Hero Society's visitor center.  A simple cap concealing her face, her clothes bland to avoid attention.  A cup of Espresso cooled in front of her, the danish she had ordered sat uneaten.  Glancing through the pamphlets and papers she had gathered, she watched the tourist groups wander the area.  The visitor center sat in the northern entryway to the Hero Society proper.  Security was provided by several automated cameras and a narrow hallway that only permitted one person to enter at a time.  

"Not many heroes use this entrance," she noticed, "too many of the public that might swarm them."

Scanning her reading material, Elisabeth scrutinized the provided info.  One of the pamphlets provided am exellently sterilized floor plan of the Hero Society's main facility.  

"South are the private entrances for those that live at the society full time," She noted, "Poet wouldn't be one of them.  It's public knowledge that she has her living space off grounds.  Even if the location is kept secret."

Tracing her fingers over the diagram, she continued her reasoning.  Moving on to the next location, she thought out loud, her muttering concealed by the noisy tourists and field trips that rang within the building.

"The west entrances are used for the administration offices.   Poet would have been brought before the council but afterward would most likely avoid those areas.  Ever since she exposed Mastermind to the world, she's hated hero politics.  Now that the council grounded her, I doubt she'd want to associate with them."

Shaking her head, Elisabeth pulled the thread she had loosened to its ends.  Nibling on her nail, her rambling whisper silently guided her toward its destination.

"The east entrance is exclusive to training and rehabilitation.  If she was here it would be there.  But without a way in, there's no way I can confirm it.  With the resources of the Hero Society, she could be entering in any number of ways.  They don't want Mastermind to know where she is.  Therefore she is either at her apartment or here.  Possibly both.  This is the path one that can give me an answer.  But how to get the answer?"

Taking a sip of her now cold Espresso, she allowed herself another scan of the surrounding area.  Placing her cup back on the table, she beat out a rhythm on the table.  Pushing herself away form the table momentarily, Elisabeth Lamented her life choices.

"What am I even doing this for?" She cursed, "This isn't going to rebuild my career, nor is it going to bring me any closer to understanding why I was targeted.  I just have a vague hunch that I am meant to observe something and that I need to be Poet's friend.  I should just give up and go home.  Start looking for new work to rebuild my rep.  Take the whole thing as a learning experience.  Sometimes life sucks and we don't get closure.

No, You Should Take This Press Pass.  The One You Will Remember Forgeting You Had.

"Wait, I still have a current press pass.  How in f**k did I forget that?  That will get me in the eastern door no problem.  I can even say that I am trying to get pictures of heroes in training.  As a freelancer, I can sell that to both the powers that be and any perspective employers.  And if I happen to meet Poet along the way, well there are worst ways to meet your crush.  And were Poet is, Mastermind is sure to follow.  Those two really need to f**k and get it over with."

Scarfing her danish down, she gulped the last of her Espresso greedily.  Shoving her research into her messenger bag, she made her way out of the building.  Smiling to herself, a skip manifested in her step. It was going to be a glorious new day.

Agent 1 smiled, she seemed nice.  He was sure Ms. Poet would love to meet her.  

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The Fearless Femme stared at her trainees. Snorting, she walked over to the tangled pile they had manifested as after their latest failure. 

"Who would like to tell me what you did wrong?" she smiled down on them.

"We got up this morning," a gurgling voice snarked, "We were warm and comfy.  Now I just feel violated,"

"I meant with the simulation," Poet rebuked, "Anybody else?  And that will be five laps after we're done, Hivemind."

"Fair Enough," the shapeshifter replied as he oozed out from inbetween his compatriots.

Torque's voice rang out as Hivemind's tendril yanked her out of the dogpile, "None of us listened to Silent Girl.  She is our leader.  If we had coordinated better, this would not have happened."

Honestly, I was just as much a problem, Silent girl sent from underneath Barrow, I was overly cautious in committing.  So I waffled.  I failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities that would have prevented me from being underneath Barrow's ass.  I mean, it is a nice ass.  But I do want it out of my face."

Barrow blushed, before disentangling herself from Brick and getting off her team leader. 

"You really think I have a nice ass?"  The gug-kin stamered.

"Flirt on your own time," Poet barked, "What do you think went wrong, Barrow?"

"We were more worried about our significant others over our partners.  I let Torque down several times.  And she was just as distracted as I was.  We need to move past that."

"That is something that comes in time, Barrow.  But you are correct.  You, Torque, and Silent Girl hit the nail right on the head.  Brick do you have anything to add?"

"Barrow, Torque, and Silent Girl already got everything.  I was worried about Barrow, therefore I didn't back up Hivemind.  I ignored several orders from Silent Girl, to do what I thought was correct.  And Silent Girl wasn't the only one that was hesitant.  I failed multiple times to set up my walls.  All because I was too scared to commit.  Seems to be a reoccurring problem for me."

"The first way to solve a problem is admitting one exists.  Commitment problems are common among Heroes," Poet teased her students, "I am very proud of all of you.  Each of you found a way in which you went wrong.  Yes, even you Hivemind.  Sometimes admitting that you're just having a bad day can be enough to get through.  Or even make it better."

Watching her team head to the showers, she shouted out.

"Hivemind, don't forget those five.  All of you, I expect a full written report on the failure of this mission.  Due Tomorrow.'

Chuckling at the groaning of her students Poet replied, "What was all that groaning? Be careful, If you are all still that energetic, I might decide to assign more homework.  Research on a new Villian and brushing up on a familiar one are instrumental in Hero Society missions.  I could add such work on top of your debriefings.  Unless of course you would rather just head to the showers?"

All of a sudden her students were gone.  Almost running as they rushed down to the showers.

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Barrow, Torque, and Silent Girl sighed as the warm water eased their tense muscles.  The ecstasy of the Hero Society showers was well celebrated among all the members.  Filtered Mineral water heated to perfection pulsed from multiple heads, each stall guided by its own AI.  Each AI given all the knowledge of a massage therapist.

If the AI in this shower had a body I would find a way to pleasure it.  It could name its own kink and I would indulge even it's most twisted desires, Silent Girl moaned, even the illegal and immoral ones.

"Getting A little pent up?" Torque queried, "I am sure that there are more than a few men or women that would take you up on that offer.  You don't have to fantasize about the shower AI.  It's barely sapient, let alone sentient.  Can't have a relationship with an appliance after all.  I'm sure there's someone out there for you.  Even if its just for one night."

I and my vibrator would disagree,  Silent Girl retorted,  it's been the most loyal partner I've ever had.  Never got tired of hearing the thought speak during s*x. Never jealous of other men.   Always satisfies. And keeps out of trouble when we are not together.  Always there to comfort me when I've had a bad day.  We've never even argued.  He just wants me to be happy.  Truly the perfect partner.

Barrow chuckled as Torque blushed, "Always the quiet ones."

Silent Girl stuck her tongue out at her friend.  Lapsing into a companionable silence, the girls sighed collectively.  Each of the other two, quietly agreeing with Silent Girl.  The faint smell of Lavender spread by a heated bed of coals further eased their tensions.

So Barrow, when were you going to tell us? Silent Girl asked, as your team leader I do need some prior notification and I had assumed that I and Torque are your besties.  Brick obviously already knows, so why wait to tell us  Was I wrong?  Are we not Besties?.

Barrow looked blankly back at Silent Girl.

"What are you talking about, Silent Girl?" Barrow wondered, "Of course, you and Torque are my besties.  I and Brick have been having problems.  It led to most of the tensions today.  I didn't support Torque, so Hivemind tried to cover.  Brick was a mess, so Torque and you had to fill the gap.  Our loss was entirely I and Brick's fault.  There is nothing more to tell."

Silent Girl looked at her friend, searching for falsehood.  Silence reigned, Silent girl cursing internally.

Well, Barrow. I am happy to inform you that you are pregnant, Silent Girl answered, With the way you two have been acting I assume you and Brick knew.  When do you want your baby shower?

Barrow's hands descended to her stomach, "Silent Girl this is not funny.  Gug-kin can not have children with those that live in the day.  I have been more cranky and sensitive than usual, but that's because for the first time I have something to lose.  There is no way I can be pregnant.  It's impossible."

My ability says that there is a life growing inside you.  It feels like a baby born of you and Brick's union.  And before you ask I can't talk to your baby.  I can just sense the connection.  There's just no dial tone, yet.  And won't be until the child is born into this world.  My power is never wrong.  I am sorry that this is I surprised you with this.  We should look into getting you to a doctor.  You have been going through hero training with an unborn child.  That can cause all sorts of side-effects, none of them great if left untreated..  After you have seen a doctor we can proceed.  Please forgive me, I honestly thought you knew.  Also as your team leader and friend, I am suspending you pending doctor's approval, effective immediately.

Barrow was silent, her long fingers clasped protectively around her stomach.  The AI that controlled her shower had long since turned off her water.  The quiet of her two friends echoing into her inactive stall.  Keeping her hands against her stomach she stood.  Barrow smiled.

"I am going to be a mother.  Brick is going to be a dad" She giggled, "I forgive you Silent Girl, provided you throw the best Baby shower ever.  I want all sorts of frilly bows and lacy decorations.  I want Pink and Blue throughout.  We will be playing Truth and Dare. Torque you will be attending.  Although I am afraid it will be just the three of us, my family doesn't approve of my career choices."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Torque laughed, "Congrats Barrow.  Me and Silent Girl are going to be the best Aunts a child ever had.  I can't wait!  Right Silent?"

Oh Yes.  I look forward to being the cool Aunt.  Torque you can be the responsible Aunt.  Between the two of us, I am sure we will spoil that child thoroughly.

"Exactly!" Torque squeed, "Hey! Why don't I get to be the fun Aunt?"

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Poet smiled as she watched Barrow sweep up Brick.  Looks like she finally figured it out.  Or Silent Girl spilled the beans.  Either way, it would change things.  Barrow's condition would need to be monitored.  There had not been a half-breed child of the Gug Kin line since the age of legends.  Most Gug-kin had even forgotten it was possible.

"And me still going back to my apartment," Poet sighed, "I have to stay apart from them.  I am their superior not their friend.  Still, scenes like this make me wish my own social life was better.  That there might be someone I can call for a drink."

 The clicking of a camera shutter caused Poet to spin.  A brilliant smile against chocolate skin beamed back at her.

"You!" Poet snarled, "Did Mastermind send you to spy on me?"

Masterminds designated observer smiled, "Like I would need a reason to spy on you gorgeous."

Poet took a step back, her checks flushed. "What?"

Elisabeth chuckled, "Mastermind didn't send me.  For some reason, I was blacklisted from most publications.  So I thought I could get a few pictures of up and coming heroes training.  Maybe hang around the facilities a bit.  These kind of fluff pieces are not exactly what I want to be remembered for, but I do have to pay the bills somehow.  Seeing you is, as my one teacher said, a happy accident."

Poet sighed, "I am truly sorry for all of that, please feel free to hang out here. You happen to be the latest in a long line of people caught up between the conflict between me and Mastermind.  One that now appears to be postponed indefinitely."

"Oh Honey," Elisabeth cooed, "You want to go grab a coffee and tell me all about it.  Off the record, of course."

Poet started to decline but glanced over at where her students had been.  She remembered the laughter, the tears.  How long since she had experienced that?  A friendship other than Lou's?  Maybe this could be the start of something.  Besides, it would feel good to vent to another Human being.  Especially one that had gone through what she had.

"Sure, but it will have to be at my place," Poet smiled, "The portal back will open soon.  How do you feel about cats?"

"Going back to your place on a first date.  Poet what kind of girl do you think I am?" Elisabeth laughed as Poet stammered, "And I would love to come and pet your p***y.  I love both cats and dogs, I swing both ways.  Somtimes I will pet both dogs and kitties."

Poet shook her head, of all the people that she could have decided to open up to she had to pick the aggressive Bisexual.  As opposed to her, the career Bisexual.  Still, Elizabeth was pretty and charming in a trainwreck kind of way.  The familiar rippling of the open portal made her jump.  Turning towards the unsettling hole in space in time, she motioned for Elisabeth to follow.

"C'mon.  These things are wierd and scary as hell, but they get the job done." 

Elisabeth smiled, her plan was working.  Soon she would be closer to finding out what was going on.  And surprise surprise, Poet wasn't only interested in men after all.  Maybe she'd get that sandwich she was after.  Stepping through the portal, she followed the best lead she had.  The portal then shut, leaving nothing but quiet.

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Mastermind settled back.  Ms. Montague arriving at the Hero Society complicated things.  She was the only person other than Poet that was familiar with his appearance.  

"I will have to be cautious," Mastermind remarked, "Tell me Agent 1, why did you place the only person that could ruin my plans exactly in the precise place to do so.

I Thought Ms. Poet Might Like Her, Plus It Makes Things Interesting For You Master.  A Win-Win.

Mastermind laughed, "Oh indeed.  I forget sometimes that, though you and Agent 2 are loyal to me, you  two still work your mischief where you can.  Part of the terms of your service as it were."

Flicking his hand, He dismissed Agent 1.  Calling up more screens, he located the one he wanted.  Elisabeth's voice echoed into Mastermind's lair.

"What I wouldn't give to be the meat in a Poet and Mastermind Sandwhich."

Mastermind tapped his finger on his desk, his shoe keeping time with his finger.  

"If I play this right, Ms. Montague may not expose me immediately.  I have no intention of leading her on.  But I may be able to see that our interests line up.  She assumes I had something to do with her blacklisting.  According to Agent 1 and Agent 2, the janitors did that.  If I provide her with evidence, she may be more receptive to a truce."

His hands ghosted over the keyboard, "I feel bad about Ms. Montague becoming Persona Non Grata in her former career.  I can't reverse the damage that has been done.  At least not without endangering many valuable pawns.  But I can make sure this never happens again, plus making sure that any pictures she takes of the trainees are sellable."

Turning back to his computer, Mastermind cursed.

"Due to both their liberal interpretation of my orders and the mischief of Agent 1 and 2, I am in a corner," Mastermind smiled, "Good, I have grown fond of corners.  They carry the best lessons."

Turning back, he gathered all his many sources.  He would find a way forward.  This plan was to important to abandon now. 

"I will see my way through.  Poet will understand.  I am Mastermind.  I do not fail."