Chương 2758: 5.5
I'd never had my very own scooter or even bike before, discounting a very old, second hand one that I used to tie ribbons on. I didn't count that because it used to belong to Emma and quite frankly I didn't want to think about her… With a rich lawyer dad she could always afford anything she wanted. The question I kept asking, was with everything she had, why did she get rid of me? I still couldn't understand her. The fact that I had this segway was like going from no phone to smartphone in one day! Which now that I thought about it was exactly what happened at the mall with dad a awhile back.
Huh.
Following that trend I'd go from having no friend to a super advanced robot friend, which of course never happened. I did however become friends with a bunch of other super powered kids so that counted right? Kid Win was a Tinker so he was probably part robot already and Gallant looked like a robot sometimes with his power armor. I kept getting hung up about Emma and the people at Winslow, I needed to stop. I had to focus on the now, like the Rig.
Honestly it still amazed me how big the base was. I'd like to say I was whizzing around on my new Vimobile but to say that would be disingenuous. Instead I was going at a slow, sedate pace. It was quicker than walking with a full Inventory but it still dragged on.
"Don't want you ramming into people around the corners." Armsmaster warned me. "Even with how loud the machine can be, it's still better to be safe than sorry."
Yet, despite the tyrannically imposed speed limit, I was in high spirits. After all I was carrying the steel and leather that would be my new armor soon. I might not be able to get rid of the yellow triangle but I certainly could make something that would match!
"Better safe than sorry!" I cheered. I pumped out a fist and for a moment I almost lost control. I quickly grabbed the abandoned handle and stabilized myself before I drove myself into a wall. I could hear the subtle shifting of Armsmaster's armor as he was about to help me but upon seeing that I didn't need it, he simply gave an exasperated sigh.
"Please be more careful." He scolded me.
"You don't lack for spirit do you Vim?" Asked Triumph. He grinned, flashing me his perfect white teeth. I glanced down at his equally perfect abs, hoping against hope that my visor blocked out where I was looking. Damnit! This was distracting. Why did I have to like abs so much?
"Yeah, I sure like spirit!" Stupid! Stupid Taylor! Goddamnit Taylor! What kind of response is that? I wasn't like this when I met him outside. Was it because I was too distracted with the segway? Looking back on it, I also liked looking at Aegis's abs as well but was also distracted because of Mario Kart.
Maybe I needed to distract myself with vehicles? Where was Squealer when you needed her?
"Uhh Armsmaster?" I piped up again calling the blue armored hero.
"Yes Vim?" He looked up from the mundane clipboard. An honest to god wooden clipboard with metal clips and A4 sized pieces of paper. Seriously, didn't he use a tablet?
"Do you think I can modify the Vimobile? I was thinking of adding my indestructible shield to the front of something, it's already got a handle so I think I can slot it into there if the handle bars here can be detached or something."
"We might have to submit designs for your new…." He coughs. "Vim...mobile then." He stated slowly...
"What? Why? I thought we already had people approve my shield, isn't it safe?" I asked.
"In your hands yes." He began. "Think of it this way. Imagine you have an inertia enhancement device, you strap it to a slingshot to make the projectiles go faster." Okay, I was following him. "The projectiles go fast enough to injure and knock out people but when put on a gun, the attachment turns already fatal bullets into weapons that can go through tanks."
"That sounds like an awfully specific example." I told him as we came across a large door that looked more at home on a garage then an office space.
It was Triumph who spoke up. "Oh I remember that! That actually happened, A Tinker who specialised in gravity made it, don't ask me how that works." He continued. "They approved it's use in S class scenarios though." That still didn't explain why a shield couldn't be strapped onto my Vimobile but I kept quiet for now.
"Specialised in Mass manipulation actually." Armsmaster interrupted as he keyed in a code on the wall. "Regardless, we're here. Vim, prepare to drop the items inside, PRT personal will organise it."
Right, the other PRT people. I glanced back behind us and noted a bunch of Troopers kitted out in full combat gear. They had bullet proof vests, grenades, guns and walkie talkies. It struck me how out of place yet fitting they were surrounded by normal office workers going back and forth between their work.
"I'm surprised they're the ones putting the stuff away, why not get interns or something for this?"
"Interns are untrained with handling weapons and highly volatile equipment." He stated, as if reading it off some rule book. Considering he wore a Tinker Tech helmet, I wouldn't be surprised if he was.
"But." I argued. "You've got me holding all the stuff." I was definitely not trained how to handle weapons and highly volatile equipment. Wait a second. Highly volatile? The only explosive I had on me was containment foam! That wasn't that dangerous was it?
"..... You're a special case." He coughed. "Regardless, please start placing them in the designated drop off points." The troopers spread out in a chaotic manner that I assumed to be organised. Going left, right and all over the place as they grabbed the equipment I dropped. Armsmaster began ticking items off his list leaving me to my awkward silence with Triumph.
After that we went about setting up my lab, it involved shifting and moving furniture. Despite being a Ward with Brute powers they insisted that a bunch of other PRT staff members help me out. It was true that I couldn't carry around anything too large with my Inventory powers but it still felt insulting. Something about not letting the 'kid' overwork myself. Still, it was kind of fun ordering people around.
"Table should go there, the cabinet should go there!" And so forth. I might've been an interior decorator in another life! Or maybe an evil overlord. Maybe both? Then again, most evil overlords in movies had a real sense of style, it wouldn't surprise me if that was part of Villainy 101.
It was less of a lab and more of a trophy room if I had to be honest. I had weapon racks, shelves filled with potion ingredients, mannequins and display cases which further reinforced that opinion. I would've loved to show everything off to the other Heroes but Triumph had to leave to go on a patrol with Clockblocker, I didn't even get to see the other Ward!
Having a job sure cut into one's spare time didn't it?
Luckily that wasn't too much of a concern with me. After everything was set up a team of PRT employees brought in the meat of the room, the Anvil. It's comically large size put my old one to shame. Despite the difference between the two I hadn't noticed any change in crafting speeds which is to say, instantly. Before we knew it I had several variations of steel armor.
Imperial steel and Nordic. That's the impression I got at least on what they should be called.
"Alright Vim." Armsmaster began. "Pull out all your steel armor pieces, we'll start fitting the mannequins here so we can see what it looks like with the yellow triangle." On one hand, we could've just used a mirror with me wearing them, on the other I really wanted to use the mannequins. "After that, I'll be taking them away for analysis, I should have them back to you before the Debut." He promised.
I agreed placing everything down in front us. I had two helmet designs, one with horns and the other without. Due to how closely the horned one might resemble what the Empire 88 had, it was vetoed on principle but it still earned a place in my display cabinets.
Still, we made progress. The imperial gauntlets were well liked and Dragon even piped in saying that she liked how they were a tribute to her. She probably already knew that I couldn't really change how they looked but it was nice to get her opinion regardless.
Besides that I had to do some homework in the Wards area. Despite not going to Winslow anymore I still had to study. On one hand I understood that I had to stay sharp to avoid falling behind at Arcadia. On the other hand, I could've been doing Cape stuff.
"Thanks Shadow Stalker." I told the other Ward as she delivered my work. I tried to be as sincere and nice as possible. Judging by the way she hesitated, I failed.
"Uhh… don't…. Don't mention it Heb-I mean, Vim, I meant Vim!" She stammered. Damn, she still wasn't over me? Well to be fair, it hadn't been even a week yet. I tried to calm her down, tell her how everything was fine and that it was awesome being friends with her. If anything I made it worse.
All fear the social superiority of Taylor Hebert. Worst friend ever. If there was anyone else who was more awkward than I, then it would be Shadow Stalker. I felt guilty thinking that it was kind of heartwarming to see that. It wasn't a big data pool to draw from but it reinforced the idea in my mind that only good people joined the Wards. I used to be a little worried that they were filled with bullies like Emma, Sophia or Madison.
Eventually I returned home to cook dinner and spend the rest of the evening with Dad.
It would've been a pleasant night if it weren't for the Wards Debut on my mind. I was going in with my steel armor, people were going to love me, I was going to do great!
The next day as I arrived on the Rig, I noted something was wrong. For one Armsmaster wasn't there to greet me like he had promised. Instead it was Taylor Williams along with Miss Militia.
"Vim!" He called out beckoning for me to come closer. He was an adult and I supposed in charge of me. Still, I narrowed my eyes, an action covered by my tinted goggles. "We have a bit of good news to discuss."
I glanced over to Miss Militia who simply shrugged in either confusion or aloofness. I didn't want to be rude but my curiosity won me over.
"Where's Armsmaster? Why is she here?" I began suspiciously. "Uhh, not that there's anything wrong with you being here Miss Miss Militia." I stammered saying 'Miss' twice. "Also why aren't we doing this in a meeting room?" Was it me or was Miss Militia scary?
"Well because this isn't supposed to be private." Mr Williams began. "First off, your Tinker Tech armor, the steel variation has been approved." I felt my heart soar at that but quickly tempered it as I remembered who I was talking to. "But only by PR, the board of Tinkers will still need to take a look at it."
I nodded unsure what that meant. Sure, they'd have to be looked over, Armsmaster had already mentioned how they had to test my potions.
"In other words we'll have to postpone your Media Debut until the armor is shipped back here." My eyes widened at that. Postponed? Shipped? "To my understanding Armsmaster tried to deliver the armor himself to speed up the process so that's why he's not here right now."
Delivered? How far away was this Tinker board?
"Which means…" Miss Militia stepped in. "I'm in charge while he's gone, if he rushed he might've made it back in time for the Debut but it looked like a storm is delaying him." A storm? I hoped he'd be okay.
"Wait, why couldn't he just help the Tinker board remotely from a phone or the internet?"
"Bureaucracy." She answered easily. "Something about having to be there in person to make the correct call, there's some Tinker jargon in there about frequency interference as well."
"Correct." The evil Taylor spoke up. "I remember there was a gauntlet that turned up as static to cameras awhile back. We had to make a fake replica for them to take into photoshoots." Tinker tech was weird.
"So what? I won't be going to the Media Debut with Browbeat? I'll be stuck back here at base?" Frustration boiled within my stomach. I had a plan, a plan to jump on stage and change into Steel armor like Clockblocker did with his name. Then Armsmaster changed it, forcing me to do things the 'proper' way. Now look where it got me! If only I kept my mouth shut, I could've had my debut sooner.
Miss Militia put her hand on my shoulder. I flinched slightly but forced myself to calm down when her eyes creased in concern. "If it makes you feel better, Armsmaster won't be there either." It didn't make me feel better at all. "Besides, this isn't too uncommon for Tinkers having a delayed introduction."
"Because of how long it takes to build their stuff?" I asked.
"Yes, you're a huge anomaly in that regard, the fact that you're scheduled for next week still puts you ahead of most other Tinkers though." I could deal with that I guess.
"Honestly I'm surprised that there's a Tinker board, wouldn't they have better things to do like build weapons to fight bad guys or something?"
"The Tinker board isn't actually filled with Tinkers besides Dragon." Bad Taylor answered. "Mostly they're scientists and engineers." He continued. "Honestly it'd be detrimental to have Tinkers look into eachothers works due to how incompatible their technology is. Exceptions exist sure but are very few indeed."
I remember Armsmaster bringing that at one point. Also exceptions? I think I remember reading about Dragon being that? It wasn't that clear honestly, I'd have to do some research when I had time. Wait a second, I could just ask her! Wait another cotton picking second, Dragon was on the Tinker board? And Armsmaster was going to meet her? Me thinks that he's going there to do more then review 'Tinker Tech'.
The fact that he was going out of his way just for my armor was confusing. If he was going there to meet up with Dragon however? Well, that made a lot more sense.
"Anyways, that's the message delivered, I'll leave you with Miss Militia." Crooked Taylor announced before leaving. I was glad that he had left but felt kind of jittery at being left alone with Miss Militia.
"Soo uhh, hi Miss!" I tried to sound cheery, it was forced but hopefully passable. Her eyes turned serious. I knew she wasn't trying to be intimidating but it still made me nervous.
"Vim, I hope you understand how much Armsmaster has done for you so far." She began. "He's gone through a lot, he really believes in you, a lot of us do and quite frankly so do I." She tried to be friendly but I still couldn't shake the negative feeling I got from her.
It was at that point that I remembered the first time I used my teleportation powers, her gun in my face, my body held down by containment foam. The memory made me cringe. I was trapped and I had to remind myself that they weren't malicious at the time. Regardless of her intentions, it seemed that I had developed something of a fear of her or at least a bit of nervousness. I shook my head free of those thoughts.
She was a hero, this was nothing like Winslow. People here cared. I had to tell myself that. I didn't have to go back, this was where I belong!
"Uhhh Vim?" The voice broke me out of my thoughts. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate you." Miss Militia told me.
"Nothing's wrong, I'm good." I assured her. She cared, unlike the other teachers. "Yeah…I'm good." She wasn't so bad I repeated.
"Well, it's about time I told you why I was actually here then." She brought out a suspiciously familiar tablet. "Armsmaster gave me a list of things to test in regards to your powers, since he's not here, he's entrusted me with the task of training you up."
"Why can't I just read books to do that?" I asked.
"Well, as much as we want Wards to further their education, a good understanding of your own power's limits and abilities is also encouraged." She took a step towards the testing area which I assumed doubled as a gym. "That said, it's good to see someone your age taking your studies so seriously."
"No, I meant, why aren't you guys just feeding me books to increase my literal Parahuman powers?"
She paused at the door. "You can what?"
"Uhh, use books to make my shards better?"
She glanced at me, shook her head and stared down the tablet in her hands, frantically flicking the screen with her fingers.
"Nothing in the Thinker or Trump section like this at all! I would've remembered it!" She told me. "You never mentioned this aspect of your powers!" She seemed almost flustered.
"Haven't I?" Now that I thought about it, I never did. "Uhh well, yeah I can read books on fighting to get better at fighting sometimes?" It was fairly hit and miss. Reading books on hand to hand self defence only increased my 'Blocking' shard every now and then, I don't think I had a 'Kicking' shard to be honest which was kind of disappointing.
Miss Militia slumped. "I hate power testing." Well, it looked like we had something new to bond over. I kind of wished I had a kicking shard though…
Blocking an attack with my shield, the bullets would spark off leaving behind no signs of damage with my Tinker tech being invulnerable and all. The sounds of gunfire would continue to thunder as I defended a box of kittens when suddenly a *click* would be heard signifying that the gun was empty.
Discarding their spent weapon the Villain would dash towards me, intent on delivering death to the cats.
"VIM JUMP!" I would shout shocking the foul Villain while soaring into the sky high above him.
"VIM KICK!" I would rocket down, foot unerringly finding it's mark upon his face, knocking him away from the innocent.
Then I would turn around as he exploded.
Shaking my head from those thoughts, I piped up again. "Well let's get this power testing done… I don't suppose Vista, Clockblocker and Aegis will be around to help?" Miss Militia shook her head.
"Well, we were going to be doing some minor stuff that didn't require them, we had other things planned honestly but now I'm thinking about giving you a bunch of books." She told me as we entered the testing area. We were greeted by a team of troopers, scientists and various other office workers. "Cheer up Vim, you can watch Browbeat's debut and think of it as intelligence gathering for you own debut."
That made sense I guess. Students did that all the time in high school whenever a presentation happened. Some people liked to hang back and see how it was done before stepping up. I shrugged as the rest of the day blurred into people calling out numbers and the occasional book.
Well, even if I couldn't become an official Ward, at least I could smile and congratulate Browbeat next time I saw him.
Wait… what was his real name again?
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Taron said:I voted "Suggest something that you like"
Freebie gives his beta reader annuerisms on a daily basis.
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