BitCook

There were downsides to being pampered. Vicki's entire life had been plotted out and measured for maximum political effectiveness for her father. So her driving instructor had been private and she had learned in very nice cars on private roads. Which, when in a pack with many other vehicles, some intent on smashing you, was a very sudden and cold dose of reality. As her pram weaved and dodged around the Kooplas and her fellow students Vicki was very intent on not smashing into them or anything else. Still, while she was in over her head, if she was being fair, this would likely not have been anything they would have taught. With both hands gripping the wheel she navigated around the tentacles, clowns and other racers. Terrified to take her hands off the wheel again, she came up with a bit of an idea. Her mentor, Synapse, had been helping her work with her powers and this seemed as good a time as any to put that experience into practice. Reaching out with her mind she latched onto one of the Kooplas steering wheels and when it was aligned with another of the turtles, she wrenched it to the side hoping to cause them to smash into each other. Her mind proved to be strong enough and she cried out in joy as the two carts smashed into each other, making the way forward far easier. Even better, the out of control Koopla couldn't avoid one of the massive tentacles as it smashed down on the cart, causing it to explode in a digital shower of pixels. "Woo! That actually worked! I don't think I've ever used my powers like that before," she called out in excitement.

I mean... that might be literal. Vicki will be doing her best to avoid tentacles. I forgot to put that.

First off... Vicki is driving! With two hands on the wheel this time! 1d20+7 = 19 Then, she is going to try and grab the steering wheel with her Telekinesis and try to get one Koopla to run into the other. Not quite sure what to roll, but I'm going to guess it's strength on strength? 1d20+8 = 26 As a side note the power does have precise, so I'm hoping that helps in getting it to do what she wants.

Vicki blinked several times, she had never asked that before and had only gotten some small glimpses of her mentor's life over the past couple years. That was an amazing story and something that was straight out of one of the action movies. Shaking her head, she turned to the man sitting on the couch next to her. He had blonde hair and blue eyes with a seeming casual attitude to his natural good looks which were not hard to look at with a lean build of a gymnast. "That had to be quite a first date, but I don't know that we've ever met before. Thank you for letting me come into your home." She hadn't heard him come in, but she was already starting to accept that meta humans were far more common than not. Of course, what she didn't realize was that he was just an echo of the real Foreshadow, past or present was hard to tell. Whatever this phantom said to her, it caused her to reply, "no, really I appreciate it... and yes, Synapse is really awesome. I have to agree. You're very lucky!" Turning to look back at Dee she gave a hidden and shielded thumbs up to her mentor with a cheeky grin plastered across her face.

As Vicki tossed the bomb, she was delighted to see it impact on the brightly colored course and in a comical explosion, blast two of the clowns off and presumably to their 8 bit doom. It was however then that she realized why her driving instructor had always insisted on '10 and 2' for keeping her hands on the steering wheel. At the time it had just seemed like one of many little things to nit pick about. As she had thrown the bomb, she had subconsciously pulled on the wheel, causing the cart to veer wildly out of control. As the pink pram teetered precariously on two wheels, she quickly got her hands back on the wheel and wrenched it back. This of course caused an over correction, a drift and released a very unladylike squeal from the teen. "Ten and two! Ten and two!" she shouted as the pram flopped back onto four wheels and at least seemed to be heading mostly in the right direction. Sadly, all of this maneuvering, or lack there of, squandered her lead in the race and caused her to fall back into the pack with all of the other racers. That is, other than Consuelo who had rocketed out to a commanding lead.

Vicki giggled and nodded, her first few days at the school had been a massive culture shock. Everything that she thought she knew had been upended, in a very good way. Like many other wayward students who had attended Clarmont, Vicki had realized that in a very short period of time, that it had become her home. She loved the people there, had already started to make the beginnings of friendships, and most important, was becoming slightly less conscious of her powers and how different they made her from 'Joe Average'. "I don't know how you did that. I guess I'm not much of a rebel... I think you were and are really brave. You know what people are like, especially in the 'upper crust' or whatever you want to call it." Then a slightly shy smile crossed the teen heroes face as she looked over to her friend and mentor, "so... um... how did you meet your husband?"

Head hurt. Cannot think. Holiday Stuffing.

That actually did make her feel better, by a fair margin. Heroes in the media were typically presented as competent and professional. 'A hero will save the day' was not an uncommon phrase, and to be fair, not an uncommon occurrence. So to admit that she didn't have control over what she did was always a little frightening and certain something she didn't feel very good about. Still, she was getting comfortable enough to ask far more mundane, if perhaps more teen centric questions, "so... what sorts of fun things do people do when they aren't studying or practicing?"

As she was trying to explain herself to Michael, she saw the arrival of three Claremont students whom she knew fairly well! Looking back to the trio, she gave a little hand wave and a smile. Although, she did her best to keep whatever little focus she had in her still on Michael. It wasn't every day someone offered to dance with her! Hopefully it would be something a little more modern than Guy Lombardo...

Vicki shuffled her feet, looking down at some speck on the ground again. Her father was a massive source of shame for her. She desperately wanted to use her abilities to help people and be part of the hero community at large. But that was difficult with her father's stances and legislation he was pushing for in the UK. At least being over in the states, he was a bit less known, although his frequent rants in parliament often landed him on BBC or CNN or other news networks. "Well... he doesn't really know about it and thinks it's kind of like a um... security blanket. So he often tells my Nanny to 'get rid of that bloodly thing and have her grow up.' As for being all right staying here... I mean, it's just my first day, but I think this might be the most wonderful place I have ever been. Ever. Really." She added the last two words to emphatically give her consent that she wasn't just saying that to be polite. "I mean, he's my father and I love him for that. But no... I don't like any of what he says and certainly less of what he does. I'm kind of hoping to learn more how to control things better. I sometimes have issues focusing and that would be nice to learn to change." Finally she addressed MIzuki's question, "well, I have been told that it... and I are magical. It's not like I have a cauldron and am brewing up potions, or for that matter, have any real idea how it all works, but yes... it's magic and I certainly hope there are teachers here who can help make sense of it all." She said the last picking up the insistent ball which had been bouncing into her ankle over and over. "Do most people here need instructions as to what they do and how they do it?"

All right. Racing roll. Reflex Save (+7) Ugh... Vicki is apparently a horrible driver 1+7 = 8 Tossing Bomb at Clowns! (Ranged +8) But she apparently has played a lot of net ball, 16+8 = 24

Reality shifted around Vicki and they were at a party, but a much different one. Women and men danced and mingled with an old world air about them. She could recognize some, The Centurion, Johnny Danger, the Bluesman. Even out of costume, in suits with tails or women with hoops skirts, so many people were recognizable to her; icons that were world renown. How the Freedom league could pull this off... it was amazing! In her vision addled state, she didn't realize that Charmaine, by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadian's was not a current top hit and was nearly a century old. Like all of her visions, she felt a part of them as if they were indeed reality. Walking through the genteel event, she saw waiters bringing Deviled Eggs, Oysters Rockefeller and some sorts of finger cakes around to the guests as well as light beverages in fine crystal. Unfortunately, her bodysuit and boy shorts stuck out like a sore thumb in the highly formal atmosphere. Her presence caused a ripple among the guests which was hard not to notice; "check out the gams on that dame, what does she think this is?", "What a hussy, even Madam Solaire's girls wouldn't be caught dead in public like that." and other comments floated to her ears. Seeing her floundering with the buzz around her, the Centurion approached her with a curt nod, "Miss." Something about his solid practical demeanor grounded her and she gave a smile and a curtsey and replied, "Good evening sir, it's a lovely evening." Whatever he might have responded with crashed around her as the 1920's era party vanished with the jolting sensation of a cold shower. She blinked many times realizing that she had missed several minutes of conversation at the actual party she was attending. It had happened again. Looking up to Golden Star in his impeccable white suit, she gave a bashful smile, "uh... I'm sorry, I think I spaced out there for a moment. I would love that and please forgive me, I'm normally more focused and um... present than this." Wait? He had made a joke too, about her powers! "Oh and no! I won't spoil Christmas for anyone! It doesn't work like that... well usually anyway!"

Magic 8 Ball When the announcement about the holiday party went out, Vicki had debated on going. She had a somewhat secret identity, at least from people outside of Claremont. While she had a very fledgling hero career, due to some of her contacts and her father's money unknowingly financing her suit, she already had a costume. Wearing the black, long-sleeved bodysuit that was complimented by a mid thigh pair of black boyshorts and knee high boots. She was nervous; getting to meet her idols was quite a high stress event! "I want to thank you for taking us Bernadette. I probably wouldn't have gone otherwise," she said with a warm smile. Then fidgeting with her hair and the tight fitting costume, she got out of the car and walked in with the small group.

Hmmm, okay, going to have to get an area on that when I have some stuff to spend. Okay, she'll use her selective concealment to blank herself from everyone other than her 3 teammates. Not sure if I need a roll on that either.

Vicki is going to try and use her: Mind Reading 8 (Emotional Scan; Extra: Effortless, Feat: Subtle 2, Flaw: Limited to Emotions) {10PP} 17PP To see if she can use it as kind of a radar to sense other beings on the track. Additionally, she'll work at staying mostly central to the tack and driving as fast (15) as she can. Let me know if I need a roll for the mind reading. I don't think I do, but either way, let me know.

Magic 8 Ball "I didn't know you were a mother," Vicki said tilting her head as she got comfortable on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her. "Where is she then?" Considering that Dee was perhaps one of the coolest people that Vicki knew, there was a little pang of jealousy. How awesome would it be to have a mother like her? While Vicki loved her parents, it was a conflicted love. Her mother and father were so focused on her fathers political career, that there was little time to spend together as a family. It was telling that she had spent far more time with Alice than her parents over the past five years and considered her nanny more like her mother than her actual one. Which, it was kind of sad that she didn't see Alice now that she was in the states. "As for my parents, yeah... they do make things difficult most of the time. But, as long as I don't make too many waves, I'm hoping that they just kind of forget that I'm over here."

Magic 8 Ball "Hello Mizuki! It's very nice to meet you," Vicki said admiring the other girls outfit. Up until recently, she had not considered the legacy that Heroes left after they were no more. She had personally not known many people in the meta human community, so all of these concepts and ideas were still novelties. Then, to continue Lawrence's explanation, she looked over at Mizuki a little sheepishly, "my father is... um... not particularly a friend to the hero community. He's one of those, 'everyone needs to register and be held accountable' kind of guys. Other than um... having the house egged a few times, it didn't really encourage any of the hero community to be over as guests." As she spoke about her father, her face had a very complex mix of emotions, running the gamut from resigned affection to outright embarrassment.

As the g force inducing acceleration abated somewhat Vicki relaxed just a small bit. Perhaps it was a good idea to let others grab the power ups in the future! She straightened out the buggy and realized she was up in the lead along with Consuelo. Turning to the festively decorated girl she gave a little wave, which sent the cart weaving one side to the other, before putting both hands back on the wheel with a bit of a white knuckled death grip. Scanning the track ahead of her she lined herself up to stay out of the way of the Koopas who seemed to be more into mucking about with the pack than they were with catching up with the two leaders. Which begged the question, what happened if they won? Or worse, if they lost. Keeping the throttle down fully, she continued to race down the track keeping a good eye out for more power ups.

Just let us know when we're free to post IC

I feel the need. The need for speed. Vicki is going to try and press the advantage while she can. However, apparently she's terrible at driving. That's 1d20 + 7(reflex) +5(boost) +2(aid) = 6 + 14 = 20 I mean, 20 isn't terrible... it is when you have a +14 bonus.

Magic 8 Ball "That was so confusing... I don't even know how to drive yet... or have a license," she said shaking her head. "...and there we were, on some crazy arcade track. Oh! I was put into a pram! How embarrassing was that?" However, she did something that was very anathema to British culture as she listed to Dee's explanation, she moved closer and wrapped up Dee with a tight hug, expressing her gratitude and relief with a physical sign of affection that she would likely be mortified about later. Still, it was a massive indication how that rather complicated chain of events had affected the teen super. "I even told some of the students what I could do and they didn't shy away. It's really amazing there! I hope that I get to stay until I graduate!" Letting go of her mentor she leaned back, looking all kinds of shy after the un-British display of emotion. Brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face she said, "sorry... it's just what you did means a whole lot to me." What she didn't previously suspect or know was that Dee was also a mother. She didn't want to pry, but her eyes kept darting over to the small basket, hoping that Dee would open that conversation up. Given that they were toys, her child had to be rather young, but still, how cool was that?

Magic 8 Ball It was hard to surprise Vicki. She was both very good at anticipating things and her gifts tended to spoil a lot of surprises. However, this was... incredible to say the least. She was amazed at the casual display of power and technology that her mentor possessed. The fact that the AI was just talking too her was something she was very not used too, not matter how modern her fathers house had been. "Hello Vera, you're very cool and I can't say I've ever talked to an AI before." That was a bit of an understatement, even if every bit of it was true. She looked around the house, approving everything she saw. Part of her really hoped that somewhere down the line she had a life like this, AI included of course. Still, she was also wise enough to know that time was something to be savored, so she tamped down on that desire and found a seat. "So before we really get talking, are you responsible for getting me to Claremont? I mean I know that Lawrences dad was partly responsible, but I can't imagine his parents were 100% of it. I'm sure you had a lot to do with tricking him, right?"

Magic 8 Ball As the new girl walked into the building and was returning books, Vicki had noted the appalling lack of clothes on her. She would be a popsicle if that's all she was wearing, as evidenced by still enjoying the oversized sweater she wore. When the girl nodded over to them, Vicki returned the gesture with a little finger wave and a cheerful smile. That smile froze for a second as she heard the girl talk about swimming... and salt water, which implied outside, unless this school had some kind of tidal aquarium. Which, given how amazing it was in general, would not really be a surprise. Regardless of how crazy she thought the idea, she introduced herself, "hi, I'm Vicki... did you really say you were going to go for a swim. Like... outside?" Feeling the ball nudging her feet and not going away she gave it a little kick, as it rolled over to one of the stacks and bounced down it. The last thing she needed right now was to have some kind of ball related issues.

Magic 8 Ball Having never been to one of Synapse's homes before Vicki appreciated both the neighborhood and the choice of domiciles. While she wasn't judgmental, nor did she revel in the material, she still had appreciation of the finer things in life. Over the past three years, ever since the ball had shown up on her doorstep, Synapse had been a large part of Vicki's life. Mentor, Teacher, Friend, Confidant, Therapist; these were all hats that Synapse seemed to effortlessly wear when dealing with the young girl. For her part, Vicki really appreciated having someone to talk too who understood the challenges of the British social structure and specifically Vicki's position in it. There were expectations and pressures that were not easy to navigate, but Synapse had done her best to give advice and outright help where she could. Vicki was wearing a Navy knee length dress which was gathered up at the waist, under it, a white long sleeved tight fitting tee shirt and tights along with some navy sneakers to round things out. The oversized coat covered most of this up, but she was still not really used to snow and cold and was finding this aspect of America less than pleasant. Walking up to the door, she pushed the bell and nervously shifted from foot to foot as she waited for an answer.

Magic 8 Ball Okay... this wasn't so bad. Regardless of it's looks, Booster Seat was pretty easy to control and was fast enough that she was starting to make up ground on the other drivers. At least this wasn't a graded assignment, so that was good at least. It would stink to be graded for video game work. Or would it? That was something she was going to have to think about when she wasn't trying to stay on what appeared from first person view to be a far more narrow track than it ever appeared when she had played it on switch. She rocketed around the first shallow curve, taking a good line and maintaining her speed, one of the opposing team looked like they were gunning for the same power up she was. With a little juke, she dipped inside of the opposing cart, cutting them off just enough to sneak past them and run over the power up. Instantly, her little baby mobile accelerated with head snapping power. She was thrown back in the seat as the track blurred all around her. "Whoah!!! Maaaakkkeeeee it stop...." she pleaded as water leaked from the corners or her eyes.