Dariusprime

Penny accepted the scratches with some irritation. After all mere scritches were nothing compared to the earlier massage. Nonetheless these came from one of her favorite humans...so they were okay. Cue more purring. Fulcrum considered his examination of the Synthia Bower and nodded occasionally in agreement. At a couple of points, an eyebrow went up, but she waited for him to finish. "That reminds me. How long are you intending this trip to be anyway? Remember I didn't plan to go initially. The more you talk, the longer the trip sounds." Not that he was treading on dangerous ground, but she was obviously curious. "Also my mother would never forgive me if she missed the birth of her grand baby. I can commute back for the delivery." At the second sentence, she grimaced. Viktor had known her long enough that the topic wasn't the cause. It was that she let something slip. As for her question, she looked at him with a deadpan expression. Partly, yes, this was old news to her. The other part however listened and listened closely. But the idea of such monstrous entities didn't seem to phase her in-and-of itself. She managed to crack a grin. "You're such a curious man, Viktor. At the existential horror, you're quite the dispassionate scientist. Yes, that does sound familiar. The part I missed, or misinterpreted, was that it was an offspring of the Nameless One. My understanding was that it was the Nameless One." A dramatic sigh. "Oh well. Thank you for filling in the gaps. Making you suspicious of magic would be a brilliant defense mechanism." Mentally, a new life goal was added to the list.

Fulcrum's energy output hadn't varied much. Certainly, the rate spiked at his initial question about having a child. But then the readings receded to baseline and stayed there. Of course that baseline was still an oddity. Unlike most people, whose electromagnetic auras almost "sang" to the Doktor's senses, Fulcrum's was defined by absences. She was absorptive of electromagnetism, and her presence should have registered as a void. Yet paradoxically, she still registered in normal bands. In addition wisps of Terminus energy danced around her only to be reabsorbed. Yes, she seemed rather relaxed, content even, or as content as someone living with metabolic regulators could be. What was she doing during this time? Giving Viktor the sweetest, most affectionate smile. Listening intensely. Considering carefully much as he had done. And judging from her eyes, loving him fiercely but with obvious pain at all he endured. "Viktor, please look at me," she began gently, releasing his hands and cupping one side of his face, "Someday this pain will pass. You will be the free, good man you already are. One of the greatest minds of your generation. Of many generations. I will continue to speak this truth until you embrace it." And for that brief moment, the strength of her belief in him was undeniable. Eventually, her hand returned to his and she sipped her tea. Her tone lightened, "Not too many modifications I'm sure. Those tesseract devices - never trusted those things - mean you probably have everything and the kitchen sink already. If you really want to to this," she added, giving him time to reconsider before continuing, "then the small matter of timing should be considered as well. I'm not familiar with space citizenship questions, and I can only imagine current U.S. policy." She laughed lightly at the last sentence. She looked to say more, before freezing in place. Her mind was a whirl, easily seen in her eyes. "Viktor, dear, are you implying that that thing was just an offshoot of something else?" Now that spiked her emission rates.

The ornery looked melted away, replaced with a small, pleased smile. "I know. Thank you." She gently massaged the top of his hand with her thumb. A contemplative, somber mood replaced her earlier anxiety. She watched him quietly for a moment. Finally, she leaned forward and rested her other arm on her knee as she regarded him. "I thought about leaving you," she started, shaking her head, "Not now. Not over this. Several times though. I had various reasons. I didn't appreciate how you treated the Interceptors at times or the manipulative undercurrent you used on me. The power differential in our relationship bothered me. During your recovery, I wondered how much you had played me for a fool. That maybe if I left, you would be able to focus more on healing. That is one reason I kept this place." Her tone was plain spoken without judgment or guilt. "I also remember the good times. Oktoberfest. Really, really bad German movies. Listening to your heartbeat as you cuddled me in your sleep. How much calmer you seemed when I was around. Moments like this." "What I'm saying is what we've pledged before: that we'll stay together. I'm fiercely territorial and will not share you. I also want you to have children." "You want kids, Viktor. You've also been studying the topic a great deal. The science, yes, but I imagine your research into parenting techniques has been extensive as well." She tilted her head and gave him a knowing look. "You will be a wonderful father." She leaned back in her chair. "I have all the time in the world, Viktor. Not just centuries. I honestly believe...I have forever. But maybe you don't. My mother doesn't. And a small part of me is amiable to the idea of children. Building our own little Addams Family. Now is the time to strike while the iron is hot." "As to your question, the answer is yes." She squeezed his hands.

Fulcrum [Titanium]: 22 posts to Vox A New Enterprise (11) Contest of Centurions (1) Midair Conversations (1) Park Time Job (7) Scene: Fulcrum and Miracle Girl (2) Vox: 22 posts from Fulcrum = 2PP

For good measure I'll roll Sense Motive and Diplomacy on the Gamemaster. Sense Motive: 1d20+14 = 29 Diplomacy: 1d20+13 = 18 Thanks!

Snapping from a reclining position to upright was jarring to say the least. Fulcrum stood still and ready on her rock, arms at her sides, save for reflexively stretching her fingers. Her eyes quickly scanned the area, and she quirked an eyebrow at the assembled group. Especially after realizing she was in costume. At the Gamemaster's appearance, she looked up and her posture eased. Impassively she listened with her arms crossed. Slowly but surely a look of utter incredulity crept across her face. Almost looked like she was going to laugh. Phalanx's response drew her attention first, and she nodded several times in agreement. Once he finished, she swept out a hand toward him. "Nicely put." Arms held out wide, her voiced projected into the void, "The man has been dead and buried for decades. The world doesn't need another Centurion. We have heroes! Heroes with names of their own." She looked around at the other paragons and back to the figure, "You already have one answer. I can only speak for myself, but no. I don't want to be the "next Centurion". I'm sure not going to battle decent people to be "worthy". Her voice began fading, her hands came together palms upwards. "Why don't we just talk this out face-to-face?" Mentally, she processed the conversation and the people around her. Triakosia she knew. Great gal, former Legionary from Centurion's home dimension. Phalanx she had never formally met. Flying in similar orbits though she recognized him. A good man as well. The orange woman was new. Judging from the others, Mona suspected she was good people too. This "Gamemaster" must possess a frightening amount of power.

20 Questions 1. Where is your hero from? Fulcrum is a Freedonian native. She was born, raised, and educated in Freedom City. The West End is her home turf, and most of her family still lives there. 2. How would your hero physically describe him/herself? Is this different from how others would? Her obvious descriptors include athletic, muscular, long-haired, and medium complected. Others tend to add statuesque, composed, and tall. 3. Does your hero have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms? Mona tends to be expressive with her hands, especially when excited. She has a dry sense of humor that creeps into even serious conversations. Physical touch always carries emotional weight with her. Even something as simple as a handshake. 4. What is your hero's motivation? Her motivation isn't a calling per say. She likes being a hero for better or worse. A better description would be her instinct or drive. It's fundamentally a part of who she is and leaving the hero life isn't really fathomable. Separating Mona and Fulcrum isn't really possible. 5. What are your hero's greatest strengths and weaknesses? Fulcrum's greatest strengths revolve around her sheer indomitable spirit (or stubbornness) combined with nigh unstoppable powers. She juggernauts through life and will eventually bounce back from most any calamity. Fulcrum's greatest weakness though is her very human psyche. Fighting until the bitter end she can do. Facing her own failings or whispers of doubt (intrinsic or extrinsic) are much more difficult feats. Facing the banal side of evil, of casual and rationalized cruelty, that is much more difficult. On a practical level, daka crystals will freeze her into a living, conscious statue. 6. What does your hero love? What does your hero hate? In the abstract, Mona loves life. Life doesn't have intrinsic meaning. You make the meaning for yourself. So she loves her family and friends, her community, the world, b-movies, sensuality, chocolate, good-hearted people, freedom, justice: things that make the world a better place. The things that make the world worse: needless cruelty and violence, the hoarding of power, greed, willful ignorance, tribalism, hatred. 7. How would you describe your character's mental and emotional state? Cut through the manners and quips and you'll find a soft-spoken, contemplative, old soul. She's even keeled and gentle, only really flustering at personal topics. She takes things as them come, considers a course of action, and makes the decision. This has the effect of giving her a composed air, and isn't too far from the truth. Frustrations are a fact of life, however, and she tries her best to knowledge and let them roll off her. 8. What does your hero fear the most? Mona truly fears two things. One, capture in daka crystals. Two, that she is really a creature of the Terminus. 9. What is your character's greatest ambition? Her half-formed and impractical ambition was to defeat Omega. She's so very proud of the team that destroyed him, but a little disappointed at missing the shot. Nowadays her greatest ambition is to do her best as a heroine and a person. 10. How does your hero feel about the state of the world and his/her place in it? The world is a beautiful and terrible place. There is so much wonder and suffering, beauty and savagery, all in measures. The world is worth the fight. But she looks at people and sometimes wants to despair. Rampaging monsters and cosmic threats are her specialty, but the banal horrors perpetuated by normal people wear on her. There are better ways. 11. Does your hero have any prejudices? How does he/she get along with others? Just about everyone has a prejudice or two, be they major or minor. A politician is a snake-in-the-grass. There are no victimless billionaires. Until proven otherwise, which she is willing to do. A part of her is leery of authority as authority is easily abused. 12. Where do your heroes loyalties lie? In what order? Ultimately, Mona's loyalties are to herself. She's just willing to the do right thing, even if it means hurting herself or the ones she loves. Such decisions are not made lightly. Perhaps that is a form of selfishness, perhaps not. Thankfully, her family, the Interceptors, Viktor, and Freedom City are her tangible loyalties. The line between her team and Viktor blurs at times, and she would prefer not to have to choose. 13. Does your hero have a lover or partner? How do they feel about the hero now? Mona loves her super scientist, Doktor Viktor Archeville. She adores him and feels so very lucky to have the sweet man in her life. He returns her affections and more. A fierce, romantic, companionable love. 14. Does your hero have a family? What is the relationship there like? Mona's mother, stepfather, and maternal grandmother live in the the West End. Her baby sister, Fatima, and her boyfriend live in Hanover. Nana and Mona are kindred spirits. Her relationship with Fatima is loving, if a bit distant due to their large age difference (16 years). Mona gets along with her stepfather well enough. He's a kind man that makes her mom happy. Her only difficult relationship is her mother. The two do not see eye-to-eye on many issues and never really have. Mona is unabashedly secular and epicurean while her mother is more conservative and religious. Mona isn't interested in children and her mom wants grand kids. Mona is an artist to her core. Her mom thinks she needs to get a real job. These disagreements have caused strain over the years. They even had a failing out for two years over Mona attending the Freedom School for the Arts. 15. How would the people closest to your hero describe him or her? Kind, mellow, funny. Unrepentant geek. Adorable (adorkable?) when flustered. 16. Is your hero a role model Fulcrum doesn't consider herself a role model. In fact she is apprehensive about the idea. Nonetheless she is a role model to more people (especially girls) than she knows. 17. How spiritual is your hero? Does your hero follow a religious tradition? Not particularly. Her spirituality is a deep appreciation of the wonders of the world. Mona does not follow a religious tradition and has no interest in them. 18. Is your hero part of a team, or would he/she like to be? Why? Although she solos a lot, Mona is a proud member of the Interceptors. Part of her has always wanted to be on the Freedom League. It's the big leagues, for one, and co-founded by her idol, Centurion. She's avoided the organization though due to superpower baggage and doubts about wanting that kind of responsibility. 19. How does your hero feel about the place of metahumans and aliens on Earth? People of good character are welcome. Are you egalitarian? Believe in a just and verdant world? Democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and personal responsibility? 20. If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be? You are a better person than you realize.

Fulcrum Artist, paragon, coffee lover The Interview: 20 Questions HellQ Guidebook Reputation

Fulcrum quickly stood up at the sound of the door. She smiled in recognition. The two hadn't met, but the hero grapevine told her of Bolt's fate. Personally, she was just glad he was alive, in some form or another, and her happy expression read as much. The giantess strolled up to a seat at Bolt's left during his introduction. She nodded in acknowledgement, noted Miracle Girl's reaction, and offered Bolt a handshake. "Bolt I presume? Wonderful to meet you," came her own formal introduction in reply. She would have asked how he was holding up, but best to be polite and stay on topic. As she slid, carefully, into a chair, she added, her voice relaxed, "I certainly won't hold this against you. Although knowing what the way is would be helpful." The statement was punctuated by a light wave of her hand. She seemed happy to play along. Once Miracle Girl was settled, Mona continued. Lacing her fingers together, she leaned forward in thought, her tone businesslike, "Hmm...what can I say that isn't already in your files. We're Team Air. My compatriot and I are bricks of the fluttering variety. Thus our team name is quite fitting I dare say. Heroines like us, sometimes we're criticized as naive or too idealistic. Maybe. Maybe. But all that speed, durability, and strength is put to use...," she glanced at Miracle Girl, then back to Bolt, "not upholding the status quo but making this pale blue dot a better place. Even if only for one person at a time. And that's why I put on the suit." Leaning back, she gazed in expectation at the other heroine.

Fulcrum smiled to Leilani. Her pronouncements were the initial cause, but the happier demeanor pleased Mona. She must have missed the elemental's initial discomfort. Bravery and foolishness are easily confused. A lesson she had learned the hard way. That little thought, she hoped, was kept to herself. Fulcrum stepped forward alongside Miracle Girl at their team name being called. The walk was enjoyable enough. The slightly outdated ("retro") aesthetic fascinated her, but she wondered where the staff had gotten to. Though, she supposed, the answer was fairly obvious. Assuming the place had full-time staff beyond the heroes. Soon enough her musings were interrupted by their arrival. She nodded at the decor, honestly impressed, but her face pinched in confusion at Russian's quip about "little jokes". She waved him goodbye, walked into the room, and scanned the decor in question. "Good to have you on Team Air. How is life and the hero business, Miracle Girl? Haven't seen you since Sentry Statue." As she spoke, she dropped her purse on the table and browsed the decor with her hands clasped behind her back. She paused a moment in front of the etching Comrade Frost brushed. She leaned down to have a better look and tapped it lightly. Part of her was curious, and part of her hoped it wasn't part of a "little joke".

Not sure what I expected. Interviews? For those watching her, Fulcrum stood quietly, brow furrowed in thought, and listened politely to each speaker. A glance was thrown to Leilani once she processed the elemental's reply. A clue wasn't really expected though, and soon her gaze returned to the Q&A. She seemed interested in the assembled heroes' reactions. Judging from the others, this wasn't quite what they expected either. Perceptive. Good enthusiasm. She did smile and nod slightly at recognizing Miracle Girl. No need to embarrass the heroine by calling her out with a wave. Sandman's response though gave her pause. She glanced around the group but said nothing. After a moment, she nodded to herself. Whatever doubts she had projected, Fulcrum was standing firm.

Mona whistled. "Must have taken a bit longer. I have to say, you're looking a spry 134! So were you just...suspended out where? Between worlds? A fascinating power source I must say." At Casey's apology, Mona shook her head, but let the heroine finish speaking. She is absolutely adorable. "No need to be sorry. I'm glad you like them. Give me...," she started, her outline blurring a second or two, "a moment." She held out another box, labeled as "Masha's Magnificent Muffins", which in fact did contain turnovers and muffins. "I've heard the name, but I can't say I know anything about Vigilant. Sorry. Sounds like receiving your powers from your dad is a bit of a double-edged sword. How did that happen?" She took a dainty bite from a walnut muffin.

EDITED BY TT Hello! I would like to make final tweaks to Fulcrum please. Attributes: -6 pp (240/250) -2 Intelligence (16 to 14) -2 Wisdom (18 to 16) -2 Charisma (16 to 14) Combat: -2 pp (238/250) -1 rank Defense (+8 to +7) Saves: 2 pp (240/250) +2 ranks Will (+3 Wis +12 Base = +15) Skills: -1 pp, 60/60 ranks, (239/250) +3 ranks Craft (Artistic) (13 ranks, +15) +3 ranks Diplomacy (13 ranks, +15) -15 ranks Intimidate (0 ranks) +1 rank Knowledge (Art) (8 ranks, +10) +1 rank Languages (3 ranks, English [Native], Galstandard, German, Persian) +2 ranks Notice (12 ranks, +15) +1 rank Sense Motive (11 ranks, +14) Feats: 3 pp (242/250) - All-Out Attack + Environmental Adaptation (Zero G) + Improved Initiative (+1 to +5) +1 rank Dodge Focus (4 ranks total) +1 rank Luck (1 rank total) Powers: 11 pp 251/250 + Power Feat: Moving Feint on Flight 1 [1PP] + Power Feats: Shockwave, Strike of Valor on Super Strength 1 [2PP] + Flaw: Carrying Capacity Only -1 on Super Strength 1 [-1PP] + Alternate Power 1, SM Space Travel 3 on Super Strength [1PP] + Super Senses 6 (Extended Hearing 2 [1000 ft increments], Extended Vision 2 [1000 ft increments], Ultra Hearing, Low-Light Vision) [6PP] - DAP: Penetrating (Unarmed) [-2PP] + New DAP on Terminus Array: Drain (Toughness) 20 (Channel the Terminus; Extras: Affects Objects +1, Ranged +1; Flaws: Distracting -1, Action (Full Round) -1; Power Feats: Accurate 2, Affects Incorporeal, Improved Range 3 [2000 ft increments] , Precise, Slow Fade 1 [1 min]) [28PP] [2PP] Drawbacks: -1 pp (250/250) Weakness (Energy absorbed by daka crystals, Frequency: Uncommon -1, Intensity: Moderate -1, -1 Dexterity per round -4) [-6PP] This should be about the final build for Fulcrum. I've been waffling on how to proceed. I wanted the paragon-y blast back, and this version is very much her "Ultimate". Like Supes, she will almost never use this against a living being. Cutting and manipulating materials perhaps. I will be updating the fluff as such. If this is an issue, please let me know. May I have these edits please? Thank you very much!

"Of course you did. Damn you for being so clever." She kissed him on the temple as he spoke. She may have been aiming for certain circuit pattern that recurred every 31.41 seconds. She cocked her head at the mention of his father. That was one topic on which he was very guarded. That aside her face remained neutral. She sipped her tea. Once he was finished, she nodded once in recognition of his words, and the difficulty he had obviously had expressing them. "Patriarchial societies say to multiply. Biology tells us to multiply. Religions tell us to multiply. None are very... self aware." A little harsher than she anticipated, and she fell silent. She took a deep breath, and smacked her lips. Several fitful attempts later, she stopped. A frown scrunched up her face. Was she thinking at regular speed or high speed? That was difficult to judge on her. What was going through her mind was eventful to say the least. Having a photographic memory gave one a lot of leeway on thought experiments. A frantic jumble really. At first the focus was their relationship as a whole, the delicate give and take of a healthy one, and their current status. Then she incorporated his reasoning. That evolved to the various sacrifices they had made for each other. Instead of quantifying their "deeds", so to speak, she quickly realized that wasn't the important or healthy part. Could their relationship handle such a change? Could she? Part of her though...realized something else. That was overtaken by an intrusive thought. Was she just caving to various pressures? The realization though, was quite sweet really, if the implications were troubling... resent the decision later... She had made her preferences bluntly clear to her mom so many times... He said it himself, a new start... Didn't he deserve that?... pissed off, desiring, or just accepting... What did she want or deserve?... love the little boob grub just the same... She wasn't about to be a doormat like...Terminus babies. What was she thinking...not even human anymore... but he also asked her... is he really ready?... and yes, she supposed the idea wasn't completely out of the question... had thought of it off... no secret identities... and cared about her wants and terms... he'd be happy if she said no?... she would %$#@ never hear the end from mom... no doubt he would die to protect her... oh yes he was waiting for a response... She sipped her tea, her face softening, but a little ornery. She looked him square in the eye as she spoke. "Teymourian on a girl. Archeville for a boy."

Fulcrum returned Frost's handshake with equal firmness. The cold did not seem to bother her. "Great to formally meet you." As Frost continued his greetings, Fulcrum couldn't help a small smile. And here I thought I was a large ham. The exchange between Leilani and Dimtri made her raise an eyebrow. Once Frost was out of earshot, she leaned toward Volcanic and spoke quietly. "Appreciate it. I didn't realize the temperature difference. No wonder I didn't recognize you." "And thanks. It's good to be home." Then she moved in for the knockout. Mona rarely picked up on things like this and certainly wasn't going to ignore this one. With a small, knowing smirk, she side-eyed the elemental and asked, "Opposites attract?" Only then did Mona notice Leilani's heterochromia. And Leilani probably noticed Mona's own blue-brown eyes. But Frost started his speech, and Mona stood up straight. She just sort of...blinked at his announcement. This wasn't what she expected.

Mona was spellbound. In awe. And looked like a little girl listening to The Best Story Ever. "Woah." A fine Keanu Reeves impersonation punctuated the end of Triakosia's tale. Mona was quiet. Her eyes darted about in thought. A conflicted look crossed her face. Finally, she settled on embarrassment, and rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry. That was an amazing. I mean...look, I'll be honest, Centurion is the reason I'm a hero. Why I'm alive. So to meet someone from your world...," she trailed off with a nervous chuckle. Gathering her thoughts, she asked, "How did you make it here then? A life pod like Centurion's? And yes, I've read just about all publicly available data." A moment later she grimaced. "Sorry, sorry. This is your story, not his," she waved away the questions and popped the heated pastry into her mouth. "On other topics, how is life on this Earth treating you? I imagine you're settled, but do you need anything?"

Mona scanned the assemblage, nodded, and smiled. Several of them were familiar. Several seemed to know each other, and Comrade Frost as well. They all had a good vibe about them, and that put Fulcrum more at ease. Mentally, she took a few notes on costuming and general behavior. Made a few guesses as to power sets. A solid group! Leilani drew her from her daydreaming, and the paragon engulfed the short woman's hand in strong shake. "Aloha! I'm Mona. Fulcrum by way of hero name. A pleasure to meet you." Salvo's file on her was large. Fulcrum had been active over ten years and never used a secret identity. Major operations popped up globally, but many keyed to Freedom City, particularly stories about the West End's Interceptors team. Much ink related to her work as an artist, her advocacy for Terminus babies, and her being empowered by that place. Bottom line: she was big and powerful. Fulcrum waved lightly at the group introductions. She offered handshakes to those interested. "Hi, I'm Mona. Wonderful to meet you all. And thank you again, Comrade Frost, for having us aboard." In a lull in conversation, Mona turned to Leilani, "I'm dying to know your powers. May I please?"

"Now you're just teasing me! The possibilities...," she laughed. Their cups "magically" refilled themselves. She tapped her cup in thought, "Ultraviolet! Like some birds. I can sometimes see them, sometimes not. I wonder what pigments they use? Do you think they'd even paint using pigments?" This pleases Penny. Enough said. At mention of his inclusion, Mona bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Honey bee, you know you're already family." Which was quite true. Although Afareen had come around a bit more slowly, Viktor was a de facto son-in-law. So much so that the family personally invited him to gatherings and communicated regularly over the years of his recovery. "They'd be hurt if you didn't visit." "The Interceptors are moving on. Things change." She sipped her tea, the hint of mirth still in her tone, "I'm glad things went well with Lynn. She was the right one to approach first. Still a little firecracker after all these years. And a grandma too. I should have lunch with her before we leave." She pointed her cup at him. "I know what you're thinking. If I remember right, Erik said to bring me back or don't bother coming back. Last I checked, Carrie and you succeeded, at great personal peril. I'd still be dead out there." She motioned in a general sweep. Viktor's sudden intensity caught her attention, and she squeezed his hand in solidarity. The topic, however, caused her to visibly tense. Thankfully, years of practice kept her from clenching down, sparing his hand. Her face slowly slipped into a frown. She didn't look angry or sad, guarded perhaps, and tired. She stared down at her cup once he finished. Several minutes passed. She looked up at the ceiling and sighed. Her reply was carefully neutral. "Before I even mention my preferences, let me remind you of why this is a Bad Idea." Lifting her thumb from her cup, she said, "One, I have the maternal instinct of a cactus." The way she doted on her cat threw doubt on that claim. She lifted a finger. "Two, we're not using contraceptives, dear. That implies something. Three, you purged an alien corruption from your bloodline, and I'm a Terminus reactor. You'd be substituting one set of problems for another, and you know it." To illustrate the point, she raised her arm so he could see the dampener screen.

Fulcrum lingered in the back of the group. Being 8 feet tall, 'lingered' wasn't really the right word. But stick to the back she did. She didn't seem unduly worried, but neither did she project her usual confidence. A casual glance or conversation would give the impression that she was focused, ready, professional. A closer look would reveal the slight shift from foot to foot, and how she gripped her purse a bit tightly. Her attire was typical for a 'work' day, consisting of a newer, solid white suit, trimmed with blue and her symbol across the chest. Her ever-present gold bracelets, belt, and anklets shined in the lights. Sans cape, a long braid reached down a good six feet. The interior of the satellite did grab her attention, and her face lit up with child-like enthusiasm. She followed the seams and beams, noting the clean, chromed lines that had serviced world-renowned heroes. How long had she wanted to see the Lighthouse from the inside? After a few moments, she turned her attention to their host and the assembled heroes. She grinned. "Thank you!"

Fulcrum CoVic Station, Kesteven 79 The Spinal Core July 31st, 2019 "I am...not joking," replied the giant Terran in somewhat stilted Galstandard, "They are called 'Wookiees' in the films...holovids." The Terran was seated in a small cantina deep in the Spinal Core. The bustling chaos of the nearby market echoed through the sliding doors. Everything about the place was big, sized for a species much larger than typical humanoids. A species that was well represented by nearly a dozen yeti-like humanoids. Most were enjoying their cups or hookah and relaxing in the dim, cold retreat. Every once in a while, someone would step through the doors, rustling the kaleidoscope doorbells and throwing motes of light across the interior. The Cholaxian across the table roared in laughter and slammed down his glass. The table was littered with cups, ranging from large mugs to petite little things suited for (earthly) espressos. "You are pulling my ear hairs! First 'yetis' and now this? Ha! Don't tell me, you have building-sized lizards too!" The other furry humanoids glanced at the pair indifferently. The Terran, known locally as Mona, leaned back in a rare, properly sized, chair. A big grin was plastered across her face. She was holding a datapad and stylus, and at her companion's comment, quickly sketched something onto the pad. A hologram of a purple tyrannosaur flickered into view. "Jolee, meet Gigantosaur." The Cholaxian tipped back his beret and leaned forward. "Really?" he asked incredulously. "As real as...," the big woman looked around, searching for the words, "your frost wurms." Jolee shook his head in disbelief. The small beads woven along his temples clacked quietly. The pair had been bantering for several hours. To say Mona was thrilled about CoVic Station was an understatement. Her globetrotting had introduced her to so many people and places. Good people, bad people, but all unique and interesting. And their art. Humanity was known for its art, but Mona had discovered the artistry of dozens and dozens of species. No sooner had Viktor and she docked than off she went. Galleries! Holoart! Hard-light simulations! The local Cholaxians in particular were known for their colorful works, a stark contrast to the icy blues and whites of their frozen homeworld. That they had furniture sized for her was just a bonus. She met Jolee at an exhibition of local Grue art. The pair hit it off immediately. Their get togethers were always fun and helped her learn about the wider galaxy. Mona sighed. "This has been fun. I should go home though. I am...scheduled?... to help on exterior construction. Dutch as usual?" The Cholaxian artist nodded and reached into his bandolier. A flash of light made him wince. He looked up to find an empty chair.

Mona sipped her tea, watched Viktor, and otherwise looked amused. Even when he kissed her forehead. Penny, however, landed on her feet while still looking indignant. The cat glared up at the inventor. She chuckled, her expression turning to a smile, when Synthia Bower appeared on the screen. When the opportunity arose, she replied in Berlin-accented German, <"Perfect, my dear doctor. Perfect!"> Her German skills were impressive after all these years. During his bad times, she'd read to him in his native language. During his good times, she'd deliberately shift Bavarian dialects or regional language groups to catch his attention. Or throw in a touch of distinct Berliner accent. Penny glared for a moment or two more, looked at his hands, looked him straight in the eye...and finally climbed up into his lap. She may not have said anything, if that were even possible, but her body language was one long harumph. "I'm pretty much ready. I'm mostly on social calls this week. I still need to visit my family and the Interceptors. See if I can track down Fatima and my "future brother-in-law", according to Mom. Various and sundry catchings up, so to say." She cast a sad look into her now empty cup. Not about the topic. Just the lack of tea. "The scuttlebutt in art circles is that I'm heading for an artist's commune."

May I have Fulcrum pop up as well please?

Character: Fulcrum Identity: Public Interested in Team Membership? Yes Specialty (if any): Hostile environments, Search and rescue, Cosmic-level threats Issues with PR: Living Terminus reactor (now public), Relationship with former Auxiliary Member Dr. Viktor Archeville, Vocal ally for T-baby rights Resume: Long-term active/reserve member of the Interceptors. Nigh invulnerable, super strong, flying brick. Destroyed Cthulhu (Archeville's R'K'Vll aka Dokthulu ).

Penny cupped one of his hands with her paw and, this time, successfully guided it back to her ears. The action, however, released a visible ripple in space, as if his hand was moving through water. The sensation wasn't bad, per say, just tingling and hair raising. Viktor's electromagnetic senses detected a small burst of seemingly random static. This was the new normal for Penny. Who know what she would do next. His brow may have furrowed, but Mona raised one of her own. "If nothing grabs you, then forget that tradition. Try something else." The response was simple, not simplistic, and straightforward. Viktor knew, her heroic inspiration aside, Mona was rather anti-traditionalist. "Name it around a childhood memory, a fictional ship, something funny, or something that brings you joy. Jumble them together. Build an algorithm. Ask a stranger on the street for a boat name." She cocked her head in thought. "Perhaps your mother? Cynthia Bauer sounds like a lovely ship name." Mona channeled the bittersweet conversations about his family and the mother he never met. "Or more lighthearted: Red Ship. Don't look at me like that. It's a bad pun that matches the paint job." A sip of tea lapsed her into a thoughtful silence. Her eyes drifted over the darkened work room. "Hmm...how long before this bird flies?"

Mona met Terry's look and returned her own. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw set. Yet somehow a ghost of a smile slipped through. The gaze of mock disapproval lasted a good three or four seconds. A good effort. Then she winked at the little boy. The giantess stooped low to clear the door and scooped up Terry all in one swoop. Mona Bear Hug deployed, if one armed, she peppered his face with kisses. "Rawhr! Monasaur hugs!" The big trunk landed with a gentle thump and freed the globetrotting aunt for two-armed hugging. And tickles. The blonde cherub was nearly engulfed by her arms, but her tickling technique was strong. The pair slowly plodded into the dojo. The tickles, however, continued apace. "Business as usual, huh? Good to see you, Talya." Mona was an incurable ham. Clearing the doorway heralded the appearance of Mona's partner in crime. Rarely seen but always regale, Mona's cat Penelope sat poised in the door frame and watched the action with the disdain only a cat could conjure. The cat's blue eyes though, and the way her ears twitched betrayed her interest. The Siamese trotted into the dojo, and promptly flipped the door shut with her tail. That's when reality dawned: Penny was big. Way bigger than normal. Maybe two feet at the withers and 50 or 60 pounds. Apparently, owner and cat were taking after each other. Penny stopped in front of Talya and Emily and meowed.