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Post by numble on Jun 21, 2022 6:51:55 GMT -7
He nodded as she reintroduced herself and further explained her knowledge. When she mentioned social media and contacting outside of the Avengers he nodded. "I'll be sure to do that." He'd have smiled reassuringly if he was able, he hoped she would just pick up on it from the tone of his voice. They were interrupted by the sound of rushing wind as Thor reappeared. Robbie followed along as Thor shirked his paperwork off onto Finesse and then realized he was on the spot again. He hadn't really thought of many questions that weren't overly fanboyish so he suddenly felt a pressure to ask something good. "Are there… guidelines for being an Avenger or are you all just sort of trusted to make the right decisions in the moment? What's that like?" It was a vague enough question that it could have many answers. There must be some sort of rule system in place, however open-ended because how else would they have a curriculum for the academy? "I guess I'm wondering if you all follow one strict code of ethics or if you all just ended up together because your own individual ethics happened to align." Eli immediately invaded his thoughts again. "Hoping they'll say you can kill as many people as you want? That what you've done is justified? Your 'ethics' don't match whatever code they follow here. The sooner you accept that, the sooner we can get out of here. You're not Avengers material, kid." Robbie gritted his teeth in frustration.
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Post by aquarius on Jun 22, 2022 12:00:39 GMT -7
The reason that Thor was so ready to pass his work of the papers off to Finesse was twofold. One was because he knew she would do a much better job in Stark's eyes than he would, and two was that he trusted her to do so diligently. He was no scribe, anything he wrote would fit the mead halls of Asgard far better than the desk of the co-director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention and Espionage Logistics Division. Or whatever they had changed their name to this week...
But some parts of such things, he was more comfortable in his ability to handle. The teaching of future warriors was a noble task indeed, and one he took very seriously, meaning he could answer questions on it without fear of too much inaccuracy."Aye, there are some. But guidelines are there for you to think about carefully before breaking. There are few absolute rules, and even those are flexible at times. Mostly we teach all the skills you might need that one person alone might never reasonably learn. Field medicine, the rendering inert of bombs, hostage negotiation, and we make sure you know the laws, as well as those you are more likely to face in combat and how best to fight them. Knowing that Doctor Octopus has metal arms is not much use on its own, but practising against a robotic simulation of him? It means if the real one is encountered ever, his tactics will be less of a surprise."
At this point, one of the internal doors opened up and in walked a woman in chain mail and a sword at her belt, with a hijab covering her head that suggested she was Muslim. She looked a little distracted before noticing the three others present, a brief double take at the Ghost Rider, before apparently working out whatever it was that had been occupying her.
"Ah, that would explain it. A Ghost Rider, yes? First one I've met, and first one my sword has as far as I know. It was telling me there was... something around, it's kind of... weird about some mystical stuff."
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Post by numble on Jun 22, 2022 14:34:28 GMT -7
Shaking off the doubts sown by Eli, Robbie listened intently as Thor loosely explained how exactly the Avengers operated and the guidelines they strive to uphold. "That makes sense." He nodded. "Learning by doing always worked best for me… and to have the resources to offer the next best thing to actually doing it." He'd pretty much learned to fight on his own after getting his powers. It was convenient that his body was fast enough and strong enough to do most of the things he could come up with during a fight but he knew he was unpolished. At times even sloppy. He'd never been able to perfect much of how he fought because there was no room to practice- it was always do or die. "I'd be lying if I said that didn't sound appealing." He scratched the back of his head. "I've already learned a lot just from my one night with Finesse. Having another perspective went a long way. As Excalibur entered the room, he turned to look and have her a respectful head nod. "Yes, I am… one of a few Ghost Riders. He eyed her sword as she mentioned its apparent mystical weirdness. He wondered what it read off of him and whether it could tell he had a second person behind the wheel. "It's very nice to meet you. I… don't mean to jump the gun by immediately asking you for a favor but Finesse said you might be able to help my little brother. He was injured while our mom was still pregnant with him and his legs don't work properly." He looked at the floor, feeling awkward about asking so much from a stranger. "If there's anything you could do… we'd both appreciate it very much."
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Post by aquarius on Jun 23, 2022 13:41:16 GMT -7
Finesse found herself mildly impressed by Thor's effort in describing their syllabus, and whilst he had left a few things out they were perhaps understandable given his rather unique circumstances. "Additionally we learn about alien cultures, their traditions, laws and languages. Diplomacy is by far the best way to interact with other planets, even before considering that most of them have vastly superior baseline technology and populations to that of Earth. The same applies to other planes of existence, mystical realms, and even the various largely unknown cultures on Earth."
It sounded like he was sorely tempted by the prospect of learning the vast knowledge of the combined Avengers, just as Finesse had been - albeit near irresistible in her own case. But with the entry of Excalibur, Finesse noted his immediate change of focus from his own desires to his brother's needs. Putting this together with his earlier confrontational statement about his brother, and it seemed he really was dedicated to his sibling to a potentially dangerous level. This was something to keep an eye on, since she knew that any villains who got wind of this would surely seek to exploit this weakness of his. She certainly would, if she were in a less upstanding life path.
Excalibur, meanwhile, had immediately switched from Champion Of Otherworld, right to the mindset of a Doctor. "I fully understand your directness. It sounds likely that I would be able to return full function to his legs, though he would need extensive physical therapy to develop the muscle strength and balance to be able to walk normally. My powers take a few seconds and are entirely painless. Is he aware of your double life, or would we need to establish some pretext? I frequently visit the local hospitals, I would be happy to time such a trip for any visit he makes for routine treatment."
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Post by numble on Jun 23, 2022 16:13:07 GMT -7
Robbie nodded along as Thor talked about aliens. He'd yet to encounter any but it made a lot of sense that special training would be needed to be able to approach them with the necessary nuance. To some aliens the human race must seem downright primitive, despite the overwhelming number of powered individuals. To Excalibur he said "Yes. He knows about my powers." Gabe had even briefly had his powers when Eli vengefully possessed him instead for a brief time but Robbie didn't think he should mention that. It had been more than a couple of years ago and he didn't want them to realize the dangerous balance he had whebln it came to actually controlling his powers. He turned back to Thor and Finesse then, looking the god of thunder in the eye. "I'm not sure if this was supposed to be an invitation or not so maybe I'm assuming too much… but if it was, I don't think I'm ready. Not yet, at least. But… when I am ready… what do I do?" He turned his gaze to Finesse and said "Do I just roll up and knock on the gate?"
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Post by aquarius on Jun 27, 2022 12:28:25 GMT -7
Excalibur nodded at his statement of his brother's awareness of his powers, knowing that kept things far simpler. There were a few cover stories the Avengers had worked out in advance, and a few that Excalibur had for her own unique powersets creating unique needs. When he spoke to the others though she waited quietly, knowing that was a more immediate issue than the Ghost Rider's brother. If he'd been injured since birth after all, he'd not be caused any distress by a few more minutes. Especially as it was late enough at night that he'd probably be in bed asleep.
Finesse was the one to respond to Robbie's inquiry first, Thor happy to leave her to it given her reputation for efficiency with information. "You have my contact details, and you know where we are. Any time you wish to join our numbers, you will be welcome. And before then, I remain open to less formal contact with yourself." 'And more educational extracurricular team ups' she mentally added. Her instructors remained less willing for her to see genuine combat than she would like, given how it was by far the best way to learn to fight, so knowing someone who was outside the Avengers entirely meant far more fun.
At this lull in the conversation, Excalibur took it as a good time to return to everyone's attention. "So when would you like to resolve your brother's issues? I am available now, as long as it will not take more than an hour or so to get to your residence. I am a fully qualified doctor, and will treat him and yourself with the same confidentiality as I would any patient."
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Post by numble on Jun 29, 2022 17:24:47 GMT -7
Robbie nodded along as Finesse answered his question. “A fair point.” He nodded. “I look forward to more meet-ups. Crime-fighting or otherwise.” He was glad skeletons couldn’t blush. This had been a much longer and more jam-packed evening than he expected. This was not a situation he could have ever foreseen. Turning back to Excalibur he said “Sorry about that. Yes, I just live in Brooklyn- and nowhere in the city is more than an hour away for me.” He said this with pride but then added “I can drive at a more legal speed if you’d prefer though. I don’t want to waste any more of your time than necessary but I want you to be comfortable.” Though she’d be perfectly safe inside the hell charger, he could see how his driving might still feel overly dangerous. “I’m just parked outside if you ‘re ready to leave now.” Before leaving, he walked over to Thor and gave him a respectful nod. “Thanks for all of this. The advice, being here, it all means a lot. Maybe if I’m lucky, the next time we meet will be because I’ve earned a place here. For now though, it’s been a nice visit.” He felt weird offering to shake hands with a god but it seemed like the appropriate thing to do, so he sheepishly extended his hand to Thor.
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Post by aquarius on Jun 30, 2022 14:35:28 GMT -7
Based on observations of others of their approximate age, Finesse was confident that Robbie would have been displaying some kind of anxiety regarding that brief exchange, but she still lacked any ability to analyse the responses of a Ghost Rider. This only fuelled her desire to spend time with him outside 'work' hours. If she could meet Robbie, not just the Ghost Rider, then she'd learn so much more about the differences between human and spirit of vengeance, and probably gain a better insight into ordinary humans' emotions as well. And he seemed more interesting than most of the other students in the Academy currently, who her instructors had been 'encouraging' her to interact with more to develop her social skills.
"It sounds like the most efficient way to organise this would be for you to take Excalibur to your brother, and I will drive a vehicle for her to return in. If we set out at the same time, you would likely have ample time to do what you need by the time I get there, based on our earlier journeys in your vehicle."
Excalibur listened to this, nodded and moved to follow the Ghost Rider who seemed ready to leave, presumably he was eager to fix one of the big problems in his brother's life. They'd have plenty of time for idle chatter on their drive - no matter how fast his car was it would presumably permit them at least a little conversation time.
As he offered a hand to Thor, the god seized it and shook it enthusiastically, a broad grin filling his face as he did so. "It is with your heart that you earn a place here, not with your deeds. From what I have seen of you so far, a place has already been earned. But only when you feel ready should you take it. For now... I wish you well, and will keep you from your brother no longer. Go, and enjoy the smile on his face that your good deeds this day brought about."
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Post by numble on Jun 30, 2022 15:07:33 GMT -7
Though he'd have been perfectly fine driving Excalibur back as well, Robbie couldn't argue with the efficiency of Finesse's plan. This way he could stay at home and celebrate a little with Gabe after it had been handled. When Thor released his hand he left with Finesse and Excalibur, headed for the car. Eli of course, couldn't let him enjoy the nice moment. "Earned with the heart, you hear that? And what's at the very heart of you, Robbie? It's ME." Robbie shuddered at the thought. For the foreseeable future though, Eli wasn't wrong. He was the main thing that stopped him from leaping at a chance to join the Avengers. "The car is just over here." He lead Excalibur to it and unlocked the doors. Looking over at Finesse he said "See you there."
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Post by aquarius on Jul 4, 2022 11:52:07 GMT -7
As Excalibur got into the car's passenger seat, Finesse waved briefly to Robbie as she walked around the side of the mansion and out of sight. Soon the sound of a motorbike being revved could be heard and as the gates began to open automatically again she appeared once more - going slowly at first to permit the Ghost Rider to exit before her.
Inside the car meanwhile, Faiza settled down carefully, clearly a little nervous about the nature of the vehicle. Her sword was still in its scabbard, but she had pulled her sword belt around to let it rest in her lap a little more easily than the seatbelt would have allowed it to by her side.
"Sorry, my first time around a Ghost Rider, and my sword seems... unused to the magics as well. I'm sure it'll calm down though, I'll try to not let it bother me for now. I'm fairly new around here though, only just graduated from the Avengers Academy myself - plus I only got my powers and my sword a few months back. How about yourself? Been riding ghosts for long?"
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Post by numble on Jul 4, 2022 14:41:59 GMT -7
Robbie waved back to Finesse before revving the engine a little as the gate opened. The car took off moving still quickly but at a much lesser pace than earlier that night out of courtesy for the guest. "No problem, it's not surprising you'd be nervous. I don't exactly look friendly." He hoped keeping things light would ease her nerves a bit. "I didn't realize you were so new to it but I guess I have to admit, I haven't been aware of you for long. I've had my powers for a couple of years now. Got my start in LA before moving here with a little road tripping in between. So I've been at it a little longer than you but I'm still relatively new to all this myself." He tires squealed a little as they took a corner rather quickly. "Sorry about that. Having a hard time finding the balance between normal driving and Ghost Rider driving." Before long, they were in Brooklyn and nearing Robbie's neighborhood. "We'll be there soon."
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Post by aquarius on Jul 5, 2022 12:25:44 GMT -7
Faiza settled down as they got under way, though her blade continued to protest about the circumstances at a steady low level of empathic vagueness that really did nothing to tell her exactly what the issue was. Putting it down to the general nature of the Ghost Rider's powers and not the proximity of the damned soul of a serial killer she continued trying to ignore the legendary sword's warnings and carried on with the small talk as they journeyed onwards.
"Hey, I don't worry about appearances. I've worked with various Hulks, several mutants, synthezoids, mutates and even a few aliens. And a fairly low proportion of them were trying to kill me or other people, so I tend to give the benefit of the doubt. But it's Excalibur. The sword, that is, not me. It's... well, there's not really a word for it. But I guess 'it doesn't feel comfortable around certain kinds of magic' would be close enough for now. But until I found the sword, or it found me, whichever way you look at it, then I was just a doctor working in a London hospital. Now I'm getting a ride with a flaming skull headed vigilante in his... hot rod, to make a house call. Even if I did judge on appearances, I think I'd have outgrown that by now."
As he confirmed they were nearly at their destination, Excalibur stopped looking out her side window so much and focused instead ahead of them, no longer sightseeing to pass the time, instead seeing if she could pick out where they were headed as they approached.
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Post by numble on Jul 6, 2022 14:12:49 GMT -7
Robbie bristled a little at the mention of the legendary sword and its aversion to certain kinds of magic. He had to wonder if it would react in the same way to the other Ghost Riders or if it was because- "Because of me." Eli's sinister voice popped up again. "You better tread carefully, kid. No telling what would happen if she caught on. I bet that sword is one of the things that could actually hurt you, too." Robbie made a mental note of that and hoped the other hero didn't make anything more of it. To her comment about not judging based off of appearances he nodded and said "That's a fair point. I'm far from the only scary looking hero I suppose. And you've seen plenty to be sure." He had to bare in mind that in the rankings of the Avengers alone she'd have seen far more super powered beings than him of all shapes and sizes. Pretty soon the car's fire died and turned off as they pulled through a quiet side street between two taller buildings, changing back into a regular car as it drove out the other side. Taking a deep breath, Robbie changed back to normal. "Can't exactly stroll into my apartment building as a flaming skeleton- even this late." He'd decided to trust her but he could feel Eli's opposite emotions bubbling up. Soon after they pulled up to a narrow apartment building and parked on the street. "This is the place." Said Robbie, climbing out of the car.
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Post by aquarius on Jul 6, 2022 14:28:23 GMT -7
One of the key skills of a medical doctor was observation and rational consideration of evidence learned. So when the car and driver flamed off, the lack of change in her blade's attitude was not ignored. But as she got out and a little distance from a few steps improved things, she hoped it was tied to the car more than the Ghost Rider. But as he caught up it seemed otherwise. This was far from the first time it had had issues with other forms of magic though, indeed given the fact that it was 'The Sword That Heals', it was perhaps only to be expected that it would object to the proximity of anything with an infernal connection such as the Ghost Riders. So for now she went back to ignoring the blade and pledged to do a little reading up on the Ghost Riders once she was back at the mansion.
She looked around at the neighbourhood and considered the situation briefly before speaking to Robbie. "Probably wise. I'm a Muslim woman carrying a weapon in a bad neighbourhood after dark. I think we'd best get off the street before we get some more problems from any observant neighbours of yours."
It wouldn't be the first time she'd dealt with overly alarmed people, and between her equipment and her powers it was very unlikely anyone would get hurt. But better to avoid trouble than to resolve it. Especially since keeping a low profile was apparently important for Robbie.
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Post by kirbyfan8399 on Jul 10, 2022 20:52:01 GMT -7
Score one for the neon dude and another 2 for Mr. Fisk! HAH!Point Blank descended the stairs of the rather thin apartment building, he had picked up a few incriminating photos from some rat that was wanting 20 g's from the Kingpin himself; of course, that was before Wilson had called up the hitman's services as a courier and punisher if the deal of 19 grand did not suffice as hush money. Luckily, the rat compromised to the deal, though Point had to put a few bottle silenced beretta rounds into the slimeballs kneecaps. But hey, that's how Blank rolled in this world, taking out scum worse than other scum, all in a day's work. "Got the photos of a few mutant gangbangers dealing with the boss, deliver the dough" Blank said happily. "And wham! I'm gonna pig out on some greasy wings and watch Die Hard uncensored tonight, yeah!"
His berettas clung tight in his jacket pocket as he descended the stairs, x-ray vision allowing him a thin view of the outside street for any possible danger. Nothing much, just a car coming up with some kids. Who's to stop Ray "Point Blank" Blank from delivering a vanilla folder of priceless photos? They'd have to bring in S.H.I.E.L.D. or someone strong to take on his crackshots. The man chuckled as he climbed down the second to last floor....
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