Within the Apple Chaper 10A

Chapter 10

Wards Section, PRT HQ

The visitor warning buzzer caused Clock Blocker and Kid Win to lunge for their headgear, quickly jamming the helmets down over their skulls as Vista sighed and walked over to the Ward’s Console to check on things while Kid was occupied.

“You shouldn’t be leaving your helmet across the room while you’re on Console Duty, Kid,” She said wearily, not for the first time.

“I know, I know,” Kid Win said as he turned back, his red and gold half helm in place, “I forgot again.”

Vista rolled her eyes, “I really don’t understand how I’m the youngest person here. Seriously.”

The buzzer ended and the sealed door unlocked with loud clunks as the dead bolts that kept casual visitors out were retracted with force. The three of them turned as the big door swung open, Vista waving to Miss Militia as she stepped in first.

“Vista,” She greeted with a smile that was visible somehow despite the bandanna over her lower face. “Clockblocker, Kid Win. How have you been?”

“All good here,” Clockblocker said, tilting his head. “Who’s the guest?”

“This is Magus,” Militia said, stepping aside to allow the man behind her to step fully in. “He is visiting today for some power testing and I offered a tour.”

“Heya,” The young man in question waved at them casually, eyes looking smoothly around the room. “Nice setup. So you guys are the local Junior Justice League, huh?”

“Junior Justice League, I like that,” Clockblocker grinned, “I may use that.”

“I wouldn’t,” Magus said with a shake of his head. “Trademark lawyers are scary, no matter how far away they are. Just be glad I didn’t call you the other option, the Mouse is not to be messed with.”

“Not to interrupt the banter,” Vista said slowly, “but shouldn’t you have a mask?”

“And cover up this face?” Magus asked, looking hurt by the very suggestion.

Clockblocker snorted as Vista reddened, while Miss Militia just sighed.

“In all seriousness, I don’t play those games,” Magus said. “Not a judgement on those who do, we all have our priorities.”

“For someone who all but called out Empire 88 on PHO, I’d expect you to be a little more careful,” Vista said sourly, trying to will away her blush.

“Really?” Clockblocker looked at her, “He was reckless enough to do that in the first place, and you don’t think that might carry over?”

She started to say something, but stopped mid word before considering that and finally nodded, “Point.”

“I’m impressed,” Magus said, looking to Miss Militia, “I’m new in town and haven’t done much, but they’re up to date on me, or reasonably so. Well taught.”

“Briefs on new Capes in the city are given as soon as we have any intel to share,” Miss Militia admitted. “In your case, you showed up on our list after the takedown at the Seven Eleven.”

The three teens nodded, while Vista spoke up, “I was also on Console duty when Glory Girl found you.”

“Ah, you were the one she fed the Panic codes too,” Magus nodded to her. “Very nice. Professionally done.”

Vista flushed again, but this time seemed pleased rather than embarrassed.

“Do you really think your powers are Magic?”

Miss Militia groaned as Kid Win’s blurted question hung in the room between them, but Magus was just grinning.

“Think? Nah,” He said with a shake of his head. “I know it is.”

Miss Militia mumbled something that sounded vaguely like ‘not this again’.

“Powers aren’t magical,” The red and gold clad teen said stubbornly.

Magus, still grinning, tilted his head, “Let me guess. Tinker?”

Militia sighed, “Yes, Kid Win is our resident Tinker ward. A promising young hero, please don’t give him an existential crisis.”

Magus just laughed at her, fishing something out of his pockets. They all watched closely at first, but ultimately it was just a pair of sunglasses that he slipped on without any fanfare.

“Sunglasses in side, really? Kinda douchey, you know that, right?” Clock Blocker point out with a grin.

“I was just curious,” Magus said as he looked over Kid Win. “Interesting. Energy projectors in the pistols, and I’m guessing some strength enhancements in the armor? Standard enhanced durability as well. Not bad work.”

“How… how’d you know that?”

“I can see the work you did on your artifacts,” Magus said as he approached the teen casually. “Your pistols have overheating issues?”

Kid Win’s jaw dropped, “How…?”

“You’re shunting a lot of power off into another dimension, probably to keep them from splattering your targets all across the landscape,” Magus said. “That kind of power transfer doesn’t come free. Have you considered a superconducting sheath for your feeds?”

“If I have enough cooling to make superconducting sheaths, I wouldn’t have an overheating problem anymore,” The young tinker snorted.

A flicker of motion was seen at Magus’ hand and suddenly it was filled with… a stick… leaving the teens all the more confused.

“Try something like this,” Magus said, tossing the stick across to Kid Win.

“A… stick?”

Magus rolled his eyes, “A wand, actually, but I was referring to the material. It’s a hand assembled nano-tube construction.”

Kid Win shook his head, “That wouldn’t be a superconductor at room temperature.”

“It is if you align the molecules one by one to create the power conduit.”

“That’s…” Kind Win stared, eyes going a bit blank, “I… but how would I…”

“I think he’s gone,” Clockblocker said, waving a hand in front of the Tinker’s face and getting no result.

Miss Militia sighed, “Are you going to do this to every Tinker you meet?”

“Every?” Vista spoke, looking between Kid Win and Miss Militia, “Who else?”

“Armsmaster was staring at a blank wall when we left, trying to work out Magus’ comm device,” She admitted tiredly.

Magus was more interested in Kid Win, though, as he moved in closer and flipped a chair around to straddle as he observed the young tinker’s expression.

“Is this normal?” He asked.

“You don’t know?” Clock asked, “But you’re a Tinker too, right?”

“More of a Blaster/Shaker primary, if I’m reading your power classifications correctly,” Magus said with a shake of his head. “My tinker skills are all me, not directly power related. So zoning out like this is normal?”

“Yes,” Miss Militia said, “and it can be a major problem for Tinkers, especially when they’re new.”

“I’ll bet. This happen in the field?”

“Not usually, thankfully, but it has happened.”

Magus blew out a lungful of air and shook his heads, “That would be a tactical nightmare. Hey, Kid is it? Kid?”

He snapped his fingers a few times, but got no reaction.

"Legilimens," he whispered softly.

*****