<i>Introduction</i>
Tamanda Silvers is a tech-heroine, protector of Steam City. Combining her high-tech gadgets and quick wits, she brings villains to justice. In this story, she faces off against her arch-nemesis, the Magician - who just happens to be her ex-fiance.
Throughout the game, you'll be able to make choices about Tamanda's reactions.
(color: blue)[Blue choices are polite/friendly in tone.]
(color: purple)[Purple choices are more sarcastic.]
(color: red)[Red choices tend to be direct and to the point.]
And now, if you're ready to play, click below!
[[A Bright Beginning]]To protect Steam City, and to aid it, she uses her mighty intellect to make incredible things - the other wonders of the laboratory. Some are displayed on pedestals on the main floor of the space: a bee-shaped, cat-sized prototype of the sunlight-powered drones that carry parcels across the city; an elegant bracelet-style wrist communicator; a orange-coloured crystal mouthpiece that helps firefighters breathe in smoke-filled rooms.
Sometimes, though, Tamanda protects the city in bigger, bolder ways.
She is a tech-heroine, protector of Steam City. Combining her high-tech gadgets and quick wits, she brings villains to justice.
But even tech-heroines need down time. She's using a quiet moment to upgrade her jetpack - her signature equipment. Sitting at her work bench, dark glass goggles cover her inquisitive brown eyes and her braids are tied into a sensible bun. She picks up a blowtorch-
[[The phone rings, breaking the silence and her concentration.]]With a sigh, Tamanda puts the blowtorch down and stands up, pushing her goggles up as she heads over to the ringing phone, wondering if her quiet day is about to become anything but.
The phone is in the library, nestled between shelves of leather-bound books and safely away from the more explosive part of her lab.
Picking up the receiver, she says...
(color: blue)[ [["Hello?"]] ]
(color: purple)[ [["Howdy!"]] ]
(color: red)[ [["What is it?"]] ]"Ms. Silvers," the person on the other end of the line says. Tamanda recognises the voice instantly: gruff and deep, absolutely no-nonsense, it couldn't be anyone other than Police Chief Greystone.
"Chief," says Tamanda, saying goodbye to any hope of a day off. "What's the situation?"
"It's your old nemesis, the Magician," Greystone says. Trust her to get straight to the point. "He's up to his old tricks."
Tamanda's heart sinks. The Magician was once her business partner, helping her invent some of the marvels that make Steam City such an incredible place.
He's also her ex-fiance.
(color: blue)[ [["I - I see."]] ]
(color: purple)[ [["Of course it is."]] ]
(color: red)[ [["What's he done now?"]] ]"Ms. Silvers," the person on the other end of the line says. Tamanda recognises the voice instantly: gruff and deep, absolutely no-nonsense, it couldn't be anyone other than Police Chief Greystone.
"Chief," says Tamanda, saying goodbye to any hope of a day off. "What's the situation?"
"It's your old nemesis, the Magician," Greystone says. Trust her to get straight to the point. "He's up to his old tricks."
Tamanda's heart sinks. The Magician was once her business partner, helping her invent some of the marvels that make Steam City such an incredible place.
He's also her ex-fiance.
(color: blue)[ [["I - I see."]] ]
(color: purple)[ [["Of course it is."]] ]
(color: red)[ [["What's he done now?"]] ]"Ms. Silvers," the person on the other end of the line says. Tamanda recognises the voice instantly: gruff and deep, absolutely no-nonsense, it couldn't be anyone other than Police Chief Greystone.
"Chief," says Tamanda, saying goodbye to any hope of a day off. "What's the situation?"
"It's your old nemesis, the Magician," Greystone says. Trust her to get straight to the point. "He's up to his old tricks."
Tamanda's heart sinks. The Magician was once her business partner, helping her invent some of the marvels that make Steam City such an incredible place.
He's also her ex-fiance.
(color: blue)[ [["I - I see."]] ]
(color: purple)[ [["Of course it is."]] ]
(color: red)[ [["What's he done now?"]] ]"He's been spotted on the cam feeds, sneaking outside the Steam City National Bank in one of his gaudy costumes," Greystone says. "I'm guessing he's not there to make a withdrawal."
Tamanda smiles, despite herself. Before he was the Magician, he was Daniel Sparks, raised in a circus and a performer since birth. He can't help but make a show of things, even when the sensible thing to do would be to blend in. But that would be anathema to Daniel, and even more so to the Magician. If he didn't do things with flair, that would make him a common criminal! The very thought would make him shudder - <i>anything</i> but that.
"Patrols are on their way," Greystone continues. "But your help would be very appreciated."
(color: blue) [ [["Of course, Chief Greystone. I'll head out now."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Of course it would. What would you do without me, Chief?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["On my way."]] ]"He's been spotted on the cam feeds, sneaking outside the Steam City National Bank in one of his gaudy costumes," Greystone says. "I'm guessing he's not there to make a withdrawal."
Tamanda smiles, despite herself. Before he was the Magician, he was Daniel Sparks, raised in a circus and a performer since birth. He can't help but make a show of things, even when the sensible thing to do would be to blend in. But that would be anathema to Daniel, and even more so to the Magician. If he didn't do things with flair, that would make him a common criminal! The very thought would make him shudder - <i>anything</i> but that.
"Patrols are on their way," Greystone continues. "But your help would be very appreciated."
(color: blue) [ [["Of course, Chief Greystone. I'll head out now."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Of course it would. What would you do without me, Chief?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["On my way."]] ]"He's been spotted on the cam feeds, sneaking outside the Steam City National Bank in one of his gaudy costumes," Greystone says. "I'm guessing he's not there to make a withdrawal."
Tamanda smiles, despite herself. Before he was the Magician, he was Daniel Sparks, raised in a circus and a performer since birth. He can't help but make a show of things, even when the sensible thing to do would be to blend in. But that would be anathema to Daniel, and even more so to the Magician. If he didn't do things with flair, that would make him a common criminal! The very thought would make him shudder - <i>anything</i> but that.
"Patrols are on their way," Greystone continues. "But your help would be very appreciated."
(color: blue) [ [["Of course, Chief Greystone. I'll head out now."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Of course it would. What would you do without me, Chief?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["On my way."]] ]Tamanda hangs up and strides to the back of the library. There's a secret door there, revealed only by pulling out the right book - she's a sucker for a classic.
The shelf slides aside to reveal a hidden stash of all her tech-heroine paraphernalia. It's quite the sight, one she sells tickets to occasionally to raise money for charity.
Around the room, displayed in glass cases, are a variety of costumes, each tailored to a specific need. One is a lightweight suit of gilded armour to face off against the Stongman; another is a dress suitable for the fanciest of parties with hidden pockets for all of her gadgets: a perfect disguise. Then there's one lined with fur, ideal for facing off against any of the Steam City's half-dozen ice-based villains.
The Magician is a trickier foe: one of the strongest magic-users in the world, he has fire, ice and lightning literally at his fingertips. There's no one costume that can protect her against him, so she chooses her original design: all in shades of brown and grey, from the trousers to the leather duster jacket. It features an armoured bodice, sturdy boots and a belt covered with pouches she can stuff full of anything she might need.
[[She dresses quickly, and turns to her armoury.]]Tamanda hangs up and strides to the back of the library. There's a secret door there, revealed only by pulling out the right book - she's a sucker for a classic.
The shelf slides aside to reveal a hidden stash of all her tech-heroine paraphernalia. It's quite the sight, one she sells tickets to occasionally to raise money for charity.
Around the room, displayed in glass cases, are a variety of costumes, each tailored to a specific need. One is a lightweight suit of gilded armour to face off against the Stongman; another is a dress suitable for the fanciest of parties with hidden pockets for all of her gadgets: a perfect disguise. Then there's one lined with fur, ideal for facing off against any of the Steam City's half-dozen ice-based villains.
The Magician is a trickier foe: one of the strongest magic-users in the world, he has fire, ice and lightning literally at his fingertips. There's no one costume that can protect her against him, so she chooses her original design: all in shades of brown and grey, from the trousers to the leather duster jacket. It features an armoured bodice, sturdy boots and a belt covered with pouches she can stuff full of anything she might need.
[[She dresses quickly, and turns to her armoury.]]The armoury, like the rest of her closet, is filled with things she's made herself. Tamanda was blessed with her mother's intellect as well as her fortune, and there's little she can't do if she puts her mind to it.
She looks at the array of devices, from magnetic handcuffs to a stun pistol, to the Double Whammy - a handy bit of trickery that produces a hologramatic double of herself.
Gazing at them, she taps her chin thoughtfully. What would best aid her in the fight against the Magician?
(color: blue) [ [[The cuffs.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[The Double Whammy.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[The stun pistol.]] ]Grabbing the (set: $weapon to "cuffs")cuffs, Tamanda stuffs them in a pouch at her belt, and adds her usual arsenal of smoke grenades, a shield that folds up to the size of a book, a refractor to dazzle her opponents.
Next she pulls on sticky-gloves that will cling to the side of a building, and bronze electro-bracers that will allow her to stun Daniel with a zap of electricity if she gets close enough to touch him.
Lastly, she goes back out into the lab and pulls on her jetpack. It's her oldest and dearest gadget, and while the updates aren't completed, she's confident that the old speed will be fine.
After adjusting the buckles, she takes a deep breath.
[[She's ready.]]Grabbing the (set: $weapon to "Double Whammy")Double Whammy, Tamanda stuffs it in a pouch at her belt, and adds her usual arsenal of smoke grenades, a shield that folds up to the size of a book, a refractor to dazzle her opponents.
Next she pulls on sticky-gloves that cling to the side of a building, and bronze electro-bracers that will allow her to stun Daniel with a zap of electricity if she gets close enough to touch him.
Lastly, she goes back out into the lab and pulls on her jetpack. It's her oldest and dearest gadget, and while the updates aren't completed, she's confident that the old speed will be fine.
After adjusting the buckles, she takes a deep breath.
[[She's ready.]]Grabbing (set: $weapon to "pistol")the stun pistol, Tamanda stuffs them in a pouch at her belt, and adds her usual arsenal of smoke grenades, a shield that folds up to the size of a book, a refractor to dazzle her opponents.
Next she pulls on sticky-gloves that will allow her to cling to the side of a building, and bronze electro-bracers that will allow her to stun Daniel with a zap of electricity if she gets close enough to touch him.
Lastly, she goes back out into the lab and pulls on her jetpack. It's her oldest and dearest gadget, and while the updates aren't completed, she's confident that the old speed will be fine.
After adjusting the buckles, she takes a deep breath.
[[She's ready.]]Climbing the stairs to the upper floor of her lab, Tamanda pushes open the doors to her balcony. The wind is strong today, and she takes a moment to adjust the jetpack to account for it before running to the edge of the balcony-
And jumping off.
Her heart leaps into her throat (it always does) as she plummets towards the ground, but she's done it often enough that her body moves instinctively: pulling in her arms, straightening her legs, ignoring the primal fear rattling around her ribcage.
She pulls the cord on her jetpack and it flares to life, trusty as always, and she heads downtown.
She stays above the skytram cables until she sees the great grey building of the bank, a squat design with one wide tower against which a fifty foot tall statue of Fortuna, ancient goddess of prosperity, stands proud like a figurehead of a ship.
[[Looking down at the street, she sees no sign of patrol cars. She's the first on the scene.]]Landing in front of the bank, she looks at its square grey columns and wall of windows, and takes a breath.
She hates fighting Daniel, <i>hates</i> it. It's been two years since she found out about his first bank robbery and broke off the engagement, but she still cares for him.
She doesn't want to hurt him, but she has to stop him.
[[Clenching her fists, she does her best to force her feelings aside and runs into the bank.]]Inside the bank there's a wide foyer, brightly lit, with a tiled marble floor. Opposite the doors there are the tellers' counters made of polished mahogany; between each of them is a marble pillar, topped with a small, golden statue of Fortuna. Everything about the bank screams prosperity and riches.
Apart from the people collapsed on the floor.
Some are starting to recover, sitting up with dazed expressions; a few are even standing, helping others.
Tamanda crouches by the nearest collapsed person and is relieved to find that they're alive, just unconscious.
She turns to the nearest person on their feet.
(color: blue) [ [["Are you alright? What happened?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Everyone just decide they needed a nap?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["What happened here?"]] ]"I - I don't know," he says, rubbing his eyes. "I was just standing in line, minding my own business, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up on the floor."
Tamanda looks to see people slowly helping each other to their feet, or onto one of the benches at the side of the foyer.
Most people look like customers, as bewildered as the man she just spoke to, but she spies an old man, bowed and deeply wrinkled, that she recognises as Flyboy - one of the first tech-heroes, now retired.
[[Speak to Flyboy]]"I - I don't know what happened," he says, rubbing his eyes. "I was just standing in line, minding my own business, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up on the floor."
Tamanda looks to see people slowly helping each other to their feet, or onto one of the benches at the side of the foyer.
Most people look like customers, as bewildered as the man she just spoke to, but she spies an old man, bowed and deeply wrinkled, that she recognises as Flyboy - one of the first tech-heroes, now retired.
[[Speak to Flyboy]]"I - I don't know," he says, rubbing his eyes. "I was just standing in line, minding my own business, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up on the floor."
Tamanda looks to see people slowly helping each other to their feet, or onto one of the benches at the side of the foyer.
Most people look like customers, as bewildered as the man she just spoke to, but she spies an old man, bowed and deeply wrinkled, that she recognises as Flyboy - one of the first tech-heroes, now retired.
[[Speak to Flyboy]]"Hello there, Flyboy," Tamanda says as she walks over to him. He squints his rhuemy blue eyes at her and then laughs.
"Well! Ms. Silvers, ain't it? How're the skies treating you?"
"Real good, sir. Can you tell me what happened today?"
"Damned if I know. Some pretty boy in a fancy coat came out and gave a flowery speech - no idea what he was saying, you spend long enough in this business and you know when it's all bullcrap you don't need to listen to. Then he fluttered his hands and next thing I know I'm on the floor. Coulda broken my hip! Supervillains today, no respect for the elderly."
(color: blue) [ [["Are you alright, sir?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Back in your day, they woulda helped you to a seat first, right?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Then what?"]] ] "Yeah, yeah - I'm old, but not that old. That's what I keep telling myself, anyway," Flyboy says, with a grin. "This kid, though - he's a real magician, huh?"
"He is, and very dangerous."
"Guess we're lucky to be alive, huh?"
"Maybe," Tamanda says quietly. She doesn't like to think that Daniel would ever hurt someone, but he's done so many things that she never dreamed he'd do. And he is enormously powerful, more than anyone but her knows. Why she's still keeping his secret for him, she isn't sure.
"Anyway," Flyboy continues with the easy shrug of a man old enough to know that death's coming for him, one way or another. "I was knocked out before I saw anything helpful. Damn embarrassing. But that fella with the monocle - he's been ranting about how he saw <i>everything,</i> and as soon as the police get here, he's going to be <i>instrumental</i> in catching the bad guy. He's an ass but he might be able to help you out."
Tamanda turns and sees the man he's talking about. Standing near the tellers' counters is a man with a bald head and a monocle, wearing a very fine suit and a very deep frown.
[[After thanking Flyboy, Tamanda goes over to the man with the monocle.]]"Ha!" Flyboy says, and gives a wheezing chuckle. "Wouldn't know, I was a brat back then myself, barely even noticed anyone over fifty. This kid, though - he's a real magician, huh?"
"He is, and very dangerous."
"Guess we're lucky to be alive, huh?"
"Maybe," Tamanda says quietly. She doesn't like to think that Daniel would ever hurt someone, but he's done so many things that she never dreamed he'd do. And he is enormously powerful, more than anyone but her knows. Why she's still keeping his secret for him, she isn't sure.
"Anyway," Flyboy continues with the easy shrug of a man old enough to know that death's coming for him, one way or another. "I was knocked out before I saw anything helpful. Damn embarrassing. But that fella with the monocle - he's been ranting about how he saw <i>everything,</i> and as soon as the police get here, he's going to be <i>instrumental</i> in catching the bad guy. He's an ass but he might be able to help you out."
Tamanda turns and sees the man he's talking about. Standing near the tellers' counters is a man with a bald head and a monocle, wearing a very fine suit and a very deep frown.
[[After thanking Flyboy, Tamanda goes over to the man with the monocle.]]"No idea," Flyboy says. "Knocked out cold. This kid, though - he's a real magician, huh?"
"He is, and very dangerous."
"Guess we're lucky to be alive, huh?"
"Maybe," Tamanda says quietly. She doesn't like to think that Daniel would ever hurt someone, but he's done so many things that she never dreamed he'd do. And he is enormously powerful, more than anyone but her knows. Why she's still keeping his secret for him, she isn't sure.
"Anyway," Flyboy continues with the easy shrug of a man old enough to know that death's coming for him, one way or another. "I was knocked out before I saw anything helpful. Damn embarrassing. But that fella with the monocle - he's been ranting about how he saw <i>everything,</i> and as soon as the police get here, he's going to be <i>instrumental</i> in catching the bad guy. He's an ass but he might be able to help you out."
Tamanda turns and sees the man he's talking about. Standing near the tellers' counters is a man with a bald head and a monocle, wearing a very fine suit and a very deep frown.
[[After thanking Flyboy, Tamanda goes over to the man with the monocle.]]Mr. Cole looks over at Tamanda, takes in her outfit and her jetpack, and his expression shifts into something a few shades from a sneer.
"Oh. You're that tech-hero. Golden Girl, or something."
"Ms. Silvers."
"Well, whatever you're called, it's about time. I was going to wait for the police but I suppose you'll do."
(color: blue) [ [["Please, go on."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["How very kind of you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I'll DO?]] ] Mr. Cole looks over at Tamanda, takes in her outfit and her jetpack, and his expression shifts into something a few shades from a sneer.
"Oh. You're that tech-hero. Golden Girl, or something."
"Ms. Silvers."
"Well, whatever you're called, it's about time. I was going to wait for the police but I suppose you'll do."
(color: blue) [ [["Please, go on."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["How very kind of you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I'll DO?]] ] Mr. Cole looks over at Tamanda, astonished that someone would talk to him that way. He takes in her outfit and her jetpack, and his expression shifts into something a few shades from a sneer.
"Oh. You're that tech-hero. Golden Girl, or something."
"Ms. Silvers."
"Well, whatever you're called, it's about time. I was going to wait for the police but I suppose you'll do."
(color: blue) [ [["Please, go on."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["How very kind of you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I'll DO?]] ] "Well. I am sure I don't know when all of this started - no alarms went off, and if you think I'm going to let the alarm company get away with that you are <i>gravely</i> mistaken! We're supposed to have one of the foremost security systems in the country, completely secure against any attack, mudane <i>or</i> magical."
Tamanda thinks she can see why Daniel chose the bank - he could never resist a challenge.
"Clearly he did get in, but I need to know where he went. Do you know what happened?"
"A load of nonsense, that's what. I don't trust magicians, it's all sparkles and misdirection if you ask me." Mr. Cole sniffs and straightens his tie. "They're nothing but actors with pyrotechnics and smoke machines, and <i>terrible</i> actors at that."
"But what happened here?" Tamanda asks, fairly sure she deserves an award of some sort for her patience.
"Oh, he came through the door behind the tellers and started thanking us for our hospitality, but how he must be going." Mr. Cole snorts. "Like I said: actors. Over the top and full of themselves."
(color: blue) [ [["And then what happened?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Someone's certainly full of something."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Get to the point."]] ]
Mr. Cole pauses, going a little pale beneath the force of Tamanda's glare. He gives a little cough. "Well. I- Well. I am sure I don't know when all of this started - no alarms went off, and if you think I'm going to let the alarm company get away with that you are <i>gravely</i> mistaken! We're supposed to have one of the foremost security systems in the country, completely secure against any attack, mudane <i>or</i> magical."
Tamanda thinks she can see why Daniel chose the bank - he could never resist a challenge.
"Clearly he did get in, but I need to know where he went. Do you know what happened?"
"A load of nonsense, that's what. I don't trust magicians, it's all sparkles and misdirection if you ask me." Mr. Cole sniffs and straightens his tie. "They're nothing but actors with pyrotechnics and smoke machines, and <i>terrible</i> actors at that."
"But what happened here?" Tamanda asks, fairly sure she deserves an award of some sort for her patience.
"Oh, he came through the door behind the tellers and started thanking us for our hospitality, but how he must be going." Mr. Cole snorts. "Like I said: actors. Over the top and full of themselves."
(color: blue) [ [["And then what happened?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Someone's certainly full of something."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Get to the point."]] ]
"He wiggled his fingers, there was a flash, and... well, I'm afraid to say I passed out. Now, I don't make a habit of that sort of thing! I've always been resilient, ever since my days in the reserves. Even now I still train with the boys down at the naval base once a week. Hard to oust as a cockroach, Sergeant always says." Mr. Cole smiles proudly; Tamanda isn't sure it was meant as a compliment. "But this so-called-Magician obviously used some sort of trickery on me. And-"
"So you didn't see what happened next?" Tamanda asks quickly, before he can get any deeper down the self-aggrandisement rabbit hole. "Where he went?"
"No," Mr. Cole says, shaking his head, then he perks up. "Although, the cameras might have picked something up."
(color: blue) [ [["Wonderful! Can I see the recording?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Finally, something useful from you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Where are the tapes?"]] ] "Pardon me?"
"I mean that you're full of useful information! Please, go on."
Mr. Cole frowns, as though he isn't sure whether to believe Tamanda's words or her smile, but he continues. "He wiggled his fingers, there was a flash, and... well, I'm afraid to say I passed out. Now, I don't make a habit of that sort of thing! I've always been resilient, ever since my days in the reserves. Even now I still train with the boys down at the naval base once a week. Hard to oust as a cockroach, Sergeant always says." Mr. Cole smiles proudly; Tamanda isn't sure it was meant as a compliment. "But this so-called-Magician obviously used some sort of trickery on me. And-"
"So you didn't see what happened next?" Tamanda asks quickly, before he can get any deeper down the self-aggrandisement rabbit hole. "Where he went?"
"No," Mr. Cole says, shaking his head, then he perks up. "Although, the cameras might have picked something up."
(color: blue) [ [["Wonderful! Can I see the recording?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Finally, something useful from you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Where are the tapes?"]] ] Mr. Cole scowls at Tamanda, but he continues. "He wiggled his fingers, there was a flash, and... well, I'm afraid to say I passed out. Now, I don't make a habit of that sort of thing! I've always been resilient, ever since my days in the reserves. Even now I still train with the boys down at the naval base once a week. Hard to oust as a cockroach, Sergeant always says." Mr. Cole smiles proudly; Tamanda isn't sure it was meant as a compliment. "But this so-called-Magician obviously used some sort of trickery on me. And-"
"So you didn't see what happened next?" Tamanda asks quickly, before he can get any deeper down the self-aggrandisement rabbit hole. "Where he went?"
"No," Mr. Cole says, shaking his head, then he perks up. "Although, the cameras might have picked something up."
(color: blue) [ [["Wonderful! Can I see the recording?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Finally, something useful from you!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Where are the tapes?"]] ] "You are welcome. I am sure I don't know when all of this started - no alarms went off, and if you think I'm going to let the alarm company get away with that you are <i>gravely</i> mistaken! We're supposed to have one of the foremost security systems in the country, completely secure against any attack, mudane <i>or</i> magical."
Tamanda thinks she can see why Daniel chose the bank - he could never resist a challenge.
"Clearly he did get in, but I need to know where he went. Do you know what happened?"
"A load of nonsense, that's what. I don't trust magicians, it's all sparkles and misdirection if you ask me." Mr. Cole sniffs and straightens his tie. "They're nothing but actors with pyrotechnics and smoke machines, and <i>terrible</i> actors at that."
"But what happened here?" Tamanda asks, fairly sure she deserves an award of some sort for her patience.
"Oh, he came through the door behind the tellers and started thanking us for our hospitality, but how he must be going." Mr. Cole snorts. "Like I said: actors. Over the top and full of themselves."
(color: blue) [ [["And then what happened?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Someone's certainly full of something."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Get to the point."]] ]
"You should speak to Juanita, the security officer," Mr. Cole says, and calls out her name.
A tall woman with short black hair, wearing a blue uniform, is helping a man in a suit to his feet. She looks over, and after helping the man to a bench, she comes over. She's looking at Tamanda with wide eyes, and when she nods at her, it's almost a bow.
"Ms. Silvers," Juanita says with a wide smile. "It's an honour to meet you, you're a real hero-"
"She wants to see the security tapes," Mr. Cole interrupts. "Show her."
Juanita pauses, irritation flicking across her face, but she nods. "Yessir, Mr. Cole," she says, then, "This way, Ms. Silvers."
[[She leads you behind the tellers' counters.]]"You should speak to Juanita, the security officer," Mr. Cole says, and calls out her name.
A tall woman with short black hair, wearing a blue uniform, is helping a man in a suit to his feet. She looks over, and after helping the man to a bench, she comes over. She's looking at Tamanda with wide eyes, and when she nods at her, it's almost a bow.
"Ms. Silvers," Juanita says with a wide smile. "It's an honour to meet you, you're a real hero-"
"She wants to see the security tapes," Mr. Cole interrupts. "Show her."
Juanita pauses, irritation flicking across her face, but she nods. "Yessir, Mr. Cole," she says, then, "This way, Ms. Silvers."
[[She leads you behind the tellers' counters.]]"You should speak to Juanita, the security officer," Mr. Cole says, and calls out her name.
A tall woman with short black hair, wearing a blue uniform, is helping a man in a suit to his feet. She looks over, and after helping the man to a bench, she comes over. She's looking at Tamanda with wide eyes, and when she nods at her, it's almost a bow.
"Ms. Silvers," Juanita says with a wide smile. "It's an honour to meet you, you're a real hero-"
"She wants to see the security tapes," Mr. Cole interrupts. "Show her."
Juanita pauses, irritation flicking across her face, but she nods. "Yessir, Mr. Cole," she says, then, "This way, Ms. Silvers."
[[She leads you behind the tellers' counters.]]Inside is a small room, lined with eight brass-bodied screens, each showing a different part of the bank in a grainy black-and-white moving image.
"The cameras are supposed to record everything that happens," she says. "But the security was supposed to stop magical intruders, too, so we'll see."
She pulls a control panel towards her, made of wood with brass levers and buttons. She taps a few, adjusts a dial, and the screen that shows the foyer skips backwards until it shows a normal, everyday scene of people waiting in line at the bank with bored, blank faces.
There's no sound, but there's a flash behind the tellers' counters, and people visibly jump away. Bored expressions have become fearful or confused (or both), as a man in a top hat and a long jacket with shining buttons steps from behind the counter.
[[Daniel.]]The video is too grainy to see, but he is also very handsome; the black-and-white recording wouldn't show it, but he has the most beautiful blue eyes.
Tamanda's hands curl into fists as she sees Daniel for the first time in months, her heart aching as it always does, her affection for him warring with her anger.
She watches as he waves a hand and the screen whites out.
"Damn it," she says with a sigh.
"Let's just wait a sec," Juanita says, and then - yes! The image slowly comes back into focus, just in time to see Daniel running out of the bank and turning left down the street.
"Got you!" Tamanda cries.
[[Follow him.]]Running outside just as the patrol cars finally pull up, Tamanda calls for them to help the victims as she turns left, following Daniel's tracks. It might be pointless; he has all manner of magic tricks he could have used to escape.
But Tamanda thinks that breaking into - and out of - the bank was more difficult than Daniel's theatrics made it look. If it really did have top-of-the-line anti-magic security, it would have taken a <i>lot</i> of power to break it. And while Daniel has a lot of power, he doesn't have infinite reserves.
Lifting her bracelet communicator, Tamanda twists the dial to the Chief's frequency and presses a red gem to put the call through.
(color: blue) [ [["Do you think you could help me, Chief?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Fancy doing me a favour?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I need information."]] ] "What do you need?" Greystone says.
"The Magician escaped and I'm going after him, but I need to know where he went. He turned left out of the bank about three minutes ago."
"Right," Greystone says, and yells at one of her subordinates to pull up the cam feeds. "Three minutes and ten seconds ago, he turned left, ran down Willis Street and took a right onto 8th Ave. After that, he turned onto Hastings."
Tamanda looks down Willis and bites her lip. What's the best way to pursue him?
[[Take to the air]]
[[Stick to the steeets]]"What do you need?" Greystone says.
"The Magician escaped and I'm going after him, but I need to know where he went. He turned left out of the bank about three minutes ago."
"Right," Greystone says, and yells at one of her subordinates to pull up the cam feeds. "Three minutes and ten seconds ago, he turned left, ran down Willis Street and took a right onto 8th Ave. After that, he turned onto Hastings."
Tamanda looks down Willis and bites her lip. What's the best way to pursue him?
[[Take to the air]]
[[Stick to the steeets]]"What do you need?" Greystone says.
"The Magician escaped and I'm going after him, but I need to know where he went. He turned left out of the bank about three minutes ago."
"Right," Greystone says, and yells at one of her subordinates to pull up the cam feeds. "Three minutes and ten seconds ago, he turned left, ran down Willis Street and took a right onto 8th Ave. After that, he turned onto Hastings."
Tamanda looks down Willis and bites her lip. What's the best way to pursue him?
[[Take to the air]]
[[Stick to the steeets]]Tamanda pulls the cord on her jetpack and soars straight up until she's over the buildings. Now she has a bird's eye view, and takes off in the direction the chief said.
Daniel is going roughly north, towards the lake, though Tamanda couldn't say why.
(color: blue) [ [["Where'd he head to next, Chief?]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Now where'd he scamper?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Now where?"]] ] Since it seems like Daniel stayed at ground level, Tamanda decides to do the same.
The tall buildings cast the street in shadow as the sun makes its way towards the horizon. Some street lamps have already winked on, and Tamanda runs past them from one pool of yellow light to the next.
It sounds like Daniel is going roughly north, towards the lake, though Tamanda couldn't say why.
(color: blue) [ [["Where next, Chief?]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Where did our little mouse run next?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Where now?"]] ] "Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No problem, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, fantastic! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up.]] ] "Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No problem, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, fantastic! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up.]] ] "Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No problem, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, fantastic! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up.]] ] Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
From one of her pockets, she pulls a Thaumeter - a device especially sensitive to magic. Made from wood with copper dials, it looks like a radio with two antennae that swing together when pointed at something especially magical. It's crude, and Daniel knows enough to avoid it, but if he's distracted and running low on juice, it just might work.
Tamanda switches the dial to turn it on and turns in a circle in mid-air to see if the antennae react to Daniel's magic-
[[Bingo!]]Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
From one of her pockets, she pulls a Thaumeter - a device especially sensitive to magic. Made from wood with copper dials, it looks like a radio with two antennae that swing together when pointed at something especially magical. It's crude, and Daniel knows enough to avoid it, but if he's distracted and running low on juice, it just might work.
Tamanda switches the dial to turn it on and turns in a circle in mid-air to see if the antennae react to Daniel's magic-
[[Bingo!]]Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
From one of her pockets, she pulls a Thaumeter - a device especially sensitive to magic. Made from wood with copper dials, it looks like a radio with two antennae that swing together when pointed at something especially magical. It's crude, and Daniel knows enough to avoid it, but if he's distracted and running low on juice, it just might work.
Tamanda switches the dial to turn it on and turns in a circle in mid-air to see if the antennae react to Daniel's magic-
[[Bingo!]]The antennas swing together - north, still, up by the lake.
If Daniel's tired enough that he can't keep up the shields that normally hide his magic, this just might work.
She flies slowly so that she can be sure that she's following his tracks, but when she crosses Abraca Park, the antennae swing together. She's right on top of him!
[[She looks down excitedly.]]"Damn it."
Or not.
Down in the park, there's a huge striped tent: a circus. Not just any circus - the bright red of the stripes tells her it's a circus of magic.
On the grass below, each surrounded by a mesmerised crowd, magicians show off their skills: a fire mage throws flames from his hands, an ice mage conjures a foot of snow. A lightning mage makes silver sparks dance and a green mage makes plants grow and blossom and bloom. And those are only the ones Tamanda sees from the air.
[[There'll be more in the tent.]]
"A patrol car over on 33rd and Skye just spotted him. You want me to send my boys after him or you got this?"
(color: blue) [ [["I'm on it, Chief, but keep that backup on standby."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["When don't I got this?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I don't need help."]] ] "A patrol car over on 33rd and Skye just spotted him. You want me to send my boys after him or you got this?"
(color: blue) [ [["I'm on it, Chief, but keep that backup on standby."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["When don't I got this?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I don't need help."]] ] "A patrol car over on 33rd and Skye just spotted him. You want me to send my boys after him or you got this?"
(color: blue) [ [["I'm on it, Chief, but keep that backup on standby."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["When don't I got this?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I don't need help."]] ] "Got it." The Chief hangs up.
33rd Avenue. Daniel's really booked it while she's been messing around uptown. Tamanda frowns. She hates being fooled at the best of times, but especially by Daniel. She knows him, and she should know better. She should've known about the circus, should've realised he'd hack the cameras.
As Tamanda changes course, she tells herself...
(color: blue) [ [[Stop beating yourself up.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Stop him now, circus peanuts later.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[This time, he's going down.]] ] "Keep me posted." The Chief hangs up.
33rd Avenue. Daniel's really booked it while she's been messing around uptown. Tamanda frowns. She hates being fooled at the best of times, but especially by Daniel. She knows him, and she should know better. She should've known about the circus, should've realised he'd hack the cameras.
(color: blue) [ [[Stop beating yourself up.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Stop him now, circus peanuts later.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[This time, he's going down.]] ] "I'll hold you to that, Ms. Silvers." The Chief hangs up.
33rd Avenue. Daniel's really booked it while she's been messing around uptown. Tamanda frowns. She hates being fooled at the best of times, but especially by Daniel. She knows him, and she should know better. She should've known about the circus, should've realised he'd hack the cameras.
(color: blue) [ [[Stop beating yourself up.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Stop him now, circus peanuts later.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[This time, he's going down.]] ] The city streets flicker by beneath her, until she arrives at 33rd and Skye.
There's a small crowd gathered there, staring down the street and muttering excitedly amongst themselves.
Tamanda lands, and turns to the nearest person.
(color: blue) [ [["Excuse me, could you tell me what I missed?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["We watching a movie?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["What's happened here?"]] ]
The city streets flicker by beneath her, until she arrives at 33rd and Skye.
There's a small crowd gathered there, staring down the street and muttering excitedly amongst themselves.
Tamanda lands, and turns to the nearest person.
(color: blue) [ [["Excuse me, could you tell me what I missed?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["We watching a movie?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["What's happened here?"]] ]
The city streets flicker by beneath her, until she arrives at 33rd and Skye.
There's a small crowd gathered there, staring down the street and muttering excitedly amongst themselves.
Tamanda lands, and turns to the nearest person.
(color: blue) [ [["Excuse me, could you tell me what I missed?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["We watching a movie?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["What's happened here?"]] ]
"We just saw the Magician!" Says one of them, showing her his camera and a slowly developing daguerrotype of Daniel, grinning widely.
"Where did he go?"
The man points across Timber Street, and Tamanda runs across.
And there, at the corner of 35th and Aiken, Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]"We just saw the Magician!" Says one of them, showing her his camera and a slowly developing daguerrotype of Daniel, grinning widely.
"Where did he go?"
The tourist points across Timber Street, and Tamanda runs across.
And there, at the corner of 35th and Aiken, Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]"We just saw the Magician!" Says one of them, showing her his camera and a slowly developing daguerrotype of Daniel, grinning widely.
"Where did he go?"
The tourist points across Timber Street, and Tamanda runs across.
And there, at the corner of 35th and Aiken, Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]"Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No worries, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, goodie! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up]] ] "Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No worries, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, goodie! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up]] ] "Okay," the Chief says. "We've got him crossing Hastings and going down Clark- Damn it!"
"What is it, Chief?"
"Halfway down Clark he realises he's being watched and cuts out the cam." There's a muffled discussion as she talks to her officer, and when her voice is clear again, it's not good news. "All the feeds are down, Ms. Silvers. I'll ask all my officers to keep an eye out, but without the cams, you're on your own."
(color: blue) [ [["No worries, Chief."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Oh, goodie! A game of hide-and-seek."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Hang up]] ] Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
She keeps running towards the intersection of Hastings and Clark, past store windows filled with Halloween displays: grinning Jack o' Lanterns, flickering fake candles, cartoon ghosts. Some have people gathered in front of them, admiring the little clockwork figures strutting down the tiny streets, but the sight of the city’s foremost tech-heroine running down the street is enough to distract them and they stare at her with wide eyes.
When she gets to the Hastings and Clark, there's no sign of Daniel, and she clenches her fists.
[[He's got away!]] Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
She keeps running towards the intersection of Hastings and Clark, past store windows filled with Halloween displays: grinning Jack o' Lanterns, flickering fake candles, cartoon ghosts. Some have people gathered in front of them, admiring the little clockwork figures strutting down the tiny streets, but the sight of the city’s foremost tech-heroine running down the street is enough to distract them and they stare at her with wide eyes.
When she gets to the Hastings and Clark, there's no sign of Daniel, and she clenches her fists.
[[He's got away!]] "Where did he go?" Tamanda asks the tourist, who points down Clark.
Tamanda runs down the street, and finds another group of people chattering like they've seen something exciting. They, too, spotted Daniel and his showboating ways, and point her down Holloway and then Strong.
Feeling confident, Tamanda grins as she runs, waving to some excited fans who call her name from across the street.
But then her luck runs out.
[[The next group of tourists have bad news for her.]]"Where did he go?" Tamanda asks the tourist, who points down Clark.
Tamanda runs down the street, and finds another group of people chattering like they've seen something exciting. They, too, spotted Daniel and his showboating ways, and point her down Holloway and then Strong.
Feeling confident, Tamanda grins as she runs, waving to some excited fans who call her name from across the street.
But then her luck runs out.
[[The next group of tourists have bad news for her.]]"Where did he go?" Tamanda asks the tourist, who points down Clark.
Tamanda runs down the street, and finds another group of people chattering like they've seen something exciting. They, too, spotted Daniel and his showboating ways, and point her down Holloway and then Strong.
Feeling confident, Tamanda grins as she runs, waving to some excited fans who call her name from across the street.
But then her luck runs out.
[[The next group of tourists have bad news for her.]]Tamanda sighs as she cuts off the call.
Perhaps Daniel has more power left that she imagined. Or possibly it was a fault already in the system that he just used to his advantage. Whatever it was, she's not sure how on earth she's going to find him.
She keeps running towards the intersection of Hastings and Clark, past store windows filled with Halloween displays: grinning Jack o' Lanterns, flickering fake candles, cartoon ghosts. Some have people gathered in front of them, admiring the little clockwork figures strutting down the tiny streets, but the sight of the city’s foremost tech-heroine running down the street is enough to distract them and they stare at her with wide eyes.
When she gets to the Hastings and Clark, there's no sign of Daniel, and she clenches her fists.
[[He's got away!]] Not just a circus, but one full of magicians of all kinds, promising to put on the best show you've ever seen!
Individually, none of those magicians will be anywhere near as powerful as Daniel but all together, they'll be more than enough to mask his magic. Wherever she goes in the city, the Thaumeter will lead her there.
And having grown up in the circus, Daniel would know that. It'll be why he chose today to rob the bank: the circus is unwittingly covering his tracks.
(color: blue) [ [["What now?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["What a rascal!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Damn it!"]] ]Staring at the poster, Tamanda sees that it's in Abraca Park - north, up near the lake. Having carefully put the red herring in place, Daniel wouldn't go that way. He wouldn't head back south, where the bank is - there's too many police and too much risk. She's just come from the east, which means he must have gone west.
[[Praying she's right, she lands and runs in that direction.]]Staring at the poster, Tamanda sees that it's in Abraca Park - north, up near the lake. Having carefully put the red herring in place, Daniel wouldn't go that way. He wouldn't head back south, where the bank is - there's too many police and too much risk. She's just come from the east, which means he must have gone west.
[[Praying she's right, she lands and runs in that direction.]]Staring at the poster, Tamanda sees that it's in Abraca Park - north, up near the lake. Having carefully put the red herring in place, Daniel wouldn't go that way. He wouldn't head back south, where the bank is - there's too many police and too much risk. She's just come from the east, which means he must have gone west.
[[Praying she's right, she lands and runs in that direction.]]Luckily, there are more gaggles of tourists and locals who've spotted him, and they're able to point her in the right direction.
She's crossing 28th Ave when the red crystal on her bracelet communicator starts to flash.
"Chief?"
"A patrol car over on 33rd just spotted him. You want me to send my boys after him or you got this?"
(color: blue) [ [["I'm nearby, Chief, but keep that backup on standby."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["I've always got this, this and everything else."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I don't need any help."]] ] "Got it." The Chief hangs up.
Tamanda presses a button on her jetpack. It gives her a boost - not enough to fly, but enough to get her where she needs to be in a matter of minutes. Enough to get her to the corner of 35th and Aiken, where Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]"Got it." The Chief hangs up.
Tamanda presses a button on her jetpack. It gives her a boost - not enough to fly, but enough to get her where she needs to be in a matter of minutes. Enough to get her to the corner of 35th and Aiken, where Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]"Got it." The Chief hangs up.
Tamanda presses a button on her jetpack. It gives her a boost - not enough to fly, but enough to get her where she needs to be in a matter of minutes. Enough to get her to the corner of 35th and Aiken, where Daniel is bowing to a group of tourists with cameras.
[[Tamanda stares at him.]]His head snaps to look at her - no doubt ruining many a daguerreotype - and his eyes widen. Even from here, she can see how blue they are, and it hurts her heart a little.
"Tamanda! It's been too long," he says with a grin, adjusting the bag over his shoulder that must hold whatever he stole from the bank. "You're looking lovely."
(color: blue) [ [["I can't let you get away with this."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Naturally. But you - you'd look terrible in a prison outfit, Daniel. Alas..."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel, turn yourself in."]] ]His head snaps to look at her - no doubt ruining many a daguerreotype - and his eyes widen. Even from here, she can see how blue they are, and it hurts her heart a little.
"Tamanda! It's been too long," he says with a grin, adjusting the bag over his shoulder that must hold whatever he stole from the bank. "You're looking lovely."
(color: blue) [ [["I can't let you get away with this."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Naturally. But you - you'd look terrible in a prison outfit, Daniel. Alas..."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel, turn yourself in."]] ]His head snaps to look at her - no doubt ruining many a daguerreotype - and his eyes widen. Even from here, she can see how blue they are, and it hurts her heart a little.
"Tamanda! It's been too long," he says with a grin, adjusting the bag over his shoulder that must hold whatever he stole from the bank. "You're looking lovely."
(color: blue) [ [["I can't let you get away with this."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Naturally. But you - you'd look terrible in a prison outfit, Daniel. Alas..."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel, turn yourself in."]] ]"Are you sure? I couldn't convince you otherwise?" He raises a hand and Tamanda rolls out of the way of a bolt of lightning. Not a strong one, but it would have been enough to short out her jetpack and give him the chance to get away.
As it is, it's made the tourists scatter, and Tamanda breathes a sigh of relief. At least she doesn't need to worry about any bystanders getting hurt.
She turns to Daniel, who's breathing a little hard. He's pushed himself today, and that lightning attack cost him.
(color: blue) [ [[Use the refractor to dazzle him.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Use a smoke grenade.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Try to zap him with your electro-bracers.]] ]"You're right, of course. Maybe I can convince you to let me go?" He raises a hand and Tamanda rolls out of the way of a bolt of lightning. Not a strong one, but it would have been enough to short out her jetpack and give him the chance to get away.
As it is, it's made the tourists scatter, and Tamanda breathes a sigh of relief. At least she doesn't need to worry about any bystanders getting hurt.
She turns to Daniel, who's breathing a little hard. He's pushed himself today, and that lightning attack cost him.
(color: blue) [ [[Use the refractor to dazzle him.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Use a smoke grenade.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Try to zap him with your electro-bracers.]] ]"I'm sorry, Tam. I can't do that. But maybe I can convince you to let me go?" He raises a hand and Tamanda rolls out of the way of a bolt of lightning. Not a strong one, but it would have been enough to short out her jetpack and give him the chance to get away.
As it is, it's made the tourists scatter, and Tamanda breathes a sigh of relief. At least she doesn't need to worry about any bystanders getting hurt.
She turns to Daniel, who's breathing a little hard. He's pushed himself today, and that lightning attack cost him.
(color: blue) [ [[Use the refractor to dazzle him.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Use a smoke grenade.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Try to zap him with your electro-bracers.]] ]Smoke plumes up between them,but before Tamanda can do anything, a blue flash of magic lights it eerily. It's like being caught in the middle of a storm cloud. She tries to move forward, but finds herself frozen.
[[Literally.]] He sees her throw it, and he knows her tricks. He throws his forearm over his eyes to protect them, and aims his other hand at her.
There's a flash of blue magic and Tamanda tries to leap out of the way, but she's frozen.
[[Literally.]]Pressing the button on her jetpack to give her a boost, Tamanda darts forward, firing up her electro-bracers. She tries to zap him, but he darts out of the way with those cat-like reflexes his circus training gave him. She tries a few more times, and he gives a breathless laugh.
"Come on, Tam, we both know you can't beat me."
He's goading her and she knows it, but it still makes her twitch.
"We both know I <i>can</i>, Daniel."
"And yet, you never have." There's a challenge in his eye, then a flash of blue magic. Tamanda tries to leap for him, but she's frozen.
[[Literally.]]There's a block of ice around her lower legs, the glacier blue of his eyes. Cursing, Tamanda grabs a heatpack from one of her many pockets and drops it onto the ice, but she knows it won't melt it fast enough.
"I really am sorry, Tam," Daniel says.
She looks up at him as he takes half a step forward, hand lifting as though he wants to touch her. He doesn't; he's too smart for that. Instead he just looks at her with sorrow in his eyes.
She wonders how much he's sorry for, if he misses her like she misses him. How much he regrets, and how heavily they weigh on him.
[["If you're sorry, then stop! You don't have to do this."]]
He gives a bitter laugh, and shakes his head. "I work for the Evil Eight now, Tam. Stopping isn't an option. Not if I like breathing, anyway."
"We can protect you," Tamanda sats, and she isn't just trying to buy time while the ice melts. If there's any chance to get Daniel away from them, any at all, she has to take it.
"You think so? You think that the most powerful crime syndicate in the world doesn't have moles in every jail, ready to take out anyone stupid enough to get caught?" Daniel shakes his head, expression turning grim. "I'm in too deep, Tam. You can't protect me."
[["We'll find a way."]]"I wish I could believe you," Daniel says, then clicks his fingers. He gives her a smile tinged with sadness as a golden mist surrounds him, then shrinks down until it's like a second skin. "Until we meet again, Ms. Silvers."
The golden magic shimmers and he rises into the air.
"Come on, come on!" Tamanda says to the heatpack, as though her words could make it work any faster.
He's almost out of sight when her feet are finally free.
[[She takes off after him.]]"I wish I could believe you, sweetheart," Daniel says, then clicks his fingers. He gives her a smile tinged with sadness as a golden mist surrounds him, then shrinks down until it's like a second skin. "Until we meet again, Ms. Silvers."
The golden magic shimmers and he rises into the air.
"Come on, come on!" Tamanda says to the heatpack, as though her words could make it work any faster.
He's almost out of sight when her feet are finally free.
[[She takes off after him.]]Daniel laughs, and there's something sharp and brittle in it. "There are always consequences, Tam. Going back to them is just the one more likely to keep me breathing."
He clicks his fingers, and gives her a smile tinged with sadness as a golden mist surrounds him, then shrinks down until it's like a second skin. "Until we meet again, Ms. Silvers."
The golden magic shimmers and he rises into the air.
"Come on, come on!" Tamanda says to the heatpack, as though her words could make it work any faster.
He's almost out of sight when her feet are finally free.
[[She takes off after him.]]Once she's in the air, she hits boost on her jetpack once more. It'll use up her fuel faster, but she doesn't need to go far. Just enough to catch him.
And so she does, coming up on him quickly, darting in front of him and making him jerk back, startled.
"Stop," she tells him, and draws her {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol.
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy.
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs.
]}
[["You've got to be kidding," he says.]]"No. I'm not," Tamanda says, and lifts the {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol-
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy-
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs-
]}
Just as the soft whirring noise of her jetpack stops.
[[There's never been a louder silence.]]And then she's falling, gravity grabbing her and yanking hard. She drops the {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs
]} and yanks on the cord of her jetpack. When nothing happens, she reaches for the pullring that deploys her parachute.
It's not there.
She removed it when she was making the upgrades.
Along with her main fuel tank.
(color: blue) [ [["Come on, come on, there must be something!"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Now would be a hell of a time for a miracle!"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Idiot!"]] ]The ground is appraching far too fast, and Tamanda's mind is blank, terror chasing away all of her thoughts.
And then she slows.
There are warm arms around her, and she finds herself looking into Daniel's face. His expression is strained, magic working overtime to slow her velocity. He turns them in midair so that he's on the bottom, so that he'll hit the ground first and take the impact.
"Daniel," Tamanda manages to gasp. "What are you-"
"I still love you, Tam," he says, and kisses her.
[[And then...]]The ground is appraching far too fast, and Tamanda's mind is blank, terror chasing away all of her thoughts.
And then she slows.
There are warm arms around her, and she finds herself looking into Daniel's face. His expression is strained, magic working overtime to slow her velocity. He turns them in midair so that he's on the bottom, so that he'll hit the ground first and take the impact.
"Daniel," Tamanda manages to gasp. "What are you-"
"I still love you, Tam," he says, and kisses her.
[[And then...]]The ground is appraching far too fast, and Tamanda's mind is blank, terror chasing away all of her thoughts.
And then she slows.
There are warm arms around her, and she finds herself looking into Daniel's face. His expression is strained, magic working overtime to slow her velocity. He turns them in midair so that he's on the bottom, so that he'll hit the ground first and take the impact.
"Daniel," Tamanda manages to gasp. "What are you-"
"I still love you, Tam," he says, and kisses her.
[[And then...]][[They hit the ground hard.]]
[[But not that hard.]]He sits up with a wince, sucking a breath in through his teeth and puts a hand to his side like he might have cracked a rib.
As they hear sirens quickly getting louder, he looks at Tamanda with those blue eyes she once loved so much.
(color: blue) [ [[And if she's honest, still does.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["What am I going to do with you, Daniel?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["You're under arrest."]] ]He sits up with a wince, sucking a breath in through his teeth and puts a hand to his side like he might have cracked a rib.
As they hear sirens quickly getting louder, he looks at Tamanda with those blue eyes she once loved so much.
(color: blue) [ [[And if she's honest, still does.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["What am I going to do with you, Daniel?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["You're under arrest."]] ]She doesn't say it, though. Instead she looks at him, wondering what to do.
"So, I'm thinking... Maybe you could let me go?" He says with a weak smile.
She can't imagine he has much magic left, if anything at all. She's exhausted too, but her abilities don't depend on her own power. Her {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs
]} fell when she did, scattered in Cogsworth Park along with Daniel's illegal takings.
But she has her bracers and a length of rope. She could incapacitate him, if she wanted to. Arrest him. Let the police take him, throw him in a jail cell, let him rot.
[[He saved her.]]"Let me go?" He asks with a weak smile.
She can't imagine he has much magic left, if anything at all. She's exhausted too, but her abilities don't depend on her own power. Her {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs
]} fell when she did, scattered in Cogsworth Park along with Daniel's illegal takings.
But she has her bracers and a length of rope. She could incapacitate him, if she wanted to. Arrest him. Let the police take him, throw him in a jail cell, let him rot.
[[He saved her.]]"Tamanda?" He says with a weak smile, but fear flickers in his eyes. "Come on. Please. Don't do this."
She can't imagine he has much magic left, if anything at all. She's exhausted too, but her abilities don't depend on her own power. Her {
(if: $weapon is 'pistol')[
pistol
](else-if: $weapon is 'Double Whammy')[
Double Whammy
](else-if: $weapon is 'cuffs')[
cuffs
]} fell when she did, scattered in Cogsworth Park along with Daniel's illegal takings.
But she has her bracers and a length of rope. She could incapacitate him, if she wanted to. Arrest him. Let the police take him, throw him in a jail cell, let him rot.
[[He saved her.]]He sits up with a wince, keeping his eyes on those electro-bracers. He sucks a breath in through his teeth and puts a hand to his side like he might have cracked a rib.
As they hear sirens quickly getting louder, he looks at Tamanda with those blue eyes she once loved so much.
(color: blue) [ [[And if she's honest, still does.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["What am I going to do with you, Daniel?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["You're under arrest."]] ]But is that enough?
He's a thief. He's stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars, and now that he works for the Evil Eight, whether he wants to or not, that money is bankrolling some serious wrongdoing.
But he was once a good man. A man who helped her create so many things that helped so many people.
A man she loved.
[[He has to be stopped.]]She knows that.
But maybe there's another way. Maybe there's a way to drag him away from the Evil Eight so that he can make up for all the wrongs he's done. He must have valuable information about their base, their plans, vulnerabilities - maybe he can help her bring them down.
Or maybe she's fooling herself.
He's still looking at her, waiting, as though he'll accept her decision, whatever it is.
(color: blue) [ [[Kiss him and let him go.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Let him go.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Arrest him.]] ]Tamanda leans over and kisses him, softly. He kisses back, putting a hand to her waist, and for a moment, everything is like it was.Like the last few years have rolled back and the two of them are still working together to make the world a better place.
But nothing is like it was, and she pulls away.
(color: blue) [ [["I love you, Daniel. Now get out of here."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["You've always been a hot mess, babe."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I never want to see you again."]] ]Tamanda stands, and pulls Daniel to his feet. He groans, still clutching his ribs.
"You- you're letting me go?" He asks.
She nods.
(color: blue) [ [["I love you, Daniel. Now get out of here."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["You've always been a hot mess, babe."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["I never want to see you again."]] ]"Daniel Sparks, you're under arrest," Tamanda says, and his face falls as the cop cars careen around the corner, sirens blaring, lights flashing. He hangs his head as the cars screech to a halt in front of them and cops pile out, guns on them.
From the nearest car, Chief Greystone herself steps out, striding towards them with cuffs in her hands - the inhibitor type that stops someone using their magic.
"Good job, Ms. Silvers," she says, grabbing Daniel's shoulder and yanking him around, snapping the cuffs around his wrists. "Where's the loot?"
"He dropped it in a middair battle. It's probably in the park somewhere."
Chief Greystone sighs, yelling at her men to start searching for it before turning back to Tamanda and giving her a measuring look. "I wasn't sure you'd really do it. Arrest him. Given your history."
Tamanda half-expects Daniel to look at her. He doesn't; just stares at the ground, head bowed, looking broken.
[["He broke the law."]]He smiles, and ducks his head. "You always did know how to break my heart, huh?" Frowning deeply, concentrating harder that she's ever seen, he manages to turn himself immaterial - half-invisible and able to walk through walls. He turns to go, but then pauses and looks at her. "I won't forget this, Tam. I owe you."
"Then do something to make it right, Daniel. You're helping the Evil Eight do terrible things."
They look at each other for a long moment, then he nods. "I'll find a way to help you stop them. I promise," he says, and vanishes through the wall just as the cop cars, sirens blaring, lights flashing, screech around the corner.
[[Tamanda drags her gaze away from the wall Daniel walked through.]]He chuckles, and nods. "The hottest." Frowning deeply, concentrating harder that she's ever seen, he manages to turn himself immaterial - half-invisible and able to walk through walls. He turns to go, but then pauses and looks at her. "I won't forget this, Tam. I owe you."
"Then do something to make it right, Daniel. You're helping the Evil Eight do terrible things."
They look at each other for a long moment, then he nods. "I'll find a way to help you stop them. I promise," he says, and vanishes through the wall just as the cop cars, sirens blaring, lights flashing, screech around the corner.
[[Tamanda drags her gaze away from the wall Daniel walked through.]](set: $decision to "no scrubs")He closes his eyes, pain that has nothing to do with cracked ribs flickering across his face. "Just like that, huh?" Frowning deeply, concentrating harder that she's ever seen, he manages to turn himself immaterial - half-invisible and able to walk through walls. He turns to go, but then pauses and looks at her. "I won't forget this, Tam. I owe you."
"Then do something to make it right, Daniel. You're helping the Evil Eight do terrible things."
They look at each other for a long moment, then he nods. "I'll find a way to help you stop them. I promise," he says, and vanishes through the wall just as the cop cars, sirens blaring, lights flashing, screech around the corner.
[[Tamanda drags her gaze away from the wall Daniel walked through.]]Chief Greystone steps out of the car nearest her, and looks around.
"Where is he? We had reports of you two tussling in the sky."
"My jetpack cut out. I fell, passed out... I don't know what happened next."
Greystone swears. "And with the cams still out, we have no idea where he went. Damn it!"
(color: blue) [ [["I think he dropped the loot, though."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Can't win 'em all, Chief."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["He'll be back."]] ]Chief Greystone snorts and pushes Daniel into the car. "If you don't mind me saying so, you're a stone-cold bitch, Ms. Silvers." She grins. "I mean that as a compliment."
"I know."
"We'll get this guy to the Naval base. They're the only place with cells for Alpha class magicians. Thanks again," she says with a brusque nod.
Through the window, Daniel's eyes flick to her, filled with fear. Doubt flickers in Tamanda's heart, but she steels herself against it.
[[Tamanda watches, arms folded, as they drive away.]]With her jetpack useless, she walks over to the nearest skytram station to get a tram home.
As she does, she's aware of the other passengers staring at her, whispering, but none of them talk to her and she's glad.
[[She had to do what she did, but that doesn't mean she's happy about it.]]There was no other way this could end. This was Daniel's choice, not hers.
The sun is setting by the time she gets back to her lab. Dropping her jetpack to the workbench, she walks up the stairs to the upper level and looks out over the city, stained pink by the sunset sky.
She helped protect it today.
[[So why doesn't it feel like a victory?]]
Turning away from the sunset and from her doubts, she goes back downstairs to her jetpack, focusing on fixing it.
It's easier than fixing herself.
[[It's a month later when she hears the news.]]Chief Greystone asks to talk to her, in private, so Tamanda invites her to the lab.
When the Chief comes in, wearing her signature grey pantsuit and black trilby, she looks around with raised eyebrows. Tamanda supposes it is a bit of a mess. For the past month, she's been spending a lot of time in here, tinkering with old projects, creating new ones. After a few nights of being unable to sleep, she left her apartment and moved in here, passing out on the sofa for a few hours here and there until the nightmares woke her.
And then she'd move onto the next project, something, anything, to keep her mind busy.
"I like what you've done with the place," Greystone says.
(color: blue) [ [["Thank you."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Chief."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["You wanted to talk."]] ]The Chief walks over to the nearest workbench and leans against it, folding her arms and looking at Tamanda.
"I know it must have been hard for you, arresting the Magician."
(color: blue) [ [["Yes. It was."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Jumping right on in there, huh?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel broke the law."]] ]The Chief walks over to the nearest workbench and leans against it, folding her arms and looking at Tamanda.
"I know it must have been hard for you, arresting the Magician."
(color: blue) [ [["Yes. It was."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Jumping right on in there, huh?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel broke the law."]] ]The Chief walks over to the nearest workbench and leans against it, folding her arms and looking at Tamanda.
"I know it must have been hard for you, arresting the Magician."
(color: blue) [ [["Yes. It was."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Jumping right on in there, huh?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Daniel broke the law."]] ]The Chief sighs, and pulls a cigar out of her pocket, then looks around at all of Tamanda's - frequently flammable - projects, and puts it back. "Thing is... When it comes to the Evil Eight, he was just a henchman. Pocket change."
Tamanda waits, not sure she likes where this is going.
"And pocket change is... It's disposable."
Tamanda swallows, certain now that she doesn't like where this is going.
(color: blue) [ [["What... what do you mean?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Not sure I like the sound of that."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Just say it, Greystone."]] ]"Easiest way sometimes." The Chief pulls a cigar out of her pocket, then looks around at all of Tamanda's - frequently flammable - projects, and puts it back. "Thing is... When it comes to the Evil Eight, he was just a henchman. Pocket change."
Tamanda waits, not sure she likes where this is going.
"And pocket change is... It's disposable."
Tamanda swallows, certain now that she doesn't like where this is going.
(color: blue) [ [["What... what do you mean?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Not sure I like the sound of that."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Just say it, Greystone."]] ]"That he did." The Chief pulls a cigar out of her pocket, then looks around at all of Tamanda's - frequently flammable - projects, and puts it back. "Thing is... When it comes to the Evil Eight, he was just a henchman. Pocket change."
Tamanda waits, not sure she likes where this is going.
"And pocket change is... It's disposable."
Tamanda swallows, certain now that she doesn't like where this is going.
(color: blue) [ [["What... what do you mean?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Not sure I like the sound of that."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Just say it, Greystone."]] ]"The naval base - it was the most secure place to hold the Magician. It was the <i>only</i> place to hold him. But I should've thought..." She shakes her head. "I don't know everyone there. Hardly know anyone. And I shouldn't have trusted them."
Tamanda's heart is thudding in her chest and as heavy as lead. "Chief-"
"They killed him. Executed him." She shakes her head and Tamanda puts her hand to the workbench to steady herself as the world starts to go grey around her. "I'm so fucking sorry."
[[Tamanda shakes her head.]]"The naval base - it was the most secure place to hold the Magician. It was the <i>only</i> place to hold him. But I should've thought..." She shakes her head. "I don't know everyone there. Hardly know anyone. And I shouldn't have trusted them."
Tamanda's heart is thudding in her chest and as heavy as lead. "Chief-"
"They killed him. Executed him." She shakes her head and Tamanda puts her hand to the workbench to steady herself as the world starts to go grey around her. "I'm so fucking sorry."
[[Tamanda shakes her head.]]"The naval base - it was the most secure place to hold the Magician. It was the <i>only</i> place to hold him. But I should've thought..." She shakes her head. "I don't know everyone there. Hardly know anyone. And I shouldn't have trusted them."
Tamanda's heart is thudding in her chest and as heavy as lead. "Chief-"
"They killed him. Executed him." She shakes her head and Tamanda puts her hand to the workbench to steady herself as the world starts to go grey around her. "I'm so fucking sorry."
[[Tamanda shakes her head.]]He told her this would happen. He <i>told</i> her!
"He knew too much about them. They couldn't risk him talking." Greystone puts a hand on Tamanda's shoulder. "I don't know who did this, or how, but I will find out and I will arrest them."
"I want to help," Tamanda says. Her voice sounds very far away, somewhere distant behind the blood rushing in her ears.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea-"
[["I'm going to help."]]Chief Greystone looks at her, and whatever she sees in Tamanda's face makes her frown. "When we find them, we're going to arrest them. This is about justice, Tamanda. Not vengeance."
"I understand."
[[And she does.]] She thanks the Chief and sees her out of the lab before going up to the upper level and looking out over the city. She's shaking, though she isn't cold.
Whoever killed Daniel will be arrested, and then they will meet his fate. The Evil Eight will demand it.
That <i>is</i> justice.
And then Tamanda will find the Evil Eight, and make them face justice too.
For Daniel."That's something at least," the Chief says, ordering her men to go find it. "If we can find the damn thing." She gives Tamanda a look. "What about you? You fell? You alright?"
"I guess so. Maybe my jetpack kicked in just before I landed. Slowed me enough that I didn't get hurt."
"Yeah. Maybe." There's a long moment of silence as the Chief gives Tamanda an appraising look. Tamanda braces herself for the Chief to ask hard questions, but she only shrugs. "Never did trust all this technology. Main thing is, you're alright."
"Thanks, Chief."
"Get some rest, Ms. Silvers. And if I have any questions... I know where to find you."
[[With her jetpack broken, Tamanda heads to the nearest skytram station.]]"That's a damn unfortunate truth," the Chief says, ordering her men to go find it. "If we can find the damn thing." She gives Tamanda a look. "What about you? You fell? You alright?"
"I guess so. Maybe my jetpack kicked in just before I landed. Slowed me enough that I didn't get hurt."
"Yeah. Maybe." There's a long moment of silence as the Chief gives Tamanda an appraising look. Tamanda braces herself for the Chief to ask hard questions, but she only shrugs. "Never did trust all this technology. Main thing is, you're alright."
"Thanks, Chief."
"Get some rest, Ms. Silvers. And if I have any questions... I know where to find you."
[[With her jetpack broken, Tamanda heads to the nearest skytram station.]]"Can't keep a good thief down," the Chief snorts, then orders her men to go find it. "If we can find the damn thing." She gives Tamanda a look. "What about you? You fell? You alright?"
"I guess so. Maybe my jetpack kicked in just before I landed. Slowed me enough that I didn't get hurt."
"Yeah. Maybe." There's a long moment of silence as the Chief gives Tamanda an appraising look. Tamanda braces herself for the Chief to ask hard questions, but she only shrugs. "Never did trust all this technology. Main thing is, you're alright."
"Thanks, Chief."
"Get some rest, Ms. Silvers. And if I have any questions... I know where to find you."
[[With her jetpack broken, Tamanda heads to the nearest skytram station.]]She sits in the corner of the tram, and is grateful that though the other passengers whisper and point, they don't speak to her. She's exhausted, more than she thinks she's ever been.
And Daniel...
Was it the right thing to let him go?
[[She doesn't know.]]Instead of heading to the lab, she goes to her apartment and drops straight into her bed. She wakes briefly and groans to find herself still in her armoured bodice and her boots. Sleepily she pulls off both, along with her utility belt and coat, before climbing under the covers.
When she wakes, it's afternoon, and she feels a flash of guilt for a day wasted.
She goes to shower then pulls on a robe. She has no intention of leaving her apartment today, so she drags her jetpack to the side of the room to deal with tomorrow, or perhaps the day after.
As she straightens up, she hears a soft beeping.
[[She looks around, frowning.]]Following the sound, she finds herself in her bedroom. It's louder in here, and vaguely familiar, though she still can't place it in the room or in her mind. She opens cupboards, drawers, looks behind books.
And finally, she opens her old jewellery box.
There, beneath tangled necklaces and tarnished rings, something is flashing.
[[She pulls it out and stares at it.]]A communicator bracelet.
One of the <i>first</i> communicator bracelets, one of a pair. She and Daniel made these, years ago, one of their most successful inventions. This prototype was designed to communicate only with its twin.
[[Daniel's.]]Is it really possible that he still has it, after everything?
If he does... Could this be him?
And if it is... Does she want to answer?
There's only one small gem on this bracelet, a blue one that matches Daniel's eyes. Her finger hovers over it as she decides whether to answer.
(color: blue) [ [[She presses it. "Daniel?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[She presses it. "If this is who I think it is, I'm very surprised that you've come up with an impressive enough thank you in so short a time."]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Put the bracelet back in the jewellery box.]] ]"Hey, Tam." His voice is tinny over the prototype, and she stares at it.
"What - why are you-"
"Maybe I just wanted to hear your dulcet tones."
<i>"Daniel!"</i>
He chuckles. Tamanda tries not to acknowledge the way that makes her smile.
"These communicators are twinned, right?" He says. "There's no way to track them. So there's no way for the Evil Eight to know I'm talking to you."
[["So what do you have to say?"]]"Could there be a better <i>thank you</i> than the sound of my dulcet voice?"
"I can think of a few things - roses, chocolates, a nice new set of wrenches..."
"Still the same Tam, huh?" He chuckles. Tamanda tries not to acknowledge the way that makes her smile.
"If you're not here with a grandiose thank you, I assume you <i>do</i> have a reason for digging up this old tech?"
"I do! And a good reason at that. These communicators are twinned, right?" He says. "There's no way to track them. So there's no way for the Evil Eight to know I'm talking to you."
[["So what do you have to say?"]]She closes the lid and walks away. Tomorrow, she'll take it to the lab and destroy it. Whatever Daniel has to say, she doesn't want to know.
(if: $decision is 'no scrubs')[
She said she never wanted to hear from him again and she meant it.
]
She is a techno-heroine, and that means she has a responsibility to the city. And she failed in meeting that today. She doesn't regret what she did, but it can't happen again.
If she sees Daniel Sparks again, she will have to arrest him.
[[So for both their sakes, she hopes their paths never cross.]]Daniel seems to get the message; the bracelet doesn't beep again.
Still, when Tamanda gets to the lab the next day she destroys it, just in case. Best not to have the temptation.
When she's done, she goes to the upper floor and gazes out of the window at her city.
Last night, she failed in her duty as a techno-heroine. But there are many supervillains in this town, most of them far worse than the Magician.
She will not fail again."Right now? Just this: <i>thank you.</i> I'm trying to lay low - they don't like it when their henchmen fail and nearly get arrested. But when I hear of their next big plan, I'll get in touch with you. Let you know what's happening so that you can stop it before it does."
"And how long do you think you can keep that up before they figure out it's you?"
"Long enough," Daniel says, too jovially. "What do you say, Tam? You and me, working together again?"
[[Tamanda stares at the communicator.]]By working with Daniel she could bring down the Evil Eight from the inside, and she could help him redeem himself.
But if she did this, she couldn't tell Chief Greystone - she would never approve of this. And maybe that tells Tamanda everything she needs to know about why this is a bad idea.
She closes her eyes, trying to decide, the choices dancing through her mind.
Taking a breath, she opens her eyes.
(color: blue) [ [["Yes. I'll help you."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Don't make me regret this."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["No. I can't trust you."]] ]"You will?" Daniel sounds astonished. "Tam, that's - <i>thank</i> you. I know I don't deserve your trust, but I'll do everything I can to help you. I promise."
"I know."
"I don't really have anything to tell you right now, and it's probably best if we keep these calls short, but I will make this right. Somehow."
[["There's a lot to make up for."]]"I won't, I promise," Daniel says. "Tam- <i>Thank</i> you. I know I don't deserve your trust, but I'll do everything I can to help you. I promise."
"I know."
"I don't really have anything to tell you right now, and it's probably best if we keep these calls short, but I will make this right. Somehow."
[["There's a lot to make up for."]]There's a long pause, and then Daniel says, quietly. "Alright, Tam. I understand."
The flashing light goes dark as the call cuts off.
[[Put the bracelet back in the jewellery box.]]"I know," he says. "And maybe I'll never manage it. But I'm going to try, Tam. Keep this communicator on you, and I'll get in touch as soon as I have something to tell you. And - you could always call me. If you wanted."
(color: blue) [ [["Maybe."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Whoa there, slow down, cowboy."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["We're not there yet, Daniel. I don't know if we'll ever be."]] ]"Really?" He sounds startled. "I - I didn't expect that. I mean - clearly I <i>should</i> have, how could you resist my charms?"
Tamanda laughs, shaking her head. "I said <i>maybe,</i> Daniel."
"Hey, <i>maybe</i> is better than <i>no</i>. Have a good afternoon, Tam. I'll call you later."
The crystal fades as the call disconnects.
Tamanda looks down at the bracelet for a long moment, and then puts it on her wrist.
She doesn't know if this is a good idea, but if it can help bring down the Evil Eight, by far the worst supervillains in the country, she has to try.
[[She's not sure she can trust Daniel.]]He laughs; she tries not to smile. "Okay, okay. I'll call you later."
The crystal fades as the call disconnects.
Tamanda looks down at the bracelet for a long moment, and then puts it on her wrist.
She doesn't know if this is a good idea, but if it can help bring down the Evil Eight, by far the worst supervillains in the country, she has to try.
[[She's not sure she can trust Daniel.]]There's a pause. "Okay, Tam. Fair enough. I'll call you later."
The crystal fades as the call disconnects.
Tamanda looks down at the bracelet for a long moment, and then puts it on her wrist.
She doesn't know if this is a good idea, but if it can help bring down the Evil Eight, by far the worst supervillains in the country, she has to try.
[[She's not sure she can trust Daniel.]]It's worth the risk, though.
And if she can help him redeem himself, even a little?
That's worth a bit of risk, too.
Smiling, she shakes her head and walks into her living room, walking over to the windows and gazing out at the city.
She loves Steam City, and she'll do everything to protect it.
Once upon a time, Daniel felt the same way.
Maybe together, they can do more than they could apart. Tamanda hangs up and strides to the back of the library. There's a secret door there, revealed only by pulling out the right book - she's a sucker for a classic.
The shelf slides aside to reveal a hidden stash of all her tech-heroine paraphernalia. It's quite the sight, one she sells tickets to occasionally to raise money for charity.
Around the room, displayed in glass cases, are a variety of costumes, each tailored to a specific need. One is a lightweight suit of gilded armour to face off against the Stongman; another is a dress suitable for the fanciest of parties with hidden pockets for all of her gadgets: a perfect disguise. Then there's one lined with fur, ideal for facing off against any of the Steam City's half-dozen ice-based villains.
The Magician is a trickier foe: one of the strongest magic-users in the world, he has fire, ice and lightning literally at his fingertips. There's no one costume that can protect her against him, so she chooses her original design: all in shades of brown and grey, from the trousers to the leather duster jacket. It features an armoured bodice, sturdy boots and a belt covered with pouches she can stuff full of anything she might need.
[[She dresses quickly, and turns to her armoury.]]Tamanda walks over to the man. As she approaches, she notices he's wearing a polished brass name badge: Mr. Cole, bank manager.
He seems to be in the middle of ranting at a younger man in a shirt and tie, who's staring at the ground with red cheeks and a tight jaw.
"Honestly, Marcus, I have told you one hundred times - if you are threatened, you must press the alarm button!"
"I didn't have chance! There was this - this light, and then I was out cold!"
"I spent a lot of money making sure you people had <i>thorough</i> training-"
"Not against a supervillain!"
Mr. Cole's lips thin, and Tamanda decides to interrupt before he can continue berating the poor bank teller.
(color: blue) [ [["Excuse me, Mr. Cole?"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Sorry to interrupt the party, but I have a few questions."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Back off."]] ]"He's a charmer, huh?" Tamanda asks, and Juanita's lips twitch in a smile.
"He's something, that's for sure. But he <i>did</i> make sure the bank improved security, for whatever good that's done."
They make their way past rows of small desks crammed together in a windowless office. Namara looks around, trying to figure out where Daniel came from, and spies an open door on the left, twice as thick as a normal door. Where the lock should be is just melted metal, still steaming and glowing dimly.
Juanita is looking at it too, and frowning. "I don't even want to know what the vault door looks like," she says with a sigh.
[[You follow Juanita through a door at the back of the office.]]Individually, none of these magicians are anywhere near as powerful as Daniel but all together, they'll be more than enough to mask his magic. Wherever she goes in the city, the Thaumeter will bring her back here.
And having grown up in the circus, Daniel would know that. It'll be why he chose today to rob the bank: the circus is unwittingly covering his tracks.
Tamanda looks around, as though she might be able to spot Daniel in the crowd or the surrounding streets.
She doesn't, but the red gem on her bracelet flashes: a call from the Chief.
(color: blue) [ [["Please tell me you've got some good news."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["And here I was about to go enjoy a show."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Talk."]] ] She isn't alone on the corner, though. Next to her, a group of tourists in Steam City sweaters are talking excitedly, waiting for a daguerreotype to develop.
"Excuse me," Tamanda asks. "Did you see a man running through here, with a fancy coat and a top hat?"
They nod eagerly, and the woman holding the daguerreotype shows it to her. It's not finished developing, but even so, Tamanda gasps.
That's Daniel, winking right into the lens.
(color: blue) [ [["Thank you so much!"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Look at this showboater, huh?"]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Got you!"]] ] "He ran right through the wall!" They say, pointing at the nearest building, an abandoned warehouse. Tamanda uses her jetpack to lift her high enough to peek through the high windows.
There’s nothing in the warehouse, save for skeletal machinery, stripped of parts, and thick dust. For a moment Tamanda hopes she might see footprints, but no, that would be too easy. If Daniel made himself immaterial enough to walk through walls, he wouldn’t leave footprints either.
But there are other ways to track him.
Tamanda pulls something from her belt: a Thaumeter, a device especially sensitive to magic. Made from wood with copper dials, it looks like a radio with two antennae that swing together when pointed at something especially magical. It's crude, and Daniel knows how to avoid detection, but if he's distracted and running low on juice, it just might work.
She's about to turn it on when a poster plastered to the side of the warehouse catches her eye.
[[There's a circus in town.]]Daniel.
Handsome and knows it, he has a chiselled jaw with scruffy stubble, and bright blue eyes under defined brows. There’s a shock of dark blond hair beneath his top hat, and the royal blue coat shows off his slim waist. It’s not just for show: it has many pockets that hide crystals that boost his magic, as well as holding a small collection of gadgets - the bank manager wasn’t entirely wrong about that.
Daniel Sparks is brilliant and always has been, and part of that brilliance is knowing that he can’t just rely on his natural abilities.
And that brilliance is why Tamanda fell in love with him.
Pushing her feelings aside, she calls out to him.
(color: blue) [ [["Daniel!"]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Fancy meeting you here."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["Turn yourself in."]] ]"What way? Even if the Evil Eight don't take me out, someone's going to figure out how powerful I am and hand me over to the military." He shakes his head again, and he looks more afraid now than when he was talking about the Evil Eight. "It's been years since they got their hands on an Omega class magician. I don't want to think about what they'd do to me."
"Daniel, please-"
"You can't help me, Tam."
(color: blue) [ [["I promise you, I can. Please."]] ]
(color: purple) [ [["Don't underestimate me, babe."]] ]
(color: red) [ [["No-one breaks the law without consequence."]] ]Both of them gasp, too winded for anything else. Tamanda is on top of Daniel, who groans weakly, the golden light of his magic winking out.
"That jetpack of yours is a heavy piece of junk," he says. "Don't suppose I can convince you to get off me?"
(color: blue) [ [[Nod, and roll off him.]] ]
(color: purple) [ [[Groan, and roll off him.]] ]
(color: red) [ [[Roll off him, but fire up your electro-bracers.]] ]Tamanda Silver's laboratory is a place of many wonders.
First there's the space itself: If you stand on the upper level of the lab, you'd find yourself surrounded by greenery that drinks in the sun's rays. The roof is made entirely of glass, and as the late afternoon sunlight streams in, everything is tinted gold.
From there you could look through the windows and see all of Steam City spread out before you: to the west, the slender, delicate peak of the Dahlia building stretching upwards like a cathedral spire; to the east, the four matching towers of Froehler Building, short and brutally square but with golden engravings of myth and legend at the peak of each. The cables of the skytrams, her family's legacy, criss-cross the city from station to station. And beyond the city to the south, Lake Orina sparkles in the sun, stretching to the horizon.
Tamanda loves this city and its people dearly.
[[That's why she does everything she can to protect it.]]