*000000*

[X] "Feather took me in and treated me like a member of her family, and members of her Order fought to save or protect me and two other Americans who were stranded there multiple times for no real benefit to themselves. Whatever 'goodwill' might be worth in diplomacy, they've more than earned it."

((()))

"Feather took me in and treated me like a member of her family," you say, "And was one of the leaders among the Wojek to help me find and rescue two other American citizens who 'landed' in much harsher situations in Ravnica than I did."

"Mm," Miss Sharp hums as the second elevator arrives, and she leads you on board, "So, if I were to compare it to someone doing something similar here on Earth Bet, what would that be like?"

"Um," you say, thinking a moment before replying, "Like air-dropping a SWAT team into cartel-controlled parts of Mexico, right before a massive sand-storm hit, and they had to take a month walking the rescuee to somewhere they could be picked up, where they got ambushed by a CUI kill-team?"

Miss Sharp whistles softly as the elevator door closes, and she pushes the button for the sixth floor.

"The other one was a lot simpler, but they still put the money forward to buy out an unfavorable employment contract, and threatened the 'employer' with legal action if they tried to get squirrely."

"I'll make sure to pass that on to the Secretary," Miss Sharp says, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Do you mind a slightly personal question?"

"Not a slightly personal one," you reply.

"What's it like," she says, nodding towards your wings, which even folded take up a large chunk of the elevator, "Flying under your own power."

"It's amazing," you say with a smile, "Best thing about turning into a Dragon."

"I hope you don't mind if I'm a bit jealous then," she says as the elevator dings, smiling back at you as she leads you out into the lobby.

You rejoin the rest of the group, and the conference room you're heading to is only two doors down from the lobby. Inside a man that you immediately think of as 'jovially fat' is waiting with three aides, two in business casual clothing, the third you think is a Captain in the army.

"Welcome to Washington," the overweight man says, pushing himself to his feet as you enter, "I'm Deputy Secretary Wilson."

Another round of greetings and handshakes follow, and one of the aides quietly removes two chairs from the table, leaving a space where you can easily seat yourself. A few months ago, the positioning would have been awkward, but now your neck in Dragon form is long enough to easily put it at or above head level for everyone else.

"Now," Wilson says once you're all seated, "I'm here to work through initial phases of discussion, simple explanations of what interested you enough to come here, especially as I've been told there were some serious risks in making the trip, as well as what we can potentially do for each other. Secretary Miller will be the one with actual decision-making power once he gets here, and of course if there's something sufficiently urgent, may take you on to meet with the President directly.

"Before we go any further, I don't know if you're suffering from the inter-dimensional equivalent of jet lag, or if Miss Elmira has any special dietary requirements. The kitchen in this building operates from five in the morning until eleven at night, so if you need sustenance or refreshment at any time, don't hesitate to ask Gonzales or Sharp to help you with that."

"Thank you," Elmira says with a gracious smile, before glancing over at Actigall.

"The transition here was indeed dangerous," Actigall says, his expression and tone severe, "Though we had not expected it to be life-threateningly dangerous when we set out. It has to do with the mechanisms of parahuman powers, that Bookwyrm here can make the journey safely, but those not attached to the entity which provides said powers are at dire risk."

"I take it frequent and easy trade is unlikely then?" Wilson asks.

"In the near future, at least," Actigall says, "As a member of the Izzet specializing in dimensional barriers and breaching them, researching better ways of doing this is literally my life's work."

"It is perhaps just as well," Elias says, "It allows us to conduct initial negotiations without time pressure. Bookwyrm has informed us that Earth Bet does not have a unified government which we should be negotiating with?"

"No," Wilson says, shaking his head, "There's the United Nations, but that's a forum for nations to discuss their various concerns with each other, not a governing body. The United States of America is currently the most propserous nation on Earth Bet, and with our many allies around the world, the largest enforcer of international law.

"The Chinese Union-Imperial is our nearest competitor, but between their openly and unrepentantly imperialist attitudes, and their hostile history with many of their neighbors, they don't have much global reach."

"Something to discuss in more detail in time, I am sure," Elias says, "For now, it is probably best if we explain the nature of Ravnica's nine guilds, and how our own governmental structure works."

"That would help us understand where we stand compared to each other," Wilson replies.

"To begin with then," Elias says, "I am a bonded emissary of the Azorius, which operates Ravnica's Senate, as well as much of the formal government bureaucracy. From what Bookwyrm has told us, this is probably the element of our system which is most familiar to you.

"In similarity, the Jelenn 'column' of the Azorius is a legislative body, populated by representatives of the nine guilds, as well as some elected by the Guildless, though they rarely are organized enough to make any meaningful impact on the formulation and implementation of law…"

((()))

AN: Thread chatter has supported high detail depiction of things, so this update is going forward in that manner.

As I have noted before, I'm playing with some of the details of Ravnican lore to make it more functional.

"On the whole," Wilson says, "It sounds like our cultures have enough in common that we should be able to avoid gross misunderstandings or conflict."

"It does seem reasonable heads should be able to prevail," Elias says with a cordial nod, "I'm sure that once travel is made easier, we'll have to deal with some less scrupulous members of our respective societies making the trip and causing trouble, but we have weeks if not months to set up a framework for dealing with that."

"Indeed," Wilson says, "There are common frameworks for such things here on Earth Bet, I'll have Gonzalez get you some to review at your leisure. With some of the basics out of the way, it's time to get to the real 'meat' of this discussion; what is it the Guilds of Ravnica want out of this expedition to Earth?"

"There were four motivating factors behind it," Elias says, "The only which one may be said to be purely benevolent was returning Bookwyrm and the two other dimensional exiles to their homes."

"The second interest is pure research," Actigall interjects, "My life's work is in crossing dimensional boundaries, and succeeding at it in such a grand way is a great vindication, as well as opening further avenues of research."

"The third," Feather adds in, "Is an exchange of knowledge. What you call 'Parahuman Sciences' from us, and 'natural sciences' from you. Our city could benefit greatly from such an exchange, and I'm certain your nation could as well."

"The fourth is quite simple," Elmira concludes, "Ravnica suffers from overpopulation, and the social pressures pushing the less prosperous to lower levels, while the most wealthy seek to build ever-higher, is not good for our city. We desire either a place to allow our people to emigrate to, or lands we may annex."

"...Ah," Wilson says, leaning back in his chair, his expression becoming considerably more severe, "I suppose given just how different the recent history of our worlds are, you may not understand why that is a somewhat terrifying prospect."

Elias and Actigall both look to Feather and Elmira, and after a moment you realize it's probably because while neither of the former two are young, the latter two are both centuries old.

"I presume something similar has caused much conflict?" Feather asks.

"The history of large and powerful nations," Wilson says, "Neighboring, or even being within relatively easy traveling distance of much smaller nations has been fraught with violence and conflict, especially when the larger nation seeks 'living space.' One of the darkest chapters of history, coming just seventy years ago, involved a nation's leaders deciding the correct way to deal with the issue was by exterminating 'undesirables' to make way for their own people."

Elmira shows visceral disgust at the thought, Elias a diplomat's polite distaste, Feather scowls, and Actigall just looks confused.

"I presume this is the result of certain pressures shaping politics to drive militant expansionism?" Elias asks, his tons shifting to reflect Wilson's severity.

"That's a very sweeping statement," Wilson says, "But yes. I hope you can understand that speaking of a population in the Trillions is very difficult for us to wrap our minds around. Many on Earth think that seven Billion is overpopulation, and have been warning about running out of natural resources for decades."

"That is strange to us," Elias says, "But avoiding violent conflict is far more important than meeting our fourth objective."

"I agree," Elmira says with a sharp nod, "While some miscreants in our society would actively seek such conflict, avoiding open warfare has been one of the core imperatives of the Guildpact since it was forged."

"I'm glad to hear it," Wilson says with a nod, "Speaking of the interests of America and her allies, exchange of information and technology is our leading objective. While America is a strong nation, dealing with Parahuman violence has been the greatest strain we have faced since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"Gaining a better understanding of how to defeat criminals and warlords with such powers, and how to better utilize those of healers and other more constructive powers, is a very high national priority right now."

"Then it would seem to me," Elias says, "That the logical step is to agree on how to step forward on our mutual interests that match now, and leave negotiating other concerns for after transportation infrastructure makes them a more urgent reality."

"The Boros are in accord with this," Feather says with a nod.

"The Izzet are in accord," Actigall agrees.

"The Selesnya are in accord," Elmira says with a graceful smile.

"Excellent," Wilson says, his good humor returning, "The Secretary of State should be here in about half an hour; how about we take a break for refreshments, and I'll forward the Secretary a brief of where we stand for him to read en-route."

There's general agreement after that, and Gonzales and Sharp are shortly leading you towards the building's cafeteria.

((()))

Who to talk to during the break?

[] Feather.

[] Actigall.

[] Elmira.

[] Elias.

[] Sharp.

[] Gonzales.

[x] Actigall.

((()))

You decide to have a chat with Actigall; there's a few concepts from science fiction that might matter to ongoing negotiations. You've been more of a fantasy fan generally speaking, but some of mom's students talked about both genres when you were around, and things that popped up multiple times in Star Trek are well-enough known for you to have picked up on them.

Moving through a cafeteria buffet line is a bit awkward in Dragon form; fortunately Mage Hand is more than adequate to help you balance a food tray on your shoulders once you've finished loading it, and you follow Actigall to an empty table in the (very nice) cafeteria without issue.

"So," you say as you slide your tray onto the end of the table, "We've talked about things like elemental planes, the Astral, Shadow, Ethereal, etc. Do your studies account for the possibility of other Prime Material planes?"

"That is what Earth Bet is, isn't it?" Actigall asks, raising an eyebrow.

"...Kind of obvious, I suppose," you say, shaking your head, "But that's not the best way to describe things, I guess. I've mentioned Earth Aleph to you, and one school of thought here suggests that near-identical parallel realities, alternate Prime Material planes that is, aren't rare, but common to the point of being beyond practical counting."

"You're bringing this up as a potential solution to the overpopulation issue, I presume?" Actigall says.

"Potentially," you say with a nod, "I have no idea if it's true or not, but by your own records, Ravnica is uncommonly difficult to travel to and from compared to most dimensions. If it's as 'easy' to travel between different Earths as it is Ravnica and Agyrem, we'd only have to find one that was empty, wouldn't we?"

"It's something that bears pursuing," Actigall agrees, "After discussing it with our hosts, of course."

"Of course," you agree.

A few minutes pass in relative silence after that. The food is better than you'd have expected out of a company cafeteria. It's definitely better than any school food you've had, and a couple steps above what the Boston PRT had in their cafeteria.

"Will you continue to work with us on research?" Actigall asks once he's through most of his meal.

"Maybe?" you say, "It's been good work so far, I don't know what the working conditions here will be like though. There's also going to be certain expectations on me in my home country."

"I hope you will," Actigall says with a wry smile, "It'll be difficult enough training up a new set of research assistants, without having someone who at least knows how such things are done."

You nod. Even if you spent more time sitting in an isolation circle than anything else, you've seen how Actigall runs his lab, how the Izzet assistant researchers worked, and helped out with odd tasks here and there yourself. That you're also versed in both the arcane and natural sciences also means that you're well-positioned to help with cross-disciplinary work.

You'd say you're 'half-skilled' rather than skilled labor, but half-skilled is a world better than starting from scratch.

((()))

Secretary of State Miller fits the stereotypical expectation of politician almost painfully well. He's very old, enough so that it looks like the cane he's walking with isn't just an aid, but a necessity, and while he's smiling and cordial as he greets everyone, you can tell it's a professional front, rather than anything more genuine.

It doesn't look like he's covering up any sort of outright hostility, but he's definitely pretending to be friendlier than he actually feels.

"Now," Miller says as he carefully sits down at the head of the table, "Wilson briefed me on all of the basics, and that means it's down to me to get to the particulars. What technology exactly are you looking for? I hope you understand that there are some, particularly nuclear and high-end aerospace technologies, that we consider matters of national security."

"Of course," Elias says without hesitation, "What we wish to pursue is much simpler than that. Our societies have, apparently, built up our respective understanding of the fundamental laws of reality from different starting points. What we seek is to bring these understandings into tune with each other."

"As an example," Actigall says, "We are aware of the existence of molecules, and that they are comprised of some sort of smaller particle, but because we have been able to manipulate them through the principles that parahuman powers operate on, we've had little need and less budget to more vigorously pursue understanding of how to do so without said powers.

"From what we understand of how your society operates, perhaps eighty or ninety percent of what we wish could simply be gained through purchasing commercially-available textbooks. However, it would be much slower without active guides, and better for relations if this was sought with deliberate cooperation."

"I certainly appreciate your preference for cooperation," Miller says, clasping his hands and leaning over the table, "The next question, of course, would be what knowledge and understanding you offer in exchange?"

"Bookwyrm has already begun introducing some of your researchers to the basic principles arcane powers operate on," Actigall says, glancing over at you, "However, while a prodigy, she is still a student, not a master of the field. Myself and my two compatriots among the Izzet are experienced teachers, as well as dedicated students of the arcane; I am a Wizard of the Seventh Circle myself."

"That you were chosen for this delegation clearly indicates you have some pertinent expertise," Wilson replies, "But I do not have the context to understand what 'Wizard of the Seventh Circle' means."

"Our understanding of what you call 'Parahuman Powers' is tiered," Actigall says, "In a system of nine circles, each notably more difficult to make use of than the last. Most dedicated mages do not exceed fifth-circle spells in their lifetime; talented practitioners may expect to reach my level in their later years.

"Bookwyrm is a prodigy who will doubtless exceed me in time, but I have every expectation of reaching the ninth circle within a decade or two. As to what I can do with spells of the seventh circle…

"I could change the weather in this city from clear, to rainy, to a hailstorm or even a typhoon. I could teleport us all to any location on this planet I have a reasonable description of. I could reverse the effects of gravity temporarily, or on the more destructive side, I could level a mid-sized house instantly with a blast of fire."

"You, personally are capable of all of these things?" Miller says, doing a decent job of hiding how surprised he is by the revelation.

"Yes," Actigall says with a nod, "And I can teach anyone with the wit, talent, and drive, to do the same, though it'd take twenty to thirty years."

"That is rather more than I expected," Miller says, leaning back in his chair and visibly thinking things over.

The detailed negotiations are long and dull, but you can see why most of it is necessary. Diplomatic immunity is a thing, and what it does and doesn't cover is important to have clearly laid out, given that all the Ravnicans will be getting it.

Fine details of joint research and knowledge-sharing operations are worked out; that Actigall brought a near-duplicate of his lab in Nivix back with him will be a substantial aid for getting things set up. Extradimensional storage spaces are expensive, but you're going to need to look into getting one sooner or later. They're just too useful not to have.

The fact that it'll be three months before you can even attempt to return to Ravnica is a little bit of an issue, especially given that you can't mention Tiriel's existence, much less that his active participation is necessary for things to be possible at all.

Fortunately, Actigall is happy to start laying the professional arcane jargon on thick when the point is pressed, and keep at it until Miller admits that he'll have to wait until Earth Bet's 'parahuman sciences' have advanced enough to translate the problem into local lingo.

By the time negotiations are discontinued for the night, it's clear what shape things will take, even if Elias is going to spend quite a bit more time hammering down the details with the Secretary of State.

A limousine gives the entire delegation a ride to a five-star hotel for the night, a place fancy enough that you're reminded that while Brockton Bay might be a shit-hole, there are parts of Earth Bet that are nor just doing alright, like Boston, but downright rich and fancy.

Rather than being given a set of rooms, an entire floor was rented for the Ravnican delegation, second from the top, comprised of fancy suites that are almost as big as your house, though apparently still smaller than the penthouse and honeymoon suites above.

All seven of you gather in the largest suite, and after Feather and Actigall both raise some anti-scrying wards, one designed to simply cancel out sound past a certain radius, a different sort of conversation begins.

"So far," Elias says, looking around, "More or less as expected. Miller doesn't really believe we come from a world-spanning city, but he's willing to humor us to get what he and his people want."

"Wilson takes us more seriously," Feather says with a nod, "I'm not sure if that's because he's less jaded, or better at reading our honesty. Either way, we've made good impressions in general, and we haven't even proposed our healing charity yet."

"Healing charity?" you ask.

"One way of earning good will," Feather says with a smile, "Is healing people's injuries and diseases for free. Before we talk further though, I suppose I should ask if you want to be part of this planning?"

It isn't hard to figure out what she really means with that question. You're an American Citizen, which theoretically puts you on the other side of the negotiating table from Feather and the others. While you staying here isn't necessarily committing yourself to Ravnican interests over American, it might be seen that way by others.

On top of that, if you're in on their plans, anyone interested in getting that information will also see you as a valid target, so it's some degree of exposure as well.

[X] Yes

-[X] In for a penny, in for a pound. You're already a part of the diplomatic negotiations, and the idea of a healing charity appeals to you inherently. Plus, the Ravnicans have done right by you over and over again, helping them get the best deal they can is one way of paying that debt back.

((()))

"I'd like to be part of the plan," you say, looking Feather straight in the eye.

"We'll be glad to have you," Feather says with a smile, "That will be particularly helpful for healing work, as it will let us accomplish more while keeping a reasonable level of spells in reserve."

"Has your work with Parasetimol lead to any additional forms of healing?" Actigall asks.

"No," you say, shaking your head, "What we've brushed against suggests internal metabolic manipulation may encompass self-healing, but we don't know if it'll be feasible to heal others, and it certainly isn't something I'll be able to do in the near future."

"And if I recall correctly," Actigall asks, "You did learn Remove Disease?"

You nod.

"That gives us three casters capable of dealing with non-cursed diseases and general flesh injuries," Elmira says, nodding to you and Feather, "On Ravnica, the practicalities of magical healing are well known; a magical healer may exhaust their spells in a few minutes, then spend the rest of the day working with mundane remedies. From what I gather, healing is almost entirely restricted to the latter here?"

"It is," you say with a nod, "A few Parahuman healers exist, but I don't know of any beyond Panacea who are capable of healing that can match Cure, Vigor, and Remove Disease spells."

"And as has already been discussed," Feather says, "The chief advantage Parahumans have over spellcasters, is their nigh-unlimited stamina, much like ki adepts."

"This suggests that we will have to work carefully to manage expectations," Elmira says, "I know from personal experience that when a Selesnya charity healing drive goes into the lower city, it will quickly be swamped with those who do not understand that we cannot simply heal without limit."

"Well," you say, "I suppose I should tell you what I've seen of how Panacea works then…"

It takes a while, with plenty of questions along the way, to explain how Panacea works at established medical facilities, who basically act as a filter ensuring that only lethally-urgent or otherwise-untreatable cases come to her. It'd probably be trivially easy to arrange a similar setup with any hospital in the DC area, but there would be certain advantages to establishing a separate clinic, and the more tangible connection between the Ravnican embassy that would lead to.

This, of course, leads to discussion of what establishing a formal proper embassy usually means on Earth Bet, privately-owned walled compound that's legally considered the sovereign territory of the nation who owns it and everything.

That leads to looking up laws, both American and international, about embassies online, and the discussion on the topic continues late into the night.

((()))

Discussion of setting up an embassy and where occupies a fair bit of the next day. Given Elmira is a Dryad, the only options in the city itself that would be acceptable for such are either converting a public park, or one of a handful of large private homes that have appreciable green space.

Given the number of teleportation-capable members of the delegation, it's no great concession for the Ravnicans to accept an embassy location much further from the core of the capital, out on the fringe of the Washington DC metropolitan area. In exchange, Elias manages to negotiate that they should get a fairly sizeable lot, especially given that there are only six Ravnicans, plus yourself, planning on working there.

You're still not sure where you will be living, but the Ravnicans will certainly be taking up residence in the embassy, as a matter both of security and of costs. They brought considerable amounts of gold to serve as currency, but there's still no reason to waste money when you don't need to, especially given how expensive magical research can be.

The offer to raise what amounts to a charity clinic is also raised, specifically as something they'd like to operate out of the embassy, and preferably to treat people who cannot be treated with mundane medicine. You know that Panacea would certainly appreciate Brockton Bay no longer being the only reliable place for Parahuman medical tourism in the USA, and it's certainly a way to start making a reputation for Ravnica.

Something that you start picking up on as the negotiations continue, is that Secretary Miller doesn't actually take the Ravnicans seriously. He's still professional about the negotiations, and you're not picking up on any attempts to sabotage things on his part, but you get the feeling that to him, this is a matter of humoring a group of powerful parahumans, rather than negotiating with a proper nation.

You're fairly sure that some of the Ravnicans pick up on it too, but the middle of negotiations is hardly the place to cross-talk about it.

By the end of the second day, the embassy issue is finalized, and Deputy Secretary Wilson has been assigned the task of acquiring a property for that use. Things wrap up at a more reasonable hour, giving you the time to actually do something less urgent this evening.

What do? (pick two)

[] Socialize with the Ravnicans.

[] Call the Barnes.

[] Visit the Barnes.

[] Go for a flight around DC.

[] Call up Director Armstrong to chat about how things are going.

[X] Visit the Barnes.

[X] Socialize with the Ravnicans.

((()))

Emma? You send via your Correspond power.

Taylor? Emma replies, How are things in Washington? You were supposed to call.

Busy, you say, But I've got some time now, is there a room clear for me to teleport over?

Your room should be clear, Emma says, I'll tell mom and dad you're coming.

Thanks, you say, before cutting the connection and starting to cast Teleport.

Less than ten seconds later, you slide through the dimensional substrate into the Barnes house up North in Brockton Bay.

Magic can be very convenient sometimes.

You take a moment to shift into human form; given you were homeschooling, there's still a reasonable chance that your identity isn't generally outed yet, and no need to throw that away carelessly.

"Taylor?" Emma calls, knocking on the door, "Do I hear the sound of you changing in there?"

"Yes," you say, realizing that you're wearing clothes that are normal for Ravnica, not Brockton Bay, and checking to see if the Barnes have moved any of the clothes you left behind, "I'll be out in a minute."

Or not.

"Emma," you call a minute later, trying not to blush too hard, "Can you ask your mother if I can borrow some of her clothes? I'm too tall for my old stuff."

"...Sounds like someone needs to go shopping!" Emma says, and you can hear the delirious smile in her voice.

You have made a mistake.

((()))

"-It's beautiful but I can only get it in the one color and Prestidigitation is no good at shading, even if it's wonderful for keeping things clean, and-"

You're trapped in the back seat with Emma. You can see the deeply contended smile on Aunt Zoe's face as she drives the three of you to the mall. It's seven thirty, later than you would have ever started a shopping expedition, but apparently the stores close later than usual on the weekend, and there's no way Zoe was going to turn down her daughter's request for retail therapy.

Honestly, given what Emma's been through, you don't exactly blame her. You just wish you weren't the sacrifice being brought to the altar.

"-They don't have elastic either, everything needs to be fitted just right, which, I mean, they can do that, because custom-tailored, but it just feels weird and-"

You know that you used to be the motor-mouth before your mother died, but it's still weird getting this from Emma, especially during the entire drive to the mall.

Zoe pulls into the parking lot, and part of you is reminded that you could have been here much faster by wing, even if you're not familiar enough with the giant building to teleport.

"-Ohhhh it has been too long since I've had a proper pizza, I mean they do good cheesy flatbread, but there's just no substitution-"

Emma keeps yammering away as you get out of the car and walk to the mall. As you approach, you see in your reflection on the automatic glass doors that you're actually smiling as you listen to your best friend talk your ear off.

...It really is nice to see Emma back home again.

You turn to tell her that just as the mall doors open, and run smack into something big and solid.

And handsome.

He's tall, definitely over six foot, even though his slightly outsized hands and shoes suggest that he hasn't quite finished growing yet. He has just the beginnings of a beard on his chocolate-dark chin, and you're fairly sure that he must have been at the mall to buy some new clothes, because his shirt barely fits over those muscles.

What do (will require escalating rolls for maintaining composure.)

[] Apologize and get out of his way as fast as you can.

[] Apologize and introduce yourself to him.

[] How do you express that you find someone attractive? Do that!

[x] Apologize and introduce yourself to him.

((()))

"Sorry about that," you say, sidestepping swiftly with a blush, "Should have been watching where I was going."

"I should have been paying more attention too," he says with an expression that's half-smile, half-grimace, tucking a smart-phone into his pocket, "Sorry."

"No harm, no foul," you say, managing a smile in spite of your blush, and offering him your hand, "I'm Taylor."

"Brian," he says, shaking your hand firmly, his eyes flickering to your exposed upper arms for some reason, "Thank you for taking that accident graciously; sorry to 'hit and run,' but I need to go pick up my sister."

"Thank you for being gracious too," you say, waving a little as he moves past, your eyes tracking his biceps.

Emma snickers as she glides past you into the mall, and you hurriedly follow in as well.

"Well," Zoe says, a smile on her face, "Have you found your type?"

You suddenly realize that they saw you eyeing up Brian's muscles, and your eyes go wide as your mouth locks up.

"Maybe she's his type too?" Emma teases, "They were both checking out each other's muscles."

"Maybe," Zoe allows, "Taylor is in excellent shape?"

"What?" you say, glancing down at your arms.

Emma and Zoe just laugh, and you decide to power past them into the nearest clothing store, a JC Penny, where hopefully you can find practical clothes to work with the growth spurt you've had.

((()))

"Don't sulk," Emma giggles.

"I am not sulking," you reply, glaring down at your ice cream sundae as you attack it with your spoon, "I am coping with the new facts of life."

"Taylor," Aunt Zoe says, patting you on the shoulder gently, "Every girl grows into a beautiful woman in their own way. Annette grew tall before she developed many curves, and I was the other way around, so it's not surprising Emma's going that way either. You're both barely teenagers, give it time."

You stab your spoon into the sundae again.

Sharing the changing room with Emma made you aware of certain things in a way that somehow you hadn't particularly noticed or cared about before.

Emma keeps giggling, but Zoe fortunately changes the subject.

"On to more immediate matters," she says, glancing around at the steadily-depopulating food court, making no one is within earshot, "Emma said that you will be staying on Earth Bet for at least three months. Alan and I have already agreed that you're welcome to stay with us for any or all of that time; will you be staying with us?"

"I don't know yet?" you reply, "There's a lot that's still up in the air, and I'm planning on continuing to work with the Ravnicans as things get set up."

"Well," Zoe says, smiling at you, "Know that we'll always be happy to have you. Whatever else you do or don't do, bringing Emma back to us means you'll always be a hero in our eyes."

You find yourself blushing again, if thankfully for less-awkward reasons, and hunker down over you sundae.

"Mister Wencelas figured out where you'd 'gone,'" Zoe continues, "And we've kept him on 'retainer.' Would you like to continue lessons with him?"

"Um," you reply, "I think I'm missing a bit too much context here to understand what you're trying to say?"

"I suppose that discussion should wait until we get back to the car," Zoe says with a sigh, "Come on girls, let's get moving."

"Shoe store's still open!" Emma points out, "And there's no way Taylor's old shoes still fit."

"Right," you say with a nod, picking up what's left of your sundae as you stand, staring Emma directly in the eye, "But I'm not getting heels."

((()))

Emma is sulking and Zoe is amused as you get back to the car. You bought precisely three pairs of shoes, sneakers, some solid boots, and nice dress flats, all of them half a size too large, which was the largest size the store carried without heading over to the men's section.

Apparently, outsized feet mean that you aren't done growing yet, which given you're already just about to pass Aunt Zoe up, means you're going to end up tall.

"Director Piggot contacted us right before the Boston PRT made what had happened to you public," Zoe says once the car doors are closed and the engine has started, "That you might or might not be dead, and it was impossible to tell due to power oddities. Mister Wencelas figured out the connection between you disappearing again, and Bookwyrm turning up 'dead' when we told him you wouldn't be needing lessons anymore.

"Alan had a talk with him, and he agreed to cover for you with the department of education, in case you came back. Officially, you never disappeared, you've just been very reclusive since you were saved. 'Taylor Hebert' was already almost a shut-in before you disappeared again, given how much you were focusing on your studies and working with the PRT in Boston.

"If you keep working out of town, it'll be the same kind of basic pattern as before; the only other people who've asked after you have been Kurt, Lacy, and Miss Dallon. You should probably call them tomorrow, by the way.

"All of this said, we're going to have Mister Wencelas start tutoring Emma; will you be taking lessons with him again?"

What say?

[] You should still go for your GED. Basic credentials are a good thing to have on Earth Bet. You're not sure when you'll be able to cram that in, but it's still on the to-do list.

[] You just don't have the time.

[x] You should still go for your GED. Basic credentials are a good thing to have on Earth Bet. You're not sure when you'll be able to cram that in, but it's still on the to-do list.

((()))

"Keeping my normal ID with at least basic credentials seems like a good idea," you say, "The disparity in aging is already going to be enough of a pain."

"Yeah!" Emma says, "Which reminds me mom, you totally owe me a missed birthday present!"

"Your father and I may have something sitting around for you," Zoe says, smiling again as she maneuvers the car towards the parking lot exit, "And I know Anne will be bringing something for you too."

"She's flying back up tomorrow," Emma tells you happily, "She booked the first flight she could get when she heard I was back."

"That's great," you say with a smile, "I hope Melissa has had the same kind of reunion with her parents."

"Speaking of reunions," Zoe says, passing you her cell phone, "You should text Miss Dallon before it gets too late."

You nod, and start carefully poking your way through her phone's options. The interface seems surprisingly counter-intuitive, but at least once you reach the messaging function everything is fairly straightforward. Victoria's number probably hasn't changed since you memorized it, and when you put it in Zoe's phone marks it as 'Victoria Dallon.'

I'm back in town, you send her, I'm probably going to be really busy though. When would you be available for catching up?

-Taylor.

About as non-revealing as you can get while still including the key information.

Emma chatters away happily the rest of the way back to the Barnes.

((()))

You hadn't originally intended to spend the night at the Barnes, but Emma stays up late into the night talking, and eventually literally falls asleep on top of you, which makes sleeping there the path of least resistance.

Emma briefly wakes you up when she gets up in the morning, but you fall back asleep for long enough that the next thing you're aware of is the smell of breakfast. A quick Prestidigitation cleans your clothes off, and then you head downstairs. Zoe and Emma have fried and baked up a massive spread, what looks like enough food for eight people.

"Good morning Taylor," Zoe says with a smile, still possessing a certain kind of bright energy she'd been lacking the last time you were on Earth Bet, "Alan should be back from the airport with Anne soon, and I told Victoria she could join us for breakfast if she wanted."

She gestures for you to sit down, and you do so. Part of you wants to help, but the table is already set, and there really isn't space for more than two people to work around the stove and oven. Besides, there's something wholesome about seeing Emma and her mother working together.

It's also something Emma wouldn't have been so cheerful about before her time in Ravnica. Maybe hardship helped her gain some character as well?

A knock comes at the door, and Emma bustles over to open it; a moment later Victoria floats into the kitchen, a radiant smile on her face.

"Taylor!" she says brightly, "Thank god you're still around, what they told me happened to you was weird."

"It was," you say with a nod, bracing as she swoops over to wrap you in a hug, "What happened in Ravnica was even weirder."

You spend most of breakfast recounting the tale of your return to Ravnica and deep-city dive to rescue Melissa, a story that Zoe hasn't heard yet either. It's probably just as well that the really interesting parts didn't start until after she finished cooking, because by the time you get to the fight between the zombie giant and the zombie wurm, she's wide-eyed and shaking in her seat.

"You got to ride on a Pegasus?" Victoria demands part-way through, "I was stuck doing homework!"

"The homework part comes later," you say with a smirk, before pressing on with the story.

In retrospect the month-long journey through the undercity was pretty epic, especially from Earth Bet standards. Fortinbrass and his squad were just so damn professional about the whole thing, it made everything seem kinda more normal to you?

Besides, none of it was as bad as the Gruul, largely because you were much less capable back then.

Alan and Anne arrive shortly before you get to the big showdown with the avatar and the vampire at the end of the journey, and after a few painfully-tight hugs you reach the end of your story about rescuing Melissa.

"Meanwhile," Emma says dryly, before you can continue on to picking her up from the Orzhov, "I was stuck working for some old dude rich enough that I never saw him in the palace I was cleaning. Working conditions sucked, but aside from them using spankings as a form of punishment, I never was in any danger."

'Stuck' is drastically understating what was basically an indentured servitude contract, but if you're reading Emma right, she's trying to keep her parents from deciding she's never allowed to go back to Ravnica, so you leave it be for the moment.

"Next time you go back," Victoria says, staring you directly in the eyes, "I'm coming with you. There's no way I'm missing out on all this excitement, especially if only have as much time passes over here."

What do you tell her?

[] "You'll need parental permission for study abroad programs…"

[] "Are you willing to risk death both ways to do so?"

[] "What?"

[X] "Are you willing to risk death both ways to do so?"

((()))

"You willing to risk death just to get there?" you ask, "Then again when you come back?"

"What do you mean?" Victoria asks.

"Ravnica has some odd properties to it," you say, "That we don't entirely understand, that make traveling to and from the plane a lot more dangerous than parallel Earths like Aleph. Feather and I both had to make immediate use of healing powers to keep from losing two members of the group, and a few others were seriously injured.

"For whatever reason, possibly because we were part of a group trigger or something, Emma, Melissa, and myself, didn't suffer any effects, but we don't have any reason to expect that anyone else will enjoy the same protections."

"...How bad was it?" Victoria asks hesitantly.

"Bad enough that I'm not going to answer while some people are still eating breakfast," you say, glancing around, "You should definitely think about it before deciding if you definitely want to come for a visit or not. Besides, it'll be three months before I go back again, so you've got time."

Conversation turns more to small talk, particularly Emma comparing the food and fashions of Ravnica to what's around in Brockton Bay, and eventually you need to teleport back to the hotel the Ravnicans are staying at.

((()))

Day three of discussion with Secretary Miller is pretty much just tightening up details, and signing a provisional treaty at the end of it. A lot of it is frankly nothing but repetition, the same things discussed in principle on the first day, and in detail the next day. The thing that really bends your (large and very efficient) brain about it all, is that this is just for a provisional treaty, centered around the small Ravnican delegation.

Your memory is functionally eidetic at this point, though unlike a 'proper' eidetic memory, you actually have to work at recalling details a bit, which means that being present during the negotiations will keep you from having any awkward misunderstandings about how things will work. As an example, you aren't actually mentioned in any of the language of the treaty, since 'Bookwyrm' is a known American citizen, but the wording of how the embassy will handle local employees includes a couple passages that wouldn't be present if they were all expected to be humanoid, or weren't able to fly.

The whole experience of sitting in on the negotiations makes it clear to you that while you enjoy quiet study and time with a book, that is not the same as enjoying any kind of white-collar job or 'paperwork,' and mildly reinforces the idea that your future is as a professional arcanist, not a bureaucrat or functionary.

Once everything is wrapped up, it's back to the hotel again, and practical plans to prepare for the future. Feather and the Izzet immediately start working on a floor plan for the pending embassy that will be both physically defensible, and fit well within defensive warding schemes, while Elias sits you down for a chat about just what role you'll be playing at the Embassy.

"There's a few different roles you could prove very able in," he explains, "We've already discussed having you help out at our pending charity clinic, but given the nature of healing magic, that's something you could take care of in less than an hour each day, so it doesn't have to be a major time commitment. It could be however, if you want to have a particular focus on being a 'face' of that operation, handling patients through the whole process, rather than meeting them just long enough to treat them.

"Another role which you will certainly be serving in at least some capacity for as long as you are with us, is as a cultural liaison. You grew up in this place, and you understand what is normal, what is not, and know Ravnica well enough to help smooth over misunderstandings and miscommunications. Translation magic is not perfect, after all.

"If you wish, you could effectively serve as our major-domo, the head of embassy staff. Feather thinks it would be an opportunity for you to try out a leadership position, especially since you will only be filling the role for three months, so there is less pressure, and would be the need to train a replacement. I personally would appreciate it if you were to take up this role, as I would need to fill it otherwise, being the only trained diplomat in our party.

"The third role which you will be fulfilling at least in part during your time here, is research assistant to Actigall. As you actually understand how he normally operates, he would appreciate it if you made this your primary occupation, but even if you do not, he will need your assistance at least from time to time."

"There are also a couple of roles you could fulfill that we do not need you in at all, but you would certainly be very helpful in. A Dragon visibly serving as part of our security team would represent both a deterrent, and something of a public statement of the sort of people we are and place the embassy is.

"You could also serve very ably as our designated courier. We have little trust for the local postal and shipping systems for anything sensitive, and it again would make something of a statement to have our diplomatic messages delivered in person by a Dragon.

"Of all these, which role are you most interested in pursuing? Keep in mind that if you prove unsuited for one of them, that is both expected and quite possible to change later."

What primary job will Taylor take up with the Ravnican embassy? (This obviously will have a substantial effect on the narrative focus of the next arc)

[] Running the charity clinic.

[] Managing the day-to-day operations of the embassy.

[] Izzet research assistance.

[] High-profile security.

[] Courier.

[X] Managing the day-to-day operations of the embassy.

((()))

...It really shouldn't surprise you that the most important part of the job is going to be managing swarms of Unseen Servants. The first-circle Conjuration spell isn't one that you know, having little use for menial minions, but Ravnican culture is more renaissance than modern, and having 'help' to deal with many of the munane tasks of maintaining a house is considered essential.

Consequently, one of the Woundrous Items in Actigall's Portable Hole is the magical equivalent of a Master 1 rating in two parts. The first is a big lump of carefully engraved silver, the second is a set of three Ioun Stones, little magical doodads that slowly orbit your head once attuned, which allow the attuned individual to control the dozens of Unseen Servants the device can summon.

One stone for the master of the house, one for their major-domo, and one for a trusted subordinate who can manage the things when the other two are too busy to attend to such things. For the time being, Elias gets the master stone, you get the major-domo stone, and the Izzet get the third to trade off between them as they see fit.

It only takes a half a day or so to get the basics of how to give the right kinds of commands to Unseen Servants down, and you spend the next couple of days practicing it in the hotel, while working with Elias, Sharp, and Gonzales, to start spreading a net to recruit some local talent to help running the soon-to-be-started Embassy.

During these days, you get a call from some of your father's old friends from the Brockton Bay Dockworker's Union, Kurt and Lacey.

((()))

"Taylor?" Kurt asks, more emotion in his gruff voice than you would have noticed back when you were still a kid.

"It's me," you reply, glancing around at the bathroom you've closed yourself in to temporarily change back into human form, "Back home-ish, safe and sound."

"...Good," Kurt says, and you can tell that he's being very careful with his word choice, though not why, "Lacey and I were training with the National Guard when you came through before. We'd like to see you again."

"That'd be nice," you say, a knock on the bathroom door interrupting you, "Hold on a second."

You mute the phone, before doing best to deepen your voice to where it registers in your Dragon form.

"What is it?" you call out.

"First one's here," Miss Sharp says, "You wanted to sit in on this, right?"

"Yes," you say, "Just give me half a minute and I'll be right there."

"Gotcha," Miss Sharp says, and you hear her heels clicking as she walks away from the door.

You unmute the phone.

"Sorry," you say, "I have some work I need to get back to right now, but I'll definitely get back to you. It looks like you still use the same number?"

"Yes," Kurt says, "Please don't take too long to call back. Lacey's a ball of nerves over all this."

You can tell that he is too.

"I'll try for tonight," you reply immediately, "It's good to hear from you again Kurt, bye!"

((()))

The first interviewee is an experienced middle-aged housekeeper, who looks like they've interviewed for work often enough to have the process down to a science.

You entering the small conference room the interview is being held in definitely unsettles her cool. She shrieks slightly at the sight of a Dragon three times her size just ambling in, but manages to at least somewhat regain her composure when Miss Sharp greets you casually, and you sit down next to her at the other side of the table.

There's a bunch of stock questions and answers, a brief review of work history (eight years of cleaning private homes, two working as part of a hotel cleaning team before that), and the question about why she does the work.

'It pays the bills' is honest, if uninspiring.

The money question though, is "How do you feel about working with Parahumans on a daily basis?"

"I'll need a moment to think about that," she replies thoughtfully, glancing at you, "I can't say I prepared for it."

"That's quite acceptable," Elias says pleasantly, "I understand this is coming at you somewhat sideways."

She nods and thinks for a few moments; you make a point of not staring at her, instead thinking about what you'll have for dinner tonight.

"I suppose," she says eventually, "It would depend on the Parahumans involved. I don't know Miss Bookwyrm here's reputation, but I assume it's reputable."

"She is an independent who has worked as a healer for the Protectorate and PRT in the past," Miss Sharp says, "The other Parahumans are part of the embassy staff, so I'm sure it won't surprise you to hear they have no history with the Protectorate or PRT."

"To be specific," Elias says, "I will be the only member of the Embassy's staff from Ravnica who is not a 'Parahuman.' So, if you are not comfortable working with foreigners possessed of extra-natural capabilities, you will find yourself uncomfortable at all times."

"...I believe I could get used to it," she says, "But I have to be honest and say I don't know for sure. I've never had Parahuman coworkers before."

"Well then," Elias says a smile, leaning across the table to shake her hand, "I can tell you that you're at the top our current list, Miss Smith, you can expect to hear back from us by the end of the week."

((()))

How much priority on getting back to Kurt & Lacey?

[] Just call them.

[] Teleport back the Barnes, then call them so they can visit.

[] Text them that you'll be free to visit on the weekend.

[X] Teleport back the Barnes, then call them so they can visit.

((()))

Teleporting to the Barnes is pretty much rote at this point, and it's nice to shift back to your human form for a while, though after the trip to the mall, you're starting to be a little more self-conscious about your body. Aunt Zoe says that's normal for a girl your age, so you try not to think too hard about it; just staying healthy should be good enough, right?

You head downstairs and find Emma and Zoe watching a movie together, some horribly schlocky fantasy film where the only thing worse than the costumes are the special effects. Emma is giving a running commentary on what things are 'really' like on Ravnica, and after a few minutes, you join her in mocking the poorly-made film.

It's cathartic.

Once the movie is over, you ask Zoe if it's alright to have some evening company, then you call up Kurt.

"Taylor?" he replies eagerly.

"Yeah," you say, "I'm done with work and stuff for the day, Aunt Zoe said it's fine if you want to come over."

"We'll be there in a quarter-hour," Kurt says, "Looking forward to see you, Taylor."

"Me too," you reply, barely getting the words in before he hangs up.

"Do you want some privacy for this?" Zoe asks gently.

"...I don't know?" you say, "They were always more mom and dad's friends than mine. It'll be nice to see them again, I'm honestly not sure how I'm going to react though."

"We'll stick around then," Emma says, twisting around on the couch so she can flop over and put her feet up in your lap, "Keep things from getting too weird."

Some small talk about the movie passes while you wait, and soon enough there's a knock on the door; a moment later Zoe leads your father's oldest friends into the living room.

Kurt has always been a big man; most of the Dockworkers were, and by the look of things, he's lost a little weight around his middle, in exchange for being even more muscular on top. His biceps are stretching the short sleeves of his t-shirt to the point where they look like they might tear.

Your mother sometimes described Lacey as an 'Amazon,' in how she's both tall and quite broad-shouldered for a woman. It was as much a joke as anything else before, but now she looks fit enough to compete with some of the female members of the Boros, which is no small thing given they wear plate-mail.

Both of them aren't just obviously fit, you can also see the slight bulge under Kurt's armpit where he has a shoulder-holster, and Lacey is more openly carrying a gun on her hip. It occurs to you that there's more than one reason a comparison to the Boros came to mind, and you remember that the Barnes have more firearms than they used to as well.

"Taylor," Kurt says, his eyes glued to you as he crosses the room and takes one of the free chairs, "It's good to see you in one piece. There's been a lot of scuttlebutt around."

Rather than taking a chair, Lacey crouches down next to the couch you're on, and offers you her hand. A little surprised by the move, you take it, and she holds it tightly in both of hers, teeth clenched as she visibly restrains herself from squeezing to the point where it'd be painful.

"A lot of things've gone wrong over the last two years," she says hoarsely, "Good news for a change is nice."

...You're feeling kind of lost.

"I know the Barnes aren't part of that side of things," Kurt says grimly, "But a lot of shit went down when the PRT finally actually acted on the damn Empire. We'd been back in town less than a week when the fighting went hot, and things got ugly."

"I've seen some violence," you say, "You don't need to sugar-coat it for me."

"Where were you?" Lacey asks, her voice tight with pent-up emotion.

You glance over at Zoe, and it's fairly easy to tell by the expression on her face, that they've studiously avoided spilling your status as a 'cape' to them, leaving the choice in your hands.

What to tell them?

[] Everything.

[] That you were out on Ravnica, but not that you're Bookwyrm.

[] You don't want them to be in the know on such things.

[X] That you were out on Ravnica, but not that you're Bookwyrm. But use Detect Thoughts, Empathy, and Sense Motive. Something is obviously up.

AN: Detect thoughts is a spell, not a psychic power, so Taylor can't use it subtly.

((()))

Taking a moment to quietly focus, you activate Empathy, and blink at the sheer intensity of emotions that are rolling off of Kurt and Lacey.

First and foremost is a strong aura of bittersweet relief. Undergirding that is confusion and hesitancy, faint hints of almost every other emotion you can think of, and a strong undercurrent of grim determination.

They also have a particular wariness to them, one you recognize from spending weeks in the field with Boros and Melissa, it's the wariness of people who rarely think that they're actually safe, and are constantly on the lookout for lethal threats.

All the violence has really hit them hard.

"Emma and I got shunted off to another dimension," you say, "But it wasn't anywhere near as similar as Earth Bet. There were people there, but it was like a kind of fantasy kitchen sink…"

You go on at some length, describing what it was like living with Feather, Emma chiming in with her tidbits from her time at the Orzhov Basilica, the streets of Ravnica, and becoming a paid test subject at Nivix.

"'Human test subject' doesn't exactly sound good," Kurt says with a frown, radiating worry as he looks you over sharply again.

"Taking a couple tissue samples was the worst of it," you say with a shrug, "Mostly I sat in a lab and did my homework while they scanned me to try to figure out a way to use 'this person from Earth Bet' to target an effect that would get me back home."

"Mighta heard of them in the news," Emma says with a grin, "They're down in DC now, setting up an embassy."

...Kurt and Lacey's levels of worry both increase at that.

"I hope you haven't gotten sucked into politics?" Kurt asks, saying the word like it's a curse.

"No?" you say, a bit caught off-guard by the strength of emotional reaction you're seeing there, "I think there was some official statement of gratitude from the PRT about bringing us back home, but aside from that, what're a couple fourteen year old girls going to have to do with politics?"

"You'd be surprised," Lacey says grimly, "Mostly in how politicians conveniently ignore them when their responsibilities are hard to fulfill."

"Yeah," Emma says, glancing around the room, "Dad had some pretty harsh words for how little anybody seemed to care that we were missing after the first few months."

"If it isn't in the news," Kurt says harshly, "Politicians don't give a damn about it. They aren't likely to give answers that are even approaching the truth even when something is in the news. We don't have any idea why it is you disappeared again before showing back up last week. What happened?"

What say?

[] Write-in.

((()))

AN: So. I don't feel it would be appropriate for me to give you pre-written responses here, because they'd either have too obvious flaws for someone as intelligent as Taylor, or they'd be too pat and perfect for someone as relatively young and inexperienced as Taylor.

So, I'll let you guys come up with your own options and critically analyze each other's write-ins.

[X] Empathy confirms they are Kurt and Lacey. I guess you were a bit paranoid, though with the devils around you can never be too careful. Now that you know all is well, tell them about being Bookwyrm, and explain that while you hesitated at first due to the Parahuman secret identity thing, on second thought it's silly not to trust old family friends.

-[X] Explain that you were attacked, and your power did an emergency dimension shift to protect you. Best not to explain you were killed, or that you were attacked by devils.

-[X] Ask them to explain what's going on? You heard the E88 was supposed to have been defeated. Shouldn't things be improving?

AN: Some people have been remarking that Taylor doesn't act like a person with superhuman intelligence. There's always a line that needs to be walked with such things in a quest, but also a quest like this because Taylor's still a teenager. She's getting to be pretty experienced for one, but it's still a process. This update though, shows some of that ability to make connections.

((()))

You study Kurt and Lacey both for a long moment, making it perfectly clear that you are sizing them up. As you do so, a thought strikes you about the way that they're behaving, and how emotionally wrought they are.

"Did either of you trigger during the campaign against the E88?" you ask.

Kurt and Lacey share a glance, the need to communicate before responding basically giving an answer in and of itself.

"Yeah," Kurt says, his expression becoming even more grim, "Did you?"

You nod.

Kurt closes his eyes and bows his head, and a particular blend of frustrated and disappointed sympathy rolls off of him; glancing at Lacey shows something very similar.

No sane Parahuman wants someone else to go through a Trigger Event.

"We're going to be trying to finish off the ABB," Lacey says quietly, "The PRT scooped up most of the street thugs while the anti-E88 task force was in town, but Lung and Oni Lee laid low until they left."

"It'd probably be best if you stayed out of town until we're finished," Kurt says grimly, "One way or the other. If we take our shot and miss, and they figure out who we are, they'll probably come for you."

"I'm not exactly helpless," you say, "The reason I ended up back in Ravnica in the first place, is because when someone tried to kill me, it auto-shunted me back. Besides, with the E88 taken out, shouldn't things be getting better? Why are you so… hard about this?"

"Have you seen any of Piggot's press releases since the E88 was wiped out?" Kurt asks.

You shake your head.

"She was shit on by the PRT's central offices pretty hard," Kurt scowls, "Said in no uncertain terms that if she hadn't constantly been stonewalled by requests for support, she'd have wiped out the E88 within six months of arriving in the city. It's pretty damn clear that whoever was denying the support to get the job done before is doing it again, because Lung burned down the DWU three weeks ago, and jack all has been done about it."

"And you're going to do something?" you ask.

"Yes," Lacey says, "We are."

...You grit your teeth. You've done your best to move away from being involved in Brockton Bay, and your father's stupidity that got himself killed.

That doesn't mean part of you wouldn't like to see Lung and Oni Lee pay for what they've done.

Or that another part wouldn't like to see your home city freed from the scourge of organized crime.

Another part is abstractly curious about how Lung would measure up against a real Dragon.

...And you don't want to see one of the few remaining links to your parents get hurt.

No matter what way you cut it, you have a lot of motivation to get involved in this mess, even if only in the form of offering healing-service as needed to keep the two of them alive.

What do?

[] Leave this to the adults.

[] Try to convince Kurt & Lacey not to do anything stupid.

[] You want to get involved with this.

-[] As a healer.

-[] To help finish the ABB off.

[X] You want to get involved with this.

((()))

"I can help-" you begin, but Kurt cuts you off almost instantly.

"Absolutely not," he says sharply, "The criminals of this city have already almost wiped your family out. They're not taking you too, especially when you're barely even a teenager."

"Dear," Lacey says, laying a hand gently on his shoulder, then smacking him in the stomach with her other, "Are you trying to convince her to do the exact opposite of what you want? As you just said, she's a teenager."

More or less fifteen at this point, not that they seem to have really grasped Ravnica's time-dilation effect yet.

"Taylor," Lacey continues, turning her attention back to you, "It's not like we can sit on you all day and night to keep you out of trouble, but unless you're a Brute, you're just as fragile as anyone else."

"Show them," Emma says, rolling her eyes and pulling her feet out of your lap.

You glance at Zoe, who just gets up to double-check that the curtains don't have any cracks allowing someone to catch a glimpse inside. Shrugging, you get up off the couch, and step over to the part of the living room with the most open floor space, and trigger your transformation into Bookwyrm.

It's still a strange sensation, your spine lengthening, the joints in your arms shifting as two entirely new appendages sprout out of your back. Compared to that, the tail growing out of your butt, and growing horns, you barely notice the sensation of growing scales or claws at all.

Lacey's eyes have gone wide; Kurt's still staring at you evenly, but he's subtly tensed up.

"I am a Brute," you say pointedly, seating yourself so that you tower over the seated pair of Dockworkers, "And a great deal more besides. I can heal, I can fly, my scales are literally as tough as steel, I can spit acid-"

"-Turn people invisible," Emma chips in, "Teleport, clean things with a gesture, you've got those marshmallow minions, long-distance communication-"

"-As I said," you cut back in, glad she avoided openly calling your Correspond power telepathy, "I'm something like a Trump."

"More like the grabbiest of grab bags," Emma says, rolling her eyes, before using Prestidigitation to change the color of the couch underneath her, "Not that it's that surprising; they teach powers over in Ravnica. We went to school for that shit."

"Emma," Zoe says with a sigh, "Language."

Emma rolls her eyes again, but falls silent. Kurt and Lacey share another long look, before Lacey shakes her head and leans towards you.

"It's definitely a plus that you're harder to hurt," she says, "But we're talking about dealing with Lung, not Krieg, Skidmark, or some mid-level parahuman. With Lung, it's all-or-nothing, you either take him out, or he will grow strong enough to beat you. As adults, as friends of your parents, we have a responsibility to keep you out of danger."

...The fact that you may technically be unkillable is quite possibly relevant here.

What say?

[] "Yeah, I'm kinda unkllable. Worst case, I get shunted back to Ravnica for a few months."

[] "As you said, I'm a teenager. Would you rather do this together, or have me trying to take down Lung without your help?"

[] "If you're going to critique my abilities and limitations, what are you bringing to the table? Did one of you trigger as the next Alexandria or something?

[X] "I've fought bigger." Pause. "No, I'm not kidding. I have literally fought bigger, tougher creatures with some degree of regeneration. I'm not a naive child, and I'm not suggesting I'll just jump into the fray--one of the people who fought alongside me is in Washington right now, fighting things like this was literally her job, and I can ask her for advice--but this is something I have actual experience with. Besides," somberly, "I don't want to lose you too. Not if I can do something."

-[X] "If you're going to critique my abilities and limitations, what are you bringing to the table? Did one of you trigger as the next Alexandria or something?"

-[X] And we *need* to talk to Feather about this before going any farther.

AN: The second argument is much stronger against K&L than the first, and Taylor had a good enough diplomacy/sense motive (and non-garbage dice) to recognize that, so she leads with it.

((()))

"If you're going to critique me on what I can or can't bring to the table," you say with a frown, "I think it's only fair to turn things around. I trained with the Boros, I have a pretty good idea how that skill needs to be played out. What are the two of you bringing to the table?"

Kurt and Lacey share another glance, before turning their attention towards the Barnes.

"How involved do you want to get with this?" Kurt asks bluntly, "Obviously, Taylor trust you with her secrets, and you're good enough at keeping them to keep them from us, which says good things. If you don't want to be part of this though, it won't do anyone any good for you to know what kinds of things we're planning."

"I'll be staying out of this," Zoe says, rising to her feet, "And I'm going to exercise parental authority to keep Emma out of it too."

Emma stares at her mother mulishly for a moment, before visibly taking hold of herself and sighing.

"I want to argue with you," she says, "Because I'm a teenager. I know that I can't really contribute anything much in a fight though, so I'll show some common sense instead. If you guys want some help with snacks, or helping fix Lacey's fashion sense-"

"Hey!" Lacey scowls.

"-Taylor will know how to find me," Emma concludes, before following her mother out of the living room.

"...You've both seen a lot rougher things than you let on," Kurt says, watching as she leaves.

"Yes," you say bluntly, "Until I decided to tell you I'd triggered, I wasn't sure how much I was going to share, so I erred on the side of caution."

Kurt swears, badly enough that Lacey smacks him for it, even while cursing a little under her breath.

"I don't generally go running headlong into trouble," you say, "But sometimes trouble has come looking for me. I've specialized in surviving long enough to get away from it, and I'm very good at that. What can you do?"

Kurt snaps his fingers, and a faint fog forms around the edge of the living room; your ears are sensitive enough to pick up that all sound from beyond it has been cut off.

"We both triggered in the middle of a cape battle," Lacey says bluntly, "Apparently, cluster triggers are grab bags by default. I have one very strong ability, one minor ability, and a couple I haven't figured out yet. Here."

She passes you a gun in a holster.

"Uh," you say, carefully taking it, keeping your fingers away from the outline of the trigger well, even though the holster fully covers it, "What's this for? They don't exactly train in using firearms in Ravnica."

Lacey responds by placing another pistol in a holster on the coffee table between the two of you.

Then another.

And another.

"Anything I'm touching or carrying," she says, "I can create copies of. There are limits on how long they last depending on how many I have out, but as best I can tell, if I just have one thing, they last forever."

"Making a room quiet isn't the only trick I can do," Kurt says, "I'm a fairly strong Stranger, by the PRT number system, no disguising or imposter stuff, just stealth. My silencing effect is completely effective on guns inside the area."

"...You're going to try to snipe Lung out," you swiftly conclude, "You're going to shoot him from somewhere he can't hear, and try to straight-up kill him before he can start ramping up."

"And bail out immediately if the shot doesn't work," Lacey says, glaring at Kurt fiercely, giving you the impression there's been something of an argument about this, "If we use duplicate ammo I've created, I can make sure there's nothing of the bullet to find afterwards."

"If it doesn't work the first time," Kurt says, "We can try again every time he sticks his damn head out until we get him."

...No wonder they're so on edge. They've definitely been planning this for a while.

Respond how?

[] "This isn't a fight, this is an attempt at an execution."

-[] "Good."

-[] "And that's a terrible idea."

[] "I'm going to need some time to process this."

[] "We should get input on this from someone with more experience."