text; un:thunderbird

[tanker]

hey, everyone

I'm thinking of going outside the walls for a bit of a look around. Anyone interested in going out? Fair warning, it could get hairy, as we don't always know what to expect out there. I'm trained in combat, could always do with good navigators, maybe someone who knows a bit more about the lay of the land, too, but everyone's welcome to join.

I know I'm not the only one wondering about what's out there.



And, completely unrelated... I just moved out of the communal housing and would like to build some furniture for our new place. Simple stuff - shelves, to start with - but I don't have much experience in this. Anyone willing to lend a hand?
Alternatively, if you have any old stuff you'd like to get rid of, I might be interested.

Comments

[tanker]

Clarice would definitely be easier for you to carry around than me

[ He'd be fine, then. ]

oh, I'm pretty much indestructible. And I've got enhanced senses, and strength too.

[otherflash]

Then it looks like she gets to be the one that has all the fun.

[ Unless she gets like motion sickness which would make it the opposite of fun. ]

Sounds like you hit the metahuman power lottery. I mean, the indestructible thing has to come in handy.

[tanker]

[ Ah! John can only hope she does. ]

yeah, I guess I did.

metahuman - you guys got your powers via circumstance, right? We - Mutants - were born with the gene

[otherflash]

While metahuman is a generic term for anyone with powers, there actually is a metagene. A few people are simply born with abilities.

[ Then there are others who have their metagene activated through circumstances. ]

I've heard a little bit about mutants. About how things are difficult for them back home.

[tanker]

so we're not different at all, then, huh

yeah, it's not always easy. we've got to fight for what our rights, which... feels unfair, sometimes.

[otherflash]

Well, more similar than different, I think.

Totally unfair. It's not like you guys chose to have the gene.

[tanker]

and it's not like most of us are dangerous. what are kids going to do? but people are scared, because we look different, or kids have trouble controlling themselves. but instead of training them, the government wants to put them away.

[ Can you tell he's passionate about it? ]

[otherflash]

[ Oh, he can tell. He also believes the unfairness of it all is something people should be passionate about. ]

Damn, man. That's seriously messed up. Things aren't like that at all for us back home.

[ People just crowd them for autographs and build museums honoring them. ]

[tanker]

that's good. I don't wish that kind of thing on anyone. I often wish we'd stayed hidden. Maybe it was easier when no one knew about Mutants, but then, it wouldn't make life any easier for those of us who have physical mutations.

[otherflash]

So what do you guys do? I can't believe sitting back and taking it is an option.

[ Of course, a war of any kind isn't going to make things better, either. ]

[tanker]

there's this network of safe houses and way stations throughout the country - we call it the underground. We smuggle mutants out of the country, provide safe haven for those with nowhere else to go, and we try to fight back, with what little we have. Keep our own safe from detention centers and labs, try to find loopholes in the system that we can exploit.

but mainly, we try to stay safe, and fight back in whatever legal ways we have, because if we turn to violence, we're no better than what they say we are.

[otherflash]

That's admirable of you guys. I can't even begin to imagine having to live like that.

[tanker]

I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to help any way I can. Do you do anything with your powers?

[otherflash]

Just the typical crime fighting thing.

[tanker]

and you're considered a hero, back home?

[otherflash]

Yeah, you could say that.

Some people in the government might be wary of us or complain about some of the collateral property damage, but that's about the extent of it from that side of things.

[tanker]

you're not considered criminals?

man, your world sounds nice.

[otherflash]

Not at all.

It is pretty great. I'm sorry you guys have to put up with so much crap in your own.

[tanker]

that's cool
I'm glad you don't have to, in yours. I don't wish it on anyone, and honestly? I, personally, have it easy.