The following episode contains explicit language violence and alcohol use.
Previously on Masks and Mayhem.
There's definitely some...not protest, but larger scale meetings going on in parts of Atlantis.
Basically, the common consensus is they want to feel more heard.
Yeah. But I mean, this is before it started splintering into groups like Yardane's group, who wants to just rule the surface world. You had previously fought with the insurrection's leader and captured him, Yartrab.
And suddenly everything goes silent for a moment, and you hear the crack of a gunshot. And Lidia looks out with her mouth agape and looks down to a bloody chest and grabs at it. And she starts to fall over. And you realize in that moment that behind her, with a smoking gun in hand, and an anguished look on his face, is Sloane.
What?
What?
Yeah, you see where his sword was embedded in the wall. It's just sparking and there's just like arcs of electricity coming off of it.
Great. What was that hooked up to?
Well, all of the energy cells go down.
Greeaaatttt.
Are you releasing Serena right now?
Well I said all of them so...technically.
The only one we're terrified of.
The good news is I don't have to waste an action lettiing Ulric out but the bad news is...
Adrian has friends now. From down below, in the room you were just in? You see something you never expected to see in your life.
What? What do we see?
What you see is essentially a patchwork put together version of Austin Yates.
*gasp*
OH MY GOD!!
Do you guys actually not like playing anymore?
No, I love this.
No, I like playing but what the fuck? I have one legitimate request. Let Ruby have therapy after this. *laughs*
Midnight Hydra and Lazerhawk are still going at it.
Yeah, that's gonna be a 25 for tazer fist.
Boom. And well, he rolled a nat one. How does this happen?
I reach my fist back. I sock him as hard as I can in the nose, shattering it, and causing his blood to splatter all over my face.
I told you.
I imagine actually they had to pull you off of him.
*music plays*
We fade back in on Riverside City. It is a crisp, cool March morning. It's been a bit of time since we've last seen our heroes. Yardak what are you doing on this marvelous morning?
Well, after the events at U.N.I.O.N., the gang has sort of had a bit of time apart, just kind of doing our own thing. Between going back and forth to Atlantis to help there and qwell the insurrection movement. Yardak, when he is in Riverside like he is now, spends a lot of time actually swimming up and down the coast to keep track of any threats that might be trying to make their way on land; if another Yardane wants to make an appearance. He does a little bit of work in the city when he can but it's mostly just trying to protect the land from Atlantean assaults.
And so what has been going on, like you mentioned about Yardane, has there been anything going on like that in Atlantis? Have you been called back at all during this time to Atlantis to deal with any insurrection?
Specifically for Yardane? No, but I have gone a handful of times back to Atlantis because there have been some rumors going around the citizens of Atlantis about their unhappiness with the king and how things are being dealt with and they have heard of what Yardane did on land and certain people are getting ideas. So it's time to make relations and stop certain people and help the citizens so more insurrection movements do not happen.
And have you been doing much in your role in it as an ambassador; have you been doing very much of note?
I've gone into U.N.I.O.N. a few times to kind of touch base. It was chaos for a while after all the breakout. I've been in contact with Raina little bit.
Okay, Raina Morris, U.K. Ambassador.
Trying to...because there were some tensions, so trying to ease a little bit of that and just kind of wanted to have a bit more of a connection and not just like a "Hi. Bye," sort of relationship with Raina.
I'm gonna believe that in this time that Raina has definitely, like introduced you to other people and tried to help you with making political connections. I'm gonna want you to roll a persuasion check.
That sounded crisp. I don't know if it did to you. But that was a sweet roll.
It was nice.
15 plus nine is 24.
Yeah, I think you've been really successful in your efforts to garner support for the Atlantean cause, you know, people are much more interested in developing relations with Atlantis. And I think the king is still very...not standoffish, but still keeping things close to the chest. There's not trade between Atlantis or anything yet or no tourism to speak of.
For whatever reason when you said that I thought you were gonna say keeping it close to the gills.
And so yeah, what are you specifically doing this morning?
So currently, I'm doing my patrol once again, up and down the coast to make sure that there's no threats coming before I head on land to do another on foot patrol, maybe grab something to eat, get ahold of Kevin Lewis, see what's going on. And then just kind of go about a regular day.
Kevin says nothing really of note at this time. Kind of talks to you about the ongoing litigation a bit. That's basically kind of holding U.N.I.O.N. back in the last year and a half since we last met, Echo Base has shut down. Only Agent Alan Rickard, Kevin Lewis and a few handful of U.N.I.O.N. agents are left in Riverside. They don't have much of a presence there really. In fact, even at the bases they still have, they're pretty much being held in place by red tape because they are being blamed for the breakout in the last season. You know, it's being laid to bare their feet.
That's what happens when you put a bunch of supervillains in one place. It's never a good idea. Ever!
Meanwhile, though, Lazerhawk, AKA Brock Bollea, wait, no, wouldn't be the other way around? I guess. Brock Bollea AKA Lazerhawk.
Let's be honest here.
Which one's the mask?
Brock.
What have you been up to in this year and a half and what are you up to this morning?
Busy boy Brock's been a busy busy beaver now, hasn't he? In all seriousness, I am just lost after apprehending Midnight Hydra. I don't know what to do with myself. So I'm doing the same thing I've always done. The North End is my turf. And I have been making sure that no one fucks with my turf.
And I guess yeah, on this particular morning, what are you up to?
Oh on this particular morning I'm at the Lazer Hut playing with my boys.
Okay, who are the boys?
Well, we're all very familiar with Bodega. We might not know Bodega's friend. A friendly French Pitbull named Cafe.
Hahaha, Cafe and Bodega?
Yep.
*laughs*
Ya know, I'm just spending time with my dogs before I go and crack skulls for the night.
By day you're a dog handler by night. *laughs*
By day, I'm a lonely sad man who plays with two dogs alone in the warehouse, but by night, I'm a lonely sad man who punches people.
Tell me a little bit about how you've defended the North End in the meantime.
I'm on the street every night. If I see or catch wind of something going on in my neighborhood that should not be going on, I make sure it stops...with a lot of punching.
Alright, I want you to make me a perception check.
The six to make that an unnatural 20.
Yeah, you've been noticing of late that criminals are running scared a little bit.
As they should be.
But it's something that really changed within the past, like two weeks. You're not sure why, no one's really saying anything. You know, you're roughing up people to try to get some informants, but people basically are just...crime's a little quieter. Blue Cross gang is still causing problems, but they're not really causing as many problems these past two weeks.
Well, I'll get to the bottom of that.
And Ruby. How does this problem typically make you feel? And you are in the office of Dr. David Bellum?
*laughs* Oh my god! We're actually doing it. Bahahaha!
Yeah, you're in the office of Dr. David Bellum in downtown Riverside. Well, you tell me what all you've filled Dr. Bellum in on and what you're talking about right now.
Dr. Bellum knows that Ruby has an interesting life. More thinking about how filmmaking is interesting. Doesn't know she's a superhero. Ruby has to come up with a lot of metaphors. For instance, he knows about Austin, her friend who had amnesia and then came back and was a completely different person.
Oh, oh, no.
And then died again. I guess not again, according to Dr. Bellum, just died after having amnesia and not really recognizing her.
So, Ruby, how does this problem typically make you feel?
Recently, my boyfriend met my family and I'm supposed to meet his soon, but we sort of don't talk about...Hmm.
This is Rachel and Ruby both try to figure out how to put this.
I feel like I'm lying, bending the truth, perhaps about how we met, because we met in a kind of dangerous situation that I...involving his job, and his parents don't know everything about his job. And they don't know quite how dangerous it is. And I--just trying to reconcile the fact that I care about these people now because they are related to the man I have feelings for, but I just feel bad for lying, but also kind of know, it's for the best?
And that's understandable. You know, we all have to find our ways to justify, you know, how we live, but you brought this up to me. So I just want to make sure that you know, there isn't something more going on potentially?
Well, sometimes it seems like I find myself in dangerous situations, and--
Oh my god. *laughs*
For the audience, R.C. is leaning back in his chair with a pad, scribbling as if he is Dr. Bellum.
And you know, well, in my job, sometimes I have to do a dangerous thing to get a shot, or to learn about something if I'm writing about something, and I'm just...I struggle with how much to tell my family or maybe, in the future, Alan's family, without making them worry too much.
Okay, understandable. Well, here let's pivot away from that and tell me a little bit about this new job you've talked about? You seemed pretty excited about it last time we spoke.
Well, I can't say exactly what I'm working on because I literally signed an NDA. I'm being a PA on a franchise that means a lot to me.
That's wonderful.
And it's very exciting and a great opportunity. Just being around those creative minds is amazing.
Well fantastic.
And Dr. Bellum checks his watch. Alright, Ruby.
Well, that is, I think, gonna be time for today. We'll definitely, you know, we have another regular appointment, I assume in two weeks, hopefully?
Yeah, I'm supposed to go to Alabama at some point. My boyfriend got injured on his job. So his mom's been worried. So we're going to go see her for a couple days.
Okay, well, you know what? I'll put you tentatively down. If something comes up, maybe we can do a phone call, or you know, it's it's always on you, of course.
Great. Sounds great. Thanks again, this has been really helpful.
You're welcome.
Yeah, you leave Dr. Bellum's office. And you know, it's, I don't know, what are you doing for the rest of the day?
So we agreed that The Black Cat has come out. Oh, do I need to roll to see how that went?
Ooh, yeah. Let's make a filmmaking roll to see how successful the release of the Black Cat went. Now that was about, you know, almost a year and a half ago because it was not too long after the end of the last season.
If this bombs, do not hesitate to use your hero point, you deserve good.
*rolls* Oh, that's a good roll, actually. So I rolled a 16, I mean, 27 years I have 11 in filmmaking.
Black Cat did phenomenally. Now, the distributor you are with is pretty small, didn't go wide release. It just got really great word of mouth, great publicity. You know, it's still an indie film at the end of the day, but it really got a lot of people talking and I think that combined with a specific recommendation by one Raina Morris really helped slam dunk secure this job with the new being a PA.
Yardak's using that connection to do good for like humanity. Ruby's getting employed.
To be fair, Yardak doesn't need to get paid.
Lazerhawk wishes people liked him.
I think similarly, it's really been helping, because you know, Bethany, doing really, really great on social already, but like having that credit has really helped blow up her social profile.
Bethany and I are actually going to a screening later today where we will screen The Black Cat and answer several questions for some super fans of the movie.
Oh, hell yeah.
I think that Yardak should bump into Ruby as she's leaving her appointment.
Yeah, so downtown.
Yeah, I said I was gonna go on a little patrol/walkabout, you're gonna bump into my ole pay Ruby. I... *thud*
Oh, literally? Literally run in?
You actually run into each other?
Fuck it. Let's go full anime.
This is...
Yeah, okay. Yeah.
And I think Yardak's pretty big so you probably knocked Ruby down. *laughs*
Well, I'm not gonna plow into her. But okay, so like, I'm just walking down the street and I'm trying to keep a lookout, see if anything's happening. And I mean, Ruby is just getting out of a therapy appointment so I'm sure her mind is elsewhere. And we just kind of like, you know, shoulder check each other a little bit. And when we kind of see who we hit, I'm like, "Ruby!"
Yardak!
Hey, what's going on? Where ya been? What's happening?
Honestly, Yardak knows.
Oh, I was seeing Dr. Bellum.
Oh, yeah, yeah, I heard. Going well?
Yeah!
I mean, after everything that's happened...I mean, ugh.
It's weird because I can't tell him everything 'cause some of it's literally classified.
Mmmm, yeah. So making up lies to cover other lies and..
So many metaphors! I told him about Austin. I told him that Austin had amnesia, and then forgot who I was.
Oh, okay. So just, you know, just Trump it up.
I mean, my life must sound insane to him, but like, no more sane than my actual life.
I mean, he is a therapist. So I mean, I'm sure there's plenty of people with worse issues than you have that he has to hear about day in and day out. So I mean, amnesia? Drop in the bucket.
That's true. Oh, hey, I don't know if you got the email...you've seen it plenty of times but there's like a screening of The Black Cat. And there's a q&a after and there's also an after party if that would be something you'd be into.
Oh, yeah, I'll be sure to bring my air horn and cheer you on. *laughs*
No, Yardak, we talked about this; air horns in small movie theater, just not a good idea. I've been trying to get old Lazerhawk to come out to one of these just to...he doesn't seem to be doing great. Maybe he should be the one seeing Dr. Bellum.
*laughs* You know what? I mean, we're both together, why not head over and see if we can tag team and get them to come to this thing?
Good idea.
So what are you doing now?
I assume I took my van to therapy. So we're getting in the van and you know what? I'm gonna say I put some better tires on it. And I upgraded the sound system a little bit because we're in this van a lot. We got to have the sweet tunes.
Dog must be bumping so much to make it down in that bitch.
I did normal upgrades to this van.
I hope you added a rollcage.
Some bulletproof windows.
Ooooo.
What is--
That's what racecars have to protect them in case they roll.
Do you know what? Yes. *laughs*
Can you just get dress like an actual slingshot in your passenger window?
Maybe if you come with us to the movie.
Grrr, really twisting my arm here.
So what are you doing? You're saying you're getting in the van--
Getting in the van, throwing some tunes on. Yardak, what do you want to listen to?
Bobby Darren: Beyond the Sea.
Haha! I love you. Ocean Man by Ween also would have been an acceptable answer.
I'm not setting a text beforehand, because--
Ambush!
I know Lazerhawk's ways and this is an intervention! We're your friends and you need to have more fun!
A friend-tervention.
Okay.
Is that where you're heading? 'Cause you haven't really established, you just said you're-
Yes, we're going to the Lazer Hut.
Okay, so yeah, you're downtown, but you make your way across the curvy bridge back to the North End. You take a hard right once you get into the North End, you're going along the coast, and you reach the warehouses. You park and you walk on up and I'm imagining you kind of just throw the doors open.
Sure, let's go for it.
Fucking kick these bitches in.
You open the doors and the Lazer Hut is supremely abandoned. You can tell from a thin layer of dust along the material that nobody's been in here in quite a while now.
The hell is he living now?
I should also point out, in the future maybe you shouldn't kick in Lazerhawk's door.
At least he still sends me pictures of the dog. But where the hell is he?
Can I text Frank.
Frank, I need you to hack in and see if you can find Lazerhawk's location. He needs a night out and now he's hiding.
Thank God I never gave you guys Kitt's number.
So Frank replies.
You're kidding, right? Because like, the first sentence was like, 'gotta find Lazerhawk.' And I'm thinking like, this guy is missing. But no, you just you just want to have a night out with your buddy. And Yardak, I got stuff to do.
We haven't seen Lazerhawk in so long. We just came to the Lazer Hut. Everything's covered in a layer of dust and it smells like depression in here.
Yardak, I got a deposition I gotta give and I gotta give it tonight. I'm up to my neck in problems right now.
Sorry, Frank. We can find him ourselves.
I guess.
I'm calling Lazerhawk now.
*makes a weird cellphone sound*
Uuuugh. Hello?
Hey, Lazerhawk, er...Brock. What do you actually want me to call you?
Doesn't matter. Is everything okay?
Yeah, I wanted to see...there's actually a showing of my move tonight and there's a fancy party with free alcohol--
Already planned on being there. Was actually gonna surprise you tonight.
Oh, well.
Oh, that's great!
Aaagh. Is there a dress code or...
Do you have like slacks and a button down?
Fantastic question.
I would say yes. Or if not, you have the money.
I can access them.
When you were a cop, were you in uniform? Or were you like a detective in a suit.
I was a detective in a suit. I was also in a much better place in my life.
Brock Bollea did not exactly pack up and put everything in a Uhaul when he came to Riverside. Haha!
I made sure I had my favorite YuGiOh deck. And that's all I needed.
I would say slacks, a button down, some sneakers without holes, and you're probably good.
Ah, that last one's gonna be a problem. All right.
I'll probably be wearing like a little fancier, but I'm gonna be on stage so like...different.
Kind of your gig. I figured you'd look nicer than me. In fact, if there's ever an instance where you don't look nicer than me, get help. I'll see you tonight.
Do you hang up?
Yes, I hang up.
Uuuuugh I hate talking on the phone!
Wait, where are you? God dammit.
I guess I'm going to the fucking Gap.
Tahaha! To the Gap!
Go to Target. We're telling you.
Yeah, Target's where it's at, honestly.
This podcast not sponsored by Target.
Can we be?
Actually, tell me the outfit you pick out.
As basic as humanly possible. Black slacks, black button-up, maybe with green stripes, like a black and green stripe. I'm not buying new shoes. I'm just gonna wear my boots and hope that Ruby doesn't notice. I've got a little bit of money, but I want to make sure I'm buying only the best for my boys.
Also, she said shoes with no holes. She just told you not to wear sneakers with holes.
Okay, yeah. So boots work.
Boots are fine.
Since these are separate events now, tell me a little bit, Ruby and Yardak, about what you're doing leading up to this. I imagine this is like, mid-morning and this event's probably in the afternoon.
Yeah, I go...I guess Ruby probably has to go get ready at some point.
I mean, I'm gonna suggest--
"Hey, Ruby, wanna go grab a bagel and a coffee and kind of just hang out and then we can go and get ready for the premiere?"
Sounds great to me.
Make a swing by Lunar Lattes. Lazerhawk, besides going and getting some new duds, what are you up to?
I have two dogs that are going to be so sad when I leave. I'm playing with my dogs until literally the last possible second for me to leave.
So Ruby, where is this event happening? Is it North End? Is it downtown? Is it the Centennial? Is it Riverside University campus?
I'm assuming this is like a semi-small screening. If there was like an equivalent to like the Alamo Drafthouse?
I want to name it. What about the Raimi Theater?
Alright, so yeah, you're gonna have your event at the Raimi theater, but I'm asking about like, what part of the town it's in?
I was thinking either downtown or the North End. What do you think would make more sense to have a kind of--
Downtown.
Yeah. Okay. So it's downtown. Ruby and Bethany are leaving the van. And they're going to take either a cab or Uber or Lyft or something. Just because parking at night downtown is atrocious.
True.
Ruby's wearing this black velvet dress. She has that has stars all over it and it's shiny.
Sounds familiar.
I'm describing a dress I'm wearing. *laughs*
Is Yardak still with you or do y'all separate to get ready?
Yeah, we separated and then we're gonna come back together.
Okay, actually, before we get to the event, this is a great time to point out: Yardak, I imagine you are not showing up in your normal Atlantean uniform.
Oh, no, no, no, I look sharp. I'm going all out. Not tuxedo, but like suit jacket. I have a nice tie, my slacks, really shiny shoes.
Alright, so yeah, you're looking nice.
Yeah, little red pocket square.
And this is not a big event. Like I'm imagining that there's gonna be like maybe 30 people in attendance?
Yeah.
It's, again, it's big for what it is, but it's still an indie film.
Mmhmm.
And we're talking about a Q&A *laughs* of an indie film. Alright, so yeah, you arrive at the Raimi theater, because you're a part of the event. They recognize you. And I imagine let you and Bethany right in.
Yeah, I will go, "Oh, this is my friend," and point out Yardak. The idea...you're friends with an ambassador?
Outside of his normal uniform, and also probably the suit probably covers up the gills a bit, but I don't think most people will just instantly recognize him because he tends to wear his Atlantean gear, which is very distinctive.
Just Like Zooey Deschanel when she pulls the bangs back.
If you went by the UN ambassador for another country, would you recognize them?
They're not fish people!
Do you think this random theater attendant does?
But Yardak is a celebrity on his own being the only Atlantean.
My poin tbeing is that I feel like in a situation like this Yardak blends at least a little bit; unless you're carrying the spear I guess that would really uh...
Oh god. No.
Oh, this is my friend.
Did you uh...you don't have a fake name or anything? I would just call you Yardak, yight?
You're just trying to get past this random theater attendant!
*cackles*
Yeah.
This is my friend. Mind if he just goes into the theater?
And this like 16-year-old pimply-faced kid goes,
Yeah, whatever.
*laughs*
Yeah, it makes sense. At some point, I assume Mr. Lazarhawk would show up?
At some point, you'd assume.
So let's say the actual event is at four. It has like a bar area and you've got like special event passes.
We have a screening and then a Q & A. So my Q & A part starts at four?
Right. Yeah, again, you've seen the film; I doubt you're sitting in and listening to it.
Yeah, it's a--
I am.
Thanks. Appreciate it, buddy.
I haven't fucking seen it yet.
So Lazerhawk actually showed up early, then and actually before you did?
Yeah I figured, you know, if I'm gonna hang out with my friend at a premiere for her movie. I should probably watch the fucking movie.
Oh, it's been out.
Let's retcon this a bit then, because I imagine you're going to introduce the film to begin with.
Oh.
You probably arrived, introduced the film and then hung out.
Well, I think Lazerhawk would have seen it because the film was done before, like this film's been out for a while and was done before last season ended.
You underestimate how far Lazerhawk's head can be in his own ass sometimes.
Okay.
The film ends. Lazerhawk, what's your reaction to it?
Solid. There's probably definitely a few points where I point at the screen and, having recognized either this is something that we've gone through together or this is a story that Ruby's told me. There was definitely a few times where I point at the screen and go, "Ah!"
I think as Azra Jenkins, the lead actress on the film, I think she's starting to pick up some more roles now because of it as well.
Good for Azra.
Good for her!
So yeah, the film ends, lights come back on, Lazerhawk, you're in attendance. Also, when you look out in the crowd, Ruby, well make a perception check.
Ugh. *rolls*
Oh!
I maybe see stuff.
I bet it's that other bitch director. I forget what...Zack or something I don't fuckin know, some kind of douchebag monster-drinking bastard.
It was Beckett, right?
Yes. Beckett Smith.
16 overall for perception.
Yeah, so actually, Beckett Smith is in attendance. He's sitting in the back looking pretentious as ever.
Gonna shove his jewel pod up his ass.
You notice he's got a little notepad.
Ew. What a fuck.
And also you see Jack Dinapoli.
Good.
Jack, the person who we accidentally spread fake ashes with.
Yeah.
Ooof.
Oh no! I forgoooot.
Hey, Sloane, you're a piece of shit. *laughs* I know you're a fictional character, but...
I'm glad that I garnered enough hate for this fictional character from the players. Anyway. Yeah. So the Q & A starts, Brandon and Dan, I want you to come up with the questions that some of these random folks are asking.
Oh, this one's gonna be straight from Lazerhawk's mouth.
So the special effects on this scene were really well done. I just wanted to know, what was your inspiration behind that?
I say with a shit-eating grin.
Ruby gives a quick "fuck you" glance.
Her eyes narrow.
Narrow a little.
Well, I was inspired by some of the brave heroes here in Riverside.
I go from shit-eating grin to a legitimate one when you say that.
I've decided a special effect that has a lot of like lights in it and stuff?
Yeah.
Well, you know, I saw a sudden something on the news with Lazerhawk and his powers have such interesting visuals.
Eh, he's not that cool.
And I sit down.
And yeah, so Dan, give me a question that a random goer asks.
I mean, if Yardak wants to ask a question, I think Yardak can ask a question.
Because I wanted Yardak to go into straight up proud dad mode.
First of all, I just want to say congratulations, this movie is fantastic. I haven't seen anything better.
*laughs*
So, what's next for Ruby Lawson? Where does she go from here? Nothing could top this!
I've been writing a feature and some pilot scripts but I've been doing some PA work on something. I can't quite talk about what it is yet. But that's really exciting. Bethany, what are you working on?
Hey, everybody. Yeah, I've been working really hard on on creating some really awesome social content. So definitely be able to check me out at social.com/BethFletcher. I've been doing some freelance work on the side, and just really honing my craft of editing. And yeah, it It's been a lot of fun. So yeah, thank you so much for your question.
Yeah, this is the point where Beckett Smith walks up.
Ew.
Looking like an asshole.
I roll for mega sonic missile.
Let's just fucking blast his ass. Ruby again: Don't do it. We've had this discussion
Don't make me, I will use my hero point.
I see him look at Beckett and genuinely mouth "no" to like--
I'm just pointing like "Is the one? You want me to...?
Hi, Beckett Smith, Riverside Gazette film critic. I would just like to...this is more of a comment than a question.
So you couldn't make it as a real director so now you're a film critic? Those who can't do teach!
Don't you feel that some of those scenes were really derivative of Kubrick's work?
I adkajkls...I mean that I have a tracking shot? Kubrick may have invented the tracking shot, but it's been a while since The Shining came out. I don't think every use of it is derivative of The Shining at this point.
Fair enough. But would you also say that your relationship with Azra Jenkins has soured in the time since? People are saying that you and Azra have not been getting along in the time since; that she was actually really upset with your direction style.
I have a fine relationship with Azra, we had lunch last week. I'm very happy for all the work she's been getting. I'm not sure where that idea would have come from.
I kind of look at Bethany like, "What the fuck is he talking about?"
Oh, okay, interesting. Well, no other questions at this time. Thank you.
I have a question for Mr. Beckett Smith.
*laughs*
And Beckett turns and cocks an eyebrow.
How does it feel, using your position as part of a major publication, to continue on a petty college pissing contest?
Ooooo!
Excuse me?
Tell me. Have you looked your father in the eye in the past three years? Or rather, has he been able to look you in the eyes? 'Cause I'll tell you something. My kid grew up to be a pretentious little pittstain like you? I might not claim 'im.
And I literally hop the rail and walk out of the theater.
Oh I thought you were about to hit him. *laughs*
Yeah, I thought it was about to go down.
No, no, not yet. Not while there's people watching.
I think Beckett just looks back.
Interesting fans your work brings in.
And Beckett just strides on out.
Not exactly how I would usually address a critic, but that's correct that Miss Fletcher and I did go to film school with Mr. Smith.
And Bethany has been filming the whole time, by the way, like that whole exchange.
I respect the work of critics but Mr. Smith and I have not always seen eye-to-eye.
And I think a few other kids come up; a couple college kids come and ask about some of the more technical aspects. A little kid comes up and he just talks about how cool he thinks The Black Cat is.
Can the little kid be in cosplay?
Sure.
Oh, thank you. I love your costume. Where did you get that?
My mom made it for me.
Your mom is very talented.
And the kid kinda blushes and runs back to his mom who kind of ruffles his hair.
I wave at the little kid and his mom.
Ushers start coming in. They start clear out. And except for Jack Dinapoli, who has just been sitting and he looks like he enjoyed the film, but he looks rather serious.
Let's go talk to Jack!
Oooh, yeah, this has been a long time coming.
Where did Lazerhawk go? Haha
At this point I walk in with a Jack and Coke in my hand. This place has a bar.
Okay.
I just walk up to Ruby.
Hey, sorry about that. I wasn't gonna say anything but the second he said the Kubrick line, ya know?
Yeah, I also, I turn to Bethany.
Have you heard anything with Azra? Like, what the hell was that about?
You know, I've never wanted to get in between what's going on with you and Beckett, or him and Azra. I'm just gonna stay out of it I think.
I mean, I just want to make sure I'm not reading it wrong. Azra and I get along fine; she can work with whoever she wants to.
Right, right, right. No, you're right. You're right. I'm not saying Beckett's right here. I'm just saying that I don't want to be in the middle of it.
That's fair.
Also this is Rachel tryin to figure out if something happening, or is Beckett just being a shit? Like...
Well, if he wasn't a shit before, unfortunately I feel like I might have just caused him some problems.
What are you doing now?
Hey, Jack, thanks for coming! Did you like the movie?
Yeah, Ruby. You know, I saw it, you know you showed us all that little preview one time. It was great. It was really cool to see it up on the on the big screen, though. Congratulations.
I never get used to seeing it on the big screen. After watching it on mine and Bethany's computers for so long.
He chuckles a little bit. He looks around, he realizes the place is pretty much empty except for some Ushers.
Could we talk? And you can bring your...
He kind of motions to a Yardak and Lazerhawk.
You can bring your, uh, specially trained friends. Might need to talk to all of you.
Sure!
At this point, could I roll in insight check to get a read on Jack?
Sure.
Well I just rolled a nat one, so I'll be over here sipping on my Jack and Coke if anyone needs me.
Guess we're gonna find out the hard way.
Okay.
Yeah, I can definitely talk. I need to go say 'hi' to the owner of the theater real quick.
Sure, sure.
Also, Brandon even though you rolled a nat one, what was your total?
Oh, nine altogether.
No, no. I mean as far as you can tell, yeah, Jack is trustworthy, he just very clearly has something very serious on his mind.
Well, I mean, I wasn't necessarily trying to say that like...I was just gonna try to get a read on his. Like figure out how serious this is. But with a nine...
All you can detect is solemn.
Well, then, uh, as Ruby walks to meet with the theater dude I kinda look at him.
Is everything good?"
If it's okay, Brock, I'd like to wait till Ruby's back.
Ruby's...she's drinking whiskey sour, talking to the theater owner.
Thank you for putting this event on. This was so great.
Theater owner gives you your cut of the proceeds.
Thank you!
Your audience likes to drink. Made me a lot of money.
Always helpful when people like to drink for those sales, isn't it?
Absolutely. Next time you want to put on an event, if you want to do another Q & A or if you've got another thing coming out, definitely reach on out.
Hopefully soon. Working on some stuff. Bethany has some great stuff, too.
Yeah, yeah, I was gonna say, we can even maybe get some of her...uh...what are they? The social videos? You can put those up on the screen. You know, kids love that shit.
Kids love that shit.
And I assume Bethany came out with me to talk to the--
I mean, she's kind of still going around theater and filming. She's doing like a live cast.
Yeah, she's getting some great stuff for Social which I will make sure to tag you so people know about all the cool events you put on.
Yeah, yeah. At Raimi Theaters.
Great. Bahh
You're a very calm, poised, collected individual in this conversation. *laughs*
Well, I think Ruby's in professional mode.
And you're killing it.
That sounds great. I will leave you...
I want to say Bethany came up.
I'll leave you with Bethany for a second. An old friend is here and said he needed a word with me. So I was gonna go see what he's up to.
Sure. Sure. Pleasure doing business with you.
Great doing business with you. Hopefully we can do it again.
I, okay, even though it doesn't make sense 'cause he probably already has it, I give him a card.
Oh yeah. Okay. All right so, what, you're heading back to talk with Jack?
Yeah.
Are you there too, Yardak? You haven't really said what you've been up to?
Yeah, yeah, me and Lazerhawk walked over first, and I was just kind of waiting it out because I wasn't sure how this conversation was going to go.
So anyways, after that my kid makes the winning goal ends up winning the whole damn basketball team, er, basketball match for his team.
Bahaha! Ends up winning the whole team!
He ends up winning the whole team for his match.
Ruby, you walk back up and Jack kind of just crosses his arms and he's looking a little hesitant.
Hey, Jack.
And he kind of motions over so you guys can go to a little more of a secluded spot away from like the ushers and stuff.
Ooh.
I follow.
Okay.
Ruby, Brock, Yardak, I didn't want to talk about this here but I just didn't know when else would be a good time. I didn't want to ambush if you came to the pub. But...
What's going on?
You said Austin's dead, right?
Yes.
Uh, Austin is dead. I...
Dead dead this time?
Yeah, I I know that has to be so confusing. But he is dead now. I personally made sure that he was actually cremated this time. I suppose I should have last time but I thought I could trust Sloane.
I don't hold you responsible for that whatsoever. That's not my meaning here. I just, uh...
What is your meaning, bud?
Well, you know, Bill and Maury? They come into the bar. They're always, you know, talking shit about the mob. And you know, they used to talk about Hornet and--
Yeah.
Well, they came in this morning, yammering on, and one of them told me he saw Hornet. He told me saw Hornet last night in the North End. And I pressed him on it. I said, "No, that's impossible. No one's seen Hornet for a long time."
Well, hang on, Ruby, was that you?
No.
Oh!
I gradually stopped showing Hornets image to kind of, especially after you started patrolling the North End, I didn't think we needed the image as much.
Slams drink.
Where?
I mean, he told me it was just like couple blocks from the pub. And I didn't really press them too hard on it, but it was...I knew you had said that you had kind of been stopping with Lazerhawk being in town and Vizual Aid being on the streets. You know, people were...there hadn't been a lot of talk about it, but people still know who Hornet is. Nobody really knew what really happened. Maury bullshitts, but when he's pressed, he doesn't lie. So if he says he's solid, I believe him. And I'm just...
Huh.
Well, Jack, I would like to personally assure you that I will get to the bottom of this.
Yeah, definitely. Austin doesn't have any family, right? There's no one else who could have similar power sets.
I don't know nothing about post-humans. But no, Austin, I can say, when his parents died, it was just him.
Yeah, I know.
And after everything Austin did for the North End, and him giving his life to help us in the fight against the Blue Cross gang, there's nothing we wouldn't do to stop somebody from trying to impersonate him.
Definitely.
Jack looks at you, Ruby.
And yeah, if...uh, here.
And he goes to send you Maury's number.
If you want to reach out to him, you know, in your other way.
We established that I have a different phone for that, right?
Mmhmm.
Yeah, maybe one of us will give him a call, see what he knows.
Meanwhile, I'm already texting, Kracken.
Great, perfect. Love it.
Whatever security footage you can find from this general area from this particular night. I'm not expecting results, but I figured I'd try.
And he texts back.
You know, I got other things going on right now, Lazerhawk. I'll see what I can do.
Appreciate you as always, Kitt.
Yeah. So what do you guys do next?
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Jack. This is just odd.
You how important Austin was to me and I know, for the short period of time, y'all were really close.
I do a quick pat on the shoulder and then I just hug Jack.
Oh, he hugs back.
All right, I'm gonna head back to the pub. You know, it's gonna probably be a big night tonight. So feel free to swing by, you know, or if you got any questions.
Maybe I'll try to get some of these people to head on by, give you some more business.
And then I turn around and I yell.
After party at Jack's pub!
I would head back to that pub fast, Jack.
It should go without saying but you hear anything else, get ahold of me, please.
Of course. I just I felt like this is something I wanted to talk about in person.
Fully understandable. I'm happy you did.
I'm glad you were all here. It was good to see all of you together again.
I was even better to see you.
Yeah, it is good when we're all together.
And I just look at Lazerhawk.
I don't even acknowledge her. I'm in work mode now.
Oh, I turn to Lazerhawk.
Where are you living?
Actually I was gonna ask you to come with me.
Oh, okay. Looks like we're going with Lazerhawk.
Okay.
I'll be at the after party, soon!
I might be able to do some...let's call it "independent research".
Bethany kind of slides up next to you, Ruby.
Is there's something happening? You've got that look in your eye.
I look around. Is anyone like around Bethany and my vacinity or?
No no no. Yeah, the whole place is clearing out talking about *sings* afterparty at Jack's Pub North End.
I'll try to get there...but apparently someone thought they saw Hornet last night.
Wait, she knows?
She knows.
Bethany's always known.
Brock didn't know that.
Yes, I live with her. You think she would have noticed when I was leaving?
You've never kept a secret from someone you live with?
Oh, we don't have time to unpack all that. So anyway, yeah. Bethany takes charge about leading the after party and you know, not drawing attention away.
So we're trying to figure out what that's about? Because I mean, I swear he's dead this time.
All right. You do what you got to do, I'll corral all this.
So you don't have the van. You just specifically said you took a Lyft here.
Oop. So I did cuz I've been drinking. I didn't drive. Also, my van's not here. I took a Lyft because you know, I've been drinking.
Does Lazerhawk have Lazermobile?
No, but where there's a lazer will... Come with me behind the building?
What?
I'm thinkin' were all gonna hang on and pogo.
Yep!
Hey, everyone. So we are back in action with Season Two of Masks and Mayhem. Wanted to give a quick shout out to anyone who messaged us in between the two seasons. Gonna make a point to be clear here, going forward. We'll be transparent about any upcoming breaks, even if that changes, we'll be transparent about that as well. Originally, it was only going to be a few months in between the seasons, but then life got in the way. Anyway, we really hope you're enjoying this new episode. Also, be sure to check out our social media pages. We're going to be posting some art that we commissioned for various characters from the show including Brigand, Apocalypse Man, and Shawna Ortega. With that, let's get back to the game.
Do y'all change out of your outfits.
Up up and away!
You act like I have something else to wear, bud.
I make you clothes.
I imagine at least Ruby could change her outfit.
Oh, yeah, dude, you should at least make yourself some pants, probably.
Leggings. I'm wearing leggings.
Wait, Bethany, before you go...
And I make myself a dress more to what Vizual Aid usually wears.
Can you take this home?
And I give Bethany my dress. Look, it's nice and velvet. I don't want to get it singed by his lasers.
How irresponsible do you think I am with my lasers, Ruby?
I don't know. I've seen how irresponsible you are with your son.
Touche. All right, what am I rolling?
Brandon, you're gonna roll a strength check. Not emotional strength for that comment, but for holding the two of them.
That's gonna be a... I rolled a nat 20 so 23 all together?
Okay, yeah, I mean, as long as they're all comfortable with it. You've got a good strong enough grip to be able to hoist the two of them while--
By the scruff like kittens.
Yeah, so we do that and where we would usually make a right, I make a left.
As you cross over the curvy bridge and hang a left this time towards the northern part of the North End.
I'm doing this while we're pogoing.
By the way, why didn't you tell us you moved?
Just needed some time to...think.
That seems dangerous for you.
You know you're not the first person to tell me that this week.
This week? Oh, no!
You're pogoing along. Lights are blazing as you streak across the Riverside night sky, and you land outside of what appears to be a nondescript warehouse.
Wow, what an upgrade.
And you walk on in I imagine?
Yep. And I imagine that Ruby and Yardak are just immediately awash in a sea of pup. One of them is excited to see two people they haven't seen in a while. The other one's excited to meet new people.
I am completely...if there's upgrades to the Lazer Hut, I don't notice; just focused on dog.
All right, well, then Yardak is the one taking us all in. Yeah, as you enter it doesn't appear to be much different than its previous incarnation. Large leftover automotive equipment lines the edges of the room. There is a distinct spot for Bodega and Cafe in the corner, and what looks to be an office space that's converted into a bedroom on one end, but the vast center of the building is pretty much empty.
All right, with me into the office.
Yeah, I look up.
Do you mean your bedroom?
No, just follow me.
As Lazerhawk flips the switch, you suddenly feel a rumble as the floor in the center of the room begins to split open
Backs against the walls, trust me.
Ooo!
It reveals another room area beneath with a ramp and stairs leading down to a more elaborate command center. Lights flicker on revealing computers, forensic equipment ,and a workout bench.
Okay, Tom Cruise, can you also switch people's faces?
Working on it.
So yeah, the room opens up to just this wide array of brightly colored buttons and different screens and Lazerhawk makes his way over to what looks like the big screen.
Where the hell did you get the funds to do this?
I have a guy in Jersey, owed me over a game of poker. Anyways, I think that if I can calibrate the different settings here. Kitt showed me a way to access some of the various cameras. This one? Go away, Skype.
A voice suddenly comes over an intercom.
Brock, stop touching that.
Sir, yes sir. You sounded busy, so I thought I'd do what I can.
Yeah, well, I am. But I took a moment here; sending you over some files.
And some things are flickering up on the screen.
Okay, who the hell is that?
Oh, right. Kitt. These are my friends Ruby and Yardak. Ruby and Yardak, this is my friend, Kitt.
Hey!
Haaay!
You might have heard me refer to him as Data Kracken before.
Oh, what up? Are you like actually here? Are you like watching us on video cameras? What's happening?
No, I'm in an undisclosed location. I cannot see you. I'm just on the intercom. Pleasure to meet you, Ruby, Yardak. Enough with the pleasantries.
So the man behind the curtain stays behind the curtain. Okay.
What do you got for me, Kracken?
He just throws up some things on the main view screen there. It's basically looks like some traffic footage. And one that looks like someone's home security camera. One that's like pointing outside. In both of them, it's a freeze frame image of, like, somewhat grainy. It's black and white, but it looks like the fairly distinct uniform, formerly worn by Austin Yates aka the Hornet. You know, it's a kind of a hoodie, ski mask, sort of goggles on it.
Before the image comes up, Ruby turns to these two.
Why do I feel like we're the angels..."
And just point to the voice above.
And he's Charlie.
Oh, yes, I'm the blonde one with curls.
I don't set the missions, I just provide a little assistance here and there. But Bollea, I gotta go. Good luck.
Appreciate you as always, Deckard.
And you hear a click.
Such pleasant guy. All right, so we definitely have someone...shit. I forgot to ask him which one of these buttons enhances the vision.
I would say if y'all want to roll any technology checks.
I'll break it.
I mean, what the shit, I've got a seven. Wheeee! Nat 20!
Ay!
You remember enough about what Kracken showed you in your time working with computers on your own.
Ah, yes. Blue enhances view. Now I remember.
Magnify. Enhance.
And can I roll like a perception check to see if I missed anything particularly fucky.
Yeah, well, perception.
Okay, so it's not a nat 20 but that's close enough. Oh, 18 plus six is 24.
The only thing you notice, as opposed to Austin's outfit, this one is entirely covering; you cannot see anything about this person.
Yeah, well, they thought that far ahead.
Unfortunately.
The visor on the front is reflective so you're not seeing their eyes or anything like that, either.
I'm gonna be out in the North End tonight finding out what I can. What are you two doing?
Well, probably since we made everyone go to an after party for my film I should probably stop by there. But it is in the North End so I can head out after that.
I mean, sounds like a good plan to me. That way our faces are known and we can kind of have a bit of an alibi.
All right, then.
You're more than welcome to come. Brock, feel like once you're into business that you're not gonna...
The way I see it, someone who I watched died twice is hopping around the city again; this ain't good.
Not my favorite thing that's happened.
Guess I better suit up.
I'm always suited up.
And I move my hand over to show my mask. And then just put my hand back and take it away again.
That's always cool.
Unbuttons shirt. Specifically, unbuttons because I don't know the next time I'm gonna have enough money to afford a nice button down.
Haha, no just ripping?
Yeah, no, I ain't got that kind of money.
How do you have the suit stored? Is it in a drawer? Is it up on the wall?
It's the same place as the rest of my clothes, R.C. It's in a black trash bag. No, I'm kidding. This one is definitely like, hung up on a mannequin in the Lazer Hut.
In the Laser Hut command center at least.
I don't even technically consider the top half of the Lazer Hut the Lazer Hut. This is Lazer Hut, that Lazer Facade.
The Lazer Facade. *laughs*
Alright, so what's everyone doing then?
I guess, taking a Lyft back.
Sorry if that wasn't clear enough that the new Lazer Hut is also in the North End. It's actually closer to your apartment than the old one.
Oh, okay. Is it like, should I walk there? Or can I--?
No, it's definitely still driving.
Okay.
Yeah, like I basically just moved west along the coast.
Yardak and Ruby take a lift to Jack's pub to make an appearance. Ruby makes her dress look a little closer to the one she was wearing earlier in the night.
Okay. And the second I see them safe in their Uber, I'm on the rooftops.
How do police scanners work? Can they be small?
I mean, they do have apps actually.
Can I have an app?
Do you have a smartphone now?
It's been a year and a half, I'm assuming I've finally upgraded.
Upgraded to get a police scanner.
That and so I can Snapchat my kid.
And yeah, you're hearing about a robbery. That's not too far from where you are. And then there's a second follow up call; it said the robbery has been taken care of but they're still calling for more people to the scene.
I should at least check it out.
So you arrive it's like a little corner convenience store. There's a guy zip tied to the door of the convenience store. And he just looks beat to hell. For whatever he was doing in a convenience store, this is overkill.
Am I am I friendly with the police in Riverside by now? I'd like to think I am but that feels like more of a DM question.
Let's roll persuasion check.
All right. Yeah, cuz I'm gonna walk up to whoever's in charge. Ohhh, yay.
When you get there there's no police yet.
Oh, it's just dickwad! Well in that case I'm gonna turn that into an intimidation.
Good luck intimidating this guy cuz he is out cold.
Oh, fuck.
Yeah, he is actually....he's not even...his hands are at the top of the door but he's actually just hanging there. He's not even standing.
See, I thought there were people here.
I mean, there's probably people in the convenience store like workers or customers.
I guess will go walk in.
Hello, what happened?
And these people look terrified.
He came in, he had a gun. And he said he was he said, to give them all the cash in the drawer and we went to go for it. And then just this guy came out of nowhere and just--
Now I would like to roll a persuasion check.
Okay.
22 all together.
What do you ask him? What are you trying to persuade?
Alright, citizen. I need you to take a deep breath in. Deep breath out. I need you to be able to think clearly if you're gonna help me, Lazerhawk.
I don't get to use my public voice very often. So.
I always forget about it till you use it. And I'm like, what's happening?
And he takes a couple deep breaths.
Whoa, man. Yeah, this...guy. He just pretty much like flew on in. It was just such a blur, and there was a bunch of zapping sounds. And then this guy was on the ground. And I thought it was over. But then he just kept wailing on him. And then he picked him up, hoisted him up and set him up out there.
Did you happen to get a good look at the perpetrator?
It was the Hornet.
Tell me if you happen to see which way he bounded off to?
Yeah, I think he just jumped right up on the roof. It was just, you know, straight up jumped. It was...he didn't say a word. It was eerie, man.
Have you alerted the authorities already about the scoundrel out in front of your establishmen?
I hit the silent alarm immediately. And then I called once the guy took off.
I'm gonna need you to lock the doors until the police get here. Do you understand, sir?
And he shakily nods.
I'd like to put a hand on this guy's shoulder.
You've been a great help, to not just me, but the entire city sir. And I thank you for it.
Okay.
With that I kind of bound away and wait to scowl until my head is above the window.
Do you also jump straight up?
Oh yeah. I'm going after.
Roll a perception check.
Oh 17...6...23.
As you're kind of scanning the night sky in the area, you suddenly realize that one of the gargoyles on one of the taller buildings a little ways away is not actually a gargoyle.
Ooo!
Sort of blending in, skulking about a bit. It's a little far away and it's night out so you can't really tell.
Can I roll an intimidate?
You're too far away. This person probably just barely sees you in the same way you see them. Yeah, I mean, you can roll an intimidate. I just want to be clear, like you're far away.
I have a plan here.
Okay.
Well, I put a 15 in that; if I fuck this up, really gonna be upsetti spaghetti. 29, 14 plus 15.
Okay, what are you doing?
I'm pulsar pogoing onto that building.
You're not Hornet. Who the fuck are you?
Fists already sparked.
As you land, this person keeps kind of a defensive stance. They were already kind of leaning on the edge of the building. And they kind of just take a quick look behind them. And just hop right off.
I'm gonna follow you, dickhead, I got pulsar pogo!
And we're gonna cut back over to Ruby and Yardak.
So we're at a party. *laughs*
Yeah. So you're arriving back at Jack's pub. A bit busy for the night.
Grab another whiskey sour.
Yeah. Bethany's, cajoling, you know, the people from the after party. She's getting selfies with everybody. Jack is just pouring drinks, gives you a little nod as you arrive.
I want to throw a hand up and give a wave to Jack as we walk in, and then walk over to where Bethany is, I guess.
I also give him a nod and I join Bethany at--a couple people have posters, and I'm signing posters.
Both of you roll perception checks.
Oooh, nat 20! Plus 8 is 28.
17 overall.
I'm noticing everything; my eyes are peeled.
Yardak got them anime eyes.
Yardak, you've been to this pub enough times. You actually do see Bill and Maury in the one corner, not near any of the festivities, you know, just kind of hanging out with the regular drinkers.
And I *doop doop doop* pop on over.
Sup, guys?
Oh, hello.
Hey. So I heard Jack talking up front and he was telling me you guys saw Hornet?
And Maury looks a little shaken up.
Yeah, it was...different.
Ruby noticed him walking over, right?
Yeah, I would say you know, probably, but you're still signing posters and stuff I imagine.
I'm just kind of trying to like keep my ear open, but it might be too far away.
Yeah, it's too far away to really make it, at least from where you are right now.
Okay.
Maury is just shaken up.
Yeah, he was real different.
Different, like, different how?
You know, the Hornet was always kind of a, you know, a bit of an urban legend. And, you know, people started SEEing him seeing him but he was a hero, you know?
Yeah. So, then...not a hero?
I watched him just beat the living fuck out of a bunch of guys.
Oh.
Like these guys were already down and he just...wailed on em and he took one guy who, I think he was probably already unconsciou,s and he just took them they threw him into the corner of a building.
That doesn't sound like Hornet at all .
He was there. I watched him do it I saw the same power set it was...horrifying. I heard that one guy hit that corner; I heard a crack.
Do you think he's killed people?
I don't know. I don't know. No, we would heard about that. But like he just...there hasn't been a lot of talk because, except for I think me seeing him, I don't think really anyone knew what's going on and I don't think any of the guys he was beaten up are really talking either.
Can vouch.
Did you get a good look at him? Are you sure it was Hornet?
I'm positive, buddy I don't...like yeah, you know, he had the Hornet outfit. And he was...fists were zapping up a storm. And then he just jumped off like it was nothing. Didn't even try and wait for the police arrive, he just took off. I'm not even sure what these guys did.
Damn. Do you know who the guys happened to be?
I couldn't really get a good look. I was kind of frozen the second he took off. I kind of tried to get out of there, but...
Yeah, I don't blame ya.
I would guess probably Blue Cross gang. That's always been Hornet's thing, right? He just...again, I'm assuming. I took off.
I'm not sure what else to ask this guy.
Ruby has now noticed and has kind of made her way
Okay.
Hey, guys.
Hey, Ruby.
What are you talking about?
Telling the big guy here about about seeing Hornet.
Oh, yeah. Jack mentioned something about that.
Jack's real talkative, aint he?
People know Austin died right?
Yeah, people know that Austin died. People don't know that Austin died twice *laughs* but...
I was good friends with Austin so Jack and I've gotten close since...you know.
Just be careful out there don't get on his bad side, I guess. He ain't taking any prisoners anymore.
Meanwhile, I'm over here getting on this bad side.
Oh, Hornet was never that...I mean, obviously he hurt bad guys sometimes, but he wasn't aggressive I wouldn't say.
Well, he turned a new leaf apparently. I was just telling him, beat the ever loving hell out of some guys and I'm pretty sure broke one guy's back.
Ruby's seeing red.
Seems like an entirely different person.
I wanna say what's going through Ruby's head is, "Was told to protect by Hornet. Some dude's making it more dangerous by pretending to be Hornet."
Question?
Yeah.
Homegirl that can duplicate powers; Gemini.
Yeah.
Was she in the U.N.I.O.N. base, like in a cage?
No, she's a hero, dude.
She's an agent.
Oh, that's right.
She was like Maira's mentor.
Oh yeah, that's right. Nevermind I'm getting my people confused. 'Cause I was gonna say we made that statue with the Hornet outfit on it at the U.N.I.O.N. headquarters, right?
Yeah.
I say, because in the breakout, somebody could have stole it.
Well, that breakout was a year and a half ago.
Yeah.
I'm just saying like--
They were biding their time.
Maybe they had to lose weight to fit into the outfit. You don't know.
Anyway. Yeah.
What are y'all doing then? What are the two of you doing then?
Seeing red?
And actually, I think Maury looks over.
You okay, Ruby?
It felt like the North End was getting safer, finally. And...now it seems like whoever this dude is, is making it more dangerous again.
He's got friends, right? He's worked with Vizual Aid, he's worked with Lazerhawk before, I think. Hopefully they'll get a reign on him; it's just scary out there.
Working on it. Working on it.
Yeah, I'm sure they will.
And let's jump back over to Lazerhawk.
Get back here you sombitch! I mean, that's basically what's happening right now.
Oh, yeah. I mean, to put it in simple terms.
So yeah, this guy just did freefall down to the ground and lands three-point hero style and looks up at you.
Act like I wasn't already falling down with him. He best start running.
Okay, so he lands and then what, you land?
Land and I'm trying to be on his ass like a pair of good jeans.
Roll a dexterity check.
22 that's a 16 plus six.
Yeah, the second you land, just spins straight around and undercuts ya, just trips you right onto your back. You're gonna get a hero point for that. And just takes off running.
Just to say I tried, can I hawk a solar shotgun his way?
Yeah, go for it.
Maybe so that way I can look for the bitch on the street with a limp. *rolls* 21.
21. Yeah, actually you hit, but you actually hit him in the arm.
So okay, I just have to wait for him to walk on his hands.
And yeah, you see like a flare of sparks go off and he grabs his arm. He goes, "Agh!"
Did it sound like him?
No. You don't recognize this voice at all. Actually, roll perception.
*rolls* That is a sixteen plus six so that's 22.
You'd almost think that this voice sounds modified. You can't tell in what way but it just doesn't sound 100% natural.
You're not my friend, you son of a bitch and I'm gonna find out who you are!
He just takes off running. And I think eventually at some point you get back up and you take off running but by the time you come around the corner: gone.
I hate sending these texts. And I send a "operation Pest Control Mission failed" to the crew.
I get your text I want to say right after I was like, "I'm sure they will." I got that text *Buzz buzz* right after I looked down I...
Ha ha. Buzz buzz because it's a hornet.
I just get the text and I put the phone in the pocket.
I'm sure they're already working on it.
What are we doing next? Either of you. Any of you.
I mean I'm back on the rooftops looking again until I hear back from Ruby and Yardak to meet up somewhere. I doubt it's gonna be fruitful but you know, it's not like I'm gonna be sitting behind a dumpster playing pattycake with the wall right now.
I guess we just can message...because I mean, I doubt these guys really have anything else for us because Jack said they weren't lying and they've told us basically what we need to know so I'm gonna take out my trusty Nokia and I'm going to text back Lazerhawk.
Yeah, we kind of struck out here. We had somebody who saw Hornet beat some men down but they didn't really get a good look other than to see it's Hornet. So I guess we can meet up.
To which I respond.
I fucking had him, Yardak. I fucking had him.
Sounds like you had a little bit better luck than we did. We can meet up and maybe comb the city.
I'm gonna say all of you got a group text message but it's a new group. And only Lazerhawk has the number for the new person.
Oh, is it Kracken?
It's Data Kracken.
Yeah.
Hey, I know you got your hands full right now but I've got some intel you're gonna want.
Oooh!
It's not about this new guy. Possibly relevant. We've got...
It's a bunch of images of a group. They're all wearing like Halloween masks; like not Halloween Michael Myers, but just like different Halloween masks.,
Right.
They're not in white William Shatner masks?
Yeah, no, not in modified William Shatner masks.
This is the Halloween gang. They've been making their way all up and down the Midwest, up the northeast. They'll hit a couple banks at a time. They've been hard to track. Happened to catch this image that matched with an image from the previous town. They're on the they're on their way into Riverside.
I'm gonna respond since they're from the Midwest.
Any relation to our friends? Any of them? I've got a hell of a Rogue's Gallery.
No, no, we'd never tackled with these guys before. Normally, I wouldn't worry about it, but they tend to leave a big body count in their wake.
Yeah, usually our guys are a little better dressed.
Yeah these are literally just guys that look like they're like in cammo. And otherwise, like, you know, paramilitary kinda, but...
Paramilitary and then just, like, a gorilla mask?
Yeah, like just a random ass Halloween mask.
Okay.
They might already be there.
Appreciate you as always, Kracken. Wouldn't be able to do this without ya.
Keep an eye out.
Always.
So yeah, what do y'all do next?
I'm going to wherever we're meeting up, I guess.
Yeah, wherever...whatever random location; some rooftop somewhere, probably.
I'm assuming Ruby's sobered up enough. She can take the van.
Okay, can we meet up at Wendy's?
Do you really want to meet up at Wendy's?
I was just being an asshole.
Get a Baconator and talk about the plan?
You're gonna go back to Denny's again.
Fuck, I love Denny's too.
That was where you went the first episode of the first season.
Dude, we should go to Denny's at the beginning of every season! Do it. Let's go to Denny's!
And I imagine when Ruby and Yardak get there, I'm already on like my fourth cup of coffee.
Same biker gang's there as last time, just two years older.
They haven't left. This is not a regular Denny's.
This is a Denny's from the eighth dimension.
I ordered one of the Grand Slamwitches.
Moons over my hammy!
I assume that you guys walk up to my table and I look up.
I fucking HAD him.
We've all had people get away. Don't beat yourself up over this.
Not people that pretend to be my dead friends. Sit down. What did you guys find out?
Apparently he's violent.
Figured that one out.
What did you see?
Just some raw hamburger zip tied to a door.
God, the guy at the bar said he was just beating people up ruthlessly. He said they seemed to already be unconscious and he threw 'em against--did you say at the corner of a building? God, Austin made me promise to make the North End--
Stop.
Safer and I've been--
Stop.
...trying.
Stop. You start beating yourself up over this shit, we're not going to get this taken care of. Trust me, I know how that goes.
I just..it makes me mad that this guy is using Austin's name to make it more dangerous.
Good. It should piss you off. We channel that. Did you find anything else out?
No. Yeah all he saw was just...he just said it was Hornet, he was beating the shit out of some person.
Multiple people.
Oh yeah, multiple people. But yeah, nothing useful.
Well I can tell you that this asshole is at least able to emulate his powers. I saw his fist sparking up a little bit. And I can also say with certainty that whatever they're doing to their voice isn't natural. I hit him with a solar shotgun and his voice modulators started fucking up. I wasn't able to hear what the guy actually sounded like. But...
At least that's something.
We're dealing with someone who is at least familiar with disguise if I had to guess.
How much like Austin did he actually look like?
He was in the suit...looked about right? I didn't notice any glaring differences other than the fact that this guy was completely covered up. But we saw that in the picture back at the hut.
Got to figure out how to find this dude. And also these bank robbers sound like they're no laughing matter.
*sighs* One fish at a time.
Or maybe we could use the bank robbers to lure him out.
Ruby. That might be the most brilliant fucking thing I've ever heard you say.
Thanks?
Immediately starts texting Kitt.
Whenever you can get to it, I need you to put out a thing saying that this bank is getting a shit ton of money on this day.
We trying to do this, trying to have this happen tonight or like tomorrow night or something?
Give ourselves a night of prep?
Sounds good to me.
Yeah, that works.
I should really be learning how to do some of this stuff on my own. Can I slightly retcon what I texted Kitt?
Sure, what are you asking now?
Hypothetically, if I were to make it seem like a certain bank was getting a large shipment of money to try and draw some people out, how would I do that?
You could set up a check floater, basically make it a use one check to pay another, to make it seem like there's a hard shipment incoming, without actually having to really move any money in.
This is why you get a Christmas card every year.
I look up at the other two.
All right. I got a crazy plan.
Welp, lay it on me.
I'm thinking if we make it look like the First National Bank of Riverside's about to get a shit ton of money, the Halloween gang is going to check that shit out. And if there's bad guys as big as these guys seem to be in the area, I feel like our little imposter buddy's going to show up. Two birds, one stone.
So the First National Bank of Riverside has branches all over the city, including one in the North End.
I mean, I'm going for the one in the North End because I really don't want to go far tonight or tomorrow night. Bachelor's on.
*laughs* The Bachelor is on.
Lazerhawk's invested.
Well, we'll make you the North End, I think is more likely to draw faux Hornet out.
It is his turf. Or so he likes to think.
So the plan is to fake a shipment to First National Bank of Riverside North End branch?
Do it to it.
Unless anyone's got a better idea, that's what I'm thinking.
So Lazerhawk, you're the one doing this, then?
Uh yeah. Do you want me to roll a technology check for that?
Yeah, roll a technology check.
18: 11 plus seven.
You successfully set the wire transfer up. You set it up so that it's gonna basicaly disappear after the 24 hours but it's enough to go through for now.
Heh heh! I am the technology boy. I'm the one who bleeps and bloops.
What does everyone else doing in the meantime while you wait? Oh, and you specifically, I think state, that it's going to happen after closing the next night.
Yeah, that's a good idea.
After the sun goes down.
Maybe Ruby goes to see her injured boyfriend real quick.
Agent Alan Rickard of U.N.I.O.N. has basically just been kind of homebound for a while.
I bring him groceries. It's hard for him to get out.
Yeah, well, his whole leg is in a cast, he's kind of using a crutch to get around the house.
Real hard for him to get out.
He's going around his house with his crutch.
Hey, honey.
Hey, Ruby. Now, you know you didn't have to go out and do that.
Oh, well, I'm sorry that you're still stuck in here.
It's okay.
It was so brave how you saved us all.
I did what I had to do, and it's fine. I'll be back to work in no time. Lewis has some desk work I can do.
That's good. Yeah, you want to stay off that leg. Feel like I keep getting you hurt on the field.
That's the best thing that ever happened to me.
Awww. At least Ruby has a love life even if Rachel can't.
Reality alert! Reality alert!
Did you want to watch anything tonight?
You know, I think I'm just gonna sit home watch some Ice Road Truckers. I've been cooped up in here and I never was into the show but now I'm invested.
That's fair. I'll watch some with you.
This week on Ice Road Truckers.
Tell me, is this guy the ice, the road, or the truck?
It's nice just to spend some time with you.
Yeah, so anyway, you get to spend some time together. What's Yardak up to?
Well, obviously get ready to go out on our little excursion. Make sure that I have my spear, make sure my water skin is full of water. And I'm going to give Frank a call and let him know.
Hey, we already got a plan in motion but just to let you know, there's somebody pretending to be a Hornet in the North End. And he's like beating the shit out of people.
Jesus Christ.
We're hoping to kill two birds with one stone with a little bit of a setup here. But just to let you guys know, shit might be hitting the fan.
Duly fucking noted.
Haha! Duly. Fucking. Noted.
*laughs* Oh, I fucking love that. I want that on a fucking shirt.
And hey, Yardak, just just a heads up, you guys might be getting called in as witnesses too.
Oh, Christ.
It's not looking great. Markovic is uh...he's keeping a good face, but I can tell he's nervous.
He's the person who owns U.N.I.O.N., right?
Yeah, he's the person who funds U.N.I.O.N. He founded it.
I haven't seen anything from Betsy lately. She's been a bit of a ghost.
Is she okay? Do you know?
I think she's just taking it real hard.
I imagine. All right. I'll give you a heads up, you give me a heads up. Tomorrow night, we're going to attempt this little sting operation that we got going on. Like, you know how it goes.
Awesome. Yeah, good luck out there.
And you get a message from Data Kracken that the Halloween gang's definitely taken the bait.
Good.
Kracken got a beat on 'em, send it over to you to kind of track their car's almost there. So What are y'all doing?
I'm already on the roof.
Okay, so what time is it?
It was after it closed.
Yeah, we're just gonna say it's a little after sunset.
Okay, I'm heading over in my Vizual Aid get up.
You've taken the van? Is the van being Vizual Aided?
The van is being Vizual Aided.
Visualized?
Visualized! Let's say tha:t the van gets visualized.
What's Yardak doing?
Actually waiting on Ruby to pick me up...oh no, they're both in the North End so that wouldn't make sense. Um, so then I am actually, before Ruby left I took a Lyft to get to her house...er her apartment.
That makes sense.
Carpool to work? I can respect that. Lazerhawk's already on the roof. He's had a Rubik's cube to keep him busy.
So yeah, you arrive. Are you all getting set up on the roof...or? One retcon that I will offer is: in the new Lazer Hut, you do have a set of comms.
Hell yeah.
Yeeeessss.
Teamwork makes the dream work, baby.
Should we meet you on the roof? Or should we take on another area?
I feel like it's gonna be best to have some feet on the ground.
Sounds good.
Aye, aye. Can do.
Okay, so yeah, to give you an idea, like this is a bank. It's a pretty small branch. All of the employees have already left for the day. It's one of those ones...it's got like its front area and then it has the set of grates pulled across the front of it.
Yeah.
And actually, you know, it's one of those ATMs that you have to step inside a door, like put a little pin code in to actually get in.
Yeah.
So that's the kind of space you're at. It's got a little ATM spot and it's got a grating pulled over it. And it's kind of otherwise a rather a little bit of commercial, a little bit of residential area. Not a lot of people out; it's pretty deserted.
What month is it again?
March.
Because if Ruby's gonna try and blend in, does me making a jacket make sense in the Northeast in March?
Like a light jacket.
So Ruby can make a jacket and put a hood up and that wouldn't look odd?
Also, it's the Northeast; you can pretty much wear that anytime all time of year.
She kind of has a hood on and is like pretending to just be on her phone like leaned up against the wall near the bank. And maybe she made a coat for Yardak too to help him blend in, cover those gills up.
Just puts the spear behind his back.
Yeah, no the spear is strapped to my back. I'm wearing a bit of a trench coat with the neck part flapped up the height of the gills.
Oh god, he popped his hood.
You hear the rev of an engine as suddenly a small SUV just speeds down the street and screeches to a halt in front of the bank as like six guys get out.
As I watched this happen, I make a dagger and a sword and put the dagger in one of my boots. Actually, no swords, just two daggers. I put one of the daggers in my boots and the other one on like a sheath on my waist.
Keep it cool; don't dive in yet. I'm trying to get our pest out.
I just wanted to make sure I had weapons that were, you know, actually materialized. Didn't want to have to make them in the middle of a fight.
Understandable. Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.
We are.
Keep a close eye on what's going on in there. These assholes are violent. If things start to get violent, Ruby, you cause a distraction until Yardak and I can get in there. Understood?
Mmhmm.
Awesome. Let's bag these bastards.
Basically, six guys jump out of the van. Two of them have kind of like welding torches basically. And the other four are kind of covering them while they basically weld--or use the welding torches to get through this grating.
Okay, I'm gonna say Ruby is giving a play by play of what's happening to Lazerhawk.
I feel like from your perch Lazerhawk, you can probably see most of what's happening, but not maybe...
Yeah, but I also imagine I probably don't have the best view because I'm trying to not be completely obvious.
Everyone roll a perception check.
*everyone rolls* The crispness of the rolls on this desk!
It sounds really nice. 19, buddy.
16.
It is 24.
Yeah, I think Yardak is the only one to take enough notice of this beforehand; Yardak sees faux Hornet jump down from the window of a different building on to the bank do, kind of a combat roll, and then flip off of the roof of the bank right in the center of the the six of them. But the rest of you only see it after he's landing in between the six of them.
Neat.
Do you all do anything?
No, I don't want to jump in right away because that's a lot of people to fight. So I kind of want let them go at it for a hot sec and even the playing field and then go get our bady.
I mean, unless Lazerhawk feels differently.
I mean they're bad people and they have killed people. He said they left a body count in their wake. They are murderers.
Yeaaah, you got a point.
Of the people we've could have used for bait--
I imagine that this is a conversation actually happening over the intercom just, "Lazerhawk, they're bad people."
Not even being murderhobo about it. They have murdered!
They are actually murderhobos. They're a murderhobo party; kill, get loot, go to the next town.
Actually. Yeah, no. I've got my plan figured out. Let him take care of them. The second to last of the Halloween dudes is down, I'm gonna fuckin nail this dick bag with a solar shotgun.
I'm gonna try and stop him from doing the needlessly violent throwing against stuff.
But I'm gonna imagine like a lot of this conversation is happening like, like Yardak kind of points him out just in time for y'all to see him falling in.
Yeah.
He immediately grabs one dude, and hoists him over his own shoulders and smashes him into the other guy.
Oh, good one.
And that's when they start realizing what's happening. Two of the guys who are flanking--so two of them are already out. Two of them are welding still and two the guys who were flanking suddenly turn, he grabs the one's barrel of his gun, which starts going off. And he directs it upwards like away from everyone. And just basically the gun just keeps going off until like it runs out of bullets and it's just smoking and he just like the bank robber, the Halloween gang member, is still holding on to the gun and he just swings around and slams into the other guy who didn't get a chance to get his clip off.
So we only have the two welding guys?
He's still dealing with them.
Ruby just looks horrified, for the person doing this looks like Austin.
Understandably.
Meanwhile, Lazerhawk's a little bit impressed. Just, "Oh, that was cool."
And so the two guys, he just threw two guys that were kind of down on the ground. And the one goes to pull out a pistol, and faux Hornet just jumps and lands on him.
Ooh!
He doesn't crush him but the guy just goes, "Bleh!" and his gun goes gets tossed away. And then he kind of just turns and kicks the other guy who had just emptied his clip.
Oh God, the irony of the situation considering what I was about to do.
And he just looks at the two of them and he points and you can still see the singed marks on his outfit.
By the way, Lazerhawk. This is your last chance. Get out of here.
Oh, he's giving them an option.
Didn't see that comin'. I'm gonna use this as my opportunity to introduce myself.
Lazerhawk, if you shoot your solar shotgun at him and Ruby, if you razzle dazzle him and I can whip him, we can kind of overwhelm him at once to just try to take him down really quickly. And then we can avoid a big fight.
Click. Click.
I'll yell at him to get him to look at me so I can razzle dazzle him.
We're just like "hey" and then we all...
Yeah.
So wait on Ruby's signal?
Hey, asshole! I'm friends with Hornet, but I don't know you, so that's a problem.
So let's roll this as an intimidation, then.
I rolled a 16. 22 overall.
Nice!
So wait, wait, wait. Razzle dazzle is a problem, though, because it's an affliction, it's not-
Oh.
Everyone else is doing--the other two are doing damage attacks.
Shoot.
You could throw your knife?
Yeah.
Just yeet a dagger at him.
So you're doing a team attack and you're gonna throw your dagger?
Yeah.
All right, everyone roll your things.
First attack roll of the season. Feels good.
I'm guessing Dan got a nat 20.
Yeah!!
*rolls* Oh my god. Me too!
I got a 15. Sorry, guys.
Still, that would have been I would have been fucking wild.
Oh my god! Fuck this dude, specifically!
I roll a 26 all together, so I still feel pretty good.
30 all together.
You might not have any because you don't normally do range combat.
I don't know that I do have anything for range.
You did still roll a nat 20, that's pretty good.
I did roll a nat 20, though.
Yeah, and what about dexterity though?
It's a one.
Okay, so 21.
For flavor text purposes, I'm totally jumping off the roof when I shoot this thing.
So you're all successful.
Yee!
Dan, what is the damage? 10?
Yeah, 10.
So basically, I guess, roll against a DC of 30.
Yeaaaaaaah.
Heh heh! Get fucked.
*rolls* Oof. I want you all to describe to me what this looks like.
Hey, asshole!
I go right for his shoulder.
With a flourish I rip the cap off my water skin and take all the water out and just slap it against his legs and knock him down.
And as he's falling to the ground I dropped down from the rooftop and hit him in the back with a solar shotgun and make him bounce.
And at this point as all of these attacks hit, the Halloween gang guys we're doing the welding, go, "Oh shit," basically gather up their comrades and shuffle on into the SUV as quick as possible.
Eh, fuck 'em. Small potatoes.
Yeah, see, I'm friends with Hornet, but I don't know you. So I have a little bit of a problem right now.
While I'm just kind of standing over him.
I imagine the other two, Lazerhawk and Yardak, are also kind of standing around.
Super hang-up landing right next to him.
Everyone roll perception check.
Oh, that's less exciting. It's a seven plus--
Um, mine is actually still pretty good. Okay, and 19 over all.
A 15.
Also a 19.
Okay, yeah, you can all kind of take this in. You realize, as the figures on the ground, from the places where they were hit, there is a bit of sparks kind of coming out on the shoulder and on the leg. And you suddenly hear..
You sons of bitches.
And all of a sudden it just clicked.
Ah, damn, you took out the voice modulator.
It's a woman's voice.
Chapter 41: An Old Familiar Sting.
Masks and Mayhem uses the game Mutants and Masterminds third edition by Green Ronin publishing. We are not affiliated. The podcast is written, produced, and revealed to be committing identity theft by myself R.C. Beiler. You can leave us a review on podchaser.com if you want to give us some feedback about the show. Your review may even be read out in a future episode. Our official art is by Jenn Evans and our branding is by A.J. Solomon. Our theme music is by our own Pope Brendan Brownson. Additional music credits, social media links, blog post,s and episodes can be found on our website at masksandmayhem.com
Yeah, so what did everyone think of our season premiere?
Good episode.
Yeah, this was really fun.
Yeah!
Yeah. Like I think the whole Rickard being injured thing it's not like, one of those like, The Incident when we mentioned it, it's just like casually like, "Oh, yeah." Like it was like fucked up and so like it's not like it's drawn attention to without being like The Incident to every time we talk about it.
Yeah.
I hope you don't mind that I just decided Rickard was like being a hero for the rest of us when he got injured.
Yeah, let me actually, thank you for reminding me, I need to notate that.
Lazerhawk got to be Brock for a while. That's always fun.
You got to be a human.
Yeah.
It was fun like doing Ruby's normal life stuff.
Please let me fight Beckett.
Just gonna fist fight Beckett. *laughs*
I know R.C.'s against like, Oh, your normal people becoming super villains. If it's anyone, Beckett should become a super villain.
Oh, that'd be great.
No, I see Beckett becoming like your--
Like, like, like the trio in Buffy.
Oh, no, I was thinking he would be more like turning...using the media to turn against.
Oh, so he's J. Jonah Jamison minus the cool mustache.
Yeah, JJ. Thank you. I couldn't remember the name. What else did you like about the episode
That we ended on a fight.
You know, I always like it when we have not very combat-oriented episodes, just because it kind of forces everyone to think outside the box a little bit.
Yeah. I think we get more character moments when that happens.
Yeah, I mean, got to bring Jack back in too.
Yeah, that's nice.
I like that. You have a new dog.
*laughs* I pitched that to R.C. earlier today.
I really enjoyed the reveal of the new Lazer Hut.
I thought that was nice too.
That was cool.
Laser Hut 2.0.
Thanks for taking my idea of someone pretending to be Hornet.
Yeah, I listen to what y'all say. Alright, so what are your thoughts on the general plot of you know, the fake Hornet?
I mean, as long as it's not like a one time thing and like he's actually, you know what? I'm not even gonna do that because I don't want that. As much as I do want it, I don't wanna have to deal with it. So I'm not going to give the GM any ideas.
You're learning.
What didn't you like? What didn't work for you?
Honestly, everything worked for me this episode. I thought it ran really smoothe.
Pacing was good. And we got to yell at kid because in the notes I put "fuck that li'l film critic, bitch."
Yeah, I felt like we all got back into the rhythm of role playing together.
Agreed.
Okay, and I want to hear any speculation about the faux Hornet.
I think it's Brigand but you said was it but a woman's voice?
Grimes bot.
Oh my fucking god. I will quit this podcast right now, Robert.
I will dispell the rumors it is not--in fact, I'm just gonna make this really easy. It's no one you've ever met.
Oh, okay.
Um, maybe it's someone who also grew up on the North End and I don't know maybe it was like a fan of Hornet? That's what I'm just trying to...
It's actually Shauna Ortega with her time with the insurrection that she got some ideas.
I'd shoot myself if it was Shauna Ortega.
Actually if anyone becomes a superhero: Sauna Ortega, that would be cool.
I'm hoping that this is someone who...their heart's in the right place, they're just doing it the wrong way.
