capeandcowl | 1G

[ there's a pair of thumbs clumsily blocking the camera for a moment, and then a boy's face appears. the kid's barely a teenager, and he looks a little nervous, but he smiles politely for the camera. ]

Looks like it's working. Good. Uhm– [he takes a deep breath, then launches into a clearly-rehearsed speech] –Hi, everyone. My name's Alex Power. Obviously I'm new to this place, but I've already read all those pamphlets they gave us and done some research, so I think I'm mostly caught up on the City and how it works.

[ he smiles wider, though it's a bit forced. ]

It's pretty weird and all, but, my family lives in Manhattan, so I'm kinda used to weird. Superheroes really aren't anything new, ya know? [ he sighs, then catches himself and laughs a bit, awkwardly. ] If my parents were here they'd tell me to try and make the best of it, and that's what I'm going to do. I guess I'm headed to the MAC Building, so...if any of you are living there now, lemme me know if you want to meet up? I don't know anyone here yet.

[ ohgod. being abducted is nothing new, but alex hates being in a weird place without his family. MUST ACT MATURE. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Alex... [This is really hard for her to say.] There are people from his world, that Reed Richards, they've said some... distressing things about him. I still haven't gotten the full story, but I thought you should know. It might be best if you kept your distance a little.

The Johnny that's here, he's from that world. The Susan is from a third world entirely.

About Dr. Richards? What kinds of things? [ Alex had picked up on the guy being a little rude, sure, but he'd chalked that up to him being younger. ] He's been pretty nice to me. I didn't tell him about any Power Pack stuff, though.

[ the fewer people who know their secret identities, the better. ]

He did bad things and is possibly dangerous. He hasn't really done anything here that I can tell, but reactions were pretty extreme when he arrived. You can probably find them in the archive of your comm device.

[She shrugs, it's hard for her to wrap her head around, too.] I don't know what else to say, I won't say you can't or shouldn't talk to him, but don't go meet him without me, or Susan or Johnny with you.

Dr. Richards? Dangerous? But he only uses science to help people!

[ Alex looks incredulous at the thought. still, he'll probably check the archives like she says--more information can't hurt. and the guy is from another universe. ]

...Okay, Rachel. I don't know if I can believe that about Dr. Richards, but if you're that worried about it, I'll be careful. [ he doesn't like people acting like they know what's best for him because they think he's a kid, but, she might have a point on this one. and Alex does owe her a lot. in any case it's not worth arguing over. ] I don't think I've really got any reason to meet him in person anyway, here. [ yet. ]

[She's trying to be calm, but the idea of an unstable Reed Richards is something that chills her.]

He does in our world, maybe he does in his, I only know what I've been told and those people didn't have any reason to lie. And Alex, I've seen a lot of good people go bad, some of them because they think they're doing the right thing. Just... be careful.

[She presses her hand to her forehead.] I know you're probably going to meet Katie, and I'll make sure there's room for you here if you want it, but Alex, you need to trust me. I know it's hard, I know you don't want to, but just for the time being, okay? I know you think you don't need someone to look after you, but you do. You're underage in a city filled with super-powered heroes and psychopaths.

All that's nothing we haven't dealt with a hundred times already...!

[ Alex quickly catches himself and bites down on the rest of his retort. if Rachel were one of his siblings, he'd be full-on yelling by now--but she's a grown-up, and she's an X-Man. even if they don't agree on everything, he at least respects her opinion. ]

We're not gonna stay at the Institute, Rachel. But--really--I'm totally grateful that you offered. You're our friend, and I trust you as much as I trust anyone in this crazy place. And I'm really, really glad that you were here to take care of Katie when she arrived.

I promise if we need any help, you'll be the first person we call! Honest. [ a pause. ] And you can do the same for us, okay? Power Pack's here to help!

[Here's where she tries on her best mom-voice. It's actually not too bad, considering.] Just because you're experienced, doesn't mean you're not still an underage kid. You can't be living on your own. It's illegal, not to mention irresponsible.

They already know I'm here. What are they gonna do, kick us out of the apartment? It's not like I won't get us registered for school and everything! I've been responsible for my siblings loads of times!

[Sighs. Resists the urge to strangle.] Alex, how old are you?

[ Humph. ] Thirteen.

[ You know--that wonderful age when you think you're right about everything. ]

You're not legally an adult until you're eighteen. You need to live somewhere there's an adult to at least make sure you come home every night.

[ ouch. that one hurt. Alex can't look directly at the camera. ]

...Maybe our mom and dad will show up soon.

Maybe, but until then...

[ Alex takes a deep breath, suddenly looking decisive. ]

...I've got to go, Rachel. I'm sorry.

[ and, yes, now he is pulling a total brat teenager move and hanging up on you. -click!- ]

[GDI.]

1G | VIDEO

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