With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Timetech · Aug 10, 2025

Gold ~doesn't rust, so I think the "overuse" of gold might be because it's a way to create structures that are easy to make last ~forever with an application of New God power so long as no-one takes active action to unmake them.

BlackCoat13 · Aug 10, 2025

Wow. Paul has gotten stuck on hooking Catwoman up. Did she offend him or something?

BR549 · Aug 10, 2025

Timetech said:
Gold ~doesn't rust, so I think the "overuse" of gold might be because it's a way to create structures that are easy to make last ~forever with an application of New God power so long as no-one takes active action to unmake them.

The thing is, gold is also incredibly soft. It got its reputation as the material used for fancy ornamentation largely because there wasn't anything else it was really able to be used for.

So I'd suspect that if Supertown's buildings are actually Made Out Of Gold (as opposed to just looking like it - is orichalcum a thing in DC?), there's a New God technomagical reason behind it.

Frozen20XX · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
"Esmeralda was sixteen. Want to guess how old Phoebus the Guard Captain was?"

That was the original book; her age in the Disney version isn't exactly stated, but most guess she's in her early twenties. At least one book - 'Esmeralda's Lucky Charm' - backs this up by stating she first came to Paris when she was an adult, most likely to address the age-gap between them in the Victor Huge novel (though extended media hasn't exactly been consistent with her origins).

Most theorists assume Phoebus was in his thirties at minimum.

Mr Zoat · Aug 10, 2025

Duke Long said:
'though'
'applies'

Thank you, corrected.

BlackCoat13 said:
Wow. Paul has gotten stuck on hooking Catwoman up. Did she offend him or something?

Yes. Profoundly. She's deliberately ignoring her own desires, despite knowing what they are. To an enlightened Orange Lantern who likes her it's spiritual-nails-on-a-blackboard.

Chojin Patriarch · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
23rd July 2013
08:39 GMT

Roy looks towards where Supertown stands out like a wart against the verdant forest below. "Is that actual gold?"

"I didn't check. Probably not, but once you get matter transmutation technology gold isn't really anything special."

It could be some exotic alloy of gold, such as electrum or some variant of the fictional Orichalcum. The latter also has mystical associations... Who knows when you get started with Kirbytech like that?

"I wasn't thinking about the cost. It's just… Gaudy." He turns to Arisia. "Is this some sort of space thing?"

She looks a little confused for a moment. "No, we..? Don't cover buildings in gold on Graxos Four." Something occurs to her. "Except-. I think some places around the equator use gold film to reflect light away from their windows. But not for decoration."

Huh. If people on Earth did similar stuff (And the gold didn't get immediately pried off the walls) that might work. Same principle as astronaut visors, really. Micromeshes using gold as an outer layer for improved reflectivity.

Roy look towards the local star, probably working out the amount of sunlight Supertown is likely to get. Yes, that's not why. "How about other planets?"

"W-. I haven't been to all that many planets, but I haven't seen anything about other planets having gold buildings in my planetary database."

Probably because unless they're only layered in gold leaf, they would be phenomenally heavy. And structurally unsound.

Donna shakes her head. "Is this really important?"

"Different species perceive colour and shape differently. Understanding why the New Gods of New Genesis coat their buildings in gold might reveal something fundamental about their psychology."

I mean, that's a reasonable excuse to talk about it, but we can all guess why...

She throws me a quizzical look, and I manage to keep a straight face-

"Snrk."

-for a good ten seconds. It gets a chuckle out of Roy and Arisia as well.

Yeah, he's basically bullshitting.

"No, it's probably… Either someone made their buildings gold when they first got the ability to make all the gold they wanted, and now it's tradition… Or the gold thing is incidental and it's just a facet of New God technology that we can't perceive."

Donna nods. Okay, we're well inside the atmosphere here…

Time to split up, then. Who's with which Lantern?

"Roy, flight systems?"

"Finally. All systems green." I release our tether, and he's flying on his own. "Thank you."

Dangit, now I'm picturing an Iron Man suit. But this is DC, where skin-tight clothing can be effective power armour...

"Okay, I'll drop you from orbit next time. Your inertia belt system should let you survive."

He thinks for a moment. "I know you just said that 'cause I'm whining about being a passenger, but-."

And heck, he could break records for space-diving.

I nod. "You actually want to try skydiving in power armour."

He tries to shrug. "Eh."

Hey, it worked for Kirk and Sulu.

"I'll drop you when we go back to Earth." I slow to a halt. "Alright, this is it. Troia, you and Lantern Rrab have Supertown, Arsenal, you're with me." I clench my left fist. "Connect." My rings and Arisia's ring start glowing faintly. "If we get interrupted, that'll stop. Direct communication every half-hour."

Handy. But what if something unexpected interferes with it? Like, say, an anti-technology field or the like?

Three nods, then Roy and I peel off while Arisia and Donna fly onwards.

"Alright, now-."

Always so casual about amazing moments like that...

"If they react badly to us showing up, retreat. If they complain about my armour, check for threats and then get out. I got it."

"Good show. New Gods have a sort of.. magical translation assistance so you shouldn't have any trouble understanding them-."

That's one good explanation for how they can always understand and be understood by anyone.

"But the armour's got a translator program for a bunch of alien languages just in case, I got it. Seriously." I nod. "Were you serious about the woad?"

"No."

I figure any 'warpaint' stuff would be thaumo-circuitry designed to channel divine energies or something. A little hypocritical depending on how you look at it but hey, nobody's perfect.

"Uh."

"Woad is a plant native to Earth. It isn't cultivated on New Genesis. You won't recognise many plants here, through the underlying evolutionary logic which gave rise to Earth plants still apply so you might see a lot of things which look a bit like plants you're familiar with. Eating them is probably safe, but you should make sure that I'm around before consuming just in case."

Good, sensible advice. Especially when there's no biochemical barriers in fiction to prevent toxicity or infections from jumping species.

"Right. Uh…"

"I don't have files on Primitive culture, but based on what I know about tribal societies in temperate environments it's entirely possible that they haven't discovered shirt technology yet."

Or pants, either. The loinclothes are definitely a statement, though, with all those wrap strips and flaps.

"Okay."

"If that's what you were working up to asking about."

Don't worry, I'm sure the ladies are used to people wandering around with erections in their presence.

…

He sighs. "I need a girlfriend, dude."

Ah, a chance to play matchmaker! Pity Jade is already taken.

"Even though I can assume female form, I'm-"

"Huh?"

"-taken."

I know you're teasing, OL, but there's no need to mess with him like that.

"No, that-. Wasn't what I meant. Ah. Arisia. Is she..?"

"Other than the slightly off skin colour, she's basically human. Physically and culturally compatible. She's going to want to move back to Graxos Four when her training is over, but that's only in the Sector next door so the travel time isn't that bad."

She's also technically older than you, but still comparatively a teenager amongst her species... Makes you wonder how they resolve the difference in calendar ages when different planets can have different orbital periods.

"Okay, but you know her better than I do."

"Well, yes, and if you want me to tell you her tells for what construct she's going to make then I can certainly do that, but I've only really interacted with her professionally."

And even his metaknowledge might be fuzzy on details besides 'teenaged on her world' and 'aged herself up to date Hal Jordan'. She's not really that well-known in general media, is she?

"But don't you know what everyone around you wants?"

"I can see what they want, and-" I make a point of looking at him, and when he doesn't complain… "-if you're looking for normalcy then you've completely missed the boat. But I generally don't share what I know with other people due to respecting their privacy."

It's definitely a moral quandry in that respect. To look too deep and discover things you'd rather not have known about friends...

"I-. No, that's fair."

"Also, she's got a massive crush on Lantern Jordan."

Yeah, try telling him something everyone doesn't know.

"Huh?"

"That's not a privacy violation; she's not exactly subtle-."

So, good to have that confirmed, at least. And Hal isn't reciprocating, thankfully. Not enough emotional trauma for that yet.

"But he's her teacher." I give him a look. Come on, we were both teenaged boys, don't be a hypocrite. "And like, twenty years older than her!"

"Twenty two, to be precise. Ah. Have you seen the Disney film 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'?"

Frollo's secret romantic passion was a bit messed up, but... Oh, right.

"Yes?"

"Esmeralda was sixteen. Want to guess how old Phoebus the Guard Captain was?"

Like Frozen20xx said, they tweaked things, probably for exactly that reason.

"Twenty two years older than her?"

"About that. So it's not a lost cause, and I think that Jordan would thank you for trying because he finds it creepy too… But it's not that weird that she'd find a mature man attractive."

And, not do defend the situation, that sort of age difference would have been common-ish in the era. Especially in arranged marriages, rather than love matches.

"Okay. You got any better suggestions?"

"Ah. Catwoman's single?"

Bad idea to date a supervillain, though. Because not only do you drag her into your problems, she'll drag you into hers. Unless you move in the same circles like Batman did, and the problems are shared...

I suppose when you're stuck flying rather than 'teleporting' to your destination, there's always time to talk about shit. At least it's something constructive like getting a lonely hero a date (and a social support structure) rather than which superheroine is hottest

(Personal tossup between Barda and Diana.) Hey, who know, maybe he'll meet a nice Primitive girl?

Darko · Aug 10, 2025

Chojin Patriarch said:
That's one good explanation for how they can always understand and be understood by anyone.

So basically like the Allspeak gods from Marvel have.

Chojin Patriarch said:
I figure any 'warpaint' stuff would be thaumo-circuitry designed to channel divine energies or something. A little hypocritical depending on how you look at it but hey, nobody's perfect

As long as it's not made from metal.

WereDragon · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
"Okay. You got any better suggestions?"

Ask someone else. While there are people worse at romance than Paul he is well below the average.

Jankl · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
"Good show. New Gods have a sort of.. magical translation assistance so you shouldn't have any trouble understanding them-."

I Assumed that New Gods just had their motherboxes Translate for them? So is this like all speak in Marvel?

Mr Zoat · Aug 10, 2025

Jankl said:
I Assumed that New Gods just had their motherboxes Translate for them? So is this like all speak in Marvel?

Doylist, I just needed a reason why he could talk to them.
Watsonian, no, they just understand intent really easily.

Jankl · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
Doylist, I just needed a reason why he could talk to them.
Watsonian, no, they just understand intent really easily.

In season 1 episode 17 "Disordered" We see the Forever people use their motherbox to translate for them. So I assume motherboxes here can't do that here?

Ngamer11 · Aug 10, 2025

Jankl said:
In season 1 episode 17 "Disordered" We see the Forever people use their motherbox to translate for them. So I assume motherboxes here can't do that here?

The Primitives might not have Motherboxes.

PJCG · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
"I don't have files on Primitive culture, but based on what I know about tribal societies in temperate environments it's entirely possible that they haven't discovered shirt technology yet."

The link doesn't seem to want to open properly. I don't know if the problem is on my end though.

Steelplaza · Aug 10, 2025

OL is very relaxed with Roy to be able to banter like this.

Maybe he should just start outsourcing request for romantic assistance to the violet light wielders. There's someone on Earth with a violet ring, right? I bet there's some kind of advanced violet light technique where you can find someone's perfect romantic partner even if the two of them have never met. It certainly seems like the sort of thing that portion of the emotional spectrum can do.

Mr Zoat · Aug 10, 2025

Steelplaza said:
Maybe he should just start outsourcing request for romantic assistance to the violet light wielders. There's someone on Earth with a violet ring, right? I bet there's some kind of advanced violet light technique where you can find someone's perfect romantic partner even if the two of them have never met. It certainly seems like the sort of thing that portion of the emotional spectrum can do.

Yeees, but that's Ghia'ta and Dame Carol Ferris. It would be awkward with Ghia'ta because despite her great age she was relatively closeted until recently so acts younger and he'd probably fine her attractive. Dame Carol is a bit... Odd.

PJCG said:
The link doesn't seem to want to open properly. I don't know if the problem is on my end though.

It works for me. Anyone else?

Jankl said:
In season 1 episode 17 "Disordered" We see the Forever people use their motherbox to translate for them. So I assume motherboxes here can't do that here?

No, they can, but Primitives don't use that technology.

PJCG · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
It works for me. Anyone else?

Never mind, false alarm. It works well now, for me.

Stsword · Aug 10, 2025

BR549 said:
So I'd suspect that if Supertown's buildings are actually Made Out Of Gold (as opposed to just looking like it - is orichalcum a thing in DC?), there's a New God technomagical reason behind it.

Yes, with two different sets of properties.

It's been an Atlantean metal that has some rather Nth Metal like properties- antimagic, usable as an energy source, strong enough to restrain or damage Kryptonians.

In the Bug! series starring Forager it was what Kirby's Sandman's dream whistle was made out of which allows him to breach the barrier between the waking world and the world of dreams.

Darko · Aug 10, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
Yeees, but that's Ghia'ta and Dame Carol Ferris. It would be awkward with Ghia'ta because despite her great age she was relatively closeted until recently so acts younger and he'd probably fine her attractive. Dame Carol is a bit... Odd

There's also Chantinelle.

I remember her using her love magic to send Paul to Reformation Island by using the love an Amazon on Themyscira had for an Amazon on Reformation.

Maybe she could do something similar to Paul's Honden thing and find the perfect romantic partner for Roy.

Old Knife · Aug 10, 2025

Frozen20XX said:
That was the original book; her age in the Disney version isn't exactly stated, but most guess she's in her early twenties. At least one book - 'Esmeralda's Lucky Charm' - backs this up by stating she first came to Paris when she was an adult, most likely to address the age-gap between them in the Victor Huge novel (though extended media hasn't exactly been consistent with her origins).

Victor Hugo was in Napoleonic france during this time.
Age of Majority was 21.

Setting during the hunchback? 1400's. No age of majority.
Girls could legally marry at 12 though.

So 12-21?

The Chosen One · Aug 10, 2025

Jankl said:
In season 1 episode 17 "Disordered" We see the Forever people use their motherbox to translate for them. So I assume motherboxes here can't do that here?

Possible that the Forever People are (or were) particularly young and inexperienced as New Gods go, haven't fully come into their god names yet, and/or otherwise just aren't good at that technique.

Frozen20XX · Aug 10, 2025

Old Knife said:
12-21

I'm doubtful the writers cared about the actual age of majority was when they wrote that Esmeralda's Lucky Charm. Still, odds of Disney Esmeralda being sixteen while Phoebus is in his thirties unlikely.

CrazyNoVa · Aug 11, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
"Ah. Catwoman's single?"

Goddamn, he will just NOT let that go, will he?

Steelplaza said:
OL is very relaxed with Roy to be able to banter like this.

Maybe he should just start outsourcing request for romantic assistance to the violet light wielders. There's someone on Earth with a violet ring, right? I bet there's some kind of advanced violet light technique where you can find someone's perfect romantic partner even if the two of them have never met. It certainly seems like the sort of thing that portion of the emotional spectrum can do.

A Star Sapphire matchmaker would be hilarious.

Well, as long as they don't go too crazy about it. (*cough* Miri Riam *cough*)

Mr Zoat said:
Yeees, but that's Ghia'ta and Dame Carol Ferris. It would be awkward with Ghia'ta because despite her great age she was relatively closeted until recently so acts younger and he'd probably fine her attractive. Dame Carol is a bit... Odd.

Yeah, Zamarons and Star Sapphires tend to operate on Blue-And-Orange morality, so that checks out.

Plus, their definition of love can be rather…alien, sometimes.

Darko said:
There's also Chantinelle.

I remember her using her love magic to send Paul to Reformation Island by using the love an Amazon on Themyscira had for an Amazon on Reformation.

Maybe she could do something similar to Paul's Honden thing and find the perfect romantic partner for Roy.

Ooh, interesting idea! Why not give her a Star Sapphire Ring too? The synergy between the violet light and love elemental powers would produce some interesting results.

Mr Zoat · Aug 11, 2025

15th August 2000
09:39 GMT

Senior Agent Blaze shudders as we appear next to the standing stone circle closest to Dublin.

"Sir? Are you alright?"

"Aye… Jus' takes a little gettin' used to, oi'm tinking."

"Sir, there isn't much data on what happens when banshee are exposed to power rings. Sir Percival told me that he was always careful in case something that advanced… Accelerated things faster than human technology."

"Oi already went t'rew the Iron Death once, t'ank you very much. Oi'm not likely to forget how it goes."

"As you will, sir." I step forwards, runic entry token raised, at the same time as she rises off the ground. "Ah."

"Put that awey." She raises her hands, the standing stones glowing in response for a moment and then… We're inside. In an adjunct to the main chamber, rather than the garden where I appeared the first time. Probably why she wanted to take the lead; she can actually control where we go.

I follow her as she leads the way towards… Where a small group of three banshee are doing something to a crystal growth. "Is that something that I can learn? Is it something I should learn?"

"Oi've got no idea and no, definitely not."

"Alright. Can I ask 'why'?"

"When uther type o' energy run threw the system, it throws all the energies out of alignment. Oi dread t' t'ink what yewer ring would do to it."

That's a fair point. "But there's no problem with me bringing the ring or lantern through?"

"There hasn't been up 'til now." The three banshee we're heading towards turn away from what they were doing to face us. "Where's Queen Mab?"

The blue-haired one smiles faintly. "You'd do better askin' yon squire about that."

The green-haired one nods. "Moit be gettin' a new princess out 'f it, if we're lucky."

Senior Agent Blaze looks mildly annoyed at the third member of the group. "Bláthnaid, 're you going t' give me a straight answer, or are you goin' three fer three in bein' unhelpful nitwits?"

I wince. "I think I… I worked it out. She's seeing Sir Percival. Um. Possibly amorously."

Bláthnaid… Smirks. "She had a daughter by him. And they've been apart a while." She looks pointedly at Senior Agent Blaze. "You've not been lettin' yers run around on his owen, I hope?"

"Nick c'n look after hisself. Is Sh'rain about, or is she visiting with her..?" Senior Agent Blaze's mouth shifts awkwardly for a moment. "Fahther."

"She's oot, checkin' on some o' the standing stones we haven't been able t' get at fer a while."

Senior Agent Blaze sighs. "Please tell me she's not on her owen."

"Niamh's with her. She'll no' be in any danger."

"So who's in charge 'til they get back?"

The three look at each other for a moment, and then smile smugly.

Bláthnaid shrugs. "Yew? That's how it was last time, and the Queen hasn't made a new Will."

Senior Agent Blaze scowls. "Jus' tell me where Sh'rain and Niamh are exactly."

"You'll not be wantin' t'see Mab then? Could be educational, with you having a new mate."

Blaze… Actually blushes faintly. "I'll not be needin' that kinda education, thank yew very much."

I awkwardly raise my right hand. "Sir, do I need to be here? This sounds like it could be personal."

Bláthnaid smiles... Hungrily. "Could be fer both a' yuhs. Now we're not so worried about hidin' awey, plenty o'bahshees will be lookin' fer mates o' their own."

I raise my eyebrows. "Are you reopening communications with your homeworld?"

She walks closer and… Takes hold of my lapels. "That wasn't really where I was goin' with that."

I regard her flatly. "My home has every modern convenience known to man. It would literally drive you insane."

"Moin doesn't, and yew c'n teleport back to America."

"That's… True." I look Bláthnaid over. Lilac hair, generally pleasing form, superpowers… "Alright then. Dinner? I can pick you up at six, local time?"

She blinks, while her two friends grin at her. "Huh?"

"I don't know what banshee courtship is like, but communal eating and conversation are good standbys amongst humans." I take her hands from my lapels and gently raise them to my lips. "If you're willing."

She blinks, pulling away slightly. "Ah…"

Senior Agent Blaze loses her patience. "Sh'rain. Where is she?"

Bláthnaid backs up a step, retrieving her hands and turning to Senior Agent Blaze. "North. On th' coast. Near the Giant's Causeway."

"Roit." Senior Agent Blaze turns away and walks purposefully back towards the standing stones. "Let's get gowin'."

I follow on behind her, briefly turning back in Bláthnaid's direction. "I'll see you tonight!"

She nods awkwardly, while her green-haired friend gives her a shove.

Senior Agent Blaze gives me a mild glaring. "What was that in aid of?"

"Her or me, sir?"

"I t'ink I know what she were aimin' fer. I thought yew'd have more sense."

"Banshee menfolk may be content to stammer and stutter when a woman shows interest, but that's not really how humans do things. The Alliance is responsible for policing all alien populations but since she's not the subject of an investigation there's no conflict of interest. Is there a problem that I'm not seeing?"

"Oi had t' submerge myself in human society fer a long time t' understand it. She hasn't. She isn't goin' t' have the sloitest clue."

"I know." I smile. "It's going to be fun. And honestly, getting a grasp of the average banshee's grasp of what's going on is probably going to be more useful than your own unusually insightful view." She raises her eyebrows. "Other isolationist communities are going to be in a similar position, and a lot of our work will be with them."

"We'll be back t' shootin' vampires before too long."

She's going to have a fun time when Alliance Personnel Resources gets around to writing a racial equality policy. But I should phrase it diplomatically.

"Oh, I don't think so, sir. I don't think that Chairman Dorn will allow anyone who embarrasses him or weakens his negotiating position to survive the experience. He's making too much money."

She huffs dismissively. "He'll show his true colours soon enough."

"I believe that his true colour is green, sir. I don't suppose that the Giant's Causeway actually has any significance, does it?"

She shakes her head. "Not as far as oi know. If the titani were throwin' rocks at somethin', it's not there any more."

"Good show. Then let's hope this is simple. Oh, and if there's any advice you can give me about courting a banshee female, I'm all ears."

Darko · Aug 11, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
Banshee menfolk may be content to stammer and stutter when a woman shows interest, but that's not really how humans do things

Well some do.

john doe 777 · Aug 11, 2025

What tv show is this even based on cuz I've never heard of it

Mr Zoat · Aug 11, 2025

john doe 777 said:
What tv show is this even based on cuz I've never heard of it

The Roswell Conspiracies.

Kurai · Aug 11, 2025

It never ceases to amuse me how quickly Paul can move when he's interested, even casually - the fact that it put the local "Weird Sisters" equivalent on the back foot and stopped them from continuing to annoy my favourite banshee is almost just the proverbial icing . . .

john doe 777 said:
What tv show is this even based on cuz I've never heard of it

It was a cartoon called Roswell Conspiracies: Aliens, Myths and Legends - sadly more obscure than it deserves to be, circa 1999-ish, if I remember correctly . . .?

Chojin Patriarch · Aug 11, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
15th August 2000
09:39 GMT

Senior Agent Blaze shudders as we appear next to the standing stone circle closest to Dublin.

"Sir? Are you alright?"

Minor reaction to the Ring's electromagnetic fields? Honestly, I figure it would be a lot gentler than human tech, which is quite a bit more brute-force than the Ring's end-of-all-the-tech-trees elegance. Or perhaps just Transition lag. Remember when OL would sometimes (figuratively) leave his stomach behind?

"Aye… Jus' takes a little gettin' used to, oi'm tinking."

"Sir, there isn't much data on what happens when banshee are exposed to power rings. Sir Percival told me that he was always careful in case something that advanced… Accelerated things faster than human technology."

Eh, if it is caused by EM emissions, the Ring should produce less when it's not actively generating constructs.

"Oi already went t'rew the Iron Death once, t'ank you very much. Oi'm not likely to forget how it goes."

"As you will, sir." I step forwards, runic entry token raised, at the same time as she rises off the ground. "Ah."

So it's possible to adapt to the EM thing, but it feels like halfway to dying, going by context.

"Put that awey." She raises her hands, the standing stones glowing in response for a moment and then… We're inside. In an adjunct to the main chamber, rather than the garden where I appeared the first time. Probably why she wanted to take the lead; she can actually control where we go.

Makes sense. I doubt every banshee going in or out goes through that one little garden. Would kind of ruin the tranquillity if it had much traffic, after all. Or the Rune is specifically keyed to that spot because it used to be Percival's, and, well...

I follow her as she leads the way towards… Where a small group of three banshee are doing something to a crystal growth. "Is that something that I can learn? Is it something I should learn?"

"Oi've got no idea and no, definitely not."

Presumably as a courtesy to prevent any perceived 'invasion' of their halls. It'd be a big security risk, after all.

"Alright. Can I ask 'why'?"

"When uther type o' energy run threw the system, it throws all the energies out of alignment. Oi dread t' t'ink what yewer ring would do to it."

Ah, it's not really designed for anything but the Banshees' own psychic energies, then.

That's a fair point. "But there's no problem with me bringing the ring or lantern through?"

"There hasn't been up 'til now." The three banshee we're heading towards turn away from what they were doing to face us. "Where's Queen Mab?"

I guess because neither really radiate their energies passively. And once the transit is initiated, it's not drawing energy.

The blue-haired one smiles faintly. "You'd do better askin' yon squire about that."

The green-haired one nods. "Moit be gettin' a new princess out 'f it, if we're lucky."

Ah, gossip, eh? Sounds like Percival is enjoying renewing his friendship with the Banshee Queen.

Senior Agent Blaze looks mildly annoyed at the third member of the group. "Bláthnaid, 're you going t' give me a straight answer, or are you goin' three fer three in bein' unhelpful nitwits?"

I wince. "I think I… I worked it out. She's seeing Sir Percival. Um. Possibly amorously."

Definitely enjoying themselves. I would expect a maltusian of his age to be quite the lover just from practical experience.

Bláthnaid… Smirks. "She had a daughter by him. And they've been apart a while." She looks pointedly at Senior Agent Blaze. "You've not been lettin' yers run around on his owen, I hope?"

"Nick c'n look after hisself. Is Sh'rain about, or is she visiting with her..?" Senior Agent Blaze's mouth shifts awkwardly for a moment. "Fahther."

If Percival is doing what I think he's doing, then that would just be awkward. Or possibly something for certain adult sites.

"She's oot, checkin' on some o' the standing stones we haven't been able t' get at fer a while."

Senior Agent Blaze sighs. "Please tell me she's not on her owen."

Because half-maltusian or not, she's still a princess, eh? And presumably the only one present.

"Niamh's with her. She'll no' be in any danger."

"So who's in charge 'til they get back?"

What with the Queen being occupied with her entertaining, eh?

The three look at each other for a moment, and then smile smugly.

Bláthnaid shrugs. "Yew? That's how it was last time, and the Queen hasn't made a new Will."

Oh, joy... Also, these three are definitely playing up the wyrd sisters gag. For the lulz, no doubt.

Senior Agent Blaze scowls. "Jus' tell me where Sh'rain and Niamh are exactly."

"You'll not be wantin' t'see Mab then? Could be educational, with you having a new mate."

That's an education best left to her own cognisance.

Blaze… Actually blushes faintly. "I'll not be needin' that kinda education, thank yew very much."

I awkwardly raise my right hand. "Sir, do I need to be here? This sounds like it could be personal."

Looking to duck out before he has an embarrassing encounter with either his mentor or a VIP, eh?

Bláthnaid smiles... Hungrily. "Could be fer both a' yuhs. Now we're not so worried about hidin' awey, plenty o'bahshees will be lookin' fer mates o' their own."

I raise my eyebrows. "Are you reopening communications with your homeworld?"

If I remember, that was rather tricky, given the EM issues and the distance?

She walks closer and… Takes hold of my lapels. "That wasn't really where I was goin' with that."

I regard her flatly. "My home has every modern convenience known to man. It would literally drive you insane."

Well, modern for the current time. At least he doesn't need a PC or Internet, with the Ring.

"Moin doesn't, and yew c'n teleport back to America."

"That's… True." I look Bláthnaid over. Lilac hair, generally pleasing form, superpowers… "Alright then. Dinner? I can pick you up at six, local time?"

Oh boy, fraternisation ahoy!

She blinks, while her two friends grin at her. "Huh?"

"I don't know what banshee courtship is like, but communal eating and conversation are good standbys amongst humans." I take her hands from my lapels and gently raise them to my lips. "If you're willing."

And he's turning on the charm. Good luck, boyo!

She blinks, pulling away slightly. "Ah…"

Senior Agent Blaze loses her patients. "Sh'rain. Where is she?"

Aw, she wasn't ready for that strong a come-on.

Bláthnaid backs up a step, retrieving her hands and turning to Senior Agent Blaze. "North. On th' coast. Near the Giant's Causeway."

"Roit." Senior Agent Blaze turns away and walks purposefully back towards the standing stones. "Let's get gowin'."

Hmm, the lady might like the treatment, though. Pity work calls.

I follow on behind her, briefly turning back in Bláthnaid's direction. "I'll see you tonight!"

She nods awkwardly, while her green-haired friend gives her a shove.

In like Flynn!

Senior Agent Blaze gives me a mild glaring. "What was that in aid of?"

"Her or me, sir?"

"I t'ink I know what she were aimin' fer. I thought yew'd have more sense."

Hey, if Sh'lainn doesn't know how human guys think around pretty ladies by now, she's not been paying attention, has she?

"Banshee menfolk may be content to stammer and stutter when a woman shows interest, but that's not really how humans do things. The Alliance is responsible for policing all alien populations but since she's not the subject of an investigation there's no conflict of interest. Is there a problem that I'm not seeing?"

I assume the males are polite, well-spoken and easily-flustered young gentleman types. And not really expected to be too forwards.

"Oi had t' submerge myself in human society fer a long time t' understand it. She hasn't. She isn't goin' t' have the sloitest clue."

"I know." I smile. "It's going to be fun. And honestly, getting a grasp of the average banshee's grasp of what's going on is probably going to be more useful than your own unusually insightful view." She raises her eyebrows. "Other isolationist communities are going to be in a similar position, and a lot of our work will be with them."

And it'll be good practice for her, then. Easing the Banshee into peaceful interactions with modern humans is definitely a good plan, as much as they'd prefer remaining apart.

"We'll be back t' shootin' vampires before too long."

She's going to have a fun time when Alliance Personnel Resources gets around to writing a racial equality policy. But I should phrase it diplomatically.

Ah, the fun of working with former enemies, eh?

"Oh, I don't think so, sir. I don't think that Chairman Dorn will allow anyone who embarrasses him or weakens his negotiating position to survive the experience. He's making too much money."

She huffs dismissively. "He'll show his true colours soon enough."

Only in the pursuit of profit, from the sounds of it.

"I believe that his true colour is green, sir. I don't suppose that the Giant's Causeway actually have any significance, does it?"

She shakes her head. "Not as far as oi know. If the titani were throwin' rocks at somethin', it's not there any more."

"Good show. Then let's hope this is simple. Oh, and if there's any advice you can give me about courting a banshee female, I'm all ears."

Ah, right, there are actual giant aliens, aren't there? so many of those myths and legends being inspired by alien visitors and castaways

Why do I get the feeling this isn't going to be as easy a run as they think? Besides the usual dramatic plot reasons, anyway? At any rate, at least they'll have some great scenery for whatever happens. Plus, it is good to see an older gent like Percival getting out and about again, and 'paying his respects' to old friends.

Zig · Aug 11, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
Senior Agent Blaze loses her patients. "Sh'rain. Where is she?"

Patience, unless she's a doctor?

Kiden · Aug 11, 2025

Mr Zoat said:
Senior Agent Blaze loses her patients.

Patience here, she's a little early to break into this musical number:

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ymNkNWdCUjk

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Getting out there.

This Space Intentionally Left Blank

This is filth! FILTH!!

Making the rounds.

Dedicated ragequitter

Veteran Lurker

Connoisseur.

Bookwyrm

Your first time is always over so quickly, isn't it?

Dedicated ragequitter

Your first time is always over so quickly, isn't it?

Experienced.

Know what you're doing yet?

Custom Title

Dedicated ragequitter

Know what you're doing yet?

Versed in the lewd.

Connoisseur.

I trust you know where the happy button is?

Making the rounds.

Making the rounds.

Not too sore, are you?

Dedicated ragequitter

Connoisseur.

Know what you're doing yet?

Dedicated ragequitter

Making the rounds.

Veteran Lurker

Not too sore, are you?

Getting sticky.

Users who are viewing this thread