maskormenace | 1° }} VIDEO, id: Mick Rory

[ Heat Wave turns on the video, wearing his signature costume, and tries to smile a little. ]

This is convenient, isn’t it? It's like having a support group for people stolen to an alternate universe. At least that's something. [ He wonders if it’s really a good idea, though. Mixing criminals, civilians and superheroes seems like a surefire way to get things heated. But he figures it's better than nothing.

Mick got here yesterday and has been figuring out his bearings. He’s less in shock now, so he might as well introduce himself. There’s also something he wants to address, especially given some of the folks he’s noticed merchandise for around. Just in case. ]

My name’s Mick Rory. They call me Heat Wave. I’m a hero. [ It almost sounds, very slightly, like he’s trying to convince himself when he says that. ]

I know I wasn’t always, so I wanted to make it clear. Save us all a headache. [ Pause. ] If you don’t know what I’m talking about, don’t worry about it. Just remember I’m one of the good guys.

[ Not sure what else to say, he’s about to turn off the camera when he remembers something important. ]

The pamphlet said Registration included health care – anyone know if that covers therapy?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh. [ Don't mind him, he's going to put his head in his hands.

Though that's not any less annoying either. He debates going full disclosure for a moment, before he decides it's easier to explain that way. ] Ex-con, but I reformed. Some people never accept that, so I have to drive it home.

Noooot the best place to be doing it, honestly. Probably shoulda saved it for job interviews and coffee dates.

[imPort community as a whole has some problems with people declaring I'M BETTER NOW PROMISE, regardless of what Hazel thinks about the whole thing.]

I don't mention it and people who recognize me think I'm still in the business. But I guess that means they have to believe me.

[ At least he's no longer angry at Hazel in particular. ]

Pretty much! And everybody knows that's fucking impossible no matter who you are.

Guess you're gonna have to patch this shit up with a fuckload of charity work now, huh?

Tell me about it.

Had a charity fund set up back home. I'll have to look into it here.

Straight cash looks bad when people think you're a crook. Try walking some dogs or something instead.

That's a good idea.

If what powers my file says I have is right, maybe I'll volunteer at the local hospitals.

Or a barbecue stand.

That's less of a good idea.

In Maurtia Falls, maybe. But Heropa? They fucking love their grilled shit down here.

[ That's not really what he meant, but he doesn't really want to expand further on why he's an ex-con.

But luckily for change-of-subject purposes, he really likes grilled foods. ]

Oh yeah? Anything you'd recommend?

I can tell you some popular places, but nothing personal. Medical bullshit means I can't fucking eat any of it.

[and by 'medical bullshit' she means 'I'm fucking dead as shit']

That's too bad. Don't worry about it.

Dude, I'm past worrying about it and fucking right in the middle of crying about it every night. It suuuuucks.

[ UH. THERE, THERE, COMPLETE STRANGER? ] Sounds tough. You like that stuff that much, huh?

[ He doesn't realize she means more than just grilled foods. ]

The shit I have to eat now tastes like fucking bland cardboard. I'd have to be braindead not to miss it.

That's no good.

Sometimes you have to give up on the things you love for your own good. It gets to you, though.

[ Mick, this isn't like your pyromania. ]