Log:Book Signing, Interlude

From Champions MUSH

Advances Plot:
None
Previous Scene:	Next Scene:
None	None
Contains Appearances by:
The Senator, Dr. Derrick Jacobs,Dr. Roland Hammer,Donald, Lorelei, Sable,Imaginary Girl
Log Date:
01/09/2009

Mega Mall consists of three stories of shops with a gigantic International Food Court in the center, along with a wide variety of other services required by shoppers as they traverse through the large zigzagging corridors. Overhead, large bulletproof lexan skylights let in the natural light of daytime, while full spectrum bulbs are attached around the ceilings to provide light on those sunless days. The floor is made of a special plasti-rubber material that reduces customer fatigue with walking around the shopping mecca. At the end of each corridor, a Mall Directory has been provided to help customers navigate through the mall easily. Stairs, escalators and a glass bubble elevator transport people to the three different levels. Benches are scattered about for tired shoppers to rest on, and in the very center of the food court, is an artificial waterfall and pond. Even in this day and age, people still throw coins into the fountain. On the far end of the Food Court is an entertainment area with a raised stage.

The mall isn't nearly as busy as it was at Christmas time. The crowds are down to a more normal level, with scattered shoppers moving to and fro. The exception is the local bookstore, where a book signing is happening. There is a long line of people in various states of dress, ranging from people in suits to people in casual clothing. And...more than a few 'fringe elements'. There are people in shiny spandex outfits with and without capes, all in various colors. There's even what looks like a humanoid lizard in line.

The person signing books has a large cardboard standee behind him of himself in a suit, standing next to a large suit of power armor (also part of the standee). The person signing appears to be (according to signs) 'Dr. Derrick "Armament" Jacobs'.

Armament(#1689TOnp)

Big. That's the way to describe this huge suit of power armor, approximately 8 feet tall. The suit is metallic looking...and mostly white and silver. The helmet is white, aside from the darkened visor. The armored torso is white with the abdomen a red color, with a large letter 'A' where a belt buckle would go. The arms and legs are silvery-metal, and the gauntlets and boots are red.

Under his right arm is a rather large weapon of some variety, with a rotating set of cylinders, and tube to the armor's large white backpack. Next to the energy pack on his back is what appears to be a rocket launcher.

Dr. Jacobs(#1591TOn)

A fairly well built man...especially when you consider he's a scientist. He seems to have a scowl fairly often. He has brown hair which is well kept, dress slacks, and a white shirt with a solid red tie. His shoes are black leather.

Lorelei isn't near the bookstore - actually she's here for old time's sake more than anything. She might not buy her her clothes here any more, but a lot of her old friends do, and she's hanging out with the old cheerleading crowd, before going back to perhaps the greater unreality of her career.

Regan is in the midst of post-Christmas bargain-hunting, browsing clothing stores and the like. The line at the book-store catches her attention and she meanders toward a display to examine the book in question, opening a copy to read the dust-cover.

Lorelei is, however, a little curious why the crowd is gathering round someone other than her today....

Donald sits on the edge of the fountain by the food court. He watches the hubbub in front of the bookstore from a distance. He shakes his head. "Man, look at that line..." He looks down at the hardcover book he has in his lap, a copy of the Jacob's tome. His comment falls on the deaf ears of his three friends who are next to him chatting enthusiastically about the trading cards they just bought.

Imaginary Girl seems to have taken someone's words about occassionally taking a break from her constant patrolling - she's just stepping into the mall, herself, walking along through it. Her intent is 'window shopping', but she's also smiling and waving hello to people in the place who recognize her and catch her attention.

The costumed person in the front of the line gets his book signed, and steps out of line, and shouts, "MWAhahahaha! Now ALL will fear Metallus!" He's dressed in what looks like 'armor' made from PVC pipes. Dr. Jacobs just chuckles, and moves on the next person.

Raj, one of Donald's friends, sits next to him by the water fountain. "Man. I can't believe that Lorelei went to our high school. You should get her autograph, instead of some stupid guy's signature."

Lorelei looks a bit amused at PVC-guys announcement. Her friends clearly mostly regard him as some sort of freak from their faces. Probably most of the other guys in line, too.

The next person is a young man, about eighteen. Dr. Jacobs asks him, "And what's your villain name going to be, son?" The boy smiles slight, but blushes, "I haven't decided. I thought I might use the name generator in your book. You know...and try again if it sounds dumb." Dr. Jacobs smiles, and nods, "Sounds like a good plan to me, son. Be sure to check out the 'evil plot' generator, too."

Regan glances up at the hubbub, her lips curling into a soft smile before she returns her attention to the book in her hands, flipping it over to read the rear cover.

Imaginary Girl catches the 'evil laughter' and takes to the air, flying along over the heads of the mall shoppers in that direction. She stops, just hovering when she sees the crowd, and giggles. "oh... it's just fanboys!", she says, mostly to herself.

Donald shrugs. "Dr. Jacobs was a real participant in the heroes and villains scene, not just someone who hangs out with capes. I'd be more interested in his signature..."

Next is a bald man, dressed fairly well, and Dr. Jacobs' smile disappears. "Roland. What are YOU doing here?" The other man smiles, and says, "Just wanted to get such a _famous_ person to sign his book for me. You wouldn't mind, would you, old friend?"

Roland(#1767TOn)

A fairly good looking man. He's well built, it seems...one would guess that he's pretty muscular. An odd thing for a scientist. He's bald, and has a dark brown goatee. He's currently wearing lace-up dress shoes, black slacks, a white dress shirt, and a royal blue sportcoat. There's a pair of sunglasses hanging from the breast pocket of his coat, and he seems to smile a lot. A jovial sort.

One of the cheerleaders turns the group to another store, though not without checking with Lorlelei first. "It's not the same any more," she thinks. "Even my friends treat me differently." She goes along, though, in an attempt to simulate the old dynamic.

Donald says, "Or Imaginary Girl. She's the real deal."

Dr. Jacobs signs the book with a scowl..."Let's see. (speaking as he writes)Hope...you...die...soon. -Your better, Dr. Derrick 'Armament' Jacobs (finishes writing)" He smiles in a facade-like manner, and hands the book to Roland. "Any else, Dr. Hammer?"

Regan's smile broaden as she examines the book, chuckling softly under her breath before she returns the book to the shelf. Her attention turns to regard the author and Roland, her smile softening slightly.

Roland chuckles, watching the book being signed. "No, that's enough. Well, and I was letting you know we're back in town. But I think you figured that out already." He takes the book, "Thanks, Derrick. Be seeing you." He turns to walk away, and gives Regan a wink as he steps past her.

Donald spots Imaginary Girl in the mall and watches her for a little bit, before returning his attention towards the bookstore. o O ( Hm. The line doesn't seem to be getting any shorter... )

Regan's somber gaze flickers back and forth as she follows the exchange, her head tilting slightly. She glances once more at the spine of the book on the shelf, noting the author's name.

Imaginary Girl keeps hovering over the heads of the crowd, smiling at all the costumes being showed off by Armament's fans. She seems to be enjoying herself just watching the crowd.

Roland continues toward the exit of the mall, book in hand. The next couple of people are unremarkable, quickly getting signatures, and moving on. The line slowly gets shorter as the people move on. After the two unremarkable people, the lizard man gets to the front of the line.

Lorelei glances back at the line before entering the store, realising what it must be - she still follows the news. She looks out for any sign of trouble before going in.

Ss'lisk(#1370TOn)

A reptilian looking creature....about 12 feet long. On two powerful legs. It's arms are huge, with claws, it has very sharp teeth, and slitted predatory looking eyes.The oddest thing is that it appears to be wearing...tattered clothing. The remains of a shirt, and a bandolier that appears to be empty.

Ss'lisk says to Dr. Jacobs, "Pleassse. Make it out to 'Sss'lisk'. Two 'S's." Dr. Jacobs looks a little taken aback, but signs the book dutifully. "Hoping to take over the world, Mr....'Slisk'?"

Regan's brow furrows slightly as she watches Roland make his exit before turning to regard mr reptile. They really seem to be coming out of the4 woodwork.

Lorelei pauses at the entrance to the store. It usually pays to keep half an eye on anyone 12' tall.

Well, long.

Kismet enters from Nicholston.

Ss'lisk chuckles a bit, and grins, showing a number of sharp teeth. "Oh...no. But the world will be transssformed. Oh yesss. Quite different when I am done with it. Too many mammalsss. Not enough reptilesss. Yesssss." Dr. Jacobs chuckles, and signs the book, sloughing off the comment, "Well, good luck with that, Mr. Slisk."

Ss'lisk nods. "I liked the chapter on 'Getting the Hero to Help You'. I did jussst that." Dr. Jacobs nods, and smiles, like it's becoming rote to him, "I'll look forward to the next dinosaur age. Here you go." Ss'lisk takes the book in a claw, and starts to walk off. The few shoppers moving by part for him.

Imaginary Girl can't help herself, finally, slowly floating down towards the big lizard-guy getting an autograph. "That's /such/ a cool costume!", she says to him. "It looks so real! How do you get your tail to twitch like that? Can I touch it?", she says all in an excited rush.

Ss'lisk regards Imaginary Girl, and nods, "Very well. For posterity."

Regan lifts one hand to slowly rub her palm across her brow and her left eye, her head shaking slightly. Apparently, there's no end to some people's desire for publicity.

Imaginary Girl smiles brightly, and reaches out for Ss'lisk's tail with both hands, running her fingers over the scales. "This is so /neat/!", she says. "It feels so real...!", she adds, then takes a moment to get a better look at the lizardman. "Oh wait... it /is/ real, isn't it? I'm so sorry! I wasn't trying to be mean or anything when I called it a costume! Really!", she gushes, apologetically, his tail still in her hands.

The next person in line is a young hispanic man. Perhaps a gang member. "Uh....the book's for a friend. Make it out to 'Headache'. She needs all the help she can get, a'ight." Dr. Jacobs nods, and starts to sign.

Ss'lisk turns to look at IG, his large eyes opening and closing twice before he speaks. "Yes...it is all very real. All."

It's unclear exactly what 'all' he's talking about, though.

"C'mon Stephie!" says one of the girls, urging her deeper into the store.

"Sorry?", Imaginary Girl says, finally letting go of the tail. "Really... I wasn't trying to be mean or anything", she repeats, cheeks reddening with a blush. Any hidden meaning seems to have gone over her head in her embarassment and profuse apology about her incorrect assumption.

Ss'lisk nods. "Apology accepted. Savor your time, while you have it, mammal." He turns, and starts toward the exit again.

Senator(#1844TOn)

A caucasian man, dressed in a fine grey three piece suit. He looks to be about 35 years old, and has stark white hair.

Imaginary Girl, still blushing, floats back up into the air and over the heads of the crowd. She goes back to crowd watching, soon smiling again at the costumes she sees.

The next person in line is a man in a suit with an affable smile. He gets to the front of the line, and hands his copy of the book to Dr. Jacobs. No words are exchanged...Dr. Jacobs just looks at him, and then starts to write.

Lorelei says, "Just a minute," to the cheerleader and steps fully out of the store again, studying the face of the man at the front of the line.

Lorelei starts walking in that direction - or rather on an intercept course with where he's likely to go once he leave with his book.

From where she is up in the air, Imaginary Girl spots a familiar face. "Hey, Lorelei!", she calls, waving to get the woman's attention, a big smile on her face.

Lorelei gives IG a quick waves but keeps on her course.

The man in the suit takes the signed book from Dr. Jacobs, and shakes the author's hand, finally speaking. "It's an honor to meet you, Dr. Jacobs. I've heard a lot about you, and your former employer." Dr. Jacobs furrows his brow, "Which former employer?"

Imaginary Girl keeps smiling, having been awknowledged by a friend. She keeps hovering over head, people-watching. She doesn't seem at all 'star struck' by who's signing books.

The man in the suit stares at Dr. Jacobs for a moment, furrowing his brow. Then Dr. Jacobs responds, "Oh..._that_ employer. Ah. I see. Well, have a nice day, sir." And with that, Dr. Jacobs looks to the next person in line.

Lorelei intercepts the man in the suit. "Excuse me - don't I know you?"

The man in the suit had just started walking away from the table, and is intercepted by Lorelei not 20 feet out. He replies, "My dear, no...you probably don't. Those who work within the gears of this great nation are seldom heralded. So, you likely do not know me." He smiles, "Ah, but I know you. The great Lorelei. The siren, able to lure men about with a mere thought."

Lorelei(#280POenACcF?)

Lorelei's a gorgous blonde woman of unearthly beauty, 18 years old, though the assurance with which she carries herself bespeaks someone older. No part of her shapely 5'6" body is not alluring, but more striking still that almost her every movement seems an enticing pose such as photographers might spend hours coaxing out of a model. Wild shoulder-length hair frames her face, with its high cheekbones, pouty lips and dark sparkling eyes.

She might be seen in any number of outfits, but her "superhero costume" is a skintight shimmering green bodysuit partially cut away, leaving her left arm and shoulder are bare but for her glove, and her right leg but for her boot, with a light blue sash tied about her waist.

Lorelei says, "Gears of the nation - you're in government? Say - are you a senator? I'm sure I know you from somewhere."

The Senator smiles, "I have been called such in the past. But...keep it quiet. We wouldn't want to cause an undo ruckus here."

Lorelei smiles. "OK."

Regan turns swiftly away from the bookshel;f and glides smoothly toward the rest rooms, twisting her way through the throng of late holiday shoppers.

Lorelei says, "So what's your interest in the book?"

The Senator smiles, "I believe...that this might be a valuable tool to the enemies of freedom. I intend to read it, and find out what they're learning. You should do the same, being a hero of your stature."

The Senator seems to be very charismatic, like a practiced public speaker. And a good one, at that.

Imaginary Girl floats along overhead, still doing her crowd-watching thing. She lifts her hand to smile and wave at someone down below who waves up at her.

The line of people getting books signed continues forward. It's starting to taper off as the designated time slot draws to a close.

Lorelei smiles. "I might just do that. Though I wouldn't really describe myself that way."

The Senator smiles, "My dear young lady, you are far too modest. In fact..." He glances over to Dr. Jacobs, who sets aside a copy of the book as he glances in the Senator's direction. The Senator continues, "...I bet that's a copy being held for you right there. On the house, so to speak."

Lorelei says, "Hm? Why would there be?"

The Senator smiles, "You'll need to ask him yourself, I think."

Lorelei looks dubious.

The Senator smiles. "Ah, you hesitate. I asked him to do that for you. While I was at the table."

Some time after Regan disappears into the rest-rooms Sable emerges from a different corridor on the first floor (courtesy of a rapid transit through the air-conditioning system). Once in plain sight she leaps smoothly up toward the bookstore,

Lorelei says, "But - surely you hasn't seen me?"

The Senator smiles, "Of course I saw you, you're like a beacon. I've been in the mall some time today already." He looks over at Sable as she arrives near the bookstore, and raises a brow. "Interesting."

Lorelei says, "Oh - well, thanks..."

Dr. Jacobs finishes up with the signings, and starts to chat with the bookstore owner about packing things up.

Lorelei says, "Oh, looks like I should get over thre..."

Lorelei heads over to Dr Jacobs.

The Senator nods with a smile, "I think that would be a good idea. It was nice meeting you, Miss Lorelei."

Imaginary Girl keeps floating along, moving on away from the bookstore now that the costumed crowd's mostly broken up. She lands, finally, to look into the window of a novelty gag shop.

Lorelei says, "And you..."

Sable's head tilts slightly as she approaches the Senator. "You do realise don't you that there are several out-standing warrants for your arrest."

Lorelei says, "Hi - that gentleman tells me you set aside a book for me?"

Dr. Jacobs smiles as Lorelei comes over to him, and hands her a copy of the book. "Here you go. I even signed it for you." He opens it to reveal that he signed it...

The Senator nods. "I also realize two other things. First...you cannot stop me from leaving, should I wish to leave. Second, if you start a fight here, many innocent civilians will be hurt. I am not alone."

Lorelei reads what he wrote.

Sable's lips purse slightly, her head tilting. "Which begs the question, why would any sane group of individuals risk a confrontation in a crowded mall simply to attend a book-signing?"

Lorelei smiles. "Thank you."

The Senator's smile grows wider. "I think that's a question I'll leave you to ponder. Why would I do such?"

Dr. Jacobs smiles. "You're welcome. I'd always wanted to meet you in person."

Sable's shoulders lift in a supple shrug. "Clearly, you have a very strong opinion of your own capabilities and a low opinion of my capabilities but given that there are at least two or maybe more heroes in the mall, I think your estimation is distorted."

Lorelei says, "So - is your book serious? A bit hard to tell from the hype."

The Senator smiles. "Perhaps. We shall see. Look toward Dr. Jacobs."

Dr. Jacobs shrugs, and smiles. "It's a pinch of truth, and a dash of humor. I figured I could slip serious material in without too much danger. I mean...it's a joke, right? I don't expect anyone will use it like 'The Anarchist's Cookbook'.

Sable's head tilts and she steps backward a pace or two to move Doctor Jacobs into view while not turning her back on the Senator.

The Senator nods, and looks to Dr. Jacobs. He merely says, "November 19th."

Lorelei says, "Trouble is, some people may take it seriously."

Dr. Jacobs smiles, and makes a dismissing wave, "I can't imagine anyone doing that. And, even if they _did_, there's not really anything new in there. It's stuff that all villains do. At least the good ones."

Imaginary Girl walks along, stopping in front of a toy store to giggle at the antics of a robotic 'puppy' that's leashed to a display sign so that it totters about in circles, yapping and wagging its tail - demo mode, of course.

Lorelei nods. Frankly, that's what she'd expect.

The Senator glances back to Sable after he speaks, and there's a brief shimmering sound, and a pattern of light on the man. He winks to her, and disappears, leaving a few stunned shoppers looking in the general vicinity where he was.

Dr. Jacobs glances over to where The Senator had been. "Huh. That was odd. Was he..."

Sable's lips purse.

Lorelei looks back at where The Senator was.

Lorelei says, "What happened?"

Sable says, "The senator bamfed out. Which is interesting.""

Sable smiles up to imaginary Girl. "I apologize for butting in like that, I realize you had it well under control."

Imaginary Girl, landed and with many shoppers between herself and the bamf-out, doesn't notice it. She crosses the big mall hallway to look into the computer gaming store, watching the demo of some game that's on display.

Lorelei says, "I wish I could place where I know him from exactly."

Having apparently slipped beneath notice Sable smiles, glances one last time around the confines of the mall, and once happy that she is not likely to be needed, she makes her way out, mingling seamlessly with Dr Jacobs' dispersing fans