Quoted By:
You told Prowler and Cat about having found the Tinkerer. Cat spoke very highly of the old man, revealing that he helped her install more than a few modifications in her suit and under her skin. You couldn’t even tell that she’d had work done, but you guessed that was the point.
<span class="mu-r">“I’m gonna drop by his shop for a bit. Are you guys cool with scoping out the meeting spot while I’m gone?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Do what you gotta do. We’ll be fine.”</span> Prowler said, giving you a light pat on the shoulder.
Cat grinned at you and gave you a little wave as she walked away. Her hips swayed back and forth in a hypnotic rhythm, and you were sure that she knew you were looking. Just as you were sure that she didn’t particularly mind you looking.
You watched and waited until both of them left. And when you were certain that they were gone, you took the time to hide the energy core in a different place and grabbed the desktop and a change of clothes before heading out. You’d need to change before you met up with Flint. It wouldn’t be good for Phineas’ business if you walked into his shop in full combat gear.
—---
An hour later, you and Flint were walking down the street in casual clothes. The Oscorp PC had been stuffed into a backpack and was now slung over your shoulder.
<span class="mu-g">“So you’ve been hanging out with professional burglars these past few days?”</span> Flint asked.
<span class="mu-r">“Yup. They’re pretty cool, too. I don’t think they’d mind working together again once this job’s done.”</span> you said, reaffirming your grip on the bag’s strap.
<span class="mu-g">“And the three of you were there when that attack happened?”</span>
You quickly motioned for Flint to pipe down. Someone could overhear your conversation, and you didn’t want anyone asking unnecessary questions. There was a visible tension in the air. An underlying sense of fear and paranoia that was equally understood by everyone, but almost never discussed. This is what it’s like after an attack.
People don’t ask questions like “What if it happens again?” or “Am I really safe?” anymore. After the first couple of alien invasions and foreign invasions, you just stop letting them hold you back. People gotta live, and they’ve gotta eat. If some random chaotic event wants to take a swing at you, then let it.
You’re New Yorkers, dammit. You’ve survived cataclysmic, and borderline apocalyptic events, multiple times. You’ve come back from each experience stronger than before, and you’ll be damned if you let some alien mook push you out of YOUR city!
<span class="mu-r">“Yeah…we were there. I’ll tell you about it on the way.”</span> you said, hoping to reach a less populated part of town before you explained anything further.
—--
Seeing the Tinkerer’s shop for the first time, you’d be lying if you said that you weren’t underwhelmed. From the outside, it appeared to be nothing more than a second-hand parts shop. Like a garage sale with a roof.
<span class="mu-r">“This is the place?”</span>
(Cont.)
