Chapter 113 - Wheelies To Escape...

Before even opening the menu that was handed to him, Lucas turns to look directly at 23.

"Hey, before we even start gettin' lookin' into everything, can we order one of every appetizer? Just bring 'em out as soon as they're ready? We're starvin'. Oh, you got wings, right? Uh, just bring a platter each in every sauce they come in. If there's anything you guys want extra of, go ahead, it's all good. Oh, we're gonna be orderin' a bunch by the way, do I gotta do some partial prepay or somethin'?" While Lucas casually money-flexes without even giving 23 a chance to react, Miss Calculated raises an eyebrow questioningly. Miss Chievous's eyes widen in surprise, gaining an excited smile before long. Miss Masher also has a similarly excited expression, truly understanding they really can go all out on this meal.

Rewind, who was initially looking down at his menu, suddenly has a thoughtful expression while turning his attention up to Lucas.

[...Rewind just used his power just to hear what you said again.]

'That seems a bit weird, but I totally would use it when eavesdropping too. How could you tell?'

[There was a disruption in my data stream. This is a normal occurrence when someone else has a rollback that I was not a part of, and it seems it is fairly similar when he uses his power.]

'...I guess it's good that you can tell, at least.'

"Certainly sir, I have placed your request in with the kitchen. Advance payment will not be necessary, esteemed guest. May I interest you in any beverages, or do you wish for time to look over the menu first?" As 23 demonstrates the advantages of a networked hive of worker bots, Lucas slowly grows a huge grin.

"I want the best thing ya got on tap in the biggest glass you can find. Hell, it could be a bucket for all I care." While Lucas makes his desires known, Miss Chievous and Miss Masher both perk up with enthusiasm.

They both chime in in near unison, Miss Masher declaring "Same!" while Miss Chievous happily shouts out "Me too!"

[...Lucas…]

'We agreed on one! We just didn't specify what size!'

[...You're not going to get away with this stunt a second time.]

'Eheheh.'

Jonathan dejectedly slumps forward so much he nearly hits his forehead on the table, he knows there is no good end to this timeline.

Miss Calculated, however, stands up from her chair while slapping the table with her menu.

"Absolutely not Mash! It's bad enough if Lucas drinks, I can't let you both drink at the same time! I need at least one of you two to be able to keep the other in control!" While Miss Calculated rains on Miss Masher's parade, Miss Chievous blows a raspberry at Miss Masher while Lucas breaks out laughing.

"Fiiine, I'll just have water, I guess I'd rather eat my carbs anyway…" Admitting defeat, Miss Masher slinks back in her chair, causing it to make an alarming creaking sound. While she does have the menu lifted enough to hide her pout, it's still obvious from her tone of voice how much she's sulking.

Satisfied with the results, Miss Calculated smoothly sits back down again, adjusting her glasses once she's settled on her chair. Sighing softly, she finally turns to face 23 directly.

"23 was it? Water for the table as well, and no refills on anyone's alcohol. Oh, and an empty soup bowl for Willy to drink from as well." Making sure she stymies any blatant drunkenness in advance, Miss Calculated turns her attention back to her menu as soon as she is done speaking.

"Yes, and noted, esteemed guest. Anything for you, young master?" When 23 turns its attention to Jonathan, he's briefly startled before straightening his posture back into something resembling proper.

"Oh, um, one-one of those cookie milkshakes, p-please." Even while answering in a small voice, Jonathan is doing his best to hide behind his menu. Even though he's feeling self-conscious about his choice, it doesn't change the fact he wants one of those delicious shakes.

"Very well. And… Sir William, I presume you are content with water?" When 23 addresses the most important individual at the table, it receives a happy bark accompanied by a wagging tail in response.

Speaking up at the same time, Lucas says "Yeah, water's fine" while Miss Calculated matter of factly states "He said yes."

23 takes a moment to look at all three parties involved just now, but doesn't give any other direct reaction.

"Then I will go retrieve everything as soon as possible, please excuse me." Once 23 turns around it slides away rapidly, apparently having motorized wheels within its feet.

'Hahaha, it can escape its feelies.'

[...Nope. Not going to ask.]

Back when Lucas first put in the order for apps, Rewind stared at him for a few thoughtful moments, then seemed to come to some realization and turned to say something to Minimizer. He, too, similarly turned to stare at Lucas's group for a few seconds before he gained his own look of realization, excitedly slapped the table a few times, and then said something quietly to Freeze Frame.

The staring until understanding saga continued once more, which led to Freeze Frame's current action of returning some hushed words to Minimizer.

[...It appears you've become more famous than I realized.]

'Eh? What's up?'

[The Thieves of Elsewhere group are fairly animately gossiping about you.]

'Who, what? Oh, the three guys we were just talkin' about?'

[Yes. Though, their recognition largely seems to stem from the fact that Minimizer became friends with Quintessential Echo, er, Timothy, at the shooting for the film. As such, he happened to watch the arm-wrestling match between you and Miss Masher when he noticed the alert for the stream. Apparently, at some point the other two had joined in watching as well.]

'Q what now? Though, I gotta admit that there's definitely something funny about being noticed by minor celebrities and them getting excited about it.'

[Quintessential Echo, Timothy's villain name. As we briefly discussed before, his power seems to potentially be hyperthymesia, or perfect recollection of everything he has experienced, hence his choice in name. It's still a bit too early to say conclusively though, as it's easy to misinterpret developing mental powers while they're still only erratically triggering. Also, as you're not the only one to balk at the word 'Quintessential', everyone collectively just calls him 'Echo'.]

'I guess gettin' called just 'Echo' is still better than being known as the supervillain… Timmy.'

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Lucas total kills: 7

Lucas total deaths: 11

Lucas total assists: 1

Lucas current GDV: 12.19 (+.01 +.01 = +.02 net change)

Lucas's fame level: 4.25* (Beyond just local, viral meme tier. Local levels are fairly high.)

Lucas's hero suspicion level: 2.75* (More than just passing suspicion for some paranoid individuals)

Jonathan total kills: 6

Jonathan total deaths: 2

Jonathan current GDV: 3.78

Jonathan's fame level: 2.75* (Mostly just local)

Jonathan's hero suspicion level: 2.75* (A few paranoid individuals are suspicious)

Willy's fame level: 1.5* (Anonymous meme fame, local fame primarily as 'Xenoclast's dog', but some strangers know him as William/Willy now)

Supervillain social circle size: 11

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Little character theater:

Jonathan, having trouble concentrating enough on the menu to pick out what he wants: 'I don't know which one of them I'm more worried about getting drunk…'

Willy has already made all of his decisions, before Lucas has even actually looked at the menu.

Lucas, coming to a delayed realization: Oh wait, you said they're the Thieves of Elsewhere, yeah? Don't a lot of supe thieves do those security challenge review things? I wonder how MF's rates...

427, pausing a moment to do a few searches and compiling the acquired data: [Ah, yes, they do, actually. They're the top local elite group for it, even. Although, I'd discuss it with Mark before considering asking them for an estimate...]

Author, flagging down 23: Hey, hey, I want one of those shakes too!

Mr.. Quacks, in the kitchen impatiently watching the service bot responsible for uniquely cutting and seasoning a large onion, and then deep-frying it: Quack.