Sheila Cholico, Period 8, 2/17/22

 SCENE ONE- The Terminal

INT. TERMINAL - DAY

People move in every direction in a pristine, bustling terminal. A bright, neon sign hangs over the space, reading "welcome to the afterlife!" in glowing purple letters. Some people are in groups, and others walk in pairs or alone.

PEOPLE MOVE IN EVERY DIRECTION IN A PRISTINE, BUSTLING TERMINAL. A BRIGHT, NEON SIGN HANGS OVER THE SPACE, READING “WELCOME TO THE AFTERLIFE!” IN GLOWING PURPLE LETTERS. SOME PEOPLE ARE IN GROUPS, AND OTHERS WALK IN PAIRS OR ALONE. EACH PERSON IS WEARING BLACK AND WHITE, BUSINESS CASUAL CLOTHING. EACH PERSON EXCEPT ONE, WHO LOOKS VISIBLY DISHEVELED. THEY ARE WEARING REGULAR STREET CLOTHES, AND LOOK WINDED. THEY ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET PAST HUGE, DOUBLE DOORS AT THE CENTER OF THE TERMINAL. TWO GUARDS ARE BLOCKING THEIR ATTEMPTS, DRESSED IN BLACK SUITS, HOLDING MATCHING PAIRS OF HERMES STAFFS.

 

CUPID #6600

Please! I need to go back!

 

Guard #1 pushes Cupid #6600 backwards, adjusting their grip on their staff.

GUARD #1

I need you to stand back, please.

 

CUPID #6600

 

(sarcastically)

 

Or what? You're going to kill me? Sorry to break it to you, pal, but someone beat you to it.

 

Cupid #6600 gestures to the neon sign above them as they speak. Guard #2 steps forward, visibly upset. They raise their staff as they speak.

GUARD #2

Watch your mouth, sixty-six hundred. I ought to teach you a lesson.

 

Guard 1 holds Guard 2 back as Guard 2 attempts to advance towards Cupid #6600. Cupid #6600 holds their ground. A new character, Ms. Concord, arrives from stage right, walking briskly towards the three. She is dressed in red, standing out in the sea of black and white. A few people start directing their attention towards her.

 

MS. CONCORD

 

(In an authoritative tone)

 

That's enough! Stand down.

MS. CONCORD (CONT'D)

 

 

(Addressing #6600)

 

Sixty-six hundred, come with me, please.

 

Cupid #6600 looks as if they are weighing their options for a moment, before sending the guards a final glance and standing down, walking with Ms. Concord back to stage right, where they go offstage. Most of the people on stage watch as the pair leaves. Another new character, Cupid #0099, walks in from stage left. They approach the guards, a paper clasped in their right hand.

 

CUPID #0099

(In a formal tone)

 

Hello. I've been cleared for another mission.

 

Cupid #0099 gives Guard #2 a curt smile, and holds out their wrist to Guard #2. Guard #2 waves his staff across their wrist, and a tattoo glows faintly on #0099's wrist. The tattoo is shaped as a simplistic heart with wings, and the number 0099 is printed across it. A holographic message appears, hovering over Guard #2's staff, and both guards read it.

 

GUARD #1

It says here that you're cleared for tomorrow, not today.

 

CUPID #0099

Yes, I am aware. I would like to access my files early, to better prepare for the mission. It is my last, after all.

 

GUARD #2

 

(Firmly)

 

Access to files is only granted once you gain clearance. I can't change the rules, even for you #0099.

Cupid #0099 pauses, frustrated, before regaining their composure. They give Guard #2 a curt nod.

 

CUPID #0099

Very well. I will see you tomorrow, then.

 

Cupid #0099 exits to the right, and the scene changes as the guards flip the doors, revealing a wide set of windows, overlooking a green, utopian city covered in clouds. The people on stage thin out, and are replaced by a few people milling around. Two are talking to each other, and one is on a phone, smiling occasionally at it. A couple people walk by, busy talking on phones.

 

MS. CONCORD

 

(Worded as a statement)

 

Sixty-six hundred, I know you are well aware of the rules you broke.

 

CUPID #6600

Yes, I did break quite a few of them.

 

MS. CONCORD

 

(Without missing a beat)

 

Then you are also aware of the punishments for breaking them?

 

Cupid #6600 seems to lose all of their sass at this statement. A moments silence fills the air before Cupid #6600 thinks of a quip.

 

CUPID #6600

 

(Spoken sarcastically)

 

The death sentence?

 

Ms. Concord does not seem amused at this statement.

 

MS. CONCORD

Sixty-six hundred. Becoming a Cupid is a choice given to very few people. You should-

CUPID #6600

 

(Cutting her off)

 

Be grateful? It was either this or Asphodel, that’s hardly considered a choice.

Ms. Concord lets out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She raises her arm, pulling up a holographic paper from a digital watch on her wrist.

MS. CONCORD

Eight weeks.

#6600 shoots her a confused look, caught off guard. Ms. Concord begins inputting information onto the paper.

CUPID #6600

I’m sorry, what?

MS. CONCORD

That’s how long your suspension will be.

#6600 is momentarily stunned, opening their mouth but not speaking. Then, they seem to collect their thoughts, and a look of anger flashes over their face.

CUPID #6600

Eight weeks?! That's over a century in-

#6600 cuts off their sentence, as if realizing something. For each week spent in the underworld, 15 years pass on earth. Their face falls, and any anger quickly became replaced with panic.

CUPID #6600

No- please, you can't do this! You don't understand!

MS. CONCORD

8 weeks is the minimum suspension for breaking rule 4.

CUPID #6600

(Pleading)

 

I need to go back.

MS. CONCORD

You fell in love with a human, #6600. You should be grateful I didn't remove your wings.

Cupid #6600 has nothing else to say, and stands silent as Ms. Concord closes the hologram, stepping back. She gives #6600 one final glance before walking away. #6600 stands as still as a statue, watching her go.

Alyssa Abed, Period 8, 04/05/22

 Modern Mythology 2022

Alyssa Abed, Period 8, 04/05/22

Literacy & Learning

In 8th grade I was a part of my school’s book club. The leader of the book club, our school’s librarian, spent a good part of the year trying to get me to read “Interview with the Vampire”. I remember repeatedly assuring him I would and writing it down in my book list and everything. And yet I never got around to it—until now. It wasn’t because I wasn’t interested in reading it or anything like that, it was actually quite the contrary, I just simply never got around to it because I always had something else on hand to read. But, now that I have read it, I’m happy I waited. It was definitely worth the wait, Anne Rice truly created rich and interesting characters that, along with her writing style, kept me engaged despite the delayed climax of the book. The book gives us a refreshing take on the well-loved but somewhat overdone vampire genre. But enough vague summarizing, I want to talk about Claudia. Warning: I know we haven’t finished the book yet in class, but I couldn’t help but go on so…spoilers ahead. This book definitely has a lot of mature themes in it and at the center of that is Claudia. Claudia is fascinating to me. First off, right off the bat I knew she was going to be trouble, not only because of the disturbing ways that she came to be, but also because of the age at which she was turned. 5 years old—that’s when children are still developing social and emotional skills. At that point a child hasn’t started to puzzle out their moral compass or have a strong grip on their own emotions, so it came as no surprise to me that she turned out to be predatory and cold (on top of that, she had bad guidance, think Lestat). Claudia is manipulative through and through and I honestly can’t blame her for it, her fate was sealed the moment Louis picked her up. And while her ill-fated end did take me by surprise, I can’t say I mourned for her. And in a way, I don’t think she would have mourned for herself. Towards the end, justifiably, it seemed like she was beyond tired of being trapped in her body. It was also only fitting that she went out in fire, cleansed. Before we started Interview with the Vampire, we learned a lot about the evolution of vampires through the ages and the symbolism behind them. I’ll be honest, before that lesson, I hadn’t given vampires any deeper thought or analyzed them. I hadn’t once pondered on how they came to exist in mainstream media or even as a myth. That lesson seriously changed my critical perception, not only of vampires, but also of other monsters. On how they came to be. On the cultural aspects behind them. On what they represent. On the symbolism behind them. And on how they’ve evolved with us through the years. I had viewed vampires as these mythical creatures that sucked blood and didn’t age—nothing more. But now I know to look at what these features really hint at, at the monstrous characteristics that actually exist within reality. The vampire has an unsatiated hunger for blood, which can represent a person’s unsatiated lust for power, sex, or money. The drive is so strong in them that they will do anything to get it, even if it means losing their humanity. Louis struggled with that for a long time, with becoming a vampire and the loss of his humanity. His morals. I think that lesson, this book, and everything we’ve been discussing thus far has helped me in coming closer to what my definition of what a monster truly is. I used to firmly separate the monsters in myths and the “monsters” around us every day, but now, I’m not sure how strong that distinction is.

Alice Wei, Period 1, 3/30/22

Alice Wei, Period 1, 3/30/22

Modern Mythology 2022

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?
Ivy Day (3/31/22) officially ended the college application process for most of us. With the
anxiety of decisions out of the way, it definitely feels more liberating, so I would like to dedicate
more time to improving my mental health, because it has been completely wrecked since
December. I think it’s best to take little steps in order to build progress, because you wouldn’t
expect a newcomer to the gym to be able to lift 100 pounds immediately. My first goal is to run
for half an hour (or more) a few times a week, whether it be on my treadmill or around the
neighborhood. In hindsight, I was extremely happy and motivated during my track and field
phase, but never noticed it at the time, because all that could be felt was fatigue. I hope that, by
returning to running, I’ll be able to become more energetic and upbeat. My second goal is to get
back on track in all my classes; I’ve fallen a bit behind during the peak of my anxiety a few
weeks back, so I hope to catch up in order to do well on the APs.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)
Resilience can be demonstrated by taking little steps each day. Today, I decided to dedicate some
of my free time towards stretching and running (there was rain, so it was on the treadmill). It’s
important to stay on track, because I know that once I cheat on one day, I’ll avoid these goals
every day. As for studying, I’ve been starting to watch more review videos on YouTube. These
days, Jacob Clifford takes up most of my recommended page for Macro.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)
With the arrival of Spring, I hope it’ll encourage me to exercise outside and absorb more
sunlight. Seasonal depression was very apparent this year - there was also no time to celebrate
Christmas or the new year because of college apps - so for the first time, I welcome the warm
weather with open arms. Senioritis has already affected my progress in a few classes, but I hope
to change up this “school doesn’t matter anymore” mindset into spending the last fifty days at
Tech as a good student. Keeping up the momentum until the end will allow me to smoothly
transition to college without carrying senioritis into next year.

Holen Yee, Period 7, 3/31/22

 Holen Yee, Period 7, 3/31/22

Modern Mythology 2022

Creativity & Fiction

• Craft a piece of fiction that addresses one or more of the following: 

• Literary elements (i.e. structure, tone, diction, mood, irony, and figurative language) to craft a narrative and/or poetry.

• Structural features of drama (stage directions, character attributions/tags, dialogue, monologues, and/or soliloquies) to craft a script.

• Multidimensional characters to develop themes and create socio-political metaphors.

December 23, 2136

Hello, I have decided to start journaling in order to help organize my thoughts and keep track of the days. I suppose this also counts as an autobiography, if I stay dedicated to doing this thing.

I suppose I should introduce myself, get you caught up to where we are now. Here’s some background information on me and my family:

Name: Benjamin Fischer

Known Aliases: N/A

Awakened Powers: N/A

Age: 19 years old

Nationality: American

Height: 5’11”

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Blue

Description: This is me. Benjamin Fischer. Son of Richard Fischer (see attached) and Sandra Fischer (see attached). Older brother of Emilia Fischer (see attached). Genius at all things Awakened, but not Awakened himself. 

Name: Richard Fischer

Known Aliases: White King

Awakened Powers: Clairvoyance, Prodigious Tactician

Age: 43 years old

Nationality: American

Height: 5’10”

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Description: My father, Richard Fischer, also known as White King to many. Former military man. Awakened during one of the many battles against Armada after a near-death experience. Was pivotal in directing the assault that kept the would-be conqueror of the Americas, Hegemon, to the West Coast. Father of Benjamin Fischer and Emilia Fischer. Married to Sandra Fischer. A good father, if a bit strict.

Name: Sandra Fischer (formerly Sandra Clarke)

Known Aliases: Ms. Blaster

Awakened Powers: Energy Beam (Very strong)

Age: 39 years old

Nationality: American

Height: 5’3”

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Description: My mother, Sandra Fischer. Also known as Ms. Blaster. Considered by many to be among the strongest Gunners in the world. Awakened in a villain attack. Mother of Benjamin Fischer and Emilia Fischer. Married to Richard Fischer. A kind and fair mother.

Name: Emilia Fischer

Known Aliases: Guard Girl

Awakened Powers: Energy Shields (Close to body only), Physical Toughness

Age: 16 years old

Nationality: American

Height: 5’5”

Hair Color: Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Description: My sister. Daughter of Richard of Richard and Emilia Fischer. Sister of Benjamin Fischer. The neighborhood rising star, Guard Girl. Awakened during a karate championship. Has a good chance of ascending to become an official member of the Hero Association from being a Young Hero.

Background information for aliens and other uninformed people: The year is 2136 AD. It has been more or less 100 years since the first Awakened, a human with supernatural powers, appeared. Society promptly started to collapse upon that discovery, and we’ve only stopped backsliding recently. From what we can tell, people Awaken during times of great stress, such as in a life-or-death situation. The powers that an Awakened gets is related to the stressor that caused them to Awaken. Children of Awakened are more likely to Awaken and Awaken to lower levels of stress than first-generation Awakened.

So, yeah, that’s me, Benjamin Fischer, a genius, not that it matters. Genius isn’t really all that impressive in the face of the feats that superpowers can help you accomplish. Being published in multiple scientific journals just isn’t quite on the same scale as stopping world-threatening beings like my parents do.

But enough about the past, let’s talk about the present and the reason why I am starting this journal. I had an idea, an idea prompted by a stray comment that is most definitely on the legally dubious side of things. But this idea has the potential to not only change my life, but many others’ positively. I can make a difference, like my family. I could finally step out of the shadow of my family.

---

“So, you’re supposed to be this super genius, right?”, asked Chris, my roommate. Chris was lounging on the couch, not even taking his eyes off the news on the television as he asked the question.

“Yeah, I’m published in all kinds of scientific journals and everything”, was what I replied back.

“If you’ve already done that much, why aren’t you out there making big money, instead of studying in college here? You could totally be a researcher for the Hero Association or something.”

It was a valid question. Unfortunately, though, working as a researcher dealing with Awakened, which is what I’m primarily good at, would be a constant reminder of my mediocrity, my distinct lack of powers. I didn’t say that though. No reason to air out my dirty laundry to the world.

“Research is fun occasionally, but I wouldn’t want it to be my job, you know? Besides, if I worked for the Hero Association, I would want to be a hero, not a researcher.”

“Oh I get you. But isn’t it possible to be a hero without powers? Artificers don’t have powers that directly help with fighting, but they still get to be heroes.”

“No, Awakened usually get some sort of physical boost, if only to supplement and help withstand possible backlash from their power. Even if that isn’t the case, legally, Awakened are considered separate from humans. Powers change the game and make it legal for the Association to get heroes to fight villains, even if they weren’t trained in combat prior to their Awakening. Since I’m not Awakened, I would have to jump through too many hoops to get it to work.”

“Well, you know what they say, if you can’t do it legally, do it illegally. You can always be a vigilante or something and take it into your own hands.” 

The suggestion hit me harder than it had any right to. Chris was clearly only joking, but the thought kept niggling at my brain. I was restricted legally, but what kind of a difference could I make illegally?

Of course, I wasn’t thinking about fighting crime, but there were still options, like doing power analyses of certain villains and providing that knowledge to heroes about to fight them anonymously. But how?

Inspiration struck. The Black Banquet, the extralegal marketplace created by the Artificer Masquerade, fit my requirements to a tee. Being Artificer tech, the Black Banquet is extremely good at keeping its information secure. People jumped on that and started to use it as a platform to sell goods and services, both legal and illegal. Despite its shady nature, I know from personal experience that many heroes use it to keep track of villainous movements.

The issue with using the Black Banquet is that creating an account requires sponsoring from a Black Banquet member. Going through with my idea would require me to somehow get in touch with a hero or a villain, and earn enough of their trust to get them to sponsor my entry. No, that would take too long. I wanted to get started soon, start making a difference now.

The only quick option would be to steal one of my parents' phones and use their account to sponsor me. The thought rendered me indecisive. I could do it. It would be easy, my parents don’t keep their phones on them at all times, and I know their usual passwords. I could do it soon, even. Christmas was coming up soon and I was going back home for that. Did I really want to take advantage of my parents’ trust for this though? I hemmed and hawed, mulling over the idea multiple times. Trust, or influence, which did I want more?

---

Black Banquet > Market > Advertisements

SortedBy:Newest

Posted 01:34:37, 12-27-36

BenevolentDissection (Seller):

GET YOUR POWER ANALYSIS HERE!!!

We here at Power Dissection LLC are offering a FANTASTIC deal for all your power analysis needs!

All you need to do is give us a name, description of the power (video of the power in action is greatly appreciated), and reason for commissioning us and you get power mechanics, possible strengths, and possible weaknesses back! 

Price of analyses start at the low price of $500 USD! If we give you faulty information that results in personal injury, you can be compensated up to 50% of the price of the commission!

Power Dissection LLC reserves the right to deny any commissions.

GET YOUR POWER ANALYSIS HERE!!!

---

December 27, 2136

I did it. I still don’t know if I should have done it, but I did it. Hopefully, I will look back on this moment and think of it as the beginning of my journey to success. Only time will tell.

---

December 28, 2136

Someone asked whether Artificer tech can be replicated by non-Artificers. Tech is not my forte. Check on this later.

---

December 30, 2136

According to a research paper written by some guy in Japan, some Artificer tech, such as laser guns, can be built without having an Artificer power. More complicated stuff, though, like Artificer tech batteries and AI, do not seem to be replicable yet.

---

January 3, 2137

The New Year has passed, and NO ONE HAS ASKED FOR A POWER ANALYSIS. It’s been more than a week since I posted the advertisement! I’ve been checking every day for a commission! And nothing came!

---

January 15, 2137

FINALLY! Someone finally commissioned me for a power analysis! Looks to be simple enough, an Awakened gang member operating out of Winnipeg, Canada… which I don’t know for sure until I pay to have it confirmed…

---

Black Banquet > Chat > Private Messages

To: EndlessSunrise (Buyer)

From: BenevolentDissection (Seller)

Subject: Archerfish Dissection

Alias: Archerfish

Rating: Gunner 2

Power: Archerfish fires a powerful stream of water from his mouth that is capable of shattering concrete and denting sheet metal. 

Strengths: Distance is Archerfish’s greatest strength. From what I can see, the blast of water can travel a remarkable distance without losing much power. Archerfish also seems to be quite accurate.

Weaknesses: Archerfish’s abilities do not give him any form of close combat advantage aside from the usual boost that all Awakened get. His water blasts aren’t that strong either, so any Bruiser 3 should be able to get in close and subdue him without any issue.

Mechanics: From what I can see, Archerfish does not generate the liquid that he fires. He probably needs a source of water or some other liquid for his more powerful blasts. This does not mean that Archerfish is totally defenseless without a source of liquid, though. He can probably use his spit for his blasts.