by R. J. Ross
“Yeah,” I say, looking at my com-bracelet. “It was a Christmas gift from Nico.”
“It would cost me a hundred thousand to get one of those,” she says. “I asked, once. Your principal isn’t cheap.”
“He’s a good principal,” Malina says. “But I’m a bit surprised he was that steep…”
“Did you try to go through Mastermental?” Jeanie asks.
“Should I not have?”
“You definitely shouldn’t,” we all say.
“I’ll remember that.”
We step into a large room that has a massive desk in the center. The desk is covered with paperwork. She sits down behind it, motioning for us to find a seat. There are only two chairs in front of the desk, so I stay standing. I’m not sure the chair will hold my weight, anyway.
“So,” Marigold says, finally looking me in the eye. “You’re here because you want to see the woman that gave birth to you.”
“Not really,” I say, earning a slightly surprised look. “Nico decided that I should see her before I move on with my life. I’m… well, I might choose to become a Liberty. I like their dog.”
“Their dog,” she repeats. I give her a little grin.
“He’s a mutant Rottweiler.”
“Well, I see where that could be a draw for a teenage… girl,” she says.
“Girls like dogs as much as guys do,” I point out.
“Krispy is a very good boy, but… I did hope more than just the dog would be a decisive factor,” Jeanie says, looking at me. I can’t help but grin at her expression.
“I bet they’ll try to call me something stupid, like Justice Rock,” I admit, making Malina choke before she starts laughing.
“No, no, you’d be Plymouth Rock!” she says, and I burst out laughing.
“That’s SO stupid!” I hoot.
“Well, we could call you Liberty Belle,” Jeanie offers, smiling slightly.
“What, because I crack?” I ask, snorting. “Nah, Belle’s like, beautiful in French, right? That would be too ironic. Liberty Beast is more fitting.”
“Not for a female cape,” Marigold says. We all look at her, because it’s pretty obvious that “Beast” would fit her a lot better than “Marigold” ever did. I don’t say it. I’m not suicidal.
“How about Stone Cold?” Malina asks.
“What, so I can be paired up with Metal Butt?” I ask. “Cold Steel and Stone Cold, yeah, thanks but no thanks.”
“Liberty Beast would pair you up with Trent, though,” Malina says, “he’s Kid Liberty.”
“How about something to do with freedom?” Marigold asks, looking thoughtful. “Sure, you could go with the Liberty theme, but liberty and freedom go hand in hand.”
“What, like Free Stone?” I say. “Nah. But anyway, we’ll go see the gem heist job, and then tomorrow we’ll go to the beaches. I didn’t bring a swimsuit, though, and I’m almost positive I’ll sink, so don’t expect me to go swimming with you,” I add to Malina. “Then we’ll go home and get ready to start training with Superior.”
Marigold visibly jerks at that. “With Superior?”
“Yeah, he gets really bored up north,” I say.
“And will you meet face to face with Diamond Dust?” Marigold asks, almost gently.
“Only if she wants to,” I say. “I’ve made my decision.” I have, I realize. “They’ve already built a room just for me, you know? And the guys might be annoying, but they’re also pretty fun. They never looked at me like I was a freak, either.”
“Compared to Jack, you’re pretty normal, though,” Malina points out. I grin.
“I’m WAY more normal than that walking rust bucket. Plus, he’s so easy to come up with insults for!”
“He also makes a pretty good mirror if you’re not near one!”
Jeanie has a little smile on her face. “My sons are extremely enthusiastic about getting a new little sister,” she says to Marigold. “They’re almost as enthusiastic as Ken and I are. Jack, of course, was a bit reluctant at first. I’m not sure what changed his mind, honestly, but he’s on board, now!”
“Why was he reluctant?” Marigold asks, looking at me. “Did he know something about you?”
“Heck if I know,” I say.
“He never met Sandra until Christmas,” Malina says. “I heard a rumor that he asked Zoe to show him any videos she has of you.”
“Weird guy,” I say. “What sort of video did he see?”
“The one where you knocked Zoe over,” Malina says. “We’ve all seen it!”
“Remind me to thank her for that,” I say dryly.
“You knocked over Technico’s daughter?” Marigold asks.
“I AM a tank, you know,” I mutter, feeling embarrassed.
“That’s very true. You’d be a real benefit to any Hall,” she says. “I’d be proud to call you one of mine.”
I look at her, “Think that’d be a bit… awkward,” I point out.
“Well, possibly,” she admits, “but that’s never stopped me before. “Have you finished the arrangements for Star Spangled?” she asks, touching in intercom button on her desk.
“Yes, Marigold.”
“Including their hotel rooms?”
“Yes, Marigold.”
“Then bring it in, man. They’ve got places to be, and things to see. And we want to impress our prospective water manipulator with your efficiency,” she says, a tiny twitch pulling at her lips.
“Water manipulator?” the black suit repeats, sounding shocked.
“Water manipulator,” Marigold agrees before hanging up. “Our black suits are extremely proud of the capes they have. You’d be one of their favorites, if you were to join.”
“I’m still considering,” Malina says. “I would actually like to have access to all of the coasts, in case something major happens.”
“So… you’d like to be one of the roaming capes?” Marigold asks. “We can arrange that.”
“If it’s not a hassle—”
“You’re one of those capes that we would let run all over even without Hall membership,” she says. “Just like the healers, Lady Rose, and possibly that boy of hers.”
There’s a discreet knock at the door and a woman comes in, holding out a packet to Jeanie. “Here are all of your necessary items—your Hall has sent over a few IDs for you, as well, in case anything happens. When you need your tour guide, just call, and someone will be sent to you—”
“In civilian clothing, please,” Jeanie says. “You would be perfect, actually, if Marigold can spare you?”
The woman looks at Marigold, who nods. She breaks into a wide smile. “I look forward to it, Ma’am!”
“Call me Jeanie.” Jeanie stands, shaking hands with the woman before shaking with Marigold, as well. “Thank you, Marigold, we really appreciate how you’ve gone above and beyond for this.”
“It’s a pleasure,” Marigold says. “Girls, I hope you have a wonderful time in my territory.”
I nod, not knowing what to say. Thankfully we leave before I have time to come up with something. Lying has never been my strong suit.
***
“You can come out, now,” Marigold says, leaning back in her chair and turning to look at the door behind her. Diamond Dust steps out, a hard to read expression on her face. “Your daughter promises to be as beautiful as you are… in her own unique way.”
“She’s a tank,” Diamond Dust says, bluntly, “and a rock mimic. She’ll never fit society’s standards of beauty.”
“We make our own standards,” Marigold says. “So what are you thinking?”
“Star Spangled loves her, doesn’t she,” Diamond Dust says. It isn’t a question.
“She does. It’s pretty obvious, even from that little conversation.”
“Then we’re all doing the right thing,” Diamond Dust says simply.
“Do you really believe that?”
***
“So how’s everyone doing?” Ken asks. We’re sitting in t
he RV in the parking lot of the hotel that Marigold arranged for us. Ken, Trent and Jack are on the wall’s screen. Jack looks irritated. I don’t know if I want to know why.
“Well, I really should have pointed out that the RV will sleep all three of us comfortably,” Jeanie says. “She has us put up in a very nice hotel, and one of her workers is going to give us a guided tour, tomorrow.”
“And Diamond Dust?” Jack asks. “Have you met her, yet?”
“We’re going to see her pull off a heist tonight,” Jeanie says.
“Oh, yeah, that’s a great way to introduce yourself,” he says sarcastically. “Watch me fail to rob this bank—”
“Jewelry shop,” I say.
“Whatever.”
“Is there something wrong, Jack?” Jeanie asks.
“Can I just fly out there to join you?” he asks. “Max decided that it was a good idea to let some would-be Hollywood star follow Dad around for the weekend.”
“And why is that a problem?” Jeanie asks.
“Because then we have no one to cook,” Trent says, sounding as if the world was ending. “We were going to barbecue every meal this week.”
“Even breakfast,” Jack agrees, mournfully.
“How do you barbecue breakfast?” I ask, blankly.
“Steaks and eggs,” Trent says. “But now Dad has to prance around in tights all weekend, so we’re stuck fending for ourselves.”
“Well, I don’t really think you should abandon your father,” Jeanie says. “How would you feel if everyone left just because you had to pose for the camera?”
“Hungry,” the guys say, bluntly.
“I was looking forward to the breakfast,” Ken says, looking a bit mournful, himself.
“How about this,” Jeanie says, “you call the Hall and tell them you need a cook for the weekend—”
“He’s here,” Ken says. “Sorry, girls, we’ll figure it out for ourselves. Have fun watching Diamond Dust work!”
“Bye, honey, I love you,” Jeanie says, blowing him a kiss. He catches it, even though both of the guys and I groan at the cheesiness. Malina giggles and waves.
“Bye, Sandra,” Trent says. “Think of us while you’re eating.”
“No thanks,” I say, trying not to laugh as they hang up. I hear Jack laughing as the wall goes black.
“Speaking of food, who’s hungry?” Jeanie asks.
“Starving,” I admit. “What should we get?”
“How about pizza?” Malina says.
“Nah… I’ve got a sudden urge for barbecue,” I decide, making her laugh.
***
“Is this the place?” I ask after a barbecue dinner and a bit of touring. I look up at the gigantic, classy looking jewelry store in front of us. There’s a sale sign discreetly set to the side. “Why are they letting a cape rob the place when it’s this fancy?”
“Oh, honey, that’s the perfect way to get advertised on the news,” Jeanie says. “Want to go in? She’s not due to be here for another half an hour!”
“It’s still open? It’s almost eight at night,” Malina says.
“Still open,” Jeanie says, tossing her beautiful blonde hair over her shoulder and walking through the door. I feel so ugly, walking with her. It isn’t even in my normal form, I think, seeing my illusion’s reflection in the mirror. “Maybe if I become a Liberty, I should have them make me a blonde,” I say quietly.
“Do you feel like being blonde?” Jeanie asks as she strides through the building made of valor and glass, with discreet gold accents. “It’s up to you, of course, but I think you should be more… true to yourself.”
I snort. “Ace offered to do my hair. I’ll be lucky to get something other than a lizard.”
“Oh, Ace only gave Lance that because he begged,” Malina says. “Ace is more into dragons.”
“What, so my lizard would have wings?” I ask.
“Can I help you?” a man in a suit asks, stepping forward with a cautious expression. I guess wearing a tank top and shorts in the middle of winter doesn’t scream “big buyer” to him, since he’s eyeing me the most. On the other hand, when Jeanie gives him a little smile, he starts tripping over himself. “I can show you anything you wish to see,” he brags.
“Thank you!” Jeanie says. “My Sandra, here, has a huge interest in gemstones. I thought I’d show her some of the best in town.” She motions me forward and I obediently try to look interested—and then realize that I AM. I can feel them, I think. Like tiny sparks in my mind, each gem glows slightly. I look around, dismissing the dull ones, and heading for a discreetly placed counter to the right.
“Those are—” he starts out, and I can hear him hesitating. “Well, they’re a very special set. They’re actually made by a local jeweler. I think she’s a friend of the store owner’s…”
“Have you ever met her?” I ask, turning to look at him. I have a feeling that I know who she is. The piece in the center is an extremely high quality diamond and ruby necklace.
“Well, no, but I have checked the quality of the gems—” he starts out.
I look down at the gems on display, my eyes moving to the only one that doesn’t fit with the store. It’s a carved jasper pendant on a platinum chain. “Why’d you buy the jasper piece?” I ask, interrupting his tirade about karats and things.
“What?” he asks. “What jasper piece?” He walks over, looking into the case. With a small curse under his breath he pulls out his keys and slides open the case, pulling the pendant out. “How did this get here?” he asks, looking at the other workers.
They look as confused as he is, and glance at each other. “I have no idea,” one of them confesses.
“Too good for jasper, here, huh?” I ask.
“Well,” he says, “while Jasper is quite pretty, it’s still… a quartz. We pride ourselves on offering precious gems, like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, you understand, correct? Jasper is something you can find anywhere. Although this is a beautiful piece,” he admits, reaching for a strange looking pair of glasses. They remind me of goggles, especially as he flips down another lens. “I think it would qualify as art. The profile is unusual, yet stunning.”
“Can I see that?” Jeanie asks, reaching for the necklace. He hesitates for a second before handing it over.
“Mary, could you see if we have any records of purchasing a jasper pendant?” he asks the woman nearest us. “We’re looking at two to three hundred dollars, based on the detailed carving, alone.”
“Yes, Bronson,” she says, heading for the computer. “Is it from the designer?”
“It’s possible. The craftsmanship is quite stunning.”
She taps away on the computer and I look at Jeanie, wondering why she’s staring at the pendant with such shock. “Sandra?” she says.
I walk over, peering at the piece for a moment. It looks almost exactly like my natural form, but far more beautiful. Malina comes over, as well, looking at the pendant in wonder. “It’s you,” she says.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask for you to return that,” Bronson says, making us all look up. “I’m not sure where it came from, truthfully. I need to look into this a bit further, especially how it managed to get into the display without our knowledge.”
“I want to buy it,” Jeanie says. “What would you ask for it?”
“I’m afraid it isn’t for sale, ma’am. If you would hand the necklace over—”
The room is starting to vibrate, as if the stones that surround me are humming. I jerk, turning to the door, expecting Diamond Dust to walk through it. I looked the wrong way, I realize as I hear an alarm go off. The lights flicker before turning off as well, and I glance around, watching all of the norms start to panic.
“She’s early?” Malina says, clearly not quite certain what’s going on.
“Where is she?” I ask. “I thought that this sort of thing was meant to be done outright—” I feel something brush against my arm, and I jerk as the lights turn back on. The entire
room seems to react, some gasping in shock, others screaming. I look down, staring at my own large rock hand. Someone turned off my illusion watch. They also piled gems around my feet, I realize. I didn’t see her. How could I not see her? I have PERFECT night vision! I dare to glance around. All of the display cases are empty, with the glass doors wide open.
“Jeanie?” Malina whispers. “What just happened?”
“Honey, don’t freak out—” Jeanie says to me, and I look at her, only to jerk as I see the door swing open and a man in a cape and uniform step in.
“Diamond Du—” he stops, and I can literally see him recover from the shock. “Put your hands up,” he says, his tone going serious. I slowly raise my hands.
“I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding, here,” Jeanie says.
“Miss, thank you for your input, but I know what I’m seeing—” the man says, holding up a hand. She walks over, much to his surprise, and touches his upheld arm.
“If you DARE lift a hand to that child, I will have to apologize quite profusely for what I do,” Jeanie says silently. There are confused looks from all around, because she’s a perky, pretty blonde, and he’s a big bad hero—who’s turning pale and starting to wince. He nods, and I can see the realization on his face. He must have heard that Star Spangled was in town, or something.
“Can you explain what happened, miss?” he says, looking at me.
“No,” I say bluntly, “because one moment the lights were on, and the next, well, they’re off, and I’m surrounded by jewelry.” Which is fake, I realize as I look down. I can’t feel any of the gems, now. The ones that were in the cases earlier have been stolen, and these are copies. I get the feeling that if I mention that fact, I’ll get in even worse trouble.
“What is she?” someone whispers.
“She looks like a monster,” another says.
“No she doesn’t, she looks like a mini-Diamond Dust.”
“Who’s that lady with Sunstrike? I’ve never seen her before!”
“Who are you? Did you really think you could pull this off right in front of me?” Bronson demands.
“Look, mister, do my pockets look big enough for that pile?” I demand, reaching down and pulling out the empty pockets.