The Hightower Convention Center Ballroom, Downtown, Coast City
April 16
22:26
Another half hour passes, during which the three criminals in custody are taken away - two under their own power and Pestilence in some manner of plastic containment unit.
Dr. Gull, no longer wearing his surgical mask, again takes the stage and calls for everyone's attention. This time he is flanked by a higher ranking police officer in uniform.
"I have good news," the doctor begins. "Certain information regarding the metahuman who referred to himself as Pestilence has been brought to our attention. We have strong reason to believe that the power he used on the people here is not a traditional disease, but something that triggered a physical reaction more akin to a severe allergy. It is not believed to be contagious. For this reason, the police have authorized an end to the quarantine. You are all welcome to leave. I do encourage any of you who were affected to still check in with your personal physician just to be sure everything is okay."
The weight of uncertainty is lifted from the room and the convention attendees collect their belongings and start to file out through the kitchen. Sandra Poynter makes a quick announcement that the balance of the Metahumans@Work conference will go on tomorrow as scheduled, though due to damage to the ballroom some room assignments will be changed.
*****
The bartender gets Thomas' name and phone number and promises to check with his cousin about setting up a date between them.
*****
Dr. Faturius manages to corner both Lawrence and Jorgi before the crowd is let out. He gives them more or less the same line that he gave Granite earlier.
Dr. Faturius said:
"I'm glad Professor Fate was able to show up and help out. In fact, he mentioned that the group of you worked rather well together. He thought it might be a good idea for me to get some numbers or some way to contact one another if there was any other trouble. To that end, here's my card - you can call my cell at anytime and I can make the call to Professor Fate."
Steven and Maggie return to the limo and make good time back to his apartment. Steven nods off during the ride and Maggie insists on making sure he gets up to his room okay while the driver waits for her.
"You did a good job tonight," she says. "It was interesting to see you in action like that...and I agree that you seemed to work well with the others. Might have gone badly for you if they weren't there.
"I'd invite myself to stay for coffee or something, but you look absolutely beat. Get some rest and I'll talk to you later."
She gives him a peck on the cheek and closes the apartment door behind her.
*****
Lawrence pins down one of the Hightower employees, who in turn passes along his request to a manager. By the time the quarantine is lifted, the Hightower staff has arranged a complimentary room along with a line of credit for room service and laundry.
A manager personally delivers a room key to Lawrence. "With our sincere appreciation," she says. "The owners won't be too happy about the property damage, but the situation could have been far worse and lasted much longer. Just call the desk if there's anything else you need."
*****
Marie only chats with Jorgi for a few minutes before she has to return to work.
"I'm busy through the weekend and have an exam Monday night, but if you want to do something Tuesday that'd be okay," she says. "Maybe something a little more low key."
She gives Jorgi her number and then disappears into the kitchen with a tray full of empty glasses.
Jack finds Jorgi a few minutes later.
"Hey man, feeling any better yet? Look, I've got some help for tomorrow already. Why don't you come by the office Monday morning around nine and we'll get you started with some of the equipment."
*****
(All - please check the ooc thread.)
