CSPD

Kelly Thompson Reporting Live

By Swordsman | February 3, 2019 | Comments 3 comments

April 8th, 2024 – Monday: Just after Noon

BATTENBURG HEIGHTS SUB-DISTRICT

The day had been chillier than most thanks to a cold front moving in off the Gulf of Mexico. Kelly had just got done trying to get a hold Sasha again but he wasn’t picking up. It was at that point the call came over her scanner about a second group from S.A.V.I.O.R. in the Battenburg Heights sub-district of Society Hill. Her colleague, Miranda, had gone after the first group but they were over in Brisby Flats and the wrong side of Midtown.

The fact that since they appeared on the scene earlier in the year, and climbed to the heights of becoming the replacements for the Centurions was nothing short of meteoric in scope. Since Gryphon or Garrick Faulkner wasn’t among the team in the bad side of town on this day of the eclipse. Then this could be her chance to make up for getting lost in Sasha’s charms and try getting Gryphon to give her an interview! As she was headed over to the location She refreshed her memory on when he came out with his identity, being challenged by Cyan and Indigo after he helped them stop a bank robbery. Indigo was defeated in a K.O. by Gryphon in one hit! When Cyan tried to smear his name by hiding as a corporate sellout he revealed his identity!

Kelly yanked her driver and cameraman out of their chairs so hard they nearly fell over as she passed them! Listening to the reports coming in that Gryphon and S.A.V.I.O.R. were on scene in the ‘Heights’ at a B&E. She was also scanning social media and found tweets of Gryphon’s showing Hank the Horseman riding a Chinese-looking serpentine dragon!

Other tweets found showing the Gryphon mentoring a younger female hero: Hanging with Gryphon, super caz. All my @QuaziNauts know what’s up!
#HeroLife #Blessed
&
A retweet by @NorwoodKnights adding: See, helping heroes and the populace! #HangingWithTheGryphon

Was she about to break a new team member joining S.A.V.I.O.R.? They were in fact the first news crew on site! When they arrived, the C.S.P.D. confirmed no one matching Sasha’s description had been seen. The cameraman had the driver take his phone and try and zoom in on the open doors and windows with a clip on telescopic lens for smart phones. Meanwhile they did catch that their were at least two body bags and several injured. Using the boom mic as Kelly got ready fixing her jacket they overheard Gryphon telling an officer, “Well, the ninjas really wrecked the whole house. But they were super stupid stabbing a dragon that ended up falling over on them! Quazi is over 15 feet long and weighs at least the weight of a truck. Physics are unforgiving if you catch my drift.”

The driver came back over and showed them the shots he could get. The house had clearly been tossed in classic breaking and entering fashion. It was the jade statue of a serpentine-like creature that was the real prize shot! The driver had put it on burst so their were plenty of images with a few being very crisp and clear. It seems S.A.V.I.O.R. actually stopped this robbery and captured the bad guys. It would appear the only deaths were from two ninjas attacking a – dragon!?! Kelly was beside herself on how cool the story was!

She went past the police line and was 10 feet from Gryphon when a couple of officers caught up with her, “Gryphon, Garrick, Mr. Faulkner! Can I get a quote? Kelly Thompson with Channel 5 News.”

Kelly could see she struck a chord saying his actual name caused him to stiffen and turn, “Ms. Thompson was it?” Kelly nodded and he continued, “I remember you from the bank, you’re dating Sasha now if I understand how that ended?”

She was immediately caught off guard, “D-Dating? Who said we’re dating? Has he been saying that? I mean, I wouldn’t mind seeing him again, of course. We could be dating if he wanted to. Wait, that wasn’t what I wanted to talk to you about!”

Gryphon chuckled at her fluster. He cocked his slightly and smiled as he watched her gulp ever so slightly, and he knew he nailed the way his father had spoken with people to get them on his side. “Ms. Thompson, I will be sure to pass on your well wishes to Sasha when I see him next. Now, if you’d be so kind to take your crew and yourself back behind the police-line, I promise you an interview before I leave. To sweeten your co-operation I will also not speak with any other media crew that shows up to this crime scene today.”

Kelly nodded and did as requested. About 30-40 minutes later Gryphon walked over as the CSPD crime scene unit and coroner were finishing up some of their work due to deaths on scene. In his blue with gold decoration and accents, 17th to 18th century, nobleman’s long coat. White pants, black leather riding boots. With a single forearm guard of golden plate etched with an angelic looking gryphon crest. Garrick “The Gryphon” Faulkner walked over to Kelly and her crew, “Ms. Thompson, as promised I am here to answer your questions.”

Kelly told her crew to get ready for a live broadcast, and when her camera person and their technician signaled she turned to face the camera, “Hello, this is Kelly Thompson, reporting live in Battenburg Heights. We’re at the scene of a breaking and entering by a band of thieves who appear to have chosen to costume themselves as ninjas made famous in movies! But they clearly did not anticipate being stopped by S.A.V.I.O.R. today! With me,” as the camera shot changes from a close up to a wide angle, “is the S.A.V.I.O.R. team captain, Gryphon! Whom we all know went public with their identity of Garrick Faulkner. Which name would you prefer we use?”

“Thank you, Ms. Thompson, but either is fine since my chosen moniker was simply an alternate spelling of my middle name.”

“Fascinating, so what can you tell us about this break in? From the call on the scanner to our arrival, your team had shown up and resolved everything in minutes!”

“Upon our arrival we found four individuals on the roof of the manor and I was able to use an ability to see more inside on the third floor. Our team began to move in to apprehend the individuals and were met with powered individuals capable of super human speed. Each wielding weapons with the intent to provide armed resistance to their apprehension. I stayed in contact with CSPD trying to provide as much real time updates as possible and ascertain the abilities of our team’s newest member, Quazi the Serpent, and I am impressed.”

“So you have a serpent dragon according to the social media pictures from earlier?”

“Yes, and I think she is going to do well.”

“Do you know what was the item or items the thieves were after?”

“Yes, however, this is an active investigation and I would rather let the detectives that will be assigned to the case release their statement when all the facts have been gathered so they can avoid any confusion by knee jerk statements. The thieves did a thorough job of ransacking the whole house looking for their assigned objectives.”

“I see that some of the intruders died. Was that due to fighting with your team?”

“Yes, when multiple assailants stabbed the serpentine dragon, Quazi, causing her to briefly loose her footing. She fell and the physics of force, mass, and gravity led to quick backlash of karma. Many more have been taken into custody and will have their wounds treated. Those that faced me are alive but chose to attack a member of the C.S.P.D. when took up arms against my team and I.”

“What else can you tell us about the incident?”

“Hank and Miss Amazing did wonderful jobs in engaging multiple targets and controlling the flow of action allowing for so many to be taken into custody. It was Hank’s actions that led to the recovery of the stolen item or items as you mentioned earlier. Black Phantom helped to flush anyone on the roof back inside so the rest of us could deal with them. Quazi did very well despite injury in trying to find and quell the situation without violence as a first resort. The intruders chose a different path leading them into conflict with our team.”

“Would you mind answering a few other questions?”

“Sure Ms. Thompson I have a small amount of time before the CSI wrap up. If another call comes in I would have to leave sooner.”

“Gryphon, now that SAVIOR has moved into Century Plaza, does this mean Norwood has lost its hero?”

“Absolutely not, they gave me a home when I had been released from Gramercy. I finished my probation there and got my career back on track in Norwood. I still donate my time to charitable efforts there as well.”

“Can you provide a statement regarding one of S.A.V.I.O.R.’s own members, Caedechron, being arrested by C.S.P.D. yesterday?”

“This is an active investigation and I can only say that no one is above the law. Caedechron is still my friend and I will help him in anyway possible that doesn’t violate the law.”

“Where is Sasha, your other new member?”

“Day off, every job has them and I am sure you can appreciate that.”

“Will the city have to face any more of Sinistry’s wrecking ball robots?”

“I can’t say for certain, every time they’ve been used Sinistry has deployed them as diversions for another target in the city. If all the supers are trying to battle the robot wrecking balls then ideally no one would be around to oppose their real target.”

“What were their real targets the last two times?”

“This is an active investigation and I can only say that it is still ongoing.”

“Despite the general opinion polls openly in favor of S.A.V.I.O.R.’s hard-lined approach to crime-fighting, there are some pretty vocal opponents to your tactics, such as Xavier Financial, Triton Industries, and Korashi Technics. Are you concerned that their opposition will gain traction and sway the Mayor to replace your team?”

“Hmm, one of our group’s earliest missions when the Hero of Century Station was still around. Had us save an armored car transporting hardware for Korashi Technics. Perhaps they were unaware it was our team that helped? Triton Industries has other concerns than just us. Xavier Financial used to be led by a ruthless, blood-thirsty, maggot. His daughter, Cassandra, is none of these things. She’ll likely find all the evidence of her father’s misdeeds and crush them. I suspect Xander Financial will in the future, with Cassandra at the helm, actually begin a better legacy in helping the city and its citizens.”

“Are you on a first name basis with Cassandra Blodgett?”

“Perhaps not now, but she’s bumped into me at a charity event where I attend regularly and left me a note about her interest in our team. When one of her friends we had in common was ill she came over to my house and helped take care of him. She also helped a former team member with selling their photography while she was still dating that friend in common we had. I think it would be fair to say I am familiar with her. It’s also why I know her to be the good person she is.” Gryphon looks over to his team and Black Phantom taps his wrist, “Sorry Kelly I have time for one more question.”

“How do you respond in regards to the story and pictures printed in this morning’s Everyman about Rubber-Band-Man’s alcoholism?”

“Alcoholism is a serious issue and contributes to at least 5 of the top 10 reason for death in the United States. Well over 10 million still suffer from this in the United States as well. I have expressed my concerns about this to Rubber-Band-Man and he is addressing this. All I can do is be supportive and hope others see that it’s not the poor or the less fortunate that suffer with problems or addictions because of stress factors in their lives. Those with abilities are often put in extreme situations and humans sometimes choose less than optimal ways to cope with them. Rather than vilifying that we can provide avenues for rehabilitation, support, and a guiding hand. Addiction is not something solved over night but it is something that can be overcome. Kelly, when my father died I lost myself in depression and trying to regain what loosing Daedalus did to us both. People cope in different ways, and my sister doesn’t speak to me anymore because of it. But just like the Rubber-Band-Man is responsible for his actions I had to realize I had to be responsible for mine. He is my teammate and I for one will be their to help and support him through this and see a better tomorrow.”

“So you are deciding to help him get through this?”

“My time donating to charitable organizations has taught me Hero-Work may start with C.S.P.D., C.S.F.D., S.A.V.I.O.R., other hero groups or individuals, however, it doesn’t end there. Social Workers, therapists, school teachers, and parents or siblings/friends all play a part in helping someone overcome trauma of any kind. People need time to cope with stress and the world we live in doesn’t always grant such reprieve. Its our friends and families that help ground and stabilize us. Our own communities should help us become soulfully enriched and grow. It’s why I do what I do, to give back to Norwood, Century Station and the people that gave me a second chance. I intend to do that not just for Rubber-Band-Man but for everyone I can. They,” Gryphon gestures with the arm bearing the golden armor upon it to everyone on the scene, “are my heroes and give me hope. I’m just doing my part to try and give that hope back.”

Gryphon looks back to his team and nods, “Sorry, we have to go on to our next assignment, please have a wonderful day.”

The teams leaves into the air as Kelly Thompson turns to the camera as other media crews are arriving, “Well, you heard it here first on Channel Five, everyone. Garrick “The Gryphon” Faulkner’s first interview. Proving the adage that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Now back to the studio.”

Art by: AZ_Artisan
Come watch the next game for our super friends on HippoTV!

Norwood 72nd

By Swordsman | December 14, 2018 | Comments 5 comments

March 31st, 2024 – Sunday: 12:01 AM

Gryphon had landed 16 minutes ago and was greeted by the precinct captain. He was getting acquainted with his partner for the first of three eight hour shifts. A few people were talking about the explosion and others were talking about the fact this super tackled Obelisk of Synistry by HIMSELF!

Gryphon and Sgt. Matanzas were headed out when an armored airvan landed in front of the 7-2. The Requisitors piled out, and Gryphon lowered his window to wave. Mavis Beacon and Col. Lightning came over to let him know they were inspired by Gryphon. They came down to arrange some days they could lend a hand embedded with C-SWAT, or another arrangement that could work. Then they may be able to set up a rotation within another sub-district in desperate need of help.

The Sergeant thanked them as well mentioning they had to get over to a robbery in progress. Col. Lightning looked at Mavis still waving as they drove away, “God, that kid can’t turn it off. Hey, Mavis, I did warn you. He’s dating at least three girls you want to be number four?”

“I might be the only one that could keep up with him?” Mavis cocked her head to side slightly, “We’ll see.”

“Long game, huh? Alright, enough sight seeing we got a meeting inside. Requisitors, fall in!” Col. Lightning and his crew walked inside to discuss how they might help out with this precinct or another one in need. Lord knew there were plenty of precincts that could use the help.

Internally Gryphon chuckled about the irony of sitting in the front of a squad car after his past. Sgt Matanzas was surprised when he spoke Spanish with a Cuban accent perfectly. Gryphon explained that he could communicate in every language on the planet. “Wait, how good is your hearing?”

“You mean when you were complaining to the captain about being stuck with a super until you found out it was me?”

“You met my grandmother several weeks ago at the Giving Tree. She raised me when my mother died of a drug overdose. My father had been a cop and died in the line of duty. My mother did not cope well and I went to live with my abuela in Waingroh. You and Miss Amazing saved her and my son.” Gryphon was stunned when the sergeant tapped a few icons on the smart phone at the stop light and a video played of him getting hit by bullets and then the rocket launcher! “You saved my family! I was in the middle busting an illegal gun runner whom may still prove useful in taking down the 9-Millimeter gun store. Nothing ever sticks to those sonsofbitches!”

“Well, I want to know how my team and I can better interface with local police to help them in areas like this. I want us to have a much more proactive approach to finding crime and squashing it out. It seems the second phase of my plan, in which we inspire other groups to do the same has already born fruit. Phase Three is to help Mavericks that don’t want corporate sponsorship work out a way to become an affiliate group of the Centurions. This way I can contribute to Operation Overlord, C.H.I.M.E.R.A. can get more of the manpower it needs. We present a unified front against crime and show everyone that together we are more than the sum of our parts.”

“Well you’re about to get your chance, here we are and if those two black skybikes are any indicator then the Mavericks: Cyan and Indigo are inside that bank. Every time we try to bring them in cops just end up sent to the hospital. It makes the city look weak and emboldens criminals to defy law enforcement. Here’s your chance to put your ideas into action what’s your play?”

Cyan and Indigo were having their hands full dealing with two Cybergoons. Not because they were out matched, but the amount of damage these guys can soak up and dish out was impressive to say the least! Indigo was facing one with a laser canon, whom was carving up sections of the bank branch’s front area. Cyan was facing the one with the grenade launcher trying to prevent them from hitting the vault door. He had surveyed the area and Sgt. Matanzas was calling in a unit to place bugs on the skybikes, this was a diversion and deliberately meant to be overheard by anyone picking up radio chatter. The actual plan was to try and plant two (one to be found with some effort and one they couldn’t find). Using their phone the sergeant explained the plan to the nearest squad cars that could make backup. Gryphon tweeted a selfie about helping the cops, Cyan and Indigo stop a bank robbery in progress with the hashtags: #24HOURPatrol #NorwoodKnights #Gryphon.

Seeing that the Cybergoon had firing vector on Cyan trying help her partner Indigo. He flew past them and waved he drew his sword and his glowing Gryphon aura flared to life! Cyan watched him cut the rocket propelled grenade in half creating two explosions that would have hit her center mass! His aura wavered and flickered out while his armor took some serious hits. He flew forward and sliced the launcher in half! “Hey cyberschmucks! I’ll be your huckleberry tonight, name’s Gryphon! Time to BE BOLD!”

The battle took exactly 20 seconds to finish, and Gryphon had streamed the entire thing on Twitter LIVE! The video was going viral and news crews were racing to the location. Cyan and Indigo had dragged their foe out with the broken laser cannon. Gryphon carried his foe out, well his torso anyways. He was dragging the arms and legs by various cabling. CSPD came forward to take the criminals into custody, when Cyan and Indigo began backing off toward their black skybikes.

“Hey Cyan, Indigo, I’m big on being transparent and you both did okay back there. However, if you leave you should know that when we pulled up I had the CSPD bug your skybikes so they could track you. I’ll tell you where if you just talk with me for a second or two.”

Even though their faces were covered, the body language of sudden shoulder jerks suggested surprise and shock. Gryphon continued, “Look, I just want to talk about how we can help the city together. Unless you both want to admit to the public that the two of you like hurting the cops that you sent to the hospital?” He pointed to the phone he had used ‘Gorilla Tape’ to adhere to his coat. “Guess what your entire fight was live! People saw you stop criminals, people saw us work together to get the last one. Teamwork is possible.”

Cyan spoke up, “Corporate SHILLS NO WAY MAN! LIVE FREE OR DIE!”

Indigo nodded and Gryphon shook his head, “Yes, yes, a noble intent,” he turns so the damage to the building is shown once more and he turns back, “I believe a better quote was from one of the boldest people this country has known. GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH! Patrick Henry was one of the founding father’s of America. Now you have the chance to be one of the founding members of Century Station’s future!” News crews were beginning to arrive and set up behind the police line formed as Gryphon continued, “Mayor Zardona is fighting a war and if you’ve studied history regarding conflicts with multiple fronts fairs poorly for all involved. Synistry struck in Silver City on Friday! There is no place in the city truly safe anymore. You both don’t want to be corporate sponsored, I understand, and I can appreciate it. I offer a challenge: If I can beat whichever one of you wishes to fight me in 20 seconds then you get to leave without trackers on your skybikes. The condition for my win is you must promise the citizens of Century Station that you’ll meet with Director Balisong in 72 hours and become an affiliated group of the Centurions. Help the city win the war for its soul! If you win you get to leave with your skybikes, but you will at least know you have trackers on them.”

“Big words from a corporate sellout, the corporation might know whom you are. But the city doesn’t! How can you expect us to trust the city when at your core you don’t!” Cyan had moved closer yelling through her mask. Indigo stepped forward, “Enough talking, you ready?”

Cameras were rolling from ground and air as Gryphon answered, “Yep, let’s let everyone see me for whom I am.” His armor, which includes his helmet vanishes. Indigo closed on him but was surprised when he showed his face. He realized his mistake when Gryphon began counting loudly! With his supernatural strength Gryphon pinned Indigo’s foot under his crushing stomp! As the Maverick looked down Gryphon swung the gryphon pommel of Ashmadiel up and right in between where his eyes would be in his mask with a resounding CRACK! Indigo flipped up and back as he was knocked out cold!

Admits the cheers of the CSPD present, “Cyan, you should teach him chess when he wakes up, after the painkillers.”

Turning to the cameras, “Cyan had a valid point about trust and trying to protect people with anonymity. What I miss most about Jake Thompson is that he didn’t care what you thought of him. He also believe masks and fake identities are stupid. Those that feel the need to use them please continue to do so. However,” Gryphon gestures to the CSPD, “They are not super heroes and they are braver than every cape I know. They have families and still go out and risk their lives everyday. If I am going to earn your trust then I need to at least bare a similar burden. Mayor Zardona, I stand with you, I stand with Century Station’s future. My name is Garrick Griffon Faulkner and I am the Gryphon of Norwood, team member of S.A.V.I.O.R. and here to Be Bold for those that can’t!”

Gryphon picks up Indigo and carries him over to the skybike. Cyan gets on still stunned that Gryphon outed himself on TV and LIVE Twitter. Indigo is draped over the skybike Cyan uses her cape to secure his arms and legs from the exhausts. Gryphon pulls the phone loose and ends the stream as the flashes of cameras and reporters can be heard behind him.

Art by: AZ_Artisan
Come watch the next game for our super friends on HippoTV!

Three-Way Call

By Swordsman | October 23, 2018 | Comments 1 comment

March 27th, 2024 – Wednesday

Arcadia had been whisked away that same night Gryphon blew up. After she and Geist returned with her to Spirit Enterprises. Miss Amazing saw the five female cops of the C.S.P.D. and its director arrive to take Arcadia into political asylum.

March 28th, 2024 – Thursday

Katherine realized she’d just be worried about Gryphon and not resting if she went back right now. She needed a few hours of sleep herself. She was sick of school getting in the way of being with him so she found the nearest place for GED testing next to Spirit and asked Richard if she could steal a couch on a floor for a day. After explaining what she wanted to do he agreed and made sure a receptionist was on her floor to get her anything she might need.

Trying to keep up with Garrick even before he became a super was rough on people. But trying to keep up with him after finding out he “only” needed three hours of sleep a day if he was not transformed and when he was transformed he didn’t need it AT ALL! For a mere three seconds she was happy about him having other women to tire out.

He rarely asked anything of anyone. She was his first intimate encounter with a women and his first girlfriend. Constance and Ameera made up his second and third girlfriends. She wondered periodically if he dated everyone because he couldn’t seal the deal with Pasty Palmer. Ameera said no, that she had directly asked about that very thing. He told her it might have taken him longer but he would likely have ended up at the same juncture.

She had gotten a text from Constance on the three-way chat that Garrick had been back to work the following morning! He maybe had three hours of sleep and she could still see him moving around hiding the 3rd degree burns under his clothing! Ameera was the most easy going and she surprised everyone with ‘SONOFAB***H’ as her reply. Everyone seemed surprised when he put in for vacation time till after his move to Jenga Tower. Katherine had only communicated via text with him since she saw him last in the secret base after he nearly blew up! This morning he had dropped off two of her favorite drinks from the Vault Coffee Shop. She was mad briefly at the receptionist Richard had assigned to this floor for not letting her know. Then she read the note he left:

Miss Amazing,
Would you please forgive my meager attempt to ease the heroic work you are doing shepherding a young woman. Going through loosing her life as she knew it and culture shock of an antitheses-like society she can’t help to live in now. It has been said on this world that women are stuck between a man’s past and a man’s future. Arcadia’s rage is well founded in our suffragist movements. While women legally have the same rights as men. I feel men have only gotten better at smearing their advances from the shadows.

For me it is hard to not go back and look at how I treat the women in my life gracious enough to put up with me. I’ve been trying very hard to make sure you had the resources at your disposal to stand on your own. That work continues even today because I never want you to think you need to depend on me. I want you to know you can take care of yourself in every way. Therefore you’re with me because it’s your wish to do so and not your need to do so.

As of this letter I am down to only 1st degree burns and I suspect will be healed completely by noon or 1 PM. I got you two of the coffees you like from the Vault. I made some street tacos for you. I hope knowing you’re inspiring to me, the coffee, and food will help get you through the day. Oh I got the coffee in my hero outfit just for fun and to let people see how fast I can heal. My wish is that it gives people a renewed sense of hope that their heroes can recover for them.

Always working at being worthy of you.

Sincerely,

Gryphon

P.S. I begged the receptionist not to tell you until I left because if I saw those baby blue eyes and hair I wouldn’t want to leave. XOXOXOX

Katherine apologized to the receptionist and he nodded, “It’s okay ma’am it was clear he was into you. If I may be so bold I’d lock that one down. If you don’t I will.” He laughed but she could tell by his eyes the stories of Garrick getting hit on by men from Constance were obviously very real!

March 28th, 2024 – Thursday: Lunchtime

She had been chatting and everyone made time to video chat on the Discord server Constance got for them. When everyone got online Constance remarked, “Kat, is that the skyline of the Hill behind you? Where are you?”

“I slept on the couch here at Spirit. It’s super close to the midtown location for the GED test location. I’m heading over to the GED place today to finish off high school and start college, again, in the summer.”

“That’s wonderful of you, but does that mean you haven’t seen our handsome, frustrating boy scout?”

[Everyone laughed, somewhere Garrick felt a chill go down his spine]

“He stopped by this morning and brought coffee and food,” and she held up the note for them to read, “he couldn’t have processed what it means to nearly die.”

“Tell me about it! I have not been able to get that image out of my head! We were there trying to leave the area when one of his teammates screamed the robots were going to explode!”

Constance picked up at the pause from Ameera, “Yes, we turned around briefly to gauge our distance when he flew over the building and grabbed the tentacle arm of one of the only two we could see left. He shouted, “This is what we signed up to do!” and then up, up, and away!”

“Next, KABOOM! It was like the sun had turned on at 3 AM!”

“We both thought we had just watched him die! My body was still walking and I ran into a light pole,” Constance rubs the light bruise on her head.

“When it cleared another flying teammate of his that took care of the other robot flew over to him. They used this faint blue glowing energy to grab his listing body from floating the air and fly away. Constance’s brother showed up and was keeping us calm until @NorwoodKnights retweeted @GryphonKnight saying ‘Oww’ so we knew he wasn’t dead.”

Katherine nodded, “I saw him at the base and all you had to do was Google victims of fire damage to understand what he looked like. The one that brought him in said he undressed himself! He got to see the miraculous glow of healing energy burst over him twice before I showed up to see his active healing still working on his burns and bruises.”

“So this is what it must be like to date a cop or soldier on active duty,” Constance asked in general wonder?

“I don’t know for certain but it does ring of similarities for sure.”

“How do we tell handsome to please slow down?”

Constance pulls her phone out in front of the other two and puts it on speaker showing its calling someone called “Honey.” When the other girls arch an eyebrow she says, its their word for each other. Ameera mentioned she and Garrick use Handsome and Sweetie. Kat looked shy and mentioned Garr-bear and Kitty-Kat. Before Constance could laugh Garrick answered, “Hey Honey, I swear I am not working on work.”

Constance furrowed her brow, “So if you’re not working on Mallic, Faulkner, or M.F.T. stuff, what are you working on? Why can I here all those people in the background?”

“Well, I got coffee this morning for Kat, I stopped by Ameera’s Dance Studio and installed a small zen garden on the rear patio for helping with meditation. It’s only a foot by 3 feet. I can’t wait for her to see it, she’s been wanting one for awhile and I ordered the rocks from the bunny island in Japan where she spent some time as an exchange student. Then I bought a bunch of old motherboards and I’m working on an art installation piece that may still not be done soon. Sorry about that but when people stand about 15 feet back the objects should resemble your face. I was inspired by your framed, motherboard art and wanted to show you how much I appreciated you letting me nerd out when I come over. Now to answer your other question I am in Norwood at the 72nd CSPD Precinct Station.”

Everyone’s eyes when wide from the lovely doe-eyed looks they had hearing him describe the ways he tries to make them feel special as Constance exclaimed, “WHAT? WHY?”

“Well, I did mentioned it to some of the cops at Granny’s house and they gave me the names of the people I needed to speak with to set up me coming to work with the police for 24 hours on the 31st or this coming Sunday. I’ve been leaving messages but this was the first time I got a chance to meet with the 72nd Precinct Captain, south portion of Norwood. The District Chief and the Brisby Borough Commandant that reports to Director Balisong. I tried to tell Kat more that night but got interrupted a few times by things. Now she’s being a sweet friend to the foster girl from out of town.”

“Garri… Gryphon, do you actually know what it means to take it easy?”

“I’ve been over this with you what six, seven times now. No I don’t how to take it easy but I feel right as rain within the last half hour or so. If you want to give someone a hard time call your brother.” Everyone was surprised he snapped at Constance. She muted the phone and mentioned she really gives him a hard time about resting. “Wait, I’m sorry, all three of you keep asking this and my answer has not changed. I don’t know what you want me to infer from this so just set something up and surprise me. Constance, I could use your help on another matter though?”

Katherine wondered if knowing her longer made asking for help easier on Garrick? Constance replied, “Sure honey, I’m sorry to I just worry about you. We all worry and seeing you blow up has not helped that sense of worry. Okay, what can I do for you?”

“Can you find out what birthday Kat wants to use now? I hope she told you how she got her, umm, ‘special talents’ made her younger. She never told me what her original birthday was and I just assume she wants to forget it and that old life. I am planning something for her and I wanted to know when her ‘new’ birthday was going be now. Maybe this surprise will line up and maybe not? Please don’t tell her about the surprise. I’m sure she reads my mind all the time given how bad her ex was so its hard to keep it a secret around her. I’m always filling my head with random thoughts to try and throw her off. She’s going to be so surprised, well, I hope so at least.”

At first she was momentarily annoyed by the assumption that she always reads his mind, but then Kat was blushing and seemed to really not know glancing at the two on her screen as Constance said, “Sure honey, I have ways of making her talk. I got your back.”

Garrick thanked her and then said he had to go it was time for the meeting. He blew a kiss into the phone and hung up.

Ameera asked, “Kat, do you really scan his mind that much?”

Katherine carefully controlled her response, “I don’t know how he got that in his head. My ex-husband was a cheating douchebag and quite the liar. Garr-bear is none of those things.” Collectively, Constance and Ameera let out an ‘aww’ when she called him Garr-bear. “Now two can play at this relaxing game. After we get moved into the new house, I think we can schedule another ‘special’ night like the one after Papa Zombie.”

[Everyone nodded in agreement]

Ameera asked, “Question. We know he’s a workaholic. We know he loves helping people since I have been going to the Giving Tree to spending more time with him. They think I’m his only girlfriend, and to be fair it’s easier to let them believe what they want.” More nodding as she continued, “If Kat can keep us in the loop why don’t we start planning group relaxation times a few times a month and just kidnap him? Although, I am still super excited by another party night and the three of us going to buy lingerie together!”

Kat said it sounded like a good plan and she’d think about how to make it work. Right now each of them had to talk with Garrick when they can fit it in so he knows they’re not happy about how much he’s pushing himself. Ameera mentioned that he might react a bit odd if he’s not processed coming that close to death, the relaxing is so he can process those emotions which could be very hard on him. Everyone realized he may not be thinking of himself right now to avoid dealing with how he feels about it. Katherine wondered quietly how much of that was his sword’s doing. Was he even acting on his own accord?

The video call ended and Kat went to thank Richard and ask if he could arrange another ride to the testing center for the GED?