Hermit

"My word, Holmes, we're in the Public Domain at last!"

Ooh... A tiger sized duck could feed a family for a while.

Tigers, at any size, aren't great eating.

My bitterness aside about my state I should say that you can find a lot of good folk here. Unfortunately, I sometimes feel their voices are quelled by our state leaders and an angry mean minority

And they're from Tennessee.

I can't even manage pretending to be surprised.

16 minutes ago, Logan D. Hurricanes said:

 

"Yippie Ki Ya, Mother, Maiden and Crone!"

"I brought you more food" Kori fed the girl that was hiding in the cave, "Are you SURE you saw what you saw?"
"They threw me off the boat, when they realized I had overheard too much," Mary had been a stowaway, hoping to get away from abusive parents. The yacht she slipped onto had been everything a poor girl from nowhere important could dream of, "But I overheard them talking, about robots that might one day kill even THEIR kind, and how it needed to be nixed or better yet, put to their plans to bring their kind of peace to this world."
"Robot? It's sure not Grandpa, he's tough, but not that tough" A frown broke out on the saffron skinned girl's features "And Lois is great! She's a robot NOW but...well, it's complicated. But she would never hurt a family member."
Yet the descriptions given made it clear that it was her Uncle and Aunt who had nearly killed Mary or rather left her out to drown. If Kori hadn't found her floating on the water, Mary would have died. Kori meant to take her to her mom or dad, but Mary told her story then, and Kori, at Mary's request, had hidden her here, in the very cave where once a hero had taken haven before putting an end to the schemes of the bad guy behind the Omin Droid program.
Then it hit Kori, "The Omni droid program! they were suposed to get smarter and more dangerous each upgrade!  Mom has the tech now but Uncle and she have argued in the past.." A sinking feeling hit her belly, "Mary? I have a bad feeling about this."
Like any teenager, Kori turned to texting for a solution, "I'm caling my brother" His picture showed on the screen.
"He's cute" Mary blurted, then blushed.
"Gross," Kori informed her. As she tried to get a warning to her brother that something sinister might be going on..
***
Sadly, Mark knew far too well what was going on. the ambush on his parents had been quick and brutal, now while Lois was playing decoy to buy Mark time to get Calvin to safety, the man who hoped to be called Invincible struggled with the superstrong 'stupendous man' who wanted to chip in.
"BETRAYAL! Not even cool betrayal, because it happened to us!" Calvin wailed, "That's my mom! You gotta let me go... I can fight! I got a tiger!"
"Calvin, shut up ..." Mark said in a panic as omnidroids co-opted and controlled by his traitorous uncle and aunt swarmed the island, "I gotta find Kup, let him get you to a safe place so I can join the fight!"
Though  with mom and dad both sucker punched and down, Mark wasn't sure how he and his sister in law could possibly hold on. Then he saw his granda. Good. Maybe he could help fight!
****
"I don't blame you, Lois," Zarda said as she pursued the tornado producing reporter, "You've escaped fragile mortal flesh, but your mind is still that of a lesser. You need guidance. My Husband and I plan to use the tools humanity would use on us on them instead, but instead of destruction, we'll bring order!"
"this story is so over done, my editor may ask me for NEW material," Lois said. Powerful as she was, she was outmatched here if hands actually closed on her!
 Hyperion came at her from the other side! She took a breath she no longer save to express her worry. She was about to get her robotic body caved in!
And then Hyperion look a blow from behind, as Invincible came in rushing to the rescue "You rat bastard! How could you betray your own sister?!  your family!"
Hyperion backhanded Invincible, knocking him to the Earth, "I'm protecting you all, and if some ambitions are filled as well? So be it. Stand down boy, you're a half blood, and it shows!"
***
"Let me go, let me go," Stupendous man cursed in Kup's driver seat, "I can help."
"Imagine how I feel?" the truck said, "But sorry kid, you're still too young for super battles."
Suddenly a streak of light went out from the edge of the island.
"No far, even Aunt Kori gets to fight!" Calvin observed.
Kup had no heart, but somehow it still ached at the idea of Kori going INTO danger when he had to protect another. Hang on there, Little Starfire! he thought.
****
Mary was miserable. Kori's phone showed had somehow kept the video conference going with Mark's, and like his sister, he had dropped his phone. But she got glimpses, sounds, of how the fight was going. It wasn't going well!
"If only I could help..." She looked around the cave. It was better than watching blood rain down from Mark. She didn't know the guy, but she knew he was being brave!
But there was nothing in this cave, not anymore. Apparently at one time it had had skeletons of fallen heroes.Then she saw something, etched in a wall, a message
IF YOUR CAUSE IS PURE and GOOD: SAY MY NAME...
and below it was a name
Mary tilted her head, and whispered it in confusion.
***
Lois lay twitching on the ground, one of her arms ripped off.
Invincible had held up surprisingly well against his Uncle, the Hyperion! But when Lois was taken out, it became two on one again and  Mark was a mess!
"Stand down!" Zarda commanded.
"Screw yourself," Mark suggested only to be rewarded with a slap that drove him through a wall.
"Someone's released the Kraken," Hyperion cursed, "I'm sending the omnidroids after it! "
Another wave of omni  droids came out, only to be engulfed in energy as Kori defended her pet!
Zarda sighed, "Time to finish off Mark. Sweet boy, but he is only half worth while." She raised her boot to crush him.
Something moved with the speed of a god and hammered Zarda from the side knocking her away "Remember me? Probably not. I remember you."
Mary looked older, she was definitely stronger! She was pissed!! And she was a marvel!
She was cute.. in a bad ass way, Mark thought as he kicked out his aunt's kneecap!
Zarda howled.
"Stupid boy,"  Hyperion cursed, "You can't win."
"We don't have to win, we just have to hold on until..."
Heat Vision struck Hyperion straight on.
"Until Mom and dad wake up," Mark said.
"You're in trouble now," Kori declared!
"Can I help pound them? PLEASE?" Mary asked.
"I made a friend, mom!" Kori beamed "Can we keep her?"
The evil Uncle and Aunt ...didn't fare well after that. Omni bots or no.

Unsorted Kin #3: Hyperion (Squadron Sinister) Lara's Brother

Option: Zarda aka Power Princess (squadron Sinister)  - Hyperion's wife

Option 2: Mary Marvel

1 hour ago, Lord Liaden said:

 

But letting babies die from hunger, disease, or abuse after they're born is apparently not their concern.

"Are there no prisons? Are there no work houses?"

Oh, sadly, I think I can explain that one. Some of them, the attitude is fetus = baby. Baby = Innocent. Criminal however, has done something wrong, not only can criminals be punished, they deserve to be. These same folks avoid nuance much like unclevlad said.  So the 'let the punishment fit the crime' is a forgotten aspect of it. Just punish. Babies though? Innocent of crime, so even if a danger to the mother, well, too bad. The mother had sex, and that, like crime, has consequences by golly. It's an easy attitude to take if you have no personal skin in the game as it has the benefit of not requiring too much thought, AND you get to feel morally superior at the same time.   Sadly this attitude often skips the virtues of empathy, thoughtfulness, and humility.

Christmas is canceled!

Okay, nebulously delayed.

Housemate's mother went to hospital on last Thursday, she died 3 in the morning on the Sunday. My friend has been scrambling with the arrangements and calls and other things. She has decided to hold the funeral on Dec 28 so it happens after official Christmas... because she doesn't want her nephews who are young equating Christmas holiday with death if it can be helped. On top of that, the weather this weekend means it's all very complicated for going to visit family without risk of dying on black ice and snow or at least getting a weekend without power at 13 degrees F.

And chance of Covid/Flu as always.

Least favorite holiday anyway but this year? WOW. Death, Mother Nature's fury, and Plague!

EDIT: To be fair it appears the plague is no longer present among those I'd be meeting. In theory

"Now I just got word, your sister in law is coming over to the island," Lara Lor-Van told Kori and Mark, "Which will be nice, yes?"
"Sure, she's tops," Mark spoke up with a shrug.
"Is she bringing gifts?" Kori grinned.
"Kori,  don't take advantage of her," Lora told her with an upraised brow, "And show gratitude if she seeks to curry favor with the material."
"Yes, mother," Kori smiled, then a dread thought occured, "She's not bringing the monster, is she?"
"He's not a monster, he's your nephew," Lara tutted, " and MY grandson" She glowed with delight, all logic fleeing her.
"Man, I really need to master flight," Mark muttered to no avail for his mom could hear it.
She raised a brow at him too.
"Permission to sleep over with a friend?" Kori inquired, "In Gotham? It'll be safer."
"Denied," Lara said, and tilted her head, "Ah, they're here!" Superhearing.
"Mom, a bit more warning time???" Mark rose up.
Their sister in law was  many years older than them. Technically she was a half sister in law? but she was an amazing woman even before she had 'recovered' from her accident and both Mark and Kori liked her in your face approach and keen deduction skill.
The fact she was now in a robot/android body was a family quirk. Lara had saved her in the nick of time by transplanting her mind and memories into an artificial frame. It disturbed grandpa Kup at first, but he'd soon come around.
"Hey gang, I'm  here," Richard called out, "And so are our guests and kin."
The Red hued robot with yellow designs didn't need clothes per se, but she wore them anyway, dressed as a reporter ready to hit the streets and get the story. Which made sense as that's what she was.
Unfortunately, behind her, wearing a cape, bounded her 6 year old son and his stuffed Animal.
"S is for Stupendous!" the boy started up right away...and leaped into his Grandma's arms!
Kori and Mark looked heavenward for strength, "Hi, Cal."
Unsorted Kin- Daughter in Law to Lara:  Lois Lane (Earth 2 Red Tornado version)

Unsorted Kin- Grandson to Lara: Calvin aka Stupendous Man! (From Calvin and Hobbes)

"Who wants num nums?" Kori called out, the one hundred and ten pounds of spam shaped like a princess. It made her giggle. Their pet had been weaned off the real deal.

The waves broke as their island pet answered with a hungry roar!

Family Pet: The Kraken (From Clash of the Titans, 1981)

Sympathies.

17 minutes ago, Pariah said:

How many should we have at this point? I've fallen behind again. 

I believe You can have up to six, though after 5 PM EST US time today it will be up to 7

Hermit

Location of Home: Nomansian Island

Father: Richard Rider (Nova)

Mother: Lara Lor-Van (Formerly of Krypton)

Son: Mark (Grayson) aka Invincible

Daughter: Koriand'r (Starfire)

Family Pet

Grandfather: Kup (Transformers)

Three unsorted kin (cousins, in-laws, other grandparents. etc)

Two options

"So my people are warriors? Grandpa?" Kori asked.

"Some of the greatest warriors in the galaxy" Her Grandpa explained, "I ever tell you about the time we found a Tamaran scout on the planet Nexus IV during the Triffid War?"

"No!" Kori hadn't heard this one. She loved her grandpa, like her, he had to wear a disguise a lot, "was the TamarAn on your side?" hopeful

"Oh yeah, WELL, " the old warrior chuckled, "She was distrustful at first, but she really turned the tide, you see, we met her in the swamps where we were hard pressed by the enemy..."

Her mother's super hearing was working far too well, "Kori, I need to talk to your grandfather for a moment, excuse us, please."

"But mooom," Kori protested, "The Triffid War? I hadn't heard this one."

"You probably have, you were just too young to remember at the time," Lara shot a reproving look at the old warrior before continuing to her daughter "Go fly, you enjoy that."

Kori huffed, she DID love it, but she was positively grown up now and being sent away for adult talk pricked her pride, "Fine." And she flew off, her fit of pique fueling her speed.

"She's a little burst of starfire, that one," Her grandfather's metalic face managed a smile.

"Yes," Lara couldn't help but smile a bit as well before turning back to her concerns, "I must ask you to stop glorifying war around the children."

"Glorifying? Lara," He frowned "You know I would die for my grand kids. I guess I'm just an old warrior who tends to ramble about those moments, but one day they might need some of the lessons I'm passing on..."

"Or your talk might make them unaware how war is anything but glorious. It's why their father doesn't talk too much about his past with them, he doesn't want that life for them either," Lara mmphed.

"They're warriors, Lara. It's not just in their blood. They're itching for it. I think they need MORE stories, not ones that teach them fighting is glorious, but one that teaches them what's worth fighting for." The old robot sighed, "You see?"

Lara patted him on the arm , a soft clang, "I see you love them greatly. But Richard and I will dictate their upbringing, even now. Especially now. You're a good storyteller, but...tone down the war stories just a bit, please?"

"Old programming is hard to break, young lady," He hurumphed, then said, "but all right. It's just, well, not like i can bounce them on my knee anymore. Mark will be flying as well as you soon, Kori already does. So they no longer need this old robot for transport as often..."

Lara softened, and she gave a gentle hug to the robot's arm, "Oh, Kup. You're their grandfather. Even as they mature, some part of them will always be glad they have you to turn to."

The old warrior smiled, "Yeah. Thanks, Lara. Good speech..." A memory resurfaced, "Reminds me of the pep talk I got from a Prime... the third one I think. I ever tell you about him?"

Lara carefully did NOT look like she was seeking an escape route Turned out her answer wouldn't have mattered...

"There we were," Kup explained, "The vapors so thick around the city you couldn't get a ping on a particle emitter..."

GRANDPA: Kup (From Transformers the Movie)

2 hours ago, Lord Liaden said:

Oh, the studio definitely did not leave Patty Jenkins alone. Among other things, the suits wanted to cut the entire Diana crossing No Man's Land scene, and Jenkins had to fight to keep it in.

Yeah, blew my mind when I heard that because its one of my favorite scenes, and to a large degree where she BECOMES Wonder Woman. I'm very glad Patty fought for it

sometimes with googly eyes stuck on

Well, apparently Trump's stuff sold out *Sigh*

I love my country but a too large percentage of it is freaking me out

"I don't have to wear make up!" the teenage girl gushed as she walked out onto the beach. She was a social girl, but hiding who she was all this time was so frustrating! Other teenage girls she knew were ASKING their family if they could wear make up. Her family had her coating up a lot to hide her alien complexion, which was annoying as it wasn't her fault her alien complexion was different from say mom's alien complexion.

But here, she could go about in all her saffron glory! Mark might hate it, but Kori? The Riders adopted daughter? Well, it was WONDERFUL

Daughter: Koriand'r aka Starfire

Looks like Cavill is already on a project

Cavill to Star in Warhammer 40000 series for Amazon

4 hours ago, Old Man said:

"Excuse me young lady, where do you think you're going?"

 

"I'm gonna meet my friends at the mall."

 

"Not dressed like that you're not.  Put on some clothes."

 

*eyeroll*  "Mom, I have a coat."

 

"You know what I mean!  I'm an attorney, don't try to outlawyer me.  And no swords!"

 

 

(Rebellious Teenage) Daughter: Gamora

 

 

 

 

 

You didn't snipe my pick, but you did snipe a similar conversation I was thinking would occur with my own planned daughter pick Enjoying the Green Gene family you've got going

12 minutes ago, Lord Liaden said:

Henry Cavill is being more gracious than Warner, Gunn, and Safran deserve. He announced his return to the role in October because the studio told him to. This was before Safran and Gunn were hired.

 

If those two want to clean house and start fresh, I'm betting Gal Gadot is next on the chopping block.

8 minutes ago, Christopher R Taylor said:

Apparently they parted on good terms, from what I understand Cavill is being cut as Superman not because they don't like him, but because the movies are not making money and WB needs to cut costs.  Its time for a new unknown like Christopher Reeve to take the role.  I cannot picture Wonder Woman without Gal Gadot, but I don't think she's quite as expensive because her career is still pretty small.  I don't care if Affleck ever plays Batman again.

I'm hoping it all did end on good terms. Henry certainly is coming across as gracious about it. I have hopes that Safran and Gunn will be a lot more organized than previous WB attempts to 'make it happen' but I will miss Gal Gadot if she goes. Say what you want about Wonder Woman 1984, but the first movie was and remains a gem. Rumors have it that Mamoa's next Aquaman movie will be his last, but he may get a chance to play Lobo? No idea how serious that rumor is.

My concern with the 'younger superman' angle is that unless they make it a period piece, it could definitely block up some of the next generation heroes by comparison. Hard to imagine Jaime Reyes, the third blue beetle, being Clark Kent's age, frex. But maybe that's just my brain fighting change.