"Greg."

The handshake is taken and returned easily.  Almost too easily.  Still he was focused on the heroes to the point he jumps a little as Meg approaches them.  Backing off just a bit to give them space, thankfully before the highchair starts floating.

That, legitimately surprised him.  He knew people could get their abilities young, even be born with them but to see that much control when most are just learning to walk if they're lucky.

Meg was one of those few people that knew some of the truth about him, if not more.  This wasn't exactly something he'd just go to any of the staff here.  His voice quieting just a bit, an apologetic grin being offered towards Bill and Darren.

"Hey Meg, is your mom around?  Been needing to talk with her about a job."

In discussing what he needed in the lab, she would have let her know that if they needed help around the apartments they'd just need to ask.  When he talked about 'a job' it was in regards to his night work.

Meg gave both Bill and Darren a return hug, before she collected the adorable little girl from her high chair. Settling Bella on her hip like an experienced baby sitter. "Mom's in the kitchen, she's sorting out the evening special if you want to step back and see her?"

Then she tilted her head inquisitively at Bill raising one eyebrow in silent question.

"We thought we'd take advantage of some quiet time to come visit you, that and we'd like to ask a favor. With the alien attack and some unrest building in various parts of the world we're gonna be real busy for a while. Would you mind taking care of Bella for a while? We'll visit as much as we can but we might be in the field for days at a time and we don't like to leave her with the robo-nanny that long." Bill replied to Meg's silent question, an apologetic look on his face. "I know it's sudden, and we're not sure how long but you're the closest thing she has to a mom and you tend to stay out of super shenanigans these days"

Inwardly he smiles a little.  The affects of family on the super hero lifestyle.

It briefly brought a memory of better days.

"Thanks."

Silently he excuses himself and heads back for the kitchen.  That ready smile is offered to any kitchen staff he happens to pass on his way to Lin.  Careful not to get to close to any food contact surfaces and being mindful that in this area, the staff's work was more important than the case he was working on.  He wasn't sure how much or who of the staff knew the truth about her and with that in mind.

"Hey Lin, talked with Meg out in the Cafe, told me I would find you here.  Some complications with work have come up and I was hoping I could talk with you.  If you have the time."

 Lin was just finishing up working on some sort of meat with a cleaver (there was an impressive pile of something minced that was once some cut of meat) when he came in, and she said "Certainly, Kevin.  Let me just get this into the pot with the couscous and the mussels, and I can go upstairs with you to discuss the details.  Sound fair?"  Given that the woman asking him that was older than Christianity, well, it was somewhat ironic.

  Meg gave Bill a look that could only be described as 'sisterly exasperation', and said "Like you even have to ask, silly man.  Of COURSE I will watch Bella, for as long as you need.  She likes spending time with Auntie Meg and Grandauntie Lin.  And I can take her on some field trips I am sure you won't mind a bit.  Hit the zoo, visit the Forbidden City in China, maybe a couple other neat places."

Bella giggled as Meg picked her up. "Well I think you'd be a little confused if we just dropped her off without a word." Bill said with a chuckle. "Thanks Meg, we appreciate it."

"Of course."

Kevin just sets himself out of the way as he waits for Lin.  It really was impressive, usually people he had met that had been around as long as her, they generally kept to themselves.  Hid just outside the knowledge of the populace.  While her situation wasn't known, Lin put herself right out there to help others in meaningful ways.

It was refreshing, really.

Still, he realized his current case may just be outside the scope of the reason for this visit, but he needed to ask.

Accompanying her upstairs, he slips a photo out from his jacket once the doors to the room are closed.

"I hope I am not wasting your time, and I am sorry for coming to you with this.  Between my two options to start talking to, you at least know who I am though."

He hands the picture to her.

"This necklace was stolen from the museum a few nights ago, during an attack where magic was used to reanimate the mummies in the exhibit.  Human as well as animals.  I was wondering if you know anything more about the necklace than could be gleaned from a search through archeological reports."

  Lin examined the picture, then made an absent glyph of glowing dark emerald energy in the air, making a three dimensional image of the photograph spring into being above it.  She rotated it, then nodded to herself.  She said "That is the Necklace of Osiris.  It's a potent tool for necromancy and raising the undead.  Unfortunately for all of us, that was the real thing, not one of many copies the ancient Egyptians made for their priests
 to use in holy rituals that held no power without the real artifact." She gave him back the photograph, then wiped the glowing symbol of energy away so that the three dimensional image vanished once more.

"Just once, it would be nice if the object in question was taken simply because it sparkled."

This was said in the same dry, deadpan way he usually spoke, but there was the slightest hint of an attempt at levity.  Rubbing a few fingers along the side of the bridge of his nose, he takes a few seconds to take stock of the situation.

"I have taken too long to follow up on this, I can hope the Police have found something, but I still should speak to them.  Just in case.  This, is larger than them.  Larger than me.  The potential scope of the investigation easily exceeds the jurisdiction of Weston City."

Taking the picture back, he runs a few more thoughts through his mind.

"Have you detected anyone else traveling from the world I am from?  There is a short list of villains that this fits their Modus Operandi.  None of them would be favorable in this situation, though none of them I have direct experience with either.  The more problematic would be what they could possibly be harbingers of.  Or, are you aware of anyone that has been actively looking for this through the centuries?  And, of course, I do apologize for the amount of questions, but would you happen to know Ethan Sharpe?  I believe he was also known as Brigand.  If they have not been made aware or discovered this for themselves, the DPA should be made known about this.  I doubt they would listen to me without a few people being willing to vouch for me."

With the last sentence, his voice softens and that edge of dispassion erodes.  While not a question, it carries the tone of a polite request.

 Lin chuckled, and said "Ethan, or Brigand, is my adopted little brother.  Both my daughter and I know him well, although I've had longer to associate with him.  I can and will vouch for you with him and the DPA, I do occasionally act as an official 'consultant' with them.  If you want to linger for a while, I can have Ethan stop by?  His wife was planning to drop in later this evening anyway.  She's the best thing that ever happened to him, in either lifetime."  She held up a hand like she was using a phone, and spoke.  "Ethan, I have someone you should meet here at the Cafe, you can stop in at your convenience, or with your wife this evening when she comes over, but there is an important part to this.  Behave, and don't forget."  Clearly, she knew Ethan would recognize her voice.  Then she added to Kevin "His wife will be here at seven, she and Megaira and I will all be at Meg's apartment because we're working on a few little surprises for folks, but nothing we can't work on after we get your information disseminated."

"Thank you."  Before he can say anything else, his stomach quietly rumbles a bit.  "And staying will not be a problem.  There is a huge benefit that a person I can trust in these matters also operates a Café.  While I wait for them to arrive, I should get something to eat.  I will do my best to not distract them too long."

  Meg chuckled, and said "Not like I can't send you a mindworm message if I need anything clarified, but you know I'm always game to watch her.  She might en up in NEO, with me, but I'll always watch her.  Or sometimes, more distant, but you know I'll have her with me."

  Lin laughed, and said "You know Meg's downstairs, just let her know I told you to hang around to meet Uncle Ethan, and she'll probably load you up with a feast of your own.  She has to have heard your tummy rumbling, since *I* even heard that one."

In reply to Megaira Kattakara (msg # 384):

"And we appreciate it Meg. Having her on the satellite with the robo-nanny works well enough most of the time but it seems we're gonna be real busy for a while. Helping different countries set up defenses, working on preparations with various government sponsored teams, dealing with those taking advantage of the chaos, it's a full plate."

  Meg smiled, and said "Given the incident of the invasive scouts, it makes the project I've been working on all the more important.  So I've stepped up the work speed, the frame for the Pandora is being built now."  She hadn't told him what she was going to name it, but that was an interesting one.  She smiled, then asked him "Think earth will mind if I a, try and collect seeds and gene samples from as many life forms as possible, and b, take a selection of food crops and trees from farms and such to begin making a functional hydropinics and life support system as soon as I get that deck and the whole shell made?"  Clearly, she firmly believed, especially in light of recent events, her wild idea was important and needed completed.

Kevin nods easily at that, stretching his arms slightly.

"My apologies.  Between rest and work, it is usually easy to forget about some of the more basic needs.  Staying hydrated is the most important of course, but you can go quite some time without food.  Helps be a bit more efficient."

There was almost that tone to his voice that would show this was some form of indoctrinization.  Repeating something that was almost bordering on torture, likely disguised as conditioning for the hardships of this life.

"Again, thank you for your help."

Usually he didn't wear the 'mask' around Lin, he realized there was little need for it.  But preparation was key and his stoicness is replaced by the smile and brightness of 'Greg' as he turns after her response and makes his way back downstairs.  Heading over to Meg and the others.  He couldn't help but legitimately have his smile brighten a bit when he looks over Bella.  He also couldn't help overhear the subject matter.

"Working to defend the world against the aliens?  Thanks.  I can see where that would be a huge step.  Would it be ok to join you?  Just going to get a bite to eat while I wait for someone Lin called in, has a few things going on that she thinks I may be able to help with.  Though, probably nothing I can tell him that he doesn't already know.  Guess I'm hoping he'll be able to give me some tips."

He looks again to Bella and smiles a bit more.

"What's her name?  And Pandora, hydroponics, life support.  What are you working on?  If you don't mind me asking."

There was the slightest grin of apology offered to Meg, the mask was needed out here in public, but the apology was that he realized it wasn't 'Greg' asking that question.

  Meg smiled, and said "Not exactly defense, and feel free to join us.  Meet Bella, my greatest gift to Bill and Darren.  The Pandora isn't built enough yet, but what it is, is another basket.  Mankind has only one basket right now, if something happens, and this basket is broken?  So I decided to make another basket, and gicve mankind a second place to live and thrive.  The Pandora.  Because at the end of Pandora's story, the only thing left in the box was hope.  I want to give humankind a second shot if something wipes this world out."  As she spoke, he could hear the rattle of metal utensils and such moving in the kitchen, and she added "Private dining room number two will have a feast laid out for you.  Yes, I did hear your belly growling.  Fill up, and the leftovers, if you have any, will go home with you when you go.  No arguments, no protests.  You've been neglecting yourself in bad ways, so get over me mother henning, it's what I do."

Bill smiled as Kevin re-entered. "Yes, it's one of the many things the Global Guardians have on their plate. But we'll get through it, we have a great team as well and almost all of the world's heroes are on board. When these aliens come back they will see the earth is not without defenders." Miss adventure had called Excelsior 'this world's Superman' and talking to him he could see the similarities between him and Clark, both in his humble down to earth nature and his quiet determination.

Bill raised an eyebrow at the mention of Lin. "Someone Meg's mom called in? Would it be incorrect to assume you're a superhero too? Not that I like the term, I find it a bit....grandiose, but it's the most accurate descriptor of what we do. And her name is Bella."


Bill chuckled at Meg's mention of 'mother-henning'. "It really is, trust me I've known her for years."

Bill had impressed him and the comparison was not lost on him.  As the thoughts of what Mittens had said crossed his mind there were two pulls at his heart in the form of homesickness and the loss of one of his extended family members.

"Thanks Meg and I know when it is best to just take your losses.  You are almost as bad as him."  He wasn't talking about the AI version.  He looks towards Bella, giving her a little smile.  An honest one.  "Hey Bella.  Life is an incredible gift if you have the tools to do so.  Almost a responsibility to use those tools if you have access to them."

Bill's question doesn't give him much pause, he just laughs and shakes his head a little.

"Definitely not anything that amazing.  I am just a handy man that helps out around the apartments, try to make life a little better for people with the tools I have at my disposal.  The private dining room will be just fine, will head there now.  Bill, Darren, Meg.  Bella.  If you have the time, I would be grateful if you did join me though, just for a bit.  Little easier to talk there."

  Meg nodded, and waved Bill and Darren along, as she picked Bella up, the little girl adorably cute on her hip.  Bella giggled, and told him "Yah.  Mama abwam dayash gava myanma."  Which evoked a smile from Meg as she led the way to the dining room.  To Kevin, she answered "I come  by it honestly.  Mom can vouch, so can Bill, I'm a born caretaker, and I got the gifts to go with that.  Sometimes I think I should do more with some of them, but then I get remindd WHY I don't tell or use some of them much."  She shook her head as Bella turned into a crystal clear water-baby, then wound around her and blurbled.

Darren chuckled, and said "Bella water-hugs.  She gets that from me.  I still don't know how you pulled off whatever miracle you did to make her, Megs, but she's such a blessing.  And nobody ever doubts she's ours.  The hard part is explaining how we got her!!"

Moving with them, he waits to speak until they're in the Private Dining Room.  There was an obvious change to his stance, his demeanor.  A glance is given towards Bella shifting and wrapping around Meg.  It should bring a smile to his face, but it barely registers on his face.

"Life is precious, being able to safe guard it and give humans a second chance is very admirable.  With all of your ways of doing so."

The last bit is directed to Bill and Darren as well as Meg.  His gaze settling on Bill.

"Your assumption is correct, though as you said, Superhero is a bit grandiose of a term.  I have the training, knowledge and tools in order to help people.  Growing up, I had a lot of role models to learn from and while their teachings stuck with me it was a fictional one that ultimately made it simple to explain.  With great power comes great responsibility."

He laughs, softly, though it seems an empty exercise.  More the laugh you get when you realize something than actually fully being amused by it.

"To call him fictional though, seems inappropriate given the situation I find myself in I suppose.  I do not like to publicly sell the fact I have a double life.  I wear a mask for a reason."

Bill nodded. "I'm sorry, I forget about secret identities some times. It's been a while since mine was exposed. And I can empathize with that, The Legacy was a little miffed with us New Age Defenders but they eventually warmed up to us. And I took a lot of inspiration from fictional heroes too. Superman was a big inspiration of mine even before I gained my powers, though I suppose being secretly gay is quite different from being secretly an alien being."

Ethan stepped into the cafe, having teleported into the alley behind the cafe, frightening an old homeless woman with two large cats and a dog. Once inside he sought out Lin, guided to her by one of the waitresses who knew him as the owner's uncle.

He smiled as he approached her, wrapping her in a hug. "There you are, where's this person you want me to meet? And what's so hush hush about this ladies night you, Lorelei and, Meg have going on? This better not have anything to do with my birthday. I told her not to bother with it. Lord knows I've had enough to make it not worth mentioning and four hundred and thirty is not even a major number. Maybe at five hundred it'd be worth something."

Miss Adventure was careful to make sure no one would bump into her portal before opening one just inside the Cafe's front door so she could enter from the crime scene.  Innumerable flashing blue and red lights backlight her as she steps in, giving away that she was recently at a crisis.  By contrast, the fancy black dress and priceless necklace she's wearing does not look the least bit like crime-fighting attire.  Once inside the Cafe, Mits turns to see if Wraith followed.