Hmm. And double Hmm. The Kellar Academy was fully accredited and offered BSA-sponsored degrees. If I could get an ‘in’, and I could simulate a class 3 ability, it should be possible to finish my bachelor’s degree in a civilian application field with a BSA grant that was a hundred times more forgiving than my current loan structure.
Not to mention, they had power research facilities. I had no illusions that the BSA didn’t already know that I did a few extracurricular activities on the side, since they had access to alphas with astonishing powers of observation, but completing a ‘responsible power use’ course or three would likely get me off of their radar for a while, and once my loan was paid off, the only time I’d even have to use my powers was when there was a general alert or at my own discretion.
And I even knew the perfect ability to simulate. Microkinesis evolved into pyrokinesis. For a single-power individual, low-ranked pyrokinesis is the LAST power that anyone would ever want on a superhero team. It seldom provided any defense at all, meaning you were a glass cannon, and pyrokinesis was NOT the sort of thing you wanted on a team… arresting criminals by turning them into a screaming pillar of fire was not exactly high on the list of peacekeeping options.
On the other hand, a glass cannon that could shoot fireballs was almost perfect for emergency calls, as well as civilian applications galore, as long as they were not TOO powerful. Class 5? Well, at class 5 pyrokinesis, you were extremely dangerous, and could probably draw a salary just to stay the hell out of any altercations short of a Kaiju or world event, and that level of heat control would probably make you damned near invulnerable to most non-brute effects.
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The school was almost guaranteed to have professionals in power manipulation. It was possible that they had a better bead on how to increase either power generation or total power pool, something my own research had completely failed at.
The entire reason I had been classified as a two was because the ether, where the ‘big girls’ drew their power from, was inaccessible to me. In my opinion, someone HAD to know something about it, because powers were known to evolve occasionally, and if they didn’t, there would be an awful lot more class 2 males.
But, like all things, it was not about what you knew, but rather WHO you knew. Unsolicited applications to the academy, especially for a grant, generally wound up in the same pile that unsolicited manuscripts wound up in at a publisher.
The best part is, aside from the Strategic Special Simulations, there was no real connection between me and the ‘contractor’, since at no time did I use heat when dealing with her. As exciting and romantic as a ‘fire versus ice’ battle might sound, the reality is a steamy, dangerous, and ugly mess.
I quickly tapped out a reply.
Dear Hotcocoa37,
SSSinc. Appreciates your comment. Contractor #6628 is perfectly healthy after a short stint in our regenerative facilities and appreciates your gratitude.
No additional bonuses or payments are expected or will be accepted, although your offer is appreciated. However, contractor #6628 has expressed his appreciation that you recognized your mistake and will be taking training to address it prior to active duty. That is very responsible and admirable.
However, when you mentioned a willingness to offer a favor, #6628 mentioned an acquaintance with minor control issues, a class three who could potentially benefit from an introduction to your new alma mater.
Since he understands that referrals could also enhance your standing, would this settle any feelings of debt on your part?
Sincerely, SSSinc. Administration.
