Originally posted July 14, 2008
((For those of you that don't know ERP stands for Erotic Role Play. I was a bit surprised when I first learned of the practice in MMORPG's. That discovery drove this story.))
Sometimes, the costume just felt right. The spirit gum that holds the mask on itches after a while. Even the lightest ceramic plates chafe odd places. After a patrol, the whole suit needs a cleaning. Ballistic weaves do not lend themselves efficient heat exchange. But as Chance waited in the shadows of the alley, waited to make the arrest, the costume just felt right.
Chance hadn't made it two steps into the cyber café before he saw them. Sunil's girlfriend was one of the few women in the café and he carried his father's face and coloration. Chance watched them as he made his way around the rows of computers and gamers. Sunil would reach out and put a hand on her shoulder during a load; lean over for a kiss. She seemed to recoil ever so slightly from his touch, turn her attention from the screen with a slight hesitation.
She planned to break up with Sunil. Her body language, the slight lean away from him, betrayed her intent. For his part, lost in the clue free zone so many young men produce, he didn't see it coming.
After a few moments, Chance made his way behind them, a lurker watching their game of A Distant Battle Field: 2112. Chance does not play much in the way of computer games. Taking to the streets to fight crime provided plenty of adventure. Before then, he enjoyed console games played on the couch with friends. For a moment he wondered if he could trace putting on a mask back to the hours spent with Soul Caliber.
He chatted with them, amicably. If Sweet!Jane and TheSutan didn't share any other interests, they shared a passion for ADB. They explained the game and the interface in brief sentences spoken with sideways glances over the shoulder. Chance learned the basics of navigation, character, missions, and chatting.
As he listened, Chance stifled a smile. He patiently waited, listening to all the little piecing clicking together in his mind. Of course Eddie wouldn't have thought of this. He was, after all, old.
Walking away from the café, Chance had called the good detective and laid out his theory. They had met together with Insulator just an hour later.
Chance felt two pangs of guilt in that hour. If he was right, he missed his opportunity to take down the criminal by going out last night. His real life had taken precedence over catching the bad guy. Later, he would take a look at how he could have handled it better; maybe asked his dad or Regina for help. For now, he tabled the concern. He could not be everywhere at once.
As he walked into the dorms of Teen Phalanx, he felt the second pang. Surely someone on the Sentinels had Insulator's powers and skills. While he remained on good terms with the members of TP, it felt odd stepping into the building. The disquiet calmed as Eddie and he discussed the matter with the armored hero.
His physical body permanently merged with his armor, Chance would swear that he saw Insu's immobile eyebrow rise slowly as Kid Harrier explained what he needed.
"What about their privacy?" Insulator had asked.
"They don't get any," explained Eddie. "MetroSoft, the makers of ADB, clearly outline that players cannot expect privacy with regards to in game communications."
"Better than that, Insu," Chance continued, "MetroSoft specifically forbids the use of their networks for the commission of a crime. Once Eddie called them, they faxed over a signed affidavit allowing us access, along with credentials we can use to get into their servers."
Eddie held up the fax.
"This is something that the police could do, given time. I brought it to you because I knew you could do it faster. I think these two will beat it out of town at any moment."
Insu examined the fax, reading the account information. He nodded. "OK, Chance. I'm establishing communication. What do you need?"
Chance couldn't hide his smile. "Insu, I need any communication between Red Hawk and Sweet!Jane for a week beginning at the beginning of the month."
"You better get chatter between Red Hawk and TheSultan," Eddie chimed in. Chance looked at him, raising an eyebrow. Eddie shrugged. "Carl could be open minded," he said.
Chance looked back at Insu. "Yeah. That's a good idea."
Chance watched Insulator's frozen, silver face, wondering what went on inside that shell. In a few moments, Insu pointed to a printer on a nearby workbench. Eddie started pulling off pages as they came out.
"I've highlighted certain pertinent exchanges," Insulator said dispassionately.
Eddie chuckled, looking through the sheets.
"What?" asked Chance, looking over.
"I don't think I can let you read these, Kid. Might be considered giving pornography to a minor. Ooh," he added, flipping a page. "I'm not sure this is physically possible."
"Here's one for you, Kid," Eddie said, handing over the page.
Chance's smile broadened as he read the page. The conversation outlined the theft at Something Fishy; how Carl would leave the key and code on the ledge of his bathroom window. Sweet!Jane could pick it up that night, rob the store, and return the key by morning.
"And another." Eddie passed one more sheet. It documented where Sweet!Jane would leave the key for Asian Star Foods for Red Hawk to pick up.
"Well, Eddie?" Chance asked.
"I believe we have probable cause, my young friend. Where do you want to pick them up?"
Chance giggled, laughing with the buoyancy of a four year old. "Eddie, I think I want them to come to us. Insu, this is what I want you to do…."
There are times when the costume feels just right. Sweating in the humid summer air, watching from the shadows, it felt perfect against Chance's skin. Waiting for the two love birds to arrive at the location Chance had fed them, he wondered. Eddie would keep the uniformed officers out of sight until Chance made his move. Chance smiled, secretly hoping that Carl would resist arrest.
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