“I have no idea,” I said. “If I was a civilian with an issue, and I was going after capes, I’d go big or I wouldn’t try at all. If we’re talking something that shakes this whole community center… bomb? Parahumans are definitely possible, except I’m not sure how using parahumans squares with the sentiment toward parahumans.”

Fume Hood spoke up from the background. “Set us against each other, they benefit either way.”

“Could be,” I said. I paused. “As soon as the crowd has dispersed enough, I want to get you guys clear of here. Do you have a decent mover power to use?”

“Longscratch does,” Tempera said.

“Not a mass mover power, is it?” I asked. At the negation, I turned to Jasper. “Can you bring the bus close? If the crowd is thinning out, you should be able to pull right up to the door. Take someone with you, if we’re delayed, do like I discussed earlier. Keep an eye out.”

Jasper saluted, turning to go.

The bus wasn’t elegant, but hopefully it would take us away from vulnerable civilians or areas.

“How is Longscratch?” Tempera asked Crystalclear.

“He’s fine. Stalked off. He’s keeping an eye out for trouble,” Crystalclear said. He pointed up and off to one side. On an upper floor, it seemed, or on the roof.

“That’s how he is. I won’t bother him. I’ll go talk to the district representative, instead, if that’s alright,” Tempera said, looking my way.

“If the coast is clear,” I said.

“Most people have cleared out of the main hall,” Crystalclear said. “The ones who are hanging back seem like the types to be doing it for good reason. Parents with kids, teenagers hoping to get a glimpse of the heroes they came to see.”

“That’s positive,” Tempera said. “I’ll give them a glimpse then. Thank you, Victoria.”

“I’m going to get a glass of water and get my head straight,” Fume Hood said. “I’ll catch up with the rest of you in a minute.”

“Don’t go running off,” Tempera said. “Get your water, take a minute, but come back after. I don’t want you to throw yourselves to the wolves.”

“I won’t,” Fume Hood said.

“Or whatever variant on that plan you might be thinking. I can see you trying to lead the enemy way from us,” Tempera said.

“I won’t,” Fume Hood said, annoyed.

“It wouldn’t work anyway,” Crystalclear added.

“Your future sight telling you that?” Fume Hood asked, her annoyance becoming something more bitter.

“I don’t see the future like that. You know that. But I do know that they’re mad at all of us. Our fortunes are intertwined, and their hate is—it’s not very targeted.”

“Not hate,” I said.

They looked my way.