selfequipped | MASK OR MENACE IC CONTACT

Well, look at it this way. I really uncovered this for myself a couple months ago when I looked up a lot of people connected to disappearances. I was looking up one guy in particular, but there were other names, too. I just did some easy searches, but even when I got more thorough with it, I was left high and dry. These were people who were being memorialized, but still, I got mostly ... nothing? Nada? One of these guys has since turned up on a video. I also got a memory of him off a Hornet in October.

It just doesn't make sense.

Why is this information missing? Possibly because the people who would otherwise tell it are also missing, or behind yellow tape so strongly wrapped around an area that even the Hulk (he's a super strong giant green guy) can't bust through it.

[ Kitty hesitates a moment. There's no way that this next thought will lead to good things; she's self-aware enough to know that, and know that if she follows it she's going to end up getting herself in trouble. That's just how her life is, and that's just how she is. But as soon as it bubbles up, half-formed, she can't quite push it back down again, and so, finally, she writes back to Kate: ]

How much do you think the Hornets know about it?

They're some of the ones who vanished, or knew people connected to the vanished, so I'd bet a lot of dollars that they're well aware of it.

You can't make an entire group of people into an "urban legend," without something that makes them seem fictional.

[ Right. ]

Has anyone made contact with the Hornets? Spoken with them, I mean, at any length.

You mean, aside from when they attacked us? A number of us have looked into them. I'm currently trying to find some of them.

How are you going about it? Have you had any success?

I've gotten some information on them, but nothing that leads to any lunch dates.

What have you found out? Assuming it's not just the stuff in the FAQ.

It's not stuff I'm comfortable sharing until I finish following my leads. I will be sharing it in a bit.

How long is "in a bit"?

[This is a thing that will come back to stand out to Kate later on.]

When I announce my birthday party. It's this month.

[ Kitty narrows her eyes. ]

Why then?

I'm just working on it. I have a few more people to call.

[ ...still sounds weird. ]

You'll be making the information public?

[Kate is actually not done with it yet.]

Yeah, I just don't want anyone else involved until I'm done talking to the friends and family of these Hornets. It might end up a little messy. Too many hands in the pot.

[ Kitty wonders if Kate would be using this communicator to get in touch with that friends and family. She wonders, also, if Skye would help her hack it, or trace any outgoing calls...

(Probably not. Skye seems like she'd be squeamish about something like that.

(Kitty, obviously, would not be remotely squeamish and would definitely do it. Obviously.) ]

That makes sense! Especially since, well...I wouldn't put it past people to go after them in retribution. I know that some people are really mad about the Hornets.

You're not, are you?

That's not it. When you're working a case (like I am—I'm a detective!), you don't want too many people involved. Wires get crossed, people get edgy, it's generally good to avoid that.

I'm not happy with what the Hornets have decided to do, but I think we're missing some pieces.

[ Maybe the direct approach will work? It's worth a try. ]

I could help you.

No, it's okay. I already split up the work with someone else.

No, I want to help you. That's not me being nice. I want to find out more.

If I find some other leads that need an extra pair of hands, I'll text you and we can meet up to go over everything.

Sound good?

[ Um. Nnno. If there's one thing she doesn't want, it's her face being seen. ]

Do you promise? Because that sounds like it could be a "No thanks."

I tend to do this stuff alone, but this information is too important.

Meaning what? Do you promise you'll call on me?

I'd like to, sure.

Hey, what are your skills?