Riddle 029: Where is the Father?

[questionauthority]

{First, a public phone call, filtered from drones.]

Hello again, Mayfield. I've been noticing plenty of new faces around town as of late. Plenty of people with plenty of questions.

Every question has an answer, friends---I can guarantee you that. And I, Edward Nigma, can help you find all of these answers. And more. Now, I'm sure I can already predict the next question that's on your minds right now. "What's the catch?" Answer: I I'll be needing your help with a little summer project of mine. Here's your first clue as to what it might be.

“I cannot be seen and I weigh nothing,
But when put into a barrel, I make it lighter.”

What am I?

[It's just after finishing up with this little phone call that he gets his first good look at the calendar. Father's Day. Not exactly Edward's favorite day by any means, given his own relationship with his old man. Needless to say, his mood's been a little bit soured.

Throughout the rest of this lovely day, you're likely to run into the Riddler...

A: In the Backyard of 726 Anderson, sketching something out into a notebook.

B: Out for a drive in the Riddler-Mobile, to try and relax.

C: At Jonathan's Tools, loading up plenty of tools and building supplies into the back of his car.

Wherever he goes, he'll likely be sulking. Cheer him up? Help him out? He's all yours, ladies.]

Comments

[glowing-science.livejournal.com]

[Ema totally helps herself to a chocolate.] That, too. The last thing I'd want to give you is something so outdated and passe.

[Is... she joking with him?]

[gotmorbucks]

Above average as a whole, not just as a kindergartner.

[Whole? Hmm wait]

[Filter]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Simple, really. We're going to build ourselves a new headquarters.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Uh-uh-uh. What would be the fun of that?

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Excellent. I could do with a few extra laborers---if you could sway these drones to assist me with my little pet project, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Sardonically.]

Somehow I doubt that we'll be able to find a vat of lava at the general store. Though I like the way you think.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

How thoughtful of you.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...Evil Quotient?

I take it you must be some kind of a criminal?

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Wow, Anna. You really hit the nail right on the head, didn't you?]

I've already apologized to her. The rest is in her hands, now.

[There's a moment of quiet before he continues.]

As for my plan, I suppose you could say I was looking to build a new summer home for my Legion. A place where we could operate in secrecy, safety, and privacy.

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Exactly. And where is this base of operations going to be built? Right under their noses.

I already have the perfect location in mind.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Most villains seem to have it, too. :| |

In any case, you've answered correctly. Not too bad for a brat like you.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He knows the feeling, Lex.]

When did this happen? Did you---did you provoke him?

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Don't be such a Doubting Thomas. Soon enough, you'll be thanking me.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Edward grins.]

I've always been fascinated with puzzles and riddles, you know. Since I was around your age, really.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

As a whole? [Smirk.] You may be onto something, Ms. Morbucks.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Good. That's what I like to hear. I could use your help with a bit of digging in the weeks to come.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

We will, of course. I've already put out a call to the Legion and to the whole of the town. We'll find new recruits, and we'll assemble a proper team to dig, excavate, and create.

[greatestmanll40.livejournal.com]

No.

I was merely laying in a hammock, drunk in my own angst, when he came and did what he did.

Nigma, what is that boy and what did he do to me?

[jaws5sonofjaws.livejournal.com]

[His head. It hurts.]

It would get your damn point across for one thing.

Can I get a lifeline or a hint or something?

[poisonivyforyou.livejournal.com]

Anything to help you, Nigma. I will check if it works on them as soon as possible.

I suppose asking you about this 'project' right now would be pointless, though?

[demonoaths.livejournal.com]

I'm the Overlord and Dean of Evil Academy, and the No. 1 Honor Student in the Netherworld before that! I'm not just some kind of a criminal, I'm a demon!

[strike-you-out.livejournal.com]

[...Unless someone knows what they're doing, this is probably going to create multiple casualties, isn't it?

Exciting.

Grinning, Slugger points to a section of the drawing that's separated from the rest.]

What's this?

[Filter]

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

Finally.

I was getting tired of hanging out in your basement.

[Filtered]

[autocrossbowplz.livejournal.com]

I'm interested in learning more, but perhaps we should continue this conversation in a more private setting? Technology is far from infallible, after all.

[cramschoolgod.livejournal.com]

Certainly.

[...Though outside of Father's Day, -- Well, she is not nearly the most athletic.]

What are you digging?