#dispatch theories

Ok, so we know that Waterboy/Herman has trouble with controlling his water-emitting power. It not only affects him socially, but also greatly impacts his daily life.

We see in the first comic that he's tried to waterproof the whole household, and can't even grab toilet paper without wetting it. There's ziploc bags on things he'd be regularly touching. The walls and wooden floors of the home have water-damage. Towels acting as little pathways across the house. And he seems to be the primary caregiver to his grandma.

Well I had a theory on how ol' Herm could help himself elevate this sogginess issue!

While part of it may be an emotional/mental control-thing, since he mentions it gets worse when he's nervous (so always), it could also be physical in nature.

Some headcanon that Herman's powers give him Hyperhidrosis aka Excessive Sweating (medical link), basically the body can't turn off the sweat glands. Now this can be treated and managed, normally with regular hygiene, antipersiperants, mild electric shock (iontophoresis) to the glands, or straight up fkcing removing sweat glands with surgery.

But I also think it could also be an issue of water storage.

Herman doesn't look like he has a water bladder or glottis to hold the water (unless he's a merperson of some kind), so there's a question on where he's holding all that fluid! Is he in a constant state of needing to pee? Is he always bloated?

Well there are ways mammals store excess water in our bodies!

Thats right. Humps. Fat humps to be precise.

And muscles, but they don't let go of water that easily.

Where as most of your body water is held in your lean tissue; Fat/Adipose tissue is super good at storing water without being too energy demanding. Fat also allows for water to be released without much issue so it can hydrate organs and cells. Camels got them humps to store water-rich fat to keep their engine's nice and oiled until they find another water source.

Now look at Waterboy:

This man is bones. Canonically a 6’4” (193.04 cm) beanpole.

Another common theory about Waterboy is that he has a mostly-liquid diet. Hard to eat solid food when your body fast-tracks it down the pipe. Its like people who don't got stomachs.

So I'm wondering... would Waterboy be able to control his water-generation better if he had more body fat?

Imagine the first time he goes to a GP on SDN's health insurance, and the doctor suggests "Going hogwild" on his diet cus this boy's BMI is way too low for an active superhero. (link to a relevant MBMBAM segment)

Robert, in waiting room: "So? How did it go?" Waterboy, holding a laminated doctor's note, confused: "He said I need to... get fat?" SDN Doc, intercepting: "Technically yes. He's considered dangerously underweight, even for a non-active hero. Herman says he doesn't eat much because of digestion issues brought on by his condition, so I'm giving him the all-clear to drink as many milkshakes and ice cream he can handle. The extra fat may also help store more of his body water. I've also written him a prescription to get iontophoresis devices to see if it helps with the excess sweating on his hands and feet. If it doesn't improve we can explore more invasive treatments." Robert: "Huh. First time I've heard a doctor say someone needs to gain weight." SDN Doc, checks clipboard: "Oh yeah, that reminds me. Robert, you need to eat more nutrition-dense foods. Fresh fruit, nuts, and vegetables. You haven't regained much weight back since your coma, and I don't want you to be at risk for malnutrition." Robert: "Ugh. Fine."

So cue Robert and Herman having medically advised snack time.

The Z-Team are a little envious. But supportive.

Flambae: "I know an Afghan restaurant run on one of my aunties - I'll send you the location. Trust me, you will not leave until they decide you've had enough. Now go get some meat on those flat asses."

The team also start bringing in extra food for their fave dispatcher and soggy hero. Lots of frappes and thick soups for Waterboy, and lots of full meals for Robert.

It doesn't take too long to notice physical changes.

Sonar, on call: "Heeyy Robby? Is there like a tailor or haberdashery nearby?" Robert, looking a lot healthier: "Why? Thinking of switching up the suit?" Sonar: "Not at the moment, no. It's Waterboy. I think he outgrew the wetsuit." Robert, unsurprised: "Skin-tight latex isn't very forgiving." Sonar: "Yeah, it's a fashion emergency down here. He leaned over during our last call and it is not looking pretty. You know he goes commando?" Waterboy, distressed, Sonar's suit jacket wrapped around his hips: "I had no idea it go to my bu- there first!" Robert: "It's different for everyone, but generally you start gaining weight in your hips and thighs first. I even had to go up a pants size recently." Sonar: Yeah, we need Prism down here stat. She's been meaning to give him a redesign."

Needless to say, Waterboy is the recipient of much light-hearted teasing. Hard not to when your nerdy teammate got more "junk in the trunk" than before. Visi is in a constant state of trying not to slap it. XD

Suddenly one day, someone absentmindedly asks Herman to pass them a something, and a revelation is made.

(*in the SDN breakroom*) Malevola, by coffee machine: "Pass me a cup, babes?" Waterboy, at the other side of kitchenette: "Oh, sure." (*hands over a foam coffee cup*) Malevola, pauses, looking at the cup in her hand: "..." Waterboy, mood deflating: "Oh. Sorry, there's a dry cloth by the-" Malevola, delighted: "No, Herm, thats not it! It's dry!" Waterboy, shocked: "Wh-what!?" (*Waterboy grabs a paper towel, watching as it stays firm and dry in his hands. The rest of the breakroom is silent.*) Waterboy: (*quiet. face gradually reddens*) Invisigal: "Oh shit, I think he's gonna start crying." Punch Up: "Feeling a bit emotional, lad?" Waterboy: (*nods with a squeak*) Golem: "Bring it in, wetdude." (*Waterboy hugs Golem, the rest of the Z Team giving him light hugs, as big Ghibli-tears run down Waterboy's face.*)

Very next thing Herman does once he figures out how to manage his sogginess, is to hug his grandma. Then the cats. Then Robert. Then Beef. Then Chase. Then- (this continues until somebody stops him).

The gang are super proud of him. :3

But still teasing tf out of him. >:3

Specifically in the romance route with blazer

Spoilers ahead!!!!!!

Me and the sibs were joking about Dispatch, and we were discussing what's the deal with Phenomaman's/Katon-Ur's species - the people of Urgot-52dc aka "Urgoths", and why he's considered "repulsive" by their standards.

We came up with three main theories:

They're insanely jacked and hyper-masculine. Full oiled-up ancient Greek/Roman vibes. Phenomaman is considered a weak af among their species.

They're like high-fantasy elves, who's ideal form leans towards grace and soft features. Phenomaman is considered too buff and hairy for their standards. Flambae is as bear as they can handle until they get start getting scared.

Swapped sexual dimorphism/gender expectations; female Urgoths are larger than the males, and males brighter & more mobile. Big buff Amazonian ladies + tiny pretty house husbands. Phenomaman is considered "ugly" because he defies his planet's societal expectations.

Mixture of all three; its a planet with multiple societies.

The third theory (or a mixture) is the most fun to work with, since this means Phen's species have very different beauty ideals. It also makes his attraction to Blonde Blazer kinda based on his own biases - she's the strongest woman he knows and therefore the most beautiful/compatible for him. But since thats not her true form, Mandy feels uncomfortable continuing the relationship with Katon-Ur based on surface traits alone.

This also means a surprising member of Z-Team is considered the most attractive male...

Accidentally made a mini chat fic out of this idea! Under Read More:

Possible sequel to this post about my theories on Phenomaman's/Katon-Ur's species;

If the Urgot-52dc aliens are bird-like, would they do similar courtship behaviours?

The melon arrangements may be Katon's way of courting via food.

Phenomaman: (*dances flamboyantly, ruffling his plumage*) Blonde Blazer: (*thoroughly confused, but interested*)

In fact, a birdy outlook on things may be why Katon reacts so badly to the breakup. A lot of birds mate for life and can die of literal heartbreak if that bond is broken.

Robert when he finds edible arrangements and brightly coloured trinkets on his desk after adding Phenomaman to the team; "???"

Robert, looking a cool rock left on his desk: "Does he do this to everyone or..?" Mandy, realising: "Oh Robert..."

Note: courtship behaviour may advance to performative fighting with other Z-Team members in hopes of drawing attention of his crush.

Phenomaman: "I wish to fight you." Flambae, just chilling: "Huh? Why?" Phenomaman: "I wish to court the wet janitor, and I believe our combined display will draw his attention." Flambae: "...sure." (*cut to the break room being in utter burnt shambles. Phenomaman and Flambae are still mock-fighting, causing more damage to their surroundings than to each other*) Waterboy: "Wh-what? Why?! I got- I have to clean this up!" Phenomaman (internally): "My display is failing! I must try another tactic!" Phenomaman: (*starts aggressively bird-dancing*) Waterboy, baffled: "Wha-?"

In a crowded setting, tossing water on an on-fire person/object makes a lot more sense than grain alcohol.

In what universe would a fashionable gay man not have an eyebrow pencil, or at least ask his diva bestie (Prism) to borrow hers?

Personal preference; Flambae losing his tooth due to fumbling (tripping on ice cubes) is a lot more karmatic vs losing his eyebrows cus Mecha Man threw a drink on him. (Still funny tho)

The tooth gap is honestly cute. I've seen really cute ideas where he bonds with his niece over their matching missing tooth.

The loss of his eyebrows brings up... questions.

Is his hair not exempt from fire damage because it's technically dead skin cells? (Instant face peel lol) But in that case, does that mean Flambae coats his luscious locks in thermo-gel every shift like a ballerina? (He does seem like he would) Would he need to do this with his body hair? He might accidentally give himself a Brazilian wax each time he lights up.

Or do accelerants like alcohol bypass Flambae's natural flame immunity? This would put him at major risk if he were ever sent somewhere with an oil spill or a leaky gas main.

One theory on Reddit suggests it's tied to a level of concentration or conscious control - like Invisigal's ability extending to her clothing and/or things she's actively holding.

Either way;

A creature whose appearance is reviled by others to the point of fear or revulsion. Cast as "other" by virtue of biology. A being that actively helps it's community, but is shunned by those who should be most thankful for it.

An alien in it's own home.

Cus I think it has some delightful fluff and angst possibilities, but theres also a chance Trackstar was Pom Pom's inspiration or her mentor.

Lore:

Are both African-American speedster heroes with a highschool sports aesthetic - a track & field athelete, and cheerleader.

Pom Pom in the dispatching tutorial canonicaly giggles "Keep up!" when she's selected for a mission.

Pom Pom has no canonical age, but her appearance may be affected if she inherited Chase's speed aging.

Pom Pom's color scheme is a pastel version of Track Star's. Pastel blue, coral red and white vs cyan, scarlet red, and white.

Chase alludes to having a past girlfriend he still thinks about (if you cut Coupe). She was taller than him, and liked kissing him on the head. Lost love?

Would not put it past a relative of Track Star deciding to follow his footsteps, despite protests.

"Holy Water Spit": Waterboy no longer assigns himself. Waterboy will heal up to two heroes when sent on a call together."

Guys

Waterboy can literally heal people avatar-waterbender-style.