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Midnight -12:10 am Vyra speaks up, "It is the year 2001."There is a look of shock on Wraith's face,"My God...before the Guardians are truly a team...."Vyra continues," And as far as to where to go from here, I am not sure. Does anyone have any injuries? I know a doctor who might be willing to help without revealing our identities..."Obstacle replies,"Only my pride."Vengeance looks at the others,"Maybe I should take Wraith back to the base for now.Galen you should stay and talk to the cops.What do you guys think?If we have any questions we can ask him there."Again a look of shock crosses Wraith's face,"Awesome...but I'm not sure how much of the future I should share...."Itsy-Bitsy chimes in, "Uh, we have to go, some of us have real world jobs and real world bills to pay."Poundage looks at the others and says,"Good job."He then peers at Obstacle and chuckles.He then leaps away,leaving the group to watch his exit.Itsy-Bitsy turns back to Vyra and hands her his card,"In case you need us.."He shrinks to a foot tall and flies up to land on Obstacle's shoulders.With a mighty leap the duo leave.The sirens scream closer and Wraith seems to get a little nervous."If I am to go to the Guardian base I would prefer to go before the authorities get here.Vyra I hope I see more of you,there is much we can talk about."Police cars sceech to a halt near the northern section of the park and the doors fly open.
12:10-12:20 am "Yes, I hope very much to meet you again in the very near future.", Vyra says to Wraith.Wraith smiles and nods as Vyra turns and begins a slow walk home.Lord Galen nods at the remaining heroes and begins walking toward the cops,who are now beginning to pile out of their vehicles.He recognizes one of them,Sgt.Wojokowski.Wojokowski catches his eye and frowns,"Alright Galen,what happened here?"As he ask he motions at the downed Magnum and Prawn with one hand,the other pulls out a cigar.The policemen with him begin to scatter about,some grabbing equipment from the vehicle's trunks.
12:20-12:30 am A couple of policeman go to the three strangers and begin to question them.Lord Galen looks at Wojo," Look sarge, your not going to believe this but here goes. These two and some others accidently arrived here from the future. These two were attacking another. By the way, tell your men not to touch them, It could be hazardous to their health."Sargent Wojokowski turns to the men getting equipment from the back of the vehicles,"We have a HASMAT situation,extreme caution..."He turns back to Lord Galen and takes a draw from the huge stogie between his teeth.Lord Galen continues,"Anyway, the other superhuman wounded these two and left. You must keep them in some kind of containment field or there could be severe problems. If there is nothing else I would like to go."Wojokowski mumbles,"It can only get worse..",as he steps to one of the officers with the three strangers.The two hold a hushed conversation then Wojokowski turns to Lord Galen,"O.K. Galen,these three verify your account.I will do what I can for these three and charge the two with assault but I can't do much more than that.If they are from the future I have no record or crimes to charge them with other than the assault on this other meta-human."He sticks out his hand for a shake,"Thank your people for containing the threat."
12:30-12:40 am Lord Galen shakes Wojo's hand, "Glad to be of service." He then heads towards home looking for a place to change into his regular clothes.
12:40 am-noon Michael makes his way home and hits the sack.He sleeps till the alarm goes off at 7 am,then slowly stirs.He gets a quick shower and orders a breakfast from room service.While waiting for his breakfast he calls Dick Sebring to find out when he will be able to move into his new apartment.The answer he receives is that the apartment will be ready on the 18th.He hangs up the phone,gets his breakfast and slowly eats.After breakfast he walks to the Krupp Building(Area 14,16).He shows his I.D. to clear the security stations and heads to his lab to begin his day.He spends the morning,tinkering with the Mark IV robot and barely notices when the clock shows noon.He decides on a break and starts to get some lunch.
Noon-12:10 pm Michael steps to the 'Burger Barn' in the mall down the street from the Krupp Building(Area 14,16).He buys a burger and fries and sits to enjoy it.
12:10-12:20 pm Michael relaxes a bit as he enjoys his lunch.
12:20-12:30 pm Michael finishes his lunch and walks back to the Krupp Building(Area 14,16).
12:30-1:40 pm Michael enters his lab,looks at the Mark VI robot and grabs his tools.He goes back to tinkering with the robot,slightly frustrated.
1:40-2:10 pm Michael spends the afternoon tinkering on the Mark VI robot.
2:10 pm In the middle of a complicated circuitry combination Michael hears his badge beep.
2:10:15 pm Michael touches his badge and says quietly. " Yes."The bases reply comes quickly,"Am monitoring reports of meta-human activity in Rathbone park(Area 15,16)...three individuals...one matching Poundage description...one matching Scar description...one unknown..."
2:10:15 Michael telephones Mr. Krupp and tells him he is not feeling well and needs to go home early.He then calls a cab.
2:10:30 Michael exits his office and punches the elevator button.
2:10:30 pm The elevator doors open and Michael enters.
2:11 pm Michael exits the elevator at the lobby and starts to go outside.
2:11-2:20 pm Michael waits outside the Krupp Building(Area 15,16) a couple of minutes then enters the cab when it arrives.He orders the cab to to take him within a block of Rathbone Park(Area 13,14,15,16).The cabbie looks at him strangely,"You mean the Rathbone Park that is a block north of here?"Michael looks at him ashamed and exits the cab.As the cab pulls away from the curb Michael's badge beeps.
2:20-2:30 pm Michael touches his badge and speaks quietly, "Go ahead base.""I have reports of police being dispatched to Rathbone Park(Area 13,14,15,16)...also Wraith wishes to speak to you...",the base replies.After a couple of seconds a different voice comes through the badge,"Guardians....I have been following the events the best I can through the base.From what I can determine the alien that you have in the park is a Magni warrior.In my history the first appearance of one of these is years in your future.I can't understand why he is here now...but it is a known fact these warriors always fight individually and when bested their honor code demands they cease and leave.The problem is if he is here than the planet has been placed on their honor list and we can be sure to see more coming sometime to claim the honor that is given for claiming the planet."
2:30-2:40 pm Lord Galen speaks quietly, " Is there any way to take our planet off of the list?"The badge is silent for a long period of time then Wraith replies,"I can't be sure....In my history the Guardians defeated two of them and a third was stopped by Vyra and her Peacekeepers.Earth wasn't visited by another in 50 years....Even in my time experts weren't sure where their planet was or how they arrive and leave...From the histories I know they are highly trained and will not stop,but are bound to an honor code of some sort...experts contend that their social standing is based on the amount of honor they earn by defeating other planet's champions...."
2:40-2:50 pm Michael speaks quietly into his badge, " I guess that means we wait and see what happens." He walks slowly to the hotel and rides the elevator to his floor.He enters his room and starts looking through the phone book for a realtor.
2:50-3:00 pm Michael figures he can get a loan from his bank.He dials Angel Realty(Area 14,16) and is greeted by a receptionist.He ask to speak to a realtor and is placed on hold for a few seconds.Then a male voice answers,"Todd Riddell,how can I help you?"
3:00-3:10 pm Michael answers, " Mr. Riddel, My name is Michael Braydon. I am looking for A home in a secluded area. I am a research scientist and would like to find someplace where I can work and not be bothered. Do you think you can help me?"There is a light giggle from the other end,"Mad scientist type?.....really..sure I can help you.I'll start digging up files on the rural properties around Midville.Can I get you here Friday evening around 7?I have to show another client some property earlier that evening,then we could narrow down your choices.What price range are you looking at?"
3:10-3:20 pm Michael replies," I am not sure just yet. I still have to speak with a loan company or bank. I will let you know by thursday."From the other end of the line Todd says,"Sure,just give me a call here.If I'm not in the office just leave me a message.I'll talk to you then."Michael then dials his bank and ask to speak to the loan manager.He starts questioning her about loans and financing.The lady states that they would need the house put up as collateral and the bank would hold a lien on the property.Looking at all the figures she needs finds on Michael's financial situation she determines the bank would probably loan him up to $100,000 for the purchase of the house with a loan over 10 years.Michael thanks her and assures her she will be hearing from him soon.He is just hanging up the phone when his badge beeps.
3:20-3:30 pm Michael touches his badge."Go ahead base", he says.The base replies,"Wraith wishes to enter the medical research lab but is unable...Vengeance is there with him and is also unable to enter...he request your presence at the base."
3:30-3:40 pm Michael changes into costume quickly then taps his badge and says,"Enter."Next he is standing on the teleport pad in the base headquarters.He exits the headquarters and follows the hall to the elevator.He punches the button and enters the elevator when the doors open.He rides the elevator to the third level and exits.He makes his way through the med lab and enters the medical supply room to find Wraith and Vengeance standing before another door.They seem to be in conversation but look over as Lord Galen enters.The base's voice is heard,"Wraith I have Poundage calling..."Wraith looks surprised then answers,"Yes Poundage ,go ahead..."
3:40-3:50 pm While Wraith speaks to Poundage through the base,Vengeance tries to get some answers."Where is Jaguar's body located?Maybe he is cryogenically living in this area.I guess that would be a little out there though.Base how did Jaguar die?"The base replies,"Working...."While the base digs through it's databases and city databases Poundage's voice can be heard,"Wraith, this is Poundage.I have been contacted by Scar and he has had another vision.It happens at dawn or dusk on a clear day.It includes a gray man that clings to a flying stick flying to the hospital.Something happens and the hospital explodes.After the explosion a large,very strong man leaves the explosion carrying a large piece of machinery,The only thing he sees of this man is yellow arms with blue wrist bands.Do you know anything that can help us, like how to stop this guy, or if it is a bomb, where is it. Anything you know from your past will help. Also, notify Vengeance and Galen of the vision. We may need help with this one."Wraith goes deep in thought,then replies,"Both Galen and Vengeance are here with me.It's a little vague on the people and right now I can't think of anyone to match those descriptions.But one clue in the vision is it happens at dusk or dawn ON A CLEAR DAY.Do we know how far in the future his visions go?We can assume dusk today will not be clear.Ask Scar if he knows the time limit on his visions and I will see what I can dig up in the base computer."Wraith steps out of the storage room and into the med lab.He sits down at a computer terminal and starts tapping at the keys.From the walls the base's mechanical voice resounds,"I have finished checking databases...The body of Gunther Valiant,a.k.a. Jaguar is reported buried in the Memorial Cemetery just outside of Midville...It is reported he died of a degenerative disease that attacked his nervous system...I can report no medicines or food stuffs are being used inside the research lab...that rules out anything living inside..."
3:50-4:00 pm Lord Galen looks around him,"Whats up Vengeance? You needed to see me?"Vengeance sticks his finger up in a 'Wait a minute' gesture,"Is there any way to override this protocol?"The base replies,"Only if a priority code one clearance is shown...tampering with protocols would shut down complete system.."Vengeance looks around the room in thought,"Is there anyone who can phase through objects then maybe we could get some answers."The base is silent for a few moments then answers,"A check of database shows one meta-human with that ability...Shadowcat,now in the med-lab..."Vengeance shakes his head and glances over as Wraith steps back into the supply room,"But I guess we have more important issues right now.Base,if I bought some small cameras and put then around the hospital could we link then to the base,that way we have an eye on the hospital at all times."The mechanical voice says,"With a little adaption...yes...I could set the cameras to broadcast video to this unit..."Vengeance nods and starts to walk away when Wraith says,"Just a minute,from the vision we know the sky must be clear.The earliest that will happen is tomorrow about 3 am,from what I can see in the weather report.That gives us twelve hours at the least to get prepared."He turns to Lord Galen,"I wanted to see you,but the main problem was getting into the med lab research lab.Now it seems we have a warning on another situation."
4:00-4:10 pm "Maybe I should take a nap for now and get up later and scope out the hospital.Wraith,do you mind checking on the hospital for 3 or 4 hours then I will get up and watch.You guys have any other ideas?",Vengeance ask.Lord Galen looks at Wraith,"What are your suggestions?"Wraith is stunned for a moment.This is the leader of the Guardians asking for his input."Well,I agree with Vengeance,we have a few hours before the storm concludes.That and the fact the vision shows the event at dusk or dawn,I believe we have till morning,at least,before anything happens.Vengeance has a good idea,as morning approaches and the storm subsides,we should set up watches."He turns to Vengeance,"I wouldn't mind watching the hospital but I have two problems.One and this is the biggie...I ...well...um...I am powerless till the sun goes down.My powers only work from sundown to sun up.Two I have no means to communicate with the base once I leave,which is why I haven't gone out.I don't want to be locked out."Suddenly Poundage's voice is heard,"Scar states he believes the visions reach about 24 hours into the future.Do you know when the storm is going to break? I don't. Hence, we must be prepared at all times. Having the hospital blow up is not something I want to allow to happen if I can avoid it. Scar and myself are going to stake out the roof for now."Wraith speaks up quickly,"That won't be needed,the storm will last into the night.If Scar's vision reach 24 hours in the future that tells us the event probably happens at dawn tomorrow."
4:10-4:20 pm "If Wraith is right and the storm continues on into the night, then I believe some food and rest are called for before dawn. Also, Vengeance, we need to talk about Wraith staying here and being able to communicate with us, not to mention what he is going to do with his life if he is stuck here. So I guess whenever you find time in your schedule let me know. For now I am going to the kitchen for a bite to eat. Wraith, care to join me?",Lord Galen says and starts for the kitchen."Sure I'll join you.I do believe we could start this discussion about me.I don't believe Vengeance needs be present as I can answer for myself when it comes to what I will do with my life if I am stuck here.I had wanted to speak to you about it anyway.",Wraith replies,a little scorn in his voice.Vengeance raises an eyebrow,then says,"I will nap for now.Base,can I get a wake up call for 3 hours from now that way I can be fresh if anything occurs."The voice of the base is heard as the three exit the supply room,"Affirmative...wake up at 7:15 pm..."The three of them enter the elevator and exit when it reaches the first level.Wraith and Lord Galen go into the dining room and Vengeance finds a room in the west section with a bed and lies down to sleep.
4:20-4:30 pm Lord Galen says,"Alright Wraith, I didn't mean it to sound as if we would be deciding what you would do with your life. I only meant how we could be of assistance to you. How we could help you get an identity and a job or a place to live. Things like that."Wraith nods,"I think the base can supply me an I.D. using an unused social security number.I wanted to ask you first.But I would like to keep contact with the Guardians,this technology is the closest I will find to my own time.How I can keep contact without being an actual Guardian I'm not sure.I still believe if I could get into that research lab I could find some technology to help me."Lord Galen studies Wraith a moment then ask,"What would you like to eat?"Wraith smiles and sits in a chair at a table."Anything as long as its hot,not some pre-processed tube."
4:30-4:40 pm Lord Galen starts to pull food out of the cabinets,"How about some hot soup and a sandwich. That doesn't take too long to whip up. I believe Poundage has a cellphone he uses to contact the base and us."Wraith nods,"But to get a cellphone I would need an I.D.I wanted your permission to have the base set me up an I.D.,and I probably need you to tell the base it is all right."Lord Galen puts a pan on the stove and begins cooking,"Have you given any thought to becoming a Guardian if you are stuck here? We could probably benefit from someone with your power and knowledge."Wraith beams with pride,"I would be honored to become a Guardian.You have yet to see the extent of my powers.As for my knowledge I do know quite a bit about the Guardians but feel that part of that knowledge is moot.The timeline has already been altered and some of what I know may not even occur.Also I'm not sure you heard me upstairs,my powers only work from sun down to sun up.Would you still have me as a Guardian?Of course if I were a Guardian I wouldn't need an alternate I.D.I would be very happy to monitor situations here and the base has everything needed to support me."
4:40-4:50 pm Lord Galen stirs the soup then turns to Wraith,"I would gladly have you as a Guardian. I would have to discuss with Vengeance of course but I don't think he would have any objections."Wraith smiles and replies,"Then perhaps when he awakes we can discuss it."Lord Galen continues,"But what about a personal life? How would you have any friends? You couldn't bring them here to entertain or to dinner. What about income? How could you buy things you want without a job?"Wraith thinks for a moment,"I admit I would like a personal life but what of the risk of someone digging deep enough to realize the I.D. set up by the base is a sham?"Lord Galen pauses unsure how to continue,"Another thing I would like your opinion on, I'm thinking of transferring leadership of the Guardians to Vengeance. I have an outside job that takes up a lot of my time. What do you think?"Wraith seems shocked by this question then gathers his thoughts and answers,"In my history Lord Galen gave up that life,dedicated himself to the Guardians.He set-up his own research lab and made money that way.You could do this with time.I'm sure you make a good deal of money at the job you work at now.I think that decision must be made in your heart.In fact I believe the problem that stands out most in my mind is Guardian membership.You do not have the team that can handle some of the situations that will be thrown at you.You obviously have outside help here but can they be counted on to be at every situation?Which brings up a point I wanted to bring up.This Scar,his abilities would come in very handy for the Guardians.The fact he has visions of the near future,coupled with the research power in the base would make a great combination.The Guardians would be able to prepare for most situations ahead of time.I think he is one you should recruit."Lord Galen's brow furrows,"You may be right about it taking time and my remaining leader of the Guardians. I will have to ponder on this for a bit. In the meantime we will eat and then rest. I am going to run and put my badge on to charge. I shall return."He exits the kitchen and makes his way to the elevator.He rides it down one level and walks to the HQ.Once there he places his badge in the charging bay and re-traces his steps back to the kitchen.As he enters he notices Wraith has served the food and dug out some bread and sandwich meat." Ahh, the food is ready.",he says as he sits.Wraith smiles,"Yea I'm not sure how good the sandwiches will be.From what I understand of the base operation all food is grown in the hydroponic bays around the base so we are eating some sort of soy meat here."Lord Galen frowns slightly," I think your idea of recruiting Scar is a good one. I will attempt to recruit him if I see him."He takes a bite of his sandwich and is surprised at how good it does taste, "What do you think of this Poundage? Myself, he seems to want to protect the city but seems to want to be a loner. I need team players."Wraith chews a moment then replies,"I know of a Poundage in my timeline.He is a loner,but dedicated to the protection of Midville.He doesn't take orders easily but is a good ally in battle.I think you should develop a good relationship with him."
4:50-5:00 pm Lord Galen finishes his food and decides to go lie down himself. He says to Wraith," I have enjoyed our conversation and will take the suggestions you have made to heart."He stands and extends his hand.Wraith rises also and grips the hand firmly."I am glad to have met you.",Lord Galen says.Wraith smiles again,"And I am honored to have met you."Lord Galen nods," I think I am going to go and lie down myself."Wraith starts to collect the dishes,"I will monitor things here.Until we finalize the Guardian membership I can't get back in if I leave."Lord Galen watches as Wraith takes the dishes to the dishwasher and tells the base," Base, do not disturb unless it is necessary.""Affirmative...",the base replies.Lord Galen finds an empty bedroom and lies down to sleep.
8:10-8:20 pm Lord Galen slowly awakens to Wraith's voice."Lord Galen I have a call for you.It's from an 'X'.Says he is with the X-Men and needs to speak to you about Shadowcat."
8:20-8:30 pm Lord Galen thanks Wraith and goes to take the call.He walks through the base and rides the elevator down to the second level.He makes his way to the headquarters and finds Wraith there pecking on keys deep in concentration.Lord Galen takes a seat and says,"Hello 'X'.What can I do for you?"The voice that comes from the communications unit is that of a cultured,educated person.It speaks light and even,"Lord Galen,it's a pleasure.I want to first thank you for treating Shadowcat.Without your help she probably wouldn't have survived.Some of my associates have had a minor breakthrough and I would like to send one of my team members down to Midville with some equipment and data.I would also like to have your system download some data that will help keep Shadowcat stable until Nightcrawler can make it."
8:30-8:40 pm Lord Galen speaks, "Trying to stabilize her was the least we could do." He then speaks to the base, " Base download the data from X and start whatever treatments are necessary."The mechanical voice of the base is heard,"Starting connection...connection confirmed...data download proceeding..."The mature voice of X is the next sound heard,"It will be about 10 days before I can free up Nightcrawler from some duties and have the equipment necessary.You should expect him on the 22nd."Lord Galen replies, "X, How will I know this team member you are sending and what are his objectives?"There is a moment of silence and the base intercedes,"Data download complete...processing data...instituting medical protocols..."X answers Lord Galen,"I have talked to Rogue and understand the location of your base.Nightcrawler will appear in the park right outside your base about 8 pm.You won't be able to mistake him as he will appear in a puff of smoke and has dark blue skin,besides the fact he will be wearing an X-Man uniform.His objectives,I hope,are to revive Shadowcat and return her here,if that is her wishes."
8:40-8:50 pm Lord Galen leans forward,"I will mark the date and await his arrival. Let him know that I will wait in the park for his arrival and welcome him to the base myself, permitting there are no other urgencies to tend to."The pleasant,calm voice replies,"I thank you for your time and hope our two teams can work together some more in the future.If you need any help or information do not hesitate to contact us.X out."Lord Galen leans back in his chair,his hands behind his head.Wraith looks up from the computer screen and says,"I have taken the liberty of setting up a hotline,1-800-Guardian.The base has the ability to screen calls and determine their authenticity.Also gives me the ability to get back into the base.I plan to patrol late into the night,saving you guys for the morning if possible."
8:50-9:00 pm Lord Galen looks at Wraith, "Wraith, I don't think Vengeance will have a problem with you becoming a Guardian. Take the third badge.Besides, I want you to be able to contact us right away if the need arises. To use the badge just touch it and speak. To enter or exit the base just touch it and say enter or exit. Remember, anytime you use it to enter, put it in the charger right away as it takes an hour to recharge.Are there any questions?"Wraith stares,eyes bulging,then slowly smiles."...No questions..." Lord Galen then speaks to the base, "Base designate badge number three, Guardian number three, Wraith.""Guardian designate three place palm on the badge and say,'I am' and your codename.",the mechanical voice replies.Wraith steps to the charging bay and pulls out the third badge.He places his palm on the badge and says,"I am Wraith."A few seconds pass then the base states,"Palm print recorded...voice patterns recorded...Guardian designate three active..."Lord Galen then touches his badge and says," Vengeance, I have just made Wraith a Guardian, I didn't figure you would mind and I think it benefits us as well. He will be patrolling tonight and will use the badge to contact us when necessary."
9:00-9:10 pm Wraith admires the badge then looks over to Lord Galen,"You won't regret this.I am going to go patrol."He exits the HQ quickly just as Vengeance is heard through Lord Galen's badge,"Ok but tomorrow we give him the lie detector test just to make sure we can completely trust him."Lord Galen then decides to research the base more intently. He says," Base, I would like to know about all weapons systems and confining systems in the base and aboard the Strikers. I would also like to know about all surveillance and communication equipment."The base replies,"Weapon systems...no weapons systems in either the Midville nor New York base...Confining systems...both bases have integrated sonic,motion,and video detectors throughout...bases can be locked down on command,all doors locked and only unlock by placing a badge in each doors receptacle...A Command lock down is also an option.This is the same as a lock down but the doors will only open to designate one badge...each room is able to be locked down individually on command...Base construction is such that walls and doors are near impervious to any known weapon...Only weapons systems are located on Striker II.Two multi-phase blasters,one on each wing...Communication systems...I have the ability to access all known radio,TV, and microwave wavelengths.."
9:10-9:20 pm Lord Galen touches his badge and replies,"Alright Vengeance, I agree. Would you like to administer the test?"
9:20-9:30 pm Lord Galen listens to Vengeance's reply,"Sure I will.Do you want to be present during the test?"
9:30-9:40 Lord Galen replies,"Yes I will."
9:40-9:50 pm Lord Galen tells the base to let him know of any changes or communications and walks down the hall to the gym.There he starts to work out.
11:10-Midnight Lord Galen decides he had better be well rested for the morning. He heads to the bedroom.Along the way he tells the base to give him a wake up call between 4 and 4:30 am.