Rebirth Home Page

Lord Galen History Saturday September 15th

Sept.8Sept.9Sept.10Sept.11Sept.12Sept.13Sept.14Sept.15
MIDNIGHT-12:10 AM Wraith steps over to a computer console and takes a seat.He taps a couple of buttons and begins to gaze at the computer screen.The teleport pad lights quickly and Vengeance appears.Just as he steps from the pad,it lights again and Poundage appears,holding a large machine,a group of heroes sitting on top.The passengers of the machine slowly start to climb off,joining Lord Galen,Vengeance and Wraith in the HQ.Wraith is sitting at a computer console,studying some read-outs.He glances over at the new arrivals, "I'm glad you guys got out.I believe I have some explaining to do,but I believe we should await the Striker I before I go to far in to detail." As he finishes the base speaks, "...I have just intercepted a government telecommunications...There has been a major explosion at the mountain base...the National Guard and Army is being mobilized to the site right now..."

12:10-12:20 am Lord Galen looks to the heroes, " I'm glad you all have returned. Base prepare medlab for patients. Was there any more damage to the hydroponics lab? If not, release it from lockdown." The door to the hydro-ponics slides open as the base replies, "..no further damage to hydro-ponics...lock-down negated..." Galen then turns to Wraith, "Wraith I will be waiting impatiently for your words." Wraith looks up from the computer,his face grim. Poundage speaks before Wraith can."Well that's going to be awhile. I'm going to go lie down somewhere. Lord Galen, what is the best place for me to sleep for a little while? Wake me once everyone has arrived and we can all meet." Wraith gives him a thankful look then returns to studying the read-outs in front of him.Vengeance glances at Wraith then asks, "Well is there any thing I can do right now?" Wraith doesn't turn from the console but replies, "Well,the recombinator can't continue to sit on the teleport pad.It won't fit through the doors so it will have to be disassembled.I'm thinking the Trophy room down the hall would be the best location,it has access to an equipment room for power access." Marvel Girl clears her throat, "If I may,I'd like to contact the X-Men.Can I use the communications room?"

12:20-12:50 am Lord Galen speaks to the base, "Show Poundage to sleeping quarters and contact the X-Men for Marvel Girl. As for myself I am going to go rest myself. Wake me when the others arrive. I would suggest the rest of you get some rest as well." The group begins to disperse as Lord Galen exits the HQ and finds a sleeping quarters.He lies down and begins to fall into a deep sleep.He doesn't get an opportunity to dream as he is roused from sleep by the base. "...the Striker has arrived...all meta's are gathering in the Hangar..."

12:50-1:00 am Lord Galen shakes his head,clearing it. "Base inform all heroes to meet in the hq." The base replies, "...with the recombinator in the HQ I do not believe all the heroes will fit...I have informed all heroes to meet in the hangar..." Lord Galen nods and makes his way to the hangar.When he arrives he sees a massive collection of heroes,all standing waiting.There is a mumbling hanging over the group as the meta's meet and greet each other.Suddenly a hush falls over the group as Wraith enters the hangar and surveys the group.He stands silent,his face grim,then begins to speak. "For those of you who do not know,I am Wraith.I am actually from the future and was brought here by accident a few days ago.I wanted to speak to all of you to give you the lowdown on what I do know about my past and your future." He pauses and glances at his feet. "Much of this area in my history is vague,the mutant rebellion and the Prawn War destroyed many of the files.The Prawn War is another subject for another time,right now I want to focus on the mutant rebellion.The rebellion started soon after the outbreak of the Legacy virus,in response to the government crack down on mutants.In my history there is no record of the virus spreading to normal humans so I had hoped this time line was different.Perhaps that is why I didn't add the clues together to help the current assault.The rebellion decimated society,as the government was unable to stem the fighting.The only thing to quell the battles was the Prawn Invasion." He pauses again,this time the heroes see the pain in his face. "In my history the Guardians had one villain that always seemed to beat them.He was evil,killing at will,fanning the flames for the mutant rebellion.He called himself Dr.Grim and an assault on his base complex resulted in the deaths of many meta's.I believe the beast we faced today is this Dr.Grim." He stops and slowly his hand reaches for his badge.He removes the badge and turns it in his hands as he continues. "I missed every clue that would have warned us of what we would face at the base,and I think we were lucky we didn't lose any more heroes,than we did.We now face a very tough time.The government will begin a crack down on mutants,trying to slow the spread of the disease.Mutants will slowly unite and the rebellion will begin.Tanks will roll through the streets of every major city,soldiers stationed on street corners.Meta's will pick sides and the government will institute a registration act that forces all meta's to register or face internment in the camps with the mutants.Innocent people will be caught in the middle and we shall be powerless to stop it." Again he pauses,staring at the badge in his hands. "We all must do what we can to alter this time line...but I feel I have let you all down.I have not lived up to the honor of this badge.I don't deserve to be a Guardian." The badge drops from his hands,clanking on the metal floor.He turns quickly and strides purposefully from the hangar,leaving nothing but silence.

1:00-1:10 am Vengeance looks around in shock then removes his badge. "I feel I am no help to the Guardians as well.I chose to no longer be a Guardian." He drops his badge and runs after Wraith.The silence is broken as Poundage exclaims, "Well doesn't that suck. All this time we had more information than we thought. I don't see where any of that helped or hurt us. Really it tells me that we did an excellent job this evening. There is a mumble amongst the gathered group,a few heads nodding.Omega looks around at those gathered as he pulls Afterburn closer to him. He looks at the surrendered badges. "Look...I know I'm not a Guardian but, I'd encourage everyone not to make any hasty decisions. What happened today is no one persons fault. And it sounds like we're in for a struggle which is going to require ALL of us to work together." Lord Galen steps forward and picks up the badges. He looks out over the gathered heroes. "For those who don't know me, I am Lord Galen,current leader of the Guardians. I wish to thank all of you who joined in this undertaking. I'm not sure if we managed to help or hinder our situation but at least we tried.Maybe after the base and certain other individuals go over the information that was collected we will have some answer. For any who are injured, the base medlab and Striker medlabs are available for you. As for Wraith, I believe he did all he could and was willing to risk his life like everyone of us. Even had we known the things he just told us, I believe we would have done the same thing anyway. I would gladly welcome him as a Guardian for the help he may be able to give in the future. Poundage, I wish to thank you for your selfless leadership and the ability to keep everyone together down there. Do you have anymore to report?" Poundage replies, "If you would like, I can get some sleep here at the base and when I wake, I can start to take this recombinator apart. If one of you want to take it apart and put it back together, I can go home. Imp would probably be the one you want on that task. She probably would have enough intelligence to remember how to put it together. I can stay and lift all the heavy parts if need be. It is your's and Imp's call." Imp steps over to pat Poundage on the shoulder. "I would appreciate your help and I do want to supervise the project." Vyra speaks up and asks, "How can we stop this?" Maxi-Miss answers, "I have some...um...experience...with government and law enforcement.We need to keep the politicians calm,and keep the public calm.I'm not sure how we do this,but we have to keep everyone from over reacting." Mentor steps over,placing her face in Maxi-Miss's. "OVER REACT! OVER REACT! The government is about to send mutants like me to internment camps because we are born different! I've seen the the hatred for us in men's minds.I WILL NOT STAND BY WHILE MY PEOPLE ARE ROUNDED UP LIKE CATTLE!" A hand grabs her shoulder and she spins with a snarl.She faces Probe,his eyes closed. In a calm,flat voice he says, "Stand down..." Mentor looks down at her feet her breath rapid.Probe turns to Lord Galen, "My people appreciate the effort the Guardians...and all of you..have put forth tonight.I will do what I can in the underground,but I believe it is best if I and my friends return to the outcast beneath the streets." There is silence in the room,heroes staring at heroes,mutants staring at meta's.Omega looks around the room and sees many familiar faces but there are some faces which are notably absent. In a soft, shaky voice, he asks, "How many? How many dead?" Imp hangs her head, "The battle claimed three lives...Khaydra,Fugitive and Scar.Statistics from major hospitals around the U.S estimate hundreds will die in the next few days,thousands in the next week..."

1:10-1:20 am Lord Galen asks, "Base, Have Wraith and Vengeance left the facility? If not, inform them I would like to see them." The base replies, ...affirmative...Wraith and Vengeance reamin in the base...Wraith is waiting in the HQ..." Lord Galen nods and continues, "Base, Have you gone over the information sent to you yet? I want a full report as soon as you can.If this virus is man made then we should be able to create an antidote. Base, start working on it immediately." Before the the base can reply,Imp steps forward. "I have the base started processing the data and I plan to spend quite a bit of time going over it myself." Poundage suggests, "Maybe we should try to contact a doctor that has experience with this virus and have him help us put together all this information. Base, how much of the transmission were you able to receive?" The mechanical replies, "...I estimate I received approximately 20% of the data..." Marvel Girl then enters the conversation, "I have contacted Dr.X and filled him in on the details of tonight's excursion.I can assure you the X-Men have contact with the best minds on genetic mutations and those minds will pour over the data we received." Lord Galen looks around the group until his eyes find the person he seeks. "Omega, I believe you should contact your police friend and let him know what has transpired." Omega nods at Galen. "I think contacting Wojo would be a good idea. And I think we should try to have a press conference as soon as possible. I know the timing sucks but we do need to try to keep the public on our side as much as possible." Galen nods an affirmative, "We need to let everyone know this is not meta's or mutant's fault. It is the fault of ill advised military minds." Poundage finishes the thought, "Someone should put out a statement to the press explaining what we discovered and that we are working at our fastest pace to find out anything and everything we can." The group pauses,the plan apparently set. "You may all go and do as you wish. I thank and appreciate you for all you have done. If any of you wish to stay here just speak up. I know you members of the X-Men need to get back. Tell Dr.X I would appreciate any help he and his associates can give in finding a cure for this. We will find the answer!" Rogue hovers up,picking up her team mates as Marvel Girl states, "We will be in contact soon.Good luck to all." The group of X-men fly up and out of the hangar as Probe questions, "Can you have the Striker take my friends and I out?" Maxi-Miss,Amazin' Grace and Zephyr mumble their agreement,being unable to fly themselves.Poundage steps over to the door then turns to speak to Imp. "Imp, I am going to go crash. I will get up around 8:am. Is that a good time to start on the recombinator?" She smiles a small smile and nods.Poundage steps out the door,heading for the sleeping quarters.

1:20-1:30 Lord Galen walks over to Probe and the group. "I want to thank you and let you all know that anything that can be done will be done. Here is the number to the base. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact us.Base, Take the Striker and transport Probe and his friends to their homes." Mentor takes a half a step forward,her jaw set.She opens her mouth to speak but stops when Probe raises his hand slightly.She glances at the teen-age boy,his eyes still closed. "We will be in contact soon." ,Probe says in a calm voice.His face turns to find Imp's gaze. "You know how to reach us...go at it 'brain',make the 'outcast' proud..." He gives a small wink and the two 'gaze' at each other for a second.Probe turns quickly and walks toward the opening Striker ramp.Lieutenant turns and follows him quickly.The two enter the Striker and with a high whine it hovers up the 'bridge'.Omega looks around at his teammates. "If all of the remaining members of the Protectors and Sentinels team still here could do so, please meet us outside--from there, we'll go to police h.q. and check in with Wojo." Specter goes 'ghost'and begins to 'walk' upward,toward the starry sky. "Hey Galen,this was fun,let's do it again real soon...I'll meet you guys in the park." ,he quips.Omega, his arm still wrapped around Afterburn, looks to Lord Galen. "Lord Galen, if you should need any of us, contact us through the communication network." Omega pauses for a moment and then adds, "I don't mind handling the press conference--if you want but it's your call. It might be better coming from you as a member of the Guardians. It's really hard to know what to do right now. I am going to see if some members of the Protector or Sentinels teams can maybe take care of some patrolling later--the city still needs to be protected, especially now." Lord Galen nods,then turns and exits the hangar.He walks down the small hall to the elevator, "Ask Vengeance to meet me at the HQ." The elevator doors open and Galen steps in as the base replies, "...Vengeance is already in the HQ..." The elevator ride is quick and Galen steps into the small hall leading to the HQ.Inside the Hq,he finds Wraith sitting in a chair,his head in his hands.Vengeance stands nearby,hands on his hips.

1:30-1:40 am Lord Galen looks towards the two heroes, "First of all I just wanted to say I'm glad to have you back. Secondly, I think you both know there was not much we could do out there. All in all I think the mission was successful. We did manage to get some information and Wraith I don't think anything you could have said or done would have changed anything. Do you think walking away from the Guardians now will change anything? Now is when we need you the most. I'm asking you both to stay and remain Guardians. If we all split now we become vulnerable. I am placing the badges in their chargers I must prepare for the media. Let me know what you decide." Wraith raises his head and glances at Galen as he places the badges in their chargers. "You don't understand...my present,your future is a gruesome place.The mutant rebellion and the Prawn War devastated the planet.Most of the population lives with out electrity,only the rich and powerful gain that privilege.Most people have to scrap and scour through garbage to feed their families.There are still communities of mutants that distrust the rest of the world and there is constant skirmishes between them and the government protection forces.I can't watch it all happen again..."Lord Galen takes a seat at one of the consoles,listening to Wraith.Wraith rises from his seat and walks toward the door. "But you have a point,leaving the Guardians isn't helping and with out the technology here at the base I have no way home...I will sleep on it..." He leaves the HQ,his shoulders sagging.Lord Galen glances at Vengeance then orders, "Base,work up a summary of what we know and what we've gone through. Make me a hard copy and let me know when it is ready." "...affirmative...it will be a few minutes..."

1:40-1:50 am Vengeance glances at the badge,charging in the charging bay. "Well I guess I will stay for now,at least until we get this mess figured out.But right now I need some rest,my pussy ass got whipped twice today.It has been a long day.I will let the badge recharge and get it later." He nods at Lord Galen as he leaves the HQ.As he exits,the printer next to the console begins to tap and clack.It continues for a few minutes before Lord Galen rips the paper off and begins to read.

The virus began as an experiment with project Anti-Body,a government project,from the early 70's until 1997.It was meant as a weapon to combat foreign mutants and was canceled when the project couldn't supply a fast acting virus.This project was headed by a General Stern who resigned soon after the project was cancelled.The doctor in charge was a Doctor Truman,who disappeared right after also.The experiment ended because the researchers needed a mutant's genes to construct a virus that could alter to infect the many genetic codes the weapon would face.After he left the the government,General Stern was known to have ties to the Friends of Humanity,a known anti-mutant lobby group.His views did not coincide with the groups and he left to form a group known as the Knights of Humanities.Doctor Truman disappeared,but we have knowledge that he also joined this group in a research capacity.They found a mutant to suit the profile they needed to complete the virus.The Guardians,with help from many other heroes found their base of operations in a Colorado mountainside.An assault was organized and initiated.In the attack many heroes were injured and some of the heroes faced the mutant that was apparently genetically manipulated.The heroes were able to retrieve some information on the development of the virus but were unable to capture the mutant,the doctor or the general.The general started a self destruct sequence,which is the explosion many of you have heard about on the news.

Lord Galen nods in satisfaction,sure this information will help him with the news conference.

1:50-2:00 am Lord Galen asks the base to contact all media sources and set up a time for a broadcast.The base replies, "...working..." As he waits,he jots a couple of notes and prepares a copy of the draft to send to the president.After a few minutes the base says, "...I was able to set up a conference at 11 am...national media needed time to get reporters into Midville..." Lord Galen then asks the base to fax a copy of the script to the president.He slowly rises from his seat and stretches.He glances at one of the read-outs and realizes he is the only person in the base awake.The data shows the base has shut the bridge and the base is secure.

2:00-2:10 am Lord Galen informs the base to wake him when needed and makes his way to his sleeping quarters.After some tossing and turning he slowly falls asleep.

2:10-9:30 am Lord Galen sleeps.

9:30-9:40 am Lord Galen slowly wakes,opening his eyes to glance around the room.It takes a moment for him to gather his senses before he realizes where he is.He turns and lowers his legs to the floor as he asks, "Base,what are the recent events?" He rises and begins to stretch as the base replies, "...the mayor and the city council are meeting with high ranking officials right now...the president has been briefed and expects to make an announcement this evening...the government has isolated the mountain base,and news reports range from a nuclear explosion to a terrorist attack...Afterburn and Imp have begun to research the data we downloaded...Omega and Poundage are in the HQ disassembling the recombinator..."

9:40-9:50 am Lord Galen slowly walks out of the sleeping quarters and makes his way to the kitchen.Once there he orders up a breakfast.He sits and eats in silence,planning to go talk with Poundage and Imp once he is finished.The door opens and Omega steps into the dining area.Omega orders a cup of coffee, hot and black. He then asks the base computer, "Computer,could you turn on the local news?" Omega watches the news for a few moments while sipping on his coffee. The news centers around the explosion in Colorado.The government has isolated the site and reports say that the explosion was a terrorist attack,unconfirmed reports claiming it was a mutant terrorist group responsible.On the virus front reports state that the president has been briefed by his cabinet and the media expects a news conference from him later in the day.The mayor of Midville met with his advisors and city council but no report on anything that may have been said or done.The hospital reports it is at full capacity and is having to turn some patients to clinics and other medical facilities,due to the surge of patients from the virus.Omega's thoughts turn back to the battle in the mountains. He asks the base computer, "Computer, could you please give me another rundown of all the metas who died during the battle in Colorado? Have the deaths been confirmed? Have the bodies all been accounted for?" The base replies, "...Khaydra,Reaper,Scar and Phoenix were lost in the battle...none of the deaths have been confirmed because their bodies have not been recovered..." After hearing the computer list off the lost metas--this time with a somewhat clearer head than the last time he heard it--Omega shakes his head sadly. Hopefully, Afterburn and Imp could come up with some answers soon. It was answers they needed--answers about the future. Omega looks up somewhat suddenly and asks, "Computer, what is the current location of Wraith?" Omega wasn't sure if anyone had really tried to stop Wraith from leaving. If Wraith wished to leave the Guardians, then that was Guardian business--but it wouldn't be good for Wraith to get too far out of pocket--he might still have valuable information to share, whether he realized it or not. "...Wraith is sleeping in one of the sleeping quarters..."

9:50-10:00 am Omega sits down at the table, next to Lord Galen. "Sorry, Galen. I didn't realize you were already up. And I didn't mean to disturb your breakfast, I was just going over what happened yesterday...the people we lost...I wasn't exactly thinking clearly after we got back from Colorado." Omega continues, "I spoke with Wojo as you suggested. While I believe he can still be trusted as an individual, I don't how much support he can give us now. He's sort of between a rock and a hard place. I don't know if it will now be possible to continue with forming the new meta teams as planned--or even if a lot the heroes will still want to go along with it all things considered." Omega stares into the blackness of his coffee cup for a few moments and then goes on, "Which brings me to something I've been mulling over all morning long. Galen, have you ever considered expanding the Guardians? I know that membership is sort of regulated by those badges you guys have but would it be possible to make more of them? Or maybe only let senior members of your team wear the badges? All I'm saying is that I feel right now the heroes need to be unified and the Guardians might be the best bet. If it's something you and the others would be willing to consider, I would try to help you facilitate it--bring as many of the remaining metas as possible into the Guardians. I really feel we need to try to all act as one force and under one umbrella. From what Wraith told us about the future, that umbrella should probably be the Guardians. This could be a true rebirth for the Guardians, perhaps making the team as powerful as the one which came before? If you decide on this course, I have no problem following your leadership--and I don't think the others would either, as long as everyone's views and opinions are taken into consideration. One thing I would like to do, however, if you decide to go this route, is to make a pitch for Vyra. If I'm not mistaken, she recently tried to join the team but was rejected? She's a good hero, Galen. I don't really know what the history is between her and the Guardians, but I do know that it's literally a different world today than yesterday. Things are changing and we'll all be lucky to survive." Omega's thoughts seem to trail off for a moment and then he manages, somewhat weakly, "Khaydra, Reaper, Scar and Phoenix...all dead. Gone, just like that. I know no one ever said being a hero would be easy, but still...I know what I'm proposing would be a bold move, but perhaps that's exactly what we need in order to reassure a doubting public. Well, food for thought anyway." Lord Galen remains silent as he takes his dishes to the dishwasher.He turns and looks at Omega,unsure what to say.

10:00-10:10 am Lord Galen rubs his temples, "Omega, At this point I'm willing to hear all suggestions. I'm losing my team to..........basically guilt trips, if I had done this, if I had done that. I think we all did what we thought best. As for the lost ones, they will be sorely missed. The Vyra thing, well, lets just say we couldn't all agree. The one thing I have decided though is the fact that I have final say. I will hear all sides but the final decision is mine to make. I think I have let a couple of those go by lately. I'm just afraid of making the wrong choice." Omega replies, "I may not be the most popular with some of the other heroes either, but I think it's time we all put egos and past histories aside. Sides will be chosen soon. I'd really like to feel secure in the thought that we will all be standing together--no matter what happens. I fear a war is comingg but I have to believe we can still prevent it--and also prevent the future which Wraith has warned us about." Lord Galen starts to walk toward the door, "I will speak to Vengeance and Wraith about the expanded Guardian idea though I don't think Vengeance will be with me much longer. He didn't sound too committed when last we spoke. Wraith either. I'm trying to keep them both but I don't know. I will talk with you later." He leaves the kitchen and goes to the HQ.Once there he sees Poundage wiping his hands and looking about at the pieces scattered here and there.

10:10-10:20 am Lord Galen nods in Poundage's direction,looking around at the pieces of machinery scattered around the room. "Good Morning,Poundage. Looks like the deconstruction is going well." Poundage finishes wiping his hands and replies. "Disassembly is finishd. I am now going to reassemble it." The mechanical voice of the base interrupts, "...Imp wished to study the machine in pieces before she re-assembled it..." Lord Galen moves over to a console and sits down. "Have you given any thought to what Wraith spoke of. Any ideas? I am trying to think what to do to help all meta-humans. I will be speaking to the media soon and trying to convey what we know as well as the fact that we are not to blame. I hope it doesn't fall upon deaf ears. We need all the help we can get." Poundage shrugs his shoulders, "What Wraith said means absolutely nothing to me. That was his past, this is our present. I've always had a saying. If you have one foot in the future and one foot in the past, you're pissing on today. Regardless of what happens, I still have a commitment to protect this city and do whatever I can to find a cure to this virus. By the way, Omega is looking for you." "Yea,I have spoken with him.I believe as Omega does that sides will be chosen soon." As he is finishing Vengeance walks into the room.Lord Galen turns to the console, "Base, any news?" The base replies, "...things reamin very much the same...the media await your press conference and the president is to speak later today...world wide,governments are considering the situation...most seem to be waiting to follow the U.S. lead...also Omega is about to go patrol and wishes any heroes who wish to join him,meet him outside..."

10:20-10:30 am Lord Galen replies to the base, "Tell Omega I must stay here and prepare for the press conference." He turns to Poundage, "Poundage,I understand your saying but what we must remember is that Wraith's past is our future and we are heading exactly in that direction. I agree we need to continue to protect the city and find a cure for the virus. But I also don't want to see mutants rounded up like so much cattle and locked in pens so that normal humans can glare at them and blame them for everything going wrong." Poundage replies quickly, "Remember, once Wraith came here, he changed the course of our timeline." Lord Galen turns to Vengeance, "Vengeance, what is your opinion? Anything you would like to add or offer?" Vengeance smiles, "What's going on guys? Did I miss anything?" Poundage smiles back at him then speaks to the base. "Base can you tell Imp the machine is dissassembled AND ready for her to check it out. I am going to go get a frosty beverage. Tell her I will be ready for reassembly whenever she is done checking it out." After a few seconds the three heroes her Imp's voice, "Thank you Poundage.Afterburn and I will be busy here for a while researching the data.I'll contact you when we finish..."

10:30-10:40 am Lord Galen turns to Poundage and continues the discussion about Wraith's timeline. "I understand Wraith's being here changed the timeline,but that doesn't change the fact that things are still heading in that direction." He then speaks to the base, "Base,were you able to determine to what vicinity the enemy escaped? It would be nice to find any survivors from the mountain base." There is a moment of silence before the base replies, "...due to the storm I was unable to track and departures...I was unable to track the heroes during the freak storm..." Lord Galen then turns back to the heroes. "Well, wish me luck guys, it's off to speak to our adoring public I go."Vengeance nods,then rubs his stomach. "I think I am starving.Now that Poundage has the machine disassembled.I am going to get some grub,if any of you would like to join me ."

10:40-11:10 am The three heroes each go their separate way,Lord Galen to a room where he prepares for his news conference.He spends the next fifteen minutes going over what he wants to say,how he wants to say it.After his preparation he goes to the hangar and boards the Striker I.He flies in it out the bridge to land near a throng of reporters gathered in Rathbone park (Area 15,16).As he exits the Striker I flash bulbs flash and TV cameras roll.He walks up to a microphone stand set up for him and waits a moment as the reporters settle into position in front of him.Lord Galen clears his throat,then begins. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice.I would like to make a few statements about the virus and the events last night in Colorado.The Guardians have done a bit of research and I would like the public to know and understand what we know and what we are doing." He pauses for effect,takes a breath,then continues. "The virus began as an experiment with project Anti-Body,a government project,from the early 70's until 1997.It was meant as a weapon to combat foreign mutants and was canceled when the project couldn't supply a fast acting virus.This project was headed by a General Stern who resigned soon after the project was cancelled.The doctor in charge was a Doctor Truman,who disappeared right after also.The experiment ended because the researchers needed a mutant's genes to construct a virus that could alter to infect the many genetic codes the weapon would face.After he left the the government,General Stern was known to have ties to the Friends of Humanity,a known anti-mutant lobby group.His views did not coincide with the groups and he left to form a group known as the Knights of Humanities.Doctor Truman disappeared,but we have knowledge that he also joined this group in a research capacity.They found a mutant to suit the profile they needed to complete the virus.The Guardians,with help from many other heroes found their base of operations in a Colorado mountainside.An assault was organized and initiated.In the attack many heroes were injured and some of the heroes faced the mutant that was apparently genetically manipulated.The heroes were able to retrieve some information on the development of the virus but were unable to capture the mutant,the doctor or the general.The general started a self destruct sequence,which is the explosion many of you have heard about on the news." Lord Galen stops,looking from face to face. "Therefore we know it is not the mutant's fault. They are victims as we all are. We lost 3 heroes in the battle at the mountain and are losing countless others to the virus. We are working day and night to find a cure for the virus. We are also trying to track down these doctors and the mutant created by them." As he finishes the reporters begin to throw questions at him. "What advice would you give the government authorities,to handle the situation?" "What do you expect the government authorities to do in this situation?" "Are any of the Guardians afflicted with the virus?" "How can the public protect itself from the virus?" "Do you have any leads on the general,doctor or mutant you mentioned?"

11:10-11:20 am Lord Galen pauses as he notices a fiery trail as Omega soars past over the hospital.From off to the left he hears the smallest whoosh of air,and calmly glances in that direction.Off in the distance he spies Vyra flying on patrol.He returns his attention to the reporters and begins to answer their questions in turn. "As I have said,this is not the mutant's fault.Right now I suggest we all remain calm,we are doing everything we can to find a cure...At this time I would rather not discuss the health and well being of the Guardians...How can the public protect themselves? I would say continue your daily lives,perhaps be a little more careful than usual...The Guardians are doing everything they can to find the general,the doctor and the mutant..." Lord Galen pauses as a reporter raises his hand. "In the past two days we have the outbreak of this genetic virus today and the attack on the hospital yesterday.In that theft a machine that is built to re-arrange genetic codes was stolen by a meta.Is there a connection? "

11:20-11:30 am Lord Galen pauses, "I can't answer that question. We just don't know. We are doing everything we can to find a cure." Another hand flies into the air and another question is fired at him. "Are the Guardians capable of protecting this city? Can and will they abide by the decisions law enforcement is sure to put in place?" All of the reporters what in anticipation,many jotting notes.

11:30-11:40 am Lord Galen rubs his chin before he answers, "The Guardians and their allies are still protecting the city. We are law abiding citizens. We will continue to work with law enforcement." The reporters are silent,some glancing questioningly at each other. One of them raises his hand before shouting his questions. "I'm not sure that answers the question.Will the Guardians be prepared to face these mutant terrorist when needed? Can you tell us if any of the Guardians or their allies are mutants and if those mutants can be trusted to fight their own kind."

11:40-11:50 am Lord Galen gives the reporter a serious look. "I trust every hero associated with the Guardians. We will attempt to handle any threat that comes our way be it mutant or otherwise. We must remember that this is not caused by mutants but by what has been done to mutants. We will not tolerate the persecution of mutants in any way. This problem is a by product of governmental and military means. We would hope that they will do their duty and help in the search and capture of these people and in finding a cure for the virus." The glare from Lord Galen quiets the group and after a few seconds Lord Galen steps away from the podium.He looks from reporter to reporter then begins to walk to the Striker I.

11:50 am-Noon Lord Galen rides the Striker I,contemplating recent events.After a couple of minutes,he feels the Striker settle in to a soft landing and the ramp extends itself.He steps into the hangar,planning his next step.

Noon-12:10 pm Lord Galen stands silently,contemplating going home and checking his messages.He heres the machinery in the hangar begin to hum and watches as the bridge extends.Omega flies down the long shaft and lands in the hangar at the bottom.He spies Lord Galen and steps over near him. "I saw the news conference." he says. "It won't be long now, I'm afraid."

12:10-12:20 pm Lord Galen's eyes narrow, "Won't be long for what? Do you honestly think they will try to start rounding up mutants? I won't stand for that!" He stops and ponders for a moment. "Sorry Omega, didn't mean to snap at you. Did you hear those reporters? The only mutants I believe to be involved in this are the ones that have been changed by those scum. We need to find them." Omega places his hand on Lord Galen's shoulder,reassuringly. "I went on a quick patrol of the city but aside from those gathered for the news conference it's pretty much like a ghost town out there right now. I guess all we can do right now is wait and see how they react." Lord Galen nods then turns and speaks to the air. "Base,any luck with the virus yet?" The base replies, "...Imp and Afterburn continue to research the information we have...no solid leads yet,but there are some interesting details coming to light..."

12:20-12:30 pm Omega suggests, "Maybe we should go see what these interesting developments are all about?" Both heroes are shocked as Imp's voice comes through the base. "Hey,Afterburn wants to know where lunch is..." The two men hear the teen girl giggle,such a light,comfortable sound. "We may be here into the evening hours...some of this stuff is very complicated.The doc was brilliant but...twisted...he was fascinated with this 'mutant x'.But I don't think the government project Anti-Body never truly shut down after the General and the Doctor left.I think it was moved out of the Department of Defense and to a medical research project...But I can't find it...on another thought,the group,'The Knights of Humanity',definitely had better financing than I have been able to track down.The armament and sophisticated equipment they had at Colorado cost a lot more income then what I can find...but we're only about 1/3 of the way through the data transfer."

12:30-12:40 pm Omega offers a crooked smile and mutters, "Almost forgot the most important mission of the day..." Then, speaking louder, "Um...I was just about to take care of that whole lunch thing. Any preferences?" There is a long pause of silence before Imp replies, "...uuummm...something greasy...with fries and a shake...your girrrlfrrriend wants a salad with a diet pop..." Just before the transmission cuts off the two men hear the women break into giggles,then there is silence. "Let's both go..." ,Lord Galen suggest.Omega scoops up Lord Galen up and flies out the bridge,as it extends above the water line.He swerves eastward,searching for a fast food joint.

12:40-12:50 pm The two heroes land lightly outside the Quickie Burger by the mall.There isn't anyone to be seen as the two men walk into the burger place.There is only one person in the place,huddled in one of the corner booths.The cashier gives Lord Galen a frightened look,then seems to recognize Omega.He still cowers away from them slightly as he ask for their order.Omega keeps his voice calm and low as he orders a lunch for the four of them.When the time comes to pay,the cashier points to the counter as Omega tries to hand him the cash.He lays the money on the counter easily,and gives the cashier a small nod as the two meta's carry the food out.Outside again they still fail to see any citizens out this afternoon.Omega grabs Lord Galen and leaps into the air.

12:50-1:10 pm The two heroes fly into the base and work their way through the hallway,into another lab and into the computer lab.There they find the two women huddled over a few computer screens.Omega comments, "Well, there's no activity on the streets right now. None. It's still like a ghost town out there. I think people are really getting scared." Each meta digs out their lunch and begins to chow. "The calm before the storm..." ,Afterburn mutters as she reaches over to lightly touch Omega's arm.Imp taps a couple of keys on her keyboard then says, "I would say we are almost halfway through the data.We have a few newer things to watch and a few new details but it is slow going.There is a possibility the government continued project 'Anti-body' but moved it into medical research.We are also trying to track more financial information,that mountain compound wasn't cheap.As far as the common public,I think most will remain indoors until they have a better idea what is going to happen,what they are facing out here.I think we need to keep a presence on the streets,let them know we are here and protecting them."

1:10-1:20 pm Omega nods, "I agree with you, Imp. Oh, by the way--I've been thinking--is there any way we can track down more info on those soldiers we faced up in Colorado? I'd like to know more about what makes those guys tick--and if they have any weaknesses--in case we have to face them again. They were much more high-tech than I expected. Maybe it was just me, but I was surprised by how easily they took so many of us out so quickly. I know we already have a full plate before us, but that's an aspect we should probably investigate when we get time." Imp nods, "We have discovered that they are cyborgs...men machine combos...they were prepared,they were motivated.We'll begin digging for more info." Afterburn swallows a bite before she adds, "I'd say we have a few more hours of work...at least not till after the mayor speaks." The room goes silent as the heroes eat their lunch.Once he is finished,Lord Galen rises and looks at the two women. "Keep working on the data ladies. I think I'm going to patrol for a couple of hours."

1:20-3:10 pm Omega asks Galen, "Do you mind if I accompany you? I don't feel like I'm doing much good here. There's probably still not a lot going on out there, but it would be a good public relations move on our part to sort of see and be seen. It might also give us the chance to talk about some things." Omega gives Afterburn a quick kiss before he leaves. "I'll see you soon. You and Imp are doing outstanding work--I don't know what we'd do without you two." She lightly rubs his cheek, "Be safe,we'll have more soon..." The two men go to the hangar,waiting for the bridge to extend.Omega picks up Lord Galen and the two heroes soar into the sky.The streets remain empty,not a person anywhere.As they fly Lord Galen's amazing hearing picks up slight sounds and he is able to spot Vyra,Poundage and Vengeance,all out on individual patrols.He quietly points them out to Omega as they pass.Time creeps on and still not a soul on the streets,before Lord Galen's badge beeps.Imp's voice is heard first, "The mayors press conference is just beginning...I'll patch it through." There is a second of silence,then a mature,male voice is heard. "Citizens and residents of Midville,good afternoon.I do not like intervening on your Saturday afternoon,but I have some news.Due to recent events I have been forced to take a few actions to protect the people of this city.First of all I would like to thank the Guardians and their friends for being so helpful.They have stayed on top of this whole situation and the city owes them it's gratitude." There is a pause as the mayor changes subjects. "The city health system is overwhelmed but I assure you that I have taken steps to alleviate the problem.The National Guard will be setting up area MASH units,please go to these MASH tents BEFORE you visit a clinic or hospital.I have also ordered the National Guard to call up some men for security detail to supplement the regular law enforcement.I would agree with the Guardians that now is the time for calm.I encourage you to continue your lives,but carefully.We will be receiving shipments of disposable gloves and mask that will be free for your use.These will be handed out at the Guard MASH tents,also." There is another pause as the man clears his throat.When he continues his voice is deep and serious. "Last nights terrorist attack in Colorado has given me and my advisors concern ,so until further notice I must place the city on a 9 pm curfew.All businesses are to close and only emergency and security personnel should be on the streets.Anyone else will be subject to search,detention and genetic scanning.We are in constant communication with Federal authorities and will do whatever we can to protect the citizens.I want to assure you that things will get better.Also do not be afraid to take any problems or questions you have to the nearest soldier,police officer or emergency personnel.As a city we shall come together and weather this storm.Thank you and I will keep you all informed as the situation changes...good afternoon."

3:10-3:20 pm Omega ponders the words for a moment and then says to Galen, "Terrorist attack in Colorado? Does he mean us?" Omega pauses for a moment and then continues, "Galen, I think thinks are about to get ugly. I think the feds may take an even more hard line view on this situation than the local authorities are taking. We may start seeing some activity from the underground mutants in reaction to all of this--and I fear this crisis could divide all the superhumans into different camps. It's my thinking that we need to all try to stay as unified as possible, and try not to let ideological differences split us up. That would only serve to play into the hands of the enemy--we attacked them as an organized front and they handed us our butts on a silver platter. If they divide us, they conquer us--it's that simple. We've lost the battle before we even get started. Some hard decisions will have to be made--and soon, but I still think unifying as many as possible under the Guardian banner is the best way to go, all things considered. And I still think you're the best man to lead the group." Omega studies Galen's reactions for a moment and then adds, "Look...I'll be honest with you, I know that if it were ME in your position, I might be hesitant about bringing in people from other teams who have served in leadership roles--people like Vyra and myself--but for what it's worth, I have no problem with following your lead and I don't think Vyra would either. It's time that all past differences were put aside and we look towards the future...and right now, looking in that direction seems to be something of a grim prospect. It's definitely going to take all of us, working together...if we're going to rise to meet this challenge. I know we don't all have to be part of the same group in order to work together but...I just feel like the Guardians are an entity that the public can trust. In the end, the Guardians may be the ONLY superhumans the public as a whole will be willing to put their trust in...and in my mind, we have an obligation to try to maintain peace on every side of this thing. I think all of our lives just got a lot more complicated."

3:20-3:30 pm Lord Galen glances up at Omega. "Omega. I believe you may be right. The Mayor thanked the Guardians so apparently we are still okay with the public. Lets gather all the heroes we can and meet back in the base. If you will drop me off there please. I will get Wraith and vengeance thru the badges and see who else they can find." Omega flies back to the base and drops Lord Galen in the hangar,before heading back out for patrol.Lord Galen steps toward the door,ordering, "Base,contact Vengeance and Wraith.Have them contact all heroes and have them meet back here at the base."

3:30-3:40 pm Lord Galen keeps himself busy as he waits for the other heroes.He hears the base, "I have contacted Vengeance and he wishes to be contacted when the meeting starts...I will patch it through to his badge...Poundage,also,isn't sure he will show but will listen through the badge..."

3:40-3:50 pm Lord Galen slowly walks around the impressive Strikers.The small machines tend to the large craft,cables connected to the floor.The base interrupts his thoughts, "...I am opening the bridge to allow Omega to enter..." Looking up,Lord Galen watches the long shaft extend,then the end open to the clear skies.Omega is a flame streak as he lands in the hangar,lightly setting Specter on the floor.

3:50-4:00 pm Lord Galen nods at the two men, "Welcome,Specter." Specter nods back, "Thank you...I am honored..." Lord Galen turns to the other hero, "Omega, any more coming?" Omega nods to Galen, "I've found some of the others.Vyra is coming. Firewall and Amazin' Grace declined the invitation. No answer from Mentor or Maxi-Miss." Omega looks around, "I don't mean to be presumptuous, as I'm not sure how much of an expansion you'll ultimately be willing to entertain, but I thought it wouldn't hurt for everyone to hear what we have to say. Some of the others were...reluctant to come here and I'm afraid this only confirms the fear that the metas are already splitting up into separate camps." Specter steps over to the Striker and softly rubs a palm over the smooth surface. "Has anyone contacted the underground mutants? With the situation escalating the way it is,they are the ones that concern me...the 'stress point' of the situation..." Lord Galen turns his gaze up the long shaft, "Things are so quiet out there...it's unnerving." Omega looks to Galen, "You're right about how quiet it is out there. I just have this terrible feeling that this is the calm before the inevitable storm." By the Striker,Specter mumbles, "...a very dark and terrible storm..."

4:00-4:10 pm Lord Galen looks at the other two men. "Poundage and Vengeance both declined the invitation but have asked to have the meeting broadcast to them from the badges. I want the meeting to convene at about 6:00. Lets see how many we can round up and we can all meet in the cafeteria." Omega looks to Galen, "Specter's right...the mutants will be the 'stress point' of this situation. It might be a good idea to extend an invitation to one or more of our friends from the underground. I don't mean to play politics here, but if we could ensure that as many sides as possible are represented under the same banner, I feel it would be helpful. I've always felt that unifying all the metas was an important step--but it's never seemed nearly as important as now." Lord Galen asks, "Is there a way to reach the mutants underground?" Omega thinks for a moment, "Who among the metas has the best rapport with the underground mutants?"

4:10-4:20 pm Lord Galen thinks for a moment then replies, "I would say Imp. Let's see if she can talk with them." Omega tosses the various questions facing the group around in his mind. "We were missing the obvious.Imp. She could probably help serve as a liason between us and the mutants. I think we need to let them know that we don't consider them the enemy and that we will stand with them against any attempts at persecution. But--at the same time--we don't need them to be overly reactionary right now. That would only serve to make matters worse. A mutant joining us--and being public about that fact--would certainly send a strong message. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating the idea of a 'token' mutant...I'm just saying that it might encourage others to be more accepting. And also send a message to would-be persecutors at the same time." Specter crosses his arms at his chest,looking at the other two men. "Excuse me? 'Token' mutant? Don't you see it has begun already.No matter how you state it even us 'heroes' have a line drawn...who is mutant,who isn't...I really don't appreciate that sentiment.Some mutants would rather be classified by their abilities..." As he is finishing the bridge extends and Vyra flies in and lands lightly,smiling at the other three heroes.

4:20-4:30 pm Omega realizes how what he just said must have sounded. He walks over to Specter and places a hand on his teammate's shoulder. "Specter...I'm sorry, you told me before that you are a mutant, didn't you?" Specter glances at the hand on his shoulder then locks eyes with Omega. "I think I did,yea." Omega shakes his head, "Please don't take me the wrong way, my friend. It seems I've developed a very bad habit of speaking out of turn or sticking my foot firmly in my mouth." Omega adds, "It's a difficult situation, for all of us. I believe our greatest potential strength lies in unity and here I am speaking in a tone which must sound very separetist. I assure you my true feelings are quite the opposite. For what it's worth, I'm very glad you are with us. And I'm glad you're with us because of what you are." Specter bristles slightly,his eyes narrowing.Omega goes on, "Not because you are a mutant, but because you are a true hero--willing to stand up for what's right. And that is exactly what we will need in the dark hours to come." Specter relaxes slightly,his eyes moving to Vyra.Lord Galen speaks first, "Welcome,Vyra." "Greetings," she addresses them all. "I'm sorry for my intrusion, but...", She then stops and thinks a moment. "Well, I don't know exactly why I'm here, but I was hoping I could be of some help." Specter takes a step forward,toward Vyra,then quickly pauses. "How are you feeling,Vyra?"

4:30-4:40 pm "I'm - I'm fine, I think. For now." Vyra replies.Lord Galen nods, "You are actually a little early. We are preparing for a meeting to be held at 6:00. We need to discuss the current path things are taking and the possibility of trying to unite all heroes...and if you notice Specter,I said heroes. There will be no lines drawn here. I don't believe Omega meant things the way you took them." Omega nods at Galen, "No, no...I didn't mean it the way it sounded. But I fear there are those out there who will attempt to use the current situation as an excuse to persecute mutants...perhaps even all metahumans. As I have said, I believe we all must stand together. We can't let fear or prejudice, intentional or otherwise, cloud our judgement now. As Lord Galen says, we must all stand united--as heroes." Omega steps forward and places his hand lightly on Vyra's back, offering her a smile. "It's good to see you again, my friend." Sensing the worry in the group gathered, Vyra asks, "Has the epidemic worsened?" Specter answers, "Very much so...the hospitals and clinics can't handle any more patients.Now the government is sending in National Guard M.A.S.H. units.Do we know all the meta's afflicted? Anyway to check on those that have the virus?" Lord Galen looks upward, "Base, ask Imp to,please,meet me in the cafeteria." He turns to the others, "Anyone hungry ? I'm heading to the cafeteria." He then goes to the cafeteria ordering a tomato soup and grilled cheese.He begins to nibble at the sandwich as Imp walks into the cafeteria. "We have went through the data with a fine tooth comb.We didn't get the cure,but I have a good idea the direction the doc was headed.Once I rebuild the recombinator I'll have a better idea how close to a cure we are.I have the base running some checks on a few bank accounts,a couple of businesses and looking around the government files for any follow up work they may have done.I can't prove it but I believe there remained a government connection after the project was shut down." She reaches over to rip a piece of grilled cheese sandwich and quickly chews it. "You wanted to see me?"

4:40-4:50 pm Lord Galen is quiet for a long time,concentrating on his own thoughts.After a few minutes the door opens as Omega,Vyra,Specter and Afterburn enter the cafeteria.Imp turns to look at the group as the walk in, "Hey all,welcome to our little party."

4:50-5:00 pm Lord Galen looks at Imp, "Imp, I asked to see you to ask your help. I believe you to be about the only one your underground friends will trust. We are very worried about them out there on their own. We are entertaining the idea of uniting all heroes under one banner. The Guardian banner. We fear mass persecution and loners will be the first and easiest ones hit. I'm not saying this will make everyone Guardians permanently but for now I think being united is our best defense. Will you talk with them?" She steps from foot to foot,looking a little uncomfortable. "Yes,I'll talk with them...but I can't guarantee it will help.I was...am...one of them,but some of them have...well..their own agendas.Many of them don't want any contact with the world up here.They will see any pressure otherwise as an invasion of their 'territory'.Once we finish here I'll go speak with them." Meanwhile Omega quietly asks the base for a hot cup of coffee. He then looks towards Afterburn and Imp. "Sorry to interrupt, Galen--but Afterburn has some information to share and we thought you should hear this too, assuming Imp hasn't already filled you in." Omega places his arm lightly on Afterburn's back and offers her a smile. "I'm anxious to hear what has been discovered." Afterburn quickly unclasps the arm bands and looks around at the gathered heroes. "Well,I'm not sure where to start...we got a good amount of information on the virus,but no cure.Imp and myself believe what we have can help lead to a cure.The only problem there being neither of us has any formal medical training.This will slow down any progress we make." She pause a moment,gathering her thoughts. "We believe the government didn't completely shut down project 'Anti-Body'.We think most of the research has been parceled out to other projects but we have been unable to track any of it.We also think that the Knights of Humanity still keep some kind of connection to some government sources.Much of their technology is eerily similar to government models.We also have begun tracking some of the financing from some of the records we where able to get.Again the money they must have spent,just on the mountain base,points to the fact that they are well funded and we want to find out where this funding is coming from.We have some suspicions that part of this funding may...MAY...be from government sources." She pause again,gaining confidence as she speaks. "Some of you may not like what I am about to say,but please hear me out." She takes a moment to catch glances with each person present,getting a small smile from Imp. "We must not release the data we downloaded.We should be very careful who we let have any of the info.Since we don't know who is on our side and who is chums with the Knights of Humanity.We do not want to tip the generaL or the doctor off on how much we did recieve from the download.The more they have to guess how close we are the better our situation.Also I think if the info is mentioned that is is referred to vaguely,the less the Knights know about what we have,how close we are,the better."

5:00-5:10 pm The group is silent a moment before Vyra chimes in. "I agree with you, Afterburn.The less people know the safer everyone is, for now."" Afterburn looks at Lord Galen. "Did you tell the press about our downloading the information?We need to be very careful,if what I think is true the Knights of Humanity have some inside sources,high ranking inside sources,and they probably are a few steps ahead of us." Omega stands for a moment, thoughtfully and then speaks, "So, where do we go from here? Whatever choices we make now, we need to make them carefully." Imp is the next to speak,her voice low. "Well.I'm going to go speak with Probe and the others in the underground.Somehow we need to gain a tactical edge.We should try to 'harness' the power of the media,that is OUR one advantage.The Knights of Humanity can't get their message out to the masses like we can." She turns her eyes to Omega and he senses a moment of dread in those eyes. "We need someone with government connections to tap into what is happening behind the curtain,so to speak.I know we want the people of Midville to see us as standing behind local police and authorities but we should be prepared to use whatever force we can muster to perhaps alter their reactions.We are going to need the help of the local police,but they will also be needing our help." She pauses,her thoughts racing. "Actually most of this talk is pre-mature,though needed.Until the president speaks...the city...the country...even the world seems to be holding it's breath.We should all be prepared for his speech at 8 pm and any reaction that may occur." Specter stands in the corner,nodding his head in agreement,then steps forward to address the others. "I agree completely..." He turns to face Lord Galen, "Which means we need to decide how we are going to bring the heroes together under the Guardian banner.Also I think we need to find someone who has medical training to help you two ladies in the research.But it must be someone we can trust,not someone connected to the police or government."

5:10-5:20 pm "I know a reporter personally - She's interested in anything related to the Guardians and has international contacts. She may be of use to us." ,Vyra declares.Imp's eyes get wide, "Good...good...that gives us an even better advantage.See if you can contact her after were finished,we will need all the help we can get." Omega listens to the suggestions from the others. He interjects, "I've also been thinking, Reaper was working on some interesting theories about the Legacy Virus before he..." Omega trails off for a moment, then continues, "I'm not sure, but I think he may have been onto something.It might be worth trying to follow up on. Of course, it could also just be another dead end--but at this point I think we have to consider all avenues." Imp rolls her eyes a moment, "I think the guy was weird and pretty full of himself.What angle was he working on?" As she finishes Vengeance steps into the cafeteria.

5:20-5:30 pm Omega laughs, "Actually Imp, you're right--he WAS a little weird and he WAS full of himself, but...I'm not sure, but I think he was pursuing some sort of medical angle. He was working with the base computer." Omega shrugs, "Look, I know it's probably just another 'miss him,I miss them all.' dead end but it might be worth looking into. You know, Reaper COULD be a pain but..I still miss him. I miss them all." Imp's eyes go dark for a moment,then she walks past Omega. "I miss a few other people too...Reaper is the bottom of that list...I need to check on something..." ,she says as she leaves the cafeteria.Specter watches her leave then turns to Vyra ,"Have you heard from Maxi-Miss,or any of the other Sentinels?".

5:30-5:40 pm Vengeance steps over and flips some buttons on a panel.After a few seconds a door slides open and he pulls out his sandwich.Omega turns to Afterburn and says, "We've certainly got a full plate right now. How are you holding up? Are you doing okay?" She stands next to him,her arm around his waist. "Oh,just a normal day in the life of a super hero.You know me,nothing slows me down." She looks around the room, "Last night there were so many of us...I felt like we could save the world.Now there are so few of us...and I feel like were losing the world..."

5:40-5:50 pm Vyra turns to Specter, "No, I haven't,either of them. I saw Maxi-miss right after the battle was over, but that was all." Specter shakes his head slightly,a look of concern on his face.Omega looks to Afterburn and replies, "I know what you mean. Everything seemed to be going so well yesterday and yet today everything is so very different." "Another day will come," Vyra says comfortably to Afterburn. "Another dawn will come, another battle, and We will rise once more. Comrads will make their last stands, and we must learn to let them go. It is part of being a hero, quite possibly the hardest part, believe me, I know." She thinks back a moment and then says, "I only hope my parting from this world will be partially as honorable as some of our friends were." Omega smiles,then continues, "But at least there are some things that will never change. We'll get through this, together. As cliche as it sounds, I still have to have faith that good will win out in the end." Afterburn squeezes Omega slightly and smiles at Vyra. "Of course your both right...dark times call on great heroes..." The group pauses a moment,all of those gathered centered on their own thoughts.Vengeance walks across the room,his steps quick. "I heard our mission was a terrorist attack.Maybe we should go to the public and let them know that it was us,maybe the government is involved.I just hope our president is not going to be the next Hitler,sending mutants ,altered humans ,and aliens to concentration camps.Is that what we want from our country? I think instead of all our bullshiting and meeting we should be out there solving some problems,not sitting around talking about it." Specter rises to face Vengeance, "What I heard was the government was classifying the explosion as a terrorist attack.And Lord Galen went to the public to explain it was us.Until the president speaks at 8 pm we won't know what the government response will be.Let's not be rash." He adjust the S on his ample chest, "But I don't think anyone else is coming.We may as well get this meeting done,I also want to get out there,do something." Vengeance throws his sandwich away and walks to the door, "If you guys need me you know how to get in touch." He strides into the hallway and the door slides closed behind him.Afterburn steps to a corner table and sits down mumbling, "...surly one that one...were being torn apart..."

5:50-6:00 pm Omega winks at Afterburn, "You're right about Vengeance. He IS a surly one. Think maybe we could fix him and Imp up on a blind date? They should get along famously." Omega pauses, "No, we're not falling apart. Not yet. Not unless we let that happen. Vengeance is...frustrated, because we haven't been able to do more about the current situation. What he fails to realize is that we ARE doing something and, in fact, have been doing something all along. We've been researching, patrolling...trying to put together a new plan of attack and, most importantly, trying to unite heroes together." The doors slides open and wraith walks in,his head bowed.He moves silently to a corner,but the Guardian badge is at his chest.Omega goes on, "I agree that waiting here is hard, but the current organizational effort will pay off in the long run. I fear Specter is right, though. I'm afraid that the ones here now may very well be the only ones who will come to join us. Still, I agreed to follow Lord Galen's lead. We are in the Guardian's house and he is the leader of the Guardian's, so I think we should play by his rules. But the worst thing we can do right now is start turning on one another. That only serves the cause of our enemies." Again he is interupted by the door sliding open and Imp strides in.She begins to speak then sees the look in Omega's eyes.He says, "No one of us can hope to solve this problem alone--we all saw first hand what happened in Colorado, and that was a united effort.Some could argue that our failure there only proves that uniting heroes together serves no purpose, that it did no good--but I would argue that--divided, we would only fall that much faster. Divided, we haven't a hope in hell. Perhaps we do not have one anyway. But, for my part, I can only promise each of you that I will fight with you to the end, I will not turn my back on any of the heroes here." There is a long moment of silence,then Wraith clears his throat.He and Imp catch glances and she gives him a smile,a small wave.She steps to the middle of the room,shutting the ever present laptop. "O.K. let's get this thing moving,I have a couple of projects online and I still need to go visit the mutants in the underground.To update everyone we got a bit of info,but we need a medical specialist to speed up the process.I am tracking a few bank accounts and some government projects to determine the Knights funding and any contacts I suspect they have.We are trying to mobilize any connections any of us have with media and government types,we need to use the connections to our advantage.The president will speak at 8 pm to decide the direction the country goes..." She steps over to Lord Galen, "Recent indications point to a prominent military reaction.There are units around the nation receiving alert notices,reserves getting their recalls.This means they are taking a militant stand toward the Knights of Humanity and the explosion last night.OR they will react in a militant manner to the virus threat..." Specter grunts, "...speak honestly...the MUTANT threat..."

6:00-6:10 pm "Mutants are not the threat at large here." , Vyra corrects Specter authoritatively.His eyes narrow as he glares at her, "I understand that.But that is how this scenario is going to play out.I AM A MUTANT and I know what is coming.I have had to deal with people treating me different when they find out I'm a mutant and that is before the whole virus situation." He turns his gaze back to Lord Galen as the leader of the Guardians stands and addresses the heroes. "Thank you for coming. This meeting has been called to unite all heroes under the Guardian banner. I respectfully ask Wraith and Vengeance to give me their opinions as well as Imp. Vengeance,I have but one question for you. What do you think you can do alone that we can't do as a team? I think if we all try to act individually we are doomed." Wraith looks up from his spot in the corner, "I agree that we need to unite the heroes,but I fear anything we do only leads to the same fate." Lord Galen looks around the room, "Imp, I would like to thank you for all you have done, Afterburn as well, but we need more. Vyra, I hope there are no hard feelings and even if there are I must ask you to forget them now. We must all work on the same team.Wraith,to you I want to say I place no blame. I also don't believe that destiny or timelines hold my fate. I hold my fate! I believe I can change whatever the future has in store for me. I believe that together we can defeat this virus,we can alter the timeline and the destiny of all humans, metas, and mutants. Omega,thank you for your respect. Now, lets get down to business.We have all been updated on the situation. What choices do we have in medical specialists? What do we all believe should be our next step?" Imp is the first to answer, "We need someone with medical training but someone who isn't connected to the government,the hospital.Does anyone have this kind of connection?" There is silence a moment before Omega answers, "For my part, I could try to use my connections with Wojo--but, I'm not really sure how to proceed with that. I'd like to be able to tell him that the teams have unified--and I think that we should then take that message to the public. If we can agree on this, I think we should have a press conference as soon as possible to keep people informaed about what's going on with us. That's just my opinion. I think the Knights of Humanity lead that Imp is following is probably the most viable lead we have at the moment. I think those of us not involved on the research end of this thing should form teams tonigt and continue to patrol the city as usual--let the public see that we are still out there, protecting them."

6:10-6:20 pm "I agree with Omega." Vyra injects. "We have to function as normal for a little while so as not to cause a panic." Lord Galen continues, "Wraith , Vengeance, Imp. If there are no objections I am accepting all heroes under the Guardian banner. The way I see it, if we dont work together there will be no Guardians as well. As for medical persons, Omega, what about that doctor you knew who has her own clinic? Or do we need someone more highly trained." Omega looks puzzled a moment. "I think you have me mixed up with someone else.I don't know any doctor at a clinic." "Maybe Doctor X knows someone." ,Galen suggest. Imp speaks next, "Vyra,you and that other hero...um...Flare?...didn't you guys know a doctor that owned her own clinic?" Lord Galen looks at her, "Imp keep working on that lead you have. Lets begin breaking down patrolling teams. I work from 9 to 5 during the day so I will need to team up with someone along those lines. Omega, Vyra, what about your teams?" Omega replies to Galen, "Well, I'm pretty much self-employed at the moment and money isn't really an issue with me so I can be available whenever I am needed--either during the day or at night." Afterburn speaks from her spot in the corner. "I believe we all can work out the details to a patrolling schedule,around our personal lives,but I think we should keep things along the present lines.The Protectors,Sentinels and Guardians can remain groups,but with coordination through the Guardians and the base here.I only bring it up because there may be certain members that feel more comfortable with the people they have become familiar with." She glances at Omega,looks at the floor and blushes.

6:20-6:30 pm "I had almost forgotten about her..." ,Vyra says. "It seems so long ago now. Her name is Jill, I believe, and yes, I can seek her out. She and Flare were ... close." Lord Galen looks over at Afterburn, "I dont think now is the time to let personal feelings interfere. I'm not here to make or break romances, I'm here to stop a threat and a virus." She looks at her feet as Omega thinks for a moment and then says, "I certainly think the teams should mesh well together, but I think we should all consider ourselves as Guardians now. We need to be unified and while sub-teams for patroling is certainly appropriate, I don't want to see previous allegiances turn into internal power struggles within a new team. As Lord Galen says, we are unified under one banner now and we should stand united." Omega walks over to Afterburn and places his hand lightly on her back, "It's going to be fine," he tells her softly. "Trust me." She looks up at him and smiles.He then turns to Lord Galen and suggests, "How about this, Galen? We split up--one group goes on patrol; another to try to locate Vyra's doctor friend. I think it would be best to approach the doctor in person about helping us and the remainder continues to work on research? Perhaps Vyra, Specter and I could try to track down the doctor and the remaining metas head out on patrol or work on the research angle?" Omega looks to Afterburn and adds, "You could go with a mission team as well if you're finished helping Imp with research. Well, it's really up to you, Galen. How would you like to divide up the group? Patrol group is the one most likely to run into trouble out there, so it should probably have the most powerful members?" Vyra interrupts, "As far as the Sentinals go, it is only myself and Maxi-Miss who remain. I am sure she will agree to the disbanding of the Sentinels and us joining a more powerful force. And as for myself, I will be honored to join such noble heroes. What was said in yesterday's past is now history and nothing more." Omega adds, "Also, I think it might be wise to take advantage of the media members still gathered at the hospital. We've told the public about the plans for the Protectors teams and now I think we should let them know that those plans have changed. With your permission, I'd like to speak to the public. I have some other things I want to say which I hope will engender trust among the populace. Also, while we're out, I want to try to check in with Wojo again--as Imp suggested, we should definitely try to use governmental connections to our advantage." Omega checks the time, "Hey, when is it that the president is supposed to speak? Maybe the base could arrange it so that we all are able to hear his address over our communications network?" The base replies, "...I can do that...and the president speaks at 8 pm..." Lord Galen looks around the room then asks, "Wraith,would you care to join me in a patrol?" Wraith looks up,surprised. "Um...certainly..." Imp stands up, "Well,I need to get to the underground and the mutants.I'll return soon and get back to the research."

6:30-6:40 pm Vyra addresses the group and says, "I believe I can recall where her practice is." Specter gets to his feet, "I'll go with you,I need to get out..." Imp walks toward the door, "I have to check something then I'm off to meet Probe and the mutants." Lord Galen looks to Wraith and says, "C'mon,lets go. If we find no trouble we can come back here at 8 and listen to the pres speak." Wraith is silent,his head bowed.He raises the staff to his chest a moment and stares at it. "Yes...let's go,my powers have returned..." His eyes remain dark as he steps toward the door.The two guardians leave the cafeteria,Lord Galen a step behind Wraith.They cross the short distance to the hangar,the bridge already beginning to extend itself.Wraith walks directly below the bridge and stands a moment staring up into the darkening sky.His eyes close and a small grin appears on his face.He flies into the air,swoops down to grab Lord Galen's collar,then soars out the bridge and over the city. "I admire your strength of conviction,but I must argue that we are fated to repeat my past.It seems each step we take only leads down that road,the road that leads to my time,my birth and life."

6:40-6:50 pm The two heroes fly over the city,Lord Galen safely in Wraith's grasp. Wraith, "We will change the timeline. I know it. Quit blaming yourself. You are a part of the Guardians now. Lets show the world what we can do. It all starts with one movement." ,Lord Galen says as his eyes scan to skyline. "Please,listen to my logic...by coming back in time I have locked this timeline along one path.By coming back I force this time line to lead to my birth so that I may come back.I know it is hard to wrap the mind around but because I exist HERE NOW this time line MUST lead to my birth and life." ,Wraith replies.He is quieted by a motion from Lord Galen as the man points down toward a roof below.The two see a man in a black and yellow costume,sneaking about.Wraith looks down with questioning eyes,waiting for Lord Galen's orders.

6:50-7:00 pm Lord Galen mumbles,just low enough for Wraith to hear, "Let's go check him out." Wraith swoops low and drops Lord Galen on the rooftop near the costumed man.He then flies to a point above and ahead of the man,his staff raised menacingly. "Move slowly,mister...what are you doing out here?"

7:00-7:10 pm Ice forms quickly around Lord Galen and he takes a defensive stance. "I believe the same as you." ,the stranger replies as he glares at Wraith.

7:10-7:20 pm The stranger glances over at the Lord Galen, "Whats up with you? I mean no harm." He takes a couple of steps back and also gets into a defensive stance.Lord Galen replies, "He asked who you are. I suggest you answer." From his position hovering in the air,Wraith gestures with his staff. "Perhaps introductions are in order...I am Wraith,a Guardian..." He points to the red 'G' at his belt, "...and this is Lord Galen,leader of the Guardians.Your turn...and please don't move another step..."

7:20-7:30 pm Lord Galen gives the stranger a stern look, " I will ask one more time. Who are you and what is your business here?" The stranger looks confused a moment, "Guardians? Never heard of them. Anway I'm Br.... Er Paladin, I came from a town not far from here. And who are you?" he asks looking up at Wraith Lord Galen gestures toward the long haired flier, "As Wraith has said I am Lord Galen."

7:30-7:40 pm Lord Galen pauses a moment, "I am leader of The Guardians. A group of heroes who protect this city. Do you live under a rock? Our recent exploits have been all over the news along with this Legacy Virus thing." Paladin replies, "Guess the reason I'm not familir with 'The Guardians', as you call yourselves, is because my old town never cared much about mutants and supernatural beings. To think about it,I don't believe they were any supernatural beings or mutants living there.The only way I found out about this town was looking through a old newspaper I got while out on vacation and saw a picture of a character named 'Omega'. I also never heard of the 'Legacy Virus' what does it do?" He relaxes his stance and looks up where Wraith hovers. "Your not going to hurt me are you?" Wraith gives him a smile and slowly lowers to the roof. "I won't hurt you...as long as you don't make any stupid moves.The Legacy Virus is a disease that was manufactured by an evil doctor to wipe out mutants but now seems to be spreading through the regular population."

7:40-7:50 pm Omega flies down amongst the three costumed men and nods to Wraith and Lord Galen, in turn. He then turns his attention to the third costumed individual and looks him over for a few moments, trying to see if he picks up on anything unusual or if there's anything about him that sets his cosmic awareness abilities abuzz. Finally, Omega nods a quick greeting and then turns his attention to Lord Galen.Speaking lowly, Omega tells him, "Afterburn and I have spoken with Wojo,Galen--he will help us as much as he can but wants us to understand that there is only so much he can do. If push comes to shove, I honestly don't know how much he will be able to help us. He's caught between a rock and a hard place right now. He will, however, do everything HE feels is needed to protect the city." Wraith takes a step forward,a hand running through his long hair. "Do not concern yourself with Wojo.He has his part in this little drama,but I can assure you he has the cities best interest at heart.His will,his strength and his resolve will be tested but he is a strong man in many ways." Omega continues, "I also spoke with the press concerning the Protectors/Sentinels team being dissolved, so they now know that we are all pretty much united together. I didn't speak too much concerning the Guardians as I feel that should be more your role, as leader of the team and I didn't want to overstep my bounds. I told them just enough to try to put peoples minds at ease and let them know we are ALL out here, together--trying to keep the city safe. As per our earlier discussions, what information we do have should be closely guarded. I had hoped things with Wojo might go better. I felt he and I had a sort of connection but...well, I'm just sorry I wasn't able to be more help in that regard." Lord Galen motions toward the new arrivals, "Omega also is a Guardian. Paladin you say your name is. Welcome to Midville. Just know that we will be watching you. If you need us here is a number to reach us." He gives Paladin a number to reach the base.Omega looks again to the new hero. "Paladin, eh? I'm Omega." Omega extends his hand. "Nice to meet you. This is Afterburn, another of the city's heroes." Paladin waves to Afterburn and shakes Omega's hand. "Um... Hi." As the new hero holds Omega's hand,Omega feels a strange sensation spread up his arm.Lord Galen glances at Wraith, "Wraith, lets make one more sweep of the city and head back to the base. I want to hear what the president has to say." Suddenly Paladin burst into blue flame to the shock of the other heroes standing there.

7:50-8:00 pm Lord Galen takes a step back,his face serious. "Omega, Whats going on?" Omega increases his flame abilities to full force and prepares for combat.Afterburn raises her arms,her fist aimed at Paladin.Omega replies to Lord Galen, "I don't know, Galen--I think maybe he absorbed my powers somehow." Lord Galen quickly orders, "Wraith, if he makes one wrong move take him out.Paladin, What is the meaning of this?" Paladin stands in shock a moment, "There truely is no meaning for this. Its just one of my powers, honestly I ain't going to use Omega's power to fight." Omega quickly replies, "This might be incredibly dangerous. The Omega Force--the source of my powers--is sentient. I honestly didn't know if it would work for someone else." Omega looks to Paladin, "I don't know what you're playing at here, pal. But what you just did is very bad form. You should stand down." Paladin answers, "There is no reason to fight." As he speaks the blue flame around him begins to fade and Paladin raises his hands to his head with a confused look on his face.

8:00 pm Turn 1,Phase 41 "But for now it doesn't last that long, Thank God." ,Paladin says. "That feels a little better too." he comments as he rubs his head. "No hard feelings Omega? And for the rest of you,sorry for the little scare.His flame just looked so cool! But seriously I am not an enemy of yours." Paladin turns to walk to the roof edge as Afterburn suddenly turns her head to the northwest,her eyes squinted in concentration. "WaitAMinute,Guys. SomethingFunnyIsGoingOnNearTheSchool. IThinkIJustSawAFewMenRunningInThatDirection. AndIThinkISawSomeWeapons."

8:00 pm Turn 1,Phase 40 Omega speaks up, "Afterburn, wait. Don't go rushing off into a potentially dangerous situation all by yourself." Omega watches as Afterburn moves nervously,pacing slightly.Omega looks to Paladin and then back to Galen, "What do you think? Should we take the new guy with us?" Phase 39 Afterburn looks anxiously to the north-west,the direction of the school. "ISayIfHeClaimsToBeAGoodGuy, ThenWeLetHimComeAlong. WeDon'tKnowIfWeWillNeedTheHelpOrNot." Phase 32 Hanging in the air above the roof,Wraith turns in the direction of the school. "So far I don't see anything that would indicate the use of super powers.What would you like to do Galen?"

8:00 pm Turn 1,Phases(25-18) Lord Galen quickly says, "We've got to check it out. Lets go Wraith." Omega replies, "Okay, I can take two...Afterburn can get there just as quickly under her own power..." Omega grabs hold of Galen and then steps to Paladin.He tries to lift the other hero and finds he can't.Paladin looks up at him then comments, "If Omega can't carry me,then by all means let Wraith carry me." Omega turns to Paladin and says, "The rest of us have at least some combat experience." Even as he speaks, Omega is aware of the irony of his statement--after all, he himself has only been active as a hero for a few days--although it somehow seems like months have passed since he first donned his costume. "Just follow Galen's lead and you'll be fine. And careful with that power absorption thing. Maybe you should only use that on the bad guys for the time being." Paladin replies, "I have other useful powers other than absorption.No need to worry about me." From the direction of the school the heroes hear a crash and some voices yelling,but are unable to make out the words.Omega looks at the others then flies off in that direction.He soars through the city,over Buchannon Park (Area 3).As he nears the school both he and Lord Galen see seven young men,all wearing gang colors,scattered around the area.They seem to be centered on the townhouse across the street from the school and one of them is pulling an axe from the door,which is splitting where it was struck.Two of the others seem to be holding knives,another a rusty sword.Below the two heroes Afterburn runs up and stops to get a look at the situation.Within seconds Wraith,carrying Paladin,flies up next to Omega.The young gang members are giggling,laughing and one yells out, "Come on out MUTIE!! We have something for you!" Omega asks Galen, "What's the call, boss?"

8:00 pm Turn 1,Phase(17) Lord Galen taps his badge, "Base send local authorities to our location." He then says to the other heroes. "I want them stopped and detained." He tells Omega , "Fly me over to the boy with the axe and the townhouse door. I want to get an Ice Guard on that door before they hurt someone." Omega replies, "You got it." In Wraith's grasp,Paladin shouts, "Hope you guys can handle this." He raise his hands to the sky and nothing happens.From the underground garage to the north one of the thugs runs closer. Phase(14) Another one runs around the corner of the townhouses to gather near the others at the door. Phase(12) The thug at the door raises the axe again and brings it crashing down on the door.The crack in the door widens and the door barely remains standing. Phase(10) Omega tells Afterburn and the others, "Okay, just like Galen said--let's take these guys down before they hurt someone." He flies down to the ground and drops Galen off near the door.Lord Galen raises his arms and a blast of ice shoots to the door covering it with 1 foot of ice.The thugs look over,surprised as Omega says, "Hey, pal--you guys want to pick on somebody? Pick on US!" He targets the nearest thug and lets loose a blast of blue flame.The flame smacks the thug in the street holding a knife and he stumbles backwards then falls to the pavement,not moving. The thug with the rusty sword rushes over to Afterburn and swings.The sword strikes her in the shoulder and she lets out a small moan. Phase(9) Afterburn smiles at her assailant, "IGuessYourMotherNeverTaughtYouNotToHitGirls." She raise her arm and a yellow beam leaps from her hands.The beam strikes the thug in the chest and he immediately falls to the ground. Phase(3) Paladin looks up at Wraith, "If you want to you can put me down here or on the warehouse." Wraith nods at him and flies over to the warehouse and drops his passenger.He then turns and aims his staff at the thug below.A dark colored blast leaps out striking the thug in the chest,sending him backwards about five feet.He lands in a heap and doesn't move.

8:00 pm Phase(2) Lord Galen turns to the thug with the axe and lets loose an ice blast.The ice smashes into the thug,sends him flying out into the street.He lands in a sprawl,completely covered in a large slab of ice.Up on the warehouse rooftop Paladin says, "Ok,now let's try this again...." Once again he raises his arms to the sky. "Cross your fingers..." He glances up to the sky,astounded that nothing is happening. Phase(0) Blue flames flickering around him,Omega turns and glances at the pile of ice,then turns his attention to the thug with the knife.A tongue of blue leaps forward,covering the man.He lets out a slight scream before falling motionless to the pavement. Phase(-1) Afterburn lets out a small giggle then,in a blur,moves over to the thug in the intersection.Again the yellow beam fires from her hands and the man falls to the street. Phase(-2) From above,Wraith swoops down and lands in the street a few feet from the remaining,standing thug.Dark energy leaps from his staff and the criminal takes the blow in the chest.He flies ten feet,before landing in a heap in the street.The group of heroes glance around the empty street,when they notice a curtain in one of the lower windows ruffle and a face peers out.The face is that of a young teen girl,maybe 13, and she looks frightened.The curtain returns to covering the window and Afterburn lets out a gasp. "...Imp ? SheLooksLikeImp..."

8:00-8:05 pm,turn 1 Phase(43) Omega looks up at Paladin on the rooftop above, "Um...does anyone have any idea exactly what it is he's doing up there?" Paladin crawls down the side of the building and walks toward the group of superheroes. "Heh, guess it didn't work." Paladin notices Galen looking at something. "What are you looking at Lord Galen?" He follows Galen's gaze and again the girl's face appears in the window for a brief moment.Omega looks around at the group. He shakes his head, "That girl is too young to be Imp. Besides, Imp probably could have handled these guys on her own. But the resemblance is uncanny. We still know very little about Imp. Maybe she has a sister?" Omega suggests, "We should proceed cautiously. Whoever that girl is, she seems scared half to death. We should try not to frighten her more than she already is." He glances towards Afterburn and asks, "You okay? I noticed you took a hit during the battle." Afterburn pats her shoulder and replies, "OhItWasNothing. JustAGlancingBlow. AndThisIsCreepy, CouldItBeImp'sSister?" Lord Galen speaks to the girl in the window. "You are safe. Who are you, and why are these boys trying to hurt you?" The girl's eyes go wide for a moment,searching the street around the heroes. "I ain't supposed to talk with strangers.I..I don't know why the boys chased me.I was talking with one of them,he was kinda cute,ya know.Then his buddies showed up and...and...well I wanted to seem tough.So I kinda bragged a little..." Her eyes continue to search the streets around the heroes,almost in a panic. "But you have to leave,PLEASE,he's going to be home soon and you CAN'T be here." Off to the side Omega looks around, "Wonder if there are any more of these punks around here?" Just as he speaks the sentence Afterburn turns and dashes into the park.Glancing over the other heroes watch as she approaches a young man with a baseball bat.She raises her hands and the yellow energy encases the young man for a split second before he drops to the ground.From the corner of the parking garage entrance to the north the heroes hear a yell. "Alright you FREAKS,no one fucks with the Dragons and gets away with it!" The turn to see a gang member holding a very sophisticated looking handgun.

8:05 pm,turn 1 Phase(43)-8:10 pm Lord Galen looks up at the punk, "Alright guys, try not to hurt the gangbanger. Take him out! Omega sizes the punk up quickly. "The Dragons. Right. So, what...the 'Nicotines' are going to show up later and you guys are going to rumble? Please." Omega flies closer to him, "Didn't your mother teach you not to play with guns." The blue energy of the Omega Force swirls around his fist as he moves--the energy flashes forward and hits the thug in the chest.The thug flies backwards and lands prone in the street,the pistol clattering off to the side.Omega approaches cautiously and examines the weapon. "Hmmmmm...this is too sophisticated for street punks, Galen. Someone could be supplying them." Omega looks for any markings on the weapon which might provide a clue as to the source of origin.The gun doesn't seem to bear any obvious markings,almost like it was made to be non-descript.Afterburn moves around quickly,gathering the thugs into a small group near the street corner. "WhenWeGetBackToTheBaseI'llCheckOutTheWeapon." Wraith steps over and stands over the group of thugs,dark energy swirling around him.As he does a few of three of the thugs begin to stir and look up at him,their eyes frightened.

8:10-8:20 pm Omega speaks quietly to Lord Galen, “There’s something awfully strange about all of this, Galen. If that IS Imp’s sister this is one weird coincidence. Maybe we could let Afterburn try to talk with her? She and Imp get along pretty well.” Lord Galen nods his agreement and Omega turns to Afterburn.He whispers to her, “Rhonda, check on the girl. You have a really good rapport with Imp. If she is Imp’s sister then maybe you can connect with her and learn something about what’s going on here.” Afterburn smiles a small smile then unclasps her wristbands. "O.K. just give me some space,the poor girl looks like she is terrified out of her mind,and I don't think it is the thugs that have her frightened." She turns and walks slowly toward the window, "Everything is under control now...why don't you and I talk a little while my friends wrap up the loose ends..." The girl in the window visibly shakes but remains at the window.Afterburn moves close,leaning on the window sill,and begins a quiet conversation.Omega steps closer to the gathered group of thugs, the bluish fire of the Omega Force flickering around him. "The Dragons, huh? You know, I've heard of a superhero in another city who goes by the name of Dragon. You guys are an insult to his name!" Lord Galen glances at Paldin,and smirks. "Paladin, you might want to step back. They might slap you and really hurt you.By the way, what kind of dance was that you were doing?" The few thugs that are conscious let out a small giggle that quiets quickly as Omega nods to Lord Galen, then looks over to Wraith and offers a wry smile. Omega finally turns his attention back to the gangbangers and smirks as he uses his thumb to point in Wraith’s direction. "This is my friend Wraith. He has the power to send people to the dark dimension of hell. Don’t worry though…we wouldn’t dare think of insulting time-honored gang tradition by insisting you answer our questions without first being subjected to torture. You know…hellfire, brimstone…that sort of thing…” Wraith slowly rises above the thugs,hovering a few feet above their heads.Slowly tendrils of dark energy curl from his outstretched fingers and begin to dance around the criminals like a living thing.The teenage boys look up in horror,one of them mumbling something under his breath.Satisfied the theatrics have the boys ready to talk Omega begins to ask questions. "Why were you trying to hurt that girl? Who is she?" The mumbling boy looks at the heroes,his eyes wide, "She...she's rich and flaunts it...and tonight she bragged about how powerful she was...how we were nothing...we thought she was a freaking mutant...we just wanted to teach her a lesson..." Sternly,Omega continues, "Where did you get that weapon? Are you working for someone? Who?" The boy slowly answers, "No..nobody...honest...we just gang together for protection...for kicks...there's a guy,sells weapons cheap...drives a van...does a good business,most of the eastside gangs have some now...we needed protection...please...please..." The boy begins to cry,dropping his face into his hands.From around the corner a squad car pulls up,it's lights flashing red and blue flashes on the sides of the building.A cop steps from each side of the vehicle,weapons drawn.It takes a few moments before they recognize the heroes and slowly holster their guns.One returns to the vehicle and gets on the radio as the other slowly strides toward the gathering.Paladin walks up next to Omega. "If you don't mind could I ask your names?" He gazes into the frightened eyes of the thugs and smirks.From behind the men,Afterburn walks up and says,in a low voice, "Guys we need to leave,the girl is frightened and worried.It wasn't the boys that scared her so much as WE do.I'm not sure but I believe it has something to do with her Dad." She glances over at the window,the curtains now closed. "And I do believe she is Imp's sister though I couldn't get her to talk much about her family." Lord Galen hears a rough,gravelly sound and turns to spy Vengeance on a nearby rooftop.

8:10-8:20 pm Paladin grits his teeth at Lord Galen's heinous remark.Omega nods to Afterburn and smiles. "Hang onto that Han Solo special," ,Omega says. "I'm anxious to see what we can learn about it." Afterburn pats the weapon,stuck in her belt.She glances at the police officers then starts to put her wristbands back on. "Perhaps I need to dash,before the men in blue get a little curious.I'll meet you all back at the base." With a wink at Omega,she disappears eastward in a blur. Wraith lands lightly near the police officers,effectively blocking them from getting near the other heroes. "Evening officers," ,he begins politely. "We apprehended these boys in the act of vandalism and terroristic threatening.You will find a young girl inside this townhouse who will give you all of the details." Behind him Omega turns his attention towards Paladin and tells him, "I'm Omega. That lovely lady is our resident speedster, who calls herself Afterburn. And surely you recognize Lord Galen and Wraith as members of the Guardians?" Paladin's eyes narrow, "Yes, Yes, Yes I already know this, you told me on that building. And it is sort of hard to forget someone that you took blue flames from and have seen in the newspaper. Guardians are a real corny name why did you call it that?" The police officers begin to cuff the punks and the heroes hear the wail of a paddy wagon as it nears them.Wraith steps over to the costumed men.Omega turns to Wraith and offers, quietly, "So...what do you think, Wraith? Think that kid was telling the truth about where he got that weapon? If someone is selling advanced weaponry out on the streets to the highest bidder, obviously that's only going to add to our problems." Wraith strides further from the police officers and the other heroes follow.His voice is low as he replies. "It makes sense,in an odd way,yes I believe he was speaking the truth.That would explain how the mutant revolt gets so out of hand so quickly.That had always puzzled me,the government has plenty of power to quell the rebellion but if civilian groups like these thugs also jump into the fight armed with sophisticated weapons the government may well have it's hands full.Some person or organization has stepped in to rachet up the pressure.But surely whoever is selling the weapons can't be making any money off of them.The common street thug in no way has the money to afford such technology.What angle are they pursuing?" The group stops under a streetlight,Wraith deep in thought.Omega looks to Galen and asks, “Do you think we need to patrol any more tonight?” Galen glances at the captured criminals and, feeling confident that the authorities now have the situation well in hand, shakes his head no. “Let the locals handle the rest.” ,Galen says.Omega happens to notice the time on the display panel on his police scanner. "Well, the bad guys had really terrible timing tonight. I think they caused us to miss the president’s speech. If we go back to the base, could the computer replay it for us? We might also get the chance to ask Imp about our mystery girl.” Galen nods in agreement. “Alright. Omega, do you mind giving me a lift back to the base?” Omega replies, “Not a problem.” He looks around at the others, “Anyone else need a ride?” He then recalls his earlier problem with trying to transport two passengers and adds, “I might be able to carry two as long as one of the passengers is light enough…or is everyone else good to travel under their own power?” Wraith looks long and hard at Paladin then says, "I'll be along in a moment,I would like to have some words with our young friend here." Omega nods and takes to the sky, along with his passenger, soaring back towards Guardian Base. Once the they are well out of earshot of the officials, Galen taps his badge and says, “Base, pipe the President’s speech to us. Please start from the beginning.”

8:40-8:50 pm "Imp!" ,Vyra cries as Lord Galen rushes over and picks up Imp's limp body. "Base prepare medlab for emergency patient,complete system shutdown." ,he orders as he rushes from the hangar. "... Yes ... please hurry ... hurry ... I need her here NOW! ... error ... errrorrr ... correction,correction ... medlab prepared ..." ,the base replies,the mechanical voice reaching a crescendo before returning to the monotone everyone was used too. Poundage looks at the doctor and answers her question, "I believe she does have the virus." Omega watches Galen run off with Imp's limp body in his arms. Omega shakes his head, sadly. "It's getting worse," he mutters. "Our friends and teammates sick or dying from the Legacy Virus...the government registering mutants, detaining them like criminals...the world has gone insane." Everyone in the hangar rushes after Lord Galen,Specter being the last.He pauses a long moment,staring into Omega's eyes.He hangs his head then dashes through the door.Omega exhales heavily and then follows after Galen, more uncertain than ever about what any of them should--or could--do. He knew that mutant registration would only be the beginning. Soon, they would be coming for all of them--all the metas. He wondered how long before even the Guardians went from being public heroes to public enemies of the first degree. The powers that be needed a scapegoat, and they had found themselves a very convenient one. Unfortunately, the blame was being shifted to the very people who were, most likely, the only hope humanity had left. Striding into the med lab, Omega asks, "What's the prognosis? How bad? Is ... is there anything further that can be done for her?" From a seat at one of the consoles the strange female replies quickly, "She's beginning to stabilize.The readings are strange,I had assumed that this was virus related.In part it is,but the virus hasn't deteriorated her genetic code enough to cause a system shut down." She concentrates on the monitor as her fingers fly about the keyboard.The gathered group waits in silence,the only sound is the small beeps and clangs as the little probes move about Imp's body.The base interrupts the silence, "... I have an incoming message from Afterburn ..." Afterburn's voice is heard next,light and easy. "Hey guys,can someone give a lady a hand?I'm in the park and not sure my speed would allow me to run across the water to enter the base." Suddenly Imp begins to shake,then flail her arms.Her eyes flutter as she moans. "oooo .... mmm ... mutant ... hhhmmm ... Men ... Men ... Men ... mmm ..." The strange woman stares at the monitor, "What the hell? She should be conscious from everything I see here..."

8:50-9:00 pm Omega responds through the communications system, "Stand by, Afterburn." He then tells the others, "Imp is pretty much the brains of the group but Afterburn is a close second. Maybe she can help shed some light on what's going on with Imp." The doctor looks up from her seat at the console and shoots Omega a look before returning to the video screen. "I'm going to go get her--we'll be right back." ,Omega says and sprints out of the medlab.Lord Galen snaps, "Base, Is there a reason for her to be unconscious? Can you correct the problem? We need to find out what she is babbling about. Can you determine what has caused her shutdown?" The base quickly replies, "... there is no physical ailment causing the shutdown ... I AM DOING MY BEST ... correction,correction ... am in the process of trying to determine the cause ..." Lord Galen notices the doctor staring at him, "By the way Dr. Welcome to our humble abode. Have you come to help or just to see what you can see?" Her eyes narrow as she turns back to the monitor in front of her. "This is not the time for snide remarks.Perhaps if you would have let me care for the first girl this whole situation would have been altered.But I am here to do what I can to save lives,someone has to." Specter looks at Lord Galen,his voice filled with anger. "Enough of this ... it's obvious.The feds have done something to her,tried to apprehend her,drugged her or something.She's trying to say men,officers,soldiers.I can't take this waiting around ... let's take the fight to them." Suddenly the door to the melab opens and a gray blur zooms to the bedside and comes to a stop.It is Afterburn and she quickly begins to study the girl.She mumbles,"... OHImp ...".A few seconds later Omega walks into the room and looks around at the gathered heroes,taking particular notice of Specter.Afterburn studies the readings on the screen over the bed,rips the bands from her wrist and hurls them into a corner."Her vital signs are nominal,molecular cohesion at the genetic level with-in parameters ... what is the problem?" The doctor is quick to reply, "I'm still sorting through the data ... but brain activity,her alpha waves are peaking.Whatever is going on the girl is 'thinking',her subconscious is hyper-active right now."

9:00-9:20 pm Lord Galen quickly turns toward Specter, "Specter. We know nothing of the sort. We don't need a major war on our hands." Gruffly,Specter replies, "Don't you see we already have a full scale war on our hands! The president has declared war on mutants and Imp is just the first casualty!" Lord Galen's look softens, "Stand down please." The two heroes lock gazes for a few seconds before Specter drops his eyes. Lord Galen then turns and finds the doctor at her console. "And as for you doctor, I dont think allowing you to care for the first victim would really have made any difference. Don't go trying to make yourself the smart one here. Do you know the answers to our problem? I dont think so. We have the smartest computer and some of the smartest people known working on this. If you know something they don't, spit it out. All I need from you is to help my comerades. Thats all. Alright everyone, sorry for the outburst but I've had just about enough! We are not taking the fight to anyone. We are protectors. I want all suggestions and ideas anyone has." He looks around the room when the door opens and Vengeance steps in,a look of surprise on his face.Omega rubs his chin. “Thinking…subconscious…of course.” Omega continues. “What Imp was trying to say before. She wasn’t trying to say ‘men’ at all. Remember, she managed to spit out the word ‘mutant’ and Imp was with the mutant group just prior to returning to Guardian Base.” Omega continues, “Imp’s physical readings are normal—but, aside from the strains already being placed upon her by the Legacy Virus, it is not her body that is being attacked, it is her mind. As I said, Imp was with the mutant group prior to returning to the base. And who do we know who is telepathic? I fear the conclusion here is inescapable. Not ‘men.’ MenTOR.” Omega continues, “It appears that perhaps her meeting with the mutants did not go as well as we hoped it would. Computer, does Guardian Base have the ability to shield against telepathic attacks or manipulation?” The base replies, ... negaitive ... I have no defenses against mental or psionic attack ..." Omega pulls back his visor and looks to Galen. Bluish flames flicker in Omega’s eyes. “The pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together all too well, my friend. The President’s speech. The weaponry we found on the street. This apparent attack against Imp. Sides are already being chosen. I fear we have been thinking of all this in the wrong terms. We have been trying to PREVENT the future which Wraith warned us about from coming to pass. What we failed to realize is that it was ALREADY too late. Tomorrow is here. The apocalypse is upon us.” "Someone may need to check on the mutants. That is the last place she went. Anyone in on going to check on them. We will have to be careful and watch our backs." Poundage turns to Galen, "I'm wondering if I assemble a few to go check on the Mutants, can we take a badge for quick escape if needed. Also, It may be a good idea to open the base as infrequent as possible." “Good ideas, Poundage.” Omega says.Lord Galen nods his agreement, "Poundage I agree with your Ideas. Take a badge and see what you can find out. Keep us posted and please be careful." Omega looks around the room and notes that Wraith still hasn’t returned to the base. “Where’s Wraith?” Omega asks. “If this is indeed his ‘past’ coming to pass then he should know more about what’s going on than any of us.” Omega looks to Imp, the blue flames surrounding his body seeming to darken and intensify. “The base has no defense against telepathy." Omega continues to speak softly, in a voice which almost seems not to be his at all as the blue flames continue to flicker around him. “Telepathy. A paranormal sense which allows direct communication with other minds and has a range dependant upon…” The flames subside and Omega seems himself once more. “Range,” he repeats. “All the meta powers I’ve encountered, including my own, have some type of limitation where range is concerned. Perhaps if we moved Imp away from the city? Out of the range of Mentor’s abilities?” Omega thinks for a moment, “The Strikers. Galen, what if we placed Imp on board the Striker and piloted it or programmed it to fly in a random direction, away from Midville? If this IS Mentor, then Imp should get better once she’s out of range. If not then it at least tells us that my theory is wrong but, either way, I think the ideas that Poundage proposed are still good ones. How should we break this down, guys? The more I think about it, the more I think maybe we shouldn't leave Imp alone on board the Striker and we're probably going to need the brains up there with her or here in the base.” From the teen girl's side Afterburn quickly says, "I'm going with her." Omega steps over and places his hand on Afterburn's shoulder, "We must protect Imp. The Omega Force tried to tell me something about her before, something important. But I didn't understand it then." Omega goes on, again speaking in a voice which almost seems to belong to another: "The one known as Imp, finding a cure to the Lecacy Virus is but one way to help her. The ribbons of fate twist oddly about that one. She will also need the chains to be broken, the connections rent asunder, she is in mortal danger even with out the virus. She is prey for a hunter,her past stalks her. Be strong,the solution is with in your grasp." Omega then seems to regain himself and when he speaks again, it is his familiar voice which she hears, "That girl is our only hope. Now, more than ever, I'm convinced that Imp is the key. There is much I still don't understand but I do know that we have to protect her--we have to help her--no matter what." Lord Galen walks over to Imp's beside his eyes locked on the limp girl. "Omega, I have opened another Guardian base in New York. I could take her there. It has a medlab and computer just as this one. Perhaps that could help and keep us all connected." He lightly lays a hand on the young girls shoulder and his voice drops in volume, "Imp, if you can hear me, we need you, We will do all we can." Vyra looks to Imp and asks desperately, "Will she be alright?" The doctor glances at Lord Galen then at Vyra "Physically she is and should be fine.But something is going in her brain,her mind.What is happening in there?" Lord Galen whispers, "I wish I knew the answers." His head hangs and he begins to slowly step toward the door,looking for some privacy.His path is blocked when Wraith steps in,Paladin right behind him.Wraith looks around the room,a puzzled look on his face.When his gaze finds Imp on the bed he quickly asks, "What's the matter,What's going on?"

9:20-9:40 pm Omega replies to Wraith, "It seems your future is upon us, Wraith. Imp is under attack--apparently from Mentor. I believe that the revolt you spoke of earlier may already be underway. The time has come for total honesty between us all. If there is anything else you can tell us that might be helpful, now is the time." Wraith barely glances over at Imp then turns his dark eyes toward Omega. "Total honesty? Total honesty? I don't like the insinuation there.Do you not realize that I am from 50 years in the future of this event and that most if not all records were lost or destroyed.I know what I know because I spent years of my life searching for every little detail I could find." Lord Galen steps between the two, "Wraith, Imp is being attacked or controlled mentally. We think if we fly her out of range of the telepath she may be able to shake it. I need you to help us understand your past, our future. We need more to go on." Wraith takes a breath before he replies, "I will advise you the best I can,but much of this is shrouded in mystery to me also.Only when the pieces begin to show themselves can I add them into the knowledge I do have." He steps over to the med bed where Imp now lies calmly,quietly. "So Mentor is the invisible one behind the movement.That is a surprise,she did a good job concealing it in my past.But I do not believe she acts alone,there is someone else here pulling her strings...." He seems to drift into thought,his eyes staring at the teen girl on the bed.Omega then looks to Afterburn, "Can you take one of the Srikers to New York, as Lord Galen suggested? The sooner we get Imp out of range, the better. And...be careful." Afterburn steps to the corner and retrieves her arm bands as she replies, "I'll be plenty careful but believe me,the mood I am in,whoever wants to mess with Imp better be careful." Lord Galen steps over to the doctor and raises his hands,palms up. "Doctor,I apologize for the outburst. We are all under a lot of stress here. If you wish to help Imp you may go with us." The doctor continues to stare at the console as she replies but her voice has softened. "Thank you,I would love to go with Imp.Her brain activity has settled,more of a deep sleep type brain pattern.I'm not an expert on meta-powers but wouldn't this telepath have to exert some form of energy to attack her mind? Perhaps she has tired and can't attack right now? Even so I think getting her away from the city may be the best in case this telepath tries again." Omega turns to Poundage, "Who do you have in mind to go with you to check out the mutants, Poundage?" Poundage stands ready,hands on his hips, "Ok, anyone that wants to go check on the mutants, prepare for the worst. I will be ready whenever anyone else is." Vengeance finally speaks up from his spot near the door. "I will go with Poundage to check out the mutants.We can use my badge to get out but we could use an extra badge to get back in.We should be on our way while the clues are fresh." "I'll go!" ,Paladin chimes in. "As long as nobody touches me. Can't be to carefully, I have to get to work tomorrow. This will let me get a feel for combat, if any arises." Omega adds, "I would also volunteer to go with Poundage. However, I think it should be his decision as to how large...or small...a group he wishes to take with him." "Actually any size group is fine with me. We don't know what we are getting in to, so the more the merrier. Also everyone stay close to me. I can lift everyone of us and touch the badge." Poundage answers then turns to Paladin, "I don't think we have met. I am Poundage. Independent super hero, sworn protector of Midville. What do you mean as long as no one touches you? We have to touch you to get you out of the base without opening the bridge. Unless we wait for Afterburn to open the bridge for the Striker." Paladin looks puzzled, "Who the heck is this Striker? Um, I'm Paladin, new person in town. I mean, I don't know if you have the virus, it spreads by contact, and I want to live, thats what Wraith told me." Poundage turns back to the other heroes. "Also, shouldn't someone go with Afterburn for extra security? The Guardians are not well liked anymore. The Striker shows the logo." Near the doctor Vyra finally speaks, "I believe that standing around here will accomplish nothing. If anything, this is not the time for us to hide, afraid, in our bases. I think we should group off under our affiliations. Perhaps the Sentinals shall accompany and protect Imp and be there when she arises, and the remaining Muardians seek mentor herself, or visa versa. What ever we do, we must move quickly. Every second, the future that Wraith has seen draws closer to reality."

9:40-9:50 pm Omega replies to Vyra, "What you and Poundage suggest may indeed be the wisest course, Vyra. We must also consider that many heroes may be needed here in Midville before the night is out. And there are so few of us left. But I DO believe protecting Imp SHOULD be a primary concern." Omega looks to Wraith, "Wraith, I did not mean to be disrespectful to you before. I know it is hard for you watching these events unfold which you have tried so hard to prevent. I just thought...I mean, I had HOPED that perhaps...there might be...something we had not yet considered. I guess I was...grasping at straws." Omega continues, "But I know that we are beyond that point now. All our efforts to prevent the future from coming to fruition have failed. We must now deal with this crisis as best we can, with the belief that we can still somehow weather the storm. If we can only prevent it from being as bad, that's something, right?" Wraith stares at Imp then turns to glare at Omega. "I never expected your respect.But you are right,Imp is the key.I will stay here and watch over the city while everyone goes either to the mutants or to New York.I need to do some thinking,research anyway." Impatiently Vengeance urges, "Let's go already,quit the yaking and get the fuck out of here." "Shall the Sentinal's go with Imp, the Guardians stay here and the free-lancers go after the mutants?" Vyra asks.Poundage's head snaps in her direction, "Vyra, try to remember not all of us are Sentinnels or Guardians. So should I go check on the mutants with just the non-affiliated heroes. I swear you guys and your segregation. Where is the sentinnels 'base'?......thought so. Affiliation means nothing. We are just here trying to help. I am ready. Anyone going with me, let's go." He takes a couple of steps toward the door the turns back to Vyra. "That is if it is ok that I seek out Mentor as well. I hate to be an ass, but all I hear is Sentinels this and Guardians that. The non-affiliated heroes helped at the mountain. Hell as far as I am concerned the best hero we lost that day was an independent." He pauses,places his right hand on his heart and looks to the sky. "Rest in peace Scar. Paladin I do not have the virus, so stop being a wus." "Wuss? hmph. You haven't see what I can do!" ,Paladin grunts then nods to Poundage. "I'm ready when everyone is." Poundagelooks to Omega, Paladin, and Vengeance, "Looks like we are the four horsemen. Let's stay close and watch one another's back. Those of you that have fought with me know that I will do anything to prevent anything bad from happening to any of us." He reaches out his hand and the four men clutch wrist.The four blink out leaving the others to stand looking at each other in the medlab.Specter glances around the room then is the first to speak. "Well we should get her out of here before something happens.Is the Striker ready?" The base replies, "... the Striker is prepared ... but if I may ... the teleport pad in the HQ can teleport all of you to the New York base in just an instant ..."

9:50-10:00 pm "I will stay with Wraith and try to get more information." ,Lord Galen says then orders. "Base, make sure the medlab in New York is prepared and waiting." The base replies, "... medlab prepared ... pertinent equipment ready and waiting ..." Lord Galen turns to Jill, "It may be better if you transport there too doctor,do the best you can." She steps over and starts to reach out toward him,then stops. "Yea ... I'll do what I can." ,she says her cheeks turning a slight shade of red. Galen gives her a slight nod then orders, "Base, give Dr.Jill all the authority she needs to help Imp and try to find a cure for this virus." Vyra looks to Afterburn and asks, "Are you ready?" Afterburn gives her a quick nod and zips out of the medlab.Vyra steps toward the bed to grab Imp but finds that Specter has already picked her up and cradles her gently to his chest.He walks quivkly out of the room followed by Jill and Vyra.The room is quiet and Wraith seems to sigh before sitting heavily in a chair. He lowers his head into his hands, "This is worse than I could have imagined.Until last night it was all just stories in history ... notes in a file ..."

10:00-10:10 pm Lord Galen steps over to Wraith, "Alright Wraith, lets compare what you remember and what is happening now and see if we can come up with something." Wraith raises his head and his dark eyes bore into Lord Galen. "Does no one here LISTEN to me? I don't REMEMBER anything,I was born 25 years AFTER the war.What I know I have researched and dug up on trips around the devastated landscape that is my world.From the facts I have gathered the war began pretty much the way it has now,the government began rounding up mutants and placing them in containment camps.Many mutants and meta's rebelled against this policy,starting the actual revolution.In the beginning this rebellion was unorganized,just small bands of rebels here and there doing what they could to stop the round up,free those that have been captured.These small skirmishes slowly grew to all out battles,destroying major sections of most cities.Neither the government nor the rebels were willing to give into the other so over time civilization degraded,cities became wastelands.The only thing that stopped the battles was the Prawn invasion.The globe was almost overrun by the aliens before the government collapsed leaving the Guardians and other meta's to slowly repel the Prawns.In this fight many of the Guardians and other meta's were lost and the world was left devastated.A rudimentary government was set-up,but by the time of my jump back here the government was still only able to govern in name only.Most areas were lawless and undefended,perfect fodder for any evil doers."

10:10-10:20 pm Wraith pauses then rubs his head. "That's about it,though I think we now know the leader of the rebellion.For the next few days the rebellion will be small groups,but as the days pass more and more mutants will join the group.But for now I think they have done their damage,they will probably go into hiding.They will need to rest and plan before striking again." He turns to the console and begins to tap keys.

10:20-10:30 pm Lord Galen looks puzzled for a moment then asks, "Who is this leader of the Rebellion?" Without turning from the console Wraith replies, "It's obvious that Mentor leads the renegade mutants.With her telepathy and the knowledge she has gained from Imp,she nows has a decided advantage over the government forces.Think about it,she will be able to find out where the government forces will be,what attacks they are planning.Given time she will have an army of mutants that can stand up to the armies of the world,but right now she will go into hiding.She will need to rest and digest the information she has stolen." As he finishes the base announces, "... the other heroes have returned from the underground and have brought Probe with them ..." Wraith rises from his seat when the two men hear Imp's voice. "Hey guys! I want to come home now!"

10:30-10:40 pm Lord Galen watches as Wraith leaves the med-lab.He slowly slinks to a chair and hangs his head.It has been a long day.

10:40-11:00 pm Lord Galen continues to wait in the medlab,his head in his hands.

11:00-11:10 pm Lord Galen rises and walks out of the medlab.As he enters the elevator the base says, "... the other meta's are awaiting you in the hangar ..." Lord Galen merely nods and waits for the elevator door to open.When it does he steps out and through the door to the hangar.He looks around at the group then gives Omega a questioning glance.Omega replies, "I too believe we should go to New York. Perhaps we should all go. I think Vengeance and Poundage are on the right track. I'd like to go with them at any rate. I know we are pledged to protect Midville but we must protect the world as a whole if we can and right now, going to New York might be the best thing we can do for Midville anyway. Besides, if something does happen here we can use the teleportation device to get back in a hurry if need be."

11:10-11:20 pm Poundage turns his gaze on Wraith. "Sorry Wraith, but all you keep telling us is 'that's not going to help'. Then when we ask for suggestions from you, 'all I know is my past.'. Well if you can't give us any ideas, stop telling us that ours won't work. If Xavier is one of the first targets, by stopping that, we change the timeline, correct?" "I agree with Poundage." Omega replies and offers , "I don't come from the future, Poundage and my powers aren't exactly like Scars were in that I can forsee the future--but they do give me some insight. It has been revealed to me that the future CAN be altered. I believe that IF we had succeeded in Colorado which, unfortunately we didn't, then that would have been enough to alter the timestream. If we can stop a big enough event--like the attack on Xavier--from succeeding then I think that might be enough to alter things. It's too late to stop the events of Wraith's future from beginning as they have already begun; but perhaps we can yet stem the tide. In any case, it's just as Poundage says--we can either stand around and do nothing or we can at least try. I vote for trying." Wraith raises his head,squares his shoulders and replies in a measured but calm voice. "You fools will not listen. IT IS MY PAST ... 50 YEARS in my past ... freaking Dark Ages ..." His pupils seem to expand,darkness covering his entire eye. "What you fail to understand,the future can be altered.It will twist and turn except for one point ... The point where 3 people were sent back in time,locking that event into this future.IT MUST HAPPEN BECAUSE I STAND BEFORE YOU ... this war isn't beginning,it has begun.Some of you here won't survive the month.Others might survive the first year.The war is here it is now and it will be like no war before it." Poundage whirls to face Paladin, "I think we are all still waiting on this apology, and nothing like the last one. Don't stand back there and pout, stand up like a true hero and admit your wrong doings." Paladin return's Poundage's gaze. "You already accepted my apology. do you not remember? (Quote)'I am willing to accept your apology'(Unquote). And it also seems that you don't believe me as a true hero so why should I stand up like one? Also I'm not pouting, I'm recalling." "I said I would accept your apology. Not I accept. You haven't given an apology for me to accept. The only apology I heard was the one that you continued to tell jokes about afterwards." ,Poundage throws back quickly.Vengeance decides to change the subject, "Well if we are going to NY we should get some sleep get our streagth back." Omega replies, "Your suggestion concerning rest and recovery is a sound one, but we may not have the time." Poundage looks a round at the others in the large hangar. "Since Wraith does not seem to think it will help, if anyone here knows most of what he has said in the past, can they accompany us to New York. Wraith seems content with moping around being a negative nelly and waiting for the world to end again." He looks at Wraith, "Saw it once, and is ready for one more time." Omega whirls and locks eyes with Wraith, "You said Xavier was among 'the first to fall' and the revolt has already begun so that means we don't have much time, right? How long? How long do we have to intervene?" Wraith clutches his staff tightly,but replies calmly, "If I knew the details,the times and days I would've already told those dates.In MY past Xavier is the first 'mega-mutant' taken down,the first high profile rebel gotten early in the first weeks of the war.It only angers most mutants and causes the rebellion to get stronger.There was no evidence the government was involved in the attack on Xavier,but the records of what evidence there was ended up lost and destroyed." His eyes turn to catch Poundages, "I am a Guardian.I haven't mopped,I am as ready to go into action as you are ... be it here or in NY.A Guardian never shirks his duty."

11:30-11:40 pm Vengeance gales over at Paladin, "I say we make Paladin a casualty of this war.I have tried to ignore the mentaly handicaped but the more he talks the more I wonder whose side this guy is on. We do not really know him,maybe we should get him out of the base before we discuss any type of plan." Paladin sucks in a large amount of air before he begins to speak. "Over the past few hours I have been crude and unconcerned about your feelings. Could you all search down in your hearts to forgive me?" He lowers his head and waits. Poundage looks at Wraith, "Sorry Wraith, but every time we mention something, you reply negatively. I just wish every now and then you would reassure us with a positive attitude. I didn't mean any personal attack, but I am tired of all the negativity. I know you have been through and seen alot that we haven't. That is why we look to you for reassurance. I am ready for New York when you are." Wraith nods then slowly steps back toward the wall.Poundage then turns to Vengeance. "Vengeance, if we decide to rest, so be it. Some of us are still hurt from Colorado. Wraith, can you have the base contact the X-men? I asked it to, but I am not a Guardian. See if we can get a meeting now or if they want to wait till morning time. I say we may want to bring him back here. If what Wraith says is true, I say we bring him back here for hiding. That is if he agrees." It is the base that replies, "... I have tried multiple communication attempts ... there are system failures in the network ..." Lord Galen says, "I'm going to New York." He takes a quick glance around at the other heores then leaves the hangar.

11:40-11:50 pm Lord Galen walksleaves the hangar,the other heroes begin to follow.Vengeance glances back, "Are we going to take the Striker to NY?" They turn into the HQ and one by one step on the teleport pad.They appear ,one by one,inthe small NY HQ and again follow Lord Galen.The end up in a small medlab with two beds,crowded by the remaining heroes.Lord Galen quickly order s the base to find the source of the power failures. Imp quickly taps some keys as she rattles a list, "I have natural failures in upper Pennsylvania ... power failure in a transponder just outside of NY ... grid overload in the city and surrounding area ... the government has altered access codes on multiple satelite broadcast platforms,though the base has accessed some of these ... the system nationwide is taking a lot more traffic than it was supposed to handle." Vyra chirps in, and says, "I hate to be like this, but time is of the essence. We need to come to a conclusion fast on wether we stay or wether we approach Xavier. If you can't come to a descision as a group, then make one individually. As for me, I plan to warn him, even if I do it alone. " Omega looks to Vyra, "You're right, Vyra--time is of the essence. We need to get to Xavier quickly. Does anyone here know his exact location?" He looks around the room,only one set of eyes catch his,Wraith's. "I'm not sure of the exact location,but do know it is outside of the city,to the north somewhere." Omega looks to Galen, "I suggest we head to Xavier's location immediately if you have no objections." Omega walks over to Afterburn and places his hand lightly on her back. "The scene in the underground was...disturbing," Omega tells her.She stares into his eyes,then glances over at Imp.She's intent on the computer screen but turns a moment and stares at Probe.He stands near the door,his head slumped toward his chest,eyes closed.He doesn't look up but smiles and seems to wiggle a couple of fingers.It's Imp's turn to smile,then she taps lightly on the desk.Probe nods slightly then he steps to the center of the room. "I don't know about you guys but I need some rest.I only counted 2 bedrooms and the two beds here.I'm going to crash ... wake me if something happens."

11:50-12:00 pm Omega looks to Wraith, "Wraith. What you said before was correct. We...or should I say, I...have not listened closely enough. I understand that the events now happening occurred before you were even born. I know that the history of the future, like all histories, is written by the victors and therefore, the history you know may be different from the events now unfolding before our eyes. I have acted unfairly towards you, Wraith. You are right that some of us here likely will not last out the month; perhaps not even the remainder of the day--but I know nothing else to do but to move forward and hope that we might somehow, someway make a difference. We are all Guardians now and, as you said, a Guardian never shirks his duty. For what it is worth, I will stand with you till the end--whatever end that may be." Wraith steps over,places a hand on Omega's shoulder. "I appreciate the support.I have and will continue to do my best." Omega looks to Galen, "Wraith has given us a rough location of Xavier's base of operations. Maybe there's some way to get a more precise location? Is there any way we can contact him?" Imp's fingers fly over the keyboard, "Trying all known connection paths ... I have heavy chatter on the military bands ..." Omega paces a little, "I know the base in Midville facilitated contact with Xavier but...is there a more convential method?" Omega thinks for a moment, "I wonder...this is a long shot but, it might be worth a shot...base, is there a telephone listing for a Charles Xavier or a Professor Charles Xavier in the New York phone directory or directories for outlying areas?" Omega shrugs, "I know. Like I said, a long shot but..." Vengeance quickly puts in, "Base,check a listing for the Xavier school for the Gifted also." Imp quickly starts spitting out facts, "... found him ... unlisted number ... connection full of interrupts ... ok ... digging through phone company records ... ok got it,Greymalkin Lane.The base is printing maps ..." Vyra steps over quickly, "Computer, can you give us Xavier's exact position?" The base replies, "... am unable to track individuals unless they bear a Guardian badge ..." Poundage looks around at the gathered heroes. "I'm ready whenever you guys are. We should try to keep close to a Guardian badge. If the local law enforcement sees us or the military, they will probably engage us." From her seat at the console Imp says, "... military chatter is increasing ..." Poundage glances at her then at Probe, "Are you sure you won't go? You may be able to find this base quicker than any of us. But I guess if Omega can find it, we would be ok without you." Probe nods slightly, "I'll come ..." His fingers dance little taps and he smiles slightly.Omega stands quietly,concentrating on the address,Xavier.Paladin tugs on his sleeve, "Does it really matter if I go?" Paladin asks. "And Xavier is who?" Omega squints as he feels a rush of energy,a darkness and emptiness.Imp suddenly shouts, "... SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED ... can't decipher the military chatter but it is off the scale ... reports of massive equipment failure in communications arrays all around New York City ... people we have an EMP north of NYC ... SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED ..."

12:00-12:10 am "Oh gods!" ,Vyra exclaims. "Its Xavier, isn't it? We're too late again, aren't we?" ,she asks glancing at Imp.Omega mutters to himself, "I do not sense him. Only a rush of energy...darkness..." Omega speaks up a bit, "Communications disruption? An EMP? No. They wouldn't. They couldn't. Could they?" Omega looks around at the other heroes. "What we are witnessing is consistent with the detonation of a nuclear weapon." Imp quickly replies, "Let's not jump to conclusions.I'm still trying to go over the data.I am not reading any spikes in the surrounding radiation..." Omega speaks up, "We need to get confirmation on this but if the institute HAS been the target of a nuclear strike then it may be unsafe for us to go there. I THINK my powers might protect me from the radiation--at least enough to risk aerial recon. Is there anyone here who knows for certain that they would be protected? I suggest one or two of us go and have a look from the air--if our suspicions are confirmed, we return here and regroup and; if not, then we can contact Xavier as planned. But, I think it is all too obvious what has happened and I hole little hope that we are wrong." "I am capable of generating a Force Field," Vyra replies to Omega. "But I am unsure if it is powerful enogugh to block radiation." Vengeance pulls out a celphone, "Well guys I am going to meet a friend there." he turns and holds a quiet conversation as Lord Galen speaks. "Let's take the Striker to the mansion now. We must see what happened." Omega looks to Galen, "I didn't realize this base also had a Striker. That should afford us a bit of extra protection. Vyra might be able to provide extra protection for us by surrounding either the Striker or us with a force field, if it's not equipped with one of its own." He looks to Galen and nods, "Lead the way." Suddenly Imp shouts, "WAIT! I'm getting something...it's being broadcast on all frequencies..." She taps a button and the gathered heroes hear a deep voice coming through the base speakers. "...approximately midnight the war was taken to the tyrants and non-believers.The government declared war on mutants earlier tonight,but we of the Mutant Liberation Front could not sit and wait for their aggression.In a show of force we have attacked some government sympathizers.Let this be a warning to all 'Norms' and sypathizers,the Mutant Liberation Front will retaliate.Mutants Unite !!"

12:10-12:20 am Omega mutters, "Good lord...does this mean? Mutants attacking other mutants? The Mutant Liberation Front attacked Xavier's school?" Lord Galen sports a blank stare, "I cannot believe this is happening." Poundage glances around at the others, "Just what we need, aggressive rebels. Now what do we do?" Omega looks thoughtful, "This whole thing is beginning to look more and more like a set up to me. First the mutants in the underground and now Xavier. And the attacks seemed planned, not like something that was just thrown together in the wake of what the President said earlier tonight. The 'MLF' may not be exactly what they claim. At any rate, it doesn't matter WHO attacked Xavier's at this point--we should still go and check it out. There might be survivors. Maybe we could help them. And if it was the MLF, as opposed to the government, then maybe it wasn't a nuke after all--though still a powerful bomb by all indications." Omega thinks for a moment then adds, "Even if they didn't initiate the attack, the government types are likely to be swarming all over that place by now too. I wonder how they will react to us showing up? We're still the good guys, right?" Lord Galen strides forward, "Let's get to Xavier. He and his people will need all the help they can get." Vengeance looks at the others then steps out of the room.Vyra hangs her head low. "That will accomplish nothing..." Imp taps some keys then wiggles them oddly. "Tracking multiple high speed aircraft converging on the area ... the air force is on scene ... oh and hey the Striker III only carries 6 ... I'm staying ..." Lord Galen turns to leave then orders, "Base,see what you can dig up on this group taking responsibility. We need to know who they are." Imp quickly replies, "On it ... they are registered in most international intelligence agencies as a mutant terrorist cell ... still trying to pry up more but they are NY based ..."

12:20-12:30 pm Lord Galen asks, "Anyone want to go with me to the mansion? I'm going now." "I will stay here with Imp. If you guys need help, just call. That is, unless you guys want me to go. Those military planes may think the Striker is a threat.", Poundage says. The doctor nods her agreement, "I'll be staying also." Probe nods his head toward Imp ,"I'll stay here with Imp." Lord Galen orders, "Base prepare Striker III to take me to Xavier's school." As he walks out,five of the others follow;Vyra,Specter,Afterburn,Omega and Wraith. "I'll run the ship scanners from here ... I'll try to track a course to miss the air patrols so it may get a bit choppy up there ..." ,she calls out to them.The group climbs into the small craft and it launches out over the river before climbing quickly.Wraith settles into his seat,leaning back. "... Mutant Liberation Front ... I just can't seem to 'remember' anything about their involvement ... "

12:50-1:00 am "I'll go with you," Vyra says abruptly, abandoning her ideas of escaping the military threat.Omega looks around at the group. He concentrates for a moment, allowing the blue flames of the Omega Force surround him and trying to get a feel for the right thing to do.He doesn't notice much difference and he doesn't feel like landing would be dangerous. "I believe we should go down and speak with this general. Galen is right. We can't fight the entire military. We can't outrun them--and if we teleport out of here, what kind of message does that send to them? We are still heroes. Guardians. We have done nothing wrong. Perhaps we should see if we can make an ally out of the general waiting below--right now, we certainly need all the allies we can get." Lord Galen replies, "Omega, I agree we need allies. But who is to say we will not be prisoners as soon as we land." The room falls silent as Lord Galen ponders the situation. "Alright we will land. Base, keep an eye out with the Striker and keep us covered. Everyone else, be ready for a rescue if need be." Omega nods to Galen, "Whatever happens down there we will face it together." He then adds, "Everyone stick close together so that we can maintain physical contact and blink out of there if need be." He speaks toward the walls, "Imp...if our back up plan doesn't work, we may be needing you and the others to pull off one of those 'daring, last minute rescues' should this thing go sour." Her voice is heard, "Roger that ... good luck down there." Lord Galen speaks next,replying to the fighters. "We will land and speak to the General. Unlock your missiles and guide us in." The heroes feel the Striker slowly dip toward the ground and after a couple of minutes they feel it lightly land.The door opens and the heroes slowly step out of the small craft.All around them is every manner of military equipment that they have ever seen.Helicopters dip and soar in all directions,soldiers all around have their weapons at the ready but do not point them at the group of metas.Over to one side they notice a gathering of men,one of them wearing 4 stars on his collar.This man looks over in their direction,talks quietly with the man to his right then stands with his hands clasped behind his back.The man just spoken to walks briskly over to the heroes.He stops a few feet from the Striker and says, "Please,do not make any sudden moves and do not leave contact with the ground.We have a serious situation here and we would like to keep everyone calm.General Yeager would like a conference with you if you would follow me."

1:00-1:10 am The group walks over to the General and his men.The soldiers seem to melt back away from the general as he looks the heroes over.Lord Galen speaks up in a level voice, "We are not here to interfere. We came to see what happened to our friends and to see if we can be of assistance." He sticks out his hand and the General grasps it firmly.The hand shake is quick and Galen continues, "I am Lord Galen leader of the Guardians. What happened here?" The General merely nods and turns to walk to the crest of the hill.The heroes pause a moment then follow him warily.Omega says, "We monitored the explosion and the emp. At first, we feared it might have been a nuclear weapon. We were on our way to search for survivors." He speaks the last words,his voice falling to a whisper,as the group gets their first view over the ridge.Below them lies a huge crater,debris scattered in all directions.There are small teams of soldiers moving around near the edge of the crater and helicopters fly over,their blades kicking up small dust storms.The General looks out over the scene and finally speaks, "The military also first suspected it to be a tactical nuke.But all indications are the radioactivity level remains normal.The blast seems to have originated INSIDE the structure,a few levels below the ground.The EMP and recent readings of the site lead us to believe that either the magnetic pulse caused the explosion or someone has developed some sort of magnetic bomb and was able to place it inside the structure." He turns his back to the gaping crater and eyes each hero. "I don't think there were any survivors and I don't have to tell you what this would do in a city." His glare is full of suspicioun and he folds his arms against his chest.Omega reply, "General, I can assure you that we are not your enemy. And I can also assure you that this so-called Mutant Liberation Front does not speak for all mutants or for all metas. Moreover, I believe there is more to this organization that might first meet the eye. I suspect that they are not exactly what they claim to be. Someone is trying to deliberately provoke a war." "War is my job." ,the General mutters as he strides through the heroes back toward the Stiker III. "The only reason my pilots didn't take you out of the sky is I need your co-operation.The military resources of this nation are stretched thin and certain parties feel that we need co-operation from the Guardians in apprehending the MLF." The gathering stops near the Striker and an aide jogs over to the General and whispers in his ear.The general nods then looks over at the heroes. "I must ask you to leave and do not invade my airspace without my permission."

1:10-1:20 am Lord Galen stands where he is and also crosses his arms at his chest. "General, as Omega said, we are not your enemy. We would like to investigate the explosion ourselves. We may be able to see or find things that you cannot. These were our friends. Finding and apprehending who did this ranks high on our list of things to accomplish." After Galen speaks, Omega adds, "Galen is right, general. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to work together. Indeed, it will likely take all of our combined efforts to stand against the one who caused this destruction." The general scowls, "I can not allow anyone else near the site unless they have military permission.I also think it will take cooperation between us but right now I have orders to follow.I assure you the Guardians will be kept informed-" He glances at his aide,next to him. "-even if I have to do it personally." Omega turns to Galen, "An EMP. A magnetic bomb. The massacre in the undergound. It all fits together. Poundage was right. Poundage was right all along. Magneto." Vyra hangs her head low and mutters to herself, "no survivors..." Vyra looks to Omega and whispers, "He can't be far." She speaks up to the General and says, "General, do you want to stop this from happening again? In a cIty, as you said? Your going to need our help, because with all due respect, you and your forces are helpless against Magento." The general quickly argues, "On that point you are wrong miss,we are quite capable of handling Magneto ... or any other meta.At this moment Asteroid is being tracked and targeted.Whoever we find responsible for this act will face the strength of the U.S. military." His aide taps his shoulder and leans over to whisper in the generals ear again.This time Lord Galen's sensitive hearing picks up the hushed words. "... two are missing.The satelite was down for refurbishing.Your needed on the redline NOW." The general looks up at the heroes, "I have to go and you must leave.I'll be in touch... " He turns smartly and begins walking toward a large trailer next to a small grove of trees.The soldiers around the group and the Striker III take a ready posture but none of them point their weapons.

1:20-1:30 am Galen turns back towards the Striker. He leans over toward Omega and quietly says, "I overheard the aide say,'... two are missing.The satelite was down for refurbishing.Your needed on the redline NOW."' Two of what are missing?" Omega looks to Galen and replies softly, "Hmmmm...that's a good question." Omega takes note of the soldiers and suggests, "Perhaps we should move towards the Striker..." Omega concentrates for a moment and attempts to gain some sense of clarity concerning the aides statements.His concentration is deep and he gets a mental picture,a view of the earth from orbit.He gazes at the clear blue of the Atlantic Ocean before a spark of origin on the horizon grabs his attention.Peering harder hw realizes his is watching the launch of some sort of missile from a small satelite floating up here with him.The missile streaks earthward as his vision begins to fade.He returns to reality as Vyra moves past him and into the Striker III.

1:30-1:40 Galen enters the Striker. He is feeling very discouraged. "Base, how are things in Midville?" The base replies, "... all things considered,things are calm in Midville ..." Galen continues, "Imp,we are heading back. Any news or breakthroughs? A little good news would help. Base keep track of military movement and what intelligence you can here. The aide told the General that 2 of them are missing. I want to know 2 of what?" Once on board the Striker, Omega tells Galen about his vision. "I received a mental picture of a satellite...missiles being launched towards the Earth...two are missing...two missiles perhaps? But...the aide said the satellite was down for repair...I wonder--maybe the missles weren't actually 'launched' so much as they were 'stolen'? IF that is the case then I think we have a good idea who is behind the theft." The base is heard, "... I will do some searching ..." Vyra asks, "Is there anyway we can be sure there were no survivors? Does the Stryker have that capability? Because I swear to the gods I will not leave anyone in the rubble to die if I can save them." Wraith steps over and lightly lays a hand on Vyra's shoulder as Imp is heard. "I have been using the ship sensors since you all flew into range,the complete time you have been talking.And I am sorry to say I can not pick up any signs of life except those of the military roaming the site."

1:40-1:50 pm The ship lifts off easily,gently.Inside Omega looks to Wraith, "Is it possible that any of them might have somehow escaped the blast? Perhaps they had teleportational technology like the Guardians?" Omega's voice trails off, "That was a school down there...some of them...only kids..." Vyra hangs her head low and moans to herself, "Somehow I feel like we failed once more..." From his seat Wraith speaks,his voice deep and resonating. "We have only done what we can do,no less and no more.What more can be expected of us? As for the hope that some survived,there are members of the X-Men that will play major roles in the coming battles." The heroes feel the Striker III come to a soft landing and Omega looks around at the other heroes, "Anyone have any ideas on what our next move should be?"

1:50-2:00 am Lord Galen glances over at Wraith. "If some of the X-men have major roles in upcoming battles, where are they?" Wraith taps his staff lightly on the floor in a nervous gesture. "If they survived to fight later then I assume they weren't at the mansion when it exploded.Where are they,I have no clue." Galen paces a little, "As for our next step, I'm all open to suggestions and opinions. Can't people like Specter help us? I mean after all being invisible would help in getting around the site and investigating a little ourselves." Omega nods, "We should be careful, though--the military might have equipment that could detect even someone like Specter. Maybe we should have the base do a search--check recent media reports for any spottings of X-Men who weren't here when the explosion took place?" "I think we all need some rest,perhaps get a fresher look at the situation in the morning.And,I don't mean to correct you but Specter doesn't go invisible but intangible.", replies Wraith taking a couple of steps toward the exit.He stops when Vyra speaks, "Maybe we should regroup. If there are other X-men, maybe we could try and contact them. Gather a list of allies. Gather a list of potential enemies to watch out for. Because, as we just have seen, we can't do this ourselves."

2:00 am-? Lord Galen stifles a yawn, "As Omega said, I need rest as well." Omega looks around thoughtfully, "Perhaps rest would do us all some good...it has been a very long day." Vyra nods her agreement as Afterburn moves over to put an arm around Omega."I'm sure the morning will bring better things." The heroes each wander the small base,finding a chair here,a cot there before settling in for the night.

2:00-10:00 am Lord Galen sleeps.

10:00-10:10 am Lord Galen slowly stirs and prepares to get a shower.The base quietly says, "... Vengeance wanted you to know that he and a friend,Mindwarp,are on their way to speak with a reporter about last nights events ... the other heroes await you in the kitchen ..."

10:10-10:20 pm "Thank you,base." ,Lord Galen says as he finishes his showers.He spends a few minutes cleaning up before walking toward the kitchen.

10:20-10:30 am Lord Galen steps into the kitchen and strides toward the coffee as Omega nods, "Okay." Vyra responds, "I , too, believe our place is in Midville." Afterburn glances at bLord Galen, "We were just discussing on next step,if there is such a thing right now"

10:30-10:40 am Lord Galen takes a sip of the steaming coffee, "I'm still a little groggy. This coffee should help. So what is the consensus? I understand Vengeance and a friend have gone to talk with a reporter about yesterdays events. Also let me apologize for sleeping so late. I myself am stumped as to our next course of action. Why does everyone feel the urgency to get back to Midville?" Omega replies, "I think the Doc is anxious to get back to her clinic and honesetly I'm not sure there is much more we can--or will be allowed--to do here for the moment. If you feel some should stay here, we could split up. But I think the best leads we have right now are still in Midville. Maybe we could try to follow up on those weapons suppliers? I know it's not much to go on but I guess we have to take what we can get at this point." Vyra looks sullen, "Omega's right. There is nothing we can do here. There's hardly anything we can do anywhere. How can we save a world that hates us?" The doctor steps over to her and lightly rubs her shoulder, "The same way you save a world that loves you,with heart and determination." She turns to look at Lord Galen, "I'm just anxious to return so I can get the clinic open.I have a feeling I will be seeing quite a few patients today,possibly some of those mutants from the underground.If they were hurt during the battle they may feel more comfortable at my clinic than turning themselves over to military at the medical stations."

10:40-10:50 am Paladin slips into the kitchen as Lord Galen has a seat with his coffee.Galen takes another sip, "Doctor Jill,I totally agree with you for once. I also agree with everyone else. My question is, are we sure there is nothing more to do here? I don't think I truly have any answers to anything that has gone down here.You guys go ahead and head back to Midville. I will join you shortly. I still need some answers here." Omega looks to Galen, "Alright. Afterburn, Vyra, the Doc and I will head back to Midville. The doctor needs to check on her clinic and maybe the rest of us can try to find some answers there. That might be best, to try to approach this on two fronts while there is still enough of us to go around. Good luck here, Galen and be careful--our list of friends seems to be growing smaller by the day." Paladin takes a seat close to Galen. "I'll stay with Galen, if he doesn't mind of coarse." Jill steps over to address him. "This situation is much larger than any of us.We are not going to figure it out in a matter of hours.This has developed over years and decades,to think we can solve it that quickly would be wishful thinking." She pats him on the back and the group,excluding Lord Galen and Paladin,leave the kitchen,on the way to the HQ.

10:50-11:00 am Lord Galen orders, "Base, see if you can connect to any of the military computers. Also try to get me a line to the military official in charge. Let Vengeance know we are here if he needs us and to please keep me posted. Put a notice on internet message boards That I,Lord Galen leader of the Guardians, would like a word with the leader of the mutant group taking responsibility for this action. {Anger is taking over Lord Galen and he almost forgets that he has an alternate persona} and base, try to get me a secure line to Krupp. I may need to take a few days off." He turns his attention to Paladin, "Paladin, as of the moment I'm not sure of anything you can do." Paladin shrugs, and waits for the response from the computer.The base says, "... military net is locked down and very congested ... will continue probing ... I have left a message with the Generals staff ... searching the web for relevant boards to post ... a line is open to Midville when you are ready ..." Trying to engage in conversation, Paladin asks, "So why did you come to Midville, and how'd you get your powers?"

11:00-11:10 am Lord Galen glances at Paladin, "Paladin, someday I will give you my entire background. As for now I have other pressing matters." He then takes the secure line and leaves a message for his boss that he is out of town on family matters and cannot return at this time. He tells him he will keep him posted and assures him it wont be long. "What are we doing again." Paladin asks. "Who is Krupp? Is he the head police guy?"

11:10-11:20 am "Paladin, Wojo is the police guy. Krupp is an acquaintance of mine." Lord Galen says,then taps his badge. "Vengeance, is there anything I can help with from here?"

11:20-11:30 am Lord Galen asks the base, "Base,any word from the military. How about the mutant group, have we any news?" It takes a moment before the base replies, "... I am still waiting word from the General ... There have been a number of replies on the numerous boards and I am currently trying to verify the validity of many of them ..."

11:30-11:40 am Lord Galen tells the base, "Keep trying..." The two heroes sit in silence as the base continues its work.

11:40-11:50 am Paladin speaks to the computer, "What are the replies about?" The base replies, "...the replies range from claiming responsibility for the attack-to cheering it-to denouncing it...I am trying to track the comments and have a couple of leads that might pan out as legitimate claims of responsibility...

11:50-Noon Lord Galen turns to one of the computer terminals and begins tapping keys.The room is silent as the heroes wait.

Noon-12:10 pm Lord Galen looks up from his research, "Paladin, I'm going back to Midville. Maybe if I work I can help somehow." He then walks to the transporter and is whisked back to Midville.

12:10-12:20 pm At the base,Lord Galen taps the badge and blinks to the statue in the park.He makes his way to his hotel room where he changes into his civvies,preparing for lunch.

12:20-12:30 pm Michael walks the empty streets and finds a place for lunch.He orders a meal and begins to eat.

12:30-12:40 pm Michael eats his lunch.

12:40-12:50 pm Michael finishes his lunch and starts the walk back to his suite at the Hotel.

12:50-1:20 pm Michael arrives home and slowly relaxes,letting the days tension slowly seep from his body.

1:20-3:10 pm Michael relaxes in the suite.

The Banner Co-op Exchange Free Advertising & Cash To Promote Your Site! Join Here!

Copyright © Mike Rom,2003