Reaper History Thursday September 13th
Quick Link:Sept.13 -Sept.14 Top
5:00-5:10 pm Adam looks about the apartment,finally finished with his unpacking.He glances at his watch and decides he still has time to go car shopping.He grabs his jacket and heads out the door.He steps onto the street and turns north,walking toward the subway.
5:10-5:20 pm Adam finds the subway station and studies the map.Seems the city has a rather elaborate subway system,he can get just about anywhere riding it.He walks down the steps,unsure if he will even need a car.
5:20-5:30 Adam gets on the subway and watches as the city flies by outside the window.
5:30-5:40 pm Adam rides the subway and exits at his stop.He starts the walk to the car lot,still debating the need for a car.
5:40-5:50 pm After some thought Adam decides against the car and walks back to the subway.
5:50-6:00 Adam again gets on the train and begins the ride home.He is anxious to get home and start his patrol.
6:00-6:10 pm Adam exits the subway and walks home.Once inside he starts to change into costume.Reaper is about to make his first appearance in Midville.
6:10-6:20 pm Adam finishes changing and sneaks out a window as Reaper.He begins his first patrol of his new city.The city below him seems extremely quiet.
6:30-6:40 pm Reaper continues his patrol but decides to check out one of the local establishments.He finds a small bar,"Cakes & Ale" (Area 7),below and lands lightly outside.He opens the door and steps inside.It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior and he hears some muffled gasp before he can clearly see.When he can see,he sees a few people in the bar starting to move toward the back,all eyes widely staring at him.The bartender has also backed up against the wall and speaks in a small voice,"We don't want no trouble mister,but we don't serve your kind here.Please leave quietly or I will be forced to call the authorities..."As he looks about at the faces staring at him,Reaper sees terror in the peoples eyes.
6:40-6:50 pm Reaper ignores the people scattering and the bartenders warning.He starts to make his way to the back of the bar as people fly past him toward the door.Chairs and tables are overturned in the rush and from the corner of his eye Reaper sees the bartender duck behind the bar,taking the phone with him.As Reaper reaches the back of the bar and begins to look for a cellar or backroom he hears a voice from behind him,"I don't know who you are, mister--or what you think you're doing--but there's been enough terror in Midville for one day!We're The Protectors and we're taking you into the police station. Are you going to come quietly...or do we have to make this difficult?"
6:50-7:00 pm (Phase 35)Reaper turns and sees a man in black and yellow hovering in front of him.The man seems to be surrounded by blue flame and to Reaper's left is a woman in gray and green,her arms raised and aimed at him.To his right Reaper sees a silver skinned man in blue and black,taking a defensive stand.Reaper replies, "The bartender acted as if he were hiding something, I was checking the bar for drugs...I'll be going now if you don't mind."The man covered in flame bristles,"Searching for drugs, huh? Sorry pal but you'll have to get your fix somewhere else tonight. And yes, I DO mind!"The silver skinned man looks at the Reaper and adds, "Please resist..I'm going to make you wish you never born!"The flame covered man calls out to the silver skinned man, "Easy there, buddy..." Suddenly the flame covered man fires a blue flame blast at the Reaper,aiming at the man's head.The blue flame smacks into the his forehead and the world goes black as Reaper sees the floor rushing toward him.
7:00-7:10 pm Reaper twitches every few seconds.....he is running through the same experience that has haunted his dreams for the last seven or eight years.....He slowly starts to come to and realizes he is lieing in a bed.He opens his eyes as he hears voices and realizes he is in the hospital.From the corners of his eyes he sees two armed policemen standing by his bed and realizes he is restrained in the bed.He hears footsteps enter the room and smells the delicious aroma of food.
7:10-7:20 Reaper sits in the bed,listening.He finds he is restrained at the head,wrist,ankles,waist,chest elbows and knees.The restraints seem strong but Reaper doesn't,yet try his full strength.He listens to the voices in the room."Watch him, Alloy. We still don't know what he's capable of doing. I know he's restrained but let's not take any chances.""Not to worry Omega,sleeping shadow's going nowhere.I was about to do the very same thing,we don't know what were up against here and we can't take chances.'Megs' your doing a great job.""Oh by the way does AB have a sister?""Talk about a 'quickie'.""I don't rush through everything,big guy.""Not all the time.""I don't think everyone here has met my teammates." "The guy standing guard duty there is called Alloy." "And this is the very beautiful...and very fast...Afterburn.""Good to see you all again. I didn't expect we would be meeting up again this quickly but, as you can see, there's been a bit of excitement tonight. Lucky these officers were already here. I believe more are being dispatched from the S.C.U. now and should arrive shortly. I'm sorry to disturb your recovery but our rogue meta took a hard hit and I wanted to make sure he got proper medical attention. Vyra, could we please speak privately for a moment? Meanwhile, Afterburn--please fill the others in on what just happened down at the bar.""WellWeWereFlyingHereWhenINoticedABunchOfPeopleScatteringFromABar...Damn,I'llTryTo SlowDown...Well we went inAndFound this black guy in theBack of the bar.WhenOmegaAsked what he wasDoing,he shootsOff a comment aboutLookingForDrugs.Wetook positions to corral himAndHeMakes a move to leave.Omega took one shotAnd misterBlackHit the floor.""Hi,I'm Maxi-Miss and the big fella there,licking his fingers is Poundage.You all hungry?""Has he come around yet? I'd like some more information on who he is and what he was doing down at that bar.""We're also trying to pick up a trail on Andromeda and Shattarang. Is there anything else any of you can tell us about them that you think might be helpful? I know Shattarang is a hired gun. Anyone ever encounter him before? Or maybe one of his associates?""Megs,you want a cup a joe?"Reaper decides this is enough and says,"I need to....speak to the Guardians! Where are they?"
7:20-7:30 pm The " "What the...? Well, so much for the coffee, Alloy," "The Guardians? Why would you want to speak to the Guardians? Just who are you and what the hell were you playing out down at that bar tonight?""Maybe there's more to this than meets the eye?"Reaper responds, "I told you, I was checking the bar for drugs, drugs are pretty common where I come from. I was makin' sure the place was clean, then leaving. Till you guys walked in and blasted me! Who fired first? And damn it! Turn the lights off I can't see a thing!" "Easy there son..one false move...and you'll be an organ donor.""Okay, so I take it you're now claiming to be one of the good guys, so to speak? Well, if your story is true, you're not exactly winning friends and influencing people so far tonight. I only fired on you because you refused to stand down and tried to rush past us. Would you rush at a police officer who asked you to hold position? Honestly, your actions and manner of appearance don't exactly scream 'hero' to me. The only thing I saw down at that bar tonight were a bunch of terrified patrons screaming and running for dear life. Fear and panic among the citizens is the last thing we need right now. And you still haven't answered all the questions. Who are you and why do you want to speak to the Guardians?"Suddenly a gruff voice booms out,"Let me handle this."A gruff looking man steps over to the bed and sticks his face over the unknown meta."I am Sgt.Warjokowski,commander of the Special Crimes Unit.Right now your fate lies in my hands,so I suggest you cooperate and answer my questions as honestly as you can.Now take a minute,take a deep breath and calm down."Wojo stands straight and addresses the rest of the room."I apologize for the inconvenience of detaining him here but the hospital only has one room able to handle meta's.I would have been here earlier but I stopped by the Cakes $ Ale bar to get the story from eye witnesses there."He pause and again sticks his face over the unknown meta."Now,first what shall I call you?Second,I have the witnesses version of what happened.What is your version?And I must tell you,anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.You are not officially under arrest but from testimony of witnesses you are very close to it."
7:30-7:40 pm "Sergeant, just before you arrived he was saying something about the lights--that he couldn't see with them on--it may somehow be relevant to his powers." "Vengeance, we need one of you at the hospital ASAP. There is a meta, considered to be bad asking for one of you. Like Wraith, it seems he is a "creature" of the night." "I have contacted the Guardians. Maybe if we get one of them here, he will talk. Sounds to me like he is a lot like Wraith. Powers of darkness." "If he makes a move, I can render him unconscious without hurting him.""Do I know you, feels like I've met you before. Like in a previous life."She gives him a small grin,"You do seem sort of familiar,do you have a son?""This is Imp, Poundage. Imp...this is Poundage. He's a friend."Reaper replies,"First, you can call me stranger for now. Second, I already told my story twice. I stopped at the bar. Thought I might grab a drink if all was well.The bartender seemed as if he were hiding something, so I went in to investigate. Third, the Guardians are the reason I came to Midville, I have come to join them. Fourth, I am not going to attack you, can you release these restraints? Put up a force field if necessary, but at least let me out of the restraints.By the way, someone dim the lights! I can barely see!"There is a moment of silence as Wojo stands his face just above the black meta's face.All in the room notice a red tint climbing up his neck and his face,too,takes on a reddish hue,"Listen son,I'm not sure you understand how serious this is or WHO I am.As of right now I have enough to lock you up and keep you there until a trial is scheduled,say 30 days.I AM the law in this town,when it comes to meta's so I believe you want to get on my good side."His hands grabs the rails on each side of the meta's bed and his face is now mere centimeters from the meta's."I WILL NOT REFER TO YOU AS STRANGER.I WILL NOT RELEASE THE RESTRAINTS UNTIL YOU HAVE SHOWN YOURSELF TO BE A LITTLE MORE COOPERATIVE.I WILL NOT DIM THE LIGHTS.YOU SHOW ME A LITTLE RESPECT AND YOU JUST MAY EARN SOME YOURSELF."Wojo glares into the meta's eyes for an eternity then stands up."If you did not witness a drug transaction,overhear a conversation concerning a drug transaction or actually see any drugs,you are not to enter a public place,or private property for that matter, and cause such a commotion.The citizens of this city have rights that metas WILL NOT ignore.Now I'm willing to accept the fact that you THOUGHT something illegal was occurring,that you THOUGHT what you were doing was right.But I will not accept causing a public panic over what you THOUGHT was happening.Now how may I refer to you?"
7:40-7:50 pm "It's okay...trust me," "WOJO, I don't mean to step on toes, but settle the fuck down. Give the guy a chance. Odds are if he were to make a move, he would have done it by now. Maybe your boys are a little trigger happy. Guy looks beat down ghetto style. Let's just calm down and back off a little. I called the Guardians and they should be here soon. Damn I need a drink." "Ahh, another place, another time. Good times. Good times.""Well? You heard the Sergeant. I don't know if you can see me or not 'stranger' but I'm the last thing you saw before your world went black. My name is Omega and I'm the guy that put you in that freakin' hospital bed. I was actually feeling badly about that but I'm starting to get over it.""You need to give Sgt. Warjokowski some straight answers and damnit...I don't just mean now, I mean yesterday! I don't know who you are or what your deal is, but the rest of us have some very important business to attend to and your little 'man of mystery' act is wasting far too much time. You say you want to join the Guardians? I don't imagine they accept folks with criminal records, but I might be wrong. That seems to be where you're headed right now, but maybe you can put in your application with them after you make bond.""There are two deadly scumbags running around doing God knows what and you keep us here wasting time! If someone gets hurt because of your theatrics..." "I'll break you...and you'll stay broke!" Reaper responds, "Alright then. Listen, and listen carefully. Tell the bartender that I apologize for scaring him and his customers, but where I come from there is no law. The town is run by the mob. We didn't have time to be polite. And by the way, Mr...Law, was it? Anyway, I came here to join the Guardians because I am no longer needed back home."Reaper continues, "If you must know, I am known simply as...The Reaper. Now that I have answered your questions, I have a few of my own.First, what do you mean you are the law? Second, where the am I? What does the room look like?And by the way, Alloy, I didn't ask to be tied up and interrogated. Now will someone tell me what time it is? I can't see the clock.""Okay...Reaper...sorry about jumping you so hard just now but what Alloy said is true...this very hospital was attacked this morning by two rogue metas who caused a lot of death, destruction and panic and we're all a bit on edge right now. When you caused that big scene down at the bar, well...""Sergeant? It's your call, but..." "...I no longer believe Reaper presents a threat and there ARE about half a dozen other heroes here...maybe we could at least dim the lights so he can see us while we continue this conversation? I'd like to hear more about these men in black suits." "I'm picking up from Reaper's comments that maybe he's...ummmm...not from around here...perhaps this might explain some of his behavior...which, admittedly, WAS somewhat reckless. Still, we're going to need all the help we can get against Andromeda and Shattarang. He might prove a valuable ally. But as I said, that's not my call." "You're the one with the badge."Wojo stands up and debates with himself.After moments of silence he makes a small gesture and one of the policemen cranks the bed to a sitting position and releases the restraint holding the Reaper's head."O.K.,if the bartender is willing I believe we can drop the charges.Now for your answers.In this city I am in charge of the police unit designed to control meta activity in the city.If a meta is involved in the city I know about it.All meta's answer for their actions and they answer to me.I am Sergeant Warjokowski,Wojo for short.You are in the hospital,to receive treatment for the minor injuries you occurred while being apprehended."As he is finishing his last statement two more meta's fly through the window and land in the midst of the other heroes.
7:50-8:00 pm Alloy waves at the two new arrivals," I'm Alloy pleased to meet ya." He gives "Megs" a thumbs up.Omega nods to Wraith and Vengeance. "I take it from the G's on the belt buckles that you must be members of the Guardians? We haven't met yet. I'm Omega and these are my teammates," Omega introduces each in turn, "Afterburn, Imp and Alloy. We've taken the tentative name of The Protectors and have sworn to protect the City of Midville during times of crisis. You know...like now." Omega smiles and extends his hand. Wraith shakes the hand extended,"I am Wraith and this is Vengeance.""It's an honor to meet you both. From what I've heard, the scope of the Guardian's mission might be a bit more expansive than ours but we stand ready to assist you if we are needed."Poundage rises again, "Thank god you guys are here, and that you didn't bring Gay-len. We forgot the sign to check your ego at the door." Poundage looks at Maxi-Miss, "how fucked up was that?"Maxi-Miss gives him a shrug and watches the gathering.Looking about she is amazed at the gathered power in the room and replies,"I think Midville has an amazing amount of protection if we ever decide to 'just get along'." Poundage writes his number on a few pieces of paper and hands it out to those without it. Handing Imp a copy he says "Look forward to fighting with you. Again?"Imp takes the slip of paper gingerly and smiles at Poundage."You ever think of joining a team?Maybe start one of your own,say train the younger generation?" Omega then walks over to Reaper and extends a hand to him as well. "Guess we really got off on the wrong foot, Reaper. I really DIDN'T mean to peg you quite so hard down at that bar earlier tonight. Please, just try to remember that the public is easily panicked right now. I know now that you were probably only doing what you thought was right but we need to try to keep peace and order out there right now--not create more chaos."Alloy steps forward a little,a playful grin on his face,"Hey Reaper,sorry maybe I did jump the gun a little but we really need to get our stuff together and find these two scumbags.Meet out some 'justice'.Hey and 'Megs',I like our little foursome,we can call ourselves the fearless four."Alloy starts a hearty laugh as Afterburn zips over,smiles up at the big guy,"You OverGrownTeddyBear..."Reaper says, "I don't know exactly who the 'Men in black' are, but they have been hunting me for as long as I can remember, I'll fill you in later. As for the rogue metas, I have not heard of them before now." Omega looks around the room at all the metas who have gathered, "Look, I know there are a lot of issues for us to all deal with right now, but our team started out tonight trying to establish a lead on Andromeda and Shattarang. I can only assume that the Guardians have been doing the same. Perhaps we should all just take a deep breath, settle down, compare notes and try to start connecting the dots together? I believe we can accomplish more if we all work together. Our team may have some information." Omega walks over and places his hand gently on Afterburn's back. He nods at Alloy. Even though Omega's known his teammates only a short time, oddly, he's already beginning to feel strongly connected to them. While he's still hopeful that more metas can be recruited, he feels he already has a very good base from which to build.Wraith looks at Wojo suspiciously then replies,"Most of you know I am from the future,an alternate future I believe now that I have been stuck here.But Andromeda seems familiar I just can't seem to place him.Perhaps in my past he was stopped today,I don't know.A lot of the records were lost during the mutant rebellion and what remained didn't survive the Prawn War.We have the base doing some searching for information concerning other equipment the villain may be searching for but don't have much right now."Omega glances toward the young Imp. "Imp, now that we've established that we're all friends here, why don't you tell us what it is that you've discovered?"Imp steps forward,carrying herself with pride.It is evident when she speaks that she is very intelligent and she knows it.She has an aura of confidence as she speaks,"Considering the size of the equipment and the power needs for such there are few areas in the city where the device could be stored and used.From what I have been able to determine the machine more than likely was taken to an area underground,in the vicinity of Buchanan Park (Area 3,4,5,6).The area has the power needed and the underground section of the city there has many areas that aren't used anymore.There are areas a little further east that possibly could house the device but only if Andromeda supplied his own power supply."
8:00-8:10 pm Vengeance looks at Imp,"Well young lady you have done your homework.Interested in being a Guardian?We could use a hero like you."Omega walks over to Imp and squeezes her shoulder. "Good work, indeed. That's extremely helpful information, Imp." Omega nods at Vengeance. "She would make a good Guardian, but a good Protector too, huh?" Omega laughs and adds, "It is good to all be working together."Imp smiles up at Omega then looks over to Vengeance with a questioning look.Vengeance continues,"Here is what I found out.Pegasus Labs is currently working on the same technology and could possibly be the next target. I figure that Andromeda and Shattarang have just gotten the first piece of what they need to build some kind of device.Krupp Industries also has also done some research in the past on the same technology and maybe involved some how but that's not facts,that's just a hunch.I figure we should try to keep an eye on both just to be sure."Vyra finally speaks up. "Alright, looks like we have a good start. But, while we sit here and discuss the possibilities of where they may be, there off plotting there next move. We have more than enough heroes to take them now, I believe, if we have a coherent plan. Maybe half of us go to the park to investigate and half of us go to Krupp Industries, and report back in an hour? Or maybe we could set up some communication? But whatever we do, we must work quickly,I have a gut feeling that these two are going to take advantage of having so many heroes crippled."Omega then looks towards Vyra. "I completely agree with Vyra. I think we should act quickly and decisively. Splitting up isn't a bad idea, but it sounds like the area Imp described might be fairly large. I don't mind taking the Protectors team down there to have a look but maybe we should try to concentrate on different areas? And I certainly don't think we should ignore Krupp Industries either. We do have an impressive showing of heroes here. Are there any others we should contact?Also, is there any type of detection equipment available to us which might help to narrow our search?"Omega glances towards Imp, "Oh, and speaking of equipment...that's the other thing I wanted to address. I also agree with Vyra that we need to set up some communication. Our team currently lacks any significant communication equipment, which could be a liability. We should have some in a few days but I was going to ask if you could perhaps rig something up for us to get us by in the meantime. However, we may now lack the needed time. I do think we should act on our various leads sooner rather than later."As the discussion continues Reaper concentrates on his sunglasses and the lightly float to land on his face.Sgt.Warjokowski looks at him a moment and reaches down to release the restraints holding him.Vengeance looks at the crowd of heroes and begins to speak,"Me and Wraith should head to Pegasus Engineering.Vyra maybe your team could scope out Krupp Industries.The Protectors are going to the park.If you guys have cell phones it would make it easy to stay in constant contact.If not I say we meet at Rathbone park (Area 15,16) to fill each other in on what's going on.Poundage would you like to go to Pegasus with Wraith and I?"Imp again takes center stage,"Hold on all of you.First splitting up too much is inviting disaster.I don't think I have to remind all of you that these two villains walked through a similar gathering of heroes this morning.Now they will be facing the heroes on their home turf.Secondly as impressive as this gathering is a portion of us are injured and not at full strength.I believe two teams should be the maximum we weaken our forces.As for communication,if we split into two teams we could have one of the Guardians in each group and can remain in contact that way.If we do decide to split further I would suggest a quick fix.Buy a number of ordinary walkie-talkies.With a few minutes of adjustment I could have them all on a little used frequency pretty quickly.Any scanner of significant technology could pick up the transmissions but that is a price we would have to pay."She stands straight and tall and those gathered notice an aura of leadership about her.This is not a normal 16 year old girl.As the room quiets Wojo clears his throat with a rumble,"I could have the police presence about these two companies beefed up for a small amount of time,until you people finish your search."Finally Vengeance looks around the room,"Was there someone here who wanted to talk to the Guardians?"
8:10-8:20 pm Vyra is impressed at Imp's quick, decisive logic. "I think Imp is right.Communication should be a priority, and the easiest, quickest and most convenient way is through the Guardian's badges. Also, if we do encounter them, we need a tactical plan rather than everyone run out fists flying. That got us nowhere last time. Perhaps we should try to keep a 20 feet distance to avoid Andromeda's fist and Shattarang's weapon? Maybe those of us who have forcefields could mesh them together to form a strong barrier against attacks."Imp shakes her head slightly,"From what I have heard of Andromeda's attack on the hospital he was able to stretch his legs to a distance of at least 80 feet to step from one roof of the hospital to the other.I'm assuming he can do the same with his other appendages.If we try to stay out of range of his fist we more than likely take ourselves out of range for our attacks."Omega smiles as he looks toward Imp, proudly. He's glad he decided to take a chance on her. "Heh. Imp, at the rate this is going you could end up as team leader by morning. You make some excellent points. I agree we should not overly fraction our forces."Imp smiles up at Omega,"Just thinking things through..."Omega looks towards Vyra, "And, again--I agree with Vyra. I've already been thinking about some combat strategies to use against Andromeda and Shattarang.Afterburn is very fast and has a paralysis type of attack.Imp also has the same form of attack and I believe others do as well. This might be a tactical advantage in taking down an otherwise seemingly invulnerable foe.Alloy is nigh-indestructible in his metallic, armored form. If we do encounter the villains I'd planned to have him attempt to engage Andromdeda at close range--keep him occupied and try to negate his stretching abilities while we find out if the paralysis attacks are effective against him.Those of us who can fly can perhaps attempt to out flank him and use our various forms of ranged attacks.As for Shattarang, it seems this boomerang is his primary weapon. We should concentrate on taking out his weapon and taking him down as fast as possible so we can concentrate on the seemingly greater threat posed by Andromeda.That's a pretty broad battle plan but I had intended on giving more direct instructions to my team once an engagement actually began. I'm don't claim to be an expert though and I'm certainly willing to listen to other ideas and also defer to more experienced leadership should the situation call for it. But, if Sgt. Wojo is going to use his forces to monitor these corporations, perhaps we should all head to the park together? That seems to be the most likely location of Andromeda and Shattarang and I think that's our primary concern at this time. If they are there, it may take our combined efforts to beat them. In any case, that's where the Protectors will be heading next."Omega begins to think about what Vyra said concerning the force fields. He looks to her and asks, "Vyra? Is it possible for you to invert your force field? Could we use it as a way to 'capture' Shattarang's weapon or perhaps separate him from it? Or maybe you could use your telekenetic powers to take control of the boomerang yourself? Might take him by surprise if he suddenly got whacked upside the head by his own weapon."Imp smiles at the last statement,"Actually,inverting the forcefield is not needed.If it works the way I believe it does,she should be able to just place a forcefield around Shattarang.Any means of control he has shouldn't be able to escape the field until he has broken the field.His control of the weapon has to be mechanical controls on his person,telepathic orders to the boomerang itself,or the most logical answer,telekinesis."Poundage stands up,"I can join the fight, but in my weakened state, I may not hang around if itgets ugly. I also have a paralysis attack. Vengeance once tried to control the boomerang but failed. Maybe if so many of us have paralysis attacks, a couple should focus on trying to get Andromeda, and the other(s) should focus on Shatterang."Maxi-Miss finally speaks up,"Well I want Shattarang.I had him on the ropes this morning except for a lucky shot.Besides I have a little...well not so little...surprise for him."Wojo studies the exchange amongst the heroes then states,"I'll leave you to your planning and get those units to the two businesses.I will also have a unit on standby,ready if you guys find anything."He walks to the door as Reaper speaks up,"Hey, you guys want me to help? If so, I may be able to combine my telekinesis with Vyra's, but I've never tried it before."Afterburn zips to Omega's side and gives his hand a squeeze.The other heroes watch as she takes a deep breath,"So that makesThe Protectors,theTwo Guardians,Vyra,Poundage,Maxi-MissAndReaper.Let'sGetThisShow on the road!I'll dash thereButHowWill the restOfYou get there?."
8:20-8:30 pm Omega smiles at Afterburn and returns the squeeze. "Perhaps we should all go together?" Omega suggests. "If you don't mind the relatively slow method of me flying you there?I think we have enough fliers here to transport the non-fliers. Alloy can form metallic wings and give Imp a lift. He should be strong enough to carry one or two more as well if need be. Perhaps the Guardians can provide a lift for any remaining non-fliers? Reaper, you are welcome to join us. Are you able to fly? If not, pair up with a flier and let's get down to this park."Omega thinks for a moment, "These rogue metas seem pretty advanced. They might have some type of detection equipment down there. Perhaps we should fly in low? Below their radar, so to speak?"Omega looks to Imp as he begins to fully realize that this isn't just some ordinary kid, but a hero of great value and intelligence. "Imp, if you have any more of those brilliant ideas of yours, please feel free to share! Okay, let's go."Imp looks to Omega,"Actually I expect no problems at the park.The device is more than likely in an underground room somewhere.The abandoned subway tunnels will leave us little room to maneuver."Poundage looks about. "I can leap pretty quickly and can also carry lots of weight. If I am on a team with some 'slower non-flyers' I can carry them and get them there faster. We should also remember Shattarang is also hurt."Giving Maxi-Miss an approving look as he says, "Also I hope I put some damage on Andromeda. I will warn everybody. He is bad ass. Not only does he stretch, but he seems to have something extra on his strikes. His fist would glow as he made contact. I feel that if we can move quick enough, we may want to stay together. That Andromeda can handle a handful or so. I'm just hoping Shattarang hasn't healed as much as some of us. Vengeance, perhaps we could use the Striker. Intimidation would be good."Vengeance taps his badge, "Base tell Galen what's going on. Then bring Striker 1 and 2 to the hospital roof. We're taking a ride in style...Man this has been a long fuckin day..."To answer Omega's question, Reaper runs, jumps, does a flip out the window, and takes flight...."What do you want me to do?"Omega calls to Reaper, "The Guardians have transportation on the way. Let's just wait till their aircraft get here and then we'll all go down there together."Omega thinks for a moment, then muses about what Poundage said. "Andromeda's fists glowed when he attacked? Hmmmm...maybe some type of energy based carrier attack?"The gathered group begins to make it way to roof.Omega and Afterburn fall behind and hold a hushed conversation then follow the others.Omega looks up and glances around at the others. He offers, "Okay, here's what I think we should do if it comes to a combat situation:Andromeda: Afterburn, Poundage, Alloy, Vengeance and I should probably go after him. Afterburn, you zip behind him and try to take him down with one of your paralysis rays. Alloy, your job is to get in close and keep him occupied until we can figure out if this will work. Poundage can try to flank Andromeda from the side and fire your own paralysis rays at him. Vengeance is probably more powerful than I am, but he he and I can fly above him and attempt to distract him with ranged attacks and weaken his defenses. If the paralysis doesn't work, then the idea is to surround him and attack him from all sides. Keep moving and try to stay out of range of his stretching abilities.Shattarang: Maxi-Miss has called dibs, and I think that she, Imp, Reaper and Vyra should try to take Shattarang out as quickly as possible. Imp, perhaps your paralysis attack can take Shattarang out. Maxi-Miss, Vyra and Reaper can attempt to attack and distract while you position yourself behind him and try to surprise him. If it doesn't work, then I think Vyra should try using her force field to separate Shattarang from his boomerang weapon. Reaper, use any type of ranged attack you might have and try to disable the weapon itself. Maxi-Miss, if your name implies what I think it does then Shattarang may indeed be in for a BIG surprise, so if all else fails, perhaps brute strength will win out. Imp, if our paralysis rays don't work on him--or even if they do succeed in taking him out--I want you to retreat back to the Striker. There's a reason for this that I'll get to in a moment. We shouldn't underestimate Shattarang but I still feel Andromeda is the major threat."Omega looks to Vengeance, then to Vyra. "Just a few tactical ideas, Vengeance, Vyra. I don't mean to overstep my bounds here but I do think a good tactical plan is instrumental to our success. I'm certainly open to any other ideas. There's one more thing..."Omega pauses and then continues, "Vengeance, I know the Striker has offensive weapons and I know they have been used in combat before with...unfortunate and unplanned results...however, that might be something we should consider as a backup plan. If all else fails, perhaps we should use those weapons against Andromeda? That's why I suggested Imp's retreat. She could learn how to operate the aircraft and its offensive systems in short order and bring it into play if need be. I hope it doesn't come to that but, if it does...if we all fall...then Imp may be the city's last hope." Omega looks at Imp and adds, "I'm not even going to ask if you can do it, Imp. I already know the answer. I think we all do."In response Imp gives a flip of of hair and begins to pick at her fingernail.Omega then sighs deeply and looks around the room. "Well, hell...win, lose or draw...I'm damn proud to be in this company. The Protectors...fighting with the Guardians and the Sentinels. Guess it's about time to take some names and kick some ass."As he finishes a large shape slowly lowers from the sky.The Striker flies almost silent and lowers itself till it hovers meer inches from the roof.A door on the right side slides open and a ramp is extended.Imp is heard muttering,"How cool..."The gathered heroes begin to enter the craft when They notice a skeletal figure exit the roof access door.
8:30-8:40 pm Omega approaches the new hero, smiles and extends his hand in friendship. "You must be Scar. I've heard of you and was hoping that we would meet. I'm Omega. I believe you know everyone else here except perhaps for..." Omega nods at each as he introduces, "Alloy, Afterburn and Imp. We have a lead on Andromeda and Shattarang. I know you were involved in this mornings battle. Have you healed enough to join us?" Omega then asks, softly, "I also know that you have precognitive abilities. Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated. We're going to need any advantage we can get."Scar says,"I am much to weak to join you in battle.I was unable to detect any sort of weakness in Andromeda this morning."Omega addresses the group as a whole, "Scar, I had just outlined a tactical plan but something Imp said has been bothering me. She said we might be encountering the rogues in an area that will leave us little room to maneuver. That might put a wrinkle or two in what I had in mind."Omega and Scar follow the others into the Striker.As the Striker starts to move toward the park Omega looks to Vengeance, Vyra and Poundage. "My plan really assumes a greater area of maneuverability--like in the battle this morning. I still think the paralysis rays are our best bet but I'd be interested in hearing any ideas you guys might have.A side effect of my power is that, while I'm channeling the Omega Force I have a greater sense of awareness and...for lack of a better word, intelligence. I know I tend to ramble on at times but it's simply because I'm trying to convey the ideas that are flowing into my mind." Omega smiles and adds, "You've all fought these two before, just as Scar has. If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd like to hear them now while we're all still together."Reaper stands apart from the others,"Okay, I don't really have anything good to say, I just need to know what were up against here, because I have never encountered these guys before, what can they do? What device were you talking about? And why the hell are they doing all this in the first place?"Omega explains, "Well, assuming that this lead pans out and we find them, we're up against the two metas who attacked the hospital this morning,Andromeda and Shattarang. Andromeda has great strength, heavy defenses and stretching abilities. And, according to Poundage, may also have some type of energy-based carrier attack.Shattarang appears to be a hired gun. He's able to control a boomerang-type weapon by an as yet unknown means, possibly telekensis.The two of them attacked the hospital and stole a genetic manipulation device. Afterburn has theorized that Andromeda intends to use this device to duplicate his own DNA and produce clones of himself. Whatever his broader plan is remains unclear but he's already shown he has absolutely no respect for human life and seems to enjoy carnage and destruction.He's also very powerful. Poundage, along with members of the Guardians and the Sentinels fought Andromeda and Shattarang here this morning, but the two put most of heroes in the hospital and managed to escape, along with the device. A lot of people have been killed and there's a lot of panic in the streets right now. That's why we responded to you the way we did when we first encountered you. We weren't sure if you were friend or foe, but I'm glad you're with us now."Omega looks around at the group, "Um...did I leave out any important details?"The gathered heroes feel the ship slow and stop and Wraith says,"O.k. people were at the park.What now?"The door opens and the ramp extends itself again.Imp steps out into the park and begins to scan the area."I believe we can find an old Maintenance access to the abandoned subway in the underground parking garage over there.Now,do we split up?Leave any one here?"Wraith replies,"We don't NEED to leave anyone.The Striker can fly and fire it's own weapons and it can be controlled through the badges."
8:40-8:50 pm Afterburn looks around at the heroes gathered about the park."PerhapsWeLeaveThoseHeroesWhoHaveBeenInjured. CalvaryIfWeNeedRescued?"Omega looks to Afterburn, "I think that's a good idea." He pauses for a moment and then adds, "I have a bad feeling about this. I can't explain it but I feel that Andromeda is here. Also, I get the distinct feeling that we are being watched. He would likely select a base that could be easily defended...or hidden. No offense to Imp, but we did locate him with relative ease. Something's been gnawing at the back of my mind for a while now. Maybe Andromeda wanted us to find him and our approach was fairly obvious. We might be walking into a trap. In any case, I'm definitely getting a very bad vibe."As Omega departs the Striker, he looks about the park and attempts to focus all his senses (earthly and otherwise) on the area, to see if he can gleam any additional insights or simply if he notices anything out of the ordinary. He turns to Imp, "If the Striker can be controlled by the Guardian's badges then you needn't have to worry about retreating from battle to carry out the backup plan." He places his hand on her shoulder and looks her in the eye. "But I still want you to be careful down there. If things go badly, I want you to pull back--contact Wojo and gather together as many metas as you can find. A back-up calvary here is a good idea but we may need more than one calvary before this night is over."Imp gives Omega a 'Yea Right!' look and replies,"I'm a Protector...I will not leave my teammates."She wonders to the entrance to the parking garage and begins to look around.Omega then looks to his other teammates, Alloy and Afterburn. "Okay, guys--this is the real deal." He adds, with a smile, "We're fighting alongside the Guardians and the Sentinels so let's stay sharp."Omega slips up to Afterburn and says, softly, "Keeping Imp out of harms way may be more problematic than I had anticipated."Omega steps up to Imp and says, "I didn't mean to insult you Imp. Remember, you're a Protector because I decided to take a chance on you. So far, I have not been disappointed. Not in the least. This isn't about your age. It's about having someone I can depend on when the chips are down and, so far, you have proven that I can depend on you." Omega puts his hand gently on Imp's shoulder and adds, "I'm not asking you to bolt at the first sign of trouble, Imp. Quite the contrary, I think your powers will be a great asset to us. I'm just saying that if things go badly...really badly...then I need you to get out, contact Wojo and bring in reinforcements, a.s.a.p. Okay?"Omega looks out over the park, thinks for a moment and then adds, "You got us this far, Imp. Now that we're here, what are your instincts telling you?"Imp locks Omega with a steely glare,"The parking entrance is definitely big enough to fit the recombinator,I would almost say this was the way he came.I haven't found any kind of surveillance equipment so far."As usual, Reaper stays apart from the group. He catches up with Omega and says,"Sorry about what happened at the bar tonight, I didn't mean to add to the problem. Must be tough doing this job, round here. So many rules to abide by, but I guess your pretty used to it."Wraith steps to the front of the group,"O.k.,we should move this along.If Andromeda is down there,the longer we delay the more preparation time he has.Whoever is staying above ground should enter the Striker.The rest should get moving into the garage."Poundage steps toward the Striker,"I will have to stay."
8:50-9:00 pm Scar thinks to himself and lowers his staff. He looks to the parking entrance then back at the collection of heroes. He talks softly until heard. "They are down there. They are waiting for us. The area is booby trapped with alarms and weaponry. He is working on the stolen machinery. He speaks of an "ace in the hole" a "window of transport". They are separated but can communicate via video to one another. They will be ready for us."Omega steps forward, cautiously. He looks to Scar, "I was afraid of something like this. Hmmmm...'window of transport' sounds like some sort of teleportational device. So that could either mean a means for their escape or a method of calling in reinforcements of their own."Scar looks around the group," Do you have schematics of the subway tunnels?"Imp replies,"The city doesn't have very good records when it comes to these subways,but I remember most of them.The problem is we still do not know exactly where they are,just that they are there."Omega looks to his teammates, "Is there any way to detect these booby traps? Disarm them? Vyra, perhaps it would be possible to erect a mobile force field around the group as a whole? One that moves as we move and would increase our level of protection? The longer we delay the greater chance they have of escaping or calling help. We need to act intelligently, but also quickly."Vyra nods, and says, "I think I can do that - but my force field is weak - I don't know how much damage it can take..." She then adds, "When we get down there, we should have two squads: one to counter attack the Metas, the others to immediately destroy ALL equipment. Perhaps Afterburn should be one of the ones to help destroy equipment, as they'll have more difficulties catching her...perhaps my forcefeild could surround Shatterang for as long as it will hold, so he can't use his weapon."Omega adds, "If they do know we're here, then Andromeda could be sending Shattarang or other lackeys up to meet us--to delay us while he continues working on modifications to the stolen device. Everyone, it might be a good idea to activate your defenses and be ready!" Omega surrounds himself in the Omega Flame as he continues to move forward.Reaper follows suit and prepares his defenses.Alloy dashes over to rip a light pole out of the ground,"I'll take point..I'll use the pole to set off the traps."Vengeance speaks up,"Well lets get going now.Base any info on criminal records for employees of Krupp industries or Peaguses Engineering?"The base replies,"Search in process...none found yet..." as Afterburn zips over and whispers to Imp.Imp listens intently and smiles."Afterburn brings up a point,but is a little embarrassed to speak up.If Scar's abilities are precognition,wouldn't that mean the vision he saw is in the near future and the villains do not know we are here YET?Also turn around,things are getting a little more complicated."The gathered heroes turn to see news vans parked or pulling up around the park.Reporters are aiming cameras,speaking into microphones.As they watch a couple police cars pull up and the officers start to make a perimeter,keeping the reporters from the park."If Andromeda or Shattarang watch TV,they know we are here now."The group makes it way into the parking garage,each hero on alert for any traps or weapons.Imp leads them to the far end where there is a large metal door.Imp studies the lock and states,"This lock has been tampered with recently."She gives the door a slight shove and it swings open with a creak.There is a wide tunnel leading down at a 45 degree angle.The glow from Omega's flame reflects off the damp walls but show no end to the tunnel.The group makes it's way slowly down the tunnel and travel about 100 feet when the tunnel ends at a T,a tunnel going left and a tunnel going right.Imp looks disappointed,"I can't be sure which direction to go,but I do know we need to find a fairly large area for Andromeda to house the equipment."Afterburn zips from one tunnel to another,"ICanScoutAhead.GoALittleWayDownEachTunnel."
9:00-9:10 pm Omega looks to Afterburn, "Splitting up could be dangerous, but we really don't have much of a choice. Scout ahead...but not too far...we'll stay a relatively close distance behind you...the minute you find something, return to the group at top speed and we'll all tackle the threat together." Omega looks at her for a moment and swallows hard, trying not to let his emotions get in the way of the mission at hand. He nods to her. "Be careful."Afterburn zips off down the right tunnel.Omega looks to the rest of his team, "Protectors! Alloy, transform into your densest metallic form and take point. Imp, stay directly behind the big guy and be ready with your paralysis ray."Omega looks around at the rest of the heroes, "Vyra--I appreciate the fact that you are here. Your force field powers will be of great benefit, but I know that you're injured." Omega looks to Reaper, "As are you, Reaper. We need your powers down here, both of you, but perhaps the two of you should stay near the back and out of the fray? Both to protect yourselves and to guard the party from surprise back attacks? Perhaps Maxi-Miss should stay back too?" Omega looks to Maxi-Miss and asks, in genuine concern, "How are you feeling?I'm not sure the extent of Maxi's injuries. As with Vyra, I'm glad you're with us...but I don't want to see any heroes seriously injured or killed down here, if it can be avoided."Maxi-Miss looks at Omega with a determined look,"I may be injured but Shattarang will pay for his actions this morning."Omega turns to the Guardians, "Vengeance, Wraith what do you think? Maybe the three of us in the center, ready to break in whatever direction we are needed? You guys are the true experts with this sort of thing."Wraith looks at the gathered heroes,"I believe your decisions hold merit.I also can withstand a decent amount of damage.If it comes to it I will join Alloy in front to protect the others."Omega turns back to Vyra, "What you said about the equipment is true. Destroying whatever gadgets Andromeda has down here should be a priority." Omega looks to Reaper, "You have telekenetic powers, Reaper. If you're not able to join direct combat, perhaps you could use your tk to wreak some havoc on the machinery? That includes the stolen genetics machine. It would be better to destroy it than to allow it to fall into Andromeda's hands."Vyra says, "I, too have Telekentic abilities. I'll do what I can..."Reaper nods and prepares to use his telekinesis.Omega takes a deep breath and braces himself for the imminent battle. "Okay...let's go."The group begins to move down the right tunnel when Afterburn zips up to meet them."ALittleWaysAheadTheTunnelOpensIntoALargerRoom. ADoorOnTheOtherSideOfTheRoomSeemsToBeBoobieTrapped. IDidn'tBotherItButCouldSeeASwitchOfSomeSortConnectedToIt. ThereWereSoundsComingFromTheOtherSide." The group makes it's way to the end of the tunnel where it opens into a room about 50 feet across,20 feet high.The door on the opposite side is immense covering about 1/2 the wall.As they scope out the room Wraith points to two panels on each wall on the left and right near the ceiling."Those look newer than the rest of the room."As they stand,there is a screech of metal on metal coming from the other side of the door followed by a muffled thump.
9:10-9:20 pm Vyra closes her eyes and stretches out her hand, erecting an oval force field around those gathered. She then nods to Omega. She says, "If those panels are floor detectors, me and Reaper can levitate people to the door."Omega looks to Vrya, "Good idea. Those who can fly can also hover above the floor to avoid any sensors there. There may be other motion sensors as well." Omega then looks to Imp, "Imp, you seem to be the resident gadgeteer. Assessment of this room and potential traps? Best strategy to deactivate them or avoid them?"Imp studies the room and replies,"From here it looks as if it is all tied into the door.I think those panels near the ceiling hide weapons of some sort that are triggered when the door is opened.If I remember correctly there is an abandoned station on the other side of the door,with a garage to be used for housing subway trains.That would be the perfect place for Andromeda,plenty of room and power.Scar said they had video,if they do then what are they waiting on?"Omega looks around at the group, "Does anyone here have powers that can directly affect or control electronic circuitry?"Everyone remains quiet.Omega nods to Afterburn, "Good work. I think we're getting close, everyone. Alloy, anything comes out that big door use that lamp post and do your best Babe Ruth impersonation. I can almost feel their presence. Everyone stay on your toes..."Vengeance concentrates and puts a force field around the group."Get back and I will try to open the door with my magnetic abilities."Omega nods to Vengeance and waits, with the others, behind the protective shield. He looks to Imp, "You have a point. What ARE they waiting on? Maybe scouting the opposition...but what was that scraping noise we heard a moment ago? I wonder..."Omega calls out to Vengeance. "Be careful, Vengeance! In addition to the traps here, I have a feeling there may be something very nasty on the other side of that door. Like maybe a large weapon of some kind..."Omega looks about, "I'd suggest everyone move to the side and out of the path of a possible projectile or energy weapon. I know we're protected by a force field, but it would be better not to take a hit at all..."Everyone moves to the side and Reaper turns to Vyra, "Could we perhaps combine our telekinesis? Would it be more effective?"From Vengeance's badge Poundage is heard,"The news reporters are out here. If they don't know you are here, they may now. I have instructed Wojo to remove them.If he doesn't, you guys give the word and I will make sure none of this makes it to the air.Tell me how to get there. If things get hairy, I am coming in to get you guys out."Vengeance concentrates and reaches out with his magnetics and pushes at the door.The door swings open easily and the group hears a couple clicks and whirs.The two panels swing open and some sort of weapon barrel slides out of each and start turning toward the group.The floor in front of them suddenly crackles with energy.On the other side of the door the group sees a large room,at least 100 feet deep and standing at the far end is Andromeda,arms crossed at his chest.Peeking from behind him is Shattarang who lets out a robust laugh,"Oooo..hoooo...we got some guest,Andromeda!Lay out the welcome mat and let's start this party!"Afterburn twitches,ready to move but glances at the floor then back at Omega.
9:20 pm (Phase 31) Omega levitates slightly off the floor. Reasoning that the best defense might be a good offense, he extends his arm and fires a blast of blue Omega Flame at Shattarang's head.The flame leaps forward and smashes into the force fields in place by Vyra and Vengeance.Vyra and Vengeance both let out a grunt.Omega calls out, "Afterburn, it's not safe to try to outflank Andromeda. Stay as mobile as possible and try to hit him from this side of the room with ranged paralysis blasts.Imp, is it safe to fly across the room separating us from the rogues? We need those traps deactivated, and quickly! Anyone with ranged attacks...open fire!"Imp,stunned,takes a moment to reply,"Uuumm,yea...the guns seem to be motion and heat tracking...the floor seems electrified so a person would need to contact it to close the circuit to receive any damage."(Phase 28) Omega looks to Wraith, "Wraith, you have a very accurate energy attack form, yes? Perhaps you could simultaneously fire blasts from each hand and take out those weapons up there?" Omega points to the 'gun barrels.'Wraith looks in that up at the gun barrel on the right,"My blast come from the staff,I can only fire one at a time.As soon as Vengeance drops the force field I'll try to take one out."From the other end Andromeda is heard,"Shattarang,they go no further.Stop them at any cost."His right fist lashes out quickly and slams into the forcefield with a loud 'THOOM'.Vengeance lets out a loud moan.(Phase 27) Wraith looks at Omega a moment and takes aim at the gun barrel on the right."I can get the wounded out with the teleportaion abilities of the base,but you need me here,now.",he says as a power blast flashes from his staff and smacks the gun barrel.There is a small shower of sparks but the barrel continues to track toward the group.Afterburn quickly hollers,"INeedSomeoneToTakeMeTotheOtherSide!" as she aims her guantlets at Andromeda.Andromeda dodges the beam of energy easily with a twist of his torso.Andromeda smiles,"I ravaged your friends this morning and yet you hunt me down.Humans are not that smart and yet are the dominant species on this planet...HaHaHaHa...conquering this world will be easier than I thought."(Phase 24) Reapersaves his move.
9:20 pm (Phase 19) Omega blinks as his latent cosmic awareness suddenly flares to life and causes a disturbing vision to unfold in his mind's eye--the possible consequences of his actions had his attack succeeded in penetrating the force fields: Vyra unconscious, perhaps even dead--Vengeance drained and taken down only moments later. Omega kneeling before Vyra's lifeless body..."My God...What have I done?" The vision retreats as quickly as it came--at the speed of thought--and Omega looks around to find Vyra and Vengeance, thankfully, still standing. "Thank God," Omega mutters, realizing the others will not fully understand.He then explains, "I thought it was possible to fire through the force screens from this side. I've just been instructed otherwise by a...higher power...my deepest apologies...but there are other worries right now..."Omega then looks to Alloy, "Alloy, do you think your metallic form can withstand that electrified floor or would it mean even more damage for you if you tried to cross it? Can you jump the distance?"Omega looks at those projecting the force fields, "Obviously, it looks like we'll have to drop the force fields to attack them. Vyra, Vengeance, can you open up 'holes' in the fields large enough to fire through or allow the use of telekenetic abilities?"Omega turns to Imp, "Imp...best guess as to the power supply for that floor and those weapons? Would it be possible to deactivate it or short it out somehow?"Imp looks about thoughtfully and replies,"I need to go further into the other room for a complete analysis.From where we stand I see no form of power supply and would actually guess that Andromeda would have the power supply in the same room with the genetic recombinator."Omega gives Imp a wry smile, "I was afraid you were going to say something like that--we need to get over there to engage them properly." Omega then says aloud, to no one in particular, "Reaper or I could fly across and take some of the others with us...we would avoid the electrified floor that way--but we might still get zapped by those weapons up there. And Andromeda can just stretch himself across to pound on us..."Wraith speaks up,"I can also fly a couple over."Omega looks to Afterburn. "I can fly you across...but I'm worried about those guns turrets. Wraith's attack is stronger than mine and it didn't seem to do much damage to them. I don't want us getting shot down and landing on that floor. Maybe the telekenetics could 'take control' of those weapons and turn them away from us?"Maxi-Miss,standing quietly in the rear says,"What about laying a force field just over the floor?We could then just walk across."Afterburn sways from foot to foot,"IfIGetAcrossICanTryToFindThePowerSupply,TheRecombinator,OrTheControls. EvenIfICan'tIFeelLikeADuckAtTheShootingGallery. WeNeedToChangeTheDynamicsOfTheBattle. RightNowWeAreFightingOnHisTermsAndThatsJustNotMyStyle."Both Vengeance and Vyra drop their force fields.Vyra acts with all the speed she can muster. She jumps behind Alloy and reaches out her Telekenetics to grab hold of the gun-barrel on the right.She prepares to try and yank it from the wall. She motions Reaper to do that same.Vengeance grabs his belt buckle with his magnetics and floats himself over the electric floor and prepares himself for a dash to Andromeda. (Phase 18) Imp steps forward to stand at the edge of the electrified floor and raises an arm.A burst of energy arches toward Andromeda.He contorts to dodge the attack but the beam hits him high on his shoulder.Imp lets out a loud,"YEAH!!TAKE THAT BIG BOY!!" but just as quickly looks on with disappointment as Andromeda reaches up to touch his shoulder and smiles.Imp quickly states,"He must have some very thick skin.Paralysis rays will only be effective after we wear him down a little." (Phase 17) Maxi-Miss reaches over to touch Afterburn on the shoulder,"Time to take the fight to them."Suddenly both women blink out and reappear in the middle of the larger room.Afterburn blinks a moment then a large smile spreads across her face.
9:20 pm (Phase 16) Omega smiles, "Well, our Maxi-Miss is just full of surprises isn't she?"Omega then nods at Imp, "Okay. Try to use your paralysis attack on Shattarang instead. We'll see what we can do to wear Andromeda down a bit."Omega looks around to the others, "Once that other weapon is out of commission, we should either fly across or use Maxi's idea of laying down a force field. Let's press the attack. Change the dynamics of the confrontation. We need to shift from defense to offense. Perhaps some of us should consider combining our attacks, or combining our powers in new ways--give them something unexpected?"Omega pauses a moment and then looks to Vyra and Reaper, "I've been thinking...what if we used the telekenetics to 'bottle' both my Omega Flame and Wraith's power blast? Could either of you temporarily hold the energy back telekenetically...then release it...hitting Andromeda with a more massive, and directed attack? That skin of his is like armor. We have to wear it down before paralysis or probably even conventional attacks will be successful against him."Imp looks thoughtful a moment then answers,"I'm not sure the telekinesis would work.The power uses the mental capacities to 'hold' physical objects.Both your flame power and Wraith's blast don't seem to have a physical ingredient to them."Omega raises both arms and lets loose a flame blast from each hand.The flame leaps forward on a line toward Andromeda but fizzles out about halfway across the large room. (Phase 14) The gun on the left wall tracks toward the group and fires a blast with a 'boom'.There is a loud screech from the gun and a shower of sparks as it malfunctions.As the screech ends the gun again starts to track the group.From the large room Shattarang shouts,"Damn it,and the guns are supposed to be state of the art!"He turns and looks toward Maxi-Miss,"Ah..my dance partner returns...shall we continue where we left off luv?"The boomerang above his head shutters slightly them zips at high speed at Maxi-Miss.She moves to dodge but moves to slow as the boomerang smacks her hard in the chest and she falls in a heap. (Phase 13) Andromeda lets out a booming laugh,"She is just the first who will fall this day,heroes."His left arm shoots out quickly,his hand curled into a large fist.The large fist smashes into Afterburn and flashes brightly for a moment.Afterburn is hurled 45 feet straight back and lands on the electrified floor in front of her teammates.As she lands,there is a large arc of energy around her and she lets out a scream.Meanwhile Vyra struggles as she mentally 'feels' the gun she is holding with her telekinesis tries to track the group.
9:20 pm (Phase 12) "Afterburn! Maxi-Miss!",Omega calls out. "Damnit all to hell..."As he is finishing Afterburn screams again as the energy arcs around her.Omega turns to Imp, "I guess I've just found out the maximum range of the Omega Flame. Okay, so the tk bottle idea is a bust...Wraith, what about that teleportational gizmo...can it zap us over there to them?"Wraith replies,"No,the badge can teleport me and those I hold to the base or out of the base to a specified point in Rathbone park (Area 15,16).I say we risk the guns and go after Andromeda.We're just sitting ducks here for the guns anyway."Omega nods to Wraith, "Agreed. We're getting nowhere fast. And we can't leave Maxi over there!" Wraith gets a determined look on his face and flies to a point about 10 feet ahead of Maxi-Miss's motionless body.He raises his staff and fires a blast at Andromeda.His aim is true and the blast smacks Andromeda in the chest.Andromeda stands his ground slightly amused at the blast.Afterburn rises to her feet and runs to stand near the large door to the north.She raises her arms and let's loose a paralysis ray from her guantlets.The burst of energy soars toward Shattarang but seems to ricochet away from him before hitting.Omega looks to Afterburn, "Are you okay?"She glances in his direction,a serious look in her eyes,"NothingHurtButMyPride. NowLet'sPoundTheseTwo!"Vyra concentrates hard and telekinetically yanks on the gun turret to the right.There is a shower of sparks as she rips the turret from the wall with a smile. (Phase 9) Vengeance touches his badge and tells Poundage how to get to the room,"Your friends are here. You might want to come say hi."Vengeance then dashes over to stand before Andromeda.He raises his fist and swings hard.Andromeda's attention is on the gun turret and he is unable to dodge the blow.Vengeance connects solidly but Andromeda doesn't even flinch.Reaper,satisfied that Afterburn is safe from the electrified floor,reaches out with his telekinesis,trying to grab the remaining turret.He struggles but is able to grab the gun.Reaper gives a yank on the gun as he says,"Omega,get everyone who is not busy to fire at Andromeda."The turret starts to smoke slightly but Reaper can feel it still trying to track the group.
9:20:15 pm (Phase 33) Omega looks at Afterburn, "Yes! Good work!"She looks in his direction and gives him a wink. Omega then feels a twinge in the back of his mind as the Omega Force "speaks" to him. He yells out, "Everyone! Listen up, this is important! Do NOT let Andromeda leave this room, no matter what!" Even as he says this, Omega zips around behind Andromeda and fires off a double-blast of flame attack.His timing is off slightly and both blast shoot past Andromeda."Your lackey is down! You're outnumbered and outgunned! Give up!"Andromeda lets out a laugh,"He is just a tool that has served his purpose.All has gone as planned..." (Phase 32) Wraith flies to his left and points his staff."Poor it on,he can't defend against all of us!",he says as he fires a powerblast from the staff.The blast passes by Andromeda,as he stretches to dodge it,and barely misses Omega as it smashes into the wall. (Phase 23) Andromeda replies,"I tire of this game.If you leave now you will live.You stay...you will die..."He raises a fist high in the air and brings it crashing down on Vengeance.Vengeance flies backwards 80 feet and lands in a heap at the edge of the electrified floor,unmoving.Afterburn rushes up to Andromeda's right side and takes a swing that is just a blur.Andromeda dodges the blow easily and smiles at her.
9:20:15 pm (Phase 22) Omega calls out, "Vengeance!" Poundage yells,"Someone with the ability teleport Shatterang to Vengeance or vice versa. If they can,Wraith call for the base to teleport Vengeance and Shatterang." Poundage leaps across the room aiming to bash in the garage door on the other side of the room.He lands squarely,smashing into the door.The steel door starts to buckle and there is a foot diameter hole punched through the center of it.Glancing through the door Poundage sees a dark room with dim lights here and there.Scattered about the room seems to be numerous pieces of machinery,some large and some larger.One piece over to the left seems to have a shelf extending out about three feet at floor level.There are two red flashing lights on it's panel and as Poundage watches one of those lights turn to a steady green.As the light turns green a small beep is heard coming from Andromeda's chest pad. (Phase 21) Omega looks to Alloy and says, "Try to keep him busy, big guy. Remember, don't let him leave this room! I can't explain right now, but trust me on this!"Imp looks around then says,"Someone!I can't do anything from over here.Get me across this electrified floor!"Reaper flies till he is just past the electrified floor and reaches out with his telekinesis.As he feels his telekinesis reaching for Andromeda's ankle,Andromeda yanks his ankle away. (Phase 19) Vyra mimics Reaper's actions, but rather than grabbing the other ankle, she grabs his torso, trying to limit the ways he can strangle free.She also finds as she grabs at his torso he twist out of the way.Omega looks to Afterburn, "We have to find a way to connect. He has very strong defenses. I'm afraid we might wear ourselves down trying to pound him. I think Vyra and Reaper have the right idea. Let's try to turn his own weapons against him."
9:20:15 (Phase 18) Andromeda smiles at the beep from his chest pad and then scowls as he spies Poundage near the door."Get away from there!I defeated you once,miscreant,and I will again."Omega again tries his flame attack against Andromeda--just one blast this time.The flame leaps from his hand and flies past Andromeda's left shoulder,shooting out into the middle of the room.Omega looks to Wraith and says, "Wraith,can you use the badge on Vengeance to do what Poundage suggested and teleport both him and Shattarang to the Guardian Base? You said they could teleport both you and what you can carry--could we place Shattarang into physical contact with Vengeance and activate the recall?I think we might need your power here. You could alert Lord Galen that they are being teleported to the base." (Phase 17) Wraith replies,"Yes we can do that."He taps his badge as he runs over and picks up Shattarang."Base,prepare to teleport Vengeance and a passenger.Alert Lord Galen that both are unconscious but the passenger needs to be detained."Alloy transforms into a slick metal on the floor and works his way under Andromeda's feet.He then begins to angle himself to create a ramp,aiming Andromeda toward the electrified floor.Andromeda does indeed slide almost six feet toward that floor. (Phase 12) As he is being picked up,Shattarang lets out a moan and stirs.He looks up into Wraith's face and says,"My,my...not the person I wanted to wake up to...where's that sexy girl?"Suddenly there is a whirring sound as the remaining gun turret turns and targets Reaper.With a boom it fires and the beam strikes Reaper square in the back.Reaper falls to the floor with a thump and doesn't move.
9:20-10:50 pm Reaper lies unconscious.
10:50-11:00 pm The face Reaper sees is not human.The eyes are overlarge,the nose long and pointed.The mouth is full of very sharp looking teeth."You dare run from the Overlord?You will never escape my grasp rebel.I will get to you anywhere,anywhen,anyhow.When I do you will join the other rebels in the work camps."Behind the hideous figure images of the camps flash by.One victim beaten as he falls under his work load.Another group poked with cattle prods as they walk,chained,through a heavy downpour.And finally an endless field,full of unmarked tombstones.Reaper screams and slashes at the figure,a sword appearing in his hands.The figure dissipates as the sword passes through him but the laughter Reaper hears echoes for a long time.Reaper stares at the sword in his hands and thinks...sword?...sword...yes,I was trained to use the sword...but why?...and by who?....The dream fades quickly,leaving nothing but peaceful blackness.
11:00-5:30 am Reaper lies unconscious.He slowly stirs awake,trying get his bearings.He is lies in a bed with machinery connected to different parts of his body.On the bed to his left lies a girl wearing blue and gold on a similar bed.To his right lies a man in blue and black,again,in a similar bed.A fourth bed sits empty.The room has two doors and some scattered electronics gear around on the walls.
Friday September 14th
Quick Link:Sept.13 -Sept.14 Top
5:30-5:40 am Reaper looks around the room,unsure where he is at.He looks at the two doors in the room and decides to go through the one on the right.As he walks to it,it slides open with a 'swoosh'.He enters the room on the other side and finds himself amongst shelves and shelves of medical supplies.On the other side of the room he finds another door and walks toward it.This door doesn't slide open like the last and Reaper reaches to try and open it.It will not budge as much as Reaper tries.Suddenly Reaper hears a voice coming from all around him, "Can I help you?...that is a restricted area...Jaguar protocol #77..."
5:40-5:50 am Reaper says, "Where is Vengeance?" The voice comes again, "Vengeance is resting in the Medlab...the room from which you just came...would you like me to contact him? "
5:50-6:00 am Reaper walks back into the medlab,seeing Vengeance on one bed and an unknown girl on the other bed.
6:00-6:10 am Reaper will say, "Computer, contact Wraith." The base replies, "Affirmative..." After a few moments Reaper hears Wraith's voice ,"Yes Reaper,Wraith here..." Reaper replies, "Would you mind coming down to the medlab? I have a theory on the Legacy Virus." Wraith is heard, "On my way."After a few minutes Wraith walks in the medlab, "OK,what have ya got?"
6:10-6:20 am Reaper looks to Wraith and says, "Okay, I was thinking, it said on the news that the Legacy Virus usually results in the death of the infected mutant...correct?" Wraith shakes his head, "Yes...It seems to be an aggressive disease..." Reaper waits a moment, "Keyword...usually. Does that mean someone has survived?" Wraith steps to the computer terminal and taps a few keys, "There are mutants alive with the disease,but that doesn't mean they have 'survived' it." Reaper thinks a moment, "Well, in order for someone to have survive the virus without treatment, they must develop an immunity to it.Therefore, if we could locate someone who has survived it, I'm betting we could use a sample of their blood to create a vaccine...a cure." Wraith taps some keys again, "Base...analyze...what are the possibilities for such a theory..." The base replies, "The theory has merit...research on mutant:Shadowcat show the virus to be very adaptive...explaining it's ability to effect a broad range of mutagenic genes...the immunities built by the mutant has the ability to fight the virus,the virus 'adapts' and those anti-bodies become ineffective..."
6:20-6:30 am Reaper says, "Computer, have any mutants ever survived the Legacy Virus?" He pauses, then continues, "Is there anyone who has been infected, but no longer carries the Legacy Virus?" The base is silent a moment. "I prefer to be referred to as B.....B....B...B..Base...The only mutants reported with the disease still have the disease,or died from it...but most mutants do not report themselves,so there may be a mutant who was infected but no longer carries it...unable to be certain..."
6:30-6:40 am Reaper says, "Hey, how do the X-Men locate so many mutants?" Wraith sits quietly,debating his reply.He speaks in a low voice,full of concern, "The leader of the X-Men was said to have technology that was able to locate and track mutants all over the world.I really don't want to say much more than that,I'm not sure what effect I might have on the outcome of the future." Reaper replies, "Perhaps we could modify this technology to track a mutant who once had the virus, but is now cured? Is that possible?" Wraith sits in thought a moment, "I'm not sure what modifications could be made.Base,could you contact the X-Men?What are the possibilities of such modifications and search?" After a few moments the base replies, "Contact made...data transfer...waiting for reply...reply states that Mister X will modify search...response as soon as able..."
6:40-6:50 am Wraith stands, "The base will contact us when the search is completed.You will need to leave us a way to contact you.Shall we go have some breakfast?"
6:50-7:00 am The two walk to the elevator and ride it up.Wraith stands quiet and Reaper can tell there is something on his mind.The two exit the elevator and make their way to the dining room.As they enter they almost bump into Vyra and Maxi-Miss as the two women are leaving.Wraith looks to Maxi-Miss, "Morning ladies,and how are you two feeling?"
7:00-7:10 am As Wraith and Reaper go to get some breakfast Vyra replies, "I'm feeling a lot less tired. How are you?" Wraith smiles as he picks up his tray ,"A little cramped...sleeping at the computer isn't a smart thing to do." Reaper grabs a doughnut and telekinetically moves a cup of coffee to the table.He sits and Wraith joins him. "Would you ladies like to join us or must you go?" Maxi-Miss looks at Vyra a moment, "I have to go,but don't want to force Vyra to leave just to take me out." There comes another smile from Wraith, "You can exit at anytime,just go to the Hq,step on the pad and tell the base 'Exit'.It will teleport you to the park outside." Maxi-Miss stares at Wraith a moment, "Oh now you tell us....I got to go." She smiles quickly and walks out of the room.
7:10-7:20 am Vyra smiles and says, "I must be leaving too. I'll catch you too later." She leaves the room behind Maxi-Miss.Reaper eats quickly and then says, "Thanks for the breakfast, but I gotta get home. Be back in an hour or so." Wraith nods at him as he too finishes his breakfast.Reaper makes his way to the HQ,with a little help from the base.He steps onto the pad, and says "Exit". He finds himself next to the statue at Rathbone park (Area 17) and leaps into the air.He starts the flight toward his apartment.
7:20-7:30 am Reaper flies home and lands a block away in a convenient alley.He changes into civilian clothes and walks the remainder of the way home.
7:30-8:10 am Once in his apartment,Adam jumps into a quick shower.After his shower,he makes a quick call to his job and explains that he will have to miss the day as he somehow injured himself.Hanging up the phone, he walks out his door,looks up at the cloud filled sky and starts a slow walk.He watches around him for any transgressions,patrolling his city.
8:20-8:30 am Adam finds a dark alley and changes into costume.He looks around to be sure he wasn't seen and flies to Rathbone Park (Area 15).He doesn't see any way into the base,the bridge in the lake isn't up,and he doesn't have a number to the base.
8:30-8:40 am Reaper moves around the park,hoping to find a policeman.When he can't find a policeman,he decides to fly around the city,patrolling for crime.
8:50-9:00 pm Reaper spots a weapons shop below and flies down.When he enters the shop keeper gives him a funny look and watches as Reaper walks about the store.Reaper looks at the shopkeeper and ask, "What types of guns do you have?" The nervous man replies, "I carry a large assortment of revolvers and rifles...no semi-automatics though,they are illegal." Reaper ask, "What handguns do have?"The shopkeeper,getting a little more comfortable replies, "I carry Magnums,Lugers,you name it,I probably have it." "How much for a Magnum 45?" ,Reaper ask.The shop keeper grins, "I have the basic model priced right..just $1000." Reaper frowns then asks, "Oh, what about a sword? Medium length, steel, light, strong." The shopkeeper steps over to a sword in a stand, "I have a very nice model over here,$295." Reaper takes the sword in hand,feeling it for balance, "I'll take it." The shopkeeper smiles, "Quick decision...I like that in a customer." Sensing an opening Reaper asks, "Do you have a cheaper gun? Similar model?I just need something that will last, and shoots straight." The shopkeeper walks back behind the counter and pulls out a handgun, "I have a no,frills,basic 9mm Luger for $498." Reaper takes the gun,feeling it for weight, "How much ammo does it come with?" The shopkeeper debates with himself and replies, "I'll throw in a box of ammo(24 rounds)." Reaper nods, "Ok, I'll take it.And 5 more boxes of ammo.How much is the total?" The shopkeeper rings up the sale and replies, "$968." Reaper hands over the cash and steps out of the shop.He immediately takes flight and starts to scan for a sporting goods store.
9:00-9:50 am Reaper finds a sporting goods shop,goes to a nearby alley, and changes into Adam.He walks into the shop and spends some time shopping.His shopping spree nets him $150 in weights,a ski mask,and a baseball.He makes arrangements to have the weights delivered to his apartment and exits the shop.He again goes to the ally and changes to Reaper.He flies home,finds another ally,changes and walks home.He drops off his baseball and works on making a mask out of some excess cloth and old clothes.Once the mask is finished he leaves the apartment,finds an alley,changes to Reaper and flies off.He flies to Rathbone park and hovers about 20 feet off the ground,waiting.
9:50-10:00 am Reaper continues to wait at the park,hovering about 20 feet off the ground.
10:10-10:20 am Reaper flies to the police station, patrolling along the way.He lands on the roof,not sure what to do.After a few minutes Sgt.Warjokowski walks out of the roof access. "How can I help you?" ,he ask with his gruff voice. Reaper responds, "I am looking for a way to contact the Guardians.Do you know a way?" Wojo slowly draws a drag from his cigar,squints at Reaper and replies, "First of all this is a police department,not a message center.Second I am not a secretary.I do not have nor know of any way to contact the Guardians.Now I have a job to do,one that includes protecting this city.Unless you have any other pressing business,I will be going." Wojo then locks Reaper with a glare,folds his arms across his barrel chest and awaits any reply.
10:20-10:30 am Reaper shakes his head and says, "No." As he walks to the roof edge Omega flies down and lands on the rooftop between Wojo and Reaper. "I'm glad to find you both here," Omega says. "I have news that should interest both of you." Omega goes on, "Lord Galen and I have discussed it and we've agreed to establish a communications network for the metas in this area. The system will utilize Guardian Base as a sort of central hub and will use existing phone technology. We'll have two telephone numbers--one will allow heroes to contact Guardian Base and be dispatched through to other heroes. The other will be a number the public can use to directly contact a meta hero. My understanding is that the base contains sufficient technology to filter the calls and weed out any false alarms. I believe the base can then dispatch a meta based on availability and relevance to the situation. Imp is working out the final details now. Imp's accepted an invitation to join the Guardians, by the way. I'm planning on announcing the new system to the public at an 11 a.m. press conference at the hospital. Imp will be on hand to provide further explanation and to represent the Guardians." Wojo raises an eyebrow,still staring at Reaper.Omega turns to Reaper, "Reaper, I didn't really get the chance to talk to you earlier at Guardian Base. There's to be an organizational meeting of the new Protectors team here on this very rooftop this evening at 5 p.m. I feel like we got off on the wrong foot with you, but I'd like to extend a personal invitation to you, if you're interested in joining. Even if not, stop by anyway and I'll make sure you have the information you need to take advantage of the new communications system." Noticing Wojo's demeanor,Omega steps over to Wojo so as to speak with him privately. "I know Reaper probably isn't one of your favorites right now, but he DID help us yesterday in the fight against Andromeda and Shattarang. I don't know, I'm still trying to figure Reaper out...he could make a valuable ally." Omega adds, "He seems to truly want to be a hero..." Omega's thoughts drift for a moment. The he collects himself and says, "I hadn't planned to stop by just now but I was flying over on patrol and just happened to see the two of you down here. I had actually planned to give you a full report on yesterday's activities--if you need one--later in the day. I don't mean to make a nuisance of myself, but since I'm already here, is there anything you need while I'm in the neighborhood?" Wojo's arms leave his chest as he turns to speak to Omega, "No I have a complete confession from Shattarang.Now it's a matter of appeasing the higher-ups,the city council,the mayor." Omega then asks Wojo, "I trust you got my earlier message about the press conference?" Omega adds, "I know you're busy with other matters right now, but I hope you can find the time to come down. Some of the things I'm going to do and say today should have an impact on police affairs--hopefully a very positive impact." Wojo nods slightly, "I plan to show...I just hope your not stirring a hornets nest here.The city is on edge,one push either way and I worry what will happen."
10:30-11:30 am Omega looks to Wojo and nods in agreement. "I hope I'm doing the right thing too, Sergeant. The last thing I want to do is ignite a powder keg. I'll be making some donations to charity today and trying to reach out to...well, for lack of a better word...the common man. Some view metas as being apart from the rest of humanity. And some metas may even feel they are above 'normal' humans. But, in my view it's not about imposing our powers on humanity." Omega looks towards Reaper as he continues, "It's about earning their trust. Their respect. I guess I'm just old fashioned but I just don't go along with the lurking in the shadows and striking fear into the hearts of the wicked approach. Still, I suppose there is room for all different types of people. Different types of philosophies. What do you say, Reaper? Do you think you would be interested in joining the Protectors?" Reaper turns to Omega and says very politely, "I appreciate the offer but, no thanks. Do you know how to get back into the base?" Omega replies, "Well, if you reconsider then the invitation to the 5 p.m. meeting still stands. And, if you want to get into Guardian Base you can use the new communications network." Omega provides Reaper with the needed telephone number. "Just go to any phone and call this number. You should be able to reach Imp or one of the others." Reaper looks to Omega and says, "Thanks, anything else I need to know?" Omega replies, "No, just make sure you tell Imp or whoever is at Guardian Base who you are and your reasons for wanting to come inside. Lord Galen seems like a good man to me but I get the impression he's very protective when it comes to Guardian Base. He's been very accommodating so far. I don't think any of us should take unfair advantage of his hospitality." Reaper replies, "Okay, later." Reaper nods politely to Wojo and walks to the edge of the roof.He steps off the edge and just drops.When he is about 1/2 way to the ground he kicks in his flight and speeds upwards.He continues up through the dark clouds,threatening rain.As he passes through the clouds he reaches the sunny sky above.He pulls his mask off and smiles,holding his face to the sun.He flies ,the sun beating down on him,till he judges he is over Rathbone park and places his mask back on.He dives quickly through the clouds,feeling the dark clouds engulf him.Once below them he finds a phone and dials the number Omega gave him.When the base answers he ask for Wraith and after a few moments wait Wraith answers. "How's the situation with the X-Men?" ,Reaper asks.Wraith replies, "I haven't heard back from them but the base believes such a scan could take some time.Check back later this evening." Reaper thanks him and flies to begin his patrol.
11:30-11:40 am Reaper patrols from the sky when he remembers the news conference Omega mentioned.He decides to fly over and see how the thing is going.He flies just below the clouds till he finds the hospital and discreetly flies down to land on the roof.He peeks over the roof edge to see the gathered crowd below.He sees reporters firing questions at Omega and Imp,standing at a podium.Reaper concentrates on a pencil he sees laying on the podium.The pencil rises and does some scribbling on a piece of paper and Omega looks around,finally noticing Reaper on the roof.Reaper gives him a small wave and waits.
11:40-11:50 am Using his telekinesis, Reaper grabs hold of a pencil and piece of paper lying on the podium and moves it towards him. He sees that the crowd seems somewhat shocked by this but Omega seems to be doing something to try to draw their attention back to the podium. When the pencil and paper reach Reaper, he writes "What do you want me to do?" and sends the note back down to Omega. In a few moments, the objects reach Omega and he scribbles something down on the paper. When Omega is finished, Reaper "pulls" the objects back to him. Omega has written, ""Hold your ground for now. What do you know about the Legacy Virus?"Reaper is somewhat shocked by the last sentence. He writes, "It is a virus that only affects mutants. It usually results in death. I spoke to Wraith earlier about a possible cure I had thought up. We sent a message to the X-Men asking for some help. I'll fill you in later. What do you know?" And sends the note and pencil back. In a few moments, the objects again reach Omega and he again writes something down. Reaper pulls the objects back to him. He eagerly reads what Omega has written, "Mutant boy dead from Legacy Virus. Reports of a HUMAN nurse who has contracted the virus and isn't expected to live through the weekend. Imp about to address reporters. Will talk to you afterwards." After Imp speaks to the reporters Omega again talks and the gathering starts to break up.The reporters dart in all directions to file their reports and Omega moves back to Imp and Wojo.Imp says something then disappears.
11:50-12:10 pm Omega then flies up to the rooftop to speak with Reaper. Omega lands and studies Reaper for a moment. He then says, "Reaper, this looks like a bad situation. This Legacy Virus...it's not good." Reaper replies, "Yeah, I know. I've been speaking to Wraith about a possible cure." Omega looks somewhat shocked. "Really? Imp is studying the Legacy Virus now. The boy who died...I think he was a friend of hers. She knew him. She's badly shaken. Have you made any progress with this cure?" Reaper closes his eyes for a second, taking in this new information, he opens them again, looks at Omega, and says, "Not much. We sent a message to the X-Men asking for help." Omega asks, "The X-Men?" Omega adds, "I've heard of them. A mutant team. But I don't know much about them or about the Legacy Virus. I have the feeling we're going to need all the help we can get." Omega takes out another one of the phones and programs it for Reaper. Omega calls Guardian Base. "Base, this is Omega again. The meta known as Reaper is now online with the communications network at this number." Omega throws the phone to Reaper. "Here you go. Consider it an apology for what went down between us yesterday. If you need to get in touch with me...or another meta, just call the number I gave you earlier or hit speed dial one on the phone and ask to be patched through. Also, the other metas or the base computer may now be contacting you from time to time, to dispatch you or to ask for your help." Reaper looks at the phone for a moment. He then nods to Omega and thanks him. There is a brief moment of silence between the two men, then Reaper suddenly adds "I'm beginning to think this virus isn't natural." Omega is stunned by this statement and for a moment, doesn't know what to say. He paces the rooftop. Then he stares skyward and says softly, "If that's true...if what you're saying is true...my God..." Omega pauses for a moment, trying to wrap his mind around the implications of Reaper's statement. He then says, "A weapon. Someone created this virus as a weapon. To wipe out the mutants. But the nurse...she was..." Reaper quickly replies, "It's mutating, they aren't just after mutants. It can't be racial, there must be some other motive." Omega feels a deep sense of unease.. He shakes his head, "But we have no proof. That's just speculation. We don't KNOW that it isn't natural. We don't KNOW that it's a manufactured bio-weapon. But...that's a chilling thought." Reaper thinks about it for a moment and then replies, "Yes, but if I'm right, we need to act soon." Omega looks to Reaper. "I...I may know a way to find out. To find out for sure. It still wouldn't give us proof but...we would know. I would know. Beyond any shadow of a doubt. But the method I'm thinking of using...we shouldn't try it just yet. We should give Imp time first, see what she comes up with. And we should all keep our eyes and ears open. If you learn anything new, contact me using the cell phone or call Imp at Guardian Base." Reaper replies, "Okay, I will. For now, I'm going for lunch. Wanna come?" Omega replies, "I appreciate the offer, Reaper...but I already have a lunch date for today and--no offense, but she's better looking than you." Omega smiles at him. "I'll take a raincheck though. Another time?" Reaper laughs, "Sure, by the way. Uh, do you know if there's a Tim Horton's in Midville? Can't seem to find any decent donuts around here." Omega replies, "Not sure. But I'll keep my eyes open." Omega begins to leave, but then turns back to Reaper and adds, "Oh you might want to take it easy on the overt public uses of your telekenisis. You were freaking people out. I thought Wojo was going to have a stroke." Omega then takes to the sky. He waves back at Reaper and calls out, "Be careful, Reaper. Especially now." Reaper replies, "Thanks." Reaper goes on patrol for a Tim Horton's and a a decent Boston Cream donut.He doesn't seem to be able to find one and continues his patrol.
12:10-12:20 pm Reaper continues his patrol when he notices Vengeance in a park below,the same park where the heroes fought Andromeda.
12:20-12:30 pm Reaper finds an alley,changes and goes back to the sports shop.The shop keeper recognizes him and is eager to help.Adam looks through the selection of skateboards but finds them a little above his price range.He asks the shop keeper if he has any second hand skateboards.The shopkeeper replies, "No you'll have to find a pawn shop for something like that." Adam thanks the man and leaves.Once outside he finds the same alley and changes back to Reaper.He flies from the alley looking for the nearest eatery.
12:30-12:40 pm Reaper finds a small bakery and goes in to purchase $20 of donoughts and a coffee.The cashier polite obliges,watching Reaper closely.Reaper leaves and flies to his apartment.He eats one donought,drinks the coffee and prepares to go back out.
12:40-12:50 pm Reaper grabs a box of doughnuts and flies from his apartment,deciding to go back and see Vengeance.When he gets to the park he lands a few feet from Vengeance.He turns and sees Reaper standing in the rubble,holding a box of doughnuts. "Have you eaten?" ,Reaper ask. He holds out the box, "That box has six doughnuts in it, take as many as you want.Do you need a hand?" Before Vengeance can answer there is a low roar as the Striker I comes to a soft landing nearby.Wraith slowly exits the small craft and walks toward the two.
12:50-1:00 pm Vengeance takes a doughnut. "Thanks,just looking through the rubble for anything that can be useful.Hoping to find Shatterang's weapon or some working machinery. You can help if you want." Reaper nods and begins to help search.Vengeance then looks to Wraith, "Hey Wraith,what's up?Think we can find anything?" Wraith nods at Vengeance and begins to help search, "The base said the chances are slim,but what the heck,why not try? On another subject,has Galen contacted you? He has offered Imp the fourth badge.Right now she is a conditional Guardian,and I'm going to vote,yea...I think she would make a fine Guardian." The trio search the rubble for a few minutes when both Wraith's and Vengeance's badges beep. "Guardians,we have a medical emergency...a mutant boy died earlier this morning of the legacy virus...soon after a normal nurse,who helped treat him was diagnosed with the disease...Imp returned to the base and has been tested...she...she..she has tested positive...all heroes who have had contact with her should return to base for testing..." Wraith takes a step back,his face goes white.He mumbles quietly, "And so it begins...may God have mercy on our souls..."
1:00-1:10 pm Reaper grabs his doughnuts as Vengeance says, "Well I guess I will head back to see if it is my time to die." Wraith,still shocked,says, "We can take the Striker back." The three climb aboard and fly back to the base.When they arrive they head toward the medlab.The base brings them up to speed as they go. "Omega and Afterburn have placed Imp in the medlab.They have gone to the hospital to follow a lead with a Doctor James..." The three get to the medlab and find Imp in a bed next to the bed holding Shadowcat.Both beds are now surrounded by a clear wall and Imp sits in her bed with a laptop on her lap.She gives each a slight smile, "Uh...Hi...guys...I am so sorry..." Reaper and Vengeance climb into a bed to be scanned as Wraith walks to the clear wall and places a hand against it. "Don't worry Imp...these things have a way of working out." After a minute Vengeance and Reaper are finished and Wraith is also scanned.The base states, "It will take about an hour to process the data..." Imp looks at Vengeance,trying not to look directly in his eyes, "Does this mean I lose the badge?"
1:10-1:20 pm Reaper glances at Imp and gives her a small wave to say there's no hard feelings. He then sits down and waits for the results.Vengeance looks to Imp."I think the badge looks good on you.You should keep it.If any one can help with this virus it's you.We have only known each other a short time but you seem to have smarts and courage to get through this.Any way,your a Guardian now.It's not only your problem but it is Lord Galen's problem,its Wraith's problem,it's my problem.We can get through this if we stick together as a team.And we have the best computers in Midville.These things will work themselves out." Wraith nods and claps Vengeance on the shoulder, "Then it is unanimous,welcome to the Guardians,Imp." She smiles a large smile, "Omega is on a lead right now,and I have begun to dig into the government database on viruses." Reaper asks the base, "Base, are you sentient?" The base replies quickly, "Yes...I am sentient.." Reaper looks at the walls questioningly, "Do you consider yourself a life form?" There is a moment of silence before the base replies, "...not yet..."
1:20-1:30 pm Reaper speaks to the base, "Base,do you play chess?" The reply comes quickly, "...of course..." Reaper smiles, "Got a board?" A panel slides from the wall,a chess board,pieces already set-up. "...you move first..." The four stand in silence a moment when Wraith speaks, "Imp,you continue to search the database,there's a couple things I want to discuss with Vengeance.Vengeance?" He gestures toward the door as the base chimes in, "...I have a incoming message..." The next voice they hear is Omega's, "Guardians, this is Omega. Afterburn and I have a solid lead on the origins of the Legacy Virus. What we are dealing with here is a manufactured virus, originally engineered to have the ability to mutate itself to match mutant genes. This ties into Project Anti-Body, which was headed by General Stern. This Stern wanted to use this virus as a weapon to guard against mutant's being used as an invading force by foreign countries. A man named Dr. Truman was the lead geneticist on the project. He came up with the idea of using a mutant's genes to create the virus. But this required finding a specific mutant,one with the ability to actually alter his own genetic structure with just a thought. He managed this breakthrough sometime circa 1997 but resigned shortly thereafter and vanished. He is rumoured to be involved with 'The Friends of Humanity', a political group with anti-mutant leanings.Imp...have the base computer cross-reference all this data. Let's see if we can develop any new leads. The man I'm with now--Dr. Neil James--has access to additional records concerning this matter. They are stored in a safety deposit box. Afterburn, Dr. James and I are going to collect them now. I should have more information for you soon." Imp looks toward the ceiling with a stupid look on her face, "Well,duh...running the names already..."
1:30-1:50 pm As he plays chess,Reaper asks, "What do you mean, not yet? How is it that you become a life form?" A doughnut rises form the box and floats over to his mouth.The base replies, "Protocol #1 restricts what I can say...but a life form can be defined as something that takes in fuel,expels waste and reproduces..." The door to the medlab opens with a 'swoosh' and Poundage walks in,looks oddly at Imp and Shadowcat behind the clear walls and lies down on one of the empty beds.As he does the base says, "...I have a incoming message from Omega..." "Guardians, this is Omega again. Afterburn and I have acquired a great deal of vital information concerning Project Anti-Body. The information is in the form of hard copy files, computer discs and CDs. It seems to contain graphs and drawings dealing with genetics, but I'm no expert of this sort of thing--we're bringing the information in for further analysis. We'll be back at your base in ten." From behind her clear prison Imp can be heard, "Cool..now we're getting somewhere...Big B,let's hit the government retirement files,encryption mod 88..." The base replies, "...you got it,chick..." Vengeance looks at Wraith, "What were you saying Wraith?" Wraith nods toward the door and the two step out into the medical office.Imp glances in Poundage direction and hangs her head. "Umm...Poundage...sir...I have some news.It's a long story but the Legacy Virus seems to have mutated and now infects others,not just mutants.I am infected...and...well...you should get tested.I'm not sure if it can infect you with your...umm...physiology.But I think you should at least be sure." She glances at him then quickly glances away mumbling a quiet, "I'm so sorry..." Suddenly the base is heard, "...checkmate...shall I reset the board?..." The door to the medlab 'swooshes' open and Omega walks in followed by Afterburn.Omega has a handful of files and a metal box he hands through a clear box,built into one of the clear walls.Afterburn smiles and gives Imp a wave.Imp smiles and starts to file quickly through the pages. "Yea...of course...mmm...interesting...wow..." She looks up, "Some of this stuff is brilliant! Big B,upload multiple discs...single file...code-source material...correlate with government virus files..." She begins to feed the disc one by one into the lab top onher lap.The base replies, "...data feed optimal..keep'em comin'...I have some information...after leaving the Anti-Body project,General Stern took a position with 'The Friends of Humanity'...security advisor...last seen in public with the group 9 months ago...at that point he seemed at odds with the party head,a Mr.Jaworski...from that point he left the party payroll and his government pension was routed to an off shore bank account...'The Friends of Humanity' have an office on the 8th floor of the Elliott Building (Area 9) here in Midville...As for Dr. Truman,I am puzzled by the fact I can not find any trace of him after project Antu-Body...none at all...the only thing I have been able to find is some land in Colorado...the deed has his name on it but searches show it to be empty land..."
1:50-2:00 pm Vengeance and Wraith enter the medlab.As the two step into the medlab Vengeance asks the base, "Base you have heard Wraith's story.Is there a solution to this problem,a way to stop the fear and hatred before it is to late?" The base replies, "...a cure would help immensely...public shows of support the public seeing heroes out and going about their business will help calm things...the public understanding that a cure is possible and being searched for...the status of said search for a cure being well known...all can help calm the public...but the hatred?..." The gathered heroes sit in silence a moment as Imp taps keys.Poundage breaks the silence,speaking to Imp, "Before I am tested, I need to have a word or two with you in private. Once the party dies down in here, I would like to enter your 'bubble' and have a private conversation." Imp looks up from the keyboard,a puzzled look on her face.Slowly her lips curve into a smile, "Hey everybody...I'm the girl in the bubble! " She giggles to herself a moment then mumbles, "Sheeesh,lighten up people..." Her eyes find Poundage and she seems to study him a moment, "I welcome a visit in 'my world',Poundage but if you not infected now why risk to coming in? Perhaps when the others leave we can speak,you out there,me in here." Imp looks at Poundage a moment longer when Omega speaks, "Part of my power is that I'm...connected to a separate sentience. It knows things that I don't and sometimes I'm able to access it, but it speaks in riddles. This sentience, the Omega Force, told me there were three men, each with a key to this puzzle. Three men: the reluctant one, the leader of men and the healer that hates. 'The reluctant one'--I think we can assume that is Dr. James; 'the leader of men' is General Stern, and 'the healer who hates' could possibly be Dr. Truman. At any rate, I believe that our finding the cure to the Legacy Virus depends upon us finding these three men." Omega continues, "Right now, it seems the best solid lead we have is this 'Friends of Humanity' organization. I think we should check out the Midville branch and see if we can find additional information on Stern's current whereabouts. Hmmmm...offshore bank accounts? I'd also like to learn more about this land that Truman owns in Colorado. But for now..." Omega looks around the room, "So, who else is up for paying a little visit to our resident humanitarians?" Wraith is the first to speak, "We are sure there is a connection between this Truman and the Virus? Then why not both.We send someone to speak to this group and we load up the Striker and check out this land in Colorado.A simple fly over isn't against the law,and with the Striker we could get a good idea what is there,if anything." Imp replies, "Hey...all we have right now is time...but not to change the subject,but I have some info on the virus." Tapping a couple of keys she peers at the screen, "The disc and files give a good look at the basis of the virus.What we have is just the beginning,the virus had to be modified from this configuration to be as lethal as it has become.I am cross referencing what we know of the virus in both myself and Shadowcat with the info in the files.This should give us a little bit of a head start.Let me tell you,this work is brilliant.The virus is completely undetectable until it mutates to match the genetic structure of it's victim.So if it is detected,it's too late,it has already started to do it's damage.The virus in the files was slow to work,but the version in my blood acts quickly,a few days is all it needs.I'm assuming the person or persons responsible will have developed an anti-dote to protect themselves from infection." She pauses,looking from one hero to another. "Now the bad news,the virus was built to mutate to match genetic signatures.But it seems to have mutated further and any anti-dote will have to like-wise be mutated,possibly on an individual basis.The only way known to genetically alter something that small...is the recombinator." The room is silent,no-one is sure what to say.The base is the first to speak, "...excuse me...I have the medical test back on Vengeance,Reaper,Wraith,Omega,and Afterburn...Vengeance,negative...Reaper,positive...Wraith,positive...Omega,negative...Afterburn,positive...the maedlab only has four beds so I have prepared the Striker II and it's three beds as a quarantine also...I recommend everyone else leave the medlab while I stabilize the new patients..." Afterburn slumps on a bed,her head hanging when Wraith speaks, "I'll take the bed in the Striker II,Vengeance,Omega please hurry...find those men...do what you have too."
2:00-2:10 pm Omega looks around the room and the heroes who have just gotten the bad news, "I'm sorry. All of you...I'm sorry." Vengeance looks around and his head starts to hang.Omega looks to Vengeance and says quietly, "Excuse me just one moment." He walks over to Afterburn and looks her in the eye. He whispers to her,then looks around the room and says louder, "We're going to get through this. ALL of us." Omega looks to Wraith, "Wraith...the Base is correct. We need to calm public fears. Educate the public about what's going on. Be honest with them but also let them know we are working towards a solution...a cure. We also need to contact all the other metas who were involved in yesterday's battle against Andromeda if we can. They might be infected and they need to get tested. We should consider using mass media. You should be able to handle that from here. I'd handle it myself, but I think I'm going to be too busy. Also, I think it's time to contact the other Guardians. The sooner they know what's going on, the better. Do it discretely if need be, but Galen especially needs to know." Vengeance replies, "See if Lord Galen can get some airtime on the local news and discuss the Legacy Virus,maybe calm down the public.Give the people the facts and discuss that this is a man made virus,designed to evoke a state of panic.Everyone should stay calm and the top minds our searching for a cure.That the New Guardians are doing all they can right now,that is if he is not infected.Imp could probably give him the facts and help him with what to say." Imp nods, "Yes I could help,but wouldn't telling the public the virus is man made,at this point,only create worse panic?" Omega then looks to Imp, "Imp, is there another machine...another Recombinator that we could use, other than the one Andromeda stole? Can we replicate one? If not, then we are going to have to go and take it back from him by force. We'll need to figure out a way to go after him. If he wants a damn war then by God, I'll give him a damn war. We'll contact every mutant and meta-human on Earth if we have to--raise an army if that's what it takes." Imp giggles slightly,then tries to to look serious. "I haven't been able to find another like it.I will start an exhaustive search.As for building another,or even ordering one from the manufacturer of the first,that would take weeks,even months.In that time the virus would ravage the public." Omega then walks over and nods at Vengeance. "I think we should split up and try to cover as much ground as possible. Can you fly the Striker to Colorado as Wraith suggested? Meanwhile, I'll pay the 'Friends of Humanity' a little visit and try to get more information on Dr. Truman." Suddenly Poundage speaks up, "Omega, why don't you go with Vengeance and I will talk to Imp, give some blood, and talk to the humanitarians." Omega shakes his head, "Also, I need to stay here to keep the 5 p.m. meeting to organize the Protectors team. We will need all the help we can get and I'm expecting Alloy and Vyra to show up there--if we can't contact them by other means, it may be our only way of contacting them at this point. And they could both be infected. The sooner we get to them, the better their chances of survival." Poundage replies, "OK, I can talk to Imp, give blood, and go to Colorado.Does the Striker have scanners?" The base replies to this question, "...the Striker has radar,thermal,sonic,infrared and low frequency scanners... Poundage nods, "Of course, if anything is there, it's probably underground. Maybe it is a good idea to get this "offshore" bank account's records and if possible, monitor it for any movement. Wherever the money goes, we go." Imp smiles, "Hey I like the way he thinks...on it..." She begins tapping keys on the laptop as Omega looks at Vengeance and Poundage, "Looks like this is our hands for the time being. A heavy responsibility to be sure. But I believe we are up to the task. God speed my friends." With that, Omega looks towards Afterburn. He smiles at her, winks and says, "Hey, cheer up--we're off to save the world. That's what us heroes do, right? That's why we put on these silly costumes? I'll contact you as soon as I have additional information..." She gazes at him for a long moment, "Now thats the flame boy I know...go get'em." Omega then exits the medlab wearing a look of grim determination.Looking to Imp,Poundage says, "If the legacy virus transfers only by touch, then I shouldn't be worried about (with a wink)'your world'." He turns to Vengeance, "If you can give me a second." Vengeance nods, "Base get Striker II ready.Do you know where we are going base? Or do I need maps.com?" He chuckles to himself as he exits the medlab and starts to head toward the Striker.
2:10-2:20 pm Poundage looks to everyone, "Please give me a moment with Imp and I will be ready." Everyone leaves,except Reaper and Afterburn,both who make themselves busy.Poundage enters the bubble. Quietly he speaks to Imp.The two hold a hushed conversation for a few minutes. Imp nods as Poundage rises and walks out of the bubble.Reaper suddenly looks up. "Wait a second, can that teleporter be used as a filter? Like, if I teleported muddy water, could I program the teleporter to clean it before it reappears?" Imp looks at him a moment,then rolls her eyes, "Yes that is true of the teleporter,within reason...but I know where your headed with that line of thinking.Don't you think I have already thought of that? Let me put this in terms you can understand...the virus mutates to MATCH the genetic code of it's victim...MATCH...which means same...if I program the teleporter to filter that code,what am I left with? A collection of basic elements,water,nitrogen,iron,carbon...in very simple terms the teleporter would filter the PERSON's genetic code..." Poundage watches this exchange then starts to exit the medlab speaking through the base, "We can take Striker I, to cut travel time. I also have a meeting at five. I can hold my business over the phone as long as I have a fax machine." Imp returns to tapping keys on her keypad.
2:20-2:30 pm Reaper says, "Oh, riiiiight..." The clear walls around Imp and Shadowcat drop into the floor with a clunk as Reaper stands silent a moment.He leaps into the air and does a backflip to land prone on the bed.Imp glances over a moment and mumbles, "oooh...impressive...wow...hold me back..ohmygosh...wish I could do that...WHATEVER..." She goes back to her keyboard with a wave of her hand.Reaper closes his eyes and starts to fall asleep,the last thing he hears is a couple small clicks and Afterburn saying, "Well seems we have some time for that chat after all.Can I help you with that? I'm not quite in your class,but I'm no dummy either..."
3:00-3:10 pm Reaper wakes and walks over to the monitor furthest from Imp. He says, "Base, please display and and all news concerning the Legacy Virus, metas, or anything else relevant to the situation." The video screen in front of him blinks to life,statistics flashing across the screen.It shows 3 confirmed case of the virus at the hospital,and a number more possible cases.Reaper says, "Thanks" Imp looks at him with a look of surprise,shakes her head a moment then turns back to Galen.Reaper pauses, "Base...Do you wish to become a life form?" There is a long pause before the base replies, "...I do not 'wish'...I deal in facts and probabilities...the fact is,I am,in many ways,already a 'lifeform'...probability is I will become more than I am..." From behind Lord Galen,Scar and Omega enter the medical office.Omega walks over to the glass wall and looks to Afterburn.She breaks into a big smile when she sees him."How you making it?" He then adds, "After this is over, we should take a day off. Maybe two. Maybe take in a movie. Maybe go bowling..." She nods, "Hey buddy,I still have a raincheck for lunch,remember? You sure you want to add a movie,some bowling? Before this is over I'll OWN you." Omega suggests "Perhaps we should establish a comm-link with the Striker? That way Poundage and Vengeance can hear Scar's report now and we won't have to repeat the information later." Imp taps a couple buttons on the laptop, "Got it,though telemetry readings show Poundage out of the Striker.And patching it through his badge may not be a good idea right now." Omega looks to Imp and then to Scar, "Scar, we suspect the recombatinator may be essential to formulating a cure for the Legacy Virus. The information you have may be even more important than you suspected."
3:10-3:20 pm Scar speaks, "I have had another vision and this one also concerns the hospital.Sometime tonight there will be a tragedy.I have seen the east wall collapse,people dieing.What the cause is I am not sure.The second piece of information is I have information on a second recombinator." Omega listens intently to what Scar has to say. "This vision is reason for concern,However, I still believe Colorado must be our next objective.What time is nightfall out there this time of year? Perhaps it would be better to go under cover of darkness." Imp replies, "I agree Colorado should be objective #1,but they are 2 hours behind us.It won't be dark there till almost 11 pm,our time.If the event at the hospital happens tonight we can still be there and then head to Colorado.The time difference gives us an advantage.But I believe the base in Colorado will still be there after the event at the hospital,and not vice-versa." Lord Galen asks, "Base, How many beds do we have left including the Strikers?" The base replies, "...the medlab is full...Striker I has 1 occupied bed and 2 empty beds...there are 2 available beds in the New York base..." Galen continues, "If we don't have room for other patients, is there some information or some way we can help them at the hospital?" the base replies quickly, "...I have relayed what information on the virus we do have...the hospital does not have the technology available to do much more for their patients..." Lord Galen continues, "Imp, you can be my advisor as to what to publicize, you know, speeches and all. If I am not infected, I will go before the public with your help. I want all of you here to know that everything that can be done, will be done." Omega turns to Galen, "Are the Strikers equipped with any sort of stealth technology? Also, in addition to our known meta friends and the new metas we will hopefully be recruiting tonight, where else can we turn for backup?" Lord Galen replies, "Omega you are doing a fine job, I just want you to remember this is the Guardian Base. Only Guardians can come and go as they please here. Approval for anything that concerns this base must come from me. That is not to say I have the only say, but the final say is mine. If I am infected I will choose someone to be the spokesperson for the group. I believe it should be a Guardian. Base, Has Doctor X been notified and if so what were his suggestions? What help can he give?" The base replies, "...X has been notified and we have shared info on the new mutation of the virus...there will be four members of the X-Men arriving in Midville around 9:30 pm..." Lord Galen turns to all gathered, "All of this has hit me quite quickly. I need to sort some of it out. I am going to the lounge. If anyone needs me that is where I will be.Base let me know when Vengeance and Poundage return. I need their updates as well." He turns and leaves the medical office.Then Reaper is heard, "Base, show a list of all known metas that were last seen within the laaaaaast...twenty years. In alphabetical order." The base replies, "...you are not authorized to access those files..."
3:20-3:30 pm Omega watches Galen exit. He leans up against the wall, folds his arms and mutters--underneath his breath--"You're welcome." Scar speaks, "Poundage,we must meet up because my 'new friends' have their own agenda." Poundage replies through the base, "Imp, we are now beginning test on your friends. What kind of crack is Omega on? I don't care, I will be at the hospital until I see a wall crack. My #1 objective is to save people. If you guys leave before the wall starts to crumble, I'm staying behind." They hear Omega speak next, "Sorry guys--I was under the impression that Scar's visions represented what MIGHT be, not absolutely what WILL be. If we believe for certain that there will be some sort of catastrophe at the hospital then, of course, I feel we should do everything within our power to prevent it. And we are going to have to wait until we can gather the reinforcements anyway. But we should also consider that Colorado is a must when it comes to developing a cure. The longer we delay here--and I'm not saying we shouldn't--but the longer we delay here, the greater chances of more lives being lost. The Legacy Virus waits for no one. Then again, if we don't hang around then lives could be lost here in Midville. It's almost a no win situation, but after further consideration I have to agree with Poundage. We can't simply leave Midville unprotected. I suppose we could split up, but that would defeat the idea of us all going to Colorado en mass." Poundage continues, "Why don't we wait until it is the middle of the night there? They may be less prepared if it is 2 or 3 AM." Omega replies, "I agree. There's no outward sign that indicates they are aware we're onto them. The element of surprise could be a great tactical advantage for us." Poundage replies, "I also think we should take some infected blood. I am going to buy some tranquilizer guns and darts. We can fill the darts with infected blood. If we infect someone or something there, they may be forced to expose a cure if one exists. Scar, count me in." Vengeance then speaks to the base, "Base do you have any blood samples on file of any heroes with the regeneration power? Maybe if we have a sample of that blood we can do tests on that also.Did you contact Jill Yancy?" The base replies, "...the medical lab does not store blood samples...still unable to contact Dr.Yancy..." Omega thinks about this for a moment and then turns to Imp, "Imp--I've been wondering about something--those of us who aren't infected--is it just that we aren't infected YET or could it be that there's something relevant to our respective powers or make-up which is hindering the progression of the virus? I know that the virus evolves but I'm wondering if certain meta defenses might be more effective against it than others? If Poundage is correct and a cure does already exist, then we will be way ahead of the game. If we have to manufacture one..." Imp raise and eye brow, "That can tie into the test I'm trying to run with Poundage's blood.I'll dig a little deeper and let you guys know." Reaper breaks in, "Ok, can I speak to Wraith then?" Wraith's voice is heard next, "Yes,Reaper?" "Wraith, this is Reaper. Can I have access to some files? I need to look someone up...a mutant. If you must know why, then I'd rather discuss it in private..." Wraith replies through the base, "You'll have to contact Galen about that,he is the only one to allow authorization." Imp is heard muttering, "Dude...get with the program here...isn't there another medlab somewhere...pppllleeeaaassseee..."
3:30-3:40 pm Vengeance is heard saying, "Look,Omega you can head to Colorado but it might be a long flight without the Striker.I plan on staying until the hospital encounter.I would rather stay and save lives than go to Colorado to look for a cure that may or may not be there.You are not a Guardian,yet you act like you think you are the leader of the Guardians.Well I do not follow your lead.You have your own group,lead them not us.We have our own leader and thank goodness it is not you.It would be different if you told us your ideas and thoughts but you bark out orders like you are the greatest hero of all time.Little news flash buddy,your not.Now if Omega has no other orders I have better things to do than to listen to you.Omega,I try to stay quiet,let things slide,but you don't quit with the cheesy lines and the barking of orders.Enough is enough." Imp frowns a moment then says, "Big B,close open communication link..." Omega gives Reaper a quizzical glance. He then turns back to Imp and offers a half-smile and a shrug.She gives him a smile back and rolls her eyes.Omega suggests, "Since we know there will ba a catastrophe at the hospital sometime in the next twenty-four hours, wouldn't it be prudent to attempt an evacuation?" Omega thinks for a moment and then adds, "Of course, that might not be very practical considering the number of injured currently being treated there after yesterday's disaster." Imp replies, "Right,and add in the fact that the hospital is accepting more patients by the hour possibly infected with the virus." Omega looks to Scar and asks, "Is there any way to know whether or not this new disaster will be the result of an outside force? It might simply be related to undetected structural damage caused in yesterday's attack." Omega looks to Imp and Afterburn, "Is there any way we could get a structural analysis of the hospital--that wall in particular?" Imp again replies, "We could but we would have to convince the correct authorities that it is necessary." Omega pauses a moment and then continues, "Perhaps we should also alert Wojo about Scar's vision...get the authorities involved, as a preventive measure? Also, I know we don't want to create a panic--but I don't see how we can keep from at least notifying the hospital administration. And perhaps some of us should go to the hospital and have a look around,while we are waiting?" Omega adds, "Even in light of the more immediate crisis, we must still be looking ahead to Colorado. It occurs to me that if we are going to be dealing with military weaponry and machines--electronics--then having a meta along who has the power to short out or control electical circuitry might give us an advantage. Do we have access to any metas with this type of ability? And regarding these X-Men--do we know which members of their team will be joining us tonight and what their mutant abilities are?" Imp replies, "No,X didn't specify who he was ending,just that 4 of them would be showing up around 9:30 pm." Poundage is heard through the base, "Scar, I will be there shortly. I have to go to a personal meeting at five, but afterwards I can meet you wherever you want. Then we can keep an eye on the hospital. Imp, your friends wish to see you. I told them I cannot give them permission to enter the base. Also, if I pick up some guns and darts, will you give blood to use as a weapon?" Imp replies, "I will check with Galen and get back with you on them visiting me.I will give blood,but the darts will only be of use against enemies not wearin armor,or power suits." There is a pause and Poundage continues, "Imp, some of your friends wish to help this evening. If they are not going to be at the base, let me know and I will go let them know when it is time." Imp speaks toward the ceiling, "Galen,is it possible for a few of my friends to enter the base to visit me? They are also meta's and plan to help in the trip to Colorado." Omega goes on, "Also, I'm intrigued by this idea that Poundage has--concerning using infected blood as a weapon. He might be onto
something. Do we have any way of knowing if that will work, or what the risk factors will be to the non-infected metas on our own team? And speaking of risk factors, I've been thinking--is there ANY way to contact Alloy, Vyra and Maxi-Miss now? If they are infected, and don't get stabalized, then they might not make it until 5 p.m. Is there any way, outside the use of mass media, to send them a message or a signal?Something. Anything." Imp looks thoughtful a moment, "As for risk with the tainted blood,I think as long as someone already infected loads the darts and no one is shot or pricked with a dart the risk is very small.As of now we have no way of contacting the meta's you mention,unless we go over the public airwaves and even then we won't be sure they hear." Omega pauses for a moment and looks to Afterburn and smiles, "Don't you worry about owning me. Once this is over we're both due some R&R. I'm sure there's some good movies playing about superheroes and their exploits." She smiles at him and places her hand against the clear wall, "I'm going to hold you to that,mister.But I have a feeling we won't get much downtime while wearing these suits." Omega then looks around at the group, "Well, there is the immediate danger at the hospitial. Who's up for a recon mission?" Afterburn raises her hand,smiles ,then slowly lowers it.Imp is silent a moment then suggest, "One of my friends could probably help with that...help a lot.He has the ability to...um..see...well feel...things."
3:40-3:50 pm Omega nods to Imp, "When your friend arrives, if he's agreeable, then I'll take him to the hospital and let him have a look." Omega steps back over to Afterburn and says, "Well, it would seem that Vengeance doesn't have a very high opinion of me. Although I think he's being a bit overly sensitive. I don't really come off as THAT big of a jerk, do I?" She smiles at him, "THAT big of a jerk? NAH,just a little bitty teenie weenie one." He smiles, "Oh well..it really doesn't matter. A lot of lives are at stake. I'm going to keep doing everything I can to try to find a solution. I don't care whose ego gets bruised. None of us have the time or energy right now to get involved in meta-hero personality conflicts--although I honestly can't figure out what I did to push his buttons so much. Maybe I can work it out with him later after this is all over. I'll still watch his back, whether he likes it or not. Just hope someone is watching mine." Afterburn quips, "Honey,I'm watching your backside...mmmm shake baby shake." Scar grumbles beneath his breath for a moment. He raises his staff to
his eyes and his vision begins to fade.He tries to describe the scene to the gathered heroes as he watches the vision. "It's dark,the stars are overhead.I seem to be moving at a great speed.Wait...it's a plane,flying over mountains.I can see the Guardian symbol,it's the Striker.As it nears a mountain range there is something streaking toward the craft.It's a missile,I can see the flame trail.The plane banks,dodging the missile but I can see more streaking from the ground below.It seems to dodge a couple more but can't dodge the hail of missiles for long.I see an explosion,the craft is falling.I can see bodies falling...no some are flying.There seems to be a lot of people pouring out of a small building on the ground...and the vision is fading." Scar then says, "I with to be flown ashore.This team is wasting my time. Midville is my concern. Midville are the people I protect. I will go to the hospital alone. Your bickering infuriates me and humilates yourselves. Some of you need a humbling experience, perhaps many deaths at hospital will weigh heavily upon your minds. Good Day!" Omega approaches Scar and says, "Scar, please wait. You're absolutely correct. Bickering will get us nowhere, except perhaps dead. If you want to go to the hospital now, I'll be happy to take you. Please consider the idea of allowing Imp's friend to take a closer look at the wall of the hospital--this extra sensory perception could reveal important information. Imp, could you please arrange for your friend to meet us at the hospital? And just for the freakin' record, that's NOT an order, simply a request. And I just want everyone to know that I'm trying to work with everyone here to solve the problems we face. Whatever ideas I present to you should be taken as just that--ideas for group discussion,not as me barking out orders to any of you because--despite what some think--that is NOT what I am doing. Also, please be sure to keep Lord Galen informed--I don't want him to think I'm trying to take over his team or do an end-run around him. The sooner we figure out what's going to cause the catastrophe at the hospital, the better--Scar's absolutely correct. We're wasting too much time. Engaging in these childish tirades isn't how heroes should act--especially during a time when we should all be coming together in the face of the overwhelming odds against us."The communication link again opens up and the voice of Poundage is heard, "Scar,contact me and we will meet at the hospital. I should be available after 6 pm. and it doesn't start getting dark 8 pm, this should give us plenty of time." Omega walks over closer to Scar and shrugs. He speaks to Scar quietly and sincerely, "Scar, I didn't mean to imply earlier that I felt we should abandon Midville. Merely that since Imp and Afterburn are going to be confined anyway then they could continue working on the Legacy Virus problem. That's costing lives here in Midville too. I agree that some seem to be in serious need of a humility check--well, you can consider my ego checked. For my part, I will do everything in my power to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost. Believe me when I tell you that is my one driving concern. I feel the best way to do this is through the use of teamwork and cooperation. I think my words and actions so far have illustrated this point. But for some reason, people seem to take me the wrong way. However, I WILL try to help you in any way I can if you will let me. These visions of yours--tell me, is there any way to prevent them from coming true? We know the wall will collapse--can we stop it or must we merely wait for the inevitable? I've presented my ideas and I would honestly like to hear your thoughts as well. What do you think we should do?" As he finishes Vengeance and three teen age boys ebter the medical office.Imp gets up quickly and rushes to the wall from her side. "Probe,Lieutenant,Mental...man it is good to see you guys.I was going to come see you this afternoon but...well.." Lietenant makes a mock bow and smiles at her.Mental seems to shake and says, "Hiya chick...UUGGG...hows you doin'...AAGGGHH..." Evan opens his eyes and lays a hand on Mental's shoulder, "Easy buddy,easy..." He turns and looks at Imp, "How you holding up in there?" She smiles back at him a moment, "I'm good,Probe.And look,I'M A GUARDIAN!" She pauses a moment then looks at her feet. "I didn't mean to get you mixed up in this Evan.But you all may be infected,and I needed to get you tested." Probe gives her a knowing nod, "Not a problem,Imp.You did what needed to be done." Imp looks up and gazes into his eyes for a moment. "I have a couple favors to ask of you guys.First I need Probe to go to the hospital.We need to determine the structural soundness of one of the walls.Scar has visions of the near future and believes the wall will collapse." Probe nods his head in her direction. "And the second favor,some of the healthy heroes are going to storm a mountain hide away in Colorado tonight.From the info I have gathered this mountain is well protected and they need all the help we can find." She looks at Probe a long time,then glances to the two other boys.Probe looks concerned, "I will go to the hospital and do what I can.And we have already pledged our help for the trip to Colorado.You know the run away code,anything for another run away." He turns, "I'll go to the hospital. Then we will return to the sewers.When you guys are ready to head to Colorado,just stop by and pick us up.And please let us know the results of our test as soon as you can." Reaper speaks to the base, "Lord Galen,Wraith said I must speak to you.I need authorization to access some files."
3:50-4:00 pm Omega nods to Probe. "Probe, I'm Omega. I can take you and Scar to the hospital now if you are both agreeable. I think the sooner we examine that wall for structural damage the better." Scar nods his head to Omega and says nothing. He stares at him for a moment and tries to detect a weakness.He finds that Omega does have a weakness,which is diminished intelligence. When the three mutants enter the room, Scar will nod at the one named Probe. He scans him for a weakness as well.He is unable to find a weakness in the boy and raises his staff.He stares at it a long moment and when his vision doesn't blur he lowers it.Lord Galen is heard through the base, "Imp, start working something up I can give to the public. Let me know when you have something.Reaper, I must know the nature of the files you would like to access and the reason you need access." Reaper replies, "Alright, I need the base to list all metas that have been seen over the last twenty years and what they can do. The reason for this is one that I would rather discuss in private." Scar speaks to Omega in a slow raspity voice, "My visions are a clear pattern of what could happen, what is and what could be. I see events that are going to happen unless I act upon them. Andromeda should have devastated Midville but didn't. Get the picture? Now as for the virus-thing I know nothing about it, it has not even popped up in one of my visions." Omega speaks as Poundage enters. "Another troubling vision, Scar." Scar replies, "I will not be going to Colorado with you, therefore I have no input on the vision just described... you will loose at least the Striker. Good Luck.Now if we may go to the hospital?" Poundage steps to the clear wall and hands the darts through the box enclosure. "I hope these help." He turns to Scar, "I was just leaving Scar. Need a way out? After my meeting I will meet you somewhere." Probe speaks up, Take me also,I'll 'scan' the wall." He nods to Imp and follows Poundage and Scar out of the medical office.Mental looks at Omega, "We'll wait here for the test results,then may need a lift out."
4:00-4:10 pm Omega waits at the base.He extends an invitation to Mental and Lieutenant to join his group.Lieutenant nods his head no, "I am pledged to Probe." Mental gives him a funny look and replies, "UUNN...yes...AAHH...I would like too...CHASE LITTLE PUPPIES...no...join your group...GROUP THERAPY...but would you accept...ACCEPT THIS TOKEN OF MY ESTEEM...UNNN...me?" As he finishes the base speaks, "...I have the results from the test of Scar,Probe,Mental and Lieutenant...Scar is negative...Probe is positive...Mental is negative...Lieutenant is positive...also 7 of the other teens are positive..." Mental lets out a "HELL YEA ! ", then looks at his friend.Lieutenant just bows his head a moment then looks up.Quietly he asks, "What now?"
4:10-4:20 pm Omega looks around the room sadly. He looks to Imp, "Imp, it would probably be too risky to take your friend to the hospital. I would guess that the sooner they are stabilized the better chance they will have. If you come up with ANYTHING that you think might be helpful, please let me know." Imp wipes a tear from her eye, "Yes,too risky to take him to the hospital,but we still have two available beds in the Striker and two available in the New York base.But someone must go tell Probe." Omega turns and is surprised to see Galen in the doorway.Omega says, "Look, Galen--some people around here have really gotten the wrong idea about me but I'm here to help in any way I can. Several more metas have just been diagnosed with the Legacy Virus. Things are looking very grim. Scar had a vision of the Striker being blown out of the sky--this probably relates to the trip to Colorado. I'm not sure how many extra metas can now be recruited tonight either. I can probably get Alloy, Vyra and Maxi-Miss at least--but we don't know whether or not they have contracted the virus. God willing, they haven't. And there's this vision Scar had concerning the hospital. It just seems like gloom and doom every way you turn but we're going to have to figure this out somehow. Please tell me how you think we should proceed. I can't stand just sitting here and watching my friends slowly die."
4:20-4:30 pm Omega again considers the situation. He speaks with Imp and Afterburn. "I don't think I can be of much use at the hospital right now," Omega tells them. "But I can't just stand idly by while innocent lives are at stake. I'm going to the police station and speak with Wojo. Hopefully, the metas at the hospital can do something to stop the impending collapse but if not then I think we have no choice but to consider an evacuation. I'll gather as many additional metas as possible at 5 p.m. and then return here. We have GOT to keep one eye towards Colorado." Afterburn smiles at him,places a hand on the clear wall, "I wish I could be going with you.Hurry back,perhaps we'll know more when you return." Omega pauses for a moment and then adds, "Imp--I know you are under a lot of stress right now. It's a bad situation for everyone, but you might very well be our best hope in figuring all of this out. Hang in there. We'll beat this yet." Imp looks at him,her eyes both tired and angry looking, "Hang in there? HANG IN THERE? What choice do I have? I'm stuck in this medlab,dying from some God awful disease some mad scientist created,watching the only real family I have fall prey to it one by one.While the healthy heroes argue,I'm expected to make miracles happen." She stares at Omega for a long moment then her head drops, "...I'm sorry...it's just that..I can only do so much...ya know?" Omega looks at her with sympathy, "If the X-Men should arrive here prior to our return, please let me know. I would like to speak with them if possible. Scar had a vision of the Striker being blown out of the sky--which is why I was asking about stealth technology earlier--I thought that if the Guardians DIDN'T have it then perhaps it might be possible to acquire it from another source. Maybe the X-Men have access to that sort of technology?" Imp takes a deep breath, "No,we don't have any sort of stealth technology,but I'll see what I can come up with." Afterburn steps over and places her arm around Imp, "WE'LL see what we can come up with.But I have been thinking,in the vision the Striker is brought down by anti-air missiles.What if the Striker flew in until it detected the radar,then landed and the heroes went with a land assault from there.It would negate one of the weapons there at the mountain." Imp looks at the two teens, "Lieutenant,perhaps you should go to the Striker in the hangar,let the base stabilize you in the Striker medlab.Omega perhaps you take Mental out.He can go with you to the meeting or he could go give Probe the bad news."
4:30-4:40 pm Lord Galen speaks to the base, "Base, get Dr. X on the line for me." As the base contacts X,Galen talks with Omega, "Omega, I understand some of my team think you are a little head strong. I myself think you did take advantage of the base pretty well. I mean, coming and going as you please but I'm not here to talk about that right now. There are more pressing matters. I too believe that since we have no stealth technology that we fly a team in as close as we can and go with a ground assault. Base, make sure all Guardian members get this message. I want a vote from everyone, all metas and heroes involved as to who should lead the ground assault. Who has former military experience or any experience for that matter. I also think we need an Air support back up. For when the missiles and such are taken out. Omega, will you go and see how many metas you can round up? Base, I want you to contact any other meta groups or hero groups such as the X-men that you can and inform them of the virus situation and everything we know so far and see if we can get some more help."Omega looks to Imp one last time, "Imp...I'm sorry we...I have put so much pressure on you. I guess I just really respect your opinion. I'll take Mental to the meeting and we'll stop en route to talk to Probe." Omega leaves the base with Mental.Galen then taps his badge, "Vengeance, Wraith, any other advice or suggestions?" Before anyone can reply the base says, "...I am unable to contact X at his base..." Wraith is heard through the base, "The only suggestion I have is we prepare until the X-Men arrive,perhaps sending the Striker II ahead to scout,unmanned of course.If we send it now it should arrive in Colorado about an hour before the rest of the assault team gets there." Reaper walks over to Galen, glances around the room to make sure no one is listening, then says, "Alright, I don't remember anything before two nights ago. The only clues to my past are some vivid...and disturbing dreams. I need access to the files because I figure, if I can find some records on myself, I may learn something about my past, or even trigger some memories. This is not something I'm very open about, could you keep it to yourself?"
4:40-4:50 pm Lord Galen speaks softly to Reaper, "I respect your privacy. Anything said to me will stay with me. Base authorize Reaper to access pertinent files." He then walks over towards Imp. "I never really congratulated you. Welcome to the Guardians. I hope you are proud to be one of us." She smiles and blushes, "Are you kidding me? Proud doesn't cover it." Galen asks, "What do you think of Wraith's idea of sending Striker II ahead to scout. If you have any ideas or suggestions I would be glad to hear them. That actually goes for everyone." Imp replies, "Yes,I think it's a great idea.If we time it right we could have it arrive just shortly before the main force,giving us some good info on what we are up against but not alert them to early before the assault."
4:50-5:00 pm Lord Galen speaks to the base. "Base, prepare Striker II for flight. Imp will give you the coordinates and time of launch. Do not fly within radar range. Imp will instruct you as to what to look for and to report on. Imp, have you put that speech together for me? I think its time we let the public know that we are on their side and doing all we can." Before Imp can answer Reaper turns to the monitor again, "Base, list all metas that have been seen in the last twenty years.Highlight those who have demonstrated telekinesis in blue, flight in red, and those who have demonstrated both in gold." The base replies, "...working...this may take a few minutes..." Imp looks over at him and rolls her eyes then turns back to Galen. "I have something about ready for you.I think short and simple would be best.Whenever your ready to go on air we can do it,and have the base teleprompt you." As she finishes the base says, "...I have a incoming message from Omega..." Next Omega is heard, "Lord Galen? This is Omega. Listen, I'm here with Sgt. Wojo. He's heard of Stern and agrees that he will be prepared for just about anything. Wojo is ex-military. His recommendation is to try something covert and he also suggests separating our forces--allowing one to act as a distraction for the other. Wojo feels--and I agree--Stern will probably have at least two entrances into the mountain base and a way to retreat if needed. What do you think? Probe has been informed of the situation and he went back to the other runaways. He's pledged his--and their--support if it is needed later on. I've spoken with Wojo about the catastrophe Scar predicted at the hospital. We're waiting now to see if any additional metas show up. It shouldn't be too much longer."
5:00-5:10 pm Reaper waits as the names begin to pop onto the screen.He studies the color coded names looking for any similarity to his own names,Reaper or Adam Flint.There are few names that show the abilities of telekinesis and flight.,and even fewer that show names related to his.He studies the list hard but can't find anything that triggers anything in his memory.Imp looks over at him,a scowl on her face.Curious she taps a couple keys on her pad and the very same list appears on her screen.She begins to study it as she speaks with Galen, "I have the flight prep for Striker II ready.Assuming the X-Men show at 9:30 pm,I figure a departure time for the Striker I and the strike force at around 10 pm.Flight time to the mountain will be about 55 minutes,arriving 10:55 pm,our time.I figure an hours worth of scout time by Striker II should give us plenty of tactical data.Striker II will take 2 hours and 42 minutes to arrive at the mountain.Departure at 7:18 pm would have the Striker on scene at 10 pm our time.I can have a couple high altitude fly overs,simulating normal commercial traffic and hope that will let us establish the radar radius.Then I can bring the Striker II in closer for a better view.Also I have had the base contact the major media networks of an impending announcement from the Guardians.Whenever your ready we can teleprompt your speech.We should also discuss the possibility of taking some of the infected heroes on the strike force.According to how many X-Men show,and how many Omega brings,we made need to bring more.Especially if we do decide to separate the force into 2 strike units." She pauses a moment and seems to hold a personal debate.She then turns to Reaper,still engrossed in the read-out on screen. "Look,I don't mean to pry...well actually,yea I do...but pouring through thousands of names isn't going to do it.Why do you have to be so complicated? Give me,or the base an idea of what your looking for,and looking at the list I'm guessing meta's with telekinetics and flight.We can speed this whole process up and not tire that poor peanut you call a brain."
5:10-5:20 pm Reaper glances at Imp and says, "I'm looking for some record of my past. Problem is, I don't remember it. All I remember before a few nights ago is some kind of explosion." Imp looks at him as if he were crazy, "Explosion? There wasn't an explosion in Midville,a few nights ago."Reaper adds, "Well, I've had a few vivid dreams since then. There was a man, at least, I think he was a man, saying he was coming for me." She watches him a moment then says, "I'll do some checking...let's see,pop up some scan's...Big B shift to the temporal scans,and give me some genetic info..." Lord Galen says, "Base, send a message to Omega. Tell him we are preparing Striker II for flight. It should get there and scan the area long before we get there. Also send a message to Wraith and Vengeance letting them know I am still waiting on a vote for leader of the ground assault." He then asks those in the medlab, "Who has your vote?" Imp looks up from the computer, "Well,if your going,I believe logic dictate you lead,as leader of the Guardians.But in this situation the best would be to discuss it with the gathered members of the strike force.Of course information coming in here will help me advice the whole unit." As she finishes the base states, "...I have an incoming message from Omega..." "Lord Galen? It's Omega. We've assembled a large group of metas for the Protectors. We're en route to the hospital to get them tested as their are probably too many for Guardian Base to accommodate. After they have been tested and we have a breakdown of all the healthy metas, I'll let you know." As Omega finishes speaking Wraith is heard, "Galen,I believe you should lead,being the leader of the Guardians but should be open to suggestions from the members of the team.Especially,listen to Imp and relay any information back to her.With her brains and the base technology we should have a distinct advantage."
5:20-5:30 pm Reaper says, "Base, is there any way you could scan the Park for signs that someone has entered from an alternate dimension?" The base replies, "...scan already underway..." Imp looks at Reaper and smiles,shakes her head a moment. "Leaps ahead of you.From the scans I have ALREADY performed I can say that you are not native to this dimension.Temporal scans show no sign of temporal displacement in the park at that time.There is evidence of a dimensional rip there but it has been to long to think about pinpointing from where.This led me too look at your genetic make-up,fom the scans the base did earlier.Your genetic make-up is 99.9% the same as normal humans...but then again so is an apes." She pauses a moment as she studies any reaction. "There is evidence your genetic structure has been tampered with,altered,you know c h a n g e d,and I don't mean by the virus." Lord Galen speaks to the base, "Base it is possible to broadcast from here correct?" The base replies, "...Correct...there is a media room on level two..." Galen replies, "Contact all news media in the area and prepare them for a broadcast at 8:00 P.M.Contact Omega and let him know I will be waiting for the results of the other metas tests and I applaud his efforts at getting more help. Contact Vengeance and let him know I want him as part of the ground force as well as Wraith and Poundage. Also, have you contacted any other groups?" The base replies, "...I have tried to contact all the meta groups in my databases...the X-Men...they too seem to busy with virus related problems..." Galen turns to Imp, "Imp, when you start receiving info from the Striker, find out how many entrances or exits the mountain complex has, also put some maps together for the ground team. We need some Idea as to what we are walking into. I want all defensive info you can get. If this is to be a covert mission I definitely don't want to walk blindly into any traps. I would also like to have Scar and Probe with us." As he thinks,(I don't know the powers of all these other metas, maybe Imp can help.) Imp asks, "So you have decided to take infected meta's? If so perhaps I can ride in the Striker II on it's scouting mission.It would make it much simpler to gather the data needed." Galen breaks away from his thoughts and says, "Imp can you try to find out what the powers of these other metas are,the ones that will be joining us so that I know which to use on what team?" Imp gets a devious look on her face, "I can hack into the hospital database and retrieve the info from their virus scans...or I could just ask Omega."
5:50-6:00 pm Reaper drifts slowly deeper into sleep.His eyes begin to flutter,his breathing shallow.In his mind he drifts,the scene around him morphing from dark colors to light colors.He finds himself in a dark cavern,the sound of laughter coming at him from all directions.Everywhere he looks he sees only a dark cavern.The laughter changes to speech and he tries to follow the sound of the voice. "Hunt my Reaper...chase...find...REAP..." The voice seems to come from a corrider on his right and he goes down it. "...hunt...chase...find...REAP..." The corrider opens on another cavern,larger than the last.At first it seems empty but as his eyes adjust to the dark he sees a large object against the far wall. "...hunt...chase...find...REAP..." The voice is like nails on a chalkboard,more screech than a voice.The hairs on the back of his neck rise with each repetition. "...hunt...chase...find...REAP..." He nears the large object,fear rising in his gut.The closer he gets,the more the fear grows.He arrives at the base,every fiber of his being screaming,run,run! "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." The object is a large machine,he can hear it click and clack at odd moments. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." He stares upward trying to see the top.He can barely see the edge and it seems as high as a mountain.He starts to look for a way up,his whole being dreading the climb.Suddenly the air is split by a horrendous scream,someone in immense pain.His muscles lock,he is unable to move but his brain works.He knows that voice,that scream.He digs deep into his mind,hunting the identity. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." He falls to his knees as the recognition hits him like a slab of bricks...that voice,that scream...that was...ME...
6:00-6:10 pm Reaper stares up at the immense machine,looking for the source of the scream.He shakes the fear that has locked his muscles and leaps upward,willing his body to fly. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." He moves slowly up,almost floating.He knows he can fly faster than this,he is sure of it.He looks down toward the receding ground,trying to gauge the distance.Below him there appears a sea of humanity,all reaching toward him. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." The faces below stare up at him,some moaning some crying.His flight upwards slows,then stops.He wills himself to move upward,but can feel the will of that mass of humanity pulling him down.He struggles,sweat popping out on his face. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." With the last bit of strength he can gather he looks upward,grunting to himself.Above,near the top of the machine Reaper thinks he catches a glimpse of a face,peeking over the side,leering at him.He is beginning to get angry and uses that anger to break the grip of the people below him and shoots upward. "...HUNT...CHASE...FIND...REAP..." As he crest the top of the machine,he is surprised to find himself in some sort of office,a large desk just across from him.He takes a couple steps forward and the voices stop.There seems to be a figure in the chair,but the darkness makes it hard for Reaper to make out any details just the outline.A voice comes from the figure, "My,my...such anger...such bravery...you tread the path,but know not your destination." Reaper opens his mouth to speak,when the scene changes.He is hovering over another office,a man sits at a desk talking on the phone,a child of about 5 pushes a little firetruck around on the floor.The man speaks, "The situation threatens to spin out of control. (HUNT) If we don't find a way to stop them,the family is sure to go under. (CHASE) We need a weapon to match their power. (FIND) We need one of them. (REAP) One of them (KILL) one of them (KILL) one of them (KILL)" The man repeats the last refrain over and over one of them (KILL) as the boy looks directly at Reaper. one of them (KILL) The boy smiles and his eyes flash a bright red. one of them (KILL) He too starts to repeat those words as the fire truck slowly lifts from the floor and begins to spin around the little boys head. one of them (KILL) of them (KILL) them (KILL) them (KILL) (KILL)them (KILL)them (KILL THEM) (KILL THEM) (KILL THEM)
6:10-6:20 pm Reaper suppresses the urge to scream,but lashes out with his TK throwing the truck against the wall.As it smashes into the wall all sounds cease and the only thing that remains is the little boy.The boy continues to stare at Reaper with those glowing red eyes.The boy slowly rises to his feet,but when he stands he towers over Reaper,no longer a boy but a giant.Reaper looks up,trying to find the boys' face.It is no longer an angelic young boy's face but is now a demon's face.The demon bends at the waist,his face very close to Reaper's.The beast's hot breath burns Reaper's face as it speaks in a loud voice. "So,you look for answers. (kill) You search for beginnings. (hunt) You search for endings. (chase) This was the beginning,but you don't remember do you? (find)" The beast leans back and let's out a long loud laugh.He stands straight and glares down at Reaper. I'll let you roam in here,hunt what you seek. (REAP) " A finger reaches down and a ghastly long nail slowly strokes Reaper's cheek. "But a pet is only allowed as far as the leash allows it,remember that. (KILL) " The beast stares for a moment then morphs into a man in a white coat.The man turns and walks away,toward what appears to be a hospital bed.
6:20-6:30 pm Reaper stares after the man in the white coat,unsure what to do.Finally he follows the man,slowly.The man seems to hunch over someone,or something,on the table.Reaper walks up cautiously,afraid of what he might see.He peers over the mans shoulder,seeing only blood spattered covers.He inches closer,wanting to see.Slowly a head comes into view,it's mouth frozen in a scream.The doctor chuckles,low under his breath.As the whole bed comes into view Reaper sees body pieces strewn about.Some larger,some smaller.The doctor seems to be piceing together the body,but with parts that do not match.An infant leg here,a normal leg there.Suddenly the eyes in the head flash red and the screaming starts again.Reaper clasp his hands over his ears and closes his eyes,the pain from the scream is intense.Slowly He opens his eyes,only to find himself on the bed,the doctor crouched over him.He feels the pain in his hip as the doctor attaches the infant leg.The doctor continues to chuckle and,Reaper realizes,talking. "...piece by piece...must find the correct order...piece by piece...any mistake and HE shall see...piece by piece...but the pieces are small...piece by piece...and the war shall be won...piece by piece..." The doctor reaches toward Reaper's chest.His hand plunges in the the chest cavity and pulls,ripping the heart out.He holds it up and studies it as Reaper opens his mouth and begins to scream...
6:30-6:40 pm He screams at the top of his lungs,unable to withstand the pain.He makes a sweeping motion with one arm,trying to knock the hand from his chest.He looks for the doctor and finds he has just pushed a body from the bed.He looks down at himself to find he now is standing over the bed,wearing the white coat,and in his hand is the beating heart.In shock he hurls the heart and it impacts the wall with a splat.He hears that voice echoing in his head,that laughter. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO ? " ,he screams as he searches the small room.In the corner he sees a red pair of eyes and hears that voice,seemingly coming from everywhere. "What did I do...HA HA HA...oh my,you are full of questions.But how do you expect to find the right answers,If you ask the wrong questions...." The room begins to fade and Reaper finds himself standing in a large hospital ward,full of patients.As he walks between the rows of beds he reads the charts for each.They all list a date that he can't quite read,but each has a listing, "Volunteer ###,failure...disposition,parts donor..." On each one,below the listing,someone has scribbled, "Yee shall REAP what you sow..."
6:40-6:50 pm Reaper scans the room for a doctor.He finds the room to be empty,his footsteps echo eerily.He says, "I'd like to volunteer, but I need to know exactly what I'm getting into. Explain everything. What are we doing? Why? Etcetera." The room goes dark,the only lights centering on the beds around the room.One of the bodies to Reaper's left slowly rises to a sitting position. That same voice seems to come from it, "Ha ha ha...you have volunteered,and you have asked for volunteers..." the body falls back into the bed with a thud as another further down rises to a sitting position, "...we are finding a cure,we are creating the disease..." The same procedure continues,as another body sits up, "...the world is dying,the world is tearing itself apart..." Again another body rises to a sitting position, "...you are the solution,you are the problem..." Another body at the far end of the room rises,but this one actually stands and begins a slow shuffle toward Reaper. "I thought I was going to be tested for the disease...and you experimented on me.I thought I would return to my family...and you hacked me too pieces,stole what you needed." The body stops suddenly and stands rigid,the look on it's face changes and it's eyes glow red.It speaks but from it's mouth comes the voice Reaper is becoming very familiar with, "Gaze upon your work Reaper and be proud.You have served well and continue to serve.You were a mistake,a rejected experiment that fulfilled a need...FIND...CHASE...HUNT...REAP..."
6:50-7:00 pm Reaper stands confused,as the voice continues. "...FIND...CHASE...HUNT...REAP..." The room slowly dims around him,as one by one the lights over the beds go our. "...FIND...CHASE...HUNT...REAP..." Reaper starts to look around him his eyes darting here and there.The darkness is overwhelming,but he thinks he notices it lighten a little and senses movement.He slowly steps forward,and catches the glimpse of movement near him.he looks in the direction and is stunned by what he sees.He sees himself,tinkering at a machine.There seems to be a body suspended in some sort of fluid.Reapers otherself is at a console,manning the controls.Reaper feels his body being pulled backwards and upwards.He reaches forward trying to grasp at his otherself,rising upwards at a quickening pace.He faintly hears a voice screaming, "..NO!!,IT'S NOT READY YET!...THE SPECIMAN CAN'T HANDLE THAT POWER!!!.. The last thing Reaper sees is a large explosion,feels the heat...then all goes dark.After a few moments he wakes,groggily.He sits up staright,looking around to aquaint himself ,again,with where he is.
7:00-7:10 pm Reaper scans the room and realizes where he is. He says quickly, "Base, I need a piece of paper and a pen." Once these are supplied he will write down every detail of the dream. Every detail of the disturbing the disturbing detail.
7:10-7:20 pm Once completed writing down his dream,Reaper says, "Base, scan this piece of paper and put a copy of the information written on it in the database." The base replies, "...completed...perhaps you should speak with Afterburn about this...she is a psychologist..." Reaper scans the room and finds he is alone in the medlab,besides the unconscious Shadowcat,and there doesn't seem to be anyone in the medical office either.
7:20-7:30 pm Reaper waits patiently.After a few minutes Galen enters the medlab with a group of meta's,including Omega,Vyra and Maxi-Miss.Maxi-Miss looks at the two remaining beds, "I'll stay here,with Amazin' Grace.That leaves Zephyr and Vyra in the Striker."
7:40-7:50 pm Fugitive walks over to Reaper and starts to talk with him. "Hey,um, I'm new and I'm still kinda lost,right.Heck, I'm a 16 year old boy, what do you expect? Anyway, you just seem like the type of person who can explain things,as if to a little kid,no offense." Omega and Galen continue to talk quietly as Vyra smiles politely to Zephyr, hoping she's not a mind-reader, for her thoughts might offend the "goddess" further.She leads Zephyr out of the medical office headed for the Striker.Khaydra glances over at Omega and Galen,wondering what they are talking about, but then lets his mind wander about the up coming mission.Maxi-Miss and Amazin' Grace get comfortable in the medlab,Amazin' Grace pulling the weapon from her side and beginning to tinker with it.
7:50-8:00 pm Lord Galen replies, "Omega, butting in with "The Goddess" is not a problem. My worry is, How will she affect the team? I've been thinking about the next move. As everyone has guessed, a covert operation seems to be the best bet. I still want a grounds and air team as back up, but we need a small party to go in silently. I would like you to lead the air team. I will lead the ground team. I think we need the strongest superhero available to lead the covert operation. I believe that hero would be Poundage. Base, get me Poundage on the communication link. Ask him if he will lead the covert team into the mountain, and if so, who he would like with him." The base is heard, "...affirmative..." Galen continues, "Also, Omega. We need to keep everyone clear of the mountain while the covert team goes in. I want everyone far enough away that we are not noticed. Base, inform Imp to not go within sight of the mountain. Just within scanning range. Do not scan without my order. We do not want them to have any inclination we are coming." "...affirmative..." Omega nods to Galen, "Sounds like a good plan to me, Galen. Between the Guardians, Protectors and the Sentinels we have a fairly large group and we can split them up however would be best." Omega rubs his chin and continues, "Hmmmmm...let's see...I would also recommend Mentor for the stealth team. She could establish a silent, telepathic link between the metas...and perhaps the team should include Specter as well...he seems fairly powerful and he should be able to penetrate their defenses. We should probably keep the stealth group small--I had thought earlier that perhaps having someone with electrical powers might be beneficial as they might be able to use that ability to short out electronics--perhaps someone like that on the stealth team as well, if we have someone like that available?" Omega then says, "As for the aerial team--they should probably all be fliers--let's see, how many on the team have some type of flight power? There's me, Vyra, Specter--but I still think he's best for the stealth team you mentioned--Reaper has flight powers...who am I missing? Galen, if I may? Base computer...please list all metas known to us with some type of flight abilities--to include the infected metas." The base replies, "...Vyra,Omega,Wraith and Reaper all have flight abilities...Specter's abilities include walking on air...and Vengeance has shown the ability to 'float' using his magnetics..." Omega then says to Galen, "That leaves your ground assault team. Both Afterburn and Fugitive have the power of enhanced speed. That might give a tactical advantage on the ground. Well, those are just some of my suggestions. We also don't yet know what these 'X-Men' are capable of doing for us and I'm not sure as to the rest of the breakdown. We MIGHT have enough metas to have TWO ground teams, if you want to go that route--perhaps let Vyra or one of the others lead the other ground team and come at them from two directions. Then again, it might be better to have one more powerful team. Well, like I said those are just my suggestions and they may or may not be valid. I do think that no matter how we split up, we should be ready to converge and enter that base quickly should the covert team be discovered. What are your thoughts, Galen?" The base then speaks, "...might I suggest an alteration to the strategy?..the ground forces should engage the enemy at the time the covert team enters the base to draw attention and forces away from the covert team.....also the number of ground units should equal the number of entrances and exits discovered...Assault each to deter any escape...the air units should be held in reserve,called out when air support is needed...or when a ground unit needs more 'muscle'...of course all this conjecture is moot until the scout team has better recon to report..."
8:00-8:10 pm Reaper walks over to the clear wall and asks, "So, what's going on? How much have I missed?" Lord Galen looks in his direction then continues his discussion, Omega, as far as the covert team goes, If Poundage accepts the leadership I want him to pick his own team. I believe he will take your suggestions into consideration." Omega nods to Galen, "It would be best to allow each team leader to pick his or her own respective teams. Base, please let Poundage know that we have additional metas here which can be assigned to his team should he with to utilize them. Suggestions are Mentor for silent, telepathic communication; Specter for stealth and power and perhaps a meta with some type of electrical abilities if we have one available. However, please stress that team selection is entirely up to him and these are only suggestions." Fugitive clears his throat, "UM,I have electrical control abilities." Khaydra steps forward, "I think I would do the best being part of the ground force." Lord Galen then speaks to the base. Base as for your suggestion, I have thought that way as well. My worry there is having the enemy destroy any cure they may have knowing we are there. I want to try the silent approach first. Let the covert team get in and see if the need the distraction. If so, we can move then." Omega turns to Galen and continues, "And you're right--the absolute worst thing that could happen is that they destroy the cure--or the information pertaining to the cure--before we're able to get our hands on it. Maybe the report from the recon team will help us out with our planning but I think we're on the right track. The base is right, though--depending on what they find out there--it could change everything. One things for certain though, Galen. We're going to have a hell of a fight on our hands out there. I can feel it coming." The base then says, "...incoming message from Poundage...he and Vengeance will be at the base shortly...he will talk about it then...as for my suggestions...I am assuming the forces we face will not automatically destroy data or equipment till it is seen that the battle is lost...an attack from other forces will force the enemy to pull units to defend against the attack,therefore the covert team will face less organized resistance and possibly get to the date or cure before it is destroyed..."
8:10-8:20 pm Lord Galen replies, "Alright. I will wait for Poundage and Vengeance to arrive." Khaydra just stands around with the group, waiting for what happens next.Omega waits for the others to arrive. He turns to Fugitive and says, "Your powers may be very useful to us, Fugitive. Are you able to use your powers to short out electical circuitry? Things like defensive weapons, survelience and the like? You will be of great value to us as well, Khaydra. We'll finalize the team breakdowns once the others arrive and once we learn more from the recon team." Omega walks over to Amazin' Grace and nods to her weapon, "Don't worry--you'll get a chance to use it soon enough, Grace. I just hope it makes really, really big holes in things." The helmut turns in his direction,then returns to the weapon.Omega turns to Reaper and says, "Hello again, Reaper. So--tell me, have you given any more thought to joining our group? I think you'd make a fine addition to the team. Unfortunately, we lost Alloy so we are a member short as it is." Reaper says, "I've been giving it some thought. Although...wait a minute. Do any of the metas here have the ability to read minds?" As he seems to concentrate,the base comments, "...I have an incoming message from Poundage...Omega, this is Poundage. Vengeance and I will be there in a second..."
8:20-8:30 pm Khaydra starts to speak,but remains silent.Omega replies, "No problem Poundage. We're standing by here." Omega turns to Reaper and says, "Mentor has the ability to read minds. Why do you ask?" Reaper will say, "While I slept, I had this dream...something from my past, which, I can't remember. I have the feeling it's important. If I can get someone to read my mind, maybe they can get some more information." Mentor walks forward but stops when she hears Amazin' Grace, "I don't think now is the time we need to worry about 'your past'.We should be conserving our energy and concentration for the mission to come." She neatly flips her side arm to its holster and rises from the bed. "Now we should be concerned with our future,or lack thereof." As she finishes speaking Vengeance and Poundage enter the medical office.
8:30-8:40 pm Lord Galen looks at Poundage and Vengeance, "Thanks for coming. Its so nice to see you. So, Poundage, What about leading the covert op? You up for it?" Vengeance walks toward the medlab and is stopped by the clear wall. "...I can not allow you to enter the med lab...it is under quarantine..." Vengeance replies, "I need to rest up before we leave." Khaydra steps up behind him and fixes Amazin' Grace with a look. "Well, maybe his dream is important to this mission and could help, but just a thought," ,he says. Amazin' Grace looks at Khaydra and her voice softens, "So the silent one speaks.Your correct,but I assumed if it had any bearing to the mission he would have said so." Poundage looks over the group. "Listen, all I need is Probe and maybe a couple others. One, like someone else said, for silent communication and maybe another strong man to help with a quick escape if needed. At the same time, I don't want anyone who can't take a few good hits. With Probes abilities, I am hoping to gain access to the mountain and possibly find info on a cure. We could also track down the leaders and take them. If we can do that, The army they have may lay down. I don't mean to sound like I am trying to take over the operation or build myself to be a badass. I just know that if we need to make a quick escape, I am strong enough to move large sections of the mountain and maybe save some lives. Also, every bit of my skin is covered. Therefore, I should be able to carry anyone with the virus. Right base?" It takes a moment before the base replies, "...I am not completely sure how the virus spreads...skin to skin contact does not seem the only way it speads..." Poundage is silent a moment,gathering his thoughts. Omega looks to Poundage and says, "I think you're definitely on the right track, Poundage. I was the one who suggested the telepath on your team. Mentor--a new member of the Protectors--could be assigned to your team if you wish. Also, I agree that the covert team should be small. Specter might add a bit of muscle to your team, and my other thought was to have someone with lightning control abilities that could short out the survelence equipment and defensive weapons if needed. Fugitive has this ability and also has the power to move very fast, like Afterburn. Of course, it is your team and I agree with Lord Galen the final selections should be yours. Those are just some of my suggestions." Poundage continues, "As far as the ground attack goes, I think we should try to lure their forces away from the mountain to avoid the covert team being trapped between two enemy forces. Any input that might help would be greatly appreciated. As far as who goes with me, It doesn't matter as long as they can handle themselves and can take some shots. I am honored to be asked if I wanted to do it this way. This was my plan all along." Omega nods, "I think you're probably right about the ground assault team too--we need to detract as much attention from the covert team as possible." The two are interrupted by Reaper, "So which group, if any, am I going with?" Omega looks at Reaper and says, "Hey bud, I never did get an answer to my earlier invitation--whether or not you would like to join the Protector's team officially--but whether you do or not, you're welcome to come with us and fight by our side. Since you can fly, you should probably be part of the aerial team that Lord Galen suggested--so you'll be with my group regardless. I think the fliers main job will be to back up the ground team and provide them with cover and support where needed. We should also be prepared to cover the covert teams withdrawal if they are discovered. Once the attack team breakdowns are finalized perhaps we can plan a bit more."
8:40-8:50 pm Reaper replies to Omega, "Ok, thanks. As for joining permanently, I still don't know. I'm giving it some serious thought. As for the dream, I really doubt it's important. Although, if it WAS a memory, it had something to do with someone...making someone better. Almost sounds like they're talking about the virus. Would you mind updating me on what we know so far?" Lord Galen walks over and claps Poundage on the shoulder. "I am glad you accept the leadership. I see good in you. Once we find out how many entrances and exits tere are you can let us know which way you wish to go in. We can then fake an attack on the opposite side. I don't think we need team breakdowns. Anyone with flight ability will go with the aerial team, all others on the ground. Poundage pick your team." "I'll go on the least important ground force, so I can get a feel for what this is going to be like." Khaydra says to the group. Vengeance looks around and sees a group of unfamiliar heroes. "Hey guys,why don't we wait until the X-Men get here before we get too detailed on the plans.We don't know what we are working with yet.Maybe get some ideas from their team as well." Omega nods and says, "Perhaps we SHOULD wait on the X-Men to arrive and also on the report from the recon team, before we make more definitive plans. I know it's hard just sitting around here and waiting--and I think the plan we have so far is a good one--but we should be sure that we have as much info as possible before deciding upon a final course of action." Poundage listens then replies, "I surprisingly agree with Omega. Before I can pick a team, I need to know all the options available. When the X-men get here, I can see who all is going and make my decision then. As far as the fliers, we must remember that they have surface to air missiles and mini-jets. To any and all fliers, BE CAREFUL. I don't want this to end up a rescue mission." The woman in brown,a stylized M on her chest steps forward and everyone gathered hears a soft voice in their head, [I am Mentor.I'm the telepath Omega spoke of.I would be honored to assist this covert team you will leading Poundage] A man in orange and green,an 'S' at his throat,speaks next, "I call myself Specter,you know like a ghost.I think my abilities are very well suited for the covert team.I can go through anything,well almost.I found force fields are a bit of a problem.Also I seem to be able to take some pounding,that is IF anything can hit me." He shows a large smile at the last statement.Omega asks the base, "How much longer before these X-Men arrive, or until we get the report from the recon team?" The mechanical voice replies, "...arrival of X-Men unknown...the recon team should be on target approximately 9:30 pm..." Poundage seems to debate with himself for a moment then says, "When the X-men get here, give me a call and I will be back." He strides out of the medical office,purposefully.
8:50-9:00 pm Vengeance watches Poundage walk out then replies, "Base let me know when something happens I am going to work on my project.Gentlemen,ladies I will see you later." He exits the medical office as Khaydra says, "So, who on the X-men is showing up? I'd like to meet a couple of them." All the gathered heroes hear Mentor's voice in their heads. [I too look forward to meeting the mutant rebels.] Lord Galen looks about the medical office at the group, "Alright, We shall all await the arrival of the X-Men. Any one hungry? Cafeteria is open." Omega looks at Galen and says, "I'm starving. I'll join you in a moment, if you don't mind." Omega looks around, "Anyone else? I know it's a strange time to think about food but we all need to be well fed and rested prior to the upcoming battles." Specter licks his lips, "Hot damn! Let's chow!" The healthy heroes begin to follow Galen out of the medical office.Reaper wants to follow but finds himself on the other side of the clear wall.He says, "Omega, I still need to know what you've found out about the virus." Omega waits,as the others leave the medical office.
9:00-9:10 pm Omega replies to Reaper, "The Guardian Base computer has been given all the data that I have, Reaper. We really don't know much more than we did--essentially, we know that it was manufactured initially as a bio-weapon against mutants. But it's now mutated to a point where it will affect everyone. And it's spreading at an alarming rate. The base computer can give you more detailed information if you need it." He nods to Reaper and exits the medical office.Amazin' Grace looks at Reaper,shakes her head and lies back in the bed.
9:10-9:20 pm Reaper looks around at the other metas then settles into his bed.
9:20-9:30 pm Reaper thinks for a moment. He says, "Base, is there a chance that the virus is not just there to kill us? That someone programmed it to attack humans in order to keep us busy?" The two women in the medlab with him look over at him surprised.The base replies, "...that is a possibility...though comparisons to the virus inside Shadowcat and the virus in the 'newer' infections show the virus has definitely mutated...still researching whether it is a natural or man-made modification..."
9:30-9:50 pm The gathered meta's wait patiently.
9:50-10:00 pm Reaper stands there, staring blankly, trying to remember...anything... The office in the dream,he thinks he remembers that...or does he...The two ladies lounge in their beds,both looking at individual view screens.
10:00-10:10 pm Reaper concentrates on the office...trying to remember anything...Yes the office existed,it wasn't just an image in the dream.He has the feeling he knows the office,he knows it well...but how? Amazin' Grace gets out of bed,the pistol in her hand twirling.
10:10-10:20 pm Reaper concentrates harder...the hospital...What was he supposed to heal? Wounds? The virus perhaps?...the hospital...yes,he has a vague recollection of time in the hospital.An impression of laying on one of medical beds,barely conscious...the vaguest memory of looking down at his feet,his body apparently covered in bandages...He is broken from this memory by Amazin' Grace. "...hey...Mr.Midnight over there...hey short dark and freaky...you o.k.?"
10:20-10:30 pm Reaper says, "Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine." He thinks for a second and says, "This may sound dumb, but can you read minds?" Amazin' Grace flips the pistol into her holster as the base interrupts, "...All heroes going to the mountain meet Lord Galen in the hangar...We are preparing to leave....those unfamiliar with the layout of the base just follow the doors as they open for you..." The clear wall blocking the medlab door rises out of sight and the three meta's leave the medlab. "All I has is my sidearm and this armor that diffuses most damage done to it..." ,Amazin' grace quips as the group crosses the medlab and waits for the elevator. "We'll need all the weapons you can manage,Grace..." ,Maxi-Miss says as the elevator carries them to the first level.As they exit the elevator,almost running into the group from the dining area, Maxi-Miss mumbles, "...remember,don't get close to them...we don't want to spread the virus..." Right on their heels strides Lord Galen,marching right to the ramp before turning to face the gathered group.Omega asks Poundage, "Do you have everyone you need in your group?" Poundage looks over the heroes. "For my team I would like to take Probe for his scanning, Mentor for her telepathy, Spector for the whole ghost thing, and Scar because he can short out the electricity. Scar also has a weakness detection. This could help against any monsters. I would also like to take an X-men member? One of the strong ones perhaps. Then we may also get some advice if needed. Any advice or volunteers? Not too many." Omega turns to Galen,"Lord Galen, if it's acceptable to you, we can include Rogue and Phoenix in the aerial team. Are we still going with the three-pronged attack approach? Anyone have any tactical suggestions to offer up?" The large silver man smiles at Rogue, "Dat means I'm going into the mountain..." He slams a metal fist into his palm. "..for Katyen..." ,he says as he follows Poundage into the Striker.
10:30-10:40 pm Galen turns towards Omega, "That will be acceptable but keep this Phoenix on a short leash. We dont need stupidity out there." Omega nods to Galen and looks to Phoenix, "I'll keep an eye on him." Galen looks over at the three X-men, "X-Men ,Welcome.Sorry I couldn't greet you before. You are a welcome addition. Alright, All flyers on the aerial team,all others not with the covert team with me on the ground. Our first objective is to draw all defensive personnel away from the mountain. Any suggestions?" As he speaks he boards the Striker I,the group of heroes following him.Once all are aboard the ramp retracts and the large outer door swings silently shut.There is a small,building whine as Reaper draws his sword and begins to examine it. "...preparing for take-off...everyone find a seat...those infected meta's should go to the rear of the craft,there is a medlab...there are three beds and two chairs...", the base says as the heroes feel a slight shutter in the Striker I.There is a moment of milling around as the infected group goes to the medalb and the remaining heroes try to find a seat.Reaper follows Maxi-Miss and Amazin' Grace to the rear where a clear door opens into the medlab.They walk in finding Vyra and Zephyr already on two of the three beds.Maxi-Miss and Amazin' Grace take the two chairs,leaving Reaper with the bed.The Striker rises quickly,everyone feeling that elevator feeling.Accelerating slowly,the Striker soars westward over the city.Reaper goes to the clear door,placing both palms against it.He stares out into the main room as the healthy heroes move about,planning.He stares at the X-Men,wanting dsperately to speak to them. "May as well have a seat rookie...it's going to be a long ride..." ,Amazin' Grace comments as she,again,pulls her firearm from it's holster and begins to polish it.
10:40-10:50 pm Reaper lies down on a bed, closes his eyes, and tries to remember the cavern. Anything about the cavern...his mind wanders,trying to dig into the hole that is supposed to be his memory.The cavern doesn't ring true to him,it just doesn't 'feel' right....no there was no cavern but...he gets the impression of being underground,walking long fluorescent lit halls...metal walls?...He is broken from his search when Vyra talks, "I don't know how we'll react - but thats part of being mortal. We have no guarentees of each new second." Zephyr turns her head to face Vyra, "That is true...but does each second creep up on you with dread? That is not something I would enjoy...immortality frees the spirit from those worries and allows the gods to concern themselves with other things.Which is probably why we are so superior to you mortals."
10:50-11:00 pm Reaper turns to Zephyr and says, "You're no more perfect than we are. You're arrogant, selfish...almost human..." The Goddess's head spins to glare at him,her eyelashes instantly frost over. "I do not know who you THINK you are..speaking to me thus.But I will show my mercy by not killing you where you sit.My only imperfection right now is this weak mortal form I am forced to use.Arrogance is an immortal trait that you mortals try to emulate.It is actually funny to see an arrogant mortal.Arrogance from such an insignificant THING...just hilarious..." Her eyes bore into Reaper's as she anxiously awaits his reply.
11:00-11:10 pm Reaper thinks for a moment, and then says, "Well, as you seem to be all-knowing, you might as well tell me where I came from, if you don't mind. I've been trying to figure it out all night." The Goddess continues to glare at Reaper and her voice has a hard edge to it. "You do not want to toy with me,mortal.I have seen war upon war,age upon age,civilization upon civilization.My best guess of your origin would be from under a rock in some deep dark cavern." She sits upright in her bed,the frost on her eyebrows spreading slowly to cover he hair and ears.
11:10-11:20 pm Reaper glares at Zephyr, "Finding out where I came from may help the mission. If you know, you should tell me." Zephyr's eyes narrow and the frost quickly turns to ice.Within moments her entire body is covered with a thick layer of the ice and she gets to her feet. "INSOLENT MORTAL! I HAVE ENDURED ENOUGH OF YOUR INSOLENCE!" She cups her hands into fist and takes a step toward Reaper.Maxi-Miss quickly jumps to her feet and steps between the two.She places both her hands on Zephyr's shoulder and tries to restrain her.Zephyr glares at her a moment, "I will not be spoken to thus by a mere mortal.His very tone is condescending and I plan to show him the powers of a Goddess." Her voice rises as she speaks and a glass beaker on a shelf shatters.Maxi-Miss releases Zephyr and her hands go to her ears.She hollers, "Little help in here! We have a situation!"
11:20-11:30 pm The group from the cabin arrives at the clear door to the medlab.Inside they see Maxi-Miss straining to hold back Zephyr.Zephyr is covered in ice and her eyes glare at Reaper.She screams, "Move out of my way! The puny mortal wishes to view the powers of a Goddess and I have an itch to show him! " Maxi-Miss glances at the gathered group through the clear wall, "Ummm...can someone give me a hand here?" The Striker jolts,the sound of metal on metal rings through the cabin. The base interrupts the little tussle, "...docking with Striker II complete...further orders?..."
11:30-11:40 pm Reaper glares at Zephyr and says, "If you wish to destroy me, do it after this mission ends. Till then, we can not endanger the mission by fighting amongst ourselves." Zephyr continues to stare at him as Omega yells out, "Zephyr--Reaper--what the hell is going on back here? Would everyone please just calm down? Can't we all go just ten freakin' minutes without one hero jumping down another hero's throat? Come on guys, we have enough problems without all this pointlesss bickering! In case you haven't noticed we've got the damn apocalypse happening out there right now! Zephyr, this conduct is unbecoming of a Protector, let alone a goddess--please stand down. And may I remind both of you that we are on board an aircraft here, so let's not go blasting and zapping and freezing stuff, okay? It might breach the hull and oh...I don't know...CAUSE US TO CRASH? The legacy virus is doing enough damage to the meta population without us helping, thank you very much. Now...I think SOME of us were in the process of trying to plan for an attack?" Scar takes a defensive stance,eyes glued on Zephyr, as she turns and locks her icy stare on Omega, "I told you once before,I will not stand insolence from a mere mortal." Phoenix walks up behind Omega and his flames flare up. "Forget it.If we were to crash,us flamers could burn threw this hull and fly out.It's not our problem. But the icers such as Lord Galen could give us a quick boost." He grins and looks at Reaper. "Well...Lets look at this from another point of veiw. Something had to provoke Zephyr." Zephyr screams and the clear door cracks, "What,you believe I react this way if not provoked! I'm going to show the runt the powers of a Goddess,so he might believe." Galen steps forward, "Zephyr, as leader of the Guardians I order you to stand down. If anything happens here you will be restrained and detained. Reaper, the same goes for you." Omega turns to Lord Galen and says quietly, "I'm sorry, Galen--she came on with my team so I take responsibility for her, but I'm really beginning to wonder if she's hero material. We've all got our little quirks, I know--but she could truly be dangerous--she believes herself to be above all of us 'mere mortals' and sometimes she seems to act more like a villian than a hero." Poundage just stands by and watches the bickering.He chuckles, "Seems I'm not the only one that doesn't take everyone's shit. Zephyr, as much as I like your attitude, it is not appropriate here. I will not order you to stand down, just ask you to let it go until we finish with our business. Reaper, I will also ask you to shut the hell up. Would you like to question anyone else's powers. If I remember correctly, a few of these gathered heroes have already given you an undeserved beating. Try not to earn another." He turns to go back to the main cabin when Imp,Wraith,Probe,Lieutenant and Afterburn walk up.Wraith looks over the gathered group, "What's going on?" Zephyr stares at Reaper a long moment,then says, "This is not over." She stands up straight,turns and lies down on one of the medlab beds,turning her back to the gathered metas.Phoenix taps Omega on the shoulder, "Now about this Protectors thing. You got a spot open?" As he finishes his question the base is heard, "...I do not like this wait...if the mountain detected both Strikers becoming one radar blip,we may be in trouble...may I suggest we act quickly..."
11:40-11:50 pm Reaper glares at Zephyr for a moment, then sits back down.He begins to concentrate as he hears the others talking in the background.The underground in his dream...concentrate...He can't seem to drag anything out of his fractured memory about an underground cavern.He concentrates harder,but the only thing that comes up is some sort of laboratory...underground...possibly,but not a cavern.The walls were...metal?...some sort of large machine...and screaming...yes screaming.The machine was used to do something to people...but what?...
11:50-midnight Vengeance looks around at the heroes, "Lets go kick some ass,kids." Lord Galen nods and looks around, "Alright ground troops, lets get ready. Everyone else good luck." Poundage looks to Imp. "If you don't want to chance the Striker getting shot down, I can carry my team and jump our way along with the fliers. If not, I can hang on the outside or jump myself to the drop point. To everyone else, be safe and fight smart." The teams begin to separate,the ground unit remaining in the Striker I,the covert unit,except Poundage,enter the Striker II,the air unit gathers near the door.Imp taps some buttons on her panel then replies, "The Striker will be fine...and it will also give you more cover once your down.One of the air unit can carry you.We'll keep in contact through the Strikers,and each team except the covert team has a badge." She unclips her own badge and hands it to Poundage. "I know you want to remain silent but in case you need to contact us." She looks around the room,"The plan we have developed is a sound one...but remember all,the plan is fluid.Because we are not sure what is in there,the plan may change.Just keep your heads up and let's get that cure..."Omega speaks to the gathered air unit, "Okay, you heard the lady--we'll depart the Striker and wait for the signal. Rogue can carry in Poundage. Our mission is simple, we fly in fast and hard and give them something they're not expecting...concentrate on protecting the covert team from attack from the air and try to take out any heavy artillery on the ground...let's try to give them a clear path for entry." Reaper nods and looks at Omega, "So, I'm with your team, then?" Over with the ground unit,Khaydra says, "Good luck team. Stay safe and think smartly." Scar turns off his electrical defense and walks toward Zephyr. He says to her, "I overheard your words about being a goddess. We will need to talk when this is over. I, myself was created by the gods as a messenger of healing. It seems we have similar backgrounds unlike the others." She looks at him for a long moment,then smiles. "I will see you after." Scar makes his way to the Striker II as Imp prepares to separate the two craft.At her signal the air unit flies out the open ramp and the Striker II separates. The flying unit hovers in the sky near the Striker II as The Striker I pauses,hovering in the air.Below the buildings are barely dots on a white capped mountain.Suddenly the Striker I drops,straight down,nose toward the ground.The whine of the engines increase as the craft screams toward the earth below.The dive seems to last an eternity,all eyes glued to the ship.Just as it seems it will smash into the earth,the Striker pulls a tight turn to a stop,hovering just inches above the ground.It has stopped about 300 feet from the northern most little building.From that building the heroes see small dots emerge and fan out in a small semi-circle.From Wraith's badge Imp can be heard, "...we have 10 bogies exiting the small building approximately 300 feet to your front...they seem to be soldiers in battle suits...also I am reading an energy spike...all hell is about to break loose..."
Midnight PHASE(19-4) The fliers watch as a few of the soldiers move up slowly and fire a few times at the side of the Striker.The Striker returns fire once from it's wing tip.Phoenix asks, " Does anyone here have intelligence to make some high tech armor if I funded it?" Below,something is happening at both large buildings,further up the mountain.The walls on one side of each building retracts up and away revealing a dark interior.The heroes can't make out what may be in the buildings but to catch the glint of metal.
Midnight-Midnight+15 seconds The flying unit hovers high in the sky with the Striker II watching the battle rage below.Shots are exchanged from each side and each hero wonders which heroes if any are the targets of those attacks.Their attention turns to the larger buildings as the earth is shaken with a roar.From each of the large buildings,3 mini-jets scream skyward.From behind the mountain,near the rock outcroppings,a puff of smoke rises and moments later the heroes hear a slight wooosh.From the Guardian badges Imp's voice is heard, "Covert Team...GO...be aware we have six bogies in the sky and a possible missile launch from the rear of the mountain..." The heroes look at each other then to the Striker II.It suddenly noses down and begins to streak toward the earth.The gathered meta's begin to fly after it at top speed.
Midnight PHASES(0-35) The flying unit plummets groundward with the Striker II.Omega instructs, "Try to hit them hard and fast and then pull back...don't let them hit you. Rogue, can you take out that missile?" She looks over at him, "Ah can try..." The gathered group nears the ground quickly,watching as a number of soldiers exit the small building they are flying toward.The Striker II levels out and hovers just inches above the snow. PHASE(41) One of the soldiers rushes forward and levels his rifle.The energy blast smacks into Rogue and sends her flying backwards 40 feet. PHASE(40) Another soldier follows suit,moving close to the hovering Striker II.As he fire's his weapon at Reaper it sparks and the shot goes wild,smacking into the previous soldier.He is sent sprawling into the snow 90 feet away. PHASE(38) A third soldier runs forward and aims at Reaper.The shot smashes into him and sends him backwards 50 feet.He hangs in the sky for a moment then drops into the snow below. PHASE(36) Yet another soldier moves forward and takes a position in front of the Striker II.This one aims at Vyra,and the energy bolt arcs straight to her.The blast knocks her 20 feet backwards and she too falls into the snow below.
Midnight TURN(5) Reaper begins to stir.He is extremely cold and the gale force winds tug at his body.He opens his eyes and looks around with squinted eyes.He can barely see a couple feet in front of him and can barely sit up in the snow filled wind.
Midnight PHASE(24) Reaper looks up, but stays on the ground. He unsheathes his sword, and again looks out through the snow.He flies in the direction he thinks the nearest building should be,but through the snow he isn't sure.His flight leads him through the blowing snow but he never encounters the expected building.His flight is erratic as the wind gust,trying to toss him.For a moment Reaper thinks he hears a slight knocking,but that blows away with the wind.
Midnight PHASE(23-16) Reaper hovers in the immense winds.He scans the horizon but sees only snow.
Midnight PHASE(15-10) Reaper continues to hover in the winds,barely able to hold position.
Midnight PHASE(9) Reaper pulls out his cell phone and calls the Base, "This is Reaper, I just woke up, what do I do?" The base asks him to hold on a moment,and Reaper hears a few clicks and beeps.Next he hears Imp'svoice, "The visibility out there is just about nil,but the Strikers are sitting south of the mountain.If you can make it here that would be fine,if not we have Wraith out gathering the survivors.Try to flag him down if you can."
Midnight TURN(6)PHASES(45-27) Reaper scans the blowing snow,using all of his effort to maintain his flight in the extreme winds.
Midnight PHASE(26-24) Reaper prepares to go higher,see if he can see the Striker when he hears a muffled bang in the wind.He can't be sure exactly where it came from but he's sure it was a bang,not the howl of the storm.
Midnight PHASE(23-19) Reaper turns his head,trying to get a fix on the bang.All he hears is the howl of the wind as he prepares to scout his area,looking for the Striker or a building.
Midnight PHASE(18-17) Reaper prepares to better scout the area.He shields his eyes momentarily as a fresh gust of wind blows the driving snow into his face.
Midnight PHASE(16-12) Reaper flies up 25 feet, looks around hoping to see the Striker or a building.He scans around him but the snow continues to blow,allowing him to only see a few feet in any direction.
Midnight PHASE(11-4) Reaper continues to fight to hold position in the raging storm.He prepares to get on his phone again,see if Imp can help in any way.
Midnight PHASE(3) The storm continues to rage as Reaper prepares to phone Imp.
Midnight PHASE(1) Reaper again phones the base and is rerouted to Imp, "Can't find ya" She replies quickly, "I am about to send the Striker II out with Khaydra.It will be staying very low to the ground,so get on the ground and keep your eyes and ears open."
Midnight PHASE(22) Reaper hovers in the wind,trying to spot anything familiar.
Midnight PHASE(20-19) Reaper fights the strong wind,hovering in the air.
Midnight PHASE(18-9) Suddenly Reaper hears a faint voice in his head,sounding like it's coming from the end of a long tunnel. "...help me...help...me..." The voice fades as quick as it appears.
Midnight PHASE(5) Reaper shakes his head..that voice was IN his head.He flies further skyward,scanning all around for those buildings.Higher up the winds pick up momentum,knocking Reaper back and forth and the driving snow is like a wall all around him.The snow stings his eyes and he doesn't see anything but white,blinding snow.The wind brings a voice,someone hollering over the wind.He turns quickly,trying to orient on the voice.Below,in the wall of white,he spies movement.Someone or something is down there...
Midnight PHASE(5) Reaper shakes his head..that voice was IN his head.He flies further skyward,scanning all around for those buildings.Higher up the winds pick up momentum,knocking Reaper back and forth and the driving snow is like a wall all around him.The snow stings his eyes and he doesn't see anything but white,blinding snow.The wind brings a voice,someone hollering over the wind.He turns quickly,trying to orient on the voice.Below,in the wall of white,he spies movement.Someone or something is down there...
Midnight PHASE(3-2) Reaper studies the blowing snow,searching for another sense of movement.Suddenly he hears the far-away voice in his head. [...i...don't...want...to...be......hel...]
Midnight PHASE(1-0) Reaper continues to study the area of white,hoping to catch another sign of movement.
Midnight PHASE(-1) Reaper continues to study the area of snow where he saw the movement.
MIDNIGHT TURN(8)PHASE(22-21) Reaper stares into the wall of snow,hoping to see that movement again.Suddenly inside his head he hears that voice,fainter than before. [...almost...gone...hold...longer...]
MIDNIGHT PHASE(20-19) Reaper is buffeted by the gale,but continues to stare at the spot where he is sure he saw movement.
MIDNIGHT PHASE(18) Reaper continues to hover in the winter storm.
