The Create-A-Hero RPG Season III IC Thread!

[MadRhapsody]

"Sh**, control that filthy beast!" the second one started to aim his gun at Terry, stepping back a little bit.

"Shut up!" The elitist raised his voice to quiet one of his men down as he took a few steps forward, glaring at Jack. "We ask the questions around here, and we want them back either dead or alive, so where are those filthy wenches?!"

"You better talk now." the third man added in with a vicious look on his face. "Or we'll annihilate you too."

***​

Aina frowned with slight fear as Jack was still out there. She seemed somewhat worried. "I hope he's alright."

"Aina, we barely know him." Minga added in as she turned to youngest sister as they hid underneath a table.

"I know, but still..." Aina was unsure what was going on out there. She was hearing voices, but they were a little distant.

Pho looked up at the bartender. "I apologize sir. We were just out to celebrate our sister's birthday since she just turned twenty-one today and it's going to be her first time drinking. She's the youngest one that's blind." She bowed a little bit.

(OOC: Permission granted!)

The bartender nodded his head and looked out towards the closed doors of the main entrance. He could see Jack's shadow among one. He turned to the women and offered a comforting smile. "Sit down and have a drink, ladies. You're in good hands." He didn't mean himself, however...

***​

..."You're in good hands"... that was meant for the Australian.

Jack's eyes narrowed to slits the moment one of the bounty hunters aimed his handgun at Terry. He took his left clenched fist out of the pocket and placed it behind his back slowly.

"Hey, I saw that!" One of the bounty hunters yelled at him and aimed his shotgun towards his face. "What do you have in your hand?!"

Jack tilted his head to the right, rolled his eyes, and moved his left hand out in front of him. He unclenched it and revealed three razor cards. "Here, catch." But before any of the bounty hunters could touch the cards, the cards were launched forward and were swift. Slice after slice, but blood was not drawn, and then the cards returned to the top of the left palm.

The bounty hunters' guns were sliced into pieces, each piece falling to the ground. This was done in a matter of seconds.

"Gah!" The three exclaimed in shock and began to back away from Jack.

"Heh... sorry, was that a bit too fast for ya, mates?" Jack smirked. Not a moment after, every article of clothing from the hunters fell apart, leaving them naked and unarmed. "Threaten to shoot my dog again and I'll leave ya dead on the floor."

They were quick to cover their nether regions and immediately they ran off. "H-HE'S CRAZY!"

Terry barked and began to wag his tail. Jack turned to him, leaned down and scratched the back of his ears. He made his way over to the front doors and opened them. "Bartender, how much do I have to pay to bring my dog inside?"

"I think a hundred bucks will do, Jack," the bartender chuckled. He was approached by the silver-haired Australian and given two crisp one hundred dollar bills.

"The other hundred's for whatever the girls want." Jack looked over at the three sisters and smirked.

 

[ShiningJudgment]

(OOC: Permission granted!)

The bartender nodded his head and looked out towards the closed doors of the main entrance. He could see Jack's shadow among one. He turned to the women and offered a comforting smile. "Sit down and have a drink, ladies. You're in good hands." He didn't mean himself, however...

***​

..."You're in good hands"... that was meant for the Australian.

Jack's eyes narrowed to slits the moment one of the bounty hunters aimed his handgun at Terry. He took his left clenched fist out of the pocket and placed it behind his back slowly.

"Hey, I saw that!" One of the bounty hunters yelled at him and aimed his shotgun towards his face. "What do you have in your hand?!"

Jack tilted his head to the right, rolled his eyes, and moved his left hand out in front of him. He unclenched it and revealed three razor cards. "Here, catch." But before any of the bounty hunters could touch the cards, the cards were launched forward and were swift. Slice after slice, but blood was not drawn, and then the cards returned to the top of the left palm.

The bounty hunters' guns were sliced into pieces, each piece falling to the ground. This was done in a matter of seconds.

"Gah!" The three exclaimed in shock and began to back away from Jack.

"Heh... sorry, was that a bit too fast for ya, mates?" Jack smirked. Not a moment after, every article of clothing from the hunters fell apart, leaving them naked and unarmed. "Threaten to shoot my dog again and I'll leave ya dead on the floor."

They were quick to cover their nether regions and immediately they ran off. "H-HE'S CRAZY!"

Terry barked and began to wag his tail. Jack turned to him, leaned down and scratched the back of his ears. He made his way over to the front doors and opened them. "Bartender, how much do I have to pay to bring my dog inside?"

"I think a hundred bucks will do, Jack," the bartender chuckled. He was approached by the silver-haired Australian and given two crisp one hundred dollar bills.

"The other hundred's for whatever the girls want." Jack looked over at the three sisters and smirked.

Aina smiled when she heard those words from Jack. He seemed like a nice man to be friends with as she crawled out from underneath the table. "Thank you, Mr.. Mr..." Aina stopped there, realizing that she didn't catch the mysterious man's name. She started to grow a little confused. Before she could think--

"Aina!" Minga called out after she crawled out from under the table as well. She was looking over the menu in her hand at the bar. "Come over her, birthday girl, so we can decide on what you would like."

"Oh okay." Aina extended her hand out for a moment, trying to feel around for Jack's face. After a moment, she felt around it. "Thank you, mister."

"Sorry for her touching, sir. You do realize she's blind." Pho added in.

 

[MadRhapsody]

Aina smiled when she heard those words from Jack. He seemed like a nice man to be friends with as she crawled out from underneath the table. "Thank you, Mr.. Mr..." Aina stopped there, realizing that she didn't catch the mysterious man's name. She started to grow a little confused. Before she could think--

"Aina!" Minga called out after she crawled out from under the table as well. She was looking over the menu in her hand at the bar. "Come over her, birthday girl, so we can decide on what you would like."

"Oh okay." Aina extended her hand out for a moment, trying to feel around for Jack's face. After a moment, she felt around it. "Thank you, mister."

"Sorry for her touching, sir. You do realize she's blind." Pho added in.

Jack was a little uneasy when Aina felt his face. She was bound to notice the scars on his left cheek. He took a few steps back to be out of her hand's range and he made his way over to his stool before the bar table. He took a big bite out of the Cajun grilled burger, chewed and swallowed.

"Don't touch me again," he warned as he set his burger back down on the plate. He made his way over to the billiards table where the older gentleman had been patiently waiting. He picked up his pool stick and twirled it in his left hand. "Sorry that took so long."

"Quite alright, Jack." At least he was tolerable.

Terry didn't pursue his master this time. Instead, he made his way over to Aina, placed his front paws on her knees, and barked. His tail wagged contently.

The bartender smiled and placed the money in the cashier box first. As soon as he came back, he clasped his hands together. "The birthday girl's first drink is on me. Ladies, thanks to Jack Williams, you have a hundred dollars to spend on whatever you'd like."

 

[ShiningJudgment]

Jack was a little uneasy when Aina felt his face. She was bound to notice the scars on his left cheek. He took a few steps back to be out of her hand's range and he made his way over to his stool before the bar table. He took a big bite out of the Cajun grilled burger, chewed and swallowed.

"Don't touch me again," he warned as he set his burger back down on the plate. He made his way over to the billiards table where the older gentleman had been patiently waiting. He picked up his pool stick and twirled it in his left hand. "Sorry that took so long."

"Quite alright, Jack." At least he was tolerable.

Terry didn't pursue his master this time. Instead, he made his way over to Aina, placed his front paws on her knees, and barked. His tail wagged contently.

The bartender smiled and placed the money in the cashier box first. As soon as he came back, he clasped his hands together. "The birthday girl's first drink is on me. Ladies, thanks to Jack Williams, you have a hundred dollars to spend on whatever you'd like."

"Teehee! Mr. Williams sounds like a nice guy." Aina responded with slight smile coming across her face as she bent down for a moment to pet Terry. However, she also didn't realize how hungry she was as her stomach growled a little bit where she patted her stomach. "Hmm... now I'm hungry."

Minga turned to Aina for a moment as she sat on the stool at the bar with Pho. "Well come over here. Aina, so we can order. Pho and I can look through the menu for you, and give you options for you to decide."

"Okay, let's do this!" Aina grinned as she stood up after playing with Terry for a moment and hurried over to take a seat on an empty stool. As Pho and Minga gave Aina options from the menu, her smile widened. "I'll take a strawberry margarita and your biggest platter of nachos."

"Oh my, now you've done it, Minga..." Pho couldn't help but chuckle about that a little bit. It was very typical of her sister to order a lot of food where it didn't surprise her one bit. "She'll never want to leave now."

"The man only gave us a hundred dollars." Minga whispered to Pho. "Come on, it's her birthday, and we should give her the night of her life."

"Alright."

Minga turned back to the bartender with a smirk of her own. "I'll take a shot of Jack Daniels, please." She answered before she turned to Pho. "What do you want?"

Aina listened in to Pho's and Minga's conversation as she felt her sister's hand. "Sis, you should at least eat something. Food is life."

"Oh no, I'm fine." Pho responded with a smile coming across her face. "I'm not much of a drinker, and I'll probably eat something later on."

 

[MadRhapsody]

"Teehee! Mr. Williams sounds like a nice guy." Aina responded with slight smile coming across her face as she bent down for a moment to pet Terry. However, she also didn't realize how hungry she was as her stomach growled a little bit where she patted her stomach. "Hmm... now I'm hungry."

Minga turned to Aina for a moment as she sat on the stool at the bar with Pho. "Well come over here. Aina, so we can order. Pho and I can look through the menu for you, and give you options for you to decide."

"Okay, let's do this!" Aina grinned as she stood up after playing with Terry for a moment and hurried over to take a seat on an empty stool. As Pho and Minga gave Aina options from the menu, her smile widened. "I'll take a strawberry margarita and your biggest platter of nachos."

"Oh my, now you've done it, Minga..." Pho couldn't help but chuckle about that a little bit. It was very typical of her sister to order a lot of food where it didn't surprise her one bit. "She'll never want to leave now."

"The man only gave us a hundred dollars." Minga whispered to Pho. "Come on, it's her birthday, and we should give her the night of her life."

"Alright."

Minga turned back to the bartender with a smirk of her own. "I'll take a shot of Jack Daniels, please." She answered before she turned to Pho. "What do you want?"

Aina listened in to Pho's and Minga's conversation as she felt her sister's hand. "Sis, you should at least eat something. Food is life."

"Oh no, I'm fine." Pho responded with a smile coming across her face. "I'm not much of a drinker, and I'll probably eat something later on."

"One order of grande nachos, one shot of Jack Daniels, and one perfect strawberry margarita, coming right up!" The bartender smiled as he dismissed himself towards the kitchen.

Terry settled down to the left of the stool Aina was sitting on, wagging his tail contently. He seemed to be very happy to be by her side.

Jack studied his dog's behavior for a moment and raised an eyebrow. "Hm..." It was strange. Terry was a friendly dog, but he wasn't this friendly. It made him a little intrigued as to why he was acting the way he was.

"Something the matter, Mr. Williams?" The older gentleman asked him.

"...nothin's the matter, mate." Jack aimed his pool stick behind the cue ball and took a straight shot. It struck number one against a boundary and fell right into a pocket. "I'm simply in the lead, that's all."

The older gentleman chuckled and smiled. "You're two shots ahead of me. Let's see if you can keep it up."

 

[ShiningJudgment]

"One order of grande nachos, one shot of Jack Daniels, and one perfect strawberry margarita, coming right up!" The bartender smiled as he dismissed himself towards the kitchen.

Terry settled down to the left of the stool Aina was sitting on, wagging his tail contently. He seemed to be very happy to be by her side.

Jack studied his dog's behavior for a moment and raised an eyebrow. "Hm..." It was strange. Terry was a friendly dog, but he wasn't this friendly. It made him a little intrigued as to why he was acting the way he was.

"Something the matter, Mr. Williams?" The older gentleman asked him.

"...nothin's the matter, mate." Jack aimed his pool stick behind the cue ball and took a straight shot. It struck number one against a boundary and fell right into a pocket. "I'm simply in the lead, that's all."

The older gentleman chuckled and smiled. "You're two shots ahead of me. Let's see if you can keep it up."

"Yaaay! I can't wait!" Aina was excited about her nachos as she heard Terry next to her, extending her hand out to pet him with joy. She didn't worry about the bounty hunters coming after her or her sisters for the time being seeing that she wanted to enjoy her birthday.

Minga looked over at her sister for a moment with a smile as she was petting Terry. Like the overprotective sister she was, she was watching over Aina before she relaxed and thought about her Jack Daniels. "Man, this is going to be great. I can down those suckers all night."

"Don't get too cocky, Minga." Pho responded while she looked over at Jack with a few men, clinching onto her cloak. "It's not a place to do that."

While Pho and Minga were chatting, Aina was enjoying time with Terry as she patiently waited for her nachos and margarita, yet she also began to wonder about Jack, especially when he was outside earlier when the bounty hunters showed up. Was he the one that scared them off? So many thoughts about this man came to her. This man is not normal... Aina thought He's so ice cold, yet he saved us. Who is he?

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I walk into my apartment and am taken aback by just how empty it is. Keira had left days ago, probably just after our fight about Pinup. I walk over to the phone, "No messages." Probably just as well, I don't know what I'd say to her.

She was so shaken up after Pinup's mishap at The Hub, and she didn't take it well at all when she found out that the Guardians had her stashed away at the headquarters. She saw that as a betrayal.

Hypocritical.

But she just doesn't understand.

I pick up the phone and begin dialing her number, but before I can finish, I hang up the phone. I really don't know what to say. And even if I did, right now isn't the time to try to fix my love life...

Not when the whole world is going to Hell around me.

The Guardians are coming apart at the seams.

Anderson is pushing us closer and closer to a war between humans and metas, and honestly, I don't know if there's anything I can do to stop it. Frustration sets in as I move away from the counter where the phone sits, frustration at my inability to get anything done sets in as I move into the living room.

As I walk past the small alcove where I keep certain keepsakes and mementos, my gaze is drawn to a photograph. The picture, takes a few months before the invasion is of myself, Lisa and Jenny. We're at Oceanview Park, where Lisa and I occasionally liked to go to walk the trails and just spend some time alone. I remember this day like it was yesterday. We had gone for a picknick, and Jenny was actually supposed to bring a date, but he had come down with the flu. But still, she wouldn't let that ruin the day. She tagged along anyhow, and we had a great time.

We were so happy then. We had our whole future ahead of us.

It seems like an eternity ago.

The day that photo was taken, none of us knew just how little time we had left. Just a few months later, Lisa was killed during the invasion, and then Jenny was murdered a few months after that.

After I lost them, I didn't know what I was doing then either. I felt like I had to go it alone. I gave up. I gave up being Icon, I moved away and lived alone. I did my best to alienate the people around me, because I felt like that was the only way for me...I needed to do it all on my own.

But then I met someone who showed me just how stupid I was being. She showed me that the people close to me were my greatest strength...she showed me that I needed them.

As I look down at the photograph, for the first time in a long time, I know just what I need to do.

"...and so, you think that this Director Anderson is planning to start a war with the meta humans?" My mother says from across the kitchen table.

It's funny, when I was growing up, when ever I would have something that was bothering me, I'd come home and sit at this table, in this very chair as a matter of fact and talk about it with my parents. And here I am now, once again with a problem that I can't solve on my own, getting advice from my parents.

"Yes Mom, that's what I'm saying."

"Well, why don't you go to the media? I mean, surely they'd listen to you. After all, you're Icon."

"I can't just go to the press, you need proof...and there isn't any."

"But there must be something you can do to stop it."

"I don't know that there is, not without compromising everything that I believe in. Some of my teammates think that it's inevitable. And that the only way to survive is to become what Anderson is accusing us of being. They want to take the initiative and strike Anderson and his organization first. But I just can't do that. But, I'm starting to think that's the only option that we have."

"So, you've finally stepped in it good, haven't you." My brother says as he wheels himself into the kitchen. My relationship with him has always been rocky, ever since we were in high school. And it's only gotten worse since Jenny died.

"Maybe they're right. Maybe there should be something to keep you super powered types in check. God knows how...destructive you all can be." He says with a bitterness that I've grown to know all to well, but have never gotten used to.

He blames me for the accident that confined him to a wheelchair when we were younger. He blames me for Jenny. And he's right, on both accounts. I've tried to fix things with him over the years, but he won't have it. He hates me, and when I think about things, he has every right to.

I wish that things were better between us, but deep down I know that things will never be right. No matter how much I want to be otherwise.

I go to say something, but I bite my tongue. Taking out my frustration at the current situation on my brother won't do any good, and it will make things harder on my parents.

Ever since his accident, Brandon has been very temperamental, and truth be told...not easy to live with. He was part of the reason that Jenny had come to stay with me in Lost Haven. He's also the main reason that I don't visit as often as I should. Of course, I'd never tell him that.

So instead of opening my mouth, I just get up from the table and make my way over to the front door. I look back at my family and tell them, "I've got to get back, I'll talk to you all soon." Before I walk out the door.

As I walk into the yard, I'm reminded of all the times the three of us would play together when we were children, and how back then everything seemed so pure. We had big dreams, and nothing would stand in our way. Fame, fortune, we'd have it all.

But now Brandon is confined to a wheel chair, and Jenny is dead. And it's all my fault.

I go to lift off, to make my way back to Lost Haven, but I'm stopped by the sudden sensation of a hand on my shoulder. I look back, and see my father standing there.

"Scott, you'll do the right thing. You always do."

"Not always." I answer back. He lowers his head and gives a half nod.

"Son, you can't beat yourself up over things that have already happened. You can only learn from past mistakes. And that's exactly what you've done." He says, a smile forming on his lips. "And we couldn't be more proud."

I look look him in the eye and just say. "Thanks Dad." I pause and then tell him, "But I really should get back." He gives me a nod of acknowledgement.

"It was good to see you Scott. Don't wait so long between visits next time."

"I won't, I promise." I say as I turn away from him and take to the skies, and head home to Lost Haven.

 

[MadRhapsody]

"Yaaay! I can't wait!" Aina was excited about her nachos as she heard Terry next to her, extending her hand out to pet him with joy. She didn't worry about the bounty hunters coming after her or her sisters for the time being seeing that she wanted to enjoy her birthday.

Minga looked over at her sister for a moment with a smile as she was petting Terry. Like the overprotective sister she was, she was watching over Aina before she relaxed and thought about her Jack Daniels. "Man, this is going to be great. I can down those suckers all night."

"Don't get too cocky, Minga." Pho responded while she looked over at Jack with a few men, clinching onto her cloak. "It's not a place to do that."

While Pho and Minga were chatting, Aina was enjoying time with Terry as she patiently waited for her nachos and margarita, yet she also began to wonder about Jack, especially when he was outside earlier when the bounty hunters showed up. Was he the one that scared them off? So many thoughts about this man came to her. This man is not normal... Aina thought He's so ice cold, yet he saved us. Who is he?

Jack's lead wouldn't last too long. After he made a miscalculation with an angled shot, his opponent would gain the upper hand and dominate. He did not surrender the lead for the remainder of the game. However, Jack wasn't upset or frustrated. Surprisingly enough, he offered the older gentleman a small round of applause and-- even more surprising-- a small smile.

"Well done," his smile remained. "What kind of drink would you like?"

"How about you share a couple shot glasses full of the Kessler whiskey you bought?" The older gentleman chuckled.

Jack looked over at his spot in the middle of the bar table and nodded. "Sure thing."

He and his opponent made their way over to his stool. At the same time, the bartender came back out with Aina's grande nachos and placed them on the table in front of her. Terry's tail wagged some more as Jack seated himself on his stool and requested a clean shot glass. After the bartender gave him one, he took the whiskey bottle and poured some alcohol into both his and the older gentleman's glasses. "Cheers," they both exclaimed calmly at the same time, held their glasses up and downed them.

When Jack turned his head towards the youngest sister, he noticed that she was "staring" at him. At this, he arched an eyebrow. "...what?"

 

[ShiningJudgment]

Jack's lead wouldn't last too long. After he made a miscalculation with an angled shot, his opponent would gain the upper hand and dominate. He did not surrender the lead for the remainder of the game. However, Jack wasn't upset or frustrated. Surprisingly enough, he offered the older gentleman a small round of applause and-- even more surprising-- a small smile.

"Well done," his smile remained. "What kind of drink would you like?"

"How about you share a couple shot glasses full of the Kessler whiskey you bought?" The older gentleman chuckled.

Jack looked over at his spot in the middle of the bar table and nodded. "Sure thing."

He and his opponent made their way over to his stool. At the same time, the bartender came back out with Aina's grande nachos and placed them on the table in front of her. Terry's tail wagged some more as Jack seated himself on his stool and requested a clean shot glass. After the bartender gave him one, he took the whiskey bottle and poured some alcohol into both his and the older gentleman's glasses. "Cheers," they both exclaimed calmly at the same time, held their glasses up and downed them.

When Jack turned his head towards the youngest sister, he noticed that she was "staring" at him. At this, he arched an eyebrow. "...what?"

Aina heard Jack near her for a moment until the nachos were placed in front of her. "Nothing." She responded as she turned to the nachos to feel around for them for a moment until she started wolfing them down.

"Aina, slow down." Pho explained as she turned to her youngest sister as she started munching on the platter of nachos.

Aina heard Pho with her mouth full of nachos. "I'm sorry, Pho, these are just so good."

"Aina, how many times have I told you not to talk with your mouth full?" Minga added in.

"Sorry, Minga." Aina answered back as she was about a quarter through the nachos already after a few minutes. She was enjoying every bite of them where they really did hit the spot for her.

 

[Carnage27]

After a few days of searching for other demigods and I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I've been driving where I think I should be going, relying on some simple directions given to me by Sirius and some whispers from Chiron. But I'm no where close to finding another one of my kind. If this war is going to start soon, Earth doesn't stand a chance.

I'm lying down in the woods next to a fire, my tent a few feet away, sitting empty. It's nice enough tonight that I don't need it. I begin to doze, but a series of barks and growls from my canine companion rouses me just in time.

An axe head slams into the ground as I roll out of the way, standing and grabbing my sword. Spinning around, I find myself face to face with a seven foot tall monster.

"Oh this isn't going to be good," I mutter to myself as the beast swings the axe again in a horizontal swipe that I manage to roll underneath. As I finish the roll, I slice the minotaur across the arm, which barely registers to him.

He merely roars and charges towards me faster than I would have guessed. I manage to maneuver myself out of the way of his horns, but he still strikes me in the side with his shoulder, sending me flying through the air and smashing into a tree, splintering it and taking it down, narrowly missing my car.

I attempt to get up, but the blow has left me stunned. Luckily, Sirius springs into action. He launches himself towards the monster's throat, managing to get a bite in before he's tossed aside.

"Alright," I seethe, "now I'm pissed. No one hurts my dog!"

I send a blast of fire his way, engulfing the beast in purple flame. His roars of pain cut through the night air, but he lashes out through the flames with his axe almost catching me across the face, breaking my concentration.

The minotaur bursts through the remaining flames in another charge, and I quickly grab the trees next to me with shadow constructs and bring them down in front of him, but he smashes them with ease, showering me in splinters.

But before he gets to me, a flurry of hunting knives fly through the air and embed themselves in the minotaur, bringing it to its knees. I act quickly, driving my sword into its chest, killing it.

"So you're the one it's been hunting for the past few days," a voice says from the shadows of the forest. "You're much too obvious, you know. I can't believe you haven't been killed yet."

"I can hold my own," I respond to the unknown person.

Quicker than I can react, my feet are swept out from under me, a knife is at my throat, and a pair of striking eyes stare into mine, "Your arrogance isn't going to help you here. Now let's get out of here. There will be more soon."

​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

The big man picks me up like a tinker toy as I gasp at the little bit of air I have left in the suit. My lungs burn as the air supply begins to run out.

He hits me again, sending my flying through the air, crashing hard into the ground. The brute bounds toward me again. I know that I have to do something fast, or I'm a dead man. But my suit is fried. I can't breath, I can't move. I'm at the mercy of this giant.

My lungs burn, I'm getting light headed.

He picks me up by the neck, holding me about an inch from his face...snarling at me as drool runs down his twisted mouth.

I'm starting to black out.

Then he drops me.

I look up to see that his back is turned to me. Something has drawn his attention away from me. I can see several black SUV's followed by a troop transport vehicle.

S.T.R.I.K.E

Backup has arrived. Just then there is a clicking sound inside my helmet, and then there is a slight humming noise as my suit's backup power supply kicks in. I still can't move, but I'm relieved as fresh air is pumped into the suit, alleviating my burning lungs.

Even as my lungs are filled with oxygen, I'm only able to watch as a group of Vanguard Agents storm into the park, hitting the big brute with everything from blaster bolts to taser nets. Unfortunately, it only seems to piss the big guy off.

Then, my arm moves. I'm able to get up to one knee as I see Agent Ryder storm into the park. He shouts orders as he takes aim with him own weapon.

Still unable to do anything, I watch on in horror as the brute arches back, and unleashes another of his sonic shrieks.

As the soundwave hits the group of soldiers, I can see their electronic devices begin shorting out.

Then I look to Marcus Ryder. He stops dead in his tracks as the com system he wears in his ear begins to short out. I can actually see the blue electricity as it courses through his skull.

I'm able to get to my feet just as I see Ryder fall to his knees, sitting in that position with a blank look on his face, before he falls face first into the ground and lays motionless, even as I charge the brute responsible for all this destruction.

I rush the brute, hitting him so hard that I almost believe that I'm going to cave in his skull. But no such luck. He is staggered by my blows, but he seemingly shrugs them off and keeps coming at me.

"No more big fella, you're going to answer for what you've done."

He just looks at me as I raise my arms. I redirect all the power in the suit to this one attack, if it fails, I'm a dead man.

There is loud humming sound as the blaster built into my wrist gauntlet powers up, just as the brute charges me. Suddenly, I'm jerked backward as a massive blast of energy crackles through the air and engulfs the brute, reducing him to a smouldering husk.

Not the outcome I would have liked, but then I look over to my fallen squad mates.

It'll do.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Director Anderson stood on the roof of S.T.R.I.K.E's downtown headquarters, looking out over the city that he has called home for the last several months, as he often does when he wants to take a moment to think.

In the time that he had called Lost Haven home, he has found himself perplexed by the contradictory nature of the city itself. A city as troubled as it is beautiful. He wondered just how exactly; with the frequency of meta human activity, that anyone was willing to call this city home.

As he looked out at the city skyline comprised of tall skyscrapers and spires, he almost expected to see one of the city's resident meta humans fly through his field of vision, but none did.

As he looked out over the city, his mind racing with a variety of thoughts, he was suddenly aware of somebody standing behind him. He was ready to turn on whoever it is and berate them for daring to interrupt his time of reflection, but he was stopped cold when he saw that it was his assistant Ms Powers, and the expression she was wearing on her face.

"What is it Elizabeth? What's wrong?"

She stands their for a moment, looking to be on the verge of tears before she is finally able to speak.

"It's Marcus, sir. There's been an incident."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Cassie opens her eyes and sees a reflection of herself only it’s not she expects. She sees hundreds of wires and tubing coming out of her body to various monitors and seeing a reflection that was not hers!

Gone was her blonde pixie cut and in its place was a flowing mane of red hair and her blue eyes were now green.

“What’s happening to me? Where am I? Why does my voice sound different? HELP! HELP ME!,’ Cassie yells.

A voice says, “Deacon she’s starting to wake up!”

Another voice says, “All-right then Brother Paul please release the tubing and wires from her but not the restraints. Not yet at least and rotate the table once the tubing and wires are cleared.”

The one called Brother Paul walks over to a computer and the wires and tubing retract and the table rotates forward.

Cassie looks around and says, “Where the hell am I? What’s going on?”

Deacon says, “Welcome back from the dead. Hell has many forms but that is an issue to be debated another time. My name is Deacon Hawk I am the liaison between the Society of Holiness and Hope and The Roman Catholic Church. Think of us as the S.W.A.T unit for the Roman Catholic Church.”

Cassie says, “The what? You mean The Roman Catholic Church? I’m not very religious but…what’s happened to me?”

Deacon replies, “You were executed according to the state. However one of our agents switched your syringe with another one which contained a powerful sedative. It’s so powerful it simulated death. Your investigation was becoming too dangerous for you to handle so the Society stepped in.”

Cassie says, “The investigation into the Michaels Investment firm was getting too dangerous for me? Listen I can handle a lot these guys were going down and I…”

Deacon interrupts, “You were close to being murdered along with your sister and her children. We stopped them the only way we knew how, and that was by framing you for several crimes including the murder of Edward Ralston.”

Cassie’s eyes sharpen and she tries to raise her arms to strike Deacon but the restraints are holding her in place...barely.

She yells, “YOU BASTARDS YOU RUINED MY LIFE!”

Deacon calmly says, “On the contrary we saved it. Brother Paul the video. One of our operatives within the firm took this.”

Paul punches up a video showing about 7 people sitting around the table discussing Cassie and plotting her murder and her family’s murder. Once the video is over she is calmer.

Deacon says, “Your cover was blown. They were ready to move on you in a matter of days. We took action in a matter of hours. We couldn’t reveal ourselves because we exist in the shadows, but we also didn’t want to lose the momentum you built with your case. About a year after your death the firm was taken down, because of the work you began.”

Cassie asks, “Why can’t I just go back to my life?”

Deacon replies, “Because remember you're dead. If you come back to life we’d become exposed and we’ve existed in secret for thousands of years. We can’t risk exposure no matter what. Besides in-spite of the fact that the power players are doing life in Club Fed they’re still very powerful.”

Deacon nods to Paul who presses two buttons and overhead display shows pictures of Cassie’s sister and kids in front of a house.

Deacon says, “Your sister and her kids are living in Arizona. We’ve made sure that they are safe we’ve got agents around them at times. There were3 attempts on them within 2 years after your funeral. We’ve kept them safe all these years.”

Cassie asks, “How long have I been out of action?”

Deacon and Paul look at one another and Deacon nods.

Paul replies, “5 years.”

Cassie nods and says, “The new face and voice to keep me safe, I guess I need a new name.”

Paul says, “Eve. You’re the first woman of your kind.”

Eve nods and says, “All-right now would you two care to explain the tubes and wires.”

Deacon Hawk and Brother Paul look at one another.

Hawk nods and Paul says, "Well for sometime now the Church has noticed the rising tide of Meta-Human activity in the world. They felt that it was time for to get involved, and that is where you came in."

Eve asks, "What did you do to me?"

Hawk replies, "We made some improvements."

Eve says, "Don't give me that! Tell me exactly what you've done to me!"

Paul punches up several monitors and says, "Your body has been grafted with cybernetic components. Your arms and legs are powerful like you could never imagine. It's like you're the Bionic Woman, but on steroids."

Eve looks at her arms and legs and then back at the monitors.

Paul says, "Your brain is infused with a neural net capacitor. Basically a computer which will enable you to have internet access among other capabilities."

Eve is starting to look frightened and says, "You all have turned me into a freak! WHY ME? WHY?"

Hawk says, "Simple you have a drive in you Eve. A drive for justice and helping those who cannot help themselves. There are not a lot of people like you in the world. What we did was take that drive of yours and give you some talents and abilities to improve on those desires within you."

Eve asks, "What about my desires of relating to humanity? To fall in love someday and maybe have kids. To be with my family. To know what true emotions are not something programmed into me!"

Paul replies, "You haven't had a serious relationship in 3 years, your sister is the only relative you have and your relationship is on again off again, and you still have your emotions you are still human in many ways."

Eve asks after collecting her thoughts and composing herself, "Again why me? Like I said I am not an overly religious person and I am far from perfect."

Hawk says, "Noah got drunk, St. Paul was a murderer, Moses stuttered, many of the apostles were illiterate. But they each one had qualities which made them ideal for mission in service to God. We see many of those qualities in you Eve."

Eve asks, "You call me Eve. Was there ever an Adam?"

Paul looks shaken and Hawk says, "Time for you to get used to your new limbs. Release the restraints."

Paul presses a button and the restraints open up.

Hawk says, "All-right Eve take your first step."

Eve steps away from the table and stumbles to the floor.

She says, "I can't feel anything! NOTHING!"

Eve slams her fist into the ground and makes a sizable crater which shakes the building. She stares at her hand and then at Hawk and Paul.

Paul says, "It's going to take some getting used to. Let's start with basics movement and go from there."

Eve nods and gets back up to her feet. She is still somewhat uncertain but she takes a step and doesn't fall forward. Eve then takes another step and then she smiles.

Hawk nods and Paul says, "All-right keep going. We got lots of basic work to do before we can begin getting you used to your powers."

 

[MadRhapsody]

Aina heard Jack near her for a moment until the nachos were placed in front of her. "Nothing." She responded as she turned to the nachos to feel around for them for a moment until she started wolfing them down.

"Aina, slow down." Pho explained as she turned to her youngest sister as she started munching on the platter of nachos.

Aina heard Pho with her mouth full of nachos. "I'm sorry, Pho, these are just so good."

"Aina, how many times have I told you not to talk with your mouth full?" Minga added in.

"Sorry, Minga." Aina answered back as she was about a quarter through the nachos already after a few minutes. She was enjoying every bite of them where they really did hit the spot for her.

Seeing all of this happening before his very eyes, Jack raised an eyebrow before he turned away and rolled his eyes. "For a petite thing, she stuffs herself like a pig... and her table manners? What f***in' table manners?"

The bartender was shocked that the young lady was this crazy about food. He didn't know what to say for the moment. He looked at her sisters, but he knew that he wasn't going to get a real answer yet. That was when he decided to work on the perfect strawberry margarita. "Uh... huh..."

The older gentleman only chuckled and watched the petite Vietnamese woman devour the nachos all by herself. He didn't even blink as he was poured his second shot of Kessler. Holding the glass up, he downed it with ease. "My, she must have been starving."

"Disgustin'," Jack scoffed, poured himself another shot of Kessler and set the bottle down. He picked up the glass in his left hand and downed it in one swallow. "Mmm..." Lowering the glass, he picked up his burger and finished it with one last bite.

Terry could only watch Aina in wonderment, his tail still wagging. A dry tortilla chip from the nachos fell from her plate and he caught it in his mouth to eat.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Director Anderson stood on the roof of S.T.R.I.K.E's downtown headquarters, looking out over the city that he has called home for the last several months, as he often does when he wants to take a moment to think.

In the time that he had called Lost Haven home, he has found himself perplexed by the contradictory nature of the city itself. A city as troubled as it is beautiful. He wondered just how exactly; with the frequency of meta human activity, that anyone was willing to call this city home.

As he looked out at the city skyline comprised of tall skyscrapers and spires, he almost expected to see one of the city's resident meta humans fly through his field of vision, but none did.

As he looked out over the city, his mind racing with a variety of thoughts, he was suddenly aware of somebody standing behind him. He was ready to turn on whoever it is and berate them for daring to interrupt his time of reflection, but he was stopped cold when he saw that it was his assistant Ms Powers, and the expression she was wearing on her face.

"What is it Elizabeth? What's wrong?"

She stands their for a moment, looking to be on the verge of tears before she is finally able to speak.

"It's Marcus, sir. There's been an incident."

Dr. James Hooper sat behind his desk wearing a blank expression as he addressed his visitor.

"I understand your concern Director Anderson. But I assure you, Agent Ryder is in the best possible hands. He suffered severe brain trauma, the short in his equipment essentially caused an electrical overload in his cerebral cortex. Essentially his brain experienced a sort of short out. Our neurologists here are among the best in the country. He couldn't get better care anywhere in the world."

"I understand that your people are good at what they do. However, they do not have access to the sort of tools that we have at S.T.R.I.K.E." Anderson said, making the fact that he was unimpressed with the doctor's statement obvious.

"Director Anderson, while I understand your commitment to protecting you agents, and I do appreciate the loyalty you have for your men, I must object to you taking Agent Ryder from this facility. He is in a critical stage right now, and moving him to another facility could quite possibly kill him."

"That's not your concern Doctor, Agent Ryder is coming with us. Object all you want, but I have official orders to take custody of Agent Ryder. Surely, you wouldn't stand in the way of an executive order."

Dr Hooper sat there momentarily not knowing what to say next. It was against everything he knew to allow them to take the patient, yet he knows the consequences for both himself and the hospital should he stand in opposition to a federal order, no matter how ill advised. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"Very well. I'll make arrangements to have Agent Ryder released into your custody." He says quietly, almost at a whisper.

"No need for that Doctor, my men are already on it." Anderson replied, with a smile that reminded the good doctor of an old time snake oil salesman.

***

Director Anderson made his way to his vehicle alongside Dr. Charles Teufel, one of heads of his scientific division. They are surrounded by a number of heavily armed S.T.R.I.K.E agents, who keep a close eye on their commander until he and the doctor are safely inside the Director's limo.

"Have the preparations been made, Charles?" Anderson asks as the vehicle pulls away from the curb.

"Yes Director. Agent Ryder is en route to Site 12 as we speak. The facility is awaiting his arrival."

"Good. As soon as everything is in place, I want to inspect the facility. This is critical Charles, we can't afford any mistakes."
​

 

[ShiningJudgment]

Seeing all of this happening before his very eyes, Jack raised an eyebrow before he turned away and rolled his eyes. "For a petite thing, she stuffs herself like a pig... and her table manners? What f***in' table manners?"

The bartender was shocked that the young lady was this crazy about food. He didn't know what to say for the moment. He looked at her sisters, but he knew that he wasn't going to get a real answer yet. That was when he decided to work on the perfect strawberry margarita. "Uh... huh..."

The older gentleman only chuckled and watched the petite Vietnamese woman devour the nachos all by herself. He didn't even blink as he was poured his second shot of Kessler. Holding the glass up, he downed it with ease. "My, she must have been starving."

"Disgustin'," Jack scoffed, poured himself another shot of Kessler and set the bottle down. He picked up the glass in his left hand and downed it in one swallow. "Mmm..." Lowering the glass, he picked up his burger and finished it with one last bite.

Terry could only watch Aina in wonderment, his tail still wagging. A dry tortilla chip from the nachos fell from her plate and he caught it in his mouth to eat.

Aina heard jack saw that for a moment as she stopped with a mouth full of nachos. "Hmm?" She shrugged as she felt Terry for a moment. He was begging. Aina swallowed her mouth full of nachos and smiled. "Awww, are you hungry?" She said as she took some nacho chips and fed them to Terry.

"Aina, I don't thing Jack would like you doing that." Minga responded as she looked at her youngest sister with a stern look.

"But he's probably hungry." Aina answered as she had bow finished about 3/4ths of the plate now. It was so amazingly delicious and melted in her mouth.

"Yeah well, don't."

Pho turned to Jack with a frown coming across her face. "I apologize about her table manners." She replied. "She's well... never learned much about them."

 

[MadRhapsody]

Aina heard Jack say that for a moment as she stopped with a mouth full of nachos. "Hmm?" She shrugged as she felt Terry for a moment. He was begging. Aina swallowed her mouth full of nachos and smiled. "Awww, are you hungry?" She said as she took some nacho chips and fed them to Terry.

"Aina, I don't thing Jack would like you doing that." Minga responded as she looked at her youngest sister with a stern look.

"But he's probably hungry." Aina answered as she had bow finished about 3/4ths of the plate now. It was so amazingly delicious and melted in her mouth.

"Yeah well, don't."

Pho turned to Jack with a frown coming across her face. "I apologize about her table manners." She replied. "She's well... never learned much about them."

The second he learned that Aina was feeding his Scottish terrier a few of her nachos, Jack sharply turned and narrowed his eyes. "HEY!" He stood up from his stool and glared down at Terry. "Terry, spit that out right now!" His dog was quick to "spit" the half eaten nachos out of his mouth and he lowered his head in shame. "Bad dog. You know better!" His right artificial forefinger pointed towards a corner of the bar. "Go over here and SIT!" He watched his dog slowly trod over in the designated spot and then he sat down.

Some of the regulars, the bartender and the older gentleman had their eyes on the Eternal Hitman now. Jack didn't care. He turned his attention to Aina and glared at her. "What's wrong with you?! Don't you know that some human foods can POISON dogs?!" He clenched his left fist as she stared at him with her mouth full of nachos. She seemed tense and he was going to make things worse for her. "You may be blind, but you shouldn't be so blind that you can't see that was wrong of you to feed my dog junk! Now quit stuffin' yourself like a potbelly pig and say you're sorry!"

"Easy Jack. It was an accident..." The bartender tried to intervene. However, when he saw a single razor card floating up with magnetic power, he swallowed nervously and took a step back.

Jack kept his blue-red pools on Aina the entire time. "Didn't your parents teach you what's right and wrong?! Answer me!"

 

[ShiningJudgment]

The second he learned that Aina was feeding his Scottish terrier a few of her nachos, Jack sharply turned and narrowed his eyes. "HEY!" He stood up from his stool and glared down at Terry. "Terry, spit that out right now!" His dog was quick to "spit" the half eaten nachos out of his mouth and he lowered his head in shame. "Bad dog. You know better!" His right artificial forefinger pointed towards a corner of the bar. "Go over here and SIT!" He watched his dog slowly trod over in the designated spot and then he sat down.

Some of the regulars, the bartender and the older gentleman had their eyes on the Eternal Hitman now. Jack didn't care. He turned his attention to Aina and glared at her. "What's wrong with you?! Don't you know that some human foods can POISON dogs?!" He clenched his left fist as she stared at him with her mouth full of nachos. She seemed tense and he was going to make things worse for her. "You may be blind, but you shouldn't be so blind that you can't see that was wrong of you to feed my dog junk! Now quit stuffin' yourself like a potbelly pig and say you're sorry!"

"Easy Jack. It was an accident..." The bartender tried to intervene. However, when he saw a single razor card floating up with magnetic power, he swallowed nervously and took a step back.

Jack kept his blue-red pools on Aina the entire time. "Didn't your parents teach you what's right and wrong?! Answer me!"

Aina started to tense up when he mentioned about her so called parents and swallowed. Her emotions were starting to crack, especially when something like this pops up. "I'm sorry. I didn't know, and no... my parents they..." She started trailing off before she could finish her sentence. Her emotions were starting to crack more as she quickly got up and bolted out the bar.

Pho watched Aina go as she turned to Jack with a frown. "I'm really sorry, Jack, sir." Pho responded as she bowed with an apology. "She didn't mean any harm."

"Well, let's go find her now." Minga added in as she got up from her stool and left with Pho to find Aina before the bounty hunters do.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Eve is now running around a track in a workout room beneath the operating room.

Deacon Hawk enters and asks Brother Paul, "How long has she been going?"

Paul replies, "She's been averaging about 60 for the last 2 hours and not even winded."

Deacon Hawk nods and asks, "How about her strength?"

Brother Paul sahkes his head and replies, "Off the charts. She lifted the equivilant of two hummers in each arm without even stressing the units."

Deacon Hawk says, "Okay let's see how she does with a change of pace."

Paul nods and presses a button. A series of hurdles appear and Eve without even breaking stride begins clearing them easily.

Deacon Hawk says, "All-right I've seen enough. Let's she what she can do outside these 4 walls."

Brother Paul looks at him as if to say, "Really?"

Deacon Hawk says, "It's time Brother Paul the home office wants to know how well their money has been spent."

Brother Paul nods and says, "As you wish Deacon."

Brother Paul deactivates the hurdles and says through a P-A system, "All-right Eve time to put it on."

Eve stops on a dime and says, "Put what on?"

Deacon Hawk says, "You'll see."

The three reassemble in a conference room around a table and Deacon Hawk presses a button. A panel opens revealing a black one peice costume with a silver visor.

Eve approaches the costume and asks, "Is this mine?"

Deacon Hawk replies with a smile, "Too small for me."

Eve touches it and says, "This isn't like any material I've ever felt."

Brother Paul says, "For what we paid it better not be just a spandex suit. What you see before you Eve is a body suit unlike any other in the world."

Brother Paul presses a button revealing a series of video monitors. They show the suit being shot at, burned, frozen, electrified, soaked, and pulled. Not a scratch on it.

Eve asks, "What's with the visor? Is it so I can watch CNN or AMC?"

Brother Paul replies, not amused. "That is for your neural link. It enables you to scan an are using all known patterns of detection, to communicate with others on certain frequencies, to target for precise hits, telescopic and microscopic vision among other options at your disposal."

Deacon Hawk says, "All-right Eve go put it on. Let's see if we have to take it back to the tailor."

Eve is for the first time since this all started somewhat excited as she takes the suit away.

Eve re-enters the room and says, "Gentlemen I think I might like this suit."

Brother Paul says, "Eve think about Deacon for a moment think about him only."

Eve feels the suit slightly vibrate and she asks, " What was that?"

Paul says, "Check the mirror."

Eve is no longer standing there, but a perfect clone of Deacon Hawk.

She starts to say, "Holy Shhhhh."

Brother Paul quickly says, "Hey hey no need for that. Your costume has nanites which enable you to assume the form of anyone you see once. Either in person or video. Before you ask yes you can also imitate their voice right down to the vocal imprint."

Eve concentrates and then she says in Deacon's voice, "Are you kidding me?"

Deacon Hawk says, "Okay enough of the surreal please."

Eve concentrates and changes back to herself.

Paul says, "Now before we turn you lose on Lost Haven there are some items you should know along with the do-s and don'ts."

Paul presses a button and all the monitors disappear but one showing a map of Lost Haven.

Deacon Hawk says, "This is Lost Haven we have noticed a high level of meta-human activity in this city. Many of them are working as a unit called the Guardians it is our hope that you will be welcomed as one of them at some point, so that you can gather intel on them."

Brother Paul says, "While you are certainly unique you are not invulnerable. You can be hurt because remember you're a cyborg your electronics are computerized. Meaning you could be vulnerable to certian kinds of computer attacks, and while your arms and legs are powerful they too can be damamged and suffer wear and tear. You must lay perfectly still for at least one hour per day. To give your cybernetics a chance to renew themselves, for diagnostic purposes, and to give yourself a chance to rest."

Eve says, "Do I have at least a 90 day warranty?"

Brother Paul is again not amused as Deacon Hawk steps in and says, "Three rules that you must obey above all else. Breaking any of them can be considered just cause for your termination."

Eve says, "Why do I get the feeling there's more to that than just not being allowed to wear the suit anymore. You all have a kill switch on me don't you?"

Brother Paul looks at Deacon Hawk who nods slightly.

He says, "We hope we don't have to use it, but if forced we will without hesitation."

Eve says, "Will I suffer?"

Brother Paul says, "You'll be off-line before you know what's happened."

Deacon Hawk says, "Your three rules are as follows: Rule 1) No one is to know that you're a cyborg! If anyone asks how you got your powers be creative, but do not reveal your cybernetic nature to anyone. 2) The secrecy of the society is to be guarded above all! No one is to know of us if they find out we will do what we must to survive. And 3) Thou shall not kill even in the name of self-preservation."

Eve says, "Anything else."

Brother Paul says, "Remember your training and the three rules."

Deacon Hawk presses a button and a tunnel opens leading back to the operating area where Eve woke up.

He says, "Now that you're suit is online your neural net will automatically open and close the tunnel."

Eve nods and says, "All-right then. Thank you and wish me luck."

Deacon Hawk says, "Go with God."

Brother Paul draws a cross of blessing in the air and Eve says to him, "And also with you."

The two share a brief smile as Eve sprints out of the tunnel.

She continues moving through the streets at such speeds she is almost a blur.

Finaly she manuvers up a fire escape and takes a look out over the city and says, "Time to get to work!"

With that she leaps off the roof top onto another and then another.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Scott Morse walked through the back entrance of The Hub and again marveled at the sheer destruction that had been wrought inside of his club. On any given night, the club, which had become one of the more popular nightspots in the city, particularly among the college crowd.

However, that all changed the night that Pinup walked through the doors. One that night, she had a mishap with her powers. Her ability to drawn on the fears of those around her had gone "collective" as she had later called it, causing a mass hysteria. Several of the club's patrons had been killed in the mayhem that had ensued, trampled to death in the rushed panic to escape from the confines of the The Hub.

Scott walked through the back of the club out to the empty dance floor. As he looked around at the broken glass and blood stains that littered the floor, he found himself struck by just how strange this all felt. Though he had seen the aftermath of attacks by meta humans more times than he could count, but not like this...not so close to home.

Scott left the dance floor and made his way to the broom closet near the kitchen area. He grabbed a broom and dustpan, then returned to the dance floor.

Had he chosen to do so, he could have cleaned the entire club in a matter of moments.

But he didn't.

In a way, he felt that using his abilities to clean up the debris left behind in the wake of Pinup's accident would in a way be disrespectful to those who had lost their lives here that night.

So instead he brought the bristles of the broom to the floor and began to slowly sweep the shattered glass and other debris that now littered the floor.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Rick Hunter sat alone in his favorite booth at the back of O'Malley's Pub, his head down, looking directly into the bottom of the glass of his fifth beer of the evening.

The front door of the pub opened, drawing the attention of the patrons inside. O'Malley's was a small dive in the low rent section of Little Ulster. The same people came every night at the same time, and ordered the same drinks. It wasn't unusual to be lovingly greeted with a barrage of obscenities as you walked in the door so vulgar that it would make a marine blush, then find a glass with your usual beverage of choice waiting for you at your seat when you arrive.

As Rick looked to the door he cursed under his breath as he saw Michael Turner, his former partner and his ex girlfriend Bailey walk in. He knew that they were worried about him. He knew from the numerous phone calls and text messages that he had ignored. They wanted to check on him, to see how he was doing.

But he only wanted to be left alone.

If he had wanted company, he would have taken the sultry brunette up on her offer when she had come over to his booth two hours earlier. However, he turned her down and now she was hanging on the arm of one of the pub's bouncers, a big bear of a man lovingly known as "Bull" by the regulars.

He couldn't imagine what they could say to try to make him feel better about the situation. Earlier in the day, he had been responsible for the deaths of three S.T.R.I.K.E agents, including his squad leader Marcus Ryder. Then, after failing to stop the rampaging meta from killing his fellow agents, he was found himself with no alternative but to use deadly force.

There was nothing that they could say.

As Bailey and Michael made their way over to his booth, Rick simply stood and pushed past them, not even acknowledging their presence.

There was nothing anyone could do to make him feel any better about what had happened. So tonight, he would go home.

Alone.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Eve lands on a roof top near the downtown area. She takes in all the wonder around her as she realizes she is seeing a side of Lost Haven that not everyone gets to see. Eve then practices going through her various modes of vision on people passing her by.

Wow! This is something else. Can't say that I'm exactly thrilled about being turned into a female version of Robocop, but it beats what I should be...at least for now.


Just then she sees a video box appear to in the upper right with Brother Paul in it.

She says, "Been spying on me."

Brother Paul replies, "No just monitoring your progress through the city. Deacon Hawk nor I will generally video chat with you, but if there is something you should know we will tell or if you need to contact us just concentrate and..."

Eve interrupts, "The neural net will do the rest. Am I right?"

Brother Paul shakes his head and cuts off the video link. Eve smiles slightly.

Eve then hears a pinging sound in her head.

Oh that's gonna get annoying! What now?


Just then a message is displayed across the upper left of her visor that states: Silent Alarm activated. 3rd Street Edmunds Jewelery Store.

Eve says, "Understood en-route." The message then disappears and Eve arrives on the scene in 3 leaps.

She spies from nearby roof-top and uses her video imaging to see 4 crooks loading up a van.

I think I got an idea on how to approach this one.

Eve waits for the van doors to close and then leaps down. A system on the bottom of her shoes discharges slight wisps of air making it so she can land without making a sound.

The van starts and Eve then ever so slightly picks the van up so it won't go forward once it is in gear.

The wheels begin to spin and spin. she hears one of the crooks yell, "Check the back!"

Eve then says, "Now!" She then turns the van on its side and hears the crooks inside yelling.

Eve then rips the doors off the van and throws them aside like they were cardboard.

Two of the crooks pull out automatic weapons and begin to fire. Eve instinctively covers up but then realizes she doesn't feel the bullets at all.

She lowers her arms and allows them to hit her. The crooks are stunned to see that this has no effect on her.

Eve then grabs the guns and crushes them. She then nails one with a right cross. Not realizing her strength she manages to dislocate his jaw.

Opps need to hold back a bit!

The next one starts to run but Eve grabs him by the back of the shirt and slings him back into the van.

She says, "Oh why don't you stay for a while. Your friends are gonna need a forth for bridge when you all get locked up at the Lost Haven Penitentiary."

The Police arrive and have their guns drawn. They see Eve and she says, "I think you all can take care of it from here."

Eve then bounds away. Later on that night there are several reports of a red-headed black suited woman breaking up crimes all over the city at a staggering rate.

Eve makes it back to her base and enters the hidden base.

Deacon Hawk says, "Bravo Eve! You've made a huge impact already!"

Eve says, "Thanks Deacon."

Brother Paul says, "You did all-right. Of course I don't think I would've flung the mugger into the dumpster and turned it over on it's side. I think that was over kill a bit."

Eve shrugs her shoulders and says, "It felt unreal. I felt like..."

Deacon Hawk says, "You could take on the world."

She nods and Hawk says, "Well keep in mind now. You're not immortal and now there will be those looking for you hopefully they're guardians. For now though go take some down time."

Eve nods and says, "Hey what should we call this place? And no The Garden of Eden is not gonna work."

Deacon Hawk chuckles at that and Brother Paul rolls his eyes.

Deacon Hawk says, "We'll call it the Church."

Eve nods and walks away to take some down time

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Dr. James Hooper sat behind his desk wearing a blank expression as he addressed his visitor.

"I understand your concern Director Anderson. But I assure you, Agent Ryder is in the best possible hands. He suffered severe brain trauma, the short in his equipment essentially caused an electrical overload in his cerebral cortex. Essentially his brain experienced a sort of short out. Our neurologists here are among the best in the country. He couldn't get better care anywhere in the world."

"I understand that your people are good at what they do. However, they do not have access to the sort of tools that we have at S.T.R.I.K.E." Anderson said, making the fact that he was unimpressed with the doctor's statement obvious.

"Director Anderson, while I understand your commitment to protecting you agents, and I do appreciate the loyalty you have for your men, I must object to you taking Agent Ryder from this facility. He is in a critical stage right now, and moving him to another facility could quite possibly kill him."

"That's not your concern Doctor, Agent Ryder is coming with us. Object all you want, but I have official orders to take custody of Agent Ryder. Surely, you wouldn't stand in the way of an executive order."

Dr Hooper sat there momentarily not knowing what to say next. It was against everything he knew to allow them to take the patient, yet he knows the consequences for both himself and the hospital should he stand in opposition to a federal order, no matter how ill advised. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"Very well. I'll make arrangements to have Agent Ryder released into your custody." He says quietly, almost at a whisper.

"No need for that Doctor, my men are already on it." Anderson replied, with a smile that reminded the good doctor of an old time snake oil salesman.

***

Director Anderson made his way to his vehicle alongside Dr. Charles Teufel, one of heads of his scientific division. They are surrounded by a number of heavily armed S.T.R.I.K.E agents, who keep a close eye on their commander until he and the doctor are safely inside the Director's limo.

"Have the preparations been made, Charles?" Anderson asks as the vehicle pulls away from the curb.

"Yes Director. Agent Ryder is en route to Site 12 as we speak. The facility is awaiting his arrival."

"Good. As soon as everything is in place, I want to inspect the facility. This is critical Charles, we can't afford any mistakes."
​

At a remote installation in Somerset Maine, on the banks of Moose River, not far from the Canadian boarder, Director Anderson walked through the well lit subterranean corridors leading to the top secret labs that lay under the installation. Most of the staff at the installation only know of the laboratory's existence as hearsay and innuendo.

As he walked through corridors, Dr. Charles Teufel followed several paces behind him.

"So, you're saying that the prognosis is good then, Charles?" Anderson asked hopefully.

"Yes Director. We are very optimistic that this will work." Teufel answered matter of factly.

They continued down the hall to a large set of magnetically sealed doors. Dr. Teufel swiped his identification card while looking into a retinal scanner. Once his identity was confirmed, there was a slight hissing sound as the magnetic seal was broken and the doors slid open. The two men walked through the doors into the cavernous laboratory.

The laboratory was filled with all sorts of high tech looking equipment, each machine producing its own unique sound, creating an odd mechanical symphony within the lab. And in the center of the laboratory was a single hospital bed. Although the view of the bed was obscured by the equipment that nearly surrounded it, Anderson didn't need to see the occupant to know who was in the bed.

"So, explain this to me again Charles. In layman's terms."

"It's actually quite simple Director. Agent Ryder possesses both the physical and mental attributes that we need for this project to be successful. You see, Agent Ryder already possessed the physical gifts that we needed. He was, afterall, in peak physical condition."

"Naturally." Anderson interrupted nonchalantly.

Teufel was unphased by the Director's interruption, and continued.

"While we were in the initial phases of this project, we found that all the candidates shared one common flaw." Teufel paused slightly, anticipating the inevitable question.

"Which was?" Anderson asked.

"Each candidate suffered some form of mental or for that matter, moral deficiency. Some of the candidates suffered from latent character flaws that would make them useless for this project. If they weren't slightly...off kilter, they were too strong willed for this experiment. Once we were finished, we wouldn't have been able to control them." Teufel explained.

"I see."


"But due to his current state, Agent Ryder doesn't possess any of these defects. Because he is essentially brain dead, he is in essence a clean slate. We can, for lack of a better word, 'program' him any way we like. He will be ours to do with as we wish, and we have no need to worry about his personality conflicting with the programming. He is, in essence the perfect candidate to serve as our failsafe."


As Teufel finished his explanation, Anderson walked around the various equipment surrounding the hospital bed. He looked down at his former partner, his best friend and sighed.


"Marcus, I almost envy you. Even in this state, you will serve a higher purpose. Not many men will ever be able to say the same." He said, then turned and faced the scientist.


"Now if you'll excuse me Charles, I have a 'funeral' to plan." He said as he made his way for the door.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Scott Morse walked through the back entrance of The Hub and again marveled at the sheer destruction that had been wrought inside of his club. On any given night, the club, which had become one of the more popular nightspots in the city, particularly among the college crowd.

However, that all changed the night that Pinup walked through the doors. One that night, she had a mishap with her powers. Her ability to drawn on the fears of those around her had gone "collective" as she had later called it, causing a mass hysteria. Several of the club's patrons had been killed in the mayhem that had ensued, trampled to death in the rushed panic to escape from the confines of the The Hub.

Scott walked through the back of the club out to the empty dance floor. As he looked around at the broken glass and blood stains that littered the floor, he found himself struck by just how strange this all felt. Though he had seen the aftermath of attacks by meta humans more times than he could count, but not like this...not so close to home.

Scott left the dance floor and made his way to the broom closet near the kitchen area. He grabbed a broom and dustpan, then returned to the dance floor.

Had he chosen to do so, he could have cleaned the entire club in a matter of moments.

But he didn't.

In a way, he felt that using his abilities to clean up the debris left behind in the wake of Pinup's accident would in a way be disrespectful to those who had lost their lives here that night.

So instead he brought the bristles of the broom to the floor and began to slowly sweep the shattered glass and other debris that now littered the floor.

Scott swept the last of the shattered glass into the dustpan. It had taken him a lot longer than he had expected, but the debris from Pinup's mishap had been mostly cleaned. Scott set the broom and dustpan aside and was about to head into the kitchen to grab a cola from the refrigerator when the back door opened.

Surprised by the sudden intrusion, he made his way over to the back of the club where the rear entrance is located to see who would be coming in. He was somewhat surprised to see Keira standing there, an unreadable expression on her face.

He was relieved to see her, and at the same time, he felt slightly uneasy. They hadn't spoken since the other night when they argued about Pinup being at the Guardian Headquarters, and he wasn't sure what her where he stood with her at the moment. And in that instant where they stood across from each other, neither saying a word he began to feel guilty. Although he still feels that he did the right thing, and the way that Pinup has performed since being introduced to the Guardians, he knows that he was right about her.

After all, if it wasn't for her Acrobat would have been killed by those S.T.R.I.K.E drones.

But even so, he knew that he could have been more understanding. Keira had just been through a major ordeal, and perhaps Scott had gotten so used to dealing with the sensational that he had forgotten what it is like for those who don't do so on a regular basis.

He slowly walked over to where she stood, still not entirely sure how to approach her. He knew how he felt about her, and that she had felt the same way. But he was left wondering, "is it enough?"

"Keira..." He finally said as he came to a stop just in front of her. He looked into her eyes, trying to read her expression which was still very much neutral. He agonized for a moment, waiting for her to say something, anything. But she remained silent. Finally, he broke the silence.

"Keira, I..." But before he could finish his thought, she smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck as she reached up with her lips and kissed him longer and deeper than anyone ever had before.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

After the downtime Eve re-enters the command center as Deacon Hawk and Brother Paul are watching one of the computer monitors.

Brother Paul asks, "Did you enjoy your downtime?"

Eve replies, "If you call hearing something like an MRI machine stuck inside your head enjoyment then yeah I had a ball."

Paul looks at her sternly and says, "That MRI sound is your diagnostic program. It is replenishing your vital cybernetic systems and processing the data from your adventures this evening."

Eve replies, "Great if I ever get another cell-phone I'll set it as a ring-tone."

Paul rolls his eyes and walks away as Deacon smirks at the exchange.

Hawk says, "Paul means well when you get down to it. He lacks certain people skills, but if anything happens to you there is no one on the planet I would trust more than him."

Eve says, "I know and I do trust him."

Deacon says, "Good because we are all we have."

Eve says, "It's gonna make for a real bang-up Christmas Party."

Deacon looks at her and says, "I know that your sense of humor is a defensive mechanism and most times I can deal with it, but do you have to use it all the time."

Eve replies, "I don't know Deacon let's see I've been out for 5 years, I have cybernetic parts in me, the face in the mirror and my voice are not mine, and the last memory of my old life is being executed. So you tell me?"

Deacon nods and says, "Fair enough. Can we try and meet on a middle ground though?"

Eve replies, "All-right."

Deacon replies, "Good now..."

Brother Paul bursts in and says, "Hostage crisis Lost Haven Library. Some nut job woke up mad at the world something about information overload and says unless there's a book burning out front he kills a hostage every 15 minutes and he'll blow up the library and several random places with Wi-Fi access."

Deacon turns to Eve and says, "Better get going some of those computers might be distant relatives of yours."

Eve rolls her eyes and smirks. She replies, "Good one."

Eve takes off to the library. When she is a block away she stops in a back alley and says, "Schematics Lost Haven Library."

Inside her visor a computer rendering of the library appears and she sees where the hostages are in relation to the crook.

Okay the crook is in the center of the lobby. The loading dock door is unguarded. Sometimes the direct approach is the best...

Eve sprints to the library and breaks through the loading dock door. She quickly makes her way to the lobby and grabs the gun out of the crook's hand along with the detonator.

The Crook looks around and sees eve and says, "What the..."

Eve says, "No actually I'm a who. The name is Eve."

Eve snaps the antenna to the detonator and says, "Gonna be real hard for those bombs to get their signal from this and..."

She then crushes the gun into bits as it explodes Eve says, "So much for that whole hostage killing thing too."

Eve then says sternly, "You're on way to prison and I'd hate to be you if you try to blow their library."

The crook starts to head out the door but Eve catches him by the collar and tosses him outside in front of the police.

The gathered crowd outside is stunned silent and the news-crews are focused in on her.

Eve looks at the crook on the ground and then says to the Police, "He's all yours. The people inside are fine but they might need help psychologically. Good Night."

She speeds off back to the Church.