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

[Erin]

I watch as the medical staff take Acrobat into surgery, and feel a sudden wave of relief wash over me as I come to the realization that we may just have made it back in time. The kid was hurt badly, but he may just pull through.

I catch a slight movement out of the corner of my eye, and I see Pinup standing there, watching the medical staff wheel the kid away as well. I can see that she's hurt, but I'm not able to tell just how badly. So I walk over to her, coming to a stop right beside her.

"You're hurt. Maybe you should get that looked at too."

"Huh?" Pinup looks up, her train of thought broken. She follows his gaze down to her leg. Just above her outer knee, the welt from Vigilante's concussive bolt glared an angry purplish blue. Her knee was slightly swollen and her leg ached. "Oh. Vigilante shot me...accidentally, I'm sure." She looked back to the double doors. "I'll be fine." She didn't look at him as mentally she was going through the steps the surgeons would be taking in Acrobat's surgery. "There's nothing they could really do anyway."

She wished more than ever that she had access to her lab and the Vita Ray chamber beneath the storage locker.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Huh?" Pinup looks up, her train of thought broken. She follows his gaze down to her leg. Just above her outer knee, the welt from Vigilante's concussive bolt glared an angry purplish blue. Her knee was slightly swollen and her leg ached. "Oh. Vigilante shot me...accidentally, I'm sure." She looked back to the double doors. "I'll be fine." She didn't look at him as mentally she was going through the steps the surgeons would be taking in Acrobat's surgery. "There's nothing they could really do anyway."

She wished more than ever that she had access to her lab and the Vita Ray chamber beneath the storage locker.

I nod in agreement, though upon taking another look at her leg...it still looks like it could use some sort of medical attention. But that's not really the point.

Once the initial relief of getting the kid to the medical attention he needs wears off, I feel a sense of frustration wash over me. Before I left for Japan, we had agreed that everyone would stay at the headquarters for the night, in order to avoid just the situation we found ourselves in.

"What were you guys doing out there tonight? You guys shouldn't have been on the streets, not with everything that's already happened." I say as I see the distracted, unfocused look on her face morph into an angry glare.

 

[Erin]

I nod in agreement, though upon taking another look at her leg...it still looks like it could use some sort of medical attention. But that's not really the point.

Once the initial relief of getting the kid to the medical attention he needs wears off, I feel a sense of frustration wash over me. Before I left for Japan, we had agreed that everyone would stay at the headquarters for the night, in order to avoid just the situation we found ourselves in.

"What were you guys doing out there tonight? You guys shouldn't have been on the streets, not with everything that's already happened." I say as I see the distracted, unfocused look on her face morph into an angry glare.

"Let's get this straight - I want to help you, but I draw the line at being treated like some kind of saboteur by that paranoid punk in a ski-mask. Now I didn't want him to follow me and I didn't ask for his help. You want to order your men to stay inside, that's fine by me, but I don't work for you."

The outburst was unreasonable, and Pinup knew it, though she wouldn't admit it. She wasn't exactly sure what was annoying her - the fact that Vigilante followed her, or the fact that she was actually glad that he had? The fact that she had somehow gotten tangled up in a fight against Anderson's droids or the fact that they were targeting innocent kids? Whatever it was, Icon was there and damn it, if she was going to be upset she wasn't going to be alone in it. It's a chick thing.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Let's get this straight - I want to help you, but I draw the line at being treated like some kind of saboteur by that paranoid punk in a ski-mask. Now I didn't want him to follow me and I didn't ask for his help. You want to order your men to stay inside, that's fine by me, but I don't work for you."

The outburst was unreasonable, and Pinup knew it, though she wouldn't admit it. She wasn't exactly sure what was annoying her - the fact that Vigilante followed her, or the fact that she was actually glad that he had? The fact that she had somehow gotten tangled up in a fight against Anderson's droids or the fact that they were targeting innocent kids? Whatever it was, Icon was there and damn it, if she was going to be upset she wasn't going to be alone in it. It's a chick thing.

"I understand."

She's right, she isn't one of the Guardians. I have no right to give her orders as if she is a member of the team. But she is here, in our headquarters and under our protection.

"But with S.T.R.I.K.E out there actively targeting us, it's just not safe to be out there right now. So please, stay here...at least until tomorrow." I pause before adding, "I'll talk to Vigilante."

 

[Erin]

"I understand."

She's right, she isn't one of the Guardians. I have no right to give her orders as if she is a member of the team. But she is here, in our headquarters and under our protection.

"But with S.T.R.I.K.E out there actively targeting us, it's just not safe to be out there right now. So please, stay here...at least until tomorrow." I pause before adding, "I'll talk to Vigilante."

Pinup exhales derisively. "What makes you think tomorrow'll be any different? STRIKE will still be targeting us then."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Pinup exhales derisively. "What makes you think tomorrow'll be any different? STRIKE will still be targeting us then."

"I don't know that things will be different. But at least after tomorrow I should have a better understanding of what Anderson's game is..." I say, as I see the confusion mounting in her eyes.

"Anderson wants to meet with me tomorrow morning at S.T.R.I.K.E headquarters. I'm going to get to the bottom of this whole thing."

 

[Erin]

"I don't know that things will be different. But at least after tomorrow I should have a better understanding of what Anderson's game is..." I say, as I see the confusion mounting in her eyes.

"Anderson wants to meet with me tomorrow morning at S.T.R.I.K.E headquarters. I'm going to get to the bottom of this whole thing."

"Are you a complete idiot!?" Pinup hears herself saying. "You've got STRIKE droids out there just waiting to bring you in and you're going to walk right into the hornet's nest and offer yourself up like some dumb sacrificial lamb!?"

She is so upset by the idea, she doesn't stop to realize that she is shamefully mixing metaphors.

"How can you tell the rest of us to stay put in here while you're out there putting yourself exactly where Anderson wants you?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Are you a complete idiot!?" Pinup hears herself saying. "You've got STRIKE droids out there just waiting to bring you in and you're going to walk right into the hornet's nest and offer yourself up like some dumb sacrificial lamb!?"

She is so upset by the idea, she doesn't stop to realize that she is shamefully mixing metaphors.

"How can you tell the rest of us to stay put in here while you're out there putting yourself exactly where Anderson wants you?"

Well, she took that better than I had expected. I wait for her to finish what she has to say before I say anything.

"I know. But this is the only way. This is probably our best chance to find out exactly what Anderson's game is." I tell her, but I can see that she isn't convinced.

"Look...I know that it's risky, but I'm the only one who can do this. I'm the only member of the team that S.T.R.I.K.E hasn't come after directly yet. If Anderson thought that he could take me down, he would have tried by now...that much I'm sure of. I'm going to talk to him, see if I can't figure out exactly what he's up to." I say as I try to read Pinup's expression, which is proving impossible.

"Trust me."

 

[Erin]

Well, she took that better than I had expected. I wait for her to finish what she has to say before I say anything.

"I know. But this is the only way. This is probably our best chance to find out exactly what Anderson's game is." I tell her, but I can see that she isn't convinced.

"Look...I know that it's risky, but I'm the only one who can do this. I'm the only member of the team that S.T.R.I.K.E hasn't come after directly yet. If Anderson thought that he could take me down, he would have tried by now...that much is sure. I'm going to talk to him, see if I can't figure out exactly what he's up to." I say as I try to read Pinup's expression, which is proving impossible.

"Trust me."

"It's him I don't trust!" Pinup's voice raised slightly. "And neither should you! What makes you think he'd tell you anything but what he wants you to think!? That snake is as incapable of telling the truth as....as..." Her annoyance left her at a loss for words and she growled in frustration.
"You want to know what his plan is?" She lowered her voice dangerously as she looked him square in the eye. "There's a kid in that room right now with a gut full of Anderson's plan. And you think you'll be able to walk right in and have a nice, civil sit-down with him?"

There is a moment of tense silence as Icon gives her a look that says he has no intention of backing out of his meeting with Anderson. Bitterly, Pinup looks away.

"Look, if you can't tell me what to do, I guess I can't tell you either. So go ahead, Scott. Do what you want. But don't be surprised when it all goes to hell."

She turns and walks away from him, down the hallway and toward her own room. There's nothing more she can do for Acrobat now, and very little sense in pacing around outside the medical wing doors for some news. She'd check back in a while.

 

[Hound55]

...

 

[Hound55]

Pinup makes a quick grab for the phone, swiping it up from the floorboard before anyone else has a chance to get to it. It's not that she doesn't trust the others; it's only Vigilante. She figures this kid deserves his privacy as much as the next person, and she figures Vigilante may have the same objections toward his privacy as he has to her own. Funny how he's so private about himself and so nosy about others. But, she reasons, that's what crazy does to a person. She casts only the barest glance at the phone's illuminated display before placing it securely in her boot. The kid won't be allowed to have it on him in surgery anyway, and at least if she has it, no one will be snooping on his personal life.

"You can call 'em back later." Pinup assures him with a warm, calm smile that isn't just artifice. The motley crew is soaring over the city at a tremendous speed, and Pinup can already see the edge of the Guardian's Headquarter's rooftop beyond the grey and glass buildings below them.

In no time, the car descends onto the rooftop and the band of heroes piles out.
"Somebody go let them know we're coming: Adolescent Male. Gunshot wound to the abdomen. Tell them they're gonna need saline drips and plenty of fresh blood. O neg and ready to go." Pinup tosses the order to the other two as Icon assists her in removing Acrobat carefully from the car. His pulse is thready and he struggles to keep conscious.

The medical staff meet them in the hallway with a gurney and Pinup follows them, answering questions and filling them in as they make their way to surgery.

Isaac stops in his tracks, deep in thought about how easily things could have gone bad for him that night. It shot that kid down with the ease of gunning down a three toed sloth, and from what little he saw that kid could move...

"What in the hell am I doing here?" flashed across his mind as it often would, never lasting more than a minute. An idle repetitive complaint that was never bothersome enough to seriously make him consider stopping.

One of the screens in the hall flickered on, showing the sensor-cameras located by the front door.

[BLACKOUT]"Oh for... What have we got now..?"[/BLACKOUT] He marched towards the heavy door of the main entrance stopping briefly at another screen and activating the intercom.

[BLACKOUT]"We don't want any damn Girl Scout cookies! Piss off!"[/BLACKOUT]

"Hello? Anyone home? All I want to do is talk, meta to meta. I know what I look like and that is only part of the story. Things need to change in this town back to like they were right after the alien invasion and before this idiotic S.T.R.I.K.E. group came into town."

[BLACKOUT]"Geez, this guy really likes preaching to the choir..."[/BLACKOUT] Isaac muttered continuing down the halls to the door.

"Look, Rob, they might think we are going along with S.T.R.I.K.E. and the only way we will be able to convince them otherwise is to show we aren't hostile. This means that you'll need to put weapons on shut down. If this city has any chance of surviving, we need to team up and shove S.T.R.I.K.E. out of here since our politicians can't or won't do a thing."

The intercom whistled and crackled back into life, spouting the artificial voice that came from the Vigilante's voice modulator.

[BLACKOUT]"...yeah. I think dropping the weapons is a damn good start. Welcome to Guardians Headquarters, contrary to recent events we're not actually running a B and B or tour groups through here, so if you wouldn't mind telling me what the hell you're doing here I might spare you the headache of dealing with the building's defences... Speak fast, you have about 10 seconds..."[/BLACKOUT]

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Anderson sits behind his desk, watching the live reports of the skirmish between his drones and the Guardians. As he watches the events unfold, a smile spreads across his lips. He knows that this is exactly what he needs in order to turn public opinion against the popular "super hero" team.

The Guardians, sweeping in to prevent his drones from apprehending a potentially dangerous meta, are actually doing him a service...and they don't even realize it. However, reports of some of his drones being destroyed by a Lost Haven police officer are disturbing. Especially if the reports about it being the R.O.C. prototype are true...he makes a note to investigate this matter himself.

"Mr. Chambers has arrived Director. I've set him up in Conference Room B, per your request." The voice of Ms Powers comes over the intercom.

"Very good Ms Powers, please let him know that I'll be there momentarily."

Normally, Anderson despises lawyers. He believes that they are nothing more than a nuisance that hinders true progress...a nuisance that is 2nd only to politicians. However, he also knows when he has a rare opportunity presented to him. A high profile personality...one with certain...secrets, such as Mr. Chambers could be a formidable ally in his cause.

Dylan sits in a chair in the conference room and begins to enjoy a cup of coffee from the pot that Ms. Powers had set up.

He looks around the room and takes note that there is not any visible electronic surveillance equipment.

Clearly an off the books meeting. Noted.

Dylan mentally reviews his file on Anderson noting that he is actually somewhat nervous.

I am so used to being in control of a situation and a meeting, but this is a case where I am not in control. Not to mention I'm dealing someone who deals with politicians all the time and, unless misjudged my file, doesn't suffer fools easily. This is about what I can bring to the table in terms of his cause, and in the end I want one thing; to keep what I have and to be able to stay on my side of the street which will be much easier without the heroes in the way.

Dylan notes also that there was no guard outside the door.

It means there is a sense of trust already. Very well played.

Dylan sips his coffee and once he has finished making his mental notes he finds he is much more relaxed.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"What the-!?" I blurt out as we arrive in a charred hellscape that looks more like a bombed out New York City than what I'd expect Hell to look like. "You know, I always figured it would be bad...but MAN. This is some crazy stuff. And you know...I'm almost a bit disappointed a little, evil Saddam Hussein squeaking in my ear.."

I get looks from the other two, "Just trying to diffuse the tension..."

The place does eat away at you though. Just being here saps all my energy. It strikes fear, despair, and desperation into me as well, but I fight to suppress them.

"Never thought I'd call the River Styx cheery...but I'd rather be in the Underworld right now."

"This is hell?" He'd been expecting something worse. More violent, bloodier and brutal. This was just depressing. But this dimension itself wasn't what gave it its reputation, it was the punishment and its denizens. "I can see why they'd want a change of scenery." His face remained stone, determined, it was looking forward. This his own attempt to lessen the tension between the three of them, he didn't really get Cerberus' reference. This was a land ruled by his "family" but it felt far from a place he would ever call home.

As we have entered hell, what we see thus far is pretty much 'Hell on Earth'. What the Earth would likely look like, should Lucifer have had his way I guess you could say. We walk down this barren road, as there only seems to be one way to go: forward. As I gaze down through the distance, it looks like everything meets and converges at one place. In a building.

Suddenly something exits the building, waiting for us at its entrance. It...it looks like an angel? But with black wings. A fallen angel.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Is Gadreel truly greeted by the son of Jophiel?"

"What? You know my mother?"

My...mother. My goodness. I didn't even think about her this entire time. I'm coming down here to Hell to save St. Michael the archangel and I didn't even realize that I might be able to save her to.

"Know her? My boy...she spoiled my fun of teasing the one you all know as Eve any further when she was ordered to cast both her and the one called Adam out of Paradise...and yet my master is the one who took credit. So to be in the presence of her son...surely Lucifer smiles up at me, this day. I feel blessed."

Gadreel tilts his head, looking past me and at either Cerberus or Inferno. One of the two. Which one I cannot be sure but for a split second, he lets out a devilish smile before he turns his attention back at me. What's that all about?

"So...seeing as the three of you are not dead, what is your purpose for entering my Lord's lowly kingdom?"

"I'm busting out St. Michael the archangel from this hell-hole, and there is not a thing you can do to stop me or us. Is this going to have to get nasty, Gadreel?"

He lets out a chuckle as I get into a defense pose Kensei taught me, with the Shield of Faith in front of me and the Sword of the Spirit to my side. His chuckle is truly eerie and makes me want to vomit as it greatly exposes his hellish and sharp teeth as he does so. On the outside, he still resembles that of an angel say for the black wings and grayish skin. Though underneath, clearly something else stirs.

"Seeing as you'll have to cross the frozen lake where my true master lies, I have no desire in stopping you now. For that debacle would truly give both he and I pleasure. I shall accompany and show you the way. At the other end of the lake you shall find your precious and shackled St. Michael the archangel."

Checking to see if the other two have any objections or things to add, they simply just nod on, keeping themselves ready for anything that could come our way. I lower my defensive stance, swinging the shield to my backside, and sheathing the sword as Gadreel descends to the ground.

And that's when I ask.

"...will you also be able to show me my mother?"

A creepy smile full of glee on his face as he seems to channel demonic energies and start some sort of spell, Gadreel nods to me.

"Hahaha. If you wish it. Forever condemned to the frozen lake are traitors to God, country, and family. Thus is where your mother lies. I can bring you to her first if you like. And consider her lucky she doesn't suffer the fate of the rest of the souls in the frozen lake who are forever trapped under it, face up, with their eyes and mouths frozen."

His spell is cast, and we are in what surely must be the coldest place on Earth as icy winds blow our direction and as far as the eye can see lies an enormous lake of frozen solid ice. I look around and I can see the faces of the sinners and traitors Gadreel speaks of. Suddenly, I feel like there is no hope in our mission and I've never been succumbed to such a grave feeling of despair.

This is a terrible place, and I try to remind myself why we are here. But it's so hard. Each step I take and each time I remind myself that we are here to save St. Michael the archangel, another gust of icy wind strikes my cheek, and I see another agonizing and frozen face of a sinner, and then I think that there is no hope. The Armor of God keeps me warm for the most part, and it looks like Cerberus and Inferno are able to keep themselves warm as well.

Each step we take across this frozen lake feels impossible. By now we have walked a good amount of time, and I look back and it looks like we haven't even moved much at all. And as I fall to my knees, my eyes fixated on the frozen souls that look up at my in the icy lake, I've got no hope left.

"This...is futile."

Cerberus and Inferno help me up, and I start to wonder why it is they aren't suffering like I am. Could it be my being half angel? My divine heritage? Gadreel laughs hysterically as he glides through the air in front of us, stopping and turning around.

"You wished to see your mother, boy. Well look no further than to your right. The once fair and loyal angel bearing the name Jophiel--'Beauty of God'--lies just there."

Turning my head, I see her. Suddenly, seeing her gives me strength I didn't have at all earlier as I shrug off Cerberus and Inferno's help, and actually manage to sprint to her. She doesn't see me, as she seems to be slowly treading along.

"Mom! MOM!!"

Shocked she turns around, only to see my figure running her way as seeing her gives me such hope, happiness, and love right now. A few tears run down my cheeks and freeze as the icy winds strike them, crushing softly as I wipe them away from my face.

I embrace her in a hug, and were this moment not taking place in Hell of all places, surely this would be a Kodak moment.

 

[Carnage27]

I watch as Michael and his mother embrace. It's a powerfully moving moment, and surprising considering the setting. You can't help but feel the emotions flowing here, and I can't even imagine what Michael is feeling. I mean, knowing your mother is in Hell, and this may be the only chance you have to see her again. I mean...it's crazy to think about.

The scene can't help but take me back to my own mother, thinking about what's going on with her at the Eye of the Fates. I mean, she has to be scared, to feel lonely in the foreign place. Sure, she has Sirius, Nysus, and Chiron...but it's not her home. It's not where she feels like she belongs.

And it's all because of this coming war. A war I should probably warn my new teammates about soon, but dealing with being in Hell should probably come first.

 

[Erin]

***** THREE HOURS AGO, STRIKE HEADQUARTERS*****

Walter Kennedy stands in the middle of the cavernous laboratory of the S.T.R.I.K.E. biochemical research department. He looks at a readout an intern hands him and beams with pride at the culmination of thirty-plus years of research. Holding test results confirming his hypothesis, his hands begin to shake. He may as well be holding the Holy Grail. It astounds him, that in 24 hours a team of highly skilled specialists was able to take what amounted to his life's work and turn it into something tangible.
"We've done it." He thinks. His theories as to what creates the change in meta-human DNA are accurate, and he is now one step closer to helping Emily reach her goal.

A weight settles on his heart, dampening his sense of achievement, as he thinks of Emily. She would be unable to appreciate the speed with which the results were delivered. Being unable to age, time means something entirely different to her. Walter's triumph is clouded only slightly by the nagging sense of guilt. Still, even Emily could appreciate results.


Far out of Walter's realm of awareness, another person is looking at the test results. Unknown to the well-meaning professor, the tests were not done on rats, but on willing STRIKE volunteers. Anderson's eyes scanned the reports, which were explained to him in brief by a rather nervous, though proud intern.

"The old man was right... the change seems stable." The intern concludes triumphantly. "We're working on reverse engineering the change now. If his theories hold up, it should be a rather simple process. We should be able to turn something over for review in a few days."

The faintest hint of a smile curls across Anderson's mouth as he takes in the reports. Everything is falling exactly into place, and the thought of having the upper hand without the Guardian's knowledge is such a tantalizing thought, it takes Anderson extra effort to stifle his joy as he thanks the intern stolidly and orders him out of the room. Flipping through the reports on the newly created metas, Anderson leans back in his chair, savoring the moment quietly.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Dylan sits in a chair in the conference room and begins to enjoy a cup of coffee from the pot that Ms. Powers had set up.

He looks around the room and takes note that there is not any visible electronic surveillance equipment.

Clearly an off the books meeting. Noted.

Dylan mentally reviews his file on Anderson noting that he is actually somewhat nervous.

I am so used to being in control of a situation and a meeting, but this is a case where I am not in control. Not to mention I'm dealing someone who deals with politicians all the time and, unless misjudged my file, doesn't suffer fools easily. This is about what I can bring to the table in terms of his cause, and in the end I want one thing; to keep what I have and to be able to stay on my side of the street which will be much easier without the heroes in the way.

Dylan notes also that there was no guard outside the door.

It means there is a sense of trust already. Very well played.

Dylan sips his coffee and once he has finished making his mental notes he finds he is much more relaxed.

Anderson makes his way down the long hallway toward the conference room where his guest is waiting for him. He has kept Chambers waiting long enough. As a man not used to being kept waiting, it serves as a reminder to Chambers that he is not in control of this situation.

A lesson that Anderson learned from his father: Always remind others of their place.

One look into the conference room reveals that it appears that the tactic appears to have worked. Chambers looks to be somewhat uncomfortable in his current situation, though he tries hard not to show it.

Though the theatrics are probably not necessary as Chambers has shown to be a like minded individual, Anderson does not take anything for granted.

He opens the conference room door where Chambers is sitting, taking a sip from his cup of coffee, and enters the room with a large friendly smile plastered across his face.

"Good evening Mr. Chambers, thank you for taking the time to meet with me."

 

[Blacklight]

Chapter 20 (Part 1): I am...



It was time. This was it.

Atop the roof of the apartment tower a few blocks from Ryan's place where we had all decided to meet, as I clipped each end of the buckle of my belt together, the costume of which I was now adorned felt less like a uniform and more like a second skin. It fit perfectly. But it wasn't complete yet. Not until I had used my powers to change my eyes and hair to their blacklit forms to complete the guise, at least. It was finally that point in which I could stand before my friends in a new found confidence. For once in my life, I was not sticking to the ‘normal’ routine, and it felt great. No more misery and mediocrity. Not only that, however, as I also felt something even better than that. A strong feeling too. Specifically, a sense of self.

For once, I felt that this is who I truly am.

“Well... This is it, guys.” I announced to my comrades as I stood before them adorned in my new suit, slightly altering my voice so it couldn’t be too recognizable when out fighting crime.

“That suit looks f***ing awesome, dude...” Ryan complimented.

"Thaaaank you." Jess credited herself, as she did most of the designing with very little of my input.

After I gave them all one last smile, I took a deep breath and walked towards the edge of the roof of the building

“Josh. I need you to gimme somethin’.” I asked of him.

Josh then pulled out his supercomputer of a phone and started typing really fast, searching the local news feeds for any major crimes in progress. After a few minutes, we could hear noises of helicopters, sirens, megaphones and a reporter speaking on the phone’s speakers.

"This is Lois O'Neil with Channel 34 News, coming to you live from East City Financial District, where an attempted kidnapping turned hostage situation has the lives of young girl, Michelle Cahill, and her mother, Ramona, hanging in the balance. Two men armed and blockaded in the Stavoy Apartment Tower after failing in their endeavor to abduct the family of wealthy lawyer Henry Cahill, who has recently been fighting of allegations of having ties to the mob. The East City Police are currently at a loss as the blockades set up are preventing them from reaching the top floors and they are now awaiting SWAT reinforcements. However, the suspects in question have demanded their needs be met or they will execute the hostages..."

"Better get down there, pronto." Josh advised.

“Right. Wish me luck...” I asked them as I grinned.

“Good luck, man.” Josh replied.

“Kick some ass." Ryan comically ordered.

“Good luck, Jon. Come back in one piece, or I’ll f***ing kill you!!” Jess jested as Ryan and Josh silently nodded their heads in agreement.

“I will.” I simply assured them.

Looking back out towards the city and taking one last deep breath, I planted one sneaker on the ledge. This was my chance to be a hero. Now, I'm not Spider-Man, or Batman. I'm definitely no Superman. But a girl, one who’s stolen my heart, once said to me "You're a good person, Jon" and well...

"Here it goes." I whispered to myself.

I allowed myself one deep breath before I started. Then, without anything further to do, and not much time left to waste, I jumped off the tower. I was diving fast, doing spins and twirls until I was level and began my first flight out into the dark and starry night sky.

“WOOHOOOO!!” I shouted out as I started to feel the adrenaline pumping as I flew through the air.

Like I was saying, a girl once told me "You're a good person, Jon" and well...


Well... That's a start, I guess.


* * *

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Anderson makes his way down the long hallway toward the conference room where his guest is waiting for him. He has kept Chambers waiting long enough. As a man not used to being kept waiting, it serves as a reminder to Chambers that he is not in control of this situation.

A lesson that Anderson learned from his father: Always remind others of their place.

One look into the conference room reveals that it appears that the tactic appears to have worked. Chambers looks to be somewhat uncomfortable in his current situation, though he tries hard not to show it.

Though the theatrics are probably not necessary as Chambers has shown to be a like minded individual, Anderson does not take anything for granted.

He opens the conference room door where Chambers is sitting, taking a sip from his cup of coffee, and enters the room with a large friendly smile plastered across his face.

"Good evening Mr. Chambers, thank you for taking the time to meet with me."

Chambers rises out of his seat and greets Anderson with a handshake and says, "My pleasure Director Anderson."

Anderson motions for Dylan to sit down.

Dylan does so and says, "Director Anderson I'll cut to the chase. The offer I made is 100% genuine. My reasons are these: 1) Your organization serves a more than useful purpose and to see it bogged down in nonsensical lawsuits and charges is insanity. 2) While you may have more lawyers on staff than I graduated with I know the local judicial system and I have several local politicians who owe me more than a few favors I can get charges dropped and cases dismissed inside of 24 hours. 3) I have a serious mistrust of the Guardians. Who appointed them judge and jury over the rest of humanity. They are vigilantes and due process is not exactly in their vocabulary. Oh sure they serve a purpose when a disaster strikes but then we develop an over-reliance on them. I say if they want to uphold law and order let 'em lose their masks and pick up a badge ."

Dylan opens up his briefcase and shows Anderson the files that he was given by Senators Richmond and Parrish.

Dylan says, "I have connections and I'm not afraid to use them. I feel I should lay all my cards on the table. I have read up on S.T.R.I.K.E and you as well. Impressive. I also know that you have trust issues with Metahumans. Understandable, but what if you had one who was willing to assist you in your mission."

 

[The Squirrel]

James walks through the front door of the Concord, New Hampshire Police Station. Officers blue uniforms shuffled back and forth, with various arrests in cuffs. Detective desks spread out through the first floor, and ugly tan-brown paint chipped off the walls.

James heads straight for the reception desks located in the middle of the building. A very, cute red head manned her station. James smiled at her. “Good morning, Alice.”

Alice looks up at him. “James? What are you doing here?”

“Just stopping by to see your pretty face.” James leans in closer.

Alice blushes, but doesn't by it. “Oh please, you're working a case aren't you?”

James puts his hands up. “You caught me. I'm here to see Daniel, is he in?”

“As a matter of fact, he just walked in.” Alice nods her head to the direction behind James.

James turns to see his old friend, Daniel Thomas, walking through the door. “Thanks love.” James pats the desk and walks off toward Daniel.

“James?” Daniel has a shocked face when he notices Ambrose walking towards him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

James senses the first tinge of anger in Daniel's voice. “Easy there pal, I just wanted to ask you some questions. You still working missing persons?”

Daniel tenses up, uneasily. “In my spare time, a little, why?”

“I had a bloke stop by my office, wanted to know about a Jennifer Morrison, does that ring any bells?”

Daniel shifts in thought, “No.”

'That's a lie.' Jason knew immediately. “Are you sure?” He asks aloud.

“I'm pretty sure. Look now's not a good time anyway, I have a lot of work to do.” Daniel moves off towards his desk, James follows him.

Daniel sits at his desk and nervously looks at James who sits on the edge of his desk and leans in close. “I know you're lying Danny.”

“How?”

“The same way I always called you're bluff in poker... you have a tell.”

Daniel hangs his head and rubs his temple with his hands. “Look James, you haven't been here in months. You can't just show and expect me to give you details on an ongoing investigation.”

“Ah, but you told Michael there was no investigation.”

“And as far as you both are concerned, there is none. The girl left town of her own will.”

“Then what are you investigating?”

“The boyfriend.”

James stood up. “What?”

“We have reason to believe he may have scared her off. We are making sure no abuse happened.”

“Are you mad? The guy is scared half to death over his missing fiance.”

“It's probably an act James. The guy could want her back for anything but nice reasons.”

“You're a joke, man. The guy isn't lying.”

“Oh and you know?”

“I pegged you didn't I!”

“That's besides the point! Michael Lynn is under police investigation. If you go meandering after the girl you'll be interfering with a police matter, and...”

“And what, you'll arrest me?” James walks back over and leaned in close to Daniel so he could whisper. “You go ahead and do that Danny boy. And maybe I'll go tell your wife about your gambling debt. You still owe me a lot from those poker nights of old.”

The two lock eyes, Daniel's anger starts to flair again. “You wouldn't.”

“Tell me what you know about Jennifer.”

Daniel gave in with a sigh. “We tracked her as far as the state border with Maine. She's out of our jurisdiction, but some of our leads point to here heading to Lost Haven.”

“Lost Haven? What the hell would make her go there?”

“We don't know. That's why we suspect foul play on the boyfriend's part.”

“No, the boy is clean. Something else had to spook her enough to head there.” James turns and walks off without another thought.

“You're not going to go after her?”

James turns to respond to Daniel. “Like you said, she's out of your jurisdiction. It's my job to find her, whether she wants to be or not. But Michael deserves to know the truth of why she left.”

* * *

James sits in his car, dialing his cell phone.

“Hello?” Vicki responds on the other end.

“Vicki, cancel any of my upcoming appointments. I'm making an extended business trip to follow some leads on Mr. Lynn's case.” He hung up the phone, trusting his sister to handle things while he was gone.

He took a deep breathe. The drive to Lost Haven would take him the better part of a day.

He suddenly remembered the footage of the fight from earlier. “What the hell am I doing? And what on earth could scare a young woman to running into Lost Haven's hands?”

James starts the engine and drives off.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Chambers rises out of his seat and greets Anderson with a handshake and says, "My pleasure Director Anderson."

Anderson motions for Dylan to sit down.

Dylan does so and says, "Director Anderson I'll cut to the chase. The offer I made is 100% genuine. My reasons are these: 1) Your organization serves a more than useful purpose and to see it bogged down in nonsensical lawsuits and charges is insanity. 2) While you may have more lawyers on staff than I graduated with I know the local judicial system and I have several local politicians who owe me more than a few favors I can get charges dropped and cases dismissed inside of 24 hours. 3) I have a serious mistrust of the Guardians. Who appointed them judge and jury over the rest of humanity. They are vigilantes and due process is not exactly in their vocabulary. Oh sure they serve a purpose when a disaster strikes but then we develop an over-reliance on them. I say if they want to uphold law and order let 'em lose their masks and pick up a badge ."

Dylan opens up his briefcase and shows Anderson the files that he was given by Senators Richmond and Parrish.

Dylan says, "I have connections and I'm not afraid to use them. I feel I should lay all my cards on the table. I have read up on S.T.R.I.K.E and you as well. Impressive. I also know that you have trust issues with Metahumans. Understandable, but what if you had one who was willing to assist you in your mission."

Anderson listens to what Chambers has to say and acts as if he is absorbing all the information for the first time. However, Anderson has not gotten to be where he is by walking into situations blindly, he has already done his homework and knows exactly what Chambers brings to the table.

"Mr. Chambers, when I received your offer I do admit that I was intrigued. A man with your...reputation could be a great asset to this organization."

Chambers smiles at the statement, and Anderson continues. "With your standing within the community, I do believe that you can help get the citizens of Lost Haven to see things our way, but I do believe that you can help us elsewhere as well."

Anderson pauses for a moment, reading Chambers' expression...which to his surprise gives very little indication of what the man is thinking.

"The fact is, I know all about your...gift. And I believe that I can use that gift to help S.T.R.I.K.E get the tools that it needs to conduct this war effectively."

Anderson stands up straight and smiles, Mr. Chambers, I'd like to appoint you as my personal liason to Congress."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Anderson listens to what Chambers has to say and acts as if he is absorbing all the information for the first time. However, Anderson has not gotten to be where he is by walking into situations blindly, he has already done his homework and knows exactly what Chambers brings to the table.

"Mr. Chambers, when I received your offer I do admit that I was intrigued. A man with your...reputation could be a great asset to this organization."

Chambers smiles at the statement, and Anderson continues. "With your standing within the community, I do believe that you can help get the citizens of Lost Haven to see things our way, but I do believe that you can help us elsewhere as well."

Anderson pauses for a moment, reading Chambers' expression...which to his surprise gives very little indication of what the man is thinking.

"The fact is, I know all about your...gift. And I believe that I can use that gift to help S.T.R.I.K.E get the tools that it needs to conduct this war effectively."

Anderson stands up straight and smiles, Mr. Chambers, I'd like to appoint you as my personal liason to Congress."

Dylan nods. He is impressed with Anderson. He is having a very hard time supressing his admiration for someone he just met.

Finally someone who is an equal of me, at the least, in this rotten little berg. This has the potential of being a great alliance.

Dylan stands and says, "Director Anderson, I accept your offer. I still have contacts in Congress I am sure they will be more than willing to assist me, and if not they'll see our point of view quickly."

He sticks his hand out and as the two men shake hands Dylan says, "It's Dylan, and together sir the Guardians don't stand a chance. Their days are numbered. I'll clear up my law practice so I can focus in on this unique and gracious opportunity."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"It's him I don't trust!" Pinup's voice raised slightly. "And neither should you! What makes you think he'd tell you anything but what he wants you to think!? That snake is as incapable of telling the truth as....as..." Her annoyance left her at a loss for words and she growled in frustration.
"You want to know what his plan is?" She lowered her voice dangerously as she looked him square in the eye. "There's a kid in that room right now with a gut full of Anderson's plan. And you think you'll be able to walk right in and have a nice, civil sit-down with him?"

There is a moment of tense silence as Icon gives her a look that says he has no intention of backing out of his meeting with Anderson. Bitterly, Pinup looks away.

"Look, if you can't tell me what to do, I guess I can't tell you either. So go ahead, Scott. Do what you want. But don't be surprised when it all goes to hell."

She turns and walks away from him, down the hallway and toward her own room. There's nothing more she can do for Acrobat now, and very little sense in pacing around outside the medical wing doors for some news. She'd check back in a while.

As she takes off down the hallway toward her room, I follow her. I can't let our conversation end like that, especially with all the tension within the team. I reach her door as she's about to close it behind her, but I reach out with my hand and keep her from closing the door.

"You're probably right. I know that there's a good chance that things are going to go to hell, but I have to go. It's out best chance of getting inside of their headquarters and finding anything out."

She just stands there looking at me like I have two heads, but I continue."

"I'm not blind, I think it's fairly obvious where this is heading. But if there's any chance that we can avoid what we all know is coming, I have to take it."

 

[Erin]

As she takes off down the hallway toward her room, I follow her. I can't let our conversation end like that, especially with all the tension within the team. I reach her door as she's about to close it behind her, but I reach out with my hand and keep her from closing the door.

"You're probably right. I know that there's a good chance that things are going to go to hell, but I have to go. It's out best chance of getting inside of their headquarters and finding anything out."

She just stands there looking at me like I have two heads, but I continue."

"I'm not blind, I think it's fairly obvious where this is heading. But if there's any chance that we can avoid what we all know is coming, I have to take it."

"Well by all means, take that chance." Pinup retorts sarcastically. "For that matter why don't we all just walk right outside and hand ourselves over those drones? Then we'd all be together inside STRIKE headquarters, we could find out all sorts of things." She leans against the door and stares up at him pointedly. "Leading this team doesn't mean throwing yourself at STRIKES feet." Though her gaze is steely, something behind it softens slightly. "I watched them round up metas that night in the Bradley district. My neighbors. My friends. They're not coming back, Scott." She watches him, as though looking through his mask. "What makes you think you will?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Well by all means, take that chance." Pinup retorts sarcastically. "For that matter why don't we all just walk right outside and hand ourselves over those drones? Then we'd all be together inside STRIKE headquarters, we could find out all sorts of things." She leans against the door and stares up at him pointedly. "Leading this team doesn't mean throwing yourself at STRIKES feet." Though her gaze is steely, something behind it softens slightly. "I watched them round up metas that night in the Bradley district. My neighbors. My friends. They're not coming back, Scott." She watches him, as though looking through his mask. "What makes you think you will?"

"I can take care of myself." I say almost defensively. I'm not used to having someone second guess me like this, but it's a welcome change.

Pinup has been around for a long time and she's seen alot, and I do take what she says seriously. I know that she is right, that this is more than likely a trap. But if there's even the slightest chance that I can change things, that I can find out what his next move is going to be, I have to take it.

"I know you don't like it, but this is something that needs to be done. And we both know that I'm the only one who can do it."

 

[Erin]

"I can take care of myself." I say almost defensively. I'm not used to having someone second guess me like this, but it's a welcome change.

Pinup has been around for a long time and she's seen alot, and I do take what she says seriously. I know that she is right, that this is more than likely a trap. But if there's even the slightest chance that I can change things, that I can find out what his next move is going to be, I have to take it.

"I know you don't like it, but this is something that needs to be done. And we both know that I'm the only one who can do it."

"And what will the Guardians do if you're wrong."

There is a silence after the question that lasts that little bit too long. Pinup looks down at the floor, biting her lip.

"Look, I'm going to be checking in on the kid while he's in surgery, but if you hear something before I do, would you tell me?" She looks back up, the resignation in her face letting him know she's no longer willing to fight him on the subject.