The "Ultimate DC" RPG

[Batman]

IC: Batman

The Gotham City Clocktower.

One of the city's oldest landmarks, still standing. An unchanged relic within a city that's grown with time. Wayne Enterprises voted against it's destruction, recently. Bruce Wayne himself bought the building in order to ensure both it's safety and it's endurance against the plagues that rot at the core of Gotham, among other unsaid reasoning.

Tonight, someone else is using it for an act of criminality. A rape he's planned for days, maybe even weeks, in the vacancy of a shadowed area beneath the clock's face. A young girl falls victim fast, taking a shortcut in order to make it to the nightclub three blocks away. He attacks swiftly, quietly. Doesn't want to make a scene, obviously, even though most of the police force would probably look the other way.

He feels like the shadows of the area and the time he keeps will keep him safe.

I'm about to make him reconsider that poor judgement.

- - -

The night air grows colder as it slinks into the early morning. My job is far from over, but I find a moment's rest within the city's peace. Momentary, more than likely. But someday, I hope to change that.

Rachel was wrong. I didn't need a break. I needed this. This is who I am; The nature of what I've become is what I thrive upon. And the only reason I'm not still locked up in the mansion is because I came to that rather obvious conclusion recently.

I've been gathering word on the street for most of the evening. Gossip. Plans. Dealings. Reports. While I take most of it with a grain of salt, one report in particular caught my ear as I began keeping tabs on a corrupt officer named Martinez. Seems his squad found a pair of corpses at the parking garage of St. Mary's Hospital on the east end. From what I could tell, the manner of which they found the corpses was nothing short of gruesome, though I'm still searching for details.

He also mentioned something else to his drug dealer. Something about a card. A Joker. Whether that's integral to the corpse report, or it was just random muttering, I've yet to learn. But I'm keeping my eyes peeled... Because somewhere in Gotham, yet another madman lurks. And because of the distrust I've grown accustomed to of most of the police force, the sooner I put a stop to his crimes, the better off this city will be.

I need to wait. Gather more evidence... More facts, before I put any real effort into stopping the murderer. Something of which I realised that I hadn't done before, in my confrontations with Victor Fries and Jonathan Crane.

But for now, I have other buisness. Harvey Dent... "Two-Face" is planning a potentially grand scale robbery of the Gotham Museum Of Natural History. In order to learn how he thinks and, more importantly, how he plans to commit this act, I find myself turning to one of my few allies in this 'war'. One I commisioned to originally find that evidence, but failed to retrieve due to my injuries endured from the Batmobile crash.

I take out my grapple line, and swing forward. Only a couple blocks. Shouldn't delay my progress for very long.

Dinah Lance is about to get a visitor. In the form of The Batman.

 

[twylight]

I left a message for Milly telling her to not come in tomorrow..or today. I hang the phone up and rub my forehead with my fingers as I stand by my desk still in my costume. I sigh and pick up my mask from where I'd placed it when I'd come in. No doubt this incident would hit the papers tomorrow and mom would say something not to mention Josh and Howard.

I flop down on the sofa and put my arm over my eyes. Sleep now worry about tomorrow when it comes.

24 hours later I flop on the same sofa from relief, same outfit though. I'd been pushed to the third page for my adventure last night, and my alter ego remained unmentioned except for one liberal conspiracy tabloid. Josh had made a phone call to see how I was. Him knowing and all. I did get an underlying message of me needing to tell mom before the newspapers did.

I smile remembering the highlight of my day. Lunch with Jason...hmm...I blush in the dark privacy of the room. I should really go home but I've felt more comfortable here these last few weeks. Is it because I'm keeping such a large secret from mom? I just feel too guilty to even look at her. Well that AND....I flip over the Joker card in my hand. I'd pulled it from a forgotten corner of the safe earlier and pondered on it all day.

Still a dead end. It was manufactured cheaply in China and over a dozen dime stores in Gotham City sold he brand, a larger percentage per week. To many to track actually I sigh and let the hand holding it dangle over the sofa. I put a pillow over my face and scream softly into it.

 

[Venom160]

[Two Face]

As I slip into the abandoned taven that is now my hideout im greeted with a half a dozen gunbarrels pointed at me.

"Put them away boys its just me."

My crew quickly puts away they're guns and relax again.

"Damn Face where the hell have ya been all night?"

Without even looking I hall off and punch the punk in the face.

"Its none of your f**kin buisness where I go! If you ever try and question me again I will splatter your brains all over these walls do you understand!"

"Im sorry Face I ddidnt mean anythin by it."

I ignore his groveling and head to the back room where a short skinny man sits huddled over a set of blueprints.

"Ah I see you've "acquired" the museum's blueprints Weasel."

Weasel tenses up at the sound of my voice.

"Yes Two Face and I think I found the best way to get into the museum."

"Well im all ears."

'Ok well after scoping out the interier of the museum aswell as these blueprints I discovered that the security system is on a timer thats located inside a security room, five minutes after the museum closes ever door and window automaticlly locks and a lasergrid on the floor is activated."

A few minutes pass in silence.

"Weasel if you have a point you better get to it now."

"My....my point is that if a few of us were already hidden inside the museum before it closes we could get into the security room and disable the timer prevent the system from turning on and allowing you and the rest of the team to just walk right in."

I smile and pat Weasel hard on the shoulder.

"Perfect."

[Two Face]

"....You three will be stationed here, here, and here. Weasel has determined these places as blindspots in the museum's security cameras. Weasel was also fortunate enough to discover that when the museum closes there will only be three security guards inside the museum. One stationed in the security room and the other two patroling the the grounds, the three's job is to get into the security room and disable the timer that turns on the security system. Once we're all inside we'll take care of the other two guards, do what you have to with them but I want them alive."

"But why boss?"

I look up at him and smile.

"You'll see."

A couple minutes goes by in silence.

"So anyone have any questions?"

Silence.

"Good, the heist will go down tomarrow night."

 

[Batman]

IC: Batman

I left a message for Milly telling her to not come in tomorrow..or today. I hang the phone up and rub my forehead with my fingers as I stand by my desk still in my costume. I sigh and pick up my mask from where I'd placed it when I'd come in. No doubt this incident would hit the papers tomorrow and mom would say something not to mention Josh and Howard.

I flop down on the sofa and put my arm over my eyes. Sleep now worry about tomorrow when it comes.

24 hours later I flop on the same sofa from relief, this time in a different more socially acceptable outfit. I'd been pushed to the third page, and my alter ego remained unmentioned except for one liberal conspiracy tabloid. Josh had made a phone call to see how I was. Him knowing and all. I did get an underlying message of me needing to tell mom before the newspapers did.

I smile remembering the highlight of my day. Lunch with Jason...hmm...I blush in the dark privacy of the room. I should really go home but I've felt more comfortable here these last few weeks. Is it because I'm keeping such a large secret from mom? I just feel too guilty to even look at her. Well that AND....I flip over the Joker card in my hand. I'd pulled it from a forgotten corner of the safe earlier and pondered on it all day.

Still a dead end. It was manufactured cheaply in China and over a dozen dime stores in Gotham City sold he brand, a larger percentage per week. To many to track actually I sigh and let the hand holding it dangle over the sofa. I put a pillow over my face and scream softly into it.

Finding my way into the office is more or less the easy part. Staying in without detection isn't as such. But somehow, I find a way to do so.

Reading her body language, she's tired. Stressed. And then there's the costume. Second time I've seen her wear it. The mask, the fishnets, leather... All traits of which matched The Black Canary's attire. Which confirms who she's the daughter of. Meaning that she isn't mimicking my line of work... She inherited it.

By the time she decides to rest on the couch, I decide to make my prescence known. But before I can, something else catches my attention. Her hand. The one dangled off the sofa. It's carrying...

...

I'll be damned.

"That's the second time I've encountered a Joker Playing Card this evening."

I stay in the shadows, as she pulls the pillow from her face in surprise.

"The first was found on two fresh corpses in the parking lot of the East End Hospital."

 

[twylight]

IC: Batman



Finding my way into the office is more or less the easy part. Staying in without detection isn't as such. But somehow, I find a way to do so.

Reading her body language, she's tired. Stressed. And then there's the costume. Second time I've seen her wear it. The mask, the fishnets, leather... All traits of which matched The Black Canary's attire. Which confirms who she's the daughter of. Meaning that she isn't mimicking my line of work... She inherited it.

By the time she decides to rest on the couch, I decide to make my prescence known. But before I can, something else catches my attention. Her hand. The one dangled off the sofa. It's carrying...

...

I'll be damned.

"That's the second time I've encountered a Joker Playing Card this evening."

I stay in the shadows, as she pulls the pillow from her face in surprise.

"The first was found on two fresh corpses in the parking lot of the East End Hospital."

I sit up in surprise and glare at him before throwing the pillow to the other end of the sofa and standing up. I don't bother answering him instead I walk to the desk and put the card down. The evidence bag it's in shines in the dim light from the neon sign across the street.

I lean on the desk and stare at him saying nothing. Instead of going off on him I'll take a different approach. Not that he'll notice. I put my hand on my hip and study him.

 

[Batman]

IC: Batman

I sit up in surprise and glare at him before throwing the pillow to the other end of the sofa and standing up. I don't bother answering him instead I walk to the desk and put the card down. The evidence bag it's in shines in the dim light from the neon sign across the street.

I lean on the desk and stare at him saying nothing. Instead of going off on him I'll take a different approach. Not that he'll notice. I put my hand on my hip and study him.

I look at the card. Given it's printing and it's condition, it's hard to tell of the origin. Though in truth, I doubt it'd matter. It's possible that the killer could've gathered differing cards from seperate packs. Then again, there have only been two murders. Maybe I'm going at this the wrong way.

I look up at Lance. She's tense. She's always been tense, even at the party to a degree. But something about my prescence seems to spark it. Tensity provides difficulty in a situation like this. And with at least three madmen running loose in Gotham, difficulty is something I don't need.

Two minutes pass. Neither of us say anything. She simply eyes me from afar. I don't move or say anything... any action could compromise something. If she's even looking for something, which... I honestly don't doubt.

Alfred's right. I do overestimate.

"If there's a connection, He has a definate motif. And since the victims at the hospital weren't connected, more than likely, The killer is going to strike again."

I pause.

"Alright. Say it. Get it out of the way, because we need to focus if the murderer is to be caught."

 

[twylight]

IC: Batman



I look at the card. Given it's printing and it's condition, it's hard to tell of the origin. Though in truth, I doubt it'd matter. It's possible that the killer could've gathered differing cards from seperate packs. Then again, there have only been two murders. Maybe I'm going at this the wrong way.

I look up at Lance. She's tense. She's always been tense, even at the party to a degree. But something about my prescence seems to spark it. Tensity provides difficulty in a situation like this. And with at least three madmen running loose in Gotham, difficulty is something I don't need.

Two minutes pass. Neither of us say anything. She simply eyes me from afar. I don't move or say anything... any action could compromise something. If she's even looking for something, which... I honestly don't doubt.

Alfred's right. I do overestimate.

"If there's a connection, He has a definate motif. And since the victims at the hospital weren't connected, more than likely, The killer is going to strike again."

I pause.

"Alright. Say it. Get it out of the way, because we need to focus if the murderer is to be caught."

I raise my eyebrow.

"Oh, I don't need to say anything." I put my hand to my chest in mock injury.

"You're the one who broke my heart."
I say in referance to him 'standing me up' especially after I called in a favor. He might not know it but favors should only be called in for stuff that's actually used. But he seems to be a wasteful type of person.

I tap the card with my finger tip.

"Still I can play along with you. This card is from an earlier crime scene. Sol's to be exact. I did tests and it's a normal card, sold in over a dozen stores in Gotham."

 

[batnkevlar]

It feels good to be back in Metropolis after all this time. This Creeper business was not even wirth my trouble. Not to mention, now he's on the Most Wanted list of fugitives, my work is done.

I stand and look out at my city below. Suddenly, the intercom goes off.

~Luthor sir, she's arrived.~

"Send her in."

I turn to the door and a woman walks in. She's tall, blonde, and elegant. Although, I know she's dangerous too.

"Hello Mr. Luthor," says this blonde weapon.

"Hello. Safe trip back from the Mediterranian?"

"Many thanks for hiring me. I'm sure I will be everything you've hoped."

"As my bodyguard? A grueling task, I must admit. But someone of your... class... would be used to it, no?"

"Yes sir."

"Please, call me Lex."

"Thank you Lex."

"And what shall I call you by? Many people call you by different names, things to do with blood and destruction and war."

"Call be by my gods-given name: Mercy."

"Very well Mercy, then I believe you-"

The lights in the room suddenly shut off and I hear some groins, some screams, some grotesque snaps and crunches. When the lights turn on a minute later, thirteen armed men dressed in all black lie on the ground, in seven pieces.

"I believe you've passed the last test."

"Does that mean I'm hired?" she asks, wiping the blood on her pants.

"What do you think?"

 

[Batman]

IC: Batman

I raise my eyebrow.

"Oh, I don't need to say anything." I put my hand to my chest in mock injury.

"You're the one who broke my heart."
I say in referance to him 'standing me up' especially after I called in a favor. He might not know it but favors should only be called in for stuff that's actually used. But he seems to be a wasteful type of person.

I tap the card with my finger tip.

"Still I can play along with you. This card is from an earlier crime scene. Sol's to be exact. I did tests and it's a normal card, sold in over a dozen stores in Gotham."

Then I'm back to square one. The killer is using random cards to leave at his crimes, so they're of little importance besides the general symbolism. The question now is what that symbolism is. Both of the card's were a Joker. Something about that is obviously mentally stemmed, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to the trouble. Unless he used them from the same deck. What I need to do is get Gordon to seize the other card for me.

Wait. Sol's? She found this at the murder scene of Chuckie Sol? If that's the case... The killer could be the same person that killed Sol with the toxin. He stretched Sol's face into a smile. A smile...

Smiles. They're associated with the Joker playing card character. I'm dealing with someone whose taken the motif a bit too literally. Which means I've found the key component of his or her's insanity. Much like mine and Bats, Crane's with a Scarecrow, Fries' with zero below temperatures. With my luck, the killer will have an elaborate costume to go along with it...

But the pattern doesn't fit. Why kill Sol, then butcher two unrelated medical physicians? Unless there's something I'm overlooking, there is no pattern. Which means...

"The murderer doesn't have a pattern.", I finally say. "If the same person who butchered the doctors is the one that got to Sol aswell, then he's nothing more than a sadist. The killings are randomised. Which means anyone in Gotham could be next."

A new form of insanity that I've never faced. Dear god, Gotham is is more danger than I ever could've realised.

 

[Byrd Man]

Undisclosed Location
The Nevada Desert


"I swear to god, Nate. We have no idea what happened to you. Were working around the clock on what turned you this way."

General Eiling's words hit me in the chest like a ton of bricks. All that was PR bull$hit that means they don't know what to do or what happened. I look up and see Eiling through the close circuit television they installed in my "room" It's more like a prison than anything.

Two Weeks Ago

After my tuffle with that terrorist who called herself Plastique, I'm pumping iron in the weight room with Sgt. Brower.

"Damn, Cap. Your on fire, that's about three hunded pounds your benching."

"Thanks, Ben. After that hit I took from that chick Plastique, I've felt strange. Ben?"

Sweats rolling down his face and he wipes it. He's got a sick look on his face.

"Yeah...Sure, oh god."

He drops to his knee and throws up the contents of his stomach, along with a large amout of blood.

"Medic! I need a medic or a doctor now."

**************************

"Nate, Apparently your body is releasing extreme amouts of Atomic and Nuclear energy. We couldn't save Seargent Brower. He died a few mintues ago from Radiation Posioning."

I look into Eiling's eyes, shrouded behind the plexiglass of his Hazmat suit.

"What am I suppose to do?"

"Where going to transport you to a facity out in the desert, There'll be a ten mile radius set up for anyone's protection. While your there, will work on some kind of containment suit and see what caused this.

Now


"General, Nate. What am I suppose to do?"

"We've got your containment suit ready to go, but the best we can figure about your permant state is......It's irreversible."

"You mean, I'm stuck like this? It's either in this plexiglass cell or a containment suit? I can't get close to people or touch them?"

"Pretty much, Yeah."

"I want out of this."

"What?"

"This! All of this $hit! I don't want any part of this superhero $hit or to be your monkey boy."

I pick up my bed and throw it up against the walls of my cell. General Eiling shoots me a look that could kill lesser men.

"Sorry soldier. You signed the forms, Your ass is mine. I want you to get over your little temper tantrum at 19:00. I'm coming in their to give you your suit and talk to you about something you'll be partaking in. Eiling out."

The TV blinks off and I sit down on the cold concrete floor. I let a tear escape my eyes and roll of my face, It hit's the floor and makes a sizzle as the radiated teardrop burns the floor.

"Why god?"

The door hisses open and General Eiling walks in, wearing his containment suit and accompined by two army grunts carring a huge case.

"Buck up, solider. We've found a solution for all your problems."

The grunts sit the case on the ground and unlatch it, the case's top swings open and I look down at the armor curiously.

"That? What am I suppose to be? C-3PO?"

I reach down and pick up the suit's helmet. The lifeless eyes stare back at me and I sit it back in it's case.

"How is this hunk of junk suppose to help me?"

"Our good friends at Kord Industries rigged up this containment suit. The cushion running through the armor actually soakes up the radiation your body produces, Here's the cool part. The energy it soakes up powers your suit, The helmet has a variety of HUD on it, including GPS, Internet Access, CB Radio, As well as radar and sonar screens. The energy you put out allows you to fly as well as multiplying your strength to where your on par with that super-fellow from Metropolis."

I cast one look back down at the armor and look back at Eiling.

"If I were to take of this suit, how long do I have until I'm back frying everybody within a mile radius?"

"If you were to take off the armor, you have an hour until your body builds back up to dangerous levels."

"Okay, Let me try it on."

After a half hour and some fighting with the peices of armor, I snap the helmet on and watch as it starts to come to life.

Containment Suit Power Level.....10%...35%...56%...79%....98%....100%. Authorizing User......Welcome Captain Atom

"So tell me General....."

".....How do I look?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: I forgot to mention when applying and in my first post but, my first few posts are taking place a few years from the present. The reasons behind this should be obvious if you read my application or my first post. I will make another OOC notice when my story is during the present time; so everything "now" is the past.
​

Clayface- 'Role of a lifetime'
----------------------------------
Matt Hagen is in a limo with two attractive, young woman at his side. The entire car is fulled with laughter as they have a good time and when the driver stops at a stop light, Matt recieves a phone call.

"Matt Hagen here."

"Matt. It's me, Doug."

"Tell me you got good news for me man. Tell me you got me the part."

There are a few seconds of silence that makes Matt uneasy; during this time the light turns green and the limo continues driving. He's afraid he didn't get the part. He's afraid his agent let him down; which was rare. Matt had faith in his agent though.

"Well, not the part, the audition for the part. Only you and 3 other actors got the audition slots. And before you ask, yea, Jimmy Locks is one of them. But don't worry, kid, you'll do 10 times better than he will. I'm going to get my assistant to pick up a few Owlman comics so you can really impress them at the audition. I bet those another goons don't know the character real well; but you will."

"Your the best, Doug. Hey, how about you meet me at the Marriot Hotel on 6th and 8th? I've got to beautiful lady friends here."

"Come on, Matt. You trying to bust my balls or something? You know I'm married. Yea...I'll meet ya there, but keep your lady friends to yourself."

Matt looks at both of the girls, one a brunette and the other a red head. He smiles a bit and continues his conversation.

"Oh, I think I'm doing a good job at that so far. Meet me at the bar, see ya there. And hey, I'm buying."

Matt hangs up the phone, and brings his attention back on his two lady friends.

"You're looking at the new replacement for the Owlman role, girls. You know...if you want, I can invite you two beautiful ladies to the set to see me in all my glory."

The two girls giggle as Matt smiles and the limo turns right onto 6th street, heading for the Marriot Hotel.
​

Clayface- 'Role of a lifetime'
----------------------------------
Several months later, Matt is talking to his agent, giving him words of thanks as he sits in his trailer, getting ready for the first shooting of the new Owlman film.

"Doug I--I don't know what to say. You're the reason I'm here right now. Thanks man. What? No. It's cool. Yea. I'll meet you up for dinner later this evening. Oh and, bring your wife. Yea. I got a present for you two and I want her to be there to see it."

Later that day, Matt Hagen's limo drives up to one of the finest resturaunts in all of Gotham City and enters the lobby.

"Do you have a reservation, sir?"

"Yes. Hagen. Table for 3. I reserved it earlier this week. Have my guests already arrived?"

"Hagen, Hagen, Hagen...ah! Matthew Hagen. Table for 3. Right this way, sir. And yes, sir, you have a gentleman and his lovely wife waiting for you at your table."

"Great. And hey, it's ok. You don't have to escort me. I'll find them myself. It's somewhat a surprise."

"Very well, sir."

Matt walks around the resturaunt and spots Doug, his agent, with his wife; he approaches the two from the side and as he speaks, he changes his accent.

"Evil doers, beware!"

Doug and his wife turn to their side, confused.

"What? Oh..Matt! Hey man! That the voice you doing for the Owlman film? Nice man. Come on! Sit! Now, what was this surprise of yours?"

Matt takes a seat and a waiter comes to their table and takes their orders. As the waiter leaves, Matt places a box onto the table and speaks up.

"Well, I wanted to wait til his birthday, but, I figured now would be an easier time to get a hold of these. Your son likes comics, right Doug?"

"Yea. Wait, don't tell me."

"Oh yea."

Matt hands over the box to Doug and Doug removes the wrapping.

"You gotta be kidding me! Wow!"

"Heh, thought you would like it. That's only one of the few merchandise that is going to come out with the success of this Owlman film. I figured, your son could be the first one to play the new limited time Owlman action figures. There'll be more where that came from after the film hits the big screens though."

"Thanks, Matt. I'll give it to TJ tonight."

"And, for the lovely lady..."

Matt reaches into his pocket and takes out a small case. He hands it over to Doug's wife. She opens it and it's a diamond bracelet.

"Wait a second, you aren't trying to win my wife's love too, are you Matt? Cause I mean, after I show TJ this...I'm afraid he might like you more too!"

The three laugh and then Matt interrupts.

"No no no. I just happened to be walking by the Macy's on 3rd and 6th and I thought it would be a nice gift. Enjoy it."

"I appreciate the gestures, Matt. But you sure it's wise to spend all this dough? Don't tell me you got me something too."

"Doug. Come on now. I owe you for this great opportunity given to me. You know how badly I needed and wanted this Owlman role. It's going to put me back on top again. These gifts...they aren't even worth what I owe you. So please, take this gift."

Matt reaches into his pocket and hands Doug a small box. He opens it and its a Rolex watch.

"Matt I...wow...thanks."

"Don't mention it, Doug. I'm looking towards the future and you know what I see? Success, fortune, and fame."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Kyle continues to wander the unfamiliar streets. He passes by an establishment that catches his eye. It's a pizza place.

"I don't even remember what food tastes like."

Kyle walks into the restaurant, orders a slice of peperroni, and sits down to taste his first bit of food since he journied into space.

I may as well make myself useful. I have a feeling it's going to be a while before the guardians reveal my true purpose. I have to find something to do in the meantime.

 

[SuperFerret]

Gotham City was boring.

It always was, except when I made it fun, and that usually means that I'll have to find a captive audience and leave 'em screaming for more. Well, maybe not more, but they sure do scream alot. Sometimes it gives me headaches, which always makes me laugh. Psycho killer clowns don't ever get headaches in the movies.

I look up at the building I'm standing in front of. I'm sure if I tried hard enough, I'd remember being a whiny little dweeb who would always be bullied and picked on by the bigger kids. Or I was the trouble-making kind, the one who'd smoke pot and cut class and wear leather jackets and always say "Eyyyy" and fix broken jukeboxes by punching them.

Wait.....

Note to self: Kill Winkler.

Where was I?

....

....

Oh!

Now I remember, I'm gonna crash the prom at Gotham High. These poor kids desperately need some entertainment tonight before they all leave and drive out to lovers lane and screw like nymphomanic rabbits on speed. Ah, the innocence of youth.

 

[Byrd Man]

The Nevada Desert

"Wow, General. I've never gone this fast before."

"The containment suit is a peice of modern magic."

"So who exactly designed it?"

"A man named Ted Kord, I use the term man loosely. The kid's not even 21 years old. He's a goddamn genius."

I do a couple of corkscrews high over the desert floor and look down.

"How do I access all the cool stuff built in the helmet?"

"It's all voice controlled, just say what you want and it works....Hold on, Were getting some info from the news wire.....A Earthquake just hit Star City. I need you to get there on the double time."

Star City, I think that's where that rich guy I meet at Wayne's party is from. Roy Harper I believe that was his name.

"Computer....Access GPS map. Plot route from current location to Star City, California."

A holographic map appears a few feet from my face and I float in the air while reading it.

"Okay, General. I'm on my way."

I turn around and head towards the west. Heading towards the bay town of Star City.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

The building that Kyle Rayner is sitting in enjoying his meal begins to shake violently.

"What the hell?"

Kyles body becomes enveloped in a green aura. With no need to hide in the stars any longer, Ion replaces his transparent costume with one a bit more fitting for Earth. He now wears the symbol of his power on his chest.

"Damn. I wanted to stay busy, but I kinda wanted to finish my pizza first."

Ion flys up through the roof of the small restaurant to see what he can do.

 

[Byrd Man]

Apparently it was a 6.4 earthquake that rocked Star City and you can see the damage from the sky. A few buildings crumbled and a whole section of the Star Bridge is hanging loose and a car's starting to slide off.

"Time to test out those new threads, Nate."

I speed up and catch the car as it's falling into the bay.

"Damn, General. This stuff works like a charm."

I place the car back on the bridge and hear a crack as the section of the bridge gives way and falls toward the sea.

"Damn, Damn, Damn."

I fly down to the bottom of the bay and catch the bridge right before it splashes in the sea. I start to fly up towards the rest of the bridge, but feel the hydraulics in my suit strain as I try with all my might to return the chuck of bridge back to it's original place.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Apparently it was a 6.4 earthquake that rocked Star City and you can see the damage from the sky. A few buildings crumbled and a whole section of the Star Bridge is hanging loose and a car's starting to slide off.

"Time to test out those new threads, Nate."

I speed up and catch the car as it's falling into the bay.

"Damn, General. This stuff works like a charm."

I place the car back on the bridge and hear a crack as the section of the bridge gives way and falls toward the sea.

"Damn, Damn, Damn."

I fly down to the bottom of the bay and catch the bridge right before it splashes in the sea. I start to fly up towards the rest of the bridge, but feel the hydraulics in my suit strain as I try with all my might to return the chuck of bridge back to it's original place.

"What the..."

I see something shoot across the sky. It looks like....some sort of robot. At first, I'm not sure what to make of it. Is it the cause? It's right in the thick of things. That's when I get the real surprise. He's....helping. He's pushing up an entire bridge. Color me impressed........right until the bridge starts to be too much for the tin can.

The blue and yellow armored man instantaneously feels the stress relieved from his body. Beneath him is a giant version of Atlas, but instead of holding the world on his shoulders, he's holding the bridge.

"I'm not sure what you are, but if you can understand me, I've got this. Go help the people on the ground." I sure as hell hope this guy's on my side.

 

[Byrd Man]

"What the hell?"

I see something shoot across the sky. It looks like....some sort of robot. At first, I'm not sure what to make of it. Is it the cause? It's right in the thick of things. That's when I get the real surprise. He's....helping. He's pushing up an entire bridge. Color me impressed........right until the bridge starts to be too much for the tin can.

The blue and yellow armored man instantaneously feels the stress relieved from his body. Beneath him is a giant version of Atlas, but instead of holding the world on his shoulders, he's holding the bridge.

"I'm not sure what you are, but if you can understand me, I've got this. Go help the people on the ground." I sure as hell hope this guy's on my side.

"Who the hell is this guy?"

I turn off suit's microphone and concentrate on General Eiling's words.

"I don't know, He helped me. The scans show that he's surronded by some kind of green aura. I'll play it cool right now."

I click the microphone back on and look at the young guy floating in the air before me.

"Thanks. The name's Captain Atom by the way."

I take off towards a semi collapsed apartment where screams are being heard.

"Activate thermal scan."

The scans show that their are three people and one cat inside the building. I fly to the bulding and start to lift rubble off what's left of the apartment building.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

"Who the hell is this guy?"

I turn off suit's microphone and concentrate on General Eiling's words.

"I don't know, He helped me. The scans show that he's surronded by some kind of green aura. I'll play it cool right now."

I click the microphone back on and look at the young guy floating in the air before me.

"Thanks. The name's Captain Atom by the way."

I take off towards a semi collapsed apartment where screams are being heard.

"Activate thermal scan."

The scans show that their are three people and one cat inside the building. I fly to the bulding and start to lift rubble off what's left of the apartment building.

Ion telepathically sends a message to Captain Atom.

"Captain Atom? Interesting. Can you keep things safe up here for about five minutes?"

 

[Byrd Man]

Ion telepathically sends a message to Captain Atom.

"Captain Atom? Interesting. Can you keep things safe up here for about five minutes?"

"What the f**k? How the hell did you do that?"

I lift a young man out of the rocks and hear the cat growl and run off.

"Well, unless their are any more bridges that need lifting, I should be alright."

 

[guitarsingerguy]

"What the f**k? How the hell did you do that?"

I lift a young man out of the rocks and hear the cat growl and run off.

"Well, unless their are any more bridges that need lifting, I should be alright."

"Then for your sake, I hope no more bridges fall."

Ion reaches out with the energy residing within his body from the central power battery. It picks up a large portion of stone from a fallen building. Ion skyrockets into the air until he's almost invisible. He then immediately takes a nose dive straight towards the Earth, rubble first. The rock penetrates the ground followed by Ion. After several moments, Ion emerges from the ground.

"Ok, there shouldn't be anymore earthquakes for quite some time. There's about ten tons of solid granite between the two tectonic plates."

 

[Andy C.]

Milton Fine stood at his front door, gaping silently at the....thing that faced him.

Standing before him was a slightly decayed corpse, wearing the uniform of a park ranger. The eyes were rolled back, the mouth hung open lazily. There were three gaping holes in the man's forehead, and from them grew a lattice of black tar-like substance, forming veins and tendrils that ran all across the body.

I apologize for the rather unsettling appearance.

Fine still heard the voice in his mind, but it did not register to him that it was in fact emanating from this grotesque spectacle. The voice continued.

Unfortunately, this temporary interface is rather crude and obvious. Rest assured, I have gone to great lengths to ensure that I have not been compromised. Now...I believe on this world, it is customary to allow your guests into your home.

He didn't know what to say, what to do. Fine wanted to run away in terror, call the police, or maybe try and contact one of those super-humans that had been making the news. Instead, he just stared blankly, and --against his own will-- showed the creature inside.

"What...what the hell are you? What have you been doing to me?"

The corpse stepped into the house, observing the parlor with a slow sweeping glance. As it walked, Fine fought the urge to vomit as he saw yet another massive hole in the back of the man's neck, the black ooze seemingly fuzing itself with the visible spine.

Allow me to answer your second question first: I have been broadcasting signals that can only be detected by a certain brainwave frequency....namely yours. You match all of the necessary criteria to begin the first phase of my experiment, one that will prove ultimately beneficial to the both of us....and eventually, the entire universe.

Milton slumped down in a chair, pressing his hands against his temples. He wanted to force himself to wake up from what was obviously some deranged dream.

I assure you, Milton Fine, this is no hallucination. This is no illusion, this is no dream. What you are seeing with your eyes, what you are sensing with your mind, are all very real. As much as it displeases me to admit, I am currently incomplete, and you are currently terminally ill. The two of us need each other to survive.

The thing controlling the park ranger's body moved it closer to Fine, the body's limbs dangling limply like some sort of macabre marionette puppet. Fine tensed up, all but curling himself into the fetal position as the horrible thing approached him.

I must ask you to relax, Milton Fine. Despite the visual evidence to the contrary, this merger will not hurt you in any way. This merger will be far more intricate, more subtle, and I believe you will find it far more to your liking than your present status.

The ranger's hand extended towards Fine, planting the cold, dead hand on the man's forehead. The black tendrils began to move, slithering from the one body to the other. Milton Fine wanted to struggle, wanted to scream, but his body was no longer listening to him. This thing had begun to tap into his brain.

In just a few moments, Milton Fine, you and I will be one. Beginning merger......now.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Then for your sake, I hope no more bridges fall."

Ion reaches out with the energy residing within his body from the central power battery. It picks up a large portion of stone from a fallen building. Ion skyrockets into the air until he's almost invisible. He then immediately takes a nose dive straight towards the Earth, rubble first. The rock penetrates the ground followed by Ion. After several moments, Ion emerges from the ground.

"Ok, there shouldn't be anymore earthquakes for quite some time. There's about ten tons of solid granite between the two tectonic plates."

"So, who or what exactly are you?"

I help an old man up out of the rubble and dust him off.

 

[WompuM]

IC: Dr. Pieter Cross

I exit the E.R. doors and turn to take the shortcut through the alley to the parking lot. The police tape is still up but they haven't been here since two nights ago. I still can't beleive the stories. Dr. Roberts killed by an axe murderer in the parking lot. All he wanted was to do was get in some Christmas shopping on his way home.

I won't forget that night anytime soon. Getting the page to call the hospital and having to come in for a kidney transplant because of a no show doctor. I knew it was strange from the start. Roberts was never late for a surgery in the few years I've known him. It got strnager still finding the patients dead in the room, one with a kidney jammed down his throat. They're pretty sure it's the same guy.

I look up in the night sky to see a familiar silouette stalking me. I haven't gotten rid of the damn owl since that actor guy came to the hospital. Some hot-shot Hollywood type got hurt in a plane crash stunt for some OwlMan movie. We weren't even allowed to cut through the costume. Apparently it cost more than the surgery. Go figure.

Apparently they had trained a bunch of owls for movie. One of them followed the OwlMan here. If I would have known it was going to latch onto me when after I fed it, I never would have. Oh well. I guess some company won't hurt me. I was thinking about naming him Charlie.

I begin to cross over the tape when I hear a shout from behind me.

"Hey! That's a crime scene. Are you blind?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I might be."

The dark glasses and cain get them every time. The rookie cop barley has a chance to mumble an apology before I walk away. Somebody killed one of my colleagues and I need to find out who.

 

[guitarsingerguy]

"So, who or what exactly are you?"

I help an old man up out of the rubble and dust him off.

"I guess you can say I'm a man who's simply waiting for something, but you can call me Ion."