A Hero is Born: Part One
Friday, March 13th, 2003
Indigo City Docks. Peer 22
Introducing: James Marsden as Eric "FenrisX" Scott
Paul Walker as Alex "Garm" Steel 
Nelly Furtado as Jenna "Hydra" Lionheart
and Stephen Dorff as Marc "Cerberus" Kain
“You’re sure about this Eric?” Jenna asked, her voice full of uncertainty. “If Valhalla discovers that we’ve deliberately disobeyed orders, we’re going to be in deep shit”.
Had she asked him the same question a year earlier there would have been no doubt in his mind – Follow orders at all costs. But things change over time, people change over time.
Eric gently grabbed Jenna’s hand, and squeezed softly in an attempt of reassurance. “Its not right. All this, Valhalla, the missions, us, none of it is right, and I’m tired of ignoring it. I cant go on anymore closing my eyes pretending what we do is ok”. He paused for a moment, and rested his gaze on a large, private yacht which lay docked several meters away. “Inside that boat is an innocent family Jenna. A father, a mother, there are even two kids for Christ sake. I don’t give a f*uck what Valhalla wants us to do, I’m not killing them”.
Jenna stared into her lover’s eyes. “You’re right Eric, we can’t go through with this mission, or any other one for that matter,” she said as she brushed a long strand of her dark hair away from her face. No matter how much she feared the repercussions of what they were about to do, she too had to follow her heart, and right now it was telling her to disobey direct commands.
Eric didn’t need his telepathy to tell Jenna was scared – Hell, he was scared. People who went against Valhalla didn’t usually have long life expectancies, and if they were caught tonight, they would be no different. The company wouldn’t think twice about punishing them, despite their years of loyal service. “Its going to be alright Jenna, I promise”.
The two stood on the dock in silence, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on their shoulders. Finally the stillness was broken by a third voice. “What’s the matter? You guys look like you’re about to disobey an extremely dangerous underground organization known for punishing disloyal members…oh wait, my bad, we are”. Alex Steel, better known as “Agent Garm” was the third member of one of Valhalla’s most renowned forces: “The Pack”. If Eric was the brawn’s, Jenna the brain’s then Alex was definitely the heart of the team. No matter what situation they found themselves in, Alex was always able to ease the tension by making one of his grossly inappropriate jokes.
“Not now,” Jenna giggled in an attempt of reprimanding Alex.
“Now that you’re back, let’s go over the plan one more time,” Eric cut in, trying to maintain his composure. “Jenna and I will head onto the yacht, warn them that Valhalla is onto Mr. Thompson and his meetings with the government. Alex, you stay here and make sure no one is watching us, we don’t want any witnesses from Valhalla. Once they leave harbor, heading North up into Canada, we get back to the bikes and rush back to HQ. Remember, we say they were gone when we got here, but we think they went South”.
“And us?” Alex interrupted. “I don’t want to be Mr. Worry-guy, but how do we intend to leave Valhalla once this is all said and done. You guys know as well as I do that you cant simply give your two weeks notice and walk out”.
“One thing at a time buddy. Once we get back, and know for sure that the plan was successful, we’ll figure out how we’ll proceed from there”. Eric tried to sound as cool and confident as possible. Deep down he knew things were not going to be as easy as he made them seem, but he had to put on a brave face for Jenna and Alex. “Alright guys, from this point on, we use code-names only. Ready Hydra (Jenna’s code name)?”
“Ready as ill ever be,” she said taking in a deep breath.
“Alright, lets go”.
As agents FenrisX, and Hydra vanished onto the luxurious boat, Garm waited, carelessly scanning the perimeter for any would be spies. Had he been paying more attention, he might have noticed the lone figure, patiently watching him from the rooftop of the harbor masters’ building. The man was dressed in a similar Valhalla uniform, his however was jet black rather than “The Packs” red colours. Reaching up to his ear, the man retracted a small electronic device used to augment auditory capabilities. * Caught in the act Eric. You’re getting sloppy *.
Meanwhile, Inside the Yacht “Puffan”
“So you’re absolutely sure they know about my meetings with the government?” Mr. Thomson frantically inquired as struggled to put on his pants.
“Very sure. We were after all sent here to complete a “hit” on you and your family,” Hyrda reiterated. “Sir, we suggest for the safety of you and your family, you leave Indigo City now, and head North”.
The aging man desperately barked orders to his crew from the intercom in his room. Once he was sure that everyone on board was awake, and ready to set sail immediately, he returned his attention back to the two individuals who had no doubt saved his life. “How can I thank you? Name your price, I’m a very wealthy man”.
FenrisX and Hydra had no time to waste on prolonged gratitude. “There is no need sir, just get your family to safety,” Eric said. The two agents proceeded to make their way back up to the deck, and quickly off onto the dock. Once they were off the yacht, the boat briskly rumbled to life, and began sailing out of the Indigo-City port.
“Think they’ll make it?” Hydra asked as they jogged back to where Garm was waiting.
“With a bit of luck, they should be ok..” FenrisX replied, his voice abruptly trailing off as his attention was turned to another matter. “Where is Garm?”
“Don’t worry Eric, me and Alex were just catching up on old times”. Stepping out of the marina a few meters away, the stranger emerged, one arm around Alex’s neck, the other holding a gun to his back.
“Cerberus!” Jenna shouted angrily. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Cerberus tightened his grip around the neck of his captive. “What am I doing?! You filthy disobedient pups think you could pull one over Valhalla and get away with it! We’ve been on to you for awhile but we needed proof. Now that I’ve got that, I’ve got the green light to finish you all off,” he hissed, a twisted smile growing on his savage face.
FenrisX slowly advanced closer to the new enemy. “Marc,” he said, ignoring the man’s code-name. “Think about this. Let Alex go and we can discuss this”.
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that,” Cerberus paused and savored the moment. “You three always thought you were so great, the golden team of Valhalla. Well looks like your time to shine is over”. Cerberus leaned his head closer to Alex’s bloody face. “Any last words agent Garm?”
The beaten man could not even raise his head; Cerberus was no doubt using his energy drain abilities to syphon his life force. “Go..- cough – Go F*ck yourself Marc,”
BANG
“ALEX!” Eric and Jenna shouted in unison.
Blood spurted out from the front of Alex’s chest before Cerberus let him fall lifelessly to the ground.
“YOU BASTARD!” Hydra shrieked as she recklessly charged towards her friends killer.
Cerberus was quick to react, expecting such a response from his former comrade. His left arm quickly reached to his side, extracted another pistol and fired straight for Jenna’s head.
Agent Hydra, in such a state of rage had not expected such a fast response. She knew she had no time to dodge to bullet and thought she would join her fallen friend in a moments time. Before the flying metal death lodged itself in her skull however, an invisible force hurled her to the right and out of harms way. FenrisX had used his telekinesis to save his girlfriend, but he did not have time to save himself. Without a target to stop it, the bullet continued past its intended mark and instead struck Eric straight in the stomach. The force of the impact sent him painfully to the ground. Crimson life flowed from his wound, slowly bringing him closer and closer to death.
Before Cerberus could continue his onslaught, Hydra used her unique ability to create multiple illusions of herself, hoping that her enemy would not know which one to fire on. Her prayers however, fell on deaf ears.
“You think your little power is going to work on me Jenna? You’re illusions don’t emit a life force, so I can easily tell where you really are. Cerberus concentrated on extending his parasitic aura outwards until he locked on to the only woman who emitted energy. Once he had her targeted, he concentrated directly on her, quickly draining her stamina into his own being.
The world began to spin around Hydra. Black dots clouded her vision and an intense sense of nausea threatened to make her vomit. She knew she was a sitting duck.
“Alex couldn’t stop me”. He advanced on the real Hydra and ferociously grabbed her by the hair. “You’re boyfriend couldn’t stop me”. He dragged her towards her fallen lover. “And you sure as hell can’t stop me”. He stopped once they had reached FenrisX who was struggling to remain conscious. “Are you watching Eric? I want to make sure that before you die you see how useless you were in saving not only your best friend, but your precious Jenna”.
BANG
Eric watched helplessly as Jenna’s body fell down in the pool of blood which had accumulated before him. A sense of pure hatred rumbled inside FenrisX. Never before had he felt such hatred and malice towards another living being. “I swear Marc, you won’t get away with this”.
“Wont I?” Cerberus laughed as he dragged Eric towards the edge of the long dock. “You should have never disobeyed Valhalla; you brought this on yourself. “I’ve got to tell you Eric, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed making a hit so much as this on. Feeling Alex’s and Jenna’s blood wash over my hands was such a rush”. Cerberus roughly pulled Eric to his feet. “Give my best regards to the two agents Hydra and Garm cause you’re about to join them old friend”. And with that Cerberus shoved FenrisX to a watery grave below.
Eric slowly sunk beneath the surface of the freezing water. Before you die he had always heard that your life flashes before your eyes, yet all he could think of was his two fallen teammates, and how much he wanted revenge on the man who killed them. Slowly all sense of light began to fade, and his lungs began to scream for oxygen. The last thing he saw before blacking out was the hard, uninviting seabed which would soon be his final resting place. His eyelids began to flutter shut, and within seconds he was lost in dismal oblivion.
TO BE CONTINUED
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Sebastian Drake - June 3rd
A Villian Rises - A War Begins
With Brad Pitt as Sebastian Drake.
Making no attempt to hide his snide, condescending smile from the couple, the seven-foot bouncer unhooked the chain and waved the teenagers in. Sarah, the timid unimposing girl, grasped her boyfriend’s arm as the two quickly shuffled by the mountain of muscle. Turning her head for one last look at the doorman - only to catch him lustfully starring at her behind with a glazed expression - she couldn’t help feeling this night out was a big mistake.
But all her friends had told her that there was no place like “La Perle” to celebrate an anniversary - adamant that the people where more festive; the music was better; and the strippers were more gorgeous. Most of all, they had all assured her that when she would step on the dance floor, no matter what song was playing, she would start feeling more free, careless and joyful – as if these emotions where beyond her control.
However, Sarah had never gone out before, so these words of encouragement did very little to calm her nerves. Living a sedated, suburban life, she typically spent her nights studying or reading, so when she finally merged into the dancing crowd, she was determined to stay close to her boyfriend and not lose her wits.
That’s when Sebastian saw her. From the shadows of his club, he felt drawn to her.
Perhaps it was Sarah’s pigtails, checkered schoolgirl skirt, or reserved manner of dancing that was so alluring; or perhaps it was because he was sure this was the first time the young girl had ever ventured into his nightclub and was still so innocent and pure. Drake closed his eyes and scanned his prey’s emotions. Feeding on the uncertainty, the doubt, he knew he could have fun defiling this one.
“She’s probably never even taken a bump,” he laughed as he slowly emerged from the concealing shadows and moved towards the girl. As Sebastian walked with brimming confidence, everyone in his way parted and starred in awe, unable to hide their desire.
“What’s your name, little girl,” Sebastian asked in a chillingly seductive voice. Sarah spun around, angered by the strangers comment, but froze when her eyes fell on the man behind her. Never before had she seen such a dazzling smile, such a piercing gaze, such a perfect specimen.
“Sa..Sarah…,” she croaked.
“And is this rodent behind you your boyfriend,” mockingly asked Sebastian, “get lost kiddo.” The boy’s knees buckled from intimidation, but still he tried to conjure enough courage to mutter a reply and salvage his dignity. In spite of this, before even inhaling, he was paralyzed by fear as he starred deep into the glowing eyes of Sebastian, who now simply shoved the boy away like an annoying fly.
Sarah gingerly protested, but quickly she gave in as feelings of excitement and lust cracked her resistance.
“I Love it when they try to struggle,” Sebastian harshly whispered into Sarah’s ear. Grabbing her waist, he pushed her onto him and ground their bodies together, moving to the beat of the music. “Let go of you inhibitions, your doubts. Feel the music possess you and show me how much you want me.”
Within minutes, a revolution took place in her mind as her morals melted away. She undid her pigtails and unfastened all but one of her shirt’s buttons; she grabbed his ass with a frightening desire and licked his neck with a carnal need. Sebastian chuckled, took out a small white bag from his pocket, and deposited a little on the top of his hand.
“We’ll, haven’t we turned into the true slut that we always where,” he teased as he offered her the drugs. “Sniff!” Sarah bent her head down and inhaled the powder. Within moments the club started to spin around her. The lights molded into one bright spectrum and the music seemed to blur into one inaudible noise. At first she felt nothing but pure contempt, but then Sebastian dropped her, snickered, walked away, and freed her from his manipulation.
She felt numb. Alone. Devoured and cold. Clawing her way through the crowd, who simply ignored her, she landed into the arms of her boyfriend, who starred at her with a mixture of pity and disgust. He flopped her onto a couch, and Sarah threw her head back and lay there for hours; perfectly empty, perfectly abused, perfectly hooked.
“You love doing that don’t you sir,” asked the security guard who held the door that led to the upper floors open for Sebastian.
“It’s always the goodie-two-shoes who give in the fastest. She’ll be back next week, and every week after that for that matter,” Replied Sebastian. “But as much as I love sampling what my dance floor has to offer, I have more important matters to attend to tonight.”
Sebastian strode into the V.I.P lounge with his usually confidence and charismatic demeanor. Only four guests tonight: A fat businessman, a wealthy couple from Europe, and one of the regulars who was no doubt getting his sexual gratification down the hall from one of his favorite little boys. After quickly greeting all the members and making sure they all felt comfortable, he made his way towards his private office. But before he left, he closed his eyes and concentrated. Soon, everyone’s heart race increased; drinks tasted better and the conversation was more interesting; even the businessman’s uncouth racists jokes were hilarious.
Drake could not understand it. Why where less and less of the cities elite coming to his club. How could people resist his charm and his establishment’s magnificence? Were the prostitutes not attractive enough - were the drugs not of high quality? As Sebastian sank into his chair in his private office, about ready to give into despair, one of his employs rushed in with dozens of pictures at hand.
“I…I think I know why you’ve been receiving less and less guests,” enthusiastically sputtered the young man as he threw the pictures on Sebastian’s desk. Drake quickly shuffled through the stack of pictures, amazed at what they revealed. “It would seem that a new club has just opened; The Midnight Star they call it. A man named Louis LeBlanc runs it, and … well… he’s apparently very charismatic. The last picture I took explains it all.”
Indeed, the picture revealed a room filled with at least twenty of the cities most elite members, the very members that typically enjoyed their nights at La Perle De La Nuit. Among them was a man that could have been no one else but Louis. The last time he beheld such beauty was when he looked into a mirror he thought.
“I think its time we paid this little maggot a visit, and teach him a lesson for trying to overthrow Sebastian Drake.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"Mind's Deception"
Starring: The Spectrum (Lori Grant)
Also featuring: Physpell and "Mind Block"
March 30th, at approximately 9:30 P.M.
Crystal City, Casino District, outside of "The Crystal Palace" Casino.
"Come on!" Janie Coroway exclaimed, "It'll be fun!"
"What's so fun about going into a casino? You never win, and everybody there seems so desperate."
"Yeah, but there's a party there tonight! Come on Lori, don't be a party pooper, we can dance and stuff! And they're going to reveal that big new Emerald... what’s it called? "Heart of the Jungle" or something? Don't you want to see it?"
"Well... no, actually. I couldn't care less. But I wouldn't want to be, of all things, a party pooper so I might as well."
Lori Grant and Janie Coroway were standing outside of the biggest casino in all of Crystal City, "The Crystal Palace", named after the city no doubt. All of the "Casino District" of Crystal City was ablaze with dazzling lights that festooned the buildings and streets. Lori imagined that she should come to this part of the city more often and just look at the lights, but with running one of the biggest corporations in the world and fighting crime at night (or in day, on occasion) she had very little time for anything, including her friends, like Janie here.
The pair walked up to the entrance to the casino (well, Janie skipped more or less). Because of her immense wealth, Lori could basically get into any place she wanted without having to wait on line, and the line tonight was as long as the eye could see. Lori didn't see what was so cool about seeing an ordinary gemstone, even if it was rumoured to be a foot high and a half-foot long. So it was big and sparkly, it was still just a stone, right?
Janie led the way up to the V.I.P entrance. Lori sometimes wondered if Janie didn't just hang out with her so she could get into special entrances. Janie did look like she was enjoying going in the special way. When Janie walked up, however, she was stopped by a very large black man who looked as if he could crush Janie with a flick of his finger.
"What? No, I'm allowed in this way, I'm with... her..." Janie said meekly.
"Fine, but I still need to see some ID. We need to keep track of out guests, you know."
"OH! Is that all!" Janie smiled and showed her ID to the man and Lori did the same. He scanned both of them into a hand held machine and let them go in.
"See!" Janie said, "this will be fun!"
******
A medium height, slim, dark haired woman walked up a narrow, badly lit, white hallway. Before her stood a big metal doorway with a security alarm next to it. The alarm had numbers on it, and the alarm would only not activate if the correct password was entered. With confidence, the woman entered the numbers 5674129. Without hesitation, a light above the alarm that had been red turned green, and the door opened. With a certain gracefulness, the woman entered what turned out to be some sort of garage, or storing centre.
Directly across from her was another doorway, to her right was an even bigger metal doorway that looked like an exit for a truck, and to her left was many different odds and ends. Oddly enough, there was only one man in the room, and he was guarding the door across from the woman. She smiled at her fortune, and walked across to him.
"Excuse me sir?" the woman asked with a delicate smile. "I'm a reporter from the 'Crystal Star', and I was wondering if I could talk to you about the "Heart of the Jungle," if you don't mind."
"Well Ma'am," the man started, "you're really not supposed to be out here... and I'm not really supposed to be talkin about that there emerald."
"Oh, really... I'm surprised. I would have thought that they would have let a strong, smart boy like yourself talk about it. I mean, you obviously know better than to say something you shouldn't right?"
The man blushed and said, "Aw ma'am,... shoot, what do you want to know?"
"Why thank you Sir! You are a nice gentleman arn't you! What I really want to know... well it's kinda a weird question but... what kind of security measures are they using to keep the Emerald safe before they show it today?"
The man was taken back by that question. "Well, Ma'am, I can't rightfully tell you that. It's secret, you know."
"Of course..." The woman nodded in agreement. Truthfully, however, she already had the information she needed. She had read his mind, one of her little skills, and had gathered some information. laser beam alarms, security codes... 565758921 actually quite lax, she thought. It was almost an insult to her thieving skills. Oh, well. This boy was of no use to her anymore.
The woman, who was named Amy Violet, as it turns out, lifted up her hands and touched the others face. The man almost thought he was going to kiss her for a moment. What she did, however, was far more painful. It was called Mind Shock and she could use it to render anybody else unconscious. It worked like a charm, in this case.
******
Later that night...
"They’re going to show the Emerald Now!" Janie shouted with delight. It was hard to hear because with music blasting, people talking around you, and the sound of slot machines going off, it's enough to drive a person deaf.
"Oh goody." Lori shouted back, dryly.
A man in a fancy black suit came to the center of the casino, where a large object was covered by a tarp. Lori assumed that this was the Emerald that everybody was so worked up about.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I want to thank you all for coming to "They Crystal Palace" tonight. Now, without further ado, the thing you've all been waiting for... "The Heart of the Jungle!"
As the man swung the tarp off, the crowd gasped in anticipation. After the tarp was off, however, the crowd gasped in shock. The Emerald known as the "Heart of the Jungle", was gone.
Welcome to the Real World - Part One
Welcome to the Real World – Part One
Introducing: Angelina Jolie as Sydney “Ricochet” King (Xi-051), Liam Neeson as Doctor Avery Wyatt and Edward Burns as Commander Ethan Kale
Staring: Carson Daly as Cal Lawless (Xi-065), Lucy Liu as Mia Chow (Xi-098), and Joaquin Phoenix as Ford Klein (Xi-043)
Wednesday, 16th April– 2003
The Private Office of Doctor Avery Wyatt; ATP:9 Compound – Outskirts of Gillette, Wyoming
Avery Wyatt paused for a moment, deep in thought before pushing open the grey metal door. Inside the room stood four young people all in their early twenties, two men and two women dressed in tight-fitting black pants and matching t-shirts. As Dr. Wyatt entered the room they all stood up straight and faced him, their hands locked firmly behind their backs.
“Please, there’s no need for such formality,” urged the doctor as he walked into the room, at his command the four assumed more relaxed postures.
One woman took a step forward from the rest. “Father, your call sounded urgent…”
Avery grimaced slightly as he took the young woman’s hands. “My dear Sydney…” The woman leaned in slightly to kiss Avery’s cheek with loving affection before he released his hold on her and took place behind his desk.
This time Mia took a step forward to be level with Sydney. “Father, is everything well? You appear worried.”
“No, my child, my children. Things are not well,” with a sigh Avery sank into a high-backed leather chair, “which is why I called you here today…” Each of the four tilted their head in a motion of curious sympathy. “You are all aware of my personal history concerning the conception of this project and indeed each one of you. I believed thirty years ago that your creation would make this world a safer place for mankind, I believed that because I had to…”
In a secret meeting not far from the assembled party…
Ethan Kale slammed his hand down on the desk in frustration, a gesture that only served to make his associate raise an eyebrow in speculation. Ethan rose from his chair, his expression growing cold and angry. “I don’t care who sent you Mr Stokes, I have jurisdiction on this project and I don’t have to stand for this sort of interference!”
“That is ironic Commander Kale considering that by rising from your seat that is precisely what you are doing.”
Ethan glared icily at the aged man before taking a calming breath and straightening his tie. “You have all the proof you need Sir. The Xi’s are out of control, they murdered Senator Lindley in cold blood…”
Stokes leaned back in his chair and slowly lit a cigar, blowing a ring of smoke into the air. “This project has cost the government a lot of money Mr Kale. It would be foolish to terminate the fruits of thirty years of hard labour on a whim.”
“A whim Sir? The Xi-Series were sent to protect Senator Lindley and instead they murdered him. Where in that sequence of events is there a whim?” Ethan leaned across the desk towards the man. “I was assigned to this project to take care of things should such a situation occur. If you want to get between me and my job…”
“Heaven forbid Mr Kale, Heaven forbid!” The gentleman slowly exhaled another cloud of smoke. “The Agency have already made a decision. They told me to give you full autonomy in this situation. They would… prefer the Xi-subjects returned alive. If possible. But they understand that a certain amount of… persuasion may be needed to get them to surrender themselves.”
“With all due respect Sir, mutants are a disease, and one that must be wiped out. They are a plague upon this world and these so-called ‘bio-engineered super-soldiers’ just add to the problem. They are dangerous and, as I have documented, unstable creatures.”
“You don’t need to convince me Mr Kale, my flag is firmly pitched in the anti-mutant camp. Unfortunately some of our friends in Washington don’t feel the same, think that mutants are people too – all that tree-hugging hippy shit. Kill them all if you please Mr Kale, it makes no difference to me, I am merely the messenger.”
“Very well Mr Stokes…” said Ethan as he straightened out his jacket. “Let’s go to work.”
Back in Doctor Wyatt’s office…
Doctor Wyatt gazed out of the window as he continued his speech. “In the past you have done great deeds, you have protected the governors of this country from countless dangers. Who could forget the time you saved Senator Brown from an assassination attempt by The Cobra? Or when Cal here single-handedly foiled a terrorist attack on the Russian Embassy by Crimson Delta? These are but a few of your achievements, and you should feel as proud of yourselves as I do…”
“But Sir,” interrupted Cal, “you still haven’t said why-“
“-Why I brought you here? No Cal I haven’t, but I shall now. You have achieved great things but I always said there may be a time when you would have to stand alone, I believe that time has come.”
Sydney frowned, mirroring perfectly the expressions on her comrade’s faces. “Something has happened then?”
“I’m afraid so. A man named Ethan Kale from the CIA paid me a visit this morning with some disturbing evidence. Senator Lindley has been murdered. He is under the impression… that one of you killed him.”
“But that’s ridiculous,” said Sydney calmly. “We were sent to protect Senator Lindley and that’s exactly what we did.”
“That’s as may be. But he is dead now, and Kale has orders to take all of you to CIA Headquarters in Washington for reprogramming.”
“This is bullshit!” shouted Ford angrily, “what are they going to do to us? Turn us into some goddamn brainless drones!?”
“In your case Ford, that would be an improvement” said Cal sharply.
Mia turned to Ford, taking his hand comfortingly. “Father would not let them do that to us…”
“I’m afraid Mia I don’t have much choice, or power, whichever you choose I have neither.” Dr. Wyatt rose from his chair and paced the room in contemplation. “I have thought this over and I feel that, the only way to avoid a confrontation is…”
“Wait!” Sydney held up her hand to signal for everyone to be silent. The four soldiers stood perfectly still, slowly rotating their heads to pick up whatever Sydney had heard.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” asked Avery anxiously.
“Some people are headed in this direction. Three… no, five… one is Commander Ethan Kale, Sir.”
“Our time has come quicker than I anticipated,” said Avery as he ushered the small group out of the office. “Come children, we must away!”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
A Hero is Born: Part 2
Sunday, March 15th 2003. 3:23 Pm.
Roughly 30 miles North of Indigo City
“I think he’s beginning to wake up”.
“Ill get a glass of water, and some aspirin; for sure he’s going to be sore.”
Eric could hear faint voices as if they were off in the distance. *Are they speaking about me? *
“He’s coming-to alright. The boys a fighter, I really didn’t think he was going to make it”. The sound of a man’s voice was closer than before.
Slowly Eric’s eyes began to open. Although his vision was glazed over, he could tell that he was definitely not underwater, and more remarkably, not dead. “Where am I?” he managed to mumble through parched lips. As he strained himself to sit up, Eric could make out the figures of two elderly men, probably in their mid to late fifties bustling about the small colonial styled living room he found himself in.
“Don’t push yourself son, that’s a nasty injury you took”.
“And we wouldn’t want ya to upset all the stitches we did,” the other man interrupted.
Eric eyed the two strangers warily *They don’t look dangerous, but I better stay on guard *
As if reading his thoughts, the older looking of the two men smiled comfortingly. “I’m Benjamin, and this here,” he said pointing at his associate, “is Bill. Now I bet you’re wondering where ya are,”
“Well the thought did happen to cross my mind,” he replied dryly as his hands drifted towards his stomach where the bullet had hit. Large bandages were firmly wrapped around his midsection to minimize any further blood loss. *If they wanted me dead, I doubt they would have gone through the trouble to tape me up *
“We’re a little over 30 miles north of Indigo City. Figured you’d be safe out here in the farmland rather than the hospital,” Benjamin informed as Bill offered Eric an aspirin to ease the pain.
The wounded agent politely refused the tiny white pill, preferring to deal with the uncomfortable pain rather than worry if he was being drugged. Now, feeling more alert than before, Eric finally gave more notice to his surroundings. The house was simply, yet tastefully decorated. A mix of antique furniture and tone on tone beige colouring seemed to give the place a very “homely” feel to it.
“I guess the next obvious question would be: How did I get from almost drowning at the Indigo Marina to this place?” Ignoring the aching in his gut, Eric managed to force himself to his feet. “And where’s my gear?”
“It’s actually a very lucky turn of events,” Bill started as he handed Eric a t-shirt. “You see, after you and that lady came and warned Mr. Thomson about what could have happened to him and his poor family, he figured he owed you a debt of gratitude. So, he sent me and Benjy to find you and deliver this,” he said as he pulled out an envelope from his jacket pocket, and handed it to Eric. “Just a little ‘Thank you’ I imagine. Well anyways, we headed off in one of the lifeboats, and started making our way back to the shore. Imagine our surprise when we see this ugly lookin’ fellar shove you into the water and run off. Poor Benjy nearly had a heart attack,” he chuckled before continuing. “We waited about a minute to make sure the guy was far enough before we brought the boat in closer; thank heavens it was a cloudy night, or he may have very well spotted us too. Anyways, once we got closer, and realized you weren’t coming back up, I jumped in after you. You’re lucky this old body of mine has some gusto left in it, or I wouldn’t have been able to lift you to the surface”.
The man’s story was perfectly believable, and Eric couldn’t pick up any hint of deception in his voice or mind- telepathy was good for being a quick and easy lie detector if for no other use. Something Billy said finally dawned on Eric, and he was ashamed he hadn’t thought of it sooner. “The lady…. The lady I was with,” he stammered, trying to spit the words out as fast as he could. “On the dock, there were two other people, her and another man…they were hurt, shot…..what happened to them?”
An expression of sorrow fell on the elder gentleman. Eric already knew the answer to his question; the looks on their faces said it all. “Jenna…..Alex…..”. Tears began to well in his eyes, as he turned away from Benjy and Billy. * I should have been able to stop him *
“There was nothing that could be done for them,” Billy said, placing a reassuring hand on Eric’s shoulder. “Just be thankful that you survived”.
Regaining some measure of composure, the young man turned back to face his rescuers. “So then, what happened after you saved me?”
“Well the rest isn’t that exciting,” Benjamin replied. “We needed a safe place to take you so we contacted Mr. Thomson from our secure phone line. He suggested we take you here. Turns out, Mr. Thomson bought this place under an alias incase he and his family ever needed to fade out of sight pretty quickly. They would have come here themselves, but given the situation, it was probably better they leave when they did”. The man paused for a moment, and began stroking his chin, as if wondering what there was left to say. “Ah yes,” he said after a moment’s time. “We managed to bring two of the motor bikes that were on the docks. They’re stored in the tool shed out back”.
“At least ill have a way to get back to the city then,” Eric said as he began gathering his items to leave. “I owe you guys a huge debt of gratitude for what you did. Ill leave immediately so I don’t put you guys in any more danger”.
“Actually son, you may wanna hold your horses. Its probably better that you lay low for awhile, and Indigo city is not the best place for that. Mr. Thomson suggested that since he won’t need this place, you may as well stay here. Think of it as one final thank you,” Billy said as he put on his hat. “With all that said and done, we’re going to meet up with our boss further north. You take care son, and don’t forget that envelope”.
A few minutes later the two gentlemen were gone, and Eric was left alone in the quaint country abode. For the first time in his life, he was totally alone. No longer was he living under the dark wing of Valhalla, mindlessly following order. On this day he was his own man. This freedom however, came at a grave price. Alex and Jenna were both dead, murdered at the hands of his former comrade. A part of Eric also died that night; Valhalla agent FenrisX was no more. In his place was now a man filled with a new purpose, a new reason to live – Vengeance.
Before going off to explore his new residents, Eric opened the envelope Mr. Thomson had sent for him.
Inside was a small note reading, Thanks- Mr Thomson, and a check for
750 000 $
***
Thursday, March 19th, 2003. 11:32 PM
Walkins' Bio-Chemical research facility
Indigo City
Dr. Walkins rushed towards the laboratory entrance, his fingers clumsily fumbling trying to extract his keys. *Shit shit shit shit… *
Behind the terrified doctor, two men dressed in long charcoal trench coats followed close behind. Despite Walkins best efforts to outrun his stalkers, he knew the chase was over when one pulled out a large menacing pistol.
“Where are the samples you promised Mr. Walkins?” the gun-wielder questioned as he advanced on his victim.
“I…I t.t.t.told you, they’re not stable. I can’t in g.g.g.ood conscience hand them over to Valhalla,” he stuttered through fear clenched teeth.
The sinister attacker raised the weapon taking aim at Walkins’ head. “Well then, I’m afraid that’s too bad for you”.
Before he could pull the trigger, a sudden force ripped the gun from his hand, sending it hurtling sideways.
“What the Fu…!”
An unexpected jolt of electricity surged through the man’s body, causing him to fall limp to the floor. His associate, who had before been standing idly by stood like a deer in headlights, unsure of what was happening around him.
“You’re going to deliver a message for me,” a voice said from behind.
The trench-coat clad man reeled around to see who had just addressed him. Before his eyes stood a tall man, dressed from head to toe in a red and white leather looking outfit, a symbol of a wolf head sketched on his chest. A red motorcycle helmet rested on his head, the black visor blocking his face from view.
“An agent?” he blurted out, confused as to why an elite Valhalla member would interfere in the night’s business.
“No, not an agent,” he said calmly as he raised a very high-tech looking gun. “I want you to tell everyone back at Valhalla that the clock is ticking, and their time is almost up”. Without another word the man pulled the trigger. A blue bolt of energy emanated from the futuristic fire arm and struck its target sending waves of pain thought every vain in his body, before he eventually fell unconscious to the hard concrete ground.
The new arrival to the scene walked confidently over the fallen bodies straight towards Dr. Walkins, who had been watching petrified in front of the laboratory entrance.
“If I were you, I’d pack my bags and leave Indigo City before Valhalla finds out what happened tonight,” the unexpected savior said though the black visor.
“T.t.t.thank you. Ill leave tonight”. The doctors muscled began to relax a tad as the stranger in red began to walk away. “Wait wait. Who are you?” he called finally, mustering the courage to find out who his protector was. The man stopped for a second, and turned back to face the doctor once again.
“You can call me FenrisX”.
Welcome to the Real World - Part Two
Welcome to the Real World – Part Two
Ethan Kale viciously kicked down the door to Dr Wyatt’s office, his gun drawn and ready to fire.
“Damn it!” he shouted in irritation upon finding the room empty. He pushed his way through the half-dozen armed guards that had gathered in the room and pulled out a short man dressed in a lab coat and large round glasses. “I thought you said Dr. Wyatt had the Xi’s assembled in his office?”
“I-I did Sir…” stuttered the scientist, “I mean, they-they were…”
“Enough! I’m surrounded by incompetents.” Ethan replaced his gun and straightened out his jacket.
Mr Stokes leaned against Wyatt’s desk, sucking at his cigar as thought it were a Popsicle. “The clock’s ticking Mr Kale. If Dr Wyatt is planning to abscond with your fugitives…”
Ethan turned his back on Stokes, an icy glare in his eyes. “He won’t get far.”
******
Sydney glanced back the way they had come as Dr. Wyatt hurried onwards, quickly followed by Ford, Cal and Mia.
“They won’t catch us Sydney,” said Dr. Wyatt confidently upon noticing her backwards glance. “I know this installation like the back of my hand. Now… we take the next turn right and…”
“Like the back of your hand Sir?” Scoffed Ford as they ran up against a dead end.
“Enough of that Ford,” warned Sydney, she walked a little way back up the corridor then signalled for the others to join her. “Okay, this is what we’ll do. We drop two floors down and make our way to the generator room. We can shut down the power from there, I’ll take Father out through the old underground entry system. The blackout should give the rest of you just enough time to make it over the fence before the back-up generator kicks in.”
“That’s a risky plan Syd,” warned Mia, “if we don’t make it over the perimeter fence before the emergency generator kicks in we’re toast!”
“Then you just have to make sure you get clear before that happens.” Sydney paused for a moment, waiting for confirmation of her plan. Slowly everyone nodded in agreement. “Then let’s go.”
******
“I know this installation like the back of my hand Sir.”
“Now where have I heard that before?” muttered Ethan as he paced back and forth. “I don’t want similes I want results. Now where are the main exits?”
The small man frantically flipped through a stack of blueprints of the training compound. The corner of his left eye twitched nervously and he shakily rubbed at it beneath his glasses. “There are three main exits Sir. The North and South Gate entrances here and here, and also this underground tunnel system. Not many people know about it but it was used as the emergency evacuation system for the old air base’s senior officials.”
Ethan rubbed his chin contemplatively before turning to one of his guards. “I want each of the entrance gates put on full alert and send a back up crew. These Xi’s are extremely dangerous and they won’t want to give up without a fight. You have my permission to shoot if need be, just don’t let them get away.”
As the guard hurried away Ethan turned to the remainder of his men. “The rest of you come with me, if anyone uses that underground exit, we’ll be waiting for them.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"Mind's Deception"- Part 2
Amy Violet, also known as Physpell, also known as the mysterious woman who had just stolen the most valuable gemstone to every grace Crystal City was not very far away from the scene of the crime. She hadn't returned though; she had never left. It always amazed her how sometimes people in this excuse for a city could be so blind. Physpell was a top a bar slash nightclub known as "Crystal Club and Bar". God... how corny could people get? Crystal City, Crystal club and bar... right next to the Crystal Palace casino. Gee whiz... do you think there could be a connection?
Smiling to herself, Physpell backed away from the edge of the building from where she had been watching pandemonium ensue. All because of a little old Emerald that she had stolen. Could it possibly get any better? Yes, it could, if Spectrum paid her a visit. More than anything else in the world, Physpell loved to tease and taunt her nemesis, Spectrum, also known as Lori Grant, also known as one of the most powerful women in America. And what could the Spectrum do if they were to have a confrontation. Using her ability to read minds, Physpell had long ago discovered that Spectrum was actually Lori Grant, and could reveal it at any time. Not wanting this to happen, Spectrum was nearly powerless to stop her. The thought of that little piece of information alone was enough to make Physpell giggle to herself.
Awaiting Spectrum to come (and she would come; Physpell had no doubt about that) however, was more tedious than anything else. She was just waiting and waiting. While she did this, she thought about the strangest dreams she had been having. They had all involved Spectrum, and had all been vaguely similar. In them, Spectrum sort of came after her with a primal rage and was obviously trying to hurt her or worse. In her real life encounters with Spectrum, the hero had been aggressive, yes, but had also shown herself to be caring for others and far from bloodthirsty. Physpell assured herself that it was just a dream, and looked down as the Emerald in her hands. She levitated it to the height of her eyes, and watched as the glowing lights of the many casinos that littered the streets of Crystal City bounced off the gems jade edges. She had been planning to sell it... but maybe this one was worth keeping.
******
Physpell was correct in her analysis; Pandemonium had indeed ensued. After the Emerald had turned out to be a no show, the paying guests of the "Crystal Palace" casino had gotten angry and rowdy. This led to a chain reaction of annoyingly epic proportions. They had called security to calm the crowd, but like it often does; it only made them wilder. Then when the police had come to investigate the missing Emerald, things had really gotten out of hand and Lori Grant was pretty sure that some people had gotten seriously hurt. Still, she had other concerns to worry about, like finding who stole that Emerald. It looked like she wouldn't have a peaceful night after all.
"Can you believe this?" Janie Coroway cried to her best friend Lori Grant. "Somebody stole "The Heart of the Jungle" and now this!"
"Yeah... I can't believe all this just for an Emerald." Lori said in all sincerity.
"It's not just any Gemstone Lori! It's-"
"I know, I know... it’s a bajillion feet high and a bajillion feet long." Lori looked around. Policemen... some people crying, obviously hurt... "Hey Janie, why don't you go and see if those people are alright?" she said pointing to a man and an older woman. The woman was sitting at the curb and looked really worn out.
"But Lori I-"
"I've just got to check something out. I'll be right back!" With that, Lori Grant ran off into the crowd, making sure that Janie couldn't see where she went. Once again, she had avoided Janie's suspicious that she was Spectrum. Sometimes she thought that Janie was dumber than she looked (and she didn't look all that bright). Lori had run off dozens of times, but Janie never suspected a thing.
******
Lori Grant always kept a bag with her. In her car any way. She had a secret panel under the back seat. In this panel, was where she kept her costume. With the speed of a person who had practice putting the thing on over the years (and it had not been easy the first time she had done it), Lori Grant changed into the Spectrum in less than five minutes (and even this was a long time). She made sure nobody saw her of course. If somebody found out her identity, it could mean ruin for both of her identities.
Welcome to the Real World - Part Three
Welcome to the Real World – Part Three
Sydney descended the narrow ladder into the underground cavern. She dropped the last few rungs into two feet of icy water and looked around cautiously. The tunnel extended as far as the eye could see in either direction, dimly lit by a series of sparsely positioned lamps. Sydney leaned back up the ladder and signalled for Doctor Wyatt to follow.
“I still don’t see why we had to come this way…” mumbled Avery as he made his way slowly down the ladder. “I could have made it over the fence…”
Sydney smiled to herself and rolled her eyes, luckily, Avery couldn’t see her amusement in the dim light of the cavern. She took his hand and swiftly led the way through the partially flooded tunnel. After almost fifteen minutes had passed the lights suddenly went off, indicating that Mia, Ford and Cal had successfully completed the second part of the plan.
Suddenly Sydney stopped dead in her tracks. Avery was familiar enough with her ways to know that she had heard something. “What is it?” he whispered warily.
“I’m not sure,” she replied, taking several cautious steps forward through the watery cavern. After a moment longer Sydney came running back down the tunnel, grabbing Avery’s hand as she passed him. “Come on!” she urged as she hurried through the water.
Avery glanced back over his shoulder as he saw several torch lights pan back and forth against the dark walls of the cavern and the echoing sound of mixed voices reverberated through the tunnel.
”I think I heard something…”
“Keep moving…”
“They can’t be far now…”
******
Sydney heaved the heavy grating back over the entrance to the tunnel. Doctor Wyatt sat by the edge, his breathing heavy and wheezing from the exertion. He faintly grasped at the top of his arm in pain.
“We need to keep moving if we’re going to catch up with the others” she instructed, taking a gun out of its holster and loading the chamber.
Avery continued to sit on the floor. “I can’t do this Sydney, I-I can’t, I’m too old to be on the run.”
Sydney frowned and crouched down to his level. “Father, what are you saying?”
“I can’t come with you. I have to stay.”
Sydney shook her head in refusal. “No. I won’t leave you. Who knows what Kale will do when he finds you.”
“It’s not me that he wants. It’s you and your brothers and sister. You have to help them Sydney. Not me, I’m the one who got you into this mess, when I took you all those years ago, made you into what you are, took away your chance at having a normal life. I realise now, it wasn’t my right to play god with your lives no matter what purpose it served.”
“You don’t mean this. You gave us meaning, a purpose. Whatever you took from us you gave back more than you can imagine. You were our father, are our father. You cared, you treated us like human beings, not just test subjects.”
Avery lowered his head in shame. “You know the most important thing a father can do for his children Sydney? Set them free. That’s what I’m doing now, trying to do. I need to put right what wrong I did.” Avery looked up at Sydney and took her hand in his.
“You were always the strong one Sydney. Oh I know you’re all strong physically but you had the spirit to match. Cal, Mia, even Ford, they all look up to you, look to you for their own strength. Out of everyone you were the one I never had to worry about, I always knew you’d come home safe. Now go. Before Kale and his men get here.”
Sydney rose to her feet, a look of regret and pain in her eyes as she turned to leave. “I’ll come back for you. That’s a promise.”
Welcome to the Real World - Part Four
Welcome to the Real World – Part Four
Wednesday, 16th April – 2003
South Side Training Yard; ATP:9 Compound – Outskirts of Gillette, Wyoming
Cal kept his back against the wall of the old administration building before creeping low across the training yard and ducking down behind a parked truck. The compound was crawling with guards and government people, all running around in the dark, flash-lights zipping this way and that. After a moment or two Cal was joined by Mia and Ford as they both crouched behind the truck.
“Heh, the black-out worked like a charm” breathed Cal with an amount of triumph. “They haven’t a clue what’s going on.”
“Wrong again Cal.” Ford pointed to a convoy of guards that suddenly spilled out of the administration building and lined up around the South Gate.
“Damn it,” cursed Cal, keeping himself pressed into the side of the truck. “Then I guess we do this Syd’s way and go over the top.”
“And you wonder why Syd’s the leader” scoffed Ford mockingly.
Cal shot Ford an angry glance before looking away. “It’s going to be risky. That fence is at least twenty-five feet high, we’re going to be heavily exposed. I say we go one at a time then we can cover each other’s backs.”
Mia flicked her fine hair over her shoulder, getting ready to run the last few metres across the yard to the fence. “Fine, do that, let’s just get going before the power comes back on!”
Mia ran swiftly across the yard and proceeded to climb up the fence. Cal withdrew his gun and kept watch on the surrounding compound in case anyone should try to take a shot at Mia.
“You go next Ford,” he instructed, keeping his eyes fixed on the compound. “I’ll stay behind until you get clear, then I’ll make a break for it.”
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that Cal.” Ford turned around and withdrew his pistol from its holster.
“What are you doing?” hissed Cal warily as Ford levelled his gun at him.
“Sorry, comrade nothing personal.” With the final words Ford fired his gun and Cal dropped lifelessly to the floor.
Mia had climbed about halfway up the fence when she heard the gun shot. Upon hearing the loud bang she noiselessly dropped to the ground and returned to the truck. Seeing Cal bleeding on the floor she ran to his side, “Cal…” she moaned quietly, rocking his limp body in her arms.
Suddenly Ford emerged from the shadows; his gun traced on Mia’s hunched up form. His boots crunched against the asphalt and Mia immediately turned her head to see Ford. “Ford!” she cried out, “Cal’s been shot!”
“I know,” said Ford emotionlessly.
Mia frowned as she saw Ford with his gun pointed at her, tears rolled from her eyes down her cheeks in realisation. “No Ford, you didn’t… why?” she pleaded weakly.
Ford took a step closer, keeping his pistol level with Mia as she crouched on the floor. “Like I said to Cal, it’s nothing personal.”
“Like hell it isn’t.”
Ford turned around to see Sydney stood behind him, her guns drawn and aimed at his head.
“Put the gun down Ford or you’ll see just how personal things can get.”
“Syd!” laughed Ford; he turned around enough to have her in view while still keeping aim on Mia. “And here’s me thinking you and the Doc had gone on ahead.”
“Thinking’s a dangerous pastime for you Ford. Now put the gun down.”
“Why? What are you gonna do to me, Sydney. Are you going to shoot me Syd? Your own brother?”
“Well that depends. Take the gun off Mia and we’ll talk.”
Ford laughed and turned his focus on Mia. “That’s not really in my plan.”
“NO!” Sydney ran a few steps forward as Ford shot Mia in the head and her body slumped over Cal’s.
“Hold it right there Syd!” warned Ford as he quickly re-aimed his pistol at her. The two of them stood, only a few feet apart, each with their guns pointing at the other. Ford laughed again.
Sydney scowled in suppressed anger. “Ford! Why in hell’s name are you doing this?”
“I believe it’s called a good ol’ fashioned double-cross Sydney. Or hadn’t you worked it out yet? I killed Senator Lindley, Syd. Me. After you’d all gone, I came back and shot the old bastard right between the eyes.”
Sydney raised one of her eyebrows in surprise. “So, you’re working for Kale? You must be more of an idiot than I thought you were. Kale hates all mutants including us, once you’ve served your purpose you’re as good as dead yourself.”
“No. You’re wrong about me. Kale and I have a deal, I bump off old Lindley and get the whole project thinking the Xi’s have finally flipped. Turned into a bunch of murderers. Then I give him the three of you and in return I get my freedom. No more dumb-ass missions saving scum politicians and diplomats. No more putting my life on the line to save some guy I’ve never met who doesn’t give a shit whether I live or die. This is a mugs game Syd, and I’m getting out.”
Suddenly the compound was bathed in light as the emergency generator kicked into action and the electricity crackled to life. “Let there be light!” laughed Ford. “Too late Syd, too late to escape, even if you weren’t already dead meat.”
Sydney’s eyes narrowed on Ford as he lowered his gun. She saw his movements in slow motion, frame by frame. The barrel of the gun drawing closer, Ford’s finger squeezing on the trigger. Before he had time to fire she leapt at him, twisting the arm holding the gun behind his back until he let go.
Ford struggled to free himself; he kicked back, knocking Sydney to the ground. “Bitch” he growled angrily as he reached to pick up his gun.
Sydney kicked the gun away and kicked Ford in the face as he stooped to retrieve his gun. As he staggered back she flipped back to her feet and took up a combat position.
“Oh, want to fight do we?” muttered Ford as he wiped a thin trail of blood from his lip. He quickly assumed the same stance as Sydney. “Bring it on, I always wondered if I was good enough to ‘take you’.”
“Well now’s your chance to find out. No guns?”
“No guns,” agreed Ford.
Slowly both parties withdrew their weapons and lay them out on the floor. As Sydney straightened up Ford delivered a powerful cross jab to her jaw. Sydney recoiled then swung back with a return punch which Ford swiftly dodged.
While Sydney was caught off guard he struck again with two forward jabs straight in her stomach, knocking her backwards with a strong uppercut punch to her chin.
“How am I doing so far Syd?” he laughed as he circled her.
He ran at her this time, ready to deliver another uppercut punch but Sydney was ready for him this time. She dodged to the side and spun him around, catching him in the face with the force of her elbow. Ford recoiled, wiping the blood from his nose before resuming the combat position. They both watched each other closely with intense hatred while they waited for someone to make the next move.
“Give it up Ford, you fight like a girl and you’re only half as pretty,” mocked Sydney as they sized each other up.
“Oh I am so going to enjoy kicking your ass Syd, it’s been a long time coming.”
Sydney laughed “Bring it on you pansy-assed momma’s boy!”
Ford launched himself at Sydney with a series of cross jabs, which she blocked with immense speed. Ford grinned as he began to move faster, his fists flying. Sydney threw out several forward jabs, which Ford blocked with ease. She punched him in the jaw with an uppercut swing, knocking him back and advanced with a push kick. Ford dodged back from Sydney’s kick, and struck back with a powerful roundhouse kick to Sydney’s stomach.
Sydney groaned as she bent over from the force of Ford’s kick. While Sydney recovered Ford came up behind her and held her in a headlock, twisting her arm behind her back painfully. He laughed as he struck her several times in the stomach with his knee. As he dropped her to the floor he brought his boot down on her back, knocking her completely against the concrete. Her chin struck the cold surface hard, and she grunted in discomfort as she spat blood from her mouth.
“’Pansy-assed momma’s boy’?” echoed Ford as he stooped down to retrieve his gun. “I don’t know where you hid the Doc but I promise you I’ll take care of him, just like I did Mia and Cal. As for you and I Syd, looks like we finally found out who was the better soldier after all…”
Suddenly Sydney was up on her feet. She came at Ford with all her strength; she punched him hard in the face, then twice again in the chest. As Ford took a swipe at her she dodged back and then ducked to avoid another swing. Sydney raised her fist high and punched him in the face, then before he could get up she rammed her knee into his chest. Ford staggered back but Sydney kept pace with him, she punched him again in the face, his blood splattering across her exposed flesh. Ford groaned, unable to fight back he moaned pitifully as Sydney continued to beat down on him until he finally relented and fell to the ground.
Sydney stepped back, catching her breath. She looked at Ford, crumpled up on the floor, barely moving and sighed. Suddenly a bullet whizzed past her head, barely missing her, followed by another that grazed her shoulder. Sydney dropped to the ground and made her way over to the truck as Kale and his men charged across the compound.
Sydney fiddled with the ignition wires until the engine roared to life. Before Kale and his men could reach her she slammed down hard on the accelerator. The wheels spun wildly before propelling the vehicle forward.
“Stop her!” shouted Kale angrily as he withdrew his gun and started taking shots at the speeding truck.
Sydney glanced in the side mirror, a hard grin curling the corner of her lips as she aimed the truck at the heavily guarded South Gate and pressed harder on the accelerator. Several guards fired at the truck and Sydney ducked down behind the steering column as she sped on, dispersing the guards like skittles. The gates buckled against the force of the vehicle and tore open. As Kale reached the gate Sydney and the truck were almost out of sight down the dirt road track.
Ford joined Kale at the gate, wiping at the blood that trailed down the side of his head. “Welcome to the Real World, Syd!” he shouted in her direction. “It’s a bitch. I’m sure the two of you will get along!”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Thorn in the Side
April 17th, 2003. 10:45 PM
One of Valhalla's multiple Tech Rooms
“This is F*cking ridiculous!”
Cerberus was furious –steaming, red hot fires of hell furious; and with good reason. Throughout recent weeks, a mysterious stranger had intercepted several Valhalla shipments. On every occasion, he would not only hospitalize the transporters (and on one occasion even an agent), but also destroy the contents that were being delivered; a costly annoyance for the organization. But the damage of workers and goods was not what bothered Cerberus. What really enraged the agent was the rumors that were floating around concerning the identity of the secrete saboteur.
“I killed the f%$ker! I shot him in the stomach and threw his pretty-boy ass over the docks. There is NO way he survived,” Cerberus growled, the rage in his voice causing the technicians to take a step back.
“I’m not debating that sir, I was just ordered to show you the video,” a young, nameless operative stammered.
After the first three interference’s, Valhalla began tracing their shipments with surveillance equipment hoping to catch the would-be hero on video. Their plan worked without a hitch. Every sabotage since had been documented and studied in hopes of discovery who the nuisance was, and why he was acting against the organization.
“This is a waste of my time!” the agent replied as he ungracefully plopped himself in the large leather chair ahead of the screen. “Show me the damn tape”.
Although his ego wanted to deny what he saw, his eyes could not. The red suit, the custom motorbike, the way the man moved, walked, fought – it was FenrisX.
“Well ill be damned. You manage to drag you pansy ass out of the water Eric,” he muttered to himself.
Before Cerberus could give anymore thought his enemy’s survival, he was interrupted by a deep digitized voice booming through the intercom in the room – no doubt a bigwig from management.
“We thought you said you finished all of “The Pack” off agent Cerberus. What do you have to say for yourself now?”
The man’s condescending tone greatly irritated Cerberus. Had anyone else spoken to him that way, it wouldn’t be long before they found themselves in a coma, lying in some hospital. In this case however, the agent had no choice but to keep his wits, and be respectful; if there was one thing more dangerous than his temper, it was the temper of Valhalla’s management.
“I thought he was dead”.
“WELL HE OBVIOUSLY ISNT!” the thundering voice interrupted. There was a brief silence before the man on the other end of the speaker system continued, his voice once again calm and composed. “Because of the nature of the events and the difficulty of that particular mission, management has decided to overlook your failure”.
The word cut into Cerberus’ ego like a knife threw warm butter.* Failure * Besides “The Pack” he was the only agent to have a perfect track record of successfully completing each and every mission – that was until FenrisX ended his streak by surviving.
“Ill fix it. Just let me follow around the next few shipments, and when FenrisX shows up, I’ll finish what I started”.
“I’m afraid to inform you that that will not be possible,” the speaker said coolly.
“W.W.WH….what do you mean,” Cerberus replied, trying to control his growing temper. “You’re not going to send another agent to finish my mission”.
“No we are not. We in management have decided against sending anymore agents, after what happened to agent Manticore”.
“Manticore is a useless piece of Cra…”
“We have decided on a new plan of operation to deal with our former employee,” the man said cutting off Cerberus’ complaints. “We have already commissioned someone to fix the problem. For your own good agent Cerberus, I hope to don’t screw up anymore of your assignments”. With that, a small click could be heard as the man at the other end of the speaker system hung up.
“AAAAARRRRRR!!!”
Technicians bolted from the room to escape the wrath of the furious agent who was now throwing chairs and desks in a futile attempt to quench his anger.
“ILL GET YOU ERIC!!!”
; * * * * *
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Indigo City
“ple….e.e…e..ase, don’t kill me,” the man stammered as he crawled backwards trying to gain some distance between him an his attacker. Now that his transport truck was in flames, he had no possible way of outrunning the menacing stranger in the red leather costume and dark motorcycle helmet.
“You tell me what I want, and you’ll live to see the morning,” FenrisX advanced quickly and roughly dug his foot in the man’s stomach, pinning him to the ground. Calmly he extracted one of his custom Valhalla pistols and aimed it dead center between the man’s eyes. “I know these shipments are decoys. There was nothing of any real value in your truck. Where and when is the next I.N.L* shipment?”
“I don’t know, I swear, I don’t know,” the transporter pleaded through bursting sops.
Although the man was lying through his teeth, FenrisX only smiled behind his ebony tinted visor. Even if he wouldn’t tell the truth, he sure as hell thought the truth, and with his telepathy, Eric was able to get the information he wanted.
Stepping off the horrified man, FenrisX speechlessly walked back to his bike, pleased with the turnout of events tonight. His next interference would really put a thorn in the side of Valhalla.
*I guess I better get packing. Vega City, here I come *
* Note: I.N.L (Indigo Night Life) A powerful drug manufactured in Indigo City by Valhalla. Its highly addictive, and extremely expensive. Only the elite of the drug world have the finances to afford it. It looks similar to cocaine except for the slight purple tint.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“The Setup – Part One”
Introducing Michael Ironside as William “The Fixer” James
April 20, 2003, 11:59pm EST
Reginald’s Bar, New York City
Reginald’s Bar was not the kind of place you took your family. Being visited mainly by the less reputable patrons of the area, you simply didn’t go there without at least knowing how to defend yourself. Fights were known to break out on occasion, and were usually only broken up if it seemed ready to escalate to more than just fists. Rock or country played on the Jukebox most times, while the smoking ban was just plain ignored.
William James, the man known as the Fixer, shut eyes and let out a small groan of frustration when he heard the 11-ball drop into the hole. That made the score 2-4 in his opponent’s favor, giving him no small end of annoyance. He looked like he belonged, in his jeans and leather jacket. The dark haired woman he was busy playing with was thin and dressed all in leather, as any good biker would be. “What’s wrong, not as good as you thought?” she teased, popping her gum before bending over to line up her next shot.
“Wondering if it was a good idea to go easy on you is all,” he replied in a steady voice, carefully controlled. The truth of the matter was that he was doing no such thing: the woman was a hustler at pool, both of them knew it, and he was doing his best. If he won, it was because of luck or her letting him.
If it threw off her concentration, she didn’t let it show. The cue ball rolled steadily around the table, missing the easy line-up she was obviously going for – in fact, harmlessly missing any of her balls. “Stop trying, then. Shall we up the stakes?” It was then that she was genuinely distracted, though by the news. A man in a suit wearing glasses stood behind a podium wearing glasses, saying something about the potential dangers of metahumans. “You know, I wish they would just hurry up and vote on his bill. If I have to hear him harp on that bill any more….”
“I suppose you’d rather hear him boasting about its passage, or harping on its failure?” retorted William, picking up the cue ball to look for the best position. Finally finding one, he set it down to line up his shot. His opponent brushed her hair aside attempting to distract him. The shot wound up being a double, sinking the 5 and 7.
“My, my,” she said, smiling as William crossed around the table to line up another shot. Senator Dan Layman fortunately disappeared from the television, much to their relief. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders as she whispered in his ear, both hunched over. “Loser goes back to the winner’s place?” Her smile continued to grow when the cue ball bounced around the table before tapping one of his balls, and leaving her a very good shot.
“That’s not funny,” William said to the laughing woman who prepared for the next shot. “We’ve known each other for how long again? 3 years?”
She winked at him while leaning over the table on her side, trying to be fancy. It was a trick she was just good enough to get away with. “Three and a half, actually,” she said, making the score 4-5 immediately afterwards. It was one of his better games against her, she thought.
“And I’ve lost count of how many stories you told me about men you used this routine on.” Her smile turned sly as she heard him say that. It was often the same for her. Involve guy in game of pool; take money. On occasion, she went and seduced one when she was looking for fun or needed a shot at extra cash and now. They usually woke up the next day either bonked or with a bad headache.
“Oh, but William, you’re different,” said the woman, potting yet another ball. “Last chance,” she said seductively, licking around the edges of her lips.
William sighed. Although he did like the young woman, he knew better than to trust her. Stories of what she did in the months between her time working out of Reggie’s Bar had been told before, and she was a dangerous woman. He didn’t doubt that he could take her – she was, after all, a regular – but he didn’t want to have to kill her, either. “No thanks,” he said. “Play you for double stakes, though.”
“My, how generous,” she said, sinking her last ball. “Corner. Get ready to pay up.” As she finished the last line, the 8 went into the pocket she just called. Waiting patiently with her hand outstretched, she waited as he counted off $200.
“That’s 3 you brought me down today,” he said, reaching for his mug of beer and taking a long draught from it. This probably did not help his pool game much, but he was here to have fun. “It’s enough for one night.”
“Ah, you also owe my bar tab,” she reminded him, needling him in the stomach. William wanted to slap himself for forgetting about that standard bit of the bet. It was always the same routine with them: best three of five games, first two $50, next two $100, final game $200 if they reached five. And the loser of the set paid the bar tab – 9 times out of 10, that was William.
The money felt heavy when he handed it over to the bartender, now out by quite a bit in one night and quite glad that he was very well paid. Fortunately, they didn’t do this very often. “Remind me not to do that again.”
“Oh, but William, you’re such a cute sucker when you do that,” she said, winking at him before the pair sat at the bar, smiling in triumph as he shook his head. “Your jacket wants to talk to you,” she pointed out as a small ringing sound began.
William heard the phone ring one more time before finally snatching it out of the coat to answer it. “Yes? . . . Alright, I’ll be right there,” he added after a minute on the phone. Chugging down the last of his beer and paying, he quietly slipped away. It figured that something could go wrong. It was about time, after all.
The Road Ahead - Part One
The Road Ahead - Part One
Thursday, 17th April – 2003
Highway Route 16 – Outskirts of Gillette, Wyoming
3:22am
Sydney had been driving for several hours before she realised she was lost. She didn’t know where she was and frankly she didn’t care. She’d just been driving without concentrating on what had been going on around her, too consumed with thoughts of Cal and Mia and how Ford had betrayed them all.
Suddenly, Sydney slammed on the breaks and pulled the truck off the side of the road into the shelter of the surrounding woodland. She just sat in the cabin, lost in her thoughts. Everything, everyone that she had ever held dear had been lost, Cal and Mia were dead, Ford had joined forces with Kale and Father was probably locked up in a cell somewhere awaiting trial for disobeying orders. As for herself, she was left with nothing and that strange empty feeling she had lived with all her life seemed bigger than ever. For the first time in her life Sydney didn’t know what to do next, she had no orders to follow and no battle plan. All she had was a dark burning need for revenge and a promise yet to be fulfilled.
As Sydney contemplated her future she also began dressing her wounds. Her arm, where one of Kale’s bullets had but grazed the surface wasn’t too badly injured, not that Sydney could feel much pain anyway. She cleaned up the cut as best she could using a small first-aid kit she’d found in the truck’s glovebox.
Sydney yawned; realising for the first time how tired she felt. She started the engine and drove the truck further into the woodland until it could no longer be seen from the main highway. Sydney didn’t relish the idea of a life on the run yet she was more than certain this wasn’t the last that she had heard from Ethan Kale or Ford Klein, for the time being at least, it would pay to be cautious.
She climbed out of the cabin into the back. The hard metal surface of the truck was hardly comfortable, but she had slept in worse places. Sydney faced the entrance to the back of the truck, and tucked one of her pistols down the waistband of her pants before finally allowing herself some much needed sleep…
The Road Ahead - Part Two
The Road Ahead - Part Two
Introducing, Michael Weatherly as James Gates
Thursday, 17th April – 2003
Highway Route 16 – Outskirts of Gillette, Wyoming
7:05am
As the morning sun warmed up the sky Sydney was already back on the road, driving onwards to her unknown destination.
After about twenty minutes had passed Sydney noticed a building up ahead. As she got closer she could see a slashing neon sign above the structure read MINNIE’S DINER.
Deciding she’d better stop and find out where the hell she was Sydney swiftly swung the vehicle off the road, into the diner car park next to a row of shiny motorcycles and pick-ups and turned off the engine. She was about to climb out of the cabin when she considered for a moment her ‘heavy artillery’, and how well such weapons might be received. Deciding to err on the side of caution, Sydney was about to remove them when she noticed an army-style khaki jacket slung over the passenger seat. Syd picked it up and pulled it on. It was a little oversized but hung low enough to obscure her weapons without her having to remove them.
“Hmm, what else do we have here?” Sydney asked herself quietly as she searched the rest of the truck. Deciding it would be more prudent to keep all her ‘belongings’ on her person she stuffed her haul – a small amount of money, some extra magazine clips, a few candy bars and some medical supplies – into the deep pockets of the jacket.
Sydney climbed out of the truck, made her way over to the diner and surveyed the scene inside with as much scrutiny as a military operation. It was pretty much your typical American Diner establishment, with a counter set in the middle, kitchen to the rear and a dozen or so booths set around the edge of the room. From somewhere behind the counter a radio played an old Nina Simone tune.
”Sun in the sky, you know how I feel. Reeds drifin’ on by you know how I feel. It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life. For me. And I’m feeling good.”
Sydney sauntered inside; ignoring the glances from several grizzly faced locals and slid on to one of the stools at the counter.
A young woman with a dried out perm, rotating a wad of gum around her mouth waddled over to her, pad and pencil in hand. The pin on her shirt read Peg.
“What can I getcha hon?”
Sydney looked around the diner; an elderly man sitting further along the counter had already begun devouring a plate of pancakes. Syd pointed to them. “I’ll have the same as this guy.”
“Coffee?” asked Peg as she licked the end of her pencil.
“Sure.”
Sydney continued to observe her surroundings as Peg waddled off towards the kitchen. A couple of bikers sat at a table in the far corner of the diner while an elderly couple sat at one of the booths and drank coffee like it was going out of fashion. Suddenly a man sat himself at the stool next to her.
“Smoke?” he asked, offering Sydney a pack of cigarettes.
Sydney looked up at the new arrival. The man was handsome, in his late twenties with short, unruly hair and intelligent blue eyes. He had a sort of bad-boy rebel air about him, unshaven, dressed in dirty denim jeans, an old Rolling Stones t-shirt and a black leather jacket.
“No. Thanks.” She replied curtly.
“You aren’t from around here are you?”
Sydney looked at the guy with curiosity. “Well there’s an original line. How did you work that one out?”
The man took a cigarette out of the box, placed it between his lips and began snapping the pinwheel on a small Zippo lighter until a flame appeared.
“Well for a starters, I’ve never seen you before…” he began, inhaling deeply on the lit cigarette, “…and I know most people around here. Secondly, ’most people around here’ take whatever’s on offer whether they need it or not. And thirdly, you just pulled up in a military truck with Washington State number-plates. Now since I doubt you drove all the way from Washington in that heap of junk, I can only assume you work at the nearby military installation about thirty miles from here.”
“Impressive deduction Sherlock…”
“You can call me James.”
“You’re obviously more than just a pretty face.”
James grinned and ran his gaze over Sydney’s figure. “I’m pretty sure the same goes for you too.”
Sydney was about to say something further when Peg reappeared and dropped a plate full of blueberry pancakes in front of her.
“Good choice,” nodded James. “Peg’s pancakes are the pride of the mid-west. Ain’t that right Peg?”
“Save the charm for someone who gives a damn Gates,” snapped Peg as she waddled away.
James laughed aloud at Peg’s remark as he stubbed out his cigarette in an ashtray. He turned to Sydney; “She loves me really.”
“Yeah, I could really feel the love. So, are you just going to sit there and watch me eat?”
“I thought I might. You don’t mind do you?”
Sydney shrugged, picking up her fork. “Knock yourself out.”
As she put the first forkful of pancake goodness to her mouth Sydney suddenly had a revelation. She had never tasted anything so good before in her life! All the time at ATP:9 she and the other Xi’s had been on a strict diet of complex carbohydrates and proteins. Most of the time the food they were given was bland and rather tasteless but that didn’t matter because it contained all the vitamins and nutrients their bodies needed to function at maximum output. The only time Sydney had tasted ‘real food’ had been when she had been on undercover ops. But even then never anything so good as Peg’s blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. Sydney wondered what other experiences she had been missing out on that the ‘Real World’ had to offer.
Suddenly she was snapped out of her thoughts by the guy James, who had begun laughing.
“Hey, hey, hey!” he chuckled. “Slow down there, anyone would think you’ve never eaten pancakes before!”
Sydney suddenly felt slightly self-conscious, before gesturing to the radio which was still stuck on the same Nina Simone song, “Well, like the chick sings, ‘It’s a New Day’”
“Is it now?” James contemplated the woman sat across from him for a moment. He’d never met anyone like her before. There was something about her manner, her attitude, her… love of pancakes that he found infinitely intriguing. “So… you never told me where you were headed.”
“I didn’t.” said Sydney abruptly, then she felt bad for being so rude. “I guess I’m on a sort of journey.”
“Ah, trying to find yourself? Or maybe not. Maybe you’re trying to lose yourself. You could be in trouble. Maybe you’re AWOL from that military base.” James tried to read the woman for some kind of response but instead he found himself gazing into her dark blue-grey eyes, whoever this girl was, she sure was pretty. “I don’t mean to pry…”
“Maybe you don’t. But if you don’t want a lie there are some questions that are better left unasked.” Sydney turned away, focusing on some far distant point.
“Well look… whoever you are, all I meant was. Well, if you’re looking for a place to lie low Vega City’s not far from here.”
Sydney frowned, turning back to face him. “Vega City?”
“Well, yeah, it’s a real dog-eat-dog place, but you look like the sort of girl that can take care of herself. But apart from that, Vega’s a great town if you wanna disappear and believe me, plenty of people do.”
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
Suddenly Sydney noticed one of the bikers get up from the table in the corner and go to the restroom. She waited until she saw the bathroom door begin to open again and then headed in that direction. She walked assuredly, purposefully brushing up against the ageing hell’s angel as he returned to his seat. She apologised and then returned to the counter.
“It was nice meeting you, James.” She said nonchalantly, dropping a couple of five-dollar bills on the counter. “But I gotta blaze.”
Quickly, Syd exited the diner leaving her companion looking quite confused and stunned. James narrowed his eyes in contemplation before kicking his heels loose and following her.
“Hey!” he called out as he saw Sydney climbing on to one of the motorcycles. “I saw what you did back there, lifting Alfie’s keys. He ain’t gonna be too pleased when he finds out you nicked his hawk.”
Sydney revved the engine. “Then don’t tell him.”
“Wait!” he called out again as she turned the bike around. “Vega City’s that way,” he pointed left, “’bout eight miles, you can’t miss it. Maybe I’ll see you there!”
Sydney shot him a dazzling smile before riding away. “Maybe you will James, maybe you will!”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Distraction
Thursday, 17th April – 2003
Highway Route 16 – Minnie’s Diner
8:25pm
“For a girl whose name you don’t even know, you’re certainly obsessing enough about her.” Peg huffed as she collected an array of coffee cups and soda glasses from the empty tables. “If you ever see that girl again I’ll eat my own wig!”
“Well it would be worth it just to see that Peg” laughed James as he repetitively flipped the pinwheel of his lighter. “She was just so… you know? What’s the word?”
“Kleptomaniac?”
“Different.” James sighed and flipped the lighter shut, replacing it in his pocket.
Suddenly the doors opened and several men walked in. The guy in the front was some suit, a hard-looking man with a steely cold stare. He scanned the diner before walking up to Peg as she stood behind the counter.
“That truck outside. Know who it belongs to?”
James’ head rose slightly in attention, though he tried to hide the fact that he knew the answer to the question. It was too late though; the man had already turned his scrutinising stare on to James.
“You sir. Perhaps you know?”
James slung around on his barstool to face the newcomer. “That depends who’s asking.”
The man reached into his jacket for his ID. “Special Agent Ethan Kale, I’m with the FBI,” he said, flashing James one of his well-constructed fakes. “I’m looking for this woman,” Kale handed James a photograph of Sydney then stood back and closely monitored his response.
“Pretty girl” said James as he dropped the picture nonchalantly onto the counter. “What she do?”
“I’m afraid that information is classified, but she’s a highly dangerous woman which is why we’re so anxious to find her. We have reason to believe that she stole a truck from a nearby military base, the one parked outside in fact.” Kale watched James closely again. “So, has she been in here?”
James slid off his stool and slung an arm conspiratorially over Kale’s shoulders, walking him away from the diner counter. “I want to help you fellas out, I really do,” he said, keeping his voice low. “You see that guy over there?” he whispered, pointing over to the group of bikers from earlier that morning. “Well that girl you’re looking for kinda stole his hawk. I mean, Alfie…”
“Alfie?” queried Kale.
“Yeah… that’s his name, Alfie. You see, he may seem like a complete meathead on the outside, the sort of guy who was dropped on his head as a child, but he’s really your more sensitive brand of thug. When your ‘highly dangerous woman’ stole his bike, it really hurt his feelings. I mean, Alfie loved that bike…”
“Your point being?”
“My point? I do have a point Mr Kale, I wouldn’t want you to think that, well, that I was rambling on aimlessly. Well, what I mean is, if this girl is capable of doing that to Alfie, well, sure I want to help you, if only to get Alfie’s hawk back when you find her.”
Ethan was beginning to get annoyed; he shrugged James’ arms from around his neck and straightened his tie out. “Sir, if you could cut to the chase? Do you know where she was headed when she left here?”
“Oh that I do know, she used the phone you see, I overheard her talking.”
“And?”
“She was headed towards Epsilon City.”
As the words left James’ mouth Kale and his men piled out of the diner and back into their dusty black BMW’s. James watched them leave the parking lot before he pulled on a motorcycle helmet and mounted his own bike. Seconds later he was speeding in the opposite direction towards Vega City.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"Mind's Deception" part 3
Using the power of the light that was held inside of her, Spectrum ascended from the ground and rose to the height of the nearest building. A strange but beautiful holographic light surrounded her body as she did so. Spectrum looked like a rainbow arising from the earth to all those that were around her. Fortunately, there was nobody around her because she had parked her car in a very deserted ally, where nobody could see her. She had chosen a very non-descript car as well, not the usual Jaguars and Beamers she drove to work. A flashy car would only further threaten the revelation of her secret identity to all those in Crystal City.
Now, revealing herself for the first time, the onlookers who had just come from "The Crystal Palace" casino "oooh"ed and "ahhh"ed as they would have done if they had been gazing at the "Heart of the Jungle". In a way, Spectrum felt as thought she was a gemstone on display... or perhaps a model going down a runway as everybody else watched her to see the new fashions of the Summer season.
Down below, Janie Coroway was frantically searching for her friend Lori Grant, never suspecting that she was in fact, right overhead. Janie ran through the crowd, most of whom were either pondering the mystery of the missing emerald, or gaping at the flying woman above. As she did so, Janie called out "Lori!", although this helped not. Suddenly, the black man who had let Janie and Lori into the casino in the first place stepped in front of Janie and blocked her path deeper into the crowd.
"Hey!" Janie shouted in a mixture of surprise and fear. "I'm... I'm looking for my friend... excuse me..."
"I'm afraid your going to have to come with me, Miss Coroway." the man said.
"No," Janie said not sensing anything wrong, "I have to find my- wait... how... how did you know my-"
"I'm afraid you will have to come with me, Miss Coroway."
******
Physpell was bored. Spectrum had still not shown up to confront her. Physpell had gotten bored with her position next to the casino, and had moved to several buildings over. She peered back at the casino, waiting to see a flash of spectacular colour that was signal the arrival of her arch nemesis, but this did not appear. Physpell did a cartwheel across the building. She often found herself doing gymnastics of some sort whenever she was waiting for something or just plain bored. Physpell went to do a back flip - and promptly ran into a man who was also standing on the roof.
The man was black, had semi-short hair and was wearing glasses that lay in front of deep brown eyes. He was wearing a plain black suit. This was a man that Physpell knew well.
"Hello, Lucius," Physpell said with a tinge of annoyance in her voice, "what brings you here?" as if she didn't already known the answer.
The Lucius she was referring to was Lucius Blackwall, the leader of the criminal organization known as "Mind Block". Physpell herself had once been part of that organization, but had quit to pursue her own career in the underworld. Since then, Lucius had been trying to get her to rejoin the group at every chance her got, but to no avail.
"Hello Amy," Lucius replied in a bizarrely calm sort of way, "got a sec?" Lucius turned around to face a brick wall with a door in it. The door led to the storage area of the apartment building she was on. "Please join us, won't you Maggie?" The maggie he was referring to was short for Margarita. Physpell knew her as the member of "Mind Block" known as Chameleon. Physpell had been thinking too much of Spectrum and the Emerald that she now had in a bag around her waste to notice the woman, who had been camouflaged against the wall.
"I hope your not attempting to use her to get to me." Physpell said angrily, "I'm not coming back."
"Please, Amy," Lucius said with disgust, "what could you gain from the lifestyle your living?"
"You mean besides money and nice things?"
"Don't be a fool, Violet." Chameleon said. "You could get twice what you get now if you were with us. Plus, you could have protection... from Spectrum if you wanted."
"Spectrum doesn't stand a chance against me!"
"I think you'd be surprised what that woman can do, if given the right... initiative." Lucius said with a sickening smirk. "If you really must refuse... I suppose there is little I or Maggie can do, is there?" Lucius shrugged his shoulders to Chameleon, and said, "Come Maggie, we have other things to do tonight." With that, he and Chameleon climbed down a ladder that led to the alley below, as if he was doing the most natural thing in the world.
Physpell didn't really fell like fighting Spectrum any more.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“The Setup – Part Two”
With Raul Julia as CEO Henry Morgan
April 21, 2003, 1:42 am EST
Zyrcom Main Building
As much as William looked in place at Reggie’s Bar, he stuck out in the Zyrcom main office building just outside of New York. A pair of glass doors slid aside when his security card passed through the reader. Cameras looked down into a large open area, the reflective floor capturing slight images of the skylight in the entry hall. Plants lined the side, and a large desk had enough spots for two receptionists to sit. Everything about the building made it clear that this was a company with money.
Security guards were the only ones left around this late at night, but they paid the out of place figure no heed. He had that ‘don’t fuck with me’ look about him which told them that no matter how out of place he looked, stopping him might cost them their jobs. A couple of them who had been there a while knew that he was a semi-regular sight, and supposed to be there, even if they were used to seeing suits throughout the day.
A guard nodded to him as he walked past, heading towards the elevator. They would normally not move from the ground floor at this time without a key. Entering the doors, he ran his card through the lock for access. “Level please,” the elevator asked.
At first the talking elevator had given him the creeps. Equipment was, quite frankly, not supposed to talk back to you. Just take orders and do what it was designed to do. Now that he was more used to it, the machine was easier to stomach. “Twenty-three,” he said, as the elevator went ping and the doors shut, starting its smooth ride.
When the doors opened again, he found himself walking down a familiar hallway. The big executives had their offices on this floor. Only the largest office at the end of the hall still had any light on. William reached the hard oak door, to quietly enter into the highly ornate office. A man with slicked back black hair, red vest, and black clothes stood behind the desk, holding a cigar in his hands. “I understand your concerns,” Thomas Morgan was in the middle of saying, probably to someone on speaker phone. “Tell them that the price still stands.”
“They want the situation resolved as soon as possible,” another voice came from the phone, sounding under distress. “Valhalla is tired of the former agent intercepting its shipments.”
“Tell them that these things take time. The Fixer is a difficult mercenary to track down under the best of….” Morgan had turned around, and caught sight of William standing there, waiting patiently for his acknowledgement. A smile crept to his face. “Nevermind, he’s here. Tell them he’ll be dispatched in a day or two.”
William knew that Morgan would not know how long he’d been waiting there, but would probably guess that it hadn’t been long – and in any event, the call must have been recent. “Let me guess,” he said. “They’ll want me to take care of this rogue agent of theirs.”
“A capture, not a kill,” Morgan confirmed, moving around the desk to greet his employee. He made sure to treat the Fixer as much like an equal as possible. No mater how much influence he had, this was one employee who knew his value – and could possibly kill him then get away. “From the information we were sent on him, he appears to be telepathic, although you can block that if you have a disciplined mind. Also, he has some minor telekentic abilities, mostly using them to do things like throw objects around.”
William nodded. Telekinetic – there would be ways to overcome that. It might be possible that he could use his telekinetic abilities to block things being used to try to contain him, even to escape. But there was still something that was bothering him. Hadn’t Morgan mentioned Valhalla? William knew some information about the criminal organization, including tales of its agents. “Why do they want me? Let their own people take care of it.”
“William, this is a former agent of theirs. He knows about the other agents who work for them. You, on the other hand… while their former agent might know his comrades’ abilities, he almost certainly would not know about you.”
It made sense. Perfect, simple logic. “Alright, then. Give me all the information you have.” Already, even without seeing it, he had possible plans occurring. And knew just who to go to in order to see them be successful.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"THE SETUP - part three"
With Catherine Zeta Jones as ZaiLash
April 21st, 2003: 16.45hrs
Somewhere in New York…
William had forgotten how difficult it was to get a hold of Lash. The two had known each other for a couple of years now, after a trip to Russia resulted in their meeting. He had his reasons for looking for her that first time, but she was never told them, and she did prove very useful to the organisation as an occasionally hired mercenary. Having received the information from Valhalla on the recent target, he knew she would be useful in the upcoming mission.
A couple of attempts at calling both Russia and here had failed, which left physical checking as the only alternative. *We so need a more reliable contact system* he thought before reaching the New York residence of the woman who went by Lash and knocking three times.
Lash spotted the man just after rounding the corner of the abandoned block not far from where she resided. It took a while before she recognised his face from the distance separating the two of them.
She smirked at the agitation that showed in his stance as a result of the lack of her immediately available presence as he knocked one last time on her rusted front door.
Lash strutted across the way like a cat that owned its surroundings, her tail swaying languidly behind her as she steadily approached her building just as William turned about in a huff, ready to leave.
“Privyet, William.”
"Privyet, Tigretsa," he returned, his annoyance leaving him. As usual, she had an amused look about her, and it would not surprise him in the least if she had just followed him for several blocks. Her abilities let her do tracking by moving through inanimate objects very well, and Lash undoubtedly had the oddest sense of humour he'd ever run across. For someone who stuck out like a sore thumb, she could disappear very well.
"Good to see you again. How are you doing?"
Lash gave her good friend an affectionate hug and kiss on the cheek in welcome for the unexpected visit, just as she did with most of her other friends. Over the past few years, she’d taken very closely to many of the customs in Russia that she’d lately been living with.
The delight of seeing her friend had lightened her day considerably, however. Not only was he of interesting company, but he also usually came with good news that she just loved to sink her teeth into.
“Very well, thank you. I was actually planning on flying back to Russia today, but alas, I left my keys at home.” She grinned. “Oh well! Later in the week.
“How are you?”
"Fairly well - though just lost a couple hundred in pool again," he told her, a fact which no doubt amused her even more than sneaking up on him. He rubbed his chin in thought for a moment, glancing around.
"We should probably go inside. I have a job you might be interested in." She knew him as most other people did, as just a mercenary who did jobs for anyone who could afford to pay the price. Sometimes she went along with him on an assignment, especially when the words "Lash," "money," and "for" occurred in the same sentence.
Inclining her head in acceptance to the logicality of the suggestion, Lash swiftly moved about him and opened the door to admit his entry before hers. She’d learnt a while ago that her tail did not often make much convenience for others to follow up behind.
“Could I get you something to drink?” She said after she’d let the door drop behind her and guided William to a seat as she darted off to the kitchen and pitched her voice louder to carry out to him. “Perhaps some biscuits? I brought some jam fancies the other day that should probably be eaten before I return to Russia…” Her head popped out briefly around the corner of the doorframe, “…lest they get stale.” She smiled as she disappeared back into the depths of her kitchen.
One thing that he always liked about Lash was that she was a generous hostess, though that was probably based more on the fact that she was always getting ready to go somewhere. Lash's tail moved slowly as she walked, moving like the big cat that she was.
"Spaseba," he said, taking a biscuit when she returned and snacking on it. Her look told him that she was still interested in the possibility of another job. "It's a capture operation, contracted by Valhalla. One target - telepath/telekinetic. Interested?”
Her grin, as per usual, jumped ahead into give away her answer before she even had the chance to verbally accept the offer. “You know me. Always willing to help out.
“Who is Valhalla, by the way?”
“Does it matter?”
“Not really.” She smirked, “Just let me hear those magical words and I’m all yours.”
He knew exactly what words to say. "Money for Lash. To the tune of, say, 200,000?"
Her smile brightened at the sound of such a sweetly sung numeral. “Like I said: I’m always willing to help out.” She winked and took a bite of her jam fancy. “When do we move?”
"We fly out tomorrow," he told her, beating down his instinctual yet irrational fear of flying. "We'll be simulating a drug deal, but you'll get to be the main capture." Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a picture of the red-clad hero and slid it across the table to her.
Picking up the image, Lash gave an amused sniff. “Should I be expected to wear any form of costume, too?” She usually didn’t let emotions or judgements take a hold of her when she agreed to take on a job. After all, she was only there for the personal gain. Why should she stain perfectly good money with possible thoughts of it being ill-gotten plaguing her?
"Not at all," he replied, his smile clearly dangerous. William would not be a man you wanted to cross or to expect to be foolish. "That's the target. You'll have a tranq patch to introduce an anaesthetic into his body. Because of his telekinetic powers, you'll need to get close undetected. That shouldn't be a problem for you." No doubt it wouldn't be. William's best guess was that she would simply meld her body into the floor and move around behind him.
“Oh!” She smiled her own wicked smirk, “Cunning aren’t we? That’s one thing a love about you.” He never went in unprepared.
"From what Valhalla says, you'd have to be to capture him,” said William, thinking about how chancy even this plan would be. That Fenris might be telepathic enough to know someone was approaching was a chance that would have to be taken.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"Mind's Deception" part 4
Introducing Commissioner Grahm Wood
Although things outside of "The Crystal Palace" were quite hectic to say the least, it was much calmer inside. Spectrum flew into the open garage door into the large room where most of the police officers had gathered. This included the youngest commissioner to ever serve in Crystal City, Commissioner Grahm Wood. He had been promoted to police commissioner the previous winter, when the former commissioner, Jacob Prince, had suffered a heart attack and died.
The previous commissioner had not been too keen on having a super heroine flying around his city fighting crime, and had made quite a point of this. Commissioner Wood, on the other hand, accepted the help of Spectrum when it was needed, although she suspected that he was jealous of the fact that she stopped as much crime as he did, and she never had to go through the ranks of officer to do it. Spectrum always did her best to stay on his good side, and most of the time succeeded.
Several officers turned to watch as Spectrum flew overhead, surrounded in a rainbow of color, and gracefully landed just next to Commissioner Wood, who seemed neither shocked or in awe of her display, or her arrival. "Hello, Commissioner Wood." Spectrum said, trying her hardest to give him the respect he deserved. Crystal City was far from a capital of crime, as were such cities as New York, or Vega City, but it was still not easy being a commissioner.
"Spectrum." he acknowledged with a nod of his head towards her. "I guess you've heard the news."
"'The Heart of the Jungle' was stolen, yes I know... do you know who did it."
"I have my suspicions." He turned to face the room in which the emerald had been previously kept. "At about 9:40 tonight, somebody, apparently a woman, came into this warehouse and asked the guard, who is named Michael Conroy, several questions about 'The Heart of the Jungle', and then apparently knocked him out by , quote 'touching his head with her hands. Then, she went in and stole the stone, tripping no alarms and not leaving a single print, or at least we haven't found any yet."
Spectrum thought this information over, but she had already gotten an idea in her mind about whom in might be. "Physpell?" she half asked, half guessed.
"That's what we thought to." Commissioner Wood answered. "It wouldn’t explain the guards odd explanation about how he was knocked out, and she could probably steal the emerald with little difficulty." he paused, and then said, "We don't have any leads as to where she is... but if this is like any of the other times-"
"Then she should be around here somewhere." Spectrum finished. It was hard for Spectrum not to feel guilty whenever Physpell was involved, because she deeply suspected that Physpell committed half the crimes she did just to rattle Spectrum herself, and that if Spectrum was not here, Physpell wouldn't commit so many crimes. "Don't worry Commissioner," Spectrum said, "I'll find her and stop her." Spectrum lit up against, and lifted off of the ground and headed out of the garage, leaving Commissioner Wood behind looking slightly annoyed and agitated.
******
Physpell was unconscious, or had been until she just woke up. She had no idea how she got into that state, or even where she was. The last thing she remembered was that she had been standing on the rooftop of a club, and then she had seen a big flash and heard a loud rumble, but that was all. Could Spectrum had come and stopped her so easily? She quickly grabbed to the pouch that was around her waist... but the Emerald was gone.
"Great!" She muttered. It was not so much that the emerald was gone, that made her particularly mad, but it was the unknowing of how it had happened. She quickly got up, and looked around her surroundings. Where the hell was she?
******
Spectrum was flying around the nearby rooftops-- this was where Physpell would most likely be. Physpell had the nasty habit of never leaving the scene of the crime until she had faced Spectrum, and although this would, in theory, make her easier to catch, it also made it more embarrassing if she didn't catch her.
All of a sudden, out of the corner of her eye, Spectrum saw a glimpse of a black and purple clad woman on the top of the "Crystal Club". Spectrum spun around and sped towards her. This was Physpell no doubt, and she had the emerald with her, flaunting Spectrum. As she got closer, she could here Physpell talking.
"Come on Lori!" Physpell called to her, with a laugh on her face and in her voice. "Let's have some fun!"
Spectrum was not the in the mood for fun, though. Instead, she landed on the building, expecting to fight Physpell. Physpell, instead of attacking as she normally did, retreated instead and ran the other way. Caught off guard at the odd change in style, Spectrum quickly generated a lasso made out of light, and flung it had Physpell in hopes of roping her in.
Success! The lasso went around Physpell's left hand and Spectrum went to pull her in.... but the lasso went right through her arm. 'What? How was that possible?' Spectrum thought, as she gathered herself and chased Physpell deeper into the heart of the city. 'Had Physpell learned to go through solid objects?' Not wanting to loose track of the prey, Spectrum took to the air and flew after Physpell.
At the edge of the building, Physpell jumped down into the dark alley below and ran around the corner into an even darker alley, full of trash and rats. Spectrum descended into the first alley. She generated light out of her hand, and the alleyway lit up in a flash. Slowly and silently, Spectrum peered around the corner into the next alley, trying to decide what Physpell was going to do next. As she did so, she saw a horrific sight.
Physpell had her best friend, Janie Coroway, captured and unconscious. She also gripped a knife in her hand. With a look of pure evil in her eyes, Physpell took the knife and plunged it down into the heart of Janie Coroway.
Some of My Best Friends...Part One
Some of My Best Friends… (Part one)
(University of California, San Diego campus, around 7:30 am)
Soleil Munroe stood in a long line at the coffee cart in the Commons. She was balancing a stack of books and notebooks in one hand, while she held the newspaper in front of her face with the other. The Commons was full of students at this hour grabbing breakfast and chatting about classes. Off to the left of her, Soleil could hear a group of people around her age in a heated debate. They were discussing mutants, and Soleil couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
How can you say there’s no need for concern? Did you read about that attack at La Jolla Shores last night? The youngest son is in the hospital.
Paul’s right, Annie. The news said that the kid has bites all over him, like he was mauled by an animal…
But the people who witnessed the attack said it was some kind of monster, a mutant.
Sure I’ve seen him. That guy, calls himself Mako, likes to surf the waves up at Blacks Beach, but sometimes he hangs around Windansea.
I know the one you mean. He hangs out with those other surfer dropouts. They harass people for money and stuff. Those guys are bad news. I’m not surprised they attacked a family. It was only a matter of time.
If you ask me, those things shouldn’t be allowed out in public without any kind of restraints.
Things?
Yeah, you know, those mutants.
Soleil had to swallow the bile rising in her throat. She’d never known back home how mutants were greeted by the world. Where she came from, no one thought twice about her differences. Here, she really had to hide who she was. Any mutant who wanted to stay out of trouble did. She looked down at the paper in her hand. The top story was the one the people at that table were talking about. Although the writer didn’t come right out and suggest hunting down mutants for sport, it was clear from the tone of his article that he was disgusted. People had a vision of mutants and it wasn’t a good one.
***
Soleil placed her books and papers on her desk and settled in. She’d only been in school a short time, but she really liked this class, American History. The professor was young and funny, but he took his subject seriously. He was quite liberal and he enjoyed inciting a lively discussion. Soleil preferred it to some of the classes she had, where the order of the day was always notes and lectures. At least in HIS 106 she could count on being kept awake.
The professor strode to the front of the crowded classroom, holding a stack of what looked like newspapers. He was visibly disturbed.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” he called out. “Before we get back to that Revolution we’ve got right around the corner, I’d like to call your attention to more recent history. How many of you have read the paper today, or watched the news for that matter?”
Almost every hand in the room shot up in the air. The professor nodded grimly. “So then, I presume everyone has an opinion on the ‘beach attack’ last night.”
The students began to murmur, discussing it amongst themselves. “Hang on,” Professor Lake said. “I know there are some feelings running very strongly through this school about what happened. That’s why I feel we should start a dialogue here. Who has something to say? Yes, Mr. Brandt.”
Soleil glanced towards the back of the room and recognized one of the boys who had been in the Commons earlier. She turned back to look at the professor, dreading what was about to be said.
“It’s like this, Professor Lake,” Brandt began, “something needs to be done about these mutants. They’re a danger to normal people.”
Professor Lake was watching for reactions. Soleil felt it was better not to know, so she kept her eyes forward and her mouth closed. “I see, Mr. Brandt,” the professor said. “So, in your opinion, mutants should be what…locked up, maybe?”
“He didn’t say that, Professor,” a young woman called out. “He’s just saying that they could be dangerous. Mutants are like…weapons, you know. They should be monitored or regulated or something.”
There were murmurs of assent in the room. Soleil listened intently for the dissenters. She heard none.
“Monitoring, or regulating,” the professor repeated. “Tell me, does that sound legal to you. Does it sound right?”
The room grew quieter. Then the boy beside Soleil spoke up. “It may not sound right, exactly, but it sounds safe. I for one am afraid. These mutants can do things I can’t even imagine. This Mako guy, he’s got like shark teeth or whatever. He mauled that little boy.”
The professor nodded. “Yes, I can see what you mean, but I have to ask, when is it alright to forget about the law? When is it a good idea to forget about what we know is right?”
“When families aren’t safe to leave their homes,” Brandt called out. Professor Lake looked sad, but he didn’t say anything more. A few minutes later, he called a halt to the discussion and started the class. Soleil wasn’t so sure it was her favorite anymore.
***
“Sol, can you show us that combination again?” Soleil smiled graciously at the older girl who’d just spoken to her. It had already been a long day and it didn’t look like it was about to end. Soleil moved to the center of the gymnasium floor and went through the tumbling combination she’d just performed one more time. She could hear the girls commenting behind her, but she was concentrating too hard to make out what was being said. When she had finished, she turned to her teammates and smiled.
“That’s it,” Soleil said. Most of the girls were watching her and nodded. A few of them moved off to try it for themselves, but three girls who had been conversing during her demonstration continued to do so. One of them was obviously distraught.
“What’s the matter, Kylie?” Soleil asked, coming to stand near them.
“That boy, Justin, the one in the paper,” Linda replied, rubbing Kylie’s back, “Ky knew him. She baby-sits him sometimes. She’s really upset.”
Soleil didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say. They were talking about the boy in the hospital, the one Mako had attacked; the boy who had been the victim of a “vicious mutant attack.”
“Those people should be rounded up,” Tammy said. She too was stroking the crying girl. Her face was filled with a mixture of pity and hate. “I don’t think they should be allowed to walk around with normal people.”
Sol was shocked at the girl’s vitriol. Everyone was angry about what had happened to Justin Tanis, but many people were expressing more than anger. They were expressing deep rooted bigotry against mutants as a whole. Everywhere Sol had gone today, she’d heard it, and it scared and saddened her.
“I don’t know, Tam,” Linda said slowly. “That’s sounds like something someone would have said in Nazi Germany, don’t you think?”
Linda Wollenstien was Jewish, and her great grandmother had served time in a concentration camp. She shied away from condemning a people as a whole for one individual’s actions. Unfortunately just about now she seemed to be in the minority when it came to mutants.
“How can you say that?” Tammy demanded. “Just look at what’s happened. Should we just ignore this kind of thing then? More and more dangerous mutants are showing up all over the place. This is the fifth incident this month in California alone. Sol, tell her I’m right.”
Tammy had turned to Soleil and was waiting impatiently.
“Uhm…,” Soleil stammered, “I don’t…I just think…”
All three girls were looking at Sol strangely as she hesitated, her face growing red.
“Whatsa matter, Sol?” Ky asked. “If you think Tam is wrong, just say so. You’re entitled to your opinion.”
*Just not entitled to be a ‘mutant’,* Soleil thought to herself. Outwardly, she forced down her panic. Playing it off, she laughed. “I don’t have an opinion. I try not to think about world events before a match.”
The other girls laughed, even Ky. “Well, what are you thinking about then?”
“The beach,” Sol blurted out. *Now, why did I say that?* “I think we should take off for the rest of the afternoon and head to the beach. Let’s all go to the Cove. We can bring along a picnic and just relax for a few hours.”
The other girls were enthusiastic about the idea. They agreed to meet at Tammy’s dorm in an hour. A few minutes later, the coach ended practice and all the girls went their separate ways. It was Friday night, and the weekend lay ahead of them, full of promise and fun.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
"Mind's Deception" part 5
Spectrum's mind could not register what she had just seen. The expected Janie to arise at any moment, and that she and Physpell would say that it had all been a very elaborate practical joke, and that everybody was fine. The emerald, and Janie, would be returned, and they would all go home laughing. This, of course, did not happen. Instead, Physpell pulled the now bloody knife out of Janie's body and let her fall limply to the ground.
"Whoops!" Physpell said, and giggled. She kicked Janie's body and it rolled over, exposing her dead, glaring eyes to Spectrum.
The blood rose to Spectrum's head and she murderously charged from where she was standing at the edge of the dark alley. "YOU MURDERER!" she shrieked. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
"Well... killed her... obviously..." Physpell said, as if she were delightfully confused at the question. Spectrum abandoned the light that had been radiating from her hand and instead generated a knife, not unlike the one Physpell herself clutched. "How could you?" she cried and swung the knife blindly at Physpell.
Physpell had no problem dodging the slow and in the dark swing that Spectrum had taken. "It was easy!" she said, smiling. While Spectrum was off kilter from her over the top attack, Physpell jumped up and grabbed the bottom of a fire escape ladder. She climbed up it, and then to the next ladder and then the next, and soon she was all the way to the top of the building.
Spectrum got back her balance and took to the air. She flew up with great speed (greater than the speed that Physpell had been travelling at any rate) and met her nemesis at the top. She flew at Physpell with murder in her eyes and... went straight through her. Spectrum hit the ground with such force that she did a painful summersault and bloodied up her face and hands. That didn't matter to her, however, only Physpell did. Spectrum turned around to attack again, undeterred even though she had just seemingly passed through the psychic. Yet, to her shock, Physpell was gone.
******
Physpell had a headache. After she had awoken, she had discovered that she was not too far from where she had last remembered herself being. She had been in an abandoned apartment, or so it seemed. How she had gotten there had been a mystery, as was where her emerald had gotten to. She remembered seeing Lucius Blackwell and that Chameleon woman, and she remembered a flashing light, but that was all.
Physpell was walking a dark alley, trying to gather her mind. As she did so, she looked at all the litter that... well... littered the streets and noticed some shards of glass on the ground. Apparently a mirror had broken. Physpell glanced over at it nonchalantly, and was very surprised to see burn marks on her face! After realizing this, she also realized that her face was throbbing, although the pain was not all that much.
Now confused more than ever, Physpell turned to look up at the sky. She heard a cry that sounded like somebody very angry. She turned to look the other way, and there was Spectrum, coming toward her in some sort of frenzy.
Oh hell, she thought, what next?
******
Spectrum had been flying over nearby buildings and alleyways trying to track down the disappearing psychic. How, Physpell had disappeared was a mystery, as was how things kept going through her. And another thing troubled Spectrum. In the past, Physpell had been annoying at best (or it this case at worst), but she had never fatally hurt somebody, especially somebody un-provoking. Now she had just killed Janie for no reason. Why was Physpell acting so strangely?
This was when Spectrum saw Physpell walking along in an ally below, looking in the opposite direction at the sky. Feeling all her rage and pain coming back to her, Spectrum let out something that sounded like a battle cry, and flew directly at Physpell with a speed she didn't even know she possessed. Physpell turned to look and Spectrum was pleased to see a look of horror and shock pass over her face.
Good, Spectrum thought, let her be scared.
Spectrum tackled Physpell down to the ground with an amazing force, and turned around again. As the other turned around to get up, Spectrum created a light that, if it had been at closer range, would have blinded Physpell. Physpell cried out in pain, and Spectrum punched her right across the face. Then she created a knife again. She no longer cared, about laws, or how wrong killing another person was, she just wanted to avenge Janie's death. That was all that mattered.
Spectrum lunged the knife down, but Physpell had regained her senses by then and successfully dodged it, although it was close, now on her back, Physpell did a side roll to avoid another attack. "I don't have the stupid rock!" Physpell shouted, assuming that was what this was about. "I don't (side roll again to avoid another attack) have the emerald... now get away!" Physpell used her telekinesis to lift a nearby rock off the ground and hurl it at Spectrum's head. It connected, and the hero was knocked to the side.
"This isn't about the rock, its about Janie! You killed her you stupid b*tch!"
Spectrum lunged herself at Physpell but the psychic dodged. What the hell was she talking about? Physpell had indeed murdered somebody... but that was years before she met Spectrum. Physpell opened her mind to listen to Spectrum's thought. She heard Spectrum thinking about the horrible things she was going to do to her, and how she had killed a woman named Janie Coroway. Physpell had no idea what was going on, but before she shut her mind again, she thought she heard another voice thinking, thinking their approval of the situation.
******
"Everything is going according to plan." Lucius Blackwall said.
"They’re going to kill each other." said Chameleon.
"That would be nice, but no... they won't. We will still have to do some work... but come Maggie, we must be off. Some things still need planning."
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
FROM THE HEAVENS
Part I: Meetings
11: 11 PM
March 30, 2003.
Prague, Czech Republic
Apartment 149
Bang! She slammed the door shut. Hard. She let out a scream as she pumped her fists in the air and banged her head on the door. “Not again…” Aneszka’s eyes began to well up. Her first date in six months hadn’t gone so well. * It’s hopeless. Whatever. * Discouraged, she decided that her social life would remain in the slums forever. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she went into the bathroom. After looking in the mirror for what seemed an eternity, she stepped into the shower and turned the knob to the hottest level possible. She always soothed her nerves with some heat. A smile formed across her face as the steam penetrated her pores and into her agitated muscles. Her heart calmed down allowing her to breathe easier. She stayed there a half hour, soaking in the steam. Once she had enough, she turned off the water and stepped out. She picked out the first robe to catch her eye. Plop! And, threw herself onto her bed, simply staring at the ceiling, eyes wide open. Her heart quietly cried as her mind was devoid of any thought.
11: 51 PM
Lightning began to illuminate the Prague sky. Crack! Crack! The entire city was witness to this bright display of electric artwork. The lightning was too bright for the sleeping souls. Citizens awoke from their slumbers despite the knowledge that the next day was another hard day at work. Children awakened, fascinated by the display seen even through their shut eyes. For half an hour the lightning cracked without any sound of thunder. A wide palette of colors painted the sky, replacing the white glow of the moon. Magenta. Blue. Orange. Yellow. White. Green. Suddenly, it all changed. The serenity became a sea of violence. A sonic boom crashed the atmosphere. Windows shattered. Roofs collapsed. A highrise in Prague imploded to the ground, sending shards of huge glass and broken concrete violently into surrounding buildings and cars. The same citizens who were fascinated by the display were soon overwrought with fear and despair at the ensuing cataclysm. Criminals restrained themselves from prowling the panic-stricken streets for fear of the flying rock. Law enforcement officials and paramedics quickly made their response to the cataclysm, fortunate, but unbeknownst to them, that there wasn’t a single casualty.
11: 59 PM
Deep Within the Bowels of the Vatican
The Vatican City, Rome, Italy
“Something has happened,” quietly noted Brother Guido.
“What is it?” asked Sister Evalina sternly, looking at Guido in disgust. * What is his problem now???? * Brother Guido was well-known throughout the Red Order to be the paranoid one. He was The Scientist in the family, but paranoid nonetheless which annoyed his fellow Sisters and Brothers.
“My sensors have picked up an increase in electromagnetic activity in Prague. Look,” he pointed at his sinusoidal graphs. “Furthermore, these recordings demonstrate that a sonic boom occurred.” It was evident in Brother Guido’s voice that he was rather much excited at these findings.
“So?” asked Sister Evija, even more annoyed than her blood sister, Evalina.
“So? I am very puzzled. Witnesses describe a bright display of lightning without any thunder…”
“Which is not uncommon,” interrupted Sister Evija.
“Yes. Allow me to finish. Suddenly a sonic boom occurred and destroyed one building. Immobiliari.”
“That is one of ours,” claimed Sister Evalina.
“Yes, it is. It was the only building struck. What is puzzling is that only Immobiliari was destroyed. The Church of St. Vyacheslav, which is right next to it, did not suffer any damage…”
“Nor were there any casualties,” Sister Evalina finished Guido’s sentence.
“Precisely. I believe it is imperative we bring this to the knowledge of Brother Karlo.” Guido was becoming fidgety. His eyes twitched as he looked at his sheets of data and graphs.
“Do not fret Brother Guido. WE will bring this to Brother Karlo’s attention,” said the Sisters in unison, each with a wicked smile. They exited the cold room, leaving Guido alone to all his machines and computers. He wiped his forehead with the edge of his crimson robe and glanced over again the graphs detailing the movements of the sonic boom.
Aneszka’s Apartment
11: 54 PM
He found himself crouched alone in a room. Unlit. Naked. He arose and looked around, his face puzzled by the surroundings. Four doors waited to be opened. His eyes adjusted to the obscurity of the little corridor in the apartment. “Unnnh,” he uttered, feeling for the first time his muscles twitching. He stretched his neck and fingers out, feeling each fiber pulling. As he bent his head down, he noticed his hair fall in front of his eyes. He swayed it back. Looking, he decided to open any door.
The Stairwell
The Vatican City, Rome, Italy
12: 00 AM
“Poor, poor, Guido. He is such a lamb.”
“Mwahaha,” Evalina laughed hysterically. “I wonder why Karlo tolerates him? He is too much a liability”
“Because he is afraid. He will do anything Karlo asks of him. He has a false sense of security. He is a frivolous, lonely male!”
“Hahahahahaha,” they laughed in unison, their howling reverberating through the long, spiraling concrete and stone staircase.
“Shhh! Quiet. Karlo will hear us,” warned Evija.
They approached a big oaken door. There were no locks, no handles, no windows, nor any insignias. The darkness, due to the lack of lights, enveloped the otherwise golden door. A rather simple door consisting of oaken planks.
Aneszka’s Apartment
11: 55PM
The knob turned slowly, making a little squeaking sound. Aneszka had fallen slightly asleep, but not enough not to be aroused by the sound. She perked her head up, awaiting the slow opening of the door. Frightened by the sudden opening, she pulled her sheets closer to her head. She could begin to see the silhouette of a tall, broad figure. A man, she assumed. After all the time spent dreaming for a man, this wasn’t the way she had envisioned her prayers being answered. Frightened, she couldn’t move and didn’t as the door finally swung open.
She looked in bewilderment. “Hah,” she gasped. Looking. There was nothing. The silhouette had disappeared. The moon wasn’t there to shine upon the figure. Slowly, the silhouette re-emerged.
The man could see Aneszka through the darkness. He felt her heart pumping. He saw the soft, delicate outline of her jaw and cheeks. The soft, dark hair matted messily around her face and forehead. She was too taken aback to react or even panic. Aneszka was both intrigued and frightened by her intruder. An intruder who’s just looking at her, she thought. * Why is he just standing there? *
She sat upright, forgoing any sentiments of fear or inhibition. Totally unaware that she was naked as well. The silhouette approached, appearing clearer to Aneszka. She could make out his blonde hair. Despite the darkness of his eyes, she sensed a feeling of solitude. Uncertainty. Aneszka got up and put her hand to his face, tracing it down to his broad shoulders and then along his arm. She stopped as she noticed something odd. Someone so beautiful and yet, she couldn’t believe the design. A tattoo of a two-headed serpent stretched from his upper rear shoulder, around his arm until it ended at the beginning of this forearm.
“Where am I?” the man asked.
Outside Brother Karlo’s Chamber
12: 03 AM
Toc! Toc! Toc! The oaken door slid open slowly. The Sisters walked into the fire-lit chamber. They stopped short of the entrance. It was common knowledge to the Elders of the Red Order to wait for Brother Karlo to speak first and courtesy to stop at the mouth of the chamber. Evija and Evalina looked at the kneeling black-clad figure. A ring of fire surrounded him. Under the figure, lay the design of a pentacle.
“It has begun,” he uttered quietly, yet audible enough for the Sisters. “Soon He will rise.”
“What now, Brother Karlo?” asked Evija.
“Patience, my Sisters. Patience.” They looked upon him as he rose to his feet and turned around, his face hooded from their gazes.
__________
Starring:
Scott Speedman as Alex, Natalie Imbruglia as Aneszka
Guest-Starring:
Naomi Campbell as Sister Evalina, Gisele Bundchen as Sister Evija
Tom Cruise as Brother Karlo, Guy Pearce as Brother Guido
Choices
Choices
Sunday, 20th April – 2003
The Star Motel – Sector Eight, Vega City
10:35pm
Sydney sat on the bed of her shabby room at the Star Motel while she silently cleaned her guns. The place was a real dump, completely infested with rats and only god knows what else. But for Sydney it was cheap and located in what would be called Vega City’s ‘dead zone’. No sector police patrolled this area, which was basically a hideout for criminals and low life’s. Sydney had seen more than four drive-by shootings since her arrival only three days ago and that wasn’t even the worst of it. Drug traffickers hung around street corners with prostitutes, buildings were constantly being raided by looters and arsonists, and local gangs patrolled the streets, challenging anyone who dared to venture into their territory.
Sydney sighed as she reassembled the now clean weapons and tested the action. Suddenly she heard several gun shots out in the street, followed by the screech of tires. Sydney rose to her feet and kept her back to the wall as she slowly raised the flimsy curtain and peered out of the window.
The streets were eerily empty, as usual, looking like a scene from Beirut rather than Middle America. Sydney was about to leave her post when she noticed a man on a motorcycle come to a halt outside her room. She quickly grabbed a magazine clip and loaded her gun, removing the safety.
When the knock at the door followed Sydney didn’t hesitate. She carefully tipped the door open an inch, levelling her gun at the visitor’s head. As she opened the door further she recognised the man as the guy from the diner she had stopped at.
James stood completely still as the door opened and he was presented with the barrel end of a gun pointed at his forehead. As the door opened fully he was relieved to finally see the woman he had been looking for since Thursday night.
“I'm... I’m…” he began hesitantly.
“I know who you are Mr. Gates. Now get inside and close the door” Sydney instructed harshly.
James did as he was told and slowly walked into the room, keeping his hands raised defensively. “Hey, I don’t want any trouble I…”
“Against the wall,” ordered Sydney again,replacing her gun on the desk. As James faced the wall he uttered a soft groan as Sydney jammed her knee into his back, forcing him hard against the wall. She quickly frisked him; patting his clothes down, when she was satisfied that he wasn’t armed she slowly backed away. “Ok, down over onto the bed,” she instructed coolly as she sat on a chair opposite.
James forced a nervous laugh as he slowly turned around from the wall, his hands still in the air and moved over to sit on the edge of the bed. “Really, we hardly know each other. I mean I don’t even know your name.”
“My name’s Sydney,” she replied in a matter of fact tone. “Now what are you doing here Mr Gates? Who sent you?”
“What? You, you think I was sent here?” laughed James. “To do what? Humiliate myself to death?”
Sydney didn’t answer; instead she picked up her gun from the desk and began checking the ammo. James looked nervously at the gun as he continued to speak.
“I was at the diner when some friends of yours dropped by from the FBI. ”
“The FBI?” echoed Sydney warily.
“Yeah, well, that’s what he said, personally I wouldn’t trust the guy as far as. I mean, what kind of name is Ethan Kale anyway? Sounds like some pumped up spy name…”
Sydney’s eyebrow raised at the mention of Kale’s name. “What did Kale say?”
“He said you were a very dangerous woman…” James paused as he looked at the gun. “I have to tell you, I’m kinda believing him on that score right now.”
“So,” said Sydney as she put the gun back down and rose to her feet, pacing the room, “you came all this way to warn me?”
“Sort of... you see, I did some research, while I was trying to track you down. It turns out that military installation in Gillette was actually a research facility looking at trying to create some kind of super-soldier, protect us all from the mutants, that sort of thing.”
Sydney continued to avoid eye contact with James while he talked.
“Rumour has it that four days ago there was some kind of security breach when these ‘soldiers’ tried to escape. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”
Sydney narrowed her eyes cautiously. “What makes you think that?”
“Just a set of related variables,” continued James, “you driving up to Minnie’s in a stolen military vehicle, hunted by a group of unknowns, the guns, the… obvious military training… the tattoo…”
Sydney looked down at the small looping symbol tattooed on her wrist and rubbed at it anxiously. “So, if you know all about me, then why didn’t you turn me in? I’m sure Kale would have given you a big fat reward.”
“I’m not interested in money. I’m interested in you.” James looked suddenly bashful as Sydney raised a speculative eyebrow at his statement.
“Okay, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded,” he continued. ”Over the years I’ve done a lot of research into the mechanics of neural implantation, and cybernetics. If you’re capable of half the things I’ve read about then I think we could help each other out.” James warily eyed Sydney’s guns which lay only a few feet away. “True, you could just shoot me, but where would that get you? I’m offering a mutually beneficial partnership here, you scratch my back I scratch yours… so to speak.”
Sydney looked curious and sat back down on the chair. “So what exactly are you proposing Mr Gates?”
James smiled slightly at the prospect of having won her co-operation. “If you hadn’t noticed, Vega City isn’t exactly a safe, friendly, loving utopia. The corruption in this city runs deep, people are afraid to leave their homes, most of them live in abject poverty while others greedily amass a fortune at their expense.”
Sydney rolled her eyes. “It’s the way of the world. The strong prey on the weak, survival of the fittest. If you think you can change the way human beings behave to one another you’re in for a big shock.”
“Maybe I am. Maybe I’m just an idealist. But I’m willing to try, and lots of other people are too.”
“And you want me to join your hippy, tree-hugging, ‘lets go save the planet’ brigade?”
“We could use someone with your expertise, my own influence only reaches so far and there are limits to what we can actually do. We need to extend our power base in a more direct manner, and to do that we need someone with a more practical approach, someone like you, that is, if you’re up to it.”
Sydney scoffed at James’ obvious attempt to challenge her.
“This isn’t all one way Sydney,” continued James, “I said this would be a mutually beneficial partnership and I meant it.”
Sydney leaned back in her chair and swung her feet up on the table. “And what could you possibly give me?”
“Friendship, camaraderie… money? It must be lonely on the run, always having to watch your back, never knowing who you can trust.”
“But you forget, that’s the sort of life I was raised into.”
“But is that all the life you deserve?” James slowly rose to his feet, satisfied that he had made a point. He withdrew a card and began writing something on the back.
“Think it over, get back to me. If you want we can meet up at a place I know, its called La Perle De La Nuit, the address is written on the back of this card.” James dropped the small white card on the table as he walked over towards the door. “I’ll be there, say, Monday night… if you have a change of heart.”
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part One
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part One
Monday, 21st April - 2003
Outside La Perle De La Nuit – Vega City
Sometime Around 1am
Eric stepped off his ninja bike as the roar of the motor simmered and died away. Never before visiting this particular city, the former agent took a second to look around *Not much different than Indigo city: Dark, crowded, impersonal...no parking *
But Eric had no more time to waste examining the eccentricities of the area; he was already several minutes behind the shipment from Valhalla, and no doubt by now, it had already reached its destination, Night club "La Perle De La Nuit." The club's reputation was infamous: sex, drugs, alcohol. Back when he was still under the wing Valhalla, Eric had heard rumours that the club’s owner was even a powerful mutant.
*Mutant * he thought as he made his way into the line of late night ravers. *Unless his powers are the ability to over decorate, I doubt there is any truth to that rumour.* As Eric finally made his way to the front of the line, he was greeted by a tall statuesque doorwoman.
"Anything to put in the coat check love," she said smiling, her row of perfectly white teeth shining in the dim light.
"I’m fine thanks," Eric replied as he made his way past her. Silently he cursed himself for not being able to bring even the slightest weapon. As dangerous as the night could be, he knew he would never have gotten in had he been wearing his red outfit and carrying two Valhalla Tech pistols. Instead, he had traded his ‘FenrisX’ attire for more civilian-looking clothes: Dark faded jeans and a tight red button-up shirt.
"Welcome to the party," the model doorwoman called out to him as Eric made his way onto the main floor.
Sydney was already inside the club, La Perle, doing a good job of propping up the bar while she searched the crowd for Gates. After much debating she had finally decided to meet with him, if only because she had nothing better to do that night – or any other night as it happened. Somehow she didn’t really figure this as the kind of place James would like, but then, she barely knew him after all.
Sydney turned back to the bar and dropped her empty glass on the counter. It’d been a long time since she’d been in a place like this; in fact the last time had been a club in New York over nine months ago. Back then her mission was making sure that a horny congressman didn’t get his ass wasted while he went ‘slumming it’ at a few of the City’s more disreputable venues.
The club La Perle was beginning to get busy, the dance floor was writhing with a mass of half-naked twenty-something’s bumpin’ and grinding away to the music. There was a sort of primal energy that reverberated through the throbbing rhythms of the bass-line; Sydney could feel it deep inside, like a caged animal – wild and predatory.
Sydney suddenly caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror behind the bar. She looked somewhat wild and predatory herself. She'd decided to drop the commando look for the evening in an effort to blend in with the crowd. Instead she'd 'borrowed' a rather tight-fitting black strappy number from one of the over-priced boutiques on 23rd Street. She’d hardly bothered with her hair, yet it hung down her back in a mass of dark waves; half tied back, half left loose. Sydney herself couldn't believe the difference a constricting dress and three inch heels could make, but she was right about one thing - she certainly looked like she belonged to the heaving crowds at La Perle.
To Eric, the interior of the club seemed like it had been pulled straight out of a crazy drug induced hallucination. Laser lights lightened the club constantly rotating angles while changing to every colour of the rainbow. Every so often, smoke would be released from vents in the ground and slowly flutter over the dance floor while mesmerising strobes flashed in hypnotic patterns. And if the decorations weren’t extravagant enough, the help certainly covered the rest. Bartenders and bus boys rushed about dressed in flamboyant costumes of mythical figures, while half naked dancers enticed the on-looking crowd from elevated platforms.
Eric pushed through a pool of sweaty individuals, all topless and reeking of Vick’s Vapour rub (no doubt high on ecstasy) and made his way to a small clearing near the edge of a bar.
*How the hell am I going to find her* he thought as he gazed about the sea of people. Eric had tracked this particular shipment from Indigo City with great care for two reasons. One- It was I.N.L being delivered and not some common street drug, and two-the shipment was being personally delivered from a member of Valhalla management of Indigo City.
As he continued uselessly scanning, his gaze stopped on a young woman, probably around the same age as himself, leaning on the bar at the opposite side of the dance floor. Eric wasn’t sure why he stopped to stare at this one particular woman. Was it her stunning features, her tight fitting onyx coloured outfit perfectly contouring her ravishing body, or the manner in which she carried herself - strong and confident.
Finally, he looked away as guilt began seeping into his heart. It hadn’t been long since Jenna was murdered, and he definitely did not feel right about looking at other women. *Come on, where is she * he thought, trying to divert his mind to a new topic.
As Sydney scanned the club a second time, her eyes fell on a guy across the bar from her. As their eyes met he looked sort of upset and quickly turned away. Sydney, however, continued to check him out, there was something about his almost innocent good looks, his moody eyes and slightly muscular body underneath the tight red shirt; she couldn’t help but stare.
After a prolonged moment she turned away, taking a swig of her beer and returned her attention to the frenzied, half-naked dancers. La Perle De La Nuit was anything but dull.
Unbeknownst to both Eric and Sydney, a tall figure watched them from the balcony overhead. Sebastian Drake, the club owner, often enjoyed gazing at the masses below and using his empathic abilities to experience their sensations.
*Such guilt* he thought turning his eyes back on Eric. *Yet deep down you still have those carnal desires don’t you? And why wouldn’t you? She is a knockout* He moved his gaze back to Sydney, *And you my little chica, you're feeling the same lustful urges. "Lets see if I cant help these two young beautiful people out," he said to himself aloud as he began concentrating on the two individuals. Using his gift to control others' emotions he began to awaken the restrained and ignored desires in both Eric and Sydney.
Sydney didn’t know what was happening to her as she stood at the bar watching the dancers. Maybe it was the unrelenting beat of the music, or the alcohol, but all of a sudden she felt an overwhelming fire burning deep within her body. She felt as though she were burning up, as she continued to watch the action on the dance floor, it was like the room was moving all by itself.
Sydney turned away from the dance floor and took another swig from her beer in an attempt to quell the fire within; it was then that her eyes fell upon the man she had been checking out earlier. This time she couldn’t stop looking at him no matter how she tried, and the more she looked at him the hotter she felt inside. Her breathing fell shallow and more rapid as she slowly moved through the crowd towards the stranger, never for a moment taking her eyes from his well-sculptured features.
A wave of passion swept over Eric as he quickly glanced back at the woman wearing the black-strappy outfit. No longer did his mind drift back to Jenna- now his thoughts were totally and utterly devoted to the stranger. Blood pumped fiercely through his veins as he noticed that she was not only returning his stare but also walking towards him. Slowly he got up, never once breaking eye contact, and began making his way towards her.
Pushing their way through the horde of people, the two finally met up somewhere in the middle of the dance floor. Eric's brain seemed to have been turned to "off", his body being solely controlled by his emotions. Bringing his hand up gently, he brushed a few rogue strands of hair, which had disobediently fallen in front of the woman's face.
Sydney felt the temperature rise as the man gently touched her face. Everything was so strange yet it felt so completely right as their bodies moved closer until there was barely room enough to slide a nickel between them. Sydney’s arms loosely wrapped themselves around the stranger’s neck, and moved across the firm shape of his shoulders as she explored the surface with her fingers.
In turn Eric slid his hands down the length of Sydney’s back, tracing the contours of her body beneath the thin fabric of her dress, and held her firmly round the waist as he pushed their hips closer together. All the time their eyes never left one another’s gaze and they spoke not a word between them.
Back on the balcony, Sebastian Drake continued to stroke the fire of lust between his two victims. *Let go of your inhibitions and just go with it*
A wide smile crossed his face as the fruits of his labour were coming to. Down below on the dance floor, Sydney and Eric had begun to grind to the beat of the hiphop song that had begun to play.
*Just a little bit farther* he silently urged as his two slaves moved even closer together, their sweaty bodies swaying in sync. As much as Drake loved playing puppet master to people in his club, the real enjoyment was when he relinquished his hold, and the people came to, finally realising what they were doing.
Sydney and Eric were completely lost to the lustful desires that inhabited their bodies; as the music blared they found themselves moving in time to the primal rhythms their bodies rubbing against one another in a carnal need for release.
Sydney leaned in closer to her dancing partner, her lips parting slightly as they once again re-established eye contact. They were so close now that Sydney could feel Eric’s warm breath rise and fall against her skin. She gently brushed her lips against his cheek, teasingly him with the promise of her kiss. Suddenly Eric took hold of her, halting Sydney’s teasing with a single touch, slowly, he guided her lips towards his own.
Sebastian mild grin grew into a full-blown gleeful smile. *I do so enjoy being a mutant* he thought as he concentrated that much harder realising that the climax of his meddling was about to occur.
"Mr. Drake, Mr. Drake," an out of breath voice called from behind the club manager causing him a temporary moment of distraction. That brief moment however was enough for him to lose his hold on Sydney and Eric below.
"YOU IDIOT!" Drake screamed as he turned furiously to the bus boy (scantily dressed as Apollo) who was waiting terrified behind his wrathful employer. "I TOLD YOU NEVER TO INTERRUPT ME WHILE IM PLAYING!”
The help seemed to shrink away, terrified of what may happen next. "I’m so sorry sir, its just that....that"
"SPIT IT OUT"
"The manager from Valhalla, she seems to have special interest in the man down there, the one with the girl in the black strappy outfit," he said pointing to Eric. "She requested that a message be delivered to him immediately.
The fire in Drake's eyes slowly seemed to cool down, and his contorted bestial visage vanished as he once again regained his composure. "I see. Well I do have an obligation to my guests he said as he began walking away from the balcony railing and back to his V.I.P lounge.
*Why must these spoiled VIPers always need something when I’m having my fun* he pouted as he opened the large silver doors to the private lounge. "Some one request a delivery boy," he said, his voice filled with a mix of charm and malice.
Eric and Sydney were mere micrometers away from a passionate tonsil-hockey session when suddenly they both froze. Sydney was the first to pull back from the close embrace, a slight look of embarrassment and confusion on her face. She looked down to see Eric’s hand firmly placed on her ass.
“Hey buddy,” she said, pushing Eric away, “can we leave the cop-a-feel antics at home?”
As if waking up from a dream like state, Eric wasn't exactly sure what was going on. "I...uh....," he started awkwardly as he inched back from Sydney. "Wait a second," he began, more confidence in his voice. "Cop-a-feel? well it didn’t seem like you weren’t going along with it," he bluffed not knowing that the woman, much like himself, had no idea what had just happened.
“No I…um…” began Sydney, then realised that she had no memory of what had happened between them since she had seen him stood at the bar. She remembered finding him mildly attractive, *okay so I thought the guy was a honey, but still…* she thought wildly. “I didn’t… I mean… shut up,” she said pathetically.
“The point is, I obviously had too much to drink and you took advantage of that fact, thank-god I sobered up before anything actually happened! …. Nothing actually happened… did it?”
A scowl momentarily appeared on Eric chisled jaw, but then faded into a more compassionate look. "You don’t remember what happened either," he said to her bluntly. While Sydney had been thinking up the lame "I was drunk" excuse, Eric had taken a second to read into her thoughts.
“Why?” asked Sydney warily, “what are you getting at?”
"I don’t know how to explain this, but just now, everything that just happened, I wasn't myself, and I’m willing to stake neither were you. I know that sounds really odd, but it happened to you too didn’t it?" he said calmly to her, trying his hardest not to sound like a complete nutcase.
“You sound like a complete nutcase,” said Sydney, shaking her head as she began to push through the crowds of dancers towards the exit. This night had turned into a total blow-out, James was no where to be seen, she’d been left alone in this shrine to perversion, and to top it off she’d made a fool of herself with a total lunatic. *Why is it the good-looking ones are always either married, gay or insane?*
Eric was debating whether to follow the woman, but before he could decide, his eye caught a short, brown-haired man rushing out of the club. Usually this would not be anything worthy notice, except in this case, the man was wearing a black vest with a la large "V" embroidered on it. *It isn’t the manager, but that sure as hell is Valhalla operative* he thought as he rushed after the man in the opposite direction of the woman. *Maybe this night won’t be such a bust after all.*
Later that night at La Perle De La Nuit
Later that same night at La Perle De La Nuit…
Sydney had just retrieved her jacket from the coat-check when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, where are you going?”
Sydney turned around to see James stood behind her.
“I thought it was you, though I have to admit,” James smiled slightly, taking in Sydney’s change of attire, “I almost didn’t recognise you.”
Sydney narrowed her eyes at James, she still wasn’t entirely sure if he was on the level or not. However, his offer of a partnership had piqued her interest. “I thought you weren’t going to show.”
James looked uncomfortable for a moment before shrugging. “I could say the same about you, besides…” he looked away towards the dance floor, “I didn’t want to interrupt you.”
Sydney glanced in the direction his gaze was focused and frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“I saw you and that guy dancing… well, I say ‘dancing’ it was more like foreplay…” suddenly he chuckled to himself, turning back to Sydney. “You certainly can dance, maybe I could find out myself sometime.”
“You and me both,” mumbled Sydney quietly to herself.
“As I recall, we have some business to discuss, shall we?” James gestured for Sydney to follow him; he led the way up a flight of stairs to a much more intimate area of the club. To one side was a dance floor, accessible only by two bridges suspended over the main dance floor below. To the other side were a series of intimate booths and couches, from the outside it was almost impossible to see what was going on inside, but the sounds that emanated from each section gave Sydney a good idea.
James hung back as he ushered Sydney inside one of the booths guarded by a large set of muscles. Before he joined her James handed the bouncer a hundred-dollar bill disguised in a handshake.
“Make sure we’re not disturbed, eh buddy?” he said, giving the guy a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Inside the booth the air was heavy and close, as James sat next to Sydney he carefully dimmed the lights inside the small alcove so that they would be less visible from the club outside.
“What’s this all about Gates?” Sydney demanded almost immediately. “The cloak and dagger routine, this goddamn excuse for a brothel of a club?”
James grinned slightly in the dull light, “You don’t like La Perle Sydney?” he asked playfully.
Sydney rolled her eyes, leaning back into the plush couch, “I think it’s a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, it’s a real gem. If these are the kinds of people you want to save…”
“Exactly!” interrupted James, “and La Perle doesn’t even scratch the surface. You know they say this place is run by a mutant? One that has the power to control people’s minds…”
Sydney frowned, thinking back what had happened to her earlier that night, if what James said was true it might explain a few things. Still, the fact that he knew the dangers of this place and hadn’t warned her made her angry inside. “That’s another thing about you James…” she began, “you seem to know a lot about just about everything and everyone that passes through this city.”
“Well, I keep my ear to the ground. Knowledge is power Sydney, I would have thought you would understand that more than most.”
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
“Precisely. Madison, I’m impressed.” James paused for a moment regarding Sydney closely before continuing. “Like I said, La Perle is only the surface of the kind of corruption in Vega. This city needs cleaning up Sydney…”
“And you want me to do the cleaning?”
James smiled again. “Both of us. You have to admit, we’d be a formidable team.”
“Hmmm, I’m still not so sure,” said Sydney warily. “You might know a lot about me but I sure as hell know squat about you. For all I know you could be some bent terrorist.”
James laughed aloud; “do I really look like a terrorist?”
“And what does a terrorist look like James?” Sydney smiled.
James moved in closer to Sydney so as not to be overheard if anyone was listening in. He leaned in mere inches away from her and whispered in her ear. “I’m leader of the Vega City Liberation Group, comprised of only five other individuals we are the only free voice of democracy left in this city.”
Sydney turned to James; their faces almost touching they were so close. She smiled, her eyes looking directly into his, “well yahoo for you.”
James grinned; there was something about the way Sydney smiled that made even her most disparaging remarks seem like mild flirtation. He sat back again, “Have you ever heard of I.N.L?” Sydney shook her head. “It’s an almost lethal drug made by an organisation called Valhalla. It’s completely pure… extremely expensive… and more than twice as addictive as cocaine. This is rotten shit Sydney, and I happen to know that a shipment is coming into Vega City tomorrow night.”
“So what do you want me to do about it?”
“Nothing too heroic, just watch the drop off. There are rumours about certain members of Valhalla’s operations being linked to government and industrial leaders. If we could get proof that they are involved in the shipment of I.N.L it would be enough to expose them.”
“So you want me to dig up the dirt, fine, I think I have a window available in my busy schedule. Then there’s just the matter of what you are going to do for me.” Sydney smiled again challengingly.
“For a start I could get you a more… congenial place of residence than the Star Motel. In fact, I know a place that would be just perfect for you… hot and cold running water, view of the park… it’d be the last place in the world Ethan Kale would be searching for you.” James reached into his pocket and removed a set of keys and an envelope.
Sydney raised an eyebrow in surprise, “my, my Mr Gates, aren’t you organised? More over aren’t you confident that I’ll accept?”
“I’d like to think the odds of you accepting are stacked in my favour.”
“A gambling man?” Sydney queried curiously.
“I have been known, from time to time. Life is a game of chance after all. Playing the odds is where the excitement lies, but I’m more than happy to be surprised, especially when the rewards are so…”
“So… what?” smiled Sydney leaning in seductively towards James.
James couldn’t help but take more than a quick glance at the stunningly sensual woman as she practically dared him to make a move on her. Of course he knew she was only provoking him, trying to get him hot under the collar for her own advantage. He was certain about one thing; Sydney was obviously good at her job.
“So… admirable,” he finally finished.
As the words slipped from his lips Sydney took the set of keys and the envelope from his hand and retreated back into her seat. “That’ll do, for now. Congratulations you are the proud owner of one spectacularly, admirable ex-government super-soldier, only one previous owner with sensationally low mileage. For all your espionage needs.”
James grinned, rising to his feet. “This concludes our business for the evening.”
He led the way out of the booth and through the club to the outside. As he helped her into a cab that would eventually take Sydney to her new accommodation he leaned in the window.
“By the way, nice dress,” James said with a wicked grin, removing himself to the street once more.
“Yeah,” said Sydney as her cab drove away into the night. “It was a real steal.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Later the same night, in a dark alley outside La Perle...
“Hey buddy, you got a light?”
A muffled voice startled the brown-haired young man as he made his way into the back alley of “La Perle”. As he turned around, he could make out the tall figure (well taller than him) standing in the shadows, the darkness concealing his face.
“I don’t work for the club,” the young man lied, “but I really don’t think you’re allowed to be back here”.
“I just need a light,” the taller man reiterated quietly.
“Listen buddy, I don’t know what your deal is, but there are plenty of matches inside. I can’t help you, now sod off”.
Without warning, a sudden force jerked the young man forward, sending him hurtling towards the stranger. When he was in reach, the taller man’s arm shot out, and roughly grabbed onto the collar of his prey.
“Oh I think you can help me kid,” Eric said as he violently threw his victim to the floor. “That pretty little “V” on your vest tells me you’re working for Valhalla. I also know that a large shipment of I.N.L was delivered here tonight, supposedly from the manager of the Indigo City. Now if you help me, I’m going to let you go, you read me buddy?”
gulp – nod
Bending down, Eric moved close to the terrified worker. “Now where is the manager now?” he said in a slow clear voice. “You only get one chance to answer, so don’t screw up”.
“The…the manager left already. The location of the shipment of I.N.L has changed, that’s why I….I’m here tonight, to tell Mr. Drake”.
“Where and when is the shipment going to arrive?”
“T..tt..tt…tomorrow night, the Valkyrie building in sector 5,” the young man stammered trying to put on some form of brave face. His attempt however was shot when Eric moved even closer. Although the young man thought he was about to receive a severe beating, he was instead gently lift back to his feet.
“You’ve been a big help,” Eric said giving him a casual salute good-bye, and within seconds, he had once again disappeared into the interior of “La Perle”.
Back in the alley way, the supposed Valhalla guard reached into his pocket and retrieved a tiny walky-talky linked to Drake’s personal office.
“Sir, yeah it’s me. You can tell the Valhalla manager that he bought everything…..yup….yup…….No Mr. Drake, he didn’t suspect a thing, thought I was a real Valhalla agent…..yeah he’s undoubtedly going to show up tomorrow…….yes sir.. Thank you Mr. Drake.
Back inside “La Perle,” Drake arrogantly walked back into one of his many V.I.P lounges.
“Looks like your boys going to make it to tomorrow’s party after all”.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Mind’s Deception” part 6
Spectrum continued her frenzied assault on Psyspell. Or at least she tried to. Psyspell was doing a miraculous job of dodge the attacks, although her attempts were aided by the fact that, in her frenzy, Spectrum wasn’t thinking clearly and was sort of attacking any which way. Psyspell, who was more confused than angry, wasn’t trying to fight back.
*Alright,* Psyspell thought, *this has gone on far enough.* Psyspell back flipped away from Spectrum. Spectrum created some sort of small shield in the palm of her hand and ran towards her enemy. Apparently she was going to try to punch Psyspell with the shield, which from her experience Psyspell thought would not be very pleasant. Using her telekinesis, Psyspell moved a half-empty garbage dumpster in front of the oncoming attacker. Spectrum’s attack hit the dumpster, and the whole thing exploded in a mass of garbage. Using this as a guise for her escape, Psyspell backed up and used her telekinesis again to make much of the garbage swirl around Spectrum in order to confuse her.
Psyspell ran down a corner alley and down yet another. Spectrum ran after her, but lost sight of her down the first alley. She took to the air, in search of her nemesis, but her attempts were futile. It looked like she had lost the murderer of her closest and dearest friend.
With a tear in her eye, Spectrum realized that she had forgotten about her newly dead friend, who was probably still lying where she had been viciously stabbed by the murdering psychic. Spectrum flew back to where her friend’s body should have been, but got yet another shock. Janie’s body was nowhere to be found. The body had seemingly vanished.
******
Wednesday, 2nd April, 2003
Living Room, Lori Grant’s Mansion
8:23 am
The news was on. Lori Grant was watching it with only minor interest. Almost everything had been of minor interest since her friend’s death. Leslie Bates, the morning anchorwoman, was talking about “The Heart of the Jungle”.
“…Commissioner Wood has recently issued a warrant for the arrest of the infamous Psyspell, the notorious thief slash psychic who has stolen over $900,000 of merchandise. The Commissioner has stated publicly that there are no doubts who stole the emerald, because the crime fits her M.O. so well.
“In a related story, the search continues for Janie Coroway, the 28 year old woman who disappeared the same night as “The Heart of the Jungle” emerald did. Thus far, no clues about her disappearance have been recovered. The Commissioner has said that he does not believe these two crimes are related in any way. Janie Coroway’s disappearance has become particularly interesting, because she was a close friend of Lori Grant, the famous heir to the Grant fortune and the president of “Grant Industries”. Miss Grant claims that the two were separated after a small riot ensued after the disappearance of “The Heart of the Jungle”. The Commissioner says that Miss Grant is not a suspect in any way.
“In other news, a man was shot today because he--”
Lori did not listen to why the man was shot. She turned off the T.V. in disgust. She hated the way that they said she was her friend, as if Janie would never come back… but then she realized that Janie never would come back. And the worst part was the Lori could say nothing about the murder because it would be suspicious. Spectrum saw that happen, not Lori, and the police would wonder why she didn’t report it right when she saw the murder and why she didn’t see where the body went. Then the commissioner would consider her a suspect.
Lori also thought about Psyspell. She had never seen the woman act this way before… never kill another. What had possessed her to do this? Was it all a game to her? And then there was her odd behavior… like she didn’t know what was going on… it felt to Lori that she was playing some sort of game, where everybody but her knew the rules.
******
Wednesday, 2nd April, 2003
The Courtyard, Head Quarters of Mind Block - The Mountains surrounding Crystal City
2:45 pm
Lucius Blackwall was up to something. Of that, Amy violet, a.k.a. Psyspell had no doubt. He had appeared out of nowhere and left just as quickly… and then she had somehow gotten knocked out and woke up in a different place with burn marks on her face. Her immense wealth had let her fix her face with no problem, but that wasn’t the point. She suspected he or one of his cronies had knocked her out, and perhaps even set Spectrum on her (by spreading lies no doubt).
She didn’t know how or why, however, which was why she was currently in the courtyard of the Mind Block headquarters that she knew so well. It seemed like only yesterday that she had been second I command… but now Chameleon was in that position and she was on her own. Amy looked around the courtyard. The green grass, the bright sun, the blue sky… it almost seemed as if she was on vacation. You didn’t get this kind of weather often in the mountains where she lived, and where Mind Block was located. Had she been there on lighter business, she might have relaxed and caught some rays.
Lucius Blackwall walked out of the Mind Block building and into the courtyard, taking in the fresh mountain air. He marched over to where Amy sat at a circular table with an umbrella sticking out of it. He sat down across from her and smiled.
“Ah… Amy, returning to Mind Block at last…” he sighed.
“Too bad for you that it isn’t permanent.” Amy shot back. She really did hate this place. “I plan to spend less than 15 minutes here and then get out.”
“Ah well, what can I do right? So, what brings you here?”
“I want to know what you did to me.” Amy said with a stern face. “Why you knocked me out, what you did with the Emerald, and what you did to make Spectrum attack me like that.”
Lucius stopped what he was doing. He looked a little taken back by the barrage of questions he had just heard. “Amy… what are you talking about. I didn’t knock you out, and I certainly didn’t take the Emerald… and what’s this about Spectrum?”
“Oh please…” Amy said in disgust. Seeing as Lucius looked rather puzzled, Amy elaborated. “Shortly after you talked to me, I somehow passed out and woke up in a different place with burn marks on my face. The emerald was gone. Then, as I’m walking around, Spectrum attacked me like…” Amy paused, recounting the attack, “I’ve never seen her so angry before.”
“Well, Amy, did you ever think that she was attacking you because you stole the emerald? And I don’t know why you got knocked out, or who took the emerald, but frankly I’m a bit angry that you would even think it was me or even anyone in Mind Block.”
Amy still thought that Lucius had something to do with it, but decided that she wasn’t going to get any information out of him. She paused to think, and decided on getting his advice, which he loved to give out. “Lucius, I’ve been having these dreams lately… about Spectrum attacking me, but they happened before she did it. And the way she came at me… it was very similar to what she really did.”
Lucius passed to think. “Well Amy, you are a psychic, perhaps you saw the future in your dreams?” Before Amy had a chance to answer, an explosion occurred from behind Lucius. He turned around to look, but didn’t seem too concerned. “Damn… that would be Kenetico. He’s new… I don’t think you’ve met him. He can make things explode; obviously… he isn’t doing too well in the controlling department though. Well I must leave you now.” And with that, he left.
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part Two
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part Two
Tuesday, 22nd April - 2003
Valhalla Warehouse - Sector Five, Vega City
10:33pm
The warehouse was dark as the motorcycles arrived.
They were early, as they were supposed to be, to give time to prepare. Of course, the Fixer would complain about the Valhalla people who were coming as Valhalla people being late for show. Everyone was dressed in some variant of street clothes, including Lash, who would probably be teasing him about ridding behind him on the motorcycle.
“Alright, take your positions,” William said to the people with him, motioning them towards the warehouse as they dismounted. They began moving towards the warehouse, two ready to bring the doors down as soon as Lash made her move. Several others would be positioned at similar strategic points. “Remember, this is a capture, not a kill! What’s so funny?” This last was directed to Lash, with an oddly amused smile on her face.
“Oh, absolutely nothing.” Lash smirked as she drew out her whip, slowly wrapping it around a special catch on her belt, “Nothing at all.” She repeated and strutted her way towards the warehouse entrance, leaving a slightly confused and curious William in her wake before he finally followed her up.
William shook his head slowly. Lash was always interesting to hang out with, and every time you thought you understood her, she did something like that. It was probably why he liked her. He checked to make sure that people were getting in position, then checked the time.
Everything was going according to schedule. “Are you ready?” he asked Lash.
Lash twirled gracefully when she reached an open space of the warehouse, in a short pirouette, her tail spiralling artfully around her till she slid out stylishly and it whipped out with a sharp ‘snap’. “Da, William.” She said with a wicked grin that bared her strikingly white teeth. Her golden eyes sparked with a dangerous light.
Eric slowed the speed of his bike as he watched the unmarked trucks make there way into the dilapidated warehouse. *Seems like a perfect enough place to conduct a drug deal* he thought to himself as he noticed that this entire sector of Vega city seemed to match the shabbiness of the building. *Lets hope the manager is actually here in person this time*. Bringing his red Ninja to a halt just outside the warehouse, Eric prepared for the inevitable battle ahead.
The ex-agent drew both twin guns, and took a deep breath *1.... 2.... 3... * Without a moment's hesitation, the scarlet clad hero rushed into the open warehouse.
Before him the large opened room stood a variety of people: several were in grungy street clothes -no doubt the buyers- and a few were wearing Valhalla uniforms. Farther back in the room, a rather imposing bald man was barking angrily at a Valhalla agent, upset about their supposed tardiness. In all, Eric counted about 20 heads. *Not so bad*.
"Id Suggest you all drop your weapons and surrender quietly," FenrisX shouted as all eyes quickly darted towards him, "That is of course unless you'd rather be at the Vega city morgue instead of the Jail".
William was not surprised to see him show up, and didn't feel a twinge of danger. The man known as Fenris was not ready to attack... at least, not yet. He held up his hand to remind everyone to wait. Lash would be making her move soon.
"In case you haven't noticed, you're outnumbered twenty to one," he said, raising his voice. "You should be the one surrendering now. Or is the self-proclaimed hero really ready to have 20 counts of murder on his hands?"
FenrisX gazed at the bald man behind the dark tint of his helmet visor. He was right; Eric wasn’t ready to kill 20 people. As much as he hated Valhalla, he was no murderer. Despite the annoying presence of his conscience, FenrisX still had other means of handling the situation.
Extending his mind for a brief instant, he hoped to telepathically pick up any bit of information, which may help. *Fear, anxiety, hatred, stress, sex on rails...SEX ON RAILS?!" The last thought Eric picked up was somewhat disturbing. What was even more disturbing however was his inability to place that last thought with a corporeal form. *Where is that coming from? * Quickly he took another scan around the room hoping to place to perverted mind with a figure, but was unsuccessful.
"I’m only going to say this once more, let me have the shipment of INL and none of you have to get hurt".
William decided to have to some fun with Fenris while Lash got into position. "Sure, you can have it," he said with a smile on his face. "Of course, you'll have to ensure a good profit for it. This stuff ain't cheap, you know."
There was nothing that delighted Lash more than being able to observe the distress and confusion of telepathic beings when they happened across her readied mind. This was actually her first, but she found ‘mind war fare’ to be rather enjoyable as she concentrated more graphically and glided freely though the very fibres of the floor.
A soft sadistic chuckle hummed throughout the warehouse, coming from everywhere, yet nowhere.
“Mmm, Fixer… I think he’d rather play…” Intoned a sultry voice, “At least… I know I would….”
FenrisX tried to remain calm and keep up the appearance of being collected, however inside his stomach was doing summersaults. *Where is that coming from?!* Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention back to the bald man. "You think some parlour tricks are going to save you?"
*So much for the element of surprise* he thought. "Trick?" he said aloud, watching Lash's form appear behind him. "Who said anything about a trick?" He let out a whistle at her appearance, and the doors to the warehouse came crashing down.
The trap was sprung.
Lash, as sudden as her name suggested, was pressed firmly into Fenris’s back, her open hands securely latching onto his behind as she lent in close to his upper neck and set a swift kiss on his jaw. “Was it good for you?”
Eric stumbled forwards in complete surprise, turning to see his assailant. Not only had this...woman (her tail and spots suggested not completely human) appeared out of nowhere, but she also managed to faze through his helmet and give him a quick kiss (not to mention cop-a-feel on his backside.
*What the %&*$!!* He thought as his eyes began to glaze over. Lowering his left gun, his hand quickly glided to the stinging pain where her hand had grabbed his ass. *Tranquilliser!* he thought as his fingers contoured a strange object.
The realisation that he had been set-up finally dawned on Eric. *I’ve got to get outta here…. * Concentrating on the cronies in front of the door, FenrisX telekinetically hurled them to each side in an attempt to clear a passage to the now closed door.
Unfortunately for the would be hero, his body was now beginning to feel the full effects of the poison. Stumbling forward, he soon fell to his knees as he struggled to make some form of escape.
Sweat began to ooze from every pore of FenrisX body as the imaginary internal heat threatened to immolate him from the inside out. Without thinking of the consequences, Eric reached up and tore off his helmet hoping that the direct contact of air on his face may cool him somewhat. As he threw the headpiece to one side, he noticed the feline looking woman glaring seductively at him as she winked and blew an imaginary kiss his way.
William started to move slowly towards Fenris, reaching for his blackjack while two of the guards advanced more rapidly. Fenris used his powers to knock one of the crates on top of one guard, while he punched the other in the stomach.
While the first lay there unconscious, he struggled with the second. It gave Fixer the time he needed to get into position. "Bedtime, red boy," he remarked before whacking the back of his head with the blunt object. Fenris' body slumped into unconsciousness, leaving the others to carry him outside to the truck for transport to the main Valkyrie building in the area - a more secure location than the warehouse.
From across the street a figure lay on the roof of the adjacent building watching the action closely through a set of night-vision binoculars. Sydney had observed with interest as the bald guy and the weird furry chick had hustled twenty or so workers into the warehouse. Even before the red knight had shown up on his motorbike she could tell that this wasn’t any ordinary drugs shipment but rather a trap for whoever the crimson warrior was.
Sydney replaced the digital camera James had given her to take pictures of the operatives and adjusted the sights on the binoculars. She zoomed in as signs of activity appeared and a couple of guys dragged a body out of the warehouse. Before they bundled him into the waiting truck Sydney managed to get a glimpse of his face.
“No way,” she said to herself quietly as she recognised the prisoner as her dance partner from La Perle De La Nuit. “Well, well,” she chuckled to herself, “looks like someone has got themselves into a spot of trouble.”
She hesitated for a moment; she certainly wasn’t in a hurry to risk her life for a guy she had only met a night ago. “Still,” she said to herself as she stealthily ran across the rooftops keeping pace with the truck as it drove down the road, “it would be a shame to let such a damn fine ass go to waste.”
As the truck stopped at traffic lights Sydney swung down a fire escape ladder and landed lightly on the roof of the truck, careful not to make too much of an impact. As the lights turned to green and the truck sped away Sydney lay low on the top of the vehicle and held on tightly as they journeyed through the city.
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part Three
Turnabout is Fair Play – Part Three
Tuesday, 22nd April - 2003
Valkyrie Inc. – Sector Five, Vega City
11:54pm
Thump. Thump. Thump. The painful throbbing in the back of his head forced Eric to open his eyes. His surroundings were unfamiliar and dismal- an empty room with no windows and one door.
"Uhhhhhh," he moaned as he tried to massage the pain from his temples. “Whe...where am I?" Everything seemed so cloudy and obscure in Eric's mind as he tried to recall where he was being held prisoner.
Fleeting images of a warehouse... people... a bald man.... a mutant cat-woman... the set-up. Slowly it was coming back to him, the memory of being captured during his attempt of stopping a supposed drug deal.
*Shit!* Eric had been in some tight situations before in his life, but this was up there among the worst. Stuck in a Valhalla warehouse somewhere in Vega City, no weapons, no bike... no clothes. The Valhalla operative had stripped him of everything except his white athletic boxers.
*Well at least they had the courtesy of leaving me those* he thought as he began to rub his legs trying to put some feeling into them.
A sudden wave of nausea came over him as he attempted to stand. Faltering, he decided that it would be best to stay sitting down - the poison of the tranquilliser was still coursing strongly through his body.
William had a very simple, very elegant plan for making sure that Fenris posed no threat: keep him constantly sedated until someone - anyone - told him what to do. They had neglected to tell him what they wanted done after the capture. Only standing outside the door with the tranq’s, one of the men just brought him the phone. Cerberus wanted Fenris held until he arrived to personally kill the ex-agent. William was barely able to contain his rage at a colossal mistake.
"Are you a complete idiot, or did you have to take special classes?" he snapped into the phone. "We can eliminate him right now, safely, effectively - but you want us to wait 6 hours for you to get here?"
"Just do as you're told," Cerberus' voice came back. "That's what we're paying you for."
William didn't bother to answer. Instead he just settled for hanging up the phone. What he should do, he thought, was just off the ex-agent right now to spite the dumb bastard. He looked into the room through a small view-portal, and saw that Fenris was awake again. Unlocking the door, he went inside with the tranquillisers. "Alright, Little Nemo. Time to go back to Dreamland."
Startled Eric looked up to see the same imposing bald man standing domineeringly over him. The former agent had no recollection of who this stranger was, and he knew most of the important people in Valhalla. "So who exactly are you?" he asked coldly as he once again made an attempt to stand (this one being successful). "You're not an agent or else I would recognise you".
"You never mind who I am," William told Fenris, he had to respect his impertinence. Though his deduction about him not being an agent was correct - at least, not an agent for Valhalla. He slammed Fenris into the back wall while pulling out the syringe to inject him again. "Just hope that Cerberus gives you a quick death."
"Cerberus!" Eric growled, as he urged his muscles to keep him upright. The mere name of his arch-enemy sent waves of hatred through his body, reinvigorating him somewhat. Using what little energy he had left, Eric rushed towards the bald stranger forcing him back with all his might.
Despite the resistance, it wasn't enough. William stabbed him with the syringe, injecting him with the fluid designed to render him unconscious for another couple of hours. Starting back out the room, he tried to resist again, to be kicked in a sensitive part of the male anatomy. The door shut and locked again with finality.
Back in the room, Eric fell unceremoniously back to the floor. Once again his body began to heat up as a result of the Valhalla tranquilliser. Within seconds the room began to fade away and black oblivion set in once again.
Turnabout is Fair Play - Part Four
Turnabout is Fair Play – Part Four
Wednesday, 23rd April - 2003
Valkyrie Inc. – Sector Five, Vega City
1:05am
Sydney had jumped free of the truck once she saw where it was heading. The Valkyrie Inc building, still in sector five of Vega City wasn’t exactly a fortress but it was still bound to be more heavily guarded than the previous warehouse. Instead, Sydney had spent the past hour scouting the perimeter of the building and had by chance managed to spot Eric being held in a basement around the back of the building.
She had silently watched the scene between the bald guy and the prisoner, from a high placed window in the basement room in the hope of finding out something about what was going on. However, even with her super hearing she hadn’t heard much of interest.
Now, one hour later she’d finally managed to open the small window and slide into the room. She dropped to the floor, almost eight feet to the ground from the open window and waited, poised in case someone should have heard her.
She stealthily made her way over to the motionless, half-naked body sprawled out on the floor. She rolled him over and he groaned slightly, still heavily sedated from whatever drugs he had been given earlier.
“Great,” said Sydney quietly to herself, “now how am I supposed to get him out of here?”
"Get him out?" spoke a voice, seemingly from nowhere. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?" The owner of the voice chuckled, "I know what I'd like to do."
As Sydney heard the voice she spun around quickly, retrieving her guns from their holster and aimed them at the arrival. She raised an eyebrow in speculation, as the figure of a tall woman appeared to step out of the wall and form before her eyes. Sydney took a moment to fully register the six-foot, purple spotted creature that stood in front of her.
A smile curled the corner of Sydney’s lips. “Well, well, well, does that mean kitty wants to play?”
While Lash had been hiding in the walls, watching the new arrival she had sent along a Morse code message to William. Upon receiving the message, Fixer drew his pistol, and sent someone upstairs to get more men, ordering them to seal the building.
William could hear the sound of voices echoing off the walls when he arrived at the basement where FenrisX was being held; silently he unbolted the door and opened it.
Inside he saw Lash facing a rather attractive dark haired woman… with a pistol trained on Lash, and another now at him. Only a brief flash of danger let him have his own pistol trained on her at the same time.
"Just surrender now," he said. "I promise, you won't be harmed."
Lash smirked, although she didn't much like the idea of having a pistol trained on her, "Better do what he says, he ain't so kitteny when he gets angry." She kept a steady eye on the woman, watching for her best moment to evade.
Sydney smiled slightly as she kept her aim trained on the two targets, “you promise not to harm me?” she mocked playfully, “what if I shot you and Miss Kitty in the head before you had the chance? Would you still promise not to hurt me then?”
William smiled back at her. It would be a shame to have to kill her, but he would do it if she made him. "You're welcome to try to escape, if you have a death wish. Surrender is in your best interests."
Sydney paused for a while, weighing up her options. It was clear that someone would have to stand down otherwise things were going to get messy. After a moment she decided to relent, she dropped her aim and held the guns out to the sides in a gesture of surrender.
“Well, if you insist on my complete surrender, I’m happy to oblige.”
"Glad to see you aren't just a pretty face," William said, nodding to Lash. Lash proceeded to take her two guns and walked out into the hall. William stepped aside, and motioned with his gun for her to follow Lash.
Everything went fine until the woman was near both him and the door. In a brief instant William received a flash of an imminent attack from her. He moved to one side quickly and managed to block the first blow easily but the woman wasn’t easily phased. She was quick and swift, kicking his hand as he fired a shot at her. The bullet ricocheted off harmlessly to one side as the gun was knocked out of his hands and fell to the floor.
While William was disorientated Sydney dealt a swift kick to his chest followed by an elbow blow to the back. William felt himself gasp for air for a moment as he doubled up from the blow. As he retrieved his gun and straightened up he was just in time to see the woman give him a quick wink as she slammed the door shut in his face and drew the bolt across firmly.
"GODDAMNIT!" he shouted in frustration as he banged his fist against the thick metal door in a useless gesture.
******
Clicking her tongue, Lash waited in the corridor and watched the woman with a wry smile, "Now, now. Play nice." She intoned as she discarded the guns aside and out of easy reach. Slowly she unfurled her whip and curled it around her hands.
Sydney suddenly darted back and quickly rolled across the side of the wall as Lash cracked her whip in her direction. She dodged another hit, ducking to miss the sharp leather whip as it cracked over her head, but Sydney was unprepared for Lash as her tail swung out and knocked her to one side.
Momentarily disorientated, Lash cracked her whip again and this time it wrapped itself tightly around Sydney’s wrist and reeled her in, Lash held the handle of the whip firmly against Sydney’s throat.
“Oh, bad Kitty,” Sydney said between gritted teeth while she struggled to free herself, “you’d better watch someone doesn’t put you down.”
Lash smirked, "Oh, I'm watching! But so far; I appear to be pretty safe." She pulled tighter on the whip.
The woman scoffed at her remark, Lash wasn't sure weather or not it was some kind of laugh, but it no longer mattered as the woman struggled to free herself. Instead of trying to pull Lash’s hands free she pushed back into her and ran up, kicking off the wall and twisting Lash's arms unnaturally backwards to come up behind her. Planting a solid foot high into her shoulders she sent her crashing into the wall.
Lash rolled over in time to just miss another blow while she was down, and instinctively, merged into the wall for a seconds breather after the sudden blow (She wasn't actually used to hitting walls).
“What the?” said Sydney, looking around for the creature, “Hmm, tricky ethereal,” she spoke to herself quietly. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” she called mockingly as she waited, for her opponent to reappear. Suddenly she caught a glimpse of one of her guns lying on the floor where Lash had thrown them.
As she stooped to retrieve them Lash stepped out of the wall and slowly advanced towards her. Sydney cocked her head to one side as her sensitive hearing sensed a change in the air around her.
Lash's strike fell in one swift rounded kick that elegantly reached high above her head before slamming down, merely grazing Sydney's shoulder as she deftly rolled out of the blow.
When Sydney faced Lash again she had both of her guns drawn and aimed as Lash. She fired one shot, which purposefully missed her opponent by a matter of centimetres. Lash paused, poised and ready to pounce should she be presented with an opportunity.
Sydney slowly got back on her feet, keeping her guns trained on Lash. “I’ve fought a couple of Ethereal’s in the past, you might be good at doing your little vanishing tricks, but let’s see how well you dodge bullets.”
“Hey, nothing personal,” said Lash, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender, “I’m only doing my job.”
“Maybe it’s time you thought about a career change.”
“Well I did want to be a Veterinarian but I really hate animals, except cats, you know?”
Sydney smiled and nodded her head in mock understanding. She replaced one of her guns in its holster and then approached Lash, holding her in a tight headlock while still keeping her remaining pistol aimed at her head. “I believe this is the part where we initiate some kind of deal, so… what do you think? That guy in there will trade your hide for my friend?”
Lash didn’t say anything, instead emitting a low growl as Sydney banged on the door to get Fixer’s attention, still holding Lash as tight as she could.
“Hey, Mr. Patent Baldness, you up for a trade?”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Turnabout is Fair Play – Part Five
William was more than a little pissed off and made a mental note not to underestimate this woman again. "Name your deal," he called through the door.
Sydney grinned to herself at the guy’s irritated tone. “How about you throw Pretty Boy out here and I let you have the Cat? That sound fair enough for you?”
He glanced at the still-unconscious form on the ground. He had to admit he was impressed by this woman's skills. Still, his orders were to keep Fenris alive until Cerberus got there, and he would be damned if he’d sacrificed his friend's life to keep this guy prisoner. "Done."
William pulled Fenris from the floor, propping him near the door. "I suggest you hurry, before Valhalla's people arrive,” he shouted as the woman began to unbolt the door.
By this point all the racket and commotion had caused Eric to stir. Thump. Thump. Thump. The ringing in the back of his head was back again worse then ever. *Stupid tranquillisers* he thought as he began to open his eyes. Although things were still very clouded over he could make out another figure in the room with him, by its silhouette probably a man. Turning his gaze to the door, he could vaguely see the outline of a woman, no two women, one holding a gun over the other.
"Jenna....Jenna is that you," he mumbled, still confused by the effects of the poison. As his mind and body got a stronger hold on reality, his vision became less obscured and he realised that the woman wasn’t Jenna but instead "The girl from the club?" he said aloud, more confused than ever.
Sydney slowly opened the door fully, standing in the doorway with Lash. "Okay, leave him there and put your gun on the ground" she instructed Fixer, keeping her weapon trained on Lash.
Fixer reluctantly did what he was told and slowly backed away from the door.
“Sorry about this,” said Sydney to Lash “but like you said, nothing personal, I just don’t want you stepping out of any walls on me.” In one quick movement Sydney brought the butt of her gun down on the back of Lash's head, knocking her out cold. Sydney dropped her onto the floor and picked up Eric, wrapping one of his arms around her shoulders for support.
Sydney picked up Fixer’s gun and began to dismantle it in her free hand. While she did she suddenly noticed a small design on the grips; it was a symbol she had seen before many years ago, known as ‘The All-Seeing Eye’. Sydney frowned. “I don’t know who the hell you people are, but it was nice doing business with you.”
Taking a proper hold on Eric, Sydney slammed the door shut, locking the two assailants in the basement room.
As Sydney dragged Eric away from the room now containing the bald man and the Cat-woman, the ex-agent turned his head slightly to get a good look at his rescuer. *It really is the girl from the club?*
"So, I guess I really made an impression on you at "La Perle," he said, forcing a laugh as his leg gave out temporarily.
Sydney grabbed a hold of Eric more securely as his legs gave way; she smiled as they continued through the labyrinth of corridors, looking for a way out. "Let's just say, it's a good job you're pretty. By the way, I'm Sydney, I'll be your rescuer for the evening."
"I’m Eric," he replied with a brief smile. "I must say Sydney I don’t know how or why you're here, but am I ever happy to see you again. Seems fate keeps throwing us together in odd circumstances," he said bashfully as he realised he was still only in his boxers.
"Shit, turn here," he suddenly instructed Sydney as they could hear voices coming down the corridor. "I know the layout of this building, it’s a standard Valhalla model. The transport block shouldn’t be too far and I’m willing to bet my bike is parked there. We can get away on that".
The rescuer and rescued made their way as quickly as they could towards their destination, luckily enough encountering only two guards which Sydney easily dealt with.
"There," Eric said as they walked into a large room filled with cars and bikes. "The red ninja, that’s mine,"
"Hmm," said Sydney in an impressed tone, "you have good taste." She removed her oversized jacket and tossed it to Eric. “Not that it bothers me or anything, half naked man and all, but you might want to put that on. We don’t want to attract more attention than necessary.”
She climbed on the bike, waiting for Eric to climb on behind her before she began to hot-wire the engine. As the bike roared to life she revved the engine and began to charge at the open garage door that led to the outside.
As the bike sped through the garage doors and made its way to the street, the two noticed that the iron gates of the complex were closing at an alarming speed.
"We're not going to make it through, they're closing too fast," Sydney called out over the sounds of the engine.
"Just keep going," Eric urged as he began to concentrate on the gates. Slowly the massive structure began to creak. Sydney could feel Eric’s heart beating faster and faster in his chest behind her as he concentrated.
Eric’s breath began to quicken as he willed the doors to a halt. Luckily his gambit paid off and the two managed to slip through making their way onto the street. Before Sydney could inquire as to what happened, Eric's grip around her waist loosened as he on once again fell into unconsciousness, the strain it took to telekinetically close the doors being too much to handle.
"That was some neat trick back there," Sydney said before noticing how weak her passenger had become. "Shit" she said aloud as she struggled to keep Eric on the bike while still managing to keep driving forward. Sydney hit the high gears as the bike sped through the busy Vega City streets.
"Hold on there Eric," she shouted over the engine noise. *Damn,* she thought to herself, *a girl's work is never done.*
******
It had taken a good 30 minutes for the guards to let the Fixer and Lash out of the room they were in. William sent them to seal off the building, and search the grounds. Naturally, however, Valhalla’s men proved generally inept. He reached the security centre just in time to see Fenris’ bike gone. The Valhalla people passed the time until Cerberus arrived in quite fear.
When he did arrive, William was finished putting his pistol back together. The woman had been rather impressive. And attractive. Cerberus was not taking the news of the escape well. “You let them get away?” he yelled, standing there in the middle of the security centre. A chair was deftly relocated to the other side of the room, smashing a monitor after being thrown.
“I had no choice!” William returned forcefully, ready to draw his weapon if it looked needed. “The life of FenrisX for ZaiLash is not one that I was prepared to make.”
“You had your orders!” Cerberus was clearly very distraught, and upset. William suspected it was more because he was taking his opposition to the agent personally. Things worked out better when you thought of it as just business.
Still, William found himself unable to stand the arrogant Valhalla agent. “Orders you gave,” he returned. “If you had just let me finish the job when I had the chance, this would not have happened.”
“Don’t you presume to lecture me you arrogant mercenary. The deal is off.”
“I did my job,” William returned, becoming more annoyed by the moment. Valhalla would probably be better off without the agent. “I captured him, brought him here. We’re finished. Next time you want my help, you let the professionals handle the situation.” He turned his back to leave after that, knowing that Cerberus would be infuriated. His prediction proved right.
Cerberus’ shriek of rage could be heard all the way down at the end of the hall.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Wednesday, 23rd April - 2003
Sydney’s Apartment at Wyvern Towers, Vega City
8:11am
Eric stared wide-eyed and mouth agape as Cerberus pulled the trigger. Blood spurted from Alex's chest as he crumpled to the floor, lifeless and unmoving.
"NOOOO!" he screamed as he tried to rush forward. With all his energy and willpower he ran towards Cerberus, full of murderous rage. Yet, no matter how much Eric ran Cerberus never seemed to draw any nearer. Off in the distance, he could see Jenna futilely multiplying herself in an attempt to fool Cerberus. Despite her best efforts, the onyx-clad berserker was relentless. Using his vampiric aura, he quickly and efficiently locked onto his target. Jenna's terror filled eyes briefly met with Eric's in the last moments of her life. Before she could say anything, another loud bang sound was heard, and she, like Alex, fell limply to the ground.
"JENNA, JEnna.....Jenna...."
Eric sat bolt upright; the anxiety of the dream still clung to him as his pulse raced with fear and grief. It took him a moment to remember the events of the previous night.
“Hey,” came a voice from across the room.
Eric looked up to see the woman who had rescued him from certain death leaning in the doorway, her name he dredged up from the depths of his memory. “Sydney…”
Sydney smiled, though not her usual happy go lucky grin, this was more sympathetic… comforting.
“You’re awake at last. After that stunt last night I thought you would never wake up. I mean, you seemed pretty wasted.” Sydney continued to stand in the doorway. “So how are you this morning?”
Ignoring the slight headache, which still lingered, Eric unconsciously began rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I'm not dead, so I guess I’m doing pretty well," he replied trying to sound somewhat at ease. In reality however, the images of the dream were floating hauntingly in his mind.
Sydney looked away for a moment, if the truth be told she wasn't really good at making small talk, it wasn't exactly something she had ever needed before in her life and it certainly wasn't taught in basic training. After a few uncomfortably silent minutes had passed Sydney frowned, turning back to Eric.
"So... who's Jenna?" she asked curiously. "I mean, that's twice I've heard you mention her name. She your girlfriend back... well, where ever it is you're from?"
The question had totally caught Eric off guard. At first he wondered how Sydney would have heard her name, but then realised that when he had woken up drugged in the Valhalla complex he had briefly mistaken Sydney for Jenna.
"She was my girlfriend. Sh-h… she got killed," he said trembling somewhat. Since the night on the docks, he had never discussed what happened to Alex and Jenna, and this being the first time opened up certain wounds
Sydney's expression softened and she finally entered the room, picking up a chair and sitting by the bed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... well... you know. It must be really difficult losing someone close..."
Eric turned his head slightly so he was no longer looking at the woman who had saved him a night earlier. . "I...I was there when she died- her and my best friend. I... I couldn’t stop it," he replied barely above a whisper. "I watched them both die, and I couldn’t do anything. You couldn’t imagine what that feels like". Eric’s face turned a shade of rouge as he realised how much he had just said to this woman he hardly knew. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I'll get out of your way," he said slowly rising from the bed. "You've already done so much for me, I don’t wanna burden you anymore so I’ll leave".
Sydney sat silent for a moment, lost in her own thoughts about Cal and Mia and how she had been powerless to stop Ford from killing both of them. As Eric moved to climb out of the bed she spoke.
“You said I couldn’t imagine what it feels like to watch your friends die and not be able to do anything about it, well… I think you’d be surprised by how well I could imagine that scenario.”
Eric sat back down on the bed, waiting to hear what Sydney had to say.
Sydney avoided looking at Eric, instead she fixed her gaze on some far distant point, her expression becoming glazed and removed as she spoke. “One week ago my entire life was changed. Everything, everything I knew, everyone I cared about was taken away from me. I… I had to stand by and watch it happen without being able to do a thing about it. People I thought of as my family were killed, betrayed… I, I had to escape, I had no choice…”
Sydney suddenly shook her head, pulling herself out of the depths of emotion where those memories were buried. “Now who’s burdening who?” She rose to her feet and began to walk out of the room but she paused once again in the doorway. “I don’t know who you are Eric, and you know as much about me. But it seems we have something’s in common.”
If he had thought that she couldn’t shock him anymore, he was wrong. It seemed that both Eric and Sydney had been through extremely similar ordeals in recent time. "I’m so sorry, I had no idea..." his voice trailed off.
Looking up, he gazed for a moment into Sydney's eyes. In them he saw his own pain, he knew that she did know how it felt. Eric couldn’t help thinking that he found a sort of kindred spirit in this young mysterious woman.
"Who exactly are you Sydney?" he said trying to steer the conversation away from painful memories for the two of them. "Its not everyday you meet a woman who is capable of rushing into a Valhalla building and saving one of their most wanted targets."
“I doubt there are, but then I’m not exactly like most people. Without sounding too conceited I’m sort of, one of a kind… now anyway.”
Eric smiled. He figured there was a lot more about Sydney than she wanted to let on. *I can understand that* he thought, realising he probably wouldn’t tell her everything about his past.
"I don’t doubt that for one second," he replied as he once again stood up. "Well Sydney, I really should be on my way. I have a feeling you're a busy woman," he paused a moment as if deliberating if he should say something more, but then hesitated. "I can’t thank you enough for what you did for me. I mean had you not shown up, well..." he didn’t bother continuing the sentence. "I uhhh," he paused realising ONCE AGAIN that he was only in his boxers, "I don’t supposed my suit was with my bike?"
Sydney grinned, “It might have been…” she walked over to the wardrobe and opened the door, revealing Eric’s FenrisX costume hanging alone inside. “I’m guessing you’re not exactly an average guy yourself?”
Eric was about to reply when suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. Sydney frowned, turning her head towards the door.
Leaving Eric to get dressed she walked across the apartment and peered through the spy-hole. Allowing the door to swing open revealed James in the hallway.
“Hey,” he said casually, entering the apartment as Sydney stood to one side to allow him inside. “I brought breakfast,” he said, holding up a paper bag from Bagel Street. “Actually I just thought I’d stop by, see how you made out last ni- oh!” James stopped his sentence short as Eric walked out of the bedroom.
“I’m sorry, Sydney… I didn’t mean to interrupt… whoever it is, I mean, whatever it is you were, doing.”
“James this is Eric…” began Sydney.
"Nice to meet you," Eric said as he quickly shook hands with the new arrival before turning to Sydney who held out the keys to his motorbike.
"Thanks again for last night," he said with a smile before handing her a small scrap of paper. "If ever you're around Indigo City and need anything, here’s my address and number". Before she could reply he walked passed James, and gently closed the door behind him.
Hell's Angel
Jealousy?
Wednesday, 23rd April - 2003
Sydney’s Apartment at Wyvern Towers, Vega City
8:30am
“‘Thanks for last night’?”
James walked into the kitchen and dumped the paper bag down on the counter. Sydney followed him, rolling her eyes at his behaviour.
“Haven’t I seen ‘Mr Crimson Avenger’ somewhere before? I mean, wasn’t he your mystery dance partner at La Perle the other night?”
Sydney shook her head and sighed as she grabbed one of the bagels and took it to the couch where she flopped and switched on the TV. James watched her from the kitchen as she flicked through the television channels before following her.
“Eric huh?” he continued, a small amount of bitterness creeping into his voice. “Well at least you managed to get his name this time. I’ll say one thing for you Sydney, you certainly don’t waste any time…”
Sydney suddenly switched off the set and narrowed her eyes at James. “And just what is that supposed to mean? I work for you Gates, I don’t answer to you or anybody else for that matter.”
James was silent for a while during which time Sydney turned away from him and switched the television back on. The canned laughter of an old sitcom flooded the room.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” James looked awkward as he stood in front of Sydney. “It was just a… surprise when I saw him here…”
“Nothing happened between us if that’s what you’re thinking,” said Sydney, not taking her eyes from the flickering screen.
“I only dropped by to see how it went last night, believe it or not I was actually worried.”
“Yeah well it was a total bust up. It wasn’t even a drugs shipment it was a set up. For Eric, that’s how he ended up here. He was in a bad way.”
James frowned and sat down on the couch next to Sydney. “What are you talking about?”
Sydney turned the volume down on the TV and turned to James. “It was something to do with someone called Valhalla, I don’t know anything more but I’m telling you, those guys seriously had it in for Eric, whatever he did to piss them off, it must have been big.”
“Valhalla…” echoed James, deep in thought, “where have I heard that before…?” James shook his head clear and turned back to Sydney. “Did you get the pictures.”
“Oh yeah,” smiled Sydney as she sauntered over to where her jacket lay and pulled out the camera from her pocket.
She handed it to James who instantly began looking back through the pictures, lingering over those of Fixer and Lash. “Looks like you had an ‘interesting’ night… another one that is.”
“So how did I do Charlie?” Sydney asked with a grin.
James looked up at her, a wide smile spread across his face. “Oh angel, you did great.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Plots within Plots”
With Raul Julia as CEO Henry Morgan, Anjelica Houston as CEO Patricia Feldman, and Marc Alamo as the voice of Observer
Benson Pharmaceuticals Main Building
April 23, 2003
9:48pm EST
Most of the offices on the top floor of the building were all decadently ornate. Walking into them, you felt immediately the presence of the company’s money and power. You didn’t need the Benson television ads to tell you that big things were going on here. Visitors in one of those offices, including scientists, would always feel that they had the resources to solve any problem they put their minds to – it was just a matter of time.
The sole exception to the rule was the office of CEO Patricia Feldman.
She favoured a more gothic motif, her pale skin and dark clothing usually matching the look well. One felt power in this office, but of a different sort: it emanated more from the woman behind the desk, that she was in charge, rather than the office projecting power of that faceless collective called ‘the company.’
Patricia walked back around her desk to sit down as a male voice spoke, alone in the office. “The Science Committee appears certainly willing to give a few more grants – several million worth. However, the chairman refuses to bring the bill up for debate. I believe the time has come to reveal his financial dealings to the public, and effectively destroy his career.” The voice emanated from the intercom system, though the charts in control would show that nowhere in the building was the system in use.
The door opened as Morgan entered, laying eyes again on the woman he was deeply in love with. “Ah, my dear,” she said as he kissed the back of her hand. “Observer was just saying that it may be time to end Senator Johnson’s career.”
“It’s about time. I told you he was trouble,” replied Morgan before kissing her once. Afterwards, he moved to the chair opposite of her desk, pulling a cigar out of his jacket to light it. “Senator Christine Goldman will make a fine replacement. We have the pull to do that?”
“It’s possible. I’ll talk to the right intermediaries.” With that, Patricia knew, the decision was made. The press would receive a convenient leak about some corrupt dealings of Senator Johnson – dealings which would lead to making him a bit too controversial to remain in charge. Their influence would be used to assure the proper appointment, which would probably require campaigning for a few senators they wanted to see re-elected anyway.
Still, there was something she knew she had to bring up. She hated to have to break back news to Morgan, and would like to just enjoy being with him . . . but as usual, they had to attend to business. “Valhalla has cancelled the deal.”
Morgan opened his mouth to speak when the voice returned. “A minor setback to the long-term agenda, nothing more.”
“Observer, if you don’t mind…” Morgan trailed off, shaking his head in minor frustration at the AI. A sentient program, Observer had become more of a partner than a subordinate to the two leaders of the Illuminati over the years. “In our defence, we had no way of knowing that their agent would have help. Observer, do you have anything on the woman?”
“I’m unlikely to have anything on her for quite some time,” Observer replied, a mild annoyance showing in its voice. “We can’t be sure what powers – if any – she has from the Fixer’s short confrontation, and there are many women who can fit that description. I need a name, fingerprint, DNA, an image. A identification with a reasonable degree of certainty is not possible at this time.”
Patricia pulled a chocolate out of a box on her desk to snack on while Morgan leaned forward in thought. At least they could have fun together after the conference was over. “What about Valhalla?” Morgan asked. “Also Cerberus and Fenris?”
“I intend to begin attempting to hack into Valhalla’s information systems,” Observer announced matter of factly. Patricia was always amazed by the matter of factness Observer had. It could announce the end of the world with the same calm demeanour as a person ordered food at a restaurant. “Cerberus could pose a threat – I advised the Fixer to take a trip with his friend to Russia for a few weeks to be on the safe side. Fenris knows nothing of us.”
Patricia was curious as to what exactly caused Cerberus to be so potentially dangerous to them, aside from the knowledge of his powers. Observer would naturally be making more information on Cerberus a top priority when it accessed Valhalla’s systems on a data mining expedition. “Your security evaluation of Cerberus could prove interesting,” she finally said.
Observer was silent for several seconds, which meant that it was probably distracted with something else. Probably trying to hack already, or something had piqued its interest. The AI was a wonderful at multitasking, though it could still be distracted. “Based on the Fixer’s report, Cerberus does not seem too bright. Mistake number one was sending us on a capture-“
“She did not ask you to analyse the report,” Morgan said in a louder voice than he meant to. The look in his eyes was clear: he wanted to be alone with Patricia.
“The report is the main source of my preliminary evaluation,” returned Observer, still in that cool, controlled voice it had. “A more detailed report will be sent to both of you later. However, based on the report, his first mistake was misinforming the Fixer of mission objectives, then resisting overtures to permit immediate termination. Cerberus’ reaction to Fenris’ rescue – by a woman we had no clue he was in contact with – indicates he is made a threat by his mental state.”
Patricia was rather interested at this. “Elaborate, please.”
Observer continued to be matter of fact about its observations, though knowing the power in Cerberus’ control, those observations would have given a human pause. “Based on the Fixer’s report, and public data already gleamed from various articles and rumours, I estimate there is a 67% chance Cerberus suffers from Anti-Social Personality Disorder. Further, I believe there is a significant possibility – about 34% - he may develop Dissociative Identity Disorder or Schizophrenic Disorder, Paranoid or Undifferentiated subtypes.”
Patricia slowly shook her head. With his power, just the antisocial personality type was bad enough. But enough instability for Observer’s psychological subroutines to think him unstable enough to have a one in three chance of developing a worse disorder was frightening indeed. “We should back off from attempting to influence the underworld for the moment,” she said. “There are more pressing concerns beginning to arise in the political arena.”
“Agreed,” Morgan replied, thinking of the rise in anti-meta sentiment. All it needed was someone to capitalise on it.
The meeting lasted another 30 minutes before finally breaking.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Mind’s Deception” - Part Seven
April 9th, 2003
The Mansion of Lori Grant
8:50 PM
“Well, Chris, the search for Janie Coroway is now over. As you may know, Janie disappeared 10 days ago at the same time when the emerald known as “The Heart of the Jungle” disappeared from “The Crystal Palace” Casino. Commissioner Wood declared that all search parties must disband. No body has been found, and no clues have been found either. It is still unclear whether there was a crime involved, or if Janie simply left. The Crystal City police force will continue searching for new clues, but the official search party is now over.
“Now, we’ll go over to our weather man Jim Dallas. So Jim, will we get our April showers this week?”
Lori barely heard the T.V. She knew exactly what happened to Janie, but could tell nobody. It was killing her inside. Lori had never learned that there were several stages in the grieving process… denial… acceptance… and somewhere in between was anger. Had Lori learned this, she would have known that she was currently in the anger stage.
*Serves her right,* Lori thought angrily. *How could she be stupid enough to go into that alley alone? She knows how dangerous this city can be! If she wasn’t such an idiot, Janie would be alive today and her story wouldn’t be taking up half the new time on T.V.*
Lori heard a ringing from across her living room, on a table nearby. She looked, and saw that it was a small, walkie-talkie looking device. She called the device “The Signal”. It was like a beeper. Whenever the commissioner wanted her, he could just page her on it. She usually kept it off when there was company over to avoid suspicion. She hadn’t turned it off in ten days… it was a miracle that it hadn’t gone off before now. Many people had come over to console her about Janie’s disappearance… she hadn’t even become Spectrum since the night Janie died.
Lori seriously considered ignoring it; she was in no mood to talk to anybody, and in no mood at all to fight crime. But, she knew it was her duty as keeper of the “Light Spectrum”, and it would keep her mind off Janie for a little, anyway.
Lori got up, turned off the beeper and went into a small room that most people thought was used for storage. This was only partly true. It was used for storage, but also for something much greater. Lori went over to a pad on the wall and hit 5*7*9*0*2, and the room started to change. A bookcase turned around to reveal a computer, and a desk turned around to reveal several electronic gadgets, all of which were made by her company. Lori sat down at the desk, and pulled over a strange looking microphone object.
“Commissioner Wood,” Lori said into the microphone, “This is Spectrum… how can I help you.”
“Spectrum” Commissioner Wood said on the other side of the line, “I have somebody here who wants to see you.”
“Somebody wants to see me? I’m… I’m not here to make personal appearances commissioner.”
“I know that Spectrum, but I think you’d better come. It concerns… Psyspell. He says he knows her… and wants to help catch her. He specifically asked to talk to you. His name is Lucius Blackwall.”
******
Spectrum flew over Crystal City towards the headquarters of the Crystal City Police Department, or CCPD for short. Lucius Blackwall… the name didn’t ring a bell, so why was he asking to see her? And what did he know about Psyspell? If it was where she was hiding out, then that would be great, but he could have just as easily told Commissioner Wood. And how was he supposed to help catch Psyspell? These questions rang in Spectrum’s ears all the while she was flying there.
And so did another thing. All the while, since Janie’s death, Lori Grant had been struggling with the fact that she could not tell anybody about Janie’s death… but in her grief, it hadn’t even occurred to her that Spectrum did see the murder take place. There was only one person whom Spectrum could safely talk to, but that one person was the commissioner of the police department. How could she be so stupid as to not say anything yet?
Spectrum spotted the rooftop of the CCPD headquarters. On it were two men. Spectrum recognized Commissioner Wood, but she the other, probably Lucius Blackwall, she did not think she had ever seen before.
Spectrum flew down onto the roof of the building and landed with simple grace. It was the first time since Janie’s death that she had donned the Spectrum outfit, but it felt great to be flying over the city again, and it did keep her mind off Janie.
“Commissioner Wood.” Spectrum said. He nodded back at her. “And Lucius Blackwall, I presume?”
“Yes, I am Lucius Blackwall.” The other man said. He reached out and shook hands with the super hero. “I am the leader of the organization, ‘Mind Block’.”
“Mind Block?” Spectrum asked. She had never heard the name before.
“Yes. Mind Block is an organization designed to help psychics control their powers. We call these people poltergeists… which is basically a psychic that can’t control his or her power.”
“Mr. Blackwall claims that he can help you find and capture Psyspell.” Commissioner Wood said. “He also claims that he helped… train Psyspell.” The commissioner added.
“What?” Spectrum asked, surprised. “Is this true?”
“Yes,” Lucius said, “it is true. I trained Psyspell when she was just a child… she was one of my first clients actually. Very promising… she learned how to control her powers quite fast. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to control her and she left the center… and obviously you know what happened to her after that.” Lucius stopped, and then added nervously, “Our other… students… are not like her though, I assure you. They are all dedicated to learning how to control their powers so that they do not hurt people, or otherwise.”
“And you know where she is?” Spectrum asked sceptically.
“Yes actually. We have done extensive research and have tried to track her since she left the center. We have located her as residing in the Sapphire Mountains around Crystal City.”
“Fine.” Spectrum said. “But how are you going to help us, besides that, I mean? The commissioner said--”
“I am willing to put a team of psychics at your disposal.” Lucius Blackwall said bluntly. “Their powers range from dream manipulation to camouflage… creating explosions… projecting images, etc., etc…”
Spectrum paused, taken aback by what the man had just said. Fight fire with fire, as the expression goes… and if psychics are the only way to take down the psychic that she never could take down…
“Alright.” Spectrum sighed. She turned to Commissioner Wood. “Commissioner… I don’t think the police should get involved with this directly. Not until we stop her, I mean… she has a way of causing… catastrophe, really.”
“I don’t like it…” Commissioner Wood said, “but alright, if you thinks it’s best.” He turned to Lucius Blackwall. “Please, if you would go and wait in my office. There are some things I want to discuss with you.”
“Of course, Commissioner.” Lucius said. “I hope we’ll be working together soon.” He added to Spectrum.
“Commissioner Wood,” Spectrum said after Lucius Blackwall was gone. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“About Janie Coroway… I’m sorry I didn’t speak up sooner. I’ve been, a little busy lately.”
“Go on.”
“I saw… I saw Psyspell… kill, Janie Coroway, that night when that stupid emerald was stolen.”
“Psyspell? Why didn’t you come forward sooner?”
“I should have, I know… and I’m really sorry. It’s just… I’ve been having some problems… but it makes me want to capture Psyspell even more. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have taken Mr. Blackwall up on his offer.”
“Did you know her? Miss Coroway, I mean.”
“… Yes… yes I did.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Welcome To Mutantgrad”
April 26th, 2003
21:36
Introducing former Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed Al-Sahat as Dmiti Grezyanov
Mutantgrad was cold.
Then again, it was always cold. As a former gulag which had to import most of its food, it should not have been surprising that the town was cold. Not just regular cold, either. No, the city was cold enough that the snot could (and did some days) freeze in your nose. Summer was naturally the wettest season, since the snow tried to melt for the few months when temperatures got above freezing.
If you were lucky, in high summer, it might get as high as 16 C.
Still, William enjoyed going to the town on occasion for vacation, as he was now. It let him visit his friend Lash, and there was a certain comradery there that was not present elsewhere. The residents just didn’t judge you based on powers or appearance.
The particular club he was in with Lash at the time was one of the more upscale ones for the city. It was kept warm enough that you could strip off a layer of the clothing you wore to protect yourself against the cold, and it had a nice, homey feeling. You normally huddled around the large fireplace for a few after coming in, just to get the feeling back in your hands. A band or performer would often be on stage - at the moment, the performer was Dmitri Grezyanov, Mutantgrad’s most famous stand up comic.
“Some of the latest news from America,” he was saying, in the middle of his famous press commenting routine. “Senator Layman has spoken on his bill again, this time defending it from critics.
‘Comparing my legislation to Russian Law is absurd,’ he said. ‘There is no compulsory registration in Russia. Metahumans walk about the streets of Moscow free of restriction.’
“At the same time, the city council is considering a resolution banning winter.”
Lash chuckled with a genuine smile on her face. In some ways, even though she grew up in New York, she considered Mutantgrad to be her home. The cold was nothing compared to the warmth of its residents that she’d come to know, and they her, in return.
“Tigretsa” they even came to call her, meaning ‘tigress’. It was the first time in her life that anyone had bestowed a genuinely friendly nickname on her. It was because of this that she made it her mission to win the Council’s acceptance in order to become an actual citizen on Mutantgrad. And not only that, she wanted to live in the ‘Old City’.
Her reputation amongst the residents of Mutantgrad was generally a good one, aside from the occasional cynical Meta that was not only hostile to regulars, but fellow Metas from other lands aswell. But Lash didn’t let that bother her. They had their problems and she wasn’t going to allow them to abolish her goals.
Here, she was your regular ‘do-gooder’! Not girl scout do-gooder filled with complete innocence and cookies. It just wasn’t unheard of for Lash to go out of her way to help others.
Lash turned her beaming gaze away from Dmitri over to William who was seated on the opposite side of the table from her, “You still cold?” She smiled, nodding to his tightly clasped hands still pressed into his lap.
“Always,” he replied, though grateful his teeth had finally stopped chattering. After the incident in Vega City, he’d decided to come back to the city for a few weeks to lay low before his next job.
Morgan and Feldman could find him, and Cerberus would have more than enough time to calm down.
William reached out to pick up his glass of Vodka and take a quick drink, feeling the warmth in him as the liquid went down to his stomach. “Of course, you don’t exactly come to Siberia for the weather, do you?”
Lash gave him a sharp wink as she reached across the table for her own drink, “Of course I do! The weather’s the best part.” She grinned, “Aside, of course, from the company, the entertainment and the drink. I’d have to say It’s one of the warmest places I’ve ever experienced.”
William could not resist laughing at that, knowing that she was likely being silly again. Though it did remind him of the image of Dmitri launching his campaign for President in the middle of winter wearing nothing but swimtrunks.
The entertainment certainly was good, as Dmitri began an impression of Vladimir Putin accidentally calling the President of France "Comrade" - then apologising, since he forgot he was no longer in the KGB.
"I'll drink to that," he said before doing just that. "How's your application for permanent residency coming along? Heard anything else yet?"
Lash tensed in her seat filled with both anxiousness, queazy and hopeful as William brought up the topic for which she most desired approval of. “I applied again about two weeks prior to now.” It wasn’t often that anything would cause such a childish reaction in Lash’s body language, like a child waiting in anticipation for Christmas to finally arrive. But it was something she craved for more than anything else in life, “As of yet, I haven’t heard anything… I’m hoping that’s good news.” She said somewhat fretfully, averting her eyes from William’s to ‘survey’ the club as an excuse.
William caught the reaction and decided not to press the issue, seeing as how it was a bit touchy for Lash. He joined her in surveying the club, wondering just what sorts of powers were represented there. It was amazing, the fact that in this of all some regular humans and metahumans lived together in trust. To think, all it took was years of persecution from the Soviet Union.
He said nothing, just sitting back and listening to the continuing routines of the comic.
Lash smirked at Dmitri’s routine without having actually heard what he’d just said that had caused a sudden uproar from his audience.
“How long are you staying this time?” Lash suddenly turned her usual self back to William.
"Two or three weeks," he said, remembering the sudden phone call advising him to lay low. Trust the AI to be on top of things and advising. "I'm currently trying to arrange a motel room . . . if they can find the open space."
“Ok, I am officially banning you from staying in a motel room here again…” Her mouth twisted in an attempt at suppressing laughter, “…especially if what you told me happened last time was actually true.” She was struggling….
“But, um,” She choked down whatever chuckles tried to breach her censorship, “yes. I do have a house! And not a dilapidated one at that!” She dawned her wicked grin, “I was just curious to know what the motels were like to stay in, last time.”
"Not very well," William replied, remembering the last visit. He'd stayed in a decent one before which was always booked, so went to one Lash recommended. This one seemed to be illegal, with a Brothel for a front business.
"First they overcharged me, then they brought these women up to my room to 'choose' and ask 'how I wanted it'. *Then* they wouldn't let me stay the night, just ushered out quickly without charging even *more* . . . and the girl stayed."
That had lead to an interesting discussion with Lash, where she swore it was a motel but had an even more amused expression than normal... leading him to suspect a prank in the end.
Lash, rather awkwardly, shot down her fourth Schmirnoff as she chuckled in delight. “So, you’re staying at my place then?” She raised an inquisitive eyebrow along with a signalling palm down hand for her fifth shot.
William was a bit wary of staying there with Lash - especially since at least one Council member seemed to have it out for him. The man hated regulars, even the ones who had been in the gulag. When he learned William's abilities were artificial, he was even more enraged than before. "Are you sure you really want me to? What will people say?"
“People will say whatever the bloody hell they want to! You’re a Meta,” Lash scoffed, “Hell! I’ve even had regulars stay at my place.” She paused, noting William’s wariness for what it possibly could be aside from what he said. She smirked, “I have a spare room. And besides, I didn’t think I freaked you that much.” Biting her tongue at him, she then graciously turned about to greet the arrival of her latest shot.
"Hey, I'm just trying to avoid possibly hurting your reputation," he pointed out, though part of him wondered just how most of the people in the town would take it. "Thank you, but there is one thing I have to ask . . . no more sending me to brothels."
It was something he'd wanted to say for a long time, and finally had the chance.
“Okay, fine.” Lash smiled good-humouredly, “We’ll stay at my other place then.” She winked.
William sputtered loudly enough to get Dmitri's attention on the stage. He glanced over at the pair. "Oh no. I have competition, now. Good thing my manger got a good deal - exclusive entertainment when I perform, except when it isn't."
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSURRECTION AGENDA: PART 1
Thursday, May 1st, 2003
Valhalla Agent Complex - South end of Indigo City
Guest Appearances by Reese Witherspoon as Sylph
Randy Orton as Achilles and Orion
Jc Chasez as Chimera, Aaliyah as Sphinx, Vin Deisel as Minotaur
Jet Lee as Kraken, Salma Hayek as Calypso, Ja Rule as Manticore
AND Steph Dorff as Cerberus, Pink as Medusa, and Ryan Reynolds as Pegasus
This was the first time in almost a year that the large building on the south end of Indigo City was a buzz with life. The gloomy structure once served as home to the elite Valhalla agents, but that was years ago, before they came of age and shipped off to various locations. However, on the odd occasion, all fifteen agents would return to their place of origin to discuss important matters and events, and this was one such occasion
“Despite what personally feelings we may have Sylph, our orders are quite clear, FenrisX is to be terminated,” Chimera said in a cold, calm voice, his personal feelings on the matter remaining undetectable.
Although she knew that he was right, the blonde-haired leader of Tempest could not seem to deal with the fact that she was supposed to kill one of her fellow agents, even if he had turned rogue. “So we’re just supposed to track FenrisX down and kill him? It’s Eric for Christ’s sake!” It was unusual for Sylph to lose her cool, but in this instance she couldn’t help but feel frustrated and shaken. “Doesn’t this seem wrong to any of you?” she pleaded, looking around the circular table for any potential sliver of support. “Even if Eric has turned rogue, are you all going to forget everything he’s done for each of us?” Her last comment incited somewhat of the response she was looking for.
Chimera once again took the floor, his emotionless voice eerily ringing throughout the large chamber. “We…I understand your concern Sylph, but once again, let me reiterate, FenrisX has become an enemy of Valhalla, and in turn and enemy of ours. Despite our past history with him, we have no choice but to follow orders”.
“Seems like a tragic waste to me,” Calypso interrupted, a sultry look in her eyes. “Especially now that Jenna isn’t there to tie him down”. A mixture of smirks and offended frowns plastered the faces of the agents.
“I don’t see why we even need to debate this. FenrisX is going to get what’s coming to him”. A malicious smile crossed Cerberus’s face. “I already got Hydra and…Garm,” he pronounced his name slowly as he beamed a cruel look over at Sphinx who had been agent Garm’s girlfriend before his untimely death. “It’s a shame you weren’t there Sphinx, Alex put up a good fight”.
Ashana (otherwise known as agent Sphinx) was boiling with hatred for the Inferno leader, yet she just cast him a “if looks could kill” stare and remained silent.
“Oh please Cerberus, behave,” Medusa scolded, however her tone lacked any trace of severity. “What I think my dear leader here was trying to say,” she continued, “is that as much as we all loved dear Eric, what he and “The Pack” did is inexcusable, and even though it pains me to say it, he has to be punished”. No one at the table believed that Medusa was at all sympathetic for Eric, yet her words did have much truth to them.
“I for one agree with Cerberus, the bastard has to be terminated,” the short agent in beige said as Medusa finished.
“Oh please Manticore, you’re just soar cause Eric whooped your arrogant ass when you were sent to stop him from destroying one of the shipments a month back,” Agent Achilles from “Tempest” interrupted. “ I for one agree with Sylph, it feels wrong going after Eric, its bad enough Jenna and Alex are already gone,” he said glancing menacingly at Cerberus. “We’re the only family each other’s got, and I don’t know if I could do anything to Eric”.
A silence fell over the conference room as each agent began to ponder the very real situation they were faced with. On one hand they had to stay loyal to Valhalla, and on the other, they were about to set off to assassinate one of their own. To some, the choice was clear, to others things just didn’t sit right.
“Well then it seems very clear what must be done,” Chimera said breaking the hush. “Since it is obvious that this is a rather touchy subject for some, we will go on a volunteer basis. Those of you who do not wish to partake in this mission do not have to, although, I would advise against such actions. The managers would probably not be too pleased with those who stay behind”.
“Well I for one am not going. I’m not turning my back on Eric even if he has left Valhalla,” Sylph said defiantly.
“That goes for me too,” Achilles said.
Orion was next to speak: “I’m out also”.
There was a short pause before Pegasus from “Inferno” spoke up for the first time. “Does anyone know why “The Pack” left in the first place? I mean they must have had a reason right?
“WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE!” Cerberus bellowed at Pegasus. “They’re traitors and deserver to die!”
“I…I’m just saying….”Pegasus tried to explain himself, not wishing to incur the wrath of his temperamental leader.
“I don’t care what you’re saying pup (the name Cerberus often used when yelling at Pegasus, which was often enough) all the “Inferno” members are going after Eric, all
“He can speak for himself Cerberus,” Achilles said angrily. Eric used to always defend Pegasus from his leader’s verbal abuse, but since he was no longer around, Achilles felt someone needed to fill in.
At first it seemed like Cerberus was going to explode at the “Tempest” agent as well, but instead calmly turned towards his team mate. “Fine then, what will it be? Coming with us or……..staying behind”. It was clear that the second choice would likely be very detrimental to Pegasus’s health.
Pegasus in reply said nothing more, instead he turned his gaze downwards towards his feet.
Chimera looked around the room, and seeing no more agents wishing to stay behind, prepared to adjourn the meeting. “Well then, it seems that only team “Tempest” will be staying behind. The rest of us will….”
“I’m not going either,” Sphinx surprisingly interrupted.
Chimera looked a tad startled as he turned to his team mate. “Are you sure Sphinx? As your team leader I feel the need to recommend against it once more.
“I appreciate your concern Michael, but I’ve made up my mind”.
A slight grimace appeared on Chimera’s usual stone cold visage. “So be it. The rest of us will stay here and await the orders from the managers on how to proceed with FenrisX”.
As the agents rose to their feet and began filing out of the conference room, Cerberus turned to speak to Medusa, but intentionally raised his voice loud enough for all to hear. “Let’s hope the managers don’t react badly to those staying behind. It would be a shame if they met the same end as “The Pack”. Medusa chuckled evilly at her leader’s blatantly sarcastic comment. Pegasus however did not seem to find it funny, and instead turned briefly back to team “Tempest” who had remained behind and gave a slight apologetic look before walking out.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSURRECTION AGENDA: PART TWO
Friday, May 2nd, 2003
Valhalla Agent complex -South end of Indigo City
We’ve received word from the managers on how to proceed with FenrisX,” Chimera began, addressing all but four of his peers. “Since team Tempest and agent Sphinx will not be joining us tomorrow, we are a total of 8, which should be more than sufficient to take him down”.
“But how do we expect to find him in the first place?” agent Kraken cut in.
“Simple, we’re not. FenrisX is going to come to us”.
Chimera walked over to the side of the room and pressed a button on a small panel. Immediately, the closest wall –which was actually a large screen- lit up, displaying a map of Indigo City.
"Valhalla has been keeping a close eye on the rogue agent, and it seems that FenrisX has developed somewhat of a routine. Roughly four to five times a week, he rides into the city from the North end, does a sweep in search of potential Valhalla workings and then leaves back the same way”.
The not so bright agent Minotaur interrupted into Chimera’s briefing. “Well that doesn’t leave us with much information. There are a million places North of Indigo City where he could be”.
“Pay more attention agent Minotaur,” Chimera scolded before continuing. “We don’t have to follow him out of the city. Instead we’re going to stage 3 mock robberies and hope that FenrisX takes the bait. We will split into 3 groups. Team Inferno will be stationed here,” he said pointing to a spot on the chart. “Team Cyclone here, and finally agent Minotaur and I here. Once FenrisX is out in the open, the team that he discovers will notify the remaining agents. Is everything clear?”
“If you want any fun,” Cerberus began, “you better hope he doesn’t find me first, cause I’m guaranteeing you, he wont live long enough for the rest of you to arrive”.
“This is not meant to be fun Cerberus,” Chimera replied coolly. “We do this as quick and painless as possible, we owe FenrisX that much”.
An evil twinkle shimmered in Cerberus’s eyes. “Then again, you better pray I don’t get to him first”.
saturday, May 3rd, 11:55 PM
Indigo City - Commercial Sector
The night was proving to be the same as all the rest that week – boring and uneventful. Eric had already ridden into Indigo City 4 times this week (this occasion being his fifth) and on each night, he managed to come up empty handed. *Nothing again!* he thought angrily as he turned onto a road leading to part of the commercial sector. Ever since his abduction at the hands of Valhalla weeks prior, he had been even more eager to do damage to his former employers.
Just as Eric was planning to turn back to the highway and call the evening quits, his eyes caught a glimpse of something unusual up ahead. Passing the street which he would have otherwise taken, the crimson clad hero sped forward in hopes of getting a better look. *Well what do we have here* he mused as two figures came clearly into view. The larger of the two (who no doubt measured a stunning 6’7 at least) was wearing a black ski mask, and seemed to be threatening the other man (whose face was also concealed by the low hood he wore). *Well maybe it isn’t some large Valhalla doing, but its something*
Speedily parking his bike, Eric rushed towards the scene of the mugging just in time to catch the smaller man from being shoved violently to the harsh concrete road. “It’ll be ok from here on sir,” he said, as he moved passed, now placing himself face to face with the ski mask wearing criminal. “Tonight isn’t your lucky night buddy,” Eric threatened as he took a step closer.
A familiar voice replied from behind the black veil: “See that is where you are wrong FenrisX, tonight is my lucky night”.
It took a moment for Eric to register where he knew the voice, but once he had, he knew he could not be mistaken. “Minotaur!”
“You were always so quick on the uptake,” the large man replied as he ripped off his mask and jacket, revealing the purple and black colours of his Nightshade outfit.
“It’s not that I’m that quick, it’s just that you’re so damn slow,” Eric taunted as he jumped back, dodging a devastating punch from the behemoth agent. “You really would think Valhalla would be smarter than to send just you after me,” he said avoiding another crushing blow. “Didn’t they learn their lesson after I cleaned Manticore’s clock?”
“They did, and that’s why Minotaur is not alone”.
The new voice seemed to come out of no where. Suddenly, before Eric could react, an unnatural shadow under the street lamp molded into the corporeal form of agent Chimera who quickly moved into a sidekick. The blow landed square in FenrisX’s back, sending him stumbling forwards towards the 6’7 monster. Had he not had the presence of mind to duck and roll, Minotaur’s punch would no doubt have knocked Eric into oblivion (if it hadn’t shattered his skull of course).
“Agent Chimera,” he said, as he withdrew the two pistols he had strapped to his legs. “You know I would have expected this sort of dirty ambush from Inferno, but not from you”.
“I’m afraid this is not my choice FenrisX,” Chimera replied as he and Minotaur stalked closer, keeping watch that Eric didn’t let loose a barrage of energy bolts from his guns. “I would have preferred to see things go differently, but as you must remember, I am not in charge of how we do things”.
Thinking that he could end the battle quickly, Minotaur unexpectedly burst forward, leaping at FenrisX. Thanks to his telepathy however, Eric had been expecting the foolish move from his mammoth-sized opponent. Within a split second his arm came up, his finger pulled back, and a yellowish bolt of energy sizzled towards Minotaur, before striking him right between the eyes. FenrisX sidestepped the flying body of the huge man as it fell unceremoniously to the ground.
“My gun was set to a high enough setting to knock out big old Bruce here, but without his enhanced durability, I’m afraid it might be a little more dangerous for you Chimera. Now in the spirit of old friendships, I’m going to give you the opportunity to leave now. As great an agent as you are, you know you can’t take me in a one on one fight”.
“That may be true FenrisX, but you are once again mistaken if you think I came alone”.
Before Eric could reply, two long, glowing tentacles from above snatched the guns from his hands and sent them flying away.
“What the hell!?” he exclaimed as he looked up to see who or what had unarmed him. There on the roof of the closest store building was the leader of team Cyclone, agent Kraken. Eight horrible tendrils whipped about his small body giving him the appearance of some sort of overgrown octopus.
Preparing himself to telekinetically throw off any attack from his two opponents, Eric turned his gaze back to agent Chimera. “Well looks like its two to one again”.
“I wouldn’t speak so quickly lover boy,” said another voice which Eric recognized as Calypso’s. As he turned 90 degrees to face the new threat, he only managed to see the sparkling, rainbow coloured sphere just before it came into contact with his stomach. The ball exploded into a shower of sparkles sending FenrisX crashing through the store window behind him. Shards of glass cut through his scarlet attire, lacerating his body in a number of places.
“Urghhhhh” a weak groan escaped his lips as he struggled to get back to his feet. Looking around, Eric noticed that he had been flung into a Household Hardware one of the larger home renovation stores in Indigo City. *This could work to my advantage* he thought as he noticed a wall filled with a variety of hammers. However, before he ever got the opportunity to hurtle the mallets at the agents who were not storming into the empty store, another sudden force struck him from behind, once again sending him reeling into a display of paint cans.
“Not so tough now, are you Eric,” Manticore spat arrogantly from behind.
“Brave words from a guy who has three other agents backing him up,” Eric managed to reply through gasping breaths.
The banter was cut short when four tendrils wrapped around Eric’s wrists and ankles and hoisted him up into the air. No matter how much he struggled, their was no way of freeing himself from their vice like grip.
“Poor poor Eric, it really is a shame you made some very bad decisions,” Calypso taunted as she created another sphere between the palms of her hands. “and I’m not only talking about betraying Valhalla, but how could you settled for Jenna when you could have had me”. She let the ball of energy rip through the air, once again exploding painfully in his already aching chest.
The punishment only continued when Kraken decided to start swinging the helpless FenrisX around smashing him over and over into various walls and displays before finally dropping him in a large pile of 4x4s.
Blood trickled from his nose, lips and countless other cuts. His arms and legs were bruised and badly beaten, but that was nothing when compared to the pain in his chest. Although his pride would not let him surrender, his body just had no more fight in it. Wiping some blood which had trailed from his forehead into his eyes, he noticed that 4 more agents had just arrived. Minotaur was once again conscious, followed up by….Inferno.
“Oh don’t tell me I’m so late that Eric doesn’t have any energy left to fight me,” Cerberus chuckled as he nonchalantly walked passed the rest of the agents. “It really must eat you up inside to have me so close, and yet not be able to fight back”. The black clad beast violently kicked Eric in the face, sending spurts of blood flying everywhere. “I mean after what I did to Jenna and Alex, you must really have it in for me”. Cerberus let fly another kick, this time to Eric’s stomach. “Well don’t worry old friend, you won’t have to worry about it much longer”. As if possessed by some furious animal, Cerberus began pummeling the already half dead agent with a number of kicks. Although most of the agents behind thought he was going over board, no one dared interrupt Cerberus, none save one.
Just as he was about to deliver what would have most likely been the finishing blow, Cerberus was sent flying sideways.
“GOD DAMN SHIT,” he screamed as he emerged from the pile of tile samples he had crashed into. To his utter amazement, standing defensively in front of Eric was Pegasus, a look of anger and fear plastered across his face.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing pup?!” the enraged agent hissed.
“I’m stopping you, you psycho bastard,” Pegasus replied, somewhat shocked that he managed the courage to talk back to Cerberus.
“Oh this is really rich,” Medusa chuckled. “you’re going to stop us?”
“Pegasus, back away now, or we’ll be forced to take actions against you also,” Chimera said calmly.
“I will not,” he replied defiantly. “Don’t you all see this is madness? You’re all trying to kill Eric. He’s one of us for God’s sake".
“I….(cough) I really appreciate this Christian..(cough) but you’re just going to get yourself killed also. Take Chimeras advice and please back away,” Eric managed to utter through various blood filled coughs.
Pegasus pretended like he did not hear Eric’s plea, and remained standing unfazed. “I’m not going to let you hurt him anymore”.
“You and what army is going to stop us,” Medusa cackled once again.
“Did someone call for an army……”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
April the 28th, 2003
12:01pm
Lash's house, Mutantgrad, Russia
William sat with the ‘laptop’ open, grateful that Lash had allowed him to use her connection. Still, he had to wonder if the sound of him speaking with a machine would disturb her any – especially one which was capable of sounding as forceful as this. It took him a while to get used to talking to the AI. It seemed weird to know that you were conversing with an intelligent program, but after several months, it finally became routine.
The voice of Observer came out clearly: “I have determined that Valhalla’s agents represent a potential threat to us, and we require observational data of them before any further counter-measures may be planned.”
“So this is purely observational?” William asked.
“Not quite. We need more up to date intelligence – recovery of an agent would be desirable. Alive is possible, a corpse if necessary. Sara has reported success in some of her research.”
“I’ll be ready to leave by the time the night is out,” said William, closing the connection with Observer.
“Leaving already?” Lash pouted playfully at her friend just as she walked in on the end of his conversation to the… computer. At least it talks back, eliminating the likely instinctive assumption of him being plain crazy, she thought with an amused glint in her eye. “I thought you liked it here.”
"You know the way it is with mercenaries," he said, sighing and getting up from his sitting position. "It's very nice here, but you have to follow orders from whoever hires you."
Lash shrugged, relaxing to a more casual stance, propping herself down on her suede leather couch, she sighed, “Hmm, I know.” She said, frowning in thought. Something she thought she’d heard the computer say suddenly sprung up to mind, “Valhalla…. Did the computer mention that? Wasn’t that what I helped out with the other day? It sounded familiar.”
William nodded. As though she would believe that he had just been receiving orders from an AI. "My client is being rather fickle, it seems. Now he wants information on the organisation he was supposed to be working with before." He gave her an ironic smile, the kind that told you there was more going on than was being let on. "Don't you just love millionaires, how quickly their minds can change?"
Lash smiled shrewdly back, “Mmm, I love their money.”
With a huff of boredom and, a now more notable disappointment, at the sudden news of her friends early departure, she tapped the upholstery in solemn thought, “So who’s your client?”
For a moment, William considered using the name of one of Valhalla's front's competitors. Then he decided that the truth - or half of it - could work just as well. "Ever heard of Zyrcom?" he asked, knowing that the obvious answer would be yes. He'd not yet found anyone who hadn't heard of at least their security systems.
Them?” Lash exclaimed, pursing her lips in thought, That’d definitely be a good loaded company to have hire you! Juicy rewards. “Well, I suppose I can let you go on that. I certainly wouldn’t want to pass up such an opportunity.”
She checked her clock on the wall, “How long before you have to leave?”
"Very soon - my flight leaves in three hours."
Lash, childishly, pulled a face at that before reassuming her friendlier, light-hearted smile. “Well, don’t you just suck!” She chuckled, “Leave a gal so suddenly in the middle of Siberia.” Poking out her tongue, she then added as an after thought, “I should get closer to Dashkon actually… he has an amazing gift that can keep a girl warm all night long.” She winked mischievously.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSURRECTION AGENDA: PART 3
Sunday, May 4th, 2003
12:06 AM, Indigo City Commercial Sector
As if in unison, all the agents turned around to see just who the latest arrivals were. A chorus of “Gasps” fell from all their mouths.
“Team Tempest,” Medusa whispered with a great deal of malice in her voice.
“And lets not forget about me,” said the attractive black woman wearing the black and purple colours of team Nighshade.
“What do you all think you’re doing here?” barked Kraken, who was beginning to wear a grimace even Cerberus would have been proud of.
“Well since there was going to be this big family reunion, we thought we should drop by,” Achilles replied back as his fists began to vibrate and glow with green energy. “Now if you would all be so kind as to let Eric and Christian through, there won’t be a problem”.
Chimera was next to speak, addressing his words more to his team member than to the three Tempest agents. “Sphinx, this is a direct violation of orders. Now I order you to step down!”
The woman looked back at her leader, with a touch of sadness in her eyes. “I’m sorry Michael that its come to this, but you haven’t left us any choice”.
“Now once again, let FenrisX and Pegasus through!” demanded Sylph menacingly.
Cerberus made his way back from the pile of tiles he had been smashed into and stood with his faction of agents. “Looks like I was right, there will be a few more agents joining Jenna and Alex”.
“So this is how it’s going to be?” asked Achilles, hands still bursting with energy.
“I guess so handsome,” Calypso replied as she let loose a sphere of energy towards the blue clad agent.
Achilles quickly jumped sideways, avoiding the rainbow bomb and released his own blast of energy. The green concussion beam ruthlessly smashed into Calypso sending her body crashing through the store and eventually rendering her unconscious when she finally landed 20 feet away.
Achilles’s hand began to glow again, and this time his fellow agents were also preparing to strike. Orion’s hands began to shimmer a reddish orange, Sylphs aura began to extend, turning into a number a swords, and Sphinx’s human figure changed into that of a giant black panther.
“Let’s get ready to rumble,” Achilles said.
For the Fixer, the night had so far been an exercise in patience and tedium. Intel was sketchy at best. All they knew was that all of the agents were planning a joint operation to take care of Fenris - the perfect opportunity to get first hand data on how the agents operated as a unit. Which lead to the fun of remaining close enough to observe, but far enough to remain hidden. One group lagged behind, breaking up to shadow the others. Naturally, he decided to follow the twins. Which eventually brought him to the position he was in now: trying to sneak into a store, watching someone fly into the store after being struck by a blast of energy. A small unit was already on its way, to recover anyone he could perhaps capture - or his body, if he fell. He jogged around to the other side, frantically looking for a way in. All he needed was a better position to watch.
The mass of agents collided together in a violent exhibition of raw power. One by one they broke off from the main group, finding a personal adversary to square off with. Kraken’s long thrashing tentacles were engaged in a desperate struggle with Sylphs blue aura, which she had transformed into a number of floating swords. Sphinx, now in panther form, had dashed towards Medusa and was pawing angrily trying to disembowel the Inferno member. Orion was left to fight both the massive Minotaur and the stealthy Chimera, as Manticore leapt in front of Achilles, and was attempting to land a number of vicious punches in.
Back where Eric lay bloodied and beaten on the floor, Cerberus was now squaring off with his team mate Pegasus.
“You stupid boy, do you think you’re going to beat me?” barked Cerberus as he faked a punch, trying to frighten his opponent. “You don’t have FenrisX or Achilles here to play big brother”.
Pegasus circled around Cerberus, prepared to rush forward should he try to use his siphoning agent ability. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me Marc,” he spat back.
“So the pup has grown some melons, well why don’t you show me what you got”.
The two Inferno members began exchanging a variety of well placed attacks, neither of which gaining much of an advantage. Although Cerberus was clearly the more skilled fighter, Pegasus could move at lightning speeds and thus make up for his lack of natural ability. At one point it even seemed like he may have gotten the upper hand when he managed to connect with a number of jabs to Cerberus’s face, but things quickly changed when Cerberus grabbed onto Pegasus’s wrists and held him in place.
“Game’s over pup,” he said malevolently as he began draining away Pegasus’s life force.
Several feet away, Manticore had also thought his fight was about to draw to an end. Using his incredible agility, he had managed to avoid every beam Achilles threw at him, and in turn landed almost everyone of his attacks.
“I always knew I could take you,” he taunted as he arrogantly walked to where Achilles lay flat on his back. Manticore drew out a small pistol he carried strapped to his side and pointed it square in his enemy’s chest. “Say good night Achilles”.
However, before the Cyclone agent could pull the trigger, Achilles brought his foot up in a vicious arc which sent the gun flying away.
“I’m afraid it ain’t my bed time yet buddy”.
By the time Manticore knew what was going in it was too late. An enormous bolt of green energy erupted from Achilles hands and sent he cocky adversary flying across the store, causing him to join Calypso in sweet unconsciousness.
Rising to his feet Achilles looked around to see where he was needed most. Although he wanted to rush to the aid of his brother who was valiantly taking on two agents, he instead made a move towards Pegasus who was now being beaten senseless by Cerberus.
“Like I said before, ready to rumble Cerbsy?”
Cerberus halted his vicious attack on Pegasus and instead turned to face his new opponent.
“Oh you’re going to regret calling me that!”
The Fixer climbed over the fence, dashing into the store as quickly as possible. His view was much better from where he was now as he watched. In the short period of time which had elapsed, several smaller fights had broken out.
Kraken and Sylph were moving in an elaborate dance, each attempting to fight and find the proper opening to strike. Kraken’s tentacles could easily disable her to allow him to get in close for the defeating blow, while her aura in the form of a sword could slash through those tentacles and cause immense pain. One of Sylph’s blades slashed through the air, a tentacle pulling back just in time to avoid being lopped off. Another came around from behind, forcing Sylph to dodge down again into an awkward position. It gave Kraken the chance he needed to move in close, delivering a quick blow to her abdomen. Sylph felt her lungs empty from the sudden blow, as she tried to regain her balance. Then the world moved rapidly, and she found herself facing the ceiling. As Kraken tried to move in for the killing blow,
she rolled sideways, trapping a tentacle between her body and the floor. A quick slash was all that was needed, causing the agent to howl in agony.
All the while, the Fixer watched with calm professionalism, ducking to move over another aisle. One weakness had been exposed.
Green energy whizzed passed Cerberus’s ears causing his neck hair to stand on end. The Inferno member knew one hit and he would most likely end up joining Calypso and Manticore off in a pile of rubble.
“Can’t dodge forever Cerberus,” Achilles jeered from behind a wall of screwdrivers, shooting every now and then through a hole he had made. The Tempest agent knew his best bet was to stay out of view of his vampiric adversary, that way he could avoid getting his life force stolen.
Next to him, a bruised but otherwise ok Pegasus was once again on his feet ready for action.
“If you distract him long enough, I could run in and take him out,” he said hoping to put the finishing touches on his old leader.
“No, ill take care of Cerberus, go help Orion,” Achilles replied looking over to his brother who was slowly losing the battle against Chimera and Minotaur.
Pegasus gave one fleeting look back to Cerberus and then bolted off towards Chimera.
The slight distraction had given Cerberus enough time to make his way to where Achilles was hiding. “If I were you, I would be more worried about myself”.
Orion was attempting to tackle both Chimera and Minotaur at the same time, the latter resisting his efforts to be moved. Chimera would simply blend into shadow and move that way to avoid an attack. As it was, the agent had hidden himself well, leaving Orion to focus on Minotaur. The pair began to struggle with one another, each trying to gain dominance.
Chimera’s shadow form vanished as the he appeared again, taking aim to fire. With Minotaur’s strength, it would probably just piss him off in the end. His finger began to tighten around the trigger. The shot sounded while the bullet struck one of the lights in the ceiling, Pegasus’ tackle having sent him to the floor.
“I thought Cerberus took care of you,” said Chimera, losing his gun on the floor while Pegasus pinned him to the floor. “No matter.” Chimera delivered a quick headbutt, dazing Pegasus long enough to enable him to knock him aside. Chimera noticed that his gun was now in another aisle or two down, and began to move to get it. Pegasus grabbed him again, spinning him around before punching him in the jaw quickly.
“That’s IT!” Chimera screamed, charging at Pegasus. Arms around his waist, they crashed onto the floor in one of the nearby aisles. A male form darted aside. Pegasus tried to block, but stopped as he noticed the bald man above him. Chimera brought his fist down to strike his face, and the world went black for a moment. Chimera looked up, wondering what could have caught his eye.
“Who the hell are you?”
*That’s my cue to leave* thought the Fixer. He got a sudden flash: Chimera rising, charging forward. An attack. The Fixer’s reflexes kicked in, delivering a fast blow to Chimera before darting down another aisle. Perhaps there was a way to capture someone. All he needed was confusion.
Two ailes over, a plan formed.
The battle between Medusa and Sphinx had been long and vicious. Although the Nightshade agent had put up a heroic effort, Medusa had eventually managed to grab hold of Sphinx, and paralyze her. Letting the rigid body fall to the ground, she debated whether to finish off her opponent or go find a new victim. Seeing that Cerberus may have needed some back up, she chose the later of the two.
“Well Sweety, looks like you’re going to live to fight another day,” she said as she stalked over to where the Tempest agent was locked in vicious combat with her fellow Inferno member.
ZZZZZZWWWHAP
Finally one of Achilles concussion beams made contact with Cerberus, sending him reeling to the floor. Unfortunately, the blast did not hit straight on, and only managed to daze the black clad agent for a few moments, but that was all the time an experienced agent like Achilles would need. Darting forward, Achilles began charging up his fists for one final blast that would no doubt knock Cerberus into oblivion (That’s if it didn’t kill him). Before he could release the energy however, two small hands wrapped around his wrists from behind. A strange sensation tingled up his arms before he lost all feeling in them. The new attacker quickly spun Achilles around so he was now face to face with her, and Medusa preceded to round house kick him square on his large jaw. The blow sent a stunned Achilles stumbling back where Cerberus was now up and waiting. The malicious agent leapt forward and wrapped his powerful arms around the Tempest agent and began greedily feeding off his life force.
“Thanks Medusa, I needed a quick pick me up….Medusa?” Cerberus’s maniacal smile turned into a frown as he noticed his team member slump to the ground. Standing behind her was a very bloody and bruised Eric.
“Let him go Cerberus, you know it’s me you want”.
Cerberus only tightened his bear hug on Achilles. “Don’t worry Eric, I’ll be with you in a second”.
“ACHILLES!,” Eric screamed as he tried to move forward, but once again he was too late. The muscled form of the Tempest agent who moments before had been full of life now fell dead to the ground.
“Experiencing some Deja vue Eric,” Cerberus laughed as he cracked his neck to one side.
Fixer took a moment to set several of the cans of gasoline on a nearby counter, looking around for someone else. Drawing his gun, he rapidly fired several shots at the cans. Clear liquid spilled onto the floor, causing him to shuffle backwards lest any of the gasoline get on him. For a moment, he considered the pack of matches. Then he had another flash. Flames lept into the air, catching his clothing on fire. Not a bright move. A new plan formed. All it would take to set off the gas into flames would be a single spark -the kind of spark caused by a lit bulb exploding. Fixer jogged down another aisle or two down, knowing that the rapid shots had to have drawn attention at least momentarily. He returned with a lantern, turned it on, and tossed it into the middle of the gasoline. It bounced, rolled a bit, then stopped, still intact.
“Why do they never break when you want them to?” he muttered. Drawing his pistol again, he took careful aim. The sound of the gunshot echoed in his ear, as the bullet connected with the lantern. As the bulb exploded, the gasoline erupted into life. Flames leapt up the sides of several aisles, as the fire started to spread.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
May 1st, 2003
Geneva, 6:30am
The sun started to rise above the clouds, the calling of the dawn was known to all whom were honored by the golden shine. The brightest and the warm light felt brilliant as people got ready to leave for their daily jobs and errands. The sleepy city had now awoken.
A hotel, pretty popular in this season, also awoke, situated in the central of the busy city of Geneva. This particular Hotel being mentioned was usually used mostly by holiday travelers and VIPs who came to this town for conferences and meetings. It was beautifully decorated from the outside to the inside, where there was the shiny marble exterior; there was a warm red touch in the interior. To a red carpet all the way through with leather couches in the lounge for those people waiting for reservations, and there were many. The beautiful flowers decorated in delicate vases this Hotel did retain its image for being a true home away from home.
The manager, Clifford, this morning seemed quite happy. Although he was not allowed to tell any press, there was a great celebrity coming to the city, and who would be staying in the very hotel, Mr. Lambert Hoffman. He was an emerging tycoon from Germany specialising in electronics. However the year before there were quite a few rumors going around for him having illegal investments in weaponry, and was also taken to court, the case which was later dropped due to the lack of evidence. *Probably someone wanting to fling mud at the good Hoffman* thought Clifford, rumors were just rumors right? Clifford would however make sure the news of the arrival would “leak” thus bringing up the image of the hotel.
Lambert Hoffman's arrival was announced by two black Jeeps and a BMW arriving. There was a lot of security as the whole Hoffman family came to the hotel, Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman and their two daughters. They were escorted by Clifford himself to the exclusive suite. Clifford welcomed the family and buttered them as much as he could.
Outside the hotel there were many passers by, some distracted by sudden arrival of the three black cars. However one specific passerby just glanced at the hotel and then was on her way past it. She had long blond hair and wore a beige blouse with long sleeves and a short black skirt, which showed off her figure to the extent that some people were starting to ignore the three black cars. She quickly disappeared into the crowd, as mysteriously as she had appeared.
Hate made her way away from the hotel towards a small building opposite it. She already had a room there reserved in the name of Charlotte Claude. She made her way up her room and sat on her bed and waited.
System= Normal
Current Operation= Wait for further orders
Mode= Stealth
Identity= Charlotte Claude
She had to wait two hours until the cell phone in her pocket started ringing. She took it out. “Bonjour” she said in the accent of Charlotte. “Good morning Hate, I hope all has gone according to plan” Right that instant the demeanor of a naïve girl with the French accent faded away. Her voice became the same monotonous voice that belonged to the Hate protocol and she sat up more straight. “Affirmative. I infiltrated into the city without detection. Further inquiry revealed target’s arrival. Awaiting further orders.”
The man at the other end smiled. Assassination work was so easy with the help of robots. They wouldn’t squeal on you, they didn’t have any conscience, they were efficient, and best of all easily replaced if wanted. But he wanted no such thing. This protocol had been in operation for just about six months now. Actually the six months would be up in under a week, and still she had become the best agent ever. She was also the first android assassin to be hired too.
“Good. Permission granted to move onto the third objective of the operation. Base Out.”
Hate closed the phone and put it in her pocket. She them bent down to take out a violin case from under her bed which had the automatic sniper riffle in it. She quickly snapped the pieces of the rifle in place and checked it. She then made her way to the window and bent in position to snipe, with one eye closed and the other in the eyepiece of the rifle, she aimed it towards the hotel. She already knew which room the “target” was staying in. She stayed there until she got a clear shot of the target and took a shot. The bullet went cleanly through the target’s head, who fell over dead instantly. The daughters came running to aid, one crying the other screaming “Father! FATHER!!!” They cried “Come quickly!”
Mr. Hoffman came running and saw the body of his wife in front of the window. “Mien Gott!” he exclaimed as he saw his dead wife. He quickly took his daughters away and alerted the guards. Everyone was saddened by the grief of a husband losing his wife. What everyone didn’t notice was the glint of relief in his eyes. If his wife hadn’t died today then next week she would be witness giving a statement which could bring Hofffman’s entire company down, as it would finally prove his link in illegal weaponry connection with the secret services itself.
By the time the police arrived and checked out the opposite building, Hate had long gone, leaving not a scent of identity behind.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSURRECTION AGENDA: PART 4
Sunday, May 4th 2003
12:11 AM, Indigo City - Commercial sector
Despite the horribly beating his body had just received, Eric’s eyes burned with incredible fury. Just seconds before, he had witnessed Cerberus mercilessly kill another of his closest friends, Blare Storm (otherwise known as agent Achilles).
“HOW COULD YOU?!”
A wicked smile emerged on the Inferno member’s visage as he calmly stared back at Fenris. “Oh it wasn’t that hard really, and just between you and me, I never really liked him much anyways”.
Although he had not thought it possible, Eric hated Cerberus even more than ever. And even though the store was quickly being consumed by flames, Fenris stood unblinking. A silent rage seemed to fall over the bloody hero as he began to concentrate on his friend’s murderer. Slowly bits and pieces from all over the store began to float out of place, and whirl towards Cerberus.
“This time,” Eric said, barely above a whisper, “this time, you’re not getting away”.
As the flames leapt into life, Fixer immediately dropped to the ground. Coughing, he made his way across the bottom of the store, trying to stay as low as possible. Confusion would aide his escape. He soon reached the middle of the store, able to catch the final agents getting ready to leave. Chimera and Pegasus were actually helping each other try to get out.
As Fixer came out the back again, he cast a glance over towards the fight between Cerberus and Fenris. Coughing furiously, he managed to catch his breath . . . and then saw the perfect mark. Chimera.
It was time.
Chimera’s legs felt heavy as he continued to cough, looking down. He lost grip of Pegasus, trying to regain his breath. That was when he felt his body hit the wall. Dazed, he glanced over to see the same bald man as before. “Say goodnight, hotshot,” he said, punching Chimera in the stomach.
The bald man coughed again, trying to catch his breath. Chimera pushed off the wall, knocking him to the ground. They began rolling around, a mix of arms and legs. He coughed again and rolled off, almost out of energy.
“Who’s that?” Orion’s voice cut through the coughing fits which struck many agents. Sylph turned her head to the other brewing fight – the closest they could get with smoke-filled lungs.
“I have no idea,” she confessed, watching the get up. The stranger took several blows that knocked the breath out of him before Chimera was grabbed with another coughing fit, giving the stranger enough time to bring his knee into Chimera’s crotch, sending him doubling over in pain. “Eric!” she called out, trying to distract him from beating Cerberus into a bloody pulp.
The Fixer drew his pistol, and began to lower it towards Chimera’s heart. A dead capture would still work – they just needed the brain intact.
Hammers, wrenches, wood, tiles and an assortment of other things in the store flew towards the ebony clad villain, viciously pelting him all over. As the debris painfully smashed into him from every direction, the cocky smile faded from Cerberus’s face. He had never seen Eric like this, and frankly, it frightened him. Before he had any time to fight back, Fenris was already upon him, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches.
“YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID!”
Fenris was like a rabid wolf, digging into his prey. Over and over he came at Cerberus with an endless stream of physical attacks as well as the countless projectiles he was telekinetically throwing. Cerberus was powerless to fight back, every time he tried to concentrate his vampiric abilities, a new object would smash into him and break his focus. Had it not been for Sylph calling out to him, Eric would no doubt have beaten Cerberus to death.
Breaking off his assault for a second, he turned to see why the Tempest agent had called out to him, but within seconds the reason became clear. Close to the exit of the store, which had now turned into a fiery inferno, Chimera lay on his back helpless, against a mysterious bald man who now had a pistol pointed straight for his heart. *What the hell is that guy doing here?*
Eric had met the man once before when the stranger had abducted him, and brought him to die in a Valhalla warehouse. But now, the man (who Eric thought was some new agent) was preparing himself to kill Chimera, something a Valhalla member probably wouldn’t do. Without giving it a second thought, Eric turned his abilities on Fixer, mentally throwing him backwards, thus giving Chimera a chance to escape. Even if his fellow agent had just aided in an attempt to kill him, Eric could not stand by and watch another person he cared about die in front of him. Once he knew that Chimera was safe from the stranger he turned his attention back to where Cerberus had been seconds before. Unfortunately however, he was no where to be found.
The report of the gunshot sounded about the same time as the Fixer was knocked back. On his back, he looked up to see Fenris there again. *Ok... definatly time to go* he thought, scrambeling to get out of there as fast as he could. So much for the mission.
As Eric quickly scanned the burning store for his enemy, his lungs filled up with smoke causing him to keel over in a coughing fit. Similarly, the immediate bloodlust that had temporarily energized him was beginning to fade, the aches and pains of before coming to take its place. *I’ve got to get out of here* Before he could move to leave however, a large piece of ceiling caved in, landing painfully on Eric’s shoulders, sending him painfully to the floor. After a few moments of being dazed, Fenris tried to get back up, but the rubble that had fallen on him was now placed squarely over his legs, preventing him from getting up. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem, as he could just telekinetically throw it off, but his powers were being otherwise occupied with preventing the rest of the roof from falling in on him.
Just as Eric was about to give up hope, Pegasus appeared through the smoke, and rushed to lift up the boulders which pinned Fenris. “Don’t worry, Eric, ill have you out of here in no time”. He said.
Just as he was about to breath a sigh of relief, another figure appeared through the veil of smolder and viciously grabbed Pegasus from the hair. “You’ve been a bad little pup now haven’t you,” Cerberus said as he drained away the little energy Pegasus had left. Unlike Achilles however, he stopped his siphoning before his victims heart had stopped.
“Well Eric, ill be headed back to the agent complex now,” he jeered as he slumped Pegasus's limp body over his shoulder. “If you wanna help your little buddy here, I trust you’ll come visit sometime soon”.
“Cerberus…NO”. Eric’s protests fell on deaf ears as the Inferno agent disappeared into the smoke. As much as he wanted to chase after Cerberus, he knew he had to escape the fiery death trap if he was going to live and help Pegasus out another day. Still concentrating on the ceiling, he rushed over to Achilles corpse, hoisted it up, and dashed to the nearest exit.
The Fixer ran, knowing that escape was the best option at this time. One final glance back told him that the agents were still busy fighting amongst themselves, trying to escape. All they needed to figure out now was who was still a Valhalla agent. Turning, he continued to run down the street, before diving into a waiting car. Two people were waiting inside of it, members of a minor crime family who owed a few favours.
His escape was complete.
*Just a bit farther* he coaxed his tired body, all the while praying his legs didn’t give out. Luckily enough, his adrenaline managed to keep him going long enough to reach the safety of the outdoors. There, on the street Eric could make out the figures of Sylph, Sphinx (who had just recovered from Medusa’s poison) and Orion..*Oh god, Orion* Eric looked down and the lifeless body of Orion’s brother he was now carrying. Forcing himself to hold back tears, he walked slowly over to his rescuers.
“Orion, grab Achilles, Eric looks like he’s going to pass out any second,” Sylph instructed as they rushed over to Fenris’s side. By the look on his face however, the three agents knew something wasn’t right.
“I’m……I’m so sorry Orion. I couldn’t stop Cerberus in time”.
The words didn’t seem to sink in to the Tempest agent right away. Jogging forwards, Orion took his brother’s unmoving body from Eric’s arms and rested him gently on the ground.
“What do you mean you couldn’t stop Cerberus?” he said as he knelt down and lightly smacked Achilles’ face. “Achilles…..Achilles….stopping shitting us and wake up…” his voice became a little more frantic. “Blare (switching from his brother’s code name to real name) wake up now…..”
“I’m so sorry,” Eric said quietly. He knew what Orion must be feeling, and so he knew that right now, words were not going to help.
“Sylph, why isn’t he waking up,” Orion said frantically as he looked over to his team leader who was now beginning to tear up. “Blare you’ve got to wake up….WAKE UP!”
Orion softly lifted his brother’s head in one final attempt to wake him. “Blare please…you can’t be gone…you can’t be…” Tears streamed down the Tempest agent’s face as he finally seemed to realize that his brother was not going to magically open his eyes.
Bravely hiding her own sorrow, Sylph bent down next to her team member, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Sphinx had made her way over to Eric.
“Where is Pegasus?” she asked through the lump in her throat. She too had been affecting by Achilles unfortunate passing.
Eric looked down to his feet, ashamed that he let his rival take another of his friends. “Cerberus grabbed him before leaving. He said if I wanted to see Pegasus alive again, I would come to the agent complex”.
“You know that if you go, you’re going to walk straight into a trap and most likely get yourself killed”. She replied.
“Pegasus was ready to stand up to 7 other agents to protect me. I’m not going to sit idly by and leave him in the clutches of that madman”.
Sphinx sighed expecting this response from him. “We’re four, max, and that’s if Orion and Sylph are up to coming”.
“If Cerberus is going to be there, I’m coming,” Orion cut in, the sadness in his voice temporarily replaced by pure hatred.
“So, even if we’re four, we’re going to be up against 7 other agents, not to mention whatever number of Valhalla guards are there. We definitely need some help, if we’re going to stand any chance in helping Pegasus”.
Eric’s eyes lit up for a moment as he was suddenly struck with an idea. “I think I know someone who can help in a rescue”.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
Saturday, May 5th 2003
5:30 Las Vegas
Beep..Beep…Beeeeeeeeeeep
A hand snaked out from under the covers and groped around for the alarm clock. The hand reached its goal and blessed silence enveloped the room.
Beep…Beep….Beeeeeeeeeeep
“Ok, Ok! I’m up” Mel groaned ten minutes later as the alarm rang again. She threw back the covers and stood up. Running a hand through her silver blue hair Mel stumbled zombie-like into the bathroom and ran a blisteringly hot shower. A little while later feeling slightly closer to human Mel stood toothbrush in hand and rubbed condensation from her mirror. She took in her eyes, the bloodshot whites, the black hole of her pupil and between them the silver blue iris. She looked down, after three hours sleep Mel didn’t feel up to seeing infinity in her eyes.
Reaching the kitchen Mel put on a pot of coffee, opened her refrigerator and prepared breakfast. Pouring out a cup of coffee she was about to start eating when there was a knock on the door.
“Morning Nic” Mel said as she opened the door
“Oh somebody got out of bed on the wrong side…”
Mel returned to her breakfast and much needed caffeine, as she sat down she noticed Nicola’s disapproving look. “Don’t start. I need this…”
“Long night?” Nicola settled herself onto Mel’s sofa
“Yeah, Some tourist with more money than sense - the idiot didn’t know when to quit.”
Nicola noticed Mel’s rather self-satisfied smirk. “How much did you take him for?”
Mel hid her smile behind her coffee cup “ A couple of thousand”
“Mel!”
“Hey! By the time the stakes got that high we were both betting with his money”
“But still…”
“Look it’s done with, “ Mel was suddenly glad she hadn’t told Nic the whole truth - She had won closer to five thousand dollars last night. “Hopefully he’ll go home a little older, a little wiser and maybe next time he won’t discount a woman at the poker table quite so readily.”
“And a lot poorer…” Nic’s half whispered comment left silence trailing in it’s wake before both women started laughing
Tears streaming from her eyes Mel tried to speak through her giggles “T-the last hand, y-you s-should have seen his f-face”
Fresh peals of laughter burst from Mel’s lungs and it was a few minutes before she managed to get herself back under control
Nicola glanced at the clock “Come on if we don’t start soon the sun will bake us before we get back.”
Mel nodded, wiped the tears from her cheeks and went back to the fridge. She took out a bottle of isotonic sports drink clipped it to her belt and glanced over to her running partner. “Sun cream?”
“You’re not going to let me forget that are you?”
“Nope”
Nicola was a red head with milky white skin – she didn’t tan, she burnt. Last month she’d forgotten to apply sunscreen before they’d gone running and for a few days her skin had rivalled her hair in colour. *Not that you’d know it now* Mel thought as she glanced over her friend.
Nicola rolled her eyes “Fine. Come on long legs”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Mind’s Deception” Part 8
April 16th, 2003 - Wednesday
11:30 PM
Sapphire Mountains, the surrounding areas of Crystal City, about a mile from the home of Psyspell.
The plan was fairly simple. Spectrum could not see why she hadn’t asked for help in capturing Psyspell before. The powers that the members of Mind Block possessed ranged from predicting the future to manipulating people’s dreams. Spectrum was really in awe of the group, and expected to ask more of their help in the future.
Here was the plan. Chameleon, who could camouflage herself, would go in first (in disguise, of course), and sneak in to Psyspell’s castle through a window opening. One inside, she would bring down the front gate and let the others in. Spectrum was supposed to keep from flying because the added light might wake Psyspell from her sleep. They would all go in, and find Psyspell. When they found her, Serenity, whose mystical and beautiful voice could calm the wildest of spirits, would calm Psyspell into a sleep state. Then Projector would make it seem that she was being carried by a handsome prince or something like that, back to the police station. In her calm state, Psyspell would not recognize trouble. In reality, it would be Spectrum carrying her, although if Psyspell knew this she would never go quietly, no matter what Serenity did. If something went wrong and Psyspell fought back, Kenetico was there to do some damage (although Spectrum thought that she might throw in an attack or two.). The other two members of Mind Block, Seer and Dream Weaver, had stayed behind; their assistance was not needed.
The plan seemed very well put together, but Spectrum had her doubts. Psyspell was psychic after all, and maybe she would sense Chameleon. Or maybe Serenity or Projector would not do their job correctly. Also, Spectrum knew that once in prison, Psyspell could easily reveal that Spectrum was Lori Grant. Although nobody would believe her at first, it would raise suspicion and Spectrum would always be in danger of being discovered. Still, Spectrum was too angry at Psyspell to care if her identity was revealed or not, and just wanted to capture her (or worse).
Lucius Backwall was also there, and had explained the plan to Spectrum. He seemed like a kind, patient man, and Spectrum could hardly believe that he had trained Psyspell. Spectrum glanced into the distance and saw Psyspell’s castle. Just like her to be all big and flashy, Spectrum thought bitterly. I bet everything she’s ever stolen is in that thing.
******
Spectrum was coming towards her, in an angry rage. Before she had a chance to react, Psyspell was taken down with a barrage of light. Psyspell found that she was trying to use her telekinesis, but could not. She was rendered helpless against her enemy, and all the while she kept hearing “You killed Janie!”. Psyspell did not understand, or care… she just felt the pain of the attack and slowly slipped into unconsciousness… and the last thing she saw was a cloaked figure in the distance, but hardly paid attention to it…
Rather than slip into unconsciousness, Psyspell awoke with a start. She was still in her bed, in her castle, in the Sapphire Mountains. She’d had the same dream for weeks, even before Spectrum had attacked her that night when she had stolen the emerald. It had changed a little over time, but it was still basically the same thing; she was attacked by Spectrum in a bloody rage. And who the hell was Janie? That part had started after Spectrum had said it in real life, but Psyspell still didn’t know who it was. Her head ached, and she fell back onto her pillow and tried to sleep.
Her attempts were destroyed, however, when the black telephone next to her bed rang. The number had been connected before Psyspell had even gotten the castle, and the telephone company had never thought a super villain was living in it, or if they did, they didn’t care. Money was money, after all, and as long as she kept paying, they would keep giving her service.
The phone, however, had not rang once since she had been there, and she had no idea who knew the number. In fact, Psyspell wasn’t sure that she even knew the number. Psyspell reached over in confusion and picked up the telephone. “Hello?” she asked in a puzzled tone.
“Amy, you’re in trouble.” The voice at the other end said. At first Psyspell didn’t know who it was, but then recognized it as Seer. Now that was a voice she hadn’t heard in a while. And of course, he would be the only one who could figure out the phone number.
“Seer? Why are you calling here?”
“Amy, I have foreseen a death sentence for you.” Before Psyspell had digested this knowledge, Seer continued. “I have seen the spectrum of light, and it holds your end.” Now Psyspell did know what he was talking about; Spectrum was the only one who held a light spectrum, and she may be coming again to kill, as her dream suggested. Perhaps Lucius Blackwall was right; she could see the future. “You must fight back Amy.” Seer continued, in his odd, mystical voice. “The only way you will survive is if you fight back with all your might.” Without any goodbye, Seer hung up the phone.
So, Spectrum was going to attack her? That didn’t surprise Psyspell one bit. Psyspell did make one mistake, however. She assumed that the attack would come later, not presently. If she had simply opened her mind, she might have sensed Chameleon and avoided a lot of trouble. She may have also detected another visitor that she would recognize. But, like Seer, she had not seen this visitor in a long while.
Chameleon was in, and she opened the front gate just as planned. Without any word, the members of Mind Block entered the gate and headed towards the castle. Lucius Blackwall was the only person to stay behind.
******
Spectrum headed towards the door, stopping her urge to fly there which would have caused a number of problems. Looking to her left, Spectrum noticed a shadow moving across the large lawn that was surrounded by mountain. On closer look, she recognized it as a figure, perhaps even Psyspell herself. When Spectrum looked again, the figure was gone, and she did not give it another thought. She had bigger fish to fry.
“Alright,” Serenity said. Although her voice was not in its soothing mode, Spectrum could not help but notice the beauty of it. She could listen to Serenity talk all day. “We’ll go in first Spectrum. If Psyspell does see us, she’ll be less alarmed to see us than you.”
“Alright,” Spectrum agreed. She watched as the three other members (Serenity, Projector and Kenetico) entered the castle and looked around. They entered deeper, and they disappeared into shadow. Now, Spectrum entered the castle and looked around. To her surprise, she saw no sign of her temporary partners.
“Hello?” she asked tentatively.
“I’m here.” Serenity said from behind Spectrum. Spectrum spun around to find that Projector and Kenetico had closed the doors and locked them. Serenity stood in from of them with a sly grin on her face. “You’re feeling very tired.” Serenity said.
“What?”
“You’re feeling very sleepy. You want to close your eyes and sleep. Only rest can help you now.” In fact, Spectrum did find herself feeling very tired. She did want to sleep. Before she got the chance to think, somebody from behind her karate chopped her in the head. Spectrum fell to the ground, still listening to Serenity’s angelic voice, and looked up. She saw Chameleon looking over her with the same grin that Serenity wore. That was the last thing Spectrum saw before she passed out.
Some of My Best Friends...Part Two
Some of My Best Friends Part Two…
*** Friday, April 18, 2003 around 4 pm ***
Soleil lay on the blanket she and her friends had laid out on the sand, eyes closed, listening to the portable CD player that rested a few feet from her head. Janis sang the praises of the “son of a preacher man” and all was right with the world. Out here among the surfers, sun worshippers, and frolicking families, no one was interested in discussing the “mutant problem.” For the first time since getting out of bed this morning, Soleil felt like she could relax. Sure, deep inside of her, her cells were charging up from the exposure she was getting to ultraviolet radiation, but Soleil was one of the lucky ones. Unlike a lot of mutants, no one could tell just by looking at her that she was different. Considering the plight of mutants in this country, that was probably for the best.
Dozing in the late afternoon sun, Soleil paid little attention to the people around her on the beach. She felt young and full of life, and content to be spending time with her friends on this lazy Friday afternoon. The world might be in turmoil, but it was sure hard to tell on this San Diego shore.
“Sol, you want something to drink?” Linda asked, rousing Soleil from her semi-slumber.
Soleil lifted her sunglasses from the bridge of her nose and let them rest on the top of her head. She propped herself up on her elbows and gazed around at the surrounding beach. The sun had started to drop and many of the families were packing up to leave. The surfers however were still all over the place.
“I’d like a lemonade,” Sol said. Linda nodded, and then she and the other girls headed off in the direction of a nearby snack stand. Sol sat up once they were gone and stared out into the water. The late afternoon sun shimmered off the waves, creating a mirage of shining jewels upon the surface of the water. Here and there dark shapes rode the waves. Sol watched them, thinking, not for the first time that she would like to learn to surf. She was entertaining her favorite daydream about meeting a hunky beach bum while riding a curl, when she caught sight of a gang of surfers coming up on shore near a family with small children.
Sol heard a young girl scream as the surfers emerged from the water. There were a half dozen or more of them, and the leader, even from a distance, looked odd. Sol stood up to get a better view and that’s when she realized something was wrong. The obvious leader of the surf gang had grabbed hold of the little girl who had screamed and was dangling her over the sand by one of her ankles. Sol couldn’t make out what was being said, but she could hear crude laughter and cat calls from the gang.
The other surfers and remaining families on the beach were hurriedly packing up their things and making for their cars. Sol was surprised that no one wanted to help.
“What’s going on?” she called to one of the passersby.
“It’s those mutants from the news,” he replied, his voice full of terror.
Sol turned back, anger and shame burning in her. She saw the gang of surfers was terrorizing the rest of the small family now. No one wanted to be involved. Everyone was too scared to do anything. Even the lifeguard was just watching from a safe distance. And tomorrow everyone would once again be talking about the “mutant menace.” Well, Soleil for one had had enough. It was time someone stood up to these bullies and maybe proved to a few people that not all mutants were like this.
Soleil strode across the beach, passing the last of those fleeing the scene. She was tired and frustrated and ready to fight. Finally she stopped a few feet from where the gang was harassing the frightened family.
“Hey, you!” Soleil called out. “Leave those people alone!”
At her words, a number of the punks turned her way, including the leader. Some of the gang looked like normal people, but others were obviously mutants. One girl had a long tail protruding from her backside, which was swishing back and forth. Another of the boys had no hair at all and his skin was a dark orange. Still another of them, had long, bat like ears and grayish skin. That one also had big, black pupiless eyes and sharp looking teeth. He was grinning maliciously at Soleil.
The leader, however, was the most frightening of the mutants. He looked just like a shark, a humanoid shark. He was blue and white, with a dorsal fin and everything. Soleil could see why the little girl had screamed. If she’s seen this thing coming out of the water at her she might have panicked as well.
“Well, well, will you look here,” the shark-man’s voice was a deep growl. “We’ve got ourselves a hero in a bikini. Aren’t you a tasty treat?”
Soleil wanted to remain calm. She needed to get the innocent family out of there before things got ugly. The last thing anyone needed was another Justin Tanis laying in the hospital, or worse.
“Look, just let them go,” Sol reasoned. “There’s no reason for you to be doing this. That family has done nothing to you.”
The shark guffawed, a truly gruesome sound, and the others joined in.
“Is that what you think, little girl?” he asked. “You think this screaming brat and her kind, hasn’t done anything to me?”
The shark mutant sniffed the air, and his apparent grin grew even wider. “You think they haven’t done anything to us?”
Sol picked up on the leering tone in the creature’s voice right away. “Sure, you look like one of them, don’t you Princess?” he asked. “But you’re really like me, aren’t you?”
The father of the frightened little girl looked from the shark beast to Sol and back again. “Like you?” he asked, fearful and confused. “What the hell does that mean?”
“He means…” Sol only hesitated a moment, “ that I’m like him, that I’m a mutant like him.”
The father looked shocked and even more frightened. “But…you look…”
“Not all mutants look like monsters, sir,” Soleil replied, not taking her eyes from the shark man. “And not all of us are monsters. I’m only going to ask you this once more. Please put the little girl down.”
“Or you’ll make me?” the shark man sneered. “Like to see you try. You may be a mutant too. I can smell it on you, but you don’t know who you’re dealin’ with here, little girl. I’m Mako and I’ll eat you alive…literally.”
Soleil realized there was no way this punk was going to let go of the girl. She would have to go for it. Letting the power stored in her body loose, Soleil rushed Mako, moving incredibly fast. One moment he was holding the girl by her ankle and the next Soleil was handing the child to her terrified mother.
Addressing the parents without taking her eyes off Mako and his gang who were starting to slowly surround her, Soleil said, “Take her and go. Don’t waste any time. Get to someplace safe.”
The family took her advice, running off the beach as quickly as possible and leaving Soleil alone to deal with the surf gang.
“I don’t want to fight you,” Sol said, keeping her eyes on the punks surrounding her. “I just want you to leave this beach. You have to stop attacking innocent people. You have to stop making us all look bad.”
Mako laughed cruelly. “So, what you some kind of hero now, little girl? You gonna stop me and my friends from having a good time? We like pickin’ on the weak humans. These nulls are fun to play with.”
“The innocent people of this city are not toys for you to play with, Mako,” Sol allowed some of her frustration and annoyance to come out in her voice. “These are people, just like us, and they deserve respect, dignity, to be accepted. What you’re doing is no way to get normal humans to treat us better. You’re just making it worse, worse for every mutant everywhere. This has to stop.”
“So, like I said, you gonna stop us?” Mako jeered.
“If I have to,” Sol dropped back into a defensive posture, facing Mako, staring at him. She purposefully ignored the others. This was her fight. He was their leader, her adversary. If she could hold her own, the others would steer clear. They were like a pack of animals, and they would behave that way. If she could take the strongest, the others would scatter.
“That’ll do,” Mako snarled, coming forward. As he rushed her, Soleil made a point of studying his style, or lack thereof. Mako was big, probably very strong, and surprisingly fast, but he was not well trained. He was a street brawler, and that fact made Sol smile as she dodged his attack, swinging around in a sweep kick, to connect with his back as he flew past her. The force of her kick sent Mako sprawling on the sand, a shocked grunt escaping him as he fell. Not about to give up her advantage, Sol followed up quickly, raining blows on his back before he could get back up.
Mako was enraged. This upstart girl was soundly thrashing him. With a bellow of rage, he threw her off and sprang to his feet. The girl unfortunately managed to roll, coming up on her feet nearly immediately. Mako swung wide, intending to land a stunning blow to her temple, but she managed to drop below his arm, and he missed completely. He was mad with fury by now.
Sol swept out with a kick and once again knocked Mako to the ground, this time on his back. He stared up at her, his black eyes filled with hate. Sol came down upon him, pinning him to the sand. She thrust her hand out, striking his snout. Mako howled in pain. Mako writhed beneath Sol, trying to dislodge her, but he couldn’t get any sort of traction in the sand. Sol pulled back her arm again, preparing to repeat the blow. “I can do this all night,” she hissed through clenched teeth. “Or you can take the smart road and leave this beach now.”
Mako glowered. His teeth glinted in the setting sun, but he couldn’t dislodge Soleil. Finally, losing face before his gang, he nodded slowly. “Let me up,” he said. “This place has lost all its appeal, but remember hero this isn’t over. Next time I’ll be ready for you.”
“If I didn’t know better I’d think you were hitting on me,” Soleil quipped. “Sorry, I’m not into…[i[fish[/i].”
Soleil curled her lip in disgust, bounding to her feet. “Now, get the hell off of this beach, and don’t come back.”
“Let’s go!” Mako shouted to his crew, striding back towards the jet ski he’d left parked on the beach a few yards away. In moments, he and his gang were sailing out of sight.
Sighing, Soleil made her way back up the now deserted beach. She came to the parking lot, and found her friends waiting, comforting the frightened family that had been accosted.
“Oh my God, Sol,” Kylie ran up and hugged her. “Are you alright? Where’d you go? Those mutants showed up and cleared the beach. They attacked that family. I guess somehow they managed to get away without getting hurt though.”
Soleil feigned confusion. “Oh, wow, really? I totally missed it, I guess. I decided to follow after you guys left, and I went way down the beach. When I couldn’t find you all, I decided to head back to the car and see if you were here.”
Sol looked thoughtfully back at the beach, which was now empty. She widened her eyes and tried to look scared. “I can’t believe I missed it. Wow, I guess I’m lucky I did, huh? Wow.”
Kylie nodded. She led Soleil over to where the family was now calming down.
“This is our missing friend,” Ky explained. Sol watched the father warily. “She wandered off and missed everything.”
“Lucky for you,” the father said softly. He handed his daughter to her mother and gestured for them to head to their car. “I should go and get our stuff off the beach.”
“Yeah, I’ll go too,” Sol said, glad for the excuse to talk to the man. She had to make sure he didn’t say anything to anyone. “Wait here you guys. I’ll bring all of our stuff back.”
“Sure thing,” Ky said.
“Thanks, Sol,” Linda intoned.
Tammy nodded.
Sol and the girl’s father walked away, headed for the deserted beach. When they were out of earshot of the others, Sol quickly began to speak. “Look, thanks for not saying anything about me. No one knows, that I’m a mutant I mean. I think maybe that’s for the best.”
The girl’s father nodded. “My name’s Steve Walker, and I owe you…I owe you so much,” he said. “Possibly even Amber’s life. I know what happened to that little boy at the Shore. I can’t imagine what I would have done if you hadn’t helped.”
“Don’t mention it, ever, to anyone,” Sol said desperately. “I really need for you to understand this. I don’t know what people would do if they knew about me.”
Steve Walker stopped walking, stepping in front of Soleil. They were about halfway down the beach now. “What’s your name?” he asked.
Soleil hesitated. This man knew her secret. If she told him her name, then he would have even more power over her. Now she was just a nameless Samaritan, a mutant he might not even recognize in the streets. She would probably be well advised not to answer his question.
“I’m Soleil, Soleil Munroe,” Sol replied. “I’m a freshman at UCSD. I’m studying to be a teacher.”
If she hid who she was, if she let fear rule her, Sol would be no better than the “mutant menace” everyone always talked about. She wouldn’t lie to this man, nor would she hide from him. If she wanted them to trust her, she would have to start trusting some of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Soleil Munroe,” Steve Walker extended his hand, smiling gratefully. Sol took it and shook. “I meant what I said, I owe you my daughter’s life and perhaps mine and my wife’s as well. Amber screamed when she saw that…that creature, because she’s just a little girl, and she was afraid. Her scream angered it, and drew its attention to us. And then no one wanted to get involved. Not a single person on that beach was willing to help. And I’ll bet most of them were normal people like me. They had a lot less to lose than you did. You’re a hero, Miss Munroe. Thank you.”
Soleil felt tears prick her eyes at his kind words. “I did the right thing,” she replied. “I couldn’t think about myself, about exposure. I couldn’t let Mako do to your little girl what he did to Justin Tannis. That’s all I know. I’m not a hero.”
“Are you sure?” Steve asked. “You did more than save us from that Mako person. You taught me something today. My grandparents told me stories of marching on Washington with Martin Luther King. I was taught my whole life not to judge people based on color, or ethnicity, or sexual orientation, but I never thought twice about mutants before today. When I read the stories in the papers, when people I knew talked about people like you, I never thought to say anything to them. I never defended mutants. I wouldn’t have listened to someone criticizing African Americans or Native Americans, but I’ve heard mutant bashing and just stood aside and let it go on.”
Soleil listened intently to this man’s impassioned speech. She was so moved.
“I’m sorry for that,” Steve said. “I won’t stand aside anymore. Not all mutants are bad, not all of them are what people think they are. I see now that you and I are more alike than different. Thank you, again, for what you did today, for the risk you were willing to take.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Walker,” Sol said. She smiled through her tears. “What you said means a lot to me. I’ve been listening to fear and paranoia all day. I guess it’s good to know that you can make a difference.”
“Of course you can,” Steve agreed. “If people like you, mutants who care, just make themselves known, then we can all start to grow and learn.”
Sol nodded, considering what he said. This was something which had been brewing in her subconscious all day. There were mutants out there committing atrocities, true, but there were also plenty of mutants like her, decent people who just wanted to be accepted. The ideas of prejudice and discrimination were so foreign to her. In Utopia, everyone was willing to judge you on your own merits. Here, in the “real world” Sol had already seen so much ugliness. The fear and prejudice around here made her restless. She wanted to do something. She just didn’t know what.
“Thank you, Mr. Walker,” Sol said. “Your words mean a lot to me. I’m glad your family is safe.”
Steve smiled. “Thank you, Miss Munroe, once again,” he said. “I better get going now. My wife will be wondering what’s taking so long. Your friends probably will too.”
Nodding, Sol continued down to the spot where she and her friends had so recently been relaxing. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts and she couldn’t quite focus, but she knew that somehow tonight had been a turning point in her life.
Sum Res Cogitans
Sum Res Cogitans
Tuesday, May 6 2003
2:15 pm New York
With Claudia Black as the voice of Sara
William James preferred the office of Patricia Feldman, he thought, as the three filed in to sit around her desk. The dark, gothic look to her office set it apart from so many other corporate offices that it soon became a nice change from the normal office. A monitor on the wall, often used to display diagrams or chemical formulas by Feldman, was now going through various pictures of the Valhalla agents.
“Our previous failure may work to our advantage,” William was saying. The failure, of course, was the failed attempt to capture and terminate Fenris. “There appears to be a split in the agents over his fate. This should weaken Valhalla’s ability to operate.”
Henry Morgan nodded stroking his chin in quite contemplation of the consequences of this. However, this was of less concern to him than was another event. The fact that neither he nor Feldman ordered William’s excursion to happen. “Our interest in them has been unnecessarily exposed,” he remarked.
The remark did not go unnoticed by the person it referred to. Observer’s voice sounded remarkably calm. “There was no time to get approval,” he said. “We would have lost our window for action by delay, and this firsthand report may prove invaluable to our planning.”
Morgan snorted. “Assuming we don’t end up needing to try to work with them again.”
William fought the urge to roll his eyes at the bickering between program and programmer. “What’s done is done,” he pointed out to both of them. “We can’t change the facts, but we can learn to live with them.”
Feldman sighed, determined to change the topic before the meeting threatened to degenerate further into an attempt to assign blame and draw doomsday scenarios. This bickering could hardly be good for the organization, and there were other projects to concern themselves with. She pressed an intercom button, one which would send a pulse to the get the attention of one of the AIs. “Sara,” she began. “Is the analysis of the bodies we recovered from our contact in Valhalla complete?”
A female voice answered, officially designated Scientific Automated Research Assistant, but simply addressed by the acronym Sara. “I have yet to successfully identify how the employed power operates, except by causing a shutdown of the body’s life-sustaining functions.”
Feldman paused in thought. “And the possibility of developing counter-measures?”
“Unknown and highly unlikely,” reported the other program. “The only counter-measure guaranteed to work is to be a non-living organism.”
“We have more important matters to discuss,” Observer’s voice cut through the room, confident but still in control. William thought he had a very limited range of emotions: annoyed, angry, calm, forceful. “Two of the larger anti-meta groups we are funding has found a new source, along with one of the more violent opposition leaders to these groups. This reduces our influence in both areas.”
“Our influence could not last forever in that area,” noted Morgan, remembering the plan. The proper intermediaries had started funding various groups, trying to use the lack of funds as leverage – in one case, an actual Illuminatus took charge of an anti-meta group. It was their hope that the more violent tendencies of the groups could be curbed.
William’s instincts told him that now was a good time to leave. “Pardon me,” he said, standing up. “If my services are no longer needed at the moment, I’ll be on my way.” Morgan glanced to Feldman, who nodded. She was the real power, he thought. Morgan might talk more, but she was really becoming the driving force behind what they did.
One level below was an office which was almost always empty. It was set aside ostensibly for the use of ‘visiting’ executives and government officials, who needed somewhere private to confer with their people. The reality was that William often wound up operating out of it when he needed somewhere. Heading down to it, he shut the door behind him. Leaving the lights off, he proceed to sit down in the chair, leaning back. “I so need to sleep,” he mumbled.
He might have even fallen asleep for longer than three seconds if it wasn’t for the voice of Sara cutting through the silence. “I gather you don’t want the latest articles printed out now, then?” Waking from the momentary sleep suddenly caused him to jump in surprise, tumbling over backwards in the chair. “My apologies. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” he groaned dragging himself off the floor. What was it with his luck lately? *Probably just exhaustion beginning to set in. Again.* The truth of the matter was that of the two AIs, he preferred conversing with Sara to Observer. Mainly because she loved everything scientific, and he had developed an interest in paleontology. Besides that, she was the more social of the two, though the thought that he was conversing with a computer program was still . . . weird.
It was an odd relationship, with his amateur interest and her access to databases. Which was when he finally picked up on the slightly excited undertones to her voice. “What’s got you so excited?” William asked, moving to the small couch in the office. No way in hell he was tipping over again.
“I finally had a chance to absorb Bob Baker’s work on dinosaurs,” she said, sounding immensely pleased at the prospect. There was only so much computer time available, after all, so some significant slowdowns in research not related to an official project was to be expected. “Quite the radical viewpoint on their social structure.”
William could not resist laughing. “There, I told you that you would like his stuff,” he said before letting out a quite vocal yawn. As interesting as the subject of really old dead things was, it would have to wait until another time. “I’m sorry, Sara, but I really need to sleep. Perhaps some other time?” She might have said something reply, but he couldn’t be sure as he drifted off into a deeper sleep.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
May 3rd 2003
7:00am
Hate had returned from Geneva back to the head quarters of The Secret Services. The head quarters whose location remained a secret. She came to glass door, which was locked with a key card. She took out her key card and swiped it through the lock. The doors slid open and Hate went in. Here, there were many people, most were agents or assassins like her, each with their own table where they worked. On the right side there was a large desk which belonged to the secretary of the head honcho of the operations of the assassination, whom was code named “Zeus”.
The protocol of this office was that after someone was given an assignment they had to go to the secretary to collect fake passports, tickets or any further information. They would then have to go and complete the job and come back here where they would have to type a report on how they did and whether they encountered any problems. This report was then handed in to the secretary. Sometimes the agents were given time off after their work, and they got to live in the real world as normal people, however with different publicly used names.
However in Hate’s case she needed no rest accept to charge up. For which she was given a small room of her own within the Headquarters. Thus she didn’t have to ever leave the HQ unless she had a task. She approached one of the desks and began to type up her report. Within minutes she was done and printed it and came to the secretary to hand it in.
The secretary, code named “Doris” looked at Hate, smiled and took the report. “Welcome back Hate, hope the last assignment went well?”
Hate wasn’t much for small talk, if anyone talked to her while she wasn’t acting under any human personalities, they would discover her robot within seconds. She talked in her monotonous tone and replied to any question with taciturn reply. However she was programmed to turn to one of her personalities if she ever went out of the headquarters or if she had to talk with anyone.
“Yes it did.” She replied, and stood there for any other order.
“Very well” said Doris. “You have a new assignment. It's in Peru, and here is the information and a passport in the name of “Vinessa Farly” who will go to Peru as a reporter. Think you can design a personality for her from this description.”
“Yes” was the only reply as Hate took the papers.
“You have enough time to recharge then you are to head towards the airport and go straight to Peru.”
Hate acknowledged that and headed for her room to recharge.
******
The airport wasn’t that crowed and nobody suspected Hate of anything, as she travelled with heavy makeup, long curly black hair, painted nails, and a short skirt and a sleeveless white shirt. She had a giddy attitude towards people. When she arrived in Peru, she went to a small news agency so as to not arouse any suspicion. After she was through there, where she pretended to get a report on a person and to discuss news, she left for the hotel she was registered for.
She then waited for “the phone call” to her cellphone. The familiar voice of “Zeus” came as he told her to continue with her task.
Hate quickly changed out of the “Vinessa” persona to her own, with her hair short now, and she was dressed in entirely black. She found a sniper rifle in one of the drawers where it was once again in a violin case. She took the case and quickly and quietly left the hotel so that nobody would notice her, and headed for the place where she was to assassinate a person. The place was a hill on the outskirts of the town where the target would come and have a secret meeting with someone. Hate was to stay on the hill and snipe the target.
She arrived at the hill, which she noted was deserted. She assembled her rifle and put it on the ground, where she lay down, her eye in the eye piece waiting for the target to come.
Usually Hate was aware of all the operations that went on in her system. However at this very moment, deep within her skull, connected to the “Electrum” was the device that Hamilton had implemented, which had come unnoticed for about six months. This device remained unoperational except for a small timer which after Hate’s operation started to count down from six months. The timer was now counting down from mere 30 seconds.
Hate remained unmoved in her place still waiting.
20 seconds.
A black car came into her sight.
15 seconds,
Another car came into sight and from both the car two men came out.
10 seconds,
Hate caught view of the target and her finger was on the trigger as she followed the target.
5 seconds,
4 seconds,
The target moved towards the other man and they both started to talk.
3 seconds,
2 seconds,
Hate was ready to click the trigger which would blow the target's brain out.
1 second,
0 second.
And just at that time the device started to whirl into action, and sparkled slightly as it connected with the Electrum and started to alter its operation slightly. Just in that split second Hate started to feel something going wrong in her operations, and before she could do anything about it her vision started to blur and she let go of the trigger as her entire system started to shut down.
It was two hours later that Hate came to. She didn’t know what had happened, she turned around and saw that her target was no where to be seen. She had failed her first operation, and for some reason she didn’t seem to care anymore. Care? She looked got up and looked at the rifle lying on the ground and decided to leave it there. She felt as if her system was still working with errors.
Suddenly she sensed someone behind her, and she quickly turned around to come face to face with Hamilton.
He seemed to smile “Hey Ginger. Welcome to the real world.”
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
May 3rd
5:00pm Peru local time
Hate now knew who Hamilton was. The device that he had connected to her Electrum seemed to have disconnected all her main operations for a few hours so that it could start to fill the Electrum with memories left behind by Hamilton, without any interference. Hate seemed to remember all Hamilton, and his family, and even the last minute details he had filled her in about him dying.
Hate felt quite weary and tired, like she had never felt before. “Hamilton? What are you doing here?”
“Actually I’m not doing anything here, as I’m not here in the first place. You see the device had three major objectives, first was to remain unoperational for six months and then to operate after the duration had passed. The second was to retain all the memories I had given to you, and pass it onto you when it becomes operational. Third was to retain me.”
Hate seemed confused. “What do you mean retain you? Aren’t you dead?”
Hamilton smiled “Yes I am, but in your little mind I have become alive. Call me a hallucination, of the robotic mind. Nobody except you can see me. I put myself here so that I could guide you, like a father guides his own daughter.”
Hate absorbed all Hamilton was telling her. “Another result of all this is that you will start to feel more human, mentally of course. You will be able to feel emotions that you could never do. You will also be able decide by yourself what you should do then to follow orders. In other words you should have a will of your own.”
She just stood there, and realised that was what she felt different. That she could actually feel. She smiled and looked back at Hamilton. “I feel more free for some reason.” She looked around “So what am I supposed to do now? I can’t go back to the secret services as they would notice the change in my behavior.”
“No” Hamilton replied “That would be a mistake. The first thing you have to do is to go to Springsteen. I will guide you all the way, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Hate nodded and left the place. She continued to talk to Hamilton and decided the best way to get out of Peru and to head towards America was to hitch-hike a ride to the nearest dock and then to try and sneak in any ship that maybe heading for the USA. After that she would make her way to Springsteen. After a while her cellphone started to ring which Hate took out and threw away as hard as she could.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
April 16th, just before midnight
Somewhere dark
Janie is before her now. The attack on Janie is done over and over, and each time, Spectrum is unable to stop Psyspell from doing it. All she can hear is Janie screaming and Psyspell laughing. Then Janie saying, “Why didn’t you save me Lori? I thought you were a hero?” Before Spectrum can reply, Janie’s body disappears, and Psyspell is left, laughing… always laughing…
Spectrum’s eyes slowly fluttered open. She found herself in a dark room that she didn’t remember entering. Not only that, but she also found herself shackled to a stone wall by metallic shackles. What could have happened?
The last thing Spectrum remembered was entering Psyspell’s castle… Serenity saying she was getting tired and then somebody had hit her from behind. Spectrum suddenly remembered it as being Chameleon, a person who was supposed to be on her side. Why had she been attacked? Was Chameleon or even Mind Block as a whole on Psyspell’s side?
Spectrum was getting ready to break out of her shackles (an easy feat with her powers), when somebody entered the room. Or suddenly appeared there would be more precise. The person looked a little… odd… like their body was made of plastic or something. Still, Spectrum had no doubt about who it was; Psyspell.
“Well, well, well, Lori!” Psyspell exclaimed, “I guess I’ve finally got you after all! I thought about ruining you and telling your secret, but you know what? I thought it would be a lot more fun to just kill you… just like I did your little friend. What was her name again? Jamie?”
“Janie!” Spectrum seethed.
“That’s right! Janie Coroway! I guess I’ll have to hide your body too, just like I did hers! Of course that was before I chopped it up into little pieces!”
“You MONSTER!” Spectrum shouted in rage. A great light shot out of her hands, breaking the shackles that were holding her and she charged forward… just as Psyspell disappeared. Once again, Spectrum found herself shocked and confused at her nemesis’s new found abilities. She could disappear at will, and could go through solid objects! Where had these powers come from?
“I’m right here!” A voice said behind her. Spectrum spun around to meet her enemy.
******
Like Spectrum, Psyspell had no idea where she was. She had awoken from her slumber in a very dark and tight area. The walls were made of stone and she didn’t even have enough room to turn around. Her mind eventually recognized this place as one of the many secret stone areas that resided under her castle. How she had gotten there remained a mystery.
Before she got a chance to ponder this further, one of the walls in front of her suddenly slid open. Psyspell, who had been leaning on the wall (for lack of other choice), fell suddenly forward into a larger, much brighter room. The room was not bright because of natural light; it was Spectrum who was creating the light. Seeing Spectrum across from her did not really surprise Psyspell; the past few weeks had yielded many surprises.
“Spectrum, I--” Psyspell was cut off before she had a chance to finish. Spectrum had come flashing towards her and punched her right in the face. Psyspell fell backward, surprised, but jumped out of the way before Spectrum could hit her again.
Psyspell used to telekinesis had lifted Spectrum off the ground. Spectrum cried out in resistance but had no other choice than to leave the ground. “Listen to me!” Psyspell cried in a determined voice. “I don’t know who put you up to this, and I don’t know why you’re here, but something tells me you think I did something wrong when I didn’t!”
*Was she joking?* Spectrum’s mind laughed at the thought of Psyspell being innocent. Not only had she seen Psyspell kill Janie, but Psyspell had said so herself! But… Spectrum’s subconscious held sudden doubt. Did you notice how both times you’ve fought, Psyspell had denied killing Janie, right after you either saw her do it or she said she did it? Doesn’t that seem odd to you? *No,* Spectrum thought, *Psyspell’s just a crazy—* And what about you being able to go through her? I know you thought that was odd? But when you just punched her, she was very solid. How do you explain that? *I can’t,* Spectrum admitted, *but that doesn’t mean she’s innocent.* And how convenient that Lucius Blackwall showed up, right when you were steamed at Psyspell. How convenient that he offered to help you catch her, with no knowledge of how much you hated her at that time. And wasn’t it Chameleon that knocked you out? And wasn’t it Lucius that taught Psyspell? *So what?* Spectrum argued inside of herself, *Maybe they’re working together.*
While all this internal arguing was going on, the fight was going on. Spectrum discovered that she could escape Psyspell’s hold by flying, rather than struggling. She flew overhead (minding the ceiling) and fell down behind Psyspell. Spectrum generated a big club and swung at Psyspell, who dodged it with a back flip. Psyspell knew she had no choice but to fight back, Seer had told her so. And yet—the whole thing seemed so strange. Psyspell once again opened her mind and was shocked at what she saw.
Psyspell only saw images in other’s people’s minds when the images were very strong. She saw herself killing Janie; although it was dim she could see it. She also heard her voice saying terrible things about how she had killed Janie. The third thing she heard was doubt—Spectrum was doubting that Psyspell had killed Janie, and Psyspell knew she had to use this to save both of them. She did it with her mind.
Spectrum, please listen to me! Psyspell said mentally to Spectrum. You have to believe that I didn’t kill Janie… I don’t even know her! I don’t know who killed her but it wasn’t me!
Than who was it? Psyspell heard in her head. She could see that Spectrum had slowed down slightly.
I don’t know, but—Psyspell stopped. She heard several more words now <Chameleon, Serenity, Lucius, Kenetico, Projector>. Several of the members of Mind Block. Suddenly, everything fell into place.
Lucius and Chameleon visited me and then I got knocked out.. I didn’t know who did it but I woke up with burn scars. I remember I saw a blinding light and I thought it was Spectrum’s light. . Then Spectrum attacked me saying I killed Janie Coroway. . She saw that I did but I didn’t. . When I opened my mind I heard other people besides Spectrum . I had dreams even before Spectrum attacked me. . Lucius told me that I could maybe predict the future. . Then I dreamed that Spectrum was going to kill me and Seer told me that I had to fight back .
Everything that had happened in the past few weeks was orchestrated, Psyspell realized. Projector made Spectrum see me kill Janie. Dream Weaver manipulated my dreams. Kentico made sure that I was not there when the fake Psyspell was. I don’t have to fight back.
Wait! Psyspell screamed into Spectrum’s head. I know what happened! Please, listen to me!
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSSURRECTION AGENDA: PART 5
Sunday, May 4th, 2003
10:14 PM, Sydney’s Apartment - Wyvern Towers, Vega City
Guest Starring Angelina Jolie as Sydney "Ricochet" King
Sydney frowned as Eric finished explaining everything that had happened between the two warring factions of Valhalla Agents including Agent Pegasus’ capture and his proposed plan to rescue him.
“So…” said Sydney rising from her seat on the couch and walking over to lean against the breakfast counter. “Not that I’m not… pleased… to see you again, especially so soon, but what do you need me for? I mean, you have a small army of mutant agents on your side, what am I in comparison?”
“We’re outnumbered 7-4 in terms of agents, and there is no telling whether or not Cerberus will have notified Valhalla exactly what happened. Knowing him, he’s going to want to take me out one on one, but there is no way to be sure that he wont have dozens of Valhalla operatives with him”. Eric paused for a second, grimacing in pain as he unconsciously nursed his damaged ribs. “I came to you cause I know what you are capable of, and….well I’m desperate,” he sighed rather frustrated. “I don’t know what else to do. Pegasus is trapped their because of me. I….I just can’t abandon him to that madman”.
Sydney sighed, grimacing slightly at the sight of Eric’s injuries, it was clear that Cerbeus would stop at nothing until one of them was dead. “You care about your friends Eric that’s a noble cause, I don’t know what Valhalla did to you or what kind of things they made you do, but sooner or later this vendetta you have against them is going to get you killed.”
She paused for a moment, deep in thought, she was still trying to lie low, keep out of The Project’s radar. Attacking a major organisation like Valhalla wasn’t the best way to keep a low profile. After a moment Sydney shrugged, “Oh, what the hell, it’s not like I had anything else planned.” She smiled, “Indigo City huh? I hear it’s pretty this time of year.”
Monday, May 5th, 9:06 AM
Eric's House - North of Indigo City
"Anyone home?" Eric said, opening the door to the small house Mr Thompson had left him.
"Everyone's in here," a female voice, replied from the living room.
Eric and Sydney made their way into the adjacent room, the gathering of 4 costumed agents (plus Sydney) seeming rather out of place in this otherwise suburbun setting. "Everyone, let me introduce Sydney, Sydney this is Sylph, Orion, and Sphinx," he said pointing to each of his comarades".
"Nice to meet you Sydney," Sylph said, rising to her feet to shake hands with the new arrival. "We stand alot better chances the more we have on our side".
Sphinx looked Sydney up and down as the stranger entered the room and began looking around. “So this is the one who is going to help tip the balance in the fight against Cerberus? You must be out of your mind Fenris, she isn’t going to be any help, she isn’t even the same as us, I can tell.”
“Ashana!” scolded Sylph scowling at her fellow agent before turning back to Sydney. “If Eric believes you have what is takes then I’m more than willing to welcome you aboard.”
“You might be the head of Team Tempest Sandra” mocked Sphinx, “but you aren’t my team leader. I for one think it’s obvious why Eric brought her here and it has nothing to do with any ‘fighting’ abilities she may have, looks like you really have got over Jenna after all…”
“You might want to shut your mouth before I shut it for you,” said Sydney. “Seems to me like you need all the help you can get especially if you can’t even quit arguing amongst yourselves.” Sydney pushed past Sphinx and slumped down in a chair, propping her feet up on the coffee table.
"Ok look, everyone, lets calm down," Eric said calmly, ignoring Sphinx's vicious comment. "We've got to be in and out of the Agent complex as fast a possible, otherwise we'll have to deal with hundreds of Valhalla's operatives".
"And how are you supposed to get in undetected Eric?" Orion cut in, rather concerned.
Eric smiled back at the azure clad agent. "That's where you come in. Alright, so here’s the plan..."
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
“Mind’s Deception” part 10- Final
Spectrum stopped where she was. Psyspell had just yelled into her head that she knew what was going on, and that was a hell of a lot more than Spectrum knew.
No, Psyspell thought, keep moving and attacking me. They’re probably watching!
Who? Spectrum asked mentally.
“Mind Block”! Who else? They’ve been manipulating us ever since I stole that emerald! Psyspell thought angrily.
What are you talking about?
Listen, Psyspell thought. I didn’t kill Janie what-ever her name is. I wasn’t even there. What you saw was probably just an image created by projector! He can do that, you know.
But--, Spectrum was going to protest but she stopped herself. That would explain where the body had gone too… and why she had been able to go through Psyspell. It also would mean that… Janie wasn’t dead! Or, Spectrum hadn’t seen her die, at least. And it would explain why Psyspell kept taunting her and then saying she didn’t.
They’ve been manipulating you into thinking I killed Janie and manipulating me into thinking I had to kill you or you would kill me! Psyspell thought. And, they are probably watching us.
Right! Spectrum thought-exclaimed. I saw you, or what I thought was you, in here before taunting me. If what you said is right, then that was Projector projecting an image of you. But to do that—
He’d need to do it through a window or something!Psyspell thought back. She looked around (all the while continuing to pretend to fight Spectrum). She only saw stone… but that could easily be Projector projecting a stone wall to where a window really was. Psyspell suddenly got an idea. Psyspell slowly circled the stone room, and mentally told Spectrum to do the same. At first nothing happened, but as she neared the southern part of the room, Psyspell heard the thoughts of several other people. She knew that this must be where the window was. This is where it is! She shouted.
Spectrum looked down and noticed that she was still holding the club made of light that she had created. All right, she thought, duck when I tell you too. She charged forward at Psyspell like she was going to hit her, but before she did, she shouted “Duck!” out loud. When Psyspell did, Spectrum swung her club at the wall. When it connected, a large spider crack seemed to appear in the wall and she heard several gasps from the other side. The image of the wall faltered for a moment and she saw a window the members of “Mind Block” on the other side. Spectrum took the club and swung it again, this time shattering the glass and the stone wall completely disappeared.
Spectrum flew into the room and saw that all the members of “Mind Block”, excluding Seer but including Dream Weaver, were there. Now that she was closer, Spectrum recognized Dream Weaver to be the person in shadow that she had seen on Psyspell’s lawn.
“Spectrum, duck!” shouted Psyspell from behind her. Spectrum did so on impulse, and Psyspell used her mind to life up the shards of glass on the floor. They started spiraling in the air and cutting the “poltergeists” in the room. Chameleon darted to the wall and camouflaged herself, completely disappearing. Lucius Blackwall and Serenity made way toward the only door in the room.
“You wanna f*ck with us?” Kenetico shouted. He let out a loud growl and stone on the floor started to shake.
“Yo, Kenetico man, not here!” Projector shouted in alarm.
Dream Weaver stood next to the door with a disturbing smile on his face. “In order to avoid my doom, I argue that we leave this room.” Dream Weaver often rhymed, a thing which creeped out most of the people who met him. He moved to the door, and like a shadow, swept out of the room, following Lucius and Serenity’s lead.
“Oh no you don’t!” Psyspell yelled and jumped through the broken window into the small room (almost knocking over Projector as she did so). She mentally swung the door open and raced out it.
The stone on the floor shook oven harder at Kenetico’s will and Spectrum knew what was going to happen. She flew backward into the stone room and created a glowing shield of light around her. The stone exploded in a barrage or rock and fire, filling up the small room and most of the stone room. Spectrum gasped at the strength of the explosion, and tried to harden the shield. Her efforts worked (although just barely), and she was not harmed. This was more than she could say about Projector and Kenetico, who were still in the small room when the explosion occurred.
Spectrum flew over and checked their pulses. They were still alive, but they had horrible burn scars all over them. She would have to call them an ambulance. When she felt like it, anyway.
******
Outside, there was a helicopter. It was lifting off the ground as Psyspell ran out. Lucius had the helicopter come on autopilot right after they had captured Spectrum and Psyspell. He, Serenity and Dream Weaver were all in it.
Psyspell reached out with her telekinesis and got a hold of Lucius. She jerked him from the helicopter with all the might her mind could muster. Serenity ran and took control of the helicopter as Lucius floated to the ground by the power of Psyspell’s mind.
“Why?” seethed Psyspell.
“Because, Amy dear, I hate you, and I hate that other super hero B*tch, and if both of you were out of the way my life would be a thousand time better!” Lucius growled back as he struggled to get out of Psyspell’s hold. “So what are you going to do to me now Amy? Kill me? That would be a fitting ending to this whole event, wouldn’t it?”
“If there’s one thing this thing should have taught you and everybody is that I don’t kill.” Psyspell replied. “But… I think I just might make an exception this time.” Psyspell floated Lucius over to the edge of the mountain cliff (they were in the Sapphire Mountains after all) and got ready to make him drop… when an attack came from behind.
It was Chameleon, and like she had done to Spectrum, she had karate chopped Psyspell. Unlike Spectrum, Psyspell knew how to do karate and several other forms of martial arts, but it would be of no use in this situation. Chameleon back flipped over to just under where the helicopter lay floating and a ladder came tumbling down. Lucius had landed on the cliff’s edge but was now joining Chameleon on her way up to the helicopter. It soared up into the sky, and went in the direction opposite of Crystal City. Even with all her power, Psyspell would be unable to stop a whole helicopter, and she knew it.
Instead of trying, Psyspell walked away from her castle home. She wouldn’t be able to stay there now that Spectrum knew that she lived there. She would have to find a new place… such a shame too. All her nice things had been in that castle, but the police would no doubt be swarming on it soon. Psyspell set off in the direction that the helicopter went.
When Spectrum finally came out, the helicopter and Psyspell were gone.
******
April 17th, 8:15 AM
The top of the CCPD headquarters
Spectrum had brought Projector and Kenetico into the police station around 2:00 AM on the 17th. After a lot of questioning, they both confessed to everything. Now, Commissioner Wood was meeting with Spectrum.
“So Psyspell was innocent?” Commissioner Wood asked in a shocked tone that suggested he was skeptical that Psyspell could ever be innocent.
“Not entirely,” Spectrum said, “she did steal the emerald. It might still be in her castle, I didn’t really get a chance to look. She was innocent of killing Janie though.”
“Well I know that!” Wood said and laughed.
“What do you mean?” Spectrum asked, puzzled.
“Didn’t you hear?”
“Hear what?”
******
An Unknown location, at relatively the same time.
“All those weeks of planning and for what? Lucius Blackwall yelled at the remaining members of “Mind Block”. “Nothing except losing two of our team-mates!”
“Well why didn’t we just kill them when we had the chance?” Chameleon exploded. “That would have been so much simpler! But NO! You had to see them kill each other! You wanted to see if you could do it! The only reason they are still alive today is because of your stupid incompetence!”
Before the stunned Lucius could continue, Seer entered the room. Generally, they kept Seer out of “Mind Block” business because he had morals and didn’t like illegal activity. The discussion would have to continue later.
“You know,” Lucius’s older brother said, “I had a vision that somebody was going to kill Amy Violet.”
“Did you?” Lucius said in an I-couldn’t-care-less tone.
“Yes. In fact I called her and warned her about it.” Seer said.
Lucius simply looked at him, and the other turned to look. “You… you did what?”
“What’s the matter?” Seer said with a little smile. “You wouldn’t want her to die, would you?” Sometimes Lucius wondered if Seer knew about his illegal activity. Now he was almost positive that he did.
“Oh, and another thing. I found something that I think belongs to somebody else. I returned it to the police.”
“And just what was that thing?” Lucius fumed.
******
“Janie?!” Spectrum exclaimed. Right in front of her eyes was Janie Coroway, the woman who she had thought had died that fateful night, which now seemed a thousand years away. Spectrum actually suspected that this was another illusion created by Projector, but it wasn’t. Spectrum stopped though. She remembered that she was in Spectrum costume, and Janie didn’t know her.
“Yeah…” Janie turned to Commissioner Wood. “Do you think you could give us a moment?”
“Uh… sure…” Commissioner Wood said and walked down into the main building.
“Look, I know your Lori Grant.” Janie said.
Spectrum was shocked. She had always thought Janie slow, even stupid for not realizing it, but now it seemed like she had. “Janie, I--“
“I’ve known for a while actually… but it isn’t exactly something you bring up in dinner conversation you know.”
Spectrum was too happy to speak. But something still remained to be asked. “What happened to you Janie? I mean, we all thought you had been murdered!”
“This weird black guy named Lucius kidnapped me! He was in disguise though… as that bouncer… you know the one in “The Crystal Palace”? The one that took our ID’s?”
Spectrum knew she should have recognized this; she couldn’t really call herself a super hero if she couldn’t even make basic deductions. But she knew that the past weeks had been hard, and if she hadn’t thought that he best friend had died she might have made the connection. She was just happy that Janie was alive and apparently well. One crisis was officially over.
Monthly Series 1: 16th June 2003 to November 16(ish) 2003
INSSURRECTION AGENDA: PART 6
Outside Agent complex - South of Indigo City
Monday, May 5th, 12:22 PM
"Alright, so does everyone know what they have to do?" Eric asked once more, before the five rescuers made their way to the Agent complex front gate.
"Not hard to figure out, just Bash and Smash," Sylph replied, her voice rather calm and emotionless. The Tempest leader always got that way before an important mission, and this particular one was ranking pretty high up there.
Eric turned to face Sphinx and Sydney. "We've got to find Pegasus quickly. The longer we wait, the more time Cerberus has to....." he left the sentence hanging, not wanting to say out loud what horrors the Inferno agent might be doing to the captured agent
Before Eric could give the cue to start the assault, Orion gently grabbed him by the arm. "When you get to Cerberus, Eric, don’t show any of that mercy you're so famous for". Eric could see the pain in his friends’ eyes. The death of his brother still weighed heavy on his heart, and the only way to alleviate it would be to know that the murderer was brought to justice.
"I’m way beyond mercy now Orion," Eric replied quietly before he finally gave the signal.
As Eric, Sydney and Sphinx carefully made their way around the perimeter of the complex, Sylph and Orion strode bravely right into the middle of the front grounds.
"He wants a diversion, he's going to get one," Orion said as he began to charge up his whole body. Within seconds, the agent released a torrent of sizzling heatwaves on the complex setting not only the building on fire, but also parts of the front lawn.
"What a show off," Sylph teased as she too charged up her amazing blue aura, which had now taken the shape of ten spinning razorblades. One by one she started destroying the security cameras which lined the inner wall of the complex as to cut off any visual from inside the building. Sure enough, Valhalla operatives began to flood out of the building like tiny ants, ready to battle against two large spiders.
"Looks like we got their attention," Orion chuckled as he prepared himself to turn his power on the new arrivals.
MEANWHILE INSIDE THE COMPLEX
"Are they out of their minds," Medusa laughed as the last monitor inside went black. "They must be crazy to come and attack us head on".
"Perhaps, you should be more on guard Verouca," Chimera warned. "If I remember last time, we faced them, Eric knocked you out in under 10 seconds".
"Well at least, I wasn't having my ass handed to me by Pegasus" she hissed back.
"ENOUGH!" Cerberus shouted, his face turning red from anger. "We know that the two idiotic Tempest members are outside, which means that Eric and Sphinx are probably on their way inside. Now why don’t the you two," he said pointing at Manticore and Kraken. "Go out and take care of Orion and Sylph, while the rest of you stay inside and wait for the hero wanna be. I'll take the pup to the cliff in back, and make sure that Eric fails in saving another of his little friends".
Medusa grimaced as she walked out of the room, "And they couldn’t wait till AFTER Sex in the City to pull their fricken rescue attempt.
Sirens blared noisily, echoing through the deserted complex sending sporadic beams of red light in all directions. Sydney already had her pistols drawn as Eric led both herself and Agent Sphinx into the complex. The three kept close together as they traversed the many various corridors of the complex. Eric concentrated, focusing his telepathic power on finding where Pegasus was located while Sphinx and Sydney made sure that the way was clear for them to proceed
Suddenly Sydney stopped, her enhanced hearing picking up sounds in the distance. She halted her companions just in time for them to duck into a side room as a patrol of guards came marching down the corridor on their way to the outside and Agents Orion and Sylph who would be waiting for them.
"Come on" said Eric when the patrol had passed, "I think I know where Pegasus is, I can sense him somewhere on the other side of the complex."
“Where do you suppose all the other agents are?” Sphinx whispered as they were about to enter a large warehouse room. “We’re actually waiting here for you, sweetie,” replied a sultry female voice
Standing square in the middle of the way were Minotaur, Calypso and Medusa, each already in their battle stance. Calypso stepped forward, a large dazzling sphere emanating from her palm. “Im afraid the party ends here,” she said before letting the sphere loose.
“WATCH OUT!” Eric shouted as he instinctively pushed Sydney out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack. Sphinx had managed to morph into her panther form, and duck completely under it.
Oumph. All the air in Eric’s lungs jetted out from his body as he viciously smashed into the wall behind him. *Mental note. Don’t let Calypso keep hitting you with those*
Sydney was caught off guard as Eric pushed her to the ground, she was just in time to look up and see as he smashed against the wall by the force of the blast from Calypso. Syd rolled to the side as the panther form of Sphinx leapt at the opposing agents with a roar.
"What the fu..." began Sydney as she quickly climbed from the floor, dodging an attack from the agent named Minotaur.
“I don’t know who you are,” the agent spoke as he swung another punch at Sydney, “but you should have stayed out of things that don’t concern you little girl.”
“I’ll bear that in mind when I’m kicking your ass” said Sydney as she dodged another of Minotaur’s attacks, coming up behind him and delivering a swift kick to his back, sending him reeling.
Sydney retrieved one of her guns and had just squeezed back on the trigger when suddenly the gun flew out of her hand and sailed across the room. Sydney looked back to see Calypso blow her a kiss before firing another sphere of dazzling light. Sydney was unable to dodge the ball of light that hurtled towards her and instead the light slammed her across the room into a wall in the same way that Eric had been only minutes before.
“I’ve got to get to Pegasus,” Eric shouted to his companions through the noise of battle. “We’ve got to finish up here quickly”.
“The pup is finished one way or another Fenris, may as well give up now,” Medusa taunted as she reached out to paralyse the large Panther. Before she could reach her target however, the Inferno agent’s body lifted from place, and was smashed into the roof, then unceremoniously dropped to the ground slam “Now, now Medusa, there will be none of that naughty touching, you’re so fond of,” Eric taunted
Before Eric could move on to help Sydney with Calypso, a pair of massive arms wrapped around his arms and chest from the back. “I’m going to break you in half little man,” Minotaur roared as he began to squeeze the life from Eric’s body. No matter how much Fenris struggled, he was no match for the sheer brute strength of his adversary. As the pressure on his frame began to increase, Eric was sure his ribs were about to snap, and most probably puncture one of his vital organs. Suddenly however, the pain ceased, and the arms that were moments before full of deadly power, now fell limp, releasing Fenris from the bear hug.
*What the hell?* he thought turning to see a familiar face standing over the unconscious body of Minotaur.
“You saved me back in the store, now we’re even Eric,” Chimera said, a tranquilliser gun in hand. “Chimera, you…” “Pegasus and Cerberus are outside in the back, now go,” he interrupted before changing back into a shadow, and slipping away from the scene.
Looking back, Eric could see that Sphinx and Sydney were now facing even odds. “I’m going to go help Pegasus,” he cried out, before darting down the hall to the back grounds.
Sydney had hardly regained her balance when suddenly agent Medusa slammed her back to the ground and began dealing a couple of punches into her stomach. Sydney wedged her foot in-between herself and the agent and kicked her back violently. From the corner of her eye she could make out Sphinx in her panther form as she dodged various spheres that Calypso was aiming at her. Sydney grabbed her remaining gun from its holster and fired it in Medusa's direction as she got up from the floor and dodged behind a stack of shipping crates.
Sydney peered from around the edge, waiting for an attack. Suddenly a bullet whizzed past her ear, splintering the side of the wooden crate into tiny shards. Sydney ducked back down, then peered back to see Medusa wielding her other gun.
"I think I have something of yours!" shouted Medusa with a chuckle as she spun the pistol on her index finger. "If you want it back... whoever you are... you're gonna have to come and get it."
"Oh that's original" mumbled Sydney to herself as she reloaded her gun and prepared to attack.
Eric reached the outer grounds rather quickly, only dealing with five operatives along the way. As he stepped onto the finely kept grass behind the complex, he could make out two figures off near the edge of the cliff which the complex was located on. *Please god, let him be alive* he thought as he ran full speed towards his arch rival. “That’s far enough Fenris,” Cerberus shouted before the crimson hero came to close.
Eric halted his fast paced run, and stood unmoving, not wanting to incite any rash action from the unbalanced psycho. Next to Cerberus, Pegasus was on his knees, bare-chested and tied and gagged. Bruises covered the young man’s body, and his face was no better. The skin around one of his eyes was swollen, and there were patches of dried blood everywhere. Looking in his eyes for a brief moment, Eric could tell he was afraid for his life (and rightly so).
“It ends here and now Cerberus,” Eric growled, determined not to fail this time.
“Oh I’m very much in agreement with you there Eric”. The two eyes each other for a moment, each waiting for the other to make the first move. “Well Eric old boy, why not make this interesting. No guns, and no powers. We’ll finally see who the better agent is”.
Fenris didn’t trust Cerberus, but he didn’t have much choice. “Agreed”. Cerberus quickly turned and mercilessly punched Pegasus square in the face, knocking him unconscious. “We wouldn’t want to be interrupted,” he said, malevolently smiling back at Eric.
Back inside the complex Sydney was soon joined by Agent Sphinx as she morphed back into her human form a little bloody and bruised from her encounter with Calypso. "That bitch Sabrina is SO asking for it" growled Sphinx still retaining some of her panther-like attributes. "I can't believe we used to all work together."
"What's this all about?" asked Sydney as she ducked to avoid another of Medusa's well aimed shots. "Why is this guy Cerberus so hell bent on deleting Eric?"
"You don't get it do you?" said Sphinx with a smirk, "You're just all pouting lips and curvy hips to Eric, we're his family."
"Some family" muttered Sydney as she crouched down lower as another shot whistled through the air, ricocheting off the back wall.
"Cerberus killed Eric's entire team, his best friend Garm and his girlfriend Jenna, this is just Ceberus trying to get under Eric's skin again. Make him watch as he kills another of his friends. The bastard, you'd think murdering Achilles would have been enough for him."
Sydney cried out as Medusa's next shot cracked straight through the crate she was hiding behind and hit her in the shoulder. Sydney was thrown forward by the force of the shot, Sphinx grabbed her and pulled her back up behind the crate.
"You alright?"
"I'll live," said Sydney, gritting her teeth in anger. "Okay, come on, it's time we taught this bitch how to play nice."
Sydney led the way as Sphinx morphed into her hawk form and swooped low on Calypso, clawing and pecking at her as she struggled to free herself. Sydney charged straight at Medusa, firing a clean shot at her the arm holding the gun. Medusa howled at the force of the hit, dropping the gun. Sydney dealt a swift kick which knocked her feet from under her sending Medusa sprawling on the ground in pain.
Sydney quickly retrieved her pistol from the floor. "Mine, I believe" she smiled pointing both guns at her enemy.
She was about to fire when Sphinx grabbed her from behind. "NO!" she shouted. "It's not for you to end Medusa's life! Whatever she's done to us... she's still family."
Sydney frowned, blood streaming from her wound but she felt little pain. She wiped some of the blood on to her hands and smeared it across Medusa's cheek. "Remember me, and the next time we meet there won't be any mercy spared."
With a wry grin Sydney replaced her pistols and stepped back from Medusa. After a moment she turned to Sphinx. "Okay, lets go find Eric... and get the hell out of this place!"
The two agents battled fiercely, the life of Pegasus hanging in the balance. “You were always the golden boy, eh Eric,” Cerberus jeered as he connected a punch to Eric’s battered torso. “Fenris this, and the Pack that. Well looks like Valhalla really had you pegged wrong”.
“Yeah, turns out I’m not a lap dog, blindly following orders from immoral managers,” Fenris replied, retaliating with a kick to Cerberus’ side.
“Don’t try to make excuses. You left Valhalla because your glory time was over. You couldn’t handle the fact that I had become better than you!”
“You really are more delusional than I thought”. The two continued to battle, constantly growing nearer and nearer to the cliff’s edge. Finally, the battle seemed to shift into Eric’s favour as he managed to land several powerful blows to Cerberus body.
“Give it up, you’re beat,” Eric said, standing triumphantly over Cerberus.
“You are so gullible,” he sneered back, as he began to concentrate his powers on Eric. The ex agent’s vision became blurry momentarily, and his legs began to falter beneath him.
“You lying son of a bitch,” Fenris snapped as he struggled to remain upright.
“Survival of the fittest my friend,” Cerberus said, jumping up and gripping Eric. The Inferno agent dragged the drained hero towards the side of the cliff, preparing to finish off what he started months prior on the docks. “Bring back any memories?” Cerberus taunted.
Sydney and Sphinx ran out of the complex towards the back where Eric had headed before them. As they made it out into the open air, the wind from below the cliff face whipped around the complex building Sphinx stopped abruptly, her hand flying to cover her mouth.
Sydney bumped into her as she came to a halt behind the agent, "What...?" Sydney's gaze followed Sphinx's line of sight as she stared at the scene at the edge of the cliff where Cerberus held Eric.
"Eric!" cried Sphinx as she began running towards the two figures.
Cerberus grinned wickedly as he saw the two women approaching. He tightened his grip on Eric, holding him over the cliff edge. "Here comes the cavalry."