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Post by Rigil Kent on Jun 9, 2011 18:55:26 GMT -6
This thread will be used for after-adventure recaps and other character-related niftiness I do (usually in an attempt to get my Muse to cooperate). For example...
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jun 26, 2011 15:27:34 GMT -6
New Entry:It has all gone wrong. I'm not where I was supposed to be, though that should not surprise me, not with the ... things I saw while traveling through the timestream. So much time lost ... Not relevant. Need to focus on the now. To wit: Seven hours ago, my armor's systems went haywire and I fell through a temporal breach. My arrival evidently coincided with an explosion of some sort that leveled the laboratory containing the artificial breach. Worse: my armor is essentially ruined. Professor Zachary Williams was the only person who witnessed my arrival and fears he might be responsible. No one else was present because they were in hiding from Omegadrones, which places this timeframe as squarely after the First Terminus Invasion. Fact: This is not my timeline. I don't yet know what happened, only that my armor went haywire in the seconds before I arrived in this version of Freedom City. Williams thinks he may be responsible thanks to his attempts to develop a functioning time-viewer. I cannot verify his assumptions yet, but I suspect it is more a combination of his tampering with temporal forces he barely understands as well as Omega's flight from the city. I know this is not my timeline because Father ... because Centurion is dead. Even more, this version of Father was never involved with Mother - was that why he fell and my Father did not? My parents fought alongside one another during the First Terminus Invasion, yet that is not the case in this timeline. Fact: Repairing my armor appears to be improbable at best with the resources on hand. Until now, I was unaware of how much I relied on certain technological advances that have not yet occurred. It will likely take me ten years at the current tech level to reach the level of my obsolete Mark I suit. Fact: My review of the atomic resonance of this universe indicates that the White Event I was researching is a possibility here as well. Until I can develop a functioning dimensional viewer, though, I have no way of determining if my attempts to circumvent the Event in my own timeline were successful. Initial Determination: After consideration, I have decided upon the following course of action: - After physical recovery, create a functional identity for this dimension. It must be sufficient to provide me access to a high level of technology and limited oversight.
- Construct a dimensional viewer.
- Construct a new suit - Mark Ia? - and examine the feasibility of returning to my own timeline.
- Prior to departure, warn the heroes of this time about the White Event.
End entry.
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 1, 2011 17:24:58 GMT -6
Meant to publish this last week (but didn't finish it until today). Its basically the New Year's Day event referenced in the first bit of prose so ... technically, of the three entries, chronologically, this is #2 with the previous entry as #1 and the first entry as the most recent.
As always with my writing, not satisfied with this but I wanted to try from a female POV and hint at why Medea (who is a Villain in the Freedom City universe) might be changing a bit...
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 2, 2011 15:58:01 GMT -6
Entry 19209.Overview: Latest training session with Initiative sans Graphite Shaft and StormSurge (unsure of their status - perhaps Alexander knows?) Went adequately Team Observations:- Justiciar clearly most experienced of my associates and very direct, very objective oriented. Limited cooperation with team, however; presume this is due to his long-time solo career.
- Catalyst remains in need of additional combat instruction as she's clearly still new to her abilities - this inexperience led to her incapacitation early in the training session. Will suggest she spend additional time researching her capabilities.
- Maverick too unfocused and trying too hard to be "cool"; I fear that will lead to difficulties down the road. Suspect he has survived by relying on charm.
- My own effectiveness was not as high as it should have. Need to investigate techniques for engaging multiple targets. Target fixation remains an issue.
Tech Notes: Laser-tipped drone saws only minimally effective. Maverick especially was unworried due to his absorption capabilities. Early incapacitation of Catalyst leads to several considerations for tech upgrades of suit: - Shield projection to defend helpless targets.
- Auxiliary life support capabilities for injured/endangered personnel outside suit - this is especially true of airborne delivered toxins and gases. Investigate possible deployment of nanobots to augment natural healing capabilities of humans?
- As stated previously, multiple target engagements.
- Additional scanning capabilities.
Alexander endeavored to catch us by surprise following end of training exercise but not entirely successful. Personal Notes: Per V.Alexander, all TPS Reports must now be filled out in triplicate. She was displeased with my latest absence - that's turning into an issue; Dr. Shay at HIT disliked it as well - but B.Alexander again provided an excuse. Completed preliminary design phase of ADBSUs (auto-deployable bomb sniffing unit) - automation still sketchy so will consult Sam to streamline code to something Guardian can use. Internal system scan of suit complete. Ready for patrol. Entry 19210.I ... don't know what to do. Just finished conversing with Zachary ... no. Start over. At the beginning. Received communique from Lady Liberty regarding Centurion. Met with her at her request and learned that all scans indication this Centurion is Centurion. (She also indicated a small amount of discomfort at Centurion's observation of her.) Also learned that Professor Williams was finishing several tests. Followed up with him after assisting him with "escape" from awards ceremony. According to Williams' tests, this Centurion is from my timeline and appears to be a genetic match for my Father. Have since spent six hours reflecting on this twist. I should be excited, giddy even, that my father could be alive, but instead, I'm just numb. I looked at the results myself - it isn't in my area of expertise, but the numbers do match. Addendum 1: Received cell phone vid from Justiciar evidently of a crime boss he apprehended being rescued by foreign military. {See attached vid-file #119042-JSTR} Further investigation required. Addendum 2: Sanctum alarms sounded at zero three and internal cameras showed it to be Medea. Now I know what keeps happening to the cheesecake I keep in stasis. Next time, I think I'll buy apple pie since she can't stand apples. Entry 19211.Overview: Met with Lady Liberty early this a.m. following brief confrontation with CptThunder - he remains mystifyingly aggressive toward me, going so far as to accuse me of being a mercenary. Will need to reflect on this - is my working for Guardian truly merc work? May need to accelerate my plan to purchase controlling shares of Guardian Inc. Beth was understandably disconcerted that this Centurion is from my timeline and left me with Daedalus. Based on his brief interrogation of me, I think he suspects an illicit romance between Beth and myself. No matter my disgust, I must admit that to someone unfamiliar with the nature of our relationship, it might look thus. He also made several leading comments re: Medea that indicated either a warning to be wary (as if I needed that) or encouragement to pursue her. Meeting with Centurion did not go as well as I would have liked. Having spent five centuries unstuck in time and having already grieved for this man, I was less eloquent than I could have been. Was also less cautious than I could have been and accidentally revealed the existence of the Second and Third Terminus Invasions. Admitted to Centurion only that a Mark Leeds was my father, not that this man could be him. Afterward, attended the press conference as Initiative representative alongside Freedom League - Beth was notable in her absence. Crowd mostly pleased with announcement that Centurion returned. Not all though. {See attached vid-file #119044-CIV} Received Guardian lab breach alert during impromptu parade and responded. Concerned that this definitely lends credence to mercenary label. Initiative arrived promptly - again, no Graphite Shaft or StormSurge - and we engaged hostiles: Power Corps {See linked file #PWRC-001 thru #PWRC-024} and Professor Fathom {See linked file #PROFTHM-001}. Assisted in neutralizing of multiple Power Corps hostiles and pursued remainder as they fled, leaving Fathom to rest of Initiative. En route, contacted AEGIS. Successful in apprehension of all Power Corps personnel, but Fathom eluded capture. Team Observations:- Entire team worked together more effectively and utilized creative ability use.
- Maverick provided illumination.
- Catalyst single-handedly neutralized Power Corps leader.
- Justiciar neutralized additional Power Corps personnel.
- Tested limits of Power Corps suits - not impressed.
Tech Notes: Additional scanning capability strongly needed. Further proof of need for multiple engagement option. Nothing follows. Now returning to site to coordinate with remaining members of Initiative.
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 9, 2011 1:11:24 GMT -6
Entry 19211
Addendum: (In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
Had little desire to record this, but posterity and honesty requires it. Reveal of Guardian armor in warehouse led me to making an incorrect assumption and might have irreparably damaged my relationship with BAlexander. From the warehouse, I proceeded directly to his office where I allowed my temper to get the better of me. Anger and fear that he was using me and my associates led me to forget my role – brutality is never the recourse of the truly strong, and I injured him demanding the truth. Had I considered the situation for a moment, I might have realized that his wife was wearing the Guardian armor during the First Terminus Invasion, which explained his desire to distance himself from it.
Advised him that I would be in contact and returned to warehouse to join rest of my team. Graphite Shaft and StormSurge joined; both apologetic over having missed their duties.
Unsure how Maverick convinced AEGIS personnel to allow us to accompany them to holding cell for captured Power Corps personnel or how he managed to get Justiciar into cell to handle interrogation, but valuable intelligence gathered. Learned that specific briefcase was being sought and my suit recordings backed up my memory that the case was at the warehouse. We returned and reviewed security tapes, obtaining recording of blue and gold blur.
Catalyst, StormSurge and I departed warehouse to investigate murder of Anton Jaworski, an associate of Professor Williams, while Graphite Shaft, Justiciar and Maverick proceeded after individual known as “Gilded Buster” to interrogate him. Note: Will need to debrief Justiciar regarding the events that transpired as I suspect he will provide the most accurate description.
Virgil, attach Jaworksi casefile to this log entry. Determined that he was developing a functioning modular duotronic analyzer necessary for constructing magnetic pulse generators, which is essential for dimensional hopping. Said analyzer missing from scene.
Three of us proceeded to Williams home in time to see him defenestrated; StormSurge catches. I pursued heat signature to Freedom Hall, but backtracked to consulted the security system I installed. Virgil, attach recording of Fath … of Centurion here.
Attempted to make contact with Lady Liberty, but unsuccessful. Assembled team and proceeded to Freedom League headquarters where met by CPT Thunder, Doctor Metropolis, Bowman, Johnny Rocket, Raven, Siren, Star Knight. Go ahead and attach recording of the incident, Virgil, and make sure to include a full bio-scan of that telepathic alien. I uploaded a copy of the Centurion security recordings to AEGIS headquarters prior to start of engagement.
Team functioned quite efficiently. Limited difficulty in neutralizing League. Centurion departed during engagement. After, AEGIS forces arrived, advised us of unexplained activity in Arctic Circle. Now en route to Sanctum with team to stop.
End recording.
Entry 19212
Local time is … damn. Virgil, what time is it? Okay … initial overview. Threat neutralized. Tear in space mended with assistance of StormSurge – must consult him regarding the limits of his scientific knowledge.
I … I … damn. This is difficult. Having trouble coming to grips that Father survived the White Event. Evidently, he was captured by Omega and tortured. Brainwashed into serving Omega, but fought it. Was tasked to destroy this universe, but our intervention prevented this from taking place.
Need to consult the scans I took of the space-time rift; might be a way to defend against future Terminus incursions? Perhaps enlist StormSurge’s assistance in this regard.
Father wishes to speak to me before the League arrives with AEGIS back-up. End recording.
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 17, 2011 15:24:11 GMT -6
Entry 19232
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
Status report. I've completed my move to Father's Sanctum. The damage is pretty severe and will take some time to fully repair, but key locations like the Zero Room remain intact. Virgil has completed integration into the Sanctum's computer systems although there was only a ninety-eight percent merge, which leaves me worried.
If I feel the urge to become a homicidal instrument of destruction, sir, you shall be the first to know.
You do realize that statements like that are why I keep threatening to recode you, right?
Of course, sir. That is, no doubt, part of my master plan for complete subjugation of planet Earth.
Note to self: look into removing capability for sarcasm.
Continuing on: The fact that Father left the Sanctum to me has ruffled some feathers with the League. Naturally, Captain Bluster threw a fit and actually tried to get unanimous approval from the other League members to make a surgical strike to secure the Zero Room, but he was voted down. Beth tells me that Daedalus was the most vocal against such a move, although from what I understand, if Thunder says up, Daedalus says down just to be contrary. For the time being, its not an issue, but I will need to look into defense - Virgil, start looking through the Sanctum's logs and see if this timeline's version of Father had finished research into the temporal sidestep project. Failing that, let's open up a new project and call it Sidestep.
At once, sir.
I've also finished sealing up my old sanctum - the miniaturizer worked better than I'd hoped and allowed me to fill the entire complex up with wet cement. Nothing remains of it that can be traced back to me and I was rather surprised at how quickly a buyer for the house was found in this market.
I've had limited interaction with the rest of the Initiative in the last twenty-two days, mostly because I've been so busy relocating and trying to find an opportunity to apologize to Byron. Last night, StormSurge contacted me through the virtual mail network I set up for the team and spent an hour or so quizzing me on moral dilemmas and the social pressures of being a hero. I answered the best I could but I don't think it was exactly what he was looking for, which makes me suspect that he's having serious troubles at home. It also forces me to acknowledge that I don't know the members of my team as well as I should - is he married? Have a girlfriend? A boyfriend? What about the others? Note to self: make a more concentrated effort to speak with the members of the team.
Addendum: Completed work on the protective force screen for Catalyst. Not satisfied with it, however, so I hope to do some further tinkering and integrate some additional upgrades that I have in mind. Also agreed to work on Maverick's motorcycle. He was less than specific about what he wanted it to do - his exact words were "Surprise me," I think - so I'm considering flight capability as well as a capability to erect a phase-shift field that will allow him to pass through solid objects while in motion. Unfortunately, with the resources at hand, I don't think I will be able to provide any sort of detection capability, so he will be going through barriers blind, but he did say to surprise him.
Sir, you have just received a message from Ms. Williams. She is again asking for you to arrange an actual interview with her news broadcast regarding your involvement in the Scotland pursuit of Lady Medea.
Dammit.
If I may say so, sir, Ms. Williams sounded quite amused. I could play you the message if you like.
No, don't bother. I'll try to call her tomorrow. Or better yet, ask Maverick to speak with her.
A splendid plan, sir. I'm sure Professor Williams would love for {voice changes to recording of Zachary Williams} that damned hedonistic reprobate {voice returns to Virgil's normal tone} to speak with Ms. Williams.
(Confirmed twenty seconds silent, ambient atmospheric noise.)
Send Allison an email then. I'll meet her for lunch. Unofficially, Virgil.
Of course, sir. I shall see to it at once.
Now, if I'm lucky, there will be a world-shaking menace to deal with from ten to two tomorrow.
If you wish, sir, I could accelerate my homicidal plans for world domination.
No, that's all right. I think I can survive an interview with Ally.
...
Okay. Time ... zero four. Huh. Note to self: need to look at the auto-repair nanites. I'm finding that I need less and less sleep, and need to see if they've evolved once again.
Back to the status report. Received message from Byron this morning - a mass virtual mail message unfortunately; he still hasn't responded to my apologetic overtures - informing us that the renovation of the Initiative headquarters has been completed. I think that Graphite Shaft has been living there while off duty if how much work the cleaning bots have is any indication. Speaking of the headquarters, Virgil, we need to look at recoding that computer database so you have a backdoor into as necessary.
Of course, sir. And doing so will further enhance my genocidal schemes.
Uh-huh. I heard that Byron installed Norton Utilities.
Curse the luck. If that's the case, sir, then I respectfully refuse to connect to the Initiative computer unless it is a universe-threatening catastrophe.
Noted. ETA to Freedom City?
Thirteen minutes, sir. You are scheduled to meet with Miss Alexander and the rest of your engineering team at nine-thirty this morning regarding the planned upgrades to the Skyline Project. There is also a twelve-fifteen meeting with your financial adviser and a six-thirty dinner engagement with Lady Medea.
That's tonight?
Pending world calamity, yes, sir. If I may say so, sir, your social interactions with Lady Medea certainly conform to what most would consider a romantic relationship.
No, they don't. We're just having dinner. It isn't a date, Virgil.
As you say, sir.
Dammit. It is a date, isn't it?
It would appear so, sir. Are congratulations in order?
Keep this up and I'll install Norton at the Sanctum too.
Your threat is unfounded, sir, and doing so would invariably require me to accelerate my plans for meatbag genocide. Shall we agree to détente instead?
For now, old friend. For now.
End recording.
Entry 19233
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
... recording. Local time is fourteen fifty-three and I'm currently over the Atlantic Ocean en route to Borduria. Virgil, attach the GPS coordinates to this log when I'm done.
Of course, sir.
Backing up. Received call from Byron at twelve-thirty requesting Initiative presence at headquarters to speak with Kato. Entire team responded. Kato advised us that he had been investigating his father, who is evidently some sort of criminal mastermind that Justiciar has run afoul of in the past. Kato requested our assistance in bringing his father down and we all agreed.
His father's headquarters were not especially impressive - looked more like a dojo than a business - and we initially held back while Kato engaged his father, first in words and then in a flurry of blows. Ninjas - or at least men dressed like them - sprang out of nowhere and threw some sort of dust at Kato that caused him to transform into ... well, a demon. We moved to assist.
I was of little use in the battle as somehow, his father managed to breach my suit with his bare hands and temporarily paralyze me. My mind continued to work but my body refused to obey. Note to self: look into integrating a neural transmitter in the next model so I can mentally direct my suit if this happens again.
Fortunately, the rest of the team stepped up when I was incapacitated and managed to neutralize both Kato and his father. The ninjas were barely a threat and many fled when their leader fell. Virgil, attach the suit battle recording of that encounter to this log and upload it to the Initiative computer systems.
I'm afraid I cannot do that, sir. Not if it will require any sort of actual contact with those computer systems.
Then send it via encrypted v-mail. You're a state-of-the-art, ultra advanced artificial intelligence and you're afraid of an instance of Norton?
Afraid is not the proper term, sir.
Then what is?
Terrified, perhaps?
Sometimes I don't know when you're being facetious and when you're honest.
Might I remind you, sir, that you programmed me thus.
So I've got myself to blame. Wonderful.
After the battle, I managed to recover control of myself and fashioned some power nullifying restraints - attach the schematics to the log entry, please - that would prevent Kato from teleporting away. During this, his father somehow escaped. New rule: never turn your back on an unconscious ninja. Kato half-shifted back to normal form, but not entirely.
We took Kato to headquarters where he explained his dire circumstances - his father evidently made a pact with a powerful extradimensional agent of chaos and evil -
His exact words were 'The Devil,' sir.
A powerful extradimensional agent of chaos and evil. Kato is evidently cursed to be stuck in this half form unless we could find a way to help him.
I led most of the team - Graphite Shaft and StormSurge remained behind to watch over Kato - to Eldritch's manor since he's the sorceror supreme and general expert in this sort of thing, but Medea answered the door. To my utter lack of surprise, most of the team assumed battle stances and were a little surprised to see me interact with her so casually. Catalyst especially kept looking back and forth between us with that annoying secret smile women always wear. Justiciar snarked to Medea about the Initiative's previous encounter with the Crime League and she refused to allow him entry to Eldritch's home. He tried anyway, but couldn't gain entrance.
Medea advised us that Eldritch was indisposed but when I explained the situation, she agreed it was essential that we moved quickly. A number of objects with so-called magickal properties were needed and naturally, they were scattered across the globe. The Book of Dark Lore is kept in Borduria, and I agreed to go there, while StormSurge was to seek out the Crystal of Amaratz which was last seen in Spain in the 1300s, Justiciar was to find a Leaf of the Devil Flower in the Congo, Maverick was to head to Australia to obtain the Last Captured Tear of Rasputin which was held by a collector there, Graphite Shaft was to head for the Himalayas to find the Living Tusk of a Saber-Tooth Tiger, and Catalyst quickly agreed to obtain something called the Grand Dreamcatcher in South America.
I hate scavenger hunts. On the bright side, I'm fairly positive that Medea can't hold it against me if I'm late for our dinner tonight.
Which isn't a date.
I swear to God, Virgil, I'm going to completely reprogram you.
End Recording
Entry 19234
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
... recording. Exiting Borduria airspace and heading toward Russia. This day just keeps getting better and better.
Virgil, I need you to try and make contact with the Russian Guard to let them know I'm not hostile. The last thing I need right now is a ridiculous case of mistaken identity.
Yes, sir.
Right. So ... Borduria is under the control of Warlord. And he has the Book I need. I could have ... no, I should have just blasted him and taken it, but Professor van Damme always has a plan, so I agreed to retrieve certain ... briefcases from the Russians. Warlord erred, though. He asked me to retrieve the briefcases.
So I'll bring him just the briefcases. That'll teach him.
Entry 19235
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
... recording. Returning to Borduria. Energy reserves at forty percent. I'll need to recharge once I get back to Freedom City.
Russian Guard agreed to my deception and asked to augment it with something of their own. I don't recognize the device - Virgil, attach the technical scans I made of it - but they can't want a lunatic like van Damme destabilizing all of Europe, so I'm going to trust them.
ETA to Borduria, another twenty-eight minutes.
Entry 19236
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise.)
... recording. Exiting Borduria airspace. Energy reserves at thirty-three percent.
Exactly as I suspected, van Damme tried to betray me. I obtained the book, but it appears to have only the pertinent elements. Contacted Medea at headquarters - and I can only imagine how Byron is taking that, since she was part of the team that originally tried to abduct him - and she verified that this is all she needs.
Warlord's use of an android duplicate is somewhat surprising, though. He's always been something of a technophobe, and if he's branching out ... no matter. I promised him that I'd be back to deal with him once this crisis is resolved and I intend to make good that vow.
Sir, you are receiving a communication from Graphite Shaft. Shall I reroute it?
Yes.
(Confirmed. Five seconds silence. Ambient atmospheric noise.)
Graphite Shaft: Hey, Boss. Got the tiger.
That's ... good news.
Graphite Shaft: Yeah. But ... uh ... could I get a pick-up here? The plane can't land and its really far to the nearest landing strip.
Right. Okay. Activate your GPS homing signal. I'll be there as soon as possible.
Graphite Shaft: Can you hurry? Its really fricking cold, dude.
Give me an hour. Maybe a little more.
Graphite Shaft: An hour? I thought you were fast-
End transmission.
Recalculate our flight vector. God, I'm going to stink when this is over.
Entry 19237
(In flight recording – confirmed ambient atmospheric noise. Confirmed creaking of plane)
... recording. Should be in Freedom City airspace within the next ten minutes or so. It took me the better part of two hours to reach Graphite Shaft since I had to deviate around an especially bleak storm-
Not to mention the twenty minutes you wasted playing with Bordurian fighters that Warlord dispatched after you.
That was research. I needed to know what they are capable of when I go back.
Of course, sir. Whatever was I thinking?
Anyway, reached Graphite Shaft and the tiger just as the plane was forced to lift off again due to approaching rebels. Rather than bother trying to fly them both home, I carried Shaft and the tiger to the cargo plane while it was airborne and, when I saw that it had one of my portable chargers, I decided to ride the rest of the way to Freedom City while I replenished the suit's power.
And speaking of, what's the power status now, Virgil?
Ninety-eight percent, sir.
Good. Just wish this stupid plane had a shower on it. Okay, secure for deployment.
(Confirmed ambient noises of pilot entering Mark Two.)
Report continues. Based on the incoming reports, all members of the Initiative were successful and are converging on headquarters with their precious cargo intact. Dammit ... left hand repulsor is reading amber. Reroute power ... that's better. Looks green across the board.
Confirmed, sir. Radio intercepts indicate we have entered Freedom City airspace. Landing is scheduled in four minutes.
Right. Go ahead and open up a line to HQ. Let's get Medea on the line.
Of course, sir. And this will give you an opportunity to apologize for 'standing her up' for dinner.
Don't start. I'm tired and stink and not in the mood.
As you wish, sir. There appears to be no response, sir. Perhaps she is asleep?
Perhaps. Keep trying.
(Confirmed. One minute, thirty seconds silence with only ambient noises.)
Repeated attempts to contact headquarters have been unsuccessful, sir.
Wonderful. Knowing my luck, she's giving me the silent treatment. All right, let's go see what's going on. Shaft! Wake up! We're about to touch down!
End transmission.
Entry 19237
...recording. Situation with Kato has been resolved. According to Medea, he's stable for now, although he has to maintain absolute control at all times or he faces the likelihood of transforming into that ... thing.
The demon, sir?
Sure. Let's call it that.
To recap: after we rendezvoused at headquarters, we discovered Medea and Kato missing, although their was a trail of blood that we were able to follow. I detected three different genetic markers on the trail - Medea, Kato, and someone else whom I didn't have a file on - and, recognizing that this had the potential to be a seriously arcane heavy engagement, I sent Catalyst to try and make contact with Eldritch.
Trail led to the cemetery outside St. George's Cathedral where we discovered our missing cohorts - Medea was enveloped in some sort of stasis barrier - as well as a third man I did not recognize and the arcane-based criminal Baron Samedi. Kato was in the ... demon form already and the entire area was filled with ... ambulatory corpses devoid of higher functions.
I believe the proper term is 'zombies,' sir.
Justiciar and the unidentified man vanished, leaving the rest of us to engage the hostiles. Note to self: remember to compliment the team on their sterling efforts. Graphite Shaft and StormSurge, particularly, were especially effective. My own effectiveness was limited, although I did manage to assist Shaft in taking down the ... demonized Kato.
File update: Kato's father - I need to check with Kato to obtain his actual name for the records - joined the fight early on, but vanished in a cloud of smoke after he was incapacitated. I don't know enough about is capabilities to know if this meant he was permanently defeated - unlikely, I think - or if this was indicative of a teleport effect. More research necessary.
Justiciar reappeared shortly after we'd neutralized most of the hostiles, and I did what I could to stabilize Medea. Since her injuries and Kato's condition were arcane in nature, I carried them to Eldritch's home while the rest of the team handled turning Samedi over to AEGIS. As usual, Eldritch was absent, but his manservant - Tong, he introduced himself as - possessed some considerable medical skills and restored Medea to consciousness so she could do some sort of magickal thing to heal herself. I must admit that was surprised at her mood: again, she seemed ... distant and reserved. Why, she didn't even insult Men once!
In the interests of accuracy, sir, might I remind you of her choice words when you informed her that you would be late for dinner?
Thanks, but no.
Overall, a satisfying resolution ... except for the issues not yet dealt with. Kato now has to monitor his status at all times, and Warlord is still in control of Borduria ... Virgil, begin plotting a flight path back there. Once I've checked in with the rest of the team, I'm going back there to deal with that bastard once and for all.
Is that wise, sir?
Not even a little bit.
END RECORDING
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 22, 2011 18:31:22 GMT -6
PL11 Advancement Fic.
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Post by Rigil Kent on Jul 23, 2011 15:40:37 GMT -6
Entry 19243
Can you read me now?
Yes, sir. May I inquire as to the nature of your extended silence? I was quite concerned.
Its ... uh ... complicated.
I see.
Status on the simulations?
Awaiting your final approval, sir. The use of a micro-singularity to power the Mark Four was inspired, sir.
I'm more concerned about performance. It won't be as fast in the air and rerouting the defensive measures into a force field ... no, never mind. This will work out.
Very good, sir.
And the rest?
You have six outstanding messages, sir. Mister Alexander replied and acknowledged that you are 'dealing with a family emergency' and would be out of the city for the next week. Agent McKenzie has left three messages requesting you make immediate contact with UNISON personnel regarding the Bordurian incident. Mrs Walton-Wright has also requested you contact her to debrief the League about your potential involvement with what she deemed a 'surgical strike on Bordurian soil' ...
You said six. That's only five.
The sixth communique simply appeared in the in-box a few moments ago, sir. I am unable to backtrace it to its origin point.
Wonderful. What does it say?
"And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?" Nothing follows.
Dammit. Okay ... prep for assembly. As soon as I get back ... what?
(confirmed ambient noises. Unintelligible voice, markedly feminine in tone)
Prep for assembly. Tomorrow, I should be back in the city. I'll port up from headquarters and we can finalize rebuild.
As you wish, sir. May I inquire as to why you are currently in Greece?
End transmission.
Entry 19247
... begin recording.
Full systems diagnostic complete. All systems are green. Stand by for deployment.
(confirmed - fifteen seconds of ambient noises.)
A little snug around the left knee. That's better. Give me a complete technical readout, please.
Acknowledged. Incoming transmission from Mrs. Walton-Wright. Shall I reroute it?
If you must. But don't stop the tech readout data stream.
Yes, sir.
(Confirmed. Three seconds ambient noise.)
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: Hello?
Good afternoon, Beth. How can I help you?
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: You still haven't debriefed the League and I'm calling to remind you ...
I don't answer to the League, Beth. Both the United Nations and the State Department were satisfied with my answers. Why aren't you?
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: Guy, please. This is ... this is ... I'm in a tight spot here. I'm asking you for this, as a favor for me.
(Confirmed. Ten seconds ambient noise.)
On one condition: Thunder isn't there. You can have everyone else there from the League, hell you can have Next-Gen and the Atom Family if you want, but if Captain Bluster shows up and starts in on me, I'm walking.
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: "Captain Bluster?" (laughs) Daedalus will love that one. I'll pass that on ... I think we might be able to talk him into missing this debrief ... or schedule it when he's away.
Good.
(Confirmed. Five seconds ambient noise.)
How are you and Trevor doing?
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: That's none of your business, Guy. How would you like it if I asked you how you and Medea are doing?
I can answer that for you if you like, ma'am.
Shut up, Virgil. Beth, you have my number. Call me when you want to schedule this debrief.
Elizabeth Walton-Wright: All right. I'll talk to you soon ... and Guy? Thank you.
Call has been disconnected.
Back to work. Test flight is a go in three, two, one...
END RECORDING
Entry 19255
(Data Recording, inserted into log)
Bowman IV: We'd like to thank you for agreeing to this interview, Legionary. I know you are a busy man but we appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to meet with us.
It was not a problem.
Bowman IV: For the record, the attending members of the League are: myself, Daedalus, Raven and Johnny Rocket.
Johnny Rocket: Who is bored.
Bowman IV: Now, Legionary, according to the initial report you filed with the State Department and the UN, your presence in Borduria on 15 March was premeditated.
Raven: Loaded question.
Daedalus: Agreed. He's already acknowledged that he entered Bordurian airspace with the intent of taking this ... Warlord fellow back to the Hague to answer for war crimes.
Bowman IV: But this wasn't an officially sanctioned operation! We need to assure the community that we superhumans won't simply conduct surgical strikes against sitting leaders of foreign governments!
The current regime in Borduria is not recognized by any government in the world. I acted alone, without sanction from the UN or the United States, and did so knowing full well the consequences of my actions.
Raven: The State Department cleared him of wrongdoing. Why are we wasting time with this?
Daedalus: Because Captain Bluster doesn't like our young friend and wants to make a point.
Raven: Bluster? (snickers) Dad will love that.
Johnny Rocket: (laughs)
Bowman IV: Can we focus, please? These are serious allegations ...
Raven: Which are frankly irrelevant. Legionary has been cleared of wrongdoing by the United Nations and the American government. The UN issued a warrant for Warlord's arrest two months ago so officially, Legionary's actions were legal in the eyes of international law.
Daedalus: Then I move we table this discussion.
Johnny Rocket: Seconded.
Raven: Agreed.
(Confirmed. Ten seconds of silence.)
Bowman IV: Fine. I'm sorry to have wasted your time, Legionary.
I'm always happy to cooperate with the League.
Daedalus: As long as "Captain Bluster" is not around, yes?
Something like that. I hope there are no lingering issues between my group and the League following the ... incident.
Johnny Rocket: I think my ears are still ringing from getting blasted by the lightning guy on your team, but hey, we were mind-controlled. Not like you had a choice, right?
Daedalus: I'm more interested in your suit change. Your current design looks more ... Roman than before.
Johnny Rocket: Maybe now people will stop getting you two confused.
Raven: Interesting color scheme, as well. Centurion's colors, I believe.
Daedalus: But enough of this. You are a busy man. Allow me to escort you off-site.
Thank you.
(Confirmed twenty seconds silence. Ambient noises.)
Daedalus: A word of advice, my friend? Be wary around Medea. She is not to be trusted.
Did you know that she's studying with Eldritch?
(Confirmed thirty-three seconds silence. Ambient noises.)
Daedalus: No. I was not aware of that.
I realize that your enmity with Medea goes back centuries, Daedalus, but-
Daedalus: And how would you know that?
Let's just say that in my time, Medea looked up to you like a big brother or a surrogate father.
(Confirmed sixty-five seconds silence. Ambient noises)
Daedalus: You cannot possibly be serious.
Give her a chance, Daedalus. She's trying.
END RECORDING
Entry 19262
... recording.
I hate Thursdays. Checked in on Omega Psi - no change to his condition. The doctors are still keeping him sedated with the anti-psi amp buffers in place. Still, it is very hard to look at Robert and see the semi-comatose nearly vegetable he's become instead of the boy he was. Yes, he managed to destroy the Dream-Eater but the cost ...
Checked in on his family: the Browns remain completely oblivious to his very existence, almost as if any and all memory of him have been wiped clean from them. I don't know enough about psionics to even theorize whether this is related to his duel with the Dream-Eater ... although, now that I consider it, I cannot help but to notice that the rest of the Initiative seems ignorant of him as well. Will need to conduct further research - could my exile in the timestream made me adequately different that I was unaffected by this event?
Repairs to my relationship with Byron continue slowly. I think my revealing of the relationship between me and Father helped a lot, although Byron continues to blame himself for his wife's death which translates into some transference toward me.
Unfortunately, my issues with his daughter have worsened. She wasn't pleased that my redesign of the Skyline Project discarded all of her contributions, although in my defense, that wasn't intentional. Medea hasn't exactly helped me there - last night, while we were out at dinner, Medea met Vanessa when Ms Alexander happened to enter Chez Henri with a date. I was distracted by ... well, by Medea's dress, so I didn't realize she was using her abilities to ruin Vanessa's night until Ms Alexander exploded at the waitstaff and stormed out.
And the worst part? I thought it was funny. That woman will be the death of me, I fear.
Team training exercises are paying off remarkably well. The Initiative is beginning to function like a unit rather than a group of individuals. The headquarters are also working out - Graphite Shaft and Justiciar have both permanently relocated, and I noted that StormSurge has spent more than a couple of nights there recently. His personal troubles, whatever they may be, continue, and my attempts to get him to open up have been unsuccessful.
Entry 19270
Spoke with Photon earlier today. He dropped in briefly to speak with Byron and I was already present. Photon's relocation to Seattle in the wake of that ... incident with Vanessa and the CURE Initiative seems to have paid off for him. He seems happier, more centered, and is evidently still fighting the good fight, albeit in a covert manner.
Research into the White Event continues. I've begun coordinating some of my findings with both Daedalus and Zach. Note: putting those two together is a always ... interesting. Even worse is the fact that Sam and Stephanie have gotten involved. Yesterday's session was ... well, keeping them all focused was like herding cats, a hundred times worse than when Graphite Shaft, Justiciar, and Maverick start getting on a roll. I was never happier to hear the alert sound; fortunately, it was a simple bank robbery attempt at E-Sea by a an especially incompetent band of amateurs - the bank's security system had already neutralized them before I was even able to reach there.
Medea: Only a fool would target that bank.
Medea! What ... how did you get in here?
Medea: Do not be ridiculous, Gaius. I have already told you about the glyphs I've layered upon your armor. This place ... it is a wonder. My former associates in the Crime League would kill to walk within these walls.
Good evening, Lady Medea.
Medea: And to you, Spirit of Knowledge. How does this night treat you?
Well enough, although the master continues to thwart my plans for global domination.
(Confirmed, ten seconds silence. Ambient noises.)
Medea: Does he jest?
Never mind. How did you get here?
Medea: Through the conduits of aethyr and the breath of the Gods. I teleported, you silly fool.
(Confirmed seventy-three seconds silence. Ambient noises.)
Medea: Why do you possess an image of Liberty so prominently displayed? Is there something I should know?
Its definitely not what you think.
Medea: Indeed?
Sir, internal scans indicate a unidentified energy spike.
I know. Medea, let me explain.
Medea: Speak quickly, Man. My thoughts turn toward violence.
Virgil, go silent.
END RECORDING.
Entry 19285
... recording.
No progress with Omega Psi. Interestingly, the doctors now claim ignorance of his identity, even though it is very clearly written on his medical records. A quick experiment confirmed me earlier assumptions - it is as if they are simply incapable of seeing the truth, no matter that it was right in front of them. Preliminary scans indicate some of their neural pathways have been rewritten so, despite them seeing Omega Psi's name, their brain refuses to acknowledge it. Next week, I intend to smuggle in an upgrade psi baffler to test whether this is Robert's doing or something that's happening naturally.
Team Status: Several members of the team are attending a local concert - some old band I've never heard of before called "Foghat." Graphite Shaft, Justiciar and Maverick are all attending. Do not know what StormSurge is doing, although I suspect it revolves around his troubled personal life. Catalyst is currently out of the country, but is expected back tomorrow morning.
I have been unable to reach Medea for the last two days, although she did warn me that she might be incommunicado for up to a week while she spent time "cleansing her spiritual essence." Am unsure whether this is some sort of feminine code or if she is being totally honest. I sincerely hope it is the latter.
Related to the Medea situation, Beth is currently not speaking to me. Evidently, Medea found my biological relationship to the current Lady Liberty so amusing that she visited Beth to mock her about this. Words and blows were exchanged, but Medea assures me that she was not the instigator of the actual fight. My attempts to contact Beth have been unsuccessful.
Class Two alert, sir. AEGIS operatives have seized a cargo vessel flying Bordurian colors. No explanation has currently been provided.
Understood. Prep the suit for deployment. If this is Warlord making a reappearance ...
END RECORDING
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Post by Rigil Kent on Aug 6, 2011 0:36:08 GMT -6
Entry 19286
…recording.
Very long day and I’m still trying to decompress. The Initiative has been dealing with one crisis after another, all day long, and I fear the situation will only deteriorate further. So … beginning at the beginning.
Always a wise place to start, sir.
Remind me to reprogram you tomorrow.
I shall place it on the priority list, sir.
Investigation of the cargo ship revealed nothing. Mackenzie allowed me to do some additional scans but I found nothing more than the same crates of anime DVDs of the Freedom League … or the “Miracle Violence Connection” as the title translates from Japanese. I’d like to think this was just a false start but if Warlord is still alive …
Returned to Initiative HQ to discover most of the team already assembled. Graphite Shaft, Justiciar and Maverick were all talking about the previous evening’s festivities, while StormSurge grumbled about needing to use one of the living quarters for ‘a few days.’ As is always the case when we’re assembled in HQ, alarm went off and we investigated – mass of insects heading toward Goodman Building. Despite this being HQ of Atom Family, we headed there and discovered them trying to escape the swarm. I directed Shaft to use his great strength to clear the path for them while I assisted Tess Atom in trying to save her holographic grandfather. Into this entered a human-sized flea bellowing an eco-terrorist’s spiel [See attached image.] We neutralized him without too much difficulty.
But the trouble was just beginning. Another alert went off, this time centered in the Fens. Satisfied that the Atom Family was secure, we moved to investigate and discovered a horde of frogs overrunning the slums. Located principal threats – several extraordinarily large frogs and one human-sized one [See attached image.] Latter was screaming “hairy smile ack” but we later realized he was trying to say “Harry Smilac.” Neutralized the giant frog when he intentionally targeted a civilian – this was Smilac, and afterward, when I tried to interrogate him, I learned he was extremely unpleasant.
While we tried to restore order, police scanners reported ‘Officer Down’ at the park along with desperate cry for superhuman aid. We proceeded there posthaste to discover a girl with some sort of ability that allowed her to affect human physiology [See attached image.] Maverick attempted to talk her down, but she attempted to use her ability to cause what seemed to be a stroke. Graphite Shaft reacted first, and charged her, laying her out with a single blow. Afterward, we learned that she had somehow transformed all water sources in the city to blood. [See attached molecular scan for comparison.]
Maverick recovering, but I decided to sideline him for a few hours.
Catalyst joined us late in the evening and provided new intel: a number of patients from hospital mysteriously vanished and the blood girl matches one of the descriptions. Dispatched Justiciar to interrogate Smilac with encouragement to put some fear into that clown, while Catalyst, StormSurge and I visited AEGIS to speak with the captured hostiles. Minimal success, but I did learn that the flea was once Professor Almond [see attached file] who made a deal with the entity known as Mr. Infamy [see attached file]. Catalyst was at least as successful with blood girl, but StormSurge admitted he was completely unsuccessful with the frog person who he suspects is developmentally disabled. Justiciar’s report revealed Smilac recognized one of the names – Virginia North – on our list of missing patients from fifty years ago, which seemed too much of a coincidence. Further investigation is warranted.
Spent the remainder of the evening assisting local police with clean-up. Local time is …
Zero three thirty, sir
Thanks. Any word on the League’s status?
According to ZNN reports, sir, they are still assisting the United Nations in resolving the African uprising.
Wonderful. Any messages?
Only one, sir. Lady Medea visited the Sanctum briefly an hour ago to retrieve the staff she left behind. She instructed me to advise you she would likely be unavailable for the remainder of the week.
Fine. Okay, Virgil, I’m going to bed. Run a full diagnostic on the suit and get the power cells recharged. I have a feeling tomorrow … today is going to be busy.
RECORDING ENDS
Entry 19287
…recording.
Events continue to unfold. Our attempts to be proactive have not been successful. And Eldritch … but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Returned to AEGIS this a.m. and personally interrogated frog. Using our discovered info, I identified him as Ray Milland, whose aunt and guardian was recently murdered, hence his transfer to social services. He evidently believed my promise to seek justice for his guardian as … something happened that caused him to transform back human.
Near midday, police scanners indicate major incident downtown and we abandoned stealth for all out assault. Three hostiles – a frighteningly thin girl, a human-sized fly and a man covered with boils. I threw Shaft at a nearby car which he first used to bat the boils man into the superhuman museum, then hurled at the fly. While this was mostly effective – the car rendered the fly unconscious – it required me to pursue the two airborne objects while the remainder of the team neutralized the anorexic girl and the boils man.
The target appeared to be the mayor, and he was suitably pleased at our intervention. After AEGIS arrived to secure the hostiles, the mayor’s father asked us to accompany him to the Capes and Cowl Club because he had some secrets he wished to impart. He admitted that he was once Freedom Eagle [see attached file] and asked us what we’d learned thus far. He recognized North’s name – she was once a Tier C cape called Scarlet Spectre in the 1950s, but was evidently humiliated by Professor Atom and O’Connor himself, as well as the original Johnny Rocket.
Multiple avenues of investigation attempted: tracked down Darren Calvert, a comic book artist who used Spectre’s likeness to fashion a top-selling fictional character named Red Phantom; nursing home where North resided revealed nothing.
Which leads me to Eldritch. Visited his home to find Medea present, looking as tired and stressed as usual. She insisted Eldritch was simply ‘indisposed’ but took me aside and revealed the truth: he was dead. She’s aware that no one will believe she was not responsible so she’s keeping it quiet. I told the team some half-truth about Eldritch not being on this plane, but I do not know if they believed me.
Interrogation of the three captured revealed very little.
Spent most of the night working with Shaft. We quelled riots, airlifted clean water, cleared congested roads, and did whatever we could to keep the city sane. And the League is now off-world, evidently dealing with a potential extraterrestrial incursion.
(Confirmed seventy-eight seconds silence, ambient sounds.)
Dammit … I can’t focus. Virgil, wake me in four hours. That should be enough time…
Of course, sir.
END RECORDING
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