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4:37 am
July 16, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*Morrison tried hard to relax the muscles in his back and neck. Even the mention of Lynx's name tended to have an adverse effect on him. The two of them had been enemies for a long time now, but more than that, it was their relationship before everything went south that made his bitterness and anger so absolute. But that line of thinking was for another day. Right now, he needed to focus on what was in plain black and white on the monitor before him.*
Someone is playing both sides of the chess board. But why?
*As he leaned forward to look closer at a few minor pieces of information that AIKman was displaying, he couldn't help but frown.*
The Old Man has to be involved in this. Only he could organize something of this magnitude and not have it blow up in his face.
*Still focused on the information before him, he suddenly realized that he hadn't said so much as a word since Kara had presented her offer of teaming up. He could hear the soft sounds of the ocean coming from the walls of her sanctuary, and the air here had a salty tang to it. He had to admit, he did like this place; and he did trust Kara, no matter how abrasive her personality was at times. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and distant, his thoughts still creeping back to Lynx now and again.*
“Alright Kara, I'm in. But where do we go from here? What do we do with all this information?”
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12:34 am
July 17, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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“We collect more. We still have no idea how all the pieces fit together. The Old Man is pulling some very large strings, and it seems, that not all of Solace's underworld are happy about it. From what Cappie tells me, activity in his bar has slowed down to a trickle. The people who do pop their heads in there are anxious. Lynx was in there some time ago, looking for someone…”
*Kara paused, watching the expression on Morrison.*
“AIKman will keep up with electronic traffic. He has been working on tracing some calls that seem to have been routed through about a thousand servers around the world. The Old Man is taking steps to cover his tracks that I have never seen him take before. I have some other prospects I am working on, to add some muscle to our ranks here. What I need you to do, is figure out what Lynx is up to. Cappie got the feeling that she is hiding something pretty big when she was over there. It is up to you to figure out what. I'm… not the subtle type. Besides, you know her. Let's focus on her as our first lead. In the mean time, I will do what I can to get M.A.C.O. more involved.”
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1:57 am
July 17, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*Morrison nodded gravely when Kara finished speaking. The last thing he wanted to do right now was to go out looking for Lynx – but if it was the only way to keep the ball rolling as far as the investigation was concerned, he was more than willing to do it – there was a lot more at stake here right now than his personal feelings towards a former flame.*
“Alright Kara. I'm going to start back at Cappie's and work my way out from there. If I find anything worth reporting, I'll let you know.”
*The young hero tapped the portable communicator on his belt and closed his eyes. A fraction of a second later, his costume had materialized around him. Jumping into the air, his body was suddenly enveloped in the swirling and pulsating shape of a large pterodactyl. As he rose higher into the air, born on borrowed wings, he looked back at Kara one last time and smiled.*
“I won't let you or Solace down – I promise.”
____________________
*He had decided to land in front of the bar and grill, making as big a scene as possible, trying to attract the attention of what little foot traffic seemed to passing by the normally busy watering hole. As he neared the door to the establishment, he crouched down on all fours, a crimson bloodhound suddenly appearing behind him, nipping at his heels.*
Alright Lynx, give me something to work off of.
*He slowly and cautiously made his way into Cappie's.*
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3:40 pm
July 17, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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“No self respecting man should ever be found crawling around on all fours…”
*Cappie was leaning back in a chair, feet up on a table, watching sports on the television.*
“Oh, it's you, Morrison. Nevermind what I just said.”
*Cappie grinned out of the corner of his mouth, still watching the game. He kicked one of the chairs out from under the table, and motioned for Morrison to sit.*
“Been an interesting coupla days, huh? Yeah, you can always tell when something big is in the works, this place always feels it first. The bad guys start slowly dissapearing, fewer and fewer coming in, less and less. Then the good guys notice that, and go out prowling around the city looking for 'em. Then the normal folks stop coming because there's no one here to gawk at. Which just leaves a few regulars, you, and me.”
*Cappie was being a little more deliberate, pacing himself, setting something up. He was focusing himself on being calm, trying to limit the amount of emotion he radiated. Morrison had to stay calm, cool, and collected. Cappie was already well aware that Kara had sent him tracking down Lynx, and he knew what had happened the last time the two of them faced off. It wasn't comely.*
“I'll tell you what I know, to help you get started. Lynx was in here the other day, looking for someone. Never did figure out who, but I have two pretty good guesses. While she was here, she met up with that Latino politician, Carlos something or other. Looks like they had a pretty serious conversation, and it also looks like he was trying to talk Lynx into something. I could feel that Lynx was suppressing a lot of emotions, it was hard to get a read on how she felt about whatever Carlos was proposing. As for that politician, most of them that I have encountered have a lot to hide, and generally avoid being around me. Carlos was hiding something, well, big. I could feel him get nervous whenever he thought I was looking at him. They sat over there, at the table in the corner. And, just in case, I left the table alone after they left. Nothing has been touched.”
*Cappie had not once taken his eyes off the game. He had been as casual as though he and Morrison were talking about the weather. Cappie didn't exactly get a good first impression of Morrison when they had met. Cassie, however, fell head over heals in love with him. Since Cassie cared about him so much, Cappie knew that if he tried to drive Morrison away, it would make him taboo, and therefore, Cassie would want him even more. Reluctantly, Cappie gave Morrison a second chance. He was still on the fence about the kid, but at least he was leaning toward the kid being not all that bad. He just needed a backbone. The kid had more power than he realized. If he had ever really applied himself, he could be right up there with the likes of Furystar. But he was moody, and seemed to be borderline depressive. Even Cappie had a hard time getting the kid in a good mood. He was just so, what was the word, solemn.*
“Go ahead, sniff around.”
*Cappie needed to get Morrison out of the bar before Cassie realized he was there. He was absolutely certain that she would do something to sneak out and trail him, getting into trouble, and needing Morrison to bail her out of some danger that she could not handle. Which, and Cappie was pretty sure about this, is exactly what she wanted to have happen.*
*The table and the area around it were, visibly at least, not the least bit more interesting that anything else in the bar. However, with his heightened sense of smell, it gave away any number of clues, to ponder, analyze, and track. Lynx had sat in the chair facing the wall. The scents of metal, leather, sweat, and musk were… intoxicating. The scents from where the man named Carlos had sat were decidedly not that of a simple politician. There was something underneath the heavy aftershave and cologne left in the air. There was sweat, dirt… old dirt, musty and dank, chemicals, like those used in small arms or crowd control gear, and something else, something that didn't belong… someone else's scent mingled in… someone familiar… the girl from the Old City! Mystery Girl. Whomever this politician was, he spent enough time with Mystery Girl to get her scent on him. That meant…*
*Morrison was left with two trails. Both were relatively fresh, and he would have little trouble following either. The problem was, the more it rained, the more the scents would be washed away in the miasma of the city streets. It had been drizzling lightly earlier, and storms were predicted for this evening. Half the stars in the sky were already covered up, and the breeze was cooler and picking up speed. He would only have time to follow one trail.*
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3:40 pm
July 17, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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Post edited 7:44 pm – July 17, 2009 by NiknakSS
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10:09 am
July 18, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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Post edited 3:24 pm – July 18, 2009 by Bucky
*Morrison had made up his mind. He had told Kara that he would follow the lead with Lynx, and he planned on doing just that. Unclasping the communicator from his belt, he relayed the information concerning Mystery Girl and Carlos Chaidez to AIKman.*
“I really think we need to get somebody on their trail as well, but let Kara know I am still following up on Lynx.”
*Clipping the device back onto the belt of his costume and flipping back his half-cape, he turned to Cappie and tried to smile as best he could, considering the gravity of his current situation.*
“Well, maybe if the weather gets too bad, folks will come it out of the rain and have a few drinks, eh?”
*Turning from eccentric and womanizing bartender, Menagerie concentrated hard, focusing all he could on pushing the limits of his abilities, unlocking what potential he could. Soon the hound dog at his heels began to dissipate, being replaced by an amalgamation that to this point had only existed within the confines of the young artists imagination. He was surrounded by a swirling and pulsating beast of pure crimson energy. The thing had the body and hind legs of a cheetah, but much larger in scale. The forearms were those of a gorilla, massive and hairy, corded muscles stretching with each small movement. It's head was that of a wolf, its ears pricked up and turned back, it's nose sniffing at the air within the bar. Upon it's back, a pair of large bee's wings, perhaps eight feet across, beat rapidly. Morrison Ellis looked back at Cappie and tipped his head.*
“I'm off to confront the past – and perhaps my future. Let Cassie know I dropped by – and for God's sake, try to keep her out of this.”
*With that, the great beast – and the hero who controlled it's vast array of powers – made their way out into the light rain that continued to fall – which even now had begun to fall more rapidly. Quickly his wolf senses picked up on Lynx's trail. With but a thought, and a burst of speed from the combined efforts of his cheetah's legs and bee's wings, the Menagerie was off into the depths of Solace City*
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1:12 pm
July 18, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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*The trail, as it turned out, was a long one. Lynx had scaled some walls, traveled across several blocks of rooftops, which made tracking her all the more troublesome. Every time Morrison reached the edge of a building, he had to guess by direction alone which way she jumped, and to which building or street. Considering how far she could jump if she wanted to, it made the task at hand more stressful as the rain was coming down harder every minute, and flashes of lightning were starting to streak the sky. Morrison had seen a few heroes and villains alike after they were struck by lighting. It took someone with special powers or some considerable toughness to shake that kind of hit off. Morrison wanted to find the terminus of the trail as soon as possible, and get off these roof tops. With despair, he realized he still on the trail on but one of Solace's many islets, and Lynx was capable of traveling great distances with speed. If he could just focus all of his powers on speed and sense of smell alone…*
*The city had rushed past him in a blue, black, and yellow blur. Morrison had been moving so fast, so low to the ground and roof tops, that he nearly had several collisions that would have put him into the hospital. This was one of the first times that he had every really pushed his powers. The results were quite a bit more than he expected. He had never flown so fast while still using other animal abilities, especially, while hybridizing the animal forms. It felt, dare he even think it, good? No time for that, have to concentrate. Without the benefit of eagle sight or some other powerful vision, he had little time to react to obstacles in his path. He needed all of his power for speed and smell to outrace the rain and lighting.*
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*Lynx was stretched out on a patio chair, on a fourth floor balcony, overlooking the 9th green of the Pearle Beach Country Club. It was Solace's swankiest, most pretentious, and elitest, piece of real estate. Only the super famous or fabulous, heads of state and top ranking officials, mega wealthy, or sports super stars were even allowed on the grounds. To play a round required close personal contacts with one of golf's tour leaders. And don't even think about buying one of the palatial residences along the course unless you own a small country. There were Saudi Princes on a waiting list to get into Pearle Beach. And here she was, bored out of her mind, letting the spray of the rain mist over her while watching the Bay whip up into a frothy torrent in the howling wind.*
Carlos is losing it. He has access to this place, and he thinks he needs me and Analyn as security? Not even the Old Man would stir up a raucus in this place. Too many big names, important people here. The toilets in this place have a direct line to the Keeper. Ah well, may as well live it up and run up the room service bill as high as I can get it, just to piss… wait a minute…
*Lynx paused in her musings… there was something that caught her attention, something she had never heard before… through the whine of the wind and the roar of the rain, she could hear something… else. It almost sounded like an insect, that couldn't be right, that would have to be one massive insect, moving fast, in her direction. She focused all of her well honed senses, straining her eyes in the direction of the sound. The recognized the unmistakable red glow immediately.*
Ah, lover boy.
*Lynx delighted in the distraction of Morrison showing up. She was bored, and it had… been a while*
Perhaps, I can have some fun with you before I have some fun with you.
*Lynx had always known just how to play Morrison like a piano. She would shed just enough of her bad girl persona to make him think he could save her from her wicked ways. She would seduce him, and then casually remark about how she needed him, how she could use his help with this one small thing, while they were laying, tangled in each other. Of course, he never agreed. Every time she had pushed him a little closer to doing what she wanted, but he had never caved in. The last time she tried, they ended up in one of their worst arguments. The argument escalated, turning into a full blown super powered brawl. The results were not pretty, and Lynx had experienced something she had never felt before or since; remorse. She should have never taken it that far with him.*
That's all behind us now. Let me lick those wounds of yours, and give you some new ones if you don't do what I want…
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7:32 pm
July 27, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*Morrison knew he had no time to waste, what with the bad weather mounting and Lynx's trail growing colder. Focusing every bit of energy he could into his animal powers, the great red beast that pulsed and flowed about his body began to shift and change.*
I have to focus on speed and smell – nothing else matters right now.
*Within a mere fraction of a second, he was now enveloped in a new hybrid. This one had the body and face of a timber wolf, along with the claws and superior sense of smell. The eyes were those of a bald eagle, as were the great wings which now flapped in the early evening mist. The great snout of the wolf's head began to wrinkle up and twitch, and Morrison knew he had regained the trail.*
I coming for you, Lynx – and nothing from our past is going to get in the way of doing what's right – I hope.
*Following the scent down from the rooftops and onto the main roads, the Menagerie could not help smiling just a little bit. It felt so good to be needed, but it was more than that. He had never pushed his powers like this – he never had a reason to. But now, the whole island, perhaps the whole world, was counting on the unique abilities of people like him. Suddenly, a strong change in scent brought him out of his thoughtfulness and back to reality. He knew as he neared the vast expanse of Pearle Beach that his quest to find Lynx had come to an end. He could see her through the falling rain and blowing wind as she made her way from the country club and onto the green of the eighteenth hole. As he banked and then began to glide towards her, he kept whispering a simple mantra.*
“You can't save her. You can't save her. You can't save her.”
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5:58 am
July 28, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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*Lynx had seen Menagerie coming from a ways off, using her powered senses. She had seen the unmistakable red glow, but from far away, it had meerly appeared as pulsing red fleck through the rain. Now that Menagerie was up close, Lynx was slightly taken back, she had never seen his powers manifest so dramatically. It was stragely erotic, and the thought of seducing him and fighting him, in either order, became intoxicating.*
My, my, now how come you never showed that part of yourself to me before?
*Lynx took a few bounding leaps to the 18th Green, and then casually sauntered up to Menagerie.*
“Seeing you all fired up is making me wonder where we went wrong, baby.”
*Lynx was careful not to approach too closely too soon. He had to let his guard down a little. Their last encounter had been an ugly one, to say the least. She could not allow a repeat of that incident while she was on Chiadez's payroll. This little visit had to stay low key.*
“I could ask you why you are here to see me, but we both know why. You are looking for some answers.”
*Lynx ran her fingers through her hair, stretching her lithe body in a feline manner.*
“Let's play a little game, shall we? Let's play kiss and tell. You come over here and kiss me like you used to, and I will tell you a secret. I will tell you all you want to know…”
*Lynx was slowly walking toward him, running her hands down her sides.*
“…if you know how to ask.”
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2:35 pm
July 28, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*With a single thought, the great hybrid beast that enveloped the Menagerie simply faded away like smoke on a windy day. He took a few steps toward Lynx and couldn't help stealing a glance at her body. As he did so, he could see that she noticed, a grin breaking across her face. He needed to be strong here – stronger than he'd ever been – at least when it came to Lynx. Morrison held up a hand and motioned for the villainess to come no further.*
“Stay right where you are Lynx.”
I have to stay in control, use what little pull I have with her to get the information I need from her. But I have to be in the dominant role here – I can't let her control me – not now, not ever again.
“You know why I'm here Lynx, and I'm not leaving until you answer a few questions that I have. And if you think for a second I am going to play your silly little game of cat and mouse, you obviously don't know me as well as you think.”
*The Menagerie frowned a bit as he said this, knowing the kind of response he was likely to get from Lynx. He couldn't help how he felt about her, but he also knew how far gone the woman before him really was. He knew down deep that she had been broken a long time ago, and no amount of help from anyone could put those pieces back together, no matter how much they – or he – wanted to.*
“I need to know who you were meeting with at Cappie's and why. I also need you to tell me everything you know about the Old Man and what he's trying to pull here. And like I said before, I'm not leaving you alone until I get the answers I want.”
*At that moment, Morrison Ellis's body was again enveloped in the hazy pulsating crimson energy that was the source of his vast powers. Another hybrid animal began to take shape around him, this one with the massive body, arms, and legs of a gorilla and the head and massive flapping wings of a mythical dragon. A bit of smoke escaped from between the Menagerie's lips as he tried his best to smile as slyly as he could.*
“It's time for you to talk, Lynx.”
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8:51 pm
July 28, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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Damn, he isn't backing down this time… think… we can't do this here, M.A.C.O. and the Keeper are bound to show up…
*Lynx knew Menagerie was faster than she, but she was more dexterious. What she lacked in speed, she could make up in agility. She ran through a list of places she thought she could try to make it to, somewhere to settle this. It had to be close, she could only evade him for so long. Pearle Beach was located on the western tip of Canton Isle. To the north was Solace Central Isle, and that would not do. She had to get somewhere with open ground and little population. Kani Del Ray Isle was her only choice. She would have to cross two bridges and make it through several neighborhoods, but she was sure there were enough obstacles along the way to slow Menagerie down. She mentally prepared her route, and without a word, sprinted as fast as she could toward the studio lots of Kani Del Ray.*
Let's see how fast you really are…
*Though Lynx had been a little surprised at Menagerie's display of power, she knew he still had limitations. He could mimic any animal, real or imaginary, and he could focus his will on intensifying the abilities he chose to mimic as well. Still, the more powers he mimicked, the less power he could pour into each. Yes, he could travel faster than her, but in this rain, and in the dark, he would have to focus some of his power on his senses as well, to keep from losing her or hitting something along the way. The trick was to keep close to obstacles. The bridge crossings were the most hazardous parts of this, Lynx would be out in the open and with few places to slip between.*
Faster, concentrate, focus…
*Lynx willed herself to move faster than she had ever ran before. She bounded over low buildings and darted between larger ones. She dug her claws into walls and trees to help her corner sharply, and leaped over traffic in the roadways. Taking a quick glance behind her, she saw that Menagerie was close, sticking to her well, though not on her tail.*
Let's see how you deal with this.
*Coming to the first bridge, she ran around the concrete base to the side of the roadway, and sprang onto the service walkways that traversed the underside of the structure. The underside of the bridge was not lighted, though she had no trouble seeing every detail, twist, and turn of the catwalks. Making it across the bridge, she leaped onto the roof of a shopping center, continuing at full speed. Looking over her shoulder, she saw that Menagerie had lost a little ground on her, she had a decent, but uncomfortable lead. There was no longer any need for darting around like a mouse, she pressed on, as fast as she could, seeing the second bridge rapidly approaching.*
Is that all you've got?
*Lynx made it to the second bridge, bounded onto the mag-lev tracks, and sprinted across the span. She hurled herself over one of the high speed trains as it bore down on her, and made it safely to the other side. She could feel that Menagerie was gaining on her now, but it didn't matter. She had made it. She saw the high walls of one of the movie studio lots, and sprang over it with ease. He was close now, she could detect the red glow of his powers out of the corner of her eye.*
That's it, lover boy, the chase is over. Let's see what you do now that you've caught me…
*Lynx ran straight at one of the massive walls of a studio building. Using her momentum, she ran a few steps vertically up the wall, and with all her strength, hurled herself in a backflip straight at Menagerie.*
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2:38 pm
July 31, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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*Menagerie saw Lynx's back flip off the wall and wasted no time trying to ram her at full speed, but he was coming in too fast and there was too little time to calculate her trajectory. Lynx arched, rolled, and twisted through the air, grabbing onto Menagerie's waist. Menagerie's momentum carried them into the wall of the studio. They bounced off the wall and landed on the ground with a thud, a tangled mass of arms and legs.*
“Don't tell me you came all this way to let me down, baby.”
*Lynx's face was a twisted, smiling snarl. She was drunk with battle lust. Without another word, she drove her forehead at Menagerie's chin but missed, harmlessly smacking her face off his chest.*
*The aura around Menagerie changed to that of a dinosaur, the red glow rippling with strength and tension as he struggled to break free of Lynx's grasp. Her grip held, and he took a deep breath and tried to focus his will.*
*Lynx, snarling like a feral cat, gritted her teeth and squeezed as hard as she could. His ribs were starting to crack, and the air was forced from his chest, making his dizzy and light headed. She was trying to suffocate him like a giant snake.*
*The red glow around Menagerie flared brightly as he tore Lynx's arms away from his waist. Lynx rolled away and came to a kneeling position, rubbing her shoulders from the pain.*
“Why do you want to hurt me, baby?”
*Menagerie grimaced, and the red glow around his hands changed to that of the talons of a T-rex. He cocked his arms back, ready to press the attack.*
*Lynx smiled, her own claws coming out with a 'snick.' From her crouching position, she launched from the ground, spinning through the air at Menagerie with her arms out wide. She struck Menagerie in the chest, tearing at his costume and slamming him back.*
*Menagerie grunted as he was throttled in the chest. The blow lifted him off his feet, sending him flying 50 feet back, landing on his back and skidding to a halt. He was not sure if he could take another hit like that. By the time he caught his breath and got to his feet, Lynx was standing over him, grinning wickedly.*
Push. Focus. Stay in control.
*Menagerie refocused his will, the red claws of the T-rex again appearing over his forearms. He threw an upper cut, striking Lynx in the abdomen, doubling her over in pain.*
*Blood spurt from her mouth as she grabbed her flayed gut with her hands. Rivulets of crimson appeared between her fingers.*
“Are you ready to give up?”
*Menagerie already knew what the answer was. Lynx would have to be put down. She never gave up.*
“I haven't been hit like that in a long time, baby. I forgot how good that can feel.”
*Lynx flashed a distorted and macabre grin, her teeth covered in blood. She leaped into the air above Menagerie, raising her arm high above her head. As she descended, she brought her arms down in a terrible raking motion, intending to slice Menagerie open from face to feet, spilling him open upon the ground. The pain and adrenaline of battle had made her lose all reason, and she was going for the killer blow.*
*Menagerie saw the incoming death blow, and tried to backpeddle. Lynx was coming in too fast, and he knew this was it. His foot snagged on a crack in the pavement, and he reeled back losing his balance just as Lynx's murderous claws flayed open the front of his costume. He was scratched and bleeding, but he was alive.*
She's trying to kill me. I have to end this now…
*Menagerie bit his lip as he focused every last bit of will he had. The red aura around him faded and then flared fiercely back into being. The shape of a whale had appeared around him, pulsing and radiating with raw power. In a smooth motion, he hurled himself off the ground with his hands and struck Lynx in the chest with a tremendous two footed kick.*
*The sound of bones rending and snapping was sickening as his feet struck home. The impact sent Lynx hurtling through the air, crashing into the studio wall more than 75 feet away. The impact left the wall cracked and damaged, and Lynx collapsed to the ground in a heap.*
HOLY CRAP! Oh no, no, no, no. Holy crap, holy crap. Don't be dead…
*Menagerie rushed to Lynx's side. She was broken and bleeding from her nose and mouth. She was dying. A rush of conflicting emotions washed over Morrison. He knew she would have killed him without an ounce of guilt. Yet, somewhere deep inside of him, he could not let go of the idea that she still loved him, in her own perverted way.*
Stay alive, I have to keep you alive until your regeneration can heal you…
*Morrison retreived the communicator that Kara had given him and contacted AIKman. He explained the situation and the condition of Lynx.*
“Get Kara on the line, right now, AIKman, hurry.”
“I told you to find her, TALK to her, not nearly KILL her! Damnit, Morrison, she can't answer questions if she is dead or in the hospital where M.A.C.O. will be sure to lock her up.”
*Kara was exasperated.*
*Morrison was having none of it. He yelled back into the communicator.*
“You think I don't know that? Something was wrong with her, I felt like she was trying to kill me. It was different than any other time we've fought. You told me you'd back me up on this if I helped you. Now do your part!”
“OKay, I am sorry. You did the right thing, and what I asked… let me think…”
*Kara arrived in a gold and silver metallic flash. She looked at Morrison, then down at the shattered body of Lynx.*
“I'm sorry, Kara. I just didn't know what else to do. It was like neither one of us was in control…”
*Kara was pondering the situation.*
“She regens, right?”
“Yeah, that is the only thing keeping her alive right now.”
“Do you know any medics that can triage her until she self heals? We only need to maintain her condition, and get her somewhere… safe.”
“Let's get her back to your place, get her under wraps, and then call for help. God knows when she comes to, she's gonna be out for blood. We need her to make this investigation work, Kara – at least for right now.”
*Kara didn't acknowledge that she heard Morrison, and simply teleported all three of them to a part of her base that she rarely showed anyone. When they reappeared, they were in a large, square room with solid rock walls and no door.*
“What the hell is this, Kara?”
*Kara didn't pay any attention to Morrison. She contacted AIKman through her com, and nodded as she read some text that appeared on the screen. Holding out her hand, a white kit materialized in a metallic flash. Without a word, she set to work, trying her best to triage Lynx using instructions from AIKman. She applied pressure packs to the open wounds and wrapped them with gauze. She immobilized Lynx's neck and made sure that the airways were clear. Next, she examined an I.V. bag and a syringe. Shaking her head and muttering something about missing the vein, the fluids in the bag and syringe vanished in a gold and silver flash, and a second later, the feint metallic flash could be seen under the skin of Lynx's arm.*
“Damnit, Kara! What are you trying to do here? With everything else that is going on, you'd put our lives as heroes on the line like this? Before you go playing amatuer surgeon any more, I want to know what the hell is going on. What is this place? How much are you not telling me? I thought we were a team, equals, what happened to the democracy? Or are you the sole leader of this little kingdom?”
*Morrison was starting to freak out. Kara's image, at least the one she cultivated, was of righteousness, fairness, justice, and above all else, the responsible use of power. This was a hidden hole in the earth, obviously meant to keep prying eyes away from her business. She was moving and acting in a practiced and deliberate manner. She was no stranger to situations like this, and that scared the hell out of Morrison.*
*Kara sighed and let her shoulders go slack.*
I can't do this all on my own anymore. I need help, friends. Will he understand?
“Are you willing to listen to me, hear me all the way out, before you pass judgement or make a decision?”
*Morrison nodded.*
“First of all, you want to know where we are, correct? Well, I call this room the Cell. You have seen parts of my base, under my house in Canton. Well, most of that is for show. The public knows I have it, and it is convenient to have AIKman in the house with me. But such a public place isn't really all that great for all of my needs. Deeper in the rock below my house, I used my teleportation to excavate a series of rooms that function as my true base. AIKman's real mainframe is down there as well. I will show it to you later. The only way down there is by teleportation. AIKman can get you in and out of it if you ask him to. Though AIKman's main processors can't be upgraded, the rest of his hardware can be. He is obsessed with upgrading himself, and spent several years designing the hardware and software that can mimic my teleportation. He wants to be the computer from Star Trek. Sorry, off on a tangent. Anyway, the hidden base gave me an idea. So, I created this room seperately, as a holding cell for dangerous villains that I needed information from.”
*Kara could tell that Morrison was dying to interject something about civil rights and ethics, but she pressed on.*
“Let me explain. M.A.C.O. and The Keeper are great at capturing bad guys. So are a lot of the other heroes of Solace. But after they catch them, the villains get turned over to the state. The state processes them and imprisons them. They all eventually break out or are released and go right back to their crimes. For the most part, I don't care. Well, I do, but I am sworn to uphold the system, flawed as it is. Yet, every now and then, someone so vile, so dangerous comes along, that they can't just be tossed throught the hoops of the system without finding out what they are up to, and figuring out how to stop them. These select few don't deserve the rights the rest of us have. They have chosen to commit atrocities, and no one else seemed to have the nerve to stop them.”
*Kara placed her hands on Morrison's and looked into his eyes.*
“I don't torture people down here. I don't lock them up and throw away the key. I bring them here, and I get confessions. I release them to the authorities, safely and unharmed, when I know enough to stop innocents from being harmed. I am not about to let genocides, wars, and massive calamities take place when I can stop them here, in this room. If I knew where the Old Man was, he would be here now, instead of Lynx.”
*Lynx was starting to get her color back, and her fingers were twitching.*
“What's really going on here? Are things about to get bad – I mean real bad?”
“They are not about to get bad. They are already worse than you think. The Old Man is pulling a lot of heavy strings. Have you noticed the abnormally long absence of The Keeper? When was the last time you saw him? And M.A.C.O. has been on a short leash. The Old Man has some influence over someone very high up in the government in order to do that. Also, doesn't it strike you as odd that with so many of Solace's heroes gone for so long that the villains aren't out of control in the streets? The Old Man has them under wraps too. To make matters worse, AIKman picked up a transmission that he confirmed came from Lynx's nasty little friend, Analyn. Her message was that she got the itemand that the tin man would be out of the picture for a while. It took him two days to trace the call. She had made it while on a plane over the Pacfic, heading here from Canada. Just hours before AIKman picked up the transmission, the US reported that they had been the victim of national security sabotage. Someone had broken into S.C.I.O.N.'s hanger and damaged the enormous metal beast from the inside. Sound like the m.o. of someone we know? But the US is blaming Solace for it. They claimed that they found M.A.C.O. gear at the scene. I have the feeling that when S.C.I.O.N. is fixed, we will be seeing him in the skies near Solace.”
*Menagerie was floored.*
“So we could be looking at an international incident? Holy hell. Damn. Who else do we have in the fold right now? Who can we count on to come when you call?”
“Well, I am fishing for two others at the moment. You know Prometheus and the Scarlett Fox?”
“I know about the vigilante, and as for Fox? What can I say? She's a powerhouse – but – wound a little tight.”
“Yeah, Prometheus is wanted, and Scarlett beats people worse that you did Lynx. If they can get their acts together, they would be valuable help for us. Prometheus is on or slightly above your level of power, and having Scarlett could go toe to toe with the Keeper for a round or two in a brawl.”
“Do you know where they are?”
*Kara snickers.*
“They are probably still on the side of the mountain, trying to figure out how to get down. I left them on a ledge several hundred feet up to give them some time to think.”
“You always had a way with people.”
“Anyway, I think you are right. Let's go and have a chat with them. Lynx is starting to wake up, and it would be helpful to have Scarlett hold on to her for us while we ask some questions.”
“I'm ready when you are.”
*In a gold and silver metalic flash, the three of them were gone.*
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12:37 am
August 14, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*Both Prometheus and Scarlett Fox take a few steps back as three people begin to materialize out of thin air. Once Prometheus sees who it is, his face contorts in anger and he shoves past Fox. When he gets about a foot from Prestige and the fallen form of Lynx, Menagerie steps in front of the monstrous hero and holds up both hands.*
“Hold on man! Just take a step back.”
*Prometheus takes a look at Menagerie, with his ripped costume and obvious injuries. Glancing at the fallen form of Lynx, a small smile breaks out on his face as he taps the smaller hero on the shoulder.*
“At least you gave as good as you got, eh? Here, take my jacket and cover up that body of yours.”
*The larger hero tosses his leather jacket to Prometheus and then turns his attention back to Prestige. His eyes narrow.*
“What's going on here, huh? First you leave us out here with our junk in the wind, and then you come runnin' back with Lynx in tow? Why do I get the feelin' that I'm not gonna like what I'm about to hear?”
*Menagerie zips up the large leather coat and takes a step toward Prestige, making sure that he could step between her and Prometheus if he had too. He frowns and looks toward her.*
“I think it's time for you to let everyone in on this, Kara.
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1:51 am
August 14, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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“First off, Scarlett, do us all a favor, and hold onto Lynx. She is waking up, and she is going to be pissed.”
*Kara recounted the events of the evening to Prometheus and Scarlett. She laid it all out, showed all of her cards to them as she had with Menagerie. When she was done, she waited for one of them to say something. They did not.*
“Look, there it is. All of it. And as far as you two being upset with me leaving you on the side of a mountain, get over it. I needed you two to calm down, get your acts together, and think about the bigger picture. I need your help. Menagerie is onboard, and he will tell you that I am willing to back you up, no matter what. I know that I can be rough around the edges, but I have always been solo, like all of you. The time for that is over. If we don't come together and work as a team on this, we are all going to individually watch as Solace is torn to pieces. Better hold on tight, Scarlett.”
*Lynx came to with a start, and without warning, started to thrash, kick, claw, and even try to bite her way out of Scarlett's grip.*
“Don't make me crush the life out of you.”
*Scarlett had her arms wrapped around Lynx's chest, pinning her arms to her sides. With a slight squeeze, she pressed the air out of Lynx's lungs.*
*Lynx calmed down, and took stock of the situation. She had never run across the Scarlett Fox, but she was well aware of her reputation for putting people in wheel chairs. Prometheus was not to be triffled with either, and he was grinning malevolently at her. He would pay for that. Later. Prestige was here as well. Though not a formidable opponent physically, no one could ever get close enough to the prom queen to touch her. Lynx had been captured three times by the pompous do-gooder. There was simply no way to get to her or get away from her. But those three were not who she was interested in. Menagerie was standing off to the side, staring at the ground.*
If it is the last thing I do before the Old Man burns this city down, I will make you suffer…
*Lynx leered at Menagerie, willing him to look at her.*
“You should have killed me when you had the chance, baby. My employer will have noticed my absence by now, and some friends of mine will be looking for me. Trust me, I won't be hard for them to find.”
That damn transmitter better still be working…
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2:50 am
August 14, 2009
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Bucky
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| Master Bee | posts 320 | |
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*Menagerie didn't like the tone of Lynx's voice or the sly look in her eyes. He knew from past experience that she was a handful, but now that she had allied herself with a larger cadre of villains, she was more dangerous than ever.*
“What are you getting at, Lynx?”
*As Menagerie questioned the villainess held tightly by Fox, Prometheus felt a wave of cold move across his body, like someone walking over his grave. As the hair on the back of his neck began to stand and a dark shadow began to spread around them, he looked up just in time to see several figures plunging toward the group of heroes.*
Lynx must have some kind of homing device. Dammit.
“Incoming!”
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7:37 pm
September 26, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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*Prestige looks up, squints her eyes, and frowns.*
“Something is wrong…”
*The Scarlett Fox was looking up as well, trying to figure out what had Prestige so concerned. Without warning, she gasped, her eyes glazing over, and turned her thousand yard stare at Prometheus.*
*Prometheus noticed the abrupt change in Fox’s demeanor.*
“Uh oh.”
*A warp gate cracked open next to the ledge, thin bolts of deep red lightning sizzling around a midnight blue vortex. Analyn and Paramore jump out of the gate and land on the ledge with the heroes.*
*Lynx, free of Fox’s grasp, wasted no time in getting revenge on Menagerie. She charged him, snarling like a wild beast, slamming into him, and sending both of them sailing off the side of the mountain.*
*Prestige raised her telekinetic shield and without hesitation, teleported the plummeting Menagerie back onto the ledge. She turned her attention back to the other foes, wishing that the team could have spent more time together before combat. This was the first time they had all fought together, and the stakes were high.*
*Fox took a few quick steps toward Prometheus and struck him with a viscous backhand to his shoulder, sending him crashing into the side of the mountain with a tremendous THUD.*
“Ughhh.”
*Prometheus was seeing stars and was trying to pull himself to his feet, like a boxer using the ropes to pull himself up after a shot to the jaw.*
*Analyn, taking advantage of Menagerie’s confusion, turned into her liquid acid form, and poured herself over Menagerie. His costume sizzled and popped, leaving oozing tendrils of fabric left clinging to his blistered and burned body.*
*Paramore focused on the falling figure of Lynx, and opened a warp gate under her as she fell. Another warp gate opened a few feet above the ledge, and Lynx came tumbling through it, crashing to the ground in front of Menagerie with a violent curse.*
*Menagerie did not hesitate. He summoned the strength of a whale, a muscled red visage of a great tail surrounding him, and attempted to flatten Lynx into the ground. Lynx effortless rolled out of the way, and Menagerie’s blow slammed harmlessly off the stone ledge.*
*Prometheus staggered to his feet, glared at Paramore, and shot a stream of fire at her. The flames burst forth like a flame thrower. Paramore vaporized into nothing upon impact.*
“What the hell…”
*Out of the corner of his eye, Prometheus could see another Paramore, standing on the other side of the ledge. A quick glance revealed seven other Paramore’s all over the side of the mountain and ledges, waving at him.*
“Dammit, I hate illusions.”
*Prestige had a clear shot, focused her telekinetic energy, and fired it out in a surge at Lynx, who was still engaged with Menagerie. Lynx was not to be caught off guard, however. She braced herself, and the wave of force rippled over her harmlessly.*
“You think you’re clever, huh?”
*A ball of fire enveloped Prometheus, swirling about him in a white hot fury. He flung his arms out, and eight flaming missiles shot out at all of the Paramores, striking every one of them. All but one of the Paramore’s vanished, the real one clutching her singed chest.*
*Menagerie saw his chance, and leaped up at the real Paramore, going for the knock out. In his excitement, he jumped too fast, his furious strike whizzing past Paramore who was staring wide eyed at him as he sailed over her.*
*Lynx knew what they were trying to do. Without Paramore, Fox would be free, and they would not have a warp gate to escape through. Lynx snicked out her claws, and lunged at Menagerie, impaling him through the back, and knocking him into the cliff wall.*
*Menagerie braced against the wall with a grimace, yet remained conscious and on his feet.*
*Analyn followed Lynx’s lead, and tried to eliminate the threat to Paramore. She jumped into the air, summersaulting gracefully, and came down with the back of her heel on Prometheus’ shoulder in a bone crunching snap.*
*Prometheus staggered back a few steps, rubbing his shoulder, but remained in the fight.*
*Fox vaguely glanced around her, choosing the target closest to her; Prestige. She leapt through the air, and drove her fist into the protective field Prestige had around herself. The field cracked and exploded into nothing. The force of the blow knocked Prestige out, and she crumpled to the ground in a heap.*
*Paramore looked down on the body of Prestige, tilting her head to the side in contemplation. She spread her arms out, opening up a warp gate above the ledge. Analyn, Lynx, Paramore, and the unconscious body of Prestige were sucked up into the vortex, which closed behind them with a SNAP!*
*The thousand yard stare in Fox’s eyes vanished, and she clutched her head as she began to sort out what had happened. Though she was not in control of her actions, she could see and hear what was happening. She could remember everything Paramore had made her do. She slumped to the ground in anguish.*
“Alright, that’s not at all what we needed to happen. Time to call in the cavalry. Any ideas?”
*Prometheus had checked the ledge, scanning for any more of Paramore’s illusions.
*Fox wasn’t listening. The idea of harming her friends, of knocking Prestige out and allowing her to be captured was too much for her to bear. Rage began to build within her, and she began to violently vibrate, her tremendous strength being let lose without control. The ledge was starting to crumble beneath their feet.*
*Menagerie grabbed hold of Prometheus, and leapt into the air, flying on great eagle’s wings. He hovered above Fox, and looked down on her, frowning.*
“There was nothing you could do. They were controlling your mind – losing Kara was not your fault. We need to stay in control here. It’s the only way we’re going to get her back and save the city.”
*Some part of the message got through, but not enough. Still vibrating, Fox rose to her feet, walked to the side of the mountain, and started punching the cliff wall with all her might. The very foundations of the mountain felt as though they were trembling, and Menagerie could feel the concussions of force in the air.*
*Prometheus let out a laugh.*
“Save the anger for the evil bitch trio, kid. You’re not helping anyone by hitting that mountain.”
*Fox continued to strike the cliff wall, and a rock slide started to cascade down the steep slope, coming right at the crumbling ledge.*
“Fox, simmer down – please. We need you whole on this.”
“Menagerie could not wait any longer. The rock slide would crash over Fox in seconds. He grabbed her with his other hand, using all the strength he could muster to hold onto her vibrating form. He willed every bird he could to come to him, knowing that Fox would never harm an animal. His grip on her was loosening, the vibration threatening to break his grasp.*
“Come on kid, keep it together. Kara needs you on her side right now. We have to rescue her – and the only way we can do that is with your help. Focus – stay strong!”
*Within moments, 40 or so birds appeared and flocked around the three heroes. Hawks, falcons, and a few gulls gracefully arced and fluttered about them as Menagerie gritted his teeth, desperately trying to hold on.*
*Fox saw the birds, and the sight of animals calmed her instantly. Her body went limp, and she began to sob uncontrollably.*
*Prometheus put a hand on her shoulder and whispered to her.*
“It’s okay, kid. Nobody here got a gold star today. We all messed up – together. And we’re going to get out of this together.”
*The trio watched as the rock slide tumbled down the mountain slope, harmlessly cascading into the inner bay below.*
*Prometheus got out his communicator, and contacted AIKman.*
“We really need everyone we can get on this one, AIKman. Please tell me there’s some kind of contingency for this. Also, let’s see if you can’t dig up a way to find where these girls are going to end up.”
*AIKman acknowledged he transmission. He relayed that there was no way to know where the girls would be. He had been trying for a year to find the Old Man’s headquarters, without success. It was just too well shielded, but it was sure to be on Central Isle. As far as the short list of heroes went, there were only two others on the level of power that could be of any help; Furystar, who at last report had lost his powers, and Spectrum, who was new to Solace and unproven.*
“Alright, AIKman, thanks for the help. Keep Furystar and Spectrum on a short list, but don’t call them in unless I say so. In the meantime, see if Capie or Cassie have some ofhter way of contacting or tracking down Kara. We’re gonna start our own search.”
*The skies about the heroes were filled with birds by this point, which gave Menagerie an idea.*
“Let me see if I can’t get a bit of help from my animal buds.”
*Menagerie instructed the birds to search out Analyn, Lynx, and Kara, implanting the best images he could in their minds. The birds happily obeyed, and flew off in all directions of the city. He knew that they would check every window, alley, nook and cranny in the city, though, in a city the size of Solace, that would still take days.*
“Thank you, my friends – fly straight and fly safe.”
*Fox had stopped sobbing enough to be of some help.*
“What can I do?”
“Alright, Fox, we need someone on the ground who has the speed and durability to follow up on anything Menagerie’s friends find. Take one of the communicators and keep it on. When you get a set of coordinates relayed to you, check it out. Stay cal and don’t run too fast. You don’t want any sonic booms spoiling our search.”
*A transmission from AIKman interrupted their planning.*
“I am sorry to interrupt, but I think you should hear this.”
*AIKman patched through a news broadcast to their communicators. The broadcast was from the United States; a statement formally blaming Solace for sabotaging SCION and demanding Solace to dismantle it’s own defense network in apology.*
“Great, just what we need. My home country stomping into this mess and spreading crap everywhere.”
*Prometheus was exasperated.*
“What should we do, Prometheus?”
*Menagerie was running out of ideas on how to use animals to help out the situation.*
“You and I will head for the capitol, get in contact with the military and the government – see where we can help. Drop Fox of as soon as we can she she can keep on with the search.”
*Everyone nodded in agreement, and Menagerie sped toward Central Isle, the gleaming sky scrappers in the distance.*
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7:03 am
September 27, 2009
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NiknakSS
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| Soldier Bee | posts 76 | |
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*Dr. Eric Longoria entered the room without knocking. There was only one person in the world he answered to, and this was not him.*
“Your car is waiting, and you must not be late to the rally.”
“Alright, keep your shirt on. Is there anything you need to relay from your master? Or has the faithful lapdog given up all he knows?”
*Carlos knew about the massive power that welled within the sickly thin Longoria. He knew that Longoria was actually the hideous villain, Bloodbond. He knew that few heroes in Solace could actually stand against him in a fight and have a chance in hell of prevailing. But he also had a trump card. He knew that the Old Man needed Carlos for something big, and that the Old Man would never allow Longoria to harm him. As it was, Carlos thoroughly enjoyed his games of poking the bear with a stick.*
“I give you what the master tells me to give you, that is all. Your security detail is waiting in the car. Make sure they behave.”
“Lead the way, then.”
*Longoria lead Carlos to a Mercedes Maybach in the parking garage. Analyn and Lynx, wearing sharply tailored black suits with ear pieces and black sunglasses were waiting in the back seat. Lynx looked uncomfortable in the suit, and showed her displeasure by hissing at Carlos.*
“Easy, kitten, keep those claws to yourself.”
“This was not part of the agreement, Carlos. I don’t know why I allowed myself to get into this. You WILL make this up to me. After this is all over, I want the Menagerie brought to me.”
“You’ll both have whatever you want as soon as I – we – come into power. The Old Man may think he has e on a short leash, but I am far from being that dripping zombie he has handling his wet work.”
*Analyn touched her hand to the earpiece she wore.*
“Paramore is in position, the package has been delivered.”
“I see, now run through the plan one more time so I can make sure that all of us are on the same page ans that there won’t be any – issues.”
*Lynx rolled her eyes behind the darkly tinted sunglasses and slightly shook her head.*
“Paramore, that little vanilla wafer, changed our plans when Prestige was knocked out in our battle. The little skank thought she could buy some favor by bringing Prestige to the Old Man as a prisoner, instead of just letting Ana and I kill all the little do-gooders. So, Little Miss Sunshine, Kara Fairchild herself, is now onstage using her fame and influence to juice the crowd for you. Paramore is controlling her.”
“Excellent. This has worked far better than any of us could have hoped for. Fairchild’s support is exactly what I need to crush the current Prime Minister. Is there any way to know if we can sway Paramore from the Old Man when the time comes?”
*Analyn shook her head.*
“Not unless you can figure out what the drug is that the Old Man has her addicted to. He gives her something that eliminates her need for sleep.”
“Then it seems that perhaps the two of you have a new objective if time permits.”
*Analyn handed Carlos a dossier, and began to explain its contents. In it was a laundry list of corrupt politicians that the Prime Minister had ties to. For his part, the Prime Minister was an honest and upright person, having no idea that so many in his cabinet had their hands in the cookie jar. The most interesting part of the dossier contained information on ‘The New World Order’ project; a secret initiative that was responsible for creating the Keeper, and something else… There were files about the test subject that came before the Keeper, a Solace Native Chief, that was turned into an aberration.*
“How many others have this information about this – aberration?”
“Only the people who worked in the project, I would guess, and the Old Man.”
*Analyn crossed her legs, getting into character. Though Lynx hated everything about this assignment, Analyn was enjoying it completely. The lies, the intrigue, the espionage, it was nearly as satisfying as breaking into someone’s hideout.*
“I snuck into the labs where it was created. The labs themselves are still there, with most of the equipment still in tact, though there was no personnel in it. A shame really, Lynxy and I would have loved to do some – testing – of our own on those scientists.”
*Lynx growled and bit her bottom lip at the thought. One of the reasons that she and Analyn had formed an alliance, if not a friendship, was the fact that both of them were the results of diabolical testing and mutation. They shared their creation in common, as well as their need to take revenge upon the people who would perform such atrocities on others.*
*Carlos adjusted in his seat.*
“Where is this aberration, as we speak? Perhaps we could – rescue him – add him to the cause. I’m sure both of you would have a vested interest in rescuing a fellow – experiment.”
“The Old Man would not tell me. His lackey knows where he is, and has contingency plans to use him if need arrives, I am sure. However, the Aberration is believed to be nearly, if not equal in power to the Keeper, and unstable.”
“He sounds perfect for our use. Do you think the two of you could coax the information from the lapdog?”
*Analyn shook her head.*
“Longoria, or Bloodbond, or whatever you want to call that thing, is not human enough anymore to reason with. His only allegiance is to Ikiryo. Oh, but he did give me one other bit of instruction for you. He said that it was imperative to take a strong stance against the United States in the wake of the SCION scandal. The Prime Minister will be flying to the States to a peace summit. You are to make him look weak, like another world leader turned puppet of America.”
*The car came to a stop behind a large, lavishly decorated stage. A sea of people, more than a million strong surged in Solace Central Park, attending the rally and debate. With the election just a few days away, and the Prime Minister still holding onto a strong lead, Carlos had to make the most of the opportunity. Plans were rapidly forming in his mind, even as he planned what he was going to say in the debate.*
“Then we sway Paramore first, and use her to get to the lackey. I want to know what drug she needs – and I needed that information yesterday. As for now? I have a public to address.”
*Carlos made his way from the car, up the back of the stage, keeping as careful an eye as possible on the crowds. There were a lot of people with a dog in this fight, and there was no telling who would be here today.*
*Analyn and Lynx took their positions, a few steps back and flanking the podium where Carlos was to stand. Kara Fairchild occupied that spot at the moment, wrapping up her introduction of Carlos. The crowd was going wild for her, so strong was her natural influence and personality. She rarely made such personal appearances, and it was a treat for the crowd to see her endorse a political candidate. She waved farewell to the adoring crowds, and turned to walk off the stage. Carlos could see a dull stare in her eyes as she passed, and Paramore, wearing a black business suit, hiding just behind the back stage curtains. The current Prime Minister was already at his podium across from Carlos’, and was awaiting his opponent to take his place.*
*A moderator took center stage, and made the formal introductions of the candidates. He laid out the rules of the debate, and shook each of their hands. For the next hour, each candidate was asked questions from ‘random’ members of the audience, picked in advance. At last, the final part of the debate came, and Carlos and the current Prime Minister were allowed to go head to head, with Carlos given the mic first. He grasped the podium with both hands, and looked out into the crowd.*
“We are on the cusp of one of the most turbulent times in the history of our nation. Because of the actions of the current regime, and their concerted non-effort to deal with the consequences, Solace had been made to look foolish on the world stage. We must protect ourselves from those who would try to take away our freedoms and rise above our faulty leadership and past mistakes. Together, you and I, we can take that long walk into the darkness, knowing that light by which we walk is not that of an oncoming train, but the rays of hope – rays of sunshine – the light of a new Solace!”
“My friends, fellow citizens, I see my opponent is wasting no time making the same old false claims and accusations we have heard over this election season. Indeed, these are troubled times, and times such as these require tested and proven leadership. Leadership that I have provided over these past four, prosperous years. This is no time for haste and rash action. You, the voters, must decide in three days who will lead this great nation out of the coming storm; an experienced captain, or a deck hand fresh off the docks.”
*Carlos looked up, putting a hand in his pocket, holding onto the dossier.*
“The Prime Minister is correct, I am an upstart. I’ll be the first to admit that. But just like you, I’ve seen through the lies and taken it upon myself to rescue that which means so much to you and me – our beloved nation. It is the current Prime Minister’s mishandling and meddling that had brought the United States down upon us. IN fact, perhaps he would like to explain his login in attacking their greatest weapon of mass destruction on their own soil with his own private troops. What possible reason would he have to do this? And for that matter, where is our Keeper? Our beloved protector?”
*The Prime Minister looked at Carlos, hiding his shock and outrage at being so blatantly attacked.*
“We are a free nation, a nation in which we are allowed to express our opinions. There are limits, however. Accusing members of the government of treasonous, or terrorist actions, are beyond the limits of good taste. Look upon him, citizens of Solace, and behold the depths he is willing to sink to in order to win your votes. I ask you, is this the kind of character you look for in a leader? As for the Keeper, it is not a sign of our safety and security that we barely even need the world’s most powerful hero to protect us?”
*Carlos strode confidently out to center stage and held up the dossier before the crowd.*
“Many of you may be asking yourselves how I could say such things. You may also be asking yourself what’s in these folders. At this moment, my team is in the midst of dispersing as much information as we are comfortable giving out to the media in order to prove that our accusations ring true. In fact, I have the proof that not only is the Keeper’s absence a direct result of the Prime Minister’s dealings, but that many in his regime are corrupt, taking Solace for a ride. I ask you, with the proof before you, what else can you do?”
“I admire my opponent’s showmanship. He makes a grand flourish of things, does he not? Good people of Solace, does he really expect us to believe that some hateful and duplicitous propaganda his staff printed out will erase the trust that I have earned over these past years of service to our country? Words on paper are hardly proof of anything. Can my opponent actually prove, with hard evidence, any of the claims he has made?”
“Of course we can. In fact, that information has now been made available to the media, and will be posted on my campaign’s website as well. But aside from that, perhaps you would like to explain certain – aberrations – in both your dealings with the so-called ‘New World Order’ which created the Keeper, and the actions of MACO, which you have turned into your own personal army, responsible for for the acts of terrorism on US soil.”
*The Prime Minister did all he could to hide his confusion and outrage from being seen by the crowd. He had absolutely no idea what the ‘New World Order’ was about, or how his opponent knew that the US had found evidence that MACO troops were involved in the SCION affair. He could feel someone pulling some very heavy, very well hidden strings, and they all seemed to be attached to him.*
“The Keeper, as we all know, was gifted his powers by the energy fields from the islands of Solace, not by some secret project. We have known this to be true for more than 15 years. As far as the aberrations and experiments my opponent claims to have happened, I say again, shoe us HARD evidence, not libel. As for the United States and the recent accusations of terrorism, I, myself will be traveling to the Washington DC to meet with US leaders to discuss the situation, and to prove to them that we are still their allies and friends.”
*The moderator stepped to center stage, and announced that it was time for final statements. The crowd booed, this being one of the most memorable debates in the long, and often bitter history of Solace elections.*
*Carlos tossed the papers in front of the Prime Minister, and then made his way to the front of the crowd. He raised his eyes to the sky and a tear ran down his cheek.*
“Solace, we are in the midst of a crisis, one that can only be dealt with by protecting our borders and strengthening our leadership. The time for corruption, ineptitude, and the like, are over. It is time for a native son to take up the flag of our great nation and show the world the true power that we are. Don’t let your freedoms be put in jeopardy by a week administration. Our lives are at stake, and we can no longer hope for eh current Prime Minister to muddle his way through these troubling affairs. I have the costumed heroes of Solace behind me, it’s time for the every day heroes to line up as well.”
*The crowds cheered for Carlos as the Prime Minster attempted to make his final statement. His words fell flat, and he feebly left the stage with a half-hearted wave. As in all things, crowds love scandals and underdogs, and they got both today. Carlos took a few more moments to victoriously wave and ham up to the crowd before being escorted from the stage and back to the car by Analyn and Lynx.*
*The car drove out of the park, and into the garage of a nearby building. Through a series of tunnels and seemingly hidden passages, the car continued its journey, driving at speeds that seemed improbable and unsafe through the narrow passageways. The car had traveled so fast, so far, and had taken so many turns that Carlos was not even sure that they were still under Central Isle any longer. When the car finally came to a stop, Dr. Eric Longoria was there to greet it.*
“You performed better than I expected. My master is pleased, and wishes to see you now.”
“Good, I’ve been looking forward to a tete e tete with my most trusted advisor and sponsor. Lead on, lap dog.”
*If Longoria had heard the ‘lap dog’ remark, he made no expression of it. He simply lead the way to an elevator with simple stainless steel doors. There was nothing at all elaborate or out of the ordinary to imply that one of the world’s most powerful villains currently called this place home, or headquarters, or whatever an immortal called the place where he resided. The elevator was silent in its running, and Carlos had no idea of how many floors he traveled before the doors opened without a sound. Before them was a simple, small wooden paneled room with a set of large Oak doors with massive wrought iron handles. Longoria knocked on the door, and then opened them without waiting for a response. A long, rectangular office with floor to ceiling windows at the far end was beyond the doors. There were no decorations, no curtains on the windows, no furniture save a large obsidian stone desk and a single black leather executive chair behind it, it’s back facing the doors. Paramore was standing to the side of the room, face to face with Kara, sweat beading off her brow as she struggled to maintain control over the hero. Carlos walked to stand before the desk, nodding at Paramore as he passed.*
“I was told you wanted to talk. What did you think of the rally? Hopefully, I was able to perform as you hoped I would.”
*The Old Man took his time before he answered, letting his silence dominate the room, affirming to all that he was in control. When he spoke, Carlos was surprised to hear that his voice was not the gravel filled, weak iterations of an old man. It sounded young, strong, yet hollow and edged. A chill seemed to permeate the room as he spoke.*
“You performed as I expected you would. Your next performance will require more of a sacrifice, however.”
“Oh really? And what might that be – sir?”
“The day after tomorrow, our beloved Prime Minister will travel to Washington DC, to beg and grovel at the feet of their President. He will fail in his task to maintain the peace between our nations. I will see to that. I believe that the representatives of the United States will be so outraged that they will have SCION, now fully functional, attack Solace.”
*Carlos was floored. SCION will attack Solace? But on what grounds? Surely, a diplomatic mission could not go that horribly awry that it would spark war. He was about to ask this of the Old Man, but got his answer before he could say a thing.*
“The Keeper will be traveling with the Prime Minster, as his bodyguard. The Keeper is well known for his poor temper. There will be an unfortunate incident involving the Keeper and the President, I fear.”
“The Keeper is working for you?”
*Carlos spat out without thinking. The Old Man was far more influential than he had ever imagined.*
“No. The Keeper was genetically altered to serve only Solace. However, he has an alter ego. Did you know that? No, I suppose you did not. His alter ego is far more controllable than his powered form. I have him, under my influence, for the time being. My dear, Paramore, will be among the envoy traveling with the Prime Minister. I believe she is quite capable of convincing all concerned that the Keeper will be present. There are few that can see through her illusions, when she is properly motivated to give her finest performance. At the conclusion of the summit, the United States will unleash SCION upon Solace. I will release the real Keeper, to do battle with it. But it will be you, Bloodhound, that defeats SCION.”
*Carlos braced himself on the desk. What the Old Man was talking about was impossible. SCION was a 900 ton metal monstrosity, a force that could easily harm, and perhaps even defeat the Keeper. Carlos, as Bloodhound, for his part, was not even as powerful as Prestige and her rag tag team of interlopers.*
“I see sir – but just how will that be possible?”
*Analyn walked into the room and stood next to Carlos. She handed him a metallic cylindrical object about the size of his forearm.*
“With that. I had my dear Analyn retrieve it for me some time ago. It is one of SCION’s processors. I have had it reprogrammed to deactivate SCION upon contact with his power system. You will observe the Keeper’s battle with SCION, and wait for the moment when you see that SCION’s exterior armor has been penetrated enough for you to make entry to it. The Keeper will attempt to keep SCION grounded for as much of the battle as possible, where the Keeper’s superior strength will give him the advantage. Time your moment, keep the processor hidden from view, and enter SCION when you have the opportunity. Make it look heroic, as there will no doubt be hundreds of cameras filming the battle. Once inside, contact the processor to any of SCION’s powered systems, and SCION will deactivate.”
*This was all too much. Just a few moments ago, Carlos was relishing in the idea of being the next Prime Minister. Now, he was charged with the task of risking everything by getting close enough to an epic battle to actually enter a 150 foot tall, sentient killer robot. And he had to do it as Bloodhound?*
“Forgive me for asking, but why must I perform this task as Bloodhound?”
“This is the sacrifice I spoke of earlier. Too many questions would be raised if you were to simply throw yourself into a battle as Carlos Chiadez. No sensible person would dare go near a battle of that magnitude. But a hero would. And as Bloodhound, you will. And once you triumphantly leave the disabled shell of SCION, you will reveal your secret identity to all of Solace.”
*Carlos was shocked.*
“We never spoke of this until now. Do you think it’s wise to show our hand like that? I mean, I trust you implicitly, but those teeming masses out there? Not so much. However, I do like the way you think, and I believe after my speech today, the citizens will fall into step as we – I mean you – command with ease.”
“I believe the public will forgive any extremes you took as Bloodhound will be forgiven once you are the savior of Solace. And as for your taking on an orphaned girl as a side kick, giving her a home and hope, well, the public will adore you for that. The day after the battle, the elections will be held, and you will win in a landslide.”
*Carlos looked at the processor, a key to all the power of Solace, right there in his hands.*
“We stand on the threshold of a new nation, Ikiryo. One in which you – and I – will both be very happy. I am in your debt for allowing me a place as your right hand.”
“Indeed, you are. But my goals transcend your own. You need not worry about them. Be prepared. In two days, SCION will be over our skies. You must be ready. And one other thing. The Aberration, he will be joining us shortly. Do not get in his way. Not even I can control him. I can only unleash him.”
*Carlos nodded gravely.*
“As you wish. I’ll be ready for my time in the spotlight – as Solace City’s new Prime Minister – and it’s greatest hero.”
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