_Synchrotron_

Thank you, and all the talented, dedicated, (dare I say crazy?) folks at Paragon Studios. You gave us all a place to be heroic, and I'm going to truly miss it when it's gone.

I've played many games in my 48 years and will, no doubt, play many more - but the special alchemy that was City of Heroes is unlikely to occur again. You should all be very proud of the work that you did, and I'm grateful for the many hours of enjoyment your hard work enabled over the past nearly-a-decade.

Best of luck with all your future endeavors.

Man, still in shock. Was NOT expecting that announcement.

I'm half-tempted and half-afraid to log into every one of my characters and total the number of hours I've spent in Paragon City. But in the end, it doesn't matter, because however many hours it was, I spent them there because of the folks on this server.

I don't believe I've ever logged in to CoH and not had fun. If I wanted to solo, hunt for badges, join a task force or trial, or just a PuG team for massive chaos. Throughout all of it I've had nothing but fun here for nearly a decade, and the thanks for that goes out to all of you wonderful people on the other side of the monitor. Thanks so very much.

It's been an honor and a privilege fighting crime, battling injustice, and striking terror into the hearts of evildoers with you all.

Damn, but I'm going to miss this place...

I should be available - I can bring a bubbler (or a rad, cold, kin, sonic) defender, or something of nearly any other AT you like. Heck, I even have a tank or a brute these days.

(I don't have a 50 stalker, but I don't think I'm likely to be able to sneak up on Hami and assassinate him in any event...)

Paragonwiki is (as for many other thing CoH related) an excellent source of information about the invention system:

http://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Inventio...n_Enhancements

Invention Origin enhancements are made from recipes, which drop from defeated foes (the non-set recipes can also be purchased at the crafting tables) They aren't bound to your character, so they can be purchased via Wentworth's or the Black Market.

Invention enhancements boost one or more aspects of a power. You might find an Accuracy/Damage/Endurance enhancement, for example. Put in a power, it will boos that power's Accuracy, Damage, and Endurance, although it will boost each less than a single-aspect enhancement would.

If you slot more than one enhancement from the same set in the same power, you start getting the set bonuses listed in the description of the set. You can't have more than five of the same bonus in a single character, however (so a blaster with six ranged attacks can't get six copies of the Thunderstrike set bonuses - only five.) You also can't put more than one of the same set enhancement in a single power (For example, you can't put two Thunderstrike Accuracy/Damage enhancements in the same power).

The level of the enhancement is governed by the level of the enemy you defeat to get it - so you'll see enhancement recipes of various levels. You get level 50 versions from defeating level 50 foes. (Note: Each enhancement set has a range of levels that it's available at. Not all of them go all the way to 50)

The invention system, besides making enhancements, lets you make temporary powers (Jetpacks, the Backup Radio, Power Analyzers, etc...) SuperGroup base items (the Telepad being a notable example) and costume parts (Wings, Rocket Boots, etc...) A couple of oddball uses are the Summon Adamastor event that's triggered from a recipe, and the Respec recipe, which grants your character a respec.

There are also badges to be earned, if you're into those.

Another wacky, random thought. The defender inherent boosts damage based on team size - is it worth sticking the defenders on teams by themselves to get the boost, or are there team-wide (as opposed to league-wide) buffs that would make this counterproductive?

There are also the empowerment station buffs - your SG has to have the station to make them (you can't use a coalition or base you're visiting) - but a 20% recharge rate buff for 60 minutes isn't bad.

I don't know that the resistance buffs are significant enough to matter for squishies, but they may be worth looking at as well...

I'm working off somewhat dusty memories here, but I believe that the rag doll physics of the hit reaction isn't recorded with MOV - but with another item in the demorecord. EntRagdoll maybe? But don't count on that being correct

Samuraiko (Dark_Respite on the CoH forums) may know more - she's far more up-to-date on demo recording than anyone else I can think of.

Paragon City, North America: Firefall -79 minutes.
Stephanie Anders hopped off the tram at the Galaxy City exit, glancing at the time on her phone - she had 20 minutes, plenty of time to grab a coffee to go. Leaving Starbucks, she headed across Freedom Court, noticing that Back Alley Brawler was paying more attention to the skies than the usual small crowd of apprentice heroes surrounding him. “I wonder why?” she mused, “The meteors won’t be naked-eye visible, and he’s not noted for having any particularly special perceptions...” Shrugging, she let the retina scanner of the lab complex ID her, and she entered the Galaxy City offices of Carter Technologies, Ltd.

“Good Afternoon, Ms. Anders”, the pleasant contralto voice of Minerva, the company’s AI greeted her. “Good afternoon, Minerva. Project status, please?” Stephanie queried, heading to the elevators. “The conference with Dr. Carter is scheduled in 5 minutes. GuardTower up-link is live, directed to your lab on the seventh floor. The simulation of your proposed changes to the project Centurion neural interface finished last night, the data is on your terminal. My evaluation is that they do not resolve the issues with the spinal link. Current data indicates irreversible neurological damage will transpire within 18 seconds of link initialization.”

“Damn, I thought echoing the original impulses downstream would help.” Stephanie muttered as she entered the elevator. As the car rose silently up the shaft, the computer continued. “Evidently not. Unfortunately, Dr. Carter’s disability effectively masked the problems with the original design. Not until she began to investigate other uses for the interface did the problem surface.” the AI was prone to stating the obvious. “I know the history Minerva. If you’re already crippled below the waist, the damage to the neuromotor system is moot. But most people don’t want to become a paraplegic in order to control their computers...”

The elevator chimed for her floor. “Level Seven, Neural Interface Labs. Understood, Ms. Anders.” She shook her head. While the vocal quality was much better than even a couple years ago, nobody would be mistaking an AI for a human being anytime soon. She headed into the lab, and for her long-distance conference with her mentor. For the dozenth time she reflected on how lucky she was. Not every grad student got to intern with an innovator like Dr. Carter - and even in Paragon City, even fewer got to intern with a superhero.

GuardTower station, geosynchronous orbit over North America: Firefall, -59 minutes.
Dr. Carolyn Carter, better known in Paragon City as the heroine Synchrotron, looked down at the blue-white earth below. “A bit out of the way, but you can’t beat the view... Minerva? What’s the status on the Aegis recon platform deployment?” she spoke to the air. Flipping in the zero-gravity environment, she arced over to a control bank. “Recon platform deployment complete, Dr. Carter. Diagnostics have been run, and the entire constellation is online. Three satellites had primary sensor failures, the other 125 are nominal. Backups are on-line for the three failures, and servicing has been scheduled.” Dr. Carter was busily scanning the screens as the details rolled by. “Very good. Track the incoming meteors, and do a course-projection. We’ll see if SpaceTrack has it right or not.”

“Yes, Dr. Carter. Your conference with Ms. Anders is scheduled in 5 minutes. Do you wish to take the call there?” The displays reconfigured to an orbital schematic of the earth-moon system, with the incoming meteors and their projected course track. It began as a fuzzy cone, but was rapidly narrowing as data accumulated. “Here will be fine, Minerva. The shuttle doesn’t have the same view.” she replied. Eyes narrowing as the course converged on SpaceTrack’s predictions. “Inside the orbit of the moon, but well clear of the planet. Just as predicted, eh? Well, nice to know NORAD’s on the ball. Feel free to connect Stephanie when she’s set, Minerva. I’ll just admire the scenery until then.” she commented, arranging herself to view the planet below as well as the screens. “Very well, Dr. Carter” the computer replied.

North America: Firefall -29 minutes.
“...disappointing, I know Steph, but you’ve eliminated the interference on the interface layer - which is progress. I know Longbow wants the Centurion project ready - and the tachyon distortion fields have some interesting potential, but it will be ready when it’s ready, and not before.” The young grad student on the screen nodded in agreement. “Yes, but I was so certain it would work. Maybe if...” A low hooting interrupted the discussion. The lighting in the orbital control room went crimson, and the screens now showed the course of the meteors changing. No longer curving around the planet at a safe distance, the course now impacted the surface.

The point of impact drifted from the Pacific, and across North America. “Minerva! What’s the status of the defense platform deployment?” Dr. Carter snapped. Relegated to a smaller display, Stephanie could be seen rapidly typing. “I show it projected to hit... Oh no.” the voice from the screen had gone very quiet, just as the AI calmly noted “Projected impact point Paragon City, Rhode Island, North America. Estimate epicenter of impact at Galaxy City. Defense platform deployment seven-point-eight-one-two-five percent complete. Seventy percent of deployed platforms can target incoming tracks before atmospheric interface. Aegis is requesting autonomous weapons free, Dr. Carter. Priority one threat to life and property.”

Both women were rapidly at work, “I’m showing no malfunctions up here - Stephanie? Any chance you’re seeing anything different down there?” the clipped test-pilot tone of voice was very different from the casual conversation of moments ago. “No... no, Dr. Carter. I’m seeing the same thing down here.” the young woman replied tension evident in her voice. Dr. Carter turned off the audible alarm. “Minerva give Aegis weapons free. Notify SpaceTrack, Nasa, the Phalanx, and anybody else on the priority one alert list.” More rapid typing. “Aegis sent the alert automatically, as designed Dr. Carter. Defense platforms now armed and targeting. Estimate six to nine percent of incoming targets will be dispersed before they reach the atmosphere, depending on target composition.” A low curse from the screen. Dr. Carter glanced at the damage estimates Stephanie had brought up on her screens. The computer continued. “We are getting queries from groundside - SpaceTrack wants to know if this is a drill?” “They what?!?” came from the screen earth-side. Dr. Carter shook her head. “Minerva, confirm that this is a genuine alert. Not that there’s time for them to do anything about it from Colorado Springs. What’s the status of the Phalanx? Anyone else available?”

“Sister Psyche is on-site in Galaxy, and has linked up with Back Alley Brawler. Statesman is en route - he may arrive in time. Positron, Manticore and Numina are on their way, but they won’t arrive until after the first meteors hit. Several heroes are responding, but with the situation in Praetoria, many of the most capable are otherwise occupied at the moment.” Dr. Carter looked at the young woman on the screen. “Get to the sub-basement Stephanie. It’s not an armored bunker, but you’ve only got sixteen minutes or so before they begin to hit, there’s no place else you can get to in time. Being in the open would be suicide.” The intern looked at her from across the kilometers - “No, no place I can get to. But there is some thing I can get to, Dr. Carter. This building is likely to be a pile of rubble in the next quarter-hour. I might be able to survive until help reaches me. At least you’ll know where I am and can send help. But I don’t really like my chances. And the casualties outside are going to be... horrific. I remember the first Rikti Invasion, Dr. Carter. I was only a kid, but I remember. Even if it’s just falling rocks - and both of us know falling rocks don’t change course like that - even if it is “just” rocks, lots of people are going to die.” She was rapidly entering commands into her terminals.

“What are you thinking - no. No, Stephanie. I forbid it!” On the satellite, Dr. Carter had frozen, her face pale. “You’re a bit far away to do anything about it at the moment, Doctor.” Came the wry reply. “And considering I control your down-link to the complex here, even if you wanted to - there’s no way you can stop me in time.” The young woman pushed back from the desk. “Wish me luck. I’m going to need it.” she said over her shoulder as she sprinted for the elevator.

“Damnit, Stephanie.” the elder woman cursed. “Minerva, use the intercoms - I want to keep talking to her.” “Yes, Dr. Carter.” came the unemotional reply. “Defense platforms are performing above specifications, two percent of incoming targets dispersed. Seventeen percent losses to defense platforms however, as they are under fire from the targets. Countermeasures are now in effect, but platform efficiency is dropping rapidly as a consequence.” “Under fire?” “Yes, Dr. Carter. The meteor swarm - or entities contained upon or within them - are firing at the defense platforms. Tracking emissions detected targeting the recon platforms as well. Three percent loss in sensor efficiency.” the computer continued.

“Never mind. Do the best you can.” she muttered. “Stephanie, the Centurion armor isn’t ready. And it will cripple you if you wear it.” “I know that - it’s my research project, remember?” came the voice from below. “My best chance for surviving the next half hour is in that armor. And if I do, I can do a lot of good out there in the aftermath. That’s what you built it for, remember? Urban warfare support in case of a Praetorian invasion.” The chime of the elevator could be heard over the link, with the AI’s cheerful voice “sublevel two - Centurion lab.”

Dr. Carter was arrowing down the corridor to the shuttleport. “Minerva, prep the shuttle for immediate launch. I need to be down there now.” “Launch prep underway, Dr. Carter. ETA seven minutes. Long-range terrestrial transporters will not be on-line for several months. Minimum arrival time to Paragon City is one hour, thirty-seven minutes from... Mark.” Dr. Carter shook her head. “Can I get there faster using the armor, Minerva?” “No, Dr. Carter. The current generation Synchrotron armor was not designed for high-speed re-entry. The shuttle will...” “Fine”, she snapped.

“Look, Stephanie. I know can’t stop you. But I strongly suggest you reconsider. Paragon City does not lack for heroes. There’s no need to sacrifice...” She was cut off by the voice from earth. A young, but surprisingly determined voice “Maybe - but maybe not. If you were here, what would you be doing, Dr. Carter? Where would Synchrotron be?” Came the query. “That’s not the point, Stephanie. I’m...” again, she was interrupted. “You’re a hero. Yes, quite. But you didn’t start out to be one. Circumstances forced your hand. And even then - you could have pursued a private vengeance against Crey. You didn’t have to help others to do that. In fact, doing so has, essentially, prevented you from dealing with Crey Research as they deserve, not so? In about.... nine minutes, there are going to be a lot of frightened, wounded people outside this building. If I can save even one, the way one of your colleagues saved me and my family during the invasion, isn’t that worth it?”

Dr. Carter was strapping into the shuttle - working on shortcuts for the preflight sequences. “But your legs. You’ll never walk unaided again. I know what that means, Stephanie. And while using the prosthetics I can walk, run, and even fly - it’s not the same. Trust me on this - much as Minerva will never be human, the prosthetics will never replace what you’ll lose.” There was a pause on the other end - “I know.” came quietly. “But if the building falls on me I’ll lose more than my legs. And if I wait until it actually happens, it’ll be too late. This is my best chance to survive, and maybe help some others too. Goodbye, Dr. Carter. Thanks for everything you’ve taught me. With luck, I’ll have learned more than just neuro-mechanical interface technology. I’ll see you in a couple hours. Minerva, terminate uplink.”

“Up-link terminated at terrestrial end, Dr. Carter. Shall I endeavor to re-establish the link?” Came the computer’s voice. For several moments, there was no reply from the now motionless woman in the cockpit. “Dr. Carter?” prompted the machine. “No, Minerva. No, there isn’t time - and the last thing she’s going to need in the next few minutes is someone far away pestering her about decisions already made. Let’s get this boat down to earth.” and the flurry of preflight commands began anew. “Good luck Stephanie, Good luck. You’re going to need it.” With a metallic clang, the shuttle undocked from the station, and dropped - soon adding to the myriad lines of fire streaking down from the skies.

Galaxy City, North America: Firefall, -3 minutes.
Stephanie looked at the gleaming red/white armored suit, poised on its display platform in preparation for next week’s review by Longbow officials. “Well, here goes nothing.” she muttered. “Minerva, stage one powerup. Expedited boot sequence, skip self-tests and interlink consistency checks. We’ll just have to trust that it hasn’t broken since last week.” as she spoke she was removing the armor from the stand - making slight thwoking noises as the pieces left their suspension fields.

Removing her outerwear, she hastily donned the armor. “Stage one complete, Ms. Anders. I strongly caution that without proper diagnostics, there is a substantial risk of failure on fusion plant ignition.” she imagined a note of concern in the voice. “Understood, Minerva. Override Protocol Delta. Stage two powerup, and engage the neural interface. We don’t have much time.” she said, donning the helmet. As it came down over her head and connected to the armored collar with a hiss-click, the visor came online

The targeting AI in the on-board systems highlighted various objects in the lab, and interfaced with the devices nearby. Once she was plugged into it, she’d be able to... “Override Protocol Delta engaged. Fusactor ignition pressure building - ignition in ten seconds.” this time, the voice was in her ears, instead of the room. “How long to impact, Minerva?” Stephanie asked, as she noted the displays of her heartbeat and respiration rate climbing. “First meteor impact in 83 seconds from.... Mark. Unusual energy readings detected from incoming meteors. Similarities to readings from Bloody Bay event of 1989.” “Bloody Bay?” Stephanie asked - momentarily distracted from the incipient panic. “Isn’t that where.” And then the pain hit. Dimly, as if from very far off, she heard “Fusactor pressure 110%. Stable ignition achieved. Output nominal at 17.3 Terawatt-hours. Neural interface engaged.” And for a time, she knew nothing.

Galaxy City, North America: Firefall, +2 minutes.
“Warning. Warning. Operator lifesigns suboptimal. Warning. This facility ground zero for meteor impact in 34 seconds. Warning. Warning. Centurion systems online. Particle accelerator online, tachyon capacitor online - tachyon field density building, jetboard interface online. Warning Warning. Op...” Stephanie awoke to pain. Fire burned in the small of her back, and the nape of her neck. Her spine felt like it was being bathed in acid. She was lying on the floor, crumpled. As she decided to get up, suddenly, she was - but it felt.... wrong. It was as if she was in a really good virtual reality sim - the suit was obeying her, but it didn’t feel like her. She took a few tentative steps. “Impact imminent. ETA twelve seconds.” the voice of the suit AI wasn’t as natural as Minerva’s - but the meaning was clear. As she sought for a way out, possible exits limed her view of the world - up the elevator shaft, emergency stairwell, through the wall to the main ventilation trunk. Each was annotated with estimated times - all of them more than twelve - no, nine now - seconds.

“Damn.” she cursed. As she decided, the route through the wall and up the main ventilation shaft highlighted. The Vanguard Jetboard powered up, and her suit lept onto it, locking to the board’s surface. A few blasts from the gauntlet particle cannons and head-mounted lasers demolished the wall, and up the shaft she flew. “Minerva? Are you still there?” she asked. “Affirmative, Dr. Anders. I expect to go offline in three seconds. Goodbye. Good Luck.” And the world became a chaos of flame and debris. Goodbye? Good Luck? She had a moment to spare wondering about the AI, and then the maelstrom was upon her. As she focused on avoiding the whirling debris, the suit AI commented “Tachyon capacitor charged. Timefield engaged. subjective rate nine percent.” And the world slowed down. As the lambent field emitted by armor swirled around her, the nearby debris were no longer an avalanche.

Easily dodging the now nearly stationary remains of the tower, she burst into the late afternoon sunlight to a scene out of a bad alien invasion movie. The peaceful world of an hour ago was no more. The sky was filled with streaks of fire - the horizon with pillars of smoke, and the ground with dust and debris. And bodies. As the suit’s sensors tried to sort out the mess, she saw Back Alley Brawler and Sister Psyche in the distance fighting some sort of alien rock-beasts - and an Arachnos Flyer looming low near one of the fallen war walls. “Arachnos?” she exclaimed. “Is Recluse behind all this?” it was a rhetorical question, but the suit’s AI did its best “Analysis of radio intercepts indicates that the Arachnos invasion is likely an opportunistic event - the chaos of the meteor strike has distracted Paragon City’s defenders, and Lord Recluse is taking advantage of the situation as he can. The alien invaders appear to be engaging all terrestrial forces indiscriminately. Vanguard forces are en-route, but Sister Psyche is requesting support - we are the closest metahuman unit available.” The display highlighted a course towards the embattled Phalanx member.

“Well” Stephanie thought. This is what I wanted - and since I’ve survived, best be about it. With a flare of jets, Centurion flew in to the chaos that had been Galaxy City, to gain whatever victory could be wrested from this day.

Team 1
1) @Amygdala - Kinetics/Energy Defender (Cimerorans, Rebirth, Support)
2) @Cobalt Azurean - TW/WP Brute (Warworks, Rebirth, Melee or Assault)
3) @Disciple of Horus - Fortunata (Cimerorans, Rebirth, Support)
4) @Synch - Rad/Rad Defender (Longbow, Rebirth, Support or Assault)
5)
6)
7)
8)

Team 2
9) @Jitsurei - Electric control/psi manipulation Dominator (Cimeroran, Rebirth or Barrier, Assault)
10) @Placta - Elec/elec blaster (??, ??, Assault)
11) @dimensional warrior ill/rad troller storm elemental/carnival-ageless-melee
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)

Team 3
17) @Queen Frosteen: Queen Frosteen, Ice/Ice blaster (Cimerorans, Rebirth, Assault)
18) @chicagodoodler: Dreameater, Mind/Psy dom (spectral r-t4/reactive c-t3/seers c-t4/phantasms r-t4/clarion r-t4/rebirth r-t4/assault c-t4/control c-t4)
19) @Thul Sorapa - Willpower/Battle Axe, Tanker (any T4 as needed)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)

The Aegean, 211 B.C.;
Diana was hunting - the family needed the meat; game had been scarce of late, and her younger siblings were hungry. She was tracking a stag - it would provide a hearty meal for several days, if only she could catch up to it. She was woods-wise as well as the best tracker in the village, so she was confident. Still, goddess only knew what the day would bring.

She was carefully picking her way around some scrub at the edge of a clearing when she saw it; a magnificent stag, browsing in the meadow. She carefully braced, set, and drew the arrow to her ear. And then her eyes met those of the stag. It had ceased to graze, and was looking directly at her. I had not tensed to flee. It was beautiful. Lit in the early evening sunset against the shadowed trees, it glowed. And hungry or not, she could not kill it. As she lowered her bow, the magnificent animal bowed its head - to her? - And then bounded gracefully away.

“Why didn’t you shoot it?” came a complaint from behind her. “Eris?” she asked, turning around to see her friend, sling in her hand. “Who else would be able to sneak up on you?” she said with a grin. “Although today, I think even Stamos could have done it - you were just staring at that stag and blind to the world. Why didn’t you shoot? We could really use the meat, and you know it.” Diana sighed. “I’m not sure, Eris. There was something... special about that stag. It wasn’t right to kill it. Maybe it was one of Artemis’? The stag is sacred to her, you know.” Eris laughed, dismissively. “Oh, Diana. You’ve been listening to the Old One again. The gods aren’t here, Diana, Artemis doesn’t trouble herself with little farming villages, if she even exists at all.” Diana glared at her friend “Don’t mock the goddess, Eris.” Still laughing, her friend held up her hands, “OK, OK, I’ll stop. But if we’re going to find anything, it had best be soon. We don’t want to be out here after dark.” Diana had to agree - the forest was not safe at night. And since she’d wasted so much of the day on tracking the stag, there wasn’t much time left today.

The sun had nearly set when the two made it back to the village. No stag, but a brace of rabbits were better than nothing. As they returned, Diana fully expected to be mocked again for not bringing back the stag. The tale was too good to keep, and Eris wasn’t one to let such an opportunity pass by. She wasn’t a bad person, but she did love spreading mischief. They were both surprised at the scent of roasting meat as they approached the settlement. Someone had been successful - and there was the unmistakable sound of a celebration. They glanced at each other, and broke into a jog.

As they rounded the palisade, they saw a feast was, indeed, in progress. There were two large boars roasting over a spit, and a bounty of other foods piled high on tables nearby. Where could it all possibly have come from? As they stood there in disbelief, Neilios - the town elder - caught sight of them, and proclaimed loudly “And the hunters return! All praise to Diana, whose wisdom brought us this feast!” And she was suddenly surrounded by villagers praising her to the skies, while Eris looked on, dumfounded. Diana shrugged, and managed to catch Neilios’ eye. “Me? How could I be responsible for this feast?” “Especially since she let the stag get away” commented Eris, dryly. But the Old One heard her, and in her quavering voice replied “But it was her refusal to slay the stag that gave us this bounty” she said, gesturing to the food. “That stag was sacred to the goddess - and while she knew of our need, and would not have begrudged us its flesh, Diana’s sacrifice in letting it go touched her. She was determined that we not suffer for Diana’s generous spirit.” Diana was blushing, and Eris was staring in frank disbelief. “This is... a gift from Artemis?” Eris shook her head “To us? Here? In our little village?” The Old One nodded. “No sacrifice to the goddess is too small to escape her notice, Eris. And Diana has always been a devoted follower of Artemis. Unlike some I might name.” And the old one’s bleary eyes were suddenly quite sharp as they stared at Eris.

Diana was shaking her head. “But me? She took notice of me?” The Old One nodded “Indeed. It is easy to give to the gods in time of plenty, child. But to do so in time of need requires true devotion.” The Old One took her hand “And to see the stag for what it was? That was special, child. Few hunters would have seen farther than the need to quiet the hunger pains of their kin.”

The Old One went to one of the tables, and reverently lifted an object wrapped in snow-white linen. “Which is, no doubt, why I was given this.” And she removed the wrappings to reveal a golden laurel of victory, which she placed on Diana’s head. “This is the favor of Artemis, Diana. It carries her blessings, and - if you wish, grants you the chance to compete at the waxing of the moon to become one of her Companions - to join her on Olympus itself!”

Diana didn’t know what to say. This was the most astonishing day of her young life - and the happiest. She could imagine nothing better. “Oh, is it true? Can it be? Oh, yes, yes Old One. Even if I fail, to even compete is more honor than I could ever have dreamed.” The celebratory feast went on long into the night, and at the next waxing of the moon, the entire village turned out to wish her well.

“Goodbye, Diana” Eris hugged her tightly “I will miss you, you know. And who’s going to keep me on the straight and narrow when you’re gone?” she asked, with an impish grin. “Paulos? Or maybe Miklos?” Diana grinned back at her friend. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to keep you company, Eris.” Her friend blushed, and punched her lightly in the arm. “You!” Her expression turned serious “Good luck, Diana, I know you’ll do well - and I have a feeling about this. I think you’ll win.” Diana smiled. “Oh, Eris. I will do my best - but surely in all the world, there is one better than I?” Eris shrugged. “Perhaps - but you’ve always been special, Diana - everyone knows it. And as I said, I have a feeling...” Diana said the rest of her goodbyes, and followed the Old One up the hill to the temple.

Their humble temple was open to the sky, and nothing like the grand stone structures she’d heard tell of in the cities. But the shrines were well-kept, and the villagers gave them the honor they could. Standing in the ring of columns, the old one chanted in a circle, and then raised her hands to the heavens with a cry. Diana had not seen it come, but there, dim in the moonlight, was the stag. “Go, child, follow the stag whose life you spared if you can, and it will lead you to the goddess.” And with that, the stag bounded off into the night, with Diana in pursuit.

The stag led her on a merry chase; had she been less skilled a tracker, or less wise in the ways of the forest, she would surely have lost her quarry. But she was skilled so, as dawn broke, she found herself following the stag into another clearing with pavilions and merry banners. She had arrived!

Central in the clearing was a shrine to the goddess. Tired as she was, she thanked the stag for the chase, and went to the shrine to give her thanks to the goddess. A feeling of benison came over her, and her fatigue was banished. Overwhelmed by the presence of divinity, she hardly noticed her rough homespun had been changed to shining white linens, or that her long hair was now cleaned and beautifully brushed until it glistened.

She rose, to find a priestess behind her. “Greetings, Diana. I bid you welcome, in the name of our goddess.” Diana bowed “I give praise to her, and thanks to you who greet me. It is the greatest honor I could imagine to even be here.” She smiled. “But I know nothing of what I must do.” The priestess returned her smile “You have already passed the first test, Diana. Few indeed are those who can track one of our goddess’s stags through the forest of the night. One other has done so this day, but there may yet be more. Come ye now, and meet your competitor.” Diana followed the priestess to the large pavilion, where there were bows in a rack - bows such as she had never seen the like of, and another young woman stood - admiring them.

“Hello,” said Diana. “I’m Diana of Palamas, it’s such an honor to be here, isn’t it?” The other woman turned, and smiled at Diana. “Oh, it is - I could hardly believe it. But I’m really here! Oh - my name is Althea. I’m from Brauron.” She shook her head “That stag was nothing but trouble. He nearly lost me more than once. I should have guessed it was a test.” And they were off, regaling each other with the stories of their nighttime tracking of their stags.

They had moved on to examining the bows, when a third joined them “Oh, them?” came a voice from behind them. A priestess and another young woman were there when they turned. “This is Tiana - from Athens.” said the priestess, as Tiana walked by them and picked up a bow. “Yes,” she said, as she gave the bow a glance. “I won the Games in Athens. Whose Games did you win?” she asked. They looked at each other in puzzlement. The priestess chimed in “These are Diana, and Althea. They, like you, honored the goddess and were chosen to compete. The others failed to find their way here, so on the morrow, the three of you will take the second task. There is food and refreshment in plenty, a shrine for your devotions, and a pavilion for each of you to take your rest in. Enjoy the day, and I will wake you in the morning.” She bowed and left.

Tiana looked at them “Which city?” she asked. Diana shrugged “Palamas, but it’s not a city - it’s a little farming village.” Althea nodded “I’m from Brauron.” Tiana frowned “I’ve never heard of either of them - however did you both make it here?” Althea told her story of saving the promised of Artemis from bandits with her bow, and Diana told her story of the stag. While Althea was impressed (as Diana had been of her bravery against the bandits), Tiana looked bored. “Ah, yes - well I suppose these rustic traditions must have some standing with the goddess.” And with that, she dismissed the other two as beneath her notice. Diana was very glad Althea was here – she didn’t much like Tiana, and the company was most welcome.

She slept well, on the most comfortable bed she had ever slept in. She awoke refreshed, to find a priestess standing over her. “Good morning, Diana. I trust you slept well?” she asked. “Oh, it was the most restful night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I feel ready for anything!” Diana exclaimed. The priestess smiled, “Then you should break your fast with the others, and we can begin.” Breakfast was not a long affair - they were all too eager to begin to have much interest in mere food. The priestess led them to the clearing, where they were to compete in a variety of tests of physical skill, reflexes, and coordination.

All of them were in splendid condition, and there was little to choose between them in any of the contests. Still, at the end of the morning’s competition, Tiana was in first, Althea was in second place, and Diana was last. While disappointed she hadn’t beaten Tiana, Diana had done her best and knew it. And the contests of running, leaping, throwing and climbing had been great fun - with Althea, at least, enjoying herself as much as Diana had. Tiana had been deathly serious about all the contests, muttering darkly on the sole occasion she had lost.

“We will now break for a meal, and there is a bath that you may use to refresh yourselves in.” Said the priestess, gesturing to a glittering pool near the edge of the clearing. Diana thought it looked lovely, and she made a break for it, with Althea not far behind. Tiana sniffed at their antics, and headed for the tables with their luncheon. The other two didn’t spend long in the bath, but the water was the perfect temperature, and after being dried and dressed again by the attending priestesses, Diana felt much recovered from the morning’s exertions. Althea seemed refreshed as well.

The afternoon’s contest was to be archery. The targets were to be set at 100 meters, and would be moved 50 meters farther with each salvo, until there was a victor. The three chose their bows, strung them, and were given a time to practice. Diana’s bow felt like it was a part of her - she couldn’t imagine missing with it. Althea had trouble keeping her hands from caressing hers long enough to string it. Tiana didn’t seem to find anything admirable about hers - but strung it and waited, impatiently, for the others.

They were as well-matched in archery as in fitness. All the shots were in the heart-ring at 100, 150, 200 and 250 meters. Althea grinned, delightedly, at Diana. Triana scowled. The targets were moved back to 300 meters and on the command, all three let fly. Althea and Diana hit the heart-ring again, but Triana missed. Not by much, but it was clearly out of the center target. Furious, she claimed she hadn’t been ready, and that it wasn’t a fair flight. Diana looked a question at Althea, who shrugged. Diana spoke to the priestess “If Triana would like another flight, we have no objection. The goddess must have the best.” Althea nodded in agreement. “Very well,” said the priestess. “So shall it be. Another flight at 300 then.” The three pulled another arrow from their quivers, braced, set, drew.... and released on the signal. The arrows made their graceful arcs under the blue sky, and landed with a thwok in the targets. Again, Althea and Diana were in the heart-ring, and again, Triana was not.

Triana cursed, vehemently. The skies grew dark, and a menacing rumble of thunder echoed around the clearing. The priestess frowned at Triana. “Do not mock the goddess, Triana. You have been bested in this challenge. You will” Triana threw down the bow, and stormed off “I will depart, as clearly I am too good for this charade. Imagine! Some peasant from the back of the beyond!” another rumble of thunder, and Triana was gone. The priestess shook her head. “She has not been harmed - yet. But if she does not control her temper...” The skies had returned to their former beauty, and the targets were moved to 350 meters, then 400. Finally, Althea missed the heart-ring by a fingers-breadth. She hugged Diana, “That was amazing! That’s the most astonishing shot I’ve ever seen!” Diana grinned back “It’s these bows - I feel as if it’s a part of me - I’ve never shot so far in my life.” The priestess smiled at the two. “The bows are yours; even should you not be chosen, they are your gift from the goddess for the honor you have done her this day.” The two girls hugged each other in delight.

The priestess beckoned them to the smaller pavilions. The final test will be tonight. You may enjoy yourselves for the rest of the afternoon, and when you awaken, the Companion will have been chosen.
Althea and Diana spent the rest of the day admiring the forest, talking about their villages, friends, and families. They tried increasingly-improbable shots with their bows, and had another good soak in the baths. Then they wished each other good fortune and retired for the night, and whatever challenge it would bring.

Diana dreamt. She saw herself, as if there were two of her. One was a Huntress; she tracked game across the very slopes of Olympus, feasted in the company of the gods, and fought the foes of her goddess. It was a life of excitement, danger, and challenge. She saw it end in many ways - on the horns of a boar, the spears of soldiers, and under avalanches in far-away lands. She was always young and vigorous when the end came - and she was never done. In the other life she was a Mother; she had a loving husband, a hearth and a home. Her children played in the sunshine, and she was surrounded by her grandchildren when she was old. She died in her sleep, surrounded by those who loved her, in the fullness of time. She died content. She knew she could have either of these lives, just by choosing. And one drew her like a moth to a flame.

She awoke, the dream already fading from her grasp, to find the priestess smiling at her. “Congratulations, Diana, Companion of Artemis. You have chosen.” Diana was in shock - “But Althea?” “Althea chose otherwise. She would not have been happy as Companion. She had the skills, and the gift - and the goddess honors her choice. But you were the one Diana. May you Hunt well...”

And Hunt well she did, over the centuries. In time, she became Captain of the Companions, and was known on Olympus as the Bow of Artemis. Her skill with the bow came to rival that of the goddess and Apollo, her brother, but she had no other rival. They jested that only her love and respect for the goddess kept her from besting them, as well. Few remembered the shy, awed mortal who had arrived; bow in hand on the Mount those many years ago in the charming, capable, and graceful Huntress now before them. For Diana, it was a paradise.

Below, the ages passed, and the worship of the Olympian deities faded - but never quite ended. Along with the keepers of the true faith, came those who - through ignorance or malice - would distort the teachings of the goddess. Usually they were short-lived, misguided attempts by mortals to touch the divine. But sometimes the malignant beliefs flowered. And the goddess would send a Huntress to remind the blasphemers of her true nature.

Such was the case in the late 20th century. A cult of assassins had taken upon itself the name “The Knives of Artemis” - it was an affront, but a minor one. In the temple of Artemis on Delos, her high priestess noted the signs in the winds, but did nothing. Then, a faction of the cult recovered a text from the third century AD; the rites of the Sisterhood of the Huntress. A cruel and evil twisting of Artemis’ faith, it encouraged vile acts - including human sacrifice, to be dedicated to the goddess. Such blasphemies could not be allowed, and the priesthood of the goddess met in conclave to decide what to do.

Delos, late summer, 2009;
“Surely the goddess will smite them” said the Second. The Eldest shook her head “In time, they will pay - but innocent lives will have been spent. The wheels of Olympus turn slowly, if exceedingly sure. And while the Knives are a violent cult, they have not been entirely without honor in the past. Perhaps they feel a call to the divine, and have been led astray? I know we chose not to reach out to them, but perhaps we should try, now. It is a risk, but if we can put them on the path to the true faith, much would be gained.” There was a murmur of agreement. “But whom shall we send? One of us?” asked the Seventh. More discussions followed. In the end, they decided to send the most devout of their acolytes. If they wished to be guided, the bright light of her faith would show them the way. If they would try to corrupt her, they would fail on the rock of her devotion. And if they were to slay her, the goddess would take her into her bosom, and the Knives would know retribution. They put their plan to the acolyte, who agreed on all three points, and was eager to take on her missionary task.

Rome International Airport, Autumn, 2009;
Helena Palme looked nervously at the instruction card in the seat-pocket of the plane. “First time in the air?” A steward asked, kindly, of the pretty young passenger in 31C. “Yes,” she blushed, prettily, “I’m going to Paragon City.”

Woods, somewhere outside Paragon City, some weeks later;
“Goddess of the Hunt, hear our prayers; Take this unbeliever, take her blood shed by your servants, that we may spread the Sisterhood to all and strike down those who are unworthy!” The serrated blade made its arc in the firelight, intersecting Helena’s throat where she had fallen after the long chase.

Olympus, the Temple of Artemis;
Helena rose, her hand to her throat. The blade had... She was... And then she looked around. She was no longer in the woods, running from those terrible, violent, misguided women. She lay, clothed in fine linens, on an alter in a temple. Standing over her, looking down kindly, was a woman in a white toga with blue-and-gold trim, long red hair, and golden sandals. She looked vaguely familiar. “Hello, Helena. Welcome to Olympus, although I’m sorrier than I can say that you’re here so soon. My name is Diana, and I am... well, I am you’re great-to-the-nth aunt. Captain of the Companions of the goddess. Mostly, they just call me the Bow of Artemis; I think they forget I have a name of my own, sometimes.”

“Olympus?” Helena asked, sitting up. “Olympus,” Diana nodded. She smiled. “Were you expecting someplace else?” Helena shook her head “No... I’m just disoriented. Am I, am I…?” Diana nodded, gravely. “Yes, I’m sorry to say you are, Helena. Quite dead.” Helena was suddenly afraid at the expression on Diana’s face. “I’ll be... dealing with them - your death will not go unavenged, blood of my kin. I vow that - you will be avenged.” The fierceness left her, and she smiled again, “But let us deal with that another time.” and she led the shade of her distant relative to greet her new sisters.

“...and so, my goddess, I cry vengeance upon those who have so defiled your name. Say but the word, and I shall return to the mortal realms and deliver them to Hades.” Diana was on one knee before her goddess, her bow laid at Artemis’ feet. “Rise, Captain.” said the goddess. “Those who would blacken my name will have their due, and their crimes against myself and your kin will not go unavenged. But I would not have you soil yourself with such as these.” Diana frowned, “As you will, goddess. But I would be more than happy to bring retribution on those…” “Peace, Diana. I know the fire that burns in your heart, and I know you would take this task upon yourself gladly – both for vengeance’s sake, and my honor’s. But I have my reasons, dear one.” The goddess smiled “Let there be a contest amongst your Huntresses, that the winner shall deliver justice on the blasphemers.” “Your will be done, goddess”, Diana bowed, and left to arrange the tournament.

The Olympians loved an excuse for a party, and it had been many years, even by Olympian standards, since events in the mortal realm had so impinged on the Mount. The games were well-attended, and the Companions strove to new heights for the honor. In the end - after the goddess had reminded Diana that she was not allowed, herself, to compete – Aenid, one of the younger Companions, won the laurel, and was given the task of avenging Helena’s death, and ending the blasphemies of the Knives.

“You are troubled, Diana.” “Yes, goddess.” “You have doubts of Aenid’s skill?” “No, goddess, Aenid is a warrior born. She will strike fast, and hard. These Knives will pay, but they are many, and she is one. I fear the direct approach so beloved by her will lead her astray.” The goddess looked at her Captain. “Did you warn her? Of course you did.” Diana nodded, letting her fingers run over the glory that were the blooms in the gardens of Olympus. “It has been so long, goddess, so long since we have faced a foe of more than animal cunning.” She shook her head, “The skills it takes to trap a wild animal, however canny, are not those that will ensnare the minds of women. Aenid listened, goddess, but I do not believe she heard me.” They walked on in silence for a time, and Artemis spoke “Soon we shall see, soon we shall know.” “Yes, goddess.” replied Diana, quietly.

In a forest, near Athens;
“Goddess of the Hunt, hear…” “The goddess has heard you, unbelievers, and she has found you wanting.” The voice echoed out of the woods, and the leather-clad Knives looked up – who would dare? They had only a moment to wonder, before the rain of arrows ended their speculations forever.

Sister Asheena, Hand of Artemis, looked at the reports. “Five. Five sacrifices interrupted. Five groves defiled. And we know nothing? Intolerable!” The Blade knelt before the Hand “I know, elder Sister. But we have laid a trap. We have… borrowed a Zeus Titan from the Malta group. It will be near the site of the next ceremony. “Excellent.”

“Goddess of the Hunt, hear our…” “You have been found wanting by the goddess, blasphemers!” Again the cry, the cry that five times previously had led to the death of the Knives who heard it. And so it was, again. The arrows pierced their hearts, and they died. From the woods came the Huntress, bow in hand. She recovered her arrows mourned, briefly, for the innocent lives lost and set about burning the unclean corpses of the blasphemers. As she did, she heard an unfamiliar noise – something large was crashing through the woods in her direction. She turned as the Zeus Titan crashed out of the forest, and the missile pods opened. Aenid loosed her arrow at the same moment as the rockets blazed from their pods. Her shaft flew truly, piercing the bulletproof windscreen and lodging itself in the eye of the Blade behind the controls. But the rockets landed, and the clearing was a mass of flame.

Olympus, the temple of Artemis;
“…forgive me, goddess. I have failed you.” The shade of Aenid was near tears. “And Diana. You were right, Sister.” She shook her head, “I did not take heed of your wisdom, and so I failed.” Artemis looked upon the shade of her Huntress, “be at peace, Aenid. You shall serve me now as an acolyte in death, as you did as a Huntress in life.” Aenid bowed, “Yes, goddess.” And she left, walking down the path.

Artemis looked at her Captain. “Nothing to say, Diana?” Diana shook her head, “No, goddess. You know my wishes, as you know my heart in all things. I am yours – yours to unleash, yours to withhold. It has always been so, goddess, for years beyond count.” Artemis smiled, sadly, “It is true; sometimes we of Olympus forget that you are a mortal, Diana. Your devotion and love have vouchsafed you a life beyond the ken of mortals, but mortal you are, and mortal you remain. Would you wish it had been otherwise?” Diana considered, “No, goddess. To change that would make me other than who I am – and I am truly happy with myself, my service to you, and my life. I can imagine nothing better – so, may it please you, goddess, I would not wish for immortality.”

Artemis shook her head, “And you are wise, even on Olympus Diana. And I have become… accustomed to your wisdom, your grace, and the joy you bring to the Hunt. It would grieve me to lose them. That is why I did not allow you to return to the world below. For once you do, Diana. You may never return. You have lived among us for too long. If you return to the mortal world, you will live out your life there – never to return to Olympus.”

The goddess looked sadly at her, “But I knew that would not dissuade you from what you saw as your duty to me, and your blood-kin, however distant. So I kept you here, by my side, and sent a child to do the task of a woman.” They walked on in silence, as the afternoon faded into twilight. “And what, then is your will, goddess?” asked Diana, finally. Artemis’ eyes blazed. “My Will? My will is that the scheming blasphemers pay. That their lamentations echo to the uncaring skies, that their wombs lie barren, and that wild boars should dig up their graves. They have defiled My name with unclean rites, they have murdered my priestess, and killed my Huntress. These mortals have lived for too long without a reminder of what incurring the wrath of the Olympians entails. I would have you, my Captain, go and remind them.” Diana’s eyes blazed in answering rage, as stormclouds wreathed the Mount. She knelt before her goddess, and swore that it would be so.

Diana was polishing her bow; the same bow she had won those long, long years ago. It was nearly time. Her Sisters stood in a gantlet of honor as she strode to meet her goddess. “Diana, Captain of my Companions, Mistress of the Hunt, are you then ready to wreak vengeance on those who have displeased Olympus?” Artemis was in her most formal regalia, on her throne, and sized to befit it. Beside her was her brother, Apollo, Hermes Messenger, and Athena, goddess of wisdom. Diana knelt. “I am, goddess. Give me your word, and I shall go forth.” Artemis nodded. “It is well done, Diana. Your devotion to me and to Olympus has been noted by the gods. Your service demands recognition, and you shall know the bounty of Olympus.”

Apollo smiled at her – “I will miss hunting with you, Diana. Yours shall be the Quiver of Apollo. It will never fail to give you the arrow that you require. Vulcan himself made this thing, which I now entrust to you. Use it well.” Diana felt the quiver settle on her back, and bowed. “Thank you, mighty Apollo. I will treasure it – may its shafts strike truly.”

Athena came forward, and touched her shoulder. Diana felt her clothes rustle, and looked down. She was garbed now in a black toga, with gold and sapphire trim. Gold glittered around her neck and arms, and golden bracers lay on her forearms. “I grant you the garb of Athena. Woven by my hands, in black silk for vengeance. It will keep you safe and give you the gift of my wisdom – none shall deceive you whilst you wear it.” Diana bowed, deeply. “Praise be to Athena, goddess. My thanks – I will do my utmost to be worthy of your boon.”

Hermes gestured with his staff, “My gift, too, was crafted long ago by the Smith. Receive from me the Wings of Hermes. Your stride will be swift and sure, and you may take to the skies as well. Remember the glory of Olympus when you fly amongst the clouds.” Diana’s sandals were now winged, and likewise of gold. She smiled. “Thanks be to you, Hermes Messenger. I will not forget.” And she bowed.

Artemis spoke. “You have been given mighty gifts, Diana. But not by me. Is there a boon you would ask of your goddess, before you depart Olympus – never to return?” Diana knelt, “I have the gift of my faith, and the boon of long centuries at your side. You have given me the chance to avenge you, and my kin. I would ask for nothing more, goddess.” Artemis smiled, “Again, you show why you were chosen those many years ago Diana. Go then, with my blessings. May your path be light, your arrows swift, and your aim be true.”

The forest outside Founders Falls, Paragon City;
Five Knives of the Sisterhood of the Hunt were preparing to sacrifice the doctor. A mere man, he was not worthy of a Hunt, but was trussed like any other game. As the Blade began the ritual, the other four stood at the cardinal points of the compass around the blazing fire. And suddenly, from the forest, three arrows pierced their hearts, striking them dead as they stood. A fourth arrow transfixed the throat of the chanter, cutting her off in mid-word as she too, fell dead. The remaining Knife looked wildly around, but saw nothing. Holding the bound physician as a shield, she backed towards the woods, blade in hand, when another arrow pinned her to a tree through her blade-hand. She screamed, dropping the sword, and the panicked doctor.

On her knees in pain, her raised arm still pinned to the tree she looked out into the night. “Who are you? What are you? How dare you interfere with…” And striding out of the forest was a figure in black, with golden sandals and fire in her eyes. “I? I am Diana Palamas, blood ancestor of Helena Palme whom you slew in unclean sacrifice.” Her voice echoed around the clearing, as if it came from the very forest itself. “I am the Bow of Artemis, the Captain of her Companions; oath-sister of Aenid, whom also you slew. I am the Huntress of the goddess on earth, and you have been judged and found wanting. You have been spared to warn those whom you call masters; the day of their judgment has arrived with blood and wrath. This is but a tithe of what is to come. Tell them to make their peace with the fates, for surely their days are numbered.” While speaking, the woman had stridden across the clearing and ripped the arrow from the tree, utterly ruining the sword-hand of the Knife, and threw it at her feet. “Take this as a symbol of your fate – take it to your masters that they shall know, and fear.”

And the Knife was afraid – the pain in her hand was incredible. Taking the arrow in her good hand, she scrambled back, and fled into the night.

The bound doctor had been doing his best to wriggle away, but it was a poor effort. Diana knelt beside him, and cut his wrists free, and removed the gag. “Are you wounded?” she asked, her voice now gentle - no longer a thing of terror. “N… n.. no,” he stuttered, “Other than being frightened nearly to death.” He swallowed. “Thank you! Oh, thank you. They were going to kill me. For being a man, and for being a doctor.” Diana nodded, and released his feet. “The Bow of Artemis? Is that who you said you were? Are you a hero from Paragon?” Diana smiled. “A hero? Yes, perhaps so. From Paragon? No – from Olympus. But I am here, now – perhaps these Paragons can use another such as I?” The doctor stood, shakily, rubbing his wrists “Whoever you are, Paragon City can use you – those madwomen aren’t the only threat here and anyone who can do what you just did, well, I’m not the only person in the city who could use a hero.”

He looked around – “Do you know how where we are? They had me blindfolded…” He gave a startled squawk when she put her arm around him, and they lifted into the air. “Where is it that you wish to be?” Diana asked, “And where is it that I might find these Paragons of heroism you spoke of?” And the Bow of Artemis flew off into the night, to meet her destiny.

Occupied Founders Falls - November 7th, 2002
"Squad One; in position" "Squad Two; in position" "Squad Three; all set, chief!" "Alpha Section; all squads in position." "Let's have better com discipline, Three. OK then, the Omega team should hit them any time now. When they do, the energy signature on that portal should drop, and that will be our go-sign. There are over a hundred refugees in there people, and Vanguard is not going to let them down. Everybody clear?" "Clear, Aye, Roger that chief, Affirmative."

Ten minutes later, deep below Paragon City, the members of the Omega Team had been discovered – but not until they were too near the portal to the Rikti Homeworld to be stopped. With a small rearguard sacrificing themselves to hold off the frantic Rikti assault, the rest of the Omega team dived through the Portal, and into the unknown beyond. "Hey, Glacia, do you think they'll have..." were the last words Ajax heard from Omega as it vanished.

Fifteen minutes after that, Paragon City shook with the force of an explosion – which suddenly cut off the primary link to the Rikti Homeworld. All over Paragon City and – indeed, all over the world, the heroes of Alpha Team and their support echelons pressed the Rikti hard. Stunned by being cut off, and deprived of the unlimited energy their portals had provided, the Rikti were in an unaccustomed situation; on the defensive.

“I’ve got a shield-buster on the generator...” “...his is Squad Four; We’re being overrun, we nee...” “Havoc Lad is down – I repeat, Havoc Lad is...” “They’re retreating underground, and they’re taking some of the refugees with them... Can anyone cut them off?”

Erin had been walking around the camp. The Drones and patrols of Rikti Monkeys were omnipresent – there never seemed any chance of escape; and they could track you via the implant anyway. One of their scientists (you could tell because they weren’t carrying the huge weapons) strode over to her – she thought it was the same one as last week. “Query; Electrical Devices: Misbehave in Vicinity; Self?” She hated that translator. Half the time she couldn’t figure out what they were asking. She thought a moment, “Do electrical devices misbehave near me?” she asked, using the strategy she’d formed for avoiding the paingivers “Statement; Affirmation: Meaning; Deduced” it replied. Erin shook her head “No, not usually.” Add another to the list of random questions. “I sometimes have trouble with static electricity, but lots of people do" she continued. “Why?” she asked – not that she’d ever gotten a meaningful response to that question. “Trait; Dormant: Potentials; Unrealized: Further Study; Indicated.” Was the reply – which left her as ignorant as ever, while she watched the thing head on its way, only to query another prisoner about the taste of blueberries.

Then the ground shook, and the low-pitched hum that had been omnipresent since she arrived was gone. The Rikti started boiling up out of their barracks like disturbed ants – up to meet the incoming attack. She saw human soldiers! One pair set up a large tube on a tripod, which promptly belched a massive missile at the compound – and straight at her! As she dived for cover, she saw it hit the shield out of the corner of her eye – saw it hit and, instead of exploding, become the center of an electric-blue web that raced in all directions over the curved surface of the shield. Then, as she hit the ground, there was a sizzling electric sound and a bright flash of light, followed by bullets whizzing over her head. The shield is down, she thought. And then it was Invasion Day all over again, writ small.

She spent the next eternity trying to stay alive, and under cover. Rescuers or no, unprotected civilians were not going to survive that battlefield. She didn’t want to be killed by Vanguard any more than she’d wanted to be killed by the Rikti. She found the hulk of a downed Rikti Assault Tank and cowered beneath it, waiting to see who would prevail to claim her amongst the other spoils of victory.

The Experimenter was adamant; “This one we must have – if cut off from the Homeworld, energy reserves will soon be exhausted. This one may save us all.” The Squad Commander shook his head; what a way to run a battle. He wondered if the Ancestors had had to deal with this sort of thing, centuries ago during the Final Wars. “Very well; you have a tracker, I’ll send a squad along to protect you. But we are retreating to the local staging area in ten standard ticks. We will not delay for you, or your human.”

Night had fallen, and combat had mostly ceased. But Erin wasn’t inclined to risk making a break for it. She was just fine where she was. Fifteen minutes ago someone in a brightly colored blue-and-gold battle suit had landed nearby, and promptly been torn nearly in two by a Rikti Turret. She didn’t even know the hero’s name, and she didn’t think she’d have fared as well.

Then she saw the glowing outlines of the squad of Rikti soldiers as they approached. She hunkered down further beneath the hulk, hoping... but no. No, they were coming straight towards her. Again, she thought about fleeing into the night – with the shield down, maybe... The idea of capture again became intolerable. Risky or not, she squirmed under the wreck, and bolted for the perimeter. She heard an alien cry from behind, and made it all of ten or twenty meters before the pain came, and she knew no more.

“There’s a refugee making a break for it, sir. She’s down now, and it looks like they’ve sent out a squad after her. Shall we hit them?” “Negative, Sargent. You’d just reveal our position to that damned Turret – and a mortar strike would take out her along with the squad – although god knows I might prefer that to being captured...”

Two days later;
The Engineer shook his head. “Unprecedented – but yes, I can build it.” The Experimenter looked again to the Philosopher. “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – or the one, in this case. Not so?” The Philosopher pondered. “Indisputable if the one in question volunteers – but that is not the case here. The question is do the ends justify the means.” The Philosopher looked around the underground cavern on an alien world, filled with the panoply of war. He shook his head “And that is arguing over a decision long-since made. We should not have come here. It would be better for the Race if none of us return. But that decision is no longer in our hands. Do with the human what you will – it will change nothing. Nothing...” Shaking his head, the Philosopher wandered off.

The Experimenter hadn’t followed the niceties of the discussion. The Engineer hadn’t even been listening. But the Experimenter understood “Do with the human what you will”, and the Engineer understood “Go ahead, then. We will need this – and soon.”

Waking up from the pain pulse was different than waking up from the stunner. Instead of a headache, it was more of a whole-body phenomenon. And instead of waking up in a tent this time, she was strapped into some sort of alien device. She couldn’t move – and she was spread out like the DaVinci Vitruvian Man. Then the aliens realized she was awake.

“Need; Drives Us: Forced; We are” the translator said – reasonably understandable, for once. And then the alien pushed a button, and the nightmare began.

At first, it was as if she was falling away down a long, black tunnel – everything became very small, very distant. And then, she saw it. Saw the sparkling ball of energy – it was beautiful... and then, it was her. And everything was the energy – it sizzled though her as if in her veins, her very nerves. She couldn’t even scream. And then the visions came – as if she were in the center of some giant sphere, with unseen... things throwing spears and rocks and bolts of energy at her. As she franticly pushed her hands out in rejection, they were deflected, and for a moment, there was bliss. Gradually, the real world faded, and the sphere, the energy, and the bliss were all there was – gradually, there was no more Erin...

Two weeks later, Vanguard Base – the Rikti War Zone;
“It’s that final staging area near Founder’s Falls sir. Somehow they’ve kept their shields on-line. We’ve tried three simultaneous shieldbusters, and no joy. Whatever they’re using to power that thing didn’t need their portal.” “OK, we’ll see if we can call in some hero support. We need intel – brute force against this isn’t gonna cut it, evidently.”

One month later, Rikti Staging Area;
The Engineer shook his head “Not much longer, no. Spare parts are nearly gone, and the... key component will fail, eventually.” The Experimenter looked at the machine, a patchwork of make-shift components now; none more so than the one in the center. The human was being transformed. The constant use of her as a conduit for the zero point energies had largely converted her nerve tissue into a quantum flux. And the Consensus alone knew what putting her into a fugue state to use her mind as the central processor for the shield generator was doing. He wished he could study her now. The energy forms appeared to be performing the same biological functions their mass-equivalents had been, and the Experimenter had no explanation. The shields were performing far above specifications - even now. But energy was leaking from her - arcing to nearby conductors. Soon she would die. It wouldn’t be long, he thought. The only question was which would fail first - the human or the machinery...

"What on earth are they doing to that poor woman?" thought Penumbra. Her ability to shift herself into the realms of dark matter had allowed her to move past the barrier and penetrate the staging area – her orders had been to discover what they were using to power the shield and, if possible, to disable it. Disabling it didn’t look hard – it seemed pretty clear that if she shifted that woman into the Dark with her, that would do handily. But what would happen to the woman – or to her? She wasn’t at all sure she wanted to be standing next to that woman when she was... suddenly disconnected from the machine. No, better to report back. And like the ghost she resembled, she was gone.

Vanguard Base - the Rikti War Zone;
“And that’s what I saw” finished Penumbra. “The machine looked like it was being held together with spit and bailing-wire. But she didn’t look too good, either. If we want to save her, we’d best not delay.” Penumbra finished. Positron looked at the sketches she’d made, and considered. Valkyrie pointed to an element of the device, and made a throat-cutting gesture. Positron’s nodded. “If we understand what they’re doing, shorting out the primary power-link here,” and he gestured at the complex of tangled wires at the apex of the device “should ‘disconnect’ her – so to speak. You then would be able to safely shift her into the... er... Dark, did you call it?” Penumbra nodded. “OK – but what about those discharges. Is she going to be safe to touch? That’s how I shift things...” she asked, doubtfully. “Positron shook his head – there’s no way to be sure. I would think the sudden cessation of what must be an immense power drain on her would – at least temporarily – leave her inert. But I’ve never seen anything like this done to someone before, so I don’t know for sure. If she’s going to... overload, so to speak, when you disconnect her, I would guess that it would happen immediately. So if you can take out the link from a distance, that would give you time to tell, wouldn’t it?” Penumbra considered. “Yes, it should – I can ruin that equipment easily enough. And once that’s done the shield will be down, regardless?” Positron nodded “Oh, yes. That will definitely drop the shield.” Penumbra stood. “Then it’s time for me to be a hero” she smiled. “And if I’m lucky, time to save her, too. But either way, that base is toast.” And the planning of the assault began.

Two days later, Rikti Staging Area;
In her fugue state, there was little room for surprise. Nevertheless, something akin to surprise flickered around the edges of her perception as the assault on the shield ceased. It had been a constant... for, well, forever. Bereft of the imminent threat, the fugue state faltered, and bits of Erin crept back in. She felt... strange. Her whole being tingled – as if she was constantly being shocked, but without the pain. Or maybe it was pain, and she could no longer recognize it as such? Then a woman in dark grey and black appeared in the room with her. For a moment, she was simply surprised that she could see – she had trouble remembering the last thing she’d seen... And then a bolt of blackness lanced from the woman’s hand, toward the machine. The Fugue tried to stop it, but it was inside the shield, and there wasn’t time to... And then everything came tumbling down. She remained conscious long enough to meet the eyes of her savior, but not long enough to speak. Her last impression was that the world was going translucent and grey, before everything went dark.

The alarm was only the first of many - the humans had timed their assault well, but the Experimenter had seen the empty device – seen the ruin of the quantum tap, and knew that somehow one of those pernicious “heroes” the humans relied on so heavily had struck again. He had time for a moment of frustration before the 155mm artillery battery’s initial salvo landed, on-target, to ensure the shield stayed down.

Vanguard Base - The Rikti War Zone;
“Good morning” said a cheerful – and human! voice. “And how are we feeling today?” it asked. Erin opened her eyes, to find herself in a hospital bed – in a human built building, with lights, electricity, and people... people in clean clothes, who had obviously eaten real food recently – it was all too much, and she broke down. “It’s all right” the nurse said, kindly. “You’re in Vanguard HQ. You’ll be safe now. Just relax and get some more rest...” And something eased her gently back into darkness.

One Week later;
“It’s the rescue, Sir. The O’Carroll woman. We’re getting... anomalous readings. We thought it was just a series of bad hardware, but it’s everything we hook up to her, Sir. Anything electrical just shorts out.” The chief surgeon shook his head. Positron warned us something like this might happen. Is the special ward ready? The nurse nodded, “Yes, Sir. Sir?” he asked. “The patient, Sir? What do we tell her?” The surgeon shook his head “Leave that to me. Although god knows what I’m going to say - how do you tell someone they're now a living power source?"

Two months later;
"OK, Erin - looking good. You've got a nice, synchronous alpha state. Now, think of your right hand, and focus on letting the energy flow." Erin tried. After the brief period of shocked denial, she'd decided to co-operate with the SERAPH and GIFT scientists. They certainly meant well, and the graphs of the power levels building within her provided an impetus - nobody knew how much she could "store", or what would happen when that limit was reached, but nobody, Erin included, really wanted to find out. Her initial "success" had been after one GIFT scientist had asked her to "just let go". The result had been a torrent of electrical arcs leaping from her to everything nearby. After they'd replaced the scorched clothing, shorted electronics, and treated the minor burns, they decided that, perhaps, something more controlled than "just let go" was in order.

So out had come the biofeedback equipment, and, for a while, a psychic from GIFT. Together, they had managed to start Erin down the path to managing the monster within. She could now "feel" the power lurking inside her, and keep it leashed. Now, the trick would be to see if she could let some of it out, without it running rampant. Squinting in concentration, she focused that power to her right hand, and into the wire she held there. A crackling hum filled the room, and small arcs of electricity leapt between her fingers. The dials measuring the power being transferred hopped off zero, and rose. And continued to rise, until they pegged, and then the wire grew warm. "OK, Erin, that's good. Can you stop it now?" The technician's voice was slightly strained. His eyebrows had shot skyward when the dials pegged.

Erin pushed the beast back down, and the hum vanished, the sparks quit, and the dials returned to zero. The technician shook his head. "That's, well, that's excellent - you seemed to be able to turn in on and off at will. Was that a struggle, or did it come easily?" He asked, mopping his forehead with a handkerchief. Erin shrugged. "I had to think about it - concentrate - to start it, but once it was flowing, no. Then the same again to shut it off. It wasn't really hard, per-se. But I couldn't explain exactly how I did it in words." The tech nodded. "OK, well, I think that's a wrap for today then. We'll take a look at the data, and see what we might want to work towards next." He gave a wry grin. "If nothing else, I don't think you'll ever lack for electricity - that was a remarkable amount of power you delivered there. How hard were you pushing?" Erin considered. "Not pushing at all really, just letting what there was flow out. I wasn't trying to limit it, or to boost it." The tech shook his head, "Well, let’s not push it then - the hardware would probably melt."

"...had no idea, Sir. She was completely relaxed, and hardly blipped out of her alpha state. God only knows what sort of power she can tap if she actually tries." "And if she loses it?" "Well, sir. We're at 670 times the power levels we were at two months ago. If the levels keep on rising at this rate..." "Can the containment fields handle it?" "Nosir. No way. I wouldn't want to count on it today, and her levels are only going up..."

Erin tossed and turned in her sleep. She hadn't been sleeping well since she'd been rescued - nightmares. Usually featuring Rikti. Tonight it was the night she was captured, but this time she pointed her hands at the aliens, and...

The monitors recorded some of it - Erin was tossing and turning, muttering in her sleep. Then she was floating off the bunk, electricity coruscating around her. Then she yelled something incomprehensible, and lightning arced from her hands, and the cameras recorded no more.

Erin woke to the hooting of the alarms. The extinguisher system in her room was drenching everything - what was left of the burned, melted, and twisted shapes that had been her bed, nightstand, and guest chairs. The hole in the door and the scorch marks on the walls, ceiling and floors were another eloquent testimony to the power of... well, whatever it was that had done this. She had a suspicion, but she hoped she was wrong.

Erin finished watching the recording again, and sighed. "I thought I had it under control." she said. Dr. Phelps nodded, "And while you're awake, you do. Unfortunately, when you're asleep, it's your subconscious running the show and it isn't... concerned with collateral damage. You have a nightmare of being attacked, and you strike out with your newfound abilities. What could be more natural? People punch and kick in response to nightmares all the time. Unfortunately, in your case, we have more than disarranged bedclothes as a result." Despite herself, Erin gave a shaky laugh. "Something more, yes."

"For the moment," Dr. Phelps continued, "we can use medication to suppress your nightmares - this should prevent another incident, at least temporarily." "For the moment?" Erin asked. "Why?" "Why isn't that a permanent solution?" asked Dr. Phelps, "Yes. I'm not thrilled with the idea of sleeping pills for the rest of my life, but given the alternative..." "Ah, yes. Well sleep, actually, isn't the problem. It's your nightmares. And to medically suppress your dreams requires far more than a garden-variety sleeping pill. The long-term side-effects are not good. And worse, the psychological effects of depriving the human mind of a healthy dream life are equally unpleasant." He shook his head. "No, we can give ourselves some time, but it's nothing more than a Band-Aid, really." Erin looked concerned. "So, what do I do? How can I control this... this... thing inside me in my dreams?" She sounded defeated.

"Now, don't give up on us yet, Erin. We have a problem, but as I said, we have some time to find a solution." Erin nodded, sadly "OK, Doctor. If you say so, but I'll be damned if I can think of what you're going to do. It sounds to me like this... thing the Rikti woke inside me is, sooner or later, going to devour me - and it I'm not careful, everyone nearby." She held her head in her hands. Dr. Phelps walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know this is a setback, and I know you don't see a way forward. But that doesn't mean there isn't one, Erin. In fact, there's someone I'd like you to talk to, if you'll trust me enough to try something... odd."

Erin raised her head. "Odd? Doc, I'm a physics grad-student specializing in high-temperature superconductors, captured by aliens who used a latent mutation in my genome to turn me into some sort of reactor, and whose nightmares now cause electrical storms - and you're going to have me talk to someone that qualifies as 'odd'?" She fell back into the chair. "I'm afraid you're going to have to excuse me, but my oddity threshold has been... expanded of late." Dr. Phelps smiled, “Better, Erin. Better. A fair point too - but Azuria is a unique individual, and I doubt you've met her like before. Or will again. If you're willing to keep an open mind, I think she may be able to help." "An open mind? What sort of doctor is Azuria?" Phelps shook his head "Oh, Azuria isn't a doctor. She's a seer - a practitioner of magic, and one of the wisest people I have ever met..."

Atlas Park, later that week;
"Thank you so much for taking the time to see me, Azuria. Dr. Phelps speaks very highly of you." Erin said, as they walked through the small grove of trees. "Oh, it was no trouble Erin, no trouble at all. I like to take the time to meet the special people of Paragon City, and while I spend most of my time with those who practice the arcane arts, it's often enlightening to speak with those who follow other paths to power - such as you." Erin looked askance at the seer. "Me? I'm not trying to gain power - I'm doing my damnedest to get rid of it." she said, vehemently. "It's not... me. It's something those... unmentionable aliens did to me. And I can't control it - can't keep it inside where it won't hurt anyone." Erin stopped on the path, her fists clenched. "If I could..." and then she stopped, watching the electricity begin to play along her fingers. She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Azuria. I need to be more careful." and she walked over to a bench by a fountain and sat, her head bowed. "I don't know what to do" she said to the ground at her feet.

Azuria followed her to the bench, and sat beside her. "No need to apologize, Erin." Her voice turned wry. "Many an inexperienced sorcerer has lost control of their powers. It happens - and it is all the more frequent with those whom the power is thrust upon, rather than those who sought it out."

Azuria paused for a moment. "Look, if you will, at that tree across the fountain, Erin." Erin wiped her eyes, and looked - a large elm tree stood alongside the path, its leafy branches moving gently in the breeze. "It's an... elm tree, isn't it?" "Yes" Azuria nodded. "An elm. But once, it was this;" and she opened her hand to show that it contained a seed. "Such a seed may remain so for years, yet once placed in fertile ground, it will germinate, and grow into the beautiful tree you see."

Azuria placed the seed in Erin's hand. "Tell me, child. Can you take that tree and return it to a seed?" Erin shook her head "No - nobody can do that. It's not a seed anymore" and her voice trailed off. Azuria nodded. "No, not a seed anymore. And neither are you. You have been treating what has happened to you as being something apart - a beast you must restrain, or at best a tide of power you must hold back. Not a part of you. If you were to treat your legs as a wild animal you must fight against, or at best as a burden to be endured, do you think you could walk, much less dance?"

Reluctantly, Erin shook her head. "But..." she protested, "I didn't want this." "And did the universe ask the seed if it wished to be an elm? Or the caterpillar if it wished to become a butterfly?" Asked Azuria, rhetorically. A Monarch chose that moment to alight on Azuria's hand, flapping its wings slowly. "I know you did not seek this out - and you would likely have lived a happy and fulfilled life as a caterpillar." The Monarch took flight, fluttering its way across the park. "But now you have the chance to fly - to live your new life as a butterfly, if you will. And I think, if you will only look on this as a gift - as a part of you to be cherished and developed instead of a threat to be strangled or contained - that you might be surprised at what will grow."

Four months later, Vanguard HQ - Rikti War Zone;
Erin pulled on the finned boots. She was still a little self-conscious in the form-fitting outfit, but the slipstream meant that lose clothing was out, and the sleek materiel was conductive, so she didn't scorch it. The Vanguard ops officer walked in “All ready?" Erin nodded. "Yep. As ready as I'll ever be." She gestured, and a bubble of shimmering distortion surrounded her as she floated into the air, electricity caressing her lithe form. "And did you pick a call-sign?" the officer asked. "Yes - Quantum Field." The officer grinned. "Seems appropriate. We've got a patrol sighted heading towards one of our forward recon posts - if you could check it out, and lend a hand if things get messy, the soldiers there would sure appreciate it." he said, as they headed towards the exit corridor.

Erin gestured at one of the training targets, and a blue-white bolt of electricity leapt to it, vaporizing the model of a Rikti Drone. "Not a problem, officer. I'm looking forward to meeting the Rikti again." She stepped on the lift, and when the surface hatch opened, she catapulted into the air, leaving a small whirlwind in her wake. The officer held his hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight, and could barely catch the blur of her departure. He shook his head "I doubt they'll enjoy the reunion." he muttered, as he threw the switch to close the surface hatch “I doubt that very much..."

Later that day, Atlas Park City Hall;
"..ust sign here, Ma'am. Thank you." Azuria took the package. Once, in her youth, she'd used her arts to discover everything she could about the mundane events that were to come; but it had robbed her of the small pleasant surprises that were so much of the joy in life. "And who would have..." As she opened the package, she found a small elm seedling in a pot. And a note. "Azuria; If you could find a place to plant this, I'd appreciate it. The seed has outgrown the planter, but I think it might become a useful tree someday, if given room to grow. You did so well with the last one. Thank you. Erin." Azuria smiled.

The young equestrian ran her horse through the steeplechase as if she and the stallion were one being. In point of fact, this was not far from the truth. Lydia McPherson was no ordinary individual. As she cantered back to the stables, her mind roamed over the estate. As usual, hers was the only human (or metahuman) mind within kilometers. She’d have been surprised to find otherwise, but she hadn’t survived this long by taking things for granted.

She took a moment to savor the savage simplicity of a stooping hawk as it attacked its prey - the visceral feel of the bird’s kill was nearly as satisfying as one of her own. Smiling, she rubbed down and stabled the horse - letting the mechs deal with cleaning the tack (and the stables).

Sometimes, she wondered what her life would have been like if she’d been “normal” - if her parents hadn’t been killed in the kidnap attempt. If she hadn’t grown up working for the US Government’s secret Malta Group as their premier psyop. Psyop, and assassin. While they were always careful never to say it, the thought was often strong enough to read through the mind shields of those she worked with. It used to bother her that they were afraid of her - for a while it had bothered her a lot, but if the price of freedom for the citizens of her country was the fear of her coworkers, she could live with that. The price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance.

The com was ringing as she entered the house. “Yes?” she spoke to the air. “Good afternoon, Mindwrack, we have an operation for you” came the reply. “I didn’t imagine this was a social call, sir. What’s the op?” she asked, heading to the showers as she shed her riding clothes. Cleaning mechs scurried after the discarded garments. “Support or direct action this time?” she asked. “Support. We have a lead on a dangerous shipment coming into Independence Port tonight, and intel that there may be metahumans involved. We have a team inbound to intercept the cargo. We need you for early warning and to ensure any interfering metas are properly dealt with.” The wall screen in the shower was showing the ops plan at blinding speed.

“Got it, sir.” she said, toweling her hair as she moved to her ready room. “Is the team cleared for knowledge of my presence this time, or do I have to remain covert? I don’t need to remind you of last month’s debacle, do I? National Security imperative or no, I don’t appreciate killing our own, sir. Although I’d be willing to make an exception for the ops planner involved. My offer to deal with him - in person - remains open.” The breezy alto voice had become flat and menacing, and yellow tendrils of psychic potential were swirling around her head.

“That will not be necessary, agent Mindwrack. Appropriate disciplinary action has already been taken in that case - as we have discussed. And you have no need-to-know the details, as we have also discussed. I will apologize again for placing you in that situation, and I understand how unpleasant it was - but those men died for their country, patriots all - as every one of them volunteered to do.” a pause, “Unless explicitly noted, all teams you work with going forward will have clearance for contact if the mission demands it. Of course, all means short of risking the mission should be employed to avoid personal contact. You are too valuable an asset to risk unnecessary exposure.”

Lydia had put on her uniform while Command had been pontificating. A brief concentration, and she was floating in midair, magenta and yellow false photons flickering into being around her. Monitors in the estate registered the pulse of psychic energies, noting a seven percent increase from last months’ reading - “Very well, sir. If there is meta involvement, what is the desired level of intervention? Shall I sanction them without warning, warn off the team, or attempt a diversion?” The skylight of the room had opened at her thought, and she arrowed into the afternoon sky, bending her course southeast - towards the coast, and Paragon City’s Independence Port. “We would prefer a diversion - but if the mission is at-risk, you are authorized to use any means at your disposal to deal with the situation” came the reply in her earpiece. “Roger that, sir. Mindwrack inbound, I’m going silent.” and the transmitter went dead just before she left the estate’s outer bounds.

The Malta control op leaned back, turning to his superior “We’re not going to be able to keep her in the dark forever, sir. She’s the strongest telepath we have records on, and I’m not entirely sure she isn’t holding back on the tests - I know for a fact that our current generation mind shields aren’t sufficient to hide strong surface thoughts from her anymore. Indoctrinated from childhood or not, she’s an unstable element in the situation - a disaster waiting to happen, and I’m not sure we can take her down without catastrophic damage to North American operations even now. And her power keeps on growing, sir.”

Paradox Red Seven Six, Eastern Seaboard Operations Head for the Malta group, looked at the handler. “We’ve molded her responses very carefully for over two decades, Captain. As we have every personal interaction with her since the age of six. She genuinely believes in our mission, and the rightness of our cause - this isn’t the usual brainwashing/blackmailing procedure - she is ours. As long as don’t force her into a situation that reveals the inherent contradictions of her worldview, she’ll interpret everything as we wish her to.” The eyes narrowed. “As long as you do your job, that won’t happen. So do your job, soldier” he finished as he stalked out of the communications center.

Mindwrack approached the port, while an aura of compulsion reached out around her - and she just wasn’t noticed by anyone. It was possible for her to actually bend light around herself, but that took more effort and generally wasn’t worth the trouble. She found the ship heading into dock, and gave it a quick scan. Nothing unusual there - none of the crew seemed aware of anything unusual about their cargo. The mental chatter of the strike team taking positions intruded on her thoughts as she looped back over land, perching on an idle shipping crane. The chaos of the millions of thoughts around her was loud now - it had taken years of training to avoid “listening” to the din - more years to train her subconscious to filter it for information she wanted, discarding the rest. Monitoring this many people was a bit of a strain, but nobody seemed aware of the strike team; so far, so good.

It was always possible one of those amateur “heroes” from Paragon City would misinterpret the strike team’s actions and, not being cleared, they’d have to be dealt with. More likely, infighting amongst the myriad criminal organizations infesting the port would erupt, some of whom employed meta-level threats - threats the strike team was ill equipped to handle. With luck, though, things would go smoothly, and nobody would ever know she and the Malta team had been here.

Lieutenant Cameron Phillips, leader of Malta Strike Team Seven, reviewed his team’s placement with satisfaction. A textbook deployment. Nobody was going to smuggle a nuclear device into the US on his watch. The tugs finished guiding the MCS Palomino to its pier, and the ship was tied up. Intel said the crew would depart, leaving only a skeleton watch - trivial to evade. The materials were in a single container - get in, replace them with the depleted uranium and the tracker, and get out. Simple.

Mindwrack watched the crew leave, nothing but an engineering watch and small vermin remained on the vessel. The strike team moved in using a classic deployment. So far, so... Wait. Seven targets had just teleported onto the vessel; Six human and one mechanical. Sky Raiders. “Attention Team Seven - hostiles now present on vessel, seven targets, evaluate as Sky Raider assault squad, one Assault Bot, six soldiers.” her voice echoed in the head of the team lead, as she implanted the locations of the targets in the minds of the team. “I will continue to monitor - backup available upon your request, Lieutenant.” she finished as she floated into the night sky - truly invisible now, in case her support was needed.

“..pon your request, Lieutenant.” finished the voice in his head. He hated that - But a soldier used any weapon at hand, and accurate intelligence was a gift from the gods - or the devil, in this case - but an officially-sanctioned devil, so he’d best be about it. “OK, team - we have hostiles. We’re dropping from covert, weapons free. Priority is to acquire the material.” he went on with target assignments. He’d fought Sky Raiders before, their tech made them annoying, but not overly dangerous. The chatter of small-arms fire broke the night. Not an unusual sound in Independence Port, but it would draw attention. He summoned the extraction vehicle - once he had the target, he was going to want to be out of here ASAP.

Mindwrack watched the battle below. With the Malta squad knowing exactly where the enemies were at all times, the issue was never in doubt. She knew the soldiers didn’t like her putting information in their heads that way, but it was efficient, and that’s what mattered in the end. The gunfire and occasional rocket from the assault bot was going to draw attention though. She could set up a field of compulsion - a larger version of the “don’t notice me” field she’d used on the way in, but this close to Sister Psyche, there was a real chance that large of an expenditure of psychic energies would be, itself, noticed.

The problem was that too many of those amateur heroes were about. They were incoming, and in numbers it would be hard to divert. “The situation is destabilizing Lieutenant, I suggest you expedite.” He’d not like that either, but he had to know. The field seemed the lesser risk - she exerted herself, and suddenly the dozen heroes who’d been thinking about investigating the firefight came up with other, more urgent tasks, the nearby Family gang decided that the Tsoo were trespassing, and the Tsoo decided that their Ancestors had been disrespected by the Family.

And near the Bell Medical Center, Shalice Tilman, better known as Sister Psyche, lost her train of thought as she discussed the nature of mutation with a young hero. Shaking her head, she looked south - there was something... someone... But the young man asked her another question, and she was diverted - for the moment. As the speedster ran off, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Something was there - and that something was trying to keep her from noticing it. And anything capable of doing that to her was worth investigating - especially with the Praetorians meddling in Primal earth affairs. And then with a thought, she was heading south.

Phillips was reasonably satisfied. The last of the Sky raiders was down - the explosion of the Assault bot had injured two of his team however. The extraction sub was alongside the ship, and the materiel was on-board. He’d left the depleted uranium with the tracker in place, just in case anyone came to claim it. He was supervising the lowering of his wounded team members to the sub when the skies above him exploded.

Damn, she thought. The team was almost out - but Psyche had noticed the compulsion. Dropping it, she tried to make herself small, invisible, and harmless, but to no avail. Trying to buy time for the extraction, she launched an attack. The Phalanx were no pushovers, so she let loose with everything she had.

Psyche was approaching a newly-docked vessel, when things went terribly wrong. There was the mental effluvium of recent combat present and something else... as she cautiously descended toward the ship, suddenly she was under psychic attack - an attack of unprecedented power backed by a will of adamant. And it felt like no-one she’d ever dealt with before. The surprise of an unknown mind of that level of power was almost as effective as the assault itself. For a moment, she reeled - and then in reflex, she lashed back, and tried to ride back along the attack - she needed to know who, or what this was.

Shalice was shocked to her core. First, by the sheer effort it had taken to ride into the mind of her target. Second, by what she found there - usually, once she was in someone’s mind their history, their life was an open book to her. Here, she was standing at the base of a mighty storm-wracked fortress - with everything she wanted to know inside, and for the life of her, she didn’t see a way in, around, or through. But she wasn’t alone, in the night and the storm outside those walls. There was a small girl with blonde hair sitting there, in the dark with her.

“Who are you?” the child asked. “My name is Shalice, dear. Who are you?” she asked. “My name is Lydia, but I’m not supposed to tell it to strangers. Promise you won’t tell anyone I told you?” the child said, sniffling. “But mommy and daddy are gone, and I’m scared. The teachers are all afraid of me, I miss my friends, and I miss my puppy.” “Lydia is a pretty name”, Shalice said, sitting down next to the child. “And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone unless you say it’s OK. I’d like to be your friend.” The little girl wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “I’d like a friend - I’ve been alone for a very long time. But Mindwrack is very angry with you, Shalice. I don’t think you’ll be here long.” “Mindwrack?” Shalice asked. “Mindwrack” the girl replied, gesturing at the fortress. “She’s in there - she’s always in there. I don’t think she likes to remember I’m out here at all - so she doesn’t. But she won’t let you stay out here either.”

Shalice spared all the effort she could from the ongoing assault to examine the young girl. Apparently, this was the remnant of her original personality - suppressed and replaced by the indoctrinated personality she was fighting now. A personality that had been carefully crafted since the little girl was... Six? Shalice began to weep. “Why are you crying, Shalice?” the little girl asked. “Because I feel bad for what’s happened to you, Lydia, and to what’s happening to Mindwrack too.” she replled. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone, and especially not to a little girl. If you want me to, I can try and help you - help you both.” she said, cautiously. “Help me? How? Mindwrack won’t like that one bit, Shalice.” the little girl said, doubtfully.

“No”, Shalice said. “But sometimes we don’t like what we need. Did you ever have to take medicine that tasted bad, to get better?” at the little girl’s tentative nod, she continued “Well, this is the same thing. Mindwrack needs you in order to get better. Needs what you are, what you remember, and what you know. All the things she’s been hiding and ignoring for years. She won’t like it, but she needs it, and you, more than she knows. She won’t let me inside to help, and breaking in will only hurt her more - if I can do it at all.” she paused, wincing at a particularly violent mental thrust. “But if you take my hand, I think I can let you in. I can’t come with you, but you won’t be alone out here anymore. And I think it will be better, for the both of you.” the little girl thought for a bit, and then smiled shyly up at her. “It’s been a long time since someone wasn’t afraid of us, Shalice. I think you are my friend. And it would be nice if Mindwrack wasn’t alone anymore.” she held her hand out, and Shalice stood, and took her by the hand.

Mindwrack was in trouble. Psyche was even more able than she’d thought - and now she was trying to ride into her mind. Unacceptable. “Get. Out. Of. My. Head.” she screamed mentally - and sent her entire being into the rejection. “Good luck, Lydia. And remember, I’ll always be here for you” were the last words she “heard” before there was a moment of intolerable revelation, and everything went black.

As streams of multicolored energies tore through the night sky, Phillips got his men aboard - momentarily mesmerized by the lightshow, he was startled when a young woman in black with purple hair fell out of the skies, landing unconscious at his feet. With the sub beginning to submerge, he made a snap decision - whether this was his support or the opposition, Malta would want her - and unconscious, she wasn’t an immediate threat. Dumping her inert form down the hatch, he went below, dogging the hatch just before the waters of the bay covered the submergible.

Shalice watched the submarine dive, with Lydia on board. She’d be walking back to Bell Medical - she hadn’t been this drained since the last battle with Ghost Widow. And Marcus would probably disapprove - the “suggestion” to the Malta operative to save Lydia wasn’t his style. He’d have captured the team, the enriched uranium, and handed Lydia over to the Phalanx’s experts - and in the process probably destroyed the sub, the ship, a city block and killed several of them. In the process, he’d likely have driven Lydia catatonic - or maybe, she admitted to herself, maybe Lydia would have dealt with them both. It had been all too close a thing. No, this was best. If it didn’t work, she was aware of Lydia now, and could try again. If it did, well, if it did, the Malta group would probably regret what they’d done to that little girl - those that lived to have regrets, that is. Whatever personality managed to integrate itself in Lydia’s mind wasn’t likely to include “turn the other cheek” as a basic moral tenet. She looked forward to getting to know Lydia over the coming years - hopefully as an ally, but only time would tell...

November 15, 2000
Paragon City, Steel Canyon:
Carolyn Carter looked over the presentation one last time. The US Department of Defense wasn’t an easy customer, and if this went well, Radion Technologies, Inc. would land one of the most lucrative contracts in DoD history, with her firms’ technologies as the basis for much of the FutureSolider initiative.

She stood as the military officers and government officials entered the conference room. “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Please take a seat, and we can begin. I’m looking forward to showing you what Radion Technologies can bring to the FutureSoldier initiative…”

The last of the questions had been asked, and answered. The overall vibe in the room had been quite positive, she mused. Although everyone was careful not to display any undue enthusiasm, she’d detected some impressed expressions over the data presented. She knew the current state of the art available from the competition, and her catalytic containment reactor design would provide a quantum leap in the power available for a man-portable system, enabling heretofore-unavailable capabilities.

So much for the good news. Now, for the bad - her meeting with the Crey representatives and the board was this afternoon. Crey had been interested in her designs, as well as her company, since she left Stanford and formed Radion. More than once Carolyn suspected them of funding roadblocks to her success, but she had navigated the corporate jungle well - the problem was of a different sort than quantum tunneling heavy particle interactions, but not really more difficult. Carolyn was proud of the innovations she had fostered, and the company she had formed to realize them. Crey wasn’t going to buy her out now and, with the board’s backing, there wasn’t anything they could do about it.

“…and so while the Board appreciates Crey’s interest in our company, and the generous offer on the table, we feel that it would not be in the best interests of the shareholders to accept. Our prospects for future earnings potential are substantial, and the board believes they can best be realized as an independent organization, rather than as a subsidiary of Crey. We would look forward with interest, however, to possible joint projects in the future. We thank you for your time, Mr. Karis.” The slick looking young man in the well-tailored suit made a carefully metered frown of disappointment “I see. And that is your final response to our bid?” he asked “Yes, I’m afraid it is.” replied Carolyn. “I feel - and I speak for the board as well - that we have a brighter future on our own.” The young man nodded, closing his briefcase and standing “Very well. I believe you’re making a mistake, and a rather serious one at that - but if your minds are made up, then they’re made up. Thank you for your time.”

Polite murmurs of conversation ensued as the meeting broke up. Carolyn turned to a quiet “Excuse me, Dr. Carter?” from behind her. Turning from her CFO, she found Mr. Karis standing politely behind her. “Yes?” she queried. “I’d like to personally express my regret that we were unable to come to an agreement. The Countess was - and remains - personally interested in this acquisition, and she will be most disappointed that we were unable to consummate an agreement.” Carolyn glanced at him “Its not that your offer was unreasonable, Mr. Karis - it’s simply that this company is my brainchild, and I want to see it grow and evolve on it’s own, rather than just become another cog in an international megacorp. Be sure my accountants were quite definite about the possible advantages, and the substantial personal profit that I’m forgoing by not taking advantage of this.” The man nodded. “I see. Well, I wanted to be sure there was no stone unturned to avoid this result - as I said, the Countess will be displeased, and that’s something everyone who works for Crey does their best to avoid.” A wry grin followed. “But that’s as may be. A very good evening to you, Doctor.” And with that he turned, and left the conference room.

Two months later, Washington, D.C.:
“…and the contract for the Bradley Armored Combat Environment System is awarded to Radion Technologies. While the proposals from General Dynamics, Lockheed Aerospace, and Crey Industries met or exceeded the design requirements, the proposal from Radion was the clear winner on both a cost and performance basis. We look forward to working with Radion on the future of systems to enhance the warfighting capabilities of the individual soldier…”

Paragon City, Steel Canyon:
“…individual soldier…” The celebrating staff largely ignored the voice from the press conference. While the company had been confident in their bid, until the contract was granted one never knew for sure. “Hey! Carolyn!” a young voice rose above the excited background murmur “does this mean we all get a raise?” laughter ensued from a substantial portion of the crowd. “I’m afraid, Gary, that what it means is we’ve all got a lot of work to do around here” replied Carolyn, raising a glass “a toast to the future - we’re going to change the world ladies and gentlemen. And not just on the battlefield, but the lives of every man, woman, and child on the planet will be improved by the technologies we’re going to develop here. You should be very proud of yourselves, and proud of all the hard work you’re going to be doing… starting tomorrow.” She grinned at the groans, catcalls, and bits of thrown popcorn thrown her way. “Seriously, folks - enjoy the afternoon, take the rest of the week off, and come back recharged and ready on Monday. We’ve got an aggressive deadline to meet, and a demanding customer who we don’t want to disappoint. Cheers!” applause (and the occasional bit of popcorn) greeted this announcement, and Carolyn began to work her way towards the elevator.

“Excuse me - Carolyn?” She turned at the hand on her arm. Jacob Mallory, her long-time friend and CFO was looking at her “Some of the larger institutional investors have requested a board meeting to discuss Crey’s new offer. They’ve proposed this Friday. A quorum of the rest of the board is available, if it will work for you.” Carolyn shook her head, sighing, “They just can’t take ‘No’ for an answer, can they? Very well, Jacob, if they want another official ‘No’, we’ll give them one.” Her eyes narrowed “There isn’t any skullduggery going on behind the scenes, is there, Jacob?” she asked. “We are still in control, are we not?” Jacob nodded. “Oh, yes – Crey has put some pressure on some of the institutional investors to grab for the short-term profits accepting would realize, but the only three members of the board that were inclined to accept can’t make it. I’m pretty sure they just don’t want to be associated with the failure.” Carolyn shrugged. “Well, the shareholders have rights - even the right to be annoying.” a grin “I’m sure I’ve annoyed them often enough in the past. Go ahead and schedule it, Jacob.”

Paragon Times Special Edition, Friday, Jan 19th, 2001:
“...claimed responsibility for the explosion at the Steel Canyon offices of Radion Technologies, Inc. A spokesman for the 5th Column stated that “The Column will prevent this evil company from providing the tools to oppress the helpless around the world.” City officials have no comment at this time. The Radion board was meeting in the building at the time, and while we know there are casualties, the details have yet to be released to the public.”

Paragon Times, Saturday, Jan 20th, 2001:
“...and Crey would like to extend our condolences to the employees, friends, and loved ones impacted by this disaster. We share in your feelings of loss and outrage, and hope that you will join us in remembering Allen Karis - a dedicated employee of Crey, who was unfortunately lost in the explosion as well.”

Financial Times, Wednesday, February 28th, 2001:
...with nine members of the board killed in the explosion, and Dr. Carolyn Carter in critical condition, the remaining members of the board have voted, under the emergency powers section of the articles of incorporation, to accept the buyout. “We know this isn’t what Dr. Carter would have wanted,” said Meredith Smythe, speaking for the board, “but in this moment of crisis, with so much of the company’s leadership gone, we felt that the guidance and stability guaranteed by the Crey offer was the responsible decision to make. Should she recover, I’m sure she will understand the difficult decision we had to make.”

Paragon City, Cygnus Medical Center, Peregrine Island, July 13, 2001:
“…Carter? Dr. Carter, can you hear me?” The voice was unfamiliar, and concerned. She hurt - her entire upper body hurt. She tried to speak, but that was hard - a nearly unintelligible “Yes” came out, slurred and faint. “Doctor! She’s conscious!” ...more scurrying noises. She tried to move, to open her eyes, but it wasn’t happening. Just thinking was hard. “Dr. Carter? This is Dr. Meadows; I’m your physician. What is the last thing you remember?” Remember? Where was she? Thinking was so very hard… “I was… meeting. Board meeting” her voice was still a shadow of its former self, but less slurred. “Crey… there was another offer, we’d turned them down again, and then there was… I can’t…” there wasn’t anything. “OK, OK, that’s good, Dr. Carter, very good. Your memories seem largely intact. That’s quite promising.” came the voice. “Promising? What happened? Where am I? Why can’t I open my eyes - or move!?”

She wasn’t panicking - yet - but something was very wrong here. “Please remain calm, Dr. Carter. You’re in the hospital - Cygnus Medical Center, to be precise. You suffered major trauma from the explosion of a bomb in your building.” A bomb? She tried to remember… anything past the blackness, but there was nothing there. Nothing. “A bomb? Who… why? The board?” There was a long pause. “I’m afraid you were the only person in the room to survive, Carolyn. Most were killed outright in the explosion, and we lost the others soon after. We weren’t sure you were going to make it, either. I’m very glad that you’re conscious, and coherent. It’s a very good sign, Dr. Carter. But you need to rest now.” a murmur she couldn’t quite make out, and her protest died aborning as she slipped back into the darkness.

One week later:
“So, I’m missing my right arm, my left eye, the right will never see more than simple light/darkness again, and I’m paralyzed from the waist down. Anything else I should know about?” the wry tone of voice surprised her. She herself wasn’t sure if the “rip it off slowly” or “all at once” school was better, but the doctors here seemed to be of the “all at once” camp. After putting off her questions one too many times, she’d finally demanded answers - answers she wasn’t sure she really wanted, now that she had them.

“No, Carolyn, nothing else missing - well, the hair, we shaved that off, but it will grow back.” The tone of voice was smiling, even if she couldn’t see the smile. Perhaps she was taking this better than they expected? “You were expecting me to rail at the fates, Doctor?” a grim chuckle “Well, I’ll admit to a rather large desire to rage at the universe for this. And for all those who were...” that thought choked her up; it took some time to continue... “were lost in the explosion. At least I’m still here to complain.” Her voice firmed again.

The physician cleared his throat, “Well, we have therapists available Carolyn - I strongly recommend you spend some time with one - even if you aren’t throwing things at your doctors, this sort of trauma isn’t just physical - and you’ll need to treat that side of things every bit as much as the rest. But for now, you have a visitor, if you’re feeling up to it.” “A visitor?” Carolyn asked. “Who?” she asked. “A Gary Chambers” the doctor replied. “Gary? Here? I’d love to se… talk to him.” she finished, not quite as briskly as she’d begun. “Yes, very well, I’ll see he’s sent in. Don’t stress yourself Dr. Carter, I’ve done a good job here, and I don’t want you messing things up - the paperwork would be hell…” was his quip as he exited the room.

“Dr. Carter? Carolyn? My god… are you…” the voice was shocked. “Rather the worse for wear I’m afraid, Gary, but still here. They claim there’s a chair or two around here, pull up a seat.” “It’s great to see you again, Carolyn. When we heard about the explosion… well, we all thought that…” “That I’d be an ex-physicist? Gone pining for the fiords?” That got a laugh. “Well, I see the sense of humor hasn’t changed, Doctor.” “They did their best Gary, but there are some things surgeons just can’t fix. Rather a lot of things, in my case, it seems.” “You look… Well, you look awful, to be honest.” he said, quickly. She snorted. “I’m sure I’ve looked better. But I’m glad you came Gary. I need to know what happened - to the company, to my work, my house - the rest of my life. What’s happened over the last six months?” “Well… he began…”

“…and that about covers it. Crey owns the company now - you’re rich beyond the dreams of avarice, your cat misses you, your house is fine - we moved the stuff from your lab and office there before the board sold us, by the way - and I’m now a junior employee of the RadionTech division of Crey Industries. Yay.” She shook her head. The 5th Column? Those Nazi crazies on the street-corners? “They claimed responsibility. The PPD investigated - and there were rumblings about heroes, and maybe the DoD looking further, but nothing - at least nothing public came of it. Technically, I think the case is still open.” Carolyn shook her head. “It just doesn’t seem like something they would do. But I’m going to find out for sure. Whoever did this - I’m going to find out.” “You’re going to find out? How?” Gary replied. “I mean, forgive me Carolyn, but you’re stuck in this bed - you can’t walk, you can’t even see. How are you going to…” She interrupted him. “I don’t know Gary, not right now. I have some ideas – and you say I’ve got a lot of money. Well, that’s more than I had when I started – then, all I had were the ideas.”

She pondered for a moment. “First, I have to get out of this hospital room.” She thought again, “So, you didn’t sound altogether thrilled by your new position, Gary. Any chance you’d be open to a career change?” she asked. “Me? A career change? What did you have in mind, Carolyn?” he asked, doubt and interest competing in the tone of his voice.
“Well, I may have ideas and money, Gary, but what I don’t have is eyes, hands or legs. While I might eventually be able to address some of that list – maybe even all of it, given some time – I can’t do it myself. How’d you like to be employee #1 of Carter Technologies, Ltd.?” She smiled. “Me? You want to hire me away from Crey?” Carolyn nodded. “Yep. You’re a talented engineer, Gary – and I’m going to need one - more than one, in fact. But beyond that, I trust you. And I think I’m going to need that more than anything else. Something’s not right here – and we’re going to find out what it is...”

Six months later;
“...Just one more connection...” he said, absent-mindedly, “and that should do it. Anything?” He asked. Carolyn, sitting in her wheelchair, tried to open her eyes. It had been months since that effort had been anything other than futile, and there was an element of trepidation now. What if it didn’t work? But no... There was something... “It’s not all dark, Gary, but I’m not...” and then, with a shimmer of video artifacts, the room swam into view. It wasn’t perfect, but she was seeing. Seeing again for the first time since the explosion! “I can... I can see, Gary. I can see!” She saw the triumphant expression on his face – all the more wonderful for the fact that she could see it, and not just rely on her hearing. “That’s just” he had to stop for a moment, “that’s just great, Carolyn.”

He looked over at the displays monitoring the hardware behind the miracle. “And the processors are keeping up just fine. I think once we move some of the software into FPFGAs, or get some custom silicon built, you may be right. We may be able to miniaturize this down to something that will fit in an eyeball, rather than a box under the wheelchair.” He shook his head. “You know, I built this thing, and I understand everything we did to make it – but I’d never have come up with it myself in a thousand years.” He grinned. “I guess that’s why you’re the billionaire genius, and I’m just a glorified solder-jockey.” Carolyn snorted. “Solder-jockey. Spare me the false modesty, Gary – your name is on several of the patents we have ready to file on this. And Ms. genius over here wouldn’t have gotten the programming done in less than a year, even when she could see and type with both hands. So don’t sell yourself short.” She smiled, “Besides, once this tech goes commercial, you’re going to be independently wealthy yourself. I’m not the only person on the planet that’s going to owe her sight to your work, Gary. I’m just the first. Thank you.” “Yes, um, well, you’re welcome.” He replied.

Paragon Times, March 5th, 2003:
Carter Technologies, Ltd. announces prosthetic breakthrough - “Dr. Carolyn Carter was on hand today to announce the filing for FDA approval of the ChambersOptics line of prosthetic vision systems. “These devices can literally give sight to the blind,” stated Dr. Carter at the news conference. “I am a living example of the benefits. After the explosion, I was unable to see - and now, with the aid of these artificial eyes, I’ve got 20/20 vision again. While it’s a personal miracle for me, I feel most honored to announce today that the Mallory Foundation will be providing grants for those who cannot personally afford these devices, bringing the miracle of sight to many who would otherwise be unable to afford it.” Carter Technologies is the second company founded by Dr. Carter. The first, Radion Technologies, Inc., was purchased by Crey Industries, and is now a leading defense subcontractor.

Later that evening;
“So, the Mk. VII graviton phase field generators work in the simulators - the parts have been ordered. They’ll arrive in thirty days. The nano-fabricators are finishing up the up-rated and down-sized catalytic fusion cells; those should be ready to test this week.” He looked up from the list. “I’m not sure why the mania for miniaturization, boss? Or what the heck all of this is for? The second generation spinal link hardware fits in the chair, why are we shrinking it still? Compact X-ray lasers whose exciters are triggered by short-range transmitted power? Pulsed radiation fields? Nanotechnology healing remotes? Advanced target-tracking and identification systems? What’s going on, boss? You’ve been cagey about things ever since the last PI gave you his report. Which you never let me read, by the way.” He sounded aggrieved.

Carolyn thought for a moment, and then came to a decision. “Well, Gary, I was thinking that I might be able to keep you from being involved.” She shook her head. “But that wasn’t fair of me. It’s not my decision to make. You lost a lot in the explosion too – and if you want to help me bring down those responsible, well, dangerous or not, that rightfully should be your decision.” Gary looked shocked. “You know something?” Carolyn nodded. “Can’t prove it in a court of law, but yes, Gary. I know something. It wasn’t the 5th Column that planted that bomb. It wasn’t them at all...” She paused “Are you sure you want me to go on? Once you know, your life will be in danger. Mine is already, and I only hope that detective took my advice, and the rather large bonus, and disappeared. I can use your help, Gary, but if you’d rather not know, now’s the time to stop.”

She gave him credit – he actually thought about it. “No, Dr. Carter. I didn’t lose as much as you did that day, but I lost friends, and co-workers. If I can help bring those responsible to justice, then count me in.” He leaned forward, “Now, spill it, lady. Who are the bastards that did this?”

“It was well-hidden, but there was a trail - at the end of it? Well, at the end of the trail is Crey Industries, Gary. The bastards that did this to us are Crey.” The usually light and pleasant voice had gone flat with menace. “And I’m going to make them sorry they ever even thought of doing this.” With visible effort, she got under control. “But we have to be careful, Gary. First, Crey is a mega-corp. It employs tens of thousands of people, most of whom cannot have any idea that their company does this sort of thing.” Gary, whose expression was as grim as hers no doubt was, sounded skeptical, “And second?” He asked. “Second,” she replied, determination in her voice now “Secondly, Gary, we can’t let ourselves become like them. We’re looking into an abyss here, and we can’t let the abyss look too deeply into ourselves, or we’ll be lost.” She shook her head “Before I let myself become like them, I’ll go back to that hospital, blind and crippled, Gary. I swear.”
She gestured at the lab around them. “There’s the potential here to do a great deal of harm, Gary. If I wished, I could destroy... well, I could destroy this city,” a wry grin “no need to mention that to anyone, is there?” Gary chuckled, “my lips are sealed, boss.” She laughed in return. “Seriously, though. If I allow myself to wallow in unchecked vengeance, I’m no better than those Arachnos scum on the news – or any of the other villains that Paragon City’s heroes fight on a daily basis.”

She wheeled over to her private terminal. “And, since you’re willing to help, and since we’re on the subject of heroes...” she tapped one-handed at the keyboard. “You can help me with this.” The main holo-projector in the room powered up with a low hum, and laser beams flickered into existence, piece-by-piece rendering an armored figure – a figure that would come to be a familiar sight in the skies above Paragon City, the green and white armor of “You can help me bring the Synchrotron armored battle suit to reality, Gary. You can help me become a hero.”

Clearly, it depends on whose book/show/movie the fight happens in. If it's in Avengers media, Black Widow wins. If it's in a Buffy property, Buffy wins.

If it's in an Avengers property written by Joss then Joss evidently thinks Buffy would win, but first he'd have to get Marvel approval to have that happen...

I, like many others, use Stealth (eventually with a LotG +rech) and the Celerity +Stealth in a sprint.

This gives you invisibility to most PvE foes, and has an advantage over invisibility proper - you can attack out of it.

With invisibility, you have to drop the invis to do an attack, and that gives them just that bit of extra time to smite you, whereas with Stealth + the IO, you can be in the middle of the group, and the first they'll know of your presence is the boom.

Unless I have a strong concept reason for why one of my heroes isn't stealthy, they all eventually end up with Stealth and a +Stealth Celerity in a Sprint power.

Judgement is the big AoE attack; Vorpal seems thematic for an axe tanker. Depending on what armor you've chosen, any of them might do theme-wise. Void is a PBAoE, so it works well with melee heroes, and debuffs foes, so that might do. Ion is very popular, as is Pyronic.
see: http://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Judgement_Slot_Abilities

Interface adds an effect to all your damage attacks; Reactive is popular, as it adds more damage. If you really want to add to your survivability, then Diamagnetic or Paralytic might be what you're looking for, but tanks are already highly survivable.
see: http://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Interface_Slot_Abilities

Lore summons a pet (or two) that last for 3 or 5 minutes, and do damage and/or buff you. Which one you want is generally an aesthetic decision, but Cimerorans and Warworks seem to do more damage.
see: http://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Lore_Slot_Abilities

Destiny is a big league-wide PBAoE buff. It can add defense, regen, recovery, max hp, max endurance, healing, etc. What you want depends nearly entirely on what you feel you lack, or what you want to support the team with. Clarion, for example, is very useful on the Underground Trial.
see: http://paragonwiki.com/wiki/Destiny_Slot_Abilities

The Lore and Destiny slots grant a level shift in incarnate content once you get "rare" versions, so I'd focus on upgrading those after you get the alpha slot to "rare".

From then on, it's more a matter of personal choice - getting a slot to rare provides a much larger bonus than going from rare to very rare, so I wouldn't concentrate on getting things to very rare until after you've got them all at rare.

Lore and Destiny are also probably the ones to focus on first for very rare, or perhaps alpha, again - it really depends a lot on what it is you want to do. If the rare alpha slot is supporting your build fine, then look elsewhere.

The incarnate system lets you either push the already-strong aspects of your character a bit farther, or really shore up weak spots. It's hard to give a specific recommendation without knowing what you want accomplished. It's kind of like asking "what's the best build in CoH" It depends on what you want to do.

Quantum Acceleration (and Afterburner) increase the speed cap, not your flight speed. So, while they technically increase Combat Flight/Hover's speed cap, since your flight speed wasn't capped without it, you see no speed increase.

The Island of Delos;
“Surely the goddess will smite them?” said the Second. The Eldest nodded, “In time, they will pay. The wheels of Olympus turn slowly, if exceedingly sure. While the Knives are a violent cult, they have not been entirely without honor in the past. Perhaps they feel a call to the divine, and have been led astray? We should send an emissary. It is a risk, but if we can bring them to the true faith…”

The Louis Forest;
“Goddess of the Hunt, hear our prayers; Take this heretic. Take her blood shed by your servants, that we may triumph!” The serrated blade made its glittering arc in the firelight, intersecting the priestess’ throat where she had fallen after the long chase.

Olympus, the Temple of Artemis;
“...and so, my goddess, I ask vengeance upon those who have so defiled your name. Say but the word, and I shall deliver them to Hades. What is your will, goddess?” Artemis’ eyes blazed. “My will? My will is that the scheming blasphemers pay. That their lamentations echo to the uncaring skies, that their wombs lie barren, and that wild boars should dig up their unquiet graves. They have defiled my name with unclean rites, they have murdered my priestess. These mortals have lived for too long without a reminder of what incurring my wrath entails. I would have you, my Captain, go and remind them.” Diana’s eyes blazed in answering fury, as she knelt before her goddess and swore that it would be so.

Gaimen Woods;
Five Knives of the Sisterhood of the Hunt were preparing the sacrifice. A mere man, unworthy of a Hunt, he was trussed like any other rabbit. As the Blade began the ritual, the other four stood guard around the blazing fire. Suddenly, three arrows pierced three hearts striking them dead as they stood. A fourth arrow transfixed the throat of the chanter, cutting her off in mid-word as she, too, fell dead. The remaining Knife looked wildly around, but saw nothing. Holding the bound physician as a shield, she backed towards the woods, blade in hand. As she did so, another arrow pinned her to a tree through her sword-hand. She screamed, dropping the blade, and the panicked doctor.

On her knees, her raised arm still pinned to the tree, she looked out into the night. “Who are you? How dare you interfere with…” Striding out of the forest was a figure in black with golden sandals and fire in her eyes. “I? I am Diana, blood ancestor of she whom you slew in unclean sacrifice.” Her voice echoed around the clearing, as if it came from the very forest itself. “I am the Bow of Artemis, the Captain of her Companions; I am the Huntress of the goddess on earth, and you have been judged and found wanting. Tell your masters. Tell them their end is nigh.”


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Personally, I say toss them in the store

The objective reason for not doing so, however, is that the costume bits are a reward for doing the ITF - much as the Incarnate armor is a reward for doing the Incarnate trials. That's not a universally popular rationale, but it is the reasoning behind it.

Where I run into a problem is when an entire "concept" for a costume is gated like that. If there were a more "plain" version of the roman costumes available pre-ITF, and a "fancier" version gated, then I wouldn't have a problem. But that togas, the roman chest pieces, etc. as a category are un-accessible upon character creation is annoying.

In the case of the Ascended armor, it's really annoying, as by the time a character of mine hits Fifty, their look is firmly placed in my mind - and nothing remotely resembling a "plain" version of the Ascended armor exists. So while I like the look, I don't much use it, which is a shame.

"Truly" Free players cannot - its a Tier 2 unlock, like tells and trading. You have to have spent some cash in the Paragon Market. As far as I can tell, any amount will do, as you get a "bonus" token for your first purchase - so $5.00 will get you that.