This stems from a preview I posted a
LONG time ago. Sorry it's taken so long but I sometimes have trouble writing a complete story, or in this case, just one chapter.
Anyway, hope you enjoy it
Here's the original preview I posted over a year ago
CoZ: Preview
Chapter 1 - Better The Devil you know
Overbrook. Decimated a few years back by a massive earthquake, caused by the villain 'Faultline'. Its well on the way to recovery now, with a third of the area rebuilt into a habitable area with the rest well on the way. With no train station into the area, the underpass is the only way into the area. Ive posted Coyote and some Longbow near the underpass to act as scouts, in case any of our former comrades make an appearance. Blue Steel said as he entered the room. The surviving heroes have set up base in the secret lobby under Elevator C. Blue Steel sat down on a wooden crate near the door, taking the blood-soaked shield from his arm. He looked over to the other heroes assembled, among those he recognised were Manticore, Positron, Valkyrie, Infernal, Ms Liberty, Moonfire, and Ballista-1. The other heroes were a myriad of trainees of varying security levels and Longbow agents. Manticore addressed the other heroes calmly. Okay, looks like this is about all were gonna get, so well start. A new threat has taken hold of Paragon City, youve no doubt seen it. This is the worst incident the city has ever seen since the Rikti war. Heroes are being infected with a virus and joining the ranks of the undead. We have no idea how to stop this and we have no idea how to fix it so Im open to suggestions. He said grimly.
Well, Posi said this was a biological virus originating from the alternate universe, so couldnt we go back there and try to find an antidote or something? Valkyrie asked. Positron looked to her and answered. Unfortunately, no. When Synapse breached the portal, he nearly destroyed the facility. I doubt we could power up a portal, let alone to go to that world since States and the others are there now.
Oh. Valkyrie rebutted.
What about the virus, itself? Infernal commented. Positron could make an antidote if we had a blood sample, could he not? Manticore looked at Positron, who was sitting slumped forward on a tattered sofa. I dont think so. But Ive just had a brainwave! The virus was created by the Lord Recluse, so it is a possibility that our Recluse may have had the same idea, or at least has the plan in development Positron answered, a dim glimmer of hope flashing from his visor. The other heroes looked at him with a combination of shock and horror. You dont seriously suggest that we ask web-head for help? You cant be serious! Ms. Liberty shouted. Manticore put a hand on her shoulder. Jessica, it seems to be our only option at this point. Arachnos has pretty much extracted all of their troops from the underground facility here but maybe they left enough of their tech for us to get a message out.
The heroes continued to discuss the matter as Blue Steel raised a hand to his head and pressed the intercom in his helmet. Coyote, report.
On top of the donut construct, Coyote was perched steadily, his keen eyes never leaving the exit of the underpass. I copy, Blue. Nothing yet but the air is so still out here, its eerie. Like the calm before the storm.
Keep your eyes peeled, Coyote. We need clear heads for the task ahead. Get to higher ground and keep me posted. Blue Steel, over and out. Blue Steel turned his intercom off as Manticore clapped his hands.
Ok folks, Were heading for the Arachnos base in the Dam. Pair up and watch your buddys back. Ill port us to the dam but itll take a lot out of me so Positron will be leading the search. Are we ready? Everyone in the assembled group nodded and joined hands. Manitcore closed his eyes and concentrated hard. As beads of sweat ran down his face, there was a flash and the group was instantly teleported to inside the dam area. The water was still without the turbines working.
Manticore dropped to his knees and Ms. Liberty hurried over to him and sat on her knees behind him, cradling his head. Its ok, Justin
She whispered. I have you.
Positron looked around. Everyone split into teams of two and head out. Keep in regular contact and shout when you find anything or anyone. Go! He launched into the air with Moonfire, the other heroes split up and searched the large area. Blue Steel stayed with Ms. Liberty and Manticore as he was an odd number and had no-one to partner with.
Tell me, Manticore. Do you really think this plan will work? Blue Steel asked, crouching down in front of him. Manticore opened his eyes and answered weakly. Truthfully? No. Im just counting on Recluses twisted sense of ego. I dont think hell stand for Paragon falling to anyone other than him. He smirked wearily. Shhhh, rest. Youll need your energy if theres trouble. Liberty stroked his face.
Blue! <kHz> Blu.. <kzzak> We got hostiles! A large group of twenty
Big bastards too! They dont seem to be able to use their powers to their full extent! Flyers are down to a hover and speedsters are having trouble running without their limbs disintegrating. Longbow are down but Ive got a lead on the hostiles.
Blue Steel stood up quickly and pressed his intercom. I read you, Coyote. Just keep running, Ill have covering fire arranged. Just keep running, old friend. Blue Steel, out. Blue Steel clicked of his intercom and clicked on his Broadcast function, his intercom linking with the speakers scattered around the area. Attention! This is Blue Steel! We have hostiles in-bound and need to provide covering fire for Coyote. Infernal, Ballista-1, and L-Squad Beta report to dam entrance at once.
Manticore got to his feet and stretched. Ok, Blue. Just tell me where to aim.
Blue Steel shook his head at Manticore. Negative, Manitcore. Youre the Taskforce leader and so youre safety is our first priority. You and Ms. Liberty continue the search. Well hold the line. Blue Steel placed his shield on his back and adjusted his gauntlets. Manticore nodded and grabbed Ms. Liberty by the waist and teleported the two of them to the other side of the water.
Its so odd to be here without cracking skulls
.. Moonfire said, her eyes crackling with light as her and Positron explored a deep cavern with Arachnos technology lining the walls. Agreed, its oddly beautiful. I must say that Arachnos do have some impressive architecture.
Despite their evil machinations, they do know how to decorate. Moonfire responded. The two laughed heartily and looked at each other for an eternal moment before turning away from each other shyly. Ummmm, What are we looking for anyway? Moonfire said, typing on a computer console nearby. Postitron was attaching some leads from his armour to another computer console across the room. Anything that could allow us to communicate with Grandville in the Rogue Isles.
The room lit up brightly as a hologram was activated. The projection of Lord Recluse loomed over the two heroes. Ask and you shall receive, Dr. Keyes. How may I help you, today? Recluse announced in a booming voice. Positron looked up at the hologram. Lord Recluse. I doubt it has escaped your notice that Paragon City is in peril and we need your assistance.
The hologram laughed maniacally. Dr. Keyes, are you asking me for help? Oh, such delicious irony.
Cut the [censored], Recluse. We both know that you have the contagion that has taken hold of this city. We need the antidote immediately. Positron snarled. Recluse laughed again. My my, you certainly have the dark side, dont you? Very well, I will transfer the antidote recipe but only if I get something in return.
Positron scowled and sighed. Agreed. What do you want?
Recluses hologram loomed in on Positron and gave a devilish grin. Oh, Ill think of something. For now I will have my technicians send you all the relevant data on my, currently, incomplete chemical cocktail. I do so hope that this information will be useful. His voice having an obviously sarcastic tone to it. Positron looked up at the hologram from behind his visor and quietly thought. Am I really choosing the lesser of two evils?
