Origins Part 4: Preparing the Fire
David sat in the G.I.F.T. office, for the past 3 hours he had been a registered hero in Paragon City, and for 3 hours he had been trawling through the associated paperwork that went with it. On the plus side, Nash was there to give him a hand with the details, although David was quietly thinking to himself that he might make more progress were he alone.
Nah, dont worry about that form, its only important if you ever come across a dimensional clone of yourself, and come on, whats the chances of that happening!? Nash picked up several pieces of paper and put them to one side, replacing them with several more.
David sighed at the continued influx of documents and information booklets about the city that seemed to be forming an endless pile starting at the desk and slowly moving towards the doorway. How come there is so much paperwork for this? I thought that once I was a registered hero it would pretty much be set
Nope, unfortunately there are those little details that most people tend to overlook that need taken care of.
And they would be?
Accommodation, income, Mediport chip implantation and synchronisation, security level systems analysis and communications device maintenance to name but a few. Nash continued to move papers around the desk.
Aw nuts
David looked placed the document he was finished on with the rest of the completed papers and picked up the next one. Do you intend to live in Paragon City? Yes, *tick* Are you planning on staying in Galaxy City or Atlas Park initially? Well, seeing as how Im more established in Atlas at the moment he thought, Might as well go with here for now
This continued for the next few hours, with every time David completed a document, 2 more appeared to replace it.
Finally at around 7pm, all the relevant information had been filled in and the completed documents were taken to the main reception for processing.
So, considering that took me the better part of a day to complete, how does the city manage to get through so many hero applications in a day? Surely there are quite a few new heroes everyday, and if it takes them all that long to get things sorted out, it must take ages for them all to be processed.
Not really. Weve got some of the fasted computers in the world here, and some of our members of staff are trained to help cut down the processing times.
How so?
Well, some of the mystics from M.A.G.I. Can help by utilising magic to seal the computers that D.A.T.A. and S.E.R.A.P.H. designed in a temporal bubble so the overall real-time expired is only an hour or so, where in fact the total time passed could be days.
Isnt that potentially dangerous? What happens if some mystical force interferes with the bubble? The temporal flow could be affected quite severely
Exactly, thats why the technique isnt allowed or performed on living organisms, the risks are too great as it isnt guaranteed that the organism in the bubble will survive the process.
Noted. So what do I do now?
Well, youve filled out all the details you need to and the forms should be sorted by tomorrow, so its up to you what you can do now.
Erm, well I dont have anywhere to stay til tomorrow, so what should I do about that?
Well, the Freedom Corps can offer you a place for the night while your applications are being dealt with. After that you will be given a selection of places that you can possibly stay at in Atlas Park. As you continue to live in Paragon you could find alternate dwellings in different locations.
Ah, cool. So where would I be staying if the Corps gave me a bed for the night?
Let me just find out. Nash wandered over to a terminal and brought up some interface windows. David looked at the Hero ID pad that he had been given from the City Hall representative. The name field still remained empty, but he had been told that he could enter it remotely and were the name eligible then he would receive a confirmation signal back. Ok, there are 3 places you could stay tonight it seems. The Freedom Corps HQ in Kings Row, the underground G.I.F.T. personnel level in Galaxy City or the one here.
This being the underground level that doesnt officially exist?
Well, technically it doesnt exist to civilians, but you are no longer a civilian.
Touché.
So which one of those sounds preferable?
Well, seeing as how Im already here, might as well stay in the personnel level of this building rather than needlessly travel somewhere else for the same function.
Thats a very logical way of looking at the situation
David grinned back at Nash, I prefer to just think of it as the most efficient
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That night, the city of Paragon continued in its nightly course, heroes continued to battle the various factions that were in conflict with the city, Longbow remained ever ready to leap into action against any major threats that appeared in the city and deep in an underground facility, one of the cities newest heroes sat at a computer terminal.
David opened the Freedom Corps resources index and selected the menu: Hostile Factions. From the listings he started to read over the various information on each of the encounters and investigations into the factions found around the city. He checked over all the various groups that were documented, but spent considerable time checking several in particular; The Council, Crey Industries, The Devouring Earth, Malta Operatives and the closely linked Knives of Artemis, (although due to family reasons David already knew quite a considerable amount about the Knives), The Praetorians, Vahzilok and Rikti. When he attempted to access further information regarding the Rikti however, he was met with a security block.
CLASSIFIED INFORMATION. OMEGA LEVEL SECURITY REQUIRED FOR ACCESS
Puzzled slightly at the message he went back to the other groups and read through the extensive data files including their histories, leaders, theorised goals and sightings throughout Paragon City. By the time he had finished it was near 5 in the morning, so deciding that even a little sleep would be better than none, David climbed into the bunk that he had been given for the night.
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The next morning, Antonio Nash came down to the personnel level under the City Hall to find David already awake and again looking at the computer terminal.
Morning, youre up early.
David continued to look at the monitor, Yeah, I dont sleep much, think I now know what though given what you told me about myself yesterday.
Nash walked over to the coffee machine and prepared himself a cup. Well, I checked upstairs and it seems that all your details have cleared and you are now a certified hero of the city now. Also I have a list here of potential places for you to live in Atlas Park.
Turning away from the screen David stood up and walked to Nash, Cool, Taking the list he began to look over the places mentioned. There were 5 different places, all located around Atlas Park. Looking at the listings, he noticed they were all detailed with the size, elevation and even GPS co-ordinates of each place.
Lets see;
1153.5/114.0/-151.5
1313.5/441.0/-1359.0
576.0/ 69.0/-2383.0
921.5/ 69.0/-325.5
-703.5/ 68.0/-661.5.
Anywhere you would recommend Nash?
Antonio looked up from the letters he was shuffling through , Hmm? Oh, not really, I know generally where they are and they arent all that far from here so travel time isnt really an issue with them. Then again considering how fast I think you will be able to move one day, I dont think that really will matter.
Ok, well then I think I shall go have a look at these places, standing and turning away from the monitor, David grabbed his jacket and left the room he had spent most of last night in. Upon exiting the City Hall, he looked at the list again and then activated the ID pad he had, finding the GPS function on it. Right, nearest one is
he looked around quickly, trying to pinpoint his destination, over there
He put the pad back inside his pocket and began walking to the building that he assumed was the one listed.
As he walked he saw numerous heroes the middle of various activities, some flying past Atlas, some stopping off to see others in the plaza and others chasing after the gangs that seemed to be found around the Park. Checking the first address he noticed the place was small, but would suit him for what he needed, but not wanting to jump the gun he decided to check the other locations before making a decision.
After a few hours, David returned to the G.I.F.T. offices and made his way to find Nash. As he entered he found Antonio staring deep into a piece of paper, his brow and face screwed tightly into look of intense focus.
Having problems Nash?
Antonio looked up, somewhat startled, Eh? Oh, youre back. Find somewhere that suited you?
Yes, I went with the place at 921.5/69.0/-325.5. Its close by and has a pretty good view of the park.
Thats handy, and to answer your question, yes I am for some reason. I was given this equatical diagram to solve and so far I havent made any progress at all, which is both annoying and confusing, as I should be able to solve it instantly.
Well, whats it youre meant to be finding out? Maybe I could help
David sounded as sincere as he could, holding back his sarcasm and amusement after noticing something that Nash apparently hadnt.
Well, I was given this from Doctor Steven Science Sheridan, he thinks its partly related to a Rikti comms encryption code, but so far nobody has managed to work it out. He thought that I would have better luck, but not even I can work it out. There are several key parts identified already, ☼, which represents a number that we think is a constant, ◙, which is meant to be a mathematic function, and Æ which if the other 2 are a number and function should be a constant of some kind. But like I said nobody has managed to work it out yet. Feel free to give it a ago, but I doubt you will manage it
Thanks for the vote of confidence, David grinned as he took the paper. After a few minutes he handed back the paper.
Nash sighed, See, I told you it couldnt be solved
David grinned back, What makes you so sure I didnt solve it?
What?! You mean to tell me you worked it out! How?
Well, firstly, the 3 terms you mentioned are as follows; ☼ equals a dimensional planets solar rotations in hours, ◙ is the function of logarithmic divisions, and Æ is a dimensional flux constant in a controlled force-field. To know the constant all you need to know is the energy value of the force-field in question and scan the dimensional flux. Looking back, it seems more to likely be a Rikti mathematical equation for dimensional travel than a comms code.
What? How on earth did you manage to work that out if I couldnt?
David smirked slightly, Well, first of all my brother builds devices capable of these mentioned functions. Hes been building micro-teleporters ever since he took apart a microwave that I accidentally destroyed once. He needed to control the energy flow he created and made a small force-field generator along with it. Over the years I helped him with the little inventions he made and learned a lot about them myself. So thats where I got the technical know-how to understand and work out the real function of that diagram. As for managing to succeed where you were unable to? Well, I dont want to sound as if this is funny but, you were holding the diagram upside down
Nash remained silent as he took the paper back and place it on the table. Ok, ignoring that slight oversight on my part, you said you had found somewhere to live?
Yeah, all I need now is to head back to Scotland and get everything I need.
Oh, you dont have to do that, the Freedom Corps can happily provide you with what you need.
David forced a smile as he replied, I appreciate the offer, but Id prefer to bring stuff from home. It also gives me a chance to say my farewells, for now, to my friends and family.
Antonio nodded as he stood up, Ah, I see. Fair point. I for one wont stop you, and neither will the Freedom Corps. I can arrange for your transport back home, and return to Paragon for yourself and your family if you would like?
Thatd be great Nash.
Right, Ill get on that right away. I believe I can get you on a flight later tonight if thats ok with you.
Should be, at the moment Ive nothing to do, and the days I was in hospital gave my family time to see Paragon, so I think they wont mind heading home tonight either.
No worries. I shall have that sorted and will send the relevant information to your hero ID. Just dont lose it, there are too many people out there that would kill for one of those, and Im not talking about wanna-be heroes.
Gotcha, now if you will excuse me, I will go find my family and hope my brother hasnt reprogrammed the Mediport system. Nash nodded and laughed as David finished. Just before he was about to step out the office, he turned back, I wasnt kidding about my brother by the way
Nashs eyes widened as the truth of Davids jest sunk in. See ya later Nash, and with that David was gone.
As he walked past the other offices, he heard a voice call to him. Looking around he notice a young woman standing in the M.A.G.I. Office staring back at him. Slightly confused he walked up to her, Did you call my name?
The woman stared deep into his eyes before replying, Yes, I did. My name is Azuria. I have something for someone that you know. Azuria extended her right hand and revealed a small wristband. I assume that you understand?
David took the small band and nodded slightly, Yes, I will see to it that she gets it, thank you Azuria.
See that she gets it, and I look forward to our meeting again Diabolus pectus pectoris.
David looked back confused, What did you call me?
It matters not, not yet anyway. Go, I believe your family are outside waiting for you.
Nodding briefly to Azuria, David turned out of the MAGI offices and headed to the main door, he clasped the wristband in his right hand, making sure nobody saw him carrying it.
As he jogged down the steps outside the hall, he spotted his family nearby on one of the plaza corners, they appeared to be accessing one of the cities data booths. As he started to head towards them he spotted his younger sister and noticed she wasnt standing with the rest of their family. Turning to meet her he casually walked up to where she was. As he got closer he noticed she was in a secluded corner of the plaza where the shadows from the statues caused a convergence of shadows, something that he had once discussed with his sister. Understanding why she was standing there he nodded to her as she noticed his approach.
Hiding in the shadows again sis?
Not hiding as such, just placing myself somewhere that most would tend not to look.
True, I believe you know why Im here?
Yes, I noticed the force this morning. It must have been brought in late last night, as otherwise this place would be over-run by several people that dont tend to get on well in most social circles.
I see youre finally picking up on your brother and Is humour, I swear I couldve almost thought you were going to laugh that time, David grinned as he extended his right hand, face down, towards his sister. She in turn extended he left, face up, and took the wristband.
Very funny Dave, the day I smile willingly isnt a day that I see soon. Nor should you want it to come soon.
True, now I think we should get back to everyone else before they begin to wonder why were talking in shadows again.
Good idea, David and his sister began to head towards their family, and as they were about to leave the convergence, his sister said one last thing, at least we werent talking about shadows this time
David smiled as she continued to follow him towards where their brother was apparently accessing the data booth. Why do I think Martin isnt just reading up on the facts about Paragon? David sighed as he got closer and just noticed his sister raise an eyebrow in reply.
Dave! Meesh! Come check this out! their brother was enthusiastically beckoning them over to the side of the booth, not the side that the access panel was on, but instead the side where the data storage and link node were installed.
Mart, please dont tell me youre hacking into the cities data stream
Nah, dont be daft, thats way to easy, I can do that from home! No, what Im doing here is accessing the classified Intel on certain villain groups, in particular Im downloading the schematics on several of the electricity based launchers that have been found on some of the faction units, there was obvious joy on Martins face as he continued to download the schematics onto the personal data pad that he had designed several years ago.
Youre aware that what you are doing is in all likelihood illegal, right?
Pfft, like they could ever find out I was doing this. I managed to convince the booth that Im a high level Longbow official and am merely accessing files for purposes that a Longbow operative would need.
David pointed to the top of the booth at a small security camera, And the security feed that is recording you?
What, that? Martins pointed vaguely at the camera whilst continuing to work on the data node, I have a data feed into the camera stream that looks as if I am a Longbow officer, so theres nothing to worry about bro, relax!
Martin, I never relax when youre up to one of these little schemes
You worry too much.
And I think that you dont worry enough sometimes
Come on, Ive arranged for us to travel home, we have a few hours left if you want to see any part of the city.
Martin clicked a button on the data node and proceeded to replace it to where it originally was located in the booth. Sounds cool, Ive got the plans I wanted so can now use them to base my own designs off.
Why would you want to be able to build a device that can launch electricity, out of some crazy curiosity this is
Well, seeing as you are moving here to become a hero
Oh god
I see where this is going already
I thought if I could create a suit that could create and manipulate electricity, I could one day become a hero too
Aw for the love of
David dropped his head into one hand, holding his forehead, murmuring to himself.
Aw come on, whats wrong with that, I dont want to feel left out. Now that youve got these mutations manifesting and Micha has-
David strode right up to Martin in one large step, catching him by the coat and pushing him against the data booth, Dont! You know fine enough that we are not to mention that!
Martin looked back to Micha who glared back at him, he then changed his view to David, who had deep seated anger, but also compassion in his eyes. Alright, Im just saying that I feel a little left out is all.
David loosened his hold on Martin and stepped back from the booth, Come on, we have some things to sort out
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At the Longbow base outside Paragon, David stood with his family. A small jet airplane rolled up on the runway and a Longbow official approached them, If you would like, you can now board the craft.
David nodded, Thank you, we would like to now.
The official nodded back in return and gestured for them to proceed.
As they entered the plane they noted the empty seats, Cool, whole plane to ourselves, remarked Martin as he moved for a window seat near the front.
David looked down the plane and then to Martin, Doesnt really surprise me, most of the flights that these planes carry people on would be to Paragon I guess. At least we dont have to worry about any annoying passengers
David sat down in one of the seats behind Martin, noticing that his brother had produced yet another one of his little devices and had begun fiddling with it, Then again
Once everyone was seated, the plane prepped for final take-off procedures and soon the plane was in flight across the Atlantic, heading for Scotland. Sometime into the flight, David turned around in his seat and noticed Micha was sitting with her eyes focused on the wristband from earlier. Out of the four rows of seat on the plane, they had all sat on the starboard side of the craft, with their parents on the port side and the very front. Martin was in the 2nd front row, David the 3rd, and Micha the last.
Know what it is? he whispered quietly as to not draw any attention, but considering that his parents seemed to be asleep. And Martin was too engrossed in his work there wasnt any real worry about being overheard, but still they had all learned that, regarding this matter, discretion was advised.
Micha looked up from the wristband, shaking her head, her dark brown hair, with purple streaks, waving with every move. Not yet. I think it will be one of those things that will take some time and effort to fully understand. I see it heavily involving the blades however and believe that what I am part of will start soon.
Seems its going to be like that for the lot of us. Some people might call that fate sis.
Some might, yes. There are also others that would call those people fools, but people who are ignorant of the events around them often dont truly understand how existence and events unfold.
And what do you think? Do you believe that we are governed by fate? That we have no real control over our lives?
I
, she took a deep breath as she looked around the plane, I believe that we each have certain destinies ahead of us, but it is we who make the choices on what ones we follow. There may be forces out there that influence the decisions that we can make, but ultimately it comes down to our decision.
She once again looked at the wristband. I can sense a darkness inside this thing. Not one of evil however. Darkness does not always automatically fall into one of the Meta-Physical planes of essence. It can in some instances form from Law rather than Chaos.
Theres such a thing as Lawful darkness?
In truth any existence can be formed from any plane. Given the fact that there are 10 planes of essence, each one can go fully or in part to create something. In most cases its usually easy, and often correct, to guess what essence makes something. Fire for example comes from the physical plane of fire, but if you were to include the essences from the planes of earth, air or water then you end up with something else. It all depends on the exact amount of essence that each plane has contributed to the existence.
Overall, the planes and the essences they are formed from are always in flux, and at the same time remain stable. The rules that exist from the Meta-Physical planes of Creation, Destruction, Law and Chaos form an understanding that the collective essences are never greater than each other. They are merely different in what they are used in. In enforcing Law, you bring reason and logic, but also with it comes oppression and conformity. Chaos brings freedom and adaptability, but also madness and instability. Perspective is what matters most often in someones life that determines how one will live and act.
This wrist band at first appears to be filled with chaos and destruction, the power in it is almost worrying. But upon further study, it reveals itself to be divine, rather than infernal.
Devine and Infernal, those are the other two planes right?
I see you paid attention that day. Yes, the last 2 planes, the spiritual ones, Heaven and Hell. If I were to place a specific set of essences that made up this wristband in greatest amounts, I would say Heaven, Destruction and Law. This wristband is in fact a Divine weapon designed to counter Infernal entities of Chaos.
And that means?
I dont know yet. I feel it will involve the Blades and possibly others however.
David looked at the band again, there was a slight glow coming from the single stone that was found to be on it. So, you know exactly when this will start? Micha shook her head again. Ok, Ill let you get some sleep, I think that band is just another starting point. That makes 3 in such a short time. You might want to consult your superiors and see what they say about this
Micha looked back up from the band, I already have, they confirmed that the events in question are all initiation points of several key destinies.
Oh joy
At least we know now that our lives are going to get interesting I suppose
Do we want that to happen?
Maybe, who knows, it might be for the best. Micha frowned at him, and David realised the mistake he had made so soon after the planar talk, I mean, best for us from the perspectives that we have. In out circumstances, Devine, Law and Creation
Micha grinned slightly, Better, I see you are learning
Davids eyes widened, And I see you are smiling
The grin vanished from Michas face, This isnt smiling, this is grinning with satisfaction.
Ah, I assume thats a good thing
Micha grinned again, I hope
It is, she replied eventually and David sighed, but remember this, the powers that you are now being to manifest are not from the planes you just described. The fire although not Infernal or Devine, yet, strongly pull essence from the planes of Fire and Destruction. Dont be tempted by the lure of power that the Infernal and Chaotic planes will offer.
Dont worry sis, I wont. Now, try to get some sleep, although I seem to be starting earlier than you, I feel you will be preparing a lot more than I. Micha nodded and David turned back to facing forward, immediately coming face to face with Martin.
Dave! Check it out! Martin handed David a belt, Pretty cool huh?
Mart, its a belt, and a large one compared to the one I normally have, why would I want this?
Ah, its not just a belt, its a storage device and nano-assembler. Several of the side compartments can produce several small devices to help you.
Are you telling me you made me a utility belt? Ok, I know Im now classified as a hero, but isnt this a tad cliché?
Well, I guess to some it could seem that way, but think about it, with your new powers, what can you do except create fire?
David sat for a few minutes, while he had been in Paragon, he had met a Longbow member that could also create fire, but not to the extent that David found himself able to. He had been shown how to create small contained fires and then throw them at targets, but apart from that couldnt really create anything else. Ok so all I can do is make a few fireblasts and fireballs, I see your point.
Exactly! Now, as I havent had much time in creating this thing, all it can do is make an adhesive grenade that can be used to hold a target in place. Here, press that latch there and one will roll out. Leaning over the back of the seat he was in, Martin stretched and pointed to a small latch on one of the belt sides. Fingering the latch, David pressed the release button and a small cylinder about the size and shape of a small can of juice rolled out into his hand. Now all you do is press that button on the top and throw it at whatever you want. David grinned as he eyed the button. Dave, why are you looking at me like that? Youre not thinking of doing anything rash are you?
Nah, dont worry about it, Im just thinking about what I could err, I could use these for.
Ok, Ill try to believe you on that. Now, I can keep designing upgrade software and hardware for the belt but as there is that small problem of the Atlantic being in the way of home and Paragon, I can send the upgrades through the Freedom Corps and I think they said that you can pick up the upgrades from some of the trainers around the city.
Cool, not bad bro. So what are you going to do with the designs you got?
Well, firstly I need to build a portable system that can discharge the electricity, and then a suit that can carry the power source and not be too encumbering. I think Im going to be working on this one for at least a couple of months though.
Aw, thats a shame. I wont be able to be joined by you for at least 2 whole months
the sarcasm was obvious, and still they both knew that they would prefer to work together as the understanding of tactics they had built up over the last 15 odd years was well matched when they had to rely on one another and sometimes didnt have means to communicate.
Right, you keep that now, Im going to go over these designs again, sooner I get them sorted, sooner I can start building the LLAMA suit and PIGEON units. Martin, turned and sat back down in his seat going over his data pad.
What? LLAMA and PIGEON?
From over the back of the seat Martins voice continued to come, clearly too engrossed in the designed now, Yeah, thats what Im going to call the suit and electricity launchers. LLAMA: Light Lightning Assault Manufactured Armour and PIGEON: Personal Independent Generators of Electricity Offensive Nature. Clever huh? Silence filled the passenger compartment. Dave? Did you here me, Dave? Martin heard a click. Hmm, strange, thats the sound one of the adhesion grenades makes when its
uh-oh
Just as he stopped speaking he saw the small cylinder drop down into his lap. A short flash broke from the casing and thick tendrils of glue flew over Martin, fixing him to the seat. Mmmph
This isnt funny David! If I could
nnerg
just reach the assistance button
with anything
nnerrrr
Nut bunnies
Dont make me use one on your mouth! came the reply.
Martin stopped trying to break free from the adhesive substance, after all, he designed and made them, it would only take few hours for the compound to break down, he hoped.
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The rest of the flight passed quietly and soon after the plane landed at a small runway used for gliders near Davids home. Stepping onto his home countries soil gave David the sense of home, but the feeling of belonging he had was now for Paragon City, and soon that is where he would be.
intresting plot although the web grenades only last 15 seconds.... not hours