Sooner

If I didn't say so already. I am totally there.

I think Freedom is griefing us.

Book II - Part VIII is up

Part VIII

Campbell Family Trust Shelter
Cydney dragged the loaded dolly into the kitchen of the Campbell shelter and started unloading donated cans of soup and vegetables. She glanced around the dining room and admitted to herself she was looking for Rory. She liked the old man. She found something drew her to him, and she was disappointed that she didn’t see him anywhere in the shelter. With the added worry of trying to find the spy among the Ghosts and now Vir distracted by his brother's injury, Cyd would have really enjoyed the opportunity to chat with the interesting old man.

She unpacked the last of the cans, broke down the boxes and stashed them neatly in a closet when she felt something tingle off her own magic. She glanced out into the dining room, and sure enough, there was Rory Flynn. She took one look at his threadbare appearance and resolved that she would find him a better sweater somewhere in the donated clothing.

“Rory!” she called, “Come sit with me. I was just about to have some coffee.”

“Afternoon, Miss Nation,” he answered. “I’d be glad to join you.”

Cyd poured two cups and settled herself at the kitchen table, then politely glanced away as Rory poured something from a flask into the cup. “Call me Cyd, please.” she said.

“My father taught me never to refuse a request from a lovely young woman,” he said with a smile that had likely broken some hearts in his younger days and still possessed plenty of charm.

“How have you been, Rory?"

“Passable.” He sipped. “Can I ask you a question about your family, Mis - ah.. Cyd?”

“Of course you can,” she said with a smile.

“Was your father Danny Nation?” She blinked, stunned into silence for a moment, and he reached out a hand and laid it over hers.“Ah.. I’m sorry. Should I not have asked?”

“No.. I was just surprised. Yes, My father’s name was Daniel. He died when I was very young.” She paused, then went on, “He was killed when I was very young.”

Rory nodded. “Was he a marine?”

A faint trickle of suspicion arose in Cyd. “How do you know this?”

Rory withdrew his hand and stared down into his coffee. “I knew your father, Cyd. I served with him, my last tour before I retired." He sipped his coffee and met her eyes again. “I thought about the name, and how you have his eyes, and I wondered if you might be his daughter.”

Cydney shook her head, as if trying to shake off a punch. "You... knew my father?"

Rory nodded, and she could see him considering his next words carefully. Finally, he spoke again, low and reluctant. "I was there. When it happened.”

"You were...." she shook her head again, "I don't understand."

"I was there when your father was killed," he said.

---
Conall sat across the table from his enemy, and did not allow his borrowed face of a tired old man to smile. Of course he hadn’t been there. He’d still been behind the veil of the demon world when the father had been killed. But he knew what happened, and he knew how Ciara had caused it to happen. And.. If he could manage it just right... Sooner Spirit would soon know as well. He would tell her the truth about her father. And her desire to end Ciara would go up.

“What did they tell you about your father’s death?” He reached with his hand again, and then stopped, as if afraid she wouldn’t welcome the touch. And then felt the glow of triumph when she reached out her hand and laid it over his.

“Ah... he was killed by insurgents when they attacked a hospital.” She smiled. “I was just five years old. They didn’t tell me much at all.”

Conall allowed his hand to tremor. He had to play this just right. She and her sisters were all very intelligent women, and he couldn’t allow her the time to consider the coincidence of meeting an old man in Paragon City who was not only related to her mother’s family, but had served with her father and been there when he died. No... he had to keep her off balance, and that meant the story he was about to weave needed to be just right.

“Would you like to know what happened? Or would it be too painful for you?”

“I barely remember him,” she answered. “Just a whiff of cologne and... and a pair of strong arms. No.. It wouldn’t be painful. I’d like to know what happened.”

Now he looked down. “I’ve never told anyone what really happened. I was afraid they’d think...” he patted the flask in his sweater pocket. “I was so close to retirement, I didn’t want them to bust me out before I made it. So I didn’t tell them everything I saw.”

“What do you mean, Rory? What happened?” She squeezed his hand.

“We were well behind the action, at a field hospital. We escorted some supplies in. It should’ve been safe, but we were Marines, we were ready for anything. Your father, he was a good man. So many young officers, they seem to think that commission gave them an extra ration of brains. But the Captain, he got it just right. He knew what his job was, and he did it, and he knew what our jobs were, and he let us do them.” He took that moment to turn his hand under hers so they were palm to palm, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“The medical personnel were so happy to see us. They were out of everything... There was this young woman doctor there, tough little thing, but acting like a kid at Christmas when she laid eyes on a box of antibiotics.”

“The attack was a complete surprise. Almost as if they showed up by magic....” He felt her twitch and knew he’d scored a point. “They were everywhere. I saw the captain, your father, grab that little doctor and throw her inside the truck before he found cover. The medicals were running everywhere, getting in the way, our men were confused and probably a quarter of us were down before we ever got our weapons out. The captain was trying to get us together, but it was... it was just noise and confusion there for a few minutes. And then the charges started going off. They’d set charges all over. They'd been waiting for us.” He paused, allowing another tremor, then sipped his coffee.

She was silent, taking it in, and he knew he had her in the palm of his hand. He waited for her to speak. “Were you injured? What happened?”

“I never took more than a bruise in that action. I was lucky.” He paused again. “The captain... he was like the Archangel Michael himself rising before us. He yelled out orders, getting us back together. Some of the younger men had never seen anything like that before, but the captain.. he helped us rally, we finally started finding targets. The medicals, they got it together too. They were dragging our injured out of the way, and that doctor... she was right there in the thick of it. I saw her pick up a rifle and put it back into a man’s hands, pat him on the shoulder, and then go to the next man. Then she came to the captain. He’d taken a hit to the thigh, and he kept trying to shoo her away, but she wouldn’t go. She dropped down, started ripping into those boxes and wrapping a bandage on him right there.”

One last pause, a deep bracing breath, and a sip of coffee, and time for the finale. “The captain, your father, ordered us forward. We were advancing, cover to cover, and I heard him yell something. I think I was the only one who looked, and I know I was the only one to have an angle on it to see... what I saw. That doctor, she’d just finished the bandage and was getting up. The captain had turned and he was looking at...them. I don’t what they were. They were the size of a cat, maybe, but they were red, and had... little wings and horns...” he looked up and her expression was telling. Oh.. Yes.. He had her. “They were.... giggling and they were carrying a charge. One of them said something, it sounded like 'the father of the three' and then, 'so she can go free,' and then... it exploded. The blast threw me into the trees, and it killed them both, the doctor and your father. And it took most of the medical supplies with it. I... I never told anyone about the things carrying that bomb. I didn’t want them to think I was seeing gremlins.”

“Oh my god....” she whispered. “Oh my god.. She killed him, it was her...”

Conall had to duck his head at that point because he couldn’t completely hide his triumphant smile. When his expression was back under control, he looked back up. “I shouldn’t have told you this. I’m sorry.”

“No... no, thank you. You’ve helped more than you could know.” He could see her eyes getting shiny with tears and she squeezed his hand again. “Thank you for telling me. But I have to go...” She stood and hurried towards the door.

“Will you be alright?” he called after her.

“Yes, thank you again. I hope I see you again, soon, Rory.”

“You will, Cyd. You will.”

He waited till she was gone, and finished off the coffee... a foul human drink he could barely abide, but it seemed so important to some of their social rituals that he made himself tolerate it.

He stood, stretched, and then resumed the awkward slouch of his disguise. He went to the same door that Sooner Spirit had used and ducked into the alleyway there. He headed north, he just needed to get out of sight, then he could return to his home and resume his true form.

And that’s when he saw the “hero.” Six-Four. Conall faded back into the shadow watching his enemy with three other young heroes, two women and another man. They were engaged in verbal confrontation with one of his Hellion converts. His eyes narrowed. What was a hero of Six-Four’s stature doing in Kings Row, talking to Conall's own little human army? As Conall watched, hidden in the shadows, a group of a dozen Hellions wearing Conall's Black Hand mark approached. The younger man and the dark haired woman with Six-Four drew shining swords and but the third, a lovely blonde woman with a sweet face and lush curves stood back, offering support. The efficient team made short work of Conall's Hellions.

Conall could not tolerate it. That human had tried to oppose Conall too many times. Conall would not stand by while Six-Four tried to stand against him again. But... too many questions. Why were none of them wearing Ghosts Reborn uniforms? Who were these young humans? And why now? Why had the bothersome human chosen this time and place to begin working against Conall? He must know what the human was about, and soon. His life and freedom were in the balance here, he could not allow this interference to stand. He cast another glance at the blonde woman. The other two, they were fighters. The blonde.. Yes... her. He would make that one a plaything for his little imp.

Well.. since most of my team has psted in this thread... I'll keep tryin to get in for a few.. then I'm going to go pout.

Awesome

Book II - part VII is posted.

Part VII

Vanguard Force Base
The shimmering pillar of light flashed, and Vir was teleported in a flash to a plain grey walled room. He strode forward, glancing around, and then his gaze locked onto his target.

Major T stood there, dressed as usual in camo pants, boots, and a tank top, with his dark hair in short dreadlocks. He was a very dangerous man, and he looked it. Broad shouldered and muscular, lean and strong, and with an air of barely constrained violence, as if at any moment he could erupt into action. He smiled, a wide friendly smile, and turned, “Vir! Welcome to Vanguard Force, my friend!”

“I thought better of you, Major T!” Vir growled, ignoring the outstretched friendly hand. “How could you allow innocents to get hurt? It was careless and irresponsible of you. It is the DUTY of a hero to protect those who can't protect themselves. What were you doing while some villain picked up that car and threw it?”

T rocked back his heels as if the words had been a physical battering ram, his eyes wide with surprise. “I was fighting against a super powered villain,” he answered simply and with as little emotion as he could manage. It was nearly instinctive for him to straighten up, face Vir, and stand with his feet wide and his hands clasped behind his back.

“Were you?” He advanced on T, “You were careless with the lives around you, and you stood by and did nothing to protect those people! You showed no regard for their lives or their safety! No regard for the families that depend on them and care about them. You stood by and did nothing to stop those two from being injured.” The way Major T stood, staring straight ahead, listening and not arguing just made Vir even angrier.”And now my brother is crippled!” T's eye's flicked to Vir's and then back again. “You let my brother get hurt, T, and I thought better of you! You call yourself a hero? A hero protects innocents, Major T! And you failed in that duty!”

Vir stopped, nearly nose to nose by that point with Major T, his brown eyes dark and flashing with anger. The two men stood silent for a long, breathless moment, then T took one step back, putting a bit of distance between them. “Your brother was the young man in that car. I am sorry to hear that.” Vir opened his mouth, and T put one hand up. “I did the best I could, Vir. I am truly sorry that your brother got hurt. Very sorry. But do you truly mean to tell me that in our dangerous line of work you have been able to protect every innocent from harm?"

Vir's eyes flashed and his jaw clenched as memory flared. He turned away, took two strides to the bast portal, and the Vanguard Force base vanished.

---
The time required to traverse a base portal can be subjective. In the moments it took Vir to step out of Vanguard Force and back into Kings Row, he relived the night he first set foot on the road to becoming a hero.

He was just Micheal Campbell, a young man who took great efforts to distance himself from his father's name. Their fight was fresh enough in his mind that Michael was still angry about it. But on that night, he couldn't let himself be distracted. He was about to commit a crime, and he needed to focus.

He approached the Crey facility where he was employed and turned up the collar on his leather jacket. The night was colder than he'd anticipated and the chill was working its way into his bones. Crey shouldn't have any reason to suspect trouble from him, so he didn't see any reason to hide his approach. He cut through an alley behind his favorite sandwich shop on his way to the door closest to his lab. A man younger than he looked was curled up in a doorway, trying to find shelter from the biting wind. Micheal shook his head and sighed.

"Gill, hey... Gill." he called out.

The homeless man stirred and opened his eyes. "Hey. Mike."

Michael dug into his pocket. He'd grown up with plenty of money to toss around, but walking away from his father's house had meant walking away from his father's money as well. He felt one bill folded over in the pocket and shrugged. He'd eaten a nice dinner and was wearing a warm jacket. He handed the $20 to Gill, "Get some coffee, get warm, ok bud?"

"Thank you, thank you," Gill answered, already struggling to stand.

Micheal helped Gill to his feet, glancing again at the USMC emblem tattooed on his forearm and a bold "Semper fi" inked underneath it. The colors were faded now, but the image was still clear. "Just take care of yourself, please?" Micheal coaxed.

Micheal turned away, focusing his mind back on what he was there to do, the files that needed to be destroyed, the back-ups located and destroyed as well. The computer logs, the videos... so much to do, and he didn't know when Crey Security would be alerted. He'd have to work very fast.

He used his keycard to open the back door, then used a bit of trash from the ally to prevent the door from closing fully again. A short elevator ride took him to the 5th floor which was dominated by the lab. He let himself into the enormous dark room and paused to look at the suit. Urban Pacification System, version 2.2. Images of the previous versions were mounted in frames on the wall, but the current version waited patiently for him on a stand in the middle of the room. The suit gleamed with metallic armor plates and matte maroon panels. The helmet was nearly one third flat, featureless reflective faceplate, and the rest that same maroon, with short antennae and sensors marring the smooth line of the top and back.

He sighed once... this suit, this project, could have done so much good. But he now believed that Crey didn't intend to use it that way at all. He'd been suspicious for weeks, but that day's simulation had confirmed it. Civilian targets... Urban Pacification indeed. Not only was Micheal not willing to participate in further tests of that nature, he wasn't willing to walk away and let someone else put on that suit and continue it.

Micheal lifted the gleaming helmet from the stand and removed a tiny mechanism from his pocket. He located the appropriate slot inside the helmet and installed a very special mod. He tucked his street clothes into a duffle before quickly and efficiently stepping into the suit and powering it up. He knew that THIS was the most likely point that Crey Security would begin to take note, when the UPS 2.2 logged into the system. From this moment on, he needed to move quickly. As his Heads Up Display flickered on, he checked the readouts. Everything was green, including his extra mod, a mod that Crey knew absolutely nothing about.

Once suited up, Micheal worked quickly. He gathered every bit of paper he could find in the lab. A few pieces, like technical specs he intended to keep, went into cargo compartments on the suit. Everything else went into piles stacked closely around the mainframe. He dug up disks and tapes backing up the data. He was sure there were remote backups, but he'd had a friend whip up a very special little virus, and it should worm its way through the Crey systems, finding and eradicating every bit of information about the UPS project as well as wiping any information about one Micheal Campbell, Jr from their system. He knew there was next to no chance that he'd get everything, but he would damn well get everything he could.

He felt the moment that Crey tried to take control of the suit away from him. The UPS's computer system was controlled remotely, and someone had finally noticed that the suit had powered up in the middle of the night. The power locked up on him and suddenly instead of a smooth, strong, efficient machine, he was trapped inside a heavy, immobile chunk of metal and circuits. He triggered his little surprise with a motion of his chin. A deafening burst of static shot through the system and then Micheal and his suit were free of Crey. The remote circuit had been broken and the receiver and the GPS tracking unit melted into useless lumps of plastic. Micheal smiled and began working that much faster. Crey security would be along any minute, and it was very important to Micheal that the building remain empty.

When the lab was wiped as clean of any useful information as possible, Micheal started up the virus program and watched as the screens in the lab began to flicker. Finally, he set up a small, but powerful, incendiary device. He placed it between the wall and the body of the computer to funnel as much damage into the computer as possible. It should destroy the lab, but the building should remain intact. He checked his placement one more time, and glanced at the flickering screens. He sure hoped that virus did its job, or he suspected that Crey was going to come after him and everyone he cared about.

Micheal grabbed the duffel with his clothes and strode out of the lab still wearing the suit. He'd known his key card wouldn't work once he didn't exist in the system any more, so he was pleased to see the door still propped open. He glanced to his left, where Gill had been huddled before, but the homeless man was gone. Micheal hoped he'd found someplace warm, and a good meal.

He found a vantage point across the street, an angle where he could see the windows of the lab, and took a bracing sigh. He made sure there was no sign of Crey Security approaching, then activated the remote detonator. A brief second later, he heard a muffled whump! and fire flared in the lab.

Micheal had time for exactly one sigh of relief that it was over before something like a giant hand knocked him from his feet and flung him into the wall behind him. A heartbeat later and the overwhelming sound of a massive explosion hit him. Debris flew everywhere and a fireball rose into the sky. Micheal was horrified. He had no idea what had gone wrong, but thank God he'd been careful to conduct his sabotage when the building was empty.... except....

Horrible screams, a man shrieking in agony finally cut through the shock. Micheal stumbled forward and saw a man writhing in the middle of the street, covered in flames. Micheal ripped his leather jacket out of the duffel and wrapped the injured man in it, putting out the flames.

Whoever the poor guy was, he was a mess. Micheal wasted no more time. He carefully gathered the injured man in his arms, activated the suit's jet packs and flew at his fastest speed to Crowne Memorial Hospital. The man lapsed into unconsciousness as they traveled, and Micheal hoped with all his energy that he was still holding on.

The emergency staff flew into action at first sight of the suited man with the burn victim. Micheal identified himself as UPS 2.2 to the nurse taking his information and informed her that the injured man's medical bills would be covered in full by the Campbell Family Trust, and promised himself that he would do whatever it took to make sure that was true.

Micheal waited, wracked by his guilt. He didn't know what had gone wrong, but he knew no one was supposed to get hurt. That was the plan... no one was supposed to get hurt. He hadn't been good enough, he hadn't been careful enough. Someone had gotten hurt. My fault... my fault... he repeated to himself over and over.

Micheal didn't know how long it had been, but dawn was lighting up the sky when a nurse told him he could visit his John Doe... for just a moment. Still hiding his face behind the featureless helmet, Micheal walked back into the burn unit. "Superpowered healing has already helped him regain a lot of damaged skin," the nurse explained in a quiet voice. "He'll have extensive scarring, and it appears he's lost quite a bit of lung function. But your John Doe will live." She smiled her reassuring smile and stepped back. Micheal took one more step into the room and gasped.

"His name's not John," Micheal said bitterly, "It's Gill. I don't know his last name." There on one of the few undamaged areas of skin was a faded USMC emblem with the words "Semper Fi" underneath. And Micheal knew what had happened. Gill had followed him into the building. He'd gone in through the door Micheal had left propped open. Did he go in hoping for more money? To say thanks? Or just because it was warm? Micheal didn't know... but knew it was doubly his fault. He'd screwed up, he'd been careless, and someone had gotten hurt. Micheal stood and walked out of the room, promising himself that Gill would have the best care he could provide.

The explosion was covered up completely by Crey as a planned building demolition, but Micheal had enough contact with people who knew people to learn that the main electric and gas lines had run right behind that wall. When his device went off, it ruptured the gas lines and turned his small explosion into a massive one. Micheal had filled out the application himself for the Campbell Family Trust for Gill's medical care, and was not surprised when an application signed by Micheal Campbell, Jr. was quite promptly accepted. And some would say that all in all, Gills' life improved. He was off the streets. He would need lifelong medical care due to the damage to his lungs, and he would get it. He would be warm and fed and get treatment for whatever problems had put him on the street in the first place. None of which made Micheal Campbell feel any better about his mistake. He resolved that he would learn from it. He registered as a hero the next day, taking the name UPS 2.2 and promising himself that no more innocents would get hurt on his watch.

[Note: This was SUPPOSED to be just a quick blurb illustrating that even the most respected heroes can make mistakes... but as happens often... once your start writing, the stories take on a life of their own. As it happens, I like it.

I am so in love with the animated tails I created a new character just to use them.

In game now!

Patience, River... Patience....



All will be well, all will be well, all manner of things will be well...

Thanks Beef Cake for acting on this. I really appreciate it.

And thanks for everything you do for us.

Book II - part VI is posted.

Part VI

Ghosts Reborn Base
Once back in her room, Caryn indulged herself in a brief fit of sulking. Cydney had run off and left no word, and Caryn had forgiven and accepted that. Cerise had come to Paragon City all traumatized about how close she'd come to becoming a Carnie, and Caryn had been there and supported her through that. But when Caryn needed understanding, there was none coming for her. They hadn't known Ben. They didn't understand that the idea of him trying to hurt her was absurd.

She shook off the urge to wallow in her frustration before it could continue, however. She worked herself to exhaustion in the gym and was in bed falling into sleep before Cerise had made it back from her second trip to the coffee shop.

She dreamed of Ben, as she often did. There was the happy dream in which she relived some of their happiest times, and the scary dream, where she fought against him again and again. But her favorite was the peaceful dream. She lay next to him, feeling the warmth from his body, with his strong arm encircling her shoulders and her head resting on his chest. She traced the phoenix tattoo on his chest and felt content and safe. As she started to wake, she murmured, as she often did, "Ben, where ARE you?"

Rather abruptly, the warm bed and strong arm were gone. She was cold and frightened and hungry in a dark place. Against the wall, a man sat with his legs crossed and his hands on his knees. He lifted his head and she recognized him when he spoke, "I'm here, Caryn. I'm right here."

"BEN!" she called out, but then she was awake and alone in her room.

Kings Row
Pipe Hitter cast a frustrated and irritated face to Six-Four. "Why don't we just grab a couple of these ******* off the streets and kick their ***** till they tell you what you want to know?" The two men waited outside the tall building where Moondancer and Rosemarie lived. Day was giving way to evening, but the sun had yet to find a way through the low clouds. Pipe Hitter was visibly impatient with the slow pace of their investigation in the Black Hand Hellions.

Since that was exactly how Six would have preferred to handle it, he didn't have a good answer right away. Finally, he reached for what he imagined Ahren would say faced with the same question. "Do you want to be a Hero? Or a thug? There's a whole bunch of islands to the east where thugs are welcome."

Hitter shook his head. "That's ********. I've already learned enough about these guys to know if they're wearing that brand, they've earned whatever happens to them."

Six cocked his head and raised a brow at the younger man. "Maybe they have, but how about this? You're trying to be a hero, so are those two ladies inside. You might think you can handle walking that darker path, and maybe you can. But are you sure they can follow if you lead them there? Are you sure you want to see what that will do not just to Rosemarie, but to Moondancer?"

Pipe Hitter looked away, and Six could tell he'd scored a point, even if he hadn't completely convinced him yet. "So I guess we keep doin it the slow way."

Six nodded, "There's more to be a hero and a teammate than just getting the job done-"

Hitter turned back and raised his hand, "I got it, Six. I got it."

Six nodded and they were saved from further discussion by the arrival of Moondancer and Rosemarie. The lovely blonde smiled warmly at them both and, as always, that smile reached straight through to Six's soul. Rosemarie, however, cocked a brow, glancing back and forth between the two men. "Everything ok?" she asked.

Pipe Hitter nodded and straightened. "Just fine."

"C'mon, kids. Let's go," Six said, and led the way into Kings Row.

Crowne Memorial Hospital
With his guts still twisted by helpless anger and the lingering concern that Seamus was injured because of him, Vir stalked into the emergency department at Crowne Memorial. The slender blonde sitting there on the narrow hospital was likely pretty when she wasn't indulging in hysterics. The clothing, jewelry, and shoes made if obvious she had access to at least as much money as Seamus. She had a few bruises, a couple scrapes,a split lip, and one laceration on her arm neatly stitched closed. She was sobbing as if she had just minutes left to live.

“Brianna? You were with Seamus when he was hurt?”he asked.

She choked back her sobs to ask. “Is he OK? Oh, please tell me he's OK?”

Vir would have much preferred facing a room full of Malta than standing here with this crying young woman, a woman perhaps a bit too young to be dating Seamus, but he persevered. “What happened to you?” he asked, trying to project calm.

She cried and shook her head.. “I can't, I can't!”

“Brianna!” he snapped, as if talking to a young recruit. “I'm Seamus's brother. He's hurt and I don't know why. I need you to calm down and tell me what happened. Right now.”

He wondered if anyone had ever spoken so firmly to the young woman. Her eyes went wide and she fell silent. She was utterly still for the space of three breaths, then she nodded. “OK,” she answered, and if there was a tremor in her voice, at least it was no longer shrill. “We went to a movie,” she started. “I didn't want him to take me back to the dorm yet, so we were out driving around... oh.... I didn't want him to take me back! Oh! It's my fault! It's all my fault he's hurt!”

“Brianna!” Vir snapped when the hysterics threatened to return.

She hung her head, her pretty blonde hair falling in her face before she looked back up at him through pale eyelashes. After a moment, she realized her mannerisms were getting her nowhere, and she flipped her hair back and sat up again. “We were just driving around and talking, and then we came into Kings Row. We were talking, and laughing, and neither of us noticed the noise until we drove right into it.” She paused, took a shaky breath, and continued. “There was a hero, and he was fighting this big ugly thing, and they were throwing things around and smashing everything. Seamus tried to turn the car around and get away from there, but the big guy threw a car and it smashed down in front of us. Seamus tried so hard to get away.... there was just so much noise, and yelling, and.... I was scared. Seamus reached across me and... and... he fastened my seat belt. I was so frightened and I grabbed his hand. He... didn't put on his own seat belt because he... held my hand....” she lifted her left hand up and held it out to him. “And then the big guy, he was just THERE... he was right there...and he... picked up OUR car. and then he ... threw us. The car flipped over, Seamus.... hit the steering wheel, and then he was gone. I guess... he.... flew out of the car, and it rolled onto him and... hurt him.” She shuddered, and Vir smiled sadly to see her resist the urge to start crying again. “The hero managed to arrest the big guy, then he got us help. And I haven't seen Seamus since then. Is... he... OK?”

“Brianna? Do you know who the hero was?”

She blinked a few times, almost visibly clearing her mind. “I don't... I think he told us his name, but I don't remember.”

“Thank you Brianna. Is someone coming to be with you?” She nodded, and started tearing up again. “OK You did great. Thank you.”

Vir made his way back to ICU and found Lauren still dutifully waiting, working diligently on a portable computer, with her day planner open next to her. “How is he?” Vir asked.

She smiled that small smile as she glanced up at him. “He's sleeping. He hasn't moved since you left.”

Vir sat across from her. “Lauren, who brought Seamus and Brianna in?”

She blinked once, then answered, “They arrived by ambulance.... but that's not what you're asking, of course.” She consulted her day planner, flipped back a couple of pages. “Ah, here it is. The hero's name was Major T. I wrote it down so I could send him a thank you.”

Vir felt his face go slack with shock. He shook his head, took himself back under control, and stood. “Don't bother. I'll pass on the family's regards myself.”

He strode out of the hospital, his anger growing with each step. The glass doors slid open and a light flashed in his face, temporarily blinding him. Before he could strike out at his attacker, a woman's voice called out, “Vir! Vir! Is it true you're really Micheal Campbell, Jr?”

Without even pausing to answer, Vir lifted into the air and flew rapidly away to the nearest base portal.


Ben's cell
Ben closed his eyes, and sought the peace of mediation. His reality was a stone prison where he given never quite enough food or water, never quite enough light, and it was never quite warm enough. He was given just enough to keep him alive, but not comfortable. And every now and then, one of those ugly little mutant cats the demon called her imps would come to him and tell him once again that if he would just agree to serve Ciara, he could go free.

No, he preferred his meditation. And if Grandfather came along to give him some company, that was even better. He settled into his meditation, seeking with his mind for peace and warmth. Ah.. he'd give anything - well, almost anything - to just be warm again. Which always brought his mind to Caryn. Lying in bed with her, arms and legs a tangle, the blankets wrapped around them like a nest, was his last memory of being warm... and happy. The melancholy thoughts threatened his peace, and he sought a less emotionally-laden warmth.

But then he heard her voice, "Ben, where ARE you?" she asked, so plaintive. And for a moment, he saw her. She looked like home to him, so pretty, so worried for him. She turned her head, and, for just a second, he was sure she saw him.

"I'm here, Caryn. I'm right here," he answered, but then she vanished. "CARYN!" he bellowed. He stood up in his cell, calling her name again, but she was gone.

There was a moment right then, when he knew he'd actually seen her, not a memory, not a dream... that was her, that moment, despair welled up and tried to knock him from his feet. He swayed with the strength of it, like a deep ocean current pushing at him. He took a deep breath, and another, and a third... then settled back down on the cold stone floor, leaning back against the cold stone wall, and returned to his meditation.

He struggled with attaining the level of calm he needed, but he managed it. And after just a moment, he opened his eyes to the plains. He smiled, relieved, and turned to find Grandfather watching him. "Benjamin, you're troubled."

"I thought I saw Caryn," he answered.

"The girl." Grandfather nodded. He looked back over the plains. "She will need your help." The glowing figure looked back at Ben and relented enough to say, "She's safe enough right now."

Ben waited to see if Grandfather would say more, but he didn't. Ben nodded, "Thank you for that."

"I have more to teach you. Our family has a special affinity for an ancient power deep within the earth. You must learn to find it." Grandfather turned and extended his hand. A chunk of metallic rock rested there, but Ben frowned. There was something both appealing and repulsive about that chunk of metal.

"What is it?" Ben asked. "Kryptonite?"

"We do not have time for jokes, young Benjamin. Find your magic and reach out to the metal."

Ben sought within himself for the magic senses Grandfather had taught him. He hesitantly reached out and explored the rock. To his magical sight, it began to glow with a sickly green light. He found it invigorating, but also dangerous. He frowned, then glanced up at Grandfather. "'Ancient power deep within the earth?' You're talking about uranium? Radiation?"

Grandfather shrugged. "You say radiation, I say ancient power deep within the earth." Ben cocked his head at that... was the spirit making a joke? But he was still speaking. "It doesn't matter what you call it. Find it, draw on it, and you can use it to make yourself stronger and your enemies weaker. Find it, Ben."

Ben glanced up at the bright sun high overhead, then closed his eyes and began learning how to find and use the power of radiation held in the rocks deep beneath the earth.

Jill seems to be healing. Hope she can maintain control of the boys when she's not ******* nutso.

Book II Part V is up.

It's not a very EXCITING post... but it does move things along.

Part V

Crowne Memorial Hospital
Vir was grim as he exited the quiet room. He was going to find whoever was responsible for crippling his brother. And if it turned out to be anything more than tragically bad luck to blame... someone was going to pay. If it was a deliberate attempt to get his attention... oh... they would have it.

He considered transferring Seamus to the Ghosts' infirmary, but as good as Zemuron and Celestial Nav were, they were more like combat docs. They were better suited for patching a hero up and sending him back out to fight. Seamus needed good, long term, intensive care. This was better for him, though Vir expected that soon the Campbell family name would get Seamus his own plush, private room.

“Michael? Is that you?”

Vir turned towards the voice that used to be familiar, and a fleeting thought – oh, she's gotten old – flickered through his mind. Then he smiled. “Lauren. It's good to see you.”

His father's assistant stood in the quiet shadows of the ICU waiting rom, more grey in her dark hair than he remembered, a few more lines on her face, a few extra pounds on her figure, but still the neat, well groomed, efficient woman he remembered. “It's been far too long, Michael.”

“What happened to my brother, Lauren?” Vir asked, before the subject could linger on his estrangement from his father.

She shook her head. “It appears he drove into a super powered fight, and became a casualty. I don't yet know what happened, but his passenger suffered far fewer injuries. I was going to ask her, but... then you arrived and I thought, perhaps, you'd prefer to discuss it with her yourself.”

Vir nodded. “I would, Lauren. I'm sure we'll be able to catch up soon, and I'll want to know why our father isn't here with his 'only son left,' but right now, I want to talk to this passenger. I need to know what happened.”


The Ghosts Reborn Base
Jagged Fortune lay in wait for his prey, though to any observer, it would appear he was absorbed in a magazine, lounging casually in the Ghosts base. He knew that Sooner Red and her sister Sooner Magic went out for coffee a few nights a week. They would be gone about an hour, and then return to the base. Then they would settle into the lounge and chat. They would stay for at least long enough to finish their drinks, but sometimes they would be there for hours. Sometimes their oldest sister would join them, sometimes other friends. They always sat at the same spot, and he'd settled nearby. He also knew from his observations that all three sisters responded strongly to someone in need, someone hurting. He had already caught Sooner Red's attention. She was already concerned for him. He had his little fishy on the hook... now he just had to carefully reel her in.

They arrived right on schedule, and Jagged Fortune had already gone into his sad, distracted slump. He was curled up casually on a couch, but his head was down, his arms crossed protectively across his body, his knees drawn up. His eyes were carefully distant and he would occasionally rub at them as if trying to hold off the tingle of tears. It was a good performance, but it was quickly apparent the two young women were at odds. They were wrapped up in their own conversation and neither even glanced at him as they plopped down nearby.

"I'm NOT 'in love' with him!" Red protested rather too loudly for the space. "I just asked when you thought he'd be back!"

"Ok, then. I don't know, I don't care, and I'm glad he's gone." Her sister answered, only a little more quietly.

"Oh, that's nice, Caryn! I thought he was part of the team here or something."

"You hardly know him! Why do you care?"

There was a silence... a long thoughtful silence. "I just thought he was interesting. And a little bit sad." Sooner Red fell silent again. Then the youngest sister spoke, "Besides, you're not really the best person to be offering advice on romance, you know."

The air itself sharpened, as if every molecule had suddenly ionized and if anyone dared to touch anything it would spark. Even Jagged, completely absorbed in his role, was shaken by the sudden change and glanced up. Sooner Magic's face had gone even more pale than usual and her eyes widened in surprise and anger. Jagged looked away again, but listened closely.

"What is THAT supposed to mean, Cerise?" The sharp edge in Sooner Magic's voice could have cut glass.

"Nothing, Caryn, nothing, I'm sorry," Red soothed. "I didn't mean it. Really. I just... wish you were seeing someone, is all."

Once again the silence grew and deepened, and then Sooner Magic spoke again. "I know you didn't mean it," she sighed. "I'm going to my room. I'm sorry I brought it up. I shouldn't have."

"Caryn..."

"I'm fine." Magic stood. "Really, I'm fine. It's ok. Thanks for going out with me."

The tension in the room uncoiled when Sooner Magic walked out, and Jagged wondered if he was wasting his time continuing his ploy. Red would be distracted by what had happened with her sister and might not notice him. He'd have to come up with a different strategy next time. He risked glancing up, and saw Red curled up and brooding as she nursed her coffee. He allowed himself a sigh and stood up. On the off chance he could catch her interest, he slumped away toward the door. He was nearly out of the room when she called out to him, "Hey... Jagged. I didn't see you there. Are you doin ok?"

He turned back like a man waking up from sleep-walking. "Oh, Sooner Red. Hi. I'm fine." He cocked his head and let himself become more alert. "Are you ok?"

She smiled, and he had to admit it was a pretty smile. He was here to bring these people down, though, not find romance. He slapped another layer of ice over his emotions and kept right on playing his game.

"I said something I shouldn't have." She shrugged, then shook her head.

He settled himself on the couch beside her, debating his next move. Should he ask her about what had just happened? It would make him seem sensitive and caring, especially in light of his obvious distress. And who knew what interesting information he could pull out of her - emotional weaknesses could be every bit as valuable as physical ones. But his grasp of her personality told him that he needed to be the one in pain, to bring out her need to help him if he wanted to continue to pull her in. By the time he sat down and turned to face her, he had his strategy in mind.

"I'm sorry. I've been so wrapped up in my own problems... What happened? Can I help?"

The struggle - whether to talk or not - was clear on her face, and then the floodgates opened. "She's always on me about how I've got this thing for Six-Four but I was just asking if he was coming back or not, she didn't have to start accusing me of stuff and she always talks so bad about him like SHE'S never made any mistakes. And then I got so tired of it and I said that she shouldn't be talking to people about romance and I really shouldn't have said that. Well... not like that anyway. I mean... the guy tried to beat her up. Well.. he DID beat her up. I guess he almost killed her, then she got her powers and was ok... and at first she was all mad at him, but now she's just determined that something was wrong and it's somehow her fault that this ******* hit her and I guess I just never thought that one of my sisters would be THAT woman..."

Hidden inside, Jagged was smiling triumphantly. On the outside, he listened attentively, nodding, while his own carefully assumed pain was still plain in his eyes. He waited until she glanced back up and met his eyes, and put on a bravely-smiling-through-the-pain expression. "She must've loved him very much before he hurt her," he offered, letting his voice crack just a tiny fraction at the end.

He could see her attention focusing back on him. "Ya, she did, I think," she answered. "But... what's wrong. Why are you so sad?"

He glanced away, as if struggling with whether to speak or not. He didn't look at her, instead he stared at his feet as he spoke. "That girl.. the one that broke up with me, she sent me a box. In it was anything of mine she had - a CD, a souvenir cup, a couple of movies.... a pair of socks. But she also sent a couple pictures of us together, and... I bought her this. She liked butterflies. I thought it was pretty and... I got it for her." He opened his hand and a lovely sun-catcher in the shape of a butterfly fell out, dangling from his fingers. "What the hell am I supposed to do with this? I got it for her!"

She looked from the colorful glass butterfly - that he'd picked up just the night before - to his face, and held his eyes. "Did you love her?" she asked quietly.

"No... I don't know. No, I didn't. I think I just... I was more into the idea of her than I was into her, ya know? And maybe that's why she dumped me. Maybe she knew that. But I liked having someone, ya know? And I feel like she sent THIS back just to take a jab at me."

"She probably did," Red said. She reached out to the hand holding the butterfly and closed his fingers around it again. "C'mon. Let's go get some coffee." She stood and pulled him to his feet, still with her long fingers wrapped around his hand.

He glanced at the paper cup. "You just had coffee," he pointed out.

She shrugged. "A girl can never have too much mocha." She turned to him, smiling that bright smile again. He smiled back, almost disappointed it was so damn easy to lure her in.

I would love to help you out, but I"m all kinds of poor blue side. And the respec I'm hoping to do before i17 on Ici isn't going to help.

The big question: what flavor is your kheld?

I've got one of each at 50, but I'll tell you I much much much prefer the PB.

PBs can do really well solo, I'd suggest human only or human-dwarf - nova form is just too fragile, at least for the way I play it is.

WSs take a bit more skill and care to play solo, but can be done. I'd suggest the tri-form for WS, and really master the double dark mire maneuver.

For either, keep greens and break-frees available for when you don't see that void stalker in time, and you should be fine.

shamed his poodle....