Well the Pale Guardian IS a tease, so, there you go!
~The Sly Fox~
And what a tease! O_o Let's see some more real soon Pale.. ^^
((sorry for the long delay to the next installment, I've been out of town this last week. Hopefully should have something tomorrow!))
((no worries... I've been so postponed in my OWN origin that I fear I've lost the one or two fans I HAD!))
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((no worries... I've been so postponed in my OWN origin that I fear I've lost the one or two fans I HAD!))
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((Heh, I can relate to that.. =P Plus I've been without internet for about a week now.. Have three new parts I wanted to post.. ;P
I'm still a big fan of your work though Sly.. Just waiting for the sixth part.. Hurry up!))
((Writing it now!!)) 
Chapter 1 - "To Help Mankind"
Jennifer Lyn, born October 17th, 1980 in a nice neighborhood in Baumtown. Her parents were both doctors(Sarah was a chemist, and David a biologist.). Since an early age she idolized heros. In Paragon City, what child didnt? There was Statesmen and Friends on at 4PM every weekday, the flashy costumes, and Jennifers personal favorite, Dr. Sciences Workshop on the Discovery Channel. The concept of living to help mankind seemed almost romantic. However, at the age of 6, her parents research moved them to Boston. And even though the Bay State didnt have near the hero presence of Paragon, she still fondly remembered the brightly colored protectors of justice and one day hoped to join their ranks.
While Jennifer lacked any of the physical talents most heros require(hence part of the reason her parents didnt own a microwave...), she did possess a keen understanding of science. She excelled in school, especially in science and biology where she had a natural talent. After graduating 2nd in her class from high school and she enrolled the next fall into MITs genetic research division. Whenever someone asked her what motivated her to go into this line of research, she simply smiled and said, To help mankind. Like being a hero.
It was in June of 2000 that true research into unlocking the potential of humanity could truly begin: The deciphering of the human genome.
Next, Chapter 2, Pandoras Dilemma--
ok... Pale Guardian IS a big tease!
Although I shouldn't talk... still haven't finished Chapter 6 yet...
(yes, I know it's been a while, been evolving the story as I go, heh.)
Chapter 2 - Pandoras Dilemma
The completion of the human genome project gave great hope to the scientific community. Now more than ever they can see what makes a person tick, and more importantly, why they tick that way. Biotech firms quickly started to hire as many scientists as they could in a rush to be the first to cure cancer, or create wonder drugs. The largest of these firms, Crey Biotech approached Jennifer soon after and offered her a position as a researcher in their Genetic And Paranormal Research Division. As someone who very much respected and loved heros growing up, Jennifer practically pounded at the opportunity.
Her teams work with Crey was in complete secrecy, after all, such research does make a tempting target for super powered villains. At first the research was fairly simple. What amazed most of the team was that particularly with mutants, it only took a very minor defect from a normal person to gain their powers. One such example is that the average invulnerable hero simply process carbon in their bodies differently. The team did a lot of good work, managed to revolutionize how to medically treat heros more effectively, as well as methods and devices to fight off super powered villains.
If her work in the lab was her first love, her second would be Robert Frazier. A fellow researcher, the 2 quickly became very close and they eventually moved in together. While Jennifer was very curious and willing to take risks for her research, Robert was much more cautious and deliberate. While their methods were different, their goal was the same: to make the world a better place.
Over the course of the next 6 months, the two moved through the ranks and received praise even from Countess Crey herself. In January of 2001 they were offered a new position to research the artificial creation of super powered individuals. They were given some time to consider the offer. That evening Jennifer and Robert sat together on the couch watching the news. Robert turned to Jennifer and told her, I know what you are thinking Jen. It just doesnt feel right.
Jennifer sighed, she knew in the back of her mind that Robert was right, Yay, I know, but still, the benefits this can provide are staggering. We know theres other dimensions out there, and only some of them are friendly and insanely powerful villains here. With this research we could gain an upper hand on them.
You know the story of Pandora? The girl whos curiosity unleashed evil into the world?
Yes, I know the story dear. But I also recall in the box there was also hope. Look, I know in the wrong hands this research could cause a lot of trouble, but this is Crey we are talking about. Theyd never do something like that.
Its Pandoras dilemma hun. You could bring a lot of hope to the world, but you might just unleash evil in the process. I trust you, and Ill follow you on whatever road you walk down. Just promise me that if this goes too far, well quit this project.
Jennifer nodded and gave Robert a tight hug, Thanks. I couldnt do this without you.
Next, Chapter 3, Opening The Box--
Chapter 3 - "Opening The Box"
January 24th, 2001. New Lab Day(tm). The first day in a new lab is always a special one. That new lab smell, signing many NDAs, confidentiality clauses, and other confusing legal agreements everyone moving in, making new friends and exchanging theories. Jennifer and Roberts new position was in a new top secret lab about 10 miles west of Venice(No, now the Italian Venice), though officially the lab never existed.
January 25th, 2001. Jennifers first new assignment. It was a thick and worn folder, the front read:
*TOP SECRET!*
*Protectors project*
*2nd Generation*
Protectors Project? Jennifer asked her new supervisor while glancing inside of the folder.
Yes, the Protector Project is meant to create super-powered protectors to be deployed throughout Paragon City, and if successful, to other large cities. The world can be a dangerous place, and this is Creys way of making it a little safer, our way of helping mankind
Jennifer smiled. Helping mankind has always sounded so noble, so romantic, and if her knowledge could do that, then shed do everything in her power to make the Protectors perfect. She flipped through a few more pages and asked, Some of these documents look a bit old, are these up to date?
Sadly yes, it has been very difficult to find good scientists for this, but your qualifications speak for you, and I look forward to seeing the 3rd Generation lab data.
Ill do my best!
Lab Log Excerpts, March 8th, 2001. Making progress identifying major flaws in 2nd Generation that caused uncontrollable super-powered discharge and insanity. Recommend greater gamma particle exposure in 2nd, 5th and 12th chromosomes. Next week will begin testing of 3rd Generation.
Lab Log Excerpts, March 16th, 2001. Preliminary tests green. Subjects stable. However, formula not ready for mass use, while reflexes and strength show marked improvement, it still falls under the bar set by the project goals.
Lab Log Excerpts, May 24th, 2001. 4th Generation formula finished, but progress on 5th Gen already moving forward and should be ready by August. Holding off testing until 5th Gen formula is readied.
One warm night in June. Jennifer lay next to Robert in bed, going over the days tests on the 5th Gen formula. Jen, do you ever wonder if what we are doing is, well, playing God?
She nodded, Yay, we are toying with nature. But, one day I want to raise a child with you without having to worry about super-powered gangs. Weve already opened the box, no closing it now.
Robert smiled and kissed her on the cheek. OK hun, for the future well keep going. So hows the formula coming?
Next, Chapter 4, Showing Up For Dinner Uninvited--
This is looking very good.. ^^ Though, I do have an eerie feeling about this project! Jennifer best watch herself.. *scared*
Prelude - Not part of the 5 year plan
The Pale Guardian stumbled into the alleyway in Kings Row. One hand clutching her chest, the other trying futility to slow her decent to the dirty pavement. Landing on her knees she coughed and hacked violently, almost as if her lungs were trying to escape through her windpipe. After a minute of this, blood spurting from her lips as her chest heaved in pain. Fumbling at the side of her belt her hand grasped a small top. Popping the cap with her thumb, she jabbed the small syringe into the side of her leg. She screamed silently and her she started to return to normal.
Taking a moment to recompose herself, she sat on the ground and leaned back against the side of a nondescript building. Muttering, This was not part of the 5 year plan. Looking at the stars, she asks to the sky, Is this redemption, or just a cruel curse?
--Next: Chapter 1, "To Help Mankind"--
((ok, I know it's just a tease to only post the prelude tonight, but every story has a beginning. And some even have a beginning to a beginning.))