Sting listened in as the static-filled com signals came through. He had cleaned up the wreckage from the earlier battle and had started to fiddle with the software running the com systems.
Man this stuff is beyond me. He complained, even though he did figure a way to patch the phone system through the communicators.
The phone rang and Sting shrugged and answered. Twenty-sixth, Poison Sting here, whadya want?
There was a moment of silence, then. Its Harold, I got some information for you. A man whispered on the other end.
Sting sat up, a bit surprised. Ok Harold, lets have it, and speak up.
Well, the records show that there have been a large number of factions Skulls, Vahz, Clocks, and such moving out of the sewers in Kings Row. Especially right around the Twenty-sixth! Our intelligence suggests that something is going on in those sewers but they dont know what.
Well Harold, that is good to know. You got anything else? Sting asked.
Harold, on a pay phone in the Hollows, looked down at a new piece of information picked up from a mole in Crey. It described Poison Sting as lost asset scheduled for recovery.
No
nothing else. Harold said quietly.
Ok, thanks Harold. You stay out of trouble now, you hear. Sting said with a bit of threat to his voice.
Harold hung up the phone and looked down at the intelligence report from the Crey mole. Yeah, you too you piece of $&%#. Hope you have fun dancing with Crey. He said with a chuckle to his voice as he lit the papers on fire and let them scatter in the wind.
Finally the crew returned and he saw Mystic out front talking to a large man. Sting stepped out to greet them. What took you guys so long? I was beginning to get bored.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Honey, were home. Whats for dinner? Newton said as he walked into Coolants room and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out a Mountain Dew and walked back in, nabbing an apple and a cheese stick on his way out.
Mystic stopped and talked to his friend as Newton checked the desk for messages.
[ QUOTE ]
Please tell me in our absence someone has gathered some information about those lizards we encountered. Mystics now glowing eyes searched the faces of the group.
[/ QUOTE ]
Weve been a bit busy trying to find you and fighting clocks. I havent even seen the lizards yet, Newton said. Did you know your eyes are glowing now? he asked, squinting at the mages face.
[ QUOTE ]
Sting stepped out to greet them. What took you guys so long? I was beginning to get bored.
[/ QUOTE ]
What, you mean cleaning does trip your trigger? Newton asked. He took a swig of Dew. So, lizards in the sewers. What do we know?
[ QUOTE ]
What, you mean cleaning does trip your trigger? Newton asked. He took a swig of Dew. So, lizards in the sewers. What do we know?
[/ QUOTE ]
"Well last I checked we had one of the lizard thingies in a holding cell. And from what I have heard from an 'unnamed source' there are lots of people and things clearing out of the sewers in our general location."
Sting looked around at the few remaining heroes who had stuck it out at the 2-6. "Looks like we are at ground zero of the invasion of the lizard men."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
"Looks like we are at ground zero of the invasion of the lizard men."
[/ QUOTE ]
Great, Newton said. Sounds like a B-movie. Figures that we the B-grade heroes get that. He floated up over the desk. Id like to see the lizard. Do we know if its a science project or a dimensional creature? What do we know about it?
[ QUOTE ]
Great, Newton said. Sounds like a B-movie. Figures that we the B-grade heroes get that. He floated up over the desk. Id like to see the lizard. Do we know if its a science project or a dimensional creature? What do we know about it?
[/ QUOTE ]
This way. Sting took Newton down to the cell where the creature had been deposited. "We know they are tough, and can spit green junk that can temporarily blind and burns like heck."
Sting opened the door and stood there, shocked. What the
Where the creature had been dumped was nothing but a puddle of green goop. Well looks like they break down after a short time. He said as he knelt down to look at the puddle.
Its too bad we cant keep a science geek in this place for more than a day or two. Be nice to have someone that could analyze this stuff. I have some lab experience, but wouldnt know where to start on this gunk.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Abrahms followed Sting and Mystic to the holding cell.
"You know I saw this in a movie once. Lots of bad things happened soon after." He looked at his colleagues. He waves his hand in front of his face, curling his nose at the pungent stink of the goop.
"If I was still in the service, base would be issuing a recall of all troops, and canceling all leave and liberty calls. Tighten watch schedules, check perimeter alarms and the like. Maybe we should just put sheet metal over the windows, which have not gotten the bullet proof glass in yet. But that would be if I was on a Post some where, just thought I might mention it." He shrugs and turns towards the door.
"I am going to get a hair cut it starting to feel shaggy." He runs his hand over his head the full thick hair the grey of his 85 years, barley longer that the thickness of his fingers. "I'll hit the showers then armor up and be on duty. I don't know if you had the chance to read my records yet. But so you know, do to my bodys regeneration rate fatigue poisons dont really build to fast so I can go long periods without sleep. That and all the military training dealing with functionality under sleep deprivation, of course. Well ill be back on in about 45." He turns and climbs the stairs 2 at a time.
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
Rough Justice was still silent, had been since the port to clear air. After the first couple of wild swings, he realized there was no enemy around and fell in to a sullen mood. Sean was angry, at himself at the others for putting him into a position he had to kill again. He had not done that in a very long time and certainly since becoming a 'Super Hero'. Sure killing people he had been apart of even orchestrated many murders. But that was before his rebirth at the hands of the team Heroics. While he lay in the hospital recovering from the toxic poisons he had ingested and absorbed through all his cuts and contusion from his fight to protect his Super dyne lab. Well Marrow Snaps lab anyway, that mutated slime of dyne due to that radiation guys bombardment his own dark energies hed tried to use, the plasma residue from that punch of Halo. Did some nasty thing to his body. He was in the Ziggs infirmary for a month as his body changed, as did his life. While incarcerated and in a coma, Marrow Snap decided to make his displeasure with Sean who seemed all but dead an object of a terrible lesson to never fail him.
When Sean came around six months later, he was incredibly strong, very damage resistant. All these things made him eager to return to his friends on the streets, the Hellions would not stop them ever again. When the public defenders office got him out of the Zigg, on hardship reasons and the horrible punishment he had gone through when he was arrested. Made more then enough to equal the time the DA had wanted to give him.
When he got home, his life changed for real. His mother, 2 little sisters and brother had become the lesson that Marrow taught. Then and there he vowed to fight crime and the evil that lead to his familys death. From that moment on he had told himself he would not kill any more people, with the exception of Marrow and the goons who killed his family. These thoughts flash through his head as he closed the door to his room; there she was the one who braved the slime to save him. His new role model, Kara "sorry darlin I failed you today I killed at least 5 council troops." With a sigh he flopped onto his bunk, closing his eyes hoping sleep would take him quickly.
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
[ QUOTE ]
Sting opened the door and stood there, shocked. What the
Where the creature had been dumped was nothing but a puddle of green goop. Well looks like they break down after a short time. He said as he knelt down to look at the puddle.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ew. That stuff is really rather disgusting, isnt it?
[ QUOTE ]
Its too bad we cant keep a science geek in this place for more than a day or two. Be nice to have someone that could analyze this stuff. I have some lab experience, but wouldnt know where to start on this gunk.
"You know I saw this in a movie once. Lots of bad things happened soon after." He looked at his colleagues. He waves his hand in front of his face, curling his nose at the pungent stink of the goop.
"If I was still in the service, base would be issuing a recall of all troops, and canceling all leave and liberty calls. Tighten watch schedules, check perimeter alarms and the like. Maybe we should just put sheet metal over the windows, which have not gotten the bullet proof glass in yet. But that would be if I was on a Post some where, just thought I might mention it." He shrugs and turns towards the door.
"I am going to get a hair cut it starting to feel shaggy." He runs his hand over his head the full thick hair the grey of his 85 years, barley longer that the thickness of his fingers. "I'll hit the showers then armor up and be on duty. I don't know if you had the chance to read my records yet. But so you know, do to my bodys regeneration rate fatigue poisons dont really build to fast so I can go long periods without sleep. That and all the military training dealing with functionality under sleep deprivation, of course. Well ill be back on in about 45." He turns and climbs the stairs 2 at a time.
[/ QUOTE ]
Newton sat despondently on the holding cell bed. So, now what do we do? Newton asked Mystic and Sting. Were back to where we were a couple days ago. Our fancy technology mostly broken down. I think Elisa, RJ, and I are the only ones who still have working comm units, and Elisa has disappeared with Max and his van. Our mini-war walls are toast. Im not even sure who all is on our active list. And we have degenerating lizards who are driving the normal sewer squatters into the streets." Newton looked up at the other two heroes with a big grin. Another typical day in the Two-Six, no?
((ooc: Took out info that Newton didn't know yet.))
[ QUOTE ]
Another typical day in the Two-Six, no?
[/ QUOTE ]
Aint that the truth. Sting replied. Shouldnt we be able to send this stuff downtown to a crime lab or something? You know, like they do on TV in all of those stupid CSI shows. There should be some hot chick science genius downtown to figure out that critical piece of information that we are missing. Sting chuckled sarcastically.
Sting stood up and thought for a moment, then went to where some of the medical supplies were kept. He grabbed a couple tubes that were normally used for drawing blood the kind without anticoagulant in them. We came back down to the holding cell and popped the tops off.
These should be the most sterile things we have and will seal up pretty well. He said as he scooped goop into the tubes and pressed the tops back on. Washing the excess goop off he set them in a Styrofoam holder.
Almost looks professional. He said as he admired his work.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
((OOC: /start narrator voice
Meanwhile, down the street from the Two-Six
/end narrator voice))
The Crey watcher team had found a convenient building down the block from the 26th. With the high-tech gear they had they didnt need to be all that close to keep a careful watch on the place.
A technician made a few last adjustments to a bank of video monitors. There you go sir, all ready. We have hidden remote cameras viewing all angles of the building, plus some high altitude drones deployed to move around as necessary. When they dont have that damn force field up we should be able to get a good handle on their conversations.
Special Operative Henry Becker nodded as he looked at his watch. Four hours and twenty-seven minutes set-up time Im impressed! I want around the clock observation with all entries and exits recorded. We need to know patterns, who is present, and who else might be interacting with them. Also I want an undercover walk-by twice a day.
He moved over to a computer. Did we get the files for the known heroes loaded? He asked.
Yes sir, The technician replied, they should all be there for the heroes we know to be present. We will get any other hero files necessary as we identify others.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
Almost looks professional. He said as he admired his work.
[/ QUOTE ]
Are we sure we want to do that, Newton asked. I mean, we look professional once, theyll expect us to do that all the time. He flashed a quick grin at Sting.
[ QUOTE ]
Are we sure we want to do that, Newton asked. I mean, we look professional once, theyll expect us to do that all the time. He flashed a quick grin at Sting.
[/ QUOTE ]
As usual, despite Sting trying to be all tough and cool, Newton forces him to give a little smile.
"Heh, yeah. We'll rub a little dirt on them before we take them to the lab."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
"Heh, yeah. We'll rub a little dirt on them before we take them to the lab."
[/ QUOTE ]
Ill go ahead and deliver it, Newton said, holding out his hand to take the samples. I need to talk to Blue Steel, anyway. Newton made a face. He really doesnt like me, but he wants to talk with me about that crooked judge Wonker. The green-haired man shrugged. Blue Steel takes corruption within the system very seriously.
Sting handed over the vials to Newton. Yeah, Blue Steel is a jack-hole. He used to lecture me all the time. Tell him that I send hugs and kisses when you see him. Sting grinned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Operative Henry Becker looked over the glowing computer screen. He clicked through files, each detailing information on the current roster of the Twenty-sixth precinct.
Newtons Apple
Power Source
Unknown mutation may have been born with it.
Powers
Control of gravity, including protective gravity bubbles and the ability to use gravity to teleport people and objects. Flight, teleportation.
Skills/Training
None of significance known.
Summary
Very powerful offensive and defensive capabilities, but is a soft target if attacked directly. Seems to be a key piece to provide support and evacuation for members of the team at the 26th. Very versatile.
Mystic Inferno
Power Source
Magic not known if this is natural, learned, or from an artifact.
Powers
Significant offensive use of fire. Flight.
Skills/Training
Former university professor. Modest tactical and leadership skills. May have unknown magical skills.
Summary
Leader of this odd group of heroes. Powerful magical fire abilities. Solid commander, even if his tactics and planning leave something to be desired. A relatively soft target if attacked directly, but can cause massive damage through his use of fire.
Abrahms
Power Source
Mutagenic DNA manipulation, only member of second group of test subject to survive military experimentation. Believed to be due to his own dormant mutant genes, which are no longer dormant.
Powers
Incredibly Fast. Highly Resistant to Physical, Energy, Elemental damage. Jump incredible distance. Energy Manipulation that allows his heightened strength to be incredibly focused and directed through his Fists. Accelerated healing and recovery.
Skills/Training
A trained leader in small unit tactics. Demolitions expert, master of several hand-to-hand combat styles.
Summary
Military on temporary assignment with the 26th. Very dangerous and well trained.
Rough Justice
Power Source
Powers are result of an accident in a Superdyne production facility.
Powers
Incredibly resistant to physical damage. Unbelievable strength above that of even most super strong heroes.
Skills/Training
None of significance known.
Summary
Former gang member, now with a vigilante mentality. Very aggressive and deals harshly with any who cross him. Very volatile and dangerous, especially up close.
Elisa
Power Source
Unknown. Potentially a mutant or other dimensional being.
Powers
Ultra-high tech weaponry. Expert with most weapons. Highly developed dexterity.
Skills/Training
Unknown expect some type of military training. Has some kind of high-tech contact that is currently an unknown entity. Known to borrow supplies from the Council.
Summary
Very dangerous long-ranged combatant. Versatile abilities and works well both alone or in a team.
Poison Sting
Power Source
Scientific forced mutation by addition of a variety of insect DNA.
Powers
Resistant chitin skin. Poisonous spines used to slash, stab, and even thrown. Leap tremendous distances.
Skills/Training
Survival can survive most harsh environments and eat almost anything organic for sustenance. Has minimal knowledge of chemistry and other sciences.
Summary
Strong, fast, and dangerous. Has shown a wanton disregard for the lives of his enemies. Borderline psychotic and quick to anger.
((OOC NOTE: I have left out those who I havent seen posting in a while. If anyone comes back I can always add him or her to the dossier.))
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
The room had cleared and Special Operative Henry Becker was alone. The others were watching monitors in other rooms, testing the high-altitude drones, and setting up the walk-by schedule.
He unlocked his briefcase and pulled out a small memory stick. Connecting it to the computer he started accessing the data. After several pass codes and verification steps he opened the highly classified file.
Hive Queen
A picture of what looked like a human/bee hybrid dominated the screen. She had a segmented body, but with slightly human looking appendages (though still chitin covered). Her head was large, with big compound eyes and antennae, along with a mouth surrounded by pincers. He skin was a chitnous material similar to Stings but lighter in color. She also had spines, similar to those employed by Sting. On her back was a set of insectoid wings.
Well little lady, I think it is time to show you to the public. A little demonstration on Mr. Sting seems appropriate. He smiled as he picked up his phone. He punched a code to encode his transmission.
Dr. Lawrence? This is Special Operative Henry Becker. Yes, nice to finally get to talk directly to you as well sir. Id like to put Hive Queen on alert status. If we can get this Poison Sting alone I would like fast response so we can use her to bring him in.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Newton teleported to the Police Plaza and found Blue Steel in his typical spot in front of the coin.
Newtons Apple, where have you been? the super-powered police officer asked. You were supposed to meet me here yesterday.
Lets see, I was under a beauty shop, at the Two Six, in the land of the dead, and Striga Island, though not necessarily in that order.
I really dont have time for your nonsense, Apple, Blue Steel said, staring down at the shorter, rounder man. Just tell me what you have on Judge Wonker.
Weve been a bit busy trying to find you and fighting clocks. I havent even seen the lizards yet, Newton said. Did you know your eyes are glowing now? he asked, squinting at the mages face.
What? Excuse me. Mystic moved out of the cell and down the hall, where he stepped into the mens room. There he noticed an odd glow about his eyes. Bloody hell. POOF!
Once again he was a floating efreeti, complete with psychedelic poofy pants and slippers and wielding a sword of pure flame. Right
I should try to keep that in check. For now, I choose to believe that I can.
A few minutes of concentration and some breathing exercises later, and he returned to his original form. This IS odd. I must consult the book.
Moments later he was again in his office when he finished reading the next spell regarding flame. The lights went out in the Two Six. He sent the book back.
He felt a presence of magic in the building. It didnt feel hostile, just powerful.
Downstairs, upstairs, there were apparitions, ghosts, or maybe just shadows of robed men visible only in the corner of ones eye. If charged, there was really no one behind the pillar, around the corner, or beyond the cabinet. A strange murmur could be heard resonating through the building. It grew ever so slightly louder as time went on.
Mystic was out of his office, and using flame to light his path. He could sense movement, and hear voices, but no one would fall into his direct field of vision. Hello? Is anyone out there?
Sting was relaxing and having a bit to eat when the lights went out. &#$*, I thought we had a generator! He moved quietly out of his chair, using his motion sensing antennae to find any trouble, as he was sure this was some sort of assault. His compound eyes detected movement in the shadows around him, but he couldnt pinpoint anything. Whomever was there was incorporeal or very, very good at stealth.
The movements in the shadows were very disconcerting for Sting as he jumped at every one of them. At the point he was about to start sending bursts of spines around himself he heard Mystic speak up.
[ QUOTE ]
Hello? Is anyone out there?
[/ QUOTE ]
What the %$*& is going on this time? Sting growled, still trying to catch a glimpse of whatever it was that he kept seeing. If I ever catch whoever that is hiding Im going to do very unpleasant things to them! He said, as much to the room as to Mystic.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sir, we just had a power loss of some sort in the building; all of the lights just went out at once. We are getting some odd energy readings as well. The voice came through the speaker. Agent Becker activated a couple screens and saw both the physical building, with lights off, and the energy readings.
Interesting. Lets keep an eye on this. He said.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Mystic heard the edge in Stings voice. I dont know, but Im not certain its dangerous. The mage secretly hoped that saying that aloud would provoke some sort of friendly response if the intruder(s) wished their intentions to be known. Sadly, that was not about to happen.
What WAS happening, unknown to Mystic, was that several Warlocks were sliding in and out of the Umbra dampening technological objects. Not destroying them, or disabling them, just turning them off really. Oh, and keeping them from turning back on. Soon, there wasnt one electrical signature in the building coming from anything but the brains in the people inside. Then the doors slammed shut, and five red embers fell from the ceiling of the entry hall in front of the desk sergeants area.
They spun in ever expanding orbits of each other as they descended, touching on the ground some three meters apart, and immediately bleeding out into lines. They formed a circle within a circle, and red lines of light raced toward the middle, forming a pentagram. Smaller lines of red light cut back and forth over the floor, dancing about to form glyphs and runes until the ground was alive with light. Then the red light turned green, and flame leaped from the pentagram in a blinding flash.
When the light died down, a beautiful woman with dark hair and a green costume hovered in the air with her legs crossed. Behind her, along the wall, stood twelve men in ash grey robes. There was no light except for the green glow of mystical flame that rose a foot off of the pentagram.
In the temporary Crey observation post Agent Becker looked questioningly. No power, no force field, but these readings dont make any sense and we cant hear a damn thing from in there. He keyed his microphone. Are you guys sure all of this equipment is working? None of these readings make any sense!
The response came through the speaker. Sir, we have no idea. We suspect there may be some otherworldly force at work.
Becker sat back and rubbed his temples. Great, just what I need...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sting watched the magical light show until it completed. Great, now we have targets at least. He growled and grabbed a radio off a nearby table. Newton...ah crap, this thing isnt working either!
He stepped forward. Ok, give us you best were going to defeat you speech, but make it quick so we can get on to us making you into hamburger. Sting said defiantly.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
After Newtons Apple had finished telling Blue Steel all the coincidences that were tied into with Judge Wonker, the supercop stoically stared at the green-haired mutant. Judge Wonker has been quite busy, hasnt he?
Newton nodded. You know I cant prove any of this now, Newton said. All my notes and proof were disappeared out of the police evidence locker. The green-haired mutant made a face. Hes a judge. He has connections all the way throughout the law enforcement system. I dont know who to trust, which is why Im talking to you. He shook his head. I dont like you you are rather a straight-laced bozo with no sense of humor but you are an honest, honorable man. That, and Statesman wouldnt return my calls. Newtons eyes twinkled as he watched the supercops expression.
Ill start taking a closer look at Wonkers activities, Blue Steel said. Stay in contact. Ill contact you tomorrow. The supercop turned on his heel and marched off towards the police station.
Newton watched him go. Good bye to you, too, he murmured. He followed Blue Steel into the police station, checked the floor that the CSI lab was on, and took the elevator up to it.
The woman in green held her hand up to sting. One of the warlocks moved in the back, causing sting to rise, surrounded by the force of gravity. Im not here to harm you, and this is a solemn moment. I would appreciate your silence. I am Siverine, apprentice to War Witch, you have heard of her? I am here on her behalf. Issues in Croatoa retain her attention, so she cannot be called out on matters at this level of importance.
She lowered her hand and the energy surrounding Sting evaporated, leaving him on his feet. You are Mystic Inferno? She looked directly into the mages eyes.
Mystic stepped forward. I am.
She floated toward him, hovering directly in front of him. You have completed your trial of the illusionist, you have defeated the sorcerers of the Tsoo, and you have banished the Banished pantheon spirits. You are worthy to be brought into our circle. Receive this, commit it to memory, and destroy it. She handed forth a scroll that looked ancient. Then she handed him a ring. This signifies that you have attained the rank of Archmage. War Witch is looking forward to meeting you in person. Until then, we can only thank you for what you have done, and for what you have not yet accomplished.
She floated back into the center of the signet. The group of warlocks stepped into the flame around her, their robes bursting into green flame, consuming all of them, and then in a flash, they were gone, and the lights and shield returned.
Mystic turned back toward the group. Make a note, Sting. From now on deliveries are to be made round back. Mystic slipped on the ring and headed back to his office. Terribly sorry for all the fuss. Im having a sandwich delivered later, so if a dimensional doorway opens in the lobby
Mystic shot a glance back at everyone, dont be alarmed.
Sean rolled onto his side looking at the clock, it wash flashing 12:00. "Great we lost power I wonder what time it is," hitting the light switch he sat up. It cant be to late feels like i only dozed off for a moment, there id the problem with no windows. Opening the door he walked down the hall to the lobby
[ QUOTE ]
Make a note, Sting. From now on deliveries are to be made round back. Mystic slipped on the ring and headed back to his office. Terribly sorry for all the fuss. Im having a sandwich delivered later, so if a dimensional doorway opens in the lobby
Mystic shot a glance back at everyone, dont be alarmed.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Hey Sting dude, what time is it, I fell asleep back there" his voice shifting to ask a question. "I didn't miss anything did I?"
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
Abrahms was washing just rinsing his hair as the light went out. "Ah jeez, wonderful just wonderful getting caught with my pants down. Hell that would be preferable to caught naked." He rinsed the shampoo from his hair and listened intently, turning the water off. Using the dim light from the small window he dried of as he moved to the bunk area. Abrahms was moving queitly as he could, he spun to a motion seen. But as he looked directly at it it vanished, still no sounds of combat. Pulling on his BDU's as wuickly as possible while remaining silent.
[ QUOTE ]
Im not here to harm you, and this is a solemn moment. I would appreciate your silence. I am Siverine, apprentice to War Witch, you have heard of her? I am here on her behalf. Issues in Croatoa retain her attention, so she cannot be called out on matters at this level of importance.
You are Mystic Inferno?
Mystic stepped forward. I am.
You have completed your trial of the illusionist, you have defeated the sorcerers of the Tsoo, and you have banished the Banished pantheon spirits. You are worthy to be brought into our circle. Receive this, commit it to memory, and destroy it. She handed forth a scroll that looked ancient. Then she handed him a ring. This signifies that you have attained the rank of Archmage. War Witch is looking forward to meeting you in person. Until then, we can only thank you for what you have done, and for what you have not yet accomplished.
Make a note, Sting. From now on deliveries are to be made round back. Mystic slipped on the ring and headed back to his office. Terribly sorry for all the fuss. Im having a sandwich delivered later, so if a dimensional doorway opens in the lobby
Mystic shot a glance back at everyone, dont be alarmed.
[/ QUOTE ]
Abrahms stood at the top of the stairs, starting to relax. "well its nice to know someone is appreciating your, our work around here Mystic. Sorry i missed most of that, but the second floor is um... secure."
[ QUOTE ]
"Hey Sting dude, what time is it, I fell asleep back there" his voice shifting to ask a question. "I didn't miss anything did I?" RJ asks looking around.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Sure did kid, but you would have been bored no one to hurt"
Even we mighty can fall.
Abrahms INV/EM Tank 50 +1 Liberty
Herakles Blood INV/SS Tank 42 Virtue
Street Doc EMP/Pistol Defender 29 Liberty
This was what? Gregory Mulligan asked as he stared at the gooey sample. He was a dark skinned young man the low man on the CSI totem pole. Which is why he got to deal with Newtons Apple.
Im told it was a fire breathing lizard, Newton said. Sting said something about cellular degeneration, but I wasnt paying that close of attention.
You work with Poison Sting? Mulligan took off his glasses and stared at the mutant.
Yes.
And you yet live. Im amazed. The young man took off his glasses and polished them on his lab coat. He wandered over to a refrigeration unit and pulled out a couple tubes. Here, I have some antidote to his spines here. Keep them with you. Chances are youll eventually need it.
Thanks, Newton said cynically. Give us a call at the Two-Six when you have some sort of analysis for us. He turned and walked away.
You have both Sting and the Two-Six? Mulligan asked. Ill be looking for your obituary.
I dont feel better about our situation, Newton murmured as he walked out of the police headquarters.
It took several moments for Mystic to resume his normal form. He had to look through the book for quite a bit to find the appropriate runes. Then, he sent the book away again, where it was safe.
Mystic and Abrahms filled the others in on what they had found out. Clockworks had been enlisted, with the added bonus of an evil scientist to augment their technology, to capture and or kill members of the Two Six. It didnt show any signs of relenting. With the lizard creatures still unexplained, and now the added bonus of having to look behind every street corner and billboard to see who might be waiting to take a shot at them, the pressure was beginning to build in Mystics head.
When they finally did arrive, Mystic saw one more thing that made him unhappy. Cinderflash was standing out in front of the Two Six. Hed come to visit him once before, when Phaross Cat died. He was wearing the same suit and the same expression.
Disembarking the Van early, and approaching in the air, he alighted in front of him. My dear Cinder, youre becoming the grim reaper.
The big man somehow managed to pull his eyes from the concrete and in a thick Russian accent said, it is that obvious?
Im afraid so. Who is it? Mystic tried to keep his tone reverent, but he was in a hurry to deal with his other issues.
Picker. Cinder noticed the confused look in Mystics eyes. Surprised?
Mystic put a hand on his hood. Well, no, actually Im surprised he was still alive. He was the Scottish lad who worked the breathing gear for you, right? He used to paint himself blue and run about with that sword, slicing ruffians, right? Shame. He was a nice lad. A bit brash though. I remember you two charging into things together and us having to revive him all the time. Oh, sorry, Im going on. I know you two were close.
The mage had to hover to put a hand on the gigantic mans shoulder. Even in a suit and hat, Cinder looked like a badly planned disguise. He was clearly either a superhero or smuggling a Buick in his jacket.
As the crew began to pile up at the door, Mystic made introductions. Cinder was originally a part of Super Naturals inc, but then went on to bigger and better things when his powers began to grow dramatically. He was just here to tell me how a friend of our has passed on.
A small amount of small talk later, and Cinder was gone. Please tell me in our absence someone has gathered some information about those lizards we encountered. Mystics now glowing eyes searched the faces of the group.