[ QUOTE ]
"Hmmm, someone else actually cares to clean this place too."
He climbed into a cot, worn out from even the short trip, and quickly fell asleep.
[/ QUOTE ]
The cot in question was a basic, functional hospital bed with rails. It had been delivered less than an hour earlier by a medical supply company in response to Mystic's order. There were two of them in the clinic, for in-patient care.
Clean sheets, smelling faintly of nothing worse than detergent and bleach. Cotton blankets. Simple pillows.
One patient. So exhausted he hadn't even noticed her. If she'd have been a Siberian Tiger he'd have been done for.
Myriam smiled with satisfaction, the corners of her mouth upturning slightly as she gazed from the back of the clinic where she'd been stocking shelves and storing gear. She was in business.
"Rest, Mr. Sting. You are in good hands." She rubbed the hands in question together, using her voice to alert him to her presence so as not to alarm him.... With her hands she began briskly, but not roughly, assessing his condition and the efficacy of the treatment of his injuries.
"I am Myriam. I am a nurse, and will be running the 2-6 clinic for Alfred, as well as working with you as Exodus. And unless there is someone better, I am also the cook. There is borscht and bread for your dinner."
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
"Is that what we're feeding our bugmen warriors?" Mystic floated into the doorway. "What, are we trying to make him meaner?" Mystic smiled.
He floated up to her, smiling from beneath the mask. "Honestly I think your real superpower is making that stuff palatable." He moved away from Sting, and lowered his voice so that she was hopefully the only one to hear. "Myriam... I may have gotten you into something here. I... I.. simply cannot guarantee your safety. I will understand it if you would like to leave."
The mage looked out the dirty window... scratch that, clean window. Wait, "when did we have clean windows installed?" ran through his head. There was still a bullet hole in it.
[ QUOTE ]
The mage looked out the dirty window... scratch that, clean window. Wait, "when did we have clean windows installed?" ran through his head. There was still a bullet hole in it.
[/ QUOTE ]
The bullet hole, with it's little spiderweb of spreading cracks, had small, neat pieces of tape over it sealing out the cold winter air. The cold did not bother Myriam, she was from Yakutsk, one of the coldest cities in Siberia, but it was not good for the patients.
The window was indeed clean.
She sidestepped the issue of her cooking. The men would either eat it or they would not, and if they were polite and shopping funds available later, perhaps there would be something with meat.
"Ammonia, water, newspaper. Oil soap for the wooden window frames. Pine oil and water for the floors. And everthing dusted." Myriam smiled at Alfred, gesturing expansively with her hands to indicated the formerly foul room. "Sunlight and fresh air. I had Exodus call the vermin and drive them out. It is good you have no neighbors to be displeased by the encroaching plague."
With a softer edge to her voice she added, lightly touching Alfred's hand with her own. "There is no safety, even in Israel. I will only leave if you ask me to. You need me."
"Even if only for the windows and the rats."
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
[ QUOTE ]
"I am Myriam. I am a nurse, and will be running the 2-6 clinic for Alfred, as well as working with you as Exodus. And unless there is someone better, I am also the cook. There is borscht and bread for your dinner."
[/ QUOTE ]
Sting lifted his head. Well hello Myriam, I am Sting. Im surly, rude, and abrasive. Just ask Alfred. Oh and Im a terrible patient but nice to have you around. His chitin was still cracked, but healing, and there were internal injuries that would take a little while to heal, it would just take a little time assuming he didnt go out and break himself again.
Newton and I grabbed some chow from a little hole-in-the-wall diner on the way home, but thanks. Being a bug means I can eat just about anything so Im not picky.
He lay back down as Mystic came in. Hey boss, er I mean Alfred. He chuckled, unable to keep from poking a little fun at Mystic.
Maybe he was too tired and hurt, or maybe Myriam just seemed too much like a mom figure, but he didnt bother giving her the typical you think you can come in here and tell us what to do speech that pretty much everyone else had gotten.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
"Good morning sleepy bug. I was very worried when I saw that you didn't come to. I was afraid we'd have to pay you disability." Mystic picked up a glass and inspected it. Satisfied that it was clean, he set back down and turned back toward Exodus. "It will continue to be a pleasure having you here, Myriam. Even if only for the windows and the rats. You will have to train hard though. You spent so long not using your powers, and now we need you, full strength, full fury. A storm is coming, I fear. One that your powers cannot assuage, nor control, but with a little luck... we might be able to weather it."
[ QUOTE ]
"It will continue to be a pleasure having you here, Myriam. Even if only for the windows and the rats. You will have to train hard though. You spent so long not using your powers, and now we need you, full strength, full fury. A storm is coming, I fear. One that your powers cannot assuage, nor control, but with a little luck... we might be able to weather it."
[/ QUOTE ]
Myriam took those words with equanamity, little more apparent on her face than a slight narrowing of her whiskey brown eyes. "I will train. I am able to do so... now. First I had to remember who I was."
She busied her hands with fetching ice water for Sting, "The reason I did not call, did not write.... Six millenia of history, a legacy of oppression, slavery, exile, and genocide... From Egypt to Masada to Dachau... For a time I forgot who I was. I remember now. And now here I am." She sat the pitcher, glass and straw down on the rolling table.
"And may God help whomever you want Exodus at full strength to face." For only God could.
(OOC: Edit for rewording, stylistic changes only)
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
Sting took a sip of the water and if he could roll his compound eyes he would have. Geez you two sound like a freaking soap opera or something. Look around, this is the Two-Six for chris
er, chriminy sake. Were like the freaking island of misfit toys! Heck I know a SuperGroup called The Misfits, and they are better adjusted than we are! For some reason Sting just didnt get it when the annoyed glances came from both Mystic and Myriam, he rambled on.
We beat up a few bad guys, try to send them to the Zigg, and try not to get ourselves too dead in the process. He shrugged. You are making this out to be some sort of save the world kind of thing. Were lucky if we can save a few residents of the Row here, lets start with that.
Sting settled down and then it started sinking in the body language, the annoyed stares and he held his tongue for a moment.
Look, you two obviously have a history, maybe if you want to make googly eyes at each other you should get a room. Myriam, thanks for the water, and I will have some of that
um, whatever you called what you made, later. Pretty rare when someone does something nice around here so since alfie there is too uptight and polite about it, just let me say thanks for trying to take care of us.
He took another sip from his water, waiting for the inevitable stare and upper-crust British remark from Mystic.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
"You don't think it's odd that Crey and a large insect queen showed up on our doorstep looking for you? That the Two Six was attacked by Trolls, sent to the land of the dead and invaded by Tsoo? We've been hit nearly every day that we've been here. And not by small stuff, either, they're pulling out all the stops." Mystic gestured toward the window. "Right now, out there, something is going on and I'll bet the business end of it is pointed at us, and at King's Row. You think this is business as usual, I say that's wishful thinking. I am the absolute last person to cry that the end is near. I don't think it's the end, but it is certainly unusual."
Myriam listened to Alfred's list. Once was accident, twice cooincidence, three times enemy action... wasn't that what her deceased husband had said? And old military truism, regardless of the nationality. An eternal truth. From the sound of things, the Two-Six had passed enemy action long since.
"I'm not the save-the-world kind, Sting. Even Exodus isn't." It was a bitter taste, "And perseverence and survival is the Jewish way. We shall overcome."
"Now rest.... Your shell must pain you. I will bring you dinner in a few hours, since you have had other food. Are you an omnivore, or true carnivore or herbivore? The borscht is beet soup... no meat." If the big insect man required meat, something would have to be done. Beets, bread makings, and butter had been all Myriam had been able to afford and scrape together from the sparse leavings in the kitchen.
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
Sting realized that he was getting a little worked up and he was in no condition to do so.
Yeah, yeah, Ill rest a bit, and yeah Im an omnivore I eat pretty much everything. Youd be surprised at the stuff I survived on for a while.
Sting settled down onto the bed. I dont think that wench had anything to do with grand Crey schemes, She came from the same lab I did. I didnt even know it had any connection to Crey, but it must have. I think they just wanted their experiment me back. But Ill let you be the brains and worry about all that stuff, boss.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Brian Wincott polished the remains of his third cup of tea as he sat in his office at Headquarters in Steel Canyon. He had been watching the video tape that had been discovered at the crime scene at the Talos docks.
Brian's mind was racing. One of the security cameras at the dock had been destroyed, but there were two others that the perpetrator had not touched. Brian watched the same segment over and over again. Although, his hopes of it changing were there, the clip stayed the same.
With a mixture of weariness and exacerbation, Brian rested his head in one of his hands, "Uncle Al, what are you getting into," Brian said.
Higgins popped his head into the office and already had the look of someone who had intruded, "Oh, umm... the meeting is beginning."
Without moving, Brian gave a tired response, "Thank you, I'll be there."
"Ok," Higgins replied and started to leave, but popped his head back in, "Should I return the tape now?"
"No, I'm not finished with it yet."
"But Evidence said they were looking for it to be back by now."
Brian gave a frozen glare at Higgins, "I won't say it again."
Higgins almost closed the door on his face as he tried to get out so fast. The door slammed and reverberated along the windows around the office. Brian got up and ejected the tape from the VCR. He ran a hand through his messy hair that had become messed up on with hours of overtime and no sleep and headed out of his office and to the Boardroom.
*****
The Boardroom was filled with 5 people: Chief Raymond, the Chief's right-hand man, Capt. Bauer, 2 other Detectives, Plank and Twiggs, and finally Brian. They called it the Roundtable because that's what it was. There were 13 tall executive leather chairs with 5 computer terminals at the forefront for the bigwigs. A coffee machine stood on a small table near the door and another door was closed opposite the door Brian came in.
Brian was the last one to come in and the Chief took notice of such as he motioned for the young Detective to sit down.
"Ok, now that we're all here, we can get this started and done," Raymond said with a look over to Capt. Bauer.
Bauer nodded in acknowledgement and stood up, "Ok people, this little incident down by our not-so-friendly little docks was not an accident nor was it just a little incident. Everyone expected everyone that was there. With that, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a trap set for one or the other."
Brian rolled his eyes and gave a heavy sigh. It was noticed, but ignored as the Captain continued, "Now the tape here," Bauer said and pressed play at a cued location, "shows this mysterious stranger with an incredible amount of fire power. Our records have been unable to identify him with anyone and we find it strinkingly odd to find a blaster carrying a broadsword."
Plank was the first with a question, "Sir, not to get astray from your main point as I know there is probably a reason you mentioned him first but, what of these lizard men? We can tell that this was a hero that did the damage there, although brutal, but don't you think these lizards are more of an issue?"
Off to the side, Brian made a sucking side. Plank shot an angry sideways glance.
Bauer cleared his throat and answered his subordinate, "That may be, Detective Plank, however we aren;t sure if this "hero","Bauer said and made quotative fingers, "is a hero at all. The Lizard men are actually no surprise to us at all."
"They're not," Plank and Twiggs shockingly asked in unison.
"No, they're not," the Chief interjected. We've known of these creatures for quite some time ever since the first we witnessed in Eden."
"What was going on there Chief," Brian inquired, "I mean... not for me, but you know... for the ones who haven't been doing their homework."
Plank and Twiggs had nothing to respond. If Wincott knows, then there was no reason they shouldn't have. The chief continued, "There were three of them. It was a ritual of some kind. We thought it was your typical Circle hostage spellbinding, but as we got closer, we learned quick that it wasn't that at all."
"That's right," Bauer continued for the Chief, "After breaking up the ritual and realizing there was no hostage, the lizards tried to run. We caught up to them, but they sacrificed themselves so not to be taken in."
"Not before they mentioned the Eight's Reckoning," Brian chimed in.
"Exactly."
Twiggs had a concerned look on his face, "Ok so we have a not-so-new menace making a more than public appearance in talos. What's this Eight's Reckoning?"
Brian threw a finger and a look up to stop the Captain from speaking. The Captain nodded and Brian answered, "Well, the Snakemen have a higher power, as everyone always does. We just had to find out. Apparently, Eight refers to eight arms or legs, whatever you want to call them."
"What? Are we talking about attack of the spider people or something,"Twiggs replied with a snicker.
"Not spider people, but person. Lord Recluse."
Plank leaned forward on the table with a light in his eyes, "I've heard of him but he was always talked about as a myth. One of those people States supposedly fought but was just a story out of proportion."
"Oh no," Brian said as he leaned back in his chair, "He's very real and very ready to reckon...his eight or whatever he's doing."
"So what's the game plan sirs," Twiggs asked.
"Right now, you go on about your business. Get to your families. Get some rest. Stay on-call for the next 48 though. Anything can happen."
There was a wave of acknowledgements from the three detectives and with that they were dismissed. As Brian reached the door, the Chief called for him to stay behind.
"Close the door behind you."
As Brian did so, the Captain replayed the tape that showed the scene from earlier that day. He stopped it, ejected the tape and held it in his hand. The Chief had never taken his eyes off Brian.
"Brian," the Chief said blankly, "Have you any idea who that man is? We kow you have special information on a plethora of heroes in tis city due to your extensive street training and hero training, thanks to that necklace of yours."
The necklace is the least of my worries now, Brian thought as he recalled the first time he used his fire control powers.
Brian hadn't come out of his deep thought when the Captain slammed the tape on the desk, "he's not going to ask again Wincott."
Brian shot out of his thought trance with a jump, but regained composure and stared both men in the face.
"Not a clue, but if I find Waldo, I'll let you know what page he's on," Brian said with a reassuring smile and turned to leave the room.
Outside the room, Brian leaned on the door and felt the perspiration bead on his head. He looked down at his disheveled outfit. He had been wearing the same thing for the last two days.
It was time for a shower and sleep. Then a visit to the 2-6.
And maybe a little tea somewhere in between.
I dont think that wench had anything to do with grand Crey schemes, She came from the same lab I did. I didnt even know it had any connection to Crey, but it must have. I think they just wanted their experiment me back. But Ill let you be the brains and worry about all that stuff, boss.
Mystic shook his head. I suppose it would be better then, if I were to actually do something. If you will excuse me.
The blue robed mage stepped out, hovering out the front door until he was high in the air on the way to Atlas Park.
Azuria was discussing important matters with junior heroes when the mage entered. She finished quickly and closed the door. Dont be mad with me. Her first words caused an eyebrow to arch over a glowing eye.
Oh, why should I be mad with you? The woman who sent me to collect all of the pieces of the Wheel of destruction that nearly got me killed is in cahoots with some band of evil lizard men, hardly reason for anger. More of a shock, or betrayal moment if you ask me. His glowing gaze bore burning holes through her.
I know how it seems, but there is something that I have to show you. Azuria stepped over to a bookshelf in her office and touched the panel. The shelf moved aside, revealing a small room with a snakeman in it. Fire erupted around Mystics hand, but he made no motion to hurl it, it was more punctuate the moment and show his anger.
Wait! This creature is forced into servitude by Lord Recluse. His people fight the influence of this vile overlord where he comes from. He has important information about an attack being planned on Paragon City. Azuria stopped when Mystic laughed.
The mage held a still flaming hand out toward the snakeman, this is supposed to be credible evidence of an attack? Who am I going to get to believe this? One of Lord Recluses agents, if there even IS a lord Recluse, is saying that theres going to be an attack, and Im supposed to get someone to listen to me. And why are you bringing ME into this?
Ive spoken with those who are higher than your security clearance, but I doubt they would be receptive, and those below cant help me. Youre the youngest Archmage I know. I need someone with your level of power. Mystic cut her off.
But without the benefit of experience. The mage turned toward the snakeman, you have information? Out with it.
Help uth. Firth you help uth. The snakeman slithered forward, stopping short when Mystic raised his hands.
What is it exactly that they want? Alfred turned to Azuria.
They want to summon an avatar of their god to help them throw off the oppressive chains of Lord Recluse. She looked pleadingly at him.
And in order to do that, they need
He twirled his hand in mid air as if trying to unravel the mystery through gesture.
The sands of Mu. She looked hopefully into his luminescent eyes.
Are you quite serious? The mage folded his arms in disgust. No, quite definitely no.
I know you kept some, and even though theyve lost their power for you, these people can use them to free themselves from this terrible oppression. Azuria stepped forward and took Mystics hand. Im sworn to protect this city same as you. We have a chance here to deprive Lord Recluse of an ally and possibly save the city. With Statesman gone
With Statesman gone is the perfect time for us to screw up and unleash unspeakable evil on the city so that future historians can point out how he was the only competent person here. NO. I will not be party to this. Mystic turned away in defiance.
She deflated, still holding his hand. And if history shows that our failure to act costs lives, that when Statesman went missing, no one stepped up to fill the gap, what then?
Her words hit home, and the archmages features softened. He considered it, looking over the snake man.
I will return to you what I have kept for you, but you must swear not to give it to him, until he both divulges the information and you have counseled War Witch. He turned his head back toward her without moving his body.
Agreed. And as the words escaped her lips, he reached out and pulled a small jar from mid air. Gingerly, he handed it to her. Thank you. Thank you.
When Mystic returned to the Two Six, he was uncertain of his actions, and sought councel with those present. ((anyone who wants in on this just be there)) "What do you think?"
Newton stretched and got up. It was the first truly decent nights sleep he had gotten since he had moved into the Two Six. He didnt have Coolant pounding on pipes, and nothing had attacked them in the middle of the night. It was 10:30 in the morning; the perfect time to get up.
He pulled on a bath robe and put on his Homer Simpson slippers. With a slow shuffle, he wandered across the room, grabbed his towel, and exited.
He walked into the locker room where the communal shower was, stripped down, turned on the faucet, waited until it was running hot, and then let himself soak in the scalding water.
((ooc: Newton will be ready by the meeting time))
Sting had gotten a little rest and then eaten some of the beet soup that Myriam had made. Even though he didnt taste much of anything anymore, we made a point to tell her it was good still not sure why he was being nice about it. The hospital called, upset that he had not followed proper checking out procedures.
In the morning he walked around a bit as the newly repaired outer armor shell needed to move to grow correctly. During his little jaunt around the station he continued his tidying up efforts.
[ QUOTE ]
When Mystic returned to the Two Six, he was uncertain of his actions, and sought council with those present. "What do you think?"
[/ QUOTE ]
He overheard Mystic telling the tale of his visit with Azuria and couldnt help but comment.
So you gave some sand to a lizard guy? Sting thought for a moment. There has to more to it than that. So what does this Mu stuff do?
He sat down somewhat gingerly and some realization came to him. Wait, never mind, I really dont want to know. They are going to use it to summon an aspect of their god and thats what matters. So anyone else here know any mythology? Last time I checked not a whole lot of snake gods were real pleasant. So unless these dudes are worshiping Quetzalcoatl and no one mentioned any rainbow colored feathers this is likely to bring some nasty thing like Set into our world. But hey maybe that trouble will be focused on our buddy Recluse for a while at least.
He looked up and saw the surprised stares. Hey, gimme a break, I wasnt always an unpleasant bug-man, I went to college you know. He stated, a bit defensively.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Myriam arrived a few minutes early for the meeting. As yet she had no "costume" but rather had the voucher the embassy had provided, good for one costume at the local ICON. Her Star of David Reserve costume was still in Israel... at the headquarters gathering mothballs. Not appropriate for wear in the United States, she was not here as a representative of Israel and would probably be the last of their heroes they would send. Green as spring grass.
She settled in a chair, warming her hands around the hot stoneware mug of black tea and sugar.
[ QUOTE ]
He sat down somewhat gingerly and some realization came to him. Wait, never mind, I really dont want to know. They are going to use it to summon an aspect of their god and thats what matters. So anyone else here know any mythology? Last time I checked not a whole lot of snake gods were real pleasant. So unless these dudes are worshiping Quetzalcoatl and no one mentioned any rainbow colored feathers this is likely to bring some nasty thing like Set into our world. But hey maybe that trouble will be focused on our buddy Recluse for a while at least.
[/ QUOTE ]
The name Recluse was new to her; for that she had no opinon to offer. "Aspect of a god? I am not familiar with any snake deities, I do not possess the knowledge that Alfred does. But aspect of a god... that I do know something about. Or rather, Exodus does. It's not something to be taken lightly."
[ QUOTE ]
He looked up and saw the surprised stares. Hey, gimme a break, I wasnt always an unpleasant bug-man, I went to college you know. He stated, a bit defensively.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Of course." She set this aside for later; another resource for learning.
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
Newton arrived for the meeting in his bathrobe, drying his hair with a towel. He was the last to arrive and stood in the doorway. He listened to Mystics story, and shuddered. Snakes. Whyd it have to be snakes.
[ QUOTE ]
Wait, never mind, I really dont want to know. They are going to use it to summon an aspect of their god and thats what matters. So anyone else here know any mythology? Last time I checked not a whole lot of snake gods were real pleasant. So unless these dudes are worshiping Quetzalcoatl and no one mentioned any rainbow colored feathers this is likely to bring some nasty thing like Set into our world. But hey maybe that trouble will be focused on our buddy Recluse for a while at least.
"Aspect of a god? I am not familiar with any snake deities, I do not possess the knowledge that Alfred does. But aspect of a god... that I do know something about. Or rather, Exodus does. It's not something to be taken lightly."
He looked up and saw the surprised stares. Hey, gimme a break, I wasnt always an unpleasant bug-man, I went to college you know. He stated, a bit defensively.
"Of course."
[/ QUOTE ]
What do you mean of course, Newton asked. We need to encourage this newfound ability of Stings to give us valuable information. He turned to the insectoid. Good job, Sting. He grinned impudently.
In all seriousness, though, a snake-god? Newton shuddered. The snake has never been portrayed as benevolent in any story Ive heard of. The Garden of Eden. Set. The Midgard Serpent. Even Quetz had human sacrifice that wasnt just the jaguar god. Now, maybe this god will be just Recluses problem, but
He sat back a moment. Not to be to devious, but is there a way to sneak a failsafe spell into the summoning spell, so if the great Hississippi gets out of control, we can dismiss his scaly butt back to wherever he came from. He frowned. Snakes dont have butts, do they?
Brian had made arrangements for himself once he had gotten home to have a nice warm cup of ginger tea waiting for him after he got out of his shower and got on a new set of clothes. Everything was going according to plan, but it was his regretting to shut his phone off that set the path to the ruination of his night.
"Hello," he answered.
"Wincott, get down to Atlas and have a conversation with Azuria. We just got word that it was her that the battle was surrounded by at Talos docks."
"Sir, can't we just send Higgins, I need-"
"Did I ask what you needed Wincott? You get your British butt down to MAGI and find out her purpose in all this, that's what I need you to do."
"Yea," Brian said with a sigh and hung up the phone.
****
The trip to Atlas Park felt like it took longer than usual for some reason. It could have been because he was tired or it could have been the attack on some young heroes he stayed behind for to help out.
Chief Raymond meant well, he knew. It was just that there were times that he wished he wasn't the one that everyone came to in the end to solve the mysteries. He was the station's Encyclopedia Brown, but without the five cent cover charge.
As Brian approached City Hall, he paused to take a look back at the enormous statue of Atlas. It was something he just did sometimes. There wasn't really a reason for it, he just... admired him.
Inside City Hall, Brian gave nods of acknowledgement to those that recognized him and other nods just because it was polite. And Brian liked to think of himself as polite. Lately though, with the arsons and now this snakeman case, Brian was feeling his timeclock wind a little faster. He was still young, but for the moment, for this particular lifetime, he felt like he was barely there. He thought it might have been his body just adjusting to his powers and that was the best he could come up with. It didn't satisfy him though. Kind of like when doctors try to explain that AIDS came from someone having relations with a monkey. I mean... come on
Azuria was exiting her office when Brian came down the short amount of stairs that led to the area of offices that specialized in Origin powers. She noticed him and immediately turned away and continued to lock her door.
"Detective, I hardly have the time," Azuria said hastily.
"That's funny," he said as he ignored her quick retreat, "I was thinking the same thing."
That made Azuria stop, "How can I help you Mr. Wincott?"
"Quick and to the point, I need to know why you were at the docks today when those snakemen were there."
The look in her squinted eyes mixed confuusion and denial, "No, I don't know what docks you are speaking of."
Brian nodded his head and burned a look into her eyes, "Mmhmm... ok. We gonna play this game, huh? Alright," Azuria started to walk away and Brian followed a few feet behind.
"Ok, let me tell you what I know. I know that you were at the docks. I know that Mystic Inferno did away with all those snakemen. I'd like to think that since you weren't really on the security tape, you were gone before the battle happened. Or were you out of sight while it was going on and orchestrating the event? or were you just some ploy to get Mystic down there to have him killed? Or were you doing a little weekend fishing," the more he talked, the more he lost his accent. It came from years and years of living away from home, "Or were you-"
Azuria stopped her advance out the back door of the City Hall and her entire demeanor had changed from defend to attack mode, "Everyday. Every single day I work with new heroes that start their journey in this city with powers that are yet to understand," she took small steps toward Brian as she spoke. Brian took equally small steps in retreat while looking back.
"Everyday I assist heroes like yourself in missions and with information necessary to keep scum like Outcasts, Trolls, Tsoo off the street. Everyday I am the background to your front line, providing you with the safekeeping needed to survive."
She extended a finger at Brian's chest to emphasize, "Ev-er-y-day," with each point Brian was pushed back.
"If you ever come to me again with these accusations," Azuria's eyes began to burn a bright yellow. It was almost blinding, "I will see to it that your days here as a Detective or anywhere else are short in duration."
A Superpower Trainer came to the steps that led to the Office areas, "Is everything ok Miss Azuria?"
Azuria poked her head around Brian's body and smiled, "Yes all is fine, thank you. Mr. Wincott was just leaving," she finished with a normal eyed look at Brian.
Brian, a little surprised at the whole thing, kept a straight face about the whole thing, "All I needed to know, thank you."
"No, thank you," Azuria replied with sarcasm and a forced smile.
Both parties turned opposie ways and walked out of City Hall. Brian reached into his phone and called the Captian Bauer, "yea... Azuria was there,"Brian said as he got on the tram to King's Row, "But she's denying it... how do i know... one of those detective things, you remember those right Cap... no, i'm gonna check another lead... ha, sleep? what's that...yes sir... yes sir... yes sir...," Brian hung up the phone as he finished his conversation.
Mystic shook his head, "If only there were a way, but I don't even know where the ritual is going to be performed. I have Smurd following the sands right now. What does disturb me about all this is..."
The phone rang and Mystic turned toward the extention on the desk he was leaning against. "How coincidental." He picked it up, "Twenty sixth precinct."
"It's starting. What's worse is the Circle of Thorns knows it's starting. Someone leaked it to them, and they're coming for the Sands. I don't know if I can stop this by myself." Smurd sounded slightly worried.
"Do nothing but keep them in sight, we're on our way." Mystic hovered away from the desk. "Friends, things have taken a sudden turn for the worse. I can explain in route. Call everyone, Brian, Abrahms, everyone. We're headed to the Independence Port warhouses on the southeastern side." Mystic looked at the readout on the tracking device he'd given Smurd.
Brian took a squad car down to the 2-6 once he gotten into King's Row and down to the station there. It beat walking and that was what was important.
Upon his arrival at the 2-6, Brian heard the phone ring on the inside and he wondered if it had been Azuria that was trying to let Mystic know of Brian's visit. Regardless, her attempts at concealment would be fruitless. Just like Encyclopedia, Brian Wincott always gets his man... or woman.
"Friends, things have taken a sudden turn for the worse. I can explain in route. Call everyone, Brian, Abrahms, everyone. We're headed to the Independence Port warhouses on the southeastern side." Mystic looked at the readout on the tracking device he'd given Smurd.
"That so," Brian asked. He had no intention of letting anyone out of the precinct without a few answers first, "Well then I guess-" Brian had been cut off by his own phone ringing, "Wincott... yes... I know this... oh really... interesting," Brian said with a frown and a look toward his Uncle, "Roger that, I'm on it."
Brian hung up the phone and smiled at the group, "Like I was saying, looks like we're going to Independence Port."
[ QUOTE ]
"Friends, things have taken a sudden turn for the worse. I can explain in route. Call everyone, Brian, Abrahms, everyone. We're headed to the Independence Port warhouses on the southeastern side." Mystic looked at the readout on the tracking device he'd given Smurd.
[/ QUOTE ]
Who is Smurd? Sting asked. Wait, once again never mind. I really dont freaking need to know. Were going to beat up some Thorns, thats all I need to know.
Sting got up quickly and grabbed one of the few remaining radios. There was a momentary look of pain on his face but he quickly turned away from the others to hide it.
Ok, South-East Indy Port, got it. He headed toward the door, hoping that leaping wouldnt hurt too much.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
"Friends, things have taken a sudden turn for the worse. I can explain in route. Call everyone, Brian, Abrahms, everyone. We're headed to the Independence Port warhouses on the southeastern side." Mystic looked at the readout on the tracking device he'd given Smurd.
Who is Smurd? Sting asked. Wait, once again never mind. I really dont freaking need to know. Were going to beat up some Thorns, thats all I need to know.
Sting got up quickly and grabbed one of the few remaining radios. There was a momentary look of pain on his face but he quickly turned away from the others to hide it.
Ok, South-East Indy Port, got it. He headed toward the door, hoping that leaping wouldnt hurt too much.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ah, drat! Newton said as he bounded upstairs. In a matter of moments, he had costume on and came running downstairs, still pulling his hair back. His helmet floated down behind him. Man, Im going to have snarls in this forever, he muttered. He grabbed the skull cap out of the air and plopped it down on his head.
I still have one of Ions little radios, Newton said as he toggled it on. Im en route. He threw himself through his wormhole.
Do not patronize me, worm! The death mage surrounded the Cobra in darkness, prompting raised hands and a fang filled expression of shock.
No, no no. Thisssss is not tricksssss. The warehouse was full of large crates, like those used by Crey to hide behind in the ambush on Smurd, only there was no Crey here, and no Smurd on the way. There were five mages of various flavors from the Circle of Thorns, and a dozen guardians and thorns. Only the Cobra and his lackey could be seen. You are to help usssssss. We refuse Reclussssssssssssssssssssssssse. We sssssssssssserve you now.
The look of rage faded from the Circle mages face, and turned to contempt. What is it you require of us?
The Cobra bowed and scraped as the darkness evaporated around him. The shipssssss carry my people. Destroying Recluses men, will allow us to be free here! To be sssssssssssstrong here. Many new ssssssssservants for you, mage. The Cobra moved to a box that emanated red light faintly through the cracks in the wood. The box was by itself in the open area of the loading bay, but there were large crates not too far off.
As the Cobra opened the box, the mages looked at each other. A large, red, crystal glowed ominously from its metal base and hummed slightly. The mages moved in. Where did you get this, serpent?
As the mages encircled the crystal the snakes carried out their betrayal. The Cobra signaled the hidden to attack, having received the update that the ships were indeed in the harbor. The guardians and thorns went down first, with quite a fuss, but the power of the crystal kept the mages entranced. Soon they were surrounded by the chanting of the snakes.
The strongest amongst them, the death mage, tried to break free of the grasp, but was bitten on the collarbone by the Cobra. Now, now, we cannot disssssappoint Mu.
As the possessing spirits were ripped from the bodies of the Circle of Thorns, a portal opened around their collapsing corpses. The portal began sucking the lifeforce of the snakes that formed a circle around it, chanting. Out from the portal stepped a lizard like foot, followed by another and another. Soon, seven reptilians stood side by side in front of the portal. Four wore the vestments of the religious sect, two wore the garb of the technocracy, and the last was dressed only in a vest.
Each sect carried their own face tattoo, in a color representing sect and rank. The Cult of Mu had arrived, and the bowing and scraping were just beginning.
Mystic Inferno dove down out of the sky in time to see the three cargo ships engaged in fighting at all ends. Standing out on the dock, coiled in a safe place, was a snakeman he thought looked familiar. He dove down and grabbed hold of the snakeman from behind, hauling it up into the air. Treacherous serpent! There will be NO prison for your deception.
Wait! You helped, I will be true to my word! The spider plans an attack on the Ziggurat! The snake cried out as it began flailing, then realized the flaw in that plan.
As the rest arrived, Mystic landed with the snake on the roof. He turned the snakeman to face him. When? When does he plan to attack the prison?
At just that moment, an audible boom came from the door to Brickstown. The blast doors, for the first time he could remember, began to shut.
The reptilians were making short work of Recluses men, who were few, to avoid detection, and lightly armed, to allow them to be concealable. After the first boat of snakes was unleashed it was all over.
The Avatar of Mu raised the bodies of the dead and sent them against his foes, the Flame of Mu burned alive all that stood in his way, and the Inquisitor moved silently among them, slaying them one at a time.
Mystic pushed the snake off the edge onto some crates below and turned to the group. Right, we can fight them
. Mystic pointed to the reptilians freeing snakemen prisoners, then pointed through the skylight at the portal, close that, or help them at the Zig. Im for closing the portal and heading to the Zig. Im not certain who the bad guys are on those boats.
Sting was late to the party in IP. He had stopped to rest twice on the way. He knew he wasn't 100% but he was going to pull his weight.
"Ok, close the portal. Any idea how we might do that? And an attack on the Zig? That doesn't sound good. But then again, I've been on the inside a few times - not quite sure why anyone would want to attack it."
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
[ QUOTE ]
"Do nothing but keep them in sight, we're on our way." Mystic hovered away from the desk. "Friends, things have taken a sudden turn for the worse. I can explain in route. Call everyone, Brian, Abrahms, everyone. We're headed to the Independence Port warhouses on the southeastern side." Mystic looked at the readout on the tracking device he'd given Smurd.
[/ QUOTE ]
Myriam accompanied Sting, both to keep an eye on him as he was not yet fully recovered from his injuries, and because like him she couldn't get there any faster. Exodus's power had only begun to manifest in her, as Mystic had alluded in his role as Master of the Tome and Archmage, and it did not yet include rapid movement.
The Lord of all Israel was well known for the long walks he made his people undertake on their journeys to meet his will. The road to Independence Port was but a trifle compared to 40 years in the desert to reach Canaan.
Suffering built character. Right.
Myriam huffed, keeping up with Sting, calling a shroud of mist to get them past a gathering of seedy looking men in ill-fitting oddly colored buisiness suits. The rally point... and in sight, Mystic atop the roof in his colorful garb.
The cavalry had come. One crack-shelled bugman and a Russian nurse in sensible oxfords and a wool dress.
[ QUOTE ]
"Ok, close the portal. Any idea how we might do that? And an attack on the Zig? That doesn't sound good. But then again, I've been on the inside a few times - not quite sure why anyone would want to attack it."
[/ QUOTE ]
Exodus spoke, voice rumbling like low thunder. "Let us move with haste. Before they summon this false deity.... and it decides it does not wish to leave."
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
Newton wandered into Mystics office, wrote a quick post-it note message on the lab report, and then wandered up to his room. He grabbed an apple out of his mini-fridge, took a bite, checked his email, and collapsed on his bed. Another long day at the Two Six.