Mystic reeled as if he were struck by a blow. "You know what... call me boss."
He was smiling under the mask, but wasn't certain if Poison could tell. "After Newton fills us in on his capabilities, I suppose we'll prepare for the mission, and fill Brian in."
So, are you to be joining us? We were just discussing our previous levels of experience, so we could determine what we can expect of each other in the field.
"Ah, yes indeed. I'm here to stay," he replied, removing his jacket and drapin over his right arm, "Umm, " he thinks looking at the ceiling, " I guess my experience go go all the way back to when I was a little boy and I got into it with a couple of Hellions, thanks to my good-life leading brother. Oh wait... yea, actually it was after that incident that made me want to be a cop. But anyway, in highschool, I helped deal with the exposure of the CoT base being held underneath Paragon High. Something they liked to call "The People Under the Stairs."
He took the necklace off to reveal a black leather rope necklace with a diamond shaped jadestone about two inches long. It glowed with a faint, sickly light green color, pulsing as if it were breathing like any human does.
"This," he said, "belonged to the Jade Knight. A broadsword warrior who died in a battle with some Nemesis during one of those hero/cop cases. One of their contacts were on a lead that we were on as well and it all just kind of threw itself together. Anyway, Nemesis made a surprise visit, or he looked like him, and the heroes got pretty overwhelmed. I fought along side the Knight for quite some time before he literally pushed me out of the way to fight to the death. His last words, 'Take this... unnnnnhhhh,' he said, trying to muster up the best last breath he could, " and he kind of died in my hands."
He replaced the necklace around his neck, "I didn't get it at first but the changes did occur rather quickly. After checking the history of this thing, which I'll save for another day, I knew what was going on."
"Other than that, it's been your average run of the mill encounters with every villain type possibly out there. Some more interesting than others, but I at least have had the oportunity to study each of their group files. It has saved me much bruise and burn in a fight knowing their weaknesses and somewhat how they think. If you guys want any of this info, I'm sure HQ would be more than happy to give up on some of it."
I can lift up to 825 pounds over my head if need be, and while fully armored I can withstand most direct attacks with the exception of incendiary weapons. I can emit a controlled aura of cold in close ranges, and I have very good audio and thermal scanners for scouting. For anything more specific, I can give you exact technical readouts.
Brian responded with an impressed look with a raised eyebrow, "Cool, a giant walking refrigerated computer."
Tactics are not my strong point. I pretty much find who needs to be stabbed and do it. Oh and sometimes I lose my temper a little bit and fly into a blind rage. It is normally triggered when I get hurt bad. Well not really blind, I can usually tell friend from foe
usually.
Brian thought back to what he had thought earlier, usually, huh, .
"Interesting," was he could say.
"I guess that makes it my turn."
A lean 5'10" armored figure stood in the doorway of the 2-6.
"My name is IonFlux. My father grew up in this area. He joined the Army during WWII and they used him as a walking experiment in radiation exposure. As a result I wound up as a walking radiation hazard. This suit let's me move about without killing everything in my path. Careful, controlled release of the radiation I give off let's me affect my environment. I can make the badguys easier for you to bring down, it also makes them weaker and clumsier. That means less chance that they can actually do us harm in return. By firing concentrated bursts from my hands and eyes I can incapacitate my opponents. I can hover thanks to my armor. I can speed up my metabolism as well at that of allies who are in close vicinity. This lets you run faster, heal quicker, and use your own powers more often for a short period of time. I can also give off a rad burst on a wavelength that is benificial to humans. It will cause a burst of rapid healing to any injuries if you are close enough to me when it goes off. Any questions?"
Newton listened to the others' abilities and the enemies they had fought.
[ QUOTE ]
"After Newton fills us in on his capabilities, I suppose we'll prepare for the mission, and fill Brian in."
[/ QUOTE ]
Newton cleared his throat uncomfortably. Well, Im your friendly green-haired mutant. Everything I do has to do with gravity. I can make things lighter and heavier. I can make enemies so heavy they cant move. Well, they can still shoot things, but cant change location. I can pick people up and slam them to the ground. I can create gravity bubbles around people to help protect them from getting hurt. I also can generate wormholes. I can push and pull things and people through them. I actually own a storage unit and a junkyard that is just outside of Paragon Citys limits; I can pull large, heavy items from there and throw them through the wormhole. Newton started to blush a little. I can also create many little wormholes that I can sense and hear through.
The problem I have is that I burn up a lot of energy, and need to eat lots and lots to keep power going. Sugar and caffeine. Another personality quirk is that I like to have three or four back-up plans in case something goes wrong and something always does. I think quick on my feet, but I sometimes make the wrong decision. If Ive thought about it first, I can keep from making a mistake.
As far as enemies Ive fought, Ive spent way too much time in the Hollows stupid trolls and ooga ogoa guys. I know the path between the Hospital in Atlas Park and the Hollows all too well. I also was in Independence Port thats where I irritated the Family and Judge Wonker. ((since the name I originally gave him was censored. Didnt notice that before. Sorry.))
The one thing at least two of us have in common is an instinctive distrust of authority figures, Newton said, leaning back and looking at the police detective. Just thought Id warn you about that. The green-haired man grinned at Brian.
[ QUOTE ]
"I guess that makes it my turn."
[/ QUOTE ] ((sorry. Simultaneous posts))
The one thing at least two of us have in common is an instinctive distrust of authority figures, Newton said, leaning back and looking at the police detective. Just thought Id warn you about that. The green-haired man grinned at Brian.
Brian returned a courtesy smile, "It's not a problem. Happens all the time with people. I know we have bad people out there. However, I was taught to trust those until they give you a reason not to."
Raising an eybrow, he continued, "Of course that reason can usually befall someone within seconds of meeting them."
"I guess that makes it my turn."
A lean 5'10" armored figure stood in the doorway of the 2-6.
[ QUOTE ]
"My name is IonFlux... ...Any questions?"
[/ QUOTE ]
Brian let out a stifled laugh he had tried to supress hearing the 'any questions' part. He was thinking back to the old drug commercials with the cooked eggs resembling it to your brain on drugs.
He straightened his face rather quickly so as not to draw any more attention and having to explain himself about what was so funny.
The mage regarded Newton and IonFlux as they told their tales. Any questions? Well, I suppose there is one pressing matter. Would you care for some tea?
Mystic turned to Coolant, I suppose we should step up our renovations to the aesthetically appealing variety at this point, what with little Brian and Ion joining us. Oh, dreadfully sorry Brian, your calling me uncle Al has brought back memories of when you were four and you used to run around naked in your little cowboy
alright, alright. Just so we understand each other. Alfred gave a menacing look.
Well, Brian should be in charge of logging all of the new recruits, I assume they gave you paperwork, Mr Flux, is it? Did you volunteer for this or are you beholden to some greater power?
After Mystic listened to Fluxs answer he again addressed the group. So we have a meeting to plan for. I suggest that someone case the place today, rooftops, alleys, parking lots, bus routes, train routes, sewers, all that sort of thing. I will arrange that the doors for the building be replaced tomorrow, so there will be construction here. Id like more information on this Brander fellow. The third floor specialized detectives and mini crime lab havent been touched in terms of cleaning, nor has the evidence locker in the basement. We could use some equipment for surveillance. And it wouldnt be a bad idea to set up watches. Additionally, it seems weve run out of tea.
Actually I don't have any paperwork. Like I said my father grew up around here, so when I got this armor a few weeks ago and could leave my containment unit I soon found out that my condition did have an upside. I could do things that ordinary people could not, so I got myself registered as a Hero and came here to Kings Row. Kind of a back to my roots thing. I saw what happened to the 2-6 and then I saw you guys move in. I have been watching you. Word on the street is that you are gonna try an clean up the Row. I want in. I can bring things to the party besides my powers also. For 20 years I was in a containment unit without a lot of physical activity avalible to me. You can only do so many pushups and situps in a day. so to make a long story short I engaged in a lot of mental activity. In other words I am a genuis. I hold multiple degrees including two Doctorates. I can design and build almost any gadget you can dream up. This armor is a prototype of the ArmyLandWarriorArmorSystem but the material it is lined with that contains my radiation is all mine. I saw your first battle. You guys are going to need all the help you can get and I don't see to many heroes crawling out of the woodwork to offer it, so paperwork or not I think you should show me where to set up shop.
[ QUOTE ]
In other words I am a genuis.
[/ QUOTE ]
Newtons eyebrows shot up, and a grin slowly stretched across his face as the straightforward young man listed off his accomplishments. A lot of book learning, and no time in the real world. Newton thought. Quite sure of himself, and a bit overconfident. Heh-heh-heh. Oh, this is going to be fun.
[ QUOTE ]
So we have a meeting to plan for. I suggest that someone case the place today, rooftops, alleys, parking lots, bus routes, train routes, sewers, all that sort of thing. I will arrange that the doors for the building be replaced tomorrow, so there will be construction here. Id like more information on this Brander fellow. The third floor specialized detectives and mini crime lab havent been touched in terms of cleaning, nor has the evidence locker in the basement. We could use some equipment for surveillance. And it wouldnt be a bad idea to set up watches. Additionally, it seems weve run out of tea.
[/ QUOTE ]
The store at the end of the street has quite a selection of teas, Newton said. I didnt know what you liked, so I didnt pick any up earlier. Ill stick around here and make the cleaning go faster you know, making things lighter and such. With our larger group, we are going to need a few more spaces. Ill head up to the detectives floor first, but feel free to call me for anything else. The mini-lab might be the place for Flux He took another swig of Mountain Dew. And, Cool, can you create some ice cubes for me. My head still hurts, and were out.
Coolants exit was halted by the appearance of the new armored hero. He wanted to make sure this newcomer wasnt an immediate threat at least. Just when he was starting to trust some the current members, two more people had to come out of the wood work.
Ions story hit too close to home for Coolant. He would defiantly be mindful of their newest addition as he knew first hand what that kind of power and isolation could do to someone.
[ QUOTE ]
I suppose we should step up our renovations to the aesthetically appealing variety at this point, what with little Brian and Ion joining us.
[/ QUOTE ]
Im not so worried about aesthetics as I am security. We have been invaded once today already, Coolant looked at the thugs still waiting for pickup. I already have the windows on this floor sealed pretty well, but I think if I could get some help, I would like to secure this door so that we at least get some warning in case anyone else drops by.
Coolant walked over to his welding torch, and secured it to his belt. I saw some scrap metal around back, Im going to bring it around here to work into a barricade.
[ QUOTE ]
In other words I am a genius. I hold multiple degrees including two Doctorates. I can design and build almost any gadget you can dream up.
I saw your first battle. You guys are going to need all the help you can get.
[/ QUOTE ]
((OOC: What was that sound? Oh, a fuse being lit
heh))
Sting stood up. The last thing he needed was another self-righteous, preachy punk coming in and disrespecting him. At least Coolant had reasons behind his attitude; this guy just marched in and told us we sucked!
Maybe we dont want some smart-a$$ coming in here, telling us what we need. Sting pointed at IonFlux. Hey Coolant, bring that blowtorch over here, maybe we can open this guy up and use him as a microwave oven. The spare parts we can use to help with your barricade.
Sting wasnt really paying attention as Newton babbled on about iced tea or some other crap.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Mystic looked across the faces of the rest of the group. Genius? Brilliant! We could use one of those. Brian, if youd be so kind as to check our friends credentials to make sure hes not an evil genius in disguise, then we can start putting that brain to work for us.
Coolant, any chance we could just set up something to make noise? I have construction workers coming in the morning to replace the doors and fix a lot of the walls, put in new carpet, window treatments, give us a decent tea table. We need to work on total security of the whole building soon anyway, might as well get started on that project. I have a small amount were allotted for repairs and improvements.
"Ok, minilab sounds good."
From outside of the 2-6 a large trucks air brakes are heard and a few seconds later a burly truck driver sticks his head in. "Anybody here by the name of Black?"
Ion turns and replies. "That would be me. I assume you have a delivery for me. Three crates?"
"Thats right Mack. Big damn crates and heavy as hell. Where you want'em? And don't say upstairs!"
Looking at Newton "Do you think you could give these gentlemen a hand bringing in my equipment? One of the crates has a small version of my containment unit so I can take my armor off to sleep. The new material I created let me build one much smaller than my original. The walls on that one were three feet thick and it was by no means mobile. My new one can be moved by truck at least. The other two contain some of my electronic and machine equipment as well as some goodies to make the 2-6 more comfortable and more secure. All of it togeather should not weigh more than three tons or so, how light can you make that much mass?"
Mystic sipped his tea as Poison Sting marched up to Ion. He looked at Newton, "That didn't take long." He put his hand on Brian's arm, "it will work itself out."
The mage turned back toward Ion and Poison with interest, "it seems our genius has his first real problem to solve. Let's watch a genius at work, shall we?"
Mystic turned to Coolant, I suppose we should step up our renovations to the aesthetically appealing variety at this point, what with little Brian and Ion joining us. Oh, dreadfully sorry Brian, your calling me uncle Al has brought back memories of when you were four and you used to run around naked in your little cowboy
alright, alright. Just so we understand each other. Alfred gave a menacing look.
Brian's vacantly surprised face was filled with a bright red, "Wow... you went there. Hmm," he said half-smiling, "understood."
Hey Coolant, bring that blowtorch over here, maybe we can open this guy up and use him as a microwave oven. The spare parts we can use to help with your barricade.
Brian's initial reaction was to step in and say something, but he had only been there for 20 minutes and knew he wouldn't have been listened to anyway. This wasn't like back at home or back on the beat. This was something different. Egos of every kind, compiled together like it was something out of Hell's Kitchen. Well the hell part was pretty accurate. Brian just gave a discerning look to his Uncle and looked on.
Mystic sipped his tea as Poison Sting marched up to Ion. He looked at Newton, "That didn't take long." He put his hand on Brian's arm, "it will work itself out."
"Brian, if youd be so kind as to check our friends credentials to make sure hes not an evil genius in disguise, then we can start putting that brain to work for us. "
"Oh yea, I can get on that right now. I need to make a few phone calls anyway," he said fishing a small business card out of his pocket, "here's my number. If you need anything while I'm out just give me a ring. Matter fact, I'll bring some tea through on my way back and anything else. Like I said, just give me a call."
[ QUOTE ]
Looking at Newton "Do you think you could give these gentlemen a hand bringing in my equipment? One of the crates has a small version of my containment unit so I can take my armor off to sleep. The new material I created let me build one much smaller than my original. The walls on that one were three feet thick and it was by no means mobile. My new one can be moved by truck at least. The other two contain some of my electronic and machine equipment as well as some goodies to make the 2-6 more comfortable and more secure. All of it together should not weigh more than three tons or so, how light can you make that much mass?"
[/ QUOTE ]
Well looks like we have a new boss. He isnt here 5 minutes and he is ordering poor Newton around like hes a freaking servant or something. If you are such a genius, why dont you get your 3 tons of crap out of the truck and haul it up there yourself smart boy.
Sting gave the truck driver a threatening look, just for effect.
And could you please explain what you mean by we are going to need all the help we can get? I think we have been doing pretty well so far on our own. He said as he pointed to the pile of unconscious thugs.
Sting was now standing next to IonFlux, his 68 height towering over the shorter, armored man.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
And could you please explain what you mean by we are going to need all the help we can get? I think we have been doing pretty well so far on our own. He said as he pointed to the pile of unconscious thugs.
Sting was now standing next to IonFlux, his 68 height towering over the shorter, armored man.
Hmm, tea and phone calls may have to wait. Uncle may need a level head with some sense given this situation. Hell's Kitchen might have a few pots and pans fly if this doesn't dissipate.
Brian made a 180 back inside the precinct and placed his cell phone back onto his hip, "You know what? That can wait. We got a lottle work to do here. Hate to miss out on the renovative experiences. I mean hey, this is my place not too right?"
He looked back at the crates and then at each of the men in the building, "So I don't suppose any of you possess super strngth abilities...," then a thought struck him, "Hey Newton, what about you? Could you wormhole these suckers upstairs?"
Coolant looked at the crates and looked at his own chamber. Three ton living chamber? Necessary isolation? Power contained by a metal suit? He was going to have to read up on Praetorians, but for the moment, he would remain neutral as always.
Umm, Sting if this gentlemans power is contained by that suit as he says, opening him up may microwave some of our friends here. Coolant looked about at the less shielded members of his group. You may be insect enough to survive, and I know Im good to go, but I would prefer not to cook Newton and Mystic.
He took a moment to size up this overly confident newcomer, Excuse me, Ion, but Sting may do something rash if given half the chance. I must agree that I do not particularly like seeing someone I just met giving orders either, but Im more reserved than others.
Newton watched Sting menace Ion. He was definitely interested how the armored man would deal with an annoyed insect man. Ignoring him seemed to be working thus far.
Bossing around others was one of those genius tendencies. So was presumption. The personal interaction was going to be soooo interesting.
Sting was certainly not bossable. And neither was Newton. A question or suggestion was a much more effective way to get something done. Mystic had intuitively already figured that out he was a better boss than he gave himself credit for. His nephew worked with humor and suggestions as well.
Newton fought the urge to make the genius so light a single step would launch him into the ceiling.
[ QUOTE ]
"So I don't suppose any of you possess super strength abilities...," then a thought struck him, "Hey Newton, what about you? Could you wormhole these suckers upstairs?"
[/ QUOTE ]
I suppose I could, Newton said smiling. The thing is, my wormhole effect is kind of hard on sensitive electronics. But it could be interesting to see how well shielded all the electronics are
he raised his arms.
Or I could just make the boxes so light that they just float and we can push them. He turned to the robed mage. What do you think, boss, Newton asked.
Ion turned to face Sting. He was smaller than the other man but he did not give an inch to the larger Sting. Speaking calmly he addressed Stings concerns one by one.
"First, my comment about your earlier battle had nothing to do with quality, but rather everything to do with quantity. There are A LOT of bad guys in the Row these days. And the PD has seen fit to send just a handful of metas to clean it up. There is strength in numbers.
Second, I was not trying to boss anybody around. I ASKED Newton if he could help the movers. I was not thinking of a wormhole by the way. But rather I was wondering if you could make the crates light enough that the movers could bring them in by hand instead of having to resort to heavy equipment.
Third, since this armor was never intended to stand up to the kind of stress metas like you and Cool can apply and since I do not have your experience nor combat skills I have no doubt that you could peel me like a grape. However if you chose to do so I do not think anybody but Cool and POSSIBLY yourself would survive the radiation exposure that would follow.
So with those three things in mind do you and I really have a problem?"
Coolant found himself more interested than he should in whether or not Sting was going to deck IonFlux. So interested in fact that he almost missed the word "Upstairs" in Brian's comment.
"Wait, did you say upstairs? I would seriously recommend against teleporting, carrying, or pushing three tons up to the second floor."
Coolant pointed to the ceiling of the old building. "This building is probably older than our friend Mystic, no offense I hope, and I highly doubt it would take kindly to being that top heavy.
Standing toe to toe with the rather large Sting, Ion refused to be intimidated. He had little experience with real world social interaction but his studies on the subject told him that if he let himself be cowed now it would only invite further hazing in the future. He just hoped that if Sting did chose to make the confrontation physical that the integrity of his armor would remain intact. He really was worried about what would happen in the event of a major loss of containment.
Sting was a bit surprised by the reaction of the others. He had really expected Coolant, Mystic, or Officer Brian to step in and try to break things up. Heck it even sounded like Coolant agreed with a few of Stings points.
[ QUOTE ]
So with those three things in mind do you and I really have a problem?"
[/ QUOTE ]
So long as you can stop acting like you own the place, I guess we dont have a problem. But you damn well better listen to Coolants considerations on where you should put your junk.
Sting looked around and saw all of the apprehensive stares slowly turning to relief. Dont worry, I aint gonna kill anyone
today.
Sting walked over to Mystic; Ok, where do you want me to help out, boss?
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Newton sheepishly looked up at the ceiling. "I hadn't thought about the weight thing, Coolant. That truly would have been a 'd'oh' moment, wouldn't have it."
"Maybe the basement would be better for three tons of electronics. In all actuality, the basement is a better place for a lab anyway, unless you're trying to harness lightning a la Doctor Frankenstein. It's further from the sleeping quarters, for one, and labs usually have a great deal of tinkering going on in them, plus the occasional explosion."
He looked at the boxes. "I wonder how much weight I have to add to them to send them through the floor..." he glanced at Mystic and winked.
Brian went back to the station and found Gordon Wakefield, his first partner, burning the midnight oil.
Sitting in the desk opposite him, Brian logged into a computer and pulled up a file marked "Heroes".
Gordon took a long sip of his nearly cold coffee and looked over at Brian, giving him a small nod of acknowledgement, "Hmm, thought you weren't comin back here for a while," Gordon said.
"Well," Brian replied, "I want to make sure we have all the info we can on those we need it for."
"By using our resources," Gordon replied with a snicker.
"Ha, these are my resources punk," he laughed, throwing some paper clips at his former partner.
"Yea well do what you can and get out, the commish plans on makin a nightstop for some reason... reason I'm here right now. Soon as he's done, I'm outta here."
"Sounds like a good time, thanks for the warning," Brian remarked as he pulled up the file on IonFlux.
As he continued to read, he began to see some interesting reads on his father and Ion's lifestyle up until now. One thing in particular caught his interest and he knew it would catch that of his uncle's. He printed out the information, found a manilla folder and placed it inside.
Yelling back from the printer, Brian waved goodbye to Gordon, "Hey, I'll see ya around and don't worry about the commissioner. All talk and no bite... you know that."
Gordon gave a smile and a dismissal wave as Brian left the building.
On his way out, he's interrupted by a phone call.
"Hello?"
A young woman's voice could be heard, "Hey!"
"Oh what's up? What can I do you for?"
"Hmmm, a few things. think you can swing by tonight?"
Brian figured that everyone had turned in by now and didn't want to bother anyone with any paperwork until the morning.
"Yea sure, gimme about 20 min."
***
When Brian got back to the 2-6, he shook his head at the workers across the street as they relaxed on the curb. He knew they couldn't have been working too long, as it was still pretty early, "Hey what's up fellas?"
"Nothing at all," one of them commented.
"And why's that?"
"You try walking in there and see what happens to you," he said, pointing at the rundown precinct's front doors.
Cocking an eyebrow, he looked toward the building and walked to it's front doors. As he closed the distance between him and the first door, he slowed his steps and strained his eyes. As he carefully took each step, he couldn't help but think that he was seeing things that wasn't there.
But he didn't have to wonder long as he came hard into a near invisible force field, putting him on the ground.
"Ok, interesting..."
"Geez, and I thought I was anti-social..."
Sting sat down. "So what's next 'Uncle Al'?"
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin