Curse you for getting my hopes up for another part of the story!
Let me quote you for a second... 
O_o
uhh
*hurk*
X_X
Vacation almost over....
You did it again! Curse you!!!
ARHG!!!!!!
Hey sorry bro,
I promise not to pull another stunt like that again...
Oops, I did it again!
*Starts the CD player on Britney Spears, and tapdances on a land mine...*
Must.....Contain.....RAGE!!!
The ties that bind.
During the morning that followed one of the worst massacres seen in a long time, the scrappers made ready to go deep into the sewers system, to hunt down and close the portal that allowed the Circle of Thorns to come into the world. Requisitioning everything they could lay their hands on, guns, ammo, bows and arrows, and even a hefty supply of C-4 explosive, the ground fighters of Apocalypse emptied the stores of the Hunters HQ.
The mysterious Erg, who could not be hit by any means, even when he stood still, had professed that they were welcomed to use anything in the base, right before he left. Stating that he was expected elsewhere, and also because Xanthion recognized no threat in him, they allowed him to go. Sun Heat and Cabaret were ordered to accompany him on his venture, and to provide all the help they could if he requested it. Uncertain of the nature of Erg, Xanthion had recognized the universal fact that much like any other man, Erg couldnt stop staring at Cabarets well rounded behind. And he hoped that by sending the two women with him, they would learn more about the Hunters of Apocalypse, exploiting his weakness for curves and sensuality.
Xanthion and the scrappers entered the sewers system a little after eight oclock in the morning, unaware that a beast was roaming its corridors as well. A beast that was summoned during the dreadful night, wanting and hungry, it had to hide from the sunlight. Far from being just an animal, it could think and learn from its mistakes, and could recognize the need for survival early on. And it found itself a deep, dark and murky place to hide, until night would come once more, and until its lackey and General could come back, Ghost Starr. Confident that they would succeed in their task, the entire team began its way down into the bowels of the Kings Row district, where they were hoping to find and close the portal once and for all.
On the other side of town, in an extraordinary reunion, the Leaders of Apocalypse were faced with a difficult decision. Cavalier, Moon Heat, Electrobolt and Chromium Man were hard pressed by the mayors office to provide an explanation for the recent events, and the lack of cohesion that had surfaced during the citys darkest hour.
Weve had to call on you three times, and you never sent anyone to help out, now weve lost him inside our own city walls, hes free again. Said city counselor Wepp, chairman of the board and also the director of operations at Crey Industries.
Voyager cant be considered a threat, Mr. Wepp. However, and now that the Kings Row situation is under control, we have our best people on the lookout for him. Replied Chromium Man who was also monitoring the body reactions of everyone in this room, using his Multi Optic Helmet, MOH, as a lie detector and much more. Counselor Wepp was very nervous about this issue, very uneasy every time he mentioned Voyagers name.
Chromium is right, Mr. Mayor, and might I add that until we know more about why Voyager came back, all we can do is wait for the time that he is found or that he makes his motives known. Control, always the voice of reason, was trying very hard to stay still and calm. But all he wanted to do since the morning, was to head straight to Talos Island and check in on Mase Lokrin, who had sustain a massive injury while saving him. Granted, Mastema Reign had kept the famous defender alive and well, but last he heard, the doctors at the hospital had been operating on his friend for the last two hours, trying to repair a cut spinal cord. The odds that it would succeed were slim, but the best surgeons had been assigned to the task.
Ladies, Gentlemen, Ive been listening to this argument for an hour now, and frankly, were going around in circles. Cavalier, as Leader of Apocalypse and also the chairman of the board of the ECPC, I order you and your troops to arrest Voyager by any means necessary. I dont care how you bring him in, but I want him back into Firebase Zulu before the end of the week. The mayor nodded at counselor Wepp, then looked at Cavalier, awaiting his answer.
The famous leader stood there, arms crossed across his muscle bound chest, in the official city office, without saying a word. The silence became palpable, heavy and full of meaning. What was going on here that Voyager posed so much of a threat to the city? The mayor should be more concerned with Kings Rows aftermath, than a single controller roaming free. As hard as he tried to put it all together, it didnt fit. Something here was missing, hidden, it reeked and smelled bad. Looking directly at counselor Wepp, eyes cold and measuring, Cavalier replied:
It will be done.
Then gentlemen, best of luck to you and your troops. Report to me once the mission is completed. The mayor stood up and walked for the door, followed by the officials and counselors, leaving the heroes alone.
Chromium? Asked Cavalier
Ya? Replied the armored hero.
I want you to pull everything out on city counselor Wepp, even the dirt under his nails.
You got it.
Far away from there, in the polluted district of Creys Folley, under an abandoned factory near the Ritki Crash site, in a laboratory where Crey Industries scientists were secretly working on projects to improve technologies and enhancements, awaited patiently Bear Cat. For the last ten hours, he has been sitting in a cell, meditating and waiting for someone to open the door, which he couldnt break down. Inside this laboratory, in a giant sized glass tube, was a man Bear Cat had sworn to rescue and bring to safety. If it werent for that, he wouldve more than likely destroyed the whole installation, and bring it crashing down on their heads. But until he could determine how, and also if it was safe to remove the man form his contraption, he would remain still and quiet.
You know, I can hear you. He spoke aloud to the room, to the scratching noise coming from the ventilation shaft in the ceiling. At first, he had believed it to be a rat, rummaging through them, but after a few minutes of careful listening, he surmised that rats didnt curse when they bumped their heads. Whatever it was, didnt make noises heavy enough to be human or anything that size. Definitely smaller and, it had to be to circulate through the shafts like that. Knowing that he was inside a base very similar to his own HQ in Kings Row, he knew the outlay well enough, and knew that the ventilation shafts wouldnt allow for someone, or something bigger than a toddler to crawl into them.
The ventilation plate suddenly squeaked open, and hung to the side, moving to and fro as if the wind was pushing it. A dark, square whole, about ten inches wide from which he could see a pair of pink eyes blinking, was opened.
Who are you? Asked a small female voice, while he could see two little hands with sharp nails grab the edges of the opening, as if to look more closely from the darkness.
I go by the name of Bear Cat, and who might you be? He squinted his eyes, to try and see through the darkness, to make out some features from this new arrival. But the light on the ceiling made it impossible to see well into the darkness of the ventilation shaft, it provided cover for the mysterious being up there.
You can call me Lab, I guess. I live here. Replied the small female voice.
I see. Well, hmmm, Lab, can you tell me where here is? He asked her, while slowly standing up from his yoga position and stretching himself. He looked very heavy and muscle bound, and to an untrained eye, he would look slow and clumsy. But the last half of his name, Cat, defined exactly how he could move.
Oh, well, its kinda hard to explain. The doctors create things here. Like drugs and things like that, and they also make cool gadgets.
That sounds like fun. He replied to her, suddenly understanding that whatever she was, she had a tone to her voice that was very innocent, very childish.
You bet. You know youre the first person Ive seen in a long time thats in a cage. A very long time. She went on from the darkness, pink eyes blinking once more.
How long? So, he wasnt the first one to come here, was he?
I dont know, but a long time. The last one that was here wasnt too nice to me, he was very rude and angry.
Is that why youre staying up there? I will not harm you, I promise. Bear Cat was intrigued, had this laboratory been running for so long undetected?
Youre a very big guy, you know, and Im very small. If I come down there, I wont be able to come back up. She replied stoically, as if Bear Cat shouldve known better than to ask a silly question. Besides, you said your name was Bear Cat, and it so happens that Im very afraid of cats.
Scratching his head in puzzlement, Bear Cat came to stand right beneath the opening, raising his massive arm, with his hand opened, he said:
I can bring you down, and I promise to help you back up when you want to leave.
She remained silent for a while, pink eyes blinking in the darkness, looking at the huge hand that was waiting to help her get down from the security of her position. Bear Cat waited patiently, not saying anything, looking at his most peaceful.
All right, but if you trick me, I will hurt you. Replied the small voice. Then, two very small feet appeared from the edge, smaller than a babys feet, and then she jumped to land standing in his hand. Bear Cat was totally surprised, his eyes grew wide and wonderment appeared on his rugged features.
She stood about twelve inches high, no more, long sharp pink hair and eyes, blue grey skin with a long tail, reminding him of a rat. Pants, shoes and t-shirt were the size a Barbie doll would wear, and she looked almost human, were it not for the whiskers on her face and that wiggling grey tail.
What are you? He asked her incredulously, while cocking his head from left to right, detailing her.
I told you, Im Lab. The old geezer that was here before you gave me a last name. Lab Experiment, pleased to meet you. And with that, she made a formal bow, and flashed a sharp teeth smile. Shaking his head, Bear Cat asked:
What old geezer?
His name was Voyager, hes gone now, been gone a long time.
Bear Cats eyebrows raised up at the mention of Voyager. He had read the file, thoroughly, and he recalled that at one point before his banishment, he had been taken prisoner by Crey Industries.
Voyager was here? He asked her, while remembering the file has stated something about some sort of experiment that had been performed on him, during the time they had held him here. He also recalled that Turbo Starr and the Riders of Apocalypse had rescued him some time later.
Yes, and he wasnt very nice to me. Im almost glad they hurt him. But when others like you came to rescue him, and almost destroyed my home, I was glad to see him leave. She replied with a serious tone, while brushing dust away from her hair.
Bear Cat sat down on the floor, and set Lab Experiment down on it, where she stood, looking up at him. The Voyager file had mentioned that he had been injected with drugs during that time, and that soon after, he had lost all control over his power, making him a walking time bomb.
So, when the others came to break him free, why didnt they free the man in the water tank? Asked the leader of the Hunters, trying hard to put all the pieces of this puzzle together.
Oh, that one. He wasnt in the big tube at first, he was a friend of Dr. Wepp, its only when they rebuilt the laboratory that he was put in there. She replied while brushing her whiskers.
A friend of Dr. Wepp. So why is he in the big tube as you say? He replied, while his eyebrows creased in concentration. This little one knew a lot of what was going in here, and information what exactly what he needed right now.
I dont know, hes been there for a very long time now, always sleeping. They never, ever take him out of there, and before he was put in there, they kept him sleeping. She replied, pink eyes blinking and tail wiggling.
Oh, so he wasnt a friend of Dr. Wepp after the others came to free Voyager?
Im not sure anymore, I think I had banged my head too hard back then. But I think there were two of him during that battle to free the old geezer, one left, the other stayed here and is in that tube. She looked around the room, searching the ground for something.
Dont you have any food? She then asked.
Bear Cat thought long and hard, while Lab Experiment ran from place to place in the small cell, looking for crumbs of food.
Do you know who the man in the tube is? He then asked the small mutant.
No, but I know that Dr. Wepp has been troubled recently about him, saying something about his brother disappearing. I dont know why it matters so much to him, but all I know is that the security has been increased since. One of her ears cocked to the left, towards the door, listening for something he couldnt hear. I have to go now, they are coming for you. She jumped on his massive forearm and pointed with a small finger to the ceiling. Bear Cat lifted her up, and she jumped into the opening. She turned around and closed the shaft shut, and he heard her scuffle away.
Come see me later, will ya? He asked in a hushed voice.
Okie. She replied in a whisper.
Footsteps were heard outside his door, stopping in front. Then the door opened in a sliding motion, grating the bearings as it did. Three Power Tanks accompanied by a heavy guard stood outside in the corridor.
Come along, and no funky business, or else youre dead. Said the leading tank as he stood aside to let Bear Cat walk out of his cell.
[ QUOTE ]
Uncertain of the nature of Erg, Xanthion had recognized the universal fact that much like any other man, Erg couldnt stop staring at Cabarets well rounded behind.
[/ QUOTE ]
Funniest part so far, and welcome back
The ties that bind part 2
They brought him to a medical exam room, where a nurse took his blood pressure, and asked him some questions regarding his health in general. After which, they escorted him through the main laboratory, where he once more was able to look upon the reason why he hadnt leveled the place yet. Trying to encompass all the machines and pieces of equipments that was present around the water tank, his eagle eye vision fell upon a control panel which held the proverbial big red button. Under it, written on a black and yellow striped sticker, were the words: Emergency Disconnect.
The escorting party, and Bear Cat in the middle, reached a set of two stainless steel sliding doors, to the left of which was a control panel from which one could enter an encrypted code to enter. The lead Power Tank stepped in front of it, and much like a regular person in front of a bank machine, tried to hide his gestures as he composed the opening code. A few seconds after, the doors parted quietly on a well decorated office, like the ones company presidents seem to live in.
A dark red carpet covered the floor, which blended well with the beige and brown sofa chair along the left wall. In the center, a dark oak table, which allowed seating for eight was decorated with a huge arrangements of white and pink exotic flowers, which seemed fresh of the day. Various paintings of sceneries from different worldwide locations dressed the walls, and a very life like, and life size painting of the countess Crey, was located directly behind the red oak desk at the far end of the room.
Your boots. Spoke the lead Power Tank.
What? Replied Bear Cat.
Take off your boots, he hates it when we dirty the carpet. Went on the tank.
Bear Cat looked at the tank, then at the carpet, then at the tall man that stood behind the desk in the room. Thin and aged, about fifty-five years old, with hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, he reminded him of Peter Cushing, the English actor that portrayed Sherlock Holmes for so many years. As the old man circle about, Bear Cat noticed that he favored the right leg a little, a limp from an injury was always easy to spot, even if it was slight. Bending down, he took off his boots, and heard one of the guards mumble about his feet smelling as he stood back up. The lead Power Tank then motioned for him to enter the office:
No funny business in there, you hear me? He asked Bear Cat who simply nodded in agreement as he walked in. The doors slid closed behind him, leaving him alone with the man he was now certain he had seen somewhere before. Looking around, his eyes fell on another person standing in the far right corner of the room, and his heart skipped a beat. A Malta Sapper stood at the ready, gun aimed straight at him, he stood silent and still.
Welcome to Crey laboratory 1203, Mr.? Spoke the old man from the other end of the room.
Bunny, Bugs Bunny. Replied Bear Cat in a serious tone, and the old man chuckled.
I am Marcus Wepp, administrator for this facility. And we need to know why you came here? He walked in front of his desk, where he leaned on it, motioning for Bear Cat to come and sit in a chair in front of him. As the Hunters Leader approached, Wepp felt very small in front of him.
Canada, I was looking for Canada. I thought it was south. Bear Cat answered as he sat down on the chair, which emitted a groan of complain. Wepps features changed from a gentile old man, to a dead serious look.
There are many ways for a man to walk out of here, Mr. Bunny, the choice is yours. But in any case, I will know the motive of your presence. I will ask one last time: Why are you here?
Bear Cat debated the wisdom of challenging this man too much, after all, and now that he recalled, aside from being a brilliant scientist, he was also a city counselor with a seat on the ECPC, and more than likely more powerful than he could fathom. Looking straight at the aged eyes, he decided on the most unusual strategy he had used yet, the truth.
I came here to investigate the presence of so many snipers in the district, and quite by mistake fell upon your installation. I dont know what youre doing here, nor do I care about it at all. I am a mercenary working for Winter Industries, they sign the paycheck, and I was simply following a lead to obtain new technologies.
Truth and a half
I suspected as much, and since you are not registered in the super-powered databank, I doubted that you were one of the heroes. Nevertheless, your presence forces me to decide what to do with you. Easiest solution is to have you killed and dismissed in an alley. Another choice is to have you branded and exiled in a place of my choosing. He paused, looking at Bear Cats face, trying to find a reaction to what he was telling him. My third, is to offer you an opportunity you simply cant refuse. A job.
Doing what? Replied Bear Cat.
I want you to steal for me the Chromium Man suit Mark IV. Replied Wepp as he went back behind his desk and took out a small cell phone from his drawer. It is simple enough, and since you are working for Winter Industries, it should be a formality. I will contact you through this cell phone, you have one week. He smiled as he said that last, then pressed a button on his desk panel and turned his chair around to face the painting of the countess. It was sliding up to the ceiling to reveal a digital screen, on which Bear Cat saw himself in the prison cell he had been earlier, along with Lab Experiment
So, when the others came to break him free, why didnt they free the man in the water tank?
Oh, that one. He wasnt in the big tube at first, he was a friend of Dr. Wepp, its only when they rebuilt the laboratory that he was put in there.
A friend of Dr. Wepp. So why is he in the big tube as you say?
I dont know, hes been there for a very long time now, always sleeping. They never, ever take him out of there, and before he was put in there, they kept him sleeping.
The video paused, and Marcus Wepp turned around to face Bear Cat once more, resting his elbows on the desk and making the tips of his long fingers touch each other, he said:
Because if you dont, I will kill Turbo Starr.
Bear Cat stood up straight, understanding instantly that he had fell into a trap, but it was too late. He felt his endurance drained entirely, and fell to his knees in a dizzied state. The Malta Sapper took out a tazer gun and walked straight to him, to use it on the back of his neck, which sent Bear Cat unconscious on the floor. Without his boots on, on such a carpet, he was a conductor for the current that went to his brain, then all the way down to his toes.
have him branded, then leave him somewhere in Brickstown. Said Marcus Wepp to the Malta Sapper, who nodded silently. The stainless steel door opened and the guards carried Bear Cats body away.
Can I have my cheese now? Asked a small female voice from under the desk.
Yes Lab, you can have all the cheese you want. Replied gently Dr. Wepp to the small female experiment.
Just a sideline here to thank all of you who have been reading my story.
This week, and much to my disbelief, it has hit the 1000 read mark, and I'm really shocked and amazed at that.
Thank you for your words and encouragement!
congradulations, now get back to work!
[ QUOTE ]
congradulations, now get back to work!
[/ QUOTE ]
/em WHimpers in a corner and grabs the word processor...
Okie.... 
Canada, I was looking for Canada. I thought it was south. Bear Cat answered as he sat down on the chair, which emitted a groan of complain. Wepps features changed from a gentile old man, to a dead serious look.
[/ QUOTE ]
Bear must be from Jersey. If he thinks that Canada is south. Voy great job as usual, keep it coming. Won't belong till you hit the 2000 mark. Can I be the first to get your autograph?
Hey, Voyager. Just wanna tell you that your stories are awesome! Keep up the great work cause I'm enjoying every episode and anticipating the next one!
What I also get a kick out of is encountering these characters in the game as real players! I mostly see them in the Hive during the raids now, but I feel like a star-struck kid in Hollywood (or should we say "Hollow-wood" for a really bad pun?) when I see you guys! lol! Now that's awesome!
-Batz
Mission Architect arc: The Hive Connection, Arc ID: 96660
Triumph: (@UltraBatz)
UltraBatz, lvl 50 MA/SR Scrapper (1355 badges)
UberBatz, lvl 50 Peacebringer (769 badges)
SG: The Steel Paladins, Fusion Force
[ QUOTE ]
Hey, Voyager. Just wanna tell you that your stories are awesome! Keep up the great work cause I'm enjoying every episode and anticipating the next one!
What I also get a kick out of is encountering these characters in the game as real players! I mostly see them in the Hive during the raids now, but I feel like a star-struck kid in Hollywood (or should we say "Hollow-wood" for a really bad pun?) when I see you guys! lol! Now that's awesome!
-Batz
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you Batz, I had heard some of my SG mates telling me about players on Triumph sending them tells about the story. I am glad to finally meet one!
Force
Groggy, disoriented and annoyed, Bear Cat woke up in a garbage dumpster in the eastern section of Brickstown, near the marker for the Chasm. With uncertain steps, he walked to the brick and mortar wall that separated the building from the street. There, he leaned heavily on it, trying to gain some sense of balance, and to regain some sense of direction. A purple and white straight body truck was parked on the other side of the entrance, and he could see the huge pipeline system of the city running under a boulevard.
Brickstown.
He muttered to himself, as he stepped away from the wall and started walking for the sidewalk. A huge graffiti across the street caught his attention, with its bright colors and lost meaning, he recalled that the train station was west. Until he felt truly functional, he wouldnt attempt to use his travel powers. Still feeling confused and angry, Bear Cat relived the last few hours of his life in his minds eye. What a fool he had been to have taken on this base by himself, while an entire group of people working with him, couldve helped. But, he was prideful and determined, and once again, it would cost him.
He was their leader, and as such, he was entitled to certain liberties. After the recent events, he couldnt help but wonder how things wouldve gone if he had brought along more people, instead of sending them left and right on different errands, to make sure most of them never met. Granted they were good people, and also borderline criminals with a mean streak, but if he could assemble them under a single goal, they would be a force to reckon with. When this whole business is over, he would give this thought more time. Looking both ways, he started to cross the street, when the sound of a telephone ring caught his attention. Looking down on his utility belt, he recalled the last conversation with Marcus Wepp. Reaching for the small cellular phone, he brought it up to his ear and pressed the receive button.
Up yours.
Mr. Bunny, just a reminder, in case you have forgotten. You have seven days to bring me to the Mark IV armor from Winter Industries. Do not bother calling in the police or the heroes, or Turbo Starr is dead. Do you understand my request? Marcus Wepps voice was all business, and a bit arrogant also, the voice of a man holding all the cards, for now.
Do you understand my request? Wepp repeated as Bear Cat was trying very hard to stay polite as a mother and her kid were walking by.
Yes. He then closed the phone, and threw it away on the street, in anger and resentment from being powerless against Wepp. It landed a few meters away, and slid to a still on the slope that led up to the next district. Grunting, he walked towards the east, towards the sewers, where he knew his way around perfectly. He was wondering how many Hunters he would be able to gather, if he called on them. Probably nine or ten, no more. The others were just a bunch of independent operators, hunting preys as they saw fit, rarely taking on a super group contract, unless it met their agendas.
Tommy, leave it alone, its just a cell phone. He heard a voice echo in the street. Turning around, he saw a young man, probably about sixteen, looking at another teenage boy, bent down where he had thrown Wepps phone.
But its ringing bro, and besides, its one of them new internet phones with wireless and digital cameras. I can hide it in my room, and record Jessica and me doing it, man. The other replied as he was inspecting the telephone from all angles, cleaning it with careful hands. Tommy wasn't sure if he would put the video of him and Jessie humping away on his website, but he knew for sure he wanted to record her for future viewings. Maybe invite some of the guys over and brag about it for hours.
That phone is mine kid. Spoke Bear Cat from the sidewalk. Give it up, I have to answer that.
The one holding the phone looked at Bear Cat, and chuckled a bit. Aside from the smell that was emanating from him, and the way he dressed, the huge man didnt seem to be aware that a banana peel was stuck to his shoulder. Taking a few steps towards the west, the teenage boy, the one called Tommy, shook his head negatively and started to run.
Dumb plan kid. Yelled Bear Cat as he followed suit. Catching up to him would be a formality. But then again, sometimes things just didnt work out the way you planned. As he activated his super speed and started to run after Tommy, Bear Cat, instead, started to eat pavement. After the fourth step, he felt something trip him down, and he ended scrapping across the pavement for a few meters, before inertia and resistance finally gave up their struggle. Knees, chin and elbows raw, he looked behind at the other teenage boy.
Run Tommy, run! He yelled at his friend, as he ran also, directly for Bear Cat, which he kicked in the face, before going on. Outraged, Bear Cat started to get up and professed a few choice words aloud. The two teenage boys were running up the sidewalk slope, heedless of traffic and people, they were trying to get away. The horn of a truck made him turn around as brakes screeched behind him.
Get off the street, you bum, what do you think sidewalks are for? Yelled a heavy black man, who was leaning outside the drivers window of a green semi.
Up yours. Replied Bear Cat as he sped towards the thieves. Reaching the one that kicked him was a formality, and none of them had realized yet that he was super powered. He grabbed him by the shirt collar, and then carried him under his arm as he went on to catch up to Tommy, the horny one who tried to escape while the phone rang on, giving away his position and direction.
Tommy entered through the gate of the Paragon fuel treatment facility, passing in front the guards house without stopping, not paying attention to the screaming man requesting a permit for entrance. He then jumped over the fence and resumed his run across the street, making a car stop a few inches before hitting him square in the legs. Bear Cat followed, keeping his distance for now, fearing the worst for this kid. He did need the cell phone back, and cursed his short temper for throwing it away in the first place, but he would not get him killed over it.
He watched Tommy run under the Abyss Towers overpass, and let some distance build between them. The other one, still cradled under his huge arm, was trying to no avail, to squirm free. Pleading for Bear Cat to let him go, he screamed and kicked. Bu the leader of the Hunters paid no attention to his request, as he kept his trained eyes on Tommys figure as he ran on. The horny teenage boy looked over his shoulder from time to time, and kept running like a bat out of hell, for the train station. Reaching the far wall of the underpass, Tommy used the cement ledge to run up and jump over the railing, entering the Crescent district.
Bear Cat knew that the kid was more than likely going to try and make it to the train station and disappear from there. Giving up on chasing him directly, he used another route to reach the Crescent. Once there, after a few seconds of searching, he found Tommy again, in the distance, still running in the street with the ringing phone, confronted by heavy traffic. Checking in from time to time, Bear Cat followed him from the left flank, hiding himself from view, hoping Tommy would stop running once he realized no one was chasing him.
That phone isnt yours boy, give it up. Spoke a man in a black suit, black tie, wearing a headset piece composed of an ear and microphone part, with a green eye piece. He blocked Tommy's path on the right sidewalk, preventing him from reaching the train station, less than four hundred yards away.
Challenged directly in his path, Tommy stopped dead in his track, looking at the well dressed man who had taken out a hand pistol. Looking left and right, he decided to run across the street, towards the Ziggurat prison. Bear Cat, intrigued at first by the intervention, saw everything that followed happen in slow motion. Yelling for Tommy to stop running, he dropped his friend face first in the dirt, and sped towards the teenage thief.
Unaware of the dangers, in his attempt to flee with the prize, Tommy had put himself directly in the path of an oncoming city bus. The man in the suit was aiming his hand gun for Tommys back, who was running like a maniac for the other side of the street. Bear Cat appeared over the fence Tommy was trying to reach, super speed burning under his feet, looking at the bus driver almost standing on the brakes of the heavy vehicle, trying to redirect the bus away from the teenage boy. Seeing the leader of the Hunters appear, Tommy stopped in the middle of the street, and saw the bus about to hit him, saw the scratches and rust spots on the front end of the public vehicle.
Bear cat put himself directly between Tommy and the bus, grabbing the boy in a hugging grasp, he shielded him from the impact as best he could. At the same time, he felt the stinging sensation of a bullet entering his side, through the chest, shattering ribs as it lodged itself in his left lung. The bus hit Bear Cat in the back, bending itself around the tanker, and sent him and Tommy flying forward, to land heavily on the street, dragged across by momentum. Bear Cat had just enough senses left to twist himself around in mid-flight, to keep Tommy up top, while his body was racked and dragged for meters.
The bus driver wasnt so lucky, and flew out through the windshield, shattering glass followed his trajectory. He broke his neck and body when an oncoming car hit him before he landed on the ground, throwing him in the other direction. The car driver tried to stop it, but he ran over the buss driver body before it came to an alt. Screams and cries of people from inside the bus were heard, while bystanders stood rooted, looking at the scene.
This is a lousy day, of a lousy week, from a lousy month. Whispered Bear Cat, as a paralyzing pain was starting to take over. Tommy struggled free from his grasp, uninjured and safe, he looked down at Bear Cat. Who had begun to spurt blood from the mouth, from the lung injury.
Drop the phone! Screamed the man in the suit. Drop that [censored] phone kid, or I will put a bullet in your head. Looking around, the Crey Agent was satisfied that the civilians around were too busy helping the people in the bus, and huddled around the car that had run over the driver to be truly concerned by what was going here. Tommy, dazed, afraid and confused, let the phone drop next to Bear Cat from a shaking hand.
Get the [censored] out of here kid, and you better hope I never you see you again. Yelled the man to Tommy. Looking around, at all the confusion going on, Tommy ran away, tears blurring his vision, urine staining his blue jeans pants. The man in the suit came to stand next to Bear Cat, while putting his pistol away, he leaned next to him.
You stupid fool, we can follow you anywhere now. He reached for the cell phone, and placed it back on Bear Cats belt.
If you loose it again, Dr. Wepp will make sure you live to regret it. The Crey agent was now appraising Bear Cats physical condition, while in the distance, sirens could be heard.
Youre all banged up big guy, the rescue teams are coming. Remember, you have one week, and remember, we are watching you. Spoke the agent as he got up and walked away from the scene, buttoning his black vest as he did so.
Great Story Voyager! You are da man!
Force part 2
Located in the heart of Paragon City, the Riders of the Apocalypse headquarters were situated in the historic district of Steel Canyon. The offices had once been home to the infamous Southern United Manufacturing Company which had served as a front for the Nemesis forces. Once Nemesis was forced to abandon the city, the building was purchased and redesigned by Riders to house offices for their members, as well as a state of the art crime fighting facility.
You wanted to see me Moon? Said Cavalier as he entered Moon Psyches office. He was always surprised at the tidiness in here, everything had a place and not a speck of dust could be found. Moon Psyche was perhaps the most handsome man Cavalier knew of, and if it werent for super powers, he would more than likely be a movie star or a model. The female gender always sighed when they laid eyes on him, he knew it, but didnt care much about it, dismissing all thoughts about them, he was enthralled and always had been by Sun Heat.
Close the door, we have to talk. He simply said, as he stacked away a pile of paper. Moving the mouse to deactivate the screen saver of the LCD that was showing a picture of him and Sun Heat bowling, he clicked opened a file. Cavalier sat down in the comfortable chair in front of Moons desk and rested a size fourteen boot on the edge of the dark maple wood. Moon Psyche threw him such a look, that he put down his foot right away, then grabbed a tissue and dusted off the place where he had scuffed the desk.
Whats up Moon? Ive been up for a day and was hoping to get to my office and rest a bit. Cavalier spoke as he yawned heavily.
Hunters of Apocalypse. Said Moon Psyche softly.
Are we creating a new branch? Replied Cavalier a bit bored by the conversation, he was already slouching in the chair.
They exist already, based out of Kings Row. Went Moon as he was looking for a reaction in the leader of Apocalypse.
Ok, so what about them, aside from the fact that we should sue them for royalties? Cavalier didnt care much for legal battles.
Seventy-five members strong, which I cross referenced in our database. All of them criminals of some sort, murderers, thieves and some of them have even been Academy prospects. But what was more intriguing was this; all of them had been condemned to prison by the authorities. And yet, none of them are serving their sentences. Moon spoke the following as he was pointing here and there on the computer screen, bringing up picture of convicts dressed in the orange suit of the Ziggurat facility, holding the numbered plate of reference.
I still dont follow Moon, why are we talking about some unknown super group, are they responsible for Kings Row? Cavalier sat up in the chair and leaned forward to look more closely at the computer screen.
No, Machine of the FRONT brought these files in this morning, to their headquarters, and Xanthion called me earlier to make sure I got my hands on them. Theyre a rogue unit, Cavalier, financed directly through us.
What? Almost yelled Cavalier as a look of disbelief appeared on his face.
They took out city counsellor Parkinson, stole the money from the Warriors, and here, its mentioned they had a hand in the untimely demise of at least five policemen we knew to be corrupted. I have at least five hundreds contracts to sift through from the database. But what is more troubling is this, I searched our entire database for a reference on the money it takes to finance them, and nothing. Moon shook his head and looked away, towards the fish tank in his office. Its as if even their leader, a guy named Bear Cat isnt aware who pays their salary, or supplies them. All the data points the finger at us, and yet, I can prove that we didnt do it, without a doubt.
Cavalier scratched his head, then his unshaven face, uncertain what to say next. A rogue organization within the Apocalypse family, that in itself, was something he had never dreamed of, but furthermore, he smelled the scent of a cover up rising, and that wasnt pleasing him at all. Thinking about what Turbo Starr would do, if he were still alive, Cavalier said:
Ok, we need to find out more. But first things first, lets send out a hero all-call on the frequency and have them brought in
All of them, for questioning, I especially want a word with their leader, Bear Cat right? Spoke Cavalier in a tired voice, while he stood to leave the office.
One more thing Cavalier, and you wont like it. There is mention in there of someone we all know. Moon was looking down at his desk, measuring what he was about to say. Cavalier stopped dead in his track, and cocked his head to the side to listen to what Moon was about to say, recognizing the tone in the voice, the one used before dropping a bomb.
What is it? Said the squared jaw scrapper coldly.
Dan Young is involved. Brahma Bullseye.
Cavalier turned around and looked in Moon Psyches eyes, to ascertain that he had heard right. Shaking his head in disbelief at the news, clenching his teeth at the ramifications if this became public knowledge, he told Moon Psyche:
Build me a file on Brahma Bullseye, everything that has happened since the Firebase Zulu incident. I want to know who his recruits were at the academy, whom he sees on his off hours, medical reports, everything you can dish out. Keep this quiet Moon.
I was already on it Cavalier, but until then should we suspend his activities? Replied Moon Psyche, who was also disturbed at the magnitude of this find.
No, not until we know more. Re plied Cavalier as he walked out of Moon Psyches office and headed for the break room, to find something to drink.
Rummaging through the old 1970s refrigerator, Cavalier sighed in relief as he laid his hand on the last bottle of Sleeman, Silver Label. He had lately taken a fancy to this Canadian beer that somehow surpassed any English beer he knew of. Twisting open the cap, he took a long gulp from the cold drink, and walked out into the corridor, heading for his office, and at times sleeping quarters. He loved the familiarity of it, the messiness he left in there on purpose, stating to all that this was his place, and no one elses. As he opened the door, expecting to find the usual mess, his eyebrows shot up.
Not again. He muttered to himself as he looked at the clean and tidy space in front of him. Reaching for his cell phone, he auto-dialled a number on it, waiting patiently for the person to answer. Walking around, he noticed that even the old trash can he kept full and overflowing had been cleaned and empty.
Hello sweetie? Chimed a clear and amused voice.
Cymbaline, did you clean my office again, and more importantly, did you pull a Miss April on me again? Asked the squared jaw scrapper at the fiery woman.
Yes, yes I did clean that pig sty you call an office. I swear, if it werent for me, you wouldnt even find you dirty magazines hidden under that old couch you call a bed. She replied laughing, amused that Cavalier was once again annoyed at him. Cavalier rushed to his old leather couch, and looked underneath it, expecting to find a stack of Playboys, but instead, emptiness. The last time Cymbaline had cleaned his quarters, she had found his hidden stash in his desk, and had proceeded to black mark every revealing picture with a marker. They were best friends, and at times, some people at the headquarters were wondering if they were having an affair. Both of them were always quick to deny such a rumour, dismissing it with a laugh or saying not until they were last two persons on earth.
My magazines better not have been tempered with a black marker, or you will get a spanking the likes of which hasnt been seen in a century. Replied Cavalier, dead serious while she giggled at the thought.
Oh Cavalier, why bother with magazines when half the female population of Paragon wants you in their bed, and probably all of the [censored] population as well. She laughed harder after that one, while he grumbled something unholy.
Report to my office as soon as you can, you hussy, I need your help with something. He hung up after she acquiesced his request, and let himself fall on his couch, resting a size fourteen boot on the arm of it. Emptying the cold beer, and letting out a long belch, his thoughts began to wander about the recent events. A few seconds later, people walking by his door, could hear him snore
I am pleased to announce that an SG mate will be posting in the story line this week-end, look for it!
(OOC Note: Voyager is a good friend of mine who I've been playing with for longer than I care to admit 
I was truly honored when he asked me to write a guest chapter of his amazing story and I hope you all enjoy my humble addition to the amazing mythos that he's created. Be gentle.)
Interlude: WinterTech Press Conference
The dull roar of a hundred simultaneous conversations filled the open air outside of WinterTech headquarters. Curiosity hung in the atmosphere like a thick fog that would not dissipate. None of the gathered reporters were sure why the press conference had been called but all were sure it involved the man-shaped mass, unceremoniously covered with an olive green blanket, that was the sole occupant of the stage.
The roar of the crowd settled to quiet murmur as Robert Ferrara, the Head of Public Relations for WinterTech, entered the stage and approached the podium. Tapping his mic to make sure it was on, Ferrara began to address the assembled media:
Im sure youre all wondering why youve been asked to come here today. Well to be honest, we dont really have much to say, only something to show you and then well open the floor to your questions.
With that Ferrara grabbed the drab blanket and yanked it aside, revealing a robotic-looking figure standing roughly six and a half feet tall. A collective gasp escaped from the audience. All were silent but the same thought ran through all of their minds; a single complicated mixture of confusion and instant understanding: Chromium Man!
With a wry smile, Ferrara gestured toward the crowd: Any questions?
For several minutes, a silence like the vacuum of space permeated the crowd as the thoughts of the reporters struggled to find verbal release. All at once, as if on cue, a hundred reporters leapt to their feet shouting questions:
How long has a relationship between WinterTech and Chromium Man existed?
Whos in the suit?
Wheres Frank Winter?
Ferrara stood there letting the reporters shout for a good ten minutes before he even attempted to speak. He was fully aware of the size of the bomb that he had just dropped and wanted to give the audience a few minutes to shout out their frustrations before addressing their concerns. With stunning accuracy Ferrara began to answer their questions, which had been logged away in his photographic memory. It was a strange way to hold a press conference but most of the reporters in attendance were familiar with Ferraras idiosyncrasies. In truth he wasnt even close to being the most eccentric person in the employ of the world famous tech company.
As you all know, Chromium Man has been acting as a vigilante out of Paragon City over the past year. For the first several months he operated in secret, using stealth technology to undermine various criminal enterprises throughout the city. Recently, his actions have been brought to light by a certain media who simply could not accept the fact that he didnt exist.
Quiet laughter sounded from the audience.
What you dont know is that Chromium Man was built by WinterTech to be used in the War Against Terror. Unfortunately, the unit proved too expensive to mass-produce and thus, the only existing model is the one you see before you. One year ago, the unit was stolen from us by rogue elements in the US government and used for the purposes for which Chromium Man has now become famous. With the help of the world renowned Riders of Apocalypse, Chromium Man was returned to his rightful owners. Although WinterTech has been legally exonerated, we intend to make good in our own way. We arent financially equipped to pay for all the damages caused by the rogue Chromium Man but to make up for it we plan on donating Chromium Mans services to the city: as a fully-sanctioned super hero.
At that, the sound of thunderous applause erupted from the audience and all the gathered reporters jumped to their feet. All, that is, except one. Jackson Turner of the Paragon Times remained seated, unswayed by what he felt was nothing but rhetoric and propaganda. As far as he was concerned, everything Ferrara had said, every word that was swallowed with a spoonful of sugar by his fellow reporters was all meant to deflect their attention from the true question: was Chromium Man Frank Winter? The question of Chromium Mans identity had been on many peoples minds since the hero first made his debut. Even before Ferrara had announced the connection between WinterTech and Chromium Man, tabloids had run stories that Chromium Man was in fact the son of WinterTech founder Joseph Winter. Ferraras announcement had seemed, at least in Turners mind, to lend validity to this claim and Jackson was infuriated that so many of his fellow reporters seemed to be buying Ferraras garbage. It was an insult to his profession that his colleagues were being herded like sheep. Jackson decided that he would ask the tough questions, even if his associates were placated. At the instant that the raucous ovation ceased, Turner stood and, without the aid of a microphone, boomed:
So how does Frank Winter breathe in that thing?
A stunned silence fell over the crowd, followed by a smattering of awkward laughter. All of the reporters present had heard the rumors but this was the first time someone had called WinterTech out on it in public. Ferrara stared at Jackson for a half minute before a smooth voice chimed in from off-stage:
Im sure it would be very difficult, answered Frank Winter, as he strode confidently onto the press conference stage. If I ever actually had to get to inside that thing. He added emphasis to these last words by making quote marks with his fingers in an exaggerated fashion. The entire audience erupted in laughter except for Turner who sat down with a chagrinned look on his face.
I guess it IS time we addressed the question of who Chromium Man is, continued Winter, looking at Ferrara who now had a smug smile on his face. The truth is the Chromium Man is a robot. And he always has been.
For the second time in a few minutes there was nothing but silence.
So who wants to see what this bad boy can do? asked Winter and the silence melted into a turbulent ovation as Winter led the press to the WinterTech testing grounds.
************************************************** ***********************************************
From behind a bulletproof glass partition, the various members of the press watched as Frank Winter demonstrated the abilities of Chromium Man for the first time in public. Robert Ferrara was still on hand to make sure that the son of the WinterTech founder didnt make any PR gaffs, but it was clear to everyone who was assembled that this was Winters show now. In recent months, tabloids had outted Frank Winter as Chromium Man but many had rejected the spurious claims citing that Winter was too irresponsible and immature to masquerade as the vigilante. Winter had taken the criticism to heart and although he still enjoyed his fair share of the nightlife and had been voted one of People Magazines Top 50 Sexiest People of 2005 he was making a concerted effort to buckle down a little and use his considerable talents for good. As such he had asked his father to make him the public face of the Chromium Man project, which he had been working on without the general public knowing anyway. It was ironic considering the connections that had been drawn between him and Chromium Man even before his appointment.
Everyone in attendance knew who Frank Winter was. You couldnt walk by a newsstand in any city in the world without seeing his picture on the cover of at least a half dozen magazines. Ironically though, this was the first time many of them had seen him in person. Winters exploits were usually the milieu of the entertainment reporters; the members of the press gathered at WinterTech were science and tech reporters. He was not what they expected him to be. Standing a little over six feet, Winter was perfectly proportioned for someone of his height. His build was not overly muscular but one could tell he worked out just by looking at him. He looked as if he had been training for the 25 years he had been alive to perform as an Olympic athlete. He dressed very well but not so well that one might feel he was flaunting his status. He looked casual in a well-fitted black suit that would make most other people look stiff and robotic. His eyes were icy blue, reminiscent of the season from which his family took its name. His hair was at once both neat and messy. It looked uncombed but a closer examination revealed that it was carefully combed to look uncombed. It was a dirty blonde color that the Australians called swamp water blonde. He dripped charisma but not in an unctuous way. He struck most people as a friendly and polite young man, despite his reputation, and this impression was mostly accurate. Complementing his looks was a fierce intelligence that was jarring if one believed everything that was printed in the tabloids. Many of the reporters were shocked then when Winter began elucidating the abilities of Chromium Man from the other side of the glass divider:
For decades, scientists and engineers at WinterTech have tried to uncover the secrets of anti-gravity technology. Chromium Man represents the culminations of almost 70 years of research into this field.
He gestured to the still rigid Chromium Man who had followed the reporters in under his own power but now stood motionless once again a few feet from Winter.
Chromium Mans main offensive and defensive capabilities are granted by an incredibly small anti-gravitational field that surrounds his body, continued Winter. Chromium Man can selectively activate or deactivate the field, which acts like a miniaturized version of the Earths own gravitational field, to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. The field can be used to attract or repel objects of all sizes and is sensitive enough to be activated over some parts of his body while its deactivated over others. Well start by demonstrating his defensive capabilities.
As he was speaking, some WinterTech technicians had wheeled in a large crate containing a wide variety of items that the audience could not see. The technicians left, leaving the featureless training auditorium empty save Winter, Ferrara and Chromium Man. The reporters continued to look on in awe as Winter drew a small handgun from the crate and discharged three rounds at the robotic form in front of him. An instant before the moment of impact, the three bullets veered sharply and suddenly in different directions. For a few seconds, they whirled around Chromium Man as if in orbit and then clattered harmlessly to the ground.
Chromium Mans anti-gravitational field makes him act as if he were a small planet with variable gravitational forces. In this instance, the bullets entered an orbit, three orbits actually, where they remained until all their energy was expended. Once their destructive potential was neutralized they were dumped to the ground as you just saw. Chromium Man can defend himself similarly against most conventional weapons.
For the next half an hour, Winter pulled weapon after weapon from the large crate, each of them being used ineffectively against the armored hero who barely moved an inch the whole time. The crowd was rapt as Winter shot Chromium Man with a shotgun and an Uzi, hit him with a baseball bat and threw a cinder block at him. He was even able to escape undamaged from a hand grenade by allowing the grenade to explode and trapping the explosive blast and the shrapnel in a gravity field until it was spent.
Stepping away from the box, Winter continued the demonstration:
By using his field to nullify gravity around all or part of his body, Chromium Man is capable of flight.
With this, Chromium Man stood on his tiptoes and slowly rose till he was hovering a few feet off the ground.
Although his gravity field allows him to counter the force that would keep him grounded, Chromium Man needs to be propelled to actually fly anywhere. Thats why we installed these.
Winter gestured at Chromium Man and a faint blue energy field began to glow at the soles of his feet. With a motion like an Olympic speed skater, the metallic figure began jet all around the testing area.
Weve not yet clocked his top speed but our technicians estimate that Chromium Man may be able to reach velocities of up to Mach 4.
One of the features were most proud of is Chromium Mans stealth capabilities, announced Winter proudly. Chromium Man can use his gravitational field to distort light waves around him, redirected them so that he becomes almost completely invisible.
Across the room, Chromium Man shimmered for an instant and then disappeared from view to the delight of the spectators. A few moments later, the hero came back into view, standing a few feet from Winter and several yards from his previous position.
Along the same lines, Chromium Man can distort forms of energy spanning the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Chromium Man can distort sound waves to render his movements utterly silent and can distort other forms of radiation to become effectively invisible to any known form of detection.
I know what youre all waiting for, said Winter, a cool smirk sneaking across his face. Youre wondering what kind of offensive capabilities Chromium Man has. Well who better to show you than Chromium Man himself.
Winter and Ferrara stepped away as the lights on the testing area grew dim. When the room was just shy of pitch black a single spotlight shown in from above, drawing everyones attention to Chromium Man who stood poised for action. A moment later two more spotlights flicked to life, each revealing a huge tank-like machine on either side of Chromium Man that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Frank Winters was heard once again, now booming from a PA system located in the training area:
Chromium Mans primary weapon is a focused energy blast. Using his gravity field, he is constantly absorbing ambient energy. This is actually the very same energy that powers the construct, meaning Chromium Man uses a 100% clean and renewable energy source. Some scientists call this energy zero point energy. Chromium Man is capable of channeling this ambient energy into destructive blasts which he can emit from his hands or fists.
On cue, the robotic figure bent his knees and pointed two closed fists at the tank that was directly in front of him. With a loud shriek, two energy beams fired from his hands, striking the tank and rocking it backwards, almost flipping it over. The metal armor on the front of the tank rent and warped and pieces of shrapnel flew from it, landing a few feet from the hero.
Chromium Man can extend his gravity field to a small degree, accelerating small objects via a slingshot effect, to use a term coined by NASA.
Chromium Man stooped to the ground and picked up a small piece of shrapnel left from his previous attack. Holding it in his hand, it began to quiver as if being pulled on by some outside force. Suddenly it flew from his hand, punching a hole the size of a basketball in the armor of the tank.
Chromium Man can use a similar technique to negate the gravitational pull on larger objects. He cant accelerate them but
oh
youll see
The hulking robot approached the damaged tank and grabbed it under its front end with one hand. Lifting with seemingly no effort whatsoever, he hoisted the 10-ton behemoth over his head.
It looks heavy but in his hands it is truly weightless but it will regain its weight once he takes his hands off of it.
Chromium Man hurled the tank across the room as if it were a baseball. It flew through the air and smashed into the second tank. The mangled wreckage of the two vehicles slid several yards across the floor before grinding to a halt.
Finally, by redirecting his gravitational field at the precise moment of impact, Chromium Man can strike with the equivalent explosive energy of several tons of dynamite.
Chromium Man walked over to the twisted wreck of the two tanks and struck it with two upraised fists. With a deafening sound, the hulls of one of the destroyed tanks rent from the point of impact all the way to the floor before. With this, the audience once again erupted in a round of applause. The robot whirled from the wreckage and took an exaggerated and robotic-looking bow. The lights in the testing area came on full-blast as Frank Winter strode back out towards the now-motionless Chromium Man. Standing side-by-side with his armored creation, he faced the audience, mic in hand. A Cheshire cat-like grin stretched across his face from ear to ear as he raised the mic to his mouth:
Any questions?
************************************************** **********************************************
At the conclusion of the demonstration, Robert Ferrara led the members of the press out of the testing area and escorted them from the building, leaving Frank Winter standing alone with Chromium Man.
Jackson Turner had a point, said Alan Blake as he peeled the Chromium Man helmet from his head. How DO you breathe in that thing?
Frank Winter chuckled softly. I guess Im just used to it.
I figured with your experience in the Electrobolt armor that youd be the ideal choice to man the armor for this little demonstration, said Winter to his friend. Im sorry to have made you uncomfortable. I really cant thank you enough for helping me out on this.
It was really my pleasure, Frank, replied Blake. I remember what it was like to keep a secret identity. I felt secure revealing my dual identity to the world but I can understand why you wouldnt want to. The only thing I dont get is why you made up all that stuff about the rogue Chromium Man and the suit being a robot.
Well, began Winter, when I first used the Chromium Man armor to fight crime in Paragon City, I made some mistakes. My methods were a bit more
harsh
and some of the criminals I went up against were killed. I was just so angry with the criminals when I got back from the Middle East that I let my temper get the better of me. Its not for me to decide whether these people live or die and I regret what I did back then.
The thing you have to realize is that the Chromium Man Mk I armor was built to be a weapon of mass destruction; a tool of war. As I upgraded the armor, I included more and more less-than-lethal methods of subduing my enemies. With the suit I unveiled today, the Mk IV, Ive completely cycled out all of the most deadly armaments the armor utilized. Its by far the most advanced of all my suits but its also the safest: both for me and for anyone silly enough to attack me when Im wearing it.
Do you ever think about turning yourself in for the crimes you committed in your early days as Chromium Man? asked Blake. The question, coming from anyone else, wouldve been highly insulting to Winter. Blake, however, was one of Winters dearest friends, professionally, socially and heroically and Winter took no umbrage.
I have thought about it, answered Winter, but the consequences would be too severe. Not for me but for my family. All of the Chromium Man armors were designed and created on WinterTech time with WinterTech money but under the strictest security too. In the early days, when I was using the armor without permission, my father had no idea of what I was doing. It wouldnt be fair to him or my mother or any of the thousands of people who work for WinterTech if I were to confess now. If I turned myself in to the police Id just end up screwing up more lives than I already have.
I think my best bet is just to let people believe that Chromium Man is now and always has been a robot. My fathers company has already been cleared of all the damage Ive done. As long as I can keep on the straight and narrow I think Ill be able to look at myself in the mirror someday. The least I can do is give something back now by being an officially sanctioned hero. Itll be good to do something for the greater good rather than pursuing my own agenda.
I wish you the best of luck, my friend, said Blake. He began to remove the armor piece by piece so that he could return it to its rightful owner.
Thanks, Alan. Im just happy that my armor will be used to do something really good for once.
The two men were interrupted by the sound of hard shoes walking briskly across the testing areas floor. A WinterTech lawyer whom Winter did not recognize was hurrying toward them. Bad news was written all over his face.
Mr. Winter, can I have a word with you in private stammered the lawyer. Something was clearly wrong here.
Its okay. Anything you can say to me, you can say in front of Mr. Blake. What is it? said Winter.
Mr. Winter
" the lawyer paused searching for the right words. We have a situation
************************************************** ************************************************** *
Chromium Man Model Designations
I - Fire/Fire/Fire Blaster, II - Fire/Energy/Fire Tank, III - Elec/Elec/Elec Blaster,
IV - Elec/Elec/Mu Brute, V - Elec/Elec/Mu Stalker, VI -Elec/Elec/Energy Tank, VII - Elec/Elec/Body Scrapper, VIII - Elec/Elec/Mu Dominator
Co-founder of Riders of Apocalypse - Triumph Server
The problem with Mr. Bunny
The phone rang twice before Moon Psyche could answer it, so absorbed he was in reviewing the Apocalypse accounting records for the last year.
Hello?
You have to come to Brickstown Infirmary right away Moon, I think we found Bear Cat.
Spoke Blue N Gold, the most specialized tracker the Knights of Apocalypse could provide. Navy trained to be dropped behind enemy lines, he had become aware of his powers during a mission. After a long period of adaptation to learn to control his blasting abilities, he finally became a Knights of Apocalypse, using his training as a crime fighter and his military expertise to track down the elusive foes of the city. Moon Psyche had sent him after Bear Cat and the Hunters of Apocalypse, with specific orders to locate as many as he could. Blue N Gold, aside from being able to get the job done, had gathered such an array of contacts from all walks of life in the city, that he was the perfect choice, and was now proving it once again.
That was fast. Replied Moon Psyche to the tracker
I had nothing to do with it sir, I just followed a hunch when I heard about an unknown super-powered being involved in a deadly accident, here in Brickstown, with a city bus. Replied the blaster, as he eyed a nurse passing by in the hospital corridor. She looked over her shoulder and flashed him a smile. He smiled back, once more certain that he still had it with the ladies. Although, the fact that he was dressed in hospital garbs and wearing a fake doctor ID might have helped the matter, he dismissed the thought entirely.
Do you have him in custody? Asked Moon Psyche, as he got up and grabbed his fedora hat.
No sir, the police does. Replied the energy blaster.
Thats a problem, I will try and get him transferred to our care. In the meantime, I want you to keep a close eye on him, if he attempts to flee, stop him. Said Moon Psyche as he hung up the phone and headed for Cavaliers office. Having the head of the ECPC in your super group always had its perks, one of those being that Cavalier could request on his authority that any prisoner or suspect, be relinquished to Apocalypse for questioning on matter of city security. Approaching the famous scrapper office door, he heard a loud and muffled snoring coming from the inside. Stopping short, he knocked on the door gently, and waited for cavalier to wake up. A few second passed, and the snoring remained constant. Moon Psyche then knocked loudly on the door, with a close fist for good measure, and was satisfied to hear Cavaliers voice asking in a childish tone:
Mommy?
Then in a manlier manner:
What is it?
Moon opened the door and walked in the office, surprised at the tidiness of it, for a change.
Cymbaline did some cleaning again? He asked with a knowing smile on his face, remembering the first time she had done so.
Shaddup. Replied a grumbling Cavalier, as he was sitting up on the old leather couch.
Your head tracker has located Bear Cat, in Brickstown, under police custody. Said Moon, hoping Cavalier would understand right away what was needed of him, and he did.
Oh, I see. Let me make a few phone calls to fix this. Are you going there yourself, to take charge of him right away, or are we sending someone else over? Asked Cavalier as he got up and hit the empty beer bottle that was on the floor, next to the couch.
Im heading there right now, just clear him over to us, and Ill bring him back here. Replied Moon Psyche.
Oh, and Cavalier
Yes?
Dont ever call me mommy again.
Bear Cat, lying in the hospital bed, feeling the throbbing pain racking his body, was looking around at all the faces there. Aside from the doctor and a nurse, two police detectives and seven policemen were standing in the room, looking at him while waiting for the medical staff to be done. Another doctor entered the room, but only stood by the entrance, unnoticed by the others. His eyes were piercing and Bear Cat gathered right away that whatever he was, he was more than a doctor. Maybe a Crey agent?
Im detective Hill from the Paragon PD, whats your name son? Asked an old and gruffy looking man well into his fifties, who took out a badge and showed it to Bear Cat, before putting it away in a casual manner, as if he had done that motion too many times in his life. Bear Cat pondered a few seconds before answering, knowing full well that he couldnt run without hurting some of them, accepting the fact that for now, he was a prisoner by choice.
My name is Bunny, Bugs Bunny. He simply replied as he looked straight ahead at the far wall. One of the policemen chuckled at that, then steeped forward and said :
Listen Mr. Bunny, youre in big trouble right now, and without papers or even a registered ID in the super-powered data bank. You just killed a bus driver and injured a lot of people when you stepped in front of that bus, so start talking now. Why did you stop that bus, what are you doing in the city.
Bear Cat remained quiet, looking at the wall, debating what to do next, then answered:
Canada, I was looking for Canada. I thought it was south.
The policemen who had chuckled at his first remark turned around and looked at the sergeant, then said:
Forget it Hill, lets just send him to the Zig until a judge can sentence him.
Son, you have to help us here. You have to understand that under the circumstances, things are not looking up for you, and unless you cooperate, they wont get any easier. Spoke the old detective as he came to lean closer to Bear Cat, looking him straight in the eyes, and seeing no emotions.
I have to right remain silent, anything I say can, and will be held against me in a court of law. I have the right to an attorney, and if I cant afford one, one will be provided for me. I understand these rights as I have just stated them to you. I am now under arrest. Bear Cat then looked ahead once more, with no intention of speaking one more word.
Well, you had your phone call, and we gave you a chance. But seeing how you dont want to help yourself, you are right. You are now under arrest. The old detective stepped back a few steps and looked at one of the policemen.
Cuff him and read him is right.
Bear Cat listened as the policemen did his work, but remained icy and still. He knew it would have been too easy to simply break their arms and necks, then escape to disappear into the city. But the rules of engagement he had been enforcing prevented him to do so. His only hope remained with the phone call he had made, the only help he could get from walking away clean rested in the hands of the lawyer he had contacted. After all, if the firm could handle WinterTechs legal problems, they could handle his situation. It was the first time since the Hunters of Apocalypse's existence, any of its operatives had used that phone number. The card had been given to all of its members in case of trouble, no one but Bear Cat knew who had passed it on in the first place. And he knew that if he revealed the identity of that person, the shockwave of that revelation would cripple an entire super group for a long time. So, he remained quiet, keeping his secrets to himself, while waiting patiently for someone to show up and get him out of here.
The cellular phone of detective Hill then rang, and he answered promptly.
This is Hill
Yes sir?... I understand sir, but
But sir, he refuses to
Yes, sir. Then he hung up, in a frustrated manner he turned around and looked at Bear Cat.
If you thought you were in big trouble before, think again Mr. Bunny. The Riders of Apocalypse have just taken custody of you.
The problem with Mr. Bunny : part 2
Meanwhile, back at the Apocalypse HQ, Cymbaline had just walked in the lobby. Crossing paths with Moon Psyche, she flashed him a smile, while he commented on her lack of proper attire, for the humpthieth time. She had come in wearing a pair of tight jeans shorts and a white t-shirt, her hair loose, she looked more like a wet t-shirt contestant than a hero. But such was her spirit, free and wild. As she stepped into the elevator, she was greeted by Colette, the head dispatch for the day shift. She listened to her telling about her man problems, all the way up to the 40th floor, and as she stepped out of the elevator, she truly felt for Colette and said:
Men are dogs, girl. Keep them close and they bark, kick them away and they come back whimpering.
Truly annoyed at males in general, and considering her track record also, Cymbaline felt frustrated that men were so predictable and obsessed with sex. Cymbaline walked into the lounge, which she had cleaned no more than two days ago, to find that a tornado had once more turned the place over. Growling deeply, she walked to the coffee machine, and was about to pour a hot cup of mojo, to find a note left by Pro-Pain Tank:
Someone get more coffee please.
Slamming the glass container on the counter, she walked out of the lounge angry that men always relied on someone else to do the dirty jobs. They are big pictures people, Xanthion would say, and sometimes forget about the little things like buying coffee or cleaning up after themselves.
Speaking of which, she thought to herself, I wonder what Cavalier wanted with me this morning.
Walking along the corridor, wondering how and why men were so immature and careless, she could feel the heat of her thoughts building up. Maybe a long swim in the Olympic size pool would calm her down after she talked with Cavalier. Upon reaching his office door, she was stopped short by a muffled conversation coming from the inside.
So long and heavy, I dont think I can handle it, sir. Spoke a female voice, while giggling a little.
Of course you can dear, it wont hurt you, all you need to do is spread your legs like so, and keep it moving. And call me Cavalier please, none of that sir business when we are in private. Replied Cavalier with a certain maleness in his tone, while the woman giggled once more.
But, this thing is so big, I dont know
Went on the woman, and Cymbaline could hear the strain in her voice at this point.
One thing for sure, its not your regular school kids equipment, you have to hold it with a certain respect. He replied, voice quite pleased with his comment. Cymbaline felt the fire build up at that last one.
That
That pig! Cymbaline thought to herself. He was taking advantage of his status as a leader to have his way with a student. She felt the fire inside her build up to a boiling point, anger was taking over her demeanour.
All right, lets give it a try. Spoke the woman in a hushed voice. That was all it took for Cymbaline to roar like a lion and kick open the door with a flare ready to fire in her hands. That pig of a scrapper would learn that one didnt abuse the power one was given.
Cavaliers head snapped towards the door as it crashed open, to see Cymbaline standing there, eyes ablaze and a small fireball in her hands. Icy Heart, who was standing in the middle of the room, holding Cavaliers broad sword at the ready, was so surprised by her entrance, that she let it drop to the floor.
You pig! Screamed Cymbaline as she fired her flare directly for Cavaliers crotch, realizing the moment it left her hand, how mistaken she had been. They had been talking about Cavaliers sword all that time, and he had been explaining to her how to handle it.
Throughout the floor, everyone heard a wailing scream, long and sorrowful coming from Cavaliers office. Soon after, the sprinkler system fired up, and the whole area was washed down by water, soaking everything that wasnt put away. Hair wet and eyes wide opened, Cymbaline kept repeating to Cavalier how sorry she was, while he was cursing the earth she walked on. Icy heart, ever the cool one, was already on the phone calling for a healer.
Nether Spirit who came rushing to scene, turned pale when he saw Cavalier on the floor and caught the scent of burnt hair and flesh. He looked at Cymbaline's flushed face, then at Icy Heart's amused smile, shook his head in disbelief and said:
Im so glad that wasnt me. He simply said while shaking his head in disbelief.
that hurt just reading it
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that hurt just reading it
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It hurt just writing it...
egad!!!
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
FYI and because someone reported this to me, I have made a name typo in the last installment, because the SG player who provided her toon for this has too many alts
Cabaret=Cymbaline
I will try to get this corrected soon....
Sorry bout that!
And thanks for reading guys, it means a lot.