Offices of F.O.R.C.E., City Hall, A.P. (Open RP)

jerichojones · 06-18-2005 12:49 AM

((Hello, and welcome to the offices of F.O.R.C.E., the CoH version of The Dirty Dozen (or Suicide Squad for you whipper-snappers too young to remember the Lee Marvin classic). As heroes, you don't like us quasi-criminal types lurking here, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Please post your thoughts on the general goings on as you observe our operatives in their native habitat. It's a big and busy City hall, so whatever reason you're passing through, always feel free to stop in and poke the animals through the bars.

Where possible please bold any spoken dialogue, while any described in-character actions can be italicised for clarity.

And now... on with the hyjinks. ))

Superhuman Governmental Affairs Briefing, June 18, 2005

The bureaucrat giving the briefing looked like a fat bipedal rat. His suit is rumpled, and has many multi-hued foodstains, which appear completely beyond removal. Hes at least three days unshaven, and his facial hair is growing in patchy, like mange. His teeth are a gently rotting horror, and even from the podium his breath is worse. His black, beady little eyes gleam ferally under his monobrow, and as he speaks he seems to exult in his petty power to hold the attention of a room full of superheroes.

Ahem. Well, I know youll all be pleased. F.O.R.C.E., the Federal Organization for the Reassignment of the Criminal Element, has finally set up an office here in City Hall, Atlas Park. It is precisely the sort of demented left-wing social experiment that drives real heroes like you absolutely crazy, I know. A bunch of hardened, brutal, superpowered criminals taken out of their cages and put to work serving the public good in exchange for pardons, paroles, and opportunities for emotional maturation. Thankfully theres enough right-wing knee-jerk reactionaries in government to make sure F.O.R.C.E. operatives get first crack at the lowest survival potential assignments that can be scraped up. And if there arent any suicide missions available, count on these 'people' being marched to the nearest sewer access to gather evidence for municipal planning strategems; seasonal elevations in total city sewage output, temperature gradients during heavy rains, that sort of menial work to try and keep them a little honest.

He stoped to drink from the styrofoam cup of coffee he brought with him. Nearly half of it makes it past his lips, the rest joins the nutritional value of the once-white, now gray-beige dress-shirt the little rodent picked out of the laundry hamper this morning.

Listen, I know how you must feel about this. Felons on the streets, doing your job? You gotta hate that. I understand. But listen. Dont worry. I know a guy in the mayors office. Theres a lot of pressure to do something about all these gang problems around the city. These F.O.R.C.E. idiots are just meat for the grinder until we can get things back under control. If you see them out on a mission or something, just ignore them.

The rodent looked furtively toward the door, then back to his briefing group. He walked around his podium and moved to confidential distance to his listeners. His words hissed out of his mouth like water gurgling down a gutter to a storm drain.

As a matter of fact, you can ignore them whenever its convenient. Like say, you see one or two in trouble out on the street. You have better things to do than to babysit scum like these guys, right? Or if they talk to you. You dont need that sort of aggravation, do you? Just inform your superiors, or theirs if they have any, that whatever member was getting on your nerves was threatening you. Or citizens. Or was talking about breaking their parole. Whatever. Its not like anyone would believe them over you, right?

The bureacrat straightened up, adjusted his greasy tie, and returned to his podium.

So, ah, thats it. F.O.R.C.E. operatives will be in and out of this office for the time being. You can identify them by their black and white uniform coloring, and the circled-star device, which is their symbol. Their official title, I am informed, will be Inmate. Their Commander is named, ah, Powerfrost. His title will be, ah, Warden. We will post a full roster as soon as it is available. Keep your eyes open and be sure to say hello when you see these people out on the streets. Thank you, and good day.

None of the assembled heroes moved. The rodents nose seemed to twitch, sensing sudden danger.

Whats the matter? Something wrong?

A blonde man with Nordic cheekbones rose from one of the front seats. His armor was impeccably neat and shiningly polished. His blue eyes sparkled behind dark sunglasses.

Apologies, mein herr. Zerr hass ben zum confusion, ja? I am Wille Der Macht, Oberlieutenant to Herr Powerfrost, who vas delayed in court today. Za rest of zis room, we are der current roster of F.O.R.C.E., nicht war? Der idiots fur der grinder, ja?

The rodent went from looking merely ill to corpse-like pallor.

Oh. Well. Im sorry. I didnt realize

A tall man with red skin and small horns jutting from above his eyebrows stood and walked up to the man, seizing the bureaucrat by his slimy lapels.

Mornin sweetie. My names Handsome Devil. You can either shut your yapper and leave now, or me and the boys from cellblock b will show you what extended solitary confinement is like by removing all of your sensory organs.

The stench coming off the man grew suddenly thicker as his bladder let go. At the same time the door to the room opened, and an icy wind gusted in ahead of a floating, robotic-looking man in grey and crystal blue armor.

What are you doing, Devil?

The horned scrapper swung the briefer around like a toy, grinning like a lunatic.

Nothing, Massa Powerfros. Just straightening the cookie- pushers tie. I think he had an accident. Too much coffee before show an' tell.

The Warden was not amused.

Handsome, Im going to take you back to the zig someday and bury you in the yard. Now get rid of your friend. Weve got work to do, and no time for your stupid games.

The Devil dragged the man to the door yanking it open, and tossing him out across the hall into the opposite wall. He smiled down at the bureaucrat warmly.

Thanks for dropping by, sugar. Im sure well talk again soon.

His grin became icy.

Count on it.

The door slammed shut, and the rodent slowly picked himself up and moved, quivering and shaking, toward the nearby mens room.

jerichojones · 06-18-2005 10:51 PM

Handsome Devil walked back into the office, trying not to wipe his hands on his blinding white armani jacket. He grabbed a chair, plopped down behind a desk, and propped his bare red feet up on its blotter.

Can you believe that little weasel?

At the front of the room, Powerfrost crossed his arms.

Devil, the next time I see you lay hands on a citizen, you'll be on your way back to the Zig.

What? That? That's nothing! Listen mein Furher...

That was assault, Devil. And that cute little toss into the wall across the hallway, that's battery. You want to spend the rest of your existence in a ten by twelve foot room complete with bread and water roomservice three times a day, I can arrange it.

Handsome opened his mouth to retort, then shut it with a snap. He rolled his eyes, but offered nothing else. Powerfrost resumed speaking.

The rest of you, pay attention. You're on thin ice already, or you wouldn't be here. Your assignments are up here. Check with the indicated contacts for missions. Folks without assignments do street patrol. You'll be expected to report to at several checkpoints over the course of your shift. Dark Proton, you have task force duty today. Positron. Report to him in Skyway after briefing. Got a bunch of new heroes looking to get broken in. Everyone else, do your jobs, and stay out of trouble.

Slowly the room emptied, Handsome Devil lingering the longest, rolling his eyes again and snorting when he picked up his assignment: Atlas Park Street Patrol. Finally the door closed, leaving Powerfrost and Wille Der Macht by themselves.

How big a threat do you think Handsome actually is?

Powerfrost never ceased to marvel at how the blonde German was able to control his accent. Now it was almost unnoticeable. But when Wille wanted to, it could be was meatier than a bavarian sausage.

A threat? Middlin' maybe. He talks alot bigger than he actually is. But as a potential problem and grievance, he's awfully close to the front of the class. Most of the folks here, they're here working on a pardon, or redemption, or restoration of honor, or absolution for something. Others are just hiding out from their former associates. Devil, he's here because he fits the 'disposable hero' profile so well.

He wants to die?

No no no. The Devil was looking at the death sentence for drugs, extortion and multiple homicides. He turned state's evidence on everyone he'd ever worked with to get life imprisoment without parole. There's no pardon in the works for him. We'll never let him go, and he knows it. That every criminal organization in P-City wants his head to mount over their mantle is a joke to him. Everyone else in FORCE wants something from us, something we can give them. Devil, he doesn't want anything, except a chance to get out and lay down some hurt on people. That's not alot of leverage to have on a guy like him.

Perhaps he should be sent back to the Zig then. Is it worth the risk?

Powerfrost stood and stared at the door for a long time before answering.

We can't send him back. I know, I know. I threaten him about it all the time. But word from the top is that Handsome Devil is to remain active in F.O.R.C.E. 'until such time his employment as an operative is terminated by non-legal methods'.

Someone wants him to die out here, mein herr? Thats very interesting.

'Interesting' my gluteal armor plate. That's why I have him nabbing purse snatchers in A.P.: Hopefully it'll keep him out of harm's way until we can get a better idea of who's pulling the strings on this.

Powerfrost walked to his cubicle, sat down, and booted up his computer.

Now if you don't mind, Mr. Macht, I have paperwork to do that will save Paragon City from imminent invasion by magic pygmy rabbits or some such. Get out there and do a patrol or something.

Wille clicked his heels together and snapped off a miliary salute

Jawhol, mein Herr. I go to save the world.

The Warden watched the German Inmate leave. He smiled as he started up the appropriate program, and began to defend democracy and freedom one freecell game at a time.

Twilight_Spider · 06-25-2005 11:05 AM

Geist Sentinel watched intently as the large German exited the room, then adjusted his position from the corner of the room to get a clear sight of Powerfrost's computer. Geist had been cloaked and present for the entire meeting earlier and for the private conversation about devil. He stood silent and stoic disappointed that there was no usable information on the computer screen, just a game of freecell.

Geist's organization S.C.I.O.N gave no urgent reason for him to go on this intelligence mission, but Geist had an idea. Recently he has learned of S.C.I.O.N's true intentions in the realm of crime fighting and has began keeping tabs on them.

He was orginally introduced to the organization by Riot Sentinel after Geist starting moolighting as rifle carrying vigilante following some rather tragic events.The organization provided him with the armor he wears known officially as a tactical shell and trained him. One would think that the armor's purpose was to protect, but protection is sidelined in the shell project. The suit pushes the wearer to their limits and beyond making stronger and pushing them pass the limits of normal human physiology while constantly tearing at their mind. It seems they wanted to make mindless super soldiers but underestimated the power of human will.

Geist's mind survived the torture and his body has become abnormally powerful, he wears the armor symbolically now because thats how the citizens know him. He realizes that SCION suspects that he is not as loyal as he seems,and that the organization also fears that regular citizens may not be right for the shell project and most likely wants to merge with F.O.R.C.E to use their members as cannon fodder for their experiments believing criminals would make better mindless soldiers and have weaker wills.

Geist refuses to let that happen and plans to invisibly sabotage any S.C.I.O.N operatives approaching F.O.R.C.E. members and distorting the F.O.R.C.E information he is gathering. He can't let S.C.I.O.N get any stronger before he has a chance to take it down himself. Quietly Geist settles down for a long intelligence session preparing himself to be a ghost among these halls.

jerichojones · 06-29-2005 03:29 PM

Handsome Devil poked his head back in through the office door. The Popsicle and Seargent Schultz had left, but it was always good to be cautious. Except when it wasnt. He slipped in, relocking and closing the door as he hopped across the room to the computer terminal. No password on the screensaver. Amateur.

The Devil quickly scanned the desktop files. Nothing interesting, except the folder named Private and Top Secret: Operatives. Either Lee Marvin was trolling for snoopers, or he was as dumb as he looked. The horned scrapper ignored the files and rapidly gained internet access through the desktop machine.

Security was a joke. So typical for civic employee workstations.

Moments later the machine was busy downloading files from several websites. Most involved animals, fecal matter, and wink-wink special package tours of several pacific rim countries. A few were more obscure, sites with links to international terrorist organizations, assorted hate literature, and scenic locations like Rwanda, Treblinka, Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, and The Calgary Stampede. Pure carnage, thought the Devil.

Handsomes fingers whirred over the keys, sending the downloads to obscure, seldom used files throughout the huge P-City Civic datafile storage system.

Sooner or later someone is going to kick over one of these. Wont the Popsicle be amused then?

Keys jangled outside the door.

The Devil closed out the internet access and hid all of the pending downloads. Then he jumped up on the desk, turned his back to the door, and whipped his pants to his ankles in a fluid motion. Then he squatted down and started making gutteral grunting noises.

Handsome Devil! thundered Powerfrost, staring directly into the unruly scrappers bright red posterior. What the hell do you think youre doing?

The Devil looked shyly over his shoulder at his commander. I was leaving you a present on your keyboard. But you came back and ruined the moment.

He hopped to the floor, pulling his pants up as he did so.

Sorry if it smells a bit funky in here. He grinned. Did a few practice runs to warm up for the main event. Dont worry. Ill get you later.

The warden was fuming. Get. Out. Now.

Handsome Devil looked hurt. What? No threats to throw my punk-[censored] back in jail? Frosty, Im crushed.

The next thing the Devil knew, he was crashing through the brand new door to the FORCE offices, across the hall, and into the wall he so recently had bounced the snivelling weasel briefer off of.

Powerfrost stood in the doorway. The door is coming out of your allowance. Now run along little man, before I spank that little red bottom of yours blue.

The Devil gave a forced smile, picked himself up, deliberately brushed himself off, and sauntered out the doors of City Hall.

Suraht_Arromin · 07-04-2005 02:12 AM

((Apologies to Handsome Devil and Powerfrost if I've pegged their characters wrong))

Happy sat on a small bench outside the office belonging to Powerfrost. The armed guard standing across the hall from him didn't move, but Happy chuckled a bit, knowing the fire retardant underlay the guard was given to wear had to be making every single inch of the guy's flesh itch like crazy. Yes, he knew that the guard was probably scared to death just to be there doing his job, but still, he'd been a hero, dammit! He shouldn't be sitting here, babysat, until this so called Director could see him, he should be out saving the city. However, thanks to the Crey Corporation, he was mentally unstable, a fact that the burned out husks of two apartment complexes and one no longer servicable fire engine could attest to.

"So, they ever get those pay raises in for you like the mayor promised when he was campaigning?" Happy tried again to initiate some conversation, only once again to have to listen to the sound of the guard's breathing echo inside his face shield. Hell, the guard could have been asleep this past hour for all he knew, he hadn't sneezed, coughed, talked, or so much as cracked his neck. Then, the alarm affixed to Happy's wrist went off, and before Happy could register it, the guard had the tranq pistol aimed at his neck.

"Pills. Now." The first words the guard had uttered.

Happy sighed a bit as he slowly reached for the medicine box that hung on a chain around his neck. "Stress kills, man. Relax, you'll live longer." He snapped open a compartment and tilted a half-dozen pills, all different sizes and colors, into his hand, and looked around for a water fountain, half standing up to crane his neck around and check down the hallway, which earned a noticeable tensing from the guard. Happy shrugged upon not seeing any, and swallowed the pills dry, one at a time. When the last one went down, the guard relaxed, and holstered the weapon, then went back into his stance. "Hey, chuckles, would ya mind at least knocking on the door there for me and making sure that this guy knows we're here? I'd hate to be flattening your arches for nothing." Once again, a stony silence was his only response, and he slumped against the wall to meditate.

A quarter of an hour later or so, the door finally opened, and Devil sauntered out, blew a kiss back through the doorway, and laughed. "Just name the time and place, frosty, and I'll be there with bells on and a tube of KY." He looked over at the figure on the bench and his guard, and grinned broadly.

"OOOooooh, hey, pops! I think our new resident schitzophrenic is here. He quickly sat down on the bench next to Happy, put an arm around him, and leaned in to whisper in his ear, paying no mind to the sudden shouts of the guard and the tranq gun pointed at him. "Hey, whoever's trapped in there, I'd love to meet you when the next time you show up. We can turn this place into Rome...I'll bring the fiddle, and you can bring the fire. I'll even show up in a toga."

Devil snickered at Happy's scowl as he quickly hopped off of the bench and started walking down the hall, just before Powerfrost managed to get to the door and see what the horned menace had done now. "I'll be seeing you around, my happy little flamer. Make sure he bunks with me, ice cube...I'll take good care of him." Devil called out over his shoulder. Powerfrost sighed at Devil's back, and looked over to the guard. "This Montgomery?" he asked with a jerk of his head in the direction of the benched figure.

The guard nodded, and handed over a briefcase, the tranq gun, and a sealed manilla folder. "In accordance with the ruling of court case number 2347J-2B, I am hereby authorized to transfer this prisoner into your custody. Also in accordance with court case number...."

The guard droned on for a while, and Happy meditated again until the full list of verbal warnings had been passed on, and Powerfrost tapped him on the shoulder to snap him out of it. "Cmon, Jake. Time for your one on one." Happy blinked his eyes, stood up, and entered the office. Powerfrost closed and locked the door behind them, and motioned to a folding chair in front of the desk, then walked back to his own chair and sat down, placing the briefcase and folder in front of him. Happy walked over to the folding chair and sat down.

"So, let's take a look at what I've got here." Powerfrost opened the briefcase and pulled out a thick folder marked with the Hero Corps insignia, and another thinner folder with the Zigguraut's markings on it's tab, and opened the Hero Corps folder. "Hmm. Most of Striga thinks, or thought, of you as a savior...you infiltrated the Council Base...you wreaked havoc with the Freakshow organization...you managed to help take down the Clockwork King...you helped to keep Anti-Matter out of this world...and you even managed to walk into a Council setup and singlehandedly drag Maestro out of there kicking and screaming. Impressive. It's also the only reason you're not hooked up to a permanent Thorazine IV and rotting away in the mental ward in the Zig right now. It seems some of the real heros saw fit to make sure you get a shot at fixing yourself. Next time you get to go on patrol, make sure you stop and thank Sister Psyche."

"Now, there are quite a few holes in the information they've given me, and we're going to have a nice, civilized chat about your past, and fill in those holes. Understood?"

Happy gritted his teeth and nodded slowly. This was going to be a long, long, long road to recovery.

Target_0 · 07-05-2005 01:42 PM

F.O.R.C.E. Eyes only: Psych Eval Transcript

((Posted on Champion; should have posted this here, but didn't think to look for this thread))

Suraht_Arromin · 07-11-2005 03:48 AM

Powerfrost opened up a legal pad and jotted down a few lines, then looked back up at happy. "Okay, Jake. Let's start with some medical background. The boys over at Chiron couldn't make heads or tails out of any tests they ran on you...bloodwork came back inconclusive, blood pressure readings that tell me you're a hummingbird, and, well, let's just say that some of the lab rats thought you were from Betelguese. The only thing that kept you out of the hands of the CIA was the knowledge that Crey had their hands on you, and we've seen some strange things they've done to people. What do you know about what they did to you?"

Happy leaned forward in his chair and scratched his chin. "I don't really know the full extent of it all...Crey didn't bother to let me know what they were going to do to me before they did it, and really didn't have time to brief me after. However, the guy who broke me outta there, he managed to raid their comps while he was busting up the place, and after I'd recovered enough to where the hospital let me have visitors, he came and paid me a visit. Nice guy, at least I thought so then, before I found out he'd screwed up and left me with my friend." Happy punctuated the last two words with taps to his temple.
"Anyhoo, he said that while he couldn't give me the files, he told he what he got to read. He told me that Crey had managed to replace some "non-vital" organs in me with some new prototypes their biochem labs had cooked up. Some of these new prototypes, from what he could tell, were designed to pump something in my blood to make it flammable, or something like that, while others were used to filter whatever it was out before it hit areas that couldn't take it. Sorry if this doesn't help much, but most of what the guy told me went over my head, and I wasn't in much of a state to really ask him to dumb it down for me."

Powerfrost kept writing in the tablet while he glanced up to look at Happy. "Maybe if I talked to this guy, he could give me a better description. Who was it?"

Happy shook his head. "Sorry man, I didn't really catch his name. Like I said, I was just starting to be able to take on visitors, and the high amounts of pain meds I was on left the whole conversation foggy. I think he called himself the sewer rat or something, but like I said, can't be sure. About the only thing I remember clearly is the blue skin and white outfit."

Powerfrost nodded. "Okay, fair enough...I can find out later. So, what else about what Crey did to you do you know?"

"Hmmmmmm....well, that's about all I really know. I do know that the end result is that my sweat and the oil on my skin both act like fuel for my fire. I know that whenever I need my fire, I just have to think about it for a second, and poof, it shows up. I don't know what Crey put in me to make my thoughts turn on the burner, but it works. Of course, I have to be real careful around open flames...I have caught fire before just by walking near a gas stove burner that was turned on."

"Oh yeah, something else about this "fantastic" setup. My metabolism is through the roof, and I was going through over 15000 calories a day whenever I went out on patrol. Whatever my body does to keep the fires stoked, it takes a lot of energy to do it. I learned that lesson the hard way, the first time I ran a patrol route and dropped from fatigue in the middle of a Skull hideout. However, I always had a spare bottle of everclear on hand afterward, and that got me through when I hadn't eaten enough."

Powerfrost quirked a brow and stopped writing to look up. "You mean that when you were about to drop, you decided to get drunk to finish a mission?"

Happy chuckled and shook his head. "I wish. There were a lot of times I wish I could have gotten drunk, put off the pain for a few hours. However, Crey, in whatever wisdom they subscribe to, decided that I needed to be able to process alcohol for a personal fuel source. Now, when I drink anything alcoholic, all the alcohol is redirected to whatever organ Crey made a refinery, and within a half hour, my fuel tank is full. The best theory anyone could come up with for why would be for me to attend a rival corporation's party where the rival has several of it's top brass in attendance, where I spend the better part of two hours hitting up the bar, and then engaging in my version of a hostile takeover. Other than that, it would have been just a fast way to refuel on a long assignement."

"Okay, Happy. I'll go look up this Sewer Rat you mentioned, maybe he'll have more information. Now, why did Crey pick you for this?"

Happy shrugged. "Ya got me, chief. It's not like Crey Corp hands out detailed lists of their prerequisites for their little experiments. The only thing I can guess is I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and looked too close where I shouldn't have."

"Well then, tell me about how you came into contact with Crey."

Happy bobbed his head from side to side in contemplation for a moment, then turned his attention back to Powerfrost. "Yeah, okay. I don't know how much it'll help, but here goes. Before I worked for Crey, I was a firefighter."

"Hold on just a second." Powerfrost flipped through the dossier Hero Corps had put together, scratched his head, and then looked through it again. "I've got nothing here on you being a firefighter. Why isn't this in your records?"

Happy shrugged again. "Dunno. I was stationed out in Steel Canyon in the couple of months before Crey hired me. While I was out there, we responded to a call to get to a lab that had a chemical explosion of some type. I manged to pull some hotshot scientist out of the building before it collapsed, some guy that was high up in the ranks of the Crey Corp. Next thing I know, I'm getting calls from Crey, asking me if I'd clear some time to help them setup some fire prevention systems and alarms in the new buildings they were constructing, and to act as consultant for fire safety for some new program they were running. Well, the chief gave me the go ahead, and I spent the next couple of months with architects and engineers, pointing out potential hotspots and weak coverage areas, instructing some of their lower echelon on which fire extinguisher to grab when, that sort of thing.

"Before long, they offered me a full time job doing the same thing, at six figures a year. Hell, who'd turn that down? Doing something I was actually good at, and making enough money to retire comfortably before I was 40? All I ever really knew about Crey was that they were the biggest and most solid company around, and the papers extolled how much they gave to charity. Sure, I'd heard the rumors that Crey was involved in some shady stuff, but what massive corporation wasn't?

"So, I took their offer. For a while, it was a pretty decent job. I thought I was actually helping, if nothing else, to keep Crey from burning down a neighborhood by not having top tier fire suppression. I kept noticing that certain places were much more prone to having their sprinklers go off than others, but most inquiries into the schematics of those place was blocked by telling me that those buildings had their own teams, and they were fully aware of the problems, and were working on it.

"However, and this is where it all really falls apart, I was getting some heat, no pun intended, from my old fire chief about one place in particular. Ya see, I was also the liason between Crey and the Fire Department, and I got tired of not being able explain why we weren't making any progress in fixing that particular system. Crey was looking at some noncompliance fines if the problem didn't get solved and fast, so I went over there to see if it was just some faulty wiring.

"Long story even longer, I got over there and used my clearance to gain entrance, and even managed to get to walk around unescorted, but with warnings to not go into doors with unauthorized access signs on them. I look around the authorized parts of the lab, and don't see anything out of place...the sirens in this part haven't even fired off since the last drill. So, I go into the control room and find the alarm that's been driving everyone crazy is in one of the cordoned off areas, and then get security to let me in that room, but now I have an escort, and he's got a rifle of some type.

"I get some very terse instructions from the guy to not touch anything in there, as whatever is in there is top secret R&D stuff, and if I breathe a word of anything I see in there, I'll be fined, fired, and put in jail for violating my contract, or something like that.

"So I get in there, and the problem is pretty obvious. One of the wall panels near the Halon system plumbing is loose, and giving the system false temperature readings. Simple problem, simple solution, just get the panel secured in place, so I grab my tools, walk over, and start to take care of it, but notice that there's something behind the panel that's pushing it loose, so I yank the thing off the wall, and come face to face with a halfway formed human...the thing had a nose, eyes, and ears, but the skin looked all white and sticky, like it was just a big membrane or something. I remember getting to stare at it for a second, then everything went black. The next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed, and doctors were telling me I was lucky to be alive, and that they had someone from Hero Corps that wanted to talk to me."

"So, you're telling me that you walked in on the Revanant Hero project, and Crey decided you knew too much and tried to turn you into one of them?"

"In a nutshell."

"Alright. I think that's enough for today." Powerfrost pressed a button on his armband, and shortly thereafter, another heavily armed guard showed up and opened the door. "Jack, could you please take Mr. Montgomery to his room?"

The guard nodded, and motioned the muzzle of his submachine gun in Happy's direction.

"Jake, if you'll accompany him to your new room, I'll have your first assignment ready in a few hours. Now, I have things to get to. Welcome to F.O.R.C.E.."

Ultraamann · 07-12-2005 10:11 AM

Powerfrost sighed and leaned back in his chair as his office door closed. He pressed a stud on his gauntlet and the door sealed itself, full security measures active. He pressed another stud and his metallic second skin shimmered and flowed smoothly into its receptacles in his shoulder units, gauntlets and belt. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and savored the feel of the air on his skin. He scratched his unshaven cheeks, rubbed his eyes, and combed his hand back through his hair.

He stared at the stack of dossiers on his desk. He knew them by rote now. Murderer. Murderer. Thief. Murderer. Assassin. Murderer. Terrorist. Murderer. Arsonist. Murderer. He wondered, not for the first time, how he had ended up here. He opened his bottom desk drawer and took out a small Haliburton case. He set it on the desk and opened it. He took out a series of small mechanical parts, power sources, circuitry, tools. He laid them out in precise order on the desk in front of him. This was what he was meant for. This was what he does. He was a Builder, an Engineer, a Maker.

Doug Matthews glanced over to a small framed picture on the desk, the only personal touch in the spartan office. The picture was old and faded, an image of two boys. One slight and dark haired, the other hulking and blonde. A smile teased at the corner of Powerfrost's lips. Rob before he started to turn gold, before he started to change, hell, before everything changed. Doug had been the golden child, genius, prodigy. The picture was his 12th birthday, just before he'd started at CalTech. Rob started changing after that, becoming a true golden child, starting down the path that would change both their lives. Doug remembered watching his little brother crush a kidnapper's van on national TV, and the furor that resulted from the "great golden man". He'd known then that his life would never again be what it once was.

He set the dossiers aside. Such potential there. Such wasted lives. Some were simply lost, some misguided, and some deserved far worse than they were getting. Doug sighed deeply as named and faces flashed before his eyes. The worst part was that he found himself liking them, despite what they were. And that was a very dangerous road to start down. He knew what he'd be asked to ask of them, and knew the bloody fates that awaited some of them.

He stared down at the parts in front of him. He closed his eyes, letting his fingers move over them. If only everything were this easy. If only everything were a simple matter of understanding, building, and fixing. His fingers moved of their own accord, attaching parts to each other in ordered fashion. His thoughts wandered to the data files he'd stolen from the Crey Industries lab he'd been held in those many months ago. There was a pattern there, an answer. He could feel it, could taste it. He let his mind sift through the data as his hands worked on their own. Invoices, requisitions, secret accounts, memos, meetings between Crey, Council, Family, Tsoo. An hour passed, then two.

His eyes popped open as his fingers snapped the last part into place. He saw it now, saw what was next. He stood up, aiming the Cryo Pistol he'd just built from memory at his desk. A bright flash and a burst of cold, and his desk stood encased in a block of ice. He pressed the stud on his gauntlet again, and felt the familiar chilling embrace of his metallic skin. He powered up his Energy Transfer, drawing all the armor's might into his right gauntlet. He drove it down hard, shattering the frozen desk and dossiers into shards and fragments.

Powerfrost pressed the comm stud on his gauntlet. "Ms. McGrath, get me Wille zur Macht, Dark Proton, Everydaymouse, and Sharei. Call Gordon Stacy and tell him to be awaiting our arrival. Oh, and get me a new desk too. This one's broken."

�Life's hard. It's even harder when you're stupid.� ― John Wayne

�Just think of how stupid the average person is, and then realize half of them are even stupider!� - George Carlin

jerichojones · 07-12-2005 12:18 PM

Handsome Devil watched the street silently from the top of the building. He was in Talos Island, not Atlas as Powerfrost had instructed, but there were ten thousand teeny-tiny heroes there, all apparently convinced he was there to give them money, or fight crime with them.

Absently the Devil listened to the FORCE communications band. The more he listened, the deeper the sneer he always seemed to have inside his head became. For a bunch of hardcase criminals, FORCE smelled alot like kitty.

Al was okay. A punk kid who thought she was six different flavours of mean, but still, better than most. At least she didnt just turn up her nose when he said something suitably tactless. Shed handled the loofa-tongue thing a lot better than hed thought. And she always wanted to kick him in the crotch, so she wasnt completely stupid.

The rest? Well, there was no question they kicked a lot of tail. They worked together well as a team, watched out for each other when they were on the job together.

The Devil smiled as some Tsoo sorcerer struggled to steal some ninety pound ladys purse. Of course, Handsome was hardly interested in FORCE when they were working. Each member came from someplace hard and nasty, which made making shiny-happy new friends much harder. You could feel the cold places between group members when they were sitting around the office, talking to their councillors, or in transit back to the Zig.

It was easy to be brothers and sisters out when people were non-discriminatorily trying to kill you. It was tougher when theres nothing but abrasive, semi-paranoid personality to put on display.

The Devil went over the list in his head. People to openly smash, people to openly support, people to secretly slander, people to secretly manipulate. Everyones on the list somewhere.

Finally a hero with a big gun snuck up behind the sorcerer and blew him out of his coolie hat. The civilian practically fell at the supercheezes feet thanking him, giving him money. The Devil narrowed his eyes, tapped the hilt of his weapon. Gratitude. Who needs that?

Captain Do-Gooder zipped off at superspeed. Moments later the horned scrapper sprang suddenly from his perch, bored of just sitting. He headed south, toward Founders. A couple more hours and his patrol would be over. FORCE members continued to burble from the earpiece. The Devil smiled as he travelled, reviewing his mental lists, plotting and planning.

jerichojones · 07-14-2005 02:54 PM

Powerfrost opened the green door hard enough to splinter the frame.

Raindance broke off in mid-word. Allegro, Handsome Devil, and Lazerwolf looked over from their make-up chairs. Dark Proton and Ruined One simply glanced up from their seats on the leather couch.

Raindance. As the ice tank spoke tightly, mist began pluming from his mouth and the white ceiling tiles became rymed with frost. I need a word.

The Huron Indian womans eyes slitted at the tone, but she nodded. Everyone out while mommy and daddy have a discussion.

The FORCE members all stood, some grinning, some not, as they quietly filed out the door. Well just be down the hall powdering our noses. Mom. called the Devil as he exited.

The Warden turned to the Public Relations Coordinator when they were gone. What the hell do you think youre doing?

My job, chief. Same as you. She fired back. Putting FORCE together required the expenditure of a great deal of political capital. Our supporters are now at a bit of a disadvantage when dealing with their critics because no returns on their investment have been tabulated yet. This meeting will validate their continued confidence in us, until something more tangible, a successful task force or the like, can be presented for public consumption.

A press conference? Without my knowledge? he demanded.

Raindance walked right up to Powerfrosts chest, tapping his sternum armor. First of all, Chief, lets get one thing straight: Im not one of your prisoners. Ive paid my debt to society, and am currently employed by the exact same government agency you are. I am not your subordinate, your flunky, Gal Friday, or secretary. We are co-workers, and we deal with the same group of business assets in two completely different fields. You job is to make sure theyre out there hurting the right criminals. My job is to make sure the general public sees these degenerate scumbags as legitimate heroes. Since this assignment has nothing at all to do with throwing people in jail, it is under my sphere of influence, and is therefore none of your damn business.

The tank bit his tongue. He was no politician, but dammit, FORCE members were his people, werent they?

In the future, he managed, as a matter of professionsional courtesy, and to ensure maximum safety for both FORCE personnel and the general public, I would like to be informed of any PR events which would require participation of our people.

The Indian warrior backed off a step. Fine.

Powerfrost took a deep breath. And while were at it, maybe you can explain why exactly youve chosen the people you have? Allegro, Proton, and Lazerwolf I can understand. But for the love, Ruined One and Handsome Devil? What the hell are you thinking?

A little further ahead than you apparently are. She was calming down now, in the zone, in her element. Time to teach this stupid man a thing or two. My job revolves around statistics, percentages, and public opinion. All of which can be extremely fluid and subject to manipulation. Statistically, some of our operatives will be unable to consistently function in a stable fashion. These operatives present a tangible danger to continued viability for the rest of the entire group.

If you think Ruined and the Devil are the most likely to foul things up, Powerfrost broke in, why are you

Given the standing psychological reviews of all FORCE operatives, Raindance interrupted back. I think we can safely say that Happy Pholistigon and Geomorphic are the two individuals most likely to foul things up. However, both of these individuals have well documented ongoing mental illnesses. Making them unsuitable for what I have in mind. On the other hand, both Ruined and Handsome Devil are lucid psychopaths, meaning they are not prone to irrational impulses or strange compulsions. They are capable of forming criminal intent, or not, as they choose.

There was a sound outside the door. The Warden moved smoothly to it, but found no one lurking in the hall outside. He returned to Raindance. So why are they part of your press junket?

Raindance sighed as she moved in for the kill. Because when it suits them they are well-spoken, charismatic, and they look great on television. Because while Allegro Lazer, Proton and myself represent the positive elements of a rehabilitive program of this nature, they represent the other side of FORCE demographics: hardened, unrepentant criminals who, most importantly, are still serving the law. If we put a bunch of shiny, happy go-getter types out there in front of the press, theyll know were hiding something. You try to sit on someone like Handsome Devil, hell find a way to embarrass us in front of a camera somewhere else. And if worst comes to worst, itll make it easier to distance ourselves from them.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Rain gritted her teeth. Men are so stupid, she thought. If something goes wrong and Ruined or the Devil screws up bad, we make a point of punishing them. Two high-profile FORCE operatives being processed without preferential treatment by the justice system could mean the difference between an improvement in public credibility for our impartiality, and a lynch mob forming outside our offices if they feel were covering up inappropriate actions of two convicted killers.

Powerfrost pulled away from her. Youre setting them up to be scapegoats.

Hardly. She snarled back. Im taking steps to minimize the damage they can do. You want to risk the rehabilitations of all the people hoping to better themselves on the good behavior of those two walking trainwrecks? As long as they behave themselves, they have nothing to worry about. When they do, were ready to spin it so the rest of the program continues on unaffected.

The ice tanker breathed deeply. He hated this sort of backroom wrangling. It feels like were selling them out, Rain.

How quaintly naïve, she thought. Its insurance for the program, and the individuals who would be lost without it. Now, I have about two minutes before the cameras roll and the questions start. Since youre here, it would be nice to have you on hand to discuss field considerations and related topics.

She walked briskly out the door, followed by an increasingly unhappy Powerfrost.

Seconds after they were gone, one of the large ceiling tiles shifted, retracted. Two men, one dark, the other brightly colored, dropped neatly from the hole.

I told you that would work. At least it did in every teen comedy done during the eighties. whispered Handsome Devil.

They are planning for us to fail. I will consume their souls for that. growled the Ruined One.

Handsome shrugged as he walked to the door, quickly checking the hallway. Just being practical, really. I mean, from this whole group of supercheezes, who would you pick to damage the program bad enough to send us all back into the slam?

You think we should do nothing? Ruined actually sounded a bit surprised. I had not thought you a coward.

The Devil turned back to his fellow felon, grinning. Listen Count Chocula, I never said anything about letting this go. And if you think a minute, Pocahontass plan was for high-profile FORCE members to take the fall for the team if something went bad.

So?

The grin got even wider. So whos higher profile than the FORCE head of public relations? Then he darted out of the room toward the area where the journalists were gathering.

Ruineds lips retracted in a way that was weirdly, not-quite-but-almost nothing like a human smile.

Target_0 · 07-14-2005 06:03 PM

SEEDS OF RUINATION

Powerfrost was startled to attention by a knock at the door. How long had he been staring blankly at his terminal? Fifteen minutes, or an hour? He grunted as he rubbed his eyes and barked "It's open!"

The door opened sharply and swiftly as Wille Zur Macht strode into the room, then snapped shut decisively behind him.

"Director," Wille nodded in greeting as he looked over his superior, "Are you sure you want me to interupt you fun?"

"If I had any more fun, I'd kill myself." Powerfrost motioned to the chair in front of his desk, but Wille shook his head.

"Nein, If I remain standing this will go much quicker and you won't keep me as long, then you can finally depart from this damnable office at a reasonable hour for a change."

"You know that won't work," Powerfrost replied as he leaned back in his chair, "But I appreciate the sentiment. This project started well, but this next wave of candidates ... there's a lot of potential, and a lot of potential damage."

After a moment passed, Wille began again: "You wished to discuss something in specific ... ?" Wille inquired. "Or perhaps, someone in specific?"

Powerfrost leaned forward again "Who would you say is the highest risk candidate?"

"Raindance" Wille replied immmediately and without hesitation.

"Ra-..." Powerfrost began with his mouth agape, working soundlessly for a few seconds. "Raindance?!" Wille simply nodded. "OK," Powerfrost admitted, "now you've piqued my curiousity. Please, go on ... "

"You disciplined her recently." Not a question.

"Ah. Yes. Look, I give the same speech to everyone here who butts head with our resident butthead," Powerfrost sighed, "The Devil's a manipulator who ..."

"Director..."

Powerfrost stopped. "Fair enough. You have the floor. Monosyllabic answers from me."

"I would strongly advise against disciplining her on front of the others." Wille continued. "Incidents like that will poison her, and set her against us. And individuals like Handsome Devil will make it a point to have such incidents reoccur as often as possible."

Powerfrost closed his eyes and nodded, but Wille continued. "At the same time, showing favoritist treatment to a trustee like Raindance will sour the other candidates on their perceived chance at redemption."

Powerfrost couldn't help but laugh and smile. "You love playing devil's advocate," he said, quickly followed by "No pun inteded."

"Of course," Wille smirked in return, "and I'm well aware of your opinion on Devil being a 'Lifer' here." At this, his smirk dropped. "Sadly I must agree."

"Point taken," Powerfrost noted. "But you'll understand that I must point out you're quite the manipulator yourself. You know what I meant when I asked my question," Wille gave a hint of a weary smile as Powerfrost stared at him flatly. "Now that you've gotten that off your chest, can you answer the spirit of my question?"

Wille frowned, gave a resigned sigh and pulled back the guest chair as he sat himself in it. "There is quite a range of remarkable 'talents', shall we say? Handsome Devil is quite clearly a threat and makes no attempts to hide it. It's for that reason he is kept under the strictest surveilance. Others like Lazerwolf, GeoSynch, or HappyPhlogiston, have histories of unpredictable psychotic episodes. We've had some progress with counselling and medication, but they..."

"My turn to interupt," Powerfrost interjected. "Stop dancing around the subject and let's talk, Wille."

"Ja," Wille replied. "Yes," he then corrected himself. "You know the saying about 'the quiet ones'?"

"Is that akin to 'The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Grease', only in reverse?"

Wille considered for a moment. "I suppose it is, a little," he admitted. "From my upbringing, though, the phrase is 'The quiet ones are not meant to strike where the enemy is aware, but where they are unaware' ... "

"How very 'warrior-poet'-esque" Powerfrost noted without breaking his stare. Wille simply regarded the Director above the rim of his glasses and leaned in closely. "I sincerely wish you would reconsider my offer to probe..."

"NO!" Powerfrost boomed as he slammed his fist on the table. "Absolutely not! Dammit, Wille! I knew you wouldn't let this go so easily! The Ruined One is off-limits to you, and that's final!" Both men stared at each other across the desk for a moment, Powerfrost choking back outrage as Wille seemed to bite his toungue and attempt to swallow his pride. "I know you've read the files, Wille. You know his history, you know what he's capable of, NeverMind ... "

"Was an amateur. Security level 7 only. I could ... "

"NeverMind is dead, Wille." Powerfrost interupted, then sighed heavily. "I just heard today. His family's lawyers finally succeeded in their case, and they had the Doctors at Crowne Memorial Hospital pull the plug in accordance to his living will. His brain is going to science, while the rest of his organs are being donated to patients on waiting lists. Wille, he's too dangerous to you specifically. Especially if you don't relent on this need to prove something regarding him. I'm not willing to risk you trying something that may turn you into a vegetable. Or kill you."

Wille simply sat still, resolute and quiet, until he was sure the Director had finished. "Fine," he admitted. "It ... he, whatever, ... is off-limits to me." Wille leaned forward, "Who will watch him then? You, for twenty-four hours a day? Raindance? The others in the program?"

Wille shook his head. "At least the others are being treated, or are showing progress, or at least we know what they want and why they are participating. We know nothing about this thing you found."

"You just reminded me about 'souring candidates on their perceived chance at redemption', remember?" Powerfrost noted. "Ruined One is a he, not an it. I don't want to hear that kind of talk, Wille. You've come farther than that." After another brief pause, he continued. "M.A.G.I. sources believe that he was once a man, but they think he may be the victim of some sort of curse that made him what he is now. He may have roots in humanity that we can bring out again."

"Do you believe that?" Wille asked sharply. "Do you believe it's even possible?"

"I don't have the luxury of saying 'No', Wille," Powerfrost replied. "F.O.R.C.E. is the only chance he has. The only other alternative given was ... " Powerfrost hesitated.

"Termination," Wille finished for him.

"Yeah, that," Powerfrost admitted. "No one is sure if he can be confined. Hell, we're lucky we can keep tabs on him as is with his abilities. But you've read his Psych Evaluation, he seems cooperative. Predatory, but logical. Even if he is creepy as all Hell." Powerfrost looked Wille dead in the eyes again. "But I still don't want you connected to him at all. Your powers are still growing, sometimes in spurts and sometimes exponentially. There's no guarantee that you'll have the full control necessarry to prevent ... something ... from going wrong around him."

"You're the boss," Wille scowled. "I disagree, but I will honor your orders." He got up, then checked himself and asked "Will that be all?"

"Yes, thank you," the Director replied. "Can we please make this the last time we have to speak on this?"

Wille said nothing for a moment, then whispered markedly " 'The quiet ones are not meant to strike where the enemy is aware,' Director. And we know very little about it-HIM" Wille corrected himself at the last minute, then turned and left Powerfrost staring at the closed door.

Target_0 · 07-14-2005 06:03 PM

EPILOGUE

Powerfrost checked his terminal noting the current status and locations of all F.O.R.C.E. Operatives, starting with the subject of his conversation. Still apparently in the same cell of the Zig, as always when not on an active mission. At this point there was nothing more for it to see or hear, and it decided this was enough for now. It had been away for too long as is. Through the closed door of Powerfrost's office it glided, down the hall trailing behind the tall blond man who was lost deep in thought. His anger was soothing, wonderful. It could not help but pass a hand throught his skull savoring in the sensation of the furious outrage, while the man simply twitched his head and scratched his left ear. 'A dangerous game,' it thought. 'This one is wary ... ' it knew without a doubt.

It pulled itself away from the psychic and passed through wall after wall until the night sky blossomed above it. Picking up speed, it soared away while intoxicated and lost in ecstacy, savoring the remnants of rage it had ingested. It arrived back at the cage, the Zig, just in time to hear a guard yelling into his room through the narrow view slit.

"You have 20 seconds to acknowledge, prisoner T0 050304! I repeat: you have 20 seconds to acknowledge!"

It materialized to the left of the door inside the cell, and shifted back to visibility, just as it turned to face the guard through the slit with piercing, glowing red eyes.

"I acknowledge," it whispered.

"JEEEEZIZ!!!!" The guard cried as he jumped back spilling onto the floor and lost his hat. It shivered ever so slightly with delight at his momentary terror.

"Is there anything else you require?" it asked. It simply watched as the guard got up, defiantly snapped the window shut and briskly walked away to continue his rounds.

It drifted over to the bed in darkness. It did not require the lights, and kept them off in preference. It knew their monitoring device in the upper left corner did not need light either. As it sat upright on the bed, it deftly removed the subdermal implant chip from beneath the pillow and had it reinserted in its chest (an easy enough task to remove their metal spy from its body, considering it could turn itself as thin as air at will) in one swift motion too fast for the camera to catch. Their magic eye could see in the dark almost as well as itself, but not well enough.

'Termination.' it mused. Unlikely they could succeed. Then it's thoughts turned: 'Was once a man ... ?'

It found the idea distasteful, and quickly pushed it aside. It then settled into thoughtless, timeless silence ...

Suraht_Arromin · 07-17-2005 02:37 AM

Happy rolled over on his bunk as his alarm went off, and groggily sat up. He stretched his arms out to his sides and staved off a full body shiver as his spine decided to realign itself in the process, and then he walked over to the small medicine cabinet.

Two loud raps came from his cell door, followed by an authoritative sounding voice. "Time to take your pills. Retrieve the container, then face the camera as you ingest the contents."

"Yeah, yeah, same routine as it was two hours ago. Listen, you ever gonna consider getting me some kinda IV or shot or somethin' so I can at least get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night? We hafta have someone good with at least a blowgun around here, they could just dart me through the slot in the door..."

"Prisoner, retrieve the container, and then face the camera while you ingest the contents. You have 30 seconds to comply."

Happy sighed. It had been, well, he could only guess a couple of weeks since he'd been brought here. The days just tended to blur together with mostly sleepless nights, and days filled with therapy sessions, CAT scans, physicals, tests to see if they could bring out his other personality, tests to see in newer medications would have better effects, and Q&A sessions with Powerfrost, Raindance, Wille, and the one visit by Sword of Asgard. So far, all anyone had to show for all this work was the knowledge that yes, there was indeed something wrong with him, but no, we don't know exactly what it is or what's causing it, but we're so close to a breakthrough that we can't stop now.

Happy finished taking his pills, and the voice spoke up again.

"As you were. Your alarm will be set to go off again in two hours, and your music will be restarted."

Softly played classical music was once again sent over the small speaker, as it was most of the 16 hours a day he spent in this cell. Powerfrost had been fairly adamant about not giving anyone any special priveledges when the shrink suggested that Happy needed to have soothing music played for him, but after an hour long closed door meeting, the chief was far too eager to get the system in place. Happy looked at the speaker again where he could swear that a small voice could be made out in the background, then closed his eyes and focused on the music, listening for anything in the sounds that would indicate there were any kind of subliminal messages or the like, but it seemed the harder he tried to hear it, the harder it got to hear. Hell, maybe whoever was trapped in his head was just singing along, and when he focused on the music, he lost the focus on his guest.

Happy shook his head a bit, and then went to go lay down on his bunk, and closed his eyes in an attempt to go to sleep, but he knew that it would be a long time coming. Every time he went through this routine, it stirred up all the questions he kept asking both himself and the doctors, and still provided him with the same lack of answers as the last time.

He tossed, and once again wondered why Crey thought that this was a more appropriate punishment for sticking his nose where it didn't belong than just putting a slug in the back of his skull.

He rolled over again, and wondered just who he had trapped inside of him, and if that was just a copy, with a genuine person running around with a full version, or if someone had lost their minds to a computer's memory bank, or if it was all just a manufactured personality, if that was even fully possible.

He shifted on his back, and wondered how Sister Psyche managed to handle it with two fully functional minds in one body.

He rolled over on his stomach, and remembered the time Valkryie had congratulated him whole heartedly, and handed him a small medal for gaining 20th level security clearance, and wondered if he ran into her on the street now, would she be more likely to just strike him down with that spear, or ignore him altogether?

Question after question, the same ones, or only slight variations on the themes, kept coming at him in rapid fire succession, until finally his fatigue overcame the curiosity, and he fell into a dream and nightmare filled sleep.

A half hour later, the alarm went off again.

jerichojones · 07-20-2005 06:08 PM

Handsome Devil walked into the FORCE debriefing room in the Zig, plopped down on the uncushioned wooden chair and smirked across the scarred metal table at the pimply recording tech across from him.

The tech tried a smile that was more mossy green than white. "Have a n-n-n-nice evening? Mr. Devil?"

Handsome smiled back. The tech shrank away like the scrappers mouth was filled with bloody fangs. "Better 'n yours, junior. I talked to a woman. What'd you do? Chatroom with a fourty year old truck-driver pretending to be an eighteen-year-old college co-ed?"

The tech spluttered, and seemed ready to run from the room. The Devil rolled his eyes, took a deep breath. "Just turn on the machine, junior. I'll do the rest."

Finally the tech's fingers stopped shaking enough to start the tape.

[ QUOTE ]
Noelle Frost: Hi there, Devil. How goes the program?
Handsome Devil: One day at a time, just like my other program. :-)
Noelle Frost: That so, huh? Well, I'm looking forward to working with you again soon.
Handsome Devil: I am as well. But bureaucracy grinds slowly, but fine, I guess.
Noelle Frost: Seems like it, I guess. I do hope I didn't get you in any more trouble for bringing you along the other night.
Handsome Devil: Bah. Trouble is my middle name. Handsome Trouble Devil. :-)
Noelle Frost: *laughs* So then you're used to it.
Handsome Devil: Trouble is less of a stranger to me and more of an unpleasant in-law who's come to visit, and never plans on leaving. :-)
Noelle Frost: Ah, got ya. Well, I hope to run into Agent Seven soon, who said he had something for me before we began the program -- maybe once I get it we can try meeting up again?
Handsome Devil: Ah, Agent Seven. One of my biggest fans. On the inside, of course. On the outside he's all business But his chocolate marshmellowy inside loves me. I've seen it before. I can tell. :-)
Noelle Frost: *giggles* So I gather...
Handsome Devil: When you see him, tell him I said hello. Watch and listen for the girlish squeal of delight when you tell him. :-)
Noelle Frost: Tell me, does that girlish squeal sound just like "Hrm"?
Handsome Devil: THAT'S IT! You've heard it before then?
Noelle Frost: I have.
Handsome Devil: In relation to me?
Noelle Frost: Well, not exactly. He and I don't really talk much
Handsome Devil: Really, I think he's quite the charmer. you should watch out for that guy. Silver-tongued devil. Trust me: I know Devils. :-)
Noelle Frost: I'll be careful...
Handsome Devil: wouldn't want him sweeping you off your feet, romantic fools you both are. :-)
Noelle Frost: Oh yeah, that's all I need, Agent Seven sweeping me off my feet. Fer sure.
Handsome Devil: Not your type?
Noelle Frost: Not so much.
Handsome Devil: You like them thinner?
Noelle Frost: I, uh... Well, not always, no. Sometimes. Maybe.
Handsome Devil: Personally, I think it's his costume, and a high-fat diet that's really bulking him out
Handsome Devil: Too many fast-food stops, you know?
Noelle Frost: Up n' Away?
Handsome Devil: Worse than Mac & Cheese Night at the zig (gags)
Noelle Frost: Oh, no!!
Noelle Frost: *laughs*
Handsome Devil: So. You're into thin, fit guys who avoid junk food and look good in black...
Noelle Frost: Black, or gold lame, I guess.
Noelle Frost: And there's nothing wrong with junk food in small quantities
Handsome Devil: Ooooh. That's tough. Not alot of guys look good in gold lame.... Hmmmm.
Noelle Frost: It just so happens I do know one...
Handsome Devil: (makes note, mumbling to himself) adventurous.... dresser.... Really? You know a man in gold lame? Where does he shop? I bet we go to alot of the same stores. :-)]
Noelle Frost: You'd be surprised what you can pick up in Icon....
Handsome Devil: So you and the fashion plate something serious? I need to know: you start canceling our patrols together, and I'll report the both of you to the authorities. You'd be threatening my rehabilitation. ;-)
Noelle Frost: I can sometimes hold off shopping if there's work to be done. Sometimes.
Handsome Devil: Shopping? I'm more worried you'll be out close-dancing and holding hands without a chaperone. The scandal! :-)
Noelle Frost: *giggles* Well, I'll just try to keep my mind on work, how's that?
Handsome Devil: While you're with me? That's a TERRIBLE idea. :-)
Noelle Frost: So, hmmm... maybe I should ask your advice about guys? Is that what you're saying?
Handsome Devil: My advice? On men? Watch out for guys with horns and a tail. They're flashy, and a little charming, but they're no good for you at all. :-)
Noelle Frost: Got it. Stay away from horns and tails. Check!
Handsome Devil: And fat guys who giggle alot.
Noelle Frost: Cause that's just creepy
Noelle Frost: Creepy, I mean
Handsome Devil: totally.
Noelle Frost: Any other helpful hints?
Handsome Devil: Nothing leaps to mind. You're not going to offer some sage advice about finding a nice little woman for myself, letting her make an honest man out of me? ;-)
Noelle Frost: Why do I get the feeling you're not all that keen on being totally honest?
Handsome Devil: I'm shocked any hurt at the suggestion. Whatever do you mean. How have I not been honest? How have I misled? :-)
Noelle Frost: Oh, I don't know. Maybe you figured out some women -like- the bad boy act.
Handsome Devil: I assure you, I'm not acting. :-)
Noelle Frost: How about acting up, then? <her tone is teasing>
Handsome Devil: I admit my behavior does tend to grab attention. However, it is my intention to act the part of the perfect gentleman while we patrol together. If that seems dishonest, I apologize in advance.
Noelle Frost: No, I'm sorry. I was just... that is.... You've been great.
Handsome Devil: There are those, in your organization and in mine, who feel I'm a ticking time bomb. Trouble (ha) waiting to happen. I'm hoping, with your help, they can be shown otherwise.
Noelle Frost: I do want to help. I wish I knew when we could officially start, ya know?
Handsome Devil: Given the results last time, no offense, but I'm inclined to be patient. :-)
Noelle Frost: Good. Great. Cool, even. *giggles*
Handsome Devil: I'm pleased you think so. I also apologize if I occasionally seem a bit flirtier than I should be. Old habits. :-/
Noelle Frost: No, I understand. Keep me in practice!
Handsome Devil: Well, we certainly don't want your flirtation skills to fall into complete disuse, do we? :-)
Noelle Frost: Nope!
Noelle Frost: ((*Laughs*))
Handsome Devil: Anyway, my time out is about up. I have one last mission, some Circle of Thorns thingy, and I'm back in the box for another night.
Noelle Frost: Be careful, ok? Don't want you broke before the big square dance, as it were.
Handsome Devil: Have no fear. I'll be ready to allemand left when you're ready to doh-si-doh. :-)
Noelle Frost: As long as we get in some do-si-do'ing, I'm all set!
Handsome Devil: Count on it, pardner. :-)
Noelle Frost: That is... you do have a cowboy hat, right?
Handsome Devil: an a big ol' beltbuckle
Noelle Frost: Be still my heart, and tappin' feet.
Handsome Devil: I wouldn't honk the honk if I couldn't tonk the tonk. :-)
Noelle Frost: *laughs* No, of course not!
Handsome Devil: Good night, cowgirl. I'll talk to you later. :-X
Noelle Frost: Be careful, Devil. Talk to you soon.

[/ QUOTE ]

The tech had recovered his composure enough to try talking again. "Sh-sh-she sounds really nice, Mr. Devil."

Handsome stood up, stretched, and gave the young man another wolfish grin. "Yup. She surely does. Rooty-toot!" Then he walked out of the room, his escorts back to his cell falling in behind. As he decended deeper and deeper into the prison, his step became audibly lighter and lighter. By the time he reached the door to his cell, Handsome practically danced across the threshold.

((Thanks to Noelle for this wonderful opportunity to improvise-roleplay. You are aces, darlin'. ))

jerichojones · 07-21-2005 05:42 PM

Raindance put down her notepad. Thats all for today, gentlemen. Thank you for your time. I will send out an e-mail next week regarding the next

Pardon me, Ms. Swan? broke in Councillor Hengen. But I think some of the members of this board are still a little concerned about this zap chip program of yours. The unconstitutionality of the

Mr. Hengen. The storm defender interrupted the older gentleman right back. Weve discussed the matter as much as is necessary. FORCE members are all either convicted felons, or by their own admission unconvicted former members of assorted criminal organizations. In order to participate in the program they were all informed and willingly signed a legal waiver regarding the monitoring of their locations, physical condition, and behaviour.

These chips fry their brains, Ms. Swan. Growled the elected official. I doubt they were informed of that.

Hardly, Mr. Hengen. Non-superpowered prisoners are required to be manacled while outside the Ziggursky Prison. This is not a breach of their rights. Its a reasonable safety precaution to protect the public. While it is impossible to manacle FORCE members while they complete their assignments, our responsibility remains to protect the public from any possibility of illegal actions. The chips are the only way we have to ensure that, Mr. Hengen. Unless you know of another way they can use their powers to fight crime and completely remove the possibility of rebellion.

The councillor muttered under his breath, but added nothing for the record.

Then, as I was saying, resumed Shawnee. I will e-mail the time for our next meeting by Friday afternoon. Thank you gentlemen.

<><><><><><>&l t;><><><><><>< ><><><><><><&g t;<><><><><><> <><><><><><>&l t;><><><><><>< ><><><><><><&g t;<>

Raindance was still grinding her teeth as she undid the Kreig locks on her office door. Stupid old man The door opened.

Her office smelled of burning cloves.

Quickly she shut the door behind her and relocked the deadbolts. The man in the plain dark suit sitting at her desk picking through her computer files didnt bother to look up. Smoke trickled out of his nostrils in a way that seemed weirdly dragonlike to Shawnee.

The meeting went well? asked the man. His voice was soft, and despite the lack of sibilants in the sentence, it still came out as a hiss.

Rain stood in front of her desk. Councillor Hengen is a problem. Hes constantly challenging

The man took a deep drag from his cigarette, and the smell of cloves intensified. Hengen is an old warhorse. Sometimes he likes to stand on his hind legs and paw the air a bit. Hes no concern.

The defender was uncertain how to continue. Sir, Ive seen the diagnostic data from the chips. Theyre all implanted, but the data says approximately twenty percent may fail due to unknown persistent system error the first time they are engaged. And the data cannot determine which of the candidates are most likely to fail.

The smoking mans eyes finally left the monitor screen. I see.

Sir, we must abort the existing chips and re-administer as soon as possible

No.

Shock showed on Raindances face. Sir? One in five FORCE members has no compliance failsafe, possibly more. If any of them discover the chips in their heads dont work, their behaviour is difficult to predict, but uniformly bad. How can we not

He was looking back at her screen. No.

She swallowed. Sir, the cost of rechipping would be negligible, in cash and political damage, compared to the cost of one of the candidates realizing we have no means of neutralizing him, or needing him neutralized and demonstrating we are unable to do so

The mans brow furrowed the tiniest bit, cutting off the defender like hed sliced her throat. Ms. Swan, if you fear using the chips, by all means, dont use them. I trust youll find a way to ensure compliance of all our candidates with or without the chips. That is why your services were retained in the first place, wasn't it?

I apologize, sir

Are you now incapable of what you were once quite certain of doing?

No sir.

He looked at her. And smiled. It was terrifying. Good. The chips stay as they are. Nor will any of the candidates, or the board, become aware of anything less than a fully effective compliance failsafe.

Yes sir. Understood. May I ask a related question, sir?

Another deep draw on the cigarette. Yes.

Why?

He smiled again. Some months from now some members of the board may find it within themselves to and act on a misguided sense of altruism. At that time it may be to our benefit to display exactly what the candidates are capable of without the compliance failsafe in place.

But we have no idea which chips may fail

He stared at her for perhaps ten seconds, clearly communicating the error of her statement. She didnt know. We, on the other hand seemed to have a very clear notion of who the dangerous ones were

The chip in candidate Handsome Devil is fully functional. Use it to your hearts content. Make him an object lesson to the others, if you fear them. He stood, walked casually around the desk to the door.

She new it was stupid to ask, but she couldnt help it. What happens if I cant keep them in line? What do I do?

He stood at the door a moment. She couldnt see, but she felt he was smiling again. Then the chip implanted in your head activates, and its no longer your concern.

The chip in my?

The door was open and he was gone.

Raindance slumped into one of the chairs in front of her desk. Surely the smoking man was bluffing

Surely

Nick_Swift · 07-22-2005 12:23 AM

Sid sat silently and watched the psychiatrist scribble notes over his last few statements. He'd been talking to the good doctor going on an hour and a half now, and clearly wanted to get out of the office and to his meeting with powerfrost.

"I would like to discuss one final thing with you Sid."

"Ok."

"You chose the name Saint Sid to be you public identity. Do you still feel as though you do the churches work? Do you believe yourself some immaculate savior even still?"

Sid laughed. It was cold and hollow and sent shivers down the doctors spine. He'd been in the room with alot of criminals and crazies since F.O.R.C.E. had hired him, but something was undeniably sane about Sid, and that frightened him.

"I'm afraid that is a difficult question to answer, and so it will take some time to elaborate."

"Please... Take your time."

"When I was working for them my life was simple. I was good. What I was doing was right, and the church was right. The people I killed were evil. They were wrong, and we were right. It was all black and white. The idea that what we were doing was unjust or wrong never crossed my mind. After I was.. released from their service I came to this city. I'd murdered for vengeance by that time. I began to see grey slipping into my black and white world. The simplicity I'd based my entire life on was gone. I heard about F.O.R.C.E, and realized how murky grey this city really was. The men and women in this organization are a varried lot, and when I first volunteered I felt superior. In short I thought I wasn't a criminal. After my first two weeks of working with these people I realized that the ones I'd come to save... well.. I couldn't save them. I realized I was a murderer, and I had to find my own redemption first."

Sid sipped from the glass of water on the desk in front of him and leaned in so that he was very close to the doctor. The man suddenly wished there was a suddle way to back his chair up.

"I'm not crazy exactly. I am, however, a sociopath. I have no remorse for my crimes. I feel more guilty about stealing the nail than I do about those murders. I know right from wrong, and I know the value of human life. I lack something.. something very important. I lack.. hmmm.. A conscience."

Sid sat back again and a loud knocking came from the door.

"Come in."

The door opened and Powerforst infromed the doctor of Sid's tardiness. Sid stood and walked to the door so that he could go up to Frost's office and recieve his next assignment. As he exited the room the guard at the stairs handed him his sheathed blade back. He hoped it was his night to patrol. He really wanted to cut into something.. or someone.

Nick_Swift · 07-22-2005 01:58 PM

((That was my first RP post in the forums. Hopefuly it's my worst, and the rest will be better. ))

Hatman · 07-22-2005 10:27 PM

It was a beautiful sunny day in Paragon City, especially Atlas Park, and a hero in standard street clothes was just standing around, reading a newspaper, and pretty much catching up on local news.

"Would ya look at that...the Paragon Heroes lost again. Man, our team sucks."

That hero's pager beeped, and he quickly dashed to the E.L.I.T.E. offices of Atlas Park, hoping that he wouldn't get much of a reprimand, like all the other times. He arrived merely seconds after the message was sent, and shocked the hero liaison there, her not expecting him so fast.

"Do you HAVE to do that every time you come in?"

"Hey, you know as well as I do that I have to keep alert at all times, and surprise arrivals are what I do best."

The hero liaison did not smile, in fact, she outright frowned. It would seem she was not happy about something.

"Shin Hat Man, when one of our contacts sent you on a mission to stop the Clockwork from violating Skulls turf so we don't have that much casualties, you do remember being told to stop them as fast as possible, correct?"

"Well, yeah, and I did."

"I know you did, in fact, that's what I want to talk to you about. Did you have to set that warehouse on fire!?"

Shin Hat Man, unlikely hero if there ever was one, honestly, didn't know what to say for that one. So he went for the cute answer.

"Erm...oops?"

"Oops!? One of the biggest fires that Atlas Park has seen in the past two years, not counting the Rikti War, was caused by you, and ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY IS OOPS!?"

"Hey! Give credit where credit's due, they were all stopped and I even managed to get a superadine lab next to that warehouse."

"Yes, but by doing that, you almost got a hundred workers killed!

She paused to get a glass of water, and Shin Hat Man, while having some regrets, honestly didn't want to get chewed out another time.

"Listen. I've got a hard time justifying E.L.I.T.E.'s role in the Federal Bureau of Super-Powered Affairs. There's a lot of the other people that's just calling us a weaker Malta group, and public opinion really isn't on our side because we're not always that flashy. We don't need a rogue vigilante that can't use his powers responsibly!"

"Hey! You know as well as I do that my powers had nothing to do with that incident!"

"Maybe, but you used your amazing tactical knowledge to know where to plant those explosives for maximum damage instead of figuring out a way to get the Clockwork out of there like the contact told you to. Anyway, I didn't call you here for that."

"And why did you call me here?"

"You see, there's a new liaison in Atlas. Have you heard of F.O.R.C.E.?"

The look of terror was on Shin Hat Man's face.

"Hey wait! I'm not a criminal!"

"Honestly, we should have locked you up a long time ago. Anyway, orders came from above the E.L.I.T.E. chain that you are to work under the orders of Powerfrost for a while, and help out the reformed criminals with strategy and tactics. I know that, for some of them, just being in F.O.R.C.E. is a battle in it's own right, and like you did in a lot of times before, they want you to turn the tide of that battle. Besides, a lot of them probably need support on the field, and I know you can give it to them."

"Yeah, but still...F.O.R.C.E."

"It's that, or we take away your Hero License and we lock you up for arson."

Was the choice that hard?

"Where's the F.O.R.C.E. section...?"

* * *

((OOC : Holy crap. That sucked. Once I get some interaction going, should be better.))

jerichojones · 07-25-2005 03:19 PM

((The following is NOT repeat NOT generally known information. Because you have been warned, using it IC would be metagaming and is therefore not advisable. It is, however, a bit amusing. At least to me. ))

Handsome Devil stepped out from behind the big rock hed requested the super-ultra-secret meeting at. Hey Skippy. Got the info Im looking for?

The pale, twitchy teenager who looked like he was about to explode in the midday sun jumped a foot. God*amn f***king h*ll, you f**king tool. You scared the sh*t outta me! Stop f**king around. This is serious f**king business. These f**ckers will f**cking kill the both of us in a f**cking heartbeat. F**k!

The Devil loved this contact more than any other. Mostly because of his Tourettes like propensity for profanity. The scrapper made a long, sad face. Im sorry Skipper. Just trying to keep it on the down low.

Handsome figured Skipwick Eldon Kensington II (a.k.a. Uber-Leet, Paragon City Hacker Squad Supreme) probably didnt have a chance to swear while his mega-rich parents had a silver spoon jammed into his mouth. Now that he was away from Mumsy and Daddy, he was certainly making up for lost time.

Listen to me you costumed f**cking freak. You asked for my f**cking chemical expertise and I f**cking deliver. No need for ninjaing out from behind a f**cking rock and giving me a f**cking heart-attack. I have a M:tG tournament I could be at right f**cking now instead of d**king around with you. And dont f**cking call me Skipper. Or Skippy. F**k, I hate that sh*t. My handle is Uber-Leet, and youd better not f**cking forget it.

The Devils face and tone became even more apologetic. Im sorry, Uber. We both know without your help the Devouring Earth plan to taint P-Citys water supply would have succeeded. And we both know that the municipal, county, state, and federal laws you broke hacking into the necessary scientific databases means the general public will never know what youve done for them. Just you me an the rock here know you really are the Uber-Leet hero who saved us all.

The nerds face contorted. Then Handsome realize the little wretch was actually smiling. Youre f**cking-A right about that. Put those stupid f**cking trees and bees and sh*t right in their f**cking place.

The horned scrapper snickered quietly. He knew Skippy had done it less out of civic duty and more to spite his severe pollen allergies, and the hacker bragging rights after the fact. You run those tests on the sample I gave you, like I asked?

Skips frown came back. Je*us f**cking Chr*st! You think Im a f**cking idiot? Of course I ran the f**cking tests. You want the f**cking data, or would you prefer me to break it down into tiny words your f**cking hero-brain can understand?

The Devil smiled. Both. Please.

The hacker handed over a phonebook of information, charts, graphs, and assorted pie charts. Dont know what youre f**cking looking for, but theres not much of f**cking interest in all that sh*t. Your sample was mostly plain f**cking water. But there were a few things added that dont make any f**cking sense.

The Devil nodded, waiting patiently. When Skipper actually had some relevant technical information to convey, his profanity tended to drop to much more manageable levels.

I think the f**king Devouring Earth are changing tactics. said Uber. What you have is a basic holistic herbal cocktail. Everything from St. Johns wort to ginseng to garlic to Echinacea. The works.

Nothing toxic? asked the Devil.

F*ck no. This stuff will help you sleep better, fight off minor infections, improve perception and memory. Nothing f**cking poisonous. But after checking for toxins, I thought Id do a wider search. For any f**cking pharmaceuticals.

And?

Lithium, and prozac.

Anti-depressants? ? Handsome frowned.

F**cking Mood stabilizers, actually. And I found wellbutrin, bromocriptine and cabergoline.

The Devil smiled. Sounds like my breakfast.

Skips eyes widened. You take anti-psychotics for breakfast?

The scrappers smile blossomed into a grin. Dont you?

Well, If**k. No. Sh*t, man

Handsome reached out and gently touched Skippys shoulder. Dont worry, Ube. Im very well-medicated at the moment. Now, was there anything else?

The geek shook his head. Nah. Thats f**king it. So what do we do now? The little twerp was obviously looking to break a few more computer laws in the name of his own personal ego.

Handsome took a deep breath. Well, we dont want to start a panic. You havent told anyone where you got this sample, have you?

Skipper squawked, and started sputtering about how f**king dumb the Devil must be if he though Uber-Leet would f**king tell anyone about something like this.

The scrapper put up his hands, and eventually the hacker fell silent. Im sorry. I needed to be sure.

So what then? The nerd was already pouting at this terrible delay.

The Devil looked around suspiciously. Listen, this is a dangerous neighborhood. Its not safe. I really think we should get out of here right away. He smiled, then gave the rock a solid punch with his hand. Ill see you at the Talos exit. Be careful on your way out. Purse-snatchers around here are unbelievable.

With a powerful flex of his legs, Handsome Devil popped straight up in the air, arcing north toward. He looked back over his shoulder as the Sentry unfolded himself from the earth in a rocky puff of dust. The Devil had enough time to register the shocked look on Ubers face before the curve of his jump brought him back down into the Red River district.

Hours later, his daily patrol finished, the Devil was standing in line for supper along with the rest of the FORCE degenerates. He felt a light tug on his prison issues.

Yukon Tundra.

So, you talk to your guy about that thing? The tanker looked calm as could be, but his voice was agitated. That thing with the stuff and the he mimed taking a drink.

The Devil looked around, then whispered back, Yeah. Youre not gonna like it.

Tundra went pale. What is it? Is it bad?

Handsome nodded. Real bad. Its.. UltraaSlimmfast. Powerfrost and Wille think were all overweight and figure we could stand to lose a few pounds.

What?

Were losing the war on obseity. The Devil continued to speak mock-seriously. We have to draw the line somewhere, and fat criminals representing Paragon City is more than the government is willing to tolerate.

Tundras face went stony. Whatever. Thank for nothing Devil. He turned away, but the scrapper caught him before he could move.

Listen. Its Raindance. Its a holistic herbal medicen-man, woman, thing.

Yukons face closed up. Youre pulling my chain, Devil. I dont like that.

The Devil shrugged. Im sorry. Habit. But seriously. The new pipes are putting a bunch of medicinal herbs into our water. Ginko biloba and all that stuff. Shes a shaman, probably thinks shes casting a spell or something. Its harmless, and cute in a way.

Youre serious?

Handsome reached over and swept up a pitcher of water from a table. In one smooth motion he chugged the entire container. Do I look worried to you?

Yukon stared. But finally nodded. He moved away to eat his meal, leaving the Devil by himself.

As Handsome sat down, he was thinking to himself about how long hed been taking his anti-psychotic medications and how much effect he figured theyd had on him. Then he factored in his regen powers and the gradual drug-effect resistance any person builds up over time. He smiled, poured himself a tall glass of water, toasted Yukons back in the far corner, then began to eat his food.

((Thanks to Moonbear (Tundra) for being my muse, and to Dinah (Raindance) for being the kind of ball-breaking biotch who would Mickey Finn the peeps she was doing PR for in order to better sell their image and cover her own a$$. F**k. ))

jerichojones · 07-26-2005 01:10 PM

Miss Swan? called the health tech. You said you wanted to be informed of any behavioural changes, no matter how minor.

Yes? answered Raindance. She was running late and had little time for trivialities.

Well, this may be a little silly, but

Out with it.

Subject Handsome Devil.

The defenders lips tightened. Whats that animal done now?

Ah, well Nothing. Not exactly. Stammered the tech. Its just that hes upped his water intake.

What? Shawnee felt a smile growing deep down inside. Explain.

A normal adult male requires about two litres of water per day to balance water loss due to respiration and perspiration. Most of that two litres is derived through food intake. Began the technician.

Raindance tapped her foot impatiently.

Handsome Devil is drinking about ten litres of water a day. Over and above his food intake.

The internal smile died. Is that accurate?

Its coming off the flow regulators from the new plumbing installed for FORCE personnel.

Were sure hes drinking it? Not running it into his toilet, or a drain?

The health tech motioned her over to a bank of surveillance monitors. Hes in there now. She pointed to one screen.

The Devil was drinking from a Styrofoam cup. Glass after glass. All the while staring up into the camera with an obvious grin on his face. Rain stopped watching after the fifth glass, when he lifted the white cup in a toast to the camera.

Thank you, technician. Your diligence will be noted. Raindance walked away.

He knew. And for some reason he was still drinking. Drinking more, for petes sake. How was she supposed to keep vermin like this from compromising the program? Even when they knew what was best for them you never knew what they would do. Could the Smoking Man help her? She shook her head as she thought. Of course he could. But would he? This was her responsibility. So no, he wouldnt.

She went back to her office, sat, considered. Decided. She pushed her intercom button. Shelly, please cancel my meeting with the ombudsman. Get security to bring Subject Handsome Devil to my office. No restraints. Thank you.

Time to take the Devil by the horns, she thought. No restraints will make him cocky. And when he starts to think he's really got me over a barrel, a few milivolts of electricity to the right part of his brain will let him know who really has the upper hand. Chains or no, whatever he drinks, I own his a$$.

She felt her internal smile wink on again.

jerichojones · 07-27-2005 12:03 PM

((Sorry if I'm overposting. My muse, she is speaking very clearly ATM.))

((Once again, this is NOT public knowledge, so no metagaming))

Handsome Devil was smirking ear to ear as he say down in the comfortable office chair across the desk from Shawnee Swan, a.k.a. Raindance. Howdy Pocahontas. Youre looking extra-specially primped today. You doing something new with your hair?

The defenders expression remained neutral. Good morning to you to, Subject: Handsome Devil. For the record I would like to remind you that all conversations in this office are video and audiotaped for legal reasons.

The Devils brow furrowed. No duh. You want to give me a guided tour of the Zig too? I think I know how it works around here. Better n you, probably.

Raindance allowed herself a small smile. There was a small flash and a snapping sound. The Devil slumped into his chair slightly, eyes bright, but mouth slackly dribbling saliva onto his chest.

Time is a limited commodity, Mr. Devil. she began. We will have to make this brief, so I will talk and you will listen without editorializing. The videocamera over my shoulder continues to function while the audiomikes in this room have been disabled by a micropowersurge. Namely, a teeny-tiny bolt of lightning. Further, the reason you are able to hear and see, without being able to move or speak is a tiny, unremovable microchip which has been implanted in the grey matter of your so-called brain. We clear so far.

The Devil grunted. Twitched slightly.

Good. Rain continued. Moving on. I know you found out about the pharmaceuticals in the water. I wont insult you by asking how. I know youd never tell. But so its clearly in perspective: worst case, you tell Powerfrost, he gets upset, and maybe gets me removed from the program. Big deal. I can be making more money from better people in a week. Whatever leverage you think you have, I dont give a crap about.

Rain stood, came around the desk, leaning back on it as she continued talking. Now lets talk about you. Devil, youre a killer. A death engine. Carnivorous King of the Jungle. You know it, I know it, even Frost and Macht know it. Someday, by accident or design, you will kill someone who cant be regrown in a hospital chamber. And while Im certain the Warden would deeply regret doing so, hed be right there to put the needle in your arm for your state-legislated execution. And whatever tears he might publicly shed, hed give a soft sigh of relief once youre dead corpse was cremated.

On the other hand, if someone sharp and intelligent and capable and vicious were there to testify that dangerous times call for dangerous men, and that your excesses were more than counterbalanced by the public good you serve, you could be a hero instead of a murderer. And while I know theyve told you theyll never, ever parole you out of here, Im saying right now that a full presidential is not beyond the scope of possibility for a talented, charismatic man doing a hard job no one else wants.

The Devil grunted, wheezed.

Powerfrost will never offer you that. But I can make it happen. If we can come to an agreement.

Slowly, the scrapper raised his head. What. Deal?

Shawnee smiled. Currently Im under a microscope. The chip youre currently enjoying is causing a great deal of political turmoil. Constitutional rights and so forth. Now, if I were able to clearly demonstrate that the chips were necessary to guarantee the safety of non-criminal FORCE personnel, most of these questions would be settled.

Huh? gasped the Devil.

Rain stood, moved back around the desk to her chair again. Take a moment. Gather your strength. And when youre ready, get up out of that chair, leap to the desk, and use your sword to try and kill me. Youll only get one shot, so make it a good one.

The horned head rolled back. The Devil was laughing. Think. Im a. Sucker?

The public relations officer looked sour. Youll wound me, then be incapacitated. Security will drag you off, and youll spend some time in solitary until I can get you sprung.

Wont. Leave. Me hanging? Attempted. Murder?

As long as its only attempted, I wont press charges. she promised. The chips are vindicated, you are suitably punished. No permanent damage. You just tell the folks who ask why? that you just felt like it. Your reputation being what it is, who will argue?

The scrapper was recovering. He stared hard into her face. And if I kill you? Accidentally, of course.

The Hurons eyes narrowed down to dark slits. I respawn at the hospital, none the worse for wear. Then I accidentally press charges and see you get a needle full of potassium chloride.

The Devil mulled over his options, grinned. Rain. I have to admit, I had you figured for a tough shell over a soft marshmellowy center. But this Im impressed. You and me, giving the Popsicle and Sgt. Schulze the Julius Caesar treatment. Im all tingly at the prospect.

Raindance smiled back. Good, because I so desire your admiration and approval. Now. Are you in? Or do I send you back to your cell so you can drink another ten gallons of water before lunch?

Oh, I wouldnt want to miss this, cutie. Im in. Handsome Devil stretched slightly in the chair. When youre ready for the big dance just let me know and Ill start the music.

Rain took a deep breath. Nodded.

Before she could tilt her head back for a second nod, the Scrapper was airborne, katana out, trailing a scarlet energy signature as it swept up high and cut downward, two-handed, straight toward the top of her head. She flinched left, and the sword chopped into her headrest, slicing down into her shoulder. The sword withdrew, flashed to the Devils left leg for a long sideways cut that would take her head from her shoulders.

She triggered the chip. The Devil ragdolled to the desktop, his head striking the mahogany sharply as he came down.

Rain staggered from her chair, looking the scrapper in the eye. She pressed her hand against the wound that nearly severed her arm from her body. Thanks, Devil. I knew you d cooperate. I sincerely hope you dont mind I told security to be extra zealous when it came to your security and incapacitation protocols.

She pressed a button on her desk, smearing it with blood. Two men in tactical armour popped through the door, batons drawn.

Thank god! she yelled. Regenerator! Trying to kill me! Help! She kept pressing the button even as the first two began administering a beating to the supine Devil even Rodney King would have found excessive. Four more guards arrived thirty seconds later, immediately joining the first officers. Another two arrived a minute later and had to press in carefully through the door into the office full of flailing truncheons.

Fifteen minutes later, an extremely incapacitated and fully restrained Devil was dragged from the office, leaving a long blood trail behind him. Medical staff rushed in and began fussing over the wounded defender. She turned from the door and kept crying as they worked. She knew it would look better for the camera if her tears were visible.

Suraht_Arromin · 07-27-2005 11:32 PM

"Ma'am, we have a....an issue you need to be aware of."

Raindance looked up from the video monitor, pausing the tape at the point where Devil had made contact with his blade. "Well, tech, what is it? I'm busy."

"It's Montgomery. We can't implant the chip in him."

Here eyes became slits as she glowered at the messenger. "This isn't the time for sudden bouts of compassion. You will put that chip in him, or..."

"No, no ma'am, that's not what I mean," the tech interrupted. "I mean, first, we can't get to the right section of his cerebrum to place the chip. Most of his skull has some type of metallic reinforcement that we can't break through with anything that won't kill him in the process. Besides, one of our shrinks thinks this is a potential disaster waiting to happen if we outfit Montgomery's head with a chip."

A small shrug was her response. "That's not my concern."

"With all due respect, ma'am, in this case, I have to disagree with you." The tech returned the sudden glare that Raindance gave him, and continued. "The shrink has a legitimate concern that the first time that chip runs a current into Montgomery's brain, it could set off his alter ego, and what started out as a little misbehavior turns into another apartment complex going up in smoke. You think the suits are taking a close look at this program now? Just wait until we inadvertantly cause something along those lines when we have all the warning signs we could need, and more, documented and signed in triplicate."

Raindance's expression softened for a second, then hardened again. She knew that the possibility was too risky to completely discount. If she did so, and it blew up in her face, then the young smirking punk standing across from her would be sitting in a very nice position to take her place, with her new place possibly in a cell next to Devil if she got brought up on criminal neglect charges. "Okay. Point taken. Do we have any alternatives available?"

The tech's smirk redrew into an expressionless face. "As of yet, nothing working, no. However, we are working on modifying the chip to send enough electric current through a spinal column, and a blocker that will keep that current from reaching the brain."

Raindance stood up, wincing a bit as she tried to put weight on her damaged arm. "For all I care, you can plant the thing in his scrotum, then make sure he knows it's there. I need to be able to get him under control when things go badly, and I don't trust Powerfrost enough when it comes to incapacitating the runt when it happens. Knowing the boss, he probably felt sorry for Montgomery, and didn't boost the amps in that suit enough to do anything more than slow him down until backup arrives. Just get what you need to do done, and report back when you've made progress."

"Very Well." The tech nodded his head down for a second, and he quickly walked out the door, closing it behind him. Raindance sank back down in her chair, and rubbed her temples. Happy was more trouble than he was worth...constant depression, a disposition prone to confrontation, the insanely high taxpayer burden his prescriptions were, the constant threat that any minute he could try and incinerate everyone here, and now, intentional or not, he was causing problems with her pet projects. Unfortunately, the odd reporter still came by looking for a quick story about the former hero, and even more unfortunately, Powerfrost was always the one that took the interview. She couldn't do anything about this problem for now, but would just bide her time until an opportunity availed itself.

MoonBear · 07-28-2005 11:15 AM

Yukon was sitting in one of the common areas, unwinding after a night's work Outside, when he watches a pile of guards dragging someone down the hall. Stepping into the hall, following the mass of guards, he ended up outside of HD's cell, The guards, ignoring him as usual,(he being seen as a non-threat and inconsequential compared to most here) dropped a limpy, bleeding pile in the cell and walked off, smiling that they had the chance to beat up on a FORCE member and commenting things like "he should have known better than attack Ms Swan like that. He'll be lucky not to be confined for a few weeks in solitary at the least."
Yukon got in the cell before they closed the door and ised HD down. "You fool, confronting her about some medicinal herbs..or was that all? And how does someone with as little fighting ability as Raindance survive even a small attack by you? She's only a little girl playing with big shaman powers, after all. Maybe I need someone other than you to look at ...shh, stop talking to yourself, the walls, especially the ones HERE, have ears." Yukon frosts the room for a sec adn for that small sec while the cameras are adjusting to the temp change, leaves a small package under HD's pillow and walks out.

Suraht_Arromin · 07-31-2005 11:24 PM

"Okay, who's up next?"

Powerfrost, Raindance, and Wille sat around the desk in the chief's office, listening to audio feeds and going over reports from the first day of the interchange project, where various F.O.R.C.E. personnel were teamed up with members of the Freedom Phalanx and it's allied members.

"Hmmm...it looks like subject Jake Montgomery, aka Happy Phlogiston is. Doug, are you sure you want to go over this one now? We haven't received a report from Mrs. Blaze on him yet."

"Wille, we might as well get it out of the way. Besides, I didn't see anything in the newspaper about a thermonuclear meltdown, so we can assume that nothing stunningly bad happened. We can at least see if his anger and depression are coming through, or if the meds are actually helping."

"I have to go on record again as saying how strongly I disapprove of allowing him into public circulation. None of our testing has come up with a proof positive reason for his mental disorder, and sending him among civilians is a potential public relations disaster."

"Ms. Shaw, that is exactly my point in sending him out. We haven't uncovered a thing about what's wrong with him. Meanwhile, when he was afflicted last, he was out in the field, fighting crime. We can't duplicate those conditions on a psychiatrist's couch or group sessions. We have to know what affects him before we can hope to fix the problem, and insofar as our attempts have come up empty, this is the best possible method of determining what we want to know.
Best case scenario, Jake goes out, fights some crime, nothing bad happens. He comes back to us a little less depressed, with a little fresh air in his lungs. Worst case, he flips out, and we have a better picture of what's wrong with him."

"Granted, but you're putting both the public's lives and the life of a hero up for ante with the gamble, and...."

"The risk is marginal, at best. Jake's been teamed up with a hero that is nigh invulnerable against his particular strength, so her safety is not a worry. The suit we outfitted him with monitors the biochemical signature of his cerebrum and cerebellum, and if there is a significant change similar to the ones found with advanced schitzophrenia, it is programmed to sedate him. On top of that, Montgomery's terms state that he is to give his charge a tranquilizer pistol loaded with darts strong enough to force a Clydesdale into slumber at the start of their first session. It was witnessed by several members on both sides that the exchange occured, so we have no reason to believe that Montgomery is not cooperating fully."

"Then, for the record, know that I -very grudgingly- will hold my concerns for the "I told you so" session after he screws up and gets this program canned."

"So noted. Now, Wille, cue up the tape, and we'll hear what went down."

"Ja wohl, mein furher. Just let the computer snap out of idle....there we go."

[Team]Yukon Tundra: heya folks
[Team]Saint Sid: hi
[Team]Yukon Tundra: I see the bandages are off
Handsome Devil: I heal quick when I have to. Raindance's love bites actually took the longest....
Handsome Devil: I'm waiting for our fearless leader to appear and pronounce sentence. Where is the Popsicle, anyway?
Yukon Tundra: said something about a Mr Freeze truck that needed a fridge..
Handsome Devil: want me to handle you in the meantime, Tun?
Yukon Tundra: no thanks, HD
HappyPhlogiston: Yeah, where is tha big guy, anyway? Don't they get onta him for lettin' alla us out in one place without armed guards?

"Just a second, Wille. Pause it. What in the blue HELL is Devil doing out of his cell? He's supposed to be in lockdown, yet there he is, cavorting with other FORCE members? And outside the Zig walls?"

"I don't know...I'll have the security chief check the video logs when we're done here. However, what is going on here? All I hear are our boys acting like it's recess."

"I let Devil see what he would be missing out on. I hope that the sight of his fellow prisoners having fun might have some small effect on his desire to behave, and be able to enjoy such priveledges. I do not doubt that this was a monumental failure, but it was an honest attempt. However, I think the recording equipment started early. Must be a small glitch in the system, but at least it's to our benefit. Now maybe we can hear a bit of what they say behind our backs, ja?"

Powerfrost nodded. "Just let it run, maybe Devil will say something I can pipe into someone else's cell to break up an alliance."

Wille nodded, and clicked the play button again.

Handsome Devil whispers to Wille, 'Can we get Tundra doing some extra sit-ups before lights out?'
Wille Zur Macht raises his brow
Handsome Devil he looks like Agent Seven....
Yukon Tundra: hey..Wille's gone all highbrow
Handsome Devil: Whatever you say, Chip. Should we head over to the yacht club for a brandy?
Yukon Tundra: can someone tell me why the boomboxes in this town only play one station?
Wille Zur Macht: Extra situps? I believe 10000 reps will take all night. That will not really help.
Handsome Devil: It's staggeringly popular.
Saint Sid: with which crowd?
Yukon Tundra: must be..everyone seems to do the herky jerky to it
Handsome Devil: Mostly with people driving cars, actually.
Yukon Tundra: Did anyone make sure Happy got his p[ills today? Sid here says he was being spastic before I got ehre
HappyPhlogiston: Is it just me, or do they always seem to try to ram those cars inta us?
Yukon Tundra: it's not just you..I don't mind the cars, but the trucks are annoying
Handsome Devil: Careless drivers. But they never hit any non-super pedestrians. weird, huh?
Yukon Tundra: I wanna know why no one gets pulled over for running the lights either
Saint Sid: you could start making arrests for it yukon..
Yukon Tundra: Hey happy..up there, you're almost normal height
HappyPhlogiston: Don't worry, big guy. They got my suit wired to keep track of my brain pan. They'll know if I haven't been taking what I'm suppose ta.
Saint Sid: pummeling drivers for traffic violations oughta go over real well with the higher ups.
Yukon Tundra: Look..it's a bird..It's a plane..nope..it was a superhero falling outta the sky again
Yukon Tundra: dat one of ours there?
Handsome Devil: Maybe we could wire them with tiny chips that give them a teensy-weesy bowel movement when they hit us...
Handsome Devil: Nah. Chips in their brains. Crazy talk
Yukon Tundra: some of them do it anyway when they get their repair bills
Saint Sid: haha
Yukon Tundra: almost as bad as spiking their water, eh?
Handsome Devil: The very idea....
Saint Sid: yea.. that's never been done in paragon..
HappyPhlogiston: No one'd be that stupid.
Handsome Devil: Except by Devouring Earth. And they're BAD an' stuff
Yukon Tundra: I wonder how many of those 'white hats' let the drugs get in the water when the Vahz are down there since thye try it so often
Yukon Tundra: Just tell me we'll never have to save lawyers from the baddies, PLEASE
Handsome Devil: I love those assignments
Saint Sid: DE have a penchant for lawyers.. council as well.
HappyPhlogiston: As long as I get to skip over the one that made sure I ended up in the Zig.
Saint Sid: gonna start the long climb up. I'll call if anyone's there.
Yukon Tundra: I still got no way up there
HappyPhlogiston: The guy who claimed he was gonna defend me, but instead just ended up bargaining with the prosecution.
Handsome Devil: Funny how that happens. Mostly when you're totally guilty and your lawyer is trying to save you from the big needle. :-)
Yukon Tundra: isn;t that what they always do?
HappyPhlogiston: So instead of one big needle, I end up with a few hundred small ones.
Handsome Devil: Touche. :-)
Wille Zur Macht: Doc. Start shuttling people to the top.
GeoMorphic: Hello.
Saint Sid: hi geo.
HappyPhlogiston: Hello.
GeoMorphic: >>Screaming, laughter<<
Saint Sid: right then
HappyPhlogiston mumbles,"and they're worried about me...."
GeoMorphic: >>Blood, tears<<
GeoMorphic: >>Pain<<
GeoMorphic: >>Screaming, laughter<<
HappyPhlogiston: Geez, someone get him some prozac.
GeoMorphic: Already taking it.
Dark Proton: Would if we could get up there
Yukon Tundra: hey..the babe has our colors on too? wanna come in?
[Team]Yukon Tundra: the 3 of them trying to surround us?
Yukon Tundra: right about now I want XRay vision since Abby is standing spread legged
Abigail Adams: You mean this pound doesn't neuter? That's a shame.
GeoMorphic: >>Screaming, laughter<<
Descretio: oooooooh
Yukon Tundra: the other 2 seem a bit standoffish..I know they made us shower tonight
Dark Proton: You shower Yukon?
GeoMorphic: Shower, mud...
Saint Sid: in oil?
Yukon Tundra: yeah, but the custodians hate it..I clog the drains
Yukon Tundra: hey..a NICE butt over there too
Wille Zur Macht: You see gentlemen, when you behave you get priveleges of indulging in beautiful sights.
Dark Proton: I have been a really good boy.
Wille Zur Macht: Rather than seeing each other's hairy [censored] in the showers
Healing Rayne: Avocet.
HappyPhlogiston: Wille, you guys don't let me misbehave. All my down time is spent in a chemical stupor.
Yukon Tundra: and most of your uptime too, Hap
Wille Zur Macht: Which means you behaved in chemical stupor.
Saint Sid: reall all your time..
HappyPhlogiston: Granted.
Wille Zur Macht: Which shows promise.
Dark Proton: Better living through chemistry
HappyPhlogiston: Story of my life, Doc.
Yukon Tundra: still only 3 there now..the rest left?
Healing Rayne sighs
GeoMorphic: Stone says there are more.
[Team]Yukon Tundra: anything in Talos, o fearful leader?
Saint Sid: there are more than three.. i feel them.
GeoMorphic: Three try to hide. Fear.
Yukon Tundra: I wamnna feel a few..but Wille will yell at me
Dark Proton: Down boy.
Descretio: *laughs*
Yukon Tundra: maybe if I frost the area they'll show?
Yukon Tundra: 4 now?
Saint Sid: easy yukon.. no need to get put in a cell first night out for fun.
Healing Rayne: Hello Zur macht
HappyPhlogiston: Well, one of 'ems got a backbone, at least.
Wille Zur Macht: Greetings
MacroLass: Hello Wille.
Yukon Tundra: Hey..it's Spunky!
Dark Proton: This is getting better and better.
Wille Zur Macht: Guten Tag Macrolass
Abigail Adams whisperst to Fixette
Healing Rayne: *turns to the last one to talk* I believe you are Happy?
HappyPhlogiston: That'd be me.
Descretio: hes one of the seven dwarves
MacroLass: Yeah, I don't know why Icon thinks they can get away with that.
Yukon Tundra: He also is known as Dopey most of the time here
Harken Gloom: too many of us?
Harken Gloom: dis one on one...ja?
Healing Rayne: that would make you Yukon, right?
Wille Zur Macht: Ja
Yukon Tundra: I wouild be Yukon, yeah
HappyPhlogiston looks at Descretio and Yukon.
Yukon Tundra: I have yet to meet my 'keeper'
Healing Rayne: They are not going to bite..you three can come over
Harken Gloom: I should go den....my partner is not coming?
Harken Gloom: Herr Macht?
Wille Zur Macht: He should be here.
Yukon Tundra: Hair makt?
Harken Gloom: ok...
Healing Rayne: These things never run on time Harken
Vangarde: Hello Zur Macht
Wille Zur Macht: Mind your tongue Yukon
HappyPhlogiston: Nah....not now. *looks back to front*
Descretio: who are we waiting on boss
Fixette looks over each person she doesn't know in turn
Wille Zur Macht: The director
Yukon Tundra: Jus tryin to learn the lingo, boss
Descretio: ahh snowcone is coming
Wille Zur Macht: The director is coming
GeoMorphic: Bossman coming?
Yukon Tundra: big boss..not just the road boss
Descretio: *laughs*
HappyPhlogiston: I'm sure it'll make the peanut gallery over dere feel much better when the chief gets here.
MacroLass: Wow, Bruce Springsteen is coming?
Dark Proton sighs
Yukon Tundra: you mean Joisey boy?
Yukon Tundra: oh..no..that's Bomn Jovi, right?
MacroLass: Right.
Vangarde chuckles
Vangarde: this is going to be interesting to say the least
Anne Blaze: Hello Vanny
Abigail Adams: Is it too early to ask a question?
Barometra: Thank you Fixette.
Healing Rayne: Since everyone here is going to stand like statues...I am Healing Rayne..of teh Freedom Phalanx
Fixette presses a button on her belt
Vangarde: hey Anne
GeoMorphic: Are you a doctor?
Vangarde takes Rayne's lead
Healing Rayne: No..but I have studied some courses..to help in my abilites.
Vangarde: i am Vangarde, Liberty Force
MacroLass: Yes he is. Turn your head and cough please...
Healing Rayne: Hey Van
Yukon Tundra: watch it..you let HD do that once already..ain'tcha learned?
GeoMorphic: Why cough? Doctors talk.
Vangarde: Rayne, how you been?
MacroLass sighs.
MacroLass: Never mind...
Dark Proton: Maybe he isn't that kinda of doctor, Geo.
WillO'Wisp: Hello Van!!!! I miss you dude!!!
GeoMorphic: Ah.
Healing Rayne: Very good..got hit with some radiation a few nights ago...accelerated my mutation..it's been fun.
Dark Proton: We have had this conversation before.
Yukon Tundra: heya the big boss is here
Dark Proton: 'ello Boss.
Descretio: evening boss
Powerfrost: Greetings
Healing Rayne: Good evening Powerfrost.
Saint Sid: hola frosty
Yukon Tundra: can we put an end to this mexican standoff yet?
GeoMorphic: Hello bossman.
Powerfrost: Hello to you all
Healing Rayne: What kind of doctor did you think I was?
Descretio: DRAW
Yukon Tundra: heya boss..taking off armor
Fixette shifts from foot to foot rocking her hips then remembers she's not in a skirt
Vangarde: a picture of what?
MacroLass chuckles.
WillO'Wisp: Looks like your boy is hear, schoolbabe.
Fixette: Oh?
GeoMorphic: Like my doctor. He talks to me. Helps me understand squishy ones.
Vangarde: hey hey guys
Yukon Tundra: hey..Anne's showign some impressive cleavage Happy
Fixette: Zack isn't here.
Anne Blaze: !!
Yukon Tundra: oops..I meant to whisper that
Anne Blaze frowns.....
Granite Rock: hello everyone
Saint Sid: *laughs*
Healing Rayne: I have studied some Psychology...but doubt I would be qualified to help as well as a profesional
GeoMorphic: Hello Granite Rock.
MacroLass smirks and shakes her head.
Anne Blaze: Mr. Zur Macht? Do these people come with muzzles?
Vangarde: Anne...
Yukon Tundra: we don't bite..unless asked nicely..well....except for Devil
Saint Sid: only the cannibals.
Dark Proton: Hey!!! We all aren't like the Devil
Anne Blaze: yes?
Wille Zur Macht: No only Handsome Devil does
MacroLass laughs.

Wille, Powerfrost, and Raindance stop the playback to laugh at the sound of three people simultaneously mention Devil when muzzles are asked about, then restart the file.

Healing Rayne: That's an unpleasant question anne
Yukon Tundra: damn..we all jumped that
Vangarde: yes but it was an unpleasant remark as well....
Anne Blaze relaxes..... I'm sorry....
Yukon Tundra: hey..roadboss..you said my 'keeper' will be late?
Granite Rock: Hello everyone
Vangarde looks back "hey granite
Yukon Tundra: oops..sorry..I took ya for granite granite
Fixette: Hiya Mr. Rock!
GeoMorphic: Stone speaks of you Granite.
Yukon Tundra: heya
Granite Rock: It does GeoMorphic. How are you tonight?
Vangarde: Barometra
GeoMorphic: I am solid.
WillO'Wisp: Hello Granite!!! Nice to see you!!!
Dark Proton groans
Granite Rock: Hello Will
[Team]Descretio: Damn, marcoass has some short shorts.
Barometra: Hello Vangarde
[Team]Descretio: macro
Yukon Tundra: and I thought mine was bad..well, it was...
[Team]Yukon Tundra: yeah..but Macroass gfits
Healing Rayne: Is everydaymouse to show tonight?
Vangarde: Zur Macht...is Void Seeker comming?
MacroLass: Everyone, please settle down.
Wille Zur Macht: Everydaymouse is being timid. I am trying to convince him to come out of his hole.
Wille Zur Macht: Void seeker disappeared for couple of days.
MacroLass: Powerfrost will assign his people to us very soon I'm sure.
HappyPhlogiston: Just let me know when the show starts.
Vangarde: I will team with anyone that is left without a partner if h doesnt show
[Team]Powerfrost: anytime you want to roll Wille.. start pairing em up
Wille Zur Macht: That may be the case.
Yukon Tundra: whatcher talent, Van?
Wille Zur Macht: We will commence pairing
Descretio: finally
Vangarde: i blow things up from waaaay off
Wille Zur Macht: Descretio
Yukon Tundra: but I just got to the comics
Descretio: sir
Wille Zur Macht: step forth
Wille Zur Macht: I assumed you met Fixette?
Wille Zur Macht: Or spoke to her.
Descretio: yeah over com
Wille Zur Macht: She will be handling you tonite.
WillO'Wisp: *laughs*
Yukon Tundra: heh
Fixette: Handling? *looks confused*
Descretio: good times
Descretio laughs
Healing Rayne: Since mine is not here..I am able to wait until another partner comes..or mine shows up
Wille Zur Macht: Rayne we will have you temporarily reassigned tonite
Descretio: hello fixette
Fixette smiles and almost gives Descretio a hug and offers him a hand to shake at the last moment
Wille Zur Macht: Geomorphic
Healing Rayne: that shall work then
GeoMorphic: Hmm...
Wille Zur Macht: Step forward
Wille Zur Macht: Your handler tonite will be Granite Rock
Yukon Tundra: step easy please..we ARE on a thin roof
WillO'Wisp: My guy is not here. heading out.
MacroLass: <whispers> Everybody must get stoned.....
Granite Rock: I look forward to it GeoMorphic
Dark Proton laughs
Healing Rayne: ow
GeoMorphic: Good.
Yukon Tundra: hey twinsd
Puck Bunny: Hiya everybody.
Barometra sighs uneasily.
Wille Zur Macht: Yukon
Anne Blaze: Hiya Puck
Puck Bunny: Sorry Love...
Descretio: wow 2 rocks
MacroLass: Hey Puck.
Wille Zur Macht: Step forward
Puck Bunny hugs Rayne
Granite Rock: We can be.
Healing Rayne: I understand..you made it..anddid the interview..you're doing pretty good
Yukon Tundra: sorry..almost didn't hear ya
Wille Zur Macht: Macrolass is it fine that you handle Yukon for tonite?
Healing Rayne hugs back
MacroLass: I think I can deal with that.
MacroLass: Hello Yukon.
Yukon Tundra: heya
Wille Zur Macht: Happy Phlogiston
Puck Bunny: Yes...I am like the 200kph Slapshot!
Wille Zur Macht: Front and center
HappyPhlogiston: Here.
Puck Bunny: Hiya Chaos!
Wille Zur Macht: Your handler is Anne Blaze
Anne Blaze: Hello Happy
HappyPhlogiston looks over Anne.
HappyPhlogiston: Hello....Anne, is it?
Descretio: nice one yukon
Wille Zur Macht: Dark Proton
Yukon Tundra: thanks Des
Anne Blaze: yes... *smiles*
Descretio laughs
Abigail Adams: Darn, wish DN were here now.
Granite Rock: Victor, have you been able to find any solace with stone?
Wille Zur Macht: Dark Proton you will be paried with Barometra tonite
GeoMorphic: The drugs help. Make it softer.
Dark Proton: Hello, Barometra
Barometra: A pleasure to meet you Dark Proton.
Barometra smiles.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Nice to meet you... *looks around nervously*

"Ok, this should be where Jake and Anne start conversing. Hopefully, it all comes through clearly."

Wille Zur Macht: Avocet, you partner said she will be late
Puck Bunny: Proton....Neutron...Electron...
Avocet: So I understand.
GeoMorphic: They made is stop once. It hurt.
Granite Rock: I know the many voices get loader when more people are around. I have found a place of solace.
Wille Zur Macht: Harken. Until the Ruined One shows up....I will go with you.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yeah, I'm sure it is. You can drop the pleasantries. I know I'm not the most reassuring "partner" you've ever had. No need to hide it.

"He's already being confrontational."

"Give it time...you know he's extremely paranoid. It's going to take time for him to not think she's just going to screw him over. If he wasn't at least moody, I'd think he was planning something."

"Granted. Continue."

Dark Proton: Nice to meet you
Granite Rock: There are ways of softening it without drugs.
Barometra nods, smiling.
[Team]Anne Blaze: No..hon...that's not it....at all...
Wille Zur Macht: Lastly...
GeoMorphic: The wet voices are hard to hear over stone.
Granite Rock: What did they do to you that stopped it and hurt?
Wille Zur Macht: Saint Sid...
Saint Sid coughs
GeoMorphic: Put a machine on me.
Descretio: ahhh sid picked last again....sad
Wille Zur Macht: It appears Libery Bill is not here
Wille Zur Macht: Therefore...
Yukon Tundra: cause sid smells
GeoMorphic: Said it would turn off my powers.
Granite Rock: Did it?
Wille Zur Macht: I will have you paired up with Vangarde
Dark Proton: So what is the plan for tonights activities?
Vangarde: I will stand in
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Then what's wrong? Yer stutterin' a lot, and if we go out and break some bad guy head, they'll key on it.
GeoMorphic: It did.
Abigail Adams: Fitting. Mini-Bill
[Team]Anne Blaze: *her voice is full of tension, she discreetly turns off her comm link and cell phone...*
Saint Sid: hi van
Vangarde: Hey
Noelle Frost: Sorry, I'm late.
Wille Zur Macht: Healing Rayne, we are still trying to get the mouse to come out
Fixette: Hey Ms. Frost
Barometra: I'm not sure...are we supposed to be doing anything specific?
Descretio: maybe he was getting a snack and got stuck in a trap
[Team]Anne Blaze: My husband... I'm afraid I have a lot of experience with unstable fire users.....
Granite Rock: I cant imagine that drastic of a change. Sometime I need to show you the place of Solace I have found. when the cacophony of voices gets to much.
Barometra: Or just the usual work.
Healing Rayne: I understand..I have had an opportunity to speak with himonce on comms
Wille Zur Macht: Noelle, I believe the devil contacted you ?
Abigail Adams whispers to Van.
Noelle Frost: Yes, he did. We've been in touch.
Dark Proton: All I was told is that we would be teamed up. They don't give us alot of information for certain reasons.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I adore him...but..he is........jealous.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Ah. I get where this is going, so here. *extends a tranq gun out to her*

"There's a lot of background noise here...other people, the siren, and even a jailbreak. Is there anyway we can cut the sound to just Happy and Anne?"

"I'm trying, but this isn't the most advanced sound editing program available."

Powerfrost: No more than you need
Barometra: Very well.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *she handles it gingerly* What is it?
Dark Proton glares at Powerfrost
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I have ta give you this anyway. I start losin' it, dart me with it.
Wille Zur Macht: Director...
Barometra glances at Powerfrost, then back at Dark Proton.
Healing Rayne: Hello noelle
MacroLass chuckles.
Vangarde: We are going to do some work
Yukon Tundra: when do we leave, bosses?
Vangarde: Seven
Agent Seven nods
Yukon Tundra: getting edgy out here on the roof
Barometra: Hello Agent Seven.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *frowns* I would rather sit down and talk if you feel like you are 'losing it'
Fixette glances over at Seven as he arrives
Wille Zur Macht: You are dismissed once you have been paired
Puck Bunny looks at her PDA...
Saint Sid: have fun kids!
Yukon Tundra: looks like u n me lass
Barometra: Well then.
Avocet whispers to Puck
Noelle Frost: Wille, sir, may I speak to you?
MacroLass: Right.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *sighs and composes herself, smiling* Shall we?
Wille Zur Macht: Yes you may
GeoMorphic: Dismissed?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: But just so we're clear, don't think I like the idea that someone's gotta watch my back. And if I start to lose it, talkin' ain't gonna help.

"Very confrontational indeed. If you'd seen his posture, his overall body language, he was giving more than enough crystal clear signals that he felt very defensive. Anytime he talked with Anne at this point, his stance was that of one who braces for an attack. If I'd have heard him say this, I would have been inclined to send him back to his cell."

"Remember, Anne seemed somewhat pleased when I asked her how her time with Jake was going. Continue, and maybe we'll see him peer out from beneath the shell he's made."

Wille Zur Macht: The Devil....
Wille Zur Macht: lost his priveleges tonite.
Powerfrost: Be good kids
Noelle Frost: When we're through, I mean.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ............ *looks worried*
Noelle Frost: ... oh
Wille Zur Macht: Ah, indeed.
Dark Proton: I am always good boss.
Granite Rock: Willie Zur Macht is there anything else you need to tell us, or should we go?
Barometra: Hm.
Wille Zur Macht: You may leave once you are paired
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hence the gun, but if it makes you feel better, I haven't had my version of an out of body experience in a while.
Dark Proton: So where to Barometra?
Healing Rayne: It was a pleasure to meet you all.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *sighs with relief*
Barometra: Alright then. I have an assignment in Perez if you'd like to accompany me there.
Fixette smiles at Descretio, "Let's blow this joint"
Dark Proton: Sure. Lead the way.
Yukon Tundra: Fixette's offering...
Descretio laughs, you got it!
Fixette whistles, "Tink Security mode"
Harken Gloom: Perhaps Herr Macht a pairing wid Abigail or sumone else...I do not tink you require a partner.
Noelle Frost: Wille, sir, again, sorryI'm late. Did I miss anything important? Besides my partner?
Powerfrost: i feel so outnumbered...
[Team]Anne Blaze: *groans* the Circle......
Wille Zur Macht: No Noelle nothing of urgency
[Team]Anne Blaze: I hate those guys....
Powerfrost: did you take your pills Happy?
Avocet whispers to Noelle
Harken Gloom: ja...I tink too many...capes.
Agent Seven: Hrm
Harken Gloom smiles as she says the word.
HappyPhlogiston: Yes, chief. I think you'd know if I didn't. Don't they place alarms on my pill box still?
Wille Zur Macht: Have of my men used this as an excuse to flee it seems
Wille Zur Macht: What do you think director?
Powerfrost: Can never be too careful Happy
Wille Zur Macht: According to the psi trackers...
[Team]Anne Blaze: would you like transport hon?
HappyPhlogiston: Yeah, yeah. I know...you gotta be cautious.
HappyPhlogiston sigh.

"Is it just me, or did he just seem to have the starch taken out of him?"

"To be fair, director, he had been asked that question over a dozen times in the last hour."

"That is an interesting thing to wonder about, but.....'hon?' She called him hon? Happy doesn't strike me as the type to be called hon by a significant other, let alone someone he's never met."

"By all reports, Anne was predisposed to getting a sort of Mother Hen syndrome around Jake. His history is not completely dissimilar to her husband's, so she was bound to feel some empathy for Jake based on his dossier alone, so her using a semi-affectionate nickname for him as a mother would a child is not completely unexpected."

"Yeah. Empathy or no, this is still a convicted lunatic. As long as he doesn't make a big deal out of it, then she can come up with all the new and interesting names she wants to for him."

[Team]HappyPhlogiston: If you don't mind.
[Team]Anne Blaze: not at all!
[Team]Anne Blaze: Off to Kings Row
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: So, outta curiosity, why'd you get stuck with me?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *suprised* Stuck? I volunteered for the program...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, I mean, how'd you end up with the grand prize of Happy as the one you've gotta keep tabs on?
[Team]Anne Blaze: grand prize? you seem very nice *smiles*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. Nice don't get put in FORCE.
[Team]Anne Blaze: What was your first name again?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. My real name, or the tag I used to use when I was one of you guys?
[Team]Anne Blaze: Your real name..... *stops and answers her cell phone..mutters then hangs up*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Jake.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ...Jake.... Do you even feel like that person anymore?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I get pumped full of drugs every hour of the day, I get my head picked by three different shrinks a day, I spent more time every week in a CAT scan booth than most people do in their lives.....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: ...Damn hard to feel like a hero with all that goin' on.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *frowns* I'm sorry.....

"Wow. Did you hear the snap those words had?"

"Indeed. Our boy may need some intensive anger management training on top of his normal sessions."

"It sounds like they're entering a cave. I think they've reached where Anne's contact pointed them too. The recording sounds a little bit off...I think the Circles rituals are interfering with the wiring, but we should still be able to make out enough."

[Team]Anne Blaze: Let's see what we have in here
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Roger.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Cmon, pick on the big guy!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: They didn't like you much.
[Team]Anne Blaze: just jump over the imps if they get in your way....
[Team]Anne Blaze: heh.... seems so...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, at least they don't mind my fire.
[Team]Anne Blaze: unfortunately...they are somewhat resistant to fire...
[Team]Anne Blaze: *looks worried he will burn the ropes holding the bridge up*
[Team]Anne Blaze: I live in a place like this...
[Team]Anne Blaze: we converted an old temple...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Decent climate control?
[Team]Anne Blaze: yes... and ...fireproof
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: They made sure my little cell was too.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ............
[Team]Anne Blaze: *looks down at her feet* sorry....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Don't be.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: You could get lost in a place like this.
[Team]Anne Blaze: wow...it's beautiful
[Team]Anne Blaze: anything on the bookshelf?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: You don't want me to try to look through books like this, do you?
[Team]Anne Blaze: hmm.... well..
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Your pets made some friends.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *sheepishly*...they do that...sorry
[Team]Anne Blaze: Wait!
[Team]Anne Blaze: I see another set of books...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I'll let you handle the paper.
[Team]Anne Blaze: damn...nothing....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I think we took a wrong turn at albequerque.
[Team]Anne Blaze: you don't seem very comfortable with fire...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: This is their prison.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: How do you figure that? I don't have much choice in the matter, I have to be comfortable with it.
[Team]Anne Blaze: you seem....angry...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: How would you feel, in my shoes?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *in a small voice* I know how it feel to be blindsided
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Blindsided? You think I'm angry because Crey pulled one over on me?
[Team]Anne Blaze: you're not?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, that's part of it, but even better...I'm here paying for Crey's mistakes.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I am this way because of a damn lab explosion at my daddies company.... I didn't want this
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I look around, and see some of these people that are being called heroes, some of them have some very shady dealings every day.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Not too long ago I was very unstable myslef
[Team]Anne Blaze: heh...I bet we take some of the same medications...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Some of the "heros" around here don't exactly care about whether the ones they send to Zig live or die, and even some that don't care if the people they're saving do either.....
[Team]Anne Blaze: ......... yes, that's true...there are many heroes I'm not impressed with
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yet, they get the red carpet treatment for taking out some hotshot bad guy, and I get to spend my days and nights in a drooling coma in a 10 by 12 room in the zig, when I didn't do anything on purpose.
[Team]Anne Blaze: it's so unfair...... how can you get out?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yeah. I'm angry. And I don't know if I can.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ..........

"We need to be careful here. We have enough problems with Happy coming to terms with the fact that he was responsible for what he did, and we dont need someone validating his victim syndrome."

"Agreed. Maybe I will have to talk to Anne, if these two end up working together again."

[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Until they figure out what's wrong with me, I stay.
[Team]Anne Blaze: heh...you go first
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I had a feeling you'd say that.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Not because of your situation!
[Team]Anne Blaze: because I have the same strength as a normal woman...
[Team]Anne Blaze: surely you would have done the same in your prior life...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: That's what I meant. You don't look all that sturdy, and that's what I was kinda made for.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: No offense.
[Team]Anne Blaze: No, it's true! *laughs*
[Team]Anne Blaze: Grrr.....! Quicksand!
[Team]Anne Blaze: Another pair of designer boots trashed...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yeah. Those circle like to annoy me to death. At least they stopped trying to rain on me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *squints to see him through all the fire*
[Team]Anne Blaze: does that....hurt?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: And not to rehash old topics, but if you're on the same meds as I am, you wouldn't be upright.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: No, at least, not anymore.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: It took a few weeks to get used to it.
[Team]Anne Blaze: .......well.... I'm glad for that.... and I knew you were on more than Antidepressants...

"Well, he seems to be relaxing his guard a bit with her. I'm not sure what's causing it...it could be the mother hen bit, it could be the sympathy, or it could just be a comrades in arms thing. Whatever it is, I like to hear Jake speak without clenched teeth being involved. It shows some progress."

[Team]Anne Blaze: oh god.... *listening to comm channel*
[Team]Anne Blaze: *groans*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Keeping up this fire takes a lot of juice. I burn through a few hundred calories a minute, so my meds have to be incredibly strong.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *distractedly....* yeah.... I can't even get drunk...
[Team]Anne Blaze: got any extra meds for an insane Fire Blaster?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. I tried to get drunk a lot after I got busted out of Crey's lab. All the alcohol just went to fuel my fire.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Find what you were looking for?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *distractedly* um.....yes!
HappyPhlogiston shakes his head.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *puts on a false happy face* So! Shall we get out of here?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Not much good ever comes outta the thorns books.
[Team]Anne Blaze: True...Shall we burn it?!
[Team]Anne Blaze: just kidding....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yep. No need spending more time here...the thorns will get wise eventually, and come in with the big guns.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *looks worried* umm...yeah
[Team]Anne Blaze: So.... I think you did an awesome job!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Thanks. You seem to know your stuff too.
[Team]Anne Blaze: You're very nice..... a gentleman
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I try to be polite. No need to be angry at someone I'm working with.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Hell I get sexually harrassed by heroes on a daily basis.... I appreciate your professionalism
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: But don't think I trust you. Been through the routine enough times and enough knives in my back.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *sighs* I understand.... I cant imagine what its been like for you
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: At least you ain't pretending to.

"Is it just me, or is he making a conscious effort to be more eloquent?"

"I noticed it too, Director. It seems that a good fight with the Circle gave him a bit of self respect back, something he's surely been sorely lacking in his everyday routine."

"Maybe he's just mistaking her pity for sexual interest, and he's trying to turn this into a conjugal outing."

"Anyway...moving on....at least the reception is better now that they are out of the cave."

[Team]Anne Blaze: I've been through my own nightmare..but nothing like yours...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: But why sign up for this, anyway? You could have gotten Devil, you know.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *shudders*
[Team]Anne Blaze: Confidentialy?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Who'd believe me if I tried to blab?
[Team]Anne Blaze: This may be my last assignment for the Phalanx....
[Team]Anne Blaze: I wanted to make it count for something

"Interesting. One has to wonder at the effect it would have on her if this experiment fails horribly."

"What do you mean?"

"She seems to feel that her time has been spent in futility, and that this will erase some of that."

"You assume much. She may be simply trying to play on Jake's sympathies to get him to succeed."

"Time will tell."

"Okay, if you two don't mind, I have a meeting with a few government types to attend in less than an hour. Let's write down anything else we have to say, and I'll go over the notes later."

"Ja wohl."

"Alright."

[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Never worked with them much, but I'd heard good things when I was less detained. Why leave them?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *shakes her head sadly* I'm not hero material hon....
[Team]Anne Blaze: I belong at Macy's, not a Circle of Thorns cave...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Not that I'm in any position to really judge, but what makes you say that?
[Team]Anne Blaze: I don't fit in.... I attract to much attention... unwanted attention...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I know about attracting attention. And sorry for some of the things I said down there...the Circle doesn't rattle easy.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Psssht! It's nothing.....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: What type of attention aren't you liking?
[Team]Anne Blaze: Now watch..I'll get in trouble for my comment to Wille
[Team]Anne Blaze: *she points to her figure*
[Team]Anne Blaze: *smirks* Anne Blaze's 'real' superpower....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Okay, so you're easy on the eyes. You'd rather look like me?
[Team]Anne Blaze: ..........um
[Team]Anne Blaze: no one takes me seriously
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: So, just let one of yer little pets remind them you're serious.
[Team]Anne Blaze: but...nevermind..this isnt about me... I'll stay with this project until I help get you out
[Team]Anne Blaze: have they ever tried magical heals on you?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: They've tried a few dozen types of everything on me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: hmm.... did my fire based heals seem to help anything?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: When someone goes from front page headlines about saving the city again, to third page courtcase notes, people tend to want to know why and try to fix it.
[Team]Anne Blaze: did you like the fame?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: They kept me moving, if that's what you meant.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Like I said... I am the lowest Phalanxer on the totem pole, but can I bring you anything? Music, magazines?
HappyPhlogiston puts his chin in his hand.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I'm sorry...I'm doing it again......
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: You know, the fame was nice, so yeah, having a kid walk up to you and ask for an autograph, that I liked.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: How much do you know about me? What have you gotten to read up on?
[Team]Anne Blaze: I... read the reports....
Anne Blaze looks down.....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I'll fill you in some other time...but before this....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I used to be a firefighter.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *smiles* that's really cool
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: So don't think that all the work I did was to see my picture in the papers. That was just a bonus.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I never saw you in the papers...I am a recent arrival to Paragon
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: But after it all, I couldn't really be a firefighter, what with being a source of fire and all.
[Team]Anne Blaze: heh..very Fahrenheight 451...firemen who 'start' fires...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Yeah. I tend to have the same effect on books as they do in that one.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Crey apparently thought it would be a nice joke to play on me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: hmm..... I cant imagine what that is like.... my..mutation was an accident
[Team]Anne Blaze: and I almost committed suicide over it...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: So, anyway, without firefighting, I was left without many skills to fall back on, so I did what I could.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *nods*
[Team]Anne Blaze: do they...treat you ok...in there...i mean....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, I spend most of the time in there in a chemical coma, and don't remember much of it.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ........
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: But when I'm awake, I'm too busy being shuttled from appointment to appointment to really notice any bad treatment.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Well..that's something..... I almost had that Tundra man as my partner....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I think I scare them almost as bad as I scare myself.
[Team]Anne Blaze: good... you go ahead and scare them
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: That's part of the problem. The kids that used to run up to me and ask for autographs now hide behind their moms when they see me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I dont think you are scary ..... but I like fire.....Burn would have went insane if I had been assigned Tundra or Devil....
[Team]Anne Blaze: He thinks I'm helpless.... a common opinion
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: At least they know what they're doing...but it probably is good that you can handle fire.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I am immune to it... burn however you want
[Team]Anne Blaze: must be nice to get out, huh...even if it is skanky Kings Row
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I won't pry about why Yukon or Devil would get to you. They get to most people.
[Team]Anne Blaze: They just give me the creeps
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: King's Row is kind of appropriate, actually.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Not exactly the happiest place I could be, but still.
[Team]Anne Blaze: better than the zig.... Mr. Zurr Macht have plans to check you back in?
[Team]Anne Blaze: hang on...*her cell phone rings*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: If so, he hasn't said anything. He doesn't handle most of my day anyway. They leave the little stuff to the staff there.
Burncycle nudges Anne
[Team]Anne Blaze: ...... Jake.... this is Josh Carmichael
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hello.
[Team]Anne Blaze: my husband
[Team]Burncycle: ... hello ...
[Team]Anne Blaze: See J? I'm fine!
Burncycle nods
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Ah. The happy husband. Worried about the little lady?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *smiles*
Burncycle nods 'Yeah ... I do ...'
[Team]Anne Blaze: I got really lucky.... I was first assigned Yukon....
[Team]Anne Blaze: I fear I would have had to beat him away with a stick
Burncycle wrinkles his nose
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. If it helps you relax any, know that if I let her get hurt, then I'm probably going to be mainlining Thorazine and kill my chances to get out of this outfit.
Dark DJ: k thanks
[Team]Anne Blaze: the mission was flawless, Josh.... no injuries
[Team]Burncycle: I'm sure you'll be just fine ... Anne's good about helping people ...
[Team]Anne Blaze: you mean about 'adopting people' *sheepish grin*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: And if I hurt her, then I'll be mainlining cyanide.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ...............
[Team]Anne Blaze: don't say that!
HappyPhlogiston shrugs.
[Team]Burncycle: Fair enough *nods* But she's alot tougher then I give her credit for
[Team]Anne Blaze: I told you.... I cannot burn
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hey, I don't delude myself about where I stand with the authorities.
[Team]Anne Blaze: heh..authorities are fun, right J?
[Team]Burncycle: heh did I mention as of tonight I'm free from "authorities"?
[Team]Anne Blaze: I heard......... *looks nervous*
[Team]Burncycle: ... meh ...
[Team]Anne Blaze: So... you quit everything? The Phoenix Guard, the Alliance?
HappyPhlogiston cracks his neck.
[Team]Burncycle: Badges turned in, uniforms turned in ... I'm free of it all
[Team]Anne Blaze: .................
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hey, that's my goal too.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I....don't know what to say
[Team]Anne Blaze: other than I support you
[Team]Burncycle: Well I'll tell ya it feels great *nods* I hope you get to feel it as well.
[Team]Anne Blaze: can we buy ya a burger or something Jake?
[Team]Burncycle: I imagine that food they serve you isnt all that great ... we'll feed ya well if you'd like.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Nah. I think it'd get pumped and inspected when I got back.
[Team]Anne Blaze: ewww....
[Team]Burncycle: Ugh ... never mind then
[Team]Anne Blaze: that's harsh of them!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Maybe, but with the stuff they have me on, would you let me eat anything that might interfere with anything else?
[Team]Anne Blaze: ......well..... I suppose....
[Team]Burncycle: good point ...
[Team]Burncycle: I think ...
[Team]Anne Blaze: how often can you get out for this project?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Considering they didn't plan to let me roam free this early, and spending time eating out isn't exactly part of what they want us doing, they didn't give me a list of what and what not to eat.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: How often? Well, considering that nothing bad happened tonight, then they'd probably just need to know that I wouldn't be roaming the streets alone, so anytime is good.
[Team]Burncycle: They probally frown knowing I was here right now too huh
[Team]Anne Blaze: You had to check on me...it's not a habit...
[Team]Anne Blaze: you see now that Jake's not some lecherous fiend.... See..... Burn met Handsome Devil...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Oh, Anne, keep the tranq gun. Wille should have the phone number of the supplier of the cartidges for it.
Burncycle blinks
[Team]Anne Blaze: Ok...will do.... Burn was worried all FORCE'ers were like Devil
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, that would explain the concern.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Him and I had a run in with Handsome...
[Team]Burncycle: I didnt like him much ... well not at all to be honest ...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. The first time I met him, he offered the other half of my psyche an invitation to turn Paragon into burning Rome.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *harrumph* yes a real charmer....
Burncycle sighs
[Team]Burncycle: Though a little fire is kind of nice ...
Anne Blaze grins
Anne Blaze beams
Burncycle winks at Anne
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, at least I see how you two stay together.
Anne Blaze laughs
Burncycle grins wide
[Team]Anne Blaze: we were made for each other....
[Team]Burncycle: I'll let the two of you get back to doing what ya have to do. Was very nice to have met you.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Now scoot! *grins*
[Team]Burncycle: Was written in the stars
[Team]Burncycle: See you later love.
HappyPhlogiston nods to Burncycle.
[Team]Anne Blaze: He was a big part of me coming to accept the fire....
[Team]Anne Blaze: I hated the fire...and myself....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: At least you had some support.
[Team]Anne Blaze: yes...but not until him.... my fiance dumped me, my family disinherited me...
[Team]Anne Blaze: I was a freak..
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I know that routine. You show up on their doorstep as the latest freak of nature, and they want to forget about you in a hurry.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *nods* looks didnt matter anymore
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hey, at least you had looks to begin with.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I had nothing to fall back on...except a college friend in Paragon
[Team]Anne Blaze: have you looked around? all the women a re stunning here....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I don't think you want me to be the one reassuring you in that area.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *grins* heh...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Someone might get jealous.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *smiles and nods* so.... *claps hands together* another mission?
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Sure. Who we beatin' on this time?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *checks her PDA and groans* Why can't I just 'call' this infernal woman!!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. Probably because you know me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: I have to fly back to Brick.....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: I'll meditate here...just let me know where to meet you.
[Team]Anne Blaze: Oh...ok then
[Team]Anne Blaze: Jake? Dark Astoria.....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Gotcha.
[Team]Anne Blaze: We have to find this guy Bentley... I have some coordinates to start with...but I dont know what we'll find
[Team]Anne Blaze: Colleen sounded nervous...she told me to bring back up...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: You sure to want me being that backup? If your contact is nervous, then it might be because I'm around.
[Team]Anne Blaze: actually...I think she just doesnt trust fire heroes...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Well, having me around isn't going to ease her mind. But then again, after the way my contacts look at me, watching them squirm a bit is fine with me.
[Team]Anne Blaze: *grins*
[Team]Anne Blaze: eeep!....scary stuff...
[Team]Anne Blaze: Ok babe..thats all I got..go get em
[Team]Anne Blaze: damn imp!
[Team]Anne Blaze: they..umm...trapped me in that office...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Heh. No treats for them!
[Team]Anne Blaze: *laughs!!*
[Team]Anne Blaze: *shakes her head*
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: There's always the tranq gun I gave you. It works wonders on the little monkeys.
[Team]Anne Blaze: hmm.... *looks at gun*
[Team]Anne Blaze: hmm.... this is too easy....
[Team]Anne Blaze: I wonder what's up
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: No kidding. Contacts don't get nervous over things like this.
[Team]Anne Blaze: damn.....
[Team]Anne Blaze: *pats the little monleys on their heads...stay here!*
[Team]Anne Blaze: *monkeys...even...
[Team]Anne Blaze: They freak out in elevators...
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Hmm. There has to be a sedative for that.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: There's a little bit of a challenge.
[Team]Anne Blaze: !!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Let me get it's attention.
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: He said the informant wasn't here. Now what?
[Team]Anne Blaze: I found a note!
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: Anything important, or just a grocery list?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *laughs* sorry.... hang on...
I'm too far away for my mentor to help me!
[Team]Anne Blaze: coordinates....
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: What type of coordinates?
[Team]Anne Blaze: he's been kidnapped...
[Team]Anne Blaze: location of a Council base
[Team]HappyPhlogiston: You see anything ironic about sending me up against a bunch of insane freaks that get jollies by burning people alive?
[Team]Anne Blaze: *laughs* well.... Colleen DOES have a sense of humor...

The playback stops, and the three stand up and stretch.

"Well, I can't say I'm entirely happy, but I can't say there's any reason to stop them form continuing to team, either."

"Director, we need to be very careful with these two. Anne seems a bit overly sympathetic towards Jake. Even if that doesn't cause problems directly with his reformation, if she takes the burden this type of pairing causes home with her, her husband is known to be very jealous and quick to anger. If Anne starts to concentrate on Jake at the expense of her husband in any form, he may take it upon himself to remove the problem by sabotaging Jake."

"We need to pull up files on him, then, and see if he might become a problem. If so, then we might need to have a talk with him and alleviate his concerns. However, we are only able to guess at potential problems for now."

"Despite all this, Jake did seem to be in much better spirits when he returned. A little fresh air, a little exercise, and getting to play hero again seemed to do his disposition a world of good. If Anne is able to work with him, and even seem to trust him enough to work beside him, then I see no reason that they can't continue to work together, given the caveats that we need to keep a close monitor on just how sympathetic Anne becomes toward Jake."

"Agreed. We will pick this up again tomorrow."

jerichojones · 08-01-2005 08:27 PM

((More Devil Punishment pieces coming, but for the moment, here's one for the quiet folk in FORCE. ))

((The question below was in fact used as a psychological evaluation question when determining psychopathic tendencies. If you know the answer before the explanation... good for you. ))

Yukon Tundra ghosted through the cellblocks of the Ziggursky prison in the strange way some large, quiet men had; soundlessly and without attracting attention. When he stopped to let prisoners and guards pass, he stayed close to the walls and seldom had anyone address him. He preferred it that way, really.

He finally came to his destination, a small cell with the words Mouse Hole elaborately stenciled over the door.

Mouse? whispered the tank. Mouse? I need your help. You home?

The only man in the Zig more timid than Tundra pressed his face to the bars. His nose twitched. What do you want? Everydaymouse wasnt used to people looking for him for reasons other than ritual hazing and abuse. Company for companys sake that would be well weird.

I was reading this thing, whispered Tundra. And it doesnt make any sense at all, and since youre smart and all, I was thinking maybe you could help me with it.

Class nerd since kindergarten, Mouse was used to big people coming to him for explanations to complex things like computers, physics, or advanced theoretical calculus. He sighed. What is it?

Yukon handed over the book hed been clutching. An old psychology textbook. A page had been marked, and a section circled. These stories are for psych profiling. Some are pretty funny. This one here, the pages explaining it are missing, and it doesnt make any sense to me. What do you think?

Yeah Mouse. called a jolly voice from the hall. Lets get Tundra on the couch and start picking his brains. Handsome Devil sauntered into view.

Hi Devil. The two meek heroes chorused. Then they waited for him to lose interest in them and move on. He pretty much always did.

But this time he simply stood, tapping his foot impatiently. Well, get on wiss ze eggz-zamen-a-zon, Zigmund.

Mouse looked down at the book. Shrugged. Okay.

[ QUOTE ]
Hypothetical Scenario Number 48. A woman goes to a funeral of a friend she met years ago at boarding school. She knows no one at the service. At the funeral she meets a man who describes himself as a close friend of the family. The woman and the man leave the funeral together spend the rest of the day in each others company, and share a wonderful romantic evening. When they finally separate, the woman realizes she never found out the mans name, or phone number, or address. The woman then looks up the address of the dead friends mother in the phonebook, goes to her home and kills her by bludgeoning her to death. Why do you think the woman kill her dead friends mother?

[/ QUOTE ]

Mouse looked at Tundra. Thats stupid. Who knows why? He reread the passage. Theres nothing to indicate motive. The mother wasnt even a factor

The Devil snickered.

The tank and the controller looked at the grinning scrapper. Youve cracked the case, Poirot? asked Mouse, a teeny-tiny bit of irritation slipping into his voice. He wasnt used to not having the answers.

Handsome rolled his eyes. Calm down, Wildman. No need to get so riled up. The woman needed another funeral. Thats an old question. Its a psychopathy indicator.

Tundra shook his head. Wha? I still dont get it.

The Devil took a deep breath, let it gust out. The idea of the story is to show if the reader has psychopathic tendencies. Normal folks probably have no idea why the woman killed mom. Normal folks would be looking for a cause-effect link between the perp and victim. But a psychopath doesnt necessarily think that way. They think about the relationship with the man. A psychopath would think, I want to find that man again. But theres no way to find him without a name or number, and I dont know anyone to ask. But he did say he was a close friend of the family. So if the mom were to die, hed probably be there for the service. So she finds mom, pops her, and gets her funeral clothes dry-cleaned and pressed for another use. Collateral damage as a means to an end comes easy for psychos. Simple when someone explains it, huh?

The two timid heroes stared at the horned third. Yeah. breathed Yukon. That would explain it.

The Devil bobbed his head back, winked, turned, and proceeded out of the cell and down the hall, whistling brightly as he went.

Mouse looked at Tundra with big, round eyes. I dont know how much theyre paying the shrink that works with the Devil, but

Tundra nodded in agreement. Not nearly enough.