The scarred leader of the entourage kept his pace as he walked through the building, gazing at anything worthy of interest. What he really wished to see was the laboratories, but wondered whether or not such a show of corporate force would grant him that. He grabbed his coat and pulled it slightly, checking his sidearm. He had done his research and knew that Ms. Feynman was a registered hero and he wouldn't have much of a chance against her if she decided to physically "escort" them out of the building, especially considering he did not have his infamous "gear" with him...
He came with a pistol and a checkbook, nothing more. He hoped the checkbook would suffice...
(( This is getting fun! I have so many ideas, I've got to keep them in check. Also as luck would have it, Real Life rears its ugly head and I won't have more than a few minutes until the weekend to read and contribute to the forums. That said, I'd like to jot down a couple of ideas, so you can continue writing in my short absence.
I'd like to have a situation where Angelstryke "earns" his protection money. I'd like to visit Soulll Train's lab once it's setup. I'd like to find out if the twins have run across anymore info. And last but not least, see what Legion has in mind for Physiks Tech.
Keep up the good writing and new contributors are welcome!))
[url="http://celestialguardians.guildportal.com"]Celestial Guardians SG[/url]: Chris Mas Snow 50 Ice/Storm Ctl, Li Zhou 42 MA/Rgn Scrp, Dui Zhou 32 Ice/FF Ctl, TinyTaxi 35 Emp/Psi Def
[url="http://tinyurl.com/y66drr"]UnAlliance VG[/url]: Shar Chi 37 Nin/Drk MM, La Vida Loca 16 Pl/Psi Dom
(( Lab: Um, it's in 'under construction' phase, but you can be sure Soul will want to give you a tour once it's completed and initial start-up protocols are worked out. She's still waiting on the intel she requested from her contact in the FBI - I may just make it really cursory, but I think she's realized Physiks is an OK bunch.
As for Angelstryke... well, as long as he's not required to do tests in HER lab... she'll learn to get along. Expect the FBI report she gets to have a lot of "watch your back" on that one... even as they also say he's a good 'resource'.
And then there's the Matamoros angle - has she picked up a guardian angel? What of the bomb in her nightstand or the surveillance robots hiding in her AV cabinet? Will she learn to close her balcony door at night? ))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
((Legion would like to see the lab too and is very interested in your research...for possible weapon system applications! And who is the mysterious scarred 'business man?' 
I'm sure you all have an idea who it is ... Anyway, the bomb must remain in the apartment...Matamoros left it there in case he fails to protect you and the only way to stop Crey is to eliminate you...the ultimate and least desired solution. Will Soul stop fighting crime, in fear that the criminals she deals with will end up dead before she has a chance to arrest them? Will Clarisa respond to Legion in a hostile manner, provoking a corporate war or something more dastardly? Are they all under surveillance of an unknown power with a hidden agenda? Find out on the next episode of DRAGON BALL...er, "Heroism is Good Business"!))
(( FAST FORWARD 1 WEEK:
Ok, all the egghead types, front and center, everyone else, you can safely fade into the background, partake of the catered buffet, schmooze, whatever. ))
Soul had looked forward to the day the lab 'opened' for a week. She'd overseen the installation of the power and network links, the fire suppression, the computers, the shielding arrays, everything had been checked and double checked. And finally, the reactor was installed, the failsafes were tested, and the first powerup tests were run without incident.
So, she felt it was as good a time as any to throw an 'open house' for her companions at Physiks.
The company had provided a catered buffet lunch and a large conference space, where Soul introduced the members of her lab team. She then went into a 'layman's terms' summary of her thesis, and the basis behind the whole project.
[ QUOTE ]
First, I'd like to thank all of you for being here. If it wasn't for Clarisa Feynman and Physiks Tech, I'd not be doing this, and we'd probably not see this technology ever see the light of day.
But, what exactly IS a Muon Dampener anyway?
Well, to answer that I have to go into a bit of theoretical physics. Most of us are aware from high school and college classes, that all matter is made up of atoms, building blocks consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These things hold energy - if you add energy to matter, you tend to make it speed up, expand, heat up, emit light, or all sorts of other effects.
However, matter also interacts with other matter in predictable ways. Gravity. Resistance. Momentum. Inertia. All of these are effects that up until very recently, we've taken for granted, without asking "Why?"
Why is it that if you throw a baseball, it keeps moving once you release it from your hand? Momentum.
Why does it take effort to push a loaded crate on a wagon? Inertia.
So... what is momentum exactly? How does inertia work?
Well, the basis of both is this: Objects at rest resist being put into motion, and objects in motion resist having their motion changed.
What if we could... change... that law? What if we could impart motion directly, without having to physically push an object? What if we could negate the effects of inertia, so that bringing something to a stop wouldn't require any deceleration period?
The possible industrial applications are, in a word, everywhere.
But, we first have to figure out how these principles work.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what the Muon Dampener project is all about.
It has been theorized, that those atomic building blocks, the protons, neutrons, and electrons, are actually built of smaller subatomic elements, called quarks. They are too small to be directly seen, but subatomic physics has amassed whole libraries on their traits simply based on observed effects. The particular "flavor" of particle we're concerned here is the Muon. It is believed that this subatomic particle is the carrier of kinetic energy, or the energy of motion. If we could figure out how to harness muonic energy, project it, shield it, dampen it, we could then negate or enhance kinetic effects. No more having to wear seatbelts in your car, for example... a muon dampening field would protect the occupants from slamming forward into the dash, or possibly protect the entire car - the impact energy would simply be bled off via the field, instead of flowing thru the matter of the vehicle, crushing it and the occupants.
For transport, imagine being able to impart motion to a vehicle, and not have to continuously maintain that motion. This means no engine or drivetrain required, all motive power is supplied by a field or an external beam.
I'm sure all of you have ideas as to what this could be used for.
Our job is to break it all down and show you how the science is supposed to work.
And that is what THIS lab is all about.
And for those of you in the audience who may be thinking, we're not the first to go this direction... well, I was on the original Muon Dampener project at Paragon Polytech, and I am living proof that this line of theoretical research is, how shall we say, viable.
[/ QUOTE ]
With that, she tossed a baseball up in the air, and then WHAM! a field formed around her hand, sending the ball sailing across the stage as if smacked by an invisible baseball bat.
[ QUOTE ]
Thank you. I am Kashaye Parker, otherwise known as Soullll Trainnn, and I am the only living breathing Muon Dampener in existence.
[/ QUOTE ]
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Two men dressed in black suits, obviously employees of Legion, sat in the back of the room, listening to Ms. Parker speak. They had made no elaborate, armed entrance, they were legitimately and legally attending the conference. Little did Ms. Parker know that Legion had put forth a large sum of money to fun the laboratory, as well as using corporate might to make sure Crey could not and would not interfere. Physiks and, even worse, Legion having access to her experiments was the last thing Crey wanted.
When Ms. Parker had finished speaking, the Legion attendants clapped accordingly, along with everyone else. They spoke between each other about the future possibilities of such technology. Their accent was undeniably Spanish...
"Just think about it. Think of the weapons and defense system applications of such technology. We could make shielding systems that can stop enemy rounds mid-air. It could grant controller-like powers, allowing you to stop the enemy in his tracks." The man speaking turned his head and faced another Legion attendant, one with a unique scar across his face. "This would help you especially. It could give you an edge over the registered heroes."
The scarred man turned to his associate, "That isn't the primary reason we're here, Alejandro. You know that. You authorized this action."
"Yes, Victor, that may be true, but you can't ignore the fact that we're getting an added bonus here, both for you and our operations."
'Victor' had his arms crossed and did not reply. His gaze was fixated on Ms. Parker. Alejandro, too, changed his tone to a more serious one.
"Your analysis was correct. She is indeed an innocent. She has no idea what's going on. It does not appear she wishes for power, but instead just vengeance against Crey. See to it she is unharmed. We cannot allow Crey and their masters have her." The man known as 'Alejandro' stood up. "Victor, I shall take my leave now. I trust you will keep order." He received a nod from 'Victor' and walked out of the room.
Victor remained in his seat, seemingly in deep thought. He, too, was now seeing the possibilities of this technology. It could serve him well in his 'mission.'
(( the next "lab" mission I get, I'll take screenshots of the equipment used... hopefully the civvies won't be running around in a panic by that point. ))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
((All Angel wants is to get some action. His role so far has been minimal and he doesn't like being kept out of the loop. There are many threats that could harm Soul and Clarisa and Angel is itching for a fight. What I want in particular is to for the supporting characters to find out more about the mystery that is Angelstryke. But back to the story!))
Angelstryke watched the presentation with his usually cocky smirk and his civilian outfit. Being the unofficial "protector" of Physiks and everyone there, he was on guard duty. But that doesn't mean that he didn't need to enjoy the show. He personally didnt see the point of these "Muon thingamajigs." Sure force fields are good, but thats all that he could see. But his attention wasnt wholly on the show. He was watching the crowd for anybody suspicious. Nobody seemed unusual, cept for the boys from Legion.
Angel never did trust Legion very much. They seemed too big on weapons and too friendly and too unfriendly at the same time. He especially didnt like the big one with the scar. Mostly because he didnt like the big guy moving in on the scar look that Angel pulled off so well. But there was this one thing about the guy that didnt sit well with Angel, something in his gut. And when Angel has a bad feeling about someone, you know something aint kosher.
Suddenly Angel had a killer idea to find out more about these guys. He walked over to the boys from Legion and tried to introduce himself. "Sup boys, the name's Erik Masterson and I find your company very intrigueing. I happen to be the best bodyguard in the city and a well respected scientist in my field. I currently work for these jokers at Physiks. But I would gladly leave them to work for your Corporation. Whaddya say?"
Victor, unsurprised by Angelstryke's sudden introduction, casually turned to him and stood up, giving a firm handshake. He, in return, introduced himself. He knew of this man and knew that he could possibly botch the entire operation...or inadvertantly help it.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr., Masterson was it? Allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Victor Jaramillo de Vivar, head of applied sciences at Legion Technology and Defense Systems." He forced a smile from himself. He hated doing it. "What exactly about our company has intrigued you? Considering you're a man in the 'protection' business, I assume it would be my department. We have plenty of new gadgets and weapons about to come out. I'm sure you've heard of a few models." Another thing he hated was pretending small-talk.
"Anyway, I wouldn't call the people at Physiks jokers. They're quite the intelligent bunch. Perhaps Legion might want to join Physiks in its endeavours." He really wanted to get away from this guy. He didn't like the way he came out of nowhere. Victor knew this Masterson was trying to get at something. He would give him nothing. He reached into his coat and pulled out a card and handed it to Mr. Masterson. "Here, our card. Actually, the number on there is for our Madrid office, considering our Paragon office is incomplete. Now, if you excuse me," Victor turned and walked towards Ms. Parker, hoping to start a conversation just to look more casual. He had a nasty habit of looking like a brooding tyrant instead of a businessman.
Kashaye turned as she heard footfalls approach where she was standing, talking to one of her lab techs. She looked up. Ah. One of the gentleman from.. Legion, was it? She saw who he was walking away from. Well, it seems they had one thing in common... they both didn't feel all that comfortable around Angelstryke.
"Ms. Parker. A very interesting presentation. I am Victor Jaramillo de Vivar, and I am head of applied sciences at Legion Technology and Defense Systems. I see you're still working on the theory behind this... phenomena... that you've dubbed 'muonic energy' ... was it? Yes. We at Legion are very interested in its practical applications."
She reached out her hand, and he shook it. Firm grip, but not too strong. Cultured. Manly. She held onto it a bit longer than decorum usually dictated.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. de Vivar. By 'practical applications' I'm assuming you mean weapons? I tend to shy away from such things - my focus is more along safety and motive systems - but that doesn't mean such things are not possible." She smiled. She'd heard of Legion before, but beyond the company prospectus, she didn't know much other than they were a huge defense contractor, supplying arms for a good number of countries to fight off the Rikti.
"So... tell me Victor, what would the head of applied sciences of Legion be doing hanging around a theoretical physicist grad student and occasional heroine, hmmm?"
(( We'll get Angelstryle into this. Just have to think about the dynamic of his character... ))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Victor forced another smile. "Our company is opening another location. More specifically, here in Paragon City. It appears that the Paragon police and heroes are in dire need of weaponry and defense systems to combat this plague of corruption and villainy that has ensnared this city." He paused, realizing that his tone was beginning to sound a bit fanatical and he didn't want to make her more suspsicious than she already probably was.
Victor turned his head slightly, hoping Masterson had left. Apparently he was still there. He turned his head back to Ms. Parker.
"Since we're starting operations in this city, which includes a corporate office as well as a weapons manufactury, we have been on the lookout for the best and brightest people in Paragon. Physiks has caught our eye. Your research could possibly help us complete some of our own projects, and hence we have extended an offer of partnership with Physiks. Perhaps your technology will replace the current project we've been having problems with. We've been working on shield technology as well and it's similar to yours except that it's pathetically bug and error ridden and the project is about to be scrapped. In light of this, we'll be transferring all equipment, expertise, and funding to your project...that is, if your boss, Ms. Feynman, agrees to the partnership." He paused for a moment, then continued. "Has she mentioned anything to anyone about an interest in this?"
[ QUOTE ]
"In light of this, we'll be transferring all equipment, expertise, and funding to your project...that is, if your boss, Ms. Feynman, agrees to the partnership." He paused for a moment, then continued. "Has she mentioned anything to anyone about an interest in this?"
[/ QUOTE ]
"Well, not to me. She just had me tell her what was needed for this project, and trucks and workmen started showing up the next day. I don't ask where the money comes from... I used to do that back in my idealistic days, and too many times I found I didn't like the answer. Now... the only funding partner I object to, on principle, is that Crey outfit."
She brightened.
"But, if Legion and Physiks are entertaining a co-operative effort, especially one to assist Paragon, I'm all for it. God knows, we could use the help. Ever since the Rikti came knocking, things have been just this side of chaos. As a heroine, I do what I can... same as a scientist... but any time someone steps up and offers to pitch in, great."
She changed the subject. "Victor, you have the most interesting accent. It sounds Spanish, but... well, different than what I heard in places like Los Alamos and Sandia."
((OOC: Los Alamos and Sandia Laboratories are both located in New Mexico. Both are rather well-known for high-energy physics research.))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
It shattered. A huge flash of light erupted from the Portal, a single, blood-chilling scream reverberated in the Portal Room, and then... the world shattered.
The two siblings were engulfed into the light before they had any idea what had occurred. They screamed deafening, silent screams as their bodies were tossed into the abyss of nothingness that encompassed everything, the incredibly bright void of darkness. They pleasurable pain encompassed every nerve as their bodies swung back and forth, to and fro while never moving an inch. They remained in that never-ending stream of dark light for a brief eternity. And then...
Christina opened her eyes, her heart pounding in her ears as she finally recognized the machines that cluttered the observation deck of Portal Industries.
"What...?" Christina mumbled, holding her head in her hands and breathing heavily.
"Oh..." Christopher groaned, making Christina jump in surprise and spin around to face him. Christopher was lying on his back, rubbing his head with his right hand as he slowly rose to a sitting position, turning to face his sister. "What... where... what happened? Where are we?"
"I think we're still in the Observation Room..." Christina said, rising to her feet and helping Christopher to his. "But... where is everyone else?"
Christopher scratched his head and gazed through the window into the Portal Room... and froze.
"What? What is-?" Christina's voice caught in her throat as she followed Christopher's gaze into the Portal Room.
Nothing was left of the Portal Room that they remembered. There were no scientists, no chairs, no computers, no floor and no walls; an endless white void had replaced what once was the Portal Room. But that wasn't what the twins were looking at: In the center of the void was a large, metal ring (the same type of ring that formed the gateway for Portal Industries' Portals). In the center of the ring was a hideously deformed beast; it's arms and legs were detached from it's body, suspender in mid-air only inches from it's main torso, which glowed with a hideously dark light. Long, black hair covered it's face, and as the twins looked on in horror the beast turned to face them. And, to their great surprise and terror, the beast (which was in all other ways inhuman) had a very normal, very human, very recognizable face...
"MOM?!" Christopher and Christina cried in unison.
"Look, it's been over a WEEK!" Christopher sighed, kicking a can lying in the dark alley behind Soul Train's new laboratory. "And there has YET to be a SINGLE attack by Crey on ANY of these laboratories!" Christopher impatiently checked his watch and turned to Christina. "You know, we might have better luck if we check out what's going on INSIDE the-"
"I've got it covered." Christina said, pointing to the several Portal-Windows she had opened up. Hovering in mid-air, each Portal-Window acted as a type of "Security Camera", showing various patrons attending Soul Train's banquet as they talked leisurely amongst themselves.
"You just want to get something to eat." Christina smirked. "How many times do I have that our responsibilities sometimes mean-" Christina was interrupted by a long, loud growl that erupted from her stomach.
"You were saying?" Christopher smiled.
"On the other hand," Christina blushed as she spoke quickly. "It's important for a Hero to keep themselves properly energized in case of trouble. And besides, we can't fight on an empty stomach after all, can we?"
Just then, the two heard the scuffling of feet come from across the street. Christina covered Christopher and herself in a Cloaking Field just as two Crey Scientists entered the alleyway they were patrolling.
"We don't have much time." One of the Scientists hissed as his partner dropped to his knees and started to affix a small device to the outside of the new laboratory.
"Actually, you're time just ran out." Christopher said as he walked out of his sister's Cloaking Field.
"HEROES!" The two Scientists yelled in surprise, reaching inside their lab coats for their weapons.
Christopher, however, had already activated his Acceleration ability; so he was upon them well before they could pull out their weapons. In less than a second, Christopher landed over three dozen well-placed blows on each of the Scientists, felling them easily.
"What is this?" Christina asked, pulling the device the two Scientists had been attaching to the laboratory off of the wall and presenting it to them.
"None of your busin-" The Scientists' words caught in his throat as Christopher cracked his knuckles. "ALRIGHT! It's a monitoring device! The Countess sent here so she could stay on top of the latestst developments from her competitors!"
"Is that why she's planning to destroy over half of all the labs owned by Physiks?" Christopher asked, staring coldly at the Scientist. "To remove her competitors?"
"What are you talking about?" The Scientists asked, obviously confused.
Christopher began to walk forward, but was stopped by his sister, who quickly moved ahead of him and grabbed the Scientist by his collar, picking him up off the ground and staring straight into his eyes.
"We're talking about the plans that were found on several Paragon Protectors last week." Christina said, her tone as cold as ice.
"There wasn't..." The Scientist's pupils shrank as he was overcome with fear and confusion. "There AREN'T any plans to do that! The Countess would NEVER authorize such a tactic to take out her competitors! It's too messy, and could easily be traced back to Crey Industries!"
Christina narrowed her eyes as she studied the Scientist's expression. He seemed sincere. "Fine." She finally sighed, dropping him to the ground.
"I knew there was more to this than simple corporate politics..." Christopher said to his sister after they handed the Crey Scientists over to Physiks Security.
"Someone wants a war to occur between Crey Industries and Physiks Technologies..." Christina thought deeply. "Throw Legion into the mix, and you've got three of the four largest corporations in the WORLD involved in what could be one of the largest corporate wars in history."
"And the one corporation that would profit most from that war is..." Christopher and Christina came to the conclusion at the same time. "Greed Inc."
"They're not idiots, you know." Mr. Greed sighed, turning his clockwise in his gloved hands as he talked to his "partner" via Satellite Security-Encoded Transmission. "Even such... simple-minded corporate executives like Ms. Feynman and Ms. Crey will probably figure out what you're up to."
Mr. Greed was currently staying in his luxiorious and secluded villa, located far, far away from Paragon City. The villa was located on an island estate, the island itself roughly half the size of Texas. The incredible white-sand beaches on the outskirts of the island reflected the crystal-blue waters that ran along it's shores, as well as the dense, green junle that ran along most of the island itself. Situated in the middle of this otherwise-untouched paradise, however, was one of Mr. Greed's many private mansions, it's man-made beauty an astonishing reflection of the natural beauty that surrounded it. White-marble walls and floors seemed to melt into an Olympic-sized pool (as well as a large Jacuzzi directly adjacent to it) on the southern end of the mansion, while good, sturdy brick and wood supported the northern half of the mansion. A large, concrete heliport was situated next to the mansion so Mr. Greed could go and "compose himself" when he wasn't busy running the International Corporation of his own name. And the many dining rooms, bedrooms, professionally-designed kitchens, countless number of Televisions, computers, leather couches, satin curtains, crystal chandeliers, and many other features that adorned Mr. Greed's estate were in and of themselves worth about HALF of the ENTIRE company assets of Physiks Technologies. Yet to Mr. Greed, 21-year old TRILLIONAIRE (yes, I said "Trillion"), it was "a nice place to relax on the weekends".
Mr. Greed himself was in the mansion's conference room, talking to his "business partner" and sipping some of the finest red wine in the world (which was, incidentally, grown on this very island estate). He wore a hand-crafted, white velvet suit, complete with stainless white gloves and custom white shoes that cost just a tad over $500. He smiled to himself as he adjusted his crystal-encrusted glasses and ran his gloved fingers across his slicked-back brown hair. To top everything else off, not only was Mr. Greed young, smart, and the unquestionably the richest man in the world... but he was also one of the most handsome bachelors in the world.
"It matters not if they figure out my plan." Mr. Greed's "business partner" said, narrowing his eyes. "Just be ready to make your move on my mark."
"Oh, don't worry..." Mr. Greed chuckled, turning his attention to the chess board lying on the desk he was sitting at. On the chess board, rather than the usual chess pieces, were small statuettes of Clarisa Feynman, Soul Train, Angelstryke, Countess Crey, the top executives at Legion, and several other Heroes. "With my help, there's no way you can lose."
Supplemental Galactic Protectorate Fanfic
"Damn they didnt buy it."
Angel, frustrated that the Legion executive was to smart to be fooled by his half-fast plan had given up trying to get to them. "Big deal, I got other ways to get my info." Angel had had enough of the presentation and figured that if Crey was gonna make a move, it woulda been done by now. So he went outside of the lab to have a smoke. He didnt smoke often, ladies didnt find it attractive at all. He only did it when he needed to think.
He walked out of a side entrance into one of the back alleys and literally ran into the twins.
Christina jumped back in surprise as Angelstryke emerged from the side entrance; she calmed down as she recognized the wild-haired Hero from last week.
"I guess you feel like an outsider here too, huh?" Christopher sighed, observing the Hero. "Oh, that's right... we haven't been properly introduced yet, have we?" Christopher flashed a smile and extended his hand. "My name's Chronos, pleased to meet you."
"And I'm Gaia." Christina said, also flashing a smile. "And you're name is... Angelstryke, correct?"
Supplemental Galactic Protectorate Fanfic
Angel raised an eyebrow at them. "Ok seriously if your gonna come up with aliases at leats make them believable. Jeez you Wonder Twins sure are weird. Bt yes I'm Angelstryke but you can call me Erik or whatever you want." He shook their hands and flashed them his cocky smirk.
He leaned against the alley wall and pulled out a pack of smokes and a Zippo lighter. He lit a cigarette took a long drawn out puff. Almost immedietly he realized something. "Wait a minute. Why are you kids here and why arnt you in school. Whatever business you had with Physiks ended didn't it?"
Victor smiled slightly, one that wasn't actually forced for once. "I hail from Spain. I originally worked with a main office in Madrid, but I was transferred here to Paragon recently as a result of current events." He paused for a moment, trying to think of a 'business reason' as to why Legion opened up shop in Paragon and why he had been sent. "We had heard of your research back before Crey had, to put it bluntly, screwed you. We were pleased to see you employed by Physiks, as we have much respect for them, and we decided on this partnership. We would love to make sure your work is a success because there's a myriad of things that can be done with a practical 'muonic energy' device."
He felt a vibration against his hip. It was his cell phone. "Excuse me for a second, Ms. Parker, I apologize." He took several steps away as he answered. Victor heard the familiar 'dark voice' respond.
"Prepare for battle. The moors conspire." The voice hung up.
Victor turned back to Ms. Parker. "Excuse me, Ms. Parker, something's come up and I must be on my way." He bowed slightly and left the room.
(( I've compiled a photo album of the laboratory. ))
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Clarisa made her way over to Kashaye to congratulate her. She noticed that the tall, dark man from Legion was with her. Probably they wanted an answer soon to their proposal. As a gesture of good faith, she had invited them here, to Kashaye's lab opening, but sooner or later, she would have to sway the board one way or the other. Question was, which way would she sway them.
Slowly, she approached the two, and put on her best fake, but convincing smile. Luck was with her today though...the gentleman was leaving. "Thank you for coming." She told Victor as he walked quickly toward the exit. Her attention turned towards Kashaye. But before she could open her mouth to speak, her cell phone text message alarm went off with the urgent ring tone and vibration. It read "URGENT: DISTURBANCE DETECTED AT SOUTH ENTRANCE". Instead of congratulating Kashaye, she said, "Ms. Parker, I hate to tear you away from your soire', but I believe you may be interested in this and I may need your special talents while I investigate this." She showed her the message. "Can you break away for a few minutes?". Clarisa expected that Angelstryke was earning his money and already on the scene, but she still wanted to be there to get the information first-hand. Less time for anyone to hide facts and strategize information trades. After all, Angelstryke was available for the highest bidder. Last week, that was Physiks Tech, who knows who it is this week.
(( Your photos of the lab are fantastic! I love the way you edited it to include the company name. Nice job...it sets the stage nicely.))
[url="http://celestialguardians.guildportal.com"]Celestial Guardians SG[/url]: Chris Mas Snow 50 Ice/Storm Ctl, Li Zhou 42 MA/Rgn Scrp, Dui Zhou 32 Ice/FF Ctl, TinyTaxi 35 Emp/Psi Def
[url="http://tinyurl.com/y66drr"]UnAlliance VG[/url]: Shar Chi 37 Nin/Drk MM, La Vida Loca 16 Pl/Psi Dom
Kashaye read the message, looked at Clarisa, and nodded once. "I'm on it."
Stepping to a vacant storeroom, she changed from her business attire to her white, gold, and red uniform, and then rapidly headed toward the source of the disturbance.
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
[ QUOTE ]
(( I've compiled a photo album of the laboratory. ))
[/ QUOTE ]
(( that was well done with the Lab sign ))
(( thanks for the kudos... wasn't sure about the lab sign, took a bit of manipulation to get the perspective right... I may redo it to soften the edges, I still have the working file... ))
Soul Train exited thru the door indicated, and then almost barreled into the twins as well. Quickly sidestepping, she then almost tripped over one of the Crey scientists.
"Oh. It's you two... hey what're these Crey eggheads doing here? Dammit, Crey's already poking their nose in and I just got the reactor powered up yesterday! OOOOOH!"
She picked up the device. "Now, what's this?" She examined it more closely, and realized it was a remote telemetry link. She held it out to the subdued scientist. "OK, buddy, THIS is what happens to people who snoop on MY project. You already stole it from me once. This time, I ain't pulling no punches."
She then tossed the thing into the air, and as it reached the top of its trajectory, blew it to smithereens with a well-placed Power Blast.
"Now... I SHOULD send you guys to the Zig for industrial espionage... but that bi*** Countess would have you out in minutes. So... I'll just send you to her directly. Tell her that if I catch any more of her 'operatives' messing with MY lab or MY work, or so much as breathing heavy on my phone, I'm coming over there to show her just how much DAMAGE one muonic-embued black woman can cause, a'aight?"
The scientists nodded, and hustled down the alley as fast as they could. Kashaye sent a few power bolts into the pavement at their heels, just to give them a little more incentive.
She turned, and dusted her hands off. "There, that's that. Next question is, why you two hanging out in a back alley when there's a buffet inside? Come on in, have a bite. Angel, I suppose you and I got a beef about a busted window, a terrified secretary, and a torn up jacket, but hell, you're on the payroll I guess, so I suppose that makes us coworkers of a sort. Come on in, I got something for you in my office."
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
Angel seemed unphased by Soul's sudden appearence. He even chuckled a little after her little tangent.
"Ya know you are really starting to annoy me with all your yelling and blasting at everything. Ya really should learn to be a little less high strung. Your probably wound so tight that if a lump of coal was shoved up your a** itd be a diamond in an hour."
Angel took another puff of his cigarette before smothering the lit part of it in his bare hand. The burn healed in a matter of seconds. "Ill eat my fill and check out what you have in a sec, but i have a feeling that these knuckleheads," he pointed to the twins, "know something that we should."
Soul was, of course, miffed. Can't even take an apology, she thought. And that crack about the coal was flat-out snarky.
But he had a point. She WAS pretty wired... what with having to juggle her missions, her lab, and now keeping Crey off her trail, she was feeling the stress.
"Probably. Then again... you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. Least that's what Mama always said to us kids. Did I pay attention? Puh-leese!!"
She looked at Angel again. "You really think I'm high-strung? Damn. I ain't the one that's barreling through windows to get attention, sugah."
She held the door open so the twins could enter, after scanning her bio-card over the lock remote to let the building security system know that an actual EMPLOYEE had it open, and not some passerby. "Angel, stub that thing out and come on, I ain't holdin' the door open for you all day."
"City of Heroes. April 27, 2004 - August 31, 2012. Obliterated not with a weapon of mass destruction, not by an all-powerful supervillain... but by a cold-hearted and cowardly corporate suck-up."
[ QUOTE ]
--------------- Start of report --------------------------
The green substance brought by Angelstryke is strangely unique. It was tested to find mutagens and how they make this liquid unique. Several of them were substances commonly found in steroids to enhance muscle growth and strength. There were also traces of Arsenic, Carbon, and Selenium, their applications in the substance are unknown. The most active and quizical substance was that of a chemical that is used only for the purposes of cloning. Last but not least there was a large trace of human blood that contained DNA. A search was ran on the DNA and it matched to a hero by the name of the Invisible Falcon, a hero that had disappeared some time ago.
The sample of Angelstryke's blood was tested for chemicals in sample #1 and the blood does macth up with the sample. However the blood had vast amount of Superdine in it, more of the drug than most Trolls.
It is unknown of the effects that the sample would have on someone when mixed with Superdine. The effects the chemical reaction had on Angelstyrke are unknown and he should be tested of the effects for more data to be gathered on these substances.
--------------- End of report --------------------------
[/ QUOTE ]
Clarisa tucked the report into a confidential sleeve and asked a nearby technician to see that it was delivered to her office vault. She wanted to keep this handy.
Suddenly, the sound of the 2001 theme song was heard in midi tones. Clarisa looked down at her cell phone. The text message indicated that Physiks had visitors from Legion. Actually, more than one and classified as "potentially dangerous". She smiled broadly. "Things have been very exciting around here lately ladies and gentlemen. Keep sharp and focus on your work." With a bounce in her step, she walked swiftly toward the elevators leading the lobby to greet them.
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