As his career as a hero began, it was the series of development that had me create five toons on Infinity: a hero of each archetype modeled in power armor based on energy research, each tying together.
The MK-1 armor is a robot/exo-suit. Built to defend the laboratory, it is extremely resistant to punishment and uses prototype energy gauntlets as an attack system [Invul/EM]. While the other armors use a variation on the alloy used throughout this armor, they are not as heavily layered. So while they offer a fair amount of protection from things that can kill you, they'll still leave you hurting, whereas the MK-1 is more likely to deactivate from overload before a wearer slips into unconsciousness. Passed over by the military for other contractors.
The MK-2 uses sharpened blades as a melee attack. Built to hyper-stimulate the wearer's brain function and senses, the wearer becomes fast, agile, and hyper-aware. [Claws/SR scrapper] The military took interest in this idea as a way to improve infiltrating agents, but found the functions cost-prohibitive for mass production.
The MK-3 armor is a field medic, designed as a support role for large engagements or working on a strike team. While the military found the displays made by the anti-entropy and ally nodal stimulation systems [based on the MK-2] impressive, they felt that these systems drew too much power from the prototype energy assault gauntlets. [Empathy/Energy Defender]
The MK-4 armor is a cannon of sorts. The entire armor is a giant-feedback loop, conserving and reusing power to generate massive, raw output. The prototype assault systems on both the MK-1 and MK-3 have been fully developed here, and output a non-destructive energy field of startling levels. [Energy/Energy Blaster] The military found the power required cost-prohibitive for what was seen as an inferior [non-lethal] war weapon.
The MK-5 armor directly manipulates space-time, building further on the anti-entropy systems of the MK-3. While it contains identical support systems to the MK-3, its primary energy draw is from the experimental and highly theoretical quantum flux gauntlets [a misnomer, as the actual unit is a fully enveloping torso piece with armbands]. [Gravity/Empathy Controller]. The military bypassed this unit nearly immediately as they were unwilling to deal with instability and what was termed "a contraption based on unproven and potentially unsound theories."
Now, as the Star Scout, Gregory Ridgevue takes to the streets in his armors [Star Scout MK-#] for the good of the city. Recent developments have changed Gregory's life, however, and that of another being all-together...
[u]Tales of the Star Scout: Twin Suns[u]
Gregory Ridgevue had donned his MK-4 armor again, and was standing at the portal synchronization computer with the Portal Corps scientist. Dimensional physics wasnt his strongest subject, but Gregory had helped maintain and upgrade the power systems, and was familiar with the basics. The tech was explaining the destination to him, Were sending you into the shard to investigate our readings describe as a transtemporal flux anomaly. This isnt the first such flux weve seen, and while they have been scattered and seemingly random in timing and placement, they all have the same basic characteristics to their reading. We strongly suspect they are Nictus transit points, the initialization of Cyst crystals into the Shard. We think the Nictus have found some way to travel to the Shard to forcibly take over natives
I dont have to tell you how bad that is.
Gregory responded with the calm confidence that came from a year and half of use and upgrades of his armor, No, I get it. So how do you think the Nictus are creating tesseracts? The scientist gave him a blank look, and Gregory elaborated Tesseract, foldspace, slipstream, wormhole, the bending of space and time to travel light years and dimensions?
The scientist gave him a slightly annoyed look, Well, why didnt you just say that?
Gregory sighed, Never mind. Do you know how theyre doing it?
The scientist hung his head a bit and stated, No. They could be making a deal with the entities of the Shard, they could have hijacked, stolen, or bargained for the technology to do it from any number of Nemesis or Crey outposts, they could have found a new use for their own energy
the Nictus are still very much an enigma to us, and were as in the dark right now as you about it.
Gregory pressed the activation sequence and felt the mighty thrumming as the portal device recalibrated. Donning his helmet and stepping forward, he called to the scientist, Then I guess its my job to find out!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He had no idea what stepping through a portal was like for others, his armors always isolated him from whatever sensation it caused. After what felt like barely two seconds of pause, Gregory stepped back into reality, on one of the many islands freely floating in the shard. Wasting no time, he set up the teleportation relay that linked to his mediport transonder. No point taking chances, hed learned one too many times to never think that the strange Rualruu creatures were out of surprises
or that things not Rualruu were going to be friendly. He didnt even have to engage a search pattern of the island, the warped eddies that the
whatever it was
the Nictus used to get to the Shadow Shard created were clearly visible, and Gregory flew close to the ground to avoid being spotted too soon.
As he approached, he saw a sight that was chilling to any veteran hero
bargainers. Bargainers standing together, furthering the plots and schemes of their organizations, expanding the power of those who were best with none at all. Crey, Nemesis, and Council all standing together with what could only be a Nictus-dominated host
and surprise, surprise, the Nictus/host wasnt a bargaining chip as the Council often used, but one of the bargainers! What he saw shocked him
they were clearly arguing about rights and price over the shining essence that could only be a Kheldian energy being. If the readings coming through Gregorys visor were correct, a severely wounded, unbonded Kheldian at that, one that needed immediate retrieval to recuperate its energies.
As he had found himself doing far too often of late, Gregory charged in recklessly after he cycled for the energy overcharge that generated an energy field to absorb the brunt of any impact or injury
he wouldnt be truly impervious, but for the next 176.67 seconds he would be pretty well off. It paid off, however, as his opening torrent of energy knocked the negotiators off their feet and into the air, giving Gregory time to activate the two powerful energy bursts needed to take the Crey Protector out of commission (those cryo guns really gunked up the armor). Speaking cavalierly as the second burst fired off, he teased the negotiators, What, no invite for little old me? You guys know I hate it when you leave me out of the loop!
None of the negotiators cared to respond with anything other than a guttural Kill the cape! from the Council Vampyri. Jumping over the Vampyrs head, Gregory narrowly avoided a beam of hungry darkness as he used his propulsion to deliver a solid blow with his energy gauntlets. Unable to hold back, Gregory quipped, Dont hate me because I look fabulous and you look all wrin
He was cut off as both the Nemesis and Nictus shot him, connecting solidly with a bolt of energy and an explosive round. His overcharge made it so the armor wasnt even scratched and he was hardly jostled, but the concussive impacts sent him flying backwards and caught the words in his throat. Mentally noting that he needed to spend less time imitating comic book characters and more time saving the day, Gregory hopped to his feet and sent an explosive ball of energy right on target to the bound Nictus, taking the Vampr out of the picture and once more planting both the Nictus and Nemesis soldier onto their rumps. Charging the Nemesis who was trying to aim his rifle again (how Nemesis got those contraptions to work still baffled him), Gregory landed a hard knock with the energy gauntlets. The soldier slumping over left only the Nictus, who had just regained its feet and decided to turn into one of those neither-small-nor-particularly-dwarven Dwarf forms.
Unable to resist a straight line and once more testing a tried and true stratagem, Gregory piped in as his own punch met the Nictuss in rather cliché manner, Star Scout three, bad guys zero. Looks like you gotta ask yourself, do you feel lucky? Well do yah, punk? The Nictus stood up straight and piped out in a rumbling bass You moron, thats not even halfway how the quote go
While the Nictus had been speaking, Gregory had over-focused energy through his gauntlets and clobbered the Nictus out cold with an over handed strike and quick follow-up. Nudging the nearly unconscious (and now human) form with his armored foot, Gregory replied, Yeah, and you were dumb enough to try to tell me with your mouth and not your fists. A feeble voice came back,
dirty
trick
Pulling his boot away, Gregory shot back, Coming from the likes of you? Ill take that as a compliment. Shaking his head from side to side as if in shame, he muttered, I still cant believe how often that works
A series of sharp beeps in his ear brought Gregory back to the moment and warned him the situation was taking a turn for the worse instead of the better. The Kheldians energy signature had started to decay again, and many signals identifiable as unbound Nicti (Nictuses? It was a Latin ending, but one never knew these days
) were coming to their position at top speed
only thirteen Nicti now, but more on their way!
Moving fast, Gregory ran to the Kheld and took off his helmet, thinking loudly while speaking forcefully We need to get out of here! How I can move you safely? A voice entered his mind, seeming weak, Would you carry me for a time, a temporary host? Without thinking (those Nicti were only getting closer), Gregory urged the Kheldian, Tell me how, Ill get you out of here. He wasnt told with words as much as a feeling about what he should do, and in the course of but a few seconds and a flash of light, Gregory found himself suffused with vitality and thoughts not his own.
Donning his helmet again, Gregory knew they werent going to escape the inbound Nicti without a fight, and his overcharge was about to crash his combat systems. Feeling the fear of his passenger from sensing where his thoughts were going, Gregory rushed towards the incoming Nicti and muttered Come and get it, you little abominations
His armors N.O.V.A. (Non-lethal Omni-directional Variance-energy Application) assault system lead to spectacular and satisfying results, as it always did, buying him precious time to escape at the cost of powering down his systems. Booking it to the portal beacon, Gregorys thoughts veered to his passenger. So how did you get into this mess, buddy? The weak mental voice returned, stronger than before, You may call me Ziltal, not buddy, and Id rather save that story for a long day in a safe place. Chuckling to himself (and he guessed that meant his passenger too), Gregory thought back while rushing to the beacon site, Fair enough, and point taken, heres our trip out of here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stepping double time, Gregory marched over to the portal computer and keyed the shut down sequence, ignoring the protesting scientist from before. A piercing shrillness entered the scientists voice, Stop! Do you know what youre doing?!
Briskly cutting the scientist off with what he thought of as his authoritative speaking voice (his siblings always told him it was his dad voice), bowling over continued protests, Yes, I realize the portal shouldnt be shut down like this except in a dire emergency, yes, I realize what the load does to the power lines, yes, I realize how much work it is to restart, but I rather happened to think that cutting off any way that at least twenty unbound Nicti of unknown purpose with confirmed access to a Cyst crystal and unknown trans-spatial travel abilities could track, or heaven forbid, follow me was in the citys best interests; a short pause for breath as he continued forcefully, unless, of course, you want to explain to the Freedom Phalanx and the citizens of Paragon why you didnt take necessary precautions against an incursion by hostile aliens?
As the scientist sputtered out, Gregory continued softly as he removed his helmet. Besides, Im pretty sure my passenger has all the information we need and more. A soft voice that seemingly emanated from Gregory, startling the tech, began Yes, those were Nicti from an alternate dimension where they have taken over this entire planet, and had found their way to the Shadow Shard by a freak accident. I destroyed their access at great cost as they were bargaining with some beings from your planet for portal technology to invade other dimensions
they have been stopped for the foreseeable future. If this man had not come and taken action, I would be deceased or worse, and the danger to your world would have been incalculable.
The scientist threw up his hands in resigned frustration, Fine! Fine, youve taken care of business, now go talk to my boss about it so I dont get chewed out for what you did! Patting the scientists shoulder, Gregory engaged his flight boots and said, Dont worry about it. Ill file the exploration/incident report you one-eyed one-horned flying purple portal eaters love so much before going to see Sunstorm. Ziltals voice stated in clear confusion, He has two eyes, no horns, and
Cutting him off, Gregory said with rolled eyes, Okay, I get it; my music references are out of date for the times, ay carumba already.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After filing the proper paperwork (which had been changed again, he noted with a mix of amusement and exasperation), Gregory flew straight to Sunstorm with his new charge, not sure what to do. Gregory talked to his passenger the whole flight, as they discussed not only everything about the Nicti that had been stopped, but also what needed to happen for Ziltals safety. As he landed near Sunstorm in Atlas park, Gregory removed his helmet and approached Sunstorm, still trailing his conversation with Ziltal,
and I know you said thats whats normal, but you also said youre not able to reform yourself entirely. I guess that makes you kind of like me
Gregory trailed off, thinking about his own cybernetics and knowing that Ziltal got the psychic impression of his thoughts.
Their conversation with Sunstorm, recounting everything about the Nicti and their return, quickly came to involve Shadowstar. While they had seen Kheldians in the past who had been damaged beyond reconstruction, Ziltals case was outside their experience. The damage was perfectly analogous to a human who had lost limbs, but something unique was preventing reformation. For the next few days, Gregory and Ziltal retained their bond because they didnt know what else to do (and got to know each other very well), or if Ziltal could even bond with a host. Undergoing a lot of D.A.T.A. testing and involving other helpful Kheldians and humans, it was soon found that Ziltal could move to and from hosts and bond unimpeded. The questions remained, however Whom to bond with? and Would the result be complete? After much deliberation and soul-searching, and then a day of long discussion of the repercussions, both Gregory and Ziltal requested to bond together. Both felt an inherent rightness to the decision, and now wanted only to be complete.
Sunstorm and Shadowstar were both present at the bonding, as were many of the volunteer testees. Gregory left his signature armors behind, and sat down cross-legged so he and Ziltal could follow the instructions of Sunstorm. After a few tense moments, a soft brilliance suffused the room, and then the newly bound Kheldian stood before the room of friends with the cybernetics once bound to Gregory lying inert on the floor. A full minute passed during which the newly bonded Kheldian looked himself over and reveled in the feeling of wholeness, so poignantly missing from his two previous lives, when one Warshade chimed in from one of the corners, Well, how do you feel?
The physical voices of both Gregory Ridgevue and Ziltal responded in stereo I feel fine. The entire room was startled by this as much as the two. The same stereo continued We feel fine? Well this just isnt normal
look, Greg/Zil, you can stop with the echo. A short pause. Alright, fine then, were both still clearly here. Can anybody tell m
us what happened?
The room was abuzz with chatter among the attendees, this was something new indeed! After the chatter had died down and planning could start, all of the Kheldians in the room, as well as the scientists who brought in testing equipment, confirmed that neither Ziltals energy nor Gregorys life-force was present. By all appearances, they had bonded into one being normally as any Kheldian should. So why were they still separate personalities? Some of those who were more mystically inclined before their transformation suggested something about ley lines and the essence of Janus. The scientists were abuzz about trans-temporal disruptions, warp energy, and the uniqueness of both subjects having been incomplete before bonding. Whatever the reason, it seemed they would have to learn to live with each other in a way they hadnt expected or prepared for.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It didnt take long for Gregory and Ziltal to figure out most of the specifics about their fusion. They were alike enough in most thinking that conflicts only occurred the few times they disagreed over something (however minor), and they quickly learned to keep this from being problematic. They chose that it would be easiest to be known by Gregorys identity under most circumstances, and now learn the potential of their new body and union. They have been known to take Gregorys Star Scout armor series to fight crime still, and proudly continue to be a hero in Paragon City and beyond. Theyve even learned not to freak out other heroes by talking to each other out loud
for the most part.
[u]Lethal Beginnings[u]
-Professor Todesfall was born Gregor Zimmerman in Germany, to American parents of primarily German descent visiting the homeland. His father was a very successful carpenter (as had been most of the Zimmerman line), and was pleased when Gregor seemed to have a knack for building things, even at a young age. However, it was soon evident that Gregor's talents lay not with wood, but with metal and electronics. Although initially disappointed that Gregor did not seem destined to follow the family profession, his father was proud enough of Gregor to encourage his talent, and find toys and books that would continue to encourage this different kind of builder. However, a family was not meant to be, and at the age of seventeen, a terrorist attack ended the lives of Gregor's parents (along with Gregor's younger sister) short.
Alone and with only the inheritance of his family, without any true relatives to turn to, Gregor forged ahead, knowing that dwelling on loss would lead only to depression. Idealistic but shaken, he enrolled in a Crey Industries educational outreach program that accepted him based on his aptitude with computers and robotics. A new purpose found Gregor: the ability to help others in the world by advancing technological research. Graduating the program at only age 21, he went straight to work for Crey and dove into his work. It was at this time, however, that while organizing his inherited baubles and books, he stumbled across the journal of his paternal grandfather.
Gregor was fascinated at his grandfather's recounting of history and technology, and came to realize why his parents never spoke of him. The man seemed crazed, obsessed only with technology for technology's sake, and continually rambled about how he was the truest kind of professor and researcher, a student of lethality and destruction. And then the journal abruptly stopped. After a quick internet search, Gregor discovered that his grandfather had gone on to become an underground free-agent for the highest bidder, and a deal gone foul ended his career two days after the last journal entry.
Amazed at his grandfather's exploits and reminded of his own immediate family's destruction, his idealism was burdened by this new perception of reality. His work occupied him, however, and his work on energy systems, cybernetics, and robotics was coming along superbly.
Then there was the "accident." Unknown to Gregor at the time, he had actually been advancing Crey's Tank program. The problem was that there was a leak, and the way it was disposed of was by a "freak energy surge" in the building adjacent to Gregor's own work labs. This surge overloaded power systems and caused a massive explosion. The walls shielded Gregor from the worst of the blast, but also crumbled and caused sever damage to both legs, his right humerus, and his jaw, in addition to fracturing three ribs. Gregor was rescued and sent to a hospital to recover, in a coma for a year.
Gregor awoke, his body damaged, lying in the hospital bed, to find that the only good news was that there had been a safety oversight settlement by another survivor, which as a class action suit left a sizeable sum to Gregor
that had been acquiring interest for half a year. Gregor immediately sought to purchase the products of his own research: prototype limbs and a mechanical mandible, his own design. It turned out that Crey had not yet tested them, and as they needed a volunteer to bypass federal restrictions, paid Gregor even more to be his own first subject. Instead of going back to work, however, Gregor followed a hunch. Something about the explosion at the lab had been disturbingly familiar to him. Researching the casefiles and various histories of the accident, and comparing to those of the explosion that killed his family, he made a discovery that forever changed his outlook. Crey had been participating in industrial sabotage against a technology firm adjacent to his father's shop, causing the explosion that killed his family with the same technology that had exploded in the adjacent laboratory.
Researching further, he discovered why Crey had caused the "freak surge"
it wasn't hard to interrogate the paid off officials with his new enhanced arm and a hasty disguise. Gregor knew what he felt he must do, and after retrieving his research from Crey proceeded with his plan. Building a powered suit and a combat robot, he dropped his disguise and adopted his new self. Remembering scraps of his grandfather's journal, he decided that Professor Todesfall (Professor Lethality) would be the last name the treacherous persons behind his family's deaths and his own maiming would ever hear. The Greek sign of Pluto (Hades) on his chest and empowered with his armor and robot, he decided that the time had come. Under the cover of darkness and reveling in his new identity, Gregor easily broke into the home of the Crey man who had caused such trouble for himself and others in life.
Gregor (eventually) killed the man and left his corpse lying in the house, his work finished. It was the next day he was arrested on getting out of bed by the S.W.A.T. arm of the PPD. Gregor's trial went swiftly, as he chose not to plead insanity. The jury saw a cruel murder, regardless of the justification, and violently resisting arrest was the proverbial coffin nail that prevented any sympathy. His drone disassembled and his armor depowered (they couldn't figure out how to remove it, and felt like not bothering the Freedom Phalanx over such a seemingly trivial case), Gregor was sent to the Zig. Not a week later, the Rikti Invasion began.
Helped by the confusion, Gregor was able to gather the pieces necessary to reconstruct a drone and store them away for the right moment over time, and was able to covertly re-empower his suit. He remained aloof from the other prisoners, and any trouble from the "normals" (Gregor was classified as a metahuman despite his status) was silenced with his arm
pre-empting other trouble. Gregor got his chance when the first strike of Operation Destiny came.
Free in the Isles and disillusioned with humanity, Gregor struck out on his own, making a name and known only as Professor Todesfall. He soon met Dr. Zaprobo, and the rest, as they say, is history (in the making).
Just a collection of my writings so far...feel free to comment and what-not. I'm mostly posting this so I can find them in one place instead of multi-tabbing to reference things.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Star Is Born
Dark. No. Light. Not bright just there. Where? Here and there? Eyes flutter but wont open a womans gasp. The beeps of a heart monitor not in sync whos? Someo Darkness
Voices Son. Gregory. Its dad, I need I need you to watch them for me.
Brother, please, wake up
Sir sir, he cant hear you hes barely with us.
Son, if you can hear me I have to go. I might not come back. Its war, now.
Dad? Marie? Another voice who ?
A raspy voice managed to breathe out, Dad ? His own? So dry a grip, on his hand. Could only be dad. Where?
Son?! Gregory, talk to me
Eyes fluttered open weakly, seeing the strong face of Howard Ridgevue. Dad, what Gripping his fathers hand as tightly as he could. Where?
Youre in the hospital, Greg, there was an explosion at the lab. Youll be fine, son, just stick with us. Something something else has happened, just yesterday. You can learn about it later. You need to know that I have to go its war.
Wa r?
Son I need you to be strong. I might I might not be able to watch over you anymore and I need I need to know youll come through. Take care of your mother your siblings for me.
Sobbing in the corner Marie?
Da..d. I I love you, man Gregory managed, with a weak smile.
Smiling back and gripping Gregs hand tightly, Howard fought back tears and a chuckle all at once. Thats fine, son youre still not getting my Bud Lite. I love you, too.
Gregory felt his chest move, an attempt at laughter Darkness
-------------------------------------
Gregory opened his eyes and heard the beep of a heart monitor. Everything was white he was in the hospital? He had been in the lab earlier, but what the lab! Gregory tried to rise and fell back on the hospital bed weakly, finding it hard to move. The lab
--------------------------------------
The Accident
The hum of scientific equipment, the lights of computer monitors. Gregory leaned over his station attentively in his white lab coat, monitoring the current energy readings on the new flux-inhibitor. If he could just get the inhibtor right, the cybernetics he had been developing could finally be tested, could help people like amputees. Suddenly the lab shook, and Gregory looked around pensively. He tried to raise Creys guard tower on the com unit, but only got intense static. Station B9-7-RF, calling Main Tower calling Main Tower anyone? He dropped the standard unit in disgust and heard a resounding BOOM and gripped the nearest workbench almost in a panic as another quake came.
Wha ? was all he had time to say as a deafening roar filled the room as the far wall exploded and the ceiling collapsed. Unable even to pray, he raised his left arm to protect himself from the explosion or the ceiling he couldnt say. Darkness
-------------------------------------------
The hospital room came back, and Gregory saw a nurse standing worriedly over him, asking something shaking his head slowly from side to side, he looked her in the eye.
Im sorry, I just memories was there an accident at Crey? Can I have some water?
The nurse handed him a cup and spoke gently, Sir you we were afraid you wouldnt make it.
Looking a little confused, Gregory wondered why on earth his left hand hadnt come to grasp the cup with his right. Looking over he realized it was in a cast like his legs. He gaped slightly and mouthed like a fish, unable to speak as the nurse continued.
You were injured the doctors they dont think youll walk I
Calmly Gregory spoke up, coming out of his shock, No no. Its Ill be fine. I just I want to know everything just not right now. A weak smile met the same from the nurse, and she nodded as she walked to check on other patients.
---
The Road To Recovery, Shining From Dark Space
The next month was a blur as Gregory recovered, learning a little more every day. He learned of the accident. He learned of the lawsuit which Crey settled to avoid the courts (even the Countess didnt want this publicity at all). He learned of the Rikti attack, how his father with his group of Uncle Sams military heroes, Pattons Platoon, had been among the valiant front line against the invasion and among the first to fall. The Platoon had been like a crew of aunts and uncles, friends that meant as much as family and their losses each hurt nearly as much as that of his father. The rest family was safe, and heroes had come to Paragon City.
When he was finally released, he contacted Crey Industries about his research. At first, he was met with the standard brushing off, but the words volunteer test subject caught ears. Meeting a representative from Crey in his wheelchair, he had made up his mind.
Sir, you realize the legal implication of such a thing?
Yes. Ill sign any contract. What I want is simple. I finish my research on the inhibitor. I build the parts and limbs. Im the first test subject, and as a volunteer bypass all the restrictions and inspections the Countess hates. Itll be a success, and shell have a product for use thats 100% tested safe. After that, I just dont care. The patent, the extra funding money, time lost, severance, everything. The original settlement and the limbs are mine. The Countess can take the rest, and will never hear from me again. No more suits, no publicity, no media, no oh, woe is me, a categorical refusal for inclusion in any documentary or investigative journalism or movie or book, everything.
A few moments passed, and Gregory knew it was the Countess herself talking to the representative over his ear com-unit. Crey Industries finds your proposal mutually beneficial. Sign here.
-----
A Day Of Revelation
It was bright and sunny out, and Gregory truly appreciated walking again. The synthetic skin he had designed even made him look like his old self, and he could feel again! It helped that he didnt feel cold to everyone who shook his hand now, too. He was walking by and a thug suddenly jumped out and started grabbing at a womans purse right in front of him. Without hesitation, Gregory swung a left hook (his cybernetic arm) and laid the crook out flat with a resounding Clang! Gregory mistook the womans sudden staring and started to stammer. Miss I just I was trying
Oh, no need to bother, Im not calling the cops. You saved me. Wheres your costume?
Gregory was stunned for a second, and gaped. Costume?
Yes, all registered deputized heroes have costumes, silly. They wouldnt be called tights all the time by hooligans otherwise.
Gregory looked left and right warily, wondering what was going on. No one had filled him in on this hero stuff. Riiiiiiiiight. Its um uh
The woman laughed for a second, and then looked ashamed when she realized he was serious. Oh, oh, youre not registered are you, here, just take this and it will fill you in. She scribbled something on the back and smiled as she put the brochure in Gregorys hand, holding his hand for a long moment. Then she walked away.
Um thanks Gregory walked slowly back to his basement laboratory (he was a successful independent research consultant now) and mulled over the brochure. As he finished the brochure, he also realized she had left a seven digit number and a scribbled note on the back. Well that was o ?!?!?! Well, she did seem to think he was funny. Why not? At least he could learn more about this hero stuff. And besides she was cute.
-----
A Crazy Idea
After being filled in on all the hero info (and getting invited to dinner), Gregory just needed himself to be alone to think. He had never though about actually being a hero hero. But something about it called to him, and he remembered his dads voice He had been working on an exo-suit project, one that could be used to protect workers in dangerous situations. And hed already converted a prototype over for guarding the lab. And the attack systems needed testing for the MK-4 military version. Grabbing his white and blue lamination tools, Gregory had an idea.
----
Testing The Waters
Gregory looked at himself in the mirror, wearing his MK-4 armor. It was new in white and blue something about it reminded him of old comic books hed read, but it seemed practical instead of fantastical. He looked almost like a robot, really but it was fairly clear it was powered armor. Well, the only way to know was to see what someone else thought. And tonight was when Sarah had invited him to dinner. And he could drop by mom and Marie the next morning before actually doing something crazy like registering as a deputized hero.
Knocking gently on the door with his oversized gauntlet, Gregory felt his breath catch as he saw Sarah standing there to greet him. She looked absolutely stunning in a dress and heels that made him wonder why she wasnt out dancing. She smiled and said, When youre done acting like a statue, you can come in you know. Im glad you found your costume!
Remembering to breathe, Gregory replied quickly, Well, you know, the clown suits at the dry cleaners and the tutu is in the wash, so
Laughing again, she took his oversized gauntlet and led him in. It looks great. So whats your name, what do you do? You cant just be called that guy or The Walking Erector Set.
Blushing a bit, Gregory timidly muttered, Uh well I hadnt really gotten the name thing down, I was uh I was hoping maybe you could help?
-----------
Whats In A Name?
The next day, Gregory took Sarah along with him and wore his armor, carrying his helmet under his arm. He could only wonder what mom would say seeing him in this. Marie opened the door, and Anthony was just inside.
Anthony was wearing his service uniform, and when he saw Gregory drawled, Okay, I dont even want to know what you did this time. If you need armor and a lawyer to protect you from mom that bad, its probably best if I dont know about it.
Har, har, good to see you too. Lets just get everything in the family room so I only have to go over things once.
Maries voice picked up loudly MOOOOOOom, Gregs here to see us! Come downstairs already!
When everyone had gathered in the family room, Gregory stood up and knew the speech hed practiced wasnt going to do. In his public speaking voice and trying not to tremble, he began Mom, Marie, Anthony, this is Sarah and
Youre getting married already, hon, its a little rushed dont you think? You didnt have to dress up like that to tell me, you know
Anthony and Marie burst out into gales of laughter as Sarah giggled uncontrollably behind him. Gregory sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Mom. Weve been over this. Completing my sentences before you say anything.
Oh, alright dear, but you really should look into set
MOM.
Okay, dear, calm down.
Anthony and Marie had managed to get their laughter under control by now, but still had some giggling fits as Gregory continued. You all remember the accident, and my work. I got cybernetics I made, and Ive been working on some independent contracts, powered suits to protect government workers and such. Well, I figured that I can help people around here with some of this, that this suit Im wearing now, a military prototype I could put my energy research to use and be well I could get deputized.
There was a long pause as the room was quiet.
Marie spoke first, Are you sure, Greg I mean is it safe?
Anthony interjected, Of course its not safe, its like being a police officer. Only you face all that stuff. I stand by it, I think he knows what hes doing.
Marie nodded, and Gregory looked at his mom, unsure of what to say. Mom?
I just when your father went to face the Rikti its just I dont
Gregory spoke up softly, Mom, I understand. Its something Ive thought about. I think I think its what dad would have wanted. The mediport system is really good, the chances of preventing anything serious happening with a mediport tag active is statistically higher than any prevention system in the world. Ill be with other heroes, constantly working on the armor to make it better. The armor can stand up to some serious punishment too. I Gregorys voice lowered to a whisper, I just wish Id had this stuff ready for dad and the Platoon. Maybe then they wou they wouldnt
Anthony broke the tension, You cant blame yourself, bro. I think youve got the right idea, I think dad would be proud of you making this decision.
Looking Gregory in the eye, his mother spoke in her determined voice, Anthonys right. Howard would be speechless right now, so proud of you. Just be as careful as you can, okay?
Sarah spoke up for the first time, So, what are we going to call this lunatic in his bucket of bolts?
Oh, thank you so much for your vote of confidence, Sarah, Im so glad youre here.
She fake punched Gregory in the head, pushing him so he rocked a bit on the couch. Well, you need a good name. I dont want to know that I helped encourage some ridiculous name like Mighty Max or Serious Steve or Man who loves pudding get deputized.
Marie excitedly chimed in, Well, you were a Boy Scout right? You made Eagle? How about Super Scout?
Sarah rolled her eyes as Anthony groaned, Seriously, sis, Super Scout? He may as well paint a target on his chest and say shoot me now, Im easy! I mean, he could at least use a rank name or variation. Id think The Timid Tender Toes works best.
Marie punched Anthony in the arm, And you said I had a bad idea?
Gregory had an idea. Well, hes on the right track anyway. Or was, anyway, before his train of thought derailed at the station. How about Star Scout? Life Scout just sounds weird, Eagle Scouts kind of well cheesy. Its the MK-4 armor, too, so I could be Star Scout MK-4.
Sarah laughed. I like it. What do you all say we take this crazy man down to City Hall in Atlas to get registered?
And so one heros story began