September 12th. 16:30 - After the hearing. Galaxy City.
Dragonfly was escorted from the courtroom outside where she endured the angry mob of journalists. She completely ignored the flurry of questions, simply following her aturney into a waiting car.
"Where're we going James?" she asked, once inside.
"Brickstown"
"Ziggursky?! They're holding me overnight?"
"They'll hold you until the case is over, but I assure you that wont be long."
Dragonfly fell silent. Her fate now laid in the hands of the American Court of Law and she hated it.
"You did well in there" she whispered.
"Thank you" James replied, shocked to have recieved a compliment from Dragonfly, of all clients. "It's like I said before, this one is a no-brainer. You eliminated what was clearly a threat to your household and possibly the village entire... its your job so why must you be penalised?"
Dragonfly was happy at his words, she let out a faint smile.
"And thursday?"
"Your friends? To tell you the truth, they have insufficient evidence to incriminate The Militia. They were'nt in China where they?"
"No"
"Precisely"
"They have their own secrets and that's what I'm worried about. The public were so quick to fear the Militia."
"Your friends are heroes, I beg you don't take that word for granted." he paused to let that sink in. Dragonfly turned to give him her full attention now. "This city owes so much to the Militia, you are great men and women, with legends like The Masked Angel, Lady Cobra and Mer'de, I mean gee, you work with a real life colossus... the worst The People can do is a warning. You'll get off with a pardon, mark my words."
Dragonfly was really warming up to this man. She leaned across to rest on his shoulder. Clearly, she was exhausted.
"Thank you James" she muttered, as she gave in to sleep.
From behind the wheel, came and old shrivelled voice, with a strong British accent. "Perhaps you aught to have mentioned her so called friends are evading capture, sir."
"Shut up, driver"
Justin was ambushed by the frenzied mob of journalists as he exited the courtroom. He immediately flew high over the crowd and was especially shocked when one flew right after him, thrusting his tape recorder and hurling abuse.
After eventually losing the reporter, Justin found himself lost above Galaxy City. He panned round in search of the monorail station. Suddenly, a beam of light hit him square in the jaw, stunning him instantly. He spiralled earthwards, straight into the outstreched arms of his attacker.
"Gotchya!"
Justin came to at the sound of the voice, he took to the air at speed dodging more streaks of light.
"Who dares to attack the son of Ice?!" he shouted, the sweat on his face flowing off to form a liquid aura. "Speak now or face my wrath"
"All members of the Militia have been placed under arrest, you are to be held at the Ziggursky Penitentiary until the end of your case. I am The Sonner and I have orders to apprehend you... whatever it takes."
"That's it?"
"Er.. yeah"
"Why the f**k did you attack me then?"
"Er.. well, you were all the way up there, and I was down here, it was the only way to get your attention. Sorry"
"We'll discuss this later"
Justin landed.
"I take it this means you're coming with me? The easy way?"
"What the hell do you take me for? Some kind of criminal?"
"You tell me you're the one facing charges"
"Man! I aught to polverize your skinny face right now. I'm pressing charges for attacking me, you do know that don't you? Then you too will get a taste of this bullsh*t" Justin muttered and cursed endlessly as the two walked towards the station.
"Where we going again?"
"What? How am I supposed to know?"
"We're going to Brickstown, but I never been on the monorail"
"Man, how old are you?"
"Sixteen"
"Great, I'm held prisoner by my own agemate!.. Who doesn't even know the way to the damn prison"
"Calm down, I'll radio in a police escort"
And so began the friendship of Sonner and Icicles.
From the shadows, a slender figure watched the base portal. A long coat was covering the white costume, and a scarf and sunglasses were hiding the mask.
Lady Cobra sighed to herself. It was just as she had thought. They had all entrances to the base under surveillance. The attempted disguises were appalling. She could have spotted them as PPD officers from miles away.
A sudden faint touch on the arm made her swirl round. With lightning speed her hand moved, catching the supposed assailants hand and wrist in a painful and inescapable lock. To Lady Cobras surprise, the assailants gasp of agony came from a voice both young and female, and moreover from a voice she recognised it was the voice of the Masked Angel.
Meriam
Im so sorry
you startled me!
The Masked Angel rubbed her wrist, and struggled to produce a faint smile.
No worries
my own fault for sneaking up on you like that
I just didnt want them to see me
The Masked Angel nodded her head towards the not so cleverly disguised PPD officers.
Well
you certainly move silently Meriam
Im supposed to have my guard up, but didnt hear a thing
I take it from your stealthy approach that you have heard the news too
Its
awful
I cant believe it
Sabrina being accused of murder
and now they want to arrest all of us
it makes no sense
Sabrina is a hero
we all are!
They do seem to be giving Ms. San and the rest of us a rather harsh and unfair treatment at the moment. I mean, from the Press its what you could have expected
but the authorities acting like that publicly accusing and judging us and hanging us out to dry before we even get a chance to comment its hardly fair play!
H-how can you take it so calmly? They
they want to put us in jail! If
if my dad found out
I
he would kill me
I
dont know what to do
I
cant go to jail
I just cant!
Lady Cobra placed her arm comfortingly around the young girls shoulder.
Dont worry Meriam; This is going to be sorted out one way or the other, I know it will. The best you can do is to try to hang low and stay out of costume for the next few days
But
I wont let my friends in the Militia down
Sabrina needs me
Derek needs me
they all do
I cant just desert them.
Listen Meriam
nobody is asking that you desert your friends. However, neither Sabrina, Derek nor anyone else is going to benefit from you getting locked up as well, and as you said, if you go to jail, your secret will be out and all hell will break lose with your dad
But
what am I going to do?
You need to go home and speak with your mother Meriam she is a very resourceful and influential woman, she will help you stay clear of trouble for the next few days, while I see what I can do to get this sorted
What will you do? Will you go on the run?
Lady Cobra produced a faint smile.
Run, me? No, I do not think this situation will be resolved by running. I am thinking more along the lines of politics, PR, and very expensive lawyers. I may have fallen from grace, and the fame of my youth may have faded, but I still have contacts and money, and I believe that time has come to call in a few favours
But
how
what are you going to do?
Lady Cobra smiled her strange, almost saddened smile again. Then, she removed her scarf and sunglasses.
First, I think I am going to surrender myself to the authorities
look after my things for me, will you?
Lady Cobra shed the long coat and handed it to Meriam. Then, dressed only in her familiar white costume and mask, she stepped out of the shadows and started walking slowly towards the poorly disguised PPD officers, leaving behind a stunned Masked Angel.
Tom wasnt following Derek long before they arrived at a building, where Derek appeared to be quarrelling with a friend but his friend soon took off.
Tom settled in, as he knew this may take a while. He picked out a spot where he wouldnt be spotted and had a good view of the whole place.
He thought about going in and confronting Derek inside, he had seen where the open button for the door was after all but Tom knew taking Derek down wasnt going to be easy. So waiting for the ideal time was the order of the day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that evening:
Tom was woken from his daydreams of killing Derek Holden, when Derek appeared outside his hideout, talking on his phone.
Tom was raring to go, the ticking in the back of his mind getting louder and Louder and LOUDER
but NO, Tom knew that the best kills are due to good stalking, so he resisted
for now!
Tuesday 12th. Militia HQ.
Mer'de's face emerges ever so slowly through the walls of the lobby at the Militia Headquaters. He notices the place swarming with authorities and retreats. Dissolving to clay, he passes through the earth, all the way to Founders Falls.
Now in his human form, Mer'de walks briskfully across to the Waynes Building as Professor John Endoson and once inside, he leans over the reception desk and scribbles a note:
You are already aware of the state of your project. What do you intend to do about it?
Immediately the professor pockets his pen, the receptionist reaches out for the note and disappears from sight.
Minutes later, an agent suited in black approaches the professor.
"What are you doing here?!" he hissed, but the professor simply glared at him, cold. "He will do nothing."
For a moment, the professor looked as though he would explode. "Outside, Keith. Now."
Once outside..
"NOTHING?!"
"Igor, please"
"The majority of the Militia are young teenagers Keith, the least he could do is keep their custody. Anything but jail"
"He wont do it and you know it."
"They're scared, okay?" The professor paused, his eyes burned a flaming red as he struggled to maintain a calm posture. "Since the beginning of your project, you have shaped gifted individuals into law enforcers, you have given people the opportunity to become heroes and heroes they did become, now suddenly when things go wrong you cower."
With that, the professor disappears into the earth.
* * *
---------------------------------------------
The Militia Flees - #Paragon Times
... last spotted hiding out in the gulch, and as Dragonfly, Lady Cobra and Icicles report in to Ziggursky Penitentiary, the search for the remaining members escalates. The Paragon Police Department, now in collaboration with Longbow and possibly members of the famous Freedom Phalanx scan the city entire. Concern for the safety of the Militia continues to grow as heroes and villains alike respond to Judge Herman Baines introduces a bounty for...
---------------------------------------------
Sabrina San Recounts Her Murders! - #Heroic News
"... And so, Your Honour, you could say the last of the Capulets slained all of Montague..."
---------------------------------------------
Criminal Turn Hero Romances Lawyer - #Paragon Spy - Magazine of the Year.
... are first to deliver this exclusive interview to you. "Indeed I drove her this evening, and dare I swear upon my spectacles, she kissed him. Right there in the car. And before you ask, they are from specsavers."
---------------------------------------------
Militia Accused! - #Galaxy City Courtroom
... on those who have decided to run from the law. The Judge has ruled that any member of the Militia absent on Thursday's hearing will indeed be placed under a bounty. So far, it is uncertain if the Militia will be granted house arrest as opposed to prison custody...
---------------------------------------------
Tuesday 12th : Brickstown
Icicles and Sonner arrive at the gates of Brickstown's notorious Ziggursky Penitentiary.
".. and ever since, I've wanted to use my talents to fight crime. I'm currently training with Longbow."
"Yeah, I guessed that Sonner. You wearing their uniform kinda gives it away"
"You're in uniform too. Thats what gave you away."
"I have nothing to hide Sonner"
The two made their way past security gates, guards and files of inmates until, they reached a secluded lounge.
"Superheroes under police custody stay in here dude."
Justin's jaws dropped as he scanned the apartment.
"Sonner are you sure? This place is huge. Reminds me of my ex-girlfriend, she lives in an oversized mansion."
"Her parents rich, then?"
"Kind of, but my god look at this place!"
"Yeah, widescreen TV, news only I'm afraid, no cable. Kitchen and dining's down that way, you got a pool and suna through that door there, library is throught here, most of the books there are on Law, boring. Rooms are all upstairs, en suite bathroom and shower."
"Dude, a snooker table! Want a game?"
"I'm an ace at snooker so I better pass"
"Chicken. If you're so good, come show me"
And so the kids played snooker all evening.
"Good game man, I'm beat. Better report back to Court"
"Off already? You're such a soar looser."
Suddenly, the door to the pool swings open. The naked figure of lady struts across the room before disappearing up the stairs. The two boys just stared, mouth agape.
"Ice.. was that who I think it is"
"It definately was"
"Okay, maybe I'll stay just a little longer."
Wednessday 13th. One day til Trial
"Present are; Force Commander, Derek Holden, Dragonfly, The Masked Angel and The Portent who make up the current active roster. Reserve members present are Icicles, Healing Chi, Unit 29, Lady Cobra and I, Mer'de. Drummond did not wish to attend and I have so far, been unable to recall Extricity, The Amber Banshee, Lancorian Darkfire, Seph Reet and Nightsparrow."
Mer'de was stood at the table of a hidden Militia meeting room, adressing the supergroup.
"I have called this meeting not only because of the crisis we're in but also as a last resort, in response to our recent lack of teamwork." He glanced involuntarily at Dragonfly, who thankfully, remained silent.
"The Ministry has provided us with a state of the art Neural Reality Combat Simulation program at my request. This room is located at a brand new HQ in Founders Falls."
"Again, I congratulate the efforts of the Militia for bringing down the Clockwork King of late. And lets not forget The Masked Angel's battle against the Vahzilok Plague and the eventful fight with the Doctor himself. Who is now locked away from the public."
Icicles burst out with applause, but suddenly shrunk away after noting the inappropiateness.
"Thank you Justin, but that wont be necessary" Mer'de smiled. "Lastly, Mr. Po has finally been located and brought to justice, Lady Cobra, I hope this eases your quest."
"A grand welcome to Icicles, Nightsparrow and Lancorian Darkfire, our latest associates, we hope the current situation does not smear your impressions on the team."
"Which brings me to the main object of this meeting." Mer'de paused, his eyes suddenly as cold as ice. "As we all know, Dragonfly is no criminal. What she did in China can and will be left to personal judgement. I for one see it as justice, however brutal the method. Derek, from what I have heard, the member of authority with whom you fought the other day had attacked you with unathorized intent to kill, you are a fine man and I personally believe you did what you did in self-defence, however brutal the method."
"Ladies and gentlemen, as much as I have hoped for a house arrest instead of jail, I doubt the Court will change their minds. The burning question now is, will you obey the Law you symbolize until the end of this nightmare or continue to hide?"
Mer'de, almost twice the size of the average man, covered with blue fur and dressed in soil. He had managed to alter his voicebox in order to speak the human tongues without the need of his complete human guise. Beyond the beastly face, which resembled that of a blue tiger, and the sheer monstrousity of this brute, one could make out a kind and gentle spirit lifted by a persona fitting of a king.
Mer'de sat, indicating the table was open for another to speak.
Saffron sat in front of Taras TV, watching the news through red eyes. It had been two hours since she had woken to find herself in a new world, a world of grave danger. She had paced back and forth in Taras small Clocktower apartment, trying to think of what to do. Tara had obviously brought her here for a reason but why? Her friend was absent but the door was unlocked and the balcony within easy reach. But the more Saffron thought about leaving, the worse the idea became.
Shed watched the news as reports came in of her various friends had been detained. Shed watched as Sabrina was taken to the courts and how Lady Cobra had bravely handed herself in. She suspected that she wouldnt be detained for long though. Theyd even brought that new kid Justin in, poor lad. Shed allowed herself a brief giggle as Unit 29 was brought in. Theyd had to use a large armoured lorry and a pair of iron manacles to restrain him. When he stopped and insisted on talking to the reporters, a dozen guards had tried in vain to move him inside before he had finished speaking.
Shed waited for some report about Derek but the more she waited, the more she worried. He had a temper and she just hoped that he hadnt done anything stupid. Nothing had been reported about The Portent either but she knew that he was savvy enough to keep himself hidden away. She just hoped that Force Commander didnt start looking for his answers at the bottom of a bottle.
She had to do something. But what? She had to get back home somehow. She had no doubts that being absent from the trial would go against her. There had to be some way of getting between the two states. A disguise would be a good start, she thought. She rifled through Taras cupboard, trying to find something suitable.
She looked briefly over at the window. And then, she thought, out there, to find her way home
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
The Portent rose to his feet.
"I expect some of us are thinking that their best course of action is to cooperate with the authorities. Turn themselves in and trust in the system to find the truth. I disagree.
"Sabrina San is legally dead; yet, Dragonfly is still pursued by the authorities. Force Commander is facing fabricated terrorism charges. The Amber Banshee is missing altogether, as are several others. This is no ordinary criminal proceeding. We're being set up.
"If the Militia go on trial, we will miss our only chance to get to the bottom of this mess before whoever is behind it destroys us. Someone wants the Militia out of the way, and I for one will not sit in a prison cell while they achieve their aim.
"Some of us have been falsely accused... some less so. I don't have time to sort the guilty from the innocent while we're in this kind of danger. For now, we run and hide, and find out who's doing this to us. Anyone disagree?"
The Portent sat down, awaiting further input.
Knights Exemplar: Wolfram, Autumnfox, Starlit Spirit.
Militia: The Portent, Wavekite, Mr. Sandman.
The Cadre: WarpLocke, Zajin.
Numerous others.
Unit 29's synthesized voice spoke out.
"I concur," he said. "These charges do seem to be fabricated. But proving that in a court of law will be difficult. I am not one for advocating avoidance of the authorities but I do not believe that they will pursue this. We must prove our own innocence, even if it requires us to become outlaws."
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Elsewhere...
The hand connected with Taras face with extreme force. It was enough to make her take a step backwards to regain her balance. She touched her face where it hit and smiled.
Well I guess I should have seen that coming, she said wryly.
What did you expect? Ten years of lies and deceit followed by attempted kidnapping! shouted Saffron. Tara had barely had the time to get in the door.
Is that what you call it? said Tara. I call it saving your backside girl. You wanted somewhere safe so I made a judgement call given that you were all over the place. The least you can be is grateful.
But here!? cried Saffron, The Rogue Isles of all places!? How long have you been here? And why? And why did you need to lie to me about it!?
I dont need to justify myself to you, was Taras simple reply. There was work here, so I came. End of story. What of it?
The Rogue Isles? Where the main export is exortion and murder? suggested Saffron.
Ah, it aint that bad, said Tara, shrugging it off. Sure you have to put the hurt on people occasionally but how is that different to what you do?
Saffron ignored the insult. You have to get me home. My friends are in trouble and me being here is just making things worse. Why are you laughing?
Oh I dont think so sweetie, giggled Tara. I dont think youre going anywhere. Theres a price on your head. Its a pretty good bounty too, you must have cheesed off some mighty big people over there. I almost thought of turning you in myself.
The was a moment of tension between the two of them. Saffron readied herself to fight. Tara reached forward and punched her playfully on the arm.
Oh relax will you? she laughed as she walked past her. Im screwing with you. Im not going to turn you in, youre my friend for goodness sake. Jeez, when did you become so uptight?
Saffron didnt miss a beat. Since my friends started lying to me.
Tara stopped by the window. For a second, her constant laughter was absent from her voice.
Im sorry, she whispered. I did what I had to do.
Saffron said nothing. In a way, Tara was right, she had saved her. But either way, she needed to get back home.
Thank you, she said.
She would have said more but Tara turned around, an irritated look on her face. Oh shut up, she said playfully. Youd better find something to disguise that hair of yours if were going to get you home.
Saffron nodded, she knew the matter was now closed as far as Tara was concerned. As she made herself ready, a thought struck her.
So theres some sort of bounty on the Militia then? she said.
Yeah, youre all wanted by the big shots back home, said Tara. Some guy I spoke to told me about it, said there was some operative near the port who was paying big money for you lot.
Saffrons brow furrowed. But the judge just said on telly that hed only put a bounty on us if we didnt turn up for the trial tomorrow. How come theres one on us now?
Tara shrugged. Who knows, maybe hes just getting impatient. Will you get a move on?
But surely he cant do that, said Saffron, undeterred. Not if we havent even had the chance to turn up at the hearing. And besides, why there be someone looking for us over here? No-one knows Im here do they?
Not as far as I know, said her friend with impatience.
Can you take me to see this guy? asked Saffron
Sure, if you like creeps, said Tara. You think somethings up?
Yes, said Saffron, pulling on her jacket. Theres something not quite right about this
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Dragonfly suddenly found her voice.
"Oh my god, you're right. This whole thing started with the press. We would'nt be in this mess if the papers didn't spark off a federal investigation."
Something suddenly dawned on her.
"Somebody somewhere must have fed them all these allegations. Somebody who knows about us all... somebody from the Ministry!"
With a faint sigh of impatience, Lady Cobra shifted her position on the less than comfortable interrogation room chair. Crossing her legs, she glanced at her sponsored special issue Rolex and sighed yet again. She had been waiting like this for upwards on three hours!
At that moment, the door opened and two men entered - both of them dressed in dark suits. They could have been identical twins if it hadn't been for one of them being a good head taller than the other. Lady Cobra lifted her head slightly in acknowledgement of their arrival. The taller of the two men spoke, as they both sat down behind the desk facing Lady Cobra.
"I am Captain Burns and this is Lieutenant Walker - we're sorry to have kept you waiting Ms. Chang."
"As I am sure you will know Captain Burns, I stopped answering to that name years ago."
"In that case Ms. eh...Cobra, may I ask what name you do answer to?"
"As you will also know and appreciate, my real name is a secret..."
Burns rose to his feet and made his way round the desk.
"And as you will appreciate, this is an official PPD investigation..."
"So?"
"I'm sure you would not want to be charged with obstruction..."
"And I am sure that PPD investigation or not, you would not want to be charged with violating my secret identity privileges under the Djakarta Treaty ratified by my country as well as by yours..."
Burns clenched his fists.
"Ms. Cobra, may I remind you..."
"No Mr. Burns, may I remind you that I am visiting Paragon as an official guest of your government, that I have agreed to this interview completely voluntarily, and that you have nonetheless had the audacity of making me waste my time waiting here for three hours, while I have important business to attend to. On those grounds may I request that we dispense with the idle threats and proceed to the subject of the ongoing accusations against the Militia." Lady Cobra's voice was cold and without its usual softness.
Burns' face had turned red, but he managed to control his anger. Walker remained silent and appeared to be staring at either the desk or Lady Cobra's knees.
"Right, if that's how you want to play it...do you admit to being a member of the Militia?"
"A reserve member, but yes I do - proudly I might add."
"And during your so-called reserve membership of the Militia, have you ever met Dragonfly AKA Sabrina San?"
"Certainly - a very feisty and nice young lady, although she seems to regard me as somewhat delusional..."
"Pardon?"
"Ah...sorry, an inside joke."
"This is hardly a laughing matter Ms. Cobra - are you aware of the fact that Ms. San has been accused and convicted of murder?"
"I am now, it has been all over the news. Are you aware of the defficiencies of the Chinese penal system? And are you aware of the strong evidence supporting that Ms. San acted well within the boundaries of permitted self defence? And are you aware that the extradition of Ms. San to China took place in violation of protective measures laid down in at least five applicable treaties all ratified by your government?"
Burns' face was now close to purple.
"Ms. Cobra...you seem to be forgetting that I am not the subject of this interrogation - you are! And it so happens that Ms. San and the Militia are not the only criminals you seem to be affiliating yourself with..."
"Would you please refrain from referring to Ms. San or the Militia as criminals. They...we were heroes the last time I checked! And what is this nonsense about my affiliation with other criminals?"
"Well...how about Henry Chang for starters?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I am sure you are perfectly aware that I have had no contact with my ex-husband for years. I bet you are also familiar with all the nasty little rumors surrounding the nature of our relationship and marriage..."
"Well then, how about the name Shadow Whisper - does that mean anything to you?"
Lady Cobra looked at Burns without comprehension.
"No...I don't believe I have ever heard it before. Why should it mean anything to me?"
"Denials, denials...I suppose the name Jessica Chang doesn't ring a bell either?"
Lady Cobra's face ashened.
"Jessica...what...what has Jessica got to do with this? I don't understand..."
"Well perhaps you will show more understanding after a night in the slammer - I'm sure there'll be lots of inmates who would like to have a friendly little chat with a true celebrity like you..."
"You have no authority to detain me and you know it..."
"After Thursday I will - trust me!"
"I wouldn't count on it Mr. Burns...and now, if you have no further questions, I must excuse myself; I have an important meeting to attend - and don't bother trying to follow me!"
Nobody tried to stop Lady Cobra as she got up and left the room.
Words flew here and there and Justin barely caught any of it. He was still confused as to how he came to be there. One minute he's conversing with Dragonfly and suddenly he's enveloped by wind.
"Somebody somewhere must have fed them all these allegations. Somebody who knows about us all... somebody from the Ministry!" said Dragonfly.
Dragonfly, girl I have no idea what you talking about! he tought. Boy, I am glad the big blue thing is on our side. "Come to think of it, I'm hungry" Oh shoot, did I say that out loud?
Lady Cobra rose and took the floor.
"I am not convinced that to run and hide is our best, let alone only option.
Clearly, the conviction of young Dragonfly here was a travesty of justice and equally clearly the allegations against the Militia are fabricated and maybe even part of a larger conspiracy as suggested."
Lady Cobra paused and watched each of her teammates closely before continuing.
"I agree that it will take time and effort for us to clear our names in court and I agree that having all of us behind bars will make matters complicated for us, and free up the playing field for those who conspire against us. However, I also believe that for us to blindly run off and hide will put us in a bad light in the public eye and probably will be just what our apparent enemies are hoping for us to do in order to further discredit us. Also, we have to think of our younger members: Saffron, Derek, Meriam, Justin, Franklin, Sabrina - they all have their lives ahead of them and we should carefully consider the impact our choice of action now will have on their future."
Lady Cobra paused again.
"In light of these concerns, I propose a dual strategy. I propose that a few select representatives - and I am willing to be one of those if deemed appropriate by the rest of you - should report at the hearing and defend our case within the boundaries of the legal system, even if that will mean that we are sent to jail. The rest of us, I propose should go into hiding as suggested and try to solve the mystery of why we are being set up, and by whom."
With that, the Asian former celebrity sat down. In the background, the Masked Angel rose and spoke up - her voice somewhat frail and shaking, the young girl clearly uncomfortable at briefly being the centre of attention.
"I...I just want to say that I...am really unsure about what we should do. I...am quite scared by all this...especially by the thought of going to jail, but you are all my close friends, and...well...I just want you to know that...whatever the decision...I will stick by you, and do my best to defend our honour, and the honour of the Militia. That's...that's all I have to say for now."
Meriam found her seat again, hoping that someone else would quickly take the floor.
Unit 29 rose slowly to his feet. He looked over at Lady Cobra.
"I concur," he stated. "I shall stand with you."
His point made, he returned to his seat. He was beginning to feel something. He wondered whether it was fear... or excitement.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
[Please Note Force Commander is not at this meeting... for RP reasons]
Mer'de rose.
"Very well then, let us form a party of representatives to attend tommorrow's hearing and a second party to investigate the press. If there are no further questions.. good luck Militia."
"Well, there is one thing bothering me" said Dragonfly. "If I'm right, we must not only investigate the press, but also the Ministry. Who is this horribly nice fellow we know to be the Minister?"
"The Minister has and most likely will always be what you may call a 'silent partner' in our cause. He remains nameless and unseen so as to draw little if any attention to himself in situations such as these." Mer'de paused. "He is a great man, I assure you. A hero, an ingenius mastermind of sort and we, the Militia are his --" Mer'de cut himself off. "Surely, you know this Dragonfly"
"His what?" She waited for an answer. "Nah. No thank you. I aint nobody's pawn. I'm gonna go find him." Dragonfly rose from her seat and made for the exit portal. "Lord knows why I aint never done this earlier. Clearly, he's got some hand in all this."
"Dragonfly, lets not jump to conclusions" bellowed Mer'de, but she had already gone. He sighed heavily, "She'll never find him. Lets move out Militia, follow any and all leads possible from tonight, till tomorrow, until we get to the bottom of this"
OOC:
To quickly address a few things:
Edit:
---------------------------------------------
Wednessday 13th. One day til Trial
"Present are; Dragonfly, The Masked Angel and The Portent who make up the current active roster. Reserve members present are Icicles, Healing Chi, Unit 29, Lady Cobra and I, Mer'de. Drummond did not wish to attend and I have so far, been unable to recall Force Commander, Derek Holden, Extricity, The Amber Banshee, Lancorian Darkfire, Seph Reet and Nightsparrow."
Mer'de was stood at the table of a hidden Militia meeting room, adressing the supergroup.
---------------------------------------------
Leon Shevek: I would love to be involved in this... in a bid to get into RPG.
Sure thing dude, if any of your heroes wish to become a member of the Militia, an invitation can be arranged. I would do it, but I can't play the game until next week. In the mean time, submit an OOC or IC application here.
I look forward to reading more of Tom's chase. I'd be interesting to see where it goes.
---------------------------------------------
Stalingrad: "... what does the brotherhood do, do we go against the police? or do we help.."
Glad to have your involvement dude, I look forward to more from the Brotherhood. Feel free to devise a co-writen post via Private Messages (or something) depending on which member of the Militia Jack/Gau approaches.
---------------------------------------------
By next week Thursday, this plot should end with a major PvP face-off and a dramatic conclusion, possibly a cliff-hanger. 
OOC:
When you say PvP thing which zone are you thinking of or are you thinking arena?
Bloody Bay then Sirens Call for the finale.
OOC:
[ QUOTE ]
OOC:
Leon Shevek: I would love to be involved in this... in a bid to get into RPG.
Sure thing dude, if any of your heroes wish to become a member of the Militia, an invitation can be arranged. I would do it, but I can't play the game until next week. In the mean time, submit an OOC or IC application here.
I look forward to reading more of Tom's chase. I'd be interesting to see where it goes.
[/ QUOTE ]
In the long run I would like to join the Milita, but it would not make any sense for Hyper Cat to join and he is the only one I have developed above lvl 10.
I understand you are short on Tanks and Defenders, which Hyper Cat is not(Scrapper) but I have been thinking of developing The Golden Enforcer an Invuln/Energy Tank, but he doesn't fit the current storyline, but maybe afterwards.
As for the Milita accused storyline, I am really enjoying it and I am enjoying being part of it.
Leaon
September 15th
The Hollows, The Gulch
Home
Derek was waiting for nightfall. He paced back and forth in the bunker that had become his home the last few days. He called this bunker home, he and the other guys from the old gang. They had built it just to have something to do and somewhere to hide when the police were doing raids.
The bunker was housed inside and underneath a collapsed office building in the middle of the Gulch where they knew the police wouldnt look. Composed of thick steel plating with gas filtered ventilation it was a good place to hide. The size of it where more than enough for the boys to stay for quite a while without killing each other.
Derek touched the steel walls and remembered how insanely heavy they where but how drummond had helped them. Five years ago
Feels like forever. Drummond had been like the boys older brother, ten years older and half way to Troll because of his addiction to Dyne. But Derek and the boys didnt know or care about the Dyne, they only saw his muscles. They had looked up to him and now Derek didnt know if he would ever see him again. He didnt know if he would see anyone again.
I have to find Saffron He said. If Im only gonna meet one more friendly soul before the police hunt me down and lock me up
I wonder where the hell shes hiding. Ill start looking after night falls.
Derek stopped pacing and picked up a book on the English language that he had bought on the recommendation by Force Commander once on one of their nightly alcohol orgies. He started reading but after a few minutes he put it down, he could hardly concentrate. It was great meeting the team yesterday. I almost forgot we where supposed to go to trial today
Today?! Holy s**t yeah, the trial is today. I sure hope 29 and Lady Cobra can keep it together in there. Derek let the book fall down on the floor beside the armchair he was sitting in. I wonder what time it is
He went over to a small door in a corner wall. It was a wall safe and Derek punched the combination on the keypad. The door clicked open and revealed a sort of a static periscope put together with mirrors. It was still light outside. He shut the door and listened to the lock sliding into place making the door almost as tough as the solid steel walls.
Still daytime
hmm, maybe I should try and get some sleep. He went over to a merely functional bunk bed and sat down, he put the gun on the night stand and slid one of his large knives into the sheath that was fastened in the bed under the pillow. Then he lay down and tried to catch some sleep before night.
Wednesday 13th
20:15. Paragon Times News Print, Talos Island.
Dragonfly materialized from thin air, directly onto a street lamp facing the Paragon Times printing studio. She wore a one-piece skin-tight suit, blacker in colour than the night itself.
It was the suit shed worn at the killings of the Devils of Kimone, the night that changed her life forever, yet she was happy to be back inside it.
Along her line of vision, through an open window on the east side of the printing studio sat a chubby little man apparently arguing with the telephone receiver.
Hernandez! Hernandez, you listen to me you son ova dog, I want that recording. Do whatever it takes, kidnap the damn lawyer for all I care, just get me that tape. Goodbye!
He slammed the receiver down onto the telephone, all to notice the slender blade of the Golden Dragonfly katana at his throat.
The blade at your throat killed over sixty murderers, thieves and rapists criminals such as you, only four months ago. Correct me if Im wrong
she double checked the name plate on the mans desk. Mr Daniels, but that is the story you have been writing about lately isnt it?
Mr Daniels remained silent, his jaws locked stiff in anger.
Your pride will get you killed tonight Mr Daniels and nobody will miss you, now answer my question! Dragonfly exclaimed, through gritted teeth, visible under her mask.
Yes.
Now were getting somewhere. Im willing to lower this blade if you agree to co-operate, you see, Im having trouble sleeping. Somebody is using you to smear the reputation of me, and my friends. Judging from the situation youre in right now, its rather obvious that Im not very happy about this. The tone of her voice wasnt far off, insane. Now, Mr Daniels: one very simply question she removed her enchanted sword, which immediately disappeared. Who gave you all these information?
* * *
Later that night
21:30. Circe Island, Talos.
Dragonfly sat under a rock on the beautiful Circe Island, surrounded by documents. She flipped open her cell phone and dialled for the Masked Angel. It hardly rang once before Meriams voice filtered through.
Dragonfly! she exclaimed silently. Wow, this is so strange, I was just thinking about you
Really? she asked, flattered and unable to hide it.
Yeah. You okay?
Oh right, this evening. Im
Im fine, what about you? Are you laying low?
You bet. I now understand why the Masked Angel is masked. Can you imagine what would have happened if the authorities knew me?
Worst would be your dad finding out
Exactly, mum would stripped me off the mask for like ever! She sighed. Oh. Im glad you called. Its good to hear your voice when youre not angry Sabri
I mean Dragonfly.
Dragonfly chuckled. Well, this isnt the Militias comms, but I triple checked that it wasnt on broadcast
Meriam laughed. Oh, I remember that. God, wasnt it embarrassing?
No not really, everyone would have found out that I like you one way or another. she said, ever so casual.
Meriam chuckled nervously, followed by an awkward silence.
Shhitt! Dragonfly thought. Meriam, Im so sorry, I didnt mean to make you uncomfortable
No, its fine. Its okay, weve already talked about this, remember? she chuckled again. Lets
change the subject
Yeah, good idea
So like, whatareyoudoing?
Working, actually. I went to see Rein Daniels
Paragon Times?
Yup, he was very helpful. Gave me more than enough info. I got a lead on a, Madrilène Potter. Whatre you up to?
Me? Err
well, its like quarter-to-ten and Ive got practice tomorrow
What like soccer practice?
Football, yeah
Oh. Shame, couldve used your company around here. With PPD in and out of headquarters, Im expected to sleep in prison
Gee, what about your-- Meriam cut herself short, she was about to suggest the Kings Row apartment where Dragonfly and her mother used to live, but figured she would probably be trying to forget her past. Her mothers sacrifice. Actually, I could do with a jump or two. Need the exercise
Well, I could just teleport you here Dragonfly laughed.
Good point. Hurry-- Meriam appears on the Island --because Ive got to be back by ten. Oh, dear me, that was fast. Meriam laughed, realising she was actually out of her room. Oh my god! Nice outfit
Thanks, it made of Nylon, Polyester and Elastate.
Well its certainly elastic. Very Ninja
Thats because I am Ninja. Dragonfly joked.
Yeah, and here I am in my PJs. Tell you what, through in a skirt with one of those and I too can be Ninja. They laughed. Wow, will you look at this place! Meriam marvelled at a nearby waterfall. Dragon, where are we?
Circe Island, just off the coast of Talos
Its beautiful, I aught to come here more often. Suddenly got this urge to go swimming They laughed. Meriam turned to look at Dragonfly closely. It was a dark night but under the moonlight she couldnt have looked more beautiful. Meriam had always seen Sabrina to be a role model and it pained her all the more to see her living like this.
Are you staring at me? Dragonfly smiled.
Meriam wanted to answer that with some wise joke, instead, she asked a question that had been nagging at her.
Dragon, will we ever get to call you Sabrina again? She paused for an answer as tears filled her eyes. I mean, Dragonfly is just a mask, when will you take it off? Lately, youre either angry or sad
all the time. Her tears fell, glistening in the moonlight as they rolled slowly down her cheeks. Dragonfly was surprised. The warrior princess placed her hands softly on Meriams cheeks and swept away the tears.
Not all the time... Im happy when Im with you she whispered. A little embarrassed, Meriam chuckled slightly, lowering her face. At that moment, time seemed to freeze. In Meriam's eyes, the stars, the moon, Sabrina, they all seemed three times brighter as they kissed.
((written with Lotus X))
September 11th
The Hollows.
The Gulch.
Only a few minutes earlier, Derek had killed a police officer. He kept repeating to himself that it was in self defence. Suddenly he had reached his destination.
Drummond was waiting for him outside a collapsed apartment building. There where two motorcycles standing next to him.
Did you read the paper? Derek asked as he got close enough.
Yes. Drummond didnt look very happy and he frowned at Derek.
Thanks for the bike Drums. Will you help me carry them in? Derek stepped towards one of the bikes motioning for Drummond to take the other one.
Im not staying. Drums crossed his arms in front of him.
What the hell are you talking about!? Derek stopped pushing the bike in front of him.
Im not staying. Im done with hiding from the police. Thats my old life. And Im not going back, in fact Im going to the police right now. I havent been a big part of your Militia, I dont know anything. Hopefully theyll just beat me up and let me go back to my shop. My honest job, that I do for a living.
Derek stared in disbelief at his friend. Fine. He pushed his bike closer to the collapsed building and pushed a button that was hidden under a pile of rubble. A large garage door swung open without a sound, through the door the cold steel interior could be seen.
Fine. Drummond replied and hopped up on his bike. Derek?
What, Drums?
Be careful. Drummond revved up his engine and took of towards the nearest road.
F**k it! Derek said, went into the hidden bunker and pushed a button to close the doors behind him.
===
Later that evening.
Holy s**t! Derek woke up a few hours later. Saffron! He jumped out of bed, fully dressed, with the gun holstered on his thigh and the knives holstered at his belt, under his long sleeves on both arms and one under the sweater on his back.
He ran to the doors and hit the switch to open them while whipping out his cell, dialling the phone number to The Amber Banshee.