"Everythin's goin' exactly as you planned baby. I'm impressed."
The voice carried a New York accent but it came from nowhere.
"Oh believe me Axel, I dont need your thoughts on this. What are the papers saying?"
Suddenly, three newspapers hit a glass table, followed by a magazine. A lamp flicked on, and then a hand emerged gently from the darkness. A gold ring housing a red jewel sat comfortably on the middle finger as the index perused the papers, sliding along the printed lines.
"Lets see, blah blah blah.. blah blah.. oh here we are." she muttered.
---------------------------------------------
The Militia Strikes The Press! - #Paragon Times
... last night. Mr Rein Daniels fears for his safety and demands justice brought down quickly upon the Militia, before somebody really gets hurt...
---------------------------------------------
The Militia Jailbreak! - #Heroic News
"... suspisions circling the constant disappearances of the Militia. Prison Security are being doubled at the V.I.P cell..."
---------------------------------------------
Sabrina San in Lesbian Love! - #Paragon Spy - Magazine of the Year.
... the Asian heroine had broken out of jail to a secret rendevous on the beaches of Circe Island, where she enjoyed a passionate kiss with her lesbian lover, (pictured above) who is yet to be identified...
---------------------------------------------
Militia Accused! - #Galaxy City Courtroom
... strongly defending their absent teammates, in an attempt to lift the bounty. The morning...
---------------------------------------------
"Excellent. Things are actually playing out better than I predicted."
"Whats the next move Alicia?"
The lamp went off and all, was darkness.
September 15th, Nightfall
The Hollows, The Gulch
Home
Derek threw himself from the bed while he drew the gun from the nightstand and fired a bullet. The gunpowder exploded in the barrel propelling the bullet forward and causing a horrible bang that echoed between the not so soundproof walls. The bullet hit the rat that had been scratching the steel with his claws waking Derek from his sleep. The rat was transformed to a pile of blood and fur when the jacketed hollow point bullet expanded inside it and shredded it.
Gah! For f**ks sake! Jeez
Derek holstered the gun and sat down on the bed. Damnit I must have slept for hours. He took the knife that he kept under the pillow and pushed the button to open the door to the bunker, he left the motorbike thinking it would draw more attention than he wanted. What the hell? Derek heard absolutely nothing from the Gulch, no shouting outcast, no growling trolls, no nothing. Where the hell is everybody? He stepped out and looked around, something that gave him little information in the darkness engulfing the entire gulch. He listened intently as he made his way towards the gate to Atlas Park. As he passed yet another wrecked building he barely stopped himself from tripping over a dead Troll. Yuch, theyre even uglier when theyre sliced up and dead
This isnt the work of any police force
He looked around him and with his eyes more used to the darkness he could see a multitude of dead Trolls lying scattered on the ground. Holy sh*t, some hero must have got fed up with the Trolls. That means they could still be here
He left the Trolls and took a leap up the dirt wall out of the Gulch. Well up on ground level he faded in to the shadows to become almost completely invisible. By now he was used to having new abilities come to him ever so often and since yesterday on a little fieldtrip to the Talos Island where he was looking into a Sky Raider base, he realised that if he focused his skin and for some reason his clothes could become nearly invisible for the naked eye. He figured that he would ask Force Commander what he thought was the cause of it, but that could wait. Right now he just thought it would come in handy.
He didnt have to hurt the police men standing guard outside the gates to Atlas, he just walked casually past them and they where none the wiser. Who would know anything about where Amber is hiding
? He thought to himself as he sneaked through back alleys steering clear of the open spaces.
He took to the rooftops and had soon reached Talos Island. He quickly found the office of the Paragon Times.
Lets see now
Wow, this lock is like, ancient history. I used to break these when I was 12. He snickered and proceeded in breaking an entry into the building. Inside the lights where on but the guards desk was empty. The guard must be taking a nap somewhere
He thought and sneaked in unnoticed by the security cameras. Using the stairs instead of the elevators seemed a good idea and he found the floor where they kept their files by looking at an information sign hanging on the wall. Taking the stairs two steps at a time got him upstairs fast and he was soon up on the right floor. He opened the door and peeked around the corner to see if any guards where there. Nothing. The lights where of. Hmm
He thought. Good for hiding, bad for finding the right door
He wished he had remembered to pack a flashlight but breaking in was something he hadnt done for a long time and back then they just beat the living daylights out of whoever they encountered.
Derek sneaked around in the dark and when his eyes got used to the darkness again he found the right door and stepped inside. He turned on the lights and sat down by the computer rummaging through the hard drive for any sightings of the Amber Banshee.
BANG
Tom was woken from his light sleep, had someone beat him to it? Has he missed the chance of a lifetime? Should he go in and see what happened? No, here was Derek now.
What the hell? Derek exclaimed.
Has he spotted me? No, how could he, he is looking the wrong direction. Why has he not used his bike? Oh well, makes no difference to me.
Yuch, theyre even uglier when theyre sliced up and dead
This isnt the work of any police force
Derek speculated.
Police, in the Gulch? Ha!
Holy sh*t, some hero must have got fed up with the Trolls. That means they could still be here
Derek surmised.
Hmm, maybe your not as dumb as you look, better be extra careful not to get spotted. Hold on a minute, he has all but disappeared, lucky for me he isnt all that quiet, otherwise stalking him might be a little difficult. Not to mention how much he smells, clearly hygiene not a major concern for Derek right now!
How can humans be so blind, he just walked right past some cops and they didnt even bat an eyelid, well at least we are out of the hollows, there is no really good kills to be had there.
Talos, maybe this is where his mate is?
The Paragon Times, what could he want here?
Tom did not dare go in, stalking in a building is damn near impossible, so he picked out a good spot where he could see all the exits, as well as the roof. He was also eying up a gang of outcasts, which he would kill if he had to wait a while.
Saffron leapt over the buildings of Mercy Island with ease. Beside her flew her friend Tara, both of them speeding towards the dock as fast as they could. Both of them could hear the sound of the approaching flyers and knew without doubt that it was them that they were coming for. Breaking and entering Arachnos property was rarely rewarded with gold stars. But what they had gleaned from their investigation would certainly be worth it.
They dived low, trying to keep undetected but they knew that it was only a matter of time before they were discovered. But it didnt matter anymore, their work here was done. They just needed to get to the dock in time.
Faster! shouted Tara, speeding ahead.
I know, I know, gasped Saffron as she leapt over the roof of a house.
A sudden explosion made them dive for cover, hiding behind a large ventilation duct. A quick look above confirmed their suspicions. The flyer scooted overhead, searchlights blazing. Saffron looked down. They only had thirty yards to go. Thirty yards to the port, and the boat that led home, back to her friends, her family and Dereks arms. But the flyer hovered in the air, blocking the way. She turned to Tara who was breathing hard, recovering her breath. For a second she appreciated what they really were, two teenage girls running from a vast military army. It was a sobering thought.
Can we take it down? she asked.
Tara looked at her as if shed proposed giving it a bunny rabbit. Are you crazy!?
Saffron shrugged. What else could they do? Give up? A stupid grin spread across Taras face. Dammit, Ive missed you Saff. Ok, you got an idea?
You think you can blind them for a little? she asked.
No problem sweetie, I hope you know what youre doing
.
Saffron crawled over to the edge of the building and prepared to jump. So do I, she muttered to herself.
As the flyer moved into view, Tara took off from the rooftop and sent howling blasts of dark energy towards the machine.
Yoo hoo boys! she cried, Looking for little old me!?
The pilot barely had time to react as shadows enveloped the cockpit, blinding both himself and his crewmen. The flyer shuddered slightly as the pilot tried to bring it around and into a safe hovering position. It was then that Saffron leapt from the rooftop, shooting straight upwards to where the flyer was floating. She landed on its side, and quickly slid down. She grabbed a utility handle and clung on for dear life. Knowing that Taras shadows would not last long, she sucked in a deep breath and sung.
Saffron knew that her voice was powerful, but never before had she tested its limits. Medical equipment had shattered in attempts to measure how loud she could be, she only hoped the same would be true here. The B note that she sang reverberated around the craft, tearing at the ears of its occupants. She felt sudden bangs from within the craft as electrics short-circuited, pistons broke and support structures fractured. The huge machine quivered before it began a lazy descent towards the waters below. The massive engines spat furious sparks as the thing plummeted towards the ground.
Saffron held on tightly, looking for an opportunity to jump. As the ship passed a dirty hoarding, she leapt, bounced off of the billboard and hit the roof of a nearby building, rolling with the impact. She swiftly got up and ran to the edge to see the stricken flyer collide with the water. She allowed herself a moment of pride before turning to see Tara hovering near their ship, waving at her to get a move on.
Dont ever do that through an amp babe, said Tara smiling as Saffron landed next to her. Beside her stood the ramp up to the ship, beyond it a concerned crewman, waiting to push off.
Well talk later, said Saffron, Now weve got to go! She grabbed Taras hand and attempted to drag her onto the boat. Tara resisted, letting her hand slip from Saffrons.
I cant, was all she said.
You what? replied Saffron, taken aback.
Thats not my home anymore, said Tara. This is where I belong. Not over there in your world of rules and regulations. I need my freedom.
But! attempted Saffron but Tara was having none of it.
Look, just go already will you? said Tara, waving her away. I dont need your help, Ill be fine on my own.
Saffron said nothing. She stood on the gangway, waiting for her friend, wondering what had changed her so much that she had to run away. The last few days had been stressful, but the woman stood by her now was not the one she had known as her friend. That woman was dead. Tears welled up as she tried to say goodbye.
Thank you, was all Saffron could manage as the crewman led her up the gangway and prepared to cast off.
Yeah, well, just remember you owe me one, said Tara. Tell your buddies in Longbow to give me a break sometime. Now get lost.
The ship started to slowly pull away from the harbour, separating the two friends once more. Saffron stayed on the deck, watching the shape of her friend become a dark purple dot on the dock before disappearing from view. She wished that Derek was here to hold her. She found a quiet spot on the deck and watched the seagulls fly
-------------------------
Tara stood on the deck waiting, long after the boat had disappeared from view. She was aware of other people coming but she didnt care. She sat on the dock and watched the tide go in and out below her.
Dark Rose Tara? came an officious sounding voice from behind her.
I was wondering when you were going to turn up, she said, not bothering to look around. I guess youre going to lock me up and throw away the key.
Perhaps, said the voice. You are to be detained at his Lordships pleasure for an unspecified length of time.
Tara smiled. It was time to go home. She looked off into the distance, towards Paragon City and Saffron.
Groovy.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
September 16th
The Hollows, The Gulch
Back Home
Derek was sitting in a T-shirt and his underwear at the small desk in the bunker that he and his old friends used to call home, it had now really become Dereks home following the last weeks events. On the desk lay a bunch of papers and photos from the Paragon Times news archives dating from yesterday and a few days back. The sightings of the Amber Banshee had been few but some sources had seen her at some club with a friend Monday night. The notes mentioned Amber in company with a female friend and some article from the following day mentioned a failed attempted arrest and a hasty get-away by Amber and her unknown friend. Derek knew the club but had no idea what to look for if he was to go there. He leaned back on his chair and let his thoughts run. Who is that friend of hers
? It cant be Angel or Sunshine
but
didnt she mention another friend of hers
? Damnit! Cant remember her name
was it Tiara? No
Terri, Terran?
No damnit
.
Derek quickly rose from his chair making it fall backwards and slam the floor. The Lieutenant. Thats the only guy I know who can help me with this
I hope he hasnt got all patriotic on behalf of his dead colleague. A payphone
He got up and got and got dressed, armed himself with the gun but left the knives, he had plenty of knives underneath the skin on his hands. He walked over to the doors, pushed the button to open them and stepped out. The chilly night air wrapped itself around him and he closed the door behind him. He camouflaged himself with his newest mutation and made it towards Atlas to find a working payphone, he passed a few gang members that slowly had begun to come back to the Gulch after the total wipe-out that had been yesterday. He reached the gates and saw lieutenant Wincott on his normal patrol behind the sand bags and policemen holding the habitants of the Hollows at bay. He passed the guards walking trying not to make a sound and entered Atlas Park again.
He sneaked his way to the nearest payphone and dialled the lieutenants cell phone number. The answer came fast.
This is Wincott.
Hello lieutenant
Its Derek.
D
?!? What the hell are you doing? He lowered his voice and Derek could hear him distancing himself from his men. This call could be traced and bugged.
Dont worry lieutenant, I take it they havent got your phone bugged and Im calling from a payphone.
What the hell do you want from me D? Do you realise I have to turn you in?
You dont even know where I am so spare me the police business. I need a favour
What makes you think I can provide you with a favour?
I hope you believe I did what I did in self defence and that Im still the guy who climbed out of the gutter and started doing something good for people. I still do you know
Lt. Wincott let out a big sigh. What do you need?
I need you to find something in the files of the failed arrest on the Amber Banshee a few nights ago. You know what I mean
What about it?
A name. Of the Banshees friend who was with her at the bar
real name, alias, her grandmas name if thats the only thing you can dig up, but I need a clue in who she is.
Youre asking for a lot for someone whos warranted for an arrest
But
Ill see what I can do.
Thanks lieu
Ill pay you back some day
When you have the info drop it in the trashcan outside my apartment. I would appreciate it tonight
Im not a robot but Ill see what I can dig up, my shift is over now anyway. Keep an eye out.
Thanks lieu. Take care, I owe ya.
Derek hung up and got back to his old apartment building. He jumped up on the roof and sat down to wait.
===
In the middle of the night someone approached his old apartment and threw something in the trash outside. Looked around him, turned back to where he came from and disappeared. Derek waited until he could no longer hear him and jumped down. A file had been thrown in the can and inside the file was a piece of paper torn from a notebook.
TARA.
FREQUENT VISITOR.
SEEN WITH THE BANSHEE
Derek took a lighter out of his pocket and set the paper on fire and threw it back into the trashcan, the piece of paper soon ignited the rest of the trash in it and the trashcan lit up the street. He walked away from there and headed to the club where Amber had escaped the police.
===
Derek arrived at the club at three in the morning, the club was still open but people had begun to leave and the place was getting emptier. He waited a few moments outside until a few more people had left, then he went inside. He lit a cigarette and walked up to the bar, sat down and ordered a beer. He had pulled the mask from his face and pulled the hood down. He figured the beard that he had been growing over the last week would keep him from being immediately recognised. The bartender brought him his beer and eyed him suspiciously and went over to another customer, when they had ordered Derek put the money down on the counter. The bartender came and picked up the money and gave Derek the change.
Excuse me sir
Derek said to the bartender in a hushed voice.
What? the bartender asked with a sharp tone.
Do you know a woman named Tara? She is something of a regular here
Never heard of her. Whos askin?
A friend.
Wouldnt a friend of hers know about her whereabouts better than an old barkeep?
Thats the catch sir. I am just a friend of hers and Ive been wanting to get a hold of her. She is quite elusive wouldnt you think. Derek hoped his fancy words would ease the bartenders mind
although he didnt really know why on earth that should do the trick
You dont sound like the sort of character that she usually
I mean that
And you say you dont know her
Come with me
The bartender motioned for the back door and made a nod with his head to the other bartender while taking out a cigarette and waving it in the air. Sure
the other bartender said and served another customer
The bartender led Derek through the door and whacked him over the head with something very hard. Derek was knocked out cold.
Saturday 16th. French Alps.
"Tran'e, please. I'm begging you" Mer'de barked, in his native tongue of Journe.
"No Igor. You are no longer a part of this community so please, get out of my sight, stop talking and just leave me alone."
"Tran'e, you are my brother and never have I asked anything of you. Now, I am begging to do me this one favour. Please."
The two monsters trampled on, through ice and snow in.
"Please"
"Okay, okay. Jak'te! Begging does not suit you, brother"
Mer'de bellowed in joy. "Barrtek, barrtek. Thank you, thank you, oh Jak'te, thank you!"
"You're welcome, now get out of here before somebody sees us."
"Thank you Tran'e, I'll pick you up right before the trial."
"Whatever. You know I don't approve of this right? I would have expected better from you!" Tran'e shouted, but Mer'de had already gone.
* * *
Saturday 16th. Ziggursky. 11:00.
Dragonfly had been singing in the showers for over an hour. Suddenly, a knock.
"I'm showering!" Dragonfly bellowed.
"Police! You have ten seconds to cover yourself up and open this door. Ten. Nine.."
"What? Wait.. I don't understand"
"Five, four"
Sshhit Dragonfly thought, as she flung on her bathrobe and opened the door to a dozen policemen.
"Sabrina San, you're under arrest for the murders of --"
"Murder? What F**KING MURDER?!"
"-- Rein Daniels, Steven Ronalds, Keith Shaun --"
"Rein Daniels? He's.. wait, I didn't.. stop! Get your hands off me"
"-- Penelope Fraiser, Micheal Moore and Judge Esther Charlie. You have the rights to remain silent --"
"You are making a mistake! No!"
"-- anything you say can and will be used against you in the --"
"This is insane, I didn't kill anybody! You can't arrest me! For god's sake, I'm here in prison. I'm on trial! Where are you taking me?"
The policemen cuffed her and held her in a tight armlock. The officer in command, having given up reading her her rights, took a diferent approach.
"You're no longer in V.I.P detainment okay? All evidence on the murder scenes point to you... Congratulations Ms. San, you're officially a state criminal."
As they walked through the parlour, Dragonfly caught sight of the television set.
"... a second massacre by the African-Chinese heroine, Dragonfly. The deaths of Rein Daniels, editor of The Paragon Times, Steven Ronalds editor of Heroic News, Penelope Fraiser, editor of Galaxy City Courtroom, Keith Shaun, editor of Magazine of The Year - Paragon Spy, Micheal Moore, The Poeple's atturney and Judge Esther Charlie..."
Dragonfly's face was stone cold.
Saturday 16th.
Ziggursky. 2:53 pm.
Justin and Sonner arrived at the parlour of the V.I.P hold just in time to hear the afternoon newsread.
"... Asian heroine kills again. Sabrina San was arrested this morning from her V.I.P hold and imprisoned among other criminals awaiting trial. The bodies of Micheal Moore, Judge Esther Charlie and newspaper editors Rein Daniels, Steven Ronalds, Penelope Fraiser, Keith Shaun were found..."
Silence filled the room as the shock-stricken teens gaze open-mouth at the television set.
Minutes later, words managed escape.
"...Bloody hell"
((#Lets do the timewarp agaaaain.# 
))
Friday 15th. Los Angelos.
A lowrider pulls up in the garage of what looked like a million dollar mansion. Inside, a shady figure executes a series of gymnastic vaults but nearly tumbles on the landing as security alarms suddenly goes off.
#Intruder Alert# #Intruder Alert# #Executing Lockdown Sequence in 3, 2, 1#
The gymnast remained stationed on his landing mat, silent as air. Suddenly, a sharp beam of heat shot across the gymnasium, directly at the gymnast before igniting into an endless streak of fire.
"New trick? Real fancy, but you're still way too slow. Now cut it out already." The flames intensified. "Sinn!"
"Damn you Pious! There must be a way to beat your stupid shield man, no fair."
Pious held up a remote control and the room brightened.
"Woah, you been working out or what?" Sinn exclaimed.
"How many times have I told you not to do that? Huh? Everytime my alarms go off, its you. For once in your life, be normal and just.. use the damn buzzer."
"Gee, whats up with you?"
"Nothing." Pious sighed.
"Oh I know, its the grey hairs isn't it?" said Sinn, laughing.
"Whatever"
"Heard you finally hung up the old cape huh? Old age getting to ya?"
"To be honest with you, ever since mums passed away, I've been out of touch. Look, I'm gonna spread my wings for a bit."
"Wait up, I have to get back to New York so I'm gonna make this quick.. got any water?" A blur of colour, flying paper and a slamming refrigerator door later. "Ah there we are. Evian, good stuff."
Pious moved to a steel-locked window and enveloped himself with his trademark illusion; his resplendant white spandex. Large wings extended from under his shoulder bone, sweeping the floor gently as they grew. From beyond the angelic glow, Pious spoke.
"Hurry up man, I got things to do"
"Well, word on the street is Axel's up to no good again. I heard some of his New York buddies talking. New Mafia are planning an invasion of Founders Falls, it's got the gangs all worked up. I know how much you used to love that little town so I thought I'd come let ya know."
"Thanks bro. I'll go check on Axel"
"No problem Pious and hey, Jason says hi. He misses the fun times."
"Well you'll never know Sinn. Stopping an invasion of Founders might just call for the Hunters"
The barred window suddenly slid open, revealing a sunny summer day. Pious swooped out into the open air and just as the window slammed shut, he spun round to address Sinn.
"Good luck getting out of the house.. bro"
((Worst thing to have ever happened to me: [u]I just got attacked[u] by over thirty kids, I got mugged off my wallet and phone, and bottled in the forehead! While trying to protect five innocent girls. 
))
((Nice work Pious. Can't help feeling despair for thirty kids locked in a life they will inevitably p*ss against the wall))
Tom was very disappointed in himself, he was too busy satisfying his hunger for kills to notice when Derek had taken off.
Tom thought now would be a good time to read up on Derek Holden, so he made his way to Officer Reids office in the PPD headquarters. Officer Reid wasnt in but Tom knew where he kept his files. Dereks file was accompanied by numerous other files on Militia members, so Tom took the lot and speed out of the building.
Tom found a quiet spot in Atlas, where he wouldnt be disturbed and read the files. The more he read the more respect he gained for the Militia members; they had some truly awesome kills between them. Tom now saw killing Derek as his crowning glory.
Tom could not wait anymore, he went straight to Dereks hideout and without even a pause he went straight in to confront Derek. But much to Toms disappointment he wasnt there. So Tom used this opportunity to his advantage and had a look around; he quickly found something of use on his desk.
The Amber Banshee
Tom had read her file and quite the file it was, find her and Derek will soon follow.
September 17th. Sunday. 13:02.
"Present are Derek Holden, Lady Cobra, The Masked Angel, Dragonfly, The Portent, Unit 29, Icicles and I, Mer'de. Dragonfly, the table is yours."
Mer'de sat as Dragonfly stood.
"Thank you Mer'de. First, I'd like to apologise for the trouble I've landed you all in but, I have been running around fixing things. If we all focus on the central projection screen?"
The spherical hologram of the globe was replaced with a portrait of young woman.
"The lady before you is Madrilene Potter, also known as the Falcon Blitz. She has a long history of armed robbery in both Texas and New York but has spent her time in Ziggursky. Recent evidence links her to the New Mafia; a syndicate of criminal organisations in the Rogue Isles. Now get this; she has been the only source of information to the press.. on the Militia."
She turned to Mer'de before taking her seat.
"Dragon, what are your thoughts in light of this new evidence?" asked Mer'de.
"Well, we've found our guy. I think this is the woman that wants us out of the way. She's the one who killed the newspaper editors, the Judge and the opposing atturney. It has to be."
Icicles cleared his throat. "Sorry, er.. okay, so.. Falcon Blitz has been feeding the media with our secrets in the hope to have us imprisoned.. right? So what we need to do is find out one, where she's getting her information and two, why she's doing this."
Mer'de made to talk. "You mentioned the New Mafia, Dragonfly.. If thats who she's working for, then we have a major problem on our hands."
"Whats New Mafia got to do with us?" Lady Cobra asked.
"Yeah. Good bloody question." Derek muttered.
Mer'de looked uneasy.
"Mer'de, is there something you're not telling us? This has something to do with the Minister doesn't it?" asked Dragonfly.
"Probably.." Mer'de stuttered. "I've been investigating the Ministry and I now know the identity of the Minister."
"Then tell us" Dragonfly exclaimed.
Mer'de hesitated. Every set of eyes in the room was fixed on him.
"We have a right to know." Derek spoke again. "Usually, I wouldn't give a rats ars about who's paying for our brand new costume, our gym, headquarters, whatever." Derek's voice was gradually getting louder. "But right now, my girlfriend is missing, the team is under public humiliation, people are dying, and now it turns out somebody really is behind all this." He stood up, fists clenched. "And you're making it sound like we've got a major threat, right here in our OWN DAMN ORGANISATION!" His fists slammed onto the table. "NOW YOU TELL ME, WHAT TA HELL IS GOING ON!"
Lady Cobra gently placed a hand on Derek. "Calm down"
"No, no. He's right." Mer'de stood and the holographic projection displayed the portrait of an old man with long silver hair. "Sir Micheal Wayne. Fifth richest man in all of America. Entreprenuer and Minister of Founders Falls City Security. I've never spoken to him directly and the closest I've ever been able to get was the ground floor lobby of his tower. However, I have always maintained a good relationship with some of his agents, who summoned me from the Alps. According to them, he began the Militia project to give talented crimefighters as ourselves, the opportunity of herodom. Never to use as his own weapon or bodyguards, by the way." he added, with a glance at Dragonfly. "When dealing with the Militia, he adopts the title of Minister as a hero might adopt a codename, in order to keep his personal life unaffected by the team."
Mer'de sat and a long silence ensued.
"Well" Lady Cobra sighed. "Sounds like the New Mafia are planning something on Wayne Industries. It'd explain why they would want us out of the way."
"Business." Derek muttered. "I hate business!"
"So what do we do?" Icicles asked.
"It's simple." said Dragonfly. "We stalk this Falcon Blitz lady, follow her to her boss, beat them all up and send them to hell for all this nonsense."
Dragonfly heard Justin and Derek chuckled.
"Good idea.." said Lady Cobra. ".. but it would be smarter to infiltrate their base of operations and gather as much evidence as possible. We'll send them to jail and redeem our names."
"Easier said than done, I killed a cop" Derek muttered.
"That was self-defence Derek. Besides, I have it worse, they think I'm a serial killer."
"I've been breaking you all in and out of prison." Mer'de said, before releasing a thunderous laugh.
((Written with Derek Holden, Lotus X, Wolfram, Blade and Dante))
[ QUOTE ]
((Nice work Pious. Can't help feeling despair for thirty kids locked in a life they will inevitably p*ss against the wall))
[/ QUOTE ]
((Tell me about it. As the kids these days put it, they're just a bunch of wayystemen))
Sunday 17th. Ziggursky. 9:01pm.
"You Militia sure are a stubborn lot. How many of you were summoned, twenty-two? And only five turns up." Sonner said.
Icicles shrugs. "Hey man, I'm going with the flow, enjoying the show. Thats all"
As usual, the two were watching the news from the V.I.P hold.
"Having said that, I'm bored of the court case now. Need to get back in fighting crime." Justin paused. "You know something Sonner, I've accepted my talents, you know? I'm gifted with something and being here right now.. as a Militia.. it's saying something.. I'm destined to be a legend."
"Hmm." Sonner replied. "Good luck with that. Tomorrow's trial might end the Militia"
The dancing lights started to fade for Derek as he came to. He was aware of a deep red light above him and of his head being cradled by someone. As he came to he saw a dark haired woman looking down at him. She seemed vaguely familiar. She was talking to a man that Derek recognised as the barman.
Did you have to hit him so hard? she was asking.
I didnt mean to, said the barman. Im a bartender, not one of you guys.
The stirring in her lap made the woman look down, giving the barman an opportunity to slink off back to his job.
Hi hun! she cried, Are you ok? You got me worried there for a second.
Saff? he said, recognising the voice, Whats with the hair?
Saffron pulled at a strand of the dark hair hanging by her face. Disguise, she said, Tara said itll wash out. Are you ok hun? Ive missed you.
Derek sat up and rubbed his head. I think so. Man, that hurt! Where have you been? Ive been going crazy looking for you.
Its a long story, but we dont have the time. We have to find the other members of the Militia, fast.
They got to their feet and embraced. As Derek held her, she relaxed into his arms.
I missed you, she whispered.
Me too, he said, I thought something had happened to you.
Im home now, she said. And Im not going anywhere. But we have to warn the others, were all in big trouble.
I know, he replied, Ive been on the run for the past week. Several of us are missing, Sabrinas about to stand trial, Lady Cobra and 29 are going to testify
Then we have to warn them now! cried Saffron, stepping backwards, Whatever happens, Sabrina must not go back into that courtroom!
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
[ QUOTE ]
Then we have to warn them now! cried Saffron, stepping backwards, Whatever happens, Sabrina must not go back into that courtroom!
[/ QUOTE ]
((Exciting! You got a plot? Will Amber and Derek be calling a meeting? PM me, fill me in so I can work with it planning a lead-up to our finale.))
Sunday 17th - Ziggursky Penitentiary. 16:03.
Dragonfly had spent the afternoon in a dark, dingy Ziggursky prison cell accompanied only but a sleeping inmate. She had been drugged on her way in and soon realised her ability to summon the legendary Golden Dragonfly had somehow been nullified.
Whos there?! came a female voice from the bunk bellow. Her inmate had woken. Dragonfly panicked. She was cornered and powerless with a real criminal who may even recognize her. She remained speechless. Whos there? the inmate asked again. She shot up out of her bed so fast she only managed a glimpse of Dragonflys fist before blacking out.
* * *
Almost an hour later, Dragonflys inmate came to. She was now sporting a black eye and a bump behind the head. She ran her fingers gentle over the bump and yelped.
Ow she whimpered, a shade of orange in her peripheral vision. Why did you hit me? Afraid Id bite you?
Dragonfly remained in the shadows at the far corner of the room. She felt like a mouse caged in with a vicious cat.
Im not gonna bite you. She said flatly. Serena Jones. A pleasure meeting you she added, with a sarcastic tone. Dragonfly remained silent. Quite a punch you got there Serena teased, getting onto her feet. Karate? Serena began a slow and steady advance towards Dragonfly, within seconds; she was back in her face. The two girls simply stared at each other.
Dragonfly noticed the girl could only be about eighteen maybe nineteen years old, with long blonde hair, wild as a lions mane.
How does a black girl get such tiny eyes? And the bridge of your nose, you look like youre Chinese Serena whispered.
Thats because I am, Dragonfly spat. How does a blondie get such big lips?
Voluptuous arent they?
Not at --" A sharp pain in her pelvis, as Serena kneed her hard and followed with a strike to the face, Dragonfly was cut below the eye.
Now were even
* * *
Sunday 17th : Ziggursky
23:32
Dragonfly and her cellmate Serena had made their peace. They laid in their bunk, throwing the odd questions at each other in an attempt to get better acquainted.
What you in for? asked Serena.
Dragonfly remained silent for several seconds before responding. Framed
Really, me too
Yeah?
Yeah Serena paused. Pistol set me up to cover up for one of her casino heists. That woman is the devil incarnate
Who is she?
Where have you been girl? You dont know Pistol?
Never heard the name
Well, she runs all the big time gangs on the Isle. Boss of the New Mafia; biggest criminal syndicate in all of America. And she's quite literally untouchable. Most powerful crimelady there is. Wherever she goes, people die.
You dont have to tell me twice.
Last I heard, she was trying the impossible; starting a casino here in Paragon City, of all places.
Is that so?
Yup, she was once in here you know, at the Zig. Real dramatic jailbreak and everything.
Serena?
Thats my name, dont wear it out
Can we talk about this later? Im dying for some sleep
Sure thing sugar. Goodnight
Wednesday 20th - 14:00 Galaxy City Court
The trial was coming to its end, the nightmare that had sent the Militia into public humiliation and Dragonfly to the depths of prison was almost over. Almost.
On the charges of first-degree murder, we find the defendant Derek Holden, not guilty.
There was an outcry in the courtroom. The public was not happy.
Order, order! came the voice of Justice, and silence was restored.
#I see him, by the windows. I repeat, Scopeyes at nine o clock. All units stand by# the Amber Banshee whispered into the Militia communications microchip.
#Roger that Banshee, target located# came the synthesized voice that was Unit 29.
#I see him# said Dragonfly.
#Yep, me too# Lady Cobra confirmed.
#Wait... err... oh okay, the one in the grey suit?# the Masked Angel stuttered.
#Yes Meriam, thats our assassin# The Portent confirmed.
#Guys, well need this assassin alive or knocked out. Boss of New Mafia goes by the codename Pistol. Scopeyes here will take us to her.# Dragonfly informed.
#"He aint no threat# Derek muttered. #What's he gonna do? Shoot us all? He'll give himself away at the first shot."#
#You know, they tried buying out the first judge and killed him when he refused. This one may be corrupt too but there is only one way to find out.# The Amber Banshee reported.
#Merde said the jury were bought out too to make sure we all get imprisoned# Dragonfly added.
#Wait, where is Merde?# Icicles asked.
#Ah, Justin!# Force Commander exclaimed. #I think you should bask in the rather impressive cunning and guile of our companion, Mer'de! Hes undergone morphometric realignment into a Ms. Haley Carpenter; head jury. The entire jury seems to be on our side now, I can only assume hes told them the gameplan.#
#This Pistol fellas gonna eat a fistful of bones when I see him# Derek added.
#So whos this other Journe pretending to be Merde? His twin brother?# Icicles asked.
#Everyone pipe down and keep an eye on Scopeyes will ya?# Lady Cobra whispered.
#Roger that Cobra# said Unit 29.
On the charges of genocide, the Jury finds Sabrina San, guilty as charged
The public erupted with glee, some booed.
What! Whats he doing? Dragonfly fumed out loud.
The Amber Banshee spoke through the group communications chip. #Relax Dragon, listen#
However, in light of new evidence which proves the death of Sabrina San, we find the defendant, Dragonfly not guilty.
The public erupted in anger, and Scopeyes made a sudden move.
#Somethings up# Derek announced.
#Patience, is a virtue...# Force Commander advised.
As Marcus Aurelius once said
although he was pretty handy with a sword too. When we move, we move together... okay, I'll give the signal."
On charges of the murder of Micheal Moore, Judge Esther Charlie, Rein Daniels, Steven Ronalds, Penelope Fraiser and Keith Shaun we find the defendant, Dragonfly, not guilty
The noise was deafening. The public audience started to leave in protest.
Your Honour, the Jury wished to make a suggestion
#Oh my god, theres more than one! Scopeyes just signalled to a man in a white T-shirt#
#I see him, too. In the public stand!#
#White T-shirt just signalled to woman in a grey dress, I repeat, grey dress#
Permission granted, head Jury
#Force Commander, what do we do? Looks like theyve got an assassin assigned for each one of us!#
The Jury suggests the Militia be released without charges of court absences
#Theyre moving commander, what do we do?#
#Pick any target. Attack on my word. With that, the Militia met a subtle blurring and shifting within themselves. Force Commander had again shifted and augmented them, allowing them to move, think, and react at superhuman speeds.
#Roger that#
This morning, the Jury was presented with new evidence which proves this whole case is IN FACT, PART OF A LARGER CONSPIRA - -
The head Jury was shot down, blood gushing from his forehead.
#Now! screamed the Commander, in an uncharacteristically blunt yet effective manner.
The Portent chased after a gunman, HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! he hollered, withdrawing a taser.
Where do you think youre going? Derek snarled, knocking out the gunman who had shot a gaping hole through his chest.
MILITIA, YOURE UNDER ARREST! Icicles hollered, hovering high enough in the courtroom, to pick out individual gunmen. He pelted liquid nitrogen at several armed targets. Always wanted to say that
The last gunman, startled at the frightening speed of the response from the Militia, turned to run. He suddenly slowed to a crawl, his limbs flailing as though swimming through mud. He gazed into the face of the Force Commander, who had moved beside him in a blink of an eye.
"Hmmm
speed, is, as they say, of the essence."
A quick nod to Derek and the young pugilist zipped over to the Commander, delivering a deadly clothes-line onto the released gunman.
"Much obliged", commented the Commander. "Id rather not crack my knuckles on folks such as this when I have some mutant tarsal that would do the job with far more resilience."
The Masked Angel gasped and staggered. She had been shot in the arm but the limp body of Dragonfly caught her eye. Oh my god! Sabrina!
((Written with Lotus X, Derek Holden, Cognito, Dante, Blade and Wolfram))
((Over to you guys))
((A bit of OCC here, but a jury in Paragon City for heroes consists of heroes too, as in a Jury of peers. This fact has been demonstrated in the Top Cow comics, though I understand the shooting of a jury member as a plot point, it's highly unlikely situation, none the less I'll consent to the plot, just wanted to inform you a bit, back to the story))
Extrisity, watching the courthouse from a nearby building, using his scanners to watch the entrance and surrounding area's, couldn't believe what he was hearing over the com, he saw a few PCPD's running around and a few civilians running out of the building which where stopped by the PD's. He couldnt believe it, a jury member shot and Dragonfly too? Sure she was mentally slightly unstable but she didnt disserve this. He just froze in shock, unable to act fast, as he usually did.
((Good observation Ex. Heroes are indeed in the Jury, matter of fact, its an all-hero Jury. As Force Commander explained, Haley Carpenter agreed for Mer'de to take her form and stand at the Jury because Amber warned of a possible assassination. Mer'de (as Haley), Dragonfly, Derek and Angel got shot as agreed OOC.))
MILITIA, YOURE UNDER ARREST! Icicles hollered, hovering high enough in the courtroom, to pick out individual gunmen. He pelted liquid nitrogen at several armed targets. Always wanted to say that
Icicles watched as Derek clothes-lined the last gunman. "Oww, thats gotta hurt. Man, this is more like it. Militia... kicking ars at last."
At the corner of his eyes, he could make out Haley Carpenter's body.
Oh man. Oh god! Is Mer'de dead? he thought.
Several other heroes from the Jury had attended to her. He swooped down to inspect. The public audience were struggling through the exit, pushing and shoving in panic, blocking entrance for the Police.
================================================== ===========
Derek Holden - Not Guilty
...during an eventful conclusion to what is being dubbed the trial of the century, the jury judged Derek Holden as not guilty...
================================================== ===========
Tom was furious; he had missed the opportunity of a lifetime!
================================================== =========
Hundreds of Villains Die
the Hollows was hit by the night long rage of an unknown hero who managed to kill literally hundreds of villains. Lt. David Wincott commented, Rarely have I seen
================================================== =========
((Mass murder in the Hollows? Evil, barbaric, brutal, monsterous, villainous.. but not heroic.))
Waiting around is something Tom has always struggled with and may be one of the reasons that he was dubbed Hyper Cat by the press. But he knew confronting Derek in his hideout would be a mistake, luckily for Tom he was in the Gulch plenty on his can kill list here.
Although it is an area rich with potential kills due to many heroes avoiding it completely, the Gulch is a small place and Hyper Cat is a prolific killer, so by the 4th day the Gulch had become barren. Although Toms thirst for killing was quelled for now, he knew that he could not keep this up for much longer!
If only he had paid more attention to Dereks case notes but there was one piece of information that gave Tom hope, Derek had a mate. Tom has always found humans strange and one thing that struck him as the strangest was that humans felt responsible for their mate throughout the year and not just in mating season. Dereks mate is one of the accused, so surely he cant hide here forever, can he?