{27/12/07, Early morning, Kings Row}
Raymond Jackson was a regular guy, who was sick of being pushed around. At school he was teased about not having the right clothes, later at work he was forced to endure the disrespect shown by his boss because he needed the money too much to protest. More recently he was badly injured and forced to spend the last couple of weeks including his Christmas day in hospital thanks to a mutant terrorist attack on the Central Mall, Founders Falls. However he wouldnt put up with it anymore, because today, if theyd have him, he planned to sign up with Humanity First.
Of course his sudden decision to join Humanity First was just on a whim, he had been in fact been looking into the group since the Tempest Virus scare earlier that year. During the height of the panic Humanity First was out in the Row helping protect its citizens from the plague carrying Lost, as well as trying to blow the whistle on a massive conspiracy by the authorities to hide the severity of the crisis from the good citizens of Paragon city. It was because of Humanity Firsts desire to look out for the regular joe, that he had long been tempted to join the group itself.
Of course how Raymond saw Humanity First was very different to the general public's view of them thanks to the careful manipulation of the media by the authorities. Luckily in this day and age if you wanted to find out the truth about something then there was the internet. Thanks to the information super highway, and Humanity Firsts own website he was able to learn much about what really happened concerning the Tempest Virus scare as well as a number of other incidents involving Humanity First.
Official, and media sources would have you believe that most of the Tempest Virus scare, as well as the violence in the Row was the result of Humanity First manipulation, however the truth was decidedly different. The virus was indeed very real, and the original reports had come from official medical sources. In fact, several medical officials were actually reprimanded for the way they handled information about the virus during the crisis. As for the rumours concerning the Lost, the threat was real enough that the government decided to bomb a Lost community rather than risk an epidemic. Except once again thats not what most people heard, instead it was an insidious bomb plot to ruin the reputation of Paragons heroes. Strange that out of all the assembled members of the Militia, Paragon City Protectors, and Silent Tempest that were present that the two heroes who were killed were also both soldiers. Also, despite being probably the most competent at explosive ordinance disposal out of all the heroes there at the time, theirs was the bomb that still exploded. Coincidence? Raymond didnt think so.
The world may of painted Humanity First as villains, but Raymond knew that if you looked a little deeper a different picture presented itself. The way he saw things, it was only a matter of time before they would rise to help combat the recent rise in mutant terrorist threats, much like the one that had hospitalised him. When they did, Raymond planned to be on the front lines fighting with them....
The moon slowly rose on Nerva Archipelago flooding it with its pale glow. The Blackshirts of Humanity First patrolled the area slowly watching for any sign of activity against their unknowing charge, Antipode. Rumour had travelled down the pipe line that two infamous bounty hunters had taken up the bounty on Antipode, two mutant brothers known only as Cain & Abel.
Aint nothing gonna happen. Every other bounty hunter has ended up dead by our hands, why should these two be any different
bloody mutants thinking their powers make them all high and mighty, makes me sick! A harsh commanding voice cut though the radio,
What part of Radio silence do you not understand?
The Radio, and silence parts, it would appear. Sorry Quick Fix.
The Blackshirt, known as Hammer, moved along the rooftop till he was behind a chimney stack, just out of view of his fellow black shirts and lit a cigarette,
Guarding a mutant he spat at the ground as he rummaged around for his lighter PFFT! Partisan has gone too far this ti- before he could continue a large hand wrapped around his face and pulled his head into the chimney. The Blackshirt struggled to get the hand off but after a long moment his body went limp. The hand released him and his body dropped to the ground. The large imposing form of Abel looked about with his dark eyes. His face a mixture of scars and dents, one such sure running from his hair line, down over his left eye, past his nose and over his lips causing him to have a permanent snarls, finally ending on his chin. He was easily seven feet tall and wore long dark clothes. When he was sure the coast was clear he looked off toward the edge of the building and his younger, scrawny brother, Cain appeared.
Cain was just over five foot in height. His long, straggly, greasy hair hung close to his face and only his dark eyes peered from within.
What do we have here? Guardians! Well I never, Partyman is getting desperate! Abel looked at his brother, and while no words were actually spoken, there was defiantly some form of communication happening. Cain listened intently for a moment then nodded,
Got it, clear the Blackshirts and go after the blue chick
again the silent communication happened between them
ohh alright! You get rid of them, but I get first attack on Antipode! Abel nodded and moved away.
Cain and Abel appeared only recently in the isle and already had a name for them selves. Never were the two apart. Both their mutant powers worked with the others yet both had vastly different abilities. Cain was Pyrokenetic, which worked well for him as he was pyromanic. He was also double-jointed in almost every joint, coupled with a great gymnastic skill, he proved to be an excellent and extremely agile fighter. Abel was an Electromancer. He was also known for being able to withstand unbelievable amounts of punishment and give it as good as he got.
Both brothers were telekinetic and apart from their direct telepathic link, had no form of telepathy.
Alright, check in all of you! one by one the Blackshirts reported in, then there was silence, Hammer, check in now! again there was silence Hammer? the silence continued Scopes, check on Hammers location now! Quick-Fix began to look from rooftop to rooftop counting her Blackshirts.
We got a problem. Hammers dead!
What?!
Ive just found his body. Looks like he was suffoc- WHAT THE HELL?! there was the suddenly sound of a gun going off shortly followed by what sounded like a strong gust of wind. Quick-Fix looked towards the rooftop to spot Scopes soaring through the air and disappear into the water beyond,
Converge on Scopes locations. The bounty hunters are here!
Before long the Blackshirts were standing around Hammers body, but there was no sign of the attackers.
I dont see any-one Quick-Fix, no-one at all! Suddenly from the darkness that was the next rooftop came Abel. He lept the short distance between them and threw his arms forward in a sweeping motion. What could only be described as a invisible sledgehammer hit the Blackshirts, sending them high into the air. Only a short cry from Quick-Fix could be heard as she screamed towards the water in the distance.
Cain nimbly lept over and came to stand beside Abel,
Awww nuts, they survived. He slapped his brothers chest Youre getting sloppy! Abel looked at his brother with a apologetic glare, Youre right, youre right! At least they are out of our hair. He clapped his hands together and rubbed them greedily, a wide grin splitting across his face, Time to collect our bounty. Both brothers headed down the fire escape and headed towards the hideout of Antipode.
Anti moved about the warehouse grabbing what she could. She didnt stay in one place more than a few days and even that was too much for her. Every-where she went, they seemed to find her eventually. And ever since a rookie bounty hunter had managed to find his way to her apartment, she hadnt dared go back. Even so, she heard rumours of assassins and bounty hunters ending up dead. She had no idea who was behind it, but could only hope that she still had allies, somewhere. She moved to the main floor of the warehouse and was suddenly assaulted by a strange smell of burning. She looked around as the main door and could see the door glowing with hot embers. Eventually it burst into flames and crumbled to ash. As the smoke cleared the scrawny frame of Cain appeared
Knock knock, pizza delivery! Anti, dropped the items in her arms
I suppose you are here for - oh
Abel appeared from the smoke and came to stand behind his brother. Cain smiled and crossed his arms,
some-thing like that. He snapped his fingers and Abel moved slowly forward, spreading hands outward and into open palms with the fingers spread apart. Anti shuffled backwards and slowly cooled the air around one hand, ready to attack.
Abels scared mouth turned up into a gruel grin and his dark eyes began to glow slightly. Between his fingers, sparks began to arc over. They grew in intensity until they soon began to jump from his hands to his body. They grew again and the sparks now arced outwards from his body onto any earthed electrical devise. Bulbs blew and sockets exploded with energy. Abels mouth was now a silent roar as the electricity sparked and hissed, filling the air with static and a flashing blue and white light. Suddenly it stopped and raced towards his open palms. For what seemed like a long moment the world stood still. Abel slammed his hands together and a large bolt of electricity surged forward causing every-thing electrical to explode as the bolt passed them. Anti had only seconds to throw herself backwards, barely avoiding the bolt. She landed headily on her backside but quickly rolled over and charged into the warehouse.
She was nearly out of a stack of crates when suddenly the ground before her burst into flames. She skidded to a halt and threw her gaze upwards as Cain descended from above. She nimbly leapt backwards as he landed before her. He lashed out in a string of rapid attacks and she was able to block them. He swept with his legs catching her by surprise and she fell backwards, once again she rolled out of his only to find Cain attacking again. He was unrelenting in each attack. Each she returned against him just seemed to find air. He almost moved like water, his body snake like in avoiding the blows. In a moment of desperation she threw her arm upwards and washed Cain in a blanket of snowy ice. He jumped backwards but another attack from Anti caused him to become encased in a large chunk of ice. Wasting no time she ran past him and lept over his now diminishing wall of flame. She glace backwards quickly to see him burn up, melting the ice.
She charged towards the exit only to find her self thrown sideways by a wall of force. She crashed into the crates and just about caught sight of Abel charging down upon her. She pulled her self free of the crate and flung several bolts of fire at the giant who merely shrugged them off as he continued his charge. Thinking quickly she turned her hands at the floor and washing it over with thick ice. Abel footing was suddenly lost and he fell onto his side and skidded to a halt. As he tried to rise, Anti charged towards him and, with as much force as she could muster, kicked him in the head. She stuck him square on the temple and the giants head slammed into the floor unconscious. She had no time for celebration as before she could react she was hit by another invisible wall, some-how it felt weaker than the one before hand.
Cain stood near by, his arms fell to his side as he looked at his fallen brother.
ohhh Im not going to let him live that one down! The scrawny man started to smile No matter
he seemed to concentrate for a second and suddenly Abel twitched, then his eyes snapped open and he rose slowly to his feet. Nifty little trick we learnt. One falls, the other can bring him back. Were a team baby. You wanna take us on, bring it. But that bounty is as good as ours
Anti fought off feelings of frustration, she looked at the two brother and considered her next action carefully.
Quick-Fix pulled her self out of the water and swore loudly. She reached into her bag and pulled out a wet, yet still operational phone and started a quick dial. After a few rings the voice of the Humanity First hacker, Cyberspace, answered
What is it Fix?
Where is the boss?
Not here right now. Whats up, you sound [censored] off?
Just had my [censored] handed to me! We got a problem, two very powerful mutants just went after Anti.
Just let the dirty mutants duke it out
That is not the plan Kyle! Partisan wants her alive. Are you able too see what is going on in the warehouse? Cyberspace cracked his fingers and began to hack the local CCTV network, eventually he came across the warehouse and brought up their security network,
Well pretty much all the cameras are dead
hold up. We got one but its badly damaged. He brought up the camera looked at the image. He could see the battle unfold and saw that Anti was on the loosing end, Its not looking good in there!
Damn it. Eh... she tried to think of some-thing then after a moment she snapped her fingers
get a hold of her employers!
What?!
You heard me Kyle, try and get a hold of the Corporation!
You know Big P doesnt want me hacking their systems any more. He looked about the empty base and grinned
although he never said any-thing about not hacking the phone network! He kept his link to the warehouse open and started up a fresh hack on the mobile phone network. Before long he had the information he needed Antis phone is reading as offline. Luckily for Miss Pode, John Sebastian is near-by
hold tight Fix. Ill see what I can do! the hacker started his work.
Anti leapt atop of the crates and tried her hardest to get above Abel and away from his attacks. Cain, who had been knocked back from a previous blow, saw her attempt to climb and charged forward. He leapt atop of his brothers shoulders and followed after Anti. The warehouse was in a state. Crate stacks were ablaze from several of Cains attacks and the majority of the floor was now covered in thick ice.
Stop running Miss Anti, I promise to make it quick! Ha ha!
Anti looked backwards and threw several icicles downwards. Cain flung himself sideways with little difficulty and continued his climb each time. Abel began to charge himself again ready for another bold of electricity. Before he finished however Anti was atop of the crate stack and jumping off the other side. As she did Abel released another bolt causing the crate stack to explode behind her. She landed on a smaller stack of crates and quickly looked around for Cain; surely his own brother wouldnt have attacked the stack he was on just to get her? Suddenly from the smoke he appeared and with a heavy punch he sent her flying,
Luckily for us, Abel and my self are immune to each others abilities
that being said however
he glanced at Abel
BE CAREFUL!
Silent communication passed between them and Cain pressed on his attack. Anti was tiring out. Both attackers had unbelievable amounts of stamina and each time she took one out, the other was able to bring the fallen back to consciousness with a glare. The only way she was going to take these two out was at the same time or taking one out and keeping the other distracted. Her thoughts were cut short as Cain once again unleashed his furious attack. Anti did her best to block the attacks but several found home and she spun backwards. She shook off the attack and pressed with her own but once again each missed their target. For the briefest moment she considered using The Antipode, if it failed however she would be far too weak to continue the battle and they most likely kill her. Abel appeared behind Cain and she attempted a last minute attack. She threw her self at the smaller one causing him to bend over backwards to avoid her attack.
However this move worked in her favour. She flung a large amount of ice into the face of Abel, completely encasing it. She then began to fire off round after round at Cain who was nimbly dodging each. But as he did Anti grew closer and closer. As she was almost on him she reached over, grabbed a large chunk of wood and swung it at his head. Cain, being distracted by the previous cyromancing attacks, was struck hard and flipped over completely, landing on the floor unconscious.
Anti chucked the wood aside and started to run towards Abel. She however could not run fast enough. The giant tore the remainder of the ice from his face and looked towards the charging Antipode. He began to concentrate to bring his brother around when suddenly a flash of red light exploded upon his back. He fell forwards and landed on his knees as Anti came skidding to a halt. Abel rose quickly and attempted to face his attacker when another flash of red exploded against him, followed by another in quick succession. The warehouse flashed with red as several attacks found home and eventually one such attack struck Abel in the face and sent him into unconsciousness. Antipode fell to her knees and breathed a sigh of relief as John Sebastian offered her a hand,
How the hell did you find me?
I got an anonymous tip off. Told me to follow the smokestack. Good job I did otherwise it looks like these two would have had you.
Thanks John. She took his offered hand and used it to pull herself to her feet. Lets get out of here, before these two wake up, huh? John nodded and before long they left the warehouse, now completely ablaze.
***
Quick-Fix watched from the shadows.
Nicely done Kyle
Dont mention it. What about the two mutants in there?
Ill have some-one watch them, see what they do; who knows
they may lead us to Ebon Sun.
One can only hope so
***
Cains eyes snapped open and he slowly rose to his feet. With a gesture the fires died into non-existence leaving charred and blackened wood. He slowly moved over to his brother, avoiding slipping on the now melting ice, and again, with a gesture, awoke him
Well that was a pain! he said as Abel rose to his feet and looked at his brother with a questioning look, Nothing we can do for now. Well see what she does. Hopefully well get another chance
could really use that money. Both looked about at the extensive damage they had caused, Lets get outta here before the Bows start to arrive
{10/01/08, 10.22am a supposedly abandoned warehouse in Kings Row}
The metal masked Partisan stood on a gallery overlooking the Kings Row warehouse Humanity First had made as their Paragon City base of operations. At his side stood the bio-chemist turned Blackshirt commander Quick Fix. Reading from a clipboard she held, Quick Fix was running through all the developments and intelligence concerning Humanity Firsts latest plot to destabilise human/mutant relations, as well as its attempt to draw out Ebon Sun.
...onsibility for yesterdays arson attacks on the Bronze Way PPD Precinct House in Steel Canyon, as well as TV Evangelist Reverend Geddings Founders Falls town house. Thats eight terrorist actions this week alone where Ebon Sun has claimed direct responsibility.
Partisan continued to look down towards the warehouse floor where half a dozen new Blackshirt recruits were undergoing hand to hand training with the Humanity First Officer Street. He began to smile under his mask, pleased at how Ebon Suns brutal terrorist campaign had inspired dozens to seek out Humanity First in order to join its ranks to fight back against the growing mutant menace that so far the authorities were having little success in combatting. He then turned away from the gallery, standing instead to face Quick Fix as he talked.
It does seem that they are eager to prove a point. I must confess I had expected them to use a little finesse with their operations, but instead they show a total disregard for Humanity or its opinion of them. They are doing a far better job of fuelling hatred towards their kind than I would of ever imagined.
Perhaps now it is time that we threw down the gauntlet ourselves, maybe a few retaliatory strikes against mutants?
Patience Quick Fix, I already have something in mind that will allow us to enter the fight. Warden McClane, my agent at Freedom Corps, informs me that the Governor is having a secret meeting with representatives from Longbow and the PPD at the Hotel Imperial in Atlas Park to discuss the current mutant situation..
Quick Fix raised her eyebrows in realization of the potential significance of the Governors visit. Hed be a very tempting Target for Ebon Sun.
Indeed, and McClane informs me that one of his own mutant officers is actually an Ebon Sun sympathiser. We will be using him to attract Ebon Suns attention.
What if Ebon Sun dont take the bait? After all the Governor is bound to have some pretty heavy Longbow protection, they may decide the risk is too great.
Partisan once again smiled under his mask. That is why we are going to present them with a softer target.
Quick Fix looked at Partisan obviously confused. I dont understand.
Ebon Sun wont be the only ones interested in the Governors visit. I believe our good friend Charles Porter would be unable to pass up the opportunity to have his voice heard by such a prestigious individual as the Governor. All we need do is make sure he becomes aware of the visit, and organises some sort of rally outside the hotel.
Quick Fix started to smile. ...and when Ebon Sun strike we save his @ss in front of all the media he's bound to attract to the scene.
Partisan once again started to smile under his mask.Possibly... Although it isnt actually necessary that we save his life, just that we are seen to make an effort. Of course this single act isnt going to undue all our negative press and win us the hearts of Paragons citizenry, but it will certainly highlight to them who the real enemy is.
Quick Fix pondered that thought for a moment before speaking again. This will of course bring us into direct conflict with Ebon Sun.
I know, however our Rogue Isles operations seem to be doing little to help us find Ebon Suns headquarters so instead we will try a more direct approach.
[i]What about Antipode?[/b]
Once we have a solid lead on Ebon Sun she is then expendable. Im certain some sort of payback for the indignities you and your men have had to suffer while protecting her can be arranged...
((Apologies to all who have been following the story. With Britanic having left the game, and myself dealing with a heavy RL workload, it is unlikely that this story will continue in the near future. Thanks to all who followed it ingame and on the boards, and particularly those who contributed their own stories.
Maybe this will return in the future...until then, read on...))
February 18th, Humanity First Headquarters
The man in the golden mask sat back in his chair, watching the news intently
...it has now been almost a month since the lightning raids by the Paragon Police Department rounded up and contained the mutant terrorist group, Ebon Sun. Acting on an anonymous tip containing surprising detail, the process was over quickly, and resulted in no loss of life.
Over the past few weeks, arrests have been made and properties seized, and most of the leadership is now believed to be behind bars. The mutant community has expressed their pleasure at this news, as the stigma that overshadowed their good names has now been at least partially lifted, although for some there will be much more time needed to heal.
The mastermind behind the shopping mall attacks last christmas, the mutant known as Illucid, is to face trial next month..."
Snarling, Partisan turned off the television.
"Close. So close. Just a little longer, and the world would have seen them for the beasts they are. So much wasted time..."
Still...the ringleader, Oblivion, was still at large. He would be back someday, with a new army of mutant malcontents. The seeds of the war had already been sown. He could wait a while to reap the benefits.
The day of man's supremacy would come.
@Shadow Phoenix - Union roleplayer and number-cruncher
((When I had to leave the game earlier this year it was with great regret that I couldn't of finished Supremacy. Now that im back I want to atleast do something to tie up Supremacy in a manner more satisfying to myself. What follows is the first part of my Supremacy epilogue. I hope you enjoy!))
{06/09/ 2008, Mid morning, the Chapel, Mercy Island}
The bronze masked leader of the militant Humanity First paced his office, clutching a rolled up newspaper, and seethed with anger.
"Will not even hell keep the filthy mutant vermin? It is bad enough they have the power to snuff out lives on a whim, but now they can cheat death itself."
With a fluid motion Partisan hurled the rolled up newspaper across the room. As it hit a bookcase and fell to the floor the paper unrolled revealing the front page of yesterday's Paragon City Post, and the story about Partisan's hated enemy Britanic's seeming return from the dead. After taking one further look at the paper's cover Partisan walked over to his padded leather office chair, and sat down with a heavy thud!
To think, it is probably about a year ago that I devised a plan that would pit humanity against mutants, forcing a war that would eventually engulf all super powered beings, and lead to the eventual eradication of those not of pure human blood. Had my strategy prevailed I probably would not be sat here now stewing over my old adversary's return. Why did God abandon my cause? What happened to Ebon Sun? Why could Charles Porter not die one day later?...
{15/01/2008, late evening, A dingy motel room in Kings Row}
"...act details of the accident are unknown, but it has been confirmed the Charles Porter was dead on arrival."
"Charles Porter had been a strong voice warning about the dangers of mutant kind within our communities, as well as an up and coming political leader. With the current atmosphere of human/mutant tension he will be likely missed by many of those seeking a voice for their own fears about the current situation in our city."
"In other news the Gov..."---Klik!!
As Partisan turned off the radio he turned to face his Humanity First cohorts Street, and Quick Fix.
"Damn it! His destiny was to be martyred, not run down by a car like some stupid household pet who'd escaped it's leash."
"Perhaps we can put someone else into his place?" Street asked nervously.
"Shut up you idiot. Porter had charisma. His death would of been inspiring. The Governor's visit is tomorrow, there is no time to find another. We can only hope that Porter's followers take the bait and still show. Perhaps then I can salvage something from this..."
{16/01/2008, 10.22am, Outside the Hotel Imperial, Atlas Park}
"Where the hell is everybody?" A plain clothed Street asked as he surveyed the area in front of the hotel.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? Maybe everybody realised someone is has been playing them for chumps, and expected some sort set up." Quick Fix answered hastily, her voice shaky enough to betray her own unease about the current situation."
[/i]"Let me guess this is one of those best laid plans of mice and men going totally t1ts up situations?"[/i]
Quick Fix, Street, and the half a dozen Humanity First Blackshirts that accompanied them looked up where the strangers voice had come from. Perched on a window ledge above them was the mutant heroine Afterlight. Without the need for anyone to bark any orders the Humanity First soldiers all started to draw automatic pistols, and let loose a hail of bullets at the smirking heroine. Afterlight having both finely tuned reflexes as well as exceptional psychic abilities easily dodged the gunfire with a series of acrobatic leaps across the front of the building. Her mind picking up the shooters intent mere micro-seconds before they actually pulled their triggers. The gunfire harmlessly tracking behind her as she practically danced around the Blackshirts.
There was a sudden rumbling and scraping sound, and as the Blackshirts paused to turn to face the noise several were slammed by a huge metal dumpster that had been hurled their way.
"Maybe next time you ought to leave the snappy one-liners to me Sis!"
"Not now Freddy. Just take these creeps down before they actually manage to hit someone!"
From behind the dumpster the massive mutant frame of the former mercenary villain turned hero Headliner strode into view. A couple of the Blackshirts started firing wildly at the new threat. Headliner continued to march onward, swatting away bullets with his hands, occasionally wincing with the pain.
"The mission is a bust, we gotta get outta here!" Street shouted as he clutched his head in one hand, having just been on the receiving end of one of Afterlight's psychic bolts.
Quick Fix pulled herself up from the ground and watched helplessly as Headliner launched one of the Blackshirts with a super powered uppercut. She then reached into one of her utility pouches and pulled out a glass vial containing a yellowy-green liquid.
"Hey mutant! Pucker up!!"
Just as Headliner turned to face Quick Fix the glass vial exploded in his face releasing a billowing yellowy-green cloud. Within moments Headliner was reeling backwards, desperately clawing at his own face, while spluttering as he tried to breathe.
"FREDDYYYYY!!!" Screamed Afterlight as she let loose a massive pulse of psychic energy. Quick Fix, Street, and the other Humanity Blackshirts were flung to the ground. As Afterlight ran to her brother's aid a semi-conscious Street, head swimming due to the psychic barrage, crawled over to an unconscious Quick Fix and activated the teleporter transponders they both wore.
Somewhere in Kings Row
Mere moments later Street and Quick Fix were unceremoniously were dumped onto the floor of the adhoc teleport chamber fashioned by Humanity First techno-geek Cyberspace at their temporary base of operations in Kings Row.
"Things didn't exactly go to plan huh?"
A still semi-dazed Street struggled to sit up Quick Fix who was now starting to come around, as he answered Cyberspace's question.
"No shows from the guests of honour, and a pair of party crashers. The whole thing was a total washout."
"Man, the big P is gonna be totally p***ed."
"Tell me about it. Now shut up and give me a hand..."
Meanwhile, back at the Hotel Imperial...
"Is Headliner going to be ok?" Asked Longbow Warden McLane.
"He's fine. Probably have a bit of pink eye for a day or two, but no permanent damage." Replied Afterlight while trying hard to play down just how much she had been worried that Quick Fix's chemical might of done her brother serious harm.
"Damn lucky you two were here. The Governor's security was quite light in order to avoid attracting attention. I doubt they would of been a match for those Humanity First creeps. How the hell did you two find out about them in the first place?"
"Headliner got a tip off from one of his old associates. No real details, but he trusted the source. Once we got here it didn't take much for me to pick out who the bad guys were."
The collapse of Partisan's plan, and the capture of several Blackshirts was especially awkward for McLane who now struggled to keep up his mental defences to hide his own part in the whole affair from the psychic heroine Afterlight. Much to his annoyance he knew that his own colleagues would soon discover much of Humanity First's part in the current state of human/mutant tensions, and be forced to act upon the information. With this in mind McLane decided the best course of action would be to avoid further contact with Partisan, and do his best to ensure the interrogations of the Blackshirt prisoners yield enough information that Longbow don't feel the need to dig any deeper...
{19/01/2008, 10.06pm, A dingy hotel room in Kings Row}
"...ions of the men captured by Afterlight and her partner the former mutant criminal turned hero Headliner, have revealed a vast conspiracy by the human supremacist militant group Humanity First to further agitate anti-mutant sentiment by staging an attack on the State Governor while levelling the finger of blame at mutant terrorists. The PPD. Federal Law enforcement agencies, and Longbow are now organising a massive crackdown on the rogue paramilitary group, and it's supporters."
"Meanwhile the authorities also continue to hunt the mutant terrorists of Ebon Sun, vowing that all guilty parties within this conflict, human or mutant, will be brought to justice!"
"In other ne..."---Klik!
After switching off the radio, Partisan walked over to the window and stared out into the streets below. Standing silently behind him was his lieutenants Quick Fix and Street. The pair gave each other a furtive glance while they waited for their metal masked leader to explode with rage.
"Have the men pack up our Paragon operation, we are returning to the Isles."
Quick Fix, and Street looked at each other shocked with disbelief at Partisan's calm demeanour as he seemed to give up.
Were aborting the operation? Surely we ca..."
Partisan turned to face Quick Fix, cutting her short as he interrupted her with his own relaxed tone.
"Yes we are returning to the Isles. My plans in Paragon relied on certain key players, assistance from our sympathisers in the authorities, as well as the public perceiving Humanity First in a certain way. As it stands all three of those elements are denied to me. It would be far more prudent to lay low, lick our wounds, and prepare for our triumphant return at a later date. The authorities will crackdown on our more overt supporters, as well as any mutant extremists spurred into action by the tension we have fermented. However I have no doubt everything will soon slide into obscurity as the media become bored or get distracted by the latest super powered megalomaniac, alien threat, or caped spectacle to arrive on the scene. Once Paragon's memory has dulled we shall return."
"And Ebon Sun?" Street asked.
"They can wait for now. Perhaps they will continue their campaign, make a mistake and leave themselves wide open. If so then we will move in. For now though I am unwilling to risk further exposing our own operation in some vain hope of catching them unaware..."
{06/09/2008, Mid morning, the Chapel, Mercy Island}
Partisan's reminiscing was disturbed by a series of explosions and the wailing of klaxons throughout the Chapel. Without hesitation he flicked a couple of switches and barked into the comm unit on his desk.
"Street report! What the hell is happening out there?"
Street's comm frequency crackled with static and the background noise of automatic gunfire as he shouted his report through the noise.
"...rachnos attack.... ...ood widows have neutralised the peri... ...lf Spiders storming the halls... ...an't hold, must abandon the Ch..."
Street's comm frequency went dead, Partisan didn't bother to try raise him again. Opening up his desk he drew out a modified automatic pistol and slammed in a full magazine. He then made purposely for the door, fully intent on making his escape. Just as he was about to reach for the handle the door flew open. Partisan instinctively, and without fear or emotion raised his pistol ready to blow away the intruder.
"Whoooah! Partisan, it's me!"
Standing in the doorway, her tanned skin unusually pale as the blood ran out of her face, Quick Fix stiffened as she was greeted by the barrel of Partisan's gun. After an uncomfortable moment Partisan lowered his pistol.
"Arachnos may already have Street. I suggest we don't dawdle."
Partisan and Quick Fix hastily walked away from the office, weaving their way through the Chapel's corridors, stopping occasionally to despatch any unlucky Wolf Spider who crossed their path. Just as they approached the secret doorway that would allow them to escape they were stopped by the shouts of Street who was catching up behind them.
"BOSS! WAIT UP! BOSS IM RIGH..."
Street's shout was drowned out by the sound of blasting and falling rubble. As Partisan and Quick Fix turned around to see what was happening the corridor walls they had just passed started to crumble inwards as a trio of armoured Crab Spiders ploughed through them. Street immediately brought his pistol to bear on the armoured soldiers but his bullets bounced harmlessly off their carapaces, serving only to highlight his own location. Quick Fix ran a few paces towards the Crab Spiders hurling glass vials of acid in the hopes of softening the Crab Spiders shells, and assisting her beleaguered comrade.
As the acid started to eat through the Arachnos armour Quick Fix brought her own pistol up into firing position, but before she pulled the trigger felt compelled to look behind her. Standing there, metallic mask as usual betraying no emotion, was Partisan. However instead of being ready to assist her in laying down the fire needed to help Street, he just stood. She was about to shout why, but was cut off by the screams of Street. As she turned to see what happened she was greeted with the sight of one of the Crab Spiders flinging Street's lifeless body off the end of one of it's deadly bladed spider arms. She turned once again towards Partisan and her heart sank with feelings of betrayal as he calmly walked away from her.
Moments later Partisan closed the heavy escape hatch door, drowning out the sounds of Quick Fix's screams...
{16/12/2007, Early evening, Atlas Park}
Amy slowly sneaked her way through the darkened kitchen careful not to make any noise that might attract the attention of her Father who was watching the big game in the lounge. As she reached the back door she slowly started to turn the handle...
CLICK!!! The kitchen light turned on, and Amy spun around to see her father standing next to the kitchen light switch.
Let me guess, youre sneaking off to do homework around your friends, and you didnt want to disturb me while I was watching the game to tell me.
Amy hung her head low. The fact she was wearing her Pin Pointer costume and had her compound bow on her back would of completely blew any excuse she had straight out of the water.
Why do you keep defying me Amy? Cant you see I only have your best interests at heart?
Amy looked up at her Father. I know Daddy, but that doesnt mean you are always right. As much as you dont like it being Pin Pointer is important to me... important to others too.
Amys Father started to look angry. By others I take it you mean Flashfyre?
His name is Sean! You used to call him that before you discovered he was a mutant. He is still the same person Daddy. Amy replied angrily.
Flas... Sean is trouble, this Pin Pointer business is trouble, you might get hurt again. You got so much to look forward to, you can accomplish so much. Your school grades are picking up, you won that sports scholarship, and youre probably the most promising target archer on the East Coast. You got all the makings of a real Olympic athlete, you could be an inspiration to young Americans everywhere.
Amy purposely walked over to her Father, lifting her head to look him directly in the eyes. That was your dream Daddy, not mine! I know having to raise me on your own after Mom died cut short your own Olympic career, but as much as I love you I cant do it instead.
Amy, I didnt mean to... Amys Father said before she cut him short.
Daddy, you got to let me make my own decisions. Im sixteen now, you cant wrapping me in cotton wool, and telling me how to live my life. You still see me, and treat me like a little girl, but I have grown up more in the months that I have been Pin Pointer, than in all the years since Mom died.
Amy paused to let her words sink in before speaking again. Support me or fight me? The choice is yours, but I am not giving up on being Pin Pointer.
Amy turned her back on her Father and walked towards the door. As she turned the handle he started to speak in an almost defeated tone. Where you going Amy?
Sean is still out there somewhere, and needs my help. My friend Trace and I was gonna check some leads in Skyway.
As Amy stepped out of the door her Father sighed, and headed back into the lounge. The game had finished, and the news was now showing on the TV.
...tral Shopping Mall, Founders Falls into a war zone yesterday afternoon while mutant powerhouses battled each other, amongst terrified Christmas shoppers. Once the PPD reac...
Amys Father started to rub his temples with worry. My little girl is out there with monsters like that, and she expects me to be happy about it. Im sorry Amy, but as grown up as you may think you are, youre just a kid. I just wish youd give up on the likes of Flashfyre, and go back to being a normal, decent kid again...
At the same time in Cap Au Diable...
This is really starting to hack me off now. I cant believe Partisan is still making us play Guardian Angel to that mutant freak Antipode.
Can it Sea Four, and make like a good soldier. If the boss wants Antipode protected then we protect her. Quick Fix snapped back as she bandaged her arm.
You know me im not one for questioning Partisan, but I resent the fact im endangering my own life to look out for someone wed quite happily do away with ourselves. I mean cmon thats the fourth bounty hunter we just dealt with. Its only gonna take one of them to get lucky, and one of us is going to get iced.
Quick Fix tied off her bandage, and flexed her arm with a wince to check it was secure, before turning back towards the griping Humanity First soldier. Partisan feels the best way to draw out Ebon Sun is to keep Antipode alive, so quit your whining and get back on surveillance.
Sea Four mumbled an obscenity as he picked up his assault rifle, and headed back to his vantage point so he could continue his vigil over Antipode. In the meantime Quick Fix barked orders at a couple of Blackshirts to remove the body of the bounty hunter they had just despatched.
As the corpse was dragged off Quick Fix started to think to herself...Sea Four maybe little more than a thug, but hes got a point. I resent that one of us could possibly get killed looking out for te mutant cow myself. I swear If Ebon Sun dont hurry up and make a move, im going to end up killing the b!tch myself!...