Nice story! I love the way it's all from the perspective of the reporter, great way of looking at it.
In response to the story that was written about SPEAR, and the subsequent comments made about the article, the leader of SPEAR, Hardcastle asked for an interview, so she can address any issues and concerns raised. Being fair I agreed, but I did not just want to have one view point, I wanted two. So I by happenstance found the second in command, and asked her the same questions. What you see below is both interviews, and the answers each give are telling.
Kyle Marks: Well i'll let you begin then. but first, what should I call you? Just Hardcastle?"
Hardcastle: Hardcastle is fine. Castle is what some people call me, though I imagine that makes a man out in Peregrine Island perturbed. *with a playful grin*
Kyle Marks: Alright Castle it is then. So my first question is, what do YOU feel you need to clear up?
Hardcastle: Well... The first thing is: I hate being secretive. I'm a fairly open person, except where lives are at stake. (She refers to the story I wrote where I asked about her sources) That is the only reason I don't shout my sources names from the rooftops... They're -good- people who don't turn aside... So I'd like to public ally thank them through your article, even if i never say their names, they know who they are.
Kyle Marks: I can understand that. But can you understand my readers wanting to know? The question becomes, are SPEAR simply fabricating their contacts to take proactive action?
Hardcastle: Oh... I'm sure they want to know... And I -can- give them a few people to look into in Paragon who have left the Isles after being compromised as contacts.= The first being George Michael Shaw. He helped me to find out who tried to kill me, before I became Hardcastle.
Kyle Marks: Oh I see, so is that the reason you became Hardcastle to begin with? and thus Founded SPEAR?
Hardcastle: In part, at least... i wasn't born with super-powers, I got them not that long ago... But that's a story for another time... When i finally show people who is under the mask. Once the Etoille is safe.
Kyle Marks: Yes. you mentioned that before. But some would say Etoille is "fine" as it is. many do prosper. what do you say to those who say you're meddling and making things worse with Arachnos?
Hardcastle: I say Arachnos is no government... It's a few self-centered supervillains running an empire and enslaving my countrymen. I've seen good. Marvelous -wonderful- good from the people of these Islands in times of peace and crisis. I -know- that they can make these Isles a better place than they are.
Kyle Marks: And that ultimately is your goal and SPEARS correct? to make the isles a better place. Which leads me to my next question, during my ride along, I got to see you in action, and while impressive it raised some questions.
Hardcastle: Ask away, Mr. Marks.
Kyle Marks: Meka292 said on the message-board: Flash(Frost)fire is a good guy Mr. Marks. And didn't deserved to be judged so quickly by a group of "heroes". What do you say to that?
Hardcastle That we didn't meet a Flashfire. she grinned but then got a thoughtful look on her face. Frostfire has good intentions... But he doesn't know what to do with them. He's still a very volatile and angry man. He needs counseling before he can achieve what he hopes to. I've lived in the Etoille my whole life. And I'd met Frostfire some time before the event. He's changed since I first met him. But not enough. I just hope he realizes that.
Kyle Marks: I see. So, does all of SPEAR feel the same way regarding The Isles? Do you have some members with other intentions?
Hardcastle: Well... Void Dreamer believes that I'm an idealistic fool who is going to get herself killed trying to do the impossible? Dendrocnide just wants to live her life, but feels she -has- to do good works...
Kyle Marks: Well to be fair your views are pretty idealistic, considering the current state of the isles.
Hardcastle: Optimistic, you mean. Or foolish. But they are what I feel... And you've got to follow your heart when it comes to helping others.
Kyle Marks: I have to say it, you certainly sound overly optimistic. Almost to the point of being blind to reality. How do you plan to deal with Arachnos? What do you tell the people who are with you but scared to say anything?
Hardcastle: We haven't got our plan finalized... And I wouldn't put it in the paper, if we did. *smiles a bit* But I do hope to join forces with heroes the world over, if that helps ease your worries.
Kyle Marks: Excellent answer. The readers will appreciate the honesty. Now for more personal questions. We had several readers all ask, "Is Hardcastle dating? Married? Single" So what's your status Hardcastle? Some are dying to know."
Hardcastle: Engaged, Actually. You met my Fiancee, the Fight Doctor. Though I'd rather not go into too many details.
Kyle Marks: I gave a brief nod* There you go folks, she's engaged. So put up your flowers. Thanks doing the interview Hardcastle, is their anything else you'd like to say to the readers?"
Hardcastle: That people shouldn't wait for heroes to help, if they can avoid it. If you can help friends, strangers, anyone without endangering yourself... Do it.
Kyle Marks: And there we have it folks. Hardcastle, the leader of SPEAR. I'd like to thank her for her time doing this when I'm sure she had more pressing matters to attend to."
As you can see Hardcastle is indeed very much an idealistic and optimistic person, contrast that with the interview I did with Void Surveyor, the second in command of SPEAR.
Kyle Marks: So, lets start with basics. You're the second in command of SPEAR under Hardcastle correct?
Void Surveyor: Correct. I handle affairs such as payments and alliances with like-minded groups.
And what's your name? Alias is fine.
Void Surveyor: Akina Dose, interchangeably identifiable as the Void Dreamer or Void Surveyor.
Kyle-Marks: Ah. Hardcastle did mention you. Well Ms. Dose. I'll start with the same question I asked her right off. Frost Fire.
Void Surveyor quirked an eyebrow at this question.
Kyle-Marks: did you think it right for your organization to decide he wasn't worthy of reform?
Void Surveyor: No.
There was no hesitation in her voice at all when answering this question.
Void Surveyor: By all means, there is no way that we know what that man could have gone through.
Void Surveyor: If he was willingly seeking redemption, as well as obviously allied with prominent groups...we should have provided him with the benefit of the doubt, at least once. Frostfire aspired to be heroic once and only turned because of a legal injustice.
Void Surveyor: It's not unthinkable that he'd want to return to his former dream.
Kyle Marks: That's reasonable. So ultimately you believe the wrong decision was made then? Or do you give the benefit of the doubt to the commander and the decision made on the ground?
Void Surveyor: I believe it was wrong. My course of action would have been to remain with Frostfire until his guardians arrived, ensuring his genuine motives.
Kyle-Marks nods "I see. Well that is quite a contrast to what Hardcastle said, but it makes sense. So to YOU, what does SPEAR stand for?
Void Surveyor adjusts her jacket self-consciously as she ponders the question. "The SPEAR is a banner for like-minded people to unite beneath. Under careful guidance and hands-on training, the members attempt to ensure the safety of citizens everywhere."
Void Surveyor: In particular, we're obviously focused in the Rogue Isles...simply because of the sheer oppression Arachnos imposes on its people.
Kyle-Marks nods "Do you believe the people of the Isles want to be saved? There have been a few who wrote opinion pieces saying groups like yours just make things worse.
Kyle-Marks: How do you respond to that?
Void Surveyor tilts her head to the sky, considering it with slight bobbing of her head, running her tongue across her lips as she nods.
Void Surveyor: We do in some ways, I understand. No matter how many people are rescued every day, there will always be an equivalent response by some criminal sect. They feel threatened, they wish to respond in kind.
Void Surveyor: My view has always been that we keep the balance and ensure that the people of the Isles aren't entirely overrun with oppression. Were the vying groups simply left to their own devices with only their diabolical masters overseeing them...
Void Surveyor: The results could be catastrophic. Casualties happen, it's inevitable. Lives will be ruined...and it's a consequence I live with that, sometimes, I wonder if many realize.
I nodded to her in agreement with this statement, it was one of the most factual made.
Kyle-Marks "why do you think your outlook is different, or is it different at all than the rest of the group?
Void Surveyor: Most would offer a pretentious answer, such as that they've seen enough of the world that they're more wizened, or glum, or not inclined to be happy.
Void Surveyor stresses, "I -haven't- seen enough of it."
Void Surveyor: When I began my career, I was cheerful. But all I have witnessed in my time marauding about is suffering and death. Obviously there are other things out there.
Void Surveyor: But it gets to you after a while.
Kyle-Marks: I see. Well, on to the next question. So, are you single? Is their a man, or woman in your life? Your commander is happily engaged as she told all the listeners and readers. what about you?
Void Surveyor: Alone.
Void Surveyor tilts her head to the side. "I was happily married at one time, but those days are long gone and before the SPEAR's time."
Kyle-Marks nods "Ah I see.
Kyle-Marks nods "So one last thing, do you have a message for those at home? Anything you'd like them to know about you, SPEAR or in general?"
Void Surveyor considers. "The life of a hero is not glamorous or running about defeating the villains. Oftentimes there are grey moralities in the way, quandaries one wouldn't wish to encounter." However...at the end of the day, no matter who you are, your methods, or your cause...there is nothing more satisfying than knowing, somewhere out there, whatever you've done has brought a smile to a child's face.
She then gave a small smile. "My methods and personality may not be saintly, but that is why I stay with the SPEAR. The knowledge that something good has happened for everything."
And there you have it, two different views by the leader of SPEAR and its second in command. They are on opposite ends of the spectrum, with Hardcastle seeming almost “bouncy” and “cheery” compared to the more realistic and slightly dark Void Surveyor, but those differences seem to work well with the group and give them two different experiences and opinions to call on seems to make the group stronger. Even if, like the FrostFire issue, they disagree on completely.
Heroes: Behind the Mask
By: Kyle Marks
Welcome to another edition of my series “Heroes: Behind the Mask.” Yesterday I had the pleasure of working with a young lady who was not always a hero, and in fact started her career on the opposite side of the fence. What follows is the interview I did with this heroine after she invited me to accompany her on a mission she had just undertook.
Kyle-Marks: “Well lets start at the beginning. "I'm Kyle Marks, and i'm sitting here with?"
BIack Velvet: Angel Timmons. Nice to put a name to the face, Kyle. * She smiled candidly at me.*
Kyle-Marks: Yes well, right back at you Angel. * I smiled back.* Ms. Timmons here has been so gracious as to sit down and do an interview with me.
BIack Velvet: And buy you a beer. *She grinned playfully*
Kyle-Marks: Yes you did. You see I met her randomly, looking into a story about Rikti, and she told me a bit about herself and it was very interesting, so let's start at the beginning, where are you from Ms. Timmons, tell us a bit bout your childhood.
Kyle-Marks: Did you always have aspirations of being a hero?
BIack Velvet: Wow. No, not really. I was more the type to constantly get into trouble. When I was a kid, it was like I had too much energy to sit still, so I was always in trouble. I just wanted out and on my own, and I think by the time I was done with high school, my parents were probably happy to be rid of me.
Kyle-Marks: I see, and you being still a bit of rebel took their apathy towards and ran with it, going out into the world?
BIack Velvet: Oh yeah. I met a man who really had a bead on what kind of kid I was, and he helped me develop my powers.
Kyle-Marks: Powers. What powers would those be other than looking like a red headed model?
BIack Velvet: *She smiled slyly* Oh, the looks came naturally. The powers aren't really the flashy type like throwing fire or anything. It's more of a subtle nature. I'm faster, I can focus psychic energy into a blow, those kind of things.
Kyle-Marks: Ah those are some interesting powers. So he helped you develop them, giving you a focus then?
BIack Velvet: Yeah. A couple of things were already there. I can touch objects or people and tell things about them. I feel like I've got a lot of excess energy to burn. But the focus, he helped me figure out how to develop and use to my advantage.
Kyle-Marks: *I nodded again, and crossed one leg over the other as he tapped the table.* "I see. I just want to make a note here folks, we're still talking about her past, so reserve judgment. Anyway, he helped you focus, but I assume it was in the wrong ways?"
BIack Velvet: *She sat back with a widening smile* Well, I suppose I should also mention that he was the leader of a syndicate of...unique criminals. So, yes. I became a cat burglar - one of the best in the business actually.
Kyle-Marks: Mhm.. Well you certainly fit the cat burglar look. lovely, unassuming woman, charming. I can see it. So you were a cat burglar? you had great suceess as one?
BIack Velvet: I was one of the best. I was fast, efficient, and there wasn't a security system I couldn't find a hole in. I made a lot of money.
Kyle-Marks: * I narrowed my eyes a bit and gave her a nod even as the smile never left my face.* "Mhm. Sounds like a lucrative lifestyle, fun, full of ways for you to release that pent up energy. What changed then?"
BIack Velvet: Him. He wanted our relationship to go to a level that I wasn't interested in. See...he was grooming me, but the work was the hook, not the goal. We became lovers early on, but after a certain point, he wanted something more. I guess this is where I should mention that he's part vampire, but I hate how that makes me look. I should be clear that I didn't know his true nature when we first met.
Kyle-Marks: So, he used no "Vampire" abilites on you? You simply didn't want to be his "queen of the night" and that probably didn't sit well with him eh?
BIack Velvet: He wanted it to be my choice. It's an ego thing, I think, but it would also be easier if I were to embrace the concept, you know?
Kyle-Marks: *nods* Yeah a willing servant is far better than a unwilling slave. Or so the saying goes.
BIack Velvet: It's easy to 'make' someone do what you want, and it's an accomplishment to manipulate them into choosing to do your bidding.
[
Kyle-Marks: But obviously, his manipulating were not working on you. Because you resisted that "next step" as you put it right? * I leaned forward now, clearly interested in the story*
BIack Velvet: *nods* Yeah, I realized the situation it would put me in, and I love my freedom too much. I recognized it as control, and even as much as I loved him, I couldn't just hand over control of myself that way.
Kyle-Marks: *nodded to her again* And that's when things went South.
BIack Velvet: Quickly. *she leans forward, looking down for the first time* I got a juicy job to steal a priceless gem from a visiting museum exhibit. Big money. Challenging security set-up. It was like a dream job. He made a call, and the police were waiting. When I tried to hire a lawyer, I found out all my accounts had been emptied. He basically left me to twist in the wind.
Kyle-Marks: *nods slowly* So, scorned vampire made sure you'd not have your freedom either way then.
BIack Velvet: Exactly. The only thing he didn't count on was that I got lucky with my public defender assignment. Good guy, named Vincent Maxwell. He got me into this program for first time offenders with powers to repay society by working with heroes.
Kyle-Marks: And now we come to the redemption part of the story. She could had easily been arm candy for any villain, scientist gone rogue, but instead, she decided to give back. And what hero name do you take now?
BIack Velvet: Black Velvet. Though, technically, one of the Ls is an I. Apparently, I'm not original with hero names. *smirks*
Kyle-Marks: *laughed a bit* Black Velvet makes little boys cry huh? I have a feeling with the accompanying photos you just may make more than little boys cry.
BIack Velvet: *laughs* And I'm sorry to say, but I'm staying single, so they're out of luck. I'm focused on serving my time with the Starchasers, and then, I think I'll work on getting involved in a program that helps kids with powers.
Kyle-Marks: You hear that people, the heart breaker has made a complete turnaround of her life. from troubled youth, to thief, to hero. What advice can you give to others out there, like you perhaps?
BIack Velvet: Well, first, I'd like to point out that you have to be your own person. You can't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't be. You should decide that for yourself. And something the Starchasers have taught me - friendship is more important than anything else in this world. If you have the right kind of friends around you, you'll find yourself wanting to be the kind of person who can make a difference.
There you have it folks, from villain, to heroine. It only goes to show that anyone can be redeemed as long as they have the right motivation. So what do you think of “Black Velvet and her story? Please send in your opinions and suggestions for future interviews.
Heroes: Undercover
The Heroes of the Isles
By: Kyle Marks
SPEAR
“SPEAR" or Supers Protecting the Etoille Against Ruin are a group operating out of what's commonly referred to as The Rogue Isles and would be the focus of this week's Heroes: Undercover. The members present were Hardcastle, the leader, Doc, who was second in command, a woman with a bow and a helmet like Arachnos, and another name Widge who was a bit shy, stuttering and had control over some impressive robots. Along for this particular mission was another who called herself Iriansa, apparently answering a call for aide on a tip off.
As Hardcastle explained to me, SPEAR protects the people of the Isles since no one else can, or wants to. Their sources are confidential, which I can understand considering the hostile nature of the isles, but none the less I was disappointed with the secrecy and unwillingness to give me any information, after all it'd be interesting to find out who is helping them.
Hardcastle The Face of Spear
The leader and voice of SPEAR is Hardcastle. She is a rather interesting woman. Although her authority was apparent as the others immediately followed her lead she had none of the traits of a typical leader. For instance she was pleasant and charming, even funny as on one occasion she was knocked down and the Doc said “One of 'em trip you or somethin', Castle?” She replied with “Something like that. Yeah..” with a blush in her voice. But it doesn't take long for that kindness to leave her voice and the commander to take over, such as the mission I was allowed to follow them around on.
The Interdimensional Raygun and The Skyraider base
We infiltrated a Sky Raider base to retrieve a “Inter-dimensional Raygun”, which they would neither confirm nor deny they made or knew who made. That didn't matter though, at least not in the heat of the moment, because this weapon can kill people in other dimensions, obviously too dangerous for the Raiders. Hardcastle and Doc ran the team like a well oiled machine, a military operation almost, everyone with a place to be. They show no mercy, while they do not kill, they WILL hurt you, and badly.
It was an exhilarating experience, following behind them as bullets flew left and right, the screams of people as bones broke and the heat of their lasers and force fields pressing against my skin. But through such intensity and havoc, the entire team remained playful, so much so that “Widge” let her robot impersonate a wild and rowdy sergeant in the military, complete with a foul mouth and numerous one liners. It was strange at first, how they managed to joke around so much brutality and mayhem going around, but when you're in such situations everyday perhaps you become desensitized by the violence going on around you.
Frost-fire's Gambit
We moved through the facility with relative ease, going from platform to platform until we came to the top of the Sky raider base. It was there things got interesting. “Frost-fire” the notorious villain from Paragon showed up, wanting to take the inter-dimensional gun to turn in to the authorities, to show he had changed and wanted to be a police officer. He conversed with the one who seemed quiet but all too familiar with the criminal and his lackeys. But the girl who they called “Widge” and the others of SPEAR would have none of it, and a battle ensued in which SPEAR and their ally ultimately prevailed.
“I..I.. just wanted to be a...cop..”
As Frost-fire crumpled to the ground, proclaiming his final words of “I..just.. wanted to be a cop..” I looked to the members of SPEAR for an explanation as to why not give him the chance. Hardcastle responded with “We're good judges of character.” And so I left it at that. A young man's chance at redemption was ended that day, with SPEAR being his judge and jury. Did they go over the line? Did they judge the young man too quickly? Were they too harsh with him? The Isles are a harsh place, and sometimes you have to make judgment calls on the fly, so ultimately I cannot fault their decision. One thing is certain, despite their questionable act of judging Frost-fire and their sometimes brutal, but non-lethal tactics of combat, SPEAR does good work for the people of the Isles , acting as guardian angels, helping where they can and looking out for them.