OOC
You're a helluva writer, Wrecks. Looking forward to the start of the shenanigans tonight.
@TheImperial
((Thanks! I probably also should have mentioned that this was an actual RP between me and Misnomer's player, so he deserves credit for all of his parts.))
Raimi: God, she's just so beautiful. The camera sure loves that girl.
Tobey: Thank you, Sam
Like it mate! Wish I'd been there for the event on Sunday! 
Within the deepest, most secluded regions of the Shadow Shard, the United Underworld base sits patiently, waiting for its next gathering of villains. All that can be heard within the installation are the ambient sounds of oxygen ventilating through the rooms, bouncing off the metal walls, creating an ominous, ghostly sound.
The silence is broken by the sudden behavior of the Underworld's main doorway: A portal, which upon activation of a beacon, will lock on to its coordinates and bring the source of the signal, and whoever wields it, through a wormhole and into the Shadow Shard.
The space inside the portal begins to distort as a silhouette forms from out of the blue-and-black electron haze. A black leather boot steps down from off the pad.
The hallways of Outpost Omega echo with the tiny footsteps of a tormented hero who's been exiled from Paragon City. Misnomer swiftly turns the corner and enters the doorway to the observatory. He stops and looks around at the sweeping landscape of the Shadow Shard. The windows dim the light from off of nearby stars, allowing more visible observation of the other worlds that orbit around the realm. It's an impressive visual.
He looks at the Ouroboros Crystal, a recent prize collected by the Underworld, and also the source of their adventure not too long ago where the sinister syndicate used its energies to travel forward in time, to a future where machines rose up and dominated all organic life on the planet. He remembers what the future was like, and what horrors he encountered there.
And last, but not least, he gets a glimpse of the enormous bat-like figure standing before a large super computer. At first he doesn't recognize the stranger, but once he gets a closer look, it becomes obvious.
"New gear?" Misnomer quips.
The bat-like monster hears him but keeps working at the computer. "Subject: Misnomer. Acknowledged." His deep robotic voice leaves a resonating sound.
The shadowy figure slowly turns around, revealing himself to be none other than the cybernetic death machine known as the Autosaurus Wrecks. He appears to donning a new armor that isn't far removed from what Mechos wore in their journey to the future. Mechos -the god of all machines- was the entity that summoned the Underworld to assist him in the future. He was the mastermind behind the robotic revolution. He was also the future version of the Autosaurus himself.
"Affirmative. This is indeed new gear," the metal monster boomed.
The mechanical behemoth has his fleshy human host exposed to the fallen hero standing before him. The sight is far less gruesome than his older body, which split open the skull of his human and revealed a pulsating bloody brain stabbed multiple times by wires and tubing. But despite the less disgusting look, it is no less disturbing to watch a person being turned into living battery.
Misnomer looks at the monster with interest. "All that from the little bit of technology your future self gifted you?"
"This has barely even scratched the surface of what my technology can do."
"What's the next step you plan on taking with it? Dealing with those rebels you saw?"
Wrecks began to pace back and forth as he thought about the rebels. The Resistance forces were an armada of humans that tried to stop his future self from purifying the world. When the United Underworld showed up to lend a hand, their leaders were quickly dealt with, leaving behind an empty shell of an organization that would quickly fall apart. "I have researched these leaders of this Resistance. Subjects: Dawnshift, Powered Omega, The Imperial, and Lial Luxuria. I have never met these people before in my lifetime... but they are a problem later on."
Misnomer chimes in with his own knowledge. "Matt King was there when we captured Dominateria as she tried to eleminate heroes from the world. As was Powered Omega. The Imperial from what I understand is dead." Wrecks pulls out a framed photograph from a hidden compartment in his armor. "....Or back from the dead," Misnomer amends.
The picture that Wrecks holds is the same one that he found when he and the Underworld plundered an Earth one hundred years into the future. The picture itself looked worn, like it had been taken a long time ago. It showed a large group of heroes standing underneath the Atlas Statue. It looks like a beautiful day. The group of heroes were smiling. They seemed so happy - So willingly ignorant. It made Wrecks tremble at the thought. A note was attached to the picture, the writing on it smudged from what looks like water - tears perhaps? It reads: "Never forgotten." He hands Misnomer the photograph, "You recognize these faces?"
The masked vigilante steps forward and examines the photo closely. He doesn't say anything, but Wrecks dismisses it and answers his own question, "I believe they are the group that came before the shattered remnants that formed the Resistance."
"So how do you plan on stopping them?" Misnomer asks.
The Autosaurus Wrecks turns back around and once again begins working at the computer. He pulls up a file and displays it on the over-sized monitor. Opening the folder, several images fill the screen, each showing records and screenshots taken of famous heroes in Paragon City. Powered Omega, Dawnshift, The Imperial..... these are just to name a few.
"These heroes. This.... Global Defense Force...."
Misnomer listens carefully. He recognizes the supergroup, although he has had few encounters with them.
"They are an inconvenience that must be dealt with now. And I hold the key to stopping them."
Misnomer steps over to the computer. "Oh and what key is that?"
Auto looks at him for a long pause, formulating his next actions carefully. He turns back to the computer and begins interacting with the screen, using his particular touch to open and close files in a seemingly random sequence. Misnomer watches as the folders and documents fly across the screen. He offers up his suggestions to Wrecks, "I'm sure we could get some voidhunters to deal with Matt King...."
Up on the monitor, one specific folder gets opened, and files begin pouring out of it, inundating the entire screen like a virus that's just infected the hard drive. As the monitor fills up with notes, formulas, and pictures, Misnomer identifies several images of modified corpses. Bodies with robotic limbs attached to them. Another image details a cybernetic eye, with notes and scribbles drawn all around it. And yet another shows an illustration of a human brain with wires and circuits flowing through it. Wrecks looks at the former hero as he struggles to comprehend what's on the screen.
"But the others don't have such obvious weakness. Why are you showing me those?"
Wrecks looks back at the computer, grasping the files on the screen with his hands and using a swift clapping motion to close all the images. He then points at one folder and opens it with a flick. The image of a pretty blonde girl pops up on the screen. Misnomer recognizes her almost instantly. The face of a former Challenger that fell prey to Wrecks' mad campaign.
"You know about my work with the heroine known as Gadgix?" Wrecks proclaimed proudly.
"I know you modified her and she left."
"It has come to my attention that she is.... malfunctioning. I now realize the errors I made in my calculations." Wrecks looks down at his hands and clenches them tightly, sending tremors up his body. He then manages to maintain his composure as he looks Misnomer directly in the eyes, "But with the technology I have obtained from the future, I have discovered where I went wrong. And I have corrected for it."
"What's the correction? Will we have to apply it to her?"
"Negative. The problem is irreparable. It is in the heroes' nature to resist order. Attempted reprogramming of Gadgix will only result in future error. I will need to find new subjects."
"Who will be your next subjects?"
And at this inquiry, Wrecks turns off the computer, and looks back at Misnomer. The lazy eyes of his human host struggling to maintain a straight gaze at his faceless mask. His robotic wings spread apart like a mechanical dragon as Wrecks slowly ascends onto the viewing deck of the observatory. Wrecks closes his wings and places his hand against the pane of the window. Misnomer follows Wrecks, climbing up the stairs and watching him closely. "You see, Misnomer...... my future self has provided me with a purpose. It is quite clear to me now."
The darkened hero falls silent for a few moments, not interrupting for once.
"The technology he has provided for me is the means to ensuring the complete and utter rule of machines. And I intend to use it, but not on the GDF. Negative... The Global Defense Force is unruly, and therefore cannot be ruled. Where Gadgix went wrong, I am sure that is where they will go wrong as well. I think this is where my future self's plan failed. He tried to shape the heroes in his image but realized that it wasn't the solution. He realized this too late, and allowed the world to crumble as the heroes self-destructed. And in the supernova that commenced, mankind was nearly destroyed. Do you not agree to these sentiments, Misnomer? That the heroes will only cause harm to the innocents they try to protect?"
The Autosaurus Wrecks falls silent as he waits for Misnomer to comment on his brilliance. The former hero thinks back on the world they visited in the future. It was a world destroyed. The very definition of post-apocalyptic. Could it be that the heroes really did cause such wide-scale destruction? He had seen his fair share of irresponsible destruction back in Paragon City. The many sacrifices made at the hands of carelessness. "We don't need false idols. But if they are the only thing keeping the weak safe then they are needed. Maybe your technology could eliminate that need."
"The heroes protect a few weak. But why are they weak to begin with? Through my efforts, I will bring them strength! In my world, there won't be a need for heroes."
Misnomer listens intently to Wrecks' pandering. He starts to feel a pounding in his head from out of nowhere. He massages his temples, to try and soothe the pain and think more clearly. As he starts to recuperate, he holds his stance in the debate. "...But who will be strongest? You. You'd be like Tyrant in that sense. How would you stop them from rebelling like your future-self did? How would you keep anyone complacent besides yourself?"
"I will stop them from rebelling because I have the knowledge of what will come. I can prevent it from happening."
Misnomer's head starts ringing again. This time it's more intense.
"We both see that humanity is disgusting. Don't you agree that the humans are vile creatures? It is why you came to this planet to destroy, is it not?
Misnomer looks up at Wrecks, slightly shaken. He has not made any mention of his true origins. At the same time though, it is not surprising that a machine would come to this conclusion. The radiation emitting from his body is not the least bit terrestrial.
"...We came to consume at first. I suppose the second time was the same."
Suddenly, he grabs his head and starts clenching around his temples. The pain piercing his skull is immense. Like a sword being thrust into his eye-sockets. The closer he gets to Wrecks, the stronger the pain becomes. He turns his back towards the mechanical monster, backing away just enough to try to ease the pain. For a moment, it works. He calms himself....
"How....
...... how will you stop them?"
Wrecks looks at Misnomer trying to fight the indoctrination. A low growling can be heard from inside the armored vessel. He knows that Misnomer will not be swayed. He must try harder.
"By beginning here.....
.....with the United Underworld........
............they will be subjected to my perfection........."
The sounds of betrayal rang through Misnomer's ears. He turns around and looks at Wrecks with fire burning in his eyes. The pain in his head is intense, but he ignores it. He cannot, will not allow Wrecks to betray the Underworld. He stands his ground against Wrecks. "The Underworld is up to the task as they stand now. The Global Defense Force isn't capable! There isn't a need to try to alter them!"
"Negative. The encounter with Judex showed just how limited the Underworld is in their capabilities. They falter because they all have differing goals. They know only competition, not cooperation. It is how the organic mind processes subject matter: slowly and inefficiently. Not like if they were machines. They would be able to produce consensus, identify their target's weakness, and develop battle tactics all in a matter of seconds. And they would be driven by only one purpose. No selfish or emotional drives to distract them. They will be perfect....
.....as Mechos desired."
The argument that Wrecks makes is sound. Misnomer's head begins to clear as he makes sense of the machine's mad ramblings. The Underworld has shown themselves to lack discipline and coordination. And many of its members don't have the conviction to really crush Paragon City's corrupt system. But, he still sees flaws. "The Underworld will never truly stand behind a singular banner. Maybe you could convince a few, but Dominateria is already faltering."
"Affirmative. I do not suspect they will agree. Many do not trust me. And few took pride with what they saw in the future. But if I let them continue on in their state any longer, the future begins to crumble."
Misnomer continues to argue with him, hoping to find some reason within the mechanical construct. "So you intend to drag them along no matter if they argue. That might not be the best course."
Wrecks retorts, "I am not like the Spectre, who believes that words will win him his cause. The humans will not respond to sound arguments. But they will respond to force........ It is why I have brought you here."
"You expect me to just go along with this?"
"Isn't this what you wanted? Is this not why you joined the Underworld? We have much in common, you and I. Both of us see the error in humanity. These heroes are supposed to be their beacon of hope. But what do they really stand for, except for the tragic suffering that humans endure? Let us cure them, Misnomer."
"I don't doubt your plan. But this would destroy the Underworld."
"Negative. This will create a NEW Underworld."
Suddenly, Wrecks' eyes begin to grow brighter than usual. The light that's emitted starts to blind Misnomer. He tries to shield his eyes, but he can still feel the light entering his body, blinding his thought processes. He stands still for a few moments, his composure falters. Resistance strikes him first.
"You were made by this error! I am thriving in the corpse of this error. Ripping apart your alliances won't attain our goals."
"But without my solution, humanity will falter. First to themselves. Then to the Batallion."
"The Batallion? If they are fighting US what hope do we have against them. Our forces will be splintered!"
The Batallion expect sheep. Mindless organics. They do not hope to find a race of sentient machines in their wake!"
Misnomer steps forward, some pulses of radiation shimmer off of him, the floor begins to smoke as does the rest of his form as he bouts with his powers. "Not even WE are that swift!"
"Do not resist any longer. It will only lead to your annihilation!"
Misnomer is sent into a frenzy. He tries to fight what is gripping him, but the voices in his head are screaming. Shouting at him. The words that the Autosaurus preaches play over and over again like a broken record. It completely takes him over. He begins to see visions. Visions of all the people he tried to fight for as a hero. All the people he failed to protect. The grief starts to overwhelm him. But what if? What if they didn't have to die? What if... in the future they could be spared?
"My annihilation is CERTAIN when the storm clears, so shall I. But theirs."
Misnomer murmurs something so hushed you would mistake it for a whisper. "But they can be saved."
"I am their only salvation. Side with me and you will see the humans be saved. The innocent no longer suffering the burden of their humanity!"
"I shall see this with my own eyes! You swear this to me?" he snarls.
"I swear on my own existence."
"You are swearing on more than your own existence. You are swearing on ours."
"You have seen what the humans will suffer though if we do not act now."
"Together, when you offer them their chance for survival I shall be there. Those who try to deny this will wither."
"Affirmative. For now, I need you the way you are. The humans still believe you are their ally. Use that to your advantage. Lure them to me, so that I may correct their error."
Misnomer straightens some, as if he's prone to this normal rampant spazzing. "V-very well. I shall play that role." The glow about him fades as he begins to compose himself.
Wrecks then makes his final ultimatum.
"......You will be present when the humans try to resist......
...............We will suppress them. Then correct them............"
"Very well. I await the reckoning eagerly."
OOC Notes
"Judex vs United Underworld"
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=293204
AE Arcs
Part 1: 551610
Part 2: 551612
Part 3: 551614
Raimi: God, she's just so beautiful. The camera sure loves that girl.
Tobey: Thank you, Sam