Falin' Angels - On Bloodied Wings (RP)

[gothicshark]

The Irken was doing what he usually does in the morning putting out a fire in one of his labs, stopping rampaging Ninja Zombies from getting loose and eating Belgium Waffles until he felt sickened by them.

“Intruder alert! Someone is at the front door,” the bases computer warned.

Irken was not pleased but he went up to the top floor and walked to the door “Computer let me see who is at the door.” The Irken asked

The door turned semi translucent, you see an average looking man with a book, and some pamphlets in his hands and the scariest smile ever conceived, as he is standing and whistling. He is wearing black slacks and a white-collar shirt with a black tie and a Name badge, the Named badge reads:

Elder Young
The church of
Jesus Christ
Of latter day saints

The Irken didn’t understand who this was but he could not risk being noticed for being different so he put on one of his poorly conceived disguises and opened the door.

“Hello I am Brad, and Jesus loves you.” The Mormon started.
The Irken screamed at these words, slammed the door, and ran to his safe place.

After ten or so minuets, the Ireken wondered why he was so terrified at the strange little human’s words.

At this point “intruder Alert someone is at the front door” the computer warned.

So the Irken strained out his disguise which happened to be of a fat house wife in a Moo Moo with the words ‘Normal Human’ on the front. The Irken pulled open the Door while saying “I’m sorry I don’t know what came over me,…” as he looked at four men in black suits with guns drawn pointed at him. The Irken blinked and “yelled out, Sorry Jesus I’m not into men.” And slammed the door and yelled out “security look down, keep Jesus out, and his four gun men.”

An hour later Long bow, PPD, and the FBI had the Irkens base completely surrounded Long Bow snipers and Flyers where covering the Air, PPD had the streets closed off, and the FBI agents where waiting with microphones and Lattés

“Irken,” they were saying, “come out with your hands up and no one will get hurt.”

Several times Police with Battering rams would try to bust the door down. However, with the Bases security and the door being made from a Star ships force field nothing worked.

Mean while the Irken packed up his personal space ship with everything he could fit, said good-bye to his home of six years, and looked out at a video monitor holding up a fist “Dam you, Jeezus. And your Zombie robot squad.” For the longest time Irken has thought that PPD in full battle Armor where actually robot zombie soldiers, no one has bothered to try to correct him on this.

The Irken then sitting in his command chair set the controls for earth’s moon and hit the countdown timer. When ready the Irken pressed a big red button and the computers voice Started to count down from ten. During the countdown, his house and base complex started to fold up into its self and turning into a part of the Personal Ship, that the Irken was sitting in. When the timer hit zero all that was left of his base was the Small ship and a large hole in the ground with PPD, Longbow, and the FBI all stunned.

The ship then blasted off in a blaze of fire to the moon. Everyone watched with fascination and awe as the tiny ship hurled its self up and up and up. Sadly, at about ten thousand feet the ship ran out of fuel and fell back to the earth in a death spiral. Crashing not far from where Malkavian was sitting. In fact, Malkavian was sitting on a small island near Talos holding a piece of driftwood when the small ship crashed not three feet away.

[killswitch]

((Wow this is moving so fast now i cant keep track. Anyone feel free to nap the roving good-Malta unit that has the leads if you feel so inclined. I thought after that I was set to just sit back and watch, but I guess caios had other ideas =P My next few parts will involve Malta v Malta, but I dont have time for big posts so a few short ones will have to do))

Sister Diana's thumb clicked the projector remote to start the briefing. It started with a beatiful woman with long red hair posing with sick children.

"Sister's, here is our target. Formerly known as "The Voice," member of the family super-team known as the Saints. Real name: Veronica Saint. Currently known as..."

She clicked again, the picture sliding to a frail, pale woman in Malta Gunslinger garb, a long black coat trailing behind her.

"Siren Cobalt Domino. The client believes she is heading a rogue Malta unit that is directly and deliberatly interfereing with the clients plans. Some are you are familar with Siren herself, some are not so I've prepared a brief personal briefing. Veronica Saint was a popular and powerful meta-human, and vetran of the first Rikti War. Her power laid in her voice and sonic manipulation therein. Approximatily 6 years ago, she ran afoul of the Vahzilok."

The screen shows many images in turn, medical pictures and reports. Scarring. Gaping wounds. Organs.

"The doctor first removed her mutated voicebox and used it to power one of his creations. Then he kept her alive for two weeks in the sewers to keep her parts fresh. Among what was removed was both arms, an entire leg, her other leg just below the knee, a lung, various portions of internal organs, and a large part of her brain. She was recovered by a team of rookie heroes on a routine sewer run. She was rehabilitated and outfitted with various prostetics and synthetic organs, but struggled with mental issues involving her brain damage, mainly fits of deep depression, uncontrollable fits of rage, and moodswings. She found herself soon divorced."

The screen goes to a middle aged man, handsome, as well as a prototype submarine, and a Malta unit.

"She was deemed unfit to see her children, and soon joined with Cobalt Unit, a Malta unit specializing in prototype weaponry. It was headed at the time by alias Roland, who specialized in recruiting damaged women metahumans to his cause. Siren was one of his recruits and due to her brain damage underwent the Domino program, becoming one of Rolands most trusted operatives as well as mother to Siren's illigetimate child. She assumed command of Cobalt unit, as well as the Tribulation, Cobalt units submarine base of operations, after Roland was killed during combat via friends of one, Sally Sleet, alias the Leaping Lemur, at the time one of the premier Silver Guardians. She then lead a series of campaigns against the Silver Guardians and their allies until her first capture. Her official file ends after presumed dead for about a year after she lead Longbow as well as heroes of the Silver Guard and Children of Egypt against the remnants of Cobalt Unit."

The pictures now show Crimson and agents of Longbow, and the funeral of Pharoah Ramses.

"Unofficially, she survived and worked for Arachnos before resurfacing after slaying Ramses as well as a number of other heroes using a top secret Longbow file detailing methods for killing various heroes. That of course didn't make the headlines. She was defeated by the Children of Egypt** and has been underground since."

The screen goes black.

"Unfortunatly we have no leads on her location. However our source inside Longbow has given us.."

The screen shows a young girl with pale complexion and long deep red hair, 5 years old playing with a young couple in a yard. It shows her school, where she plays, her friends.

"Longbow was charged with finding a suitable home for Siren's daughter when it was presumed she died fighting alongside the Silver Guard. It was suppose to be a "last request," and I'm sure a vow to keep her safe was involved. Typical hero bullshit. Siren is extremely possessive over her daughter, and though willing to let her live a normal life, she is sure to be watching from the shadows. We get the daughter, and Siren will have no choice but to surface."

**Editor's note: Play through "All things end" in the Mission Architect to find out more!

[caios]

(( This post was written by me on behalf of sharky after some discussion we had on the topic of White's election opponent.
You can assume, continuity wise, this happened a few posts ago... ))


Amelia Robertson was having a bad few weeks so far. Her momentary lead in the polls of her senate race against White had suddenly vanished almost in the blink of an eye over the whole Guardian Angels fiasco. Political experts were now saying that, this close to the election, making her comeback now would be impossible. Everyone was saying White had this election won.

In the end, Amelia decided, she didn't care, she would not give up, she would rather go down in flames then admit defeat so easily. Not that everyone agreed with her.

"I'm just saying Ms. Robertson," one of her campaign organizers was droning on to her, "Given the explosiveness of the situation you really do need to change your stance somewhat. It doesn't have to be a complete retraction, maybe just an amendment to your earlier statements?"

"Stop bullshiting me Carl." Amelia was in no mood for political speak, not now, and not in her own damn office. "No way in hell I'm going to take back what I said. That's only going to make me look weak. Probably end up losing as many votes as we might get. And more importantly I'm not the type of person to so easily abandon their convictions. There's enough of that shit on Capitol Hill already, and I sure as hell don't intend to bring in more of it."

"It's a bit naive don't you think?" another campaign aid suggested.

"Naive? No, determined." Amelia corrected, "Just because I know how the game is played doesn't mean I'll let myself be swept away by the wave on incompetance that's expected of me. No, I'm sticking to my guns on this one. End of story."

"But..."

"I've made my desicion," Amelia interupted, "If you all are so wound up about doing something about it then find out what the hell is really going on. Only days after White made claims against fringe superheroes suddenly an entire group of them goes bad? Way too much of a coincidence. And all the more reason I should stay the course, with luck when the truth comes out it's gonna be decidedly in our favor."

For a moment it looked like one of the aids was going to argue when suddenly a well dressed man burst into the office quieting everyone.

"Amelia," David Waters spoke up, he was an excellent campaign manager to Robertson, and an even better boyfriend, "You have a car waiting for you."

"Wait, Car?" Amelia looked confused, "What car?"

"No idea, but the driver looks pretty insistant." David said with a curious tone, "It seems you have an important meeting scheduled."

"What important meeting?" Amelia asked as she looked up her calander on her computer, sure enough there was a block of time in her schedule that had been reserved for an 'Important Meeting'. There was no description of who the meeting was with or what it was about, but that wasn't all. "I don't remember scheduling any meetings whatsoever for today."

"Neither do I." Considering how detail oriented David could be, especially when it comes to the campaign, it said alot that even he didn't know what this meeting was about. "But like I said, the driver is being very insistant, and you really don't have anything else scheduled right now." In other words, David was damn curious what this was all about, and in truth, so was Amelia herself.

"Alright fine, let's go see what this is about." She said as she got up from her desk, she looked back at the rest of her staff in her office and told them determinedly, "Everyone get back to work, I've made my decision on the other matter, understood?"

Outside there was indeed a car waiting for them, not just any car but a stretched black limo. The door was already opened as they approach, a rather large man in a very expensive suit held the door for them. Looking inside Amelia immediately noticed that all of the leather was heavy trimmed in bright pink colors, oddly enough. There was no one inside waiting for them, just the man holding the door open staring intently on them.

"Excuse me." Amelia addressed the driver, not letting her own stare waver, "But what is this about? Who do you work for?"

"I'm not here to answer questions." the man at the door told them in a deep gruff voice, "My job is to take you from here to the meeting with the CEO, and to bring you back here once the meeting is concluded. I'm also to keep you safe at all times. I am not, however, required to do any of this with your consent. If there is anything else you'd like to know then you will be sorely disappointed."

"Oh well that's reassuring." David quipped.

"Looks like the only way we get to find out what this is all about is to get in." Amelia said.

"I'm going with you." David insisted, then looked up at the driver, or guard or whatever he was, to see if he would stop him.

"She expected you to say that." The other man said as he motioned him to get inside as well.

The ride was surprisingly quick. Amelia was certain they were speeding the entire time, and she was pretty sure they never once hit a single red light the entire trip. Whatever the case they both suddenly found themselves escorted through the tallest building in Steel Canyon before riding all the way up to the top penthouse office space. As they exited the elevator the walked into a long hallway, at the end of which was a set of ancient looking, and massive wooden double doors.

The doors opened automatically and silently as they approached, with the large man motioning Amelia to enter.

"She's waiting for you inside." he said. Amelia stepped past the threshold but as soon as David tried to follow the guard put a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"She wants to talk to her alone." he insisted, his tight grip making it clear he wasn't going to budge on the issue. David looked at Amelia with a fire in his eye that she knew and loved. However this time she was worried it could get him seriously hurt.

"It's alright." Amelia decided, "I'll be fine in there. I'm sure if they wanted to do anything nasty they'd have done it by now."

"You can sit and wait for her here." the guard said waving to some chairs near the doorway. She could have swore they weren't there a second ago. Still, begrudgingly, David accepted and sat down. The guard simply remained standing at this position by the door.

Once she got deeper into the office itself Amelia looked around and found the whole place ... really odd. The office was massive, probably bigger then her apartment. There was a wide array of what looked like ancient artifacts and priceless paintings decorating the walls on one side, and a beyond top of the line video system lining the other. But what stood out the most was how everything was decorated in pink. Pink everywhere. At the end of the office, next to the huge floor to ceiling windows with the perfect view of the city, was a massive rosewood desk. An advanced holographic computer display was on one end and a fluffy pink stuffed bunny was on the other.

And behind it was an elf, with pink hair. Dressed in top designer business attire, all accented in even more pink. She sat in her chair apparently looking over some papers as she looked up at Amelia with a smile.

"Ah, Ms. Robertson, right on time," She motioned to the chair across from her desk, "Please sit down."

"I'm sorry, but who are you, and what do you want?" Amelia said as she sat down, her brain still somewhat shocked by the pink overload.

"Sorry about that, I suppose you wouldn't have been told." the elf smiled warmly, "My name is Mariel Martog, I am the CEO of this company, Crux Shadows, Inc. Don't worry, you've never heard of it. That is rather intentional."

"That's nice I guess." Amelia said as she looked around, "But it doesn't explain what I am doing here."

"I merely wanted to ask you some questions that's all." Mariel said she reached into a nearby drawer and pulled out a folder, a custom made leather bound folder, pink colored leather with gold trim. "It won't take but a moment, but there is a vetting process that I insist on for any major donations."

"I'm sorry, donations?" Amelia asked.

"Yes now let us begin." Mariel said simply, not bothering to address the matter further despite the obvious questions that filled Amelia face. Instead she opened the folder and looked over the various pages contained within as she spoke on.

"Amelia Robertson, born right here in Rhode Island. You were a straight A student all through high-school but didn't quite make valedictorian. Oh, your varsity volleyball team did make the nationals, that's nice. You went into the Marines right after you graduated, got high marks from all of your instructors, and top recommendations from your superior officers. Most notable service highlight was your heroic actions during the first Rikti Wars. You technically disobeyed orders when you went back into the red zone to rescue more marines and the civilians they had with them. Nice to see you got the Medal of Honor for your actions.

"After you left the service you put yourself through law school. Passed the bar with the third highest score for that year. Became quite the successful advocate after that. Took up quite a cause in the area of inter-dimensional adoption rights. That led you right to politics as you took up the fight to provide more rights and citizenship opportunities to sentient beings of other planets and dimensions who came to our world. Particularly in the case of children coming from war torn realities. A noble persuit I must say."

"I'm sorry, not that this isn't all fascinating and everything," Amelia interrupted as she raised her hands up, palms out, "Can you tell me why you're telling me my entire life's story? And are you actually going to ask me anything? Cause right now this all seems like a waste of time."

Mariel smiled wide as she regarded Amelia for a moment, "As a matter of fact I already posed several questions, perhaps not directly, and not in a matter you might be accustomed. But nevertheless I am more then satisfied with the answers. As for why you're here in the first place? Quite simple. I like you, and I want to make sure you are the right person." Her face suddenly turned serious, Amelia never imagined that someone so ... pink, could look so incredibly intimidating, "But before I can do that I need to ask you one final question. Because of the importance of this one question I will be asking it to you plainly and simply. All I want is your most honest and truthful answer."

"oh ... kay." Amelia managed to get out, she kept her eyes on the strange woman in front of her. She lived in Paragon long enough that she refused to allow something like this to unnerve her.

"You are, no doubt, well aware of the recent activity of the Guardian Angels." Mariel began, "Given all that's happened, and given your current standing in the polls of this election. Tell me this; Do you believe these heroes are guilty of the crimes they are accused of, and are thus deserving to be brought to justice in this manner?"

Amelia looked back at Mariel hard, she thought about the question carefully for a moment, thought about what she should say. Finally she decided that if this woman wanted the complete truth, no matter what, she would get it.

"No." Amelia said, "I don't believe any of these Guardian Angels are guilty of the crimes they've been accused of. Not the first ones that started this mess, but some of them have refused to come in, and complicated matters. Still I believe they're being set up. And not just because this all helps make my opponents campaign, though I will say it's all too damn convenient for my liking. No I think they're all innocent because I know they were all dedicated in their own way to protecting others. It's true that lot was never the most pristine of the supergroups out there, but I believe they all meant well. Like I said to the public, not all the heroes out there are perfect, but they're all putting their lives on the line for us. People like that don't just turn around and start robbing banks for the hell of it overnight. No matter how dark a hero we're talking about. They deserve out thanks, not our accusations."

"I thought as much." Mariel smiled, "I also think you'd make an excellent Senator, and now that I know for certain you are the right woman for the job, I would like to contribute to your campaign. So tell me, how much do you need?"

"I'm sorry what?" Amelia asked.

"For your campaign, silly," Mariel said, "How much?"

"Look I'm not here to take money from you." Amelia said, "Even if you offer the maximum personal donation allowed by law I'd still -"

"Oh heavens no," Mariel spoke up sharply, "If we went by those numbers; that's just far too little." Out of nowhere there was suddenly a checkbook and a pen in Mariel's hands as she furiously used one to write on the other. For a brief moment the motions were so quick Amelia wasn't sure which was which. Once she was done, Mariel handed the check over to Amelia and added, "I prefer a more direct approach to these things, I was thinking a number closer to this.

Amelia was surprised her eyes managed to remain in their sockets as she saw the number before her. She had never seen so many consecutive zeros written down on one piece of paper before. After she let the shock settle she steeled her gaze back at Mariel.

"No," she told her, "What ever it is you want, you're not buying me off like this."

"Pardon?" Mariel asked in an amused tone.

"We can stop pretending here, I'm not accepting any of your bribe money." Amelia said, "Call me young and naive all you want but there's enough of this crap in government already. I don't care if this loses me the election, I'd rather lose honestly then sell my soul like this."

"My dear, I am interested in an honest election as well, which is precisely why I'm contributing to you." Mariel explained, "I don't want you to do anything you wouldn't otherwise do. In fact I insist that you continue doing what YOU think is right, no matter the cost to my company in the long term. If anything your stand on the issues are a bit more liberal then my preferences. But the fact of the matter is that I am a very strong believer in this democracy, and I want to make sure this senate race remains a fair and just one."

"That makes no sense." Amelia frowned, "Why pay me off then?"

"I'm not paying you off, silly." Mariel said, "I'm donating to your campaign, as I said, nothing more, nothing less. As for why I support you, it is just as simple. Whatever chance your opponent had of securing my vote he lost when he went after the Angels like he did. He is running a very dirty race and is an embarrassment to the democratic system this country was founded on. Not to mention he's very mean, ... and ugly. I don't care what you do as a Senator, as I trust in the end it will be for the best. But I will be damned before I allow Mr. White to win this election in his sleezy manner, particularly at the expense of my friends." Mariel tilted her head to one side as for a moment before she added, "However you make a good point. I do not want this to be seen as a bribe, especially by you." Turning towards the door she suddenly called out, "Oh Pierre!"

The large man in the very expensive suit walked in past the large doors, Amelia only caught a glimpse of David still waiting for her at his seat before the doors closed once more.

"Take these funds and distribute them as needed to supply sufficient maximized private contributions Ms. Robertson's campaign." Mariel told him as she handed the check into his large hand. "After all we do not wish for her to get into any sort of trouble." The guard simply took the check, gave a single nod, and walked out.

"I'm sorry, did you say his name was Pierre?" Amelia asked.

"What were you expecting? Bob?" Mariel asked quite seriously.


"Wow, well that was strange" David said as the two of them walked back into the campaign headquarters.

"You said it." Amelia agreed as she continued walking into her office.

"You think she was serious?" David asked.

"Very serious." Amelia answered as she sank into her chair, "And worse yet I don't think there's any way she'll take 'no' for an answer. Unless we decide to turn away all of the personal donations we'll be getting from now till the end of the election. Even then, I'd guess she'll find someway to get us the money."

"Is that a bad thing though?" David ventured, "I mean if she's serious about this money, she's probably serious about wanting you to keep doing what you're doing."

"You're probably right." Amelia said, then added with a determined frown, "Even if that's not the case I'm still going to do what I think is right. So long as we keep our collective noses clean there's nothing she or anyone can really do to us anyway."

David was just about to add something when another campaign aid suddenly burst into the office.

"Sorry to interrupt but you need to hear this." the aid said, "Do you have any friends over at Wolfetech?"

"I don't know anyone at Wolfetech, Andy. Hell the only reason I even know OF Wolfetech is because of all their military contracts. Why the hell are you asking?" Amelia told him.

"We just got an invitation for a fundraiser they're apparently sponsoring for your election. $1000 a plate minimum." the aid explained.

"Wow." David blurted out.

"That's not all," the aid continued, "I tried to call back, get info at the event. I was told that all of the seats had already been bought up."

"Ok seriously, what the hell is going on?" David exclaimed.

"I'm starting to think White picked the wrong group to mess with for a bump in the polls." Amelia said.

[snowdog]

It was official. It had come from the mayor's office, confirmed by a call from the Governor and the State DA. Charges , while not dropped, would 'not be rigorously pursued, in light of the escalating violence of the Guardian Angels. After all Chief, Longbow is there to support you, and you WILL support them in return.'. Bastards

She had already gotten several resignation letters from some of her captains and Sergeants in the department, as well as half the homicide division. Things in Paragon City were about to get far more dangerous, thanks to White and his God dammed crusade against the Guardian Angels. She had the two shooters transferred to the independence Port precinct prior to their release on the advice of , well a friend? Not so much, but her points were valid. Quieter do to the release there instead of police headquarters. No media circus, no big fan fare, just un cuff them and kick them out the door. She looked at her watch, they'd be bringing them upstairs from the cells in a few minutes. Hoped her friend had everything else ready.


Polekitty was tense, and cold. Not so much from the weather, the wind on the cargo crane rather chilly at this height, but at all that had happened recently. She was dressed to blend in wearing her dads old Marine field jacket, even the barrel of the rifle had been sprayed with some rust colored paint. Just another bit of debris in the wreck that was Paragon City, that's her. She was a hunter, reasonably good during deer season. with this new rifle she'd spent the last several days in Eden sniping at Devouring Earth, getting proficient with it. Her contact said they'd be released at a specific time, probably for Longbow to give a speech or something. Not that she really cared anymore, her faith in the law and 'justice' about gone. It wouldn't be much longer. There was a sound of someone climbing behind her, and a familiar voice muttering about getting too old for this.

She didn't even look up, keeping her eye to the telescopic sight. “gonna arrest me daddy?”

To his credit, Randy Evans wasn't out of breath, but it was a long climb. “I ain't a cop anymore as of five minutes ago. I did come to stop you from doing something stupid though.”

That caused her to look back at him in surprise “you quit over this? And how did you find me?”

“hell , did you think I'd stay in a department that ignored facts over political spin? And as for how I found you, one” he said, sitting down behind her “its one of the places I considered for doing the same thing you are, and two, I had help.”

She heard the flutter of feathered wings and glanced behind her again, recognizing the pink winged mutant. Oddly she was dressed in a trench coat, with some sort of battle armor underneath it. “hey Rhonda.”

“Talana...why are you trying to talk me out of this?”

Talana Zavi, liaison to Vanguard from Arachnos just smiled sadly “because you're not the kind of person who can cold bloody kill someone.”

“ah've done it before!”

Randy just growled “they were trying to rape and murder you, that's self defense. A basic human right. And even still you have nightmares about that.” he sighed, shaking his head “and, even if you did manage to take them out, Longbow would be after you. And then how would you help me and your mom, with your brother missing and you on the run?”


They were right. Damn them both...her eyes started to tear up “but dammit, they murdered Amy in cold blood, and they just get to walk away!!”

Talana just smiled “Rhonda hun? Who said anything about them getting away? Just because your government isn't going to pursue charges, doesn't mean those two haven't committed similar crimes elsewhere...” She stood up,removing her trench coat as the alarm on her watch beeped. “I gotta go to work can I call you later?.” she said as she spread her wings, diving off of the crane.

“Go to work? what does she mean by that?” Her father just had an unreadable look on his face “just watch” was all he said.



The chief herself escorted the two out of the precinct, biting her lip to keep from saying something. Dimitry Sukov, the gunman just laughed “you donut munchers wouldn't be able to keep these animals at bay without us! You'll see, just watch!”

His companion just gave him a dirty look as they neared the exit “wait..what? I thought longbow was going to be waiting to pick us up? And where's the media?”

“you assholes want a press conference, hold it on your own time” she growled, kicking open the door to the outside “now get out of my station!”

“fine Bitch, maybe I'll apply for your job! What do you think then?”

“faah, let her be Dimitry, it is not worth it. The sheep cower before the real warriors protecting them”

He made a rude gesture and stormed out into the cool evening. No one there, no wait, there was a news helicopter, but there'd probably be someone on the ground soon enough. No one from Longbow however...were they going to have to call a cab? There was a click behind them and they turned, blinking. Why did they lock them out?
Suddenly there was a floodlight from some sort of aircraft overhead, and right overhead, a female shouting in a commanding voice

“DIMITRY SUKOV AND MARCELLO FALLACI! YOU ARE HEARBY BOUND BY LAW FOR CRIMES COMITTED AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF THE ETOLIE ISLANDS, AND AGAINST THE WILL OF OUR PROTECTOR LORD RECLUSE!”

Talana descended into view, fire swirling around her as from out of the shadows Bane Spiders poured, on her armor the black and red symbol of Arachnos, her pink wings and hair looking incongruously cheerful compared to the look on her face. Marcello stood there open mouthed while Dimitry turned , banging on the door to the station

“LET US IN! YOU CAN'T LET THEM TAKE US!”

“you are charged with murder of civilians, murder of Arachnos agents, conspiracy, and rape. You will be brought before Lord Recluse where you will be tried.” She smirked “oh it will be a fair trial, for the whole world to see.”

“YOU BITCH! DO SOMETHING, YOU'RE THE POLICE!!”

Inside the locked door the Chief just smiled, flipping Dimitry off as she took a big bite out of a donut. Her own resignation was effective as of two minutes ago. She watched through the door as the two were hustled down into a waiting submarine by the Arachnos troops, the spotlight and cameras from the TV chopper getting everything. Talana paused on the hatch, as the boat began to pull away, giving a sad little smile towards a crane overhead, then disappeared into the sub, hatch closing behind her as it submerged.

[gothicshark]

The Irken stumbled out of his crashed ship, and passed out. The Malkavian then got up walked over to the Irken and checked his vitals in a manner that would suggest the Malkavian knew the Irken’s racial physiology well enough to do first aid if need.

Fortunately, the Irken was asleep and in perfectly fine condition.

“Well it is fortunate you fell here little man,” Malkavian said as she was switching to a male form again. “Now it seems that you didn’t refuel your ship, so flying is out of the question.”

Just then Malkavian knowingly checked the cell phone and saw a message. “Well this is good news. Someplace to go.”

Picking up the Irken, the Malkavian sat in the control seat, placed the Irken in the passenger seat, and closed the canopy.

<Invader Cabin Record Matrix Engaged>
<Proccessing … Begin>

MALKAVIAN: Ship. You’re an Invader Type 38 C dash 4 correct?

SHIP: Alien presence detected. You have ten minutes to remove
yourself from the control seat before I self-destruct.

MALKAVIAN: Ship, you can detect the Police and Longbow radio transmissions?

SHIP: Affirmative.

MALKAVIAN: Now, ship. How long until they get here?

SHIP: Thirty eight astrasiderial Mins.

MALKAVIAN: And how long until your Master Awakens from his Spudgiaclly Impaction?

SHIP: Thirty nine astrasiderial Mins.

MALKAVIAN: What are the chances that he will be treated well?

SHIP: At current Track of possible Known Charges against all Guardian Angles, and his current warrant being federal, it would be a fair calculation that he will be imprisoned for the rest of his life, unless the Mistress Caios Frees him.

MALKAVIAN: ‘Mistress Caios’, Fascinating. So she has access to your files?

SHIP: Affirmative.

MALKAVIAN: Did you receive any Text Messages recently from Caios?

SHIP: Affirmative, We are to go the safe Cave.

MALKAVIAN: Then we need to get there and I know how to do it if you can trust me.

<There is a long silent pause>

SHIP: If you promise to take me to the Mistress than yes.

MALKAVIAN: Ship I promise, can you alter your own circuitry?

SHIP: Yes, I can do that.

MALKAVIAN: I'm going to introduce you to a few new concepts.

SHIP: Agreed.

MALKAVIAN: Regrade your deoscillation digretic synthesisers by ten points

SHIP: I cannot do that. The drive will explode.

MALKAVIAN: Nonsense, it will be perfectly ... did I say ten points? MINUS ten points!

SHIP: Accomplished.

MALKAVIAN: Phew, that would have been nasty. Now, realign your maxivectometer on drags so they cross connect with your radia-bicentric anodes.

SHIP: Accomplished.

MALKAVIAN: Good, now this is the difficult bit....

MALKAVIAN: Now switch your conceptual geometer from analogue to digital mode and keep triggering feedback responses till you get a reading of 75 dash 839.

SHIP: Accomplished.

<Warning: Internal Systems detect Power buildups at 969.75% above recommended settings.>

SHIP: Something very strange is happening.

MALKAVIAN: Don't worry, keep going!

<Energy Flux in higher order frequencies. Sensor Data unrecognized.>

MALKAVIAN: Bingo!

SHIP: What have you done?

MALKAVIAN: I've constructed a primitive form of dimensional stabilizer by remote control. The journey will only take a couple of minutes to anywhere. Pretty clever don't you think, ship?
SHIP: For a dead man, Malkavian, you are extremely ingenious.

MALKAVIAN: Yes, well let's not to harp on that aspect shall we?

<Energy bypass engaged. End Record.>

Caios was standing looking over the others gathered in the Cave as a strange whooping sound started to echo against the stone walls. A space ship the size of a VW Bug slowly faded into existence in the center of the room where mysteriously no one was standing at the time.

[mattbrp]

"I told you for the hundredth time, Meghann! I do love you, but I can't just sit back and watch this mess unfold. I have to do something!" Matt yelled into the phone.

"Well then, as far as I'm concerned, until you decide to put down that damned cape and leave that life behind, you are not Matt Nordstrom anymore. Call yourself whatever you want, you aren't the man I married."

"I'm sorry!" Matt continued to yell, "These are my friends, Meghann! You work in the emergency room at the hospital; do you think I would ever ask you to just stop being there for the people that come in and out of those doors every day? Do you think I would EVER ask you to just give up doing something that you love, especially if it was something that was making this city a safer place?"

"That's not fair! My job isn't going to end up KILLING me one day! All I want is for you to spend time at home with your wife!"

"I can't do that while I have the ability to actually do something about the evil lurking on these streets."

"Well until you can decide where your priorities are, I want a divorce!"

Matt grew silent as those final words echoed in his head. He did not answer his wife as she shouted his name questioningly into the phone. His hands began to tremble, and his fingers grew stiff. The phone snapped in half as his entire hand turned to stone. It was no matter. He had no use for it anymore. He had no option but to leave his civilian life behind. His city needed him. His allies needed him most of all.

Matt threw the broken cell phone to the ground as his body transformed into pure rock. He stomped on the ground and fired up his rocket boots, soaring up into the air over King's Row. He set his sights for Perez Park with the intentions of meeting with his fellow Angels. On his way, however, he discovered some local Skulls attempting to break into a pawn shop. A fire erupted in his eyes as he squinted and altered his path.

The first Skull went flying away from the impact of Roxster slamming into him. The remaining gang members turned their attention their assailant. Immediately, all of their legs were unable to move as the ground beneath them turned mushy and soupy. They pulled out their guns and began to shoot at Roxster, but the bullets merely bounced off the earth that he had pulled up in front of him. With a yell, Roxster levitated the piece of earth through the air at the thugs with an uncharacteristic cackle. All of the Skulls were knocked to their feet. As they turned to face their attacker, they covered their heads and began pleading for mercy.

"It's...It's one of them!"

Roxster seemed to suddenly awaken from a trance. He looked at the four Skulls lying helpless pinned to the ground in shackles of earth and the pieces of rock lying about the area. A panic-stricken look crossed his face as he fired up his boots and fled the area, leaving the gang memebers struggling to break free of their stone prisons.

What was happening to him? He knew his powers were beginning to grow beyond his control, but this was something new...this felt strange. He felt a burning in his chest. He knew he had to get rid of the magma that was forming inside of him. He made a bee-line for Perez Park and found an abandoned cave that looked like it had been used by the Circle of Thorns and dumped his magma there, then set off to locate the rest of the Angels...

[gothicshark]

((due to a criticism: i should post a disclaimer. this post is meant to be viewed as a comic, or TV show and is in present tense to convey this. sort of like a poem. I refuse to post the same boring writing styles that everyone uses because of unwritten conventions.))

It is a dark room, a screen turns on, you hear a Keyboard being typed on, the silhouette of a Man, your view pans on the screen.

<<Recorded Files of Operation D.I.B>>

--FBI Office Paragon city – the day before the Invasion of the Irken’s Secrete base.

-Agent Rosearik –Leader of Operation D.I.B.

“Let me review what we have” He said looking at his gathered Agents, Longbow Agents, and PPD who were assigned to help I this Investigation. “First we Have the Malkavian who has no base of operation on record, however we have it’s quantum Signature and all we need to do is find where he has been in the last few hours and fallow the traces. Unfortunately, with the Irken things start to get tricky, he did go to Jr. High School however, he has failed to show up in the last year, fortunately his weak link is his pet Robot who regularly go shopping and he goes to night clubs.”

At this moment, a PPD officer raised his hand and Rosearik pointed to him indicating it was OK to ask.

“huhh, why would he send robots to Night Clubs?”

“Glad you asked, seems they are Autonomous and like to party at the clubs. They have also been seen drinking soda and eating cup cakes.” He then turned to a map of Kings Row that filled the back wall and started to point out locations. “The robot has been sighted here, here, and here in the last few days. I will need the Longbow agents to cover these locations; this will be strictly a track and fallow situation.”

“When the target location is found, we will do a surround and take down, we want him alive if at all possible.”

“As for the Malkavian I need Quantum trackers on the road searching, seems Malkavian likes the Independence port so we start the search there. And remember the Malkavian is considered extremely dangerous so if you are spotted it will be shot to kill.”

<<That evening Longbow officers spotted the Robot and fallowed it.

This happened several times during the night, unfortunately they lost it every time on the same block.

Also the Quantum Trackers found a warehouse with the Malkavian’s Quantum Signature all over it just before sunrise.>>

--First thing in the Morning Agent Rosearik’s Command center.

Once again, he was standing next to the wall with the same group of officers and a group of Mormon Missionaries.

“Good Morning, so last night we had luck, so it is time for Part two of Operation D.I.B., and for this I have asked my good friends and fellow Mormon FBI Agents for help, they will go Door to Door in the Suspect Block, it will take them no time to Identify the Suspect and Verify the locations. Once this is done, we will move in most haste and set up a Perimeter. With the Malkavian we will go in Hot, and for the Irken we will contain him and capture his base for further study, it is Imperative that his base is not harmed.”

--

<< Police Film - Malkavian’s Secrete Lair>>

Sirens are wailing helicopters are circling Longbow Quantum Agents are holding the Perimeter, the view shifts mobile, as the Camera is bouncing in to the Ware house the camera man is fifth in the building. Officers are shouting, “Clear” as each room is investigated.

“Over Here one of the Officers Yells” the Camera Pans to see a group of Officers standing in the Center of the Warehouse puzzling over Wrecks of Alien machinery, Saucers, Ray guns, Robots, and other less Identifiable things, near the wrecks is a Machine being constructed but it is obviously nowhere near complete.

After a few moments the camera pans and you hear “Hey Camera over here check this out” the Camera fallows the voice to a basement, inside it looks like an actor’s closet with wigs, clothes of every type, Make up station, plush velvet wall hangings and a bed the size of a small room. Near the Bed is a Nightstand that looks Roman with a book on it.

<<The Book is written in an Alien dialect that has never been seen before, translators think it is unlikely anyone could translate it, however it is apparent that the book is a journal of some type kept by the Malkavian>>

<<Longbow filming of the Irken Raid>>

Long distance View.

A white van pulls into the Block where the Irken might live ten missionaries get out and start going door to door. The camera View Splits to fallow all ten, each is met with hostility in one way or another, but nothing violent. Some views show very disturbing people answering the Door.

One View is selected and zooms to a missionary in front of a purple house with lawn gnomes and pink flamingoes. He walks up to the door and presses the doorbell. And waits, the Lawn Gnomes turn and face him, but he doesn’t notice. Eventually the door opens, the person in the door looks like an obese woman with a classic house cleaner’s uniform on, however the face is obviously the Irken and you can tell the body is some kind of overstuffed costume. The Ireken does the motions of a scream and slams the door, the sound is obviously off.

<<Switch view car camera one>>

You see the Irken’s house clearly the FBI agents are standing in front of the car, PPD are surrounding the House in full SWAT gear, and Longbow Eagles are hovering around the roof of the House.

Out of the Corner, a group of SWAT with a battering Ram charge the front door and bounce off, you hear static and the sound turns on. You hear the helicopter, which is out of view you hear bullhorns calling for the Irken to surrender, In addition, you here a faint countdown from 42.

As the Countdown gets to thirty, the Lawn Gnomes are pulled underground, same with all the Yard junk, tree, and individual grasses in the lawn. The law enforcement officers sensing something wrong start to back up out of frame.

As the countdown hits twenty, the house starts to implode and shrink into a small space the size of a VW Bug.

The Countdown hits ten, all that is left is a ship which is purple and roughly VW Bug sized and shape. The canopy is not clear but you can tell the Irken is at the controls with a lot of junk in what looks like a back seat to include a small robot that looks like it is sleeping on the pile of junk.

TEN
Nine – smoke starts to build under the Small ship
Eight
Seven
Six –the smoke starts to glow green and red
Five
Four
Three – a green red flame starts to eject from the bottom of the craft, it seems to powerful for such a small vessel.
Two
One – the ship starts to lift up in the air from where it was floating, the camera pans out slightly and fallows the ship, it starts very slowly as if it weighs a lot more, that what it should, slowly it gains speed and very shortly, it is rocketing up in green smoke that fills the view. When the craft is completely out of sight, you see a small trail of smoke heading back towards the ground the Camera tries to fallow it but a building is in the way.

<< Technical dimensions of the hole in the ground left behind by the Irken
Depth: 400 feet
Width: 3000 feet
Area 3.6*10^9 Sqrft
User Note: by far one of the largest bases in Kings row yet, but where did it go? >>

<<Longbow Eagle shoulder Camera: Pursuit of Alien Vessel>>

**radio static**

On the shoulder you see Kings row Flying by around 60 miles an hour just barely missing building tops.

**in pursuit, heading East out towards the Ocean, over **

You see a helicopter just ahead, but it has to gain altitude to fly over the shield wall Sky Way City while the Longbow agent goes through the tunnel.

**Rodger, Over**

**PPD 23 do you see Target? , over **

**Negative Vapor cloud points to Talos, over **

**Rodger That, over**

The speed increases as the Agent lets loose his boosters and he heads to the gate that leads to the Talos Gate. You see a few heroes fly by and wave.

The even though you can tell this is as fast as a jet pack flyer can go it seems rather slow flying over the City towards the Lock with the helicopter just in front.

After ten minutes

**This is the Port authority the lock will be open in three minutes ETA to Arrival please, over**

**the is PPD 23, estimate 3.5 minutes, over**

**Longbow Eagle Pursuit Agent, just behind PPD 23, Over**

After a few Minuets pass, the Helicopter passes through the open shield Wall. The Camera view fallows.

Ahead you see open water and some Islands.

**this is Longbow Eagle, going Thermal, over**

The screen view switches to thermal you see a streak across the sky that hits a small Island to the south of Talos.

**Target Accquired

Latitude: 41-28'55'' N
Longitude: 071-19'23'' W
Switching back to Normal, Over**

As the helicopter and camera start to get close to the Island you see the purple space ship..but then it vanishes as if it was never there.

**Ohh My God Did you see that…**

**This is PPD 23 target has vanished, repeat the Target has vanished, not on radar or Infrared, suspect teleport, over**

<<FBI Investigation team Camera>>

A woman with several High tech Devices and Scanners is talking to the camera, reading out Numbers and other readings when Rosearik Walks in to view.

“So what is the News?” he askes

“Sir, it was not a teleport as such but more like a Quantun Temporal dematerialization, which is theoretically possible, but has yet to have been proved possible.” She replied

He looks at her with a funny look, “So your saying he could be anywhere in the city now?”

“No sir, I’m saying he could be anywhere in time and space now. In addition, the Quantum part of the Signature is defiantly the Malkavians. Moreover, the reading is at least 45 quants higher that any of his I have measured yet, also I see a Sub-variance in his reading that is unusual almost as if his Quantum energy is in flux. This reading was not at any of the Crime scans so far, Sir can I scan his base…” she replied.

“That might be a clue as to where they went, yes do it.”

<<Operation D.I.B:

Order: Seal all scan records.
Order: Seal all Video.
Case file: X

- Classified unsolved>>

Puff of smoke issues from the man at the screen..

Fade to music

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6bTbKK63MY&feature=related

[snowdog]

Ft Benning GA, 0215 hours

King Delta Seven wasn't expecting any trouble his team couldn't handle. They were originally supposed to rendezvous with Knight Raider five six, who instead was in a military morgue. Was a pity, he was a good man, a pilot who had gotten him in and out of tight spots in a past life,before he had seen the light and left the military.

Odd how little the place changed since he came through here all those years ago, for basic and airborne, then ranger school. There were some good people he met on this base, but still, it was just a training base for th most part. Opposition should be slight to non existent, despite the fiasco that Longbow created when they tried an open assault on the hospital. He smirked thinking about it. Do gooders who think the world is black and white, when it was anything but.

Ideally, no one would ever know they were here. The Meta they were after was still in serious condition, he had enough tricks in his bag to ensure that it would look like she took a turn for the worse. The drug was untraceable, one little injection, and the so called 'Snowdog' would bother Malta no more. Still, they were heavily equipped, no sense in taking any chances. He was hoping to get in and out with out having to take out any one else.

The hospital was quiet, nothing showing on the motion trackers, music coming from the nurses station at the end of the hall. Security was a joke, easily bypassed. They'd be in, done and out within an hour. Idly he wondered if that little 24 hour pancake house was still there in Phenix City. Might grab a bite once this was done and they were changed, before heading out. They got to the floor where the target was, slipping a fiber optic camera under the stairwell door, he took a look. Clear-no wait. There was someone sitting by a door at the end of the hall. Crap. So much for quiet, guard maybe. Still, they didn't look like they were paying attention, perhaps they could knock her out. He carefully pushed the door open, she didn't seem to look up, probably listening to an i Pod or something. He'd gotten more targets due to their being distracted by those gadgets. Nodding to his men, they carefully stepped out into the hallway.


He motioned to the sapper, who had the motion tracker as well. There was an almost ultrasonic ping, and he shook his head. Nothing moving on this floor. With a grin he started to move forward, when she suddenly looked up , staring straight at him.

“you must be with the Malta Group”

He blinked, how did she know that? She stood slowly, he and his men's hands tightening on their weapons. “I am Ms Black, of Wolfetech Legal. You are undoubtedly here for Doctor Kincaid, I strongly advise you cease and desist this course of action.”

“or what? You'll sue us or something?”

Ms Black just smiled, as there was a shimmer, then another beside her, the end of the hallway blocked by Fenris Class battlebots, painted in ACU pattern cammo. He started to raise his weapon when he noticed the red dots, on him, and every member of his team. Glancing to the side he saw in the open doorways to the other rooms on the hall, soldiers in black camouflage, laser sights zeroed in on him and his team.

He stood there open mouthed, as the troops moved forward, disarming the Malta team, and stripping them expertly of their weapons. how had they gotten the drop on him and his men?

Ms Black just smiled “General? It's clear, they are in custody.”

The door behind the woman in the business suit opened as General Knox stepped out. “Hell son, you thought after Longbow pulled their stunt we'd just have the civilian security guards in here?”

King Delta Seven didn't say a word as the instructors and Cadre of the Army Ranger School cuffed and blindfolded them. Director Pearl...was going to be pissed. And whether he himself lived or died, depended on him keeping his mouth shut. He didn't say a word as he and his men were hustled down the stairs.

General Knox sighed, he was getting too old for this stuff. “Thanks for getting the authorization for those bot prototypes”

Ms Black smiled “and thank you for bringing your Cadre out for this ambush. One or the other they may have tried to engage, but both?” She shook her head “still...you may not be able to hold them long. Few Malta operatives are taken, hardly ever give up any information if they are held, and are often ordered transferred to other agencies custody and disappear.”

“I know. CID still doesn't believe Malta exists, they'll probably think these guys are a terrorist group or something. Still this should keep them from trying this again, and trust me, we're gonna hang onto those four as long as possible.”

“lets hope.”

[evilbenfranklin]

It didn't make sense. Certainly the Angels had enemies, and certainly she'd helped make more than a few of them, but there were only a few organizations or individuals with the reach to make something like this happen - and most of the individuals on Moira's mental short-list were more the grandstanding-in-spandex type.

That's when her PDA chimed, notifying her of more messages. Xenolizard dead. Imagika and Fenix on the run. James still at large. Sledge and Emily captured. The net was closing, and old instincts shook themselves, born of a life eating, breathing, and sleeping covert ops during wartime against the Nazi hordes.

First things first, if no one shows up here, go mug one of the Skulls' girlfriends for clothes and spank a Circle mage for their bagels, then get the fuck out of Perez Park, she thought, They're not quite using wolfsrudel tactics yet, but it's still inadvisable to stay in one place for too long.

Still, something wasn't quite right. Longbow had the resources to do this, certainly, and there was never any love lost between the Angels and the candy-canes, but they were honestly fumbling around too much for this to be a coordinated defamation effort on their part.

Pulling up the to-do function on her stolen PDA, she began making a list of guerilla-style do's and don'ts when she heard someone else in the cavern with her.

"Clothes and food are here!" echoed down the cavern walls to her ears, causing Stern Impact to sit up from where she lay stretched across one of the warmer rocks in the cave, soaking up the heat and kinetic energy from a nearby steam fissure. She rolled to her feet and padded toward the entrance, noting the vampire and her cargo.

"Mmn. Not my color, but it'll do. Thank you, Caios." She reached for the bag, her usual prudishness forgotten, along with her typical cultured accent. As she dressed, she looked at the vampire with a hard light in her eyes and a dangerous Welsh lilt, remarking, "Glad t'see you made it. I 'aven't 'eard from anyone else who aren't still runnin' from the candy-stripers or Par'gon P'lice." Cinching a ragged pair of jeans shut, she picked a shirt out of the bags and shrugged into it, buttoning it closed. "I 'eard 'bout Xenolizard, an' tha' puts me in a killin' mood, so aye, 'tis a war." She smirked wanly, adding, "Thankfully, I 'ave some experience fightin' conflicts where my side's outnumbered, outgunned, and out-supplied. Do we 'ave a plan yet, pref'rably one that involves stomping some arse, or are we still waitin' for people to show up?"

As she said that, a strange grinding, wibbling noise sounded through the cavern as a ship materialized nearby. Muttering, "Well, that bloody well answers that," Dr. Stern dropped into a crouch, one hand on the stone to draw motion from the earth itself, the other surrounded in a whirling distortion of Cherenkov-blue flashes as she readied a kinetic blast. "'Oo'ever's in there, come out slowly wi' your 'ands up!"

[snowdog]

Talos Island

She usually stayed away from Pocket D, but it did have a few good uses. Besides having some of the best Mojito's around, it also was far more convenient to travel from the islands back to the mainland thought Talana as the pink haired mutant stepped out of the doorway into the cool evening air. She had been a bit worried, using Arachnos resources as she did wasn't technically what she was there for...but the propaganda value of trying the two Longbow murderers far made up for any transgressions in procedure she'd made. She almost felt sorry for the two of them. Almost. Ghost Widow herself was interested in the outcome of their trials


not that there was much doubt in the outcome. Even if there hadn't been overwhelming evidence against the two Longbow operatives, the sheer propaganda value of the trials would have guaranteed evidence 'appearing' Still, the world press was watching this, as were others...



Across the street, six stories up.

The Longbow Warden's patience was rewarded. He had an undercover operative inside the club , to inform him if she was spotted, and there she was. Two good men, Heroes, were now in an stinking Arachnos jail awaiting a kangaroo court. They'd protested to the PPD, or attempted too, their calls to the police department were not returned, and the chief, and most of her senior officers had quit. Fine, better to get scum lovers like that out of the way. He sighted in the sniper rifle, a clean head shot from this distance...just needed to make sure there were no witnesses-oh hell.


Talana smiled to herself as right on schedule Channel 8's news van pulled up. A simple tip to a useful idiot on the staff and instant distraction, and press conference as well. She had changed before returning, wearing a simple top and jeans, her pink wings folded behind her. After all she was a liaison, not an Arachnos operative. Honest.

Sam Whitford thanked whoever sent the anonymous text message, this was great. First they got the tip to have their traffic copter in Independence port, now a day later the same villain who abducted the Longbow agents waltzes out into Talos Island. And instead of flying off, she stood there outside the door, smiling? Why did that worry him? Ah well, this would definitely push over the ratings. The cameraman had the portable rig up and running already

“we're live in Talos Island, where Talana Zavi of Arachnos has returned to the city-miss Zavi, what was the reason for the attack yesterday?”

Talana smiled “there was no attack. Mister Sukov and Fallaci have a long history of crimes against oppressed peoples”


“Crimes, in what way?”

“ Sukov was dismissed from a UN Peacekeeping force in 2005 over allegations of abuse of women and young children. Despite this, he was hired by Longbow, where he was sent as part of their assault force against the Etolie islands.”

She pulled out a usb drive from her pocket “here is the information on the crimes he and his companion are charged with. In addition to murder of Arachnos personnel and civilians..there are allegations of sexual misconduct. Long bow likes to portray themselves as 'heroes of the oppressed' she said, sarcasm dripping from her tone. There was a beep in her earphone and a short message. She looked straight into the cameras. “instead they murder and ravage their way across the Isles, in a manner than they are beginning to show here as well.”


Sam kept the serious reporter expression on his face “your own country has been accused of many human rights violations as well Miss Zavi.”

“Accused yes, anyone can make accusations. If you want proof of longbows perdifery however..well there is some readily available.”

“like what?”

“Like the sniper perched on the building across from us.” she smirked, pointing towards the roof across the street. red and white...not very good at concealment. She'd had her own spotters, dressed in less conspicuous clothing out here an hour before she arrived. She wondered if he'd be dumb enough to shoot. She half hoped so.

“Enough of this farce!”

From above the rest of the Longbow team dropped into view, their weapons centered on Talana. She just smiled, standing there casually “what, are you going to shoot me in cold blood on live TV as well? I suppose it would make for good ratings, would it not Mr. Whitford?”

Sam didn't quite gasp like a goldfish, but got close for just a second. The camera man, a veteran of a dozen small conflicts across the globe managed not to laugh at the frightened reporter, keeping his video rolling. Or trying too anyway as one of the Wardens grabbed as his camera “Turn that off now!”

“so, longbow now has the right to stifle freedom of the press in your country?”

“SHUTUP!” The Balista growled “you're under arrest for kidnapping, and conspiracy to murder-”

“actually, no.”

“What do you mean no? You try to fight, you're going back to your spider lord in a body bag!”


she just smirked “Two words. Diplomatic Immunity. Or two single syllable words, since those are probably easier for you to process. 'Piss Off!”


The Ballista growled “why you little bi-”

“ENOUGH!”
Now it was the Longbow teams turn to look surprised. Captain Spengler climbed out of his chaser, growling to the Balista “Gather your men and return to post.” with a glance at the rooftops he added “All of them.”


“but Sir, she-”

“NOW!”

“...yes Sir.”


Sam stepped forward “Captain, would you like to make a statement?” he asked, holding the microphone out. Spengler simply stared at it as if it was a dead mackrel “no comment” he snarled, before taking back off again, following the retreating soldiers. He paused, glowering at Talana “This is not over.”


She sighed as he disappeared into the clouds. “no..it probably isn't.” She knew, both from her own sources and from knowing several of them personally that the Guardian Angels were innocent. Spreading her wings she took off into the evening air...there had to be a way she could help.

[killswitch]

Upstate New York
Cold Springs Elementary School
15 minutes before final bell

Sister Diana's finger clicked on her throat mic hidden underneath her turtle neck as her and her duo of Knives walked down the hall. They both were dressed as her, black turtleneck and khakis overtop their tactical gear, they both carried briefcases full of their weapons for later. "Momma Bear here: Report."

"Baby bear: Activity increasing, numerous vehicles. No sign of the subject."

"Papa bear: In position and standing by."

The trio stopped in front of a classroom door, Diana peered in through the sliver of window not covered by finger paints. She scanned the children as they ran around, gathered their things, played with toys until she saw a quiet little girl in the corner. Long, thin velvet hair, pale complexion, green eyes, and drawing cowgirls dressed all in black. Diana double checked her file picture as she pinned her badge to her belt. "Wolf Unit, check in."

"This is Wolf Unit." a woman's shriek cut through in the background. "We've got Grandma." The woman was sobbing. "Mission complete shortly."

"Good. Retrieving Goldilocks now." Diana turned the knob of the door, eyes remaining locked on the child. "Wait here." She walked into the room, locking eyes with the teacher, a young woman, mid twenties. She looked puzzled as Diana motioned her close to whisper in her ear, her own face full of dread.

"I'm detective Hicks, with the police, specializing in child services" her thumb traced the badge on her hip, the teacher looked at it, slightly puzzled as to why a cop not only was in her classroom, but also why she was wearing combat boots with khakis. "I am afriad there has been an incident at Rachel Martinez's resisdence this afternoon involving her parents. I'm going to need to take her to the hospital." The teacher was flabbergasted for a moment. "Uh... ye.... yes of course. Rachel!"

The thin, pale girl looked up smiling.

Minutes later.

"Goldilocks is in bed. Repeat: Goldilocks is in bed."

[caios]

(( ... and now I wanted to show a bit of the Lawyer that will be representing the Angels in court. I definitely don't lay any claim of any sort over the character of Mr. Green, so if anyone wants to change him in any way, feel free to do so. Even if it means asking me to change things in this post.

Ms. Scarlet though, totally my idea! ))

Mr Ethan Green was one of many associates of Wolfram & Heart currently working in the Wolftech legal department. He was an oddity among the more senior and experienced associates of the interdimentional, and intergalactic legal firm. The fact that he was completely human was not what was so unusual about him. The fact that he was a human who had risen so high among the firm’s ranks AND still completely and legally had full ownership of his own soul is what made him usual. Only those who truly understand the deadly and cutthroat (often literally) nature of multiverse attorney services would realize just how impressive that is. To most people though, he was just a normal guy, and he preferred it that way.

When it became obvious that Dr. Wolfe’s associates would be making use of their legal assistance, Ethan Green jumped at the chance to help. Thus far he had taken the problem by the reins and was already working on a way to get everyone exonerated. Not that they were making things easy, unsurprisingly the majority of the Guardian Angels decided not to turn themselves in. Making a big legal mess of the whole situation.

Mr. Green didn’t mind however. On the contrary he was rather enjoying the whole thing. After all he loved a challenge. He could have easily made partner at just about any other Law Firm in the US by now. But a boring cushy job like that was not what he wanted from his legal career.

These Guardian Angles however, with everything that was stacked against them, going up against a soon to be senator with tons of pull, no other attorney would even touch this case. As far as Mr. Green was concerned, the perfect case for him.

“Mr. Green?” His paralegal brought the attorney out of his thoughts. Looking up he saw the petite demon standing before him. Even though she was only a minor demon technically, the paralegal had an excellent mind for the law which had proven extremely helpful in her time here. Plus she was pretty cute too. Not that Ethan Green would ever even try to get into a relationship with her without an ironclad contract first.

“Mr. Green.” She continued once she saw she had his attention, “You received a message from the home office. They want a response regarding the cartel.”

“Tell them they’re going to hell.” Mr. Green replied, “As per the contract they signed. Their souls are third circle demon chowder now. While I’m sure we can pull them out of the mess they’re in, it’s not cost effective unless they want to sign over the souls of everyone in their organization to the Senior Partners. Which I suspect was what the Partners were after all along.”

“I understand, I’ll let them know.” The paralegal nodded.

“While you’re at it, Ms. Scarlet,” Mr. Green told the demonic Paralegal, “Let them know to stop bothering me with consultations right now, they should be aware of the situation, and with the money Wolftech is paying the firm for our services we’ll be damned if we don’t give them our best service. Literally.”

“I understand.” Scarlet nodded, “Which is actually the other thing I wanted to talk about. This situation with the Guardian Angels. You have to know they won’t make things easy, they’re not the sort to work within the system. At least some of them aren’t. They’re bound to make things worse before anything gets better.”

“I know.” Mr. Green smiled, “In fact I’m counting on it.”

“I don’t understand.” Scarlet said.

“A case like this is all about perception.” Mr. Green explained, “Right now the perception is that the Angels are all criminals, so are their actions. Obviously that was the intention with fabricating all the initial evidence against them in the first place. So what we need to do is change the perception, show that their actions were in fact heroic, standing up against the world for what was right.

“And how do you intend to do that?” Scarlet asked.

“That’s actually the easy part.” Mr. Green smiled, “We know White is crooked.”

“Of course.” Ms. Scarlet said as if it was the most obvious thing in the universe, which it was to a demon like her. In fact most of the associates in their legal department could smell a crooked politician a mile away.

“At the same time it’s clear that the entire Longbow Strike Force is illegal too. It’s only because of the pull that Donald White has been using, along with his secret supporters, that they’ve been able to get away with it as they have. Hell even Longbow doesn’t know they’re being played. But all of their actions are based on showing the Angels as bottom feeding criminals. Take that away and everything else falls into pieces.” He smiled knowingly at his para-legal and added, “ ‘And the truth shall set you free.’ ”

“Seems like that is a lot to hinge on manufactured evidence.” Scarlet said thoughtfully.

“Well usually that wouldn’t be an issue.” Mr. Green continued, “We know from Ms. Black’s correspondence that who ever is really pulling the strings is part of the Malta group. Based on their profile it’s not hard to see that they were trying to trap the Angels. Look at what they were doing, taking away all of the normal city support for the heroes of this city. Turning the average citizen against them. Continuously putting pressure on them from every angle. The whole idea is leaving them out in the cold, desperate and alone, and ripe for easy pickings into their own organization. Why the do you think they’d go so far to grab just one of the Angels that fled to Georgia. “

“I doesn’t seem to be working as they intended.” Ms. Scarlet commented, “Clearly they have severely underestimated these Angels. I’m certain most average heroes would have broken by now, but not them. And I can see why. These souls are used to being on the very edge of damnation, they would not cower quite so easily.

“Observant as always Ms. Scarlet.” Mr. Green smiled, “Also people like that tend to stick together when the shit hits the fan. They’ll continue to support each other and see themselves through this. Those Malta folks could never understand their resolve. That, and they’re also seriously bloody resourceful.”

“I see, so what are we going to do now?”

“The ball is still in their court, Ms. Scarlet.” Ethan Green smiled, “But they’ll make their move soon, when they do we need to be ready to give them the information they will need. Right now that means finding out the most likely Malta cell responsible for all of this. Beyond that just prepare all the legal briefs we’re going to need for when this all goes to court.”

[snowdog]

Perez Park

Dr Michelle Schrodinger watched the cave entrance from up in a tree, her tail tip twitching. finding the cave wasn't near as hard as she had thought it might be. Of course the local goons cowering in terror, and the headless corpse of a mage type in long flowing robes was a good indicator that something around here wanted to be left the frack alone.

Odds are that was probably the place, especially when she correlated the location with the messages she had from this universes Dr Schrodingers i Phone. Still she hesitated, remembering when someone who claimed to be from Primal earth showed up in a resistance base, claiming to be there to help. Not to mention the news stories broadcast (in 2D only! This place was way backwards in some ways) calling her a murderer, charged with the death of this universes Dr Schrodinger, as well as charges of attacking Longbow, and a couple sex crimes? She puzzled that one over, evidently teleporting longbow soldiers gear and uniforms to a random location, leaving them standing there naked in the middle of a crowded street was a crime in this earth.


Still, nothing was going to get done with her standing out here. There was a blue flash of tachyons, and she disappeared from the tree, into the entrance of the cave, where there was a wooden door? Ok, this place gets weirder and weirder. Shrugging, she knocked on the door.

[snowdog]

Steel Canyon, near Perez Park entrance


She had watched the Longbow squad pursuing something for the last few minutes. She wasn't sure why she was following along, really it wasn't any of her business, and yet..it was longbow that ignored the evidence when she was arrested, who looked the other way when the Judge , bought and paid for by the Marcones, had instead of probation as the PPD and District Attorney wanted, sentenced her to 30 years for the death of the man who had done unspeakable things to her younger sister...who when the Judge was caught by the FBI and confessed, still refused to help in clearing her name.

Ok, yeah she did kill Jimmy Marcone...but then she was drugged out of her mind by drugs he slipped in her drink, and then tried to have his way with her. Self defense, everyone from the DA on down said. Longbow on the other hand? A mutant killing a normal human? Feh.

So now they were after others, who from rumors she'd heard during her exile in the Rogue isles, were no where near the monsters they were proclaimed to be. Funny how she trusted Arachnos news more than she did the Paragon press. Whoever they were after was fast, and fairly agile, a black shape that was hard to see, but from the looks of it, getting tired..They'd already killed one who was trying to turn herself in, and shot another out of the sky not long ago. She did her best to keep up, leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Wasn't quite sure what she'd do when she caught up to them..but if they did try to hurt that batgirl...well she owed Longbow for a lot of things, including the ridiculous name they stuck her with when they arrested her. True Lime Porcupine fit her coloring and powers..but still.

[shadewing]

((Just to make sure people don't freak out (and I know you guys wouldn't anyway, but just to make sure) this was okay'd between Snow and me. I gave him the okay for everything that's going on between Shade and his character, because I suck at this stuff ))