Issue 13: MiB
“Arthon, somehow Ritark
managed to slip by the security systems of Area 51. We have a feeling its
mostly due to his innate curiosity but considering his dual nature, it’s
imperative that we re-acquire him immediately. The last known position we
managed to scry of him puts him at a shopping complex within the city limits of
North Ashbury, Texas. IRIS operatives are already en route but you can get
there quicker with our Leyline Gates. We must not let the Void Walkers get him.
Not only is he a citizen of Atlantis but Litari as well. The Night of 1000
Stars must not repeat itself.”-Nuul, High Muthra of Atlantis.
We need fresh genetic material for the
Project. Since Earth is now under “Interdicted” status, do not, under any
circumstances use any abilities other than standard Terran tech. We don’t want
those IRIS nats to catch wind of what we are doing. Or those damned Typherians.
It’s bad enough that our previous efforts somehow went Silent. We will
eventually re-acquire that target. Until then, this other sample is quite
promising. They have left the protection of Area 51 entirely. –The Director, orders to capture the
subject known as “Sweetpollen.”
What is past, is prologue, but sometimes
its also the future. The Ur-stone was only the beginning. I found myself on the
receiving end of Atlantian symbology. Arthon is a fiery fellow. While our initial
meeting wasn’t ideal, eventually we developed a rapport of respect. If I were
to describe the overall team dynamic once Arthon joined: Fire vs Ice. Lorain is
giving me a rather old fashioned gesture right now. If a demi team says things
went swimmingly from the start: that is highly suspect. To put things politely.
We all had our growing pains. Our actual demi team name was quite apt. Once we got around to it. -Sleeping
in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
Area 51, Litari Embassy
Earth (US Facility, Groom Lake)
July 31st, 2092
Ritark
linked into his cover ID: Lee Amari, son of the Pacific Endurance Pact
ambassador to A51. The suit still felt clunky. Its arms were ponderous but he
was getting the hang of it. Everything about this containment encounter suit
made him feel like a stranger floating underwater. His plain slanted brown eyes
opened wider as he tested the responses. A mop of black hair was combed back in
current earth fashion. He donned the rest of his walking clothing. A loose set
of jeans with a simple black t-shirt. Which said “Rock On”. He sent an update message
to Eliza. He dearly wished to see her again. Even for a bit.
//LA to EM: Hey! They let me out of the
diplomatic wing. I'll head to New Ashbury’s Mall of America. I want to see what
kind of chocolate cakes are there.//
He
set the message for a time-stamped delivery. He didn’t want the Bardaxians to
get wind of his little adventure. In many ways, the rules of Uplift were pretty
constraining for the less humanoid type of visitors. Besides, he only wanted to
see his friend again. What harm could that be anyway? He grinned at his odd
human-shaped face, genuinely perplexed by its movements, why did they bare
their teeth like that? It seemed far too intimidating but that’s how they all
greeted one another. He liked how Eliza communicated though. He could tell what
her intentions were because her mind matched her actions.
After
a while, the old Basset Hound stopped trailing “Lee.” So he took his chance,
using the Muthra Leyline to transport himself to the nearest anchor. His eyes
drank in the sights and sounds of New Ashbury. Behind him, a man in a plain
black suit, with a gray tie followed.
His
dark sunglasses hiding the ominous black within black orbs eying the young
Litari with cold precision.
Area 51, Typherian Embassy
Earth (US Facility, Groom Lake)
August 1st, 2092
Arthon’s blue gaze turned toward the
voice emanating from the wall screen. The Typherian Ambassador had on her
standard combat gear, emblazoned with the Twin Suns of Typha, lending an air of
mystery about her. A rather tall human
male, easily 6ft or more, clad in U.S Army fatigues stood protectively by. The
patchwork indicated over 40 years of service. His hands were at the ready. A trained warrior. Even as young as he
was, a mere 23 standard cycles, he could appreciate the resolute countenance of
the man before him. He offered both a curt greeting.
“Will I have any backup madam
ambassador?” Arthon’s voice contained a note of impatience. While her face was
not visible under the silver visor of her helm, her voice reached his ears
quite easily. “Indeed. The United States, in the spirit of cooperation, will
lend you one of its most promising trainees, The Star-Spangled Banner. Most
just call her Star for brevity's
sake.”
From
the Ambassador’s body language, the young Atlantian could detect a slight
feeling of pride, like she knew this hero somehow. For his part, Arthon didn’t
care for Demis. His world had been embroiled in the conflicts of the surface
for far too long. Since the days of the Throne Breaker. Arthon suppressed a
shudder at the thought of Thoth. The exiled Atlantian king had much to answer
for.
He
gave them both another nod, “I will make haste. Our symbology places him within
New Ashbury. Our people are using various cameras to pinpoint his exact
location.”
She
merely replied, “I have a feeling that he will pop up sooner rather than later.”
Camp Osiris, Murphy Household
USA (Texas)
August 1st, 2092
I looked at Horus with absolute horror. “That’s
not how you cook bacon!”
The stove was a mess. He had
attempted to prepare Cooper his ultimate favorite snack but in the process,
burnt the ever-living junk out of the morsel. My favorite dog rounded the
corner, his nose quivering, then the sneezing started in great swaths.
He floated upwards. His ears drew
back as he saw the fate of the pork product in question. Deep soulful eyes
stared at the frying pan. Trying to will the meat back to perfection. Normally
I didn’t do this much but the fate of the kitchen depended on it. In a flash, I
cleaned up the nightmare. One: So gran-gran wouldn’t faint. Two: Mom wouldn’t
laugh. Three: Dad would not know of this package’s fate. I unceremoniously
dumped it all into the trash.
As I was about to grab another
offering to the Bardaxian gods, I could hear my grandparents enter the house. Cooper pranced in circles around my head. How
he kept up his weight, I would never know, do Defender belts burn that many
calories?
He started to bark, offering
greetings in the ancient ways of his people, dashing off into the living room
at great speeds. Grandma’s low murmuring turned to delight, “Whos a good boy!
Who is? You are. Such a good boy!”
His
tail indicated triumph.
I
smothered a grin. “So what is the plan for today? Get Horus some cooking lessons?”
Grandma
dashed to the kitchen.
With
extreme irritation: “Eliza Murphy! DO NOT GIVE ME PALPITATIONS!”
My
mother just pinned me in place with a look. “He’s not built for cooking my dear
space cadet. From what your father tells me, he’s mostly recon.” My dad hid his
grin behind his holo-news feed. While pop-pop shook his finger at me.
“Don’t
scare your grandmother.” The slight twinkle in his eye wreaked a very serious
tone.
Lorain
and her mother entered the house as well. Along with Agustus. The corgi ruled
all of heaven and earth according to Doc. His little legs kicked up a storm of
clicks as his paws hit the ground. Dashing over to Cooper. They both started
chasing each other around the house. My grandmother brought out her holo
recorder.
*****
Jennifer
made room on the couch for both Lanis’ women. “I think its time for a family
outing. Besides, you and my husband have been quite busy at the office.” Lorain
frowned slightly, her expression clearing when she saw Eliza pick up both dogs,
putting one on each shoulder. “Stay still! Grandma wants pictures!”
Grandpa
Murphy started to choke on his coffee as his wife started positioning Eliza for
the best angles. “More fun for my wall. Don’t you start Abraham!”
Eliza
asked Commander Lanis, “So what kind of trouble are you and mom cooking up for
today?” Ever since that trip to the Moon, Eliza had noticed a very real change
in her mother, she was far more protective than ever before. Meanwhile, the
Commander had been over almost every week, usually on a Friday, to discuss
various things with Thomas. But after those meetings, she would usually take a
moment to pull Jennifer to the side to plot even more. Lorain would send a
mountain of texts, mostly consisting of:
//LL to EM: You have any idea what our
parents work on at the base?//
//EM to LL: Not really. Besides my father
gets this look on his face, like he swallowed a whole swarm of bees. He doesn’t
get angry, he legit gets scared if I ask anything so I don’t pry. Mom will also
give me the LOOK. Like she already knows. My momma’s gaze is like a well-meaning
basilisk. Again, I don’t get a sense of anger at me. She’s irritated with
something though. //
*****
I
glanced at my communicator. A message blinked in the corner. I tabbed it open. “NICE!
Hey guys, my old penpal is at the Mall right now.” Mom and dad froze. Then my
mother linked into my device. Grabbing the keys as she went, “Well let's not
wait. Maybe we can beat him to the food court.”
Horus
entered stealth mode and entered the vehicle. His mental calculations rining
within my head. While Cooper jumped into the front seat next to me, his bright
green collar had some stencil work that looked very familiar. His nametags flashed
golden in the sun. He buried his black nose in my neck and makes very contented
woofs. Then he found the most optimum spot to hang his head out the window.
<< I watched Animal Planet in SR HD
to make sure I maintain proper Earth canine procedures.>>
Meanwhile,
Lorain and her mother entered their vehicle.
North Ashbury, Mall of America
USA (Texas)
August 1st, 2092
Cooper
let out a welcoming bark as he made a bee-line for Lorain. <<YES! More joyous therapy!>> His tail was a blur of
motion. She didn’t pick up on his mental speech. He’s mostly broadcasting for Horus
and myself. Lorain gave him some very serious consideration then gets on eye
level with him, then replied, “Who’s such a good boy? You are!”
She
bestowed a vigorous amount of chin scratches.
Cooper
took this all in with the grace of a king getting his due. He buried his head
in Lorain’s chest for good measure then let out some more boisterous woofs for
his audience. Then he turned to the Commander. The black-furred GSD does some joyful leaps around her then
demanded some more petting, in the name of all dogs past and future. Lorain walked over to me and took one of my
arms, “Well let's get on with this mission shall we?” She looked like she was
on Cloud 9, humming to herself and ever so often glancing up at me, giving off
that same emotional mixture from the Grav-train incident. I focused my senses
outward. The thrum of humanity echoed back. Various heartbeats. Snippets of
conversation. Other dogs barking.
I
shook my head to clear it. Stay focused.
I
kept giving my mother some questioning looks. Then updated them all, “Looks
like he is over by the food court.”
Mom
just smiled and gave Cmd. Lanis a wink. For her part, the golden-haired navy
commander gave no outward sign of glee, just an air of professionalism. But
then I caught the look in her green eyes. Comradery.
A
maternal conspiracy if there ever was one.
Everyone
was an emotional cocktail of Concern, Excitement, and what could be called Duty
or obligation. Especially from the Commander. The bright displays of the food
court come into view. Along with all the smells. I can tell that’s Cooper’s
favorite part. Horus, at his perch on my head once more, linked in: ((Ah! I wonder if he will go for what is
called a corndog first. Is that like cannibalism for bardaxians?))
My
mother took my other arm. Brought me in close so Lorain could hear too, “Once
we find Lee, don’t leave his side ok?” I glanced down at her, “Of course! What
will you and the commander be doing then?” There was that Look again. I held up
my hands in surrender. “Alright. Got it.” Part of me was intensely curious
though. But I stomped down on it for
now. Another entry for mom’s acts of weird.
She
gave us both a hug. We all enter the foodcourt proper and find Lee staring at
Madame Tia’s Express, a very concentrated look on his face. I called out to
him, “HEY! I can give you a recommendation! Start with the Hot Tamales!” He
gave me a huge smile, dashing over to us, then stopped short. Giving my mother a
very worried look. His eyes locked onto the floor. With my hearing, I can pick
up on the slightest whisper. He kept saying, “I didn’t mean any harm. I just
wanted to see…”
The
Commander walked up beside him, “Hey kid. Your family is worried you know.” He’s
blanched. Nodding rapidly. “I know. I just wanted to see Eliza. She doesn’t get
to come to the embassy much.” We all walked over to the tables. I raised my
hand, “Ok, who wants what? Ill order!” Cooper sat down next to me, then gave me
the most pitying look possible, his tail drooping for maximum effect. <<What flavor tastes best? Can I have ice
cream? >> Lorain saw all this and punched me in the shoulder.
Her
green eyes light up with good natured humor.
“You
better feed that lovely dog of yours. Just look at him.” Lorain kissed Cooper right
between his eyes.
That
Bardaxian is a master. Impressive. I gave him a very serious look. “What flavor
do you think he’d like? I could always buy him some chicken nug----” The lights
in the food court start to sputter. My mother and the commander immediately
grabbed for Lee. A rather unpleasant
miasma started to rise from the tilework beneath us.
It
was laced with a dark crimson ichor. We just look at one another for a moment,
then I scoop Cooper up in one go, on my left side. Then I lift Lorain off the
ground, using my right arm to hoist her up onto my shoulders.
Not
letting her breathe in any of that stuff. No way no how. My mother, Mary, and
Lee were already on the stairway conveyor. I made a mad dash for the stairway
at the center of the food court. It led to the 2nd and 3rd
floors. Other people started to phase in and out. Like one of those old-time
film reels. Flickering shapes. Then somewhere above us, I could hear someone
talking, its voice was like sandpaper, all dry and warped:
Find the target. Let Medusa handle the
IRIS irritants. Even now that damned researcher from Osiris is calling in
reinforcements. Remember the Earthers must not be alerted to our presence.
From
what I could tell, even on the 2nd level, most people weren’t even
aware of what was happening. They just went about their business. I put Lorain
and Cooper down. I could still see the miasma seeping in but for now, it remained
localized to the first floor. Lorain stayed close to me, also looking over the
banister, her face white as a sheet as she saw the miasma overtake the entire
food court. It’s inky tendrils snaking forward as if compelled. Then she
grabbed my hand in a vice-like grip.
Barely
above a whisper: “Cornfed, what the hell is that thing?” I focused on where
Lorain indicated, my enhanced senses capturing everything. A golden snake woman
flowed through some sort of sickly gate. Her skin was cracked. Like she was
shedding a second layer. Her razor-like claws dragging across the floor like
some neanderthal. Her jaw extended, forked tongue tasting the air, while her
eyes flashed in the semi-darkness like a cat’s.
I
could hear Cooper growling deep in his chest. Barely audible but there. Then I
felt a tug on my flight jacket. I clenched my teeth. Determined not to make any
sudden movements or sounds that would scare Lorain. Or give away our position
to the enemy.
I
looked next to me.
A
hand was gripping my shoulder with so much force that it nearly hurt.
Mr.
Apple looked terrified. Tell your mother
and the commander this word: Keepers. Do it! NOW!
“Mom,
Keepers. 10 of them. All in black. Sick Auras.”
Mom’s
eyes opened wide in shock. The commander nodded. “Which way Eliza?”
I
spoke softly to them, “4 total on the first floor. Two with snake lady. 4 on
the 2nd. Crawling along the elevator shafts. The 3rd floor
has 2. Something is coordinating with them. His aura is the darkest.”
Cmd.
Lanis nodded, her eyes never leaving mine.
I
scanned around the mid-level plaza then find what I am looking for. I motioned
for everyone to follow. My mother grasped my left hand. Nearly as hard as Mr.
Apple. I didn’t realize I was speaking at all until Lorain murmured, “Betrayers?”
Mr.
Apple was materializing constantly. He kept pointing towards the east.
My
mother nearly tripped. We all duck inside Berry’s Sporting Goods store.
I
whispered to them: “Alright, I don’t know how but it's like that time with the
bombs. That weird stuff is on some of the walls is here in the mall.” Mr. Apple
blinked rapidly.
Say this to your mother: The Science
Division is compromised.
I
do as instructed. Cupping my mouth and whispering the command into my mother’s
ear. She placed a hand on the back of my neck. A weird sort of jolt runs up my
spine. Mr. Apple bowed at her.
<<I am the Last Scholar of the
Infinite known to Utasa Sector and beyond. Do not worry, your daughter cannot
hear this. The Betrayers must not know. But neither shall the Uplifted
Community. They would endanger everything in their ignorance. I tell you this
because you will not reveal your own daughter’s part in all of this. She is one
of the few who can detect them.>>
*****
J’ino
blinked rapidly. Then rubbed her eyes.
A
Scholar, of all things, was attached to her daughter?!
Unlike
Eliza, he didn’t look like Captain Cosmos to her but something akin to pure
energy. His voice echoed once more in her head: <<I have shielded certain memories within Eliza. It is required.
Listen to her when she talks of the Shadow Man. That is Chronos himself. But
tell no one. We are not ready yet. Convergence has not arrived. Even some of
your people are infected by the Keeper influence. Be cautious.>> Then
the shimmering entity sunk into Eliza. Her daughter turned to look around, “The
3rd floor is clear for the moment. We should move.”
She
grabbed her daughter’s hand once more. “Lead the way.”
I am never letting go. Never.
Horus
filed all this away so deep, that even the council of elders wouldn’t be able
to pull it out of him. Highmaker had mentioned this. Or something like it. He
would not jeopardize the overall mission. They would have to destroy him first.
Out of all of them, only himself and J’ino saw the Scholar. That would be for
the best. Even Cooper wasn’t of the proper clearance.
*****
Mom
kept looking at me. Emotions flaring to the surface. Foremost was love. Underneath:
An odd flash of serenity. Like she finally put some sort of puzzle piece together.
She smiled at me, filled to the brim with encouragement, I grinned back. “Let’s
see how well these MiBs can think on their feet.”
Everyone
followed my lead, staying low to the ground, waiting when I stopped to listen.
I
pressed my face into the cool floorboards of the side shop. I made out dark
leggings. With obsidian colored shoes to match. The glossy surface showcases
immaculate polish. I can hear them speaking into headsets. After a few moments,
three sets of footfalls move off to the south. I slowly got up from the floor,
making sure to stay within a crouched position then I scanned the room further.
Using my multi-spectrum vision, I could see an emergency exit 5 stores down, in
the direction the MiBs went. Snake Lady
was currently gliding one floor down, directly below us, disfigured skeleton
swaying at incomprehensible angles. Bones are not meant to bend in those
directions.
I
indicated where all of the bad guys were at by highlighting the Holo-map of the
mall. Lorain turned her gaze upward, scanning the ceiling, a smile forming when
she spotted something. She took out her coms and brought up my HeroNet Profile.
She highlighted the Ice Breath sub-folder. Making sure to indicate the Fire
Extinguishing system. Time to put these agents on Ice then.
Lee
tapped me on the shoulder. Putting his device next to mine. Then blue and green
sigils flashed across the screens.
I brought up the 3d display and write the same
symbols on the communicator’s surface. It went blank for a moment like it was
rebooting, then a man’s face appeared. He wasn’t much older than me or Lorain. Lee
repeated some symbols into the pick-up screen. The man’s harsh face relaxed and
he messaged me with a map. To the roof of the Mall. He looked kind of greek in
complexion. But his eyes were an even darker blue than I normally see. His
unruly black hair had a blonde streak in it. Only one other message was left on
the screen:
//I have a way out but you have to get
through the Pitless Ones first. Along with the Medusa. The Water of the First
World is in his blood. Use it to shatter the Snake’s Coils.//
Lorain gave the map further inspection. Then
from behind the wall of clothing displays, she noticed something rather useful,
the main fire breaker. It would coat the entire floor in glorious H2O! I grinned
at her. Then whispered: “Think these bogus MiBs can skate?”
She
grinned and took my hand. I use my sight
to check as many corners as I’m able then we walk as causally as we can to the
other side of the plaza. I put on a Big Bills ballcap, complete with its silly
burger mascot, to hide my glowing eyes. Then I borrowed a set of black-framed
reading glasses. I figured these mooks would hone in on people that looked out
of sorts. Especially with the Medusa special downstairs. We pretended to look
like a family going out for a stroll with our family guide dog. We even clothed
Lee in a light windbreaker. With a simple ball cap. Commander Lanis grabbed
something from her pocket. The voices on the other end sounded calm. She placed
the device on Lee’s neck. A holo overlay formed, changing his features.
Man,
what other kinds of super-spy stuff did they have with dad’s project?
Making convincing noises at the products on
the display case in front of us. One of the MiBs glided right past us, his hand
to his ear, his nondescript face, and buzz cut as immaculate as the rest of
him. Almost like they were clones of each other. All the parts were there to
make them look and feel human but it was like staring at a husk.
Their
emotional auras were pitch black now. Mom quickly grabbed my face. Only then
did I realize that my nose was bleeding. She was using her handkerchief to
staunch the flow. “Next time we are getting allergy meds so you don’t blow your
nose out, “ she muttered with intensity. I gave her a half hug in return. I could
feel her relax against me for a moment. Everyone was tense as the other entity
passed by. Linking up with its partner. They continued to patrol along the
other side of the floor. Lorain pulled my head back slightly. Her hand applying
gentle pressure.
Lorain
made a “tut-tut” sound at me as the trio of Mooks gathered some feet away from
us.
She
added: “ Just because I am going to med school doesn’t mean I'll let you fall
apart on me. Free practice right, Cornfed? ” Lee gave a small laugh. His eyes
kept traveling to the MiBs. I gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder.
I
pitched my voice an octave lower than normal and pretended to activate an
earbud,
“Yeah yeah! I know the project is due, don’t worry
Mr. Robinson, I may be a paid intern but I graduated top of my class. That
financial report will be turned in tonight. I promise. Otherwise, my family
will just disown me.”
Lorain
gave me a mock glare, “Your damned strait Jacob!”
Good
idea. That might buy us even more time. She then replied, “You cut yourself too
close with these deadlines.”
Cooper
used our bodies as cover to trot on over to the display, slowing inching
towards the fire system on the left, as he made some rather pitiful barks.
Pulling on the leash for extra emphasis, trying to paw at the hover ball
display next to the truck. From downstairs, I can hear a commotion forming. Mom
positioned herself next to Cooper, trying to look very stern, “No, not
everything is for you!” Cooper’s tail drooped convincingly as he began to
whine. Horus remained frozen upon my head. I couldn’t even feel any energy
coming from him. Completely dormant.
The
Commander made a tiny motion with her hands. If I hadn’t been glancing at her I
wouldn’t have noticed.
The
Wump! of multiple hits echoed
throughout the mall. Medusa let out an ear-piercing howl. At the same moment,
Cooper hurled himself upon the fire emergency mechanism and water started to
pour out of all the sprinkler systems on the 2nd floor. Lorain threw
herself into my arms, doing her best to mostly react to the sudden deluge, I
could feel her mouth the words as she wrapped herself around my neck.
Five stores down. Ice it!
I
pulled my flight jacket over my head as a makeshift umbrella. As we ran past
the last five stores, right near the base of the emergency shaft, one of the
MiBs made a high pitched warble of alarm. I made a motion with my nose and
hands like I am sneezing, then I let my ice breath blast forth, it instantly
froze everything in front of me in a coat of frost. Including the water still
escaping from the sprinklers.
Hell
on Icecapades.
That
provided us precious moments. I pulled open the door, a silent alarm triggered
in the main security office. I could feel the vibrations of it. I looked
upward, the elevator itself was at the bottom floor, so I scooped up everyone
in my arms and hurled myself aloft. I bypassed the 3rd floor and the
maintenance floor, going straight for the roof access. I pried open the
elevator doors. Then turned. I set everyone down. I called forth the plasma,
shooting it outward, sealing the elevator behind me.
The
sky was as normal as always. But I could hear the eerie chanting. It was coming
from the strange symbols the MiB’s had placed around the whole mall. It set my
teeth on edge. Then a chirping sound alerted me, it was coming from my belt:
I
answered it.
General
Murphy was on the other end, very concise: //Solar 1, Stall them, do not let them hurt or abduct anyone with you.
The 7 Wonders and Bulleteer are here but Medusa is interfering.//
I
gave my jacket to Lee, then took a few steps back, started to rapidly turn,
almost as fast as a cyclone.
Then
I wasn’t me anymore but the Star-Spangled Banner. Lorain nodded with some
satisfaction then I looked to Cooper, “Protect them at all costs.” He nodded
resolutely, his teeth pulled back in a growl. From the other side of the
rooftop, a familiar shape appeared. His harsh blue gaze softened as he saw Lee. He gave me a strange salute, with two
fingers over his heart then said, “We only have a few more moments before they
get here. I will form the circle of protection but I will need someone of
purity to seal it with some of their blood. That is serviceable: life’s water.”
Lorain
held out her hand. He pricked it with some sort of needle, the metal reflecting
a turquoise color. The ground under us starts to glow. A circle formed, I could
feel the heat rising from it, encasing Lorain, Cooper, Lee, and our mothers
within its protection. He then wrote some symbols into the air, I could feel
something glide over me, like a glove.
Then
he repeated the process on himself.
The
black-clad MiBs, I could see them through the walls. They were crawling up the
other elevator shaft alongside the opposing side of the building. The outward
shapes were human but I could see the structure underneath. The skeletal
structure.
Elongated.
Twisted.
Unnatural.
Blood
as cold as ice.
Capture the target. Unknown Power. Must
study it.
It
called.
Pain
shot up my spine and I had to turn my gaze away from the figures.
There
must be something in them that scrambled heightened senses. It would make
things much more difficult for other supers to find them. Or people like me. Jesus. What have we gotten into the
middle of? Well no use crying about it. We had people to protect from these
things. Get your head in the game Murphy!
Mystery
Man took up a defensive stance. I aimed my hands then fired a continuous blast
at the other elevator, sealing that one as well, it might buy us more time. I
scanned the rest of the roof area for anything else we could use….what did he
say, the water of the first world.
There!
I
grinned. A whole coolant system was right where we needed it. In a flash, I
whipped around the entire roof, priming all the various fire extinguishers,
ready for hell on ice 2.0. As I returned to my start position, a concussive
blast created a hole in the elevator before us.
All nine of them crawled out of it. Bringing their firearms to bear down
on us. I position myself in front of everyone, then give Lorain the signal to
cover her ears. She grabbed Cooper and Lee, shielding them as best she could.
Mystery
man’s gaze became wolfish as he yelled some sort of obscenities at the MiBs.
A
thunderclap resounded in the small space as I brought my hands together. As one
unit, they started to scream. Most of them dropped their firearms, one even
discharged, firing up into the creature’s leg as he hit the ground. The fluid
looked crimson but when it splattered, it started to sizzle and disintegrate.
No
physical evidence.
The
echoes traveled outward, setting off all the extinguishers, I drew in a deep
breath.
I
added my ice to the chaos, great swaths of it formed around the MiBs, reaching
the mid-thigh. One of them shot me a glance. His pupils went completely dark.
Pitless.
It
started to hiss at me.
Mystery
Man started to chant rapidly. His body swaying with the rhythm. I could hear
scratching behind me. I glanced backward and could see a clawed hand digging
through the half-melted doorway.
Indignant
screeches echoed from within. Muffled words.
Spells!
I encased that entryway in a thick sheet of
ice. Then Lee put his hands on its cool surface. Symbols formed in rapid
sequence, reinforcing the ice with some sort of rune barrier, he gave Lorain a
satisfied grin.
The
sky above started to crack. Great swaths of orange and golden lightning struck
all around us. Causing our would-be abductors to retreat into the elevator.
Then the heavens shattered like glass. Revealing the face of Sir
Avalon, Sorcerer
Extraordinaire. Leader of the 7 Wonders and the Master of the Tower of Icarus.
His deep baritone reverberated through our very souls:
“Summoned
from the Depths, the Lost Race of Man, the First Tounge formed. Those that hide
in the shadows are known, cleansing atonement, repelled! You have no power
here.”
The
last of the MiBs faded from my sight. Evaporating in a cloud of smoke. The last
thing I see of it is those obsidian eyes, eyeing me with ill intent, then it
smiled, the teeth stretching over its mouth like a parody.
“I
know the taste of her tears.” Its murmur was familiar.
He
began to laugh. The sound tearing at my ears.
I
felt some wetness.
I
brought my hand to my nose, it came away tinged with my blood.
Shadowman. With many faces.
With
one last look of utter contempt, he faded completely, his gaze never wavering
from mine.
The
pressure all around us dissipated.
Medusa
was nowhere to be found either.
In
the air, unmarked hover copters descend, General Murphy was manning one of the
side gunner positions. His face is a mask but then it cracked when he saw that
we are safe. He lept out of the vehicle as it touched down on the roof.
Two
armored individuals exit behind him. Their plain armor indicated they were a
part of dad’s unit. Cooper gave a joyful bark. His tail a blur of activity.
Mystery man looked at me, then back at my mother, then he offered his hand.
“I
am Arthon. Atlantian Enforcer and Protector Trainee. A Muthra. As it is known
in our language.”
I
gripped his hand firmly. His eyes light up as Lee strode over as fast as his
legs could carry him. Lorain was currently entangled in her mother’s arms. Her
face showcasing a look of relief mixed with irritation. Her curiosity was an
asset but I could already tell it would also cause just as much trouble. I
wouldn’t want it any other way. If I was honest with myself. It was a part of
Lorain I admired even if it came with many close calls and daring heroics.
Her
eyes soften slightly when she catches me looking at her and her mom. I can hear
her whisper: “We will talk later. Promise.” Cmd. Lanis brought her hands up to
cup Lorain’s chin. Then she takes out a medical scanner. It started to beep in
a continuous tone as it scanned all of her vitals. They both started arguing
about safety. I refocused elsewhere to give them privacy.
Arthon
gave Lee a firm handshake, then said: “This wayward charge of mine is quite the
trouble. He’s an interesting case. I can’t say more for now. Until my embassy
gives the go-ahead.”
I
eyed them both, replying “That he is. Then again, aren’t we all? Well, that’s
one myth busted. Anything else you can tell me about the strange snake lady?”
Arthon
bit his lip, then said with an apologetic tone, “Sorry. I can’t say for now.”
His face was flushed. He gave off sharp spikes of guilt. I shrugged and raised my arms over my head to
stretch out a bit. Then I place my hands behind my head and give him a grin of
my own.
“The
story of my life so far. It’s alright. From the looks of it, the less I know
the better for my allies. Granted it can be pretty frustrating at times but at
this point, based on my skillset: Launch
me at the problem. The bullet of justice fires ever forward. “
The
Atlantian laughed as I quoted Bulleteer’s favorite catchphrase. So that meant
he had some surface information. Then my mother and father approached. My
father held out his hand. I take it.
Giving him a good handshake.
“How can I help you, General?”
His
battle helmet tilted upwards. It’s black tinted surface cleared ever so
slightly. He’s smiling. I can tell.
“Well
since we have a full military alliance with The Legion of Tomorrow now. Quite a
bit.”
I
braced to attention. Then I blinked in surprise as the Golden Bulleteer appeared beside me. He placed a hand on my
shoulder. “Well Lt. Star, it’s going
to be quite the operation. Luckily for you, we have the perfect team in mind.”
He
crossed his arms and nodded to himself.
Arthon
just shook his head ruefully.
Our
gaze met. He gave me that polite unusual salute once more.
I
barely had time to react as Lee came over and exclaimed, “Make sure to keep me
up to date!” I grinned, realizing now he knows about my dual nature. “Will do!
Guess this makes us Mystery Friends.”
His
eyes light up at that. My mother shot him a warning glance.
Oh
boy. Yup, this is going to be new territory.
I
arched an eyebrow. Trying to look all official but the stupid grin on my face
must have ruined the effect. I didn’t care. I cleared my throat. Then with as
much command voice as I could muster: “Well that makes the roster pretty full
now.” Cooper barked rapidly. He leaped into the rightmost Hover Copter. Mom was
talking with my father. He nodded and motioned for Arthon to follow him into
the left copter.
She
walked over to the rest of us. “Well, its time to go. General Murphy has quite
a few things to submit.” She poked my chest for emphasis: “We will talk later.”
I
must have looked a bit nervous because she gave me a little shake. “You are not
in trouble, ok?”
Mr.
Apple appeared next to me. I noticed mom turn her gaze toward him. Based on her
vitals, she was able to hear him speak because her heartbeat accelerated: Tell no one at your office of this. For
once, you and your daughter will have something to yourselves.
I
gave my mother a reassuring smile. Glad
someone else knew about him now.
She
gave me a rather poignant look. Then she got into the hover-copter. I joined her.
Lorain gave my hand a tight squeeze. I
decided to take it in stride. The mysteries of the world would reveal themselves.
Like gran-gran always said: Some flowers took a while to bloom. Whatever came
next, I could face it because I wasn’t alone, the burden shared between the
stars. Even though the Terran Alliance had only colonized a few systems so far,
everything felt new, each breakthrough a solid promise to the future.
Still:
the feeling remained.
A
team.
I
had a genuine team.
Even
if I didn’t quite know how Arthon would fit into things. Or even Lee. All this
time. He had demi powers. Actual magic like Sir Avalon. Well, maybe not quite
the same. Avalon didn’t need to make symbols in the air. He commanded the very
sky and lighting to his will. There was so much I didn’t know but I wanted to
find out.
Atlantis
was real. Imagine that.
*****
J’ino
sent out various encoded missives as Horus remained inert on Star’s head. She
knew why of course. So the others in the know wouldn’t realize he was here at
all. From a hidden compartment in her amulet, she pulled out a small ivory
ring, after everyone else had disembarked, it was only her and Star remaining.
She held it up, “Once this goes on your finger, tell no one about it,
understood?”
Star
nodded, her shimmering golden eyes burning with the power of the cosmos, as she
put it on her right hand. Sliding it along her index finger. J’ino activated
the combined Atlantian and Typherian codifiers. She would have to thank Lady
Sul-Sandra for this gift later. Even the Atlantians had tricks that her people weren’t
aware of yet.
She
relayed a message to the ring:
<<As long as you wear this you can
send messages to me with your thoughts, usually this is given to certain
parties to make communication’s swifter, but in our case, I primarily want you
to use it for keeping tabs for me. About any kind of Shadowman movement. Got
it?>>
Eliza’s
whole demeanor changed, excitement and a sense of duty took over, she replied, << You got it! It’s like having a
secret decoder ring. Does dad have one too?>>
J’ino
nodded. <<Yes, but say nothing.
Remember, you do not know of any of this.>>
The
Star-Spangled Banner stared down at her.
<<Yes Ma’am.>>
The
Typherian ambassador gripped her amulet. Wishing for the day she could show her
true face to her daughter. She reached out and hugged Eliza with all the strength
she had. Star’s eyes widened with the sheer ferocity of emotions boiling under
the surface. <<I promise you,
mother, I won’t fail. I'll protect everyone. No matter what happens. Its what
we do!>>
J’ino
held her breath.
Rulers protect my daughter from the
trials ahead.