The dark figure smashed through the bullet proof half inch glass as if it was tissue paper. The Crown inside was showered in chunks of broken glass. The dark gauntleted hand reached in and removed the crown and placed it in a bag. "That’s quite enough you, drop the bag", a young looking man in a flaming red and yellow spandex stood poised at the entrance. A nimbus of red and blue flame surrounded his hands. The dark figure didn’t even acknowledge the voice, and smashed a second case and began removing more of the regalia. "Doesn't seem to bright does he," a second figure said, this one was massive, at least in a professional weightlifter sort of way. The muscles rippled and he moved towards the dark figure. "Its time to teach you a lesson, mate!" He grabbed the figures arm just as he reared back to smash a third case. The action however didn’t even stop the swing in the slightest. "Oi, this guys strong." Impact said to his partner. He didn’t even get a change to move when the other gauntleted fist smashed into his face sending him cart wheeling through the wall in a rain of debris. Fireball let loose with a heated stream of fire, it seemed to wash over the figure covering him in flames. "Burn!" Fireball said. The figure was completely bathed in flames as he leaped past Fireball catching him in the solar plexus. The momentum carried fireball into the opposing wall. The figure stopped, turned and fired several black objects from his gauntlet at fireball. Fireball twitched three times as they impacted. The figure then turned back and began to gather up the rest of the items in the room itself. The rubble shifted where impact had landed. "Oi, " he saw in the dim light the form of fireball. "You bastard!" And charged the dark figure sending him through several walls and outside. "Hurt my friends" He said as he landed on top of the figure. In the brighter light of the streetlights, he saw that his opponent was wearing some kind of armored suit, On the chest of the armor was a symbol of a talon in white. This however didn’t stop him from raining down several blows. The concrete cracked and buckled under the blows. For a moment it seemed that Impact was getting the upper hand, until a gauntleted hand smashed him in the face throwing him through a parked car. The figure rose from the small crater in the street. Impact shook himself off as the figure in black armor stepped through the wreckage of the car and raised a gauntleted hand towards Impact. A bright blast shattered windows as a fourth and fifth Meta appeared on the scene. The two metas hanging in the air were Jade and Thunder. Thunder had let loose with a flash of lightning this had melted the remains of the car and driven the black armored Meta into the street below. A flaming Meta walked out of the large hole in the wall, several wet spots were visible in the light of one remaining streetlight. There was silence for a moment as three green balls of energy flew out of the hole and hit Thunder shredding his costume and leaving large burn marks in his chest. He fell onto a small parked car blowing all the tires out. "Oh my god!" The woman hovering said. Impact rushed to where he had fallen. There was a shifting of the debris of the wrecked car as the Meta in black floated out of the hole. Fireball being the closest to the black figure let loose with a white-hot flame. It washed over the black armored meta, melting the street and the remains of the car. "You son of a bitch! Ill fry you!" He said as he coughed up some blood. Three more green energy balls we launched in fireballs direction, all three missed but when they hit the side of the building they exploded. The resulting explosion left large holes in the concrete and building. Jade the woman in green spandex closed the distance to the black meta. She aimed a kick at his chest, the impact itself pushed the black armored meta back a few feet. she did a flip and landed on the street. "Careful Jade, this one is tougher than he looks." Impact said turning towards the black meta. "Now your gona pay" he said. Jade moved in to attack him at close range. Several of her blows landed making no impact in the armor. A gauntleted hand grabbed her by the throat and threw her like a rag doll into a neighboring building. There was a sickening crunch as she hit. "JADE!", Impact yelled charging at the black meta. Several green energy spheres impacted on his chest, with the result of his costume being partially vaporized and several burn marks could be seen where they had hit. "Uuughh," Impact grunted. A sheet of flame washed over the black Meta for a third time. Several more black disks shot out and shredded their way through Fireballs chest. Impact hit him knocking him two blocks down the street. The form of Thunder got up out of the smashed car. The large African stood up out of the wreckage of the parked car, a look of fury on his face. The four Metas persued the Black armored Meta ----BBC news feed --- Great Britain is in mourning today over the loss of the European Freedom Force heroes known as Impact, Fireball and Thunder. Jade, also member of the European freedom force is in critical condition and has been move to an undisclosed location. Impact was rushed to the County General where his condition deteriorated. There will be a press announcement by the prime minister at three o’clock. More as the situation develops. --Military medical facility-- "Dr. she’s coming around, her vital are still low, but it looks like the worst is over." a nurse said. The woman lying in the bed with various tubes dripping fluids into her arms looked like she had hit a brick wall and lost. There were bandages over most of her body; some still caked with dried blood. Many of them made of plaster. "Amanda, can you hear me?" the doctor said. "Wha..Where. Dr. Zenna, how did I.... what happened?", the woman in the bed asked attempting to sit up. She groaned and relaxed down onto the bed. "You need to rest, I am going to give you something to relax,” he said. He nodded to the nurse, and she put a small needle into the IV drip. The woman in the bed relaxed and fell asleep. "That was close, I could feel her looking for the information on the others, she’s to tired at the moment, to be using her abilities. Considering her fiancée' was killed by Black Talon", they both left the room. ----Short time later --- "How is she", a man in a British military uniform asked. "She’s stabilized for now, she seems a bit disoriented, but she should pull through physically, but I am more worried about her mental state. With her abilities it’s going to be hard to keep her from the truth", Dr. Zenna said. The General nodded, "I know, we lost some fine men yesterday, and they served with distinction." "Did you find out where he went", the doctor asked. "No, but we think he was wounded, we lost him somewhere over Mediterranean. The States have also joined in the search and the Prime Minister is talking to the US president." The general said. "So any idea who that Meta was?" The doctor asked. "No, that’s one of the reasons we are in touch with the Russians, the Chinese and the United States. So far none of them are very familiar with this Meta. It appear from initial reports, that he steals technology, or other things. We are still trying to determine why he took the Crown jewels. We also have decided to give this a priority" "Well here is my report on the others, Its a miracle that Amanda survived, we have recovered the bodies and it appears that whatever that Meta used, was extremely deadly, there is indication that there is some kind of monofilament technology involved, but it will take me another day to verify the findings.” The doctor said dropping the folder on the generals desk. "Good, I expect to see the report shortly, I also want to get Amanda back on her feet as soon as possible," with a slight strain in his voice he continues, "with the others gone, its going to be up to her to train some of the new recruits. I know it’s going to be a strain for her, but when she’s up I would like to talk with her." "I understand", the doctor said leaving the generals office. ---- News feed Live Rhode Island Nova Corporation Corporate Head Quarters ---- Red Nova made a public appearance today with CEO and founder of Nova Corporation and The Governor of Rhode Island. Dispelling rumors that they were the same person. "Mr. McMiller, your comment earlier seems to indicate that your corporation will be sponsoring the Dark Saviors, is this true?” one reporter asked. "Yes, the Nova corporation understands that people want heroes they can trust, this is more of an endorsement of their works and deeds." The CEO Mr. McMiller said. "Would Red Nova like to make a comment?" One reporter clamored. The tall Meta human with a mask made of silver sheen metal that covered his entire face spoke, "Yes, I would like to make a statement, if your thinking of committing a crime, think twice. If we catch you it will be your last crime." This caused a flurry of questions from the reporters, the masked Meta floated into the air. "We will be watching!" He said as he took off at a very fast clip and vanished. The reporters were only stunned into silence for a moment when they realized that The CEO was still standing there. "Nova Corp has signed and agreement with the Dark saviors and local law enforcement, they have been granted police powers in the local state, we also have pending agreements with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Nova Corporation is holding the bond for the Dark Saviors." There is a stunned silence as this announcement is made. The Governor stepped up to the podium, "Yes, after much debate, it was determined that if they are able to handle the Meta humans in more efficient manner then they should be allowed to do so." "What about the Federal task force?" A reporter asked. "This is a state issue, not a federal one. The Dark Saviors group will detain and hold Metas for the State. If a Meta has Federal warrants they would and could still be detained by local law enforcement." the Governor continued. ----Oval Office, Whitehouse ---- President Bush is speaking on the phone, "Yes, I will talk with my chief of staff shortly and bring up this issue. Yes the United States will be assisting as long as it takes. Thank you again." He says and hangs up the phone. He then picks it up again and hits one button, "Please send them in now" Two men entered the oval office, the president’s chief of staff and one of the joint chiefs. "Good afternoon gentlemen, I am sure you are aware of the incident in the UK. This Meta Black Talon, as the media has dubbed him. I want all the information we have. I also have been speaking with members of congress. Have either of you decided on a candidate to run the Meta Identification and registration program?" The general spoke first, "Sir I have a man for the position, he has been on a number of military experiments as well as military research for dealing with the meta problem as director of task force east. General Garner is who I would recommend." The chief of staff nodded, "Yes I am familiar with the generals work, I think he would have a good understanding of what would be needed and what resources should be mobilized for any Meta threat." The president nodded, I would like to meet with General Garner. ----- Orbit ----- A few fragments of debris fall into earth’s gravity well and enter the atmosphere. One of them is glowing blue. ------ Pentax Corporation ------ A Man in a lab coat enters into a dimly lit room, where several men in three-piece suits are sitting around an oak table. "Good afternoon Dr. Roston, You know why you are here." The elderly man at the head of the table said. "I can explain." He said. "We are not looking for excuses, or explanations Dr. Roston, one of your team was killed. You destroyed several million dollars in very expensive equipment, and you failed to report that your formula was flawed." "I can explain.." He started to say again to the Pentax Board of directors. A small balding man sitting at the table said in a small voice, "You a disgrace to the Pentax Corporation, effective immediately you’re fired. Now get out." Dr. Rosten sputtered, "You can't, My research but.." "Your research is over", the only woman at the table said, "We do not tolerate failure, or death of one of our own." "Now just a minute!" Rosten sputtered. Two large men dragged him from the boardroom. "Let me go! Let me..." his cries were cut short as the door closed. The woman at the table, continued as if nothing had happened. "As for the Late Dr. Johanssen, we are setting up a fund for her daughter." "What about her husband?" one of the other men at the table asked. "He was killing several years ago before their daughter was born, military", she said as if expecting the question. The other man nodded, "Does she qualify for the special project?" The woman stopped and turned back a flash of anger went across her face, before the mask of indifference fell back in place. "No, she didn't." The man nodded again. The small man sitting at the table began to speak, "My sources, tell me the President has moved up the Meta Identification and Registration act up on the time table, mostly due to recent events in Europe. This Black Talon is a force to be controlled or destroyed, we must find him." The director nodded, "Thank you Dr Wight, we will meet again in two weeks to go over the financial records." ----Boombasti/Power INC---- A woman sat in a plush swivel chair holding a glass of wine. Speaking with a slight Italian accent, "So have you three decided to give up?" As she stood there she looked nonchalant. There were three men all restrained and badly beaten. "If you were not family you would have been shot already. I expect loyalty, from you of all people. Father left me in charge if you disobey me again you will be shot. Get them out of my sight". Several men in black suits carried them out. After they had left a short man stepped in from a back room."Naydein you shouldn't be so harsh with them, they did retrieve the plans you wanted." "Maurice, mind your own business, you might be my late husbands advisor, but I know where the chips lie." she returned to her chair and began sipping her wine. "I have the reports you wanted", he says handing her a sheet of paper. She picked up a pen, and began making marks on the paper. "Acquire these", she said handing it back. ----Nova Corporation --- “Mr. McMiller, there are some military men who want to see you.” A short blond woman said to the red headed man behind the desk. “Show them in Candace.” He said, the red ponytail reached down to the small of his back. Even the three-piece suit he wore showed a bit of a bulge in muscle. Candace, his secretary walked out and let in three men all of them were in military uniforms. “Mr. McMiller, this is General Garner,” the Major standing next to the general said. The blond woman behind the general wore no rank insignia and followed behind the general. Mr. McMiller stood up, “General Garner, I presume your here about the press release?" “Mr. McMiller, lets cut the crap, we know you know who Red Nova and the other Dark saviors are. We want to make an offer, to you and them" The general said “Red Nova works for me, as do the other Dark saviors, as the media has started to call them.” Mr. McMiller president of the Nova Corporation says matter of fact, "They all signed papers for me to protect their identities, if they are revealed they would get a very large sum. “See General, I told you this meeting wouldn’t be worthless, considering that Nova corp. is about to enter into a multi billion dollar deal with the military”, A third man said coming up from behind the general. “I could have you arrested and your records ceased.” The general said being slightly intimidating. “You could, but lets face facts, you can’t hold me, and not to mention the negative publicity Nova can generate. I have also made sure that none of their real identities are on unofficial records. If you want to get lawyers involved be my guest, I have a standing contract with Carter and Bing” Mr. McMiller said. The General cut him off, "Mr. McMiller, lets not trade threats, I need your help, and quite frankly I hear Red Nova is the best in the business. We would like to hire out the Dark Saviors, and give them full Federal police powers, as well as have them train some of the Meta's that have come through the military." "Why?" He asked. "Because they are the best. They have taken down several Metas on the most wanted lists and brought them to justice. They also are well liked by the public, mainly due to the campaign you have been running." The General replied. Rutherford McMiller, CEO of Nova Corp stared at the General, "I am sorry, but I cannot help you without their approval, I can pass the word to them that you’re interested in a meeting." The General scowled, "Fine, have them meet me at the Hotel I am staying at. I would like to meet with you tomorrow afternoon about your proposals for the contracts you have bid on." "Very well, I know a very good spot, should I send a car to pick you up?” He asked. "I am all set, thanks for the offer, I will meet you here, " The General said as he turned to leave. "But make no mistake, Red Nova and the rest will be working for the government, I have a Presidential order to bring them in one way or another." He walked out into his waiting limo, the other three officers piled in. "So did you get anything?" he asked the blond woman. "No, I um." she hesitated. "What?" The General asked. "Its just that I couldn't read him at all, it was as if there was some kind of barrier in his mind, I have never encountered anything like it before." She said. "Humm, interesting." the General said. "Driver take us to the Hotel" Mr. McMiller glared at the back of the Generals head waiting for him to leave. Once he had left the office, there was a shimmering near the wall and a young teen appeared, "What did he want?" The strawberry blond asked. "Oh Hi, Elsea", He relaxed notably. "That woman with him was a telepath, I don't know what game has trying to play, but lets make sure he knows just what he’s dealing with, Can you go Find Ed and Nicole and ask them if they would mind meeting me in operations. And if you see can get in touch with Catrina, if she’s still talking to me. Oh and let your sisters know I need them and you in operations as well." She nodded and skipped out of the room. Mr. McMiller pressed a button on his desk, "Candace could you make reservations for my self, Ed, Nicole and the General and his party for tomorrow noon at the Chelos On The Bay". There was a woman’s reply on the speaker phone, "Ok, is there anything else?" "I don't think so, I have a few things I need to do outside the office. If Ed or Nicole call or come in let them know I am looking for them, I will be home after three." ----- GeneTech Pharmaceuticals Inc Downtown Chicago branch---- "So your saying this guy is dying of terminal cancer and makes a product that if marketed correctly will make billions, and he’s offering it to us for five percent and Ten million dollars? What do the doctors on the team think", A balding man asked the board of directors of GeneTech. "They are totally amazed, it would have taken them at least a decade to get a prototype working, of synthetic blood. What is truly amazing is that he developed this in his small apartment. We are going to have him flown in from his Florida hospital to interview with our techs and explain the process. His Lawyer has also offered us exclusive rights to the patent." There was a murmur of awe and fascination, as the data was reviewed. The Marketing EVP stood up, "This is all well and good, but what about clinical trials and FDA approval? This still has a lot of research to be done before we can distribute it to the public. Are we seriously considering purchasing this on a possibility of future financial gain", He asked some what skeptically. "Theo, I understand your misgivings, that’s why I had the lawyers draw up a contract that only gives him five percent once we get approval. As for the initial acquisition of ten million dollars, that’s is what the board is here to discuss. If we do not take this opportunity, he will sell it elsewhere. I have had the research and development team examine the material that he has developed, they assure me that this is a viable acquisition." The only woman on the board a medical doctor stood up and asked, "I have looked over the initial data, and would like to speak with Mr. Taylor before the board approves this acquisition" There were murmurs of agreement from the board, "I see, I have made arrangements to have him brought to the facility and to meet with the board members and some of our staff." The meeting broke up and all the executives when out the CEO said to the Dr. "We really need to get this done, the sooner the better, his standing will states all his equipment is to be destroyed, we have lawyers working on the issue with him though." The Dr nodded and left the boardroom. --- News feed all major networks --- The gang known as Thunderbolts attacked Senator John Canterbury and his wife Linda today in central park. Thunderbolt was taken into custody and turned over the Meta Task force. The Senator is in stable condition and is expected to recover. His wife Linda had this to say. "No it was a Gargoyle, he save me and my husband, so not all of the Metas are bad." --- Military holding facility Meta Task Force East--- "So this is the Meta that was causing so much trouble in New York" A man in a military uniform said looking down into a room where a man was strapped face down is neck exposed. The nurse standing next to him handed him a clipboard. "Sir" She said. He looked it over and handed it back. "I think he may be a candidate for the black squad. See that the appropriate measures are taken" The nurse wrote down something on the clipboard and had the Colonel sign it. Then left. A number of surgeons entered the room below and began to scrub up. ---- Hotel room downtown Providence---- The general stood looking out the window with a pair of binoculars a walkie talkie was on his belt with a headset on. "Just observe, I want to know where he goes", the General said. There was a long pause, "Who? follow her if you have the manpower, I am interested in where the target goes." the woman sitting on the edge of the bed just sat and watched. The General looked out through the window using the binoculars. "General", the blond woman said from the edge of the bed. He turned and glared at her for a moment. A dark shape came in front of the window. The general backed away. setting the binoculars down and picking up a pistol that had been on the table. The sound of ripping metal and shattered glass, and cold blast of air. A dark shiny black humanoid figure entered the room. in a rasping voice, "Garner, get the hell out of my city." "Take him down", he said to the woman. The woman’s eyes focused on the dark figure, she then screamed and collapsed. The dark shifting form lifted Garner off his feet with several tendrils. "Your tricks wont work now Nathan" a tendril grabbed the gun and crushed it into a twisted metal mass. "Who are you!?" Garner said. "You know, someone you left for dead. Someone who's here to collect on a debt." The figure threw Garner into the far wall. Knocking down a painting. The headset on Garners head dropped to the floor. "Wait!" Garner said, "Can't we discuss this?" Garner sat up a with second handgun. The room was completely empty. |