Introduction
February 7th, 1945
Eight months ago, Allied Forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. This event would be remember throughout history as D-Day. To some, that nomenclature might inspire visions of doomsday and destruction, but in fact the name had the specific military purpose of keeping the day and hour of the Normandy attacks a secret.
The Allies weren't the only ones with secrets.
Far from the cold, snow patched shores of France, thousands of kilometers, continents and oceans away, sits the even colder wasteland of Antarctica. Here, in the Nazi claimed territory of New Swabia, work had been underway for years on a project that many party elites were even unaware of. This project, perhaps some sort of Doomsday weapon of some kind, was so tightly kept a secret that few people beyond Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler had any clue to its existence.
And since February 7th, it has remained a secret. The exact fate of the project that had been underway here is unclear, even to Western and Eastern intelligence services.
The only thing that is known is that since 1945, the world has seen the appearance of people with special abilities and powers. The papers, comics, and general public itself, had an easy time coming up with several names for these kinds of people, but the most generally accepted name is Superheroes.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
March 11th, 2045
The end of the Second World War lead to the birth of a new one, the Cold War, a war that should have ended decades ago, but has been kept alive and well through a nearly century long arms race. Nuclear power and weapons, the space race, and other technological advancements have been important focuses, but all have been nearly eclipsed by the struggle to crack the secrets of how Superheroes are made, and how states (and even corporations or nefarious organizations) could manufacture them themselves.
With nearly thirty million superheroes around the world, monumental achievements have been made, from contributions to science and technology, art and literature, peacekeeping, and generally keeping average civilians safe. For the average person today, it's a good time to be alive. The stock market is strong, unemployment rates are low, safety in the workplace is standard, and the average person in wealthier countries enjoys a fairly high standard of living.
America is still a super power, Japan and South Korea have become technological marvels, India a major manufacturer, and Singapore acting as a sort of new Hong Kong, an Asian New York.
Even Communist countries like the USSR and China, who have undergone some political and economic turmoil in past year (with the USSR losing several of its states and satellite states to succession), recovery has been well underway, and their influence in global politics is being felt once again. Despite the fact that the embers of old rivalries are beginning to glow once more, it is an optimistic time to be alive.
Then again... Now more than ever is the race for greater Superheroes underway. The one century anniversary of Germany's surrender in World War Two is approaching, but a question remains to be answered: Has the world learned the lessons of that time?
And for that matter, what should be made of the shadowy government organizations rumored to exist? Operating in ways alleged to be outside of the laws of their own countries? And the corporations, secret societies and villainous groups plotting to enact some dark purposes on unsuspecting innocents?
There are secrets out there, things hiding under the surface of calm waters. You're sure to find answers once you've looked within, but the greatest question is, what will you find....
At the Bottom?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Setting
Atlas City: Birthplace of Man Made Fusion!
Welcome to Atlas City, North Carolina, the Birthplace of the first Man Made Fusion Reaction! That's right, stepping onto these hallowed grounds, either as a visitor, a new resident, or a life longer, you are stepping into the pages of history itself!
You already know the story, how in 1998, the famous hero, Atlas, helped American and Allied Scientists create the conditions necessary to achieve the FIRST Man Made fusion reaction! This discovery has begun to propel us into a new age of scientific discovery, advancement, and adventure! As you also know, the secret didn't stay secret for long. This mighty achievement was not easy, even for a hero as incredible as Atlas, so it became necessary for the researchers to expand their studies and experiments.
Thus, in 2002, Atlas City was officially incorporated, and new residents have been streaming in ever since! With a population of 873'000 people, Atlas City has been a fast growing Metropolis filled with career opportunities in Fusion Energy, Oil and Gas, Medical Research, Technology and Electronics, Construction, Shipping and Transportation, and of course, Tourism.
World Class hotels, fine restaurants, and gorgeous beaches make Atlas City one of the greatest American cities to live in, or visit. Swimming and surfing, boating, fishing, hiking, shopping, and so much more awaits you! And with a burgeoning economy and housing market, you don't just have to visit Atlas City, you can move here! Houses and apartments of all sizes and price ranges exist, and with plenty of highly prized job opportunities, this is the perfect place to make a life!
Note: We do advise that visitors avoid the Old Industrial and Southwest parts of town. These areas are considered unsafe for tourists or wandering citizens, so we advise caution or avoidance.
Atlas City also acts as a monument to the achievements of both average humans, and of supers, a testament to what we are capable of when we come together as one. The brilliance of our scientists, and the hard work and gifts of Atlas himself, helped us to reach one of humanities greatest scientific achievements. Sadly, Atlas passed away in 2012, leaving behind tremendous contributions to America, and indeed the world. He will be eternally memorialized in this great city. But his story doesn't end there.
Many more secrets remain to be discovered in fusion energy, and Atlas City is still very much at the cutting edge of it. Supers and Non-Supers are in demand for jobs in almost every industry here, whether its following in Atlas's footsteps in fusion research, or helping to build the city in one of hundreds of construction projects, or working in oil extraction. And of course, good work is rewarded with high pay, Atlas City boasting some of the highest wages on the East Coast!
The great legacy Atlas has left behind for all of us continues to inspire supers and average Americans to come together here, to build our bright future! There's high demand for skilled super and non-super workers, in nearly every This is a city where anyone can make their dreams come true, where they can achieve a new American Dream, and where by your skills, and the sweat of your brow, you can find greatness too!
Note: If you witness any Super related crimes, Villains, or suspicious activity, please call 911 and ask for Police or S.I.N.S. Agency (Supers Intelligence for National Security).
Taking place in...
Atlas City our primary setting
A city on the front line of innovation, science, industry, and heroism! A growing community, helping build a better future for everyone!
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 15 authors
Cannonade stared at Ichiro in bafflement. "What in the goddamn hell you talking about?"
Pyromancer - or Zeke, as Maxwell knew him - stared silently at his boss' words, whatever expression he held obscured behind his mask. He looked out to the beach. Even after three years, such… gratitude... felt alien to him. But not unwelcome.
It was then that Zeke saw a car roll up. Curvilinear. Sleek. Civilian-grade, at least from the exterior. And expensive-looking. From within came the familiar face of a bodyguard, and the less familiar face of… a youthful-looking person. Pale. Freckled. With blue eyes so bright and icy, they seemed almost aglow. Something about that unnerved Zeke.
The Pyromancer wandered towards the edge of the building, then kicked down the fire escape ladder. He vaulted over, grabbed the sides of the ladder, slid all the way to the end of the ladder, then jumped to land between Ulysses and the newcomer.
"Ulysses," he nodded to greet the bodyguard. He then turned to the pale one. He had clocked them as a man from above, but up close… he wasn't so sure. Narrow shoulders. Feminine torso. He had been here in Atlas City long enough to not presume. The Pyromancer tilted his head and asked, "New blood?"
It was then that Zeke saw a car roll up. Curvilinear. Sleek. Civilian-grade, at least from the exterior. And expensive-looking. From within came the familiar face of a bodyguard, and the less familiar face of… a youthful-looking person. Pale. Freckled. With blue eyes so bright and icy, they seemed almost aglow. Something about that unnerved Zeke.
The Pyromancer wandered towards the edge of the building, then kicked down the fire escape ladder. He vaulted over, grabbed the sides of the ladder, slid all the way to the end of the ladder, then jumped to land between Ulysses and the newcomer.
"Ulysses," he nodded to greet the bodyguard. He then turned to the pale one. He had clocked them as a man from above, but up close… he wasn't so sure. Narrow shoulders. Feminine torso. He had been here in Atlas City long enough to not presume. The Pyromancer tilted his head and asked, "New blood?"
They watched him, J-3, wearing the form of Jemma, watched Peter Radovan move about the space of the tent. The almost unnecessarily buff nurse from before spoke to the SINS agent, among others, but J-3 tuned them out silently. They were briefly aware of Cannonade speaking again, just before they moved, but ignored that as well.
Instead, Jemma moved away from the group, waiting for Peter to be distracted by one of the others for a brief moment as they all but slinked away. Their head poked out into the open air beyond the tent, and their gaze landed squarely on the thrashing form of yet another familiar red-head. They tilted their skull at the military personnel around the thrashing Sheri, moving forward and coming to a halt to peer down at her with a curious look.
They spoke aloud then, perhaps startling the men out of their conversation as ‘Jemma’ abruptly crouched down and peered at Sheri. “What did she do? It’s a bit odd to see someone tied up like that in a medical facility, y’know?”
‘She’ let the Hispanic accent come out thick then, tinting her words with an almost playful lilt, along with the tone of a curious child. The picture of innocence!
Jemma tilted her head up to the soldiers as she spoke, smiling just gently enough to keep her teeth hidden as she forced the ink to move under her skin. Venom laced spines formed under her flesh, coated in toxins that would cause the utmost excruciating pains imaginable to man, without causing too much … biological harm. Hm.
She waited for their reply.
Instead, Jemma moved away from the group, waiting for Peter to be distracted by one of the others for a brief moment as they all but slinked away. Their head poked out into the open air beyond the tent, and their gaze landed squarely on the thrashing form of yet another familiar red-head. They tilted their skull at the military personnel around the thrashing Sheri, moving forward and coming to a halt to peer down at her with a curious look.
They spoke aloud then, perhaps startling the men out of their conversation as ‘Jemma’ abruptly crouched down and peered at Sheri. “What did she do? It’s a bit odd to see someone tied up like that in a medical facility, y’know?”
‘She’ let the Hispanic accent come out thick then, tinting her words with an almost playful lilt, along with the tone of a curious child. The picture of innocence!
Jemma tilted her head up to the soldiers as she spoke, smiling just gently enough to keep her teeth hidden as she forced the ink to move under her skin. Venom laced spines formed under her flesh, coated in toxins that would cause the utmost excruciating pains imaginable to man, without causing too much … biological harm. Hm.
She waited for their reply.
One of the guards moved to block the Hispanic woman as she approached them, putting one hand out to indicate she should maintain her distance. This is a confidential matter," he said brusquely. "Unless you can present meaningful identification of your right to be present in matters of national security, please move away and do not interfere with the prisoner."
His eyes glanced uneasily back at Sheri for a moment, then back to the woman. "It's... not safe."
His partner scoffed, skirting the edge of Sheri's thrashings while considering how to get her back in hand. "Bit of an understatement," he mumbled.
His eyes glanced uneasily back at Sheri for a moment, then back to the woman. "It's... not safe."
His partner scoffed, skirting the edge of Sheri's thrashings while considering how to get her back in hand. "Bit of an understatement," he mumbled.
Klaus put his hands into his pockets as Peter continued to talk in his annoying tone. He was trying to get under their skin while trying to act like the cool uncle. It was childish in Klaus's eyes. The sheer insincerity in everything he said and how he moved rubbed the time traveler the wrong way. However, his being here was dangerous. Klaus wasn't just unregistered; he didn't exist. He wasn't born 31 years ago; he wouldn't be born for another 325 years, in fact. The idea of being arrested here didn't sit well with him, and he was sure none of the others would like to spend their lives in some government black-site either. His main concern was keeping the Chrono Dialer out of SINS hands. The tech would cause chaos in this time. After his recent encounter in the 4th dimension, he truly understood the weight hanging on his wrist.
In many ways, he wanted to curse his long-departed friend for making the tech, a fool-hardy endeavor with a simple goal, to revisit and watch events from afar. Klaus began to use the tech for hero work in the wake of his friend's death at the hands of terrorists. Terrorists fighting for a regime that prided itself on its ignorance and science-denying rhetoric.
Peter's explanation of the Beast simply manifesting made Klaus's stomach drop. Things didn't just simply appear. As Ichiro explained, not too many Supers would be capable of transporting a creature that size without any sign or traceable signature. He then mulled over the possibilities, and the events of what had been a year ago to him and only hours for the others.
"What is it you're trying to imply here about that creature?" Klaus burst out, against his better judgment. "Frankly, I'm growing tired of you beating around the bush! If you have questions, ask them, if you have something to say, say it! Enough with this pitiful attempt to "relate" to everyone in the room. So you know things about us, have seen some cam footage, great, move on with your purpose, get to it already. What is it, you know, and what aren't you telling us?" He felt his hands ball into fists in his pockets as he grit his teeth to stop himself from speaking out more.
In many ways, he wanted to curse his long-departed friend for making the tech, a fool-hardy endeavor with a simple goal, to revisit and watch events from afar. Klaus began to use the tech for hero work in the wake of his friend's death at the hands of terrorists. Terrorists fighting for a regime that prided itself on its ignorance and science-denying rhetoric.
Peter's explanation of the Beast simply manifesting made Klaus's stomach drop. Things didn't just simply appear. As Ichiro explained, not too many Supers would be capable of transporting a creature that size without any sign or traceable signature. He then mulled over the possibilities, and the events of what had been a year ago to him and only hours for the others.
"What is it you're trying to imply here about that creature?" Klaus burst out, against his better judgment. "Frankly, I'm growing tired of you beating around the bush! If you have questions, ask them, if you have something to say, say it! Enough with this pitiful attempt to "relate" to everyone in the room. So you know things about us, have seen some cam footage, great, move on with your purpose, get to it already. What is it, you know, and what aren't you telling us?" He felt his hands ball into fists in his pockets as he grit his teeth to stop himself from speaking out more.
Peter looked to both Ichiro and Alex, grinning and clapping to the two of the. "Very well done boys, you make some convincing arguments. But... There's a little catch. You see, you forgot to include Anomalies." His eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed from one side of the room to the other. "Some supers are a little more... Outside the norm than others. Sure, the classification system can still apply, but no one else thought a hundred foot tall flying guy shooting a laser out while screaming 'Elysium Beeeeeeeeeeeam' was a bit odd?"
He shrugged slightly as he grazed an index finger across the surface of the table. "There are individuals out there capable of more than even Valor can do. And yeah, it's not easy to detect people like that. Of course, we know pretty confidently no one used any Stranger abilities to hide it, once again Radar, Sonar, or other forms of detection would have picked something up. And I'm no scientist, but I'd assume something that big would be moving water around in some pretty weird ways that would have been noticed. You'd be surprised by what satellites can see these days." He chuckled to himself.
With a snap and point of fingers, Peter looked to Ichiro. "And you're disturbing my patience, by the by, I'd like to get this investigation underway." Before he could say anything more, Liz had spoke up and interjected.
"I'm glad you're not objecting my dear Alchemist. After all, you're retired, aren't you? Wonder what the law says about Supers that are retired trying to perform hero work... But that's neither here nor there is it? I'm getting to talk to one of the greats right now! The woman who can turn things into almost anything she wants! Like shoes into money, or wine glasses into bowling balls!" His grin pulled wide, pearly white teeth on full display for her.
"I wonder if that works with living things too."
Another voice piped in to interrupt, the German’s again, and this time with a million times more sass than he’d had even before. Peter simply turned to look at the super, face blank now, almost expressionless, or perhaps apathetic. "It’s cute how you’re trying to probe for more info on my equipment or abilities there pal, but you’re about as subtle as sour kraut on an ice cream Sunday. Might as well have just asked me outright."
Peter gave a slight, wistful shrug as he continued. "I mean either the chances of killing me are pretty low, or I already know enough information about the lot of you to have your lives effectively ended, whether or not I’m alive." He nodded in another direction, indicating Devon to look to Henry. "I mean look at that guy! Stacked like a pyramid and he’s looking like someone walked over his grave!" Peter chuckled to himself, staring Henry down a moment longer before continuing.
"As for the power plant, what makes you think the goal was to 'destroy' it? Sure the monster from the beach shot at it, but it shot at three other targets too: The NAHLA HQ, a random skyscraper, and a random apartment complex. If the goal had been to destroy the Power Plant, that thing could have popped up pretty much right in front of the plant and knocked it over before we even had time to scramble any heroes. And as for it being an attempted invasions…" Peter shook his head, face neutral, as well as his tone.
"Well, we all know that’s not what happened, no troops have landed anywhere in US territory. But if you want my theory, my explanation for the 'human involvement' you’re suspiciously certain hasn’t happened, I think it is to do with the power plant. Sure, we haven’t been able to replicate fusion power a second time yet, but what’s to say the Chinese or Russians couldn’t crack the code if they figured out what Atlas’s power or tech was? Lots of heroes rushed over to help out at the plant, so it’d be good timing. But they’ve also got plenty of guards there, so I’m sure it’ll be fine."
Peter stepped away from the table, now pacing slowly, but comfortably around the room, all eyes fixed on him. "The use of both Western and Eastern weaponry by those boys in black isn’t accidental. Like you said, may as well have just used regular NATO equipment, right? I think it’s a message. A way of letting you know where they operate. Apparently they’re pretty brave too."
A noise seemed to come through the tent from outside, sounded like some soldiers? Peter was about to investigate, but before he could, the haggard looking professor began to practically bark at him. He turned to stare at Klaus, the smile finally returning to his face as he chuckled. "Well I’d love to, but everyone seems pretty keen on trying to prevent that!" His hand swung over to the direction of Devon to point. "And would you stop skulking around freund! It’s terribly rude!"
He returned his gaze to Klaus. "As for what I’d like to ask, I think I’ve already asked quite a bit! How about you all take a seat and start acting a little less guilty, there’s an idea!"
Richard had stood quietly for a while. There was something off with this guy. Although he’d never met spies or SINS agents before, Richard had the faintest idea that this wasn’t quite how they would act. Plus, there was something else. This guy was aware of a lot of what had happened today, so why hadn’t those weird broadcasts come into the conversation yet?
"Agent Radovan, what about the weird broadcasts? Let’s say this was a project made by some foreign enemy, why use those audio clips? And who is this Heather Wright supposed to be?"
Radovan looked the silent, black clad man in what would have been the eyes (blocked by the mask) for a moment, contemplating the question, before shrugging. "Dunno. Probably just a red herring all of that. No idea who Heather Wright is, never even heard of that name beyond today. Probably just some subterfuge choices to confuse everyone, get them speculating that something else is afoot."
Peter had already come to the conclusion he wanted. That was suspicious. Either there really was some kind of terrorist among them, or the agent was in fact hiding something. Before anything else could be said though, the flaps to the tent opened as food and drink was brought in, followed by a girl with red hair. Richard’s eyes widened slightly and felt his heart sink as he looked at the condition of her. What had happened?
After a moment of confusion looking at the girl just brought in, Peter’s eyes lit up in realization. "Well, here’s someone who looks like they might destroy government property for fun. What are you boys doing with her?" He asked of the soldiers.
Jemma followed the men in, and began untying Sheri’s gag so she could speak, but the guards prevented Jemma from doing much else. "She snuck into the restricted areas of the Power Plant. Might be some kinda spy we suspect, hard to be sure though, don’t have much to identify her sir."
Peter’s grin grew side like a tiger, ready to bound in for a kill. "Thank you boys, why don’t you just leave her here with me for now. Let SINS handle this." The guards looked to each other reluctantly, but after a moment conceded and left the girl in the room. Radovan turned to face Devon. "Friend of yours Kamerad?" He asked with a chuckle. "Breaking into the Power Plant I see…"
Before Peter could say anything else, the sound of someone clearing their throat was heard at the entrance of the tent. "That’s enough now Agent Radovan."
Peter turned to the entrance to see a man, in likely his mid to late 30’s, dressed in a bespoke black suit, the standard attire of a SINS agent in fact. "And ah… Who are you exactly?" He asked with a smirk.
The other man narrowed his eyes, a sense of distaste emanating from him. "Anton Moore. Your new superior, and here to take over this… Interview session for you."
"A superior eh?" Peter chuckled at the statement. "Well I wish you luck Agent Moore. The brass do this every now and again, truth be told I think they enjoy the sport of it. But you’re number… Seven I believe? Yeah, lucky number seven Mr. Moore!"
The other agent’s eyes remained narrowed and firm. "Lucky is certainly one way to put it Agent Radovan. Your… Unconventional methods are starting to lose their charm I think, at least in the eyes of our bosses. Regardless, you’re being reassigned. You’ve been asked to attend to the Pentagon. Now."
Peter’s eyebrow ticked up in a look of curiosity, perhaps even a little surprised by the suggestion. The Pentagon? That wasn’t the way he saw things going today, but it didn’t seem like his ‘superior’ was leaving him with any choices. He chuckled and nodded his head gently as he strode up to the other agent, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Takes a while to get to Washington. I’m guessing you’re going to tell me to find a teleporter?"
Moore nodded. "You guessed correctly Agent." He shrugged off Peter’s hand as the subordinate made his way out of the tent.
"Catch you later kids! Try to behave yourselves now, lest the bogeyman come back!" The fading sound of his laugh could be heard for a few seconds before the room returned to silence.
Agent Moore sighed as he turned to face the group of supers before him, then indicated to the food and drink on the tables. "You’ll have to excuse Agent Radovan. As I said, his antics are… Unconventional. I’m a bit more by the book. Unfortunately, that means you’ll all be here a bit longer to answer my questions. So if you don’t mind, please have something to eat, then sit down and let’s begin."
As Peter walked away from the tents, he made sure to let his fellow agents know to work with Agent Moore for now, but he was pleased by how things had went. Clearly very few of them bought the idea of some ‘terrorist act’, even with the red head being brought in. But he at least needed to try and pretend there was some human option here. After all, that’s what Uncle Sam would like to believe, even though Peter knew for a fact that wasn’t the case…
"Now, gotta go ‘find a teleporter’." He smirked to himself.
March 12th, 2045, 12:15pm: Atlas City, North Carolina, USA
Agent Moore closed up a case book quietly, nodding to each of the supers before him. "Alright, so now that we’ve got… Most of your accounts of the battle today, I think we can move on to other questioning. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most optimal place for that. I’m afraid it’s going to be necessary to detain-"
His voice was cut off by a flash of light from outside, followed by shouting as someone burst through the tent flaps. A woman in her late 20’s, dark skin, hair tied in a braid, followed by a taller man in NAHLA attire with long, silver-white hair. "I’m sorry to interrupt sir, but the interrogations stop here. These people are all free to go."
Moore laughed as he locked narrowed eyes on the woman. "Are you serious? On who’s authority!" He cackled.
The girl straightened up as she passed him an envelope. Inside was a signed and sealed letter. "The Attorney General of the United States of America, one of the Directors of the Department of Hero Affairs. The person whose jurisdiction all these folks fall into."
Moore’s gritted and bared at the young Justice Department agent who’d tried to usurp this moment from SINS. "This is still an investigation into a terrorist attack! What precludes them from this!"
A thunderous boom rocked the entire beach area and caught everyone off guard, terrifying many. Moore raced outside to see what had happened and saw, hovering over the beach, some kind of jet. The long, glittering piece of hypersonic machinery hovered lower and lower to the ground as vertical engines slowly let it down.
"Because they’re HIS employees." The female agent said nodding to the jet.
Once the jet had finally reached the ground, George Carlisle Hughes, flanked by several of his own actual employees, quietly made his way up the beach towards the triage area. He took in the chaos, surveying it with a look of someone uniquely qualified to understand these things. Once he finally reached the triage, he came face to face with the various heroes that had been inside.
"Who are you?" Moore asked in a tone edging towards spite.
George smiled very pleasantly at the agent, and the heroes behind him. There was a look of tranquility to the man, and it spilled over into his words. "George Carlisle Hughes, and yes, I’m their employer. I trust you’ve already received word from the Attorney General."
"I have. And why should I hand them over to you? They’re being investigated for potential acts of terrorism." Moore said defiantly.
A soft laugh emanated from George as he looked the SINS agent over. "Because you don’t have a choice my friend. SINS doesn’t have jurisdiction here. This is a DOHA matter, and I believe DOHA has spoken." George clasped both hands on the top of his cane, leaning on it slightly for support, but seeming as though he had strength enough left in him to not need it.
He shrugged slightly as he grazed an index finger across the surface of the table. "There are individuals out there capable of more than even Valor can do. And yeah, it's not easy to detect people like that. Of course, we know pretty confidently no one used any Stranger abilities to hide it, once again Radar, Sonar, or other forms of detection would have picked something up. And I'm no scientist, but I'd assume something that big would be moving water around in some pretty weird ways that would have been noticed. You'd be surprised by what satellites can see these days." He chuckled to himself.
With a snap and point of fingers, Peter looked to Ichiro. "And you're disturbing my patience, by the by, I'd like to get this investigation underway." Before he could say anything more, Liz had spoke up and interjected.
"I'm glad you're not objecting my dear Alchemist. After all, you're retired, aren't you? Wonder what the law says about Supers that are retired trying to perform hero work... But that's neither here nor there is it? I'm getting to talk to one of the greats right now! The woman who can turn things into almost anything she wants! Like shoes into money, or wine glasses into bowling balls!" His grin pulled wide, pearly white teeth on full display for her.
"I wonder if that works with living things too."
Another voice piped in to interrupt, the German’s again, and this time with a million times more sass than he’d had even before. Peter simply turned to look at the super, face blank now, almost expressionless, or perhaps apathetic. "It’s cute how you’re trying to probe for more info on my equipment or abilities there pal, but you’re about as subtle as sour kraut on an ice cream Sunday. Might as well have just asked me outright."
Peter gave a slight, wistful shrug as he continued. "I mean either the chances of killing me are pretty low, or I already know enough information about the lot of you to have your lives effectively ended, whether or not I’m alive." He nodded in another direction, indicating Devon to look to Henry. "I mean look at that guy! Stacked like a pyramid and he’s looking like someone walked over his grave!" Peter chuckled to himself, staring Henry down a moment longer before continuing.
"As for the power plant, what makes you think the goal was to 'destroy' it? Sure the monster from the beach shot at it, but it shot at three other targets too: The NAHLA HQ, a random skyscraper, and a random apartment complex. If the goal had been to destroy the Power Plant, that thing could have popped up pretty much right in front of the plant and knocked it over before we even had time to scramble any heroes. And as for it being an attempted invasions…" Peter shook his head, face neutral, as well as his tone.
"Well, we all know that’s not what happened, no troops have landed anywhere in US territory. But if you want my theory, my explanation for the 'human involvement' you’re suspiciously certain hasn’t happened, I think it is to do with the power plant. Sure, we haven’t been able to replicate fusion power a second time yet, but what’s to say the Chinese or Russians couldn’t crack the code if they figured out what Atlas’s power or tech was? Lots of heroes rushed over to help out at the plant, so it’d be good timing. But they’ve also got plenty of guards there, so I’m sure it’ll be fine."
Peter stepped away from the table, now pacing slowly, but comfortably around the room, all eyes fixed on him. "The use of both Western and Eastern weaponry by those boys in black isn’t accidental. Like you said, may as well have just used regular NATO equipment, right? I think it’s a message. A way of letting you know where they operate. Apparently they’re pretty brave too."
A noise seemed to come through the tent from outside, sounded like some soldiers? Peter was about to investigate, but before he could, the haggard looking professor began to practically bark at him. He turned to stare at Klaus, the smile finally returning to his face as he chuckled. "Well I’d love to, but everyone seems pretty keen on trying to prevent that!" His hand swung over to the direction of Devon to point. "And would you stop skulking around freund! It’s terribly rude!"
He returned his gaze to Klaus. "As for what I’d like to ask, I think I’ve already asked quite a bit! How about you all take a seat and start acting a little less guilty, there’s an idea!"
Richard had stood quietly for a while. There was something off with this guy. Although he’d never met spies or SINS agents before, Richard had the faintest idea that this wasn’t quite how they would act. Plus, there was something else. This guy was aware of a lot of what had happened today, so why hadn’t those weird broadcasts come into the conversation yet?
"Agent Radovan, what about the weird broadcasts? Let’s say this was a project made by some foreign enemy, why use those audio clips? And who is this Heather Wright supposed to be?"
Radovan looked the silent, black clad man in what would have been the eyes (blocked by the mask) for a moment, contemplating the question, before shrugging. "Dunno. Probably just a red herring all of that. No idea who Heather Wright is, never even heard of that name beyond today. Probably just some subterfuge choices to confuse everyone, get them speculating that something else is afoot."
Peter had already come to the conclusion he wanted. That was suspicious. Either there really was some kind of terrorist among them, or the agent was in fact hiding something. Before anything else could be said though, the flaps to the tent opened as food and drink was brought in, followed by a girl with red hair. Richard’s eyes widened slightly and felt his heart sink as he looked at the condition of her. What had happened?
After a moment of confusion looking at the girl just brought in, Peter’s eyes lit up in realization. "Well, here’s someone who looks like they might destroy government property for fun. What are you boys doing with her?" He asked of the soldiers.
Jemma followed the men in, and began untying Sheri’s gag so she could speak, but the guards prevented Jemma from doing much else. "She snuck into the restricted areas of the Power Plant. Might be some kinda spy we suspect, hard to be sure though, don’t have much to identify her sir."
Peter’s grin grew side like a tiger, ready to bound in for a kill. "Thank you boys, why don’t you just leave her here with me for now. Let SINS handle this." The guards looked to each other reluctantly, but after a moment conceded and left the girl in the room. Radovan turned to face Devon. "Friend of yours Kamerad?" He asked with a chuckle. "Breaking into the Power Plant I see…"
Before Peter could say anything else, the sound of someone clearing their throat was heard at the entrance of the tent. "That’s enough now Agent Radovan."
Peter turned to the entrance to see a man, in likely his mid to late 30’s, dressed in a bespoke black suit, the standard attire of a SINS agent in fact. "And ah… Who are you exactly?" He asked with a smirk.
The other man narrowed his eyes, a sense of distaste emanating from him. "Anton Moore. Your new superior, and here to take over this… Interview session for you."
"A superior eh?" Peter chuckled at the statement. "Well I wish you luck Agent Moore. The brass do this every now and again, truth be told I think they enjoy the sport of it. But you’re number… Seven I believe? Yeah, lucky number seven Mr. Moore!"
The other agent’s eyes remained narrowed and firm. "Lucky is certainly one way to put it Agent Radovan. Your… Unconventional methods are starting to lose their charm I think, at least in the eyes of our bosses. Regardless, you’re being reassigned. You’ve been asked to attend to the Pentagon. Now."
Peter’s eyebrow ticked up in a look of curiosity, perhaps even a little surprised by the suggestion. The Pentagon? That wasn’t the way he saw things going today, but it didn’t seem like his ‘superior’ was leaving him with any choices. He chuckled and nodded his head gently as he strode up to the other agent, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Takes a while to get to Washington. I’m guessing you’re going to tell me to find a teleporter?"
Moore nodded. "You guessed correctly Agent." He shrugged off Peter’s hand as the subordinate made his way out of the tent.
"Catch you later kids! Try to behave yourselves now, lest the bogeyman come back!" The fading sound of his laugh could be heard for a few seconds before the room returned to silence.
Agent Moore sighed as he turned to face the group of supers before him, then indicated to the food and drink on the tables. "You’ll have to excuse Agent Radovan. As I said, his antics are… Unconventional. I’m a bit more by the book. Unfortunately, that means you’ll all be here a bit longer to answer my questions. So if you don’t mind, please have something to eat, then sit down and let’s begin."
_________________________________________________________________________
As Peter walked away from the tents, he made sure to let his fellow agents know to work with Agent Moore for now, but he was pleased by how things had went. Clearly very few of them bought the idea of some ‘terrorist act’, even with the red head being brought in. But he at least needed to try and pretend there was some human option here. After all, that’s what Uncle Sam would like to believe, even though Peter knew for a fact that wasn’t the case…
"Now, gotta go ‘find a teleporter’." He smirked to himself.
_________________________________________________________________________
March 12th, 2045, 12:15pm: Atlas City, North Carolina, USA
Agent Moore closed up a case book quietly, nodding to each of the supers before him. "Alright, so now that we’ve got… Most of your accounts of the battle today, I think we can move on to other questioning. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most optimal place for that. I’m afraid it’s going to be necessary to detain-"
His voice was cut off by a flash of light from outside, followed by shouting as someone burst through the tent flaps. A woman in her late 20’s, dark skin, hair tied in a braid, followed by a taller man in NAHLA attire with long, silver-white hair. "I’m sorry to interrupt sir, but the interrogations stop here. These people are all free to go."
Moore laughed as he locked narrowed eyes on the woman. "Are you serious? On who’s authority!" He cackled.
The girl straightened up as she passed him an envelope. Inside was a signed and sealed letter. "The Attorney General of the United States of America, one of the Directors of the Department of Hero Affairs. The person whose jurisdiction all these folks fall into."
Moore’s gritted and bared at the young Justice Department agent who’d tried to usurp this moment from SINS. "This is still an investigation into a terrorist attack! What precludes them from this!"
A thunderous boom rocked the entire beach area and caught everyone off guard, terrifying many. Moore raced outside to see what had happened and saw, hovering over the beach, some kind of jet. The long, glittering piece of hypersonic machinery hovered lower and lower to the ground as vertical engines slowly let it down.
"Because they’re HIS employees." The female agent said nodding to the jet.
Once the jet had finally reached the ground, George Carlisle Hughes, flanked by several of his own actual employees, quietly made his way up the beach towards the triage area. He took in the chaos, surveying it with a look of someone uniquely qualified to understand these things. Once he finally reached the triage, he came face to face with the various heroes that had been inside.
"Who are you?" Moore asked in a tone edging towards spite.
George smiled very pleasantly at the agent, and the heroes behind him. There was a look of tranquility to the man, and it spilled over into his words. "George Carlisle Hughes, and yes, I’m their employer. I trust you’ve already received word from the Attorney General."
"I have. And why should I hand them over to you? They’re being investigated for potential acts of terrorism." Moore said defiantly.
A soft laugh emanated from George as he looked the SINS agent over. "Because you don’t have a choice my friend. SINS doesn’t have jurisdiction here. This is a DOHA matter, and I believe DOHA has spoken." George clasped both hands on the top of his cane, leaning on it slightly for support, but seeming as though he had strength enough left in him to not need it.
Cannonade's fingers tapped their juice box impatiently. They and the other heroes had been directed by Agent Moore to a different tent, given zip-locked sandwiches (no vegetarian options), juice boxes and packets of plain chips. For the last half an hour they'd been mindlessly answering questions- a conventional first part of an interrogation, with Agent Moore creating a timeline so that he could catch them in contradictions later on. Cannonade had been in these sorts of situations before, and they knew the answer was always to stay quiet and lawyer the fuck up.
There was talk of detention when a young justice department agent had entered the room. Cannonade's grip tightened on the juice-box as they looked between the two, becoming increasingly uneasy at the lack of control this situation offered them, when suddenly: boom.
A jet making landing outside the beach. The only person Cannonade could think who could land on ground zero after an incident such as the beast of decay was the president of the United States themselves. The tent doors opened and an elderly man entered. He had a cane. And he was not the president.
"George Carlisle Hughes," Cannonade repeated the name as if it were a foreign language. But still, they rose out their chair and took a step toward George, away from the SINS agent. Step one, get out of this government hell hole. Step two, call their lawyer.
***
The pale figured gave the Pyromancer a tight-lipped smile and a nod of their head. "I just got into the city. Kind of late, I guess."
There was talk of detention when a young justice department agent had entered the room. Cannonade's grip tightened on the juice-box as they looked between the two, becoming increasingly uneasy at the lack of control this situation offered them, when suddenly: boom.
A jet making landing outside the beach. The only person Cannonade could think who could land on ground zero after an incident such as the beast of decay was the president of the United States themselves. The tent doors opened and an elderly man entered. He had a cane. And he was not the president.
"George Carlisle Hughes," Cannonade repeated the name as if it were a foreign language. But still, they rose out their chair and took a step toward George, away from the SINS agent. Step one, get out of this government hell hole. Step two, call their lawyer.
***
The pale figured gave the Pyromancer a tight-lipped smile and a nod of their head. "I just got into the city. Kind of late, I guess."
Jemma snapped out from her dozing, leaning once again against Aegis as the Agent Moore drilled the group of super powered beings for information. She had been half tempted to spit spines of venom at the man, just to be free of the utterly boring questioning. Her gaze slid over to the commotion from outside, and for a moment she was excited, maybe even expectant!
But alas, it was nothing of worth, Jemma simply bore witness to a man who’s age was as relevant as dirt to a fish, to the apparent internal strength he held. He seemed dignified, and though his voice was serene, J-3 found herself tensing up for combat yet again. She watched as Cannonade stood.
The pulse of expectant adrenaline thrummed in her veins, and under her skin, she felt ink sluggishly bubble to ‘life’. Her core shook ever so slightly, and her teeth began creeping over her bottom lip. Fangs, sharp and black as pitch, poked out into the world. Her eyes flushed with ink for a moment before becoming pitch black holes in the head, housing unseen harpoon-like tongues in their depths. The urge to Hunt something grew ever stronger, and the man with the cane was off putting and sorely distrusted by the Polymorph.
The donuts from before, and the sandwiches, while good… weren’t enough.
Meals that satisfied a human never were, J-3 always needed bigger. Needed more. The ink was moving too slowly for their-her comfort.
What a hassle.
But alas, it was nothing of worth, Jemma simply bore witness to a man who’s age was as relevant as dirt to a fish, to the apparent internal strength he held. He seemed dignified, and though his voice was serene, J-3 found herself tensing up for combat yet again. She watched as Cannonade stood.
The pulse of expectant adrenaline thrummed in her veins, and under her skin, she felt ink sluggishly bubble to ‘life’. Her core shook ever so slightly, and her teeth began creeping over her bottom lip. Fangs, sharp and black as pitch, poked out into the world. Her eyes flushed with ink for a moment before becoming pitch black holes in the head, housing unseen harpoon-like tongues in their depths. The urge to Hunt something grew ever stronger, and the man with the cane was off putting and sorely distrusted by the Polymorph.
The donuts from before, and the sandwiches, while good… weren’t enough.
Meals that satisfied a human never were, J-3 always needed bigger. Needed more. The ink was moving too slowly for their-her comfort.
What a hassle.
Sheri had slumped back in the chair they'd put her in, gazing eyelessly up at the ceiling through the entire line of questioning without bothering to respond. Everything was sore, and she was too exhausted to bother struggling anymore, or even lift her head when the sound of a jet landing down on the beach shook the cloth walls of the tent.
"I've never met this man in my life," Sheri responded immediately to the old man's claims of being her employer, her voice hoarse. She couldn't see the man, but she knew better than to trust anyone who would come swooping in to snatch up a group of supers in custody from under the government's nose. Honestly, she'd rather take her chances with SINS.
"I've never met this man in my life," Sheri responded immediately to the old man's claims of being her employer, her voice hoarse. She couldn't see the man, but she knew better than to trust anyone who would come swooping in to snatch up a group of supers in custody from under the government's nose. Honestly, she'd rather take her chances with SINS.
From behind her Cannonade immediately put a gloved hand on Sheri's head. "She's deeply stupid your honour and doesn't know what she's talking about. George is our representative. And we aren't saying another word until we have our lawyers," Cannonade spoke up, not releasing the bushel of Sheri's hair they'd grabbed. Cannonade barely knew who Sheri was, the red-head having only said a few words during Agent Moore's interrogation, but right now they knew they were all in this together- and their best chance of getting out of SINS grasp was together as well.
Roast beef sandwiches and a bag of chips. Seemed like he was back in elementary school, almost but right now it tasted like a gourmet meal. Boxed apple juice? Almost as good as ambrosia right now. He was also glad the first SIN agent had left the seen. He had a bad vibe. Like he knew too much and he wanted to threaten you with it. The by-the-book cop caused much less tension. Even so, Henry tried to be sparse as possible with whatever question he was asked.
He appreciated the food though. Shitty as it was.
Then as the afternoon went on, the unexpected continued to bowl them all over.
"If it ain't one thing after another..." Henry noted, standing up out of his seat. "Don't know about the rest of y'all, but..." He pointed at George. "I definitely work for this dude..." he chuckled at Agent Moore, walking over towards where George and his associates were standing.
He appreciated the food though. Shitty as it was.
Then as the afternoon went on, the unexpected continued to bowl them all over.
"George Carlisle Hughes, and yes, I’m their employer. I trust you’ve already received word from the Attorney General."
"If it ain't one thing after another..." Henry noted, standing up out of his seat. "Don't know about the rest of y'all, but..." He pointed at George. "I definitely work for this dude..." he chuckled at Agent Moore, walking over towards where George and his associates were standing.
Ichiro looked like he was going to say more, but Yue shook her head at him and he clammed up with a displeased expression and then left to attend to his patients. Yue cooperated in the questioning to the extent her station required, being mindful of information that would compromise the Witchfinder investigation or reveal her identity... not that SINS didn't already have a mile long file on her but she wasn't going to willing give up that information without a court order and a gaggle of NAHLA lawyers present.
The appearance of the Attorney General surprised her, especially given the person accompanying her. Her eyes narrowed and she stood up, moving to the entrance and pushing the NAHLA rep out of the tent with her and dragging him along to a more private distance with some force. They appeared to argue quietly for a few long minutes before the NAHLA rep clearly said something rude while flippantly shooing her back towards the tent. Yue lifted him bodily from the ground by the front of his trench coat, her crimson aura flaring brightly for a moment.
She dropped him roughly and snatched a data slate from his hand, which was hastily produced. Yue spent a long time reading it carefully before she shoved it back into his chest and returned to the tent to stand beside George with her arms folded. The NAHLA rep smoothed his coat with a somewhat relieved expression and returned after her.
"No time to waste, we should get going," he interjected with a note of impatience. "Oh... Give this to Peter for me... in the spirit of cooperation and all," he instructed the SINS agent, and a crate materialized in his lap containing a neatly arranged assortment of vials and evidence bags containing samples from the previous morning's Diner incident. On one side of the crate were a number of large, empty evidence bags with "Balthazaar Sample" on the label and large post-its stuck to them reading: "TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES - ELECTRO MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE" in super neat handwriting.
"Enjoy your reassignment, Agent Moore," he said with a smirk. Finger guns.
The appearance of the Attorney General surprised her, especially given the person accompanying her. Her eyes narrowed and she stood up, moving to the entrance and pushing the NAHLA rep out of the tent with her and dragging him along to a more private distance with some force. They appeared to argue quietly for a few long minutes before the NAHLA rep clearly said something rude while flippantly shooing her back towards the tent. Yue lifted him bodily from the ground by the front of his trench coat, her crimson aura flaring brightly for a moment.
She dropped him roughly and snatched a data slate from his hand, which was hastily produced. Yue spent a long time reading it carefully before she shoved it back into his chest and returned to the tent to stand beside George with her arms folded. The NAHLA rep smoothed his coat with a somewhat relieved expression and returned after her.
"No time to waste, we should get going," he interjected with a note of impatience. "Oh... Give this to Peter for me... in the spirit of cooperation and all," he instructed the SINS agent, and a crate materialized in his lap containing a neatly arranged assortment of vials and evidence bags containing samples from the previous morning's Diner incident. On one side of the crate were a number of large, empty evidence bags with "Balthazaar Sample" on the label and large post-its stuck to them reading: "TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES - ELECTRO MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE" in super neat handwriting.
"Enjoy your reassignment, Agent Moore," he said with a smirk. Finger guns.
Liz frowned, wearily gesturing to the two new men who had entered, "George, good to see you. Sairyn, it's been a while...why are you here?"
Akiko was stuffing her face with sandwiches as she watched the events around her. She was exhausted and the belt still beeped softly every once in a while, reminding her of her depleted state. It was the first major situation and the worst one she had been in.
George introduced himself and others spoke. Cannonade, Henry, the Alchemist... Someone beside George also spoke. Crunch, crunch. Akiko looked down at her roast beef and cheese sandwich. Why was it crunching?
"Are we getting paid?" Akiko spoke up, looking over at George.
George introduced himself and others spoke. Cannonade, Henry, the Alchemist... Someone beside George also spoke. Crunch, crunch. Akiko looked down at her roast beef and cheese sandwich. Why was it crunching?
"Are we getting paid?" Akiko spoke up, looking over at George.
Sasha looked over to George, and a small smile came across his face. The stirrings of fate swirled strongly around this man, twisting around the others in the room. His smile vanished as he looked to the silver-haired man next to George.
"Ah, fate hates you doesn't it," Sasha whispered to himself, his eyes cold as he watched the NAHLA agent mockingly finger gun the government agent Moore.
"Ah, fate hates you doesn't it," Sasha whispered to himself, his eyes cold as he watched the NAHLA agent mockingly finger gun the government agent Moore.
The replacement of the erratic agent Radovan with a seemingly more sensible agent named Moore was rather welcoming. Sure he might take up a bit more of their time, but at least it'll be much simpler to deal with it. That was however until the mention of potential detainment came up, Devon was debating what the best course of action was going to be when agent Moore's plan was suddenly and pleasantly interrupted. "Looks like the cavalry has arrived." He said with a chuckle while getting himself into a much more relaxed position as the sonic boom passed through the tent. He had no idea what was coming, but clearly it was going to bail them all out of here and that was enough for the moment.
A man who introduced himself as George Carlisle Hughes walked into the tent and relieved agent Moore from his duties with a spectacle of confusion and aggravation clearly visible on agent Moore's face. "Well, while I know you'd love to continue to harass us all here with needless interrogation and detainment, it would seem there's a problem elsewhere big enough to warrant mister Hughes himself coming over to pick us up." he said as he walked over to Georges side.
A man who introduced himself as George Carlisle Hughes walked into the tent and relieved agent Moore from his duties with a spectacle of confusion and aggravation clearly visible on agent Moore's face. "Well, while I know you'd love to continue to harass us all here with needless interrogation and detainment, it would seem there's a problem elsewhere big enough to warrant mister Hughes himself coming over to pick us up." he said as he walked over to Georges side.
Alex had been keeping his responses to Agent Moore vague and brief whenever anything was asked of him. Granted there hadn’t been too many questions thrown his way yet, he was asked if he was the one that somehow stopped the entire tsunami wave that was caused by Cannonade. He tried his best not to fidget in his seat made for brutes. Thank god, he didn’t want to be standing during this. Jemma woke up from her dozing against his shoulder, there hadn’t been any drooling this time at least.
The two had traded looks occasionally during the whole exchange, both really wanting this to be over with already and to somehow get out of SINS grasp with no strings attached.
The mention of detention caused Alex to reflexively tense up and prepare to bail when the justice department agent entered the tent to put an end to things. The seemingly one sided argument was confusing enough, then something kid decided to make its entrance. Was that a jet? Who the hell could be showing up here by jet and have clearance?? Some super team or politicians, maybe a hero organization rep with an army of lawyers to bail out the lucky people in the room that were actually legal.
The tent doors opened and a rather distinguished looking elderly man entered. And proceeded to claim that every super present being “interrogated” was in his employment. Alex blinked owlishly.
What?
George Carlisle Hughes. This man had the air about him like he could afford any heat that would come from making that statement and then some. This was an obvious out. Alex bit the inside of his cheek in thought. So it was either roll with this . . . . . or be left with SINS. He shook his head. This might as well be happening, today is already so damn strange and terrible. If this got him away from the damn suits he might as well take it. Should also keep Jericho safe if they play along too.
A quick look around showed a few people present already going along with the old man’s play. Guess we roll with it. Alex got up and straightened himself to his full height. ”Kept us waiting huh boss?” he gave a smirk of a smile and took a few steps in George’s direction.
The two had traded looks occasionally during the whole exchange, both really wanting this to be over with already and to somehow get out of SINS grasp with no strings attached.
The mention of detention caused Alex to reflexively tense up and prepare to bail when the justice department agent entered the tent to put an end to things. The seemingly one sided argument was confusing enough, then something kid decided to make its entrance. Was that a jet? Who the hell could be showing up here by jet and have clearance?? Some super team or politicians, maybe a hero organization rep with an army of lawyers to bail out the lucky people in the room that were actually legal.
The tent doors opened and a rather distinguished looking elderly man entered. And proceeded to claim that every super present being “interrogated” was in his employment. Alex blinked owlishly.
What?
George Carlisle Hughes. This man had the air about him like he could afford any heat that would come from making that statement and then some. This was an obvious out. Alex bit the inside of his cheek in thought. So it was either roll with this . . . . . or be left with SINS. He shook his head. This might as well be happening, today is already so damn strange and terrible. If this got him away from the damn suits he might as well take it. Should also keep Jericho safe if they play along too.
A quick look around showed a few people present already going along with the old man’s play. Guess we roll with it. Alex got up and straightened himself to his full height. ”Kept us waiting huh boss?” he gave a smirk of a smile and took a few steps in George’s direction.
Jemma watched passively as the proceedings around them swirled chaotically. Everyone in the room, or at least mostly everyone, seemed keen on playing along with the caned man. So Jemma figured she probably should too.
“Hey boss. I’m hungry. D’y’ got some food brought along wit’chu?” Chirped the Hispanic woman, her eyes swirling with ink before returning to “normal.” As normal could be with J-3. Once again, the pupils settled on the shape of a four pointed star.
Her teeth were on display as she talked, no longer bothering to hide the things. Especially not from Agent Moore, not anymoore. Heh.
She gave the disgruntled SINS agent a winning smile as he left, before following Aegis and leaning on the taller man once again. “Good afternoon to you, sir. It was pleasant making your company.”
Jemma felt… exhausted but good after the remark, but still exhausted. A feeling they certainly weren’t used to. It made them- er- her irritable, and snappy, with her skin crawling with ink and unseen muscles. Like tentacles were trying to press their way out.
Parts of her hair twinkled every now and then, some of the knots in the wild mane pulsing with blue bioluminescent light.
“Hey boss. I’m hungry. D’y’ got some food brought along wit’chu?” Chirped the Hispanic woman, her eyes swirling with ink before returning to “normal.” As normal could be with J-3. Once again, the pupils settled on the shape of a four pointed star.
Her teeth were on display as she talked, no longer bothering to hide the things. Especially not from Agent Moore, not anymoore. Heh.
She gave the disgruntled SINS agent a winning smile as he left, before following Aegis and leaning on the taller man once again. “Good afternoon to you, sir. It was pleasant making your company.”
Jemma felt… exhausted but good after the remark, but still exhausted. A feeling they certainly weren’t used to. It made them- er- her irritable, and snappy, with her skin crawling with ink and unseen muscles. Like tentacles were trying to press their way out.
Parts of her hair twinkled every now and then, some of the knots in the wild mane pulsing with blue bioluminescent light.
"Liz," Sairyn hesitated for just a moment after acknowledging her. "NAHLA is cooperating with Mr. Hughes at the behest of the Attorney General. I'm here to collect you, and the other members of my team for their new assignment," he answered carefully. "Everything will be explained on the plane," he emphasized with little subtlety.
Yue tilted her head slightly. She wasn't normally one to question orders, especially not ones that came directly from DOHA, but the circumstances behind George's arrival and Sairyn's not so subtle haste to depart didn't sit right in her gut. It's a string she didn't want to pull on in the immediate setting, but she pocketed her observations to look into later after things calmed down. For now she was as anxious as Sairyn to leave. Her body insistently reminded her that she was standing on a pile of stress fractured bones and the only thing keeping her on her feet were her powers... which were getting increasingly difficult to keep active.
Yue tilted her head slightly. She wasn't normally one to question orders, especially not ones that came directly from DOHA, but the circumstances behind George's arrival and Sairyn's not so subtle haste to depart didn't sit right in her gut. It's a string she didn't want to pull on in the immediate setting, but she pocketed her observations to look into later after things calmed down. For now she was as anxious as Sairyn to leave. Her body insistently reminded her that she was standing on a pile of stress fractured bones and the only thing keeping her on her feet were her powers... which were getting increasingly difficult to keep active.
Cannonade frowned at the silver-haired Caucasian man's words. Anything involving NAHLA was bad news, Cannonade knew. They'd heard years of horror stories about the United States' militarized use of Supers in citizen policing. And they heard even more stories about once how you got into the system it was impossible to get out. It was a world they never wanted to get near.
Cannonade cautiously stepped away from George and Sairyn, into the background of the tent. Unsure of what their next move was. Their phones had been confiscated. And right now, Cannonade really needed a lawyer.
Cannonade cautiously stepped away from George and Sairyn, into the background of the tent. Unsure of what their next move was. Their phones had been confiscated. And right now, Cannonade really needed a lawyer.
"I'm not sure how many of us are willing to get on a plane that is affiliated with NAHLA," Sasha said carefully, watching George and noting the general distaste that passed through the group at the mention of the organization. "Mr. Hughes, I'm grateful for your assistance, and I'm willing to trust you. But if you're involved with NAHLA, that doesn't exactly fill me with confidence."
Sasha winced inwardly. Fate was telling him that George had a large part in the group's future, but fate wasn't going to keep the group together if they couldn't trust each other. Perhaps NAHLA's involvement was just a front.
Sasha winced inwardly. Fate was telling him that George had a large part in the group's future, but fate wasn't going to keep the group together if they couldn't trust each other. Perhaps NAHLA's involvement was just a front.
"Yeah, between NAHLA and SINS, I'm not sure one is particularly better than the other.." Henry shook his head, starting to feel a little apprehensive. "No offense, man...I don't like the idea of us having our 'hands tied' for something like this."
Alex looks over at Sairyn and something about what he said clicked. He specifically said cooperating with Mr. Hughes, that thought went back to George’s claim of everyone here being his employees. ”You aren’t exactly a representative of NAHLA or working directly for them, are you Boss?” He squinted at the old man. Something else was going on here. The near desperation to get out of SINS hands was still making whatever offer this man was making tempting. But Alex wasn’t keen on the idea of becoming a part of a super military organization under the American government's control. ”What’s going on here really? We have all had one hell of a bad day and some straight answers would be nice.”
View All »Arcs
Arcs are bundles of posts that you can organize on your own. They're useful for telling a story that might span long periods of time or space.
There are no arcs in this roleplay.
View All » Create New » Quests
There are no quests in this roleplay.
Add Group » View All » 0 Factions to align with
Here's the current leaderboard.
There are no groups in this roleplay!
Game Master Controls
Welcome home, Promethean. Here, you can manage your universe.
Arcs
Arcs are bundles of posts from any location, allowing you to easily capture sub-plots which might be spread out across multiple locations.
Add Quest » Quests
You can create Quests with various rewards, encouraging your players to engage with specific plot lines.
Add Setting » 1 Settings for your players to play in
Settings are the backdrop for the characters in your universe, giving meaning and context to their existence. By creating a number of well-written locations, you can organize your universe into areas and regions.
Navigation
While not required, locations can be organized onto a map. More information soon!
Add Group » 0 Factions to align with
There are no groups in this roleplay!
Collectibles
By creating Collectibles, you can reward your players with unique items that accentuate their character sheets.
Once an Item has been created, it can be spawned in the IC using /spawn Item Name (case-sensitive, as usual) — this can be followed with /take Item Name to retrieve the item into the current character's inventory.
Mobs
Give your Universe life by adding a Mob, which are auto-replenishing NPCs your players can interact with. Useful for some quick hack-and-slash fun!
Mobs can be automated spawns, like rats and bats, or full-on NPCs complete with conversation menus. Use them to enhance your player experience!
Current Mobs
No mobs have been created yet.
Spawns
Locations where Mobs and Items might appear.
Events
You can schedule events for your players to create notifications and schedule times for everyone to plan around.
The Forge
Use your INK to craft new artifacts in Hadean. Once created, Items cannot be changed, but they can be bought and sold in the marketplace.
Notable Items
No items have been created yet!
The Market
Buy, sell, and even craft your own items in this universe.
Market DataMarket conditions are Quick Buy (Items Most Recently Listed for Sale) |
Open Stores
View All » Add Character » 44 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Y'mari Abara
"You will not see me. I will sunder you."
Scourge
"Pain and Glory!"
Jamie Kerrow
Spiderblood
Amelia Brunel
"Right on target!"
Niall Khadkani
"If I want, I'll take it. And I... want it all."
Evangeline Richter
NAHLA's Radiant Queen
Gideon Gauss
I have the will that will pave the way!
Ezekiel "Zeke" Walker
"Where there's smoke, there's fire."
Hudson Li
World's best damn mecha pilot
Albrecht von Richthofen
"Z tego powodu latam: aby uciec od ciemno??ci."
Trending
Jericho Amile
"I'm as alive as you, just a little more monstrous."
Cannonade
Super Roma #1
Evangeline Richter
NAHLA's Radiant Queen
Silentium
I appreciate the finer things in life...more so than you do life itself
Gideon Gauss
I have the will that will pave the way!
Devon Metzger
"I guess you could say that I'm living on borrowed time. Then let's not waste it."
Sasha Belov
In the motherland, he was called Koschei, the Undying. Now, he's looking for a new name.
Ezekiel "Zeke" Walker
"Where there's smoke, there's fire."
Joseph Wright
"There was many a time I wished for something different, something more."
Scourge
"Pain and Glory!"
Most Followed
Jericho Amile
"I'm as alive as you, just a little more monstrous."
Vicki Vortex
"I'm not here to save the world, I'm here to rock out in its final encore."
Jamie Kerrow
Spiderblood
Yue Bayushi
Queen of the Damned...
Devon Metzger
"I guess you could say that I'm living on borrowed time. Then let's not waste it."
Amelia Brunel
"Right on target!"
Y'mari Abara
"You will not see me. I will sunder you."
Cannonade
Super Roma #1
Gideon Gauss
I have the will that will pave the way!
Liz Baker
The Alchemist
View All » Places
878 posts · 44 characters present · last post 2021-04-18 06:06:17 »
A city on the front line of innovation, science, industry, and heroism! A growing community, helping build a better future for everyone!
Fullscreen Chat » Create Topic » Hadean: Out of Character
Discussions
-
- Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
Hadean
by Lord Saethos on Wed Jun 17, 2020 6:28 pm
- 8 Replies
- 1602 Views
- Last post by Lord Saethos
on Tue Oct 06, 2020 10:25 pm
-
Hadean
Most recent OOC posts in Hadean
Re: Hadean
Department Of Hero Affairs (DOHA):
DOHA is the organization tasked with managing all hero organizations across the United States (both private and government operated). They are composed of several members of the Cabinet, National Security Council, and other relevant civilian and military organizations in the United States. Notably absent from this organization is the Director of National Intelligence, an intentional choice when the DNI was originally established (and before that, when it was only the Director of Central Intelligence that existed). The main reason for keeping the DNI and DCI out has been to ensure privacy and security of American heroes, and to help instill greater public trust in the organizations DOHA administers.
Important People:
- Victor Covistic - Secretary of Defense of the United States of America
- Claudia Burke - Attorney General of the United States of America
Director of National Intelligence (DNI):
The current DNI is Douglas MacNamara, an ambitious man known for his previous career as the Director of SINS, and the generally bipartisan support he receives for his handling of both SINS and the CIA. While the actual work both organizations does is fairly secretive, it's rumored he has pushed for all intelligence organizations to take very "active" roles in American Foreign Policy. However, this still quite often bleeds into domestic policy as well, and the more SINS is wielded as a sword, by MacNamara, the more their influence and sway is felt in the hero community. It's become increasingly common for more and more heroes to be encouraged to join the ranks of intelligence agencies under MacNamara.
The Shadow Pentagon:
The Shadow Pentagon is a rogue division of the Pentagon, one which operates under absolute secrecy and a close knit circle of military members and defense experts, all working together with one simple goal:
Keep America at the top of the food chain, now and forever.
They operate with total independence from the United States government, keeping everything they do entirely secret do to it's illegality. While what they do is illegal, they are absolutely convinced in the righteousness of their cause, so much so that they keep their work hidden from US Intelligence Agencies, the general public, and even the President of the United States (at least most of them).
Important People:
- Colonel Anthony Van Graft: A more subordinate member of the group, brought in due to military experience, and patriotic disposition.
- Senator Frank Stewart: An associate only at the moment, the Shadow Pentagon is choosing to allow him to be involved at arm's length. He has military industrial complex connections, which the SP hopes to utilize to get more equipment and funding for their research projects.
DOHA is the organization tasked with managing all hero organizations across the United States (both private and government operated). They are composed of several members of the Cabinet, National Security Council, and other relevant civilian and military organizations in the United States. Notably absent from this organization is the Director of National Intelligence, an intentional choice when the DNI was originally established (and before that, when it was only the Director of Central Intelligence that existed). The main reason for keeping the DNI and DCI out has been to ensure privacy and security of American heroes, and to help instill greater public trust in the organizations DOHA administers.
Important People:
- Victor Covistic - Secretary of Defense of the United States of America
- Claudia Burke - Attorney General of the United States of America
Director of National Intelligence (DNI):
The current DNI is Douglas MacNamara, an ambitious man known for his previous career as the Director of SINS, and the generally bipartisan support he receives for his handling of both SINS and the CIA. While the actual work both organizations does is fairly secretive, it's rumored he has pushed for all intelligence organizations to take very "active" roles in American Foreign Policy. However, this still quite often bleeds into domestic policy as well, and the more SINS is wielded as a sword, by MacNamara, the more their influence and sway is felt in the hero community. It's become increasingly common for more and more heroes to be encouraged to join the ranks of intelligence agencies under MacNamara.
The Shadow Pentagon:
The Shadow Pentagon is a rogue division of the Pentagon, one which operates under absolute secrecy and a close knit circle of military members and defense experts, all working together with one simple goal:
Keep America at the top of the food chain, now and forever.
They operate with total independence from the United States government, keeping everything they do entirely secret do to it's illegality. While what they do is illegal, they are absolutely convinced in the righteousness of their cause, so much so that they keep their work hidden from US Intelligence Agencies, the general public, and even the President of the United States (at least most of them).
Important People:
- Colonel Anthony Van Graft: A more subordinate member of the group, brought in due to military experience, and patriotic disposition.
- Senator Frank Stewart: An associate only at the moment, the Shadow Pentagon is choosing to allow him to be involved at arm's length. He has military industrial complex connections, which the SP hopes to utilize to get more equipment and funding for their research projects.
Re: Hadean
Hello user! Welcome to the Public Historical for American Monumental Companies and Persons! Also known as PHAMCAP!
The UID you entered is recognized as Sebastian Velazquez! Your last session was logged at 10:04 AM of Tuesday, January 2045!
You were editing for the com-
Skip welcome message.
Command acknowledged! Would you like to resume your last session?
Yes.
Wonderful! The User should know that their work IS being read and archived by SINS, the-
Yeah yeah, skip.
Speech-to-Text detected! Would you like-
Good god... SKIP! Resume editing!
Understood! Thank you for your compliance!
[BEGIN EDIT]
Menagerie Pharmaceutical Technologies.
[Editors Note: It should be taken into account that not all information in this article can be 100% accurate.
There's too much that Menagerie is hiding from the public, so my timelines may be off.
I hope this helps you, Chorus. We need to bring these bastards down.]
Menagerie Pharmaceutical Technologies, also called Menagerie Tech, or M. Tech., is a relatively large and well known medical corporation. The corporation was founded in 1997, around the advent of time when super-powered individuals were growing that much more well known and respected.
Menagerie Tech made its name in the field of medical technologies, specifically prosthesis and 'genuine' methods of 'repair and maintenance of super powered individuals and inventions.' Put simply, they specialized in replacement limbs and the healthcare of Supers and Super Owned 'Technologies.' They became extremely popular along the western coast of the United States after a slew of successful, experimental at the time, surgeries that proved to be effective on Supers whose biology would ordinarily be too 'impenetrable' to typical medical tools.
They further received additional funding from a certain few branches of the American military in exchange for the devoted research towards the production of... Enhanced limbs.
It would take years, until about 2011, before Menagerie Tech was one of the first companies to ever produce a proper, high end prosthetic limb. It was at first a hand 'unit' paired with a modifiable firearm. The firearm would lock to the specific hand unit, and at the time would simply engage its' safeties until such a time that the proper 'unit' would register to the firearm. A seemingly useless and benign prosthesis, it was nonetheless an advancement unlike any other of its time.
Menagerie would then join the race for even higher grade prosthetic limbs and organs. Culminating in their greatest achievement in 2038.
Nick-named ‘Icho-Gel’, and otherwise referred to as Product[REDACTED] (A-9A11A4-2) Aliyan Salve.
The product has a as of yet unknown production method, but considering Menagerie Tech’s considerable donations to the American Public and their Supers, most of the populace simply chose to ‘not look a gift horse in the mouth’ as it were.
The product in question is reserved solely for use in Menagerie Tech’s hospitals and clinical units, though it’s widely sought after by the otherwise super-powered crowd, or at least those that are in the ‘know’.
Icho-Gel is marketed as a ‘panacea, or as close as we have ever gotten to making one.’ And has been regarded as a medical achievement akin to penicillin. Ichor-Gel, when applied topically to any wound, has been shown to rapidly increase the body’s base healing process.
What would take months or years to close up, properly heal, scar over, and then slowly fade from the body, would only take mere days to hours with the aid of Ichor-Gel. The product was even shown and proven to work on Super-Powered-Individuals with otherwise impenetrable skin.
Menagerie Tech has not yet released how exactly the gel accomplishes this, but has proven through many clinical trials that the product causes no adverse harm to the body.
A glorious cause, and a hefty sum of profit would fall into Menagerie Tech’s hands as a result of their medical marvel...
Unbeknownst to the public however, was another, more sinister goal in mind. Menagerie Tech was contacted in the year 1998, by an otherwise unknown source- Rumored at the time to be SINS and their Russian equivalents- to devise a means of active, hidden, mass producible, homeland security.
It is unknown at the time how credible these claims can be, but with the disappearances of many low level Superheroes and Villains alike all across the southern and western states, the claims continue to build merit.
That was until relatively recently, when a particularly acclaimed Supervillain by the name of Lab Rat was credited with the kidnapping and illegal experimentation of numerous supers.
Lab Rat has also become a prime suspect in the brief appearance of what the public of the small town of Ipswood Texas were calling "The White Pillar", along with the subsequent disappearance of Ipswood nearly 48 hours after.
Rumors surfaced mere weeks later, of an 'escaped experiement', prowling the area where Ipswood once stood.
[END EDIT]
Log off. I'm done.
Goodbye User!
The UID you entered is recognized as Sebastian Velazquez! Your last session was logged at 10:04 AM of Tuesday, January 2045!
You were editing for the com-
Skip welcome message.
Command acknowledged! Would you like to resume your last session?
Yes.
Wonderful! The User should know that their work IS being read and archived by SINS, the-
Yeah yeah, skip.
Speech-to-Text detected! Would you like-
Good god... SKIP! Resume editing!
Understood! Thank you for your compliance!
[BEGIN EDIT]
Menagerie Pharmaceutical Technologies.
There's too much that Menagerie is hiding from the public, so my timelines may be off.
I hope this helps you, Chorus. We need to bring these bastards down.]
Menagerie Pharmaceutical Technologies, also called Menagerie Tech, or M. Tech., is a relatively large and well known medical corporation. The corporation was founded in 1997, around the advent of time when super-powered individuals were growing that much more well known and respected.
Menagerie Tech made its name in the field of medical technologies, specifically prosthesis and 'genuine' methods of 'repair and maintenance of super powered individuals and inventions.' Put simply, they specialized in replacement limbs and the healthcare of Supers and Super Owned 'Technologies.' They became extremely popular along the western coast of the United States after a slew of successful, experimental at the time, surgeries that proved to be effective on Supers whose biology would ordinarily be too 'impenetrable' to typical medical tools.
They further received additional funding from a certain few branches of the American military in exchange for the devoted research towards the production of... Enhanced limbs.
It would take years, until about 2011, before Menagerie Tech was one of the first companies to ever produce a proper, high end prosthetic limb. It was at first a hand 'unit' paired with a modifiable firearm. The firearm would lock to the specific hand unit, and at the time would simply engage its' safeties until such a time that the proper 'unit' would register to the firearm. A seemingly useless and benign prosthesis, it was nonetheless an advancement unlike any other of its time.
Menagerie would then join the race for even higher grade prosthetic limbs and organs. Culminating in their greatest achievement in 2038.
Nick-named ‘Icho-Gel’, and otherwise referred to as Product
The product has a as of yet unknown production method, but considering Menagerie Tech’s considerable donations to the American Public and their Supers, most of the populace simply chose to ‘not look a gift horse in the mouth’ as it were.
The product in question is reserved solely for use in Menagerie Tech’s hospitals and clinical units, though it’s widely sought after by the otherwise super-powered crowd, or at least those that are in the ‘know’.
Icho-Gel is marketed as a ‘panacea, or as close as we have ever gotten to making one.’ And has been regarded as a medical achievement akin to penicillin. Ichor-Gel, when applied topically to any wound, has been shown to rapidly increase the body’s base healing process.
What would take months or years to close up, properly heal, scar over, and then slowly fade from the body, would only take mere days to hours with the aid of Ichor-Gel. The product was even shown and proven to work on Super-Powered-Individuals with otherwise impenetrable skin.
Menagerie Tech has not yet released how exactly the gel accomplishes this, but has proven through many clinical trials that the product causes no adverse harm to the body.
A glorious cause, and a hefty sum of profit would fall into Menagerie Tech’s hands as a result of their medical marvel...
Unbeknownst to the public however, was another, more sinister goal in mind. Menagerie Tech was contacted in the year 1998, by an otherwise unknown source- Rumored at the time to be SINS and their Russian equivalents- to devise a means of active, hidden, mass producible, homeland security.
It is unknown at the time how credible these claims can be, but with the disappearances of many low level Superheroes and Villains alike all across the southern and western states, the claims continue to build merit.
That was until relatively recently, when a particularly acclaimed Supervillain by the name of Lab Rat was credited with the kidnapping and illegal experimentation of numerous supers.
Lab Rat has also become a prime suspect in the brief appearance of what the public of the small town of Ipswood Texas were calling "The White Pillar", along with the subsequent disappearance of Ipswood nearly 48 hours after.
Rumors surfaced mere weeks later, of an 'escaped experiement', prowling the area where Ipswood once stood.
[END EDIT]
Log off. I'm done.
Goodbye User!
Re: Hadean
City of Lichmore, Massachusetts:
Lichmore Massachusetts was a small coastal city in New England established in the 1600's, during Puritanical settlement of North America. The city's primary source of income was from fishing, but it had grown to be more industrialized over the years too, becoming an important port town for the region. However, during the mid-1800's, soil erosion, increased rain, sea encroachment, and flooding began to deteriorate the town. Buildings were starting to become more derelict, mainland access was becoming more difficult, and sea growth started to across the town, whether it be barnacles on buildings, or bits of seaweed lining the streets, even dead fish piling up in some spots.
And that was before the town really began to suffer. In the late 1910's, the roads to the mainland had practically been washed away, streets began to collapse into the ocean from seismic activity, and the whole city had essentially become a waste pile for the dead and decayed things the sea refused to keep within it. The 1920's saw criminal activity surge in the city, now with a population of 232'000 people. Bootlegging had become a major source of income for the community, and its increasing remoteness made it harder for Prohibition cops to catch anyone there. Most of the enforcement had to happen out at sea, or at the ports of other US cities.
This was not to last long however. By 1928, the city had become overwhelmed by the forces of nature. A mass exodus to leave the city had been going on since 1926, and with barely a few thousand people left in the waterlogged mess, it was essentially a ghost town already in the eyes of the rest of America. When the earthquake toppled the buildings, the roads, the foundations of the city itself, and the hurricanes and floods swallowed it all up or washed it out to sea, no one remained to mourn the loss.
The derelict did not go quietly, but it may as well have, for the sheer lack of anyone to have heard it. Any that remained in the city to die with it were almost as derelict as the mold infested, waterlogged buildings that were a light breeze away from collapse.
Few remember this part in American history, and fewer care. Greater and more important things were always around the corner, things that had persisted far longer, and would continue to do so even longer.
Lichmore Massachusetts was a small coastal city in New England established in the 1600's, during Puritanical settlement of North America. The city's primary source of income was from fishing, but it had grown to be more industrialized over the years too, becoming an important port town for the region. However, during the mid-1800's, soil erosion, increased rain, sea encroachment, and flooding began to deteriorate the town. Buildings were starting to become more derelict, mainland access was becoming more difficult, and sea growth started to across the town, whether it be barnacles on buildings, or bits of seaweed lining the streets, even dead fish piling up in some spots.
And that was before the town really began to suffer. In the late 1910's, the roads to the mainland had practically been washed away, streets began to collapse into the ocean from seismic activity, and the whole city had essentially become a waste pile for the dead and decayed things the sea refused to keep within it. The 1920's saw criminal activity surge in the city, now with a population of 232'000 people. Bootlegging had become a major source of income for the community, and its increasing remoteness made it harder for Prohibition cops to catch anyone there. Most of the enforcement had to happen out at sea, or at the ports of other US cities.
This was not to last long however. By 1928, the city had become overwhelmed by the forces of nature. A mass exodus to leave the city had been going on since 1926, and with barely a few thousand people left in the waterlogged mess, it was essentially a ghost town already in the eyes of the rest of America. When the earthquake toppled the buildings, the roads, the foundations of the city itself, and the hurricanes and floods swallowed it all up or washed it out to sea, no one remained to mourn the loss.
The derelict did not go quietly, but it may as well have, for the sheer lack of anyone to have heard it. Any that remained in the city to die with it were almost as derelict as the mold infested, waterlogged buildings that were a light breeze away from collapse.
Few remember this part in American history, and fewer care. Greater and more important things were always around the corner, things that had persisted far longer, and would continue to do so even longer.
Re: Hadean
Recordings of Dr. Elizabeth Galloway, Head of Biological Defense Research at Vanguard Enterprises, L.L.C. regarding Project Mastima (Archive Volume 1)
File 062628
Recording begins.
File 062628
Recording begins.
-What - what is this? Magnetic tape recordings? Did Dr. Halsey really do this?
-Yes, ma’am. Your predecessor was adamant about keeping records that couldn’t be traced digitally.
-Well that’s- I suppose that makes sense. Even if it is a little… hipster. Where are her earlier recordings?
-I wouldn’t be the one to ask, ma’am.
-Fantastic. Alright then. You can go.
-Yes, ma’am.
-Alright. [clears throat] This is file… what’s the date today? Oh-six-two-six-two-eight. Audio recording by Dr. Elizabeth Galloway, newly appointed head of biological defense research - what the fuck even is that? Making superheros? Christ - at Vanguard Enterprises, Boston. Following the final instructions by my predecessor Dr. Catherine Halsey, I’ve followed up on her reports of seventy-three children she flagged as viable candidates for “Project Mastima”. Mastima? Really? Is that meant to refer to herself, or…
-Anyway, I’ve been having Esquela and Brown look into the addresses she listed. Most of these should be fairly easy to bring in, but some of these others - Miss Zima Kratka and Mister Tan Zexian, for example, will present some difficulty. I don’t know what that woman was thinking, selecting children from the other side of the Curtain.
-I also have some… apprehensions concerning her decision to use children as her subjects. I understand it, logically, the increased genetic flexibility will certainly help with any potential… complications. I think I would prefer to go forward with volunteer trials first, however.
Recording Ends.
File 120328
Recording Begins
File 120328
Recording Begins
-Fuck it all to fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!!
-Volunteer trials were a fucking disaster. One hundred and forty-three either dead or crippled beyond hope of physical or psychological recovery. At least no one’s left to point the finger at us. Jesus Christ, six months of work down the fucking drain.
-I suppose it’s not all a complete loss. Our trials into the study of pre-existing powers bore some surprising fruit - one Mr. Jon Gerry, aka the convicted villain Supernova, had his superpowers removed successfully. Now it’s just a matter of figuring out which method worked, and whether it’s repeatable. And whether those powers can be transferred into another subject.
-As for Dr. Halsey’s children… Well, I suppose that decision’s been made for me. I’ll authorize for them to be. Well, “adopted” isn’t entirely inaccurate, but.... [clears throat]
Recording Ends.
File 011929
Recording Begins
File 011929
Recording Begins
-This is Project Mastima file oh-one-one-nine-two-nine. Dr. Elizabeth Galloway recording.
-The last of the children arrived today. I’ve ordered full medical diagnostics for all of them. Some of them were in uh. [clears throat] Not great. I’ve arranged for the next two months to be dedicated to medical treatment and physical training drills. I want them as healthy as I can get before we start tests.
-Another thing, those up top want me to give the kids new names. Make them harder to track down, I guess. [short laugh] Not that anyone’s looking for them. Dr. Halsey already made sure of that. No families, no birthdays on record, and now no names? May as well tattoo “expendable resource” across their foreheads while we’re at it.
Recording Ends.
File 031329
Recording Begins
File 031329
Recording Begins
-Mastima file oh-three-one-three-two-nine. Dr. Galloway recording.
-Trials started today. Of the seven kids who were tested today, three never made it out of the room, and one had to be… put down. [clears throat] I’ve been trying to maintain distance from them these past couple months but it’s, it’s-
-God damn it, they’re just kids. They’re just fucking kids.
Recording Ends.
File 032329
Recording Begins
File 032329
Recording Begins
-Mastima file oh-three-two-three-two-nine, Dr. Galloway recording.
-Initial trials ended yesterday. Despite Dr. Halsey’s… let’s say “optimism” concerning the use of prepubescents to limit mortality, we still lost half our initial sample population. Thirty-seven out of the original seventy-three subjects died due to extreme trauma during the trial, or were forcibly terminated by security personnel following… spontaneous, aggressive genetic mutation.
-I’ve ordered a week off for recovery, both by my staff and our remaining sample size. After that, we’ll get to work measuring the scope of our survivors’ new abilities.
Recording Ends.
File 032529
Recording Begins
File 032529
Recording Begins
-It was brought to my attention by a caretaker that one of our subjects, Mr… Gilbert Allan, is refusing to eat. I remember this one, his powers turned much of the equipment in lab five to dust. Apparently it made him too afraid to touch anything.
-I resolved the situation through the use of a placebo; I gave him a pair of gloves, and told him they’d been especially designed to resist the effects of his ability. It took a bit of convincing, but he’s managed to wear them without issue, and has resumed eating.
-I’ll keep this incident in mind. I may be able to apply similar placebo effects if the powers of our other subjects prove too much to handle otherwise.
Recording Ends.
File 041329
Recording Begins
File 041329
Recording Begins
-Project Mastima file oh-four-one-three-two-nine. Dr. Elizabeth Galloway recording.
-Initial assessments were completed today. Overall I am… shockingly optimistic. Results… were varied, but many vastly surpassed initial estimates. A handful in particular, namely Mr. Gilbert Allan, Miss Suchin Mookjai, and Mr. Tan Zexian showed remarkable aptitude for their new abilities. Gilbert was a surprise; I wouldn’t have expected him to gain control of his abilities so quickly.
-Others will require… special attention, for the potential danger their abilities could pose if they had such a mind. Miss Ursula Kohler’s ability to influence others with her voice in particular… concerns me. I think I’ll look into countermeasures for that.
-I was disappointed with Miss Zima Kratka. Her display in the initial trials led me to believe she would be one of our best subjects, but her performance during her assessment was comparatively underwhelming. Perhaps she’s reluctant to embrace her newfound talents? Unfortunately I don’t have the time to pay special attention to every one of them, so if she would rather underperform… I suppose that’s her prerogative.
Recording Ends.
File 041629
Recording Begins
File 041629
Recording Begins
-Mastima file oh-four-one-six-two-nine. Dr. Elizabeth Galloway recording.
-I’ve reconsidered the suggestion concerning names. In light of… events concerning our old buddies across the curtain which have transpired in the past and may yet transpire in the future, I feel it may benefit to give these kids a sense of unity. A shared name is a powerful thing, after all, so I announced this morning that they would all be given new names, to signify their “second birth” as supers. Reception was… mixed, but they’re young enough that they’ll bounce back.
-There… are fewer of them than yesterday. On review of their assessments, and pending further medical examination, I’ve reached the conclusion that twelve of them are unfit to continue in this project. Those that are left, these twenty-four remaining members of Dr. Halsey’s chosen children- No, my children. I should at least offer them that degree of accountability. My children. They need to feel like they belong here. If I convince them to think of each other as their siblings, of me as their mother…
-I’m still thinking about those who turned into.. Whatever those were, during the initial trials. Tests following the trials showed many of the remaining subjects were still genetically unstable - the twelve I’ve authorized to have removed from the program are at the greatest risk, but the threat is still there with the others. Hopefully this decision concerning their names will help them feel more at home here, and lower the stress on their psyche.
-Not that that’ll matter much, if they’re cleared for field duty. “A new weapon to protect the world, safer than any bomb.” Yeah, right.
Recording Ends.
Re: Hadean
Important Organizations:
S.I.N.S. (Supers Intelligence for National Security):
SINS is a simple organization to understand, if you understand American military and "intelligence" agencies. Part FBI, part NSA, and a great deal of CIA, SINS keeps track of Supers that don't "conform" to the expectations the state has for them. Vigilantes, villains, and supers that just cause too many problems for Uncle Sam. That's what they take care of. Everything they do is perfectly legal, and moral, so long as it benefits America, and so long as they aren't caught. Of course, that's mostly rumors and conjecture, conspiracy theories talked about by tin hat wearers on the internet. At the end of the day, they keep America safe from supers. At any cost.
National American Hero League Association (NAHLA):
This is THE Hero Organization to be a part of, the absolute cream of the crop, the best that America can possibly dish up. Patriots, dogooders, Good Samaritans, this is the US Marine Corps of superheroes. Of course, it is government sponsored, so registration is required, but it comes with big perks, both financial, and in terms of fame and glory. Some argue that it can be "elitist", and crazies say they're just supermuscle for the government or corporations, but don't pay that any mind. They're almost all good people, who've saved countless lives, and come to the aid in nearly every disaster since the 1940's. Many have laid down their lives, and are forever remembered in the NAHLA Halls of Fame and Heroism.
Witchfinder Generals:
A listed terrorist group, mainly domestic and operating in the United States. Their membership has fallen in the past few decades, but they have been known for murder and other crimes against Supers. This is strange in that many of the members are themselves supers, but the philosophy they subscribe to is that supers are unnatural, demonic beings, and must be rid from the Earth. They tend to dress in slightly modernized Puritanical Settler attire, sporting even the old style of hats often portrayed for that time.
Atlas City Heroes Incorporated (ACHI):
The ACHI was the first private hero organization formed in Atlas City, and has been here ever since! Originally it included Atlas as one of its founding members, but with his passing others have had to carry the torch. Sadly, the organization had originally had more philanthropically minded members, which meant finances were limited. Add to that various issues with infighting, and the organization today is mostly a shell of its former glory, having been surpassed by newer, or much larger and better funded, hero organizations. A few members remain, even one or two of the originals, and they continue to try to keep it's glory and history alive. While it can still afford to...
People's Alliance of Heroic Communist Transformationalists (PAHCT):
As the name may imply, this is an international organization of supers hailing from nations with Communist and/or Socialist governments, or major allies of such countries. The phrase "Transformationalists" essentially means Supers helping to transform the world into a more just, Communist one, where all men, women, and others are equal and free from the oppression of Capitalism and the Bourgeois. Largely headed by the Soviet Union and China, this organization has constantly been at odds with American and other Western hero organizations, though little more than a few sporadic fist fights have ever occurred between these groups. Personal grudges and animosities aren't considered good reasons to start full scale wars, not in the eyes of the Communists, or Capitalists.
The Union:
A criminal organization that previously held sway in various parts of the world (sometimes great, sometimes weak). The Union was supposed to have collapsed earlier this year, but rumors of other criminal organizations potentially having taken on their mantel have begun to surface. Verifying any of this is next to impossible as all traces of them seem to be non-existent, but what is clear is that they are dangerous, and should be treated as such.
Unknown Soldiers (Unconfirmed Existence):
Rumors and speculation abound of strange groups of soldiers being spotted in various locations around the world, some have been spotted in all black, others in blue or white, or similar colors. They may be two groups, and no connections have been made between them. There has also been nothing of note to identify them with to this point, beyond the colors and their secrecy. This could be pure fantasy, but for some it may be useful to keep it in mind anyways, if for no other reason than to stay safe.
S.I.N.S. (Supers Intelligence for National Security):
SINS is a simple organization to understand, if you understand American military and "intelligence" agencies. Part FBI, part NSA, and a great deal of CIA, SINS keeps track of Supers that don't "conform" to the expectations the state has for them. Vigilantes, villains, and supers that just cause too many problems for Uncle Sam. That's what they take care of. Everything they do is perfectly legal, and moral, so long as it benefits America, and so long as they aren't caught. Of course, that's mostly rumors and conjecture, conspiracy theories talked about by tin hat wearers on the internet. At the end of the day, they keep America safe from supers. At any cost.
National American Hero League Association (NAHLA):
This is THE Hero Organization to be a part of, the absolute cream of the crop, the best that America can possibly dish up. Patriots, dogooders, Good Samaritans, this is the US Marine Corps of superheroes. Of course, it is government sponsored, so registration is required, but it comes with big perks, both financial, and in terms of fame and glory. Some argue that it can be "elitist", and crazies say they're just supermuscle for the government or corporations, but don't pay that any mind. They're almost all good people, who've saved countless lives, and come to the aid in nearly every disaster since the 1940's. Many have laid down their lives, and are forever remembered in the NAHLA Halls of Fame and Heroism.
Witchfinder Generals:
A listed terrorist group, mainly domestic and operating in the United States. Their membership has fallen in the past few decades, but they have been known for murder and other crimes against Supers. This is strange in that many of the members are themselves supers, but the philosophy they subscribe to is that supers are unnatural, demonic beings, and must be rid from the Earth. They tend to dress in slightly modernized Puritanical Settler attire, sporting even the old style of hats often portrayed for that time.
Atlas City Heroes Incorporated (ACHI):
The ACHI was the first private hero organization formed in Atlas City, and has been here ever since! Originally it included Atlas as one of its founding members, but with his passing others have had to carry the torch. Sadly, the organization had originally had more philanthropically minded members, which meant finances were limited. Add to that various issues with infighting, and the organization today is mostly a shell of its former glory, having been surpassed by newer, or much larger and better funded, hero organizations. A few members remain, even one or two of the originals, and they continue to try to keep it's glory and history alive. While it can still afford to...
People's Alliance of Heroic Communist Transformationalists (PAHCT):
As the name may imply, this is an international organization of supers hailing from nations with Communist and/or Socialist governments, or major allies of such countries. The phrase "Transformationalists" essentially means Supers helping to transform the world into a more just, Communist one, where all men, women, and others are equal and free from the oppression of Capitalism and the Bourgeois. Largely headed by the Soviet Union and China, this organization has constantly been at odds with American and other Western hero organizations, though little more than a few sporadic fist fights have ever occurred between these groups. Personal grudges and animosities aren't considered good reasons to start full scale wars, not in the eyes of the Communists, or Capitalists.
The Union:
A criminal organization that previously held sway in various parts of the world (sometimes great, sometimes weak). The Union was supposed to have collapsed earlier this year, but rumors of other criminal organizations potentially having taken on their mantel have begun to surface. Verifying any of this is next to impossible as all traces of them seem to be non-existent, but what is clear is that they are dangerous, and should be treated as such.
Unknown Soldiers (Unconfirmed Existence):
Rumors and speculation abound of strange groups of soldiers being spotted in various locations around the world, some have been spotted in all black, others in blue or white, or similar colors. They may be two groups, and no connections have been made between them. There has also been nothing of note to identify them with to this point, beyond the colors and their secrecy. This could be pure fantasy, but for some it may be useful to keep it in mind anyways, if for no other reason than to stay safe.
Re: Hadean
Supers and The Law:
Being a Super, while still controversial today (despite Supers having no control over their condition), has no real legal limitations to it. Supers are able to live normal lives just like anyone else, sometimes slightly more interesting and exciting given their special gifts.
However, being a "hero" or "heroine" is much more legally complicated. As far as the law concerned, any Supers who wish to carry out acts of heroism MUST be part of a LEGALLY recognized organization. This is broken down into several types of organizations.
Government Organizations: Organizations like this include the police, the military, S.I.N.S. (Supers Intelligence for National Security), Intelligence Agencies, search and rescue, medical services, and fire services.
Government Sponsored Hero Organizations: Most national governments in the world sponsor their own Hero organizations (some sponsor more than one even!). These organizations require that their members be given very specific, government mandated and regulated training. Heroes in these organizations may take part in crime fighting and rescue operations, but only if they have successfully obtained their training in these programs. Most members of these organizations must have their identities registered with the government, but their secret identities still remain hidden from the public (for safety and security concerns).
Privately Operated Hero Organizations: These organizations are similar to government Sponsored Hero Organizations, save for the fact these organizations are privately owned and operated. As a result, the owners and members often take on direct legal liability for anything negligent or illegal that one of their Supers does. The draw to some of these organizations is that while they do offer lower pay in some cases, they do offer higher levels of privacy and anonymity. The Supers that join must still participate and pass the government regulated training programs, but it allows them to also participate in crime fighting and rescue operations, when the government gives them permission.
Note: These organizations are NOT required to give the identities of their Supers to the government, however they ARE required to collect their identities and personal information, and they CAN be required to present it to the government in the case of criminal misconduct and investigations. In other words, a subpoena from the courts can force these companies to reveal the identities of supers involved in a legal suit.
International Hero Organizations: These are hero organizations registered, trained, and legally capable of operating in more than one country. These types of organizations are tricky, particularly as some straddle a fine line with the law at times, but they exist largely to participate in major, global scale emergencies. Some of these are government operated (either between different governments, or through international bodies like the UN), and others are privately operated.
Some countries have different approaches to allowing IHO's to handle crises, for America they tend to require the IHO be trained with American standards of Hero training. Additionally for America, they generally require that Supers from a US Government Sponsored or Private American Hero Organization, to work with the IHO, essentially to "babysit" them, or in actuality to ensure they aren't enemy spies working against the US.
Due to this, many IHO's try to incorporate or register themselves in the US to help ease the international legal tensions, though another way to mitigate this is to register in countries considered allies of America. Alternatively, some IHO's register in the USSR, China, or another nation that might be allied to one of these states, or lead by a Communist government.
Vigilantism, Good Samaritans, and Heroism Outside of the Law:
Put simply, any Super (or Non-Super for that matter) that tries to carry out acts of heroism is at serious risk of legal repercussions. Firstly, Vigilantism is illegal period. Supers and Non-Supers cannot ever fight crime without being part of a registered Hero Organization. Things like Citizens Arrests, or working with a Crime Watch organization, is typically legal, however causing serious damage to property, injuries, or death doing either of these will still be punished to the full extent of the law.
Supers and Non-Supers that "take the law into their own hands" will be treated just like the criminals they try to fight.
When it comes to trying to save people, however, the law is a little trickier. Supers and Non-Supers that try to carry out "Good Samaritan" acts can still be charged with negligence and endangerment. For example, saving someone from a burning building, pulling someone out of a car crash, etc. Supers and Non-Supers CANNOT intervene in these dangerous situations without training. If they do so, they could be charged with Reckless Endangerment, even if no one is injured or killed. If anyone is killed or injured, the punishment will be much stricter.
Luckily, Supers and Non-Supers CAN take Good Samaritan training programs! Not only is First Aid training available, but so is fire rescue, car accident scene rescue, earthquake rescue, and much more. With this training, Supers and Non-Supers can carry out acts of heroism when such a time arises, and they can do it safely and with respect to the law.
Note: This training is available to the general public. Supers and Non-Supers do not need to join any organization to receive this training, however it only applies to Rescues and Good Samaritan acts. It does NOT include crime fighting. To fight crime, Supers and Non-Supers MUST join a registered organization.
Super Registration Laws:
Currently, there is no law that exists that requires Supers to be registered in any way. The only time Supers must be registered is when they join Hero organizations, and the only time they need to be registered with the government is when they join organizations sponsored by the government.
However, there has always been a movement of civilians that have pushed for mandatory registration for ALL Supers. So far, no such law has been passed in most Western Nations, but the desire among politicians, corporations, and even regular civilians, to have such laws passed still exists. Whether or not this could ever happen is debatable, but at this moment, most Western governments have not made an effort to pass such laws.
Being a Super, while still controversial today (despite Supers having no control over their condition), has no real legal limitations to it. Supers are able to live normal lives just like anyone else, sometimes slightly more interesting and exciting given their special gifts.
However, being a "hero" or "heroine" is much more legally complicated. As far as the law concerned, any Supers who wish to carry out acts of heroism MUST be part of a LEGALLY recognized organization. This is broken down into several types of organizations.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Government Organizations: Organizations like this include the police, the military, S.I.N.S. (Supers Intelligence for National Security), Intelligence Agencies, search and rescue, medical services, and fire services.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Government Sponsored Hero Organizations: Most national governments in the world sponsor their own Hero organizations (some sponsor more than one even!). These organizations require that their members be given very specific, government mandated and regulated training. Heroes in these organizations may take part in crime fighting and rescue operations, but only if they have successfully obtained their training in these programs. Most members of these organizations must have their identities registered with the government, but their secret identities still remain hidden from the public (for safety and security concerns).
__________________________________________________________________________________
Privately Operated Hero Organizations: These organizations are similar to government Sponsored Hero Organizations, save for the fact these organizations are privately owned and operated. As a result, the owners and members often take on direct legal liability for anything negligent or illegal that one of their Supers does. The draw to some of these organizations is that while they do offer lower pay in some cases, they do offer higher levels of privacy and anonymity. The Supers that join must still participate and pass the government regulated training programs, but it allows them to also participate in crime fighting and rescue operations, when the government gives them permission.
Note: These organizations are NOT required to give the identities of their Supers to the government, however they ARE required to collect their identities and personal information, and they CAN be required to present it to the government in the case of criminal misconduct and investigations. In other words, a subpoena from the courts can force these companies to reveal the identities of supers involved in a legal suit.
__________________________________________________________________________________
International Hero Organizations: These are hero organizations registered, trained, and legally capable of operating in more than one country. These types of organizations are tricky, particularly as some straddle a fine line with the law at times, but they exist largely to participate in major, global scale emergencies. Some of these are government operated (either between different governments, or through international bodies like the UN), and others are privately operated.
Some countries have different approaches to allowing IHO's to handle crises, for America they tend to require the IHO be trained with American standards of Hero training. Additionally for America, they generally require that Supers from a US Government Sponsored or Private American Hero Organization, to work with the IHO, essentially to "babysit" them, or in actuality to ensure they aren't enemy spies working against the US.
Due to this, many IHO's try to incorporate or register themselves in the US to help ease the international legal tensions, though another way to mitigate this is to register in countries considered allies of America. Alternatively, some IHO's register in the USSR, China, or another nation that might be allied to one of these states, or lead by a Communist government.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Vigilantism, Good Samaritans, and Heroism Outside of the Law:
Put simply, any Super (or Non-Super for that matter) that tries to carry out acts of heroism is at serious risk of legal repercussions. Firstly, Vigilantism is illegal period. Supers and Non-Supers cannot ever fight crime without being part of a registered Hero Organization. Things like Citizens Arrests, or working with a Crime Watch organization, is typically legal, however causing serious damage to property, injuries, or death doing either of these will still be punished to the full extent of the law.
Supers and Non-Supers that "take the law into their own hands" will be treated just like the criminals they try to fight.
When it comes to trying to save people, however, the law is a little trickier. Supers and Non-Supers that try to carry out "Good Samaritan" acts can still be charged with negligence and endangerment. For example, saving someone from a burning building, pulling someone out of a car crash, etc. Supers and Non-Supers CANNOT intervene in these dangerous situations without training. If they do so, they could be charged with Reckless Endangerment, even if no one is injured or killed. If anyone is killed or injured, the punishment will be much stricter.
Luckily, Supers and Non-Supers CAN take Good Samaritan training programs! Not only is First Aid training available, but so is fire rescue, car accident scene rescue, earthquake rescue, and much more. With this training, Supers and Non-Supers can carry out acts of heroism when such a time arises, and they can do it safely and with respect to the law.
Note: This training is available to the general public. Supers and Non-Supers do not need to join any organization to receive this training, however it only applies to Rescues and Good Samaritan acts. It does NOT include crime fighting. To fight crime, Supers and Non-Supers MUST join a registered organization.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Super Registration Laws:
Currently, there is no law that exists that requires Supers to be registered in any way. The only time Supers must be registered is when they join Hero organizations, and the only time they need to be registered with the government is when they join organizations sponsored by the government.
However, there has always been a movement of civilians that have pushed for mandatory registration for ALL Supers. So far, no such law has been passed in most Western Nations, but the desire among politicians, corporations, and even regular civilians, to have such laws passed still exists. Whether or not this could ever happen is debatable, but at this moment, most Western governments have not made an effort to pass such laws.
Re: Hadean
How Powers Work:
From what scientific study has produced so far, the way in which the powers of supers work is tied into atomic and subatomic particles. While much of these studies have had to lean on hypothesis at this point, it's clear that the effects these powers produce is largely based on a manipulation of particles, possibly through some unknown type of energy. What can be observed is that certain powers (for example fire creation) involves no use of fuels, either already existing ones or a fuel that exists within supers. Fire can simply, at face value, appear out of thin air.
Of course, that would imply a non-scientific origin perhaps, but other studies have led to evidence that suggests the existence of either particles or an energy that allows supers to manipulate other atomic and subatomic particles. This is still only a hypothesis, as it has so far been impossible to detect this with current scientific instruments and measurements.
Other things like biological or chemical changes have been considered, but these fields of study have so far shown very little. Some evidence might lead to supers having certain shared genetic traits, but if this is true, it has not yet been discovered where these traits came from, and whether they cause the powers, or are caused by the powers, or if the powers and the genes are created by some sort of "point of origin" (which raises a multitude of other hypotheses as well, including multiverse theories).
Finally, there is the hypothesis that powers work through more supernatural means, though even that has opened up its very own field of hypotheticals, and of course, pseudo-science.
Important Note: As far as scientific studies have illustrated, the powers supers today demonstrate have not been documented at any point in time before World War 2. This leads to the conclusion that some event in WW2 is what led to the existence of these powers. Some have speculated the atomic bombs used on Japan may be the origin, others have suggested strange Nazi science and occultism, and others still suggest more supernatural events that took place at the time.
There are rumors of some powered beings from another world, or immortals who have existed since long before World War 2, of monsters and legendary creatures. As far as science can show, these are all rumors, speculation, myths, and legends. Some, at worst, are mere conspiracy theories. Until evidence can surface to support any of these claims, they cannot be given any merit.
Power Origins:
The powers of supers have a variety of identified "origins", points at which powers demonstrate themselves in supers, but the main five are as follows:
Birth: A super is born with their powers.
Trauma: Some severe, traumatic event results in the appearance of a super's powers.
Random/Chance: A super is not born with their powers, but they at some point "activate" in a super, with no identifiable origin or reason for activation. In other words; "They went to bed normal, but woke up as a Super".
Anomalous Incident (Speculative): Some supers report having been involved in an incident that defies the laws of nature and science, some supernatural or science fiction event outside the norms of our world. This is, at this point, speculative as it relies on the self-reporting of supers. It is possible these origins are true, but without further evidence, it cannot be accepted conclusively, making it a speculative origin only for the time being.
Other (Sometimes Speculative): Similar to anomalous incidents, but generally more grounded in reality. Some claiming to be the result of government experiments, or created by malicious corporations, or some kind of construct of powerful Supervillains. Some claims go so far as to suggest they are aliens, beings from other worlds, other galaxies, even other universes. Like anomalous incidents, without further evidence, many of these cannot be accepted conclusively and must be assumed as speculative origins for the time being.
From what scientific study has produced so far, the way in which the powers of supers work is tied into atomic and subatomic particles. While much of these studies have had to lean on hypothesis at this point, it's clear that the effects these powers produce is largely based on a manipulation of particles, possibly through some unknown type of energy. What can be observed is that certain powers (for example fire creation) involves no use of fuels, either already existing ones or a fuel that exists within supers. Fire can simply, at face value, appear out of thin air.
Of course, that would imply a non-scientific origin perhaps, but other studies have led to evidence that suggests the existence of either particles or an energy that allows supers to manipulate other atomic and subatomic particles. This is still only a hypothesis, as it has so far been impossible to detect this with current scientific instruments and measurements.
Other things like biological or chemical changes have been considered, but these fields of study have so far shown very little. Some evidence might lead to supers having certain shared genetic traits, but if this is true, it has not yet been discovered where these traits came from, and whether they cause the powers, or are caused by the powers, or if the powers and the genes are created by some sort of "point of origin" (which raises a multitude of other hypotheses as well, including multiverse theories).
Finally, there is the hypothesis that powers work through more supernatural means, though even that has opened up its very own field of hypotheticals, and of course, pseudo-science.
Important Note: As far as scientific studies have illustrated, the powers supers today demonstrate have not been documented at any point in time before World War 2. This leads to the conclusion that some event in WW2 is what led to the existence of these powers. Some have speculated the atomic bombs used on Japan may be the origin, others have suggested strange Nazi science and occultism, and others still suggest more supernatural events that took place at the time.
There are rumors of some powered beings from another world, or immortals who have existed since long before World War 2, of monsters and legendary creatures. As far as science can show, these are all rumors, speculation, myths, and legends. Some, at worst, are mere conspiracy theories. Until evidence can surface to support any of these claims, they cannot be given any merit.
Power Origins:
The powers of supers have a variety of identified "origins", points at which powers demonstrate themselves in supers, but the main five are as follows:
Birth: A super is born with their powers.
Trauma: Some severe, traumatic event results in the appearance of a super's powers.
Random/Chance: A super is not born with their powers, but they at some point "activate" in a super, with no identifiable origin or reason for activation. In other words; "They went to bed normal, but woke up as a Super".
Anomalous Incident (Speculative): Some supers report having been involved in an incident that defies the laws of nature and science, some supernatural or science fiction event outside the norms of our world. This is, at this point, speculative as it relies on the self-reporting of supers. It is possible these origins are true, but without further evidence, it cannot be accepted conclusively, making it a speculative origin only for the time being.
Other (Sometimes Speculative): Similar to anomalous incidents, but generally more grounded in reality. Some claiming to be the result of government experiments, or created by malicious corporations, or some kind of construct of powerful Supervillains. Some claims go so far as to suggest they are aliens, beings from other worlds, other galaxies, even other universes. Like anomalous incidents, without further evidence, many of these cannot be accepted conclusively and must be assumed as speculative origins for the time being.
Re: Hadean
Power Classifications:
Based on some of the Power Classifications of the Worm IP: Power Classifications - Worm Wiki
More will be added, subtracted, or edited from this list to fit with the mechanics of the Hadean universe.
Mover: An ability that enhances mobility.
Shaker: An ability with an area of effect.
Brute: An ability that grants enhanced strength or durability.
Breaker: An ability that allows the super to shift into another state
Master: An ability that allows a super to control others or create minions.
Tinker: An ability that allows a super to create or alter devices with futuristic technology.
Blaster: A ranged, offensive ability.
Thinker: An ability that focuses on information gathering.
Striker: An ability that is melee-ranged or touch-based.
Changer: An ability that allows the super to alter their form or appearance.
Trump: An ability that allows the super to manipulate powers in some capacity.
Stranger: An ability that focuses on stealth or infiltration.
Based on some of the Power Classifications of the Worm IP: Power Classifications - Worm Wiki
More will be added, subtracted, or edited from this list to fit with the mechanics of the Hadean universe.
Mover: An ability that enhances mobility.
Shaker: An ability with an area of effect.
Brute: An ability that grants enhanced strength or durability.
Breaker: An ability that allows the super to shift into another state
Master: An ability that allows a super to control others or create minions.
Tinker: An ability that allows a super to create or alter devices with futuristic technology.
Blaster: A ranged, offensive ability.
Thinker: An ability that focuses on information gathering.
Striker: An ability that is melee-ranged or touch-based.
Changer: An ability that allows the super to alter their form or appearance.
Trump: An ability that allows the super to manipulate powers in some capacity.
Stranger: An ability that focuses on stealth or infiltration.