You saw all that by touching the weapon? Castle asks, somewhat skeptically. S+@#...
sometimes I see more, lots of times I see even less.
many possessions, many objects have an imprint on them. You could think of it like a residue left behind by those that owned them or carried them last. Some imprints are stronger and easier to read than others he says with a shrug.As the tension between them continues to rise it is clear they will not achieve much if they all keep sniping and insulting each other.
Thankfully Midnight can also see we are not getting anywhere fast and he tries to facilitate their next move.
Please Trysst, give this a chance. We don’t have much else Sterne says placatingly we don’t know who is behind this yet but We have some more pieces of the puzzle.
I suspect Frank is right.
The fact that these guys are using tactics and weaponry that your run of the mill criminal hit man wouldn’t dream of using hints strongly at some kind of highly trained military or government agency maybe even SHIELD, we don’t know.
Our only ace at this point is the compound, we have to figure out what it is and see if that sheds any light on who is behind this.
If there are no other options on the table then I say we go to Scotland and seek Moiras help
Frank Castle, this towering, dangerous, dangerous man. Some say he is a terrorist, others a vigilante, others mentally ill, others still say he is a hero - the only one willing to do what is necessary. What they all agree on is that he is a killer of men.
He looks down at Trystt after her outburst and, while there is an icy moment of tension where the group ready themselves for a possible explosion of violence, he has only sadness in his eyes.
Little Lisa often had that petulant look of defiance when he or Maria told her 'no.' And it was usually Maria who corrected her, or put her straight. Frank loved his kids and whether people see him as the bad guy now or not, with them he was always too soft.
He picks up the weapon and slips it back into his belt. Turning away he merely says;
Little girl, you're playing a game you don't understand against a powerful enemy who don't follow the same rules you do...
I think you're right Dr. Daredevil says. Piecing together what Frank knows and what you've brought to the table, if there is government collusion with villains like Fisk and Doom, this is bigger than any of us thought.
We can work that angle, trying to figure out the military connection. You can chase up the compound. If we know exactly what it is and what it's for, maybe we can start connecting some dots here.
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"Even a pair of deuces beats ace-high," Trystt mutters in response to Sterne.
"People always say that like it's a bad thing; but playing by different rules is what separates the good guys and the bad guys. Captain America is a hero precisely because because he holds himself to a higher standard," Trystt shoots back, still defiant.
"If you guys want to do this, I have your back. I just think teaming up with this guy will end badly for us. Spore, how do you feel about his utter disregard for the sanctity of life? Napalm, what do you think about him hacking your SHIELD computer? Or Ebon, what about him using maximum force for [/i]every[/i] problem?," Trystt pleas, trying to win people over to her side.
"Even a pair of deuces beats ace-high," Trystt mutters in response to Sterne.
"People always say that like it's a bad thing; but playing by different rules is what separates the good guys and the bad guys. Captain America is a hero precisely because because he holds himself to a higher standard," Trystt shoots back, still defiant.
"If you guys want to do this, I have your back. I just think teaming up with this guy will end badly for us. Spore, how do you feel about his utter disregard for the sanctity of life? Napalm, what do you think about him hacking your SHIELD computer? Or Ebon, what about him using maximum force for [/i]every[/i] problem?," Trystt pleas, trying to win people over to her side.
Sterne did not like the idea of helping or getting help from the Punisher but what other choice did they have?
Morally he could not condone Castles extreme measures, executing the criminals was wrong but he couldn’t deny the logic that many of those deserved death. His training and expertise on criminals and their behaviour told him that there were some that would never reform and would continue to cause pain and suffering. Castle was right in what he said, when he stopped them they stay stopped.
Trysst none of us want to do this.
no one is saying Castles way of doing things is right. His vigilante justice is wrong. No one is denying that .
Look , I began trying to track him down because I wanted answers, I wanted to know why the justice department seems so corrupt these days, why so many criminals had gone missing, I wanted to know how he got out of prison, I still want to know. he says looking at the Punisher but this is bigger than all that, bigger than Frank Castle. We have to work together, for the greater good our paths run together for now he says earnestly, trying to point out that this is a temporary alliance and one day they may well find themselves opposing Frank Castle and that would be a day he did not look forward to.
sometimes you just have to play the hand you are delt . Daredevil is willing to work with Castle and that alone is good enough for me.
He may not have the profile of Captain America but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen and I respect his judgement.
Sterne pauses then and looks at them all
"I've said my part. I don't have to agree with The Punisher, He goes to far in whatever crusade he is on. He says his way is the final way, but it's escalation he only makes it more dangerous for everyone." He looks over to the tall man. "We have to work with him for now. As Sterne has said we need his help. But don't think I agree with him."
Napalm has just been staring at the Punisher. "I think he had to have help to hack SHIELD's network and erase those files. Sorry, Castle, you just don't strike me as the hacker type. So, who helped you?"
"If having the chemicals are our upside, what on earth do we do with it? I've tried every test I can think of and I've learned nothing. Frank's hacker skills aside, what he destroyed was information on what the compound is not, as well as the existence of it. Unless we're talking about taking it to Scotland, I'm at a dead end there."
He glances at Midnight, then back to Castle. "You don't know anything more about it? It was held in temperature control on the train. I've done my best since then, but it's definitely had some temperature variations."
Castle shrugs. Believe what you want. And don't wet your pants ok I've got all your precious research here, what it is and what it ain't aren't really my area.
He takes a small memory card from a pouch on his belt and tosses it to Napalm who catches it deftly.
Daredevil has been quiet for the last few moments but then speaks up;
I...I think I know someone who can help.
Have you heard of Rand Enterprises? They are a leading enterprise in technology and medicine. Maybe they have equipment to re-run your analysis and to house that chemical. I.... kinda know the owner of the place. It'll be safe there.
He scratches at the stubble on his chin.
Hey, Ebon, right? Where did you say you were from again?
sure, I’ve heard of it. There was a big piece in the New York Times about one of their chemical plants. There was a civil suit filed accusing the plant of leaking dangerous waste around Staten Island.
Danny Rand had the place shut down pending an enquiry, cost the company millions.
Sterne says remembering the article He was also involved in the sale of some new drug they developed to cure Leishmaniasis, the company decided to sell it at cost. Made a big splash across the finance pages, apparently that was down to Danny Rand as well.
Not very often you find a CEO with a conscience
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Spore watched the others banter back and forth quickly, and listened intently. Despite the emotional tones and multitude of different accents flying about, he felt he fully understood the rapid-fire responses and calls to action from all involved-- testament to the practice he’d been getting lately. And, the content of the arguments was hard enough to comprehend on its own.
When Trystt calls for his own opinion, takes a moment to think before responding in his own slow voice, as Sterne discusses the good-hearted CEO.
”In nature, violence is permitted, for survival’s sake-- there is no cruelty where there is no consciousness. Sentience, while beautiful, comes with complications. We with it should take care of each other, and help each other to thrive. What Frank is doing...is a version of that. When a branch dies, it must be cut from the tree. Deciding who is a dead branch, is a terrible responsibility- and easily abused. But these people...are certainly close.”
Spore shudders, thinking back to not only the dead people, but the transformed alien plants. A single tear falls from his face as he wrestles with the gravity of what he’s saying.
”Their crimes against life and nature must be answered, before they continue to harm life. If possible, we should spare them, but not at the cost of someone else’s life. In many ways, my people consider ourselves tenders of gardens, if you will. This is deeply sad, but it is is a load I am willing to carry.”
"For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Daredevil mutters almost under his breath.
Romans 13:4. We fight for the greater good here. But we should never lose ourselves to the violence, not like Frank has.
Castle pours over records, both physical and online, in the hopes of finding some clue to the blade insignia Sterne identified. He doesn't seem to hear or is otherwise ignoring the rest of the conversation. He does not seem concerned at all whether you want to work with him or not.
Ebon perks up as Daredevil asks him a question. He is still in amazed at the large man, everything he's done. Ebon looks up to him wishing to accomplish just a fraction the Devil of Hells Kitchen has.
"I'm from China, I've only been in New York for just under a year now. I was sent to train here."
Napalm looks at Spore oddly, then Ebon when he speaks up. "You two, really? I would think you'd be the last to be ok with Castle's methods?"
"Rand Enterprises? You know the owner? Rand himself?" Napalm considers this and then nods. "Well, he certainly would have the right equipment at his disposal. The expertise is the question. He's got the right people, but do we trust them? I figure we only really have one shot at this. McTaggert is a sure bet, but she's all the way in Scotland. Rand is here, but it's more of a gamble."
"I'm not ok with it, but it doesn't get us anywhere if we attempt to stop him or take him down now. It will take us away from our goal, he helps us but if he steps out of line I wont just let him have free rein." He speaks softly but doesn't attempt to hide what he's saying from The Punisher. He turns to the large man. "We don't kill. You want this done you do it our way."
If he's got the equipment to store it then maybe he has the means to send those results to Mactaggart securely. Daredevil says. This isn't my area. But I know two things about Rand for sure - we can trust him and money is no object. He's got the resources we need, trust me on that.
Oh and you and he will probably have a lot to talk about. he nods to Ebon. He talks about a dragon sometimes.... it's over my head.
Napalm looks questioningly at Ebon. "How many dragons are there?"
"Ok, Rand Enterprises is a good idea. Let's see what he has at his disposal. If he doesn't have the staff available, I can run the tests. Then we'll go from there." He eyes Castle. "Are you onboard, Castle? Gonna let me keep my results this time?"
Sterne wonders how The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is so friendly with Danny Rand? The majority share holder of Rand enterprises, he didn’t imagine they travelled in the same social circles...but then again, he had no idea who Daredevil was, who was the man under the mask.
For a second he had the urge to reach out and “touch” him with his mind, get a feel of who he was but it was an impulse he squashed savagely. He only did that when the need was great, and there was perhaps no other way.
Dragons?... he says looking toward Ebon unsure of what they were referring to.
how soon can you set up this meeting with Rand? We need to move on this quickly he says switching his train of thought back to Daredevil
Tomorrow. I will reach out to him through an associate. I'll set it up for tomorrow, expect my call.
Napalm looks questioningly at Ebon. "How many dragons are there?"
"Ok, Rand Enterprises is a good idea. Let's see what he has at his disposal. If he doesn't have the staff available, I can run the tests. Then we'll go from there." He eyes Castle. "Are you onboard, Castle? Gonna let me keep my results this time?"
You stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. Castle growls back without looking up.
not quite yet Trystt Sterne says holding up his hand before we go, let us tend to your wounds, Spore offered you help with your injuries earlier...you should accept. Your nose looks broken, not to mention what damage may be hidden by that suit. he says to Daredevil
you being hurt doesn’t help anyone...Please he says moving closer to Daredevil and reaching out toward him.
Spore happily obliges, releasing a small cloud of spores with an audible 'PUFF!' that heal Daredevil's wounds in a matter of minutes.
"I'm not ok with it, but it doesn't get us anywhere if we attempt to stop him or take him down now. It will take us away from our goal, he helps us but if he steps out of line I wont just let him have free rein." He speaks softly but doesn't attempt to hide what he's saying from The Punisher. He turns to the large man. "We don't kill. You want this done you do it our way."
I'll say it again. You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours. is all he says on the subject. I ain't toeing your line or anyone else's but mine.
After a night's rest, the group's investigation is set to continue.
They each receive a message saying they have an appointment with Daniel Rand at 09:30.
Spore wakes with the sun, and enjoys the quiet peaceful time before the city will and truly transitions into the morning bustle. Then, he heads to pick up Trystt at her place before they walk to the meeting.
Ebon just stares at the man, he understands his mentality he's seen men like him not break from anything thrown at them. "So be it. Let's just hope we never get to that line."
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Spore finds Trystt still asleep in bed, one leg hanging off the side, light sheet covering crumpled and messy.
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Trystt juggles the orbs of electricity as she watches Ebon do a backflip over a friggin' tree. Spore's tendrils were already sneaking around the trunk to try to catch Ebon's feet. Trystt rolls her eyes at their constant sparring even here while on patrol. No matter where they're from, boys will be boys. She perks up as she hears a cry in the distance. She sends the globes at the guys to grab their attention as she takes off into the air. Any excuse to fly, she thinks as the odd mixture of emotions flow through her, joy from flying, concern over someone in trouble.
The encounter was brief. Between Spore and Ebon, a couple of common muggers didn't stand a chance. Off to the side, Trystt comforts the would-be victim. "Lady Luck was with you tonight." And each day, New York's Central Park was becoming a little safer.
Ebon feels releaved being out on the streets walking with his new friends, the thought of their next move heading to Rand Industries weighs heavy on him. But it had been hard meeting new people while living at the temple and just delivering food. "After everything that's happened to being us together, I'm glad for it all. " He says punching Spore in the 'arm' playfully and smiling at Trystt.
While he had sparred with Spore many times he was still amazed by the way he could adapt and change, his large and other worldly looks putting some people off but knowing him to be the kindest person he's ever met. But Trystt was different she kept a lot back and he was never sure exactly how she felt, she had power... great power he wasn't even sure about.
But when a fight did breakout none of them held back and no one would stop till the situation was sorted. When a fight was done he always stood at the back letting Trystt the more out going speak to the victim's. They ran into a few muggers and drunks looking for fights but nothing to serious. But even the small problems had to be looked after.
Perhaps it was the frustration of the meeting with Frank Castle, but there was something extremely satisfying to put down some petty, but important, crimes.
The next morning the group awakens, some more refreshed than others. Napalm went hom to find Maggie wasn't there, despite the late hour. In fact it was some time later that she came in and crawled almost silently into bed where he left her gently snoring the next morning.
Trystt stops at Dunkin' Donuts on the way to the meeting to buy a cup of joe and a iced ring, bought with ten bucks she luckily found in a pair of jeans she forgot she owned.
The Rand building is like most of the other enormous skyscrapers that litter the financial district like a series of standing stones. Each one competes with the next to be modern or outlandish in it's architecture and Rand's building is no different, rising as it does to a spire like a spike in the ground.
The reception areas is bright and airy with a long mahogany desk dominating most of it. You check in easily enough, your appointment logged in the visitors book as expected though of Daredevil, there is no sign. Unsurprising really, he didn't strike you as the kind of man to turn up for an early morning board meeting.
You are similarly unsurprised when asked to wait, but you are surprised that within 5 minutes Daniel Rand himself exits the elevator and strides purposefully over to you. He is younger than you expect, possibly not even 25 years old. But he carries himself with immense confidence despite his slightly dishevelled curly hair and straggly blonde beard. His suit is made of linen cotton and loose fitting. He smiles as he approaches you and you realise he is barefoot. This doesn't bother him at all.
Good morning, Danny Rand, good to meet you Do you want to come up? he says, offering each of you his hand to shake. He stops at Ebon and his eyes narrow with something - recognition maybe..?
Leaving the group by the construction site Sterne chose to walk back home.
Ebon, Trystt and Spore we’re headed out to fight crime wherever they could find it and Sterne had to admit to himself that the urge to join them was a strong one. To make a difference in a real , immediate way. But he had much to think about.
He didn’t know where his life was going now, he had chosen this path and the further he followed it the further away from his normal life he got.
So far he had managed to juggle his work commitments and stay largely anonymous but he knew it could not go on like that forever.
He was also wrestling with his decision to work with Frank Castle! Of all people he did not think he and the Punisher would end up on the same side.
As he made his way along 8th Avenue he could feel the city all around him, the city never slept. The song had that right, and as he strolled along the near deserted sidewalks he opened his mind and tapped into the pulse of the beast all around him. It was alive to him in a way few others would ever appreciate and he soon became lost in its marvellous madness.
By the time he reached his apartment he was tired, mentally worn out. The city whilst exhilarating could also be extremely draining and no sooner had he climbed into bed than he was fast asleep.
..............
Stopping to grab a coffee and a Danish on the way to the meeting with Rand, Sterne felt refreshed and ready to get to the bottom of this chemical mystery.
Hailing a cab he headed for the financial district where in his designer Grey business suit he blended in seamlessly.
As they waitbin the lobby of Tand enterprises Sterne is as surprised as the others by the young Danny Rand. He had seen pictures in the press but they did little to represent the presence this man carried and somehow Sterne did not feel it was because of his position in Rand enterprises.
Taking his hand Sterne shakes it warmly
Dr William Sterne, thank you for agreeing to meet with us Mr Rand he says introducing himself
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"Sure, Krispy Kreme has the better doughnuts, but this is better coffee." The oversized coffee looks huge in the small hand of Trystt. "See, the secret is...," Trystt explains to Spore, "...is to order the hot coffee." She begins pouring in an obscene amount of sugar into the already-caramel-sweetened coffee. "And then draw the heat out yourself..." With a gesture, condensation forms on the cup as the coffee rapidly chills. "...so they can't screw you over with ice. Want one?" Trystt holds the opening of the bag out to Spore, giving him first pick. It contains several strawberry-iced and blueberry-glazed ring doughnuts.
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"...mmph..Trystt...," the young woman manages to say around the last mouthful of doughnut. "Early" morning, check. Office building, check. Rich white guys in suits, check. Out of doughnuts, check. Nothing about this situation is to Trystt's liking.
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"iced ring"
Spore reached out towards the bag and snaked a tendril down into it, coming back with a strawberry frosted. With a whip-like motion, he snapped his arm, creating a small wave in the vine that carries the donut back to his body, where it quickly disappeared as the vines making up his abdomen parted to allow it's entry, and then closed just as fast.
"Mmmmmm" he rumbled, with a smile and a small shimmy as he absorbed the sugars. "So sweet!"
When Danny entered, Spore did his best to offer a hand politely, following Sterne's lead. "Spore; nice to meet you," he said.
Then, remembering that people tended to like flowers, he quickly grew and pulled a rose from himself and offered it to Mr Rand.
Akio looks a little less charm and collected today, he sits waiting but is looking around every now and then making sure he knows where everyone is. He was able to push aside his nerves last night when on parol, but now he was faced with a potensal bad situation.
As Daniel Rand heads towards them, a flint of emotion washes over Akios face. He offers his hand to Mr Rand and shakes it. "It's a pleasue to meet you Mr Rand." He says.
Lucas walks along the water in the early morning, watching the sun barely start to illuminate the sky. It made little difference to him. With his mutation, he could see just as well in pitch black dark as when it was high noon. His ears picked up the first sounds of birds over the splash of the water. A few people were already up starting their day. The city would start to come alive over the next several minutes.
He walks along the water, taking a quiet moment for a change. So much had happened in the past few days, he had barely taken a moment to think. Tomorrow they would go to Rand Enterprises to try and pick up the trail again. There was still a lot of unanswered questions, but for the moment, he had little to do. There’s always something that needs to be done, but maybe I just don’t care right now.
He kicks a stray can a few feet. Then he steps up and kicks it again, hard this time. The can flies up, looking like it’s heading into the river, but then a gust of wind catches it and deposits it back onto the street. Lucas laughs. Well, ain’t that just like it. Try your damnedest and a random part of the world just takes it all away. He watches the can roll down the street.
He shuffles along the water for the next few hours. When Evan calls from the lab, he claims to be sick. Wouldn’t want to bring germs into clean rooms or interact with sensitive material. Evan sounded suspicious, but gave him wishes to feel better. Hanging up, Lucas mumbles, "Yeah, buddy. I hope I feel better too."
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Lucas walks into Rand Corporation with the others, but wearing the one of his Photostatic Veils. Even though Spore would draw enough attention, something told him he wasn't ready to show Rand all the cards yet.
He politely shakes the man's hand, finding his demeanor not at all like what he expected of a high-level CEO. "Mr. Rand. Did our friend explain our needs?"
"iced ring"
"iced ring"
Spore reached out towards the bag and snaked a tendril down into it, coming back with a strawberry frosted. With a whip-like motion, he snapped his arm, creating a small wave in the vine that carries the donut back to his body, where it quickly disappeared as the vines making up his abdomen parted to allow it's entry, and then closed just as fast.
"Mmmmmm" he rumbled, with a smile and a small shimmy as he absorbed the sugars. "So sweet!"
When Danny entered, Spore did his best to offer a hand politely, following Sterne's lead. "Spore; nice to meet you," he said.
Then, remembering that people tended to like flowers, he quickly grew and pulled a rose from himself and offered it to Mr Rand.
Danny Rand beams when offered the rose.
"Wow, that's amazing!" he blurts out without a hint of sarcasm. "I've never met anyone like you. Well, not quite like you." he says as he leads you to a private elevator accessed by a key. "Some of the monks in my order were Zìrán mùyáng rén, it's a title that probably doesn't mean much over here - I guess you might call them Nature Shepherds. Their attunement with the natural world was incredible."
"As for your needs, our mutual friend told me some of it, probably as much as I needed to know. I've told him to lighten up but he spends both day and night in darkness so I guess it makes sense to be gloomy."
As you exit the elevator he leads you through tiled halls decorated tastefully with a mixture of modern and traditional chinese art. Mr Rand's footsteps make absolutely no sound whatsoever.
As he leads you into his private office where a messy desk faces a pair of comfortable sofas, he bids you sit.
"I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself properly. Our friend told me a little about you but I don't know what he told you of me. All this stuff isn't me. I mean, it is, but it isn't the real me." he draws himself up and a serious expression crosses his face. "My name is Danny Rand, The Living Weapon, Defender of Kun Lun and New York, The Immortal Iron Fist."
He puts one hand in a fist and closes the other around it as he offers a short bow. His fist begins to glow with a pale yellow light before fading again.
"Daredevil told me enough to realise your investigating something big, and that it involves the Hand. If nothing else that would have been enough for me to want to be involved but the Devil told me you're good guys, and his word is enough for me. Who are you... really, and how can I help?"
"Wait, what?" Lucas looks around at the others. "What is Kun Lun? And you're immortal?" He seems far more interested when the man's fist begins to glow.
"Oh, you have some sort of power, Mr. Rand? A hand that lights up. Defender of New York. Perhaps the Devil has been inspiring people." He motions and his glove lights up for a moment. The nearest chair slides towards him on the smooth floor, and he sits down.
"Mr. Rand, I'm a member of SHIELD. My name is Lucas. We, uh, had no idea that you had any sort of abilities. In fact, we're not here about that at all. We have a chemical substance that we are unable to identify, despite our best expertise. We are hoping to use your company's labs and scientists to help us with that. Would you be willing to help?"