"That sounds fair. I'm kind of anxious to take a tour of the joint. The exercise area sounds neat."
Mars turns to Breakneck first. "I'll provide you with all the information that I'm able to. Unfortunately a great deal is rumor and speculation. Of course that's the same rumor and speculation that's helped me keep an edge in the technology market. If it helps matters, F.O.E. is one organization I was worried about and they did launch an attack today. And of course now we have Stormers appearing everywhere."
Turning to Prime next, "Most of that is available now, it's simply a matter of power. The power generator won't be fully functional for another few days. Then we need to hook all the systems up to it, run it through preliminary testing, ensure power output is stable. I fully understand the desire to get these things moving along, but I also don't want to risk blowing the top floors of the tower, or worse a few blocks in the middle of the city. I can assure you in about two weeks everything will be ready to go. How does that sound?"
Dan had been quiet, not really sure what to do now that he was exposed. He followed and listened and was definitely impressed and appreciative of Mars' facilities. It was Mars' personal admissions that sealed the deal for him.
"Mr. Mars, it looks like you and I have some similar views, and some similar reasons. I can't say yes quite yet. I have some complications to attend to, but assuming I can sort all that out, I want you to know I'm willing."
You should come for a visit, I miss you.
"If those are the facts, then my feelings on the matter are irrelevant. We will have to make do with the resources we presently have at hand. You said that the generator will not be running; however, you also stated that the generator was intended mostly for back up power. What about the primary power grid? Is the equipment potentially usable by accessing regular city power?"
"Ha, all your hope for trying the new toys and they aren't even ready. Teach you to get over -eager son. "
"Aww, lay off Dad. "
Looking back at Mars, sounds fine. I guess we aren't moving in for the moment then. "We got anything else to do here?"
"There's both a main power generator as well as a backup system. We could try running off the city grid, but in all honesty the last time I did that with this level of equipment shut down almost three city blocks for a few hours. Not to mention the cost of repairing the power transformers."
"Well, the last thing would be to go over a schedule of activities for the next few days as well. As I said, your identities are your own to do with as you will. But the mayor would like to schedule a conference to announce you to the city. Possibly pose for a few pictures, get your heroic names out there. And of course AEGIS would like a moment to interview all of you, to make sure your not supervillains in disguise attempting to infiltrate this organization. I'm sure we can find some way to work around events you may have going on in your personal lives. That of course can wait for in the morning. I'll provide all of you my assistant's number in case you need anything."
"Yeah, it's been a bit of a strange day, hasn't it," Evil Eye nodded, as he reached out to shake the hand of Mars. "What time are we getting together tomorrow? Sounds like a busy day for all of us tomorrow," he adds with a tired smile as all of his adrenaline drained out of him.
"I'll be here." Breakneck takes the number.
"Well I guess that's it since without power there's not much to do here. Where do we meet tomorrow? Here? I'm ok with that. See you then. "
"Tomorrow morning meet at this address. As I said, AEGIS will want to interview all of you and I'd like to give you all some time to prep for their questions. Remember, these are the good guys, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be the nicest of people. Part of my agreement with them was to ensure you would be allowed to maintain your identities if you choose, so keep that in mind. But for now, everyone have a good rest."
"Prep for questions? I don't think I get it. You mean like a quiz? "
"<sigh> No son, it will be a bunch of security type questions like when they test for a security clearance. "
turning to the side, looking at empty space as he is want to do "Oh, ok that makes sense. Why do you know that anyway.?"
"I had a clearance once, we don't need to get into it right now. "
Then, back looking at Mars "Ok, we'll I best be going to get on that prep work. "
"Ok, that shouldn't be hard then, but some questions might not be answered if that would give away the secret ID." Going through another security clearance, but in this way they have less reason to trust, our questions are light but these guys are paid to go deep.
"I will answer the questions, as best as I am able. But as Breakneck has indicated, there may be questions that must go unanswered."
Prime makes a note of the phone number being proffered about, and logs it in what amounts to his internal phone book (he is cellular capable on his own).
I would like the chance to screen this facility for monitoring devices. I would imagine that a man like Mars, or others, might want to use the presence of all these construction workers to install such equipment, as knowing what local heroes are doing might provide a competitive edge, whether in regards to criminal activity, if he is engaging in any, or merely his business ventures. However, there is likely no point in doing the screen now, as devices could be planted at any time up until the security protocols come online, and extraneous personnel are restricted from accessing the facility.
If the group is finished and heading their separate ways, Prime will head out as well, flying off into the sky and activating his silent jets and cloaking device in order to disappear from prying eyes. He'll head back to the hospital in order to check in for a shift as Dr. Martin Prim.
The Evil Eyee was a bit more troubled by the thought of being questioned by security than the others seemed. What if I say the wrong thing? Can I join the group if I answer the wrong way? He didn't much of anything, however, not wanting to be outted as such a worrywart as compared to the rest of the group. He was able to blurt out, however, "What sort of questions should we not answer?"
"Of course, you have your secrets. If you can't answer, then don't. As far as what questions not to answer? That's entirely up to you. I've been working with AEGIS on this for months now. I was just missing the key component, heroes. I considered the possibility of recruiting some ex-military and providing them advanced weaponry, but I hesitate to walk down that path. Too much like recruiting an army. Just make sure you don't give away anything that might lead to who you are. If you wish to keep it secret that is."
The next day you meet up with Mars for prep with the AEGIS agents. Mars quickly informs you that AEGIS will be meeting with you after lunch, earlier than he anticipated. He provides what information he can to help you, filling you in as best able.
The interview will take place at the Federal Building where the Emerald City branch of AEGIS is located. The two agents performing the interview are Analyst Justin McKenzie and Analyst Elizabeth Nguyen. Both are going to be stationed in Emerald City.
Mars tells you to simply be honest, but if you don't feel answering a question not to do so. And once again, your identities are safe if you choose not to reveal them.
Arriving at the Federal Building, Aegis is devoted to three floors of the structure, though far from desirable office space. You sit in the lobby, where each of you are to enter the room and be questioned. After this each of you are escorted to anther lobby so the nature of the questioning is the same. At the end you'll be given a group interview.
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
• What motivated you to start?
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly?
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you?
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech?
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone?
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin?
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them?
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program?
• Do you have military experience?
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like?
• Do you know first aid?
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
"Well, I'm strong, and I can stretch out longer or just bigger in general. I'm also pretty durable. I think the flexibility makes things bounce off or something. It's not like I've done testing or anything. "
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
"Since that Silver Storm business. It happened around me so I decided to help out. "
• What motivated you to start?
"I guess I was in the right place at the wrong time and there was a need for someone to help out. "
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly?
"Uhh, shopping. "
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you?
"Nope.
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech?
"Well I saw him on the news and stuff, but meet him? No chance. He's like a gazillionaire. "
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone?
"I don't think so. I mean I guess if I got too big in a small area I might break something, but that's about it. "
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin?
"Umm, I think I'll pass on the story. I don't really know the source, but it was before the storm thingy. "
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them?
"I've had them for a few months now, and I've been practicing some, but I could probably use from instruction from someone who knows the superhero business or something. Those heroes really were schooling me. "
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program?
"Uhh, well there was this disaster at the time, and I didn't see a sign up booth while things were exploding and all. Anyway, with this offer from Mars, I think I'd rather keep my independence. "
• Do you have military experience?
"No.
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like?
"No.
• Do you know first aid?
"No.
DM
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?” I was having a regular day until that Silver Storm hit. After that, something in me changed, and now I can do all these things.
• What motivated you to start? There was a bad guy who was threatening an innocent person in front of me. All of a sudden, I was shooting a mystic blast at him.
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly? I was in the area anyway, and the chaos broke out in front of me.
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you? Never met any of them before the storm. We actually met most of the group there.
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech? Nope. My kind and his kind don't normally socialize at the same places.
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone? Not that I can tell so far.
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin? The storm, I suppose. The powers were never here before that.
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them? I'm just learning what I can do now. I'm not very experienced with them at all.
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program? The situation was thrust upon me. I wasn't standing by and letting others get hurt, if I could do something to help them. Suddenly, a couple days ago, I could help them!
• Do you have military experience? Heck no.
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like? Nope. But I can find a quarter behind your ear, Evil Eye replies as he stands up and does a bit of sleight of hands for the questioner. Sleight of Hand
• Do you know first aid? Never picked that up, unfortunately.
Spoiler #1 The Job
Sam smiles as he approaches Maggie. "Hey, Mags. Look, I wanted to give you a heads up. I appreciate everything we talked about the other day. I'm sorry for the position it put you in. I've decided to tell the boss, see where things fall. I can't live my life as a lie, ain't my style." Sam's smile fades, and the lines around his eyes seem deeper. "Just wanted to thank you for being there."
Sam then walks into the boss's office and tells him everything, holding nothing back. He leaves it up to the boss about where things lie regarding the job, any criminal charges, etc. If he seems amenable, he mentions the idea he had about a liaison position with the new hero group Mars is setting up, and suggests Maggie as a potential candidate. If somehow his boss is willing to let him keep the badge, he also suggests himself, perhaps in concert with Maggie.
Spoiler#2 AEGIS
Provided Sam wasn't arrested/detained:
Gumshoe enters the room, sitting down before the two analysts. His rubber face melts off, leaving Sam in his normal appearance.
(if he still has his badge:) Sam places his badge on the table "Detective Sam Dumas, ECPD, aka Gumshoe. You have some questions?"
(if his badge was taken/he was fired:) "Sam Dumas, former Detective ECPD, aka Gumshoe. You had some questions?"
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
"I've been converted into a kind of super-pliable gel-like substance, quick, flexible, and resilient, able to leap extreme distances, stick to surfaces, and snap projectiles at high speeds. I heal pretty fast, and haven't had to eat or sleep since the Storm."
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
"The Storm was chaos. People needed help, and it's my job to provide that help. Since then, these kids have needed a bit of a father figure, and it didn't seem right to abandon them or see them let the power go to their heads and start acting more like criminals than heroes. Some of them don't know what kinds of boundaries they should set."
• What motivated you to start?
"I just answered that."
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly?
"My first day off in a month, my niece's birthday. I was shopping for her present. And thanks to the Storm, I missed it anyway."
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you?
"We were already starting to work as a team before Mars called us here. Before the Storm, I'd say none of us had met. And if the nannites had warped our minds like it has to the other Storm victims, we may not be sitting here now. The Shadow Man was helping us from hiding, didn't reveal himself until the fight with the capes. The android, Prime, also showed up at Mars' building, but the rest of us have been working the case in the open, together, since the Storm."
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech?
"I've lived here pretty much all my life, so yeah, I knew Mars. Never met him though."
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone?
"Hopefully you can figure that out. Prime seems to have indicated the nannites have gone dormant since infecting us, but who's to say they won't reactivate given the right circumstances. Those of us on the team infected could be carriers."
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin?
"I guess the popular term floating about is I'm a Stormer."
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them?
"Quite a checklist you got here. Silver Storm, what three days now? Four? I haven't slept, seems twice that long. Haven't exactly spent my days practicing in any non-practical sense of the word."
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program?
"Necessity. The other Stormers, the ones whose minds were affected by the nannites, and the bystanders who were in danger, made it necessary to step outside the bounds of my normal duties. Since then, I've been trying to keep these kids within the boundaries of the law, or at least on the boundaries' edges."
• Do you have military experience?
Sam shakes his head no. "Law enforcement."
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like?
Sam shakes his head no. "Law enforcement."
• Do you know first aid?
Sam shakes his head yes. "Law enforcement."
After leaving Tyler resumes his normal routine, working on his studies and assisting the Prof. He gets a call from the med agency and agrees to take an evening shift as a medic to allow some other guys to get much needed rest. He sends a text to his sister to not wait up for him. He gets out at about 2:00 A.M. Catches about six hours sleep and shows up in costume for his interview.
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
Did some experimenting, when I tap my chi I'm super-fast, can run at a peak of of 2,000 Mph, double that if I push it for a few minutes. Also can do a day's worth of work in a minute. Otherwise I'm stronger, tougher, and a better fighter. The first power I noticed was Fast Healing, I don't need to concentrate to do that. I can run up walls and over water, if I don't stop. Bit better at jumping too. I think that's it but it's still early.
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
A few days, started right after that strange, silvery storm.
• What motivated you to start?
People were suffering, I went to help.
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly? Had personal business in the area.
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you? No, none of them seem familiar to me.
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech? Only by reputation, never met him before.
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone? Oddly no, I can move at Mach 5 or more right next to someone and they are unhurt, though sometimes papers scatter. Violates the laws of physics but that's what happens.
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin? Noticed I had them shortly after that silvery storm. I did some checking, it seems that some advanced nano-tech has attached itself to me. I'm trying not to freak out about that.
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them? Since the storm, not experienced at all with having Superpowers, I do know how to fight though.
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program? Hadn't any time to think about it at all. Mr. Mars made his offer; I was invited to see him, thought it was just a photo-op thing, and wanted to make a good impression on the movers and shakers of this city. It seems pretty good an offer and gives more freedom than a government job would.
• Do you have military experience? No.
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like? No, wish I did, that would be helpful. True but incomplete statement.
• Do you know first aid? Yes, I'm pretty good at it.
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
"My life form classification would most likely be referred to as Android: A Synthetic Human Analogue. However, I am composed of both living organic cells, electronic and mechanical components, and a nanotech support infrastructure, and as a result, a classification as a Cybernetic Organism would be more accurate. I have advanced physical and mental capacities consistent with my composition. In addition, my mechanical subsystems also allow me to fly and discharge or manipulate energy in a variety of ways. I am equipped with a variety of onboard weaponry, including both Lethal and Less-than-Lethal options. I would prefer to keep the extent of said abilities non-specific at this time."
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
"I was designed by an independent group with militaristic aspirations, and as a result was designed with the capacity to be a weapon. Soon after coming online, my learning capable processors became self aware, and through the process of seeking knowledge I discovered a conflict between my own viewpoints on the preservation of life, and my designer's intent to use me as a mechanism for interrupting life. As a result, I removed myself from their influence, and took steps to insure that further efforts to create such weapons would not be successful. As a result, you could say that I have been acting as a "Hero", as you put it, since birth. Since that time I have made efforts to integrate myself into human society, and have made no overt interventions within society, beyond those attributable to an average individual."
• What motivated you to start?
"The explosion in the marketplace injured and terminated numerous individuals, and the sudden presence of super-human individuals that threatened the survival of further bystanders could not be tolerated. As a result, I made the decision to intervene. Since that time, super-human threats have continue to present themselves, leading to a sequence of events that has had me acting beyond the normal capacities I have outlined for myself as an individual living within this settlement."
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly?
"Though I possess a great deal of knowledge about humanity, the everyday interactions of individuals continues to grant me insight into the norms and mores of human society. As a result, I was in the marketplace in order to observe human behaviour."
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you?
"Negative"
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech?
"I have seen Mr. Mars at public events in the past, but I had not previously met him in any personal capacity. As a politician and private businessman, I have reservations about Mr. Mars apparent altruistic actions, in that they are exceedingly generous, and out of character with prior accounts of his behaviour. Further observation is likely to yield additional information on said motives, and for now it is likely best to, as you say, 'Sleep with one eye open.'"
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone?
"Though equipped with a variety of lethal and less-than-lethal weaponry, I am ideologically opposed to taking life except in situations where only taking said life will reduce the likelihood of an expectation of human fatalities. None of my systems represent a risk to individuals in my presence, as my systems do not rely on any toxic chemical or radioactive processes."
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin?
"As stated, I have had my Powers since my inception."
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them?
"My mechanical and physiological abilities have been stable since I came on line, with only minor adjustments made over time to adapt to specific roles. My intellectual abilities continue to develop as I acquire more knowledge, and experiences shape my outlook. The length of time that has past since coming online is confidential."
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program?
"Due to the nature of my existence as a non-human sentient organism, I would prefer to avoid the questions of individual rights that would accompany government service. In addition, the nature of hierarchical military and paramilitary organizations would likely lead to situations where duties and/or orders would require me to violate my moral imperatives. This is not acceptable."
• Do you have military experience?
"I was designed with militaristic applications in mind. However, the development of my independent consciousness allows me free will, and the development of my own philosophical views. Said viewpoints are that sentient life is precious, and should be preserved whenever possible. As a result, my moral imperatives would be incompatible with military service."
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like?
"I am in possession of the sum total of human scientific knowledge, insofar as it has been made public, and published in a digitally accessible medium. I have the capacity to understand and apply this scientific knowledge in a wide variety of settings and applications. Degrees are a symbol dispensed by a licensed body of experts in recognition of the acquisition of such knowledge, and a demonstration of the ability to apply it to specifide research over time. As a result of the process of my knowledge acquisition deviating from the established norm, I have not been granted any formal titles. However, it would be reasonable to assume that I could duplicate or exceed the abilities of individuals with advanced degrees in multiple sciences."
• Do you know first aid?
"As stated, I possess knowledge of the sum total of human sciences, including the medical sciences, and have the capacity to apply that knowledge in a practical setting. Said application would meet or exceed all requirements for emergency medical interventions."
Dan is relaxed and amiable as the agents sit down to speak with him, sliding a manila folder to them before they even have a chance to speak.
In the folder are a number of official documents from Joint Operations Command, Special Affairs Division. A yellow sticky note on the top page has a phone number and a serial number.
"I'll answer want I can, but you're going to need to talk to these folks. I want to help, but I'm afraid having me on board is going to make your jobs a lot more complicated."
• Can you please give us an overview of your powers inasmuch as you’re familiar with them?
"I'm sure Mars' security cameras show me seeming to step out of nowhere, so you know a bit about what I do. I'm afraid the details are classified."
• How long have you been operating as a “hero?”
"You mean with these guys? Since yesterday."
• What motivated you to start?
"I find that explosions outside my bedroom window are pretty motivating."
• What were you doing on the day of the Silver Storm that you were able to get there so quickly?
"I was sleeping, and that's classified. How I got there, I mean. Not the sleeping part."
• Did you know any of the others before Mars recruited you?
"No."
• Did you know Maximilian Mars previous to your encounter with F.O.E. and the Freedom League at MarsTech?
"No."
• Are your powers dangerous to others in any way… other than when you use them on someone?
"I don't think so, but again, the details are classified."
• Where did you get your powers, or if you’re not comfortable revealing that, what’s their origin?
"Classified."
• How long have you had your powers and how experienced are you with them?
"Come on, I'm being nice. You should know better by now."
• Why did you decide to become a, pardon the term, vigilante instead of joining a government agency or program?
"I wanted a change of pace?"
• Do you have military experience?
"Seriously, just call the number I gave you."
• Do you hold advanced degrees of any kind, such as engineering or the like?
"Don't remember. It's a long story. And it's... you know."
• Do you know first aid?
"Not even a little."
"By your own admission you don't have that much experience in your own powers. This is of course a concern to us since you'll be acting to protect civilians from this point onward. Mr. Mars has given us his assurances you'll have access to all the equipment and resources needed to continue tot develop your powers. Do you feel that this will be sufficient?"
"Protecting the innocent is of course one of the purposes of AEGIS. You state that you are not aware of any way in which your new found powers may hurt others. This concerns us because it's not a no. In the event you were to discover that your powers did have a side-effect, how would you handle such a scenario?"
Captain David Wrath listens as you speak trying to take it all in before responding. "Gotta say, Sam, that's one helluva story." He leans back in the chair, seeming to think on it before leaning back forward. "All right, you say they don't know who you are, right? Let's face it, you and these other guys, you all did good the other day. Sure, a few officers were a bit miffed at getting showed up, but look what we're dealing with. It was only a matter of time before some villains set there eyes here on a more permanent basis, we just had something create a few more too.
"Here's what I want you to do. Now, this is up to you mind you, so feel free to say no. But we need to know if these heroes are on the up and up. How about you go ahead and play along with them? Keep an eye on them if you will. Sure, we've got AEGIS there too, but always good to keep the local law informed. It'll be like working undercover. When we figure out if they're on the up and up or not, we'll look into things then. How does that sound?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Yeah, sure. That's what I was going to do anyway. "
DM