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AEON had come a long way from living in Alex's computer as a day-trading start up scheme. Construction was complete on AEON's flagship building in the City Center of Freedom City and although it hadn't yet had an official Grand Opening, it was already existing as a thriving business. The steel-and-glass skyscraper fit in well among Freedom City's futuristic skyline and the atrium that served as the grand entrance was open and surprisingly inviting, full of natural light. This particular morning, the lobby had the typical sort of activity as employees arrived to work, heading for elevators that required key-card access to upper floors. The center of the atrium lofted up multiple floors, showing some of the activity on a few higher levels as people moved along towards offices and administrative areas. The bulk of the lobby was seating space with the occasional computer kiosk and a small refreshment stand that currently held a small variety of pastries, juices and coffee which seemed to be open access as even the shabbier patron wasn't shoed away from either food or seating. Indeed, about half of the people currently curled up in the lobby's chairs and seats appeared to be settled in for an extended period of time. Security was discrete but present, especially to more practiced eyes. For the one uniformed guard moving through, there were another two in more casual attire circuiting through the space. The reception desk was located opposite the entrance and although there was a clear path through the seating area, the bulk of the atrium sat between the receptionists and the front doors of the building proper. Like the rest of the building, the desk and surroundings were of durable high quality materials and those seated at various stations along the reception desk seemed in, by and large, genuinely good moods as they helped visitors contact various floors or retrieve their visitor passes.

September 5, 2015 It started with a wave of car thefts from the edge of the West End, all of them parked, secured vehicles in the parking lots of the many strip malls and other commercial areas that took up space between the West End and the growing suburbs of Ashton and Grenville. Then came the dumpsters, emptying out without a trace, and then finally vanishing themselves. When store owners put out security cameras and caught glowing lights surrounding their missing property before it vanished, they called their local superheroes for help. This meant the Interceptors - this meant stakeout. A little investigation revealed what looked to be a regular pattern to the thefts; and suggested the next place the thieves would strike. The team was currently occupying the next location on the list; a strip mall adjoining a small stretch of scrub woods that had for the moment escaped the growth of the city all around them. This late, only the all-night liquor store anchoring one end of the complex was open; the rest of the businesses, like much of the neighborhood, were sleeping. Luckily, Steve had a face for customer service, and so behind the counter he sat in the uniform of Al's Liquor Store, his scarred face and brusque demeanor making him seem 'like the kind of person who would work at a liquor store late at night." He wasn't entirely sure he understood what that meant; but he'd been given a mission by his team and he did his job. He knew the other Interceptors were on the case too. Of course, they weren't the only people out tonight trying to solve the mysterious disappearances...

August 8, 2015 10:00hrs Eastern Daylight Time Freedom City, Trainor Field. It was a warm but seasonal day for a coastal summer, partly cloudy, the rains of the early morning had subsided. Although the humidity sort of annoyed a certain blonde-haired pilot sitting on her trainer plane, or what she called her trainer. While not anything a superheroine could call a proper super-plane, it looked high performance none the less. She liked to fly it at airshows recently when not working the streets or her day job, and it made some good side money. After all, it's not every day you see an elf be a pilot. She straightened out her orange-colored flight-coveralls, she decided to ditch her usual super suit and flight pack, there needed to be some maintenance anyways. She zipped up her red flight vest, checking to make sure all her usual kit was in the proper pockets. If she could pull out a chart or a flare gun on reflex, that was helpful. She decided not to have the velcro patch of her tie to Archetech on this flight today... not company business. But she was also waiting for her trainee... She knew Grimalkin wanted to sharpen her skill in flying aircraft of this world. And she didn't mind it. She loved flying this aerobatic wonder, even if it was a little fiddly. Naomi starts making pre-flight checks waiting for Grimalkin to probably walk over at any moment. (Note that our aircraft is a stripped to the bone non-military version of this aircraft except for the ejection seats, and navy blue in color with the aircraft code: N42099-X on the tail.)

July 12, 2015 "Bequeath all of thy paltry trinkets unto my satchel or face the wrath my master!" the armored figure shouted at the terrified sales clerk from behind a gold and sapphire hued helmet styled to be reminiscent of a baboon. The plasma cannons built into his gauntlets, used moments before to blast sizable holes in the lavish skylights of the jewelry store, said that the armor was cutting edge while the style and decoration were obviously nods to a much older aesthetic. Behind him another five brigands in similarly ancient Egyptian themed power armor were busying themselves smashing into glass displays and cowing patrons and employees alike into silence. One stood at the doorway, wielding a massive spear that on a second glance was tipped with an intimidating barrel rather than a pointed blade and making it clear to mall security and good samaritans alike that they would do better to simply wait for the robbery to be over. Already the normally busy walkway of the shopping center's second floor had been deserted by civilians. Licking his lips, the shop's manager, a well dressed man with a shaved head and impeccable goatee, looked at the sack being held in front of him and nodded jerkily. "O-of course. Let me just--" Left hand inches from the silent alarm trigger below the display he abruptly found his field of view dominated by that same wrist mounted blaster, the heat from its first discharge still radiating from it like the hot breath of a predator. "Test not the patience of a servant to the gods, mortal!" the thief snarled, towering almost a full head over his victim. "The jewels! Now!"

July 11, 2015 Kimber finished etching the last rune into the surface of the ice with a telekinetically controlled chisel before floating a few meters into the air to survey her work critically. After the better part of two years of preparation and careful work she wasn't going to let the arcane ritual equivalent of a typo ruin everything now, especially now with so many of her friends on the way to help pull off her plan. Indira and Eve were already waiting on the bleachers on the other side of the plexiglass, the latter having been convinced to rent out the indoor ice rink for the day with only a minimum of pleading. Kimber had asked Tarva to head up to the announcer's booth so that she could double check the complex circles of inscribed sigils that made up the first step of the day's undertaking. Satisfied with the results, the poltergeist nodded and turned to her friends, hands on her hips. "Good to go! Just in time, too! Everybody should be getting here pretty soon!"

GM 6th July, Monday, 2015, 3.45 PM The skies above New York City, 37,500ft. above sea level The Lady Aetheria, flagship of the Sky Lord's fleet The warning shot flashed by Eileen's face like a meteor and struck the dead end to her right as she left the main hallway, a small porthole admitting the sight of a vast plain of clouds gleaming in the summer sun. The impact left a sharp stink of hot steel, and a fast-fading circle of red-hot metal on the wall. "There's nowhere to run, girl!" barked the slightly metallic voice of a soldier. With their anachronistic heavy helmets and masks, it was impossible to tell which of the twenty-odd people aiming their weapons down the hallway at the glowing young woman had said it. But there was no mistaking the note of triumph in the voice, and the deadly intent of the archaic-looking guns. They were staggered along the harsh steel corridor, leaning from open doorways and crouched against the walls, nobody in anybody's way and all very calm. Behind her, the Lapis Lamp could hear the pounding treads of her well-armored pursuers, slowing down as they neared, the far-off baritone of the radio man crackling through the halls. "Attention, attention. Escapee is cornered at junction 3-H! All units not in pursuit, return to the prisoners!" As if cut off, the clanging alarm ceased. And with a *SLAM* that jarred her skull, the door crashed shut behind her. In the abrupt silence that followed, the appearance of the Sky Lord at the far hallway mouth, backed by heavy-armoured troops and leaning on his sceptre with a profound look of disappointment, was almost comically anticlimactic. The robust old man shook his white head and sighed "Young lady, I commend your youthful exuberance and energy, but this was the only possible outcome. Power down and return to your cell, there is nowhere left for you to run." Before Cerulean was a forest of steel and fire. Behind her was a wall and a sickening drop. So many choices.

Hinocorp Maritime Seaport, 0930hrs Tokyo Time, July 5th, 2015 The "Noble Endeavor"... the secret birthday present Sakurako's parents had been keeping under wraps. A beautiful, motorized Yacht, modernized and loaded with green technology, a brilliant piece of work for the nautically inclined Sakurako. She was at it's christening at the Hinocorp Maritime drydock in Yokohama a few days ago, she even got into the local papers, not minding her usual sailor collared business ensemble. Something that the people of Tokyo have gotten used to, particularly after the posessed Cherry blossom Tree incident not too long ago. But now Sakurako waits for her classmates and friends. She covered their transit costs for getting to Japan, so she was fretting a bit as she was getting all of her ship in tip-top form, making sure everything was clean, supplies loaded, not to mention all the solar panels for any smart phones or anything that the other late-teenage superhumans wanted to bring along. That and Sakurako's almost painful attention to details on the safety measures on the ship as well. She straightened out the white sailor collared pair of jumpsuit-like coveralls she was wearing, taking off her white baseball cap with "Noble Endeavor" written across the front, brushing off the red sea survival vest she was wearing. She hoped to see everyone soon... and they like the stuff she got for them for the trip, if at least a momento of the occasion. Particularly Casey... they've not been having a good half of the year, a lot of stress and strain dealing with crisis after crisis. "Okay... all the food's on board, the life raft containers are in their berths, looks like all the computer systems are online..." ===6 Hours prior, The Hitomi Maru, Fishing trawler=== The captain looked out on his deck, night fishing for squid, shining lights down into the water. It was cloudy and the forecast was otherwise calm. That was when a mysterious fog surrounded the ship. Followed by the sudden peel of lightning and thunder as a rain started. The crew panicked as he looked outside, only to see the crew running in terror into the interior of the ship, as two gigantic bird-like creatures started eating their catch of the night. The eyed the captain and screeched, just before the air seemed to take on the smell of ozone, and then it lurched and rocked as all the radios and modern navigation systems went dead. The captain hit his head on the console and was knocked unconcious... ===The now... 1000hrs=== Sakurako sat at a table, sipping on some tea at a table in the dining room near where people would embark near the aft section of the white, futuristic looking ship. She watched her smart hone for any important messages. The stern doors were open. "Weather forecast's looking clear... odd a fishing trawler went missing early this morning... hmm..." "At least the coast guard is searching the area... I'll keep my eye out for any life rafts..." She said, looking over her charts.

The Boardwalk South Freedom City Friday, June 26, 2015 5:32pm The afternoon was hot and sunny; with the summer solstice just a week past, the days were long and the skies clear and even very nearly blue on this particular day. The height of the sun above the horizon made it feel like mid-afternoon instead of nearly evening, and the throngs of tourists and locals both enjoying the glitz and pageantry of the Boardwalk district were taking full advantage of it. Only blocks away the streets were starting to snarl with rush-hour traffic, filled with hot, tired commuters just getting off a long day's work and looking forward to getting home, but here the atmosphere was much more relaxed, and the temperature was even mitigated somewhat by the presence of the river to the north, flowing along blue-green and silent. There was much to do for all sorts on the Boardwalk, from drinking and gambling for those of legal age, to walks by the river, tourist-watching, or even a little illicit pick-pocketing for those unable to slip past casino security.

GM Post Neo Harare (of the former Congo Republic), PAU. 4216 AD Neo Harare. Brilliant Capital of the People's African Union, the second most influential power bloc on Earth, and the 4th most influential power bloc among the United Earth and Colonies Federation for the last three centuries. One week ago, it concluded the hosting of the Games of the DLXXXI Olympiad, celebrating humanity's achievements throughout the passage of time. Now, the city, along with its citizens, can only stare in abject horror, as the entire Advanced League of Oceania was being rapidly reduced to ashes. President Alphonse Massamba-Tchicaya conferred with the Azure Champion, the world's strongest human alive. "... and we have no word from the rest of the United Freedom League?" Though he remained composed, the Azure Champion couldn't help but take a sudden, swift breath as he recalled losing contact with them, when they arrived at the ground zero. "I'm... sorry, mr President. I'm affraid that we lost contact with them, same as all other heroes who went up against the new weapon the Reformists are fielding." "And we are sure that it can-" "Mr President." The Azure Champion cut President Tchicaya. "You have seen the destruction this weapon has wrought. The so-called Destreamer is the genuine article." Tchicaya seemed to hesitate. The Azure Champion knew what was in the President's mind. It went against everything they stood for. Against everything humanity had fought for, since time immemorial. "Loathe though I am to suggest it, maybe you should consider their terms..." "And have our people used as pawns for their Xenophobic policies?" Tchicaya burst out. "Our people died in droves to fight off the last organization that saw fit to subjugate the rest of the galaxy! Surrendering to the Revengers would not only be a betrayal of our humanity, it would spit on the graves of our ancestors, our ancestors' ancestors, and so on!" "... And if you don't surrender... there will be no one left to feel ashamed." "..." Slinking back on his chair, the president let out a sigh. "What would you have me do, old friend?" The Azure Champion smiled softly, as he flew outside the open window of the Governmental House. "... I will attempt to attack their headquarters. I will gather any hero who's still active, and make for a last ditch effort." Turning his head towards President Tchicaya, he said. "May the Goddess guide you through." A flurry of flashes, the residual energies from the weapons unleashed, kept the night sky alight, as the Azure Champion hastened away. This battle, that shook the very foundation of the Earth, posed threateningly as merely a precussor to what was about to follow; an unfolding of events that would send ripples throughout the history of mankind... Present Day, Freedom City Monday, June 15th, 2015 Evening, 20:10 It started abruptly, without warning. Tears in the fabric of reality started popping left and right, in a seemingly random pattern. For the last hour, Parkside has been riddled with this randomly occuring phenomena, as everything the tears touched seemingly disappeared into nothingness. Then, the tears would close, only for new ones to pop back. Soon, various news outlets arrived at Parkside, making reports about this peculiar incident, and it rapidly became apparent, from the national news, that this wasn't limited to Freedom City; plenty of cities across the American continent were being bombarded by the Tears, albeit within a limited area. As the Tears persist, the first few heroes arrive at the scene...

GM Post Calcutta, India 1892 AD "... which is why me and my Associates are very displeased with your policies in the Bengali province, Captain Ayres." The man in the red suit said. "We are invested in the proper development of the area, and quite frankly, your policies, appart from brutal, are in conflict with our interests." The man in the blue suit added. "Your objections are noted, gentlemen, I assure you. However, understand that I have to deal with a rebelion here, one incited by Korean spies who would sooner see India burn than have it prosper under Brittish rule. I've always acted on the behalf of the Company's interests, which I was given to understand were YOUR interests as well." Captain Ayres was very upset, but he held on. The men in the suits were hard to deal with, given that they always seemed to be wearing their expressions like a man wears a suit; fittingly, but it was obvious that the clothing was not an actual part of said man. "And that was why you chose to align yourself with Feng Huan Po?" "..." That had hit a nerve. Captain Ayres had taken the utmost of precautions to ensure that whatever dealings he had with Feng Huan Po remained under wraps. "Surely the governor-general isn't very appreciative of your alliance with a follower and representative of the Old Ways." "Feng Huan is... a necessary concession on our part. He ensures that the Chinese will keep to themselves, while also posing a significant threat to the Koreans from attempting an outright invasion." He tried to explain. The expressions of the two men warped, as they tried to imitate concern. "He is more dangerous than you realise, Captain. Feng Huan Po moves in circuitous ways, ensuring that his actions largely remain concealed from our eyes." "It is imperative for our plans that the people of Calcutta, and India in general, enjoy a secure, safe, and prosperous for them enviroment." "If you fail..." "... we will have to take action against you. Even if that means..." "... that the East India Company meets a premature end." "It is our hope that we have made ourselves clear." "If you think... IF YOU THINK THAT I WILL CAVE UNDER YOUR HOLLOW THRE-" "There is NOTHING hollow about our threats, Captain." "As your superiors no doubt have informed you, the Spanish once tried to dare us into action." "You ARE aware of the Battle of Gravelines, aren't you?" "Heed our words, Captain Ayres. You are walking a very thin line as it is." "Do not cross us." "..." The Captain remained further silent, as the two men took their leave. Their warning was clear as a day. However, the Captain remained undeterred in his resolve to proceed with his plans. "If the East India Company is the sacrifice needed to ensure 'our' future... then so be it." He silently mouthed. He knew that forcing the two men into action was tantamount to challenging god's wrath. So that was why... Present Day, Freedom City Tuesday, June 16th, 2015 Midday, 14:35 The tears closed as soon as they opened, and everything they enveloped vanished completely. Sometimes, other random stuff would emerge from those energy swirls. Not only where they fast, the tears appeared at random places, from the City's center to Parkside, from there to Hannover, then the Great Bay, Lincoln, Riverside, Ashton, and Southside. The tears would continuously open and close in each of these areas for approximately an hour, before moving on to another place. This had been going for the better part of the last day, with reports of similar phenomena accross the country. The superhero community were as stumped as the scientific one, about what was going on, much less its cause. Thankfully enough, though, the tears didn't seem to affect humans, so barring a few indirect injuries caused by the odd falling piano, there was very little cause for panic. The news made sure to keep updates of this peculiar phenomenon, keeping the citizens informed of the tears' current emergence location. Last sighted, they'd appeared in Kingston, while for the last 10 minutes, they seemed to start appearing over at West End.

Penthouse, Henderson Apartments, Downtown Freedom City 04:00 am 19th June 2015, First Day of Ramadan Agnus was gently woken from her sleep, snuggled against Amir, by Taylor declaring another beef about someone. Luckily she didn’t need much sleep and she quickly adjusted to the time zones she skipped everyday. And even she had been all tuckered out by what they’d done last night, probably the last time they’d get to do that for a month. “Come on sleepy head time to get up. It’s you that want’s to have breakfast at this ungodly hour.” It was around nine UK time, but she left that part out. Slipping out of bed she padded over naked to the massive window that gave amazing views over the city, without anyone else being able to see what they were doing. Which was quite useful as INS, Aegis and maybe even the League might want to know how and why she was in the country. She still felt a little guilty that this bedroom was probably bigger than her parents entire house, though they stubbornly refused to let her to buy them a bigger home. “You’ve still haven’t told us where we eating this morning.” she put the word morning i air quotes “I need to decide what I’m going to wear to breakfast, it takes a lot of time and effort to fit all this under a Hijab.” she gestured to her mass of hair.

June 18, 2015 Summer vacation had started, and, while he had plenty to do catching up with his studies at Claremont, sleeping was proving to be difficult. It was a little jarring for his roommate at first. While Ralf was very open about the fact that he wasn’t human, he still didn’t like people seeing his natural form. There was a name for that feeling too—self-consciousness. He didn’t like it at all. It made him remember all the scientists who always stared at him, constantly poking and prodding him… He shivered just thinking about it. Ralf had taken to sneaking off campus at night to explore the city. Getting around unseen wasn’t difficult. Shooting across the rooftops was far different from practicing his unusual talents on campus. Well out of sight of the public and traffic below, Amorph fired his arm like a cannon, stretching it until he could wrap it around a nearby pole. From there, he let the pressure lapse, catapulting himself across the alley below and onto the next rooftop. At least, he thought, it isn't raining. He just outright didn't like water. Maintaining his form was much more difficult--not impossible, just more effort than simply staying out of the rain. Sometimes he had nightmares about drifting into a drain and encountering some sewer gator or something. There really was no telling what was down below the city streets... probably more water. The thought alone was kind of horrifying. Better to concentrate on the run--focus on what is, instead of what might be. The more often Ralf used his unique physiology, the more he understood himself—physically, anyway. His body went rigid as he landed, and he felt his shoulder tense up as his arm snapped back to its normal length. By then, he was on the move again, throwing his arms forward to grab on to the roof’s opposite edge as he ran and slingshotting himself across another alley. It was about as tiring as running, but he reveled in the freedom of movement as a whole. He did it to distract himself; of that much, Amorph could be sure. Part of him wondered where his father was, and if he would ever see Dr. Steiner again. Only time, he supposed, would tell.

Wading Way 10:00 16th June 2015 It was a warm but overcast day and Freedom City was getting on with the important business of getting things done. But being Freedom City things never seem to be able to happen without supers getting involved. And with a flash of anti-light and the smell of sulphur someone who looks like he’s come from a fantasy film or video game, staff and all, appears in the middle of the road which would be dangerous to him if it wasn’t for the two large demon flanking him. With words in a strange language he gestures to an Armored Car stuck in traffic and the two demon make their way through the traffic to do his bidding. Just another normal day in Freedom City.

June 10, 2:45pm. Claremont Academy Eileen exited the classroom, holding her textbook and notebook in one hand while hitching her purse up on her shoulder, clearly a little distracted by the juggling act. Fortunately not so distracted that she trampled the tiny sophomore who she crossed paths with in the hall just outside the doorway. "Sorry!" the tall blonde girl exclaimed, from nearly a foot higher up due to her boots. "Didn't mean to nearly run you down." Perhaps amazingly, she hadn't lost her grip on any of her things -- would wonders never cease? She took a second look at the other student, and something clicked. "Hey -- you're, um, Zephyr, right?" she went on with a smile. "You've got some major mind mojo going on, from what I hear. Impressive, and probably a little annoying," she observed, her smile turning wry. "Oh, and I'm Eileen," she introduced herself, managing to free up a hand to hold out in introduction. "I've only been here a few weeks, still getting used to," she hefted her textbook, cradled in her elbow, "'Energy Theory and Secondary Propagation'. Or, another way to put it, 'stuff has consequences'." She snorted -- like a textbook or a class was needed to figure out that.

June 8th, 2015 The citizens of Freedom City tended to be a politically active sort, as keen to hold protests as rallies, to throw parades and circulate petitions. There was something about taking to the streets to make a spectacular demonstration that was simply baked into the city's core. Even so, there was only so much of the specific mechanics of actual government that the average citizen was honestly willing to wrap their head around so it would be understandable if the name Stewart Bench didn't ring any immediate bells. If he'd emerged with surprising speed as the front runner to be the new city councilman for one of the western wards in the next election, well, who had really heard of any of the candidates before the campaign signs started going up? If his poll numbers indicated a noticeably higher voter turnout rate than previous terms, well, it was just nice to see the youth of today exercising their democratic rights. It had only taken Ellie Stein a little bit of digging to realize that those numbers simply didn't add up and while creative use of statistics might have been a way of life for politicians it was enough to convince her to investigate further. The more she looked into Bench, the less she like what she found. Eventually it was the blue and silver clad heroine Echo who peered down at his campaign offices, the lights still on at this late hour, ready for some more hands-on research...

Omni Parker Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts Friday, 5 June 2015 Noon The historic facade of the Omni Parker House overlooked the historic stone King’s Chapel and the historic green burying ground. It was a normal, busy day in the heart of Boston, and the hotel was busier than it usually was with men and women in neat suits filing into the entrance. In the middle of them were a few types that particularly stood out; like the man in the long saffron robes, or the woman in buckskins, or the man in a long cassock have a quiet, heated argument with a woman wearing a Catholic nun’s habit. The crowd flowed up the stairs and into the mezzanine spaces, congregating around the Isabella Stewart Gardner and the Harriet Beecher Stowe rooms. With its doors opened to the 23rd Interreligious Convention, the staff at Parker House were continuously updated to the different dietary requirements the speakers and registered attendees had indicated. The lunch they had laid out for the first day of the convention was blander than they usually strove for, but each steamer platter was still delicious (and had its ingredients cleared listed). Siobhan Drake found herself in line, staring at a starched wimple and waiting for her chance at the crab cakes. While she suffered in a non-smoking room, she felt a tug on her sleeve. She turned, and saw a young man in an old man’s body smiling at her. He was her height, balding, slim, his wrinkled face pulled into a bright smile, and a vibrant energy burned from every pore of his body. “Professor Siobhan Drake? I must say, I very much enjoyed your paper about occultism in post-war Western countries.” He smiled broadly and rocked on his heels, evidently pleased with himself at pronouncing ‘Shiv-awn’ properly.

GM Ga'hai Crash SiteNorthern Ireland, United KingdomSunday, May 17th, 20157:22 PM Drunk College students had decided to camp out for the weekend when the came across the wreckage of an alien ship. It only took a few excited phone calls and the local media was airing the wrecked ship nonstop. The Ministry of Powers had cordoned off the area once the excitement had died down. They were going to send a team of scientists to examine it later. Foreshadow didn't feel like waiting for an undisclosed "later". Making his way into the crash site, Foreshadow had to sneak around the guards. Even if they were on the same side orders were to stay away. He just didn't quite care. When the video of the crash site made it to international waters, Naomi instantly recognized the wreckage of the ship from old notes her mother left behind. It was Ga'hai in nature. Borrowing an Archetech jet, Naomi made an impromptu visit to Archetech's UK branch under the guise of testing how the craft would hold up on international voyages. Historically, woodlands have gotten a poor deal in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of Europe. Woodland Clearance had all but removed most of the natural forests. Well succinct to say that forrestry was a dead industry in Northern Ireland. But, there were still enough parks and moorslands for the ship to have been hidden there for some untold amount of time.

Southern QueenNorth End, Freedom City, NewJerseySaturday, May 16th, 201512:22 PM Princess Thaelia was glad to be done with her week long excursion to the Pine Barrens. She had no qualms with nature. And even less qualms about spending a week with her schoolmates. But, there was something to be said about the surface world's restaurants that was missed. Which was how Thaelia found herself in the Southern Queen. Students had mentioned it here and there before. But, Thaelia had never attended the establishment prior to the trip. Dressed in green armored toga style dress the Atlantean was a hard sight to miss. Especially when she swung the door open with way too much force. Though not enough force to rip the door right off. "The Daughter of the Seas accepts your gauntlet." Thaelia was referring to an ad in the paper that referenced a gut busting challenge a customer had an alloted amount of time to eat a giant sized meal that could feed a family of five. If complete the food would be free and the winner's picture would be added to a wall. If incomplete, then the loser had plenty of leftovers to take home. This was not an establishment that believed in wasting food after all. The challenge was a temporary promotion fro the day seeking to drum up business. And judging by the Atlantean's reaction, drum up business it did.

GM Harvest Supermarket/Alleyway directly across from Harvest Supermarket The Fens, Freedom City, New JerseyFriday, May 15th, 20158:17 PM Foreshadow had been driving through the Fens when all of a sudden a vision took hold. Dozens of gangsters breaking into a Harvest Supermarket in the Fens. Men and women armed with serrated knives. Each stabbing a victim three times. All wearing a bright red cap on their head and smiling sadistically. Everyone was dying around him. Foreshadow had to act, sprinting forward to the nearest gang member...Foreshadow was stabbed in the chest. Looking up at his reflection in one of those robotic claw games he saw his reflection. Or more specifically, that of the store's managers. One of many victims of the night. If Foreshadow couldn't put a stop to it before it was too late. With a quick swerve into oncoming traffic, Foreshadow set course for the Harvest Supermarket Terrifica had a different sort of forewarning. She had been tracking the activity of a new gang to the city for the past month. Unlike Foreshadow she knew for a fact there would be some undertaking tonight. It was a massive initiation night for this new gang. She hadn't been able to piece together the gang's name. Or their active leadership. Just that their habits were comparative to that of a cult. But, she knew just where to be if she wanted to get answers. The Supergenius just had to make it to the Harvest Supermarket in the Fens. Well before the three vans holding wannabe gangsters wanting to butcher multiple people. As for the hero with absolutely no warning of what would be transpiring? Danny was walking by an alleyway when he heard a woman scream. Seeing as a scream never meant anything good in the Fens of all places, Danny peered around the corner. She was surrounded by three men. Each wearing a Red Cap and holding a serrated knife.

Footage played on a projector showing the destructive wreckage of a buglike battlesuit destroying some sort of facility There was fire, bloodshed, and above all corpses. The bugman left swathes of bodies in his wake. Blood dripping down his armor. He looked up at the camera before the feed cut off. Yves Zermeño, Alyssa Wild, Sven Johnson, and Carlos Zermeño were all sitting inside of a meeting room. Called together as part of an impromptu task force under Agent Lazeny. "Who is this?" Wild asked. "A new player is in town. We don't have any real data on him. The higher ups have been referring to him as the Beetle. Forensics thinks the building he destroyed was some sort of lab, perhaps a Powerhouse facility as there are signs of genetic modification. All of the research in the facility had been destroyed. Our techs were able to scrounge up and piece together this footage. Recent sightings have seen the Beetle apprehending local criminals, no new confirmed casualties. " Lazenby responded "Are we sure the footage hasn't been tampered with? Someone could be using AEGIS to hunt down an escaped science experiment. If the subject has been fighting criminals without any confirmed kills. It doesn't exactly speak to the blood soaked image we just saw." Carlos asked. Skeptical that they should take the footage at face value. "We're not. That is why the other Agent Zermeño will merely be conducting a threat report. Whether ally or foe, AEGIS cannot afford to be left in the dark. You and Sven will be monitoring her from an AEGIS relay station. Agent Wild will standby and provide fire support if it is needed." "..." Yves sat there silently. Somehow suspecting she'd be the one stuck with the investigating. Collecting her thoughts for a moment she finally asked. "How will I find this Beetle?" "Hang around Freedom College. His recent sightings all fall within a certain area around the campus. We don't know if he's a student, faculty, an employee of a nearby business, or merely that it's all coincidence. But, if he pops up you should be near enough to find him." Essentially confirming AEGIS had absolutely no way to track "The Beetle" down yet. * * * Freedom College Southside, Freedom City, NewJerseyWenseday, May 6th, 20153:15 PM Freedom College was hosting its annual Cultural Arts Festival. A joint campus production with FreeSA. There were public performances. Indoor galleries. Even the food itself was a work of art. Both in taste and production. Students were urged to participate in the local productions or at the very least attend in support of their schools.

GM The Rock Outer Reaches of Contested Space Tuesday, May, 5th, 2015 When the Stellar Khanate initally rose to power, Star Khan needed a prison facility for all criminals too value to simply kill off. Known informally as "The Rock",. the Khanate's best architects created a hidden prison on an asteroid field within the oribt of a resource fueled planet known as Veritas. The prisoners were periodically brought down to a mining colony on the Veritas to participate in forced labor.The prison was designed almost entirely with "re-purposed" technology. Namely Lor technology. Every guard an emotionless Lor Enforcer robot. Only the Wardern and the on site doctor were flesh and blood Zultasians. The various defense measures made the prison impenetrable. With not a single documented escape or break in. The Rock was basically a fortress in of itself. After Star Khan was bested in the Lor-Khan war Veritas broke away from the Khanate. And with it the prison planet. Most Government bodies were led to believe the prison fell out of use. In reality, The Rock became a private enterprise. Storing prisoners for those willing to pay the right price. The Enforcers also acted as bounty hunters collecting prisoners and faking their deaths before transferring them to the Rock for the credit reward. Providing the Warden with a never ending stream of prisoners to act as miners even in the present day. Every criminal worth his salt knew to avoid the Lor's Enforcers. Never knowing if they were the genuine deal or hired goons for someone with enough pull. Unfotunately, Star Shot's crew of intergalactic environmentalists were not criminals proper. When Lor Enforcers boarded their ship they assumed they were being questioned on a routine stop. They were wrong and promptly arrested. In reality, a Lor Diplomat faked footage claiming them to have been poaching rare interplanetary wildlife. All to prevent them from bringing to light evidence of his own illegal gaming. Deep Freeze thought ahead. Sending out a request to an underground crimenet for a cash reward. Anyone who could rescue the captured crew would be generously compensated. Only one crew was reckless enough to actually willingly get captured by the Enforcers. In the middle of being processed for their own suspect criminal history, such as attacking a certain law enforcement officer made of sand, the Voidrunners grumbled as all their equipment was taken by the Enforcers. Bliss and Ruby instantly regretting going along with what could only be described as another plan Roulette purposely designed to tick off his comrades. Elsewhere, in the prison cafeteria, Seika had just accidentally bumped into a bloated round shaped purple skinned extraterrestrial creature with eight arms. The creature's tray fell on the ground and it snarled. Almost instantly the purple creature was joined by three other large creatures. "Stinky two arms!"

Kestevan 79 GM A pair of Lor officers made their way into the new headquarters of the ancient alien group known as the Praetorians. The space was still very much under construction and being refurbished, with a number of Lor technicians assisting in the process. But these two Lor officers were not there to oversee assisting the Praetorians in establishing their new facility. Instead they were there on behalf of the Republic to request the assistance of the Praetorians. With the Communion stopped, some semblance of normalcy had returned to this sector of the universe, and that had allowed the Republic to return its attentions to several matters that had been unattended when stopping the Communion had been of utmost importance. But even now the Republic did not have sufficient resources to deal with all the problems at hand. As the pair moved down the corridor, a larger hulking reptilian humanoid moved over toward them. The figure towered just over eight feet tall, covered in green and brown scales, with a long tail that ended in a spiked ball. "Greetings officers," the reptilian humanoid stated in accented GalStandard, "I am Seresk, may I be of assistance?" "Greetings Praetorian Seresk, I am Commander E'tten of the Lor Star Navy, and this is Aya K'zan from the Allied Liaison/Intelligence Extra-National Service." The male Lor stated in response. "We are here to speak with Praetorian Val-Ren about a matter in which the Republic wishes to request the assistance of the Praetorians." The large reptilian alien gave a small nod. "Please, follow me." It replied before turning and leading the pair off down the corridor. A short while later, the trio arrived at the central command center of the headquarters, a larger circular dome shaped room with a number of other exits. Like most of the rest of the facility, it was still undergoing significant renovations and work, a number of Praetorians and technicians working on installing various systems along the room's walls. In the center of the room was a larger holographic system capable of displaying and tracking information for multiple units and locations. Gathered around the holo display were four individuals, currently in conversation about the progress of renovations for the facility. One was a humanoid female, slightly over average height for a Lor or Terran, with long black and purple hair and dark orange skin. She was dressed in a full length white bodysuit, with black diamond shapes surrounded by golden yellow trim on the shoulders, upper chest and back. Her black boots and gloves also has the golden yellow trim, and a long black cape trailed behind her. It was not hard to match her appearance to the reports about Paradigm that had circulated among the Coalition forces during the Communion incursion. Two of the other three were also female, one, dressed in a red jumpsuit, appeared to be Terran, with long black hair and a deep tan complexion. The other woman, who also resembled a Terran, had long dark blonde hair and was dressed in a blue and white military style uniform. The crisp and perfect uniform, as well as the woman's stern, commanding presence, left little doubt that she had at least once been in the military. She had a jagged scar along one eye, and her left arm was a sleek, mechanical replacement. The fourth figure was dressed in familiar armor of a Star Knight, his armor bright green in its coloring. The Star Knight's helmet was currently not deployed, reveling a Terran who was easily recognizable as Star Knight Kyle Steward, also known as Cavalier. "Excuse me Imperatrix," Seresk stated as he lead the two Lor forward into the room and towards the four gathered in the center, "may I introduce Commander E'tten of the Lor Star Navy, and Aya K'zan from the Allied Liaison/Intelligence Extra-National Service, here on behalf of the Lor Republic."

Saturday, May 20th, 2015 Frankfort, Michigan, United States Late afternoon Frankfort was a small town of barely a thousand souls, full of picturesque buildings, sandy beaches, and a startlingly white lighthouse out on the point. Families walked or ran up and down main street, people on vacation enjoying the warm spring weather and the cool breezes that blew off the lake. It would be a perfect image, if not for an air of tension that hung over the town. You didn’t have to go far to find the source of the tension. The town’s docks had been interdicted, with Atlantean troops standing on the boardwalk and stopping anyone who tried to get to their moored boats. Tourists stared at them; police talked at them; angry citizens and protesters yelled at them; but the soldiers of the underwater kingdom were impassive in their verdigrised armor and lightning-staffs. For three days and three nights they had kept up a silent presence, not intruding further into town or attacking any of the surfacers (well, except for one guy who showed up at the ER with a broken arm and an electrical burn, but he should’ve known better than to throw a brick) but not allowing anyone to reach their vessels, either.

May 15th It was supposed to be a week long trip. One planned by Elias, with one instructor, Mr. Landis, being the one watching to make sure this didn't go belly up. It was a hiking survival trip through the Pine Barren in Wharton. So the potential was there. Given the intent, all the students were told to pack rugged, and since more didn't have camping gear, it would be provided. Given the nature of the Pine Barrens scavenging would be tricky, but there would be an effort for it. A return to simplicity that the students needed after the last year, or so. SOme more than others. They were completely helpless, but they were not oing full scavenge, the Pine Barrens wouldn't allow for it, and they had to account for water too, after all. Also it would serve as a senior project for Elias, who he had to come up with the study, as well as teach some of his skills to other. So he was being graded on this, as well as him being watch to see if he was truly socialized, as Mr. Landis argued the kid was ready to... whatever awaited him after graduation. So with the van parked, packs were taken, ameneties were kissed goodbye. There wasn't much lead in to, but those familiar with Elias knew that would be the case, as the telepath always seemed apt to go off half-cocked and do things. So him packing a machete might be a concerning, but he waited for everyone to get ready, and he glanced to Mr. Landis, who shrugged and gestured back to the kid. "Okay... Camp site is five miles." And he moved handing each of them a map and compass. "It should be an easy hike, there is no change in elevation. Try to avoid powers if possible, and unfortunately we can't really hunt, but we can do snares when we get settled, but the seaon is bad for it. I know some of you don't really need any additional survival stuff, but..." He frowned a little bit, and then he moved to pluck a pale green lichen from the tree, "I guess we have to start somewhere, this is Old Man's Beard. It will work as wound packing, and the stretchy semi-clear interior," he said as he rubbed at the outside of the plant so it will show, "This had some anti-septic properties. It's not much, but if something happens it'll do in a pinch." And with that he stuffed it into a pocket. "Alright let's get going then." And with that he turned and started out down the trail. Clearly not at ease with the task at hand. A couple hours later and some kids more tired than others, they were at the spot, though it wasn't finished. "I'll work on the firepit. We're start here by looking for sufficient stuff to make a lean to. So you want groundfall limbs, several of about six feet or so" And with that he set his stuff down, and then started on working at making a centralized fire for which they had could be set up. It was needed, given rain was likely. "And pine boughs will be useful too, we wont really have anything else."

GM Post October the 23rd, 1941 - Pacific Ocean, near the Ni'ihau, State of Hawai'i As the war that engulfed the majority of the planet raged on, a lone Sentoku type submarine sailed under the surface of the Pacific Ocean. It's destination, the Republic of Ecuador, still a ways away, was currently being pressured into signing a treaty with the Republic of Peru by the United States. If signed, the treaty would mean the complete unification of the American continent, in direct opposition to the Axis powers. The Sentoku type submarine, helmed by Vice Admiral Konoe Takahashi of the Empire of Japan, was tasked with sneaking under the radars of the USA navy, making a line to Ecuador, and harass the nation until it agreed to signing a treaty with Japan instead. Of course, a single vessel would be hardpressed to achieve any results of significance, which was why it was originally accompanied by a small fleet of Kaidai type submarines. The rest of the fleet, however, was completely lost when it came under attack; Umiquan vessels had been engaging the Japanese in the Pacific, reportedly, over territorial trespassing violations. VA Konoe looked weary, and the dread his sailors felt was palpable. They knew this would turn into a suicide mission, even if they somehow managed to reach their destination. Nevertheless, they had their orders, and they'd recieved no response regarding the destruction of their fleet. The old wolf could only laugh at his pitiable fate, the result of expansionist politics gone horribly, horribly wrong, and could barely sleep, waitting restlessly for the inevitable alert that they'd been intercepted. And become intercepted they did, as a single Umiquan vessel, shaped like a manta ray, came into the radar's view. But this one vessel didn't seem to be part of a pursuing party, as it was following its own course, making no attempt at communication with the Sentoku type, nor moving threateningly against it. If the submarine could recieve optical footage from the Umiquan vessel, it would have revealed the royal crest of the current Tyrant King, Lord Laosoon the IVth... Friday, May the 8th, 2015 - Hunter Museum of Natural History, North End, Freedom City 16:34 It would seem that the attractions this day were of particular importance. Envoys from Atlantis had arrived, lending their artifacts for display, in commemoration of the Sea King's joinning the Freedom League. The exhibition would last for one month, starting today, and for its duration, admitance to the museum would be completely free to the public. Among the exhibits, a replica of the first crown King Thallor, King Theseus' father, wore during his reign, several sculptured depictions of the Ancient Greek Gods, most prominent of whom was Poseidon, God of the seas and Patron God of Atlantis, and a black jewel the size of one's fist, adorned with the symbols and mystic runes of Atlantis, dating back to the 17th century. Quite a few Atlanteans had surfaced to Freedom City, for the chance to see their valued heritage being displayed side to side with that of their human cousins. Many Atlantean kids wow'd in wonderment at the display of the Tyrannosaurus Rex's skeleton, a sight that even most of the adult Atlanteans couldn't help but admire, both for its sheer scale and detail, as well as its evocative visage. This day would prove a poignant step in the continued improvement between the humans and the Atlanteans, and the royal family of Atlantis was sure to attend.