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Phalanx Power Level: 15 (250/250PP) [274] (31PP / 3 = 10PP carried over from pre-bump) Trade-Offs: -3 Attack, +3 Save DC (Energy vision +5 Attack -5 Save DC); -5 Defense, +5 Toughness; Unspent Power Points: 0 In Brief: Teen (Now adult) Paragon granted powers by the '93 Terminus invasion; A 'Terminus Baby' Residence: Aeon Penthouse Base of Operations: Freedom City Catchphrase: None yet Alternate Identity: Mike Albright Identity: Secret Birthplace: Freedom City Occupation: Elementary Teacher Affiliations: Liberty League, AEON, Claremont Academy (Former Student), Young Freedom ( Founding Member), Nicholson School Family: Only child. Mother and Father live in Hanover, His paternal grandparents have a farm 'upstate'. Wife is Alex Albright. Description: Age: 22 (DoB: August 16, 1993) Apparent Age: Early 20's Gender: Male Ethnicity: White Height:6'6" Weight:285lbs Eyes: Green Hair: Black Description: Mike has recently gotten what he hopes to be his last growth spurt topping him out well over six feet tall. He prefers baggy clothing still but given his most recent growth spurt he has difficulty finding anything that isn't relatively tight. He still prefers basic Jeans and t-shirt combos but has added some shirts with color or designs to his formerly black on black wardrobe as he comes further out of his shell. He towers over most of his fellow students and its not hard to place what exactly his powers are just from his appearance. In his efforts to clean up his image he has styled his hair into a short spit curl and usually manages to keep from going out with bed head these days. He moves with confidence much less uncertain and tentative then the boy who came to Claremont a few short months ago. In costume as Phalanx he shows he cleans up quite nicely. The high collar and shoulders of the costume are in Claremont gold dropping a deep V to his belt of bronzed plates, his Young Freedom Beacon acting as buckle, the rest of the form fitting suit is in deep blue. He pairs this with matching bracers and boots of burnished bronze, and a deep blue full length cape draped from his shoulders. Update 8/2015: The past few years have been good to Mike and his frame if anything has filled out as he has grown into full adulthood. Broad of shoulder and muscular he looks as if he works out regularly to obsesively with a strong squared jaw and well kept close cropped hair. His cloths are now rarely baggy and he carries himself with more confidence though still takes exceptional care not to intimidate or bully people with his size. History: If his parents hadn't been at odds over a natural home birth verses a hospital one Michaels life would have turned out very differently. As it was Melinda Harris found herself, alone thanks to Marvins workaholism, at the hospital birthing class when the invasion started. A portal to the terminus opened in the midst of the room bathing the expectant mothers in the strange energy of that place. Thanks to the quick reactions of her ad hock partner, who's husband also hadn't shown, she survived the assault and together managed to escape to safety. They became fast friends after that harrowing event and once they were born Michael and her daughter Alexandra soon were as well. Much to Marvin and Melinda's relief it at fist seemed the energies of the Terminus had had no effect on Michael, that was not to last however. He was certainly big for his age and strong too, though as doting parents they thought it well within the norm, then one day when Melinda was trying to get him to nap he floated up and out of the crib to continue his interrupted playtime. His parents made immediate efforts to make sure he would keep his abilities a secret they didn't know what else to do. When Melinda confided in her friend Rebecca she learned that little Alex had powers as well, the children spent even more time together from that point on as the parents could trust one another with each others secrets like they could few others When the children grew to school age it seemed as if the caution may have been overkill. both children were careful not to reveal that they were different even if they didn't fully understand why. Of course this was more responsibility than a young child really can be expected to bear. It was a normal schoolyard scuffle an older boy took a toy from Alex and Mike told him to give it back Things escalated from there too quickly and the next thing any one knew the other boy was across the room in a heap next to the crumbling wall. Mike was shocked and worried, and more than a little scared. He didn't know what had happened to the boy but he saw the reaction from the other students and the adults. When Alex gave voice to their thoughts his fears were confirmed he had done a very bad thing. The adults and his parents tried to tell him the boy would be fine but Alex had already given voice to their fears and he knew their comforting words to be lies. When the government men came he thought for sure they were gong to take him to jail. He didn't hear much of the conversation but Alex filled him in on the pertinent details. They were going to go to a special school now, a school where they would be tested to see the extent of the 'Terminus Effect' For the next ten years he was schooled at a secret ASTRO labs facility under the code name Phalanx. They Tested his abilities and make up charting his progress and trying to trace the energies that granted he and Alex their powers. Through either his mothers determined though limited grassroots campaign or Rebbecas old contacts the children as well as some others the unit had picked up were released to their parents once more and the obvious surveillance removed. Now at nearly sixteen years of age Michael is in a, comparatively, normal school for the first time. He's uncertain about this Claremont academy but happy to have a chance at something like normalcy. Update: Not long after beginning his studies at Claremont academy fate conspired to thrust him and several of his friends into action when a baseball stadium full of spectators was held hostage. After saving the day the groups nominal leader, and Mikes roommate, Edge declared them Young Freedom. They have had several other encounters together and separately with the cities criminal element and usually come out on top. The school sees to it that they are prepared for the journey before them and Mike had flourished under the training and camaraderie of the team. Update 8/2015: After graduating Claremnt Academy Mike went on to get a criminal justice AA and attend the police academy before joining the FCPD. His nature was revealed in short order in a rather spectacularly public manner. No longer able to pretend he can live the simple life Mike is at loose ends as he decides where to go from here. Update 07/2019: Mike has graduated with a bachelors in Education and Childhood Development and now works as a teacher at the Nicholson School, Usually Kindergarten and occasionally higher grades when a student or class might need his skills (or more likely durability) more. He has wed his long time sweetheart Alexandra Albright and taken her name putting more strain on his secret identity as she is already well known as the Heroine Psyche. It is only a matter of time before that secret is out and it may be an open secret to everyone else already. Personality & Motivation: Michael plays the part of the introvert and loner though he does desire companionship he has trouble trusting, both others and himself. He covers for this with acerbic humor and a generally sullen demeanor. Few have worked past his defenses in this regard, and fewer wish to bother, but those that have have made a friend for life. Michael is acutely aware of the destruction he is capable of, perhaps more so than even the testers are, and it terrifies him. He is a good person that truly does want to try and better the world but lives in fear of his own body. He lacks the confidence to embrace his potential instead hiding behind a facade of disinterest and sullenness. However when a friend is in danger, or even insulted, he will weather whatever the world will throw his way in their defense though he won't lash out physically even then. Mike steadfastly refuses to fight thus far, though he has yet to be truly tested in the real world. Update: Mike has come out of his shell with his participation in Young Freedom and he is much less somber when with the good friends he has made there. He still is usually the serious one in the group but will laugh with the others at a well told joke. this newfound camaraderie has strengthened his already strong protective impulse and woe be it to anyone who would threaten his friends. Update 8/2015: Mike has long dreamed of the simple normal life despite events conspiring to make such impossible. After leaving school this desire separated him from many of his school friends and has left him lonelier and more withdrawn. After the debacle of his attempt at being a police officer he is primed to give up the dream of normalcy and fully embrace his heroic identity. With little else left to identify with however he is at risk of losing himself to the job as it were. Update 07/2019: Mike has finally hit his stride with a balance in his life and work as a Hero and grown into a self assured and confident man in both parts of his life. He's devoted to giving back to the community that has helped him to grow and of course still to defending those weaker than himself. He no longer feels he stands in the shadows of the heroes of yesteryear but knows now he and the others of his generation reach high standing on their shoulders. He knows his powers and prowess draw comparisons to The Centurion and understand the responsibility that comes with that. He's now willing to shoulder that responsibility and be part of that symbol and legacy with the others following in earth's mightiest heroes footsteps. Powers & Tactics: Mike is a physical powerhouse but usually holds himself back. Since his training at Claremont with Young Freedom his abilities have improved drastically from their untrained state. He is still slow to put the full force of his powers into play but his control now allows him to unleash his full potential when it is most needed. He is always stalwart in defense of his comrades and innocents and takes care to keep collateral damage to a minimum. Phalanx always takes care to keep his strength in check. He will usually open with accurate attacks and against most foes utilize only a fraction of his might so as to make sure he doesn't injure anyone or cause too much damage. OOC he will often utilize less than his full strength bonus on attacks unless he knows the foe can take his full power. Complications: Heroes Code: Fully embracing his powers has left mike with feeling a responsibility to do so wisely and justly. Holding Back: Phalanx holds to the genre conventions that you do not open with your most powerful attack. He'll usually pull his early punches and try for non damaging attacks like disarms and grapples until a foe proves too strong or durable at which point he'll begin to ramp up. Secret Identity: One of the worst kept secrets but technically true. After his recent exposure out of costume the chances of being recognized increase. Registered: full records of who mike is are available to those with sufficient clearance. Responsibility: Alex (Psyche) and his family as well as his students and too the school particularly when working. Legacy: Following in the footsteps of the Centurion is no easy task, enemies may target him to prove their worth and he must constantly be the kind of example and symbol of hope the original Centurion came to be. Stats: 8 + 0 + 10 + 0 + 0 + 4 = 22pp Str: 18/46 (+4/+18) Dex: 10 (+0) Con: 20/50 (+5/+20) Int: 10 (+0) Wis: 10 (+0) Cha: 14 (+2) Combat: 16 + 12 = 28pp Attack: +8 (+12 Melee, +20 Energy vision) Grapple: +31 (Up to +42 with Super-Strength DAP) Defense: +10 (+6 Base, Dodge Focus 4), +3 flat-footed Knockback: -16 (Up to -27 with Immovable DAP) Initiative: +8 Saves: 0 + 10 + 15 = 25pp Toughness: +20 (Impervious 12) (+20Con, +0 other) Fortitude: +20 (+20 Con, +0) Reflex: +10 (+0 Dex, +10) Will: +15 (+0 Wis, +15) Skills: 32r = 8pp Investigation 2 (+2) Knowledge (behavioral sciences) 2 (+2) Knowledge (Civics) 2 (+2) Medicine 2 (+2) Notice 10(+10) Profession (teacher) 4 (+4) Sense Motive 10 (+10) Feats: 23pp Attack Focus: Melee 4 Benefit (Legacy: Centurion) Dodge Focus 4 Fearless Grappling Block Improved Block Improved Grapple Improved Initiative 2 Interpose Luck 4 Takedown Attack Ultimate Save (Fortitude) Ultimate Toughness Powers: 29+30+3+9+1+10+41+2+1+4+10+4 = 144pp Array 14 (28pp; Power Feat: Alternate Power 1) [29pp] BE: Enhanced Strength 28 (to 46/+18) {28/28} AP: Blast 10 (Energy vision; PFs: Precise, Accurate 6, Improved Range 1{200' Increments) {28/28} Enhanced Constitution 30 (to 50/+20) [30pp] Flight 1 (10 mph / 100 feet per Move action Feat: Subtle ) [3pp] Immunity 9 (Life Support) [9pp] Immunity 2 (Aging, Need for Sleep; Flaws: Limited: Half effect) [1PP] Impervious Toughness 10 [10pp] Paragon Array 12 (24pp; Power Feats: Dynamic, Dynamic Alternate Power x4) [33pp] Paragon Array 17 (34pp; Power Feats: Dynamic, Dynamic Alternate Power x3) [41pp] DBE: Flight +17 (to Flight 2 [25 mph / 250 feet per Move Action] to 18 [5 Million MPH / 5 Million feet per Move Action]) {2-34PP, 0-34 left to allocate} DAP: Immovable 17 (Extras: Unstoppable) {2-34PP, 0-34 left to allocate} DAP: Quickness + Speed 17 (rank 1 [x2; 10MPH] to 17 [x500,000; 2.5 Million MPH]) {2-34PP, 0-34 left to allocate} DAP: Super Strength 17 (to Super-Str 2 [str 28, 56 w/ Enhanced Str] to 18 [str 108, 136 w/ Enhanced Str]) {2-34PP, 0-34 left to allocate} Space Travel 1 (interplanetary) [2] Super Senses 1 (Communication Link [Mental] 1 [Psyche]) [1pp] Super Senses 4 (Normal Hearing, Enhancements: Extended 4 [20 mile Increments]) [4pp] Super-Senses 10 (Normal Vision, Enhancements: Counters Obscure 2 [smoke/Dust/Solid Particulates], Extended 4 [20 mile Increments], Penetrates Concealment 4 ) [10pp] Super-Strength 1 (Str 23, 51 w/ Enhanced Str; PFs: Shockwave, Super-Breath) [4pp] Drawbacks: 0pp DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 33 Toughness Damage (Physical) Energy Vision Ranged(200' Int) DC 25 Toughness Damage (Energy) Shockwave Touch(Cone Area) DC 33 Toughness(DC28 Ref 1/2) Damage (Physical) Super-Breath Touch(Cone Area) +19-30 Trip (DC28 Ref 1/2) Trip Costs: Abilities (22) + Combat (28) + Saves (25) + Skills (8) + Feats (23) + Powers (144) - Drawbacks (00) = 250/250 PP

September 21, 2011 Freedom Hall Under normal circumstances, Freedom Hall might be evacuating through the teleporters rather than through the garden, but then it was only recently that Freedom Hall had gained the services of the famous Fleur de Joie. Lacking the power to journey into space, and having freshly returned from his unsuccessful visit to Heaven, Freedom Angel was focused on the people now, moving through the small crowd of citizens who had been called up as part of the League's emergency evacuation program: there were heroes' families here and dependents, a sampling of survival experts and doctors, anybody who could help set up a camp on an alien world and maintain it long enough for the heroes of Freedom City to save the day. "God is watching everything we do," Freedom Angel assured the small group of families; mostly Navy families from Lonely Point, who were next on the list, "and He watches over us even now. Have no doubt that with His guidance and with the courage and skill of the Freedom League and the other heroes of the world, we will save this planet and everyone on it." "So why do we have to go?" asked a combative-looking girl of about 12, giving the angel a suspicious look. "If everything's going to be okay, why can't I stay with my mom?" Her dad was holding her, hands on her shoulders, but it looked like he had questions for the angel as well, and even as he heard the little fwoop that signaled a successful transfer of the other group, the angel knew he had to say something to satisfy these frightened people. "Because we need your mom to help save the world," replied the angel seriously. "The base at Lonely Point is helping coordinate the League's war with the Gorgon and her creatures in the depths of space. And if your mom knows, and if all your families know," he added, speaking now to the larger group, "they'll be able to concentrate on helping save the world, not just worrying about the ones they love. It's a tough duty," he added. "I know you would rather stay here with the ones you love. But this is a sacrifice we have to make the world that we know and love can be guarded. Sanctuary is a fine, green place," he promised the others as he opened the garden door. "You will love it. Fleur, are we ready for the next group?" he called.

September 20-27, 2011 Fleur, Freedom Angel, Psyche, Phalanx, Dark Star deal with the evacuees to Sanctuary

November 2010 It was early November when all the members of Young Freedom, well, all the ones on campus regularly, were summoned to the headmaster's office. Though some arrived fearlessly and others with trepediation, all of them were met with Duncan Summers and a man who was a familiar face for all of them but especially familiar to those who had helped save his life. King M'Balla, the White Lion, had recovered entirely from his trip to the Lost World, and looked a charismatic, chiseled figure in a neatly-pressed suit. His voice was low and dignified as he greeted all the teens by name, his handshake firm without being bone-crushing. He had a very faint accent, but his English was otherwise perfect. "It is a pleasure to see all of you again, and some of you for the first time." He smiled, nodding to Midnight among others. "I am an old hand with super-teams. I know how quickly you come and go. I have come to America for two reasons. One to thank you again for coming to my defense earlier, and the second to invite you to Dakana as my guests." "Mmm." Summers folded his hands, looking up at the students as they found their seats. "The White Lion and I have arranged for the members of Young Freedom to spend the week before Thanksgiving in Dakana as guests of the King. This will be a working vacation," he added with a firm look at everyone, "one in which I will expect all of you to return with a report on your observations of the kingdom, but...it will be a vacation nonetheless, as you will be excused from all but ongoing assignments for that week. Are there any questions?" Mark raised his hand and M'Balla's eyebrows furrowed briefly before he said, "Yes, Mr. Lucas?" "Are we going to see Lion, the great and powerful spirit of the people, who empowers the line of kings as his champion? Or travel to Ayesha the Immortal's realm and battle the great enemy of the Lion clan, the immortal Egyptian princess who ever seeks a worthy man as match for her great and deathless realm as co-ruler?" "....no," said the king gently, wincing ever so slightly. "I prefer to fight my own battles, rather than send the sons of my old friends and their friends to fight my enemies for me. We will climb the slopes of Kilimanjaro, dig for daka crystals with our own hands, and see the world outside of Freedom for a little while. I can promise you all adventure, but danger will, inshallah, pass us all by this time."

The Freedom City Medical Center was seen as a safe haven to many before the announcement earlier today. Its staff was measured in the thousands and had state of the art medical equipment; there was no where in the world where you could get better attention. As violence swept the streets, the hospital was soon filled to the point of breaking. Now if Atlas's threat comes to pass, the hospital could very well turn into a feeding ground with a death toll measured in the thousands.

A couple of weeks after prom, Mark invited his friends over to his house. Well, the people who still were his friends: he wasn't really talking much to Eddie these days, but most of his colleagues from Young Freedom were on the list. He was standing outside the door of the Lucas house to greet them when they arrived, the lawn looking just a little grubbier and the house a little dingier than when the Young Freedom members had been there last. Mark himself was out of costume, but also out of the black, depressing clothes he'd been wearing most everywhere but prom for the last couple of months. In a white shirt and slacks, he looked downright respectable.

As he climbs out of the taxi in front of the massive gate tower that mark the front of the prestigious Claremont Academy, a tall, dark-skinned, blonde haired young man glances around, a bit hesitant. The whole place is a little upscale for what he was used to, and it's not like his grades really warranted a place like this, but Mister Albright had insisted. "I don't see why I should go to a boarding school, let alone a boarding school a mile from my house." "Now, John, Claremont Academy isn't an ordinary school. It's run by an old friend of mine, Duncan Summers. He's made the school into a place where young men and women can learn to use their powers responsibly, and to work with others, as well as getting a good education. In the long run, this will be good for you. A chance to make new friends who understand what you're going through, teachers who understand what you're dealing with, and training that ensures you'll be ready for it. Not to mention, it's far more secure in case someone does try to follow you home or attack you when you're resting." "Well..." "And I'm sure there are plenty of girls your own age who'll be happy to meet the new Beacon, dressed in ways that seem absolutely scandalous to someone my age..." "That's exploitative and insulting to my inte- let me go get my bags, old man." Signing in with the security desk inside the tower, John is quickly processed and directed inside. "You just need to find the administration office, they've got your paperwork already, they just need you to pick up your things and get assigned a room for the semester." "Alright, thanks for the help!" Bag tucked under one arm, he practically bounces out of the room, into the main quad, smiling brightly and breathing deep as he takes in the campus itself... "So... This is it, huh? I don't hate it..."

Trevor Hunter brought his hand down hard on the shrill alarm clock next to his bed with an annoyed grunt, and let his eyes drift open slightly. Immediately regretting it, he threw the outstretched arm over his face, brushing through the small cloud of midnight mist he'd instinctively released to block out the offending rays shining through the window of his dormitory room. Casting about with his free hand, he located the pair of sunglasses he'd recently taken to wearing and stiffly donned them, rolling cramped shoulder blades with a mild grimace. The young man realized that he was still wearing the pants from the day before, having barely managed to toss his shirt into the growing heap of laundry in the corner of the room before collapsing into bed. Grudgingly, he admitted that he was probably pushing himself too hard; even given his trained stamina and copious amounts of caffeine, he couldn't keep up his current sleep schedule, or lack thereof, without increasing consequences. Hauling himself to his feet, Trevor reached into the open closet to grab a dark blue dress shirt from a hanger, squinting as he threw it on and waited for his eyes to adjust to the daylight. His time at Claremont had added a significant amount of lithe muscle to his wiry frame; though he was still notably lanky, the youth was slowly filling out to match his substantial height. Suppressing a curse as he accidentally stepped on a loose piece of machinery that had strayed from his workbench, Trevor continued to get dressed. Opting the run a hand once through his hair before covering it with his beaten fedora rather than a shower under harsh fluorescent lights, the teen stepped out into the hallway, making his way towards the common room and rubbing his eyes distractedly as he went. Hopefully a brief walk would alleviate some the pains left from an awkward night's sleep.

"Good morning. Freedom City. Thank you for tuning in to WXAD Channel 5 News At Noon. I'm Charles Maxfield, filling in for Summer Gleason. Our top story today: Defense Secretary Robert Gates has yet to comment on the mysterious extraterrestrial attack on America's heartland a scant twenty-four hours ago. Sources say that no telescopes or satellites picked up any aircraft, alien or otherwise, in the vicinity, and no parties have yet come forward to claim responsibility for the energy beam which shot down from the sky and carved its way across a hundred miles of Nebraska farmland. Our- Excuse me. We have just received words of an emergency here in Freedom City..." Whatever its origin, 24 hours later, at 12:00pm exactly, the skies darkened around Freedom City as a 600ft-diameter cylinder of white-hot fire poured down from the sky, blasting a crater in the Wharton State Forest. The beam persisted, carving a trench as it raced along the ground toward the ocean. And in its path stands Freedom City. "Mayday, mayday, this is Captain Aaron Crichton, Flight 89 from Los Angeles to Newark! We just saw a bright flash of light, and whatever it was sheared off most of a wing! We are going down! Repeat, we are going down! And unless we get a miracle, we're going down in the middle of Freedom City!"

It took some doing, but if there was a student unaware of the end of the year party at the new AEON building, it wasn't for lack of trying. Now, while some students had... concerns over Alex being the entire decorating committee, when they arrived at the large ballroom near the top of the luxury building, those doubters were pleasantly surprised. The entire room was decked out in creams and dark blues, gold serving as the accent. It was both a nod to the school colors and an elegant color scheme for the high quality linens. There was a dance floor, of course, and a dj set up in the corner along with a small stage. In another corner, a photographer was set up to do professional photos. It was staffed with AEON personnell who had been gently coached to look the other way at any sudden displays of power. Alex had been over seeing the set up for much of the day, but she did vanish to her office to change and reappear shortly before the doors were scheduled to open. As tasteful as the ballroom was, it was no surprise that Alex was a bright spot of color in a dress that started in a butter yellow color at the neckline and slowly deepened to a deep red at the fluttering hem around her ankles. She was standing in the center of the dancefloor, looking up at the net of balloons attached to the vaulted ceiling, making certain that it wouldn't drop away early.

"I just want to be able to go out for a night and not worry that the baby's going to turn the babysitter into a nighttime snack!" These are the sort of topics of discussion in the Faretti household these days. To be fair, little Jack Jr. was still a long way from being able to drain a whole human accidentally but Taylor was starting to grow worried for his little cousins. It was a long term view, really, but it didn't make her less adamant. After exhausting a few avenues of contacts, she'd remembered Claremont and after some spousal debate, a rather odd notice when up on the summer job board at the school: Babysitter wanted for occasional afternoons and weekends. Combat reflexes a plus. Will pay for infant cpr certification. Hazard pay provided. There was a number at the bottom to tear away and when Taylor had received a few phone calls, she arranged for interviews to occur in one of the empty classrooms. When each student arrived they'd see two chairs behind the desk but only one of them filled. Taylor was casually dressed in a tank top and jeans over boots. A battered jacket and fedora discarded in one corner and the only real oddity in her appearance the glittering amulet at her throat.

Mike stepped out into the main control room of Young Freedoms hidden base beneath Caldwell Manor. A smile spread to his face as he saw Erin in a rare break from her usually grueling schedule as he'd been trying to find a moment to ask for some advice or maybe help. As he stepped down the small set of stairs to the control room floor he glanced around the room eyes seemingly unfocused as he looked through the walls to make sure there wasn't anyone else lurking in one of the other rooms. He was dressed in his civvies for the moment taking a break from his own all too consuming patrol schedule. "Heya Erin." he said as he lowered himself into one of the other chairs with a smile that tried to hide whatever was weighing on his mind, "Keeping busy?" he asked somewhat lamely as despite his growing confidence and exposure to normal socialization he was still a bit uncertain how to make small talk he rarely did at all unless what he actually wanted to discuss was even more difficult for him in some fashion.

Date: a few days before February 8th, 2010 Earlier at an Undisclosed Location: Grim sat in her chair, legs dangling; the room was small, lit by a single recessed ceiling fixture, and contained nothing more than a table and four chairs, all cold metal and hard plastic. Her sensitive ears could tell the room was soundproofed, and her amazing nose detected little more than stainless steel and traces of Endust. A single sliding door allowed access to the lifeless chamber. Sure, she was restless, but when the boss tells you to wait, you wait; luckily, the young faeling had numerous ways to amuse herself. She conjured forth an oddly-shaped set of wooden blocks that she precariously balanced on the table in various positions, testing her reflexes, control and the lightness of her touch. And she waited some more...

Every now and then people wake up with that feeling in their stomach that the day is going to suck. They’ve got no reason for that belief. As far as they know, this is just another ordinary day, and most of the time it really is just a normal day. Other times however... you wish you had stayed in bed. Today will fall into the latter category. The early morning passes just like any other day. People get up, say good bye to their families and head off to work or to school or run some errands. But then, right before 11 o’clock things turned real sour, real fast. Monsters were lose in the streets, seemingly appearing out of no where. Heedless of the danger, the heroes sprang into action as the first explosion broke the early morning silence. The scene before you was one of wanton destruction. It was a rampage, nothing but the after effects of brutal savagery. And judging from the roars and shockwaves, there was still something out there hell bent on destroying everything it came across. Smoke was already billowing high into the sky, and you could taste the ash in the air.

With the rumble of a well tuned engine, a black motorcycle pulled up to Claremont Academy's main entrance. Of a noticeably older design, the bike's surfaces still gleamed thanks to studious maintenance. As it came to a stop, its rider, dressed in dark jeans and a protective jacket, swung a long leg over to dismount. Tossing his leather gloves into a saddlebag, he removed his helmet to reveal a young man with black hair a little too long to be well kempt and angular features that emphasized the lankiness of his frame. Clipping the helmet to a strap on the bike, he swung his dusty brown knapsack from his back to retrieve a beaten fedora, which he deftly flipped onto his head before taking stock of his surroundings. As it was the first day of spring break, Trevor Hunter assumed there wouldn't be too many people around, allowing him to move into his dormitory with a minimum of fanfare. The rest of his things would be arriving from his grandfather's manor later that day, but he'd decided to go on ahead to make sure all of his registration was in order and to take a look around. Although he'd been invited to attend Claremont weeks ago, it was not until now that the seventeen year old had gotten a chance to visit the campus. Hitching his pack over one shoulder, he dug a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and tried to follow the directions on it to the main office.

James was tired of all this cold and snow. He liked warm weather. And there were certain fun activities associated with winter; it still wasn’t his favorite time of the year. It got dreary too. Wore on people too. He’d had enough of it. He couldn’t change the seasons, but he could certainly make some minor adjustments. And now that he had some good friends who’d enjoy the change, he’d make it happen. A rather nice, if small, resort outside of the city was in their slow period. They were more than willing to rent the entire facility to James. A few dozen bungalows, a large pool, a volleyball court. Perfect place for a party of a couple hundred people easy. Saturday and Sunday would be pretty crowded. Not that there would be that many at first of course. Friday was just for a smaller group. Those who knew about their powers mainly, or at least those would wouldn’t reveal anything. Some would be heroes, others not. Well, the others that is. James didn’t really have a secret life given the Family name. James had showed up early on Friday. It took a little while for the snow to melt, the water in the pool to warm up nicely and the ground to dry. It was just like afternoon in the middle of summer, within the confines of the little resort anyway.

Easter break meant a quiet campus around Claremont Academy, though by no means an empty one given the large number of kids who lived in the city or who didn't have a good home to which to commute for the holidays. But fortunately Duncan Summers always had a project in mind for the kids, though it wasn't always one they liked. Still, extra credit was extra credit, not to mention their civic duty. Between the goody-two-shoes, the kids looking to pass their next test, and the small detention crowd, there were a surprising number of Claremont kids waiting around in the science lab when Mark arrived. Looking around at the small crowd, he gave a cheerful, though somewhat diffident hello, before looking around for his friends.

Some sort of mix up (which a good half of Young Freedom blamed Next Gen's antics for), led to their time in the training room being taken up. With some grumbling, they'd headed out to the quad for team manuevers instead. Thus, they were arrayed on the field debating the merits of touch football versus capture the flag for training time. After some debate, capture the flag was decided on. With the gold team comprised of Hellion, Psyche, Wander, and Edge on the gold team and Zephyr, Breakdown, Phalanx, and Geckoman on the blue team. Each one went off to hide their flag to the best of their ability and discuss tactics. As usual, Mark had left the rules confined to 'good sportsmanship' so really, anything went. Psyche trailed after the other three after they'd hidden their flag, leaving it up to Mark to plot out the strategy while she scanned the quad for the other half of the team's and their scrap of blue.

Late one crisp Friday in January, the various members of Young Freedom sat around the conference table in their headquarters and listened to the Star of Africa. Edet Chereno was the only Claremont student from Dakana, the richest nation in sub-Saharan Africa, and as he spoke with his faint English accent the daka crystals embedded in his red-tinted body glistened in the light of the overhead lamps. "The White Lion has disappeared." He looked from one to the other of the students there before looking back at Mark, the Young Freedom member who knew the African student best. "The great African hero," Mark murmured. "The King of Dakana. He's a friend of my family too," he added before letting the Star continue. Even Mark looked worried for this one, or at least as worried as Mark ever got. "He was returning from a conference in South Africa, along with the Prime Minister and the Queen, when his plane disappeared completely from Dakanan radar. Two follow-up missions have failed to find him; indeed, one of the rescue missions has now disappeared." Edet swallowed hard. "My country is at peace, but we have many enemies. The other nations tell mad stories about us, that we harbor a secret cure for cancer that is only for the elite, that a king keeps a monster chained up in the mountains, that our wealth comes from trade with the Grue." He rubbed one of the crystals in his skin and said quietly. "We cannot win a war against all our neighbors while at the same time choosing a new king. Even a victory would mean the death of tens of thousands." "And you came to us because teenage American heroes going to Africa will attract less attention than the Freedom League?" Mark had actually not wondered about that question at all; Edet had come to them because they were superheroes, naturally. But Edet had explained it when he'd first approached Edge, and so Mark had decided to bring it up himself. "Yes," agreed Edet. "Even the news of the king's disappearance would be a disaster. We must do all we can to prevent that. And...because it will allow me to come with you," he added. "I would not see my mentor, my patron suffer and be unable to come to his aid. Please, help," he asked them. "Before my homeland falls into a war that none shall win."

Between the holidays and their assorted adventures much of the time Young Freedom usually devoted to training had fallen by the wayside. At least that was the explanation Psyche had given when suggesting Edge arrange for this session. Thus Wander, Psyche, Phalanx and Edge found themselves completing the warm-up routines in the Caldwell Manors own Simulated Tactics and Advanced Training System. Having completed his warm ups and solo exercises Phalanx hovered near the entrance to the S.T.A.T.S. room watching as the others completed their own simulations.

Mike wasn't generally much for the resolutions thing. His father usually gave a toast for new years resolving to cut back on the coffee or whatever other minor vice Mikes mother was trying to put an end too. His mother usually made more sweeping resolutions about buying only organic or free trade or what not that would last for a few weeks then be forgotten. Perhaps that was the root of his disagreement with the whole practice. They always seemed so empty if not downright selfish and generally didn't last much past February. But when he really thought about it, it was more than that. Really deep down he'd never had anything that seemed worth making a resolution over. It seemed to him that if you were going to make a promise, to yourself or others it shouldn't be frivolous and really his middle class suburban wasn't long on the non-frivolous. If anything had occurred to him that wasn't it seemed silly to wait until the beginning of a new year to make such a resolution. He wasn't exactly sure what was different about this year but he found himself hovering far over the city of Freedom and pondering the new year and what it would bring. More than that he was pondering what he would bring to it. His newfound sense of responsibility for his fellow man was perhaps the cause of his musings, or perhaps his new friends. He certainly had learned a lot from each of them about what was really important after all. For all their foibles Eddie and Chris and especially James understood the value of living in the moment. Letting the past be the past. He certainly did want to be more like them in at least that. Learn from it don't dwell on it as Eddie had quoted from some song. And Mark of course had really taught him what friendship meant. Being there one hundred and ten percent for someone just because they were your friend. Of course he had kinda understood that before but Mark really lived it. Some might call it silly or naive but Mike had come to understand how valuable that simple trust was. He really had come far. From really knowing no one but Alex to all the friends he had. Beyond just being glad to have them though he had come to know just how much he valued them. Not to mention how he feared losing them. He didn't even understand how Erin managed as well as she did with all she lost but he was glad that he and the others could be, if only in some small part, a surrogate family to her. Family. Wow. He thought. Zoe and really Alex definitely were that. Alex always was in a way he supposed but that had definitely changed, and for the better at that. He still didn't know exactly what to do about Zoe. He could tell she was hurting, he wasn't blind after all. He wanted nothing more than to smash whatever it was that had done that. On a purely visceral level of course, he didn't even really know how to talk to her no less try and be anything like what she had lost. He didn't even know if that was what she needed now but he knew he'd be there when she did. Perhaps that's my resolution then, and not just for Zoe for all of them he thought. Simply to be there for his friends. As he pondered it faint cries of distress drifted to his ears, from far further than he could normally hear so clearly. But that too was forgotten along with his musings on resolutions. Some one needed his help. Phalanx shot down from the sky towards the cries in a flash of blue and gold, it was a bad night to be a criminal in Freedom City.

That day started like so many others in Freedom City. The sun was shining, a few light and fluffy clouds in the sky. People went about their business as usual. The day started like any other; but it certainly didn’t stay that way… The first warning was quiet, subtle even if there wasn’t a lot of lead up time. Seers and psychics, ESPers and precogs felt like someone shoved a hot needle in their brain as the horror of what was coming crashed over them like a tidal wave. They saw the destruction of everything, the death of all life coming. And not just coming eventually; it was standing on their doorstep and knocking. The coming event and the things they saw crushed them and kept them from doing anything but try and pull themselves together. Elsewhere: At the base of Centurion’s statue, a young man appeared. He seemed to have arrived in mid-stride. His skins was dark reddish-brown, his eyes were black. Beyond that, he could have been human. He looked around the park, taking everyone in with his contemptuous gaze. He turned and looked up at the symbol for righteousness and all that was good in the city and sneered. He threw his hands forward and massive lances of black flame struck the statue. For an instant the statue held, before breaking off at the knees and falling backward. The tremor from the impacts was felt for hundreds of yards. Quickly, the broken legs of the statue became darker, an ugly color of stone as they changed. An arc formed, connecting the two towering stone legs. The space between flickered changed and, with a tear that screamed into the horrified citizens, a rent in the fabric of the world opened and filled the space with a gateway. On the other side, waiting, stood rank after rank after rank of nightmares of various shapes and sizes. With a roar and scream, the demonic horde charge through the opening as their summoner leaned against a pillar and smiled coldly. Everywhere: Across the city, the sky darkened. This was no eclipse, there were no clouds. It was as if the sun died and went out. While it was dark, a harsh reddish glow filled the city with enough light to see. The gloom of a hellish eternal night settled over the city. The city itself began to change. Slowly at first, starting in the city center and quickly moving outward. Grass and plants withered and died; just dead husks as the life was drained from them. Roads became pitted and cracked as if they had not been used in ages. There were splits in the earth where magma burst forth, creating new rivers of destructions. Fire burned everywhere; some just springing into being. Even the buildings and landscape were altered. Things twisted and changed; sometimes no longer even recognizable. Everything took on a dark and malicious appearance. Horrific creatures, demons of all shapes and sizes quickly appeared. Some came from the hellish glow in the city center while others came from the numerous small portals that opened everywhere. A wave of fear, terror, hatred, sadness and hopelessness seemed to engulf the city. People shook in fear, cowered or ran. They knew in their souls the end had come and they were powerless to stop it. Nowhere was safe now. No place was untouched. The world of heroes was over. Suffering and death was all that remained. Freedom City was gone. Hell had come to Earth and it wasn’t going anywhere… Amidst the darkness, amidst the terrified people, there were those that stood strong. Those who shook off the darkness and rose above it despite how it ate at the center of their being. They could still feel this new city/world trying to tear them down, but they were strong enough to fight through it. The world may have gone to hell, but not everyone was willing to give up and quit. Some were not going to go down without a fight… Over in the North End, visible for miles around, a pillar of golden-white light rose to pierce the darkness. It shone like a beacon in the tainted city; a sign that not everywhere was changed; not everywhere was Fallen. It called to the hearts and souls of the terrified people. Hope wasn’t completely gone yet. heading to Liberty Park in Riverside It had been a rough week for the young heroes. After James was lost at the cemetery, it wasn’t an easy thing to bear. And it wasn’t hard for them to guess what was coming. It was only a matter of time after all. They were gathered in their base when the other shoe dropped. The lights dimmed, colors changed. Things go darker, both physically and emotionally. Their less than cheering moods were now mirrored in the world around them. It was time. Now they just needed to know where to go. What they would do when they go there? That was still a little fuzzy.

James looked around the park as the sun was setting. Already he could see trick-or-treaters, kids in costume out on their jaunt for candy. They were looking for fun and sugar; for them the evening had limitless promise. Back at school, he was certain his friends were getting ready or already at the party. James sincerely would have like to be among them. But it was not to be. He was doing his best not to get antsy, knowing what was coming. He’d chosen his ground, planned as best he could. At least if he fell, he would be gone forever. Dead for good. While that would really suck and certainly wasn’t his plan, it would at least prevent his father from using him and keep James from fulfilling his ‘destiny’. He watched, just waiting and enjoying the moment as the sun set. As the last ray of sun disappeared, James stood up. Anytime now, they’d be coming. He walked over and passed through the gate to the cemetery. While the whole thing wasn’t holy ground, there were places inside that were. It would do. He took up his position and waited.

James waited for everyone to exit the bus, not saying anything until the entire group had gathered. He’d put the word out he was springing for a trip to the Ocean Heights Amusement Park for his seventeenth birthday, making sure people knew it was free for them to get in at the least. (He didn’t expect gifts, indeed had said to the few people who’d asked that there were to be none.) Since it was only a short drive from their school to the place, he had made sure a bus was provided in case some people needed it. He’d headed over in his own car earlier, making sure things were in order, and was now just waiting. He wasn’t sharing or talking about this until he was ready. Once everyone was gathered, he spoke up. “Ok, I’ve got your all-inclusive cards here. They included passes to the various paid rides so you’re good there too. As a happy birthday bonus, I’ve included a little gift. Each card doubles as a prepaid card you can use in there for various things. Toys, clothes, whatever. Even after you use it, it’ll still get you food and access to the rides. The numbers won’t be bad today, so waiting in lines should be pretty short as well. Basically, just have fun. Everything’s covered.†He quickly handed out the card for people, complete with clips and neckloops. “Alright, get in there.†He really did want everyone to have a good time. He had a few ulterior motives of course, but this was the main focus after all. He'd originally not planned to celebrate this at all but that didn't quite work out. He was part of this group now. With responsibilities to them. Least he do was make sure they had some fun. For as long as he could.

Date: August 5th, 2009 (Continued from Daikaiju Days, Morning in America, and Team Science!) When all was said and done, the return to Earth-Prime took the space of only an hour or two. First came the triumphant return of the Young Freedom stranded in Japan, and the happy reunion of the two teams. Then came the quick trip back to the Resistance base with their stolen hardware, leaving behind the smashed Nazi base that never did explode behind them. Everyone had a chance to see the grim horror that was Erde and understand the magnitude of the struggle the Resistance was facing there. Agent H chose to return with her friends from Young Freedom back to Earth Prime, leaving behind her world with a tearful farewell and a sharp, precise salute to the Resistance and the fallen heroes there. Lilith was delighted to hear of the twin victories on both Kaiju Island and over the robot fortress near Freedom City, and left all the teen heroes with a salute of her own and a job well-done. They'd done a lot of good that day, even if they could tell how much help these people might need in the future. And with that, they were gone in a flash, reappearing on the teleport pad recently retrofitted by Dr. Archeville and his two trusty assistants. It had been a very good day to be a hero...even if they were going to have quite a story to tell Mr. Summers.