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05-25-2012, 01:34 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 486
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Ultraman Daxium – Episode 1
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- In a darkened room an older man in his sixties sat alone. The only light in the room was the faint glow of the computer screen on his desk. He waited patiently just staring at it. Before long the screen started to warp and twist. He didn’t panic , this is what he was waiting for. Eyes glancing at the door briefly he said, “Is everything ready?” “Almost,” an ethereal voice spoke to him. “The time table may have to be altered.” “There’s no need to do that,” he insisted. “Dimensional breaches have been becoming more and more frequent,” the voice informed him. “There is some concern a larger entity may be next.” “That’s why I created that special task force,” he argued. “Hell if it wasn’t for those first few things showing up I never would have been able to get it off the ground.” “The entities coming through in the future would be much larger than the ones you currently face.” “How much larger can they be?”, he demanded. “Our latest report indicate they can be as large as the building in the places you call cities.” He couldn’t say anything to that, he was too busy trying to imagine it and that boggled his mind. “We have chosen a candidate, have you chosen one as well?” “Yes,” he answered still thinking about the size, “yes I have.” “We wish there was another way.” “It’s a war, sacrifices must be made. I understand that completely. We will be ready.” “Hopefully both our sides will be.” The screen started returning to normal. Soon it was like nothing happened. He sat there for a long time looking at it. Turning on a desk light he picked up the phone and dialed a particular number. Waiting for a few moments he finally heard, “Yeah Dad?” “I’ve heard from our friends,” he said. “The breaches are happening faster than they anticipated.” “It would explain why we’ve been so busy lately. Are we going to have to do this faster now?” “Apparently,” was his only answer. “Well I’m ready for it.” Quiet for a moment he said, “What am I going to tell the others?” “We’ll worry about it when we get there. Although we could avoid all of this if you would just take that command position like I told you to. I have enough pull that I can still get it for you.” “Dad we went through already. I’m having a hard enough time being seen as one of the guys as it is. Forcing my way to a top rank isn’t going to help matters any.” “Have it your way,” he said giving up, for now. “Just be ready Joseph.” “I will Dad, see you soon.” Hanging up the phone he muttered, “He picks the worst times to show his independence.” *** “It’s July 28, 2025 and today is the official anniversary of the United Nations Defense Force,” A cheerful news reporter said on the television screen. “Five years ago today the major nations of the world pulled their resources to battle strange, otherworldly creatures they couldn’t fight on their own. The man who was one of the main people responsible for getting this joint venture together, Harold Richardson, had this to say about the anniversary.” The imaged changed to man in his sixties standing behind a podium. He was flanked on either side by men and women in black uniforms with red shoulders and stripes down their arms and legs, with red piping around the pockets. “Today is a very special occasion. Today marks the day the world realized it needed to pull together to get things done. The UNDF,” he gestured to the people beside him, “is proof of that. My only hope that after the threat has been neutralized the world will continue to realize that…” “Turn that shit off,” a man with his long brown hair tied back in a ponytail demanded. Hands covered in grease he worked on the old car engine in front of him. One of the other people in the garage did want he wanted, but only turned down the sound. “What’s the matter little bro?”, a man with a mustache and short brown hair smirked. “Don’t want to be reminded about how you washed out of the program?” He knew what his older brother was trying to do and wasn’t going to play along, at least not today any way. “Ken didn’t wash out Jeff,” one of the other ended up saying. ”He was medically disqualified.” “It only means the loser didn’t have the stomach for it.” Jeff walked over and leaned on the side just looking for a reaction. “Ain’t that right? How many times did they make you clean up that flight simulator?” “At least I tried and not just talked about it,” he said not looking at him. And mentally kicking himself for taking the bait. Jeff’s nostrils flared a little, “All that did was proved you’re nothing but a grease jockey, just like the rest of us. And that’s all you are ever going to be.” “That grease jockey as you put it,” their boss said coming into the room, “is one of the main reasons why most of you still have a job. Ken’s the only one who really seems to understand those new engines they’re coming out with.” “An engine’s an engine,” Jeff waved it off. “They all work the same way.” “Well they do after I fix your mistakes,” Ken smirked. “Watch it little bro, one of these days your mouth is going to cut a check your ass can’t cash” “I’ve heard it all before Jeff,” Ken said getting a rag to wipe off his hands. Jeff walked away when the boss made him. Under his breath Ken asked for the millionth time, “How am I related to that jackass again?” “Don’t let him bother you man,” one of the others told him, “He’s just jealous of what you can do. And nothing says you can’t try out for them again, medication has come a long way in the past few years.” “It wasn’t meant to be,” he said walking away from the car. “Besides, who really wants to be up there any way?” A moment later an alert was heard in the background. Everybody rushed to the window while somebody turned the volume back up on the television. Before long two black jet with red highlights flew to the west. A wistful look on his face Ken mumbled, “Yeah who really wants to be up there?” *** A couple of hours later those same jets flew to a base that was built into a mountainside. A hanger opened to allow the jets entry. Support crew immediately ran to them before they stopped and the cockpit hatched popped open. “Is it me or are these things getting bigger?”, A pilot with the name “Waters” on his nametag said. “I swear that… whatever it is was bigger than one of the Razor Wings.” “And just as maneuverable,” said the other with the tag Watanabe. “What do you think Jess?” Behind his gunman took off her helmet revealing shoulder length red hair, “We’re just lucky there were only three of them. And we downed one of them before they noticed we were there.” “That’s my girl,” Waters joked, “always the optimist. Ain’t that right rich boy?”, he asked the person behind him. “Somebody in this group has to be,” he answered, Richardson on his uniform jacket. “I’d try it but you guys would probably expect me to pay you to believe me,” he joked. “I keep telling you if you have some extra disposable cash I’ll gladly take it off your hands,” Waters joked back. “I open my wallet and I’ll never get you out of it,” he shot back. “Are you guys hearing this?”, he asked the others. “Sounds about right to me,” Watanabe said as he got out of the jet. “Same here,” Jess said climbing out the other side. “It’s nice to know I’m so highly thought of around here,” Waters sulked. “That would imply we think anything of you at all,” Richardson patted his shoulder as he got out. “Why do I fly with you again rich boy?” “I drew the short straw.” “Everybody’s a comedian.” “Captain on deck!”, somebody announced. Several of the hanger crewmen stopped what they were doing and snapped to attention as a man with gray hair edging his temples of his dark hair walked in. Wearing a similar uniform to the others, Hawk was written on his tag. The four quickly stood at attention as he came nearer. “Good job,” he told them. “You were able to take care of the creatures before they could get to a populated area. You got extremely lucky this time around and we probably won’t get that lucky again for a while. We’ll get over the cam footage in the morning.” “Everybody is a ray of sunshine today,” Waters said as the group started to walk away. “Richardson,” Hawk called out, “can I talk to you for a moment?” “You’re in trouble,” Waters smirked. “He’s not you Bill,” Watanabe said. Once there were alone Hawk motioned for him to follow him. “Your father called me again. He has a something or another, if it’s not one thing it’s another with him.” “I’m guessing he wants me to come along,” Richardson said, “as a guard or something official.” “You know your old man,” he laughed. “Just say the word and I’ll tell him you’re on patrol or something.” Richardson didn’t agree right away like he usually did. In fact he looked like he was torn about something. “Maybe I should go along this one time.” Arching an eyebrow in surprise Hawk looked at him. “You sure about that Joe? You always said you were uncomfortable doing favors for your father like that.” “I know,” he admitted,” but he’s always asking me and you’re always making excuses. Maybe if I go along with him just once he’ll lay off for a while.” Grinning a bit he added, “Besides, I’ve been on ‘patrol’ so much he probably thinks I’m being punished for something.” “Well I guess you know how to handle your old man,” Hawk said. “I’ll rearrange the schedules a bit so you can accompany him. Just to warn you the others are going to give you hell for doing so.” “I’m ready for it. Thanks Captain.” “Don’t thank me until after you survive this trip with your father.” “I’m part of Monster Squad, we’re ready for anything. Although I may need hazard pay for this one.” Hawk snorted, “Talk to your old man.” *** “Hey Ken,” he looked from under the hood he was working on at the person calling him. “We’re going to the diner to grab something to eat. You coming?” He looked at the engine in front of him. It was one of those newer model, a ’26, that their boss gave top priority. Therefore it went to him. Based on what was wrong right now he was estimating five, maybe ten minutes tops. He told them, “I’m going to be here a while. I’ll try to catch up if it’s not too late.” “Yeah I can see that happening,” Jeff said. One of their co-workers shoved him from behind. “What? He’s just going to drag everything down. You remember what happened last.” He quickly reminded Jeff what really happened that night. Like always Jeff played it off to make himself look good, like always. Not for the first time he wondered exactly what his sister-in-law saw in him. “Catch you later Ken.” “Yeah, see you guys later.”It didn’t even take five minutes to finish the job. It seemed the more complicated these engines were the easier it was for him to fix them. Wiping his hands he looked over to the car his brother was working on earlier. Popping the hood he saw were Jeff left off fast enough. Overhearing what problems the owner was saying he was having he immediately went to work fixing the problem, and at least one thing Jeff did to it. Not that he’d do it intentionally, Jeff could be a little careless at time. Especially when he was trying to show up his little brother. And he probably wasn’t that smart enough to figure out a way he could get away with it to get repeat business. “You have really got to stop making your brother look good,” his boss said. Ken was a little surprised, he thought he left with the others. “You know damn well he wouldn’t do the same for you.” “And Dad said you had to look after family no matter what,” he said continuing what he was doing. “There has to be limits. Even you can’t keep your brother from sinking forever, and he might drag you down with him.” “I’m thinking more of my niece than me or my brother,” he told him. Nodding he heard him say, “I guess I can’t fault you there.” Checking his work over he commented, “You look done to me.” He started to say,” I still have to…” A little more forcibly he repeated, “You look done to me.” Getting the hint he grabbed a rag and cleaned his hands again. “Come with me, I got something for you.” Taking him to his office he reached into his desk and put a large brown envelope on top of it. “That’s a little big to be a bonus,” he joked. Then he read what was written on it and things stopped being funny. “They’re not going to give me another shot.” “You don’t know that for sure, at least not until you try. You don’t even have to be a soldier, I know for a fact the UNDF is looking for qualified mechanics. And I have yet to see an engine you couldn’t figure out and they have some doozeys. Take the application, fill it out send it in. You will get in.” “Everyone goes through the same training process,” he said from personal experience. “I already failed it once.” “Ken you deserve better than this. Your skills are being wasted in this dump.” “You said I was one of the reasons why this dump was still afloat,” he shot back. “And I really don’t want to lose you, but we’ll be fine if we did. Tony and Rico do pretty good job on these things. Johnny’s always reading up on these things as well. Ken I’ve known you and your family for a long time. I know you are destined for something better than this. Whatever it is you are not going to find it here.” “So I’ll find it with these guys?”, he said really trying not to snap back. “I don’t know,” he said honestly, “but I’m pretty sure you’ll find it faster there than if you stayed here.” He forced him to take the application. “As a favor to me, fill it out.” “All right,” Ken conceded. Looking pleased his boss sent him home. Grabbing his jacket off the wall he stuck the envelope under his arm. Once he was a few yards out of sight he looked at the envelope in his hands. Stomach doing flip flops at just the memory he tossed it into the first trash can he came across. “And sometimes a guy doesn’t have a destiny at all.” *** “Mr. Richardson! Mr. Richardson! Any comments on the escalating creature problem?” “Do you think this so-called ‘Monster Squad’ has been an effective deterrent so far.” “What do you say to those who say the money going to the Squad and it’s weapons could be better spent elsewhere.” Harold Richardson made his way through the crowd with Joseph taking point. So far nobody noticed the name on his tag. No doubt if they did a whole new barrage of questions would come at them in rapid fire procession and they would never get out of here. Joseph was able to part the sea of reporters just long enough to get his father into the waiting limo. Once the door was closed the elder Richardson was finally able to speak his mind. “What a bunch of vultures, always looking for a bone to pick clean.” “They’re just doing their jobs,” Joseph spoke up. “Perhaps, but it did take some gumption to ask about the effectiveness of the Alpha team when there was a member of the unit present.” He turned to the dark haired woman sitting beside him, “What do you think Patricia?” “I do believe they used to say it takes a set,” she responded. “Dr. Williams said things are ready on our end.” “I still don’t know how this is supposed to work,” Joseph spoke up. “What am I supposed to do when it happens?” Going through the files on her lap Patricia said, “The way Dr. Williams explained it was once their selected individual breaches the dimensional walls it will bond with you as soon as possible.” “Yeah but what happens after that?”, he asked. “How do I work with this person? What’s going to happen to me?” “You’re a Richardson,” Harold told him. “You’ll be able to overcome anything that thing tries to do to you. We just need to get there in time. Williams said he wasn’t sure if the alien was going to last long in our world.” “And the sooner the better,” she added. “Williams said it’s possible the creatures may detect the breach before it forms completely. Seeing how they have been doing it longer they could be able to stop it before it’s completed.” “Let me call in the others,” Joseph said directly to his father. “I have seen these things personally. If they are going to try and stop it we’re going to need the help.” “They will just complicate things and get in the way,” Harold said hutting the idea down. “I’ve known Gabriel Hawk a long time, he’ll find some way to involve himself and screw this up.” “Captain Hawk is a good man,” Joseph said defending him. Patricia joined in, “And he wouldn’t be in charge of the Alpha Team.” “I’m not questioning his qualifications,” he quickly backtracked. “But he wouldn’t understand the complications of the situation. The timing of this is going to be tight. We’re not going to have time to explain the details to somebody out of the loop. Joseph you are going to become something more than human. You are going to become our best line of defense against these things.” Joseph just stared out the window in silence after that, wonder how much of him was still going to be human after this was over. *** The stars twinkling overheard Ken sat at the edge of a lake just skipping stones across it’s surface. This was one of the few places he could find some peace. It also had a special place in his heart, this was his and his dad’s special spot. He would take him her when Jeff was being too much of an ass to calm Ken down. Looking out over the water he remembered one of the last things he ever told him before he died, “Ken there comes a time when a man is faced with a decision that seems more than he can handle alone. How he decides shows what kind of man he truly is.” At the time it was his Dad’s way of telling him he was dying of cancer. He found himself having to grow up at the age of fourteen. Jeff… he just stayed Jeff. “I wish you were still here Dad,” he said to the lake. “I could really use somebody to talk to.” The only response was the wind lightly rustling through the trees. “Ever since you died it feels like everyone’s been looking to me to keep things together, to be everybody’s rock when things get tough. But who do I turn to? Who do I turn to now? My boss just told everybody I’m why they still have a job. Mom still needs help, I’m helping Jeff’s family behind his back. Because let’s face it, it’s Jeff. Did Mom go to him to keep things together? No, she went to me because I’m the responsible one,” anger tinged his voice. Wiping his eyes he convinced himself that something got in his eyes. “You once told me God doesn’t give you a burden you can’t handle. Sometimes I think he’s got me confused with somebody else. I don’t think I can handle it any more Dad.” Tears started to flow a little more freely, “I need somebody else to be the rock. I know it’s selfish but I’m tired of being the one everybody turns to.” Picking up a flat oval stone he looked at it for a long time. “While I’m at it why don’t I just wish for world peace?” Throwing the stone into the lake in anger he remembered what his boss said a little while ago. “Anybody with a destiny wouldn’t be stuck here with everything tying him down.” Dusting himself off as he stood he looked back at the trail. He had to get ready for another day of the same old shit tomorrow. About half way to the trees the ground started shaking, lightly at first just enough to be noticeable. Looking at the ground Ken wondered what was going on. There hasn’t been an earthquake in the area ever. Then it started to shake more violently and he fell to the ground, “What the hell?” The water of the lake stated churning. Something that sounded like a muffled scream filled the air. It took Ken a moment to realize it was coming from the lake. In the middle of the bubbling something started to rise. A pair of monstrous eyes broke through and seemed to focus on him. As the shadows grew around him Ken’s head kept going up and up, “Oh shit.” *** Claxons going off Hawk ran through the halls until he got to control. As soon as he entered he tried to avoid several people who hurried to get out of his way. A digital map on the wall started changing, getting smaller pinpointing a location. Standing behind a black man working frantically at a keyboard he asked, “What do we got Bridge?” “This looks like a big one Captain,” he said. “Sensors are picking up a huge life sign reading.” “How many are we talking about?” “I can’t tell,” he answered. “They’re so pact together it’s coming off as one single reading.” Hawk leaned over the man’s shoulder and looked for himself. It was like he said it was, “That can’t be right.” “I know, I’m trying to narrow the scan field to get a more accurate reading but it’s still coming up as a single life form.” The rest of the Alpha Unit ran in as Bridge got a location on the disturbance, “Sector 7J, park area. It’s still coming off as one entity.” “Can we get a visual?”, Hawk asked. “Working on it,” Bridge said, “there’s a lot of interference in the area. It might be why it’s coming off as one signal, I’ll try and compensate.” “With Joe babysitting his father we’re going to be a man short,” Watanabe informed him. “No we’re not,” Hawk faced them smiling. “I’m still a pretty good shot. Ryo and Jess, take jet two. Me and Bill have jet one.” Waters gulped a little but nodded in response. “I want every available Razor Wing in the air and every Scan Track on the ground to sector 7J. Bridge says this is going to be big. Any civilians in there needs to be evacuated first but stopping whatever those are has to share top priority if we’re going to get them out. Monster Squad scramble.” “Rodger,” they said and ran out of the room with Hawk in tow. Grabbing their helmets off a nearby wall rack they made their way to the hanger. The hanger support crew was working on all the black jet inside but they headed toward two in particular. Jess and Ryo boarded one as Hawk and Bill climbed into another. As the Jets powered up both pilots and gunmen ran preflight and weapon checks. “Razor Wing one to control,” Waters said out loud, “we are ready to launch.” “Razor Wing two to control,” Ryo spoke next, “we are ready to launch.” “Acknowledged Razor Wings,” Bridge said from his station, “You are a go for launch.” “Launching,” both of them said as they shot out of the hanger. They exited out the side of the mountain. Moments later more jets followed them out. “Remember,” Hawk said over the comm. Line, “we have to keep these things busy while the ground crew evacuates the civilians out of there.” “Do we have a visual on the targets yet?”, Jess asked. “I think I got something,” Bridge said. “I’m sending the image now.” A small video screen in front of all of them came to life. All of them saw what they were up against at the same time. “Holy mother of God.” They saw what looked like a giant lizard walking on two legs stomping through the park. Spike lined it’s back going down to it’s tail. “That thing is big,” Waters commented. Jess just stared at it, “Are our weapons going to work on it?” “There’s only one way to find out,” Hawk told them. “Hit the afterburners.” Both jets shot forward from the rest of the pack. *** The limo arrived in a middle of a commotion as people tried to get the hell out of there. Training made Joseph jump out before it stopped and try and figure out was going on. A monstrous roar gave him an idea where to look. He felt the ground shake before he saw it in the distance. Hand going for the communicator on his uniform jacket he couldn’t take his eyes off the sight. “Richardson to Captain Hawk.” “Hawk here, we’re a little busy at the moment Joe. We have a disturbance in sector 7J.” “I know I’m looking right at it.” “What are you doing in that sector?” “I’ll explain later if I can. What’s your ETA?” A moment of silence was followed by, “A little over five minutes. Is your father with you?” “Yeah he’s still in the limo with Mrs. Stanson and his driver.” “Get them out of there, their safety is your only concern right now. Is that clear Richardson?” “Yes sir.” Cutting the link he looked at his father. He knew he was going to have to disobey that order and that just killed him on the inside. “They must be detecting the resonance of the breach our friends are trying to create,” the older Richardson said. “We have to get to the target area now.” “Dad it’s too dangerous,” he tried to reason with even though it wouldn’t do any good. “We’ll never get there in time in this chaos much less with that thing out there.” “The clearing isn’t that far,” he forced his way out of the car. “Mrs. Stanson will back you up in protecting me. Won’t you my dear?” In response she pulled a standard UNDF handgun out of her briefcase. “Now come on the sooner you get bonded the sooner you can take care of that thing.” Richardson hurried off with his assistant right behind him. Joseph looked at the gun in his hand than at the monster before following. *** Running as fast as his legs could go Ken went down any path he could find. Whatever that thing was apparently decided he was too small for dinner. Of course he could still get stepped on, a thought that conveniently ran through his mind as he heard those gigantic feet hit the ground. So caught up in getting away he had no idea where he was going. Right now as long as he was going away from that monster he really didn’t care. “Help us!”, he looked over and saw an old woman try to help her husband off the ground. Stopping just long enough to see where the monster was he ran toward them. “I got him,” Ken told the old woman. Making sure nothing was broken on the old man he helped him back to his feet. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine thank you son.” A younger couple ran up to them. The young man took the older man from Ken, “I got you Grandpa.” “Let’s go Ella,” the young woman said to the old woman. She looked at Ken, “Thank you.” “No problem,” he said. They heard the monster come closer and ran off in different direction. Ken looked back and realized it was going in the same direction as that family. “Hey!”, he jumped up and waved his arms trying to get the monster’s attention, “Over here ugly! Right here!” The monster stopped and turned his attention right toward him. Mumbling, “Not a good idea,” he ran for his life again. *** “Fire!”, Hawk ordered. He and Jess both unleashed a pair of missiles that exploded on the monster’s back. It turned around to see what was attacking him. The Razor Wings split formation and went around it. “The rest of the jets should be coming up now.” More explosions erupted on it’s back. It screamed one more time and faced the oncoming jets. Waters and Watanabe turned their wings around and gave their gunmen another shot. “Scan Track in attack position fire!” On the ground a group of specialized Hummers pulled up and fired their mounted cannons. The monster roared again and opened it’s mouth. A blue flame shot out and hit the Tracks. “Holy shit that thing breathes fire!”, Ryo shouted. “Storm Track retreat,” Hawk ordered. “All Razor Wing squadrons concentrate on the creature. Distract it long enough to let the ground crew get the remaining civilians out of here.” *** Seeing the flames from where they raced for the clearing. Joseph looked around as they hit it, “This is nuts, we have to get you out of here Dad.” He kept going. “Look whoever or whatever these guys are I’m sure they will understand.” “And they don’t know how long on of their will last in our universe,” he said. “And they don’t know if they can get him back in time. This could be our only real shot.” He stopped and looked up. Joseph and Stanson did the same. The sky started to swirl. “It’s starting, Joseph stand under it.” Joseph looked at the vortex as a red orb started to emerge. He took a step forward. A dark energy beam shot out of the woods surprising all of them. It struck Joseph before he could cry out. Harold and Patricia had to cover their eyes the light was so bright. By the time the beam stopped all that remained of Joseph was a charred skeleton that crumbled to the ground. For the first time in his life Harold Richardson was at a loss of words. In the woods a man’s hand stopped glowing leaving him in shadows, “Gotcha.” Looking at the monster he said out loud, “Finish it Bemular,” and walked deeper into the shadows. Seemingly understanding the creature increased it’s attack. Richardson eyes went from what was left of his only son to the red orb in the sky. The vortex disappeared behind it as it hung in the air. “Come to me,” he said stumbling forward. “I was his father I should be a suitable match.” The orb jut hung there. “Come on join with me. I need to avenge his death. Damn it, join with me!” The red orb seemed to fluctuate a bit before shooting off. “Get back here! We had a deal! You can’t last long without one of us, get back here!” *** Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse Ken was in the middle of a freaking forest fire. The heat was unbearable and the smoke was making it hard to see and breath. Putting the collar of his shirt over his nose he tried to find a path out of there. Through it all he heard some crying. Looking for the source he found a couple of kids huddled together. Running over he tried to get them move. “It’s going to be ok, we’re going to get out of here.” Taking each one by the hand he tried to guide them to safety. “We got more civilians!” he looked up to see a couple of UNDF officer come toward them. “Take the kids,” Ken insisted. A cracking sound made them look up. A tree started falling. He officers and he kids went in one direction while Ken dove in the other. He looked up to see hi path to freedom blocked. The officer called out to him, “Sir if you can hear me we will get to you as soon as we can.” “Worry about the kids,” he shouted back. “I’ll find another way out.” Leaving before the guy could argue he found another path that he hoped lead out of there. It wasn’t long before the smoke and fire had him going around in circles. Another cracking sound made him freeze in his tracks, a flaming tree was coming down right at him. He didn’t have time to move out of the way. Instinct made him try to cover up and protect himself but he figured his was going to dir right here. A red light swallowed him a split second before the tree crashed down on top of him. Ken opened his eyes to find himself in a tunnel of some sort. Red, blue and silver lights seemed to swirl around him. “Am I dead?” “No but I fear I am dying.” He looked around until he found the source of the voice. He saw something that looked like a man stand before him. It took him a second to process that he was glowing and was as tall as that creature. “My name is Daxium, I was sent here to battle creatures similar to the one currently assaulting your world. Unfortunately the one I was supposed to join with originally perished before it could start. My time in your world is not for much longer. If I am to survive and complete my mission I must bond with someone in this dimension.” “You… you want to bond with me?”, Ken started backing up. “I witnessed you saving those young ones in my search. I know you have some courage and bravery in your makeup. I could not let you perish in such a manner. I will not use that to force your decision. Your choice to bond with me must be made of your own free will.” Ken wasn’t sure what to think. First of all he wasn’t sure if this thing was telling the truth about fighting the other thing, or his whole story. He definitely didn’t believe that this thing was going to die unless I bonded with him. But what if he was telling the truth? Whatever the other creature was it didn’t look like the UNDF was hurting it much. Of course running away he didn’t see much of the fight. Some words his dad said about a choice a man had to make came back to him. What was this choice going to say about him? “Let’s do it.” “Thank you,” This Daxium said. A light seemed to off of him and engulf Ken as it swirled around him. It wasn’t long before he felt he alien presence mix within him. *** “I got the monster in my sights,” Jess said. “I’ll keep her steady,” Ryo announced. Then a huge column of light appeared in front of them. “Holy…,” Ryo had to react fast to avoid it. “Where did that come from?”, Bill asked. Hawk silently wondered what was happening now. The column disappeared revealing what was inside, something resembling a human in basic shape. Huge lighted eyes highlighted his face along with the fin on top of his head. It had red and blue markings on his silver body. A diamond shaped jewel that seemed to have a light blue glow to it was embedded in his chest. Looking at the monster it took a defensive stance, “Shiah!” “Can this day get any weirder?”, Bill asked as he watched the giant run toward the creature. “Don’t say it if you don’t want an answer,” Jess admonished him. “All units…,” Hawk was ready to give the order to target the newcomer. “Don’t fire on that giant!”, Richardson said over the line. “Let him take on the monster.” Hawk couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “Richardson are you out of your mind? Where’s Joe?” “Joseph dead.” He said plainly. They were too stunned to respond. “Just do as you’re told Captain.” Daxium charged the monster trying to stop it’s rampage before anything else happened. He punched and kicked Bemular who screamed which each hit. When it tried to attack back Daxium back flipped out of the way and brought both hands to the left side of his body. Light seemed to glow between his hands for a split second before extending his right hand toward the creature. A bolt of energy shot out and struck it. Again Bemular tried his fire breath but he rolled out of the way. Bemular came in unexpectedly and knocked Daxium down. It jumped on top of him and started bouncing up and down on his chest, he grunted with each shot of pain. The monster roared in triumph. With a punch he was able to get the monster off balanced, enough to free himself. Getting to his feet he grabbed Bemular by the head and started pounding away it it’s back. Bemular broke free and blasted him with fire at point blank range. Daxium fell to his back with a thud that shook the ground. Bemular kept up the fire assault pinning him to the ground. Before long the diamond on his chest started blinking red. Daxium managed to shot another energy bolt, right into Bemular’s mouth. The creature screamed in pain as it held it’s mouth. Daxium kicked it away in order to scramble to his feet. Punching at Bemular’s head and neck he forced the monster back. Looking like it was going to try the fire attack again he grabbed a tree off a nearby hill out of the ground and shoved it roots first into it’s mouth. It ignited almost instantly causing it Bemular even more pain. Pivoting on a foot he spun and kicked the he kicked it back and stood there. Holding his hands to the diamond, Palms facing down, Daxium spread his arms wide. Energy seemed to draw into him right out of the air. Slowly raising his right arm while lowering his left he brought them together at the wrist. A multicolored stream of energy shot out of the edge of his right hand hitting Bemular. After a few seconds Bemular started to fall back and exploded. Daxium stood there a moment before looking at the sky and flying off, “Shiah!” Hawk watched him go, “He didn’t say anything about not going after it. Razor Wings one and two follow that thing.” Both jets acknowledged the order and went after the giant. They almost caught up with him before the giant started to glow than disappeared in a flash. “What the hell?!” *** Still in the shadows the man watched the entire conflict and the giant’s departure. “I knew I should have shot the orb instead of Richardson.” *** Harold Richardson stood there fuming. That should have been his son damn it. “He joined with somebody,” he told Patricia. “I want to know who and I want it now!” He walked off not even sparing a glance at the remains of his son. *** A ball of light appeared in another part of the forest that wasn’t damaged by the attack. It condensed into the shape of a man before cracking and breaking away. Ken dropped to his knees not sure that really happened. The shards of light still hanging in the air told him it did. The flowed together and condensed even more into a smaller object that landed right before him. The light faded revealing a cylinder under a foot long with three slots on one end. Picking it up he heard Daxium’s voice in his head, “This is the Spark Magnifier. Use it when I am needed. You will know when.” Staring at it in his hand he got to his feet and stuck it in his pocket. Looking around to make sure nobody else saw what happened he got out of there as fast as he could. ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly from the Inside ----- |
05-28-2012, 12:53 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2012
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Episode 2
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- Despite the weather forecast fate seemed to be with them as the rain held off for long enough as they buried Joseph Richardson, or what was left of him. Hawk kept glancing over at Joe’s father during the ceremony. He still wouldn’t reveal why they were in sector 7J. Joe might have been Harold’s son but he lost a good man damn it, he wanted to know how and why Joe was left a skeleton. He, no the entire team deserved to know that much. But the rather infamous poker face of Harold Richardson was up in full force since it happened. And that just drove him crazy. Eyes wondering a bit he was somewhat relieved to see that the reporters and paparazzi decided to be respectful and stay outside the cemetery. Although you could still see the occasional camera or head pop out from over the wall. Even they had to make a living he guessed but there had to be a more interesting story than a funeral happening today. That creature showed up last night for crying out loud, and that giant. The preacher finished and a UNDF flag that was draped over the coffin was folded up and given to Harold. He barely reacted, in fact his assistant was the one who ended up taking possession of the flag. The preacher turned toward him and his men. The rest of Alpha Team and a few others held up their rifles and waited for his order. He gave it without hesitation, “Fire!” Almost as one they raised their rifles to the sky and fired, and again and again. Lowering their rifles Joseph’s coffin was lowered into the ground. The team walked up and said their final goodbyes and left as he stood by his grave. “Harold,” a younger man with blond hair walked up to him. Peter Brooks, the youngest on the UNDF board. Looking sympathetic he told him, “My Father sends his condolences and wishes he could have been here for you.” The surviving Richardson’s head barely nodded in response. “You have my condolences as well, Joseph was a good man. A credit to you and your family and to the UNDF.” “Thank you Peter,” he finally said. “And thank you father for me as well. Come Patricia, we still have an organization to run. Those creatures aren’t going to stop because of something like this.” Overhearing the exchange Hawk watched the two of them get into his limo. As it pulled away he shook his head in disgust, “I don’t think he shed a tear during that whole thing.” “According to my father that’s how he is,” Peter said coming closer. “He never shows anything as it would be a sign of weakness, no matter what the situation is. I have to admire him and pity him at the same time.” Looking back at the grave he said, “Although it probably cost a pretty penny to arrange this funeral so fast. Joseph did die just last night. That has to count for something.” “He probably wanted to get it out of the way so it wouldn’t interfere with his schedule as much as it already has,” Hawk said darkly. “Now that’s a little unfair Captain,” Peter told him. “We all grieve in our own way. I’m sure he’s probably hurting on the inside.” “I’ll start caring the moment he tells me why they were up there and what the hell happened to Joe.” Nodding a bit Peter looked around the cemetery. “Most of the board is putting it down to that rather famous instinct of his. He seemed to know about these creatures before they showed up. Maybe he had some insight about our new giant friend.” Getting a little closer he looked right at Hawk, “He did give the order not to fire on the giant, did he not?” “From the message on my desk this morning it’s an order that’s still in effect.” “I’ve heard, in fact his exact order is not to engage the giant for the time being. Which tells me might change his mind somewhere down the line.” Stepping a little closer and spoke in a bit of a conspiracal tone, “And it doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared on the off chance he does. Study the giant, find out what he can do, discover his weaknesses. Figure out the best way to defeat him.” A bit taken aback at what he was hearing Hawk asked, “Is that and order Mr. Brooks?” “Just a suggestion Captain,” he answered stepping away a little. “Some of the board members don’t agree with this order, some have told him the moment they heard but you know how he is once his mind is set. But they did agree to assign a codename to the giant for the time being.” “This is the first I’m hearing of it.” “It was just decided on before we had to leave for the funeral.” Grinning a bit he revealed what it was, “Ultraman.” *** “Of all the preposterous names,” Richardson said as they drove back to the mansion. “Ultraman. If anybody had come up with anything else I would have jumped on it. And we still no closer to finding out who he bonded with.” “We’re still interviewing the ground teams in the suspected area,” his assistant told him, “and checking the names of the survivors in the area. It will take time no matter how much man power we put on it.” “Time that could have been cut short if we were allowed to put the surveillance cameras in the park.” Going over the folders in his briefcase he muttered under his breath, “Damn environmentalist.” “And it was considered a huge invasion of privacy,” Patricia reminded him. “It was a struggle to get them in the major cities and the surrounding area. Even your influence only goes so far.” “They want protection but won’t let us do everything possible to do just. I’d bet what’s left of my fortune our giant friend and whoever he’s bonded with doesn’t have to worry about any backlash to their actions.” A little quieter he said, “They’re probably still celebrating their victory as we speak.” *** At that moment Ken was laying in bed of his modest apartment. Most of the furniture was from his old room from back at his parent’s house. Today was his day off from the garage. Although Jeff left several messages trying to get him to take his shift for one down the road. Last few times he’d done that he ended up working both shifts anyway. Usually he would have taken it but he really needed time to think right now, without the usual background noise of the garage. On the dresser on the far side of the room was the Spark Magnifier that Daxium had given him, his only proof last night actually happened and wasn’t some weird dream. If the continuous news coverage wasn’t proof enough. He had been wanting to try something all day but was too afraid to try. Setting his resolve he took a deep breath and looked, not out but in. Faster than he thought he would he found what he was looking for, something that seemed alien to his mind. Before he knew it he was in some sort of crystalline structure, the red, blue and silver light he saw from before swirling on the outside. With him in the structure was Daxium, his size this time around, standing there. Not sure what else to say Ken went, “So where are we?” “I created this space during the bonding,” Daxium explained. “From what I was feeling during the process the union was becoming to precise, we were becoming one being. Admittedly that frightened me and I was worried what would become of you. We are bonded but this way we retain who we are.” “So when you’re not… needed you’re in here and when you are I am?” Daxium nodded his head in the affirmative. Oh the things he would agree to. “It seems to me your getting the raw end of the deal. You time outside seems limited. I felt you lose energy. Especially when that thing,” he pointed at the diamond on his chest, “started flashing.” “Yes, my energies dissipated faster in your world than we anticipated.” “Would you have lasted longer if I said yes sooner?” “Doubtful,” he answered, “they were dissipating when the being from your world that was originally supposed to contain me perished.” “So what is going on?”, Ken asked him. “You said you were sent here to fight those creatures. Where do they come from? Where did you come from?” “I will do my best to explain.” Holding out his hand as an image of the galaxy appeared above it. “This is what you know as the universe. This pattern is repeated several hundred times in the muiltiverse. Each one inhabiting it own dimensional plain. My people discovered this long ago and we did our best to study them. We discovered several beings such as ourselves, beings of light. A few living in the same universe with beings such as yourself. Unfortunately we didn’t discover a secret of our own universe until after it was too late.” Ken watched as two more universes appeared in his hand. “They’re overlapping.” “Indeed, for some unknown reason our scientists can’t figure out all three universes inhabit the same dimensional plain, just out of phase with each other.” Starting to understand Ken said, “You and those creatures are from these other two universes.” “We did not discover the nature of our dimensional plain until the beings from the dark universe tried to invade ours.” The images disappeared as Daxium continued, “The beings of darkness saw us as a new land to invade and conquer. Unfortunately neither side knew how quickly the beings from one world would disintegrate as soon as they stepped into the other. We were at a standstill, they tried to continue the war while we tried to contain them, diplomacy having failed long before then.” “And since the creatures appeared first they discovered my universe inhabited the same plain.” “That would be correct KenScott. They planned on using your universe as a staging ground for their attack, in not use your people as soldiers to invade my universe out right. For some reason they do not have the same problem I have in your universe. Another part of my mission is to find out why this is so. Until we do the fate of both our universes is placed fully on our shoulders.” “Why not everything else seems to be on it,” he muttered to himself. “But at least somebody is actually helping shoulder the burden for a change. And it’s Ken Scott Dax, two words or just Ken. So are they all like you where you come from?” “No, after I was selected for this mission I was altered to help in our upcoming battles…” Daxium trailed off, his head tilted slightly in confusion, “Dax? My name is Daxium.” “I know I know,” Ken covered his face in his hands, “how do I explain this? My full name is Kenneth but everybody calls me Ken. It’s a shorten version of my name.” “You… shortened my name to Dax?” “Yeah force of habit, I do it with all my friends. If you’re not fine with it I can keep calling you Daxium.” “No I am… fine with it. If we are to be partnered like this I wish for you to be as comfortable as possible… Ken.” Wanting to leave he felt he should say something first, “Dax I hope you realize the amount of faith I put in you and that story you told me when I first met you.” “I do,” he said. “I promise I will not do anything to break the trust you put in me Ken.” Blinking a few times Ken was back in his room. Grabbing his jacket he put it on and headed for the dresser and looked at the Spark Magnifier. “I should have asked him how I’d know when to use this thing,” he said out loud. Putting it back in his jacket he checked himself over to make sure it wasn’t noticeable. It would be a tad hard to explain what it was. Taking a moment to take a black band and put his hair back in a ponytail he tried hard not to look at the pictures still taped to the mirror’s surface. Especially one of him back in high school standing behind a girl with red hair with his arms wrapped round her. It was long over but could never find the will to take it down or get rid of it. *** Things were quiet for a couple of days, too quiet for his tastes. It was time to shake things up a bit. Standing in the darkness of a cave off the UNDF radar Joseph’s killer watched as a portal started to open before him. Purple energy swirled as a creature walked foreword. Holding up a hand energy flowed through the creature stabilizing it enough to stay in this world. “Another Gazato,” he said as it took form. Slightly shorter than he was with an almost triangular body and fin like arms it’s head seemed squarely set on it’s shoulder. It came at him looking hungry. “I don’t think so,” a quick blast at it’s feet backed it up. “Why did they end another one of you?”, he said in disgust. “Even the Razor Wing units can shoot you down.” An idea coming to him he circled the Gazato, examining it carefully. “But maybe we can alter you a bit. Add a bit of height, maybe a little more power.” Facing the portal that was still there he said, “Do you think that is possible?” After a moment a voice answered, “It is.” “Good. I’ll leave it to you. The power you gave me only goes so far.” “But you are pushing the limits of what you can do every chance you have Avatar.” “Call it my innate human curiosity.” Starting to leave he added. “Send a few more regular Gazatos, just to keep the so-called Monster Squad occupied until this one is ready.” The Gazato was struck by energy from the portal. The creature screamed in pain and feel to the ground as he calmly walked away and into the light. “Let’s see what his giant can really do.” *** “Razor wing one you have a bogey on your six!” Ryo shouted into his communicator. “We see it,” Bill said as he began invasive maneuvers. The creature was able to keep up with him as he used every trick he could think of. Still it bought them just enough time for Ryo to get them in position so Jessica could shoot it down. “Thank you Jess.” “I was more worried about the Captain,” she said with a grin. “I can take care of myself Wade,” Hawk said over the line. “But thanks for the concern. All unit finish what’s left of these creatures.” All the Razor Wing units in the air followed the order to the letter. Hawk tried not to smile too much as he shot down one of his own. The creatures were still able to damage a Wing here and there in the melee, some so bad the pilot and gunner had to eject. If some could at all that is. The Wings flying in a holding pattern Hawk contacted the base, “Bridge is the area clear?” “I’m not reading any foreign life signs in the area,” he answered. “It looks like you got them all.” “Right. Contact the ground crew to assist the pilots who had to bail out. And have them reclaim the fallen creatures bodies. There hasn’t been any reports of contamination yet but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.” “I’m relaying those orders now Captain Hawk. Castle out.” “Hawk to all Razor Wing units, return to base.” All surviving jets acknowledged the order. Hours later Hawked walked the halls of Castle until he found who he was looking for. The Alpha team was hanging out in one of the break rooms just talking. It was hard not to notice the empty chair at their table. It didn’t seem right without Joe there but life goes on as they say. Might as well make his presences known, “Jess can I talk to you for a moment?” “Sure Captain,” she said getting up. “I’ll see you guys later.” “Jess don’t forget,” Ryo told her, “card game in this room at eight o’clock sharp.” “Make sure to bring your money,” Bill told her. “Especially since I’m planning on walking out with yours,” she shot back. “What can I do for you Captain.” “I’m not really sure,” he answered. Motioning for her to walk with him he headed down the hallway. “I was going over through some paperwork on my desk and I found the strangest request that Joe apparently put in a couple of weeks ago. It was about finding somebody for you.” Jess looked confused until Hawk said the name, “a Ken Scott.” “Oh he did not,” Jess moaned. Feeling a little embarrassed she explained, “He’s a guy I used to date back in high school. Joe caught me looking at a picture of him a few weeks back. He asked and I told him about him.” Chuckling a bit she added, “According to him I still have a thing for him.” “Do you?”, Hawk asked. “Oh no,” she said immediately, “but Joe didn’t listen. Said he’d help me get in contact with him again if I wanted. I told him if he did he’d be my new boot. I guess I didn’t stress the point enough.” “You know Joe,” Hawk said, “once he set his mind on something you’d be hard pressed to get him to change it. He was a lot like his father in that aspect.” “I told him Ken probably forgotten about me by now,” she continued. “Too many things going on in his life, especially back then.” “He was a bit all over the place I take it.” “No,” she told him, “The exact opposite. Ever since his dad died he took it upon himself to be the man of the house and shoulder everything. He pretty much had to, his mother wasn’t handling things well at the time and his older brother… From my point of view about him if it didn’t affect him directly he didn’t seem to care. And he played Ken like a fiddle too. Their parents owned a store that their mom was having a hard time keeping afloat. Ken pretty much decided it was his responsibility to make sure it stayed open, pushing everything to the background, school, a social life… me. I finally had enough when I overheard his brother practically guilt him into breaking a date so he could help out with the store, only because he had a date he didn’t want to break. I don’t know maybe I was being a little immature back then too,” she wondered out loud. “Maybe you should talk to him,” Hawk suggested. “At least say hi.” “That was years ago Captain,” she told him. “He’s probably has his own life now. And I’m too busy around here, any meeting would be cut short. Especially lately seeing how our targets are getting larger in case you haven’t noticed.” “Trust me I’ve noticed. From the look of things we’re going to earn that Monster Squad nickname in more ways than one.” “Captain I know it’s a little soon but is there any word on a replacement for Joe?” “We’re still going through the paperwork and it’s still going to be awhile.” Faking looking offended Hawk went, “You tired with flying with your Captain already Wade?” “Of course not I’m just worried about Bill. Me and Ryo both think he’s going to strain something trying to behave with you as his gunman.” “You noticed that too,” he chuckled. “I’ll try to push the paperwork a little faster but you know the bureaucracy around here.” Jess nodded and went on her way. Finding herself in her quarters she headed for her bunk. Going into her footlocker she pulled out an old scrape book of hers and found the page she was looking for easily enough, a photo of her and Ken around her seventeenth birthday. Yes it was over, but that didn’t mean she didn’t wondered what he was doing form time to time. *** “Ken can you come into my office?” He looked up from what he was doing and said he’d be right there. When he got there he noticed another rather large envelope on his boss’s desk. His mood deflated soon after. “Rose forgot something the other night and came back. She just happened to see you toss the other one I gave you into the trash.” “Slipped from my hand,” was all he could say. “You really disappoint me Ken, you really do,” his boss said sitting down. “I thought we both agreed you were going to fill it out and send it in.” “No offense but you agreed.” “Don’t get smart with me Ken.” “Trust me I appreciate what you’re trying o do. And as much as it hurts to admit Jeff is right, I’m just a grease jockey. I’m not going to be anything more than that.” “We both know that’s bullshit Ken.” “Mom still needs help, I can’t leave.” “She’ in pretty good shape now. Besides if she does need any extra help maybe Jeff will finally grow up and step up. Do you want to come with another excuse I can shoot down?” Actually Ken had several excuses floating around in his head at the moment. And his boss probably had a counter argument for each one just like he said. Actually he probably had one he didn’t have an answer for, but it would be hard to explain Daxium and his new need to get away at a moment’s notice. If he knew when that is. “Look Ken I know you can do this. And I know you know you can do this. And right now I’m not asking you I’m telling you to fill this out. I know Jeff will make a fuss if he sees this so I’ll keep it in my office until closing time. Don’t worry I’ll remind you in case you ‘accidently’ forget. Now get back to work.” The moment he left the office, like he guessed Jeff was right there. “Wow little bro, that’s about as disappointed I’ve ever seen the boss get at his golden boy. What did you do?” “Nothing,” he told him. “Now that didn’t look like nothing little brother. You might as well tell me because I’m going to find out. And once I do I’m going to rub it in your face so bad.” “Fine you want to know what it is?”, he snapped. “He’s gave the opportunity to get the hell away from you! And it’s looking better every second.” Not missing a beat Jeff told him, “And abandon your family? How selfish can you get?” He just happened to look down and see Ken’s hand form a fist. Smirking he said, “What are you going to do little man? Break your mother’s heart by assaulting your own brother? And you know I’ll press charges too.” For a brief second he thought it would be worth it. But that would be something Jeff would hold over his head so he just walked away. “Just like I thought, nothing!” Ken headed to the back to one of the restrooms and locked the door behind him. All these years and he still let Jeff push his buttons like that. Staring at his reflection he thought about the Spark Magnifier in his jacket’s pocket. “Some piece of work you bonded yourself too, huh Dax?” He didn’t get an answer, truthfully he wasn’t expecting one. *** Deep in the inside of Castle the one the dark beings called the Avatar studied the file in his hand. In the back of his mind he felt the Gazato grow stronger. Smiling to himself he knew it was about time. The giant would have to come out of where ever, or whomever, he was hiding. So deep in thought he almost missed Richardson and his assistant coming toward him. Saying a quick hello as he passed Richardson practically ignored him. He still smiled, just picturing the look on his face when he discovered his son’s murderer was right under his nose. Right before he blew it off. *** In the Castle control room Bridge and the scientific staff were busy trying to upgrade the sensors. Orders from both Captain Hawk and the board, something as big as that monster should have been easier to locate. So the order of the day was to increase the range of the sensor and fine tune arrays. Wiring hanging around his neck a man with salt and pepper hair popped up from behind the console, “How is that working Bridge?” Running a few tests he looked somewhat disappointed, “Only a twenty percent increase. Hawk was looking for at least thirty Dr. Williams.” Untangling himself from the mess he was in he said, “Not without a complete… gah…,” he tangled himself a little more before going in the right direction, “complete system overhaul. Then the pencil pushers on the board will be breathing down my neck. I’m still seeing their disapproving faces when I tried to get funding for the Alpha One.” “You’re still trying to get that off the drawing board?”, Bridge asked as he helped free the good doctor completely. “You’d think after one giant monster and they would see the need. Richardson and Brooks looked intrigued but the rest shot me down.” “And it was just one giant monster, who knows when another one will pop up.” Almost on cue an alert went off. Bridge ran around the consoles and put the new modifications to work. “I’m getting a reading similar to those flying creatures we’ve been getting.” Pulling up the image on the big screen he was confused to see a growing dark cloud a few miles outside the city. “I think we got some wires crossed somewhere.” “Impossible,” Williams started back under the console before Bridge stopped him. “The cloud is going against the wind currents and that reading’s getting stronger,” he announced. “I’m going to try to penetrate the cloud.” Using advanced sonar and radar he was able to look inside the cloud, and what was growing inside. “Monster Squad prepare to launch!” Claxons went off as a few moments later Richardson, his assistant and Brooks came in to see what the commotion was. All were quiet as their questions were answered on the screen. *** Ken was on a break on joking with a couple of the others when he started feeling funny. Not in a sick way either. He wasn’t sure how to describe it, only that it was coming from inside him somewhere. “Hey Ken are you all right? Ken?”, Rose shook him a little by the shoulder getting concerned. “I’m not sure,” he answered truthfully. “I’m going to head to the restroom.” Hurrying in he locked the door and concentrated, “Dax, what’s going on?” He heard a reply in his head, “I am sensing something similar to the creature from before. I can’t pinpoint it from here.” “I was afraid you were going to say that.” Flushing the toilet for effect he headed back out, “I’m heading home, I’m not feeling right.” “Oh you faker!”, Jeff shouted out. Ken ignored him as he headed to his car. True to his word his boss hurried out and gave him the envelope. Taking and saying he’d be in tomorrow if he was feeling better. Pulling away he saw an almost black cloud in the distance. Seeing how it was the only cloud in the sky like that it looked like a good place to start. *** Razor Wing one and two were able to intercept the cloud a half mile from the city in front of the others. Behind Bill Hawk tried to get a sensor reading through the cloud cover. Getting a fuzzy reading he made a mental note to have the sensor packages on the Razor Wings upgraded as soon as possible. “Hawk to all Razor Wings, I want this done by the book. Keep the creature occupied until the ground crews evacuate that area of the city.” Getting an acknowledgement he prepped the missiles on the underside of the wings. “Bill we’re going to have to go in and draw it out.” “You got it Captain,” he said while trying to figure out how much fancy flying he was going to have to do to get out of this one in one piece. “I’m seeing something,” Ryo announced as they flew in front of the cloud. “Something glowing and getting brighter.” “It looks like a set of eyes,” Jess commented. As they flew past the giant Gazato emerged from the cloud that quickly disappeared. “Castle sensors were right, it’s a larger version on the creatures we’ve been fighting.” “Then treat it like the others,” Hawk ordered. “All Razor Wings fire!” A barrage of missiles were unleashed on the creature. It cried out from the impact. In retaliation it fired a series of energy orbs from it’s mouth. One of the Wings was hit and both occupants had to eject. No one expected how fast the Gazato reacted into flying over and coming the two in the air. Sickened by what he just saw Hawk gave the only order he could at that moment, “Bury the son of a bitch!” Another barrage exploded on the Gazato forcing it to the ground. “Keep it up, any Scan Tracks in position to engage do so now.” As commanded those that could fired their cannons as soon as it was in range. It unleashed another volley of those orbs right at them. Several missed but still caused damage to the surrounding area. Some hit with deadly accuracy. Kan ran the streets having to dump his car a few blocks back when he ran hit the roadblock in the city and having to avoid the UNDF units trying to get people out of there. From where he was he could see them try and fight the creature like they did the other one. Down below it’s feet he saw some people running away, the Gazato saw it too. Ken could only watch in horror as it bent down and ate them despite the increased attacks from the jets at that precise moment. Reaching into his jacket he pulled out the Spark Magnifier and stared at it. If this wasn’t “when” then he’d never know. Not sure what else to do he held it above his head and squeezed the handle. From the slots on top three crystal prongs flipped out. The tips came into contact and created a small spark that quickly grew in size and intensity until it engulfed him completely. In moments Daxium was free and quickly grew in size, “Shiah!” “The giant’s back,” Brooks commented, “Or should that be Ultraman?” Richardson looked at Patricia who nodded and headed for a row of monitors with Dr. Williams right behind her. “All unit hold up,” Hawk ordered. “Richardson’s order is still in effect. Keep the conflict from entering the city if needed.” “That’s a pretty tall order Captain,” Bill said. “I know,” was his only response as he watched the giants collide. Daxium grabbed Gazato by that flipper of arm and tried to pull it back way from the city. The creature fought back sensing more food straight ahead. Blocking a kick Daxium quickly stepped back and fired an energy bolt. Despite their closeness Gazato was able to avoid the attack which took Daxium by surprise. It took opportunity to attack smacking him in the head. Crying out it fired more of those orbs. Back flipping out of the way of each one the giant of light landed on his feet and ran in. Jumping over another orb blast he nailed Gazato with a flying kick that knocked the creature to it’s back. Daxium stood over but was caught off guard by an orb at point blank range. The next thing he knew the Gazato was on top of him mouth open wide and coming closer. Barely getting his left arm up in time the creature bit down on his forearm hard. Crying out in pain he struggled to free himself. Light started pouring out like blood as the teeth went deeper. Ryo and Jess flew overhead and watched the whole thing. Jess’s thumb hovered over the trigger of the missiles. Finally she said, “Captain we have to do something.” “We can’t engage the giant,” he reminded her. Seeing the giant struggle another loophole in that rule came to him, “But it doesn’t say we can’t aid him. Wings one and two target the creature.” “Rodger,” Jess said while hitting the trigger at the same time. A pair of missiles hit Gazato squarely in the back. Letting go he turned his attention to his new attackers. Daxium rolled to a knee clutching at his forearm. With some effort he made the bleeding stop and turned toward Gazato. Standing up he crossed his arm in front of hiss chest and quickly brought them down. While his head and face stayed the same a line seemed to form down the center of his body. It expanded out and in a moment the silver on his body became blue while the blue markings became silver. “What did the giant just do?”, Ryo asked out loud. “I have no idea,” Jess answered. Daxium ran at Gazato and started punching and kicking it. Bill took a hand off the stick just long enough to rub his eyes, “Did he just get faster?” Gazato cried out in surprise at the flurry and tried to fight back. Daxium was able to dodge it’s fins and legs. Jumping up he flipped backwards and kicked it under his chin. The creature stumbled back and tried to keep from falling. Taking that moment he extended his right hand and a whip like energy stream emerged from his fingers. Twirling it around he struck Gazatao several times, spark like explosions erupting with each strike. Swinging the whip one more time above his head he tried to wrap it around the creature but Gazato took to the air before that could happen. Daxium looked up to see the creature come at him and crash into him. Flying past as Daxium crashed to the ground it landed and fired more orbs as he got to a knee. Daxium protected himself as the explosions went off around him. Looking down as his diamond started blinking red he knew he had t end this fast. Setting himself up and looking like he was going to run his body seemed to draw in energy again, and made the barest of flinches. In a second there was a flash across Gazato’s body and Daxium was now standing behind him, light whip retracting back into his hand and the jewel blinking faster that it was a moment ago. Gazato, with a glowing line across his body, stood there for a second before the upper part of his body seem to slide off than he exploded. Daxium put a hand by the jewel on his chest before looking up and flying off, “Shiah!” “Captain do you want us to follow?”, Ryo asked. “And what are the chances he’s going to pull that disappearing act again? All units return to base.” As Bill pointed the jet toward home Hawk remembered the little suggestion Brooks gave him. After what he just saw the giant do he was starting to see a little more wisdom in it. *** “Looks like he won again,” Peter said to Richardson as they exited the control room. “With an unexpected assist from our own Monster Squad I might add.” “It was a good call,” Richardson told him. “So far the giant has been fighting the same battle we have. Hawk decided to aide him like he would any ally.” “And if this Ultraman decides he’d rather fight against us?” Richardson stopped and looked at the younger man. His father would challenge him just like that in the past. In fact he was seeing a lot of Peter’s father in the look he was giving him right now. “Then I’ll be the first to order the troops to open fire.” “I’m just making sure your head is still on straight Harold,” he told him. “After you son’s death and all, some of us are a little worried.” “That is one thing your father never had to doubt. I suggest you learn to do the same.” “I think I already am,” Peter told him. He kept going on his way as Richardson entered an elevator and headed for his office. *** Emerging from an alley Ken held on to his left forearm. Rolling back the sleeve he winced a little at the red teeth like marks on it. Trying to rub the pain away he rolled it back down saying, “Looks like that bond was a little more complete than you thought.” Making sure nobody saw him he headed back to his car totally unaware a UNDF surveillance camera watched him leave the alley. ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly from the Inside ----- |
06-04-2012, 03:02 AM | #3 |
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Episode 3
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- In a different cave entirely he waited. Knowing the set up the UNDF had he felt it was prudent to diversify, so to speak. If there was more than one location his movements couldn’t be easily tracked if anybody suspected him. And on the off chance on of the locations was discovered he still had others he could use, as long as the giant didn’t sense them. He had to have sensed something when Gazato attacked. The only question was when did he sense it? The air twisting in front of him a vortex formed as something came through. Stabilizing it he watched it plop on the ground with a thud. Walking over he studied what came through to this world, “A glowing blue rock?” He tapped it with his foot, “What am I supposed to do with this? Hurl it at the Razor Wings and Scan Tracks?” “Do not judge Arnagarge at this stage Avatar,” the voice said. “Well it is rather unimpressive.” “Think of it as the larval stage if you must. Once near an energy source it will absorb it and grow.” “An energy source you say?” Picking it up he grinned to himself, “I believe I know the perfect place.” *** Two days after Daxium had fought that monster his left arm still hurt. It was more of a dull ache at this point but it was still noticeable. If he looked close enough Ken could swear he could still see teeth marks. And he was doing everything to hide the fact he was in pain these past couple of days at the garage. Fortunately they were super busy during that time so nobody paid him that much attention. Of course Jeff found the time to get in the usual snide remarks. “Hurry up little bro,” he had said, “or the boss is going to take away your golden opportunity.” Ken ignored him up until the point he slapped him on the left forearm, “Wake up!” Fighting hard to keep the new wave of pain off his face he briefly wondered if there was a way he could talk Dax into stepping on him. Being able to avoid any other sudden impacts to his arm for the rest of the day he headed straight home. A couple of aspirins made the pain go away a little more once they kicked in. Still he took it easy trying not to strain it too much. Daxium wasn’t much help either, saying that he didn’t know enough about human biology to try anything. Not that he could, locked away where he was, where ever that was inside of him. Something, Ken thought, he was better off not knowing in detail. A dinner of cold pizza beside him he was a little surprised to hear somebody knock at his door. Knowing Jeff would be banging loudly he opened it up just enough to see who it was, “Rose?” “Hi,” she said as he let her in, a couple of brown bags in hand. “I brought you a couple of things from the diner.” “You didn’t have to do that.” “You did it for me when I was sick.” “But I’m not sick,” he countered. “You’ve been protecting your left arm the past couple of days.” She told him. “So what happened?” “I…,” what was she actually going to believe? “You remember when I left work early? I headed for a drug store to see if I could find anything to help make me feel better. Unfortunately I got caught in the mess when that thing attacked.” “Why didn’t you say anything? We would have helped with your load at the garage.” “You know me,” he said as he took the bag and examined the contents, “Philly cheese nice, I don’t go looking for sympathy.” “And you have really got to stop trying to shoulder everything,” Rose told him. Not the first time somebody has told him that, including a particular redhead he used to date. Ken just grunted in response. Rose looked down at the coffee table at the papers on top of it. “You’re actually filling out the application again? That’s great.” “Does everybody want to get rid of me?”, he said as he sat down. She sat down next to him saying, “Nobody wants to get lose you Ken, but everybody knows you can do it.” After he snorted in response Rose asked him, “So why are you filling it out if you don’t think you can?” “I’m hoping once I get the rejection letter the boss will get off my back about it,” he said honestly. “Come on Ken you can’t think like that. And you know the old man only wants what’s best for you.” Leaning forward a bit she looked at him, “Come to think of it I don’t think I ever heard you talk about your academy days. What was it like?” “That’s because there’s nothing to talk about,” he informed her. “I did a lot of studying on rules and regulations. Did a lot of physical training. Fired a few weapons when they wanted us too. Everything was going pretty good.” He sighed loudly, “Then the flight simulator happened. After a few times they finally looked me over and said I had an extreme case of motion sickness, which is weird because I’m fine in a car or boat. But for some reason when I’m in the air…,” he trailed off. “They performed a lot of test and prescribed couple of medication but nothing worked. And because of that the medical officer declared that since I had a condition that would l hamper my duty I was, to use the official term, medically disqualified.” “Well that sucks,” Rose told him. “Yeah but what are you going to do?” “Well like Barry told you the other day medication’s come a long way since then.” She looked at her watch, “Now if you will excuse me my Uncle loves the diner’s cheesecake and is waiting for me to drop by and give it to him. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before she got to the door Ken called out, “Rose.” She looked back to see him hold up her purse. With a sheepish grin she took and left leaving him looking at the application in front of him. “She can’t see her purse right in front of here but she can see me throw this in the trash from how many yards away?” *** Bridge entered the Alpha Team briefing room, making sure to lock the door behind him. Inside Hawk and the others were there waiting for him. Heading for the table they were standing around he took a disc out of his pocket and put it in the computer slot in front of him. “Sorry Captain, I know you wanted this sooner but I had to make sure nobody noticed what I was doing.” “It’s fine Bridge,” Hawk told him, “as long as you got it.” “I thought we weren’t supposed to engage the giant?” Ryo asked the question the three of them were thinking. “We’re not,” Hawk answered. “However Mr. Brooks suggested it might be prudent to study the giant. After his display last time I thought it wise to follow up on that suggestion. And from here on out I suggest we call the giant by the codename applied to him, Ultraman.” Jess’s forehead creased in confusion, “Why Ultraman?” “Because super just not enough,” Bill quipped. They just looked at him not really reacting. “Oh that was funny and you know it.” “Bridge,” Hawk said before Ryo or Jess could respond. On cue he accessed the disc and the table top flashed before a holographic image appeared above it, the park were the first monster and the giant appeared. “All right Boys and girl, the object of our attention today is roughly forty-five meters tall. Did we get a weight yet Bridge?” Having studied the file beforehand he didn’t have to look it up, “Based on the depth and size of the foot impression we’re estimating thirty-five thousand tons.” Bridge whistled out loud but they were all impressed. “We’re still trying to figure out how he does those energy attacks,” to highlight his point the image played the part were Ultraman fired an energy bolt at the creature. “It seems to me,” Ryo spoke up, “that he generates them internally.” “Yeah but it looked like to me he was drawing some in when he finished off the creature,” Bill countered. “Maybe that attack required more energy than what he had,” Jess offered. “That was my line of thinking as well,” Bridge told her. “Which might explain the jewel on his chest.” The image flashed forward to where the giant was on his back being assaulted by fire. “It seems to me he was getting a little desperate when it started flashing.” “So it’s like a warning light?”, Hawk asked. “In a sense,” Bridge said. “I think it’s an energy gauge. I’m thinking as powerful as this guy is he has a limited source of energy to draw from. And he has to replenish it after every battle.” “Which explains the disappearing act,” Hawk said. “Go to the next one Bridge.” The image changed into the footage from a couple of days ago. “As we all know our giant friend here pulled an interesting trick out of his hat.” They all watched again as this Ultraman changed colors, “Any theories?” He was greeted by silence, “I figured as much.” “The board has had the science teams working around the clock since we saw it happen and they can’t figure it out,” Bridge said. “I think Bill made a comment about him being faster. I think he was right. There’s a working theory that he changed himself somehow.” “That last monster was too fast for him,” Ryo said remembering the battle between the two. “So he adapted to the situation by becoming faster.” “And he did it by turning blue, like the markings on his body,” Jess commented. Thinking it out she said, “He has red markings, he could have a third form.” “It’s a strong possibility, but I think so too,” Bridge said. “All I know is there was a puddle of drool under a lot of scientists feet when they saw the footage. I’ve overheard a couple of them argue the physics of that whip like weapon he used. And they nearly creamed themselves when they saw this.” The imaged changed to the end of the fight where Ultraman was standing in front of the creature then behind it in a blink of an eye. “Did they figure out this teleport thing?”, Ryo asked. “Oh he didn’t teleport,” Bridged grinned like a kid in a candy store as he punched in a command and the image restarted. “I had to slow the footage down to frame by frame just to get this.” They watched as Ultraman seemed to expand in blur with a red trail of his crystal before standing the monster, and he seemed to make a slashing movement as he passed it. Bridge paused the image there, the blur effect in still effect Hawk leaned in trying, to process what he was seeing, “He ran?” “Because of that little trick I dubbed this form Hyper Mode,” Bridge informed them. “I don’t get it,” Bill spoke up. “If Ultraman can do that why even bother with the fight to begin with?” “I don’t think he can.” Bridge manipulated the image so there were two Ultraman present. “Look at the Jewel on his chest before he ran, it’s flashing about once a second. Now look at the after, I’d say it’s flashing two, maybe three times a second.” “It takes a lot of his energy to pull that move off,” Ryo said, “even if he pulls more in. Not to mention this form may not be the best option in every battle.” “He might have to wear the monster down a bit too,” Hawk added. “Which might be why he doesn’t pull out the big guns right away. I think that’s all we can do with the information we have for right now, so you’re all dismissed for now.” “I hate to be the downer but Richardson is going to find out about this,” Jess said. “What do we do then?” “Tell him the truth,” Hawk told her, “we’re doing our duty and preparing for the future. If he doesn’t like that answer send him directly to me, and he’s not going to like it if he tries to through his weight around me.” *** The light in the ceiling of the garage flickered again. The first couple of times the people inside looked up in confusion. After about twenty they pretty much ignored it. Although their boss mumbled something that sounded like, “Put a base on the moon but they can’t keep the power from going on the fritz.” Ken would occasionally glance up when it happened. As long as he worked here couldn’t remember the light flickering this bad. As it was he was trying very hard not to get paranoid about the situation seeing what he’s seen lately. But he was trying to take some comfort in the fact Dax wasn’t reacting to anything. A grouped of them had headed out for a lunch run and had come back saying, “This is going on all over town. Everything is going nuts, even the traffic lights.” “That’s what happens when you get too fancy,” Jeff said. “Once things get too complicated it takes nothing to take it out. No, give an old engine and I know it’s going to take something big to take it out.” “Those old engines used to be new engines you know,” their boss said from his office. “And there were guys back then who said the same thing about them. Progress happens, you got to learn to go with the flow.” “Like Ken,” he spat. “No not like Ken. You’re a smart guy Jeff, maybe a little too proud for your own good but you’re smart. One of these days you’re going to realize that and learn to work on the newer models.” “I know all I need to know,” Jeff protested. “In fact I’ll bet you anything that this car right here will start as soon as I turn the key.” While Jeff continued boasting he didn’t see Rose and pull a wire slightly and sneak away as he asked for the keys. Looking sure of himself he jumped in the driver’s seat and turned the key. The engine started to whir, then sputtered before dying out completely. Jeff got out and looked at the engine before setting his sights right on Ken, “What in the hell did you do?” “I’m all the way over here,” Ken said proclaiming his innocence. “Jeff figure it out,” the boss told him, He looked at Rose then shook his head, but didn’t saying to out here either.”When did I start babysitting again?”, he muttered as he closed the door to the office. Jeff started fighting back when some of the others started ragging on him. Rose came toward him smiling. “That was so wrong,” he told her, “funny as hell, but so very wrong.” “He’s always giving you a hard time,” she said, “It’s about time somebody gave him a taste of his own medicine. Especially since you won’t.” “If I didn’t know better I’d swear you were into me or something.” “I think my husband would have a little something to say about that.” “That’s why I know better.” While they shared a small chuckle the lights started flickering again. Even the radio started acting weird. While Jeff started banging on that to get it to work right Ken wondered out loud,” What is going on?” *** In the five years the UNDF has been in existence they had received more than their fair share of phone call and complaints. Usually about the noise or the occasional UFO sighting, of course now giant monster sightings were popping up in that middle of that particular racket made things interesting. Seeing how long the creatures had been showing up most of it’s members were surprised it hadn’t happen sooner. Sill nobody expected the calls they had been getting on the hotline. At a board meeting with the commanders of Alpha and Beta teams present Richardson pinched the bridge of his nose before he exploded with, “Could somebody tell these people we are not the power company!” “People are getting jumpy Harold,” Brooks said. “After everything that’s been happening lately they’re looking for answers.” “They should look elsewhere,” a strict looking man said. The commander of Beta team, Jamira, crossed his arms and looked annoyed. “We have more important things to worry about than flickering lights and blackouts.” “True but we’re getting calls from the power companies as well,” one of the board members spoke up. “They don’t know what’s causing these fluctuations either.” Looking at the board Hawk spoke up, “Based on the calls from the electric company I had Bridge look into it.” “Did he find anything Captain?”, Brooks asked while leaning forward a bit. “He found something he can’t quite explain yet.” Taking a control off the table and pointing it at the wall a map of the surrounding area appeared. “As you know the power plant is located right here,” he pointed the location on the map, “and it supplies power to ninety percent of the city as well as a couple of neighboring cities.” Another board member asked, “Have there been complaints of power fluctuations from those cities as well Captain?” “Yes there has, people from those cities and towns has called us as well.” “Can’t anybody do anything for themselves?”, Jamira grumbled. “That will be enough Commander,” Richardson scowled. Beside him Brooks motioned for Hawk to continue. “Bridge didn’t see anything at first, then he looked at the electrical grids themselves.” Pointing the control at the wall again a grid appeared on the map. Blue lines seemed to flow to where Hawk pointed out as the location of the power plant. “From the look of things this station is occasionally pulling energy in instead of putting it out.” With some mild interest Brooks asked, “Have you been able to determine why it’s doing this? Or who depending on the situation.” “Not as of yet. Bridge contacted the stations managers and they were in the dark as much as we are.” “A likely story,” Jamira grumbled as he left the room. “As brash as he is Commander Jamira is right,” Richardson said after he left. “They could be trying to cover their tracks. But this is a matter for the local authorities not us. Send what we have to them Captain.” “Wait a moment Harold,” Brooks spoke up. “We don’t know exactly what is causing this. With these monsters and giant appearing I’m worried this might be in the same vein. Perhaps it would be prudent to investigate little more closely.” “That might cause a panic,” another member said. “Then a small inquiry if you will,” he amended. “Perhaps a couple of technicians, maybe Mr. Bridge as well since he discovered this little anomaly.” “I’m sure a couple of technicians would be more than enough to handle this,” Hawk quickly said. “No Bridge discovered this he should finish it out,” Richardson said. “Besides it’ll be a good PR move, show we care about the little problems and such. In fact send Wade and Watanabe with him, in case somebody at the station is behind it. We might be able to scare him into making a mistake.” “I’ll tell them to get right on it,” Hawk saluted and left the room. Once outside he started rubbing his forehead, “I’d better tell Jess and Ryo to keep an eye in Bridge while I’m at it.” *** “Why me?”, Bridge said mainly to himself but loud enough that everybody in the Scan Track heard him. Jess looked back from the passenger seat and gave him a sympathetic look. It was always hard to go outside your nitch in the scheme of things. Behinds the keyboards in the control room he was as confident as the rest of them. Get him out in the field… well let’s just say field work wasn’t exactly his strong point. From behind the wheel Ryo tried to boost his confidence a little, “Think of it as your time to shine Nate.” “That’s easy for you to say flyboy,” Bridge grumbled. “Some of us don’t go looking for personal glory.” “Then think of it as a chance to get some sun,” he quipped. “We don’t go looking for glory Nate,” Jess stepped in. “We’re just doing the jobs we’re assigned.” “I know,” Bridge said. “Sorry Ryo.” “It’s just nerves Nate,” he told him, “we all get them when we’re sent out.” Thinking it would be for the best to get things back on the mission at hand he went, “Are you getting a reading on that station yet?” Turning in his seat Bridge got a look at one of the sensor readouts on board, “Nothing yet, but it’s looking like the pull is getting stronger.” “We’ll find out for sure when we get there,” Ryo said as the power plant came into view. Stopping at the front gate Ryo flashed their identification although the guard was paying more attention to the cannons on the back. “You’re not going to fire that thing are you?”, he asked looking nervous. “Only if you give us reason too,” Jess told him. Still unsure about the situation but knowing they were expected he let them through. Locating the main the main door they found a heavyset man waiting for them. Jess got out and greeted him, “Mr. Rowlings?” “Yes,” he answered. Leading them inside before they could introduce themselves he continued, “I hope you people are able to find something. I have customers threatening to call the police since this has been going on.” “That’s a tad much for some fluctuations,” Ryo commented. “Normally I’d agree but these fluctuations are getting longer and weirder.” “Define weirder,” Jess told him. “We’re starting to lose power,” Rowlings informed her. “I’m talking about the generators themselves here. We’ve run every test and diagnostic we have. We can’t find anything wrong.” “Interesting,” Ryo told him before looking at the tech with them. “Miller, Rodgers check out the generator and see if you can find something they missed.” With a slight motion of her hand Jess gestured toward Bridge. He was looking around like he didn’t know where to start. “Bridge, check out the computers in this place, maybe something wrong with the diagnostics systems.” “Right, there might be a glitch in the program that missing the real problem.” He had Rowlings direct him to their main computer room pretty much leaving Ryo and Jess in his dust. They looked at each other and smiled as she said, “There’s the computer expert we know and love.” *** Thanks to his boss, and more than likely Rose as well, word got out about Ken reapplying to the UNDF. Jeff immediately started in on the whole, ‘you’re going to fail again’ shit. Then the other drowned him out and started wishing him luck. Somehow a celebratory dinner was planned behind his back, naturally at the diner, and sprung on him after Jeff left for the day. Ken was actually glad of that for all the wrong reasons, because the night was going to be pointless enough without Jeff laying on a guilt trip. Besides the others seemed to be enjoying themselves so he saw no point in ruining their moods. One held up a glass in toast, “To the UNDF’s newest member.” When the others quickly joined in Ken figured it would be better to not let that get too far, “I haven’t gotten a letter saying either way yet.” “You got to have some faith in yourself Ken,” Rose told him with the other quickly echoing the sentiment. “You’ll get in this time, I’m sure of it.” Ken quickly changed the subject which the other went along with, thankfully. Before too long the party broke up and people started heading home for the night. Rose stood in the parking lot watching the sun hanging low in the sky as Ken walked up behind her. “I hope we didn’t annoy you too much.” “I had nothing else planned for the night. Speaking of which it looks like it’s going to be a nice one.” Looking behind them he saw the moon just start to come up over the skyline. “Looks like a perfect night to be with a lover,” she said. “And I better go find mine,” Rose kissed him on the cheek, “I’ll see you later Ken.” “Now I know you’re trying to get your husband to kick my ass.” “You’re fast on your feet, you’ll be able to out run him,” she grinned as she got in her car. Ken waved goodbye as she pulled out and headed for his own when he paused mid step. He got that feeling again, Dax was getting something. This felt close, and big. And getting bigger. Remembering the last time he looked up but didn’t see a dark cloud in the sky, but it felt like this could have been right on top of him. Walking to the sidewalk he looked around trying to figure out what it could be. It felt like Dax was getting a direction this time around, and it felt like it was coming from same direction as the power plant. “Looks like that quiet evening got scratched. Let’s check it out Dax.” *** Ryo and Jess patrolled the power station as neither of them seen anything that looked out of place. The techs they brought with them said the generators were normal as far as they could see. Of course they wanted to get inside the generators themselves for a more thorough check. Neither of them thought that was going to fly with the higher ups around here. “I’m going to check with Bridge.” Jess nodded as he went down the hall to the computer room. Ryo found him at one station with a computer of his own nearby looking like normal. “How are things on your end Bridge?” “Frustrating,” he answered, “this systems and computers are a couple of generations old at least. But everything coming up green on both machines. Hell if I know what’s going on.” “Maybe we’re looking at his the wrong way,” Ryo suggested. “If somebody is behind these fluctuations it wouldn’t be in plain sight. Does this place have a basement or something?” “I pulled up a complete set of plans before we left,” Bridge informed him. “I even got a deep san of the area underground. There’s nothing under the ground here except for some caverns.” Ryo looked at Bridge the moment he said that. Bridge quickly figured out what he was thinking. Both of them grinned as they said, “Caverns.” Bridge turned his attention to the computer he brought with him and looked up any geological surveys to locate an opening they could use. Ryo activated the communicator on his uniform jacket, “Jess, me and Bridge might have found a lead. We’re going to check it out. Keep an eye on things here to see if anybody reacts while we do.” “I’ll inform Miller and Rodgers. I’m going to need the extra sets of eyes, Wade out.” “I got a way in,” Bridge announced as he downloaded the map to his wrist scanner. “The opening’s about a half mile away.” “Take the lead Nate.” Leaving the plant and heading west they located the passage to the underground cavern. Bridge pulled up any known surveys of the cavern while Ryo pulled out a small flashlight out of pocket to light the way. Bridge would tell him where to go, although every so often Ryo would gently urge him for a direction when he got too quiet. “How long until we’re by the station?” “We should be close,” Bridge told him. “Nobody surveyed this place in years and didn’t do a very…,” he trailed off as Ryo took the light off the path. “What is that?” Ryo looked and saw a soft blue glow ahead of them, “Let’s find out.” Pulling his gun he quickly turned the corner and pointed it at the source. Bridge caught up to see a wall of blue glowing rock in front of them. “I’m guessing this wasn’t on any of those surveys.” “What is this?”, Bridge walked forward and tried to run a scan. The wall started glowing brighter and he noticed that his scanner started losing power. “I think this rock is draining electricity from the surrounding area.” “That’s a hell of a leap there Bridge.” “It’s either that or the battery is going on the fritz.” “This thing can’t be natural,” Ryo said. “That plant’s been here for how many years and this is the first time anything like this has happened.” “Or it’s been inert all this time and it absorbed enough energy from the area it become active. I’m going to try to take a sample to study.” Bridge checked himself and the area to do just that. Ryo coughed and pointed at his gun. Bridge messed with the settings so he could blast a small chunk off. He went to pick it up and jumped back as the piece crawled back into the wall as it glowed brighter. “That’s not right.” “I think we’re going to need a little more than us,” Ryo aid looking at the wall. “Let’s get topside and contact Castle. Starting to exit they stopped when they heard a low rumble. Bridge naturally looked up at the rock above them seeing a bit of dust come down on top of them. A voice in the back of his head that had been honed in combat made Ryo look back at the wall behind them. The rock seemed to shift revealing a single glowing red eye. “Run!”, he grabbed Bridge by the uniform and dragged him out of there as the cavern started shaking harder. The ceiling started coming down around them. Ryo had to stop and go back for Bridge as a boulder knocked him to the ground. “Come on,” he grunted as he helped him up. “I can’t feel my fingers,” he said as he clutched his arm but he continued running. Reaching the cavern’s entrance Ryo kept them running as he looked back. He watched as that single red eye emerged as a head with a single horn on the side came from the ground and kept going up. A monster made up of that blue rock stood damn close to the power station and roared before heading deeper into the city. “Ryo! Nate!”, Jess called out over the communicator. “Where the hell are you two! Talk to me!” “We’re here Jess,” Ryo answered. “Bridge might have a broken arm, other than that we’re fine. What’s your status?” “Outside of a giant rock monster nearly ripping down the wall we’re great,” she answered. “We’re evacuating the plant now, I’ll have Rodgers pick you guys up.” “Contact Castle and inform them of what’s going on.” “I think they’re already aware Ryo.” He silently agreed as he watched the monster use an ax like arm to smash a building. *** Ken went as far as he could with the traffic. Then he and several others saw the rock creature head in their direction. Everybody who could jumped out of their cars and ran away as fast as they could. Ken got out too but he wasn’t going with the crowd. He struggled to get through the mass of panicking people as he tried to get closer but he was getting pulled back. He knew he had to let Daxium out to fight that thing but it was too crowded. Seeing a park he broke through the crowd and ran for it. Seeing nobody else around and plenty of room he held the Spark Magnifier over his head. In a flash Ken was gone and Daxium was ready, “Shiah!” Arnagarage turned to face him as Daxium came toward him. Swinging his ax arm avoided the blow and countered with a punch of his own. The rock monster barely reacted to the blow and swung the stone “blade” again. Daxium jumped backwards to avoid it. Flipping in the air and landing on his feet he let a bolt fly. It exploded off the rock monster’s hide but it reacted like it was in pain this time. Daxium ran in and kicked it in the chest. It tried the ax again but this time Daxium caught it. As he struggled with the arm he left himself open to a clubbing blow to the back. Grunting in pain Daxium held on to the ax as more blows came at his back. Arnagarge was finally able to fling him off making the giant crash into a building. Daxium got off the building in time for that ax to smash into his chest. Spark like explosion came off of him as he fell to the ground. Quickly getting to a knee he started punching at the monster’s gut. Seeing the ax come at him again he rolled backwards a couple of times before getting to his feet and jump into the air. A kick to the head knocked that horn like piece of off his head. Daxium thought he was starting to make some headway when he noticed the creature started glowing. Looking around as the lights around them started flickering he saw that piece get absorbed back into the creatures body, reemerging on the other side of it’s head. He was stunned for a second too long as the monster kicked him in the gut. Staggering back another club like blow to the back of the head forcing him to the ground. Arnagarge picked him up and slashed him with the ax again. Daxium fell to his back hard and the monster stomped on his chest a few times. Struggling to get up the rock creature aimed the ax at his neck, ready to finish this battle once and for all. Explosion on it’s hide distracted the creatures as Razor Wings flew past. Daxium’s crystal started blinking red as he stood up. From the ground a lone Scan Track Jess, Ryo and Bridge in particular watched as the giant slammed his forearms together and held them out in a strong like pose. Again the line appeared on his body and expanded out, this time turning his body red while those marking became silver. “I knew it,” Bridge grunted. Arnagarge saw Daxium came at him again and swung the ax again. Daxium blocked it easily and punched him. The rock creature took a couple of steps back from the impact and the giant pressed his advantage assaulting him with kick and punches. Grabbing Arnagarge by the head he flipped him to the ground with a might crash. The monster wailed away with his ax as it tried to get up forcing Daxium back. Once on it’s feet it staggered backward a bit before starting to glow blue again it began drawing in electricity again. Holding his right fist next to the jewel Daxium started to draw in energy himself. That energy focused into his right hand as he drew it back and slammed it on the ground. An energy wave ripped through the street in front of him growing in height until it bisected Arnagarge. The wave disappeared son after as the monster stood there with a glowing line going down it’s body. The rock on the edges seemed to try ad reach out and knit itself back together but the two halves started to fall away right before he exploded. Daxium stayed around just long enough to make sure the monster wasn’t going to reform before taking off into the air, “Shiah!” *** Hawk and Bill were waiting in the garage when their Scan Track pulled in. Bridge had a temporary cast on his arm as Ryo and Jess helped him out. He took one look at Hawk and said, “I am never leaving base again.” “Sure you will,” Hawk told him. “You had an experience today, learn from it. You’ll be better man for it. Now get a proper cast on that arm, I want you at one hundred percent as soon as possible.” “Yes sir,” he said while Jess and Bill accompanied him. “Look at it this way,” Bill said, “you got a war wound now. Trust me chicks dig battle scars.” “Now there’s a myth,” Jess snorted. Turning to Ryo Hawk said, “I know the mission pretty much complete but there’s still a couple of unanswered questions.” “Like how long that monster has been there,” Ryo said. Hawk nodded while adding one of his own, “And exactly how did Ultraman get there so fast.” *** Hours later Dr, Williams was sitting at a row of monitors looking over the security cam footage from the city, specifically the footage from before and after Ultraman’s fight with the monster. Richardson was still hot on finding out who the giant had bonded with. Patricia was in here for a while helping him but Richardson had some sort of engagement so he was stuck by himself. Reaching for the coffee pot and pouring himself a cup he took a drink and nearly burnt his tongue, “Hot hot hot.” Waving his hands to cool off his tongue he looked at a screen just in time to see something flash behind a parked van and a guy walk out holding his chest. He replayed it a couple of times, there was definitely a flash and that guy seemed to come out of nowhere. Getting a close up of his face as he looked around while placing something into his jacket Williams paused the footage and mumbled, “I think I gotcha.” ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly from the Inside ----- |
06-08-2012, 02:56 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: May 2012
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Episode 4
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- “As you can see Ted the damage from the giant battle is very severe.” The reporter continued to talk as the station switched to an aerial view of the area. Buildings were badly smashed open or crushed. They stayed on the ragged gap in the middle of the street for a long time. “Power and water services for this part of the city are still out with no estimation on when they will return. Local hospitals were taken off guard at the amount of casualties they received. Local authorities are asking people to stay away from the area for their own safety, but anyone willing to volunteer with the clean up can sign up at designated areas. A UNDF representative said earlier…” Ken watched the work crews a couple blocks away, right were the authorities cordoned off the street. But even at this distance he could just make out the ripped up streets under the floodlights. While Daxium was in control when they traded places he was vaguely of what was going on when he was locked away in that safe area. Rubbing the back of his right hand absent mindedly he relieved the moment Dax unleashed the attack that caused all that damage to the street. Making his way out through the crowd he headed for his car. Getting in he sat there for a moment before looking in. Before long he was face to face with Daxium, “We have to be more careful.” “My actions were my own Ken,” Daxium told him. “You have nothing to feel guilty for.” “Yeah but I was the one who let you out.” “My people are at war with these dark creatures. It is my duty to defeat them.” “I know I know,” Ken ran his hands over his head as he walked away. “This is the first time we had to do this in the city itself. I wasn’t ready for the… I didn’t think we would…” “War is seldom pleasant Ken. But if it disturbs you so much I have other weapons at my disposal…” “No,” Ken said cutting him off, “I don’t want to you hold back because of me. There’s no point in putting yourself at a disadvantage. You know more about what you can do and when to do it more than I do Dax.” Daxium put a hand on his shoulder, “Although I will make no promises I will try to lessen the amount of damage I cause. But if I come to a situation where I have to use the Giga Wave again I will.” “I’m not asking you to Dax. God I’ve seen enough monster movies growing up I should have had an idea what would happen when one showed in the middle of the city. Don’t worry Dax I’ll get used to it.” As he was leaving the area he heard Daxium say, “For your sake Ken I hope you do not.” Blinking as he came back to the here and now he looked back at the damaged area before driving off. *** When the giant first appeared Richardson knew there were going to be questions. Questions from the board, questions from the teams and soldiers and especially questions from reporters. He was more than ready to answer all of them, when Joseph was the one who was supposed to be bonded with the giant idiot. As it was he was bidding time until Patricia and Williams could find a clue on who he did bond with. Then he had to find away to get the bastard in the organization. He thought he found a way, and some on the board were practically screaming for it as it was. It just depended on how much it was going to cost him. But until then the questions just kept coming, particularly from reporters. Especially the one that was currently assaulting his ear over the phone. The moron practically called every day since the giant appeared, asking the same questions every time. “Come on Mr. Richards,” he said after they played some verbal jousting for the past several minutes, “surely you must have some comment on Alpha Team decision to aid the giant before.” “I told you before any decision made in the field during a battle are those of the commanders alone,” he was starting to get annoyed being asked that over and over. “If you want a statement you’re going to have to ask him,” he said sharply. “You have to give me something to work with here. Does the giant at least have a name?” “If I knew his name I would have used it by now. Goodbye!” Slamming the phone down he waited a second before picking it back up. “I don’t want to hear from that jackass for at least a week. If I do you’re fired,” and slammed the phone down again. Beside him Patricia didn’t look all that impressed with the display, “That was a bit much don’t you think?” “I have people breathing down my neck from every angle imaginable,” he told her. “I have the board and reporters like that jackass asking questions about the giant. The rest of my family and Captain Hawk are still demanding to know what happened to Joseph. I can’t do anything about Hawk, the board or my family, but as for the reporters I can silence at least for a little while, just long enough to get a moment’s peace.” “From my experience,” Patricia cautiously said, “a forced silence will make them think you’re hiding something even more.” “Right now I don’t care,” he said plainly. “I need a moment or two to think straight. I wouldn’t be having this problem if that damn giant bastard came out of that portal faster.” The quiet moment was interrupted by William trying to come through the door with a security guard trying to hold him back. “Mr. Richardson I have to talk to you!” Richardson shot straight up demanding, “What is the meaning of this?!” “Sorry sir,” the guard said while he struggled with the scientist, “he tried to shoot past me.” “I’ve been trying o call you since last night,” Williams said still trying to get out of the guards grip. “I found him!” “He keeps saying that too but he won’t say who ‘he’ is.” Richardson and Patricia shared a brief glance as he sat back down. “It’s fine Craig, let him through,” she told him. “Bat Rastard,” Williams muttered after the door was closed. Ignoring his particular swearing habit Richardson calmed down a bit before asking, “What makes you think you have him Doctor?” “I’m pretty sure I got him on video,” without any permission he quickly went to the computer on the desk. Before long a screen slid down from the ceiling and the lights darkened slightly. In the next moment an image of Williams in a Hawaiian shirt with a drink in hand sitting next to a smiling woman appeared. Richardson dropped his head while Patricia shook hers. Going red in the face he scratched the back of his head, “Heh… sorry that’s my honeymoon.” Going back to the computer he found the proper file this time around, “Here it is.” Security camera footage started playing, a van was the only thing on screen for a bit. Richardson squinted his eyes a bit to try and figure out if there was a flash just then behind it or not. Then some long haired punk walked out holding is chest and looked around before putting something into his coat. “Run it again,” Patricia said after it was over. “Did you see something?” Richardson asked. “I’ll tell you once I’m sure… there,” she pointed at the screen. “You say the shadow too?”, Williams asked with a grin. He played it one more time for Richardson. Then he saw it, right after that flash there was a man shaped shadow that wasn’t there before the flash as the punk walked into view. “I pulled up his face and ran it through the database and found this. It’s after Ultraman fought the giant version of the creature we usually send the Razor Wings after.” They watched as the footage from a different camera played. This one showed an alleyway, there wasn’t a flash this time around but it did show the same individual come out clutching his left forearm. “I also found this.” A drawing of some sort appeared, Williams pulled up a clean image of the person’s face for a comparison, “That is from the night when the first monster appeared. A couple of troops posted the description after they lost track of an individual in the same area Ultraman showed up in.” Richardson leaned forward as he studied the individual. “He does seem to be favoring the same areas the giant took damage in,” Patricia commented. “Do you know who he is?” Richardson asked anxiously. “Not yet,” Williams answered, “we’re still running the image through the database.” “Speed it up!”, he barked. “I want to know who that bastard is and I wanted it yesterday!” Williams nodded and hurried out of the room leaving the image up. “I want him in this organization, I don’t care what it takes.” *** The ones the dark beings referred to as their Avatar sat on the floor, crossed legged and eyes closed. He tried to relax, build his strength. His “masters” were preparing to send another large entity through the dimensional phase, Bogun they called it. After Bemular he quickly discovered exactly how much it drained him to stabilize something that size. As it was he surprised he was able to build up enough energy to murder Joseph Richardson. Although the results were rather spectacular, in his own humble personal opinion of course. But he swore to be ready this time around, he had to build his reserves, push his limits slightly. And his masters were aware that he was doing just that. But apparently they weren’t aware to what extent he was doing so. He smiled to himself at the memory, he almost levitated last time, he was sure of it. He felt the energy within him, he felt himself get a little lighter like he was about to rise off the floor. If that knock on his door didn’t happen he might have done just that. But patience was a virtue. Slow and steady as they say, just enough that he could still cover his tracks so they wouldn’t discover the full extent of what he was doing. If they did then there would be no place he could hide. *** “Hey Ken!” Rose ran up to him as he pulled into the parking lot. When she came at him looking that excited it could only be one of two things. Was it wrong he was silently praying that she was having another kid? “What are you doing tomorrow night?” No such luck. “Please tell me you’re not planning on setting me up with another one of your friends? You promised me you wouldn’t do that anymore.” “Have you even known me to break my promises?”, she asked him. Before she could answer, with an all too familiar smirk she added, “But you never said anything about Davey’s co-workers.” Ken buried his face in his hands and groaned as he tried to walk past her. “Her name is Stacey, I’ve seen her when I visited Davey at work. She’s a lovely girl and you two have a lot in common.” “What is with you and the blind dates you set me up on?” “Don’t worry Ken and me are going to be there so it’s not like I letting you go through this alone.” And with that he buried his face in his hands again. “A chaperoned blind date, that’s just great.” “Oh don’t be such a baby,” Rose chided him. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Before he could utter those exact words she continued talking, “She seemed interested in you when I told her about you. Come on Ken I just want you to be happy.” “I am happy,” he told her. “Have you ever seen me unhappy?” “How much time do we have before work?”, she asked him. “Because I have a list.” “You do not have a list.” Chances were she might, but he wasn’t going to give in that easy. “Come on Ken, consider it a personal favor if you go on the date.” “If I’d called in all the favor you owed me for going on these dates I’d own your ass for a couple of months at least.” That apparent line of attack didn’t work because it looked like she wasn’t going to give in either. “This better not be a fancy place because I refuse to wear a suit somebody I don’t know.” “Great,” she hugged him around the neck. “I promise you won’t regret this.” “You said that the last time,” he told her, “and the time before that and the time before that and…” “Be quiet,” she told him. “You’re going to have a great time.” She went into the garage about the same time the bossed pulled up. “Ken,” he said, “early as always I see. Did you send that application in yet?” “Just waiting on the rejection letter,” he told him. “That’s negative thinking Ken,” he told him. “Besides I know somebody in admissions. I told her that if she didn’t see your name in a month time to send me another. And you will fill it out in my office and I will send it out for you to make sure it doesn’t get lost again.” “That’s not fair,” he protested, “Do you have any idea how many people apply to them a year? It took them two months to get back to me the first time.” “We’ll find out in a month time won’t we,” and his boss walked into the building leaving him alone again. Ken looked around halfway expecting Jeff to pop up with a smart ass remark. Instead he heard in the back of his mind, “Ken, are you alright?” “Whoa,” making sure nobody in the garage could see him he turned around and spoke to him, “you can initiate these things?” “Yes,” Daxium told him, “but since I am just a guest in your body I try not to disturb you normal life as much as possible. However you seemed more disturbed than usual at the moment. Is there anything wrong?” “Unless they have blind dates where you come from it might take a while to explain the one of the reason I’m feeling ‘disturbed’.” Daxium didn’t have a ready response for that. “Look Dax, I appreciate the concern, it’s just some human crap I have to go through every so often. But could you give me a warning next time. It looks like I’m talking to myself right about now and that’s going to draw attention.” “I will do my best to give you some sort of advanced warning in the future. But if an emergency arises I will not make any promises.” “Fair enough.” Ken came back to his senses about the time Rose popped her head out of the garage. “Everything set for tomorrow night,” she told him. “Great,” he said through a false smile. Although he was pretty sure Dax couldn’t hear him he muttered anyway, “And if you can find a way to fake that feeling during this date I will be eternally grateful.” *** “Captain Hawk!”, someone called out. He looked behind him to see Peter Brooks hurry up and catch him, folder in hand. He stopped to let him, somewhat curious about what this could be about. Rarely did a board member just want to talk. Something about the file in his hands said this wasn’t going to be one of those times. “Good day Captain,” he greeted once he was close enough, “I’m sorry to bother you like this.” “No problem at all sir,” he said. “What can I do for you?” “It’s not for me actually,” Brooks told him, “it’s for Richardson. Seeing how things are still a little frosty between the two of you I thought it would be prudent if I sought you out instead.” “I’ll do the job no matter who assigns it. What do you have for me?” “I’m not really sure,” he admitted. “I caught the tail end of it when I walked into his office. From what I understand it’s a person of interest in this whole monster mess.” Interest piqued he took the file and opened it. He realized the photo was cam footage almost immediately. Looking a little further he found the guy’s name, Ken Scott. It took him all of two seconds to realize why that name sounded familiar. “I peeked through the file while I was looking for you. I didn’t see anything particularly noticeable about him. More than likely Richardson is pushing his ‘instincts’ a bit here.” Reading a bit further a line of information caught Hawk’s eye, “This guy is considered dangerous?” “Dangerous enough to warrant sending Alpha team after him.” “That’s a bit much for one guy. There has to be a regulation against it.” “These are strange times Captain, people are a little jumpy and want answers. In fact a couple of board members found a by-law in the charter that most of us forgot about. It allows for a situation just like this.” “That’s an awfully convenient find,” Hawk commented. “Like I said Captain, strange times.” He started to leave but stopped, “One more thing before I go, please tell Mr. Bridge to be a little more careful in the future. I fully realize computers are his area of expertise, but apparently clandestine activities are not.” “I’m not sure if I follow.” “Let’s just say I’m more than a little glad that you decided to take my advice and study this Ultraman character.” Before Hawk could respond Brooks turned around and went the way he came. Hawk looked at the file in his hand and hoped this wasn’t the same guy Jess knew back in the day. An hour later he and the rest of the team were standing around the conference table with the file footage of Ultraman’s last battle. Arms still in a cast Bridge pointed something out, “See right there, when he punched the rock creature. The monster stumbled back, it didn’t do that at the beginning of the fight.” “So he had to go to this… Power mode,” Ryo said, “to defeat him.” “Exactly,” Bridge told him, “I also think his most powerful weapons are in this form too.” “Seeing what he did to the street the beat this one I hope he doesn’t have to go to this form too often,” Jess commented. A round of nods agreed with her. Bridge worked the controls with his uninjured hand to put all three forms side by side. Bill pointed at each one as he spoke, “So we got Hyper, Power and…” trailing off he tried to think of a name, “Normal mode?” “It’ll do,” Hawk told them. “I’m assuming this proves that theory we had that he’ll adapt to the situation?” “I would say so,” Bridge agreed. “So far his strategy seems to be he’ll start in Normal form here and see what he’s dealing with. Then he’ll either stay in this form or mode shift into one of these others depending on what he’s facing.” “Mode shift?”, Ryo asked with an arched eyebrow. “A term I just coined,” Bridge told him before returning his attention to the holo images of Ultraman. “I wonder if he can mode shift at will or once per battle.” “I guess we’ll find out one way or another,” Jess told him. “We have one more order of business,” Hawk informed them. He placed the info disc that was in the file into the console slot. Pulling up the information he briefly glanced at Jess before saying, “According to Mr. Richardson this is a person of interest that we should be looking for.” With a few commands he projected the information over the table. It mirrored itself on both sides so they could all see it with no problem. He was concentrating of Jess’s reaction he almost missed what Ryo said right next to her. “Ken Scott? I think I went to the academy with this guy. But I think his hair was shorter back then.” Hawk looked at him with mild surprised, he wasn’t expecting that one. That wasn’t even in the file Brooks gave him. Beside him Jess studied the image in front of here, whispering an almost inaudible, “Ken?” “We don’t know much,” Hawk told them. “All I know is he’s supposed to be brought in and is considered dangerous enough to have us go after him.” Jess pried her eyes away from the image to stare at him. In fact the others were looking at him strange too. “I know what you’re all thinking and I don’t like it either. Apparently there’s a regulation on the books that will allow the board to do just that. I already filled a complaint against it but until the board repeals it we have to do this. Are there any questions?” Like he thought Jess was the first one to speak up, “Is this some kind of a joke?” Before he could answer an alert went off. “Excuse me Captain,” Bridge said as he accessed his station from here. “We have another hit in the middle of the city. Looks like another big one.” “Do we have visual yet?”, Ryo asked. “No the reading is still underground, but it looks like it’s close to the surface. There’s no reports of power loss so I don’t think it’s the same as last time.” A new image appeared showing a map of the city that rose up a bit to show the current location of the reading they were getting. “Alpha team, get ready to launch,” Hawk told them. “I want Razor Wings in the air and Scan Tracks on the ground beating us there. We’ll continue talking about the previous situation later.” “You better believe we will,” Jess mumbled. “Let’s show this thing why they call us Monster Squad. Move out!” *** This night was going worse than Ken thought it was going to be. His “date” Stacey didn’t appear all that interested at all. In fact she seemed more interested in Davey, going so far to bring the conversation back to him when Rose tried to talk up Ken a bit. But she seemed more than content to pretend he wasn’t there. Normally he wouldn’t have minded but he was getting the feeling Rose set them up so she’d stop making to googley eyes at her husband. Of course he didn’t know how she acted at work, but chances were she did the same there too. Any other time Ken wouldn’t have minded trying to help Rose out, but this woman was so boring it was a struggle to fake being interested at this point. In fact he wasn’t even trying to hide he was looking at his watch every so often. Why not, his date started doing it over an hour ago. “I’m going to go powder my nose,” Stacey said suddenly. “I’ll think I’ll join you,” Rose said. Both of them got up and walked away. The moment they were out of sight Ken immediately turned toward Davey, “Rose secretly hates me doesn’t she?” “Come on Ken the dates not going that bad.” His only response was to stare at him. “Alright maybe it’s going a little bad.” “A little?”, Ken stated. “I tried to talk her out of it,” Davey told her. “But you know how Rose is when she gets started on something. Look I feel like I owe you one. If you want to sneak out I’ll make up an excuse for you.” “Are you kidding? The moment Rose finds out I left she’s going to hunt me down and kick… my… ass.” He felt Daxium react to something really close. It felt like it was right on top of him. Turning way from Davey and lowering his head he softly said, “I was kidding about faking that feeling.” “This is very real Ken,” Dax told him. “Whatever this creature is we are very close to it. We need to get away and intercept it’s before it’s too late.” “Easier said than done.” “What’s easier?”, Rose asked as they returned to the table. A second later the building started shaking. “What the hell?”, Rose asked as she and several others started to look around. Based on the feeling Daxium was getting he had a sickening idea what it was, “We got to get out of here now.” Pulling Davey to his feet he tried to push them to the door. “Wait we still have to pay,” Davey said. “We’ll drop off a check at the door.” “Now wait a minute,” Stacey started to protest. “I don’t know what kind of woman you think I am…” Ken had enough of this and didn’t have time to deal with people who haven’t been in this situation before, “Newsflash princess, not everything is about you.” That felt better than it probably should have. “I’ve been in more of these situations than I care to think about.” Their waitress tried to stop them, especially since a few more tried to copy what he was doing. Instead of a check Ken threw a wad of cash at her, “That should cover it and then some,” he told her. “Now come on!” The moment they hit the door Ken looked down the street as some sort of tendril looking thing broke through the asphalt. This was bad, that was practically right on top of them. The people he was trying to save stopped in horror as a green head broke through and roared at the fleeing crowd. “What the hell is that?”, Davey asked in terror. None seemed to notice that he was way too calm when he answered, “Something not good.” More of the creature broke free, making it look like some sort of giant slug as more of it was exposed. But even Ken started getting worried when a second head appeared at the other end, this one with a giant snout like nose on it’s face, and at ground level. He had to get out of there fast and let Daxium get after that thing, but he couldn’t just leave the others behind. That didn’t stop Stacey from fleeing in terror as soon as the second head emerged. “She has the right idea,” Ken grunted as he pulled Rose and Davey along. Hearing jets he looked to see them in the sky and UNDF ground vehicles. “All Razor Wings and Scan Track, distract the creature until the civilians are clear,” Hawk ordered. “Rodger,” Ryo, Jess, Bill and the other replied over the link. The lead air units fired a round of missiles while the ground units fired their cannons. The monster roared in pain and lashed out with that tendril on his head. Unable to hit the Razor Wings it smashed into the side of a building. Seeing chunks of buildings come down Ken dragged Rose and Davey with his as he dove for the sidewalk. The people behind them weren’t so lucky. Then some kind of smoke started blowing out of the monster body from these vent like orifices. A rancid order filled the air immediately. People closer to the creature dropped to the ground overcome by the gas. “Come on!”, Ken pulled his friends back up and ran down the street. Looking back he reached into his jacket, he’ll worry about explaining this to them later. “Over here!” A uniform man was waving people over to a line of transports. Ken immediately pushed Rose and Davey in that direction. The trooper ushered them into one of the trucks, “come on we don’t have much time.” It was then that Rose noticed somebody was missing. “Where’s Ken? Ken!”, she started to get out of the truck to look for him. “He’s probably in one of the other trucks,” Davey said trying to keep her seated. “But he was right behind us!” “Don’t worry, we’ll find him later.” Everybody in the truck and the others quieted down with some fear as a huge column of light appeared behind one of the buildings. The Razor Wings pulled away as it faded away revealing the Giant, “Shiah!” *** Bogun stopped spraying the gas the moment the top head noticed Daxium. Both roared as he got between it and the fleeing crowd. Bogun moved toward him but Daxium kicked him back. The tendril on top of it’s head lashed out and caught him on the top of the head. Forced back from the blow he started to put his hands to his side but the creature started spewing. Daxium started choking before firing the bolt, felt himself grow weaker. Bogun rushed forward butting him with it’s head. Realizing there were still transports behind him he fought to stay on his feet. Raring one more time Bogun reared his head back for another strike. Daxium regained his balance just long enough jump up and flip over the creature. Before Bogun could turn around he struck him in the side of the head several times before grabbing it around the neck. With some effort he was able to pull it away from the fleeing transport despite Bogun’s duel protest. The tendril acted like it had a mind of it’s own as it whipped him as the body struggled to get free. Squirming loose it quickly turned around and smashed the tendril across Daxium’s face. Going for it again Bogun missed as the giant back flipped out of range. Daxium quickly fired off a bolt as soon as his feet touched the ground, burning one of the vents on it’s main body. The two heads cried out in pain. Taking the moment the creature was distracted Daxium ran in punching and kicking away at Bogun. The tendril tried to come into play again but the giant easily blocked it and continued his assault. The forgotten lower head was able to get it’s mouth around one of his feet and clamped down hard. That distracted Daxium enough that it wrapped the tendril around his neck. Now Daxium struggled to get free as the pressure increased. The lower seeing he was about to fire off another bolt Bogun slammed him into the nearby buildings. Pulling him close he started spewing that gas right into his face. Before long the crystal started flashing red as he fell to a knee. Hawk didn’t need any prompting this time, “All units fire on the creature.” “We should target Ultraman too,” Jamira said over the comm. “Eliminate both of them at once.” “Richardson’s order is still in effect. Target the creature, fire!” he ordered again not giving Jamira a chance to argue. Alpha team and most of the other units unleashed their missiles almost immediately. Bogun cried in pain again s explosions rocked it’s body, stopping with the gas and letting Daxium go. He came back to his senses after a few moments, eyes on the tendril as Bogun went after the Scan Tracks on the ground. Crossing his arms in front of him the line appeared and changed his body to the blue of Hyper mode. Running in he jumped over Bogun again, landed and jumped back up with a spin lick to the creature upper head. Back flipping away several times he avoided the tendril reach. Holding out a hand he extended two fingers and drew a circular shape in the air. A line of energy followed the path of his fingers made. Connecting the two ends the outside edge became jagged like a saw and he threw it at Bogun’s top head. It sliced through the tendril with ease and it dropped to the ground. Bogun started thrashing around widely after it happened. Knowing he had to end this now Daxium set up for the run but the creature started spewing the gas again. Not sure he could travel through that and still make it he changed strategies and extended the light whip from his right hand. Waving it over his head Daxium lashed it around the creature’s body. Rearing back his left hand he drew in energy before slamming his left fist on top of his right hand. A surge of energy traveled through the whip and into Bogun’s body. A few seconds later the creature exploded and the gas quickly dissipated. The threat ended Daxium flew off into the night sky, “Shiah!” *** A couple of hours later people were still being treated for the gas. A lot of people didn’t survive it or the creature’s assault. That renewed Hawk’s determination to get to the bottom of this mess. Jess still wasn’t happy about this but she would follow orders. In those two hours they were able to track down their target. Fortunately it was on a pretty dissertated section of street, well since the monster attack anyway, so hopefully they can do this with as little extra attention as possible. “Wait for my order,” he said as he noticed he was talking on a cell phone. “No I couldn’t find her,” Ken told Rose, trying to explain his disappearance. Somehow searching for his date sounded like a good excuse. It also got him away from the UNDF units still patrolling the streets, since Dax put him almost of the middle of it. “So Davey was able to get a hold of her then? That’s good to hear.” That wasn’t a lie, she might have been a total bore but he didn’t want to see her get hurt. “I’m going to head home then. I’ll see you at the garage.” Putting his phone into his pocket he started to head for his car. “Now!”, they quickly came out of their hiding spots and surrounded him. They were able to take him by surprise, but bit did look like he started to reach inside his jacket. “Hold it Scott, you’re coming with us.” “What the hell is going on?!”, Ken demanded. Their weapons weren’t pointed at him but they were still in his hands. “You’re wanted for questioning, “Hawk told him. “I need you to come with us.” “I don’t think so,” Ken shot back. “I don’t know what’s going on but I am not… You back the hell away from me,” he said pointing at Bill. “Ken please just calm down.” “I don’t know you so don’t use…!” he turned to the speaker than stopped. He knew the face under that helmet. The uniform nametag that said Wade only confirmed it as his heart skipped a beat, “Jessica?” Ryo and Bill looked at each other confused. “I don’t know why they want you,” she told him truthfully getting a little closer to him, “but we need you to come with us.” “Don’t you need a reason to arrest somebody?” “You’re not under arrest,” Hawk informed him. “It sure looks like it to me,” Ken snapped. “Last I heard this wasn’t a police state. You need a reason…” “Look the sooner we get this worked out…,” Ryo reached for him. Ken pulled away from him, “Don’t touch me!” Taking a step toward Jess he recoiled a bit like he had just been shot as little blue arc of electricity traveled over his torso. He started to fall but Ryo quickly caught him. All eye turned toward Bill who holstered his weapon. “It look like he was about to get violent,” he explained. “It’s allowed in that regulation, I looked it up. Beside he just stunned he’ll be fine.” Before Hawk could reprimand him Jess stormed up to Bill and punched him square in the face. “Wade!” Hawk cried out pulling her away. “He wasn’t getting violent you asshole!” she yelled at bill as he held his chin. “We’ll sort this out later,” Hawk told while trying to stay between Jess and Bill. Waters, take Scan Track one back to base now, Ryo, Wade and myself will guard Scott in Track two. Now,” he added with a little more authority in his voice. Jess was already heading toward their Scan Track without a word to Bill. While rubbing his jaw a bit he headed for the other direction. Hawk got under one of Scott’s arms while Ryo did the same on the other side. “This kid better be worth the headache.” ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly on the Inside ----- |
06-14-2012, 01:33 AM | #5 |
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Episode 5
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- Now this was a interesting situation the Avatar found himself in. He was standing by the lake Bemular appeared from. Bogun was still preparing to attack the city at the moment, he was a couple of hours away from being ready and his attention should have been there. Especially when this Ultraman would eventually show up. But his masters directed him back here. He didn’t know why until, he sensed it but just barely. There was another creature down there, from their universe just like they said. It must have sneaked through when Bemular crossed over. Kneeling down and putting a hand into the water he sent out small waves of dark energy until he found it. Whatever was down there was roughly three time the size he was and felt roughly man shaped. What did they call it, Ragnaron? He felt it be drawn by his energy. It must have been close to Bemular when he stabilized him. The “masters” said it was a similar to a pest or a rodent in there universe. His orders were to destroy it, but he wondered what would happen if he gave just a little bit more energy. Focusing his power he sent it toward the creature. It thrashed around as the beam struck it, but the Avatar could feel it drinking it in as well. He wasn’t sure how but he was positive he gave it the correct amount of a punch to accelerate it’s growth. In a few hours he’ll see what this one would be able to do. And if he was lucky his masters won’t know he did that on purpose. But right now he had to get out of here and back to Castle. He still had a job there to do. *** For a while he all he knew was darkness and nothing else. “KEN!”, Daxium’s scream echoed in the back of his head when he was awoken with a start. “Dial it down Dax,” he grumbled as he tried to focus on where he was. Wherever it was he was sitting and not in his own bed or chairs. “Ugh what hit me?”, he went to put a hand to his head. He was stopped part way and wouldn’t go any further no matter how hard he tried. Then he looked, he was handcuffed to a chair. Right then he remembered, one of those bastards shot him in the back. Looking around the room all he was able to see was the table in front of him and another chair. Then he saw a window looking into an adjoining room and saw them. And her. “And this was the only strange thing on him?”, asked the guy who was older than the rest of them. Ken gave him his full attention when he saw the Spark Magnifier in his hand. “The only thing we found,” said an Asian who looked slightly familiar to him. Then he turned toward her, “You recognized it Jess?” “I’ve never seen it before,” she told him. Ken’s eyes never left the Magnifier in the guy’s hands. “Oh no,” he muttered when he saw the crystal prongs pop out slightly as he squeezed the handle, “no no no no no.” The prongs clicked together and Ken closed his eyes and flinched. He was never going to see the light of day again. They were going to lock him and not stop until they figured out how he and Dax worked. Then he realized that things didn’t feel like they usually did when he used it. Cautiously he opened an eye and looked at his hand, it still looked normal as he wiggled his fingers. Letting out the breath he was holding he knew couldn’t relax fully just yet. Inside the room Jess was the only one who noticed Ken’s reaction but she didn’t say anything. “It has to be what the old man was looking for,” Bill said. “Why else was he getting violent?” “You’re the only one who thought he was getting violent man,” Ryo told him. “Captain,” he pleaded, “help me out here. You saw it too right?” “Not now Bill,” Hawk told him. “If he doesn’t tell us what it is we’ll have one of the labs check it out.” While they were talking Jess made up her mind and walked into the other room with Ken. “Jess wait a minute,” Bill tried to stop her but Hawk held him back. “She knows what she’s doing.” Closing the door behind her they just stared at each other for a few moments. Neither knew the other’s heart was pounding just as bad. “I know I’m the reason why we broke up,” Ken began after a bit, “but please tell me you’re here to be the good cop.” She smiled slightly, “No good or bad cop. I just thought you could use a friendly face right about now.” He smiled in return. Pulling out the other chair she sat across from him. “How have you been Ken?” “Would it sound like too much of a line if I said I’ve been kicking myself since high school?” “It kind of would actually.” “Then I won’t say it,” they shared a small chuckle. “I’ve been alright. How about you?” “I’ve been fine, a little busier than I thought I would be since I’ve joined up. What’s this I was hearing about you trying out for this too?” “I gave it a shot a couple of years ago.” “So what happened?” His only answer was to hold his stomach a bit as he remembered. Smiling a bit again she said, “I remember how green you used to get when you took me on the Farris Wheel back in the day. Are you seeing anybody?” “Nothing serious or anything that lasted that long.” Had a great girl in high school but I screwed that up like nobody’s business. “How about you, have you found Mr. Right yet?” “More or less the same, I haven’t had time to date since I’ve joined up.” Was kinda hoping this guy in knew in high school would be the one but look how that turned out. “How’s your family doing?” “Mom’s good, she’s doing better than what she was. Jeff’s… married and has a kid.” Jess’s jaw dropped, “Jeff has a kid? I don’t believe it.” “I’d show you a picture but I don’t think my wallet’s on me,” he looked into the other room through the window. She glanced back at the other before returning her attention to him, “Since I better look like I’m doing something official here what is going on? Why are they so interested in you? Why were you out there?” “I have no idea,” Ken told her. He had an idea but he wasn’t going to say anything about it. “A person I work with set me up on a blind date and I went looking for her after that thing came up from the street. Next thing I know you and the goon squad showed up. Not that I’m calling you a goon or anything,” he quickly added once he realized how that sounded. “I can buy that,” Jess said. Behind her he saw the guy who he was pretty sure was the one who shot him roll his eyes. “Can you tell me what that thing we found on you is?” Thinking as fast as he has ever thought he said, “My good luck charm.” “Your good luck charm,” Jess repeated slowly. He recognized that look she was giving him. She wasn’t sure if she believed it or not yet. “I was in the park when that first giant monster showed up,” he told her. “I found it on the ground, I picked it up for some reason and came out of it alive. It was working great until tonight. Do you have any idea why I’m here?” All they told us was that you were a person of interest and needed to be brought in for questioning,” she answered. “We don’t know any more than that.” “That’s a pretty flimsy reason as far as I’m concerned,” Ken told her. Jess shrugged her shoulders a bit, “It’s orders from up top, way up top. We have to follow those orders no matter what.” “It’s probably a good thing I did crash out,” he said. “I don’t think I would have lasted that long around here.” *** In his office watched what passed as an interrogation these days with some mild disgust. Partially because this woman was handling Scott with kid gloves, and partially because this was the person the giant bonded with. In front of him was the information on this Scott person as was his academy file. Inside that was the reason why he was originally rejected. As well as an addition that he had recently reapplied. At his request Patricia had the rejection letter stopped for the moment. He didn’t need that to mess up his plans. In the corner of the room Williams was using a lap top to view the footage on his own. “That device has to be the key,” he said after a bit. “He reacted when Hawk started messing with it.” Behind Richardson Patricia said, “That’s what he’s using to turn into Ultraman? I was expecting something a little more… elaborate.” “I wasn’t expecting a device at all,” Williams said. “I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t anything as simple as that. Oh if I could only get that alone for five minutes to figure out how it works.” “It doesn’t matter how it works,” Richardson said curtly. “We have to find a way to get him working for us.” “Maybe we can use Wade,” Williams offered, “they seem close. Or maybe Watanabe. Their files indicated they started at the same academy at the same time.” “Not good enough,” Richardson spat. “That kind of familiarity rarely works. And there’s no guarantee Scott knew Watanabe at the academy.” “Not to mention the slight confusion that might happen after you had them bring in Scott as a person of interest in the monster threat,” Patricia commented. “And Hawk has made it absolutely clear they weren’t happy with particular direct order,” Richardson said. “I’m still on Hawk’s radar after the whole mess with Joseph. I don’t need them adding to that particular list. He studied Scott a bit as Wade left the room. Again he tested the metal cuff around his wrist. “There has to be something we can use. Is there anything in his file we can exploit?” “Nothing is standing out so far,” Patricia informed him. “However we might try a bit of kindness to make him more comfortable.” Richardson looked at her. “He might be a little more agreeable if we treated him less like a prisoner.” Looking at the screen he watched him play with the handcuffs again. “Get a hold of Hawk and tell him to remove the cuffs and try and make him a little more comfortable. Tell him it’s a different track to get him to talk if he asks.” Patricia nodded and got on the line. While she relayed the order Richardson studied the bastard on the screen. What was it going to take?” *** Back at the lake two men who were just passing through had set up camp for the night having gotten there an hour before. One using a small propane stove to cook some hot dogs whistled to himself as they roasted. The whistling stopped when he noticed the middle of the lake started to bubble slightly. “Hey Frank,” he called out to his friend. “What do you think that is?” He poked his head out of the tent and looked, “It’s probably an underwater geyser or something.” Looking a little worried the first one went, “Isn’t this where they say that first monster showed up?” “How should I know,” Frank told him. “The locals say a lot of things and I don’t listen to them.” “It was on the news I think.” “And that’s another bunch of lie spewing bastards right there,” Frank said going back into the tent. “Besides if this was the spot those UNDF freaks would have checked to see if there was more. They got to do something with the tax payer money they’re wasting.” “Have you seen the things they go against on the news?” “Smoke and mirrors,” Frank said shrugging it off, “a new type of plane who the hell knows what they really are. Monster now, I swear there’s something in the air.” The bubbling in the water increased. Then it quickly started to come toward them. Before he could warn his friend something that looked like a fin emerged, followed by a gigantic head. “Fra… Fra… Fran…,” he stammered toward the tent. Frank poked his head out to yell at him. Then he saw the thing right in front of them. Both of them screamed as a giant hand came down right on top of them. *** Rubbing his wrist Ken wondered what else could happen tonight. And forget the blind date Rose set him up on. First he was treated like a prisoner, now they were acting like he was guest or something. So much so Jess even volunteered to escort him to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Every so often he’d looked around to see if anybody else was escorting them but so far nothing. But he was amazed at how fast he and Jess fell back into old habits as they walked down the corridor. Well almost fell, if they were back in high school they might have been holding hands at this point. “So you’re working at Peterson’s Garage?”, Jess asked. “Did Jeff get you in? Wait that’s a stupid question, forget I ever asked that.” Ken answered any way, “Jeff started after me actually. They had a job opening and he needed some steady work. Luckily he’s a halfway decent mechanic or that could have been a big mess.” “I hoped he thanked you at least.” He stopped just long enough to say, “Have you met my brother?” “You’re right, what was I thinking?”, Jess said before they shared another laugh. “I still can’t believe he’s married.” “Yeah Janet’s a saint. If I ever get my wallet back I can show you that picture of Nicole.” Now how to say this next part without looking too suspicious. “Any idea when I can get that and my good luck charm back?” “I have no idea,” she told him. “Captain Hawk marked it as something suspicious. Since you’re a person of interest here it might be awhile. Is that going to be a problem?” “No, not at all.” At least not until the next monster attack, then Dax might have some issues. “How long was Jeff out of work before you got him the job?” Rubbing the back of his neck he answered, “About a year.” “Did this Janet make enough to support all three of them?” Reluctantly he answered, “Not exactly.” Now she stopped and looked at him. Oh he was way too familiar with that look she was giving him right now. “So you were basically helping support his family for that year?” “Basically,” he said not looking at her. Looking real disappointed she sighed, “Same old Ken,” and continued walking. “Could you not make it sound like a bad thing,” he said before following. “I know you were doing a good thing, but you were always shouldering everybody else’s problems and never taking anytime for what you wanted. How much can you actually carry on those shoulders?” “You have no idea,” he mumbled. “What was that?”, she asked. “Nothing,” he quickly said. “Do you at least have somebody to help you with all of this?” “Kinda,” it wasn’t a total lie. “I guess that’s a step in the right direction.” She sighed a bit again, “I don’t know, I guess I was hoping you’d become a little more selfish over the years. Even after we broke up I was worried you were going to get swallowed up trying to do everything. Even the family rock needs somebody to lean on from time to time. Or at least somebody to rant at when it gets to him.” “Who would have bothered listening to me?” “I would have,” she told him. Both of them just looked at each other for a few silent moments. “I’ve told you that more than once. You never listened.” “I didn’t want to drive you away with my problems,” he said softly. Before she could respond he quickly changed the subject, “So how is this outfit treating you?” “Pretty good,” she said going along with it. Besides there was no point in arguing about what he did or didn’t do back then. “I haven’t regretted joining yet, although I’ve questioned an order here and there. But Captain Hawk a good man, and so are the others.” “You’re going to have to do more than that to convince me the one who shot me I the back is a good man,” he told her. The past a group of people coming around a nearby corner, several people in suits, a couple of guys in lab coats and one guy in a uniform like hers all trying to talk over each other. Ken stop and stood as Dax reacted to something. It wasn’t a monster, but it was something dark. The feeling was gone in an instant but he felt enough of it to know that it was behind him. Ken looked back at the group. It came from there he was sure of it. Jess went a few more steps before she noticed he stopped, “Is something wrong Ken?” “No,” he said snapping out of it. “Just out of curiosity am I allowed to know who those guys are? Or am I going to be held longer for seeing them?” “Who they are is pretty much on the public record,” she answered. “They guy in the uniform is Commander Jamira of Beta Team, that one scientist is Dr. Williams, he helped make our weapons. And the leader of that particular pack is Peter Brooks, the number two man on the board. The rest are various assistants and secretaries who’s name are escaping me at the moment.” “Brooks is kinda young isn’t he? He looks are age,” Ken commented. “A lot of people have said that.” Jessica told him. “But he has his father’s mind according to Richardson and the rest of the board. So the complaints stopped soon enough.” “So where’s his old man then?” “He retired a few years ago, Peter just rose through the ranks like a rocket.” She looked back at the group, “Although between you and me I’m glad I’m not in Jamira’s unit.” “He that bad of a commander?”, Ken asked. “He’s… a little too gung ho about the job,” she told hm. “And a bit abrasive too. His whole unit is like that. Let me put it this way, they probably would have hunted you down with no problem what so ever, and with a smile on their faces.” “Sounds like a fun guy. Let’s go for the hat trick while we’re at it,” Ken said casually, “how about that Williams guy?” “He’s the lead scientist around here. Like I said he created or modified our weapons and equipment. Although I have heard he’s got an idea for a super jet he’s trying to get off the ground. I don’t know a lot of the details about it. Now, do you want to keep playing twenty questions or do you want to get something to eat?” “Lead the way,” he said gesturing down the hall. She smiled and bowed a bit before they continued. Still Ken looked back one more time as that group started to break up. What was it that Dax sensed exactly? *** Breaking away from the group the Avatar tried to figure out what that feeling was. Unlike that civilian with Wade he fought hard to suppress any type of reaction. It felt like his energy in some way, but not quite. In fact it felt a lot like it was… opposite? Yes that was it. It had to belong to the giant, there was no other answer. Which meant that civilian was Ultraman. This could be a problem, he had to be extra careful now. “Now I know I should have shot the sphere instead of Richardson.” *** In the cafeteria Ken and Jess continued to catch up on things, while trying avoid talking about Jeff. Even when they were dating he was the cause of the occasional argument. Although both of them did everything to avoid talking about the breakup. If anything they could at least try and be friends now. While they talked this time Ken noticed her teammates seemed to be hovering around in the corners. At least she admitted it, “I’m really sorry about this. I think they’re trying to make sure you don’t try anything.” “Just make sure they bastard who shot me stays in my line of sight. I don’t trust him as far as could through him.” Or as far as Dax could for that matter. While he turned his head to look around she caught another look of that ponytail of his. “I have to ask, when did you decide to grow that thing?” It took him a second to realize what she was talking about. “After I got rejected from the academy. At that point I had it either shoulder length or cut. I just decided one day to let it grow out for a while.” “I don’t think I like it,” she commented. “Then it’s a good thing we’re not dating anymore because I’m kinda used to it.” From the door Hawk watched the two of them. Richardson said to not treat him like a prisoner, but he was still a person of interest according to Stanson. Despite the mixed signals that guy was still considered dangerous for some reason. Jess could take care of herself, but if this guy had anything to with those monster then he wasn’t chancing anything. Sensing somebody stand next to him he gave him a curt nod, “Mr. Richardson.” “Captain,” he returned the greeting. “I noticed Brooks is still in the building.” “He said he read that file while he was looking for me. He’s probably as curious about this guy as you are.” “My hunch, as I’m sure he called it, might be wrong.” Hawk looked at him with some confusion. “Bridge is getting a signal.” “Where and why didn’t he tell me?” “The same sector the first monster showed up in. And Patricia was in the control room when his system detected the signal. I was on my way here to get a better look at Mr. Scott over there when she told me.” “So if a monster showed up and he’s here with us watching him what does that mean exactly?” “We might have to let him go.” “Now wait a minute…,” Hawk started to protest. “We don’t have much to hold him on as it is. I having Patricia bring his belonging as we speak. I’ll take care of it Captain. You have a job to do.” His tone indicted he wasn’t going to hear anything more on the subject. Hawk was tempted to call him on it. But if that report was true than they didn’t have any time to waste. Tapping the communicator on his chest he said, “Jess, Ryo, Bill get ready to scramble.” “Understood,” Jess acknowledged. “Sorry Ken, duty calls.” “Don’t let me stop you.” After she left he wondered what kind of guard was going to be on him now. After a few minutes this old man and slightly younger woman carrying a clear plastic bag came toward him surprising him a little. “Mr. Scott,” the older man said, “I’m Harold Richardson and this is my assistant Patricia.” “Hi,” he said looking them over. “We brought your things for you.” Taking the bag could see the Spark Magnifier wasn’t in it. While Ken tried to find a way to bring that up the old man continued, “I’m afraid I’m the reason why you’re here and I apparently made a mistake in doing so. Please let me reconcile that error by escorting you home in my limo.” He was about to turn him down when Daxium spoke up in his head, “Ken go with him.” Caught off guard for a moment Ken said, “My car still by the restaurant the monster attacked. Just take me there.” “Certainly my boy, certainly. Come Patricia.” Ken watched them go for a moment before getting up. *** In the hanger Razor Wing one and two were getting prepped for launch. “Remember people,” Hawk said as he checked the targeting system, “this is just a scouting mission at this point. Bridge said there was something about the water that was making it hard to get a clear signal. But it popped up just long enough for the long range sensors to get a hit.” “And this is the same lake the first one showed up in?”, Jess asked. “That’s what he said. So be ready for anything. Quickly going through the check list both jets were ready soon green. “Razor Wing one to control,” Bill said, “we are ready to launch.” Ryo soon followed, “Razor Wing two to control, we are ready to launch.” “Acknowledged Razor Wings you are a go for launch,” Bridge told them. “Launching,” both of them said as they hit the thrusters and flew out of the hanger. Before they left a limousine had already pulled out of Castle’s garage and silently went on its way. Inside Patricia listened to a small receiver in her hear ear ad looked at Richardson sitting across from her. Ken looked out the window on the other side of the seat. “They’re underway,” she said. Richardson just nodded and they rode in silence for about a minute or so. Then he said, “So you’re the one who joined with our giant friend.” “Excuse me?”, Ken had heard him perfectly, he just wasn’t sure what to think right at that moment. “Oh it’s all right, I know all about him.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Then you won’t be needing this then.” Richardson reached into his coat and pulled out the Spark Magnifier. Ken eyed it as he held it out for him. “Captain Hawk wanted it analyzed. I had Dr. Williams bring it to me. Go ahead, take it.” Reluctantly Ken did so, “Thanks.” “I’m pretty sure you’re going to need it sooner or later. So what’s our giant friend’s name?” Again Dax spoke up, “It’s alright Ken, he’s the one who arranged for my original host.” Still not sure what to think about this he answered, “Daxium.” “Daxium,” Richardson repeated, “A little better than the name we came up for him, wouldn’t you say so Patricia?” She answered with a simple nod as she put on a pair of glassed as she started to go through some file. “That’s why you wanted me brought in,” Ken said as it dawned on him. “It’s the only way I could do it,” Richardson said not sounding all that apologetic about it. “My son was supposed to be the one to host our giant friend. Unfortunately something killed him before they could begin the process.” “I’m sorry,” Ken told him, not sure of what else he could say. “He was supposed to be our best weapon against these giant monsters. The he died and you happened. Daxium can still be our best line of defense.” Richardson looked at him, “You can join us. You can be there every time a creature shows up and take care of it.” “You’re trying to get me to join after you had me arrested?”, Ken asked in disbelief. “It’s just a minor inconvenience on your part,” Richardson told him. Ken couldn’t believe he just heard that. “I’m giving you the chance to be something better than what you are. I’ve seen that you reapplied for the UNDF, I can make that happen.” “Ken…,” Dax said. “Daxium seems to trust you,” Ken started, “but I don’t.” That’s seemed to catch Richardson off guard. And right now Ken didn’t, not for the whole arrest thing either. There was something about Richardson that was setting off his BS alarm. “Me and Dax are doing just fine on our own. We don’t need to be part of your outfit.” Richardson turned a couple of shades of red just then. Patricia watched him to make sure he wasn’t going to make sure to make a move toward Ken. Finally he stiffly said, “The choice is yours, but the offer is still stands if you change your mind.” They rode the rest of the way in silence after that. But while Ken looked out the window Richardson sent a text to his driver while he wasn’t looking. Ken started eyeing him when he realized they drove past the exit that would take them into the idle of the city. *** “Anything?” Hawk asked as Razor Wings one and two circled the lake. “I’m not sure,” Jess answered as she went over her sensor readings. “Something flashing in and out on my sensors.” “Same here,” Hawk commented. “Bridge can you give us a clearer picture of what’s going on?” “I’m trying Captain,” was the reply. “Something about that lake is messing with the sensor reading. I thought I corrected that after the first time.” “Try correcting it now,” Hawk told him. Bridge didn’t get the chance to. Both Wings suddenly got a reading and it was get stronger. A huge geyser exploded out of the lake, “Evade!” Bill and Ryo both barely avoided it. When the water fell back into the lake in it’s place was another giant creature, with black scaly skin and claw like fingers. Gray bone like protrusions appeared at it’s elbows, knees and shoulder the most prominent being a bone like fin that crowned it’s head. It roared revealing several rows of sharp pointed teeth. “That’s coming in clear as a bell now,” Bridge said from his station back at Castle. “Launch the other units,” Hawk ordered. “We’ll hold on for as long as we can. Razor Wing one and two engage the creature.” “Rodger,” was the reply. Missile fire from both jets struck the creature. Roaring in protest and electrical charge ran up and down it’s fin. It opened it’s mouth and an electrical beam shot out. Again both Bill and Ryo had to act fast to avoid the attack. “I almost miss that rock creature,” Bill commented. “It didn’t shot or spew anything.” “Cut the chatter and concentrate,” Hawk told him. IT seemed like forever before another wave of Razor Wings showed up. Shortly after Scan Tracks appeared and took position and fired at the creature giving Wings one and two a much needed breather. It roared in protest at the new threats. Unfortunately that also meant he had more targets to unleash it’s rage on. Clipping the wing of a passing Razor Wing the fin started the fin like bone started to spark again. “All units watch out!” The warning was a little too late as the electrical beam obliterated two of the Wings before being turned to the Scan tracks. “Concentrate on the bone on it’s head!”, Hawk ordered. “We take that out we might be able to stop that ray.” “You heard the Captain,” Jamira sneered from his Scan Track. “Beta Team show Alpha Team how the real pros do it.” “God I hate that guy,” Ryo said out loud. Luckily the comm. wasn’t on. Every unit tried to target the fin but the creature seemed to sense this and avoid the assault. While this was going one a limo pulled up in the distance. Richardson and his assistant got out and watched the situation from their position. “Come on out Mr. Scott,” Richardson said after a bit. Ken reluctantly got out of the vehicle but stayed on the other side of the vehicle. “It looks like they’re doing well,” he said to Ken’s continued silence. “They might not even need our giant friend for this one. Patricia, why don’t you see if you can tune into their comm. system.” “At once Mr. Richardson,” opening his briefcase as she put it on the trunk of the limo she quickly tuned in. “… sucker is tough…,” somebody said. “… still so I can target…” “…low on missiles…,” he recognized Jess’s voice in the chaos. “Use them sparingly,” Hawk told her. “Almost got…” Richardson studied Ken the entire time. He saw him want to reach for the Spark Magnifier, looking conflicted the entire time. “What’s stopping you Mr. Scott?”, he asked innocently. “They’re holding their own,” he said, voice strained. He knew he should be letting Daxium loose. Even Dax was screaming at him to do so in his head. But he didn’t want to do it in front of Richardson for some reason, to prove he wasn’t a weapon at his beck and call if nothing else. That and despite Dax’s insistences he was ready Ken wasn’t sure if he was ready to go so soon after his last battle a few hours ago. Suddenly one of the Razor Wings took a hit from the electrical beam. “Jess! Ryo!”, Bill shouted over the line. Ken’s heart nearly stopped beating upon hearing that. “Eject!”, Hawk shouted. “Eject!” It took a second but they were able to grab the handle under their seats and shot out of the Razor Wing and deployed their chutes. The creature saw them float slowly to the ground. That was all Ken could take, running around the limo and into the field. “Mr. Scott!”, Richardson called out. He looked back at him. “Good luck, to both of you.” Ken turned back around and pulled out the Spark Magnifier out of his jacket. Holding it over his head he disappeared in a ball of light that engulfed him and that quickly turned into a gigantic column of light. Richardson just smiled to himself. *** “Shiah!”, Daxium grunted as he took a fighting stance. Ragnaron roared n challenge as it came toward him. Seeing that clawed hand come at him Daxium grabbed it and flipped the monster over his shoulder. Going in he fell back when that electrical stream shot out of his mouth. Ragnaron quickly got up and swiped those claws against the giant’s chest. Then it wrapped those clawed fingers around his neck. He pounded the monster’s arms until it let go. With a grunt he kicked him back. Ragnaron roared again and started to swing those claws at him. Daxium avoided each swing backing up the entire time. Finally the creature got frustrated and went in hard. The giant ducked down and was able to flip the creature over. Jumping on top of it Daxium started pounding at the fin on it’s head getting the same idea as Hawk. Ragnaron was still able to shoot the beam out of his mouth that Daxium quickly avoided. Being forced off the creature grabbed him and threw him near the Scan tracks. UNDF troops scrambled to get out of the way as Ragnaron prepared another blast. Daxium saw the humans as he got to a knee. Before the creature fired Daxium spread his arms, hands open. An energy shield appeared in front of him that blocked the beam and protected the human behind him. They watched for a few moments dumbstruck at what they were witnessing. The beam stopped and Daxium dropped the shield and prepared to fire off a bolt. Ragnaron reacted in pain as his scaly hide was burned by the energy blast. He ran and dove into the lake. Daxium cautiously approached the lake trying to detect where he was. Suddenly Ragnaron jumped out of the water slashing him his claws. Daxium fell to his back. Trying to get up the crystal started to flash red. Ragnaron shot him point blank with the electrical beam. “Firing missiles!”, Hawk said as Bill swooped the razor Wing in. Unleashing what was left of his payload at Ragnaron’s fin, cracking it a bit. He stopped blasting Daxium to turn toward his attacker. Daxium forced off another bolt and blasted the fin on the other side. The resulting explosion was enough to break the fin as it fell to the ground. Ragnaron thrashed around in mind numbing pain clutching at his head giving Daxium a chance to get to his feet. Facing the creature he put his hands to his chest and spread them wide drawing in energy from his surroundings. Raising his right arm and lowering his left he brought them together at the wrist the multicolored stream coming from the edge of his right hand. Ragnaron reacted for a moment before falling back into the water and exploded. Standing there for a moment he found the Razor Wing Hawk and Bill were in. Acknowledging the help with a nod he looked into the sky and flew off, “Shiah!” “Watanabe to Hawk,” Ryo said into his communicator. “Me and Jess are alright, just a little shaken up.” “That’s great to hear,” Hawk told them. “We’ll send somebody to pick you up so stay where you are. We’ll discuss what you did wrong when we get back to Castle. Hawk out.” “It could be worse,” Jess offered taking off her helmet. “He could be sending Jamira after us.” “Don’t jinx it,” Ryo told her. *** Ken reappeared after it was over and looked around. Confused he said out loud, “Dax, I know you’re a little upset with me right now, but we are close to where I set you loose right?” “This is the exact spot,” was the reply, although he seemed confused that Ken would ask that. “Then where’s Richardson?” Running back to the road he looked in both directions and saw nothing. “That son of a bitch ditched me!” Kicking a rock in frustration and heading back toward town on foot he pulled out his cell phone, it was past midnight so who the hell would be up right now. Going through his call list he found somebody who might still be awake, “Johnny? It’s Ken, I got a huge favor to ask you.” *** A few miles away Richardson and Patricia rode in silence. Messing with her glasses she studied the lens for a bit before saying, “I got it.” “Show me,” Richardson ordered. Opening her briefcase she flipped up a panel revealing a screen. Taking off one of the frame’s earpiece she plugged it into the case. Typing in a few commands the screen came to life and there was Scott right in the middle of it. Like he hoped she got a clear shot of his face when he turned around. Then he transformed into the giant. “I’ll show that bastard who needs who.” ----- ED – Shinedown –Fly From the Inside ----- |
06-21-2012, 05:28 PM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 486
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Episode 6
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- It had been two days since Ken was deserted by Richardson. Even though Johnny never really asked too many questions about why he was in the middle of nowhere he still ribbed him on it in a good natured way. Of course Rose and the others quickly caught on to what was going on. Making sure Jeff wasn’t in earshot he made up a quick story for them. “I ran into a guy I knew and he convinced me to head to the park top relax for a bit after what happened. Another monster showed up and he booked it before I could get in the car.” “I don’t believe it,” Rose stated. “What’s not to believe?”, Ken asked her. “That you have friends outside of work. I’ve never seen you hang out with anybody else.” “I do have a life outside of here you know.” “You’re going to have to have a hard time proving it to me,” she told him with a grin. The rest of the day went by pretty smoothly. Then Rose went to the door and looked back into the garage, “Hey Ken!” He looked over to her, “You have a visitor of the female persuasion.” “What?”, he had no idea who this could be. He had an idea on who he hoped it would be, but that was a long shot. Going over he was surprised to see Richardson’s assistant standing there, what was her name, Patricia? “Mr. Scott,” she began, “if I may have a few moments of your time?” She looked around the garage before adding, “In private?” “Yeah sure,” he saw his boss in his office look as confused as the rest of them. “I’ll be back in a few.” Rose started grinning, “You should have told me you liked them older.” Pointing a finger in her face he told her, “Don’t start getting ideas.” “Too late,” she chimed as he followed the assistant. “They walked a few yards away from the garage to her car so they wouldn’t be overheard. Without a word she retrieved her briefcase and put it on the hood of the car. Opening it she flipped open a panel that revealed a monitor. A moment later it came on to reveal Richardson’s face. “Good day Mr. Scott, how are you today?” Crossing his arms Ken tried not to look that disgusted, “What do you want Richardson?” “Alright then,” Richardson said not looking impressed, “we’ll get straight to the point. “I’m asking you one more time to join the UNDF.” Ken nearly laughed out loud, “You had me arrested, you ditched me in middle of BFE and you expect me to jump right in? You have got to work on your recruitment pitch.” He started to leave when Richardson spoke up, “Then you leave me no choice. I’m telling you you’re joining the UNDF.” “I don’t think it works that way,” Ken told him. “Free choice and all that.” “You haven’t seen this as of yet.” Ken watched as the image on the monitor changed. He paid a little more attention when he realized that was him on the screen. That son of a bitch recorded him the other night. “Mr. Scott!”, Richardson called out in the video. Like a patsy he looked back right at him. “Good luck, to both of you.” The he disappeared in a flash of light and Daxium was there in his place. “Let me tell you how this is going to work,” Richardson said coming back on the screen, “you don’t agree to join the UNDF this footage get’s released to every media outlet within the half hour. Everybody will know who you are and what your giant little secret is.” Ken stood there seething for a bit. Finally he said, “You’re assuming I won’t blow my secret myself.” “But what about your family and friends?”, Richardson asked him. “What’s going to happen to them if this gets out? Forget the media scrutiny, what if somebody, say from my organization, starts saying you may be a biohazard to those around you?” “You mother…” “Do we have a deal Mr. Scott?”, Richardson said cutting him off sharply. Ken looked back at the garage, he could see Rose and Jeff hovering around the door. Damn it he didn’t have a choice. “Alright I’m in.” “I knew you would see it my way,” he said looking a little smug. “To prove I’m not totally heartless I am well aware that you help support your family.” Patricia handed him a piece of paper. “By my estimation that should be double what you currently make a month. I’ll let you decide what to do with it, I’ll give you a few moments to decide.” Despite how angry he was at the moment he was able to think clearly enough on what to do with it, “I want half of it into a saving account for me.” “And the other half?”, Richardson asked. “I want half of that to go to my mother and the other half to go into a trust fund for my niece.” “Fair enough, a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Scott. We’ll see you soon after you put your current affairs in order.” After the monitor was turned off he focused on Patricia, “Your boss is a real piece of shit.” “I know,” she said calmly, closing the case, “but he gets the job done.” She pulled away leaving Ken standing there. He waited a few minutes to calm down before heading back to the garage. Rose was there almost as soon as he entered the door looking concerned, “Ken, are you alright? What was that about?” “Not right now,” he told her. He headed straight for the boss’s office and closed the door behind him. “Ken what’s going on?”, he asked. Not sure how to put it the only thing he could say was, “I’m… putting in my two weeks.” “Why?” what was that about?” Still unhappy about the situation it came out a little more bitter than he intended, “Your dream for me just came true.” *** “A civilian operative?” In order to get that bastard the giant bonded with into the organization there were miles of red tape he had to get around. Richardson had Patricia look for any holes they could exploit while they were trying to discover the other half of Ultraman’s identity. It was going to be hard enough to bypass the academy, where they were going to put him was another headache just waiting in the wings. So much so he almost couldn’t believe it when the board practically dropped the solution right in his lap. And seeing where he was planning on placing Scott Hawk’s reaction was pretty much what he expected. “What kind of bullshit is this?” “It’s something a couple members of the board cooked up without my knowledge,” Richardson explained as he sat behind his desk. “It’s supposed to make the UNDF look more relatable somehow. They explained it but it went over my head, you know how people think these days. It was already popular with roughly eighty percent of the board by the time I heard about it, otherwise I would have shut it down.” Yes it was a bold face lie, but he tried to appease the Captain a bit. “You could still shoot it down,” Hawk insisted a bit. “True but I thought it would make an interesting experiment.” “So any yahoo off the street…?” “Please Captain give me some credit,” he cut him off seeing he was trying to build up a head of steam. “Even the idiots who came up with this weren’t that stupid. In fact they pitched as a second chance program. In case some qualified person fell through the cracks somehow. As it stands,” Richardson slid a folder across the desk to Hawk, “I already have a candidate in mind.” As he read over the file he correctly guessed the Captain’s reaction yet again. “What the hell is this? You had us bring this Scott character in now he’s signing up? Wait, he’s blackmailing you isn’t he? He doesn’t want money he wants this?” “And we have a team of lawyers ready to ground him into dust if that was the case,” Richardson told him. “Actually he had to be convinced to take the offer. He’s almost as stubborn as you in that aspect.” Hawk wisely didn’t take the bait, “So why him?” “Honestly he reapplied to the academy, which tells me he wants in. Since it took some convincing he wants to do it the right way and not take a short cut.” “So what did it take to get him to take it?” “That’s between me and him Captain.” “Then why did you have us bring him in?” “I wanted to size him up personally, see how he would react to different stressful situations.” As an afterthought he added, “I know I should have told you this sooner but I wanted you and your men’s action to be authentic.” Hawk just stared at him dumbstruck, “You wasted our time and resources…? I don’t buy it. There has to be more than to this ‘civilian operative’ business than that. What’s really going on?” “There’s no big conspiracy Captain,” Richardson said, mainly to get some time to think. “It’s just politics mainly. They backed away when I wanted to leave Ultraman alone for the time being. So I agreed to something of theirs. Just to keep them happy more or less.” Something flashed across Hawk’s face that grabbed his attention, “Do you have a problem with what I just said Captain?” “No,” he said slowly, “but Joe said something similar when he finally agreed to accompany you as a bodyguard. Good day sir,” with that he started to leave. “Do you blame me for Joseph’s death,” he asked out loud. “I’m not assigning blame to anybody,” Hawk told him without turning around. “I just want to know what the hell happened to him. He faced him, “It doesn’t matter if you think I deserve to know or not, but his teammates deserve to know.” “I guess you’re right,” Richardson turned around in his chair. “I guess you can blame me after all. I wanted to see our soldiers in action, overriding Joseph objections in the process. Once we got there I foolishly got out of the car dragging Joseph along the way. He convinced me to stay in a spot he considered safe.” He was quiet for a moment as he relived the death of his only child. “Then a stray blast from that creature… He died because of a foolish old man Captain. You can tell Alpha Team that if you want.” There was a long uncomfortable silence after that. “He died from a stray blast,” Hawk said after a bit. “That’s all they need to know.” “Thank you Captain,” Richardson said. As he was leaving he spoke up again, “From the files Mr. Bridge have been downloading it seems you have been studying this Ultraman. Keep it up in case my hunch about him is wrong.” Hawk nodded before he left the office. Richardson leaned back into his chair, sometimes politics included spinning enough of the truth into a story for people to stop looking into it. *** There were several messages on his machine as he got ready to leave. There were two that he stopped and listened to while he was packing his bags. The first was from Rose, “Hi Ken, just wanted to say goodbye one more time and good luck. I know you’re going to do great, just don’t forget about the rest of us. Otherwise I’ll have to hunt you down and hurt you. Bye.” The other was from Jeff, “I can’t believe you’re abandoning us. You heard the boss, you’re the only reason why that dump is still open. What about the rest of us huh? What are we supposed to do? What about your niece you selfish son of a…” There was a brief argument with Janet over what he was saying before the call ended. One more time he had to ask, how was he related to him again? While he had some sort of quarters waiting for him at UNDF headquarter, Castle he thought they called it he had the option to have a living space off base, which allowed him to keep his apartment. Which was kind of a kind of a good thing because now he wouldn’t have to explain why he kept the picture taped to his mirror if Jess accidently saw it. Slinging the bag over shoulder he locked the door behind him and went down to his car and drove away. Pulling up to the main gate he showed the temp ID they gave him to the guard so he could get in. Looking at the main building in the day light made him relive some of the excitement from a few years ago when he first got accepted. That quickly went away when he remembered why he was here now. Finding a spot he was directed to a person who gave him a packet with the rules and regulations and such. Inside he also found two slips of papers, one was his quarters which he quickly located and threw his bag in. Because the second had where he was supposed to meet his new chief and crew. Heading toward the lower levels where all the vehicles were he tried to find the room numbers on the paper. Having no luck what so ever he walked to a guy going over something on a clipboard. “Can you give me a hand for a sec, I can’t find this room number.” He looked at it and him strangely, “I would say so, you got to go up ten floors or so.” “Ten floors?” Ken looked at the paper again, “That’s really far from the garage. Is management up there or something?” “Or something,” the guy said looking really amused about something before walking away. Finding the elevator he looked over a directory until he found the floor he was supposed to go and hit the button. Once there he was still lost as he had no idea where to go and didn’t see a “you are here” map anywhere. So he asked for some directions again. Once or twice he find somebody helpful, “You go down that corridor, take a right at the third hallway you pass…”, that sort of thing. But mainly he got some annoyed looks and a, “Oh, it’s you,” before they walked off. It didn’t take him long to figure out why either. “Dax from now on I decided who in the hell we trust.” Finally he found the room after about ten minutes of searching. Heading in he saw a conference room of some sort. He also saw who was waiting inside. Taking a step back into the hallway the door closed in front of him. Ken looked at the slip of paper again to make sure he read it right. Even going so far as to turn it over in case he was holding it upside down. No he had the right room all right. Stepping into the room again he saw he didn’t see things the first time. He stood there looking at Jess and her teammates as they looked right back at him. “Oh hell no.” “Hey civilian nobody we didn’t want who’s being forced on to us,” Bill said looking really unhappy right then. Ken returned the look, “Hey bastard who shot me in the back.” As he walked to the back of the room a guy he hadn’t seen before with the tag Bridge on his jacket stared at him, “How long is your hair?” “Longer than it was yesterday, shorter than what it’ll be tomorrow,” he snapped off as he leaned against the back wall. Of course Jess wouldn’t look at him, but from what he could see she didn’t look all that happy about this either. Hawk came into the room saying, “I see our newest member finally decided to arrive. “I’ll make this quick. That man over there is Nathan Bridge, our computer expert. Bill Waters and Ryo Watanabe, our best pilots. You already know Jessica Wade, who by the way is our top marksmen. And I’m Gabriel Hawk, leader of Alpha Team. Or as they call us around here Monster Squad. Alpha Team, this is our new… civilian operative, Ken Scott.” Nobody made the attempt to even pretend to exchange pleasantries. “Well then,” Hawk coughed, “let’s get this meeting started then.” “Wait,” Bill curt in, “not everybody is seated yet.” All eyes went to Ken who was still standing against the wall. “There’s no other chair,” he said. “Well get you a chair for next time,” Hawk said. “Captain,” Ryo spoke up, “you said the meeting never starts until everybody is seated.” “Yeah,” Bill agreed, “if the civilian wants to be part of this he better find a seat or get out of the room.” Jess shot Bill a look but said nothing. Ken looked around the room not wanting to give them the satisfaction. Locating a waste paper basket, he picked it up, dumped the contents on top of Bill’s head then went to the end of the table and sat on top of it. “Happy?”, Ken asked. Hawk looked real tired all of the sudden, “If you’re done hazing the new guy…” “We haven’t begun hazing the new guy,” Bill said looking right at him as he got the trash off of him. Ken mouthed the words, “Bring it.” Hawk still looked tired. *** After the meeting Hawk told Ken to meet him in another room. This one turned out to be a more high tech conference room without any chairs. Hawk stood on one side of the table in the middle of the room and gestured that he should stand on the other side. Both of them stood there and sized the other man up. Hawk began with, “Obviously we started off on the wrong foot.” Ken wisely kept his mouth shut. “But we are a team. And a team has to be able to be able trust each other, that means no secrets. So I’m only going to ask you this once, what did Richardson offer to get you to agree to this?” Ken looked at him for a long time. He apparently didn’t know the real reason why Richardson forced him to do this. Maybe if he told the Captain why he was her he might find a way to help him get out of this mess. But that wouldn’t stop Richardson from releasing the tape. Instead he said, “He’s helping me set up my paycheck to help out my mom and my niece.” “Is that it?”, Hawk asked not looking convinced. “Because from what I’ve seen you’re not being paid what the rest of us are. In fact it’s lower than the a grunt.” Why was he not surprised? “If he didn’t offer that I would have never agreed to this. I was waiting for my rejection letter when you guys cornered me.” “If you were so sure you’d get rejected why reapply?” “My boss wouldn’t get off my back about it. I figured after I got the letter he’d let it go. Obviously that didn’t work out the way I thought it would.” Hawk nodded a bit before changing the subject, “Is there any particular reason why you headed for one of the hangers first?” “If you were a mechanic where would you think they’d put you?” “Good point.” Hawk put a file with his name on it on the table and slid it to him, “So how good of a mechanic are you?” “Well I’m pretty modest, but everybody else I’ve worked with says they haven’t seen an engine I couldn’t figure out in no time.” Hawk nodded again, slowly this time, “Makes sense, because according to your academy file there you are highly adept at all thing mechanical. I believe the term they used was ‘genius’.” “What?”, Ken opened the file and quickly looked through it. “You have to be kidding. I’m just a just a grease jockey.” “Scott I don’t kid about things like that,” Hawk told him. “I’ll be up front with you, that is the only reason why I’m not protesting this all that much. Hell son if it wasn’t for that thing that originally disqualified you you’d probably be running a department by now.” Ken read the file as he listened, only to stop listening when he found the part Hawk was talking about, “A genius?” “Scott!”, Hawk barked. Ken gave him his full attention. “I will give you a chance to prove Richardson’s hunch about you right, more than what I was going too originally. So I suggest you don’t do anything to prove either of us wrong.” Still stunned Ken could only say, “I’ll try not to.” “I know it’s a lot to take in,” Hawk said with a little more understanding, “and you’ve been thrown into the deep end so to speak. This is Alpha Team’s war room for the lack of a better term. This is where we plan our attack strategies, in case we get sufficient warning. But mainly we use it to go over our mission, see what we did wrong or what we can improve on. What I want you to do right now is to go over the basic equipment data. The table will give you a holographic image to refresh your memory.” “I guess this is where I say yes sir?” “Since this your first day I’ll put that down to inexperience,” Hawk smirked as he took the file. “I’ll have somebody give you a better tour of the place and set you up with your gear. But study the things I’ve highlighted first as a refresher, but you can look at anything that doesn’t seem familiar.” Leaving the room he added, “I should tell you now there might be situations where things will rest squarely on your shoulders.” The door closed as Ken muttered, “What else is new.” He scrolled down the list, so far a few of the names were ringing a bell or two, so he mentally put them on the back burner for the time being. Looking at the things he wasn’t familiar with something near the end of the list caught his attention, “Ultraman?” Surprisingly he had access to that file and pulled it up. Watching as the image formed over the table he was soon greeted by a familiar sight, “Oh boy.” *** Now this was an unexpected development. Apparently his masters tried to push a monster threw decades ago. When they first discovered this world they rushed into breaking the phase and sent it in immediately. Of course they didn’t have a clue about what would happen once it crossed over. It took some doing but he finally located the remains of the creature. In fact it became sort of a local legend in the nearby town he found it in. Antlar they called it, his master had a name for it but they forgotten it. But not totally since they provided the means to revive it. “You come to see Antlar.” An old raggedy looking man came out of the woods. The Avatar couldn’t help but to noticed that he said more of a statement than an actual question. “What gave me away?”, he asked playing along, well aware of that rifle in his hands. “Nobody comes up here unless they want to see it,” he spat. “And they never listen because they don’t know how lucky they are.” “And why is that?” “I saw that thing come out of a hole in the sky!”, he snapped. The Avatar kept quiet, could it be possible this old fool saw him emerge from a portal. “But nobody believed old Zeke. I saw the creature come out of a hole in the sky. It used some sort of beam to suck in a plane.” “Then what happened?” “The creature started thrashing around like God himself was trying to strike it down. It tried to dig itself back to hell. Then there was a flash then that was it. The authorities said it was a natural phe… pheo… thing. But Zeke saw, I told them. But nobody believed old Zeke, said I was sick in the head.” “I believe you,” the Avatar told him. “In fact I’m here to bring him back to life so he can finish the job he was sent her for.” “An animal that big will destroy the town,” Zeke exclaimed. “That one and several others, that is the idea after all.” The old man pointed that rifle at him. Getting a good look at it now the Avatar doubted it would even fire, not that it could harm him in any case. “Old Zeke won’t let you. I’ve seen that thing and I won’t let you.” The Avatar raised a hand that was crackling with dark energy. Zeke back away, the end of the rifle starting to shake, “What are you.” “A superior being,” the Avatar simply said. “If it makes you feel any better I was going to kill you any way. I can’t have anybody knowing what I look like.” Old Zeke barely had time to flinch as the energy beam struck him, he didn’t have time to scream. In moments all that was left was the remains of the rifle and a charred skeleton. “Trust me Zeke I probably put you out of everybody else’s misery.” Going up the trail he found what he was looking for, a segment of the mountain that looked a bit different from the rest. It was a very slight difference but he could see it even after all these years. He could even feel the remains of dark energy that still remained in the area. Holding his hands close together dark energy swirled between until ball of energy formed. Looking like a dark diamond it flew forward and hovered over the ground. A beam came from it as it started burrowing into the ground. Before long he felt the dark traces grew stronger and he smiled. *** The person Hawk sent to give him the tour and gear him up turned out to be Ryo. A quick conversation revealed that it was the same guy he went to the academy with. And they were pretty friendly back then, well before the flight simulator, so Ken felt comfortable enough to say, “So you drew the short straw?” “Bill was a little too eager to volunteer,” he said “So Jess suggested I might be a good compromise. Come on the Captain said to hook you up with the basic equipment.” “Does it involve getting what you’re wearing?” “Sorry civilian, but you’re going to have to earn one of these, just like everybody else.” “Civilian? Dude that hurts.” “The truth usually does,” Ryo told him. “Come on, the equipment and weapon bay is this way.” After that little remark small talk was kept to a bare minimum. Going down a couple of floors, and a couple of dirty looks in his direction, they hit that bay. More people saw him and turned away. Jess was in there too, she glanced at him before returning her attention to the firing range. “What you need is over here.” Walking up to a table he saw a wrist scanner. “I recognize this from the academy,” Ken said picking one up and looking it over. “Not a whole lot has changed since then,” Ryo explained as he strapped it around his wrist. “It still does thermal, infrared and various other scans. But they improved the radar since then, even added a link to the Scan Tracks’ sensor package.” “Interesting,” Ken said trying to sound interested, but once he heard Scan Track he started thinking about what’s under the hood. And how fast he could get elbow deep in one. Ryo pointed to another table. Ken followed him and raised an eyebrow when he saw what was on it. “I get a gun?” “Civilian operative or not Captain Hawk wants you to be able to defend yourself. None of us are going to babysit you out in the field.” “I can’t get a uniform but I get a gun?”, he was having a hard time wrapping his head around that one. Ignoring the statement Ryo continued, “Your weapon has variable power setting, stun to kill. We mainly keep it on stun since it’s not supposed to hurt.” “You wanna bet?”, Ken asked. Coughing a bit he went on, “They added one feature though.” Taking the gun back he tossed him a helmet, “Put it on and lower the visor. Doing so he watched Ryo press something by the trigger. A targeting reticule popped up in his vision after a moment. Ryo moved the barrel around and the reticule followed it’s movements. “That’s cool,” Ken said as he took the helmet off. “There’s a targeting sensor in the barrel of the gun,” Ryo explained. “There’s a bit of a lag, especially after the guns been fired, but not enough to cause any real trouble.” About then Jess took aim and fired off round of shoots at the target in front of her. They watched as all her shots hit the heart of the man shaped target. Ken let out a low whistle, praying that wasn’t him in her mind. “Of course some of us don’t need the sensor at all,” Ryo remarked. Leaning in he said, “Just a word of warning, don’t mess with that woman.” “I used to date her,” Ken shot back, “I’m well aware of that fact.” “Captain Hawk to Alpha team,” Ken heard over Ryo’s communicator. “Get to the war room.” Jess and Ryo both acknowledged the call and ran out of the room. Ken followed saying, “Am I getting one of those at least?” “We’re working on it,” Ryo called back. *** Hawk watched them enter the room, somewhat impressed Scott decided to join them, at least he was being serious about this. But the others were still giving him a wide berth. One step at a time he reminded himself. “We had an interesting call from a town a few miles from here.” A map showed over the table highlighting the area. “For some reason airplanes have been sucked down from the sky according to witnesses.” “How long has this been going on?”, Jess asked. “It started a couple of hours ago,” he answered. “And the pull has been getting stronger since they first noticed it. Usually we’d send in a scout team but I volunteered us since it seemed like the perfect situation to break in Scott here. Jess you go with Bill in Razor Wing one for this one. Ryo you’re flying with Ken in Wing two.” Hawk watched as Scott blanched a bit. Jess looked at him and winced and Ryo dropped his head. Slowly raising his hand Scott asked, “I don’t suppose I can take one of those Scan Tracks or something?” “I already sent the Tracks out,” Hawk informed him, “they should be there by the time you arrive. And we travel as a unit Mr. Scott, no exceptions. Is that understood?” “Yes sir,” he said holding his stomach. “Keep your eyes close,” Jess told him on the way out. “Like you used to do on the Ferris Wheel.” “This better not be the simulator all over again,” Ryo muttered. Scott said nothing as the door closed. Given his condition Hawk would have complied with his request normally. But he needed to know how much of a handicap his condition actually was. *** In the hanger both jets were prepared. Ken hit his check list quickly trying to keep his mind off the situation. In front of him Ryo was trying not to think of the simulator as well. “It’s just a short flight Ken,” he said, “so keep it in until then. I don’t want to be wearing your barf again.” “Short flight… right.” Ken put on his helmet, unfortunately that put his mind back on what was happening. “Ah Ryo…?” “I had them put a couple under your seat.” Reaching under it he found two white sealable bags, “Thanks. Ryo…?” Without a word he handed back a third one, “Thanks.” “Razor Wing one to control, we are ready to launch,” Ken heard over the speaker. “Oh God,” he said before squeezing his eyes shut. In front of him Ryo tried not to sound worried as he said, “Razor Wing two to control, we are ready to launch.” “Acknowledge Razor Wings you are go for launch.” The jets shot forward and Ken forcibly swallowed the contents of his stomach back down. The short flight seemed to take an eternity for Ken. Finally heard Ryo speak to him, “We’re approaching the target area. Scan Tracks haven’t picked anything up yet. So we have to look for anything suspicious so I need you to open your eyes. I’ll keep the Wing as steady as I can but I need you to do your job.” “Right,” he answered. Opening his eyes he kept them focuses on the controls in front of him. Taking several deep breaths he slowly looked out and saw the ground below. Then he promptly threw up in one of the bags. “Two seconds longer than I thought it would take,” Ryo said attempting a joke. Ken smiled weakly as he wiped off his mouth. “Concentrate on the task at hand,” Hawk ordered from Castle’s control center. “Bridge says you’re close.” “You should almost be right on top of it Wing one,” Bridge said as he monitored the situation. Almost a split second later Razor Wing one was caught in a vortex that came out of nowhere. “Holy shit!”, Bill tried to regain control as the jet just spun in the air. “I can’t see where it’s coming from!”, Jess called out. Ken did, “By the…,” he swallowed hard to keep down another round from escaping his stomach. “Mountains,” he lowered his head and pointed. “By the mountains!” “I see it,” Ryo said as he brought the Wing around. “Ken I can’t I can’t keep her steady and target it at the same time. I need you to focus on the screen and block out everything else, got it?” “Yeah,” he said trying to do just that., eyes looking at nothing else but the screen in front of him. Putting the crosshairs at the base of the vortex he fired a couple of missiles. The explosion was enough to disrupt the vortex and Bill quickly regained control and get out of there. “Great shooting man,” Ryo told him. “Is civilian even authorized to fire those things,” Bill asked. Jess reached over and smacked him in the back of the head, “He just saved our asses.” “He is now,” Hawk told him. “We got movement,” Jess called out. Three of them watched as the ground started to break revealing a giant, dark brown head with a huge set of pinchers. The creature screamed and the vortex formed again from it’s mouth capturing both jets. And Ken lost his lunch again. “It’s stronger now!” Bill exclaimed. “The controls are doing nothing!” “Same here!”, Ryo said. “We’re being pulled backwards! I can’t get us loose!” “Eject!”, Hawk ordered. “Ken!”, Ryo called out. “I’m looking right at it!”, he said. All of them pulled the levers and shot out of there shot out of their jets. It was enough to get them out of the vortex as the Razor Wings smashed together. The vortex stopped and the creature ignored them as it freed itself from the ground reveal an armored bipedal feature. The Scan Tracks started firing as soon as they got it in their sights. Alpha Team and Ken hit the ground as his stomach threatened to give away again. “I just had to tell Richardson yes,” he muttered as he got it under control. “Waters to Castle,” Bill said into his communicator. “We’re all fine, but civilian looking a little green.” “Head to town and help with the evacuations,” Hawk told them. “Back up’s on the way.” “Rodger,” Bill said. Then he and the others looked at Ken. “I’m on solid ground, I’m good,” he said reading the silent question in their faces. None of them looked like they believed him. But they didn’t have time to argue and ran for the town with Ken right behind them. *** And this was the amount of chaos Ken was expecting with that creature nearby being distracted by the Scan Tracks. Dax was yelling at him again but with Ryo right there he couldn’t get away. Of course he was having a hard enough time getting the towns people to listen to him. “Evacuation is that way!”, he told a group. They kept on doing what they’re doing. “Yo I’m talking to you!”, again they ignored him as they tried to back everything they owned in that small truck of theirs. “Hey!” “You!”, Ryo called out pointing right at them. To him they listened. “You heard this man, take what you got and get to the evacuation area now!” They did as he said with no questions asked. Ryo looked at him before looking elsewhere. “This would go a little easier if I had a uniform,” he told him. “And I told you that you had to earn it first,” Ryo shot back. “Hawk to Alpha Team and other units, Calvary is coming in about five seconds.” Ken and Ryo looked up at the sound of engines of the incoming Razor Wings. A few moments later more Scan Tracks could be seen coming into view. “So now what?”, Ken asked. “We keep looking for civilians,” Ryo answered. “Other than yourself.” “Oh ha-ha,” Ken told him. “Ryo,” Hawk spoke up. “I’m sending a Scan Track to your location. Scott can keep looking for civilians I need you to help coordinate the attack from the ground in case it uses that vortex again.” “Understood,” Ryo replied. Taking his communicator off his jacket he handed it to Ken. “Keep in touch with this and keep looking for stragglers.” “Right,” Ken said. A Scan Track pulled up and Ken ran off. Keeping an eye on the scanner on his arm he’d look up every so often to see how the attack was going. Like Hawk thought it tried using the vortex again against the Wings. Those not stuck in the field fired at it to try and free those that were as well as the Tracks. From where Ken was it didn’t look it was doing a lot of damage. “Look for others,” he reminded himself. Going a few blocks he wasn’t picking up any other life signs in the area that he could see. “Scott to Ryo,” he said not really sure what to do. “My area’s clear so far.” “Scott this is Hawk,” he got in reply. “Jess and Bill reported the same thing. They jumped into a Track and went to help out with the battle. I want you to head to the evacuation area.” “Captain…”, Ken started to protest. Maybe he didn’t want to be part of this but now that he was he wanted to do his part. “That’s an order Scott. You’re not trained for this situation. You’ll be better off there.” “Yes sir,” he said. Turning off the communicator he looked at the creature. He could believably be a few minutes late getting to the evacuation area. Without a second thought he reached in his jacket for the Spark Magnifier and held it over his head. *** “Shiah!” Daxium took a fighting stance as Antlar looked in the other direction. Running in he jumped up and hit a flying kick to his back. Antlar stumbled forward a bit before looking back at his attacker Daxium ducked under those pinchers as it came at him and punched him in the stomach. He swung his head suddenly catching Daxium in the side with one of those pinchers that knocked him to the ground, The giant quickly kicked the monster back as it tried to get on top of him. They circled each other after getting on their feet. Daxium went low, grabbing the monster’s leg and knocking it to the ground. He pounded Antlar’s body but it’s hide was tougher than it looked, He was so intent on pounding the creature into submission he failed to notice those pinchers open up and the head raise up. Clamping down on his neck Daxium struggled to free himself before Antlar tossed him off. Getting to a knee he fired off a bolt as Antlar stood. It stumbled back from the impact giving him enough time to get to his feet and jump up for another flying kick. Grabbing those pinchers he kicked away at the monster gut trying to weaken something on it. Antlar started swinging his head again. Daxium tried to hand on but he was eventually flung off. Landing with a ground shaking thud he watched as Antlar dove for the ground and burrowed in faster than he thought possible. “Where did he go?”, Jess asked from her Scan Track. “I’m not seeing it on sensors,” Bridge said. Daxium looked around as he cautiously moved forward. Looking down as the ground under his feet started to vibrate. Antlar’s head came up right under and knocked him to the ground. As he got back up he looked for the creature but it went underground again. Concentrating on trying to feel where the creature might be he failed to notice it emerge from the ground behind him. “Look out!” Jess shouted. Daxium looked at her but it was too late. Antlar created the vortex and caught him. He struggled as he was pulled backwards. The pinchers clamped down on him, digging into his left shoulder causing the giant to grunt in pain. Light started pouring down his shoulder as Antlar pierced his skin while it tried to crush him. Hawk ordered for all units to assist Ultraman but it was having no effect. The jewel started to flash as he was able to free his arms enough to slam his forearms together and hold them out going into Power mode. Grabbing the pinchers he slowly started pulling them apart. Then with a deep grunt he threw Antlar over his head and away from the town. The creature felt it this time as he slammed a foot into his gut. Grabbing one of the pinchers he broke it by pounding hi other hand on it. Pounding him repeatedly on the head Daxium grabbed him, picked him up over his head and threw him. Seeing him crash he put his fist by the jewel and started drawing in energy. Scan Tracks in the area started backing up as fast as they could as he pulled the fist back and slammed it into the ground. The energy wave ripped up the ground as it slammed into Antlar. Moments later the monster exploded. Daxium took a moment to heal his wound before flying off, “Shiah!” *** “There he is,” Bill pointed out as they got to the evacuation area. Ken sat on the hood of a truck as he waved at them. Ryo pulled up a moment later as they got out. “Hey civilian, what did you think of that warm up?” “About the same as the first one I got caught in,” he said hopping off. “It sucked balls.” “Ken,” Jess spoke up, “thanks for the save.” “It was just a lucky shot,” he said trying to shrug it off. “So how are we getting back to Castle?” “We’re taking the Tracks,” Ryo told him. “Clean up will come for what’s left of Wings one and two. Good thing you’re a mechanic, you’re going to be busy for quite a while,” he joked as he slapped Ken’s left shoulder. He fought hard to keep the pain off his face. “I think we got room…,” Bill started to say as he pointed toward his and Jess’s Scan Track. “Ryo got more room in his Track than we do,” Jess quickly said. “Ken can ride with him.” “Sure,” Ken said trying to figure that reaction out. Bill and Ryo shrugged as they headed for their respected Scan Tracks. Ken took that free moment to grab his shoulder and grimace a bit from the pain. He didn’t notice Jess caught him. She was confused but didn’t say anything to the others. ----- ED - Shinedown – Fly From the Inside ----- |
06-27-2012, 02:12 AM | #7 |
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Episode 7
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- For a high tech place Ken was silently complaining at how cold this particular room was. Shirtless and sitting on some sort of exam table he endured the “doctor’s” examination of the red welts on his shoulder. Of course this examination consisted more of poking at those welts more than anything else which sent a brand new wave of pain through his arm with each one. Something he should have seen coming when Jess told him who he was during his first “visit” here. Finally there was one poke too many and he snapped, “Don’t you have something to build?” Williams took a step back and said, “Mr. Richardson wanted you examined after each battle.” “Can’t he get a ‘doctor’ doctor to do this?” “Outside of Richardson and his assistant I’m the only other person who knows about you and Ultraman, or Daxium as you call him. So please bear with me, I don’t like this any more than you do.” “Just remember I’m not a lab rat.” He poked his shoulder again, “Is that all you can do?” Williams went to poke it more time and Ken slapped the finger away, “Quit it.” “How does the damage he takes affect you?” he asked rubbing his finger. “I’ve seen footage of you after a couple of battles, you seem to be in pain.” “It depends on the damage Dax takes,” he answered grabbing his shirt on put it on trying to protect his shoulder. “If he’s just hit I’m feeling it for an hour or so later. If it’s anything like the last time something pierced his skin I’m going to be feeling it for a couple of days.” “Interesting,” Williams muttered. “And you say he’s somewhere inside you? We did a full scan on you when you were brought in, they didn’t show anything.” “He’s really good at hiding,” he said annoyed that they did that while he was out cold. “Is that all I got things to do.” He wasn’t sure what exactly, but he knew it involved something far away from here as possible. “Just one more thing,” Williams said, “more out of curiosity than anything else. Does this Daxium have any names for his weapons?” “Oh come on I want to get out of here,” Ken whined. “Just humor me please, then you can go.” “Oh all right,” Ken sighed in disgust. Williams went to a computer, and after first pulling up a picture with a lamp shade on top of his head, from New Years apparently, he showed a video of Daxium finishing off a monster with his arms crossed at the wrist. Ken looked like he was elsewhere for a moment before saying, “Dimensional Strom Ray.” Getting a strange look on his face he turned his head and whispered, “Really?” “How should I know?”, Williams said before he realized what he just witnessed. Getting really excited as it dawned on him he exclaimed, “You’re talking to him? That’s nucking futs!” Too stunned to do anything but blink he eventually went, “Nucking futs, you… really just said that?” “Never mind that let’s keep going,” he said going back to the computer. He showed footage of Daxium doing the move that drained a lot of his energy, “The whip was the light flash mixed in with the Hyper speed run.” Next was when he wrapped the whip around the creature and created that surge, “Light Stream.” Then he showed him in his red form pulling back his fist, “He already told me that one, it’s called the Giga Wave.” After was an image of him pulling his hands to his side, “Flash bolt,” and one of that jagged ring he formed, “Hyper Saw.” “Excellent, now if…” Ken cut him off, “What did I say about being a lab rat?” “How does your giant friend feel about going on?” Ken got that far away look again before saying, “He says if you don’t let us out of here right now he will find a way to step on you.” “No he didn’t,” Williams protested. Ken’s only response was to raise an eyebrow slightly. Suddenly feeling unsure of himself Williams backed up and conceded, “All right you can go.” “Thanks doc, don’t say it hasn’t been fun, because it hasn’t.” Making sure the Spark Magnifier was still in his possession he left the room as fast as he could. “I did not say that,” Daxium said in his head. “He don’t know that.” Ken looked back as Williams left the room and headed in the other direction. “Anything?” Daxium’s answer was a simple, “No.” Frowning a bit he muttered, “Wasn’t him then.” *** Dinner was more of the same as Ken silently watched from his table as everybody gave him more space then was necessary. Some people doubled up at some tables to avoid sitting with the “civilian”. Ryo was the only person who seemed to greet him, yet he still sat elsewhere. Looking at what was left on his tray and realizing he wasn’t that hungry any more he dumped it in the trash. Leaving the cafeteria he ignored the looks some of them were giving him. Man, this was more and more like high school before he started dating Jessica. Speaking of there she was coming around the corner. She saw him and quickly went in the other direction. What the hell? “Jessica wait up.” When he caught up to her she stiffly said, “Can I help you civilian?” “Don’t start with the civilian bullshit,” he said getting in front of her. “What is going on?” She walked past him saying, “What makes you think something is going on?” “How you’re acting for one,” he said following her. “I brought here against my will and you act like it’s the old days. But now that I’m here voluntarily,” more or less, mainly less, “you’re acting like I ran over your cat.” “Just tell me one thing,” said facing him. “Just tell how much talking did you have to do to get Richardson to place you on Alpha Team?” “Is that what this is about?”, he asked. “Look I don’t know what kind of pull you think I had in this situation but I’m a mechanic. I thought they were going to put me in the garage or the hanger or the motor pool or whatever the hell you call them around here. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they would put me in a field unit, much less this one.” Snorting he added, “And my dreams could get pretty wild.” “I remember,” she said almost, almost, smiling but managed to keep a straight face. “So you didn’t weasel your way onto Alpha Team because I’m on it?” He stopped and stared at her “What?” “Is you being this self centered a relatively new thing or did I just not notice when we were dating?” “I haven’t seen you in years, suddenly we’re bringing you in then you’re a team member. What am I supposed to think?” Ken had a response but kept it to himself remember some arguments they had in the past, so he just shrugged his shoulders. They continued walking as she said, “Captain Hawk asked me about the reason you gave him for agreeing to join, you trying to help your mom and niece.” “What did you tell him?” She hesitated a bit before saying, “I said that sounded like you to a tee. He seemed a little surprised I backed up your story, but then again I know you.” “At least somebody around here is on my side, somewhat. Oh speaking of my niece,” he pulled out and opened his wallet, “I said I’d show you a picture of her.” “She’s a cutie,” Jess said taking the picture from him. “Yeah, fortunately she looks more like Janet then Jeff,” he joked. “Maybe she’ll be a genius like her uncle,” she said with a sly smile. “You heard about that huh?”, Ken said taking back the picture. “The Captain mentioned it off hand.” “You should have seen the file.” He quoted what he read, “Genius level aptitude at anything mechanical. There had to be a mistake made somewhere,” he said. “That had to be for somebody else and it got into my file by accident.” “Wait,” Jess stopped him, “you actually don’t think you’re that smart?” His only answer was “It’s me, plain ol’ Ken Scott. There nothing special about me” Outside of the alien giant from another dimension. “And that’s Jeff talking,” she told him. “Everybody else knew how smart you are. Why did you think my dad offered to help you pay for college?” “I thought he was trying to get me as far away from you as possible.” “Well probably that too,” she did smile that time. Looking around a bit she said, “I guess I should officially welcome you to the team.” “That would be nice, you’re pretty much stuck with me until the higher ups in charge change their minds. Or until I kick Water’s ass. Whichever comes first.” “I’ll make sure to look the other way. Friends?”, she extended a hand. He took it, “Friends. But no privileges, I have a reputation to maintain.” “You are not all that,” she told him. “That’s not what you were saying back in high school.” “I was taking pity on you.” *** “Morning Harold,” Brooks said as he passed him in the garage. Richardson told Patricia to head on without him as he stopped. Still as his bodyguard she hovered near an entrance and watched them. “Lovely day isn’t it?” “Yes it is,” he agreed. “Is that why you’re apparently calling it an early day Peter? It’s not even eight o’clock yet.” “My Father’s secretary just called a few minutes ago,” the younger Brooks answered. “Apparently somebody is trying to force a merger behind his back. Since he’s still out of town I intend to stop it before it goes too far.” “Yes, Stanley said something about it over the phone while I was on my way here. Well if you’re as much like your father like I think you are the poor bastards won’t know what hit them.” “Thanks Harold,” he laughed, “hopefully I’ll live up to his reputation. While I have a few minutes how is your little experiment going? I heard he had quite the interesting first day on the job.” “Apparently, Hawk said to me last night he was going to start training him properly today with the engineer final they came up with a few years ago.” “Yes Hawk mentioned to me as well,” Peter said. “I believe he said Scott eyes lit up a bit when he heard about it last night. He wasn’t sure why though.” “Who can tell with people now a days. Well give them hell Peter, I won’t feel sorry for them.” Shaking hands they headed in opposites directions. *** One more time Ryo showed Ken where he had to go. Any other day he might have complained about the beds around here. Seriously, an HQ this advanced they could only get mattresses that felt like concrete? But not today, he was more than ready for what was coming. He almost knocked over Ryo when he pointed out the room he was going to. Inside he saw an man who looked less than pleased to be there. Wearing the same uniform as the others he had a tool belt around his waist. Next to him was some king of control panel with an access plate that was open. Ken started salivating a little as Ryo made sure he didn’t run toward it, “Give him a chance to start it man.” “So this is the civilian,” he said looking Ken over, not hiding the fact he was unimpressed. “I’m Chief Marcus Albright, head of the engineering divisions. If you are going to work on the vehicles around here you’re going to have to go through me. Now Captain Hawk, for some reason, said he wants you to take the engineering final. Now here how it works, you’re going to get a set of tools…” “And I got to try and fix it before it blows,” he said tucking his ponytail into this shirt. Grabbing the set of tools he got in position he said, “Start the thing already.” Albright activated the test and Ken slid deeper into the console. “How much about this test did you tell him?” Albright asked Ken. Ryo just looked at him, “You know he betaed this back in the academy right?” “Betaed?”, Albright asked confused. Before he could answer there was an electronic sizzle and a “Damn it,” coming from the opening. Ryo looked at the hole before continuing, “Beta tested. They tried out the prototype back when we were in the academy. Ken was one of the people they picked for the trials. He must have took it at least thirty times in those two weeks. He swore he was close to beating it each time. I think he was still working it out in his head since then.” “If he worked it that much then he should know by now that this test is designed to be unbeatable. It starts at about critical and we don’t give them all the proper tools to fix it. It’s like that Maru something or another on that old show, nobody beats it they’re just delaying it. It doesn’t take a genius to know that.” As he was talking Ryo noticed several of the red lights slowly start to go back to green. Before too long Albright noticed as well. “What the hell?” Ryo couldn’t help but grin at the situation, “You never watched a lot of TV did you?” Ken popped out of the hole not looking as satisfied as Ryo thought he would. “I kinda jury rigged something here and I don’t know how long it’s going to last.” Both of them knelt down to see an extendable wrench loosely connecting to cables together. “If I can get something that will actually fix this thing that would be great.” Red lights started flashing on the console again and an alarm went off. “Damn it,” he muttered. Looking around he noticed another wrench sticking out of Albright’s belt. “Are you using that?”, he asked before taking it and sliding back in. *** Hawk had read Albright’s initial report that he had sent in after Scott completed the test. Scott was able to delay the “explosion” for longer than anticipated, in fact his time and score was comparable to some of the scientists they had under employ, even his methods were a tad unorthodox, Albrights words. He wasn’t sure what his recommendation was going to be according to this report. Still he wanted to see’s Scott’s reaction to the test. He found him in one of the break rooms with Scott saying, “I was close this time, let me take another shot at it.” “You were only scheduled for one test.” Ryo reminded him. “But I almost have it figured out,” he argued, “I just need another crack at it.” “I never figured that your white whale would be a test,” Hawk said making his presence known. Ryo snapped to attention. Scott just looked at him. They were going to have to work on that. “Ryo, our new Wings need to be inspected. Bill’s already going over one, check out two since you have the spare time.” “Yes sir,” he said leaving. “Scott, walk with me.” Surprisingly he did so without a fuss. “Tell me the purpose of that test I had you take.” “To delay a critical explosion for as long as possible so as many people as possible can get away safely,” he said without any enthusiasm. That changed with the next sentence, “But I can save a ton of people if I can fix the problem and keep it from happening.” “Look Scott I appreciate your dedication to this particular problem,” he told him, “but it’s that type of tunnel vision gets people killed in real life. And you won’t have the luxury of a redo. I want you focused but not to a point that you’re a danger to yourself and others, is that understood?” “Yes sir,” he sighed. “But if you keep your nose clean for the next few weeks I’ll try to arrange another go for you, but only if you keep your nose clean.” “I can do that,” Ken said a little too eagerly. “In the meantime though you’re going to study.” “I been hitting those regulations they gave me since last night.” “Good, but that’s not what I’m talking about.” Ken looked confused so he enlightened him. “As your commanding officer I’m going to help you live up to that new genius label of yours. I’ve already contacted the academy administrations to find out where you left off. We’ll go from there.” Ken looked more confused now than he did before, “Why are you going that far for somebody who’s been forced on you?” “For one very simple reason son,” he said, “I believe everybody under me should live up to their full potential, including you. And seeing how you didn’t discover how high your potential went we have a lot of catching up to do.” “I’m just a grease jockey.” “For now, if I have my way you’ll be a lot more by the time I’m done with you. Now head down to the hanger, I want you familiar with the Razor Wings operating parameters before our next assignment, is that understood?” “Yes sir,” he said and headed on his way. Although Hawk overheard him mutter, “Why does everybody think there’s more to me than what there is?” Yeah this was going to be a challenge if he stayed in that mindset. *** “This is taking too long!”, one of his masters cried decreed through the portal. Sometimes, like now, they would show their anger by having a strong bolt of dark energy emerge from the portal. The Avatar learned not to be impressed by the display as it hit various objects in the cavern. Still it was an impressive light show though. “Why is it taking so long to establish a beachhead in this dimension?” “Humanity would not just lie down my masters,” he said trying not to sound board. “I told you this when you first recruited me. Of course we have the added problem of the light giant.” “Yes,” his master said slowly, “he has been a bigger threat than anticipated. Have you discovered which human is hiding him yet?” “No,” he lied, “he always disappears before I can get a pinpoint on the human’s location. Of course the monsters you are sending me are more than a tad noticeable so he is probably forewarned ahead of time.” “Your observations would be correct,” his master said. Another shape came into view. As he watched it looked like it was saying something to the first one. “Yes that should be sufficient.” The other shape disappeared and his master moved what he assumed was a hand. Dark energy formed in front of him in the shape of a map. “Avatar, we will be sending a creature called Neronga here. It has a special ability that should keep the light giant in the dark. Get there at once.” “Yes my masters,” he said with a slight bow. The portal closed and he started sneering. One of these days he would show them that they were nothing in this world without him. But that was for later. As it was he was slightly curious they meant about that special ability. And he was curious to see how Ken Scott and Ultraman were going to react to it. *** Anything?”, Hawk asked as he walked into the war room. Ryo, Bill and Bridge were going over every report and call they had been getting for the past couple of week. Weeks of multiple monster sightings and hits from their detection system. And weeks of nothing when they or another unit got there. There were small signs of something large going through the area but no monster in sight. Right now he had Jess and Ken out in the field to investigate the last couple of sightings to see if they could find anything the first time. “Still the same Captain,” Ryo answered. “But we’re trying to map the sightings at the moment,” Bridge said. “Try to see if there’s some sort of pattern we can predict or a path to follow. I’m starting with the sightings here and connecting those with the hits we detected.” “I still think somebody’s playing a joke on us,” Bill said. “Somebody had to have gotten into our system and set off the alarms.” “And not with the system I’ve set up,” Bridge said and very getting annoyed with repeating. “There are layers on top of layers of security programming and protocols to get through to even get to the alarm system.” “Maybe our resident genius had something to do with it,” Bill smirked. “He’s not that type of genius Bill,” Hawk reminded him. “And he’s not an actual team member either but he’s still here,” Bill shot back. Ignoring that last comment Hawk turned toward Bridge, “How are we doing with that pattern?” “We have a general idea of one.” Manipulating the image he made red dots appear marking the sightings so far. “The sightings seem to be focused in this area here,” he said pointing to the highlighted area. “Is there anything in this area that sticks out?” “Nothing that any of us are seeing,” Ryo said. “There’s that mountain range over here but it’s not close to any of the areas of activities.” “That range has been checked over more than once,” Hawk informed him. “From the ground and air.” “That might leave the underground,” Bridge said thinking it over. Fingers flying over the keyboard the map changed to show known underground caverns in the mountain range. “Don’t tell me it’s another electricity eating rock monster,” Bill complained. “There hasn’t been any reports of power loss,” Ryo reminded him. Getting an incoming call Hawk hit his communicator, “Hawk here.” “Captain,” Jess replied, “we might have found something. Ken took a scan of it and he’s uploading it to you now.” After a minute or so of nothing she said, “Ah Ken, start with the transmitting.” Over the line they heard him say, “I just remembered how to take an image with this thing give me a moment.” “Give it here,” she said. There was a brief argument between them before they started getting the scan upload on their end. “I almost had it,” Ken complained. “Oh yeah, they dated” Ryo smirked. Bill got a chuckle out of it as well. “We’re getting the image now Jess,” Hawk said. “What did you get?” “I think pretty good proof people are seeing something.” Bridge brought the image up for all of them to see. Hawk leaned in as they all saw the gigantic footprint on the ground. “So I’m guessing we didn’t get hacked then,” Bill said. “If we did we’re dealing with somebody dedicated to the joke,” Ryo commented. “Have you found any more?”, Hawk asked them. “Just the one so far,” she answered. “Ken eyeballing the footprint at being just slightly larger than a Scan Track.” “Scott, for future reference I usually don’t take guesstimates in an official report,” Hawk said. “I’ll remember to bring my tape measure next time,” he said. Hawk just raised an eyebrow at the statement. “I just stepped in it deep didn’t I?” Jess quickly said, “We’ll look for more of the prints and question some of the locals on if they saw anything, Wade out. Before the connection cut completely they heard, “Would you think…” “Definitely dated,” Ryo smirked again. Bill joined in, “Any bets on how long civilian is going to last?” *** A couple of days after they discovered the footprints, and they found several, they were able to get a small idea on what they were dealing with. Based on how some of the prints were spaced and what few eyewitness accounts they could get they were dealing with something that walks on all fours. Bridge was able to get a rough length from how they were spaced as well, but that was about it. Each of the eyewitnesses seemed to describe a different four legged beast. Still they were able to narrow the search parameters now. Although right now Ken was hanging onto a railing trying to get his stomach to settle down after Ryo landed their Razor Wing at an air field near one of the sightings. “Hang out here for a minute,” Ryo told him. “The local police chief wanted to talk about our search.” “And we couldn’t have taken a Scan Track for this why?”, Ken asked. “Because we’re in the next round of air searches,” Ryo said. “I shouldn’t be long.” Not to mention Bill was part of the ground search on this one and the Captain thought two of them in one vehicle was a bad idea at this point. “Take your time,” Ken said holding his stomach. Ryo winced a bit, trying not to think of the two of them up in the air. The meeting with the police chief didn’t start out much better, “I really wish you people would leave. You’re stirring up people more than necessary and making my job harder as a result.” “We’re trying o help ease the situation,” Ryo tried to assure him. “We have proof, that we showed you, that something is out there. Unfortunately this is the area the creature has been spotted the most.” “A creature nobody has apparently seen,” the Chief shot back. “A couple of pranksters take advantage of some mass hysteria is enough to mobilize the army apparently. Why don’t you take on a real problem like that giant guy, he causes as much damage as those monsters.” “We’re looking into the situation,” he said not wanting to have this discussion with somebody else since there was no easy way to explain Richardson’s order. The Chief started to say something else before a monstrous roar made both of them duck. Running outside he saw Ken looking in a particular direction, “Did you see anything?” “I saw through something,” he said mysteriously while looking confused himself. “You’re talking nonsense,” the Chief told him. “There was something there,” he insisted, “but it was see through. Then it disappeared entirely.” Daxium was able to tell where it was going since they were this close to it. Unfortunately Ken had to make something up on how he knew, “It looked like it was heading in that direction.” Ryo tapped his communicator, “Watanabe to Hawk, Ken might have spotted the creature. If he’s right it might be able to turn invisible.” “fF all the nonsense…” the Chief started to say. “Get in the air now,” Hawk ordered, and see if you can track it. I’ll have Bridge get a lock on your Razor Wing and we’ll try to figure out a way to cut it off.” “That damn fool believed that story?”, the Chief spat. Not even bothering hiding his annoyance Ryo looked him right in the eyes, “That damn fool as you called him has seen more strange creatures up close than you can possibly imagine. Come on Ken, let’s see if we can follow the trail.” He just held on to his stomach. Once they were in the air Ryo was able to spot the trial it was making easy enough. Feeding what they were seeing to the ground teams and Castle. Bridge was able to determine it was heading toward a nearby city. “We’re going to try to head it off on the outskirts as best we can,” Hawk said. “It’s traveling too fast for us to set up anything further away.” Not taking his eyes off the control panel Ken offered, “Maybe we can distract it with a couple of missiles.” “It’s a good idea Captain,” Ryo said, “we might be able to slow it down to give you more time if nothing else.” “We don’t know what type of damage it can take,” Hawk told them. “And if you make it mad enough it could come after you and you wouldn’t know it. Keep tracking it while we set up things on our side, Hawk out.” “Don’t say I never tried,” Ken said. They followed it for a few miles as the city came into view as well as the force that was waiting for a target. “Looks like the party is almost ready to start,” Ryo commented. “I’ll take your word for it,” he replied clutching the white bag. Back at Castle Bridge announced, “I think I narrowed down it’s location based on Razor Wing 2’s sensor.” “Send it,” Hawk ordered. “Scan Tracks twenty to twenty-four and Razor Wings ten through twelve fire off a round at those coordinates. Let’s see if we can make it show itself.” Several missiles fired off as cannons fired from the ground and zeroed in on the programmed coordinates. Some hit the ground, some exploded in midair as they hit something. A roar of pain was followed y the creature showing itself. With a brown hide and ridges on it’s back, a giant horn on it’s nose seemed to have a slight glow to it. “There it is, all units fire!” Ryo got their Razor Wing out of the way as the other units unleashed their firepower. The monster’s horn started to glow as it’s ears moved toward it and a wild arc of electricity shot out. “Shit that thing shoots electricity too,” Hawk curded “Ken hold it down!” Ryo shouted as he tried to make sure they weren’t hit by the arcs. It wasn’t good enough as his controls sparked and exploded around him, “Argh!” “Ryo, Ken get out of there!,” Hawk shouted seeing the damage from his vantage point. Ken went for his ejector seat when he noticed Ryo wasn’t moving. “Ryo?”, Ken reached over and shook him as best as he could. “Ryo! I think Ryo’s out!” he said over the line. Survival instincts kicked in as he vaguely recalled how to switch flight control over to him as Hawk ordered him to get out. Getting control of the stick he tried to steady their decent and head toward the city. Forgetting exactly where he was he pulled up on the stick and got the nose up for a few yards before they hit the ground. Then they crashed. Leaving Jamira in command for a moment Hawk, Bill and Jess took their Scan Track to the crash site. They found the mangled jet and Ken with a bleeding cut on his forehead under Ryo’s arm as he helped him away from the wreckage. “Watanabe, Scott are you alright?”, Hawk asked as Bill went to help Ken with Ryo. “Still here Captain,” Ryo said trying to stand on his own. “Thanks to Ken.” “Ken good job,” Hawk told him. “You didn’t bail out on your partner in a dangerous situation. I’m proud of you.” Ken, who started to look a little green, gave him a weak thumbs up as he started rocking back and forth. Pointing to his right he said, “There’s a trash can over there.” Ken’s hand went to his mouth as his cheeks puffed out as he ran for it. “Ryo you can sit the rest of this one out.” “I’m good to go Captain,” he insisted. “Just point me at that thing while we can still see it. “Alright then,” he nodded. “Ryo get in the Scan Track with Jess, Bill and myself…” “Blegh!” cut him off as Ken threw up in the trash can. They all winced a little from the sound. Jess started to go to him but Hawk stopped her. “He’ll be fine. Scott stay here, we’ll meet up with you later. The rest of you get in the Scan Track. We got to stop that thing before it breaks the line.” “Yes sir,” they shouted. Ken got his stomach under control after they left and pulled out the Spark Magnifier. *** Appearing from a column of light Daxium took a fighting stance, “Shiah!” Neronga roared in challenge at the new threat as the giant ran toward him, stopping so he was right between the creature and the city. “What is the giant doing?”, Jamira asked over the line. “I think Ultraman is trying to help us defend the line,” Hawk said. The four legged monster tried to get around him but Daxium kept getting in his way. Seeing the horn glow again Daxium spread his arms and formed the energy shield in front of him to deflect the electrical attack. Dropping the field the giant ran in, Neronga reared up on his hind legs to meet him. Grappling for a bit Daxium forced the creature down to the ground. Getting on top of the creature he started pounding on it with his fist. Picking it up he pushed it further away from the line. Neronga tried to use it’s tail to knock him down as he got up. Daxium easily jumped over it but was caught off balance as Neronga jumped up as he landed. Grunting as he crashed to the ground he couldn’t react in time as Neronga jumped right on top of him. Swiping his clawed feet at his head a couple of times he walked over the fallen giant and continued on toward the city. “Damn it,” Hawk cursed as he hit the side of the Scan Track. “All units open fire!” Neronga roared again and fired the electric beam that took out several Scan Tracks and Razor Wings. Daxium slowly got up to his feet, crossed his arms and flung them down as he went into Hyper Mode. Holding out his right hand he extended the Light Flash from his fingertips. Swinging it above his head a couple of times he wrapped it around the creature’s neck and pulled. The monster choked out a protest as it struggled to go forward. Daxium started to draw in energy for the Light Stream to finish this quickly when Neronga suddenly jumped backwards crashing into him. In Hyper Mode the creature as able to easily batter him around. He was able to get enough room to flip backwards himself and kick the monster under the chin in the process. Two extended fingers quickly drew a circle in the air forming the Hyper Saw as the jewel started flashing red. The Saw sliced through the creature’s tail cutting half of it off. As it thrashed on the ground in pain Daxium switched over to Power Mode and went at Neronga. Grabbing him by the neck he picked him up and slammed him down head first on the ground. Picking him up again he held him over his head and threw him away from the city. Hawk saw him put a fist by that jewel. “Of shit he’s using it again. Any unit in the target zone get the hell out of there now!” As the giant reared the fist back Neronga tried to surprise him again by jumping at him. Daxium threw the punch and caught Neronga mid jump in the chest. The unfocused energy of the Giga Wave obliterated him on contact. Watching for a moment as the particles that was left of Neronga floated away and burned out he flew off into the sky, “Shiah!” *** With a fresh bandage and wrap on his forehead Ken laid on the bed in is room. He was feeling weaker than usual after Dax returned him. Daxium said he was feeling it and put it down to the fact their bodies weren’t used to multiple form changes in a battle yet. Of course that crash landing didn’t do him any favors either. A chime at his door that he probably spent too much time deciding to ignore or not got him up. When the door opened he was shocked to see Hawk standing on the other side. “Oh crap I missed a meeting or something didn’t I? I’m sorry I had to lie down for…” “Easy Ken,” He said. “I postponed it for later. Ryo need to rest up some too. So how are you doing son?” “I’ve been better,” Ken answered honestly. “I figured as much,” Hawk chuckled. “Ken, you acted like a real member of the team out there today. So let me to officially welcome you to Monster Squad.” He reached for something in the hallway and showed him a UNDF uniform jacket. It took a Ken a moment to realize the tag held the name Scott. “You officially can’t wear a full uniform but I pulled a few strings and got you this. We all agreed that you deserved at least this much.” Ken took it not sure what to say or do, “I… thank you…” He tried it on and looked himself over in the mirror. After he was disqualified from the academy he positive he was never going to wear one of these. Despite at how he was forced to join now he started to smile. “Looks like a perfect fit,” Hawk commented. “Do us proud son.” “Yes sir,” Ken saluted him. Hawk returned it and left the room. He was a step closer but he was going to make Ken a full part of this team yet if it killed him. ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly from the Inside ----- |
07-05-2012, 03:06 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: May 2012
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Episode 8
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in My Light ----- The streets of the city were quiet as a war was engaged in the skies above it. Razor Wings shot through the skies as they tried to shoot down the creatures that appeared out of nowhere. With triangle shaped bodies and a head that seemed to be built into their shoulders they zipped around the buildings making them harder to hit. Few of the pilots were brave enough, or foolish enough to try and follow the creatures. Razor Wing one had one of those pilots as it followed one creature before being forced to pull before he hit a building. “I swear these damn things are getting faster,” Bill said. “Just concentrate on where you’re flying,” Hawk said behind him. In Razor Wing two Ryo flew over the skyline until he spotted one n the open. “Jess four o’clock.” “I see it,” she answered as she got a target lock on her sensors. “Firing missile.” A lone missile trailed after it and caught it as it exploded. As it fell to the ground Ryo and Jess noticed something about the creatures. “They’re getting lower to the ground.” “I see them,” Hawk said over the line. “Ground team, are they in firing range yet?” Standing by a Scan track in his newly acquired UNDF jacket, but left unzip, Ken hit the communicator built into it, “Just about Captain.” “Fire as soon as you see the points of their teeth,” he ordered. “You heard the man,” Ken told the others. When they looked at him it took him a moment to figure out why, “I mean roger.” “Well work on it later,” Hawk said. Was that a chuckle? Please let that be a chuckle. After a few more minutes the Razor Wings were able to force the creatures low enough for the Scan Tracks to get a lock. “Targets in range!”, somebody shouted. “Let ‘em have it!”, Ken said. He put his fingers in his ears as the cannons mounted on the back of the Scan Tracks fired. He had to remember to wear that helmet one of these days. Several creatures took a hit. Those that avoided the initial wave tried to fly up but were met by the Razor Wings waiting for them. Another half hour saw the final creature taken out. “I would have ran out of bags a while ago,” Ken commented as he watched the Razor Wings in the sky. “Hawk to ground units, the sky is clear. Help with the clean up duty while we make sure no more show up.” “Scan Track…,” Ken took a moment to check the side of the vehicle , “fourteen acknowledge.” He hopped into the passenger seat saying, “Who wants to see a dead monster up close and poke it with a stick?” They found one near a school yard and pulled up a few yards from it. Getting out Ken had a vague flashback of Daxium fighting a larger version of this thing and started rubbing his left forearm a bit. Dax wasn’t getting any type of reaction from it, still Ken and the other pulled their weapons as they got closer. “Area’s clear,” Ken announced taking a look at his wrist scanner. “Fuller,” one of the others said to the man still in the Scan Track, “pull her up.” Fuller acknowledged and turned the track around and backed it up. “Keep it coming,” he waved him on, “keep it coming. Stop.” “This is going to suck,” Ken commented as a back compartment opened up. Trying to keep his hands away from the mouth he and the trooper picked up the creature and placed it in the compartment. “Don’t they supply gloves for this part?”, he asked shaking his hands. “Take that jacket off!” Ken looked around as Commander Jamira came out of another Scan Track and made a beeline toward him. “I said take that jacket off now! You don’t deserve to wear it civilian. That’s an order!” Ken held his ground, “Well here’s the thing, Captain Hawk told me to wear this whenever I’m on duty. Now in order to obey you I have to disobey him. And that’s a can of worms I don’t want to open.” He had a line about the Captain outranking him, but seeing how it looked like the Commander was close to strangling to him as it was he didn’t say anything. “Watch your back civilian,” he sneered before storming off. Once he and his Scan Track was on his way Ken hit his communicator, “Scott to Hawk, just to warn you Commander Jamira might be coming to you with some issues he has with me wearing this jacket.” “It’ll be the fifth time he’s brought this issue up since I gave it to you a couple of days ago. Respect isn’t going to come overnight, it’s going to come a day at a time.” “Understood, Scott out.” Ken looked at the retreating Scan track and whispered, “Not him either.” “Creature is secured,” Fuller announced. “Hey,” he asked the trooper by him, “what do they do with these things any way?” “Some of them are dissected to study,” he answered. “Some of them are destroyed. Some of us think it what they make the chip beef out of for the SOS in the cafeteria.” Ken made a face and held his stomach, “Don’t tell me shit like that, I had that for breakfast his morning.” *** “The people are demanding answers.” Richardson sat there looking a little tired as the board members started trying to talk over one another. But that was the general consensus the best as he could gather. Fortunately Peter wasn’t one of the as he silently sat in his chair as he watched the others. “I would hardly refer to reporters as people,” Richardson said during a lull in this particular storm. Naturally that comment started it all over again. “Well they’re asking what the people want to know,” one of them said. “What are we going to do about Ultraman? Some polls say he’s as bad as those monsters. Especially after one of those weapons of his tore up that street. They’re still repairing the damage.” “What he is doing is no different than when we fire a missile,” Richardson argued. “He’s just on a more massive scale then what we are.” “And Ultraman does seem to be helping us with the monsters,” Peter piped in. “So far,” another one said. “And the moment he turns against us,” Richardson told her, “I will be the first to give the order to open fire. I know Captain Hawk and Alpha Team have been studying the giant for any sign of a potential weakness. And more than likely some of the other units are as well.” “I know one of the bigger complaints is that our weapons don’t seem to be effective against giant threats,” Peter told them. “I know Dr. Williams has a team working on improving our weapons potency. But maybe it’s time to consider his other idea.” “That super jet of his,” the first board member said. “It could help ease the public anxiety,” Peter offered. “Especially if it works like he says it will.” “Perhaps it’s time to look more into it,” Richardson said. Several board members nodded in agreement. Enough to get the motion passed. A fourth member raised their hands, “Commander Jamira came to me about an issue he had.” “Do you want to narrow that one down?”, Peter asked. “He does seem to have several. He didn’t get control of Alpha Team. He doesn’t like the fact we’re getting called like we’re the police.” “It’s about the civilian wearing a uniform jacket.” “Oh that one,” Richardson snorted. “It was Captain Hawk’s idea after all,” Peter said taking the lead. “If he felt he deserves it this soon then I feel we should back him. This was the board’s idea after all,” he quickly reminded them when a couple of them looked like they wanted to argue the point. “We trusted his judgment so far. And we all know he wouldn’t do anything that would affect his team in a negative way. Beside this is a relative minor issue and not worth this board’s time and energy.” “I agree,” Richardson said. “If anything this is an issue between Hawk and Jamira. The moment it affects our ability to protect the public then we’ll take the matter into our hands. Is there anything else?” He waited a moment for somebody to speak up. “Then I guess this meeting is over.” Everyone else packed what they had and left. Peter lingered for a few moments so he said, “Have I ever told you that I’m glad you are on my side.” “Honestly Henry the only side I’m on is mine,” he said with a bit of a smile. Richardson snorted,” You father told me the same things on a few occasions. “Like father, like son as they say,” he said closing up his briefcase. “I’m still not a fan of this civilian operative nonsense.” “I know Peter.” He started leaving the room saying, “But even I’ll admit it revealed something I never expected.” “I know,” Richardson said, surprising Peter a bit. “Who would have believed that nobody was a genius? I mean look at him.” “I know, just a fascinating discovery isn’t it?” In the hallway he started smiling to himself, “But that wasn’t what I was talking about.” *** In his quarters Ken sat at the desk in the room and opened his cell phone. Knowing Rose she’d keep that promise to hunt him down if he didn’t keep in touch. After a few rings she picked up, “Hello?” Ken started smiling, “Hey Rose.” “Hey yourself,” he could hear the smile in her voice. “So they actually let you have phone privileges?” “I’m not a prisoner you know.” “You were acting like one in the days before you left,” she shot back. “How has everything been going? You been showing those other mechanics how it’s done yet?” “Not exactly, they put me on a field team.” She was quiet for a few moments, “Are they crazy?!” “I know. But at least if any of the vehicles on an assignment I’m right there to fix it.” “That’s probably what they were thinking,” she laughed. “So you learn anything new about yourself yet?” Outside of apparently being a genius this entire time? “Nothing yet, it’s only been a few weeks.” “You can figure out something about yourself in a few weeks. Wait… the UNDF has some advanced comm. gear. Why didn’t you use that to call me?” “They say I can,” he said poking at the computer at his desk. “I haven’t figured out how to get an outside line yet.” “Well ask somebody then. Wait I’m talking to Ken ‘I can figure it out on my own’ Scott here.” “Why does everybody make that sound like a bad thing,” he said getting a little annoyed. “Because you can only get so far on your own. You’re part of a team now, you’re going to have to learn to work like you’re part of one sooner or later.” “So they keep telling me.” He changed the subject, “How are things at the garage going?” “We’re still pretty busy,” she answered. “Johnny’s been picking up the slack on the new model cars after you left. Jeff’s acting like he’s king of the garage.” “When didn’t he?”, Ken asked half joking. Rose laughed anyway, “Good thing I’m still around to keep him in check then. So,” based on tone of her voice he had a feeling he knew what was coming, “meet anybody interesting of the female persuasion yet?” And there it was. The alarm went off just about then, saved by the creature alert. “Sorry Rose, duty calls gotta go.” *** Running to the war room Ken got to the door the same time as Bill. They looked at each other for a moment before Bill said, “Actual team members in first civilian,” and he hurried his way inside. “Bite me jackass,” Ken told him going in himself. That’s when he noticed Hawk was there staring at the two of them. “Gentlemen,” he spoke, “and I use that term very loosely at the moment.” “Sorry Captain,” Ken said. Hawk glanced at Jess and Ryo who quickly stood between them. This was going to be one of the larger struggles with this situation. “What are we looking at Bridge?”, Hawk said looking at the ceiling. The table top in front of them started to glow and a holo image of the a mountain range appeared over it. A rather large dot appeared under it’s surface. “We’re not exactly sure yet,” he said from his station. “The reading just popped up a few minutes ago. “How does something that large just appear out of nowhere?”, Ryo asked out loud. “If we could figure that out maybe we could intercept these things before they become active,” Hawk said. “Ken I don’t need a quip right now.” “Wasn’t going to say a word,” Ken told him. “The look on your face said otherwise,” Jess smirked. “Is the object doing anything?”, Hawk asked before ken could respond. “Not at the moment,” he said studying the readings. “It appears to just be sitting there.” “Looks like we got lucky on this one,” Hawk commented. Taking a light pen out of the console he started drawing on the image. “I want a perimeter set up on the ground here. Bill, Ryo I want you to coordinate a plan for a sky net above it with the other pilots. If we catch it right we might be able to damage it as it appears out of the mountain.” “I don’t suppose you guys have some mines or something?”, Ken asked. “We could place them around the creature and set them off as soon as it pops up.” “There’s one problem with that plan,” Jess told him, “we don’t know where the creature is going to break through at.” “And I don’t want to take the chance that we’d accidently leave some active mines behind for somebody to come across if they get buried once it emerges,” Hawk added. “It’s a good plan Ken, you just have to think a little further ahead.” “So is the civilian flying on this one?”, Bill said shooting him a look. Hawk looked at him, “He can fly with you since you’re volunteering.” Bill paled a little as Ken gave him a wicked grin. “He’s pretty good on the ground,” Bill quickly got out, “he can do this on the ground.” “I got no problem being in the Wing’s backseat for this one,” Ken said. “Which is why you’re taking one of the Tracks,” Hawk told him. “I’ll fly with Bill in Razor Wing one. Ken you help coordinate things on the ground. And try to keep away from Commander Jamira, he’s still not happy with you wearing that.” “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Ken said, then added, “sir.” “You’re getting better at remembering that,” Hawk smirked. “All right people let’s catch this thing before it get it’s pants up.” “Roger,” they all said, even Ken. Now if he could convince him to zip that jacket up and look a little more professional. *** Within the hour Razor Wings and Scan Tracks launched from their respective bays from Castle. Inside the Avatar watched their progress on a monitor, highlighting the position of the vehicle Scott was in. His masters assured him this creature, Melba, would bring something different to attack Ultraman with. Of course they said that about the last monster they sent through. But they might be right with this one. Ultraman could fly but he had never seen him fight in the air. The only real question was how much of a nuisance were the troops going to be? *** The perimeter went up around the mountain according to plan that Hawk had come up with. According to Bridge the creature didn’t change position the entire time. Which left them with a while bunch of waiting to do. As it was Ken was leaning against the hood of the Scan Track looking at the mountain. He could feel the creature inside from here. “I do not like this,” Dax had said in his head. “I should be trying to dig it out and destroy it.” Glancing at the other guys in the Track he spoke low enough that they wouldn’t hear him, “We’ve gone over this Dax.” “I know, it is just frustrating knowing that it is this close. We never had this problem before.” “You’re the one who told me to trust Richardson.” “Wade to Scott,” from his communicator brought him back to the here and now. “What is it Jess?”, he said hitting it. “We got a little pool going on,” she answered. “We wanted to know if you wanted in.” “What’s the bet?” “We’re trying to guess what Ultraman is going to mode shift into to beat this one if he shows up.” “Mode shift?” “That’s what we call it when Ultraman changes form,” Ryo answered. “What do you say man, you want in?” “Maybe next time,” Ken said. “I still have to study the reports on those fights. Or do you guys call them encounters. And not to sound like the new guy but isn’t that against the rules?” Bridge cut into the comm. system saying, “We got movement!” “All units prepare to fire,” Hawk ordered. Ken checked his wrist scanner for any stray life sign that wasn’t supposed to be there. He wasn’t getting anything outside of them with the range he got. He looked at the guys inside the Track, “You getting any stray blips on that thing?” “If anybody is watching they’re staying out of range,” was the reply. Ken nodded, but he could have used it as an excuse to get out of thee and let Dax loose on whatever that thing was. “I got movement on the mountain,” the guy watching the scanner said suddenly. Ken’s hand started for the Spark magnifier thinking that people were on the mountain. Then he saw what they were seeing, the face of the mountain started breaking up. There was a monstrous cry as a head appeared, followed by a long neck with some sort of blade like fin. “All units open fire!” Hawk shouted. They all locked on the head. It screams were cut off by the explosions. More of the mountainside broke away as the creature freed itself. It’s reptilian like body had claws instead of hands and these long protrusions like spikes coming from it’s shoulders. And these bright round glowing eyes that seemed to zero in right at Ken. “That can’t be good,” he muttered. Those eyes seem to glow right before energy like shot fired out of them. Ken and the guys in the Scan Track ducked for cover as the ground seemed to explode around them. “Lasers!”, Bill shouted as it started firing those shots at the other Scan Tracks. “It got lasers!” “Ken,” Jess muttered as Ryo looked worried as well. “Razor Wings take the heat off the Scant Tracks,” Hawk said. As ordered the Wings unleashed another barrage of missiles at the creature. It looked at the sky and fired at the Razor Wings who scattered to avoid it. The creature cried out one more time. Then leather like wings appeared from the protrusions and it took to the air. “It’s giving chase, scatter.” “Damn thing faster than it looks,” Ryo grunted. “We need some rear weapons on these jets,” Jess said as she looked back. “Worry about it later,” Hawk told her. “All Scan Tracks try to knock it out of the sky,” Jamira ordered. Those not caught in the original barrage did so. Those that were did what they could if the men and women inside were able. Ken shook the dirt off of him, slowly getting to his feet. Holding his head he hit the communicator then looked at it when it didn’t make it’s usual beep, broken. “Hope I don’t have to pay for that.” Looking at the others in the Scan Track he called out, “You guys alright?” He didn’t get an answer. “Hey,” he said going to the window and saw that all of them looked lifeless. “Shit,” he cursed as he checked for a pulse on each man. He felt a huge weight lift from his shoulders as he got a pulse on all of them. “Don’t do that me,” he told them knowing he wasn’t going to get an answer. Looking up at the sky he saw the creature smash it’s claws into any Razor Wing within reach. “Stay right here,” he told the unconscious men as he took out the Spark Magnifier and held it over his head. *** Appearing from a column of light Daxium looked up and Melba and took off after it, “Shiah!” The creature saw him and changed course to meet him. Daxium moved out of the way to avoid impact. He quickly turned around to fire off a Flash Bolt that hit it right between the shoulder blades. Melba cried out in pain as it started to fall to the ground. It was able to pull up before crashing and went at the giant again firing off those eye bolts of his. Forming the energy to block those initial shots he flew out of the way to avoid Melba’s head on crash. Giving chase to the still flying Melba Daxium reached out to grab a wing when the monster turned around and smack one of those claws into his head. A grunt of pain escaped as he lost his balance for a split second. It was long enough for Melba to start flying around him trying to bash him out of the sky. The giant covered him up to protect himself. Dropping slightly to avoid one of those claws Daxium saw the opening to kick him in the gut. Melba’s body bent from the blow as the light giant started punching him in the head. He kept up the assault as the monster started falling to the ground. Then it stopped in midair and fired off those energy bursts. Daxium recoiled from the first couple of shots but then he got out of the way and started flying around the creature trying to avoid those energy shots. Seeing no other way out of this he took a few shots he fired off another Flash Bolt. The impact made Melba stop just long enough for Daxium to fly right into him. Grabbing him around the waist Daxium pointed them toward some open ground and they crashed in a mushroom like cloud of smoke and dirt. Daxium slowly stood up waiting for the smoke to clear away enough that he could see the condition of his opponent. He was knocked back by those eyes blasts a second before Melba emerged from the smoke. The jewel started flashing red as he started back up but Melba knocked him back down and started clubbing him. Razor Wing one and two but fired some missiles that distracted the monster enough for Daxium to fly out of there. Going high enough that he could see Melba coming at him he put his hands to the jewel in his chest. Drawing in energy ashe spread them wide he raised his right arm and lowered his left. Bringing them together at the wrist he fired the Dimensional Storm Ray. The multi colored stream of energy hit Melba head on. Moments later he exploded. Daxium hovered there for a moment before flying off, “Shiah!” A sphere of light formed that shrank down to a shape of a man and quickly broke apart as Ken stumbled forward by his Scan Track. “We have got to work on that landing Dax,” he said out loud. A groan from the Scan track caught his attention as he ran toward it. “Hang on guys,” he said as he hit his communicator. “Right busted.” He looked around to see some headlights coming in his direction. Waving his arms he shouted, “Hey! Over here! We got wounded!” *** Another one down the Avatar thought darkly. The troopers had a chance to take their shots and do some damage as soon as Melba emerged. That cavern was a little too deep in the mountain for this one. He should have taken that into account. “What is it going to take Scott?” *** Hours later Ken caught up with Jess and the others in one of the rec rooms. They looked happy to see him but something seemed off for some reason. Jess came up to him saying, “Ken, how are you feeling?” “My head’s ringing little but they say I’m alright up here.” “You’re a lucky son of a bitch do you know that?”, Bill told him. “I saw the area around blow up, I thought all four of you were dead.” “I jumped behind the Scan Track,” Ken said. “I don’t know how they got hurt worse than me.” “I guess your GLC is still working,” Jess joked. Instead of laughing they all just looked at her. “Good luck charm,” she explained. “I guess so,” Ken shrugged. “That’s the one thing I don’t like about this set up. Before I joined, a monster showed up and I ran like hell out of there as fast as I could.” “Welcome to the big leagues Ken” Ryo laughed. “Oh before I forget,” he said after a moment, “who won the pool?” Judging how they were all standing it wasn’t any of them. Which would explain the look he picked up earlier. “That would be me,” Hawk said coming up behind them. “Everybody was saying Hyper or Power mode so I decided to go for the apparent long shot. Luck was with me tonight.” “You participated in a pool that’s probably against the rules?”, Ken said looking at him. “It helped relieve a little of the tension that was building up,” he explained. “As long as it doesn’t go too far I’m willing to turn a blind eye to it.” “We were about to get a late dinner in the mess,” Jess spoke up. “Are you coming?” “Actually I told the guys with me in the Track that since we all survived I buy them a glass of whatever passes for beer around here.” “Sounds like a plan to me,” Hawk said clapping him on the shoulder. “There’ll be a briefing for the mission in the morning so I expect you to be there.” “I’ll be there,” he said going past them. He saw the other three come around the corner. “Hey what took you guys long?” “My fault,” Fuller said. “I had them examine my head a little more carefully. I swore that when I came too for a bit you were glowing for a second.” “Really?”, Ken said thinking fast. “Must have been how the light was hitting me or something.” Ken didn’t see that Hawk was still standing here and overheard them. He nodded to himself before heading to the mess with the others. ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly From the Inside ----- |
07-10-2012, 12:13 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2012
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Episode 9
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in my Light ----- This one had to be the guy, nobody else he had been around had even set off the tiniest reaction in Dax. Of course the only real question was what was he going to do after that? He couldn’t go to Hawk without spilling his secret. And somehow he doubted Richardson would be all that subtle in his handling of the matter, and his secret would still be exposed. He’ll worry about that later. Taking a deep breath he opened the door in front of him and entered the office on the other side. The secretary got an attitude real quick, “Can I help you?” “Captain Hawk sent me,” Ken told her, “with a file for Mr. Brooks.” The secretary looked at him for a few moments before buzzing Brooks. The other door opened and Brooks greeted him warmly, “Ah yeas I was expecting this, thank you.” He took the file but he didn’t look at it. Instead he seemed to study him. “So, you are our civilian operative. We might as well make this official, Peter Brooks,” he extended a hand. “Ken Scott,” he said as he took it. Then he stared at their hands. Nothing. “Is there anything wrong Mr. Scott?”, Brooks asked noticing his reaction. “Or may I call you Ken?” “Sure,” he said snapping out of it. Trying to cover up the surprise reaction on his face he said, “I’m still amazed at how young you look. I thought I’d see a wrinkle or two up close.” Brooks chuckled as he let go, “I get that a lot. Good genes I suppose.” “Well I better get back,” Ken said heading for the door. “Oh Ken,” he called out, “if nobody had said it before, I apologize about your first visit here. A very unfortunate incident.” “Yeah,” Ken said still looking confused, “thanks.” “Interesting guy,” the secretary said after he left, but not really meaning it. “My dear you have no idea,” Brooks said with a bit of a smirk. Ken walked the halls until he found an empty hallway and leaned against the wall. Looking in he was soon in the protected area in his mind and was face to face with Daxium, “Anything?” Daxium didn’t look pleased with his answer, “Nothing.” “What the hell, it had to be him,” Ken insisted. “I went up to everybody I remember seeing in the group. I even went up to a couple of people who looked vaguely familiar. I pretty sure one of them wasn’t even in the group at all.” “Perhaps the person I felt was not in that particular group,” Daxium suggested. “Pershaps he or she was in an adjoining room.” “No, whatever you sensed I felt it going behind us,” he said. “And I’ve been all over that floor since we’ve been back and nothing. It had to be from somebody in that group of people.” “Then whomever I felt is now masking his energy signature from me now,” Daxium told him. “Unfortunately we now have a new problem as a result.” That didn’t sound good, “What problem?” “As I detected this individual it is more than likely he or she detected me as well.” “So whoever this is knows we’re Ultraman?” Daxium nodded, “I am afraid so.” “Great, just fucking great,” Ken spat as he paced around in front of Daxium. “Not only are back at square one now we have to watch our back even more.” “Do not worry Ken I will be more diligent in discovering the source of this dark energy.” “Just don’t broadcast yourself while you’re doing it. We got enough problems as it is.” Ken looked back out in the hallway and blinked his eyes a few times as he got off the wall. Seeing nobody else around he continued on his way. *** “All right people,” Hawk said as they gathered around the holo table. “You know Dr. Williams has been hounding the board to get this super jet of his built. Before I go any further we all do know about this right?”, he asked looking at Ken in particular. “I mentioned it to him once,” Jess spoke up. “That’s all you said,” Ken told her. Because that’s all I know,” she informed him. “That’s all anybody knew,” Hawk said. “He designed most of this in his personal time but nobody knew what it even looked like. Until now that is.” Pressing some controls on the table a rough diagram of this particular ship hovered over it. Hawk figured they were wearing the same expression he was when he first saw it. “Okay Ken, you’re the newly discovered genius, what do you think?” Normally he wouldn’t put a new member on the spot like that but he was going to get that boy to his full potential, kicking and screaming if necessary. Ken leaned in to get a better look at it. He picked up pretty quick that he could manipulate the holo image, using the light pen to turn it around he studied it for a few moments. “I think it looks like a giant mess.” “I have to agree with the civilian,” Bill said. “If this is the cockpit,” Ryo pointed out the front section of the jet, “why are there three seats up front by what I’m assuming the controls?” “And what are these seats back here?”, Jess pointed to a couple of sections in the back. “Time out chairs,” Bill joked. “So we’ll be calling them the Waters’ seats,” Jess joked back. “I’m surprised nobody mentioned this apparent empty space here,” Hawk showed them. “Granted this is a work in progress and Dr. Williams has said he’d be willing to let us work on it with him to make it a little more presentable. Bill. Ryo start with the cockpit and try to simplify it a little. Everybody is getting a copy of these plans so I want you all brainstorming ideas. Are there any questions?” Jess spoke up, “Assuming this will actually work, how soon before Commander Jamira wants a super vehicle of his own?” Bill and Ryo both laughed a bit as Ken looked at all three of them. Hawk chuckled as well, “Probably as soon as he finds out we have exclusive rights to this one. Anything else?” “Am I going to be working on this?” Ken asked. “Once a mechanic,” Jess smirked. “If I can get it pass the chief,” Hawk told him. “I know Williams wants you involved. But I don’t want you waist deep in something and miss a meeting or we get called on a mission. Is that understood?” “Captain I can handle it,” Ken insisted. Hawk repeated what he just said, “Is that understood?” “Yes sir,” Ken said. “If there’s nothing else then you’re dismissed.” “Getting waist deep in an engine,” Jess told Ken in a low teasing voice as they left the room. “I bet you got all excited.” “Really?”, Ken replied. “Is that the best shot you got?” “You got excited. You’re the only guy I know who actually bought those automobile magazines for the cars and not the half naked women.” If Ken had a response it was cut off by the closing door. Hawk looked at the plans for the super jet one more time. If Williams was right about this thing then it was going to be a huge help. If he was wrong it was going to be a huge waste of time and money. If it failed in the field, well he had no plans on being buried in that oversized coffin. *** Hours later Ken sat in one of the break rooms studying the plans for that super jet, among other things. True to his word Hawk was trying to get Ken caught up on everything. There were several data pads and books sprawled over the table. His vision started to get a little blurry so he put the pad down and rubbed his eyes. “Now this brings back some memories,” Jess said as she came over holding two cups of coffee. “A day or two before a big test your kitchen table used to look a lot like this.” “Thanks,” he said as he took the offered cup. Looking at the mess he cleared a spot so she could set her cup down as well. “I guess old habits die hard. Mom used to yell at me for being so disorganized.” “I remember,” Jess said with a smile. “She begged me more than once to help you organize things better. Even offered to pay me once.” Picking up one of the pads she asked, “Is your head ready to explode yet?” “Just about,” he said. “The Captain thinks I have a lot of space to fill up here. Somebody should tell him it’s a lost cause.” “Don’t let him hear you say that. Otherwise he’ll let you have it with his ‘living to your full potential’ speech.” “I’ve heard that speech a couple of time so far,” Ken grimaced. “I’d bet,” Jess could help but get a chuckle out of that. Taking a sip of her coffee she remembered something, “Before I forget again how’s your shoulder?” “My shoulder?” “I saw you grab your left shoulder after your first mission with us,” she told him. Ken remembered that, he also remembered thinking nobody caught him either. “You looked like you were in pain.” “I think I strained it when I ejected from the Razor Wing. I really didn’t feel it until after the mission was over. I took a couple of aspirin when we got back, I was fine later.” “How come you didn’t say anything?” “It wasn’t anything major,” he insisted. “Besides I didn’t want to look like a wuss my first time out.” “Wow,” Jess said with mock amazement, “you can change. You used to whimper like a little baby when you stubbed your big toe.” “I was looking for some sympathy back then,” Ken quickly said. “It obviously worked more than once.” “Try it now, I’ll tell you to walk it off,” Jess informed him and took another sip. “Anything else about the way I do things you want to ask me about?” “Well there was one thing that caught my attention.” Him and his big mouth. “What is with you going up to all the random people around the base?” “Just trying to be friendly,” he said. “I’m trying to be seen as more than just the ‘civilian’.” “I can understand that,” she said. “But the people I’ve seen you go up to were people in that group we passed during your first time here.” “Really? I didn’t notice. It must be why I thought they looked approachable, I’ve seen them before.” “I guess,” she said. Ken tried not to look nervous. He had heard that tone of voice from her before, especially in the month leading up to their break up. She didn’t quite believe what he was saying. If anybody in this outfit could figure out his secret it would be her. And he didn’t want to know what Richardson would so if anybody else discovered the connection between him and Daxium. And it was bad enough the one person who probably did know could take him out before he noticed. Damn it, why did he get caught on video? *** “As you can see Tom,” the field reporter said as she looked into the camera, “the devastation is incredible no matter how you look at it.” The image changed to an aerial view of what used to be a power plant that something had literally tore through. “Scientists and meteorologists are still baffled by this phenomenon. Tornados just appearing out of nowhere and apparently striking at various buildings for the third time this week.” The footage went to a scientist in front of a weather map, “This is a very interesting phenomenon. Tornados are being formed in conditions not suitable for their birth. If this is natural it throws everything we know about this right out the window.” After a brief return to the field reporter she sent it back to the newscaster, “Thank you Stacey. Authorities are still trying to locate survivors of this latest incident. Random polling indicates the citizens think that these sudden tornados are a big a threat to the populace as the giant monsters that have shown up recently and the giant the fights them.” Inside a break room someone used the remote to lower the volume, “I wish Richardson would take that stupid order off. I want my shot at the giant.” “He seems to be helping us so far Phil,” the guy next to him said. “The freak is probably behind this monster mess,” Phil stated. In the back of the room, with another pad in his hand, Ken listened to the two of them argue. In the back of his head he put it down as another reason not to piss off Richardson. Forget about the media hunting him down, most of the people around here wanted a chance to take down Dax. And a few probably wouldn’t think twice about taking that potshot against him. Grabbing the pad he got out of the room feeling a weight come down hard on his shoulders. “Ken,” Hawk called out when he saw him come out of the room. When he didn’t answer right away he called out a little louder, “Ken.” “Sorry Captain,” he said when he finally heard him. “My head was elsewhere.” “Are you all right son?”, Hawk said taking a closer look at him. “It looks like something is bothering you.” Taking a quick glance at the pad in his hand, and thanks to that conversation with Jess a couple of days ago, he said, “Head started to hurt trying to cram all of this in there.” “Ah,” he said in understanding, “didn’t your parents ever tell you don’t cram the night before the test, you don’t remember as much. This is the same thing.” “I’ve heard that once or twice,” he said. Hawk took the pad from his hand, “Hey.” “You’re taking a break,” he told him. “I can make that an order if I have too.” “I thought you just did,” Ken frowned. “I put a little more authority in my voce,” as he studied what was on the pad. “Ask the others, you don’t want to hear me put it in. Walk with me. What do you think about these tornados?”, he asked out of the blue. “Kinda freaky,” Ken answered, “but I don’t think it’s something we can handle.” “Try telling that to the people calling in. Times like this I feel that hotline was a bad idea.” “We’re getting that flooded with calls huh?’ “We were getting flooded before the giant creatures showed up. Now it’s like a log jam. Bridge is still trying to get another server set up to help handle the load. But I’ll be honest with you Ken, part of me thinks they might be right.” “Whoa, wait a second,” Ken stopped him. “You think something might be behind these tornados?” “Ken,” he began, “I have seen creatures of all shapes and sizes. I have seen monsters made out of rock. I have seen ones that breathes fire, shoot electricity and fire lasers out of it’s eyes. There was even one that turned itself invisible.” “Well when you put it that way,” Ken joked. “And not to mention our giant friend,” Hawk continued. “I don’t think I’d be surprised by anything anymore.” Looking at the pad one more time he handed it back to Ken. “Make sure you update that after the super jet gets built. I’m sure regulations are either going to change or get added to. I’m pretty sure the Chief will throw in something about maintenance so I want you to keep up.” “Speaking of the jet I have one question,” Ken told him. “Where are we going to launch the thing from? The damn thing is huge.” Hawk told him, “One issue at a time Ken.” *** “Is Degola acting in a satisfactory manner?”, his masters asked. The Avatar looked over to a lower section of the cavern. Down there a creature stood in the shadows looking up at him. A low growl echoed throughout the cavern as it stepped forward. The Avatar blasted another horse carcass down there that the creature quickly picked up and devoured. “So far yes,” he said returning his attention to the vortex. “So far neither the UNDF nor the giant has been able to detect him. As far as most people know a tornado is just coming out of nowhere.” “Excellent,” he said. “Our scientist worked hard to develop that particular ability. Heads would have rolled if it did not.” Something made the Avatar think that wasn’t just a colorful metaphor. “Is the plan still in place?” “It’s proceeding on schedule. I’m almost ready to start the final attack.” “Excellent,” he said again. “But there is one more thing. We are well aware that you are still experimenting with the abilities we have given you. Despite our warnings otherwise.” “And I’m not sure you appreciate the danger I would be in if I am discovered,” he shot back. “An entire army would be sent after me.” Not to mention Scott and Ultraman. “I have to be able to defend myself. No matter how much we disrupt their forces, the will reorganize. Especially if they find out it was me all along.” “Then we suggest that you do not let that happen. Cripple them so they cannot.” The vortex looked like it slowly collapsed on itself as it closed. The Avatar’s hand glowed with energy after the fact. “Don’t let that happen,” he sneered. “They’ll know it was me as soon as I make my final assault.” Dispersing the energy from his hand by blasting a wall beside him he walked over to the ledge overlooking the creature. “Perhaps one more target before we make your final push.” Using the dark energy at his command an image of what he had in mind. Degola seemed transfixed by the image. The Avatar smiled to himself, apparently his masters were not aware he could do this. “Now go have some fun before the real party starts.” *** Everyone walked into the war room to find Hawk and Bridge waiting for them. As they took their positions around the table Hawk looked at all of them, “A couple of you know that I have my misgivings about this tornado business. As a personal favor I had Bridge track the sightings. Bridge show them what you showed me.” “When I did so I found something weird,” he said as he pulled up a map over the holo table. “As you know these tornados have been appearing out of the blue. And so far they have struck a hospital,” a little blue tornado marked the spot on the map, “an old steel factory, a power plant and this one just came in, an armory.” They all looked at the spots on the map. “It’s pretty much a straight line,” Jess said. “Pretty much,” Hawk agreed. “And the weird thing these are the only buildings these tornados have touched when they hit the ground,” Bridge informed them. “But tornados leave a path of destruction,” Ryo said. “And attack trailer parks,” Bill commented. Jess told him, “Bill shut up.” “Any thoughts?”, Hawk asked. “Well the hospital and power plant are important,” Ryo said. “The armory is important to us in a way,” Bill continued. “The steel mill is throwing me.” “What do you think those Razor Wings and Scan Tracks are made out of?”, Ken asked him. “They’re made out of a special metal alloy,” Jess told him. “A majority of which is manufactured at that mill,” Hawk informed them. “And that hospital takes some of wounded we don’t have room or can’t get them here in time. That power plant helps power most of the sensor net in that sector. And that armory is used by both us and the military.” “That’s a pretty particular tornado,” Ryo commented. “So they only hit things that have some importance to our operation,” Jess said out loud. “Is there anything else in this line that is important to us?” “Well if the tornados keep heading in this direction,” Bridge extended the line. The map went 3D as it stopped at a mountain range, and a particular building embedded in the mountain. “It should hit right about here.” “I don’t suppose it’s too much to think that’s a backup base?”, Ken asked. “Ken now you can shut up,” Jess told him. “I’m just asking.” “I already took this information to the board,” Hawk told them. “Richardson and Brooks seem to take the information to heart and helped me convince the rest of the board. We’re on alert but we’re still trying to figure out how to defend ourselves against something like this. We’re built to hold up against natural phenomenon. Since this might be unnatural I’m not sure how well we’re going to do.” “Are there any clouds at all?”, Ryo asked. “Maybe there’s something hiding in those that we can take out.” “Possible,” Hawk mused. “Bridge did you get any meteorological data?” Ken zoned out as Dax started sensing something, something big and getting closer. Without thinking he turned his head toward the source. Jess eyes him wondering what was going on in that head of his. Then the alerts went off. “A tornado is starting to form,” Bridge said. “Detection system are going off as well, there’s a giant creature inside.” “I want Razor Wings in the air now!”, Hawk said. “Ken head topside to make sure everybody headed inside.” “Captain?” Ken asked stunned. “No questions Ken,” he said. “You want to be part of this unit this is some of things you have to do. Come on people we got a job to do!” As they ran for the hanger Bridge headed for the control room. Ken was left there by himself, “Okay then, where’s the door to the roof?” *** Razor Wings launched as soon as the alert sounded. People inside the hanger scrambled to get the jets in position to launch while the pilots and wingmen tried not to get in each other’s way as they ran for their vehicles. Elsewhere what limited defenses Castle had were brought online. Board members and non essential personal were secured in safety bunkers deeper in the mountain. Finally Razor Wings one and two launched and they got their first real look at the tornado, wondering how it was just standing there. “Do we have any idea on how we’re supposed to handle this?”, Bill asked. Behind him Hawk said, “We’ll try Ryo suggestion first. Ryo take a couple of Razor Wings and head in there.” “Acknowledged,” he replied. “Razor Wings twelve and fourteen, form up me.” “Have I mentioned this is the most dumbass thing we’ve done?”, Jess commented. “I’m trying not to think about it,” he told her. Flying in a triangle formation Jess and the other wingmen armed their weapons as they approached the cloud over the tornado. Entering the cloud there were a few tense silent moments that passed before all three exited. “The cloud is empty!”, Jess called out. “Repeat the cloud is empty!” “Then what’s keeping the tornado in place?”, Bill asked. “I think we’re about to find out,” Hawk said. Ken finally hit the roof of Castle as the tornado stopped spinning as fast to reveal a giant shape inside of it. Looking around as the winds whipped around him he spotted a couple of people huddled in the corner. “Lousy spot for some personal nookie time!”, he shouted over the howl of the winds. “Get inside!”, he pushed them toward the door he just came out of. He looked around to if there was anybody else dumb enough to be up there, beside him that was, even checking his wrist scanner to pick up any life signs. That tornado started to come toward the base as a set of laser like lightning came from the inside and struck Castle head on. Ken dropped to a knee as the entire base shook. “Target the shape in the funnel,” Hawk ordered. The armaments on Castle struck first as the Razor Wings joined in soon after. The funnel slowly faded away revealing the creature inside. Wild brown fur covered most of it’s body, with claw finger and toes on it’s exposed leathery skin. A low growl came from it’s large dog like nose and mouth. Pointing it’s hand at Castle that yellow laser like lightning erupted from this fingers. Various section of the base exploded. “Get that creature’s attention!” Ken got to his feet after the second assault and pulled out the Spark Magnifier. “This better work or I’m going to have some explaining to do.” He looked up at the jets in the sky, if any of them looked down here he was going to have some explaining to do any way. Instead of holding it over his head he pointed at the monster. Engulfed in a ball of light as always the column of light instead appeared in front of Castle. Before long Daxium stood before the creature and took a defensive stance. *** “Shiah!” Daxium didn’t waste any time in trying to push Degola away from the base. The furry monster protested as it tried to dig his clawed feet into the ground, throwing in a knee strike when he thought he could. After a brief struggle he was able to toss the giant to the ground with an angry grunt and continued toward the base. Daxium grabbed him from behind when it looked like he was going to fire those beams from his fingers. The soldiers manning the remaining guns of Castle’s defensive line to the opportunity to get in a few free shots the giant was giving them. Again Degola threw Daxium off and turned to face him, hitting him with those beams. “Try to aid Ultraman in getting that thing away from base,” Hawk said over the line. “Acknowledged,” Jess, Ryo and the other Razor Wings answered. Flying up behind Degola Jess got a target lock, “Firing missiles.” Several missiles from the formation of Razor Wings impacted the back of the monster’s head. It stumbled forward as Daxium got under it and flipped him over his shoulder. Jumping on top of the fallen monster he started pounding him on the head. Degola swiped his clawed fingers into his side. Daxium grunted in pain as he did it again and again. Forcing Daxium off of him Degola got to his feet fast and slashed those claws against the giant’s head several times, spark like energy flying off from the impact. Then point blank he fired those lasers from his fingers and sent Daxium straight back into the mountain side. Both the mountain and Castle shook from the impact. The creature pinned him there with those laser until another round of missile fire from the Razor Wings distracted him. Daxium fell to a knee as the jewel started flashing red. Getting to his feet he crossed his arms in front of his chest and flung them down going into Hyper Mode. Now Daxium was fast enough to avoid those lasers as he jumped and rolled out of the way as he slowly got closer. Jumping up one more time he spun around with a backhand that nailed Degola flush in that oversized jaw of his. Daxium jumped up again for a spin kick. Degola made a desperate grab for him. Dxium saw it coming and jumped back, flipping in the sky before landing on top of the mountain. He jumped off to nail him with another flying kick. Holding out his right hand he extended the Laser Flash and started whipping the monster with it. Trying to set the monster up for the Light Stream the air started to form a tornado around Degola again. The wind spun around him fast enough to deflect the light whip each time he tried. Again Daxium was rocked by those lasers. Setting his feet he got ready for the run as he drew in energy form the surroundings. His vision accelerated to the point where he could see where to strike between the wing gusts of the funnel. With almost a slight flinch Daxium was behind the monster as the jewel started to blink faster. Inside the tornado an explosion shot skyward in the funnel before it disappeared completely. Retracting the Laser Flash Daxium shot off into the sky. “Shiah!” *** A couple of hours later various crews were still cleaning up the internal damage near the front of Castle. Richardson and Peter walked the halls surveying the damage. “I never really expected that we would get hit,” Peter confessed. “Not like this at any point.” “We were just lucky I was able to talk them into putting in the gun emplacements into the place when we first built it,” Richardson told him. “Otherwise I don’t know how much damage would have been done to the place if that thing got any closer.” “Well maybe you can talk the board into upgrading our defenses.” “I’m planning on it. I trust I’ll have your help in the matter Peter?” “Of course Harold. You know you can count on me.” *** In another part of the base Alpha team was helping clean up the debris in a hanger that took a lot of the initial damage as Hawk walked in. “We got lucky this time. Casualties were kept to a minimum, a few unlucky bastards were caught outside but they’ll pull through. How are things in here?” Ryo spoke up, “A good chunk of the place isn’t that badly damaged actually. The only real damage was to the hanger opening over there. Some of the techs said they might have to rebuild the door completely.” “We might as well redo the entire hanger while we’re at it,” Hawk said as he took a good look around. “A possible hanger for that super jet?”, Ken said out loud. “My thoughts exactly,” Hawk confirmed with a nod. “We can still fit a few razor Wings in here. It’s going to take a little bit of juggling, but I think we can pull it off. Oh Ken the two found on the roof said you didn’t follow them down to the bunker?” “I was making sure nobody else was on the roof,” he answered. “Trying to play the hero?”, Jess teased. “What hero, I was following orders,” Ken shot back. Hawk spoke up, “Just remember there’s a fine line between a good soldier and a dead one. We just got you in this team Ken. I’m in no hurry to bury you.” “I’m not exactly in a hurry for that either,” he said. Then Ken noticed the look Hawk gave him before he turned around to say something to Bill. While he wondered what that meant he looked over to see Jess give him the same look before going back to her task. Neither Ryo nor Bill gave him that look, but he was not liking something about it just the same. That couldn’t mean what he thought it did, did it? ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly From the Inside ----- |
07-18-2012, 02:09 AM | #10 |
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Episode 10
----- OP – Mercy Drive – Burn in My Light ----- Ken usually liked being outdoors, it was one of the main reasons why he volunteered to accompany Bridge on this particular assignment. But right now he felt he had to get away from Castle for a little while. Ever since he saw Jess and the Captain give him those strange looks after that last creature attack he had the feeling the walls were starting to close in on him. They weren’t acting like anything was wrong now but he still couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. Once they arrived at the park and the like he knew he was being watched now as everybody there turned to look at them. So much for that nice simple assignment he was looking for. “Can we get through please,” Bridge said as they exited the Scan Track. “What for?”, some muscle headed “genius” challenged. Like Ryo warned him Bridge kind of turned in on himself instead of asserting his authority. As many times as that happened with Jeff Ken felt his pain. “We have to check for any unusual creatures…,” he started to say. “There’s no creatures in this lake you freak.” “That’s what they said the first time,” Ken said backing Bridge up. “And look what happened there.” “You’re one of them,” he shot back. “I’m the new guy,” he said thinking quick, “they said that before I joined up.” “Nice one asshole.” “If another monster does show up I’m going to let you get stepped on.” “Let’s get the equipment,” Bridge said pushing Ken back toward the Scan Track. He looked back as the douchebag they were dealing with went back to talking with his friends. Both of them noticed he pointed at them and laughed. A few laughed with him. “They’re going to keep messing with us while we try to run these experiments aren’t they?” “The guy reminds me of my brother so probably,” Ken answered. “I should have stayed back at base,” Bridge mumbled. “You just have to show guys like that who’s in charge.” A lot of times he wished he learned that bit of wisdom a lot sooner. “You just have to figure out the best way to deliver the message. How mad would the Captain get if we flashed our weapons a few times?” Bridge’s only answer was to stare at him. “I’m just saying.” “I would rather check out the lake without damaging the equipment. Some of it is pretty delicate.” Ken looked back at the crowd, “And jackass and his friends are taking point on the main path to the lake” “Maybe we should wait until later to do this, after everybody leaves.” “Actually,” Ken said thinking it over, “I think I might know a pretty quiet spot.” Going off on one of the side path Ken lead him to a section of the lake side that pretty peaceful, in fact they were the only humans in view. “When did you find this place?”, Bridge asked as he took the view in. “Me and my Dad used to come here a lot when I was younger,” he answered thinking back. “Before he died this was our special spot. I still come up here from time to time.” Snorting a bit he added, “Hell I was here when that first monster showed up.” “How far away was it from you?”, Bridge asked. “I don’t know, a few yards that way I guess.” “Perfect,” Bridge said as he opened a case. Taking out a small submersible probe he gently placed it in the water. Opening another case by Ken’s feet he started controlling the device. “I might get this done sooner than I expected. If we can discover how those two monsters appeared out of this lake from basically out of nowhere maybe we can use that to predict where the others are going to show up.” Ken already knew where they came from, it was the who he was having trouble figuring out. Too bad he couldn’t share that bit of info with the rest of the team. Instead he said, “And we can have the troops ready for it.” “Exactly,” Bridge said, “and maybe I’ll get lucky and find a good luck charm of my own while we’re at it. Do you remember where you found yours, there may be more.” “It was back in there somewhere,” he said gesturing behind him. “I had a giant fire breathing monster on my tail, I was lucky I found it when I did.” “I wouldn’t be keeping notes in that situation either,” Bridge said with a small chuckle. Ken really hoped that was an innocent question and not some prodding about the story he told them. “Bridge to Castle, I’m starting he experiment now. Hopefully we’ll have some results soon.” “Acknowledged, just make sure you keep the pet project in line.” Bridge ducked his head a little, “He can hear you.” Ken smirked in amusement, “Oops.” *** While Ken might have found it funny Hawk didn’t when he found out about it. In fact he was less than pleased when he heard a few people on base use that term. A quick grilling gave him the source of this particular nickname, and that didn’t help matters any. In one of the conference rooms he stood in front of Alpha team and stared them down. “I have worked very hard to cultivate a feeling of team unity. And it annoys me to no end to have that feeling sabotaged from within. Now I don’t have a problem with a little good natured ribbing. But this ‘pet project’ thing is going too far. Now everything points to it starting in this unit. So the question is simple, which one of you have been calling Ken the pet project?” Hawk’s eyes went to Bill first as the main suspect, so did Jess and Ryo. But he was looking confused as they were. Then everybody looked back at Ken who had his hand over his head, “Yo.” “Why are you calling yourself the pet project?”, Jess asked for the group. “Because I was getting tired of everybody calling me the civilian,” he answered. Hawk pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, “Ken…” “What? It’s the truth.” “No it’s not,” Hawk argued. “I’ve told… we’ll talk about this later.” Taking a moment to get himself under control he did end up mumbling, “This is not helping things.” Back in control he looked at Bridge, “Did the tests at the lake reveal anything?” “Nothing Captain,” he answered. “It’s just like at the mountain range when that flying creature attacked, everything was normal. I was really hoping that since two creatures appeared from the lake there would at least be a clue.” “But initial tesst on the lake said it was normal the first time too,” Jess said. “Yeah and another one popped out of it a few weeks later,” Ryo added. “It had to come from somewhere.” “Maybe we should be looking for a giant door to knock on,” Bill joked. “How about we set you on a giant hook for bait instead,” Ken shot at him. Bill shot him a look but started smiling after a bit. “Gentlemen,” Hawk said sternly, although he was silently pleased those two were finally starting to get along, or at least faking it for the rest of them. “Bridge keep studying those readings those results in case you missed something. While you’re at it check any surveys of the lake and the surrounding areas. Maybe there’s an underground cavern housing these things or something.” “So we’re going with an underground society of monsters now?”, Ryo asked sounding a bit skeptical. “I remember reading a book where a scientist claimed the world was hollow,” Hawk answered him. “Like you said they have to be coming from somewhere, and I wouldn’t rule out anything at this point. Dismissed.” “Hey I just thought of something,” Bill said as they headed for the door. “Don’t strain that lone brain cell now,” Ryo joked. “Don’t quit your day job, or your night job for that matter,” Bill shot back. “But if the Captain is right maybe that’s where Ultraman comes from too. He could be like a guard or something.” “If he is he’s doing a lousy job of it,” Ryo commented. Jess took a quick look back at Ken as they exited the room. Ken started rubbing the back of his neck when she turned back around. *** “Mr. Richardson! Mr. Richardson!”, the crowd of reporters shouted as Patricia and a couple of security guards tried to guide him and Peter through them. “Do you have any ideas where these creatures are coming from? What are you doing about them?” “Mr. Brooks what about the giant? Why isn’t anything being done about him?”, a reporter was able to get an arm through and put a digital recorder in his face. “No comment,” Peter said before one of the guards cleared the offending arm out of the way. Eventually they were able to get to Richardson’s limo and Patricia was able to herd them inside without much trouble. The reporters wisely stayed out from the front of the vehicle as it pulled away. “Is it me or are they getting worse?”, Peter asked as he loosen his tie a bit once there were away from the pack. “They are what they always were,” Richardson said, “vultures looking for any piece of scrap they can get their hands on.” “Some of them are asking more and more about Ultraman.” Patricia glanced sideways at Richardson as she looked through her files. “Not everybody sees him as the hero that you see him as.” Peter waited a moment before adding, “My father is starting to ask questions about him and our lack of a response so far.” “I’m putting the final touches on a official statement. The public will know our official stance in a couple of days.” “I get the feeling the public won’t particularly like our official statement once they hear it,” Peter said dryly. “That’s why I’m looking for the appropriate spin on the matter,” he replied. “Make it a little more palatable.” “Well you better hope most of the public isn’t like my father. He wants us to open fire on him the next time he shows.” After a moment Richardson said, “Have him contact me when it’s convenient for him. I’ll try to get him to see things my way.” Peter smirked, “I think you had an easier time getting the board to agree to those defense upgrades.” Richardson smirked back,” Oh I learned to prepare for battle when we were on opposite sides a long time ago. Fortunately his son is a little more agreeable.” Peter smiled at his reflection in the window, “I like to think of myself as a little more open minded.” *** While walking down the hallway Ken paused mid step. Dax got a quick sense of something, but not here. It was further away and he lost it as soon as he got it. Times like these hated that Dax could do that. And he learned he really couldn’t do anything about it, and Daxium learned to be a little more patient as well. His first instinct was still to go after it but knew he couldn’t given their situation. “Maybe whoever’s behind this is giving their powers a quick check,” Ken said making sure nobody was around to overhear him. Daxium didn’t reply. “Just a thought.” “Hey Ken,” He looked back to see Jess and Ryo catch up with him. “Ryo told me you tried the simulator again,” she started smiling, “and failed again.” “Traitor,” Ken shot at him. His defense was, “I thought you already told her.” She looked at Ryo and grinned a wicked grin, “He also told me how obsessed with you were back in the academy.” Ken just looked at him. “I thought you would have told your girlfriend that already,” Ryo told him. Ken quickly said, “Ex-girlfriend.” “Former girlfriend,” Jess said at more or less the same time.” “And how did I know that was going to happen,” Ryo joked. “You’re suddenly psychic,” Ken told him. “Quick what am I doing tonight?” “Nothing with her,” he answered pointing toward Jess. “He has the gift.” Jess was the only one who didn’t laugh. “I think we went too far.” Ryo looked at her then said, “If she goes for the gun I’m hiding behind you.” “Some friend you are,” Ken said. “We’re not that close,” he shot back. “I can shot around Ken to get to you,” Jess informed him. “I’m willing to put that to the test,” Ryo told her “Anytime you’re ready.” “Don’t I get a say in this?”, Ken interjected. “No you don’t,” Jess told him. “Name the time and place.” “So what were you guys doing before this popped up?”, Ken asked trying to change the subject. “To the cafeteria for some coffee,” Ryo answered him. “Do you want to come?” “As long as it doesn’t involve me getting shot at I’m all for it.” “I’m not making any promises so don’t annoy me,” Jess told him. “Learned that lesson a long time ago thanks.” They continued to talk and joke all the way to the cafeteria. Times like this Ken actually felt like he belonged. Now if he could just figure out what that low buzz Dax was sending him was. *** Overlooking a field the Avatar watched as a strange yellow and purple colored flower quickly grew and slowly start to overtake the field. This was definitely one of his masters more interesting invasion plans. They wouldn’t quite explain what this Gijera was capable of. Only that his dark energy would make him immune to the effects. Too bad they couldn’t confirm if it would affect the giant or his host. He was going to have to find away to get Scott out here to find out. “Wow look at these,” a group of college aged students came into the field and looked over the flowers. The Avatar went further back into the bush to avoid detection. “Professor what are these? I’ve never seen them before.” “I’m not sure either,” the oldest of the group knelt and took a camera out of his pocket. “I’m going to take a picture and do an image search.” Getting up and uploading the image to the university computer he walked deeper into the field. From where he was the Avatar could feel a dark energy surge from underground. Soon the flowers started spewing a yellowish powder into the air. “What the…?”, the professor said as he and the others looked around in confusion. One of the students got a weird look on his face then suddenly started smiling. Holding his arms out he started running around in circles, “Weeee!” The others started to smile and do strange things as well. The Avatar jogged to the middle of the field with the powder still fresh in the air. Like his masters said he was unaffected. Waving a hand in front of the Professor’s he didn’t get a reaction. With a low energy blast he sent the one who apparently thought he was a plane or something flying. After a moment he got back up and started it all over again. “Well now,” he said looking at those affected by the powder, “this is interesting.” *** Reports of the field reached them quickly enough, especially when several police officers sent to check it out fell victim to the pollen as well. A Scan Track pulled up behind one of the patrol cars. Ken and the other two made sure their air masks were securely attached to their helmets before exiting. A short hike later and they found the field and the quickly growing group frolicking around it. “Oh this is going to be fun,” Ken said, heavy on the sarcasm. “Don’t they have like biohazards suits for shit like this?” “It wasn’t deemed necessary for this one,” the driver said. “Betcha if one of the higher ups was involved we’d get more gear than we needed.” “You’re not going to find an argument here. Come on, let’s get closer.” Going to the closest person Ken waved a hand in front of his face, then shock him a bit. “I don’t think Hawk wants us to punch these guys to wake them up,” he said, mainly to himself. As the third one ran a medical scanner on the one by him Ken hit the communicator on his chest, “Scott to Castle.” “Castle here,” Hawk answered. “What’s the situation?” “It’s like they said Captain, a bunch of people just playing around in a field with a bunch of strange flowers.” “How would you describe their condition?” A woman started doing cartwheels past him. He watched her as he answered, “The phrase ‘stoned out of their gourd’ comes to mind.” “Franklin can I get I better opinion?”, Hawk asked. “I’d say that’s a pretty good assessment Captain,” Franklin answered. “There definitely some signs. I need to do some blood work to be sure. I’m going to try and guide one of the affected away from the field to see if that has any effect.” “Good idea,” Hawk said, “keep us informed. Collect some of the pollen and one of those flowers so the scientist can run some tests on them. They been demanding a sample when we first got the reports and I want them off my back ASAP.” “Maybe we should torch the plants after we get those samples,” Ken offered. “That powder’s pretty much all over the place so we have plenty of samples.” “I’m keeping that option on the maybe pile,” Hawk told him, “but we may have to if it gets worse.” “Wow, one of my ideas wasn’t shot down for a change,” Ken said without thinking. Then he noticed their driver was just standing there, “Steve?” Ken started for him as he started hopping around like a rabbit. “Of shit, Franklin…!”, but he was holding hands with the one he was trying to get out of there and dancing round in circles. “Ken what’s going on?”, Hawk demanded. “Captain we got… we got…” He tried to fight the lightheaded feeling invading his head as he tried to get out of the field. “Ken,” he stopped as he saw Jess stand in front of him. He tried to speak as she came to him, “I can’t fight it anymore. I still love you Ken and I need to be with you.” He stood there totally alone in the field, smiling under the air mask, wrapping his arms around the invisible person in front of him. At the far end of the field a huge stalk emerged from the ground. A yellow and purple bulb near the top quickly grew as well as those in the field ignored it’s presence. *** The various war rooms inside Castle were going crazy once the monster plant appeared and they lost contact with the team they sent in. With the police and military help they had a two mile quarantine in place around the plant, getting out anybody who wasn’t affected yet. Half of the surveillance teams they had were keeping on the wind patterns while the other half were looking for any signs of aggression from the monster plant. Hawk was watching both as the rest of Alpha team studied the situation. “Bridge do we have any idea what’s in that thing?”, he asked touching the bulb in the holo image. “We can’t get a clear reading Captain,” he answered from his station. “Some of the scientists are speculating it may contain more of that pollen.” “I don’t want to think about how much of that stuff that thing can spit out,” Bill commented. “We’re going to have to take out that plant before it can mature enough to do that,” Ryo said stating the obvious. “Do you think we’re going to have enough time to get the affected out of there first?”, Bill asked. “We better,” Jess said as she leaned on the table. She noticed how they were looking at her and stood a little straighter. “I was thinking about their safety,” she quickly said. “We’re worried about Ken too,” Hawk assured her. “We’re going to make sure everybody is out of there before we attack, if we can. If it looks like that thing is going to open we’re going to have to risk it if we can’t get them out of there in time. Jess head down to the hanger and join Commander Jamira and help them get the affected out of there. Ryo, Bill…” “Captain,” Bridge cut in, “the affected are staring to move away from the field and the plant.” He showed them a satellite image to highlight his point. “What does that mean?”, Ryo ask. “That we might have caught a break,” Hawk said. “Jess head to the hanger now. Bill, Ryo get ready. Bill I’m with you. Ryo we’ll find a wingman for you on the way to the Razor Wings. Let’s go.” “Rodger,” they said as they ran out of the war room. *** “Of all the times to be stuck here,” the Avatar complained as he paced room. Scott was affected by Gijera’s pollen. He could stop Ultraman for good right there and then. But he couldn’t get out of Castle without raising suspicion, not with that lockdown Hawk ordered. Not even Richardson could overrule him on that one. The perfect opportunity and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. *** Ken and the others wondered out of the field and into the nearby woods still in the dream like daze the pollen put them in. Inside his mind Jess was still hanging on to him as other people came up to him. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been treating you all these years little bro,” Jeff said. “I’ve always respected you and was a bit jealous.” Richardson clapped him on the shoulder, “I don’t know what I was thinking doing you like that my boy. You deserve better than that for putting your life on the line all the time.” “Come on Ken,” Jess said in his ear, “let’s get out of here so we can make up for lost time.” “Ken,” Daxium stood before him. The others around him didn’t acknowledge his presence. “You need to snap out of this and wake up.” “Not now Dax,” he mumbled as Jess started kissing him. “Ken this is not real,” Daxium insisted. “I don’t care.” “Ken this all an illusion created by the pollen the creature created. It shows you your heart’s desire to trap you in this state. It will do the same to your entire planet if it’s not stopped. You have to resist it.” “Go away Dax,” he said before turning away from him. “Ken,” he stopped when he recognized the voice. The older man standing before looked exactly like he remembered him. Before the sickness started eating away at him. Before… “Dad?”, he gasped as everybody else around him disappeared. “But you’re…” “I know son,” he said with that all too familiar smile, “but I’m here now.” Ken ran up and hugged his father, “Oh god Dad you have no idea how much I missed you.” “I know son,” he said in that gentle way of his as he rubbed his back. “I’m happy to see you too. I’m proud of you son, of everything you’ve done. But you have to make a choice now.” “Dad?”, he looked at him in confusion. Then it dawned on him, “No, no Dad don’t make me choose. I can’t lose you again.” “Remember what I told you son. And remember I’ll love you no matter what choice you make.” In the real world Ken stopped where he was. His right hand slowly started to go inside his jacket, shaking like it was fighting against itself the entire time. Finally he grabbed the Spark Magnifier. A cry of anguish escaped his throat as he held it over his head and activated it. *** Daxium turned around and found Gijera. Walking toward him he checked the ground around the field to make sure no humans would be in his way. IN the distance Razor Wings came into view. Wearing an air mask as well Bill asked, “What took Ultraman so long to show up this time?” The only reason Hawk could figure out was, “Maybe he was waiting for the area to clear too. Hawk to all units, start flying in a holding pattern while Ultraman takes care of the plant. Remember, if your pilot starts acting strange I want the wingman to take control of the jet and get out of here before you get affected as well. Pilots, if your wingman does the same thing deactivate your weapon systems and do the same. Is that clear?” He was greeted with a round of “Yes sirs” and Rodgers”. He watched as Ultraman took one last look around before continuing toward the giant plant. “Do you think Dr. Williams is going to be pissed that we might not used those incendiary missiles his team developed?”, Bill asked “He’ll get over it and I’m sure we’ll get another chance.” Gijera didn’t react as Daxium got closer and stood in front of it. Studying it a bit he reared back and pounded the bulb. The plant finally reacted and let out a small cry. He continued the assault to try and dislodge the bulb so it couldn’t shot out anymore of that pollen. In order to retaliate it raised it’s roots out of the ground and struck him in the back. It lifted out some more and tried to attack him again. Daxium blocked the roots as they came at him and ducked a couple that were coming behind him. One came at his feet and Daxium back flipped out of the way and unleashed a Flashbolt. Gijera cried out again as part of it’s stalk exploded and started smoldering. The giant ran at him and jumped up landing a flying kick. Now that he was in range again those roots struck again. Daxium blocked them again as best as he could before one wrapped itself around his arm. As he struggled the bulb opened. He looked on stunned as a small mouth cried out at him. It was enough of a distraction for a root to hit him in the back and knock him forward as the root pulled to keep him off balance. He was close enough to the mouth for it to clamp down on his forearm. Daxium grunted out in pain as he struggled to get free. The body of Gijera created an electrical that shocked him. Struggling harder he finally freed himself and tried to get some space between them again. The roots knocked him back closer to the monster. Another root wrapped around his ankle, he looked down as another wrapped around his arm again and a third around his neck. Gijera squeezed harder to prevent Daxium from getting away again, even going so far as to shocking him into place. The mouth in the bulb seemed to cackle as it lifted him off his feet. Shocking him a few more times he started slamming him into the ground. “Williams is going to get his wish,” Hawk mumbled. “Open fire with the new missiles.” The missiles flew from the razor Wings in position. Explosions quickly turned into flames on impact. Gijera let him go as pain racked it’s body. With the jewel starting to flash as he crawled away and the firebombing continued. Turning around and putting his hands by the jewel he started to draw in energy from the surrounding area and fired off the Dimensional Strom Ray. Gijera howled one more time before exploding. “Make sure you destroy the root,” Hawked ordered his men. They continued to carpet bomb the spot where it was. A large stray root flailed around in the flames. Daxium flew up into the air and unleashed another Dimensional Storm Ray that finished off the root and the system it had underground. The smaller Gijera flowers stopped spewing their pollen and quickly started to wilt. Those under it’s spell quickly broke out of it and looked around in confusion. In the air Daxium located the lead Razor Wing and gave it a nod of appreciation. Hawk raised two fingers to his helmet in a mini salute. Seeing and sensing that nothing was left of Gijera Daxium flew off into the darkening skies, “Shiah!” They were still finding victims in the surrounding wood long after it was over and they extinguished the fire. Usually they were confused about what happened, in some cases slightly embarrassed. Then Jess finally located Ken. Helmet by his feet he silently sat against a tree holding his head as tears fell down his cheeks. “Ken?”, she went up to him and knelt down beside him. “Ken are you alright?” “Fine for having my heart fucking ripped out all over again,” he muttered. She reached out for him and he moved away. “I’ll be fine, give me a moment.” Jess pressed her lips together as old annoyances crept back into her mind. Some things apparently didn’t change that much after all. *** Hawk gave him some time off after his ordeal. Ken shot out of there as soon as he said thank you. After all that happened there was only one place he could go. Standing on the bank of the lake at his and his Dad’s special spot he looked out over the water. “I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t say anything the last time I was here,” he said as he sat on the same old log. “I was on the clock, not a whole lot of time to talk and not look crazy. And I guess I owe you another one,” he let out a small sad chuckle. “I don’t know what to do, I made the choice I know you wanted me to make. The one I know you would have made, but it hurts so much.” Choking back the tears he looked away from the lake. Facing it again he made himself talk about something else, “You would not believe the spot I’m in know. I mean I know having an alien inside of me was going to complicate things, but not like this. It’s bad enough I was blackmailed into joining this outfit and not tell anybody the real reason why. Now I think a couple of them are staring to figure it out. Not just any two either, my ex-girlfriend and the Captain. You would have like Jess I think, I can see you giving me hell for letting her get away. And Captain Hawk reminds me of you in a way. And if there’s any two I’d want to tell it would be them, but I don’t know what’s going to happen if Richardson finds out they know. I wouldn’t put it past him to try and get rid of them in some way. I can’t confide in the only other people who know because they’re tight with Richardson, and I know one of them will tell him.” Sighing a bit he listened to the wind before he said, “I never felt so alone in my life Dad.” “You are never truly alone Ken,” Daxium said in his head. “Not if you don’t want to be.” “Thanks Dax.” He sat there for a half hour or so before hearing somebody walk up the path behind him. He was a little surprised to see Jess standing here. He was even more surprised to see her in some civilian jeans, shirt and a light jacket. “I figured you’d be up here,” she said as she sat on the log next to him. “The Captain was starting to get worried about you after you bolted out of there. I told him I’d check up on you.” She looked around and commented, “This place hasn’t changed a bit since you showed it to me that first time. Even this log looks the same.” “It’s why it’s one of my favorite places. How are the other victims?” “They’re doing good,” she told him. “Most of the said they experienced what they wanted most.” Then she looked at him. Getting real uncomfortable real fast he said, “Did Steve explain why he started hopping around?” “He wouldn’t elaborate,” she smiled before looking serious again. “How about you, are you going to elaborate?” “There’s nothing to elaborate on,” he said trying to shut this down. “Do I really have to point out you were the only one we found in tears?” “What do you want me to say?”, he snapped, anger getting the best of him. “I had what I wanted the most.” As hard as he tried he couldn’t keep it from coming out, “I had you back. My brother actually respected me. My Dad was still…”, he tried to choke back the tears again as the pain and emptiness threatened to over take him again. He couldn’t stop it this time. “Hey, it’s okay,” Jess said as she rubbed his shoulders as soon as the tears started to fall. “I’m right here if you need a shoulder.” Finally he admitted the one thought that ran through his head the entire time, and most of his adult life, “Damn it, it’s not fair.” “I know,” she said softly. She stayed with him until he was ready to go. *** “And I say his action today and before proves that this man, this Ultraman is a friend of humanity. But I assure you the moment he proves he is not he will wish he had never shown his silver face…”, Richardson image froze on the television as an older man faced the real one on another monitor. “I still don’t like this Harry,” the older man said. “We still don’t know anything about that thing.” “Peter said as much the other day,” Richardson said. “I’m sure he told you what I told him.” “What you keep repeating like a parrot. My words not Peter’s,” he amended when he saw that look on his face. “I imagine the board wasn’t particularly happy with that little speech of yours.” “Some were, some weren’t,” he waved it off. “It’ll blow over like it always does.” “Unless this Ultraman character makes a monkey out of you.” “I’ll worry about it if it happens Charles,” he snorted. “Although the way Peter is playing things I get the feeling you’re coaching him from the sidelines.” “You know what they say, like father like son,” he chuckled. “Do you want me to tell him to back off a bit?” “No, it reminds me of the old days in a way. Back when we were fighting tooth and nail to the top together.” “And at times against each other if I recall,” both of them shared a small laugh. “I’m sure you have more important things to worry about than bantering around with this old man. Take care Harry.” “You too Charles.” The screen went black and he turned off the television. Leaning back in his chair he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Hands starting to glow with dark energy he ran those hands slowly over his face. Wrinkles started to disappear as he started looking younger. Moving those still glowing hands over his head gray hairs turned blond. In moments the man the world knew as Peter Brooks was in the older man’s place and rose from the chair. “That doesn’t get any easier,” he said popping his neck and fixing himself a drink. ----- ED – Shinedown – Fly From the Inside ----- |
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