We’re sat around the table, all of the
League plus Alex. The others are all in costume while Narszara and I are
wearing our respective armours. Alex is wearing a white shirt and jeans and we
all got food and drink. Mainly cola and margarita pizza.
“So what’s happening?” asks Sky, “I’m
assuming there is a reason behind this meeting.”
“Let’s cover some simple things first,”
says Sam, “For starters, nobody has a problem with the Rileys and Alex moving
into the base?”
A smattering of agreement come from around
the table. It seems some less of a problem than others.
“I sure everybody heard about out Oakley
figured Sentinel’s identity out?” continues Sam.
“No,” says Stefan with a look at me
while Vance shakes his head.
“Okay,” says Sam, “Let’s recap.
Inspector Oakley and Constable Melville when to Daniel’s granddad’s house to
get this statement about the fight on Sunday. Once there, Oakley figured
Daniel’s identity using a variety of information, not just putting two and two
together so we don’t need to worry about someone else figuring our identities
in the same manner. Both agreed to keep our identities secret and it might be
useful have a high ranking field member of the police on our side.”
“I’m not sure about it,” says Stefan
nervously, “I had enough trouble with the police knowing I’m the grandson of
Black Storm without them knowing I’m also Storm King.”
“We don’t need to worry about Oakley,” I
reassure him, “He’s trustable and one of the good guys. While it may not be a
good thing he’s figured out my identity, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. And
we got more important matters to deal with.”
“Vengeance is being transported to
secure locations tomorrow night following information about a breakout attempt,”
says Sam, “Our MI9 liaison, Agent Lewis, has asked for our helped in escorting
them as most of the Defenders are busy. That’s why we asked you to clear your
Friday nights.”
“Who’s with who?” asks Lucy.
“Spectre, Powerbeam and Controller will
be escorting Mad Cat,” says Sam, “Kevin, Werebeast and I will be with Avenger. Sky,
James, Vance and Lucy, you’ll be guarding Forsworn. Charlie, Stefan, Helen and
Narszara, you guys will be escorting Nightmare. Daniel and Carrie, you two will
guard Mad Dog along with Robyn Hood. Any questions?”
“How long will it be?” asks Carrie, “I
don’t want to be up too late.”
“It’ll start at seven, but we will have
to be there in costume before then,” answers Sam, “It should last roughly an
hour if everything goes according to plan.”
“So who’s trying to break them out?”
inquires James.
“No clue,” answers Sam, “MI9 isn’t
convinced it isn’t a trick to get Vengeance into the open, but can’t afford not
to beef up Vengeance’s security.”
“I’ll look into it,” offers Alex, “And I
can act as mission control.”
After that it, the topic turns to small
talk.
***
“It’s cold,” says Robyn Hood as we watch
Mad Dog get loaded up into an armoured police truck.
Robyn’s real name is Linda Pierce and is
the only non-powered superhero in the Albion Defenders if you count owning
power armour as a superpower. Her hair is short and brown while her eyes are
covered by a large domino mask. The rest of her costume is a green cos-mat
version of Robin’s hood, complete with a silly green hat that usually gets lost
in the opening moments of battle. A leather quiver containing a dozen assorted
arrows is strapped to her back.
I look at Mad Dog. In her untransformed
state, she has muscular body, a feral look, a messy mane of tattered black
hair. Her eyes have a crazed look to them. How on Earth could people have
mistaken his madwoman for a hero? Especially when she maimed people in such a
brutal manner.
“That’s why I’m morphed,” replies Carrie
in a deep growl, “My fur is pretty thick.”
“My armour has internal air
conditioning,” I say, “That scum looks as crazy as she is.”
“How the hell can she enjoy losing
control of her beast side?” asks Carrie, a sicken look on her furry face, “I
know at first it can be hard to tame, but it gets easier with time. A lot
easier. The only way you lose it like she and her sister do if you’re forced
into it or you choose to.”
“I wouldn’t know,” mutters Robyn.
“Is something wrong?” asks Carrie.
“No, I just don’t like powers that much,
especially the ones people lose control of,” replies Robyn with a wave of her
hand, “It’s hard being the only superhero in the nation without any superpowers
and at times, it just gets to me. Especially when most of your friends and
co-workers have hit the jackpot when it comes to powers.”
“I haven’t got any powers myself, but I
can’t complain with all the other stuff I got,” I reply, “But do understand
what’s like going up against supers with no powers and only training.”
“I believe you,” says Robyn, “I’ve
worked with Narszara before you. She’s strange and scary to watch in battle,
but seems nice and has a good heart.”
I’m about to reply that’s not what I
meant when we receive the all clear. They’re ready to move out.
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