1.12 The Machine 3.0 Part 7

There are several people waiting on the helipad on top of Defender Tower when we arrive. Amongst them is my aunt, Britannia and Green Knight, but also several other government employees who lack powers.

As I land, I recognise one of them as Director Breanne Dean, the person officially in charge of the Albion Defenders after a recent promotion from liaison.

I can’t help, but notice the Albion Defenders have been going through lots of changes after being the Albion Protectors for last two decades with no major changes for several years.

I start to wonder about what could be going on before stopping myself from following that line of thought. There is being properly prepared for the unexpected and then there’s just plain, old paranoia.

Even if there was a nefarious purpose behind all these changes, I know the people who make up the Albion Defenders. They’re heroes and a good amount of them are descended from League members. If someone tried to order them to do something morally questionable, I can only think of a single Defender who might go along with it.

“Hello,” I say as I land, “I wasn’t expecting such a warm welcome.”

“It isn’t often we get a big name show up,” replies Director Dean with a smile.

It takes me a moment to process that. Me. A big name.

I do have to admit she has a point that while I personally might not be considered a big name, the Sentinel persona is, regardless of who is currently holding it. Still, the majority of it comes from my grandfather’s actions and the most that I done is simply uphold what he was already doing.

I shrug in response.

“I’m just here to use Warden’s lab to study the Machine,” I say in what I hope is a casual tone.

“Any particular reason you chosen to do it here instead of your own base?” demands another employee, an self-important looking man in a suit.

“Ever heard of the Trojan Horse?” I inquire polite.

I notice a few back straightening and the atmosphere getting tense. It seems some of the people out here have heard of it and know what I mean.

The man in the suit frowns, but before he can open his mouth again, Aunt Mary starts speaking.

“What the Sentinel is saying Mr Boyce,” says Aunt Mary, her armour’s voice changer making her sound much more impressive than without it, “Is that if the Machine turned out to be secretly still active and got loose in the League of Heroes headquarters, it would be a disaster. There are a lot of important devices and sensitive data down there.”

“Warden is correct,” Britannia agrees, backing up her teammate, “While it would be bad to have it get loose here, it would be much, much worse if that happened in the League’s base.”

“Then why are such things kept down there-,” starts the man, Mr Boyce, but Aunt Mary cuts him off again.

“Because the League is independent of our government and works with it, not for it,” says Aunt Mary, “And besides, the base is one of the most secure and safest places on the planet. I doubt even the Barbarian or the Cape could break into the base. Not even Black Storm was able to breach. In fact, only twice has the League of Heroes base been breached, once during the Sektain Invasion and the other time by the Transcendency.”

Mr Boyce attempts to speak again, but once more is stopped by someone else.

“That is beside the point and irrelevant Mr Boyce and if you wish further discussion on the matter, I will be happy to oblige you later,” says Director Dean, “But we need to focus on the matters at hand. I assume that you and Warden will be going down to her lab with the Machine’s remains Sentinel?”

“That would be correct,” I answer.

“Then I would like to request a meeting with Narszara,” continues Director Dean, “Especially considering recent and public events.”

I glance over my shoulder at Narszara and she nods.

“Sure,” I say, “I’m going the lab now.”

I pass the arms to Aunt Mary before accepting the main body of the Machine from Narszara and hefting it over my shoulders.

The people on the helipad make way for the two of us as we head for the lift. We’re the only two in it as Aunt Mary presses the button.

“You know,” I say conversationally, “We never really get to work together while in costume Aunt-,”

“You shouldn’t finish that sentence,” interrupts Aunt Mary, “We’re...not as secure about secret identities here. With so many people around, it would only take one to reveal our secret identities. I never take my armour off here. In fact, a lot of the employees have mental blocks to stop them from either remembering our secret identities or from revealing them.”

“Seriously?” I say and get a solemn nod in reply, “What about the Great Lion?”

“It’s been enchanted to stop people from remembering the identities of the people in there,” answers Aunt Mary, “You or the others never notice because we’re immune to it. Our training and mental defences protect us from the effects of it.”

We’re silent for a moment before Aunt Mary speaks again.

“It’s one of the things I missed from the days as Leaguer,” says Aunt Mary.

“You were part of the League of Heroes?” I say, surprised, “I thought you were a founding member of the Albion Defenders.”

“The Albion Protectors,” corrects Aunt Mary, “And yeah, I was a founder. But I was part of the League of Heroes during its twilight years. I was about your age when dad gave me my armour and I became his protégée. I had over six years of in the field experience when the Protectors were formed and was the oldest of the founders. Never really fit it because of that. I was always the older, experienced member of another team. That didn’t lessen with time as I kept strong ties with the League. I supposed I’ve been half-Protector and half-Leaguer. It’s been becoming more apparent since we became the Defenders and things have been changing. Come to think of it, I don’t think I was ever taken off the League’s roster. Ah, this is our floor.”

1.10 Ancient Warriors Part 8

Just like Adalbern, Sir Gawain of Camelot is an impressive sight. Unlike the German President in his suit, he looks like what one would expect of him, a knight in shining armour.

He is almost as tall as Adalbern, an impressive feat considering that Adalbern is over eight feet tall, and is encased in a suit of magitek power armour. It is sleek and smooth and looks like a set of plate armour as it doesn’t need mechanisms that are required by power armour.

Normally I would compare suits of armour to my own, but I can’t help, but notice the similarities of Camelot armour compared to the armour used en masse by the Knights Hospitaller.

The Knight Hospitaller use powered armour that has a closer resemblance to modern ballistic armour while the armour used by the Camelotians is magically enchanted plate armour. The Hospitaller helmets are similar to great helms and the Knights have their order’s symbol on their chests, the Knights of Camelot have Barbute helmets and have personalised crests.

The Knights of the Round Table have also come armed. A broadsword is sheathed at Gawain’s side and a large heater shield, made of a strong, lightweight and magical alloy, is on his back. I’m barely able to glimpse Sir Gawain’s coat of arms on the shield.

I have no doubt that both have been magically enchanted just like Sir Gawain’s armour nor that Sir Gawain could wield that blade with ease with only one hand. He does have superstrength after all.

While his power set is very similar to Adalbern’s, Sir Gawain just doesn’t quite reach the same level of power. Unlike his German counterpart, the Knight can’t walk off a bomb despite his nigh-invulnerability. Neither is he as strong and his senses aren’t quite as developed. And unlike Adalbern, Sir Gawain appears to be slowly aging over time, if only by a couple of months each century.  

His entourage is following him whilst Narszara is in her old armour, chatting to Sir Gawain.

I can easily spot the wizard Narszara mentioned. He is wearing purple robes over more simple clothes and his hood conceals his facial features from sight, but I can make out some short black hair and possibly brown eyes.

The wizard is talking to mildly beefy male Knight, who has a simple sword at his waist and a round shield strapped to his back. Through his helmet, I can see a smiling and happy face.

Just off to their side is another Knight of the Round Table, an amazonian woman. She must be the one Narszara mentioned to have the ability to shapeshift into a werewolf.

At a glance, she is the most unusual. Her arms are bare of armour and a giant greatsword is resting against her back. No way would it fit at her side. Her eyes are yellow like a wolf’s and her hair goes down past her shoulders in a silver mane of tangled hair.

At the sight of Adalbern, a feral smirk appears on her face.

“Adalbern, ye beast,” laughs Sir Gawain, “A pleasure to see you again.”

I can see that Sir Gawain is still speaking in Old English as always. Of course that is what he grew up speaking so complaining he speaks like that would like complaining if an American speaks with an American accent or Australian spoke with an Australian accent.

“I see you brought a retinue with you as usual,” notes Adalbern, “And this must be the Narszara who Sentinel has been telling me so much about. We must cross blades someday shieldmaiden.”

“It would be a pleasure Eldar-Thariloth Adalbern,” answers Narszara and she bows before the immortal president.

“So will we be needed?” asks Sam, “Or can we go? I would much rather avoid politics if nothing interesting is going to happen.”

“And by nothing interesting, Lantern means everyone getting along and talking out any differences in a peaceful and reasonable manner,” says James, “He’d be all for staying if there was going to be shouting, conflict and hostility.”

“That’s the only side of politics that interests me,” Sam agrees with a grin and Britannia sighs.

“You could escort Sir Gawain’s retinue about London?” offers Adalbern, “I doubt they wished to be involved with politics as much as the rest of you. Britannia, Warden, my guards and whoever your Prime Minister brings should be enough protection and it would be better if the Camelotians have guides to help them avoid getting into any trouble.”

“Wilt thy proposal be acceptable?” asks Sir Gawain, “I mainly brought mine retinue out of tradition. It would be of the best if they were able to explore this city with ye as escorts.”

“Eh,” shrugs Sam, “Why not? It sounds like fun.”

“Sure,” says Skyler, “I never enjoyed politics.”

“I would much rather hang around,” admits James, “I quite enjoy the intrigue of politics.”

“I’ll go with them,” I say, “With Lantern and Commando, they’ll need a sane head to keep them away from any trouble.”

“If it please you milord, I would rather stay with this group,” asks Narszara, “I would like to speak with both Gawain and Adalbern.”

“Sure,” I tell her with a wave of my hand, “Don’t start any fights.”

“Just be back before the day is over,” says Britannia, “The Prime Minister and the other government officials will wish to speak with you. Make your acquaintance and all.”

1.10 Ancient Warriors Part 7

“That’s cynical,” I reply, “I’m sure that some people who are behind it for that reason, but the vast majority are genuinely good people who want to make the world a better place.”

“That may be true, but the people running the show won’t be like that,” says Adalbern.

“You would be surprised,” I say back, “A lot of those behind the initiative have intentions to avoid that sort of thing. After all, Sentinel Technologies is a major funder of the Defender Initiative and provides them with a lot of their equipment. Other funders, such as the William Enterprise and King Incorporated, are making sure that the initiative won’t go rogue either. If anyone tries to use the Defender Initiative for nefarious purposes, they’ll find me standing against them in more than one way. And that’s not including all the other heroes you would help. But that is unlikely and the Initiative does a lot of good.”

“So why haven’t we joint it then?” asks Sky.

“Given the League’s organisation and connections, there’s too little gain for the restrictions we would receive,” I answer her, “Better to be an important backer than an important member.”

“Wait a moment,” says Sam suddenly, “You been testing Narszara’s limits right?”

“Yeah,” I reply, confused.

“So you weren’t kidding about firing a nuke at her face then,” continues Sam.

“Of course I wasn’t,” I reply.

Adalbern bursts out into laugh while Aunt Mary shakes her head. One of Adalbern’s bodyguards rests their head in their hands.

“Where have you been detonating nuclear weapons Sentinel?” demands Britannia, a dangerous look in her eyes.

“Deep below the base,” I tell her, “Nothing to worry about. Not only is it deep, but it is shielded against radiation. None gets in or out.”

“You better hope so,” grumbles Britannia.

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll check the radiation levels of the base when I get back,” I say before turning back to Adalbern, “Anything we should know about? Any supervillains showing up for vengeance? Any heroes wanting to stop you for your past crimes? Assassins trying to kill you over politics? Any bounty hunters after the price on your head?”

“None of those that I know of,” answers Adalbern, but he glances at the leader of his bodyguards, who shakes his head.

That is good news. Now just the powerful warriors of immense power and outdated versions of law and justice to worry about. All three of them.

Adalbern has mellowed out over the last few decades, I think, while Narszara will do pretty much whatever I say so I don’t really have to worry about them. That leaves just Sir Gawain. Hopefully he has gotten over his homicidal tendencies by now. He has always had a lot of those. 

So not much to worry about as long as everybody keeps in line.

“So how is your current Prime Minster?” inquires Adalbern.

For some reason the other Leaguers look to me. I personally put it down to being the most well informed and organised of us. Especially when it comes to politics.

After all, superheroes have to keep track of what way politics are going.

But our current Prime Minster, Allan Morse, is very reasonable when it comes to supers, effectively giving MI9 orders to handle things autonomously and has no problem with the privately owned League of Heroes as long as we don’t cause any trouble and don’t overstep our authority.

“He doesn’t really get involved in the affairs of the country’s superheroes so I have no idea of what he is like,” I answer, “We generally leave each other alone as long as neither of us cause any problems. Any I’m not really affected by the rest of his politics as I’m still just a kid.”

“He probably won’t talk about anything interesting then,” mutters Adalbern with a sigh.

I feel a presence on the edge of my mind, a grand and alien force probing against my mental defences.

Narszara? I inquire.

Aye Thariloth-Verigar, answers the presence.

Narszara voice rumbles throughout my mind as I lower my mental shield to let her in. Her presence engulfs me. It consist sheer power and not-quite-human feel is rather overwhelming, but I’m getting used to it.

I put the alien, but not inhuman feel to her down to her people’s confusing class of humans and her different context way of thinking to a normal human from modern Earth.

Narszara rolls back a bit as she feels my sense of being overwhelmed, but stays within my mind.

I send a mental probe to her and she starts speaking.

I am with Camelot-Regent-Camelot-Knight-Eldar-Gawain. He has brought three of Camelot-Court with him, Camelot-Court-Wizard-Evan-Gruffydd, Camelot-Knight-Brock-Mervyn and Camelot-Knight-Wolf-Etheldreda.

Narszara has a particular way of expressing things during mental contract. I can feel her mild amusement at that my thought.

Which of them have powers?

Camelot-Court-Wizard is strong-spell-caster as per his duties. Camelot-Knight-Wolf-Etheldreda has the same set-of-powers as friend-teammate-Night-Beast, but she is clearly wolf.

Good to know. How are you getting on?

Camelot-Regent-Camelot-Knight-Eldar-Gawain is a noble-and-honourable-man. With your permission, I will accept his offer to visit Camelot someday.

It strikes me that Camelot might be the only place on Earth that Narszara would fit in with the locals. Curiosity and a sense of appeasement emanates from her.

Where are you?

While I have asked Narszara the question, it is President Adalbern that answers my question.

“Gawain old friend!” exclaims Adalbern as a group of figures come into view as we exit the airport.

1.10 Ancient Warriors Part 6

“So her main power is her toughness?” asks Adalbern.

“I would say that her main power is more her inability to go down,” I reply, “Even then, if you do take her down, she doesn’t stay down for long short of being killed. And that is just the power she uses the most. At her best, she is a Class 6. I first got my suspicions I saw her in battle with Vengeance and confirmed it when testing her limits back at the base.”

“But enough about Narszara for now,” says Adalbern, “How is the rest of the League of Heroes? I would like to find out before I have to enduring the boring side of this state visit. Nothing exciting actually happens in modern politics. It’s all talk and no action.”

“We’re doing well,” I reply, “Of the originals, only Bolt, Vibration and Psychic are still alive and only Bolt is still active, through that is just public relations with no fighting. The first Bulk is still helping out with some the equipment and is willing to go out into the field if it gets bad enough. As for the rest of us, we been keeping active helping out the police. With every native supervillain in prison, we only really have been dealing with petty crime with something more serious coming up now and again. I will admit I have been dabbling with white collar crime recently. It costs people a lot more than blue collar crime by the way and nobody apart from me is a position to deal with it.”

“Commando, Storm Knight and I have also been looking at dealing with organised crime,” says Sam, “Taking out drug dealers and drug farms that the police can’t touch.”

“Vigilantism,” muses Adalbern, “Can’t say I’m surprised that the League of Heroes is prepared to casually break the letter of the law to up hold the spirit of the law. Your grandfathers always had that noble side to them and I expected them to pass it on to their heirs. Did I ever tell you about that time I fought them in Rouen? Back in the Second World War, shortly after D-Day, back when they were still called Lion Squad. I was leading a company of soldiers when we clashed. Lantern and I battled while Commando and Sentinel fought my men alongside your own soldiers. The rest of them were scattered around the rest of the town at the time. I slightly out-matched the original Lantern to be honest. He lacked my experience, but he was good enough that he was able to fight me to a standstill with those magnificent powers of his. It helped him I hadn’t faced a real threat in a long time and wasn’t expecting any real challenges. Even Supersoldier, Captain Magnificent and Strongman hadn’t been able to best me when they combined their might at Dunkirk. To be bested by a relatively new fighter was humbling to say the least. In my desire to break our stalemate especially as the rest of Lion Squad was effectively on the verge of winning the battle for the town as a whole, I destroyed the support for a nearby building. One containing French civilians and German soldiers. If I had known it contained my own men, I wouldn’t have done as I did.”

That was definitely true. Adalbern was a patriot, a determined one even if he wasn’t one of those fanatics that springs to mind when patriots are mentioned. Instead of short, visible bursts of enthusiasm, he was always there for his people, protecting them and fighting for them. He had literally always been there for them as he was already defending his people and conquering their enemies when they started recording history. He was several centuries old when his compatriot Sir Gawain for born.

Actually, now I think about it, I’m certain that Adalbern once mentioned something about being over seven thousand years old...

“But I did and I took that opportunity to get away,” continues Adalbern, “Lantern however moved to hold the building up and saved those inside. The rest of Lion Squad had rallied nearby to help Lantern stop me and I had to fend them off as Lantern saved those within the building. A noble deed that one could have easily excused him for not performing. Yet he did it anyway, without a moment’s hesitation. I also respected him for that. But at least he died a good death in the end, sacrificing himself against the greatest threat our world has ever faced.”

The Sektain Invasion. The one that the first Lantern died stopping.  Not many today still believe it was that great of a threat, but Adalbern is one of the few to fully understand what the Invasion meant especially as he played a key part in it.

“The American Government wishes for me join their Defender Initiative,” says Adalbern, changing the subject abruptly, “Not so much myself due to my history and politics, but the Gardisten. Both Wald Ritter and I refused their offers.”

“It isn’t so bad,” says Britannia, “All of the government teams in the Isles are part of it. So are most in the world. It is just you Germans, Russians and Chinese who resist the most.”

“Don’t forget the League,” cuts in Aunt Mary.

“We don’t resist them,” I protest, “I even help fund them and most of their equipment is Sentinel Tech. I suppose that technically makes the League part of the Initiative.”

“But as an established private organisation with lots of ties and connections already, you don’t need the help of the Defender Initiative as much as everybody else,” says Aunt Mary, “I think that is one of the reasons that the Initiative officials seem to avoid involving me. I have too many close ties to the League of Heroes for their taste and not as dependent on them.”

“Makes sense,” mutters Adalbern, “It also seemed like an attempted by the Americans to dominate the superhuman world even further.”

1.10 Ancient Warriors Part 5

Adalbern strolls out of the plane and down the steps, looking odd in the fancy suit he is wearing. After having heard so much from the original Leaguers about him, I always thought of him as a barbarian warrior, not a modern day politician that he currently appears to be.

And while his clothes are those of a politician, his body is most definitely not. A long mane of dirty blonde hair flows down past his shoulders and his face is extremely rugged and scarred. His body is buff, like really buff, and the way he holds himself just radiates power and authority.

And what is even stranger is when his bodyguards exit the plane. There are four of them, three men and a woman, but they look normal and seem to be the same as any other bodyguards.

No, what is strange is the idea of one of the toughest and dangerous people on the planet having normal humans as bodyguards.

By tough, I mean Adalbern has walked off a miniature nuclear explosion and by dangerous, I mean he has a personal kill count in the millions without counting those he has indirectly caused the deaths of.

On the other hand, Adalbern has fitted into modern society really well in the last few decades.

Back to first hand, he has committed genocide countless times over the centuries and hasn’t left many virgins in his wake in the past.

Plus he’s a pagan and a heathen.

Then again, Narszara is also a pagan and heathen. But we don’t exactly talk about that and I’m not an overly zealous fanatic like some folk I can think of.

I honestly don’t care about religion, race, gender or other stuff like that when it comes to people, just what kind of person someone is. That is probably going to get me into trouble someday with some fool that does care.

“President Adalbern,” says Britannia politely as she steps towards, “Welcome to Britain. I hope you had a good flight.”

“Miss Greene,” replies Adalbern, holding his hand out, “Good to see you. Your leadership of the Albion Defenders has been rather good.  I heard about what happened to your identity and you have my sympathies. Any luck on finding the personal responsible Sentinel?”

I shake my head.

“A shame,” notes Adalbern, “Will anyone else be showing up?”

“I sent Narszara to escort Sir Gawain here,” I say.

“Sir Gawain?” repeats Adalbern before clasping his hands together in excitement, “Excellent! I always look forward to seeing him! Though, if you told me any time before this last half of a century that we would end up as friends, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

“Sir,” says one of Adalbern’s bodyguards, “We really ought to get moving. Your staff is waiting to leave the plane.”

The man is speaking in German, but I understand it rather well. Part of the preparation we received from the old League was various languages. I can personally speak English, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Maltese, Russian, Mandarin, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Sangorri, Turkish, Polish and Egyptian.

I also know quite a bit of a few other languages as well. I should also probably mention that I’m quite rusty when it comes to most of them with only German, French and English being the ones I don’t need some refreshing in.

It occurs to me that Britannia is the only person here who can’t understand German.

“So the lot of you were assigned to honour guard me?” inquires Adalbern politely.

“The fact that as we’re famous and well-known national superheroes and you’re a visiting a head of state are the main reasons,” replies Warden.

“Another reason it is us is because you’re effectively an ex-supervillain and as one of the most dangerous and powerful in history, the folks at Downing Street felt that they needed supers tough enough to take you on around you in case things went bad,” I continue my Aunt’s explanation, “They figure you’re most dangerous type of villain out there. Well, I do at the very least.”

“And by that you mean?” prods Adalbern, switching to Greek as our group starts to walk.

“There are two types of dangerous supers,” I reply, also in Greek, “You have the Class 5s and 6s, who are dangerous on the count of sheer power. The threat they propose comes simply from their raw power. Then you have the arguably worse ones, those without powers or only weak or basic ones that rely on their wits, skill and tech to be dangerous. Amongst them you have Blue Knight, the Aquilines and Black Watch. Then you have the mix between those, those that have powers and smarts. Those ones include you, the original Lantern and Black Storm amongst their number. Sir Gawain and Narszara too. But you and I both already know this and we both know it. Combined with the fact you switched to Greek, language most people are unlikely to know, you’re just testing my knowledge.”

I’m also certain that I got some of my words mixed up or pronounced in correctly. Being extremely bilingual isn’t easy without constant practice that I don’t have time to do.

“Correct Sentinel,” says Adalbern, now speaking in Italian, “It is good to see the legacy of grand heroes continued by worthy heirs.”

He pauses before switching Russian, “I am hoping to meet Narszara. I have heard much about her. What exactly is she like?”

“For starters, she’s a Class 6, but is passively a Class 2 when not using her powers and is usually only Class 3 or 4 when fighting,” I reply in French before switching to my native English, “I only seen her full extent of abilities during testing. Her main ability is her magic, martial skill and toughness. Her toughness and durability are extremely interesting. Unlike many with super toughness, she lacks the usual nigh-invulnerability. Instead, she is relatively hard to hurt when compared to a normal person. But she can take a darn lot of hurt. For example, with Britannia, try and stab her skin with a knife and you wouldn’t even harm her an ounce. With Narszara, one would probably get a shallow cut if you tried the same, but she would shrug it off without a second thought. If you escalated the scale of the attacks, you would eventually overwhelm the nigh-invulnerability. On Narszara, she just continues to shrug it off. Stab her? She probably won’t even realise it. Break a limb? Just continues using it without feeling the pain. Give her multiple fatal injuries. She would- actually, Narszara had some when we first met and ignore them for a while before dismissing them as “minor injuries of no concern” if memory serves. Basically, she can be hurt, but Narszara will just walk off pretty much anything. Continue to hurt her and she’ll continue to walk it off. Even things that would take out people like Tharlore or Powerman.”

1.10 Ancient Warriors Part 4

“So he is coming here soon?” asks Sam from next to me, “The Barbarian?”

It is just the four of us, Sam, Skyler, James and I, all in costume and awaiting the German President’s arrival at Heathrow Airport.

“He’s called President Adalbern now,” I reply, “And his plane is arriving any minute now.”

“So why us and not the Albion Defenders?” asks Sam, referring to how members of the independent League of Heroes were asked to greet him instead of the government sponsored Albion Defenders.

“The League has interacted with him a lot over the last century,” I answer, “The Defenders haven’t. Having the descendants of his former enemies and allies will make a good impression on him and reassure the public more than having the Albion Defenders would as the League is better known. Or so the government hopes. I personally agree with them given who else is going to show up.”

“Wait, who else is coming?” asks Sky.

“Sir Gawain,” I reply, “He and Adalbern go back centuries. He won’t let just let Adalbern into the isles without being there in person to keep an eye on him. I’ve sent Narszara to check on him and to escort the old knight. I think they’ll get along well. Both are honourable warriors and they share the same outdated ideals. She is also just as similar to Adalbern as she is to Gawain so I much rather she get to know Gawain first.”

“Better to have her befriend the proto-superhero than to have her befriend the proto-supervillain,” agrees James, “So remind me why is Adalbern, the ultra bad warlord, the President of Germany for life again?”

“He helped us, the Allies, take down the Nazi before the Russians could too involved and he was a better choice to lead the Germans than the other options at the time,” I explain, “He has done a really good job of ruling so far and hasn’t done anything too wrong yet. Nothing serious enough for our grandparents to care about at least. Plus I don’t think the Allies realised the implications of having an immortal supervillain elected to a position that is held for life.”

“I think I see it,” says Sky suddenly, “The Barbarian’s plane!”

“President Adalbern’s plane,” I correct dryly as I look towards the sky.

I can see the plane quite clearly with the armour, even if my HUD wasn’t highlighting it. I bet Sam will spot as easily as I did. His visor’s HUD is the same as my armour’s HUD after all.

“I see it as well,” notes Sam.

“I can’t,” says James.

“Commando has highly advanced senses hence why see spotted it while Lantern’s visor’s HUD and my armour both allow us to spot it,” I say to James, “Your telepathy is only helpful if they’re close, but out of sight.

“But I can tell that Britannia is nearby,” says James, “The Warden too.”

“Know why?” I inquire

“Their minds are shielded you know,” says James.

I do know what he means actually and James knows as my mind is shielded in the same manner. While it is easy for a telepath to detect someone’s mind, getting into it is an entirely different matter. Just as there are several different ways to break into someone’s mind, they are just as many ways to protect it as well if not more.

The four of us, the original League and the rest of the new League are old trained in most of them. While their League descendants count amongst the League in this matter, the Albion Defenders have less extensive training.

“I know,” I reply as the German plane comes down and begins its final descent.

I recognise the design. It’s one of mine. Not surprising as a lot of VIPs buy Sentinel Tech private jets to ferry themselves around in.

“So here comes the Barbarian,” says Britannia.

“President Adalbern,” corrects Aunt Mary.

I grin beneath my helmet.

“Anything else I should know?” asks Britannia as I look over at her.

I notice straight away a difference in her appearance. A brand new costume. Still cos-mat of course, but her old one was a full body suit that looked like the British flag with a mask that covered her head minus her eyes and lower face with a slit at the back to let her brown hair out.

Now it is majorly different. For starters, there is no mask to cover her face and hide her identity. I guess she doesn’t see the need to have one now with her invulnerability and public revelation of who she is.

As for the rest of it, it looks more like a Britannia statue. A white cos-mat shirt without any sleeves covers her upper body with a thick golden belt below it. A flowing white cos-mat skirt goes down to her knees. Knowing her and the Albion Defenders, there has to be cos-mat leggings underneath the dress. An ocean blue cape is draped over back.

“I’m going for a new look,” says Britannia as if in response.

I notice the golden Corinthian helmet with a red plume she’s holding her hands.

I think her old suit was more practical and traditional superhero looking.

“She is trying to look more like the historical Britannia,” offers Aunt Mary as an explanation for the new style.

“No trident and shield?” asks James.

“Wouldn’t fit with my fighting style,” answers Britannia with a shrug, “I’m a hand-to-hand combatant. That is how my power set works best.”

“So what are you two doing here?” asks Sam.

“Last minute changes to the honour guard,” says Aunt Mary, “Some folks higher up felt that there should be some Albion Defenders to escort the President around after all. Britannia is our team leader and of the League descendents within the Defenders, I’m the most famous and well known so the two of us got sent.”

“Anything we should know?” asks Britannia.

“Sir Gawain is going to show up,” I say.

“You sure?” asks Britannia, “He doesn’t leave Camelot for anything, preferring to stay out of the world’s affairs."

“I’m sure,” I reply firmly, “He and Adalbern have been frenemies for centuries. Ancient Brit and Ancient German. Knight in Shining Armour and Savage Barbarian Warlord. Proto-Superhero and Proto-Supervillain. They are the two immortal sides of one coin. There is no way Adalbern can come to the British Isles without Sir Gawain coming out to keep an eye on him. I’ve sent Narszara to meet him and escort him. She is so alike to both of them that she going to hit off with the first one she meets and I rather that be Gawain than Adalbern.”

We call fall silent as it is at that moment the plane finally lands. 

1.8 Assassins Part 4

I look at my communicator. It says Laura the one calling me. I guess I should take it.

“Hello Laura,” I say, “Have you got any news on Nightblade?”

“I managed to track his payer to the same person behind the bounties on you, the warehouse tip off, Hall and Edison’s guns and the revealer of Britannia’s identity. ” replies Laura, “He was paid to kill Britannia’s family and heroes who got in the way. But his employer paid him even after he failed so he’s not going after them anymore. Why someone wanted to kill them in the first place, but then not be bothered when that doesn’t happen worries me frankly. We’re either dealing with an idiot or, more likely given his past known actions, our foe’s goals in this matter were fulfilled. Not that I can figure them out. I just wish it didn’t involve doing what they did to Britannia. But that’s not all I want to talk about.”

“So what else?” I ask.

“First you might want a bit of information your friend Mia Robinson, the captain of the Dust Corsair,” replies Laura.

“Definitely,” I say.

“She’s settled back down into her family and a normal life,” says Laura, “A bit of trouble respecting authority and she is still unusual. Mia is gotten on good terms with the Defenders of the Bush. Basically, she’s weird, but otherwise Mia is fitting in.”

“I’ll relay that to Darrac,” I reply.

“One last thing,” says Laura, “A personal favour.”

“A personal favour,” I repeat surprised.

Laura rarely asks for a personal favour. When she does, they usually consist of asking for information, using one of our contracts or getting some free equipment.

“What is it?” I inquire.

“You know my kids,” says Laura.

“Yeah.”

Laura has four kids. Her oldest daughter is called Bellona and is sixteen. Her second eldest daughter is fourteen and called Alexandra. Her third child is eleven year old boy called Halvard while her youngest is a nine year old girl called Lorica. All have been trained to take over from Laura when they’re old enough.

“It is to do with Alexandra,” explains Laura, “You know how she has never been the most eager for a fight. Well, she doesn’t want to follow in the family footsteps and I’m not going to force her to. But I’m not sure what to do with her now. I’m kind of hoping she could stay with the League. Not, part of it, but just live the base like Narszara does.”

“That’s doable,” I reply, “It would be good for Narszara to have a housemate and it shouldn’t cause any problems. Alex can be trusted like all of your family.”

“Alex will be pleased,” says Laura, “I’ll tell her the good news. Thanks.”

Laura ends the call and Charlie raises an eyebrow at me.

“Just offered to let someone else stay at the base without asking or telling the others?” says Charlie.

“In fairness to me, I do actually own the base when it comes to the paperwork,” I reply in joking tone, “And granddad built by himself and he gave it to me when he died.”

“True, true,” grins Charlie, “So are we putting some weapons into the Bulk armour.”

“Yup and the Sentinel armour too,” I reply.

“Good,” replies Charlie, “I got to go now. See you later.”

***

“Daniel!” calls Mum from downstairs as I sit at the desk in my bedroom, “Dinner!”

“Coming Mum!” I reply as I take off my headphones.

I’ve been doing research for a school project in addition to my one of my other Sentinel projects. I’ve been trying to work on a way for quick and efficiently take a normal person down at range. For non-lethal crowd control.

At the moment I was thinking about a sort of laser-taser hybrid that uses lasers to artificially create ionised paths for the electricity to path. Trying to figure that out is as hard as it sounds.

It is a simply meal that Mum is dishing up, chicken goujons and hash browns. Lily is having chips instead of hash browns. She has never really been keen on them much to my annoyance as I have always preferred hash browns to chips.

I’m digging into my first goujon when Lily starts talking.

“Did you hear about the news this morning?” inquires Lily.

“What part?” asks Mum, but I already know what Lily is referring to.

“About Britannia’s identity,” answers Lily excitedly.

“I don’t why people seem to think that’s a good thing,” I cut in, “Her life has been changed beyond her control and not for the better. She has to live full time with people knowing she’s a superhero and can no longer live a normal life. Plus a superpowered assassin was able to go after her family because of it. And who knows how many more villains will try to after her family to get to Britannia.”

Not expecting my vigorous reply, Lily looks ready to launch an argument for the sake of it when Mum steps in, seeing the potential disaster in the making.

“Talking about families, remember that the Moors are coming to visit tomorrow,” says Mum, “Daniel, I expect you to spend time with your cousins instead of keeping to yourself all day.”

“Usually hang out with friends,” I protest, “I don’t hide away all day.”

“My point still stands Daniel,” says Mum sternly.

I sigh as I know I’m not going to win this one.

1.8 Assassins Part 3

Most of them have come. There is Britannia, Warden, Dreadnought, Green Knight, Merlin, Robyn Hood, Dreadnought, Multitude, Spectre and Eternal.

Ten of the thirteen Albion Defenders. Well, they are based nearby enough so they would have left London when I started fighting Nightblade.

Britannia and Warden are flying while the rest are in one of the Defender jets, a lesser copy of the League jet.

I look back down at Nightblade. He’s running in the opposite direction of the Riley house.

I land on the ground and Britannia flies down next to me, gazing her sister’s house. She looks uncharacteristically vulnerable.

“So now what?” I ask her.

“I don’t know,” mutters Britannia quietly, “I never, it’s just... I never expected this to happen. I just don’t know what to do.”

You can hear the hopeless despair in her voice.

“They could stay at the base,” I say, “We got more than enough room and they would be totally safe. And once things settle down they could always go and live somewhere else if they wanted to.”

She looks at me before sighing in regret.

“I’ll speak with my family,” says Britannia, “Thanks for the offer.”

“That was good thing to do,” says Aunt Mary as she lands on the other side of me and Britannia walks towards her sister’s house.

“Yeah,” I reply quietly, “But the others don’t have a clue about it.”

“Spontaneous?” inquires Mary

“Yes, but I don’t regret it,” I tell her.

“We were discussing what to do about it when we found out about Nightblade,” notes Mary sourly, “We never even considered the possibly of someone going after her family or even bothered to post protection.”

The local police have now shown up.

“I’m going back home,” I say as I fly up into the air, “I need to speak with the others and I got stuff to do.”

***

“Did you even think to check with any of us?” demands Lucy.

We’re all sit around the table, all of the new Leaguers.

“I came up with the idea on spot,” I reply, “I wouldn’t change if I what I said even if I could. It was the right thing to do.”

Lucy looks ready to argue the point further, but Sam cuts in.

“I agree with Daniel,” says Sam, “I know how I feel if my identity was revealed and I would wanted to protect my family. I know you would all feel the same.”

“First they might not even stay here,” I say, “But if they do, we’ll have to find out how much they know about us. We’ll work out what to do from there depending on how thing develop.”

“Any idea who is behind it?” asks James.

“Britannia’s identity going public?” I reply, “Not a clue. I tracked the source down to being originally leaked in America, but beyond that nothing. My gut says it is whoever built the machine and placed the bounties on us is behind it. But that might be me just being paranoid.”

“It could be one of Britannia’s enemies responsible,” suggests Sky.

“What about Nightblade?” asks Sam.

“I believe he was hired by whoever was behind the leak,” I answer, “That’s the only way he could have been hired to go after Britannia’s family like that so soon. I’m not entirely certain Nightblade was trying to kill them by the way. He might have been trying to capture them, but I can say that for sure.”

“What were you doing over there so quickly anyway Daniel?” inquires Helen.

“I had help the police stop an armed fight between a couple of gangs in Salisbury when I found out about the leak,” I tell them, “The situation was under control there so I decided to make sure Britannia’s family was safe when I found out they’re details and addresses were leaked as well.”

“Lucky for them,” mutters Sky.

“So now what?” asks Sam as he looks around the table.

“We get on with our lives and wait for things to progress further,” I say, “And keep an eye out for Nightblade since he got away.”

We all get up. I head for the lab while the others go off in different directions, mostly to the exits.

“Daniel, wait up,” says Charlie from behind me.

“Yes?” I reply as I turn around.

“I want to talk to you about the Bulk armour,” says Charlie.

“Sure.”

We both walk to the lab. Once inside, I sit down in the chair at the workbench, my usual spot in the lab.

“So what about the Bulk armour?” I inquire.

“Well I figured that as it is too big for anything apart from the big such we should adapt for the big stuff,” says Charlie, “You know, some of the stuff Grandpa had on his armour such as missiles and heavy weaponry. In case I have to fight anything like the Machine again.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” I reply thoughtfully, “I’ve been meaning to put some heavier firepower into the Sentinel armour for the same reasons. Last time I clashed with the Machine, I almost got killed. Only Darrac and Lanterns saved me from death.”

“The space pirate,” says Charlie with a nod.

“Right, I-” I pause as my communicator beeps.

It acts as my super advanced phone and is disguised as a smart phone. If people ask me what make, I tell them it’s a custom design I created myself. Which is true.

“What now?” I complain out loud to no one in particular.