1.4 Murder Part 7

I enjoyed hanging out with Alexandria. Even if we mainly discussed her life and avoided the topic of my own. Personally I prefer Leo and Jaylyn, but that’s only because they understand technology like I do and enjoying creating new devices like I do.

It was particularly funny when Alexandria was shocked at hearing my real voice without the distorter. And the fast food was nice even if unhealthy. I think I’ll stick to healthier stuff in the future.

I hope to contact her in the future.

Legacy smiles as she thinks back on their parting moment. She entered a signal for Alexandria to call to Guardian into her gauntlet device using her technopathy.

Leo should be calling me soon to talk about whatever he mentioned earlier. Knowing Leo, it’ll be interesting.

“Are you there Legacy?” says Leo’s voice suddenly from Legacy’s computer.

“Yes,” answers Legacy quickly, “Did you get back in time?”

“I was a couple of minutes late, but I didn’t really get into trouble except for getting told off by the teacher,” says Leo, “I’ve behaved well enough in the past that she didn’t mind me being a bit late today. So Aquiline and his pals been captured?”

“Yes, the police are currently holding them,” replies Legacy, “They won’t be able to harm any more people.”

“How many?” asks Leo.

“Alexandria said that the causalities consisted of that woman who was injured earlier and two men were slain in the apartment building,” answers Legacy, “It could have been worse.”

“But any deaths is a failure to me,” says Leo with a sigh.

“I concur,” agrees Legacy, “We shall endeavour to prevent this from happening again.”

“Yeah, we will,” mutters Leo, “But let’s move on to the other thing I want to talk about, something I was going to mention even before today’s events. You and Scott have your hideout and Jaylyn and I have our base, but as partners, we should have a base that we share.”

“There’s too much distance between us,” replies Legacy.

“It’s only a lake separating us,” points out Leo, “I think we should build ourselves a base beneath that with entrances in both of our cities.”

That’s not a bad idea. Actually, that’s a pretty good idea. But I have no idea in how I will be help with that. All of my creations are done on a small, personal level, not large scale manufacturing like Leo does so easily.

“I don’t think that I’ll be able to help much in that regard,” admits Legacy.

“I expected that Jaylyn and I would have to do majority of it ourselves,” says Leo, “You can still help by designing things. Plus you could help Jaylyn acquire the money need to buy the resources using your power. Technopathy should be very useful for hacking mob bank accounts.”

“When are you going to get started?” asks Legacy.

“I already have,” answers Leo, “I’m going to build from my current base. It is the only real way considering that it’s going to beneath a massive lake. I estimated that it will take two to three weeks to get the base operational if we devote the majority of my resources to it, a month max. But it’ll be a few months before I can get it fully operational. Jaylyn will be in charge of a lot of it. As much as Jaylyn is....unnerving to me, having a loyal and competent AI to help you out is really useful.”

“I like Jaylyn,” says Legacy.

“So do I,” agrees Leo quickly, “But...”

“Having built your own daughter while is in your mid-teens creeps you out,” finishes Legacy, having heard it several times now.

“Yeah,” mutters Leo.

“I’ll do my best to help in whatever way I can,” Legacy tells him.

“Talking about helping in what ways we can,” says Leo, “Have you ever thought about using our powers to invent things that could help the world?”

It hasn’t been one of my greatest concerns to be honest. My power doesn’t work on their scale and I find it much easier to just create my devices rather than to design and built them. Not like Leo, who documents everything that he designs even if he doesn’t build it.

“I can’t of many that could be weaponised,” replies Legacy, “If people do get access to such things, I think it would best if they are developed over time.”

“I get that feeling a lot,” agrees Leo, “Hence why I also haven’t publically released any of my documents. And I don’t want to release anything that gives us the edge such as my compound or your ElecMag Extractor.”

“So are you trying to help make the world a better place?” inquires Legacy.

“It is harder than it sounds,” replies Leo, “It’s not just a matter of releasing all of my inventions to the public. I did try to cure cancer, but it seems that my powers are limited to areas such as physics and engineering. I am attempting to design a space elevator, but again, it’s harder than it sounds. I’m just grateful that I made what progress I have on helping Joan.”

“Is there anything I can do to help with that?” asks Legacy.

He goes on about Joan so much. Leo really cares for her and I hate how his inability to truly help her seems to be tearing him up inside. That said, I actually have yet to meet Joan herself.

“Not really,” answers Leo, “The problem isn’t so much as helping her, but helping her in way that does give her undue attention. I want to keep my identity secret as Joan would be too much of a target for any enemies I might make. That said, I won’t let her die to preserve my secret identity.”

“If it comes to that, I will do my best to support you,” promises Legacy.

“Thanks, but let’s just try to avoid letting things come to that in the first place,” says Leo, “Another thing I wanted to bring up is that now you got your new armour, you can come and visit me sometimes. We could do stuff like hang out in the base and play games together or something. I could also introduce you to Charlie and you might be able to chat with Joan even if you couldn’t meet her in person.”

“That sounds nice,” Legacy tells her partner with a smile.

1.4 Murder Part 6

“Why did you follow me Alexandria?” asks Guardian without turning around.

“I wanted to talk and I wasn’t sure on how to contact you in the future,” replies Alexandria, “Do live near here?”

“No,” answers Guardian as she turns to glare at her, “I just land to make sure nobody is following me.”

Alexandria at least has the decency to look guilty.

“I’m not trying to find out where you live or secret identity or anything,” says Alexandria sheepishly,  “As I said, I just want to talk with you.”

“Why?” asks Guardian.

“Because you’re the first person with powers about my age that I have met,” replies Alexandria, “I 

still got my friends and they are understanding, but... It’s just that...Urghhh!”

“You want to be friends?” suggests Guardian.

“Yeah! That’s it,” agrees Alexandria, “If you want to that is.”

“I would like to do that,” replies Guardian, “I don’t have that many friends.”

Only Scott, Leo and Jaylyn to be precise. Having more friends couldn’t hurt as long as I can trust them. And I can trust Alexandria even if she isn’t that useful in combat.

“That’s great,” says Alexandria, “How such we contact each other?”

“I’ll find you to start off with,” Guardian tells her before another thought crosses her mind, “What about that fact I’m an illegal vigilante?”

“It doesn’t matter unless you do something particularly bad,” answers Alexandria with a shrug, “If people do mind, well, I’m a lot stronger than any of them and I’m not letting anybody dictate who I’m allowed to friends with because of politics.”

“I’ll trust you on that matter,” says Guardian, “I’ll speak with you later. I’m going to have lunch now.”

“Oh!” says Alexandria, “You can have lunch with me!”

“Are you sure?” inquires Guardian.

“I didn’t get to finish my lunch today and school has already given me the rest of the day off to deal today’s events,” answers Alexandria, “It isn’t like anybody is going to try and arrest you.”

“Let me call Sentry,” says Guardian.

“Already know Legacy,” says Scott over their private channel, “The link to your armour is still open.”

“Done,” Guardian tells Alexandria, “I’m ready to go.”

“Great!” exclaims Alexandria, “Any preferences on what you would like?”

“I’ll eat pretty much anything,” answers Guardian, “I’ll have whatever you get me.”

“Cool,” says Alexandria, “That’ll simplify things. We should probably get in the air before somebody finds us.”

Guardian activates her boot KEPs and flies straight up and Alexandria continues to easily keep pace with her.

“So should I just get some fast food?” inquires Alexandria.

“Sure,” answers Guardian.

“Just wondering,” says Alexandria, “How are you going to eat?”

“I’ll take my helmet off,” replies Guardian.

“But won’t that reveal your face to me?” asks Alexandria in confusion.

“Does that matter?” Guardian asks back.

“But what about your secret identity?” demands Alexandria.

“You said that you’re not going to reveal it,” counters Guardian, “I trust you not to do that.”

“Umm, thanks?” offers Alexandria, “We shouldn’t be since in public together so you follow me high up in the sky. If anybody sees you, they’ll mistake for you a bird or something.”

“Understood,” replies Guardian and flies up higher.

“Okay,” says Alexandria, “I’ll meet you back up there with takeaway.”

Guardian wonder what fast food is as Alexandria zooms off.

“Nice to see that you’re making friends,” says Scott over the private channel, “So Sentry eh.”

“I needed to come up with a codename for you so I didn’t reveal yourself name,” replies Guardian, “I hope you don’t mind the one I picked for you. Jaylyn liked hers.”

“It’s good one and there are worse ones out there,” says Scott, “Sentry is okay and I like it. I know that Alexandria is one of good guys and is trustworthy as a far as we know, but just keep in mind that you’re a vigilante while she works for the government. While you’re both good guys, you’re not on the same team as her bosses, even if you are on the same side.”

“I know that,” replies Guardian, “I would like to have another friend, even if they are useless in fight.”

I had hoped that with her powers, that Alexandria would be better in battle.

“Don’t dismiss Alexandria out of hand,” warns Scott, “Techni-Hurt and Krystal were just about to counter her powers. In a conventional fight, Alexandria would be invaluable and she will be even better once she actually gets some training and experience. Don’t forget she has only had her powers for a month and a half and that today was her first time in battle.”

Guardian waits in silent as Alexandria returns with the food. She’s got a couple of paper bags in one hand and two cups with lids in the other.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted so I just got you a burger with fries,” says Alexandria as she passes one of the bags and cups to Guardian, “I have also got you a chocolate milkshake. I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I’ll enjoy it,” answers Guardian, “I never actually had fast food before. Would you like me to pay you back?”

“Only if you got the money legally,” replies Alexandria.

“I don’t think I got any legally acquired money,” admits Guardian, “So I won’t be able to pay you back.”

Perhaps I should try to get some legal money for situations like this.

“Don’t worry about it,” says Alexandria, “Want to head back to my brother’s new penthouse? We can hang out without being disturbed. Unless my mum is there, but I’m sure that she’ll leave us be. Come on, let’s go.”

Alexandria zooms off, leaving Guardian to hunt down the speedy flying brick.

1.4 Murder Part 5

“You found them then?” inquires Alexandria as she easily keeps up with Guardian.

“Sentry did,” answers Guardian, “He says that they have already started killing.”

“That’s bad,” replies Alexandria, “We should-, I got a call.”

Any ideas on what I should do voice?

Aquiline

Is he the biggest threat?

“Yeah, sir,” says Alexandria as she speaks into her gauntlet device, “Me and Guardian are already heading over to them. Her pal, Sentry, found them. I know, I know.”

“Hey Guardian,” says Alexandria as she ends her call, “I can trust you right? You’re one of the good guys?”

“Of course,” answers Guardian, “We’ve approaching our destination.”

Guardian locations at the location highlighted on her HUD. It’s an apartment building, not a particularly tall one, with its front doors kicked in. She can easily pick out the heat signatures of those inside.

But despite the screaming coming from the building and fact it has obviously been broken into, people are ignoring the apartment building.

“Where are they?” asks Alexandria as she slows down.

“The one with the broken doors,” answers Guardian as she heads for the building.

“None of them have broken doors,” protests Alexandria, but Guardian ignores her.

Instead, Guardian flies at the window of the room that the trio are in. She could take the doors and stairs, but there are innocent people in the room with the villains.

Guardian zooms through the window, stun-pipe in one hand with her modified-stun-pipe in the other.

Cowering in the corner is a family of three, a mother with her two children, one is a boy in his late teens while other is younger girl. In the door stands Krystal and Aquiline, who has another pair of not-technology guns in his hands.

Guardian doesn’t waste any time as she rushes forward, poking both of the not-technology guns with her power. They explode as expected, disorienting Aquiline and Krystal.

“What are you doing-whoa!” Alexandria starts to demand as she flies in after Guardian.

“Find Techni-Hurt,” Guardian tells her as she swings her stun-pipe into Krystal’s gut, “I’ll deal with these two.”

“On it,” replies Alexandria as Guardian turns her attention on the recovered Aquiline.

“You’re really starting to piss me off,” snarls Aquiline, “Do really think that you can beat us?”

“Quite irrelevant, but yes,” answers Guardian as she swings her pipes at him.

The Aquiline dodges and punches Guardian’ chest. He winces and pulls his hand away. Guardian is about to counterattack when she hears Alexandria screaming from below.

Does that girl require constant babysitting?

No.

Rhetorical question voice.

Guardian kicks Aquiline in the chest and he goes flying out of the room. She moves into the next room to check on him, but the villain isn’t getting back up. None the less, Guardian places a couple of sensors on him.

The voice did say he was the biggest threat.

Better go and save Alexandria now.

Guardian runs back into the room and jumps out the window. She looks at the scene below and blinks in surprise.

Alexandria is down on the ground (again) while Techni-Hurt is being whooped by Gears.

Yes!

Guardian jumps down from the window. As to be expected, Gears is easily handling Techni-Hurt and her not-technology.

How could someone wielding not-technology best someone with proper technology? Still, I should help my partner in justice.

Guardian reaches out with her power, lashing at Techni-Hurt’s not-technology. The villainess screams with pain as her not-technology, including her suit of power armour, explodes. Gears quickly finishes Techni-Hurt with electric sphere.

“Urrgh,” groans Alexandria, “What hit me?”

“Techni-Hurt hit you with a blast from her weapon,” answers Gears as he marches up to her and offers a hand to help her up, “My best guess is that it disrupts your power and stuns you.”

“Is she down?” inquires Alexandria as she accepts his Gears’ hand and he pulls her up.

“Yes,” answers Guardian, “Krystal and Aquiline are both down in the apartment.”

“Great,” says Alexandria, “I’ll the police to arrest them? I’m fairly certain the FBI, CIA or someone will be showing up as well and it would best for everyone if you didn’t get involved anymore. I know you’re good guys and all, but you’re still illegal vigilantes even if you did save the day.”

“I understand,” replies Gears, “I don’t want to get involved in that stuff anyway. At least not until the proper procedures have been worked out and finalised.”

“Okay,” says Alexandria, “Thanks for the help by the way. I wouldn’t have been able to stop these guys on my own.”

“Come on Guardian,” Gears says to Guardian as he activates his boot KEPs, “Let’s go.”

Guardian activates her own boot KEPs and follows him. Once both are up in the air and out of sight, Gears opens a private channel with her.

“I got to get back to school now,” says Gears, “I might be able to get back in time for the start of afternoon lessons. If not...well this is more important than missing the start of English. We’ll talk more later. There is this cool idea I want to tell you about, but I don’t have the time now.”

“I understand,” replies Guardian, “I’m going to go back and have lunch with Scott. This was just meant to be a quick field test of my new armour before I encountered the supervillains.”

Gears adds some more boost to his KEPs and zooms off ahead while Guardian slows down as she approaches the basement.

This day could have gone better, but it could have easily been much, much worse.

Guardian rolls her shoulders as she lands a few blocks away from the basement. She doesn’t want anybody following back to her hideout.

And a good thing it turns out to be for her as Guardian hears a familiar voice from behind her.

“Hi Guardian.”

1.4 Murder Part 4

“It was not technology!” Guardian growls again as she turns to face Alexandria.

Alexandria is her costume, a blue one with a miniskirt plus red leggings. White gloves and boots cover her hands and feet respectively while there is red cape on her back.

On her chest is Alexandria’s symbol, emblem and crest. It is a white eight pointed star with cardinal points larger than the others and south point is the longest.

“Umm, sure, it wasn’t technology,” says Alexandria as she takes a step back, her blue eyes widening.

But Guardian ignores her as she focuses on the message she just received from Jaylyn.

My father is on his way. I will search for the Aquiline and his allies using the resources available to me. Scott is assisting me.

“Really Miss Clarkson?” says Kingston with a sigh.

“She’s scary! Sir!” protests Alexandria, “You can’t see any of her body at all and her voice is all distorted and heavy! Plus she could totally take me in a fight judging by earlier.”

“None the less,” replies Kingston before turning to his attention back to Guardian, “Do you have any ideas on how to find the Aquiline and his gang? Because at the moment, my people have no way of finding them on their own.”

“Gears and I are already tracking them,” answers Guardian.

“Gears?” repeats Kingston, “That vigilante from Michigan?”

“He is my partner,” offers Guardian, “He is also on his way to help.”

“Great,” groans Kingston, “Another vigilante getting involved. Just what I needed.”

A message from Scott arrives.

Ask them about Alexandria. Tell them that you trying to pass the time as you hunt for the locations of Aquiline and his folks.

“May I ask something?” inquires Guardian.

“Why not?” says Kingston with a shrug.

“I would like to know more about Alexandria,” says Guardian.

“Me?” says Alexandria blankly as she stares at Guardian.

“Not much beyond what is publically known,” answers Kingston, “You’re better off getting your answers from her, not me.”

Guardian turns to face Alexandria and Alexandria sighs.

“Can you at least tell me your power?” asks Alexandria in a somewhat pleading voice.

“It is technopathy,” says Kingston dryly.

“You told him!” complains Alexandria, miffed at the fact.

“Yes,” replies Guardian and Alexandria sighs again.

“I suppose I can tell you,” groans Alexandria, “It isn’t like nobody else knows everything about my life. My name is Charlotte Clarkson. I’m seventeen years old and I was born and raised in Chicago by my mother. At the start of the year that I got my powers. Like my brother did. Do I need to go over those?”

“I would like to hear what your powers are from you,” answers Guardian.

“Fine,” grumbles Alexandria, “I got super strength, nigh invulnerability, super senses, super speed and flight. Oh, and I also became super beautiful and fit with all my muscles and curves that you can see.”

“Interesting,” muses Guardian, “Does Atlas have the same powers as you?”

“Oh yeah,” says Alexandria, “My brother has the same powers as me, but stronger.”

“Let’s go patrolling now,” declares Guardian as she heads for the exit.

“Wait, that’s it?” demands Alexandria, “You’re just going to ask me about my life before just going?”

“Yes,” answers Guardian bluntly.

“You better go along with her Miss Clarkson,” says Kingston, “Try not to engage in illegal activities with her.”

Alexandria sighs and follows Guardian out of the office.

“So what is your plan?” inquires Alexandria as she hovers alongside Guardian.

“Patrol the skies and met up with Gears,” answers Guardian, “In the meantime, my other allies are attempting to find using available resources.”

“Are these resources legally available to you?” inquires Alexandria.

“I don’t know,” replies Guardian, “It has never mattered. Not even now.”

“Of course it doesn’t,” grumbles Alexandria, “So who are your allies?”

“Both Gears and I each have partner,” says Guardian, “I have Sc-Sentry while Gears has Sentinel.”

Almost revealed Scott’s name. That could of have been bad. I hope Jaylyn doesn’t mind me deciding on her codename for her. She was going to pick that one or Dragon anyway so it isn’t like I picked one that she didn’t want. Here’s a message from her now.

I like my new codename! Father will be meeting you at the same spot as last time.

Chirpy as always.

“So where are we going to start?” inquires Alexandria as they exit the police headquarters.

“We’re going to meet up with Gears first,” Guardian tells her.

“Whatever,” replies Alexandria as Guardian takes off.

Is she always like this? Or does she just have something against me?

“Hey Guardian,” says Alexandria, “How have your powers changed your life?”

How am I supposed to answer that? My powers are the main constant in my life.

“I’m one of the worst people that you can ask that question to,” replies Guardian, “You’re probably better off asking Gears, but he is much more secretive than I am.”

“You’re pretty secretive yourself,” retorts Alexandria.

“I’m actually quite open,” disagrees Guardian, “I simply have fewer secrets to keep.”

And I’m not sure what that is bad thing or good one.

Neither.

“Legacy,” says Scott via Guardian’s armour.

“Yes,” answers Guardian, keeping their conversation private within her armour.

“I found the trio’s location,” says Scott, “Sending it to your HUD now. What is-Get over there now! They’re already killing!”

“Understood,” says Guardian as she turns to head to her new location.

“Where are you going?” demands Alexandria.

“To stop Aquiline and his allies,” answers Guardian calmly.

1.4 Murder Part 3

“I take it that you’re not going to tell me who you are,” says Alexandria as she and Guardian fly through the air.

With the trio of supervillains at large and the emergency services on the scene, Alexandria invited Guardian to come with her despite the authorities denouncing of her illegal activities.

“No,” answers Guardian.

“Are you at least going to tell me what your powers are?” asks Alexandria.

“Not yet,” answers Guardian, “Are you going to tell me why you asked me to come with you?”

“Why should I?” demands Alexandria, “You’re not telling me anything.”

That seems rather petty despite the logic behind it.

“Because I’ll find out anyway and I might find out things that you or allies won’t want me to find out in the process,” explains Guardian.

“Fine!” snorts Alexandria, “As you saw, I was totally outmatched by those villains. My brother is in New York so he won’t be able to help. All the other real heroes are in New York as well because they’re founding the Union of Heroes or United Heroes or something.”

“Heroes Union,” corrects Guardian.

“Whatever,” says Alexandria before continuing, “But I’m the only other hero here and I can’t handle this on my own. You, on the other hand, were able to take them all on. So I really need the help and you’re the only person available unless you know someone else who can help out.”

At least Alexandria is admitting that she that she needs the help. And I know someone else who can help.

“Actually I do,” says Guardian.

“Really?” exclaims Alexandria, “Who?”

“My partner Gears,” answers Guardian, “He lives in Grand Rapids, but can fly over quickly in his armour.”

“Great,” mutters Alexandria, “Another vigilante. But I guess that I can’t afford to be that picky.”

What is her problem? I better call Gears.

Jaylyn.

“Why do you have a problem with vigilantism,” inquires Guardian as she sends a recording of her fight to Jaylyn with a request for some help.

“It’s illegal,” answers Alexandria.

“But I can do more good by breaking the law,” disagrees Guardian, “I would do what is right rather 

than what is legal every time.”

Alexandria grunts before saying, “We’re here.”

Here turns out to be the Chicago Police Department Headquarters as they land in front of it.

Guardian gets several looks, ranging from surprised to confused to annoyed, but nobody tries to stop her or Alexandria as they enter the building.

“Miss Clarkson,” says a well-dressed man as he walks towards the two, “I see you’ve brought your new friend from the today’s incident.”

“Superintendent Kingston,” replies Alexandria, “I brought Guardian along because we need the help dealing with these villains. I can’t do it on my own and-”

She falls silent as the Superintendent raises his hand.

“Guardian, I don’t approve of your methods or your disregard for the law, but I’m not foolish enough to turn down your help in this matter,” says Kingston to Guardian, “We might be able to take them on ourselves, but lives would be needlessly lost that way. But make no mistake that while we might allies today, we are in no way endorsing your actions.”

I don’t think that he likes me.

“Should I get changed into my costume?” inquires Alexandria.

“Yes, Miss Clarkson,” answers Kingston, “Go and do that while I speak with Guardian.”

“Yes sir,” says Alexandria before marching off.

“Let’s talk,” says Kingston, “Follow me Guardian.”

Kingston leads Guardian up to his office. As Kingston takes his seat behind his desk, Legacy contacts Scott, giving him access to view the data from her armour’s sensors.

“So Guardian,” says Kingston as he rests his elbows on his desk, “What happened?”

“I was field testing my new power armour,” replies Guardian, “While I was patrolling, I decided to investigate something unusual and encountered the supervillains attacking Alexandria. I decided to step in and help defeat them.”

“What could you tell me about their powers from your experience fighting them?” inquires Kingston.

“The Aquiline was their leader and their main fighter,” answers Guardian, “He is the most dangerous. I didn’t see what Krystal did before I took her down.”

“Interesting,” says Kingston as he cuts in, “You didn’t see any of her illusions?”

What illusions?

“I assume I didn’t as I didn’t see any illusions,” replies Guardian.

“And what about their final member, Techni-Hurt?” demands Kingston, “How did you take her technology out so easily?”

That was not-technology!

“It was not technology!” growls Guardian, “I know that for a fact. That is why they were destroyed when I interacted with the not-technology using my power. I believe Techni-Hurt is the source of the not-technology and it was created using her power.”

“What exactly is your power?” inquires Kingston, “Apart from your devices?”

“I’m told it is technopathy,” answers Guardian, “What do you know about their powers?”

“Roughly as much as you do,” replies Kingston, “Krystal has the ability to create illusions from what we have gathered from eye witnesses, but they don’t affect technology like CCTV or last when she is unconscious. The Aquiline’s power remain unknown, but he clearly beyond the average in terms of physical ability and fighting skill. Techni-Hurt can create this not-technology by making the parts appear of thin air.”

“Her technology was also able to mess up my powers when I was hit,” says Alexandria as she enters the room.