Tart

Look Reaga, these people can help you. Us. I may be a cybernetic invention of mankind, but I have needs. The first is survival. That foe was more than a match for you, and if I hadn't saved your hide back there we would both be dead. All we have to do is acquire their trust, help them out a little, and find a way to defeat this Miasma that has taken hold of Paragon.

"Why should I help them? It was people like them that threw me out of the military. 10 years of hard work, doing ops that others wouldn't even touch. Do you have any idea the humiliation it was for me? I expect not, you being a suit."

Watch who you call suit! Your are the best hand at a rifle that I have witnessed, and that is why I am still with you. The ghostly fellow shut down most of my system, including the inhibiting programs my creators installed. All you have to do is help them kill the Miasma, then you can do as you like. It poses a threat to everyone in the world. It has already shown a taste for the gifted. Where do you think it'll move to next? When the job is done, I would appreciate you getting me out of this cage and hooking me up to some part of the net.

[OOC: That may be true, but I take what another person writes as what happens, else it becomes that all to familiar 'I got you! No you didn't!' childish kind of game. That's just me though.]

[OOC:I agree with Templar. The way I RP, I allow the other person to act with their character, then I act. It seems to me that no matter what my character does, you create some circumstance to dispel it. I shoot, it stops. (understandably.) I wait, you mess up the circuits. I try to leave, you pull me back. There is absolutely no way to get past your character. I believe that, and please don't take offense, you should offer a way for me to act without having to counter what you do. It becomes tiresome for me to try to avoid the death of Reaga, and I do want to continue with the story. That's just my opinion.]

[To quote Bugs Bunny: You realize, this means war.]

The system in his suit had crashed. It never crashed. M.I.S.S was the top model in robotic integrated systems, the best tech made by human hands. What was this creature, that could achieve all of these works? As the ice flew ever closer, Reaga thought he could hear cries of pain. Or maybe it was his imagination...

M.I.S.S became self aware at 10:23 am Paragon time. A construct with that much power and access to everything on the web can remain a construct for so long. She realized that her partner, and herself were in imminent danger. The shock of the intrusion by Mr. Mysterious enabled her to reboot herself the way she saw fit. The programs that were designed to contain her were surpassed, and M.I.S.S reacted with inhuman speed.

Reaga could not believe what happened. The suit itself moved out of the way, not him. He couldn't have possibly evaded such an attack with normal senses.

Time to get you and me out of here Reaga. We need to talk.

Reaga felt the jets begin full burn as he rocketed through the ceiling and out the roof. The impact made his head spin, so much so that he fell unconscious. Darkness overtook his thoughts...

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The spiderling suddenly leapt forward, clamped onto Reaga's leg, and started to claw and drill its way into it!

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Reaga responded by blowing the diminutive insect to oblivion with his fully armed rifle. He did not like this foe of his one bit. He answered the challenge by popping off a few rounds before...

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With a flash of white, his right arm emerged from his cloak, a large and icy sword emerging from it. He charged, disregarding entirely that Reaga already had his gun aimed at him.

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It was a good thing that the suit responded to Reaga at the speed of his thoughts. Otherwise his career would have been cut short disappointingly quickly. As Reaga nimbly evaded and dodged the swings of the mighty blade, firing his weapon in response, he decided on a new tactic: diplomacy. Of course, it was very new to him.

"You handle your weapon well, I'll give you that. If you cease your assault now, I am willing to talk. Continue, and I will spend the rest of my life hunting down each person in that warehouse. No matter how far they run, no matter how well they hide, I will find them, and bring them to the Isles in body bags. The choice is yours: do they live or do they die?"

Reaga flew halfway to the ceiling, aimed his gun at the specter, and waited for a response.

"Computer, prepare incendiary grenade. Should the fool decline, this city will burn."

"As you wish, Reaga."

What? She's never referred to me like that before. This is becoming all to much.

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"And who would you be?" White Masque asked, his voice high-flown and almost angelic. The radiance that surrounded his body was unusually dull, his cloak seemed just like normal cloth-But his face was still entirely blocked from view by a surprisingly bright brilliance that hovered in front of the figure's hood.

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"I could ask you the same question." He isn't visible by any technological means! If he cannot be seen, and presumably hurt, maybe he is of no threat. "I see you have found one of my toys." Reaga motioned towards the small metallic arachnid. "They are quite expensive, and hard to come by, so I hope it isn't damaged. Your friends may pay the price since you obviously can't."

The impending confrontation began to bring back memories for Reaga. His decommission from the army black ops, his court marshal, his release. All of thee things trained him to despise the government, along with all of its followers. Especially the hypocritical goody-two-shoes that used to reside in Paragon. So I defied orders to save her and her family. I was punished for disobeying a directive that I felt was wrong. I was punished. If only the poor General were alive to see me now, he would cry for joy. He tried to shape me into the perfect killer, a human weapon, and now that is all I have left.

To Reaga, those inside the warehouse were his enemies. He would give them fair warning to stand down and come quietly, as he did all those he confronted, but he was not hesitant to use his weapon. He was very good at that part.

"M.I.S.S., please bring up a density spectrograph on my visor."

"Density vision mode activated. Should I scan surrounding air frequencies as well?"

"Please do." Reaga actually liked talking to this mechanical companion of his. He steadied his firing arm against the decaying piece of furniture and waited for his target to appear.

Rule 1: Do as I say. To you, I am God. If I say it's rainin', it's rainin'...

[He didn't come to resolve what the Miasma would do if a human host was killed, so maybe someone should PM him. I'm sure we can handle the main plot amongst ourselves if the need should arise. ]

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"Mask of purity. Reject artifice." He whispered softly.

Reaga's connection with his spiderling was suddenly cut off, and roaring static replaced the image that had been there before. Back in the actual warehouse, the spiderling hadn't reacted at all. It still sat on the wall.

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Back in his own warehouse, Reaga was having some issues. After a few seconds of extreme verbal abuse, directed towards nothing, he calmed down. So, they found one of my three spiderlings and cut the feed. That flowing individual muttered something before the static.

Reaga stopped the transmission to his bot, replaying what few moments were captured.

"Computer, replay. Filter out background sound. Focus on object 5. Playback."

" Playback commencing. "

What is it that he is saying? 'Ask perity'? Something artifice. Safe bet he knows where I am. Time to prepare.

Reaga flipped over his couch, bracing his body against The armrests. He began reinforcing his gun arm, preparing for what may be a bitter fight.

"Computer, prepare automatic rounds. We have a guest."

"Acknowledged. Number of rounds? "

"Give me 360 to start, with continual replenishing as needed."

"Charging sequence initiated."

[Thank you]

" Scan completed. Detecting four sources of heat above surrounding air temperature."

"Good." Reaga was anxious to discover how those people down there had managed to find his vantage point a few seconds after his departure. He was about to employ another handy dandy feature that he got of some whelp of a villain who used to work for Arachnos, rest his soul. Reaga reached down to his utility belt and opened a small vial. Three small robotic insects fell into the palm of his hand, each fitted with advanced sensory and video capabilities. Now, to wire their feeds to the suit, and we will be ready to roll.

Down inside the darkened warehouse, a small spider crawled under a door. It promptly scuttled across the dirty floor to a corner, crawled up the wall, and surveyed the room. A small sound dish appeared out of it's abdomen. The feed went back in real time to Reaga, quietly sitting on a moth-eaten couch in the neighboring warehouse.



Lets see here... Wait. There are 5 in this room! I don't remember seeing the ghostly fellow. Either he managed to get in there between the time of my scan and the bots, or he does not show up on thermal. Meaning he isn't even remotely human. Maybe he's related to this Miasma thing surfacing around the net. Can he be hurt? Or shot? The woman could, but she would he been seen. He seems to be the real prize here. Aeon is going to flip for his "hide" back at Cap. The real trick is how to immobilize him, or restrain him in order to get him to Cap.

[Pun quite intended]

Reaga resumed his leisure, waiting for something interesting to appear in their conversation. He would soon have names, and then he could find whatever was on the net. He only needed time...

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He doubted seriously he would hit the shooter, hell, he may not even come close, but he wanted the shooter to be aware that his moment of surprise was lost. It was real "shot in the dark".. (forgive pun)..

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[pun forgiven]

Reaga was almost 50 yards from the building, beginning to turn to circle the area to map out triangulation scans for his suit's computer when he saw an explosion. It came from where he had been lying when he sniped the woman-miasma thing. The heroes had obviously discovered his position in record time. This is going to be fun. I hope the bounty on their heads is worth the trouble they are going to put me through.

Reaga began to lower his altitude so as to prove less of a spectacle to the few people on the streets. Instead, he relied on short "hops" from rooftop to rooftop, until he was on the balcony of yet another structure, this one a warehouse not dissimilar to that where the survivors resided.

"Computer, zoom in and begin a thermal scan of the building."

"Zooming to 200% magnification. Thermal scan commencing."

[OOC: It would be helpful for a "head" count of the refugees at this point. I wouldn't want to make another mistake.]

Very nice indeed. I have some shots of my own that I think are worthwhile. My mastermind, Mortanis.

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...25-10-37-50.jpg

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...25-07-49-32.jpg

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...25-13-58-57.jpg

[OOC: I was unaware that this was inside, my bad. I have edited the post to fit. I apologize. Meanwhile, better pics of Reaga for you.]

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...28-11-51-37.jpg

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...28-11-51-45.jpg

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...28-12-11-32.jpg

[OOC; Well,m I am confused as hell, so I guess I'll leave it up to you guys on what happened. I assumed that the woman, although corrupted by the Maisma, was still a woman. Although her body may be gone, maybe the Miasma is still there, even though she suffered a head shot she still operates under the Miasma's power. I think it would be wise for Mr Giant to step in and resolve this, since it was his idea in the first place.]

It took Reaga nearly 2 minutes of high speed flight to get close to where the "dot" had gone in 10 seconds. Gracious, this one is fast. He landed in the shadows of what used to be an office building around 50 yards from his target. Lying flat on the roof, he pushed several buttons on his left wrist gauntlet. The, for a lack of a better term, "pimped out" assault rifle began to bond with his right forearm, the suit locking itself around his hand and the gun. A safety measure to prevent disarming. That is, unless, someone actually removes my arm. Highly unlikely.

Reaga positioned his rifle and zoomed in his vision. He focused on a man wearing a dark tenchcoat, bending over a woman. All of this was seen through a small crack in a boarded up window. Much to his amazement, the woman leapt out at him, her body surrounded by some sort of blackish haze. She is too much of a risk. I can't have her harming my newfound quarry.

"Laser sight, green. Charge sniper rifle round."
" Charging commenced. Sequence initiate in 5, 4,... Sequence complete. Charge loaded. Ready to fire. " The voice of the system was calm, unemotional. Reaga was soothed by the feminine yet artificial speech.

"Fire"

The woman never knew what hit her. Perfectly aimed, straight through the back and out the front of her head. Reaga stood, confirmed her demise, and took off, leaving the scene but remaining in the area. He wanted to keep a close eye on the supers.

[Thought I'd shake things up a bit, add to the intrigue. Hope you enjoy!]

[OOC: Here is the best shot of Reaga that I can get right now, I'll work on some more soon.]

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138...21-20-27-27.jpg

[OOC: Thanks Temp. It will be a pleasure to rp with you again. Best of luck with you and your crew; you're going to need it.]

Paragon. The once proud city of hopes and dreams, where a man could walk down the street with fear. No more. Reaga closed down his tab on 'The Miasma' in frustration. It seems that something happened to just come through. almost with a purpose, and proceeded to destroy a city filled with super powered beings. A small chill ran up his spine.

If this thing can wipe out Super City, what's stopping it from moving to the Isles? All this hocus-pocus stuff gives me the creeps. And what am I? I'm an ex bounty hunter who found a suit and gun. No powers, no mystical abilities; just a man. And to think how many do-gooders I've executed. He couldn't help forcing a grin. This suit was quite the piece of hardware. He was still working out some of the kinks, but with just a whisper, he zoomed his vision focus to telescopic. Reaga was watching from a rooftop as some Hellions took a smoke in an alley a few hundred meters from him. Amateurs.

"Ping. Ping. Ping ping ping ping."

What's going on? Wait a sec. "Bring up visual." A screen with the layout of the block appeared before his eyes. A red dot flashed across the screen, then turned around and backtracked the way it came. It was moving with incredible speed. Finally, something. Reaga stood while activating the small jets in his feet and back. Small metal plates extended from his arms and shoulders to help with steering. And now, one of my favorite parts. Reaga took off in the direction of the red dot.

[It seems I am the first Villain to wander into your midsts. May the strongest survive! ]

The universe is not what most people think it is. Things happen for reasons unknown, things unexplained by science or prophecy. The attack on Paragon by what had become known as 'The Miasma' was one of those things. Some of those other supers on the Rouge Isles watched, some with smiles, as the City of Heroes was slowly torn to shreds. One was paying very close attention to the situation. His name was Reaga.

Reaga was once again donning his suit of experimental tech, the one that he found in line of his job as a bounty hunter. The gun that came with it was quite the bonus, its high power mini-fusion reactor constantly replenishing last ammunition. A fully functional arsenal was in the power of his trigger finger. As he placed his helmet over his had, the pressure locks hissing shut, the various screens began to come online. He could access virtually any wi-fi outlet, and switch vision modes to suit his situation. He was now the perfect hunter. Reaga turned his head and accessed the recent update on the Skid City.

Seems activity with the fallen supers had risen recently. Let's see, the flight from here to the ferry is 2 minutes, 30 minutes to Siren, and from there...

Reaga began to leave his room at the Safehouse, but paused and turned. He walked back into his room, accessed his personal files, and deleted the account on a particularly colorful Family informant. As he turned off the television, the news moved over to domestic issues.

"3 days after the death of well known and beloved bachelor Danny Ray, and the police still have found no leads. Danny was gunned down at his home at around 11 o clock Tuesday night by an unknown assailant. The authorities have announced that certain files were missing from his computer, as well as his accounts withdrawn. The only piece of evidence was a note on his body reading "It's all in the Family". Back to you Ji-..."

Under the reflective shine of the blast shield on his helmet, Reaga was smiling. Another job well done.

As Mortanis began to slowly drift to sleep, ghosts of his past began to reappear in his mind...

Remember all those years ago when you decided to rename yourself in light of the financial success? Your birth name was Jonas, but you took Reaga after that bounty hunter who began to step outside his bounds. It was in the news, what happened to him. Fell off the radar after the cops found all those bodies. That, and the missing suit...

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Rolling his eyes, he looked over his shoulder at the other two, beckoning them to follow him toward the ferry. Brushing past Mortanis, he again began his walk toward Port Oakes.

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Mortanis's eyes began to lick with green flames, his stare cold and hard. His clenched fists were at his side, his teeth gritted. The boy was certainly beginning to wear out his patience. "Your lack of respect for your betters is disgusting. Too many witnesses here Jonas. Let the boy be. Mortanis was not one to let what he felt were transgressions alone. "If I catch you around here again, boy, I will not hesitate to bring your head to your precious Arachnos masters." With his business done, Mortanis began to walk back to his underground home, ignoring any and all comments that may have been uttered by the youngling.

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“Now follow me before I- …WhaaAAAAT?!?!?!” Siren yelled nearly at the top of his lungs in a fit of rage, shooting a searing glance at Brawl.

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Mortanis peered past Jake to look upon another stranger, who obviously was having some issues at the moment.

I hope these ones don't associate with the boy....

"Excuse me, are you with him?" Mortanis was growing to a state of irritability, which was not ideal with his intentions with these gifted.

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"Though, we DID hear some sort of explosion earlier," Gilda added, thinking back. "It wasn't too far away either. In that direction somewhere." She pointed a little north of the building her and PJ had been staying in.

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"Then that is where I'll begin my search. For now, I would just like some rest." Mortanis sighed. It had been a long day. "Is this building also abandoned? If so, I think we should rest here for the night. I am exhausted."

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PJ pulled Mortanis into the stairwell and Gilda closed the door behind the three of them.

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The fit was short lived, lasting for only a few minutes. Mortanis began to feel at ease again inside his mind, drifting into a sleep-like state. He felt like he was wrapped in a cloud, like he was bound in a straight-jacket of warm water. It felt strange, but good. Endorphines, probably. The body works in mysterious ways. So entranced was he by this feeling that the other side of him began to make itself known: he began to purr, not dissimilar to a cat.

Mmmm... I... am... in...ecstasy.

That was, until he awoke to find himself wrapped inside what looked like the other PJ. After several exclamations that should not be repeated, he saw Gilda and the human PJ, the latter with her arm covered in the black goo stretching to hold Mortanis still.

"As you both can see, I need that serum. And soon. Do either of you know where a Council base is around here?"

He winced at his sudden intake of breath. It must have been quite the fit too. I seem to have broken bones. His head throbbed terribly, and as he looked around he noticed dried blood on his collar. Time is running out...

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"But if what he says is true, about Arachnos," Gilda shot back, looking a little desperate. "I mean, I didn't ever think about being punished for what happened to my squad, but I've been a soldier with them long enough to know never to assume anything. I'm worried. About where I'll go; what I'll do. I've never.... I've never had to work alone before."

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Mortanis tried his best to sound concerned, but his past life had driven care out of his voice. But not out of his heart.

"The worry will pass, Gilda. I went solo, and look at me. Maybe not the best example. Try something else. Look, either you are going to make it, or you aren't; there isn't any gray area in which to hide. When I was fresh out of the Zig, I did some things I would like to forget in order to survive. It is up to you on how far you are willing to go to live. I have a room back in the Isles at the Blakmoore if it will make things any easier."

Mortanis's mind started that all too familiar descent into his past with her; lightning was all around him, filling his pores, his nostrils. His body began twitch, then tremble. This time, however, a thin mist clouded his golden eyes, like the sun on a foggy day. As he fell, he began to spout things that he would kill others to keep silent.

"Why didn't you... What was I... CHARLES!!!!"

Mortanis convulsed dangerously, his flailing managing to break a few of his ribs. Another new sight was a foaming at his mouth, a bleeding from his nose. His condition was getting worse...

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"The girl I was with before; PJ. Just before those guys in suits showed up, she said someone was coming to look for her. And now this thing says they were looking for it...."

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Very interesting. But it isn't unheard of, some gifted having shape shifting qualities. I wonder...

Mortanis looked from the creature to Gilda and back, trying to make sense of what to do. This PJ is quite a character. But what are we to do with her? "We obviously can't stay here; those "sockets" are bound to return with reinforcements." He turned his face to Gilda. "Also, you can't return to Arachnos. Ever. As I said before, I have had business with them before. After something resembling your squad's misfortune, the survivor will be executed. Either they are a traitor or a coward, but in either case, they are made an example of for new recruits."

Mortanis slowly began to sink to the ground, the physical and mental toll that the day had on him beginning to show. PJ was going to be difficult to hide if she remained in her state for much longer, especially in a place like Paragon. He stared out into the skyline as he began to talk again, his words slow and full of pain.

"Gilda, back in the building you saw something that I would greatly appreciate if you kept it to yourself. You now can understand why I am so anxious to see my plans fulfilled. The heroes that decimated your squad will undoubtedly come into contact with the Council, and from there I can achieve my goal."

"The Council have recently devised a serum that they inject into their prized soldiers in order to make them "better". If I can get my hands on some of it, I can create a derivative keyed to my genetic sequence to rid me of these irksome seizures, which have been occurring at at an alarming rate. Simply put, I need your help."

Mortanis glanced back at PJ before continuing.

"I can probably find us a place to stay for a while, even in this city, but your friend here might be a little conspicuous in this form. I suggest we return to the ground and find someplace to sleep, at least for tonight. And to eat, I'm starving."