Hiya Paragonners, Alexis Alexander here with another report...
Well, not quite but I'm pretty sure she'll let me speak for her on this one occasion. As you all might know, we wrapped up a massive event about two weeks ago. As part of that event, we introduced a background storyline. Partway through that story, the plot underwent a few changes, leaving me with an episode that no longer fit.
Well, in the interests of completion, and for the benefit of those of you who were following the original storyline, Here is that missing episode.
Think of it as a "what if?" story. Please enjoy.
JWB
*********************************
THE LOST EPISODE
Good Afternoon Paragonners, this is Alexis Alexander with my continuing report.
After the events of the previous day, my uneventful return to Paragon City was a welcome relief. This time though, instead of a slow (but luxurious) yacht, we actually flew back. Now readers, when I say fly, I am not talking about commercial transport. One of the little known but welcome side effects of working with Superhumans is that, occasionally, one gives you a lift.
Readers, if you have not had the opportunity to see a suit of powered armor close up, you might want to take the time. The idea of a walking tank isn't really new to those of us who grew up in the city, but usually its something we see from a safe distance. Stalemate spent most of our return trip monitoring the newsfeeds and other computerized reports from inside his armor. Perhaps its not what etiquette books would require of a host, but it was comforting knowing that anyone who intended us harm would either think twice, or kill us outright with a massive damage weapon (trust me readers, dying in an instant beats the alternatives.)
As we landed by the harbor at Independence Port, Stalemate bid his farewells and leapt away saying only that he 'Had things to look into.' Although he wasn't very forthcoming, I was certain that I would hear more about those 'things' soon enough.
It was, in fact, less that 24 hours later that 'things' reappeared. Another anonymous E-mail, this time reading:
"PCMSH, Hall of Armor, 8 PM. Briefing"
It had to be EtherFalcon, he had a tendency to speak in short phrases like that. Or, it could have been that he was texting his messages and was getting charged by the letter. In either case, it looked like I had plans for the evening.
I arrived at the Museum at 6PM, partially to avoid looking suspicious, partially because I freely admit to being a bit of a history nerd. The Paragon City Museum of Superhuman History was established in 1985 and has become the largest public collection of MetaHuman memorabilia. It was extensively rebuilt after the Rikti destroyed it and since that time, the primary feature of the museum has been a collection of armored suits used by both heroes and villains.
Most of them are detailed reconstructions but the museum does hold one of Positron's early suits, an actual, nonfunctioning, crab spider suit, and (my personal favorite) the last suit worn by Kaptain Wunderfaal before his retirement in 1966. By today's standards, Wunderfaal's tech is considered quaint and archaic, but most people forget that he was considered cutting edge in his day.
It was with that thought colliding in my mind with the events of the previous 48 hours, that I drifted aimlessly through the Hall of Armor af the clock ticked over to 8PM.
"Ms. Alexander," came EtherFalcon's voice from behind the 'Steampunk through the Ages' display off to my left. "It's possible FREEM tech can be weaponized. We need to be certain. Only Crey and Arachnos have the resources so we need to investigate. Stalemate has a ... history with Crey and will take care of that side. We need you to question Dr. Aeon to see what he knows."
"Do-Doctor Aeon?" I stammered. EtherFalcon had just confirmed that he was crazy. "Arachnos' chief researcher and, possibly the maddest mad scientist in the world. Not somebody you can just make an appointment to pop in and see. How exactly," I said with more than a touch of irritation in my voice, "do you propose I do that? Ask Statesman for a lift into Grandville?"
"Tell me Ms. Alexander, what do you know about Anime..."
********
Readers, this might come as a surprise to some of you but the Rogue Isles Science Fiction and Animation festival (RIcon) holds the distinction of being the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Every year for the last four years, thousands of fans have descended upon the Golden Giza Hotel and Casino to enjoy five days of lectures, new game demos, author signings, and other fan related activities.
The Golden Giza lives up to it's reputation as a luxury resort. Hardwood paneling mixes tastefully with priceless artworks. Oriental rugs and deep pile carpets cover the floors, and the bathroom fixtures probably aren't real gold, but they give the right impression. The Casino is scrupulously fair and, after a few well advertised incidents, free of cheating. The hotel's security staff is honest and impartial and, more importantly during large events like the convention, completely unforgiving of anyone who looked like they were about to cause trouble. Local rumor had it that the waters around the hotel were filled with troublemakers who couldn't take a hint. Since we were in the heart of the Rogue Islands, it was a believable rumor.
It seems (much to my surprise) that Doctor Aeon is a bit of an Otaku and has attends the convention religiously every year. While there he has been known to lead discussion panels and give impromptu demonstrations of his latest projects, but mainly he goes there to purchase insanely huge amounts of Manga and Anime.
This would be my opportunity. If I could get him alone, even for a few moments, I could try and get the information EtherFalcon was looking for. Now the major problem with this plan, is that he wouldn't speak to me as Alexis Alexander, reporter. But he might just be willing to spend a few moments with his most favorite Anime character.
This readers, is how I found myself the next day wearing the rabbit ears, robotic arms, pink steel bikini (and very little else) that made up the costume of "Mekausagi go go!" the techno-magical bunny warrioress of deep space.
I believe in an earlier report, I mentioned that I am a bit more comfortable in a more modest clothing style. I found myself being very grateful that, as much as I hate it, I do keep up a regular workout routine.
I was even more grateful that I had an escort and bodyguard for this assignment as well. Travelling with me and dressed as the character Mekaneko go yon (loyal cat sidekick of the space bunny), was Madam Masada's personal secretary, Caridad. Caridad, who, not only organized Madam's schedule, but acted as a bodyguard, would be acting as the muscle of our team and would be responsible for detaining the good Doctor while I spoke to him.
As a reporter, particularly one who works the superhuman beat, I'm used to seeing unusual things. I've been on the sidelines in numerous fights against Aliens, Demons, and Robots...
None of that compares to a hotel full of Science Fiction fans.
The convention floor was packed. Klingons mixed with Cybermen, Vulcans chatted with Colonial Marines, people in bathrobes and fourteen foot scarves were dotted around the room amid dozens upon dozens of characters from the fevered minds of the Japanese. I was originally worried about standing out, now I was worried about standing out enough.
Caridad took the lead as we started a slow circuit of the room. Either we would spot the Doctor or we would make ourselves obvious enough that he would come to us. Either way, I was not looking forward to a long day in short clothing. We were stopped several times by people wanting to take our picture or commenting on the costumes. A few were even willing to give me some very welcome tips on acting in character. I was beginning to understand that the convention was more about just being a fan and less about being the biggest fan.
We had completed two full trips around the convention floor before we spotted our prey. He was standing at a dealer's table scooping up books, figurines, DVD's and, well... everything... it seemed. He had two two Arachnos soldiers with him, that were probably meant as guards but forced into acting more like pack mules under the weight of the Doctor's obsession.
"That will make things a bit easier, " commented Caridad. "If his guards have their hands full, then they can't react as quickly."
"Are you planning on starting a fight?" I asked.
"No, not here. Way too many people that could get hurt. We need to get the Doctor and his spiders off the main floor." She looked appraisingly at me for a few moments. "How sexy do you feel?"
*****************************************
Out of all of the things I've seen that should have scared me to death, the question "How sexy do you feel?" in relation to Doc Aeon, suddenly made it's way to the top of the list. Readers, I have a fairly flexible mind but there are some things that just never occur to me. I just couldn't bring myself to think about what it sounded like she was asking.
Caridad was smiling as she saw the panic on my face.
Her plan was far more simple than I was envisioning. She did want me to flirt but at a distance. All she wanted me to do was to get Aeon's attention and lure him off the main convention floor. She would take care of the rest.
We made our way across the room and, oh so accidentally, drifted back and forth across Aeon's line of sight. Every time I thought he was looking in my direction I would wave, or wink, or strike one of the poses that I had been taught earlier in the day. I did everything I could think of to get his attention short of exposing myself to the entire crowd...
Readers, I felt like an absolute fool.
A fool I might have been but after about twenty minutes Aeon and company changed course to head our way. Caridad steered us through the nearest open door and out into the halls. If the Doctor was serious about catching up with me, we would know in a moment. We arranged ourselves a short distance down the hall as though we were just taking a break from the chaos of the show floor.
Five minutes passed before we could see the door open and the first of Aeon's guards step through it. He still had a stack of boxes and bags in his arms but he surveyed the scene like the professional soldier he probably was. He must have been content with what he saw since he stepped aside and let the Doctor then the second guard pass through the door.
"Ladies!" the Doctor said gleefully (yes, he was rubbing his hands together) as he approached us, "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to catch up to you. I simply must compliment you on your costumes, I really must. I believe you have achieved, nay surpassed, nay excelled far beyond the feeble efforts of your competition. You have captured the essence of the great Space Bunny Mekusagi Go Go in a way that no other has achieved...."
He continued talking. All I could do was smile. Not because it looked like he had just fallen for our ruse, but because I could not get a word in edgewise. I risked a glance at one of his guards and instead of the evil killer's stare I was expecting, I got a sympathetic roll of the eyes. I was wondering if I would even be able to ask Aeon questions when Caridad chose her moment to act.
From her seemingly casual lean against the wall, both hands thrust forward throwing out thin wires into each of the guards. They fell to the ground twitching from electric shock. She let the Tasers fall as she took two rapid steps forward, grabbed one of the doctor's arms, and spun him into a behind the back arm lock. He was beginning to sputter about the outrage when she cracked a small capsule under Aeon's nose. He stiffened momentarily and then dropped to the ground bonelessly.
"What was that?" I asked. We had technically just committed an act of war and I feared the worst.
"A bit of happy gas. It's harmless but for the next two minutes he'll feel very honest and very cooperative. Whatever it is you want to ask him, talk fast."
It was hard to describe the look on his face as I bent down to ask him what I needed to know. He was alternatively mad, then blissful, then blissed out, then perhaps a bit too sane. I decided to keep my questions simple.
"Doctor?"
"Yessssss?"
"What do you know about FREEM tech?"
"Oh, yes, FREEM. Fascinating. Completely amateur, my Bunny bun-bun, but fascinating none the less."
"Could it be turned into a weapon?"
"Oh sure, my long eared darling of the Cosmos. But don't you fear, Nobody would. It's too un- un...too un-"
"Unstable? Unpredictable?"
"Unnecessary, my Leporid Lovely. Building a bomb with it would just mean that most of the blast would end up in another dimension. You'd be better just using dynamite. Only a complete fool would weaponize it. Now, give me the Space Bunny cheer."
We heard the sound of running feet coming down the hall. It was most likely security coming to express their extreme displeasure with us. It was time for us to go. We took off running in the other direction. Not an easy task in three inch pink steel stilettos, readers. We needed to get outside. Caridad had already summoned a car that would take us to a safe location. From there I would be able to make my way back to Paragon city.
Although I was convinced we were going to be caught any moment, we made it outside the hotel and into the waiting car. As the car pulled away from the curb, the driver handed a wireless headset back to Caridad. She listened for a moment then quietly said, "Everything went well. He's alive and if the drugs worked as well as promised, he'll probably never realize what hit him. We're heading for the safe house now."
****************************************
For those of you who have not read the original story, the link below will take you there.
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showt...53#post3737153
Actually, that's why. By turning the lower level missions to being primarily open world, they greatly reduce the number of outstanding instances in the game, which they say has some impact on the server.