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Post by Captain Admin on Jan 14, 2017 15:08:15 GMT
Towering over the skyline, the tallest building in London is now the headquarters of S-Quadrant, the division of the Ministry of Defence directly responsible for monitoring and controlling superhuman activity. As such, top members of Olympus - the private superhero firm hired by S-Quadrant to act as the UK's superhuman security force - also have their offices based here. Champion, Olympus's leader, works from an office on the top floor, alongside S-Quadrant's senior members.
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Post by Captain Admin on Jan 15, 2017 14:20:35 GMT
'Ruin and Green Blink, both loose, both on the run. Do you have any idea how bad this looks?!'
S-Quadrant Commander June Golds had fury etched into her every feature. Champion looked over her shoulder at her.
'We're working on it, tracking them down as we speak.' She returned her gaze to the sprawling city that lay beyond the window.
'They attacked a campus, Soraya,' said Commander Golds, her voice softer, as she rubbed at the bridge of her nose. 'Two students died.'
'One,' said Champion, not turning away from the window. 'One confirmed casualty. The other... the other one didn't stay dead. I think he's something we've not seen before.'
'For God's sake, you're still thinking about your circus freaks! We are talking about a student murdered on their campus-'
'I will thank you,' said Champion, whirling around to face the Commander properly, 'NOT to refer to superhumans as freaks, June.' There was fire in both their eyes. Champion would not back down. 'Society is scared of us. There are people out there who hate us. They see people who can fly through the air or hurl lightning bolts and they get scared and I get that, but it is our duty to make life as easy as possible for everyone. To save superhumans from hatred and persecution. How the hell are we meant to do that when people like you still see us as freaks?'
Champion crossed the office to stand opposite Commander Golds, who had fallen very quiet. 'As for the casualty, don't you dare assume I don't care. First and foremost, our job is to protect the people and... and last night we failed. And I am never going to forgive myself for that. I wasn't there, but maybe I should have been. It was my call and I should have done more. This is on me and I- I feel like I can't take another step, all because this morning I had to send my personal condolences to the family of a bright and brilliant young man who will never get the chance to live up to all his potential because my team, acting on my orders, failed to save his life. But I can't let those doubts hold me back from my job. Someone dies on your watch, you do not give up. You know that, I know you do. So yes, I am sorry for last night's mess and it is going to haunt me for the rest of my natural life. But I am not about to let the pain distract me from the job. I am not going to endanger more lives while I worry about how bad this all looks. I am going to focus on capturing Ruin and the Green Blink and making them answer for their crimes. I am going to put that cyborg son of a bitch in a cell for the rest of his life and make sure he never harms anyone again. And I will keep strengthening my team all the while to make sure we are ready the next time someone tries something like this.'
Champion turned on her heel, went to her desk and took a seat. She planted her forehead in the palm of her hand.
'This has not been how I envisioned spending my first few days in this office,' she said. 'Got to wonder if I'm cut out to follow in his footsteps.'
'Captain Omega?' said Commander Golds. 'You honestly think he never messed up? Never had lives lost on his watch?'
'Day One, though...'
'Captain Omega was leading Olympus when it started out. Bringing registration and oversight into a world where superheroes had been running free and unregulated until that point. You can bet there was resistance. Vigilantes like Ruin were ten to the dozen back then, all the same - so focused on their little wars, they didn't care who got hurt in the crossfire. Omega had more than his fair share of bad days, especially when he was starting out.' Golds recomposed herself. 'Any more thought on the emerging superhumans on CCU Campus?'
Champion sighed and sat up straight.
'We're opening a recruitment centre on campus today. We think this could be a turning point for us. A new wave of young heroes, leading the charge from down on the ground. People who understand life as part of the modern generation, life at a modern university, life as it is for young people right now. We have to do what we can to stay in touch with that, to understand how the world sees us and what they need protecting from. I think Olympus is about to take a big step forward.'
'Do you anticipate many of your super students resisting?'
'There's always resistance...'
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Jan 15, 2017 17:13:41 GMT
Herbert made his way up the the building. He couldn't enter; he didn't think he was allowed to, actually. That wouldn't matter though; his dad was coming to him. He saw him as he exited, dressed in a dark suit and tie, grey creeping into his beard and hair. He amde his way to the bench where Herbert was sitting and sat down, scratching the back of his head.
"How have you been, Herb?" He asked. Then he saw his face. "What happened to you?!"
Herbert shrugged. "Freshers week was a bit destructive."
"I hope you got away," his father said quickly. "You know you're not cut out for the whole 'heroics' thing."
Herbert sighed. "Dad, there's something I need to tell you. It turns out I actually have a power," he muttered.
His dad's eyes widened. "What? How? When? What is it?" He noted his sons face. "I thought you'd be more excited about this... this os what you've wanted right?"
Herbert nodded, putting a smile on his face. "Yeah, yeah it is. I," he thought about it, "I have empathy; I can read people's emotions," he told him, keeping the mimicry to himself.
His father's face dropped slightly. "Oh, that's cool," he said, slightly underwhelmed. Gilbert felt guilty though; was he judging his son on his power? "That's really cool, kid, very helpful in any situation," he told him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I guess, besides a fight," Herbert replied. "Anyway, Olympus wants me to join them and I' not sure what I should do. You know Ruin came to the club?"
Gilbert's eyes tightened. "Yeah, I know," he said dangerously.
"Well," Herbert's voice broke, "He killed one of my friends... Lucio." He didn't tell them his own suspicions about him still being alive. But now, knowing what he did about his power, he was sure he'd absorbed his mother precognitive dreaming. Which meant his dream about Lucio was true.
Gilbert didn't answer, instead holding Herbert. "It wasn't your fault," he said gently.
"I rushed in. I wanted to help," Herbert told him. His father didn't reply, just holding him for a while. He eventually separated, and locked onto his son's eyes.
"Herbert, you're new to this. It isn't your fault. But I think you should think about joining Olympus. Seriously think; they can help you and helping people, being a hero. It's what you've always wanted to do."
Herbert frowned. "It just doesn't feel right though," he muttered. Gilbert's phone started to ring. He picked it up and spoke into it for a while, frowning.
"I need to go, Herbert," he said regretfully. "I know it's a bad time. I wish your mother could be here," he told him. Gilbert always felt like he said the wrong things, especially to his son.
"No, go ahead," Herbert said, suddenly angry. He could tell his father wanted to join Olympus; he doubted he'd drop it. He shouldn't have told him about his power.
Gilbert smiled awkwardly at him. "Erm, have fun at Uni. Try to avoid scuffles." Gilbert walked back to the building, glancing quickly back at his son. Herbert felt empty; the conversation hadn't done anything to help. He loved his dad but his mum was the one who knew what to say. Sighing slightly, bitter and conflicted about Olympus, he started to make his way back to the Underground and Campus.
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Post by Captain Admin on Mar 27, 2017 20:32:26 GMT
TWO MONTHS FROM THAT CONVERSATION:
The Shard was lit up! Supers, dressed in full formal wear, make their way up the lift to the lavishly decorated floor. Gilbert and April Flynn stand there, shaking hands as famous supers and normals alike flock in. Waitors whizz around with little trays, while drink glasses sparkle.
Lazy jazz plays in the background as people mingle. A man stands by the door, checking names off the list.
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Mar 28, 2017 7:27:34 GMT
Herbert made his way into the room in a tux, his hair pushed neatly to the side. Two months... without any attacks except coursework. His control over his powers hadn't improved greatly though he thought he was doing just fine to be honest. He'd also noticed that he'd lost quite a few abilities a week from the hospital. The disturbed him but he guessed his replication had limits.
He sighed and turned towards the crowd, searching for his friends.
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Post by UraharaSteph on Mar 29, 2017 8:51:15 GMT
Aurora was stood outside of the Shard, holding her clutch-bag close to her chest and keeping a vigilant look out for Olem. She kept checking the time on her phone, quickly getting cold in the formal, long dress that she had bought when out shopping with Margarita (I assume). The last 2 months had been eventful for her; she had somewhat tamed the Omen inside of her, restricting it to intense battles only. She hadn't passed illness onto anyone for a while, but with the help of Smokescreen she was able learn to slowly heal the wounds and diseases she obtained. Instead of using them as complete weapons, she honed the skill so she was able to pass on select things from injuries and illnesses to incapacitate her opponents without sentencing them to death.
Aurora's eyes looked at her phone's screen again. She let out a sigh as another couple passed her and entered the building. 'Come on, Olem. Don't stand me up.' She thought to herself.
Just then, a hand grabbed her shoulder from the shadows. She nearly jumped out of her skin and spun around on her stiletto heels. Her bright eyes met the a pair of dark ones. “Smokescreen?!”
A hand was clasped around her mouth as the man in a crisp suit stared at her wide-eyed. “Shit woman, I think you've mistaken me for someone else, you got it? I'm Abubaker.”
She pulled his hand away from her mouth and nodded. “Right, of course, but um, Abu, what are you doing here?”
He cut his eyes at her. “Since when did I says you could call me 'Abu'?” His glared relaxed a little as he let the incident slide. “I saw you were stood outside a fancy do alone, innit? So I thought you could do with some company.”
Aurora folded her arms across her chest. “For your information, I don't need company. I'm waiting for someone.”
“Okay, but it doesn't look like they're gonna be here.”
“He'll come.” Aurora smiled. “I haven't been waiting long-”
“You've been waitin' for an hour, innit?”
Aurora's eyebrow twitched and she checked the time on her phone again. “Have you been stalking me or something?!”
Abubaker smirked. “Just a little. You are my pupil after all.”
Aurora glared. “I'm not your pupil, don't get ahead of yourself. Vigilantes work alone-”
Abubaker smacked his hand over her mouth again. “Shiiiiiiiiit woman! What is wrong with you and your big mouth?! Surrounded by legit Supes and you go blabbing out secrets, okay, you are crazy!”
Once again she pried his palm off of her lips. “Well if you're that worried about it, why are you even here?! Do you know how ridiculous you look in a suit?!”
“Cold.” Abubaker frowned. “I came here because you look alone, innit? I even had time to go and slap on a shirt and shit. Came back here and you were STILL stood outside alone. Thought I'd be doing you a favour doe. Guess not.”
Aurora glanced at her phone again. She sighed sadly; she had waited long enough for Olem and she hadn't even received a text. “Okay, Abu, you can be my plus one. I appreciate that you thought about me.” She smiled at him.
“Yeah, okay, but this is strictly a teacher doing his pupil a solid, okay? Don't get any ideas about what this means...”
Aurora scoffed and they linked arms. “Trust me Abu, I'm not getting ANY ideas. I happen to very much be in love with Olem and even if I wasn't, you are no-where NEAR my type.”
Abu had a wide smile on his face. “Yeah yeah, I know. I'm not a cold hearted psycho-killer, so defo not your type you crazy bitch.” He whispered playfully.
“W-what did you say?” Aurora looked concerned, she genuinely couldn't hear him.
“Nothin'! Come on, let's get in, I'm cold.”
They finally entered the building and Aurora started to look for her friends.
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The Shard
Mar 29, 2017 9:32:33 GMT
via mobile
Post by Nathan Cloud on Mar 29, 2017 9:32:33 GMT
Nathan wheeled up in his new fancy wheelchair whilst he was recovering. Clearly Lucio couldn't be bothered to heal him but Nathan had always wanted to be Professor X anyway.
He wheeled up to the front of the Shard, and to an awkward looking doorman.
'Where's the disabled access?' Nathan asked him, looking around.
'Sir, we don't call it disabled access anymore. We call it 'Mobility Impaired,' he explained snootily.
Nathan raised an eyebrow. 'Where's the damn ramp?'
'It's not a ramp, sir. We call it a Mobility Enhancement Pathway. We are bound by new Equality Laws. Disabled is politically incorrect,' he informed Nathan.
'So I'm not allowed to even call myself disabled?' he asked in disbelief.
'Not if you want to be sensitive and understand of Mobility Impaired Comrades feelings.'
'I'm a Mobile Impaired Comrade! I can say what I want!' Nathan told him.
'Mobility, sir. Mobility Impaired Comrade. And the Propulsion Enhancement for Mobility Impaired Comrades is over there,' he said, pointing at a lift.
'Right, thanks,' Nathan grumbled. 'Let me guess, I need to press a Destination Control button to get to the Olympus party?'
'We don't use buttons anymore. It's offensive for those who don't have hands. You can just say your floor number now.'
'But what if the person is deaf or mute and can't speak?' Nathan pointed out.
The doorman went pale. 'But, we've, we've broken the law!' He ran away and crying and Nathan got into the Propulsion Rocket, or whatever it was called and called out to go to the top floor.
'Gym floor, sir,' the speaker said.
Nathan frowned. 'Top floor I said.'
'Hot floor sir.'
'Lots o presents floor chosen sir.'
Nathan sighed and got taken up to a random floor, where he coerced another man into carrying him and his wheelchair up to the correct floor. It was twenty floors up and by the end Nathan was feeling pretty tired by all the carrying. He got back in his wheelchair and accidentally pressed the wrong button. It shot him backwards, knocking over his helper, who fell down a flight of stairs. Nathan continued on until he found the door, and was let in by pulling the disabled card.
Dressed in a black t-shirt with a tux image of the front and jeans, who rolled in, looking around for someone.
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Mar 30, 2017 9:35:40 GMT
Herbert spotted Nathan and Aurora. He figured Aurora, who could still walk, could come to them. He beckoned her over, before approaching Nathan.
"How are you doing?" He clasped his hand kneeling down and lowering his voice. "Nathan, I've lost some powers. Just like the superstrength, I don't think I can keep them for too long. And," he raised their clasped hands, "I think I need touch to replicate abilities," he added.
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Post by Nathan Cloud on Mar 30, 2017 17:38:22 GMT
Nathan shrugged. 'Well, you have at least one now.' He looked around. 'And heck, with the amount of supers here, it shouldn't be too bad to get more. Just shake everyone's hands, including Canary's,' he said, nodding in Canagold's direction.
A super tried to reach the buffet table but Nathan wheeled in the way and stole all the cocktail sausages.
'Hey, you did that on purpose!' the hero said angrily.
Nathan looked up at him, unconcerned. 'Go ahead, scream and be branded a racist, or whatever the term is.' The hero walked away, fear in his eyes. 'I didn't think so,' Nathan laughed.
'Want some sausages?' he offered, to Herbert.
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Mar 30, 2017 18:23:57 GMT
Herbert took some and stated to eat, looking around. "At least I have one friend here. You're right too," he nodded. "I could get a whole host of powers here."
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Post by Nathan Cloud on Mar 30, 2017 19:18:29 GMT
Nathan smiled. 'Should be a fun bash. I mean, what could go wrong?'
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Mar 31, 2017 11:19:36 GMT
Herbert raised his eyebrows but didn't answer.
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Post by UraharaSteph on Mar 31, 2017 11:20:37 GMT
Aurora's blue eyes spotted Herbert and the Perv-on-wheels. She turned to Abubaker and smiled. "Hey, did you want to meet some of my friends?"
Abu glanced at the people Aurora had looked at. There was a man in a wheel chair with a whole plate of cocktail sausages to himself. "... Sure."
The two of them walked over to Herbert and Nathan. Aurora smiled at Herb. "Well don't you scrub up nicely?" She ignored Nathan.
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Post by Flynneus_Knight on Mar 31, 2017 17:33:23 GMT
Herbert smiled, nodding his head in thanks. "Glad you made it. Who's your friend."
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Post by UraharaSteph on Mar 31, 2017 19:32:44 GMT
Abu held out his hand while the other sat in his trouser pocket. "I'm Abubaker. Nice to meet ya." He said, leaning forward slightly. "I live here in London, work at a grocery store. Met Rora when she came to my shop looking for something organic."
Aurora raised her eyebrow. 'No need to give him a full fake backstory.' She thought to herself. "How have you been, Herb?"
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