Tag Archives: Ape Nasty

Arc 14.9.5: Reality Tweaks

Reality Tweaks: Part 6

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“Weird,” I said, “but not surprising. Rook used Abominator tech for his implant. We used it too, but we modified ours with Xiniti technology in such a way that we can’t replace their parts without consent. For all I know there might be a way to turn things back. I think it’s unlikely, but you never know.”

Dayton sighed but followed it up with, “He’ll probably like the power upgrade.”

“Oh, man,” Sean said. “I bet, but he’s still unconscious, so we don’t know yet. Is he going to be okay?” Continue reading Reality Tweaks: Part 6 →

Arc 14.5.5: Stage One

Stage One: Part 8

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I hadn’t noticed. Glancing down, I found that one of the glossy black pouches on the glossy black belt of my glossy black armor had a small glow around the edges of the top flap.

Except for a moment where I concluded that Syndicate L had been going for looks rather than functionality with the design, my attention gravitated to the pouch. As it did, I remembered what was in the pouch.

Back when we’d met with the Wizards’ Council and a few other hidden immortals, Urin, a former Cabal member who dated back to Sumer, had given me a rock. Flat and white, it hadn’t looked like much, but he’d claimed it had a connection to Lee’s device and to the Artificers. Continue reading Stage One: Part 8 →

Arc 14.5.5: Stage One

Stage One: Part 7

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Izzy had slipped out of the jet before our approach with the idea that she could watch the process with her sonar. As we watched the guards retreat, she said, “I think they’re giving up on the roof. They’re locking doors behind them and arming defenses as they leave. I should go in first.”

Haley frowned, speaking through the comms. “Wait for a second. You’ve got the best view of anyone for now. We’ll need you in the air. Everyone else? It’s time to get down there. Don’t enter until we’re all down.” Continue reading Stage One: Part 7 →

Arc 14.5.0: Bigger Things

Bigger Things: Part 9

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Jaclyn sent me a message via her implant, “You mentioned it.”

Ignoring her, I replied, “Both of you should get them. Everyone else did yesterday. I’ve checked on the specs, and they’ve been designed to work even with people who have magnetic powers.”

In the back of my mind, though, I did remember that the implant could be used to immobilize someone at the command of a Xiniti citizen—which might be useful if Dominators got past their buzzers. Continue reading Bigger Things: Part 9 →

Arc 12.6.0: Probationers

Probationers: Part 10

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From under him, he heard the sound of something large and heavy hitting the floor, probably the table. How much protection it would give, he had no idea. He could already hear the crackle of burning wood.

It was up to him. He wasn’t sure how well he’d do against Spitz’ heat after he turned back into a human, but as long as Spitz wasn’t radiating sunlight, he’d be fine.

Crossing the distance, he reformed off to Spitz’ right and a foot behind him. Continue reading Probationers: Part 10 →

Arc 12.6.0: Probationers

Probationers: Part 8

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Agent Spitz stopped talking, “Do you two have something to say? We’re trying to decide the group’s next focus and as the most experienced members of the group, your input should be useful.”

The Atoner gave a wide and innocent smile, “Doc and I were just agreeing that the Devil Coven might be too big for this group, but investigating their activity in Pittsburgh would be worth a try. Doc at least has enough experience with magic to match them. Well, he can  match the groups they normally send out–not the entire coven.”

“Exactly,” Vladislav hoped Spitz wouldn’t ask him for details because he hadn’t been listening. Continue reading Probationers: Part 8 →

Arc 12.6.0: Probationers

Probationers: Part 7

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Agent Spitz frowned and said, “Let’s get to work.”

Standing behind the lectern, he began with, “As we discussed this morning, you did an excellent job assisting the Heroes’ League. Our people are checking the effects on the general public’s opinion of the team. Morgan? This is something that you should be caring about because it affects what you can do after your probation is over. If you’re generally popular with the public, it’s even possible that a Defenders unit or one of the other big teams might take you.”

Morgan smirked, “How about the Heroes’ League?” Continue reading Probationers: Part 7 →

Arc 12.6.0: Probationers

Probationers: Part 1

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Dr. Transylvania could have bought a more impressive headquarters for the Probationers himself. He had the money.

Four stories high with gray concrete and steel beams being the most noticeable pieces of the interior, it looked like what it had been—a warehouse used by the postal service. Even though the building now held offices and laboratories, it still looked like an abandoned warehouse from the outside. It even had a worn post office symbol on the outside of the building, the eagle so light and worn that he couldn’t tell what color it had originally been. Continue reading Probationers: Part 1 →

Arc 12.5.0: Older Enemies

Older Enemies: Part 3

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Both reporters, Alissa and whoever the other reporter behind her was, didn’t seem to notice the Atoner’s comment because they were still looking past him where they were seeing Mistress Madness strolling out of the door. She stopped to check the lobby behind her.

Not seeing anyone following us out of the hole we’d made in the floor, she joined the rest of the group, smirking as she turned around.

I couldn’t help but think that it might have been wiser for her to hurry. Given what happened downstairs, I couldn’t be sure that part of the building wasn’t about to collapse. Continue reading Older Enemies: Part 3 →

Arc 12.5.0: Older Enemies

Older Enemies: Part 2

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I’d have argued with him except that Rook was just a picture on a cellphone screen.

Pausing, possibly to smirk behind his beaked helmet, Rook continued, “We’ve let the Heroes’ League alone despite our conflicts in the last few years. Why? Because we don’t want to kill a bunch of kids.”

Next to me, Cassie scoffed, “Right.” Continue reading Older Enemies: Part 2 →