Post by kardonwire on Dec 29, 2011 18:22:47 GMT -5
Ultimate Shield issue 3 – Time to be a hero part 3
“I’ll catch you later Sam. Better head off and find Jay.” Announced Joseph lifting himself from the chair.
“No problem buddy. I’ll catch ya tomorrow.”
Leaving Sam’s room Joseph headed over to the training area of the base especially made for members of project Heracles. On his way he could he see Laura walking towards him with a mischievous grin on her face.
“What’s with the smile?”
“You remember yesterday when Jay said that project Heracles was going public?” Laura pauses for a moment letting the suspense build. “It starts tomorrow, we’re heading to Gaza!”
“You sure? Who told you that?”
“I have my sources.” Replied Laura as she tapped her nose. “They say the higher ups rushed it through due to the increased superhero activity across America.”
“You talked to Jay about it yet?”
“Not yet. Just heading there now, you coming?”
“Yeah.”
Heading towards the changing rooms they notice Jay, already in his Blue Jay uniform, waiting by the door with a serious look on his face.
“So you’re both here. Good. Got some orders from upstairs you’ll need to know about.” Said Jay speaking with authority. A tone he only reserved for when he was going to or giving commands.
“Looks like your sources are right.” Whispered Joseph to Laura.
“Gonna need to see you two in my office before we start the trainin'. Get changed then come get me. ”
And with that Jay walked off to his office. Knowing that the news must’ve pissed him off both Joseph and Laura got changed as fast as possible.
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Max stood lifelessly, his eyes glazed. Both his hands placed upon a single screen which flicked various colours wildly. A few moments later John came from round the corner, his huge mechanical frame causing its usual racket as he travelled.
“How many times are you going to check that work Max? Don’t you trust me? As machine as I am even I still have feelings.” Laughed
John his voice distorted with static as he talked.
Closing his eyes Max withdrew his hands from the screen causing it to stay a light bluish colour, in keeping with the rest of the room. As he turned to face John he replied.
“Of course I trust you. If not for you I don’t know what would have become of me. To think if our fathers hadn’t known each other none of this would be possible.”
“Yes….How is our little blue bird doing?”
“I believe he just met her for the first time since the treatment last night. I can already feel her and I’ve organized a way to make sure they spend as much time together as possible.”
“Your power to control others is remarkable. That this old husk of a man before me is practically in control of the U.S. army never fails to amuse me.”
“It was lucky that I was in constant contact with the future big players in the army.” Max paused for a moment in thought. “The upgrade you gave to Jay. Does it only expand my influence over to Laura?
“I’m sure I mentioned it would allow you to control others that he came into contact with as well as long as their exposure to Jay is regular allowing you to control the military more effectively.” Replied John sounding bored by his own explanation.
“That’s what I thought since I can feel the minds of others as well. Curious.”
John annoyed by the Max’s roundabout way of asking a question lost his temper.
“What are you getting at!?”
Max let loose a grin which John failed to notice.
“You must learn patience. You would think that body of yours would serve as a good reminder.”
A silence fell between the two that even the constant noise from the machines and people at work couldn’t fill. Eventually Max continued.
“Anyway my point was that, that boy Joseph I can’t seem to feel him. I know he’s there but that’s all I get. Can you think of any reason why?
“No.” Replied John as bluntly as he could.
“I see. We’ll have to be careful then. Perhaps a transfer of personnel might be in order.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Checkmate? Never heard of them." Stated Shield.
Turning away from Jay, Silver faced Shield with a look of suprise on her face.
"Seriously you don't know who they are? Buckingham palace ring any bells? It wasn't that long ago."
"Hey! Alot's been happenin' in the news with all these super events
I can't be expected to keep track of them all!"
"I bet you've been watching that stupid superhero reality show though."
Jay slammed his hand on the nearby desk regaining the attention of both Shield and Silver.
"Pay attention! These aren't boy scouts we're going after tomorrow, these guys are actively trying to create meta-humans with the express purpose of fuckin' up the west! And right now two of this countries best soldiers are busy bitching about who knows what!"
While Jay took a breathe, clearly intending to continue, Silver interrupted hoping to cool his temper.
"Sorry, sir! We'll strive to do better!"
Jay himself knew what she was doing but it didn't stop it from working as he could feel his anger fading.
"Good to hear. Now as I was saying when we arrive in Gaza we'll be linkin' up with two members of Checkmate before we head to the Haza's base. Codenames are Fire and Ice and from what the files say they do what it says on the tin."
"I'm guessing we've found evidence that the meta-human project of the Haza terroists is an actual threat then?" Asked Shield.
"That's right. During a routine patrol of the northern Gaza area our forces happened to find Eyman Abu Jazar, one of our targets a few years ago when the Haza's were particularly active. He put up a fight but in the end we got 'im and after finding his nearby residence we found documents, which showed that they had recently bought various chemicals on the black market. Which our boys in intelligence claim are similar to our current setup for creating meta-humans."
"So if they've got a meta-human we can expect anything from yourself to Silver?"
"That's right Shield. That's why we got back up on this one."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Who the hell does that old bastard think he is?!" Screeched John, flinging various pieces of equipment around his lab.
Without me he would be nothing! Regardless I shouldn't have to put up with him much longer. When our key is ready we'll open the door and that's when he'll realize that he is nothing more than a pawn to me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the outskirts of Gaza an urban camouflaged helicopter began to land, Blue Jay stood holding the side door open as he gave a wave to a group nearby.
"Look's like Checkmate's already here. Nothing stupid you two."
Silver replied with the standard yes sir, while Shield sat looking insulted. The helicopter landed with a slight bump, before it had Jay had already jumped off and jogged over to the two members of Checkmate.
"Someones eager." Stated Shield, rising from his seat.
"Well this is our first public mission, if it all goes south he'll get the blame and probably end up setting back the militaries future meta-human plans. So there is a lot riding on this." Replied Silver as she stepped off the helicopter.
"I suppose."
Shield pretended to give the subject some thought but all he could think about was project overlord. This morning he'd realized he had heard the name before but it almost felt like a dream more than a memory. In the dream Joseph can feel a searing pain all over his body and while his father cradles him, ensuring him everything will be okay, he hears him mutter about a man named Max and that project overlord has to end and he'll be the one to do it, no one else. Then he blacks out, at least Joseph thinks he does.
"You two get your asses over here!" Shouted Jay.
"Yes, sir!" Replied both Shield and Silver in unison as they increased their pace.
Getting closer to Jay, Shield quickly noticed that the two Checkmate agents happened to be women, good looking women if his eyes didn't deceive him.
Yes! Time for the old Higgins charm!
Activating the suits flight mode Shield glided towards the agents, nearly passing Jay, only to be stopped as Jay stuck his arm out blocking Shield.
"This here's Shield and the girl behind him is the Silver Sorceress. I'm sure you both read the files?" Asked Jay, trying to keep things professional knowing how well Shield reacted around women.
"Of course." Confidently replied the long haired of the two agents. "Unless there's been a change in plans you're in charge here Blue Jay. How do you want to do this?"
"First we're gonna head over to the enemy lab, I'll scout out the place and once I'm done we'll plan out our attack. The quieter, the better. Understood?" Said Jay, turning to face Shield.
"Yes, sir!"
Around half an hour later the group had found the objective, landing around a mile away they stuck to the plan as Blue Jay shrank himself till he was only one millimeter in height and width and then continued to fly towards the base. Knowing he'd be a while the remaining members of the team filled the time with idle chat.
"Okay, so the short haired one's Ice and the others Fire. Which one do you think looks better? I'd say Ice but Fire has this 'thing' about her, you know that kinda of woman who knows what she wants type of look, know I'm all for being the man in the relationship but a lady with some 'fire' isn't necessarily a bad thing." Mused Shield, as he laughed at his own little joke.
"Why do you always talk to me like this? What the hell do you see when you look at me?" Asked Silver, annoyed at this shift in conversation.
"Oh, well, your one of the guys ain't ya!" Answered Shield, realizing his mistake. "You ever want to ask me about guys you know I'm your man. Anyway, what one do you think I should go for?"
Knowing Shield wouldn't give up till he got his answer, she answered reluctantly.
"I suppose that Ice one. I agree about the Fire one, she'd probably chew you up and spit you out."
Shield replied with a sarcastic smile as he walked over to the two agents. Both were busy in conversation with each other as Shield interrupted.
"Hey Fire, right, my buddy over there, Silver, was wondering if you could give her some tips on how to use fire powers. She always has trouble controlling the spread of flames."
"Isn't she a magic user? Why would she struggle with that, surely it would be better than the control I have?" Enquired Fire, highly suspicious.
"Hey don't ask me! Ain't me who's been setting trees and all manner of woodland creatures on fire." Closing in, he whispered to Fire. "But I wouldn't mention it to her, she's the sensitive type. You even mention the word squirrel and you're in for about an hour's worth of tears."
Fire stood, her arms crossed, for a few seconds thinking it through. Eventually she caved in.
"Fine. Be back in minute Ice."
"Kay." Replied Ice.
Watching as she walked over to Silver, Shield began to run through his game plan.
Okay! Play it 'cool', just strike up a little small talk to get the ball rolling.
"So, you been with Checkmate long?"
Just as she was about to reply Shield heard a faint buzzing noise nearby, one he knew all too well.
Damnit Jay!
"Okay team, I've got a general idea of the enemies defenses and it's not good news."
Announced Jay, everyone other than Shield turning to see him slowly growing from a few inches to his usual height.
“I’ll catch you later Sam. Better head off and find Jay.” Announced Joseph lifting himself from the chair.
“No problem buddy. I’ll catch ya tomorrow.”
Leaving Sam’s room Joseph headed over to the training area of the base especially made for members of project Heracles. On his way he could he see Laura walking towards him with a mischievous grin on her face.
“What’s with the smile?”
“You remember yesterday when Jay said that project Heracles was going public?” Laura pauses for a moment letting the suspense build. “It starts tomorrow, we’re heading to Gaza!”
“You sure? Who told you that?”
“I have my sources.” Replied Laura as she tapped her nose. “They say the higher ups rushed it through due to the increased superhero activity across America.”
“You talked to Jay about it yet?”
“Not yet. Just heading there now, you coming?”
“Yeah.”
Heading towards the changing rooms they notice Jay, already in his Blue Jay uniform, waiting by the door with a serious look on his face.
“So you’re both here. Good. Got some orders from upstairs you’ll need to know about.” Said Jay speaking with authority. A tone he only reserved for when he was going to or giving commands.
“Looks like your sources are right.” Whispered Joseph to Laura.
“Gonna need to see you two in my office before we start the trainin'. Get changed then come get me. ”
And with that Jay walked off to his office. Knowing that the news must’ve pissed him off both Joseph and Laura got changed as fast as possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max stood lifelessly, his eyes glazed. Both his hands placed upon a single screen which flicked various colours wildly. A few moments later John came from round the corner, his huge mechanical frame causing its usual racket as he travelled.
“How many times are you going to check that work Max? Don’t you trust me? As machine as I am even I still have feelings.” Laughed
John his voice distorted with static as he talked.
Closing his eyes Max withdrew his hands from the screen causing it to stay a light bluish colour, in keeping with the rest of the room. As he turned to face John he replied.
“Of course I trust you. If not for you I don’t know what would have become of me. To think if our fathers hadn’t known each other none of this would be possible.”
“Yes….How is our little blue bird doing?”
“I believe he just met her for the first time since the treatment last night. I can already feel her and I’ve organized a way to make sure they spend as much time together as possible.”
“Your power to control others is remarkable. That this old husk of a man before me is practically in control of the U.S. army never fails to amuse me.”
“It was lucky that I was in constant contact with the future big players in the army.” Max paused for a moment in thought. “The upgrade you gave to Jay. Does it only expand my influence over to Laura?
“I’m sure I mentioned it would allow you to control others that he came into contact with as well as long as their exposure to Jay is regular allowing you to control the military more effectively.” Replied John sounding bored by his own explanation.
“That’s what I thought since I can feel the minds of others as well. Curious.”
John annoyed by the Max’s roundabout way of asking a question lost his temper.
“What are you getting at!?”
Max let loose a grin which John failed to notice.
“You must learn patience. You would think that body of yours would serve as a good reminder.”
A silence fell between the two that even the constant noise from the machines and people at work couldn’t fill. Eventually Max continued.
“Anyway my point was that, that boy Joseph I can’t seem to feel him. I know he’s there but that’s all I get. Can you think of any reason why?
“No.” Replied John as bluntly as he could.
“I see. We’ll have to be careful then. Perhaps a transfer of personnel might be in order.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Checkmate? Never heard of them." Stated Shield.
Turning away from Jay, Silver faced Shield with a look of suprise on her face.
"Seriously you don't know who they are? Buckingham palace ring any bells? It wasn't that long ago."
"Hey! Alot's been happenin' in the news with all these super events
I can't be expected to keep track of them all!"
"I bet you've been watching that stupid superhero reality show though."
Jay slammed his hand on the nearby desk regaining the attention of both Shield and Silver.
"Pay attention! These aren't boy scouts we're going after tomorrow, these guys are actively trying to create meta-humans with the express purpose of fuckin' up the west! And right now two of this countries best soldiers are busy bitching about who knows what!"
While Jay took a breathe, clearly intending to continue, Silver interrupted hoping to cool his temper.
"Sorry, sir! We'll strive to do better!"
Jay himself knew what she was doing but it didn't stop it from working as he could feel his anger fading.
"Good to hear. Now as I was saying when we arrive in Gaza we'll be linkin' up with two members of Checkmate before we head to the Haza's base. Codenames are Fire and Ice and from what the files say they do what it says on the tin."
"I'm guessing we've found evidence that the meta-human project of the Haza terroists is an actual threat then?" Asked Shield.
"That's right. During a routine patrol of the northern Gaza area our forces happened to find Eyman Abu Jazar, one of our targets a few years ago when the Haza's were particularly active. He put up a fight but in the end we got 'im and after finding his nearby residence we found documents, which showed that they had recently bought various chemicals on the black market. Which our boys in intelligence claim are similar to our current setup for creating meta-humans."
"So if they've got a meta-human we can expect anything from yourself to Silver?"
"That's right Shield. That's why we got back up on this one."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Who the hell does that old bastard think he is?!" Screeched John, flinging various pieces of equipment around his lab.
Without me he would be nothing! Regardless I shouldn't have to put up with him much longer. When our key is ready we'll open the door and that's when he'll realize that he is nothing more than a pawn to me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the outskirts of Gaza an urban camouflaged helicopter began to land, Blue Jay stood holding the side door open as he gave a wave to a group nearby.
"Look's like Checkmate's already here. Nothing stupid you two."
Silver replied with the standard yes sir, while Shield sat looking insulted. The helicopter landed with a slight bump, before it had Jay had already jumped off and jogged over to the two members of Checkmate.
"Someones eager." Stated Shield, rising from his seat.
"Well this is our first public mission, if it all goes south he'll get the blame and probably end up setting back the militaries future meta-human plans. So there is a lot riding on this." Replied Silver as she stepped off the helicopter.
"I suppose."
Shield pretended to give the subject some thought but all he could think about was project overlord. This morning he'd realized he had heard the name before but it almost felt like a dream more than a memory. In the dream Joseph can feel a searing pain all over his body and while his father cradles him, ensuring him everything will be okay, he hears him mutter about a man named Max and that project overlord has to end and he'll be the one to do it, no one else. Then he blacks out, at least Joseph thinks he does.
"You two get your asses over here!" Shouted Jay.
"Yes, sir!" Replied both Shield and Silver in unison as they increased their pace.
Getting closer to Jay, Shield quickly noticed that the two Checkmate agents happened to be women, good looking women if his eyes didn't deceive him.
Yes! Time for the old Higgins charm!
Activating the suits flight mode Shield glided towards the agents, nearly passing Jay, only to be stopped as Jay stuck his arm out blocking Shield.
"This here's Shield and the girl behind him is the Silver Sorceress. I'm sure you both read the files?" Asked Jay, trying to keep things professional knowing how well Shield reacted around women.
"Of course." Confidently replied the long haired of the two agents. "Unless there's been a change in plans you're in charge here Blue Jay. How do you want to do this?"
"First we're gonna head over to the enemy lab, I'll scout out the place and once I'm done we'll plan out our attack. The quieter, the better. Understood?" Said Jay, turning to face Shield.
"Yes, sir!"
Around half an hour later the group had found the objective, landing around a mile away they stuck to the plan as Blue Jay shrank himself till he was only one millimeter in height and width and then continued to fly towards the base. Knowing he'd be a while the remaining members of the team filled the time with idle chat.
"Okay, so the short haired one's Ice and the others Fire. Which one do you think looks better? I'd say Ice but Fire has this 'thing' about her, you know that kinda of woman who knows what she wants type of look, know I'm all for being the man in the relationship but a lady with some 'fire' isn't necessarily a bad thing." Mused Shield, as he laughed at his own little joke.
"Why do you always talk to me like this? What the hell do you see when you look at me?" Asked Silver, annoyed at this shift in conversation.
"Oh, well, your one of the guys ain't ya!" Answered Shield, realizing his mistake. "You ever want to ask me about guys you know I'm your man. Anyway, what one do you think I should go for?"
Knowing Shield wouldn't give up till he got his answer, she answered reluctantly.
"I suppose that Ice one. I agree about the Fire one, she'd probably chew you up and spit you out."
Shield replied with a sarcastic smile as he walked over to the two agents. Both were busy in conversation with each other as Shield interrupted.
"Hey Fire, right, my buddy over there, Silver, was wondering if you could give her some tips on how to use fire powers. She always has trouble controlling the spread of flames."
"Isn't she a magic user? Why would she struggle with that, surely it would be better than the control I have?" Enquired Fire, highly suspicious.
"Hey don't ask me! Ain't me who's been setting trees and all manner of woodland creatures on fire." Closing in, he whispered to Fire. "But I wouldn't mention it to her, she's the sensitive type. You even mention the word squirrel and you're in for about an hour's worth of tears."
Fire stood, her arms crossed, for a few seconds thinking it through. Eventually she caved in.
"Fine. Be back in minute Ice."
"Kay." Replied Ice.
Watching as she walked over to Silver, Shield began to run through his game plan.
Okay! Play it 'cool', just strike up a little small talk to get the ball rolling.
"So, you been with Checkmate long?"
Just as she was about to reply Shield heard a faint buzzing noise nearby, one he knew all too well.
Damnit Jay!
"Okay team, I've got a general idea of the enemies defenses and it's not good news."
Announced Jay, everyone other than Shield turning to see him slowly growing from a few inches to his usual height.