Heroes: The Road of Good Intentions

[LadyTevar]

Argent ignored Gravitas, her attention fully on Warpath. "Saibot was captured and tortured, we know that. What Was Done To Him."

Warpath would have to be an idjit not to see this was more than 'professional' interest. It was just too intense, and it seemed to draw him into that same intensity just by looking back at the petite Asian as she stared at him with those odd eyes...

[B4UTRUST]

Bowman looked up at Blackheart as he entered the office.
"Agent Blackheart. I just finished up writing my recomendations based on your report. I need to talk to you about a few things you put in it.

"I'll be straight forward. I want a name. You want out of leadership, I want a name as a replacement. I'm honestly hesitant to bring in an outside replacement because quite frankly from what your after action reports have said the team barely listens to you, I somehow doubt they'd be more inclined to work with a total outsider who hasn't had any experiance with them.

"And it looks like you might be losing two of your teammates here shortly. Your report was not very flattering towards certain individuals. Both of which have prior records and are on probation. Saibot's situation is on hold till we can fingure out if what happened was pre-meditated or insanity. And if his mind can be repaired.

"Argent, on the other hand, has had a very unflattering picture painted of her without any doubts. I want your final recomendation on her. Is she redeemable, or does she get a one-way ticket to Gramercy or Station Zero?

"This debrief isn't going to be pretty, Blackheart. Some of the higher ups want to know what went wrong and why we don't have Freak Show's ass in a cold cell. There are going to be some questions and I'm not the only one going to be asking them. Reason is going to be there as the least. It's a tossup if anyone else shows up."

[Cynical Cat]

"I'm not looking for an out sir, but the fuck up happened while I was in command," said Blackheart. "Three people, although only two of them were Ultima personnel, decided to alter the mission while we were on site and after we had engaged in combat. The mission went sideways under my leadership and I won't dodge the responsibility.

"As for Argent, I think she's salvageable. A teleporter is too useful to throw away if we have a chance of salvaging her. She's a whiny bitch with entitlement issues, but she's too potentially useful to ashcan if we don't have to. As for Freak Show, Gravitas cut a side deal with him the substance of which that Gravitas would transport Freak Show and most of his people to somewhere were they wouldn't be trouble and the worst would be given to Ultima.

"I'll take what debrief dishes out. If they want someone to walk the plank, I'll volunteer. Our relationship with Gravitas needs to be reevaluated. He's useful, but he's playing his own game and he's willing to bend us around in the middle of a mission."

He paused for a moment. "Until the hammer comes down, I need to know what you want my team to do?"

[B4UTRUST]

"I'll take your recommendation concerning Argent into consideration. However, dispite her usefulness there needs to be some sort of reprimand or punishment given. I'm doubting putting a memo in her permanent record is going to have the most impact upon her. I'm open to suggestions.

"As for Gravitas, he needs to be reigned in if possible. I fully realize he's being utilized as an outside contract, however while he's working with Ultima he is working under federal rules and regs. Cutting side deals like that is bad policy all the way around. I can appreciate what he was trying to do, but he needs to realize in the future that such things need to be run up the chain first so we're all on the same page."

Bowman sighed and cracked his knuckles then began to rhythmically tap his fingertips on the top of his desk.
"I don't think this is a situation where we're going to need a plank to be walked. The situation wasn't public, it was contained, so there is of course no need to make a formal dismisal for the media. And, based on your reports and those of other agents on the mission, you preformed to the best of your ability given the quickly deteriorating situation.

"As a matter of formallity we'll be talking with the other agents involved and trying to get a whole overall view of everything that has happened. Afterwards Agent Reason and anyone else who's assigned will make the determination about what is to happen.

"And your orders? At the moment till this is solved there are no standing orders for Mirage team. The entire team is at this moment moved to inactive status for the duration. Understand, you're not being suspended or anything of the sort. But if there are serious problems within the team that need to be addressed, it's in everyone's best interest to handle it before sending the team out into another potentially deadly situation.

"In the meantime, to supplement the team now that you have injured personel, we've drawn up an inactive reserve to help fill your ranks. I think you'll be able to deal with him a bit better then some of the others. He's a volunteer and from what I understand a certified genius in his field, which is robotics of some sort. Goes by the codename Warpath."

Bowman slid a folder across the desk to Blackheart, a few pieces of paper in it along with a few paperclipped photos. The folder contained a bio and most of the data that Ultima had on record concerning him. "He'll be in attendance at the debrief where he'll be formally introduced to the team." Bowman glanced at the clock. "Speaking of which, we need to get going. Briefing starts in fifteen."

[Cynical Cat]

Blackheart opened the folder. "Stone? The Stone? He must have bitten the hero bug bad if he's decided to come out of the lab." To say the man was one of the leading lights in the power armour field was merely to give the man his due. He was one of the best engineers on the planet when it came to bleeding edge ultratech. He closed the folder and followed Bowman out the door.

"Reigning in Gravitas is hard. He has money and celebrity which makes legal action hard to take against him and he certainly isn't cashing an Ultima paycheck. Violence would be stupid and kicking him off the team won't accomplish anything. Keeping him the dark might work. His intelligence assets are limited. He gets informed as he plays nice might work.

"Lei's easier. Jerk the leash back. She eats here, sleeps here, doesn't get to go out for dinner, doesn't even make a fucking phone call until she shapes up. Give her a small taste of what doing hard time will be like and gives us the carrot of her getting all back."

"At least that's my best ideas for the moment." Blackheart opened the briefing room door and stepped inside.

[B4UTRUST]

Bowman refrained from pointing out that short of strapping Argent into an inhibitor harness and injecting her with nanites again, keeping a teleporter anywhere they didn't want to be was a difficult proposition at best.

Bowman followed Blackheart into the room.
"If you all would find a seat, as soon as everyone arrives we'll begin. In the mean time, I'd like you to meet the latest addition to Mirage team. This is Dr. Jeffery Stone. He's one of the foremost minds in his field, so I'm told. He's been of great assistance to Ultima in the past and we're hoping to put his talents to use in the meantime."

[Dark Silver]

WARpath simply nodded, waved, and remained standing, "Morning," he said, the cheerfulness not cut to much by the voice modulators.

"My field happens to be advanced robotics and cybernetics, though I've branched out to most of the mechanical sciences..." as he said, a hiss sounded from his armor, and two bolt like mechanisms turned then slide outwards on the sides. The helmet slid up, then back, as the abdomen and hips of the armor opened up, revealing the late average looking man within, the deep lines on his face told his age, but the blue pilots suit beneath showed a figure, while not built, which at least took marginal care of himself.

"My company and I built the W.A.R.path armor here, as well as several other high tech toys, some in use by Ultima and the US Military today. It'll be a pleasure to work with you people."

Stone climbed out of the armor, and headed to a seat by the table, a almost amicable look on his face.

[Cynical Cat]

Blackheart wondered if Bowman was smart enough to grasp that the purpose of grounding Argent was not just as a punishment but to see if she was going to rabbit rather than having it happen in combat. He mentally bet two to one against.

And by God Almighty, it was the great Jeffery Stone himself. Blackheart rose from the table and extended his hand. "Doctor Stone, your reputation and the quality of your proceeds you. I'm glad to have you aboard."

[Dark Silver]

Stone smiled at Blackheart, extended his own hand, and shook it firmly, "Thank you Agent, I'll admit I wasn't expecting to be called so soon after the new iteration of W.A.R.path was completed, but I'll do my best not to get in your teams way and be an asset."

With that, he took a seat in a chair, and put on his business face, the smile not quiet changing, but the look in his eye..

[LadyTevar]

Argent managed to keep her patience as Blackheart and Bowman officially introduced Warpath to the team. "He's being modest, Blackheart...," she said, her eyes turning to the two agents.

"He'd just informed us he hacked information about Saibot's condition. Dr Stone was shocked and horrified by what he saw." His machine might be powerful, but it couldn't stop emotions from leaking. Her next words were soft, as nearly begging. "Could you tell me, please?"

[Dark Silver]

"Hack...is such a strong word, more like intercepted the data stream while I was running a search through the Ultima Network for information on this group of young people and agents."

He cleared his throat, "I intercepted the email while it was enroute to your accounts Gentlemen.....so I doubt you've seen it yet.....Infact, i know you haven't, it's still marked as unread on both of your machines..."

Cyberpathy was such a tricky talent to keep quiet, he was near constantly probing the surrounding info-nets and electrical systems, as long as it was within range....

Of course, aside from Bowman, and Blackheart who both seen his file, he didn't think the rest knew about his power, though the floating heavily battered man, Gravitas he guessed, was a lot closer than he thought.

[B4UTRUST]

Bowman waited a few minutes while the rest of the team showed up, taking their seats. Everybody had arrived except for one. he showed up a moment later.

Jerry Palmer entered the room. The man was rather average overall, a shade under six foot and weighed just shy of 200lbs but he carried it well. His face was open and genuine, no guile was in his eyes. He had a self-assured air about him, one of confidence and dependibilty.

He was Reason, boogeyman of Ultima IA. He knew his reputation and he also tried to discourage it as best he could, often making jokes about his codename, though they were terrible. But the jokes were also the harsh reality of him, everyone did listen to Reason. It took a mighty mind indeed to resist him, though it had happened. His record spoke for itself. He was quite capable in his job, dealing efficently with the problems that arose in the bureau. Be it someone in finance diverting pay, thefts from the armoury, or problems with a team and their following of policy. He found out the facts, laid them naked to the light and they were dealt with.

A smile came to his face as he looked around the assembled.
"Please, let us get started. I understand your time is quite precious and this small matter needs to get put to bed as quickly as possible. I'm sure you all understand."

Reason took a seat next to Bowman, pulling out a notebook and pen, flipping it open to a blank sheet. He also pulled out a tape recorder and set it in the middle of the table.
"This debriefing will be recorded for later review. I trust there are no objections."

He pressed the record button; the tape rolled.
"Now then, lets begin. Lets start with team lead. Agent Blackheart, if you would be so kind as to brief us on exactly what happened, from the beginning. For records sake, of course."

As Reason began the debriefing and asking questions, the desire to tell him their story was strong. It was almost a need to state the record straight and tell him the truth of what happened.

[Cynical Cat]

"Our intelligence on the Freak Legion indicated that they presented a low risk of physical harm to the general public and as such they were treated as a low priority by Ultima and other government agencies. During a robbery, Agent Blast and I were attacked quite viciously by members of Freak Legion and had to use deadly force to defend ourselves. This resulted in me considering the possibility that Freak Legion might be more dangerous than we believed.

"A more recent attack showed extreme viciousness and evidence that members of Freak Legion had been committing murder. We had information where Freak Legion was believed to lair. It suggested, among other things, that there were several families in their numbers. A plan of attack based on stealth infiltration followed up by an overwhelming surprise attack was formulated. The intent was to subdue them before they much chance of resisting, thus minimizing the chance of injurying the children. At that time no alternative plans were raised."

Blackheart paused before continuing. "Saibot had gone in early to recon the location, which were the old subway tunnels. Argent teleported us to his location. At the time he was engaged in combat with a sword armed Freak and I used lethal force to neutralize him. Saibot broke orders and went solo. At that time I believed that attempting to pursue him would jeopordize the stealth component of the operation and resolved to continue with the mission. The rest of the team split into two groups, with the intent of getting Blast into position so he could kill their power when signalled, further diminishing their ability to resist. Gravitas then teleported away.

"He negotiated directly with Freak Show, guarranteeing him amnesty and relocation in exchange for surrendering the worst of his number. Freak Show claimed he lacked the ability to control the worst of him and agreed in principle. Gravitas communicated this to me, having cost us the element of surprise and presenting the deal as a fait accompli. I was less than enthusiastic about the turn of events and I believed that Gravitas was going to get suckered by Freak Show. I said as much to him.

"At this point Argent decided to drop me into Freak Show's presence against my will and without means of communicating with the rest of the team. Gravitas was able to reach her and reprommanded for cutting me off from communication. She resupplied me with an earpiece.

"At this point everything had gone sideways and Gravitas was willing to address my concerns regarding his side deal. At this point a clean capture was, in my opinion, completely impossible and three of my team members weren't following orders. Gravitas's deal was looking like the best of bunch of lousy options and I reluctantly agreed as long as certain conditions were met. A rough agreement was reached.

"Then Saibot reappeared, in the midst of his killing spree. We eventually managed to subdue him, but not before he collapsed a hole in the street and considerable casualties were caused. The rest was clean up and subdual of a few Freaks. Sometime during this operation Casscade was killed. Questions?"

[LadyTevar]

Argent felt the desire to tell the nice agent everything, and knew it was coming from outside her. As Blackheart told his side of the story, Argent watched Reason through hooded eyes.

Empathy against empathy might work, and Blackheart had even suggested she try to suck up to the higher-ups, even if it was followed by the suggestion to go fuck herself. However, knowing the urge to tell him everything came from outside her didn't mean she should let the agent know she could resist.

In fact, telling her story simply, quietly, without using her empathy to influence him might be better. She wasn't that sure she could influence him.. she'd never tried to go against an empath like that before, and there was the tape recorder. THAT she couldn't influence. So, for the moment, she would quietly wait her turn to speak.

But she still watched the agent solemnly, judging him as he was judging her. She was pretty sure he recognized that she was not effected as strongly as others, and thus, when she spoke the truth, he may give it more weight.

[B4UTRUST]

Reason made private notes on his pad as he heard Blackheart's version of the happenings. He would withold final judgement until he had heard from everyone and had a better understanding of what had happened to everyone.
"Thank you, Agent Blackheart. For the record, as far as we are aware Cascade's death is unconnected to the Freak Legion. At the moment, I have no questions for you. Let's continue. Agent Ghost, if you would, please give you account of the mission. Remember to include as much detail as possible and as always, remember this is an official statement, so you are considered under oath."

[Agent Fisher]

Ghost nodded. "Yes, sir. The plan, as far as I understood it, was to hold our position in Ultima HQ, until Saibot had called in that he had found the Freak hideout. As we were waiting, Argent told us he was under attack. We hadn't had any comm traffic, but because of their connection, she could tell the emotions of the team. Blast, Gravitas, and Blackheart were teleported to the location. Hotfoot and myself were waiting to be sent in."

At this point, Ghost leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face.

"Then she reappeared, gave us a small brief and brought us in. About the time we got there, the Freak that had been fighting Saibot was killed. So, there we were, all of us in that tunnel, the plan already messed up. Saibot said some words and headed off on his own. Gravitas suggested splitting up and cutting the power. So, Blast, Gravitas and myself moved one direction, the others going the opposite way, after Saibot."

Ghost reached for a glass and took a drink of water.

"I took point. Nothing happened until we reached this barrier. It seemed to just be a wall of negative feelings. Probably kept everyone not determined to get through out. Then Gravitas went off on his own. I was ahead of Blast and I reached a barricade. I held my position, just waiting for the word on what to do. Then I heard on the comm that Gravitas was cutting a deal with the Freaks. I switched to a secure comm with Blackheart and asked what to do. He told me to hold fast, so thats what I did. I was told that we were going to try and bring in the worst of the Freaks, and I grumbled. I headed in. Once I was already into the Freak's territory, I heard gunfire. I asked what was going on. Hotfoot responded, telling me what was going on." He took another drink of water.

"I headed towards Hotfoot, and met up with him in Freak Legion's office, i guess it was. He and I exchanged words and I didn't try to bring him in, figuring that it was me and him and all his friends. I knew I wouldn't make it out alive. After talking for a bit, I headed towards the location of another Freak. I arrived at his room, and looked inside. It was all humans. Everything. The Freak looked at me and I opened fire, unloading all my rounds at him. He tossed a chair at me, cutting up my legs. After that it got kinda fuzzy. Next thing I know, Hotfoot had killed the freak and another Freak had healed my leg. I did another sweep through the tunnels, all the Freaks were gone by then, and then we returned to Ultima, battered, beaten, not a single objective achieved."

[B4UTRUST]

"I see. Thank you, agent. No questions at this time. Gravitas, perhaps you could fill us in on the whys and hows of your deviation from the established plan? What made you try to cut a deal with the people that Ultima was after? I would really like to know."

[SirNitram]

Gravitas knew he was facing an empath, and didn't try to resist. It would only make trouble, after all. And the questions, so far, wouldn't force him to lie.

"The reasons for my deviation are simple, concise, and a matter of public record. I'm sure Blackheart has mentioned my claims to know the future of this timeline; that there will be war between the Metahuman and Human populations, that I'm essentially here to try and divert the fate, if you will." Gravitas explained. "The Freak Legion and Ultima share fundamental similarities with groups in my home universe. Allowed to continue as they were, the Freaks would not have been captured in entirity, and those who were not shuffled into processing.. With the potential for those taken to vanish into paperwork.. Will grow angry, violent, and organized."

"The mechanics of the plan require a basic understanding of the important difference between our worlds. Mine had a higher level of potential power in Metahumans. This meant that when the Metahumans inevitably lost to superior numbers, they could leave to the stars and let humanity on their own. The locals lack this ability. Because of this, I wished to.. Establish a lifeboat. The Freaks were to be given a planet I've already prospected and is ready for human and near-human life. It would be a primitive existance, but better than banishment to the sewers, which is what they have here and now."

The Nova leaned back. "As for what made me do it? I trust Ultima to put down those who go too far. I trust Blackheart to do this with an efficiency and professionalism I've only seen a few times in my long life. But frankly, I've seen nothing to think this organization would cause anything but more harm, resentment, and trouble for people whose only crime is to sprout aberrant mutations."

[B4UTRUST]

Agent Reason resisted the urge to spout off the standard line. However, he felt it neccessary to point out certain things to the Nova.
"Yes, their only crime was to sprout aberrant mutations. Along with theft, breaking and entering, assault, assault with a deadly weapon, murder, manslaughter, conspircy to commit every one of those crimes, premedidation on those crimes, aiding and abetting, and a laundry list of others. So I highly doubt their innocence.

"As for what I resent, I'll keep my opinions private thank you. But I assure you that my resentment is not towards innocent people.

"Argent, perhaps you can help enlighten us about the innocence of the Freak Legion."

[SirNitram]

"Everyone in the sewers did all that? What an interesting pile of evidence that must be. I will have to see it. And of course, when I go on the news and announce this, you will be quick to present it." Gravitas slowly, slowly smiled. It was one of a cobra eyeing a rodent, with the sudden knowledge that it was definately not a mongoose.

[B4UTRUST]

Reason never flinched from Gravtas' look. He had seen worse.

"If we need to get to the technical terms of the legalities, Gravitas, I'm sure that we can adequately prove that, by having knowledge of the crimes they were indeed aiding and abetting. Now, would you care to explain why Saibot is in a coma, your legs are broken and Agent Ghost was cut up? Let me guess, the nice little elves did it. If you honestly believe that the Freak Legion was innocent then you're even more naive then I thought. If you like I'm sure we can obtain a laundry list of crimes from the Freak that was brought back.

"Ah, but I forgot. You're a god. You don't believe in the legalities, just your own moral compass of what you feel is neccessary to do.

"Now, if you still wish a news conference I'm sure we can oblige. And once you've had your say, we'll have ours. I can assure you, however, that you won't like what we have to say. Now, do we continue with idle threats, or do we finish this debrief?"

[SirNitram]

"So you and Blackheart are aiding and abetting every crime done by someone in Ultima or one of the other shells of alphabet soup you two are connected to? Don't take me for a moron." Gravitas shakes his head slowly.

"Saibot did it, after attack by.. A single entity. A single being. Who is now dead, regrettably, but such is what we call a tactical necessity when we're not paper-pushers whose only use is to try and force truth out in a debriefing. And since you're apparently a fine empath but a shitty reader, it's legs, ribcage, hips, arms, and a good chunk of my spine. Your pathetic, uninspired attempt to throw my godhood in my face kinda falls on it's face when you realize I can talk back with this sort of damage."

"Idle threats is what I seem to get alot of. I'm sure they're not all idle, and that if you really wanted to actually go through the trouble of trials and enforcing laws, which you claim to be doing, you could force all sorts of lists past the lips of the Freak. That's what your station is for after all. Now, if you want to try and claim moral high ground, I can leave and let you play make-beleive. I told you the truth, unless being in the proximity of criminals makes one criminal. Did that one go through with the little Meta-registration sideshow you're doing?'

[LadyTevar]

It was like watching a tennis-match, as Argent's eyes went from Gravitas to Reason and back. Both men were defensive and getting annoyed by the other's position, which made even more interesting.

She could wait for her turn. Perhaps they'd get so involved with Gravitas they'd forget her.

In fact, she'd not be surprised if Gravitas might be trying to distract them from her ... it was something he'd do.

[B4UTRUST]

"Fortunatly for you, no. However, the charges of aiding and abetting still stand by their having prior knowledge and knowledge after the fact of the crimes commited and more-so benifiting from the result of the crime itself.

"Now, we would certainly *like* to be able to enforce the laws and have trials and verdicts and judgements and all those nice sort of things. However, to do that we require something. What was it? Oh, yes. Criminals in custody. We seem to get so few of those in here for some reason. Care to elaborate on why that is? I find it hard to believe that every criminal you deal with dies from tactical neccesity.

"In the meantime, I'm still waiting to hear from Argent. So if you would please save this little moral debate till afterwards it would be appreciated."

[Cynical Cat]

Blackheart resisted the urge to say something. It was far better for Gravitas to do the damage to Ultima's bosses and to himself without Blackheart intervening and possibly disrupting the orgy of throat slitting. He was a little surprised that Gravitas was so closely matching his predictions. He hadn't thought the profile he had whipped up was that good. I'm so good I even surprise my self, he thought to himself. He suppressed a smile.