Realistic or Modern The Vigilante Code

[Mitheral]

Edwin and Matthew


Matthew had only the faintest concept of the value of a Faberge egg. Still he understood it apparently held a lot of meaning to his friend. Clearly Muerte had no appreciation for art. And though he probably could have used the money, he clearly valued the demonstration of power more than the money. Lori had said that Muerte was a megalomaniac. She was right. Matthew barely paid attention to the written conversation at first, preferring to keep his ears tuned to the conversation among the villains.

Hellburner spoke up. “All this fuss over some hunk of jewelry shaped like an egg? Is it worth much?”
Muerte nodded. The others looked at Hellburner like he was stupid. “Indeed. Priceless. A similar Egg went for $55 million. This one could fetch a touch more.” And with that Muerte closed his armored fist and crushed the Egg into dust, a piece of history no more concern to him that a fly.


The room was struck silent - all but Muerte. “Priceless to me because Ricochet has proven she can actually do as she is told. Hellburner, was it necessary to draw the whole nation’s interest to Mr Kincaid’s death? The idea was to coerce Lucius Kincaid from hiding, not start a manhunt that places Hydra assets in danger of being exposed.”

Muerte paced as he talked. “Hydra is displeased with us at the moment. We lost Diana Cantrell. We have found neither of the remaining Kincaids. We lost the race car driver. His supercapacitor would have upgraded every weapon and vehicle in our arsenal and had us ready to begin our takeover. He could have revolutionized the von Straad developments. We failed again to take Dr Williams. Do you all know what Hydra does with failed experiments?


“Ricochet here has three more tests to complete. You will be paid for this last mission. You completed it just fine. You are dismissed for now. I will have the mission parameters and break in details and tech ready soon. The tech requirements are going to be more advanced. You will need to train for the mission. But you are doing very well. Now then about the fight you were in. Care to explain?”


Janice froze, “Fight?”


“I can see the bruises on my thermal scanners.”


“Oh … that. It’s nothing.” She looked sharply at Muerte. “It wasn’t mission related, just old business. Already taken care of. He won’t bother me again.” She did her best to sound braver and more intimidating than she felt.”


Scorpia spoke up. “YOU beat someone up? I find that hard to believe. You barely know how to slap.”


Ricochet turned and faced Scorpia. “Really? You want to find out just how hard I can slap?”


Scorpia was more than ready. “Why yes.”


“Scorpia!” Muerte cautioned the woman. “Leave it. Ricochet, you can go. I will be in touch.”


The rest of the group remained silent until after Ricochet left. Matthew took the time to read Matthew’s messages more carefully, then nodded, reached into the shadows and pulled out neatly folded Hydra uniforms.

"More of these on the ship. It belongs to Hydra I think. They have locker rooms. Muerte’s agents numbers far less and probably restricted from many parts of the ship. But I am thinking you still want to use Muerte’s agent uniforms to get close to Hellburner."


Muerte turned back to his group. “Scorpia, Iron Man and Hellburner, you have your assignment already. Pale Rider, I want to know where Ricochet goes - discretely. There was more in that vault than the Egg. I doubt you will be able to keep up with Ricochet. Just let me know where you lose the trail. If absolutely necessary I can send Wildcat. I just prefer not to unless I am involved personally to bring her back. Iron Man, are you still up to this? Or did tonight’s fight take too much out of you?”


“I’m good enough. Sean’s good, but not that good. Don’t ever ask me to do that again.”


“Excuse me?” Muerte turned on Iron Man.


“You heard me. I draw the line at killing my family. And don’t ever try to force me to choose between them again. You do, and I will choose to go against you.” The rest of the group took an involuntary step back from Iron Man in case Muerte lost his temper.


“You DARE speak to me like that?!” Muerte sounded angry.


“You, anyone. You wanted to know where I draw a line. That is where. I serve you well short of that. Now when do I get to see my wife and kid?”


Muerte allowed for a dramatic pause. Then he spoke calmly. “I’ll arrange for a video conference after your mission. Now … go!”


And with that, Scorpia, Iron Man, and Hellburner gave slight bows, turned and exited as a group. Matthew looked at Edwin frowning. Three of them still seemed like a bit of a challenge, especially without a better element of surprise. Hellburner’s costumed looked like armor, possibly with an exoskeletal enhancement. Where did these guys get all of this tech?


He wrote quickly, “Follow? Or go after the uniform’s of Muerte’s guys? 3 vs 2 still not looking good. BTW, I think we’ll need a fire extinguisher.”


 
Erik and Erica


(Bunnying and responding at the same time)


Assuming Erik was telling the truth about the force field there was no point in running. And he was offering free information. The thing of it was, what sort of information would he choose to reveal? It took a little time for her drug fogged mind to come up with a suitable question. And was the memory of why she was here to begin with - Nico - that gave her the question to ask.


“Why Nico? Why kill him? He never hurt anyone.”


Erik stopped pacing. “His brother. To coax him out of hiding. There were two people in the world that Lucius Kincaid valued - his mother and Nico. Live bait would have worked better. Once you kill someone, you can’t use their life as leverage. Lucius Kincaid is an Interpol agent who was cleverly placed in prison to protect a target from assassination. Lucius knows the identity of the man who pulled the target out of prison to inform on us. Hydra needed that man’s identity. Thanks to Hellburner, Mrs Kincaid has been moved to protective custody. We know who is responsible for that, but have no leverage.


“But that doesn’t truly answer your question. The real question is what did the man in prison know. The answer to that is: that there is a plan in place to devastate the boroughs of the NYC area. Sean’s family is going to step in and rebuild the city. Samuel Reed is destined to become a US Senator, possibly President. Hydra has other suitable candidates.


“The other thing that the informant knows is that we are planning to flood the streets with military hardware - enough to create a resistance movement and destabilize the United States. Once the US falls, the world economy will crash. This plan has begun already. That is why Hellburner went for the brutal slaying of Nico. That does not excuse it however. They should have picked another target for that sort of slaying. Nico should merely have been kidnapped and held hostage.”

 

[sharlene79]

Lori’s Apartment


“So, what do you need me to do? Rescue Sean and Erica?” Kassandra asked


“No,” Lori shook her head. “At this point we don’t know if they need rescuing. Risking more people at this point would be a poor strategy.”


Kassandra nodded. “Understood. So you just brought me here to get me up to date on how hopeless a mess has been created. Everyone got in a big hurry to get revenge with no real strategic plan and very little intelligence. Typical Edwin. He’s a friend and I love him to death. But he is way too impulsive where his friends are concerned. Sean should have known better. Typical thinking with his fists. Same for Erica. I am betting she had no plan; she just followed Sean. I suspect there is something still going on between those two. Sean should have asked her. Instead he let pride get in his way.


“Tell me more about this John Hughes guy. No, wait. Tell me EVERYthing. Chronological order if possible, though it really doesn’t matter. I need to know everything you have learned about this criminal syndicate - and I do mean everything. From there I can make an informed decision.”


Lori stared at Kassandra. “Have you any clue how much data that is? I have spent years gathering data.”


“Excellent,” Kassandra nodded approvingly, “the more the better. 3 pages per second with a one quarter second pause every third page if you can manage that. Use sequential screens if needed. That will give me a quarter of a second to blink every now and then. If it takes hours, so be it.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin had been busy writing down all the information that Dr. Muerte provided. So busy, in fact, that he almost missed Matthew’s next amazing feat. Edwin blinked in surprise when Matthew reached INTO a shadow and pulled out a yellow uniform. Fortunately, Edwin had the foresight not to gasp. Matthew really needed to stop surprising Edwin too much with his abilities—it didn’t help Edwin any in terms of stealth.


Instead, Edwin simply nodded at Matthew’s suggestion. He didn’t know when Matthew found time to steal the Hydra uniform, but it was a lot more useful to impersonate a Hydra agent than a simple Terror Inc goon. The uniform looked a lot more durable than the Terror Inc uniforms as well.


Returning his attention to the Terror Inc squad, Edwin watched the interaction between Terror Inc members. It would appear that none of the members really trusted each other—something to take note of. Edwin frowned worriedly when Janice was singled-out for her bruises. Even though Muerte was taking the time to recruit Ricochet into Terror Inc, he clearly didn’t trust her. Edwin didn’t know whether Janice chose not to reveal her altercation with Rafael due to her pride…or to prevent Edwin and Matthew from being involved with Terror Inc; Probably a mixture of both. Either way, Edwin was relieved that neither his nor Matthew’s name came up in the conversation.


The revelation that Iron Man was related to Sean was shocking…but not as shocking as learning that Sean had lost the cage fight. Cage fights were fights to the death…weren’t they? Edwin’s eyes widened at the implication. Fortunately, Iron Man apparently drew the line at killing family…which meant that Sean was alive…right? What about Erica? Sean may have been Iron Man’s family, but Erica wasn’t. Edwin closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down. He knew nothing for certain yet. Sean and Erica were not the type to die easily…and, if Iron Man protected Sean, surely he would protect someone Sean cared for. He simply had to have faith that his friends could take care of themselves.


Edwin watched the group comprising of Scorpia, Hellburner, and Iron Man leave, his attention mainly focused on the two males: Hellburner…for obvious reasons…but also Iron Man…because he was Edwin’s only clue to finding where Sean and Erica were. Did Sean know about one of his relatives being blackmailed by Dr. Muerte?


Matthew’s written words snapped Edwin out of his thoughts. Edwin stared incredulously at Matthew’s question, before scowling and writing furiously:


“We are NOT fighting them,”


Edwin double underlined the word ‘not’ to emphasize his point…just in case Matthew didn’t get the message. This was the same guy who challenged the Dark Knight to a fight, after all.


3 on 2? More like 3 on 1.


While Edwin figured he could fight a normal thug somewhat decently, Edwin didn’t he could take on an elite fighter…especially someone who beat Sean. The only one Edwin might be able to fight was Scorpia…and even then he wasn’t positive he could win.


“We are the stealth team. Our only mission is to spy/gather information regarding the organization and Hellburner—discover his identity/weakness in order to aid in his capture.”


The plan, if Edwin remembered correctly, was to determine whether or not Hellburner was on the ship, isolate Hellburner, and take Nico’s murderer down as a group.


“If we do manage to follow the three of them we do it at a distance and we disappear if they catch sight of us.”


Edwin didn’t even pause to ponder Matthew’s question. “We go after uniforms first. Though I am curious about what Hellburner’s mission entails, safety should be our first priority. I had originally wanted to tail Hellburner because I was afraid of losing our target—who knows when we’ll be able to find him again. However, now that I think about it again, it doesn’t matter…since we know what Terror Inc is after.”


Edwin flipped the page and continued writing. “Lucius Kincaid. So long as we have him, Hellburner will probably come after us.”


Edwin quickly texted a message to Lori via the burner phone she gave him:

***Locate Lucius Kincaid. He’s being targeted by Hydra.


**Keep an eye on Janice Mueller aka Ricochet. Pale Rider is tailing her.


*Other things to note:


-Diana Cantrell


-race car driver – supercapacitor


-von Straad Developments


-Dr. Williams


-Wildcat?
​

P.S. Where are Olympus and Athena?

​

Edwin had no idea about any of the stuff Dr. Muerte talked about, but he figured that Lori and Kevin would probably be able to find who these people were given the limited information he could provide. Even if it was information that might not be relevant, as part of the stealth team, Edwin’s job was to provide his friends with everything he found on the ship. He had already sent pictures of the advanced weaponry onboard the ship to Lori and had a couple of samples in his suitcase for his friends to analyze. Edwin also wanted to make sure that Sean and Erica were alright…maybe Iron Man dropped Sean at a hospital after the cage fight or something…


“Fire-extinguisher. Now that’s a good idea.” Edwin smirked, pleased with Matthew’s line of thought. He continued to write. “We’ll need a large one though. If we can isolate Hellburner and lure him to an area with limited oxygen we would have an advantage.”


Among his friends, Edwin was not a fighter like Sean or Erica. He could fight…if he had to…


Edwin considered himself fairly nimble, had excellent balance + motor coordination, and did learn some degree of self defense. However, Edwin fought better on his turf—where he could rig the stage to his liking. He would actually prefer it if he didn’t have to fight at all. Edwin hated violence and would rather avoid fighting if he could. However, he was not ashamed by the fact that he didn’t often fight fair. Pit him in a fight against Superman and he would rather take the time to find Kryptonite than face the hero head on. That was the kind of guy Edwin was.


Edwin was a magician…and it was high time he started acting like one.


“How do you feel about Sabatoge?” Edwin wrote, grinning mischievously at Matthew. “We can turn this cargo ship into a ghost ship—set timed explosions, make money disappear, make noises, slam doors, etc …with your teleporting and shadow abilities we shouldn’t get caught. I’ve also got plenty of fireworks and colored smoke--enough to do a stunning performance. There’s an entire armory of weapons to work with on this ship, as well.”


Edwin’s eyes danced with mirth as his nimble fingers continued to move across the paper—ideas blossoming in his mind.


“In addition, since we’re wearing disguises, we can also spread false rumors—planting an atmosphere of panic and distrust on this ship. Most people fail to realize how damaging gossip can be—especially within a group that does not trust its members. We can use that that to our advantage. The smarter people on this ship will probably realize that it’s all a ruse, but the dumber ones won’t be. It doesn't matter though, because they'll be too distracted trying do damage control than to find the real culprits. After all, it’s never wise to underestimate the power of mass hysteria. How many Terror Inc goons do you think will remain on the ship if they believe it’s cursed? It will also serve as misdirection and give Kevin and Lori time to locate Lucius Kincaid before Terror Inc does.”


Edwin’s smiled in a way that revealed his love for trolling others…probably a bit too much. “What do you think about setting the engine room on fire—Hellburner style?”


There were many reasons Edwin wanted to target the engine room first. The most prominent one was that it would prevent the cargo ship from leaving the Pier…which would force Hellburner to remain in NYC where they could apprehend him. Secondly, while Edwin had no idea what Hydra was planning with all the advanced weaponry, he figured it would delay their plans if the ship was not able to operate. It would be better if Edwin could plant something of Hellburner's at the engine room...but he didn't have anything of the sort. Edwin didn't think any of the important members of Terror Inc would actually believe Hellburner to be the culprit--even if he did plant evidence and spread a rumor that Hellburner was behind the fire. However, it might plant a bit of suspicion in their minds. After all, Janice had told him that none of the members really trusted the pyromaniac...since he was rather fire-crazy. It wouldn't be hard to push the idea that Hellburner was displeased with Dr. Muerte for not letting him have his fun.


Edwin's eyes gleamed like a spider attempting to trap his prey. He would find a way to isolate Hellburner from his peers by sowing a seed of distrust between the pyromaniac and the rest of Terror Inc. Afterwards, it shouldn't be too hard to take down the arsonist. If Edwin was lucky, the other members of Terror Inc might even take down Hellburner for him.

 

[Mitheral]

Edwin and Matthew


The burner phones that Lori issued weren’t the usual cell phone. They used satellites rather than cell towers, and sent messages via encrypted burst transmitters. The regular cell phones that Matthew and Edwin carried had no signal. It was very likely that there was a cell jammer onboard the Johanna Athene. That shouldn’t have been a big surprise considering the military hardware onboard. However, the secured burners did just fine for communications. What they couldn’t do was offer GPS tracking data.


Lori picked up the incoming text message. Half the text was wasted electrons. Edwin really needed to be a little more specific. She knew of at least two Dr Williams that were leaders in their fields. And both might be targeted by Hydra.


“Edwin checking in,” she informed Kassandra. She saw the readouts already pausing and turned her screen to the other woman, sliding her keyboard over.


Kassandra smiled. “Halfway through here. But let’s see what he has to say.” Her eyes scanned the text. There were only two real pieces of useful information to respond to. Then she started typing.


“Catching up. Viewing ALL RS files. Kevin and I will see about Lucius. Olympus and Athena last position your area. Lost tracking there. Probably alive. Will discuss strategic flaws later. If you think you can locate them, do not attempt rescue before checking in. Send details. Should be done with review in an hour. Will be contacting cyberspirits in the meantime.


XXX OOO - Arcana.”


Matthew cocked his head as he looked over Edwin’s shoulder. Arcana? Kassie?! Hell yeah! She was almost as much fun as Edwin. Matthew loved magic. He hated the fact that he could see how many tricks were done. But Edwin was better than most. His sleight of hand was so good that many tricks fool even his eyes. He had been to a show done for Sean and James - a benefit for Disabled kids to raise funding for 3D printed prosthetics. At $450 a limb they had managed to fit quite a few kids with new limbs (link to real life related story.) Matthew had thought he was halfway decent with sleight of hand until he watched that show. He had personally donated a roll of cash - anonymously - snuck in via shadows.. (He never counted it, but it had been nearly $10,000.)


Matthew mimed exiting to speak. Once away where they could talk he started staring off through the bulkheads to watch where their prey were headed. He was going to lose them soon though, so he spoke quickly.


“Follow them? Or do we go after Sean and Erica. If they are on the ship, I’ll find them. But it will take me about 2 hours to do a quick search top to bottom, stem to stern. That is jumping every 15 seconds non stop. I can shorten a dedicated search down by ignoring areas they are less likely to be. And let’s hold off on any plans for sabotage until all are accounted for. I hate to say that, but I don’t think we are going to save the world in one night.” He sounded a little annoyed. He probably thought they would.


It took Matthew all of 6 jumps to locate both Sean and Erica. They were in a holding area with 4 cargo containers set about 10 feet apart and surrounded by a 50 foot cleared zone. The other two containers were empty. In one container Sean was laid out on a surgical bed and strapped down, covered with what looked like seaweed. It was pretty hard to see him thanks to the presence of light, but there weren’t too many people his size and Matthew had no doubts. There was another container, too well lit for Matthew to see into well, but he had few doubts who was in there - Erica. With her was an elusive figure, very tall, perhaps sean’s height, but rail thin.


The tall man turned and faced him so squarely that for a moment Matthew was sure he had been seen. Then the man stepped into the shadows and he got a much better look. He wore a phantom of the opera styled mask and was dressed in a cloak. The man smiled slightly, though he didn’t look directly at Matthew. Instead the man was speaking, calmly.

“The other thing that the informant knows is that we are planning to flood the streets with military hardware - enough to create a resistance movement and destabilize the United States. Once the US falls, the world economy will crash. This plan has begun already. That is why Hellburner went for the brutal slaying of Nico. That does not excuse it however. They should have picked another target for that sort of slaying. Nico should merely have been kidnapped and held hostage.”

Matthew stepped back into the shadows and shadow stepped back to Edwin to report. “Found them - both - in separate containers. Sean’s going to be too big for me to move. I think he’s hurt pretty bad, but he’s being treated by some sort of alternative holistic medicine home remedy crap. There’s some really tall guy that looks like the Phantom of the Opera with Erica.”


Matthew quoted what the man had been saying.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin raised an eyebrow, amused by Matthew's description. "--like the Phantom of the Opera?"


Taking a couple of moments to digest all Matthew told him, Edwin paced. Matthew was right that taking down the evil organization wouldn't take a night. It would take days of continual sabotage to induce panic and distrust on the ship...if they wanted to do it properly. After all, one day of door slamming and explosions wouldn't cause people to fear for their lives. It would take multiple days of repeated exposure, in which no cause is found, to create that level of fear, panic, and distrust. Even then, without their full fighting force, Edwin doubted they could apprehend the criminals. Edwin's plan would delay and probably annoy the hell out of Terror Inc, but it alone wouldn't defeat them. Unless Matthew could defeat the members of Terror Inc alone, which Edwin doubted, there was no way to capture Hellburner alive without Sean and Erica's help--at least no way that Edwin could think of .


"Sean seems be alright for now," Edwin said finally. He was worried when Matthew said Sean was badly hurt and he didn't want to move Sean unless he was certain the Big Guy wouldn't die from it. "If they are taking the time to heal him, he won't be dying anytime soon. I don't think it's smart to move him unless we can be sure his condition is stable. Holistic medicine is better than no medicine at all."


Edwin smirked, unable to help himself from teasing Matthew. "Not much a fan of the more obscure medicinal arts are you, Doctor Channing?"


Running his hand through his hair, Edwin's expression became sober again. "How does Erica look? Is she conscious? Did you see any visible injuries? Does this "Phantom of the Opera" look like he's any harm to Erica? Depending on her situation, it might be better to leave Erica where she is for now...if she plays her cards right, she's in the best position to gather information. If their plan is to flood the streets with military hardware, we need to know how far they've accomplished their goal. Where exactly and how far do they plan to spread such weaponry...NYC...the entirety of the United States? Are they doing anymore to stir unrest within the country?"


Edwin sighed. The vigilante's groups goal had been just to capture Hellburner...not save the country. This seemed like a lot more trouble than what Edwin had originally signed up for. Still...Hellburner should have done what "The Phantom of the Opera" suggested and taken Nico hostage. That way, the pyromaniac would not have drawn Edwin's wrath.


Edwin replied to Kassie's message with the burner phone:


Evil Plan: Flood streets with military hardware --> create resistance--> destabilize US --> world economy crash --> world destruction.


Batman and I will wait for now. -Eidolon.


"However, we should find a way to rescue Erica... should the need arise, of course." Edwin smiled at Matthew. "From what this Phantom of the Opera said, he doesn't seem too happy with Hellburner...or Nico's death for that matter. I don't know who this guy is, but the enemy of my enemy is a friend...for now at least. It's stupid to make a move without knowing all the information. So, for now, let's just get the HYDRA UNIFORMS first. It would make moving on this ship A LOT easier."


For the brief time that Matthew had searched for Sean and Erica, Edwin had been left to keeping hidden...without the ability to teleport. While he did consider himself exceptional good at hiding, it would be much easier if he could move in plain sight.

 

[Mitheral]

Edwin and Matthew


Matthew’s nose wrinkled. Great … the glow of the dark HYDRA suits. Oh joy. He huffed a little - unintentionally. “You do know that this is going to make me a great deal more vulnerable. Maybe you should wear one and let me shadow you - pun intended. That way when someone asks you who your commanding officer is and you flub the answer, I can still rescue you. Here,” he reached into the shadows and pulled out a Hydra uniform. “Knock yourself out. Or maybe Erica will do it for you when she sees you. Aren’t you a little small to be a Hydra agent? Blam! I can see it now.”


This was Matthew’s way of sulking.


“Do I really have to wear one of those ugly suits? I mean … if they all wore pink dresses, would you?” He stared, his face impassive for a moment. “Never mind. YOU probably would.” He frowned. Then again, if it helps us get this creep Hellburner, I think I might.”

Spoiler

“Anyways, Erica looked like she was talking with the man. She was moving a little sluggish though.” He frowned again. “The containers are built like a 1 bedroom container apartment. Half is a bedroom and bath; the other half is common area and kitchen. I could hop us into the half they aren’t in. Of course, then we’d have to explain how we got there. Or we could do the uniform thing - or you could - and walk up to the outside and announce ourselves. Up to you. I’m just the taxi.


“If this Phantom guy will talk, all the better. Like you say, the enemy of … and all that. I want to know if the guy could see me. That was freakin’ spooky. I do NOT like that. Oh … I COULD go and check on Sean. Noone else in there. What do you think?”


 
Erik and Erica


Erica frowned, “So … Nico was just some sort of two birds with one stone sort of killing? Message to his brother while flooding the news with social media crap to keep the attention of authorities focused on a brutal slaying as you put it. Hydra? That’s what you people call yourselves? Like the guys from the Avengers?”


Erik rolled his eyes. “Exactly like. Even closer than you might imagine. And I never said their plan would work. I think the Inner Circle is finally getting restless. Despite their stupidity their plan is going to work. In 5 years you won’t recognize the political structure of the planet any more than I did.”


“What?” Erica wondered what he meant.


Erik frowned. “When I awoke in this time I discovered the world had finally caught up with me. When I first gazed upon the skyline of New York City I thought I had awoke in Hell. Imagine my surprise to see buildings rise a hundred stories. If you had told anyone such a thing was possible in my time they would have laughed at you as mad. But then noone understood the polarization of light, or coherence, or even nuclear energy. Today science is barely beginning to grasp quantum entanglements, the secrets of gravity, the nature of life itself.


“When I first left my mother’s womb my mother refused to even name me. She begged the priest to commit infanticide. She wanted an exorcism. The priest could not kill me and instead baptised me, naming me after himself. As a young boy a mob came to our home, killed my mother and tried to kill me because they thought I was the spawn of the Devil for the sake of my deformities. Perhaps they were right.


“I became the monster they feared, quite adept at killing. I studied Alchemy with the Moors, attaining the highest skills. I became a legend. It is my legend that drew Hydra to seek me out and retain my services. But I serve them on my terms. I highly doubt I could tear my mask away and walk the streets even today.”


How Erik had gotten off onto the subject Erica wasn’t sure, but at least he was talking. And why he was tell HER all this stuff … was it her name? That would fit with the man’s apparent ego. He seemed almost conflicted - torn between being the monster the world had made him out to be - and a human.


“So … you work for … Is it … Why do you work for Hydra at all? With a mind like yours you could work for anyone. And they would pay very well.”


Erik actually laughed. “I already have a job. I fix things.”


“I don’t mean being a Fixer … or Enforcer. I mean --” Erica snapped.


“Neither do I. I restore antiques. It is sort of a hobby. And I …” he stopped, clearly uncomfortable discussing the subject. It sounded almost as if he had suddenly become shy.


On more of a hunch Erica asked her next question with a cautious tone. “Does she have a name, your … boss?”


Erik turned and stared at Erica for the longest time. Then a slow smile crept across his face. “She’s my biggest fan. Erika - with a K - if you must know.” Then his voice turned deadly. “If anyone should ever learn of her through you, you will beg to die.” He was silent for a long moment. “But you can thank her for my taking this job - saving you and your boyfriend. You would call her a positive influence. You don’t really think I would be swayed by a little money? And she isn’t my boss.”


+++++++++++++++


Edwin and Matthew


Matthew pulled Edwin through the shadows once more to enter the container in which Sean was being held. The room seemed deathly quiet. The fact that the container home had a kitchen and bedroom suggested that it had been built for residents other than Sean. That is, it hadn’t been a spur of the moment decision to make one. Hydra had had other “guests.” It would certainly be an interesting way to smuggle special agents in and out of countries. One would either have to open up every container or know the right one.


The seaweed Sean was wrapped up in might have looked like seaweed, but it clearly wasn’t. Upon closer inspection it was fake, realistic, but still fake. Sean’s body glittered with a soft amber glow. They looked almost like a microscopic firefly. Many were concentrated in wounded areas.


Sean wasn’t breathing. Matthew examined Sean closer. “He’s in a coma - medical induced I think. I’ve never seen anything like this. I just can’t figure out what it is doing.” It was when Matthew said this that a swarm is the glowing fireflies ‘attacked’ him. They just swarmed and stuck to him. “”Hey! Hey! Get off! Crap! They’re sticking to me. We gotta get them off .. or we’re stuck! I - I - I …” Matthew’s voice trailed off as he went rigid, then started shaking almost convulsing, then collapsed.


A voice from an unseen source spoke with a, Australian accent. “It is a bioauric intensifier. Hogwash, you say? Shows what you know. In your case however, all we did was release HUGE amounts of : Adrenaline, Dopamine, Serotonin, and Oxytocin into your system. In simple terms he just experienced the equivalent of the sex of a lifetime. He’s a man now - virtually speaking. The body doesn’t fight its own biology. Your turn mate. There’s no point in running. The room is filled with the cloud. Our band manager is going to want to talk to you. By the way, I am McCoy of the Skeleton Crew, named after the most famous doctor of all time - DeForest Kelly.”


The Skeleton Crew was the name of the latest up and coming rock bands already topping charts. Their schtick was that they never did private interviews and noone ever saw their manager whom they only referred to as Erik. They patterned their interaction with the public after the band, KISS. Their pianist was none other than McCoy.


Erik and Erica


Meanwhile in the other Container


Erik suddenly halted his speech. “Well, it would seem you have friends here to see you. I am afraid of of my less lethal security systems has neutralized Matthew. He’ll be fine, just a little shaky for awhile.” Erik decided not to explain exactly what had happened. Oddly enough this was one area where Erik preferred not to be cruel. “The guards I place to watch your boyfriend have them. Shall I bring them over? No wait. Much simpler to go to them.


“Stay close to me. My automated security will not incinerate you if you stay close. Besides the medical nanotech I developed would incapacitate you before you made it a hundred feet in the most embarrassing way - I think. I am not entirely sure. This way please. Do not be upset about Sean when you see him or disturb the healing process.


As they exited the container home he explained. “The defense consists of a high energy plasma field. It has more than enough energy to vaporize bullets - or a human being. Even a man in heavy armor would not make it through, nor even a rocket. However if you are familiar with the acronym IFF - the system recognizes me as cleared to come and go. It will not activate while I bring you through. The other container has the same security.”


For all his creepiness, Erik was a gentleman, probably thanks largely to the positive influence in his life of late. If the rest was true it was a miracle he wasn’t a serial killer. Or was he?

 

[QuirkyAngel]

"Calm down," Edwin ordered when Matthew panicked, trying valiantly to shake the "fireflies" off. "We need to...Matthew!" Edwin caught Matthew's body as his friend collapsed. "Hey, are you alright?"


Edwin cursed when Matthew displayed the same symptoms that Sean seemed to have. Edwin was also beginning to feel a faint tingling, as his body began to grow rigid. There was something wrong with this room. Gas? No...too fast acting. Unlike Matthew, Edwin was wearing the Uniform that Matthew refused to. Edwin rolled his eyes as he remembered Matthew's previous sulking. He had agreed with Matthew not wearing the uniform because it would hamper Channing's powers. Even in the critical situation they were in, Edwin couldn't help but be impressed by the clever usage of light to stop Matthew's abilities. Whoever designed this security must have known Channing...or at least, was aware of Channing's powers.


Edwin's eyes began to flit around the room for escape routes even before an unseen voice spoke to them. The young magician couldn't help, but blink in surprise at the words. What was the pianist of the Skeleton Crew doing on a cargo ship of criminals? Did Skeleton Crew's band manager work for Hydra? Edwin normally wouldn't know the name of popular rock bands, as didn't often like listening to those types of music . Being a fan of the theater, he was much more into Broadway and classical music. However, even Edwin had to admit, the songs performed by the Skeleton Crew were works of art. Whoever composed the music for the Skeleton Crew was clearly a genius and someone whose talent Edwin admired--as much as he could admire someone whose face he didn't know anyway.


In any case, the band manager of Skeleton must not care much for Dr. Muerte...or Hydra for that matter...since he was willing to assault a Hydra agent under Mr. Muerte's command. Was there already internal conflict within Hydra even without Edwin's influence? Could this be used against them? Either way, it would be safer for Edwin to continue with his disguise. If worst came to worst, as much as it galled him, Edwin could always bank on Dr. Muerte to protect one of his personal agents...probably. The death of one of Dr. Muerte's agents would cause strife between Dr. Muerte and whoever was in charge of the Skeleton Crew...right?


Edwin didn't know, but he knew he did NOT like leaving the stage until the curtain was closed. Edwin was an actor, after all.


"What are you doing!?" Edwin demanded to the invisible voice indignantly. "Dr. Muerte WILL hear of this! I've got a personal message from Dr. Muerte to your leader!"


Edwin had to act fast--since he was already beginning to feel his mind grow fuzzy. Whatever the "cloud" was, the uniform he wore prevented him from collapsing as quickly as Matthew...but Edwin didn't think that would last long. Edwin didn't like the idea of being unconscious in enemy territory. Who knew what they could do to him while he was helpless?

 

[Mitheral]

As Edwin’s senses reeled as he teetered on the edge a wave of pleasure a door in the other room opened and closed. He could make out the sounds of at least two people - a man and a woman. Erik spoke to Erica softly. “I won’t hurt them. You have my word. But I fear I may have already caused them a little embarrassment. If you wish to spare them too much more, it might be best if you remained here for a moment…” He chuckled a little.


“Sir? Edwin is it?” Erik called from the common area. “You are one of Nico Kincaid’s friends? I am Erik - with a K - Giovanni. I was hired as a physician to Erica and her boyfriend. While in my care, they are under my protection. I shall offer you the same consideration if you will accept it. Quite frankly, at the moment you have little choice in the matter. If I push your hormone levels any hired you will pass out. And right now you couldn’t effectively run or fight if you wished. I have brought your friend Erica with me. Ms Vasquez gave her a lethal dosage of modified scorpion venom. She cheated in the cage fight. But I can also assure you that her intent was to take Erica alive. She is simply incompetent and impatient.”


“Skeleton Crew, if a couple of the band members would be so kind as to take Matthew and clean him up… before he awakens. He will be embarrassed enough as it is and this is not how I would have preferred we meet.” Erik stepped around the entryway from the other room. “He is, after all, my daughter’s half brother. I’m not sure exactly what that makes me to him, but I have watched after him for some time.”


Two of the Skeleton Crew practically materialized as they finally moved. They had been concealed by cloaks of invisibility. They weren’t quite so effective as the one used by Harry Potter. But so long as they remained motionless they did a damned good job, especially while lurking in the shadows. McCoy spoke. “No hard feelings, I hope.”


Edwin’s senses were slowly starting to recover, though his heart pounded. He had broken out in a sweat. He really could have used a cold shower, but it looked as though Matthew was getting that treatment first.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

"Right...no hard feelings...so long as I get your autographs later," Edwin said as his wits started to return. He was weary from fighting the effects of his body's hormones, shuddering as the euphoric feelings faded. Edwin briefly considered making a comment about Erik's crude sense of humor in planning to keep them imprisoned with something resembling a very powerful aphrodisiac, but figured now wasn't the time or place for it. He recognized the name Erik as the mysterious band manager of the Skeleton crew. More importantly, Erik seemed to know Edwin's name...and suspected that he and Nico were friends.


Well, damn.


Edwin sighed. It would seem the curtain closed quicker than Edwin would have liked. Did Erica or Sean reveal his name? No, Edwin trusted that his friends wouldn't do something like that. Had Erik been watching them all this time? The guy did say he had been keeping an eye on Matthew. Channing was the half brother of the band manager of Skeleton Crew's daughter? This was almost as shocking as learning Kevin had been the Dark Knight...or that Matthew could walk on water...


Edwin released his hold on Matthew...allowing Matthew to be taken in away by the Skeleton Crew. In all honesty, stopping the "cloud", allowing Edwin to remain conscious, and approaching him carelessly was a mistake. Edwin still had his hidden taser and smoke bombs(as well as a couple other toys). Even with his motor coordination impaired by the "cloud" effect, it wouldn't be difficult for Edwin to throw the smoke bomb as soon as they neared, covering the container in purple smoke, tase a Skeleton Crew member while they were blinded, steal the "invisibility cloak" --which were really cool--, and escape before the smoke cleared. Disappearing acts were his specialty, after all. There were two reasons Edwin didn't go with the plan:


The first was that there was a chance that the Skeleton Crew members were actually martial arts experts. Edwin didn't think that to be the case...but he hadn't expected rock band musicians would be working with Hydra either. How the heck were they not affected by Erik's aphrodisiac cloud? Edwin also had no idea how they were controlling the "cloud"...which meant that Edwin would have to act before they could switch it back on. With the "cloud" effect still somewhat in his system, Edwin was not 100% confident he could succeed.


Edwin might have tried anyway if not for the second reason. Erik had Erica. Edwin had no idea who Ms. Vasquez was, but it made sense that Erica was poisoned rather than beaten. Erica was no pushover. If Erica was not fighting Erik, it meant that she was unable to, either because of the modified scorpion venom, or some other reason. Matthew and Sean were likely safe, as they apparently had relatives in Hydra. However, Erica could be killed on a whim...and Edwin would not gamble the lives of his friends.


"Edwin Wickers, " Edwin grinned, in spite of the dire situation. He did see the humor in dressing as a hydra agent when Erik apparently knew he wasn't one. "In addition to being a hydra agent, I also happen to be a part time magician." With a snap of his fingers, a business card appeared in his hand. "Actually, I have a tendency to be whoever people want me to be,"


Edwin gave the business card to McCoy:


Edwin Wickers-- Freelance Magician Extraordinaire.


Contact by visiting: www.EddieMagic4U.com


It wasn't as if it contained a lot of information on Edwin anyway...nothing Erik didn't already know...or anything Edwin minded revealing. The site itself was pretty bare...only containing posted videos of Edwin's past performances. He didn't like posting his contact information, or anything about himself, as it would make him appear less "mysterious" in the eyes of his customers. That was probably the biggest reason Edwin hadn't already become famous with his incredible skill for magic. Edwin liked the anonymity that came with being a magician and he enjoyed mystifying people with magic more than he wanted money. Even his past clients didn't know anything about Edwin Wickers, other than his skills and his name.


"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Erik-with a K-Giovanni," It wasn't a lie exactly. Edwin was rather interested in meeting the manager of the Skeleton Crew - who also happened to be a physician hired by Hydra. And Erik did offer them protection for as long as they were in his care...which meant he was unlikely to harm them. If Erik was a villain, he was at least a polite one.


"If you suspect we are Nico's friends, then you likely guessed why we are here," Edwin said vaguely. He didn't know how much Erica had told Erik about their mission. "Why would you offer us protection when it'd be easier just to leave us to die?"


Edwin could guess at why Sean and Matthew would be protected. However, that didn't explain why he and Erica were still alive. From the way it sounded, Erik had simply been hired to treat Erica and Sean. That did not necessarily mean he was required to protect them from Terror Inc members. So why would Erik bother protecting Erica? Why would he offer Edwin the same protection? Was it because they were Nico's friends? Pride as a physician? It was obvious from the way he spoke, he didn't care much for Dr.Muerte and his group. Edwin wished Kassie was here. He couldn't read anything about Erik's motivation, least of all with the guy's face hidden, and it was giving him a headache trying to.

 

[Mitheral]

Skeleton Crew member (They are stylized more like the Grateful Dead. Each is unique with its own persona and musical skills. Most people believe they are either animatronics or humans in disguise. They do wear clothing. But in truth they are artificial intelligence.)


Erik sighed, “I have my reasons. Isn’t that enough!” Edwin started out on his bad side.


Erica decided to run interference. “Eddie, don’t try to run. There is an - can I tell him about the defense field?”


Erik nodded. “Probably a good idea. He’s welcome to test it.”


Erica nodded. “There’s a plasma forcefield at the entrance. without his help we can’t enter or leave - or we get fried. It keeps everyone out - including Scorpia - Ms Vasquez, I think.”


Erik nodded. “You are correct. If you wish to leave, you are welcome to do so. But you will no longer be under my protection. Sean is not free to leave yet - not until his injuries have healed. His brother paid me to save his brother’s life. Hydra wants to use the wealth of the Reed family - and the political power Samuel Reed may achieve.


“You, Mr Wickers, I choose to protect for but one reason. You appear to be Matthew’s newest friend - and one he entrusted to learn some of his secrets. He never did that with Nico. You must mean something to him. That earns you a little patience on my part. I am a little interested in your magic. If you have any talent at all I would be most entertained. But please to not rush a show on my account. Take your time to prepare. I might even be willing to underwrite your show if you are truly gifted. You see, I studied Alchemy in the 19th century. You were already curious about my appearance - the mask I suppose. I am him - the man you think I resemble but could not possibly be. You know me as the Phantom of the Opera. The simple truth is that is a single event of my life - one for which I am not exactly proud. But I have begun to heal since then from the many abuses to my body.


“Perhaps it would be best if we turned our conversation to the reason for your presence here. I am sure you sought to rescue your friend. But I also believe this has something to do with Nico and Hellburner. If you wish to seek your revenge you have my blessing. I liked Nico too. I do not know why exactly, but I did. I was considering doing something about Hellburner myself. However, I would have to deal with Hydra and the other Enforcers of I did. So it might be more expedient if I left the actions to you.


“Now then, if you wish to be civil, I could prepare some tea for you. We may as well - at least until Matthew has recovered. And if you must know, Sean should be awake by tomorrow night and healed in another 2 days if he doesn’t move.” He turned to Erica. If you wish to stay in this unit I would understand. If you wish to be transferred, merely ask one of the crew. They will call me if I am available.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin frowned beneath the hydra mask. Had his anxiousness been that obvious? How would Erik know he had already planned three different escape tactics since entering the container? Granted only one of the three would have a marginal chance of success. That number had been reduced to zero the moment Erica explained about the automated defense system. Edwin sighed exaggeratedly. It would seem that their best option of getting out alive would be Matthew’s abilities…which Erik appeared to be aware of. As much as he loved having Matthew’s ability on his side, it also allowed Edwin to be lazy and drop his guard. Jumping into a container with a plasma force field was NOT the smartest thing to do…and not something Edwin would normal do if he didn’t have a teleporting friend. What kind of crazy, paranoid genius was this Erik character anyway? Not only was he a physician with some medical technique that even Dr. Channing didn’t know about, he also invented security that could be seen in one of those futuristic sci-fi movies that his dad loved to watch.


Edwin nodded at Erica reassuringly. “I didn’t plan on running…at least without you, Sean, or Matthew.”


Edwin studied Erik, pleased that there was apparently a chink in the masked man’s polite armor. He had clearly hit a nerve with his question. Edwin noticed how Erik was willing to explain his motivation for keeping Edwin alive, but not Erica. What was so special about Erica? If Edwin could figure that out, he was certain he could figure out a weakness of Erik's.


“Isn’t that a bit harsh?” Edwin asked Erik playfully. “I mean, I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve being fried to death in a plasma field. Just curious about why an agent of Hydra would choose to help us. I apologize, if I sounded ungrateful. If you're able to offer us protection, I take it that you are of a higher command than Ms Vasquez...equal to Dr Muerte perhaps?"


Despite the fact that Edwin was caught in a currently inescapable trap, and could die on mere a whim, information was still being gained. Erica confirmed that Ms Vasquez, whoever she was, was Scorpia while Erik confirmed that Sean’s brother, Samuel Reed, was Iron Man. Only the identities of Dr. Muerte, Hellburner, and Pale Rider were left. Edwin wanted to immediately inform Lori and Kevin, but he wasn’t about to do that while Erik was watching.


Another thing Edwin learned about Erik was that the man was whimsical and had an ego. He was willing to protect Edwin simply because Edwin probably meant something to Matthew and he was somewhat curious about Edwin’s magic. Which meant, so long as Edwin could keep Erik entertained, he would remain under Erik’s protection. That was fine. Edwin was an entertainer after all. Until Sean and Matthew woke, Edwin would just have to keep Erik distracted.


However, the next thing that Edwin learned about Erik shocked him so much, Edwin couldn’t keep his mouth shut even if he wanted to.


“You,” Edwin said in disbelief. “…are the Phantom of the Opera?”


That was about as believable as Dr.Muerte claiming he was Dr.Doom, or Hellburner claiming he was Ghost Rider. Edwin concluded one of two things: first Erik was delusional. It was quite possible given the the fact that the main criminals on this ship seemed rather insane…putting on elaborate costumes and planning on taking over the world. The idea that someone fooled themselves into believing they are the person which they disguised themselves as was entirely possible. Edwin should know...after all, he did that voluntarily every time he acted. The ability to forcibly fool his own mind into believing his own lies…most people might classify that as insanity, which was why Edwin never really bothered to tell anyone except for his Uncle. He didn’t fancy being put in a mental asylum.


The other thing was that Erik was trying to distract him…with a very bad lie. The possibility that Erik might be telling the truth briefly crossed Edwin’s mind—Erik doesn’t seem to be someone stupid enough to lie about something so farfetched—, but it was quickly squashed by logic. Edwin could accept Matthew’s abilities…because he saw it himself…but accepting the fact that Erik was actually Erik—the Phantom of the Opera—was like accepting the words of a cracked old man Edwin had met on the street once when he claimed “the fairies are coming!”


Still, Edwin did not want to raise Erik’s ire by calling him a liar to his face…which seemed anything, but civil. Edwin had more self-preservation than that. Besides, anyone who liked Nico and disliked Hellburner couldn’t be all bad.


“Tea sounds good,” Edwin said, tactfully avoiding the topic of the phantom of the opera. Even if Erik said he was free to go, the automated defense system said otherwise. Edwin HATED being trapped even more than he hated dogs and rain...and for 2 days no less. It made Edwin feel nervous. He figured tea might help with that…so long as it wasn’t poisoned. “I’m sure Matthew will look forward to meeting the father of his half sister and I wouldn’t want to intrude upon the family reunion. I also don’t plan on going anywhere until Sean’s awake and healed.”


Edwin glanced around the container as he studied the stage he was asked to perform on. “Unfortunately, in order prepare some of my more spectacular performances, I’ll need more materials to work with. I’ve not exactly come prepared to entertain…unless you’re fine with watching card magic.” A deck of cards appeared in Edwin’s left hand as he spread his arms wide apart and performed an incredibly long card spring. “I know plenty of those.”


Edwin shuffled the deck absentmindedly as he watched Erik. “If you don’t mind me asking, what will you do once Sean’s awake and healed? We can’t exactly get revenge on Hellburner if you decide to turn us in afterwards.”

 

[Mitheral]

“I have no intention of turning you in. However, I did not get you ON to the ship either. Now I COULD get you off the ship, but that would be assisting what are supposed to be my enemies. That would place me in danger. While I could manage very well without Hydra, they did afford me opportunities to continue my studies - without the issues of morality. Hmm, allowing you to escape is going to create a problem for me as well - I mean Erica and her boyfriend.” (Although he had slipped a few times, Erik seemed to insist on calling Sean Erica’s boyfriend.)


“My position in Hydra is that of an Enforcer. The only people I am supposed to answer to are the Inner Council. I do not answer to Muerte nor any agent. And quite frankly I care very little for the Council. They are merely a means to an end. I am not truly certain for how much longer I will work for them. I have not been stupid enough to hand them my technology. That is something they can get from other scientists.


“I do not give orders to Muerte either, however, nor Ms Vasquez. Think of me as law enforcement for a criminal underworld. I am the glue that holds the organization to enter. No, one could not simply do away with me and make it all fall apart. I am not the only Enforcer. And one Enforcer must be careful about stepping too far out of line or the others get together and deal with the problem.


“You almost certainly did not believe me earlier when I spoke of who I am. How could that possibly be? Cryogenics. I stowed away in the Statue of Liberty. I helped plan its construction. But whether you believe me is irrelevant. I shall tell you about the other Enforcers: Rasputin; Mr. Hyde; Jack the Ripper; Blackbeard; and Richelieu. I do not know for certain if any of them the like myself. But if I can exist, I see no reason not to believe they might. What I DO know is that they have the same rumored natures. Individually I could defeat each one. As a group, I would not care to try. Much the same reasons you have likely not dealt with Hellburner.


“Now I might be able to help a little there. I keep some tricks up my sleeve to deal with him - especially lately.” A pellet practically materialized in Erik’s hand. “Heat activated foam pellet. I shoot it as I would a paintball. Heat activates the foam. If he is already burning, then physical contact is all that is needed.” He offered a hand to Edwin and poured about a dozen into Edwin’s hand. “Don’t worry, it takes much more than body heat to activate them. Keep those. If anyone asks, say that you found them and stole them.”


And it was at that moment that McCoy came flying out of the shower, followed shortly by a second member of the Skeleton Crew. Matthew was awake. And he was angry. Erik did his best to stifle a chuckle. He lowered his voice. “It would be best not to say anything right now.” Then he raised to so that it would carry to Matthew. “That was a defense system to protect your friend Sean. Finish getting yourself cleaned up and we will talk. I am your half sister’s father.”


That stifled Matthew’s rage. “Sister? And can you get this damned glowing crap off me? Wait, if this crap was just a defense system, why the hell does it glow!?”


“Ahh … that. An extra precaution?” Erik realized he had been caught. There had really been no reason for the nanocloud to glow - unless he was prepared for Matthew. “You are not the only one who tries to sneak up on my. Your half sister has many of the same gifts. I may as well answer the other questions you are sure to answer. How long have I known about you? Most of your life. Why haven’t I been around? Ask your sister. She asked me to stay out of your life and let you live as normal a life as you could. I cannot say that living in a church qualifies as normal. But at least they didn’t try to exorcise you as they did me. What are you? half vampire; half demon. A dhampire. More specifically your father is an alien whose race has been confused for being vampires. You mother was a vampire with a very rare ability to become mortal long enough to bear a child. She has been trying to create a daywalker, I suppose. Who are you? Shadowhawk; your sister’s name is Nightraven. Those are your given names. Matthew Channing is merely the name given to you by Father Matthew of the church of St Michael’s and your sister, who currently goes by the name Maureen Channing. Yes, I do mean the CEO of WNN (Women’s News Network). She has changed her names many times. She was under the name Allison when I first met her. I nicknamed her Alley Cat.


“Your sister has been on Earth since the American Civil War. Chance took her to New York City. She served the US government in more than one war. You will likely live an equally long time, never aging for well over a century. Hydra discovered a version of rejuvenation long ago, which quite possibly explains some of its members and how they still remain in power.”


Matthew finally walked out. He glared at Erik and refused to meet Edwin’s eyes.


“Ah good! Matthew … I had a question for you. Did you see any of the Skeleton Crew when you first arrived? No. That is exceptionally good news. I know you can see energy - such as a car engine or a radio. So if you couldn’t see them, then I one of their cloaks reversed should serve to protect you from say … sunlight. How would you like to be a guinea pig? Or should I ask your sister? No … I have done that far too often …”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

For the first time in his life, not counting the years of infancy when all he could do was eat and cry, Edwin was speechless. The cards, which Edwin had been rapidly shuffling with incredible dexterity, slipped from his fingers.


“Sorry about that,” Edwin muttered absentmindedly as he picked the mess of cards, struggling to wrap his mind around everything Erik was saying. Cryogenics? The Enforcers were figures from history? Not just any historical figures either…about half of them were fictional! Or at least, they were supposed to be. As an actor, and a fan of theater and drama, Edwin had was pretty familiar with classical literature and lores—not as much as Kassie—but he had read plenty of them. He’d even participated in a community play in which he had taken on the role of Dr.Hyde. None of this made any sense! Hydra discovered a method of rejuvenation…de-aging?


Not to mention the fact that Matthew really WAS a vampire/demon…which was what Edwin had suspected when he first saw Channing heal from drinking blood. Given all the facts Edwin knew about Matthew, it would make sense that Matthew wasn’t human. Edwin had been thinking some freak science experiment, but dhampire sounded about right. Of course, dhampires were also supposed to be characters of fiction…and if dampire’s were real…


Edwin groaned. “OMG. The fairies really ARE coming….,”


Erica shot Edwin a strange look. She had chosen to remain in the unit and stood beside Sean’s bed, observing Sean’s comatose state while Edwin spoke to Erik. Of course, she had also been listening to the conversation the ENTIRE time. “What on earth are you guys talking about? Dr. Channing’s a DHAMPIRE? I’ve heard from Sean that he’s nocturnal, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him display any demonic or vampiric traits.”


Erica approached the trio of men, her eyes flicking between all three of them before settling on Matthew. The younger man seemed rather irritated at the 'father of his half sister'. Granted, he was still glowing rather brightly while receiving a mind-blowing revelation from a random stranger so she didn’t think she could blame him.


Erica had never really gotten a chance to know Matthew as her college life was quite different than the normal students, though she had learned of the young genius doing his post-doctoral studies in NYU. She never bothered to question why Matthew had decided to help them. If Sean and Eddie were fine with it, she saw no reason to question him. However, she was surprised by how close Edwin hand Matthew had gotten. As far as she was aware, Edwin had never really spoken with Matthew before Nico’s death, though they shared a mutual friend. Of course, her duties in the National Guard meant that she didn’t really have the luxury of being as close to her friends as she would have liked. She didn’t regret it—even if it had soured her relationship with Sean. She just couldn’t take Sean’s money without never being able to look him straight in the eye, with her head held high, again. Sean never liked bragging about his money and she never asked for it...she had not dated Sean for his wealth. Erica was NOT like her family. She worked hard for everything she had achieved the HONEST way and she was proud of that. She had spent years differentiating herself from her family...proving to herself that she didn't need money that came from petty thievery...that she could accomplish her goals with sheer effort. She didn't want to take the easy way out, like her family often did. Joining the National guard had been proof of her pride. Why couldn’t Sean see that?


Erica closed her eyes. Now was not the time to think about Sean. Especially since the thought of Sean simply reminded Erica that Sean was lying on a bed in a medically induced coma that almost resembled death. Even if Sean was no longer her boyfriend, the sight of him in such a condition had caused Erica’s heart to squeeze painfully. Even though she had been standing next to him, she had never felt further away—even when she was halfway across the world, Erica had never felt as she did when she stared down at Sean’s prone form. It felt like Sean abandoning her to go somewhere beyond her reach. Was this how Sean had felt when she had joined the National Guard? Funny how she never felt this way when Sean had been conscious and well.


Erica took a breath. Two days. Erik had promised Sean would be fine in two days. Erica had to believe that. If Sean dared to die on her she would NOT forgive him. Opening her eyes, Erica refocused on the current situation.


“What’s this about Matthew having powers?”


Edwin glanced at Matthew who avoided looking at Edwin eyes—meaning Matthew did believe, on some level at least, that Erik spoke the truth. Was Matthew ashamed of who he was? Did he think Edwin would run away from him? Edwin frowned. He supposed that if Matthew had been revealed to be a dhampire before he and Matthew got know each other, Edwin might have freaked out. However, now Edwin couldn’t care less of Matthew was a dhampire, a human, or some kind of freakish experiment. Matthew was Matthew and he was Edwin’s friend. The only thing Edwin felt for Matthew at the moment was pity that Matthew’s “father” had just revealed the truth about him to the ENTIRE room—something not even Matthew had known about.


Edwin knew he would hate it if that happened to him.


He also knew Matthew didn’t want many people knowing about his abilities, but he figured Erica should know about it…since they would all be working together to apprehend Hellburner. So he told her what he knew of Matthew’s powers. Not only that, Edwin told her everything he learned since meeting Janice Mueller and infiltrating Johanna Athene. He had been hesitant at first with Erik in the room. However, Erik didn’t appear to care much about Hydra…and he didn’t think any of what he said was news Erik. Erica took everything in calmly, only occasionally frowning, but, for the most part, did not interrupt Edwin. When Edwin finished, Erica tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips.


“You seem awfully worried about Ricochet.”


Edwin sighed. First Matthew and now Erica? So what if he was worried about Ricochet and her other missions?


Still…he supposed it was better than Erica flat out thinking he was crazy. If it had been Edwin, he would not have believed Matthew’s powers unless he saw it with his own eyes. However, Erica simply accepted his words without batting an eyelash. She then explained what happened in the cage fights as well as what she learned from speaking to Erik (excluding the part about EriKa).


When Erica finished, Edwin studied the Phantom of the Opera. Erik’s history matched perfectly with the fictional character written by Gaston Leroux…minus the end of course. Had Leroux’s character been based off of Erik?


“Have you by any chance met a Gaston Leroux during your lifetime, Mr. Giovanni?”


Edwin’s mind raced with questions as the possibility that Erik might have been telling the truth finally lodged in his mind. His fascination with Erik was growing by the second. “So you’re the father of Matthew’s half sister. Biological? Adoption? If Matthew and his sister are half siblings, they share a parent…I’m guessing the mother since you’re male—,”


Erica elbowed Edwin. “Oh all right. Fine. I’ll stop talking.”


Both Edwin and Erica turned to Matthew, wondering how he’d react.

 

[Mitheral]

Erik shook his head at the question about Gaston Leroux. “Gaston would have been a child. He wrote his book about the Opera based on historical accounts in 1909 to 1910. He was born in 1868. I was born in 1831 and supposedly died around 1881. Not true, of course. I have read Ms Susan Kay’s book. I have given my word that I will not kill her. I do not believe I would anyways. She cannot be blamed for thinking me dead.” Erik chuckled. “And it was a reasonably well written biography. For that I choose to forgive even the more embarrassing parts. Somehow I believe she even wrote those parts respectfully…”


Matthew kept his mouth zipped shut while Edwin and Erica exchanged current events. he was none too pleased that his secrets were becoming so well known. However, the news that he had a sister had come as a shock. He turned on Erik.


“You knew I had a sister, but never told me? You knew I had a father, and never thought to make contact?” Matthew sounded mildly angry.


“It was her wish. It was she who arranged for your stay at St Michael’s. Trust me, that would never have been MY choice. I had no part in that. She also arranged to have any records of your stay at the hospital expunged. I believe she made use of a certain Mitchell Cantrel to assist in expunging criminal records about your wounds. And she also donated a sum of money to cover your care and upkeep while you adapted to this world. She also ‘demanded’ that I leave you alone. I suppose that wasn’t without cause. I would probably have been a bad influence on you. I must admit, I tried with her and failed miserably.”


Matthew practically growled. “So who is my sister?”


Erik winced. He knew that question was coming and still didn’t have an answer ready. “I’m not sure she would want me to reveal her identity.”


“I don’t CARE if she wants you to or not! Is she where I got the name Channing?” Matthew demanded.


Erik sighed. “I suspect so.”


Matthew took a moment to process all this before speaking. “So .. I’m an alien.” He swallowed hard. His nightmares … “Darkhold?”


“A real place - where you grew up - where your sister grew up and escaped from just as you did.


“I still don’t see why she couldn’t tell me who she was or come and visit me.” Matthew sounded almost petulant.


Erik sighed. “I believe she did. Do you recall a very, very tall redhead visiting St Michael’s in the evening. You were an adolescent. First thing you did was go and hit on her. It took everything the priests had to make you behave so she could leave. That was your sister. It was biology.”


Matthew’s jaw dropped as his face reddened. “Oh …”


“That is why she kept her distance. And she is likely still reluctant to meet you. I suspect you would rather not …” Erik didn’t finish the sentence.


“No!” Matthew answered sharply. Then he glanced at Edwin and Erica. “And we never talk about it again … ever. Oh .. and besides …” Matthew’s face suddenly darkened again, this time in anger. “You know these people keep people in cages? That’s where Edwin and I found MY Janice. Janice Mueller.” Then he added hastily. “She’swaycutertoo.”


Erik turned his full attention on Matthew. “Explain. Usually only I would be the one to place someone in a cage. And I have done so with noone. That is reserved only for Hydra’s enemies and traitors.” He looked at Erica. “And as far as I am concerned you may as well be allies where Hellburner is concerned. It would be good riddance if he simply disappeared.” He turned back to Matthew. “Explain.”


Matthew spent a few minutes explaining how he found Janice Mueller, how Edwin rescued her. He got a little sidetracked describing the “cute tail” and ‘irresistible grin.” As Matthew went on Erik simply seemed to grow quieter and more tense until he finally exploded with anger. He would likely have gone around destroying everything, but there wasn’t much to destroy.


“FOOLS! They KNEW I would never condone such a thing. They meant to sell her. I shall personally find out who the buyer is and make him pay. He likes things in cages. Perhaps I shall let him experience what that is like.” His eyes glittered with madness. He continued his rant for a few more minutes before he finally calmed down a little.


“While I cannot blame you for releasing her, it would have been wiser to wait. It is only a matter of time before she is noticed missing. Then they will begin searching. The sooner you are off this ship, the better. I shall assume the blame for Ms Rand. But that may make your position here very tentative. The sooner you leave, the better. I fear Erica’s boyfriend will need to wake up much sooner than would be best.”


Matthew shook his head. “Wait … I have a better idea. Money.” He grinned.


Erik started to shake his head. “You can’t buy … oh! Yes, but be very careful.”


“Motion sensors and bright lights?” Matthew asked.


“Why yes, and very loud noises intended to stun. Sorry.” Erik grinned.


Matthew smiled. “Not a problem. What was that you were saying about the cloaks? That plus some really good hearing protection. I gather a search for a money thief would be very different than for Janice?”


“Yes, very. Though they will probably come to find me.”


Matthew chuckled. “Well, I think one bag would be plenty for setting off the defenses.”


Erik nodded. “They will be looking for someone to be going up and over the side - not down and under. And Hydra has underwater hover cycles. Very intuitive controls. Even an amateur can handle one at lower speeds.”

(similar to Hydra aircycle design)


Erik next turned to the Skeleton Crew. “They are going to need your cloaks.”


“What about our fans, the paparazzi?” McCoy complained.


Erik scowled and rolled his eyes. “Sucks to be you. Now Hydra uniforms typically have O2 cylinders for short EVA’s - such as use of those hover cycles. Matthew, can you guide them around troops movements on the way down. You won’t be visible, but if a large group comes through a corridor, you wouldn’t want to be in their path. I will make my way towards the dock control deck - just in case you run into trouble with security.


“Oh … I almost forgot.” He stretched out a gloved hand with some tiny spheres in it and offered them to Edwin. “Heat activated foam. Safe at body heat levels. But Hellburner likes to ignite his whole body. His armor is an exoskeleton - fairly bullet proof - and virtually impervious to heat. The suit is lined with aerogel - same material they use in space shuttles. But if he ignites, you can throw those at him and they will adhere and expand. Two to three should envelop him. There are 6 there. Enough in case you miss.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin happily accepted MORE of the heat activated foam pellets, stuffing them in the Hydra Uniform pockets. “I won’t miss.”


“And don’t worry,” Edwin said as he turned McCoy, taking the offered ‘invisibility cloak’ and wrapping it around his body. He was delighted to see his body disappear. The cloak would make his magic disappearing acts so much easier. He wouldn’t ever need trap doors again! “I’m certain the good old sunglasses and disguise works just as well. By the way, before we leave, I’ve just got to know…are you an animatron or a human in disguise? See, Erica and I have had this running bet ever since she caught me watching your performances. Erica believes you are an animatron…or a robot of some kind…because she claims your movements are too flawless to be human. I, however, believe you are humans because your conversations and your ability to think/respond are very genuine. So, which are you?”


“Edwin,” Erica growled warningly.


“What? You’re not afraid to lose a bet, are you?”


“No, but you’ve got to get going if you want to make it out before they begin searching.”


“It’s fine, it’ll only take one sec—,” Edwin stopped mid-sentence when he realized what Erica had just said. “You mean we, right? You’re coming along too.”


“No,” Erica said folding her arms across her chest. “I’m staying here. The one’s they’re after are you and Matthew for releasing Rand—not me. Erik healed me and it would make trouble for him if I were just to leave. If they paid Erik to heal me, it means they want to keep me alive for some reason. I want to know WHY. Besides,” Erica’s eyes glinted in that competitive way always made Edwin nervous. “I have a score to settle with Scorpia.”


Edwin shook his head. “That’s too risky. What if they kept you alive because they plan on killing you in a more gruesome way? Sell you to slavery. EXPERIMENT on you. You can’t know what they’re going to do. These people are CRAZY criminals aiming to crash the world’s economy!”


Erica rolled her eyes. “You’re being too dramatic. I can defend myself. You know that.”


“You lost to Scorpia in a cage fight!”


“I lost because she cheated,” Erica said calmly. “Now I know what type of person she is, I’ll not fall for her tricks again. I’ll just have to make sure I watch out for her stingers and not drink anything she gives me.”


Edwin gritted his teeth. “This is MADNESS. Don’t tell me you’re just doing this because you want to get back at Scorpia? If that’s the case then let it go, Erica. We are after Hellburner, remember? This whole vigilante thing was for Nico.”


“My wanting to stay here has nothing to do with Scorpia. Slamming my fist to her nose is just a bonus.”


“Then why? Explain to me what possible reason you could have for staying on an enemy ship when this is the perfect opportunity to escape.”


“Samuel Reed,” Erica said, her expression hard. “I want to save his family. With my current status, I’m in the best position to locate where Samuel’s family is being held. From what you told me, Samuel was blackmailed into being Iron Man by Muerte. I want to stop that.”


“Samuel Reed,” Edwin repeated blankly. “You want to help Sean’s brother—the enemy. You realize Sean’s warped family is probably a part of this entire operation too, right? Why would you want to help him? If you’re thinking that he’d be grateful and help us out, you’re being naïve. There’s no guarantee that he’d stop being Iron Man after his family is freed. We don’t know anything about the relationship between the Reed Family and Hydra. We don’t know anything at all accept for a single conversation at a single meeting.”


Erica’s eyes narrowed at Edwin. “I hate Samuel and that will NEVER change. He’s the epitome of everything I dislike in a man. He beat his own brother to a bloody pulp in a cage fight! He’s the reason Sean was in critical condition and I won’t forgive him for that!” Erica paused and licked her lips. “However, he’s also the reason that Sean is still alive. I owe him for Sean’s life and I intend to repay that debt. I couldn’t care less what Samuel does with his life afterwards. In fact, I would be happy if I never saw him again. He’s an idiot and if he wants to follow his wacko family like the large dumb ox that he is and become the President of the United States, or whatever, then he’s welcome to do so. However, I will NOT be indebted to that man.”


Edwin could feel a headache coming along. This is why he hated arguing with Erica. Logic never seemed to work with her. She had her own code she lived by and she stuck with it. He had a feeling Erica’s personality was what drove the wedge between Sean and Erica though he had no way to prove it. He KNEW there was a history between his two older friends from the glances he occasionally caught when neither thought the other was looking. However, Kassie wouldn’t tell him anything about it.


“We can always come back another time,” Edwin insisted.


Erica shook her head. “We have no idea when the ship will leave. If I leave now, the chance of me successfully infiltrating again is slim—since they already know my face. Edwin, you got on the ship with Matthew’s powers, right? From what I understood of Matthew’s abilities, it would be difficult for him to continually teleport all of us.”


“There are other reasons I should remain on the ship as well,” Erica added. “I can keep an eye on what Terror Inc is doing. I can remain a spy on this ship and provide Lori with information she might need to take the organization down. Don’t worry. I don’t plan on staying for long—just until I get a chance to talk to Samuel and discover were Muerte is keeping his family.” Erica paused. Then she smirked at Edwin. “I can also keep an eye on Ricochet and inform you about what she’s doing,”


Edwin sighed. He knew there was no point arguing with Erica when she was that determined and, quite frankly, they didn’t have the time for it. Edwin tossed his burner phone, the one Lori gave him, to Erica who caught it easily. “Fine. You win. Matthew can decoy by stealing money and I’ll make my escape via Hydra hover cycles alone. Matthew should have no problem getting off the ship. I’ll meet up with Kassie and all of us can plan your escape route should the need arise. Until then, you and Sean keep in contact and stay safe. If we suspect that anything is wrong, we’ll get you out of there.”


“I am staying alone. Sean is going with you.”


Edwin held his hands up in front of him. “Nuh-uh. No way. If Sean finds out I left you here alone on an enemy ship he’d kill me! Besides, it’s HIS brother you’re staying on ship for.”


“Sean’s injured! You can’t expect him to remain on the ship in his condition! Sean doesn’t like his brother. There’s no way he’d agree to anything that might help him.”


Oh, for the love of…


Edwin’s eyes narrowed as he grounded out his words through gritted teeth. “Why don’t you wake Sean up and ASK him what his opinion is before deciding what he wants for yourself.”

 

[Mitheral]

“And don’t worry,” Edwin said as he turned McCoy, taking the offered ‘invisibility cloak’ and wrapping it around his body. He was delighted to see his body disappear. The cloak would make his magic disappearing acts so much easier. He wouldn’t ever need trap doors again! “I’m certain the good old sunglasses and disguise works just as well. By the way, before we leave, I’ve just got to know…are you an animatron or a human in disguise? See, Erica and I have had this running bet ever since she caught me watching your performances. Erica believes you are an animatron…or a robot of some kind…because she claims your movements are too flawless to be human. I, however, believe you are humans because your conversations and your ability to think/respond are very genuine. So, which are you?”

McCoy blinked and looked at Edwin, then responded. “Yes.” There were chuckles from the other Skeleton Crew members.


Erik walked over and began removing the ‘seaweed’ from Sean. He was a little surprised at Erica’s plans to remain on board. These shipping containers were soon to become a primary location to search. Hydra was going to suspect HIM of having facilitated the escape of Janice Mueller. Well, he DID have something of a reputation. Then again, they might not risk a confrontation without summoning the rest of the Enforcers.


Sean began to stir after a few minutes. Erik wondered if he was about to have a fight on his hands. Oh he didn’t expect the fight to be a problem, not in Sean’s condition. But the man’s last memories had been of a fight.


“Good evening. Your girlfriend has been pining away for you.” Erik’s accent thickened with his humor.


Sean blinked blearily. “Who are you and what’s with the mask?”


“Forgive me. I am Erik Giovanni. And the mask … is a regrettable necessity.” He raised his voice. “Erica, your boyfriend is awake.”


“Erica?” Sean asked. “Erica’s here? She okay? Erica?” Now he started to get up, ignoring the pain and Erik’s attempts to keep him laying down. While Erik could have forced Sean to stay down, there was no point. “What’s been going on?”


Matthew stepped over. “Dude! You look like hamburger with a side order of seaweed. Instead of calling himself Iron Man, he could call himself the Tenderizer. Okay … long story short: Edwin and I did our jobs like pros. You and Erica boofed it big time and got caught. We rescued my new girlfriend - Janice. Oh .. and earlier we rescued Edwin’s new girlfriend - also Janice. MY Janice is cuter than his Janice. His Janice is a thief working for Muerte and goes by the name Ricochet. Yep … supervillain time. This place is like comic book central!”


Matthew was getting more and more animated by the second. “Short version?” Sean reminded him. He was already feeling better, smiling at Matthew’s manic depressive state.


Matthew stopped abruptly, his jaw dropping. Then it snapped shut. “Right. Ricochet stole some gem encrusted egg - something Edwin called a Fab --- Fab …”


“Faberge?” Sean finished for him.


“Yeah!” Matthew nodded his head vigorously. “She told US it was a Christmas ornament. Muerte just crushed it and dropped the pieces on the floor. That got Muerte’s group upset. Supposedly it was worth a lot. But Muerte was more impressed that she succeeded. Stealing it was just some test. He’s going to give her three more tests. What else? Oh yeah! Rescuing MY Janice is going to make security step up several notches. That’s why we woke you up. We gotta get you out of here now.


“Oh yeah … and we found out that Muerte has your brother’s wife and kid hostage. And Erica wants to stay here and confront Scorpia - the lady who beat her up.” He glanced at Erica alarmed. “... who cheated really badly to do so! Poison. Scorpion venom. Real nasty one - one of the worst. I can still smell it on her.”


Sean looked over at Erik. “How much is he leaving out? And do I have you to thank for the medical work?”


Erik seemed surprised that Sean would address him. He even more surprised to get any thanks at all. He had gotten used to people just taking his skills for granted. “Quite welcome. But I was paid to watch over you. While your are my patient, you are under my protection. Truly, the longer you needed medical aid, the longer you were safe. But Matthew is correct. Hydra is going to realize the girl they rescued is gone soon and will begin a search.


“I am Erik Giovanni. Yes, I am also the Phantom. Matthew has a half sister - my daughter. Ms Vasquez is the Scorpia they mentioned. Sean’s wife is Scorpia’s twin sister. I do not know where they are holding your sister in law and nephew. Scorpia ordered Samuel to kill if he wanted to see his wife and kid. And … that is something else that offends me.


“Listen up, all of you. I give my word that I will find Iron Man’s son. I do not take well to children being harmed nor mothers faithful to their children.”


Sean was silent for a long time. Finally he asked rhetorically. “Samuel’s married? I knew he was dating the Vasquez heir - Karmen. But I never heard he got married - much less has a kid.” He shook his head. “He kept that pretty damned quiet. I had never seen her. But this is starting to make more sense now - why Samuel was trying to get the family back into organized crime. But if, as you say, he’s being coerced, that puts a very different spin on things. It even maybe explains why they didn’t just kill me anyways. Anything happens to my brother, and they would come after me. And THAT would explain why they want Erica alive. Dead she would make much of a hostage.”


Sean sighed. Now he turned to Erica. “What’s this about you staying behind? Please no. We need to regroup - maybe get Kassie’s help. And … when we get back home, I can show you a very, very good reason why not to stay here.”

 

[sharlene79]

Lori’s Apartment


Kassandra, Lori, and Kevin


There really wasn’t as much data as Lori had suggested there was. Much of the time that Lori had spent collecting data was redoubled effort, confirmation, and duplication. And often a single piece of information was no more than a picture, a line of text or an account number with notes. Dossiers that took weeks or months to develop took a second or so to flash across a screen.


For example, the data that had been collected on Professor Muerte was extensive. Data about the movements of the Johanna Athene were likewise extensive. There was a ton of data about the Phantom of the Opera and the book Phantom by Susan Kay that had been linked to the file in reference to an Enforcer named Erik.


About an hour later Kassandra paused the data. “Well, I must say, you do take excellent notes. You should have done what I am doing long ago. You are certainly intelligent enough. Not surprising given who your parents are. But let’s pick a mission for me. Now then, we do not know for certain that Erica and Sean are in trouble. Likely, but if not, then any attempt to help them right now would blow any cover. The loss of contact from their phones may simply indicate a security precaution such as a cell jammer or removal of batteries.


“Edwin and Matthew do seem to be doing well if they were able to extract a hostage and send her to St Michael’s. They should have checked in more, rather than trying to operate solely on their own. Now there is one piece of data you should have extracted. John Hughes. He is working on becoming a mole for Interpol. The problem is, his handler is now dead.”


“What?” Lori and Kevin chorused.


“International racing champion. Last that was heard of him was his death in a race - sort of like that Speed Racer story where Racer X fakes his own death. Well, that happened shortly after his little brother died in an explosion. John was supposed to take his brother out for some lessons.


“Now there was a rumor that Mr Hughes had developed a new supercapacitor and solar cell technology. I think he was turning down offers to buy him out. I believe he has undergone major plastic surgery and is now the man you have seen trying to get in good with the mafia.


“What else? Ah, Juanita Vasquez aka Scorpia, is the black sheep daughter of a very wealthy man in South America. But she has a twin sister who is the favored daughter, Karmen. Samuel Reed, the brother of our friend Sean, was caught in some tabloid photos suggesting that Karmen might have a new lover. Tell you what, here is an organizational breakdown of identified personnel in Hydra.

****************

​

Inner Circle


(Unknown female) (Dr Draconis and Deathstroke)


(Unknown female) (Red Mist and CRIME)


Moriarty (Professor Muerte and Terror Inc)


Captain Nemo (Ankylosaur and Armor Inc)


Red Skull (Fourth Reich)


These appear to be the original individuals responsible for their legends and may very well possess supernatural powers. Red Skull seems to be an oddity as Fourth Reich seems to be a very new and very old unit. It is possible that Red Skull is the defacto leader of Hydra.


ENFORCERS


Rasputin


Mr. Hyde


Jack the Ripper


Blackbeard


Phantom aka Erik Giovanni


This group serves the Inner Council as a group enforcing Hydra policies, removing moles, and eliminating failures. They often act as singular representatives as rarely is more than one needed. These appear to be the original individuals responsible for their legends and may very well possess supernatural powers.


+++++++++++


HEADS OF HYDRA


Professor Muerte


Ankylosaur


Dr Draconis


Red Mist


Fourth Reich


Each of these members has their own agenda and would very probably ignore the rest or treat them as competitors if not for the fact that they could not achieve their power so fast without help, nor keep it in the face of overwhelming odds. Given the chance some would probably rather see Hydra crushed as a whole so their squads could emerge victorious. Others are devoutly loyal. Most notable is Professor Muerte’s ambitions. He is a megalomaniac with plans to rule the planet.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++


Terror Inc


Professor Muerte aka Hernan Cortez


Formerly an enforcer for South American drug cartels


Scorpia aka Juanita Vasquez


Muerte’s lover


Iron Man aka Samuel Reed


Pale Rider


Hellburner


Wildcat


Plastique


Napalm


Ricochet


Armor Inc


Ankylosaur


Armadillo


Dark Shell


Shadowhawk


Raptor


Manta


Deathstroke


Dr Draconis


Frost


Neutron


Deathsinger


Stinger


Epitaph


Demonicus


This is a ultra high tech squad. Most of these members appear to be very knowledgeable in the sciences suggested by their names. Notable exception: Epitaph. Epitaph may have been the result of an experiment. He appears to be well below average intelligence and serves as highly resilient muscle for the group.


CRIME


Red Mist


Ghost Dragon


Rainbow Archer


Thunderbolt


Password


There are many other names, but these are especially notable ones. The purpose of CRIME is to serve as a broker for criminal jobs, as well as insurance - medical, life, etc. And they serve as fences. In truth, this is where Ricochet should be.


Fourth Reich


Fourth Reich aka Colonel Karl Steigler


Luftwaffe aka Lt. Kristina Messierschmidt


Holocaust aka Kristoff Messierschmidt


Iron Cross aka Major Wilhelm von Rheinhardt


Blitzkrieg aka Dr Karl Schroendinger