Society of Justice 3: Crisis on the Earth

[CounterAttack]

"Around a dozen of our forces stormed the general population sector at the same time I and my followers entered the maximum security wing. They will most likely be ready to leave on command," Catherine answered Garrus, recalling the map of the prison block as she did so. The prisoners wanted a storage room... there. She knew the route, more or less. If they ran into her squad in general population, that would be good.

"Let's go. We can't hang around here forever," she said, picking up the pace a little. The four Catherines shepherded the strange prisoners through the prison block, encountering no resistance that wasn't solved through quick, precise shots. Catherine and her clones were skilled enough to not require aid from the prisoners... though she briefly wondered if Spoon was affecting the guards' minds enough to let her take them down quickly.

After a minute or so of navigating the halls and corridors, the group rounded a corner to find the correct storage room. 2nd Lieutenant Bishop and his team were already there, and they had more strangers with them... Lector did not wear that kind of clothing, in Catherine's experience. And there was what looked like another Bishop there with the group. These people were clearly the copies the 2nd Lieutenant had mentioned: they were the two that were missing from the group, according to Demeter.

Catherine stood aside to let the prisoners pass, figuring that a reunion would be in order, and gestured for her clone to do so as well.

[hr]

As the group moved through the hallways, Katie marvelled at her counterpart's skill with a gun. She was good. Really good. She wondered who would be better in a fight: herself, with her verdant abilities, or this Catherine person who had a considerable amount of military training. Granted, she could jam Catherine's gun with plant life, so that gave her the advantage...

But then there were Catherine's identical copies to consider. How had they come into existence? And were they anything like the gold-patched one, or did they have similar training too? She had so many questions to ask, but now was not the time.

Katie breathed a silent sigh of relief when she caught sight of Levi and Tyson later on. Both of them looked like they had been through a fair bit under Lector's hand, Tyson more so than Levi. Hopefully they were both alright.

 

[tsatoma]

Garrus and Ethan followed the group led by Catherine, the latter helping lead to where the storage room was. Garrus turned away from the few prison guard corpses that laid against the floor, preferring to stare either ahead of him or slightly above at the lights. A surprise was around the corner, the group from the maximum security cells meeting up with the ones who had been taken by Lector earlier.

"Levi, Tyson! Good to see that Lector guy didn't do either of you in. What exactly happened?" Garrus asked, making his way to the two Society members who seemed much worse for wear than the rest. He looked over the other people with them, making the connection that these were the other Resistance members. 'And here's another counterpart of one of our own. So many things we'll have to ask once we get out of here,' Garrus thought, turning around and telling the Society to grab any of their stuff that had been taken from them. "Then we can get out of here, right? Where will we be going?" he asked Catherine.

 

[socialtangent]

"So right now, instead of finding everyone else, we need to retreat to our escape vehicles."

The squad moved forward before Levi could ask any further questions. With reluctance he followed them down the halls, ready to dispose of any threat that came their way. Although the duplicate Tyson confirmed that the others were in the company of his comrades, he refused to leave before having the chance to be with Taryn. The last thing he wanted now was to be separated again in the midst of a battle.

Going through the compound at a rapid pace, they arrived at their destination, a door along an adjacent hallway. The entrance to the storage room. There Tyson could recover his equipment...and Levi could recover some personal effects. The left vest pocket where he kept his pocket watch was noticeably empty. He stepped past the other Tyson and headed towards the door. Hopefully he could manipulate the locks from the outside and open the door.

When he looked down the hall, he was greeted by the sight of more armed soldiers...and the rest of the Society team. Leading them was who appeared to be an exact copy of Katie. Rather, four of them. Once they were out of danger, there would have to be some question and answers. The alternate Katie who seemed to be the one in charge stepped aside, allowing Garrus to step forward.

"Levi, Tyson! Good to see that Lector guy didn't do either of you in. What exactly happened?"

"Great to see you okay, Garrus," Levi replied. "Okay, long story short, he wanted information out of us. Tyson managed to kill him. I'll go into detail later, but..."

Over Garrus's shoulder, he caught a glimpse of the familiar red-tipped hair. "Taryn!" he called as he moved to embrace her. The effort aggravated his injuries and sent out fresh shock waves of pain, but he didn't care at that point. Taryn was okay and that was all that mattered right now. Levi kissed her and held the contact briefly before pulling away.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

 

[RBMidknight]

"I'm better now." Taryn assured Levi. For a moment the mysterious clone group and the prison confinement ceased to exist. Taryn leaned forward again, putting her hand on Levi's arm to reassure herself of his solidity. He was really there. They were really here. Together. Taryn's slight grin faded when she observed Levi's battered condition. Her hand moved up to outline a particularly dark bruise on the side of his face. "You..." There were bruises, shallow cuts, and remnants of blood. Taryn dropped her hand down to rest on Levi's chest. The once pristine and pressed vest was torn. Reality snapped back into existence. With it came the low hum of nearby machinery. The top button of Levi's vest was missing. Ripped from its rightful place. A small detail that was magnified in Taryn's revived anger.

"You're hurt." The two words were a quiet declaration. Almost an accusation. But not one directed at Levi. No, it was directed at the unknown foe that dared harm Levi. Or perhaps not unknown. Garrus had given the name. "What did he do?" Taryn asked. Lector. Victor. Whatever that man was called here. 'Wait.'. Taryn mentally rewound to what Levi had told Garrus. 'Lector's dead? What happened?' Her anger lost its target and spiraled into confusion. There were too many unknowns. Taryn shook her head. "Tell me later." she countered her own question with a sigh. Too many unknowns, but at least Levi was here.

 

[Captainguy42]

"Levi, Tyson, you're," Tommy hesitated to use the word Okay, " Alive. I mean I didn't doubt that you would be it's just that you can't really say your fine because you guys are all bruised and hurt and stuff, and I'm rambling out of joy so I'll shut up now." True his word Tommy stopped and busied himself with searching the room. He found a door marked "Storage", and tried the handle to find it was locked. A quick punch knocked the door off its hinges and Tommy checked what was inside.

"Hey guys I think I found all the stuff they took from us." Tommy informed the rest as he entered and found his gloves, knuckle-dusters, and chain belt. He slipped the gloves on and tried to summon some fire with them. To his pleasure the flames seemed relatively stable, indicating the power fluctuations seemed to have passed.

 

[elementsoul]

Tyson's head was throbbing at this point. His shoulder blades felt like they wanted to shift backwards. It still kind of hurt to breath as well. Despite this Tyson tried to keep his composure, as Catherine moved aside and the rest of the group became visible. "That's everyone," he said to his alternative self, while Levi gave a brief update to Garrus.

[hr]

Perfect. Now we can get out of here. The Second Lieutenant was more than happy to be able to leave this building now. Although he liked destroying it, he simply didn't like to spend a lot of time inside Patriot controlled property. He made a small gesture to his counterpart towards to the door, as a sign to hurry things up.

"Then we can get out of here, right? Where will we be going?"

"We will be leaving as soon as everything gathers their belongings. As to where we are going is to be known to us for the time being. This is a United America building, and they can still have active audio and video feeds," Bishop replied to the eldest looking member of the group. I think it would be accurate to assume he's their leader or commander. I'll deal with the formalities with him later, if this assumption is correct.

Shifting his mind back into the focus on the group, he watched the newly reunited couple embrace each other. Must be nice to be able to see the one you love again. The commander was a bit envious of the couple, but he could sympathize the want, and was willing to give them a few more seconds.

[hr]

Tyson watched Levi and Taryn and felt an overwhelming amount of jealousy. The feeling that they had right now was something that he'd never get to feel again. Tyson needed a distraction and Tommy's kicking the door off its hinges worked. He still had his things to get and quickly retrieved them. There wasn't enough time for his armor, but he exchanged the pistol for his own rifle and was out of the room.

[hr]

Feeling that he had given them enough time the Resistance officer decided it was time for them to move out for good. "Retrieve anything that they took from you. You have thirty seconds before we move out," Bishop ordered towards to the group that they had rescued. There was a slight delay before the order was reissued, in a nicer and more familiarized tone, by the oldest appearing member of the group. I guess that confirms my assumption.

The remaining members quickly retrieved their items. As soon as the last person left the room, the Catherines took point and lead the group back to the entrance point. Bishop and his covered the rear and the commander received confirmation that Echo and the rescue group had returned to their vehicles. Upon exiting the whole in the wall the groups had found themselves in an active firefight between the Resistance members, and the guards and soldiers of the prison cell and United America military.

Everyone quickly rushed to the vehicles and quickly got inside of them. Tyson had chosen to join his counterpart on a turret. An order to retreat was issued by the Second Lieutenant, as Tyson's powers auto triggered again. Working with it this time he swept his head with it and caused a brief pause as some of the enemies were confused by the sound that had just been made. The Resistance took advantage of the situation and gunned it away from the Prison.

 

[Pm0n3y]

The Lieutenant inevitably reached the roof, his pace much slower than how he initially advanced. The door leading to the roof swung open, and the Lieutenant found his soldiers ducked in cover at the helicopter. He began to order his soldiers into the vehicle, only to be interrupted by a shot taken by one of the still posted snipers. The bullet embedded itself in his shoulder, a loud crack being heard as a result. The Lieutenant looked up, darkness crawling up his face. A low snarl crossed his lips as he noticed a small gleam on the horizon, coming from one of the tall posts. He approached his soldiers, and asked for one's rifle. Walking from beyond the helicopter, the Lieutenant spotted the gleam yet again, a spark appearing from the location. The Lieutenant threw up his free hand, the whizzing bullet deflected. He raised the rifle in both hands, and took a shot. The gleam fell away from the post within the second. Picking up his fallen troops, the Lieutenant boarded the whirring helicopter, the surviving soldiers falling in. As they boarded, the Captain couldn't help but gasp at the Lieutenant's present form.

"Sir, your uniform-" He began in shock at the Lieutenant's tattered clothes.

"I'm fine. Just get us back to the base please." He interrupted with the demand. The Captain complied and sat into his seat. As the Lieutenant strapped himself in, the helicopter quickly retreated to the skies. His hands began to quiver in anger, his simple search mission a complete failure.

"Dammit...Damn it all! Half my squad's dead, and I didn't even get what I came here for. This'll be a pleasant report to type...the letters that'll have to be sent to the deceased's families...ARGH, GODDAMN IT ALL!" He thought in a quiet fume, looking from beyond the helicopter's window. Looking towards the ground, he spotted a convoy of humvees speeding away from the prison, brow furrowing even further.

"My Keyholder is in one of those jeeps. I can just tell. He's getting away from me...dammit!" He thought, practically pressed against the window as the whirling dervish soared over the convoy.

[hr]

Jason took a short breath as a sharp sensation poked at his mind. Blessed with acquiring the window seat, he looked from beyond it, barely catching a glimpse of the helicopter that flew overhead. As the helicopter drew further from the vehicle, the sensation grew weaker.

"Did you feel that?" Erebus asked.

"Yeah, that annoying little feeling."

"Think it was your father?

"Well, either him, or someone just as powerful." Jason replied lastly before looking on at those affiliated with the resistance, those that sat up front.

"I wonder if there are any Keyholders in the Resistance... He pondered after a brief pause.

"Well, I would like to think that some Keyholders stood up against the reintegration. Who knows? If this universe is anything remotely like our universe, then we might find an alternate version of you at our destination." Erebus replied hopefully. Jason decided to not elaborate more on the idea. He didn't want to think about all the potential alternatives to his counterpart's fate. Whether he was alive or not, or if he even existed in the first place.

 

[Captainguy42]

As everyone was loading up in the get-away vehicles, Tommy asked the driver, about the other resistance fighters.

"They're holding off the Army so we can make our get away." The Driver told him as he began warming up the engines.

"Ok, so let me get this straight, a small band of poorly armed fighters is going to get shot at by a much larger and much better equipped force while I drive to safety without doing a thing?" He asked this time in a slightly incredulous tone.

"I wouldn't put it like that," The Driver responded, " They're trained, they now how to fight government troops, and they volunteered for this."

"Ya, well, so did I." Tommy unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car. The Driver yelled after him, " What the hell are you doing we need leave now!"

"Just get going, I wont be minute." Tommy dismissed the Driver as he began running towards the fire-fight. He didn't want to take long, just help enough to boost the survival chances of the resistance fighters. He spotted a gun-ship that had a squad pinned down behind some cars and decided it would make a fine target. With one jump Tommy got on top of nearby building, with a second he launched himself at the chopper like a rocket.

The pilot saw the Tommy rocketing at them and swerved to the left to avoid colliding . But Tommy used his chain to extend his reach to grappled onto the fuselage and pulled himself on top of the cockpit. As the Co-pilot struggled for his side-arm, Tommy punched through the glass, grabbed the pilot and yanked him out of his chair. As the co-pilot let loose round after round into Tommy, he smashed the controls and bailed as the chopper began to spiral out of control. As it crashed and subsequently exploded, Tommy landed in a nearby street.

 

[NeoAC]

Brian was thrilled to see his weapon again. He felt powerless in the current situation without that lethal scythe in his hands, but now, now there was a method for fighting back against these bastards. Too bad it was apparently time to go.

They ran for the vehicles, Tommy decided to pull off some Just Cause moves on one of the prison choppers, a regular escape. Brian just wanted to get out of there, away from that cold, heartless place.

[hr]

"Here we are," the Catherine clone announced as she pulled the car up to what appeared to be another abandoned warehouse type set up.

Briân looked at the run-down place. "Zis is a joke, non?" He flicked his cigarette onto the pavement outside. "Zis looks even worse zen ze base we 'ave in Montreal! Zis is were you expect to fight ze American bastards from?"

"Of course not." Catherine informed him. "This is a temporary base to allow us to meet up with the group escaping the prison. We will then be heading to the true base shortly after. This is to make sure we are not followed. Besides, it's a lot nicer looking on the inside. You should know that's usually the case."

Briân took the scolding. He knew what the clone was inferring to. "Fine. Let us entre. Aprez-vous." He followed the clone inside the building.

 

[tsatoma]

'I should help our little retreat here,' Garrus told himself from inside the Resistance's vehicle, telling the driver to hold up for a second to let Tommy catch up. The driver seemed to not be sure whether to follow Garrus' order or not, but slowed down the vehicle anyway allowing Tommy to get back inside after a couple of super-jumps over. As the driver started to speed up, Garrus turned around to see the prison going further away. There was a small convoy of prison guards that had started to follow them, the vehicles catching up to the escape vehicles quickly.

"Dammit! We have to get rid of them," the driver said after spotting them.
"I've got this," Garrus replied from the backseat, raising up his hands before closing them into a fist. The resulting shock wave hit the ground in front of the prison convoy, the earth shifting up and downwards causing the convoy to crash. Garrus sat back down after making sure none would be following them anymore, a small smile on his face after the driver reacted to his attack with shock and awe.

[hr]

The drive to wherever they were headed was much quicker than Garrus thought it would. 'I thought we'd be driving for hours, but from what our driver told me we'll be there shortly.' The drive over had been unexciting after they got out of the city, the most exciting thing being when they started to go off road.

Garrus had tried to ask a few questions, but was told that now wasn't the time. He was starting to get annoyed at not knowing what was going on, and he knew everyone else was feeling it too. 'We'll get those answers soon enough,' he told himself as he stared at the trees, the sudden jerk as they went back on the road snapping him out of his daydream.

"We're here," the driver announced, pointing to an abandoned-looking factory just ahead of them.
"That's it?" Garrus asked with uncertainty, not particularly impressed by location.
"It's not supposed to look good! It looks better inside anyways," the driver spat out, seemingly offended by the way Garrus reacted. He accepted Garrus' apology, saying that it was alright as they drove inside the factory. Everyone got out once the vehicles were parked inside the factory, and Garrus couldn't help but think the inside didn't look much better.

"This isn't the inside I was talking about," the driver explained after seeing Garrus' incredulous look. The driver got an 'okay' as a reply before Garrus headed over to where the two people he knew were in charge were. He noticed that there seemed to be a bitter sweet feeling in the air, with most of the Resistance members permeating a quiet sadness under a somewhat happy exterior. From what he could tell the Society wasn't the only reason that the prison break had happened due to the fact that there were a number of people wearing prison uniforms being welcomed back.

"I appreciate the rescue, and I'm sure everyone else in the group does. Is it safe enough to ask some questions now though? Because we really need some answers," Garrus asked Catherine and the man who was this universe's Tyson after approaching them.

 

[CounterAttack]

"Questions..." Catherine mused, having set her rifle down on one of the tables scattered around the place. With the prison break more or less over - all that remained was to return to her camp, while Bishop took his own men back - her formal nature was back in business.

There had been another car inside the building when Catherine, Bishop, their forces and the liberated prisoners arrived: it had been the transport she had sent to bring in Briân. He was here. Again, Catherine felt something she hadn't felt in at least a year. Two things: nostalgia for the old days... and the odd sensation of her heart skipping a beat. It would be good to see Briân again, even if he had been denied the promise of an investigation into a cure for his problem.

Catherine had other matters to deal with first, however. She turned her attention back to Garrus, and stood as straight as possible as she focused on him. "Well, that depends entirely on what you want to know. Name your request," she answered. "We have a while before we move again."

[hr]

At one side of the room, Katie was watching the place and the people within. She had retracted the plants covering her head, as well as the weaponry she had intended to use in the prison block: there was no real need for them now.

Just looking around the Resistance base, she could tell that something was up. She felt that the people were missing something... some crucial component that Katie remembered from back at home. She couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Katie's musing was interrupted by her own voice speaking to her. "Excuse me, Demeter?" She looked over to the speaker to find herself facing... herself. The other Katie had removed her helmet and attached her gun to a clip on her armour, but her armour remained. Other than that, the military Katie looked exactly the same as the original, except her hair was short to fit under her helmet. Katie's was kept long under her plant armour: she liked it at its current length.

"Um... God, I'm sorry, but I just find this a little weird, is all," she began to answer. "Talking to an identical copy of myself... But then, there's more than one of you, so I guess you don't have that problem. What did you need?" She gave the strange Katie an awkward smile.

"It's all right, we're used to it. As to your question, Ms Southe wishes to speak with you when the opportunity arises," Katie's counterpart answered, indicating where the gold-patched Catherine stood. "She's over there with Second Lieutenant Bishop and one of your colleagues, and will likely send one of us to remind you when she is free to speak with you."

Katie was confused. The woman standing before her had addressed the other one as 'Ms Southe'. Was she superior in some way? But they were identical... she decided to ask. "Alright... but I just have one question for you," she answered as the other Katie turned to leave, stopping her. "Why is that one, Ms Southe, so special?"

"She is the original," the other woman said enigmatically, as if it explained everything - which it most certainly didn't. "I must take my leave of you. Excuse me," she added as she turned and walked away, joining a conversation with some of the other Resistance forces. Katie watched her go, scratching her head with one hand... it was all so confusing, having so many of herself around. What had the soldier meant by the gold-patched woman being the original?

Katie went back to her watching and waiting, her eyes jumping from group to group. She spotted Taryn and Levi standing together on the other side of the room, and felt cold all of a sudden. For the second time that day, her thoughts drifted to Leland. Katie missed him, and wished he were there with her.

[hr]

Rowan and Spoon were sitting together up against one of the walls, talking quietly. Or rather, Rowan was talking, and Spoon was thought-speaking back to him. The two had completely different backgrounds: Spoon had been born with his powers while Rowan had had them forced upon him. Spoon acted alone rather than joining the active resistance, where Rowan was working with the Society to combat the threats they faced. Many other questions and answers about one another's pasts were traded.

The psychic listened appreciatively to the tales Rowan told: of learning to control his abilities; of the times he had occasionally used them to dissolve conflicts; the event that had caused him to think about joining the Society; and a couple of the missions in which he had participated.

Spoon 'spoke' little, letting the shapeshifter do all the talking: occasionally he interjected to ask a question or make a small comment, in much the same way Rowan himself did. The familiarity of it wasn't lost on Rowan: it was somewhat creepy.

"So, Cadizki shot me, and I remember a warmish feeling spreading through my body as I passed out on the floor. I woke up the next day to find that Alex had killed him, and my abilities had been, well, upgraded, for lack of a better word," he concluded.

±I see... I do not know an Ivor Cadizki myself,± Spoon mused. ±Perhaps he lives outside of United America. Regardless, you did the right thing. The man was clearly out of his mind in some fashion... though I would have enjoyed taking a part in such a fight. Or any of the battles you described, really.± His voice sounded bitter in Rowan's head.

"Is... is something wrong?" the shapeshifter asked, concerned.

±No, no... Well, yes. I don't feel as if the fights I participate in are actually making much of a difference in the long-term,± Spoon explained. ±As a vigilante, I focus on the people of the cities. They are stepped on by the country's leaders, eternally watched, every action catalogued and filed. It is almost as if they are nothing but mere data-points on a screen.

±The people need someone to fight for them, from the shadows of obscurity. That is where I come in. But... is there more to it, I wonder.±

 

[tsatoma]

"Where do I even begin?" Garrus asked rhetorically with a slight chuckle, whistling to get the Society member's attention and beckoning them to come over. He took a deep breath and paced around as he thought of how he should explain how little they knew about this universe. 'They seem trustworthy so far, at least more then the officials of this 'United America'. And they did help us escape,' Garrus thought, thinking about how exactly to explain the situation.

"We're not from this dimension I suppose you can say. We were accidentally sent here, and we have no idea what is going on. Our world is a lot different then yours to say the least. Like this war that is going on, there isn't one in our world," he explained to Catherine and the alternate version of Tyson, taking another moment to think of what questions to ask.

"This was, how did it start? Can you give us the basic jist of it? Is there anyone here that can help us get back to our own universe? We basically got sent here due to a problem with some really hi-tech machinery made by a crazed scientist," Garrus explained, recalling his last thoughts of their own universe. Mordtoten explaining how magic affected his machine and then his brother appearing before them. 'I need to give him a good punch to the face if I ever see him again,' Garrus thought, wondering if there was a version of his brother here in this world.

He turned to the rest of the Society and asked, "If you guys have anything else to ask, go right ahead."

 

[Captainguy42]

Tommy breathed a sigh of relief when the cars stopped. He took off his mask and stuff it in his jacket pocket, then went inside the base. It was exactly the kind of dilapidated shack one would expect a resistance effort to use, the windows were cracked, the paint was either peeling or discolored, and the scent of mold permeated the entire building. Tommy found a sink and began washing the dirt and blood off of his hands and face, as he cleaned he examined his damaged eye in the mirror. He hadn't noticed it earlier but in the confusion of the escape it had finished healing, however now it was completely white, with only a thin black ring around where his pupil had been.

"Huh..." He sighed, dumbfounded by the transformation. He hadn't seen, read, or heard of anything like this. He closed his other eye and saw nothing but black, until he looked down at his hands. Against the black void they seemed to glow with a silvery-blue light, Tommy continued to be utterly baffled by what was happening. He finished washing his hands and left the bathroom, closing one eye then the other as he went and joined everyone else. When he looked at around with the white-eye he could see more silver hued light come from within them. He noticed the light coming the from Garrus was slightly brighter, and the same light that came from Catherine also came from her clones.

"Alright this is officially weird," Tommy muttered to himself, before realizing he had just spent half a minute staring cock-eyed at Garrus and Catherine. He hastily apologized, " Sorry, my eyes acting up and not in a normal way."

 

[elementsoul]

Some questions? How about a fucking introduction. We just broke you out of a prison run by the United America Government. And Catherine gives them the give as well.

The Second Lieutenant sighed and leaned back against a wall behind him. He listened to the man?s brief description of how they got here and wasn?t exactly in the first place to belief him. Still since it was only basic knowledge that he was asking; it wouldn?t hurt to give him some answers in exchange for answers to questions of his own.

?You really can?t get a gist of events that helped make the war but I?ll make it as brief as possible,? Tyson answered, and let out a sigh, before taking in a deep breath and speaking again.

?After World War Two a lot of countries were torn apart by war and in shambles. So in order to improve security between the nations of the major war fronts, the European Union and the Asiatic Alliance formed. Things were relatively peaceful till about thirty years ago, when Robert Buchanan gained the Presidency in The United States of America.

That man was a power hungry beast. He invaded, slaughtered, and enslaved the rest of the countries in both North and South America. That?s when things started to look bad. Battles over land between the three super powers started. Most of them were held between the European Union and the United America forces. It was looking like another World War was going to break out, but that would have meant disaster for both sides. Naturally they reluctantly backed off, drew their borders, and started preparing in case it came back to that point.

A Cold War started raging between both sides, but no one was stupid enough to directly attack each other. Terrorist attacks happen from time to time, but proving who was behind it is impossible. Espionage, weapon generating, and political games made up all of the other noise for a while. Actually only two major changes happened between now and then.

Eleven years ago Robert Buchanan died, and a man by the name of Collin ?Patriot? Smith took over control of United America. Although that bastard blames the other super powers, it?s pretty clear that he wanted power, and took Robert?s life for it. Not saying that I missed the man, but he was a normal human, and therefore a hell of a lot easier to kill.

The next major change was with the Asiatic Alliance. Throughout the years they managed to stay a lot lower key. Not a large amount of noise and they stayed out of a lot of land battles in the beginning. Well this changed about eight years ago when they suddenly entered the Cold War on scale with the European Union, and United America.

I?d like to ethicize, that that was a brief modern history of the three super powers. Since you had the pleasure of having your asses saved by us I figure you might like a bit of our own history. We are the Resistance. We are groups of fighters who fight against the United America Government. As long as there has been a United America Government there has been the Resistance. We have a loose chain of command where ranks exist, but most groups are left with a ranking officer, and the order to make being the United America Government hell in a given area.? The Commander stopped talking for a few seconds, and let the information sink in a little.

?As for help getting back to your dimension, well I?d be lying if I said that I believe you. However if what you are saying is true, the only suggestion that I could have is to seek out this dimension?s version of whatever sent you here,? there was a clear sense of disbelieve in the leader?s voice. Still he looked back to his look-a-like and started to think to himself again. If he is from another dimension, what must his life be like? Does he have a wife? Children? If he does, are they the same as mine were? Did he lose them as well?

Before his mind could finish wondering two last vehicles could be heard pulling into the building. A few seconds later, the two sniper teams had appeared in the room with them. ?Sir, we?re the last of us,? the one soldier reported to Bishop. A small nod was returned as the commander turned around and pulled out a hidden panel in the wall behind him. He hit a button behind it and the wall opened up revealing an industrial service elevator.

?Now that everyone?s here, we can continue onto the actual base,? Bishop announced as he stepped onto the elevator and waited for the others to follow before closing the door and choosing his desired basement floor.

The lift began to move down, and Bishop turned to address the group again. ?Although I will answer your questions, it is rude to do so without a proper introduction. It is even ruder considering we put life and limb, and some of us even lost life, to save you,? the resistance commander paused for a second, before continuing, ?I guess I will start. I?m Second Lieutenant Tyson Bishop. I would request that you tell me your name and any powers that you have in your introduction.?

As soon as Bishop finished his request the left stopped and the wall behind him opened. A large open room that had a large number of chairs, couches, tables, desks, and an open kitchen were revealed. There were three doors at the back of the room. One indicating a lady?s restroom, one indicating a men?s restroom, and one indicating a changing room. There were a few completely filled bookshelves, but no computers, or TVs.

[hr]

Tyson?s powers had stopped triggering on the way over to the base. Whatever was setting them off seemed to have stopped, although frequent bursts of pain were often sent throughout his body. His eyes had returned to normal, although with each pain burst, the black seemed to pulse out and back in again.

Once at the base he stuck close to the group while keeping his distance, until Garrus whistled for everyone to regroup. The history of this universe didn?t do much to faze him, and he chose to stay quiet and save his questions for later, in private, with the Commander who shared his appearance. The brief eyeing down was a little unnerving but that was broken quickly by the return of the remaining members.

His silence continued as he followed the group, hoping to find something useful for other questions that concerned him at the true base. The reveal that his look-a-like shared his name was concerning to say the least. A whole different torrent of questions filled Tyson?s head, and he stepped backwards, away from his doppelganger as he requested their introductions. Tyson was completely out of his element here and it was showing across his face.

 

[CounterAttack]

Catherine elected to wait until Bishop finished speaking before contributing to the conversation herself. It turned out that the Second Lieutenant had covered everything that she would have explained... the two of them more or less shared opinions on the concept of alternate dimensions, now that she thought about it. It kind of made sense, though... The strangers were not from these parts, that much was obvious, but to not understand anything that had gone on was near unbelievable. Unless they hailed from a secret installation in Antarctica or something. The group stepped out of the elevator as she spoke up.

"Since we are introducing ourselves, I shall do the same. My name is Catherine Ella Southe, though I prefer to be addressed by Ms Southe or Catherine," she began, standing at attention just outside the elevator as she would in the presence of a superior officer, despite the fact that there was no-one within the Resistance with a higher rank than her: Bishop was her equal. "I too hold the rank of Second Lieutenant, though I do not normally use the title. The other versions of me around the place are products of my power: I can create living, breathing, independent replicas of myself."

[hr]

Katie was somewhat bemused by Catherine's demeanour... she seemed overly formal towards both the Resistance's Tyson and the Society as a whole. The ability to clone herself explained all the other Katies - no, Catherines - around the place. The idea of having a squad made up entirely of the original Catherine and her clones seemed a little... narcisstic to Katie, but she put that thought aside. Introductions were in order.

"Katie Southe, alias Demeter. In case it wasn't clear, plant manipulation is my claim to fame," she stated, demonstrating her power by causing the 'glove' of her left hand to sprout a bouquet of thornless roses, a vibrant blood-red in colour.

[hr]

"Rowan Ward, call-sign Silhouette. I am a shapeshifter and very minor psychic," Rowan introduced himself, knowing full well that his bolt ability was a mere ant compared to the psychic prowess of his counterpart, even though it was a potent ranged weapon.

It was interesting - and considerably concerning - to hear the history of this United America. Spoon's explanation on board Lector's helicopter had been a basic one covering the simple details of the present setting. The psychic's commentary on his objective of defending the people personally had begun to make him think about the world as it was, both here and back home...

If they could get back home. Rowan said a silent prayer that that was the case.

[hr]

±For those who do not know, I shall reiterate. I am Spoon, psychic vigilante,± the black-clad Rowan said telepathically. ±I am not exactly with the Resistance against United America, per se, but I do fight alongside them, and for the same causes. Ms Southe has often found herself assisted by my mental efforts, when I am not watching over the citizens of the cities.± He twirled his cloak with a flourish, teleporting from his place in the middle of the group into the center of the room, calmly taking a seat to watch the proceedings from there.

 

[tsatoma]

"It's alright," Garrus told Tommy quickly before his attention went completely to alternate Tyson as he explained the history that caused the war briefly. While the lesson was interesting, it was the name of the man currently leading United America that really caught his attention.

'Patriot is ruling this place? And he's seemingly an evil, blood-thirsty dictator? This is certainly not good,' Garrus thought, following the group as they were led down an elevator. The elevator ride down was awkward as he listened to alternate Tyson stating how rude they were being, and asking for an introduction from each of them. 'He's right, we have been a bit rude expecting everything,' he realized as the elevator opened up, the large room before them looking like a resting area.

'Not as nice as our lounge...well maybe nicer when it's not been torn up by the disaster of the week,' Garrus mused, figuring that now would be a good time to introduce himself. "My name is Garrus Arreos, and I can create and control shock waves. This guy standing next to me is my little brother, Ethan Claidt, and he's a cyborg," he explained, looking over at Ethan who raised his hand to wave and make a grateful beep. Garrus thought over about asking more questions, but figured that anymore would have to wait. 'This introduction is good though; means we might be able to find out what's happening to our alternate halves.'

 

[Captainguy42]

Tommy gave up trying to understand what was happening to his eye, he'd have to wait until he could talk to someone with more knowledge of mystical arts to find out what was happening. He turned his attention to the conversation.

"I'm Tommy Stitch, sometimes called Golem, I've got super-strength, durability, and a little bit of magic know-how. Thanks for the help by the way, it's certainly appreciated." Tommy said, he wasn't entirely certain how necessary that help was, but his parents hadn't raised him to let a good deed go unthanked.

" Actually, why did you come for us? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it seems like a huge risk for the sake of some people you've even met."

 

[NeoAC]

Brian tried to take this all in, but it was still a bit much. So what, Canada is just gone now? Taken over by a bastardized version of America? Beauty. Just beauty. Everyone began introducing themselves up and down, so he figured he might as well join in.

"Hey, so uh, I'm Brian MacKenzie," he offered. "I'm the healer guy, I guess. I heal people and myself, plus I got this pretty nice death scythe here that Taryn and Levi rigged up for me. May look shiny but I guess she gets the job done there, eh?"

[hr]

Briân was getting impatient. Since he had arrived at the base, the two people had done nothing. There was no word of any others arriving, or any more battles being fought, and they seemed to be stuck at this relatively small base. "So, wen are we going to zis other base zen? I see enough of zis abandoned wasteland set-up at 'ome."

The Catherine clone stood silent for a moment, as if listening for something. "I believe the rescue group has arrived now." He could begin to here it. As the noise grew louder in the main room, Briân looked over at the clone and what specifically she represented. Catherine...it's been so long. I know you say you still love me, but do you really mean it? Do you really believe it? Or are you just using my damn emotions against me like others before you? For your sake, I 'ope it is ze former.

"I think it's time to go out and meet them." Catheclone opened the door and walked out, Briân followed after her. There were a bunch of people clustered around Bishop, but Brian only spotted one thing; the gold patch on the sleeve of the Catherine standing in the group. She was here. They appeared to be talking about something so Briân waited by the door for them to finish up.

 

[RBMidknight]

"That's not exactly the name we gave it." Taryn commented quietly in response to Neo's weapon description. Though she remained close to Levi she turned to address the alternate versions of Tyson and Katie. Taryn hadn't fully processed the 'history lesson' yet but introductions she could handle.

"My name is Taryn. I'm a technopath and can also manipulate electricity." Taryn held up one hand and summoned a small spark that crossed over her fingers before vanishing. With that same hand she reached over to lightly grasp Levi's arm. "This is Levi. He's an inventor and magnetic." Taryn smiled briefly at her significant other in a silently apology for including him in her own introduction. She tilted her head as a gesture for Levi to take over if he wanted.

[hr](Elsewhere...)

"What do you mean you've lost it?"

A series of beeps and chirps sounded in response to the question. Several lines of text appeared behind the cracked glass of a computer monitor.

"You were designed for one purpose. One! To track my signature. Mine. How difficult can that be? They're the same. You find mine you find hers. Mine. It! Why is it the same?"

The lines of text began to repeat.

New Target cannot be found.

New Target is no longer in the System

New Target cannot be found.

Found [1] entry matching Primary Target. Returning location. Location Designated 524-D48L-2KF0-

*Hzzzzt* With the irritated flip of one hand, or it could have been the glare, sparks erupted from edges of the monitor. The remaining characters skewed into an unrecognizable blur. The screen shorted out, blinking twice before fading to complete black. The seated figure let out a low laugh. After a few seconds the monitor re-lit. A simple blinking cursor displayed. But no text.

"Do I have to do everything myself?" There was no answer. Save for the low hum of machinery and the constant rainbow of colors emitting from the diodes. Another short laugh cut through the silence. "No...no of course not. That's what I made you scripties for. So I need this imposter to access the system. Easy enough. Let's see. If it were me and I were it and we were missing where would I be? Assuming I'd just broken out of a ultra-high clearance prison with the help of some shady looking-wait a microsecond I know those people."

The second desk drawer was thrown open, revealing several stacks of different-sized paper. "It's here. I know it is." The first few stacks were pulled out and tossed aside. On the monitor screen the cursor disappeared. A series of ellipses displayed before revealing a question.

...Continue searching for Target?

"Yes. Do that." An unnecessary key press instructed the program to continue searching. A new window was opened with a thought. "And give me the readout from those cameras I was looking at before. I need everything from cellrrryaAA-!"

The seated figure was suddenly wracked with violent tremors. Shaking fists slammed down onto the desk, sending papers flying, as the female struggled to remain upright. "004A006F0073006800750061" The nonsensical code fragment was recited in a monotone despite the grimace of pain on her face. Jagged arcs of electricity rose in fluctuating waves from the shaking form. Unhindered by the thin layers of white clothing, the arcs latched onto any nearby surface. The desk, chair, and even floor were all subjected to the undirected attack. For six agonizing seconds the seizure continued. More sounds, unrecognizable as any language, were uttered in the same toneless voice.

When it was over tendrils of smoke were wafting most visibly from the desk, where several new scorch marks appeared. And the monitor...

The monitor was toast. Smoke and the hiss of melted solder were unnecessary. The screen was dark and would never light up again. Another casualty.

"Damn...it." The curse was spat out in between heavy pants. Lowering her head to the desk, Taryn closed her eyes and waited for the room to come back into focus. She took a deep breath, just one, before continuing her complaint. "That one was supposed to last. Another month. Guess I'll have to track another delivery truck tomorrow. Maybe they'll have a flat-screen." They never did, but there was always the hope. What day was it? Maybe they had flat-screen deliveries on the weekend...'that would be nice.'

'This chair is actually quite comfortable.' came the next idle thought.

"This is not productive." Shoving her chair away from the desk Taryn stood up. With careless ease the monitor was detached from its cables and dropped onto the floor. Another just-as-old CRT monitor was located, dusted off, and carried back to the desk. Cables were reconnected, jacks were jabbed into sockets. A power cord, stripped of its protective plastic coating, was plugged into place. Monitor XI powered on.

...Continue searching for Target?

'Yes.'

The search continued.

 

[Pm0n3y]

Jason kept relatively quiet through the transitions, taking mental notes of the new area he was moved to, all while exchanging small quips with Erebus. The explanation Second Lieutenant Bishop gave to the team was a seemingly lengthy one, and Jason did his best to listen to the important parts, interests perking slightly at the mention of Patriot Punch.

"Hm. Guess his 'Americaland' concept saw its true fruition in this universe." Jason thought with a unseen smirk. As the story ended, the introductions began. Once Taryn finished introducing herself and Levi, Jason thought best to speak up next. As he talked, the Key removed itself from his face, blue irises shimmering duly against his black eyes in the light.

"I'm Jason. Jason Rojas. Considering the fact that the Key Corps became a staple to the United America's military, I'm guessing you can figure out what kind of powers I have. But, uh, about that...were there any Resistance fighters that were Keyholders? There had to be at least one of us that thought that integrating with an axis power was a wrong move." He asked, looking in the direction of the Resistance Lieutenants.