Society of Justice 3: Crisis on the Earth

[tsatoma]

"I am not going to tell you something like that about my powers. You are not family, nor a close enough friend for that," Renee explained simply with a smile, "I'm qualified because I happen to know all the powerful players 'ere, all of whom might be able to 'elp you out with certain recommendation from myself. My power also makes me perfect to make sure you are telling the truth, though not to the point where I can absolutely trust you all. Ninety-nine percent certain right now though."

Serdar chuckled at the question about Renee's nickname, earning him a look from his boss. "The nickname was given to me by refugees. From what I've gathered, you Americans aren't fond of saying 'yphenated names like my own. And instead of just using the first part, they decide to mash it together into an 'orrible abomination of a nickname. Why they could not use just Renee I will never know. My Tyson only does it to annoy me; it is common knowledge that the name is not liked. Nothing to be done there though; I'm sure I'll 'ave to deal with it for the rest of my life."

"Anyways, my name is Renee-Thierry Claidt. The man next to me is my friend Serdar Koryo who usually 'elps me out with this sort of thing. The last answer is a yes, I 'ave 'eard of that story. In fact, I even know someone who might just be the author," Renee replied, getting an amused look when Garrus' jaw dropped.

"Such a reaction. Do I not exist in your universe, or...?" Renee started, letting Garrus explain.
"No, you're just...you've been dead awhile," he managed to say after trying to put together the words.
"Funny. In this universe, you're the one who's been dead awhile," Renee explained with a laugh.
"I-what?! That...how?"
"'Ospital explosion by U.A. Such a sad day. I don't remember it; I was far too young to. But years later it was sad when I realized that I 'ad lost two brothers that day. I've gotten a few more since then, but still," Renee said to Garrus, letting him have some time to process all this information.

 

[CounterAttack]

So Renee was Garrus' and Leland's sister. Off the top of her head, Katie could not recall the name being mentioned by either one. Judging by her explanation of the hospital incident, it seemed this universe did not contain a Garrus or a Leland. As interesting to point out as the topic was, the plant manipulator had questions relating to a different topic. Once clear of the interrogation room she had undone her 'preventative' measures.

"I have a couple of questions," she began. "Or, well, the first one is more of a request. Now that we've co-operated - or more accurately, you forced us to - I would appreciate it if you did not use your power on me again... or any of us, for that matter. I think it fair to say that it's not particularly enjoyable." She didn't know how everyone else had reacted to the interrogations, but having her mind played with was not something that she wanted to happen. If someone had an exception, they would say so.

"And second... with a power like yours, how do we know you aren't some kind of agent or infiltrator looking to eliminate a threat to United America? I figure you could easily make everyone believe you're on the Resistance's side just by saying a few words," she explained. She didn't trust Renee one bit, not until the stranger could prove otherwise.

 

[socialtangent]

A chance to ask the questions for once. Levi relished the moment.

"Here's one for you," he started. "What do you know about...Lector? This universe's version of me? And while I'm asking, what exactly about me to you find so damn funny? If there's some kind of joke I'm missing out on, I'd sure like to hear it." He wasn't quite sure why Renee burst into laughter during his interrogation, and he didn't know why it bothered him so much.

 

[tsatoma]

"I will not give you my word that I won't use my power on any of you again. There is always the chance that I will 'ave to. Sometimes it 'as even proven to be the difference between life and death, or the difference between our enemies getting valuable information," Renee replied to Katie before laughing at her suggestion that Renee was with the enemy.

"Two funny things in just the past few minutes; that's pretty good, eh?" she said to Serdar, giving herself a moment before answering Katie. "Well there are a few ways I can prove it. I'm positive both of my parents can vouch for me, along with the rest of my family, friends, and acquaintances. If I am working with United America than I have no clue why I supply the Resistance with so much information and weaponry. Or why I try to sabotage any black market shipments to the U.A. I suppose all the pain and suffering they've caused to myself, my family, my friends, my country, and everyone else might just make me less inclined to 'elp them," she said to Katie, leaving it at that.

She turned her attention to Levi and his question, "I knew you growing up. Our parents were, not best friends or anything, but they knew each other. I was surprised to see that you listed no parents on the sheet, and then you go right on and say your own father's name! It's just funny 'ow things happened like that in your universe."

 

[socialtangent]

"I knew you growing up."

By "you," Levi assumed she meant the other him, but it was...interesting regardless. Lector and Renee knew each other at some point in the past. And his alter's parents were involved somehow.

"I was surprised to see that you listed no parents on the sheet, and then you go right on and say your own father's name!"

Wait, when did he say that? He didn't mention anyone else's name except for-

"Mordtoten!?"

Levi rest his face in his hands for a moment and took a moment to recover from his outburst. He tried in vain to suppress his mixture of shock and disbelief. "You're telling me...that Professor Mordtoten is my fa...Lector's father?" If what she was saying was true, and given that this universe has very close parallels to his own, it was very much possible that Mordtoten was his father as well. The resemblance was too great, both of them had to have a common father...

"No...that can't be right. That's preposterous!"

 

[tsatoma]

"'E isn't a professor 'ere. Technically 'e is not Lector's father anymore either since Herkimer disowned Lector after 'e defected. It was quite an 'ardship for 'im and 'is wife, and it was sad to lose a friend like that," Renee told Levi, a pitying look on her face.

"Even though our universes are different, I know that 'e 'as to be your father. If you don't believe though, I'm sure we can 'ave a paternity test done," she added jokingly.

 

[NeoAC]

This newest revelation made Brian slightly even more confused than usual. "Wait, so like, if that's true there, your dad is that lunatic who sent us here? Does that mean eventually you're going to start buildingweird machines and the like and have us sent into space or some kid's ear or something? You want me to like, hit you or something before that happens? Cause I will, you know."

 

[socialtangent]

"Even though our universes are different, I know that 'e 'as to be your father..."

Levi wasn't quite sure how to feel. He had spent all his life thinking that his parents were dead, but now he had a real, tangible lead that Mordtoten of all people could very well be his father. Just when Levi's experiences in this universe couldn't get any stranger, this revelation just had to be dropped. "I...I don't know what to say. I don't know if you fully understand, but this is...this is a pretty huge. For me, anyway."

"...You want me to like, hit you or something before that happens? Cause I will, you know."

"Brian, now isn't the time." Levi snapped. "I mean, I appreciate the jokes and all, but can you be serious for just one goddamn second?" He winced at how harsh his words had come out. After a moment, he let out a long sigh. "I...I'm sorry. I just...need a moment, is all." In truth, he needed much more than a moment. Levi felt that he was approaching the breaking point. With an entire fascist dictator hunting them down, Taryn in critical condition, and now this new revelation, he didn't know how much more he could take.

 

[elementsoul]

A few minutes into the question and answer session and Renee was already starting to turn things into a cluster fuck. Tyson let out a sigh as she pretty much upended a large piece of Levi?s life in a matter of moments. The man was clearly not ready to handle what he was just informed of. Prompted by this, Tyson stood up from his seat.

?Levi, I know that this won?t mean much coming from me, but right now I suggest that you don?t focus on what this could be. The version of myself in this universe only knew his mother, while I only knew my father. Who your parents are and how you were raised could be very different here. Because of this I suggest one course of action. Right now solely focus on Taryn; don?t worry about returning home or who could or couldn?t be your father for the time being. Once we find out if she will, and I truly hope that she will, get better, we focus solely on getting out of this universe. Once we are back to our own universe, then I will personally promise you that we?ll find out if Mordtoten is your father. If he isn?t in our universe, then I'll offer you my full undivided help in founding out who your parents are.? Tyson said to Levi voice that was meant to hold comfort and security.

Next Tyson turned towards Garrus. ?Since Rent here said that we won?t be completely cleared until tomorrow, maybe we should hold off the rest of the question and answer session until then. It would be a damn shame if that one percent chance that she has against believing us would prevent her from giving us a completely honest answer.? At this point Tyson was just hoping that Garrus wasn?t block headed enough that he?d miss Tyson?s attempt to get them out of there for now; so that Renee couldn?t cause anymore worlds crashing down around them.

 

[socialtangent]

Tyson had a point, Levi admitted. Who exactly happened to be his father was irrelevant. At least, for now. There were far more pressing things to be concerned about. Namely, Taryn. She was in bad shape and somebody had to be strong for the both of them. She had been there for him at his lowest points, and now it was time for him to return the favor. And there was no way he could do that when he was moping around.

"Thanks, Tyson," Levi replied weakly. Fatigue was beginning to hit him hard. Physically and emotionally. If this is what one day in this universe was like, he didn't want to think of what was yet to come. For his sanity's sake, he probably shouldn't anyway. More than anything, he just wanted to be near Taryn. Once he was sure she was okay, then he could focus fully on helping the team escape.

 

[tsatoma]

"If I couldn't answer one of your questions I would just tell you," Renee mentioned, getting annoyed at his usage of her nickname.

"You're right Tyson. I think that would be best, we can figure out what we want to ask in the meantime," Garrus told Tyson, looking over at Renee and giving a slight nod. Renee turned to Serdar and asked how much longer before the truck is ready.

"Almost done. If we start leaving now it'll be done by the time we get there," he replied, standing up along with Renee as she told everyone they'd be heading out now. The two led the Society out of the interrogation lobby and through the base.

The truck was perfect for carrying a large group such as them. It even had a closed off area in the back; which was currently in use by the unconscious Taryn and her nurse. "Made it here just in time," Serdar muttered, grabbing the keys from one of the mechanics and starting up the truck. The Society was led onto the truck, and once everyone was safely in the drive started.

It was a quiet drive for the most part, only a few sparse words being said. The heater had broken down half way into the drive, causing Renee to yell obscenities at it. The rest of the drive was cold and miserable, but as they pulled up to the much smaller base they would be staying at everything before was forgotten.

"You'll get meals and a place to sleep tonight. If you guys are cleared tomorrow, than I'll give you all a nice treat and let you stay somewhere much nicer for the rest of your stay," Renee told them after they were inside the base.

"Warmth," Garrus muttered happily, standing next to one of the heaters.

"Indeed. I need to go now, but I will be back 'ere in the morning to check up on everyone and for the last check," she told them once the commanding officer came to lead them to their rooms.

"Uh thanks for this," Garrus said quickly before she left, getting a smile and a wave goodbye before she left.

With that, the Society was led to their rooms. They were small ones with only a simple bed and desk inside, but it meant they would no longer have to sleep in one large room. Food was brought to them shortly after, a dinner of simple stew and some bread. It was eaten graciously, with seconds and thirds called for. The Society than headed to their rooms and went to sleep (those that could), getting as much sleep as they could before the morning came.

Spoiler: Hiatus

This marks the beginning of a 2 month hiatus for SoJ: Arc 3. It will resume again at the beginning of October. No posts shall be made after this one until I am back. Thank you.

 

[elementsoul]

If asked to place how comfortable his sleep cycle had been over the past two days, Tyson would have put it between a high speed, head on car crash and free falling in a metal suit during a thunderstorm. This time he didn?t even have any dreams, instead it was just underline guilt from not being open with his about exactly how bad his situation was, and how much he?d found out about the universe they?d landed in.

The ceiling in the room that he was given was pure white; not a single speck or disfiguration. Tyson had spent enough time staring at it that morning to confirm it. He checked the time and saw that it was ten in the morning. Everyone?s probably up by now. I guess I should find Garrus and tell him. All things considering it?s the least that I should do.

Tyson slid his legs off the side of his bed and pushed himself put. He felt stiff and sore; worn-out and out of place in his own body. A long yawn was let out and Tyson rubbed his eyes, before getting up and putting on the black clothing that he wore under his armour. Tying up his boots Tyson walked over to the door to leave. It took him a second, but he realized that he was so sleep deprived that he put his shirt on backward and inside out.

The beige walls in the hallway all looked the same; the place could very well become amaze if Tyson didn?t wake up soon. He walked down the hallway, hand tracing along the wall until the side bent off and he found himself in the lobby. Garrus was sitting on a chair, but Tyson saw something he needed more at that very second. With a drowsy stumble, he made his way to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup; he left it black.

The warmth of the coffee helped wake him up a little before the caffeine would kick in. Slowly he made his way over to Garrus. ?Garrus if you wouldn?t mind,? Tyson lost his words for a second and took a sip of the coffee to stall. ?If you wouldn?t mind could we talk in private for a bit? The topics are a bit sensitive, so I would suggest the roof.? Tyson had tried some night wandering to calm his mind down during the night. The tactic had once worked for him, but this time it had failed.

 

[tsatoma]

Spoiler: OOC

Hiatus over! Time to get things back on track!

Garrus simply nodded at Tyson's request, slowly putting his own cup of coffee on the table as he stood up. He was definitely out of it; his sluggishness showcased that well enough. The sheer scale of what had and was happening was getting to him more than ever now. The little sleep he had gotten had done little to help. In fact, he would say it made it even worse.

After doing a quick stretch, he and Tyson headed up to the roof. There was an initial concern about if they were allowed to go up there, but it was shrugged off once they actually reached the stairwell. It was a quiet climb up the flight; neither party saying anything until they closed the stairwell door behind them.

"What do you need to talk to me about? Is it about our situation? Because, I'm telling you now that the ball isn't really in our hands. There aren't any plays for us to make right now. Which really sucks since I hate not being a real part in the decision making," Garrus told Tyson, a tone of annoyance and despair in his voice. He turned away to look at the scenery around; noting that there were a few cities nearby. There was only one road coming by the base, and as of now it was completely desolate. 'At least we won't be surprised when they come.'

 

[elementsoul]

Repelling down a building at a full tilt sprint? No problem. Running through an open field while being sprayed with bullets and mortars going off? Nothing that couldn?t be solved by running a little faster. Defusing a chemical weapon without a chemical suit? Hazardous, but nothing a calm nerve and decontamination couldn?t cure. A silent walk to a roof where he?d once again half to admit to someone that he couldn?t guarantee how long he?d be in control of his powers and body? The first three combined couldn?t make Tyson more nervous.

Once they reached the roof top Garrus let it all go. Tyson listened silently at the position Garrus felt the Society was in, and Tyson couldn?t help his opinion; actually he could only make it worse. The issue could be helped and there was something risky Tyson needed to do before he could add his pieces. As long as I keep a low decibel level I should hopefully be fine. Tyson abruptly opened his mouth and walked around Garrus in a circle. His power silently swept across the roof top, disabling any potential listening devices on the roof.

Tyson?s eyes went pitch black again. He grabbed his head as Vesper reached out for control; after a moment it was gone. This is starting to feel like when I first learned to control my power and I don?t have time to be trapped in a fucking relearning experience. ?Sorry about that. I wanted to make sure that any potential listening devices were disabled. Now I do have some good news for our situation, but I have a lot worse news.? Tyson said with half a groan.

?Good news is that we at least have some friends in the resistance. Brian and Katie?s counterparts seem to like them well enough, and my counterpart is about the same. I?m hoping to go back and help him later for breaking us out of that prison. The still good, but not as useful news is that we know what Renee?s power is; a mind control power where you have to do whatever she orders. That?s only good news because she doesn?t know that it isn?t working on me anymore.? Tyson told Garrus before taking a deep breath.

 

[tsatoma]

"Friends are a good thing, and we definitely need as many of those as we can get. I've gotten good feelings from those that we have met, even if they all have their own agendas while we get to just be pawns in this all. We aren't the players, and it sucks. I haven't felt this hopeless since the Society was abducted by aliens! At least for that debacle we knew that Earth was only a couple million light years away," Garrus told Tyson, his voice rising with the last few sentences. He looked out at the road leading away from the base and nodded once Tyson brought up Renee's powers.

"Going to be hard saying no to her, eh? Heh, didn't think I'd ever wish I'd never met her. Maybe she'll grow on me if she doesn't just force it on me," Garrus said with a chuckle, shaking his head at the situation. Tyson's last sentence drew his attention back to the conversation, "Really? How does that work out? I couldn't fight it whatsoever when I was told what to do."

 

[elementsoul]

Tyson had inadvertently walked himself into the topic using Garrus. This was still something Tyson didn?t want to confront, but he wasn?t going to get a better chance than now. He took in a deep breath and turned to the road that Garrus was looking towards.

?It has to do with my power. Other than Levi and myself, no one else knows what I?m going to tell you. This is mostly because I didn?t know about it till recently. I should probably start with a little bit about my power itself.

As you already know my power wasn?t something I was born with; a genetic formula gave them to me. Well this formula didn?t work as planned and instead of echolocation, I was able to manipulate sound waves. The formula also made several other changes to my body when it restricted itself. I grew an extra organ and several sections of my brain altered and emitted unusual brain waves. I thought it was nothing beyond how my body was able to produce those sound waves until we entered Levi?s mind.

When we were inside his head, I went over my decibel in order to help stop Victor. When that happened my subconscious was pulled back into my head and another appeared; a half-man, half-monster creature. Not too long after I met it inside of my head when we were attacked by the zombies. I?m honestly starting to think that this things is produces my powers all of the time, and I?m more of a valve that let?s some of it out.

This wouldn?t be too bad since I?d just have to not use my powers and I could avoid it. Instead, after we entered this universe, it started to trigger my powers for no reason. I could feel it pushing at my mind to take control and act on its own. It was what was blocking Renee's commands, it knew what she was doing and stopped her.

I can still use my powers, but barely. Every time my eyes turn pitch black like its eyes. Garrus when we were jumping between universes, I saw a version of myself that turned into what that beast looked like. I don?t want to lose control. And I don?t want to become this thing. And Fuck I don?t know what to do!? Tyson finished, as he turned around and looked Garrus in the eyes; his own eyes still receding back to normal. An expression of helplessness was painted across Tyson's face.

 

[tsatoma]

"I...oh jeez Tyson," Garrus said in disbelief, trying to form the words racing through his mind into a complete sentence. "How could you- Actually I understand why it took you until to tell me. Between all this there just wasn't the right time to do it, right?" he asked with an awkward smile as he processed the information. For Garrus, this was just another thing to be piled onto all the other stresses that had been burdened on him.

"What we need to do now is make sure that this doesn't become a Victor sort of incident. Do not use your powers yourself if you can until we can figure out exactly how bad this is. If they do trigger because of the thing, just...I don't even know at this point, man. We'll figure something out though, even if it takes a while. I'll start keeping an eye on you in case it happens, and Levi will do the same since he knows about it. We're gonna fix this, Tyson," Garrus told his teammate reassuringly. His attention diverted to the road once more when he saw movement in his peripheral vision, noting that a car was being driven down it towards the base.

 

[elementsoul]

?Thanks man. I?ll try and bench my powers for now and hopefully it can be fixed or at least mended.? Tyson didn?t really believe it, but he was trying to mask that in his voice. Tyson noticed Garrus look back towards the road and turned to see the approaching car. Shit not much time. Shit?s only going downhill.

?There?s two more important things I need to bring up before we go and meet our guest. The first is?well?you know how there was this universe?s Lector dude? Well I thought I killed him during the prison break and told Levi so he wouldn?t have to worry about him. I was informed before we flew here that he didn?t actually die. With Taryn how she is I don?t think we should tell him for a while, but I don?t want it to be a surprise for him.

This next one you don?t have to answer right now, but do you think you?ll be capable of leading us in a war? I can tell right now it will happen sometime soon, and we don?t know when or if we are going to go home. It?s something you should think about once we get our place at the table.? Tyson informed Garrus with a quiet barren voice. He cupped his hands around his mouth and blew into them as he walked by the door and head downstairs to go see who was showing up.

 

[tsatoma]

Garrus was silent as he watched Tyson head back down the stairwell, at a loss of words. It was the second thing Tyson said that got to him; whether he could lead the Society in a time of war. He had never been completely comfortable with the role of leadership that had been given to him all those years ago, but he had grown into it after a while. 'I've been complacent about it though. We've never had to deal with something quite like this, and I've never prepared myself for such things. Let's just hope none of us will have to deal with a full blown war,' he told himself, leaving the chilly rooftop to go back down below.

[hr]

"I do not like dealing with military officers," Renee said to Serdar as she closed her phone, placing it in her pocket as they drove down the lone road to the small base that the Society had stayed at.

"You never did," Serdar replied quietly, keeping an eye on the road ahead of him, "Might have been a blessing that you didn't stay in."

"Well aren't you the funny one today?" Renee asked as she looked outside the window, unamused at Serdar's response, "Using your own brand of sarcastic 'umor on me, making jokes with my father this morning. Soon you will be up on a stage telling jokes with our guests as an audience."

"I never intended anything mean," Serdar clarified, not wanting such a small thing to escalate any further. "I'll refrain from making anymore humorous comments today if that makes you feel any better."

"It does not make me feel any better since that is going to be impossible with my father being 'ere," Renee replied as the car slowed down to a stop at the front of the base.

"I will do my best to avoid him then," Serdar replied, parking the car and getting out once it was off. "Is he already here, you think?"

"I doubt it. 'E 'as never been on time in 'is life. 'E'll be in the conference room soon enough I imagine," Renee said after getting out and closing the door, putting on her coat before briskly walking inside to the warm building. She exchanged greetings with some of the soldiers and personnel there as she went to the area that the Society had been given to stay in.

Up ahead she saw Tyson and Garrus heading back towards the lobby as well. "I see you two are already up and awake. The rooms were sufficient for the both of you, yes?" she asked as she approached them, getting a nod from Garrus, "Wonderful to 'ear. Perhaps if we can wake the rest of your group we can get things arranged so that you will all 'ave much more than just a sufficient place to stay while you are 'ere."

 

[Captainguy42]

Fucking France. Tommy mentally cursed as he rose out of bed. The bed he was given was approximately half a foot too short for him, he had to pull his legs up to fit in and during the night he pushed them straight through his foot locker. Once he sat up, he began pulling any remaining splinters out of his feet, then he checked the rest of his body for any shrapnel he had missed from before. After a quick search he found a 9mm had been keeping his molars company, he used his thumb to dislodge it and threw everything into a trash bin. He was wearing a pair of black boxers and a grey tank top. He went to the foot locker, and picked through the broken wood to grab one of his spare smoke bombs. Tommy had originally started using these things for changing into his Golem outfit, but after realizing how long some of the Societies missions could be, he started packing one simply for extra clothes. He held the ceramic sphere between his left thumb and index finger and cracked it. Smoke poured out and began to obscure his hand and arm. He reached in with his right hand and retrieved a brown paper package which he threw on the bed. He then placed his right hand over his left and spoke, " Restitui." And the cloud of smoke imploded on itself, leaving a ceramic sphere in the palm of his hand. Tommy grabbed an XL "Promenade Museum Tours" T-shirt from the package, and his vest, and left his room.

" Perhaps if we can wake the rest of your group we can get things arranged so that you will all 'ave much more than just a sufficient place to stay while you are 'ere."

Fucking French accents. he cursed again as he dragged himself to the coffee pot, and poured himself a cup. Fucking French roast. he cursed again, he couldn't exactly remember where this grudge against the French came from. As far as major wars went, his family could have started hating the French anywhere between the 100 years war and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Regardless, Tommy knew was raised to dislike the French, and he intended to do his Gypsy mum and his English Dad proud.

" Bed was a bit small frankly." Oh wicked burn and Tommy proceeded to take a victory sip.