PROLOUGE
Welcome to the Virtual Universe
0CT083R 23rd 2018
UNKN0WN
Day 1 8:00
THE DETECTIVE
"HERE! Found another of them bastards!"
The police officer stood over the unconscious young man. He bent over inspecting the man's coat as another man in a 1940s-detective outfit walked up to the officer. The military soldiers were pulling back from the officers allowing them to do their duty. Their duty was done.
The Officer looked up at the detective and said: "What shall we do with this one Detective?"
The detective pulled out a notebook and thumbed through a descriptive list of subjects. After a second the detective said:
"He's not in my list"
The detective looked at the young man. The young man was wearing a sweatshirt and khaki pants. He had dark hair and a pale complexion. The detective said:
"He's not even wearing the headgear the other men had on"
After pondering a minute the detective had a theory and an answer:
"It is definite he came with this group. Could be their leader. Have him brought to the precinct, Captain Raynor will know what to do with him".
The officer nodded:
"Yes Detective Phelps".
Two more officers joined the other officer and the three of them picked up the man and put him in the police car. With a wail of the siren the car drove away. Around Detective Phelps were over a dozen unconscious men and behind him were more officers and soldiers, people whom just minutes before had taken down another group of "terrorists" that had for the past 6 months been wreaking havoc on Retrocon City. These terrorists had first appeared 3 months ago in Connection City just south of Retrocon City. Since then they had been disrupting power and traffic to and from Retrocon City, as well as attempting sabotage on vital links to the NEXUS. The terrorists identified themselves a month ago as the "Equalizers" after one had been captured. Since then over 20 had been captured and have been imprisoned in Retrocon's Precinct 9 Prison specialized as a prison for dangerous degenerates. Today was the largest bust of Equalizers had just happened, and the total rose now 40 captured including possibly their leader. Phelps pulled out a watch it was almost noon.
He muttered to himself:
"Another good day for justice"
One of his men approached:
"Detective we just finished bagging the trash. Go back to the station?"
Phelps said:
"Yes I'll see you there, something I got to do first"
The officer went back to the waiting stockade vehicle. Phelps watched the convoy of police cars and the stockade vehicle disappear down the road before going to his own car. He thought to himself:
"I'd like to see my wife before I go back to work".
9TH PR3C1NCT, R3TR0C0N C1TY
Day 1 9:10
THE MARSHALL
Raynor pulled out a cigar and lit it. He rolled it between his fingers as he spoke to his adjutant:
"You know what is good about cigars?"
His wall adjutant spoke in a cool female voice:
"I am at a loss"
Raynor smiled ready for the joke:
"They keep your mind off the stupidity in this place"
His smile quickly faded as he puffed on his cigar. He propped his boots on his table and sat back in his chair. He released a large cloud of smoke as he sighed.
"I tell you what something tells me today will be another day full of my favorite brand of stupidity".
The incident reports had been steadily coming in the past week. The rise in crime, and the rise of these "Equalizers" and their terrorist activities. Earlier in the week it was the attempted bombing of one of the power stations near the NEXUS but it had been stopped by his men. A few days ago it was a major accident involving Karts from the Mario Raceway and a vehicle full of the Equalizers. Now today it was a massive fight in downtown that damaged property and cost the Police time and money. His officers couldn't make an accurate picture of what was going on. Even his seasoned detectives had trouble fully understanding why this was happening. For Raynor information was everything to paint a picture, and his patience was running out. He had recently sent out his enforcer and love Sarah Kerrigan to go out to get information. Something she was good at doing. For now though he was in the dark and it was troubling him. Especially when the Council was demanding a report in the next 2 days. This group of prisoners recently captured by his men could provide all those answers he wanted and the Council wanted. For now the answers were in sight.
His second in command showed up at his office door and knocked. Raynor looked at him. His second said:
"Sorry to disturb you sir, but the prisoners have arrived"
Raynor was up quickly, his chair rocked back and Raynor took out his cigar and smothered it into his ashtray. He then put on his hat and said:
"Well hell, it is about time we get some answers eh Matt?"
Raynor went out the door, closing his office door behind him. Matt Horner was his best friend, had supported him almost without question through some of his darkest times. The Council had appointed Matt to be his Executive Officer.
"Nothing like the Hyperion is it?"
The question came from Matt. Raynor chuckled:
"Nope, but it has its moments. I do miss traveling at light speed though. Now I just travel at my own pace these days"
Matt said:
"Well we are old sir"
It was Matt's stab at humor. Raynor grunted:
"I rather act my age unlike some in this place"
Matt knew whom he was speaking of:
"You mean the recent inmate?"
Raynor tightened his jaw:
"I swear if that Phillips guy doesn't stop singing about whores at night EVERY night I will muzzle him myself"
Matt laughed
"I'd take him over Tychus Findley or Mira Han"
Raynor shrugged:
"Well Phillips IS as unstable as Tychus"
Matt laughed:
"You got a point there sir".
They reached the motor pool and Raynor opened the door. 40 or so prisoners were being filed from vehicles. They wore energy binders at the wrists and they were being led from the vehicles by officers and Automated Enforcers (Robotic Guards). Raynor walked down a small set of steps with Matt behind him. The head officer approached Raynor:
"Sir! I bring you more of the riff-raff"
Raynor looked at them all. They wore the same head gear and jumpsuits. He eyed them all closely then the last prisoner was brought from the last vehicle. He was gagged, had no head gear, was not wearing a jumpsuit. Raynor found that was odd. He motioned to the head officer: "What is with this one?" The Officer replied:
"We believe he is there leader sir, he was not dressed like them, but was with them when we had subdued them all. He's been proclaiming innocence the entire ride here"
Raynor eyed the young man with the gag. He thought:
"This one will be the one most likely"
Raynor said:
"I'll determine if what he says is innocent. Bring him to my office, the rest of them send to the lower level for interrogation"
The Officer saluted:
"Yes sir!"
The officer was quickly away and they began to bring the prisoners into the precinct. Raynor realized then that the 40 prisoners were all silent except the young man whom had proclaimed his innocence. The young man was fighting the officers and being tazed while grunting through the gag. Eventually after a brief struggle they got the young man into the precinct. Oddly the other prisoners didn't put up a fight. Matt noticed it too for he said:
"Odd isn't it?"
Raynor nodded:
"I assume you mean the difference between how the prisoners acted?"
Matt said:
"Yes, does a guilty man accept his fate? Or does he fight because he thinks he's been done a serious injustice?"
Raynor:
"You getting philosophical on me Matt?"
Matt chuckled:
"No sir just thinking"
Raynor:
"Well before you hurt yourself, I rather find out what that young man knows, guilty or not."
5 Mins Later…
The young man was strapped into a chair across from Raynor's desk. He was still gagged. Raynor was sitting at his desk smoking another cigar. Behind the young man, Matt Horner stood ready to de-gag the man. Raynor looked the man up and down. Took a hard look into the young man's green eyes. Raynor spoke now directly to the young man.
"I am about to let my executive un gag you in a minute. I am going to let you know I am damn good at telling if a man is lying. They say you can see it in a man's eyes. That moment when he has been found out. So, I want the truth. Innocent or not. At this moment, I'll treat you as neither guilty or innocent. BUT if I start to feel you are lying to my face I will start treating you as a guilty man. Do we understand each other?"
The young man nodded. Raynor looked up at Matt and nodded to him. Matt untied the young man's gag and the man sputtered as it was pulled away. Raynor spoke again:
"I am Marshall Raynor, commander of the Police forces in this section of Retrocon City. What is your name? We will start with that"
The young man looked at Raynor and said: "Titus…I…I can't remember my last name at the moment sir, or how I got here"
Raynor cocked an eyebrow.
"Here? You mean the police station?"
Titus shook his head. No, I mean this city. I have never even heard of Retrocon City"
Raynor squinted his eyes:
"You know that is the same thing some of those men we arrested with you said"
He saw alarm in Titus's eyes. Raynor continued:
"Where are you from Titus?"
Titus seemed to be concentrating. He said:
"Maryland I think sir, just north of Washington D.C"
Raynor said:
"You think?"
Titus said:
"I can't remember much sir at the moment"
Raynor pulled his cigar out of his mouth for a second. Raynor thought he was probably deflecting the questions by feigning ignorance. Raynor went to the next question:
"What did you do today Titus?"
Titus seemed confused said:
"I don't remember sir"
Raynor was getting annoyed now with the amnesia.
"IS that so? I hear you were in a scrap alongside some bandits with my police no more than a mile from here. Do you have an explanation for that son?"
Raynor watched the young man's eyes, saw a hint of alarm. Titus said:
"N-no sir...I have no idea how I got there, I mean all I remember is a bright light...like lightning or something, a brief sensation of pain and next thing I knew I was being knocked to the ground with those men. Then the fighting started"
Raynor stood up from his desk walked to his office window and looked outside. It was a clear sunny day. Raynor turned:
"Not a single cloud in the sky, no possibility of lightning. You want to hear my version told by my officers Titus?"
Titus seemed to sink a little in the chair, a sign of being nervous.
"Eh…sure sir"
Raynor moved towards Titus and said:
"My officers and my detective told me YOU were with these bandits stumbling around talking to them before they ambushed your group. My officers believe YOU are there leader"
Titus's eyes got wide and before Titus could speak Raynor spoke a little louder.
"Do you have any idea who those bandits, terrorists were Titus?"
Titus shook his head, but Titus's fear in his eyes continued to fuel Raynor's argument and train of thought. He continued:
"They call themselves the Equalizers"
He saw a hint of recognition in Titus's eyes as he said the name. BINGO Raynor thought. Raynor pointed at him:
"The look in your eyes you know them, don't you?"
Titus shook his head. Raynor started turning up the heat:
"Do not LIE to me son. We have been hunting these people for 3 months now. They have done nothing but cause us trouble and attack innocent civilians and people. People are in the hospital cause of these men"
Titus was low in his chair now, had a terrified look on his face. Raynor put his hands on the arms of the chair Titus was strapped into and Raynor looked hard into Titus's face.
"Now before I throw you in with the lot of them, you will tell me everything you know about these men and where YOU came from"
Titus opened his mouth, suddenly there was a massive explosion. The building shook. Paintings and things on the walls fell. One of the windows shattered. Matt Horner fell against Titus's chair and Raynor fell against his desk. the lights went out and alarms began blaring. Titus was sitting in bewilderment. Raynor got back on his feet as did Horner. Raynor exclaimed:
"What in the hell was that!?"
Matt's eyes widened:
"The prisoners!"
Matt was quickly out the door. Raynor looked at Titus, was angry now. He said:
"If you had anything to do with this I swear I will see you put away for the rest of your days!"
Raynor went to his desk pressed an intercom button and announced to his officers:
"This is Marshall Raynor, there has been an explosion at the precinct, recalling any available officer to assess the situation, possible prison break in progress. This is not a drill."
Raynor then opened his top drawer saw his revolver. He put his hand around the grip and pulled it out. Made sure it was loaded then made his way to the door. Before stepping out he pointed at Titus:
"If I find you escaped after this I will shoot you next time I see you, so you better stay here!"
Raynor was quickly gone. Titus was alone now. Could hear distant shouting, screams, could smell cordite and smoke. The blaring of alarms blasting in the office. Titus was helpless, he had to break free no matter the Marshall's threats. Titus began to smack his chair against the back wall. After a few minutes, he heard another explosion this one a lot smaller, possibly a grenade. Suddenly a man came bursting into the room. The guy wore a prison jumpsuit. Was balding on his head and had a wild look in his eyes. He eyed Raynor's desk and walked over to it and began ripping out drawers as he did he muttered to himself:
"Come onnnnnn the boss man must have stashed my hash cash in here. Bet he was using it himself! I will definitely charge him for using it"
After a minute the guy got angry:
"God damn it. Not here! Where he put it? His bro from another hoe do something with it?"
The man's face suddenly changed and he suddenly noticed Titus. The man seemed confused then angry.
"Sooooooo someone has beat me to it? What about you pretty boy, you see where boss man hid my stuff?"
Titus was suddenly scared shook his head. Said:
"I am a prisoner like you"
The man got close looked him up and down said:
"You are dressed in street clothes, your teeth are nice, you look gorgeous...nope I don't see any resemblance to a prisoner"
There was another scream in the distance more fighting. The man looked that way then back at Titus:
"I tell you what I set you free you help me escape. If you do this I will OWE you, maybe some money...a hooker, OH OH I know! I will make you my associate for Trevor Phillips Enterprises!"
Titus felt really confused said:
"Just set me free and ill help you get out of here. I do not belong here and I need to find out what has happened to me"
The man seemed to weigh his words then said:
"Hell works for me!"
The man got around behind Titus, pulled out a knife and cut his binds. Titus felt relieved he could move his arms. He got up looked around the room. The sounds of fighting were getting closer. The man was still looking around the room. Said without looking at Titus:
"Hey you wouldn't happen to know where Boss Man stashes his weapons would you?"
Titus spoke up:
"He took his pistol"
The man exclaimed:
"Damn it….aw well, you know how to use your fists?"
Titus looked at his hands:
"Well yeah you just punch, but I have never been in a fight before"
The man sighed:
"Well it doesn't matter now just follow me and back me up. If I see you run ill hunt you down later and smash your face to a pulp, then pour that pulp in my coffee in the morning. You feel broski?"
Titus felt overly intimidated now:
"Yes…ok"
The man moved to the door and motioned Titus to follow him:
"Stick close"
Titus followed the Convict towards the growing fight.
*************************************************************************************
Raynor was once again on a battlefield, but this time it was his own Precinct. The Equalizers were free. They had smuggled in a micro bomb and had detonated it on the power module that controlled the prison cell doors. Which released all 300 prisoners, and unlocked the Armory Doors. In the process, the Inmates overwhelmed the guards by numbers and raided the armory, quickly turning the prison into a battle zone. Raynor believed it was the mission all along for the 40 inmates. It was mass confusion. His men were fighting in small pockets mainly around the exits to keep the prisoners from escaping. Raynor had tried activating the Prison defenses, had only managed to get up a few turrets before he was locked out. Many of the robot enforcers were destroyed in the first 5 minutes thanks to EMP grenades taken from the Armory. Now Raynor was eagerly awaiting the reinforcements he was promised from Precinct 8 and 10. For now he and Matt had to hold their own.
"MATT TO THE LEFT"
"I SEE THEM!"
Raynor was behind a metal divide that separated the Jail Cells from the Main Security station. Matt was next to him, as well as his chief Enforcer. Matt had a standard NEXUS "10" Carbine. Which fired 5.52 mm bullets. Bullets in the Virtual Realm didn't kill people but they could cause intense pain and knock people unconscious. However the weapons of the Equalizers which came from their universe could have a more adverse impact on their targets. They could wound targets, and disrupt the character's connection to the NEXUS and could threaten to erase them back to Virtual Universe void which was like death, this was called Voiding. When that happened, the characters would have to be brought back from the void and brought back into being. Matt fired a few rounds, and had to duck behind the divide as more lead flew past. Something round suddenly rolled next to Raynor:
"GRENADE"
Raynor reached down instinctively and threw it back. It exploded 3 feet in front of him mid-air forcing him behind the divide. The Enforcer with them peeked up and fired their carbine however a bullet slammed into his chest, then another and another and the enforcer dropped the rifle and then fell over the divide before phasing out and disappearing. Matt exclaimed:
"Damn he's one with the void now"
Raynor looked at Matt:
"We are pinned, not like we haven't had this happen before to us"
Matt exclaimed:
"What do we do sir?"
An Equalizer suddenly came around the divide was ready to shoot Matt when Raynor fired his revolver and the shot blew the Equalizer back and he fell back unconscious. Matt said:
"Thanks didn't see that one"
More of Raynor's guards entered the room, they were falling back from the Mess Hall. They formed up with Raynor and Matt. One guard said:
"SIR! The mess hall has fallen! They are using one of the turrets"
Raynor said:
"Shit, ok son you and the rest of you folks form into a circle, we have no choice but to hold them here until reinforcements come"
The guard nodded then gave orders to the rest of the guards. They are good men, Raynor thought. There was a sudden bust of gun fire from a side room and everyone pointed their guns in that direction. The door burst open and a man's voice said
"HOLD YOUR FIRE! It's detective Phelps!"
Raynor was surprised as Phelps entered the room with his Tommy Gun in the air in a "don't shoot" pose. Raynor smiled:
"Well now I was expecting you an hour ago"
Phelps smirked:
"Had to see my wife, it is her birthday today"
There was more gunfire as the Equalizers finally got into the room. Phelps noticed them and dived behind the divide with Raynor and his men. Phelps exclaimed:
"Heard the explosions while driving back to this place. Could see the smoke from the road. Glad I got here in time"
Raynor was firing at the Equalizers. Matt and the others doing the same. Raynor motioned Phelps to do the same. In between Phelps said:
"What the hell happened?"
Raynor didn't stop firing as he said:
"It was a trap. They knocked out the security systems to the prison and let loose, all the inmates and all the Equalizers. For what purpose, I do not know"
Someone tossed a flashbang. There was a bright flash then a loud roar as the Equalizers and prisoners charged forward towards the divide. Raynor could barely see after the flash but he fired his revolver forward into the blurry mass of men charging them. In seconds, the fight turned into an ugly hand to hand contest. Raynor smashed one with his pistol across the face. Matt stabbed one with his bayonet. Phelps dropped his tommy gun and was dual wielding Colt M1911s now. The other guards were using stun clubs, and rifles. One of the Equalizers charged and pushed over Matt and had him down on the floor. Raynor saw and grabbed the Equalizer by the collar pulled him up and decked him in the face twice. Phelps lost a pistol to an inmate and was not wrestling them for it. Order was breaking down quickly and any semblance of it was now long gone.
*************************************************************************************Titus was following the man calling himself Trevor Phillips. They passed many empty cells, had even had to dodge a few isolated fights as inmates fought the guards. They were nearing the Eastern Cell Blocks which was near the main entrance. There were sounds of heavy fighting. Trevor suddenly stopped and Titus almost ran into him. Trevor seemed to look around. In front of them beyond the door were guards and inmates in hand to hand combat. Trevor seemed to hesitate and he turned to Titus:
"Follow me, only way through is through them…if you don't get fisted I will see you on the other side kid!"
Before Titus could retort Trevor was rushing headlong into the fight in front of them. Titus murmured to himself:
"Damn…he lied. Stay with me he will"
Titus moved into the fighting in the cell block. He tried staying to the outside wall, making sure he was keeping a low profile. One guard suddenly saw him. He had a black eye. He pointed at Titus:
"HEY YOU!"
Suddenly he saw Trevor appear behind the guard with a metal chair. Trevor smashed the guy across the head and the man fell unconscious. Trevor then threw the chair at an oncoming Equalizer whom got hit in the face. Trevor screamed:
"REMEMBER THE NAME! TREVOR PHILLIPS!"
He looked at Titus:
"Didn't say I would not help you did I? Now follow me!"
Titus felt horrible now for doubting him. He kept close to Trevor as they made their way through the chaos. Something caught Titus's eye. He saw the Marshall, James Raynor fighting off 3 men. He was standing over an unconscious man whom Titus recognized as Matt Horner. Raynor fired his pistol at one man and was blown back, then Raynor swatted the other two away with his pistol. He saw Raynor trying to reload when another Equalizer came up behind him and butted him with a rifle across the back of the head. Raynor fell on top of Matt. Titus felt a tug at his mind, a moment of clarity. He had to do something. Titus broke away from Trevor. Trevor noticed and said:
"Kid! What the hell you doing? Get you asshole back here! WE HAD A DEAL!"
Titus ignored him. He had never hurt anyone in his life up until this point. Now he had choice. He had a clear idea in his mind, he had to save the Marshall. Raynor looked up had blood streaming from a cut and the sore on the back of his head. The Equalizer with the rifle tried to bayonet Raynor but Raynor stopped it and then with his weakening strength pulled the gun out of the Equalizers hands. The Equalizer quickly pulled out a pistol. Aimed it at Raynor and said:
"Today is a new dawn for us all. It begins with YOUR end by me"
Titus shoved another Equalizer out of the way and as the Equalizer over Raynor was pulling the trigger Titus rammed him. The gun went off but the bullet smacked into the tile floor just missing Raynor. Raynor had a look of surprise on his face. Titus looked at Raynor briefly and smiled then back at the Equalizer. The Equalizer stood up he balled his fists. Said:
"It's the extra that showed up with us. The mistake. I thought you'd show your face at some point"
Titus held up his fists.
"I have no idea what you are talking about"
The Equalizer laughed:
"Oh you will in time. For now, you are coming with me!"
He holstered the pistol and held up his fists. Titus was waiting for him to come to him. The Equalizer swung so quickly Titus had no time to react and Titus got hit in the eye. He saw stars felt a stabbing pain he flinched instinctively raised a hand to his eye. Then he felt pain in his abdomen as the Equalizer hit him in the stomach. The air left his lungs as he hunched over in pain. Titus saw a knife on the ground through blurred eyes. The Equalizer was laughing:
"So hero? You thought you could save the Marshall? YOU WILL PAY FOR THE INTERRUPTION"
In a flash without thinking Titus reached for the knife turned and as the Equalizer tried decking him in the face Titus lunged. Titus Felt the blade stop as he hit the Equalizers stomach with the blade. The blade went in and he heard the Equalizer scream in pain. Titus looked up through the pain in his stomach to see the Equalizers reaching for the blade in his gut. He screamed:
"YOU INSOLENT...!"
Suddenly the man was hit across the back of the head with a metal tray. The Equalizer fell unconscious on the floor. Titus fell to his knees. Was in pain. Trevor appeared off to the side. He had saved him again. Trevor said:
"Well damn...you gutted him. Man after my own heart!"
Titus felt a hand on his shoulder turned saw Raynor smiling:
"I thought I told you to stay in the office….?"
Raynor looked up in pain at Trevor:
"And I never pegged you as a hero type?"
Trevor scowled at Raynor:
"I would've left! I still can!"
Raynor grimaced:
"Then leave…unless you have a reason you want to stay?"
Trevor seemed to hesitate: "You still have my hash stash!"
Raynor frowned:
"Knew there was a reason…."
Next to Raynor Matt was beginning to regain consciousness:
"Ugh…one hell of a headache. Took a bullet in the hip…but ill be good"
A Guard reached them, his uniform was torn in places. He said:
"Sirs! We have to get you out of here. The place is lost...we stay here we will surely be lost with the place"
Raynor looked at the guard, then at Matt, then at Titus and Trevor. Raynor said to Trevor:
"I'll return the items taken from you if you help us….you are the only one of us not injured"
Trevor took a pose like he was thinking:
"Hmmmmmm a good act of charity? Can't say I am that type. Throw in a "Jail Free card" and I'll think about it"
Matt gained enough consciousness to say:
"You filthy convict, I-"
Raynor cut him off with a hand:
"We will see what we can do"
Raynor said. Trevor looked at Raynor and smiled:
"Consider yourself having found salvation!"
Trevor held out a hand. Raynor grabbed it and stood up gingerly. Raynor looked at Titus:
"Can you walk?"
Titus held his gut and nodded:
"Yeah"
Raynor looked at Matt said to everyone:
"He's been shot in the hip and he took a hit to the head with the butt of a gun. I do not think he can walk"
The guard with them said:
"I'll get him Marshall"
There was renewed fighting in front of them. Reinforcements from nearby sectors were arriving. Raynor motioned to everyone to follow him:
"Everyone stay close we are getting out of here"
The guard suddenly said:
"Wait what about Phelps!? He ran off into the prison to draw away some of them"
Raynor said:
"I trust him, he's a capable officer and former soldier"
The guard nodded. Raynor said:
"Alright let's go".
The Reinforcements cut a swath through the Equalizers as they fell back deeper into the prison. The Eastern Cell blocks were strewn with wounded Equalizers and guards. Raynor led Titus, Trevor, and Matt out of the Precinct and into the setting sun. Outside the parking lot was covered by armored cars and police vehicles. The leader of District 9, Big Boss was there smoking a cigar. He said:
"So Raynor what the hell happened to you?"
Raynor had a black eye and cuts on his face:
"Prison break. I've got wounded inside and here as well. We need medical assistance"
Big Boss pulled out the cigar, tapped the end of it said:
"The Medic and his team are already here, they went inside already"
Titus stood next to Raynor looked at Big Boss. Big Boss looked familiar, like a man he had seen somewhere before. He stood tall, had a military posture. He wore a Trench coat over a military uniform. Had an eye patch over his right eye. Big Boss said:
"The Council wants a report on the events that transpired here today. They expect it by tonight"
Raynor looked at Matt whom was still unconscious and then back at Big Boss:
"With all due respect Boss….my men-"
Big Boss cut him off:
"It isn't a request. I will have your men looked after"
Raynor looked at Titus now:
"What about this man? He knows about these people"
Big Boss looked at Titus. Eyed him suspiciously:
"He knows them? He one of them?"
Raynor said:
"Man saved my life. I don't think he is. Mighty damn thing he did"
Big Boss put his cigar back in his mouth:
"Very well take him with you"
Titus didn't object. Knew he would get more information on what happened to him by going with Raynor. Trevor stood back from the others. Big Boss noticed him:
"What about that one?"
Raynor looked back at Trevor whom was looking around:
"He helped get us out of there…he's-"
Raynor thought about calling him a convict so he could be locked up again, but thought about how he had helped them:
"He's a guard"
Big Boss nodded and said:
"A rough man but good I guess on your team"
Big Boss looked at Raynor and said:
"I'll get you an armored car and a small escort to the Capital Building…."
Suddenly a Massive explosion erupted behind them. Titus was blown off his feet. Searing heat blew past him along with debris. Raynor was knocked flat on his face and Big Boss was blown off his feet. Behind them an explosive cloud of fire and smoke rose over the precinct. Titus rolled over his ears ringing. Saw Big Boss get up along with other soldiers. Raynor got up as well. Titus saw a look of shock on his face. Raynor noticed Titus on the ground, ran over to him, held out a hand. Titus took it and he helped him up. Around them the soldiers were regaining their footing, others were getting stretchers and setting up blockades. There would be more casualties now Titus thought. Titus slowly began regaining his hearing. Sirens were blaring as fire trucks and rescue vehicles began arriving. Above them aircraft were dumping water on the blazing ruins Big Boss said:
"What the hell has happened!?"
Raynor said:
"All my men…Detective Phelps"
Titus looked into the flames. Knew something big was happening in this city. Trevor said: "Hollllly shittttt these guys handle explosives like they must handle their women! Like damn!"
Raynor and Big Boss gave him dirty looks. Trevor didn't seem to notice. Titus looked at Raynor and said:
"What is going to happen now?"
Raynor looked at Titus. Ashes and burning debris were falling from the sky, that was now a burning orange as the sun was setting:
"We find out what the hell is happening...then we bring these bastards to justice".
The flames burned furiously as firefighters and police tried to put it out. The Prison was destroyed, in ruins. Scores of guards had been thrown into the void. Some guards and Equalizers stumbled out of the rubble. However, the majority of the Equalizers escaped and melted into the city. The Equalizers had new orders to mass at the Power Plant in the Power District. Detective Phelps's badge was recovered from the rubble hours later. It was the only thing they found from him. The shockwave from the explosion was felt all over the city. It sent shockwaves through everyone in the city. Fears now rose more than ever of the Equalizers. Their name becoming front page news all over the Gaming Realm within hours. Their attacks now had claimed nearly 100 people. It was the worse catastrophe to hit the city which was relatively peaceful. Retrocon City was a sanctuary, a place of bliss and peace from the universes of each of the Video Game Characters. A place to recuperate. Now people began to feel unsafe, and with the uncertainty came the questions, and then the demands of people wanting to find out just what the heck was going on in their city. For those answers Raynor and Titus would stand before the High Council, a group of Video Game Characters voted to their position to represent the Hero Characters, the Neutral Characters, and the Villain Characters. They alone led the Video Game World. The time for questions to be answered was now. Before more violence could grip their world.