Chevalier looked up from the report. "So we think Pixel had an interaction with the Butcher?"
Legend nodded. "That's out best guess. Or at least the best non-powered guess. Pixel's scrambling tech is proving very resilient. The entire Watchdog analysis group did an all-nighter."
"I was under the impression that they were already trying to come to a conclusion about Butcher."
"They were." Legend pulled out another folder and handed it to him. Chevalier began to flip through it as his fellow leader continued talking. "As you can see, the results are even more varied than what we usually get from Watchdog. Appraiser for instance has rated the Butcher, and now Pixel, every color in the rainbow. However, one color came up more often than any other."
Chevalier scanned the pages. "Pink?"
Legend nodded again. "Same thing for Eleventh Hour, the most common number was 2."
"So are these aggregate results for Pixel or the new Butcher?"
"That's the question." Legend sat down in one of the chairs on the far side of his desk. The ones meant for visitors. "Watchdog hasn't encountered this effect before, so it's safe to say that it does originate from Pixel." Chevalier took a seat next to him. "The fact that it extends completely to Bit, and somewhat to the Elite leads us to believe its a lingering field. Given the nature of the most common information, we think those are the 'intended' values."
"As in a deliberate camouflage?"
Legend frowned. "Or what the results would be without the Stranger effect. Or a deliberate misdirection. Or random chance. Or that it redirects power-based queries and the numbers are a sampling of the general population. There's simply no way to get an accurate reading with any of Watchdog's Thinkers."
"If it came from Pixel, it should wear off of the Butcher given time."
"Time we don't have. Look at page 31."
The commander of the Philadelphia Protectorate flipped through the thick file before coming to the correct page. "Psychological profile... a complete absence of morals. Doesn't view the victims as human?"
"That's right. From non-powered analysts. The Butcher was always a scary figure, but ultimately one we could handle. They were the leader of the Teeth. The Teeth caused problems - killing, property damage, theft, the list goes on and on, but in the end they were predictable. Not in WHAT they did, but HOW."
"And the latest Butcher is completely insane."
"Right. That's why this is such a high priority, aside from the PR angle. Even if we trust the aggregate, which we can't, the potential for a calamity is there."
"I agree."
"So, our next move is to meet with Pixel and see if there is a link. The Elite have agreed to a face-to-face at the location for the clinic they're opening."
"Let me guess, in exchange for loosening some red tape."
Legend let out a sigh. "Of course, but Kid Blur's heart is still in the right place. The Teeth are bad for business. The previous Butchers have been bad for business. THIS Butcher could be catastrophic."
"You know some of the wards are calling him the Terminator now."
Legend looked confused. "Why?"
"It's a movie... never mind, it's a reference done in poor taste. I'll ask Prism to put a stop to it."
Legend waved him off. "Let them. As long as they don't say anything in public."
He nodded in acknowledgment. "We haven't found any possible connection between him and his victims?"
"None. Not a single Kevin Norton has any relation to the Teeth, or any other parahuman as far as we can tell."
"The field isn't effecting them?"
"Only so far as it involves the Butcher."
"I'm assuming you had me come to New York because you want me to meet with Pixel."
"I'll be there, but I want your eyes on him. See if there's a change in what you see. If there is, I want to know what the most common image is. Dragon is working with us to suppress the information, but there's only so much leeway she can extend. We confiscated the witnesses phones and told them that it was an ongoing investigation, but people still talk. Soon it will get out. We need Pixel to disable his field so we can track the Butcher before that happens."
Host Observed.
It moved to intercept.
Incorrect. Action would result in a violation of sub-priority.
It followed.
"Hey! You're that cape from the subway!"
A non-host interposed itself.
"You don't look so tough to me."
It reset its vessel's position.
Incorrect. Action would result in a violation of sub-priority.
It eliminated the non-host.
Incorrect. Action would result in a violation of sub-priority.
"I'm talking to you shit head!"
Accessing information.
Accessing behavioral modifier...
Resource reserve down to 51%.
The non-host initiated physical contact.
New module 'Mugger' engaged.
It restrained the non-host.
It Observed the non-host.
It adjusted its volume to private level.
"mark sanders. your actions inconvenience Me. soon it will be simpler for Me to simply remove you."
"H-how do you know my name?"
"I know everything." It increased its restraint pressure. The non-host was damaged. "leave, or I will become angry."
"Fuck! My hand!" Two other non-hosts moved closer. It increased its restraint pressure. "No! No! We'll back off."
It released its restraint.
"You okay Mark?"
"I'm fine. Let's get out of here."
It scanned the area. The host had fled.
*A new quest has triggered: Excuses
[Excuses
The PRT knows you have a connection with the Butcher XIV. Come up with a good reason.
Bonus: Convince them you'll be an asset in hunting him down.
Success: +4,000 exp, increased reputation with the Protectorate.
Bonus Success: Follow-up missions]
That would be about the meeting Impetus set tomorrow morning. It's getting pretty late, and it looks like Riley is done with flying. Time for bed. With my revelation about storing summoned creatures and the fight with my clone on the way, it's time to prep. Even if I couldn't maintain it, for one minute I could have an army.
...
*Your summoning skill has gained +1 level.
YES!
I immediately pour all the MP I can into a creature. Yep, my max MP spent went up to 40. That means in terms of pure stats, I have 200 for each summon. My minions can now have higher base physical stats than me! ...Which probably is a sign that I should train more.
[Gnome Ninja
Thief II
Str 5. Dex 20. Con 5. Stealth. Teleportation lvl 2.]
A higher level teleportation isn't the only upgrade I'm betting. I order my gnome to head north, and to avoid being seen. It vanishes, and my MP takes a smaller hit than before. So I still have to pay for his abilities, but not as much. Shoot. I should've been tracking that, but I hadn't made that many teleporting minions in the past. I couldn't tell exactly how much it cost with my constant regen and upkeep.
No matter. I track the gnome on my mini-map. It's not running in a straight line. I think its pathing ability got upgraded. It probably has a better AI all around. It pauses for a second, before moving in a wide arc. I take a look through its eyes. Oh, that stupid forest. I think it's closer than before. I hope it doesn't interfere with the clinic. Now to see how far it goes before it hits my max range. I'm hoping that's increased as well.
In the meantime... I glance at Riley. She's sleeping peacefully thanks to Gamer's Mind. Having a partner is a great thing. If I couldn't confide in her, I might go crazy - Gamer's Mind or not. Speaking of Riley, what does my new summoning level do with unique summons? Hey, the number allowed has increased! I guess that means it's double my summoning level? In any case, I try and connect with her zero-suit...
Nothing.
I can't feel it at all. I guess that means that a unique summoned item can't be modified later. That's unfortunate for her suit, but does make me feel better about waiting to fill in the other slots. Not sure what I really need though.
I spare one more look at the little girl before resuming my grinding. I'll save her. If Bonesaw can be redeemed, then Killer can too. Right, Mr. Price?
Chevalier entered the soon-to-be clinic. The Elite had gone all out. It was a large 5 story building, that was more hotel than hospital. He didn't know what to make of the organized crime group. He was a strong believer in second chances. Being granted the opportunity to turn his life around had made all the difference for him. It was the key to dealing with most villains in his opinion.
While he personally wasn't happy with the choice made by Kid Blur or Impetus as he liked to be called now, he did understand his argument. The Philadelphia Protectorate kept a close eye on their neighbors to the North. If the Elite did expand, there were good odds they'd come to his city next. He couldn't argue with the numbers. New York was doing better than ever once the Elite started enforcing their own style of order.
An attractive young woman greeted them at the door. She opened it while slightly bowing and motioning with her other arm. "This way sirs." After the door shut, she moved with quick strides to get in front and lead them. "Pixel will be here momentarily. Would you like a tour or some refreshments?"
"That won't be necessary." Legend smiled at her. "We can wait wherever is most convenient."
At that moment, a form appeared in the back of the foyer. Chevalier glanced at the clock above the front desk. It clicked from 8:59 to 9:00 A.M. exactly. At least Pixel was punctual.
"Pixel!" Legend smiled and shook the rogue's hand. The leader of the New York Protectorate was a natural leader. Friendly, confident, outgoing. It was hard not to like him, and Legend genuinely liked most people in return. "I'm glad that you were able to make time for us in such sort notice. I know how precious it is for Tinkers."
"Think nothing of it. I wouldn't turn away any agent of the PRT, much less a member of the Triumvirate!"
Legend turned to him. "I also asked my fellow Protectorate leader here with me today." He let go of Pixel's hand and stepped back.
"Chevalier. I'm the leader of the Philadelphia Protectorate." It was hard to keep his voice steady. Pixel's shadows were a massive swarm that weren't constantly shifting so much as flickering between forms. In many ways it reminded him of Eidolon. At least there was a good explanation that didn't involve a Tinker with Trump powers of his level.
"I'm glad to meet you." Pixel nodded in a direction, and then waited a moment for the three of them to start walking that way. "Impetus didn't say much when he told me you wanted to talk. Is this about the clinic? I was told that our opening was being slightly delayed."
They came to a door, which Pixel opened. A large, well decorated, conference room lay beyond. Legend spoke up after the three of them sat down. "During the PRT interview, several discrepancies were brought up by our Thinkers." He raised his hands. "We normally don't use Thinkers on independent heroes or rogues, but the nature of your armor had the evaluators stumped."
"Let me guess." Pixel's voice sounded like he was smiling. "You got a rather... inconsistent read on me?"
"That's right." Legend smiled. "We have put forth the theory that you have a jamming technology that shields you from other parahumans."
Pixel nodded. "That's correct. Developing it was the final tool I decided I needed before making my presence known."
"I will admit that your suit is a wonder to behold. You must have dedicated a lot of time and effort to produce something of its nature."
"It is an ongoing project as most Tinkering tends to be."
"That leads us to our reason for being here." Chevalier took his cue and pulled several photographs out of his side compartment. Legend's skin tight costume didn't have space for carrying much. "You are aware of the Butcher, correct? A cape that possesses the body of whomever kills them. He grows in power with each victim."
"Yes. A most unfortunate situation." Pixel's shoulders drooped as he stared at the pictures. "To tell you the truth, I met this young man a little over two weeks ago. My sensors could detect the Butcher's power. I arrogantly thought that my scrambling field could hold it at bay."
Legend frowned. "What went wrong?"
Pixel shook his head. "I don't know. Tex was doing so well until a week ago. He was an adaptive Brute. I thought that with time, he could overcome the Butcher's effect. Instead it was my technology that he adjusted to."
"You mean?"
Pixel nodded. "He is a Trump, and a powerful one at that. He told me his story, but I'd prefer to keep it secret until all efforts to heal him have been exhausted."
Chevalier was getting a headache from looking at Pixel, but he found his opinion of the Tinker rising. Someone who tried to give people a second chance was a good person.
Legend frowned. "So you are not actively maintaining the field on him. He's generating it on his own?"
Pixel sounded glum. "That's right. My short-range scanner should be capable of piercing its effect, but it is of no use in pinpointing his location. I turned to the Elite to get the medical facility needed to treat him, but now I'm hoping they can assist me in locating him."
"You're trying to find him?"
Pixel nodded. "He is my responsibility. It was my lack of judgment that caused this situation in the first place." Chevalier's opinion of Pixel grew. "I need to prevent him from doing something he can't take back."
Legend frowned. "May I ask why you didn't come to the Protectorate for help?"
The colorful Tinker shrugged. "I am accustomed to working on my own. Flying under the radar if you will. I also had to wonder if my claims would have been granted the weight they deserved." He shook his head. "I may have been in error, but I thought I could somehow save him if I got to him first. I've kept up with the news. He's pretending to be Scion, correct?"
Chevalier's opinion of Pixel grew again. He seemed like a good person, but delivering bad news was part of his job. "Unfortunately, he's not just dressing up. He's murdered three civilians so far."
Pixel's armored form straighted. "What?" His voice was hard and flat.
"I'm sorry we had to inform you. We've tried to keep it silent in order to avoid a panic." Legend explained. "I'm afraid there's nothing left of your friend."
Pixel slumped down and shook his head. "This is unbeliveable. I was worried when he first ran away. Days passed and I didn't see anything in the news aside from him painting himself. I know that he was labled the Butcher, but as long as he didn't attack anyone I thought he would pull himself together."
Chevalier frowned. "If you had known?"
"I would have done whatever was in my power to subdue him."
Legend smiled. "Would you be willing to assist us in locating him?"
"I will assist if I am allowed. I can place sensors that can identify him, but tracking him is currently beyond me."
"So you can't remove his field?" Chevalier asked. The answer was probably 'no', but he wanted to make certain.
"No." Pixel shook his head. "In time perhaps, but that is always the most valuable resource. If I can get close enough I can temporarily neutralize his power. I have to assume that containment is the desired outcome?"
"Absolutely." Legend smiled. "If you knew where he was going to be, could your sensors work?"
Pixel drummed his fingers on the table. "Yes. There are limitations to my technology that I would prefer not to discuss, but if there is a target to defend it would be a simple matter."
"Excellent." Legend stood up and extended his hand. "We will contact you with a time and a place. There's no guarantee that he will show. We've caught him once and he might be more wary in the future. It will be good to have you on board. Who knows? If this goes well, you might work with us on some other issues."
Pixel rose and gripped the blue-clad man's hand. "It would be my pleasure."
The trio walked out and the young lady smiled as she escorted the pair of heroes outside. Chevalier didn't speak in the PRT van. He waited until they were safely back in the office.
"Do you think bringing him in on a PRT investigation is a good idea?"
Legend nodded. "Pixel has ties to the Elite. They'd cut him off if he pulled something."
"He's been independent for an unknown time."
"True, but you know parahumans. Laying low is hard for most of them to do. Powers want to be used, and due to his specialty Pixel's tech is very distinctive."
"There's no reason to expect that he has to incorporate stranger effects into everything he builds."
"Possibly, but restrictions like that are more normal than not." Legend flashed him a smile. "Besides, he has intimate knowledge of the latest Butcher." The smile turned into a frown. "An adaptive Trump is possibly the worst power that the Butcher could've gotten."
"Our opponent being hard to kill is probably a plus in this situation."
"Except that he's already demonstrated that he has the capacity to use his power to modify the other powers the Butcher possesses." Legend clenched his jaw. "It explains why some of the Butcher's powers are changing. He's modifying them. We need to stop him immediately."
"And you think Pixel can help?"
"He can't hurt. If he has a counter-Trump effect, that's our best chance."
"Right. Holding the previous Butcher would've been hard, but one that can alter its powers..."
"Exactly. We may have come for help in one area, but I won't turn down an offer in another. Especially one that could have the biggest technological breakthrough since containment foam. With any luck, we can gain a powerful ally."
"Or a powerful foe."
"That's why you're here. What did you see?"
"A mass of shadows, constantly flickering."
"Any that stood out?"
The armored man shook his head. "Some, but nothing that stayed there for most of the time. The most common sense I got was a similarity to Eidolon."
Legend's eyebrows rose. "Oh?"
"Not to the same extent. The size and power were both weaker."
"Still, that could mean he's a Trump-type Tinker. That would explain how he can make power nullifying tech."
"Possibly. Or the multitude of shadows could be afterimages from his field. I think he is mirroring the... 'data' of other parahumans. Reflecting it to fool esoteric senses."
"You mean?"
He nodded. "I saw your shadow."
Legend let out a sigh. "You know what that means."
Chevalier mimicked his posture. "I get to submit an update for Pixel's file." Being leaders, the two of them normally got to pass on paperwork to other people. This time, he was the one that needed make any edits. It was his power that came across new information. Of course, the whole thing had to use the classified restrictions which took even longer.
"Don't worry." Legend slapped him on the back. "I'll be filling out forms right next to you."
Chevalier grinned. If Legend was willing to do extra paperwork, then he must really want that new tech.
It Observed a host.
Host possessed a link to 3 Shards.
Timing. Destruction. Accuracy.
No defensive capacity.
It reset its vessel's position.
It struck the host.
Host damaged.
Foreign Shard connection established.
Additional resources have been Optimized for use. Accessing.
Resource reserve up to 96%.
While Riley entertained herself with examining another pegasus, I made my way to one of the conference rooms. If I was going to help the Protectorate perform a stakeout, I'd prefer to have cameras that were cameras and not eyeballs.
Pixel ► Krouse, may I ask you to make a purchase at a store for me?
Krouse ► Sure, I guess. What do you want?
Pixel ► A video camera. Nothing extravagant.
Krouse ► A video camera? Like one that people record home movies on?
Pixel ► Yes.
Krouse ► Any other details? Digital? Tape?
Pixel ► No, any sort will suffice. Although, if you could pick up some tools that would be appropriate for dismantling it. I would be grateful if it's not too much of an imposition.
Krouse ► Nah, I can handle it.
Pixel ► I'm in the 3rd conference room on the 2nd floor. Stop by and I'll give you funds for the items.
With his 'Egotist' debuff, I figured the best way to make use of Trickster was to give him a general goal and then let him take charge. As long as he got to be in control and making decisions, he would probably be happy. I still didn't have a psychology skill. My knowledge was only what I could glean from the internet, so hopefully I wasn't off the mark. Letting Krouse be the hero of his own story wasn't too much of an imposition.
...And with luck, he views it as such and not as being made to be a gofer. Hmm... I didn't get a reputation loss, so I'm probably good.
Krouse entered in civilian clothes. "Pixel."
I nodded at him and pulled $1,000 out of my inventory. "Here. Find what you can for this. You may keep the change."
He smirked. "Sure thing." Krouse pocketed the cash and then left. I have no idea how much a video camera costs. Hopefully I didn't shortchange him. I tracked him on the mini-map. Ah, he's taking Noelle with him. That's good.
Back to the internet. Time to do some research on how cameras work. I think the limited amount of information I'd gotten from Riley's bedtime stories had made some difference in my 'living' summons. The same should hold true for this. I didn't need a complete understanding of how images were stored. I only needed to make a working lens. An eyeball would still be at the center of my 'cameras'.
...
[Summoned 'Camera']
[Summoned Lens]
Good enough for now. I had no clue how a video camera converted light into... data? film? Of course, I also didn't know how our eyes did it either. Somehow I was able to summon functioning eyeballs, but not a camera. If I could understand how it worked, that might change. The lens in front of me was proof. Bending light. Focusing it. We had gone over prisms in science, so I knew a small amount.
I had to pry the camera apart and use it as an example, but it worked. Well, the image through the lens was pixelated... which I should've seen coming. Good enough for my mini-map.
[Summoned Eyeball
Str 0. Dex 0. Con 5. Enhanced Sight x 2. Observe lvl 1.]
The most basic eye cost 10 MP, which meant that it had an upkeep of 1 MP/min. The Lens and Box would cost the same. If I... fused them all together and made it a singular item, the cost should decrease.
[Summoned Spy
Str 10. Dex 0. Con 5. Enhanced Sight. Observe lvl 1.]
That works. Not as durable as a box that gets to allocate all its stats to strength and con, but it will do. The cone of sight on it is... acceptable. I think the lens helps out, since I can see 'clearly' from a further distance than my actual eyes. Not by much.
[Summoned Spy
Str 10. Dex 0. Con 15. Enhanced Sight x 5. Observe lvl 1.]
There. 2 MP/min, but much better quality. I'll store a bunch of them. Useful for trying to catch my clone, but also for other things. I could see scattering them in a fight so that I had a solid mini-map for teleportation access.
Huh? Speaking of my mini-map, my Gnome Ninja just poofed. Wow. He got far. All the way out of New York and into the suburbs. That was dozens of miles easily. I smile. Riley will be happy. We can finally take in a show. Once I get a make over that is. It also means my clone can leave the city without crippling my security too much.
...
I stared at my mini-map. It was dusk and I was with the Protectorate miles away from the 'Butcher's' next supposed target. I was given permission to get close as long as I deployed non-lethal force. I think the PRT was desperate, but not as desperate as me.
A blip.
"He's here." We were downtown in a van several blocks from the apartment complex that my clone was closing in on. Good in that it would prevent him from teleporting too far without line of sight. Bad because Legend wasn't going to be of much help. He was staying far above us, well outside of my clone's range. "He's on the far building. About to go in through the window."
"We're good to go." The chief agent replied. I readied my nullifier - which was just my forearm shaped into an impressive looking configuration. If this came down to a teleportation chase, I'd win. My evil clone had just spent MP on teleporting. I would make my first move with stored MP. He'd run out of MP before I did.
I activated the teleportation pad. Six PRT agents and myself appeared around the clone. I reached out with Power Drain as they leveled sprayers at him...
The planet had rotated away from the star it orbited.
It was more likely to encounter its target at its residence during this time.
The informational guides had been accurate.
It Observed constructs created from the original Shard.
Likelihood of original Shard host nearby: high.
Conflicting priorities.
Following main priority.
It appeared in its target's dwelling.
A host and non-hosts appeared around it!
It had to escape!
It reset its vessel's position.
The host appeared next to it.
It Observed the host. Host identified as vessel of original Shard.
It needed to destroy it!
Error.
It needed to escape.
It reset its vessel's position.
Continual resets were a drain on resources.
Resource reserve down to 89%.
The original Shard host appeared next to it.
Escape was not possible. This host must be destroyed!
Its vessel was becoming unstable.
The host was its enemy. The one it must make suffer. The one it HATED!
ERROR. Conflict was not a priority.
ERROR. Conflict was its primary purpose.
It received a connection.
Its link to its vessel was severed.
*You have defeated ?! You gain +7,000 exp!
*Memories of ? trait gained.
[Kevin Greenhouse (Killer/Pixel)
The Gamer
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Race: Human (Parahuman)
Faction: The Elite
Title: Orator (+50% to communication checks)
Level: 21 (19,500/21,000 Exp)
Mover: 8
Shaker: 2
Brute: 5
Breaker: 10
Master: 5
Tinker: 0
Blaster: 0
Thinker: 8
Striker: 0
Changer: 1
Trump: 9
Stranger: 9
HP: 580
MP: 260
Primary Attributes
STR: 65
AGI: 32
CON: 70
INT: 24
PER: 22
WIS: 20
CHA: 35
LUC: 100
Unspent Points: 46
Traits:
Gamer's Body lvl Max
Gamer's Mind lvl Max
Observe lvl 4
Inventory lvl 2
Party System
Transposition lvl 2
Multiplayer
Memories of ?
Unique Summons (1/8)
Riley's Zero Suit - 0 Str. 25 Dex. 10 Con. Lucky Fate lvl 1. Lucky Screen lvl 1. Observe lvl 2. Party. Malleable.
Perks Selected (7/8):
Rapid Regeneration lvl 2
Summoning lvl 4
Lucky Fate lvl 3
Lucky Screen lvl 3
Power Drain lvl 3
Teleportation lvl 3
Danger Sense lvl 3
Perks Available:
Solid as a Rock
Fire Control
Silica Control
Juggernaut
Strength Enhancement
Pain Control
Shaping
Debuff Control
Momentum
Skills:
Acting: 22
Athletics: 21
Basic Academics: 5
Biology: 8
Computers: 1
Cooking: 4
Craft (Armor) 1
Damage Resistance (Acid): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Disease): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Electricity): 65 - 99.3%
Damage Resistance (Gravity): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Heat): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Light): 64 - 99.25%
Damage Resistance (Magnetism): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Physical): 50 - 98.1%
Damage Resistance (Poison): 100 - 100%
Damage Resistance (Radiation): 100 - 100%
Meditation: 65
Melee Weapon: 17
Pain Resistance: 87 - 99.9405%
Parahuman Lore: 20
Ranged Weapon: 21
Resistance (Light): 100 - 100%
Resistance (Nullification): 8 - 40%
Resistance (Spacial): 34 - 96.5%
Resistance (Temporal): 26 - 95.7%
Stealth: 9
Unarmed Combat: 32
Video Games: 29
Ongoing Quests:
Passing on the Torch
Best Served Cold
Stay Off The Path
Scion
A Hero's Legacy
Defusing 1/5 0/5 0/5
What Can Change The Nature of a Shard?
Heartbroken
Debuffs:
None]