JOURNEY OF A KNIGHT
CHAPTER VI. "GATHER THEM IN, THE TABLE ROUND..."
(DISCLAIMER: The Age of Apocalypse, The X-Men, Charles Xavier, and all related characters are copyrights of Marvel Comics. The Knight Eagle, in all his various iterations, as well as his teammates, is my own personal creations)
1972
London Times - Front Page
"Today, on what is sure to be one of the most remembered dates in British history, the group known as the Round Table has revealed itself to the public. For the last tableseveral years, increased supercriminal activity in the British Isles has been countered with increasing difficulty by conventional police forces, often only with the aid of the Night Eagle, as well as other heretofore unconfirmed superhumans. At 10:41, shortly after this morning's session of Parliment had been called to order, the proceedings were disrupted as a group calling themselves Morgan's Legacy attacked the House of Lords. The criminal assemblage, led by a villain calling herself LeFaye (obviously a reference to the Arthurian Morgan LeFaye) announced that the Houses were to be disbanded and that they, the Legacy, would assume control of the UK. Bare moments later, the Legacy was set upon by the Night Eagle and several unknown superhumans. In a swift and decisive battle, Night Eagle's group put paid to the criminals, and handed them over to Scotland Yard. A special joint session of Parliment has been convened, by request of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to address public outcry for these heros to be recognized for their valour..."
Jason sat at head of the empty table, reading, a supremely satisfied look on his face. He had been operating with this team for months, quietly quelling organized crime activity and superhuman activity in the Isles. Originally, he'd had no intention of revealing the team's existence to the public, but LeFaye's actions in broad daylight had left them no choice. He'd feared that the government would not only not extend the team the same courtesy it had him, but would instead issue sanctions against its members. He was glad to be disappointed.
He stood and paced around the room. Since he'd purchased the Excalibur Point facility, he'd always intended it to become the base of operations for his... unofficial activities. When he'd begun recruiting others to join him in his work, it had become the base of that new team as well. He walked to the broad, curved window that circled the room. He'd bulit up the facility in the last two years, adding a tall tower at the center, overlooking the tumultuous sea.
"Hell of a view, Jason."
Jason turned and smiled as Richard stepped away from the elevator. The thickly muscled researcher had been the technical mastermind behind the highly sophisticated systems that made up the home of the team.
"That it is. I assume you've read the news?"
Richard nodded and moved to stand beside Jason.
"Do you think they'll do it?"
"Well, we did save their collective noble asses."
Richard chuckled.
"No denying that. Still, this would be a first. Most people like us still have to operate in secret, avoiding police. You're the lucky one. You've been the poster boy for super heros since you came on the scene years ago."
"Some poster boy. Most of the police are more afraid of me than of those we bring in. If this does go through, then that's going to have to change."
"I understand. Still, you don't need to go around telling jokes, if that's what you're considering."
"I should hope not!" A new voice heartily echoed from the back of the room. "That's my job."
Niles Ellis, the Courtier. Jason and Richard had found him prowling the areas near Buckingham Palace late at night, havng stumbled onto a plot to bomb the Palace. He'd begun working with them regularly after that. He was a slight man, wiry and agile. In battle he carried a thin rapier and bounced around in his gaudy red and blue costume, remniscent of a 17th century court jester's outfit, hence, his name. Jason was glad for his exuberant (if oft irritating) presence, for he lent a lightness of hear to the team, and could always be counted on for a smile.
"You chaps discussing what the bigwigs'll do, no?"
"We were. What do you think?" Richard asked softly.
"They'd bloody well better do it. We deserve it, I think. Those Legacy cretins were no creampuffs, not by a long shot."
"You'll get no argument from me." Jason replied, slowly moving back to the table. "One question is, how do we go about things if they do decide to recognize us?"
"We continue to do as we have done." A soft, melodious voice came from the center of the room as a glowing portal closed. Such was the chosen method of entrance for Mystick the team's resident sorceress. She'd sought out Jason shortly after the failed bombing where they'd met Courtier. They knew little of her civilian life, but her magic gave the team a much appreciated boost in strength, and she'd definitely proven her worth in the recent battle with the Legacy. Arriving with her was the newest addition to the ranks, Chorus. She had appeared only weeks ago, at the height of a pitched battle with the corrupted spirit of the Black Knight, pitching in and earning herself a place within the team. She spoke little, but when she did, the others listened. Though seemingly only in her early twenties, she displayed an understanding of events that bordered on supernatural, as did her ability to manipulate sound.
"Well, we're all here, aren't we?" Jason said, looking around the room. "The question is before us, then. What do we do if the government recognizes us? It would be ideal to operate as we have in the past months, but the attention we have gained as a result of this makes us a target, and official sanction from London will only exacerabate the matter."
"None of us is afraid of attention, or those who might seek to bring us down." Richard stated bluntly, and murmers of assent came from around the table.
"You're all agreed, then?" Nods. "Very well. Now we wait."
They did not have to wait long. The public demand was so great that it could not be ignored, and every legislator knew it. Combined with a personal appeal from the Queen, there was no other choice. At noon, the Queen Mother stood before a crowd of thousands gathered in front of Buckingham Palace.
"We know today, of forces beyond our comprehension that work to bring this great country to itsr maje knees. These evil menaces work to destroy what centuries of work have built. However, as in days past, heros arise to combat evil, and as in legend, they stride forth, triumphant. It is therefore decreed that these men and women, led by the man known only as the Night Eagle, be granted recognition and power of law within this nation's bounds. We call on them to defend this isle in time of need, to protect us from evil, if they have the will."
A rumble echoed through the open space and light filled it as one of Mystick's portals opened in midair. Four of the team passed through and the portal closed, with only Night Eagle missing.
"We see only four," Elizabeth called. "Where is your leader?"
"Sorry to be late, your majesty!" Jason's deep voice echoed from atop the Palace. His black uniform was gone, replaced by one of solid white which bore armor plating over the shoulders, and a glittering silver belt. The full-face mask remained, but adorned with a helmet, also silver. In recent months, Jason had discovered that his powers lent themselves to controlling his own motion, and as he leapt from the Palace's peak, he slowed his descent to land smoothly in front of his teammates.
"A special occasion calls for a change of attire."
The Queen sent a thin smile down. "It meets with our approval, sir. Approach, all of you."
The five heros made their way toward the daias and stopped in front of the Queen.
"You five have proven youselves worthy of the task and honor which is to be bestowed upon you, yet we know little of you. What are we to call you?"
Jason looked to the others for approval, and, at their nods, steped forward.
"Only one assemblage of heros, real or imaginary, has ever had this honor, your Majesty, therefore, we ask to follow in their steps, as the Round Table."
"A fitting name, Night Eagle. However, with this name must come a change for you, as well. Step forward and kneel."
A bit confused, Jason stepped forward. Prince Philip handed the Queen a long-bladed sword.
"If you are to lead this band, sir, then you will do it as those you name yourselves did. Therefore, I hereby dub the Knight of the Round Table. Arise, sir Knight."
Jason stood and turned to face the crowd. A cheer went up from all assembled, and the sun shone brightly as the five heros basked in the glory of their new honor. Of all assembled, only Chorus did not smile. Unseen by her teammates, a single tear slid down her cheek as she saw Jason shining in the sun. Only she knew what was to come....
CHAPTER VI. "GATHER THEM IN, THE TABLE ROUND..."
(DISCLAIMER: The Age of Apocalypse, The X-Men, Charles Xavier, and all related characters are copyrights of Marvel Comics. The Knight Eagle, in all his various iterations, as well as his teammates, is my own personal creations)
1972
London Times - Front Page
"Today, on what is sure to be one of the most remembered dates in British history, the group known as the Round Table has revealed itself to the public. For the last tableseveral years, increased supercriminal activity in the British Isles has been countered with increasing difficulty by conventional police forces, often only with the aid of the Night Eagle, as well as other heretofore unconfirmed superhumans. At 10:41, shortly after this morning's session of Parliment had been called to order, the proceedings were disrupted as a group calling themselves Morgan's Legacy attacked the House of Lords. The criminal assemblage, led by a villain calling herself LeFaye (obviously a reference to the Arthurian Morgan LeFaye) announced that the Houses were to be disbanded and that they, the Legacy, would assume control of the UK. Bare moments later, the Legacy was set upon by the Night Eagle and several unknown superhumans. In a swift and decisive battle, Night Eagle's group put paid to the criminals, and handed them over to Scotland Yard. A special joint session of Parliment has been convened, by request of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to address public outcry for these heros to be recognized for their valour..."
Jason sat at head of the empty table, reading, a supremely satisfied look on his face. He had been operating with this team for months, quietly quelling organized crime activity and superhuman activity in the Isles. Originally, he'd had no intention of revealing the team's existence to the public, but LeFaye's actions in broad daylight had left them no choice. He'd feared that the government would not only not extend the team the same courtesy it had him, but would instead issue sanctions against its members. He was glad to be disappointed.
He stood and paced around the room. Since he'd purchased the Excalibur Point facility, he'd always intended it to become the base of operations for his... unofficial activities. When he'd begun recruiting others to join him in his work, it had become the base of that new team as well. He walked to the broad, curved window that circled the room. He'd bulit up the facility in the last two years, adding a tall tower at the center, overlooking the tumultuous sea.
"Hell of a view, Jason."
Jason turned and smiled as Richard stepped away from the elevator. The thickly muscled researcher had been the technical mastermind behind the highly sophisticated systems that made up the home of the team.
"That it is. I assume you've read the news?"
Richard nodded and moved to stand beside Jason.
"Do you think they'll do it?"
"Well, we did save their collective noble asses."
Richard chuckled.
"No denying that. Still, this would be a first. Most people like us still have to operate in secret, avoiding police. You're the lucky one. You've been the poster boy for super heros since you came on the scene years ago."
"Some poster boy. Most of the police are more afraid of me than of those we bring in. If this does go through, then that's going to have to change."
"I understand. Still, you don't need to go around telling jokes, if that's what you're considering."
"I should hope not!" A new voice heartily echoed from the back of the room. "That's my job."
Niles Ellis, the Courtier. Jason and Richard had found him prowling the areas near Buckingham Palace late at night, havng stumbled onto a plot to bomb the Palace. He'd begun working with them regularly after that. He was a slight man, wiry and agile. In battle he carried a thin rapier and bounced around in his gaudy red and blue costume, remniscent of a 17th century court jester's outfit, hence, his name. Jason was glad for his exuberant (if oft irritating) presence, for he lent a lightness of hear to the team, and could always be counted on for a smile.
"You chaps discussing what the bigwigs'll do, no?"
"We were. What do you think?" Richard asked softly.
"They'd bloody well better do it. We deserve it, I think. Those Legacy cretins were no creampuffs, not by a long shot."
"You'll get no argument from me." Jason replied, slowly moving back to the table. "One question is, how do we go about things if they do decide to recognize us?"
"We continue to do as we have done." A soft, melodious voice came from the center of the room as a glowing portal closed. Such was the chosen method of entrance for Mystick the team's resident sorceress. She'd sought out Jason shortly after the failed bombing where they'd met Courtier. They knew little of her civilian life, but her magic gave the team a much appreciated boost in strength, and she'd definitely proven her worth in the recent battle with the Legacy. Arriving with her was the newest addition to the ranks, Chorus. She had appeared only weeks ago, at the height of a pitched battle with the corrupted spirit of the Black Knight, pitching in and earning herself a place within the team. She spoke little, but when she did, the others listened. Though seemingly only in her early twenties, she displayed an understanding of events that bordered on supernatural, as did her ability to manipulate sound.
"Well, we're all here, aren't we?" Jason said, looking around the room. "The question is before us, then. What do we do if the government recognizes us? It would be ideal to operate as we have in the past months, but the attention we have gained as a result of this makes us a target, and official sanction from London will only exacerabate the matter."
"None of us is afraid of attention, or those who might seek to bring us down." Richard stated bluntly, and murmers of assent came from around the table.
"You're all agreed, then?" Nods. "Very well. Now we wait."
They did not have to wait long. The public demand was so great that it could not be ignored, and every legislator knew it. Combined with a personal appeal from the Queen, there was no other choice. At noon, the Queen Mother stood before a crowd of thousands gathered in front of Buckingham Palace.
"We know today, of forces beyond our comprehension that work to bring this great country to itsr maje knees. These evil menaces work to destroy what centuries of work have built. However, as in days past, heros arise to combat evil, and as in legend, they stride forth, triumphant. It is therefore decreed that these men and women, led by the man known only as the Night Eagle, be granted recognition and power of law within this nation's bounds. We call on them to defend this isle in time of need, to protect us from evil, if they have the will."
A rumble echoed through the open space and light filled it as one of Mystick's portals opened in midair. Four of the team passed through and the portal closed, with only Night Eagle missing.
"We see only four," Elizabeth called. "Where is your leader?"
"Sorry to be late, your majesty!" Jason's deep voice echoed from atop the Palace. His black uniform was gone, replaced by one of solid white which bore armor plating over the shoulders, and a glittering silver belt. The full-face mask remained, but adorned with a helmet, also silver. In recent months, Jason had discovered that his powers lent themselves to controlling his own motion, and as he leapt from the Palace's peak, he slowed his descent to land smoothly in front of his teammates.
"A special occasion calls for a change of attire."
The Queen sent a thin smile down. "It meets with our approval, sir. Approach, all of you."
The five heros made their way toward the daias and stopped in front of the Queen.
"You five have proven youselves worthy of the task and honor which is to be bestowed upon you, yet we know little of you. What are we to call you?"
Jason looked to the others for approval, and, at their nods, steped forward.
"Only one assemblage of heros, real or imaginary, has ever had this honor, your Majesty, therefore, we ask to follow in their steps, as the Round Table."
"A fitting name, Night Eagle. However, with this name must come a change for you, as well. Step forward and kneel."
A bit confused, Jason stepped forward. Prince Philip handed the Queen a long-bladed sword.
"If you are to lead this band, sir, then you will do it as those you name yourselves did. Therefore, I hereby dub the Knight of the Round Table. Arise, sir Knight."
Jason stood and turned to face the crowd. A cheer went up from all assembled, and the sun shone brightly as the five heros basked in the glory of their new honor. Of all assembled, only Chorus did not smile. Unseen by her teammates, a single tear slid down her cheek as she saw Jason shining in the sun. Only she knew what was to come....