A/N: Okay, this chapter shouldn't be too long but will set up for what's to come. BTW, the italic sections of the chapter are the news report given by Shelley Sandoval. I wanted it to appear as an actual news broadcast, so there's no "she said..." or "Shelley responded..." Just so you don't get confused. Now, on with the story.
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Static Force, Chapter 17: End of Days
Static couldn't quite believe his ears as he listened to Gear's evaluation of the situation. It appeared Alva had move whatever team he was currently bringing together into full active service, as the city was all but under siege by the Meta-Humans.
"So, from estimated reports that's where we stand," Gear said, shaking his head tiredly as he stared at his partner. "Looks like Alva is taking a page out Ebon's book by spreading out his team to attack locations all over the city. We can't consolidate our efforts in stopping this."
"No doubt that's Alva's plan," RubberBand Man replied, crossing his arms as he leaned against the nearby wall. "We'll have to think this out carefully."
"Unfortunately," Static said, noticing with a heavy heart that he was not the only person to look so completely spent. The entire team was suffering the effects of the brutal pace the seven of them had undertaken while trying to save the city. It was an inside joke between them all that it would not be the villains that finally proved victory over them, it would be the fatigue. "We don't have time to take this slow. Gear, you and Grendel work out locations and plan the attack. The rest of us will have to get ready."
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We interrupt your regularly schedule program to bring you this special news bulletin.
"Good evening, I'm Shelley Sandoval, reporting to you live from our studios in downtown Dakota. As many of you are aware, our city, as so many before, has fallen into the dishearteningly growing fraternity of cities that face the constant and continual threat of Meta-human crime.
"Like the cities of Metropolis, Gotham and Keystone, Dakota is now amongst the ranks of those suffering the never-ending threat to peace and prosperity. Our city has become a haven of doubt and despair, where we have come to question the abilities of our courageous men and women of law enforcement in their capacity to protect us.
"Over the past several weeks, Mayor Godfree has implemented a hard-line stance of no tolerance for any member of the Meta-Human community within the boundaries of our city. The controversial move however, has done little to deter the efforts of those who would use their powers for ill-gain."
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Static propelled himself above the rooftops of Dakota, praying his hesitation would not be too costly. Gear and Grendel had divided everyone's assignment, but it was Static who chose to pull Talon from duty. Her leg had not fully healed, and he wanted someone to maintain communications from headquarters. It took him five additional minutes he was sure he could not spare to convince her to remain behind, but ultimately the feathered Bang Baby relented and went somberly to the consol to monitor the team's progress.
Upon arriving at the business district, Static's worse fears were confirmed. Large portions of the seemingly endless arrangement of office buildings were missing significant sections of their façade. People on the whole were running madly from the scene of carnage as well as the violent drama played itself out to the helpless citizens.
Sighing desperately at the carnage, the young man was most grateful for the simple fact that it appeared only property damage had been sustained up to this point. However that could quickly change given the coming arrival of firefighters and police officers that could be heard from the distance, making their way to this paradigm of disorder in the hopes of desperately regaining control of the situation.
"Static," Talon's voice sounded from the communicator at the hero's ear, "Just received a report from both Gear and Shebang. They've made contact with their targets and are engaging. But...it's not going well."
A sharp stab of guilt and desperation tore through the young man's center, not so much that his friends were being, for all intents and purposes outmatched, but because there were no other options open in dealing with the crisis at hand than to separate the team and deal with it as best as possible. His lack of choices seemed to steal his power in handling the disaster.
"Alright Talon, keep me posted." The electrically charged youth responded as he continued his frantic search for the villain responsible. He didn't have far to go however as he soon came face to face with the Bang Baby who caused all the notable destruction. And despite his best efforts, Static was unable to suppress the slither of fear that made its way down his spine.
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"The creation of the Special Crimes Unit as well, was unable to foil many of the Meta-Human attacks directed at civilian oriented attractions. If nothing else it only increased Meta-Human activity as those bent on their anarchical mission viewed the specially equipped policing force as a challenge. Dakota, for lack of a better word, was at war.
"As this journalist, as many others around the city have reported, not two days ago the so-called Meta-Breed met their defeat battling the SCU. It is my duty to inform you of the inaccuracy of our initial report," a pause followed the last words as Shelley allowed the gravity of what was being said sink into her unseen audience.
"Recently, through anonymous sources, Channel 7 News has come into possession of video footage of the battle waged between the Meta-Breed and the heroic Bang Babies who have recently sided with Static Shock in a battle that resulted in the Meta-Breed's capture. The following video, obtained from installed security cameras, clearly shows the battle that incapacitated the villainous Meta-Humans, followed by the entry of the SCU taking into custody of the familiar criminals."
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Starburst glared at the hero as he sized up his potential victim, contemplating how best to handle the confident young man. "So you little sparkplug, how've you been?"
Static's mind swam with the realization of the rogue before him, not fully understanding the situation. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought that would be obvious even to you Static, I'm destroying parts of the city. You see, this tired old town has always bored me. I thought a new look was in order."
Quickly snatching at the earpiece in his right ear, Static was met by the soulless chuckle of the young physicist before him. "Don't worry, I'm not siphoning your power that way again. You'd already figured that out once and doing something twice isn't my style." Extending his index finger to show the glowing electrical aura, Starburst smiled broadly.
"You see, as I'm sure you know, Mr. Alva recently arranged the release from prison of Dr. Menace. Together, with my knowledge of physics and his understanding of electrical absorption, we designed this suit. All I have to be is within fifty feet of any power source and my power increases exponentially. And what better power source is there in Dakota than you?"
Sneering angrily at the boasting criminal, Static sent a burst of electricity at the chest of Starburst, only to have the specially designed suit absorb the discharge. "You see? I'm a living energy cell...and you Static, are the biggest battery in Dakota."
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"As you can see from our exclusive footage, the safety of our city was not guaranteed by members of the elite SCU, but by the heroes of Dakota who have fought time and again to preserve the fragile sanctity of our often way of life. In truth, our footage reveals the true threat of Dakota is not the Bang Babies themselves, but not having them to protect us.
"The Meta-Breed, as are many other villainous Bang Babies, are beyond our ability to deal with. And though recent legislation had driven the heroes of Dakota underground, it is nice to see they are still among us, to defend our lives.
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"You realize of course, this is probably a trap."
The words RubberBand Man said to the group now haunted Static as he battled the empowered Starburst. At last report from Talon, communications with Grendel, Permafrost and Gear were lost, and Shebang was fighting hurt. His team was being picked apart, and he had not heard from Talon in over a half an hour, causing increased worry that she too may have been taken, meaning Alva knew their headquarters' location. But regardless, he pushed all concerns from his mind and focused his attention on the battle at hand.
Spinning his board in a fast-moving spiral, Static successfully dodged Starburst's attack. The hero was having less than moderate success, doing no more than fighting a defensive battle in the hopes of establishing a strategy. Every attack thrown at the brilliant scientist was merely absorbed into his suit and redirected in greater force, a few of which found their way to some part of the hero's body, causing him to wince in pain with every move.
"Face it Static, the champion of Dakota is nothing more than a washed out has been."
The words gave Static an idea however, and turning his attention to desperately search the streets, Static found a nearby hydrant and sent a burst of electricity to tear the top of it away. The geyser of water bursting up through the city streets distracted Starburst long enough for Static to fly quickly to the funnel of moisture and, settling himself close enough not to short himself out, he used his disc to redirect the flow of water onto the boasting scientist.
"You know what happens when water and electricity mix Brian? Instant electrocution."
"The name is Brandon you self-diluted idiot. Brandon! How the hell hard is it to remember my name is Brandon!" The rambling criminal replied, shaking his head angrily while sending another blast of electricity towards the hero, knocking Static against the wall of a nearby building.
Winded by the blow, the hero fell forward onto the roof of the lower building before shaking off the confusion and pain before looking skyward towards his enemy.
"Oh, I must have forgotten to tell you the new little feature regarding my suit. I took my powers from you, Static, not the weakness. I didn't want to accidentally fry myself if ever I should fight in a rainstorm, so I made it water proof. Amazing what technology can achieve nowadays."
Gritting his teeth in pain and frustration, Static pushed the building fog from his mind as he lifted himself to a semi-standing position. "You know what Bernard?" the hero taunted, summoning his flying disc to him as he jumped on and projected himself towards his attacker. "YOU TALK TOO MUCH!"
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"The apparent revelation regarding the defeat of the Meta-Breed casts into question other issues of Mayor Godfree's recent stance against Bang Babies. As you may recall, shortly after the defeat of the villainous team of Meta-Human's, a press release was issued commending the heroic actions of the SCU in the capture of the Meta-Breed. The information regarding the events leading to that capture however, are now brought into question.
"Regarding recent events concerning the now known video footage, Mr. Robert Hawkins, community leader and head of the Dakota Youth Civic and Community Center as one on our city's most outspoken advocates against the generalization that all Bang Babies should be treated as outlaws had this to say. 'It is a sad day when a community turns its back on its heroes, a day when we as a society paint all members of the same class with the same brush. It is the same mindset and same harsh mentality that leads to racism, segregation, and alienation, to so many other problems that face our society today.
'We as community leaders as well as parents must recognize the contributions of the few, not the actions of the many. In today's society when young kids are being pressured into drugs, gangs and other burdens that make life more a challenge than a blessing, it is important that those kids have a viable role model in which to look up to. Though I am hesitant to criticize our current administration, I cannot help but think that recent actions have placed a wedge between those we should respect, and the rest of our community.
'Our city needs our heroes.'
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Static opened his eyes slowly in response to the offending light that assaulted his senses, becoming aware of his surroundings only when he made to shield his eyes with his hand and found himself unable to do so. Darting his eyes quickly around the chamber, the hero found himself chained, his arms extended above his head. A low humming was heard emanating from the belt strapped around his waist, the noise growing louder as he attempted to use his powers to free himself.
"Ah, your finally awake." Alva said, speaking from the raised observation booth that overlooked the holding area the hero had found himself in. Staring from right to left, Static saw the other members of his team in similar restraints, scattered about the chamber. "I'll be right down."
"Give it up man," RubberBand Man said from Static's right side, speaking softly so only the hero could hear. We can't break out of this mess. These belts are doing something to inhibit our powers."
"Well...not really," Shebang said, a confident smile crossing her face as she spoke even quieter. "They only stop Bang Baby powers. I'm not a Band Baby so I still got mine. I think I can break out of here, and maybe short out the control device to free us. It could be our only chance to escape."
Static considered the proposal as Alva smoothly entered the room, flanked by members of his Meta-Superior. Each member of Static's team bristled as they stared at the villain that had apparently subdued them. "Well since you're all acquainted there's no need for introductions," Alva stated, the confident smile forming across his lips. I'm sure you've already figured out my goal...seeing as how you infiltrated my secured computer files."
"Don't think we haven't made copies of that either," Gear stated, angrily tugging at his bindings. "I've rigged the computer to forward the complete documents to the SEC if we don't administer the code word once a day, just a safety precaution incase we needed it."
Alva laughed at the comment, throwing his head back in genuine amusement as he considered the notion. "A charming bluff dear boy, but the SEC is not likely to investigate a claim that comes from an illegal download of information, especially information that comes from the illegal hacking of privately own business accounts. And even if by chance they chose to investigate, that file is long since deleted. But even if it weren't, it'd be quite a gamble to incriminate yourself on what could easily be written off as a doctored document."
Falling silent, Gear bit his lip in frustration as Static took the opening. "So, what are you planning Alva? Why expose the mayor's lie by submitting that tape to Shelley Sandoval? What are you trying to accomplish?"
"My dear boy...I want it all."
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"At the time of this broadcast, city council has called an emergency closed-door meeting, regarding the recent events and new information. Unfortunately we have received no comment from the mayor herself, or her executive staff. For KRXN News, I'm Shelley Sandoval.
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"You see," Alva began, pacing the length of the spacious chamber and eyeing the incapacitated heroes much in the same way a caged tiger might eye those it wished to strike against. "The mayor has served her purpose, however for me to move forward, I must implement her in her own incompetent scheme. But that can only be accomplished with you out of the way."
"Explain that villain!" Grendel said, much to the amusement of the Meta-Superior.
"A rather clandestine creature aren't you?" Alva replied before continuing. "I had never expected the mayor to defeat the Meta-Breed, but I had thought the lot of you would have gone underground when she deemed you criminals. It was only a small setback that required modification of my plan. You see, with you out of the way the, shall we say, less savory Meta-Humans would tear this city to shreds. The mayor would lose her position and the governor would lose face for supporting the proposal. Who better to turn to lead the city that its most benevolent benefactor? Me."
"You did all this just to run the city?" Shebang said, her anger causing her to strain against her restraints with little effect. It appeared the exhibitor belt wasn't the only precaution Alva had taken in securing them. "You'd destroy it so you could be boss?"
"You misunderstand child. I don't intend to run the city; I intend to own it. While financing the reconstruction of many of the buildings destroyed during your little tussles with the Meta-Breed, I've also entered into deal to broker purchasing the property while under construction. It's a little known clause in the contractual agreement of every Alva Engineering project that ownership to transferred to Alva Industries. For a limited time of course, however the end date of the amendment is never stated and thus the property is held in stasis for an indeterminate amount of time. An underhanded policy to be sure, but good business is anything but good."
Silence filled the chamber as the heroes absorbed the full context of information. The plan was far more ambitious than originally considered. "Oh, by the way," Alva said, turning his attention to the gathered members of the Meta-Superior as well as Static and the captured heroes. "It seems we are one member shy."
As if on cue, the sliding, mechanical door opened as the shadowy figure entered. All eyes fixed on the feathered Bang Baby who smiled triumphantly at the shocked and unexpected looks of the heroes chained to the wall.
Turning back towards the heroes, Alva smiled as Talon came to stand by his side. "Judging by your reaction, you're obviously surprised. It must be such a curse to be so predictable."
-To be concluded