MASK 2:The Next Generation
AN:This chapter will be a little less action-packed. I decided to use this one to introduce the new MASK agents. There will be a little plot advancement, so you can look forward to that.
Anyways, please read and review.
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...But Something Might Be Found...
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Darwood looked over the heavily damaged vehicle bay. The Monster, while slightly damaged, could be repaired. The Wasp androids and Rats were a complete loss, however. Worse yet, the FBI now knew of this base's location.
"A parent should never have to outlive his child." moaned Frankenstein as he picked up the pieces of the Wasp androids and Rats.
"What do we do now?" asked Gearbox.
"Right now, we salvage what we can and take it to our other base." said Darwood. "Also, there's the issue of the FBI."
"What do we do about them?" asked Flash.
"We try to find out what they're up to." said Darwood. "Hopefully, Frankenstein found their location."
"That's right." said Frankenstein. "I managed to trace the source of whoever hacked into our systems."
"Where is it?" asked Hack.
"I'll show you a map." said Frankenstein.
"Not him." said Darwood. "I want this in the hands of someone who can observe our enemies without arrousing suspicion. Blades, I want you to do it."
"Me?" asked Blades. "Oh, okay. I'll do it. Frankenstein, where's that map?"
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"I dunno, it's kinda snug." said Scooter as he tried on his MASK outfit, a green and gray jumpsuit.
"Maybe you should call the tailor." said Rocky.
"We have more to worry about than just fashion." said Gates. "There's still the issue of what Darwood and his men are up to."
"Don't worry." said Rocky. "We'll get 'em."
"I hope so." said Gates. "It'll give me something else to talk about at my retirement dinner next week."
"You shouldn't have told us that." joked Scooter. "You're gonna die now."
Jeremy had changed into his own MASK outfit, a black and red jumpsuit, and was looking over the candidates for the new MASK team. "Okay, I think I have a selection for the team. I just need your approval."
Gates walked over and looked at Jeremy's selections. "Looks fine to me." he said. "You may activate them."
"If you say so." said Jeremy. He pushed a few keys on the computer.
"Selections acknowledged." announced the computer's voice. "Displaying selected operatives in alphabetical order."
The four men turned to look at a holographic projector. The image of an athletic man in his late twenties appeared. He was wearing blue jeans, hiking boots, a yellow flannel shirt, and a denim jacket. On the back of the jacket was a road reaching off to the horizon and the words "Team Banzai".
"Personel: Chris Bush." said the computer. "Explosives and martial arts expert. Mask: Breaker."
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Glendale...
"Okay, the place is all wired up." said Chris in his thick Texas accent. He had just rigged up an old building with explosives to demolish it. "We're just about ready to take down this old eyesore and replace it with a new eyesore."
"Everybody's at a safe distance." said the foreman. "Let 'er rip."
Just as Chris was about to push the button on the detonator, his MASK watch went off. "Oh no." he said. "Look, I gotta scoot. You want the honors?"
"Sure." said the foreman as Chris handed him the detonator. Chris then ran to a Buick GSX and climbed in.
"Is Chris' wife having a baby?" asked another worker as Chris started his car.
"I don't think he's married." said the foreman as Chris drove off.
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The holographic imager dropped Chris' image and replaced it with that of a short man with black hair and a moustache. He was wearing a blue and yellow jumpsuit.
"Personel: Enzo Castaldi." said the computer. "Auto mechanic. Mask: Torque."
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El Segundo...
Enzo worked under a car on a lift while singing in Italian.
"That's a nice song." said his co-worker. "What is it?"
"It's 'American Pie' translated into Italian." said Enzo. "For some reason, there doesn't appear to be an Italian word for 'Chevy'." he joked.
The co-worker laughed. Just then, Enzo's MASK watch went off. "You know, I tell you what." said Enzo. "Since you have such fine taste in music, I'll let you finish this car."
"Thanks." said the co-worker as Enzo jumped into an old Fiat X1/9 and drove off.
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The holographic imager replaced Enzo's image with that of a young Chinese man wearing blue jeans and a "Free Tibet" t-shirt.
"Personel: Wei Chang." announced the computer. "Heavy vehicle driver. Mask: Charger."
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Burbank...
Wei slowly backed the truck he was driving up to the loading dock. After he got it back as far as it would go, he set the brakes and climbed out.
"Nice job, Wei." said the dock foreman. "We'll get this thing unloaded and you can put this rig away."
"Thanks." said Wei. It was right about this time that his MASK watch went off.
"On second thought, I'll put it away." said the foreman. "You go do what you gotta do."
"Thank you, sir." said Wei. He ran over to a Chevy SSR and climbed in.
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Wei's image was replaced by the holographic image of a very tall, muscular man with brownish-blond hair. He was wearing a green and yellow jumpsuit.
"Personel: Kenny Harrison." announced the computer. "Survivalist. Mask: Noah."
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Will Rogers State Historic Park...
A man closed in on a California condor caught in a trap. "I'm going to make somebody a very proud owner of you." he said.
Just before he was about to take the condor into custody, Kenny jumped out of the bushes and tackled the trapper. "Don't you know that guy is on the protected species list?" he asked. Kenny quickly had the man handcuffed and took out his radio. "Teri, this is Kenny. I got the trapper."
"Good work, Kenny." said Teri over the radio. "I'll be there in a minute."
Suddenly, Kenny's MASK watch went off. "Uh oh." said Kenny. "Where can I put you so you don't run off?"
A minute later, Teri showed up and was surprised to find the trapper hanging from a branch by his hands. Taped to his chest was a note that said "I got the call."
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Kenny's holographic image was replaced by an image of a brown-haired woman. She was wearing a white skirt and a red and white jacket.
"Personel: Caitlin Horowitz." announced the computer. "High speed driver. Mask: Lightspeed."
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Irwindale Speedway, Arcadia...
Caitlin drove around the track again, faster this time. "Come on, Cait." said her crew chief. "You can do it."
"I know that." said Caitlin. "The car is holding up well."
"You're almost qualified." said the chief. "Keep it going."
As Caitlin was completing her final qualifying lap, her MASK watch went off. She sped across the finish line and the chief radioed her. "That's a new best." he said. "You're qualified."
Caitlin parked the car and climbed out. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." she said. "But I have to run." She tapped her watch to show what she meant.
"Okay, but hurry back." said the chief. "I seriously think you have a shot at this race."
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The computer replaced Caitlin's image with that of a young red-haired woman. She wore a white and gray jumpsuit with red crosses on the shoulders.
"Personel: Laura Kennedy." announced the computer. "Field medic. Mask: Doctor."
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Cedars Sinai Medical Center...
An ambulance pulled into the emergency entrance of the hospital. Laura and her partner quickly jumped out and carried out a man on a stretcher. "Two-car accident, minor head trauma." she announced. "Possible internal bleeding."
"Thanks, we'll take him from here." said the doctor. As the doctors took the man away, Laura's MASK watch went off. The doctor looked over the man and said "I think Laura's right. This guy does have internal bleeding."
"Let's get him to the O.R." said another doctor.
The first doctor turned to Laura and told her "Good call, Kenne..." but she was gone.
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Laura's image was replaced by one of a man with curly reddish-brown hair. He was wearing brown dungarees, a white Aran sweater, and a brown bomber jacket. On the back of the jacket was an Irish coat-of-arms.
"Personel: Liam O'Grady." said the computer. "Helicopter pilot. Mask: Twister."
Liam's image was replaced by the image of a young blond man wearing sunglasses and a blue and white jumpsuit.
"Personel: Max O'Grady." said the computer. "Infiltration expert. Mask: Whisper."
"Two O'Gradys?" asked Scooter.
"Cousins." said Jeremy. "Liam's from Ireland and Max is a resident Angelino."
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Somewhere over Beverly Hills...
"There appears to be some kind of trouble on the Santa Monica Boulevarde." announced Liam from his helicopter. "There's a two-car accident that's taking up the westbound lanes. If you're heading that way, you'd best be taking an alternate route."
"Thank you, Liam." said the disk jockey from the station. "And that was Liam O'Grady with the traffic report."
Liam's MASK watch went off at that moment. "Oh, I'd better see if Max was chosen." he said.
He flew over to Venice Beach and looked around. "Where could he be?" he asked. "A-ha!"
He found Max taking part in a skateboarding competition. "Okay, who's next?" asked the emcee.
"Please, allow me." said Max as he walked up to the ramp. He got onto his board and rolled down. He rolled up the opposite ramp and performed a rail slide. He reversed direction and did a hand plant when he reached the other side. He went back and spun in the air twice before coming back down. This time, he slid to a stop on his knees and took in the applause. In the middle of all the applause, his MASK watch went off. His cel phone followed.
"Toss it to me." he told the guy who was holding it for him. The guy tossed him the phone and Max answered it. "Hello?"
"Max, did you get the call?" asked Liam on the other end.
"Yeah, just now." said Max.
"I'm coming by to pick you up." said Liam and hung up.
"Guys, I'm outta this comp." said Max. "Something's come up."
Just then, Liam's helicopter landed in the parking lot and Max ran to it. "Let's go." said Liam.
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Max's holographic image was replaced by the image of a native American man wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and a blue vest.
"Personel: Michael Rainwolf." announced the computer. "Scientist. Mask: Heat."
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Redondo Beach...
Michael took a sample of water collected from the ocean and compared it with the results of a test performed the previous year. "The polution levels appear to be decreasing."
"So the process is working." said his assistant. "I guess we can be thankful for that."
"Don't be so sure." said Michael. "There are still some areas we have to look into."
"I can look into those if you'd like." said the assistant.
"I'm not sure." said Michael just before his MASK watch went off. "Well, I suppose you'll have to. I've got another problem to take care of."
"Oh, okay." said the assistant. "Good luck."
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The computer dropped Michael's image and announced "Personel selection complete."
"Personel approved." said Gates. "Assemble Mobile Armored Strike Kommand...Two."
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Within a couple of hours, the new agents had gathered at the secret base. They were seated in chairs in the meeting room.
"This is kind of exciting." said Kenny. "We've been chosen for the new team."
"Yeah, I love all this intense waiting." said Max sarcasticly.
"I agree." said Caitlin. "When's the new leader going to get here?"
"Right now." said Jeremy as he entered with Scooter and Rocky. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Jeremy Sanchez, the team leader."
"Nice threads." said Wei as he looked over Jeremy's outfit.
"Thanks." said Jeremy. "But that's not important right now. We have a mission to discus."
"Aye, go ahead." said Liam.
"As you may be aware," said Jeremy "there has been a rash of electronic equipment heists over the last few weeks and we have discovered the group behind them."
"It's a team of convicted criminals led by Malcolm Darwood." explained Scooter. "We believe they are continuing a series of heists performed by an organization called VENOM."
"VENOM was the organization opposed by the original MASK." briefed Rocky.
"Wait, Malcolm Darwood?" asked Chris. "I think I've demolished buildings for him in the past."
"That's the one." said Jeremy.
"Uh, it probably doesn't matter," said Enzo "but can you tell what the stolen equipment is for?"
"Uh, that's beyond my expertise." said Jeremy half-embarrassed. "Scooter might know."
"I have a list, but it all appears to be unrelated." said Scooter.
"Let me take a look at it when you get a chance." said Michael. "I think I might be able to find a connection."
"Speaking from first-hand experience," briefed Jeremy "this group is very well-armed and well-equipped. I think it would do us well to practice with our own equipment before engaging Darwood's group."
"I second that." said Kenny. "I'd hate to go in there and find myself completely outgunned."
"Okay, everybody go and get changed." said Jeremy. "I'll see you at the test site in half and hour."
"On my way." said Chris. After that, everyone got up and headed for the locker rooms. Laura stayed behind, lost in thought.
"Hey, red! You coming?" yelled Rocky.
"Oh, uh, yeah." said Laura as she got up and followed.
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In the locker room, Max, Enzo, and Kenny changed out of their street clothes and into their MASK outfits.
"So, what's your story?" asked Max as he zipped up his jumpsuit.
"I used to be a mechanic in the Italian army." said Enzo as he checked his tool kit. "I was discharged following a classified assigment, the details I cannot divulge at this time."
"Ah, you can tell us." said Kenny. "We ain't got nothing to hide."
"Well, okay." said Enzo. "It involved a group of men. They wore shirts, weighed in between 100 and 300 pounds, and were similarly sworn to secrecy."
"Never mind." said Max.
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In the ladies' locker room, Caitlin and Laura got into their MASK outfits.
"So what do you think?" asked Caitlin.
"Nice." said Laura without really looking.
"Is something wrong?" asked Caitlin. "You've been distant and distracted since the briefing."
"It's that blonde guy with the sunglasses." said Laura. "I know him from somewhere, but I can't remember where."
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Out in the hallway, Chirs and Liam were comparing the designs on the backs of their jackets.
"This is me family crest." explained Liam. "It is my way of showing support for the clan O'Grady."
"This is for nothing so traditional." said Chris of his jacket. "This, of course, represents my favorite movie of all time, 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eighth Dimension.'"
"I've heard of that movie." said Michael. "It's a real sci-fi cult classic."
"Hey, guys!" yelled Max as he entered. "Are we just about ready to go?"
"Aye, we're just waiting on everyone else." said Liam.
"Okay, guys." said Jeremy as he entered. "Let's get ready."
The other agents joined the rest of the team. "Are we ready to go?" asked Enzo.
"Yeah, we're ready." said Jeremy. "Everybody report to the vehicle bay."
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In the vehicle bay, the agents were introduced to their vehicles.
"Unfortunately, we only had the budget for six vehicles." said Jeremy. "That means the other six of us are going to have to ride shotgun."
"So who gets what?" asked Wei.
"We've already reserved vehicles for myself, Rocky, Liam, Caitlin, Max, and you, Wei."
"That one's mine!" said Rocky as he spotted a custom Harley, a perfect clone of the one he destroyed rescuing Jeremy and Agent Gates.
"That one's yours, Liam." said Jeremy as he pointed to a red Saturn Ion Redline. The sides had graphics that looked like tornadoes.
"Please tell me this one's mine." said Caitlin as she spotted a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo with white lightning bolt graphics across the hood and sides.
"It's yours." said Jeremy. "This one's mine." he added as he looked at a blue Corvette with light blue racing stripes and dark blue side stripes.
"Sweet!" called Max as he looked at a gray Nissan Xterra with a rather hefty-looking brush guard and graphics of a bear on the sides. "This one is definately mine."
"And that one over there is Wei's." said Jeremy as he pointed to a white Kenworth with a large fuel tank on the back. The signs on the doors and the panels on the sides of the tank read "Fuel Basics Industries".
"Nice." said Wei as he nodded approvingly.
"Okay, as I said, half of us will be riding shotgun." said Jeremy. "So, here goes. Chris rides with Liam, Michael rides with Caitlin, Enzo rides with Max, Scooter and Kenny ride with Wei, and since she didn't say anything during the briefing, Laura rides with me."
"Uh, okay." said Laura.
"Hey, do these vehicles have names?" asked Chris.
"Oh yeah, they do." said Jeremy. "I've called my Corvette the Skyhawk. Rocky's Harley is called the Warhorse, Liam's Saturn is called the Ferret, Caitlin's Lamborghini is called the Lightning, Max's Xterra is called the Bear..."
"Seems appropriate." said Max as he looked at the graphic on the door.
"...and Wei's tanker is called the Mammoth." finished Jeremy.
The agents climbed into their vehicles and fastened their seatbelts. Scooter surprised almost everybody by climbing into the Mammoth through the hatch on the large fuel tank.
"Don't mind him." said Rocky. "We've got a command center hidden in there."
"Alright, let's go." said Jeremy. With that, the agents started their vehicles and pulled out.
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Outside, they saw a section of dirt road begin. Gates was standing by the start of the road. Jeremy ordered the vehicles to halt.
"Before we go any further, I'd like to introduce someone." said Jeremy. "This is Lawrence Gates, FBI. He's the man who put together this team."
"Thank you, Jeremy." said Gates. "I'm going to have to ask you to wait a little on starting the race. I've invited some distinguished guests and they're not here yet."
"Oh." said Jeremy. "Sorry, guys. Looks like we're going to be here a little longer than I thought."
Off in the distance, a man in a blue Volkswagen activated his radio. "This is Blades." he said. "Send backup. Something big is happening."
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AN:I can see I've gotten a couple of reviews. I'll address them here:
Broadcast 2000-Well, I'm glad to have brought an end to your wait. Don't worry, I'm not going to leave it at this.
Harry2-I wasn't planning on it at first, but I think I can do that.
For this chapter's profiles, I'll turn the spotlight on our two tech-heads, Scooter and Dr. Frankenstein.
Scooter
Real name:Jack Marshall
Allegiance:MASK 2
Position:Computer Expert
Birthplace:Seattle
Mask:Glytch (projects a beam that scrambles computer programs)
Vehicle Code Name:none
Bio:Always having prefered a computer to social interaction, Scooter became an expert in all manner of computer science. He was hired by a technological firm to fix a defense algorithim in their computer system, a task he could do via the internet. During this operation, he witnessed the Foxes' heist over the webcam and ran to the police. The FBI and MASK 2 tapped him soon after.
Dr. Frankenstein
Real name:Charlie Weller
Allegiance:The Foxes
Position:Cyberneticist
Birthplace:New Haven
Mask:Droid (puts a target under mind control for five minutes)
Vehicle Code Name:none
Bio:A constant victim of bullies in high school, Frankenstein turned to his studies. Inspired by Japanese robot anime, he focused on computer programming and human anatomy to start building his own robots. He failed to acquire backing for his company until Malcolm Darwood stepped in. He agreed to back Frankenstein in exchange for building the Foxdroids.
Thank you for reading. We shall continue.
AN:This chapter will be a little less action-packed. I decided to use this one to introduce the new MASK agents. There will be a little plot advancement, so you can look forward to that.
Anyways, please read and review.
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...But Something Might Be Found...
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Darwood looked over the heavily damaged vehicle bay. The Monster, while slightly damaged, could be repaired. The Wasp androids and Rats were a complete loss, however. Worse yet, the FBI now knew of this base's location.
"A parent should never have to outlive his child." moaned Frankenstein as he picked up the pieces of the Wasp androids and Rats.
"What do we do now?" asked Gearbox.
"Right now, we salvage what we can and take it to our other base." said Darwood. "Also, there's the issue of the FBI."
"What do we do about them?" asked Flash.
"We try to find out what they're up to." said Darwood. "Hopefully, Frankenstein found their location."
"That's right." said Frankenstein. "I managed to trace the source of whoever hacked into our systems."
"Where is it?" asked Hack.
"I'll show you a map." said Frankenstein.
"Not him." said Darwood. "I want this in the hands of someone who can observe our enemies without arrousing suspicion. Blades, I want you to do it."
"Me?" asked Blades. "Oh, okay. I'll do it. Frankenstein, where's that map?"
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"I dunno, it's kinda snug." said Scooter as he tried on his MASK outfit, a green and gray jumpsuit.
"Maybe you should call the tailor." said Rocky.
"We have more to worry about than just fashion." said Gates. "There's still the issue of what Darwood and his men are up to."
"Don't worry." said Rocky. "We'll get 'em."
"I hope so." said Gates. "It'll give me something else to talk about at my retirement dinner next week."
"You shouldn't have told us that." joked Scooter. "You're gonna die now."
Jeremy had changed into his own MASK outfit, a black and red jumpsuit, and was looking over the candidates for the new MASK team. "Okay, I think I have a selection for the team. I just need your approval."
Gates walked over and looked at Jeremy's selections. "Looks fine to me." he said. "You may activate them."
"If you say so." said Jeremy. He pushed a few keys on the computer.
"Selections acknowledged." announced the computer's voice. "Displaying selected operatives in alphabetical order."
The four men turned to look at a holographic projector. The image of an athletic man in his late twenties appeared. He was wearing blue jeans, hiking boots, a yellow flannel shirt, and a denim jacket. On the back of the jacket was a road reaching off to the horizon and the words "Team Banzai".
"Personel: Chris Bush." said the computer. "Explosives and martial arts expert. Mask: Breaker."
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Glendale...
"Okay, the place is all wired up." said Chris in his thick Texas accent. He had just rigged up an old building with explosives to demolish it. "We're just about ready to take down this old eyesore and replace it with a new eyesore."
"Everybody's at a safe distance." said the foreman. "Let 'er rip."
Just as Chris was about to push the button on the detonator, his MASK watch went off. "Oh no." he said. "Look, I gotta scoot. You want the honors?"
"Sure." said the foreman as Chris handed him the detonator. Chris then ran to a Buick GSX and climbed in.
"Is Chris' wife having a baby?" asked another worker as Chris started his car.
"I don't think he's married." said the foreman as Chris drove off.
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The holographic imager dropped Chris' image and replaced it with that of a short man with black hair and a moustache. He was wearing a blue and yellow jumpsuit.
"Personel: Enzo Castaldi." said the computer. "Auto mechanic. Mask: Torque."
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El Segundo...
Enzo worked under a car on a lift while singing in Italian.
"That's a nice song." said his co-worker. "What is it?"
"It's 'American Pie' translated into Italian." said Enzo. "For some reason, there doesn't appear to be an Italian word for 'Chevy'." he joked.
The co-worker laughed. Just then, Enzo's MASK watch went off. "You know, I tell you what." said Enzo. "Since you have such fine taste in music, I'll let you finish this car."
"Thanks." said the co-worker as Enzo jumped into an old Fiat X1/9 and drove off.
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The holographic imager replaced Enzo's image with that of a young Chinese man wearing blue jeans and a "Free Tibet" t-shirt.
"Personel: Wei Chang." announced the computer. "Heavy vehicle driver. Mask: Charger."
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Burbank...
Wei slowly backed the truck he was driving up to the loading dock. After he got it back as far as it would go, he set the brakes and climbed out.
"Nice job, Wei." said the dock foreman. "We'll get this thing unloaded and you can put this rig away."
"Thanks." said Wei. It was right about this time that his MASK watch went off.
"On second thought, I'll put it away." said the foreman. "You go do what you gotta do."
"Thank you, sir." said Wei. He ran over to a Chevy SSR and climbed in.
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Wei's image was replaced by the holographic image of a very tall, muscular man with brownish-blond hair. He was wearing a green and yellow jumpsuit.
"Personel: Kenny Harrison." announced the computer. "Survivalist. Mask: Noah."
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Will Rogers State Historic Park...
A man closed in on a California condor caught in a trap. "I'm going to make somebody a very proud owner of you." he said.
Just before he was about to take the condor into custody, Kenny jumped out of the bushes and tackled the trapper. "Don't you know that guy is on the protected species list?" he asked. Kenny quickly had the man handcuffed and took out his radio. "Teri, this is Kenny. I got the trapper."
"Good work, Kenny." said Teri over the radio. "I'll be there in a minute."
Suddenly, Kenny's MASK watch went off. "Uh oh." said Kenny. "Where can I put you so you don't run off?"
A minute later, Teri showed up and was surprised to find the trapper hanging from a branch by his hands. Taped to his chest was a note that said "I got the call."
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Kenny's holographic image was replaced by an image of a brown-haired woman. She was wearing a white skirt and a red and white jacket.
"Personel: Caitlin Horowitz." announced the computer. "High speed driver. Mask: Lightspeed."
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Irwindale Speedway, Arcadia...
Caitlin drove around the track again, faster this time. "Come on, Cait." said her crew chief. "You can do it."
"I know that." said Caitlin. "The car is holding up well."
"You're almost qualified." said the chief. "Keep it going."
As Caitlin was completing her final qualifying lap, her MASK watch went off. She sped across the finish line and the chief radioed her. "That's a new best." he said. "You're qualified."
Caitlin parked the car and climbed out. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." she said. "But I have to run." She tapped her watch to show what she meant.
"Okay, but hurry back." said the chief. "I seriously think you have a shot at this race."
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The computer replaced Caitlin's image with that of a young red-haired woman. She wore a white and gray jumpsuit with red crosses on the shoulders.
"Personel: Laura Kennedy." announced the computer. "Field medic. Mask: Doctor."
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Cedars Sinai Medical Center...
An ambulance pulled into the emergency entrance of the hospital. Laura and her partner quickly jumped out and carried out a man on a stretcher. "Two-car accident, minor head trauma." she announced. "Possible internal bleeding."
"Thanks, we'll take him from here." said the doctor. As the doctors took the man away, Laura's MASK watch went off. The doctor looked over the man and said "I think Laura's right. This guy does have internal bleeding."
"Let's get him to the O.R." said another doctor.
The first doctor turned to Laura and told her "Good call, Kenne..." but she was gone.
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Laura's image was replaced by one of a man with curly reddish-brown hair. He was wearing brown dungarees, a white Aran sweater, and a brown bomber jacket. On the back of the jacket was an Irish coat-of-arms.
"Personel: Liam O'Grady." said the computer. "Helicopter pilot. Mask: Twister."
Liam's image was replaced by the image of a young blond man wearing sunglasses and a blue and white jumpsuit.
"Personel: Max O'Grady." said the computer. "Infiltration expert. Mask: Whisper."
"Two O'Gradys?" asked Scooter.
"Cousins." said Jeremy. "Liam's from Ireland and Max is a resident Angelino."
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Somewhere over Beverly Hills...
"There appears to be some kind of trouble on the Santa Monica Boulevarde." announced Liam from his helicopter. "There's a two-car accident that's taking up the westbound lanes. If you're heading that way, you'd best be taking an alternate route."
"Thank you, Liam." said the disk jockey from the station. "And that was Liam O'Grady with the traffic report."
Liam's MASK watch went off at that moment. "Oh, I'd better see if Max was chosen." he said.
He flew over to Venice Beach and looked around. "Where could he be?" he asked. "A-ha!"
He found Max taking part in a skateboarding competition. "Okay, who's next?" asked the emcee.
"Please, allow me." said Max as he walked up to the ramp. He got onto his board and rolled down. He rolled up the opposite ramp and performed a rail slide. He reversed direction and did a hand plant when he reached the other side. He went back and spun in the air twice before coming back down. This time, he slid to a stop on his knees and took in the applause. In the middle of all the applause, his MASK watch went off. His cel phone followed.
"Toss it to me." he told the guy who was holding it for him. The guy tossed him the phone and Max answered it. "Hello?"
"Max, did you get the call?" asked Liam on the other end.
"Yeah, just now." said Max.
"I'm coming by to pick you up." said Liam and hung up.
"Guys, I'm outta this comp." said Max. "Something's come up."
Just then, Liam's helicopter landed in the parking lot and Max ran to it. "Let's go." said Liam.
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Max's holographic image was replaced by the image of a native American man wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and a blue vest.
"Personel: Michael Rainwolf." announced the computer. "Scientist. Mask: Heat."
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Redondo Beach...
Michael took a sample of water collected from the ocean and compared it with the results of a test performed the previous year. "The polution levels appear to be decreasing."
"So the process is working." said his assistant. "I guess we can be thankful for that."
"Don't be so sure." said Michael. "There are still some areas we have to look into."
"I can look into those if you'd like." said the assistant.
"I'm not sure." said Michael just before his MASK watch went off. "Well, I suppose you'll have to. I've got another problem to take care of."
"Oh, okay." said the assistant. "Good luck."
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The computer dropped Michael's image and announced "Personel selection complete."
"Personel approved." said Gates. "Assemble Mobile Armored Strike Kommand...Two."
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Within a couple of hours, the new agents had gathered at the secret base. They were seated in chairs in the meeting room.
"This is kind of exciting." said Kenny. "We've been chosen for the new team."
"Yeah, I love all this intense waiting." said Max sarcasticly.
"I agree." said Caitlin. "When's the new leader going to get here?"
"Right now." said Jeremy as he entered with Scooter and Rocky. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Jeremy Sanchez, the team leader."
"Nice threads." said Wei as he looked over Jeremy's outfit.
"Thanks." said Jeremy. "But that's not important right now. We have a mission to discus."
"Aye, go ahead." said Liam.
"As you may be aware," said Jeremy "there has been a rash of electronic equipment heists over the last few weeks and we have discovered the group behind them."
"It's a team of convicted criminals led by Malcolm Darwood." explained Scooter. "We believe they are continuing a series of heists performed by an organization called VENOM."
"VENOM was the organization opposed by the original MASK." briefed Rocky.
"Wait, Malcolm Darwood?" asked Chris. "I think I've demolished buildings for him in the past."
"That's the one." said Jeremy.
"Uh, it probably doesn't matter," said Enzo "but can you tell what the stolen equipment is for?"
"Uh, that's beyond my expertise." said Jeremy half-embarrassed. "Scooter might know."
"I have a list, but it all appears to be unrelated." said Scooter.
"Let me take a look at it when you get a chance." said Michael. "I think I might be able to find a connection."
"Speaking from first-hand experience," briefed Jeremy "this group is very well-armed and well-equipped. I think it would do us well to practice with our own equipment before engaging Darwood's group."
"I second that." said Kenny. "I'd hate to go in there and find myself completely outgunned."
"Okay, everybody go and get changed." said Jeremy. "I'll see you at the test site in half and hour."
"On my way." said Chris. After that, everyone got up and headed for the locker rooms. Laura stayed behind, lost in thought.
"Hey, red! You coming?" yelled Rocky.
"Oh, uh, yeah." said Laura as she got up and followed.
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In the locker room, Max, Enzo, and Kenny changed out of their street clothes and into their MASK outfits.
"So, what's your story?" asked Max as he zipped up his jumpsuit.
"I used to be a mechanic in the Italian army." said Enzo as he checked his tool kit. "I was discharged following a classified assigment, the details I cannot divulge at this time."
"Ah, you can tell us." said Kenny. "We ain't got nothing to hide."
"Well, okay." said Enzo. "It involved a group of men. They wore shirts, weighed in between 100 and 300 pounds, and were similarly sworn to secrecy."
"Never mind." said Max.
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In the ladies' locker room, Caitlin and Laura got into their MASK outfits.
"So what do you think?" asked Caitlin.
"Nice." said Laura without really looking.
"Is something wrong?" asked Caitlin. "You've been distant and distracted since the briefing."
"It's that blonde guy with the sunglasses." said Laura. "I know him from somewhere, but I can't remember where."
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Out in the hallway, Chirs and Liam were comparing the designs on the backs of their jackets.
"This is me family crest." explained Liam. "It is my way of showing support for the clan O'Grady."
"This is for nothing so traditional." said Chris of his jacket. "This, of course, represents my favorite movie of all time, 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eighth Dimension.'"
"I've heard of that movie." said Michael. "It's a real sci-fi cult classic."
"Hey, guys!" yelled Max as he entered. "Are we just about ready to go?"
"Aye, we're just waiting on everyone else." said Liam.
"Okay, guys." said Jeremy as he entered. "Let's get ready."
The other agents joined the rest of the team. "Are we ready to go?" asked Enzo.
"Yeah, we're ready." said Jeremy. "Everybody report to the vehicle bay."
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In the vehicle bay, the agents were introduced to their vehicles.
"Unfortunately, we only had the budget for six vehicles." said Jeremy. "That means the other six of us are going to have to ride shotgun."
"So who gets what?" asked Wei.
"We've already reserved vehicles for myself, Rocky, Liam, Caitlin, Max, and you, Wei."
"That one's mine!" said Rocky as he spotted a custom Harley, a perfect clone of the one he destroyed rescuing Jeremy and Agent Gates.
"That one's yours, Liam." said Jeremy as he pointed to a red Saturn Ion Redline. The sides had graphics that looked like tornadoes.
"Please tell me this one's mine." said Caitlin as she spotted a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo with white lightning bolt graphics across the hood and sides.
"It's yours." said Jeremy. "This one's mine." he added as he looked at a blue Corvette with light blue racing stripes and dark blue side stripes.
"Sweet!" called Max as he looked at a gray Nissan Xterra with a rather hefty-looking brush guard and graphics of a bear on the sides. "This one is definately mine."
"And that one over there is Wei's." said Jeremy as he pointed to a white Kenworth with a large fuel tank on the back. The signs on the doors and the panels on the sides of the tank read "Fuel Basics Industries".
"Nice." said Wei as he nodded approvingly.
"Okay, as I said, half of us will be riding shotgun." said Jeremy. "So, here goes. Chris rides with Liam, Michael rides with Caitlin, Enzo rides with Max, Scooter and Kenny ride with Wei, and since she didn't say anything during the briefing, Laura rides with me."
"Uh, okay." said Laura.
"Hey, do these vehicles have names?" asked Chris.
"Oh yeah, they do." said Jeremy. "I've called my Corvette the Skyhawk. Rocky's Harley is called the Warhorse, Liam's Saturn is called the Ferret, Caitlin's Lamborghini is called the Lightning, Max's Xterra is called the Bear..."
"Seems appropriate." said Max as he looked at the graphic on the door.
"...and Wei's tanker is called the Mammoth." finished Jeremy.
The agents climbed into their vehicles and fastened their seatbelts. Scooter surprised almost everybody by climbing into the Mammoth through the hatch on the large fuel tank.
"Don't mind him." said Rocky. "We've got a command center hidden in there."
"Alright, let's go." said Jeremy. With that, the agents started their vehicles and pulled out.
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Outside, they saw a section of dirt road begin. Gates was standing by the start of the road. Jeremy ordered the vehicles to halt.
"Before we go any further, I'd like to introduce someone." said Jeremy. "This is Lawrence Gates, FBI. He's the man who put together this team."
"Thank you, Jeremy." said Gates. "I'm going to have to ask you to wait a little on starting the race. I've invited some distinguished guests and they're not here yet."
"Oh." said Jeremy. "Sorry, guys. Looks like we're going to be here a little longer than I thought."
Off in the distance, a man in a blue Volkswagen activated his radio. "This is Blades." he said. "Send backup. Something big is happening."
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AN:I can see I've gotten a couple of reviews. I'll address them here:
Broadcast 2000-Well, I'm glad to have brought an end to your wait. Don't worry, I'm not going to leave it at this.
Harry2-I wasn't planning on it at first, but I think I can do that.
For this chapter's profiles, I'll turn the spotlight on our two tech-heads, Scooter and Dr. Frankenstein.
Scooter
Real name:Jack Marshall
Allegiance:MASK 2
Position:Computer Expert
Birthplace:Seattle
Mask:Glytch (projects a beam that scrambles computer programs)
Vehicle Code Name:none
Bio:Always having prefered a computer to social interaction, Scooter became an expert in all manner of computer science. He was hired by a technological firm to fix a defense algorithim in their computer system, a task he could do via the internet. During this operation, he witnessed the Foxes' heist over the webcam and ran to the police. The FBI and MASK 2 tapped him soon after.
Dr. Frankenstein
Real name:Charlie Weller
Allegiance:The Foxes
Position:Cyberneticist
Birthplace:New Haven
Mask:Droid (puts a target under mind control for five minutes)
Vehicle Code Name:none
Bio:A constant victim of bullies in high school, Frankenstein turned to his studies. Inspired by Japanese robot anime, he focused on computer programming and human anatomy to start building his own robots. He failed to acquire backing for his company until Malcolm Darwood stepped in. He agreed to back Frankenstein in exchange for building the Foxdroids.
Thank you for reading. We shall continue.