Beta:omnimercurial
My next day began with an improvised shower in my sink, a meager breakfast in the form of a slice of greasy old pizza and some grimace inducing horrible tea. It doesn't even come close as an improvement for my mood at all, but again, nothing in the near or distant future is probable as a means to do so either, not reliably anyway.
After my reluctant breakfast, I spent the rest of my morning and most of the daytime also, busy reading and scrolling my way on the internet about my new world. Not even with the aid of James, or the slow manifestation of my new memories was I able to prepare myself for the information bomb which I needed to process
First of all, there are three very real Kaiju busy roaming the world and destroying cities, slaughtering people and shredding the fabric of Civilisation piece by piece. Between the Trio of Terror Drones, we have a psychic pseudo angel in the form of the Simurgh, a highly mobile and persistent water disaster in the form of Leviathan and last but not least, a hazardous and extremely radioactive fire monstrosity called Behemoth.
The best part, or worst part really, is that no one after many years of attacks from the Conflict Engines unleashed upon us, have even come slightly close in managing to kill any of them, only achieving the illusion of being able to drive the Unnatural Disasters away after hideous numbers of deaths and injuries taking their toll.
The second piece of information I was able to gather after much effort, was about my new Power. I was a Tinker... A person with exceptional technological capability and scientific knowledge stored deep inside their head, or at least through a relay to a Shard that grants access to the ability needed to build such advanced and game changing technologies.
Most Tinkers cannot mass produce their creations, as their works usually have need of exotic, rare or expensive materials, in addition to being very high in maintainence requirements. What is worse, is their mysterious operating principles that are black boxed, which can also complicate matters by making such devices very unintuitive to operate or be used by anyone other than the Tinker that made them.
The vast majority of Tinkers are those who are unable to craft more than their own personal gear. However, there is among the World's population of Capes, a very rare subset of Tinkers, that are on record as having partial or full Mass Production capabilities.
There is the lauded and famed Guild Hero known as Dragon, as well as the far less well known Cape called "Masamune", formerly a Hero of what used to be the Japanese Island of Kyushu.
It would seem that I am in possession of a Tinker specialisation, which grants me admission to the exclusive club which Dragon and Masamune are in. But with it's own unique flavour, not to mention the mixed curse and blessing of being able to craft and deploy horrifically powerful Weapons of Mass Destruction on an industrial scale and output... With the right specific types of resources anyway. There would though be a rather hefty downside however, as while Tiberium can self propogate, I would still need to spread it far and wide, for the best set of outcomes for both production and combat.
At first, I was happy about my new ability, until I understood what the Government, the Gangs and many other dubious, questionable organizations would be willing to do, if they found out my capabilities while still in the early stages of Tinker build up.
Besides being able to create weapons and technological miracles, which were advanced far beyond our Society's tech level, I also have something which every Government and ambitious power behind the scenes will desire. We are living in highly Destructible Times, the hostile Capes that contest each other can be bane enough in the damage they do, but when we have horrors such as Behemoth roaming freely and making use of it's monstrous output and control over radioactivity, fire and other energies... The impact from it laying waste to vital resources such as Oilfields and other energy sources like Nuclear Power, is that of a very real threat to our Species and the Planet itself.
I alone have the Divine Gift known as Tiberium, only I can provide means to use it safely and salvage the Earth from the existing threats. I hold forth the lever to move the World and the fulcrum to shift fate itself! The profound and profane wonder, the magnificent and toxic crystal, with which can Humanity can move to resolve the growing World energy crisis.
I couldn't give Tiberium to the PRT. It will only lead to the creation of another GDI... With superhuman Capes as their Soldiers.
Maybe I am too cautious, perhaps paranoid even after little more than a partial sift through of these memories. The facts remain that the PRT is a tool and implement of a pseudo capitalist organization, formed here in the heartlands of the most capitalized country in the world.
The only Superpower left intact on Earth, why would they ever deign to share a Strategic Resource with everyone, when it would loosen their monopoly of wealth and military might.
There could only be one outcome, the only likely result would be the witholding of Tiberium to themselves, justifying said actions by saying it's too dangerous for anyone to use. Anyone but themselves anyway.
I will NOT allow the radiant glow of Tiberium's light to be imprisoned and shackled!
There is no longer tolerance in me to stand by as petty greed proliferates, with the corrupt and debased pulling each other down like crabs in a bucket, each full of primitive desperation to be on the top of a crumbling ruin of rot, decay and a fail state for everyone else.
The idea of the Gangs in my proximity being any better suited for what I hold here, was frankly laughable and not even a consideration. My new home here in the City of Brockton Bay, was going to be in need of a trustworthy guardian for Tiberium, it was sorely in need of someone capable and willing to guide things with One Vision, One Purpose!
For few indeed were those that were tempered by experience and gifted with the insight needed to disperse, cultivate and control Tiberium and it's inherent capacity for change and growth.
I will become a Clown, a laughing and dancing madman with my own Pistol in my mouth, far before I could ever even dream of the possibility, of considering letting Nazis, or other varieties of foul Slavers think of using Tiberium for their twisted ideals... Though they could perhaps be of some use as experimental test subjects?
My thoughts range wildly for far too long, so with that line of thought brought to a conclusion, my plans for the day begin to gain shape and depth. I soon stand and begin my search for appropriate clothes and a few other items to prepare for what is to come.
The Gangs of East and West were a problem, but the last group of Criminals known as the Archers Bridge Merchants posed problems in many other ways.
Not a credible threat like the E88 and ABB, but not something to disregard entirely considering how unpredictable they can be. My newer and older memories both, didn't really paint them in any kind of positive light. It was entirely possible that if they encountered Tiberium, that not long after Brockton Bay would be afflicted with some bizaare form of Tib based Narcotic.
Sadly the status quo here in Brockton Bay all left me with only one possible option to move forwards with. To do everything needed for Tiberium to bring about the ideal Epoch... I would be forced to undertake things all by myself, at least for now anyway. But my current circumstances living in the most troubled and poverty stricken part of the city, do provide me with a most welcome set of opportunities. After all, the Brotherhood of Nod, is always there, ready and willing to act as the protector and guide for the weak, disaffected and the desperate.
Given the choice, I would prefer to start with the Scrin tech tree, given it is the most advanced and has the most immediate variety of ways to accelerate my plans. Sadly though, it is not anything close to possible at the moment. My power set is not without it's own quirks and weaknesses. The required number and scale of resources to build Scrin technologies without pre-existing infrastructure and or precursor Tech of Nod or GDI origin, they are simply immense and impractical to achieve in any reasonable timescale.
I would need at least, the entire industrial might of a small country to begin with, that is not even counting the more intensely essential componemts such as the Scrin Reactor and Wireless Power Transmission that the Scrin make use of to micronise their Vehicular and Autonomous Units. The Scrins technology was and still is beyond anything this World can build unless it was with the aid of another Mass Production Tinker like Dragon or Masamune.
While the GDI tree is more than possible for me to explore and pursue, it would also be quite a drain in the sheer requirement of logistic trains and resources to get set up and established and that is before making an MCV.
Originally the GDI was a union of the richest G7 countries that decided to exploit Tiberium and monopolize it for themselves. So for now, this is why the Nod Tech Tree is the only practical option to move forwards with. After all, NOD faced the same set of problems as I do currently, a lack of initial starting resources, processing and fabrication facilities as well as an appropriate work force with a good education.
'First of all, I need to create the first seed crystals of Tiberium, any more definite plans of action can be rebalanced and decided upon after that.' with these thoughts echoing within, James closed the door to his home and departed to begin the exploration of Brockton Bay. He had a pressing drive and desire to begin prospecting, any good amount of resources would be far less hard to extract and make use of with the aid of Tiberium.
Figuring out exactly what he would need to create small bunch of Tiberium crystals was not exactly clear to him, his instincts seemed to know what his conscious mind did not however.
(Two weeks later)
TWO WEEKS! It took him two weeks to gather the specific resources he needed to create Tiberium. Some of them were more than easy to find such as diesel, rubber, coal, steel etc. The harder parts were the rarer earth metals needed to trigger the other chemicals, this was not just molecular synthesis, it was also programmed matter and a seed of Fungal and Plant Matter that he was able to mutate and then combine. This mixture then needed to be altered further via exposure to types of radiation known and unknown to Human Science.
Finally he was ready, Biomatter kept Alive, laced with Programmed Bioplastic and Memory Metal inside a Containment Unit composed of seven microwaves and a salvaged Loud Hailer. All arranged to create an exotic chain reaction and force everything to phase together, recombine and birth the first Tiberium to grace the Sol System.
For Two days straight, he was forced to risk his life and scavenge amidst rusted metals and hazardous chemicals, searching and fighting off viscious feathered and furred vermin in the wrecked and abandoned hulks wallowing in the Boat Graveyard.
Avoiding the meandering and unpredictable movements of Merchants patrols, was also a trial to tolerate and manouveur around. An absolutely frustrating pain in the ass that he struggled to handle, the smack heads and junkies often causing trouble that forced him to remain in hiding, amidst unmentionable trash and debris.
He was almost caught by Mush on an occasiom in which he was forced to steal a barrel of chemicals from the junkyard.
He didn't know it was Mush's territory, which was a huge mistake on his part. So he had been rolling the Barrel at speed with minimal concessions to stealth or caution, if a brawl with Hookwolf had not erupted nearby, then things may have gone badly for him.
'I need to learn more about the defined borders and businesses in the gangs territories. Next time I could be stumbling into something and it could be someone like Hookwolf a few meters away instead of a half stoned Mush. The thought of encountering Bakuda would be even worse! That particular Psycho would almost certainly attempt to catch me and torture me if she finds me in a partial Tinker Fugue following a bizaare instinct to resources.'
He took comfort in knowing that at least he had now gathered most of the ingredients in his basement slash cheap apartment. Now he only had to undertake the final steps, which involved the most risky not to mention illegal elements left.
Originally Tiberium wasn't a crystal but plant-like pods. Only after some time and evolution did it become a crystal. Time would not wait for things to progress from Seed Pods, to Blossom Trees and other Xenoformed Flora and Fauna. For the Brotherhood to rise and lay claim to Brockton Bay, then the World... He would need to speed up the evolution process.
A Merchant Dealer aided into unconciousness with a Crowbar to the Skull, had secured him a meager supply of premade Crystal Meth, also known as Methamphetamine in more scientific terms. Sadly only a tiny baggie which would not be nearly close enough, for what he needed.
Then a bit of luck in finding an old X-Ray Machine from the 1950's in an old abandoned Dentist Surgery, some several dozen models of old Luminous Clocks, all painstakingly scraped to acquire the Cadmium painted upon them. Lastly, a Radar Gun from a Police Motorcycle that he had swiped from the Scene of a Car Crash, with the Police Officer luckily kept busy and distracted.
PHO aka Parahumans Online, had charmingly defined the nature of Tinker Tech working, as being... Tinker Bullshit.
Not an entirely wrong assessment ultimately, as even I was mystified as to how the hell the methods to achieve this would work. I would just have to go with the flow and embrace whatever comes next.
At least the Tiberium was unable to negatively effect my own biology, something that my Power was informing me rather clearly of, much to my great sense of relief and a slowly building excitement.
Somehow I was lucky, by a certain definition of Lucky anyway.
Here in my neighbourhood, the Merchant's territory was expansive and overlapping, competing drugdealers gathered, argued and made sales. Hell, there was one right now across the street from this very building.
So now I need to make my way over and try to buy around about fifty or so grams of Crystal Meth. Not something I ever really imagined myself doing it had to be said. At least it was all in aid of a good cause, I just have to hope that if any Cops are down this way today, they are the corrupt or lazy kind.
After ensuring my door was adequately closed and locked, I head on over the street straight to the guy I need. When I always used to see street dealers in the movies in drug deals, I always thought they couldn't look shady as hell. I mean, it was counterproductive to gather attention by having a black hoodie, old blue jeans and a very suspicious backpack, but my guy over here? Hell no! He was dressed to look exactly like that, shifty as anything, a really bad smell too damn it!
The second I get close, the guy started smiling. Like I was an old customer who always bought something from him on the regular. I wanted to be insulted by it, but again I probably look like shit myself right now. My hair was dirty, and my facial hair was growing something fierce, I would definitely need to have it cut as soon as possible. At the very least, my leather jacket and black jeans weren't dirty, old clothes, but in pretty good condition.
"Yo, my man, what can I get you today." after his words, I started to look around, just to make sure no one was looking at us. Surprisingly no one cares. Maybe it was customary to ask what kind of drug you want to buy directly on a Merchants territory.
'I never bought any drugs before, so what do I know?' with that thought, I asked, "Do you have any Crystal Meth?"
"Of course I do, Bro! Roy also has some weed, crack, or if you want something mindblowing, there is a new synthetic chemical drug I got a hold of just yesterday." Roy was eager to sell me something. Maybe too enthusiastic, but again, who I am to judge, considering I will soon create one of the most dangerous substances on the planet.
"Just crystal meth, quality doesn't matter", I interrupt him before he could continue his sales pitch.
"I get it, I get it, bro. Here it is" he took small plastic back to show me the product, and again before he could continue talking, I raised my hand to stop him.
"I need fifty grams of crystal meth as soon as possible. Preferably today or tomorrow" after my words, he just froze. Before we could continue, he started walking and, with his hand, give me a signal to follow.
After we left the main street and turned into the backstreet, he looked at me again.
"Are you a cop?" now, there was an edge to the guys' voice. I wasn't sure if he has a gun or a knife, but my fistfight chances weren't exactly good right now either.
"No, I need it for a party. Arcadia High and New Wave level of party" now was the time for my acting talent to shine.
"Bullshit" accurate and straightforward answers were the best kind, in my opinion, but not right now.
"I study at Arcadia High, and before you ask, I do this to raise myself some money. Rich kids are the best buyers, especially when Panacea is nearby and can heal them up from any drawbacks" I was proud of myself for not stumbling and managing to keep my cool.
"You want me to believe that those rich kids from Arcadia High... The place where heroes and their brats study, use drugs during parties and that afterwards they have Panacea healing them?" the guys' voice was still doubtful, but I can see that he was slowly buying the picture I wanted to present.
"I don't need you to believe in anything. To be honest, I don't care if you believe me or not. I need you to sell me fifty grams of meth. Tomorrow preferably."
"It will cost you six grand" now he was setting the price, which was good.
"Four grand, it is a price for good meth. Considering that the, merchants are not exactly known for quality, I think I am overpaying you here" it was true, or at least I think it was true. Also, I can't spend more anyway. The Sister of James... Or my Sister now I guess? She was still was in the Hospital and considering the current situation for our family, our accounts of money weren't limitless, we were barely getting by really.
"Tomorrow at noon, I will wait for you at Fugly Bob's. If you are working for the Cops, my Bros will find you." after that, he left. I didn't stay long either.
'Well, it wasn't that hard, besides the dark alley part.'
The next day we met again, this time at Fugly's Bob. The guy has the same clothes on as he did yesterday. Pretty rank, but I can't complain, considering I also didn't change, except for glasses and some leather gloves, don't want to leave fingerprints or get recognised easily if I can help it.
I make a point to order myself a small portion of french fries with cola, before sitting down.
When I get comfortable enough in my seat, Roy takes a very cliched paper bag out and puts it on the table. Before I can take it and look inside it, Roy's hand zips out to grab it and stop me.
"Money first"
Slowly I nod, then open my jacket and take out some Paysafe cards from the inside pocket. Forty cards in total, each card was worth 100 dollars.
"What the hell is this bro!" Roy angrily whisper. He was half ready to start running at any second.
"This is a safe and untraceable way of paying for the product I require." my voice was calm and reassuring, and with my stare, I tried to keep him in place. People once told me I have a hard look. Maybe my green eyes, which have strangely become even brighter since the trigger, have made this more effective on people?
"Forty cards, each one of them is hundred dollars. You can take cash from an ATM with them, or you can buy things online, or whatever you want to do."
Considering he wasn't running with my Crystal Meth, I could sort of conclude that he is still interested. After a few minutes, finally, he took the cards and gave me the brown paper bag.
"You are a really strange dude, and I do NOT want to see you ever again." with his piece said, Roy, left without looking back.
I, on the other hand, finished my meal and went home. I was soon busy, my focus spent on the next few hours deep in my basement, carefully combining and modifying some tech to produce my long awaited Tiberium.
(A few hours later)
When I had eventually got all the required products and chemicals mixed and prepared, the process really sped by at a blistering pace. Still, it the power surges had the light bulb above me flickering and I hoped that none of the other lights in the building were being effected in the same way.
The Microwaves were humming with power, a ripple visible around the Machinery, Sonic Shockwaves and Resonance were used at key moments to effect phase state, which was a lot louder than I expected. At least two hours were needed to build the small Anti-Gravity emitting shield around the core of the Containment Module where the produced Tiberium will be.
My laptop and tv were necessary casualties to make, but it was a good exchange, considering all the Tech that was being run simultaneously while bombarding the Core with all kinds of Radiation.
"Now the final part, please don't blow up, please don't blow up"
The entire fifty grams of Methamphetamine were being slowly shattered and slowly put together, amassing into a new form of Crystalline Matter that began to glow, a shining green mess just above the ground.
Instead of an explosion, I got a small earthquake as the Sonics and Radiation intensified, a toxic and caustic green fog arising, in which anyone within who breathes it in, was doomed to Mutation or Death.
Thankfully I was immune to it.
"Yes!" I couldn't even hope to keep my scream internal, my joy overflowing. Like one particular person had once said, "Science bitch!" If this is what tinkers feel every time they build or create something, I understand why they don't like being controlled. It was pure euphoria, the best drug in the world, no side effects either... For me anyway.
The Anti-Gravity Field is functioning as a Shield now, it is supplemented by the heavily modified Loud Hailer and an old Phone pumping out Sonic Emissions to surround the newly formed set of five green crystals.
These are vital to maintain control of it's spread and limit it's dispersion to only the preordained area they are around. Part of me wants to disable containment of it and let the Tiberium grow on its own, then do the same around the city. Only my desire to build other planned beauties in my Tech Tree's managed to prevent me from acting on such short sighted and idiotic stupidity.
"Click"
A sudden sound from behind startled me and forced me to slowly turn around. There behind me, was a man with a gun. He was about 6 feet high, maybe a bit smaller than I am. Old, with a fantastic moustache that connects to his whiskers. His blue eyes were calm and calculated. That point of my observation kind of makes me worry, especially considering he was pointing a gun at me.
"Kid, start talking, I advise doing so quickly, before I call in the Protectorate." his British accent is clipped and cold, which makes it quite clear he wasn't in the mood for any bullshit.
"He-he-he Mister Price, I can explain," I said the first thing I got on my mind.