Unknown
The table was lined with colorful characters. Alice sipped her tea as the Black Knight described the wonders they'd see in the Crystal City. His verbiage was a whirl of wondrous wizardry describing the games they'd play.
The Peacock was practically preening. She was filled with delight at the thought of broken and splintered buildings.
The Jabberwocky was chortling to himself at the challenges inherent to the location—so many Champions and not a vorpal sword in sight.
The Ogre sharpened his ax and a large knife. There were armies already fighting in Crystal City. Such alert prey would be a challenge. The Ogre lived for a challenge.
The Two-Faced Woman stared blankly into her plate. Her quiet face was out today but the other would show when it was time to play. Black Knight always saw it so.
The Tigress purred in confinement to herself Crystal City was a jungle of steel and glass but a jungle nonetheless. She would enjoy stalking its shadows.
The Clown chuckled but that's all he ever did. No one knew if he understood or not.
The String Jointed Doll was taking things more seriously. He was preparing clever things to use for likely ills he'd face.
"Alice dear you have hardly touched your cake aren't you excited?" the Black Knight enquired
"Extremely but like the Doll I have my worries I suppose I should prepare. We do not wish our art to disappoint. I will go out to the garden and see what flowers I might pluck." she answered.
The Black Knight nodded as she left. Once away from the table, she sighed in dismay.
"What use is this pale illusion of freedom when it only comes in my dreams?" she asked.
A smile appeared before her. followed by luminous blue eyes, and finally slowly a cream and tan cat leaked into existence in a reverse fade out.
"You will find most forms of freedom are an illusion. But for our own sake, we must embrace this delusion. Hope is your weapon Riley my girl. the only one you have against that fiendish churl."
"I'm in no mood for riddles and rhymes today, speak plainly, please."
"You're making progress even if you can't see the road. You are not alone with this heavy load. I have guided others into your path. They will draw out the Black Knights' wrath."
"He'll kill them. He moves in ways that are hard to predict like all knights. He has surrounded himself with pawns who protect him, myself included. In the waking world, my memories and anger are still locked away."
"Those who are waiting will not play fair. Their powers and skills are strong and rare. While the odds are still high, I admit on the level. If he goes beyond them, he will face the Devil."
Heading over the Third Avenue bridge.
Chevalier stood with Prism and Adamant looking out from the truck. The Parahuman prisoner transport craft was flanked by PRT SUVs filled with agents ready to defend the main truck. They were taking no chances. The Teeth would attack the slightest sign of weakness to free Animos. This show of strength should keep the Butcher away long enough to get the caravan well outside of the city and away to the Birdcage.
The Punks were being paid to tag along in their APC-like van following the procession guarding the rear. Suddenly Chevalier knew something was wrong, all of his gear felt off, too heavy and hard to maneuver. It was like somehow Animos had managed to make his scream despite their countermeasures.
"Open the door and check on the prisoner! Something is wrong!" he called out
Prism followed through on the order Adamant seemed to be having just as much trouble with his metal coverings. The truck came to a sudden halt as she opened the door. Prism held the handle to fight the inertia as she looked back into the holding pin. Animos was still restrained and in human form The side of the truck however was ripped open as she watched.
Rather than the expected Butcher however was a nightmare of equal standing for heroic capes. Hatchet Face grinned evilly as he made his way toward Prism. He walked past the twin glowing pylons without regard for the field they were making. Beyond him, the Punks Van pulled forward releasing Diesel out the back. She advanced with the third pylon unknowing that it wasn't the Butcher who'd entered the trap.
Prism slammed the door and locked it pulling a lever to flood the back with confoam. "We have to get out, forward, it's the Nine!" she yelled to her companions. Chevalier gritted his teeth, dropping his weapon and doing a quick release on the outermost sections of his armor. He and Adamant ran toward the doors Prism was hot on Chevalier's heels.
As the Heros headed out the door they found a scene of pandemonium. Outside of Hatchet Faces range forward Crawler had broken out of a moving van. He was hacking apart the lead PRT SUV. From behind the Siberian was doing the same to the rearmost. Behind them, Diesel was firing into the transport with her high-caliber machine guns. The other punks had rushed out Ray and Cyber were racing back toward the Siberian. Atom had lept on top of the transit van. She was looking down on the other side from Diesel.
Chevalier pointed toward Crawler "There is no point in going for Siberian move forward and drive Crawler back. I will get the punks to join our push."
Both his fellow heroes took off as Chevalier made his way to the Punks van. Steam was flipping switches and yelling orders.
"We have to break out of here. Getting past Crawler is our best bet."
"That's the smart move. That's why I'm sure they plan on us doing that. Don't worry we're getting Hatchet Face out of here."
"How?"
"Grit determination and courage." He responded. Then after a pause he added. "High explosives. Will help too."
"WHAT?"
The transport came apart near the center, both ends moving away from each other. Atom, having completed whatever task had caused the split, rode the front end then jumped away and headed out. The separation revealed a torn interior and slashed clouds of foam. Hatchet Face stumbled as the flooring broke away. Diesel charged forward latching onto both arms with her claw-like metal hands. The top of her body separated from the lower section and tracks. Ports on her back spewed flames as rockets lifted her and Hatchet Face into the air and off the bridge. Seconds later a massive explosion rocked the bridge as that portion of her body exploded.
"You should be able to get your sword now. Don't worry about Ray and Cyber. They know they can't hurt Siberian so they are baiting her to buy time. I think with the time they buy I can modify the stasis field to repel the Siberian. At least hold her at bay for a while so go, don't worry about me I'll be right behind you!" Steam exclaimed.
Chevalier decided to take advantage of what they had done. With his power restored he knew he should have the power to knock Crawler around and force him away so they could get past him. Snapping back on the discarded parts of his armor he picked up his sword and took off running for Crawler. Behind him he heard something moving. Glancing back he saw the remains of Diesel reconfiguring. As the armor panels moved he could see a clear sphere with a human brain before it vanished behind the reconfigured panels. She changed into a thin insect-like form armed with slashing blades. It looked like someone mixed a snowmobile with a praying mantis.
"Hop on sugar no need for you to hoof it," the Cyborg said as she neared him.
Chevalier grabbed a hold and boarded while stabilizing his cannon blade. As soon as Crawler came into his sites and his allies were clear he fired. The blast knocked the bizarre creature away. His attack opened a path for Prism and Adamat to follow up with attacks of their own. Atom joined their assault jumping atop a car and firing into the creature with her new confoam sprayer.
Chevalier shouted "He has enzymes that break that down, it won't work for more than a moment. Focus on his eyes and mouth. With your gun, you can temporarily open blind spots for us to use."
The gasmask-clad Cyborg nodded and changed her targeting as Chevalier spoke orders to Diesel. She moved as directed and lined up another shot. The PRT agents armed with sprayer backpacks were moving cars. They foamed them to each other to make barricades against Crawler while rushing their fellows off the bridge.
Chevalier fired another blast moving Crawler further away. He then looked back to see the Punks APC screaming forward engine redlining. Beyond that, the Siberian was staring at a glowing field projected by the three teleportation inhibitor fields. Her arm was inside the field and had taken on a smokey less substantial appearance. She pulled it back and it returned to firmness immediately. With a shrug, she smashed the floor under the center unit. It fell into the river and the field shorted out.
"We have to move," he announced.
"On it sugar you hold on. Keep blasting that bitch while we get everyone out of here! I'll keep you ahead of her."
Steam paused the APC dash and doors opened to allow the slowest most heavily laden agents in. Ray and Cyber who were riding on the back via handholds jumped off. Each ran and grabbed another injured or slower agent and rushed off with them. Both were booking it as fast as their augmented legs could take them.
Siberian picked up speed slicing apart barriers and shoving cars out of the way. Before she exited the bridge Lasers rained down upon her blowing a hole under her and sending her falling into the river.
Legend came down out of the sun. Surveying the river coast for the monster's return. Not seeing her he turned to blast Crawler with beams. He kept at it until the monster's skin turned silvery. the beast then crawled into the river himself to escape the barrage. Seeing neither surface again he checked on the back half of the transport. He found Animos had either been intentionally freed or managed to escape during the chaos. In the distance, a scream rippled through the air. The large towers having been adequately protected held firm. All along the street unprotected items shattered from the sonic attack of Shatterbird. That confirmed the Slaughterhouse Nine were in his city. What was already a dangerous situation was now headed to outright disaster.
Aetherial Traveler
"So it appears the Butcher didn't fall into our trap." Legend stated as he landed on the deck.
"Understatement of the year sugar. That went south about as fast as a millionaire upon hearing Florida has no income tax." Diesel was sitting in a new smaller trashcan-like robot body. It was obviously inspired by a Star War astromech droid.
"Are you going to be alright? We didn't find much of your body. We did find enough hunks of Hatchet Face to confirm that you killed him."
"Better now that I heard that! Might pay for building me a new upper torso."
"Please tell me they found the sunken field generator." Steam inquired
"They did. It doesn't look good. I hope it's repairable."
"As do I, old boy. More than that I hope it's data is recoverable. It did do something to that monster. Maybe we can learn from it."
"This situation has definitely taken a turn for the worse. I am authorizing payments from the emergency fund if you will stay here and keep backing us up."
"We would be dastardly cretins to leave now in your hour of need. Surely we are better than that my fellows!" Ray exclaimed.
"Yes yes, Ray we are most definitely not the sort to give up in the face of adversity. However, that being said we will have to be smart and work on our gear. The Nine has some heavy hitters. They are nothing to be taken lightly. Your man Chevalier wasn't upset we didn't leap at every command, was he? Because we know each other's powers best and what we can handle." Steam inquired.
"You didn't step out of bounds. I'm still not thrilled at the severity of the firepower your crew uses. So long as you keep up your safety record I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. The low collateral damage too. What did you use to split the bus?"
"Atom cut the hull with a monowire blade then used a tractor/repulsor unit to split them apart. One time use so it was rather expensive. Money won't keep you alive when a literal ax murderer is coming for you so it was worth the price old boy."
"Definitely. While I can't cover that expense I can share some confoam sprayers and grenades from our stores. That might help defray some of your costs."
"Legend, you are an oasis of gentlemanliness among a desert of graceless jackanapes. Is there any other information you have before we start updating our gear and weapons?" Steam inquired.
"Well, we now know what drew the Fallen and started this mess. There was a group of smugglers looking to make a handoff to a group of hired mercenaries. All working for parties unknown. The smugglers turned over a collection of material samples scavenged from Endbringer battlefields. The Fallen somehow were alerted to this and came to claim these relics of the so-called Gods. Presumably to use as religious icons. The Teeth seem to think Accord is behind the purchase of the collection. They are looking to hold it as leverage against Accord. they plan an attempt to retake their territory in Boston." Legend explained.
"Accord? How in the hell does that fit his MO? Sounds particular if you ask me. Can I get you anything to drink Sugar? We got coffee, tea, sodas, and bottled water."
"I will take a bottled water, Miss Diesel. Thank you. I'm not sure we believe that either. If he is involved it would be my guess he's another middleman."
"So you were confronting these smugglers?" Cyber asked.
"No, unfortunately, Jack Slash and Bonesaw didn't leave much to confront."
The group grew markedly somber. They nervously glanced about at each other
"The Nine who have a bio tinker in possession of Endbringer scraps. That is a less-than-ideal situation, old boy." Steam finally said.
"With respect, I believe this is the sort of emergency that would justify its use," Cyber said to her boss.
Legend looked from one to another letting his inquiry be spoken by body language alone.
"Just so, old girl but none of us can use it. Legend old boy are you willing to place your fate in the hands of a less than we'll understood bit of tinker tech?"
"What are we talking about?"
"A computational engine, that can discern facts about the future. It gives amazingly accurate information that is guaranteed to be of great benefit to you. However, once used, that individual can not again use the device." Steam explained.
"Side effects?"
"The existential horror at trying to figure out how the damn thing knows so much. Not to mention the continued debate on whether it predicts or creates the future it reveals." the sci-fi cowboy said getting up to lead the way.
"Having worked with Watchdog I'm no stranger to either of those. Where did you acquire it?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Don't even think about trying to remove it from the ship either. Bad things tend to happen to people who try to acquire it by anything less than a fair bargain. The term Monkey's Paw comes to mind."
"I've seen quite a bit. I bet I would believe you."
"It was in a crashed Martian warship that I looted. They stole it from an alternate timeline only to find the damn thing, cursed them to disaster. It put itself in my path to get back into human hands as fast as possible." Steam explained as he led down a corridor and into a room that featured a cloth-wrapped object.
"Okay you win, I find that hard to swallow."
"I don't doubt you would. It's among the stranger tales I've been a part of."
He pulled away the cloth revealing a waist-high box of brass with a velvet top. Above that was a glass booth. Mounted inside the booth was a crude human bust similar to a clothing store mannequin. The figure was dressed like a turban-wearing carnival wizard. At the very top of the case spelled out in glowing lights was The Prognosticator.
"Is this a joke?"
"If it is, I certainly am not laughing. Because some god would have to be playing it. Now think of your question carefully, you only get one."
Legend pondered then shrugged and stepped forward. He glanced at the instruction to place his hand here. Putting his hand upon the spot indicated on the glass he asked.
"How can I best protect New York from its most pressing threats?"
The figurine moved its eyes opening and Legend was transfixed. The eyes did not look fake. They weighed down upon him like the pressure of the depths. It was as if oceans of time flooded his world from those sea-green eyes.
"The most pressing threat is the one you do not see. A false angel seeks to cause disunity at a critical juncture. Falsehoods have been spoken amongst those who stand against the golden god. Clear the air with the truth now so reconciliation can be found before disaster strikes."
The machine returned to its waiting mode. A small paper card ejected between the brass and glass. Upon one side of the card were the words the machine had uttered, the other had seven lucky numbers
"What was that? Do you understand what it said?"
"Sorry old boy everyone claims it speaks to them but no one else ever hears it. Those watching just see it move about pluck a card and then put it in the slot.
"I won't ask what is written from your reaction I take it that it said something very personal.
"Sorry if it didn't help old boy. It's a quirky little widget sometimes. Hold onto the card even if it's not immediately useful it will be eventually it always is. Sometimes we're told what we need to know over what we desire to know."
"I have to go. I'll tell Chevalier to coordinate with you soon." Legend instructed.
Steam nodded in affirmation as Legend turned walked briskly back to the deck and flew away. The Punks gathered at the Prognosticator.
Removing a plate Steam flipped some switches and then put his hand on the glass.
"Cast the Tarot Celtic Cross, please."
He watched the machine come to life pull a deck from its sleeve shuffle it then deal.
"I hope there was an improvement. I dislike deceiving a hero even by omission." Ray opined.
Steam nodded. "He's a good fellow but mixed up in some shady business it seems. Nothing seems to have changed for us. The Commander of Swords is Jack Slash. His judgment comes when he reaches the Devil. We all know who that is I almost feel sorry for him. I would if he had an ounce of humanity left."
"How does out hunting the Butcher here send Jack Slash toward Brockton." Cyber fretted
"Haven't the foggiest old girl. The only one who might is that damn cat. Who has time for it's riddles?"