Brockton Bay PRT HQ
Rebecca Brown seldom toured the aftermath of Endbringer battles. It was usually seen as too much risk for such an important lynchpin in the Parahuman Response Team management.
She never suffered from a lack of information about them. The reports plus her intimate knowledge of the battle proceeding gave her plenty of details.
It also helped keep her two lives separated. No one who'd recently interacted with Alexandra saw her. This was not a normal situation, however. Brockton Bay had done the impossible. For the first time didn't escape to recover and strike again.
Every time a view of the bay was available she would catch people in the act of stealing looks toward it. It was a spectacle, that silvery pearl of time. It seemed to hover in the same space unconcerned with the lower water level of the current tides.
"People were overjoyed but what that is, what it means is starting to sink in. The Endbringers have done enough impossible things that escape can't be written off." Piggot expounded.
"It's a symbol of hope but no one wants to be here if hope fails." Rebecca mused.
"We've already had inquiries about tourism."
"I'm not surprised. Getting in on the ground floor of investment opportunities is a quick path to wealth. Greed will always trump some people's compassion. How are your people handling it?"
"Like everyone else who lives here, they have to keep reminding themselves it's real. When they remember the downside to it being there they are less prone to hysterical worrying. They've already got that squared away.
You'll see anger cross the faces of most of the Parahumans in the city. The E88 lost Hookwolf, we lost Velocity, Aegis, and Browbeat. Whirligig is in a coma from brain swelling and Gallant is physically recovered but emotionally a wreck."
"Let's see the fallen then. Velocity I read up on he was struck by debris. That knocked him out and he drowned before he could be picked up. How exactly did we lose two Wards."
"We've gone over the videos and armband data. Browbeat was not as able to withstand Leviathans' attacks as he or power testing thought. His self-healing covered the lack but could not keep up. Aegis ordered him to evacuate. He did not comply. Aegis moved to remove him from the battle physically. Before he could even lay a hand on the boy Leviathan eviscerated Browbeat and then stomped on Aegis. that happened just before one of the waves. The pressure and motion pulled the mostly liquefied remains of Aegis apart before he could adapt."
"That is... my God Emily that is horrifying even for one of these."
"It was. Gallant was close enough to have experienced it vicariously. It has caused some significant psychological damage."
"I imagine so."
"I want to bring Wield in to lead the team. Clockblocker knows he doesn't have the leadership skills to manage the team in such a difficult time. Gallant is not mentally up to the task. Maybe once he's had the chance to recover he'll be back on that track."
"That's going to be a Protectorate call but I doubt anyone will fight that request."
"What are we going to do about that sphere?"
"High-level meetings are going on. Tentatively the plan appears to be fortification. We could learn something from it but we can't risk cultists like the Fallen or insane predators like the Slaughter House to come near it."
The two women lapsed into silence as they rode down to the morgue. Rebecca could tell Emily had questions but didn't push them. What was coming would be hard enough. There was an emotional toil to be paid here.
Remains were being released from Protectorate hands. Professionals were taking them to morticians or loading them for transport, for those who were to be buried in other cities. A few families had come personally. Both the Chief and local Director were taking the opportunity to be available. To show the PRT was not unmoved by the tragedy.
Both had a reputation for being made of cast iron but they were human still. That mettle was put to the test in retaining composure in the face of such grief and pain. Both thought of the losses they had suffered in their personal life. Neither was a stranger to tragedy.
The morgue cleared till only one giant man remained. He was not the friend or family of the deceased. He was a PRT agent who stood at the stiffest parade rest Rebecca had ever seen
"Agent Silbern if I remember correctly."
"Yes" the enormous Austrian immigrant replied
"Kai here has volunteered. Hookwolf has no next of kin nor has anyone come forward to collect the body. No assets in his name so he will be buried by the Endbringer fund. As a co-religionist, Kai has offered to make sure the service and burial are appropriate." Emily explained.
"We do not wish to hand ammunition to our enemies. I will ensure they have no cause to say we disrespected him." Kai added.
"Very good. You suggested the strategy Director Piggot used to make him receptive to volunteering. If you don't mind I have a personal question."
"You may of course ask," Kai responded.
"I hear you hold a deep grudge against Neo-Nazis despite this do you believe Hookwolf is in Valhalla?"
"Our Valhalla is not like the Christian heaven. It is not an idyllic reward given to those who sacrifice on the earth. There is an element of reward, yes but also it is a place of training to take up new duties.
"This man was despicable for his hatred of people whose skin was not like his own. There are many like my wife and daughter who he would judge with his bigotry. I also believe there are many such warriors already in the hall.
"This man faced death bravely and died in the defense of many lives. I also believe that when he reaches the All-fathers hall he will learn not all his shield brothers match his narrow view of worthiness. It may be a long time before his brothers complete their kind instruction in the error of his thinking.
"Perhaps his education will yet to be complete when I join my kin in Odin's hall. If so I may get to join them providing him with enlightenment." Kai said with a disturbing smile spreading across his face at the thought of beating a Nazi in the afterlife.
"I see. Carry on then." Rebecca stated.
After they were out of earshot Rebecca had to ask. "Where did we find him?"
"He was a volunteer his file says he moved here after meeting and marrying his wife who is a partner in Brockton General Hospital. If I had to guess he originally came from the ninth century AD. He likely got lost at sea during a coastal raid."
Having so recently dealt with such dark and emotional work made the jest more funny by contrast. Rebecca gave a weak but very real smile as they continued down the hall.
Leaving the morgue they made for Piggot's office. Once the door closed Rebecca decided it was time to brooch a delicate subject.
"Your work here was extraordinary. The deaths, even Browbeat and Aegis', were terrible but far short of what we've come to expect from an Endbringer battle. So much so that I can't let you waste your talents here. In the wake of this battle, we are opening a new position of special Director over S class threat response. The job is now yours."
"You mean if I want it of course."
"Don't. I know you are in the middle of a pissing contest with Calvert but do not continue down that path. You have won you will be second only to me in the PRT command structure. The Guild and Protectorate members you will be dealing with are all people you know and respect and they have advanced your name for this. If you let petty rivalry ruin your future I will not only be disappointed in you, I will be genuinely upset. This is something we have needed and I have pushed for. The work you did here has allowed me to make this position real. There is a chance if you refuse it the bureaucrats will find a way to send it back to debate and kill it.
"The Protectorate and Guild have a structure more suited to response to these threats. I need a team of my own to ensure the Team on the ground is ready even when the Director of the local office is not."
"You mean this? You swear to me this is not something to remove me from Calvert's way so he can take over this office?"
"Pushing this much paper for Calvert? He broke a high profile gang he didn't knock the Simurgh from orbit." Rebecca replied with a snort of disbelief.
"What will I be doing?"
"First you have to put together a team I have lists of our best agents and their various skill sets. You will put together this unit to travel the country and world. Where you are you will have command over any S-class situation even above the local offices. This expressly includes if the zone of effect straddles more than one jurisdiction. In multinational efforts, your authority will stretch to the same limits as my own. Generally, any of our affiliates in other nations will toe the line on the threat of our pulling their support if they don't. I strongly advise being diplomatic about it, however."
"Good, then the first thing I want to oversee is that fortress being built. If I'm leaving Brockton I want to know it's secure."
Rebecca raised an eyebrow in doubt.
"I know you are going to put Calvert here. If I can't avoid giving him a reason to make a legitimate complaint against me then maybe I'm wrong for this job. If I can prove that I can work with people I hate for the greater good then maybe I am right for it." Emily responded.
"If Calvert can't handle working alongside you for a while perhaps he isn't ready to be a Director as well I suppose." Rebecca mused.
"More to it than that. I don't want to leave things half-done. Let me ensure this city won't eat itself once I step out."
"I understand the need to put things to bed and say goodbye. When I say you're done here you move on are we clear?"
Piggot gave a nod and both women shook hands.
Boston
Cricket and Stormtiger entered the old brick building cautiously. Inside they spotted two people they expected and one they did not.
Night and Fog were creepy capes that answered more to Gesellschaft than to the Empire. They were both sociopaths who barely could maintain a veneer of normality.
The last appeared to be Kaiser. He had the wrong body language and something was a bit off about his armor.
"Cricket, Stormtiger, good. I am pleased to see you escaped during the chaos. We have much rebuilding to do." the false Kaiser said
"Who are you?" Cricket said, pushing her voice box into place.
Storm Tiger folded his arms defiantly. Backing up her aggressive tone.
"I understand your confusion but you must make no mistakes if the Empire is to rebuild. It is very important that while men like Max Anders are being investigated we are seen re-building the Empire. We might yet be able to retake our holdings in Brockton. However, only if we can lay a foundation here taking eyes off our assets there. In time those still loyal to our cause will receive help rebuilding from here and... Further abroad."
"We were closer to Kaiser than others. He has our loyalty but some would question his escape while Max is still under arrest. Can you prove you are Kaiser? Can you silence doubt if our word isn't good enough?" Stormtiger asked.
Spears of metal extended up. This Kaiser used more gestures and flourishes than Max did. Cricket suspected he was using some form of tinker tech.
Storm Tiger looked at her. She nodded.
"Alright then did anyone else get out?"
"No, not yet some of the legal charges will be pled down. In the meantime Boston is weak. Accord has doubled the number of Ambassadors. That is still not enough to lock down the territory he gained in the wake of the Teeths' defeat. Blasto's abandonment of the city left even more unclaimed. We can rebuild here and offer a fallback to those still in Brockton."
"This city's character is not the same as Brockton. It has made it hard to recruit. With you two we might do better. There are already many willing to give Hookwolf a heroes due for standing against Leviathan." Fog said
"Fog and I are not the most social of people. We would have trouble capitalizing on his sacrifice." Night added.
"There are many who would rally to his former lieutenants. But it would require you to step into a leadership role. Can you manage to pick up the burden he laid down in death?" the new Kaiser asked.
"Brad's legacy will not be forgotten. We will do what we must to honor it." Cricket sneered.
"That is all that I ask," Kaiser informed her.
Cyberspace
Dragon made the remote connection. A single camera angle revealed the young man she sought.
"I'm glad you agreed to speak with me."
"The risk is all yours. This line is untraceable and the prognostications that prevented me from working with you always led to your death first. After that, all your work fell apart.
No human or para-human can sustain the endeavors you are responsible for. They are irreplaceable in the short term for halting societies slide into anarchy."
"What are you assuming?"
"I assume nothing but I will allude to what I know. I still have not fully discovered how they managed to kill you in every timeline we worked together. When I do I will remove the threat and the sword of Damocles gone we will see just what we can do."
"Is tossing out wildly outlandish statements and unprovable theories your normal negotiation tactic?"
"Only for the last year. So what is it you need?"
"I have authorization to recruit tinkers, regardless if they are hero, rogue, or villain. We will collaborate on the creation of a well-defended research center. We must prevent any attempt at freeing Leviathan. We support the gathering of all possible information out of our captive. Primarily anything that might be useful in fending off the others."
"Oh ho ho! Now what have they offered me to help with that?"
"Complete expungement of your criminal record and a lifetime exemption for yourself from all NEPA laws."
Danger folded his arms and cocked his head.
"NEPA laws apply as written only when para-human abilities are used in a way that threatens trade. Or, when it threatens the livelihood of existing industrial and commercial markets. I made the argument that your technology is not tinker tech and can be replicated without powers. That already absolves you from those laws the fringe cases were not hard to push through."
"Executive order?"
"Backed by an expedited Supreme Court ruling. All tinkers taking part will receive some measure of freedom. It is a wedge that could be used to work the complete overturn of those laws."
"Taking an actual act of Congress, let's not forget that. Still..."
"This could be the most important work any of us do. Even if it somehow leads to my murder I would still do it."
"It's a wedge. They are going to drive it between me and the local villains. If I support or socialize, they charge me under RICO."
"Legend thought of that. After some long arguments with the PRT and Homeland Security, he will offer you a consultant position. Villain liaison you will be responsible for the improvement of class A and S threat attendance. You will also inform the Protectorate of villain issues so a nonviolent resolution can be attempted."
"Clever dodge, they can say it's my job. I do appreciate good rules abuse."
"I thought it was yes."
"Alright while you play diplomat with the egos of the world I'll design up a facility. You better get that hack Blasto working around the clock. We're going to need a few dozen kilometers of eufiber for this."
"Naturally, because your base tech is stable you lay the foundation. We will then layer Tinker tech atop it where each specialist can best improve the design."
"There is one technology I will only use if I can have your absolute assurance it will remain black-boxed."
"In your case, it will be hard but I will try to get assurances. What is it? Your relativity condenser? Can it cut through the temporal dilation and allow us to scan Leviathan?"
"Hardly, you could study it for decades and have no hope of duplication. You would need a foundational revolution in science to even start. My world's tech base barely managed to build it. I will toss one in but that's not the issue.
"No, the quantum charge inverter. This world is not ready for the unlimited cheap production of antimatter. Without stable fusion power containment would be a nightmare. Also, if misused, Scion might well assume it was a weapon stockpile. He did destroy the world's arsenal of nuclear weapons after all."
"I think I can sell that to the brass, yes."
"This will delay so many plans. Likely a bonus for your side but still. Okay hell, I agree. No one said saving the world was going to be pleasant. You can call me here if there is more I have to get busy clearing my schedule. Forward me all the latest information on the temporal sphere so I can start work when that's done."
"Of course Justin."
Coils Base
The circle of villains glared at each other from around the circular table.
"Time is an irreplaceable asset. We can't stand around waiting for someone to make a decision on our next move. If we don't act to secure our hold on this city someone else will make their move to take it from us. The time is ripe!" Victor exclaimed.
"You are not funding this operation nor do any of us work for you. We are not about to go running off without orders. Pissing Coil off is a non-starter for us unless you have a solution to all our problems hidden in your swastika armband. I'm sure you still have one hidden somewhere" Trickster shot back.
Leet nearly stood up as he pointed his finger at Trickster "Your problems are not the priority. We have to make our play now. If we don't prove we can hold the city and turn a profit every gang up and down the coast will start muscling in."
"Of course, you would take Victor's side. I mean you were practically in Kaiser's pocket as it was." Tattletale sneered
"What is she talking about?" the Circus asked Uber.
"She doesn't know what she's talking about," he replied.
"Don't I? The GTA run? Everyone notes that it was the most violent video you did. Outside the normal scope of your work, it called down a significant amount of heat too. You made some money but not enough to have upped the ante so much. So why? It was also right when Kaiser was having issues with how Lung had taken over the sex trade in the city." Tattletale pondered with false wonderment.
Leet shrugged "And you figure it was just like us working for Bakuda. Well, you're not wrong but you're not right either. When you're a small-time operator you have a choice. When offered work, take the job for money or refuse and be forced into the job. Something you might be familiar with. I'm surely not the only one to notice how much you seem to hate the boss."
"I'm just wondering if the women weren't minorities would you have taken that job?" Trickster asked coyly
"Or if they weren't women? Neither of you seems that respectful of women. I've caught you mid-leer before." Sundancer added.
"Lier you don't have anything he's interested in." Circus staid half rising to stab a finger in the air
"And now we come to the true reason they never joined the Empire." Trickster quickly added.
The door opened. Bocephus Darling walked in. He was in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. He walked over to Coil's chair and sat down.
"Whatever you were going on about, zip it and sit down." the old beanpole said.
Everyone looked at each other confused.
"What the hell is this?" Grue asked.
"So your regularly scheduled, Coil will not be appearing. You all may suspect who Coil is but none of you have proof, only opinion and hearsay. Which is just the way he wants it. Also due to an unexpected level of success his current plans are FUBAR. So I have been asked to step in and keep you chuckleheads from killing each other or burning the city down."
"Why the fuck would he trust you? I know he doesn't trust me because I was E88. I thought he'd put the Wiz kid in charge." Victor said, still standing.
Bocephus turned his chair and looked Victor in the eye. The room was quiet as the two men looked at each other. Then Victor slowly sat down.
"Good, I'm not in the habit of repeating myself. To answer your question Justin is busy, very busy. He and half the Tinkers in the US are going to build a fortress around that damn kaiju that's parked just outside the bay.
Besides that, he's a genius, not a leader. The kid couldn't lead a line of ants to a picnic even if you gave him a bag of sugar to blaze a trail with." the old man snorted.
"And you have experience?" Trickster asked.
"I've led men in war. I've survived bureaucratic infighting when I worked for the Fed. I've rallied boards to overthrow CFOs. I've been around kids younger than any of you who would knife you as soon as look at you. Then I killed them before they suicide-bombed a crowd. I've shown a bunch of soft city folk how to dress game and live off the land. I've watched friends and old foes alike die by the score. Here I still stand.
What's more, I've lived long enough to know you don't have to learn everything the hard way, but if you won't listen to me I'll let you do just that. I don't have time for fools who won't listen when I try to spare them some pain."
"Coil trusts you? How does he know you won't try to take over?" Grue asked.
"He knows I don't really want any of this. He has a younger man's drive to acquire and rule. I've had my fill of it all. If they hadn't come for my family I'd still be sitting on the porch waiting for the day I fill my grave and get to see my wife again. There is little this world has left I'd consider worth the price of attaining."
"Except for the safety of your family," Tattletale asked for clarity.
He turned his stare toward Tattletale. To everyone's surprise, the smug knowing grin slowly faded from her face and she looked away.
"That is what I have left, yes. Now enough chit-chat. Here are the new maps and plans. Each of you has patrols and some holdouts, independents, and small operators to put out of business. Mostly however you are making a show a careful show. No civilian harm, minimal property damage.
We do this clean, efficient, business-like. We make the sort of showing that makes the PRT work around the Elite. The money will keep coming from protection, soft drugs, theft, and white-collar crime.
But don't get soft I have lessons with the mercs for you all at some point some fools will try us. That's when you will have to go loud. I intend to see you're ready."