Shout out to Maglad for some insightful comments. It's Good to see an Aberrent Fan here.

June 24th

The Water Front Brocton Bay

People were everywhere. The spirit of celebration was in the air. Missy was trying to find her friends but it was hard. For once they were all off and could enjoy a public event without someone having to be in attendance in costume.

Spotting something familiar she headed towards an old food truck. As she got closer Missy could see the signage had changed.

Darlings Bar-Be-Que Pork, Chicken, and Beef! Eight sauces! Ask about our homemade fries! It was now emblazoned on the side. A smaller poster said it was a drop-off and pick-up point for JD's electronics repair.

The old man was inside putting some plates together and passing them out he paused to nod at Missy.

Waiting for him to have a break in customers she asked "Hey what's all this? How'd you pull this off?"

"Well, FEMA showed up with more supplies than was strictly needed given it wasn't as bad as everyone thought. They started housing folks in some of those relief trailers. JD and I were short-listed to get one. Maybe because we helped out that Nova girl in the Wards.

"Any who. Regardless of why it was, we got a home now, a really nice trailer, and a prefab shed. I cobbled a smoker up from scrap. So we gave the old girl here an overhaul and she's back in business.

"Now here eat up you haven't tried my chicken yet." he declared pushing a giant sack into her hands

"Pop Pop I can't just take this," Missy said trying to get her wallet out despite her now full hands.

"No, I insist you share a bit with those girls you hang about with it'll be a good advertisement for the truck. Now scoot. More folks are coming up and there's gonna be a line. When JD gets back with the ice and drinks I'll have him bring you some. Be good for him to know you're ok."

Shaking her head still wondering how JD and Pop-pop were mixed up in with Nova's odd life and Danger Missy walked off still looking for her friends.

She found Mary, Amy, Vicky, and Sophia together. They were standing near some of Amy's hospital friends. Rather than Amy talking shop with some doctors, Vicky was really into the conversation. As she neared Missy learned why. A young intern was talking about how in the celebratory wake of survival she and her fiance had an almost fairytale-like evening. While the story was romantic the intern was so excited that she was going into far more lurid detail than Missy thought the woman realized.

"So much worry and passion released, It's going to be a hard night to top. Even with our wedding just a few months away. I can't imagine us having a more perfect evening." She gushed.

Seeing Missy walk up Mary decided to move the conversation to less risque ground. "How's the house hunting going?"

"Not so good neither of us has much time."

"I can't believe you are moving to this shit show" Sophia complained.

"Brockton isn't THAT bad." she refuted.

"The fact you have to qualify it with 'Isn't That Bad' proves it is indeed THAT bad."

"Besides there are a lot of top-grade medical practitioners in the Bay so it's a very prestigious place to do my residency. I can't wait for the internship part to be over. Then I can take vacation get married and have a honeymoon I haven't had much time off due to saving hours for that"

"Not the entire residency?" Missy asked.

"No sweety that takes two more years I'm not waiting for that to get married. I want a career but I want some life too"

"Hey, something is happening. Vicky stated levitating just a bit beyond tiptoes to see over the crowd.

Toy Soldier's massive Mech was coming up out of the water followed by a cloud of Big Rig's drones. They came to a stop just behind the stage set up on the waterfront. the distant haze of the time bubble and the glass and steel structure of the containment dome framed behind them. Drones hovered to form stairs. One by one to cheers and announcement of their names the tinkerers descended to the stage. They'd receive a handshake from the Governor, a plaque from the Mayor, and a formal letter handed to them by Director Calvert. It was a fancy display copy of the contracts they signed detailing the promises and pledges that were rewarded for their labors.

"Hey Missy," John's voice came from behind her.

Spinning Missy saw John laden down with a cardboard drink carrier filled with four cups in each hand.

"Here let me help with those." Vicky offered, taking one of the packages she started passing out beverages.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present our Master of Ceremonies and head of the Local Protectorate Armsmaster!" The voice paused, waiting for the clapping to die down. "And Brocktons latest redemption story, Justinius Polymath Danger!"

Missy looked at John then to the stage and raised an eyebrow.

"Not a fan" John stated flatly.

"He's still an asshole." Sophia opined

"Oh, I gotta go! I see my group. Talk later, Amy!" The Intern said as she slipped away.

On the stage, Justin was waving his hand to his ear as if he couldn't hear the crowd. Then laughing at the louder cheering took a microphone from a stand. "Thank you Armsmaster I have to say I think I speak for all of us that this enthusiastic greeting makes all the hard work worth it."

"Indeed it does as well as the knowledge of the brighter future it brings. But in our celebration let us not forget the sacrifice of those who paved our way here. From those who gave their lives in our most recent battle to those who first took the field when Behemoth originally emerged."

"Very much so."

"Let us take a moment of silence and reflection at all their sacrifice has brought. Justin, will you mark the time?"

"Indeed I will." the young rouge said, bowing his head.

A few misty eyes and sniffles could be heard in the crowd as the minute passed.

"Their actions reverberate across time. Their stories inspire our own. history is changed forever by their part in it." Armsmaster intoned.

"Very well spoken. You mentioned earlier a brighter future. Let me make this gift then in their memory. Over there is the land-based reactor that will serve as a backup if an emergency happens out there. In the meantime, its power generation will not stand idle. It will provide every resident of the Bay with free electric power. Every residential home will receive one average year's power for free!"

Cheering erupted at this announcement. Justin nodded and waited for it to die.

"The proceeds from those going over, plus government, commercial, and industrial facilities after maintenance will go straight into the Endbringer relief fund! Now how is that?"

"Wow," Missy blurted out. Many others in the crowd were murmuring about the statement.

"Don't worry about me. I'm doing fine." The teen genius jested.

"Big rigs drones built the place and the city donated the land. It's not like he's out anything." John groused.

"Shhhh we're listening," Vicky commanded.

After she turned back, John made a face while mouthing her words in mockery. Missy shook her head.

"In two weeks there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the ferry station. The Protectorate is donating two of the boats used in construction. We already have a plan to convert them to excellent public transportation platforms." Armsmaster announced.

"I'll bet that's where Taylor is. Her Dad has been fighting city hall to get those up and running since they shut down." Mary informed everyone.

"Hebert? I'm surprised her old man's the sort to stick to things. She's a quitter." Sophia commented.

"Be glad you met her when she was low. That's not who she is." Mary replied.

Sophia shrugged.

Music started as local bands and visiting acts started taking the stage. The group found a place to put out blankets. They then set to divide up the spoils and enjoy the smoked chicken, stewed white beans, grilled corn, thick creamy potatoes, and rich gravy.

"Your grandpa is going to be rolling in dough. This was awesome." Vicky announced.

"Pop-pop always says 'you only get to eat so much food in your life. Don't waste time eating things that don't taste good."

"Hey, John!" A voice called out.

The group turned to look as a red-headed young woman on crutches approached.

"Oh hey, Jess! Guys this is Jess she's been a regular customer. She's trying to set up a web stream for video games. Real bargain hunter, this one. She's been out of town for a week or so."

"Oh my God that wasn't from the attack was it?" Vista asked.

"It wouldn't be that level of atrophy doesn't happen that fast. In fact, I'd say you only recently worked your way up to crutches." Amy speculated

"Oh wow, Panacea. Yeah, I was here trying to get on the waiting list. I was in a wheelchair. A tumor damaged my spine when I was four. After the attack healers and Tinkers were offering public healing and my request was forwarded to those lists."

"Who worked on you?" Mary asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I had to go to Boston. This lab called Vitatech said they could repair Nerve damage with this new wonder material called Eufiber."

"Never heard of that process. Do you mind if I check their work?" Amy asked.

"Oh no go right ahead!" Jess offered spinning and lifting her shirt waist.

"You- Well your hand would do but this works," Amy said, putting her hand on the small of Jess's back.

"Oh, this is... Unusual. They used cloning to replace three vertebrae. Then there is a thin cybernetic bridge on both ends to make the nerves link. They shot you up with what feels like a near Tinker Tech cocktail of muscle growth stimulants and hormones to encourage the muscles to rebuild. Are you getting physical therapy?"

"Yes, they signed me up for a private company here through that Risk Reductions place."

Amy gave a nod. "You should fully recover if you follow your therapy plan. I'm going to give you a light tweak to help you along the way. Just a little thank you for letting me check this."

"Oh wow, thanks."

"If you have something to drop off the truck is over that way," John said with a wave.

"Yeah, I came from there. The old man asked me to tell you 'Break times over. Get it in gear.' then something about oggleing girls too much." Jess said with a grin.

"God damn it. See ya Missy I'd better get back." John said as he rose to go

"Hey, I'll walk with you," Missy exclaimed, hopping up.

Vicky gave Missy a wink as she headed after John. Once Missy closed she matched John's pace.

"You were self-conscious about it before, but now you have a place. You have showers and stuff. You can get cleaned up. So, how would you like to go out and do something on Friday?"

"What sort of something?"

"Arcade and activity center called the Hole in the Wall. Games, karaoke, a few small rides, and junk we probably shouldn't eat."

"Transportation?"

"Taken care of Dean Standfeild is taking Vicky to movies and dinner he'll do the pick up and return. It's all part of a circle of favor trading so don't worry about owing anyone."

"You know what- sure, I'll go. Beats listening to Pop-pop grouse about my welding skills."

"Huh?"

"Oh, the chickens are selling so fast he wants to build a second differently shaped more efficient smoker just for the birds. I can solder like a pro, but my SMAW skills aren't up to his standards."

"SMAW?"

"Shielded Metal Arc Welder. He says my beads- umm welding lines look like a toddler drew them in crayon."

"You have a weird family."

"You got that right, still don't want it any other way."

"So Friday at four fifteen?"

"Four fifteen it is, see ya!"

Missy waved goodbye as she started back.

Anders Residence

It wasn't a mansion. It pulled up just shy of being so. It wasn't a wasted space and fancy but impractical ornaments like many large houses of more recent build. It was a headquarters, a base of operations. Not for the Empire Eighty-Eight, mind you nor for Medhall. This was the operation center for the Anders family fortune.

Max sat at a large desk in his study. He was wearing his second-best suit, the best had difficulty hiding the ankle monitor. He was meeting with the primary members of his legal team. The men who were extracting him from the god-awful mess he had been shoved into.

"Max, on defense you're looking pretty good. The case they have against Medhall is solid. What you personally are culpable for is much more limited." Jackson the defense attorney stated.

"Raymond, where does that leave me financially?" Max said gazing at his accountant.

"Honestly Max it's not looking great. You were heavily invested in Medhall so the accounts freeze is putting a punch in things. The billable hours are stacking up for Jackson there. Not, that he's not earning what's being paid. Just facts being facts you're running higher than normal expenses and not taking in much right now. If the reserve runs low, I can do a few things to refill them but expect some austerity when this is over. You will have to catch up on some investments and pay back the rainy-day funds."

"Well falling like a flood, so it's being used as intended. Where are we at with my kids?" He asked, turning to Daniels.

"No luck there max. The judge is inflexible on custody. The temporary custody order will stand until all your criminal charges are resolved. Kayden will maintain custody of Aster and Theo. You let Theo stay with her so much we don't have much grounds to object."

"Visitation? You have to be able to give me something."

"Maybe for Theo. Before all this started you didn't use the agreed-upon visitation for Aster. That's enough to tilt things in Kayden's favor."

"Get what you can. The longer he doesn't have an alternative view the longer she has to twist him against me."

The final lawyer looked around the room. "Is everyone else finished?"

Jackson Raymond and Daniels gave a slight nod.

"Yeah, I'll send someone with paperwork later Max," Jackson concluded. He then turned his chair around and put on a pair of headphones. Raymond and Daniels followed suit.

The final Lawyer Mr. Price opened his briefcase. He organized paperwork and gave Max a level stare.

"There is good and bad. The good that is Gesellschaft continues to back the operation in Boston. Crusader, Fenja, and Menja have joined them. Crusader never gave himself away. Fenja and Menja were rescued in transit by Kaiser Night and Fog."

"Idiot girls. I told them to stick it out for the trial."

"While they could have claimed brainwashing and maybe used their good looks to gain some sympathy they wanted to fight. The Teeth are trying to return to Boston. They want vengeance for Heith. They didn't really have the disposition to stay on the law's good side."

"That's getting to be a big team not like here but big enough."

"True but they are having trouble gathering enough ground support. Plenty of racists but not the right type. No convenient enemies who target whites. They have had some luck with defending the Irish. Hard line to walk most anti-Irish sentiment comes from whites."

"Slow growth is still growth. If operations here keep drying up we can convince some ground support to relocate to Boston."

"True, I had thought about offering financial assistance. That is until the bad news. When it came to light I had to abandon that."

"What is the bad news?"

"We hold substantial interest via proxies in business around the Bay. These investments are not connected to Medhall so are unencumbered by the restrictions.

They are all facing a financial takeover. An organization called the McLeod Group. They are a financial investment firm spun off from McLeod Underwriting and Annuity. This firm is buying every bit of stock. They started by buying Brockton Insurance Group, and Brockton Banking. They struck during their dip following the attacks. They have since blocked our every financial play. It's as if they had intimate knowledge of our holdings and plans."

"Coil and Danger." Max snarled.

"The Tinker is going to be hard to combat in either the financial sphere or the political one. He is bringing in too much money to effectively exhaust his resources. The Guild and other groups are starting to play ball so his popularity is rising. It might be more effective to relocate to Boston completely. That would damage your plausible deignability however."

"We'll cross that bridge when it's before us. Defend what you can while draining and relocating resources to Boston and New York. We have enough seeds planted there to start growing something. If we have to we will regrow Brockton much later. We can and will look to other means to sustain us in the meantime."

"The idea you had me look into previously. That might be our best bet."

"We are no longer in a position of power nor would that appeal to Gesellschaft."

"Gesellschaft is looking at this as an investment. Selling our illegal operations to the Elite would give us operational capital. As such, we can move the forces they wouldn't wish to keep around to where Gesellschaft would want them. Thus, reinforcing our other operations. You would keep a hand in the pie by remaining available to use your connection to the Herren clans to keep that profitable alliance going. Meanwhile, the "legitimate" businesses of Max Anders get a boost. By becoming dependencies of the Elite rather than Gesellschaft we prosper."

"It was that bastard's plan all along."

"What do you mean?"

"Sun Tzu, it's one of his most famous rules. You always leave an opponent a way out so they don't fight to the death. He was setting this up when we were at that stupid bar arguing over driving out Lung."

Max drummed his fingers. Price just raised his eyebrows.

"A retreat is better than a rout Max. It might fit with his plans but it also fits with yours."

"Fine do it. It's just galling. That boy had better hope he's never in my power." Max coldly said his eyes visualising the thing he would do if it ever came to pass.

Price took a few steps back and made a hand signal to the other lawyers who removed their headsets and rose. Max poured himself a drink. The meeting over they all moved to exit and be about their tasks.

Max put a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "I need Theo. Tell Kayden he's still my heir but I want to leave him a clean house. That might weaken her opposition."

"Alright, Max I'll see what I can do."

"Don't try, triumph, win! Bring me results."

Cauldron HQ

Contessa, Legend, and Alexandria were watching the setup from a monitoring room. Amos entered with a sour look on his face.

Legend noticed the look and asked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing directly concerning this. We have delays in sending the Dragonslayers to Korea. They have been taken into custody."

Alexandria turned to this "What did they do?"

"Nothing, one of the downsides to working inside a fascist state. They are being held without charges. I was able to figure out what set the FSA off."

Alexandria raised her eyebrows in an indication that he should continue.

"Othrys has vanished. Technically that means it vanished six months ago as it was half a light-year from Earth." Amos revealed.

"He cracked FTL. He might have cracked it before. He either needed the distance from earth to engage it or desired the lack of observation." Alexandria mused.

"They can't get out there to see what he did. The readings are already six months old then the travel time. How fast are their fastest ships?" Legend asked.

"The probe Icarus was refitted and launched out of the solar system. It had an Alcubierre drive that could make a tenth of light speed. Othrys was doing double that when it set out. Most of the remaining high-speed drives were seized by Nova's escape from the solar system. They might have something hidden away that can do five percent. That is the best case for them. Kurt theorizes they would be lucky to get a probe up to a full percentage point. He is a bit behind on the data but his math is more reliable than my back of an-envelope musings"

"Safe to say they'll never launch an investigation. The unlikelihood of returning useful data will squash such a project." Alexandria declared.

"Likely true. The Dragon Slayers sell scavenged tech that was Danger's. They tripped a red flag for being associated remotely with Hightower Industries. Tech Danger invented was only ever sold through there. The most profitable sale they had was that catalyst device that makes the cubic DMC processors. It put them on the radar but they have buttered enough FSA palms they will be released. They aren't truly related to anything FTL."

"So we hope. They have almost free reign over there. Fascists aren't known for their tolerance for mystery. If they have gotten involved in anything underhanded..."

"Then we shut down the gate and leave them stranded. They know the risks enough not to be stupid." Alexandria countered.

"They opened the door. I'll get on IDing the subject. Interesting, Danger is going back into his truck."

A large white hauler similar to the ones used in the Endbringer fight was parked on the street. It was across from the old auto shop Cauldron had picked for a meeting place. It was outside the Bay proper. That put it far enough that Contessa wasn't inhibited by Leviathan or any of the things Danger brought to Brockton that she had to path around.

"That confirms my theory," Alexandria said with a pleased smile.

"I assume it was John then?" Amos asked for clarity.

"Yeah, that was John. Soon as the door opened his face fell. He felt the psionic shielding." Legend confirmed.

"And that is not John exiting the truck. Different tool cases as well. Perhaps there was more to the swap than hoping to trick us and scan our minds." Alexandria added.

"The data is vague but Noetic powers seem to work better than Quantum for scanning living tissue. Perhaps John is better suited to the task at hand?" Amos speculated.

"Could be, he's still an unacceptable security risk." Legend answered.

"The fields I keep pathing around that are still in Brockton didn't shift. So John requires some pathing around. One daily path is devoted to information security. That would keep me away from his power if I lacked shields. So we know what that effect is now." Contessa suddenly blurted out.

"The way their Grandpa's power works, keeping out of his range would be a priority. So there's at least one more. Their Mother's power would fit if she is still out there." Legend speculated.

"The test subject is Danny Hebert. His daughter is a close match to Weaver. Circumstantial evidence all fits. Is that grounds to stop this?" Amos inquired.

"No, not this time. But, It is something to watch." Alexandria countered.

In the monitored room, Doctor Mother eyed the boy.

"We normally use some form of code names."

"A mere illusion of privacy. You know very well who I am. If you can't discover who he is you are a very sad and much less interesting conspiracy than I have planned for."

"Very well Doctor Danger I am Doctor Mother. I would like to run a basic battery of tests normally we do this over several weeks."

Danger pulled out a file. "Full medical workup better than you will get if the PRT did one."

Doctor Mother leafed through the report quickly. "This will speed things up considerably. We can move to the very specialized tests. Casey, run a panel with the Manton field scanner. Bradley, do a pass with the portable MRI."

The techs fluidly moved to complete their task Danger stood facing Doctor Mother. Alexandria noted tiny movements that betrayed that Danger could see both energy fields. He was well aware of everything going on in the periphery of his vision. Both watched quietly for a time.

"You have been trying to learn more about us via covert means." Doctor Mother finally spoke.

"As have you" the teen answered.

"You have made no attempts to contact us directly until now."

"Nor have you"

"You are not from Earth Bet."

"Nor are you. Nor are they for that matter."

"Interesting that you can tell."

"Your method of universal travel moves on an X, Y grid. Mine uses a Y, Z. It would appear you have less facility with mapping coordinates."

"There could be great benefits from collaboration or information exchange."

"There would be."

"A hedgehog's dilemma. Perhaps if we exchanged questions we could build some trust."

"You have reprehensible actions staining your hands. Necessity moved me more than curiosity. I have encountered some with a positive opinion of your organization. However, they are unaware of the scale of your more reprehensible crimes."

"We seek to prevent a greater threat. Also, we have lately made moves to reduce the ethically objectionable actions we take by a considerable margin. Despite the potential long-range issues it can cause."

"How heartwarming. I wonder what the Protectorate would think."

Alexandria pushed a button and spoke into Doctor Mother's earpiece "He's fishing."

"Organizations that know less than we do can think whatever they wish. We are not after glory or accolades. If we fail there will be none to remember us. If we succeed it will be a comfort that there is anyone left to demonize us."

"Omnicide? Now that is a threat that could require moral flexibility. Still, the price you have been willing to pay is concerning."

"There is a danger that you might trigger an apocalypse in your ignorance. We have counters for such an event but they are not fully prepared. Let us guide you."

"Danger is the family business I'm afraid. I will consider your request over the coming weeks. The success or failure of Mister Hebert's augmentation will teach us much. From it, we will see if further collaboration could gain anything."

"Very well. I urge you to think quickly. Things have been moving quickly."

"It seems they're done. What is your verdict on Mister Hebert?"

Doctor Mother looked over the screens. "Normally we would advise against his using a Vial. His pre-existing connection to a power is worrying. That can cause unexpected and at times tragic results. However, as I am sure that is the very reason for his being chosen I will not prevent his use only warn against it. Here is the requested mixture. At your own risk Mister Hebert"

"I've been advised of the risks. I'm not going in blind. Down it in one go?"

"At a reasonable speed. There's no need to choke or show off old college skills."

"Right." Danny dryly answered.

"Afterward you can lay back there my assistants are leaving. If the good Doctor is remaining may I suggest we retreat behind the X-ray shield."

"Indeed you may after you, Doctor," Justin replied.

Both moved behind the glass shield. Danny unscrewed the cap and tipped the vial back. His gorge moved with big gulps as he swallowed the mixture down. He then laid back on the reclining table. Alexandria blacked out the screen on the remote view. They wouldn't have to witness the disorienting display that came with someone binding to an agent.

When they turned it back on Danny Hebert was rising back up. He held out his hand and a small scarab beetle crawled out of his flesh.

"Well will you look at that I can feel it. Like it's part of me!"

"Interesting. We provide power testing if you wish to avail yourself." Doctor Mother offered.

"Um no, I think Doctor Danger has some tests worked up for me. Thank you all the same."

"Here is your triad of syringes. Unlike your vials, inject intravenously. Keep chilled but don't freeze." Danger explained setting a slim metal case on the table.

Doctor Mother nodded. "We have a telephone number for you both. Should either of you wish to contact us again there is no need to go through a third party."

"Quite the gesture of trust. Here you may take my card. It has the same contact information I use for Number Man. It's quite unlikely you're both going to call at once." Danger said, extending his hand.

"I doubt that would be an issue. You surely have call-waiting given your technology level."

Danger gave a cryptic smile as he turned to face the doorway holding the portal back out. The other door into the room was swept open and Contessa burst into the room

"What is the worst sin we have committed in your opinion?" she demanded.

Taken by surprise Alexandria and Legend both did a quick spin. They looked at where she had been in the back of their room then back again. Amos kept his eyes glued to the screen.

Surprised Danger's carefully neutral look vanished betraying confusion. Then resolve settled in on it.

"Hundreds of millions dead, a world dying by inches, hope for the future guttering? What sin could compare to releasing the Endbringers into the world." He said with disgust.

"The what?" Doctor Mother exclaimed

"He's not lying! He thinks we did that!" Alexandria added into the mic.

"I assure you we most certainly did not!" Doctor Mother refuted.

"Oh, I assure you you most certainly did." The Teen spat back with a sneer.

For a moment Hebert and danger glared at Doctor Mother and Contessa. The lab techs quietly exited the room deciding they wanted no part of this.

Danger's expression slowly flagged. You really didn't know? My God. Morally that makes you look better but if we're judging on competence-"

"I think we have some investigation to do," Doctor Mother announced.

"Yeah, I'd be trying to figure that shit out," Danny added.

Danger gave a nod and both men exited. When the door closed Contessa leaned heavily on the table.

"Pathing told me we would get the better of the exchange. We'd receive. More important information but I almost wish we hadn't." Contessa said, her head bowing under the weight of revelation.