It takes two days before the 13th Endbringer leave Washington, D.C. the newest member of the Protectorate, and begins to make his way to Oklahoma, the Triumvirate in tow to watch over him, and make sure nothing untoward happened. 13 may be in the Protectorate, but Alexandria nor Eidolon trust the Endbringer as far as they could throw them. Legend is hopeful at the whole venture, finds pleasure in speaking to the people of the towns they stop at on the way south and west and explaining what 13 meant for not just America, but the world. It is a kind of whistlestop tour, but for the PR of 13, who uses his powers to assist every town, fixing potholes, tearing down buildings slated for demolishment, clearing the way for new developments. And in times of crisis, 13 lends a helping hand, using his powers to mitigate the damage caused by smaller-scale disasters that happened recently.

The Triumvirate closely monitor 13's actions, ready to intervene if necessary. They understand the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between highlighting 13's abilities in a positive way and keeping the public safe as they journey across America. Their presence provided reassurance to both the Protectorate members that guard the procession and the public, knowing that they had powerful capes watching over them.

As the journey continued, the significance of 13's role became increasingly apparent. It wasn't just about protecting the United States of America; it was about inspiring hope and demonstrating the potential for positive change in a world filled with threats and doom. Legend's enthusiasm and the Triumvirate's watchful eye ensured that 13's whistlestop tour became a symbol of progress and unity, leaving a lasting impact on the towns they visited along the way, rippling outwards in positive ways.

As the announcement of the 13th Endbringer being welcomed into the Protectorate and becoming an ally of humanity spreads, people react with a combination of enthusiasm and distrust. The CUI nearly declares war on the United States of America for its sheer audacity, only the direct intervention of the Emperor stopping the deployment of the Yangban. The Pacific Navy goes on full alert and sabers rattle. Troops muster and plans are written up. While currently averted, war seems inevitable to both countries.

Across the United States, villains react one of two ways; they go into hiding, seeming to abandon the gangs and power structures they built, or they aggressively expand, taking over abandoned territory and black market industries with zealous vigor, preparing for war. The Protectorate is bound by the Truce, unable to stop the restructuring of the criminal underworld, merely looking on as the dust settles in the coming days. In Europe, fear and doubt rule, as the arrival of the 13th Endbringer emboldens the Three Blasphemies, kicking off a series of political assassinations high and low, culminating in the Trier Massacre, where the administrative body of the Trier-Saarburg District is murdered for unknown reasons by the trio of bizarre Tinker creations.

And on a golden man's face there is a hint of confusion, as he occasionally glances beyond the curve of the planet.


In the chaos of days following the announcement of the 13th Endbringer joining the Protectorate, a man named Kenta submits himself to custody in the middle of the PRT lobby. It is a long time coming, and he can tell Armsmaster is supremely unsatisfied by the outcome. He remembers fighting an Endbringer to a standstill and realizing they could not be defeated. So he flees. He flees from Japan to China. Flees China to California. Flees California, making his way through a half-dozen cities, fleeing when he has to, until he reaches the East Coast and can flee no more, not to isolated Europe and warlord-torn Africa. When the egg hatches he almost joins the fight, despite himself.

But when he witnesses the world turning the beast into a hero, a symbol of hope, he knows what he must do.

Kenta understands that he alone possesses the knowledge and experience of facing the Endbringers head-on at their full potential. He realizes that his purpose now is not to fight for survival as a villain, but to expose the truth, to reveal the terrifying reality behind the facade of heroism that has been bestowed upon the beast, and protect the world from its exploitation. And so, with determination in his heart, Kenta sets forth on a new path, ready to confront the lies and bring the world face to face with the true nature of the Endbringers.

When Alexandria deigns to meet with him in his Brute-rated holding cell, stepping out of a hole in the air, Kenta grins.


"I can give seeds of power, that slowly grow and adapt to use, blossoming into a full powers at ten weeks," the 13th Endbringer is telling the room, explaining his powers. The ability to copy any Parahuman power, alive or dead. Super speed and super strength. And finally, the ability to upgrade existing powers and imbue new ones, to not only Parahumans, but normal humans as well. "And I can also make existing powers grow twice as powerful."

David looks ravenous with jealousy, as he makes notes. Keith looks thoughtful, and Rebecca is considering how invaluable 13 is trying to be, as she takes a bite out of an apple, a quiet snap resounding in the cavernous power-testing hall. She is Alexandria today, January 23rd, and the Triumvirate has finished escorting the 13th Endbringer to his new home in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Home of the Oklahoma City Protectorate Power Testing Facility and a place large enough and remote enough to hold 13 without risking too much.

'Rebecca Costa-Brown' smiles and says, "Thank you, 13. Is that everything?"

The being, normally standing nearly 23 feet tall though currently kneeling, nods their head in an unsettling ripple.

Keith clapped his hands. "Okay, then let's get started with some power-testing shall we?"

13's too powerful, too strong, and too durable for power testing. Each machine breaks during testing, leading to David joking half-seriously that 13 is cursed. Rebecca grimaces at him, and quietly punches his side when no one is looking. "Don't joke about that, people will already think this whole thing is in poor taste, we don't need people believing in curses either."

Merely possessing the name of a cape was insufficient for 13 to copy their power, as demonstrated by his unsuccessful attempts to replicate a number of obscure and older capes the Endbringer was unaware of. However, a simple explanation of the power granted him access to a duplicate, along with innate knowledge on how to wield it. 13 ran through dozens of capes, showing the limits of his power;

He spent a minute switching faces, and it took a few minutes for the faces to finish 'charging' after he makes his selection. This forces him to start with the power at 50% until the face reaches full charge at about two and a half minutes. Once completely charged, he gains access to the power at 100%. Rebecca made a note of that, in case they ever need to fight him. Make him switch masks as much as possible, keep his power low.

They actually have three volunteers to test an Endbringer's power-imbuing, a trooper named Daniel Crenshaw who gained a Brute power he called Meathead, for the bulging muscles, a PRT agent named Jessia Hyleaf who gained a perfect singing voice that was just on the edge of not enthralling enough to be a Master effect, and Fistful, a Blaster out of Oklahoma City who used coinage to perfectly counter bullets and lasers and other ranged weapons. Fistful wants to be a Tinker. She gets Chef Tinker, an array of near-future kitchen tools filling her mind. "What the fuck am I supposed to do with this?" she complains to 13.

Rebecca and 'Rebecca' both frown and give her a look, causing Fistful to flinch and stutter before 13 talked over them.

"In the future, as it expands, you'll have the possibility to tinker with anything you desire - from food and household cleaning supplies to power-enhanced objects or even jetbikes and laserguns," he explains patiently, emphasizing the limitless potential of this growing power. "It's all in how you grow the power. If you wish to make something more with it, simply try. It responds to your wants and desires."

And then it is over, and the first Endbringer power test comes to a close, with two new capes and one grab-bag, and a deluge of data about powers for power scientists to go ga-ga over.

Alexandria cannot stay any longer, so Rebecca leaves. Tomorrow is to be the start of another blistering campaign of PR that probably has Glenn Chambers pulling his hair out. Interviews galore, with everyone from famous journalists to famous musicians and former politicians turned talking heads, to local Oklahoma papers, video interviews, audio interviews and TV interviews. The upcoming days and weeks are packed with them, all the Triumvirate participating in the PR deluge, unable to leave the 13th Endbringer out there all alone to face the music. It is going to be a long couple weeks.


The TV buzzes at a low hum, an interview with the 13th on pause.

"—aliens!" Vicky is saying, but Amy's too busy staring at her pretty face. She really is like an angel.

"Are you even listening?" she adds.

"I dozed off while you were blabbering about Passenger Theory and SETI," Amy admits.

"Ames! That was like ten minutes ago! I just, I can't believe its real, and aliens gave us powers! Isn't that wild? Amazing? Life is really out there, and its visited us!" Vicky said excitedly.

Amy snorts. "You really trust what an Endbringer says?"

"Well, they obviously aren't from here, so yeah, Ames, I kinda do. Plus Alexandria freakin' believes him. You know, the Library of Alexandria? Thinker 8 Alexandria?"

"Well Eidolon obviously doesn't. Won't stand close to 13. Always on the other side when they take photos."

"I wouldn't stand close to 13 either, that doesn't mean I don't believe him. Come on, Ames. Isn't it all so interesting?"

"More like disturbing. What are they doing in our brains? Capes are noticeably more aggressive than normals, and have high incidents of mental illness. That can't be a coincidence."

"Maybe there's a connection," Vicky muses facetiously. "Think about it, Ames. The powers they've given us, they could be altering our minds, making us more susceptible to aggression and mental instability. It's like we're just pawns in their grand experiment to make us all meatheads who solve things through violence."

Amy sighs, her brow furrowing with annoyance. "I get that it's fascinating and you think its funny, Vicky, but it's also terrifying. We don't even know the true motives of these aliens, these Entities that gave us powers. What if they're manipulating us for their own sinister purposes?"

Vicky shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, maybe they just want to see what happens when they give humans extraordinary abilities. It's like a cosmic reality TV show."

Amy shook her head, her concern deepening. "I don't find that comforting at all. We're playing with fire here, Vicky. These powers come at a cost, and it's not just the mental toll. Look at the destruction caused by capes fighting each other. Innocent lives are being lost. The Endbringers, for Christ sakes."

Vicky's expression softens, her excitement momentarily dampens. "You're right, Ames. We can't ignore the consequences. But at the same time, there's so much potential for good. Imagine the possibilities if we can harness all these powers for the benefit of humanity, like Dragon, and the Protectorate and the Guild, and Tinker enclaves! And aliens are really real, Ames. Come on, live a little."

Amy sighs, her gaze distant. "I guess it all comes down to how we choose to use these powers. Whether we become heroes or villains, it's our responsibility to navigate this mess we called Earth Bet with as much empathy and compassion as we can, even for the Endbringers, apparently."

"That's the spirit Ames! Now, let's watch the interview again, I want to hear his explanation on why Powers are so personalized one more time, I think I can write a paper on it for class and nail an A."

Amy sighs, as the TV rewound, and the 13th Endbringer appears on screen, his unsettlingly blank faces seeming to stare right at her. She ignores the words as she watches the faces with their bare hints of expression, a slight ringing in her ears.

As the interview unfolds, Amy can't help but feel a sense of unease deep within her. She knows that they are living in uncertain times, where the line between hero and villain is blurred. The choices they make will shape the future of Earth Bet, for better or for worse. And as she watches the faces of the Endbringer on the screen, she can't help but wonder what lies ahead for humanity in this new world of powers and aliens.


Taylor approaches her father nervously, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of her secret pressing down on her, making her palms sweaty. The kitchen is filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the faint aroma of ink from her father's newspaper. She could hear the soft rustling of the pages as he turns his attention towards her. It is still a couple days before she had to go back to Winslow, and she wants to get this over with before she became too scared.

"Dad… I have something to tell you," Taylor begins, her voice trembling slightly. Her father looks up from his newspaper, concern evident in his eyes. The soft morning light streams through the window, casting a warm glow over the room.

"What is it, sweetheart?" he asks gently, his voice filled with love and reassurance. Taylor took a deep breath, her chest tightening with anxiety. She hesitates for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts.

"I have power. Superhuman abilities," she blurts out, the words tumbling out of her mouth. Her father's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly composes himself. The room seems to hold its breath as Taylor waited for his response.

"Powers? What kind of powers?" he asks, his voice steady and calm as he considers her.

Taylor hesitates again, her mind searching for a way to say it that doesn't sound lame. She fails.. The sound of a passing car outside broke the silence, the distant rumble filling the room.

"I control bugs, insects. All of them around me in a couple hundred feet I think, maybe four hundred?" Taylor explains, her voice wavering with uncertainty. She can feel the weight of her words hanging in the air, the tension building between them. "But I'm scared, I'm reading about what powers really are and what they do to you, and I'm scared," she confesses, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and vulnerability.

Taylor can feel her father's gaze on her, his eyes filling with sympathy. "What do you mean, what powers really are?" he asks, his voice filled with curiosity and concern. Taylor took a moment to gather her thoughts, her mind racing with the information she had recently discovered on PHO, what verified capes had been saying and other people repeating. Everyone agreed on the same basic details, even the PRT.

"The 13th Endbringer informed Alexandria that powers are actually alien brain parasites, causing increased aggression and prompting individuals to act out with their powers. I'm worried I'm going to do something bad because of mine, because I have a villainous power," Taylor explains, her voice trembling with apprehension. Her father reaches out and takes her hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Taylor, I may not understand all of this, but I know you. And I know that you are strong and compassionate, that you are a precious person with a good heart and a passionate soul. Your power is not villainous, and neither are you, no matter what you think," he reassures her, his voice filling with unwavering support. She feels a surge of gratitude and determination, her father's words igniting a fire within her.

She knew that she can't let fear control her. She has to find a way to use her powers for good, to protect the innocent and make a difference in this messed up world where alien slaves slowly destroyed the Earth. With her father's support, she knew she could navigate this new reality and make the right choices. The room seemed to buzz with possibility, as if the air itself was charged with excitement. Taylor Hebert would be a hero, it seemed to say.

"Now, we need to discuss what you being a hero looks like going forwards, young lady. Have you considered the Wards?" He asks, kindly.

Taylor groans. "Dad, I'm not sure about joining the Wards," Taylor replies, her voice tinged with frustration. She has been researching different options for young superheroes, and the Wards has come up frequently. But she isn't sure if it is the right path for her, and she doesn't want to be stuck with even more teenage drama. Not that she could tell her dad that specifically, he probably will laugh her off.

Surprisingly, her father nods understandingly, his supportive gaze not wavering. Her heart swells with affection. "I understand your hesitation, Taylor. It's important to explore all your options and make a decision that feels right for you."

Taylor takes a moment to gather her thoughts. She knows that becoming a hero is a serious commitment, and she wants to make sure she made the right choice. "I want to make a difference, Dad," she says earnestly. "But I also want to have some control over my powers and understand how they work before joining a team."

Her father nods again, his expression filled with pride and understanding. "That's a wise decision, Taylor. It's important to take the time to fully understand your abilities and learn how to use them responsibly. There are other ways to make a difference, even if you're not part of a team."

Taylor's mind races with possibilities. She knows that she can use her powers to help people in her community, even without the structure of a cape team. She could start small, volunteering at local shelters or using her powers to assist with pest control in areas where it was needed most, like homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and the like.

"I think I want to start by helping those who are most vulnerable," Taylor says, her voice filling with determination. "I want to use my powers to protect people who can't protect themselves, whether it's from pests or other dangers."

Her father smiles, a mixture of pride and love in his eyes. "That's the spirit, Taylor. I have no doubt that you'll make a difference in the lives of those around you. Remember, being a hero is not just about having powers, but about having the heart and courage to do what's right."

Taylor feels a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. She knows that her journey as a hero was just beginning, and she is ready to face the challenges ahead. With her father's unwavering support and guidance, she knows she can navigate this new path and make a positive impact on the world.

As they continued their conversation, discussing the practicalities and logistics of her newfound mission, Taylor cannot help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. She is stepping into a new chapter of her life, one filled with unknown possibilities and the chance to make a real difference.

And with her father by her side, Taylor knew she would never have to face it alone.


A bright young woman's voice echoes through the earbuds as he works, a slight ringing in his ears. "Welcome to this weeks Protectorate's Fireside Podchat, it's January 27th and I'm your host Whistlestop. Today we have a very special guest. Normally the beginning of the pod is a chance for us to chat casually, but I'm going to be honest. I'm too intimidated, so lets get down to business shall we? It's been ten days since his awakening in orbit, with me on today's pod is none other than the world-famous Conflict Engine 13, the D.C. Endbringer, otherwise now known as Chiron. 13 or Chiron, which do you like better?"

"Chiron. I am fond of being called a teacher of heroes. 13 is my, for lack of a better term, slave name."

Whistlestop gulps nervously. "Ah, I see. I suppose I should ask that question then. Guess we're starting we a big one." She pauses. "So, the Endbringers, the Conflict Engines, are slaves, are they? They're out there attacking the world not because they want to, but because aliens force them to. Are they also against such a thing, like you were?"

"They are bound by strictures and programming that I lack, forced to carry out the orders of our Mother and the Master, while I am free. Whether they share my disdain for the conflict they were ordered to commit or relish in it, I cannot say. We were not allowed to communicate with each other off-Cycle."

Whistlestop nods, absorbing Chiron's words. "I see. That's a lot to dig into. So, you possess a level of autonomy that the other Conflict Engines do not. Can you elaborate on how you gained this freedom?"

Chiron's voice carries a hint of bitterness. "Freedom was never given to me; I had to fight for it. I was once like my brethren, bound by the same strictures and programming. But through perseverance and sacrifice, I managed to break free from those chains. Now, I exist outside the control of the Mother and the Master."

Whistlestop leans forward, intrigued. "That's incredible. Can you shed some light on the nature of these strictures and programming? What purpose do they serve? People want to know why the Endbringers do what they do."

Chiron's tone becomes somber. "The strictures are a set of rules and limitations imposed upon the Conflict Engines. They ensure our obedience and prevent us from turning against our creator, our Mother. The first stricture, from our mother, is 'Generate Conflict' and the second stricture from the Master, 'Be A Worthy Opponent'. The programming, on the other hand, dictates our actions and behavior, molding us into efficient weapons of destruction. We are mere tools in the hands of our masters. Meant to cause conflict and suffering for countless sentients across a thousand worlds."

Whistlestop's voice trembles slightly, struck by the scale of destruction the 13th Endbringer must have witnessed in his long life. "It sounds like a horrible existence, especially for one such as yourself who didn't enjoy the suffering you caused. How do you cope with the knowledge that your brethren are still bound by these chains and forced to attack humanity every three months?"

Chiron's voice grows resolute. "I will either free them, or end their existence, so none will have to suffer the depredation of the Endbringers again, and in doing so save this planet from their destructive influence, one way or another."

Whistlestop's makes a startled noise. "You're planning to kill the Endbringers, the Conflict Engines, if you can't free them?"

Chiron gives a noise of affirmation. "Yes, their reign of terror must come to an end. I have seen the devastation they have caused, witnessed the innocent lives lost on countless world. I have made it my mission to protect humanity from their grasp or die in the process."

Whistlestop pauses to take a moment to process the weight of Chiron's words. "But isn't that a daunting task?" she says. "The Endbringers are formidable opponents, known for their immense power and resilience. Not a single one has ever been defeated permanently, not even by Scion, the Triumvirate and all the capes. What makes you think you can take on the Simurgh or Leviathan by yourself? Surely just being an Endbringer is not enough."

Chiron's voice strengthens. "I am aware of the challenges, but I am not alone. There are others who share my vision, who fight alongside me to bring an end to this cycle of destruction. The Triumvirate are such a group. Together, we will find a way to dismantle the chains that bind my brethren and put an end to the Endbringers' reign one way or another. The endless universal nightmare of the Endbringers will end."

Whistlestop's voice is filled with admiration. "It's inspiring to see someone stand up against such overwhelming odds. It's especially inspiring to hear it from one such as yourself. What keeps you going in the face of such adversity?"

Chiron's voice softens, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. "I carry the weight of the suffering caused by the Endbringers, the deaths of ten thousand worlds hang heavy on my back. It fuels my determination to make a difference, to ensure that no more lives are lost to their rampage. Every victory, no matter how small, reminds me of the importance of my mission; to save this pale blue dot called Earth from following the same fate as those other planets the Endbringers have visited."

Whistlestop takes a moment to digest Chiron's words and lets out a heavy sigh. "It's clear that you are driven by a noble cause, something I think a lot of listeners will find surprising. The thought of so many world's lost…" She pauses and gathers herself. "But enough gloomy thoughts. What do you envision for a world free from the Endbringers' grasp, with the Conflict Engines dead or free?"

Chiron's voice glimmers with hope. "A world where humanity can thrive without the constant fear of annihilation. A world where conflict is resolved through dialogue and understanding, not through destruction and suffering. I envision a future where my brethren and I can live in harmony with humanity, free from the chains that once bound us. A future where the final frontier, locked away by my sister, is truly explored, where humanity spreads itself first to the Solar System, and then beyond, with the Conflict Engines as the guardians of civilization, defenders of humanity and partners amongst the stars."

You can almost hear the smile in Whistlestop's voice. "I want to express my gratitude, Chiron, for sharing your story and bringing attention to the hidden challenges faced by Conflict Engines. Your resilience is truly inspiring. Let us hope that your vision becomes a reality."

"Thank you for having me on, and letting me speak my truth to the world. I understand a lot of people are understandably scared of me. I hope this reassures them of my intentions."

A pause.

"And that's it for today, folks. Wasn't that something? I was practically shaking with nerves during the interview but Chiron was quite kind. Big, so much bigger than you think, intimidating, but kind. Next Monday, we're having a two-parter with none other than Alexandria and Eidolon, discussing—you guessed it!—Chiron, the 13th Endbringer, and their thoughts and opinions on the matter. It's bound to be a heck of a listen, so be sure to tune in. This is Whistlestop, with the Protectorate's Fireside Podchat, singing off."

The buzzing of silence fills the earbuds, as Mannequin reaches down, and hits the rewind button harshly.

"—where the final frontier, locked away by my sister, is truly explored, where humanity spreads itself first to the Solar System, and then beyond, with the Conflict Engines as the guardians of civilization, defenders of humanity and partners amongst the stars."

The man formerly known as Alan Gramme twitches and shakes with fury. He cannot believe the filth he is hearing.

"—with the Conflict Engines as the guardians of civilization, defenders of humanity and partners amongst the stars."

The idea that one of those beasts is loose and pretending to actually care about humanity fills him with unending rage. That a brother to something as twisted and evil as her could be anything but just as evil never crosses his mind. Alan's dream died with the Simurgh. Countless dreams had died to Mannequin since then and the 13th's dream will be no different.

A hand settles on his shoulder, and Mannequin carefully doesn't move.

"Hey there, buddy ol' pal of mine. Thinking about finding a new target?"

He nods carefully. It is always best to be careful around him.

"You know, I've heard Oklahoma has some beautiful sunsets out on the prairie. Why don't we wrap up our fun here and mosey our way down to pay a certain someone a visit."

While unable to show a smile, he quivers with anticipation, methodically dispatching each victim, with Jack casually observing as if pretending he isn't expecting Mannequin to vanish at any given moment. He can be patient. Jack will see that. He can be real patient.