The Defenders Renewed (Group Thread Open To All)

[Obuzeti]

Amid the many conversations, a red light begins to blink on the console, beeping softly as a similar beacon shines on the holographic Earth, centered on Dresden, Saxony. It comes from, of all places, a small coffee shop, where writers and poseurs, businessmen cradling their coffees and short breaks with equal care, and the unaware and thirsty all come. The name: Viele Dinge.

It takes a moment for the eye to spot him, this brown-haired, dark-eyed man sitting by the counter, enjoying his chai in comparison to the caffeine addicts around him. He smiles and speaks to the barista with evidently soft laughter, drawing a story out of the young man of his time at the nearby university of Dresden, and how he took this job to pay his bills while attending. It's very domestic.

But the dark eyes on this man are wrong; the iris broken, collapsed, and black as night, like a teardrop instead of a circle. If one spends too long, watching, they can see it shift shape, migrating towards an oval lazily. Only a thin white line distingushes pupil from iris, and it is too thin and flexible for bodily comfort. It is inherently unsettling.

And also: where the man sits, his back to the east-facing window and the rising sun, his shadow should be cast over the counter, but there is nothing. Not even the slightest shade.

This is Danior Ellsby Hathmore, codenamed CALIBAN by the Defenders, on an international watchlist and one of the top twenty most lethal individuals in the world. He hasn't been seen in public for three years, and was presumed in hiding, or at least apathetic to the world at large.

The timing can't be coincidental.

Outside, a pair of German policemen sit in their cruiser, having radioed in the alert, and staring helplessly at the human skin of a monster they can't possibly hope to inconvenience in the slightest.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Avery listened to John's update, frowning as the images of Jane came up. The fact that she was out and about, showing herself so publicly... It didn't bode well. When the holographic representation of the building popped up, Avery found herself distracted. She shouldn't have been surprised that John had agents, but something about it tickled at her. Something she couldn't quite figure out.

Then John was calling for questions, and there was a voice speaking up from the back of the room. Avery turned, taking in the woman there for the first time. Seeing that costume was like a punch in the gut, and it took Avery a few moments to get her breath back.

Kuroari.


"My predecessor left behind some records for me. I know of Jane Smith and why she is a danger but I don't know that everyone here does. Perhaps some background would be helpful? In brief, of course.

Well, not the Kuroari she knew, but someone who had taken his mantle after his death. She pushed down the tears as she looked back at John. It had been an odd morning for all of them, but the frustration and anger she had sensed in him earlier was concerning. She knew that those emotions made other things harder for him to deal with.

"I...I am also curious if you have developed any...solution to her. I, well, I have looked into a few of my mentor's ideas on the subject. I can begin researching and refining them immediately."

Avery got to her feet, clearing her throat and standing up beside John, giving him an sheepish smile.

"If I may?" She asked, before facing the crowd of people gathered, the sheer number of them almost overwhelming her. It was nothing like the old days of course, but it was a wonder to behold.

Avery's first instinct was, in answer to why Jane Smith was a danger, was to say it was because she was one hell of a crazy witch. She pushed that instinct down and took a deep breath.

"Thank you Kuroari. Jane Smith, for those of you that don't know, is the founder and leader of the organisation known as the Syndicate. Earlier in her career she was well known as part of a UN peace keeping force. However, before long, she became convinced that she was one of the harbingers of an alien invasion. Jane believed that it was her personal mission to prepare our world, to ripen it, to get it ready for the aliens to invade.

"When no one agreed with her, Jane went about finding the shadiest of the shady to assist her. They formed an organisation that they called the Syndicate. Now, if their actions are an indication of their beliefs, the aliens want our world to be a pit of violence and despair. They raided towns, destroyed cities, tortured, killed, experimented- well, the list goes on. Now, as you can guess, not many people are as into this as they are. So when the Defenders started to crack down on her, Jane managed to get her influence into the UN. We still aren't quite sure exactly how she managed to infiltrate and corrupt them so quickly, but in the end the Defenders- the very force created to protect the world from her machinations- were disbanded."

Avery paused for a few moment, eyes making contact with her former colleagues, the ones that were left floating when the UN forced them to part.

"Now, as John has stated, she is back again. She is stirring trouble in Russia, and wherever else she can stick her nose. We don't know her plans yet, but we are certain that she still believes she must prepare Earth for invasion. We have no doubt that all of this will spell trouble for our world. Trouble with a capital T."

Avery stepped forward and down off the podium, standing right near the front seats. Her wings shivered at the thought of continuing.

"As for solutions, we have John. In the past he has shown to be the only one who is able to stand up to her. It is lucky for us, really, that she doesn't bother to crawl out of her hovel very often. Jane is, for lack of a better expression, ridiculously powerful. She has telepathic and telekinetic abilities that are unparalleled, and she is able to heal and regenerate at the drop of a hat. She has not, and will not, hesitate to tear apart anyone who dares to get in her way. And I am speaking literally, not figuratively.

"I am sure there are a number of other methods to deal with her in the works and with the crew we have assembled now, I have no doubt that we will be able to prevail. Kuroari, please feel free to share whatever information or ideas you have with us. That goes for all of you.

"While Spectre's team is on their mission in Russia, John and I will take you all through your paces. You can show off what you can do, and we can work together to come up with strategies that will see the Defenders strong once more."

Avery stopped speaking, looking around the room, allowing any others who may have questions to speak up as she stepped back into line with John. She smiled up at him as their arms brushed, and then she turned serious again as her gaze returned to the assembled group.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter's breath caught in his throat for a moment as he looked to the back of the room. He'd left the Defenders before it happened, but one of the guards told him about Black Ant cashing in against Jane not long after he left the team. It was after he'd come out of his stupor so he was probably the last of the old guard to learn about his death. Seeing the uniform on someone else, even a lovely woman that wore it now, it really hit home that Makoto was gone and he wasn't coming back.

Turning back to the stage, Peter tried to calm himself down, tried to breathe evenly. But memories of The Lab and what Jane did from the old days came rushing back to him. He needed help; he needed support. Without thinking, he reached over and took Cloe's hand in his, squeezing it tight. What he forgot was his new nature and his skin was hot to the touch. Hearing her reaction, he looked over at her and realized what he'd done.

That brought back his focus, brought back his calm. As quickly as he did it, his hands returned to normal body temperature, but the flowers on her body hinted that the rest of him was still plenty warm. "Sorry..." he whispered to his Brazilian friend seated beside him.

Looking around, Peter saw David, Spectre, sitting with the same guy from the mess hall last night. He made sure that he saw him looking and gave him a knowing nod, telling him that he wanted in on this mission to Russia. He'd follow-up after the meeting, but he wanted to get his name in the hat first. Settling back, Peter listened to the rest of the talk, forgetting to let Cloe's hand go during it all.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Lynx

Lynx was mentally running through a list of what she would need to bring along in her bag of tricks, or at least send along, for an attack against a Syndicate site.

Lynx had her own memories of Jane and her organization from five years ago. Back then, Lynx's fights were more likely than not being conducted on the floor of the UN General Assembly, the lecterns of Oxford...basically humanity's halls of power and academia. Lynx's alien physiology had made her immune to Jane's mind control techniques, and her powers of persuasion and logic helped her to counteract the actions of those politicians and academicians who were under Jane's control.

Until they didn't, Lynx thought bitterly. Until five years ago the Defenders were disbanded, and Lynx had retreated to her research station in the middle of an icy nowhere.

But that was then, and this was now, she forcefully reminded herself. She'd be just as effective...more effective, she thought...in the fights the Chief sent her into, whether it was a raid on a Syndicate outpost or a debate in some nation's legislature. She was ready.

POV Zuya Wagner

If Zuya should have felt embarrassed that the organization she currently represented had been so complicit in the rise of Jane's Syndicate, she wasn't. Because in her heart of hearts, Zuya thought of herself as a cop. A good cop, whose job it was to stand between the innocent and those who preyed on them. True, in her last few years, first with the Mounties, and then on detached service to the United Nations, she had fought some fairly unusual criminals, and in the case of the United Nations, had to deal with individuals who wanted to use the United Nations for corrupt ends (the Syndicate wasn't the only guilty party doing this). But in the end, she was a good cop, and was going to do everything she could to put a stop to the predators.

And unknown to Zuya, outside the sealed doors of the meeting room, a message was waiting for her from a friend in Interpol, about the spotting of one of the worst predators the planet had ever known.

POV Wind Hunter

Alya wondered what the Defenders' Commander had in store for her and her sister. She herself would not argue if he felt the two of them should follow some type of training schedule before continuing their fight against the Syndicate. Orror, though...her sister had dedicated her life to the welfare of her people and the destruction of the Syndicate. Alya did not know if her sister would listen to any argument, no matter how logical, that would temporarily sideline her from her personal war against the Syndicate.

And Alya still wondered what had happened to her during those few minutes after her and her sister had transported onto the Defenders' Lunar Base.

POV Macha

If this was a meme, Delen thought to herself, the caption on the bottom would have read "Then Shit Got Real." The redheaded teenager thought she should have been freaking out with all the stuff the Commander and Avery and other people were talking about this Jane Smith. Delen still didn't think that joining the Defenders hadn't made things more dangerous for her, though. Heck, she had had a few...what was that word, skirmishes?...yeah, skirmishes with some of that Syndicate bunch. Even if she hadn't joined the Defenders, sooner or later someone would have gotten tired of the crazy redhead messing up their plans in North America and sent some real heavy hitters against her.

Delen knew she was tough now. She had all her Macha skills and powers and memories and even knew that some past Machas had faced sorcerers and shit. But that was one and one, and now it seemed like every super powered bad guy and crazy was crawling out of their holes. Delen wasn't afraid. She had been a tough kid even before her Macha side had shown up. And tenth generation Macha was badass! Just as badass as anyone in the room, Delen decided, and probably badasser than most.

But Delen was thinking about those mastodons and stuff who were pretty bad ass in their day until they got surrounded by a pack or a tribe and brought down. And that's why she was here. To get a pack of her own so that stuff like that didn't happen, and to jump the bad guys before they jumped them.

So Delen's circuitous teenage logic came to the conclusion she wasn't afraid, she was ready to fight, and she was ready to listen and learn the best way to do so.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Cloe watched as Avery got to her feet, taking the question from the back of the room. The lighting and recycled air had kindled the start of a headache for Cloe, so she wasn't going to turn around to see who posed the question until Avery mentioned Kuroari's name. Cloe felt Peter tense in his chair beside her and she finally shifted in her seat, her eyes seeing through the dark and focusing on the woman who had been standing inconspicuously in the back corner of the room.

Seeing that suit, hearing that name again... Cloe had to push away the emotions and memories that threatened to rise in her. She could barely concentrate as it was, with her head pounding for all it was worth.

Then there was a branding hot pressure on Cloe's hand, she sucked in a breath of shock and went to pull away, before realising it was Peter. Their eyes met for a split second and her pained expression softened. Peter seemed to centre himself, and his hand cooled back to something comfortable. A smirk of amusement tugged at the corner of her lip as she noticed that the blossoms were back out again, the needy little blighters stretching their petals towards him.

"Never apologise for holding my hand," Cloe whispered with a lighthearted wink, before returning her attention to Avery.

Peter didn't let go of her hand, and Cloe made no move to take her own away. She liked it there; her hand pressed between the leaves on her thighs and Peter's warmth. It was comforting, an anchor, and soon the pounding in her head faded into the background.

 

[silvertongue217]

COMMANDER POV

"I want to make this very clear" John said the minute Avery stepped back "You are not to combat Jane. If I am on mission I will handle it and if I am not you run like hell away from her that is the long standing orders and will continue to be she has caused the death of four defenders in her life time and she will never object to killing more"

"I have so far been known to be the only thing that can affect her" John remarked shifting uncomfortably "on a physical and personal level. Jane is obsessed with me to the point of being border line crazy. This makes her all the more dangerous to you all and should not be taken lightly"

He nodded at Kuroari thanking her and making a mental note to talk to Avery about her some time today. In all the rush of new people and her coming late he had forgotten to let Avery know about her secret. Even though he hadnt agreed with her ABOUT keeping it a secret he was honoring her wishes. He had told her he needed to tell Avery though and thankfully she had agreed.

"I believe that is mostly every thing" John remarked glancing over at Gregory "Teams report for-"

Before he could finish the beeping began alerting him and Gregory to some one flagged in the defenders system. Though they didnt have the coverage they used to Gregory and John had managed to set up alert watches for some of the more dangerous criminals the defenders never managed to put away.

Like this one

Gregory put it on screen letting the camera zoom into the sleepy little town. John turned eyes narrowing as he waited to see who had decided to pop up now.

What he saw he didnt like

"Shit" John murmured watching with dread as Danior drank his Chai. This was bad, bad enough that John himself would need to get down their and see what the man wanted.

"Change of plans" John said to Avery turning and nodding at the screen "I need to go see him, see what he wants. You start training with the team I'll take a small one out try to keep it from turning into a blood bath"

John turned scanning the crowds "Zuya, and the two sisters please come see me" John called to them moving over to the door.

.................................

SPECTRE POV

David rose noting the meeting was over. He of course knew the man in the picture well enough to know time was of the essence. A part of him wanted to argue every one should go.... if Caliban was involved but he knew John needed him to focus on the mission he was leading.

"Darius" David said calling the hacker over "Peter I saw you wanted in as well who else wants to come? I know John wanted to keep it with people who ran with us before but I dont mind taking on some one new who wants to see how we do things!"

"Of course if Avery is okay with that" David said turning to her and winking.

...................................

THUNDERESS POV

Orror growled at the mention of training, surely he didnt mean her? She had been fighting the syndicate for years! As well as defending her people. Her sister was raw and it made since but her?

There was nothing more ridiculous

Before she could object to it however some thing was happening on the screen. A man appeared some one she didnt know but John clearly did. The reaction wasnt good and in seconds he was moving and calling her and her sister over.

"Come sister" Orror remarked rising up and moving down the steps "it would seem we dont have to train after all"

"I would have rathered went on the Russian mission Commander" Orror stated coming up to John "Who is this man?"

"His name is Calibor" John stated "One of the top twenty most lethal people in the world.... When he wants to be at least. Right now I am hoping I can talk him into leaving quietly before he kicks up a fuss"

...................................

RUNNER POV

Maya went to answer the girls questions but before he could the lights dimmed. The commander started his speech and even though Maya was new to all this she still felt her heart swell. This was clearly a place for hero's and had been. Maya still wasnt sure she was one but even she couldnt deny the commanders rousing call to arms. It was a melancholy one but it was still awe inspiring.

The commander moved right into assignments and Maya breathed out a sigh of relief when she found out she would be training if she decided to stay. Training was good, training was some thing she could do.

"I was rescued from a lab" Maya explained as the lights brightened back up and the presentation was over "One owned by the Essex corporation I was with Peter the guy right there" She remarked pointing at the man sitting by natura.

"I guess were going into training then?" Maya said watching the meeting break "I mean that cant be so bad right?" She asked looking over at the woman.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Zuya Wagner

As the meeting ended, Zuya had her own alert. Checking her device, she grimaced then went over to the Commander when he called her over.

"Interpol just contacted me on Mr. Hathmore," she told him. "I've seen the file they keep on him at their headquarters in Lyon. Kept me up nights for weeks after I saw it. So I know the importance of talking, listening and keeping the gawkers at a distance. The Mounties taught me a lot on crowd control. And keeping my cool under pressure."

POV Lynx

"So David, do you want me and my bag of tricks along, or just my bag of tricks?" she asked Spectre in a whimsical tone. "I am the patient sort, but it does get old being the bridesmaid all the time and never the bride. I do like tagging along when the opportunity presents itself."

POV Wind Hunter

Alya silently sighed. She did not know this Zuya person, but this Zuya and the Commander both knew who this Caliban person was. Alya had only heard the name once; a name she vaguely recognized from an English story or drama. Something they touched on briefly in school when she was growing up in West Bengal, But whoever this modern day Caliban was, he appeared to be someone you treated with patience and delicacy: two traits her half sister was not known for.

Alya was following her sister when her eyes turned a soft glowing yellow and she blurted out, "Foghlaim o Finnegus." Alya's eyes turned back to normal and she stumbled a few steps. Alya tried to look as if nothing had happened, unaware of her brief possession and slightly embarrassed for the clumsiness she had just exhibited, but did not know what the source was.

POV Macha

Delen gave the girl she had been standing next to a nod when the Commander called for her and the girl with the purple mohawk (And they were sisters? Really?). Delen knew she would have to learn how to fight with others, but it wasn't like she didn't have experience, I mean, she had been fighting for the last three years, plus she had all the skills and strength and whatever of the nine Machas before her.

So when Spectre (and Delen knew who Spectre was from her own research on the Defenders on the internet, and she was pretty sure the slash fiction she had seen written up on him was just bull) said he'd be willing to take someone new, she stepped up, her swords materializing in her hands,

"I'm good in a fight if you'll have---" Delen's volunteering was interrupted by the Jasmine girl spouting out something in Irish. "Who's Finnegus, and why is she wanting to learn something from him?"

 

[such_a_bad_man]

"Never apologize for holding my hand."

Peter smiled back at Cloe for that simple grace she had. She always made him feel better whenever things went sideways on a mission or if he was just not 100%. It was good to have her back in his life, especially after The Lab. Drawing a deep breath to calm down, all hell broke loose again as the warning net buzzed to life and the face of an old nemesis popped on screen.

"Caliban... should have figured he was still alive."

John began barking orders and Peter looked around as David was moving to get the team together. Looking at Cloe, he squeezed her hand once more. "Gotta go to work. It's time to shake the rust off." He smiled before standing and slipping his hand from Cloe's.

By the time he got to David, Darius was already there. Peter just nodded when David verified that he wanted on the team. "Five years is a long time to be sitting on the sidelines. Plus, I gotta see if I can make something of the work they did on me." He admitted as he stood there. Looking around, he was curious to see if the new Black Ant was coming along or if she was going to train with the new recruits. That would be very telling about how much Makoto taught her about the suit.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

COMMANDER POV
"Change of plans. I need to go see him, see what he wants. You start training with the team I'll take a small one out try to keep it from turning into a blood bath"

Avery reached out, putting her hand on John's arm before he moved away.

"Be careful John, Caliban is one creepy guy. I'll be available by comm if you need anything," She pulled her hand back, tucking it into a pocket at her hip before turning and taking in the new recruits.

"Okay, the rest of you with me!" Avery called out, gesturing for Gregory, Romeo, Maya, Kuroari, a girl clutching a feathered hat and golden half mask, and a tall man in tanned leather gear, to all follow her. She could see a few disgruntled expressions at the idea of being in training, so she decided to set that issue to rest as a priority.

"Right, now I know a lot of you are probably wondering why on earth, or the moon, we've chucked you into training. You are all heroes already in your own right, and I have no doubt that most of you are already very familiar with how to use your abilities. If not, I am here to help, but that isn't the main purpose of this training."

Avery looked around, taking in the group of people. She knew of a couple of them, but there were some whose names she didn't even know, let alone abilities (the pretty girl with the hat and mask, and the native American fellow in particular). She wished that Spectre had time to work his magic on them, to clear them before training, but she would just have to make it work.

"The purpose of this training is so you can show us all what you've got, and also so you can show us that you can work together. The Defenders is a team, and we need to be able to act like one out on the field. We will be focusing on learning about each other, and learning to trust one another. Working on the dynamics between us that might very well save your life one day. If you have any luggage that you've left in the mess hall, you can bring it to the training room, and you can suit up in one of the rooms there. I will meet you all outside the mess hall in five."

Avery walked over to the control panel by the holo display and pressed in a code. The lights slowly made the transition back to their normal cool white hue, and the air supply let out an almost imperceptible hiss as it started to take in the main supply again. The secondary shutters on the doors slid open, and people would now be free to come and go as they pleased.

Before leaving to suit up herself, Avery ducked over to where Delen was standing with David, her weapons already materialised. Avery put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Delen, I'm going to need you with me," She said, with an apologetic nod to David, before exiting the room and heading down the hall, hands already flying behind her to start braiding her loose red locks into something more practical.

~ Cloe ~

When Peter got up and moved over to David, Cloe was at a bit of a loss. She had never been one to go out on the cover missions; her skills were more in peace keeping or fights where her powers wouldn't seem odd (a spirit rhino charging through a Russian office building? Not the most subtle of things). She figured she could always help Avery with the training, but after John had given orders her winged friend was already rallying the troops.

So Cloe went and stood by Peter's side.

"Natura reporting for duty," Cloe said to David. "I am happy to come along for this mission if you think you'll have use of me."

~*~

Five minutes later Avery strode back down the corridors to the mess hall. Now, instead of the casual jeans and tshirt she had been in earlier, she was in her full battle gear. Her grey armor felt more comfortable today than it had yesterday, and she hoped that meant she would soon get used to it again. She had a sword strapped to her back, as well as a bow and a quiver of arrows. She also had a messenger style bag clutched in her hand, full with electronic ear plugs and a control unit for them.

"So, are we ready to train?" Avery asked the people that were there.

 

[Armphid]

The pained looks in the eyes of her old friends made her heart ache. Not for the first time, nor for the last, she felt a rush of guilt and shame. She was lied to them. Made them feel the grief of her death and now feeling it again at seeing the 'new' Black Ant. She shouldn't have come back. Not if it meant putting them through that.

But she had. So she would have to make it right, somehow.

It also more firmly fixed in her mind that her secret must never be revealed. If they knew, then they'd know they endured their grief for nothing. That she'd been alive and hiding from them. They'd hate her.

John and Avery knowing was bad enough. She hadn't wanted to let him tell her, but he was adamant about it. Although...the way she'd looked just then...had he told her?

It was a moot point as the situation changed before it had even begun. Her skin crawled at the image of the plain man that came up. Caliban. Why was he showing up now? Because the world was more interesting now, of course. They were back.

Thankfully, that duty would not be hers. John called on three women unknown to her, though one was the staggeringly elegant girl who stood not far away. She wished them luck as she moved from her position as well. David had called for some of the new members to join him; the pretty redhead already bounding up there and pulling swords? Out of nowhere too. Ugh, more magic. She HATED magic.

But she was going with him too. Her abilities were terrific for infiltration and data gathering. She'd also caught the look from Peter. Peter who was...different, somehow. Nothing she could really put her finger on. It did not matter, however. His glance had told her that he wanted to see what she could do. And she wanted to show him, more than that, to be there for him, and the others.

Her progress to the little knot of Spectre's mission team was interrupted by the stunning Siren. Avery was taking command with an easy confidence and charm that made Makoto jealous. She made it look so easy! But she always had. That was just Avery. The Japanese beauty considered rebelling; her mind marshaling a few arguments for her inclusion in the Russia team but then she dismissed them.

In truth, she should be training. Though she wasn't new, she also had not done any real hero work in five years. Yes, she'd been patrolling and making Tokyo safe since she put the suit back on ten months ago but that wasn't the same as a mission like this. The dangers, the stakes, they were different. And even at it's worst, Tokyo was a very orderly city with little dangerous crime. The fact was that she needed to brush up before she went in the field.

Makoto stopped a few paces from the gathered mission group. She licked her lips and then nodded to them, lifting her right hand to pump a fist, "Ganbatte! Good luck! And...be careful. I am sorry for...how I make you feel. But I hope to speak to you all very soon." She smiled, a sad but hopeful little quirk of her pink lips and then turned to follow Avery.

Makoto did not bother to change. She went to the mess hall to await Siren's return. As the winged hero entered, she had been leaning against a wall, idly thumbing through schematics on the control crown; the images of them visible on her visor's HUD.

At Avery's question, Makoto nodded. "Hai, Siren."

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Macha and Tetra

Delen nodded as the winged woman pulled them away from Spectre's team. Yeah, she would have liked to have gone out and kick some butt, but it's like that old guy with the big lips said: You don't always get what you want.

"Lemme..." Delen paused, trying to explain what she had to do. "I'll be right back," Delen said, heading to her room.

Of course Alejandra was in front of the big screen, in the middle of a game. Delen vaguely recognized it. Something fantasy medieval where you built up a base and then attacked other bases. Delen only knew that Alejandra had it on its highest difficuty setting and was still readily beating the game.

Delen knelt behind Alejandra, running her fingers through her adoptive sister's hair, commenting, "I see your letting it grow out." Alejandra closed her eyes and smiled at her sister's touch, though her fingers continued moving in a flurry on her controller.

It was something Delen had made sure to tell poor Gregory. Alejandra only let a select few touch her. Not even casual touches were allowed from anybody else. A visible flinch was the least of your worries if you did touch her. Alejandra could bring up a shield. Literally bring up a shield. It was one of those things she didn't even need a Gameboy to create. Just like those barrels. Delen didn't know how hard a giant monkey could throw a barrel, but that barrel that had appeared out of nowhere and hit those bikers...

Delen and her family were just glad nobody connected the mysteriously appearing barrel with the mild mannered family sitting in the Dairy Barn Restaurant when a group of raucous weekend bikers walked in. And scared Alejandra by their presence.

"I don't like it here," Alejandra said, her eyes never leaving the screen. "Why can't we go home? Mom and Dad have that brand new place in the middle of nowhere. You could go fishing and take me hiking and stuff."

"Alejandra, we talked about that," Delen answered, settling in with her sister. "This is a good place to find allies, to learn how to fight, to do good."

"You were fighting and doing good," Alejandra insisted, as she turned off her game and swiveled around to face her sister. "You saved me, you saved lots of other people. And you have how many lives of experience?" Alejandra asked.

Delen smiled as she brushed an errant lock of hair out of Alejandra's face. "There's also the fact that being here lets me help a wider group of people."

"I could help there, too," Alejandra insisted. "I mean, you know the portals I can use. I've...I've actually visited Mom and Dad a couple of times since I've been up here. I...they said I should tell you."

Delen frowned. Some of the things Alejandra could manifest from the games she carried, like the Tetris blocks, mystified her. And things like the portals...Delen had no idea how things like that could even work. But then, Delen reflected, considering she had the powers that she had, she really couldn't be talking about rational, could she?

"And it's not just the portal. I mean, you could use that glamour thing over me, and I could help you. And then when we weren't doing that, we'd be together with Mom and Dad."

"It means that much to you? Does being here really make you that unhappy?" Delen asked. Alejandra nodded emphatically.

Delen thought about it. It wasn't like she was skipping out on a fight or something. She had been trying to volunteer to go with Spectre to Russia when Avery had preempted her and rerouted her to training.

So maybe Delen could skip a few months of training, and actually get Alejandra to start figuring out her powers. And maybe in a few months, Delen would be able to talk Alejandra in coming back up here. And she'd have Alejandra ready to actually work with the other Defenders, and not hide in her room.

"I guess we can start packing then," Delen said. "The Commander is gone, so I guess I better go talk to Avery."

"I've got everything tagged," Alejandra countered, "So when walk through the portal, everything we own comes with us automatically."

Delen didn't know what game that came from, or how it worked, but she guessed she had to take Alejandra's word on it.

"I still need to go talk to someone about it," Delen said.

"Couldn't you like email them?" Alejandra said, a bit of desperation in her voice. Alejandra was afraid that if Delen talked to someone, they'd talk Delen out of leaving. And Alejandra didn't want to be separated from her sister.

Delen sighed. Guys did dick moves like breaking up with texts or emails or facebook postings. But Alejandra wanted to go, and wanted to go now. And Delen wasn't going to deny her sister.

So Delen wrote up an email to the Commander, trying to explain her dilemma and her hope that, in a few months, if he was willing, she'd be back with Alejandra, with Alejandra ready to participate in group activities.

Delen sent it to the Commander, then turned to her waiting sister. Her sister already had the portal open and waiting.

Within seconds, both sisters, as well as all their belongings, had disappeared from the Defenders' Lunar Base.

 

[Zagreus_D]

Romeo/Kid Crux POV

Romeo turned to David to shake his hand, "Good luck. Stay safe." He knew that this mission wasn't meant for him, and honestly he didn't feel like he was ready for it yet. He was pretty content with training, and he began to move away from the cluster of more experienced heroes who were quickly gathering around David well before Avery called his name.

Imogen/Improv

"That sounds horrible," she said to Maya, aware that it was an obvious thing to say, but unsure how else to respond. "Essex Corporation sounds familiar for some reason, but I can't really say why."

She began to move toward Avery along with Maya, speaking as she went. "I've spent a lot of time training my powers on my own, but I've never really worked with a team. So this should be interesting." It wasn't entirely true though... she had never worked with a team in a combat situation, but everything in her art was team work... it just wasn't the sort of team work that killed someone if you missed a cue.

"My name is Imogen, Gen, Improv," she said when she reached the winged woman. "I do telekinetic props, err... objects... weapons even."

 

[silvertongue217]

COMMANDER POV

"Trust me the file is nothing compared to actually meeting or even being in combat with him" John remarked glancing at Orror and raising an eyebrow. He to had heard her sudden spout of Irish.

"I dont know yet" Orror replied glancing over at her sister "But shes okay.... or at least she is now"

"Okay" John said shrugging and glancing over at Gregory who was moving to follow Avery "Gregory im going to need you in the OPS room with two teams out running missions your going to have to monitor and assist in any way possible"

"Aye Commander" Gregory said nodding and getting up to make his leave.

"the rest of you guys come on" John said moving to the hangar "the sooner we get down there the better Caliban is known to be..... finnicky at best I want to talk to him before he decides to murder every one in that square"

John broke out into a jog moving to the jet they had taken down to meet the terrors. It was already waiting and ready to go along with the spare for Davids mission.

............................

SPIDER POV

Gregory moved into the ops center whistling and activating the machines. First things first he opened a coms channel to Avery.

"Commander wants me over seeing both missions" Gregory told her sliding into the chair "I should be back later though..... Also did you want control of the spiders in the simulator? I programmed some to be used as sparing buddies if need be"

................................

SPECTRE POV

"You know your welcome Lynx" David said smiling at her "I cant garuntee much is going to happen however im hoping we get in and out without making a fuss"

David turned doing a head count of every one gathered "I think thats enough for the mission and of course Cloe I never mind a little backup!" David remarked as Cloe came up and rounded out the team.

"Every one go suit up if you need to" David remarked "Commander said were to take the spare het down Peter if you can come with me and begin the pre flight warm up"

David turned gesturing for Peter to follow as they went to the hanger.

..................................

HACKER POV

"I am pretty much ready to go" Darius said grabbing his messenger back and sliding it on "I will follow you guys"

Darius joined Peter and David eyeing them both as they moved "So how does this work? I ran with a team before but we were all human no powers I can hold my own in a fight just fine if need be" He said adjusting his pack and following them into the hangar.

.................................

RUNNER POV

"Its okay" Maya said shrugging "I got it easy compared to some of the other prisoners"

She shuddered at the memories and following her. She didnt have any clothing or gear so she opted to stay in the stretchy short shorts and athletic top she was wearing. The thought of training and working out felt good to Maya. She was naturally competitive and even in track team work played a big part in it. This would be like that she reasoned as the two girls joined Avery.

But much more deadly

"Im Maya" Maya said blushing "We met in the mess hall but only in passing I uh I dont know how to really explain my powers..... Once I get going though im hard to stop"

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter smiled over at Cloe as she stepped up beside him. Instantly, he felt better about going on this mission. She might be not very physically imposing, but Peter had seen what she could do time and again. Darius couldn't ask for a better protector. Hearing Spectre start in about pre-mission prep, Peter wondered if they ever replaced his flight suit. It was completely toasted in his accident and he might not have ever gotten a new one.

"I'll check the personnel lockers and see about a new suit, Dave." he commented. "Once I have one, I'll warm up the bird for everyone. Other than that, I'm good to go."

After the group broke up, Peter looked over at Cloe. "See you on the transport." He smiled before heading toward that end of the base. Looking through all the lockers for the support crew, he found an unused flight suit and changed into it, not thinking about who might be watching or his own privacy. He'd sort of given up on worrying about that while in captivity at The Lab.

The suit felt like a second skin. It was like stepping back into his old life again and made him feel just that much more whole again. Once dressed, he walked into the vehicle bay and got the vehicle ready to fly. It was like he never left; he went through all the warm-up procedures and pre-flight checklist without a manual. He smiled as he sat in the pilot's seat again, just rubbing his palms on the controls to feel them in his hands again. "Hey honey, Daddy's home.... did you miss me?" he whispered to the craft, reacquainting himself with it after so many years apart.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Lynx

"Chief, wait," Lynx yelled, as the two teams were trotting towards their respective rides. Lynx had grabbed an oversized satchel bag as the two teams had headed out. When she caught up to John, she reached into her bag and pulled out two flash grenades.

"I've had the designs behind these in mind since our previous encounters with that individual," Lynx explained. "The flash is the standard million plus candela. The sound is approximately 180 decibels, but it's a...um, condensed Buddhist chant," Lynx said, clearly embarrassed. "The smoke produced will have some rather exotic particles suspended in it. Sorry, chief, my research took a rather arcane turn in trying to come up with a way to deal with that individual. At the very least, though, one of these should stun him for a minute or so. If it comes to that."

Lynx shrugged as she handed the two devices to the Chief before heading over to join her own team.

POV Wind Hunter

Alya said nothing, but she felt a cold chill run up her spine when she heard the Chief and her sister talking about her speaking Irish again. What did it mean? Why was it happening?

Her sister didn't think it was anything to be concerned about, at least not right now. Alya wasn't sure she agreed. And considering Orror's obsession with the Syndicate, Alya didn't think that her own welfare was high in her sister's priorities.

But for now, Alya's countenance displayed the usual calm she always presented to the world, as she followed the Commander and her sister to their jet.

POV Zuya Wagner

Zuya watched with misgiving as Lynx handed over the two modified flash grenades to the Commander. From everything she had read and heard about Caliban, she suspected that the detonation of a flash grenade in the 'man's' vicinity would just piss him off. True, Lynx enjoyed a reputation of being an eclectic but brilliant researcher, but from what Zuya knew of Caliban, if the devil himself showed up on Earth, he'd give Caliban a wide berth.

With that in mind, Zuya made a mental list of what she would bring to the fight, and hoped that the Commander could talk Caliban out of whatever he had planned.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Hai, Siren." Avery smiled at the woman as she approached, taking in the familiar (yet feminized) nanotube suit and headpiece. She was a small thing, this Black Ant, but she had the curves many women would die for. Though Avery wasn't silly enough to judge her on that; the fact that the original Karoari had chosen this one to train, to pass his mantle to, meant that she must be incredible.

"Thank you Karoari. I am so pleased to have you here," Avery reached out and touched the elbow of Karoari's suit. "I look forward to getting to know the person that Makato thought worthy of his legacy." Avery said softly.

"My name is Imogen, Gen, Improv. I do telekinetic props, err... objects... weapons even."

Avery turned around, smiling as the whimsically dressed golden haired young woman approached her. She was glad of the introduction. Avery offered her hand out for her to shake.

"Oh, that sounds awesome!" Avery said enthusiastically, trying to imagine what it would be like to use telekinesis in such a fashion. Then another young woman named Maya introduced herself also.

"Well, I'm Avery, as you have probably already gathered. I am looking forward to getting to know you all. After training we'll do a tour and you can pick your rooms. And if you have any questions, or anything you need, just let me know. I'll make it happen."

Gregory's voice came through the com in her ear and Avery nodded. She pressed a finger to her ear, so the others would know she was speaking through the comms.

"No problem Gregory. Please keep me updated when you get a chance. If you can patch control of the training spiders that would be great, I'll see if we get around to using them.

"Now!" Avery said with a bright grin as she removed her finger from her ear, "We are just waiting on a couple more before we get down to business."

~Cloe~

Cloe watched their mission group disperse and she decided to duck into the mess before heading down to the hangar. She took a nice long drink of water, and used the relative silence of the mess to gather her thoughts. The fauna on her body started to shift, to writhe, the shiny green vines and leaves receded, as a thick, overlapping skin of bark covered her body. Cloe washed up her glass and started towards the hangar then. As she walked the bark continued to grow. By the time she walked in to meet the others, it looked as though she was wearing a plated brown body suit. New, thicker ropes of vine wrapped around her in intricate swirls, and flowers blossomed at the tip of each vine. Each flower with a different property that may come in useful during their mission.

"Reporting for duty," Cloe said, stepping onto their assigned craft. She looked more like a wood carving now; of an ancient mythological wood nymph, clothed in vines and flowers. Caro twitted on her shoulder and she turned. "You, my darling, remember we are undercover. No noises, okay?" She saw Peter at the controls and a broad smile brightened her face. It was so nice seeing him there, where he had always felt so at home.

 

[Wolfias]

Adam Stone.

"So, are we ready to train?" Avery asked the people that were there.[/QUOTE]

Adam stuck his hands into his pockets and wandered into the small group of Newbies, a moment of introductions and awkward small talk. I was still feeling out of place like I didn't belong in the Defenders, hell I even looked out of place with others looking excited. As a redhead walked in that was just onstage smiling as she touched Commander Hulks arm, I saw the Aura of love around them and thought CH's better half. She walks up to basically tell us to come with her. A look of recognition crosses her face for the others, but for the Hat girl and me it felt (Who the fuck are you?)

"Right, now I know a lot of you are probably wondering why on earth, or the moon, we've chucked you into training. You are all heroes already in your own right, and I have no doubt that most of you are already very familiar with how to use your abilities. If not, I am here to help, but that isn't the main purpose of this training." Raising my hand to speak like was back in High school, damn this was fucking awkward. "I'm not a Hero not in any sense of the word ... I don't know why the hell I'm here. Slipping my right hand back into my pocket. "I know how to fight, use weapons, incantations, potions, native medicine. But a Hero?" I seriously wished I had the power to become invisible at that very moment. She hopefully took a mental note of what I said and continued on with what she had to say to all of us Newbies. Hope I didn't just earn a "volunteering" to spar with her, because it will certainly hurt a lot."

"The purpose of this training is so you can show us all what you've got, and also so you can show us that you can work together. The Defenders is a team, and we need to be able to act like one out in the field. We will be focusing on learning about each other, and learning to trust one another. Working on the dynamics between us that might very well save your life one day. If you have any luggage that you've left in the mess hall, you can bring it to the training room, and you can suit up in one of the rooms there. I will meet you all outside the mess hall in five." I actually saw a little light at end the tunnel after listening to what she had to say. She'd taken my asking permission to speak, my statement and my question in stride. Filing out of meeting hall alpha with the other Newbies, I took up the rear as we headed to the mess hall.

I brought only one thing of importance while I just watch the others gather luggage all I want is Uncle Jamison's beadwork Deerskin bag. Only things a Shaman required are within it as Adam looks inside with a shake of his head with a slight smile. Pulling it over a broad shoulder he was ready to go so he heads for the door of the mess hall. Patting what's my Shaman bag the Spirit of my Uncle has spoken twice now, I walk out of the mess hall without looking back. Another step to being a Defender has been taken, now to get my ass out of the mess hall in five.

Now, instead of the casual jeans and t-shirt she had been in earlier, she was in her full battle gear. Her grey armor felt more comfortable today than it had yesterday, and she hoped that meant she would soon get used to it again. She had a sword strapped to her back, as well as a bow and a quiver of arrows. She also had a messenger style bag clutched in her hand, full with electronic ear plugs and a control unit for them. I see Avery in full grey armor and weapons nearby I force myself to not gawk like a horny Teenager. "I'm Adam Stone, the last Newbie on the Moon ... I think.

 

[silvertongue217]

SPECTRE POV

"Well isnt this a sight for sore eyes" David said coming up through the hangar and stepping onto the ship "The gang back together plus an extra dance partner"

"I aint dancing with any of you guys" Darius said coming up and stowing his messenger bag "Are yall like this?"

"More or less" David remarked grinning at both Peter and Cloe "You will find we rarely take things serious before a mission"

"Hmmmm" Darius said not saying any more. He fished his custom beats out of his bag and slid them on as he began to tap on his phone. Seconds later the jets speaker system activated classic hip hop music reverberating off of the wall.

"Nice to have a soundtrack" Darius told them sliding his headphones off "So whats the play?"

"Well for starters were just waiting on Lynx" David remarked deciding to let the music go and sitting down in one of the spare seats "Once were in the field we use code names Peter your our back up keep the jet warmed and prepped and if we need you we will call you in Natura and Lynx are going to be the distraction they will assault the front and draw whatever guards are there meanwhile I shall sneak you into the server room"

.................................

COMMANDER POV

"Well here is hoping we dont use them" John remarked watching as Lynx left. He eyed the balls in his hand before his suit morphed covering them and sliding them into his pockets.

"Make no mistake guys this is hopefully not going to be a fire fight" John remarked boarding the jet and beginning the pre flight warm up "if it becomes that your to retreat to the jet and hit the autopilot protocol I will hold him off until backup comes"

He doubted he would be able to hold the man off for very long but he was the most durable so it would have to do. If it did get ugly then he would bring the full might of the defenders down on the man.

And this time he would kill him

"lets load up" John called back flipping and activating the pre flight diagnostics.

.............................................

THUNDERESS POV

"Come sister" Orror said sliding their fingers together and bringing her up the jet ramp "We will figure out what is happening to you when we get back"

Orror nodded at the Commanders words and slid into one of the seats. She buckled her self in and pulled one of mothers knives out of its sheath. She closed her eyes and bowed her head trying to center herself before the mission. It wasnt what she had hoped to be doing but she was part of the team now. A Queen no more.


Now she was a soldier

.........................................

SPIDER POV

"Both teams are about to launch Avery" Gregory remarked his fingers dancing as he pulled the feed up of Caliban to watch out of the corner of his eyes "Caliban is still at the coffee house he hasnt moved yet"

"also consider the spider drones yours" Gregory remarked transferring controls "Try not to break them to bad!"

...................................

RUNNER POV

Before Maya could say any thing more to Avery another woman came in. Maya recnogized the voice as the person who had talked earlier during the meeting.

But she hadnt turned to see the speaker

She was.... Well attractive didnt do it justice! Maya tried not to stare and quickly averted her eyes taking a hard gulp as she shifted. God if she didnt stay just to use her powers for good she would be surely tempted to stay for all the woman!

Of course with those thoughts came her mothers stern look and a bolt of shame. She brought her hands up to her cross fingering it and sighing as she once again glanced at every one assembled. She sighed blowing a stray lock of hair back as she went over to the new girl.

"Hi" Maya said smiling at her "No reason to stand so far away.... Imogen and I would love to have you" Maya said nodding at the girl before blushing.

"I mean not have you have you!" Maya said cursing internally "I meant have you in our group!" She said in a hushed whisper.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Lynx

"Sorry, David, just giving the Chief a couple of Easter Eggs," Lynx said, entering the jet and finding a place to strap in. As light as her tone was, there was something bothering her. She was missing something, Something important. Something was staring her in the face, and as clever as she liked to show the world she was, she had absolutely missed something very, very obvious.

Get your head into the game, Lynx thought to herself, using the human expression to force her mind to listen to David's briefing. When he tagged her and Natura to act as distractions, she shot the other woman a conspiratorial smile. Lynx had her bag of tricks, so she was always good to provide smoke and mirrors when needed.

So if you're so damn good, Lynx thought to herself, why is it you feel like you've missed something important?

POV Zuya Wagner

Zuya strapped in, then checked her armament. Considering who they were facing, she felt extremely under dressed. A briefcase sized tactical nuke would have been nice to have, she thought wryly.

Shaking her head, Zuya forced herself to focus on the mission. Her job was to back up the Commander here. While he was talking, she'd clear the area of bystanders. If push came to shove, she'd provide cover fire while everyone got the hell out of Dodge.

So keep your focus on the mission, Zuya, she told herself, and maybe we'll get out of this all right.

POV Wind Hunter

Alya nodded serenely, letting her sister lead her into the jet. Alya pressed her worry to a corner of her mind, planning to examine it later. For now, she centered herself, preparing herself mentally for whatever was to transpire.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Peter slid out of the pilot's seat and came to the rear of the plane to listen to David's briefing. When he heard what David had planned for him, he cleared his throat a little. "Uh, David, things have changed since I went away. I'm not just a simple pilot with a panache for walking away from plane fires. Whatever work they did on me in that Lab has turned things up to 11 and I can do a heck of a lot more than beat the heat. I'd like to go in with you for a little more close support."

He looked over at Spectre, waiting for his decision. Not seeing a great deal of confidence in his eyes, Peter continued. "I can give you a demonstration in the landing bay if you want." He offered, gesturing back down the ramp. Looking around at the team, he added on. "It might be good for everyone to know what I can do now."

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Lynx

Lynx looked first at Peter, then to David. "If we have the time, David, it might not be a bad idea to see what the reserve can do, in the event our situation becomes untenable. But it is...," Lynx paused for a moment, looking for the right phrase..."your call."

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Avery watched as the members assembled took in her words and started to speak amongst themselves while they waited. She turned to the man that had spoken to her, the one that had introduced himself as Adam.

"Nice to meet you Adam," Avery said, stepping over to him while Maya chatted to Makato. "What you said before, about being a hero... Anyone can be a hero. Some of the best heroes we've had in the Defenders are the ones without any powers. The ones that used their brains and hearts and motivation to make the world a better place-"

Avery was just about to continue when Gregory's message came through the comms.

"Thanks Spiders. I'll take good care of them," She said, putting her fingers over her earpiece.

"Right," Avery said, voice raised as she nodded and smiled at Adam, and then at the others. "Let's go."

Avery then led the team through the halls of the moon base. The training arena was one of her favourite places on the moon. It was a huge space. Big enough for her to fly around with ease. There were several different sections to it; all different terrains (a mixture of city, urban, rural and environmental scenery). In the centre there was a large arena with a gritty, sanded floor, perfect for sparring, and with some seating and weapon racks. She took her team right to that space, into the arena and turned.

Avery took the electric controller out of her back and turned it on, finding the application for the earphones as well as the spiders available. She grinned as she set the little mechanical critters to work. From all around the dome they scrambled in, chittering over the buildings and streets and dirt as they made their way to the centre.

"So, who wants to go first?" Avery asked with a grin, eyeing the assembled newbies.

 

[Armphid]

Makoto blushed at Avery's touch and again felt a lurch of guilt and shame in her chest. Oh, she'd be so mad when she found out! She clearly didn't know now but John would tell her and then...ohh! But maybe...maybe Makoto should do it instead. It would be a more honest thing. Right now, she felt like dirt for lying to her friends.

Before she could answer though, the others began to arrive and Avery turned to greet and speak to them. They were interesting looking young women, though Imogen's costume was a bit busy and bright for Makoto's tastes. Nothing wrong with that though. She offered each of them a small smile and a shallow inclination of her head and shoulders as they introduced themselves to Siren.

When Maya spoke to her, Makoto's cheeks flushed a bit at the woman's unintended innuendo. Well, more at her pointing it out by trying to correct it. But it felt nice also; she was proud enough to like it when she was physically appreciated. "I understand that you meant," she answered. "It's fine."

One of the men from earlier had returned now and introduced himself as well. She took a breath and then shifted her stance to she was facing the assembled group, "I am Tansui Makoto. Kuroari, or Black Ant, in costume." She smiled a small, wary smile, "It's good to meet you all."

Avery then led them to the training room. She walked at the back of the group, knowing the route but not wanting to give that away. She wasn't surprised that this part of the facility was up and running before some of the others; John always wanted his team to be ready, so it would be a priority for him. She led them to the central "arena" area and then, then Makoto had a moment where fear shot through her like a bullet as numerous spiders crawled from, from everywhere, towards them!

She turned to face the onrushing mass with a sound that was somewhere between a yelp and a growl. She hated spiders! Ugh! And where and why were they...oh. Makoto let out a breath and relaxed. They weren't real. They must be drones used by the Commander's aide, Gregory. That was a little better. ...They still looked like spiders though...

At Siren's challenge, Makoto took a deep breath and looked back at her. After a few beats, she spoke, "I will go, unless someone else wishes to."

 

[silvertongue217]

SPECTRE POV

David leaned back looking at Peter and Lynx. He had a good point, Peter was stronger now even he could see that. He had no idea what happened to the young man during his captivity or what the extent of his upgraded powers.

"I appreciate that Peter" David remarked "But for now your acting as backup we dont have the time to have the demonstration so your the guy that comes in if shit gets rough I have no idea who is going to be guarding the target it may be a quick in and out if it becomes any thing else though I will call you in and trust me this is just the beginning of our operations"

David smiled at him and then turned to every one "If were good to go strap in Gregory already uploaded the coordinates to our target"

...............................

COMMANDER POV

"Alright lets go" John said turning back into the cargo hold and making sure every one was accounted for "Buckle in guys!"

John grabbed the throttle opening it up as the hangar doors opened. In a second they were off shooting out of the moon and rocketing towards the planet.

"Going stealth" John remarked tapping the H.U.D "Guide me in Spider"

Gregory confirmed and seconds later waypoints began to appear guiding him in. He followed them rentering the earths atmosphere. The ship began to rock, its heat shields flaring up at the country side began to appear in front of them.

"We should be there in five guys" John called back "Get ready"

...............................

THUNDERESS POV

"Ready Commander" Orror called out sheathing her knife "I am standing by"

Electricity began to spark from her hands running up and down her body. They met in the middle sparking and heating up as she glanced at her sister.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked raising an eyebrow "No more..... Episodes coming on?"

..................................

RUNNER POV

Maya followed the group craning her head to look back at every thing. Who was have thought a room on the moon could be so big?! It looked like a cross between a paintball field she had once been in and a military complex. They moved into the center to a rough area that could clearly be used for sparring. Maya watched as the hero named Siren stopped calling on....

Were those mechanical spiders?

"Uh" Maya said noting the girl who called her self Black Ant was the first to offer "Whats the play? Are we sparring or fighting the spiders? I'll go if no one else wants to"

The idea of training and competition was working for her, she could feel the adrenaline running through her body. Her legs were coiled riding the wave as strength filled her. Her senses began to heighten and things began to slow down as she struggled to keep it in check. Once she got going she got going and slowing down would just lead to her crash.

 

[KimaniNight]

POV Lynx

Lynx nodded, securing her "bag of tricks" and strapping herself in. She was already going through her inventory and planning her initial "attack" in the diversion she and Natura would be launching, She'd make sure she sent David off with a "virtual sapper", while she hit the front with her "bosons", "triple points" and "danannas."

On one hand, Lynx felt a sense of confidence. This was like the days of the old Defenders. These were the people she had fought with, trusted and, when walking the halls of influence, tried to shield from the political forces operating against them,

This was how it was supposed to be, she thought. Hit the bad guys, win the day, and go home victorious.

Something was still nagging at her, though. Not the mission that David was leading. She was sure there would be surprises that required adaptation and improvisation. No, that wasn't the problem.

The problem was she didn't know what the problem was. She was missing something, and she was afraid if she didn't spot it soon, it was going to come back and bite the Defenders, and bite them hard.

POV Wind Hunter

Alya didn't know what to tell her sister. She wasn't even aware she was having episodes, until she was told about them.

"I am ready to fight, if necessary," she decided to respond, forcing herself to radiate calm and serenity. The air in her immediate vicinity began to circulate around her body.

POV Zuya Wagner

Zuya pulled her Governor out of its holster and checked it before putting it back. Yeah, it wasn't a subtle gun, but this wasn't going to be a subtle situation. The rest of the team might be gearing up for battle, but Zuya was pretty sure that their best bet was for the Commander to talk Hathmore out of doing whatever Hathmore was planning to do. Otherwise, the resulting clusterfuck was going to be...not pretty was the best euphemism Zuya could come up with.