[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Another day, another portal. Slipstream slumped back, wondering how much longer the trend would continue. It seemed like every day the number of portals the Hardradians attempted to open grew in number. That was the 4th one and it was barely past breakfast. The past few weeks had been harder on him than any super fight he'd ever been in. Dark circles had formed under his eyes. He was tired all the time. Caffeine didn't even have the minor effect it used to. Myth had sent a formula for a hyper-caffeine, but Tommy felt it was perhaps better to leave it be for now. He'd never known Myth to be wrong when it came to science, but the good Doctor's overwhelming desire to see the Hardradians defeated (and probably annihilated) sometimes had an overriding effect on his sense.

A sudden flashing on the control board caught Tommy's attention, scouring his inner musings away like dust in the wind.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Slipstream groaned as he moved to look at the panel. "Maaaaan. I hope the check engine light didn't just come on."

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Luckily for Tommy, the engines seemed fine. The light indicated an incoming transmission. A nearby screen flashed into life, hovering just above the indicator. A keyboard appeared just below it. Even now, Myth's tech was at the same time amazing and unnerving. Many of the systems aboard were automated, activating through proximity, movement, time or sometimes even seeming to read his mind.

A series of numbers and letters scrolled across the screen, verifying the incoming message. Seemed it originated from... Earth. Probably some new update from Myth or yet another new procedure for some other possible emergency he'd thought up while reading in the bathroom or something. To date, Tommy had had to learn more than 300 "emergency response plans."

A new message flashed up on the screen:

PLEASE ENTER PASSCODE:

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Tommy reached into his pocket to remove the passcode. "Crap" in a blink of an eye the speedster had searched the ship, recovering the passcode from a dirty pair of jeans.  Zipping back he quickly entered the code.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

The screen flashed twice.

PASSCODE ACCEPTED. INITIATING VIDEO FILE EXECUTION.

The screen changed, showing the back of a young woman. She was rather shapely and blond. It occurred to Tommy that, even though he couldn't see her face, the view was still nice. The time stamp at the bottom edge of the screen put the video as being taken a week ago. She was walking in some sort of field, the camera moving along behind her. Apparently, the camera had no microphone, though, as there was no sound. She stopped as she approached a set of trees and bent down at the base of one at the edge of the copse. She tilted her head as if listening to something or someone out of the camera's view and nodded. She bent down and grabbed the tree on either side and stood, bringing the tree, roots and all. Tommy was relatively unimpressed, seeing that he knew a lot of really strong people.

As she turned towards the camera and the image froze, a cold hard lump formed in Tommy's stomach. It couldn't be. No way, no how. He'd seen it. Not only pictures and recordings, but seen it. He'd watched her as she charged at that bastard Diamondback. He'd watched her fight to her last breath. He'd watched her die. The face that was staring at him... it wasn't possible...

Tommy just stared at the screen in disbelief.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

"My, my. She's beautiful. Or rather, she was beautiful. I can see why you developed feelings for her," a deep voice said from behind Tommy.

Tommy's hand was a blur as he threw it up, his middle finger extended. He spoke as he pushed off with his foot allowing his chair to slowly swivel around. His finger remained extended and the rude gesture remained towards the voice as he turned "What do you want jack ass?"

Tommy looked at the person, then back to his hand, pushing down first his middle finger followed by the rest of his hand. "Sorry about that.  It just goes off some times."

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

The man smiled, a white toothy grin, as Tommy lowered his hand. He was dark-skinned, wearing an impeccably tailored suit and stood with has hands clasped behind his back. There was something... familiar about him. Something in the way he stood, his demeanor... like he knew something Tommy didn't and found it greatly amusing.

"No apology is necessary. I can see this is a shock. And, admittedly, our last meeting was less than pleasant for either of us. Still, it seems you have been marked for a destiny no other to date has been given," the man said, "You are to be given a second chance. A second chance for her."

[Outer Space, Location Classified]Tommy's tone had an edge of anger to it. "Dude!" He paused, his shoulders slumped and his tone took on one of reluctant admission. "Thats a really nice suit."

Tommy nodded. "I mean it really is.  Is that like Armani or something?"

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

The man smiled again and quietly chuckled.

"Let's just say, it was custom made. Your reputation of misdirection and irreverence is well deserved. I recall during our last meeting you had difficulty concentrating on the situation at hand and indulged your immaturity," he said, his tone becoming harder as he spoke, "But, now is not the time for such childish behavior. I am here to offer you a choice... one with consequences farther reaching than your own petty view could realize. Now, will you listen or do you wish to continue your inane ramblings?"

He sat down, a large wooden chair materializing from thin air as he did. He steepled his fingers and watched Tommy intently, awaiting his response.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Tommy smiled and nodded as the man spoke about his gift for irreverence and misdirection, but the smile turned to an insulted frown as the man spoke about his self indulgent immaturity.  Slipstream had started to raise a finger and retort but the man had continued to speak.  By the time he had finished Tommy had forgotten he had just been insulted.

He looked at the man for a moment and then the smile crept back to his face, as he pointed at the man. "I know who you are.  Your that wannabe devil right?"  Tommy was more concerned than he would allow his expression to show.  After his first encounter with Crucible Tommy had a long conversation with Doctor Arcane.  Crucible, was immensely powerful, but bound to the same laws as all mystical beings.  The one Tommy hoped was in play right now was their proximity to earth.  The further and longer away from what Arcane had called the universes "Cosmological Lynch Pin" the weaker mystical beings became.  Tommy leaned back in his chair.  "Alright Princess of Darkness, lay it on me.  Whats the offer?  Power? Money? OH! What about green beans that taste like chocolate chip cookies?" Tommy nodded slowly. "Now that would be tempting."
He nodded. "Cause you know it's healthy.  But it taste like chocolate chip cookies."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Crucible tilted his head regarding the young man.

"How droll. In any case, the offers of my... previous incarnation are irrelevant. I am not here to offer you a simplistic supplication to your base materialistic wants. I am here to offer you a chance," he said, pointing at the image frozen on the screen behind Tommy, "For her. What would you do if it meant she could walk the earth again, healthy and unharmed?"

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Tommy looked back towards the screen then back to Crucible.  Tommy's tone was rarely anything but friendly or at the verry least aloof.  Right now it wasn't  "If you could really do that, then you would already know the answer to the question.  Just about anything but not at the cost of makin deals with villianous D-bags like you."

Tommy hit a few buttons on the control pannel.  He could by no means fly the ship but Myth had put in a few preprogrammed coordinates Tommy could adjust to.  He entered some that took the ship a bit further away from earth.  His hope being the shift away from earth would would make things uncomfortable for the Demon and also alert Myth that something was going on.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Crucible sighed and waved his hand, pulling a goblet with a dark liquid out of thin air.

"Perhaps my earlier assessment of you was too generous. While my earlier incarnation was only interested in tempting you into some Faustian deal, my interests lie within different realms," he said, taking a sip from the goblet and smiling a bit, "However, you have at least answered my question in a satisfactory, if insolent manner. I am not offering you a deal. I'm offering you a chance, no strings attached, so they say. If you accept, you will be given the chance to return her to existence, hale, hearty and unchanged save for again being a living breathing being. So, will you take this chance or will you continue in your impudence?"

[Outer Space, Making Deals With the Devil]

Tommy narrowed his eyes slightly.  It was obvious he didn't trust Crucible but if there was even a chance what the Demon was saying was true he had to know.

His tone was perhaps more serious than it had ever been before. "Alright.  I'm listening."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Tue 13 Apr 2010.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Though one might expect a smile from Crucible, what Tommy received was a grave look, one of total seriousness few humans could match.

"Good. First, it's very simple," he said, standing and extending a hand, "Just take my hand."

[Outer Space, Making Deals With the Devil]

Tommy extended his hand but stopped just short. "What about the worm holes?" Tommy wasn't completely sure what was fixing to happen but he had the distinct impression that they were fixing to travel somewhere.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

The edges of Crucible's mouth tilted up.

"I assure you, your purpose here will not be impacted," he said, continuing to hold his hand out, "As it falls within my current sphere of influence, the Hardradians will find themselves unable to open any portals for the duration of our... enterprise."

[Outer Space, Making Deals With the Devil]

Slipstream shrugged.  What ever Crucibles game Tommy had to believe the Demon didn't want the Hadradian's taking over any more than anyone else. "Cool."  Who knew maybe there would even be a chance to get some sleep on this.  Enterprise, but the most important thing of course was there was a chance to save Bell.  Tommy took Crucibles hand.

[Outer Space, Location Classified]

Crucible gripped Tommy's hand in a firm, but not painful manner, like two businessmen shaking hands. His eyes glowed yellow as the room began to shimmer and seem to melt around them.

"Hang on. This may be a bumpy ride..."

Tommy suddenly felt a sudden sensation of moving fast... faster than he'd ever moved before... and they were gaining speed...

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Tommy snapped awake, his head swimming, his stomach roiling. The world was rather fuzzy and muted, like when he'd taken a good knock to the noggin. He was standing next to a road. It took a few moments for him to realize there was no traffic. It was another few before he realized why. There were cars on the road, but they were all stopped, abandoned.

As his head cleared, Tommy noticed three things in short order... the first was that he was shorter than he remembered. The second was he was wearing a costume... one he hadn't worn in a relatively long time.

The third? A huge ship hung in the sky, its design agonizingly familiar... Hardradian.

[Who freaking knows]

"No freaking way."  His voice crackled some and Tommy shook his head a little as he looked at the uniform.  Kid Lightning then took off at, what felt like to Tommy, slow motion.  It wasn't until after the war that the Slipstream experiment had given the speedster the powers he had grown use to.  Assuming they were somewhere in the mid west Tommy guessed it would take almost a full thirty seconds to make it to DC, but first he had to figure out where he was.  Heading down the road towards the oncoming ship Tommy checked to see if he had his old communicator and looked in the cars to make sure no one had been left behind, as he looked for clues as to where he was.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Mon 19 Apr 2010.

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Tommy ran down the highway, passing numerous cars in various stages of abandonment. Some, it seemed, had kept their heads enough to close and lock the vehicles. Others had remembered to close the doors, but forgotten to lock them. And the rest had any number of doors open to the world, their occupants fleeing the scene in what was probably sheer panic. Tommy remembered the fear of the populace when he'd fought all those years ago. The terror on the faces of civilians caught between a Hardradian Pentad and safety was forever etched into his memory.

Soon enough, though just a moment in "real time," Tommy found a sign.

Washington D.C.   150

His proximity to his goal stunned him a moment. He'd figured on having to work just a little bit harder to get there.

He then noticed the flash ahead and five figures suddenly stood on the road. Somehow, he understood them as one spoke.

-Humanoid, designation Kid Lightning. Aberrant identification. Subject already contained. Terminate impostor.-

[Somewhere, Sometime]

"Terminate Imposter?  Good to see you bitches too."  Tommy smiled a little an zipped towards the Pentad.  He might be a little slower but Tommy had a whole bag full of tricks that he didn't have the last time he wore the Lightning Kid uniform.  Dodging in Tommy attempted to disarm the Hadradians.  He contemplated replacing the weapons with super soakers of nerf guns but the closest store was miles away and he doubted he was fast enough to pull it off without wasting precious seconds.  Instead he decided to snatch the weapons and send them flying off towards random members of the Pentad a few ticks under his current rate of speed.


OOC: Just a fancy way of doing his normal area attack.  BTW Although the Old Kid Lightning wouldn't use killing attacks Slipstream will be.  He knows that just putting these guys down gets people killed.  With that said he would prefer to just leave them badly wounded (Broken legs and stuff) and will not cou de gras any of them.  He just won't be leaving them bruised so they can get back up and continue fighting a few minutes after getting put down.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Tue 20 Apr 2010.

[120 Miles from D.C., During the Hardradian Invasion]

Tommy sped back up, the Pentad suddenly moving as if on a high speed camera set to 11. Their weapons were relatively easy to grab and with a (relatively) casual toss and quick exit from the scene, he set off a chain of explosions that left several nearby autos on their sides and the Hardradians lying around a shallow crater. The shockwave hit Tommy a moment later and was powerful enough to stagger him a bit. The Sniper and Grenadier had landed near each other, both impaled on the same spear of metal. The Sergeant lay in several pieces, being inadvertantly in the center of the blast. The Stormtrooper was beginning to stand unsteadily. The Bulwark, however, seemed only lightly scorched and was already rising, looking around for his prey.

OOC: That's fine, obviously. I'm not going to get too into mechanics (to hit and damage and such) in this particular thread. You get to be the lucky one, because I'll not be so 'nice' in others. ;)

[120 Miles from D.C., During the Hardradian Invasion]

"Allright you big ape, I got places to be so lets make this quick." Picking one of the "Weak points" Doctor M had taught him to target Tommy began striking the lone hadradian with a barage of hits.

[120 Miles from D.C., During the Hardradian Invasion]

The Bulwark staggered under the assault. Normally, the punches, kicks and jabs would have next to no effect on the massive alien. Its physiology had been carefully crafted to withstand the rigors of battle and it literally acted as a shield against the worst an enemy could dish out. Except the Hardradians hadn't counted on the amazing variation of enhancements the parahuman population of Earth could bring to bear.

Striking at hundreds of nerve clusters and weak armored points, the Bulwark was driven back into the dazed Stormtrooper, colliding when they met and falling to the ground in a heap. The Bulwark's weight was sufficient to hold the Stromtrooper down as it feebly twitched, its body betraying itself as it tried and failed to compensate for the damage Tommy had inflicted. A few more smacks at the base of the skull to both aliens put them down. Two final, very specific strikes put them out... for good.

[120 Miles from D.C., During the Hardradian Invasion]

Tommy felt nauseous.  Around him an entire Pentad lay dead or dying.

During the Hadradian invasion, before Bell’s death, Tommy hadn’t been able to bring himself to kill one of the Aliens.  It was a trait shared by allot of heroes of the time, and it was a trait that got a lot of people killed.  Had it not been for the Old Timers, as Tommy called them then, Earth may have well been lost.  Heroes who had seen war like the Veteran and the original Patriot saw the event for what it truly was.  They reacted accordingly.

Years after the invasion Tommy still struggled with the idea of taking a life, even that of Aliens responsible for the deaths of so many.

The moment Tommy had arrived back in this time and saw the Hadradian ship he realized exactly what he had to do, and he had done it.

None of his rationalization and justification made it any easier.  Moving the back of his hand from his mouth Tommy got it together.  As much as he hated the Hadradians he thought a small part of him might enjoy killing one.  It didn’t.

There would be time for reflection later the Pentad was out of action whether they lived or died before the Hadradians found them they were out of this fight.  Tommy was a blur as he gathered first aid kits from the nearby cars.  Treating the fallen Hadradians as best he could Slipstream then Bolted for DC.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

[120 Miles from D.C., During the Hardradian Invasion]

The miles sped by. Tommy's mind raced faster than his feet. The images of the Hardradians floated to the top of his mind again, but he forced them down. Now was not the time for dwelling on such. His focus was the time... how long? How long before she faced him down? Even now, was he too slow? Would he make it in time to save her? Could he save her?

The questions continued to roll as he raced through the devastated city. Several times, he used precious time to save an innocent... moving someone from the path of falling debris, pulling someone out of a burning car or building, and countless other acts, most of which would remain mysteries to those rescued. Seconds ticked by, an ever present counter in Tommy's head. A countdown with an unknown ending. Most of the clocks in the city were either dead or malfunctioning due to the electromagnetic interference from the hovering Hardradian ships. He was still hoping to see some indication of the time when he rounded the corner.

For the second time today, Tommy was stopped in his tracks, stunned beyond speech or thought. Time moved slowly for the speedster when he needed it to, the normal flow compared to his perception of it a vast gulf. Though it never seemed to fully stand still, it almost seemed like he was moving through a picture someone had taken, watching the world wait as he moved through it. He could slow his perceptions down so that time flowed normally from his viewpoint, but right now, Tommy desperately wished it could freeze solid.

She was on the lawn, her costume torn and blood flowing from multiple wounds. Her hair was disheveled and the cape had already been torn to shreds. But, her eyes were bright and her face defiant. She was already moving, her body tilted forward, fists raised and mouth parted, flinging a final war cry at the sparkling alien nearby. She was the most beautiful sight Tommy had ever seen. And Tommy knew what was about to happen.

He'd managed to arrive just before Liberty Belle's final charge at General Diamondback. And he was the only person on the planet who had any chance to do anything about it.

[Washington D.C., White House Lawn, During the Hardradian Invasion]

Tommy’s mind was moving even faster than his feet as he bolted towards Diamondback and Bell.  The first time this happened Tommy had been thousands of miles away helping to fight of a particularly well trained Pentad. When he had arrived in DC, Diamondback was gone, and Bell was dead. ”Not again.”

Tommy knew that the Hadradians were already sounding the retreat.  Every hero capable of surviving in space was successfully fending of the Hadradian's last ditch effort to simply lay waste to the Earth.  Very soon Diamondback would be forced to withdraw.  All they had to do was keep him busy

Heading towards Bell with the intent of snatching her up and moving her out of harms way Tommy moved faster than he ever had before, as the Lightning Kid.  He could only hope it was fast enough.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Wed 28 Apr 2010.

[Washington D.C., White House Lawn, During the Hardradian Invasion]

Tommy moved forward, time seeming to slow down even further. As he raced across the lawn, he could feel the sudden speed increase straining his body. He wasn't accustomed to moving this fast yet and wouldn't be for some time. But, he pushed past the pain, the feeling of muscles tearing, the creaking of bones pushed to their limits. He moved like his namesake.

As Tommy reached Belle and Diamondback, he reached out to grab her. The feel of her brought back a wave of memories and conflicting feelings. Soft as silk, strong as steel. As he pulled, he found it difficult to move her, Belle's strength far beyond his own. But, he knew he didn't have to move her far... just enough... He pushed, pulled, and strained. He could feel his muscles tear and felt the warmth of blood running from his nose. He could taste copper. And still he fought on.

He watched as they moved together, Diamondback's fist hurtling towards them, moving almost as fast as Tommy's perception. Belle drove on, her own fist moving at a similar rate. Tommy pulled one last time, an effort that he could feel break his arm and snap his left leg. The pain became too much and he had to slow again... and he heard the thunderous boom of an impact. As he fell back, he could see Diamondback's head snapping back... and Belle standing, arm outstretched, stance still defiant.

And alive.

Tommy didn't try to move.  In spite of the pain the vision of bell standing there alive made Tommy smile.  He spoke in his trademark smart ass way though the pain was evident in his words. "Hey blondie, long time, no see." He half winced half groaned through the growing pain. "You know you, really,"

"really, need to work, on that whole, duck and weave thing." He groaned some more cursing under his ragged breath, coughed, and noted more of the copper taste in his mouth.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Wed 28 Apr 2010.

[Washington D.C., White House Lawn, During the Hardradian Invasion]

Belle blinked a couple of times, her hand bleeding rather badly where she'd impacted Diamondback.

"Tommy? What... how did... oh, god!"

She crouched down, trying to gently feel where he was injured. It was painful... excruciatingly so. And yet, it felt wonderful. She was here, living, breathing and speaking to him. Consciousness began to fade as she sat down beside him, lifting his head into her lap. She gently caressed his head.

"You crazy idgit... you're gonna be fine. How did you even get here so fast? You've gone and pushed yourself too damn hard," she whispered, keeping a wary eye on the direction Diamondback had flown.

Tommy could hear the snapping sound of a camera nearby. His vision was slowly beginning to narrow and the world began to sound like it was coming from far away. But, she was still there... still real...

[Washington D.C., White House Lawn, During the Hardradian Invasion]

Tommy groaned in pain but he was still smiling ear to ear.  With darkness closing in Tommy reached up with his good arm, placing his hand on Bell's cheek. Running his thumb across her cheek there were so many words Tommy wanted to say, but as the world around him faded he only managed two. "Love you."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Thu 29 Apr 2010.

[Somewhere Sometime]

Tommy woke up to a bright light shining in his face. Oddly, though it should've been painfully bright, there was no pain at all. As he sat up and looked around, he noted several things in rapid succession... he was sitting in a circle of light in an area of dark... he didn't hurt all over like he was sure he should after the encounter with Belle and Diamondback... he was naked.

"Impressive. Most impressive. And, no, before you ask, you aren't dead" a familiar voice sounded from behind him.

[Somewhere Sometime]

Tommy remained sitting while he tried to get his bearings.  Tommy raises his hand as he replies to the voice. "Yep, that's me, mister impressive." Slipstream then lowered his hand but didn't turn yet to look in the direction of the voice. "Yeah, I'm pretty much a bad ass at what ever I do." he shrugs.  "Well you know, obviously with the exception of strip poker."

Tommy stood, stretching his arms out and letting out a yawn.  Lowering his arms and rolling his neck from one side to the other Tommy then turned toward the voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Sat 01 May 2010.

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Crucible sat in a simple wooden chair, just at the edge of the light. He steepled his fingers in front of him.

"Actually, your accomplishment is one that has never been done until now. You are the first to change the fabric of your reality on such a fundamental level. To most, that would be considered quite an impressive feat."

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Tommy hadn't thought much about the implications of success, or more to the point he hadn't let himself think about it too much.  He had told himself that it was one more hero to fight the good fight.  Still, doubt was starting to creep in.

Tommy studied Crucible trying to read him, but he didn't say anything.  Which most certainly spoke volumes.

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Crucible leaned forward, his face grave.

"I'm glad to see you at least begin to understand the implications of your choice. The world which resulted from your rescue of Liberty Belle will not be one you quickly recognize. But, such is the result of choices. Every choice made by every person causes ripples. Some call this a 'butterfly effect' or chaos theory. But, it is far more and by far grander. Humanity holds a unique place in the universe, one the bulk of your population and most of the rest of the races of the universe do not or will not understand. And it can all come down to a single choice, a simple act... are you prepared to see what your choice has wrought?"

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Tommy forced his casual irreverent tone back into his voice. ”Sure, think I can get some draws first.”

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Crucible smiled wryly.

"You can of course have clothing at any time. It is your head."

[Somewhere, Sometime]

Tommy looked unimpressed.  Closing his eyes he imagined himself in normal street clothes, and Crucible with a big purple pimp hat.  Successful or not he then gave him a nod. ”Ready”

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy opened his eyes, the glare from a nearby window causing him to squint. He felt like he was waking up from a dream, sleep making his eyes feel gummy. Several sensations became apparent as he cleared away the cobwebs in his brain. First, he was in a bed. The thin sheet that was bunched up around his torso was relatively comfortable, if a bit on the rough side. Second, he was in a room, though the glare from the sun streaming in through the window was making details hard to pick out. Last, there was someone next to him, warm, soft and definitely feminine.

A quick look over showed him blond hair and a very shapely form under the rest of the sheet. His movement caused her to stir and sit up. A familiar, if just slightly older face looked at his face and Belle smiled, the slim scar running across her cheek turning upward. Tommy then noted that neither he nor she were wearing PJs of any kind.

"Time to go already?"

[Somewhere, The Present]

What ever changes had been made to the world, this was one he could live with.  Had Tommy not been thrilled with just seeing Bell alive he might have been embarrassed by the situation.  Obviously what he did the day of the invasion changed more than just keeping Bell alive.

He grinned. ”Hell Blondie, unless a super villains fixing to crack the planet in half or something I’m not going anywhere today.”

Tommy embraced Bell in a tight hug. ”God I’ve missed you.”  He knew his words would be a little confusing to Bell but at that moment he didn’t really care.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Belle returned the hug restrained gusto.

"Not sure where that came from, but I've been here all night, like always. And you very well know we've got to get on the move, much as I might enjoy staying in bed all day. One day maybe, love."

She slid out of bed, revealing what had until now only been in Tommy's imagination. Belle began pulling on civies that were piled nearby, a white t-shirt and rather tight jeans. She stopped with the jeans half-way on and looked quizzically at Tommy.

"What's up? The HKs aren't gonna spot themselves, y'know. You feelin' okay?"

Tommy's vision had adjusted enough for the sun not to bother him, but he'd been distracted until Belle's comment. The room, he now noted, was obviously in disrepair and not regularly inhabited. Matter of fact, nothing in the room seemed in good repair. The windows were missing glass, the floor was rough and worn and the door consisted of all the other furniture carefully stacked to inhibit easy entry.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Once Tommy’s eyes finally moved from Bell to scan the room he slowly stood.  He looked at the room again and then shook his head as he looked for his clothing. ”Maybe just a little outa sorts. Last few days are… well a little fuzzy.  I didn’t get hit in the head or something did I?” There was serious concern in his voice.  Tommy located his clothing and started putting it on.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Belle finished dressing and walked over to Tommy, concern written on her face. She took his head in her hands and looked into his eyes one at a time. She felt along his skull gently, probing under his hair. Then she smiled and kissed him hard.

Pulling away, she said, "You seem fine to me. Now, stop goofing around. We've got to..."

Belle trailed off, looking behind Tommy. Her face hardened and she gripped Tommy with more force, pulling him close to her.

"HKs 200 yards out from the window... get ready to move. Attack alpha," she whispered into his ear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:25, Wed 19 May 2010.

[Somewhere, The Present]
Tommy had allot of questions.  Most of which would take more time than they apparently had.  Some of those questions could be answered by shifting gears, and that's what Tommy did, in essence slowing the world around him he first moved to see just what in the hell an HK was.  It would also tell him if he was Slipstream fast, Kid Lightning fast, or somewhere in between.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy moved faster, speeding up and heading to the window. He still felt slow... not as slow as what to him had been only a few minutes ago as Kid Lightning, but no where near the speed he'd gotten used to. It was disconcerting to say the least. If he hadn't ever become Slipstream...

Tommy was pondering that thought as he reached the window and looked out. He caught sight of the HKs quickly enough. It wasn't hard. They weren't attempting to hide. The sight outside was a vista of decay and destruction, several city blocks of blasted buildings and scorched streets. Though much of the architecture was relatively intact, it was obvious there had been a massive battle. The HKs were moving through the wasted streets with deliberate moves, scanning their surroundings constantly. The armor was different, more angular and with very sharp looking edges. The weapons were familiar. But, they were unmistakable.

Hardradians.

[Somewhere, The Present]
"Shit"

Tommy zipped back to Belle grabbing her arms he pulled her well out of view of the window.  He then whispered softly but there was obvious urgency in his tone.  "No time to explain and this is not me screwing around.  Right now you need to either tell me what the hell an attack pattern alpha is in twenty words or less, or we need to take a pass on these bastards, cause we got allot to talk about."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:24, Wed 19 May 2010.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Belle stared at him, concern etched on her face. She was obviously trying to decide what to do, worry over Tommy and another undecipherable emotion warring within her. After a few moments, she nodded and motioned towards the door, laying a finger to her lips. She creeped over to the door and began sliding the furniture piled there back carefully, lifting it just clear of the floor to prevent any noise and setting it gently to the side. Once the door was clear, she lifted the hingeless door away and looked at Tommy expectantly. Just then, a small screw rolled off the furniture, heading towards the floor.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy snatches the screw out of the air before it can hit the floor.  He narrowed his eyes watching the process Belle used to clear the door.  Tommy pressed the screw between his fingers.  He could only guess the HK's as Belle had called them had some sort of enhanced hearing.  With that in mind Tommy remained quiet and ready to follow Belle's lead.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Belle tensed as the screw fell, her hands occupied holding the door. She relaxed as Tommy caught it. She set the door down carefully, leaving the doorway clear. Moving deliberately and slowly, she leaned in next to Tommy and whispered in his ear.

"We've got to move quickly as soon as we get out the door. If something happens and we get separated, head north for 50 miles and we'll meet at the tower. Don't let them touch you. We..."

A sudden booming voice from outside cut Belle off.

<Lifesign detected. Emerge from the dwelling and prepare for processing or you will be executed>

"Shit."

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy shifted gears getting a general over view of the building and possible exits.  In a flash he was back, snatching Belle up with surprising ease.  He wasn't as fast as his tall lanky Slipstream persona but he also wasn't as slow as the scrawny kid he had been back before the Invasion.  Having never entered the Slipstream as part of the experiment Tommy hadn't skipped almost seven years into the future.  In this world, a world harder and more deadly than his own, the speedster had become a stronger and tougher Tommy.

Carrying Belle in his arms Tommy takes the path of least resistance and heads North in search of the tower.  Tommy didn't like bugging out but until he knew exactly what he was up against it was the best move.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy virtually flew out of the building. As he ran past the HKs, he noted the odd differences in the armor and weapons. In the intervening years, they had obviously made or stolen some upgrades. The plates seemed to shift in a far more organic pattern almost as if they weren't armor at all. The weaponry had a bizarre organic look to them as well, seeming to grow out of the Hardradian arms, though Tommy could tell that wasn't literally true closer up. He raced on, leaving them behind and heading towards the splinter he could see in the distance, pointing at the sky. Belle was obviously trying to say something to him, but slowing down to listen was not much of an option at this point.

However Tommy was moving too fast to notice both of the aliens' heads turning quickly towards his direction as he left the area. They turned and began to walk towards the tower.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Zipping up towards the tower Tommy circled once to make sure no one was around and then stopped about 30 yards from the tower in case there were some sort of internal security measures he would be unaware of.

"You OK?"

[Somewhere, The Present]

Belle stepped down, breathing deeply for a couple second. She looked at Tommy, then to the and lastly back out to the way from whence they came. She squinted for a moment, then her eyes widened. She rounded on Tommy, anger and fear evident in her eyes.

"Dammit, Tommy! Why don't you ever listen?! Now, they're gonna know where they are!" she said, stopping and taking another deep breath.

"No... can't do this now... Look, just... you start getting the civilians evacuated and I'll hold the pair off when they get here. If we get them away quick enough, the HKs won't signal for any Big Ones. I don't know what's going on with you, but we'll talk later. I promise... I... I won't lose you, too," Belle said, finishing almost in a whisper.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy had started to argue back at exactly the same time as Belle. "You said fifty miles this is like five top...!" He stopped when Belle started talking about Civilians. When Belle had first said "they" Tommy had assumed other parahumans. "Crap" Tommy thought as he listened. "Big ones?" Crap Crap!" Belles final quieter words were not lost on Tommy. "Course your not.  I'll find a safe place, move em, and be back for you.  Just be careful."

Tommy disappeared in a flash.  First he swept through the building to get an idea of the numbers he was dealing with.  Hoping that that and the sweep around the area would give him some clue as to where he was.

It wasn't that the chaos and devastation of his actions had escaped him.  That fact was gnawing at the back of his mind and growing with every minute, but right now there were people to save.  The bigger picture would have to wait.

[Somewhere, The Present]

The tower was familiar to Tommy, but he just couldn't place it... until he got inside. It was Watchtower, at least, what was left of it. The symbols on the wall were faded and scorched, but it was Watchtower none the less. As he continued around, he made a quick count... 35 people of various ages and both sexes. Getting them out would be relatively simple. He checked the old escape passage and found it functional. So, where to take them... an area sweep within a 2 mile radius showed several promising spots, including an old hotel still mostly standing, a grocery store with surviving canned food and a government building that seemed to be sturdy enough to withstand quite a pounding. Tommy could see farther out that Berlin still stood intact in places, but the devastation was extensive around the Tower. At the very least, someone had made it a primary target.

As he returned to start gathering people, he could see Belle moving several rocks and large pieces of debris. A wall was beginning to form.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Wasting no time Tommy started moving people to the more secure government building.  As he dropped off the last person he stopped realizing that although it wasn't likely the first time Tommy had moved these people the process could still be disorienting.  "Sorry about the sudden move but stay here and stay put."

Tommy then headed back to help Belle.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy could hear the fight before he reached the tower. Massive thumps and several explosions shook the ground as he ran. As he topped the rise, he was greeted with an incredible sight... Belle, wielding a piece of a support girder the size of a city buss, smashing one of the Hardradians into the ground. Pieces of armor went flying and the girder began to buckle. Belle lifted the steel beam again, turning to face the other alien. Too slow, the second Hardradian blurred at incredible speed, seeming to move almost as fast as Tommy for an instant. It passed behind Belle, running a hand across the girder and stopping near its fallen comrade.

A split appeared across the beam, precisely along the line the alien's hand had drawn and the steel parted like paper. Belle grimaced and threw the remnant at the alien before flipping back behind the scratch built bunker. Tommy noted several long gashes along her side as she landed, all of them bleeding profusely. She was definitely slowing and obviously in pain. Memories of the lawn battle rose in Tommy's mind. She wouldn't last much longer.

[Somewhere, The Present]

Tommy zipped down the rise, snatched up Belle and ran.  Altering his course to hopefully loose the HK's Tommy took one last step to ensure the civilians were safe.  Instead of rejoining them he headed one of the other safe areas, the old grocery store.

[Berlin, The Present]

As Tommy slowed and stopped, Belle let out a groan of pain and anger.

"Stupid HK mono-armor... mother *&%$er sucker punched me..." she said, lowering herself to the ground and looking around, "Look, we don't have much time. The one still alive will be able to track us and might even call in a Big 'Un to assist. Now, tell me what's up with you?"

Belle pulled Tommy down to look him in the eye, concern etched over her face.