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<blockquote data-quote="Insight" data-source="post: 889208" data-attributes="member: 11437"><p><strong>Issue #10 - "Chaos" (Continued)</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><strong>Prologue</strong></span></p><p></p><p>Seraphim held the Sword of Truth high, awaiting the final moment to strike the Chaos Engine, bringing the terrible device its final destruction. He looked up and saw the sky above him part, and rays of sunlight bathed him and the top of the Chaos Engine where he stood. It was a moment of divine providence, giving Seraphim the signal he needed.</p><p></p><p><em>Is this too perfect?</em> Seraphim wondered. <em>Can all of my sins be undone with this one act?</em></p><p></p><p>He looked around. The world seemed frozen in the moment. <em>I am a being of faith, but my faith wavers at times. Am I alone in this among my brethren? Perhaps that's why I was cast out.</em></p><p></p><p>"You are not alone," a calm voice said from behind the angelic hero.</p><p></p><p>Seraphim turned to see another of his kind, Thetis, floating just above the surface of the Chaos Engine.</p><p></p><p>"All beings of conscience have crises of faith," Thetis said. "Angels are no different from anyone else in that regard."</p><p></p><p>"But I have done... terrible things in the name of Heaven," Seraphim replied. "My divine powers... I don't know that I deserve them."</p><p></p><p>"What's done is done," Thetis said. "You must not dwell on the past. Mortals make mistakes all the time. Should those who watch over them be any different?"</p><p></p><p>"But I should be better than that, Thetis," Seraphim countered. He saw Lodestone and Surge using their powers to sustain the Chaos Engine, and the device would soon begin a chain of events that would shake the Earth.</p><p></p><p>"You have a decision to make, I see," Thetis said. </p><p></p><p>"Odd," Seraphim replied. "I don't see that I have any decision at all. My resolve is true. This terrible device will be destroyed by my hand this day!"</p><p></p><p>"In destroying this device, you will be sparing the lives of countless millions," Thetis said. "And in doing so, you will also destroy your own mortal form."</p><p></p><p>Seraphim shot Thetis a look. He had not considered his own safety, a quality prized among angels. </p><p></p><p>"Yes, Seraphim," Thetis continued. "You will be judged once again, as you were when your first life ended."</p><p></p><p>Seraphim looked upon his weapon. "No doubt, I will be ascended," he said.</p><p></p><p>"For this act?" Thetis replied. "Perhaps. Is that the only reason you're doing it, now that you know you will be destroying in doing so?"</p><p></p><p>"You're testing me," Seraphim shot back.</p><p></p><p>"I'd watch that temper if I were you," Thetis answered. "Besides, it is not me that is doing the testing."</p><p></p><p>The angelic hero looked down, observing the damaged Chaos Engine beneath his feet. "You're right, of course. If I do this only because I know I'll be saved, then perhaps I'm doing it for the wrong reason."</p><p></p><p>"It is a question of conscience," Thetis replied. "You alone can make this decision. Which route will you take?"</p><p></p><p>With that, Thetis disappeared. Seraphim was alone in his thoughts. In a few moments, time would spin on, and he would have only a second or two to make up his mind.</p><p></p><p>"For Heaven's glory, I strike at thee!" Seraphim said as he plunged the mighty Sword of Truth into the Chaos Engine for the last time.</p><p></p><p>In a split-second, Seraphim felt electricity from the broken Chaos Engine rush through his body. He barely felt it, though, even as his mortal form died from the overload. He saw a vast explosion, covering most of the island in debris, but Seraphim felt nothing. In moments, he could see his mortal shell, ripped to pieces, laying beneath him. The angel was floating, and ascending.</p><p></p><p><em>Farewell, friends,</em> he thought as he disappeared from existence.</p><p></p><p>*******************************************</p><p>The last of the DEMA helicopters landed, and troops began to file out in formation. They would search the island for survivors, villains first, then seek out any wounded heroes.</p><p></p><p>Scientists in biohazard suits also came forth from the helicopters, equipped with various sensory equipment.</p><p></p><p>Col. Johannsen of DEMA Special Projects, a man in his late 40s with a background in civilian affairs, walked up to Harpy, who was just beginning to pull herself together.</p><p></p><p>"Tough night, huh?" he asked, chomping on a cigar.</p><p></p><p>"Yes," Harpy managed. "It was... very tough indeed."</p><p></p><p>Johannsen looked around. "Thanks for the heads-up on this," he said. "There's no way we would've found this island without your help."</p><p></p><p>"Glad you're here," Electrostatic said. "Please take all these crazies away."</p><p></p><p>"We will," Johannsen replied.</p><p></p><p>"These bad guys were a tricky bunch," Electrostatic boasted, "But we handled them."</p><p></p><p>"Not without some help," Acrobat Ace said, sneaking up on the group from behind.</p><p></p><p>"Acrobat Ace, as I live and breathe," Col. Johannsen said, surprised. "How the hell are ya?"</p><p></p><p>"Not bad after 10 years in an alternate dimension, I'd say," Ace replied.</p><p></p><p>The two men had known each other long ago, and the reunion sparked talk of old war-stories and current events in the world. Acrobat Ace had a lot of catching up to do, after all.</p><p></p><p>As Col. Johannsen and Acrobat Ace walked off, Electrostatic and Harpy were left alone.</p><p></p><p>"So many soldiers," Harpy said, watching the DEMA agents move about in their tight formations. "I never imagined they'd bring so many."</p><p></p><p>"Well, it's a good thing they did," Electrostatic replied. "Just think what might have happened if we hadn't brought back our two new friends."</p><p></p><p>"Yeah, speaking of them, that was one of them, that Acrobat Ace?" Harpy asked.</p><p></p><p>"Sure was," the electric hero responded. "The other one, Puncture Proof, well, he had a little trouble with Cyber-Knight."</p><p></p><p>They watched as MorningStar and Puncture Proof, on stretchers, were loaded onto a medical helicopter.</p><p></p><p>"We had a little unexpected help too," Harpy said. "You remember Mana, don't you?"</p><p></p><p>The sorceress was just passing by as she overheard her name spoken. "You're not talking about me behind my back, are you?" she joked.</p><p></p><p>"Yeah, um, shouldn't you be over there with Cyber-Knight and Fang?" Electrostatic asked. </p><p></p><p>The group looked over and saw the two villains being loaded onto a helicopter, stored in large tubes. They were containment devices, designed by DEMA researchers to inhibit the use of super-powers.</p><p></p><p>Mana glanced at Harpy. "She switched sides during the battle," Harpy replied. "I'd like to think she's well on her way to reform."</p><p></p><p>"No offense, lady," Electrostatic said to Mana, "But I'll believe it when I see it."</p><p></p><p>Mana sighed. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised at your attitude, Electrostatic," she said. "In fact, I don't blame you at all. I only turned when it looked like I might lose. Though seeing my allies beat an injured and unconscious MorningStar certainly helped sway me."</p><p></p><p>Electrostatic charged with energy for a moment. "Yeah, where are those guys anyway?"</p><p></p><p>"Surge is on a stretcher, along with Lodestone," Mana replied. "They're on the helicopter with Fang and Cyber-Knight. Safely tucked away, I hope."</p><p></p><p>"Bombardier was also involved with that brutal attack," Harpy said. "DEMA says they haven't found any sign of him. Coincidentally, our hydrofoil is gone..."</p><p></p><p>"Figures," Electrostatic replied. "He'll get his... someday."</p><p></p><p>"Anyway, Mana," Harpy said. "I hope you understand, but DEMA is ultimately responsible to determine your rehabilitation and what form that takes."</p><p></p><p>"I know," Mana replied.</p><p></p><p>"I hope they let you come with us, to tell you the truth," Harpy added. "I just don't know right now. Maybe you'd better go back with the bad guys, just to be on the safe side."</p><p></p><p>"If you think so," Mana said, and walked off.</p><p></p><p>"That was uncomfortable," Electrostatic remarked.</p><p></p><p>Iron Dragon and Pathfinder arrived, along with the Scoundrel. </p><p></p><p>"Looks like the operation is just about complete," Iron Dragon remarked. "I'd say it's time for us to hit the road."</p><p></p><p>"The hydrofoil's gone," Harpy said. "We'll have to ask for a ride in one of the helicopters."</p><p></p><p>Pathfinder blanched. "Is that absolutely necessary?" he asked. The Native American hero, so brave in the face of many dangers, was afraid to fly.</p><p></p><p>"Unless you want to swim back with me," Torpedo remarked as he crept up to the growing crowd of victorious heroes.</p><p></p><p>"You're not coming back with us?" the Scoundrel asked.</p><p></p><p>"Afraid not," Torpedo replied. "Besides, I'll make it back faster on my own."</p><p></p><p>Col. Johannsen and Acrobat Ace returned. "All right, heroes," Johannsen said. "I understand you've lost yer way home. No problem. Catch a ride on one of the choppers, There's room." With that, the colonel was gone, leaving the heroes to their own devices.</p><p></p><p>"I'll be happy to see civilization again," Acrobat Ace admitted. "Where are you guys based anyway?"</p><p></p><p>"San Fran," Electrostatic replied.</p><p></p><p>"Excellent," Acrobat Ace said. "Our old base was in San Diego. I wonder if it's still there..."</p><p></p><p>*******************************************</p><p>The helicopters left, one by one, until only one remained. The heroes made their way to the side door and into the enclosed passenger compartment.</p><p></p><p>Pathfinder had to be mentally soothed by Harpy in order to get him to willingly step onto the helicopter. </p><p></p><p>Four soldiers waited for the heroes to be loaded onto the helicopter, then stowed a large coffin draped in an American flag in the cargo area. Harpy saddened as she saw the coffin, realizing that Seraphim, her friend, confidante, and mentor, was within.</p><p></p><p><em>Wherever you are,</em> she thought, <em>My prayers go with you, Seraphim.</em></p><p></p><p>After everyone and everything was on board, the helicopter took flight, into the night sky.</p><p></p><p>Electrostatic, sitting next to Harpy, put an arm around the emotionally-wounded leader. "We won," he said. "Everything's going to be OK."</p><p></p><p>"I know," she sobbed. "It's just... I wish there was something I could have done."</p><p></p><p>She looked over at the now unconscious Pathfinder and stifled a laugh at the acrophobic's expense.</p><p></p><p>"We didn't really win, you know," Harpy said.</p><p></p><p>"What do you mean?" Electrostatic replied, astonished.</p><p></p><p>"Sure, we blew up their machine, but at what cost?" Harpy answered. "And we caught some of the villains, but some of the most important ones got away."</p><p></p><p>The Scoundrel, sitting on the other side of Harpy, decided to chime in. "Look at the big picture, OK? The Chaos Engine's gone, the villains are either captured or running for their lives, and most of us... survived."</p><p></p><p>"We'll have other chances to stop these guys," Electrostatic said. "You know, the ones who got away."</p><p></p><p>"That we will," Harpy said. "I'm going to make sure of it."</p><p></p><p>The helicopter flew into the direction of the moon, towards San Francisco Bay. As the island dropped out of sight, the pilot smiled and tipped his fedora. "Another time, perhaps," he said. "Another place, another way..."</p><p></p><p><strong>The End</strong> </p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Watch for the United Heroes Annual #1, Coming Soon!</strong></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Insight, post: 889208, member: 11437"] [b]Issue #10 - "Chaos" (Continued)[/b] [size=2][b]Prologue[/b][/size] Seraphim held the Sword of Truth high, awaiting the final moment to strike the Chaos Engine, bringing the terrible device its final destruction. He looked up and saw the sky above him part, and rays of sunlight bathed him and the top of the Chaos Engine where he stood. It was a moment of divine providence, giving Seraphim the signal he needed. [i]Is this too perfect?[/i] Seraphim wondered. [i]Can all of my sins be undone with this one act?[/i] He looked around. The world seemed frozen in the moment. [i]I am a being of faith, but my faith wavers at times. Am I alone in this among my brethren? Perhaps that's why I was cast out.[/i] "You are not alone," a calm voice said from behind the angelic hero. Seraphim turned to see another of his kind, Thetis, floating just above the surface of the Chaos Engine. "All beings of conscience have crises of faith," Thetis said. "Angels are no different from anyone else in that regard." "But I have done... terrible things in the name of Heaven," Seraphim replied. "My divine powers... I don't know that I deserve them." "What's done is done," Thetis said. "You must not dwell on the past. Mortals make mistakes all the time. Should those who watch over them be any different?" "But I should be better than that, Thetis," Seraphim countered. He saw Lodestone and Surge using their powers to sustain the Chaos Engine, and the device would soon begin a chain of events that would shake the Earth. "You have a decision to make, I see," Thetis said. "Odd," Seraphim replied. "I don't see that I have any decision at all. My resolve is true. This terrible device will be destroyed by my hand this day!" "In destroying this device, you will be sparing the lives of countless millions," Thetis said. "And in doing so, you will also destroy your own mortal form." Seraphim shot Thetis a look. He had not considered his own safety, a quality prized among angels. "Yes, Seraphim," Thetis continued. "You will be judged once again, as you were when your first life ended." Seraphim looked upon his weapon. "No doubt, I will be ascended," he said. "For this act?" Thetis replied. "Perhaps. Is that the only reason you're doing it, now that you know you will be destroying in doing so?" "You're testing me," Seraphim shot back. "I'd watch that temper if I were you," Thetis answered. "Besides, it is not me that is doing the testing." The angelic hero looked down, observing the damaged Chaos Engine beneath his feet. "You're right, of course. If I do this only because I know I'll be saved, then perhaps I'm doing it for the wrong reason." "It is a question of conscience," Thetis replied. "You alone can make this decision. Which route will you take?" With that, Thetis disappeared. Seraphim was alone in his thoughts. In a few moments, time would spin on, and he would have only a second or two to make up his mind. "For Heaven's glory, I strike at thee!" Seraphim said as he plunged the mighty Sword of Truth into the Chaos Engine for the last time. In a split-second, Seraphim felt electricity from the broken Chaos Engine rush through his body. He barely felt it, though, even as his mortal form died from the overload. He saw a vast explosion, covering most of the island in debris, but Seraphim felt nothing. In moments, he could see his mortal shell, ripped to pieces, laying beneath him. The angel was floating, and ascending. [i]Farewell, friends,[/i] he thought as he disappeared from existence. ******************************************* The last of the DEMA helicopters landed, and troops began to file out in formation. They would search the island for survivors, villains first, then seek out any wounded heroes. Scientists in biohazard suits also came forth from the helicopters, equipped with various sensory equipment. Col. Johannsen of DEMA Special Projects, a man in his late 40s with a background in civilian affairs, walked up to Harpy, who was just beginning to pull herself together. "Tough night, huh?" he asked, chomping on a cigar. "Yes," Harpy managed. "It was... very tough indeed." Johannsen looked around. "Thanks for the heads-up on this," he said. "There's no way we would've found this island without your help." "Glad you're here," Electrostatic said. "Please take all these crazies away." "We will," Johannsen replied. "These bad guys were a tricky bunch," Electrostatic boasted, "But we handled them." "Not without some help," Acrobat Ace said, sneaking up on the group from behind. "Acrobat Ace, as I live and breathe," Col. Johannsen said, surprised. "How the hell are ya?" "Not bad after 10 years in an alternate dimension, I'd say," Ace replied. The two men had known each other long ago, and the reunion sparked talk of old war-stories and current events in the world. Acrobat Ace had a lot of catching up to do, after all. As Col. Johannsen and Acrobat Ace walked off, Electrostatic and Harpy were left alone. "So many soldiers," Harpy said, watching the DEMA agents move about in their tight formations. "I never imagined they'd bring so many." "Well, it's a good thing they did," Electrostatic replied. "Just think what might have happened if we hadn't brought back our two new friends." "Yeah, speaking of them, that was one of them, that Acrobat Ace?" Harpy asked. "Sure was," the electric hero responded. "The other one, Puncture Proof, well, he had a little trouble with Cyber-Knight." They watched as MorningStar and Puncture Proof, on stretchers, were loaded onto a medical helicopter. "We had a little unexpected help too," Harpy said. "You remember Mana, don't you?" The sorceress was just passing by as she overheard her name spoken. "You're not talking about me behind my back, are you?" she joked. "Yeah, um, shouldn't you be over there with Cyber-Knight and Fang?" Electrostatic asked. The group looked over and saw the two villains being loaded onto a helicopter, stored in large tubes. They were containment devices, designed by DEMA researchers to inhibit the use of super-powers. Mana glanced at Harpy. "She switched sides during the battle," Harpy replied. "I'd like to think she's well on her way to reform." "No offense, lady," Electrostatic said to Mana, "But I'll believe it when I see it." Mana sighed. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised at your attitude, Electrostatic," she said. "In fact, I don't blame you at all. I only turned when it looked like I might lose. Though seeing my allies beat an injured and unconscious MorningStar certainly helped sway me." Electrostatic charged with energy for a moment. "Yeah, where are those guys anyway?" "Surge is on a stretcher, along with Lodestone," Mana replied. "They're on the helicopter with Fang and Cyber-Knight. Safely tucked away, I hope." "Bombardier was also involved with that brutal attack," Harpy said. "DEMA says they haven't found any sign of him. Coincidentally, our hydrofoil is gone..." "Figures," Electrostatic replied. "He'll get his... someday." "Anyway, Mana," Harpy said. "I hope you understand, but DEMA is ultimately responsible to determine your rehabilitation and what form that takes." "I know," Mana replied. "I hope they let you come with us, to tell you the truth," Harpy added. "I just don't know right now. Maybe you'd better go back with the bad guys, just to be on the safe side." "If you think so," Mana said, and walked off. "That was uncomfortable," Electrostatic remarked. Iron Dragon and Pathfinder arrived, along with the Scoundrel. "Looks like the operation is just about complete," Iron Dragon remarked. "I'd say it's time for us to hit the road." "The hydrofoil's gone," Harpy said. "We'll have to ask for a ride in one of the helicopters." Pathfinder blanched. "Is that absolutely necessary?" he asked. The Native American hero, so brave in the face of many dangers, was afraid to fly. "Unless you want to swim back with me," Torpedo remarked as he crept up to the growing crowd of victorious heroes. "You're not coming back with us?" the Scoundrel asked. "Afraid not," Torpedo replied. "Besides, I'll make it back faster on my own." Col. Johannsen and Acrobat Ace returned. "All right, heroes," Johannsen said. "I understand you've lost yer way home. No problem. Catch a ride on one of the choppers, There's room." With that, the colonel was gone, leaving the heroes to their own devices. "I'll be happy to see civilization again," Acrobat Ace admitted. "Where are you guys based anyway?" "San Fran," Electrostatic replied. "Excellent," Acrobat Ace said. "Our old base was in San Diego. I wonder if it's still there..." ******************************************* The helicopters left, one by one, until only one remained. The heroes made their way to the side door and into the enclosed passenger compartment. Pathfinder had to be mentally soothed by Harpy in order to get him to willingly step onto the helicopter. Four soldiers waited for the heroes to be loaded onto the helicopter, then stowed a large coffin draped in an American flag in the cargo area. Harpy saddened as she saw the coffin, realizing that Seraphim, her friend, confidante, and mentor, was within. [i]Wherever you are,[/i] she thought, [i]My prayers go with you, Seraphim.[/i] After everyone and everything was on board, the helicopter took flight, into the night sky. Electrostatic, sitting next to Harpy, put an arm around the emotionally-wounded leader. "We won," he said. "Everything's going to be OK." "I know," she sobbed. "It's just... I wish there was something I could have done." She looked over at the now unconscious Pathfinder and stifled a laugh at the acrophobic's expense. "We didn't really win, you know," Harpy said. "What do you mean?" Electrostatic replied, astonished. "Sure, we blew up their machine, but at what cost?" Harpy answered. "And we caught some of the villains, but some of the most important ones got away." The Scoundrel, sitting on the other side of Harpy, decided to chime in. "Look at the big picture, OK? The Chaos Engine's gone, the villains are either captured or running for their lives, and most of us... survived." "We'll have other chances to stop these guys," Electrostatic said. "You know, the ones who got away." "That we will," Harpy said. "I'm going to make sure of it." The helicopter flew into the direction of the moon, towards San Francisco Bay. As the island dropped out of sight, the pilot smiled and tipped his fedora. "Another time, perhaps," he said. "Another place, another way..." [b]The End[/b] [size=3][b]Watch for the United Heroes Annual #1, Coming Soon![/b][/size] [/QUOTE]
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