October 27, 2120
Mega-City of New York
EPIC Headquarters
The War Room
Michelle is just making her way stealthily out of the room when Neutron, Vincent, Anna and Captain Majors come down the hall. The approach of the others foils her attempt to go after X12 as both Thunder and Empath turn to address Captain Majors.
Before either can speak, however, Majors bluntly says, with a typical lack of emotion, "Release my men and have them escorted to my ship. I will take back the fugitive now."
A twenty minute discussion later, the situation is mostly diffused by Thunder and Empath, but not before Thunder resorts to placing a call to President Mitchell Redtree. Surprisingly, President Redtree takes the time to listen to the entirety of the story, from both Thunder and Captain Majors.
"From what I have heard, it sounds like your man shattering the MTAC security was an accident," the President says. "I must agree with Captain Majors, however, that covering up the incident like you did is far from agreeable. Had Captain Majors informed her superiors like she should have, I would have still authorized her operation and likely sent the Guardians to back her up.
"I am also disturbed at the contingency plan for elimination of this young mutant by MTAC. That sort of action is not supported by this government in the least. Given that, I think it is best if EPIC take custody of the girl provide you act upon your plan to use her ties to Split to effect his capture, immediately. If you plan on waiting for any length of time, I would ask that you transport her directly to the Guardians headquarters."
Along with the rest of you, Thunder realizes the importance of keeping good relations with EPIC's host country and agrees to the President's terms.
"Kodiak, would you escort our MTAC guests to their waiting hovership on the tarmac? They're free to go. Captain Majors will meet you outside," Thunder says over his headset. "Satisfied with the results, Captain?"
"No," she replies flatly. "But I will be if you capture Split." She pauses for a moment. "I saw X12 leaving the compound. I trust you will keep a closer reign on the girl and Johan Backman."
"I know exactly where X12 is going," Thunder said. "He's off to see some psychic named Jasman." The casual nature of his mentioning where X12 is going to the MTAC Captain is more than a little confusing. Empath doesn't seem phased by it.
"I see," Majors says. Without another word, she turns and leaves the War Room. Thunder waves off any accompaniment for the Captain and has ARIS summon the remaining EPIC members not present.
Currently here are Thunder, Empath, Speed Demon, Neutron, Anna and Metal Mistress.
Johan
With the dynamic duo occupied by gaming, you plop down on a bench. The next thing you know you jerk awake as Jun Po gives you a little nerve pinch to get your attention.
"Thunder wants you in the War Room," she says. "I am certain I can keep Jennifer and her companion here with me," she says, going back to her cooking area and preparing a pot of tea.
Michael
Cosmo doesn't follow you to the comfy chairs, but heads out a few minutes later, obviously heading towards the pool. A little while passes and your communicator activates. ARIS is summoning you to the War Room and gives you a short message. EPIC is going after Split.
Rebound hops up from a nearby couch. You hadn't even noticed him come in. The normally lazy hero seems more than a little animated. "Cheers to that!" he says, obviously having received the same message as you.
As you get up, you notice that in your little area, not a soul is sitting. In fact, that quarter of the room is empty; everyone else seems to have gathered away from you.
Monica bursts into the room and slides to a halt at the end of Rebound's couch, followed shortly by Dara. Amazingly, Monica is dressed conservatively with a t-shirt and jeans. "Hey, isn't that the freak that blew up the train you guys came here on and my room when he raided the school?"
"Oooo, apples," Dara says, heading over to a big bowl of fruit on a counter.
Jay
You manage to get a lot of information out of ARIS. You learn the basics of the Mutant Tactical division, though the internal workings of the secretive organization are not available. There is a write up in ARIS about their interactions with MTAC, which have, for the most part, been positive. You also get the history on Split and his associates, along with their encounters with EPIC. It turns out he's prominantly featured on NAA's ten most wanted list.
As you read, ARIS informs you that Thunder wants all EPIC members, you included, in the War Room. Amazingly enough, given what you are currently reading, EPIC is about to go after Split.
Downtown New York
X12
The Mag-Lev whisks you towards downtown New York and the train gets busier and busier as you go towards the core of the City. Despite your best efforts, a low profile you cannot keep. You spend a good thirty minutes being stared at, talked about and talked to, even having to sign a few autographs. Having had enough, you get off when you figure you are close enough to your destination to walk.
However, given how busy New York is, you start looking for somewhere to get some less obvious clothing. Nearby, you spot an underground mall entrance. As you get to the door, a scruffy looking man bursts out the door and slams into you. Surprised, the two of you crash to the ground. As he pushes off you and gets up, he touches your neck accidentally, and you notice a bruising feeling in your wrist; nothing serious. He scampers off, obviously scared of something. He didn't even seem to notice your uniform.
Lynn Jenkins
The helpful shopkeeper readily offers to help you out, and gets you cash back from his machine.
"I think you'll have better luck just hailing one outside," he suggests. "If you call one, someone will just jump it anyway. Where you heading?" he asks with a ready and hopeful smile.