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<blockquote data-quote="Insight" data-source="post: 854725" data-attributes="member: 11437">Issue #9 - &quot;Inferno&quot; (Continued)Scene 3: &quot;Ghosts of the Past&quot;******************************&quot;How long have you guys been here in Pandemonium, then?&quot; the Scoundrel asked of his new friends.&quot;Hmm,&quot; Acrobat Ace replied.&nbsp; &quot;Hard to say.&nbsp; Time is... mutable in Pandemonium.&quot;&quot;Maybe 10 years, I'd say,&quot; Puncture Proof added.&nbsp; &quot;But heck, I have no idea.&quot;Sam Wylde remained silent, as she had throughout the period following the confrontation with the false villains.&quot;So what have you been doing all this time?&quot; Electrostatic asked.&quot;Interestingly,&quot; Puncture Proof replied, &quot;Pandemonium is home to a number of humanoid races, and they have of late been embroiled in a civil war.&quot;&quot;We've been helping to try to stop it,&quot; Acrobat Ace added.&nbsp; &quot;Epsilon and Wind Rider are back in Circular City right now.&quot;&quot;Who are they?&quot; Seraphim asked.&nbsp; &quot;More of your allies?&quot;&quot;Yeah,&quot; Acrobat Ace replied.&nbsp; &quot;They came with us from Earth.&nbsp; Epsilon and W.R. are also UHers -- like you guys, I guess.&quot;&nbsp; He laughed.&quot;Oh yeah,&quot; Electrostatic recalled.&nbsp; &quot;About that --&quot;&quot;Hey, keep the name,&quot; Puncture Proof interjected.&nbsp; &quot;In fact, maybe if we ever get back to Earth, we can all work together.&nbsp; It's been a long time since any of us did any real crime-fighting.&quot;&quot;We would value any insight or experience you would bring to the team,&quot; Seraphim replied.&nbsp; &quot;I am not the team leader, however, so I cannot make any assurances, but I believe that you would be quite welcomed.&quot;The Scoundrel was keeping an eye on the silent Sam Wylde, who was slowly edging away from the conversation.&quot;Got somewhere to go, lady?&quot; he asked.&quot;Listen,&quot; Sam Wylde replied.&nbsp; &quot;We've got to get back and help the rest of the crew.&quot;&quot;Another five minutes isn't going to kill anyone,&quot; Acrobat Ace responded.&nbsp; &quot;One thing I want to know is how you three got to Pandemonium.&nbsp; In fact, you guys mentioned Trickster before.&nbsp; Is he the reason why you're here?&quot;&quot;Why don't you head back to the Citadel, Sam?&quot; Puncture Proof suggested.&nbsp; &quot;We'll be there shortly.&quot;&quot;Don't have to ask me twice,&quot; Sam Wylde answered and fled the platform and her companions.&quot;OK, so what are you doing here?&quot; Acrobat Ace asked.Seraphim, Electrostatic, and the Scoundrel went on to explain about Trickster and his plans concerning the Chaos Engine.&quot;Incredible,&quot; Puncture Proof said after a short pause.&quot;Yeah,&quot; Acrobat Ace added.&nbsp; &quot;That sounds like a powerful weapon.&quot;&quot;That too,&quot; Puncture Proof replied.&nbsp; &quot;But also the fact that we might have the opportunity to stick to Trickster for keeping us prisoner in here all these years.&quot;&quot;I would agree,&quot; the Scoundrel said, &quot;I only wonder how we might get out of here.&quot;&quot;If I might suggest,&quot; Seraphim said.&nbsp; &quot;That glowing sphere up there seems to have some kind of significance.&quot;The heroes craned their necks to take a look at the yellow sphere.&quot;What is that?&quot; Acrobat Ace asked.&quot;I am unsure,&quot; Seraphim replied.&nbsp; &quot;However, when I touched it, I felt almost as if being drawn somewhere.&nbsp; I suppose it could transport us to Earth.&quot;&quot;No harm in trying, I guess,&quot; Acrobat Ace replied.******************************&quot;Mana is wise to be concerned,&quot; the Duchess said quietly to Trickster.&nbsp; The two villains were in private conference in a small room adjoining the castle armory.&quot;I know,&quot; Trickster replied.&nbsp; &quot;She has been acting a little strangely since her return from Pandemonium, don't you think?&quot;&quot;Nevertheless,&quot; the Duchess said.&nbsp; &quot;I am convinced that somehow those foolish heroes that followed us to Pandemonium will be back.&nbsp; Perhaps sooner than we would like.&quot;&quot;I see,&quot; Trickster replied.&nbsp; &quot;I am keen to check on them, actually, now that you mention that particular problem.&nbsp; We'd be much better off if they didn't come back until after we've activated the Chaos Engine.&nbsp; Then, it won't matter.&quot;&quot;They also have friends,&quot; the Duchess added.&nbsp; &quot;They could also appear and try to foil our plans.&quot;&quot;Let's see...&quot; Trickster said.&nbsp; &quot;There were three in Pandemonium, right?&nbsp; That leaves... five somewhere else, probably gathered at their base in San Francisco.&quot;&quot;The likelihood is that they will learn what we are up to,&quot; the Duchess pointed out.&nbsp; &quot;They will return to the island in short order, perhaps in an attempt to rescue their allies.&quot;&quot;Quite a monkey wrench,&quot; Trickster replied.&nbsp; &quot;We have overwhelming odds in our favor, though, so I'm not too worried.&quot;&quot;Especially if the fools stuck in Pandemonium are unable to join their friends,&quot; the Duchess added.&nbsp; &quot;I wonder if it's not to our advantage to have them come here...&quot;&quot;What are you saying?&quot; Trickster demanded.&quot;We can destroy them and activate the Chaos Engine, all in one fell swoop,&quot; the Duchess replied.Trickster smiled and tipped his fedora.&nbsp; &quot;You are correct, madame,&quot; he said.&nbsp; &quot;And I will take quite a delight in their destruction!&quot;******************************Puncture Proof and Seraphim hovered near the yellow glowing sphere, each carrying a load of heroes.&nbsp; Puncture Proof carried his old friend Acrobat Ace, while Seraphim had Electrostatic and the Scoundrel in tow.&quot;It's too bad some of us are... uh, ground-bound,&quot; Electrostatic pointed out.&quot;Believe it or not,&quot; Puncture Proof said, &quot;I can probably carry everyone if need be.&quot;&quot;Worry not for me, friends,&quot; Seraphim added.&quot;Let's just get this over with,&quot; the Scoundrel pleaded.Seraphim flew toward the glowing sphere.&nbsp; Fighting back any fear of the unknown, he reached out a hand to touch the sphere.&nbsp; Just as he touched it, Seraphim felt energy coursing through his body.&nbsp; His companions Electrostatic and the Scoundrel felt the same.&nbsp; After what seemed like an eternity, but which was only a brief second, Seraphim, Electrostatic, and the Scoundrel were gone from Pandemonium and appeared on a grassy hill on the island from where they came in the first place.&nbsp; Soon thereafter, Acrobat Ace and Puncture Proof were there to join him.******************************Trickster opened his eyes.&nbsp; With a stern look, he left his small meditation chamber and, after descending the stairs, arrived in the castle audience chamber.The Duchess, Cyber-Knight, Surge, Mana, Fang, and Bombardier were there, awaiting their leader.&nbsp; Lodestone stood right next to the throne.&quot;I have news,&quot; Trickster announced gravely.&nbsp; &quot;We have an invasion on our hands.&nbsp; There are heroes on the water, and heroes on the hill.&quot;&nbsp; He laughed.&nbsp; &quot;Sounds like a song, doesn't it?&quot;&quot;Any ideas?&quot; Surge asked.&quot;Of course,&quot; Trickster replied.&nbsp; &quot;Don't I always?&quot;&quot;Which of those 'heroes' are here?&quot; Fang asked.&nbsp; &quot;I've got some scores to settle.&quot;&quot;All of them,&quot; Trickster answered.&nbsp; &quot;In fact, it appears as though some old friends have decided to pay me a visit.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I won't be home!&quot;&quot;I asume they're not together?&quot; the Duchess asked.&quot;No,&quot; Trickster replied.&nbsp; &quot;Barracuda, ever the resourceful one, has already located one of them.&nbsp; Torpedo, the Atlantean, almost crept in under our radar, so to speak.&nbsp; I'm sure he will have no trouble dealing with his old foe.&nbsp; On their way to the island via hydrofoil are Harpy, Pathfinder, MorningStar, and the insufferable Iron Dragon.&nbsp; Back from their trip to Pandemonium are Seraphim, Electrostatic, the Scoundrel, and my old pals Acrobat Ace and Puncture Proof.&quot;&quot;So now what?&quot; Bombardier asked.&quot;Duchess,&quot; Trickster said.&nbsp; &quot;You are in charge for now.&nbsp; Lodestone and I are going to make the final preparations to activate the Chaos Engine.&nbsp; I will instruct the Atlantean soldiers to follow your instructions.&quot;Trickster and Lodestone stepped onto their hover platform.&nbsp; &quot;Next stop: OBLIVION!&quot; Trickster said as they flew away.The assembled villains looked to the Duchess.&nbsp; &quot;I suggest we split up,&quot; she said.&nbsp; &quot;We will give these fools one last chance for glory, and then destroy them utterly!&quot; ******************************Watch for Scene 4, Coming Soon!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Insight, post: 854725, member: 11437"] [b]Issue #9 - "Inferno" (Continued)[/b] Scene 3: "Ghosts of the Past" [color=red]******************************[/color] "How long have you guys been here in Pandemonium, then?" the Scoundrel asked of his new friends. "Hmm," Acrobat Ace replied. "Hard to say. Time is... mutable in Pandemonium." "Maybe 10 years, I'd say," Puncture Proof added. "But heck, I have no idea." Sam Wylde remained silent, as she had throughout the period following the confrontation with the false villains. "So what have you been doing all this time?" Electrostatic asked. "Interestingly," Puncture Proof replied, "Pandemonium is home to a number of humanoid races, and they have of late been embroiled in a civil war." "We've been helping to try to stop it," Acrobat Ace added. "Epsilon and Wind Rider are back in Circular City right now." "Who are they?" Seraphim asked. "More of your allies?" "Yeah," Acrobat Ace replied. "They came with us from Earth. Epsilon and W.R. are also UHers -- like you guys, I guess." He laughed. "Oh yeah," Electrostatic recalled. "About that --" "Hey, keep the name," Puncture Proof interjected. "In fact, maybe if we ever get back to Earth, we can all work together. It's been a long time since any of us did any real crime-fighting." "We would value any insight or experience you would bring to the team," Seraphim replied. "I am not the team leader, however, so I cannot make any assurances, but I believe that you would be quite welcomed." The Scoundrel was keeping an eye on the silent Sam Wylde, who was slowly edging away from the conversation. "Got somewhere to go, lady?" he asked. "Listen," Sam Wylde replied. "We've got to get back and help the rest of the crew." "Another five minutes isn't going to kill anyone," Acrobat Ace responded. "One thing I want to know is how you three got to Pandemonium. In fact, you guys mentioned Trickster before. Is he the reason why you're here?" "Why don't you head back to the Citadel, Sam?" Puncture Proof suggested. "We'll be there shortly." "Don't have to ask me twice," Sam Wylde answered and fled the platform and her companions. "OK, so what are you doing here?" Acrobat Ace asked. Seraphim, Electrostatic, and the Scoundrel went on to explain about Trickster and his plans concerning the Chaos Engine. "Incredible," Puncture Proof said after a short pause. "Yeah," Acrobat Ace added. "That sounds like a powerful weapon." "That too," Puncture Proof replied. "But also the fact that we might have the opportunity to stick to Trickster for keeping us prisoner in here all these years." "I would agree," the Scoundrel said, "I only wonder how we might get out of here." "If I might suggest," Seraphim said. "That glowing sphere up there seems to have some kind of significance." The heroes craned their necks to take a look at the yellow sphere. "What is that?" Acrobat Ace asked. "I am unsure," Seraphim replied. "However, when I touched it, I felt almost as if being drawn somewhere. I suppose it could transport us to Earth." "No harm in trying, I guess," Acrobat Ace replied. [color=red]******************************[/color] "Mana is wise to be concerned," the Duchess said quietly to Trickster. The two villains were in private conference in a small room adjoining the castle armory. "I know," Trickster replied. "She has been acting a little strangely since her return from Pandemonium, don't you think?" "Nevertheless," the Duchess said. "I am convinced that somehow those foolish heroes that followed us to Pandemonium will be back. Perhaps sooner than we would like." "I see," Trickster replied. "I am keen to check on them, actually, now that you mention that particular problem. We'd be much better off if they didn't come back until after we've activated the Chaos Engine. Then, it won't matter." "They also have friends," the Duchess added. "They could also appear and try to foil our plans." "Let's see..." Trickster said. "There were three in Pandemonium, right? That leaves... five somewhere else, probably gathered at their base in San Francisco." "The likelihood is that they will learn what we are up to," the Duchess pointed out. "They will return to the island in short order, perhaps in an attempt to rescue their allies." "Quite a monkey wrench," Trickster replied. "We have overwhelming odds in our favor, though, so I'm not too worried." "Especially if the fools stuck in Pandemonium are unable to join their friends," the Duchess added. "I wonder if it's not to our advantage to have them come here..." "What are you saying?" Trickster demanded. "We can destroy them and activate the Chaos Engine, all in one fell swoop," the Duchess replied. Trickster smiled and tipped his fedora. "You are correct, madame," he said. "And I will take quite a delight in their destruction!" [color=red]******************************[/color] Puncture Proof and Seraphim hovered near the yellow glowing sphere, each carrying a load of heroes. Puncture Proof carried his old friend Acrobat Ace, while Seraphim had Electrostatic and the Scoundrel in tow. "It's too bad some of us are... uh, ground-bound," Electrostatic pointed out. "Believe it or not," Puncture Proof said, "I can probably carry everyone if need be." "Worry not for me, friends," Seraphim added. "Let's just get this over with," the Scoundrel pleaded. Seraphim flew toward the glowing sphere. Fighting back any fear of the unknown, he reached out a hand to touch the sphere. Just as he touched it, Seraphim felt energy coursing through his body. His companions Electrostatic and the Scoundrel felt the same. After what seemed like an eternity, but which was only a brief second, Seraphim, Electrostatic, and the Scoundrel were gone from Pandemonium and appeared on a grassy hill on the island from where they came in the first place. Soon thereafter, Acrobat Ace and Puncture Proof were there to join him. [color=red]******************************[/color] Trickster opened his eyes. With a stern look, he left his small meditation chamber and, after descending the stairs, arrived in the castle audience chamber. The Duchess, Cyber-Knight, Surge, Mana, Fang, and Bombardier were there, awaiting their leader. Lodestone stood right next to the throne. "I have news," Trickster announced gravely. "We have an invasion on our hands. There are heroes on the water, and heroes on the hill." He laughed. "Sounds like a song, doesn't it?" "Any ideas?" Surge asked. "Of course," Trickster replied. "Don't I always?" "Which of those 'heroes' are here?" Fang asked. "I've got some scores to settle." "All of them," Trickster answered. "In fact, it appears as though some old friends have decided to pay me a visit. Unfortunately, I won't be home!" "I asume they're not together?" the Duchess asked. "No," Trickster replied. "Barracuda, ever the resourceful one, has already located one of them. Torpedo, the Atlantean, almost crept in under our radar, so to speak. I'm sure he will have no trouble dealing with his old foe. On their way to the island via hydrofoil are Harpy, Pathfinder, MorningStar, and the insufferable Iron Dragon. Back from their trip to Pandemonium are Seraphim, Electrostatic, the Scoundrel, and my old pals Acrobat Ace and Puncture Proof." "So now what?" Bombardier asked. "Duchess," Trickster said. "You are in charge for now. Lodestone and I are going to make the final preparations to activate the Chaos Engine. I will instruct the Atlantean soldiers to follow your instructions." Trickster and Lodestone stepped onto their hover platform. "Next stop: OBLIVION!" Trickster said as they flew away. The assembled villains looked to the Duchess. "I suggest we split up," she said. "We will give these fools one last chance for glory, and then destroy them utterly!" [color=red]******************************[/color] [size=3][b]Watch for Scene 4, Coming Soon![/b][/size] [/QUOTE]

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