*000000*

April 16th

29 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

Early morning, and Taylor is awake. It has been her routine since she started physical therapy, and has persisted since. She doesn't do as much exercise as she did then, but combat training counted.

Or worse, depending on personal opinion.

(Their fists meeting caused the air to shudder, and dust blasted away from their positions. Brown eyes met blue as she jumped back to gain some ground...only for her instructor to follow and flip her ass over teakettle.)

Durandal was a very...hands-on instructor. Hands on her body to use Taylor as a wrestling dummy, it seemed.

(She was tackled, arms wrapped around her midsection, and she was slammed into the ground, which is actually metal simulating one, head first. There was no pain aside from her pride and dignity.)

("I have no idea if wrestling still existed in their world, or if she actually searched how to wrestle on the internet." Her power mused. "Because that's a Piledriver she just did.")

(She just moaned in agreement.)

It probably said something about how the Valkyries lived if even those who use pistols used them to attack, block and parry.

(Her hands were in pain from having to keep their white-knuckled grip on the pistols. She wished that her instructor felt at least a bit of pain from punching her so much.)

("You're doing better, although you need to adjust your hands a bit." Her fingers were moved, and the grip felt less painful. "Good. Now we'll do this again, and afterwards I'll start kicking.")

(She wasn't aware just how much damage a kick can do. Her kicking Merchant vehicles didn't even feel the least bit painful, and certainly not as painful as this!)

She slapped herself on the cheeks before getting up. Like fuck would she ignore today's plans just to sleep! She had a few days of free time, it was best to make them count!

(She ignored the part of her pointing out that she's classifying the occasional patrols and raiding the remnants of the gangs during the night as 'normal'. She'd already resigned herself to this kind of life after her power told her what was at stake.)

First things first, she'll have to check up on her doppelganger to ensure that she doesn't get caught off guard with whatever her double has been doing. She had been assigned to serve as Taylor's alibi, and also to reconnect with her father because she wasn't able to do so herself.

She worked on the massive backlog of reports that the doppelganger had sent her, and she was surprised at the results. Apparently, the locker incident had broken the metaphorical straw for Daniel Hebert (and revealed that she wasn't paying that much attention to the outside), and he had successfully shut Winslow down.

Subsequent reports reveals that he had also taken advantage of Saint Freya's actions to secure jobs for the union; repair work for the damage caused by the constant fighting, aiding in the city's reconstruction efforts, and had even managed to obtain permission to clean up the bay (a link reveals that Saint Freya - having obtained the cash bounty from killing the S9 - had set up a contract with the DWA for any monetary requirements, and the people who still owned the rusting ships to relinquish their rights to the salvaged steel), the trainyard, and renovate the docks in the process.

All in all, this had resulted in a much less stressed, and more relaxed Danny, who made the time to hang out and reconnect with her...doppelganger.

They had even repaired the front steps, outright replacing all of them to remove any possible rot from occurring. Footage showed Danny smiling and laughing as he nailed the planks down, while her doppelganger applied varnish to the ones on the table.

…

…

…

She took a breath and calmed herself down. She has more time to reconnect with her father, now that the gangs are nearly wiped out.

She can do that later in the day, but for now, she'll be doing something important.

She took her time doing her morning routine, and it was nearing lunchtime when she strode up to the basement.

Her doppelganger stood there, nodding at her as she passed. "I've already told him about your plans for today. He's taking the opportunity to check up on their progress at the docks."

"Thank you, Wraith." Taylor murmured, and went up the stairs as her doppelganger chuckled and went down to the base. "Dad?"

Danny's voice came from the bathroom. "Yes? Did you change your mind to let me drive you?"

She shook her head. "No need. I can walk there. It's safer now anyway."

"Got your pepper spray ready?"

"Yeah." She lied, as she messaged the nearest Valkyrie to manufacture a can for her. "I'll be going now!"

"What takeout do you want tonight?"

"I can get some on the way back! Is Chinese good?"

"Yeah! Stay safe, Taylor!"

"Yeah dad!"

"Love you!"

She smiled. "Love you too, dad!"

---

"Are you here to visit?"

Taylor stilled as she was shaken out of her staring, and turned to the doctor coming out of the door. Their ID read 'Chisato Hasegawa'.

"No. I don't think I can stand to be in the same room as her right now."

"Taylor Hebert, then. I've heard about your circumstances as part of admitting the patient." The doctor nodded, as they looked at Emma over the security feeds. "I suppose even visiting is taxing enough for you, but I commend your efforts to get over the incident."

"It's never going away."

"It won't." The doctor agreed, moving closer and leaning against the wall. "Even mundane things can stick to your memories forever. The mind sometimes can't let go of something, even if the memory affects you negatively."

They remained silent for a while after that, just watching Emma laying down on the mat.

"Why did you come here?" The doctor asked, as she straightened up. "You don't look like you were feeling cathartic from this."

"Closure." Taylor spoke, and her throat felt dry. "It didn't feel real to me, when I heard what happened. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, back then."

"What happened next?"

Taylor laughed, sounding slightly hollow. "Life, I guess. I was so busy recovering and getting a GED that I eventually stopped thinking about her."

"But you remembered."

"Yeah. I talked to a friend about it, and they told me to go when I felt ready enough."

"And they didn't come with you?"

She shook her head. "Told me it was fine. Nothing will happen, because I'm not interacting with her in any way."

At the very least, the Valkyries hidden around the area can intervene if something does happen, but that was unlikely.

That was why her power had taken the opportunity to focus elsewhere and give her some time alone.

The gangs are nearly all gone, everything is starting to look up for them, and no one wants to interrupt the festivities going on.

Absolutely nothing will happen.

The doctor nodded. "Very well then. I'll have to go back now. It was nice meeting you." Pleasantries over, she turned to go back to her office.

Taylor was already walking away as the door shut itself close.

=====

April 17th

28 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

"Thanks for coming with me to work, kiddo." Danny said as he parked their truck in the compound's parking lot. "It's probably going to be boring for you."

"No?" Taylor shrugged. "I think that salvaging a ship would be an interesting sight. I needed a break from my studies anyway."

"I can agree with that." Danny chuckled as they entered his office. He tossed a bright orange vest at her. "It'll take a while for things to get started, so expect a lot of waiting time. We did get better internet though, so there's that."

"No." Taylor brought up a hand to her mouth in mock outrage. "What, do you expect me to browse the internet the entire time I'm here?"

"You're not cleared to enter the drydock, and it's not like you can help with the heavy labor, so yes."

She sniffed as she sat in front of a computer in the lounge. "Why I never."

Danny kissed her. "Safety first, kiddo."

"Yes, yes. Go on and do what you are paid to do." Taylor waved him off with a haughty tone. She felt a bit faint from this interaction, like it's been years since she talked this much…

Well, that actually is the issue, isn't it?

---

■​

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♦ Topic: Saint Freya's Kitchen: Sweets

In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Boston ► Saint Freya's Kitchen

Dawgsmiles (Original Poster) (Veteran Member)

Posted On Apr 11th 2011:

So this thread is dedicated to Saint Freya's Kitchen sweets, because Chubster's restaurant review thread keeps derailing every few pages, or every page depending on how many posts per page you have on.

Rules:

► Keep the topic to sweets: Candies, Sodas, Desserts, etc.

► Make sure to keep any embedded images in spoilers. Not everyone has the luxury of constant, high speed connections, so let's not eat up their data people.

► Keep it friendly. Everyone has their opinion on everything. Let's not fight over the Pancakes vs Waffles argument, we've destroyed several threads already. This rule is enforced by the mods, and any rulebreakers will have their post deleted and temporarily banned for 5 minutes, with an additional 5 added per subsequent rule breaking until they reach 30 minutes, where the next ban will be their final one.

​(Showing page 1 of 76)

►Chilldrizzle

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

Why isn't this in the Food boards, exactly?

►Dawgsmiles (Original Poster) (Veteran Member)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@Chilldrizzle

Because it's a general food thread, and not exactly limited to one area. That said, there is a link in there leading to this subforum.

►C6H12O6 (Verified Tinker) (Suffering From Blondes)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

Did you know that they actually use extremely high tech just for keeping their food hot or cold?

Here's a picture. [IMG]

That's a pint of ice cream besides sizzling tofu, yes.

Both the ice cream and the hot plate are in their own temperature-regulating bubbles, which keeps them at an optimal temperature. And I call them "bubbles" because they deactivate when you nearly touch them, though they come back afterwards.

►3.14StrawberryPie (Sweet Tooth) (Verified Math)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@C6H12O6

How do they handle fried ice cream then?

Also, that ice cream's for your sister, isn't it?

►C6H12O6 (Verified Tinker) (Suffering From Blondes)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@3.14StrawberryPie

YES

►L33t (Verified Tinker)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@3.14StrawberryPie

I too would like to find out how they do it. I don't think I've made something like that before.

►Uber (Verified Cape)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@L33t

Dude, we had the Mortal Kombat video. Don't do it!

Also, I've tried cold fried ice cream. They already fried the thing and it was waiting in the freezer when I ordered one. It's good, though maybe the Kitchen can make a better one?

►L33t (Verified Tinker)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@Uber

Shit, you're right. I forgot about that one.

Also, since custom orders exist, wouldn't that mean that we can order something like a tutti frutti donut?

And I don't mean the flavoring. I mean the actual candy fruit bits.

►3.14StrawberryPie (Sweet Tooth) (Verified Math)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@L33t

Why not both? The dough has an artificial flavor, and the filling is the candy fruit bits? Or maybe a jam made out of the fruit bits?

►L33t (Verified Tinker)

Replied On Apr 11th 2011:

@3.14StrawberryPie

Yes, this does require experimentation, and not a thinly-veiled excuse to binge on sweets!

@Uber

Get the car! We're going on a dessert eating spree!

​End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 74, 75, 76

​

(Showing page 76 of 76)

►Kent (Survivalist)

Replied On Apr 17th 2011:

@Kid Win

Yes, while some tools are better suited to being solidly built, like axes or hatchets, knives, shovels, etc., multipurpose tools are better for simpler tasks if you need to save up on space, or on a budget.

If you're out on the wilderness, then you can use the environment to procure a shelter and a campfire for cooking. Solid tools greatly simplifies gathering wood, cutting grass, vines, digging holes, and maybe even break rocks, while multipurpose ones can be used for more delicate purposes, like making rope out of grass, butchering animals you've hunted, and if it has a flint attached, start fires.

And all of these can fit in a small backpack with other essentials, or you just go all in on the immersion and just carry them with you.

Of course, having these tools made from better quality materials prolongs its lifespan before you have to replace them.

►Kid Win (Wards ENE)

Replied On Apr 17th 2011:

@Kent

Thank you very much, you just gave me some inspiration.

​End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 74, 75, 76

​

■​

---

Taylor blinked and logged out from PHO as she heard a scraping noise. Turning, she saw a small boat quickly getting dismantled, the materials either getting thrown into a nearby dumpster or on a flatbed.

She saw her father in the distance, talking to lawyers. She didn't know whether they were sent by other companies to seize the opportunity to earn money from the process, or as opposition to the DWA, but she'll know about it sooner or later.

She was reasonably certain that any legal documents concerning the ownership of the rusting ships are defunct by now, because they essentially cut their losses after Leviathan, but Saint Freya would probably do something about it otherwise.

"Hey. Taylor, right?"

Something indistinct washed over her, and she turned to the entrance to look at the speaker.

Blonde hair, a well-proportioned body, jeans, and a shirt peeking out beneath a designer jacket, the girl looked like a stereotypical queen bee, if not for her hovering a few inches above the ground.

The smaller, though no less attractive girl gave an exasperated look at her companion. "She was still out of it back then. She doesn't remember us, idiot. Turn your aura off."

The sensation of leaving a bathtub disappeared, and the girl gave an embarrassed cough and landed. "Sorry. I wanted to look cool."

Taylor pursed her lips. "It's fine? Flying is inherently cool though."

"It is!" The blonde grinned, and walked over to shake her hand. "Victoria Dallon, but just call me Vicky. That's my sister Amy."

"Hey." The girl gave a lackluster wave, and stared out at the ongoing operations.

"Don't mind her, she's just tired." Vicky said. "Anyway, you look good!"

"Thank you?" She shook her head. "Sorry, have we met before?"

Vicky winced. "Ah. I sort of pulled you out of the locker and carried you to the emergency room."

"Oh. Thank you very much for saving me."

"Well, it's what heroes do, right?" Vicky gave an embarrassed grin, then turned serious. "Don't worry about the people responsible for that incident. They got arrested quickly, and mom helped slap the charges on them."

"Yeah. I visited Emma earlier."

"Wait, really?" Vicky blinked, then gave her a worried look. "You okay? She didn't do anything to you, right?"

"She didn't know I was there. I'm not sure if security cameras are normal in psych wards though."

"It depends. Her dad's a lawyer, so he probably argued to have a CCTV monitor in her room? I don't know." Vicky shrugged. "He did try to defend his daughter, but your dad had evidence, both written records from journals and witnesses stepping up to give their statement, not to mention that he got thrown out of the courtroom for being too emotionally invested. He apparently lied about his impartiality, and got in big trouble for it."

Taylor started checking up on older reports made by her doppelganger, though the court case probably started when Rita was her only companion, so there's a chance that they'd only know about it if they searched for the records. "Yeah, Uncle Alan's like that. He's worse at controlling his temper compared to dad."

"Uncle Alan?" Vicky parroted. She looked furious. "Your bully's your cousin?"

Taylor closed her eyes and leaned back. "No. Emma and I were friends once. When I came back from summer camp one day, she was with another girl, and she just...threw our friendship away."

"Sophia Hess. Yeah, she got arrested and was tried. False Imprisonment and Aggravated Assault are just two examples of what they've been charged with, concerning the locker. There were a lot more charges after they finished reading your journals." Vicky exhaled, and leaned down to give Taylor a hug. She tried keeping her eyes above Victoria's neckline. "I feel like it's a personal failing, for us to miss stuff like this. We're supposed to be heroes, for God's sake."

"We really can't curb human nature like that, but working from the ground up works I feel." Taylor murmured. "If the quality of life for everyone improves, then there'd be less crimes to begin with."

"You sound so mature..." Vicky let go. "Again, are you sure you're okay?"

"I...yeah. I've had some time to think about it. I've been reading philosophy and self-help books. And I have my upcoming GED to worry about."

Vicky fidgeted slightly, before grabbing her hand and gently squeezing it. "Sorry for dragging up unpleasant memories, Taylor. I...I wanted to make sure that you know you're safe."

"Well...I feel safer now, with all the villains gone."

"Yeah, Saint Freya really worked fast, didn't they?" Vicky fidgeted even more. "How about we just change the subject, even if I did bring it up?"

"We could talk about their restaurant?" She offered, and a grateful Vicky took the opportunity.

"Saint Freya's Kitchen. We're actually planning on going there soon, my friends just need to line up their schedules so that we can all go at once." Vicky pulled out her phone and showed Taylor a scene that she helped create...well, more like 'ordered around to move tables and chairs' to be honest. "Wanna come? We can make a party out of it."

"Dad would be happier if I hung out with other people, I think." Taylor mused, and nodded. "I'll tell him. I think I'll be free Saturday? I'll be done with my GED then."

"Nice." Vicky grinned. "Now, how about you start planning on what you want to get? Chubster made a thread review of the restaurant, and other people got involved and shared their own experiences too, so we can pick what catches our interest."

=====

April 18th

27 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

"Hello again!" That watery sensation appeared again, only to disappear shortly after.

Taylor looked up from her studies to see Vicky floating towards her with a smile on her face. "Hello again to you too...what are you wearing?"

Vicky posed in her orange ensemble (High Visibility Safety Vest, a quick search revealed). "Like it? Mom negotiated with your dad, and I now have a part-time job here! They're paying me to move the boats for them, so it's easy money!"

"I guess that's good." Taylor mused. "What about your sister?"

"Yeah, she has a contract too. She'll get paid to sit around for hours, and even more when she heals somebody."

"Sounds nice. At least it adds a bit of excitement to the monotony here."

"Well, it'd be more exciting to help carry stuff, instead of studying, but don't tell anyone I said that." Vicky winked. "Best to keep studying until you pass your GED, after all."

"Well I can't exactly lift much because I'm still not fully recovered. The studying stops after I get my GED though."

Vicky snorted. "Probably, but I doubt it. And even if you stop studying, you don't stop learning. There's a difference."

Taylor smiled. "My mom used to be a professor at the local university, so she'd be mad if I stopped learning."

Vicky stilled, then sat beside her. "Want to talk about it?"

She shook her head. "I don't know any specifics of what she did as a professor."

Vicky pulled her in for a hug. "I meant your memories. Happy memories, ones that can help ease the pain."

Taylor sniffled. "Well, there was that one time I got my hands on the flour..."

=====

April 22nd

23 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

"Hey, what's all this?" Vicky stated as she saw the prepared tables and chairs at the open-air dining hall. "We have a party or something?"

Taylor looked up from her work on the grills, as she zipped the bag of wood chips shut. "It's an outdoor grill party. We haven't been able to do this for so long, so dad suggested doing this to raise morale."

"And you're doing it all alone?"

She shrugged. "GED Test is tomorrow, so I'm taking today to relax. And it's mostly waiting and flipping the meat anyway." She pointed her thumb at the large, industrial grill. "And the meat in there was already marinated, and it's slowly cooking everything inside so that it's ready by lunchtime."

Vicky inhaled deeply and smiled. "Yeah, I'm liking the smell already. So what's left, skewering?"

Taylor looked at the selection of meat and vegetables on the table near the open grills next to her. "Yeah. It's simple enough, so I don't exactly need help with it." She pointed at the refrigerator beside that. "I'll pull the ingredients out as needed, so it's more time consuming than difficult."

Clicking her tongue, Vicky reluctantly began making her way to the drydock. "And here I thought I'll be able to eat barbecue early. I'll treat you to the Kitchen after your GED, you hear?"

"Yes, I look forward to it." Taylor waved her off, then sighed as she went out of sight. "That was close."

"Indeed. It was excellent forethought to set cameras all over the compound." Rita stepped out from behind the counter where she hid. "So, shall we resume our work?"

"Yeah." She went back to skewering the ingredients, while Rita handled the more delicate preparations. "...I think we need more spice."

"There's already enough spice in the marinade, Taylor." Rita shot her down, amused. "And we're not coating the meat in several layers of spice."

"I want something spicy though. Maybe after we finish cooking for everyone else?"

"That would be acceptable. Is there a specific mix you're thinking of?"

"Something with Jalapeño, I guess? It's a good start, and it's not like I'm planning on jumping straight to Ghost Peppers or something."

"I believe you. Mostly." Rita smirked. "You were thinking of obtaining something hotter before, weren't you?"

"No." Taylor huffed, then deflated slightly. "Well, yes. I thought about Tabasco before."

"It would be better to work your way up. You won't be able to enjoy the taste if you're too distracted from the pain."

"I know."

With that, they went silent and focused on their work.

But at least the awkwardness is fading away.

---

Amy raised an eyebrow. "Where were you?"

Vicky coughed. "I was looking for Taylor, and found her preparing a barbecue for later."

Amy pursed her lips. "Did you ever tell her how you came across the scene in the first place?"

"No, I don't think it's that important." Vicky shrugged. "And she's getting over it anyway. No need to tell her anymore about it."

"Like the only reason you found her was because you had to chase someone nearby? And because I was present at all that was the only reason she didn't die in the process?"

Vicky sputtered. "I mean, at least it led to her rescue, right?"

---

Meanwhile…

"What do you mean, you can't infiltrate Saint Freya?" Doctor Mother asked Contessa incredulously. "They number at least a few hundred. Are you saying that they're close enough to recognize each other on sight?"

"Wait, what was that about infiltrating Saint Freya?" Legend cut in, brows furrowed. "They're already willing to cooperate with the government, and you're planning to infiltrate them?"

"Of course we are." Doctor Mother waved him off. "This organization has supposedly existed for around a decade, yet we've never even heard of them? That is preposterous. Not to mention the fact that they possessed such levels of Tinker Technology yet never lent their aid in Endbringer battles is beyond suspicious."

"They are willing to help now."

"After they have consolidated their forces. After they have managed to bring their status back from the brink after they escaped from whatever they've faced in their world. An organization this powerful shouldn't have escaped our notice, yet these people have. We need to have information about their plans, actions, and everything they can bring to a fight."

Legend looked around for help, but none came. Alexandria and Eidolon were both of the same opinion as Doctor Mother, and Contessa...was Contessa.

He really wished that The Number Man was here. Sadly, it was his usual monthly gathering with other Thinkers for game night.

He also wished that the man would lose his current campaign, but that was unlikely to happen; his dice rolling skills were unmatched.

"I - look, I feel that it's better if we take a more diplomatic route than this." Legend protested. "They're allying themselves with the government, so it wouldn't be too difficult to have the President arrange a tour of their premises."

"Very Well, we will consider that as a backup plan." Doctor Mother allowed, then turned back to Contessa. "Now, can you guide us through the Path you've taken?"

Contessa nodded. "Path to Infiltrating Saint Freya. Step One: have Clairvoyant locate their base. Step Two: have Doormaker open a portal to the location of their central offices."

It was the correct term to say, lest theycall Doormaker's attention by accident.

"Path ends, due to sudden incapacitation."

"What?!" Everyone was startled at that, Legend included, and for good reason; it was completely impossible for anyone to actually harm Contessa, let alone incapacitate her.

Contessa nodded. "Path to Examining Saint Freya's Defenses. Step one: open a portal to Clairvoyant and Doormaker. Step Two: Order Clairvoyant to Examine Saint Freya's Central Offices. Step Three: Touch Clairvoyant."

There was more shock after that, although it explained why Contessa was absent from their meetings following the initial one after that conference call: she was recovering from the backlash. It also explained why Doctor Mother didn't seem surprised at that, if she was taking care of Contessa afterwards, although the news was also surprising to her.

"Step Four: Keep Records of all Defenses Seen. Step Five: Disconnect from Clairvoyant. Path Complete." Contessa slid the folder in front of her towards Alexandria, who opened it and immediately began reading.

"Unknown Tinker Technology used to block Clairvoyant's sight, whereas the entrance to their base was deliberately left out of its effects, given the completely empty hallway leading to a heavily guarded entrance." She started. "Several Paths were started with this information in mind, which revealed more hidden defenses: there are pressure sensors covering the floor, and tactile sensors covering the walls and the ceiling. All of these are also equipped with an electrocution function."

"The ceiling is paneled, several of which can retract to reveal automatic cannons, which can utilize precise amounts of power to shatter defenses with minimal damage to the user, after which it will switch to incapacitating rounds ranging from tranquilizers to foam. The foam utilized uses a different chemical composition to what the PRT utilizes, and the dissolving solution does not work. Opening a portal or utilizing other Parahuman powers results in immediate incapacitation."

"Which is a reasonable reaction." Legend noted.

"Other methods of stealth utilized in conjunction with initial infiltration attempts are thwarted: invisibility and flight are negated by sensors embedded in the corners as well as the floor, walls, and the ceiling panels." Alexandria continued, ignoring him, her frown deepening further as she kept reading. "No blind spots are present, as all sensor ranges overlap, all possibly with a range of detection methods ranging from thermal and infrared to sound and smell detection."

"When an individual is detected, the purpose of the doorway's location is revealed: the entrance closes, after which numerous defenses activate. Impersonation is impossible; the means of which they identify each other is unknown, as one Path has them give a passcode completely different to another."

"Impersonating a government agent only goes so far as the entrance. The security measures utilized are as follows: eye scanners, which can also detect transplants, a hand scanner, which is filled with smart matter to detect fingerprints and handprints, vital sensors which prevents any attempts to fool the system with a severed arm, and DNA scans which prevents grafting another person's hand or arm to gain access. Any inconsistencies are questioned, and medical histories are inquired which prevents impersonation utilizing biological methods."

It took quite an effort to not let his mouth hang open at that. The sheer amount of defenses Saint Freya utilizes is nothing short of absurd, and they are apparently the type to take their security to extremes.

"And that's just the entrance?" Doctor Mother asked rhetorically, and no one answered. She let out a noise of frustration and turned to Legend. "Alright, we'll take the more diplomatic route, but we'll have another of Cauldron's assets accompanying you, preferably one with a good memory and a Thinker power."

"I have two in mind: Chevalier and The Number Man."

"We're not taking the risk in case they have information about any past members of the Nine." Alexandria vetoed the last one. "So take Chevalier instead."

Legend nodded and stood up. "So we're in agreement to let me handle this matter and lessen your paranoia?"

"You say that, after hearing about all of this?" Alexandria waved her hand at the folder.

"Yes." He replied bluntly. "We'd probably be using these same measures ourselves if you weren't violating the law yourself, Chief Director."

Her eyes twitched, but relented. "Very well, but be careful."

Legend smiled. "Don't worry, we'll be fine."

---

Meanwhile meanwhile...

***********************************

Irritation: primary methods of observation blocked. Unable to make judgements: ("Someone's blocked me completely in real time and in the forums and I fucking hate it.")

***********************************

--------------------------------------------

Suggestion: inform [Warrior] cluster.

--------------------------------------------

***********************************

Frustration: [Warrior] refuses to accept communication. [Warrior] has continuously rejected communications with other [Shards] for over thirty planetary revolutions since [Thinker] cluster's demise. [Warrior] cannot be informed of recent developments: ("That fucker's set to 'away' since his partner died! I can't call his retarded ass!")

Order: initiate passive scans of target locations 'Brockton Bay' and 'Boston': ("Go and make it rain in Brockton Bay and Boston. A blank patch, where I can't observe properly? Not on my watch!")

***********************************

=========================

Confirmation: orders received.

Suggestion: focus observations elsewhere.

=========================

***********************************

Expletive: ("Fuck you.")

***********************************

=====

April 23rd

22 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

"So, this is Taylor." Vicky introduced her. "Her dad works at the DWA, so we meet up a lot."

"Hello." Taylor waved. "Thanks for having me."

"It's fine. The more the merrier!" One of the boys, a redhead, grinned and held out his hand. "I'm Dennis. Nice to meet you!"

After shaking, the others introduced themselves: the Latino with the long hair is Carlos, the somewhat handsome one introduced himself as James, the somewhat pale brunette is Chris, and Dean she already met when Vicky brought him to yesterday's barbeque, and had mentally labeled him as Vicky's personal wallet after she revealed that he'd be paying for their meals, as cheaply priced as they are already.

Beside him was a short blonde named Missy. Taylor felt some pity at the rather unfortunate name, but didn't let it show; it felt like her parents didn't think the name through properly.

Dean had already made a reservation ahead of time, and everyone was seated near the stage in short order. Vicky saw between her and Dean, while Amy sat at her right, between her and Chris.

Orders were made, congratulations were had at her finishing her GED test (though the results will take time to arrive), and everyone was eating and talking about what everyone else was interested in: Saint Freya's actions, and any of their possible plans for the future.

So when a warning that the Butcher had freed the Teeth and are now causing mayhem resounded throughout the PA system, she felt quite irritated.

Everyone watched as the receptionist (Kasumi) ushered everyone inside before closing the doors with her still in the front lobby, while the walls started glowing as the force fields were activated.

A quick check revealed that several of the girls have already gone outside to aid the heroes, which left two cooks to man the kitchen (Kae and Jade).

Her day had been going so well, too.

Outside, it started raining.

=====

April 23rd

22 Days Until Leviathan Attacks Brockton Bay

=====

"Warning: The Butcher and The Teeth have escaped containment! I repeat, The Butcher and The Teeth have escaped containment! Please stay indoors and keep out of sight! I repeat, please stay-"

Shae (and what a stupid codename that was) sighed, and went to the changing room to grab her sword, her outfit melting off and revealing her combat garb in the process, her sort of sisters, sort of clones following suit, save for two who remained to keep working.

Spoiler

(Her sister had still remembered her after so long, persisting beyond death, awakening as a Herrscher, the end of their civilization and the fifty thousand plus years that followed to give her reincarnated self those same ears she obtained as a side effect from the MANTIS project...)

She pursed her lips and shook her head.

(Her sister was fine. She's enjoying herself in the internet right now, and soon enough will come out into the physical world. There is no need to worry, no need to feel protective over her...for their bodies are only made to house their consciousness, and there was no danger of truly dying in this new world...)

[AI-chan: your roles have been decided. Please head towards your designated areas, and good luck.]

She blinked slowly, then nodded. While most of the Valkyries were sent towards areas to stop the Teeth, she was tasked to stop Spree, owing to her skills against groups of enemies.

While the others went past the dining area to leave through the entrance, she quietly opened the back door and snuck out to head towards the park.

---

The first thing everyone heard after the brief moment of silence was: "Should we help?"

It was unnaturally loud, and Victoria twitched slightly before noticing the loudspeaker above them, the one that declared the announcement.

[AI-chan: Bella, there's no actual way for you to join in right now, so please stay where you are.]

[Bella: Alright.]

"Please don't. We already have people sent off to aid in rescuing civilians, and the Butcher is rather difficult to fight normally, are they not?" Fae commented, as she served their food. Taylor gave her a quick nod of thanks before starting to eat. "Just trust in us to keep everyone safe here."

"Do you expect them to come here?" Carlos asked.

"There is a chance, but our receptionist is keeping watch outside and will give us a warning." Fae reassured him. "Although we might require your services if there are injured people brought in, Miss Panacea."

Amy blinked, then nodded. "Uh, yeah. I'll help."

Fae nodded, bowed, then went back into the kitchen. Everyone started murmuring amongst themselves after that. Some people uttered words of prayer, while some went as far as to kneel down as well.

"Taylor, I am SO sorry about this." Victoria whispered to her. "I promise to keep you safe, alright? Don't worry about anything."

"Thanks." Taylor nodded. It was kind of embarrassing, but also warmed her to have someone care for her this much, even if they didn't know each other that well. "Shouldn't you guys eat?"

"I don't know, my appetite isn't that high right now." Dennis poked at his salad, then took a bite. "Nevermind."

"Might be for the best that we've properly eaten." Carlos decided. "Who knows if we need to run, and we're too hungry to?"

---

"Ma'am." A Valkyrie greeted her as she arrived at the scene. It was filled with corpses and gore, but given the cape involved, it wasn't surprising, and neither was the procedure to ensure they were dead. "We've already removed the civilians and taken out the mooks in the area, so only Spree's left. Can't disable him because he has a hostage."

"I'll handle it. Get ready to catch the hostage." Shae- she's not at the kitchens right now- Setsuna ran towards Spree, who was getting closer to a river.

"Mommy! Mommy!" The child cried as they lay limp in Spree's arms, the costume's sharp edges already having wounded them, as evidenced by the shallow cuts and blood running down their legs.

Spree had evidently noticed her now, as multiple clones were launched at her at high velocity.

Fifteen, thirty, sixty...Spree shouldn't have been able to produce this many clones, according to the dossier. Either he had purposely been holding back, empowered, or underwent a second trigger.

Why was he running away though? Because the Valkyries were too effective at taking his clones out?

Questions for later, she decided. With a lunge, the gap between them was crossed in an instant, and a swing severed the arm from his body, a rather reasonable course of action in her opinion, and leapt away with the child carefully nestled in her arms. With the child rescued, she took out a sprayer and began patching their wounds. This would hold until they can be taken to a hospital or Panacea, whichever is closer.

Spree laughed, and melted.

Setsuna stared at the decomposing body. A clone producing clones. They'll have to locate him, it seemed-

[AI-chan: Found several Sprees. After your Spree melted, the others started cloning themselves. The others have been dispatched to their locations. I'm sending you to another one.]

She nodded and handed off the child to the waiting Valkyrie. She was off seconds later.

---

"Well, this is a problem." Carole joked as one of the mooks with Animos suddenly started to multiply, and Adam had to agree. Within seconds, there already was a large enough group to pose problems for them, if it wasn't for Valkyrie support ensuring that none of the Teeth left the area.

Several heads exploded into gore, only to be quickly replaced by more clones, which also died a messy death. But Spree was beginning to recursively multiply, which meant that bodies were appearing faster than they were being killed.

[AI-chan: We're not exactly sure which Spree is the real one, but given that they're escalating now, we can't afford to let them keep this momentum. I'm contacting the PRT for a Kill Order, but it's understandable if the real one dies by accident. Or if the unpowered members were caught in the crossfire.]

A mortar impacted the group, and the resulting wet spot was immediately replaced by more bodies. They were already dodging and killing the ones launched at them, though they might have to start escalating themselves if this went on.

[Adam: Understood.]

Spoiler

"Carole, pull out all the stops." He decided. "We can't capture them if they're purposely stalling us just so they can pose a threat for everyone else, so we'll kill them instead."

"'Kay 'kay!" Carole gave him a thumbs up, then her fists appeared. She hopped on one and started flying. "We're giving them a big kaboom!"

He watched her launch the fist into the crowd, and started preparing his sword even as the whole block shook with the explosion.

A hand suddenly appeared to grab at him, and he swung his sword, severing it and burning the Spree clone into ashes as it fell.

Then Animos appeared behind to tackle him off the rooftop, roaring at his face as they hit the asphalt.

Carole hit him from the side, taking Adam's hand and pulling him up, and he swung his sword to bisect several clones coming at them.

Gunfire suddenly increased, taking out more and more clones, even as Spree kept producing more bodies. Animos stood back up and changed into a human, before switching back to his Changer form.

[AI-chan: Connecting to Immortal Blades Assault Squad 5...]

One bullet hit a clone and proceeded to fly in circles, soon joined by more and creating area denial zones. Any Spree clones too close to the walls were immediately shot.

[IB-AS_5-Leader: We're backing you up! Several clones have already been taken out behind some buildings, which was how they survived the initial attack. Focus on Animos and we'll take care of cleanup!]

[Adam: Okay!]

While it was a shame he couldn't use anything stronger in the urban environment, he was more than capable of fighting Animos, especially with Carole by his side.

Roaring, Animos swung downwards, and Adam swung his sword up to block it. He then kicked the Changer upwards, prompting Carole to grab him with her fists and slamming him back down, squeezing tightly as she did so.

Animos switched between forms again, but Carole just kept her grip on him.

A Valkyrie arrived and began spraying his head with foam, immobilizing him as Carole slowly let go.

"Wait, that's it?" Carole asked.

"We're not sure. Spree's power would make him difficult to actually kill unless we hit his real body." The Valkyrie shrugged. "We'll take it from here. Get to the next area, if you would please."

"...right." He looked at Carole, who was washing her hands in the nearby fountain. "Carole, let's go."

---

[AI-chan: Alright, so the President got involved because he was touring our base when this happened, and he gave us the OK for the Kill Orders. The Chief Director should have them signed and ready for inspection by tomorrow.]

"This isn't an ideal situation." Mei sighed as she kicked another masked goon into the pile. She turned to the people filming her. "People, this really isn't the best time for that. I can't fight properly if I have to worry about bystanders."

One started to speak, but Mei didn't hear it, as she deflected the arrow about to hit him. They all flinched as stones and dust fell on them. She turned, and found the culprit standing on the nearby rooftop, with several arrows planted on the ground next to her.

The Butcher.

"Oh shit." Someone said, and they started running away. The Butcher fired another arrow, and another Mei appeared, a red transparent one, to block it inches from the target. The Immortal Blades appeared then, to take him and the others away. She couldn't blame them, not when they weren't as fast as she was.

There was no way to know whether those arrows could weave through obstacles, given how Quarrel's power allowed projectiles to fly in unnatural ways. It probably could, which would make blocking or deflecting the correct choice to make.

Wasn't there a story about enchanted bullets or something? The Freeshooter was its title, she was certain of it.

Butcher aimed again, and Mei swung and launched a bolt of electricity, destroying the stone arrows and making the Butcher teleport. The explosion caused by her arrival threw up some dust, and it cleared to reveal her wielding a gatling gun and proceeding to fire.

It was less that Mei was incapable of dodging the bullets than it was of those bullets being able to curve in on themselves that posed the problem, it seems. While she could run, climb and jump faster than the eye can see, once the Butcher had targeted her, then eyesight was not an issue, as the projectiles weren't manually guided in the first place.

Trees remained intact, power lines weren't destroyed, glass wasn't shattered, and nothing she put in their way was damaged, even as the Butcher teleported away when she appeared next to the villain. Shadow Clones were durable enough to take a few hits before dissipating, more if they actively deflected the bullets.

They didn't seem to lose kinetic energy either, or it was just that the space was continuously being warped that they wouldn't lose much, unless they were forced to maneuver around in a smaller space, but she wasn't interested in testing that.

She couldn't kill her either, because no one was certain if it could actually pass on to them. Cut off the limbs, perhaps, but measures would have to be taken before she bleeds out, and she'll have to be paralyzed as well to stop her from potentially biting her tongue off in spite.

The Butcher stopped firing and tossed the gun to the side, though it was most likely because it wasn't accomplishing anything, rather than it running out. A quick check revealed that there was a third left, though the exposed bullets might misfire from that act of mistreatment.

The bow was back, and she knelt to create an arrow, and Mei took that opportunity to strike. Meters passed in an instant, and the Butcher disappeared as she swung, the incomplete projectile breaking as her sword passed through it.

She raised her katana, and the Butcher's sword shattered against it. The woman reappeared in an explosion nearby.

"Didn't expect your weapon to shatter against mine, did you?" Mei asked rhetorically. She raised her katana in a ready stance, and the Butcher charged in answer to the provocation. Before she came into contact, she disappeared again, and Mei hopped away as the explosion appeared behind her.

This cycle repeated itself a few times before the Butcher changed tactics, and picked up the gatling gun once more. She teleported again, and this time, Mei saw as even the misfiring bullets also headed towards her, even if they were lacking in power compared to ones fired from the gun. It made sense, as guns put most of that force to good use, after all.

None of the bullets harmed her, as her shadow clones took all the hits. She watched dispassionately as the Butcher clicked her tongue and charged at her, wielding the gun like a club. It passed through the metal easily, but the Butcher grabbed it before she could pull back.

Blood dripped down the blade.

"You held back to stop me from dying accidentally, didn't you?" The Butcher accused. She plunged the blade into her heart. "It doesn't matter, because all of your efforts are for naught. We will make good use of your skills and powers."

Mei kept quiet.

The Butcher looked down, and pulled the blade out.

Only a small stump remained, some blood on the tip from the blade breaking through the skin.

It had retracted fast enough that she didn't even notice.

"What."

Mei's body crackled with electricity, and the area around them began glowing as electrons started charging. The Butcher tried moving, but she was already paralyzed.

She teleported, and Mei released a blinding flash as she reappeared. She teleported away again as barriers of pure electricity started appearing, slowly filling up the area and closing in on her.

Finally, Mei stopped, and the Butcher's blindness and paralysis finally wore off enough to notice where they were: out on the open waters, with her standing on a floating metal platform, and Mei on the water's surface.

She had led her to teleporting on a false road she created, and sank everything once they were far enough. She hadn't been sure what qualified for her danger sense's conditions, so she had purposely made them wide enough for highway traffic.

"-" She tried to speak through her paralysis, but metal appeared again, cutting her off as it encased her, and more appeared around them as the teleportation array built itself. Charging up, it transported the Butcher's box into their Mars base, and began to deconstruct itself afterwards.

Mei sighed. She'll have to report this, of course, but it doesn't make the process any more pleasant, especially when they find out just what she did.

---

Earlier that day…

"Is everyone ready?" Legend asked.

"Yeah, we're good." The President smiled as he stared at the entrance, with the Washington Director beside him. "Rather empty, isn't it?"

"As I understand it, it goes down, and the actual entrance is at the end of this tunnel to act as a trap." He explained, and he nodded in understanding. Chevalier locked up the car and came up to them, his Cannon Blade in a special case. "Okay, let's go."

As stated, it was empty, and Legend looked up without moving his head, trying to look for seams denoting panels holding their defenses, and saw nothing out of place.

Soon enough, they were at the actual entrance to the base, with two Valkyries standing guard.

"We use extreme security measures, so if anyone here is a body double, please state so now." No one spoke up, and the Valkyrie nodded. "Please, line up in an orderly fashion and we will register you in the base defenses."

"In order, you will have your eyes, fingerprints and handprints, and finally a DNA scan. Should you have recently acquired an implant, or grafted body parts, please state so right now."

"Had a kidney transplant a few years ago. That count?" The Washington Director asked.

"It should've integrated itself into your body long enough that there wouldn't be much inconsistency, but we will take note of it." She nodded as Chevalier pressed his hand against the scanner, and sank into it.

"Uh, is this supposed to happen?" Chevalier asked as he felt his hand being tickled. "It's tickling me."

"To be more specific, it's exfoliating your hand to retrieve DNA samples. It would make it impossible for anyone to impersonate you with this method."

"Okay then." He pulled out his hand when the light turned green.

There were no more questions after that, and they were let inside soon enough. Past the door were two people waiting: Lieserl "Einstein", from their online meeting, as well as a woman with pink hair.

Spoiler

"Welcome to Saint Freya's base, gentlemen♪" The woman stated, as she stood up and bowed. "I am Elysia, and I'll be your guide for today♪"

Michael, or Chevalier, sucked in a breath as he beheld the woman. He absently noted the President coughing, and the Washington Director shifting uncontrollably.

Spoiler

It was clear from casual observation that most of the women from Saint Freya were beautiful, but this one felt like she was deliberately assigned as a honey trap: sharp, elven ears and pink pupils on blue irises gave her an air of exoticism; long, pink hair falling down her shoulders in an untamed manner hinted at a carefree personality, in direct contrast to her choice in clothing that were specifically tailored to catch one's attention for the first, second, third and even more times-

"Welcome to Saint Freya's base, gentlemen♪" The woman stated, as she stood up and bowed. He couldn't look away at the beauty displayed. "I am Elysia, and I'll be your guide for today♪"

(Good God, even her voice was beautiful, like a gentle breeze passing through finely made instruments.)

"Thank you for accommodating us for this." Legend bowed back, and the spell was broken. Michael barely caught himself from bowing as well. "I am Legend, leader of the Protectorate as a whole, and the New York team specifically. With me is the President of the United States, the Washington Director, as well as Chevalier, the leader of the Philadelphia Protectorate."

"It is our pleasure to meet you♪"

Her blue-haired companion nodded at them. "To reintroduce myself, I am Lizelle, code name 'Einstein', and I head the Theoretical and Experimental Physics Research Department of Saint Freya. Elysia here will be the tour guide, while I am tagging along to answer some questions you might have, although most will be classified for safety reasons."

"That is acceptable." The President agreed. "I signed the documents, so I'll try my best to maintain and improve relations between America and your organization. Shall we go?"

"Follow me then, gentlemen♪" With that, Elysia turned and led the way, and he tried his best to keep his eyes above the waistline. "Our first destination, the hangars♪"

Legend sidled up to him and poked his side. "Michael, close your mouth."

His mouth shut with a click, and he tried his best to calm his blush down.

---

"-always loved scenic views, but necessity forced us to rely on underground installations instead." Elysia explained as they neared their destination. They could hear metal striking against metal, and many other sounds associated with factories. "Our parent organization used a floating island instead, although they did have a base in Europe before that."

"I'm starting to see why we haven't heard about you before, with that level of technology used." Legend commented as they entered a small room. "So where are we now?"

"This room is adjacent to the hangars." Einstein explained. She pointed to the group of people tinkering (without the capital T, as they weren't parahumans, Legend had explained to him). "The glass partition only allows sight to pass through, as the testing area can be extremely loud during operation."

"What exactly gets tested here?" The Washington Director asked.

"Weapon attachments, mostly. Any ideas for weaponry are tested in a stable environment, then afterwards we attempt to redesign the prototype so we can attach them to our aircraft."

They watched as the mechanics attached a small turret underneath a fuselage, and the weapon fired.

"So you have something to prevent your activities from creating underground quakes, correct?" Legend asked as he stared at the far wall in the testing area, his power-granted sight most likely aiding him to view things in detail. "And that looks like confoam."

"Yes, to both questions." Einstein nodded. "The method we use also prevents earthquakes from causing excessive damage to our facilities as well. For the containment foam, we synthesized a chemical mixture of our own, although it doesn't work at range once it has left the liquid tanks."

"I can see that; the foam hardened a third of the way through and broke the target. Our foam also doesn't work at range, but it never hardened to that extent."

"We can confirm that the foam only hardens on the outside, and the inside remains soft and breathable. And the foam only hardens to that extent when delivered at high velocities; the front is compressed as it hardens, and it results in a material that is as hard as concrete."

"Very brittle, though."

"It is." Einstein gestured to the other side of the room. They walked over and saw the cavernous room below them, its lone occupant waiting under the spotlight. "Now then, on this side is the actual hangar, although we only have a few of our aircraft available for show. First up, the RPC-6629 VTOL gunship."

The aircraft, one of many seen during the incident with the Empire, was large, and had tiltjets at their resting positions. Underneath the wings were more jets, smaller ones, most likely to keep the aircraft stable in the air. Michael can see missile batteries inside the wings through the opened flaps, and the nose was tilted down, revealing unfamiliar components that nonetheless reminded him of...

"Are those energy weapons at the front?"

"It's only one affixed there, but yes. There are two omnidirectional electric burst cannons attached to the tiltjets, designed as a measure to keep enemies from swarming it."

"I am very appreciative of your level of self-control." The Washington Director said. "Aside from your fights with the ABB and the Empire, collateral damage has been kept to a minimum."

Einstein coughed. "We planned to capture everyone alive, so Lung managed to reach the point of self-detonation, while we were unsure how to handle the giant twins without killing them, due to their powers."

"Hence the cannon the braided girl used. Kaslana, I think?" The President hummed. "You didn't use the foam or any chemical weapons?"

"If their speed were handicapped by their size, perhaps the foam could work as they would be too slow to break free. And chemical weapons wouldn't be a good idea, as they would disperse and might cause casualties."

The President nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. "So you're saying that if it weren't for the Unwritten Rules, you'd have ended those encounters faster?"

"Yes, although we also try to keep killing to a minimum."

"So you'd just hit the capes and capture their men afterwards..." The President gave the aircraft another look, then turned back to them. "And you'd be able to use this during Endbringer battles? Combat operations, search and rescue?"

"They wouldn't be of much use in battle, as most of our firepower is land-based, which will be shown later in the tour, but they are more useful as transport and for search and rescue operations, yes."

The President nodded. "Give the public a good showing before or during the next Endbringer battle, and I'll start signing long overdue Kill Orders on the Villains in this country.."

Legend did a double take, while the Washington Director gave the President a look, although he had a small grin on his face. "Sir?"

"Long have our people suffered under the Nazis, who should've ended with the World War, the cultists, whose reign of terror remains unchecked because of one bitch and her powers, and many others who are protected by their powers or by the Unwritten Rules, because we need more bodies to throw against those monsters." The President continued. "Show them that they will soon be obsolete, show them that their days are numbered, and that soon enough the age of Parahumans can finally be phased out."

He paused and looked at them. "No offense, of course."

Legend laughed. "I think I'll be happy to finally hang up my metaphorical cape if it means the villains and the Endbringers disappear in turn."

"I can agree to that." Michael agreed, although it did bring up some difficult questions he always kept to the side, like what he'd do if it actually came to pass. "Other countries might not like this development though."

"Bah, if we manage to show them a guaranteed way to kill those monsters, then their words would ring hollow, I presume." The Washington Director scoffed. "And of course, if we also lend them our help, they'd have even less reasons to do so."

"Which makes me even more excited!" The President grinned. "So make sure the Endbringer dies, no matter the method used so long as the people aren't caught in the blast radius! Now show us the next aircraft you have!"

"Very well, the next aircraft then." Einstein, still keeping an unflappable expression, nodded, working on her datapad. The RPC and its platform sank down and disappeared, and a much larger aircraft appeared in its place. "This is the AE-X5 heavy bombardment gunship codenamed 'Harbinger'."

Michael felt himself gaping, and he was sure the others were as well. It was a massive piece that can only be described as a "Flying Fortress", with four gigantic engines on its wings lifting its entire body laden with weapons made for air and ground superiority. And given that they have admitted to having floating islands before, he was fairly certain that it was made to stay aloft for days.

It also annoyed him to see that he couldn't identify everything in that ship; while it was clear that everything at the top were anti-aircraft guns, everything smaller than a certain diameter were anti-infantry and everything else is meant for destroying structures, he couldn't place the large hatch in the middle.

"This was the aircraft we used to provide support during the Nine's extermination. If not for our forethought, we might have unleashed a firestorm by accident." Einstein explained. "We knew that the shields wouldn't hold for long, and using this to rapidly cool the environment was much more effective at containing the fires compared to utilizing more shields."

"So what's the large hatch at the top, if you don't mind me asking?" The President asked.

"That is a Tokamak, designed to power the entire ship and keep it operational for days, even with heavy usage of the two fusion cannons."

"And you didn't use that against the Nine?"

"The Key of Destruction is a much more effective weapon, especially given that Bonesaw was reported to always have manufactured plagues on hand."

"But which would be more powerful?"

"The Key."

"Okay." The President nodded and rubbed his chin. "Yeah, let's see the next one then."

"Very well. This next one is designed for transportation, and can be retrofitted to function as a mobile medical unit instead..."

---

"I don't think I did much there." Elysia pouted, and Michael had to look away.

They were at the cafeteria now, having decided to break for lunch after viewing Saint Freya's aircraft. As time went on, his focus shifted towards the sheer breadth of technology more and more, until they moved to the cafeteria, and then it went back to the beautiful woman.

And now he was quickly reminded how hard difficult it was to stare at her without becoming a drooling idiot.

"You aren't well-versed in technical matters, so it's only expected." Einstein remarked. "You were chosen to keep relationships between our organizations intact, and would've seen more use had the President or anyone he brought with him been difficult to reason with."

"Why not hold a drinking party at the end then, just so she doesn't feel useless?" A redhead, introducing herself as Frederika, codename "Tesla", commented. "Also, close your mouth, knight boy. You look like you're about to choke on your spit."

"S-Sorry." He apologized as he wiped his mouth. "Er, will you be joining our tour?"

Tesla clicked her tongue. "As much as I'd love to show off my creations, I have more important matters to attend to at the moment."

"We won't be able to see all the mechs as a result." Einstein commented as she slurped on her noodles. "Dr. Tesla doesn't want to miss the opportunity to brag about her creations to important guests, after all."

"Wha- of course they'll be allowed to see all the mechs we have!" Tesla slammed a fist on the table. "When did I say anything about doing otherwise?"

"Between the sixth and seventh bottle of wine samples we were testing, I believe. You were rather miffed about being too busy to join the tour at the time."

Elysia giggled, Tesla blushed, and Michael had to stop himself from matching her impressive shade of red.

"I - I'll get through my work quickly, or at least quick enough to join by remote call!" Tesla scarfed down the remaining contents of her bowl and stood up. "I'll be there, at least digitally, to show my creations to the world!"

"It'll just be the President and the PRT." Einstein called out placidly, but Tesla gave no indication of hearing it.

Michael chuckled weakly, but straightened up as his emergency caller beeped out a warning. His eyes widened as he read the message.

He stood up, even as Einstein read something from her datapad. She blinked. "Oh, it seems the Teeth have been set free by the Butcher."

As if on cue, a warning resounded throughout the base. "Warning: the Butcher has set the Teeth free and is causing havoc. All rapid response teams are to deploy in one minute."

"The Teeth." Legend stated as he approached, followed by the President, the Washington Director, and several Valkyries as their personal guard. "Chevalier, guard the President and the Director. I'll be heading out to-"

"Please hold." Einstein interrupted him. "As the situation stands, should the Butcher identify a member of the Triumvirate within the area, they might escalate and cause something unfortunate to happen. Like intentionally taking an attack meant for someone else, for example."

"I wouldn't utilize lethal measures straight away, and I still have other ways to help."

"And we do not deny that. However, as they had prior experience with encountering you in New York, they might utilize more underhanded tactics if your presence is confirmed. Allow us to handle the situation first, perhaps lending your aid in the back lines, and after the threat of them having hostages has passed, then we can utilize your powers to take them out all at once."

Legend considered it, then nodded. "Very well. Do you have something to use for communications?"

Einstein tapped on her datapad. "We'll have it ready and waiting for you in the hangar. You will be joining a group flying into the city to keep your presence low until the time is right."

"And me?" Michael asked. He was sort of eager to join, as he had been unaware of the Empire's attack a few weeks before, which he felt miffed by as a result. "Where should I go?"

"You'll be joining a different group. Your skills are best suited for direct combat, and as such will be sent to the frontlines." Einstein replied. "We have drones released to maintain surveillance over the city, so we'll be able to direct you from here."

A Valkyrie walked up to them. "I'll guide you to your destinations. Please follow me."

---

Legend stared at the visor handed to him, rubbing the earpieces between his fingers. He put it on after a brief moment of hesitation. "So how does this work?"

"On the left side, there is a button for communication." The Valkyrie beside him explained. "Technically, HQ does hear everything, but the button is to indicate that you're addressing them."

"Right." He pressed it. "This is Legend. Can you hear me?"

["We hear you loud and clear, Legend."] Came the reply. ["This is AI-chan, and I'll be directing you to where you are needed."]

Their ride, one of the transport aircrafts shown earlier, started its engines, and within seconds was already outside. He can already see the smoke rising from several locations.

"Your visor also has thermal and X-Ray to allow you to see through walls. The buttons are on the right."

Legend pursed his lips. "Isn't X-Ray dangerous?"

"There technically is a more accurate term for it, but X-Ray is more commonly used because of the term's popularity from mass media. It doesn't actually utilize radiation."

He nodded, then pressed the button. The view was surprising, mostly because it didn't make him see through everything, but rather only through two to three layers at most. It let him see through the transport and at the situation below, and the vision mode itself seemed to constantly adjust to unknown cues, but enough that his sight wasn't too impaired.

Fortunately, it also prevented him from seeing through skin and clothing, because that would've been embarrassing.

["Yes, that is the common fantasy when X-Ray vision is presented in mass media."] AI-chan confirmed it for him. ["People would also find skeletons walking around to be somewhat nauseating, so we're actively filtering what you're seeing."]

"It's quite good, since I don't feel hindered by it." Legend hummed as he pressed the other button, switching modes to thermal. By then, their transport was landing.

He noted that while the colors weren't fully washed out like normal thermal cameras would, it also ignored background heat and focused on concentrated sources of heat like people and fires.

He followed the Valkyries out and watched them start clearing out the area and setting up fortifications. His eyes shifted upwards as he noticed a bloom of heat appear. "I think I see the Butcher."

["Yes, we have eyes on the Butcher now. Currently they are heading towards Raiden Mei's location."]

"Should I pursue?"

["Not right now. At the moment, you'll be joining the team in taking down the Teeth, rescuing civilians and putting out the fires."]

He sighed as the Valkyries finished setting up a barricade and waved him through. "Right. I can do that."

Following several others, they spent the duration jogging in silence until they encountered several Teeth members breaking into stores.

The Valkyries opened fire, and their targets went down in a matter of seconds.

["We have runners in the nearby alley."] AI-chan informed him, and he switched vision modes to see three members running away. ["Three of them, carrying valuables in sacks."]

Concentrating, he fired an invisible laser, one that forked into several smaller ones that impacted behind their knees, sending them sprawling onto the asphalt, while his companions ran to capture them.

["They're secured now. Sending you to the next location."]

As he headed towards their destination, Legend had a sinking feeling that he's not of much use in this combat situation. It was similar to how some of the new capes he mentored felt, he decided.

---

["Warning: Spree is utilizing an unrecorded expression of their power, and is multiplying themselves faster than what previous encounters show."]

"I can see that." Legend said, as he watched the streets rapidly fill with bodies, most of them already dead as the Valkyries accompanying him opened fire, hiding behind deployable cover as they fired back. He started firing lasers with one hand as his other reached at his visor. "If his clones are recursively cloning themselves now, then it might be a good idea to scan the outskirts for any signs of him as well."

["Yes, we're performing more invasive scans right now."] Legend swept his hand, and the Spree clones were all bisected. More started appearing as a kneeling Spree glared at him and started yelling. The Valkyries responded in kind as they started firing grenades as well. ["They're all displaying a hive mind-like capability; after one holding a hostage got cut, he melted, and the others started acting up."]

"We'll have to update his ratings after this fight." Legend frowned as he started multitasking: some of the lasers went to the other side of the street, as well as the numerous alleyways and erupted in ice, forming a blockade. The others detonated as soon as they hit the Spree clones, sending rapidly melting viscera everywhere. "You know, if he manages to survive this."

["We're contacting the PRT for a Kill Order, but I believe that we're legally safe if they die by accident. I don't think anyone is actually sympathetic to them right now...or ever, really."]

"Contact the Chief Director and the President. Given that they're nearby, they can expedite the process." Legend paused and fired a laser, hitting a Spree clone in the back of their head as the laser reflected off the ice. "I mean they're already overdue for a Kill Order, but legal backing smooths out the process."

["Director Armstrong is unavailable right now, as the Butcher's attack on the Boston PRT holding cells and the Teeth's resulting exit left most of the personnel dead and the Director injured."]

"What about his aide? And Bastion?"

["Also down. Flywheel is taking command right now, and the Valkyries sent there allowed them some breathing room. She'll be ready for the meeting in a few minutes."]

"Alright then." Legend grunted and fired upwards, losing his patience. The lasers exploded midair and showered the area in multiple explosions, and he didn't stop until a minute had passed. He caught his breath as the area was deemed as cleared. "Alright, I'll head back to the landing zone. I don't think there's a need for secrecy anymore."

The Valkyrie next to him nodded, and he flew off.

---

Chevalier grunted as his cannonblade crashed against Vex's forcefields, creating a sufficient opening for him to shove his weapon through. Enlarging the weapon came next, and he frowned as he saw several Teeth within. His Thinker power, classified to everyone but the highest levels of the PRT, the President and the Washington Director, saw the insides as a sea of shadows, which made it difficult to see where the cape was, but he was reasonably certain that Vex was inside as well.

"Vex of the Teeth, this is Chevalier of the Protectorate's Philadelphia branch. We have you surrounded-'' He flicked his eyes upward for a moment, spotting the Valkyries moving in to take their positions around the Teeth, shattering forcefields as they passed by. "-So surrender now, or we will open fire!"

He sighed as they started shooting at him; while he hadn't seen or heard of any Kill Orders on the group's members, the possibility of one being retroactively signed wouldn't be that odd, mostly because the Teeth had a long history of serious crimes, of which murder being one of the common ones.

"If that's your answer..." He murmured before firing. Several members were immediately killed upon impact, but one started multiplying themselves, and picked up whatever working weapons were left as a result. Spree.

"We're opening fire; retreat now!" A Valkyrie ordered over the comms, and he leapt back, using his weapon to gain considerable distance away from the area. Not even a second after he was sufficiently out of the way, the Valkyries started firing their weapons.

Try as they might, Vex couldn't produce enough forcefields to protect themselves from the sheer volume of fire, and soon enough the forcefields disappeared, indicating their demise. Two Valkyries stepped forward with flamethrowers, or judging from the thin streams of burning liquid coming out of the nozzles napalm-loaded flamethrowers, and quickly burned the general area.

"This is belated, but there's new information uncovered by the other teams that Spree might have Second Triggered, which allows him to recursively duplicate himself endlessly. A clone can produce a clone which can itself produce another clone, and from what reports we're getting, they're actively using methods to ensure that at least one can survive an attack and repopulate the area afterwards."

No wonder he couldn't see anything with his Thinker power. "That's fine, although we might need to relay this information to the public as quickly as possible, before we get in trouble for using incendiary weapons."

"Mmm? Oh, uh, inform the public, yes." The Valkyrie talking to him stuttered, before clearing her throat. "We're already informing the President about this, and I believe that a Kill Order for the Teeth is in the process of being signed off right now?"

["A statement will have to be released soon after this either way, as we have been using other incendiary weapons and explosives."] AI-chan informed him as he exhaled and took the opportunity to rest and recover his stamina. ["We're setting up blockades to prevent Spree from spreading further, so you can take a break for the moment. I'm not sure if you're used to constant fighting."]

"Yeah, situations like this don't happen often." Chevalier nodded in thanks as a Valkyrie handed him a bottle of energy drink and energy bars. Spending nearly half an hour constantly fighting roaming groups of Teeth has taken its toll on him, and he was grateful for the reprieve. He blinked as another Valkyrie placed an air conditioner nearby, as well as a large metal chair and table. "Fights usually don't last this long, since I have backup, so I'll have to train more after this...where are they getting these things from?"

["We have them stored in the transports."]

He opened his mouth, then closed it again. Eventually, he chose to just ignore their eccentricities and keep eating.

---

Spoiler

Setsuna scowled as she cut down the horde of Spree clones charging at her, only to be replaced with more. "I'm not sure how he's surviving this, because I'm shredding them indiscriminately here."

["You're destroying the clones faster before they can recursively multiply, so most likely he's hiding somewhere you can't cut through easily...which should be impossible."] AI-chan mused. ["Let's say that Spree, or at least one or more of his clones, is with the other members of the Teeth. Adam and Carole took down Animos, and Chevalier helped kill Vex. The Butcher is fighting Mei right now, so the only members left are Hemorrhagia and Reaver, unless there are more we don't know about."]

"So it's possible that Hemorrhagia's hiding them somewhere with their blood-shaping power? Aren't they limited to simple weapons and armor?"

["It's possible that they Second Triggered as well, or Reaver's powers synergizes with theirs."] Setsuna pulled out her second katana, wielding it with her main right hand as Frozen Naraka was switched to her left. She idly kicked a Spree clone at the others, with enough force to bowl them over. ["But perhaps the best way to deal with the situation is destroying the landscape enough to reveal any inconsistencies."]

"Shame, this is quite a nice park." Crouching, pulling her right hand back as her left brandished Frozen Naraka across it, Setsuna lunged with all her might, putting some of the force into a spin, resulting in a drill-like attack. The perpetually frozen ice blade, pointing outwards, cut through the ground, ripping up soil and concrete as it left frozen gouged out furrows in its wake. Any Spree clones caught were torn to shreds, creating an odd dichotomy of frozen and melting chunks of flesh.

As this was happening, she activated Frozen Naraka's secondary effects, spreading frost outwards and coating the ground in snow. Several grenades were detached, causing explosions that cleared out whatever trees that remained standing until then.

When she finally lost enough momentum to stop, a long trench was dug through the park, its edges lined with ice and frost, the ground littered with frozen and melted flesh, and the area beyond it pockmarked with craters. A crumbling shelter made out of dried blood was exposed, with many dead Sprees falling to reveal even more inside, with Hemorrhagia hiding within their ranks.

As she went to sheathe her katana, she stumbled as she lost her footing, the snow, frost and ice disappearing, with the most likely culprit or culprits now holding swords, axes, and machetes made out of ice and blood. Her hands reached for her weapons, only to find them nowhere in sight.

"Thanks for the weapons, bitch!" One of them crowed, now brandishing her katanas in their hands. "Kill her!"

["Ah. I suppose the name 'Reaver' refers to its meaning of 'stealing'."] AI-chan commented as Setsuna charged towards what was most likely Reaver. ["Also, the PRT's abbreviated trial just finished; all members of the Teeth, except for the Butcher, have been given Kill Orders, so at least we're legally protected now."]

"Fun." Setsuna rolled her eyes as she activated her Time Fracture, and time slowed down, her target's eyes widening behind their helmet as she stepped over bodies and pulped their skulls to grab her swords back at an accelerated rate.

Landing within their midst, she sheathed her katanas and dropped into a stance, with Frozen Naraka's sheath touching the Time Fracture device and counteracting the device's overheating and allowing it to further slow time.

Unsheathing the blade, she then detached all the joints in her upper body, something she wouldn't have been capable of in life, and proceeded to do something that she was incapable of back then: the rapid slashing of her surroundings to such a degree that the air was visibly being warped from sheer speed.

As she kneeled to sheath Frozen Naraka and time started to speed up again, she took the brief moment of time to appreciate the view; of the world looking like a mosaic made out of frosted glass, the rents in the air slowly disappearing, as if reality was healing itself.

Then time sped back up enough that the aftermath of her actions caused her to brace herself, as the air exploded several times over,

By the end of it, her hair and clothing was disheveled and torn in places, her ears were ringing, and she ended up knocked flat on her ass, but her only opinion of it, as her memories of younger days watching anime with her sister resurfaced, was that it was so very cool.

---

"-and as such, we'll have Boston and the neighboring cities on high alert for the foreseeable future." Rebecca finished. Legend nodded, as did the other people in the conference call. "We'll get the Thinktank, as well as some independent Thinkers, searching for the actual Spree."

Director Armstrong, barely able to move but still conscious, grunted in agreement. "Yeah, we'll talk to Accord about this, though I don't think he has much reason to refuse cooperation."

Legend's communicator beeped, which caught everyone's attention. "I didn't know this had a loudspeaker."

["I don't know why you'd think that. You've seen some of our tech and all."] AI-chan replied. ["Anyway, I'm calling to provide an update: the Teeth are all dead, with the exception of Spree, given that even after killing one of him being guarded by Hemorrhagia and Reaver, the other groups reported that the situation with the rest of him remained unchanged."]

"And the Butcher?" Rebecca asked impatiently. "Your personnel are powerful, so the Butcher being killed by one of you is-"

["They're captured, and sent away like Crawler was."] AI-chan answered calmly. ["Although we had them sent to a remote location instead of space, because we're not sure if death by asphyxiation still counts as a kill."]

"The plans remain unchanged then. Given that Spree might have left or hid within the city, we'll set up checkpoints and ensure that they don't have a chance of slipping through." The President continued. Legend had to wonder why they didn't contact him instead, but remembered that his visit to Saint Freya's base was a secret kept only to their group. "Start with an outer perimeter outside of the city and gradually close in to the center. Saint Freya, do you have any methods of making this search easier?"

["If the biological samples from the dead clones is identical to the original, then we should be able to get a scanner ready within the week."] AI-chan stated. ["Who should we contact when it's ready to use?"]

"As the Boston branch is currently lacking in manpower, Legend will be your contact." The President nodded at him. "Now, given Legend's involvement in this situation, as well as numerous reports from Saint Freya's side to him, Spree is hereby designated as an S-Class Threat, and those with the capabilities or the manpower have standing orders to kill them on sight."

"Understood." Legend nodded.

"I will have to emphasize on the firepower and manpower requirements, because it will be a big clusterfuck if some idiot with a shotgun tries to shoot them."

"Yes, we understand."

"Saint Freya, given that your people have already set up checkpoints anyway, do you agree to continue setting them up until either your device is ready and functions as stated, or until the entirety of Boston is secured?"

["We agree."] AI-chan accepted. ["We'll have automated gun emplacements managed by three-person groups."]

"Good." The President sighed, then nodded at them. "You are all dismissed."

"I'll have the paperwork done by Monday." Legend stood up as the President disconnected. "For now, I'll have to help in the aftermath. Armstrong, I'll be there in ten."

"Yeah, I'll tell my men." Director Armstrong nodded weakly. "Whatever's left of them, at least."

"Alright, Legend, out."

---

Later, at the Cauldron base...

"Shame about Spree. We could've used him against Scion, I feel." Doctor Mother mused as Legend finished his report. "What about Saint Freya though? Have you seen their security measures?"

Legend massaged his temples in exasperation. "Despite Contessa's descriptions of what security measures were present at the entrance, I couldn't see any of them, nor could I see anything out of the ordinary while touring the place. Given that they're quite willing to utilize extensive measures in security, it's just as likely that they're using stealth generators to hide their defenses."

"I suppose the diplomatic route was the best choice after all." The Number Man mused from his side of the table. Having arrived just recently, he was still wearing his vacation clothing, a crown and a party hat, and there were streamers and a fake feather boa made out of foil on and around his shoulders and neck. A trophy sat beside the mug of coffee in front of him. "Despite the incident that occured, Saint Freya only shows more willingness to cooperate and help aid humanity. Antagonizing them when they have that level of firepower to bear would've been a rather colossal mistake we won't live long enough to regret."

"If they're going to use that firepower against the Endbringers, then I won't complain." Eidolon, strangely serene given his previous stance, gave his opinion on the subject. "But I'd prefer it if they can share more of their technology with us."

"We'll broach that topic with them in a later meeting." Rebecca told him, then turned to Legend. "Now, did they tell you where the Butcher was sent?"

"Mars."

"Sorry, can you repeat that?"

"Mars." Legend repeated in the same bland tone. "While they did say that they sent the Butcher to a remote location instead of space, they didn't exactly specify that said location was on another planet altogether."

"But Passengers disconnect upon leaving the Earth." Doctor Mother stated with a frown.

Legend shrugged. "Well, I'm not sure myself, but it does seem like the Butcher hadn't transferred to another host. Raiden Mei, being the person who had the Butcher sent to Mars, willingly submitted themselves to Master/Stranger Protocols, and preliminary reports don't show anything out of the ordinary. We're keeping her there for a few more days just in case."

"Great, another possible asset destroyed." Doctor Mother groaned. "We've lost some rather valuable parahumans in the inevitable fight against Scion. What can be worse than this?"

"Yeah, about that...the President is getting desperate for help and Cauldron, for all our accomplishments, really hasn't solved the issue of the country having too many villains existing." Legend ignored their stares. "The President's angry about the worsening situation because of the 'revolving door policy' when it comes to capturing villains, especially the Nazis given that, well, they're Nazis."

"So he enlisted Saint Freya's help for this?" Rebecca frowned. "And they're going to use that weapon that destroyed the Nine?"

"He said, and I quote: 'make sure the Endbringer dies, no matter the method used so long as the people aren't caught in the blast radius'. Or in other words, he just gave them carte blanche for the upcoming Endbringer attack." Legend paused. "And they have more WMDs than any other country, I think. Mobile ones, too. That plane they used to deploy that man and helped freeze the entire area around the fake gas station? That's one of them."

The Number Man took a sip from his coffee, even as the others paled at that news.

"Well," Eidolon muttered, his calm now broken. "Shit."

---

Meanwhile...

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("I've seen more than enough. These previously unknown factors are a rather severe threat to the cycle. 'Leviathan', you're attacking next on schedule. I'm removing your restrictions, so go wild.")

***********************************

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("Understood.")

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