Meme Doc P.H.D
Paladin Ascending Vol 4 #8: Confrontations
My heart sank a little once I heard the transmitted broadcast from Jericho; a disgraced, fallen agent--once a pilot. It turned out he was the one leaked the truths out, secrets untold. But this meant we would be attracting the banes of our existence, the Exiled Spectres—who have taken over this once rightful agency.
The more we encounter, the more destruction happens, as if the end looks closer than ever. We're right at the command center, the bastion of a climax.
From my brief imprisonment until my release just now, the revelations grew bigger. I witnessed the confrontation of men and women, their words like knives plunged towards each other. Actions speak louder than words.
North: “Let us in, and I will end your lives swiftly without ease, or just allow you to rot inside. Your choices, your fate. I promise, it will not be painful.”
Sabine: “The truth, the further it will bring your downfall. Choose wisely—either die or come out. Aunt Antonia, this was your choice, and you brought this upon yourself.”
Raze: “Do not leak a word! I...this is madness, North! You cannot...”
North: “Pity you were my half sister, Antonia. The only good things that come out is honesty, rather than your lies and deception. You could not even handle your niece...like her father, you were weak. Always. And when she was untamed, she came to me, and joined me.”
Raze: “You murdered our eldest brother because you sought power…killed those agents to grab a serum, you orchestrated from the lab explosions to Japan and nearly global event--”
North: “Triggering a chain reaction. Precisely. I was the better strategist. The plans were always in motion."
Raze: "I should have killed you when we were children. But I was were too late. Mother should have murdered you in childbirth."
North: "What else would I have done? I never liked any of you anyways--my siblings. I abhorred everyone, except for Sabine. You think you're not so different from me, Antonia? When you tried to build an army amongst your coven, lying to your own kind so you could harvest them one day…for the true purpose of rebelling me. That came very close to earning my respect, but it was just a little.”
Raze: "I'm doing what I'm doing."
North: "Maliciousness. Wonderful. That was the only greatest trait you ever had, and I liked it. But now...you're nothing."
I hear voice loud enough to seek through every wall. Weapons drew from both sides. Gamma, Avalon and the rest of the agency was there to stop the assault—so did the enemy.
But Mason Gardner was there. He was briefly re-energized, standing in his own suit. Last I remember he was knocked out, but how'd he get up so quick?
Mason: “…I will not let monsters decide who I am…I am one already…just like the rest. The rest of all recordings lie in my hands, and Paladin will go down as corrupt and immoral for the rest of history. I’m far from dead already…my body can no longer contain my powers. But I will make this worth your while.”
North: “The challenger arrives! How unexpected. Let us in, and I I will finish you.”
Mason: “We shall see through the net. Activate the doors, now.”
Upon his order, the doors quickly open, but not Gardner emits a green blast of energy through the glass panes. The direction hits towards the warlord’s direction, striking him behind a few blocks of walls. He was live bait, like a fish. Realizing their master was attacked, the Spectres reacted quickly, as they raised their guns at him, firing every shred of bullet. And so it continues.
Smoke wallowed away as North emerged unscathed, creating a black shield that engulfed him in the process. His armour was covered in grime and dust. He chuckled to himself before nodding to Sabine, who herself dashed towards Gardner, fiercely brimming with rage. Holding the lava axe, she attempted to create an opening, but her efforts stopped by Edens and Raze’s timely mind control, telekinetic powers kept her at bay. She was levitating in the air, struggling to break free. Meanwhile, the Arden brothers, Gary, Lyra, Kieran and Sam came dashing from the southeast corridor, and rushed to their aid. The moment they came, they quickly exchanged gunfire against the Spectres, killing a few.
Edens: “You were among the brightest, but you never succeeded. Intelligence and arrogance blinded you too far. You know your niece is just like another experiment. She means nothing to you.”
North: “As if. I pity you, Remus. If you were as sentimental like the rest, unlike Antonia, you were the closest to my equal…to control the superhuman race.”
Edens: “Control? No. This is not forsaken. I do it for humanity, and science. But that won't change anything this instance. We both know this damage cannot be undone, and I carry it for eternity—the namesake will fall beside me.”
North: “How the tides have turned since we first met. You place your guilt on yourself, thinking about atonement! That is incorrigible."
Edens: "Morality? We're both sinners, North. This makes no difference."
Having grown so impatient, North fires a blast of crackling black energy towards the professor. Edens…the scapegoat. Now the new target. Taking the fall. Is this heroic blame?
But North was a cunning fellow. He still many tricks in his sleeve—retaliating with white energy, projected from his mind, he blocked North's energy. For a brief minute, both Paladin and the Spectres paused their infighting during the ensuing struggle. Amusement and surprise from many faces. But it was battle of indeed. If that is so, then Edens and North must have been classmates in the past, like Raze as well. The scientist connection of developing superhumans confirms my theory now. The first batch of experiments before it became a global thing of the future.
Mason: “No! Don’t do this! You'll die too, Remus!”
Edens: “You can still be saved, Mason. Go and help the others. This is where it ends; the project and the plans. Everything must go down. I'm sorry, but this is why I cannot forgive myself!”
Mason: “You can’t atone for the crimes of the board alone! I know you've done a lot of things, but you have to turn Raze in as well!”
Edens: "You are already doing it. Achieving what is meant to be."
After his giant blast, Gardner realizes he's already used up so much power. He is in his absolute weakened state, struggling so much that he could die any minute. But he didn't care. He simply picked himself up among the chaos, his face battered, his nose bleeding. An absolute mess, like he was gonna melt too. I immediately do a quick scan in my eyes, and my readings show his life vitals are dropping too fast. Sam pounces over on my side, trying reach over to Gardner but I stop him. I give a quick nod to him, and briefly inform with Avalon and Gamma teams on the comms. Realizing there is no time and no choice left, the teams agree in unison as they continue fighting together alongside the Paladin agents.
Remus starts to lose control as North’s power starts overpowering the latter, his right arm starting to build up more black energy. The effort is strong enough for Remus to resist, as the clash looks like is about to end. Until Gardner limps in front of his mentor, channelling his own powers. He is struck as Gardner is taking hit after hit, which I realize...are killing his organs. Shit.
Edens: “Mason, what are you doing, get off!”
Mason: “Doing what needs to be done. I have barely enough minutes to save everyone…everything I want and need to hear… I’m sorry, Remus…”
And in the engulfing explosion, I black out, and everyone is spread across the giant command center.
***
I wake up in rubbles, as electricity and clutter are all mixed together. The destruction has exposed me to the air. I do another quick scan, the environments are basically nothing more than scrap.
Within the next instant, I can feel my shoulders and back being really painful, probably hitting a wall or something. The other heroes rise up slowly, but I can tell they are hurt. In my peripheral state, I can see Riley, Harry, Tyrone and Erin approaching their fallen comrades. Kieran’s arm is hurt bad, and so is Lyra, who is regenerating slowly, Sam is probably hurt too. Seems like the two teams are injured, but fine. That is a relief.
Despite my wounds, I keep scanning for to see anyone else still alive, with many Spectres laying dead on the floor, and maybe half of Paladin agents also gone—but North or Sabine are nowhere to be seen. My heart races faster, but I have to stay calm and focus. "Come on old man", I mutter to myself. And close to the window’s edge outside, there was a badly charred Mason Gardner, lying down on a bed of stones. He is bleeding badly, his suit damaged and his body is burnt from severe burns.
Mason: “Hhhh…where...is everyone...anyone? Anyone?!”
Kurt: “We’re here. We’re all here.”
Mason: “Edens?”
Kurt: “He’s right over there….yeah, behind me.”
Edens: “Mason. Mason, look at me.”
Mason: “I…I feel so in pain…but now it feels free…our secrets are all out. I can go rest peacefully now…here, a recording. Let everyone know my final will…”
Edens: “Wait—what if I could transfer your consciousness? It could save your life! Mason, please, don't..."
Both Gamma and Avalon members stood behind both of us, except Harry, who was nowhere to be seen. I swear he was there a moment ago, but he left so abruptly. But amidst the mess, everyone was staring at their friend, drowned in sorrow. Tyrone hugs Erin, Connor and Jesse help the injured Kieran on his shoulders, while Gary helps Riley stay still. Lyra begins to sob in Sam's shoulders.
Mason: “What’s worth if I could stay longer and assist her? Yvette…my sister…is a grown woman already…*cough*…she can figure herself out…I want her to continue my legacy anyway…she is the last true successor of…of the Gardner family.”
Edens: “But your life, it can be valuable…”
Mason: “You’re valuable. All…my friends here…are valuable….”
Edens: “I can still save you, please hang on to me!”
Mason: “Not it’s not, Remus. You can’t…I, I know everyone tried, every medicine I’ve taken…it worn save me. I knew this…from day one. They all endorsed, supported…me…but I’m not even fit to run for mayor. *Chokes* I'm so tired. But...I need you need to tell my sister….I love her…and I...I love you all…”
“Please take care of her for me.”
And he breathed one last time, with a tear rolling down his face, his visor broken.
On a Friday night, Mason Gardner died approximately around 2:30 A.M.
***
“We have reports that a explosion happened at a building today…sources confirmed that it was an agency’s building, known as Paladin. They have been hiding in secret…”
“Multiple leaks detailing the agency’s shady activities have been released, as the moon evacuation was a hoax, people are to be sent home while local authors take a deeper investigation as Antonia Raze, the chairperson of the agency, is being under arrest for breaching rules…”
“Mason Gardner dies at 38, in an attempt to release confidential info of his association and involvement with the agency, but did not leak names except files of the high ranking board. The CIA and various authorities are looking at it. Business partners have dropped out after alliances were revealed to be...”
News. Media. They’re everywhere. We’re in the open now, exposed, aware to the world. There is too much to undo, given how much we were independent in the first place. A supposedly neutral ground catering to the highest bastion, to oversee those with powers and undertaking missions that involved superhumans/superpowers. That was the mantra. A piece of the rulebook that everyone should have known.
But regardless of the aftermath, there was always consequences—North was right. He wanted to usurp power but it turned out to be the Paladin itself, an agency of chaos. The conflicts bred violence, as people would riot on the streets, on a larger scale. The world had turned itself into fear, succumbing to the worst in technology. In time, agents of Paladin left, disillusioned with secrets, while some stayed. The uprising against superhumans was true, exposed to a new light.
Was it going to be the end of Paladin?
I don't know.
Paladin Ascending Vol 4 #8: Confrontations
My heart sank a little once I heard the transmitted broadcast from Jericho; a disgraced, fallen agent--once a pilot. It turned out he was the one leaked the truths out, secrets untold. But this meant we would be attracting the banes of our existence, the Exiled Spectres—who have taken over this once rightful agency.
The more we encounter, the more destruction happens, as if the end looks closer than ever. We're right at the command center, the bastion of a climax.
From my brief imprisonment until my release just now, the revelations grew bigger. I witnessed the confrontation of men and women, their words like knives plunged towards each other. Actions speak louder than words.
North: “Let us in, and I will end your lives swiftly without ease, or just allow you to rot inside. Your choices, your fate. I promise, it will not be painful.”
Sabine: “The truth, the further it will bring your downfall. Choose wisely—either die or come out. Aunt Antonia, this was your choice, and you brought this upon yourself.”
Raze: “Do not leak a word! I...this is madness, North! You cannot...”
North: “Pity you were my half sister, Antonia. The only good things that come out is honesty, rather than your lies and deception. You could not even handle your niece...like her father, you were weak. Always. And when she was untamed, she came to me, and joined me.”
Raze: “You murdered our eldest brother because you sought power…killed those agents to grab a serum, you orchestrated from the lab explosions to Japan and nearly global event--”
North: “Triggering a chain reaction. Precisely. I was the better strategist. The plans were always in motion."
Raze: "I should have killed you when we were children. But I was were too late. Mother should have murdered you in childbirth."
North: "What else would I have done? I never liked any of you anyways--my siblings. I abhorred everyone, except for Sabine. You think you're not so different from me, Antonia? When you tried to build an army amongst your coven, lying to your own kind so you could harvest them one day…for the true purpose of rebelling me. That came very close to earning my respect, but it was just a little.”
Raze: "I'm doing what I'm doing."
North: "Maliciousness. Wonderful. That was the only greatest trait you ever had, and I liked it. But now...you're nothing."
I hear voice loud enough to seek through every wall. Weapons drew from both sides. Gamma, Avalon and the rest of the agency was there to stop the assault—so did the enemy.
But Mason Gardner was there. He was briefly re-energized, standing in his own suit. Last I remember he was knocked out, but how'd he get up so quick?
Mason: “…I will not let monsters decide who I am…I am one already…just like the rest. The rest of all recordings lie in my hands, and Paladin will go down as corrupt and immoral for the rest of history. I’m far from dead already…my body can no longer contain my powers. But I will make this worth your while.”
North: “The challenger arrives! How unexpected. Let us in, and I I will finish you.”
Mason: “We shall see through the net. Activate the doors, now.”
Upon his order, the doors quickly open, but not Gardner emits a green blast of energy through the glass panes. The direction hits towards the warlord’s direction, striking him behind a few blocks of walls. He was live bait, like a fish. Realizing their master was attacked, the Spectres reacted quickly, as they raised their guns at him, firing every shred of bullet. And so it continues.
Smoke wallowed away as North emerged unscathed, creating a black shield that engulfed him in the process. His armour was covered in grime and dust. He chuckled to himself before nodding to Sabine, who herself dashed towards Gardner, fiercely brimming with rage. Holding the lava axe, she attempted to create an opening, but her efforts stopped by Edens and Raze’s timely mind control, telekinetic powers kept her at bay. She was levitating in the air, struggling to break free. Meanwhile, the Arden brothers, Gary, Lyra, Kieran and Sam came dashing from the southeast corridor, and rushed to their aid. The moment they came, they quickly exchanged gunfire against the Spectres, killing a few.
Edens: “You were among the brightest, but you never succeeded. Intelligence and arrogance blinded you too far. You know your niece is just like another experiment. She means nothing to you.”
North: “As if. I pity you, Remus. If you were as sentimental like the rest, unlike Antonia, you were the closest to my equal…to control the superhuman race.”
Edens: “Control? No. This is not forsaken. I do it for humanity, and science. But that won't change anything this instance. We both know this damage cannot be undone, and I carry it for eternity—the namesake will fall beside me.”
North: “How the tides have turned since we first met. You place your guilt on yourself, thinking about atonement! That is incorrigible."
Edens: "Morality? We're both sinners, North. This makes no difference."
Having grown so impatient, North fires a blast of crackling black energy towards the professor. Edens…the scapegoat. Now the new target. Taking the fall. Is this heroic blame?
But North was a cunning fellow. He still many tricks in his sleeve—retaliating with white energy, projected from his mind, he blocked North's energy. For a brief minute, both Paladin and the Spectres paused their infighting during the ensuing struggle. Amusement and surprise from many faces. But it was battle of indeed. If that is so, then Edens and North must have been classmates in the past, like Raze as well. The scientist connection of developing superhumans confirms my theory now. The first batch of experiments before it became a global thing of the future.
Mason: “No! Don’t do this! You'll die too, Remus!”
Edens: “You can still be saved, Mason. Go and help the others. This is where it ends; the project and the plans. Everything must go down. I'm sorry, but this is why I cannot forgive myself!”
Mason: “You can’t atone for the crimes of the board alone! I know you've done a lot of things, but you have to turn Raze in as well!”
Edens: "You are already doing it. Achieving what is meant to be."
After his giant blast, Gardner realizes he's already used up so much power. He is in his absolute weakened state, struggling so much that he could die any minute. But he didn't care. He simply picked himself up among the chaos, his face battered, his nose bleeding. An absolute mess, like he was gonna melt too. I immediately do a quick scan in my eyes, and my readings show his life vitals are dropping too fast. Sam pounces over on my side, trying reach over to Gardner but I stop him. I give a quick nod to him, and briefly inform with Avalon and Gamma teams on the comms. Realizing there is no time and no choice left, the teams agree in unison as they continue fighting together alongside the Paladin agents.
Remus starts to lose control as North’s power starts overpowering the latter, his right arm starting to build up more black energy. The effort is strong enough for Remus to resist, as the clash looks like is about to end. Until Gardner limps in front of his mentor, channelling his own powers. He is struck as Gardner is taking hit after hit, which I realize...are killing his organs. Shit.
Edens: “Mason, what are you doing, get off!”
Mason: “Doing what needs to be done. I have barely enough minutes to save everyone…everything I want and need to hear… I’m sorry, Remus…”
And in the engulfing explosion, I black out, and everyone is spread across the giant command center.
***
I wake up in rubbles, as electricity and clutter are all mixed together. The destruction has exposed me to the air. I do another quick scan, the environments are basically nothing more than scrap.
Within the next instant, I can feel my shoulders and back being really painful, probably hitting a wall or something. The other heroes rise up slowly, but I can tell they are hurt. In my peripheral state, I can see Riley, Harry, Tyrone and Erin approaching their fallen comrades. Kieran’s arm is hurt bad, and so is Lyra, who is regenerating slowly, Sam is probably hurt too. Seems like the two teams are injured, but fine. That is a relief.
Despite my wounds, I keep scanning for to see anyone else still alive, with many Spectres laying dead on the floor, and maybe half of Paladin agents also gone—but North or Sabine are nowhere to be seen. My heart races faster, but I have to stay calm and focus. "Come on old man", I mutter to myself. And close to the window’s edge outside, there was a badly charred Mason Gardner, lying down on a bed of stones. He is bleeding badly, his suit damaged and his body is burnt from severe burns.
Mason: “Hhhh…where...is everyone...anyone? Anyone?!”
Kurt: “We’re here. We’re all here.”
Mason: “Edens?”
Kurt: “He’s right over there….yeah, behind me.”
Edens: “Mason. Mason, look at me.”
Mason: “I…I feel so in pain…but now it feels free…our secrets are all out. I can go rest peacefully now…here, a recording. Let everyone know my final will…”
Edens: “Wait—what if I could transfer your consciousness? It could save your life! Mason, please, don't..."
Both Gamma and Avalon members stood behind both of us, except Harry, who was nowhere to be seen. I swear he was there a moment ago, but he left so abruptly. But amidst the mess, everyone was staring at their friend, drowned in sorrow. Tyrone hugs Erin, Connor and Jesse help the injured Kieran on his shoulders, while Gary helps Riley stay still. Lyra begins to sob in Sam's shoulders.
Mason: “What’s worth if I could stay longer and assist her? Yvette…my sister…is a grown woman already…*cough*…she can figure herself out…I want her to continue my legacy anyway…she is the last true successor of…of the Gardner family.”
Edens: “But your life, it can be valuable…”
Mason: “You’re valuable. All…my friends here…are valuable….”
Edens: “I can still save you, please hang on to me!”
Mason: “Not it’s not, Remus. You can’t…I, I know everyone tried, every medicine I’ve taken…it worn save me. I knew this…from day one. They all endorsed, supported…me…but I’m not even fit to run for mayor. *Chokes* I'm so tired. But...I need you need to tell my sister….I love her…and I...I love you all…”
“Please take care of her for me.”
And he breathed one last time, with a tear rolling down his face, his visor broken.
On a Friday night, Mason Gardner died approximately around 2:30 A.M.
***
“We have reports that a explosion happened at a building today…sources confirmed that it was an agency’s building, known as Paladin. They have been hiding in secret…”
“Multiple leaks detailing the agency’s shady activities have been released, as the moon evacuation was a hoax, people are to be sent home while local authors take a deeper investigation as Antonia Raze, the chairperson of the agency, is being under arrest for breaching rules…”
“Mason Gardner dies at 38, in an attempt to release confidential info of his association and involvement with the agency, but did not leak names except files of the high ranking board. The CIA and various authorities are looking at it. Business partners have dropped out after alliances were revealed to be...”
News. Media. They’re everywhere. We’re in the open now, exposed, aware to the world. There is too much to undo, given how much we were independent in the first place. A supposedly neutral ground catering to the highest bastion, to oversee those with powers and undertaking missions that involved superhumans/superpowers. That was the mantra. A piece of the rulebook that everyone should have known.
But regardless of the aftermath, there was always consequences—North was right. He wanted to usurp power but it turned out to be the Paladin itself, an agency of chaos. The conflicts bred violence, as people would riot on the streets, on a larger scale. The world had turned itself into fear, succumbing to the worst in technology. In time, agents of Paladin left, disillusioned with secrets, while some stayed. The uprising against superhumans was true, exposed to a new light.
Was it going to be the end of Paladin?
I don't know.