Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Bits o' Legionnaire Business Re: Legion Worlds Seven (finished 27 July 21)

Oh wow, I didn't expect Dirk to quit! He is such a staple of the team even though he rarely actually drives any storylines or anything, I am intrigued to see where he goes from here! I do like that he didn't throw a tantrum but it's more along the lines of him being disappointed that the Legion isn't something he's entirely comfortable being a part of...and I think you did an awesome job showing that there's probably some fault on all sides as well; I had initially thought his defence for Brek and Hadru was just a tactic, it's interesting to see that he really felt that way. By the same token they were very clearly in the wrong with what they did, and it makes sense that Tinya wouldn't want to go easy on them.

I think you did a great job of portraying a not entirely black and white situation

Harbi - do you have links to the different editions of your series? I'm trying to start from the beginning, but the site search isn't working well for me for some reason.

Hey GL, I'm so sorry but I'm a techno-idiot and don't know how to set links.

I just looked them up and the first part - Legion Worlds (fanfic -finished 23 April) is on page 8, part 2 - Legion Worlds Two is above it on that page as well.

Hope this helps! And thank you for giving them a try, I hope you enjoy it.

If you can't find it I'll try tomorrow when I'm at home on my laptop, rather than on my phone like now, just let me know.

Thanks,

C

No worries! Thanks for the pointers - I'm pretty tech saavy (Its my career) but sometimes these nuances with the search systems fly totally over my head.

I'll PM you if I'm still unable to track it!!

First Base

Gravity Kid - Science Police Officer Tel Vole of Earth, manipulation of personal or nearby gravity
Power Boy - Science Police Officer Jedidiah Rikane of Earth, personal density control


The two Science Police Officers sat on separate seats about a metre apart.

They had decided to try couples counseling after their recent spate of arguing, and so had approached Dr Falkner to ask if it was possible to arrange. They had requested a counselor that was not based on any of the Legion World bases, which Dr Falkner had agreed with a simple nod. She said in a quiet tone that she understood perfectly how awkward it could be for couples to discuss any issues in front of work colleagues. Both agreed, and Jed thanked the team's counselor for her kindness. And now, two days later, straight after the trial of Brek and Hadru had finished up, here they were.

In front of them floated a round glass tabletop with two small boxes of scented tissues on it. Opposite them sat one of the oldest people they had ever seen before: Dr Griffor of the Sol Psychiatry Association had been legendary on the holo talk-show circuit before either of them had been born though was still a recognised figure. Often cited as the mother of modern counseling techniques - something she heartily denied - Dr Griffor was famed for making opposing parties sit in the same room and talk to each other, rather than using holo-contact or any other method that involved transmitting information. She stated hundreds of times in many, many interviews that she simply advocated returning counseling services to their roots where parties actually spoke to each other. That had been over forty years before, not long after she had turned 65. She had resisted obvious aggressive anti-aging techniques and instead had apparently aged with a rare grace. Never the tallest person in the room, she had shrunk with age. On top of her Birdlike head she had white hair in a tight bun and a hooked nose that became something of a personal brand. She was also incredible intimidating with her bright eyes that stared at the two young men with hawk-like clarity.

"So, gentlemen, before we go any further, I want to establish some ground rules..."

"Sure." grumbled Tel shooting an angry glance towards his husband. "That would be great." Jed replied with a forced smile on his face.

She looked at the two men and smiled warmly as she explained that she would not tolerate either direct rudeness or lies, and made both promise to follow these rules. She then mentioned that abridged notes would be sent to the Science Police though any explicit or deeply personal details would be redacted.

"It'll be the headlines only gents, don't fear, the details don't leave this room. Do you agree?" They both agreed.

"So, before I go any further... Mr Vole, what is that in your arms?" She looked at the gravity manipulator with an open expression.

"Squiggly Joe... he's..." Tel's voice trailed off.

"I bought it for Tel." Jed interrupted brightly.

"I can speak for myself Jed. Yes, you bought him... him, not it... but he's mine."

"May I see please?" Dr Griffor asked, cutting off the two men before they started arguing. Tel grudgingly held the plush toy out and used his abilities to float it across to the counselor. The cuddly toy settled on her palm gently. She smiled as she examined it; two feet long, covered in soft purple and pink fake fur with a beige pointed nose and eyes that rolled around when it was moved. She estimated it would cost no more than 20 credits to buy, but it obviously held much greater significance to Tel Vole than the purely fiscal.

"This is what caused the argument in the gym the other day? Or rather..." both Tel and Jed started to interrupt so Dr Griffor held up a finger to her pursed lips to signal to the two SPOs not to speak, "as I was saying, Jed took this into the gymnasium and his using Squiggly Joe in a training exercise upset you Tel and led to you both being involved in a public argument. Is that correct?"

"Yeah... it's more than that though..." Tel Vole looked down towards the floor, the picture of uncomfortable awkwardness.

"Why don't you let me know Tel, I'd be very interested to hear it."

"It's kinda complicated but here goes..."

Cloning is technically illegal within the United Planets, and it has been for centuries.

That said, there were so many loopholes that the legislation was often seen more of a hindrance than a help to any law enforcement agencies that tried to bring charges against those caught violating the laws. And so it was, when three students at Metropolis Science University applied for research rights to begin trans-genetic cloning experiments just over five years before.

Their thesis involved developing gene-mapping technology for urgent medical procedures involving hormones and neural-relays. They requested permission to incubate a dozen clones each with the mixed genetic code taken from random samples from the University's own gene-bank and monitor how the clone's DNA reacted to a series of tests. The Principal of their department later said that as the students involved were at the very top of their year, he assumed they would follow standard protocols which included not allowing the development of higher brain functions so did not explicitly state these regulations when agreeing to their proposal.

The students force-grew their six clones over the next semester and after their summer break began their experiments. Each clone had been kept unconscious in a sterile containment tube. The age markers had been set for mid-teens after the onset of puberty as this was the point in a human's development when the body's hormone levels were at their most urgent and dynamic.

It was after the first six of the clone-batch had gone through their testing cycles and been returned to their component proteins that a young first year student discovered an awful truth. The remaining clones appeared to react to outside stimulus. It could only mean one thing - the batch had full higher brain functions. The three students that were running the experiments swore her to secrecy, saying they had simply forgotten to remove this capacity when setting up the equipment. The first-year student told several of her friends what she had discovered and within two days word had spread and the media arrived on campus.

At this point Earth-Gov also got involved.

The experiment was immediately shut down, the university severely censured and funding was withdrawn for several high-profile projects. The Principal quit, before he was fired, after making several strong apologetic statements.

The Earth-Gov technicians involved in closing down the experiment noticed something very odd - human clones never lived beyond 72 hours after being released from their growth pods. The process of forcefully aging a cloned body caused dramatic changes resulting in destruction of molecular bonds within the nucleonic proteins within their cells. It was said the Dominion had somehow managed to find a way around this problem but it was not known how within the United Planets.

The six clones weren't dying as expected. Something about the experiments had managed to achieve a breakthrough that had baffled UP scientists for centuries. As the students had used a mixture of old and new equipment, as well as some they had designed and built themselves, the process was not simple to follow. It didn't help the investigation that the laboratory had been closed and equipment sold or destroyed after the story broke.

The clones were put into suspended animation pods while mnemonic transfers were attached. If they were to live, then they needed to understand what they were waking up to. After a further few months of study each of the clones were given names - drawn from a random pole of staff at the UP-institute facility where they were now being kept - and introduced to each other. Up to this point they had not seen or touched another living being in their short lives.

Three were seen as sociable though became frustrated and sometimes aggressive, displaying excessive tantrums more expected by overstimulated toddlers rather than the teenagers they appeared to be. Two others were very withdrawn, uncooperative and rarely socialized. Tel was the one remaining.

Of them all, Subject: Tel Vole appeared to be by far the best adjusted. He was also the only one that eventually exhibited meta-abilities beyond the norm...

Gravity Kid - Science Police Officer Tel Vole of Earth, manipulation of personal or nearby gravity
Power Boy - Science Police Officer Jedidiah Rikane of Earth, personal density control


"What happened the first time you used your abilities Tel?" Dr Griffon asked, her voice was low and quiet.

Technician 4123 had taken a specific interest in Tel's development. Of all the clone's he was seen pretty much as the boring one as he hadn't exhibited any extreme behaviours. The young technician rather liked that he had been given the least troubled of the batch.

Of course, the technicians knew that the clones were not as emotionally mature as they appeared, and this was very evident in the rest of the batch, but Tel seemed different. He was studious without being either introverted or aloof, and personable without being excessively needy or manipulative.

The technician though could not read the clone's thoughts so was unaware of the crush Tel had developed for him. In hindsight the review of the incident said it was obvious, though at that point in time the psycho-social/serial growth of Subject: Tel Vole had not been seen as a top priority so the clues of the growing feelings Tel felt were easily overlooked.

Over the months Technician 4123 had slowly lost a lot of his clinical detachment and would often speak with Subject: Tel Vole on matters that were not strictly within the standard official guidance for integrating fugue state patients into the 31st century. They discussed hopes and aspirations, politics and, of course, sex. It was this final subject that, once acted upon, caused the problems for Tel that shaped the rest of his life.

During the previous week Technician 4123 had introduced the concept of aspirations to Tel, in part to get the clone ready for when he could leave the laboratory for good. The plan had been to introduce differing concepts each week for the next five months or so, until Tel would be assessed to decide if he was ready to take control of his own life away from the institute.

They were in Little Central Park in Metropolis, just the two of them with one security officer trailing behind. Technician 4123 and Tel had been on a run, pushing each other to go faster and further until they finally reached the designated resting point: a small cafe that specialised in traditional Terran Shawarma as well as a wide range of ice creams. It was the second time that Tel had been allowed out of the laboratory and the only time he had eaten anything as decadent as ice cream!

Tel was feeling high, verging on euphoric, from all the natural endorphins after the morning's exercise, the sugar from his pistachio and lime ice cream, and the thrill of being outside of the laboratory. They had sat on a bench at the edge of the cafe's plot, enjoying a well-deserved cool drink and a cone of deliriously tasty ice cream. Both were hot and tired, though happy-hormones pumped through their systems as natures little rewards for all their efforts.

The technician had asked if Tel had considered any careers.

"You know what, I'd like to do something that... well, from what I've learned, people are basically fallible but mean well. Not everyone though... but ...so is there a way I could help those that aren't so successful and get knocked down in their life?"

"What kind of 'unsuccessful' do you mean? Financially, socially...?"

"I... yes, that is a question I need to consider."

Technician 4123 put a hand on Tel's bare shoulder and asked if there was anything more personal that Tel aspired to. He meant the contact to be supportive as they were hopefully going to talk about personal issues, not general 'life-stuff, in the coming week as part of Subject: Tel Vole's conditioning to be ready for a life on 'the outside'. With a lack of social skills due to his brief and very unusual life Tel misinterpreted the move and turned towards the technician and pulled him in towards him for a kiss.

Their lips met for barely a second before the technician pushed him away. Tel fell backwards off the bench, landing roughly on the gravel around their bench.

"Tel, what...? Stop..."

Tel pushed himself off the ground and as he did the combination of his unique genetic heritage along with the sudden rush of hormones and adrenaline to his system reacted to shoot him twenty feet straight up into the air!

This was going to be after the next storyline, but as this was completed weeks ago and I'm struggling with the taking of gene-mod shops storyline thought I'd post this now. Hope it's okay.

C

This is off to a great start, Harbi! I already love Dr Griffor, and Tel's origin is unique while also serving as some good world-building with the discussion around cloning technogies and how they're being acclimatised to modern society...looking forward to more!

Indeed, an amazing start Harbi! Nice to see a full origin for Tel, and also the background you thought up to explain why cloning isn't more often done. (also explains why evil overlords everywhere do not simply clone armies to take over their sectors!)

And a very realistic depiction of how someone grown like that, would lack social skills!

Dr. Griffor is an excellent character! I love her already. "Just talking" indeed

Gravity Kid - Science Police Officer Tel Vole of Earth, manipulation of personal or nearby gravity
Power Boy - Science Police Officer Jedidiah Rikane of Earth, personal density control


"Wow! Most first kisses are memorable, but yours was truly unique, you unlocked meta-abilities!" The counselor smiled warmly.

"It did take the focus off my awful attempt to kiss him, I suppose." Both Tel and Jed laughed.

"What happened after that Tel?"

"Well... they back-peddled on their plans to getting me ready to let me loose on the galaxy and I found myself back in that cell with the single cot bed having technicians and scientists prod and poke and test me!"

"It was a nightmare!" Jed said supportively.

"But you didn't know him at that point, am I right?" Although the words were said gently, Jed knew he had just been told to let his husband speak about his experiences for himself. Tel carried on, oblivious to his husband's censure.

"I was in there for another six months before Professor Querl Dox got involved."

"Ah, so that's how you got involved with the Academy?"

"Not immediately..."

Tel had not seen Technician 4123 again after the day in the park. Instead, he now had about a dozen new technicians and scientists monitoring his every move. They were watching him and asking questions at all hours of the day. He had been poked, prodded, scanned and scrutinised. And after all the testing they had become certain of one thing: Subject: Tel Vole had begun to exhibit signs of depression and was becoming increasingly unfriendly towards the scientific staff. He endured just under six whole months of this treatment before anything changed...

The story of clones that had survived beyond 72 hours without exploding had made ripples within the scientific community and when eventually word got out that one of the subjects had probable meta-abilities there was a sharp rise in interest. One person in particular was keen to offer his scientific support and they would radically alter Subject: Tel Vole's life - it was at this point Professor Querl Dox got involved.

Tel had noticed that for a couple of days there had been some intense activity around the laboratory and he had been asked to retake several tests that he had already endured. This one morning though the lights had gone on earlier than usual and he was requested to shower and change his clothing before he progressed to his breakfasting station. With a sigh he had followed the regimen set before him, assuming that this was some stupid test to ensure he could follow orders or some such nonsense... As he entered the breakfast room Tel realised, he wasn't alone today. Sat at the table was a man he didn't immediately know; golden hair and green skinned, though Tel was sure he should recognise him...

"Tel, hello, please join me." The green man signaled for Tel to sit at the table between them. "I am Professor Querl Dox of Colu, though some prefer to call me Brainiac 5. Would you mind if we spoke for a few minutes?"

Tel agreed, though grabbed a caffe pod before joining the Coluan at the stark white table. Querl smiled and watched the young man before he began to ask a few simple questions... in total Tel and Querl spent forty minutes together before the Coluan asked Tel to forgive him but he had another meeting to attend, but promised he would be in touch within 72 hours. Tel really didn't expect to see him again but thanked the Coluan genius for his time, more to be polite as he really hadn't seen the worth in anything they had discussed.

It was the evening of the next day when Duplicate Girl had arrived. This time Tel realised the institute had not had warning of her arrival as there appeared to be quite a fuss around her. She had smiled at all the scientists and technicians and administrators as she walked through the complex but did not allow any of them to stop her. One security guard did try to block her access to a door way but she simply showed him her flight ring and a hard light screen. Tel had no idea at the time what was on it but the guard moved quickly out of the way.

Of course, he now knew in hindsight it was a court order, and as she was a Legionnaire delivering it the guard knew that they could either choose to move out of her way or be moved...

Luornu reached Tel's stark cell, introduced herself as a colleague of Professor Dox and asked him if he fancied going on a journey up-state. There were two scientists, several technicians and someone in a grey suit behind her that all looked aghast. She didn't even need to explain where they were going or what they would do when they got there before Tel agreed.

He later learned that the Institute where he had been living had no legal right to hold him against his will as, by United Planets law, he was a fully formed adult human with corresponding intelligence and enough social awareness not to be thought a risk to either himself or the general public... and the Legion were offering him a place to stay. All he had to say was 'yes' and he could leave this awful place for good.

Of course, he agreed in a heartbeat! He was eager to see what the world was really like outside of this sterile environment. As he agreed Luornu stepped forward and hugged him. Tel couldn't help himself as he started to cry.

He never told her but that was the first hug he ever remembered receiving in his life.

"Jed, can you tell me what happened when you both met? Do you remember?"

"Well, it wasn't for another year or so after that..." The muscular man said, looking around at his husband for confirmation.

"Yeah, I didn't go to the Academy straight away, instead Chuck Taine's second cousin Arrold took me in. Chuck and Lu arranged for me to have a room and a fairly normal place to stay out in Pennsylvania... he lives in a rural spot. To be honest, after living at the institute it terrified as much as it excited me. Everything was new there... Chuck and Lu would check in every few days. I think they were seeing if my abilities had kicked in properly. They asked me to practice and y'know, looking back those were some of the best days of my life. Arrold ran a small farm and let me help when I wanted but never put too much real pressure on me. He suggested a few holo-files to watch, history and local events and that sort of stuff.Before that I'd never touched another living animal other than the limited human contact we had in the lab, so chasing those piggies and chickens and learning to ride a horse... it was a lot... and trees, you should have seen the height of them, and their smell was delicious." Tel smiled to himself as he remembered those glorious first few weeks away from the sterility of the institute.

"So, I spent my time learning about my gifts and helping Arrold a bit. I learned I could fly pretty easily and lift things and stuff like that. In the months that followed Arrold would ask me to do more and more small jobs around the place that tested me. At the time I thought he was just asking for help..." Tel laughed at the memories, as more and more complex tasks were set before him under the guise of helping run a farm. "I'd been there a year, made a couple of friends ...acquaintances I guess really, in the town nearby, and was thinking about setting up a farm myself when Luornu appeared again. She sat me down and explained about the academy and how it helped support the Legion, and asked if I wanted to attend. Arrold said it was obvious I was made for more than muck spreading..." Both Tel and Jed laughed at this.

"So, you then became a student at the Legion's academy at Montauk Point?" Dr Griffor asked.

"Yes, that's right, and I'd been there about three weeks when I ran into this one." Tel gave Jed a small smile, which was quickly reciprocated.

"What did you think of him when you first saw him?"

"Clumsy..." Tel said, "That first time we didn't really speak but ...he seemed nice enough, but... I wasn't looking for anyone, I was there to study. I was there to prove to Luornu that I deserved her support... like, I was totally work focussed. It was all I thought about back then."

"He was so uptight!" Jed interjected into the conversation. his tone was light though he gave a quick reassuring glance to Tel as he spoke.

"Jed was going on a drinks run with Tayla and popped his head in the library one evening while I was studying to ask if I wanted anything. I hadn't tried alcohol at that point, to be honest..."

"You've never been a fan, have you?" Jed said glancing away from the counselor towards his husband.

"I told him I had much better things to do. Y'know what... Jed's right, I was really uptight when I look back at it." Tel gave Jed a small smile.

"Cute though." Jed replied, echoing his husband's smile.

"Ah hah... so, tell me about Squiggly Joe, what he means to you Tel." Dr Griffor said, taking the conversation back on track.

"We didn't really have much to do with each other those first few months I was at the academy, but were assigned a job which went really well. Afterwards Jed invited me for a meal to celebrate."

"I thought he knew I was asking him out on a date."

"I'd never been on a date before... not properly. I'd met a couple of guys when I was on Arrold's farm from the town but not like that, they weren't so romantic."

"I brought him a potted Pelusian three-headed flower..."

"It almost died from over-watering... sorry. I gave it to Glorith who looked after it much better than me."

"And Squiggly Joe..." Jed continued.

"Who I immediately fell for." Both Tel and Jed smiled as Tel said this. "He was the first cuddly toy I'd ever had, something ...It sounds stupid, I know, but to me he represented the childhood I never enjoyed and reminds me to soften my own edges, if that makes sense ... I like to rub his fur... he's still something that takes me away from my stresses, help's me relax a little."

"Yes, it doesn't appear that you have had much experience of relaxing Mr Vole. Even from our limited time today I would estimate your learned reactions are like that of a scientist... And little wonder given how you came to be. You appear to be pragmatic, focused, rule-bound and perhaps sometimes unintentionally lacking in nuance or empathy. Not that any of that is bad per se, but you might perhaps try to be more patient and open to the chaotic, random and emotional to fully benefit from your time as a Legionnaire. Wouldn't you agree?" As Dr Griffor said this Tel's eyes widened.

Jed realised that Dr Griffor had just summed up his husband perfectly though knew better than to agree on his husband's behalf.

Tel Vole held her eye for a few long seconds before agreeing.

"...and what was your childhood like Mr Rikane?"

Jed gulped before answering as the counselor's hawk-like gaze fell on him.

"I was the fourth son of four kids, kind of the opposite of Tel's really. I grew up in Mexicopolis. My family are mostly cool. Usual stuff, y'know, plenty of arguments with my brothers but we were pretty tight really. It... they're a great family I suppose, there's the usual chaos but I know I'm loved and all those things you expect from a close-knit unit. Yeah, it was okay. It was good. Safe, fun, kinda normal really, I think. My mutation started kicking in when I was thirteen and I joined the academy at fifteen. Spent five full years there before we joined the Science Police." As Jed finished, he took a deep breath as he had forgotten to while speaking.

"And what do you think of Tel's reactions lately? How would your family unit have dealt with them?"

"Tease him, most likely."

"Like you did when you threw Squiggly Joe at him?"

"Yeah, probably. Though since the Blight a lot of the team..."

"Are not here today Mr Rikane," Jed was cut off by the counselor before he could continue, "So let's help you gentlemen first before solving everyone else's problems." The old woman smiled warmly as she spoke. "And Jed, if teasing didn't work to resolve a family problem, then what?"

"We'd have a serious sit-down discussion most likely... they could get quite tense but it cleared the air usually. "

"Which is what we're doing here. Okay gentlemen, let's end today's session there. I have tasks for you both though. Jed, for next time, in keeping with your family's serious-sit-down chats, what would you like to say to your husband? You need to be honest and open as you consider this as I will be asking that very question at the start of our next meeting. I also want you to do the following before then. You must remember to compliment Tel every day and take time to compliment yourself. You both deserve kind words as you are both constantly under tremendous pressures. Are you okay with that?" Jed Rikane smiled at the counselor as she finished speaking to him. She smiled back.

"Tel, I believe your colleague Dann Hortra is running Naltorian Mediation classes, so before our next meeting I want you to apologise to him for being rude and ask to join that class. Naltorian meditation is a marvelous technique that brings many benefits if you can master it, and I believe that with your obvious intelligence and strength of will you shall excel. From what I've heard about the Blight effect it appears to amplify the more negative thoughts and moods you experience so give yourself the help you need to keep these darkened emotions in check. I'm not saying deny these feelings entirely, as they come from a place within you, but you must control their narrative and examine your motivation in relation to how you exhibit them. Hopeful the Naltorian techniques will allow you to keep hold of your full composure. And one more thing, be kind to both your husband and yourself. You are both fatigued from recent events so need to look after each other ...that's what the best of couples do." Tel grinned at the counselor and thanked her.

"I'll arrange another appointment in a few weeks. Mr Rikane, don't think you're off the hook as we'll be examining the family dysfunctions that you've brought into your marriage at our next meeting. Right, on you go gentlemen, go be heroes and keep the galaxy safe." She gave them both a kind smile as she waved them out of the door.

After the two men had left Dr Griffor remained sitting on her chair and dictated her notes for the official records. When prompted to give her diagnosis of the situation that had led the two Legion Secondees to her she simply said:

"They're fine, just young and still working things out. Give them time."

HARBI!! This legit got me teared up, you have done so so well at giving Tel some much-needed human qualities to sympathise with, and he and Jed when they're in sync are the cutest thing ever! I feel like they must be protected at all costs and I love that Dr Griffor realises they're just normal young men exposed to ridiculously abnormal levels of stress.

I would honestly be happy reading a whole series of posts with her helping the other Legion couples, and I can't wait to see what Jed's story is going to be like. Amazing job!

Aww! i loved that, Harbi.

a) both Tel and Jed are held accountable, and both contribute to the situations - good and bad

b) there's a lot of obvious love and affection between the two

c) great origin stories that flesh out both guys

Dr. Griffor is awesome and I love her already!!!

Also nice touch having Jed be from Mexicopolis... and the whole teasing-each-other thing reminds me of a lot of my Latin-American friends!

Hey Harbinger,
glad to see so many post for me to catch up on. Sorry for the delay in my reviews. Life has gotten away from me these last few months since my last reply. So I'll be commenting as i read.

Dirk's team -
All weaponized powers...interesting but nothing biological...That's pretty much the exact opposite to Alya's mission from earlier. I guess the enemy is putting everything out to have any type of Meta-army.

Spoiler- i understand Gord wanting excitement and a challenge. But to be honest how can a precog be challenged unless they don't have their visions? I don't see this going well. This could lead to a lot of risky behavior.

Poor Comets. but I think Comet King may need to see someone for his "fighting" fixes things with Grava take on what she needs. Maybe they need couples counseling to learn how to deal with fights.

M'Windaji - uhmm no get to Kent/the hospital now!!!
I love that Cham asked Zoe to stay and clean up her mess. But that simple line about the tourist board was a nice added touch. So often it seems like the team doesn't have to clean up after themselves. Something i think i need to work on in my own work for sure.

Second Base Gym-
Aww good for Grava trying to work out was nice.
Tel and Jed are cute. love that Mr. Hardnass Tel has a soft side.
Thirteen really needs to get used to not using his powers and i'm glad Atom Girl is able to help. Here's hoping he can adjust.
Even Grava can't resist some good drama it seems. But is something else going on with Tel?
Well that's one way to defuse an argument Thirteen. But he makes some good points. especially that the darkness they are all feeling from the Talok mission isn't just the mission but comes from a part of them. That part is looked over when it comes to the Blight's infection sometimes. I loved that he offered help for Tel and Grava.

I'm glad Haze is alright and that the tutors got to him.
Man, Tasmia is going to break Brek for sure.

A station that went from an Ellis island like place to a thriving business that ranges from family friendly to hedonistic pits? its amazing what the passing of time can bring.
Wow...well i guess Hardu and Brek are gone. Even though Brek understands how Hardu feels does he still feel that way though or just trying to protect Hardu because he sees himself in him?

wow! a bounty on the head of any Legionnaire? Now i'm really scared for Brek and Hardu...
I understand that Brek and Hardu were in the wrong and that their isn't the most love for these two. But idk the handling of them seems rather callous...especially Tasmia laughing at the end.

I'm glad the senior team agreed to a trial before the whole team as Thunder makes an excellent point. Their are those who would take their side or at least be sympathetic enough to question their place in the Legion especially once they hear all the evidence.

Nice vacation moment with Laurel Kent and Brin. it was a cute moment for them to reconnect a bit. Brin is much more wild in your version than in most but still connected to his humanity. its a fine balance that i think you've mastered well.

Mon-el being frustrated with the way things don't change or only change ever so slightly is totally relatable. Feel that way often about our own world.
But he makes a valid point...wait he wants to leave? i don't know how i feel about this. I think maybe its time but its hard to think of the Legion without him.

Aww glad that Grava and Comet King could work it out. i liked the untidy kitchen and the dropping a pan to kiss was super cute.
man that message from Tinya puts all of that into perspective for this volume.

Tinya's missions were nice quick missions and sometimes those are nice to have.
I liked that she thought about Mindbender being a good tactic to deter people from attack them if a trainee could take out the villain.
It was cool to see Cosmic Kid get to strut his stuff and XS too! That wave trick was cool.
loved Atom Girl's attack and the comradery between them as they talk about taking out cyborgs.
Again glad Tiny had the team stay to help with clean up.

Loved Dirk having to contemplate how to defend Brek and Hardu.
Gim and Dirk's relationship is really fun to watch. mainly because it shows the history of the team so well. from their brash days to now. I like that Dirk makes a point that they do a lot of good work and even more so now than they used to.
Glad to see Starkling is recovering and that Yera has come to see him. Mordecai being added to the academy maybe. But i don't know how he might feel being away from Tellus more or now Starkling. Their little unit is an interesting one i'd like to see more of.

Man poor Tel and Jed. couples therapy!!!

Harbinger, these have been some really good post with good character developments. I look forward to getting to continue my review. But sadly i'm out of time for today.
be back soon for more reviewing!

Hey Harbinger,

I've found a moment to finally finish my review of the great ride your bringing us on.
after seeing some of the comments about Tel and Jed, I have to agree, they are one of the few couples i feel utterly protective of them and I do hope they can work this out!

The Zunn mission was interesting. Its too bad they couldn't make the wilds of Zuun more like an animal sanctuary instead of having Zoos.
Loved Tinya's deduction skills. I couldn't help but laugh that it was how the tunnels were made that is what tipped her off.

And now it happens...please please don't kill XS!
I really liked that Mindbender figured out there were life forms.
Mindbender makes a good observation that this mission. The sentients taking out this team were ready for this particular team...i wonder if they followed them throughout the day on the feeds....i knew it! its a smart move... i wonder if this changes protocal and makes hit/feel good missions a thing of the past even if they just started.
I love going along with Mindbender for this ride and that is a great tactic i've never thought of before! tactile mind control is very useful.
I don't think Mindbender killed them, i think it was planned that way. i hope there's not a hover came near by.
I'm glad Tinya met with Mindbender. This really is only going to get worse as more mercenaries come for them.
Man, i'm thankful for Henry being on the side of the Legion but he creeps me out and i he knows more than he ever lets on/can.

I wonder why Dawnstar and Southern Lights do have such a hard time connecting. is it because of their attraction?
I find it odd for Dawnstar to tell him to focus more on himself. He seems to have done that quite a bit, to the point of outside of a couple other cadets i don't know of anyone else he really interacts with...

I loved the moment with Babbage and its cloak. The idea that a cape might help him seem less intimidating is a great idea.

Only three students with Gene-mods...not bad. But Cham's right this is gonna lead to a war if they don't do something soon. I'm glad Titan was able to help out. I like how you've worked out that certain powers aren't possible like true telepathy. Although i find it odd that invisibility isn't on there considering how both Invisible Kid's got their powers.

Nice, little mission to Weber's world. I hope Ambassador Shanair's able to work fast. especially if Rimbor really is going to devolve into a meta-war. i wonder how much of this will connect to the Dark Man. Could Sa Lok even be the Dark Man himself?

Rad counters! i love that Magno figured that out. Something i never would have thought of. But its always interesting to see how a culture evolves and changes based on information they have, or in this case the lack of it.
Babbage is like a god to her people or is it just because of the cape?
They called the baby a "sacrifice..." that doesn't bode well.
I love Lu's reaction and Babbage explaining what he is again. "Should i not try and liberate you then." ha
Babbage's lines give me such chuckles.

haha of course Monica is having fun beating people up.
Good job Kid Plusar!
Nice save Magno.
Mairaia is strong willed, i think maybe she could make it outside the colony.
I love that Lu is trying to teach and get Babbage to understand that its not always by the book with certain protocals.

Man, not gonna lie I kind of hope Hardu doesn't get off. But Brek i can't help but feel bad for. hopefully his help will help slightly. But idk maybe this is what he needs too. Although with the current way things are i wouldn't put them on Takron-Galtos. i think they'd get killed even more so than just law enforcement going to jail but that bounty might make some of the guards take part too.

I hope Babbage can do something but I'm glad he was able to access the mainframe. it might help set these people back on a better path.
Haha. poor Stoor that was an odd place to land.
I have to agree with Raz this was very much like the X-men's danger room mixed with a new version of basketball.

I'm glad the Babbagr was able to resolve this and able to help the Home Glow in so many ways. Sometimes learning the truth about ones history can open up a lot of doors.
Kid Pulsar as the optimal mate? Haha, i wonder why Magno didn't get the same treatment.

So the trial begins. I'm with Dirk. the fact that so many seem to already have case judgment isn't good.
Dirk''s showboating could be an issue...
Lu's absolutism isn't something i like on her. She's a hard ass but this seems a little vindictive.
This trail is so hard and as much as I hate Hardu, i feel for him. But I feel for Brek more and Dirk makes an excellent point, after all these two have been through, they weren't offered the help they really needed or at least it wasn't enforced somehow to get it to them. but also about how the team seems to treat issues within the team based on the hierarchy.
I'm glad Lu softened towards Berk for a moment.
Considering the world we live in today and Police protocol in the U.S. and how much that is in question, rings so true and close to the real world. Jaxi would totally be on trial too and well Tasmia too. i love that you bring up de-escalation!
I have to wonder how the team will be after this. There is a lot of tension between Dirk, Tinya, and Lu.
Dirk's questioning of Tinya was also well done.

this whole trial has torn my heart apart. Mostly for Brek. But i'm glad that they aren't going to Takron-Galtos.
Wow Dirk quit? I was not expecting that. but i can understand his reasoning.
I'm with Set and am very curious about how each Legionnaire felt about the trail and the verdict. But i disagree and don't see Dirk and running away or ditching responsibility. He made really good points that seems like he realized the group needs to change or maybe that he needs to change. When you've been with people for a long time its hard to see their faults and unfortunately this has laid them bare for him and it seems to have laid bare his own short comings to him.

I guess i'm in the minority when it comes to Dirk quitting.

Oh man, Poor Tel. As angry as i get at him, after reading this i can't help but feel for him. OMG Thank you for that! reading Tel and Jed's session really pulled at my heart and I'm happy they can hopefully work this out. She gave great advice. its true you have to kind to yourself just as much as others. I also love that Dr. Griff'r makes it clear that they both have issues to work through.

This has been a great read that's pulled at so many parts of my heart and broken them and strengthened them. Thank you and can't wait for more!

Two and a half hours after the trial had finished Reep sent a holo to Tinya.

She didn't respond immediately; the team leader kept her Durlan colleague waiting almost half an hour before she sent a reply. Reep knew as soon as he saw Tinya that something had happened to upset her.

"Reep, hi, I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. There's been another issue to deal with unfortunately. Dirk has quit. I'm not going to dump all my thoughts on what a self-righteous bastard I think he is on you, but it's something I feel we need to get ahead of. The media are always going to look for cracks in our shell, and right now we have quite a few..."

After they had discussed Dirk's resignation and the measures the team could take to lessen any scandal that might arise from it, Reep shared his news: The warrants Oodoo Shanair had promised had been delivered. They had been sent an official UP sanctioned arrest warrant for any and all person, beings or otherwise sentient life, involved or affiliated with the unlicensed use of genetic modification technology for the purpose of giving the user meta-abilities as described under the existing Genome Laws for their use in any known criminal activities.

Tinya was very grateful for the news.It was time to draw up their plans for dealing with these gene-mod operations.

Tinya smiled to herself as she thought that after the pain the team had been through in the past few weeks this mission would hopefully be a positive action that would help re-establish the bonds and respect that had been tested and frayed of late.

Billionaires Row, Metropolis, overlooking Old Central Park, 0645 Eastern Seaboard Metropolis Standard Time.


Derek Morgna had bought this penthouse apartment almost 30 years ago and his son Dirk had inherited it after Regulus had murdered the industrialist eighteen months before. Last night was the first time the former Legionnaire had returned to it for more than a few minutes since his father's funeral.

Dirk's first impulse had been to call a few of his favourite Earth-based party friends but before initiating a holo-call he decided to spend the night by himself instead. He struggled with his thoughts as he contemplated the future: Dirk knew he wasn't as ruthless as his father so starting his own business probably wouldn't work and to be frank, he had been Legionnaire since his mid-teens so he knew very little about any one specific subject other than law enforcement. That was the one area he wanted to steer well away from. Dirk knew that as soon as word got out that he had left the Legion there was bound to be opportunities to front campaigns and promotions and the like but he felt a little wary of getting drawn into those kind of situations. His engineering and astro-navigation skills weren't as up-to-date or proficient as he'd have liked. He doubted there would be much call for him in many other fields, though perhaps if a rich open-minded brunette were to come along he could put his favourite hobby to good use...

With an ease that would have surprised those that believed the good-boy hype that surrounded the solar powered Legionnaire, he drank an awful lot of expensive whiskey in a short time and ended up curled on the couch in a dreamless stupor. He was awoken a couple of hours later by loud and insistent tapping on one of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the park below.

Instinctively, Dirk willed his flight ring to lift him up as he increased his temperature so he would be ready for battle. Unfortunately, as he was still half-asleep he had forgotten that in his drunken state several hours before he had taken off his ring and flung it at a wall. Instead of floating in the air prepared for whatever was coming for him, Dirk fully awoke to the couch erupting into flames around him and the real-wood structure collapsing underneath his prone form.

To add insult to injury, the central AI that monitored the apartment activated the fire suppressant system and as he stood up from the flaming wreckage several jets of green goo sprayed across his face and torso. Dirk wiped the glop from his face with one hand while squishing it back from his hairline with the other. He then glanced up at the now silent window.

The sun was rising and its light stabbed into his rather painfully hungover eyes, but he could easily identify the figure floating above the balcony - Cecelia Beck! He was happy to see his former teammate Thunder had come to visit him... he spoke the code to initiate opening the balcony windows and she floated in. There was a small smile on her face as she surveyed the damage he had caused, though he noted there was very little real warmth in her expression.

"So good to see you Cece. Please excuse the mess but I wasn't expecting visitors this early in the day..." As he signaled the smouldering remains of the couch, small cleaning 'bots appeared and started to tidy up. "To be honest, I expected Gim to be the first one to check how I'm doing." As he said this, he saw her jaw ever so slightly clench and knew he had misread her intentions.

"I'm not here to check how you are Dirk. I want to know what you think you're doing flouncing off like that." Although her tone of voice was level Cece's expression was hard.

"Flouncing? Ah... Oh, okay... Listen, I left because I am seriously unhappy. The trial was an offensive joke!" Dirk's expression never changed though he was clearly unimpressed with Cece's choice of words.

"So you think we should go back to the good old days Dirk, days of bullying and misogynistic hazing without consequences for the abuser?"

"Hah, no... lord no. You know I don't want that Cece so don't play dumb, I'm too hungover to spar with you. And if anyone got abused it was Brek and Hadru. They literally got their faces kicked in while the student was perfectly fine an hour after their encounter. Brek and Hadru got punished and there was no talk about any other reprimands or discussion about the lack of due-process or even the legality of the Home Base team's actions. Who are the bullies in that picture Cece? I know you're smart enough to see that." As he was speaking Dirk shook his arms and wiped at the green snot-like substance clinging to his body, throwing ropes of fire suppressant glop around the apartment as he did that the cleaning 'bots scurried to deal with.

"Yup, we can discuss all of that and more, I agree. For starters, we can call for an urgent Senior Team meeting this morning and put it to them to consider implementing some changes. Though it won't help any your quitting like that. It doesn't give your point of view any gravitas. You know that don't you? Seriously Dirk, you look like an entitled coward who has run away as he's scared that his own past misdemeanours might be called out. It really was a really weak move..."

"Oh, that's it." Dirk said softly. He wiped at the goo that had slowly slid from his forehead into his eyes before he started speaking again. His expression was no longer friendly. "Okay Cece, I've had it now... you think I'm weak? really? We'll see..." Thunder started to interrupt but he shouted over the top of her. "Enough!"

There was a couple of seconds of silence before he continued. "Once you have given over half your life to the team you can judge me but until then you can get the hell out of this property. I do not owe you another word of explanation, not one damn word. Get out... right now!" Dirk pointed to the still open window Cece had flown through.

"Dirk... come on." Thunders tone of voice and expression was one that would be expected from a parent speaking to a stubborn child that was testing their patience.

"You have three seconds until I tell the AI to issue an urgent trespass and threat-to-life alert to the Science Police. Given the address I guarantee a response within sixty seconds. I will publicly press charges too Cece. I reckon it's time the Legion saw what proper legal action looks like." His face was tight with anger. "Three... Two..."

There was no hiding the look of disappointment on the Legionnaires face as she hung in the air before her former colleague and friend for two heartbeats, then in a blur of super-speed the Legionnaire was gone.

0800 Earth Standard Time, First Base


Phantom Girl called the meeting to order.

In thirty minutes, they would send teams to Rimbor, where it would be 0345 in Rimbor City, to execute an order that had come through from the UP. The mission parameters were to close down six known sites of operations that were currently offering meta-gene modification treatments. All teams were to expect some serious push-back. Tinya smiled as she said this and with a flick of her fingers a holo popped up in front of the assembled Legionnaires showing what Gear's nannites had transmitted back overnight. It made worrying reading.

Each of the gene-mod shops on Rimbor had laboratories in underground chambers, with shielding several metres thick around them. The technology was staggering - both what was being used to treat their clients and the range of defensive measures they had built into the establishments. As well as this there were at least a dozen guards in the shops while a further half a dozen were in the lower levels - each of these guards had received treatment so exhibited a range of meta-abilities. To add to the teams' difficulties, each of the gene-mod shops had at least a dozen members of local gangs hanging around on street level - it was assumed that they had each received some treatments themselves and were paying their debts by helping keep the premises secure.

"So, we're going up against an army?" Timber Wolf interjected, "It won't be the first time y'know."

"I know Brin, " Tinya replied patiently, "..but we're also going into confined spaces where they know the lay of the land, and will most likely need to deal with whatever gangs are hanging around the shops... who also will have some meta-gangsters on their side. We probably could barge in there and smash the places up, but why bother if we don't need to? Do you really want to risk getting smacked by thugs with Daxamite-class strength?"

"On top of that..." Chameleon Boy stepped forward as he spoke, "The only access between the shop fronts and the laboratories in each case is a single transit grav-lift with weapons on a separate system to the rest of set-up. We believe they are remotely accessed so Gear's nannites were unable to get hold of any real data for these parts of the set-up."

"So, we let Henry warp us in to the labs surely? We close them down and get out before the guards and gangs upstairs can do anything about it." Several of the team were surprised Atom Girl had said this, though when they glanced across it was clear the young Imskian was sat forward obviously concentrating on the data-flow displayed before them.

"Ah... that is kind of what we were planning, though not exactly." Reep smiled widely.

After the moments silence that followed Tinya took over leading the conversation.

"Gears nannites have infiltrated the majority of the systems but so we don't risk too much collateral damage from a frontal strike Reep and I believe a stealthier approach is needed." Several of the team agreed while others looked disappointed. Both Tinya and Reep smiled.

"While that side of things happens, we need some distractions so if you'd prefer to hit things there's a job for you too." As Tinya said this all of her teammates body language perked up.

"Here's what we're planning to do..."

Set, thank you for using the expression 'flounced out' about Dirk, I went back to re-write the part with him and Cece to add that in as it's so good.

Raz and IB, thank you for your kind words, I've had Tel's backstory worked out almost from the start so it was great to finally write it out. And, aren't clones in canon prone to exploding? I remember that one story with Lyle, Andrew Nolan and Chemical King (what is his name again?) visiting Superboy and him freaing out that they were alive, but in the end they exploded... weird 70's story really, but kind of wanted to reference it.

Omni, thank you for another momumental review. You have a knack of picking up on things really quickly which is great - keeps me on my toes. I won't tell you what you got right (again!) but you'll know it when you read it.

Zuun's zoo - well they need something to teach the kids what to avoid in the wlderness, especially as I've already established there's a whole continent of dinosaurs and the Anubai. TBH I didn't give it too much thought, just wanted an established world with a low population that could mean a Bismollian would be easy to find.

Dawnstar is a bit of a mess in my eyes, trying too hard to be perfect so she's going to find it really hard to express things she doesn't entirely understand. Southern Lights is probably as bad though a little bit more forthcoming - you're right to say he doesn't have many friends, though that may change soon.

And, just to clarify, Kid Pulsar attracted a lot of attention for two reasons - firstly he's a big muscular man, so would be seen as prime mating material, and also Magno was off helping fix things with Babage so never really got cornered.

More coming very soon as things get heated on Rimbor.

Thanks again

C

More great stuff Harbi.

Dirk - favorite party friends, heh. Yes, I have them too - the people I would call on for partying, but not for anything deeper than that. Good boy hype also, I would never imagine womanizing Dirk as a good boy. Nice mention of his engineering and science skills, but indeed those are fields that advance all the time so a few years of not keeping up would be tough...

a very realistic confrontation between him and Cece. Though I think Cece was too emotional still (which is understandable and very human) when she went to see him... they both have a point, but indeed Dirk quitting, rather than staying on the team and changing it from within, well... also not the best way

but yes, former friend...


Go Atom Girl! She is stepping up. She's one of my favorites among your "new" Legionnaires

also funny that some team members would like a stealth approach, while others would prefer a big brawl. hah! i'm going to have fun thinking of who's who. and Tinya/Cham coming up with a very stealthy tricky clever plan, oh I'm so looking forward to it.

Gru Al Moothi was struggling to stay awake.

The security detail at this time of night in the laboratory was, he thought, too much. They had never seen any trouble here in the laboratory , or at least nothing that took six of them to solve. There had been that one character that had started to explode a few weeks past but the neutraliser ray had stopped him from doing any damage.

Gru Al had received enhanced strength, speed and durability and in return for these gifts he would do security at his Guilds bidding for the next few years. He had spent five years in the local military so knew his way around a broad selection of weapons and had earned a reputation as someone who would not ask more than once. With his skill-set he had quickly become second-in-command to Jurasadra Sorrfril, but that son of a bitch made sure he never worked these midnight to midday shifts himself. One of his colleagues had muttered to Gru Al that he had been given the posting to keep him out of sight of the guilds men who ran this establishment. Sorrfril wanted them to only see him, not his second in command. Gru Al knew he had been stuck on these shifts due to simple politics that all of those in thrall to a Guild knew happened.

The team with him were all reliable and steady so if things were to get crazy then he knew they could sort it in no time. Gru Al was fed up of the night shift but when he stopped to think about it, he was doing well, all things considered. He was well paid for how simple the work was, had a decent enough crib and regular helpers sent to him at the end of the day to tend to his every need. As he thought this he smiled. The Guild Helpers were all non-Guild or Gang that needed protection so were always more than eager to help him in any and all ways... he had thought of quite a few rather exotic ways that the two blonde teenagers helped him out, and their begging and crying didn't hurt him none either, it only added to the 'help' he felt.

Jiunna Leh was his favourite of the team he had on with him this night as she tended to keep her mouth shut so didn't annoy his ears like some of the others, and she was very curvy so appealed to his other senses. He had previously been warned off hitting on co-workers but was fairly sure that Jiunna wouldn't mind a little flirtation... He gave her a quick smile as their eyes met and she returned it. There was definitely some mischief sparkling in her eyes, he thought, perhaps tonight would be his lucky night!

That was the last thought he had for that day.

Henry's warp had rose up from the floor and captured the entire laboratory, including all the people, machinery and technology inside, and transported it into a custom-made cell on Takron-Galtos. Waiting in the cell was Kid Quantum who slipped a stasis field over the entire area. She then flew in and slapped incapacity cuffs on everyone present. After flying out Jazmin dropped the quantum field and high-fived two of the Science Police Officers that were eagerly waiting to get into the captured shop to arrest everyone in it. There were a team of students from the academy that Lu suggested may benefit from a bit of real-life experience stood by, ready to assist, that were ultimately left a little disappointed that they hadn't had the opportunity to deal with any of the security staff from the gene-mod shop.

In under a minute the gene-mod shop had been taken out of commission and its staff and clients had been apprehended.

One down, five to go.

Phantom Girl - Team Leader, Tinya Wazzo of Bgtzl Dimension, intangibility
Otaki - Bina Nawoti of Earth, mindsense
Ultra Girl - Li-Fahn Qiong of Xanthu - incredible strength, speed, indestructibility, spaceflight, and projection of force blasts, effectively limited to one at a time
Solar Gorilla - D'Nadka Endarooga of Dmansca - generate and project extreme heat and light


Otaki sat on top of the building watching the crowds below.

The distorter on her belt was on full Hide Mode and as it was dark, she knew it would be virtually impossible to see here. Her role here was to monitor the crowds and find the leaders of any troubles that may erupt when word got out that the gene-mod shop had vanished. Bina knew that Gear's nannites would have neutralised any electronic alarm from inside the basement laboratory, but it was only a matter of time until someone at the shopfront realised there was no-one there and the Legion wanted to find out what would happen next... would the gangs that ran these streets get involved? Phantom Girl, Ultra Girl and the intern called Solar Gorilla where down there mingling with the crowds below, and would be first-responders if anything were to happen. Tinya had hoped that the junior teammate and the intern would be relatively unknown so would have an advantage if things got dicey. Other teammates were close by with a dozen heavily armed Science Police Officers in riot gear waiting to be called into action if it went badly.

<Someone is upset and scared, coming your way>

As Otaki sent this across the artificial telepathic network there was a roar and three bulky men ran out from the gene-mod shop and started screaming into the street that their basement levels had vanished. Although her teammates were disguised, Bina could sense them closing in on the men. The ambient emotions of the Rimborians on the street seemed to spike as well. A sudden rush of fear, excitement and anger punched through the psychic ether. She knew what this meant, things were likely away to kick off!

<A lot of folks around you are getting angry team, be careful>

"What have you done?" The voice was clearly Solar Gorilla's, though due to the distorter she wore it appeared to come from a middle-aged woman wearing a dark leather jacket with red flaring. "My husband was in there!" She screamed and started pointing at the security guards as if they were personally responsible for the disappearance of the laboratory underneath the premises. "What have you done to him?"

<Play along, blame the security and keep 'em off guard> she sent to her teammates. One of the guards was standing over the disguised intern with his hands out as if trying to calm her down. She, of course, was acting as if she were hysterical and so drawing more attention to their immediate situation and away from the problem of the laboratory vanishing.

"What you done to her man?" Tinya's voice screamed out. "Yeah dogs, what you done to her man? You coverin' up your mistakes again? Where is her man?" Ultra Girl, disguised as a young gangbanger added into the screaming. The crowds around them had stopped looking outwards to find who was responsible and turned towards the security detail who looked bemused to suddenly be the focus of this angry attention. The guards retreated back towards the shop as the crowd of gang members and civilians started to turn on them. One of the guards started to radiate heat, his gene-mod being triggered by the fear and pressure he was feeling. In turn, the half dozen or so gang members that had been keeping an eye on the establishment saw this as the start of an attack and began to push forward in an aggressive wave.

The guards turned and ran into the shop, quickly followed by about a dozen of the crowd and the two Legionnaires and the intern.

As Tinya, the last of them to enter, got through the door she sent a message to Gear's nannites which activated the security shutters. With a loud crash the metal shutters crashed down over the front of the shop locking everyone in.

<Ladies, as discussed, do you want to deal with these reprobates?> They could all hear Tinya's enjoyment as they followed the plan.

Solar Gorilla and Ultra Girl remained in the centre of the room as the crowd followed the guards towards the back wall.

"Hey mudsuckers," D'Nadka shouted, "Wanna see something amazing?"

The crowd, swarming around the now terrified guard, turned to face her. With a big smile she switched off her distorter and held up her hand to show the Legion flight ring. Before they could react, the intern generated a pulse of pure brilliant light catching the majority off guard, temporarily blinding them. A second later, Ultra Girl stepped in front of her intern colleague and release a blast of her Red Energy which slammed the crowd into the wall.

"Night night." Ultra Girl turned to congratulate her intern colleague.

"No!" A gruff voice said as one of the crowd clawed his way out of the mass of unconscious bodies, "Yer powers din't work on me! Ya wanna try bein' onna receiving end o' this gene-mod?" The broad Rimborian gang member had dark grey skin that looked like granite and his fingers extended into claws.

"Oh, they're part of a team... unlucky." Phantom Girl said as she floated out of the floor and slipped a set of incapacity cuffs onto his wrists. He crashed to the floor unconscious.

"Right, let's cuff the rest of them and wait for Henry to warp them to T-G for processing." Tinya Wazzo gave her colleagues a wide grin as she turned to deal with the mass of unconscious and semi-conscious gang members that sprawled along the back wall of this former black-market gene-mod establishment.

XS - Jenni Ognats of an alternate dimension Aarok, phenomenal speed
Cosmic Kid - Po Miman, Justice Legionnaire of alternate dimension Mars, energy manipulation and flight

As the second basement laboratory was transported by Henry into the Takron-Galtos holding area XS ran into it and snapped incapacity cuffs on every person she could find. In total there were four security guards, three technicians, one obvious scientist and three clientele. Jenni rushed out and stood beside Cosmic Kid, her fianc?. He instinctively put an arm across her shoulder as she snuggled in against his ribs.

The Science Police staff on hand applauded and both Jenni and Po smiled broadly as thanks.


Chameleon Boy - Espionage Squad leader, Reep Daggle of Durla, shape changer
Titan - Nasir N'Cube of Titan, alpha-level telepathy
Friction - Janee Whittakka of Xanthu - manipulates the force of friction
Dragonmage - Xao Jin of Earth, dragon magics


On Rimbor Chameleon Boy, Titan and Friction were in the small group of people on the street outside the establishment that Henry had just transported away. As expected, the guards came running into the street. One of them flexed his shoulders and broad dark feathered wings sprung out from his back as he took to the air and flew into the dark skies above.

<Well, that was unexpected... Xao, can you take him down while we deal with the rest of them?> Reep sent the message along the artificial telepathic network. he was certain that the young mystic was more than capable of taking care of one flying guard, though there were a dozen heavily armed Science Police in reserve as well, just in case.

<On it. I've already sent a dragon to take him out, just waiting to get out of sight of the street> The young mystic responded, his tone of voice revealed his concentration as he focussed on the matter at hand.

<Thanks. Nasir, you're up>

The telepathic Legionnaire was stood ten feet away from the squad leader, disguised as a tall Talokean merchant wearing slightly care-worn clothing. He had swept the area psionically to check for any hidden watchers, found one that he gave a psychic command to sleep, and then telepathically implanted the urge to go in the gene-mod shop and lie down on the floor to the security, customers a d staff that had rushed out, and the gene-modified gang members that had been casually standing around. It took about 45 seconds for the street to clear.

The three Legionnaires followed the crowd in and Chameleon Boy gave the order for the shutters to close and Gear's nannites complied. After the metal shutters had slammed shut Reep nodded to Friction, the newest member of the team. As Titan projected a command to sleep Friction used her abilities to stick the gang members and security guards to the floor. Chameleon Boy smiled as he walked around slipping incapacity cuffs onto everyone currently on the floor. It was clear that two were not fully under Nasir's control but with Janee having stuck them to the ground they were unable to resist.

"That was a lot easier than I imagined." Janee said, the relief was obvious.

"Sometimes direct attacks are a mistake, it's knowing when to utilise strength and when to use guile." Reep smiled at her as he spoke. With Dirk having quit he knew the new Legionnaire would be missing her mentor so he planned on keeping an eye on the young woman and giving her whatever help he could.

<Chameleon Boy, I've caught and cuffed the escaping guard. Is there anywhere you want me to take him?> Dragonmage shared across the network.

<Just out of sight for now should be fine. Henry'll pick him up soon. Good job Xao , let us know if you need any assistance as we're almost done in here>

"That was remarkably easy." Titan said as he looked around at the twenty-five or so unconscious beings on the floor, "I hope all the other teams have as much luck we had."