No, it was hinted at even longer ago during a celebration aboard the BADGE Space Station.
After the defeat of Krampus and rebirth of Lady Phoenix, one story seemed to be coming to a close. That didn't mean characters important to the next story weren't starting to make their appearances...
Shizue said, “I have had some help from the World Corps.”
“World Corps?” Gar asked.
“Yes, Marshal Gamma has been instrumental in taking care of all the horrible technology our former dear leader had created, especially those awful weapons.”
“Marshal Gamma?” Nova was even surprised by this.
“Yes, he... oh, there he is. Marshal!” Shizue waved a man over.
A man in a strange military uniform, covered in badges and medals, approached. He had a bright smile, red hair, and a piercing blue eyes. “Director Nova, at last. I wanted to make your acquaintance.”
Nova cocked his head, “I’m afraid I am at the disadvantage. Who are you and what is this World Corps?”
Gamma retained that charming smile, “I’m with the World Corps, a new unity of nations born out of the former United Nations. They created a division called MHA, Meta Human Activities. My job is to monitor and handle situations involving super powered human, alien, and… other creatures.”
“That is my job. BADGE already deals with the meta-human activities on Earth.”
“Oh, I’m not replacing you. No, not at all. Merely, assisting. The MHA reports directly to the World Corps, so you don’t have to. I’m sure we won’t step on each other’s toes.”
We just didn’t know it at the time, but we should have suspected
something after Marshal Gamma’s exchange with Lord Dragon and Nova over the
need for Lady Phoenix to be brought up on charges for what happened at Hallows
Port. We had no idea how large a threat this new group would become.
Shortly after the start of the new year, The Giant Robot
attacked Las Vegas, destroying much of the city. There were hints of a missing
scientist, Dr. Osteen, and his Dangerous Research being involved with the
mechanical monstrosity. A Hollywood superhero turned into a major pain-in-the-Arx,
and after being defeated by the world’s heroes, ended up in the hands of the
same Dr. Osteen and a mystery group led by Delta.
“I’m Delta, Dr. Osteen works for me. That’s the only information you’ll receive. As of this point, you’re now a subject.”
“Subject. Hey, wait a minute. I didn’t sign up for anything.”
Delta leaned over, getting in Arx’s face. “Yes, you did. The moment you accepted all this new power Osteen gave you, you agreed to obey us. You became a part of a much bigger plan.”
“I WON’T…. AHHHHH!” Arx tried to use his laser eyes, but something around his neck sent waves of pain through him instead. He felt a metal collar on him. “What’s this?”
“Insurance. You’ll obey Dr. Osteen and he will use you as a subject for our grand plan.”
Arx snarled at him, “and just what part of this plan am I?”
“You’ll find out.” The lights went out and then came back on, Delta was gone.
Arx looked around, “where’d he go?”
Osteen laughed as he prepped an injection. “I have no idea, but it’s the coolest thing ever. Now, hold still, this might sting…”
The Avatars began to arrive, heralding contests searching
for the heroes who used their gifts best. One by one, the Avatars were kidnapped.
BADGE and the heroes found themselves fighting mercenaries, an apparent betrayal
by World Corp agents, E.B. going missing, and finally battle against an
overcharged Arx. The now-fallen Hollywood star Arx is again defeated, but little
else is resolved.
While the uncertainty of the hidden enemy hung over the
heroes, they battled a new foe in Neo Utopia. A foe with powers that were able
to alter the fabric of reality. A brief distraction before the crap really
started to hit the fan.
Now, we are
definitely at the part of the Gathering Storm. Around the world, Morphon-enhanced
people have vanished in what eventually is discovered to have been kidnappings. And Judge Alpha makes her entrance. If you're not quivering with anticipation yet, you soon will be.
As it has been said before, “The hall is rented, the
orchestra engaged. It's now time to see if you can dance.” If you want to know
more about where the current situation of BADGE and the heroes is, read The
Gathering Storm under the Community Tab, then under Read the In-Game Lore. After that,
you should be prepared for the next story arc called –
--Spoilers--
Read the entire stories created by staff author Dan Peyton leading up to current events under the Community tab, then the tab Read the In-Game Lore.
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