Heroes Rising Fiction: Out of the Dark Ages Part 4

 A nervous young man followed the robot escort from the guest quarters across the station into the teaching and development levels. The escort stopped at a door and pressed a code that allowed him into the room.

Arx and Chase sat at a desk with a chair on the other side. This was a modest room with metal walls. Screens displaying the logo for BADGE currently covered the wall on the right side of Arx. A file lay on the desk with his name on the top of it.

“David Millar?” Chase asked.

“Yeah, that’s me.” He said.

Arx gestured toward the chair. “Have a seat and don’t be so nervous. This is all good.”

David, a bulky man with a heavy, muscular build, sat in the cold metal chair. “So, what happens to me?”

Arx scoffed and shook his head. “Almost everyone who gets the assessment treats it like a prison sentencing. Look, you aren’t in trouble and this is to help you.”

“I’ve heard that BADGE will inject me with something to make me weaker, so I don’t use my powers wrong. Or they will throw me in prison…”

Chase rolled her eyes. “Neither are true. Now, let’s look.” She opened the folder. “You have a type -A strength enhanced power from the morphons. You can bench press six thousand pounds. No other current powers.”

“Yeah, I was working out one day and broke every piece of equipment in the gym. Man, was that owner pissed. I didn’t mean to…”

“We have your report,” Arx said.

Chase said, “Okay. So, you’re a prime candidate for the hero program. However, if you don’t want to be a superhero, you can join the ATLAS program and work with Arx helping protect the world from natural disasters. Both cases will include a six month mandatory stay here on the station to learn your powers and take other courses in international law, training in fighting techniques, and other extra programs you can sign up for. All paid for by the International Hero Initiative.”

David frowned. “I don’t know. I like that ATLAS program.”

Arx held up a pamphlet. “Here. Read all about it and I can show you some of the training area if you like. You like to work out in a gym, why not try out the ATLAS training area? That equipment is more your speed. I use it to. . . “

Nova stuck his head in. “How are the recruits… oh, excuse me. I didn’t know you had a session.”

David looked up, a little star struck at the now famous Director Nova. “Sir, it is an honor.”

“Nice to meet you, son. Hope you are having a good stay.”

“May I ask a question?”

Nova let out a slow sigh, “If it has nothing to do with the Lady Echidna situation, yes.”

“I was wondering, what happens if I decide I don’t want to take either path for the BADGE program?”

Nova looked at his two people. “They should have told you.”

“We were just getting to that,” Chase answered.

“Well, son, the third option is to leave and return to your regular life. The only thing that is required, by international law, is for you to have your morphonic powers suppressed by a special implant you will wear. It is small and unobtrusive. But you have to wear it at all times and BADGE will monitor it. This is as much for others’ safety as it is for your own. Morphon powers unchecked can be a serious danger, as you can imagine.”

“Thanks. Mr. Nova. I’ll have to think about all of this.”

“Take your time. I wouldn’t make a quick decision, morphon powers can be a positive way of life that…”

“NOVA, NOVA, NOVA!” EB ran into him from behind, which caused Nova to nearly fall into the room.

With a twitching eye and a weak smile, Nova said, “Please excuse me. BADGE business.”

Nova looked at the bouncing bunny. “I thought you were entertaining our guests in the lounge on Deck Seven.”

EB said, “I was. They’re all at lunch now. I set out blankets in the arboretum for a nice picnic. You know, this whole assessment process can be stressful and a little time around trees, flowers, grass is so relaxing. I used to spend a month in the Smoky Mountains after Easter, just to get some good fresh air. The holidays are a big stress for us holiday heroes. This one Easter, I was…”

“Get to the point!”

“Oh, uh, sorry. What did I… OH! A shuttle with Gar, Krystal, and Torrik is almost here. Gar said they have some good info for us.”

“I know. They sent information to the computers from the ground.”

“Yeah, but they’re here now. So, I suppose they have more.”

Nova grumbled as he left the energetic bunny behind. “I’ll meet them Operations. You know, meeting new recruits is a part of the job I like. Seeing hopeful, fresh faces is a pleasant change and gives me a lot of hope. But, no, I have a bunny that interrupts me and I am…” He muttered his way through the station.

Nova left the lift and walked down the steps to the center of Operations. “Report!”

EB hopped up and said, “They’re almost here!”

“What the!” Nova jumped and looked around, “EB, how did you… oh why do I even ask?”

“What is that?” EB looked at the floor.

A small plant grew up from the ground and made a giant mass of vines for a moment, then shriveled away, revealing Gar, Krystal, and Torrik.

Torrik was saying, “I told you, there is a way to use nature magic to teleport. It was just from the docking bay to here, but it can be much further.”

“Fascinating,” Krystal said. “I’d love to study some of the magics in Yohan.”

“There are a lot of them.”

Nova cleared his throat. “Are we done with magical demonstrations?”

“Oh, sorry.” Krystal replied. “We checked out that sphere over the North Onnotangu. Sorry to say, I can’t give you much information. It seems to be nothing more than a giant floating ball of metal. However, there was something extremely odd about it.”

Nova asked, “What?”

“You asked me to investigate the morphons in the area. I can illuminate the magical morphons pretty easily, which I did. They’re massing on that sphere in an unusually high concentration. And I suspect that all forms of morphons are doing this.”

Torrik said, “Also, those magic morphons aren’t part of a spell or power. I cast a detection charm and found nothing magical about the sphere itself or the surrounding area.”

Nova huffed, “This is damn peculiar. What in the hell are these things?” He looked up at their screens with all the sensor information. “Do you think these spheres are producing these morphons?”

“I don’t think so,” Krystal said. “It looked as though the morphons were gathering toward them, not flowing from them. But I can’t be positive.”

Gar piped in, “At least they don’t seem to cause any harm or danger.”

Nova let out a little smile. “Yes, I suppose that is one way to look at it. But I’m not convinced this isn’t the beginning of some kind of plot or scheme.”

EB said, “The mind is a funny thing. When you know something, you aren’t afraid of it. But, when you know nothing about it, it suddenly becomes suspicious. Not knowing the who, what, when, where, and why, leads us all to think they’re dangerous and a terrible plot. But, like a hidden Easter Egg, just because you don’t know what’s in it when you pick it up, doesn’t mean it won’t be a sweet surprise.”

Everyone looked at EB with great shock.

“What?” He took a step back.

Nova said, “It’s just funny to hear a mature thought from you.”

“I have my moments.”

A blue flash of light filled the room and Strange Quark appeared with a large mug of ale in his hand, which he drank through a curly, silly straw.

“I thought teleportation couldn’t get through your spell?” Gar asked.

“I just got off a shuttle,” Quark said.

Nova asked, “What did you need?”

Quark finished slurping and said, “I have news for you on those metal spheres.”

Nova said, “I like the initiative. I didn’t even ask you to investigate them.”

“I’d like to take a bow, but I wasn’t investigating them. I was checking out this new pub in Mexico City. There was a news alert and thought you might want to see it. It seems the sphere’s creator is about to make an announcement to the world.”

Nova pointed to a robot. “Patch us through all the major international news sources now!”

Continue the Story

Heroes Rising Fiction: Out of the Dark Ages Part 3

 

The streets of the Capital of North Onnotangu echoed with sirens screaming about unauthorized morphonic powers. The turrets attempted to fire weapons that no longer had ammo, causing them to rattle.

Prime Minister Shizue yelled over the cacophony, “Someone stop that awful sound!”

One of her highest ranking officers ran over and yanked at the side of an old metal box that stubbornly wouldn’t open. Gar joined him and asked to help. With a quick nod, Gar jammed his stone fingers into the box and ripped off the surface. The man quickly pulled out cords and destroyed the interior. The alarm stopped yelling.

Prime Minister Shizue walked over to them, as she patted the side of her own head. “I’m sorry for that. We’re still clearing out the old tech from the former government. I thought the morphon detectors were inactive. Fortunately, we had already disarmed all their automated weapons.”

“What was that?” Torrik asked.

Shizue said, “You know, the old North Onnotangu government was so strict. They made morphonic powers illegal and executed anyone who had them. Well, anyone who wasn’t part of the regime’s private forces. I had to be very careful when using my own powers.”

Krystal said, “What turned the system back on?”

“I don’t know. A wireless technology controlled it. Some old version of wi-Fi that our former government installed for their use. I thought it was inactive now, but several things have reactivated recently.”

“How recently?” Krystal asked.

“About the time this… thing showed up.” She pointed at the sphere that hovered twenty feet off the ground in the middle of the square.

Gar said, “We are here to investigate this thing.”

Shizue asked, “Are my people in any danger?”

Gar answered, “We have been scanning these metal balls all over the world. They aren’t giving off any bad radiation or anything dangerous. We don’t know what’s inside. But Nova doesn’t think they are immediately dangerous.”

“But, what is it?” Shizue asked.

Krystal said, “We are here to help find out.”

“My best scientists have been scanning it and testing the surface. It would please me if BADGE shared the information they have scanned. We would be glad to share ours.”

Gar tapped his comm unit. “That should be fine. I will talk with the Director.”

“Come over here.” Shizue walked him over to her scientist.

Krystal and Torrik approached the metallic sphere. It was almost perfectly round. The metallic sphere had a grid of lines on its surface where the metal was attached. There were no rivets or any marks at all. The metal was shiny and clean. Their faces reflected at them, distorted by the curve of the surface.

“Well, there it is… a giant metal ball.” Krystal said.

Torrik said, “Mind if I try a spell?”

“Go for it.” She stepped back.

Torrik held up his hands, “Pichly Finchly Potsy Rex, Quidly Quadly, reveal any hex!” A golden light flashed from his hands. It continued for a few moments and then died down. “Interesting.”

“What did you find?” Krystal asked.

“There is no spell holding this aloft. No magic on the surface. But, your sense devices…”

“Sensor.”

“Whatever. Nova was right, I can’t see inside either. Only the outside was visible. However, if a spell was causing this to levitate, I would have seen it.”

Krystal walked around it, looking it over intently. “I can’t see any marks that indicate anything other than it being made of metal and floating.”

Torrik put his hand on the surface.

“DON’T DO THAT!” Krystal yelled, which caused several security people to jump.

Torrik laughed, “Don’t be so nervous. As a warrior and defender of Yohan, I am taught to put myself at risk before others. If this will hurt me, then that will tell us something.”

“Okay, but I still don’t think it’s wise.”

“Wise or not, this is doing nothing to hurt me. It is cold. Colder than I would expect, with it being such a sunny spring day.”

Krystal ventured to put her hand on it as well. It was ice cold. “Odd. But, not alarming.”

Torrik took his hand away and put his ear up to it. “I can’t hear anything. But, I guess that is to be expected. Whoever made this, made it so that it wouldn’t reveal any of its secrets.”

“Reveal. That’s a good idea.”

“What?” Torrik frowned.

“My turn with the magic.” She took a step back and held up her arms. Her body glowed with a purplish energy and lifted from the ground. That energy expanded out and bathed the area in a strange purple hue. Spectators in the distance gasped, and the security became more alert.

Everyone could see what appeared as tiny dots of glowing bright light around the area. The closer to the sphere, the more dense the dots were. In fact, these dots nearly hid the sphere.

“That isn’t good.” Krystal said.

Torrik asked, “what are we looking at?”

Krystal put her hands down and lowered to the ground at the same time. As she did, the purple cloud evaporated into the air. “My magic just revealed the morphons of the area that are arcane. They are condensing at this location. And, I suspect that all the other types of morphons are doing the same. The question is, why?”

“At least we have something important to report to Nova,” Torrik said.

Gar walked up. “We have something else as well.” He was holding a computer tablet from the Onnotangu authorities.

Krystal and Torrik watched a video from cameras at night in the square. A large flatbed truck drove into the square, stopped, and then continued on.

“What is that?” Torrik asked.

“That is a truck, it is…” Gar started explaining.

“I know what you strange wheeled vehicles are now. What is that truck doing?”

Prime Minister Shizue answered, “We don’t know. Our systems didn’t notice this as a problem, as it seemed to do nothing. But it stopped directly under where this sphere appeared and then moved on. Two days later, this thing shows up. It is too strange to not have a connection.

Krystal huffed, “As a journalist, I can tell you that this is irritating. We have evidence of… something. But everything raises more questions.” She looked at her comm, “But, I suppose new information is better than no information, even if it just adds confusion. We need to report this all to Nova at once.”

Shizue asked, “What should we do for now?”

Krystal let out a sigh. “BADGE just asked me to look. So, I can’t say. I am not Director Nova or any other official from BADGE to tell you exactly what we would want you to do. But, my best advice for now is to give this a wide berth until we have more information. Trust me, we will pass on the information to you the moment we know something. I will make sure of that.”

“Thank you.”

Gar said, “Okay, so, magic us back to the station.” He seemed a little giddy for the experience.

Torrik said, “Can’t. Don’t you recall? I put a powerful spell on your space station. It prevents magical or morphonic teleportation. I had to make sure that Lady Echidna didn’t pop in unexpectedly.”

Krystal was already summoning a shuttle with her comm. “Nova said to leave the spell for now, just in case another magical entity pays them an unwanted visit. We can portal away from the station, but not to it.”

The BADGE shuttle arrived quickly, and they were off toward the BADGE HQ in the heavens while the people of North Onnotangu hesitantly watched their new, unwanted visitor.

In a distant part of the Earth Solar System, a small wormhole opened and an ancient warship slipped out. The engines burned hot as it moved toward a tiny blue planet in the distance.

Continue the Story

Heroes Rising Fiction: Out of the Dark Ages Part 2

 

Nova quietly watched the screen as the orbs appeared over major cities, filling their video feeds. Sensor readings scrolled along the side of the screen.

Robot 10915 said, “Sensor are unable to penetrate the outer shell of the spherical object.”

Nova was about to suggest the next course of action when a familiar sound rang through the room. A dozen smaller screens with faces on them appeared along the bottom of the giant view screen. These were military leaders or national leaders of nations all over the earth.

“BADGE. What is going on?” A man with a thick Hindi accent demanded.

A man with a lot of decoration on his uniform yelled, “I want answers!”

Several more made the same bold statements, while Nova remained patiently silent.

After they had their say, Nova calmly answered, “We’re currently investigating the situation. So far, nothing bad has happened, only shocking.”

“Do we wait until one of them explodes or summons an army of gremlins?” The Secretary of Defense for the United States said.

Nova answered, “I’ll alert the leagues to monitor this and I’ll assign BADGE operatives to do a hands-on investigation. The moment we believe there could be a genuine threat, you will be told. All of BADGE resources will help evac citizens while the heroes deal with it.”

“Is that all you have?” The Canadian Prime Minister asked in a not-so-respectful tone.

Nova said, “It’ll have to do for now. Unless this situation changes, do not contact me about it until further notice.” He pressed a button on a panel and all the screens closed.

Gar timidly approached, “Director, was that the best way to handle that? We need a good image for the world.”

“We’ve saved this world so many times, we don’t need to tip-toe around with politeness while blow-hards treat me like a junior officer. We’ll do our job. Now, I need you to do something.”

“Anything.” Gar smiled.

“We have a growing class of people to assess, and I need all my best investigators up here. I want you to go down to the planet and work with Krystal Fae. Inspect these spheres and see what you can find up-close.”

“I will. But, why Krystal?”

Nova said, “She is an excellent investigator, which is why she is a talented journalist. Plus, she has an innate connection to arcane morphons.”

“Do you think this has something to do with morphons?”

Nova shook his head. “I don’t have any clear evidence. We can’t scan these damn things. But, morphon activity has increased and these spheres suddenly show up... there’s a strong chance that the two events are connected.”

Gar headed for the door, but then stopped. “Wait, where is Krystal Fae?”

“She was working with Torrik in North Onnotangu on the Recovery Project.”

“Right, I forgot. Okay, I’ll find them and investigate the nearest orb.”

“Get to it.”

Krystal Fae strolled through a beautiful vineyard that bristled with blossoms at this time of year. Row

upon row of grapes grew near a quaint little farm that had rested on this hill for three centuries. Torrik scrutinized the vines and smiled every few moments and then move to the next space.

“This is the most beautiful vineyard I’ve ever seen,” Krystal mused.

Torrik stood up and looked over the vast field. “This is what the care of a true satyr with nature magic can do.”

“But you hardly used any magic. You’ve been caring for this field for the past few months. And the fields of rice on the other side of Onnotangu, and those groves of pear trees, and the field of strawberries near the southern border.”

Torrik said, “All I did was help revitalize the soils and use some magic to encourage the early growth to get things started.” He took in a great breath and let it out slowly, “Makes me sad to go back to my job as a guardian and warrior. I love growing things.”

“I’m glad we’re helping this country move forward. Give this a year or two and they’ll have crops to export and grow their economy.”

Torrik nodded, “Yes. Such a sad story you told. A government so corrupt and controlling that the people were almost completely brainwashed to believe living in poverty, starvation, and under the thumb of dictators was normal. I’m glad to see that they have a good government now and a wise leader.”

“Shizue is the best. And, with a little help, they’ll build a fine nation under her.”

A woman walked up with gloves on. She bowed to them and then said, “Thank you. The vineyard is going to be thriving this year.” She spoke in the language of Onnotangu, but their translators could understand her.

Torrik said, “It should be fine. You might want to keep an eye on the bugs.”

“I will.” She bowed again. “Excuse me, your bag has been buzzing for two hours.”

“Our bag is buzzing?” Torrik frowned.

Krystal frowned and then gasped. “Our comm units. We took them off to keep them from getting dirty.” She ran over and opened up the satchel, pulling out their wrist comms. “Wow, we both have a dozen news alerts.”

“What are those?” Torrik joined her.

“BADGE sets all the comms to alert heroes to potential problems being reported by the national and international news services.”

“Well, what’s the news?”

Krystal handed him his unit, which he struggled to turn on. She activated hers and read over the news reports. “What’s this? It says there are metal orbs showing up all over the world, hovering over major cities.” She scrolled through it, “Oh, no. We also have messages from Prime Minister Shizue. I bet I know why.”

Torrik looked at his device and snarled, “I wish you people used magic glass and not this horrible stuff. I can’t figure it out.”

Krystal had hers up to her head, listening to the message on it from the Prime Minister. “Just what I thought. There is an orb over the capital and she’s worried.”

Torrik said, “I wouldn’t be too worried. If this was really bad, BADGE would have sent us an official message, or sent a shuttle with someone to take us to. . .”

They watched as a BADGE shuttle decloaked near them and lowered into an open grassy area.

“Good call,” Krystal muttered.

Gar stepped out of the shuttle and walked over. “Krystal, Torrik, I’m here to pick you up.”

“Where are we going?” Torrik asked.

Krystal read her missed message. “Apparently, we’re to investigate the sphere currently over the capital of North Onnotangu.”

“Yeah, that.” Gar said.

Torrik asked, “Why us? I’m not a scientist.”

Krystal added, “And I’m only a part-time BADGE agent. I have other duties.”

“Nova said that the regular agents are too busy. This doesn’t seem to be a big threat. He just wants someone to look closer than the sensors can read. Also, this might have something to do with the morphon increase, and he thought you and Torrik could sense something about that. He said you were a talented investigator as well.”

Krystal laughed. “I suppose if Nova will throw a compliment my direction, I should at least try. What do you say, Torrik? You’re a free agent, you don’t have to obey. You could stay here and tend your plants.”

Torrik shrugged. “The plants are doing fine. I don’t mind helping, though I doubt I can be of any use. I promised to offer my help for a few months before heading back to Yohan.”

Gar gestured toward the shuttle. “Then, we can go?”

“No need.” Krystal waved her hand and a magical portal opened.

“Nice. You have such a keen grasp of magic.” Torrik said.

“The ‘Fea’ in my name isn’t just for fun. Now, let’s move.” She walked through the portal, followed closely by Torrik.

Gar signaled the shuttle to leave, and he, too, followed them. The moment he stepped out of the portal, he was in the central square of the capital city of North Onnotangu. A team of officers of the new military waited while Prime Minister Shizue looked at the orb, with a few of her scientists examining it with instruments.

“Alert! Unauthorized use of morphonic powers! Alert! Unauthorized us of…” The speakers screamed this out with a rough sound of an old recording. Red lights flashed on top of poles and small turrets popped up from inside old boxes and aimed weapons at the trio.

“Wait! We aren’t villains!” Torrik yelled out.

Continue the Story

Heroes Rising Fiction: Out of the Dark Ages Part 1

Chase walked through the BADGE space station with a group of people who gawked at everything like nervous tourists. Some were seemingly in retirement age, while most were in their late teens.

“This is the Mess Hall, which has five restaurants present, some you might recognize…”

A teen boy yelled out, “Oh, cool, you have Julio’s Tacos! I love that place.”

“Yes, BADGE felt that the Mess Hall should have a familiar feel and taste for all the people who pass through the station regularly.”

A middle-aged woman stuck her hand up and asked, “How long will this take?”

“The tour will be over shortly. The testing range is being set up right now.”

“No, I mean this testing and assessment process.”

Chase stopped and said, “As you know, International Law requires all people who develop morphon based abilities must come here to be assessed and tested. The test and assessment normally take a day. After that, one of the BADGE officials will meet with you about your results and offer you the choice of how to proceed.”

“What options will you give us?” the woman asked.

A young man said, “I heard they throw you in prison if you don’t accept the job of a hero in one of the leagues.”

Another woman cried out, “I don’t want to fight crime!”

Chase held up her hands. “This is not the time or place to discuss this matter. I can tell you that prison is not an option. Don’t be worried. This is for your benefit and safety. Now, come with me. Next we will look into the arboretum, my favorite place on this station.” She led them away from the tables for the nearest doors to the arboretum.

Nova pressed his key card into a door sensor and walked into the theater on the station. Right now, only EB sat in the front row of seats with a cell phone two inches from his nose as he furiously tapped buttons.

“Computer, set screen for assessment,” Nova calmly ordered.

The movie screen slid up slowly, revealing a thick pane of transparent metal that was almost as clear as air. On the other side was a large room with a few training robots standing in the corners and several devices hanging down from the ceiling.

“Yes! Level five hundred!” EB yelled and then continued playing on his phone.

Nova sat next to him and casually asked, “Has Chase given you the report on class size?”

EB didn’t answer as he kept playing on the phone.

“EB!”

“Oh, hey, bud, when did you get here?” EB looked up, blinking a few times.

“Just now. I told you not to play games while on duty.”

EB held up the phone, “But, this isn’t just a game player, this is my new Ren Phone. Cool, isn’t it? I got the Nebula Five before anyone else. Latest and greatest! This thing has an awesome camera and the most memory space of any phone. I’ve already downloaded five of my favorite games. I would’ve downloaded the City Superheroes, but the company sold out and the new owners just sunset it. What jerks! I had like two thousand hours of playtime in that. Five accounts, and was top level on all the boards. I think I’ll give that developer a big basket of exploding eggs next week when… oh, uh... what did you ask me?”

Nova’s eye had been twitching for a long enough time for EB to finally get the point. “Has Chase given us a class size?”

“Oh, yeah, she said there are eleven people here for assessment.”

Arx walked in from a different door and sat down. He had a bucket of popcorn in his hands. “Didn’t we just test seven new people three days ago?”

Nova nodded, “Yes. That makes almost thirty this month alone.”

“Odd.” Arx crunched through a handful of popcorn.

Dr. Henderson sat down near Nova and said, “Not so odd with what we’ve been finding out.”

“Have you got results back already?” Nova asked.

She said, “Not comprehensive results from all the air and soil samples. But, I can already tell you that there is a strange spike in morphon levels across the planet.”

“Is that dangerous?” Arx asked.

“Not really. They aren’t that high, just higher than normal. I can’t positively say that this is why more people are showing up with abilities, but it makes some sense.”

Arx blurted out, “You have the 5!”

“What are you talking about?” Nova asked.

EB held up his phone. “Yup, the Nebula Five. Got it the second it went on sale. Pays to be the Easter Bunny.”

Arx pulled out his, “I still have the 4. Wow, what kind of upgrades does this one have? I heard the camera has… um… sorry.” He saw red in Nova’s one good eye.

Chase walked the team of people into the theater room and lined them up in front of the window. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Director Nova, head of BADGE. Dr. Henderson, chief science and medical officer of BADGE. Arx, leader of ATLAS, and EB, head consultant.”

There were several flashes from phones as some of the teens took pictures.

A girl said, “This is so cool. THE Director Nova and the Easter Bunny in the same room. This is going on my PictoGram right now. This is going viral.”

Director Nova stood and said, “Today, we will assess your morphonic abilities. Don’t be nervous, you aren’t being graded, just showing us what you can do. The process will move forward tomorrow with results of the tests and then we will lay our potential opportunities for you. BADGE is pleased to say this is a painless process. Enjoy your stay with us.”

Arx asked, “questions?”

A girl jumped up and asked Nova, “Can I get a selfie with you?”

“No.”

EB hopped up, “Cool idea!” He snapped a picture with his phone of him and Nova. “Aw, you’re glaring again. You take terrible pictures.”

“SIT DOWN!” His outburst scared the guests. “Sorry about that. He gets easily distracted. Now, please, take a seat and we will test you one at a time.”

Chase looked at a computer tablet. “Mike Johnson, please, head through that door into the next room and show us what abilities you have.”

A twenty something guy got up and walked to the front of the theater where a heavy metal door led into the large room on the other side.

Nova pressed a button on the arm of his chair. “Proceed, using anything in the room necessary for your demonstration.”

“Uh, sir, my power can be…”

“Don’t worry. The room dampens the effects, so you’re unlikely to hurt yourself and you cannot hurt us. Just relax and show me what you can do.”

“Okay.” His tone was worried.

He held out his arms and a gust of wind spun out from his body and continued spinning, taking up several of the robots with it, spiraling them in the air. However, as the air blasted out from him, it took his clothes with it and he was now standing in a tornado of items, completely naked.

“GAH! Stop!” EB covered his eyes, as did several people in the room.

Dr. Henderson pressed a button on her seat and a jumpsuit fell down from a slot in the testing room. “Please, put on that jumpsuit.” The doctor then said to the crowd, “If your power will strip you naked or cause you any physical harm to perform, let us know now.”

“Is he dressed yet?” EB asked, his paws still covering his face.

“Yes.” Arx replied, while scribbling notes onto a computer tablet.

Nova pressed the button. “Thank you. You may return to the theater.”

Chase stood to call the next person, but a buzzer sounded and Gar’s voice came over the comm. “Director Nova, we’re receiving an alert from the planet. You might want to come up here.”

“On my way.” Nova stood, “Arx, Doctor, continue without me. I’ll be in Operations.”

Nova stepped out of the left into the Operations center of the station. The Robots minding the computers ignored his presence, but Gar smiled and waved at him from the front of the room.

“Report,” Nova stated the moment he approached.

Gar pointed to the screens. “We started getting these reports moments ago. Lots of them across the planet, in fact.”

Nova looked at the video feeds from major cities. Large metallic spheres hovered in the air. They were as large as a hot-air balloon, but more round and seemingly not tethered to anything.

“What are they?”

Gar said, “We don’t know. It’s not possible to scan them. We’re getting reports from cities all over the world.”

Nova spent a long moment examining the images. “I don’t like this.”

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SENTINEL AWARDS BONUS FOR MAY

HAPPY MAY 2024!!!

The monthly bonus for Sentinel editorials and Fan-Fiction continues this month with the usual editorial bonus for reviews, commentaries, game guides, gear talk, and origin stories.

In addition, there is another contest by Dan Peyton which will conclude at the end of May. Details are in this post. This will be awarded separately from Sentinel contributions.

As it was with last month, ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THE SENTINEL PAGE that have been published will be assessed and given bonus rewards based on merit as follows:

PLATINUM: 7 Strange Fiction cards (only reserved for EXCEPTIONAL submissions)

GOLD: 5 Strange Fiction cards

SILVER: 3 to 4 Strange Fiction cards

BRONZE: 1 to 2 Strange Fiction cards

These rewards go out after the end of each month and are IN ADDITION to the usual Sentinel rewards from Daniel Andrade for published entries.

Here are the categories/prompts:

Category One:
REVIEWS/COMMENTARIES of ad hoc and regular events, including fan-fiction role play, etc.

Category Two:
GAME GUIDES, GEAR TALK, and other editorials about game mechanics.

Category OPEN:
What is your origin story? How did you end up in the Heroes Rising universe? (And any other Fan-Fiction.)



Just post your submissions to the Sentinel page as usual for Categories One and Two. To enter the OPEN CATEGORY post your entries to the Fan-Fiction forum with the following in the title: "FAN-FICTION CONTEST" and the title of your entry. Please also add a link to your entry in the Sentinel page so that we can monitor all entries.



Yours Quackily,
SQ

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