“Ladies and Gentlemen of the world, we witnessed a terrible battle over one of the most populated cities on the planet. As in the past, heroes stepped up to contend against this villain and protect our lives. However, the United Nations would like to acknowledge and commend BADGE for their efforts. Three of their heroes were involved in this battle. One, a hero who has had a dubious history, went toe to toe with this monster and bravely fought. We thank the hero Midgardsormr for his act of courage.” There was lengthy applause as people watched clips from the fight shot from afar by news.
“Next, another hero, who we are told is called Macaia’s Daughter, no word on her name, just her relationship apparently. She came precariously close to the combat and used her own powers to protect private and public property. Saving not only billions of dollars in damages but also the homes and businesses of innocent victims. People can go back to work and home today without having to dig their lives from the rubble.” A single shot of Macaia’s Daughter protecting a building with her mental powers flashed on the screen and drew even more applause.
“Finally, another hero known as The Wizard came to the aid of civilians trying to escape the city. Due to the panic, a truck overturned and two buses were nearly sent over the side of the Bay Bridge. Dozens of lives were at stake and he saved them all.” The final footage was of The Wizard standing on top of a bus he had teleported to a safe location. During the applause, the head of the United Nations said, “This battle cost zero lives and minimal property damage. The villain was, presumably, destroyed, and BADGE has been vindicated. It is at this time the United Nations completely absolves BADGE of any scrutiny from former events and extends our hand to them to once again work together for a better future.”
Nova signaled for the video to go to mute while the roar of applause was deafening.
“Why didn’t you go? I know they invited you to this.” Gar asked.
Nova said, “I have always enjoyed working behind the scenes and in the shadows. I don’t need public accolade. I sent Arx and Agent Justin to accept this honor, as they also have a meeting with the United Nations about the new Atlas initiative.”
Gar said, “It’s a good thing the world still doesn’t know that Arx is alive, and he works for us now. They don’t realize the man they are showing representing BADGE is the same villain they wanted dead.”
“I’m just glad that BADGE had regained a positive status around the world.” Nova said.
Gar frowned at Nova, “Why do you still look worried?”
“This isn’t over.”
“That Shadow Krampus is dead.”
“He isn’t dead, he’s gone. First, we’ve watched him vanish on every occasion, so I don’t know if this was for good or just for now. Second, where did it come from? Something like that doesn’t just appear. The real Krampus is dead, I’m certain of that. Who or what would take a form of him and then terrorize heroes all over the world?”
“What do we do now?” Gar asked.
“The same. Heroes aren’t to be out alone and we must keep our eyes open for another attack. I just hope Chase finds something out at the prison. There has to be a connection there and I want to know what it is.”
Chase walked around the outside of the prison, looking over the barbed wire fences and the security gates. BADGE trucks and stations were all over the place. There was no civilization for miles in all directions, and this was a no-fly zone. The deafening silence was cut only by the whisper of winds through the dried, tall grasses.
“You see anything?” An older man in a suit walked up. He had a BADGE insignia stitched onto his breast pocket.
Chase said, “Investigator Barnaby, if someone got through the gates and walls around this place, they did so without disturbing anything. I don’t even see any grasses or dirt that is out of place. We’ve tested every door and gate using my power. I can’t see anything. No one has opened them outside of the normal weekly deliveries.”
They walked into a larger tent with two medical beds. Dr. Henderson inspected one of the two guards found at the entrance.
“Doctor, when did you arrive?” Chase asked.
The doctor looked up, a weird device over her eyes that gave her the appearance of a surprised bug. “Oh, Agent Chase. Glad to see you. Just arrived moments ago. They needed a second opinion on this matter. Oh, who is this?” She noticed the handsome gentleman behind Chase.
Chase stepped aside. “This is Agent Barnaby. He works with BADGE.”
Barnaby took her hand with a warm smile. “I work with the London Office, mostly.”
“Barnaby, that’s right. You’re one of the foremost detectives in the world. Nova has spoken highly of you before.”
“He called me in on this case. A jailbreak with absolutely no evidence of a jailbreak. Now, there’s a mystery for you.”
“What have you figured out so far?” Dr. Henderson asked.
The older man shook his head. “Nothing. We specially set aside this place to house only the members of the former World Corps. They were highly trained and considerably dangerous. So, BADGE put them in a prison designed to keep them. When the inspectors got here, there wasn’t anyone left alive who remembers anything, except these two.”
Dr. Henderson said, “I doubt they’ll be of much help. Their minds are mashed potatoes. I’ve never seen such a case of a mental mess. They don’t even know how to feed themselves any longer. I have no idea when...or if, we’ll ever get anything out of them.”
“Do what you can.” Chase said.
Barnaby walked with Chase out of the tent and toward the building. “Okay, so if I recall correctly, your particular power is around seeing the past through touching objects.”
“Yes.”
“Then we need an object for you to touch.”
Chase said, “I have tried everything I can think of. The gate handles, the doors, even the weapons on the guards themselves. I’m limited in what I see. It has to be near the object.”
“Then, we need something that was touched by the person who exacted this break-out.” Barnaby said as he opened the gate to the building.
“What if it was an inside job? What if it was just the prisoners breaking themselves out?”
“If that were the case, then this would be a much messier. Also, our two friends inside would not be so keenly baffled.” Barnaby opened the door to the building itself and allowed her to enter. “So, logically, this was someone else who arrived and executed this escape with precision.”
“Okay, but if they were so precise, then they certainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to leave something behind.” Chase said.
Barnaby walked forward, giving careful consideration to his steps. He stopped just before the banister. “Now, If I were someone who wanted to get everyone’s attention, as I assume our criminal would. And, I would need to do so quickly. I would stand here and call out like this. HELLO!” He said this and the open center of the box-like building echoed.
Chase was impressed. “So, if you’re correct?”
He put his hands on the banister. “I would at least hold this for a moment, to keep better balance while yelling.”
“Brilliant.” Chase said. “Move, let me.” She took his place and put her hands on the banister. Closing her eyes, she focused her powers. She saw herself step up, then walking in. She saw the lights go out for a long time. Then activity bustled around this place as the prisoners quickly exited their cells, or from her reversed perspective, returned to their cells. Then she saw a brief glimpse of a woman in black, then two bright red eyes appeared and a shadow surrounded her. A terrible voice yelled in her head.
“GET OUT OF MY PAST!”
The sound of this was so powerful that it filled Chase’s mind and she couldn’t hold the banister any longer. Falling to the ground, she held her head and cried out in pain. Barnaby rushed to her, but he couldn’t break this.
Suddenly, an icy feeling of something entered her neck, and she relaxed. Dr. Henderson knelt next to her, having just administered a hypo-spray. “Chase...Chase! Are you okay?”
Chase looked up and whispered, “It was just like Jinn.” and then she blacked out.
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