“Communication from: Chaz Hamilton.” A robot announced.
“On screen.”
One of the smaller windows changed to the image of Chaz standing in the middle of a busy room. “I have some good news. Well, as good as it can be in light of the situation.”
“What is it?”
“I was just sitting in at an emergency meeting at the United Nations. They’re worried about the situation with the giant shadow monster attacking and are putting all nations on top alert for sightings. However, they also share the condolences with the family of the murdered hero and say that they have declared that her efforts to stop the monster are a sign of how deeply devoted superheroes are to the safety of civilians. This incident has only raised the approval of BADGE and the heroes among the nations.”
Nova was as stoic as ever. “I understand this is good news. I just wish the cost wasn’t so high. Thank you for the report.”
“Any time.” Chaz shut off the signal.
Strange Quark and Chase appeared right next to Nova. Chase held her head. “That was a long trip, Paris to the station in one zap.”
“It was fun.” Quark said.
“Report?” Nova stated.
Chase stood up straight after the dizzying experience. “We investigated every inch of the incident and the surrounding area. Nothing. No trace of evidence that helps us.”
Quark said, “I checked it for all forms of energy and even multidimensional energies... nothing. The only thing I found out of the ordinary was a strange shadowy energy that felt similar to the shadow villain we fought months ago. But, it was so latent, it could just be residual from that battle.”
“It’s something to go on. See what you find.”
“On it.” Quark vanished away.
Chase asked, “What about Lady Papillion? Have we found her family or anyone connected to her?”
Nova gave a solemn, brief nod. “Yes. BADGE representatives met with her family several hours ago. I sent the standard condolence package, even though she was part of BADGE or an associated league.”
“Any more attacks by the Shadow Krampus?”
Nova shook his head. “Nothing. But, I expect one any time. I just hope no hero decides to try to be the one to defeat him. I don’t need another death on our hands. This thing is...so powerful.”
“No more than Jinn or Lady Phoenix.” Chase said.
Nova said, “No, but in those cases, we were able to gather forces and tackle them head on. This is appearing out of nowhere, striking at a local hero and then simply vanishing.”
A robot announced, “Incoming Message: Security Inspection Team Beta.”
Nova frowned. He had canceled all routine field reports until further notice. “Put it on screen.” He turned and muttered, “This had better be good. I don’t have time to waste.”
Another window opened, and a man stood outside the prison facility where they had been containing all the captured World Corps goons. Two BADGE security guards were being treated by EMTs. “Director, we have a situation.”
“What now?”
“I came to do my regular inspection of this facility and I found only two people here, no prisoners, no other guards. These two people were in a haze, hypnotized or something. They were standing guard and nearly dead from exhaustion and lack of food or water.”
“What happened? Who attacked them? Where are the prisoners?”
The Agent became visibly nervous. “Uh, I...don’t know. Both are still in a state of shock and hardly coherent. One keeps talking about a beautiful woman he dreamed he was dancing with. But that’s all he’ll say.”
Nova cursed under his breath and grabbed a tablet from a table. “I’m sending in an investigation team. You stay there. I want answers!”
“Understood. Agent Max out.”
Chase asked, “Do you think this is connected to the Shadow Krampus attacks?”
“I don’t know. But it is a strange coincidence that we have a bewildering prison break right in the middle of an equally bewildering monster attack. I don’t like this.” He handed her the tablet. “I want you to lead this investigation. Use your powers, see into the past, and tell me what happened.”
She took the tablet and saw a list of agent names and a few robot assignments for this mission. “I will do my best. I have to figure more out here than I did in Paris.”
Nova was silently staring at the screen, a little lost.
Chase paused before heading off for her duties. “Sir, is something the matter?”
He shook his head. “It’s nothing. Just... a touch of déjà vu.”
dusty road filled with a small cloud as a little car rattled down it. The old man inside the car came to an abrupt stop when he saw a woman standing on the side of the road.
Rolling down the window, he looked up at the incredibly gorgeous woman in a sleek black dress with expensive sunglasses on.
“What are you doing all alone out here?” He asked.
She smiled at him and leaned over seductively. “I go where I want, when I want.”
“Okay. Can I give you a ride?”
She reached over and brushed down the side of his face. “How sweet. But I don’t grace the inside of a vehicle unless it enhances my entrance. But, do tell, how far to the capital?”
“Ka’an Dorado is not far. Just down this road, beyond the jungle.”
“Then I am exactly where I need to be. Why don’t you go on and let them know I am coming?”
With a sparkle in his eye and a bewildered smile on his face, he said, “Anything, my lady.” And quickly drove on.
She mused as he sped down the road. Very soon, men in dark suits appeared out of the jungle, each carrying large Anti-Morphon guns. One approached her. “Should we go kill him?”
“Oh, don’t be so bloodthirsty, my pet. Killing him will not do much good. Letting him spread a little confusion is far greater a power. Now, are we ready?”
The man reached into his coat and pulled out a small controller. He clicked it once and a fabulous limousine appeared from under a high-tech cloak. “We raided the armory this morning. BADGE agents weren’t ready for us. The cloak was easy to grab, and we got this bullet proof limo from their impound. Once belonged to the gangster Rutkowski.”
“Lovely. The perfect entrance. Shall we...” she paused and looked back.
“Did you hear something, my lady?” He was ready to strike.
A wicked smile played on her lips. “No. My lovely monster is about to attack yet again.”
“Do you wish to observe?”
She patted the side of his face. “No need to run and steal me a helicopter. I’m sure this will be the same as the last. The last hero wasn’t part of BADGE. Next, one of their most famous heroes will go down and that will give me information and provide enough fear to really rattle that old cyclops.”
“Understood.”
She chortled at him. “Of course you don’t understand. But, I don’t need your brains, just some brawn and something handsome to look at. Speaking of which. Before we crash the party, I want my attendees to be properly dressed.” She snapped her fingers and all their outfits changed slightly. The black suits changed into tuxedos, black flowers appeared on the breast pockets, and masquerade masks appeared on their faces. They were grotesque birds and beasts, all in black. “Now, my pretty little man, the fun can begin.”
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