[IC] Titans: Dawn of a New Tomorrow

[Chev]

Second City
Viran stood in what remained of the old Titan's HQ and sighed deeply as he looked over what little data he had managed to gather about the recent abductions. There was no trace of DNA at the crime-scenes. No signs of the doors being forced to any of the abduction sites. The only sign that these were abductions at all were the fact that each and everyone of the crime-scenes looked like a minor battleground in the aftermath. Well, that and the fact that no one had heard anything from any of those who were now missing.

The massive green skinned alien looked down at his old Titans' communications device which had been transmitting for the past two hours in what he knew was a hopeless attempt to try and get a hold of his old friends. It kept flashing red and beeping and he knew that if any of his former friends had kept theirs they would be doing the same. The few times he had attempted this before, the results were always the same. The call went unanswered.

Every time.

He looked down the device and sighed heavily as he turned it off for what would most likely be the final time and looked around the badly neglected control room of the former HQ. He was going to need allies, that much was certain. He had been keeping an eye on a few certain individuals to see if they would turn out to be potential threats or allies and it seemed now was the time to see if they would answer the call.

"Activate seeker program: Viran seven one Cheskora." He stated as he sat back in his old chair which squeaked slightly as he began to record a message as five glowing ball of light descended from the ceiling and hovered in front of him.

"Greetings, My name is Viran, a former member of the now defunct organization that was known as "The Titans". Many of you are familiar with the history of Second City and how my actions and those of the other Titans helped shape it over the past decade, through both tragedy and triumph. For the last eight years, our city has had minimal meta-human criminal activity but I fear that is about to change. As some of you may be aware, a number of abductions have taken place recently. Although I have been able to find very little data connecting the abductions, I have a feeling that soon our city will be in severe danger once again. I ask that those of you that receive this message meet me at the old observatory located seven miles south of the outskirts of Second City if only to hear me out."

Viran began inputting four of the names of the targeted individuals into the old computer and smiled slightly as four of the glowing balls of light briefly took on a holographic form of Viran before resuming their natural form and shot off into the night sky as they sought out their intended targets. Viran smiled again as he thought of the surprise that the four would have. The glowing balls were holographic emitters equipped with small anti-gravity drive engines. Once they tracked down their intended targets they would briefly take on the form of Viran to deliver the message before burning up. Somewhat primitive by Valkorian tech but it would be sufficient.

[shadowsaint007]

Brightstar

There were few things in life that Penelope "Penny" West, A.K.A. the young superheroine known as "Brightstar", found quite as exhilarating as flying. Soaring in the sky hundreds of feet above the ground, watching the milling citizens go about their day, only occasionally looking up when they see a shadow overhead... there's just something unique about the view, and Second City was one of those cities whose streets seemed custom-made for scenic routes, especially for flyers.

Penny had initially been reluctant to come here after her more established life in Pittsburgh, but now she feels she could get used to this city pretty quickly. School was progressing nicely, she was fitting in school nicely, even managed to make a couple new friends. Life's pretty good.

She makes a quick stop on top of the Greene Building, her usual spot overlooking the bay, giving a great view of the city overall. From there, she takes stock of the view, taking a deep breath.

"Well, I think I'm getting the hang of this place," she says to no one. "I think I've memorized the routes around the city, getting to know the place pretty well, and school's turning out pretty nicely. Plus, I think the trick of wearing long johns under spandex is paying off; I'm not freezing my ass off anymore! Well, I'm still a bit cold, who knew flying can be so chilly? Still, I think I'm getting the hang of it..."

Just then, she heard... something behind her. She turns around to see... a small glowing orb?

"Huh?" she says, approaching it carefully. She resists the urge to touch the thing out of curiosity, and was just trying to decide whether to just get away from it when the orb suddenly changes into a full-body hologram, startling her into taking a few steps back.

"Greetings, My name is Viran, a former member of the now defunct organization that was known as "The Titans". Many of you are familiar with the history of Second City and how my actions and those of the other Titans helped shape it over the past decade, through both tragedy and triumph. For the last eight years, our city has had minimal meta-human criminal activity but I fear that is about to change. As some of you may be aware, a number of abductions have taken place recently. Although I have been able to find very little data connecting the abductions, I have a feeling that soon our city will be in severe danger once again. I ask that those of you that receive this message meet me at the old observatory located seven miles south of the outskirts of Second City if only to hear me out."

@Chev

Brightstar watches the hologram, warily at first, but then in genuine curiosity. The names click with her, and her mind races as she tries to comprehend the message.

Wait, Viran? The Titans?! Really?! she thinks, subconsciously glancing in the direction of the Titans Tower. Right, they've got their base here in Second City. Something happened to them... they disbanded or something. But... why would a veteran hero ask a rookie like me? Aren't there other heroes he can ask to join instead?

Also, 'As many of you are aware'? He's sending more than one of these? Are they going to bring back the team?

When the message is over, she's just bursting with questions.

"Wait, does this mean you'll be bringing back the Titans?" she asks breathlessly. "How many people will be there? When should I show up? Should I show up in superhero or civilian getup - no wait, I'm definitely going in superhero getup, nevermind. And why did you pick me of all people? I mean, I'm honored, but I'm pretty sure there's a dozen other heroes around here... right?"

Unfortunately, the orb had burned up before she could finish asking. She sighs.

"I guess I better get going, then," she comments.

With that, she flies upwards, and then banks sharply and heads southwards to find the old observatory. Hopefully, she'll find the observatory in time...

[Martian]

Dragoon

Lowell George, the hero known as Dragoon, darted through the various high rise buildings that made up downtown Second City. While Dragoon did have a decent grasp on flying, it was clear that the manoeuvres he was doing were quite dangerous. But then again, he thought, what is the point in having superpowers if you don’t use them to the maximum.

The local police had come to see his nightly rows through downtown as a major disturbance to the peace. But Dragoon said screw them, as he thought they were still bitter over the Titans seemingly abandoning them. As a child Dragoon was a big fan of the Titans, but now he viewed them as yesterday’s news. He believed that he would start a new generation of heroes, ones appropriate for this modern day.

As Dragoon got bored with the aerial gymnastics, he did a ninety degree turn, rising up along the side of a skyscraper. He got a thrill out of how close he was to crashing into the building, as only inches separated them. Letting out a yell as he reached the top of the skyscraper, Dragoon landed roughly on the top of the building.

“Man, look at that view,” Dragoon mused, his suit enhancing the image.

Dragoon sat down, his wings folding back into his suit. He let out a yawn, as he had been out in a costume for most of the night. Lying down on his back, Dragoon struggled to see the stars in the sky through the smog, until his suit naturally enhanced the image.

“Dragoon, you have an incoming hologram,” the voice of the Dragonheart AI sounded in his mind.

“What are you talking about?” Dragoon asked.

A glowing orb sped across the night sky before stopping right over Dragoon. Instinctively Dragoon raised his gauntlets as they glowed with energy, pointing them at the orb. However, the orb transformed into an image of an older hero. It took Dragoon a second to recognize him as Viran of the Titans. The glowing hologram of Viran the n began to speak, asking for help with some abductions.

Dragoon felt dumb for not realizing that there had been mass abductions in Second City. But then again, he never said he was a detective, as he was more of a punch the bad guy type of hero. As the hologram continued talking it urged Dragoon to meet up with Viran at the old observatory. Yet again Dragoon felt dumb for not knowing that there was an observatory near Second City, only to remember that he passed a sign for it every time he took the highway to the beach.

Before Dragoon could think of a witty remark to make to the hologram, it turned back into an orb before dimming and disappearing. Dragoon picked himself off the roof, his wings unfolding. With another yawn, Dragoon looked in the vague direction of the observatory. Figuring it might be interesting to meet such a legendary hero like Viran, Dragoon lifted off the roof and darted into the night sky.

“I wonder if that fry place near the beach is open this late.”

[Sanity43217]

Brett Hastings was doing what he was always doing at night. Getting shit faced in a bar. He just wished his Atlantean physiology didn’t keep sobering him up.
He leaned half heartedly against the bar, seated in a bar stool. A beer in one hand. His other hand rested near a row of five empty shot glasses.
To anyone watching, this wasn’t some mighty hero. He wasn’t even close to any type of hero. He sat there, hair and beard unkept. A stain on his white T-shirt. He looked more like a drunk than a crime fighter.

Hastings was content sitting here drinking. Which was why he frowned when he heard a commotion from the direction of the door. So when he turned to check, he was ready to beat some drunk and go back to his drink. He was not ready to see a glowing ball turn into a man.
Now he was no stranger to holograms. Having grown up next to technological and magical marvels, but a shitty dive bar was last place he expected to encounter this. The other patrons clamoured in surprise, but Brett just chose to go back to his drink. That was before it started talking to him. So, he listened to the spiel. If he was being honest it wasn’t all that impressive. Just because there was no Meta Human crime, didn’t mean regular humans stopped doing crime. The world was still a shit hole.

“Oh, ho ho. Looks like we got ourselves a hero.” Some drunk said trying to get reaction out of Brett. “I’m just here trying to have a nice night.” Brett said, face down toward the bar, as he sipped his beer. “You think your so tough.” A mate of the first man spoke up. “You think you can talk shit to us. US!” The drunk said gesturing to himself and his three mates. Brett looked up at the barman, who just shook his head. One of the drunks pulled out a glock and placed the barrel in the back of Brett’s head. “Hey. We’re talking to you!” The other patrons of the bar had begun to make their leave.

Brett sighed. “Big mistake, Buddy.” He slowly stood up. “Didn’t you learn not to play with guns while drinking. Someone is bound to have an accident.” Hasting said calmly, before spinning with inhuman speed.
Turning to his left, Brett’s left arm knocked the gun out of the way, while his right arm, still holding the glass tankard of beer, which he used like a set of brass knuckles, punched the man in the face. The glass shattered and the man was knocked backward. Dropping what was left of the glass handle from his beer, he motioned for the other three to try and take him. The first of the remain three charged. The tackle not really doing anything as Brett caught the blow with his superior strength. The thug looked up at Brett and skipped back, trying land a few punch. Which also had little effect. Brett calmly stepped forward and picked the man up by his cuff. Throwing him to his right rear. The man’s head collided with the bar top behind him, with a sickening thud. The unconscious body slumped to the floor. The second man drew a knife and tried to thrust with it. Brett stepped to his left front dodging the knife. While the man’s momentum carried him forward, Brett used his right hand to grab the man’s wrist. Bringing his left arm up under the assailant’s elbow.
An audible crack as the arm broke and the knife dropped to the ground. Brett planted his right foot and pivoted on it. Bringing his left foot around in a heavy kick to the side of the knee. Resulting in a second audible crack.
Hastings looked up to see the last man running out the door.

Sighing, Brett returned to his seat at the bar, and motioned for another drink. “You should go to the meeting Brett.” The bartender said as he poured another beer. “And I’m not just saying that because I want you to stop breaking my glassware.” The beer was set down in front of Brett. “Those days are behind me.” He said with a frown. Sipping the beer. “Yet you still fight any thug that breaks the law?” Was the barman’s response. “It’s not that simple.” “Yes it is, Brett. Once a Hero, always a Hero.” Brett sighed and skulled the rest of his beer, and placed two hundred dollars on the bar. “Fine, I’ll head them out, but I won’t make any promises.” Brett stood up to leave. “Your not taking your Trident?” Brett just shook his head. “I haven’t agreed to join them yet.”
With that, he left the bar to go to the meeting place.

[The Man Emperor]

Arcturus Forsythe - Traveler

A bunch of smells filled the air. Mostly that of freshly cooked food, but the odour of body spray also lingered. Someone has been using it too much.

Arcturus Forsythe sat down for dinner, alone. For the last few months, he had been quite the recluse from society. Who could blame him; he just came back from the past, and lost his ability to travel through after fighting a power leecher. He came to the 1950's alone, and came back without anyone in tow. His best friend, Terrence Blackmore, tried to contact him, but Arcturus made it pretty clear that he just wanted to be alone… for the time being, at least.

The soft tunes of his phone's Spotify playlist filtered into his ears as he forked the sausage that he had cooked up; it was supposed to be part of the dinner reunion with Terrence and Leana, but Arcturus had forgotten entirely about his plans for the future, living solely in the present instead. He was making good cash off that online job that his mother had given him, but it was all… boring. None of what was happening so far interested Arcturus very much.

That was, until the whirring hum of a drone; an orb of alien make, hovered right into his apartment. Had he been a little jumpier, Arcturus would have blasted it with his energy projection as soon as he saw it coming. But, now that he was just about done with life, as well as with dinner, he didn't even give it any heed.

Until it spoke.

Or, more properly, replayed it's recorded message. Looking up towards the hologram, Arcturus recognized the talking figure as Viran, an original of the Titans. It seemed that he wanted to reform the Titans…

This was it, Arcturus thought. The moment he was waiting for. Something interesting. Something… to take his mind off the grief. He hadn't been to that old observatory before, so he'd have to drive there... but he will get there, soon enough.

[Chev]

Outside Second City
Observatory

Viran shook his head slightly as the transporter released it's hold on him. The Valkorian refugees had managed to fine-tune the technology nearly to perfection and yet Viran still felt dizzy when he came out of the thing. He looked around the Observatory and hit the lights and a moment later spoke a command in Valkorian and a series of screens appeared around the observatory with what little data Viran had managed to gather about the kidnappings. Also in a screen located in the corner was a single screen with two vital signs located on it. Viran knew exactly who those vital signs belonged to and he always kept a very close look on those two vital signs.

Still 0.3% brain activity. As long as it stays that way we should be fine.

"Activate external sensors. Show all incoming bio-signatures." Viran spoke as he leaned against a console that had come out of the wall. The console beeped once and one of the screens flashed to show an outside view of the observatory.

[shadowsaint007]

Brightstar

As she flies towards the observatory (helped a little by Google Maps), Brightstar thinks over the invitation. It could be a trap, there's always that little chance, but either way, it's something to investigate right? Plus, if it's tied to the recent rash of kidnappings, it would certainly be something important.

Viran, she thinks. All I know is that he's a member of the Titans, an alien who grew up on Earth, like Superman did. Other than that, just a few tidbits from whatever I could find online. Seems to be a legit Titans thing if he's involved, but why would he pick a rookie like me? Maybe he's starting a new Teen Titans? No, he would have said so. New Titans then? But if so, how old would everyone be?

Still, would be nice to get some help as a rookie hero. Plus, if I can help them with whatever problem they're having, I'd be glad to be of service...

As she thought about it, Brightstar started looking up Viran and recent Titans history on her suit's PDA, just to brush up on general knowledge. She'll be in sight of the observatory mentioned soon...

[Martian]

Dragoon

“Man, bummer about that fry place,” the young hero lamented.

Dragoon had taken a bit of a detour on his way to the observatory, taking a few extra minutes to check out the beach. And unfortunately the fry place in question was closed. While initially miffed, Dragoon cheered up when he remembered the prospect of having a hero team up. So far in his superhero career, Dragoon had been a solo act, not even meeting another hero. That’s why he had decided to go see Viran.

“There is a possibility that this is a trap,” the Dragonheart AI spoke, “It could be another individual using the likeness of Viran.”

“True,” Dragoon replied, “But do I have even an arch nemesis that would do that? Even though I like to inflate my ego, I’m still not that well known.”

“Perhaps,” the AI went silent after that.

A few minutes after that, Dragoon neared the observatory, not being able to see it with his enhanced vision. It was with these enhanced optics that Dragoon saw the lights turn on at the observatory. Wondering if that was a welcome sign, Dragoon sped up slightly. Within another minute, the observatory became visible to the naked eye.

Dragoon landed in front of the observatory, charging some energy into his gauntlets in case the AI was right and it was a trap. But regardless, he pushed open the front doors of the observatory, taking a step into the structure.

[shadowsaint007]

Brightstar

"Yes mom, I'll be running late," Penny speaks into the mike of her headset as she flies to the observatory. "Sorry, I know I should have mentioned this earlier, buuuut I got invited to a study session with some of the other students. Yeah, I know, it was pretty sudden for me too; I just... well, they just invited me I guess.

"Why is it windy? Uh, the window's open? Yeah, yeah mom, I'll try not to catch my death from a cold. Mom, I'm not a kid anymore... Look, just... I'll let you know when I'm heading home. I've arranged my own transport, don't worry. I'll keep you posted, okay? Love you, mom..."

With the phone call ended, she makes a landing in front of the observatory. She checks online maps to see if she got the right place, and takes a deep breath.

"Penny, you're making a mountain out of a molehill," she tells herself, trying to break her feelings of anxiety. "You're just being asked by a former member of the Titans to help solve a case that's all. You don't know if they're restarting the Titans, so don't overthink this, alright? Alright."

She takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm and make a good first impression, before she opens the door and walks inside.