Martian

Ghostbusters: Ecto-Charge!

Chase Robinson

At the mention of being called guy, Chase realized that he had never really introduced himself to any other student in Professor Abraham’s mythology class. He kind of regretted that, thinking about Kylie and how he had never even learned her name before this incident.

“My name’s Chase,” he said to the other two students, “I’m a creative writing major.”

One of the other students mentioned something about making a card for Kylie. Chase then remembered that he had often seen this student drawing in a notebook which meant he was probably an art student. However Chase still could only really draw stick figures, instead focusing his creativity on the written word.

After all three students had agreed to helping move stuff, Professor Abraham led them to a storage space. The single light bulb at the top of the room was dim and tended to flicker every so often. What was also prevalent was the smell of dust, almost similar to opening a long lost tomb. Chase was really glad that he didn’t have asthma as he entered the storage room.

“When was the last time anyone was in here?” asked Chase as he wiped a thick layer of dust off a box.

Chase then picked up a stack of envelopes, seeing that some dated back all the way to 1967. He was pretty sure that meant it was as old as the college. Chase shoved the letters into a desk in the corner of the room, as he decided that he should focus on the boxes.

The Professor then said that they didn’t really need to sort, but rather just clear up some floor space. Chase was glad to hear that as it meant he wouldn’t be stuck in this room for too long. Professor Abraham also made sure to say not to break anything, which prompted Chase to slow down just a little bit.

As Chase was pushing a particularly heavy box, he accidentally knocked it into an even bigger box, knocking off its lid. This unleashed a cloud of dust, causing Chase to immediately start coughing. After a few seconds Chase regained his breath.

Picking up the lid to put back onto the box, Chase wondered what was so heavy so he peered inside. Expecting to find old outdated textbooks or faulty lab equipment, Chase instead found a giant backpack of some kind.

“What do we have here?” wondered Chase as he brushed some dust off of it, “It says proton pack. Anyone know what that is?”

Chase attempted to pick it up, only to find that it was very heavy. Whatever this was, if it was meant to be worn on someone’s back it would cause instant back issues.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Freedom of Devils

Kurt held the controls of his Graze as steadily as possible as he lined up the shot on the Gjallarhorn mobile suit. While the teenager was waiting for the order to fire, Fox in his Hugo sped past him, firing his rifle. Kurt knew that at this distance those shots would do very little damage but he could see them as warning shots.

As Fox took up a position in some debris, Holly ordered Kurt to take out the enemy Graze’s booster pods. As this was the logical thing to do, Kurt had no problem with the order. Pumping his thrusters, Kurt launched his Graze toward the enemy mobile suit. Raising his rifle, Kurt adjusted its aim, trying to hone in on the Graze Schwalbe’s boosters.

Hoping that the Schwalbe wouldn’t notice him, Kurt hid his Graze between a particularly large piece of debris. Holly then taunted the Schwalbe pilot over an open channel, only to be knocked off course by some gunfire. Martyn took the opportunity to take lead, ordering Kurt to take out the booster pods.

“I know, I know,” replied Kurt over the comms system, “I just need a clear shot.”

The enemy Graze then left the area, heading toward Thom. Taking advantage of this, Kurt left the safety of the debris field and went over to where the Graze Schwalbe had first been spotted. Using his own boosters, Kurt blasted toward the Gjallarhorn wreck and the booster pods that floated near it.

“Alright, here we go,” muttered Kurt.

Once in range, Kurt lined his Graze’s rifle at the booster pods. Letting loose with gunfire, Kurt could only watch as the projectiles barreled through the void of space. As he held his breath, Kurt saw the bullets hit their mark, ripping into one of the pods. Breathing out strongly, Kurt was pretty sure that he had accomplished his mission.

But over his comms he heard Thom say to not let him die. Without thinking, Kurt whipped his Graze around, pointing back at the battle. His stomach felt like it dropped at the prospect of losing another comrade. While he wouldn’t say he was friends with Thom, he did know him enough that he didn’t want him to die.

“Damn it. Hold on,” shouted Kurt over the comms.

Hoping that the booster pods had been rendered unusable, Kurt boosted his Graze back over to the battle. Seeing the Graze Schwalbe right in front of Thom’s Graze-Z, Kurt pushed his mobile suit to the max. He had precious few seconds to get into firing range of the yellow mobile suit, knowing that if he fired now his shots would do nothing.

Going Viral: A Digimon RP

As someone who is enjoying Ghost Game, I would be interested in participating.

One Universe: Unlimited - A Marvel/DC Comics Roleplay

@Master Bruce
So I did end up picking a second character concept. As it is mutant related, I did talk to Ruby and Ezekiel before starting on the sheet to make sure there was no stepping on toes and to collaborate in the future. Anyways I decided to do a team concept: X-Factor.

X-Factor

C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T P R O P O S A L

X - F A C T O R

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^{_{X - F A C T O R I N V E S T I G A T I O N S ♦ I N T E L L I G E N C E O P E R A T I V E S ♦ G E N O S H A ♦ H O U S E O F X}}

C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T:

---

^{"We’re the thing the Mutant community needs. We are that X-Factor."}

Since the dawn of the modern Age of Mutants began they have been persecuted by the general Human public. Mutants are routinely targets of violence, with many going missing, no authorities bothering to investigate. Eventually there was enough of an outcry about these crimes that the US government formed a special task force. Under the command of Agent Valerie Cooper, X-Factor was a special investigation squad comprised of all Mutant members. X-Factor would serve together for a few years, with the Mutant known as Havok leading the team as they rescued countless Mutants.

But there would be a lot of tension between the American government and the Mutant community, leading to X-Factor being shut down. With more and more anti-mutant rhetoric, former X-Factor member Multiple Man would reform the team as a private investigation agency based in Mutant Town, New York City. This version of the team would be well liked in the Mutant community, filling a niche that neither the X-Men or the Brotherhood did. However personal issues between teammates would lead to Multiple Man shutting down the agency.

There wouldn’t be an X-Factor team for several years, until Serval Industries bought the name. Serval would form a corporate super team using the X-Factor name, but it wouldn’t last long as there was a backlash against them having a Mutant team. For another year there wouldn’t be an X-Factor, that was until the Decimation happened. Suddenly the majority of Mutants lost their powers.

The now endangered Mutant community was targeted even more by radical Humans, as they now had a chance of making them go extinct. The majority of the remaining Mutants fled to the nation of Genosha, including the X-Men and Brotherhood. Havok, the original leader of X-Factor, would be approached by his brother Cyclops about reforming X-Factor. With the help of Warren Worthington and his X-Corp, the nation of Genosha would buy the rights to the name X-Factor from Serval Industries.

This new iteration of X-Factor would be based out of the House of X in Genosha. Made up of both old and new team members, X-Factor would function as an intelligence agency that serves all Mutants.

C H A R A C T E R M O T I V A T I O N S & G O A L S:

---

Mutants as a marginalized community is one of the classic Marvel ideas, one I don’t think ever will be irrelevant. Mutants as a stand in for every minority is something I want to explore, as Mutants can be a stand in for every social issue. X-Factor itself will be less about getting into public fights with supervillains like the X-Men, but more about investigating mysteries and disappearances involving Mutants. I’m picturing the team as something between private investigators and an intelligence agency for the nationof Genosha.

Given that the Mutant Decimation has recently happened, there is an actual chance of Mutants going extinct. The members of X-Factor will have to constantly deal with the fact that they are an endangered species, and if it’s even worth saving the Mutant species. Depression will be a central theme throughout the team, each member dealing with it in a different way. The personal goal for the team is less investigating mysteries and more so finding hope for themselves and the whole Mutant community.

As for an initial storyline, I was planning to have X-Factor investigate the Mutant organ black market, which has exploded since the Decimation. This will lead to them coming into conflict with the U-Men. Also there will be Humans attempting to become Mutants through organ transplants.

C H A R A C T E R N O T E S:

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Alexander Summers aka Havok

Brother of Cyclops, the former leader of the X-Men. Alex has been a member of X-Factor, the X-Men, and the Brotherhood. A very powerful Mutant, Havok first met the X-Men when they rescued Alex from the Living Monolith, a Mutant who was absorbing Alex’s energy. Alex would quickly learn that he was the long lost brother of Scott Summers. Taken in by the X-Men, Alex would learn to control his powers before becoming a full member of the X-Men.

Being the leader of the original X-Factor, Alex would briefly join the Brotherhood after X-Factor disbanded. Alex would then realize that his powers were malfunctioning, once again unable to control them. Alex would move to Genosha to seek help with controlling his powers again. While there he would be talked into reforming X-Factor.

Madelyne Pryor aka Prestige

A clone of founding X-Men member Jean Grey, Madelyne had no clue that she was a clone. Created by Mr. Sinister, Madelyne was placed in Alaska where she met Scott Summers during a period where he thought Jean Grey was dead. The pair would fall in love, getting married quickly. Seemingly not a Mutant, Madelyne moved into the Xavier Mansion, where she would become pregnant. She would then give birth to Nathan Summers, only for the child to be kidnapped and taken to the future.

This caused Madelyne to fall into madness. This was not helped when she found out she was a clone. This awakened her Mutant powers, causing her to become the Goblin Queen, an enemy of the X-Men. It was only in recent times that she regained her mind and moved to Genosha. There she decided to join X-Factor, blackmailing Havok into letting her onto the team with threatening to reveal that they had an affair while she was married to his brother.

Jamie Madrox aka Multiple Man

Born with his mutation present at birth, forming a twin instantly, Jamie’s parents knew that he would have a hard life. At the recommendation of Charles Xavier, his family moved to a remote farm in Kansas. But while Jamie was a teenager, his parents would die in a tornado. Xavier stepped in once again, sending him to live with Dr. Moira MacTaggert. It was there he was dubbed Multiple Man and would then join X-Factor.

Jamie would serve with the team for its entire existence, and would lead the second iteration of it. However after a tragedy involving team member Theresa Cassidy, Jamie would close down X-Factor Investigations. Jamie would wander the world aimlessly, eventually ending up in Genosha. Havok would then convince him to rejoin X-Factor.

Rahne Sinclair aka Wolfsbane

An orphan raised in the Catholic Church, Rahne would discover at a young age that she could transform into a werewolf. Finding herself shunned by the church, Rahne fled to America where she would be found by Charles Xavier and offered a place at his school. Rahne would be a part of the team known as the New Mutants, and then after graduating would join X-Factor.

Rahne would also be a part of X-Factor Investigations, but would ultimately leave that team as well. Rahne would return to her homeland of Scotland, only for the Decimation to happen. Rahne would then travel to Genosha to meet up with the remaining powered New Mutants, where she would run into Havok who recruited her into the new X-Factor.

Clarice Ferguson aka Blink

Born into Clan Akkaba, the descendants of the Mutant known as Apocalypse, Blink knew from birth that she was a Mutant. With magenta skin, Clarice was hidden away from the rest of the world, raised by her great-great grandfather Frederick Slate, the current head of Clan Akkaba. Wanting to see the world, Clarice escaped with her portal powers.

Clarice would end up living among the Mutant underground, once again hiding away from the public. That was until she was attacked by the Purifiers, an anti-mutant group. She and several other Mutants would be rescued by Sabretooth, who directed them to Genosha. Once there, Clarice wished to serve with the X-Men, only to be turned down. But she was given a chance by Havok who allowed her to join X-Factor.

Calvin Rankin aka Mimic

The son of a scientist who was studying Mutants, Calvin was ensured from before he was born to be a Mutant. At a young age, Calvin was made an orphan when his parents were arrested for illegal experiments. Growing up in the system was hard for Calvin, even harder when he discovered that he was a Mutant. Running away from his foster home, Calvin would become a thief. It was while he was staying in New York City that he first ran into the X-Men.

Becoming one of their early foes, Calvin would also end up joining the Brotherhood. Eventually he got tired of a life of crime and accepted Charles Xavier’s invitation to stay at his school. Calvin would become a member of the X-Men, that was until the Decimation. Now living in Genosha, Calvin now serves the Mutant community as part of X-Factor.

Mariko Yashida aka Sunfire

Born the granddaughter of a Hiroshima survivor, Mariko was destined to be a Mutant. Mariko learned at a young age that she had pyrokinetic powers. This was hidden by her family who was involved with the Yakuza. Still a businessman discovered her secret, recruiting Mariko to a celebrity superhero team called Big Hero 6. During her time with team, Mariko would help out the X-Men on several occasions.

But Mariko would be kicked out of Big Hero 6 by the dual controversies of her being a lesbian and general backlash against Mutants. Mariko would then be a part of the short lived X-Factor team that worked for Serval Industries. After that fell apart, Mariko moved to Genosha, where she wished to fade into obscurity. But she was approached about joining the new X-Factor, to which she agreed.

Warren Worthington III aka the Fallen

Born into a rich family, Warren was sent away at a young age to the Xavier Institute. It was there that he became at peace with being a Mutant, and would become a founding member of the X-Men. Warren would serve with the team for most of its existence, as the high flying Angel. During this period Warren’s father passed away, leaving him Worthington Industries. Taking over the company, Warren would transform it into X-Corp, a pro-mutant corporation.

About a year ago, Warren disappeared while on a mission. He was in fact captured by Apocalypse who transformed him into his Horseman of Death. Unwillingly, Warren attacked the Xavier Institute, destroying it and injuring his friends. He was eventually defeated, Charles Xavier helping to disassemble Apocalypse’s mind control. Now living in Genosha and having regular sessions with Xavier, Warren is trying to redeem himself by working with X-Factor.

S A M P L E P O S T:

---

Alex Summers sat on the bench overlooking the Genosha International Airport, a cigarette in hand. As he watched the planes come and go, Alex felt trapped, bound to the ground of Genosha. The small island nation seemed to be the last safe place to be a Mutant in this world. Things had been bad for the Mutant species before, but now there was so few left.

Alex took a puff of the cigarette, coughing a little bit. Truth be told he hadn’t smoked since he was a teenager, but recent stress had revived this long past vice. Alex felt helpless hiding here in Genosha, not being able to do anything. While he wanted to be out there helping the X-Men, with his current power issues it would be a liability for the team.

But he had been offered an alternative: bring back X-Factor. While Alex did have fond memories of his time leading the team, there was also a lot of baggage associated with it. Alex’s brother Scott had described it as an intelligence agency, going around helping Mutants in need, and not fighting Juggernaut in Times Square. Basically he had been saying that Alex didn’t need to use his powers with this job.

Alex found the notion wonky, helping Mutants without being able to use the thing that makes you a Mutant. Right now being a Mutant was a big deal, as the Decimation had left most of them depowered, with almost all the remaining ones now living in Genosha. So who exactly would this X-Factor team even help?

“Mind if I sit down?” asked a familiar voice.

“Sure, Jamie,” replied Alex before turning to the newcomer, “Is this the real you or a dupe?”

“I am the main Madrox. I tend to keep the dupes on more of a leash these days,” stated Jamie.

“Yeah, where are they?” questioned Alex.

“Studying at the University of Genosha,” answered Jamie, “Since I gain any knowledge they have when I absorb them, I have about a half dozen enrolled in subjects of interest to me. Mind if I bum a cig?”

Alex handed him a cigarette, “I didn’t know you smoked.”

“One of my dupes developed a habit after the whole thing with Theresa. So he passed it onto me,” said Jamie between puffs.

They sat in silence for a while, only interrupted by Alex’s phone ringing, to which he answered, “Hey Warren. What’s up?”

“Alex, hey. Do you ever check your messages?” asked the former X-Man over the phone, “I’ve DMed you on X-Verse like ten times.”

“Oh yeah, X-Verse. I forgot that I had an account there,” Alex mused, “Yeah I’ve been kind of avoiding social media. A mental health day, or maybe a week, kind of thing.”

“Well you should check it soon, a few people from the old team are trying to reach out to you,” explained Warren.

“Right, right. So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?” asked Alex.

“X-Factor. We’ve already cleared out part of the House of X and are now considering a uniform for the team, and I was wonderin-” stated Warren before being cut off.

“Wait, I haven’t even agreed to being a part of the team,” interjected Alex.

“Alex, you’re just telling me now?” asked an incredulous Warren, “I just finished buying back the X-Factor name and trademark from Serval Industries. And Harrison Snow didn’t let it go cheap.”

“Honestly you should just do it,” added Jamie, “Joining a new superhero team is a surefire to get out of a funk.”

“Is that Madrox?” asked Warren, “Tell him I need him at the House of X real soon.”

Alex conveyed the message to Jamie who promptly got off the bench. But as he did so, he split into two. The new copy took a seat next to Alex.

“Just in case you still need to talk,” stated Jamie Prime as he walked away.

Alex then continued to speak to Warren, “Look, just give me at least a night to think it over.”

“Fine, but Cyclops and I are expecting you at the House of X tomorrow,” stated Warren, “Anyways we’ll talk tomorrow.”

Alex put his phone away, turning to the Madrox dupe, finding that he had taken the cigarette from the original. The two spent another minute in silence, before the dupe crushed the cigarette beneath his boot.

“So,” said the Madrox dupe as he stood up, “I’m bored. How about a drink?”

Alex threw away his cigarette as he said, “I could use a drink.”

The pair then got up and began to walk away from the airport. Clearly the dupe knew where he was going, as he easily led them down around several blocks, eventually ending up in front of a bar called Meta-Morphosis. Lit up with green lighting, the outside of the bar was covered in the letter x drawn in several different styles.

“You ever been here before?” asked the Madrox dupe. After Alex shook his head no, he continued, “This is one of the newer spots. There’s actually a really good nightlife scene here in Hammer Bay.”

Alex took him at his word, the two Mutants entering the bar. Inside there were speakers blaring Eurodance music. While it was not exactly to Alex’s taste, he figured that a few beers would dull it out. So he asked the orange skinned bartender for a beer. The Madrox dupe then asked for some kind of a cocktail called a Fastball Special.

As the two took a seat in the corner of the bar, Alex couldn’t help but notice some of the attractive women in the building. But as he was looking, he found someone familiar, someone he wanted to avoid. But she spotted Alex and headed over.

“Alexander, small world,” said the redhead.

“Madelyne, I had heard that you were now in Genosha,” replied a grimacing Alex, “Anyways good to see you. Now I’m going back to my drink.”

“But we have stuff to discuss,” stated Madelyne.

“Like what,” questioned Alex as he finished his glass of beer.

“Like letting me onto the X-Factor team,” answered Madelyne.

Alex then wondered why everyone was bugging him about this new X-Factor team. He still hadn’t even agreed to join it.

P O S T C A T A L O G:

---

None yet.

Monster Marathon Roleplay

The Power Ranger vibes are strong with this... which means I'm interested.

The Shattered Realms

@Queen Arya
I'm interested in this as well. But I would like to ask what kind of races would be playable in this? Is it the standard D&D types, something more exotic, or custom races created for this RP?

X-MEN: REDuX ('The New Era' Saga). Get in here!

Another new player who's interested in this.

The Spirits Within/Aeon

Spitfire

_{L I A M " S P I T F I R E" O G A T A
◄ 23 ▎ 5’10’’ ►}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Liam is a soft spoken individual, never drawing too much attention to himself. Most people see him as pleasant enough, but not really noteworthy. But Liam likes it that way, preferring to keep to himself, only having a few actual friends throughout his lifetime. But for those who he does deem close to him, like his family or childhood friend, Liam is very protective. Defending these people was part of the reason Liam wished to fight alongside the UDF.

The only time that Liam will talk at length is when discussing a topic of importance or interest to him. As such he was very talkative while in the Navigation Division, discussing mechanics at length with the other mechanics. These interactions did lead to a positive association for the UDF in Liam’s mind.

Liam has a tendency to see situations in a bad light, perhaps a trait passed over from his father. It’s easy for him to get bogged down in the problems of the world, but he does have a certain level of hope. If he didn’t think that there wasn’t a chance of defeating the Stigma, then he wouldn’t be fighting it. Whenever Liam does manage to save a life, it does help him get a brighter affect.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

Liam was born in Red Heights, during a period of economic upheaval in the western world. Liam’s mother was the daughter of Nihon immigrants, while his father was from an Moriadine family who had lived along the west coast for the past hundred years. The pair had met as students of the University of Deltas, quickly following in love and conceiving Liam. However, Liam’s father was a troubled individual who would commit suicide a month before Liam’s birth. Liam would be named after his late father.

As a single parent, Liam’s mother put her education on hold to raise her son. She moved back in with her parents to receive help with raising Liam. Throughout Liam’s childhood his family’s financial situation would be precarious. With the unstable economy it was hard on small businesses like the Ogata Grocery Store. But Liam’s family made sure that he never went without anything, always providing food, shelter, and love.

During this time Liam became interested in cars, considering a career as a mechanic. However those plans were put on hold as the comet approached the planet. Though it was partly deflected, many pieces of debris did hit the planet, spreading the Stigma. Luckily for Liam, no pieces of the comet hit anywhere near Red Heights.

For the first few weeks, people thought that the threat had passed. But stories of transformed animals were quickly proved true. The military tried to fight back against the Stigma affected and what would be called Legion, but they were woefully under equipped. It was while taking refuge on a military base that Liam awakened as an Aeon. While having a nightmare Liam set his family’s living quarters on fire. Naturally the military took interest in these new abilities, whisking Liam away from his family under the pretense of him being infected with Stigma.

Liam would be taken to a laboratory run by the newly formed United Defense Force. There he and several other newly awakened Aeons were studied. Liam would spend about a year at the facility before the scientists concluded their studies. Liam would return to Red Heights, finding that the UDF had managed to retake the city. Liam enrolled himself in high school, finding the course selection limited to only essential work skills. Luckily for him, mechanics was offered as there was a need for mechanics for the many military vehicles in use.

After graduating, Liam would work at a local mechanic before enlisting in the UDF on his 18th birthday. Based on his skill set, Liam was placed in the Navigation Division. He would serve as a mechanic for the UDF for several years, meeting way more Aeons then he thought existed. But after a few tours of duty, Liam decided to take some time off. Returning to Red Heights, Liam would learn that both of his grandparents had passed away.

Liam then entered a depression, his view of the world becoming more nihilistic. Seeing similar mannerisms in Liam as his father, Liam’s mother would seek help from veterans’ services. Liam would begin seeing a therapist regularly, one who helped him change his world view. But it was just as Liam began to feel happy again that he was approached by the UDF to join its new Special Warfare and Reconnaissance Group. After mulling about it for a few days, Liam decided to join up.

_{F O R C E}

---

Liam is slightly more skilled as an Aeon than some of his comrades as he’s had the power since he was a young teenager. Liam’s magic tends to be more destructive in nature, his primary spirits granting him fire and ice projection. The fire magic is most often a weapon, either to push the enemy back or to do damage. The ice magic, while also very dangerous, is more often a defensive or utility use, either by creating walls of ice or sliding on it to get around fast. While Liam’s magic tends to be large and hard to control, he has made headway over the years in cultivating certain techniques. This includes combining fire and ice to make a cloud of obscuring mist, or firing bullets made out ice.

_{T R I V I A}

---

Liam’s face claim is Conan Gray. His theme song is Extreme Ways by Moby.

One Universe: Unlimited - A Marvel/DC Comics Roleplay

Reprise of Destruction

1.04: The other side of the trees

Dr. Walter Langkowski breathed raggedly as he followed behind Agent Payne, the S.H.I.E.L.D. operative exchanging gunfire with the squad of unknown soldiers. The Canadian scientist took cover behind a large redwood tree, as he wondered why he hadn’t been assigned a gun. Granted he had never fired a gun before, but Walter would’ve felt better with a weapon of his own.

As the pair of S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives fled the mystery gunmen, Payne tried to call for an extraction, only to discover that something was jamming all the cell signals in this area. As he went from tree to tree, shielding Walter’s body with his own, Payne told the scientist his plan. There was a nearby town called Ferndale where the jamming might not reach to, or if needed they could find a hard line.

“How much farther to town?” asked Walter as he cowered behind a redwood.

“Not sure,” replied Agent Payne in between reloading his gun, “I sort of lost track of distance once we started zigzagging.”

“Great,” responded Walter through gritted teeth.

The pair continued to move among the trees, bullets landing not far from behind them. As Agent Payne poked his head out to try and spot their assailants, he could see a road cutting through the forest. Motioning to Dr. Langkowski, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent fired a few shots before dashing toward the road.

Walter did his best to keep up with Payne, pure adrenaline taking him to the thin road. Once the pair cleared the tree line, they began heading west down the road, hoping to reach the nearby seaside town.

“Not to call bull on your plan, but aren’t we sitting ducks out here?” Walter asked Agent Payne.

But before the agent could respond, the sound of sirens roared up the road. Looking down the road, Walter and Payne could see a police car approaching, its red and blue lights spinning. The car would stop a few meters away from the pair, a sheriff getting out and drawing his weapon.

“I don’t know who the hell you are, but drop your weapon!” shouted the sheriff.

“Alright, be cool,” replied Agent Payne as he placed his gun down on the road, “We’re with S.H.I.E.L.D., and I’ll prove it by showing you my ID.”

As Agent Payne slowly took his ID, Walter held his breath as the sheriff kept his weapon pointed at them. But once the sheriff did get a look at the ID, he lowered his weapon.

“What the hell are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents doing out here?” asked the sheriff as he holstered his gun.

His answer came in the form of gunfire striking the road near the three assembled men, the sheriff exclaiming, “God dammit!”

“Do you mind driving us to town,” asked Agent Payne as he picked up his firearm and returned fire.

“Sure,” replied the sheriff as he too shot at the soldiers in the trees, “Just pile in.”

Walter did need to be told twice as he opened the rear door and took refuge in the backseat. In between shots, the sheriff and Payne got into the front seats. Taking the wheel, the sheriff spun his squad car around, and bolted back toward Ferndale.

“So why are we being shot at?” questioned the sheriff.

“Not sure,” answered Payne, “Why were you here?”

“Responding to reports of gunfire, and before that someone reported an explosion,” stated the sheriff.

At the mention of an explosion, Walter’s ears perked up, “What kind of explosion?”

“I don’t know. A driver apparently heard it coming from the forest as he was driving down this road,” responded the sheriff.

“Well that’s why we are here,” explained Walter, “We detected a gamma radiation event.”

“Radiation?” asked the sheriff, his face very concerned looking, “Do we need to evacuate the town?”

“I don’t think so. It seemed to be a small, controlled explosion, probably some kind of experiment,” theorized Walter.

“Isn’t that against the law? How the hell do you even make gamma radiation?” asked an incredulous sheriff.

“Well clearly these guys don’t care about the law,” interjected Agent Payne, “And these guys have some kind of backing. Those guys shooting at us were clearly military trained.”

The three of them didn’t talk for the next few minutes, still in shock from the battle that they had just escaped. Off in the distance Walter was able to see the first few buildings of Ferndale. But as they got more into focus, Walter could see that the road was barricaded, vehicles and soldiers blocking any further driving.

Seeing this, the sheriff attempted to reverse his vehicle, only for more vehicles to pour out of the woods, blocking their escape. Walter started to panic as he realized that they were surrounded. A group of soldiers with rifles in hand then approached the squad car, forcing the three men out onto the road.

“What should we do with them Captain Blonsky?” asked one of the soldiers.

“Well, I’m all for killing them,” replied the Captain with a sneer.

“Wait a minute,” said a voice from within one of the military jeeps, “I recognize one of them.”

A man with a thick beard got out, Walter recognizing him as well, “Dr. Crawford? Why?”

“Yes it has been awhile Dr. Langkowski. You should spare him, he’s an expert in the study of gamma radiation,” stated Dr. Crawford.

“So the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and the cop are fair game?” asked Captain Blonsky.

“Sure, go ahead,” answered Crawford as he had soldiers pull Walter away from the other two men.

“In that case, I’d like to test my new powers,” said Blonsky as he dropped his rifle.

The Captain’s eyes flashed green as his body began to ripple. In a few seconds his musculature doubled in size, as his skin turned gray in color. Blonsky’s tactical gear began to rip as his body grew, some pieces falling to the floor, others just dangling onto his massive frame. In thirty seconds, where once the Captain stood was now an Abomination of some kind.

“Alright, who would like to be smashed first?” asked the massive creature.

Dr. Langkowski looked back in horror as the Abomination raised both fists. But before he could see what happened, a bag was placed over his head.

“Please ignore that brutality Dr. Langkowski,” said Crawford, “You’ll be coming with me. We have a lot to discuss.”

Walter began to hyperventilate in the small confines of the bag. This whole life or death situation had brought on a panic attack, his first one in years. As Walter struggled to breath, he felt himself being placed in the back of a jeep.

“What the hell is going on?” asked Walter through the bag.

“Simply survival,” muttered Dr. Crawford.

Walter had no idea what that meant as he felt the jeep begin to move. The presence of Dr. Crawford here perplexed him, as he had been told that the gamma radiation studier had retired. Yet here he was with these mystery soldiers.

Animalia - REBOOTED

Thanks for clarifying that guys. I've finished the post and put it up.