ic [IC] Fight the Power

[olopi]

GM

 

A short search did, in fact, reveal a closet of labcoats. Synth changed within moments, keeping the others clothes on him for now, stashing them away in the closet would probably create more evidence than was necessary. Unless things got tough, and carrying around a bunch of spare clothes under his arms became too big of an issue.

 

Most of the microscopes were empty, the people using them had followed protocol. But after some searching, Synth found one that wasn’t, one that still had something in it. Synth himself couldn’t make much of it. And even the first memories had some difficulty figuring it out. Blood cells, probably human, in two parts. On the left, average cells, nothing that stood out about them. But the ones on the right looked a bit less ...mundane. The way they acted even in this environment, they were almost definitely nothing of usual human nature.

 

A few drops of either combined in the middle, where some reaction seemed to have happened before, but now only a grey sludge had formed.

 

The next step were the files. If experiments had been made here, somebody had had to record them. And those records had to be somewhere. A cursory scan of the room revealed no loose paper, and even after searching through a few drawers, the only things Synth found were lab instructions. The ones that really weren’t necessary at the level these people worked at, but required to be in all labs regardless.

 

The amount of sockets all around the room suggested that this place worked digitally. And while there were no devices in the room right now, from what Synth could tell, the company would hardly let people carry them home every day.

[Supercape]

Synth

 

Nice lab coat! thought Synth, not entirely sure how much of that spontaneous and possibly incongruous thought came from himself and how much from those very alive memories planted deep in his brain. Vague, obscured memories of happy days, sad days, and proud days in laboratories. Of childhood fascination with childhood experiments in school or at home. 

 

So far, so good. He had not been discovered. The place was empty. The only palpable risk was that the "real" scientist would return to his laboratory soon; although quite when was unpredictable. It would depend on the Law, and more than that, the flow of expertise, argument, counter-argument and - unpalatable as it was to think about - the flow of money. 

 

Science: Methodical and careful. 

 

As was science, so was he. Not rushing, he left the laboratory, looking for anything that might have computer information on. He might not crack the files if they were encoded or encrypted, but whilst he had time, he would make the most of it. 

 

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

And so he did. Synth left behind the lab, making sure things were as when he first entered it. It didn’t take long, and soon he made his way around the building. If what he’d seen above applied here too, there’d be some offices on this floor. Hopefully belonging to the same company as the lab. He walked down the corridor, out of the lab’s lobby, and past the stairwell and elevators. Where he heard something that didn’t spell any good news.

 

Somebody else was inside the building, currently walking around. A fair distance away, but somebody was there. Probably just one or two people. Doing their best to stay quiet. But not quiet enough. Either way, Synth was close to the offices now. And he was quiet enough to not be heard. He continued onwards, and was met with another lobby, similar in set-up to the one in the lab area. It led past an assistant’s desk into another corridor, which in turn led to what almost certainly was a bunch of offices. All locked, of course. Not even with basic locks, but some advanced tech ones. Perhaps they even included fingerprints, the console looked suspiciously like it.

 

The offices were labelled. All of them doctors, but one stood out. A name Synth had heard before. Earlier this day, even. Dr. Jason Hull. The man whose business card Synth had found in Gus’ wallet.

[Supercape]

Synth

 

Dr Jason Hull...this was surely all webbed together, but now the threads are clearer...

 

He couldn't pick the locks, unfortunately, but even the sign was telling. And strangely reassuring; this was not merely a demented paranoia caused by implanted memories and super sensitivity to human experimentation. Or, for that matter, by insidious concussive symptoms after a few blows to the head. 

 

It was time to put his face, in all its doppelganger glory, to good use. 

 

Instead of wasting time, and probably without any fruit, trying to effect entry into the offices, he turned about and headed to the voices he heard. 

 

Boldly, confidently, as if he owned the place. Perhaps, in a manner of speaking, he did own it. 

 

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

As Synth walked back towards the stairwell, he put some more attention into figuring out where the noise was coming from. It took a bit of time, but once he’d arrived, he could with a fair amount of confidence, say that they were below him. Which made sense, as he’d not seen or heard them during his time in the vents. So, downwards he went, taking the steps slowly, with some caution even now.

 

They were about three floors down. This was, according to a sign on the side, the third floor of the building. And as he walked into the corridor, he once more spotted the sign of Knight and Williams, so this floor’s rooms still belonged to them. Synth had the drop on whoever was sneaking around, their backs were turned to him. Two people, wearing black. Combat armour, SWAT style. One with a flashlight in hand, one holding a larger firearm in both. And, probably not helping the situation, the word AEGIS, in large letters, central on their armour.

[Supercape]

Synth

 

NOT good. 

 

The slightly disconcerting thought arose. Where AEGIS, either wittingly or unwittingly, in on this? It was not impossible or even implausible. They were embroiled in super human activity, were they not? It was not inconceivable that meant research. Counter measures, control measures. It was possible that Williams and Knight were manipulating AEGIS, or the other way round. Possibly both, simulatenously. 

 

Perhaps it was not likely. But the more he stewed on it, the less he could get even the possibility out of his head. 

 

Which meant...

 

He strolled casually towards them. 

 

"Evening. No sign of trouble? Anything I can do to help?" he asked, boldly. 

[olopi]

GM

 

Upon hearing the first sound, the two spun around. They were efficient, and clearly had had a lot of training. One shone his flashlight directly at Synth’s face. Which was rather unpleasant, but not much else, as he lowered it to Synth’s torso almost immediately. However, it did mean that looking at the two agents wasn’t all that easy, the light did its job. And then, the one holding the flashlight spoke. His tone was hard to judge.

 

“Hello, Sir. I believe we won’t require too much help. But it’s not safe here, it would be best if we escort you out of the building right now, you would not want to be caught in what may happen. We can radio up a team to pick you up, or you can …“

 

He continued on talking, but it really didn’t matter. As he’d pulled out the radio he was currently holding, Synth had managed to spot him pushing a button on a device attached to his belt. And the second one, the one holding the gun, was almost certainly taking aim right about now. His finger had been on the trigger the entire time, and while Synth couldn’t judge it perfectly, it looked like the agent was looking a bit more tense and prepared now.

[Supercape]

Synth

 

How could they know? He racked his brains, but the fact was they did now. At least, they knew something. And they were about to shoot. And getting shot would hurt. Might even kill him, if they shot enough times. 

 

He was just about to act, but held off. The game was very probably up, but that didn't mean it was certainly up. 

 

"What's up?" he said, walking forward and holding his hand to his eyes to shield from the dazzling light. "It's me. Raise the alarm if you have to, I appreciate a tight security. But don't shoot!" he said, trying to squeeze a few more seconds out of his bluff. And in any case, a few more steps further to the men. 

 

"What's got you so spooked?"

[olopi]

GM

 

“No-Nothing, Sir. This is official AEGIS business, and we are not allowed to disclose any information. For your own safety, we really, really need you to get out of the building. Can you make the way on your own, or would you prefer a team to come collect you from this floor’s elevator? “

 

The two slowly backed away. One step at a time, not matching Synth’s rate of approach, but still creating a bit more distance than otherwise. Was it just a distraction? Was there more to it? Or were they simply unsure about actually pulling the trigger? Maybe it was something else entirely?

 

“Sir, for the safety of everybody in Freedom City, if not all of America, we really need you to turn around and head outside. You should not be here, it could become very dangerous. We do not want to injure anybody we don’t have to, so we would appreciate not having to watch out for you in the crossfire. “

[Supercape]

Synth

 

He decided to pull out the stops with the bluff. But he went no further. These were AEGIS operatives. Men doing good work, sacrificing themselves for duty. And also, well trained. Messing them was no pushover. 

 

"This is my research. I hope you understand that" he started, stopping his footsteps, holding his hands up. "If I am going to exit the building, leave years of hard work in danger, then you need to tell me why!" he said, raising his voice a little. Not in a threatening manner, but in an angry one. 

 

"I might even be able to help you. But I can tell you now, I'm not leaving here until you tell me whats going on and let me get my data"

[olopi]

GM

 

The men backed up further, still slowly, in such a way it was barely noticeable. Probably unnoticeable if one didn’t pay some basic attention, even. Reading their faces wasn’t really possible, but their bodies gave the expression of getting ever more tense. The one holding the flashlight raised his radio up to his mouth, all the while keeping his flashlight pointed towards the ever-approaching scientist.

 

“We have a code 307 here, can you come and escort him out? Over.”

 

And judging by what happened next, that was some sort of signal. The next thing Synth knew, everything got loud. It sounded similar to gunfire, but not quite. Coming from the second agent, directly towards Synth. And at the same time, the radio dropping onto the floor, as the agent drew his sidearm.

 

Whatever the gun shot, it wasn’t classical bullets. They hurt more, and they sent something through Synth’s system, he could tell that much. And while his body was dealing with that, he could hear shouting, by the man he’d just talked to.

 

“Nice try, we know we’re up against a shapeshifter! Drop to the ground and surrender and this can end without further violence!”

[Supercape]

Synth

 

So, the game WAS up!

 

That threw away his advantage...although it might heighten suspicion and paranoia. But right now, his tactical considerations went out of the window. He took a few steps back, shocked at the impact of whatever they had fired into him. He felt blood flow. 

 

And that's no ordinary bullet...he winced in pain, tears coming to his eyes. Are they actually AEGIS? 

 

"Call yourself AEGIS agents? Can't you see what's going on here?" he pleaded with the two men. Although it was not just a plea. He was sounding them out. Who were they, really? Who did they work for, and what was there loyalty?

 

"You are a disgrace to your uniform...."

[olopi]

GM

 

The lack of a violent response threw off the two men slightly. They both kept their guns pointed at Synth, and their trigger fingers hovering, but neither of them actually shot this time around. Plus, both were still backing away, probably happy about the additional distance they could create. Still, Synth’s response seemed to have an effect, as the one who’d been talking before responded. His voice sounded convinced, he fully believed what he said.

 

“You attempted to kidnap a high-level scientist and have now, that having failed, broken into his office, to steal whatever information you require. That’s as simple as it gets, really. Thanks for keeping the witnesses alive, made our job a lot easier. Now, get on the ground and surrender, or we will be forced to shoot again. “

 

 

[Supercape]

Synth

 

"That's his story" said Synth. "And you believed him?"

 

He didn't move a muscle. 

 

"Let me tell you what actually happened. He kidnapped me tried to experiment on me. Have you seen the laboratories here? I was strapped down and about to get carved up and injected with...something. Have you checked the data here? They are trying to boost people to become superhuman. Maybe ZOOM or other drugs. I didn't stop to ask. I escaped, and despite being electrocutes, I caught up with him"

 

"Why are you protecting him? Does he work for AEGIS? If so, you have something rotten in your ranks"

[olopi]

GM

 

The two didn’t seem quite sure how to react to that. They kept their guns levelled, but there was a slight drop in the tension, and one of them even went so far as to keep his trigger finger to the side of the gun instead. Still, they didn’t seem convinced.

 

“Knight and Williams is a trusted and well-known institution, who are, as is generally known, researching into a variety of things that could do a lot of bad in the wrong hand, and thus stand under some AEGIS checks, the most recent of which only having been done some weeks ago. And while Dr. Hull does not have a spotless reputation, he too is somewhat famous in his field. “

 

“Meanwhile, you are … somebody. A complete unknown, a shapeshifter who could be anybody. We will take the word of a known scientist over that of somebody we don’t know anything about. But if you want to challenge this, you may. Protocols require us to cuff you, but you may work this out with our commanding officers. “

 

 

[Supercape]

Synth

 

This was a horrible choice. He could run, certainly. But they would give chase and they had demonstrated their artillery and their willingness to use it. Plus, he would make an enemy of AEGIS which was unappealing. On the other hand, giving in opened the flood gates. He was staying under the radar for a reason. In his cells, and even his memories, was years of work by SHADOW, who most certainly wanted their research back. There were probably other people who would like their hands on it too. He had good reason to stay under the radar. 

 

And now, the very clash he had always dreaded was in front of him. Would he make friend or enemy of the authorities?

 

There was no comfortable road to take. Somehow, he found himself offering up his wrists. 

 

"Very well. You may be making a terrible mistake. And so might I" he said, voice like tombstone dust. 

[olopi]

GM

 

Both agents lowered their weapons, and the one who had been speaking moved up to Synth, still a bit tense, still taking careful steps. “Thank you. This makes everything a lot easier, and means we can avoid property damage. “ And with that, he pulled forward the handcuffs and applied them. They, too, were much more high-tech than what Synth had seen before. It felt like it would be rather difficult, even to him, to get out of them. The agent placed one of his hands on Synth’s shoulder, and the two walked towards the elevator, meanwhile the other agent went to grab the radio that had been left behind.

 

“307 has become 327. Escorting. Over.”

 

He too got into the elevator, and after a short ride the three were in the lobby, where a team of 6 Agents, two more in full combat gear, the others in just bulletproof vests, greeted them. The agent in the center was the first one to speak. A comparably young woman, her black hair cut into pixie cut.

“Hello. I’m Agent Jennifer Gold, the person currently in command. As I have gathered, you feel your side has been misrepresented.  What is your argument for this?”

 

[Supercape]

Synth

 

The gnawing feeling was there, like heavy ice. I have made a mistake. 

 

"Misrepresented? I can't answer that. I don't know how I have been represented in the first place" he answered. 

 

"This place is wrong. An unscrupulous place. It lures people here, then experiments on them without permission. I was kidnapped, strapped down, and offered super powers. I didn't hang around to find out what would have happened, but I can assure you they have all the research here. Have you seen the laboratories?" he asked. 

 

"I came here to stop it" he said bluntly. "But I see that whatever greed is in this place has somehow got its claws into AEGIS too. So why don't you tell me....why should I trust AEGIS? You seem to be part of this business, and that makes you implicit. So, Jennifer Gold, it is not me you should be worried about. Unless you are in on the scheme too, in which case you should be very worried". 

[olopi]

GM

 

While some of the bystanding agents looked rather annoyed by the statements, one even rolling his eyes, Agent Gold remained steadfast, even when faced with all of Synth’s accusations. She kept her eyes locked on him, and listened. And once he was done, let the words sink in. Her voice was much more determined than before, one that, under other circumstances, would have really fired up everybody.

 

“We have seen the laboratories, yes. Our Agency organized a thorough check of the company’s facilities and current projects during January. And as far as we are aware, what you are saying is incorrect. I am unfortunately not authorized to discuss details of their current research, you will have to speak to a superior of mine for that. “

 

“You should trust us because it is your best option. According to multiple witness statements, you chased after, and abducted, a well-known scientist, all the while destroying a police vehicle, injuring three officers, one of whom is currently in the ICU, and breaking various laws. The only reason you are not currently on your way to Blackstone is because protocol demands we let people that peacefully surrender explain themselves. “

[Supercape]

Synth

 

Synth felt a warmth, not anger, but rather the flow of blood to muscles, a quickening of the heart (synthetic as it might be). He was preparing to run. He did not trust AEGIS, or Agent Gold. 

 

"I see" he said. 

 

"Those three officers were imperilled not by me, but the man you seem to blindly trust. Something is going on here you seen oblivious too, or, worse complicit in. I chased after a scientist who, well known or not, kidnapped me, tried to experiment on me, and shot at me..."

 

An officer in ICU? he felt sick. Had he been too reckless. He made a note to try and save that man. Synthetic cells could help. 

 

"Let me make it clear, and for your records. I avoid public and official knowledge of me. I live under the radar. Because SHADOW would love to rip me apart and use my cells for their own gains. You may think I am a threat to society, but imagine a horde of me, under SHADOW's wing. As soon as you cart me away, you are taking a far bigger risk in the long term...."

[olopi]

GM

 

“We are acting off of very limited information here, yes. We cannot deny that, and in the morning we will launch a large-scale investigation to take a better look at what you claim. However, you too will agree that his statements hold more believability than yours, after all you are a complete unknown. And while you may argue that about two of them, we do in fact have statements from both police officers at the scene that you were the one who attacked him, through a wall even. “

 

While the other Agents didn’t seem too comfortable with where the conversation was going, and were eyeing Synth with some suspicion, Gold kept her eyes focused on Synth. Confidence was written across her entire body.

 

“As for SHADOW…. If your claims are true regarding them, this is something my superiors will have to handle. I am only authorized to tell you that we do not know of any current activity, and that our Agency will do whatever they can to combat them. “

[Supercape]

Synth

 

"They are true, and I can't take the risk. You seem to be in bed with a terrible scientist, and even if his story is more believable, it remains untrue" he countered. 

 

"There is no free will. We are slaves to our circumstance and our nature. You are forced to take action, and so must I. I simply cannot allow the risk of SHADOW finding me" he explained. It was neither particularly aggressive nor apologetic. It was merely his determination forging. 

 

"Look into it. Investigate, if you truly are interested in the truth. But you will do it without me" he said. 

 

It was an almighty effort to slip off the handcuffs, even with muscles and ligaments as soft as jelly and bones that bent and squeezed, but he did it, with an oily whip of his hands. 

 

And, without waiting for a response, he hurtled away, full speed...

 

 

Edited April 24, 2017 by Supercape

[olopi]

GM

 

The cuffs were tight. Every time Synth attempted to loosen them, they just fastened instead. But then, finding all the power he had in him, in one swift motion, he escaped. Escaped, at a speed worthy of such an escape. By the time people had realized it, he’d already sprinted past the first agent, on his way towards the open door. Was it the best route? Probably not. But it was the fastest.

 

By the time the first bullets flew his way, he’d already reached the door. There was shouting behind him. But between the gunfire, the wind smacking against him, and the adrenaline, he couldn’t understand it. Outside, three vans were parked. At least six more agents, some stumbling to get out their weapons, some already taking aim. Just then, one of the bullets managed to strike him in the back.

 

And at least a few more scattered around the area, some on the rooftops. Synth had scouted out most of them. Escaping was only a matter of avoiding them, and their bullets, now.

[Supercape]

Synth

 

His synthetic flesh was little tougher than human, and he could feel the bullet pass through muscle and skin, and even into his spleen. Its just...Synth really didn't need most of his organs, and the bleeding was minimal. His body just took the bullet and kept moving on. 

 

Nothing vital injured....it smarted, and a trickle of blood. But nothing to slow him down. 

 

And by the looks of things, that was a good thing too. AEGIS agents everywhere. Things had gotten a lot worse, a lot quicker. 

 

He vaulted over a car. Perhaps a little cover, but not from the men on the roof tops. 

 

Still dark. A small advantage. 

 

He knew the streets fairly well, thanks to his job. He sprinted at full speed towards the narrowest streets he could remember. He would be able to outrun anybody on foot, but vehicles were another matter....

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

Bullets made their way towards Synth from all directions, as two people did their best to keep him in their flashlights. A difficult enough task, as he moved with grace and speed, managing to avoid most of the gunfire headed his way. Most, but not all.

 

Still, he kept running. And while more bullets struck, he also managed to duck down the first alley. It would be a momentary relief at best, but it meant he’d created some obstacles between him and most of the guns. And without pausing, he continued onwards, away from the building, away from AEGIS.  Judging from the sounds behind him, some people were getting into their vehicles and driving off, while others were pursuing on foot.

 

And a lot were speaking or shouting into their radios, or possibly at each other. Still, they couldn’t keep up with Synth, not when he weaved through the streets like this.

Edited April 24, 2017 by olopi