Difference between revisions of "Twinshot"

Briefing

This looks like the security terminal Twinshot told you to use when you showed up. Large flashing words indicate that you should choose one of the buttons below the screen.

Notification: You are on private property. Identify yourself at once!

• My name is Character. Twinshot sent me.

Words begin streaming across the display.

...Searching...

...Searching...

...Searching...

IMPOSTER! REAL IDENTITY: Arachnos Infiltration Agent.

Initiating self-destruct sequence in t-minus five seconds and counting...

• Wait! I'm not from Arachnos! I swear I'm really Character!

• I'd prefer to keep my identity secret, thank you.

Words begin streaming across the display.

Unknown entities are to be terminated on sight!

Initiating self-destruct sequence in t-minus five seconds.

• Hold on! Twinshot knows who I am!

• My name is Inigo Mon--

Words begin streaming across the display.

Seriously? You went there? C'mon... That joke is, like, over twenty years old.

Just for that, this terminal will self-destruct in 5 seconds.

• You're kidding. Tell me you're kidding!

...FIVE...

• Is this for real?

...FOUR...

• But you can't just--

...TWO...

• Hey, wait a second! You forgot three!!!

ONE!!!!!!!!!

• (Step away from the terminal)

Briefing

Had you going, eh? You should have seen your face.

At least you didn't try to blow up the terminal the way that Flambeaux did when I pulled that trick on her.

• What was that all about?

It's something I do to all the new guys. Keeps 'em on their toes. So, even though I think you're cool, my buddies might think you're a square, you know?

Now, I've already put in a good word for you, so this should be easy. Let's go introduce you to them.

• Sounds good to me. Who's first?

Let's go chat it up with Proton. This is his place we're hanging out in, so I figure he'd want to meet the person who's tromping around the place, you know? He should be around here somewhere.

Oh yeah, up on the second floor. Down the hallway and up the elevators. I'll let you lead the way so you can get a good feel of the place.

• Indeed.

Briefing

Hello, Let me introduce myself. I am Proton, and I welcome you here to my lab. It may not be much, but considering my unusual circumstances, it was the best I could cobble together on short notice.

• Unusual circumstances?

Oh, that's a long story, and one that I'll be happy to share once we get to know each other a little better.

Although I am looking forward to that time, currently I'm in the midst of running some very important analyses of recent data I've collected. And I need every moment I can get that affords me peace and quiet.

• I apologize for disturbing you.

Oh, no! I didn't mean to imply that you were the one disturbing ---

Proton looks towards the direction of the new guest with a look of disappointment on his face...

• I take it this is the person?

Oh darn... Well, it would seem that my experiment will need to be concluded later.

• Ah... then it is her.

Ah Flambeaux, my dear...

Well, yes. I am doing the science again. A lot of science, actually. One could say I'm doing, oh, tons and tons of the science.

• Perhaps I should let you get back to work?

No no, that's quite alright. I'm quite certain that I'll be unable to get any work done for, unfortunately, a very good while. However, I do thank you for your kindness, friend. Not everyone is so understanding.

Proton looks to Flambeaux with a polite smile on his face.

Flambeaux, have you met our new friend, Character?

• I'll talk with her so you can get back to work.

You turn and talk with Flambeaux.

Briefing

Hey there. The name's Flambeaux, because I'm hot. Like, hot because of fire, right? And also because, well, I'm hot.

• Oh... Well... Uh... I see...

Don't listen to her - she's just jealous. I keep trying to tell her that the brooding emo look is sooo last year.

• That's... Interesting, I think.

What? Where are you going, Proton?!

Great. Way to go, Twin. You just scared him away with your tough-guy look again.

• Um...

So... I bet you have a lot of questions about me, don't you? Don't worry, it's natural - most people do. Well, where do I begin... Okay, so, like, I came here to Paragon City because I felt people needed a hero, right? And I knew that I'm so totally a hero, okay? So then-

• Um... Twinshot?

But I was just getting to - FINE! I guess that little pipsqueak is more important than hearing about how I can make fire like totally shoot from my hands.

Well, I'm coming along, too!

• Let's go find Dillo.

Briefing

*hoorb*You are the friendly earthling that says Character! Correct, correct, yes?!

*hoorb*

Dillo makes air sounds at you in greeting!

• I... Uh... Air sounds?

Correct, correct! *hoorb* I am making air sounds like an Earthling so we can be friends! You are for friends with me, correct, correct?

• I... Um... Think the answer is yes?

Jubilations and - how does the Earthlings say - the hot dogs! I can not make air sounds to say my energy sign - oh, Earthlings say 'name' - but my friends say that I am Dillo. You can bellow air and say Dillo to me, too. I will say Character to you and we will be happy! Correct, correct!

• Um, is he saying we're friends now?

*hoorb* I am from a world that is not Earth. And I come to warn the Earthlings of dangers.

The Proton and the Twinshot say it is too late because Shivans moved faster than me.

So now I stay and annihilate Shivans and end all existence of life signs of Shivan peoples!

*hoorb*

For Earth!

• You're here to help us with the Shivans?

Correct, correct! We own encounters with Shivans where annihilation was given as our gift.

Dillo momentarily turns his attention to Twinshot.

*hoorb* We will make sounds at you in future times, the Twinshot.

Dillo resumes speaking with you.

So my sounds are being made to say that we now find other life-clusters and give warnings to them. And I chose Earthling clusters!

• Your people were destroyed?

Not all my people. Only in your counting of ten and eight of my planets were removed. My people still have three left.

• Oh, that's horrible!

*hoorb* The Flambeaux wants to make air sounds about her person! We like to listen to her, since she makes many, many air sounds! Let us open the breath-holes and listen to her air sounds, correct, correct?

• Actually, I think your story is more -

The conversation pauses as Twinshot comes over the intercom.

Dillo appears to swell up and you feel a slight vibration in your teeth for no explicable reason.

The Twinshot requests assistance! We must go!

• I'm right with you!

Briefing

I am Grym, and I come from another land. I wish to join your group so that I may guard over your safety.

• Why do you want to do that?

I have been chosen to bear the honor of protecting this city. I see that you are unable to defend yourself from the spider lords.

• Well, I guess there is that. How do we know we can trust you?

By tracing the silver cord of my aura - Ah, yes... You possess inferi - different - senses than I do. Then you will need to use your own judgement.

• Well, I guess...

Then it is settled. I shall choose a small area nearby and make a den.

• Okay...

Briefing

Well, turns out is was a bit more exciting than I had originally planned. So whaddya think? Do we seem like people you'll want to hang with?

• Sure, I'll think about it.

Okay, same here. I need to chat with the guys and see what they think about you.

• That seems fair.

Why don't you meet me back in Atlas in a few and I'll let you know what they had to say.

• See you there.

Briefing

Hi there! I can help you with all of your training needs. Come to me anytime you feel your personal training is - I'm sorry, what was that?

• I'm Twinshot's friend. She said you could give me some pointers?

Oh, you're Twin's friend? I know I've seen you around before, but I didn't know you were hanging out with her. Let me tell you something about that girl... She's got a good heart, you know?

Any friend of Twinshot is a friend of mine. What would you like me to help you with?

• Why do I come to trainers for leveling?

A bunch of us here in Paragon City like helping other people. For instance, did you know there's a place where you can actually talk with other heroes just like you and I? I think they call it the Help Channel. But back to what I was saying.

When you gain a new level of experience, you may not know how to push your powers to that next level. However, that's what we trainers help you do. We show you all the things you can do with your powers.

• How do I gain levels?

As you perform tasks for the safety of the people of Paragon City, you'll gain more and more experience. Once you've had your fill of learning the ins-and-outs of crimefighting, you'll increase your security level. That's when you want to come to me or another trainer and we'll show you how to take your powers up to the next level, too.

• How do I know when to come to you?

You'll have a mental indicator letting you know it's time. Think of it like a flashing arrow. After we talk, you can decide where you want to apply your newfound powers. Sometimes you'll want to increase a power you already have, and other times you might even learn a new one. In the end, it's pretty much up to you. We're only here to help guide you along the way.

• You mentioned others. Where are they?

They're all over Paragon City. You can usually find someone in just about every district. How about you pay a visit to Blue Steel. He's over in Kings Row, which is a short tram away.

How about you go pay him a visit and let him know that Ms. Liberty sent you. Kinda the way Twin did earlier.

• I can do that. Thanks, Ms. Liberty.

Briefing

Hello there, citizen. Are you in need of training suggestions today?

• Actually, Ms. Liberty sent me to you for more pointers.

Oh, I see. I take it you're an up-and-coming hero? Good! This city can use all it can get. As you can tell, this part of the city is still struggling to get the street crime under control, which is why I'm here. What kind of pointers were you looking for?

• That tram I came in on... Does it only go here?

Nah, the trams go to all different parts of the city. You should be able to find a monorail station in just about every district in the city and they'll take you to nearly every other one as well.

Just make sure you don't get off at the wrong stop. Some places can be a bit too dangerous for those new to the area. As a matter of fact, even here in Kings Row we have to deal with street gangs that simply don't respect the law.

Speaking of... would you be willing to do your civic duty as a hero and help take care of some of these gangs for us?

• Of course! What do you need me to do?

All throughout the streets you'll find a variety of hoodlums. However, the ones that are the most blatant violators of the law as of late are a gang that calls themselves the Skulls. They're pretty easy to spot - each of them wears a piece of a human skull on their face.

You should be able to find them hanging out all around the police station here in Freedom Plaza. On your way back to Atlas Park, could you send a number of them to the hospital? We'll be sure to have a police escort waiting for them once they get patched up.

• Absolutely. Thanks for the advice, Blue Steel.

Briefing

This console is linked to the security system that Proton recently put in place due to the Arachnos intruders gaining entry so easily the last time you were here. It would seem that it was installed a little too late.

WARNING: INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! CONTACT ALL SHINING STARS.

There are several live camera feeds currently being displayed on the console's screen.

• Scan the first floor

You observe the cameras on the first floor of the facility.

The entrance to the facility seems relatively undamaged. The camera shows you standing at the console looking at the screen. Before the elevators to the next floor you see a group of Arachnos thugs apparently waiting in ambush.

• Scan the second floor

You observe the cameras on the second floor of the facility.

Dillo appears to be fending off multiple Arachnos attacks. Although he appears to be holding his own, his movements would appear as if he may have suffered injuries and will need some help.

• Scan the third floor

You observe the cameras on the third floor of the facility.

The top floor is swarming with Arachnos! In the far end, both Proton and Flambeaux seem to be holed up near another console. Proton is tapping furiously on the keyboard whilst Flambeaux is holding at bay the more brave of the soldiers.

• Lock down the terminal

As you lock down the terminal to prevent the Arachnos agents from gaining access to it, you see a shadow pass by the camera display on the first floor cameras.

Looking more closely, you see that the movement is right next to you!

• Look around for the shadow

Briefing

Okay, looks like the outside is clear. If there was any backup outside, they're probably all taking a coffee break. That's not usually the way Arachnos works, but let's not look a gift horse in the mouth.

What did you find on the cameras?

• Dillo is facing off against a bunch of them upstairs.

Well why didn't you say so? Let's get going and help that little guy, pronto!

• Let's go!

Briefing

*hoorb*

You are friends with I who am Dillo! Too many holes were - as you Earthlings say - filled with jelly!

But the one who is Dillo can seal the leaks.

• Did you say you... healed yourself?

I am giving negativity. I am with the healing, as you Earthlings say, but I am still pushing air through holes.

I need to adjust pressurization or I will fall down like a ripe banana!

*hoorgb* No, no... that is not what you Earthlings say. I must say that we need to use a respressurizer or I will be a banana split! YES! HAHA! That is it!

• Pressurizer! Got it. Let's find one!

Briefing

Quickly! I need you to access my computer while I dictate these calculations!

• What? What am I supposed to do?

Just use my computer terminal! I am aligning my armor system to fire off an EMP burst that should affect the Arachnos communications networks they employ. This should send a pulse into their ears loud enough to render them in a state of shock.

Hurry, Character! We don't have much time!

• I'm on it!

Briefing

The terminal has only one line blinking on the screen.

Enter Pulse Charge Frequency Code.

• Proton! What's the code?

Proton yells out the code and you quickly type it in.

• Alpha - One - Prime

The screen flashes for a moment followed by the words:

Pulse Frequency Incoming.

• Close

Briefing

I've been tracking down records of recent disturbances and superhero activity to try and find out why Arachnos has been acting as they have.

• Have you found anything?

There have been no signs of Arachnos attacking the city. It would seem we were targeted directly.

• Why would they target us?

I think it might be the research I've been doing on the Shivans. Or maybe they found out...

• Found out what?

Now is not the time to talk about it. We still need to find out why Arachnos is attacking us, and who is behind it.

• Is there anything I can do here?

No, I think I have it handled here. However, you might want to see if Dillo has found anything. He said he was going to the Hospital.

• I'll look for him at the Hospital.

Briefing

*hoorb*

My friend! Why do you come to me with your air sounds? This makes me - as you say - do a round bubble!

• Hi, Dillo. Proton said you were looking for clues?

AHA-HA-HA! You are full of the correct, Character! I am the Dillo who is seeking the clues in how your airs sounds like 'Hospital'! HA-HA!

*hoorb*

I am thought-questing over why Earthlings don't use a glurpidoolingazar to cure radical decomposition of cellular structures inside corporeal matter?

It is - as you say - easy as a cat whisker!

• Um... I'm sorry, Dillo. I didn't understand you.

*hoorb*

My air sounds are too squeaky, I apologize.

Let us bellow about the Arachnos. I have seen life-traces of the agents of the Eight Legs come to this building. But the Earthlings inside made much air that there were no Arachnos that had come here. I think this is what you Earthlings say is 'Changing truth on a hairless headfront'.

• Hmm... Are you saying the Arachnos agents were here?

You are better with air sounds than I am, Character! Yes, that is what I say to you!

*hoorb*

But they are not here now. And your Earthling doctors say they were not here. I am now making two thought-quests.

Possibilities are made that my skentrotigs are not working. Or possibilities are made that the brain electrics have been changed by the Arachnos agents to the doctors!

• Wait... You're saying the doctors are working with Arachnos?

AHA-HA-HA! Those are the sounds the Grym made, too! He then went to your 'Police' like a - as you Earthlings say - overcooked biscuit!

• Grym went to the Police? I need to get there at once!

Briefing

You have come seeking answers about those who ally with the Spider Lord, Character, as do I. That we both bring forth our question to the lawbringers is no coincidence.

• Why isn't it a coincidence?

The followers of the Spider lurk in hidden niches, ready to strike down their prey at any given moment, yet these ones walk brazenly within the the light. Since I smell the alien one's presence upon you, you ken that strange things are apaw with the chirurgeons that crafted their healing ways upon the enemy. Thus, your honor propelled you to make the lawgivers aware of this trangression.

Let it be known that your Grym has already done just that.

• My Grym?

Yes, Character. I have pledged my honor upon the Sacred Blade of Terrinael that I would protect you and your own. To gaze further into reflective pools of the honor within my eyes would be to render my charge void, so I ask that we speak no further of this. Know that my geas is tantamount to all other concerns.

• I see. Okay, then. Well, did the police find anything?

The lawgivers were overcome with befuddlement as I put the question to them. I believed them at first to be ensorcelled by the Spider Lord, for they showed themselves to be befuddled. However, I would learn this was because they had only interacted with lesser kirkgrim who had yet to win a Gressalian Tournament. It would seem their 'police dogs', as they call them, are beholden to their vows of silence.

At the end, the lawgivers assured me that there have been no Arachnos sightings under their vigil.

• But what of the doctors lying about treating them?

I am unsure what to make of the chirurgeons and their duplicity. It is well within possibility that He-Who-Is-Dillo was sensing something outside his realm of knowing.

I set forth to search the marketplace for any signs of these blackguards; if they walk freely amongst us, they surely would wish the obfuscation of a disguise. However, the Countess of Fire insisted that her training in the commercial arts far surpassed mine. Perhaps she has waylaid one of those we seek?

• I doubt it, but it's worth a try. Thanks, Grym.

Briefing

OH MY GOD! Character! Quickly! You have to see this!

After all this searching, I finally found it! I FOUND IT!!!

• WOW! You found the Arachnos agents?

TOTALLY! Can you BELIEVE IT?! This whole time -

...wait... huh?

• The Arachnos agents. You found out who's behind the attack?

Oh.

That.

No, other than this stupid arrow.

But check this out! I totally found an enhancement on the market that keeps my hair in place EVEN WHEN I'M ON FIRE!!!!! Like, isn't that the most amazing thing ever?!

I was totally like, 'Flambeaux, honey, you KNOW someone had to invent it. Keep looking, sugar!' and sure enough - BAM - right here in my hands! Now I can fight crime AND look my best!

You know, that's the thing that sucks the most about fighting criminals, am I right? You take all that time to get your hair to do just what you want it --

• Flambeaux! An arrow. You said you found an arrow?

--what?

Flambeaux rolls her eyes and hands you the arrow.

Obviously you don't care about the details which, you know, are like the most important thing to pay attention to. I found that arrow when I was over by the Architect Entertainment building on my way here. I thought it might be one of those clue things, but Arachnos doesn't use arrows. And there's a mark on the arrow with a big S on it. And last time I checked, Arachnos starts with an 'A', right? Right?

• Flambeaux, was this the only one?

No there were others, right next to all those dirty Arachnos uniforms in the dumpster nearby. But since we were looking for PEOPLE, and those uniforms are CLOTHES, that doesn't really help us, does it?

No. It doesn't, smartypants. So look. I'm going to get back to searching the auction house and if I catch one of those Arachnos PEEEOPLE... I'll be the one who saves the day by arresting them while you're wasting everyone's time looking at arrows or something.

Jeez... they're letting ANYONE be a hero these days...

• I'll leave you to that, Flambeaux.

Briefing

So... You managed to get here even before my guys reported back to me.

• Your guys? The Arachnos agents?

Yes, the Arachnos agents. Is there something wrong with me controlling Arachnos agents?

• Well... yes, I'm afraid there is.

Good answer. Then I guess it's a good thing they're not working for Arachnos. Or ever have.

They're all friends of mine posing as agents. In other words, they're on our team.

• But why would --

Why would they dress up like Arachnos agents? To see if your ragtag band of friends really has what it takes to be crimefighters. And I'll say... I'm impressed.

I've set everything up from the moment you joined them. I had to see what you would do, all the way at the very end when you were promised riches and the like. Let's just say that if I had a chocolate factory, I would be handing it over right about now.

• I'm not following...

What I'm getting at is that I'm going to sponsor your team of heroes. From here on you're not going to be hanging around inside some old abandoned lab. You're going to get a better base, better support, and the best thing? You get to have me breathing over your shoulders the whole time. This job isn't easy, but I think you all can do it. From here on, count me as one of your members. Now go tell your friends.

• Alright then! I'll do just that.

Briefing

Proton's image appears on the monitor, a look of concern etched deeply on his face as he works furiously at various knobs and dials.

Now you're tampering with the security system as well? Breaking and entering is still considered illegal even in this time, ruffians. Once my tests are done I shall personally deal -

Proton looks away from his instruments and focuses his sight on the monitor.

Oh, Character, it's you! You showed up just in time!

• What's going on here, Proton?

It seems we have some uninvited guests who appear to have been rather curious as to who their new neighbors were. Were it not for the fact that I am in the middle of some very important tests at this very moment, I would deal with them immediately. If you would be so kind as to escort our unwelcome visitors from -

Proton quickly looks up towards a gauge out of sight of the display.

They've interrupted the algorithm with their tampering! Okay... Plan B.

I'm going to need you to bring down the relays entirely. In other words, I'll need you to destroy them. Once they're destroyed, they'll send one final string sequence that I can recombine into usable data. Unfortunately, this also means that we've got only one chance so we've got to do this fast.

• Okay! What do you need me to do?

The string relays are sturdy, but your attacks should be sufficient to destroy them. Give me a moment...

There. I've hooked into the spectrum monitors to analyze your destructive potential. Hmm... Character, have you been using Enhancements to boost your abilities?

• Of course! What Hero worth his salt doesn't?

+++ Missing Information +++

• Umm, actually... I haven't really gotten around to it.

Proton sighs, and shakes his head.

I realize that you've been busy, Character, but you really should take some time to check your Enhancements and make sure they're up-to-date. It may not seem to matter now, but as you get stronger, Enhancements will become increasingly more important. Why, some of the more experienced heroes I've met have managed to double the effectiveness of their powers with only a few choice Enhancements! If you don't keep yours up-to-date, you may find your abilities lack the impact that you want them to.

Regardless, it looks like your attacks, even unenhanced, are strong enough to destroy the string relays. If you don't mind...?

• Right. I'm on it.

Oh! And one last thing. This should go without saying, but if you encounter any of these Skull hooligans while you're working on the relays, please remove them from the base. They've cause enough havoc as it is-

Proton glances over at another screen, then turns back to you.

In fact, one of them appears to be approaching your location now. He might be a good start.

• Consider it already taken care of.

Briefing

I give up, okay?! Look, I'll tell you everything!

• What do you know about the Shivans? Talk!

The Skull looks at you, confused.

The what? I don't know what you're talking about, man. We're just here to grab some of your electronics and sell them off to those Freakshow guys!

• So! The Freakshow is behind this?

Behind what?! We were casing your joint when you were movin' in and saw all those machines, man. Ain't nothing more than... wait... oh... yeeeeahhh... 'behind it'...

The Skull gang member's face gets very sly, as if he's trying to pull one over on you.

Those Freakshows were totally behind this, man. They brainwashed us into doing this. We were all like, 'No, we're law-abiding citizens' and then they, uh, used a mind control device on us and made us break into the place.

• Really now. They mindcontrolled you, did they?

The Skull looks up and around as Proton speaks over the intercom, his face becoming more worried looking.

• You heard the man. Off to jail with you.

No, I can't go back, man! I'm still on parole!

• Close

Briefing

*hoorgb* It is the Character who has come to make sounds at me again! I am full bubble because of this!

• Hi, Dillo! Twinshow said you could use a hand?

The Twinshot has made the wrong thought and said this to you wrong. Dillo has enough hands to keep his body symmetrical!

*hoorgb*

I am the Dillo that makes the air sound of thanking to Character. Please keep your hands, for you may need them! AHA!

• Um... no, I mean I'm here to help.

A-HA and AHAHA!

The Dillo comprehends greater now! Yes yes, this Dillo will take the offering. I am confronting the Skullmen who were in the base. These Skullmen may have parts on them that can be used with what you Earthlings say 'The Science'.

• Used for Science? I'm not following.

Look, look... you can see for yourself. You will go out and defeat the Skullmen. They may have the salvageables on them, they may not.

The salvageables can be used at your University to make new machinations, or as you Earthlings say, 'The Inventions'. Your University overseer adjutants can tell you more - oh, you say Professors.

• So fight the skulls, then go to the University?

AHA! Yes, yes! The Grym can be given your hands in the University as well! He is smelling the deceased norvegicus, as you say!

• Ah... then find Grym. Got it. Thanks, Dillo!

Briefing

It is good to land my gaze upon your visage, Character. You have the scent of the alien one, a mixture of unwashed humans and cheap parlor makeup. Your quest has taken you far today, has it not?

• Yes, I guess it has. Dillo suggested you could use some help?

The alien one's scent confuses me. Much is guarded by that self-appointed warden of our realm. Though his motives may be suspect, his actions appear to be well-guided. I am glad he had directed you to seek me out.

By following various scents, I believe that the trail to our mysterious malefactor has come to a conclusion. It would seem a neighboring lord who styles himself as a great regent may perhaps be behind all of these shenanigans.

• Who is this lord?

He bears the title of the Clockwork King. I have found the remaining possessions in their hands. I believe it was his minions that acted as fence, and the band of Skulls as their cutpurses.

Fear not, for there is still justice that can be brought to King's peons. I shall hunt down these workers to the Clockwork King and prevent the apparati of our futuristic companion from reaching the foul one's hands.

• If you're saying we should stop the Clockwork King, I'm with you.

Very good, Character. Let us part ways for the moment's passing and seek out the Clockwork Kings' minion and dismiss them from his service!

• I'm off!

Briefing

Hey, Character! Thanks for dealing with those Clockwork. I had it covered, but I figured you'd want to feel like you're helping.

• Thanks for thinking about me, Flambeaux.

You're welcome, sweetie.

So, Proton's stuff should be in here somewhere. All we need to do is find the crate that's labelled 'Table Sizing Feelers' - sounds kinky, eh? - and then we get out of here! Simple as that, eh?

• Well, it sounds simple...

My family doesn't call me simple for nothing! Don't worry, this will be totally easy. What could possibly go wrong?

• That's what I'm afraid of.

Briefing

Looks like Positron had some kind of glitch in his software. I tried shutting down the Clockwork program, and these things showed up instead.

Who knows how this stuff is supposed to work, you know?

• Um, why haven't they de-initialized?

Huh? Oh, uh... I don't know. Could be a bug or something. I'll let the eggheads figure that one out. For now we're done.

Why don't we head outta here and get some fresh city air. You know, the kind where you can just taste the smog and almost swish it around in your mouth? Real air, know what I'm sayin'?

• Um, not really, but I'll go with it.

I have to say... I really like your attitude, kid. Much better than my old squad. Why don't you meet me back in Kings', cool?

• Sounds good. See you there.

Briefing

Hey, kiddo. You ready to tangle with the big A?

What am I saying, this is Character I'm talking about. Of course you're ready.

• What in the heck is going on, Twinshot?

Arachnos swooped in on the place with a full invasion force the moment we got here. There's a call out for other heroes, but by the time anyone else gets here it'll be too late to destroy these meteors.

• So that means... ?

That means we need to get these stabilizers in place and we need to do it yesterday. We're scattered all over the place so that Proton can get his stabilizers in place, but it's looking like there are too many of these Arachnos to do it solo. I've got a plan, though.

• What's the plan?

I'm going go hit the end of the street and place the stabilizer. I've got special forces training that'll let me get through these mobs undetected. You go find the others and gather them all together into one taskforce so we can get the rest of the stabilizers in place. Proton said that once placed, these babies will do their stuff and the timestream will be corrected.

I have no idea how, but I'm not the brainiac here.

• If we're going to do this, we need to do this now.

Roger that, good buddy. Now go help the others! There's a meteor just up ahead, so you should find one of them there! Catch you on the flipside!

• I've got this!

Briefing

Keep your voice down and listen very closely.

• Okay.

I've been keeping an eye on you, squirt. And because of that, you're in the clear. That's why I'm about to entrust in you something very important. I need you to track down who brought those Praetorian machines here, completely undetected until the last moment.

• Wait, those robots were from Praetoria?

I could have swore the first thing I said was for you to listen. Let's try this again. You're going to be my eyes and ears, reporting back to me anything you find about this attack.

These weren't my guys in costumes. These were the real thing, and let me tell you... I don't like their kind in my city. This is where you come in.

• But how on Earth am --

You're the one who's going to find out because you're trusted. Not just by me, but by a number of other people. The same ones who were responsible for those Clockwork appearing in the middle of Paragon City.

You see, we were able to trace back the origin of the 'beacon' that they used to get in. It seems they were called here. Invited to come take these meteors for whatever purposes they planned. In other words, someone called them and told them everything.

And those calls came from inside your new base.

• Our base? But that would mean --

Exactly.

One of you is a traitor.

• ...

Briefing

Welcome to the new Hero Corps Powered Personne- Oh! You're Character, correct?

• That would be me.

Fantastic. Ms. Twinshot asked me to arrange a slightly more difficult mission for you and Mr. Grym. I've already given him the coordinates for the warehouse; I think he's scouting the place now.

We received reports from MAGI that a group of cultists have started some sort of ritual that would bring a powerful demon into Paragon City. Normally we'd forward this report on to the FBSA, but Ms. Twinshot has assured me that the two of you will be able to handle a mission of this caliber.

• Cultists, huh? Are we talking about the Circle, here?

No, I believe this ritual is being performed by members of the Hellions gang. I'll upload the coordinates to the warehouse where we've tracked-

• Wait, Hellions? This 'difficult mission' has us fighting Hellions?

Sir / +++ Missing Information +++, please do not underestimate the danger of this mission. I realize you've faced Hellions before, and those encounters may not have seemed formidable, but these Hellions are different.

Hero Corps tries its best to make sure that Heroes like yourself get missions that are appropriate for their combat ability, and Ms. Twinshot has assured me that yours is top-notch. That is why you're receiving this task - we wouldn't let a new recruit tackle this mission. Please keep that in mind.

• Alright, I will. Thanks for the warning.

Briefing

Character, you're back! MAGI detected a demonic presence in the area recently - I didn't expect to see you again. How are you faring?

• I'm a little singed, but otherwise fine. The demon has been taken care of.

Ah! Glad to hear it. I guess Ms. Twinshot was correct about your combat capabilities. One moment, please.

The Field Analyst turns from you and pulls out a communicator.

Colonel? You can call off the raid. Yes, the situation's under control... Yes... Colonel... Yes, I understand. I'm sorry I wasted your time.

The Field Analyst shakes his head, puts down the communicator, and turns back to you.

Thanks for dealing with that situation, Character. It's good to have reliable heroes around that can handle the especially dangerous cases.

• Not a problem.

You know, with your skill, you may want to consider updating your Hero Corps profile. If the missions you get ever feel like they're not quite pushing your limits, or if you find yourself in over your head, you can come talk to any Hero Corps agent.

We're able to fine-tune the difficulty of your missions to match what you think you're capable of handling. If you're up to it, you can take on missions with tougher or more numerous enemies, or even try to tackle an Archvillain. I wouldn't recommend biting off more than you can chew, but you have full control over your own profile.

• Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

Fantastic. Well, I'll let you go. Swing by anytime you want to modify your profile, or even if you just want to review what it already says.

• Alright, I'm off then. See ya.

Briefing

My thanks again for fighting off those... er...

• Let's just call them Clockwork.

Ah. Well, I have fought Clockwork before, but not like these. Alone, my fists cannot damage their armor plating, and I am helpless.

But then, I am no longer alone.

• Uh, what do you mean?

Your powers are obviously strong enough to defeat these... Clockwork. While I could not do such a thing by myself, I can certainly support you.

With your guidance, I could learn to strike their plating more effectively, and these unusual machines will learn to fear me. However, this can only be possible if I accompany you in your fight.

• Wait, hold on. You're saying...

Yes, Character. If you do not mind, I would like to be your sidekick.

• ...

Briefing

Oh, no no no no NO! That look, it's so... ancient. I haven't seen designs like that in years!

• ...Excuse me?

Your look! Your appearance! Your visual impact! It's all wrong, it just won't do! Come, I have the perfect belt that would just...

• *Ahem* That's not why I'm here.

No, darling, that's why I'm here. Heroes, gods, and champions all come to ME to make sure they strike the right tone with their appearance. And right now, the tone I'm getting from you is 'wobbly'. You don't want to pounce on a gang of Outcasts only for them to laugh at your wobbly costume, do you?

Let me take you to one of our rooms, I have some things that would make you look absolutely fantastic. The press won't be able to keep their cameras off of you.

• Wobbly? LOOK, I'm here to... ARGH!

Whoa, calm down, darling. What's the matter?

You show Serge the box of old costume parts, and explain where you found them.

Oh, THOSE old things? Oh, darling, you're sweet, but I don't need those anymore. Those are some old doo-dads from when I moved out of my studio in L.A. I decided I didn't need them anymore, so I just... left them behind. It's sad, but in the fashion industry you must always be looking forward, or you'll only end up stale.

• That still doesn't explain why it ended up in a warehouse filled with Clockwork!

Warehouse... on 15th and Maple, yes? I used to lease that place for storage, but that was years ago. I haven't the foggiest idea what it's being used for now.

• *sigh* Alright. Thanks for your help.

Anytime, darling. Anytime.

• Whatever.

Briefing

Yo. How ya doing... do I know you?

• Doing just fine, Detective Martins. Mind taking a look at these?

Taking a look at wha...

Detective Martins turns pale as you show him the receipts you found.

I, uh, I don't know what those are. Dunno why you'd come lookin' fer me anyway...

• These receipts have your nameon them, Martins. What are all these gadgets for?

Detective Martins pulls you aside and begins speaking in a hushed whisper.

Alright, alright. You got me. I don't know how you found those, but it doesn't matter anymore. Just... just don't tell the FBSA, ok? My boss is ready to string me up as it is, I don't need to give him any ammo.

• Uh... don't tell them what?

Detective Martins looks at you quizzically.

Well... that I'm the Shadow Commando.

• Wait, the Shadow who what now?

SHH! For the love of my precarious career, please keep your voice down.

Some nights I do a little moonlight hero work as the Shadow Commando. Problem is, it's unlicensed, and the FBSA doesn't take kindly to unlicensed heroes.

• Why don't you just get a license, then?

Can't, it's against regulations. Conflict of interest. It's my job to stay in touch with Heroes and make sure they keep on top of any reported crimes here in Steel Canyon.

If I do that, and I'm also a registered Hero, well, then some people start to complain. They start saying that I only give the flashy, front-page jobs - like stopping bank heists - to Hero pals of mine, instead of doing my job fair-and-square. It's a bunch of hogwash if you ask me, but those are the rules.

• So... this has nothing to do with the Clockwork?

Don't know what you mean, kid. I'm just a guy with a bit of a double life, that's all.

• Alright, Martins. I'll leave you be.

Briefing

Hi! Welcome to Cooke's Electronics. My name is Sonia, how can I help you today?

• Hi, Sonia. I'm looking for a High Frequency Signal Transmitter.

Then you've come to the right place! What frequency range were you looking for? Or would you rather take a look at our selection?

• Do you have anything that could broadcast signals across multiple dimensions?

On the word 'dimensions', Sonia immediately breaks into a nervous smile.

Uhhh, I'm... sorry, sir, we don't stock that kind of thing here. Selling interdimensional tech is actually regulated by D.A.T.A. and you'd need a special permit to-

• That's funny. This tag right here says you've sold one before.

Beads of sweat begin to appear on Sonia's forehead

Oh, uh, I'm sorry, sir / +++ Missing Information +++, you must be mistaken! We would be happy to help you with any other product that you see here, and-

• Sonia. Please. I'm not stupid.

Alright, alright! I... I may have sold someone an Interdimensional Signal Relay a couple weeks ago. I'm sorry! I know it's against regulations, but he paid good money and I figured it could only end up helping people anyway, so I...

• Who did you sell it to?

I'm sorry, I... I never got his name.

• You sold illegal hardware to someone without even getting their ID?!?

Sonia glares at you.

Look, do you know how many Heroes walk through that door every day? They're all Cyber-this, Techno-that, and they all look the same. Fancy, high-tech gizmos and helmets that hide their faces. You expect me to ID every single cape that walks in here?

I mean, come on. You must know the drill by now. Even if you don't shop here, you probably go to Pandora's Box or something. They've gotta be the same way.

• Why would I do that?

Sonia rolls her eyes at you.

For Enhancements, duh! Why does any hero ever walk through that door? You all strut in here, talking about power output and damage resistance percentages, as if I'd care if you got your face smashed in by some Troll.

I don't get paid enough to deal with you people!

• Whoa, okay. I think I'm done here. Don't leave town, Sonia.

Briefing

ACCESSING.........

IDENTITY CONFIRMED: Character
ACCESS GRANTED

• [Search the database for any activity regarding the High Frequency Signal Transmitter]

A long list of dates, times, and locations scrolls onto the screen. Most of these related directly to D.A.T.A., S.E.R.A.P.H., and Portal Corp.

You don't find anything unusual until you stumble onto one entry:

ENTRY DELETED

The time of deletion appears to be just minutes before your search.

• Damn! [Trace the database deletion request]

DATABASE DELETION REQUEST TRACED TO IP ADDRESS:
3015:db6:97c4:9e1:2420:9b3f:073:8347

LOCATION: SHINING STARS HQ

• What? But who would have-

You notice a flashing item at the bottom corner of the screen:

CRITICAL FILE: SHINING STARS MEMBER PROFILES AND RISK ASSESSMENT

• Hmm... [Open the file]

The file contains six separate entries, one for each member of the team. Most of them just contain basic info on your team, with members marked as "Low-risk".

Two of them are marked as Important - Flambeaux and Twinshot.

• [Open Flambeaux's entry]

CODENAME: Flambeaux
FULL NAME: ******* *******

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE:
Flambeaux exhibits classic signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which could raise the possibility of unsanctioned violent behavior.

There is a high probability that if Flambeaux does not achieve the fame and attention that she seeks in her role as a Hero, she may turn to more drastic methods.

RECOMMENDATION:
Monitor Flambeaux's progress and maturation as a Hero, and make preparations for the possibility that Flambeaux turns to Vigilantism or Villainy in order to gain fame or respect.

• Well, that does sound like Flambeaux... [Open Twinshot's entry]

CODENAME: Twinshot
FULL NAME: Unknown

KNOWN ASSOCIATES: Maelstrom (Praetorian)

BACKGROUND:
Little information on Twinshot's past exists, but it is likely that she is a surviving member of the now-defunct military ops team 'Ultimatum'. Her combat training and connection with the rogue soldier 'Maelstrom' reinforce this assessment.

WARNING: Maelstrom's reappearance in Primal Earth suggests that Twinshot has remained in contact with him. It is highly likely that Twinshot is working from within the Shining Stars as an agent of Praetoria.

RECOMMENDATION:
Twinshot represents both a danger to Primal Earth and a significant flight risk. Keep under surveillance and proceed with extreme caution.

• Oh, Twinshot...

Just as you're about to close down the terminal, alarms begin blaring in the Phalanx council room. The screen on the terminal goes blank, then begins to flash text on the screen:

WARNING.....WARNING.....WARNING

MULTIPLE TEMPORAL ANOMALIES DETECTED IN THE NEAR VICINITY

THERE IS A 97% PROBABILITY THAT INTRUDERS HAVE INFILTRATED THE MANSION

WARNING.....WARNING.....WARNING

• What the-

You hear the sound of whirring motors behind you!

• [Defend yourself!]

Briefing

Character. The trail of your aura shimmers with pain and rage. What is the matter?

• I think Twinshot just tried to kill me, Grym.

Grym's eyes widen, and he wrinkles his nose at you.

That is a bold accusation, Character. Are you confident in this claim?

You explain to Grym what you found using Manticore's database, and how the Clockwork ambushed you shortly afterwards.

• It's hard to come to any other conclusion, Grym.

Grym growls under his breath.

Sadly, I believe you are correct. This betrayal does not surprise me, Character. Our comrade Twinshot has wavered as of late. She suffers under the weight of past deeds. I had hoped she was strong enough to carry them.

Grym's snout curls into a snarl, baring his teeth.

Apparently, I was mistaken.

• So what do we do now?

We will confront Twinshot when the time is right. Return to her, and reveal to her nothing. If she realizes that we suspect her, she may attempt to accelerate her plans, or even to flee.

When we strike, we must ensure that she is unaware until it is too late to escape.

• Alright. I guess it's the only way. I'll be back soon, Grym.

Briefing

Character. You return as promised. Is the time to strike upon us?

• She's heading to base now. I think it's the best shot we have.

Agreed. I will summon the rest of the team, and we will meet you there. If Twinshot has truly betrayed us, then we should all be present for her downfall.

It is... regrettable that we must do this. To strike down one's commander, even for a just cause... it is shameful.

• I don't feel any better about it than you do, Grym.

Then you are a man / woman of honor, Character.

Now, let us depart. We must make haste, if we are to corner our former companion.

• Alright. I'll see you there.

Briefing

You... you don't know what you've done, Character.

You may think you've done a good thing today. You may even believe that for the rest of your life. But you will be wrong.

• You're confused, Proton. You need help.

I do NOT need- bah! It's pointless to even try at this point.

I'll never understand why you can live in a world where the supernatural is commonplace, where time travel has been documented, and still you refuse to believe that I could come from a different time.

You seemed smarter than that, Character.

• Proton, these people were from another dimension - Praetoria. That's a fact.

I... I don't know what you're...

Proton trails off, staring at nothing. After a moment, he looks up at you.

Character, I don't understand. I had a life there, I have memories - I remember meeting Maelstrom when I was a teenager. What you're telling me... it's like you're trying to convince me that I'm not me.

• You may not be, Proton. I think they did something to you... something to your head.

Proton frowns. He stares at the floor, lost in thought.

You're telling me... that everything I know is a lie? That my every memory was planted?

That... that I almost killed thousands of people... for nothing?

• You can't blame yourself. The Praetorians did this to you.

Proton remains silent. It's clear he has a lot to think about.

• I'm sorry, Proton. We're going to get you some help. I promise.

Briefing

Hey, kiddo. That was pretty rough in there. How you holding up?

• Could be worse. How's Proton?

He's... he's not doing so hot, kiddo. Manticore said they could get him some help, maybe have someone go over his memories. Try to tease out the fake from the real. I'm holding out hope for the guy.

Twinshot stares at you dead-on.

Grym told me what you two had planned. Bold action, kiddo.

• I'm sorry, Twinshot. Under the circumstances...

I know, I know. I've been so shady with you guys lately, I must have seemed more suspicious than a Sky Raider in drag. I don't blame you, really.

Twinshot smirks at you.

Stings a little, but I don't blame you.

• So what happens now?

I think the Shining Stars are on temporary hiatus, kiddo. Manticore's basically put a hold on any Hero work I do until he can make sense of my past. He doesn't really like the fact that I used to be chummy with Eddie. The Phalanx doesn't like Praetoria one bit, let me tell you.

Still, even though Proton and I are out of the picture, you're pretty much in the clear. No reason for you to stop fighting the good fight, you know?

Twinshot flashes you her trademark grin.

I think you'll go far, kiddo. I really do.

• Thanks, Twinshot. I'll see you around.