Mission:Experts in the Field (Hero) - Finale: The Key to Power

Finale: The Key to Power

Briefing

Jackpot, Character. Harvan's got info on Pandora's Box that goes way beyond what our other sources have managed to scrounge up. We've finally got a trail to follow... and believe me, given how far this investigation is out of my element, I couldn't be happier.

Anyway. Harvan clued us in on something that he thinks will help locate the Box. He had a fancy name for it, but the way Positron was talking it sounded like this thing is a sort of key to Pandora's Box. What's more, we have the location on this thing: it's deep under Paragon, somewhere in the lost city of Oranbega.

Positron's working on mapping out the area with Harvan, and he's setting up to make an expedition down there. You up for some spelunking?

• If it gets us closer to the Box, I'm in.

That's what I like to hear. Head over to these coordinates and meet up with Posi and Harvan. Obviously, you'll need to keep an eye out - Oranbega's not exactly a friendly place to be.

But then, you're Character. Not like the Circle stands much of a chance, right?

Unnecessary Solicitation

Positron and Harvan are already heading out. You planning on meeting them there?

Mission Objective(s)

Map: COT_ANTIKYTHERA

Positron appears to have already established a safe zone inside Oranbega. Time to establish your plan of action.

• Search Oranbega for The Key
  • Talk with Harvan
  • Search for the Antikythera
  • Defeat Lilitu
  • Check on Fusionette

You have defeated Lilitu, and retrieved the Antikythera.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs:

• Fusionette (Vanguard Shield Hero, Ally)
• James Harvan (Oxford Professor, Ally)
• Lilitu (Circle of Thorns Archvillain, Enemy)
• Antonio Nash (GIFT Special Investigator, Civilian)
• Positron (Freedom Phalanx Hero, Ally)

James Harvan

Briefing

Harvan is examining the structure of the city carefully.

Amazing... judging by the sediment, I'd say this structure must be thousands of years old... but it clearly wasn't built this far underground, and it has hardly any structural damage...

Harvan finally notices you near him, and turns to you with a start.

Oh my! Oh... Character. I apologize. I find myself quite taken with this place. Simply fascinating.

• We're here for a reason, doctor. The Key...?

Ah, yes, the Key! Well, not strictly a key, per se, but I found that to be the best way to describe it to less scientific minds. It's really more of a... focus. At least, that's what my father's research implies.

The object is called the Antikythera. I'm not entirely sure on its history or origins. It could have been created to work in tandem with Pandora's Box, or perhaps it was made afterwards, in order to manipulate it... regardless, it is a tool of incredible potential, and I believe it is integral to locating Pandora's Box.

• So, what am I looking for, exactly?

The Antikythera's humble appearance belies its potential, Character. It is small, small enough to carry under one arm, and resembles an ancient measuring device. Which, I suppose, is true, though few know what the Antikythera truly measures.

You must be careful, Character. I do not know if the Circle of Thorns know the Antikythera's true purpose, but they are most certainly aware of the power inherent in the device. You will likely find the object to be well-guarded.

If you can retrieve the device, I can begin using it to locate Pandora's Box. I wish you luck, Character. In this hunt, our goals are one and the same.

• I'll be back shortly.

• Your... father's research?

Harvan nods studiously.

My life has been devoted to finding and studying Pandora's Box, but much of my research is actually based on my father's work. He obsessed over locating the Box, simply to prove its existence. Most of his work was disregarded by his peers, but his research has helped me immensely in my search.

The only obstacle I've encountered in my studies has been the lack of appropriate funding and manpower to track down the components of my father's work... but thanks to you, that is no longer a problem, now, is it?

• So, what am I looking for, exactly?

The Antikythera's humble appearance belies its potential, Character. It is small, small enough to carry under one arm, and resembles an ancient measuring device. Which, I suppose, is true, though few know what the Antikythera truly measures.

You must be careful, Character. I do not know if the Circle of Thorns know the Antikythera's true purpose, but they are most certainly aware of the power inherent in the device. You will likely find the object to be well-guarded.

If you can retrieve the device, I can begin using it to locate Pandora's Box. I wish you luck, Character. In this hunt, our goals are one and the same.

• I'll be back shortly.

Lilitu: You poor, ignorant thing... blessed with such power, and unable to use it. Lilitu: You don't even understand where your newfound strength comes from, do you? Lilitu: Soon, your power will be mi- Lilitu: What? WHO DARES?!? Lilitu: Ah... Character. This trap was not meant for you, but... Lilitu: I would be most delighted to play with you anyway!

Fusionette

Briefing

Fusionette glows with the same power as Atta and Lilitu. She appears to be completely exhausted. She smiles weakly at you.

Hey, Character... guess you caught me in over my head, huh? Gimme a moment to rest and I should be hunky-dory.

• Sure. What happened here?

I'm... not exactly sure, Character. I was at work, beating on some Rikti... one of them hit Jim pretty hard, and I lost it. Next thing I remember I had this... crazy glow around me. That, and I felt... strong. Like, really strong. It kinda went to my head.

Jim wanted to head back to Vanguard HQ, but... but it felt like every part of me needed to come here. It was like swimming upwards, trying to get to air. I just couldn't bear to do anything but go further underground, until...

Fusionette looks at you sheepishly.

Well, until I ended up here. The moment I got near that clock-thing, that she-devil sprang out of nowhere.

• How hurt are you?

Whatever she did to me, it's wearing off. I'm starting to feel a bit better.

Look, I hate to be rescued and run, but I really need to get back to Vanguard. Jim's probably worried sick about me... and I think I may have said a few things during my little power-trip that I'm gonna regret later.

• Can you check in with Positron when you're done?

Fusionette raises an eyebrow at you.

Working with the Phalanx now, huh? When did you become Mr. / Ms. Big-Shot, eh? But yeah, I can do that. He'll probably know more about this glow than I do.

I'll see you around, Character.

• Yeah. Take care of yourself.

James Harvan: Remarkable... simply remarkable! Positron: Doctor, please focus. Positron: The Antikythera is a fascinating discovery in its own right, but right now we have more pressing concerns. James Harvan: You're right, of course. My apologies. James Harvan: The Antikythera's primary purpose is to measure and track power emanations, specifically tuned to Pandora's Box. James Harvan: I've been examining its readings ever since we left Oranbega, and what I've found is... well, it's unexpected. James Harvan: I'll need more time to study it, make sure I'm reading it correctly- Positron: Please, Doctor. You'll have ample time to confirm your findings, but any information you have would be a tremendous help. James Harvan: Well, it's... very close. I'd say closer than any of us have been looking. Antonio Nash: You can't mean... James Harvan: I'm afraid so. At this moment, Pandora's Box lies somewhere... James Harvan: ...inside Paragon City.

Debriefing

Fantastic job, Character. Positron and Harvan are hard at work analyzing the Antikythera. So far, it sounds like this thing really could lead us to Pandora's Box.

I've gotta say, I didn't expect to get as much progress here as we did. You took a dead-end investigation and turned it into a real chance at finding this thing, and before someone like Recluse gets his mitts on it.

Me, on the other hand... I've been called in for reassignment. I think G.I.F.T. finally realized that Superadine wasn't the answer, here, so they're putting me on a different project. I'll admit, I'm a little relieved... it'll be good to work on something I'm familiar with, for a change.

See you around, Character. It's been a pleasure.