Hero Underground

Battle Phage stood before Shadow in the command center looking satisfied, "We got to Saber Claw in time sir. It was close but we achieved the objective." Shadow smiled, "Excellent work Phage," Shadow stood, "The time is now ripe for my public rise to power." He then turned as Battle Phage saluted, "Sir!" Shadow walked down to where Neo-G sat at her console, "Neo, set phase three in motion." She smiled, "Right away sir." She played her keyboard like a pianist to a Grand Piano, windows flashed open on her screen, records altered, NSA databases released their content, and FBI records queried. "I'm off to the hanger, Phage you're with me, take a few trusted men as well. After all, a political hopeful needs his protection." Shadow ordered with a wicked grin.

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Sakura slapped Apollo hard across his face, as Marci gave him the stink eye in the corner, "What the frak! Telling him to kill you! Are you insane!" her cheeks wet with tears but her face was expressing anger and worry. Apollo just barely out of his drunken stupor just adverted his gaze. "I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me." It was the morning after the raid and capture of Saber Claw, no Damien, and he, and the two pissed off women before him, haven't slept after the adrenaline of the attack and the TZ investigators after. The morning sun cast its warm glow in the second-floor room loaned to him by Marci. He felt ashamed for putting Sakura and Marci through his drink induced break.

"I know you were scared Jasmine, but not even you can silence my demons. I love you, and God knows you keep me going, but I had lost my purpose in life, my direction. I just didn't care and I was selfish, and I'm truly sorry, both of you." Sakura softened as tears began to flow, she embraced him, "You selfish bastard, don't ever do that again." He held her for a while and feeling uncomfortable Marci slipped out of the room, "Damien tried to say something to me before they

arrested him." Sakura pulled back to look at him, "What?" Apollo looked unsure, "I think he said Shadow, he was being zapped at the time, but I swear he mouthed Shadow before they hauled him off." Sakura processed the implication for a minute, "Do you think Shadow planted evidence to have the Alliance raided?"

"I don't know, but Damien knows that they're involved, how much and why are unknown. Jas we need to tell the others because if Shadow has that much influence, everyone could be in danger."

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Tania reread the communiqué from Shadow and smiled. 'So it's finally time.' she thought as she shredded the printout and walked out of her office. There is much to be done to lay the groundwork for Shadow's rise to power, and not much time to complete it, "Darcy, I'm heading to D.C., get the car." Darcy gathered some clipboards and the "Go Bag" a briefcase with the specially designed laptop able to access the global secure military network.

On the drive over Darcy's curiosity got the best of her, "What's so urgent in D.C. ?" she asked cautiously, "A friend want's my help to run for congress, I'm heading over to GOP headquarters to lay the groundwork for nomination." Darcy seemed more confused, "Which friend?" Tania smiled, "James Hall."

"The billionaire?" exclaimed Darcy as Tania laughed, "The very same, he was inspired by my run as Governor and wishes to make his mark on a revived American Era." this time Darcy laughed, "He sounds like an ideologue, but at least he's a cute ideologue" the two women gave a sincere laugh.

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Apollo greeted Zeus and directed him to the group lounging in Marci's back room, "I'm glad you could make it sir." Zeus put a hand up dismissing the formality, "Please, it's just Marleno, I don't hold any leadership position anymore Michael." Apollo got flustered, "Of course si- Marleno, please sit." The older man sat at the large round table with Fist, Sniper, Sakura, Argos, and Siren. "Now that

we are all here, do you mind telling us what's this is about Mike? It's a little early for a reunion." Several chuckled at Sniper's remark.

Apollo dismissed his friend's remark and just stood at the table, "Jasmine and I had a visit from Saber Claw last night," Fist scoffed, "Yea we know, it was all over the news."

"But what wasn't on the news was what he said to me before TZ troops zapped him. He told me, after we reached a mutual understanding, that the organization behind the Alliance raid, and most likely the trials after was Shadow." The room was silent for a moment, then erupted with accusations, dismissals, and arguments. Zeus and Siren just looked impassive until he had enough of the arguments, "Enough!" the room instantly fell silent and all eyes fell onto the elder hero, "It's

obvious that an outside group or groups are working to neutralize us from legitimacy and tie our hands." he said calmly, Siren nodded, "I also heard chatter from my old contacts of this Shadow. More importantly, however, is everyone who I spoke to were scared down to their very soul of the mere mention of the name."

Sirens revelations sobered the room, Argos rose, "If this Shadow is involved with the disbandment of the Alliance, how do we proceed?" Apollo waited to see if anyone would speak, but when he was met with silence he continued, "We fight, expose them for who they truly are, and redeem our names!"

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Tania exited yet another office after another exhausting meeting drumming up support. Most citizens were oblivious to the fact that America's Republic is no longer so. The structure has been slowly changing in the past 200 years into an Autocratic Democracy, and before one can hold high office, or at lease be effective at it, one has to have the blessings of those of the party. If those blessings can't be given, a bribe to salve one's inconvenience is preferred. There is a growing minority of actual principled politicians, and the establishment is frightened, not of them of course but of losing their power.

Rotten within breeds rot throughout, and the crippled economy, rising crime, and downright rebellious sentiment growing in the populous is evidence. However such fears can, and are used, to leverage the establishment to give up a small portion of power to remain in a position of influence and to feed their childish need for self-importance. All in all, Tania is at her end of self-control, and

breaking the fingers of the pompous fools is counter-productive, so she gave a deep sigh and headed for the exit.

As she started down the steps of the Capitol Building, Shadow exited a black limo and walked toward her, thrown off balance by the unexpected visit of the most feared man in the underworld, and her boss. Unsure of what else to do she just smiled, "James! This is a surprise." He smiled warmly, an act that gave her shivers, Shadow has never smiled in her presence, at least without cameras around. "Tania! it's been a long time, let's get coffee, and we can catch up."

"Sure, lead the way." He ushered her into the spacious and armored limo, once inside he flipped a switch on a hidden panel by his seat, and he gestured the unseen driver and the limo merged into traffic. "How are things going with the groundwork?" he asked, still warmly but clearly all business, "Well sir, we have the majority when your proposal reaches the convention later this year." He nodded, "Excellent, I've always been impressed with your work, and I'm not disappointed."

"Thank you, sir, how else may I be of assistance?" He smirked, "How insightful. Yes, there is one other thing, I need you to be my date for a fundraiser tonight, the driver will pick you up at six." Tania looked shocked, "With due respect, sir, is that wise? It might backfire if my recommendations are seen as favoritism or con strewn to other things."

"like giving the impression of lovers?" he teased, which she blushed to beat red, he gave a hearty laugh, "Relax Ms. Alvarez, I won't be commanding you to do anything of the sort. However, the mere appearance of something as scandalous will be quite tantalizing to the ignorant masses. We are both single, and the occasional TMZ expose might bode in our favor." Tania was becoming

uncomfortable, she was attracted to the man, power can be very intoxicating, and Shadow has more power and instills more fear than any man she has ever heard rumors about. However, her adopted father instilled a military level of respect for her commanding officer and she regards Shadow as her CO first. "I'm flattered sir." He glanced at her, "But old Phage taught you too well, you are a lot like him, all rules and regulation especially towards me. Relax Tania, enjoy the ruse and

flattery, if we are to succeed in our mission we need every advantage." Tania sat straight, "Is that an order sir?" she said rigidly, he sighed, "If need be, but I was hoping you'll participate willingly." he said flatly.

She stared out the tinted glass for a while as Shadow waited for her to think, "You saved us both, my dad and I, and you give him hope." Shadow nodded, "I know, and I just wish he'll be more of a friend than a soldier." She turned to him and she saw a softness in his eyes, "I'll do it, sir."

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"...here at the Capital Ball, the rooms are a buzzed with billionaire James Hall and his guest, Director Tania Alvarez. Rumors abound..." the TV droned as Apollo fitted his repainted armor, the previously white steel now colored a flat black. Sakura watched from the doorway, "Where are you going?" she said suspiciously. Apollo ignored her as he continued to prep his armor. Sakura flung a ninja star at him, landing inches from his head, he stopped and looked at her, "You know where I'm going Jas."

She stared at him, "Then I'm going with you." She went to her bag and got out her Wakizashi and black tactical gear, "Do you have an idea where we're going?" she asked as she striped to put on the tight-fitting ninja gear. Apollo just grinned, "No clue, but someone knows about Shadow, and we are going to find them."

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NEO-G stared at her screens, the lines of code speaking to her like a language unto herself, but she must focus. Shadow is on the move and he needs her eyes and talents to be safe, protected. Like her in the granite walls of the Alaskan base, once housing weapons of unimaginable power for a war that never happened, but she and Shadow are weapons for a new war. But we won't sit and wait to never be used like minute men with no purpose, no enemy to bash against the gates.

Shadow, with her brilliance and talents, shall set forth a new war, a new revolution, but one in shadow and cyber-space.

She stretched, the long hours making her muscles stiff, 'Why am I ranting in my head?' she thought as she hit enter and sent her bot free onto the net. She chuckled as she stood, 'Too many nights watching Anime, I'm now thinking in drama, man I need to sleep.' She yawned as she walked lazily into the brightly lit hall, a penguin bot scuffled by her, she paid in no mind. Living in a bunker, with a mad scientist, thief, military hard-ass, and probably the most dangerous man on earth. The strange is almost normal now. She reached her quarters and placed her hand on the scanner, an

addition she put in herself, she is living with a mad scientist after all. The door beeped and popped the seal of the smooth steel door.

She slipped in and sealed the door as the auto-lights turned on. Her room was a weapons locker where aircraft missiles were racked and stored. The signs and warning text painted in faded colors still remain on the walls and concrete floor. She liked the reminder of what this room once was and it drove the overall decor. An old weapon cart turned into a desk, the original antique military lighting with LED replacement lamps, and a weapons locker for a closet. Her bed was a twin in

a corner with pink cameo bedding and her M4 rifle mounted above it along the wall side. Her personal computer hummed away beside the desk it's a huge monitor mounted on the wall and high-end gaming keyboard and mouse on the desk's glass surface.

Unlike the CIC the room was well kept and clean. She changed into a t-shirt and got into bed, staring at the ceiling, she closed her eyes and the room lights dimmed and shut off. Her thoughts went back to her college days and how life seemed so simple and fun. Her life now is meaningful of course, and she loves what she does, but she didn't have the pessimism that comes with losing her

parents in a car accident and making a living by hacking and selling petty secrets from one corporation to another. She longed for that blissful naivety that comes from not knowing the pains and traumas of real life.

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Apollo and Sakura sat on a rooftop in the cold night air, it was Halloween and tricker-treaters milled about below. They have scoped out a dozen old hot spots only to find them abandoned. Even the street pushers were only small independents, with no direct link to the Shadow organization beyond an untraceable pre-paid phone number. The only lead left is an old adversary who "retired" after getting out of prison, it wasn't much, but it was all they got. "You think he'll know anything?" Sakura asked as she saw the old man pass out candy to the kids reciting the age-old statement as done on hundreds of Hallow's Eve before. Apollo shrugged, "Don't know, but it's all we got Jas." They moved silently to move across the street.

They quietly dropped down into the man's yard, the multi-colored light of a TV projected on the living room wall. Apollo and Sakura stayed in the shadows and moved to the glass door. As Apollo placed his hand on the handle for the door, a shotgun was pumped behind them, and they froze, "Looking for something?" the old man asked. Apollo and Sakura slowly stood up and turned to

the man, his weathered face stern until recognition hit, "Well I'll be, never thought I'll see the great Apollo turn to burglary," he laughed but held the shotgun on Apollo. "Hi Doctor Rickmore, we're not here to rob you, just talk with you." The old man smirked, "Been a while since anyone called me that," he lowered the shotgun wearily, "If you want to just talk, why the bad ninja routine?"

Sakura tried to hide his anger but the old villain just scoffed, "Drop the evil eye missy, when you're used to being heroes, you lose your caution when sneaking around. No motivation not to be caught." He pointed to his eye, "I might look old, but my eyes and instincts are as sharp as ever." The man slung his shotgun on his shoulder, "I need your help," Apollo asked, the old villain grinned, "Why I never thought hot shot Apollo would come to little old me for help." He laughed again

and entered his house, "Come inside, the spooks still watch the place, and I doubt you want them to eavesdrop."

When Apollo finished reciting the incident with Saber Claw and everything else that has happened to him in the last month, the old villain sat in thought, "Doctor I need to know about Shadow, anything you might have heard or saw." Apollo pleaded, but the man sighed a tired sigh and studied Apollo's face, "What I know is dangerous, not only to you but to me as well. Shadow doesn't like a snitch and what happened to Saber is proof of what length's he'll go to protect himself and his organization." Apollo looked stunned, "Shadow is a man? I thought it was some sort of conglomerate." Rickmore laughed, "Who told you that son? No, wait, let be guess. A defector right?" He laughed a deep belly laugh, "Boy you're naive, aren't you? Masking one's numbers is a trick as old Sun Tzu himself !"

Apollo blushed but said nothing as the Rickmore continued, "No son, it's one determined, ruthless, visionary, and he has a legion from War Eagle who enforces his edicts. Trained by Battle Phage, equipped by Cork Screw, and protected by operatives in the highest levels of government, at least I suspect so, based on what you told me." Apollo and Sakura were stunned, "I don't believe it." Sakura gasped as the old villain smirked, "Told you my knowledge is dangerous, and many of the retirees like myself are silenced, arrested, or just plumb disappear. It's worst on the new sprites though, they're enslaved to do what they are told, or face the master's whip, Tier Zero. Believe me, those demons are as cold and ruthless to villains then the devil himself, fitting I guess, demons protecting a shadow, and no one knows who he is. No one. It's suicide for anyone to even try, I hear even War Eagle is too afraid to even covertly make the attempt."

Apollo sat back in the worn couch speechless as Sakura looked worried. Rickmore relaxed, "Take an old man's advice, morn your old life, and move on. There's no room for Heroes and Villains in this world any longer. Settle down, have some kids, and have a happy life. Cause if you pursue Shadow you won't live long enough to regret it." Apollo toke a deep breath and stood and extended a

hand to the old villain, "Thank you, Doctor, you've been enlightening" The old man toke his hand, "Your welcome." Sakura also stood and bowed respectfully to him, "Thank you for taking the risk to tell us, I appreciate it." she said and they made for the back door and disappearing into the night leaving Doctor Rickmore sitting in his chair. "You did well Rickmore," a voice said as a shadowy figure appeared from the stairs, "and let's hope you scared them off." Rickmore sighed,

"Talon, we both know they won't drop it. Apollo is an idealist." Talon emerged from the darkness, his black stealth suit absorbing all light, "Perhaps my old friend, but they will be more cautious, and that will buy Shadow time." Rickmore nodded, "Indeed it will." Talon turned to the front door, "You will have what you were promised, and Shadow gives you his thanks in this matter." Rick more stood, "Let Shadow reign!" Talon looked at him from over his shoulder, "Let Shadow reign." and Talon casually opened the door and disappeared into the night leaving the old man with a proud smirk on his weathered face.