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[b]Date/Time:[/b] [i]November 11th, 2022. 6:12 PM.[/i]

[b]Location(s):[/b] [i]Redline Guardians Mobile Fortress[/i]
[hr][hr]

It had been a painstakingly slow day for the Guardians of Redline; unusual, and to an extent welcome, but also quite strange. The lull in activity of all types, especially of the Parahuman variety, was far from the norm for this city, and thus, a noteworthy concern. Still, it hadn't made today any less dull, even as the fall of night began to grace Redline. 

Being a Hero on a day like this could be considered one of the worst points of the job by some, and Risen fell into that category. In spite of being in his thirties, he had always looked youthful, more like a teenager than a proper adult, most likely due to his Power. Just like his obnoxiously long black hair, which always vehemently refused to stay cut; he'd had to let it grow out for years now. It stretched down the length of his body, which was impressive, given that he stood around 6'6 and weighed nearly 300 lbs. of pure muscle. In truth, he looked like one of those anime characters who were 'teens', but were ridiculously ripped for no good reason...Except that he [i]did[/i] have a reason, of course. 

His deep brown eyes lazily gazed across the Central Station of the Fortress; they'd truly spared no expense on this thing. Even now, he was still mildly bewildered by the fact that they were inside what was essentially a giant floating steel castle. He was currently situated on a coach near the more lounge-styled section of the massive room, which was complete with all sorts of amenities; with all the chairs, tables, couches and more, Jason had to guess just this part of the Fortress could host several dozen people. It made the fact that they only have six members feel...Very small. Lonely, even. 

Above that level was more of what you'd expect from an area called the Central Station; terminals and complex systems at work, dozens of screens displaying information that would've overloaded most other people....Except for who was actually manning them right now, that is. On the younger end, though ironically still looking a touch older than Risen himself, was Blaster, his freckled baby-face hidden behind a somewhat clunky-looking visor that was apart of his costume, his curly brown hair needing to be occasionally brushed from his sight. 

He was certainly the most energetic of anyone here, Jason'd say. Guy had a passion for this stuff; he found it fun, and not in the thrill-junky way like some did (although he was certain some aspect of that was present). He just loved what he did. A small smile played on his face. That trait was becoming rarer and rarer amongst heroes, he knew. It was something to be treasured. Still, though, he could tell that Mitch was losing enthusiasm too; hours and hours spent scouring the internet and security cams for any sign of real trouble, and yet, nothing today. Biggest thing that popped up on the feed was the stunt Overclock had pulled a few minutes ago, which had elicited a grin from him, but it was brief. 

Risen tried to get comfortable again. Siren and Presidio had been getting on his case about how he handled himself, so he was at least trying to take some small steps. Even [i]resting[/i] felt like a waste to him, but he would try. His costume didn't make that easy though, given it was actually made from his own hair...Not that that was public knowledge. But, well, he needed something tough that wouldn't weigh him down, and would also help him cover up if he actually took damage. It was a stroke of luck they found out that his hair held onto some of that regenerative factor, even separated from him; once they took some locks and made it into a suit, it would restore itself to that shape even with some serious damage. 

...Granted, it meant that his costume was pretty much just a black jumpsuit, for all intents and purposes. Not very flashy, but then again, Risen didn't care too much. 

Let's see....Trump Card was out right now, patrolling the streets. If [i]he[/i] was struggling with his patience, then it was a shock it took this long for that guy to decide to fuck off. Normally he'd feel uncomfortable with how long he'd been out, but surprisingly, he trusted TC....When it came to doing Cape stuff, that is. He doubted that guy would die off so easily. Of course, though, he was neglecting to do any check-ins with the group back at base, much to Risen's chagrin. 

He lifted himself from the couch, stretching with the light pop of bones, grown stiff from what had felt like ages merely lounging around. Jason couldn't even recall a day that had been as dull as this. Surely something would....

The ping of the main monitor caught his eye, looking up to the second level of the Central Station, where Blaster's gaze had also now fallen. An urgent call from the Director, apparently. For a moment, Mitchell fumbled with the controls just from the shock that [i]something[/i] was finally happening. [color=f7976a]"Ack! Dang, c'mon..."[/color] Catching himself, the call was received as Fukuda's face took up the screen, the empty Wards lobby behind him (though no doubt some of the kids could be heard off-screen as they walked off with Fashionista).

[color=fff79a]"Ugh, God....This thing on?"[/color] On his end, the Director could still be seen trying to fiddle with things on his end, no doubt having to try and wrap around Tech Wizard's work; he had a penchant for making his stuff [i]far[/i] more overcomplicated than necessary, even by Tinkertech standards. [color=f7976a]"Readin' you loud 'n clear, Director! Uh, heads up though, we've got TC out right now. Want us to call him back before this?"[/color] The tinge of Canadian in Blaster's accent became clearer the longer he spoke, but the Director merely shook his head to the request. 

[color=fff79a]"It's fine. You'll have time to fill him in later. Is Risen...? Ah."[/color] Having ascended to the higher level by casually hopping up and slipping over the railings, Jason stood at attendance alongside Blaster, with no doubt Presidio and Siren following suit. [color=ed1c24]"The rest of us are accounted for, Director. What seems to be the problem?"[/color] In contrast to his youthful appearance, his voice was surprisingly deep and resounding, lightly echoing through the lengths of the Station while they overlooked the city from on-high. 

[color=fff79a]"That's good. Alright, where to begin with this..."[/color] Fukuda seemed to be trying to collect himself, figuring out the best way to lay down the facts. Eventually, he seemed to find his resolve and spoke once more. [color=fff79a]"I know some of you are newer to this, but assuming you've read your share of files, you'll know about the Think Tank; a collection of Thinkers the PRT've gathered up to brainstorm about important topics and the like."[/color]

This got a resolute nod from Risen, although Blaster seemingly froze like a deer in the headlights for the bit...And unsubtly opened the files for the Think Tank on a side monitor to piece through while the Director spoke. 

Accepting that at least one individual knew what the hell he was talking about, he continued. [color=fff79a]"A particular individual in the Tank is known as Remembrance; she's a high-level precog, but suffers from heavy bouts of memory loss due to her power. However...She remembered something today."[/color]

The Director let this silence stand for a moment. It would've been one thing to get heads-up from the Think Tank in general, but from a precog? It made this feel a bit more....Larger-than-life, so to say. Fukuda continued as the others chose silence over foolish questions. [color=fff79a]"Apparently, anywhere from right now..."[/color] He briefly paused, as if expecting some catastrophic event to occur on cue, which it thankfully didn't. [color=fff79a]"...To about one to two hours from now, two different events are going to play out. An attack on the mayor's home, and a raid on the Museum of Parahuman History. Of course, when pressed for further details..."[/color] The Director pinched the bridge of his nose, his irritation out for all to see. 

[color=fff79a]"...She couldn't recall anything. Thus, we've essentially received a 'heads-up', and nothing more. All we can say is that these attacks are going to happen, and apparently they'll call for some Parahuman intervention. On top of that, the board has decided that the attack on the mayor is far more pressing, and thus, intend to allow the museum incident to be handled by The Wards."[/color]

There was an instant reaction among the group, though Blaster got in first. [color=f7976a]"Uh....Wait, are we talking about the same Wards? The new kids? Most of which haven't even thrown a [i]punch[/i], much less fought other Parahumans?"[/color] The Director nodded. [color=f7976a]"...Well, crap. Is what's gonna happen this serious, or do they just want an excuse to throw them into the fire?"[/color] To that, the Director could only shrug. [color=fff79a]"Your guess is as good as mine here, I'm afraid. But....I was thinking I'd still get a few of you to come with these kids. I'm leaving the exact details up to you, Risen; just be prepared to get into gear when I ring again, alright?"[/color]

With that, Fukuda unceremoniously disconnected; there was still far too much for him to do if they really did only have an hour, if that. Thus, the Redline Guardians were yet again left to their own devices. It was only after all was said and done that Fenris, who had kept to a corner in the lounge area, finally crept up the staircase, keeping her distance from the rest...But close enough to hear what she needed. 

For a moment, Risen had a hand to his face, clenched tight. It had to be one of those days; a calm before the storm. Judging from what the Director had said, he intended for them not to take action yet, to which he agreed internally, much as it angered him. Moving too quickly could shift the plans involved by their unknown adversaries, and possibly leave them even more clueless that they already were. Still, it was worth something, being able to react the moment the trigger was pulled.

...But the Wards? The [i]kids?[/i] Jason couldn't fathom why the higher-ups had decided to pull the rug on them like this. Were they so eager to see them in action...Or was this something to do with Remembrance? Perhaps it had something to do with these kids? Regardless, the situation sickened him to his core. But, as a leader, he had to make a decision.

[color=ed1c24]"....Two members. If the incident with the mayor is considered the bigger threat, I won't take that lightly, but the kids will need some proper back-up. Whose willing to be that back-up?"[/color] For their parts, Blaster and Fenris were silent, likely still trying to catch up the situation as it were. It would remain to be seen how Siren or Presidio might respond to this...