Shadows Inc. Journal
History File 04
Enter the Hydra
Roll Call : Anthony Baker a.k.a. Sleuth
Derek Lone a.k.a. Scythe
Benjamin Templeton a.k.a. Reflex
Hillary McTallee a.k.a. Fireflash
Antagonists : HYDRA
“I’ll need a larger weapon” is what Baker tells Lone in a matter of fact tone – one neither belying either fear or desperation, rather one faced with the simple truth that they are about to get into a fire fight, and they may well be in the short end of such a battle. At another time, Lone could have dismissed this as a mere statement from Tony, but for the outstretched hand of Tony towards him, showing an expectation for him to give Tony such a weapon.
“Okay…” Lone answers, “…what do you have in mind?” – he asks this while observing their pursuers who at this time, were busy trying to trace their whereabouts. Both know, however that their cat-and-mouse game will soon come to an end, as both Tony Baker and Derek Lone run out of hiding places – by way of your typical New York alley ways.
Baker thinks a while, then responds, “Nothing too extravagant, or attention-getting, but one with enough firepower to stop these bastards – or at least scare them off our tail.” Lone reaches into his coat, gives a semblance of concentration, and brings out a pair of MAC 11s – small and compact, but with its quick-firing capacity, definitely one to scare away anyone dogging them.
Tony looks at them with awe… apparently not used to handling such merchandise, but he quickly acclimatizes himself with these – finding the safeties, checking the magazines, before Lone mentions that they’re full. “How do we do this?” he finally asks Lone. “Well…” Derek thinks awhile, “…I can draw them off; distract them, giving you a chance to hit them in a flanking manner. Maybe once they realize we’ve got a lot more ordnance than they thought, they’ll change their mind following us.” He then hands Tony another device… and earpiece, and a small pocket-sized radio. “It’s preset to a particular frequency; “Keep that in your ear, so we don’t lose contact with each other – and while we’re doing this try calling that S.H.I.E.L.D. guy again.”
Before Tony can ask how Derek intends to cross the street without being seen, Derek stoops to a manhole cover, concentrates, and suddenly disappears – dropping into a ‘now open’ manhole. Initially surprised, he realizes that this must be another manifestation of his partner’s power. “Why not?” he thinks, “…if he can make things appear, then he can make things disappear too.”
Using the sewers as his means of travel, Derek Lone takes stock of where the Hydra agents are relatively located from his starting point… and after traveling a few blocks back, he goes back up to street level and seeks the lab coats that he knows as the disguise of said Hydra agents.
He briefly 'spots' the group and – after making sure the ‘coast is clear’ of any innocent bystanders, he gives the Hydra agents a short burst from his MAC 11… more to scare them than hit them. At that same moment, Tony has just finished talking to someone on the number supplied by Agent Jones, and quickly briefed him of their situation… and upon hearing the short burst, decides to carefully move forward to their pre-arranged rendezvous point. He sees the ‘lab coats’ scampering towards the direction of the shots – thought in an erratic manner.
Lone sees the ‘labs’ moving towards him, thus reaffirming his thoughts that these people will not just give up without a fight, which makes him wonder more about what is inside the vial that makes these people quite desperate that they are willing to take the chance of getting shot. He also notes that the return fire he receives are not projectile-based, but more light ray specific… but ones with deadly effect as well. “Lasers?” he thinks.
Unknown to all concerned, the gun-battle does not go unnoticed, first by a man, standing six feet two inches, black-haired, relatively lean and one distinguishing feature… a slight limp on one side – and in close scrutiny, one would see and understand that this man was a long ago victim of the Polio disease. His name is Benjamin Templeton, middle aged Caucasian, and leaning on a cane.
Having seen what has transpired, Ben quickly realizes that the lab gown clad people are the seeming oppressors. He decides to try and help in his own manner… concentrating… and in doing so, perception of his immediate surrounding shifts… invisible energies start to show themselves around him, and begin to cover his frame.
His features fade, as these energies begin forming lines from his head to a foot… the polio damaged one, and for some inexplicable reason, he now can stand on his own… the cane set aside. He concentrate further, and starts extending his energy slowly – then holing it back, gets ready to spring such an energy like a whip.
While this is happening, another pair of eyes follow the chase – though unlike Ben, these belong to a relative youthful looking male, his eyes betray an almost eager persona - ready to jump into the fray and help in whatever way he can.
Hilary McTallee, relatively youthful, around 5'10", is eager to see what he can do – having recently discovered his abilities… and raring to prove himself as a hero… he has considered hanging out in New York, where all the action seems to gravitate, and apparently, he thinks - he was right about that assumption. He decides to track anyone involved in this seeming fracas – secretly hoping for some action before the proper authorities arrive.
At last count, Derek saw four agents, and he tries taking mental note of these… he is also open to the fact that there may be more that he has not seen. The odds don’t look too good, but he’s got surprise on his side… which he puts to good use - going through several locked doors or barred windows - always careful no one sees him, as he cuts across the agents' rear.
Expecting his two opponents to be up ahead, the rear-most Hydra agent is definitely blindsided by Lone who is able to deck the assailant in the rear of his head. The move is enough to render the agent unconscious, but more importantly, silent enough not to alert anyone else. A situation Derek hoped for and counted on.
Lone then cuts across to another assailant – he feels the urgency to move fast – after all, there’s a good chance that these four are coordinating their attacks – and in doing so, will be outfitted with communication equipment like Baker and him. Checking his periphery carefully, he spots another ‘lab coat’ who seems more intent with covering himself from the front – and worrying less about his rear… an understandable – but flawed assumption.
“Two down, sucker” he whispers to himself, as he shoots the agent with his MAC 11s.
Meanwhile, in one alley, likewise keeping himself hidden, Ben Templeton’s blurry appearance forms something akin to a localized whirlwind of energy, and though his face now seems blurry, it can be seen that he is indeed focusing… then, he moves his hands in a synchronous circular manner; one above, the other below, before suddenly meeting together with a clap, and pushing motion - no one but him, seeing an invisible force swiftly moving forward.
Simultaneously, across the street, a Hydra agent falls backwards, as if hit on the solar plexus by an invisible hand, or more accurately an invisible mule's kick, the agent lands hard, groans and and remains on the floor… unable to get up, literally unaware of what hit him. Ben relaxes a bit, and the energy disperses; he then picks up his cane, and moves on to his next target, readying his 'Chi' for another attack, shoud the need arise.
While walking, Ben is overtaken by a running Anthony Baker, who sees the unconscious Hydra agent, stops to tie him up while thinking that this unconscious Hydra agent is a result of Derek’s handiwork, Tony addresses Ben, “Sir… there seem to be terrorists in the immediate vicinity – and for your safety, I suggest you move back and let my colleague and I handle this.”
Without waiting for a reply, Tony continues forward… giving Ben a final glance, as he just says ”Stay back, okay?” then moves on - and Ben Templeton simply smiles… allowing Tony to 'herd him' aside, before once again moving slowly – making sure that this relatively new ‘hero’ of New York; yes he recognizes and is referring to Tony’s appearance from the television - does not get into any situation he can’t walk away from.
So help Tony he will… even if the man does not know it yet.
Meanwhile, one Hydra agent is busy trying to contact his companions – thinking that they hear his but are not willing to break radio silence. He hears the words, “Hey Bozo!” and when he turns – weapon rising, he receives a face full of white light – overwhelming his senses and rendering him catatonic… thus does this particular Hydra agent fall to Hillary’s attack.
Mctallee then blows the muzzle of a strange-looking gun. “Gotcha!” he says gleefully… and moves onward. The flash he uses is noticed by everyone, though, and draws their attention – including that of one Hydra agent… who comes running – with laser rifle firing. Hillary jumps behind a trash can, and curses himself for not noticing the other agent before grandstanding. He gets ready to return fire.
Lone likewise sees the Hydra agent, and takes careful aim with his weapon – but before he can pull his trigger, he sees the agent fall forward, as if he was pushed hard from behind. But he did not see anyone hear the , he agent… much less see any reason why the agent fell forward real hard.
‘What tripped him?’ thinks Derek, but not too long, as he quickly concludes, ‘hnh… just his – and my luck’; and as his weapons on hand disappear, he then spots an approaching Tony a few blocks away – and from his partner’s look – the detective is equally confused with the Hydra agent’s actions… stooping down to inspect said agent.
As he is about to relax, Derek sees another figure quickly approaching Tony, right hand hidden in a coat, obviously getting something, maybe a weapon – a figure that Tony hasn't noticed at all. Quick decision and adrenaline take over, as Derek yells to Tony – giving him instructions to dive as he fires with a new set of sub-machine guns that conveniently appear at his hands.
The rushing figure, cut down with a hail of bullets, literally stops on his tracks, his facial expression more of shocking surprise as his hand appears to show he was holding a wallet.
Tony looks back, assessing the threat, but stops short as he notices said wallet with a familiar badge of S.H.I.E.L.D. being partially exposed. Turning to look at the quickly approaching Lone, he sees in his partner’s face the same shocking realization that he – Derek Lone, had just shot down a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
Without waiting, Tony grabs the fallen agent and checks for a pulse – satisfied that he feels one, although relatively weak, he offers as much first aid as he can – but his trained eyes assess the damage and he knows that even with immediate medical attention, this agent may not make it through such injuries. This does not stop him from pressing down some arteries – making tourniquets with his and the agent’s loose clothing. He realizes that someone else is beside him, helping… by applying CPR. A man with a cane it seemed.
Lone is just standing – watching, in shock. He hardly notices a young man approach… look at the fallen man being helped and simply saying ‘Bummer’. This young man then notices a Red Ferrari approach them, and utters some expletives as he realizes that the Ferrari has just risen and is now hovering… with a few hidden ordinances suddenly appearing from the car’s hood… all of it aimed at them.
“Don’t move! You are all under arrest for assaulting an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!” the driver’s voice carries itself loud and clearly through the car’s loudspeaker… it’s speaker’s tone, obviously vehement.
“Weapons down and put your hands up where I can see ‘em. Any slight move and I open fire!” comes the next warning message. Derek raises his hands, so do Hilary and Tony who tries shouting that this incident was all a misunderstanding. Ben continues with the CPR.
Meanwhile, Derek is looking down, seemingly quiet, dejected and defeated… until - he suddenly, without any warning, drops down. The ground he was stepping on, the place he carefully positioned himself on, now showing an open manhole - it's cover, what he was standing on, having suddenly just disappeared. The car tries firing a few rounds – out of frustration, and as a warning to the remaining people.
Tony Baker can only look as incredulous as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent towards the open manhole. His one thought being 'Just great partner… of all the stupid stunts, this one just took the cake.' He looks at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent through the windshield, shakes his head a bit and raises his hands slightly higher.
to be continued...
History File 04
Enter the Hydra
Roll Call : Anthony Baker a.k.a. Sleuth
Derek Lone a.k.a. Scythe
Benjamin Templeton a.k.a. Reflex
Hillary McTallee a.k.a. Fireflash
Antagonists : HYDRA
“I’ll need a larger weapon” is what Baker tells Lone in a matter of fact tone – one neither belying either fear or desperation, rather one faced with the simple truth that they are about to get into a fire fight, and they may well be in the short end of such a battle. At another time, Lone could have dismissed this as a mere statement from Tony, but for the outstretched hand of Tony towards him, showing an expectation for him to give Tony such a weapon.
“Okay…” Lone answers, “…what do you have in mind?” – he asks this while observing their pursuers who at this time, were busy trying to trace their whereabouts. Both know, however that their cat-and-mouse game will soon come to an end, as both Tony Baker and Derek Lone run out of hiding places – by way of your typical New York alley ways.
Baker thinks a while, then responds, “Nothing too extravagant, or attention-getting, but one with enough firepower to stop these bastards – or at least scare them off our tail.” Lone reaches into his coat, gives a semblance of concentration, and brings out a pair of MAC 11s – small and compact, but with its quick-firing capacity, definitely one to scare away anyone dogging them.
Tony looks at them with awe… apparently not used to handling such merchandise, but he quickly acclimatizes himself with these – finding the safeties, checking the magazines, before Lone mentions that they’re full. “How do we do this?” he finally asks Lone. “Well…” Derek thinks awhile, “…I can draw them off; distract them, giving you a chance to hit them in a flanking manner. Maybe once they realize we’ve got a lot more ordnance than they thought, they’ll change their mind following us.” He then hands Tony another device… and earpiece, and a small pocket-sized radio. “It’s preset to a particular frequency; “Keep that in your ear, so we don’t lose contact with each other – and while we’re doing this try calling that S.H.I.E.L.D. guy again.”
Before Tony can ask how Derek intends to cross the street without being seen, Derek stoops to a manhole cover, concentrates, and suddenly disappears – dropping into a ‘now open’ manhole. Initially surprised, he realizes that this must be another manifestation of his partner’s power. “Why not?” he thinks, “…if he can make things appear, then he can make things disappear too.”
Using the sewers as his means of travel, Derek Lone takes stock of where the Hydra agents are relatively located from his starting point… and after traveling a few blocks back, he goes back up to street level and seeks the lab coats that he knows as the disguise of said Hydra agents.
He briefly 'spots' the group and – after making sure the ‘coast is clear’ of any innocent bystanders, he gives the Hydra agents a short burst from his MAC 11… more to scare them than hit them. At that same moment, Tony has just finished talking to someone on the number supplied by Agent Jones, and quickly briefed him of their situation… and upon hearing the short burst, decides to carefully move forward to their pre-arranged rendezvous point. He sees the ‘lab coats’ scampering towards the direction of the shots – thought in an erratic manner.
Lone sees the ‘labs’ moving towards him, thus reaffirming his thoughts that these people will not just give up without a fight, which makes him wonder more about what is inside the vial that makes these people quite desperate that they are willing to take the chance of getting shot. He also notes that the return fire he receives are not projectile-based, but more light ray specific… but ones with deadly effect as well. “Lasers?” he thinks.
Unknown to all concerned, the gun-battle does not go unnoticed, first by a man, standing six feet two inches, black-haired, relatively lean and one distinguishing feature… a slight limp on one side – and in close scrutiny, one would see and understand that this man was a long ago victim of the Polio disease. His name is Benjamin Templeton, middle aged Caucasian, and leaning on a cane.
Having seen what has transpired, Ben quickly realizes that the lab gown clad people are the seeming oppressors. He decides to try and help in his own manner… concentrating… and in doing so, perception of his immediate surrounding shifts… invisible energies start to show themselves around him, and begin to cover his frame.
His features fade, as these energies begin forming lines from his head to a foot… the polio damaged one, and for some inexplicable reason, he now can stand on his own… the cane set aside. He concentrate further, and starts extending his energy slowly – then holing it back, gets ready to spring such an energy like a whip.
While this is happening, another pair of eyes follow the chase – though unlike Ben, these belong to a relative youthful looking male, his eyes betray an almost eager persona - ready to jump into the fray and help in whatever way he can.
Hilary McTallee, relatively youthful, around 5'10", is eager to see what he can do – having recently discovered his abilities… and raring to prove himself as a hero… he has considered hanging out in New York, where all the action seems to gravitate, and apparently, he thinks - he was right about that assumption. He decides to track anyone involved in this seeming fracas – secretly hoping for some action before the proper authorities arrive.
At last count, Derek saw four agents, and he tries taking mental note of these… he is also open to the fact that there may be more that he has not seen. The odds don’t look too good, but he’s got surprise on his side… which he puts to good use - going through several locked doors or barred windows - always careful no one sees him, as he cuts across the agents' rear.
Expecting his two opponents to be up ahead, the rear-most Hydra agent is definitely blindsided by Lone who is able to deck the assailant in the rear of his head. The move is enough to render the agent unconscious, but more importantly, silent enough not to alert anyone else. A situation Derek hoped for and counted on.
Lone then cuts across to another assailant – he feels the urgency to move fast – after all, there’s a good chance that these four are coordinating their attacks – and in doing so, will be outfitted with communication equipment like Baker and him. Checking his periphery carefully, he spots another ‘lab coat’ who seems more intent with covering himself from the front – and worrying less about his rear… an understandable – but flawed assumption.
“Two down, sucker” he whispers to himself, as he shoots the agent with his MAC 11s.
Meanwhile, in one alley, likewise keeping himself hidden, Ben Templeton’s blurry appearance forms something akin to a localized whirlwind of energy, and though his face now seems blurry, it can be seen that he is indeed focusing… then, he moves his hands in a synchronous circular manner; one above, the other below, before suddenly meeting together with a clap, and pushing motion - no one but him, seeing an invisible force swiftly moving forward.
Simultaneously, across the street, a Hydra agent falls backwards, as if hit on the solar plexus by an invisible hand, or more accurately an invisible mule's kick, the agent lands hard, groans and and remains on the floor… unable to get up, literally unaware of what hit him. Ben relaxes a bit, and the energy disperses; he then picks up his cane, and moves on to his next target, readying his 'Chi' for another attack, shoud the need arise.
While walking, Ben is overtaken by a running Anthony Baker, who sees the unconscious Hydra agent, stops to tie him up while thinking that this unconscious Hydra agent is a result of Derek’s handiwork, Tony addresses Ben, “Sir… there seem to be terrorists in the immediate vicinity – and for your safety, I suggest you move back and let my colleague and I handle this.”
Without waiting for a reply, Tony continues forward… giving Ben a final glance, as he just says ”Stay back, okay?” then moves on - and Ben Templeton simply smiles… allowing Tony to 'herd him' aside, before once again moving slowly – making sure that this relatively new ‘hero’ of New York; yes he recognizes and is referring to Tony’s appearance from the television - does not get into any situation he can’t walk away from.
So help Tony he will… even if the man does not know it yet.
Meanwhile, one Hydra agent is busy trying to contact his companions – thinking that they hear his but are not willing to break radio silence. He hears the words, “Hey Bozo!” and when he turns – weapon rising, he receives a face full of white light – overwhelming his senses and rendering him catatonic… thus does this particular Hydra agent fall to Hillary’s attack.
Mctallee then blows the muzzle of a strange-looking gun. “Gotcha!” he says gleefully… and moves onward. The flash he uses is noticed by everyone, though, and draws their attention – including that of one Hydra agent… who comes running – with laser rifle firing. Hillary jumps behind a trash can, and curses himself for not noticing the other agent before grandstanding. He gets ready to return fire.
Lone likewise sees the Hydra agent, and takes careful aim with his weapon – but before he can pull his trigger, he sees the agent fall forward, as if he was pushed hard from behind. But he did not see anyone hear the , he agent… much less see any reason why the agent fell forward real hard.
‘What tripped him?’ thinks Derek, but not too long, as he quickly concludes, ‘hnh… just his – and my luck’; and as his weapons on hand disappear, he then spots an approaching Tony a few blocks away – and from his partner’s look – the detective is equally confused with the Hydra agent’s actions… stooping down to inspect said agent.
As he is about to relax, Derek sees another figure quickly approaching Tony, right hand hidden in a coat, obviously getting something, maybe a weapon – a figure that Tony hasn't noticed at all. Quick decision and adrenaline take over, as Derek yells to Tony – giving him instructions to dive as he fires with a new set of sub-machine guns that conveniently appear at his hands.
The rushing figure, cut down with a hail of bullets, literally stops on his tracks, his facial expression more of shocking surprise as his hand appears to show he was holding a wallet.
Tony looks back, assessing the threat, but stops short as he notices said wallet with a familiar badge of S.H.I.E.L.D. being partially exposed. Turning to look at the quickly approaching Lone, he sees in his partner’s face the same shocking realization that he – Derek Lone, had just shot down a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
Without waiting, Tony grabs the fallen agent and checks for a pulse – satisfied that he feels one, although relatively weak, he offers as much first aid as he can – but his trained eyes assess the damage and he knows that even with immediate medical attention, this agent may not make it through such injuries. This does not stop him from pressing down some arteries – making tourniquets with his and the agent’s loose clothing. He realizes that someone else is beside him, helping… by applying CPR. A man with a cane it seemed.
Lone is just standing – watching, in shock. He hardly notices a young man approach… look at the fallen man being helped and simply saying ‘Bummer’. This young man then notices a Red Ferrari approach them, and utters some expletives as he realizes that the Ferrari has just risen and is now hovering… with a few hidden ordinances suddenly appearing from the car’s hood… all of it aimed at them.
“Don’t move! You are all under arrest for assaulting an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!” the driver’s voice carries itself loud and clearly through the car’s loudspeaker… it’s speaker’s tone, obviously vehement.
“Weapons down and put your hands up where I can see ‘em. Any slight move and I open fire!” comes the next warning message. Derek raises his hands, so do Hilary and Tony who tries shouting that this incident was all a misunderstanding. Ben continues with the CPR.
Meanwhile, Derek is looking down, seemingly quiet, dejected and defeated… until - he suddenly, without any warning, drops down. The ground he was stepping on, the place he carefully positioned himself on, now showing an open manhole - it's cover, what he was standing on, having suddenly just disappeared. The car tries firing a few rounds – out of frustration, and as a warning to the remaining people.
Tony Baker can only look as incredulous as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent towards the open manhole. His one thought being 'Just great partner… of all the stupid stunts, this one just took the cake.' He looks at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent through the windshield, shakes his head a bit and raises his hands slightly higher.
to be continued...
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