Author's Note: Yes, I know there's another thread that already has Sabre related stuff, but I'm an anal-retentive
detail maniac, and messing up the timeline of that thread's events by sticking short stories that're a little too long to be snippets in it would drive
me up a wall. So, yeah. On the offhand, nothing keeping you other Sabre players from using it. =)
***
Sylia looked up as her HUD dinged, the latest false Nemesis machine dropping to the ground with a satisfying thud, its retinue of Nemesis Army soldiers
scattering in the face of their figurehead being disposed of like so much automated garbage. Eyeing over at it, Sylia let her shield systems cool down for a
moment as she brought up the message.
Attn: Registered Hero 'Silicon Sabre'
It is my great pleasure to offer you an invitation into the Freedom Phalanx Reserves, in recognition of your heroism,
dedication, and drive to make Paragon City a safer place for all its residents. Please drop by the Freedom Phalanx headquarters at any time, should you desire
to join.
Marcus Cole
Statesman
Sylia looked at the message for a moment, then frowned. This was going to be an interesting situation. Given what Nene'd uncovered regarding the PPD's
growing attention on their organization, it'd only cast them in further suspicion. Who would refuse an offer to join the Freedom Phalanx reserves? The
official group itself, possibly, but the reserves was an honorary position...
Sylia cut off her train of thought as she ducked a blast of lightning moving too slow for her to even think about letting it hit her. A quick series of
commands activated the isolated command circuit for the Ouroborus portal she was still analyzing, saving her considerable time leaving the Shadow Shard as she
simply stepped outside the timestream, materializing in the headquarters of the mysterious Menders for a moment before stepping through again to Independence
Port. She hopped rooftop to rooftop as usual, before landing in front of the rather non-impressive headquarters of the Freedom Phalanx. Given most of them were
out and about the various zones most of the time, and with the advent of Longbow as the premier keepers of super-powered villians after they were captured,
perhaps the elaborate underground base like in old Baumtown was no longer necessary.
Stepping into the sleek welcoming area, Sylia took notice of the miniature statue of Atlas standing amidst a fountain. Sleek, minimalist, yet attractive. She
made a point to consult who did their interior as she walked up to the receptionist, who smiled as if expecting her.
"Is Statesman in?" she asked politely, getting a nod in return.
"He'll see you on the roof if you'd like."
"Thank you," she said, walking past the receptionist's desk and into an elevator.
***
Five minutes later, Sylia made a mental note to find whoever concocted that elevator muzak and make certain they never worked another day in their life, as a
mercy to the human race. Stepping out onto the roof, she looked around at the same minimalist stone and steel architecture that'd dominated the interior of
the base as well. Practical, she imagined, as it could be replaced easily if damaged, unlike elaborate trees that could take years to regrow. Then she turned a
corner and saw him.
Sylia Stingray was not what one would consider....man-crazy. She was involved and had no intention of breaking that off any time in the forseeable future.
Still, she did feel her breath catch for a moment as she was confronted with the Statesman, hero of Paragon City and one of the most powerful men in the world.
He practically radiated trustworthiness and resolve, with an edge of world-weariness that Sylia found strangely familiar...and attractive. Putting such
thoughts aside with an amused glance at the more instinctual part of her brain, Sylia slipped into business mode again, stepping forward before stopping in
front of him and nodding respectfully. "It's an honor to speak with you, sir."
Statesman returned the nod in kind, holding out his hand, which Sylia shook. "I could say the same. I present the Hero of the City awards often, but you
shot into our awareness very quickly, even for someone reaching that height."
"I do the best I can," Silicon said, both accepting his praise and avoiding praising herself in the same smooth motion.
"Indeed, which is why we could certainly use you. We're willing to let anyone who wants to try out take a test ride with the Phalanx to see if
they'd work well with us. Some work out, some don't. And then there are ones like you who stand out even without looking to join a prestigous
supergroup with a big name."
"With respects, I like to think Riot Force has made a name for itself."
"Indeed you have. And I'm not asking you to leave them. Just to...be on call, as one of the Phalanx, in case of an overarching threat. If you ever
want to become a full time member, there's certainly ways that can work as well."
"Perhaps....I have a notable worry, however."
Statesman looked at her curiously. "What would that be?"
Silicon looked at him for a moment, feigning hesitancy, before speaking up. "The secret identity policy. I'm aware you require even the lowest leveled
heroes to make their identities and pasts open to the public, and I don't know that I can do that."
Statesman chuckled. "You're not the first to say that. But trust me when I say the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. People get to know who you
are, not just the mask, and the lack of being a faceless vigilante makes them more willing to trust you."
"Perhaps....but there really is one other thing that worries me about this plan," she said.
"What would that be?"
"Can you control the economy, sir?"
Statesman looked at her with an odd expression. "No, of course not. Nobody can, really. It'd be illegal if you could."
Silicon leaned back ever so slightly in a way several employees of Sylia Stingray would recognize as "you're about to get lectured on how stupid you
just were" embodied in pure body language. "So, theoretically, if I were to reveal my identity, you could give no assurances that, say, the Crey
Corporation, whom I've made several enemies within their upper echelons to say the least, would not render any and all of my business holdings into either
flaming rubble or financial ruin out of spite, putting hundreds of employees out of jobs, because I took off this helmet?"
"...that's a rather drastic expecta-"
"That is the truth, sir. You say your open door policy about the Phalanx's identities and backgrounds is to foster trust with the people and the
world. Perhaps it does. It also makes you vulnerable unless you have nothing to lose by going public. I only give out my identity to those who I trust. I could
trust you. I do not trust this entire city. That kind of blind trust, unearned, is what put my father in an early grave and had his life's work corrupted
into weapons that claimed thousands of lives. So, yes, if you wish to say I have trust issues, I will admit this minor character flaw. But I will not expose
those who depend on me, or those I care about, to unfair endangerment for idealism, sir. Which is why I cannot in good
conscience accept this invitation."
Statesman looked at her for a moment, face an expressionless mask. "I suppose I can't change your mind?"
"Not really," Silicon said, getting up. "It's a great honor, being asked, but I simply can't cooperate with what you want from me.
I'm sorry to have to refuse."
Statesman looked at her for a moment, then thumbed a control in his belt. "It's perfectly understandable. See Sarah on your way out, would you?
Perhaps she can give you something for your time spent here."
I doubt it. "Perhaps. I'll be sure to ask her."
Stepping back into the elevator, Sylia's mind was already running damage control scenarios in her head. She stepped out, almost walking past the
receptionist before she cleared her throat, catching Sylia's attention. She stopped, looking over at her. "Yes?"
"I heard what happened on the roof and....well, I thought you might want this.
Sylia looked down at the object handed to her, a small star with golden wings in a presentation box. She blinked, looking up at the receptionist, who smiled
knowingly.
"Not everyone can be a part of the Freedom Phalanx, for their own reasons. That doesn't mean you don't deserve the honor, even if only in private.
Obviously, you can't tell anyone but....well, I imagine he's figured you're used to keeping secrets."
Sylia looked at it, before closing the box and slipping it into a storage compartment in her armor. "Thank you."
"No. Thank you, for being the kind of hero we need more of, Silicon Sabre."
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."
detail maniac, and messing up the timeline of that thread's events by sticking short stories that're a little too long to be snippets in it would drive
me up a wall. So, yeah. On the offhand, nothing keeping you other Sabre players from using it. =)
***
Sylia looked up as her HUD dinged, the latest false Nemesis machine dropping to the ground with a satisfying thud, its retinue of Nemesis Army soldiers
scattering in the face of their figurehead being disposed of like so much automated garbage. Eyeing over at it, Sylia let her shield systems cool down for a
moment as she brought up the message.
Attn: Registered Hero 'Silicon Sabre'
It is my great pleasure to offer you an invitation into the Freedom Phalanx Reserves, in recognition of your heroism,
dedication, and drive to make Paragon City a safer place for all its residents. Please drop by the Freedom Phalanx headquarters at any time, should you desire
to join.
Marcus Cole
Statesman
Sylia looked at the message for a moment, then frowned. This was going to be an interesting situation. Given what Nene'd uncovered regarding the PPD's
growing attention on their organization, it'd only cast them in further suspicion. Who would refuse an offer to join the Freedom Phalanx reserves? The
official group itself, possibly, but the reserves was an honorary position...
Sylia cut off her train of thought as she ducked a blast of lightning moving too slow for her to even think about letting it hit her. A quick series of
commands activated the isolated command circuit for the Ouroborus portal she was still analyzing, saving her considerable time leaving the Shadow Shard as she
simply stepped outside the timestream, materializing in the headquarters of the mysterious Menders for a moment before stepping through again to Independence
Port. She hopped rooftop to rooftop as usual, before landing in front of the rather non-impressive headquarters of the Freedom Phalanx. Given most of them were
out and about the various zones most of the time, and with the advent of Longbow as the premier keepers of super-powered villians after they were captured,
perhaps the elaborate underground base like in old Baumtown was no longer necessary.
Stepping into the sleek welcoming area, Sylia took notice of the miniature statue of Atlas standing amidst a fountain. Sleek, minimalist, yet attractive. She
made a point to consult who did their interior as she walked up to the receptionist, who smiled as if expecting her.
"Is Statesman in?" she asked politely, getting a nod in return.
"He'll see you on the roof if you'd like."
"Thank you," she said, walking past the receptionist's desk and into an elevator.
***
Five minutes later, Sylia made a mental note to find whoever concocted that elevator muzak and make certain they never worked another day in their life, as a
mercy to the human race. Stepping out onto the roof, she looked around at the same minimalist stone and steel architecture that'd dominated the interior of
the base as well. Practical, she imagined, as it could be replaced easily if damaged, unlike elaborate trees that could take years to regrow. Then she turned a
corner and saw him.
Sylia Stingray was not what one would consider....man-crazy. She was involved and had no intention of breaking that off any time in the forseeable future.
Still, she did feel her breath catch for a moment as she was confronted with the Statesman, hero of Paragon City and one of the most powerful men in the world.
He practically radiated trustworthiness and resolve, with an edge of world-weariness that Sylia found strangely familiar...and attractive. Putting such
thoughts aside with an amused glance at the more instinctual part of her brain, Sylia slipped into business mode again, stepping forward before stopping in
front of him and nodding respectfully. "It's an honor to speak with you, sir."
Statesman returned the nod in kind, holding out his hand, which Sylia shook. "I could say the same. I present the Hero of the City awards often, but you
shot into our awareness very quickly, even for someone reaching that height."
"I do the best I can," Silicon said, both accepting his praise and avoiding praising herself in the same smooth motion.
"Indeed, which is why we could certainly use you. We're willing to let anyone who wants to try out take a test ride with the Phalanx to see if
they'd work well with us. Some work out, some don't. And then there are ones like you who stand out even without looking to join a prestigous
supergroup with a big name."
"With respects, I like to think Riot Force has made a name for itself."
"Indeed you have. And I'm not asking you to leave them. Just to...be on call, as one of the Phalanx, in case of an overarching threat. If you ever
want to become a full time member, there's certainly ways that can work as well."
"Perhaps....I have a notable worry, however."
Statesman looked at her curiously. "What would that be?"
Silicon looked at him for a moment, feigning hesitancy, before speaking up. "The secret identity policy. I'm aware you require even the lowest leveled
heroes to make their identities and pasts open to the public, and I don't know that I can do that."
Statesman chuckled. "You're not the first to say that. But trust me when I say the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. People get to know who you
are, not just the mask, and the lack of being a faceless vigilante makes them more willing to trust you."
"Perhaps....but there really is one other thing that worries me about this plan," she said.
"What would that be?"
"Can you control the economy, sir?"
Statesman looked at her with an odd expression. "No, of course not. Nobody can, really. It'd be illegal if you could."
Silicon leaned back ever so slightly in a way several employees of Sylia Stingray would recognize as "you're about to get lectured on how stupid you
just were" embodied in pure body language. "So, theoretically, if I were to reveal my identity, you could give no assurances that, say, the Crey
Corporation, whom I've made several enemies within their upper echelons to say the least, would not render any and all of my business holdings into either
flaming rubble or financial ruin out of spite, putting hundreds of employees out of jobs, because I took off this helmet?"
"...that's a rather drastic expecta-"
"That is the truth, sir. You say your open door policy about the Phalanx's identities and backgrounds is to foster trust with the people and the
world. Perhaps it does. It also makes you vulnerable unless you have nothing to lose by going public. I only give out my identity to those who I trust. I could
trust you. I do not trust this entire city. That kind of blind trust, unearned, is what put my father in an early grave and had his life's work corrupted
into weapons that claimed thousands of lives. So, yes, if you wish to say I have trust issues, I will admit this minor character flaw. But I will not expose
those who depend on me, or those I care about, to unfair endangerment for idealism, sir. Which is why I cannot in good
conscience accept this invitation."
Statesman looked at her for a moment, face an expressionless mask. "I suppose I can't change your mind?"
"Not really," Silicon said, getting up. "It's a great honor, being asked, but I simply can't cooperate with what you want from me.
I'm sorry to have to refuse."
Statesman looked at her for a moment, then thumbed a control in his belt. "It's perfectly understandable. See Sarah on your way out, would you?
Perhaps she can give you something for your time spent here."
I doubt it. "Perhaps. I'll be sure to ask her."
Stepping back into the elevator, Sylia's mind was already running damage control scenarios in her head. She stepped out, almost walking past the
receptionist before she cleared her throat, catching Sylia's attention. She stopped, looking over at her. "Yes?"
"I heard what happened on the roof and....well, I thought you might want this.
Sylia looked down at the object handed to her, a small star with golden wings in a presentation box. She blinked, looking up at the receptionist, who smiled
knowingly.
"Not everyone can be a part of the Freedom Phalanx, for their own reasons. That doesn't mean you don't deserve the honor, even if only in private.
Obviously, you can't tell anyone but....well, I imagine he's figured you're used to keeping secrets."
Sylia looked at it, before closing the box and slipping it into a storage compartment in her armor. "Thank you."
"No. Thank you, for being the kind of hero we need more of, Silicon Sabre."
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."