Merry Christmas!!!

Hoping everyone has a great Xmas. More posts to come! The plot thickens......

Mental

Part 4.2: Who do you trust?.....who can you trust? (My later days)

Terra Volta changed me. Not only did it improve my powers due to excess radioactive exposure, but it renewed my faith in other heroes. I made contacts in TV that still hold true today directly and indirectly. Fighting in a nuclear reactor is no easy task....obviously. Teamwork is a key to survival and lets just say the first few groups i went in with were a nightmare. I ended up in the hospital dozens of times and couldn't seem to stop the insurgence of Sky Raiders. (Sky Raiders are a weasly group of paramilitary mercenaries that plague the eastern seaboard.) Even through the many failures in T.V. I met a few heroes that I bonded with. The first that comes to mind is a big demon, Blue Lucifer. Huge and at first intimidating, he soon turned out to be a realy sweetheart with a wicked sense of humor. With him was Illyria Rx, an excellent illusionist and healer that I still see every now and then in Paragon City. Though we didn't completely save the reactor, heroes behind us helped cull the onslaught. Blue and his crew went on days later and saved the reactor from explosion while I was away. They went on teaming for a few days but I stayed in Independence Port because rumor had it the Raiders were planning a second assault. True enough they did and then I met BrainPain. Again we failed to completely stop the raid, but after we were sent to the hospital and revived the two of us talked for hours and found we had alot in common.

So there I was going from virtually no friends to many who then aquainted me with even more. Blue was very connected and introduced me to members of the Becoming, a mystical group of heroes. I met Nekro an energy blaster with some of the more devistating attacks I've seen even today. I then met two people that are still very important to me today: Medistar and Lil Debil. Medi, a quiet fellow and a bit shy showed to become a great empath and more importantly a loyal teammate. I teamed with him all the way to Security Level 50. He is someone I can trust. Lil Debil is the type of teammate that makes fighting crime almost enjoyable. Not only is she this little ball of energy but she can, when provoked, talk a blue streak with the best of sailors. They soon combined and formed a great super group known as Dark Justice. They of course offered me a spot but I declined due to my promise to Nicole. They had super group stuff to do alot so my teaming with them was sporadic for a few levels. I spent about the next 6 levels teaming mostly with BrainPain. For two "squishies" we made one hell of a team. The two of us put quite a hurting on the Circle of Thorns and especially the Devouring Earth. Occasionally this lower level blaster would tag along and side kick with Brain. His name was Tetsujin Kaga to this day one of my most trusted collegues. We teamed together in Brickstown and Founders Falls for months. About this time the Neo Nazi group the 5th Column was taken over by the fascist Council. And that was many days spent cleaning the streets of their infighting. At the same time the Winter Lord (Frosty on steroids) wreaked havoc across Paragon. We were busy and we were becoming great heroes. Then something strange happened to Brain. She became distant and began soloing. After level 34 I pretty much didn't see her again. Tet and I mished as much as we could but he was of lower security clearance and some problems were off limits to him. I then reconnected with Lil Debil and this crazy reformed Troll, Sam Stonehands. We fought the Winter Lord and his minions for what seemed weeks. We then turned out attention to the Rikti (alien invader) in Founders Falls and Crey's Folley. The three of us teamed regularly until one day Sam disappeared never to be seen again . Later I met his long lost twin sister ,Suzanne Stonehands. Apparently they were separated at birth and she was shipped off to an alternate dimension known as the Pinnacle Shard where she too reformed and fought under the name Suzi Fusion. She had no sooner come to this dimension and discovererd she had a brother when he vanished. Ever since she has been angry and fought blindly any evil forces in Paragon.

I became distracted with work at the University and watched as alot of my friends went on to more challenging tasks. Blue Lucifer, Illyria and Nekro all leveled up to 50 while I was stuck in my late thirties. I then learned that BrainPain too had gone missing. She had reached Security Level 50, she the top of her profession and was about to retire. Her husband killed her in her sleep. (I had always heard rumors he resented the time she devoted to hero work.) He was later killed in prison by an inmate Brain had once rescued from the Family mafia organization.

That left me and Lil Debil and she too had responsibilities outside of hero work. So once again I spent the next few levels mostly alone. Although I did enjoy the occasional team with Lil, Tet and Medi. Then at Level 41 I met a smart mouthed scrapper called Ronin Popiel. We were trying to do a task for the Woodsman in the environmental wasteland called Eden. True to form a great friendship came from a tragic failure. We started teaming together where he introduced me to Tellania, a extradimensional being that would prove to be the greatest tanker I would ever worked with. As I teamed with them and became even more powerful Lil returned to hero work again and took up with a great Katana scrapper, Hoard of Souls. We all soon began teaming with each other almost daily and little by little we all approached our late 40's. Lil then disappeared, not to be heard from for sometime. I hoped she hadn't met the same fate as some of my other close friends.

Ronin soon left angry with the politics of Paragon and became caught up in a controversial theory that some godlike entities known as the Developers were altering hero's powers. (As a side note: I did not start offbelieving this theory but lately am beginning to wonder) Tellania introduced me to what turned out to be a friend of Suzanne Stonehands (now known as the Troll Princess). Her name was Onceti May, a weather controlling mentalist with some powers similar to my own. We took her under our wings and showed her the world of crime fighting.

My late 40s were the best time I spent in Paragon fighting evil. Hoard was well connected and a natural leader, always able to throw together a team of heroes. Tellania was invulnerable and had super strength but was also very intelligent and knowledgable in all aspects of hero work, especially extradimensional worlds. Medistar was the consumate healer always there to save a teammate from possible death. Tetsujin was a powerful blaster with keen abilities in stealth and bombs. And our little Onceti May proved to be a quick learner and while she started off almost 20 levels behind us she quickly became quite powerful and by the end of the summer we were all level 50 heroes looking towards our futures in or out of hero work.

Then I ended up in a bunker with almost no powers and no memory of how it happened. These were the only people I could trust.

Part 4.1: Who do you trust?.....who can you trust? (My early days)

I received the official notice from CHII the next morning from Azuria personally. I had relocated to one of our family apartments in Steel Canyon not far from my old place. It was once used to house any family guests in town and hadn't been occupied in years. Festus McDonough, a third generation butler of our family and house steward at Pemiscot Hall, my family's four story penthouse in Founder's Falls, had some furniture and linens delivered from storage. As he always does he asked politely for me to move back to the Hall but as always I politely said, "Not yet Festus, I'm not ready." And he politely said it was there ready for me when I was.

I read the report when I was finally alone and was not too surprised by the decision. Having fought more Preatorians than I care to count, I was a big supporter of the Laws reguarding such issues. I had been in denial. My powers were somehow weakened....maybe disappearing. No one had answers and for the first time in my hero life I was scared. Oh and also annoyed. It seemed the council felt it important for me to seak therapy and they "highly recommended" that hack shrink Haverschmidt. Not a chance in hell.

A courier later brought me my med porter and comm unit discretely wrapped in brown paper. Nothing is worse than losing a comm unit and then having to input all your contacts back into it. Heroes are known for strange spellings of their aliases. Heck look at mine. That is its own strange story.

I had to find the keys to this mystery and I was beginning to feel the city had bigger problems. This is something I had to do myself, but I would need help and who could I trust? That is a more complicated question than it seems.

Its hard to trust others as a hero. One of the first intangible rules you learn as a hero is to put a barrier up when it comes to other heroes. The vocation of justice has its pitfalls. People get hurt and some unfortunately die in the line of duty. Some go mad with power and turn to the other side. And others just disappear. You build strong bonds with people you fight with. Warriors for ages have felt the brotherhood of war. While the bond is strong it is also delicate for one minute a friend is there then the next they are merely memory. It hurts everytime....first.....third.....thirtieth. It seems to happen every ten levels...don't ask me why.

It made me think of my early days in Paragon City as a hero. I didn't know anyone so I hit the streets alone; not easy for a defender of any level I might add. I gradually made friends and joined a Supergroup known as the Minutemen. We were a small group but grew tight. We fought into our mid teens but quickly members started to leave for other pursuits. Troy Saint, a very nice person, and powerful robotic scrapper left first: disappeared without a trace after a night of fighting the Circle of Thorns in Perez Park. Next to leave was Jennifer Govern, my first steady sidekick who I showed around Paragon, taught to use flight and fought bravely with especially in Skyway City. Lastly as numbers began dwindling the membership started to leave for other supergroups or other cities that needed help, the founder of the group Nicole Summers left of all things to pursue a career in music. (Gave up hero work to be a rockstar of all things.) I was left with leadership in the Minutemen but knew the group was done. Nicole promised she'd be back if the rock thing didn't work out and asked me to keep an eye on the team. I made a promise I would. For that reason I never left the Minutemen even though I had several tempting offers from some powerful supergroups.

So there I was a level 17 hero with noone left to team with and to be honest I was a little bitter over being left behind. I spent the next ten levels figuring out my place in random teams. This to some is a dangerous option considering some heroes can be irresponsible with their powers. But what was I to do? I wanted to make a difference and I had given up so much to pursue the life of crime fighting. I took on missions from many contacts throughout the city and even did work for some of the Freedom Phalanx: Positron ( a real taskmaster), Synapse (as quick a talker as he is a sprinter) and Sister Psyche (a former teacher of mine as a teenage). I really focused on my powers and defending other heroes during this time but didn't really establish any true friendships until the day the Skyraiders invaded Terra Volta. It was then I made some contacts that have lasted until today. And I needed some of their help. But who could I trust? Who can you really trust?

Summary Report from C.H.I.I. (continued page 3)

The following is a summary report from the Council for Heropower Inquiries and investigations held September 5, 2005 Paragon City Hall. All members and adjuncts present. Subject:Mental Maden/Mental Maden2 Topic:Loss of powers, theft of property (civilian and governmental), possible victim of kidnapping, possible victim of assault with intent to steal, diminish, or alter superpowers. Chair- Brighid Moriera Vice Chair- Professor Hoffman.The following will be excerpts from the various committee findings based on all testing, interviews and cursory investigation.


Magic/Metaphysics (Azuria)- I thank the council, as always, for allowing a representative of the arcane sciences to sit on this board. I sing the glory of the union of our disciplines and I am humbled by the knowledge of my colleagues gathered forth. Some may see science and magic as opposing forces but I see them as cosmic twin seamstresses sewing the fabric of the universe. Where science is seeking the one known provable truth magic seeks all the various possibilities. Where one sees one answer the other asks more questions.

With that said let me express my sympathy for the subject of our gathering. While a member of the scientific community, Mental Maden has been a true friend to the mystical. She has on numerous occasions come to the aid of MAGI with due diligence. I will do all in my power to help her on her most unfortunate journey.

After many tests and much meditation I submit the following findings for your consideration. There seems to be no signs of possession or control from a demonic, godly or unliving source. Likewise the subject seems to not be under mind control or hypnosis. She has no signs of hexes or potions. No ruin markings have been placed on her person. There is no smell of brimstone, ozone or spices on her.

I throw caution to the council on some significant findings. Her inner aura while still quite strong emits a pulsing white light as opposing to the previous green. This is an indication of the change in her fields. It does appear larger and stronger. Her middle layer is actually two colors. This troubles me. The two colors are equally represented and circle her in right to left patterns. While one color is a healthy yellow the second is a dark murky red. Troubling, very troubling. Her outer aura is also a deep purple with green electrical pulses. Also very troubling. It seems this poor soul has much trauma to her psyche. So much so that she can emit fear to others. Off the scale fear. If harnessed it could make her very powerful. Even dangerous. I touched lightly and cautiously on this and will say I have never in my life been as afraid. And I have faced a Veinilitous Demon. Now before anyone gets ideas, she was unaware of what she was doing and I believe she doesn't yet know she has these powers. She will discover them over time and I worry for those who feel them.

After tarot reading and seance, I could sense a bird spirit following her. This is good my friends. Very good. Bird spirits are very powerful protectors. I feel she is in for greatness. I yield to the laws of Paragon and suggest she keep her temporary name but by all means please follow up the investigation and let her follow this path in life. It could prove wonderful. May the power of Atlas be with you all.

C.H.I.I. ruling and conclusion (Chair- Ms. Moriera)- It is this councils ruling that Mental Maden can not be authenticated at this point and the subject must now call herself Mental Maden2 until her identity can be verified. We will request Longbow agents to retrieve the hero DNA and I implore all involved to find her vitals so we can ID her.

It is also this council's ruling that she be given Security access to Paragon City to pursue her Hero work. She will be allowed to train and gain higher access where appropriate. We wish her the safest of journeys through life and we will do all in our power to help her. I implore though to the city to add more police on this case as we still don't know exactly what has happened here. If she is merely the beginning of some "hero epidemic" think of the destruction it could have on the peace of our beautiful city. We all could be affected by this and think of our suffering if heroes start losing their powers.

Personally I wish her the best of luck and pray for Paragon City.

Summary Report from C.H.I.I. (continued page 2)

The following is a summary report from the Council for Heropower Inquiries and Investigations.Meeting held September 5, 2005 Paragon City Hall. All members and adjuncts present. Subject:Mental Maden/Mental Maden2 Topic:Loss of powers, theft of property (civilian and governmental), possible victim of kidnapping, possible victim of assault with intent to steal, diminish, or alter superpowers. Chair- Brighid Moriera Vice Chair- Professor Hoffman.

The following will be excerpts from the various committee findings based on all testing, interviews and cursory investigation.

Medical [advisory] (Dr. Francisco)-Patient presents as a 26 year old white female with history of extra human powers. Patient complains of black out episode and amnesia from approximately August 27 to September 1. Patient has a history of Glioblastoma Multiform at age 8. The tumor started in the patients limbic system spreading through the right hemisphere to the right Broadmans region in what appeared to be a perfect isosceles triangular plane just 1 to 3 cell layers thick. The tumor was treated with large doses of radiation and gamma knife therapy. Treatment decreased cell population then lead to coagulation necrosis with fibrinoid degeneration of vascular walls, leaving nothing but what we will call the scar mass. After 4 months of intense therapy the treatment was successful and the cancer has since been in remission. Almost immediately after her last round of radiation it was discovered she had "special talents".

I have seen the patient once a year since then with no recurrence or change in her condition. On September 1 the patient came to me with concerns of loss of said powers and more importantly the black out with memory loss. After bloodwork it was determined that her white cell count was within the norm and other bloodwork showed no signs of malignancy. I ordered MRI, CAT scan, and X-ray imaging to be safe. After viewing the images it appeared that the scar mass was now in the left portion of the brain. Again a triangular scar mass but this time going from the left basal ganglia to the left hemisphere then to the Broadman's region.

This my respected colleagues is medically impossible. I had each machine taken apart, then reassembled by experts from their respective companies. I re-imaged the patient and had the same results. There is no known medical explanation for this. I have searched every database known to medical science and have found not one case even remotely similar. Moving a tumor scar that big would mean certain death.

I have known her since childhood; and while I talk to her I still see that strong little girl. What grace and strength she showed all of those who treated her. She touched my life and seeing her grow into one of the cities most respected heroes has been most gratifying. But considering that you cannot verify her identity I dare not say it is the same person. I know in my heart it is the same little girl, but as a man of science I cannot rule out something sinister in the works. I think it would be unwise to let her patrol the city in any capacity until you know more or verify her identity. With that I leave you with a heavy heart. JLM Fransisco M.D.

Science-Mutations and DNA (Dr. Meredith Decanale)- DNA and blood tests show no known mutagens or DNA sequences that could cause a known mutation. Now given that mutation science is so new and only a handful of people in the world even understand it, we could very well have a new sequence that has yet to be identified. The problem is we have no baseline sample of the subject. When ordered the sample showed to have been in a crate stolen from an armored car robbery by Vahzilok gang members three months ago while being transferred to our new storage facility. The crate has since not been recovered. The samples are not labeled and there is no reason to believe they didn't think they were stealing money or other valuables. I would guess they probably threw it out when they saw what they had. If Dr. Vahzilok discovers what he has I pray for the city. Look at what Crey has done with the Paragon Protectors. I feel this crate should be a priority considering recent events.

With regards to the current subject at hand. She should not be on patrol, given any clearance, and should be under constant guard. The police department should find and retrieve the sample and when her identity is verified then reinstate her as a hero. Thank you.

Psychology (Dr. Wainwright J. Haverschmidt)- The subject presents with a myriad of early and late childhood traumas that would leave most people dramatically unstable, or at the least damaged. Given those factors and the fact she has, in adulthood, chosen a path ripe with psychological trauma (note- 60% of all heroes suffer from one or more psychological disorders), it amazes me how balanced and strong she appears. Childhood cancer, early death for not one but both parents, it amazes me she is in as good a shape as she is.

The fact that she has never had therapy, claims to have had a "good upbringing considering", has not had a sustained romantic relationship in several years, and turned down her placement at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, concerns me greatly. Although my session was too brief to diagnose pathology I would be concerned that she is repressing stress, anger and fear. This all could be her bodies way of shutting down the stress and trauma in her life. I feel she needs intense therapy, which I would gladly provide for the city. My professional opinion is it best for her not to return to hero work, until I can assess her mental state more thoroughly. Dr. W. J. Haverschmidt.

more to come...

Summary Report from C.H.I.I.

The following is a summary report from the Council for Heropower Inquiries and Investigations.

Meeting held September 5, 2005 Paragon City Hall. All members and adjuncts present. Subject:Mental Maden/Mental Maden2 Topic:Loss of powers, theft of property (civilian and governmental), possible victim of kidnapping, possible victim of assault with intent to steal, diminish, or alter superpowers. Chair- Brighid Moriera Vice Chair- Professor Hoffman

The following will be excerpts from the various committee findings based on all testing, interviews and cursory investigation.

Training and Security Levels (Prof. Hoffman): Subject was admitted into "Outbreak" area where our group assists entry level heroes with initial power training and security clearance. Mental Maden, prior to Aug. 31, 2005 was a level 50 forcefield/psionic blast defender with excellent field medical skills (she was licensed in Crey Med-pac usage), high skills in leadership, fitness and flight. Toward the latter part of her training she started to develop more control type powers as indicated by an ability to use telekinesis and cause mass hypnosis. After evaluation at the Outbreak base it was determined that she in fact had not had a total loss of powers. She did exhibit some mind control/telekinetic abilities and her protective powers seem to have shifted from a force field/defense orientation to an acoustic/resistant form. I trained and evaluated her while in our territory and determined her powers were inline with a level 2 hero. At that point I allowed her access to the city as a Level 2 hero and directed her to Miss Liberty for future training. She had not retained her flight powers and seemed to have forgotten some of the combat maneuvers for which she was so well known. While I have had much interaction with Mental Maden in the past and I am humbled by her service to the city, due to the Praetorian Act, I feel it would be premature to replace her with her title. I do ,though, think she has every right to defend the city and proceed with appropriate security level based on her current powers with the alia Mental Maden2 until this issue is resolved. It is also my opinion that while not scientifically obvious at this time she has merely 1. temporarily lost her powers or 2. they are mutating in some unknown way. I wish her the best of luck in her future endevours as a hero. Good luck to all involved.

Science-Physics and Chemistry (Dr. St. John Smythe)- Subject exhibits powers similar but not equal to the ones documented from her past career. There seems to be no explanation from this board as to where this change comes from. The subject has denied any over exposure to mutagens, radiation or other pathogens outside normal hero work and there is no emperical evidence she has such exposure. She has not been to the Terra Volta reactor in months. No rogue Crey operatives have attacked. Her Rikti interaction has been minimal. While there is no hard line evidence to any physics or chemistry related cause, one must reflect on the fact that as a high level hero, she does have much exposure to portal and extradimensional activity. Many theories have been made on portal usage, some of which by me and the late Dr. Jack Cambridge that extradimensional travel may cause physiological or physchological side effects or dimensional rifts. These are just theories but cannot be ruled out at this time. We also cannot ignore the fact she was apparantly assaulted and left in a yet uncharted bunker. Everyone on this board knows my connection to Mental Maden and I realize some question my objectivity. In doing so I will recuse myself from voting but will advise this with the strongest of convictions. She is still the same person. I know this like I know my own daughter. But I do not think it best to restore her security level not out of fear for the citizens but out of concern for her safety. She is a determined young woman bound to solve this case and exposure to high level threats could cost her her life. It is my opinion that the matter of her powers is undetermined and investigation should continue for public and private safety. I think she should be granted security clearance equivalent to her powers and bound by the Praetorian Act her alias changed to Mental Maden2 until such time her identity can be scientically verified. Respectfully, Dr. St. John Smythe.

Paragon SWAT CSI [adjunct commitee- advisory only](Cpt. Miller)- Subject was interviewed and crime scene investigations in the area of alleged bunker in Steel Canyon and at subjects private home at the address {censored for public viewing}. At this time subject exhibits no physical signs of attack. No contusions, abrasion, lacerations or needle marks Said bunker cannot be found. Units are still looking. Due to subjects alleged disorientation after the incident she does not have specific information on the location of the bunker. While subjects domicile is empty there is no trace evidence of any kind. No fingerprints, no signs of forced entry, the security alarm shows no activity for three days, and subject cannot remember her location for that time period. At this point there are no leads but the case will remain open. Detective Frank Donnelly will oversee the case and check in with the subject and this council when appropriate. It is my opinion that the subject was performing her duties as a hero, solo, and was injured causing anmesia and she has merely "forgotten" her powers. I personally do not put much merit into any type of conspiracy. The issue of her alleged burglary is still unexplainable and will be vigorously investigated. There is alot of crime in Paragon City now and we are hearing of threats from the Rogue Isles; I ask that the council not request too much Paragon Police manpower at this time. One officer seems more than enough. Thank you.

More to come....

Part 3: An X-ray and an apartment

Dr. Fransisco explained that there was no reason to believe the scans were accurate. In his thirty-five years of oncology and radiology he had never seen such a phenomenon. My blood count was within the normal limits and he was sure it was a computer malfunction. Another one, I thought. He was personally going to have techs from the manufacturer come in the morning and take it apart and find the reason for the malfunction. After thirty more minutes of reassuring he told me to go home and get some rest. He asked if I wanted his receptionist to call a car service for me but I needed more protection than a driver. I thanked him for his time and left the office more confused than I was when I woke up six hours earlier that day.

I called someone I knew I could trust, Tetsujin Kaga. He had been a long time teammate of mine in Paragon City and I knew if I wasn't safe his firepower and stealth would come in handy. As usual he was there within minutes with a friendly hello and a sympathetic ear. He came in his civilian clothes and picked me up at the hospital. I told him what I knew or for that matter what I didn't know and he reassured me his protection and secrecy. Whatever or whoever was behind this is powerful and the fewer people that knew of it the better.

Our first stop was a department store where he went and bought me some regular clothes. I then changed at the Orion Labs in Steel Canyon. I was a frequent costumer there and after some small talk with the owner, Mr. Phillips, I went back to Tet's car parked outside. He took me to my Blyde Square high rise and waited in the lobby while I went to the super's office. "What can I do for you Ms. Cambridge?" he asked.

"I seemed to have misplaced my keycard Ari..."

"Oh, no problem maam. Let me make a new one for you." he said already placing a blank card into his computer. "How's your day been?"

"Oh, fine, just fine." I lied, then thanked him as he handed me the new key.

We waited for an empty elevator and pushed the button for the 23rd floor. The ride up was quiet. He looked at me and told me not to worry.

I jumped as the elevator stopped and the bell sounded. I held my breath, stepped out and turned left toward my home. He walked behind me and I heard him readying one of his devices. I turned and he was gone. I gasped.

Laughing he said, "Cloaking device.....remember."

"oh....forgot," I blushed. I inserted the card and opened the door. Empty. Gone. Everything. Even the new paint and wallpaper I had just put up a month earlier. The apartment was as empty as the day I had bought it. I felt Tetsujin Kaga pass by me and heard him as he checked every room.

"Its all empty....every room. Whats happenening?" he asked.

"I have no idea...What do I do now?" Everything I had was gone.

"You're staying at our house tonight....I'll call ahead and let the wife know. We''ll send some detectives out tomorrow after you've had a good nights sleep. You look beat."

I was.

Part 2: Identity Crisis.....

The cabbie dropped me off under the Atlas statue in front of city hall. I'm always impressed with the feelings I had as a new hero. I ran past a group of young heroes training with Miss Liberty.

"Hey Liberty."
"Hello, Maden, like the new uni!" she exclaimed. I looked down puzzled. I hadn't even noticed. This wasn't my costume. It looked like it, but it wasn't the same.
"Uh, thanks." I said.

I ran into city hall and went straight to the city rep, Brighid Moriera. "Hey Mental, nice outfit, what is that vintage?"
"Uh, not sure. Look Brighid, I have a problem. It seems I've been robbed. My ID, communicator, eveything....stolen." I said breathing heavily.
"Oh goodness, not a problem, just go see Klauss, he'll set you up.

Klauss Strepp had been the Hero Registrar for as long as anyone could remember. His main job is to collect all hero information for the city. Now days he mainly works with super groups and their information but in the case of a forgetful hero he could get them the proper credentials to get back out and fight crime.

"Ha ha, no problem Maden, I'll just need some civilian ID and I'll get your security card."
"Stolen, too."
"From you....really? I'd like to see the moron who did that."
"Yeah, me too."
"Not a problem, we'll just need to get a retinal scan to verify. You know security reasons. After the Praetorians started showing up we can't be too sure."
"I understand, Klauss." The Praetorians were extradimensional twins of heros from Paragon...only not the nice kind of twins. Ever since they showed up the city won't allow sight unseen clearance. He pointed what looked like a grocery store check out wand at my eyes. It beeped and he looked confused at the display.
"Hmmm, says here no matching file. Damn thing on the fritz again....Look I'll give you a minimum security badge until then...Until we can get the confounded thing working again."
"Come on Klauss, you know its me." I begged.
"Sorry Maden, you've fought em. You know how dangerous it would be if a Praetorian had level 50 clearance....Rules are rules."
I knew he was right and reluctantly took the level 1 pass. I looked down and to my horror it read Mental Maden2. He saw my reaction and was quick to retort.
"Can't use the same name. You know that. I'm sorry kid. These rules come straight from the Mayor and the Freedom Phalanx."
"I know. I know." then it occured to me. "Hey what's this I hear about Salamanca back online with the Green." (the GreenLine train went to some of Paragons higher security leveled neighborhoods)
"Oh yeah, just online today. Weird place. Lots of magic stuff going on there."

It was an idea but maybe that had something to do with my state; missing powers is usually a magical phenomenon. I headed straight to the MAGI offices to see Azuria.

"Greetings Mental Maden. What do I owe the pleasure?" she asked in her pleasant accent. I explained to her that my powers "Weren't right"; I didn't want to give too much information. That could cause serious access problems even when the computers were fixed. She explained that it was very doubtful that anything from Salamanca could have affected me but she'd be happy to look into it for me. Unfortunately they were short staffed and it would be a few days. I thanked her and went straight to the one person in the city government I could trust, Dr. St John Smythe, head of the department overseeing science related heroes. I've known him for years. He was my fathers best friend, my best friends dad, my mentor in hero training, and the man who took me in after my dad disappeared. Holding back tears, I asked to speak to him in private.

I explained in great detail what had happened, the blackout, the flight issues, the missing equipment and ID. I told him I'd seen Azuria and she was unsure of the cause. In his gentle way he hugged me and told me not to worry. He sat down at his desk and stared into nothingness for awhile deep in thought. He looked at me and asked the one thing I did not want to hear, "You don't think it's back do you?"

The words crushed me, but I had thought of it. In fact it was the first thing that came to mind. Not only were my flight powers gone. I was pretty sure they all were. Although its possible I was just having a "hiccup" of my abilities something inside felt different. But what he had asked me went beyond my mental blasts and force fields. What he asked could effect my mortality.

"I'll call Dr. Fransisco and have him see you right away. Mandy," hearing my real name made me calm, "we'll get through this. Don't worry, I'm here." He made a few phone calls and sent me to my childhood oncologist's office. Something was very wrong.

Part 1: A Bunker...

I woke up in a strange bunker somewhere in Steel Canyon three weeks ago. Something strange was happening....I felt different....drained....unsure where I was and for that matter unsure of who I was. I gathered my thoughts and looked at my surroundings. It seemed to be the same type of bunker I'd entered and fought in dozens of times over the past year. 5th Column, the Council, some rogue organization; it could belong to anyone or noone. I tried to remember when and how I came to that place but I honestly couldn't recall. I seemed to be at the entrance and I dared not venture in unaided since I didn't know what had put me in the state to begin with so I opened the door. My retinas screamed as the daylight reflecting from Silver Lake hit me. It was a beautiful day in Steel Canyon...but what day was it? I reached into my belt to look at the clock on my communicator.....Damn! Stolen. My registration: gone. All ID and belongings gone from my belt. Well great, I thought, Knocked out and mugged. Some superhero.
After my eyes adjusted and my head cleared more I started into my typical preflight jog. I hopped, tucked in my legs, stretched my arms, and faceplanted into a bed of lush green summer grass. It tasted like humiliation. I stood up and looked around to make sure no civilians and especially no other heroes saw this embarassment. Good noone around. I made a second approach and this time landed in a row of hedges in front of a park bench. Oh no...not good. No communicator. No ID. No flight. I have to see the city reps in Atlas and get new ID and stop by SERAPH and pick up a new communicator.
I hailed a cab and headed for Atlas Park, realizing about halfway there I had no cash and cabbies don't care much for influence. I explained to the nice man that I was a hero and had misplaced my ID, money, etc. He laughed and mumbled what I think sounded like "Noob" I would normally take exception to a civilian calling my something so vile, but it was already starting to be a very bad day.
"Could you just tell me the day and time?"
"11:39 a.m. August 31," he said with a certain glee in his voice. "Got the Green going to that Salamander place again." I ignored him. Something was very wrong.