Down with the Queen

by Benjamin Medrano

  “That seems reasonable to me,” Rachel agreed, glancing over at Gina. “What do you think?”

  “I’ll at least have come to a decision by then,” Gina replied, shrugging slightly. “Sorry I can’t guarantee it, but I’m not going to decide without a lot of thought.”

  “I can deal with that. As soon as you do decide, would you please let me know?” Ocean Spirit asked, turning back to them and giving them a wry look. “Scheduling has been hell lately, if I’m being honest.”

  “I will, I promise,” Gina said, glancing at Rachel and asking. “Shall we? I’m curious what Lilith’s been getting up to.”

  “Probably a good idea. Hopefully she didn’t get abducted. Wouldn’t that be a lovely thing to have happen, each of us in danger in three days?” Rachel murmured, getting up.

  “If they did, I’m going to have to hurt someone. Badly. This has not been a fun week,” Galvanic Action replied unhappily.

  Rachel laughed, nodding to both Galvanic Action and Ocean Spirit before taking her leave, her pace quickening as they headed for the garage.

  Lilith’s Condo, San Francisco

  As she stepped into the condo, Lilith closed the door behind her and listened as the phone clicked over to an open line before speaking. “Circe, have you received the file containing the summary of my powers that Ms. Gambry sent me?”

  “Yes, Mistress Lilith,” Circe replied promptly, the AI’s voice brisk.

  “Good. What do you believe the odds of its accuracy are, on the whole?” Lilith asked, slipping off her shoes and plopping onto the nearest chair, taking a moment to stretch her feet. She wanted to take a shower, considering the sheer amount of exercise she’d been forced to undergo, but she was going to wait until after speaking with Circe, or possibly a bit longer. She hadn’t decided yet.

  “Considering the information that Mistress Amber uncovered about Insight, it’s extremely likely that she has discovered the essentials of your abilities. However, the physical analysis is likely somewhat incorrect at present,” Circe replied, pausing for a long moment before continuing. “Her belief that you underwent a second stage awakening is extremely likely, according to my own analysis.”

  “Interesting… but why do you say that the physical analysis might be incorrect?” Lilith asked, getting up and heading down the hallway to her right.

  “You have been neglecting physical training since arriving in San Francisco, Mistress Lilith. Your physical abilities have almost certainly atrophied to a certain extent during that period. Furthermore, while you were created in an extremely fit state and pushed yourself hard in training, it is extremely unlikely that you reached the limit of your potential during that time,” Circe explained. “Thus my interpretation of her analysis.”

  “Fair enough,” Lilith murmured, opening one of the walk-in closets and looking around it. The closet looked normal enough, but it was her safe room, just in case of danger. Since Gina and Rachel would be associating with her, and with the danger that having heroines in her home entailed, she thought she’d best check on it, so she added, “Circe, how are diagnostics for the safe room?”

  “All equipment is in nominal condition, and the structural integrity is fully intact,” Circe said, pausing a moment before asking, “Mistress Lilith, do you believe you’re in danger?”

  “Not yet, Circe. I need to register Gina Fairmont and Rachel Moore as guests of mine, as well as their alter egos, Warden and Morgan Le Fay,” Lilith replied, closing the closet again. “I trust them, and in an emergency, we may need to use the fail-safes that Amber left in place.”

  “Mistress Lilith, the two heroines named are considered class A superheroines and are registered as distinct threats. I’m able to register them as your guests, but please be aware that, should they be brought into a base, information will be heavily restricted,” Circe quickly warned. “The Mistress would be extremely hesitant to allow them anywhere near her installations while at full strength.”

  “I’m well aware that Amber wouldn’t be happy with this, Circe. I also don’t care what she’d think. I trust them and am willing to share what safety I can with Gina and Rachel if we’re attacked,” Lilith told the AI, suppressing a sigh. “That being said… from things that I’ve heard, Blue Impulse was working for someone else in the area I’m in, along with Megawatt and possibly Ebon Dragon. Do you have any idea who their employer is?”

  “Not at present. No data on the indicated villains has been intercepted recently,” Circe said, seeming to consider for a moment before asking. “Do you wish for me to investigate, Mistress Lilith?”

  “Please do so. I’m disturbed as both this… unknown individual or group has been causing severe complications in the area at the same time as Omega Code and Black Harbinger,” Lilith replied, pacing back down the hallway. “What about them? Is there any information you can give me about their activities?”

  “Aside from Black Harbinger’s recent defeat, which you appear to have been present for, there is minimal information on Omega Code. He’s on the Mistress’s ‘kill list’ of individuals too dangerous to allow to escape, but she’s been unable to execute him yet,” Circe replied promptly. “However, his attempt to acquire an energy condenser appears to indicate that he’s attempting to build another superweapon to destroy the planet. You will be notified if any further information regarding his activities are discovered.”

  “Excellent. Is there anything else you wish to tell me about?” Lilith asked.

  “No, Mistress Lilith. All systems are nominal and the various installations are operating normally,” Circe replied.

  “I’m glad to hear that. Goodbye, Circe,” Lilith murmured and hung up, pausing for a moment as she looked around her home. It was a nice enough place, just too large for a single person or even a dozen people. Still, some furniture should be delivered the next day, so she’d best get things cleaned up. The vacuum bots wouldn’t be able to do most of it so Lilith sighed and headed to the closet to get a pair of work gloves.

  At least the room wouldn’t be too dusty, since the small bots cleaned it regularly. After she was done, she could take the shower she wanted. Hopefully she’d finish before Gina and Rachel got back, too.

  Chapter 4

  Saturday, December 21st, 2030

  Downtown, San Francisco

  Blooming Orchid’s jian shimmered with pink light that extended along the length of the blade and beyond. The effect nearly doubled the sword’s length and made it incredibly sharp. With a single stroke, she cut straight through the pistol the man was holding, and an instant later her blade cut through the van’s tire and wheel with a loud explosion of escaping air and screeching metal. What she could see of the man’s face through the ski mask paled as Blooming Orchid smiled, her sword already back at his throat.

  “Do you and your friends want to keep resisting, or would you rather come along quietly?” the heroine asked pleasantly, looking the man in the eyes.

  The man glanced down at the stump of the pistol he was holding and audibly gulped before dropping it, muttering. “Holy shit! Err… guys… don’t do anything, please?”

  Blooming Orchid’s smile widened at his response, seeing the other robbers freeze in place, including the driver of the van. Since they weren’t doing anything, she subvocalized, “Crimson, the robbers just surrendered. How close are the police?”

  “Um, looks like they’re a couple of minutes out at most,” Crimson Bull replied, the man’s voice obviously uncomfortable. “Dammit, I wish I was out there to help. I’m not hurt that badly!”

  “You took two shots from Black Harbinger’s cannon and a single solid blow from his sword. That blade is nasty, and you know it can cause problems. You’re not allowed on patrol until it’s healed,” Blooming Orchid told him firmly, her smile fading slightly as she spoke to the men, now hearing the approaching sirens. “Relax. I won’t hurt you if you don’t resist, and the police are about here.”

  “Fine, fine… I’m still not happy about it,” Crim
son Bull groused.

  “Dammit,” the driver muttered, slumping forward. “Told you guys this was a bad idea.”

  “Shut up!” one of the others hissed, amusing Blooming Orchid a little. It wasn’t as if the man had been saying anything important.

  The police arrived only a few moments later and Blooming Orchid relaxed slightly, smiling at the man as she pulled her sword away from his neck. She allowed the shimmering extension to the blade to fade away before sheathing her sword, speaking pleasantly. “There they are. Now, either you go quietly, or I get upset with you.”

  “Fine, fine… ugh, all this over a bunch of jewelry,” the man muttered forlornly as the cops rushed forward.

  Stepping back to let the police handle things, Blooming Orchid spoke to Crimson Bull. “The police arrived. I’ll make sure that everything is taken care of, then get on with my patrol.”

  “Alright, sounds good. I’m not seeing anything too nasty going on right now, but that could always change,” Crimson Bull replied, not seeming quite as upset as he had been. “Was it an interesting fight, at least?”

  “Not really. A bunch of guys trying to rob a jewelry store, who I caught up with just before they finished loading the van. When I sliced one wheel and a guy’s gun in half, they surrendered,” Blooming Orchid explained, then turned to talk to the officer who approached her. “Hello, officer. How may I help you?”

  “It’s nice to see you again, Blooming Orchid. As for that, just the usual; I need your statement on what occurred,” the man replied with a ready smile, a notepad out and ready.

  “Of course,” Blooming Orchid replied, and began her explanation again, though in considerably more detail this time around. While explaining things, the police escorted the morose robbers away.

  “Alright, looks like that’s everything we need. Thank you for your help, and I hope you keep up the good work. I far prefer these small problems to psychos like Pyroclasm,” the officer said, closing the notebook.

  “You and me both,” Blooming Orchid agreed vehemently, shaking her head. “I hope your day is a bit calmer after this, and that you have a good holiday.”

  “And you as well!” the man agreed. “I… oh, may I help you ma’am?”

  Following his gaze, Blooming Orchid saw that a blonde-haired woman in a nice, dark blue pantsuit was waiting patiently nearby. The woman was wearing several pieces of expensive jewelry, along with a nametag with the name Mary M. on it. Considering it said that she was the general manager of the store which had just been robbed, she could understand why the woman wished to speak with the police, so she nodded and said, “I’d best get back to my patrol. I hope each of you have a good rest of the day.”

  “Ah, actually, I wanted to speak with you, Orchid!” the woman said hurriedly, causing the heroine to pause, surprised by the woman’s flustered tone.

  “Oh? Why might that be?” Blooming Orchid asked, tilting her head curiously. “I really do need to get back to work.”

  “I wanted to thank you for stopping those thugs from getting away with the robbery. I also contacted the owner and got authorization to give you a piece of jewelry as a gift,” Mary quickly explained, smiling as she pulled out a jewelry box and opened it. Inside the box was a thin gold chain, and an exquisitely crafted gold pendant of an orchid hung from the chain, the inner petals lacquered with a purple enamel. The woman continued quickly. “I know it isn’t pink, but it was so close that I thought it’d be perfect for you.”

  “That’s…” Blooming Orchid blinked, slightly taken aback by the offer, but flattered as well. “It’s beautiful, of course, but I can’t take that. It’s far too expensive for you to simply give away!”

  “The owner agreed with me, so it’s not a problem to give it to you. Besides, you saved us from losing so much more than this. It’s just… I think it’d be wonderful for you to have it,” Mary insisted, extending the box toward Blooming Orchid.

  “Well, if you insist, I suppose I’ll do so. I’ll make certain to register it as a gift as well,” Blooming Orchid said, somewhat bemused as she took the box and carefully admired the pendant before closing it and slipping it into a pocket. “Thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping them!” the woman replied brightly, and Blooming Orchid laughed, then headed back for her bike to get back to work.

  Unlike Galvanic Action’s or Crimson Bull’s motorcycles, hers was a sleek hoverbike, one which allowed her to move through the streets far more easily than theirs did. The downside was that the power consumption was much higher and that meant her bike had a shorter overall range, but she thought it was worth the advantages. Especially when it allowed her to go over the police cars.

  Ocean Shield HQ, San Francisco

  “Yo, I heard that jewelry store was really thankful that you happened to be in the area,” Black Comet said and Blooming Orchid looked up from parking her bike with a wry smile. The other hero was leaning against the wall near the elevator while grinning at her.

  “Something like that, yes,” Blooming Orchid replied, making certain all the supports were in place before stepping away from the hoverbike. “They gave me a necklace in thanks. I’m sure they’ll manage to turn it into a form of free advertising, but what else is new?”

  “Ha! You’re right there; they always do,” Black Comet replied, chuckling and shaking his head. “So, how’d the rest of the patrol go?”

  “It was pretty much back to normal, thank goodness. A bit chilly, but otherwise… just the sight of me probably scared off several jerks in downtown,” Blooming Orchid explained, walking over to the elevator. “So what’s going on? You look uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, it isn’t anything big, really. I’m not entirely comfortable with Warden shacking up with Lilith, but it isn’t really any of my business, though it adds to my nerves,” Black Comet explained, the African-American shaking his head unhappily. “I’m just wondering about what’s really going on. You heard about Blue Impulse, right?”

  Blooming Orchid’s smile vanished at the villain’s name and she nodded unhappily, pressing the call button a bit harder than she needed to as she spoke icily. “Yes, I did. Dreamer is an evil psychopath. I can kind of understand whoever she’s working for wanting to silence Blue Impulse, but the people working in the hospital didn’t deserve what she did to them.”

  “Yeah. At least most of them will recover… but Blue Impulse won’t be telling us anything anytime soon. She mangled what was left of his mind and left him deep in a coma,” Black Comet agreed, sighing heavily. “That’s what has me the most worried, if I’m being honest. I’ve never heard of Dreamer going out of her way to do something like that before.”

  “Which means there’s a mastermind behind it, agreed. I don’t think she’s working with Destruction Corps… not with their recent attack in Arizona,” Blooming Orchid mused, frowning and stepping into the elevator as it arrived. “I think they almost have to have been working for an inventor of some type, with the targets they’ve hit. The tech seems to be partially biotech, which removes several groups from the list, but that doesn’t narrow things down much. I just hope it isn’t Black Emerald.”

  “I really doubt that. As nasty as she is, Black Emerald seems to have a grudge against Alliance Pharmaceuticals, and none of these groups are associated with them at all,” Black Comet disagreed, pressing the button for the main floor. “Besides, she tends to stick around Paragon City, and doesn’t hire mercs that I’ve heard of. Not many mercs would trust her, anyway.”

  “True. Well, you guys will have to try to figure it out while I’m on vacation, unless we have a breakthrough in the next couple of days,” Blooming Orchid said, shrugging. “I do expect you guys to give me a call if you find the villain, though. I’m not sitting out a raid going after whoever’s been treating our city as a playground.”

  “You, Sky Defender, and Spirit are on the same page, then. Those two are a bit pissed they kept missing the big fights,” the other hero replied, chuckl
ing as the doors opened and he let her exit first, adding, “Personally, I would’ve been delighted to have all of you at the last one. Harbinger and Pyroclasm were nasty and would’ve been even without the mooks.”

  “I believe it. I’m surprised the Karate Brothers survived the fight. It’s going to be weeks before they’re back on the streets again,” Blooming Orchid murmured sadly.

  “Speaking of your vacation, where’re you going?” Black Comet asked curiously, obviously deliberately changing the subject. “Just hanging out in the area or what?”

  “No, I’m planning to go to a nice little resort on Maui that Spirit told me about,” Blooming Orchid replied, smiling broadly. “I’m looking forward to some diving and snorkeling.”

  “Oh, that’d be pretty awesome, yeah!” Black Comet agreed with a grin. “Hawaii is just too far for me to fly to on my own, and I don’t trust planes much.”

  “Well, some of us don’t have the ability to fly so we have to use other methods of travel,” Blooming Orchid retorted, trying to suppress a smile. “You could always take a boat.”

  “That would take way too long for my taste. Anyway, I’d better go out on patrol myself. Have a good one, Orchid,” Black Comet told her, heading down the hall toward the landing pad.

  “You too!” Blooming Orchid told him, grinning as she opened the medical bay. She paused at the sight of Crimson Bull. The big, sandy-haired man looked unhappy. Raising her eyebrows, she asked, “Crimson? What brings you here?”

  “I want you to give me an exam and tell me how long I’m going to be out of action,” Crimson Bull growled. “All this sitting around is driving me mad!”