“No. It’s from Vlad’s Castle,” the tech replied, and Galvanic Action stilled, the blood draining from his face as everyone froze, save for Black Comet, whose feet suddenly fell to the floor as any sign of disinterest vanished from his face.
Dracula had an outsized impact on the world, all out of scale of the size of his country. The first known superhuman, though human was the wrong term, no one had been able to defeat him in combat yet, though it was common knowledge that was at least partially because of his wife, Ivanova. Able to heal virtually any injury in seconds, she turned her husband into a virtually unstoppable juggernaut in battle. Beyond that was his immense knowledge of technology and magic, which led most countries to treat him very carefully. Having him call them directly was somewhat terrifying, on the same order as the entire command staff of Destruction Corps descending on the city at once.
“Answer it,” Ocean Spirit said, any sense of irritation gone from her voice. Hypergizmo nodded, hitting a key and the speaker sprang to life. Ocean Spirit spoke politely. “Sir Dracula, it’s a surprise to hear from you! What can Ocean Shield do for you?”
“Vlad, if you please. I don’t particularly appreciate the title people have given me,” Vlad replied, his voice rich and resonant, but his tone a bit odd. “As for what you can do, I would appreciate it if you would tell me what under the countless stars you thought you were doing today?”
“S-sir?” Ocean Spirit asked, paling slightly.
“Don’t play games with me. Today your team lost two members as you decided to attempt to kill Lilith Carpenter. These facts have already reached across the global media network, and they explain several rather ominous signs I have been tracking,” Vlad said, his voice less pleasant than it had been and his tone flat. “So, what did you think you were doing?”
“If I may, Sir Vlad, I’m the one who bears responsibility for much of this,” Sky Defender spoke up, startling Galvanic Action. “I chose to change plans midway and decided that Shadowmind’s creation was too dangerous to allow to live.”
“What possessed you to make such a decision?” Vlad asked, and for a moment, Galvanic Action wondered if he could actually hear fire in the background. Probably not, but the possibility kept running through his head.
“I learned that Lilith was Shadowmind’s creation, and after the interactions she’d had with Morgan Le Fay and Warden in their mundane and hero identities alike, I grew concerned that she had influenced them. Or worse, I believed that she was Shadowmind herself, and that the one which was captured last year was an artificial decoy, the clone’s modified mind pushed into her old body,” Sky Defender said precisely. “If that was the case, even SuperNet’s analysis of her powers couldn’t be trusted. I was going to subdue her and capture her, but I… I lost my nerve. I’ve encountered Shadowmind before and didn’t dare give her a warning of what was coming. I chose to attack and failed.”
“It’s quite fortunate for you that you did, Sky Defender. I have been watching Lilith carefully,” Vlad replied, and Galvanic Action sat up straight at the information, opening his mouth, but shutting it as the monarch continued. “I sent Allison Gambry to assess Lilith. I know exactly where Shadowmind is, and she is not in her daughter’s body. What you have done is make a complex situation far, far worse. I am not going to tell you what to do, but know that if you continue down the path you’ve already set foot upon, I will not be able to or willing to save you from your own folly. Think carefully.”
His call ended abruptly, and Galvanic Action stared for a moment before speaking, his voice a bit unsteady. “Umm, well, I think that rather settled some of the debate. Damn it.”
“Defender? I believe it did, but you’re the one who was determined to kill Lilith,” Ocean Spirit asked, looking at Sky Defender impassively.
“I… I find his words hard to credit, but it’s Vlad. Dracula himself.” Sky Defender paused, his head tilting forward, and after a few moments he spoke heavily, his voice grudging. “Fine. I will give her the benefit of the doubt for now. I hate to do it, but I can’t imagine him lying to us. But if she’s actually a threat, we have to deal with her.”
“Good enough for now. As it stands we do need to capture her, and neither Morgan nor Warden are going to cooperate. I doubt that either of them will trust us if we claim otherwise, nor will Lilith herself,” Ocean Spirit said, scowling as she looked at the table. “This is going to be difficult. They might just try to go into hiding for a long period.”
“No way. Warden hates hiding,” Crimson Bull said, shaking his head. “She’s gonna try to beat this, somehow. I don’t know how, but I know she will.”
“He’s right. Morgan wouldn’t have done the media campaign she did without reason. She was trying to drum up sympathy, right?” Black Comet said, frowning. “How else can they try to prove that they’re worthy of sympathy?”
“Well, unless they’re planning to get Lilith nearly killed by heroes, and you know several other teams are going to start hunting for her, I’d expect her to try to hunt down the villains we haven’t been able to find,” Galvanic Action suggested, frowning. “Megawatt, Dreamer, and Ebon Dragon, that we know of. They’re going to be tough since Heavy Metal is being stubborn, but if we can find them, we might be able to intercept Morgan and the others.”
“That’s a good point. Plus, Orchid will be back Monday. Since she wasn’t involved, if anyone can talk them down, it’ll be her,” Hypergizmo piped up, looking much happier than he had been before.
“That seems like the best idea. And someone else had best take the lead, too. My actions have been… unfortunate, it appears,” Sky Defender said.
“The important thing is to fix it as best we can,” Ocean Spirit said, taking a deep breath and letting it out. “Besides, how were any of us to know that Vlad was keeping an eye on Lilith?”
“That’s an excellent question,” Galvanic Action agreed, frowning. “And anything that worries him isn’t something that makes me happy.”
At that, everyone in the room grew quiet.
Chapter 18
Saturday, January 5th, 2031
Shadowmind Utah Lair Alpha-Three
“I’m impressed how quickly your leg is recovering, Lilith,” Rachel said, looking a little surprised as she glanced downward. “I was expecting to have to try to heal it myself, but it doesn’t look like that’s necessary.”
“Mm… while many people dislike Amber, I find myself torn for the most part,” Lilith replied, glancing down at her leg, the skin where she’d been burned mostly just pink, rather than the second degree burns that had been present before. “The technology she developed is incredibly advanced, to the point that it’s on the foremost edge of the planet or even a little beyond that. Biology, engineering, material science… it’s an amazing achievement, even if you don’t like the actions she’s performed. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else could heal an injury like mine this quickly, but it’s still an incredible achievement.”
“It is. I’d never realized just how advanced her technology was. Everyone I’ve known has only seen the projects that were more along the lines of engineering, not in a wide variety of fields,” Gina said, eating her cereal and frowning as she lounged at the table. The shirt she was wearing was on the large side, and Lilith didn’t know why she’d stolen one of Lilith’s shirts rather than wearing one which had been made for her. “I have to wonder how she managed it? Every inventor-type I’ve heard of has specialized to some degree, instead of being good at everything like this. Plus, she has potent psychic powers, which is insane.”
“Mistress Amber’s powers did not make her insane. However, they may have been a contributing factor,” Circe interjected, and Lilith tried to hide her smile as Gina scowled at the ceiling.
“I wasn’t saying the powers made her insane! I was saying that her having both sets of powers was insane, as in its horrifying how much power that indicates!” the blonde retorted, waving her spoon at the ceiling in irritation.
“T
hank you for the explanation,” Circe replied, going silent as Lilith laughed quietly.
“It’s interesting to see how you and Circe interact, Gina. She’s quite literal,” Lilith replied, shaking her head. “At least she isn’t locking down the majority of systems while you’re here anymore.”
Gina snorted, digging into her cereal again as Rachel smiled, shaking her head and murmuring. “I’m surprised that you turned out as well as you did growing up here, Lilith. With her limitations, I’d have thought you’d have trouble adapting to everything outside. Still, the facility is surprisingly comfortable.”
“The training programs were extensive and quite thoroughly planned out. That meant that Circe didn’t have to account for many variables, which certainly helped,” Lilith explained, glancing around and adding, “Though you’re right about how comfortable it is. Circe, what did Amber use this facility for?”
“Alpha-Three was designated a non-operation facility and was primarily used to relax and recover, though planning was often carried out here. In many ways, it was also considered one of the more secure facilities due to how carefully it was concealed,” Circe replied promptly. “Once Mistress Amber decided to raise you, she had the facility renovated to be a self-contained environment where you could come to terms with your existence. Does that answer the question?”
“I think it does,” Lilith said, but Rachel looked up with a raised eyebrow.
“Self-contained? Then what about the food and such?” Rachel asked. “Where does that come from?”
“Food is either raised in the hydroponics farm or produced in nutrient vats and then sent through the food processing plant and rendered into forms considered familiar and palatable to guests,” Circe replied calmly. “Resources are renewed as necessary, but in an emergency the supplies within the lair are designed to be able to be recycled and reused indefinitely. Analysis indicates that this estimation is slightly overly optimistic, but that current resources could be stretched to sustain the current inhabitants for up to a century.”
“Interesting as this might be, and it is interesting, shouldn’t we be figuring out what we want to do? As good as it is to know we can hide here until the twenty-second century has rolled around, I do believe I would go mad within a year,” Lilith interjected, noticing that Gina was suddenly giving her bowl of cereal a much more skeptical look. “Last night, it appeared that public opinion was turning at least somewhat more neutral in regard to me, but it still isn’t good.”
“Very true. Circe, can you tell us which heroes are known to be hunting us?” Rachel asked.
“Yes. In addition to Ocean Shield, news and intelligence reports indicate that Vindicator has joined forces with Fulcrum in hunting for you, and a LANCE division arrived in the San Francisco area early this morning,” Circe explained promptly. “Expanding on your request parameters, there has been activity in villain circles as well. Much discussion of Lilith’s genetic structure has erupted on darknet message boards, and a number of villains have declared that since their genetics were used, they have a claim on your existence, Mistress Lilith. SMOKE has announced a fifty-million-dollar reward for your capture if you’re turned over to them, while Destruction Corps has announced a ten-million-dollar reward for your head, with nothing else attached. Both the Atlantean Ascendency and Elements have also expressed interest in your capture.”
“Isn’t that just the best thing I’ve heard today?” Lilith murmured, sitting back in her chair in resignation. “So much for keeping a low profile.”
“I think that was a futile hope the moment that Sky Defender figured out who you were,” Rachel said, frowning. “Gina, what do you think we can do?”
“With both heroes and villains after us… the only way we can show that we are good guys is to try to do it publicly,” Gina said, straightening in her chair, her eyes growing harder. “So we need to take down the bad guys—Destruction Corps or the other jerks hanging around San Francisco—and we have to do it sooner than later.”
“Are you sure?” Lilith asked, frowning slightly. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, I just don’t know… it seems rather dangerous.”
“It is dangerous. Possibly even somewhat foolhardy, but if we want to turn things around for you, we can’t just sit around and wait,” Rachel said, shaking her head firmly. “We have to take the lead here.”
“In that case, Circe? Have you located any of these villain forces?” Lilith asked, slowly growing more certain of herself. The confidence of the other two definitely helped.
“Only one; Imperial Force,” Circe said, then paused and added, “Unfortunately for him, he encountered Crimson Bull approximately ten minutes ago. The battle is presently ongoing.”
The name was unfamiliar and Lilith frowned, trying to place it before glancing at the others. Gina and Rachel both seemed to recognize the name, and neither looked terribly impressed. After a moment Lilith asked. “Who’s Imperial Force? I don’t recognize his name at all.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s a fairly classic brick type, with the usual enhanced strength and toughness,” Rachel replied, shaking her head. “He claims to be descended of an alternate line of inheritance of England’s throne, and that he’s going to reclaim his throne and make England the preeminent power of Earth again.”
“Then what’s he doing in the United States?” Lilith asked, growing even more perplexed at the explanation.
“Staying as far from Great Britain as reasonably possible. He often claims he’s trying to rebuild the nation’s outer territories, but it’s an open secret that one of King Arthur’s knights kicked his ass so soundly the last time he was in England that he’s avoided the country ever since,” Gina said, grinning as she shook her head. “Sure, he’s a class A villain, but, well…”
“Crimson Bull is faster, stronger, and tougher by far,” Rachel said, her own smile malevolent. “Plus, his outfit is a lot more practical than Imperial Force’s. I guarantee you, someone’s going to the SuperMax tomorrow.”
“I see. Well, what about any others, Circe?” Lilith asked helplessly.
“No other villains have been currently located. Movements are presently erratic and intelligence sources are suffering from information overload,” Circe replied, pausing again before adding, “The situation should improve tomorrow, Mistress Lilith. Progress has been made in tracking down Megawatt, but additional details are needed.”
“Fair enough. Which brings up another question,” Lilith said, looking at the others. “What about your suits? You had to abandon your old ones when we came out here.”
“That’s a much better question,” Gina said, scowling. “I’m not terribly happy about that.”
“Exactly, though there is a possible solution,” Rachel agreed, glancing up as she asked, “Circe, could you replicate our suits for us?”
“Your current status does not allow you to requisition such resources. However, yes, I’m capable of replicating the suits you were wearing, approximately. The precise designs are not in my data banks,” Circe replied.
“May I requisition the suits?” Lilith asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Of course, Mistress Lilith. However, it is not advised that you do so,” Circe said.
“Why not?” Gina asked. “I thought that you regarding us as a threat was solved when Lilith adjusted our status!”
“It was. However, the suits that you wore are made of inferior materials, providing much less protection than advanced materials would. Replicating such is considered a poor use of resources,” Circe replied, and continued relentlessly. “Furthermore, the outfit worn by Morgan Le Fay is considered impractical and a hazard to the safety of the wearer, and thus is considered a threat to their life. Mistress Amber believed that such outfits made it far more difficult to ensure that she didn’t accidentally deal excess harm to their wearer.”
“Ow.” Gina winced, shaking her head. “That was… unexpected.”
“Everyone’s a critic. Do you know how hard it is to deal w
ith the backlash if you dare to change your outfit once you have a fan base?” Rachel asked crossly, folding her arms. “Besides, I have to have my jewelry in the open to use my magic!”
“Mistress Amber believed that survival trumped ‘appeasing the masses’,” Circe replied helpfully. “However, your qualifier is noted.”
“If there’s ever a time when you might be able to get away with it, it’s probably now,” Lilith pointed out, shrugging. “Maybe Gina would want to as well?”
“Maybe so,” Gina said, frowning. “We can look at that in a bit, I think. Shouldn’t we talk about Shadow… no, Amber. I don’t much like her, even now, but it’s her name.”
“What do you want to talk about, regarding her?” Lilith asked, frowning. “We discussed her a little yesterday, but there really isn’t any information to work off of.”
“We could warn people that she’s still active!” Gina said, sliding her breakfast aside, and a remote quietly took the dish away. “I think that would help us out by getting some attention off us.”
Lilith’s frown deepened as Rachel shook her head firmly, leaning on the table. “I really don’t think so, Gina. If we tell people about that, it actually might make people think that it’s more likely that Lilith is like Amber is. That would be counterproductive in the extreme at this point. We have to focus on one thing at a time.”
“I think I agree with Rachel. I find myself concerned, but if we’re going to do this, I want to do it right,” Lilith replied, leaning back in her chair and sighing. “I think we need to get the two of you outfits, and one for me as well. That way, once we have an opponent to go after, we can.”
“I guess so,” Gina said reluctantly, sighing and shaking her head. “But yeah, let’s go ahead and figure things out with the suits. I don’t want to be going out in regular clothing, even if Rachel and I have been unmasked.”
Down with the Queen Page 18