Back at the beach, Noah successfully prevented any of the water from breaking through. It took great effort, but Noah was able to return the water to its normal location.
Jason, Jackson and Shayne returned to the beach to join Noah. To their surprise, the four men received a standing ovation from the crowd. Jason, and Shayne smiled modestly while Jackson embraced the attention, waving energetically to the crowd. Jackson loved these kind of moments. Ever since he was a little boy, he wanted to be the center of attention and at that moment he was. Jackson was going to soak in all the attention he could get.
“They want us as long as they need us. The moment they no longer need us is the moment they'll betray us,” Noah stated. He wasn't interested in pandering to the crowd. Noah headed back towards the jet. The way he saw it, Olden was neutralized, therefore the job was done.
“Thanks for protecting us!” a little boy in the crowd shouted. “You're our heroes! You're our protectors!”a second little boy added.
“Protectors? That has a nice little ring to it,” Jackson said with a smile on his face. His eyes suddenly got big as an idea formed.
“Jackson, you've got that look in your eye. I don't like it when you have that look in your eye!” Shayne said nervously.
“It's all good bro, because I've got it!” Jackson replied.
“Got what?” Jason asked curiously.
“From here on out, we shall be called The League of Protectors!” Jackson stood before the crowd with his hands on his hips. He was purposely posing as if he was some sort of iconic comic book hero.
“Ladies and gentleman, we are The League of Protectors and we are glad to do our part in protecting this country. The League of Protectors are here to protect all of you as best as we can. Enjoy the rest of your day!”
Jackson stood for another few seconds posing for the crowd. Jason and Shayne looked at each, smiled slightly and shook their heads. They should've known that it would be Jackson to name the group. Jackson and the rest of the group strapped themselves in, preparing for takeoff.
2
Unofficial Interrogation
Mr. Connors sat behind his desk screening five different computer monitors. When he and Jason Shaw joined together to build the foundation of a Post Human team, the two developed a close bond. Mr. Connors has earned the respect of each member of the League of Protectors. For whatever reason, he could relate to the League in a way that most humans couldn't.
A man of his early 50's, Mr. Connors has worked as a professor in sociology at Harvard University for the past twenty years. He's one of the few people that doesn't prefer to be addressed as Dr. Connors. He stood slightly under six feet and has just a touch of gray running through the top of his hair.
When Jason made his debut to the world as a Post Human, Mr. Connors was immediately intrigued by what he saw. Four years before Jason displayed his abilities to the public, Mr. Connors knew his secret. He kept a detailed file on him and monitored Jason's progress. Jason wasn't the only Post Human Mr. Connors monitored. He had thousands of files on Post Humans in his possession long before the term “Post Humans” was ever coined.
Mr. Connors had a plan. He was ready in case the world ever needed someone with his knowledge. He knew it was only a matter of time before the world learned of the existence of these extraordinary humans.
A sudden beep from his room phone broke his concentration. The professor ignored the call and kept his attention focused on the monitors. The first unanswered beep prompted the secretary in the other room to phone up to him again. This time Mr. Connors answered.
“What is it Ms. Hollins?”
“Sir, Commander Sullivan is on the other line. He's requesting a video conference immediately.”
“Understood,” Mr. Connors replied.
The professor exited out all the tabs he had opened and clicked on his telecoms link. The telecoms he had linked to his computer was another invention of Shaw Enterprises. This invention allowed communication with a live holographic image of the other person. So regardless of how many miles away the other person was, it was as if they were sitting or standing in the room with them. The link, located on the left side of his screen popped up and the live hologram image of Commander Sullivan emerged.
“Commander Sullivan,” Mr. Connors said respectfully.
“Mr. Connors,” the Commander replied with a slightly dry tone.
“How can I help you today?” the professor asked.
Commander Sullivan did not hesitate voicing his disapproval of seeing Jason Shaw, Noah Winters, Shayne Tucker and Jackson Prescott at his capture sight. The Harvard professor sat quietly behind his desk patiently waiting for the commander to finish his verbal attack.
“Commander Sullivan, if it wasn't for my team, Olden Mars would have escaped. He would have also injured many in the process.”
The Commander gritted his teeth, knowing what Mr. Connors said was true. “The fact remains that your team, was not authorized to be there. That mission was a confidential mission for G.U.A.R.D personnel only. How did your team know about the mission in the first place?”
“As I am sure you are aware, I am notified whenever a Post Human activates his or her abilities. The moment I identified Olden Mars power signature, I sent members of my team to handle the situation.”
Commander Sullivan did not like the term “Handle the situation.” That was what his team was suppose to do, that was what G.U.A.R.D was responsible for. Sure, the President authorized and acknowledged Mr. Connors' team. But, that didn’t mean the commander was thrilled about it or even agreed with the President's decision.
“Handle the situation? Your team could've killed innocent civilians.
Also, how do you explain the stealth jet your team used. Our sensors didn't detect the ship's signature at all.” Commander Sullivan said in a accusing tone.
“Well Commander, not being detected is the purpose of a stealth jet.”
Commander Sullivan shot Mr. Connors a nasty look. “Why is your team using technology that G.U.A.R.D doesn't have access to? More importantly, what reasons could you possibly have for having access to a stealth fighter jet?”
It was clear to Mr. Connors that the commander did not trust Post Humans or him for that matter. The commander took serious issue with The League having a stealth jet. He had reservations with any Post Human having any sort of advanced technology at their disposal. In the back of the commander's mind he was thinking just like the other paranoid individuals thought when it came to Post Humans. He was thinking that it was just a matter of time before the Post Human race declared war on the Human race.
“This stealth jet is a prototype, first of its kind and today was it's inaugural flight. The jet incorporates the latest technology on stealth capabilities and those at Shaw Enterprises are thrilled with its success. The President is well aware that the jet is in our possession. He was quite pleased with the results.”
Commander Sullivan wanted to say more on the subject but there wasn't really much else he could say. Once Mr. Connors threw out the word “President” Commander Sullivan had to take a step back. Regardless of his rank as Commander of the entire G.U.A.R.D organization, it was not his place to question the President's decision. The President gave Mr. Connors permission to use the jet without G.U.A.R.D's knowledge. He wanted to see if the jet could slip in undetected and if so, how long it could remain undetected.
“How did the jet get there so fast?” I don't care how fast Jason Shaw flies or how fast Shayne Tucker can run, no jet can travel that fast. From the time Olden began attacking us to the arrival of that jet, there is no way possible the jet could've gotten here that fast!”
“The jet was already in the city. Jason was giving Jackson and Shayne flying lessons. There's really no point of having a jet if you can't fly it.”
Commander Sullivan rolled his eyes. The professor seemed to have an answer for everything. Either he was truly telling the truth, or he was an expert at covering his tracks. The comm
ander couldn't tell which to be the case. On one hand, Mr. Connors didn't come across as a liar and he had been very helpful and cooperative with G.U.A.R.D. On the other hand, the commander simply didn't trust Post Humans. While Mr. Connors wasn't a Post Human, as far as the Commander knew, Mr. Connor's loyalties were in question.
Commander Sullivan prepared to continue his unofficial interrogating of Mr. Connors, but before he could ask any more questions, his attention was taken away as was Mr. Connors.
A red bleeping message appeared on his computer monitor. The bleeping message was a warning of sorts. It was a warning letting Mr. Connors know that there was trouble. Something was going down. Something serious enough to catch both Commander Sullivan and Mr. Connors attention.
The two men turned their attention back to one another and agreed to revisit the conversation at another time. Commander Sullivan and Mr. Connors ended their communication and turned their attention to the problem at hand.
3
Boston Thrill Fest
Amusement parks are always a great attraction. From the little children, to the teens, and even the adults, amusement parks offer something for everyone. Including those with malevolent intentions.
The Boston Thrill Fest was one of the biggest attractions in all of Massachusetts. It offered over fifty rides. They had eight roller coaster rides, all of which had at least a four star rating. Ten thrill rides, all of which had five star ratings. Ten family rides, and twelve children's rides. In addition, Boston Thrill Fest also boasted five water rides, the most by any amusement park in the United States. The entire amusement park is over three hundred acres and ranks as one of the largest amusement parks around the world.
Jeremy Foster, his wife Melinda, and little son Joey were just one of thousands visiting the amusement park. They had been there for about an hour and were settling down for lunch. Melinda reached inside the backpack on her husband’s shoulders and pulled out three sack lunches.
“I love peanut butter and jelly!” Joey exclaimed. This was Joey’s third trip to Boston Thrill Fest, and he loved it more and more each time. “Me too son!” Jeremy replied.
Melinda laid the sack lunches on the bench tables and smiled. The small family settled themselves on the East side of the amusement park at one of the designated eating areas. A can of pop, a bag of chips, and a napkin, completed the lunch for the family of three. Jeremy and Joey had their favorite sodas and Melinda had some diet drink. It didn't even matter to her what sort of drink it was, she just liked the fact that it had the word diet in it.
“I wanna go on the Devil’s Lair next,” Joey said to his mom. Melinda rolled her eyes, she didn’t like the word Devil and she didn’t like Joey getting on some of the more heart pounding rides.
“Wouldn’t you rather go on that jungle ride over there?”
Joey scrunched up his small face and shook his head left and right.
“That ride is for little kids and I’m not a little kid!”
It was always funny when a little kid claimed not to be a little kid. Often times parents went along with it as to not burst the child’s bubble, but Melinda wanted badly to burst his.
Joey looked towards his dad as if hoping his dad would be the voice of reason. To Joey, his dad was the boss and had all the power, but Jeremy knew better. In reality, Melinda was the boss and there was just no other way around that fact. Jeremy hesitated to respond. He didn’t mind if Joey went on the ride, but he didn’t want to get into an argument later with his wife.
“Come on dad can I go?” Joey asked in a pleading voice.
Jeremy stuffed a large portion of the sandwich in his mouth and pretended as if he couldn’t answer. Melinda rolled her eyes knowing exactly what her husband was doing.
“Can I mom? Can I go on Devil’s Lair next?”
Melinda took a deep breath and against her better judgment agreed to let Joey go on the ride. The only condition being that Jeremy went with him.
“Yes!” Joey shouted and did a little dance. Melinda gave Jeremy a hard look as he had a little sly smile on his face. If he was close enough to her, she would’ve kicked him in the shin for “hanging her out to dry that.”
“Finish eating honey,” Melinda said.
Joey sat back down and quickly finished the remainder of his sandwich. He had to wait rather impatiently for his mom and dad to finish their sandwiches. Jeremy used the napkin and wiped the jelly that was stuck in the corner of his mouth. Melinda handed both her husband and son a small bottle of hand sanitizer and instructed them to clean their hands.
“Are you ready for the Devil’s Lair?” Joey asked. He tried to emulate the deep sinister sound he had heard on the Boston Thrill Fest commercials. His voice however, wasn’t strong enough to mimic that sound.
The family finished eating and threw their garbage out. They hadn’t taken but a couple of steps when the mood inside the amusement park suddenly changed. It was typical to hear a lot of screaming resonating off of thrilled and positively terrified riders, but this was a different scream. This wasn’t the scream of passengers being thrilled; this was the scream of many people being genuinely afraid.
“What’s going on over there?” Melinda whispered to her husband. The screams seemed to be coming from the opposite side of the amusement park.
“I don’t know,” Jeremy replied. He slyly inched his way closer to Joey preparing himself for a possible situation.
Melinda’s head turned right. Suddenly loud terrifying screams could be heard coming from that direction as well. Joey was oblivious to the screams. He had heard them so many times because of the rides, that it didn’t register in his mind, that something might be wrong. Melinda took Joey by the hand and held him tightly.
“Mom!”
“Hush up now!” Melinda replied.
The terrified customers started heading in the Foster's direction. It wasn't until numerous people passed by that the Fosters saw what all the commotion was about.
“Is that a…?”
“Yes,” Jeremy replied, preventing Melinda from finishing her question.
“Oh cool, it’s a robot!” Joey shouted. He didn't understand that the robot wasn't a part of the attraction.
“Joey, we gotta go!” Jeremy exclaimed. He lifted his son off the ground and heaved him over his shoulders.
“What are you doing dad? Put me down!”
There was no time to save face; Jeremy wasn’t interested that moment in treating Joey as a young adult. Joey was his son, his young son, too young to even realize what was going on. The only thing that was on Jeremy’s mind was making sure his family got out of there safe.
A combination of lasers and fire plagued the ground. The rides were on fire and falling apart. The entire amusement park was filled with terrifying screams as the robots wreaked deadly havoc.
“It’s getting closer!” Melinda cried out. Shock set in, and Melina found herself unable to move as the robots approached her direction.
“Melinda!” Jeremy cried out after realizing that Melinda was several feet behind him.
She couldn’t move, she couldn’t hear anything around her. All she could do was stare at the giant robot. The robot, which was decked out in battle armor and stood easily over nine feet tall, seemed to focus in on Melinda. To its left was an empty wooden coaster ride. The robot ripped a portion of the coaster off and heaved it at Melinda. Jeremy saw the entire exchange and pleaded for his wife to move as he desperately ran back after her. Tears rushed down his cheek as he realized that he wasn't going to be able to reach her in time.
A sudden gush of wind zipped passed Jeremy and when Jeremy’s focus was back, he saw Jason Shaw standing over Melinda.
The roller coaster tumbled down violently towards them. Jason turned his head and used himself as a shield to save Melinda from the falling ride. Jason caught the roller coaster before it could harm anyone and gently placed it on the ground away from the scattering crowd.
“Melinda!” Jeremy screamed. He ran over and gr
abbed his wife lovingly. He kissed her and held her tightly.
“Get your family out of here,” Jason ordered. He was in the process of flying away when Jeremy called out to him. He thanked Jason repeatedly and asked how he could repay Jason for saving his wife's life.
“Your gratitude is payment enough.”
Jason paused for a moment and gave a gracious smile towards the thankful family. He then propelled himself off the ground and continued his battle with the two converging robots. He had to admit the structure of the robots were top notched. Jason had an idea as to who was responsible for constructing the robots.
Jeremy, his family and everyone else still inside the amusement park watched as Jason heroically battled the destructive robots.
4
Down By the Docks
Disposing of the robots wasn’t a problem at all for Jason. He had dealt with things far more dangerous than the threat those robots could offer. A simple uppercut and smash was all that was required for them to go down. The same couldn’t be said about the amusement park. They had received extensive damage and would be closed until extensive repairs could be made.
Garrett Blake, head of the R&D department of Shaw Enterprises and fellow member of the League of Protectors sat at his desk watching the video of the attack. The video was on MyTube and had already received over one million hits. Having lots of hits on MyTube was apparently a big thing. Sort of like reaching a certain number of followers on popular social media sites.
It was validation of sorts. The hits, the followers, the likes, they’re all important things in the digital online world.
“Are you seeing this?” Garrett asked.
Jason took his eyes off the file he was reading, lifted his head and gave Garrett the eyebrow.
“I don't need to see it Garrett, I was there.”
Garrett closed the video and exited out of the internet. He clicked on an icon located in the third row on his screen saver and opened it. The Icon simply read Second Place. The file contained everything Jason and Garrett had compiled on Joseph Stockton and Stockton Incorporated. The two had been keeping tabs on the businessman for awhile.
New Age of Heroes 1: The League of Protectors - Dawn of a New Age Page 3