|
|
| Line 19: |
Line 19: |
| | Issue Four | | Issue Four |
| | | | |
| − | Dr. Andel of Star Island calls for Star Knight, asking for a consultation on energy readings the space centre has been picking up. These readings concern them, as a launch is due in a couple of weeks. The readings turn out to be linked to a sphere of energy in the asteroid belt, centered around Asimov, that appear to be responsive to technology, and which have such significant electromagnetic output that they are effectively a solid band, keeping Earth sealed off from the cosmos. Energy patterns bear similarity to both Lor Republic and Grue Empire transmissions. Loras leaves a device by the barrier to transmit readouts. Jester arranges a meet with Oliverti family members for information on the Zodiac Cartel. The mob instead send Aki, one of Doc Otaku's Angel Androids, with a file. Jester suggests infiltrating the Cartel's make-a-metahuman operation through Missy, going via Andrew Franks at Rice & Stimson. Silencer calls the team and helps to set up the operation, while Jester manufactures a new leg-splint for Missy with a homer in it, pretending it's from a friend. Silencer also tells the team that the Tonifanni mob has a new enforcer and that their comm-security has been compromised; a mayoral comm device was found. Ms. Harkins is asked to account for the various communications devices, and tells them that all those with devices answered her call. Missy's cover name for the operation is 'Neila Osmond'. It is revealed that Black Dragon has killed for mistakes. First indications that Malcolm is interested in Missy. | + | Dr. Andel of Star Island calls for Star Knight, asking for a consultation on energy readings the space centre has been picking up. These readings concern them, as a launch is due in a couple of weeks. The readings turn out to be linked to a sphere of energy in the asteroid belt, centered around Asimov, that appear to be responsive to technology, and which have such significant electromagnetic output that they are effectively a solid band, keeping Earth sealed off from the cosmos. Energy patterns bear similarity to both Lor Republic and Grue Empire transmissions. Loras leaves a device by the barrier to transmit readouts. Jester arranges a meet with Oliverti family members for information on the Zodiac Cartel. The mob instead send Aki, one of Doc Otaku's Angel Androids, with a file. Jester suggests infiltrating the Cartel's make-a-metahuman operation through Missy, going via Andrew Franks at Rice |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Five
| |
| − | | |
| − | Missy meets Mr Franks, and realises that if she went ahead with the treatment she could walk again without the aid of a brace. We are reminded that the DNAscent process is dubiously legal at best, and they travel to Cardistanic, which bases the operation at the defunct Marshall Smith High School outside town. It is suggested that Kortens help with the process. She meets Dr. Hanks, and the mob-backed catburglar Lockpick, aka Tommy Mendola. Julie Streeter's piece on the time, titled Freedom's Finest, comes out. The Raven travels to Kyoto to speak with Kimiyo Ranaga, the teenage girl who is a vigilante heir to the Crimson Katana legacy, about Black Dragon. At Missy's signal, the team get ready to move in. Missy meets Dr. Creiss, who appears to have implanted mental powers and is the team psychiatrist. The team use Black Dragon's portals to come through. Star Knight picks up a transmission from Marshall Smith High to the penthouse office of Grant Conglomerates, and goes to investigate. The fight at Marshall Smith High is short and sweet, except that Silverbell finds himself teleported away by Dr. Creiss. Jonathan Grant is revealed to be Cancer, and arrested by Star Knight for illegal genetic experimentation, among other things, and apart from Creiss a clean sweep is made of the organisation, much of the equipment - now evidence - intact. Cancer namechecks the Zodiac Cartel, promising they will protect him. The richest man in the world tells his aide that Cancer will be abandoned, but having examined an orbital schematic of Freedom City's skies, teleports away from the city. Three subjects are recovered from the process. The Penumbra of SHADOW lays its plans to acquire some items from Freedom City.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Six
| |
| − | | |
| − | The team begin tracing Silverbell through his comm badge, discovering indicators that their communications may be further compromised, but also tracing Silverbell to Mount Olympus. Maddicks calls the team in to help with a zombie attack. Black Dragon and Rumble Grrl clash over Silverbell. Creiss turns out to have aid in Mount Olympus and arranges to have Silverbell vivisected while Cerberus stands guard. Black Dragon is swayed by Rumble Grrl's argument and, with Loras, travels to Olympus. They speak with Apollo, Artemis and Aphrodite. Aphrodite takes them in to Hades' realm, while the rest of the team arrive at St. Ethelreda's to find perhaps six hundred zombies at that graveyard alone. Malador, the mage behind the attack, speaks to Miss Liberty as if he knows her of old, and questions why someone so pure would work with Black Dragon. He notes that he has worked alongside Black Dragon's progeny before now. As the zombies march on Freedom City, Malador offers the team a choice; stop them and leave him to do more, or oppose him directly. The Next-Gen arrive to offer help, and the man once known as Fearmonger makes a decision to stand with these men. As Black Dragon and Loras work to rescue Silverbell, Missy wrenches Malador's golden mask loose - and is possessed by it.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Aphrodite notes that Zeus's edict said nothing about metahumans, and the trio of gods plan to return to the world once a favour has been repaid. Jester travels to the central precinct to repair a device left by the Scarab. Miss Malador nearly kills Megastar. Lady Lupus and Analyst do everything to keep the young hero alive. Faced with a choice of leaving a clue that he's human within the suit or letting someone else take the risk of testing the device, Jester elects to use it, eliminating the zombie threat. Miss Malador hurls the Fearmonger into space, but Loras rescues him. Rumble Grrl, working with Seven, discovers her spellcasting ability, nullifying one of Miss Malador's efforts for just long enough to allow Star Knight's words to reach Missy. The young woman reasserts herself, ending the possession as Star Knight swings a punch. The mask is separated from her face and she is knocked cold. Jester's armour is seriously damaged following the battle.
| |
| − | As Missy recovers in the Redeemer's infirmary, she tells Black Dragon she has learned some odd things about him, and asks what's going on - and the Raven, in their base without their knowledge, invites him to explain.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Seven
| |
| − | | |
| − | Black Dragon tells his story. Tension between the Raven and the Analyst spikes as Black Dragon explains his his thousand-year-rule in China, and his connection to Dr. Sin - and thus, to the Raven. We discover that while Malador struck the Penumbra took something from the Albright Institute, and that Black Dragon has, at some time in the past, killed a Star Knight. We find that Conundrum and Cancer dislike each other. Missy talks to Black Dragon about the right reasons to be a hero. Lady Lupus first demonstrates a shift into a stronger, larger form. Lupus and Black Dragon discuss killing and justice while drinking. Aphrodite fires one of her son's arrows across the city for Loras. Miss Liberty apologises to Black Dragon for Missy's outburst. First appearance of the new Jester armour. Analyst discovers that Harkins has been toying with the computer systems, and when he asks, she can't remember why. Jester and Loras overhaul the team's comm systems. The Fearmonger detects a psionic emission of great power centered on Harkins whenever Star Knight is present. Jester calls the Albright Institute, discovering that the theft was of a nude sketch of Lady Celtic's tattoos, sixty years old, and that an earlier theft had concerned an old magical Scandinavian handaxe.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Visiting Black Dragon's room, Lady Lupus encounters some kind of malign shadow entity. CCTV footage shows the Jester and the Analyst what happened to Harkins earlier. Rumble Grrl calls Jester about his wanting disclosure from others and not offering any himself, and he reveals himself to be Malcolm Brite. SHADOW plan to use the sketch of Lady Celtic's tattoos to find the current bearer. Someone attaches a device to the broadcast aerial on WLSH studios. The Fearmonger realises that the description of the tattoos sounds very like the marks on Ariana - Silverbolt's daughter, who he has raised for years. Dannings returns. Star Knight asks Lady Lupus on a date. Some of the team travel to London to help Ariana, while some go to shake the Mafia down for information. Ariana finally discovers her foster father's identity and is placed with the UK team Pendragon Force, while the Mafia shakedown shows that they have some high-tech equipment and little ability to use it, but does turn up the name Kristatos. Kristatos has interests in a European law firm, the Proteus Cartel (who work on military submarines) and Martuk Shipping. Thugs attack Analyst, Harkins and Dannings while the rest of the team is away, moving with mind-controlled precision. The Freedom City team investigate the Proteus Cartel as the Analyst recovers from the attack. They discover, among other things, a cryogenics chamber. Star Island register inbound assault craft from the moon and call in the Redeemers.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Eight
| |
| − | | |
| − | Shadow spreads across the sky above Freedom City and beyond as the heroes hurry back to its defence. Loras is intercepted in flight by Aya, one of the Angel Androids, who seems utterly smitten with him. The Air Force is called in to help with the Lunar City attack craft as Major Chulpak, AEGIS liason, notes that something appears to have taken over the minds of the inhabitants of Milennium Mall.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Nine
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Ten
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Eleven
| |
| − | | |
| − | Redeemers/Atom Family: Man on the Moon one-shot
| |
| − | | |
| − | Issue Twelve
| |
The Redeemers are a team of heroes within Freedom City appearing in the Shoot for the Stars campaign and guest-starring in the Teen Freedom campaign. More details on this version of the setting can be found at the freedomcityduo:Main_page
These are their adventures...
NOTE: What is recorded here happened in the comic. It's not necessarily public knowledge.
Issue One
Both the Atom Family and Freedom League are in another dimension, prompting the formation of a team whose primary remit is the protection of Freedom City. The group assemble, meeting for the first time. Analyst prevents a shootout at a diner simply by talking it through, impressing Alyssa Harkins. Preventing high-tech arms smuggling, Lady Lupus is observed by a shadowy woman. Four of Toy Boy's creations attack the Goodman Building, home of the Atom Family, but are driven off by Loras, Miss Liberty, Star Knight and Lady Lupus as the remainder of the team head to H.I.T. to prevent the Cosmic Mind from unifying and controlling human consciousness. Analyst shows an unusual resistance to mental control. Questions are raised about Black Dragon's background. Collective disappears. The Cosmic Mind is defeated, but suggests her return to Earth was aided.
Issue Two
Dannings turns to drink. Siren guest stars, informing the team she's relocating to Liverpool in pursuit of Baron Samedi. Toy Boy is killed by 'Cancer' before the team can reach him. The protective coating on his creations is linked to an experimental product by Dr. Michael Napier of Majestic Industries. We discover that Star Knight cannot contact the other Star Knights. Black Dragon begins the assembly of a trophy room. Dannings contacts the team - ghosts of horror characters are taking over the Secret Bar. At the same time, Star Knight detects an enemy incoming and goes to meet it with Loras above the Earth - it turns out to be Blackstar. The team investigating the Secret Bar deduce that their opponent is the Silver Scream, who assaults them as they're looking for Toy Boy, but is eventually talked into surrender by Miss Liberty. Above the Earth, Star Knight discovers he's not the only one cut off from the rest of the galaxy, and Blackstar is driven off, fleeing to Farside City. Star Knight and Loras end their pursuit, and the team discuss the situation over dinner, while the Driogano mob observe via tarot.
Issue Three
Julie Streeter visits the team for an interview. The shade of Lauren Hammond - the Silver Scream - appears to Missy. In front of the reporter, Jester pies the Analyst. Lauren Hammond allows Missy to speak with the dead Toy Boy, learning that 'Cancer' summoned Hammond and bound her to kill him. She agrees to ask Fun Time Toys to put the X1300 back into production to help Toy Boy rest easy. First inklings of romance between Lady Lupus and Star Knight. Mongoose and the Analyst go to Majestic Industries to consult with Dr. Napier, coming away with the feeling that Hieronymous King, owner of the company, is hiding something. Mongoose vanishes. Star Knight, Loras and Lady Lupus go to meet Director Powers of AEGIS in a bar in Sarajevo, while the rest of the team talk with Adrian Eldrich, who the Jester knows. Powers tells Star Knight of the Zodiac Cartel, mentioning their connection to Greece and ties to the US military-industrial complex, suggesting a talk with the Freedom Mafia. Powers mentions the arms smuggling that Lupus interfered with. Eldrich mentions Miss Liberty's counterpart, but does not identify her. They are repulsed from the Astral Plane by a suited man later identified as the lawyer Lucien Cabot. The team visiting Eldrich encounter a Foundry team hunting the Jester, but elude them and lay Lauren Hammond properly to rest. Malcolm Brite sends the team up in his comedy routine that night. Ms. Harkins is visited by someone travelling through shadows, but forgets that this has happened.
Issue Four
Dr. Andel of Star Island calls for Star Knight, asking for a consultation on energy readings the space centre has been picking up. These readings concern them, as a launch is due in a couple of weeks. The readings turn out to be linked to a sphere of energy in the asteroid belt, centered around Asimov, that appear to be responsive to technology, and which have such significant electromagnetic output that they are effectively a solid band, keeping Earth sealed off from the cosmos. Energy patterns bear similarity to both Lor Republic and Grue Empire transmissions. Loras leaves a device by the barrier to transmit readouts. Jester arranges a meet with Oliverti family members for information on the Zodiac Cartel. The mob instead send Aki, one of Doc Otaku's Angel Androids, with a file. Jester suggests infiltrating the Cartel's make-a-metahuman operation through Missy, going via Andrew Franks at Rice
