The full transcript for Futuristic Arrival.
Cold Open
The movie opens from black with a shot of New Elpis during a rainy night. The following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen:
- New Elpis, Paradise Island
- July 2nd, 2143 - Earth-52319
The camera cuts to the planning room in Techno Headquarters, where Nakata "Demi" Hayashi, Victor "Stratus" Payton, Jennifer "Vega" Reese and Roxanne "Rox" Summers are gathered around the round table. Tomiko "Vendetta" Hayashi enters and joins the others at the table.
Vendetta: Thank you for joining us tonight, sister. This will be a very decisive vote for the future of Techno.
Demi: Of course. And Siren?
Vendetta: She's outside awaiting the verdict. (glances back at the door) She's becoming very impatient.
Demi: (sighs) I'm not surprised that it's come to this. Her co-leadership with you has always had its fair share of problems.
Vendetta nods in agreement.
Vendetta: Indeed it has. It's becoming more and more problematic by the day. This needs to be resolved.
Stratus: I will admit, I agree with you Ven. Although... I don't necessary blame her entirely. If anything, it's how she handles her position as a leader that needs a bit of a rework. And certainly that uh, attitude of hers. In any case, you of all people would understand just how much being a leader can alter someone's perspective.
Vendetta acknowledges Stratus' comment and ponders to himself for a moment. He then nods.
Vendetta: Mmm... I agree with your comment, Stratus. Very well then. Tonight, we will decide on whether or not Siren steps down as co-leader and becomes a regular agent within the group, or if she maintains her current position under the condition that she greatly improves her leadership style. However, knowing her... the latter choice will be very difficult with someone like her.
Everyone begins writing their vote on a slip of paper in front of each of them. Vendetta and Demi vote to demote Siren, while Stratus and Vega vote for Siren to retain co-leadership under the condition she improve her approach to the role. All four of them flip their pieces of paper upside-down and place it in the middle of the table to remain anonymous; Rox however is still unable to make an immediate decision due to the fact that it was Siren who saved her many years ago and sent Vega to invite Rox to the team after her eighteenth birthday. After a brief moment of contemplation, Rox makes a decision and begins to cast her vote. At that moment however, the door to the room swings open as Siren barges in.
Vega: (to herself) Oh no...
Vendetta: Damnit, Siren! I told you to stay outside until we were finished!
Siren ignores Vendetta and looks over Rox's shoulder to see her writing on her paper to demote Siren. Rox sheepishly flips over her paper and puts it in the middle of the table as Siren glares at her, making Rox uncomfortable. Annoyed, Vendetta gets up to shuffle all of the papers around, keeping an eye on Siren.
Siren: Well?! What's the verdict?
Vendetta flips over all of the paper slips, revealing a 3-2 vote to demote Siren. Siren recognizes the last paper flipped over as Rox's based on her handwriting.
Siren: You demoted me?! Are you kidding me?! After everything I've done for this team, this is how I'm treated?!
Demi: Siren...
Siren: No! I will not stand for this! This is outrageous!
Siren's increasing agitation causes Rox to become extremely worried, knowing full well that they both knew that it was her vote that was the decisive one. Everyone at the table stands up to face Siren but Rox as the situation worsens. Siren spins Rox's chair around to make her face her.
Stratus: That's enough Siren. No need to make a scene like this.
Siren: (exhales sharpily) I'll show you a scene!
Siren reaches for her holstered weapon while eyeing Rox, alerting everyone. Vendetta and Vega, who were on either side of Rox, immediately react and quickly detain Siren, disarming her while Stratus and Demi rush to cover Rox. Siren struggles as she is dragged to the exterior exit by her detainers and thrown outside after the door is unlocked. The others follow Vendetta and Vega to the exit and stand close behind as the former leans on the doorframe to berate Siren.
Vendetta: That's it Siren, you're done! Your demotion wasn't going to be flat-out termination, but after that stunt you just pulled, it is now! Get out of here before I have the Mirage Corporation heads involved!
Siren glares behind Vendetta, locking eyes with Rox, who is extremely panicked by the altercation. Siren looks back up to face Vendetta.
Siren: This isn't over... you all better watch your backs from this point forward! Especially you, Rox! You know what you did...
Rox nearly begins to cry as Siren gets up and storms away into the rainy night. Vendetta slams the door shut and types into the door's keypad, sighing deeply.
Demi: Are you alright, Rox?
Rox silently nods, still too distrubed to verbally answer.
Vendetta: (disappointingly and annoyed) This meeting has been ajourned. Change your keypad passwords, just in case.
Rox remains deeply shaken, and Demi places her hand on her shoulder to help calm her down.
Demi: (calmly) It's okay Rox... We won't let anything happen to you. Your friends, family... We're all here to look out for each other. She won't harm you ever again. We'll make sure of that.
Rox: Thank you... everyone.
Rox remains miffed as she continues to stare at the door Siren left through. The screen cuts to black.
Act I
The following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen, which remains black from the previous scene:
- Golden Oak University, Northern Florida
- May 7th, 2020 - Earth-61017
The camera fades in to the college's cafeteria just after sunset, panning pass the various students eating their dinners. Eventually, the camera pans to look at the back of a lone girl with blue hair eating her dinner by herself. The camera shifts to show her face, revealing it to be Abigail-Ignotus, having drastically changed Abigail Payne's appearance to her own liking. Abigail-Ignotus stares at the food on her plate, picking at it with her fork while showing no real interest in eating it.
Heather Mason: Abigail!
Abigail-Ignotus glances up and looks to her right, where she sees Heather Mason and Lena Oxton passing by.
Lena Oxton: Hello, Abigail!
Abigail-Ignotus lightly smiles and waves her hand. Heather and Lena sit down at another table nearby out of sight as Abigail-Ignotus shifts her focus back to her plate. Abigail-Ignotus' face dours as she closes her eyes, sighing. In her mind, she retains the final memories of Ignotus, his brief control of her having left its mark in her mind despite her soul having been permanently stripped of Ignotus and Abigail Payne's individual influences. Abigail-Ignotus recalls brief visions of the museum massacre and the murder of Jane Samson, Marcus Hudson and Theodore Hudson done by her hand while she was under Ignotus' lingering influence. Abigail-Ignotus quickly opens her eyes.
Abigail-Ignotus: (softly) I... I did it. (choked up) I... killed them all. What kind of person... am I?
Abigail-Ignotus places her elbows on the table and combs her hands through her hair, sighing discontentedly. At that moment, Abigail-Ignotus suddenly hears a strange whirring noise, and looks at her right hand, which was starting to glow with cosmic energy.
Abigail-Ignotus: (softly) Oh no...
Abigail-Ignotus stands up and covers up her right hand with her other hand. She promptly leaves the cafeteria and walks outside into the night, heading to a remote area on the college campus away from any sort of human traffic. The glow on her hand fades.
Abigail-Ignotus: I can't keep hiding this. Sooner of later someone will notice my powers. And then...
Abigail-Ignotus becomes greatly panicked at her situation and the thought of what would happen if her powers became too apparent. After a moment, she recollects herself and pinches the bridge of her nose with her fingers, closing her eyes and sighing. Suddenly, she is alerted to another noise, and opens her eyes to see a small mirror-like doorway forming before her.
Abigail-Ignotus: What is this? Did... did I do this?
Abigail-Ignotus cautiously approaches the doorway, briefly stopping to see if anyone was nearby. Upon confirming no one else was around, she extends her hand through the portal, swirling it around it. Suddenly, her powers briefly trigger in her hand, reacting to the doorway which begins to rapidly pulsate as though it was being altered.
Abigail-Ignotus: What the...?
Before Abigail-Ignotus could do anything further, the portal stabilizes and begins to pull her into it. Abigail-Ignotus struggles to free her arm from its grasp, but is unable to as the portal sucks her in completely, immediately closing behind her. Inside the doorway, Abigail-Ignotus aimlessly hurls through an interdimensional wormhole, expressing physical discontent. She then notices another gateway rapidly closing in within the distance. Abigail-Ignotus shields her eyes as she is thrusted into the doorway's blinding light.
The camera cuts to a hand opening a white door, revealing a morning sunrise in an adjacent window that glares briefly into the camera. The glare ends to reveal a nearly-empty condo with a couple of boxes left on the floor. The following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen as the door opens.
- New Elpis, Paradise Island
- November 12th, 2143 - Earth-52319
The hand is revealed to be Rox's as she walks into the room, picking up the boxes. She looks at the sunrise over the futuristic city's horizon.
Rox: (sighs) I'm really gonna miss this place...
Rox somberly turns around and exits the condo for the final time, closing the door behind her with her foot. She navigates through the building until she reaches ground level, where she exits through the main door. She walks over to her hovercar parked nearby and loads the boxes into the open trunk. She closes the trunk door and rolls up her jacket's right sleeve slightly to reveal her communication watch. She raises her arm up to her mouth to record a voice message.
Rox: (into the watch) Vendetta, I've finished packing here. I'll be leaving shortly. See you tomorrow morning at the tower.
Rox ends the recording and sends the message to Vendetta, who responds with a thumbs up reaction on the watch's interface. Rox looks up at her former home, smiling softly. At that moment, Rox hears a strange crackling noise coming from across the street and turns to face the source of the noise. A mirror-like doorway opens and deposits Abigail-Ignotus onto the ground. The portal immediately closes behind her as Rox rushes to Abigail-Ignotus' aid, who looks around in awe over the sights of her new surroundings. Abigail-Ignotus then notices Rox approaching her.
Rox: Hey! Are you alright?!
Rox extends her arm out for Abigail-Ignotus to grab onto. The two lock eyes and immediately freeze up. The camera cuts to the side to show Abigail-Ignotus leaning up from the ground as Rox reaches out for her, the sunrise over New Elpis being ever present in the background. "FUTURISTIC ARRIVAL" appears on the center of the screen for a few moments. The camera cuts back to Abigail-Ignotus as she snaps back to reality and grabs Rox's arm, who pulls her up off the ground.
Abigail-Ignotus: (grunts) Yeah... I'm fine. Wh-where... where am I?
Rox: You're in New Elpis... Paradise Island. You're... you're not from around here, are you?
Abigail-Ignotus: Correct... this place... this has to be another... universe? But at the same time, it feels so... right, being here. It's almost like I belong here.
Rox: You came from another universe?
Abigail-Ignotus: It seems so, given the circumstance on how I was brought here.
Rox: Huh... how interesting. Actually, how you just... appeared here might explain a few things I've read about in the dossiers...
Abigail-Ignotus: Where I come from, there isn't a "Paradise Island"... let alone a city with such technological advancements... and marvels.
Abigail-Ignotus ends her sentence as she looks back at Rox, who catches on to her implications. The two briefly get fluttered by one another. The camera pans back from them and through the windshield of a van parked nearby, where two men are sitting in the driver and front passenger seats observing the two girls. The two get out of the van as one of them pulls out a radio.
Delta: Siren. Rox is with some random girl that just... came out of nowhere from a portal.
Siren (over comms): A portal? ...Ah whatever, the order still stands... take her out, the new one too. It's too perfect of an opportunity not to take advantage of.
Joker: Copy. We'll radio in once it's down. Out.
Delta holsters the radio as he walks with Joker toward Rox and Abigail-Ignotus. The two girls notice the two men approaching them.
Rox: Hello, is there something you two nee- Wait... Delta, Joker?
Joker: Siren sends her regards.
Joker begins to pull out a pistol. Abigail-Ignotus immediately recognizes the danger and slaps Joker's hand with enough power to force him to drop his weapon, much to everyone's astonishment. Abigail-Ignotus follows-up by punching Joker in the face while Rox dodges a punch from Delta, kicking him in the back of the leg. Rox continues to dispatch Delta as Abigail-Ignotus continues to beat up Joker. She readies a blow that would outright kill Joker as he collapsed onto his knees, though she immediately stops as she experiences visions of the museum massacre. Abigail-Ignotus refrains from killing him, instead choosing to pull her punch, which renders Joker unconscious. At the same time, Rox successfully defeats Delta, knocking him out with a swift kick to the head.
Rox: Woah... that was... astounding!
Rox glances over to Abigail-Ignotus, who contiunes to stare at Joker's unconscious body.
Rox: Hey, you alright?
Abigail-Ignotus snaps back to her senses.
Abigail-Ignotus: I'm okay. You?
Rox: I'm fine. Not my first physical fight.
The two girls look around to see if anyone else would arrive, though no one does.
Abigail-Ignotus: We need to leave before they get back up.
Rox: Agreed. Follow me.
Rox briefly pats down Delta, where she finds his radio. Rox takes it before gesturing for Abigail-Ignotus to follow her. Rox brings Abigail-Ignotus over to her parked hovercar.
Rox: Hop in!
Abigail-Ignotus: Woah...
Abigail-Ignotus is caught aback by the sight of the futuristic vehicle, but soon complies and gets in on the front passenger side. Rox starts up the hovercar before speeding off, leaving Delta and Joker behind. Rox drives around the city of New Elpis as Abigail-Ignotus briefly glances into the side-mirror on her side of the car to look at herself before taking the opportunity to marvel at New Elpis.
Rox: Hey. I never got a chance to ask. What's your name?
Abigail-Ignotus pauses for a moment.
Abigail-Ignotus: My name is... Abigail Payne.
Rox: (chuckles) I'm Roxanne. You can call me Rox for short.
Rox extends her right hand for a handshake.
Rox: (while smiling) It's a real pleasure to meet you, Abigail.
Abigail-Ignotus: Hehe... Likewise, Rox.
Abigail-Ignotus shakes Rox's hand, though neither of them make eye contact with each other. Both blush to themselves and quickly bite their lips. Afterward, Rox reveals her communication watch to contact Vendetta and puts it on speaker.
Rox: Vendetta, you copy?
Vendetta (over comms): Loud and clear. What's up?
Rox: There was a last-minute problem at the old headquarters. It's been dealt with, with much needed help from a friend.
Abigail-Ignotus smiles in response.
Vendetta (over comms): What kind of problem?
Rox: Siren. She had Delta and Joker try to... kill me.
Vendetta (over comms): Shit. Get to Midnight City, ASAP. Are you alright?
Rox: Unscathed, actually. Delta and Joker however... Send a P.A.R.A.D.O.X. unit to the apartment. They'll probably still be unconscious by the time they arrive.
Rox glances up to look at Abigail-Ignotus, who smiles at her.
Rox: My friend here is joining me. You'll definitely want to meet her.
Vendetta (over comms): I look forward to. I'll contact Anders regarding Delta and Joker. Safe travels you two. If anything else happens, contact P.A.R.A.D.O.X. immediately.
Rox: Understood, Ven. See you in the morning.
Rox disconnects the call.
Abigail-Ignotus: Thank you for taking me in, Rox. To be honest, I really didn't want to go back to where I came from, even if that was possible. There's nothing there really that can replace... this.
Rox: It's no problem, really. I had a feeling that you wanted to come along anyway. But if anything, I should be thanking you more than you are to me. You... saved my life.
Abigail-Ignotus: And I would do it again in a heartbeat.
The two exchange a heartfelt chuckle with one another. Abigail-Ignotus resumes observing the sights as they begin to travel through the city outskirts. After a little while, the smell of the ocean becomes aparrent as Abigail-Ignotus begins to think of something.
Abigail-Ignotus: So where and what exactly is Midnight City?
Rox: It's a city-state that spans most of the former US state of California. Many years ago, the Governments Age came to an end. Countries broke apart, and powerful megacorporations bought as much land as they could to build up their own territories.
Abigail-Ignotus: This place sure has its share of fascinating history. But wait... California? We're on an island, right? How are we going to get there like this?
Rox: Easy.
Rox points toward an incoming holographic bridge approaching in the distance as they near the Paradise Island western coastline. Abigail-Ignotus spots a directory sign, explaining that it was 200 miles from the North American eastern coastline.
Abigail-Ignotus: (playfully scoffs) I should've know. But still, 200 miles only to the east coast? There's still a considerable distance between that and California. At least that was the case where I came from.
Rox: That's still the case here. We won't arrive to our destination until tomorrow morning.
Abigail-Ignotus: That's fine. I look forward to seeing just how much the world is different here. That, and I do like a good-old road trip.
Rox: Well then you're in for a real treat with this trip.
Abigail-Ignotus: Speaking of treat...
Rox: Yeah...?
Abigail-Ignotus: Can we stop somewhere to get some food? I really didn't have much to eat before I came here... (mumbling) Plus it's another excuse to see what this place has to offer.
Rox: (laughing) Of course, Abigail.
The two girls laugh together as they begin their long trip to Midnight City. The camera pans up from the bridge toward the clear morning sky.
Act II
The camera pans down, revealing the skyline of Midnight City's Los Angeles District. The following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen:
- Los Angeles District, Midnight City
- November 13th, 2143
Rox and Abigail-Ignotus are seen driving through the city.
Abigail-Ignotus: Woah... some much sprawl.
Rox: All of Midnight City is like this, really. When it was first established, a couple of the major cities that were once present in California became key districts. We're currently in the Los Angeles District.
Abigail-Ignotus continues to observe the city as Rox soon reaches a tower surronded by gated perimeter. Rox pulls out her watch and has it scanned by the gate's scanner. The scanner turns green and the doors open, allowing them to proceed inside.
Rox: Welcome to Techno Tower.
Rox drives into a parking garage connected to the tower, stopping once she reaches a spot with her name labeled in front of it with holographic text. Rox lands the hovercar and shuts it off. The two girls get out and walk to the back of the car, where Rox pops open the trunk to reveal the boxes full of her belongings. Rox grabs a luggage cart left nearby, and the two load it with Rox's stuff. Rox closes her trunk and begins pushing the cart as Abigail-Ignotus stands to the side to ensure nothing falls off. The two enter a nearby elevator and Rox pushes a button. The doors close and the elevator begins moving upward.
Abigail-Ignotus: So why exactly are you moving here, Rox? You told me when we stopped at the hotel last night that it was a surprise.
Rox: To start off, I'm a member of Techno. It's a group of elite heroes that previously operated under the jurisidiction of the Mirage Corporation. A few months back, the world's number one power source that Mirage was the only sufficient supplier of was suddenly wiped out. Mirage immediately lost a catastrophic amount of its profits from that, and it was soon forced into bankruptcy by its rival Atlas International. Atlas was able to provide the world with a suitable replacement to our lost power, becoming the world's top megacorporation as a result.
The elevator doors open, and Abigail-Ignotus helps pull the cart out of the elevator. The two walk down the hallway, passing by numerous doors each labeled with a name on the door.
Rox: Since Techno belonged to Mirage, it was acquired by Atlas along with any other assets Mirage held. Techno was then reorganized into a proper counter-terrorism task force as part of P.A.R.A.D.O.X., one of Atlas' security subsidiaries.
Along the way, the two pass by Danielle "Rhythm" Greer in the hallway and Samantha "Pulse" Reed as she inaudibly spoke to someone in her office.
Rox: After that, Atlas wanted to relocate us from Paradise Island to operate in Midnight City. They built this tower for us to use as our main headquarters. Our old base in Paradise Island is going to become a P.A.R.A.D.O.X. precinct for another branch to operate out of in our stead.
The two stop at a door with Rox's name on it. Abigail-Ignotus handles the cart as Rox uses her watch on the scanner above the door's handle. The scanner goes green and the sound of a lock moving could be audibly heard. Rox opens the door and helps Abigail-Ignotus move the cart inside.
Rox: All in all, working for Atlas isn't really that much different from Mirage. We're basically doing the same stuff as before, but now we have access to more resources than what we had with Mirage. It's an improvement, that's for sure.
Rox leaves the cart near the door and begins to explore her new suite with Abigail-Ignotus.
Abigail-Ignotus: This place is so nice!
Rox: When they were building the tower, each Techno operative got to design their rooms to have whatever they wanted. Each room has a master bedroom, a complete bathroom, a living room and a kitchen, but we could also have a couple of additional features added if we wanted. I asked to have a spare bedroom just in case someone ever needed to crash here.
Abigail-Ignotus opens the door to the spare bedroom and peers inside.
Rox: It's all yours.
Abigail-Ignotus: Wait, really?! (stammering) Thank you so much, I-I don't know what to say!
Rox: Nothing at all. It's the least I could do to help support my friend and savior here.
Abigail-Ignotus chuckles and blushes at Rox's comment, who smiles at seeing Abigail-Ignotus be happy. At that moment, the two are interrupted by the noise of an incoming call coming from a messaging system next to the door. The two walk over the system to check who was calling.
Rox: Ah, it's Victor!
Rox accepts the call, and the system projects a hologram of Stratus for the girls to see.
Stratus: Rox! You all settled in?
Rox: Yeah, we're both settled in quite nicely. We just finished moving everything up here a couple of minutes ago.
Stratus: I take it you're referring to your new friend Ven told me about.
Stratus' hologram spots Abigail-Ignotus standing next to Rox.
Stratus: May I speak to you?
Abigail-Ignotus awkwardly steps forward, trying to find where exactly to look for Stratus to see her clearly. Rox and Stratus are both visibly amused.
Abigail-Ignotus: Uh, hello there! I'm Abigail. Abigail Payne.
Stratus: Hello, Abigail. My name's Victor Payton, callsign Stratus. I'm Techno's Tech Agent Lead. My division and I are in charge of creating new tech for the rest of the team to use.
Abigail-Ignotus: Oh, that's cool!
Stratus lightly chuckles in response to Abigail-Ignotus' comment.
Stratus: First and foremost, thank you for keeping Rox safe from Siren's goons when we were unable to. It means a lot to us to see someone like you looking after her.
Abigail-Ignotus: (chuckles) Thank you. She's a good person. I wouldn't want to see any harm done to her.
Abigail-Ignotus glances at Rox, who blushes at her comment. Stratus see this, but doesn't comment on it.
Stratus: The Inner Circle Leads are gathering at the nerve center for a debrief about the new situation, Rox. Please bring Abigail with you, we all have much to discuss.
Rox: Of course. We'll be down in a few minutes. See you soon.
Stratus nods as Rox ends the call, shutting off the hologram.
Rox: We'll worry about unboxing my stuff later. Let's go meet the others downstairs.
Rox and Abigail-Ignotus leave the suite and head back to the main elevator. The two enter it and Rox presses a button to go down to the nerve center. She scans her watch on a scanner above the buttons for confirmation. The scanner goes green and the elevator doors shut. The elevator begins to descend. After a short wait, the elevator stops at the nerve center and the doors open, allowing the two to exit.
Rox: Follow me.
Rox leads Abigail-Ignotus down the hall, stopping at the first door on the left. Rox opens the door and enters, with Abigail-Ignotus close behind her. Inside the room is Vendetta, Stratus and Vega, who are all sitting at the round table.
Rox: Hey guys!
Stratus: Hello, Rox.
Vega: Good to see you safe and sound.
Vendetta: Rox. It's so good to see you alright. I was so worried when you informed me of what happened back at the old base. I'm... sorry for allowing this to happen to you.
Rox: Hey, don't be like that! I'm fine, Vendetta, don't beat yourself up about it. I can promise you that that won't happen again.
Rox turns towards Abigail-Ignotus as she says the last part of her sentence.
Rox: I'd like you all to meet my friend, Abigail Payne. According to her, she's been displaced from another universe. It's thanks to her that we were able to defeat Delta and Joker as easily as we did.
Stratus: (curiously) Another universe, you say?
Vendetta stands up and walks up to Abigail-Ignotus.
Vendetta: It is a great pleasure to be of your acquaintance, Abigail. I'm Tomiko. Tomiko Hayashi. I'm Techno's leader.
Abigail-Ignotus: It's so nice to meet you all!
Vendetta extends his hand for handsake. Abigail-Ignotus reciprocates and shakes his hand. Vendetta then places his free hand on Abigail-Ignotus' shoulder.
Vendetta: Thank you, Abigail. It means a lot to all of us to see Rox safe.
Abigail-Ignotus: The pleasure's all mine, Tomiko.
Vendetta: Please, you can call me Vendetta.
Vendetta smiles and walks away toward a large monitor.
Vendetta: Welcome to the heart of Techno, Abigail. Please, have a seat.
Rox sits at the table as Vendetta says this. Abigail-Ignotus takes her seat at the table between Rox and Vega.
Vega: Nice to meet you, Abigail. I'm Jennifer Reese, but you can call me Vega.
Abigail-Ignotus: Nice to meet you too, Vega.
Vendetta looks at everyone at the table, who turn their attention to him.
Vendetta: So... Delta and Joker. You say they were working for Siren?
Rox: Yeah. They were waiting for me at the old base. Joker himself told us that Siren sent her regards.
Abigail-Ignotus: You know them, Vendetta?
Vendetta: (somberly) Regrettably. They're both former Techno members. They departed alongside a few others shortly after we kicked Siren out of the group. It seems Siren has recruited them, possibly even the other three.
Abigail-Ignotus: Who is Siren? She seems like she has bad blood with all of you.
Stratus: That's one way of putting it.
Vendetta turns to the monitor behind him and types into the keyboard below it. Siren's old Techno profile appears on a large screen overhead.
Vega: Isabelle Lakewood, callsign Siren. Back in the day, she co-led Techno alongside Vendetta. However, we the Inner Circle voted to demote her after her leadership began impacting the group, something the Mirage Corporation heads later agreed on. It would be a massive understatement to say Siren didn't take the news well. She actually interrupted us when we were voting, and caught Rox's vote on the matter. She knew that it was her vote that was the deciding vote for her demotion. She... even tried to do harm to Rox right after, but we didn't let that happen. We removed her from the building and team immediately after that stunt.
Rox's face dours at the recollection of the memory. Abigail-Ignotus notices and becomes sympathetic.
Abigail-Ignotus: (somberly) Oh, Rox...
Rox looks at Abigail-Ignotus. She lightly smiles after seeing her.
Vendetta: I had hoped... that Siren would've moved on by now and calmed things down. (sighs) Perhaps that was wishful thinking, looking back at that now...
Stratus: Now that we know that she's still targeting Rox and that she has supporters, it won't be long before she might target all of us.
Abigail-Ignotus: Then we need to act now. For all we know, she could have an entire army of followers at the ready. If things worsen, Siren may resort to more drastic measures that could result in full-on open conflict. Civilian lives would be at stake if it came to that. This needs to be contained.
Vega: I completely agree. However, we have nothing on Siren's whereabouts, let alone the true scale of her operations. We need some form of lead that can get us to her.
Rox: Actually, we might have one.
Rox pulls out the radio she took from Delta.
Rox: I nabbed this from Delta. If they were communicating with Siren, they haven't checked in yet since we defeated them.
Stratus: Hmmmm.... I have an idea. Can I see it?
Rox hands the radio to Stratus, who gets up from the table and heads to his adjacent workshop. Stratus can be heard tinkering with the radio. The others watch with great interest. Stratus exits his workshop and takes the radio to the main computer. He hooks it up to a cable and presses a few button on the keypad. A world map appears.
Stratus: I've modified the radio so that we can see where the frequency its on is being sent to once I talk into it. If anyone responds, we'll get a ping on the map, showing us where the other radio receiving our feed's at.
Vega: There's no way they'll respond to us. It would have to be Delta or Joker for them to have any interest in picking up.
Stratus: Watch this.
Stratus opens another window on the screen and pulls up an old Techno archive with vocal samples of all Techno members prior to 2143. Vendetta spots Demi's name on the list of files and somberly frowns. Stratus pulls up Delta's file and downloads it to his watch. He presses a few buttons on it until his visor on his face adjusts to become a full face mask. Stratus then presses the button on the radio.
Stratus: (with Delta's voice) This is Delta in the blind, does anyone copy?
Everyone stares at the map.
Stratus: (with Delta's voice) This is Delta, how copy?
???: Delta? What took you so long to respond?
The map receives a ping.
Rox: There!
Vendetta steps up to the keyboard and locks onto the ping. He enhances the map and reveals that the ping was locked onto a warehouse on the outskirts of the Los Angeles District.
???: Is it done? Did you kill her?
Disgusted, Stratus crunches the radio with his bare hand, destroying it. He drops the fragments onto the ground and reverts the full mask back to its visor form.
Stratus: Computer, pull up a satellite view of the warehouse.
The computer pulls up a satellite view of the warehouse. Stratus presses a few buttons, which projects a 3D render of the warehouse and its surrounding area on the round table for everyone to get a close view of.
Vega: That certainly wasn't Siren that responded. Wasn't that...
Stratus: (bitterly) Ketch. He was one of my Tech Agents, and a damn good one, too.
Vendetta: He also supported Siren greatly when she was still with us, and left right after she did. It wouldn't be so far-fetched to assume that all of Siren's loyalists who left Techno have joined up with her.
Rox and Abigail-Ignotus closely observe the map.
Rox: Given how close this warehouse is to one of Midnight City's major districts, there's no way Siren would be foolish enough to have her entire operation set up there. This has to be a safehouse, if anything. Something to keep tabs on us with.
Vendetta: It's as good a place as any to start with.
Vendetta looks up toward Abigail-Ignotus.
Vendetta: If there is a larger operation at hand, I want at least another pair of hands on this with us. Someone that could show us what they really have to offer. Abigail, I know I'm asking a lot from you, but I know Rox would lay on me if I didn't; would you like to join us for this mission?
Abigail-Ignotus glances at Rox.
Abigail-Ignotus: I'll do anything to protect the ones I cherish. I'm in.
Rox smiles and nods in approval. Vendetta also smiles.
Vendetta: Then let's get you geared up.
Stratus: Follow me, Abigail.
Abigail-Ignotus gets up from the table and walks with Stratus over to his workshop.
Stratus: As a member of Techno, you'll have access to state-of-the-art tech my team and I designed ourselves. Here.
Stratus hands Abigail-Ignotus the same watch Rox had been using. She puts it on over the back of her right wrist.
Stratus: With this watch, you can materialize your Techno uniform over your current attire, among a plethora of other useful features. No doubt Rox has already shown you some of those.
Stratus begins to work on something with his computer. While he does this, Abigail-Ignotus peers back toward Rox, who is talking with Vega and Vendetta about the mission. Stratus glances back at Abigail-Ignotus while she isn't looking.
Stratus: You really care for her a lot. Do you like her?
Abigail-Ignotus quickly freezes up, having been caught off-guard by his question. Her faces becomes red as she blushes profusely.
Abigail-Ignotus: (stammering) I-I will confess. I... I really do like her. A lot. She's just... so nice and great to be around! She makes me feel... happy and... complete. I've only really known her for about a day now, but... being around her has been the best thing that's happened my whole life. But... surely someone like me doesn't deserve someone like Rox, right?
Stratus: Why not?
Abigail-Ignotus: Uh...
Abigail-Ignotus becomes uncertain how to answer Stratus and merely scratches the back of her head.
Stratus: (chuckles) I've known Rox for about three years now, I know how she usually acts. From what I've seen, both at the round table and when I was checking in with you guys back at the suite, I can tell she's been acting a tad different around you. She definitely shares those feelings you have, I know it.
Abigail-Ignotus becomes flattered, giggling lightly. Stratus smiles and turns back to his computer. He types in a couple of commands into it, which follows with a chime of approval.
Stratus: Okay Abigail, please step on the scanner over there.
Abigail-Ignotus acknowledges and walks over to the scanner, which scans her and her outfit. Her Techno watch also chimes after the scan.
Stratus: Good, good. Now watch this.
Stratus inputs another command. The scanner activates and scans Abigail-Ignotus starting from her feet. A new outfit is generated onto her person as the scan goes up.
Abigail-Ignouts: Oh... my!
Abigail-Ignotus awes over her new Techno outfit. Stratus smiles proudly at her contention.
Stratus: With Techno, you're given a callsign of your choice to be referred to outside of your regular name. Is there anything you want to use that you can think of?
Abigail-Ignotus: Oh! Lemme think...
Abigail-Ignotus ponders to herself for a moment.
Abigail-Ignotus: Uh... I got it! Back in college, I learned about the Greek goddess Soteria. Her name always stuck with me. Do you know about her?
Stratus: I do, actually. Her name roughly translates to "salvation" if I recall correctly. That's a pretty solid callsign, not gonna lie.
Abigail-Ignotus: Then it's decided. From now on, call me Soteria!
Stratus: I shall indeed, Soteria. Let's go reintroduce yourself to the others.
Stratus and Soteria exit the workshop.
Stratus: Everyone, meet Soteria.
Everyone murmurs in contention. Rox quickly gasps in awe at the sight of Soteria in her new outfit and blushes momentarily. Vega notices, but doesn't point it out.
Vendetta: Now that you've gotten your outfit and callsign, there's still one thing left for you to receive. Follow me.
Vendetta takes Soteria to an armory, where a large wall of weapon holograms used by all active Techno members are displayed. Among the visible ones are Pulse's Smart Pistol and Rhythm's Beat Drop. Vendetta inputs a command into the monitor attached to the armory to show Soteria a selection of weapon holograms that aren't used by anyone.
Vendetta: Anything here catch your eye?
Soteria gazes at the wall for a moment. Her eyes settle on a hologram of an energy sword. For a brief moment, Soteria envisions the sword as No Name and the Harbinger. Vendetta notices Soteria staring at the sword.
Vendetta: That sword is used for more than just blunt force. The energy it harnesses can be used to send out slashes of energy that can incapacitate enemies from a distance. It's a perfect blend between short and medium range engagements.
Soteria: It's perfect. I'll take it.
Vendetta: Very well. Please, reach out for the hologram with the arm that has your watch on.
Soteria complies and reaches out for the sword. The watch on her arm chimes and the hologram disappears from the wall. Soteria at first is confused, but Vendetta nods in approval.
Vendetta: You're all set. All Techno weapons are synced to our watches. You just need to think of it, flick your wrist, and your sword will materialize in your hand. While the sword is out, flick your wrist twice in a row while thinking of putting it away to de-materialize it.
Soteria steps back from the wall and follows Vendetta's intructions, summoning her sword in her hand for the first time.
Vendetta: The weapon is also connected with your biometrics. Only you can physically wield your sword.
Soteria: So cool...
Soteria takes a moment to inspect her sword and masterfully flourishes it, impressing Vendetta. She follows Vendetta's instructions again to de-materialize the sword from her hand.
Vendetta: You're ready. Let's regroup with the others and see what they've come up with so far for a plan.
Vendetta and Soteria leave the armory and return to the round table, where the others are already at work planning for the mission.
Soteria: You guys have a plan already?
Vega: Yeah. We're thinking a two-pronged infiltration to the warehouse entrance, then a full-on assault inside.
Stratus: That's the gist of it. Vega and I will provide overwatch nearby, guiding you three to the closest entrance. Ven, use your helmet to get us intel about any patrol patterns if present before you make your way to the door with Rox and Soteria. We'll use that info to plot out the most efficient way for you three to reach it while also dealing with any guards.
Rox: Once we reach the door, Stratus and Vega will link up with us with our van. From there, we'll use door wedges on all other exits of the building before we hard breach into the interior together through the back door and move in swiftly. We doubt Siren herself will be there, but if she is, we need to move fast and repel all resistance if any is present to get to her.
Vega: Even if she isn't there, Ketch will be. He'll no doubt have a system there with Siren's digital playbook. We'll use that to extract any information we can regarding Siren's operations and her whereabouts.
Vendetta: Very well. I'll format a mission report for Anders. She knows about Siren and how critically important it is that she's dealt with. She'll make sure that this mission is approved before the end of the day. Until then...
Vendetta turns toward Soteria.
Vendetta: It's time to see what you've got, Soteria. Let's hit the training sim.
Rox smiles in the background as Soteria summons her sword, ready to begin her training. The camera cuts to black. In the darkness, red slashes coming from Soteria's sword can be seen, audibly striking holographic targets. After a few slashes, the screen remains black.
Act III
"TWELVE HOURS LATER" types out onto the screen before disappearing after a few seconds. The camera fades in to reveal that it is now a few hours after sunset. The camera flies through the Los Angeles District at night before coming to rest at a warehouse surronded by a few other run-down buildings in a remote area of the city. The camera shifts to a rooftop with a clear line of sight to all of these structures as Vendetta, Rox and Soteria climb into view. They walk across the rooftop until they post themselves on the edge of the building facing the warehouse.
Vendetta: Target building in sight. Let's see what we've got to work with.
Vendetta pushes a few buttons on his watch that activates his tactical view within his helmet. With it, he is able to see digital footprints being left by the guards patrolling the area. He observes the footprints, which marks the guards that left them behind with an orange highlight.
Vendetta: I count five patrols.
Rox: Make that six.
Rox points to the door of the warehouse, where another guard is stationed. The guard pulls out a radio and is about to speak into it.
Vendetta: Let's see what he has to say.
Vendetta marks the stationary guard with his tactical view. He presses a couple of buttons on his watch to listen in to the conversation.
Gerlock: Gerlock to Ketch, how copy?
Ketch (over comms): Solid. Any updates?
Gerlock: Negative. My boys and I have nothing to report from our patrol. Still no sign of Delta or Joker.
Ketch (over comms): Likewise. I still haven't heard back from Delta after this morning. Something's definitely up. Keep me posted of any developments exterior side.
Gerlock: Wilco. Gerlock out.
The guard turns off the radio, ending the audio feed on Vendetta's watch.
Rox: Gerlock...
Vendetta: Yet another defector that joined Siren...
Vendetta sighs heavily as Rox turns to check on him. Soteria looks at them somberly when she feels a sudden sensation coming from her hand. She notices that her powers were manifesting again, though she quickly managed to shake it away while the other two were preoccupied.
Soteria (in her head): Nonononono... not now. I can't let them know. But... I need them to know. I... can't keep hiding this. Oh, but what would they all think? What would Rox... think? Argh...
Stratus (over comms): How's it going up there?
Everyone refocuses from their personal thoughts upon hearing Stratus.
Vendetta: All patrols have been identified. Gerlock... is command of the patrols. I'm sending you the intel now.
Stratus (over comms): Copy all. I'll have a route planned out for you three to take to neutralize the patrols undetected. Gimme a minute.
Vendetta extends his arms out and manifests his own weapon, a custom sniper rifle.
Stratus (over comms): Alright, a route is up. Sending the feed to your watches now.
All three of their watches ping simultaneously. An overhead map of the area is shown on each of their watch interfaces, with red lines indicating the patrol patterns. A blue line is also shown indicating the path needed to take to neutralize the guards.
Vendetta: Perfect. Stratus, Vega. Guide us along the route. I'll provide overwatch until Rox and Soteria reach the door, then I'll join them. Link up with us once we're at the door.
Vega (over comms): Copy all. See you soon. Vega out.
Soteria: Let's do this.
Rox and Soteria nod to each other and both summon their weapons. Rox's weapon is revealed to be an automatic energy pistol that can clone itself to allow Rox to dual wield. The two girls head to the ledge of the building, where Rox interacts with her watch. The lights on her outfit's leg change from blue to yellow. Rox steps foward over the ledge, much to Soteria's brief horror until she realizes that Rox was now sticking to the side of the building. Soteria lets out an audible sigh of relief.
Rox: Come on!
Rox holds out her hand for Soteria to take. Soteria smiles and takes Rox's hand. At that moment, a yellow hue surrounds her legs.
Rox: As long as you maintain contact with me, my nano grasp will affect both of us.
Soteria: Heh... I don't plan on letting go anytime soon.
Rox smiles. The two then effortlessly walk down the side of the building until they reach ground level. They then take cover behind a couple of crates as the first patrol walks into view.
Rox: (quietly) Ven, the first patrol is here. Clear to engage?
Vendetta looks through his sniper scope, which has the overhead map on the upper righthand corner. He looks at the guard, which highlights his route.
Vendetta (over comms): You're clear to engage. But do it quietly. Soteria, why don't you try out sending out a slash of energy and see what happens?
Soteria: (quietly) Okay... let's do this.
Soteria perks up from her hiding spot just as the guard has his back turned to her. Soteria presses and holds a button on her sword's grip and then swings, sending out a energy slash that strikes the guard's back. The guard immediately falls to the ground unconscious.
Rox: Woah...
Soteria: That felt... very good.
Vendetta (over comms): No guards even heard it. The patrols are still oblivious to you two. Keep moving foward, rinse and repeat.
Rox: Copy.
Rox and Soteria slowly move up, repeating the same process on the other guards while Vega and Stratus guide them until only Gerlock is left. Vendetta then quietly snipes the security cameras on the side of the warehouse close to Gerlock. Inside, Ketch is observing the security feeds when the two cameras Vendetta sniped go offline.
Ketch: Gerlock. Cams one and two just went down. Is everything all right out there?
The camera cuts back outside to Gerlock.
Gerlock: Yeah... I did just hear one of them fall off of the building. I'll check it out.
Gerlock begins to walk away from the door toward the first camera, which is now on the ground completely destroyed. Gerlock crouches down to investigate, although he is immediately ambushed by Soteria, who slashes Gerlock from behind with her sword's energy blade. Gerlock collapses onto the ground unconscious.
Soteria: (into watch) Vendetta, all patrols have been taken care of. You're good to move up.
Vendetta (over comms): Good work. Vega, Stratus, move up with the van. Rox, Soteria, keep an eye on me.
Vendetta holsters his rifle on his back and interacts with his watch. A grappling hook deploys from his suit's left arm as he primes it. Vendetta stands up and runs off the side of the building. He shoots his grappling hook at an old telephone pole in front of the warehouse. The hook connects and the line stabilizes, allowing Vendetta to use it to swing foward. After passing the pole, Vendetta disconnects the hook from the pole and does a flip, landing in front of Rox and Soteria while his outfit absorbs the force of the impact. The line and hook retract back into Vendetta's outfit.
Vendetta: That never gets old.
Rox: (cheekily) Showoff...
Soteria lightly laughs at Rox's comment. Vega and Stratus then pull up in a Techno van. The two exit and meet up with the other three.
Stratus: So far so good. Now for the interesting part.
Stratus pops open the rear doors of the van, revealing an assortment of utilities. He takes out a box full of door wedges. Everyone grabs some and quickly run alongside the exterior of the building, jamming the wedges into all of the other exits they weren't going to use. Along the way, Vendetta and Vega take out the remaining security cameras, disabling the rest of Ketch's monitors of the exterior.
Ketch: Talk to me, Gerlock! What's going on out there?!
Stratus returns to the van and inputs a command into a monitor set up in the back, activating a signal jammer to disrupt communications, preventing them from being sent out of the area. The heroes all quickly regroup at the door they were going to breach through. Vendetta takes out his sniper rifle and flips down the scope for close-quarters. Stratus and Vega manifest their weapons and Rox summons her second pistol.
Vega: Remember, non-lethal rounds. P.A.R.A.D.O.X. is gonna want to round up all of them once we're done here.
Everyone nods to each other. Vendetta uses his outfit's strength to violently kick in the door, sending it flying off its hinges.
Vendetta: Here we go!
The heroes force themselves into the building, catching the mercenaries inside completely off-guard. Vendetta starts off by shooting two unaware guards as Vega leaps over him to rapidly shoot three more as they enter the room to check on the commotion. Ketch hears the commotion and stands up from his monitors. The camera cuts back to Techno and begins a long-take shot as they enter the warehouse's main room to fight the dozen mercenaries there. Soteria starts by sending out a horizontal slash of energy from her blade, knocking out three guards in a row. Rox moves in from behind her and quickly sidesteps to the side, where she sees two mercenaries run toward her. The mercenaries try to shoot her, but using her outfit, she zips away from them to flank them from the side with her pistols. Stratus runs in and slides across the floor, shooting a slug round from his energy shotgun into a mercenary, which sends him flying backwards. Vendetta takes out a smoke grenade and throws it deep into the room, landing by three other mercenaries, who begin to cough. Vendetta then switches to a thermal view with his helmet and snipes the three guards as they try to recover from the smoke cloud. Finally, Vega parkours over some of the crates to reach the overhead rafters, running along one of the beams until she spots the last three guards, which she guns down. Vendetta, Stratus, Rox and Soteria link up at the door to Ketch's office as Vega jumps down from the rafters to group up with her friends.
Vega: Absolutely beautiful work, everyone.
Stratus steps up and shoots the hinges of the door with his shotgun. Soteria then kicks it down and enters the room first, spotting a large amount of computer servers and monitors. However, Ketch is waiting for the heroes to enter from off to the side.
Ketch: Yeargh!
Ketch manages to ambush Soteria, entering a struggle with her. Completely panicked, Soteria's powers activate from the sudden emotional distress and overpowers Ketch, to his complete shock. Without even thinking, Soteria manages to punch Ketch in the stomach, the sheer strength of her powers sends Ketch flying through a wall and into a few crates in the main room, knocking him out completely.
Rox: Woah...
Soteria realizes what she had done and begins to panic.
Stratus: That was... awesome! Where did that come from, Abigail?
Soteria: Oh god, oh god! No! NO!
Rox: Soteria? Calm down, please!
Soteria: I'M SO SORRY!
Soteria quickly runs out of the room with great speed, faster than what the others have been able to do.
Vega: What just happened?
Vendetta: Rox, go check up on her, now.
Rox nods and runs after Soteria. Vendetta looks through the hole Soteria made and stares at Ketch's unconscious body. Rox begins combing through the building to find Soteria.
Rox: Soteria? Soteria! Please, come back!
Rox exits the warehouse through the breached door. She then finds Soteria curled up against the building crying profusely.
Rox: Soteria? Are you alright?
Soteria glances up to Rox, her eyes filled with tears and her face bright red.
Soteria: I... I...
Soteria struggles to speak for a moment as she is completely overwhelmed by her emotions. She looks down, putting her head down into her arms.
Soteria: There's something... I need to tell you. All of you.
Rox: May I sit with you?
Soteria nods in her arms without looking at Rox. Rox calmly sits down next to Soteria. Soteria continues to cry.
Rox: It's okay... please, take your time.
Soteria: Ugh... I don't deserve to have someone as caring as you, Rox... let alone... deserve this life...
Rox: What do you mean?
Soteria stops, and sighs heavily. She leans her head up and places it against the wall. She looks up toward the night sky.
Soteria: There's something about my past... that I fear you all would hate... despise. But, I... I don't want to lose any of you...
Rox: Please Soteria... what's wrong?
Soteria closes her eyes and sights heavily.
Soteria: I am the result... of two different souls that merged into one. This body I have... it belonged to one of the souls that now make up mine. I... I don't know how it happened. But I know what I did... I...
Soteria stops and looks at Rox. She gives her a look of encouragement. Soteria once again sighs and chokes up slightly.
Soteria: Although the souls that have made up mine have since been reset, that wasn't always the case. There was one that was... very powerful. It retained some kind of... sense of self before it was lost. During that time... it... no, he controlled me. I felt like... I was just some sort of puppet! He made me kill innocent people... just to ensure there were no witnesses to my birth. I watched... helplessly... as I was being used to commit horrific crimes.
Soteria tries to compose herself as Rox somberly comforts her.
Soteria: That soul that controlled me... He then stole the identity of body I now possess: "Abigail Payne". Just so I could have a name for myself. But... is that truly a name for myself if I have to steal someone else's? (sigh) His soul's power finally died out not long after... and I was now "me" for the first time in my life. But... I was forced to still use Abigail's identity given the situation, never to reveal the circumstances of what happened. I now had to pose as her back at the school she attended. And though I had Abigail's name, that didn't stop me from becoming the person... I wanted to be! I helped everyone that I could, cared and supported them, but deep down, I remained haunted by the memories I retained of what I was forced to do... And even worse, I gained some kind of superpowers from the whole ordeal... I couldn't risk to reveal them to anyone. I was... no... I am... a monster!
Rox rubs Soteria's shoulder.
Rox: Hey, hey... Breathe...
Soteria and Rox sit in silence for a few moments.
Rox: Soteria... look at me.
Soteria wipes her eyes and looks at Rox. Rox places both of her hands on Soteria's shoulders.
Rox: You're no monster. Those actions he made you do... that wasn't something you could control. Please, you can't take the blame for someone else's actions, especially something so...
Rox stops herself from finishing.
Rox: Look... I too believed that something I didn't do was my fault.
Soteria: Siren?
Rox somberly sighs, confirming Soteria's guess.
Rox: At the time, I believed that it was my actions alone that caused Siren to become the person she is today. I was convinced that because we both knew that it was my vote that caused her demotion, I had to burden the responsibility of Siren's anger. But then... I was comforted by everyone else... they showed me that I couldn't be blamed for Siren's own outburst, that was her choice to flip out like that, not mine.
Rox softly smiles.
Rox: And I believe that you too have reached the same position I was in. Know this, Soteria. There are plenty of people who love and care for you. Ones that will make you realize... that that back then wasn't you. You can't be blamed for someone else's choices, it's only going to eat away at you if you keep thinking about that. The person I see now and the one I've always been around... is the person you yourself said you wanted to be. You are someone who cares for others and helps them in more ways than you think. You are you.
Soteria: You're... you're right... aha...
Soteria smiles and tears up. She turns to hug Rox while crying in her shoulder.
Soteria: Thank you, thank you...! Thank you, for everything...
After a moment, Rox gets up and holds her hand out to Soteria, mirroring their first interaction.
Rox: Soteria. Are you ready to move on from a part of your life outside of your control? From actions you can't take responsibility for?
Soteria: I... I am.
Soteria takes Rox's hand to pull herself up. The two lock eyes.
Soteria: Rox, I... I....
Rox: I know. I love you too. And I always will.
Soteria bursts into tears of joy as she and Rox share their first kiss. The scene softly fades to Ketch's office, where Stratus is hard at work downloading his files regarding Siren and her operations while Vendetta and Vega watch. Soteria and Rox then walk in holding each other's hand.
Vendetta: Are you alright, Soteria?
Soteria looks at Rox, who rubs her thumb on Soteria's hand. Soteria smiles.
Soteria: I am... and better than ever.
Stratus glances up from his work and notices that Rox was still rubbing Soteria's hand. Stratus smiles.
Stratus: Congratulations, you two. I knew it wouldn't take long.
The two girls lightly giggle as Vendetta removes his helmet, revealing a proud smile. Vega also smiles.
Vega: Y'know, I did see you blush pretty brightly when Soteria revealed her new outfit, Rox...
Rox looks away and chuckles, her face becoming bright red at the comment. At that moment, Stratus finishes.
Stratus: Alright, everyone. I've downloaded every bit of intel off of Ketch's computer that we need. We've got... a lot to look at.
Soteria: I agree...
Soteria looks at Rox as she says this, who playfully laughs at her remark.
Vega: I'll radio P.A.R.A.D.O.X. that we're done here. They'll send in a clean-up crew and arrest all of the mercs.
Vendetta: Excellent work tonight, everyone. Let's get out of here.
Everyone exits the room. Stratus takes his hard drive with all of the acquired intel and follows behind them.
Soteria: Actually guys... there's something I need to tell you all... about my past.
Soteria looks at Rox as she says this. Rox gives her a supportive nod in return. Soteria sighs and looks directly at the camera. The scene cuts to black.
Vega: You're your own person now, Soteria. He can't hurt or control you anymore. You are our friend. Nothing will change that.
Stratus: You can't take responsibility for his actions. We've seen what that does to someone...
Vendetta: It's okay, Soteria... rest easy.
Act IV
After a few moments of silence, the camera fades in to reveal the Techno Inner Circle Leads at the nerve center gathered at the round table. Everyone observes the overhead screen as Stratus works diligently to download the intel he acquired into the mainframe. Stratus skims through some of the intel, posting the digital documents he deemed important on the screen.
Stratus: We'll start with what we got here.
Everyone closely analyzes the documents on the screen screen.
Vendetta: Hmm... Siren commands a private military group made up of hired guns called "The Forsaken". There's no doubt that those are the mercenaries we've been fighting.
Rox: She's been receiving funding from someone... a lot of funding. I... really can't make out who though. The funder's name is redacted pretty much at every mention of them.
Vega: It's deeply concerning that Siren is being paid to do this. The question now is who would do this? Who would go through such lengths to fund Siren her own private military group just so she could take us out?
Soteria: This does confirm my earlier suspicions... Siren is ready to escalate this conflict. She will retaliate when she learns that her warehouse has been taken out.
Vendetta: Here's the thing though; legally she can't. That warehouse was on Atlas territory. Now that we've seen what it was used for, there's no way anyone on the Atlas Council agreed to let the Forsaken operate in their borders like that. Their whole setup was illegally established.
Vega: And since Siren is operating as a private military group, this gives us authority to arrest Siren. If she is outside of Atlas territory, which she most likely is, we'll have to have secure jurisdiction to operate in the city or territory she's in. Anders would have to help us with that.
Stratus: And it looks like we know where she is.
Stratus pulls up one document.
Stratus: Siren has established a skyscraper base in Neon City. She's there with her best soldiers.
Vendetta: That's perfect, actually. Anders has been assigned to handle diplomatic relations with Chairman Köhler on the 501st Council. They've got a really good relationship and have worked out a number of deals with Atlas in the past. She could work out a proposal with him to give us authorization to operate in Neon City.
Rox: Then let's not waste any time. We need to get this whole thing sorted before we miss our chance to move on Siren.
Stratus: I'll get in contact with Anders and relay everything we've learned. Knowing her, she'll get this whole deal with Köhler sorted out in a matter of hours.
Vendetta: Very well. The rest of you are free to head back to your suites for the night. Get some rest, tomorrow will be a big day if Anders gets this deal sorted out. Dismissed.
Everyone nods and gets up from the round table. Vendetta walks over to Stratus at the computer and helps him prepare a report for Anders. Vega, Rox and Soteria exit the nerve center to return to their suites for the night. The camera fades into the next scene. Soteria is laying in her bed trying to sleep. Rox can be heard inaudiably talking to someone in the living room. She finishes her conversation and approaches Soteria's door, lightly knocking on the door.
Rox: (softly) Soteria? You up?
Soteria: Yes. Come in.
Rox opens the door and enters the room.
Rox: I just finished talking to Ven. Anders and Köhler managed to work out a deal. We're moving on Siren tomorrow morning.
Soteria: That's good.
The two pause for a moment. Rox notices that Soteria appeared restless.
Rox: Are you alright? You still worried about earlier?
Soteria: I'm still a... little anxious from that, but that's no longer my main concern. Something else is.
Rox: And what's would that be?
Soteria: Siren's hatred for you. I'm worried.
Rox lightly sighs and sits at the end of Soteria's bed. Soteria leans up.
Rox: There once was a time... I looked up to Siren, and Siren herself looked to me for support. She cared for my well-being. I...
Rox is unable to finish her thought and stops talking.
Soteria: You told me yourself that the others helped you accept that Siren's fall to darkness isn't your fault, Rox.
Rox looks toward Soteria with a somber look.
Soteria: I think... that Siren tried to move on like Vendetta had hoped, that she finally came to her senses. I fear however, that someone else got to her first and reignited her emotions, like a fire. Whether it's by her choice or not, someone is guiding Siren further down that path of hatred. They want Siren to be the person she is now. And whether she admits it or not, I think she knows that she's past the point of no return to resolve her own emotions alone. She needs help to break free from herself.
Rox silently nods to herself, agreeing with Soteria's words.
Soteria: No matter what happens, whether Siren enters our custody peacefully... or not at all... we should at least try and help Siren first. It would be... the right thing to do, regardless of what may happen after.
Rox: Yeah... I agree... Thank you, Soteria. It means a lot to me.
Soteria: Me too... now please, go get some rest. You of all people earned it.
Rox: I will... goodnight Soteria, I love you.
Soteria: I love you too, hon.
Rox smiles and gets up from Soteria's bed. She prepares to leave Soteria's room.
Soteria: Rox, uh... wait a sec.
Rox stops and turns back toward Soteria.
Rox: Hm?
Soteria: I-I was wondering... if it would help you sleep better if, uh... you bunked with me for the night?
Rox pauses for a second, her face turning bright red.
Rox: ...Y-yeah! Y'know what, it would help me.
Soteia smiles and moves over in her bed as Rox closes the door in front of the camera, which cuts to black. After a moment, the following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen:
- Border District, Neon City
- November 14th, 2143 - 8:43am
The camera fades in as it begins a fly-by through Neon City's Border District. A cloaked Techno dropship can barely be seen as it flies by several skyscrapers.
Vendetta (voiceover): We've received authorization from P.A.R.A.D.O.X. Command: Siren is a top priority kill/capture target. The rest of the Forsaken are considered expendable. This is our only shot. Let's make it count.
The dropship lands on a building with a helipad. The back hatch of the dropship opens as the Inner Circle Heads and Soteria exit the vehicle. The camera adjusts to be behind them as they face what was in front of them: a large office building with the Forsaken's signature "F" emblem on the side of it.
Vendetta: That's our target. According to our intel, Siren has a penthouse on the top floor. We need to intercept her before she can make a move.
Stratus looks down at his watch and begins typing into it.
Stratus: The intel gave us schematics regarding the building's entire A-Space energy grid. I'll remotely hack in at a weak spot we found and reroute power from the main generators. That should take out most of the major systems in the building and buy us time to get to Siren while her forces are busy restoring power.
Stratus finishes typing into his watch. He looks up to the building and notices the lights within the windows flickering before turning off entirely.
Stratus: That's our cue.
Vendetta: It's time.
Vendetta primes his grappling hook and fires a line at the building. The line stabilizes as it pierces into a window frame a few floors below Siren's penthouse.
Vendetta: Hook up.
Everyone pulls out their holstered ascenders and attaches them to Vendetta's line. Stratus goes first, followed by Vendetta, Vega, Rox and Soteria. Soteria is visibly nervous at first, though Rox gives her a supportive look. The five ascend up to the impact point of the line, where Stratus materialized a cutting torch with his kit to cut through the window. Stratus pushes in the cut window, causing it to shatter upon impact and alerting a couple of nearby guards, who leave their post to investigate the noise. Stratus climbs into the building and helps Vendetta and Vega in the window. Vendetta begins to help Rox and Soteria in when the two guards turn the corner to find Techno.
Vega: Heads up!
Vega quickly reacts and shoots the guards using her submachine gun. However, one of the guards managed to turn on his radio to notify someone as Vega shot.
??? (over comms): Sierra-2, come in! What the hell was that?
Vega: Argh, someone definitely heard that. We need to move, fast!
Rox: The stairwell, now!
Everyone makes a dash for the stairwell and begins to ascend upstairs. After passing by a few floors, the team make their way to an open hallway leading directly toward Siren's office. Standing before them was Echo, the last Techno defector that joined up with Siren. In his hand was a radio, the same one that received the feed of Techno's intrusion.
Echo: As I thought... Techno! I've been waiting for this!
Echo interacts with his own modified Techno watch on his arm and materializes his custom juggernaut suit and Briefcase light machine gun. He begins to open fire on Techno, who take cover from Echo.
Soteria: Ah!
Vega: Echo's got us pinned! Anyone got any ideas?!
Soteria peeks from her cover to quickly assess the situation, noticing the glass screen on Echo's helmet and parts of a couple of powercells mounted to the back of Echo's suit.
Soteria: Vendetta! Give us suppressing fire! I have a plan!
Vendetta: On it!
Vendetta perks up from his cover and begins to open fire on Echo with his rifle, drawing Echo's attention.
Soteria: Stratus, Vega! Can you make a smokescreen with anything in your kits?!
Vega: Yep!
Vega pulls out two triangular gadgets, handing one to Stratus. She gets up from her spot and runs behind Vendetta to the other side of the hall. Both Vega and Stratus attach their gadget to the side of the hall they were each on to create a digital smokescreen in front of them, impairing Echo's sightline.
Echo: Huh?!
Vendetta: I'm picking up what you're putting down, Soteria!
Vendetta quickly enables his thermal optics in his helmet and begins to shoot Echo in more critical spots in his armor.
Echo: Argh!
Soteria stands up from her cover and readies her sword.
Rox: What do you want me to do?
Soteria smiles and extends out her hand, glancing down at Rox's legs. Rox realizes that she was referring to her suit's nano grasp ability.
Soteria: Run us as fast as you can along the wall beside Echo!
Rox smiles and grabs Soteria's hand, applying her nano grasp to the two of them. Soteria sends out a slash through the smoke that strikes Echo, weakening him greatly as he stops firing. The two charge through the smokescreen as Vendetta begins to reload. Rox and Soteria run along the wall beside Echo, who is too dazed to realize what was happening. The two land behind him, and Soteria swings her sword in tandem with her super strength, which unleashes a powerful energy slash that strikes the powercells on the back of Echo's suit, completely destroying them.
Echo: AHHHH!!!
The energy of Soteria's sword and Echo's damaged powercells triggers an explosion that sends Soteria and Rox flying backwards toward Siren's office. Parts of the roof collapses from the explosion, crushing Echo to death while cutting off the two girls from the rest of their team.
Stratus: Rox! Soteria! You two good?!
Soteria gets up first and checks on Rox, who is merely shaken by the blast. She helps her up from the ground and turns to face the debris seperating the two of them from the others. Rox also glances at the debris.
Rox: Yeah, we're good! You?!
Vendetta: We're good over here! This debris' gonna take some time to clear! Go! Get Siren, we'll catch up!
Soteria and Rox turn to face the double-door leading into Siren's office. They each share a nod of confirmation before they each kick in one of the doors.
Rox: SIREN!
In front of them was Siren, who was calmly sitting at her desk staring directly at them.
Siren: Rox. I knew it wouldn't be long before you came for me.
Rox: Siren, listen to me. You don't have to do this. You need to let go of this madness! You need... to accept what has happened and move on...
Siren: Oh, but I have! I moved on from Techno. I've started fresh with the Forsaken, I have a whole army under my command! They are loyal to me, they understand my emotions, what I've been through... something you fools never could!
Soteria: That's an excuse, and you know it!
Siren: And who might you be, sweetie?
Soteria: Someone who understands emotions, and what they can do to someone. I'm... speaking from experience when I say this; your emotions have gotten the best of you, twisted how you think and feel. And worst of all, they've been exploited by someone, weaponized into something far more dangerous than even you realize! You need to open your eyes, and realize this! You need to break free from the shackles of your emotions, and we're here to offer you that chance. Please, Siren. Don't escalate things. Let us help you.
Siren visibly flinches at Soteria's words, though she maintains her stern facial expression as she stares at Rox, who gives her a somber look in return. Siren looks down at her desk for a moment, gritting her teeth as she tries to restrain herself. In her mind, she knows that they are right, but is too far gone to accept it.
Siren: No... you've already helped ENOUGH!
Siren stands up and throws her table to the side in a fury, revealing that her Forsaken outfit was in fact her old Techno outfit that has since been greatly modified.
Siren: But if you really want to help me... then you can start... by dying!
Siren summons her weapons in both her hands: a customized rapier sword and a holographic shield. Rox glances at Soteria, who gives her a supportive look.
Rox: Then I'm sorry... that we can't help you anymore.
Siren lunges at Rox with her rapier, though she is parried by Soteria and her sword. Rox pulls out her twin pistols and fires at Siren, who blocks all of her shots with ease using her shield. Siren is able to knock Rox back with a quick shield bash, breaking her pistols amidst the impact before engaging Soteria in sword combat. Siren is surprised that Soteria is extremely proficient with a sword, but is nonetheless able to hold her ground against Soteria. Rox is able to get back up and sideswipes Siren with her right leg, causing Siren to kneel, though she maintains the defensive and simultaneously blocks both of Rox and Soteria's attacks with her shield and rapier respectively.
Siren: (grunts) Once Techno has fallen, I will be finally be at peace... and no-one will ever get in my way again!
Siren breaks the deadlock by rolling backwards on the ground, catching Rox and Soteria off-guard who fall foward into each other. Siren quickly drops her shield and uses a gadget on her suit to unleash a shockwave that separates Rox and Soteria, sending them flying to opposite sides of the room. Siren approaches Rox as she laid weakened on the ground, placing her foot on her stomach as she prepares to finish off Rox with a jab from her rapier. Soteria begins to get up and sees this. She grits her teeth and clenches her fist in a burst of determination, willingly activating her powers for the first time.
Soteria: SIREN!
Siren turns to face her with a smug look on her face, only to notice Soteria's glowing first. Siren is unable to react quick enough as Soteria sends out a beam of cosmic energy strong enough to send Siren flying off of her feet and into the nearby wall, greatly wounding her and knocking her out.
Soteria: Rox!
Soteria runs over to Rox to check on her. Rox lightly coughs and leans up as she smiles up at Soteria.
Soteria: Need a hand?
Soteria extends her hand out in the same manner Rox did to her. Rox laughs and grabs Soteria's hand, who hoists her up to her feet. Rox quickly hugs Soteria, who embraces the gesture. At that moment, Vendetta, Stratus and Vega all rush into room, ready to fight, when they notice the two girls embracing one another.
Vendetta: Where's Siren?!
Soteria points toward Siren without looking at the others, who laid severely battered amidst the debris of the wall as she slowly regained conciousness.
Vendetta: Heh... showoffs.
Vendetta walks over toward Siren and kneels down in front of her. Siren slowly opens her eyes to face Vendetta as he removes his mask to show her his face.
Siren: (groans) Tomiko... ugh...
Siren places her arms in front of her, her hand covering her watch on her arm.
Vendetta: It's over, Siren. Please, surrender yourself. There's nowhere left to go.
Siren: (laughs) Like I'd run... from the perfect moment to take you all out at once!
Rox notices Siren's hand movement and quickly deduces her intentions.
Rox: Siren, wait!
Siren ignores Rox and presses a button on her watch, causing two red lights to start flashing on her suit's shoulder pads, followed by a loud siren.
Siren: Farewell, Techno. In thirty seconds, you'll join me... in death! (laughs)
Stratus: RUN!!!
Everyone but Siren quickly sprints out of the room. Siren attempts to get up and follow them, but is too weakened to get up on her own and resigns herself to her fate. As Techno runs out of the room, they run into a few Forsaken mercenaries who were responding to the commotion. The team quickly dispatch the mercenaries and reach the floor where the grappling hook line was at and connect to it with their ascenders as fast as they could. Everyone uses their ascenders to zip across the line to the adjacent building at the fastest speed possible. During all of this, the camera frequently cuts back and forth to Techno's efforts to escape and the lights on Siren's suit. Just as Techno managed to touch down onto the roof of the building, Siren's bomb detonates, killing her and unleashing a fiery explosion that takes out a couple of the upper floors of her building. Techno all look on at the fiery aftermath in shock.
Vendetta: (somberly) I didn't want it to come to this, my old friend...
Vega: Don't beat yourself up Ven, we did everything we could, there was nothing else we could've done to change her mind.
Vendetta doesn't immediately respond, and takes a moment to stare at the aftermath of the explosion. He sighs to himself, compiling his emotions before turning to face his team.
Vendetta: You all... did exceptionally well today. I am proud to lead such a fine team of individuals. Rox, Soteria. I must give you the greatest thank you I can for everything you two have done over the past few days. We couldn't have resolved this crisis without your help.
Vendetta walks forward and places his hand on Soteria's shoulder like he did when he first met her.
Vendetta: I sense that there is great opportunities in the immediate future for you to further your abilities, Soteria. Is this something you would like to continue doing?
Soteria turns to face Rox, who merely smiles back at her.
Soteria: Absolutely. So long as I have the chance to always spend time with my girlfriend and the rest of you all.
Vendetta: Very well. Then it is my absolute honor to annouce you, Soteria, as the second-in-command to Rox's Recon Agents.
Everyone cheers for Soteria, who steps forward to approach Rox. She takes Rox's hand and locks eyes with her.
Soteria: Thank you, Rox... for everything.
Rox: No... thank you, Soteria.
Soteria proudfully smiles and shares a long kiss with Rox while everyone else applaudes.
Rox: So, is there anything you wanted to do?
Soteria: Well... now that everything is over, I don't think it's right to have the name Abigail Payne. She's not who I am anymore, nor is it the name I willingly gave myself. I need a new one, one of my own choice and one that defines my new life with you all.
Vega: Any ideas?
Soteria: Yeah...
Soteria takes a moment to look at what was now essentially her family. The camera pans around Soteria, stopping directly in front of her as looks direcly into it.
Soteria: My name... is Paige. Paige Bishop.
The camera cuts to black as the credits begin to roll. During the credits, there are several photographed moments that appear, including Paige signing documents to state that she was now a legal citizen of Midnight City, Paige undergoing additional Techno training, and finally Paige and Rox sharing another kiss. The camera fades to black after the final picture is shown.
Epilogue
Thunder can be heard as the following text appears on the bottom left hand of the screen:
- Neomuna, Paradise Island
- September 15th, 2143
The camera fades in to reveal a shot of Neomuna during a rainstorm around midday. The camera pans down the side of a building, where Siren is peering through a window to watch a news report regarding Atlas International's buyout of the Mirage Corporation and Techno's instatement into Atlas as a P.A.R.A.D.O.X. subdivision. Siren lets out a disappointing sigh and crushes the empty coffee cup in her hand as she walks away from the building and down the sidewalk.
Siren: What am I even doing with myself...
As Siren walks down the sidewalk, she flashes back to her outburst that led to her termination from Techno. She sighs heavily after the flashbacks end.
Siren: I've taken things too far... I need to correct this... but how?
???: Perhaps I can be of help.
Siren glances up to see a figure in formal attire standing in front of her.
Siren: How so? And who are you?
The Dealer: I am... The Dealer. I've been keeping an eye on you for quite some time now, Siren. I understand exactly what you must be thinking and feeling, now that you've fallen from grace like that.
Siren: To be fair, I-
The Dealer: It must be hard knowing that they underappreciated your work and leadership, Siren. You deserved much better.
Siren: Well, no, you see-
The Dealer: I see that you are desperate, still clinging to a belief that you are to blame for this outcome. But you... you are innocent, Siren! They robbed you of your career, your life, everything! You need to act, Siren. Take matters into your own hands, just like you did when they cast you down from their ranks.
Siren: I-
The Dealer: I come to you to strike a deal. One I know you won't refuse.
The Dealer takes out a folded piece of paper and holds it out in front of Siren. Siren reluctantly takes the paper and unfolds it, discovering that it was a check.
Siren: Wait... this is... so much! What... what do you want from me?
The Dealer: I want only one thing: for Atlas to fall, and all connected to them... even your old friends, the very ones who stripped you of everything you ever had. They don't care for you anymore, Siren. But I do... I can restore everything you once had, and better! And all you have to do is follow my lead. So... do we have ourselves a deal?
Having been persuaded by The Dealer's words, Siren smiles wickedly, losing all of her previous train of thought.
Siren: I'm in.
The camera dramatically cuts to black, timing the cut to another blast of thunder. "PRESENT DAY" appears on the bottom left hand side of the screen as the sounds of sirens can be heard increasing in noise as the camera cuts back to a shot of Forsaken Headquarters from a distance. The camera pans back to reveal The Dealer standing alone on a rooftop, watching as Forsaken Headquarters burns in the aftermath of Siren's death. The Dealer stares in content at the carnage as the camera pans down to show a shoulder patch belonging to an unknown faction on their coat. The camera zooms in on the patch as it slowly fades to black.