==========================================================

Bobby Williams was having a strange day. It started out like any other day, he woke up, had breakfast, and went to work at his Uncle's scrap yard. He was attending Coast City community college to get his associate degree. He normally wouldn't bother, but his Uncle John said he could only work at the scrap yard if he went to school. It was an easy job, that allowed him to study while at work. But today he honestly wondered what he was doing with his life?

Bobby was 5' 9” and not that bad looking. A boy next door sort of look with his curly brown hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin. He kept in shape due his time in high school on the track team. He liked to run! He was use to the girls in his area turning their heads when he walked by. But this time he saw two beautiful women that defied all expectations. On a scale from one to ten they were both easily a twelve.

One woman was easily six feet tall with caramel skin, long curly hair that swept past her shoulders. Her hair and eye color would change color! He had read the fashion and tech magazine about how people were using holographic images to change appearances but this was over the top he thought! She was a total bombshell! She had a loose sheer black fabric skirt on that was faded enough to catch the sight of her long legs. She had a tight half black top on that barely covered her size able breasts that bounced with every step. On top of all that she smiled, winked, and spoke to everyone with a flirty ambition of a woman who knew what she wanted and enjoyed showing off.

Then there was her..Sister? She was 5'9” with tanned skin, and short curly hair to her shoulders that also changed color. Where her sister was outrageous she was more conservative. But it worked for her her, she had a killer body in her black heeled boots, knee length blue skirt, and billowing blue superman t-shirt that was big enough to allow one of her shoulders to be exposed. She was a bashful beauty that made people want to talk to her just to see her bat her eye lashes at them.

Then there was their companion. A giant fucking lizard! Bobby had seen images and videos of him on the internet. The Alien who was working for the United Nations. The 'man-thing' was easily eight feet tall! Plus the width of a door way if not larger. His cloak? Shroud curled off him like it was made of the morning fog that rolled from the hills in the morning. Bobby could see his dark green metallic scales, clawed hands, feet, and a long bladed tail. Bobby saw bits and pieces of plate armor under the shroud.

Why did all of this matter? Because Agent Wraith and the two beautiful ladies were here to speak to his uncle John! The thing was! His Uncle wasn't that surprised by them arriving! Bobby along with all the guys at the scrap yard were stuttering and drooling over the ladies and kept a wide berth around the alien Wraith. Uncle John had us all clear out the scrap yard so it was empty. Then with all of the other customers sitting in the front office watching in confusion as Agent Wraith dropped ten grand and give it to Uncle John. Ten grand! Just like that! John asked Wraith for a favor and Bobby was dragged along into the scrapyard to watch something that he would never forget!

It was like that old animation with the mouse, and the wizard hat. Wraith stretched his hands out and scrap metal just pulled itself out of the piles and flew towards the area he stood in front of. Then screws, sprockets, and gears materialized out of thin air! Bobby was going to school to be a mechanical engineer. He was always a bit of a gear head, it was why he worked at his Uncle's scrap yard. Uncle John had always encouraged him to just that. Something Bobby's parents never cared for. But this...This was unreal! Bobby watched in fascination as a machine! A twin helicopter and jet plane was built in front him! Something that should have taken days if not weeks to build in under ten minutes.

Then like two puzzle pieces snapped together. Bobby understood something! He looked down and in his left hand he saw a copper gear sprocket was rotating in his hand. He wasn't fiddling with it like a spinner. No, it was rotating in his hand, floating just above his skin by a few inches. Before Bobby could scream in surprise he felt a large hand clap him on his shoulder. He looked up and saw four yellow green reptilian eyes peer at him from the darkness of his shrouded hood.

“Machine Control. Its a unique gift.” The Alien Wraith's was like a crocodile trying to talk. But Bobby still understood him some how.

Bobby then felt like some one had force fed a training manual into his head by melting it down and pouring it into his ears. He dropped to his knees and nearly fell unconscious until his Uncle grabbed him before he his head hit the ground. Uncle John had a smile on his face, and thanked the Alien Wraith for the help. Did Uncle John know about his power?

Bobby looked up to watch Wraith and the two beautiful ladies walk into their transportation. The tall amazonian woman winked and blew Bobby a kiss as the rear hatched closed behind her. The propellers began to twirl and soon the whole plane took off into the air. A hundred feet into the air the whole plane changed colors and faded from sight. But Bobby could... Feel that it was still there?

“What the fuck Uncle John?” Bobby said, and grimaced when John smacked him upside the head.

“Watch your mouth, Bobby! Now let's go play with your new abilities!” John said with a smile as he reached his hand out and metal sprocket pulled itself out from the scrap heap and floated in front of John.

================================================================

Name: Bobby Williams / VI Avatar.

Title: Gear Head, Grease Monkey

Origin: Meta-Gene.

Rank: G evolving into G+

Skills: Engineering, Crafting, [See tool tip for more]

Powers: Metal manipulation, Machine understanding, [See tool tip for more]

Domain: N/A

Racial Trait: N/A

Disposition: Friendly

Comment: Bobby Williams had always had a connection with machines. As a child he thought they seem to almost speak to him. He just seem to know when they were about to break, and how to fix them. But now... Now he knows it was something more.

Congratulations User! You've helped another VI Avatar in your world awaken their potential ahead of their pre determined schedule.

Lash had shifted back to his default human shape while he flew the duel heli-jet. This wasn't his old favorite SHARC but just another version of what he used with Team Arrow when they attacked the Death Stroke compound. Lash continued to get Machine Control experience as Bobby continued to play with his power. Lash was confused as to why he got experience when his power was based in magic, while Bobby's was a meta-gene. But he figured they had common ground somewhere. But he had to admit he enjoyed being a 'Class Trainer'

“So, when are you going to help teach me how to fly?” Kara asked, she came to lean over the pilot's seat. Kara's natural scent was sweet on Lash's nose as he breathed her in.

“We can increase our altitude and have you jump out with Kory. We'll make sure to video tape it for the League. Should be fun!” Lash said with a smile. Kara slapped his arm playfully and went to sit back down with Kory who was on her holographic looking up places to visit when they went to El Paso.

Bobby had been an interesting find. VICI reported that Bobby's father, and Uncle both showed signs of the Meta-Gene even before the Dark Matter eruption at Central City. Lash knew that the Meta-Gene had been a thing for centuries! The margin for existence was just smaller. With the increase in Dark Matter energy the chance to awaken was higher, it was also possible for existing Meta-Gene holders powers to increase in rank. Which was not always a good thing, especially for those that didn't know how to control their abilities.

Creating the Lunar Academy would be a great place to take people to learn the fundamentals in controlling their abilities. As well as giving them a chance at an education for the future. Not everyone with powers wanted to be a hero...Or a villain. Many just wanted to live a normal life. The question was how did they convince the world the the Academy was a school and not a prison? Lash had asked his Warden contacts about schools for the super-natural societies. There were dozens of schools spread out across the globe. But the best ones were hidden in pocket dimensions. There own little worlds!

When Lash dropped the idea for the Lunar Academy he was met with less then an enthusiastic reply from the Warden's. The moon was a no go area of operation for most. Why? Apparently there use to be a civilization on the Moon long ago. Their revenants were still there! If Lash wanted to build something on the moon, he would have to clean them out first. When he found this out his Cosmic Patron quest from the Lunar Academy had updated.

Congratulations User! You've discovered additional information about your Cosmic Patron's quest.

Establish a Lunar Academy on the Earth's Moon.

Additional Objective: Destroy, cleanse, and or kill the Revenant's of an ancient race.

Number of Enemies that remain: 10,000,000/ 10,000,000.

Lash's eye twitched while Saurian chuckled and rattle his metaphorical scales in excitement. Time for a new hunt to begin soon, yes? -Saurian's voice soothed across the link. Yes, time for a new hunt. But it would have to wait for a little while longer. For now Lash was still touring America with Kara, and Kory. They had heard about an explosion at Kord Omniversal Research and Development, Inc. (Kord Technologies) Theodore Stephen 'Ted' Kord the second incarnation of Blue Beetle owned the business. Ted Kord had been in the super hero business for a long time. He had worked under the first incarnation of Blue Beetle, Daniel Garret. Garret had actually worn the scarab thinking it was mystical in nature. But Ted had realized it was actually a piece of alien tech and had declined the scarab, or the scarab refused to work for him. The comic origin was different depending on which Earth-# you read. Instead, Ted used his own inventions to be the second blue beetle.

Thirty two hours ago an explosion took place at Kord Tech. The local police suspected foul play and were about to investigate when ARGUS showed up on the scene and dismissed the local PD. Lash may have gained access to ARGUS's data base and given VICI the key to the back door. You know, hypothetically of course! It had proven beneficial as VICI had told Lash that they were looking for a unique alien tech. A machine in the shape of a blue scarab. But...The scarab was no where to be found.

Foresight hadn't activated for Lash, nor had he used Cosmic Awareness. But that didn't stop Lash from physically driving himself there even if he couldn't physically tell anyone why he did it. The fourth wall engine as always was very impressive. Because of this he just had VICI use local satellites to scan, and look for power surges across El Paso. Jaime Reyes was suppose to be the third Blue Beetle. As far as Lash knew the original heroes and villains in the dream always stayed true. Unless it was a specific comic origin, or he directly intervened. Made Lash wonder who he had stopped from existing. Jason Todd Red Hood for example? Joker was dead in Lash's world. Unless there was another Joker out there, or maybe a VI Avatar with a joker fetish?

The flight from Coast City to El Paso wasn't to long on the duel heli-jet. Lash had wanted to take a Warden portal system. But Kara, and Kory were not cleared. The super-natural's were undecided if they could keep a secret or not. Lash didn't push it so he crafted transportation to get them there. He would make sure to find a local park and mark a tree, or maybe a cell-phone tower for his new Digital Stride spell he had obtained when he got into town.

While he flew across the country Lash used Connectivity and answered and replied to emails, messages, and a few phone calls. He contacted his pack mates through varies means of messaging, as well as the Wardens from Gotham. Despite his active travel routine Lash made sure to stay in some contact with his people. Though he could technically check on his Pack where ever he was on Earth. Though the skill buff of 30% wouldn't activate, that didn't stop Lash from using the bond to reach out and say hello. As long as they were all on the same plane of existence he could feel them, and they could feel him. Though he wasn't sure if it worked off planet. The connection had stayed while he was building VICI. So maybe?

Out of everyone he had on in his Pack, Peyton was the most nervous. Her Warden ceremony was coming up soon. Lash told her he would do his best to be there but if work came up he wasn't sure. She understood that, if a massive tidal wave crashed into the coast and he was trying to stop another one she would rather he concentrate on that then come to her ceremony. But she hope he would. It was set for the end of next month so Lash had time. Hopefully.

The heli-jet passed the state line and would arrive at El Paso in less then an hour. With Parallel Minds Lash read up on the information acquired by VICI through ARGUS. They had searched the whole building looking for evidence. Yes, it was foul play. The 'official' report was corporate espionage. But the explosion that wrecked the entire upper floors of the building were in Ted's primary lab. Ted's body had been found with a synthetic polymer blended suit of a blue beetle wrapped around him. ARGUS had known his identity so this wasn't any surprise. But the ground team continued to search for the Scarab. They found its contained, they found the records, and data base for all the attempts of Ted to get it to turn on. So Ted had wanted the scarab, but it hadn't worked for him?

“Ten minutes then we'll be landing.” Lash said to his two companions.

Kara, and Kory then took a moment to strip out of their cloths and dressed in the standard government agency look. Black heeled boots, black suit pants, white buttoned shirt, black suit jacket. Each set had been created by Lash had was of course enchanted, and enhanced. Kory's specifically would allow her to absorb ultra violet light through the fabric.

“So, we are allowed to ask questions. Yes?” Kory asked, as she finished with her shirt. Even wearing the government official gear Kory looked like a super model you'd see in a bond movie.

“We are considered trainee's under Agent Wraith. While we decide if we want to take the same citizenship method Wraith is. So questions pertaining to the job. Yes I think are just fine?” Kara said as she pulled her red hair back. Yes they both continued to wear their glamour charms. So eyes and hair continued to change based on their mood. Red = nervous.

Kory took a moment to wrap her arms around Kara and kissed her cheek. She left behind a red lipstick print on Kara's face. Kara squeaked and gently pushed Kory away as she cleaned up her face, her cheeks flushed red. Kory walked over to Lash who continued to pilot the heli-jet toward the Kord Tech parking lot. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“For luck!” Kory said with a smirk.

As Lash came over the parking lot and started to land, Kory's jovial personality melted away and she became a warrior trained by the Warlords of Okaara. The heli-jet land gear touched down on the pavement, just as the rear hatch started to lower Lash called on Saurian and used Transformation. Lash in the disguise of Wraith stepped from the rear hatch to the sight of hundreds of small arms, and automatic weapons pointed at his group.

“Gentlemen, and Ladies of ARGUS. We are here to help!” Lash said, his voice made a few people jump in surprise.

As they stepped off from the transport dozens of armored vehicles had surrounded the heli-jet that had materialized out of thin air. It had the UNWS stamp on the side of the transport but ARGUS had no idea they had come. When Agent Wraith stepped out of the transport followed by two bomb shell beauties the troops on the ground were confused. Agent Wraith was an enigmatic individual as far as most were concerned he didn't really had direct supervision. He was allowed to go, and do what ever he wanted. Many people would be afraid of someone with this kind of power, but Agent Wraith had never done anything so far to question why he was given this privilege.

A shadow moved across the pavement and stopped in front of Agent Wraith, the shadow expanded like it was a living thing. A petite gloved hand reached out and started to pull itself out of the shadow. Wraith reached down and helped the young woman out of the shadow, much to her surprise! The ARGUS agents knew who this was. Agent Murmur, 5'8” woman with short black hair that didn't reach her chin, silver eyes, and an athletic figure. Once she left the pool of darkness it evaporated like a puddle of water in the summer sun.

“Agent Wraith. I am Agent Murmur. We were not expecting you.” Her voice was like ice, but despite that she did not take her hand from the claws of Wraith.

“I know, but despite that we've come to help. I can already tell you the item in question is no longer in the building nor is it on the premise. Some one has it.” Lash said, his clawed hand continued to hold the hand of Agent Murmur who despite her icy appearance in her cool black combat uniform clearly didn't mind the giant lizard holding her hand.

Agent Murmur wore the typical ARGUS tactical combat gear. Black boots, urban warfare pants, then she wore a black long sleeved muscle t-shirt, with a kevlar vest over that. She had a lower half face combat mask with re breather attached. She wore plated hand gloves that were used for punching, along with an assortment of knives on her legs, forearms, vest, and a sub-machine gun strapped to her lower back. She had a nice figure that filled out the uniform very nicely.

Agent Murmur gently took back her hand, and brought her wrist to her mouth and spoke a few words into the radio there. She got a reply and nodded in return. She gestured for him to follow as the ARGUS ground unit lowered their weapons at last. Kory and Kara never flinched during the whole situation, either knowing that Wraith had it under control. Or that the weapons would do nothing to them.

Murmur ran her thumb over the spot that Wraith had held more then once. It was the first time some one had willingly touched her in years. Her powers had always spread black veins through people and sucked them dry of energy. It never killed anyone, but they would always feel drained and exhausted after words. Murmur didn't get an ounce of energy from Wraith, but felt elated she could touch him with out him suffering any effects. She'd have to report this to Waller.

The building's top floors were in ruins. They had to take the stairs which didn't bother any of them. Kory even sprung into the middle of the stair way and floated up covering the corners. Lash had told her that ARGUS was a friend, and an enemy. Just depended on the day, and what they wanted. So she was on full alert. Her hair, and eyes glowed green (Active) due to the glamour charm. The tip of her hair glowing faintly. Murmur glanced at Kory while they climbed the stairs.

They reached the top floor and saw the blast residue all over the floor. Over a dozen forensic technicians worked the scene taking picture, setting up lights, and taking samples. They still had no idea what caused the explosion. All of the chemicals in the lab were accounted for, those that were explosive wouldn't have caused this degree of damage. The technicians got out of the way of Agent Murmur, and kept their mouths shut when they saw Wraith. Kory stayed afloat as she followed behind gradually.

Inside the main lab was another ARGUS meta-human. He was six foot even with metal skin. He had black combat boots, black urban warfare pants, a black sleeveless muscle shirt, his hair which was a silver color was high and tight. He had a body builder look. He had a radio in his ear as he turned to see Murmur and the team walk in. He walked over towards Lash with a very aggressive stance stopped a few short feet, smiled wide and held out his hand.

“Agent Wraith! A pleasure sir! Please call me Agent Nickel. I hope my sister didn't give you too much trouble.” Nickel said, as he winked at Murmur who glared daggers at him. Lash reached out and shook Nickel's hand. They shared a nice firm grip.

“You must be Agent K, and Agent Andr? Nice to meet you!” Nickel said in a very friendly voice. Lash could read that Nickel was genuine and said as much across the Temporary Pack Bond he had made with Kory, and Kara. They both took turns shaking his hand. He commented what a nice grip Kara had!

“Don't mind Agent Murmur if she didn't shake your hand. She sucks the energy out of anyone she touches!” Nickel said with a smirk, and jumped away with a laugh as Murmur tried to slap him.

“Agent Wraith didn't have any problems touching her.” Kara said, she tilted her head to the side in confusion. Nickel stopped as he looked at Murmur, a question on his face. Murmur looked away bashfully.

“Oho! Look at you Murmur! Bashful and shy! Hay! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!” Nickel shouted as he ran around the room away from Murmur who chased him with her hand outstretched like claws.

“Ahem!” An ARGUS agent in business suit attire cleared his throat. This man was 5'10” with a marine core hair cut, wide shoulders, and blue eyes. He rolled his eyes as he seem to be use to the antics of these two. Despite her attempts at being indifferent, Kory did laugh at them both.

“Agent Wraith, I am Agent Dutch. I keep an eye on these two while on the field. I was told you have information for us?” Dutch said as he glared at Nickel who smiled wide at him, and Murmur who mumbled an apology. Lash took a moment to cast Insight on Murmur, Nickel, and Dutch.

Name: Agent Murmur / VI Avatar.

Title: Soundless.

Origin: Meta-Gene.

Rank: D+

Skills: Stealth, Hand to Hand combat. [See tool tip for more]

Powers: Shadow Control, Matter Conversion. [See tool tip for more]

Domain: N/A

Racial Trait: N/A

Disposition: Friendly

Comment: Murmur thinks Wraith is an alien who pretends to be a monster. She has met a lot of monsters that pretend to be human. She is also a bit shy at the fact that she can touch him with out draining him.

Name: Agent Nickel / VI Avatar.

Title: Tin Man, Iron Man.

Origin: Meta-Gene.

Rank: D+

Skills: Hand to Hand combat, Martial Arts, Painting [See tool tip for more]

Power: Metal Polymer Skin, Superhuman Durability, [See tool tip for more]

Domain: N/A

Racial Trait: N/A

Disposition: Friendly

Comment: Nickel is excited to meet, and work with Wraith. He has heard amazing things about the Alien who was born on Earth. Though his interest may follow Wraith's two female companions a bit more.

Name: Agent Dutch

Title: Jar-Head.

Origin: Meta-Gene. (Dormant)

Rank: G+

Skills: Hand to Hand, Commanding Presence, Golf, [See tool tip for more]

Power: Blood Manipulation, Heart pulse sensory, [See tool tip for more, Currently Dormant]

Domain: N/A

Racial Trait: N/A

Disposition: Neutral.

Comment: Dutch isn't sure what to make of Wraith, or his little team of trainee's. He'll do his job, and take care of his Agents. His priority will always be his people first, the mission second. Everything else can fuck off!

“Can you please call your head technician in here with us?” Lash asked, he walked straight towards the middle of the lab as Dutch called for the lead tech. A woman in forensic gear came in with a holographic computer on her forearm.

“Yes, Agent Wraith what can I help you with?” She said in a business like voice.

“Do you have the determined time of the explosion?” Lash asked, the technician gave the estimated time of the incident.

Lash knelt down and pressed his palms into the ground. Using his 'glamour' he created a technology machine effect of dozen or so tiny projectors creating a scene. Then he used a skill that he bought awhile ago. Retrocognition since it was a skill/power that he had purchased via the shop it was of course a bit different than most. The room displayed Wraith and his team entering, then walking backwards out of the room. What Dutch, and Nickel were doing before they had come. Then the projection started to speed up. Minutes flew by and turned into hours. The technicians eyes grew wide in astonishment.

“Holy fuck! You can rewind the scene like a fucking video!? That is fucking awesome!” Nickel shouted loudly. Dutch was to focused on the scene to reprimand his agent for swearing. While Murmur was looking at Wraith instead of the scene playing backwards.

“Every time I think I have him figured out he does something new.” Kara whispered to Kory. She had walked over to her and leaned in. Kory nodded and whispered back in reply.

“I know! Isn't it fun!” Kory replied then went back to watching.

The estimated time for the explosion arrived and Lash slowed the scene down. His energy meter was nearing 50% capacity, this took a lot of effort to maintain. The explosion took place, a fiery blue flame enveloped the entire lab. That was interesting! He continued to rewind time until they saw a fight take place backwards. He sped through it and then set his ability to 'play'. Unfortunately the level of the power was to low. So it didn't come with sound.

No one seem to question the lack of sound as if it was obvious. They saw the scene of Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle in uniform shouting at two people who had come inside his lab. One of the men was a teenager with blue fire as his hair, he rolled a blue flame around on his knuckles like one would a coin. The other man was a Death Stroke look alike, but this one had both eyes. Slade's son, Grant Wilson the first Ravager. Ted continued to shout at Ravager who despite his mask was clearly livid about something. The kid with blue fire for hair then started to napalm the room with his blue fire. Ted fought back, and despite being out numbered held his own. Lash paused the 'scene' and walked in front of the blue fire kid.

“Who is this? Can you do a facial scan Miss...” Lash said as he turned his head to look at the Tech. She jumped into action and ran over to scan the boys face that was as if he was standing there in front of her.

“Morgan... Agent Morgan. This...This is incredible! How are you doing this?” Morgan asked.

“Afraid I can't say. At least not for another five years. Technology assimilation for pre FTL civilizations. Sorry.” Lash replied in a robotic voice, as if he was use to replying the answer far to many times. Morgan frowned at his answer but let it go as the computer beeped at her.

“Judas Kane, Orphan and ward of the state of New Mexico. Went missing a few years ago. Wanted for petty theft, assault, breaking and entering, grand theft auto, robbery, rape, murder. Dropped out of high school. No other records past that except for his psychological evaluation by the state, which is not pretty.” Agent Morgan said as she closed her holographic.

“Who is this?” Kara asked, she was in front of Grant/ Ravager. Who looked a lot like Death Stroke.

“Death Stroke aka Slade Wilson is in a ARGUS holding facility so we know its not him. I would say its one of his sons. Most likely Grant Wilson, takes after his father.” Agent Dutch came over to look at Ravager.

After another minute of discussion Lash continued the scene. A hidden compartment in the wall burst open when Judas shot his blue napalm at it. That is when the Scarab came crawling out of the container it had been stuck in. It flew across the room like a speeding bullet and attached itself to Judas. Ted and Ravager both looked surprised, then Ravager sprinted from the room and dove out of the window. Ted lost in the moment of seeing the Scarab choose a chose a host didn't realize the Scarab hadn't chosen Judas. He was consuming him! The Scarab seem to suck Judas dry, right before he died he ignited the last of his energy reserves and exploded. Then the blue napalm consumed the lab!

Once the flames died away they found what remained of Ted/ Blue Beetle. His suit was made from a polymer that copied the Scarab, though it used materials from Earth. When the intense heat flashed through the room the suit covered Ted automatically. But the intense heat was enough to cook Ted from the outside in. Just like that a hero died. After that Ravager came back up into the lab and looked around for a bit but he couldn't find what he was looking for he soon left. About an hour after wards the local PD swarmed the lab. The explosion had been contained to the upper floor. Ted had reinforced his lab so if anything happened it would endanger any ones life.

“Where is his body?” Lash asked as he closed the 'scene' his energy levels had reached 20%, he needed to recharge for a bit. Kara was the first to walk up to him and gave him a steady body to lean on. Kory flew-->>

next page