The smell of the produce section filled Dave’s nostrils. Aromas from strawberries, cantaloupe, and oranges wafted about as he passed the fruits by. He reached forward and pulled up a head of romaine lettuce from the refrigerated cluster of vegetables. He gave the head a good shake to remove the droplets of water clinging to the plastic wrap and examined the leaves.

"This the right one?" Came Sera’s voice from behind him.

Dave turned and saw her walking down the freshly stocked dairy aisle. In hand, she clasped a bottle of orange salad dressing. Dave set the lettuce in the plastic basket he carried and took the offered bottle from Sera. He checked the label to make sure it was the brand he habitually bought and nodded.

"Yeah, this is it." He told her appreciatively. "Best stuff I know of for the meal I’ve got in mind."

"I have some plans for desert." Sera purred coyly and drew close to rest her head on his shoulder.

Immediately, Dave tensed up at the contact compounded with the scent of her hair.

Sera hopped back a step from Dave’s jolt and giggled.

"Then again, maybe you need to cut down on the sugar." She said playfully and strolled back up the aisle she had just came from.

Dave sighed and shifted the basket to his other hand.

The super market they were in had a healthy share of customers shopping for groceries. Dave dodged his way around an obese woman with a frighteningly large mole growing on her one cheek. The lady was doing some liberal sampling of the grapes on the shelf. An instant of pity for the store crossed Dave’s mind as he saw a handful of the green bulbs vanish into the depths of the woman’s cavernous mouth.

Moving on, he caught a glimpse of Rob passing by with a shopping cart.

"Rob, wait up." Dave called out. He quickened his stride and made his way past several other customers.

Rob had already slowed down, but he did not turn around. Rather, his face was turned up towards one of the televisions hanging from the ceiling that were set throughout the store.

Once caught up to his friend, Dave also looked up to the monitor. A news network was broadcasting file footage. In the lower margin of the screen, there was the title of "Terrorism In The Capital" scrolling by repeatedly. The footage was from the presidential address the night before. A close-up shot of President Fredericks was given as he spoke.

"… And while many philosophers may argue that Utopia is impossible to achieve, we are still going to do our damnedest to prove them wrong!"

But it was not an amplified voice that broke in after the President’s words. Instead it was a series of gunshots. The screen then flashed for but a fraction of a second before the camera’s view was turned to the moving van off in the distance. While the view was magnified, only a blurred figure could be made out standing within the truck. Dave could tell that instead of Granite clenching a microphone, it was Marcus holding his pistol at the ready. The splicing of the film was practically flawless. Members of the crowd had been edited into the shot falling over as Marcus’s blurred image opened fire.

"Those sons of bitches." Rob whispered as he witnessed the revised coverage.

The camera panned right to show Enforcers returning fire at the truck. The screen faded out and a well-groomed reporter was popped in, sitting behind his news desk. His thick, deep voice came out softly once the video clip had ended.

"Clearly, a shock to the nation and the world upon witnessing. This act has been described by many critics as the most violent event of terrorism since the Oklahoma City bombing during the late nineteen hundreds. The motivations for which are still unclear at the present. Hopefully my guest here can shed some light on what was flat out barbarism. We are joined by Dr. Dennis Belden, historian, professor of psychology at UCLA, and author of the book, Tragedy and the Twentieth Century. Doctor, thank you for being here with us today."

The screen shifted to the other camera in the studio, this one focusing on a thin, balding gentleman in a well-cut, brown suit. A thick, bushy moustache concealed much of his mouth as he thanked the reporter for having him on the show.

"Doctor, the one question that’s on everybody’s minds right now is why. Why would a team of armed individuals just drive up and have one of their number take shot after shot after shot into a packed crowd."

"First thing to remember, Mark, terrorists rarely act out directly against the politics they hold contempt for. People are comparing this to the Oklahoma City Federal Building incident, because of that same method of brutal action. Last night, did the assailants take any shots at the President? No. Were any other high ranking officials targeted? No. Just a random collection of men, women, and children gathered together at a political rally.

"In Oklahoma, innocent men, women, children were caught in an explosion. The point of both acts was demonstration. Somebody is angry at the ruling government and decides to show just how far they’re willing to go for their cause."

"One interesting trend I should mention, doctor," The newsman pointed out. "Reports from people claiming to have been at last night’s rally have been suggesting that federal Enforcers were the first to open fire, causing many, possibly all, the deaths and injuries. How do you respond to that?"

"I don’t doubt that a percentage of those reports came from actual, legitimate eye-witnesses who indeed were on the scene when this happened." Answered the expert. "But let’s keep in mind the situation here. The World Management Committee President was out of Manhattan to make a speech, a rare occasion in these past months. It had an immense turnout rate with tens of thousands watching and listening. Then, somebody in back started shooting a gun. Panic sets in right then and there. People are scattering, trying to get to safety. And when there’s that level of panic, you’re going to have a proportional level of confusion, plain and simple. So yes, someone is bound to think the Enforcers were the aggressors, but just look at the footage. What do we see? A man stands inside a truck, opens fire, people go down, Enforcers defending the public return fire. It’s all stemming from leftover hysteria, and there are going to be people pointing fingers in all the wrong directions. It happens."

"I think I’ve heard enough." Rob commented before pushing his cart forward in disgust.

"You were expecting the truth?" Dave asked, following close to Rob.

"It’s not that the Committee’s passin’ off the blame that gets me so much as the fact that it just doesn’t surprise me." Rob said before pulling a box of tissues from the shelf on his right.

"Hey, I’m in this boat with you." Responded Dave. "The whole thing is likely to be making Kirn and Sera sick too."

"Kirn." Rob shook his head and grabbed two more boxes of tissues.

"Coming down with something?" Inquired Dave upon seeing three cartons of Kleenex sitting in the shopping cart.

"Let’s just say that Captain Money-Shot has been passin’ the time just fine. I’ll come home from work and find that he’s gone through half a box. Interestingly enough, I haven’t noticed him sneezin’ or snifflin’ all that much."

"More than I needed to know." Dave chimed in. "You know, you could stand to be a little subtler."

"Maybe you’re right." Rob admitted sheepishly. "By the way, have ya’ pooned Sera yet?"

"I’m going to grab some bagels." Dave began walking off, not even dignifying Rob’s question with an answer. Rob let out a loud raunchy laugh at his friend’s sudden departure.

Well, Rob’s cheered up. Dave thought to himself. Too bad it had to be my expense.

He found himself a half-dozen sack of bagels in the bread aisle to add to his basket. Satisfied, he ran over the shopping list in his head, making sure that he had not forgotten anything. Sera was probably waiting for him at the registers, so Dave decided to get his groceries checked out.

A trip past the magazine rack was the point in which Dave found Kirn. He was browsing through the art periodicals. The sorcerer already appeared to have an issue of Painter’s Monthly. That was a surprise to Dave. All of Kirn’s works Dave had seen so far had been pen and pencil sketches. He was probably looking to broaden his repertoire.

Dave passed the mage by without a word and continued towards the checkout. Sera stood there in wait, shifting a quart carton of ice-cream from hand to hand.

"All done?" Sera asked as she joined him in line.

"Yeah." Replied Dave, taking a few steps forward as the girl behind the register rang customers up.

"Told you I’d take care of desert." She remarked, setting the ice cream on the conveyer belt. "Gotta say I’m starting to love this stuff."

"So what are we testing out this week?" Inquired Dave.

"Cookies and Cream. Rob’s advice."

"I was talking to him just a little bit ago. He was complaining about some of your brother’s private habits."

Sera shuddered for a second.

"Better that Rob have to live with him than either of us, I suppose." She said.

Dave paid for the groceries and he and Sera waited at the automatic, sliding door for Rob and Kirn to finish their own shopping. The two men soon strolled out with plastic bags, having a good laugh over some bawdy joke that had been told.

"Look, I don’t care how many serving wenches you’ve gotten it to work on." Said Rob to his companion. "Barbara just doesn’t go for that kind of thing."

"I’m telling you." Returned the lecherous mage. "Just find a place. Lay down some straw--."

"Sera," Rob called out to the young woman as he came near. "Is freaky barnyard role-playing common on Neddel?"

"Just when it involves my brother." She answered.

"Spoilsports." Shrugged the mage.

Together, the four began their walk back to the apartments for the night. Above, the orange sun was just starting to duck behind the towering skyscrapers that composed the New York horizon. The rush hour had just ended, and the traffic was mainly made up of those getting home late and those getting out early for some excitement.

The group had just crossed a street when Rob slowed his pace for a moment.

"Hello." He said to no one specific.

"What?" Asked Dave, stopping to see the newest article to garner Rob’s attention.

"Just hold up a second." Rob told his friends. "Check it out."

"What have we got here?" Questioned Kirn.

They had halted at an electronics storefront. The rotating, neon sign above the entrance door was in a stylized circuit board; the logo for the Digital Racers retail chain. A tiny piece of computer hardware set in a sleek, plastic display had been set up behind the window through which Rob was intently looking.

"Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about." The big fellow said enthusiastically. "Net-Force finally came out with that modem I’ve been waitin’ for. I get that rigged to my comp and it’s go time."

"I thought that computer of yours was already impressive." Stated Sera.

"It’s nice, but with a piece of silicon like that one there I can use fiber-optic lines twenty times faster and have less slowdown when I’m runnin’ my own programs over the wire."

"Sounds like Bobby is getting ready to kiss another three hundred dollars good-bye." Dave remarked.

"I’m just gonna drop in to check it out for a minute." Insisted Rob.

"Which will turn into half an hour." Dave pointed out. "I don’t know about your groceries, but I’ve got stuff that needs to get to the fridge fast. The ice-cream has probably already turned into soft-serve."

"I’m kind of curious about this device Rob is interested in myself." Sera said. To her credit, she still had an indomitable spirit for trying to learn more about Earth technology.

"Okay, then hand me the bag with the lunchmeat and chicken in it." Requested Dave. "I might as well take the perishable stuff with me."

Sera gave the sack over, and Rob and Kirn did a quick switch of bags as well.

"Don’t worry." Assured the beautiful treasure hunter. "I’ll make sure we won’t be too long."

"Good to hear." Said Dave. "I’ve got dinner planned for the four of us."

"Wouldn’t miss it."

Kirn paired off with Dave from there and the two of them carried their loads back to the apartments.

Meanwhile, Sera went with Rob into the electronics store. The gusts of warm air inside were a welcome change from the New York cold.

"So how’s livin’ with Dave turnin’ out so far?" Questioned Rob.

"It has its moments." Sera said with a snicker. From behind them, an electronic chime sounded with the closing of the door.

"Still dead-set on turnin’ Dave into a basket case I’m guessin’."

"Can’t say I’ll carry it that far." She told him. "I’d hate to agitate a nice guy like him too much."

"Awww. Just make him your bitch is all I’m askin’." Said Rob with a laugh. "So anywho, let’s check this modem out. Feel free to fire away with any questions while we’re at it."

"I think I’ve got one already. Why don’t I like the looks of that van?"

Rob looked to the store window. Parked at the curb right outside of the establishment was a navy blue van with tinted windows. Set atop the van were law enforcement issue red and blue lights. "Enforcers" was stenciled in white letters on the sliding side door.

"Don’t worry about it." Rob told Sera casually. "They’re probably just patrollin’ around. Just stay cool when we go out, and we’ll be fine."

"You’re likely to be right." Conceded Sera. "Just a little jumpy from last night, I suppose. So what else can you tell about this device you want to put in your machine?"

Rob walked Sera over to the shelves of computer hardware and started her off on her latest lesson. Outside, the van remained parked.

* * *

At the door of his apartment, Dave dug into his pants pocket for his keys.

Kirn stood with him, giving the door to the apartment he shared with Rob a sour look.

"I can’t believe I forgot to ask Rob for the keys." He remarked. "Just slipped my mind."

"Happens to us all." Said Dave, opening the door to his place. "You can use my freezer if you need it."

"You really think they’ll be that long?" Kirn scoffed, following Dave inside.

"If I learned anything in the years I’ve known Bobby, it’s to never schedule anything time sensitive involving him. I think work and Barbara are the only two things that he’s punctual about."

Dave went about putting his own groceries away, and Kirn set two cartons of milk in the fridge.

"I’m going to head back down real quick to get my mail before I start on dinner here." Stated Dave.

"Fine by me." Kirn said, settling himself on the couch in front of the television.

Dave departed back out the door, and Kirn was left alone in the living room.

Deciding to catch up on some studying, the mage reached forward and pulled the thick tome of the Spirits from the coffee table. He started leafing through the pages, glancing over the entries in the diary when there was a loud ruckus coming from the hallway outside.

Kirn wasted no time tossing the book aside and coming to his feet. A spell was racing through his mind as his hand settled upon the doorknob. The noise had just ceased when he swung open the door, ready for anything that waited in the well-lit corridor. However, what he found was nothing.

"What the hell?" The mage whispered, looking up and down the empty hallway.

Where did you go, Dave?

Kirn closed his eyes, hoping to sense the Shadowed One with his magic.

That was the moment Kirn was attacked. Tackled hard from the side, the wizard hit the floor face first with a head-rattling thud. The coppery taste of blood was in his mouth just as the pain began to fully register in his mind. Fiercely, Kirn began to struggle against the two bodies pinning him to the floor.

Strong hands restrained Kirn’s arms painfully behind the small of his back.

"What is this?!" He demanded in rage, still unable to see with his face buried in the carpeting.

The cold, hard cylinder of a gun barrel was jammed against the back of the mage’s skull, making him immediately freeze where he laid.

"You will comply." Came the three stiff words followed by the clicking off of a safety.

Kirn gave little resistance from then on. The bodies on top of him lifted up, and Kirn was yanked none too gently to his feet. A stray lock of hair came loose from his ponytail, hanging in front of his eyes.

The tinted visor of an Enforcer was reflected back at the sorcerer. Two other agents continued to restrain Kirn, one on either side locking an arm. The Enforcer standing before him trained his sub-machinegun on Kirn’s chest threateningly.

"If you give resistance, you will be shot." Stated the Enforcer pointing the gun. He then began walking briskly into Dave’s apartment, while two others shoved Kirn towards the stairs.

"As if you’re going to give me a choice." The wizard said bitterly.

At the stairway, the Enforcers began to force their new prisoner up the flights rather than down. The dreadful notion of getting thrown off the roof immediately came to Kirn’s mind. Desperately, he wished that his hands were free so he could let loose with some kind of arcane attack.

At the top of the stairs, captive and captors were at the door leading out to the roof. Frigid winds blew in as the Enforcer on Kirn’s right pushed the door open.

Standing apprehensively out in the cold were Rob, Sera, and Dave before an Enforcer with weapon drawn. Close to the Enforcer’s side was someone Kirn had only recently come to recognize. Head Constable Burkar had his business face on as the two Enforcers brought the mage forward.

"Good to see that we were able to bring the four of you here together." Burkar said in a dismissive manner. "Hopefully this matter will dealt with swiftly enough."

"Who do you think you are?" Questioned Kirn, his temper rising at the sight of his friends who were all sporting minor injuries from their apprehensions.

The Enforcers restraining him released their holds, allowing Kirn to go to the others.

"Questions are for me to ask for the time being." Commanded Burkar. "In the meantime I advise against transforming or other magical actions, otherwise the Enforcers will open fire."

"You chose a hell of a place for an interrogation, pal." Hissed Rob, nursing a knot on his forehead.

"As I mentioned, I plan to keep this brief." Responded Burkar. "I’m ordered to have you all killed upon completion of this meeting."

"You’ve got a long way to go in the interviewing department. How about you go fuck yourself."

"And how about the four of you cooperate? That way you’ll be allowed to jump to a quick death rather than suffer gunshot wounds to the abdomen and you’re left to bleed your lives out onto this cold roof."

"What kind of answers are you expecting out of us?" Challenged Dave. "We haven’t done anything illegal."

"Playing dumb just irritates me, Mister Whitman." Said the constable. "I’m already quite aware of your little group here being comprised of Shadowed Ones."

That little bit of information was more than any of the four had been prepared for the constable to know.

"Don’t be so shocked." Stated Burkar with a chilling smile. "It’s obvious to tell that you’re not used to playing this game. You’ve been reckless, sloppy. How else do you think we were able to find you so quickly after last night’s incident? I would have thought the Spirits could have chosen more suitable vessels for such power."

"Power that’s intended to be set upon the likes of you and your manufactured clones." Returned Dave.

"Do try curb the attitude. If my siblings could think for themselves, I’m sure they wouldn’t appreciate the way you’re speaking of them."

"You’re one of those things?" Asked Sera.

"Birthed as they were on Center. Though I was designed for work within the higher circles of my society."

"Center?" Rob repeated the word, uncertain of Burkar’s intent of it.

"You maybe unaware of this, but three realms exist. My world exists in one, Earth in another." Declared Burkar.

"With Neddel in the third, and a dragon bringing them all together for the Rebirth Project." Said Dave.

At that moment, the door to the roof opened, and presumably the same Enforcer who had entered Dave’s apartment came out with Arkin’s spell book tucked under his arm along with Kirn’s own book and staff in the clone’s possession.

"Ah yes, the dragon." Recalled Burkar. "Magnificent being. It came to us decades ago with its plan, spanning the reaches of Creation to find allies that could set it all in motion."

"You Committee freaks are insane." Rob said. "You’ve got Earth in the palms of your hands only to blow it off."

"You people can’t conceptualize just what the dragon is offering us. We’ll have a new plane of existence where thought and reality are one."

"And you’re sure an entity like the dragon will be willing to share that kind of power with your people?" Kirn scoffed. "You’re either naïve or just plain stupid."

"We’ve made contingencies should our partner decide to renege on his end of the bargain." Burkar said smugly. He then went to the Enforcer holding the books and staff. "Until then, I’m sure these items from Neddel will hold some interest for my superiors."

The constable took Arkin’s tome from his subordinate and looked at Dave.

"I do believe Fredericks Enterprises was rather concerned about obtaining this book in particular some years ago." Burkar mused. "Pity it will be obsolete so soon. You’ve been most helpful, but it’s time to end this. Enforcers."

"Whatever happened to your interrogation?!" Exclaimed Rob at seeing three of the four clones point their side-arms at the group.

"My intention was to find out how much you knew of our plans." Replied Burkar confidently. "Asking the questions you have has been most enlightening as to just how limited your knowledge of our affairs truly is. As for whoever your mysterious partner was last night, he’ll be dealt with soon enough."

"You’re forgetting one thing." Pointed out Dave, taking a single step forward.

"And that being?"

"Pelinsketh."

The occult word took immediate effect as the magic in Arkin’s spell book activated. A crackling, orange energy ignited around Burkar’s hands. The constable screamed as he shook uncontrollably and with agony.

The four Enforcers’ attention immediately shifted to the surprise attack from the seemingly harmless object.

It was a distraction that proved all too dangerous. Dave transformed into Wings with a flash, sword drawn and ready. Before the Enforcers could react the enchanted blade already cut down one of their numbers. Rob had been quick to follow, changing into Granite and firing off two blasts from his quarter-staff to put down a pair of agents. The fourth went up in flames the moment Kirn was able to break out with a spell of his own.

A groan came from Burkar as he collapsed; the trap on the book having finally released him.

"What the hell was that trick?" Asked Granite, observing the unconscious constable.

"A security measure Arkin had included in the spell book." Answered Wings. "Probably to deter thieves. I never tested it until now."

"I’d been wondering what you were learning from that book lately." Said Sera.

Kirn went to where Burkar had fallen and retrieved the books and his staff.

"I think we can better discuss this somewhere else." Kirn chimed in, tucking the books under his arm.

Sirens echoed in the air, their sound becoming louder. The Stone Hawks ran to the edge of the roof to look to the street below. A stream of Enforcer vans sped down the street and parked around the apartment building.

"What are these guys doin’ here?" Wondered Granite.

"I think the good constable has been working on contingencies for more than just the dragon." Stated Kirn grimly. He gripped his staff and cast a glance to the door leading from the roof. "We won’t get too far by the standard route out of here."

"Then we improvise." Wings said as he sheathed his sword.

Granite picked up one of the guns from a dead Enforcer and tossed it to Sera.

"If we run into trouble, point and pull the trigger." He instructed her.

Sera held the gun awkwardly. Obviously, she would have been more comfortable with her usual close range weapons, which were still resting in the apartment below.

"So how do you suppose we get down?" Kirn asked the group.

"Who said anything about down?" Responded Granite.

"I think I see where you’re going with this, Granite." Said Wings in realization. He then went over to Sera. The young woman gave a startled gasp as the Shadowed One literally swept her off her feet. The gun laid cradled in Sera’s one hand while she brought her arm around the man’s neck.

She took a look into Wings’ dark eyes and was about to make a coy comment when he suddenly started running forward. At the edge, he leapt in a high arc from the rooftop. The press of the wind combined with their acceleration through the air made Sera’s stomach cartwheel.

The motion must have made Sera involuntarily squirm for a second, because she could feel Wings’ shoulders tighten and his arms shift to better support her modest weight. Her arm tightened around his neck and she felt the muscles of his broad shoulders rise.

With the width of an entire street cleared, Wings touched down upon a neighboring roof.

Back on the other side, Granite judged the distance and looked to Kirn.

"Guess it’s our turn then." The Shadowed One said to the wizard.

"I can manage on my own." Kirn declared before Granite could approach.

The mage raised his staff a little and spoke a single word.

"Quimisik."

The incantation was spoken, and the flow of magic was altered to the sorcerer’s whim. A nearly inaudible hum seemed to emanate from Kirn and a red hazy glow surrounded his body. Then, as if lifted by strings, he rose up from the rooftop.

"Well, shit on me." Commented Granite.

Kirn furrowed his brow in concentration and immediately started to sail after Wings and Sera.

"Day’s just full of surprises." Said Granite, who took a running start and leapt after the others.

* * *

Back on the roof of what had just so recently been the home of the Stone Hawks, Enforcers rushed out against the harsh autumn wind. The sight of their commander sprawled out on his stomach made the clones redouble their advance.

Wearily, Burkar began to stir back to the waking world.

"Constable." A helmeted agent called out, helping his leader to his feet.

Burkar shook his head with a groan before looking about, his senses fully regained.

"Report." He rasped.

"Sir, you need medical attention." Implored the Enforcer.

"It can wait. Now report." Burkar returned, his hands still shaking from the shock generated by the spell book.

"Subjects are moving south. Both air and street personnel are at the ready for your orders."

"All available units are to pursue and shoot on sight." Commanded Burkar. "I’ll join with the ground chase from one of the vans."

Immediately, the constable then made his way to the stairs, his subordinates quick to the follow. Blood pounded in his ears in rhythm with his steps all the way down to street level. A van waited with doors open as Burkar jumped inside.

"Upstaged by a fucking ‘random’." He seethed harshly. "Tack all their hides to the wall."

"Sir?" Questioned the Enforcer behind the wheel.

"Just drive." Ordered Burkar.

The driver complied, flooring the accelerator. The van’s lights reflecting harshly off the passing buildings.

* * *

The breath began to burn in Wings’ lungs as he continued his hurried jog along another rooftop. Granite and Kirn kept a steady pace alongside of him, while Sera retained a firm hold around his neck. Up above, the sky was turning orange with the coming dusk.

"I don’t suppose anyone is coming up with a plan right about now." Wings ventured with his pace slowing to a quick walk.

"I suppose we’ll run out of roofs sooner or later." Granite said before he brought the others to a halt. "But honestly, man. I don’t have a clue. I mean, our covers are totally ass-fucked now."

The red glow dissipated from around Kirn, bringing the mage’s feet back to solid ground. A trickle of blood had started to run from his nose.

"Shit, man!" Granite burst out to Kirn. "You alright there?"

"I don’t normally use my flight spell for distances like this." Answered Kirn, wiping the blood away with the sleeve of his jacket. "Channeling so much magic isn’t too beneficial to my health."

Vulcanized rubber tore against blacktop down below. Peering over the edge, the four saw three federal vans revving around a corner. Civilian motorists pulled to the side to allow passage, and pedestrians watched from the sidewalks, trying to discern what all the fuss was about.

"Still haven’t lost them." Muttered Wings who set Sera back on her own two feet.

"I’ve got this batch." Declared Granite. He took a few steps back for a running start before barreling forward. The staff was out of its strap and firmly in the Shadowed One’s grasp.

The other three watched as their burly ally leapt over the two-lane street to the next building. Beneath him, the vans were making their passage with lights flashing. Granite pointed his staff straight down while in mid-air. The discharge of electricity brightened the air around Granite slightly, and a bolt of energy streaked down to the line of vehicles.

Sparks exploded from the hood of the lead car where Granite’s shot had landed, causing the van to careen wildly. The van in the middle rear-ended the one in front, while the van at the back rolled over from the driver cutting the wheel too hard to avoid the collision.

Citizens cried out in fear before dashing indoors for safety.

The Enforcers stumbled from the wrecks, drawing weapons upon fully regaining their senses.

"They’re not going to stop." Sera said. Her voice was quiet, barely audible above the noise from the mess on the street.

Both Wings and Kirn were sharing her sentiment. These clones, they could not be reasoned with. They would just throw wave after wave of their numbers at the four and slaughter anything that happened to be in the way if necessary. How did one fight an enemy with no regard for any life, even its own, and no authority to answer to for its actions?

A deep and rapid thumping reached everyone’s ears. It was a sound one felt as much as heard when it was close enough.

"Shit!" Yelled Granite.

"What’s going on?" Questioned Sera who was growing as uneasy as the Shadowed Ones.

The two helicopters were first spotted darting from between the skyscrapers only a quarter mile up the street. They swung in low, no more than forty feet above the rooftops of the smaller structures.

From one of the choppers a spotlight beamed down, putting Kirn, Sera, and Wings in a wide circle of illumination.

"Scatter!" Shouted Wings.

The three immediately separated just in time to avoid being peppered with lead that fell into the lit circle like rain.

The light from the one helicopter followed after Wings, who dashed to the side desperately. A trail of gunfire hounded his steps, quickly gaining upon the moving target.

"Leave him alone!" Cried out Sera, pointing the sub-machine gun in her hand to the hovering chopper. She squeezed the trigger. Unready for the recoil of a firearm, Sera sprayed bullets about the sky. Two of her shots sparked off the underbelly of the helicopter.

The other copter’s light came on, focusing at the source of the assault.

"Shit." Muttered Sera once the light was upon her.

A bolt of lightning streaked out from the roof across the street, blowing one of the landing skids clean off. The helicopter lurched to one side, like a drunk about to topple.

Seeing the opportunity for a clear shot, Sera fired at the helicopter illuminating her position. Her aim was surer this time around, hammering through the Plexiglas window of the cockpit. As the Uzi clicked down on the last round, the helicopter’s nose turned downward. Out of control, it plummeted to the street. A chunk of cinderblock was torn from the building where the flying menace clipped the structure in its descent. The helicopter made a deafening crash to the street and burst into flames.

Granite made a superhuman leap back from where he had fired his staff.

"Thanks for that." Sera said once the Shadowed One landed nearby.

Over at the other side of the rooftop, Kirn and Wings were facing off with the other helicopter. The mage’s spell was passing his lips, and Wings’ blade came to life with arcane light.

Again, the sky was ignited.

* * *

The navy blue Enforcer van shot down the avenue, paying little heed to pedestrians or motorists who had to dodge or swerve to avoid a messy collision.

The WMC’s chief of security occupied the passenger seat, his full attention devoted to the incoming communiqué. Burkar held the transceiver of the van’s dispatch radio, while listening to a chopper pilot’s words mixed in with static.

"…-countering heavy resistance. Unit two has been terminated."

Burkar thumbed the mike.

"What is your location, one?" He questioned.

"We are with suspects above—."

The roar of some kind of blast ended the pilot’s words followed by the hiss of static. The explosion itself was audible enough to be heard in the distance. Burkar’s eyes traveled towards the sound. A faint orange light fell between the buildings on the horizon, a trail of black smoke left in a vertical shaft behind the doomed copter.

"Never mind." Dismissed the head constable.

The driver needed no prompting on where to steer the van next. With the driver’s lead foot, the vehicle accelerated to the scene where the action was taking place.

* * *

Kirn fell back a step, his knees visibly shaking once the second helicopter had been dispatched.

"That didn’t feel too good." He wheezed. Kirn clung to his staff for support, but that only kept him upright for a scant moment. Wearily, he groaned and began to fall.

Granite moved quickly to the wizard’s side, gently gripping Kirn by the shoulders.

"Hang on there. I’ve got ya’ buddy." Said Granite. "Ya’ should’ve let me carry yer’ punk ass after all, huh?"

Sera also rushed over to her brother after letting the empty gun fall from her grip. The concern on her face was tearing her apart.

While Kirn was being tended to, Wings was headed for the edge of the roof, his sword back in its sheath. He looked down to the burning helicopters on the street and the people just starting to come out of hiding. The high-pitched drone signaled more Enforcers heading the group’s way.

"Burkar’s sending reinforcements." He shouted to the others.

"Don’t these whores ever stop?" Burst out Granite.

"I think we’ll need to get more tactical with this retreat and fast." Wings said. "How’s Kirn?"

"Exhausted." Answered Sera. "That last fight pushed him just a little too far."

"Just let me get my second wind." Cut in Kirn with a haggard voice. He still wasn’t able to stand on his own, much less blast another Enforcer.

"Then I doubt we’ll make it through another skirmish with our heavy hitter down."

"What if we got back down to the streets?" Sera suggested. "We can hide in the alleys or lose them in a crowd."

The sirens were louder now. Obviously, the chopper pilots had gotten the Hawks’ location reported before going down.

"We’d better get down fast." Granite said. "Sounds like Burkar’s family’s roundin’ the corner."

Granite was right about speed being a key factor. Odds were that by the time the four managed to make it down the stairs and out the door with the weakened mage, Enforcers would be in position and ready to take the four of them down.

Taking a cleansing breath, Wings looked to Kirn.

"Kirn, we all saw you fly." He said. "Can you manage to use your magic to at least get us to the ground?"

The sorcerer’s arm shook as his grip tightened on his staff.

"I’ll need everyone to stay close." Panted Kirn before wiping more blood from his nose on his sleeve.

Granite continued to support the wizard as they all gathered at the rear edge of the structure. Sera stood at her brother’s other side, assisting his arm to hold the staff out.

"Set… and… go!" Said Wings.

The four hopped off the edge.

The ground began to rush to meet them. And the whole time, all Granite could think of were the countless "If-all-your-friends-jumped-off-a-building-to-be-cool" speeches his mother had drilled into his head.

Before the team’s velocity became critical, Kirn showed that he had everything in hand.

"Quimisik." After the word spoken, all four were surrounded by the red haze of Kirn’s magic. This time, however, the glow was dimmer and the spell did little more than slow their fall to a safe speed.

Back on solid ground, the four were never given the chance to appreciate their speedy trip.

Kirn’s head tilted back for a second and then he fell into a seizure, shaking uncontrollably. His staff clattered to the ground by it’s endangered owner.

"Shit!" Granite exclaimed as the spell books hit the sidewalk next. "Ease him down!"

Sera called out repeatedly to Kirn whose eyes had started to roll.

A tight circle was formed around the mage.

"What do we do for him?!" Wings asked Sera.

"I don’t know!" Sera replied, sounding just as helpless as the Shadowed Ones. "I’ve never seen him get this bad before!"

The sirens were coming from all around. In the next few seconds they would be surrounded.

The first emergency vehicle on the scene was an ambulance. It only made sense for somebody to have called the fire department by now.

Skidding to a halt, the ambulance stopped at the curb directly in front of the ragtag crew. The passenger window was rolled down, giving a clear view of the driver’s face who was screaming one simple order.

"In! Now!" Yelled Marcus.

The urgency of their predicament and the mercenary’s demanding tone allowed the Hawks no time to gawk in surprise.

With Kirn taken up in both arms, Granite carried his friend to the waiting vehicle. The instant all four were piled into the back, Marcus floored the gas.

"Watch it!" Insisted Granite, who set Kirn on a stretcher inside the ambulance. "This guy’s goin’ into some kind of shock."

"Then have any you had medical experience?" Inquired Marcus, while weaving through traffic.

"My folks were on the fire department." Granite responded. "Spent my share of hours in EMS trucks with ‘em."

"Lower left compartment. You’ll find an IV kit. You might want to get a drip going for your friend there."

Granite took Marcus’s advice and began searching about. While turning, the staff on his back bumped annoyingly against the stretcher and the van’s ceiling. For the sake of mobility, he transformed and resumed his work.

Sera kept her eyes fixed on Kirn from the moment she sat down in the back. Kirn’s convulsions had subsided, leaving him still and breathing shallowly. She watched with growing dread as Rob hooked up the plastic tubing and inserted the needle into her brother’s vein. The only other thing Sera acknowledged was the feel of Kirn’s staff in her hand. She didn’t even remember picking the thing up after it was dropped.

Her knuckles had just turned white around the foci when she felt a hand upon her shoulder. The contact snapped her back to attention.

Taking her eyes from Kirn to Wings, Sera struggled for something to say. If for nothing more than to reassure herself that she was still alive.

"He’ll pull through." Wings said quietly. "Rob knows what he’s doing."

The gentle words from Wings did little to change the fact that it was Kirn, Sera’s own brother, who was laying on the stretcher.

She blinked repeatedly as her eyes filled with water. Looking from back to Kirn then to Wings again, she leaned towards the Shadowed One and put her head against his shoulder.

Trying to offer some form of comfort, Wings put his arm around Sera.

It was when Sera drew herself up against him, that she felt that Wings was shaking just as much as she.

* * *

Burkar walked about what had once been the apartment of Robert Thompson. He had returned to the apartment building when he received the bitter news that the Enforcers had lost the four criminals.

All the building’s other tenants were ordered out the moment federal search officers began to poke around the two neighboring apartments. Clothes and small personal items were strewn all over the floor. A personal computer and a laptop were quickly confiscated. Perhaps something of interest was still on the hard-drives.

Even Burkar was playing an active role in this part of the investigation, looking about for anything that would tell where the group may have run to next.

As the search went on, the telephone suddenly rang.

It rang a second time, and an Enforcer stepped towards the phone.

Burkar held up a hand, signaling his subordinate to refrain from answering the call.

By the forth ring, the answering machine clicked on with Thompson’s recorded voice.

"Hello, this is Rob. If this is work callin’, I’m sick. *Cough* Rickets or somethin’. Otherwise, you know what to do."

A short beep followed and the red light on the machine started to flash. Then a female voice came over the line.

"Hi, Rob. It’s Barbara. Thought I’d check and see what you were up to this weekend. Maybe we can hook up and see a movie. Call me when you get in."

"I want the phone record of that number within the next five minutes." Commanded Burkar. "Resume the search here."

"Constable."

This voice came from an Enforcer just arriving on the scene. He stepped through the open doorway and quickly approached his commander.

"What is it?" Questioned Burkar.

"A message from Center." Said the clone. "Hive is demanding an update."

"When?"

"In six hours." Replied the clone.

"Fuck it all." Burkar swore under his breath. "Alright then. Looks like we’ll have to move quickly on this. Have a van waiting for me outside with a small entry team. Also have the Researchers prepared to cast a portal for my trip."

"Yes, Constable."

With that, the Enforcer was back out of the apartment. Burkar surveyed the living room one final time before the leaving the search team to their work.

* * *

Barbara Newton stretched and let out a yawn before sliding a bookmark into the novel she had been reading. She was reclining comfortably on the couch with the book now lying in her lap. The phone beside the sofa had remained silent all night.

Wherever Rob was running about this evening, it looked like he wasn’t likely to be back in anytime soon. Barbara said a silent prayer that her new boyfriend was not out acquiring some new injuries.

She still remembered that one night when they were together here in this apartment, her hands tugging off the shirt from his chiseled frame. That was when she found a series of faded bruises lining Rob’s torso.

"What the hell happened here?" She had blurted out.

"Me and Dave were at a bar a few nights ago." Rob answered quickly. "There were these drunks in the back who started throwin’ punches and all hell broke loose before the bouncers got on ‘em. One guy got tossed right into me. Sent both our asses over the bar."

"I’m starting to get worried about you, dear." Declared Barbara, backing away to sit on the bed in her room. "God only knows what’s going on in this town. What with that warehouse bombing that’s got everyone gimping out. And you showing up like you were in a title fight."

"Whoa there." Said Rob, leaning forward with his shirt still half off. "Sounds to me that things may be getting’ a little serious between us. Is that what I’m detectin’?"

"Maybe." Returned Barbara, putting in just a right amount of coyness. "Just a little though."

"A little. You think we can handle a little?"

"I’m willing if you are."

"I’d say I’m up to that." Affirmed Rob.

His shirt came off and began what would become a pile before the night was through.

Since then, it seemed that Rob was keeping his quota of abrasions to a minimum, with no new ones appearing on his person. Apparently whatever bar he and Dave had found themselves at, they had decided never to go back.

Figuring that she would talk to Rob tomorrow at work, Barbara resolved to call one of her girlfriends and see if one of them wanted to get outside tonight. Amber was usually free during the evenings.

She was just about to reach for the phone when there was a knock at the door. It could have been Rob, despite that he usually called before dropping by.

Putting her book down, Barbara went to the door and checked the peephole. Outside, she saw three Enforcers gathered attentively.

A wave of dread came over Barbara as she tried to reason just what the Enforcers would want here. Keeping the federal officers waiting was never a smart thing to do, so she promptly opened the door.

"Can I help you with anything?" She ventured nervously, keeping the door open just enough to peek her face through.

"Miss Newton?" Said an Enforcer, sans helmet. Immediately, Barbara recognized the man as Head Constable Burkar.

"Um, yes. What’s this all about?"

"I would you to come with us, please." Requested Burkar.

"Wait a minute." Barbara halted. "For what? I don’t recall doing anything illegal."

"You’ll be informed once we get to Manhattan."

That was one word that hit home for anyone. Civilians were only taken to the island for severe federal crimes, and the ones that came back were rarely left better off.

"Hold on now!" Barbara exclaimed. "Why? On what charge?"

"Bring her." Burkar ordered the two Enforcers.

Barbara moved to close her door, but the two officers were quicker. Surging forward, one in front of the other, they made a forced entry and caught the woman by the arms. A set of handcuffs was snapped on, and the Enforcers came out with their new prisoner.

"You can’t just come in like this!" Yelled Barbara. "I still have rights here!"

"Which have been revoked." Burkar proclaimed. "As of this moment, you are property of the World Management Committee. Cooperation is the only way to avoid further prosecution."

With those words, the constable led the way for the Enforcers with Barbara in tow.

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