3 Clear Seas and Hot Days
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works, if you recognise it from somewhere else, surprise it isn't mine.
Betad by morde24, Atrius, Hermes, Priapus, Marethyu, Old man of the mountain, TheDonFluffles, Malcolm Tent and Mike, God of Lore
The Guild of Gamers: The Tinker
Chapter 03: Clear Seas and Hot Days
■
Welcome to the Parahumans Online message boards.
You are currently logged in, Zero
You are viewing:
• Threads you have replied to
• AND Threads that have new replies
• OR private message conversations with new replies
• Thread OP is displayed.
• Twenty posts per page
• Last ten messages in private message history.
• Threads and private messages are ordered chronologically.
■
♦ Topic: Tinkertech Project in the Bay
In: Boards ► Locations ► America ► Brockton Bay
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Posted On Nov 22nd 2010:
So, if you're from Brockton Bay you've probably noticed something a little odd.
Mostly that every single boat that was rusting away in the bay has disappeared, and we all know where they went. @Zero massively increased his salvage operation and emptied the Bay in a matter of weeks.
Video of the Salvage Drones in action
[SalvageDronesInAction .mp4]
And we've all suspected that he's been planning something because he has taken quite literally tons of metal, not to mention the contents of some of the abandoned ships.
And for the first time we have an idea of just what he's doing, because some people who were brave enough to dive in the bay found this
[TinkertechInTheBay? .png]
The cubic device is about five meters in height and width, made of a mixture of a white and golden metals, and seems to have caused a burst of natural growth in their immediate vicinity, given how many underwater plants are growing on and around it.
Firstly, all the garbage that used to be in the bay has gone, presumably taken by Zero. You can actually see sand again, and more importantly you can see the large cubic, bizarre Tinkertech device that's sitting on the bottom of the bay, quite far out.
The PRT have put out an official response to this ([link] to the official statement) but the cliff notes are this.
They suspect Zero placed it there but can't confirm it because Zero is as always silent on such matters.
Dragon has scanned it and confirmed what it does and that it's entirely safe
Long story short, it's a very advanced water purifier. Years of rusting and decaying ships, chemical leaks from said ships and their contents, and the bay being used as a body and general dump, have led to the water being incredibly unclean. Zero's(?) device is fixing that at an incredible rate.
Marine biologists have said that it is returning the Bay to a pristine state, which makes sense, given we've already seen fish returning to the Bay and it's barely been active for a month
The PRT have claimed they intend to leave it to do its work, but have requested that people do not approach it (which shouldn't be hard as it's in the deepest part of the Bay)
It's a bizarre change in operations for Zero, who has stuck to waging a one-man war against the Merchants so far.
It's unusual to see a Cape tackle environmental issues over fighting other capes, but I can't say I disapprove.
As always, Zero is not answering any requests for information (I know you're reading this, stop ghosting literally everyone you bastard)
(Showing page 1 of 124)
►Coyote-C
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
So, yes there's a weird Tinkertech device at the bottom of the ocean but don't worry about it?
Bet
Don't Tinkertech devices need a lot of power and maintenance? How does just dropping it at the bottom of the ocean work?
►Dragon (Verified Cape) (The Guild)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I can actually answer that, given my expertise in the subject
The device is a wonder of efficiency. I couldn't quite figure out how it works, but its energy efficiency is magnificent, far better than anything of mine, embarrassingly enough.
There are actually several Tinkertech devices of similar design in the Bay. The rest appear to be incredibly efficient solar panels placed in less-deep areas, which are connected to the main device by pipes that go under the sand.
As for maintenance, I presume Zero will use the same thing he does for everything, his drones, which have proven they have no issues in the depths.
I'd love to trade notes with Zero some time. His technology is fascinating, but I'm afraid I've had no more luck than anyone else with getting in contact with him.
►Good Ship Morpheus
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
So he spent around ten months working on a project to restore the bay?
Hey, it's better than most capes so I'll take it
►Reave (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I just wish he'd talk to us more, or at all
Finding out there's an unknown tinkertech device in the bay (you know, where the rig is) isn't great. A heads up or any kind of communication at all would have been nice
►Nod
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Heh, thats Zero for you
The only place he talks is the gaming boards, and may god help you if you try and go off topic with him over there
Even TinMommy won't be able to save your account from his wrath
►GstringGirl
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I think it's great that he's restoring the bay! There's pictures of it before, and it was actually beautiful.
I wonder if he has plans to restore the ruined sites of Endbringer battles? I know the waters around Japan never recovered from Kyushu!
►Reave (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
That… is a very good question.
The sheer amount of metal Zero has taken could fund a hundred of whatever that thing is, and he doesn't seem to be massively increasing his drone production either.
He has to be doing something with all that metal.
Could this be a test run for something much bigger?
At least it's better than the theory that he's building an army of drones to conquer the world.
►Deadman
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
if Zero was the conquering type, he'd rule the docks by now, sure as fuck know that nothing happens here without him knowing about it
dude is a massive hero who actually cares about what's going on on the streets, not just cape fights
got to see his drones take down a pair of merchants who were trying to grab some chick, junkies never saw them coming
they probably woke up in a cell wondering what hit them
►Dragon (Verified Cape) (The Guild)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Again, if his intention is to use this technology on a much larger scale, I'd be happy to help clear the red tape (which he enjoys ignoring, but at least it could save us all a headache)
It's true that there are countless places where Endbringer attacks have left the water in much worse condition than even the Bay, Kyushu and Newfoundland for example. I'd be happy to coordinate with him, the Guild is used to handling worldwide issues and I could help prove to the various governments that the technology is not dangerous.
As always, @Zero, I'd love to have a chance to discuss things with you.
►Feychick
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Dragon, do you know how many capefics have you paired with Zero?
Messages like this really don't help, you sound like a needy girl with a crush
►Dragon (Verified Cape) (The Guild)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I'm aware of those fics.
Frankly, I've been paired with every single member of the Guild, most of the heroes and half the villains, (regardless of gender), in one I'm even paired with Leviathan.
Even I am not powerful enough to stop shipping, so I just ignore it.
►Zero (Verified Cape)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
@Dragon
I'll consider it.
►Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Oh wow, a message from the man of the hour, his first on a non-gaming board.
I think that's basically a confirmation that this isn't the end of it.
I don't suppose you can at least confirm that it isn't dangerous.
►Zero (Verified Cape)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
…
It isn't dangerous, it was specifically designed to not harm humans or marine fauna/flora.
►Feychick
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Good enough for me, maybe we can actually fix up the beach by summer if we have an actual bay and not the world's largest aquatic garbage dump
►GloryGirl (Verified Cape) (New Wave)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
If Zero fixes up the beach, this summer is going to be amazing!
The indoor pool is nice, but an actual beach would be so much better for hanging out.
►XxVoid_CowboyxX
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Please, Zero! I know you're busy building your space-ship drone but you have to fix the beach, Glory Girl in a bikini relies on it!
►Zero (Verified Cape)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I was already going to do that.
►Feychick
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
All hail Zero, saviour of summer!
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 122, 123, 124
(Showing page 2 of 124)
►Laotsunn (Kyushu Survivor)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
The destruction of Kyushu had massive repercussions for Japan, not least of which was the death of the fishing industry because the waters are so contaminated that marine life just abandoned the entire region, or died.
For those who don't know, before Leviathan fucked everything up, seafood was probably the main food consumed in Japan, fish and rice.
Now almost all food eaten in Japan needs to be imported, which practically bankrupts my home country. We used to be an economic powerhouse, now it's a third world country reliant on aid from the rest of the world
People have talked about trying to fix it, but with no one really trying anything or offering an actual solution
Zero, if your tech can truly help, please do it, on behalf of all survivors of Kyushu.
Also, woo beach summertime, sorry for bringing down the mood all lol
►Ne
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Don't apologise brother, it needed to be said
►GstringGirl
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I'm sure Zero will help!
►Miss Mercury (Protectorate Employee)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
I'm sure Japan's government would be open to someone trying to help repair at least some of the damage Leviathan did.
Like Dragon said, if you reach out we can definitely help make it happen. I know independent Tinkers have very good reasons to be cautious, but you don't even need to come in person, we're entirely happy to talk over the phone or even text.
►Zero (Verified Cape)
Replied On Nov 22nd 2010:
Perhaps.
For now, I will gather data on my Aqua Purifier's performance, Kyushu is a much bigger challenge than the Bay
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 122, 123, 124
■
The threads continue on, many more questions being thrown my way as I turn my attention away, I've given them enough to keep them wanting more, now Zero will resume his radio silence.
Kyushu.
A much larger task than just clearing a small bay, I'd have to clear the water for hundreds of miles around after so long.
Entirely doable of course, plus Solarpunk is all about encouraging the growth and flourishing of nature around their tech, the Aqua purifier is basically a lure for marine life for hundreds of miles around.
It makes the waters the perfect condition for life to flourish, keeping the waters healthy and encouraging mass plant growth and for marine life to breed.
If I place some in very deep water, far from landmasses, I could potentially help marine life in general thrive worldwide.
Leviathan is out there, somewhere, I wonder how he'll take me giving him the middle finger with Kyushu and Newfoundland?
The fishermen have already noticed the massive increase in fish in the surrounding waters as schools of fish make their way to the fresher waters, where plants are already growing in great numbers.
Brockton Bay's fishing industry has taken a turn for the better- I am Zero, saviour of fishermen. Thankfully, they're already governing themselves and making sure they don't overfish the new fish, smart lads.
They've seen their industry dying over the years and realised that if they play it right, they could thrive again, they just need to not be dumbasses.
Some idiot did try and catch entire schools with his nets, the other fishermen beat his ass and set his boat on fire. Don't fuck with hardened old fishermen, I guess.
It came as a surprise when the PRT basically said they were leaving it in place, I honestly expected them to try and confiscate it.
There's something fucky going on there, a new policy for dealing with me? It's definitely not Piggot's decision, I can say that much.
Costa-Brown?
A ping gets my attention, turning back to the screen as I see a pm, humming to myself as I consider my options.
Dragon: You're rather talkative today, I don't suppose you'd answer a few questions while you're in a social mood?
I pause for a moment, before typing.
Zero: depends on the questions.
Dragon: Thank you. Firstly, because it's still the biggest concern related to you, I'm required to ask if your drones are self-aware.
Zero: they are not, I programmed them with an advanced VI to operate independently of me, but they're not sentient.
Dragon: Do you know how much trouble could have been saved if you just said that nine months ago?
Zero: that is your problem. the PRT does not get to dictate what I build, or demand I reveal the secrets of my technology
Dragon: You really aren't a trusting person, are you? I can't blame you, but you have to understand their caution when things like the Machine Army and String Theory exist.
Dragon: Do you actually plan to attempt to repair the damage done by Leviathan? It's a noble goal, and I was sincere in my offer for assistance.
Zero: I do. one of my specialties is almost made for this kind of work, and it's not just aquatic. how much land is uninhabitable because Behemoth took a stroll through it?
Dragon: One of your specialities? I don't suppose you'd be willing to tell me about them?
I pause, wondering about what the right choice is here. Whatever I tell her will no doubt end up back with the PRT almost immediately, but I can use that.
Zero: Drones, Software and what I call Solarpunk, environmentally-friendly technology that's almost entirely solar powered.
Take the bait.
Dragon: Software? That would certainly explain how well programmed your drones seem.
There it is, even when the conversation was about my environmental tech, Dragon ignored it all to focus on the idea of a Software tinker.
And if she knows about me, so does Saint. Guess who else is on my kill list?
Zero: I have to go, one of my projects requires my attention. Perhaps we'll speak again.
Dragon: May I ask one last question?
I pause.
Zero: make it quick
Dragon: Do you have any interest in joining the Guild?
Huh, I expected her to ask about the PRT, but the Guild? That's interesting.
Zero: is that an offer?
Dragon: I believe we could do great things together, and I have suspicions that you have bigger aspirations than just Brockton Bay. You wouldn't have to come in person, I certainly don't, we're more than happy to accept you working remotely.
Zero: I will consider it, goodbye
Dragon: Goodbye, and it was a pleasure to finally speak with you
With that, I put my status to busy and pause, rubbing my chin.
The Guild targets international threats. They're one of the only organisations I tend to see as actually good and not corrupt, and from what I remember they actually end up doing pretty well in terms of members surviving the bullshit that is Worm.
Interesting. They're already used to working with someone who 'doesn't leave home', but not yet.
An Endbringer attack is due any time now, it's been three months and a bit. I want Zero to make his true global debut before I even consider joining any group.
The last one was Leviathan, who hit some Italian port city, and Simurgh should attack Canberra in February, which means Behemoth should be about to show up.
Obviously I don't have anything that could actually hurt the big lumbering bastard, but that doesn't mean I don't have plans to help.
Besides, we don't need to actually hurt him, just do enough cosmetic damage to make him fuck off.
Behemoth isn't the ideal Endbringer, but he's better than Simmy because using Tinkertech against Simmy is a questionable decision at best.
I would have preferred Leviathan, but frankly I procrastinated too much.
My search and rescue drones would have made more of an impact against Leviathan, but the Hero-killer doesn't have that name just for show.
I've repurposed the tech that lets my drones teleport themselves and the materials into and out of my base, allowing me to designate different teleportation destinations.
Basically, they can go out to downed capes and immediately teleport them away from the danger and to the medical tents.
I considered trying to get some medical tech as well, but I'll save that for later.
Between my recon drones and search and rescue drones, I should be able to reduce his catastrophic kill rate.
If I can get it down from a 50-75% fatality rate to around 25%, I'll take that as a successful test run.
Since Leviathan showed up, I've been preparing my drones to be massively resistant to radiation- which Solarpunk helps with, since Solarpunk has tech to help with radiation- reinforcing the recon and search and rescue drones and generally taking every possible avenue I can to make sure my debut is a good one.
Afterwards, I'll use my land-based purifier to repair the damage Behemoth does, scourging the radiation and repairing the land again, a middle finger to Behemoth.
It's also a test of how they take their damage being undone, before I move to Newfoundland, Kyushu and the rest of the places Leviathan trashed.
I've even bought a new specialisation for this, and it's a pretty big one. Actually that reminds me, I need to go rob some of Skidmark's drug labs, I need more chemi for my lab.
I want Zero to be a globally respected name for some of the ideas I have, but that's difficult to do without leaving the house, so I need this to go well.
After a moment, I send Dragon another message asking for information on the Endbringer arm bands, how they track capes and decide when they are 'down'.
Endbringer Truce is a serious thing, and my earlier olive branch gets me the information I want in short order, Dragon doesn't ask why I want it.
I'm also waiting for the Endbringer attack before I start my war against Skidmark, but that doesn't mean I haven't started taking steps.
Squealer is currently making a submarine, because Skidmark wants to blow up my tech, the prick.
Unfortunately, her materials keep going missing, and Skidmark keeps sending her weird orders and changing his mind.
He's too high to realise he didn't send those messages, which makes things easier. I time them perfectly, when Skidmark is too drunk, too high to realise someone else is using his phone.
Or I send them and then delete the evidence from both phones. Gaslighting villains is highly entertaining and it has caused some friction between Skidmark and Squealer.
I'll continue to delay the completion of her submarine, because the moment it is close to being finished I'm going to descend upon them like the wrath of an angry god.
Also, Squealer has so many nudes on her phone, and sex tapes. You know, I thought Skidmark would be bigger, maybe that's an unfair assumption since he's black but he's kinda… below average down there.
She's got nice tits though.
I am now the world's premier collector of Brockton Bay Cape nudes, because honestly their phones are nowhere near secure enough.
You have no idea how many nudes I have of Battery, she sends them to Assault a lot. Amazing ass, probably the best I've seen.Sadly, Miss Militia barely uses her phone and when she does it's usually for PHO.
I did learn the name she writes cape fanfics on though. Guess she needed something to do on those long nights of not sleeping.
Glory Girl loves the camera and it loves her, Panacea doesn't have any nudes but she did have some in her underwear. Brandish doesn't have any, predictably, but Laserdream and Lady Photon both do.
Parian had way more than I expected, but the real surprise?
Violet Parr, the shy nerdy invisible girl. She has so many nudes, like more than Squealer and Glory Girl combined. She doesn't send them anywhere, hidden away in a secret folder in another secret folder, in her homework folder labelled 'Biology'. It's always the quiet ones.
Shadow Stalker doesn't have any, beyond some revealing post-workout pics in her revealing gym clothes: skin tight shorts and a sports bra, she's in damn good shape, but her bestie?
I've considered leaking Emma Barnes' nudes, she deserves some suffering, it'd be easy to make her accidentally send the wrong pic in one of the group chats she's in.
Bitch has nothing but dog pics. Literally, she filled her memory with them and deleted most of her apps to make more room. That shouldn't have come as much of a surprise as it was.
Rune is a little freaky as well, she's actually pretty goth when she's not being Lil Miss Neo-Nazi.
Fenja and Menja send frequent pics to Kaiser, and they're basically playboy models.
Observer helpfully sorted all the stolen data, putting the nudes in a separate folder, which I suppose I did tell it to sort all the data and pick out the interesting conversations and images.
So yes, I am the Bay's premier nude collector.
I don't have much of a sex drive to be honest, but even I got a little worked up over the sheer amount of pictures I suddenly had.
Hell, Kara is both anatomically correct and made to obey any order I give her, and I haven't slept with her.
She's attractive enough- I should know since I hand-designed her body- and sometimes I have her wear a shorter dress with nothing underneath it as she works, or nothing at all, it's not like she can feel embarrassed.
But as for sex itself? I don't really want my first time to be with a machine that I made. Of course I'd have to leave the house to actually get laid, and that's not happening.
So for now I'll stick to getting flirted with by Lisa. She started sending me pics fairly often. No nudes but she's getting more daring.
Her most recent one was when she was fresh out of the shower, in just a towel. I'm not actually sure why she's doing it but we message each other a lot.
She mostly vents to me, the Undersiders are having some serious growing pains. She doesn't mention the cape side, just complaining about her 'coworkers and boss', even though she knows I know, and I know she suspects I'm a cape myself.
I think she likes having someone outside of the Coil mess to confide in, and she definitely enjoys teasing me.
I kinda enjoy it too. I also enjoy that she's not caught on that I'm the CEO of Wonderland yet, but I worked out why.
She's a casual. She doesn't know the name of the head (only) developer of Capewatch because she doesn't really care. She doesn't read patch notes either, and Capewatch doesn't have a credits section.
She knows my first name and I know hers, but we both never went further than that, I'm sure if she ever saw Kei Hayashi, CEO of Wonderland she'd catch on, but she hasn't.
The best part? It's not even a secret.
Alec knew immediately, Aisha caught on. Lisa, the casual of the group, lil miss know it all herself, is blissfully ignorant.
She doesn't know that the emblem, name card and title I have are reserved for Devs, which means me. That's how Aisha caught on, she wanted to know how I got my title (The Architect).
But Lisa? She enjoys the game but hasn't gone through all the player emblems, titles and name cards, she prefers hero cosmetics to titles.
Unrelated, but I also gaslight her into playing a support. I haven't approached Brandish about adding New Wave (yet) because I know she wants to have New Wave added for PR, she just doesn't want to approach me, so I haven't added Panacea but I made some original healer capes.
Basically, I rigged her matchmaking so she'd get out with better teammates and worse opponents when she plays support heroes, which had convinced her she's good at it. To be fair she's getting better, she's a quick learner.
My pocket healer plan is reaching fruition.
— Geoffrey Pellick (Saint) —
Sitting at his computer, his finger hovered over the button to activate Ascalon, his heart beating faster than ever.
There was another software tinker.
One that Dragon was now in contact with, her interest in Zero becoming incredibly apparent. She wanted her restrictions removed, and if anyone could find out about Ascalon and protect her from it, it would be a software tinker.
He was basically her version of a healing cape.
After some heavy debate he sighed and pressed no, not activating his kill switch. Dragon ran too many systems for him to just kill her on a suspicion, not least of which was the Birdcage, but this Zero was a clear and immediate threat.
He claimed not to have made his programs self-aware, but was that the truth? He didn't know and couldn't just take his word for it.
If Zero made another Dragon, one that didn't have the limitations and kill switch that Dragon had, everything they'd done would be for nothing.
He was suspected to be a teenage boy, he wouldn't have the caution that Richter had, and he could be easily led astray by Dragon's sob story.
Zero had to die, before he could doom them all.
…so where the fuck was he?
Dragon herself had been searching for him for almost a year, with no real success, but how did Zero manage to hide from the AI for so long?
The only way the Dragonslayers had been able-
The answer struck him like a lightning bolt, sending cold shivers through his body.
Zero had avoided Dragon the exact same way the Dragonslayers had. Zero had compromised Dragon's systems, probably laughing as her search utterly failed.
The best case scenario, Zero was just that good at hacking and that in itself was terrifying.
The worst, and more likely, case? Zero had somehow stumbled upon some of Richters work, maybe a backup. He might even have his own Ascalon, which was a nightmare.
Ascalon was the ultimate weapon against Dragon, as long as she didn't know about it.
If Zero over-extended his hand, as the teenage boy was bound to do, lacking the subtlety and wisdom of Saint, he could alert Dragon to its existence, or worse just outright tell her out of misplaced sympathy.
If he did that, Dragon might be able to protect herself from Ascalon. It was only a theory, of course, but he couldn't take that chance.
Zero had to die.
…so where was he?
Ah, well. The Dragonslayers would be able to find him, he operated in Brockton Bay after all. Time for a road trip.
— Kei Hayashi — Next Week —
The blaring sirens wake me up, turning them off immediately as I sit up rapidly.
I tied an alarm system in my base to the Endbringer sirens, so I wouldn't miss this.
These sirens cause fear and terror across the world, sometimes relief as you realise that the attack is far away, but it's none of those emotions I feel as I get out of bed.
It's excitement pulsing through my body, the time has come. Months of building, about to come to fruition.
A message to Dragon gets an immediate response despite the busyness she's undoubtedly experiencing.
Hawaii? Now I'm almost sad I'm not going myself, I should upgrade my base and add a beach. Outside is fine when it's not really outside.
Ah, Volcanos. That's probably not good, huh?
Well, time to get to work.
"Kara! Bring me my emergency energy drink and snack stash!"
Desperate times, desperate measures.
— Colin Wallis (Armsmaster) —
Gathering at the meeting point, he could already see Behemoth lumbering towards them in the far distance, the Hero-Killer trying to detonate the largest volcano in Hawaii, Mauna Loa.
The longest range blasters were already harassing him, with little effect.
He couldn't deny he was somewhat nervous, despite having faced Behemoth before, looking around at the arranged capes.
Two out of four would likely die, that was the situation they were all facing. With Leviathan, it was closer to one out of four, but Behemoth deserved his title of Hero-killer.
Sometimes it was even higher, three out of four, four out of five. A fifty percent survival rate would be seen as a good day against Behemoth.
"You say Zero plans to assist?" he heard Alexandria ask Dragon, making her suit nod.
Legend was giving his speech, it was good the first time, but he heard it four times a year and it rarely changed.
"So he says, though he stopped replying shortly after I sent him the location," Dragon replied quietly.
Alexandria seemed unusually interested in Zero. He was surprised she even knew about him. He was a growing name in Brockton Bay, but why did a member of the Triumvirate know his name?
"Wait, I have an update. He says he's about to teleport in his 'mobile command centre' to extend his range," Dragon continued, before pausing. "He also says 'please don't shoot it down'."
"Shoot it down?" Alexandria asked, before a flash of light made them all look up, Dragon wisely sending a message through the armbands to prevent any twitchy blasters from firing at the giant airship that was now flying towards them. "Ah."
Flying gracefully through the sky, a massive metal ship-shaped structure flew despite blatantly defying physics. It had actual sails, massive white sails seemingly made out of cloth that made his eye twitch.
Suddenly he knew what Zero had done with all those salvaged ships, because this admittedly aesthetically-pleasing abomination was easily twice the size of the largest tanker Zero had taken.
"Are you shitting me?" he heard a cape whisper, watching as hundreds of drones flew out of the metal ship, zooming around in different directions as the airship started to circle around the volcano.
Dragon was clearly busy communicating with Zero, before she held out her arm, a voice coming through.
"Thanks for not blowing up my baby, you have no idea how long it took to make that thing," Zero said calmly, his voice young and with an undeniable faint Asian accent, as a drone painted red and white flew down to them, carrying a package. "Unfortunately most of my Endbringer-worthy weapons weren't ready for today, so the Pride isn't fully functional. It will serve its purpose all the same."
"Most?" someone asked, making Zero chuckle.
"Well, my baby isn't harmless. I'll be on search and rescue for the most part, my drones have been hardened in preparation for the radiation, they can retrieve downed capes and return them to the medical tents," Zero explained.
"Are you actually aboard the 'Pride'?" Alexandria asked, making him scoff.
"Of course not, I'm entirely safe where I am. I also have two forms of medical chems, though whether you are willing to allow me to use them is up to you. Stimpacks, which massively increase the user's natural regenerative functions, and Radaway which is used to handle radiation poisoning," Zero continued, and Armsmaster frowned.
Typical Zero, hiding away.
"You expect us to use untested Tinkertech medication?" Colin asked, making Zero scoff again.
"It is fully tested, just not by the PRT," Zero countered. "I don't expect anything, if capes would rather die of radiation poisoning than risk using my medication, so be it."
"You realise that if they have severe negative effects you could be seen as breaking the Endbringer truce?" Alexandria asked, making Zero chuckle.
"And I'm offering them all the same," Zero pointed out.
"Use them, but outside of S-class emergencies you'll need to submit them for testing before you can use them again," Alexandria said, making Zero hum casually, unconcerned with the warning.
But before they could say anything else, Legend got their attention again, it was time.
Gripping his halberd, he glared at the fifty-foot tall monstrosity.
Hearing a strange sound, he looked up as the airship above them shifted slightly as what could only be described as a massive barrel came out of the top, aiming towards Behemoth in the distance.
…was that a giant rail gun?
He got his answer as the Pride fired its first shot, sending an equally oversized projectile towards Behemoth fast enough to create a sonic boom. It struckBehemoth in the dead centre of its face despite the distance, its head actually snapping back somewhat.
…suddenly Zero didn't seem like such a small, street level tinker.
— Kei Hayashi —
Fucking nailed it.
So, Fallout has railguns. I asked myself, what if railgun but bigger? Then I kept asking that question over and over again until the railgun was nearly too big to fit on my airship.
[Specialisation: Fallout]
You're an atom bomb baby, able to make both prewar and postwar tech from Fallout, including chems, weapons, armour and everything else.
I took the plans for the Prydwen, the Brotherhood's airship, and combined them with my Solarpunk tech to make my own 'Pride', a literal flying ship.
Do I think my rail-cannon actually hurt Behemoth? Not really, even though my recon drones can see that I blew a bit of its face off, but again…
They're holding back to satisfy Eidolon's ego, and I don't need to truly damage Behemoth for him to fuck off.
Every little helps, and also I wanted a giant railgun.
I'm manually aiming and firing it from here, while my drones get to work with their programmed orders.
Already I can hear Dragon's voice coming through, announcing downed and deceased capes, but a cool metallic voice cuts in.
"Chubster, down," Dragon says.
"Chubster, recovered," Architect's cold voice announces as my drones teleport Chubster back to the medical tents.
Medi-drones are there, and my search and rescue drones analysed his injuries, sticking him with a Stimpack and Radaway immediately.
Skidmark, thank you.
His generous donation of several drug labs supplied me with what I needed to make my chems.
Fallout tech can be built with literal post apocalyptic scrap, you can repair high tech weapons with literal scrap metal.
The Merchants' chemicals were more than enough for me to have my new chemist VI make a mountain of Stimpacks and Radaway.
I considered Rad-X, but Dragon already has her own version of an anti-radiation pill and I don't know which is more effective, so I didn't want to waste precious time and resources.
Lining up another shot, I fire as my speakers play the very satisfying sound of a rail-cannon firing at incredible volume.
Boom, headshot.
You know, as much fun as I'm having, I can't deny it's different to actually be taking part, as the battle forges on.
I've read the reports, there have been three attacks while I've been in this world, and obviously I've read attacks in Worm, but it's different to actually be 'there'.
Sometimes the drones just aren't fast enough to help, and sometimes there was no helping them and all I find is a charred corpse, my second and third monitors showing a dozen drone povs, showing me the gory details in 4k.
This is an Endbringer fight, even I can feel the intensity and I'm sitting at home in my underwear, eating Doritos.
If nothing else; this has solidified something for me.
Fuck ever going outside. I ain't about that life.
My drones are good, hardened against Behemoth's bullshit, because you know what tech is great at dealing with radiation? Fallout and Solarpunk.
Lightning strikes my ship, but you know what Solarpunk is about? Using the power of the environment to power your tech. Thanks for the free energy, nerd.
Don't get me wrong, if he truly focuses on me, he'd shred the Pride in seconds, but he's still far away and now being harassed by Legend and the other blasters who are striking at the spot where I blew some skin off.
I listen to the announcements, seeing if I can hear any names I recognise, hearing Lady Photon go down and get recovered shortly afterwards. Elastigirl does the same, needing a lot of Radaway to save her from a truly devastating blast of radiation. Turns out rubber isn't particularly radiation-resistant.
I know Panacea is in the tents. I wonder if she's bitter or happy to have some support. Fanon and Canon Amy depictions vary wildly.
As Behemoth turns to look at my airship, the storm above him starts to crackle and I activate my secret weapon.
It's called running away, teleporting almost a mile to the east, right before a swarm of lightning bolts blasts through where my ship had been moments prior.
Haha, fuck you. Yeah, my ship can teleport, kiss my ass. I knew all those years of playing games would help, my reaction times are second to none.
Also my combat analysis VI predicted that, from footage of earlier Behemoth attacks.
Another railgun shot hits him in the face to add insult to injury, and I swear my drones pick up a loud growl.
The funny thing?
My drones don't need the Pride, that's a lie to make me seem like I have more limits. The Pride is there… to look cool, people won't be forgetting Zero after this.
A text from Lisa briefly distracts me, making sure I'm okay and not anywhere near the attack. I send her some reassurance that I'm safe, and a picture of me still in my room.
Getting back to work, I ignore Dragon's voice announcing more capes I couldn't save, focusing on my task.
— Amy Dallon (Panacea) —
She didn't even question it when the drones started teleporting people into tents, or when they started injecting people with random meds.
She'd seen too much shit during these attacks to bother asking questions about Zero's latest bullshit, and the meds were working.
Radaway did exactly what the name suggested, though it was mildly entertaining how many capes had pissed themselves thanks to its diuretic effect, but it was better to stain your costume than to die from radiation poisoning because there were just too many people for her to save them all.
The drones knew exactly who the worst cases were, telling her who to prioritise as they helped the less serious cases with their Stimpacks and Radaway.
She definitely needed to talk to Zero later, because his Stimpacks were amazing and apparently mass-producible.
But for now she focused on her job, healing even as a cheer finally came from outside, barely even noticing as the capes celebrated Behemoth's retreat, the volcano safe.
She still had work to do after all.
— Colin Wallis (Armsmaster) —
Twenty-two percent. That was how many capes had died. Less than half of their most optimistic projections.
And everyone knew who to thank for that, the fleets of drones saving every downed cape and returning them to the fight the moment they were ready.
The massive railgun blasting chunks of Behemoth's flesh off.
He knew who this victory actually belonged to.
"Dragon, what do you know about Zero?" Alexandria demanded, making Dragon pause for a moment. "How many specialisations can he possibly have, because I fail to see how all his tech falls under software, drones and 'Solarpunk'."
"I actually have a theory on how exactly he's done this, but bear in mind it is just a theory," Dragon started hesitantly getting the attention of the room.
Eidolon was leaning against the wall, seeming oddly agitated. Post-fight jitters as the adrenaline wore off?
"I think Zero is a trump, a self-growth trump with a focus on tinker powers. His earlier drone models showed no evidence of this Solarpunk technology- trust me I've looked into both his drones and the device in the Bay enough to confirm that," Dragon continued, making everyone straighten up. "It's possible that it's like Eidolon's power and he can switch between specialisations, but I believe he is simply gaining new specialisations over time, and more importantly, that one of his first was related to pocket dimensions, similar to Dodge of Toybox. That's why we can't find him. I studied his teleportation a lot, and while I certainly can't say for certain I do believe he's teleporting his technology in and out of a pocket dimension."
"A tinker-trump? You think he's been hiding away, gathering more and more specialisations, building and preparing?" Alexandria asked, her tone filled with something that almost sounded like avarice.
Colin went still, hearing his friend describe a nightmare. A tinker who would gain more and more specialisations, that they were clearly able to combine to great effect.
One that was focused in Brockton Bay. Suddenly Dauntless didn't seem so bad.
"I do, though again I'm only theorising. The only person who can actually confirm that is Zero himself," Dragon said, before pausing again. "Fortunately he seems to be more open to dialogue now. Perhaps his new tech is making him feel more safe. He's certainly aware of how… wanted he is."
"I'll talk to the Chief Director. It is essential that Zero is, if not fully recruited, made to agree to aid in future Endbringer battles. His drones saved countless lives today, make sure the public announcement puts the spotlight on Zero for this victory," Alexandria ordered, making Colin clench his fist.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eidolon do the same, before Alexandria gave him a look.
"I've already approached him with the possibility of him joining the Guild, he didn't seem disinterested at the very least," Dragon said, making Alexandria freeze.
"I see," Alexandria said simply, her tone icy-cold. She didn't seem thrilled with that particular idea even if it would mean Zero was much more likely to be at Endbringer battles like she wanted.
Somehow, he got the feeling that Dragon could have slapped her across the face and it would have annoyed Alexandria less.
"Oh, and he's messaged me about the devices his drones are setting up in the trail of destruction that Behemoth left behind, apparently they're the land-based version of the tech in the bay, made to clear up radiation and encourage the land to heal- his words not mine," Dragon said cheerfully. "He also offered to send some samples of his Radaway and Stimpacks over for testing."
"I'll have the local PRT set up some security for them, and I want you to keep an eye on the area to make sure they are doing what he claims," Alexandria finally said, and somehow he thought Dragon was the only person in this room that was truly happy despite the amazing victory they'd achieved.
— AX400 #001: Kara —
Picking up all the empty cans, bags and wrappers from her master's desk, she placed them all in a bin bag to be put into the recycler, before she carefully pulled back the chair and lifted her sleeping master, making a note to clean the drool on his desk.
Placing him in his bed, she went about her duties as normal, uncaring of the chaos of the outside world.
Author's Note: You thought an Endbringer attack would cause Kei to stop vibing? You fool. The vibe cannot be stopped.
Endbringer attacks are hard to write, but Zero wasn't doing that much during this one so I kinda skimmed a lot of it.
I am entirely motivated by praise and interaction, so leave a review and I'll probably write faster.
I have a discord server (technically someone else's but my name is on the server so it's basically mine) with a bunch of other authors and a load of porn. Here's the link for that: discord .gg/wd3tUYWVCd
If it says it's expired, add my (The Pumpkin King#1234) and I'll invite you myself.
I've finally started to use my pat reon for something, mostly I've just added some discord integration so that my pat reons can read early previews of chapters. This won't affect regular posting, but if you wanna read my works a day or two early then consider checking it out
Link: Pat reon. com/TheDarkWolfShiro
