Prime Targets

[danzilla3 5018]

"So you're saying it's a weapon?"

Ruben Becker's expression turned a shade indignant, "Well, yes, in the most basic sense of the word, it's a weapon. But it's far more than that sir!"

John Wilder leaned back in his chair, "I don't mean to offend Mr. Becker. Perhaps you could explain what makes this... ATLAS special?"

"Of course," Becker pulled a small device from his pocket which he used to generate a holographic image of his design, "The ATLAS weapons system is, to put it in simple terms, a weapons platform that turns its user into a walking tank. Its energy shields make the wearer virtually impervious to small-arms fire; high explosives like anti-tank rockets are the only thing that make a dent. Even if the shields are overwhelmed, the body armor itself is nearly as strong. Physically the suit enables users to run at speeds of 50 MPH, and lift loads into the ten ton range. All of this is without even mentioning the multiple weapons systems ranging from automatic weaponry to directed energy weapons. I do not exaggerate when I say that this suit could level a city in the wrong hands."

"So not the kind of thing we want turning up on the black market then?" John asked dryly.

"No sir."

"And why are you bringing this to my attention Mr. Becker? I can only assume that your employers won't be pleased if they find out their head engineer is blowing the whistle on them."

Becker swallowed, "The board wanted this kept quiet but... I can't in good conscience remain silent knowing the kind of threat this poses."

"I see," the governor got up and walked around the desk to shake the engineers hand, "You made the right call Becker. When all this is over, I'll see to it that you are rewarded. For now though, just keep on like things are normal. Rest assured that I will see it taken care of."

"Gladly sir," said Becker, obviously relieved.

Once the man was gone, John also walked out of his office and turned to his secretary.

"I'm going out for a bit. I feel the need for a run."

@Michael Bloodfang

[King BT-74 282]

Freerunners, Parkour Artists, Adrenaline Junkies... all of them have one particular thing in common. The jobs they undertake are extremely dangerous. They are left for those only who laugh at the face of danger, death, and uncertainty. But those were things that Aiden Barron did not need to worry about. Ever since he discovered his "unique" abilities, he tested them out with a lot of daunting physical acts. One thing he found out, was that his physical condition far exceeded that of any human being, even peak human condition. After that, surprises kept rising like a falling river and before he knew it. 

He was one of them... those "half-breeds" gifted individuals. He didn't exactly quite know what he was, only that his physiology fast vastly different yet the same with that of a human. Truthfully, his parents never told him. At least, his mother never did. She never talked with him about who his father really was. When he came into the world, shortly after he died through some unknown circumstances. Well, they were rather unknown to him. Because once again, his mother didn't tell him. However, she did keep on saying that he was someone very "special" and that he was "gifted" with many... "talents" if you will.

Now, if he looked back at his past. He knew what his mother was talking about. These "talents" enabled him to perform advanced acrobatics through the air, and inhuman freerunning and parkouring through incredible versatile and strenuous objects. But it did help him make a living. It wasn't an ideal job. Every night, he sneaks out to take up offers from any one that had the money to pay him. Aiden, he was hiding something. The fact, that he had a sick young sister. It didn't do well for the family. His mother's salary wasn't enough and Aiden refused to have her work more shifts. He didn't want her to die, due to working herself to death. Their father already left, he couldn't allow yet another parental figure leave them again. So, he took it upon himself to get an amount of money to pay for his sister's medicine. 

She... was rather sick with a diseases that was slowly killing her. It wasn't a rapid process, but the hospitals they took her inside. They charged them an incredible amount of money. And they simply did not have those kinds of money. Now, Aiden is doing even more tenacious and dangerous jobs. From killing someone, to stealing anything. His wage was expensive, of course. After all, he was one of the world's finest freerunners and parkour artists. Once his reputation increased, he started to go by the name of Bon. A nickname of sorts, that protects his identity. As well as the mask he wears, and other things around his body. The night was young and this held many opportunities for Aiden. Once he gets that money, he will save his sister and end their cycle of pain, suffering, uncertainty and worriness. 

The moment John Wilder stepped out of the building. He could hear heavy footsteps above him. It may even give the illusion that someone was above him! Well, there literally was. The Bon guy, who was all over the news. However, they didn't have much information. The only vitale intel that they have, is that he runs across rooftops around the night, and that he has been involved in numerous media, police and investigator famous cases. This was a simple world. There was only room for profiteers and non-profiteers. Aiden, had to become the former, otherwise, he'll never get to his true goal.

And so, John might have found the man he was looking for this particular suicide mission. As he effortlessly jumped across the rooftop and landed on the other. But his running never ceased, he gained his speed and continued to freerun, as well as doing intricate parkour stunts. He knew this rooftops like the back of his alley. He knew this city like the back of his hand.

 

[danzilla3 5018]

Aiden obviously knew the city well, and he was faster than average even taking his hybrid status into account. But John knew his own town, and there were very few people who could outpace him when it came to sheer speed on foot. But he was more than willing to allow his quarry to have his fun for a little while longer. It wasn't often that he was able to get out from behind his desk and engage in the kind of physicality that he so thoroughly enjoyed. So for twenty minutes or so he allowed the runner to lead him on a merry chase over the rooftops of New Everrun; but eventually he had to get on with things.

"Time for a breather!"

Coming up on the next jump between buildings, he did not merely hop between the two structures. Instead he put in some real effort and passed over not just the edge of the next building, but Aiden himself. As soon as he landed he turned around and fixed the runner with his trademark smile.

"Do you always run from paying work?"

 

[King BT-74 282]

Out of all the people in the city, Aiden would be the first one to observe if he was being followed or not. Of course, there were multiple factors that begged the question on how he'd know. Some call it his intuition that keeps him paranoid constantly... others might consider that he's arrogant in the fact, that he thinks as if the world surrounded around him. And then, there was the senses that were dialled to eleven the moment he set foot on a rooftop and proceed with his freerunning. Naturally, due to performing such physical strenuous tascs, adrenaline would build up in his system with thrilling excitement.

However, the first five minutes. He was completely oblivious towards his surroundings. Aiden wasn't particularly doing any sort of job as of late. It was after all, his day off. And freerunning wasn't a job of his. For him it was more than that. It was a hobby that he loved doing. Nothing could compare to sudden feeling of uncertainty that he deeply enjoyed. But after that, the freerunner noticed that someone was following him. Despite the unexpected guest, he was surprised that someone had the ability to keep up with him. Was he getting rusty? If he was, then that'll be detrimental to his performance. 

It was very unfortunate the moment John Wilder jumped in front of him and ceased the running contest. As he plunged his foot into the ground, his adidas shoes' soil scrapped on the ground as he came to a halt in front of the mysterious man before him. As they locked eyes and made eye contact. John Wilder would notice that the runner had barely broken a sweat, and wasn't panting heavily if at all, in contrast to John, who he actually had to try and stop Aiden from proceeding furthermore with the activity. For a moment, he stood there until he recompoused his posture in front of John. 

Aiden smirked upon the man calling timeout for a breather. "Well, freerunning is not for grandpas, stranger," he said.

Upon further examination, he couldn't put who this guy was. This guy, was he someone he knew? No, he couldn't. He isn't friends with anyone that freerunns. He is a loner after all. The question that begged an answer was, how did he find him? And what did he want from him? Was he with the cops? If he was, then this meeting would be very quick, since he can't allow himself to be caught. Not now, or ever!

The moment he'd share his trademark smile with him, and asking him a rhetorical question.  Aiden crossed his arms, "so who are you supposed to be?" he asked, "and what do you want?" 

@danzilla3

Edited July 16, 2020 by Michael Bloodfang

[danzilla3 5018]

"Grandpa?" John laughed, "I'm not even halfway through my thirties!"

The governor couldn't help but be charmed by the younger mans cocky nature; mixed with no small amount of amusement at his questions. Obviously Aiden knew who he was; there wasn't anyone in the city who didn't. Likewise, John suspected that the kid was smart enough to have at least some idea as to why a man in his position would want to talk to a runner. He probably wouldn't tolerate such insolence from most, but Aiden was different. Few people were good enough to keep ahead of him in a foot chase, but the runner had managed to do so. Such skill warranted additional consideration.

"I'll get straight to the point," John began, "Last night a prototype military exosuit was stolen from Titan Industries. They have yet to go public with the news, and I would prefer that the public not find out until after it has been retrieved. Which is why I need you."

John pulled out a flash drive with all the available information about the ATLAS and offered it to Aiden.

"Find the suit, and bring it back. I'll pay triple your standard rate."

@Michael Bloodfang

Edited July 28, 2020 by danzilla3

[King BT-74 282]

“Ts,” Aiden smirked at John’s laughter and complete utter amusement on his bold statement he made earlier. He looked away, bringing the bridge of his nose slightly up while his eyes closed. “I take it you should stop smoking then, John Wilder,” he traced his glare back at him.

He had his right hand placed on his hip before he swayed his hand indifferently. “I do so wonder what a big shot like you, would want to do with an outlaw like me,” he said, his tone indulging a genuine interest. “So why don’t you just skip to the part where you become useful?” he asked.

In reality. Aiden was shocked to see someone like him making conversation with the likes of a runner. What were his intentions anyway? He didn’t seem like someone who actually enjoyed putting his life on the line. Let alone parkouring through the rooftops of this city. Whatever it was. It can’t be good. Was he caught? Did he need to change the city so he can find another way to earn money for his sister’s health care?

He was somewhat relieved when John got to the point. He talked about how a military prototype exo-suit was stolen from Titan Industries. That name already put a questionable eyebrow on Aiden’s face, as his arms crossed his chest. He stopped in his tracks and was a few paces away from the man himself, John Wilder. John continued to explain that they did not go public with this incident and that he would prefer it if it remained that way. He didn’t want to blame him. After all, if it were to go public. It’ll be embarrassing for the company to know they are incapable of protecting and guarding their own little toys of mass destruction. But what’s that all have to do with him? He was just an outlaw.

But he spoke too soon…

John pulled out a flash drive, that by all logical assumptions had all vital and available information about the ATLAS. He reluctantly took it and he gave the flash drive a brief look. Aiden then glanced back at John and was silent for a long moment. “You are asking me to go on a suicide mission,” he said calmly. “And even if I were to be mad enough to accept it. Paying me the triple of my standard rate won’t even cut it,” he said.

Aiden sighed before he held the flash drive up. “So all the information I need is in here?” he asked. “What if the mission goes south? Am I then on my own? Or will you actually provide cover? Although, something tells me this deal is off the records. If that’s so. You’ll have to increase the payment up to six times. You see, Mister WIlder. I don’t do this for shits and giggles. I have someone that desperately needs my help,” he said.

“So this better be legit. Otherwise… “ he warned. “Let’s just say, you won’t be running on my rooftops anymore.” 

@danzilla3

Edited August 2, 2020 by Michael Bloodfang

[danzilla3 5018]

"Money is no object to me Mr. Barron. Your price is acceptable. Furthermore, should you do well, you can consider any friend of yours under my protection."

Aiden was a kind of world weary that was rare among people decades older than him; and John couldn't help but wonder what the boys life had been like to make him that way. Ultimately though, the question was an idle curiosity compared to his surprise that the boy didn't know him. John wasn't the type to bask in his own reputation, but he knew that he had one; and that most of New Everrun knew it too. John WIlder, former leader of The Wild Hearts gang; a legend for his ruthless nature, and incredible prowess in battle. 

Oh well. Maybe Aiden didn't read the news.

"Should you find yourself in over your head, my personal comm frequency is in that drive. Call me, and I'll come bail you out. Do keep in mind though that this would be an extra favor not included in your reward. You would owe me a favor in turn."

Walking to the edge of the building, he stopped and looked back.

"And Aiden... I like using outlaws because nobody makes a fuss if I gut them for overstepping their bounds."

John walked off the edge, plummeting to ground level in seconds. If Aiden went to look, he would see John wave to him one last time as he got into a waiting car and drove off into the night.

@Michael Bloodfang

 

 

[King BT-74 282]

As expected, John Wilder, of all people in New Everrun, didn't have problems with money. For all intents and purposes, he was just a rich bastard who thought freerunning was for fun. How wrong he was. He didn't take it seriously as Aiden did. For him... this wasn't just a hobby. It was his way of making savings for his sister to help her live! Even now, he just felt insulted by this man who stood before him. 

If he wasn't in need of money... if all of this wasn't important to him. He'd punch John Wilder in the gut for insulting him right now. Perhaps, he didn't try to insult him directly, but indirectly, he felt like a pawn that was used by a higherup such as John Wilder. People like him thought the world circled around them, and that it played and danced on their fingertips. He detested people like him. People who taught they could do what they wanted, because they had a higher status. But he may be looking into this far deeper than he should have. It didn't seem that the rabbit hole went deeper on this one than it was.

"Under your protection... you say?" he asked, as he averted his gaze slightly up him, since he was glancing at the ground, his posture was slightly hunched.

In truth, he didn't know who John Wilder truly was. He only knew him from the covers and mostly the news. He didn't know about his background. Aiden wasn't as resourceful as he was, so he couldn't get that kind of knowledge about him. Even now, he was more than weary as he thought that John may know who this "Bon" character really is. If he knew his true identity, then he was in trouble. What if he refused to help him? What then? Would he turn him in on the law? He couldn't allow that, no matter the circumstances. Aiden refused to do jail. So he had to play his cards right this time, what a pain. 

Nevertheless, John told him that if he would find himself in trouble, there was a personal comm frequency that he could use from that drive. He just needed to call him and he'll bail him out. However, there was a catch, and as perusal, Aiden saw it coming. Since he was born, he learned something in this world. Nothing came for free and out of the kindness of people's hearts. That would be living in a fantasy world, a dreaming reality that optimistic weebs like those volks still like to believe. Aiden knew the truth... and the truth was always so hard to bear. But, he'd have rather the truth than full on lies.

"Right, I'll keep that in mind," Aiden said with a serious tone. "I didn't know calling in the calvary was so pricey," he brought in some dry humor in the conversation for a moment.

While John Wilder exposed his back to him, Aiden kept a sharp eye on him as he walked over the edge of the building, stopping in his tracks and looking at Aiden. And then... John Wilder proved his every suspicion right. He knew who he was... goddammit. How did this bastard know who he was? His face became more paler than before. Since he already was pale by default, it was still noticeable that something in him... clicked... and not in a good way. His curled fingers began twitching as he revealed to him why he worked with outlaws like him. Because nobody cared about them, and if he stepped out of his boundaries. He will be facing John Wilder next. The bastard dared threatening him?! But then again... he indirectly threatened him as well, so maybe it was his way of calling each other even.

And as he walked off the edge, plummeting to the ground in matter of seconds. Aiden ran over to see that he waved at him, while walking into a car that waited for them. "Touche..." he said with a smirk.

Right after, Aiden didn't waste much time and he got to moving. He had little time to spare now, so he made his way back home. Once he was inside his house, he walked inside his room undetected by his family. While closing the door in the most quiet way he could manage, he approached his desk and he sat down. He reached out for the drive and he plugged it inside his computer and he opened it. 

"All right, let's see with what I'm up against," he said. 

---

@danzilla3

Edited August 9, 2020 by Michael Bloodfang

[danzilla3 5018]

The drive would be packed with different files including images, videos, text files, audio files and more. Fortunately for Aiden, it all seemed to be organized by file type, which meant that he wouldn't have to read a report before watching a video, only to play an audio file. Starting with the videos, the runner would see that they were mostly clips of various trials the suit had been put through. In the videos the ATLAS could be seen outrunning vehicles, smashing through buildings, bounding between buildings, and shrugging off hits from various weapons. Perhaps the most sobering video was of a skirmish between ATLAS and a variety of drones. It wasn't even close; with ATLAS easily dominating the competition.

Moving onto the audio files, they seemed to be split between brainstorming sessions and personal audio diaries from the dev team. One name would stand out to Aiden if he was paying attention; Krassic. According to the rest of the staff, Krassic was a researcher who had been acting strangely; arousing the suspicion of his coworkers. Eventually he had been dismissed from the company, but not before vowing revenge on the company and his colleagues.

Finally, the text files contained a wide variety of information; everything from cost estimates, to testing schedules. While most of it would not be helpful, there was one document toward the end that an attentive reader would notice. It was a memo calling for a reevaluation of the suits power source. The document revealed that the suit required a specialized power source that was only made at one factory.

[King BT-74 282]

Upon the drive opening up all of its content. Aiden took a closer look on what it had. He could see packed things in different files that were all organized by file type. A smirk donned on his lips as he laid back. This was definitely much easier now since John Wilder took the liberty to be so helpful. He guessed John really wanted this mission to be done and dealt with. In truth, he couldn't blame him. After all, if he was in John's place and had to repair such a massive mess up. He'll want to get this quickly as done as possible. Unfortunately, Aiden wasn't some kind of Superman either. So this mission may take a bit.

However, before he could do his proper research someone knocked on the door. Aiden turned his glare at the door, before returning his attention on his monitor before minimizing the tab file. He turned around. "Come in," he said, wondering who was knocking on his door. It was either his mother announcing dinner or his little sister that visited him every once in a while. Mostly when she was bored. 

The door knob slowly moved and the door clicked, unlocking, as a dim of light shimmered throughout the outlines of the door. The darkness in Aiden's room became more evident by the bright light form outside his room. When the door was fully opened, he could see his litter sister. She rocked one of his old sweatshirts. One could say that the two were very close as siblings. It should have been obvious, since he was doing such dangerous jobs to find a cure for her... She wasn't physically disabled or anything. But she had an internal illness that was killing her slowly. The doctors didn't give her much. A few years or so. She'll be lucky if she turned eighteen... and she wasn't even thirteen yet. Either way, she was dying slowly and he didn't want to see her gone. Aiden knew of only one way to cure her illness. 

Fortunately for him, he knew a way but it required a lot of money and... he didn't have that kind of luxury. Aiden sighed in relief as he laid back against his chair, gently crossing his legs as he glanced at his little sister walking into his room. "Big brother.." she spoke with a innocent voice, as she tilted her head slightly and gently stuck her tongue out, staring at him for a moment or two. "Hey, Cecily, how are you feeling today?" her brother asked her.

Cecily walked towards him, tipping her weight on each toe as she walked to him. She kept her hands into her sweatshirt. "I'm feeling fine, big brother," she said, her voice continued to be sweet and innocent. Aiden smiled kindly at her, as he placed his hand on her head and gently gave her a brotherly pat. Cecily noticed her brother was doing something on his computer. It caught her curiosity and she tilted her head, and stuck her tongue out a bit.

"What are you doing, big brother?" she asked curiously.

Aiden blinked surprised as he stared as his monitor, before looking back at her. "Oh, just doing my usual stuff. Watching youtube... playing games, you know, the usual," he shrugged indifferently. 

"Oh, okay," she nodded her head. "Well, I just wanted to check up on you," she said.

He smiled, "I'm glad," he said. "Thank you but now I'll get busy with a project of mine, so you need to go out of my room now," he mentioned.

Cecily pouted noticeably, he couldn't lie, it was kind of cute. "I want to spend time with my big brother!" she retorted. "I want to watch movies with you!" she said.

"We will, later, promise, okay?" he asked.

She crossed her arms and looked away, tilting her nose up in the air. "Promise?" she kept her pouting face, one of her closed eyes open and gave him a sly look.

"Promise, pinky promise," he stretched his pinky finger.

Cecily seemed to be visibly happy, as she reached out with her pinky and wrapped it around his. "Yay!" she smiled, before she rushed out of his room with a big happy smile on her face.

Once the door was closed. The innocent world of Cecily Barron left Aiden into the perpetual dark and unforgivable world that was his reality. He sighed, as he turned around with his chair and averted his concentration back at the matter at hand. He had a job to do and he couldn't use his time off slacking with his little sister. Even as much as he'd like to do so. "All right, where were we?" he asked himself before he popped the tab back. Aiden started out with the videos, as they were the most easiest to get rid off. He watched a few videos and saw the clips of various trials the suit underwent through. 

The ATLAS was outrunning vehicles, smashing through buildings, bounding between buildings, and shrugging off hits from various weapons. Aiden leaned back, with his arm across against his chest, while his elbow sat on his palm, with his index finger lightly tapping his upper lip. "Well that is... unexpected," he muttered. "A suit that can outrun vehicles, break concrete walls as if it were nothing, jump in between buildings and is bulletproof? I wonder if any high caliber rounds could crack that armor. For what is worth... an individual like me, would have a hard time trying to outstrength the suit," he said. 

"That is if I ever enter into such a conflict," he mentioned before he could see another video where the ATLAS suit destroyed the various drones, that didn't even came close to put a scratch on it. He wasn't afraid but he definitely was worried. Even the name ATLAS sounded suspicious. From what he knows the name Atlas is essentially an Ancient Greek one. It belonged to the notorious Titan God of Endurance and Strength. Now, he may look into this way deeper than he should. But what if, the suit is supposed to resemble just that? The possibility was there. The suit did superhuman feats with ease.

Things became more interesting for Aiden when he went onto the audio files. They were only split between brainstorming sessions and personal audio diaries from the developer team. But one name stand out to him the most. Krassic. According to what he had on him. He was a researcher who was starting to act strangely. Eventually, his co-workers became suspicious of him and eventually he was fired. "Aha..." he slightly smirked, his white teeth skimmering through his lips. "Could it be that Krassic took his revenge by stealing this ATLAS suit from John?" he asked, as he laid further back into his chair. He reached out with his left hand, spreading out as if he was reaching for something while he stared at the ceiling. "Yeah, that makes sense!" he calls. "If this project was top secret," he mentioned.

"Which I undoubtedly believe it was," he said. "This means Krassic is responsible," he leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table and stared at his monitor. "However, if I could come up with this conclusion. Then how come John didn't?" he asked. "He is significantly smarter than me," he bitterly mentioned. "Or perhaps he does, but he doesn't have any proof. But, there is enough proof that there is a traitor amongst their ranks. Someone leaked the information and so the ATLAS suit was stolen. That's the only plausible solution. Unless, I'm being played like a pawn and it was handed out willingly."

"I need to remain vigilant," he said to himself as he searched further through the files, until he found the document at the end that was a memo calling for a reevaluation of the suit's power core. The document also revealed that the suit required a specialized power source that was only found in one factory. "Let's see..." he searched further into this specific factory, getting all of its possible information. 

---

@danzilla3

[danzilla3 5018]

March 18

Yet more problems with the damn power core. Much as I hate to admit it, Krassic was right; this thing just has too many drawbacks to be used in the production model. As if the sheer cost of the accursed thing wasn't bad enough, we still can't manage to keep the damn thing stable. We managed to mitigate the overheating problem with the venting function, but that's just added more problems. The ATLAS can't move during venting, which leaves the suit vulnerable for five seconds. Given how heavily armored the suit is, this problem is minor, but it is a problem. Against an enemy with sufficient firepower, that window would be catastrophic.

At present, the suit can operate continuously for fifteen minutes at a time before needing to vent. Pushing beyond this limit leads to the core becoming dangerously unstable; often explosively so. The current core detonates with an explosive yield of 1 megaton, making the ATLAS a danger to both allies and civilians. Essentially, with the current power core, the suit is a walking time bomb.

We're going to have to completely redesign the core. Krassic's design is theoretically sound, and a prototype is already under construction at the factory.