Difference between revisions of "Shh! It's a PSIcret!! - Part 2"

Location: Approaching City Centre

Psirus continued to fly away from Downtown, passing one or two flying heroes along the way, he soared over the tip of the iconic Champions Headquarters building and past Mercy Hospital. He continued on until he spotted Corporal Harrison and a few other officers talking amongst themselves. He descended somewhat and gave a short wave as they looked up at him, Harrison nodded in response and silently beckoned Psirus closer. Psirus frowned slightly but descended until he was just hovering over the sidewalk in front of Corporal Harrison. The corporal jerked his thumb backwards in the direction behind him and over the wall. Psirus narrowed his eyes and hovered a little higher as he looked over the wall. About one hundred feet from the wall a group of New Purple Gang members were walking towards a park entrance, most of them seemed to be carrying shopping bags. Besides looking a bit strange, they seemed to be all walking casually and not disrupting any of the civilian populace, not even the Mind Incorporated pamphleteers. Psirus flew down to where Corporal Harrison stood and nodded at the officers.

“Hi, Lieutenant Connolly sent me here? He said there was some strange New Purple Gang behavior going on and I can see what he meant. I’m Psirus by the way, a member of Delta. Anything else to look out for?”

Corporal Harrison grinned and thrust out a meaty hand, Psirus shook the proffered hand as the Corporal spoke.

“Corporal Harrison, nice to meet you. These are Officers Shortleaf and Richards. We haven’t got much to report except that they’re exceptionally quiet. We can’t go in and search them without reasonable suspicion, even if we did manage to pull that off, we’d have no idea what we’d be looking for.” explained Corporal Harrison.

“Yeah, and the last thing we want is to trigger them into acting out or starting a turf war with us and the hero community. We’ve managed to keep it down to a minimum recently but now they’ve just…changed.” noted Officer Shortleaf.

Psirus sighed, taking a few moments to think when Officer Richards chimed in.

“I...I know this might seem crazy but…what if it’s not the New Purple Gang?”

“Go on, Richards…” encouraged Corporal Harrison.

“Well…it’s just that there are other gangs out there right? Like VIPER and the Cobra Lords? What if they’re using the New Purple Gang members or something? Hell…we now know PSI are out there too...” continued Officer Richards.

Officer Richards trailed off into inaudible mumbling as he frowned to himself.

“Well, I can slip inside but I’ll need a place to focus from…” mused Psirus.

“There should be a quiet room in the police station across the road. Richards and I will stay here and report if anything changes.” nodded Officer Shortleaf.

Corporal Harrison nodded his thanks to the officers and motioned to Psirus. The pair made their way towards the police station and a few minutes later, Corporal Harrison located a room on the top floor and led Psirus up several flights of stairs.

“So…Delta huh? How’d you manage to get involved with them?” asked Corporal Harrison.

“Well, it’s a long story but I’m glad I’m with them now.” replied Psirus

“No, that’s alright. Eh, weren’t you in another group several years ago? Shad X or something?”

“Ah, Shadow X. It’s true I led and worked with them for a while but…we disbanded.” nodded Psirus.

“I see…well here we are!” huffed Corporal Harrison.

The corporal unlocked the door and opened it, turning around to see Psirus’ reaction.

“Will this work?” he asked.

Psirus looked around the room; it was fairly basic and mostly unfurnished but was in a very quiet part of the police station. He stepped inside and lightly brushed his knuckles against the beige padded walls, a slight frown on his face.

“What is this room used for if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Oh, er, we sometimes have to contain suspects from The Maniacs gang. You see, they’re…nutj-er, difficult and will use anything they can to try to free or injure themselves when taken in. This room was designed to be secure but padded so they wouldn’t do as much damage to themselves if they tried running at the walls. It’s also soundproof.” explained Corporal Harrison.

Psirus’ eyes widened and he shook his head.

“Wow, okay. Well, I’m not crazy but this will do nicely.”

“Alright, do you need uh, candles, incense or something? To do your, ah, thing?” asked Corporal Harrison.

“Um, no.” replied Psirus, using his hand to muffle his laugh.

“Oh, right…sorry. Well, uh, look. Once you’re done, just motion to the camera and one of the officers will come and let you out.”

Psirus nodded and watched as Corporal Harrison closed the door behind him, shutting off almost all of the sounds from the world outside. He walked to the centermost point of the room and lowered himself into a seated position and crossed his legs as he assumed a meditative pose. He activated his M.P.R.’s and set them to hover, allowing him to float a few inches above the ground. He activated his Delta com-link and spoke into it in a lowered tone.

“Hey, I’m going to be offline for a while. Shouldn’t be more than half an hour, but if it is…I’m at one of the local MCPD police stations. The one opposite the Superjet landing area.”

“Alright, I think I know where you mean, keep us posted.” replied Spectrum.

Psirus turned off the com-link and took a deep and calming breath as he began to focus his mind, allowing himself to relax deeper…and deeper…until he released a long breath as his consciousness shifted into a state of its own...

Psirus’ Inner Empath form stood up and looked around the room; visually it was an ethereal version of himself and glowed purple at the very edges of it form. He stepped forward and turned around, looking down at his physical form, still hovering in place, almost motionless.

<Right, to work!>

Psirus floated over to the padded walls and at first pressed against them, unable to float through. He took a breath and focused and allowed himself to relax a little more. A few moments later his inner empath form paled slightly and he floated through the padded walls and out into the open. Smiling to himself Psirus continued his flight until he reached Officer Shortleaf and Officer Richards, who were occasionally peaking over and keeping an eye on the New Purple Gang members. The gang members’ numbers had dropped, almost as if the last few members were making their way to whatever was happening.

Psirus flew a little closer and was suddenly very aware of a strong light pink mist that surrounded the entrance way, Psirus expanded his senses and suddenly a large area deep beneath the surface lit up brilliantly. As he investigated the strange mist a little more he realized that it could only mean one thing.

<Urgh, PSI>

The pink mist was an abundance of psychic energy emanating from the PSI mentalists. PSI’s foot soldiers, hypnotists and other mentalist minions had very easy to recognize psychic energy signatures, usually they were bright but not nearly this bright, which meant that this had to be such an abundance of psychic activity concentrated in one area. No doubt caused by a large number of them gathered in the area below him. Focusing once more, Psirus relaxed and his inner empath form paled slightly as he phased through the layers of concrete. A few moments later Psirus found himself in an underground warehouse, full of VIPER transports and large removal vans.

<What on earth is going on here? VIPER transports…probably stolen. PSI and VIPER working together? No chance.>

He stretched his empathic senses as he flew down, looking around when the doors opened and several men walked in. Most were using their telekinesis to carry several large crates, whereas others relied on their psychokinetic limbs to support the heavier weights whilst they moved towards the transports and vans, efficiently loading the crates as more members showed up with more crates. Suddenly a PSI hypnotist turned and looked around.

“Anyone else sense something weird?” he asked.

“Oh stop trying to weasel your way out of the work. Pick that up and load it! We’re on a tight schedule and we need to make the meeting with Mind Slayer!” hissed a PSI Agent

The PSI hypnotist scowled and returned to work and Psirus breathed a sigh of relief, he drew up his shields and strengthened them for good measure.

<A meeting with Mind Slayer? Should be interesting…>

Psirus drifted through the warehouse looking around, and saw another series of parked transport vehicles fully loaded with crates that were slowly moving towards an entrance way which had a faint light at the very end of it. Psirus was about to follow when he heard footsteps echo behind him.

“I’m telling you! There was something in here. I could sense it!” argued the PSI hypnotist.

“Listen. Dave, we’re in a warehouse full of other PSI operatives…you probably sensed one of us sending a message or something. Come on! The meeting is about to start and you do not want to be late.” urged the PSI Agent.

The hypnotist sighed again, frustrated this time but followed after the PSI Agent. Unbeknownst to them Psirus had decided to tag along. The agents soon arrived at a marked meeting point within the warehouse and began chatting idly amongst themselves, they were soon joined by a growing number of PSI operatives who had formed a circle around the center point of the meeting area. A few minutes later Psirus was alerted to two strong psychic presences drawing closer, Psirus drew up his shields further as he vaguely recognized the two strong psychic signatures.

Psimon and his self-appointed body guard, Mind Slayer.

Psimon turned the corner and spread his arms out in greeting to the gathered PSI operatives, Mind Slayer followed closely, glaring at the other members with a silent warning, causing them to back away from Psimon. The pair were wearing their signature uniforms but had covered them with long coats. Mind Slayer shoved a hand into her pocket and took out a lighter and a cigarette, she lit the cigarette and brought it to her mouth. She took a long drag of it and released the smoke at a group of nearby PSI operatives who grimaced and coughed but said nothing.

Mind Slayer grinned momentarily and then followed as Psimon made his way to the center of the gathering and stood within the clearing preparing to address them all. He smiled broadly and chuckled as a few PSI operatives whooped and cheered at his presence. He remained smiling as he calmed them down until there was complete quiet and then he spoke.

“As you all know, I am visiting many different operation strongholds this week and as a result, my time here will be brief…” he started.

There was a general sound of displeasure but the sounds were quelled for a moment as Psimon continued.

“…I trust that you are ALL doing your best to remain discreet and not draw attention to yourselves?” he asked.

There was a collective sound of agreement and Psimon went on, his tone less forceful and dourer and his pleased expression becoming slightly pained.

“It is vital that this operation here is successful as it is in our best interests to recover one of our own, Medusa, who was transferred to Stronghold within the last few weeks due to superhero interference...”

Mind Slayer smiled privately as she remembered the day she heard news of Medusa’s downfall. It was such welcome news that she even spared the lives of the Steelhead Mountie group who had found the mentalist enclave in Canada. She took one last drag of her cigarette and then dropped it to the floor, crushing it under her booted heel as she tuned back in to what Psimon was saying.

“….with Kevin Poe taken care of and the New Purple Gang being picked off, I expect results. Mind Slayer will be in command of this operation and you are to take orders from her. Don’t fail me!”

The PSI operatives sounded their agreement and then began chatting amongst themselves; a few members approached Psimon, looking star-struck at having met the head of PSI but quickly turned on their heels as Mind Slayer gave a sharp look in their direction. Psimon turned to Mind Slayer and sighed, his voice lowering to keep their conversation private.

“Everything is in order right?” he asked.

“Yes dear, don’t worry about anything I’ll take care of the spy and this operation.” she cooed.

Psirus’ eyes widened and for a few horrible moments thought he was about to be attacked but Mind Slayer eyed a PSI operative in the crowd who seemed a little out of place. Psimon cupped Mind Slayer’s face and his expression turned soft as he spoke.

“You are truly a wonder…my love.” he whispered.

Psirus rolled his eyes as Mind Slayer ate up Psimon’s platitudes and looked on after Psimon as he left. As he turned the corner, Psimon chuckled to himself and shook his head.

“She is too easy…” he muttered, pulling his disguise closer to himself.

Psimon’s psychic signature vanished a few moments later as he exited the warehouse, leaving the PSI operatives at the mercy of Mind Slayer. Mind Slayer’s sole presence caused the others in the room to cower and silence reigned; only the low hum of nearby transports or a minor mechanical whir ringing throughout the warehouse. Mind Slayer began eyeing the PSI operatives, her gaze taking on a dangerous edge as she removed the long coat, revealing her very revealing uniform and walked around the clearing as she spoke, raising dangerously as she finished what she had to say.

“We are a close-knit organization and we like to keep an eye on all members and what they are doing and who to trust and what information each one of you can offer. However, it seems that one of you feels the need to betray our trust and give important information to others!”

With that she thrust out her hand and fashioned an extension out of telekinetic energy and latched onto the PSI operative she had been eyeing earlier. The PSI operative was dragged from out of the crowd and strained against the construct as it tightened around him. Mind Slayer’s features twisted as a dark expression of sadistic pleasure blossomed on her face. With her other hand she fashioned a razor sharp psychokinetic knife. Her predatory grin widened as she brought it up to the struggling operatives face, the knife casting a light pink hue over his face as she dragged it just above the skin of his temple.

The other PSI operatives seemed startled but dared not speak out. Mind Slayer looked out to the confused PSI operatives who were looking amongst themselves.

“In case you were all fooled, this man is actually Special Agent Owain Irosi, an undercover PRIMUS agent! PSI will not tolerate traitors!!” she spat, shaking slightly as she roared.

Psirus watched in horror as Mind Slayer chuckled dementedly and then viciously plunged her psychokinetic knife directly into the temple of the PRIMUS agent, he half cried out, his eyes rolling into the back of his head before he slouched as she withdrew the blood covered knife. Mind Slayer dismissed the larger construct as she concentrated more power into the knife, causing the blood on it to boil until it evaporated. She turned to the rest of the PSI operatives as the PRIMUS agent dropped to the floor in a bloodied heap. She callously shoved the dead agent’s body with her boot as she spoke.

“Dispose of this one and get ready to move to Devil’s Head Mesa. We have the important parts for the device so we are leaving this facility at once.”

With that Mind Slayer dismissed the PSI operatives who practically ran to escape her presence. Psirus looked back at the dead PRIMUS agent, being taken out of the warehouse by a burly PSI Agent. He turned his attention to Mind Slayer as she watched several transports hover into the air and leave through a hidden exit. A few minutes later, a screeching of tires sounded through the warehouse and a large truck pulled up to where Mind Slayer stood, she conversed with the driver and Psirus’ Inner Empath form flew a little closer and phased through the truck walls and his eyes widened as he looked around the interior.

There were seven terrified scientists sat in the back with two PSI Hypnotists, they were bound with psychokinetic restraints and looked as if they had been roughed up a little. Psirus looked down to one of the scientists still in her lab coat, the “Harmon Labs” logo very apparent on her coat.

<The missing Harmon Lab scientists?>

Psirus was pulled out of his thoughts by a loud mechanical whirring as the vehicle’s tires retracted into the chassis and was quickly replaced by jets, lifting the vehicle into the air. He pulled out of the vehicle and watched as Mind Slayer got on and commanded the vehicle get ready to fly out. Psirus flew out of the warehouse with the transport. Knowing he had to work fast to keep up with them, Psirus turned around and flew back to the police station to return to his body.

Psirus’ Inner Empath form arrived a few moments later and he found his physical body still in the same position. Psirus closed his eyes as he rejoined his body, the Inner Empath form fading as his consciousness shifted to his body and his eyes snapped open. Psirus took in a deep breath and coughed a few times as he re-orientated himself. He took a moment to himself and then rose to his feet, he looked around the room for the camera, soon locating it and gave a brief wave to it as his signal. A few minutes later the door to the room was opened by Corporal Harrison, who seemed mildly distressed but relieved to see Psirus.

“We’ve…located the body of the PRIMUS agent. And as if the hole in the side of his head doesn't clue you in, the medics called it, agent is down. What the fuck happened in there?” he asked.

Psirus sighed as he rubbed his temples, images flashing before his eyes as the memories of what he had seen drifted into his mind’s eye. He gestured for Corporal Harrison to follow him and they walked and talked as they exited the police station.

“It’s PSI, they were posing as New Purple Gang members and they’ve been moving materials from a number of different places. I think they’re building something, not sure what yet but they have the missing Harmon Labs scientists, so whatever they need those guys for cannot be good. I’m going to do some more investigating, they are on the move and heading towards Devil’s Head Mesa.” explained Psirus.

“Dammit, wait…aren’t PRIMUS out there too?” asked Corporal Harrison

Psirus nodded as he stepped out of the police station.

“Yes, Project Greenskin is out there. If you can call ahead and let them know that PSI is operating out there, perhaps they could send some assistance along once everything is under control.”

Just as he did, a large VIPER transport shot through a hidden entrance that opened up in the road a few feet away and Psirus’ eyes widened as it hurtled through the air. Psirus narrowed his eyes as it flew off into the distance and activated his M.P.R.’s, allowing him to fly high into the air. Corporal Harrison nodded once to Psirus and shouted up.

“Will do. Go get ’em Psirus!”

Psirus nodded back to the corporal and flew after the VIPER transport in PSI’s possession. He managed to catch up to it and a few seconds later the outside of the vehicle started to crackle and glow. Psirus was close enough to the transport to hear a computerized voice sound outside the vehicle.

“PREPARE FOR TRANSPORT JUMP…IN…5…4…3…”

Psirus grit his teeth and grabbed onto the end of the vehicle, he quickly fashioned an empathic shield around himself just as the VIPER transport emitted an incredibly bright light which enveloped him transporting them to another location.

Location: Somewhere high above the Project Stein area, Desert

A bright yellow light exploded brilliantly in the clear desert sky followed by a distinctive cracking sound that echoed through the air as the VIPER transport appeared. Psirus opened his eyes as he felt hotter and dryer winds hitting his face, only to narrow his eyes against the bits of sand that was carried through the air by the wind. He let go of the transport checked himself, patting himself over for any post teleport oddities, but everything seemed to be intact.

“Thank god.” he sighed, looking around.

The transport seemed to have teleported to the Desert area and was now travelling at a leisurely pace. Psirus could just about make out the Stronghold Prison in the distance but ignored it as the transport began to get away from him. He followed at a safe distance as he waited for it to reach its destination. Psirus did not have to wait long as a few minutes later the PSI operated VIPER transport landed outside a large cave opening and then stopped as the scientists were led out of the transport and into the cave. Realizing that he’d stick out like a sore thumb flying high in the sky, Psirus looked around and to his surprise found a little alcove in the rock face nearby, just as Mind Slayer exited the transport. He flew towards it and positioned himself as comfortably as he could as he tried to focus, but to no avail, the sun’s harsh rays were beating down on him and the alcove provided very little relief.

Psirus sighed and squinted as he checked his surroundings, he quickly noted a large but mostly flat slab of rock lying in a heap with others of various sizes nearby. Figuring he could utilize it, he focused as he generated an empathic construct; a purple lasso. He threw the lasso construct and after two more tries he managed to rope it, he then began dragging it out of the pile and towards him. Once he had dragged it towards him, he positioned it to provide considerable shade within the alcove. Satisfied with this arrangement, Psirus positioned himself in a meditative pose and focused, once again adopting his Inner Empath form.

Psirus, now in his Inner Empath form, turned back and looked at his physical body and then turned away, drawing up his shields as he approached the transport. Not sensing any hostiles in his immediate vicinity, Psirus floated forwards and into the cave, which soon lost its more natural rocky look and was very much re purposed into some sort of hi-tech base. The base had many different paths through it, obviously somewhat modeled after the cave’s internal pathways and Psirus picked a path at random and floated down it silently until he sensed a strong psychic presence and a few other PSI operative signatures nearby as well as one baseline non-mentalist signature. He slowed down as he heard voices and stopped when he was close enough to hear exactly what was being said.

“P-please, I don’t understand…just let us go…I-I can’t…please you have to-” stuttered a highly strung voice.

“Oh stop your snivelling! You’ll be returned to your homes once you’ve completed the tasks I will set for you and your team.” hissed Mind Slayer.

“W-what…do you want u-us t-to do, Miss S-Slayer?”

Psirus relaxed as his Inner Empath form partially phased through the cave wall as he watched Mind Slayer lead the scientist over to a tall, thin transmitter.

“Do you know what this is?” she asked.

“N-no, but I have seen these sometimes on my route to work…w-what are they?” he asked.

Mind Slayer nodded to the PSI Hypnotist nearby and he began to explain.

“This is a Hippocamptic Sonombulator, it is strictly PSI technology and it works to slow the synaptic responses of anyone…well almost anyone, within the transmission radius.”

This information seemed to change the scientist’s demeanour slightly, he narrowed his eyes and took a step forward to the Hippocamptic Sonombulator and then jerked his head back as a thought occurred to him.

“Is it on? And more importantly…what do you use it for? Surely it doesn’t slow synaptic responses for no reason.” he asked, whilst making an attempt to cover his head.

The PSI Hypnotist chuckled but continued.

“No, of course it isn’t on. Since you’ll be working with the technology, it will be helpful for you to understand its intended use so listen up. By slowing the synaptic responses in the brain it can make people much easier to coerce with mind control and brain washing techniques, as well as significantly slowing down their reactions, making them much more susceptible, physically and mentally.”

Mind Slayer stepped in as she finished stamping out another cigarette.

“Before you ask the typical cliché question ‘What does this have to do with me?’ that will make me want to slice you into fine nerdy ribbons, I’ll tell you. You and your pack of nerds are going to be recreating this technology but on a much, much larger scale. You will be building a Mega Hippocamptic Sonombulator. This version will not only be able to cover entire cities at a time but will also contain coercive signals strong enough to bend even the minds of super humans.” she explained.

“What about your kind? M-mentalists?” he asked.

“Unfortunately these devices have very much diminished effects on mentalists but thankfully there are hardly any noteworthy mentalists who aren’t already criminals. With the Mega Hippocamptic Sonombulator allowing for mass recruitment as well? Well…we wouldn’t have much of an issue with super humans who resist as there aren’t many heroes who can withstand an entire city and the majority of its superhuman population.” grinned Mind Slayer.

The Harmon’s Lab scientist looked horrified but stuck out his chest, doing his best to stop his bottom lip from quivering as he stood his ground.

“I-I won’t do it! I’m a scientist for Harmon Labs and we are committed to the betterment of society, not oppressing the masses! You’ll have to kill me or let me go, because I won’t work for you.” he stated proudly.

Mind Slayer paused and then let out an unusual sound which could be described as a derisive laugh, it was short lived as she bore down on the shorter man, her bright pink hair framing her face and the dark look in her eye that nearly made the scientist wet himself. Her voice was low and threatening as she spoke, the cold feeling of dread working its way up the scientists’ spine as she spoke.

“What makes you think you have a say in the matter? Don’t you understand what a mentalist can do? Do you think we need permission to control you or a stupid warrant to read your mind?! Any mind is ours for the taking. I’ve killed many superheroes who didn’t realize it until it was too late but know this…all of your minds are open…so open I’m surprised they don’t all just fall out. You may think you can resist but you’ve already lost by encountering us. Even if it becomes a battle of attrition, you won’t last long, not half as long as a super hero would and they mostly succumb quite quickly. You think I arranged to bring you out here for you to resist and not work?! If I didn’t require your brain I’d slice you into little meaty cubes right now. We can pry your little mind open without a second thought…mentally and physically. We know every little secret hiding in your mind that you so desperately try to hide…you see, thanks to you we know about Harmon’s new suits he’s designing…we know about your sister…and your father…and all those dirty little fantasies you have about your department boss.”

Psirus watched as Mind Slayer pulled back from the horrified and stunned scientist, he tried to form words but came up blank. Mind Slayer smirked and turned away as a PSI operative handed her a lighter and a cigarette. She snapped her fingers at the PSI Hypnotist.

“Get him and the rest of the nerd squad agreeable and set them to work. We’re still on a schedule and I don’t need PRIMUS stumbling upon this place…or some fuckin’ hero.” she barked.

The PSI Hypnotist and the other PSI operatives present hurried off with the scientist as Mind Slayer lit the cigarette and brought it to her lips. Psirus shuddered and pulled away from where he was, his shock only slightly jostling his shields, but that was enough to alert Mind Slayer. She spun around, a psychokinetic blade flashing into being with a sharp, almost fiery sound echoing through the room. Her eyes darted around the room swiftly as she tried to locate the source of what she had momentarily sensed. She snarled as she saw nothing and dismissed her blade as she returned to her cigarette.

Psirus returned to his body and re-orientated himself as he emerged from the alcove, his concern for the scientists was only compounded by Mind Slayer’s disturbing revelation about what PSI were planning to accomplish. Unable to sense any positive signatures within range, Psirus decided to go in alone. He took a steadying breath as the image of what Mind Slayer had done to that poor PRIMUS agent flashed through his mind. Psirus shook off the mental image and drew up his shields, which acted to mask his presence. He activated his M.P.R.’s as he crept up to the mouth of the cave and flew along it until he saw the artificial lights reflecting off the metal plated corridors.

He hovered a few inches off the floor, pausing every so often to scan his surroundings to avoid an unfortunate run in with a PSI operative. Psirus looked around for any sort of signs but saw nothing but grey metal panels and white light fixtures hanging from the cave ceiling. He took a chance and floated down one of the nearby passages that happened to be unusually dark. After a minute or two hovering down the path in near full on darkness, Psirus was moments away from turning back when an eerie pink light glowed softly against the cave wall only about fifty feet from where he hovered. Before advancing Psirus conducted another quick scan but could not sense any danger so flew forwards, turning the corner and floating into the room.

The first thing he noticed was that the room was much cooler than the rest of the cave system, it was as if this room had its several air conditioning units. Psirus sighed silently as the cool air was a welcome change to the hot and drying desert air. He looked around for the source of the earlier glow and saw a strange device set up. It looked like an odd mix between a mystical alter and some high tech portal generation device. He looked down and saw several large pink crystals attached to the control panel of the device. Psirus touched down and stepped closer to it as he frowned, trying to make sense of it all. Psirus moved forwards, and then pulled back.

“Whatever this thing is…it’s unlikely to be anything good. I’m sure they won’t mind if it…broke…” he murmured.

He turned away from the device as he looked around the room to check for any other devices. He was too absorbed in his search to notice that the large crystals had sunk further into the device and were increasing in brightness. Psirus turned around at the very last moment when a pressurized whining sound rang through the room. Psirus’s eyes widened as the crystals suddenly exploded releasing a strangely thick pink mist with slivers of green in it. The mist seemed to race towards Psirus, already having circled around him to block the only exit to the room. It wound around Psirus as he tried to hold his breath, he could soon feel the burning need for oxygen pounding through his skull and he eventually gave in, taking in a deep but much needed breath. As he did, the mist raced forwards and enveloped him, knocking him unconscious almost instantly. Psirus opened his eyes moments later and rolled over to his left, the mist still around him. He looked to his right and saw…himself?!

<OH MY GOD! I’M DEAD.>

Psirus’ mind started racing as he looked at his physical body but then calmed down as he began to sense his surroundings like he did when he was…in his Inner Empath form. Psirus clutched at his ethereal chest and was thankful the mist had forced him into his Inner Empath state and that he wasn’t…dead. He felt a strange pulling sensation which pulled him to his feet, he floated away from his prone physical form and towards the source of the sensation. Psirus lifted a hand towards the strange device which now seemed to have generated some sort of portal, and from the portal he felt such a strong pull he was almost dragged into it. He examined the empathic pull he was experiencing and was confused.

<It’s almost like me…but not?>

He drew up his shields as he inspected the empathic thread, he picked it apart, the emotions that ran along it were almost identical to his own but twisted in some strange way…he reached out to touch it when a series of images come to him at an alarming speed. Psirus stills as he sees himself…wearing a twisted version of what he used to wear whilst working with Shadow X…a name is whispered with fear tied to it and it is whispered again but louder…

“Psitrix…”'

Another series of images appear, filled with twisted pleasure and anger as this stranger with his face…this Psitrix, hunts down what seems to be PSI operatives. Something about the empathic images resonates within him sending a horrible chill through his mind, as if someone had assaulted him, he felt…offended by this…Psitrix. Before Psirus could probe the empathic link further, the link and the images are cut short by a particularly vicious presence slicing through the mist. Psirus’ eyes widened.

<Oh god. Mind Slayer!>

Mind Slayer’s eyes flashed bright pink as she seemed to now clearly perceive both Psirus’ physical body and his Inner Empath form. Her mouth twisted into an unattractive shape as she spoke.

“I knew I smelt a rat! A super powered one!” she roared

Before Psirus could return to his body, Mind Slayer launched several psychokinetic blades at his Inner Empath form, the mist was thankfully still dying down but even still he had to duck as several blades pierced the rock face behind him, one of them narrowly missed him, just scraping his shoulder in Inner Empath form, and he recoiled.

“Ha! Thought I couldn’t hurt you huh? Well you got that wrong didn’t you!” she jeered, fashioning more blades as she spoke.

Wasting no time, Psirus returned to his body just as the mist was beginning to clear up. He unleashed an empathic blast at Mind Slayer and she backed up against the wall gripping her head as the pain addled her mind. Psirus used the opportunity to dart past Mind Slayer, who seemed to recover a few seconds later and was now hot on his heels, screaming murder and no doubt sending telepathic signals to every other PSI operative within the base. Psirus had a litany of curse words running through his mind as he ran, every so often dodging or ducking just in time to see wickedly sharp psychokinetic knives flying overhead or to his side. Knowing that Mind Slayer would soon catch up to him, he reached up for his M.P.R.’s and rose into the air, quickly gaining speed…and a host of other problems.

Mind Slayer dismissed the psychokinetic knives as she saw Psirus fly into the air and enveloped her lower body in telekinetic energy and took to the air herself, now ripping out chunks of the metal plates from the cave walls and throwing them at Psirus. Psirus managed to dodge the panels, a few hitting his legs as he flew. He looked back and his eyes widened comically as he saw Mind Slayer flying behind him, she had given up throwing panels and was now fashioning dangerously long appendages to latch onto him. Psirus increased his flight speed and shot out of the mouth of the cave into the dry desert air. He flew up into the sky and took a moment to himself before turning back to see where Mind Slayer was, he generated a full body empathic construct shield and looked around warily. Psirus sensed the PSI operatives who were soon going to exit the cave mouth but could not locate Mind Slayer, it was as if she had vanished.

Suddenly a strong ripping sound emanated from the ground and Psirus looked down to see Mind Slayer hovering just over the ground. She had a twisted grin on her face as she raised her arms and the sand around Psirus began to fly at great speed up into the air. Psirus closed his eyes as the racing bits of sand sliced against his empathic construct shield. He frowned at Mind Slayer who seemed to be laughing at him, with the shade around him, he could clearly see her now and the PSI operatives who were hanging back behind her.

Wait. Shade? What shade? He thought.

He looked up and couldn’t help but gasp, Mind Slayer had telekinetically compressed the sand together in one giant slab above him in an incredibly large area. She looked directly at him as she shouted up.

“What goes up…MUST COME DOWN!” she laughed.

With that she thrust her hand down towards the ground and the large slab began hurtling towards the ground with Psirus in between. Psirus pushed his empathic construct to the limit as he fashioned it into a sphere around him and strengthened it as best as he could to brace for the colossal impact. There was a loud booming sound that echoed through the entire area as the slab slammed into the ground. It had broken up into sand again, leaving nothing behind but a gigantic dust cloud and a very large crater.

Psirus’ empathic shield construct was partially embedded in the ground and flickered for a few moments before dissipating completely. The desert winds caused the sand around to billow up into an almost protective screen for a few moments as Psirus stirred and regained consciousness.

There was a strong pounding sensation in his head and he struggled to his feet, he winced in pain but the pain was soon soothed by his powers kicking in, aiding his recovery as he sensed Mind Slayer and several other PSI agents approaching. His vision was only slightly blurry around the edges as he focused on Mind Slayer, she stopped as soon as she saw Psirus glaring at her. She stepped into the large crater and looked around it, somewhat impressed.

“I’m actually mildly impressed you survived that. Looks like I’ve created the perfect little killing arena for you.” she smirked.

“Oh shut up!” he shouted.

He stretched out his hand and unleashed an empathic energy beam at Mind Slayer; the blast slammed into her psychokinetic barrier, breaking up slightly as it arced up and across her barrier. Mind Slayer’s expression was that of shock at the empath’s aggressive action. Psirus turned around as he sensed a few more PSI operatives behind him running towards him, they fashioned short blades and psychokinetic claws as they ran towards him.

“You can’t defeat us even if you tried, all you deal with are pathetic emotions and feelings!” spat the nearest PSI operative.

“Oh REALLY? How does THIS make you feel?!” retorted Psirus

Channeling his lingering pain and his mounting frustration, Psirus stretched out his other hand towards the oncoming PSI operative and locked onto the man’s mind and lashed out with a fierce empathic attack as Psirus curled his hand into a fist. The PSI operative recoiled violently and sank to his knees, screaming out as Psirus forced him to experience the sensation of white hot pain coursing through his mind. The other PSI operatives seemed to freeze as they watched their comrade writhe in pain, shock evident on their faces.

“Don’t you DARE underestimate me!” he shouted.

Psirus kept up both assaults until the PSI operative was out cold and then he activated his M.P.R.’s flying high into the air to escape the flurry of psychokinetic weaponry that followed his swift exit. He activated his Delta com-link, panting as he quickly generated another shield to protect himself against the deadly constructs which are being thrown up towards him.

“Hey guys? The investigation turned into something quite nasty…and now Mind Slayer and about twenty PSI operatives are trying to chop me into little pieces!…” he started.

As if on cue, Mind Slayer was suddenly level with him in the sky and brought two psychokinetic blades crashing through the air towards him, only to strike against a very solid empathic construct. Psirus had only his quick thinking to thank for his current shielding but looked on horrified as Mind Slayer savagely slashed against the empathic shield as she screamed abuse; her strikes so strong that they were already causing cracks to spider though the construct. He shouted into his com-link as the cracks started to spread.

“…I COULD REALLY USE THE HELP! I’M IN DEVIL’S HEAD MESA!!” he shouted.

Relief flooded his system as he heard the answering tone and Jayson’s voice clearly through the com-link.

“Don’t worry! Corporal Harrison told us everything, we’re already at Snake Gulch! Hang in there love, Joule and I are on our way! Don’t let that bitch harm you!! Spectrum out.” replied Spectrum

“Your friends won’t find you in one piece!” chuckled Mind Slayer, still lashing out against his shields.

Psirus rolled his eyes and rammed the shield into her stomach and then lashed out with a solid kick to her chest followed up by a stunning empathic burst, ruining her concentration and disrupting her flight.

“Oh my god! Go smoke another cigarette, you demented woman! Gosh!” cried Psirus.

Psirus looked out towards the horizon and saw two figures flying at speed towards his location, one sheathed in bright blue energy and the other in a golden-yellow energy sheathe. Psirus grinned as he could already feel his powers strengthening with Jayson drawing near.

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