Stickmaker

Masks 20: Part 10

Part Ten

They exited at the bottom of the stairs into a mechanical room. It was dark and filled with the muffled sounds made by the near-idling equipment which supported the building.

"Now what?" said Energia, as they stood just inside the huge room.

"Don't like this," said Gadgetive, looking around warily. "No mechanical room in a legitimate business should be this clean."

Masks 20: Part 9

Part Nine

"Gadgetive, I need to tell me everything you know about those drones," said Blue Impact, once they were underway.

"Why?" said the gadgeteer, puzzled. "They won't use them again; just like they had them here instead of another powerful super standing guard. Masterminds like to change things up. Well, some things..."

"Because this setup was different in other ways, too. Someone had a whole bunch of several series of devices made by the same company through a long span, instead of a few gadgets gathered from different sources."

Masks 20: Part 8

Part Eight

The next day - Sunday - they finally got the call from Samual Logsdon, just after 8:00 AM. Naturally, he wanted to meet them at Abner's house as soon as possible. Fortunately, the four current occupants of the lair had expected activity this day and were up early.

Masks 20: Part 7

Part Seven

The trio in Tricorne's large apergy flyer looked down upon the dirty, deeply shadowed streets and alleys with sensors and eyes. Meanwhile, Energia flew nearby, using her own senses away from the insulation of the van-sized pod. Several sources had pegged this city as one location where The Black Badge was currently carrying out his operation. Some claimed he was focusing on this specific neighborhood.

Masks 20: Part 5

Part Five

"Guess what?" said Blue Impact, a couple of hours later, back at the lair. "Turns out the person who owns the house is the same Emil Logsdon who had to let the police in, years ago. He is part owner of the real estate company which bought the house, which is why there's no record of further transfers. He just had the company say it was waiting for a buyer to develop the property, in order to head off complaints about the house not fitting with the rest of the neighborhood. I guess he took it over as a private project. Or maybe as a memorial to his friend."

Masks 20: Part 2

Part Two

Vic was using the treadmill in the lair's gym the next morning when she saw Energia enter. Like Vic she was wearing workout clothing, though with added mask. Vic waved as she moved to one of the mats.

"Good morning," Energia said, waving cheerfully back. She noticed that Vic - in kicking jeans, a sport bra and running shoes and without her hair extensions - had the machine set close to its maximum normal human level. She grinned at the martial artist. "Ah, Sunday at the lair. Filled with the sounds of whirring and clanking exercise machines."

Masks 20 - The Mystery of the Mechanical Master

Author: 

Audience Rating: 

Organizational: 

The video conference call was unusual in more aspects than the fact that all three participants were wearing costumes with masks. The members of Tricorne were planning yet another Spring Break together. However, this time the youngest member was proposing something different from previous teamups.

Masks XX


by
Rodford Edmiston

Masks 20: Part 1

Masks XX: The Mystery of the Mechanical Master

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part One

The video conference call was unusual in more aspects than the fact that all three participants were wearing costumes with masks. The members of Tricorne were planning yet another Spring Break together. However, this time the youngest member was proposing something different from previous teamups.

X-World: Fitting In

Author: 

Audience Rating: 

Organizational: 

There's lots of room for stories in the world of the X-Men movies. As well as lots of room for exploration of how powers affect both individuals and society as a whole. What happens to someone who just wants to fit in when they have powers which make that far more likely than for mere mortals?

X-World: Fitting In

I'm about a quarter of the way finished with the next Masks story. Meanwhile, here's something I wrote a few years ago.

X-World: Fitting In

Part One: Acts of Terror

by

Rodford Edmiston

This story is set in the world of the first two X-Men movies, not long after the second one ends. The world and some of the characters belong to Marvel; the story and the rest of the characters are mine.

The Angel of Chicago: Part 18

The Angel of Chicago

Part Eighteen: Aftermath

by

Rodford Edmiston

There were no empowered healers who could get there quickly. None, in fact, were known who could be there any time within the next several hours. Malak and Blackpool were both out of touch, but expected back soon. Meanwhile, Arielle would have to depend on mundane medicine.

The Angel of Chicago: Part 17

I'm sorry this is a bit late. I kept feeling dissatisfied and re-writing. It felt too passive. Finally, as I lay in bed waiting for sleep, I realized a solution. I started on it first thing this morning. This is the result.

The Angel of Chicago

Part Seventeen: Probative Action

by

Rodford Edmiston

The Angel of Chicago: Part 15

The Angel of Chicago

Part Fifteen: Detonations

by

Rodford Edmiston

They descended through the thick pour of concrete and steel into the cold, dank chamber. Domino's light did little to dispel the shadows in spite of the small space. There, in the center, on a stand, was the bomb.

"It's smaller than I was expecting," said Domino, sounding relieved.

The Angel of Chicago: Part 14

I'm back, and at least to my admittedly biased eyes this now reads much better. I'm still having some problems with later sections, though that's mainly because the plot as it is now written is similar to a couple of my Masks plots. I may change it or just plunge ahead.

Anyway, I hope folks enjoy this.

The Angel of Chicago

Part Fourteen: Ephemeral Solutions

by

Rodford Edmiston

The Angel of Chicago: Part 13

One reason I didn't set this in the Masks universe was I wanted to explore a different set of circumstances behind people with powers. Part of that difference is that this world is darker than the Masks world. The villains are savvier, the crooked politicians more successful, the press less fair. The differences have been minor so far. Be warned that the next few segments will be pretty dark.

The Angel of Chicago

Part Thirteen: A Hand Forced

by

Rodford Edmiston

The Angel of Chicago: Part 12

The Angel of Chicago

Part Twelve: Agreement

by

Rodford Edmiston

"We've pulling back from our efforts," said General Conyers, sourly. "Delaying the schedule. They've learned about the repository, but only from documents more than thirty years old. They have no idea what we're doing now, and we must do what we can to reduce the chance of them finding out."

The Angel of Chicago: Part 11

The Angel of Chicago

Part Eleven: Rescue

by

Rodford Edmiston

The two combatants paused, both panting and sweating. After several minutes of hard fighting, Halberd was all the more furious that his opponent was holding his own, despite his certainty that he was the superior. Crunch must be cheating, somehow! As he had in all of his formal matches! How else could he be champion?!

The Angel of Chicago: Part 10

The Angel of Chicago

Part Ten: A Major Disturbance

by

Rodford Edmiston

"Those of us who attended the teleconference decided on multiple approaches to deal with the revelations from those documents Blackpool provided," said Aaron, as the trio prepared supper. "That approach being necessary because we still don't know what any of the goals actually are, beyond 'turn more people against the empowered.'"

The Angel of Chicago: Part 9

The Angel of Chicago

Part Nine: Conclusions

by

Rodford Edmiston

"Did you get any sleep?" asked Arielle, the next morning, as she entered the kitchen and found Melody still where she had left her the night before.

"A few hours," said Melody, barely not yawning. "Your father insisted."

"You've been at this nearly twenty-four hours!"

The Angel of Chicago: Part 8

The Angel of Chicago

Part Eight: Conclusions

by

Rodford Edmiston

There was actually a hatch in the roof, accessible through the attic. Once Melody was there and in position to see in the proper direction Arielle climbed out the closest window with the phone and jumped up beside her.

"This actually isn't the first time someone has had to do this," said Arielle, grinning, as she handed the phone to Melody. "What?"

The Angel of Chicago: Part 6

I've been a bit busy the past couple of days - including dealing with a plumber - so this is a bit short. I just hope it's readable.

The Angel of Chicago

Part Six: Collisions

by

Rodford Edmiston

Melody and Arielle didn't have much time to catch up.

"Unfortunately, Dad wants to see you as soon as you are unpacked."

"Give me five minutes," said Melody, even as she turned and hurried towards the bedroom.

"Five minutes?" said Arielle, laughing. "How unladylike!"

The Angel of Chicago: Part 5

I am a bit concerned that some parts of this are too similar to the previous Masks story. I didn't want this to be all-angel, all the time so for now am focusing on other characters, performing investigations. Don't worry; Malak returns soon, as does the action.

The Angel of Chicago

Part Five: Collusions

by

Rodford Edmiston

Blackpool emerged from shadow into the darkened storeroom. His informant's floorplan had been good enough for him to find the connection he needed. Now to see if the rest of his information was as accurate.

The Angel of Chicago: Part 4

The Angel of Chicago

Part Four: Revelations

by

Rodford Edmiston

Most of the preliminaries were simply Melody verifying some of what she had read about Arielle. Who seemed both surprised and pleased the reporter had read her book. There really wasn't time for more than that, though. Despite her comment about the service, the waiter arrived to take their orders shortly after Melody sat.

The Angel of Chicago: Part 3

The Angel of Chicago

Part Two: Fact Finding

by

Rodford Edmiston

Melody Gundersen scowled as her boss, Carl Gadding, entered. She wasn't hung over, thanks to the marvels of modern medicine, but she was short on sleep and caffeine was contraindicated for the hangover cure she'd taken. She was actually out of it enough she needed a moment to realize he was carrying an old-fashioned print book; what they called a hardback, she remembered, after a moment more.

"Did you catch the awards show on the 3V last night?"

Angel of Chicago

Author: 

Audience Rating: 

Organizational: 

An exploration of how the world might be different if people with powers had suddenly begun appearing in 1919.

This was inspired by a RPG I was in. I played Aaron, and because of various things missed the last two sessions. I felt there was still a lot of story to tell, at least for him.

So, the big boss was defeated years ago. The other major characters died, or retired, or literally left the planet. What happens to the world, and the few empowered still around from that era?

The Angel of Chicago: Part 1

This is a test of the waters for a new project. It is not part of the Masks series, but inspired by the tabletop RPG I'm currently in. The next post will give some background information.

The Angel of Chicago

Part One: A Model of Civil Disobedience

by

Rodford Edmiston

Masks 19: Part 3

Masks XIX:

A Disturbance of the Peace

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Three

The next day the news of this latest problem with the case broke. Politicians of all stripes were making hay out of the evidence being missing. However, one in particular was very outspoken about this development.

"Talk about suspects," said Sally, pointing to the TV as a particular very well dressed middle-aged man came on, "there's one of the usual."

Masks 19: Part 2

Masks XIX:

A Disturbance of the Peace

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Two

"Do you trust him?" said Sally, once we were back out on the street.

"For this? Yes. It's in his best interest to find out who is making trouble in his town. Trouble which could cause him to lose clients and maybe even have to move again."

"So, he's a super?"

"I'm not really sure. I do know that he's been in this game since the late Forties at least."

She looked a bit surprised at this, but only a bit.

"Someone Mack Risk introduced you to?"

Masks 19

Author: 

Audience Rating: 

Organizational: 

Lawrence Hawthorne and Sally Driscoll are asked to solve a multiple homicide in which Bureau of Special Resources agent Doro is the prime suspect. Brade wants the pair to perform a parallel investigation as a safeguard against government coverup. The result is Larry dusting off skills learned from one of the greatest hard boiled detective who ever lived.

Freddy On the Loose: Part 25

TFOS: Freddy On The Loose, Story 25
Return to Khum-Waht-Meh!

by

Rodford Edmiston

Note: This story uses background and concepts from the Teenagers From Outer Space role-playing game, Copyright and Trademarked R. Talsorian Games, Inc. The characters and story are Copyright 2017 Rodford Edmiston Smith.

At school the next day the trip and its events were still major topics among both staff and students. Many others were also discussing those events, but we'll leave them out of this for now.

Masks 18: Part 18

Part Eighteen

"I'm not sure how seriously to take this," said Special Agent Sanders, concerned. "Either this guy is a raving lunatic, completely divorced from reality or he's the secret power behind one of the nation's major political parties! As well as at least two of its biggest political scandals!"

"Who says he can't be both?" said Special Agent Thompson, sourly. "Or that he's the only one? In either party?"

"Please leave your cynicism outside the office," said Special Agent in Charge Covington. "Focus on what we know about this case."

Masks 18: Part 17

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Seventeen

Once again, I was the outsider protecting magical types as they worked on something so esoteric they couldn't adequately describe it to me. I had thought I would be left out of this stage - Fen had even told me after Oak Island that my part was over - but multiple factors had conspired to change that situation. Not least of them the location they had picked. It turned out that Fen hadn't known who now owned the land where they wanted to perform their spell.

Masks 18: Part 16

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Sixteen

The caller ID told me who was behind the ring. I sighed, considered not answering, then sighed again and picked up the receiver.

"I assume you're not calling about the latest political mess," I said. I was glad Sievers was safe, and feeling rather afraid about what those who had ordered her seized might do next. However, Fen would say that was all fugitive and outside our mission purview, and we needed to focus on our own, longer-term tasks.

Masks 18: Part 12

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Twelve

The Toyota Corolla wagon had been equipped with a siren and the same sort of behind-the-grill lights as unmarked police cars. Vic used them, as well as a magnetic mount light on the roof. However, as she hit the exit ramp she turned the lights and siren off and pulled the roof light in. Her orders were to get there quickly, but to approach quietly.

Masks 18: Part 11

I was under the weather Friday and rather sick Saturday. See the October 7 post at: https://stickmaker.dreamwidth.org/ for a brief account.

I'm feeling better today, and posting the next installment as scheduled.

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Eleven

"If our new facility hadn't been ready," said Dr. Nief, "the referring hospital would have treated him. I've spoken with the chief surgeon there and he admits they would not have taken the precautions we did."

Masks 18: Part 10

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Ten

Randy led his family on a leisurely walk to the volcano, on a path which took them through the dormitory section of the school. He and Karen waved casually at the few adults and students they saw. One in particular caught Roy's attention.

"Who's that girl and why is she gray?" he asked, making no attempt to keep his voice down.

"That's Hazel," said Randy, quietly. "Her body is largely iron. She's one of our rescues. She finished high school here and is now one of our physical trainers."

Masks 18: Part 9

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Nine

The election seemed to take many people by surprise. Indeed, some expressed disbelief that it was that time again, already, a few wondering aloud if the election was being held early due to the war. Once it was over, millions in the US saw the results on the news and screamed that no-one had told them there was an election, and they'd been cheated out of their chance to vote. This complaint was heard repeatedly during the holidays. Some even said this when they saw the inauguration...

Masks 18: Part 8

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Eight

Energia had trouble flying at first. Then she got the idea of using her magnetic powers to anchor herself to the fixed pieces of metal all around. Once that was done she used a combination of her flight and magnetic powers to pull herself towards the fire station.

Masks 18: Part 7

Masks XVIII

by

Rodford Edmiston

Part Seven

After an hour of this, though, Blue Impact decided they had enough data.

"We have the location of the person most likely causing the disturbance isolated to within a few centimeters," she said. "The longer we wait the more damage the storm does."

"Yeah, it's definitely getting worse," said Gadgetive, with a quick check of satellite photos. Though just hearing and feeling
the wind and rain should have been enough.

Pages

Subscribe to Stickmaker