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Sensation Comics #5 - Double Dare
1st National Bank of Bialya European Headquarters, 10 miles outside of Zurich, Switzerland
The two female figures in gold stealthily and gracefully descended the elevator shaft, jumping from ledge to ledge, before reaching the bottom. Without even so much as a word one of the pair removed the maintenance hatch and slipped inside, her sister following before emerging outside the vault room.
“That was easy Margot.” One of the women in gold sighed. “I want some excitement for once.” She announced as her sister sprayed the bottom of her left boot with what appeared to be a can of deodorant
“Aliki think for a moment, excitement is all good and well but wealth is its own reward.” Margot told her sister as she placed her foot on the vault door before springing off into a cartwheel. “Now let’s see if the industrial chemicals we stole can clear the way to our prize.” She added as the steaming boot print cut through the lock. Cautiously Margot pushed the door open to reveal a set of security boxes lining the walls. “I love Zurich.” Margot purred as she pulled the first security box out and dumped the contents into a matte black satin bag.
“I think Switzerland is boring myself.” Aliki answered as she pushed her braided hair back and removed a diamond the size of her fist from a security box.
“Well when you're older you can choose which city we steal from.” Margot hissed before catching a glimpse of Aliki planting a kiss on the diamond, and taking a photo with her mobile phone. “What the hell do you think you're doing?!” She snarled as Aliki pressed a button on her phone and dropped the diamond in her own bag.
“Sending the head of security a selfie on me in the vault.” Aliki replied. “It’s not like they’ll catch us and it will add to the mystique of the Double Dare sisters.” She added seconds before the alarms started blaring and a shutter began to slide over the vault door.
Margot glared at her sister “Run you idiot!!” she ordered. Not wasting any time Aliki slid under the shutter with Margot following, only for the security device to slam shut on her bag, trapping it half in and half out of the vault.
“That’s coming out of your cut.” Margot snarled as the lift doors pinged open and six men armed with assault rifles and dressed in black emerged from the elevator and opened fire, the sisters darting left through some double doors.
“Admit it part of you is enjoying this.” Aliki panted as she ran.
“Not really.” Margot grunted as they slid inside the emergency stairwell. “Still I reckon I can get to the top before you.” She added as she started leaping from landing to landing. Rolling her eyes Aliki followed as the security personnel arrived, and started firing up at the two women, as they ascended the twenty flights to the basement parking level. As Aliki reached the top floor she saw Margot casually waiting for her a bored looking expression on her face.
“That easy?” Aliki asked. “Soon you'll be too old to outpace me.”
“The day that happens will be the worst of my life.” Margot joked as the sisters pushed open the doors only to be greeted by the click of assault weapons and at least ten fully armed soldiers. “Maybe the second worst.” Margot added as she and Aliki put their hands up.
“Who are you?” The lead guard asked. “Why were you in the vault?”
“I don't know whether to feel insulted that they have never heard of us, or elated that you didn't blow our secret.” Margot told Aliki. “I believe this is your mess so you get to clean it up.”
“Uh well we're specialists.” Aliki stammered.
“Specialists?” The guard asked.
“Yes security specialists, we're testing security response time and efficiency.”
“At eleven at night?” A second guard asked. “Is this normal?”
“I’ll have to call it in.” The first guard stated.
”NO!!” Aliki yelled causing the guard to narrow his eyes. “I mean first we have to finish the test.”
“What do you mean?” A third guard asked.
”What she means is that you guys passed.” Margot said butting in. “Kudos to you but the real people we are testing are the perimeter security. Last test they failed so if you let us go…we can finish our job, write our reports and ensure you guys get rewarded for your good service this evening.”
“Okay that sounds right.” The third guard grunted. “Good luck with the perimeter guys.” He added as the guards lowered their weapons.
“Thank you.” Both Aliki and Margot told them before sprinting off.
“Cutest security problem solvers I’ve ever seen.” The second guard grunted as the lead guards phone rang. “Who is it boss?” He asked.
“Security Control calling with a real-time update. Apparently the vault was broken into; the thieves even took a photo.” He stated showing his mean the photo of Aliki kissing the diamond. “Apparently we are meant to shoot this person on site.”
“Oh.” The third guard sighed. “Never seen her in my life.”
“My sentiment exactly.” The lead guard announced. “No need to let the head of security know we’re idiots.”
**
“Those idiots.” Aliki cackled as she and Margot sprang across the executive helipad, daintily leaping ahead of the spotlights being shone down by the perimeter security. “Seriously where did the bank gets these guys Dumb Guards R Us?”
“Maybe but we still have an obstacle to clear before we are no longer in the jurisdiction of the 1st National Bank of Bialya's European headquarters.” Margot told her as the pair reached a security fence. “One that is twelve foot of electrified with a foot of razor wire on the top.”
“Easy enough.” Aliki snorted as she held her arms out ready to boost Margot over the fence. Climbing on her sister sprung onto the top of the fence before springing to the ground. “Now for you.” She stated as Aliki sprung off the nearest sentry tower and soared over the fence to safety.
“Don’t ever comprise the mission again.” Margot hissed as the pair sauntered off down the hill towards the highway. “We could have escaped without notice if you hadn't been hungry for adventure.” She lectured as a flash of light streaked over the sister’s heads.
“We escaped without even so much as a scratch.” Aliki replied as she grabbed Margot’s arm. “We…” Before she could finish Margot’s throat exploded, her body collapsing and dragging Aliki to the floor and sending her rolling down the embankment and onto the road, gravel and dirt embedded into her skin.
“Margot no!!” Aliki screamed as she staggered to her feet. “Oh my god I’m sorry.” She whimpered as bright light filled her vision. “Margot?” She asked worriedly as the car sped towards her, its driver oblivious to the bleeding woman standing in the road.
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Sensation Comics #6 - Calculated Risks
Hidden Safe House, Italian Alps, Italy
Aliki opened her eyes to see a tiled ceiling above her. Groaning she shifted slightly and felt a surge of pain run through her body. Turning her head she saw a bundle of wires feeding into a machine, the display showing ECG output, as well as a great number of other medical data fields.
"What? Where am I?" She asked as she removed the wires from her arm, an alarm sounding from the machine. Sliding to the edge of the bed she got to her feet only to feel shooting pain running through her legs. Looking down she saw that from the knees down her legs were encased in cybernetic bracers, thick clunky bands of metal that kept her legs rigid. "What happened to my legs?"
Her answer was nothing but silence prompting her to shuffle to the door, a massive key-pad protected metal shutter with an amber flashing light above it. Reaching out Aliki stroked the keypad before noticing a space concealed behind a bundle of electrical wires. "I could fit through there." She mused before trying to climb up the side of the wall, only for her legs to buckle, sending her crashing to the floor. "Why can't I climb the wall? These bracers, I have to get them off." She cried out in the hope somebody would hear her. Reaching down Aliki touched the left bracer only to feel an electrical shock run up her arm.
"Try the door." A mechanical voice stated over the PA system.
"Who are you?" Aliki asked as she pushed on the door.” Where are you?"
"One is for you to locate." The voice announced. "The other is for you to calculate." It added as Aliki punched the keypad in frustration, the device shattering from the blow causing the door to slide open. "What? How did I do that?"
"You'll learn in time. For now turn left and head to the room marked with a biohazard sticker." The voice ordered as Aliki limped down the corridor, her legs aching with each step. "While you're walking I will tell you about recent events. You were brought to this facility after an accident."
"Accident?" Aliki gasped as she turned the corner and looked out the window to see a cave thermo-blasted out of the ice. "Where is Margot?!"
"Carry on to the objective," The computerised voice buzzed, "and find out for yourself." It stated as Aliki continued walking. "When my men found you it appeared as if you had been hit by a car. We were lucky to secure you for transport." Half listening Aliki reached the door and watched as the air-lock hissed open. "Step inside." The voice ordered.
"But the contents are potentially dangerous." Aliki stammered as she stepped inside the room, a cool blue UV light illuminating the room. "What's inside?"
"You'll find out." The voice told her. "I calculate that the files on the desk will be of most help." It stated as Aliki slumped down on a chair and pulled the files towards her. Flicking through a selection of names she didn't recognise Aliki stopped as she came to one that made her blood freeze. "Margot?! What did you do to her?!"
"See for yourself." The computerised voice announced, the slight hint of mockery creeping into the tone of her guides voice. Turning towards the morgue drawers at the back of the room Aliki walked over, took a deep breath and rolled the one labelled with Margot’s name open. Unzipping the body bag she saw a desecrated face staring back at her, which despite the extensive damage afflicted to it, Aliki recognised as being that of her sister.
"Margot!? What happened to you?" She asked as she noticed the extensive damage to Margot's body.
"Your enhanced abilities." The voice stated. "After proper recovery your strength, speed and agility will be double what it was."
"What does that have to do with Margot?" Aliki cried as the automatic lock sealed her in the morgue as thick plumes of green gas seeped out of the floor.
"Where did you think your enhanced abilities and attributes came from?" The voice hissed. "Now I've calculated your response and know that you want to kill me." It stated as Aliki pocketed a scalpel from the desk and looked around the room for a plausible escape route. "To that I say come and find me." Aliki didn't respond as she zeroed in on the ventilation system in the corner of the room. Ripping the cover off she squeezed inside and pulled herself into the corridor outside the lab.
"You calculated right!" Aliki snarled as she looked up at the security camera above her and smiled. "Now where do I find you?"
"Follow the trunk wiring to the security room." The voice told her. "I'll be waiting for you inside."
Limping along the corridor Aliki followed the thick black wiring to the reinforced door that led into the security room. Taking a deep breath she entered the room and instantly regretted it as the occupant struck her with the butt of a shotgun, the blow staggering her. Off balance Aliki lashed out, slashing her assailant across the cheek. Collapsing to the floor, her attacker, a bespectacled man wearing a polo shirt, chinos and tennis shoes exploded into a shower of photons.
"What in the..." Aliki asked only to be interrupted as the computer screens all around the room turned on to reveal the 'dead' man's face.
"I calculated that you'd defeat my hard light holographic-decoy." The man stated. "Just as I calculate..." Before he could finish Aliki smashed her fist into the nearest monitor, terminating the image. "...that you would do that. Now stop destroying my property or I'll have to bill you."
"Bill me? You cannibalised my sister to turn me into a freak!" Aliki screamed. "You abducted me, forced me into a nightmare and you're worried about property damage?! Who the hell do you think you are?!?!"
"In professional circles I'm called the Calculator." The man stated. "You and I have much to discuss. Starting with the debt you owe me for your very expensive restoration."
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Sensation Comics #7 - Truth or Dare
Aliki sat down in the only available chair at the massive table, her host standing at the other end. Even though the man claiming to be the Calculator was represented by a holographic doppelganger she still was reluctant to drop the scalpel she had pocketed earlier.
"Now isn't this nicer then stabbing me through the chest?" Calculator asked as a guard brought in a tray carrying a bottle and two shot glasses.
"Not really." Aliki grumbled.
"As expected you're thinking with your adrenal gland, hardly surprising since you actually get enjoyment from physical altercation." Calculator sighed. "But I implore you, stop being a fool and use your head for a few seconds, then ask me your questions."
"Who killed Margot?" She spluttered, pain and anguish bubbling under her calm façade.
"So pedestrian." Calculator sighed as his holographic duplicate threw a completed Rubik Cube over his shoulder. "As such I'll answer your question with a simple answer; I didn't. But I can tell you something, from the report I can tell you she was killed by a shot ricocheted off a watch tower through the security fence."
"A random shot?!" Aliki yelled as she got up from the chair, slamming it to the floor and knocking the bottle of vodka aside. "How could this happen?!"
"It wasn't a random shot." Calculator answered coldly. "Calculations initially suggested that but then I looked at the variables. A straight shot would have resulted in a double through and through. I assume you know what that means?"
"It means that they wanted to keep me alive." Aliki gasped. "But why and for what purpose? Unless...I'll ask again; did you kill my sister?"
"So you do have a brain inside that incredibly pretty head." The Calculator purred. "I can calculate how to make the shot, but only around fifteen individuals in the world can actually pull that off. Among them are people such as; Deathstroke, Deadshot, Gunhawk and Pistoleta but alas none of them were anywhere near Switzerland at the time of the shooting. Now we need to speak of another issue."
"What issue?" Aliki asked. "I still have questions, how did Margot's mutilation give me powers? Did you know she was pregnant?"
"To answer that I need to start long before you and your sister robbed that bank. Back to when I was like you, incomplete and the punching bag for every cape on the block. It was after a spectacularly bad beating that I had my epiphany. I wasn't cut out to play fisticuffs with such moronic brutes, I had a higher calling."
"What solving Rubik Cubes and being the patent holder of snark?" Aliki asked as the Calculator held up another completed cube before pushing it out of view.
"Funny, and if only." The Calculator snorted. "Now sit down and stop interrupting me. That moment when my head was ringing I saw a way to become the person I was meant to be. I could use my skills in another way." He stated as Aliki sat down again. "I formed an information network, the best in the world and for three years I made easy money, at least until that troglodyte asked me the fatal question."
"How do they get the tiny Ms on the M&Ms?" Aliki suggested.
"Oh that's child's play and stop interrupting you aggravating child!" The Calculator spat. "I had wealth, respect and power then that second class mobster Mr White came to me and asked me to tell him who the bat is. It was a challenge, one I looked forward to."
"Please everyone knows Batman is actually a woman." Aliki purred as she stabbed her scalpel into the table. "So you got in over your head and got what you deserved."
"Hardly, I got worse. I should have quit but arrogance plaid her hand and I hired the greatest system analysers in the world to run my network while I hunted down the Bat. And as I did they took over, made me redundant, and made me a laughing stock."
"And this affects me how?" Aliki asked as she scratched a cartoon face with crosses for eyes into the table. "Tell me before I get bored and just leave."
"I was replaced by my inferiors." The Calculator snarled. "So I found people who had potential but for whatever reason had never seized it. You are just one of the few I've been watching. It's unfortunate that your sister is deceased she has so much potential as did the child. Tell me are you familiar with a Mr Raymond Jensen?" Aliki shook her head. "No well it matters not your sisters child was showing genetic markers similar to his. The chance of him being the father is almost too hard to calculate."
"What does the death of my niece have to do with this craziness?" Aliki snarled as she rested a hand on the scalpel.
"That transferable genetic marker allowed us to map your sister’s potential onto your own genetic system. It's why your strength, speed and agility have or will be double what it was before; theoretically we could add the genetic potential of other blood relatives as well if we had the time." Calculator announced. "Think of it as a family deal." He added a wry smile. "Now for business, I have given you new potential, a favour you must repay."
"And what if I say no?" Aliki stated as she recovered her scalpel and threw the blade through the hologram's head. "Force me into this and you'll be sorry."
"I know who the shooter is, the one who killed Margot" Calculator stated. "Help me and I'll tell you who he is. Now do I assume that I have your attention?"
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