Century Industries

Preserving the Age of Man.

Protecting him from the wear of time and tragedy.

Century Industries

Century Industries is a redistributor of post-human prosthetics, augmentations, exoskeletal systems and enhancements, and armored operational support platforms. Founded in 2017 by Jacobi Locke, their list of clients is small, but expanding quickly.

They serve both the general population and select private military companies, and have recently expanded into offerings for local police forces, peacekeeping units, and Special Weapons and Tactics teams. While not producers or creators of post-human technology themselves, they do source their catalog from highly trusted names in the human augmentation market, such as NuGenesis and W.A.R.P. Laboratories . The products purchased through this business arrangement allow both NuGenesis and WARP Labs to spread their business beyond areas where they already maintain a controlling interest, including into war-torn areas where advanced prosthetics are harder to come by, but needed in far greater numbers.

It also allows for the security of villages and cities in otherwise lawless areas that would be under the control of minor dictators and war chieftains by supplying peacekeepers and local law enforcement with the tools and technology to oppose the otherwise overwhelming force of marauding militant groups and organized terrorism.

By providing needed technology in conflict zones all around the globe, Century Industries seeks to provide safety and security for generations to come.

In Reality...

Century Industries is a facade meant to hide the augmentation of select subjects referred to the company by the Militia or HFF. They do provide the services advertised, but they also provide clandestine augmentations on the side. Through a scheme involving falsified reports of theft, loss, and the occasional forged client, Century Industries maintain a small stock that is already considered "lost" or "purchased" which they can distribute at their discretion.

While these augmentations are done legally, the acts performed by the augmentees often are not. It is for this reason that the HFF rarely refers anyone using an identity or means that can be traced back to them.

It is thought that augmented humans will perform key roles in the days to come, be it in the enforcement of unpopular metahuman legislation or the "inevitable shift" away from a vigilante/hero model of law enforcement/peacekeeping throughout the United States, and then the world.

Products

W.A.R.P. Labs Skeletal External Enhancement Device Mk. I (SEED Mk. I)

The "base layer" for all compatible exosuit technology, the W.A.R.P. Labs Skeletal External Enhancement Device serves as the backbone for all other exosuit projects that Century Industries has built.

Its modular layout allows for the use of various tools and weaponry, depending on the circumstances under which it is being deployed. Most uses are found in construction, in stabilizing loads and tools, and applying force in excess of what normal, unaugmented humans can muster. These exoskeletons are entirely unarmored, and thus damaging the skeleton itself oft leaves the user less capable of defending himself, and may hamper escape in an emergency situation.

When applied in a self-defense capacity, the exoskeleton is often reinforced with armored plating, reinforced joins and motors, and a not insignificant amount of armor. This allows the user to operate in conflict zones without fear of mechanical failure.

Products - Exoskeletons

Stats (SEED-C Mk. I):

Max Speed: 20mph

Max Lift: 1500lbs

Weight: 120lbs

Max Operational Time: 15 hours; 30 hours w/ optional battery pack

Stats: (SEED-CM Mk. I)

Max Speed: 18mph

Max Lift: 1500lbs

Weight: 350lbs

Max Operational Time: 10 hours; 20 hours w/ optional battery pack

MARS EVENT

The SEED-CM has been augmented further with an armored, lightweight exosuit that seals off the user from the environment. This armored exosuit grants resistance to radiation and small caliber bullets without significantly hampering maneuverability.

This exosuit is also fitted with a bulky armored oxygen unit and rebreather to maximize time before requiring an oxygen resupply. The reduced gravity of mars allows the exosuit to carry an impressive 15 hours of oxygen.

SEED - Tools and Weaponry

W.A.R.P. Labs Laser Emitting Accurate Fire Module (LEAF-CM) - A tool fitted to armaments carried by the combat variant of the SEED exoskeleton, the LEAF-M allows its user to fire more accurately by synching the laser emitter up to the included tactical computer on the SEED-CM and accounting for variables in wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, and possible user error, and then automatically adjusting the user's aim through manipulation of the exoskeleton itself.

Century Industries SEED Compatible Construction Suite - A variety of tools meant to be fitted to the SEED-C exoskeleton. These include breaker hammers, circular saws, high-pressure rivet tools, welding apparatuses, industrial augers and drills, and many more specialized tool configurations.

(Early) NuGenesis Exogun (EMRAW) - The Exoskeleton Mounted Recoilless Assault Weapon, or EMRAW, traces its history back to NuGenesis' foray into bulky Exo-Suit technology. It fires specially designed 13mm tungsten slugs at a rate of 1000 rounds per minute, and its mounted nature ensures that much of the recoil, if not all, is absorbed by the exoskeletal unit it is attached to. Through extensive efforts on the part of Century Industries, this weapon has been made compatible with the SEED-MC's carrier arms. Though its intended purpose is to disable enemy vehicles, it is equally effective at deterring metahuman activity.

Capacity: 1200 Slugs

Fire Rate: 1000 rounds per minute

W.A.R.P. Labs Energy Blade - A length of carbonadium charged with a field of energy that allows it to cut through materials much more easily than any conventional physical blade save those forged of the rarest materials. It attaches to the exoskeleton's forearm, deploying out at an angle to ensure it does not slice into the flesh beneath the exoskeleton itself.

Prosthetics

W.A.R.P. Labs "Wide Distribution" Prosthetics

A piece of technology developed by WARP Labs and intended for distribution among the poor and disenfranchised, this simple piece of technology is so adaptable and so cheap to produce that Arthur Mark has approved its wide scale distribution at cost. As such, little profit can be made from these products, though that is not to say none is.

Century Industries charges a nominal fee for the provision of these limbs, as well as the joint and sensors within. These function as normal limbs, complete with (limited) sensation and haptic feedback. They provide no other function than to restore use of the limb, and so are not augmented in any way.

Strength/Speed Augmentation: None

W.A.R.P. Labs "Heavy Operations" Prosthetics

W.A.R.P. Labs' first foray into "post-human" technology, the W.A.R.P. Laboratories' Enhanced Function Limb Replacement Unit, or "Heavy Operations" Prosthetic, as it has been rebranded at Century Industries, allows its user to lift considerable weight without any risk of self injury. While it does require its user to undergo extensive surgery to ensure safe operation, the abilities of the arm itself more than compensate for the effort needed to install it. The limits for what it can achieve often depend on those that the wearer has before installation, as surrounding muscle tissue and bone density are key factors in how effective the replacement limb might be.

This model does also comes equipped with a haptic feedback sensor array, providing some sensation throughout the arm, though it is limited. This feedback is intended to allow its user to gauge how much of the unit's total strength they are utilizing, and to adjust that force according to the action they wish to perform.

These units are most often distributed to customers who work in physically demanding environments and professions, and especially those for whom becoming physically trapped is a valid concern (such as in mining).

Strength Augmentation: Up to 15x of Subject Base

Speed Augmentation: Up to 7.5x of Subject Base

WARP Labs "True Human" Prosthetics

One of the crowning achievements in humans prosthetics, the W.A.R.P. Laboratories' Photorealistic Omnipurpose Limb Replacement Unit, or "True Human" Prosthetic, as it has been rebranded by Century Industries, provides true sensation throughout the entire unit. It also replicates to the exact detail the sensation and appearance of real skin, bone, and muscle.

While this is often paired with a unit that is unaugmented, so as to better replicate the lost limb, it can be paired with a model featuring increased strength and speed in a similar manner to the "Heavy Operations" model.

Strength Augmentation: Up to 10x of Subject Base

Speed Augmentation: Up to 5x of Subject Base

Biological Augmentation

Century Industries relies exclusively on supplies provided by NuGenesis to genetically alter or otherwise augment the natural abilities of their customers. The proprietary information required to reproduce these agents are not known to Century Industries, and in fact are impossible to replicate, as the unique agents quickly decay when exposed to air or light. It is for this reason that they are stored in individual refrigerated canisters, complete with automated injectors, and why they are almost prohibitively expensive. While the containers and solutions all appear similar, or even the same, the effects they generate vary widely.

Varieties

NG-BG01 (Strength) - The first product produced by NuGenesis' Biogen division, this serum's intended purpose is to close the gap between humans and metahumans in one of the most disparate of areas, strength.

Approximately three days after injection, the user will experience a dramatic increase in strength, though the exact increase varies wildly between users. This formula, patented by NuGenesis, has no effect on metahuman or mutant users, as it has been specially designed to target base human DNA while deteriorating on contact with any other genetic substance.

NG-BG02 (Speed) - Once NuGenesis isolated the exact genetic mutation required to enhance a human's strength, speed was next on the priority list. So the Biogen division, after a successful proof of concept in their previous undertaking, repeated the process of isolating the alleles responsible for mutant "speedster" capabilities. This information was then used to synthesize a biochemical formula that would alter the user's genetic material to achieve the desired effect.

Approximately three days after injection, the user will experience a dramatic increase in speed, though the exact increase varies wildly between users. This formula, patented by NuGenesis, has no effect on metahuman or mutant users, as it has been specially designed to target base human DNA while deteriorating on contact with any other genetic substance.

NG-BG03 (Durability) and NG-BG04 (Heat/Shock Resistance) - Near the end of the Biogen Division's lifespan, before they were restructured and incorporated into a much larger division based on their success, they isolated the alleles responsible for enhanced durability and resistance to heat/shock, two closely related, but separate mutations in particularly hardy mutants. By applying the previous processes to these isolated mutant genetic structures, they were able to replicate these powers in humans once more. Since the renaming and restructuring of the Biogen division, their projects have only grown more ambitious and more precise, though also more secretive. These were the last biological augmentation injectors made available for public trade, with all other formulas and mutation varieties distributed exclusively by NuGenesis Industries.

Approximately three days after injection, the user will experience a dramatic increase in durability and resistance, though the exact increase varies wildly between users. This formula, patented by NuGenesis, has no effect on metahuman or mutant users, as it has been specially designed to target base human DNA while deteriorating on contact with any other genetic substance.

Armored Operational Support Platforms

The Armored Operational Support Platform consists of armored, mechanized exosuits with the ability to enhance a user's strength, agility, and durability through purely technological means. The exosuits are sourced from both older NuGenesis technology (before they made a shift away from bulky exosuits and toward a more modern nanobot/genetic alteration model of human augmentation) and a few of W.A.R.P. Laboratories' earlier designs, largely those created before Arthur Mark had perfected the compact, high potency energy system that would become synonymous with W.A.R.P. Labs.

While none of the products on offer can compare to more recent technologies developed by W.A.R.P. Labs or NuGenesis, great pains have been taken to ensure cross-compatibility between both NuGenesis and W.A.R.P. Labs' weapons and communications systems, allowing Century Industries to provide products that function together regardless of creator.

"Steel Wall" (NuGenesis)

The largest unit ever produced by NuGenesis, the Heavily Armored Titanic Exosuit , rebranded the "Steel Wall" by Century Industries, was discontinued as the power source required to operate it for prolonged periods of time was simply unavailable at the time of its inception. Since then, mobile power supplies have become far more advanced, increasing their reliability and capacity to the point where the Mk6 is once again viable, but sadly the demand for oversized exosuits has decreased to the point of extinction.

Still, where the absorption of punishment is concerned, the Steel Wall remains at the top of its class (and the only one in said class).

Maximum Operating Time: 8 Hours

Height: 16ft

Weight: 5.75 Tons (11,500lbs)

Lift Capacity: 7 Tons (14,000lbs)

Recommended Weapons Class: Titan

Special Capability: N/A

MARS EVENT

• The Steel Wall exosuit has been refitted with self sealing material as well as an internal oxygen supply. This allows it to operate for fifteen hours at a time without needing to resupply oxygen. A fitted gas compressor also allows them to refill the air supply when entering breathable atmospheres, but due to the lower oxygen content when compared to 100% oxygen they can only operate for seven hours on conventional air before needing to refill once more.
• The exosuit has been refitted with radiation resistant materials, allowing it to operate in high radiation environments for prolonged periods of time without fear of damage to the user or the machine.
• The exosuit has been fitted with thermal vision, allowing the user to see through the notorious dust storms of Mars marginally more clearly.
• The exosuit has been fitted with anchors to allow it to maintain stability and balance in low gravity.

"Arc Seizer" (NuGeneis)

An exosuit designed to operate in high-voltage environments, the Powered Absorption and Re-emission Unit, or "Arc Seizer", as it has been rebranded by Century Industries, is most often utilized in a riot suppression capacity (though it has had some success when deployed against mutants and metahumans with the ability to manipulate electricity). The exosuit is capable of absorbing excess electrical discharge within the environment and using it to recharge the suit's battery, or even emitting/re-emitting electricity to stun metahuman threats, other exosuits, or robotic foes.

Maximum Operating Time: 12 Hours

Height: 11ft

Weight: 1.75 Tons (3,500lbs)

Lift Capacity: 1 Ton (2,000lbs)

Recommended Weapons Class: Light to None

Special Capability: Absorbing, re-emitting, and emitting electrical energy

"Superior Soldier" (NuGenesis)

One of the final exosuits created by NuGenesis before their shift to more compact human augmentation technologies, the Standard Close Assault and Reconnaissance Unit, or "Superior Soldier", as it has been rebranded by Century Industries, was the standard for full immersion exosuit technology. The suit is controlled through the movements of its wearer, a first for NuGenesis, who until then had relied on a complex pedal/dual stick control mechanism for its larger exosuits. This intuitive control method left NuGenesis poised to seize control of the exosuit market, but with the sudden, almost miraculous advancement of W.A.R.P. Laboratories' own Exosuit technology, the SCAR U quickly found itself obsolete.

Maximum Operating Time: 18 Hours

Height: 9ft

Weight: 2 Tons (4,000lbs)

Lift Capacity: 2.5 Tons (5,000lbs)

Recommended Weapons Class: Light to Heavy

Special Capability: N/A

MARS EVENT

• The Superior Soldier exosuit has been refitted with self sealing material as well as an internal oxygen supply. This allows it to operate for four hours at a time without needing to resupply oxygen. A fitted gas compressor also allows them to refill the air supply when entering breathable atmospheres, but due to the lower oxygen content when compared to 100% oxygen they can only operate for 2 hours on conventional air before needing to refill once more.
• The exosuit has been refitted with radiation resistant materials, allowing it to operate in high radiation environments for prolonged periods of time without fear of damage to the user or the machine.
• The exosuit has been fitted with thermal vision, allowing the user to see through the notorious dust storms of Mars marginally more clearly.
• The exosuit has been fitted with anchors to allow it to maintain stability and balance in low gravity.

"Arrowhead" (W.A.R.P. Labs)

A clear example of the advancements that pushed exosuit technology forward in its early days. This exosuit's long stride, coupled with the lightweight materials utilized in its creation, allowed the Mechanized Bipedal Cavalry Armor, or "Arrowhead", as it has been rebranded by Century Technologies, to move much more quickly than contemporary exosuits of its time. This, coupled with the full immersion control method (which some say was lifted from their competitors products, though their is no proof to this claim) gave W.A.R.P. Labs an early edge in the exosuit market, an advantage they would utilize to eventually push competitors out.

The purpose of this particular model was to pierce enemy defensive lines and wreak havoc so that a larger main force could advance more easily. It was one of the first forays by W.A.R.P. Laboratories into warfare proper, and was a resounding success.

Maximum Operating Time: 10 Hours

Height: 13ft

Weight: 3 Tons (6,000lbs)

Lift Capacity: 1.5 Tons (3,000lbs)

Recommended Weapons Class: Light to Medium

Special Capability: High Speed (55mph maximum)

MARS EVENT

• The Arrowhead exosuit has been refitted with self sealing material as well as an internal oxygen supply. This allows it to operate for eight hours at a time without needing to resupply oxygen. A fitted gas compressor also allows them to refill the air supply when entering breathable atmospheres, but due to the lower oxygen content when compared to 100% oxygen they can only operate for four hours on conventional air before needing to refill once more.
• The exosuit has been refitted with radiation resistant materials, allowing it to operate in high radiation environments for prolonged periods of time without fear of damage to the user or the machine.
• The exosuit has been fitted with thermal vision, allowing the user to see through the notorious dust storms of Mars marginally more clearly.
• The exosuit has been fitted with anchors to allow it to maintain stability and balance in low gravity.

"Saboteur" (W.A.R.P. Labs)

The second generation of exosuits created by W.A.R.P. Labs has many more similarities to their current line of exosuits. The Stealth-based Infiltration and Reconnaissance Armor, or "Saboteur", as it has been rebranded by Century Industries, is an armored compliment to special tactics forces tasked with sneaking behind enemy lines.

The armor's compact size, light weight, tight fit around the user, and energy-based propulsion systems all heralded the coming of W.A.R.P. Labs' signature exosuits, though such things were still years away at the time.

Maximum Operating Time: 18 Hours

Height: 8ft

Weight: 0.75 Tons (1,500lbs)

Lift Capacity: 0.5 Tons (1,000lbs)

Recommended Weapons Class: Human to Light

Special Capability: Directional Energy Propulsion (20ft Jump Height | 60mph Dash Speed)

MARS EVENT

The Saboteur exosuit has been refitted with self sealing material as well as an internal oxygen supply. This allows the saboteur to operate for four hours at a time without needing to resupply oxygen. A fitted gas compressor also allows them to refill the air supply when entering breathable atmospheres, but due to the lower oxygen content when compared to 100% oxygen they can only operate for 2 hours on conventional air before needing to refill once more.

The exosuit has been refitted with radiation resistant materials, allowing it to operate in high radiation environments for prolonged periods of time without fear of damage to the user or the machine.

The exosuit has been fitted with thermal vision, allowing the user to see through the notorious dust storms of Mars marginally more clearly.

The exosuit has been fitted with anchors to allow it to maintain stability and balance in low gravity.

AOSP Weapons

Light

Medium

Heavy

Titan

Location

While Century Industries has offices and distributions centers all around the world, its primary headquarters is located in the city of Dover, Delaware.

Most recently, it has also established a warehouse within the aptly named Century City in an attempt to both learn more about Society Hill's amazing technological strides and distribute its own privatized solutions for some of Century City's less secure districts.

Situated within an old red brick warehouse, the vast majority of the staff operating within the historic building performs administrative functions related to the coordination and distribution of wares worldwide.

Offices

They do this from directly above the warehouse proper in office spaces converted from the top floor of the warehouse itself. This allows the company to be both efficient and consolidated, and has in fact served as the model for Century Industries offices/warehouses worldwide.

Augmentation/Prosthetics Area

There is even a separate area set aside for the augmentation of customers who wish to walk out with the products they have purchased. In the case of bio-chemical human augmentation, genetic manipulation, and prosthetics, these areas take the form of sterile operating chambers set aside within the upstairs workspace.

Staff are kept on hand during operating hours to ensure that those customers in a rush can be seen off quickly (without the possibility of law enforcement or other impediments having the chance to interrupt the procedure).

Warehouse Proper

The warehouses themselves are further segmented into the types of products and wares on offer, with small display areas within the warehouses themselves demonstrating what lies within the separate sections.

Most space is devoted to the storage of Armored Operational Support Platforms and the weapons associated with them, as they naturally occupy the most space. This area is located near the rear of the warehouse, where large doors open out into the test range.

AOSP Test Range

The Armored Operation Support Platform test range consists of a course meant to test agility, sight lines, destructive capability, and maneuverability in such a way that potential buyers can clearly determine the differences between all AOSP quickly and conclusively.

The obstacles include targets at varying ranges, indoor and outdoor areas, wooded areas and plains, as well as muddy ground and shallow waters.

This allows the buyer to purchase a product based on their true needs and the terrain their desired product might be operated in.

Security

Security consists of Century Industries "Trial Partners", essentially men and women who are demonstrating the augmentations available for purchase at Century Industries. This means that many are augmented with increased strength, speed, and durability courtesy of NuGenesis technology, as well as combat exoskeltons and the associated exoskeletal mounted weaponry. There are also many who have lost limbs who have subsequently had them replaced with prosthetics that grant enhanced strength and speed. Lastly, there are also AOSP on patrol outside the facility, each equipped with weaponry appropriate to their machine.

These personnel act as both advertisement and deterrent, salesperson and security.

Operating Hours

Monday-Saturday

8am-8pm

Not open holidays

Corporate Leadership - Jacobi Locke

Jacobi Locke comes from a background in the United States Armed Forces where he was charged with reviewing the various defense solutions put out by big-name companies such as WARP Labs, Nu-Genesis, Independent Robotics, and various others.

By forming working closely with industry professionals (and recommending them for exclusive contracts) he was able to build up a list of contacts that would serve him well when he forming Century Industries.

He has no qualms with selling to less than reputable buyers, exploiting conflicts in underdeveloped regions, and marking up prices heavily. While his unscrupulous practices make him less than popular among many industrialists, the undeniable profitability of partnering with Century Industries has persuaded many a moralist.

Rules

Abide strictly by the operating hours

• No God-modding
• All forum-wide rules apply
• All RPG section specific rules apply
• No major destruction without approval
• Have fun (or suffer greatly, your choice)

Note to Whomever it may concern:

Should user who created this thread be inactive for 2 weeks or more a vote may be taken to pass it on to the next appropriate owner. This can be done IC or OOC, with wealthy users able to bid on its purchase IC or a successor to the company's founder, Jacobi Locke, being signed on as the next CEO according to the results of an OOC vote. Essentially assets can be copy-pasted into a new owner's blog and edited from there, should anyone actually care to do so.

Awesome work here. ^_^

Great job btw :)

Very cool

Oooh, you shouldn't have done that.

@rosso: Alright, I'll bite. Why shouldn't I have done this?

@humansfirst: Because it's too cool! Your enemies will be targeting your assets!

@rosso: Personally, I'd say he has some powerful allies.

@rosso: That's the point! It's no fun if nobody's trying to kill you!

@action6news:

@xerxes__: Sorry it took so long, but with your go ahead I'm going to move the interaction here.

@humansfirst:

The day had set as it had before, and just like before Xerxes stared into the night from his apartment complex, watching the stars and listening to the periodic car roll by his street. He had forgotten what sleep was since he was awoken every fifteen minutes of that day that lingered in his memory. Hunger was the same, his refrigerator just an empty husk. It would had been like any other day if it not for what that Drew Gissler had said to him at the funeral. It stuck with him, striking a cord within him that set off a firestorm of emotion. The names of his comrades would ring over and over again as they always had but his name rang also as he stared at a name on the card Mr Gissler had given him earlier. Was it a joke? Was it a coincidence? Was it fate?

Oh funk it!

Grief had found Xerxes and he lingered it for too long. He was a man of action and the offer was something his gut was telling him to investigate. He put on a light jacket, not wearing anything particular special. He had no time for dress up. He wanted answers. He got into his car to begin his journey before the new day dawn would rise. He was going to beat the new day.

He had arrived at the location in Delaware which was on the car. The view was nothing special as the sun began to shine upon the large brick building. He looked down the streets and then fixed onto the building, looking for any cameras before entering the front door.

Hello. My name is Xerxes Cole, he said aloud as he showed the card openly in his hand. I was told that I can find a Halen Creed here. I was told to say a Drew Gissler referred me.

@xerxes__:

The red brick building's almost rustic charm gave way immediately to a more modern interior. The long gold and black central desk, replete with open catalogs and myriad maintenance diagrams, contrasted harshly against the spacey interior. The banners hanging above it, decorated with the Century Industries emblem, marked it as a focal point of knowledge and guidance. The woman behind the desk, clad in a long black jacket that was similarly trimmed with gold, stood as Xerxes approached, offering a slight bow when he spoke.

"Mr. Cole. We've been expecting you for some time now. My name is Samantha Brun, I've been instructed to take you upstairs to meet Dr. Creed." With that she stepped out from behind the desk, holding up a hand to indicate that he should keep the card, and subsequently motioning with a wave of her wireframe arm for him to follow her. From there, they walked off the show floor and into an elevator which shook and tremored as it struggled to take them to the main offices on the top floor.

"So, you say Drew Gissler sent you?" She looked him over, watched as he shifted weight with the changing balance of the rickety elevator. "Not prosthetics, probably..." she muttered to herself just as the doors were opening. Through the threshold were several desks, all piled with invoices and supply queries, bills and receipts. She led him past these places and to a quaint corner office, anatomical models and plastic prosthetic facsimiles lining its shelves. Behind the mahogany desk sat Halen Creed, chief modifications consultant. "Mr. Creed? A Xerxes Cole is here to see you. He says Drew Gissler sent him."

"Ah, yes, yes. 'Xerxes'! A strong name, a warrior's name, if there ever was one." Halen stood and grasped Xerxes' hand in his, pumping it twice before shooing away the woman who had escorted his guest this far. With a nod, she departed, shutting the door behind her.

"So, so Mr. Cole, Mr. Gissler has sent you to us, and now you are here. But why are you here? Ah, that is the question. Always. Why? Well, Mr. Cole, I will tell you. You are here because you wished for 'power', yes? Power to stand against that great injustice, to correct the balance which has so skewed in recent days that it has become impossible to imagine the world in any other image than the one we have. That is why, yes?"

He typed furiously at the computer, and soon the printer roared to life. Records and brochures, advertisements and schematics, it vomited them out at a rapid pace.

"You lament the pathetic state of Prometheus' poor creatures, wish to reignite the flame of knowledge that had granted them power in the first place, yes? Well, you seem to have a sympathizer, Mr. Cole. Drew Gissler, he is a man of wealth, to say the least, and he shares in your concerns. He has contracted with us to provide men such as you, men of caliber, with the tools they require to bring their visions into reality."

Creed spread the sheets out before his guest, references to human augmentation, armored exoskeletons and suits, weapons of the kind only used in war. His eyes gleamed with a hint of madness, his fervent excitement conveyed through rambling words and an overwide grin.

"He has offered you this. Power. Power to use in a manner you see fit, and, when the time comes, for the benefit of all men. He will call on you to safeguard all mankind from the tyrants that loom above him, to prove that man can stand on his own two feet, apart from gods, and weather his own fate. Tell me, Mr. Xerxes Cole, Mr. Xerxes the warrior, is that the fate you would take upon your shoulders? For yourself? For your comrades? For all mankind?"

@humansfirst: Xerxes could do nothing more than follow Samantha Brun toward the elevator, his hands resting comfortable in the pockets of his sweater. His curiosity was still unsatisfied as the main office was just desk and receptionist. The outside exterior of Century nothing that matched that of WARP labs, but he wanted to see how deep the rabbit hole went.

Samantha asked about Gessler. Xerxes simply nodded, as he was curious as to why she was sizing him up.

No prosthetics. Probably...

Xerxes could do nothing more than chuckle loudly. No mam. This is 100% US Army property, he responded as the doors opened, continuing the journey. His intrigue began to deepen as they continued their walk, the scope of interest of what the building produced began to get more clearer in theory the deeper they went until they finally arrived at the man who would be the wizard at the end of the yellow brick road.

Halen Creed arose from his desk, greeting him while shaking his hand as the receptionist departed. Pleased to meet you, Mr Creed. I was beginning to think that this place was trying to sell me a timeshare. Xerxes laughed aloud trying to continue conversation. He looked at Creed to see what he would do next or was this all some BS.

Creed continued his pitch about a different world. Xerxes looked at the man to gauge his sincerity as he pulled his hand out of his pocket and crossed them openly in front of his chest. We might say it in a different way, but for the most point we are on the same wave length.

Creed seemed like he had consumed a cup of coffee too many, but the had passion as it led him to him to his computer as it printed many schematics of weapons and such. He was no engineer, but he had brokered a deal or two of weapons systems to know what was lying before him. He walked over slowly, looking at the designs as Creed continued his pitch.

...for all of mankind...

Xerxes looked at the guy, chuckling softly. You serious about all this stuff? The look on Creed's face was all it took to know he was as serious as on could be and he had support, both technological and financial. You call it power. I need fire power, but this is quite an arsenal. The boosters are nice. So is the tech depending on the target. He looked at his own arm, caressing it until he realized his true options. I need the arm to slag bullets and blades. Some of these guys move fast. I think you guys call it Vibranium. Ive seen it melt cars in the field. The Sabateour is real nice but the larger stuff needs more grit. He pulled out a pen, scribbling on one of the sketches. When I say firepower I mean firepower. All I need to know is when do we start?

@xerxes__:

Halen Creed grinned, broad and toothy, as he watched the serviceman jot down notes and discuss the possibilities of their cooperation. "Vibranium? Ah, pricy, but with our resources I assure you it can be done. And for a man like you? It will be. You're looking to 'replace' the arm then? That's good. We can work with that."

Creed took some notes of his own, names of vibranium suppliers (a short list), recyclers, and any possible stores of spare vibranium currently owned by Century Industries that could be melted down for repurposing. He kept his eyes on the notes, on the images forming under Xerxes' pen.

"We will take your suggestions into consideration, Mr. Cole. I assure you of that. Custom works are rare in this industry, but not unheard of. We can make these items to your specifications, so long as you lay them out for us. As for when we start, well, we start as soon as you are ready. We can forgo the formalities of paperwork. All we need to know is that your will is strong, your intent noble."

Halen smiled the devil's smile. Knowing and full of mischief, as though the two men shared a secret that others would soon attempt to pry from them.

"You are going to change the world, Mr. Cole. I can feel it."

I didn't realize we had these on Mars!

I didn't realize we had these on Mars!