Dawn Patrol: Return to Paragon ((OPEN))

Paragon City, 6 and a half years ago



Marsius Denthar, aka Crimsonstar and former member of the Dawn Patrol, North American Division added the last few files from his desk drawer into the large cardboard box and taped it shut. His office in Dawn Patrol HQ in Paragon City now contained only a desk and leather chair. A simple metal filing cabinet stood in the back-right corner, its contents cleaned out days before. The room now was ready for its next occupant to take residence. Only it wasn’t going to be an officer of Dawn Patrol.

He exited the office, the box in his hands and found Tania Lockemont, newly promoted Field Commander of the Dawn Patrol overseeing the three dozen or more tech specialists that had been brought in to disassemble and relocate their base teleporters.

“Field Commander Lockemont, this is the last of my case files. I’ve put the open ones that remained on the top. I would have closed them out, but…” Marius looks around the barren base “All the computer systems have been taken offline.”

Tania let out a wearied sigh. “I told Homeland they didn’t give us adequate time to shut down operations but what do I know. Not like I’m aware of all our active Patrollers and their investigations.” She realized that her frustrations at the hurried operations could be misconstrued as frustration with Marsius and quickly put a smile on her face. “I’m sorry Marsius, just too many chores and not enough hours in the day. You can set it over against the wall with the boxes marked as ‘relocate’.” She said and walked him to the other boxes. “Are you sure you and Alex won’t stay? I know both of you are quite fond of Paragon City and its people but I could use you both in Detroit.”

Marsius gave her a slight nod “And we’d love to help out, but I’ve been away from Andromeda for a while and Nova Strangham of Star Brigade had on more than one instance hinted that he’s considering retirement and would like me back there.”

“Ooo, is there another promotion in line for you? What’s your actual rank with Star Brigade now, Pulsar, right?”

“He has indicated that he wishes to make a few ‘personnel’ changes before he steps down and mentioned the divisional office on my home planet.”

“Well, it sounds like you’ve got big plans of your own waiting for you. And I know Alex is excited, now that Silver Guard has also disbanded.”

Marsius smiled “She’s already enlisted in Star Brigade. She’s going to have a lot to prove. I’ve heard rumors that some of our citizens question the durability of a human in the Brigade”

Tania laughed out loud. It had been days since she had a good laugh “Oh are they in for a surprise.”

“Yes.” Marsius laughed with her. They both got quiet, the awkward moment to say goodbye had arrived.

Marsius removed his Dawn Patrol comm badge from his uniform and made one final salute to her.

“Field Commander Lockemont, Leftenant Denthar, call sign Crimsonstar respectfully requests dismissal from active Dawn Patrol duty.” Tania Lockemont, aka Lady Britania pulled his saluting hand down and leaned in and hugged him, kissed his cheek.

“Leftenant Denthar you are relieved of duty.” She whispered, tears in her eyes.





Andromeda 3, today. Office of Quasar Denthar



“The Southern quadrant can’t possibly accept another fifteen thousand recruits! I’ve already got four overworked Cluster’s* now and not enough being promoted up to handle the troops we’re training now!” protested Crimsonstar Taren

“And the Brigade facilities on Andromeda 6 are still several months behind on their refits due to the recent incursions of the Rikti into the systems of 9 and 11. All our resources, including Brigade personnel are committed to holding off their advances” remarked Crimsonstar Curran. Marsius held up his hand to silence both men, stood up and came around his desk, motioned for them to both be seated. He studied them both for a moment.

Rogen Taren he knew well. They had both entered the Star Brigade together, had both trained in the same unit at the very same Brigade facility on Andromeda 3’s Southern Quadrant that Taren now commanded. He had recently been promoted to Crimsonstar a few months ago and was already making great changes to the facility that many thought were overdue.

He knew almost nothing of Weldon Curran. Just that he had made Crimsonstar several years ago and reports were that he expected complete obedience and adherence by the men and women under his command.

“Gentlemen, its been several generations since the Rikti were last seen in our system. So long in fact that to you and I, we grew up believing they were nothing more than fairy tales and myth. But almost 7 years ago I was sent by Nova Strangham to Earth because Brigade intelligence had learned they invaded their planet. It was believed that their intent was to establish a foothold on Earth as their new homeworld. I have fought them firsthand and I can tell you from that experience the stories we grew up with are true.” Marsius paused and studied them for a moment. “Crimsonstar Taren, Crimsonstar Curran, believe me when I tell you, our forces are NOT prepared for the ferocity of the Rikti.”

He turned and walked back to his desk. “Nova Brax is a close friend of mine, and you wouldn’t know it to look at her but she once served under me when I was but a Cluster.” He could see both men were more than a little surprised at the last statement. He allowed a brief smile before continuing. “It was just before my own promotion to Crimsonstar and my departure to Earth. But that’s not the point. Besides myself she is the only other Brigade officer to have seen and fought Rikti directly. It was during a brief visit to Earth. She has placed the removal of the Rikti from the Andromedan planets as a top priority.”

Marsius sat back down. “We are both well aware of the struggles of both your commands and she herself has authorized me to allow you to reach out to the officers at the other Brigade outposts for assistance with supplies and personnel. Crimsonstar Taren, you are also authorized to promote three White Dwarfs of your choosing to the rank of Cluster to alleviate the strain on your current training staff. Have their dossiers on my desk by end of the week for approval and ceremony arrangements.” He turned his attention to other tasks. “Dismissed gentleman.”

“Thank you Quasar Denthar.” They chimed in unison as they left.



It had been a long day and he was looking forward to he and Alex going to his parents villa out in the less populated area of Sunri city. He entered their home and found that Alex had finished packing for their trip. She wasn’t anywhere in the common areas or for that matter anywhere in the house. “Alex?” he called out.

“I’m out on the patio.” She called back. Marsius found her standing on the patio, looking out over the capital city. She had his back to him but she didn’t say anything as he came outside. He noticed her hair that now hung down past the middle of her back. She had moderately long hair when they first met but had let it grow out since they had moved to Andromeda.

“Mars,… “ she said her voice wavering. “We have to go home.”

“Alex what is it? Is something wrong? Is it your mother?” Marsius knew her mother had been in bad shape the last few years and they both had made peace with the fact that a return to Earth was in their near future. Alexandra Somers, the heroine once known as Northern Might, turned around. In her hand she held the long range interstellar communication device that Tania Lockemont had given them when the first left Earth. For the last six and a half years it had been dark. For their first two years it had sat on an open shelf where they could see it every day. Four years ago Alex and placed in on the top shelf of a seldom used closet. Today, while preparing to pack for the trip, she happened  to look up while in that same closet. It was blinking in the familiar blue color of the Dawn Patrol colors. “Tania is calling.” Alex said.



*Star Brigade ranks.

Nova—Only ever one in office.

Red Giant

Quasar

Pulsar

Crimsonstar—This is the rank when a member is given the protostar matter that grants them powers.

Cluster

White Dwarf

Comet

Star—all Star Brigade entrants are automatically ranked as Star.

Dr. Arkozan was busy in her lab at Portal Corp, London.

Since leaving Paragon City, the small person ended up going to college in Detroit, and eventually transferred to London where she was looked after by Dawn Patrol. She had always pined for the days back in Paragon City, and missed the friends she made there, but she used that sense of loss to dive into her work.

Despite being a 'child', Serena was a brilliant intellect, and far more mature than her years. Due to the genetic tampering by Crey she always remained a human/panda hybrid, physically resembling a 10 year old girl. Her abilities far exceeded her appearance, though. She focused on school, Graduated High School at 12, got her first College Degree at 16, and now holds several Degrees, PHDs, and Masters Degrees in a wide variety of skills. But... back to the lab.

Lady Jane had taken a special interest in the girl, and brought the recording to her.

"Serena?" Lady Jane inquired upon entering the lab at Portal Corp.

"Lady Jane, how nice of you to stop by. May I help you." The small figure proclaimed.

Lady Jane looked crestfallen, but handed the panda her old communicator, "There has been contact."

Serena held her old communicator, and played the message:

"Dawn Patrol, this is Lady Britannia. Arthur 01-Rising Dawn; Paragon City"

Serena looked down at the communicator. A mix of awe and confusion crossed her face.

Lady Jane placed a hand on the girl's back, "Patroller, you are needed. Go to them."

Serena nodded and went to pack her things.

Tania Lockemont was just about finished decorating her office, making it a bit warmer and inviting. There were a lot of pictures of her
daughters scattered around, as well of some of Tania and Regi. Her eyes falling on her favorite one of the two of them from a picnic they
had taken just before he had been lost to her, the grief hitting her again like a sledgehammer.

All the years wasted not letting him close enough. They had been friends since childhood, growing up together, and once they were old enough
to understand love... Regi had wanted more, but Tania hadn’t felt the same. She didn’t want to ruin their friendship, so she kept him at
arm’s length. It wasn’t until she returned from Detroit that things changed, and then they only had a few short years together before….
She closed her eyes tightly to try and stop the tears, scrubbing at them with her fists.

Hearing someone enter the office, she takes another moment to compose herself before turning around, the smile she’d put on her face
instantly turning to a scowl when she saw who was standing in her office. “What do YOU want?”

Lady Jane stood before Tania’s desk and said “Good afternoon Commander. Not even going to invite me to sit down?”

Tania snarls “As if. I could care less why you’re here or what you have to say. After what you did years ago… You shouldn’t even have the
right to wear that uniform anymore.” Tania nods to the Dawn Patrol uniform that Lady Jane is wearing.

“I earned the right to wear this uniform Commander, maybe even more that you have.”

“Don’t give me that! You’re not talking to some Patroller whose security clearance isn’t low enough to know what happened. I know
everything! You’re nothing but a traitor as far as I’m concerned! A traitor to the Patrol, a traitor to England, a traitor to everyone
who’s ever taken up the mantle of Hero! You betrayed everything we stand for!” Her voice raising until she was shouting the last sentence,
people walking by the open door of her office looking startled and quickly passing on. Tania took a deep breath to try and calm herself
down. It worked. A little.

Continuing, Tania said “I don’t care what your justification was for what you did. You betrayed not only the Dawn Patrol, but the man you
supposedly loved, Hero One! Out of everything you did, its that one thing right there that makes me despise you the most!”

Lady Jane frowned as Tania stops her tirade. “Don’t pretend to know my intentions or my feelings Commander. You don’t know what it has cost
me to make the decisions I’ve made, both professionally or personally. Let me assure you, yes, those costs have been high, and yes, you’re
not the only person out there that thinks I have betrayed everything that the Dawn Patrol has stood for, but none of you understand why. None
of you understand how I was doing this for the greater good, to give us a better future.”

Tania starts laughing. “Oh, and what a wonderful future its been! We got what, not even a year from the sacrifice of Omega Team before the Rikti attacked
again? That’s truly something to be proud of right there. Its only a small consolation that we were able to get a couple of the members of that
team back alive. And the perversion of Hero One by the Rikti…” Tania just shakes her head. “And now the threats are starting up again, including
the Rikti. So, you bought us… what? Maybe a total of eight years? Okay, that’s something, maybe. But for what you gave up, its not even close to worth it.”

A smirk crosses the face of Lady Jane. “It must be so comforting Countess, to be a member of the nobility and to be able to give such rousing speeches
about the moral high ground and to sit in your pretty little castles thinking you know what’s right and what’s good. Bravo Countess, bravo.” She starts
clapping slowly.

Tania crosses her arms “Say what you will Jane…” purposely leaving off the ‘Lady’ “… At least my conscience is clear. I don’t sacrifice our own.
Now, why are you here? I know you know of the agreement I reached with the Queen, so tell me why I shouldn’t immediately throw you in the brig for
breaking it already?”

“I just wanted to check in with you and see how things are going Commander. Oh, and to remind you that I am still in charge, no matter what agreement
you reached. You still answer to me.”

It was Tania’s turn to smirk. “Actually, I don’t just answer to you. Maybe you need to run back to the Queen and have her tell you again, because
when I agreed to restart DPPC, it was with the express agreement from the Queen that while you’re still in a position of authority at Homeland, any
decisions you have for DPPC have to be cleared with the Queen first, and you aren’t… well, you weren’t supposed to ever step foot in the U.S. again.
Frankly, I should just throw you in manacles and have you hauled back to Homeland unceremoniously, but I’m trying not to stoop to your level, so I’ll
just provide you with an ‘honor escort’ out of Paragon.” She presses a command on her desk screen “Security to my office please.”

Lady Jane’s face turns hard and her right-hand drifts down to finger one of her pistols “Do you really think that’s the proper move here Commander?
To take that tone with me?”

Tania stiffens and snaps out “DOGMA Bulldog!” Two small turrets drop immediately from the ceiling to target Lady Jane, who upon seeing this, takes
her hand away from her gun and just stands there, glaring at Tania with her hands slightly raised.

Two base security officers arrive a moment later and Tania says “Gentlemen, relieve our guest of her weapons. You will then place her on a flyer and
take her back to England. I want you with her at all times during the trip and you are to personally deliver her to the Queen.” Her gaze turns to
Lady Jane and says, “Who I will ensure is waiting to speak with you… Now, GET. OUT. OF. MY. CITY.” The Officers relieve Lady Jane of her weapons and escort her away.

Lady Jane calls out “This isn’t over yet… Commander.”

Tania nods and says to the woman’s receding back “I’m sure it isn’t.” She watches the trio leave and finally mutters “Bitch… DOGMA retract.” The turrets
retract back into the ceiling. “And connect to ROYAL...” she mentions the name of the AI used at Buckingham, available to only the Royal Family, “… Let
them know that I need to speak with the Queen at her convenience, though preferably before that flyer gets back to England.”

“Working… Connecting now...”

"Everything is in order, Madame," Mamadou smiled, handing Grace her luggage. "We are set to welcome the children tomorrow, the new teachers are already preparing their classrooms and the women's village is secured."

Grace smiled, tears shining in her eyes. No matter how many times she did this, it moved her to her core every time. "Merci, Mamadou," she replied, taking his hand in both of hers warmly. "The work will continue, I know I am leaving it in good hands." She stepped back, taking a last look at the new school and the village compound that she had built. As the evening light faded, she could hear women's voices singing and smell the aroma of cooking fires, curls of smoke wafting above the compound's walls. Despite the horrors that had ravaged the Congo, particularly its women and children, there was joy here. This was the sixth such compound Grace had built since leaving Paragon several years ago. Her foundation focused on creating secure and peaceful villages, complete with a school, for the women of the Congo who had been victims of sexual violence, as well as children who had either been recruited into soldiering or who were the result of the crimes perpetrated against the women. Knowing that the people were more critical than the buildings, each compound was well-staffed with two qualified teachers for the children, six medical personnel, two of whom were counselors specializing in treatment of rape survivors and childhood trauma, and a small armed detachment to protect the fledgling community. Not content to keep the women and children under guard, the armed detachment spent a part of its time training the women in effective self-defense techniques. Grace gave a satisfied sigh as she backed away, the roar of the tiny prop plane buzzing in her ears and whipping her dark violet curls into a froth. "Au revoir, Mamadou!" she waved, and then turned to board the plane.

As the craft made its way to Kinshasa, Grace had time to think. She stared once again at the communicator in her hands and its urgent message. It would be lovely to return to Paragon, but how much had it changed? How much had *she* changed? She thought about the last time she had seen Dom. He had shown up randomly in a maquis in Kinshasa, said his piece, and disappeared. Typical. Her heart would always have an ache for his absence, but it was so full of love for the work she was doing to help the people of this lovely country that she had no room to miss him. From time to time he would come to her in dreams -- usually upsetting ones in which he was drowning and reaching for her, but she was unable to save him -- but for the most part he was, effectively, gone from her life.

Passing through security at the airport and making her way to her gate, she whispered a prayer to Belisama, asking for blessings on this country that had been her home for the past six years.

******

Paragon City, Dawn Patrol Base

Grace took a deep breath. Why did she feel so nervous? This was her home too, after all; her friends and colleagues -- people who had been effectively her family -- what was she anxious about? Stepping through the front doors she saw the familiar reception desk but Sgt. Darling was not behind it. Instead, there was an unfamiliar woman. Grace put on her best smile and quavered, "Grace Courbier, aka Alumette, reporting for duty." In her comfortable leggings and colorful tunic made from a wax pagne purchased in the market in Inongo, she did not look terribly heroic. The receptionist gazed at her, stunned. "Alumette? THE Alumette?"

"Yes, I received a message, was I not to report?"

The receptionist stammered. "Yes ma'am... right this way... I... follow me..."

Grace did so, and took in her surroundings as they made their way down the long hallway. HQ looked at once familiar and very different. Extensive renovations had been made, some were still going on, but the "bones" of the old place seemed to remain, hanging on like ghosts, whether actual features of the architecture or specters borne of Grace's memory, she could not tell. As she walked through HQ, scenes from her old life in Dawn Patrol played in her mind, wisps and snippets of familiar faces, fraught adventures, life-and-death perils, laugher and love. Had they all received the call? Would they answer it? RoboMD, Crimsonstar, Endless One... would she see them again? Would she see Dom again? She didn't want to think about that. By now she had so healed from her loss of him that she knew seeing him again would register little more than bittersweet nostalgia in her heart -- but it still made her anxious to think about returning to this life. All of her thoughts and feelings had finally coalesced into a mixture of eagerness and dread by the time they arrived at Lady Britannia's office. "Leftenant Alumette, reporting, ma'am," the receptionist said, snapping a salute before Lady Britannia nodded with what was an acknowledgement and an excuse. Grace snapped a salute herself, more from muscle memory and nerves than actual conscious thought. "Ma'am," she said in accompaniment to her salute. Despite her nerves, the familiarity of Dawn Patrol and its procedures had a calming effect. She felt the old heroing urge building within her, and found herself wondering if the café in Talos still had those fantastic croissants, and if her old uniform had weathered its time in storage well.

Elena Lockemont looked at her reflection in the mirror as she tugged at the new Dawn Patrol uniform her mother had made for her.
It was definitely snug, but it seemed like it would offer a lot of protection, which was good. Still new to the Hero game, Elena
was still adjusting to her new role, along with settling into the new house with her Mother and little sister after the move
from England to Paragon City.

Elena made her way down the elevator to the Admin offices and found her mother just finishing up a call on the screen. Waiting
until Tania notices that she’s there, Elena asks “So does this look okay?”

With a large smile crossing her face, Tania comes around the desk, giving Elena a hug before taking her face in both hands saying
“You look perfect.”

Elena blushed a bit but wasn’t able to respond as two women stepped into the office and saluted her mother, the first one
saying "Leftenant Alumette, reporting, ma'am.” before leaving and the other woman stepping forward to give a salute as well. "Ma'am."

Tania returned the salute and says “Leftenant Courbier, welcome back. I’m sorry that this is the first opportunity that we’ve had to
meet, given your distinguished record with the Dawn Patrol.” Tania motions to Elena and says “This is my daughter Elena. She just joined
the Patrol… Elena, why don’t you run home for me and check on how your sister is doing? I should be home before too long.”

Elena nods and says “Yes Mother… It's nice to meet you Ma’am” she said to Alumette before exiting the office.

Tania motioned to one of the office chairs and said “Please, have a seat.” Taking her seat behind the desk. “So, I’m curious to hear about
what you’ve been doing since you last were with the Patrol...”

She stops as the intercom beeps and a male voice comes out of the Speaker “Commander, I think you’re going to want to come down and take a
look at this. We’re in the receiving bay.”

Tania says “Very well. I’m in a meeting now, but I’ll be down in about fifteen minutes.” She ends the call and looks back to Alumette “So,
where were we?” she asks pleasantly

Raine Jameson dropped down into the alley from the fire escape, a flurry of martial arts strikes, kicks, and arrow shots taking out
the Outcasts that were hassling some poor young woman. Lining up an arrow on the final gang member, she snarls “You have failed Paragon
scumbag!” She fires the arrow, pinning him to the wall before running off to find the next bit of mischief.


Years ago, when she was just a child, Raine had lost her right arm during a Rikti attack. Eventually she hooked up with a charitable
organization who gave her a cybernetic arm. At the suggestion of a counselor, she had taken up archery as a form of rehab and to help
her get used to the arm. Raine became an excellent markswoman with the bow.She ran away from home in her early teens, and her parents never
missed her. In fact, they were relieved she was gone. One less mouth to feed which meant they could spend their extremely meager wages on
more food, booze and drugs for themselves.

Raine survived on the streets from a combination of her wits and her skills with the bow, her only friend being a German Shepherd puppy
she had found and named Nerfherder. She fought for everything she had, which wasn’t much, but it was hers. She eventually became a vigilante,
doling out a dark reckoning to the villains of Paragon, until at the age of sixteen, she was nabbed by the Police.

Standing before the Judge, Raine was given a choice. Become part of a pilot program aimed towards turning juvenile delinquents around and
setting them on the right path or go to Prison. Raine chose the program and was assigned to the Dawn Patrol. At first, it was rough going.
Raine was so used to being on her own, she pushed everyone away. But she started opening up, making friends, starting a relationship, and
finding that she had a new family in the Dawn Patrol.

Then came the shutdown of DPPC. Raine moved to Detroit with a good portion of the other members to start up the DPMC chapter. Things were good
at first, but one by one, members slowly drifted away and did their own thing, the group dwindling to almost nothing. Raine eventually moved off
on her own as well, starting to once again fall down the dark hole of vigilantism without the stable influence of her Dawn Patrol family in her
life, especially after losing Nerfherder to a gang member’s bullet.

Raine eventually crossed over the line and had her Hero License revoked in Detroit, though she managed to talk her way out of jail time. She
made the move back to Paragon City and updated her registry, breathing a sigh of relief that Detroit hadn’t forwarded any info to the registry
department, and once she was settled in, she hit the streets.

She really tried to keep her activities above board again, thinking that maybe now that she was back in Paragon, things might be like the old
days. It wasn’t long before she was sliding back down towards that dark hole in her heart though, flirting dangerously close with crossing the line.


Later in the evening

Raine made it back to her small apartment in Skyway after her evening adventures, hanging her equipment up and taking a quick shower before making
her way to the kitchen for something to eat. She was sitting in front of the television watching the news when a faint beeping could be heard from
another room.

Curious to what it was, Raine got up and followed the sound to her bedroom and a trunk stuffed in one corner that held old hero outfits that she
had grown out of. Opening the lid, she dug through the contents until she found her a smaller box which the beeping was coming from. Lifting the
lid, she saw her old Dawn Patrol communicator giving out a blue pulse with every beep. Surprised, Raine activated and listened to the message.

"Dawn Patrol, this is Lady Britannia. Arthur 01-Rising Dawn; Paragon City."

A trembling hand reached out to pick up and shut off the communicator, her fist closing around it as she dug around with her free hand to find her old
DP uniform. Retrieving it, Raine stood up and looked out her bedroom window at the night sky, a couple tears sliding down her face as something shined
in her eyes that hadn’t been there in a long time… Hope.

((Looked over & approved by Wondie))


Heather Walker-Ashton lies half reclining on a love seat in her sister’s house, idly strumming on a guitar while her sister
Erica Crawford-Ashton was working on some paperwork. “I just don’t know what to do now. Things just weren’t… fun anymore you know?”

Erica half nods her head in agreement, absently saying “Uh huh” as she concentrated on her work.

Heather continues “Its just so frustrating. We were still putting out good stuff! I know the music business can be a fickle bitch
but come on! We went from selling out stadiums to having to work in dive bars just in the span of a couple years!”

“Uh huh”

Heather’s head turns towards her twin sister as she suddenly focuses on Erica instead of her complaining. Normally Heather swearing would have
gotten some kind of comment out of Erica about her use of language. “Maybe I need to change things up. Maybe a solo career in Gangsta rap.”

“Mhm…”

“I think it could work you know, bring in a fresh new crowd of fans. I could be DJ SideC.”

“Uh huh”

Heather frowns. “And I could have random unprotected group sex with a bunch of gangster homies while doing copious amounts of drugs.”

“Sounds great sis.”

Heather’s frown turns into a glare as her eyes bore into the back of Erica’s skull, concentrating really hard. Erica’s head suddenly
jerks up and whips around to focus on Heather. “HEY! RUDE!”

“Well you weren’t paying attention to what I was saying! I mean what the fuck Erica?”

“LANGUAGE!”

“Oh, now you’re worried about my language!”

Erica scowls “I was concentrating on my work!”

“You’re ALWAYS concentrating on your work! How about listening to your sister for once? You know, REALLY listen?”

Erica’s voice raises “I do listen! You just rattle on and on sometimes!”

“It’s called a conversation; you should try it sometime. Maybe even with a guy occasionally. When’s the last time
you even went on a date?”

“Oh, we are NOT turning this into a conversation about my love life!”

Heather smirks “WHAT love life?”

“Rude!”

“But true. You should try coming up for air and go out sometime.”

“I do go out!”

Heather nods “Suuuure. You go out to work, to the store, back to work, then to home. That’s not a life Erica, that’s an existence.”

“Look Heather, just because I’m not Miss Social Butterfly like you… What on earth is that?” Her head turns towards the other side of
the living room, where a loud beeping and a muffled glow is coming from one of her scrap books. She gets up and hurries over to the
bookcase that is filled with the many books she has made over the years, a hobby that Erica still enjoys to this day. She pulls a book
out and opens it up to find her old Dawn Patrol communicator beeping and flashing blue from the page it was attached to. Pushing the
button, Erica and Heather hear words that neither of them thought would be heard again.

“Dawn Patrol, this is Lady Britannia. Arthur 01-Rising Dawn; Paragon City.”

Two sets of eyes widen as they stare at the communicator for a moment and then at each other, thoughts racing between the two of them,
huge grins bursting over their faces. They excitedly blurt out at the same time “We gotta find our uniforms!”