Vigilantes VS Villains (Part I)
Right Under Our Noses
or Vigilantes vs. Villians
Synopsis: This tale tells the story of freelance groups working outside the realm of government (and the CIA, NSA, FBI and other groups have their own opinions about them and how they operate. It goes without saying that their views aren't without controversy, even though the groups operate within the realm of the law) and those who operate on their own terms for their own gain and thrive wreaking havoc wherever they are.
~*~Our groups ~*~
G.A.M.S.--An intreped group of women going under the acronym 'Gorgeous Angelic Mechanical Scientists' whose goal is to save people an honest dollar and invent methods to save the world one experiment at a time. Very innovative group, and all geniuses in their own right.
Their members: Bree Valentine, Collette Maribelle, Elsie Wu, Selene Silverfox, Polly Farmer
A.B.S.--A smart, swarthy, group full of swagger. They are the Able Bodied Studs, usually helping GAMS in their work. Like GAMS, they are college aged but mostly athletic types. Not dumb beefcakes, don't let the handsome looks and smolders fool you.
Their members: Adam Sterling, Keanu Akana, Rin Yoshida, Eric Burns, Daniel 'Dan' Jessup
G.E.Q.--Gentlemen English Quotient. From England and other European Nations, these gents help our other bounty hunters abroad.
Dashielle 'Dash' Haversham, Tarquin Haversham, William Englebrecht, Suresh Patel
V.I.L.E.--Villain Intelligence Larcony and Evil. Mainly older villians who have been in the game of lies and deciet for years and their underhanded dealings are notorious.
Their members: Bane Maleagant, Dismas Chrome, Merodach, Cane McClintough
W.A.C.K.--Wiley, Angry, Cantankerous Kooks. Our more 'emo' villains, mainly younger stock but no less intimidating than VILE. Usually work hand in hand with VILE.
Their members: Agro Brent, Azazel 'Zaz' Brent, Blaze, Alecto, Lamia
Chapter 1--Inconspicous
We could be the lady bagging your groceries at the local store. Or the steely-eyed gal who files your taxes when you need them most. We might even be that punctual, bouncy teen who babysits your kids when you need to attend an important PTO meeting or just desire to focus on yourself or your marriage. Yes, we do all those things and more. We're G.A.M.S., or Gorgeous Angelic Mechanical Scientists. I head the group. Call me Bree Valentine. Believe me, I'm not lacy and cute as my surname would sugguest. I may be the youngest in GAMS but I am organized and the other ladies always say that without me, many important duties would never become accomplished and a plethora of criminals would remain unprosecuted or dealt with. We may be a vibrant, vigorous group full of vim and vinegar but we are dedicated to making the world better through mechanics, science and non-violence.
We're extremely diverse in our ranks. Collette originally comes from France and her insight is always welcome. Like myself she is an expert mechanic and her knowledge of phyiscs is flawless. Polly Farmer, our adorable African American member, keeps all of our mathematics in check. Elsie Wu makes certain that when we feel we can't tackle a problem on our own that we ask ABS (aka Able Bodied Studs) or GEQ (aka Gentlmen English Quotient) for help. Last but not least is Selene Silverfox keeps our budgetary needs achievable and is rapid with facts and figures. She is very empirically minded and rather adventurous in the lab. She's often Collete's lab partner but is always the one wanting to try the options that haven't been exercised yet. She's very pragmatic and cautious inspite of her couragousness, though.
Those villainous forces in the world known as VILE and WACK (Villain Intelligence Larcony and Evil and Wiley Angry Cantankerous Kooks) who mean business with the misdeeds they have done. We haven't been able to stop these ne'er do wells yet, but eventually we will. When we do, they will be put through a rehabilitation program and allowed to see just how useful their skills can be. They can either turn their intelligence for a force for beneficence or malevolence, but it is up to them, entirely. We don't force anyone to do anything against their will.
Chapter 2--Love Interests
It's said never to mix work and pleasure. As a middle aged woman I can state it's excellent advice but I haven't heeded it, not one wit. I am dating Adam Sterling from ABS. Their group may seem like a bunch of musclebound twits but it isn't the case. They may be fit and athletic but they aren't idiots or incompetent. Unlike ourselves, who have a band I created named Steampunk Romance as a cover to gather intel, the guys blend in around the gym, YMCA and other social locales to find everything they can on the members of WACK and VILE. It wasn't always like this, however. Adam and I have perfectly normal lives outside of being bounty hunters and keeping the streets safe at night for everyone in America in reality as well as in cyberspace, but the need began growing as soon as I noticed crimes were being committed right under civillians' noses. That's why we have GAMS, ABS and GEQ. I'm certain there are other factions out there that are less well known as we but they aren't given the respect and noteriety they deserve. They work moreso in the shadows and are more subtle and humble than ourselves. So long as they are on our side, that's all that matters. Eventually, we'll snag one of the villains from the opposite side and try to get them to see the light. As mom always said, 'kill them with kindness and give them unconditional love'. It seems that oddly enough, emfatuation can drive one to act in ways others might consider insane. The tale I'm about to tell will explain just exactly why that is.
Steampunk Romance was performing in Munich, Germany with the financial planning and help of the Haversham brothers. The two are affluent and generous and were more than willing to supply our needs while the band and I began to scope out potential evildoers that had been spotted in the area by their main stealth agent, William Englebrecht.
One of the members of WACK, simply going by the name Blaze (and aptly named), had been planning to set up a chain reaction of arsons. It would be a small fire that burst into an inferno. Blaze was familiar with arson and was known as quite the firebug. He was compelled and transfixed with the destruction fire held but for some reason, he was more entranced with myself as I sang our theme song.
Blaze was completely mesmerized and arresting him before he could do anymore damage had been easier than knocking ripe apples from an abundant tree. It was awkward taking him back to GAMS base with his constant flirting and desperate attempts to win my heart. I didn't let it affect me. In the long run, I could see Blaze was searching for true purpose. Tragically it didn't seem that WACK missed him that much because he was later replaced with another member by the name of Guile and Blaze was soon forgotten. I was relieved our groups weren't so fickle about our members and knew the value of everyone involved in our ranks.
Chapter 3--Reformation, Restitution
Blaze worked hard at repenting of his old habits. It was slow going and rough at first for him to repay the cities he had burned down, but deep down, Blaze had goodness within him. He decided to go by a new name which wasn't unlike his old one; Ignatius. I had to chuckle at his black humor, but I felt Ignatius was a better name for him. He had even chosen the surname Boehner, which he had never had before. He had found a family, even in middle age, that was willing to take him in and teach him the art of architecture and cartography. Iggy already had a knack for illustration in his spare time which I found out quite by accident one day in our correctional facility. We call it R&R or 'Reformation and Restitution'. Thus far, Iggy is our first successful recipient of its training, teaching and reintroduction back into polite society. Poor guy still has a massive crush on your's truly but I have a feeling there's someone out there for him. Just call it female intuition.
Chapter 4--Our Chapters Over Seas
GEQ is unbelievably convienient, helpful, intrepid and intelligent. Their main forum exists in England (such as the acronym would suggest) but they sprawl across Europe and the Mediterranian. Many of the agents we never hear from, but they are our tech geeks, making certain that online information remains private and out of the hands of bored hackers elsewhere. The Havershams, as I have mentioned, are the main proponents of GEQ. William is the one who has helped me before and heads a GEQ in his motherland of Germany. Then there is the quiet Suresh Patel, who holds a doctorate in particle physics and a PhD in cryptography. The latter degree, believe it or not, really comes in handy when we have brilliant villains using ciphers as means to try and mislead us. Puzzles are his bread and butter and he makes mincemeat of them in seconds. How he can work so felicitously simply is a marvel. He and the others are grand allies to have in a pinch.
Chapter 5--Diversity and Diversions
As I previously mentioned before, we're a very varitable UN of different people. Unique backgrounds, colors, creeds and perspectives. Makes our lives extremely interesting. You might wonder if we ever have a day off from fighting crime on our own terms. Definitely ! Everyone needs to have a vacation once in a while. We've gone overseas with our friends from ABS to tropical islands. Our most memorable weekend was one during Carnivale before Lent. I'll never forget dancing the samba, mambo and salsa to the parades sashaying down the streets. It's like the 80s never died in Rio, and we all loved it. All of us have trinkets of our trip in Rio and photos to boot. It was our first real rest and relaxation from the work-a-day world. We all know it won't be the last.
My friends outside of work who aren't aware of my true job as a vigilante will often ask if I ever want to settle down with Adam and have a family of my own. Collette and Keanu are already considering their options. They are the first who have ever decided about taking this extreme leap of faith. Personally I think it is incredibly brave, romantic and slightly foolish, but they are doing it in style. Collete asked me to be her maid of honor, which I wasn't expecting. I've never done anything like it, and I am slightly apprehensive. Collette loves levity and she reassured me simply to be myself at the fete. When it all came to fruition, it was the best thing I had done since the idea to take all of our groups on vacation to Brazil. If you ever want a crash course in Portuguese, that's my recommendation for you. Trust me, no quicker way to learn a language than to take the plunge, headfirst, into a foreign country that can speak English but prefers to chat in its mother tongue.
Chapter 6--The Wheel of Life Keeps Turning
It was summer and Collete and Keanu became man and wife officially. I mused about how children would fit into their busy schedule and how, once the children came of age, if they wanted to consider application for GAMS or ABS. Retirement never really seemed important to me, and I really wasn't of age to be pondering about such issues but with the wedding and festitivies underway, many questions I and the team had never tackled had become top priority.
As providence and coincidence would have it, I caught the bouquet and Adam began to cast desirous eyes upon me. Inevitably, I knew that he and I would be the next to wed, but we would bide our time building a new program into our protocol. Our younger members would train our newest recruits, because, I knew, there would come a day when we would have to pass the torch to fresher constituants. It was a bit bittersweet to consider, but as my Girl Scout mantra had taught me so well in my youth; always be prepared.
As the axiom says, the wheel of life keeps turning. Predictably, in spite of hunting down members from WACK and VILE and beginning to turn them around through R&R, Adam and I had our nuptuals. Collete and Keanu were always ahead of us, especially in having their first child. Maternity and paternity leave is already built into our employment package, so they were given plenty of time to bond with little Ariel. Even at such a tender age, I could see immense potential in her, and the other gals and I agreed. She had the uncanny ability for acrobatics, even in infancy, Collete often joked. Ah, potential in neonate form. The wonders of imagination it produces.
Eventually Adam and I had to take maternity leave for our son, Jaden. Jaden shows immense promise in analytical and logical thinking. I'm percieving he might become our next numbers man. He also loves assembling and disassembling objects, but the future is never really set in stone and he's still a kid. He's also developed a friendship with Ariel, who is considerably older and more coordinate than him, but they're like two peas in a proverbial pod.
Epilogue
We're young, innovative heroines and heroes simply trying to do what is right. It may be considered dangerous for us to take the risks that we do. We do so because no one else can or will, but we don't do so begrudgingly. The work doesn't come without peril and we do know we risk our lives every day by fighting against the powers of darkness in our screwy world but perhaps we shift the pendulum toward the light a bit more in our favor. All we can say is we hope and pray we do. One day, these groups will be in the hands of those younger, brighter and more capable than ourselves and the world will still be exceptional, extraordinary hands. For the present, we do what we can and make things right to the best of our ability. That's our creed. It's not a job, it's not a duty, but an ethical, moral responsibility we take seriously.
~*~ from the journals of Bree Sterling, CEO of GAMS
or Vigilantes vs. Villians
Synopsis: This tale tells the story of freelance groups working outside the realm of government (and the CIA, NSA, FBI and other groups have their own opinions about them and how they operate. It goes without saying that their views aren't without controversy, even though the groups operate within the realm of the law) and those who operate on their own terms for their own gain and thrive wreaking havoc wherever they are.
~*~Our groups ~*~
G.A.M.S.--An intreped group of women going under the acronym 'Gorgeous Angelic Mechanical Scientists' whose goal is to save people an honest dollar and invent methods to save the world one experiment at a time. Very innovative group, and all geniuses in their own right.
Their members: Bree Valentine, Collette Maribelle, Elsie Wu, Selene Silverfox, Polly Farmer
A.B.S.--A smart, swarthy, group full of swagger. They are the Able Bodied Studs, usually helping GAMS in their work. Like GAMS, they are college aged but mostly athletic types. Not dumb beefcakes, don't let the handsome looks and smolders fool you.
Their members: Adam Sterling, Keanu Akana, Rin Yoshida, Eric Burns, Daniel 'Dan' Jessup
G.E.Q.--Gentlemen English Quotient. From England and other European Nations, these gents help our other bounty hunters abroad.
Dashielle 'Dash' Haversham, Tarquin Haversham, William Englebrecht, Suresh Patel
V.I.L.E.--Villain Intelligence Larcony and Evil. Mainly older villians who have been in the game of lies and deciet for years and their underhanded dealings are notorious.
Their members: Bane Maleagant, Dismas Chrome, Merodach, Cane McClintough
W.A.C.K.--Wiley, Angry, Cantankerous Kooks. Our more 'emo' villains, mainly younger stock but no less intimidating than VILE. Usually work hand in hand with VILE.
Their members: Agro Brent, Azazel 'Zaz' Brent, Blaze, Alecto, Lamia
Chapter 1--Inconspicous
We could be the lady bagging your groceries at the local store. Or the steely-eyed gal who files your taxes when you need them most. We might even be that punctual, bouncy teen who babysits your kids when you need to attend an important PTO meeting or just desire to focus on yourself or your marriage. Yes, we do all those things and more. We're G.A.M.S., or Gorgeous Angelic Mechanical Scientists. I head the group. Call me Bree Valentine. Believe me, I'm not lacy and cute as my surname would sugguest. I may be the youngest in GAMS but I am organized and the other ladies always say that without me, many important duties would never become accomplished and a plethora of criminals would remain unprosecuted or dealt with. We may be a vibrant, vigorous group full of vim and vinegar but we are dedicated to making the world better through mechanics, science and non-violence.
We're extremely diverse in our ranks. Collette originally comes from France and her insight is always welcome. Like myself she is an expert mechanic and her knowledge of phyiscs is flawless. Polly Farmer, our adorable African American member, keeps all of our mathematics in check. Elsie Wu makes certain that when we feel we can't tackle a problem on our own that we ask ABS (aka Able Bodied Studs) or GEQ (aka Gentlmen English Quotient) for help. Last but not least is Selene Silverfox keeps our budgetary needs achievable and is rapid with facts and figures. She is very empirically minded and rather adventurous in the lab. She's often Collete's lab partner but is always the one wanting to try the options that haven't been exercised yet. She's very pragmatic and cautious inspite of her couragousness, though.
Those villainous forces in the world known as VILE and WACK (Villain Intelligence Larcony and Evil and Wiley Angry Cantankerous Kooks) who mean business with the misdeeds they have done. We haven't been able to stop these ne'er do wells yet, but eventually we will. When we do, they will be put through a rehabilitation program and allowed to see just how useful their skills can be. They can either turn their intelligence for a force for beneficence or malevolence, but it is up to them, entirely. We don't force anyone to do anything against their will.
Chapter 2--Love Interests
It's said never to mix work and pleasure. As a middle aged woman I can state it's excellent advice but I haven't heeded it, not one wit. I am dating Adam Sterling from ABS. Their group may seem like a bunch of musclebound twits but it isn't the case. They may be fit and athletic but they aren't idiots or incompetent. Unlike ourselves, who have a band I created named Steampunk Romance as a cover to gather intel, the guys blend in around the gym, YMCA and other social locales to find everything they can on the members of WACK and VILE. It wasn't always like this, however. Adam and I have perfectly normal lives outside of being bounty hunters and keeping the streets safe at night for everyone in America in reality as well as in cyberspace, but the need began growing as soon as I noticed crimes were being committed right under civillians' noses. That's why we have GAMS, ABS and GEQ. I'm certain there are other factions out there that are less well known as we but they aren't given the respect and noteriety they deserve. They work moreso in the shadows and are more subtle and humble than ourselves. So long as they are on our side, that's all that matters. Eventually, we'll snag one of the villains from the opposite side and try to get them to see the light. As mom always said, 'kill them with kindness and give them unconditional love'. It seems that oddly enough, emfatuation can drive one to act in ways others might consider insane. The tale I'm about to tell will explain just exactly why that is.
Steampunk Romance was performing in Munich, Germany with the financial planning and help of the Haversham brothers. The two are affluent and generous and were more than willing to supply our needs while the band and I began to scope out potential evildoers that had been spotted in the area by their main stealth agent, William Englebrecht.
One of the members of WACK, simply going by the name Blaze (and aptly named), had been planning to set up a chain reaction of arsons. It would be a small fire that burst into an inferno. Blaze was familiar with arson and was known as quite the firebug. He was compelled and transfixed with the destruction fire held but for some reason, he was more entranced with myself as I sang our theme song.
Blaze was completely mesmerized and arresting him before he could do anymore damage had been easier than knocking ripe apples from an abundant tree. It was awkward taking him back to GAMS base with his constant flirting and desperate attempts to win my heart. I didn't let it affect me. In the long run, I could see Blaze was searching for true purpose. Tragically it didn't seem that WACK missed him that much because he was later replaced with another member by the name of Guile and Blaze was soon forgotten. I was relieved our groups weren't so fickle about our members and knew the value of everyone involved in our ranks.
Chapter 3--Reformation, Restitution
Blaze worked hard at repenting of his old habits. It was slow going and rough at first for him to repay the cities he had burned down, but deep down, Blaze had goodness within him. He decided to go by a new name which wasn't unlike his old one; Ignatius. I had to chuckle at his black humor, but I felt Ignatius was a better name for him. He had even chosen the surname Boehner, which he had never had before. He had found a family, even in middle age, that was willing to take him in and teach him the art of architecture and cartography. Iggy already had a knack for illustration in his spare time which I found out quite by accident one day in our correctional facility. We call it R&R or 'Reformation and Restitution'. Thus far, Iggy is our first successful recipient of its training, teaching and reintroduction back into polite society. Poor guy still has a massive crush on your's truly but I have a feeling there's someone out there for him. Just call it female intuition.
Chapter 4--Our Chapters Over Seas
GEQ is unbelievably convienient, helpful, intrepid and intelligent. Their main forum exists in England (such as the acronym would suggest) but they sprawl across Europe and the Mediterranian. Many of the agents we never hear from, but they are our tech geeks, making certain that online information remains private and out of the hands of bored hackers elsewhere. The Havershams, as I have mentioned, are the main proponents of GEQ. William is the one who has helped me before and heads a GEQ in his motherland of Germany. Then there is the quiet Suresh Patel, who holds a doctorate in particle physics and a PhD in cryptography. The latter degree, believe it or not, really comes in handy when we have brilliant villains using ciphers as means to try and mislead us. Puzzles are his bread and butter and he makes mincemeat of them in seconds. How he can work so felicitously simply is a marvel. He and the others are grand allies to have in a pinch.
Chapter 5--Diversity and Diversions
As I previously mentioned before, we're a very varitable UN of different people. Unique backgrounds, colors, creeds and perspectives. Makes our lives extremely interesting. You might wonder if we ever have a day off from fighting crime on our own terms. Definitely ! Everyone needs to have a vacation once in a while. We've gone overseas with our friends from ABS to tropical islands. Our most memorable weekend was one during Carnivale before Lent. I'll never forget dancing the samba, mambo and salsa to the parades sashaying down the streets. It's like the 80s never died in Rio, and we all loved it. All of us have trinkets of our trip in Rio and photos to boot. It was our first real rest and relaxation from the work-a-day world. We all know it won't be the last.
My friends outside of work who aren't aware of my true job as a vigilante will often ask if I ever want to settle down with Adam and have a family of my own. Collette and Keanu are already considering their options. They are the first who have ever decided about taking this extreme leap of faith. Personally I think it is incredibly brave, romantic and slightly foolish, but they are doing it in style. Collete asked me to be her maid of honor, which I wasn't expecting. I've never done anything like it, and I am slightly apprehensive. Collette loves levity and she reassured me simply to be myself at the fete. When it all came to fruition, it was the best thing I had done since the idea to take all of our groups on vacation to Brazil. If you ever want a crash course in Portuguese, that's my recommendation for you. Trust me, no quicker way to learn a language than to take the plunge, headfirst, into a foreign country that can speak English but prefers to chat in its mother tongue.
Chapter 6--The Wheel of Life Keeps Turning
It was summer and Collete and Keanu became man and wife officially. I mused about how children would fit into their busy schedule and how, once the children came of age, if they wanted to consider application for GAMS or ABS. Retirement never really seemed important to me, and I really wasn't of age to be pondering about such issues but with the wedding and festitivies underway, many questions I and the team had never tackled had become top priority.
As providence and coincidence would have it, I caught the bouquet and Adam began to cast desirous eyes upon me. Inevitably, I knew that he and I would be the next to wed, but we would bide our time building a new program into our protocol. Our younger members would train our newest recruits, because, I knew, there would come a day when we would have to pass the torch to fresher constituants. It was a bit bittersweet to consider, but as my Girl Scout mantra had taught me so well in my youth; always be prepared.
As the axiom says, the wheel of life keeps turning. Predictably, in spite of hunting down members from WACK and VILE and beginning to turn them around through R&R, Adam and I had our nuptuals. Collete and Keanu were always ahead of us, especially in having their first child. Maternity and paternity leave is already built into our employment package, so they were given plenty of time to bond with little Ariel. Even at such a tender age, I could see immense potential in her, and the other gals and I agreed. She had the uncanny ability for acrobatics, even in infancy, Collete often joked. Ah, potential in neonate form. The wonders of imagination it produces.
Eventually Adam and I had to take maternity leave for our son, Jaden. Jaden shows immense promise in analytical and logical thinking. I'm percieving he might become our next numbers man. He also loves assembling and disassembling objects, but the future is never really set in stone and he's still a kid. He's also developed a friendship with Ariel, who is considerably older and more coordinate than him, but they're like two peas in a proverbial pod.
Epilogue
We're young, innovative heroines and heroes simply trying to do what is right. It may be considered dangerous for us to take the risks that we do. We do so because no one else can or will, but we don't do so begrudgingly. The work doesn't come without peril and we do know we risk our lives every day by fighting against the powers of darkness in our screwy world but perhaps we shift the pendulum toward the light a bit more in our favor. All we can say is we hope and pray we do. One day, these groups will be in the hands of those younger, brighter and more capable than ourselves and the world will still be exceptional, extraordinary hands. For the present, we do what we can and make things right to the best of our ability. That's our creed. It's not a job, it's not a duty, but an ethical, moral responsibility we take seriously.
~*~ from the journals of Bree Sterling, CEO of GAMS
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