Lurching Towards Ragnarok (Superheros-WW2)

[Imperial Overlord]

September 2, 1937

Slanting beams of sunlight pierced the darkness at the center of the temple. A middle aged bald man wearing a plain cream coloured robe sat cross legged on the floor, his eyes closed. Then he opened his eyes. A moment later the door creaked open.

A young man, also bald, entered. He bowed low. "Master, there are strangers coming up the mountain. Some of them are foreign ghosts and they are well armed."

"I will deal with them. Gather the rest of the students."

"Yes master."

The old man rose to his feet and walked out of his inner sanctum. Men and women were rising from where the mats that they had been sitting on. The old man walked passed them without a word.

Cool mountain air washed over him as he walked out of the temple's doors. His students were beginning to spill into the courtyard. He crossed it at a sedate pace, his feet not quite touching the ground. He climbed the wall and looked down.

A column of men was snaking its way along the path towards the temple gates, emerging from clouds like a dragon from the mist. They were already among the terrace gardens that provided the temple with food. Many of the men were Europeans. Most of them carried guns.

He waited for them to approach. As they grew closer a man moved up from the middle of the group to the front. He was a European. He was tall and tanned, with fierce blue eyes. He was lean. There was something about him that other men would find dangerous, but the old man knew what that was. The European had been touched by the power.

He stopped short of the gate. "I'm here for One Cloud," he said in badly accented, but serviceable Mandarin.

"Who asks for me?"

"You can call me Black. I'm here to learn."

"Go away," said One Cloud, putting his will and the weight of the universe behind his words. "You are not welcome here."

The European smiled. "That's very good, but it won't work on me. Share your knowledge with me and I'll leave peacefully."

"There is very little peace in China at the moment," One Cloud replied. "I surrender my own if necessary."

"Have it your way," said the European. He moved incredibly fast, drawing the revolver from his hip holster and firing twice at One Cloud. The bullets flew from the gun like angry wasps. One Cloud stepped out of their way.

"Impressive," said the European. He switched target and put a bullet into the other hearts of the other two men on the wall. "Cover the wall he said," he said in English. "Klein, Daniels, place a charge on the door."

"Why us?" Klein asked.

"Because you fucked up last. Move." He handed his Webley to Batu. "Reload. And give me the Thompson." The Mongol handed him the submachine gun and then reloaded the pistol and passed it over. Klein and Daniels moved up as the other men covered the wall with rifles and submachine guns. They placed a dynamite charge and ran back.

The fuse burned down. Black smoke erupted and a shower of wooden splinters flew from where the gate had once been. "Kill them all," said Black as he shouldered the Thompson. "No head shots."

Half his men moved up towards the gateway while the others covered the wall. Black followed at the rear of the first group. Gun shots barked out. Light flared and several of Black's men fell.

By the time Black had reached the courtyard the fight had devolved into a confused melee. In total defiance to all rationality the martial arts students were not being massacred by the men with guns. Bodies from both sides lay sprawled in the dirt while bullets were fired at men and women who dodged with impossible skill. They flashed into close quarters, striking with feet and fists, dropping men right and left. Others were not quite fast enough and struck with bullets. They fell bloodily to ground.

A man stood on the steps of the temple, throwing fire from his hands at Black's hirelings. One Cloud was everywhere, almost teleporting from place to place to strike men down. "Yes," said Black. "Yes."

A fireball flew from the left hand of the student on the stairs. Black dodged it. The fireball flew passed him to strike one of the them coming up behind Black, setting him alight. The man screamed, thrashed, and then fell to the ground and started rolling. Black opened up with the Thompson. The fire thrower dodged, but Black raked the fire along his path of movement and lead him. Bullets smacked into his torso and the fire thrower fell and rolled half way down the stairs. The One Cloud was in front of him.

Black stepped back to avoid the head strike and dropped the Thompson. The Webley came up in his hand. One Cloud dodged the first shot and kicked the gun out of the European's hand. "You can't win," said Black. "Most of your students are down and I've still got more than half my men."

One Cloud leaped and broke the neck of a man trying to flank him and then sent a flying kick at Black's head. Black blocked and knocked One Cloud down. The Chinese man landed easily on his feet. "Your men will not save you."

"Don't need them to," said Black as he drew a Bowie Knife. He sliced at One Cloud. The Daoist master blocked forearm to forearm. Then One Cloud gasped as Black punched him in the short ribs. The European followed up with a blow to the stomach and then the diaphragm. Then the knife opened up One Cloud's side.

"You weren't my first," said Black. "Pankration," he explained. "Your Chinese boxing is very impressive, but I had the knife and you thought I was an amateur."

"I am not done yet," said One Cloud. He circled Black.

"True," said Black, waving the bloody knife and moving to keep facing One Cloud. "You Chinese need to learn to admit that the rest of the world isn't full of stupid apes."

"A white man has no business lecturing anyone on the subject of hubris."

"You should have given me what I wanted," said Black. "Then none of this would have been necessary."

"When I die, you will be empty handed," said One Cloud. "Either way, you lose."

"Oh don't worry about me," said Black with a smile. "I'll manage." Behind Black Batu raised a Colt .45 automatic and stepped to the side. Black slashed with the knife. One Cloud dodged back. Batu fired four times. One round caught One Cloud in the leg. He staggered and then Black drove his blade through One Cloud's heart.

One Cloud head butted Black, breaking his nose and knocking him back. One Cloud took one step and then another. Batu put three rounds into his chest. One Cloud fell.

Black shook his head to clear it and approached One Cloud's body. The rest of One Cloud's students were down, along with two thirds of Black's men. Black knelt by One Cloud and brandished the knife. "Now for my techniques to work you have to be dead and your durability is quite impressive. So, unfortunately, I'll have to speed you on your way. Hopefully this will be quick."

[Raj Ahten]

Any particular inspiration for this yarn? From the look of it so far the power level isn't too high if a bunch of mercenaries can take down the powered up folk.

I'm also curious as to who exactly Black works for. My gut says Nazis, but he's talking in English to the mooks and using a British revolver; the first would definitely be odd for a Nazi as he could certainly find German speaking men. He could just be eating brains to gain knowledge though, as is strongly implied. I imagine all will be revealed in time.

[Imperial Overlord]

Any particular inspiration for this yarn? From the look of it so far the power level isn't too high if a bunch of mercenaries can take down the powered up folk.

All that backstory for "The Becoming" that I'm not otherwise using.

And you think that these guys are an example of high end? That's cute. *Pats on head*. For the record, less than half the monks were supers.

[White Haven]

Dodging bullets is impressive. Being a touch enough sonofabitch that you don't need to bother, however, is when you're starting to become serious heavy metal.

[Simon_Jester]

This is a pleasant surprise.

[Quetzalcoatl]

A kung fu fireball...
Really?

On the other hand, I'm glad that you decided to go ahead and develop the WW2 meta origin story.

[Imperial Overlord]

A kung fu fireball...
Really?

Yes, I had to indulge in my desire to kill one.

[LadyTevar]

Keep indulging your desires, if they keep you writing like this, babe.

[Raj Ahten]

And you think that these guys are an example of high end? That's cute. *Pats on head*. For the record, less than half the monks were supers.

What can I say? I noticed this story before the other one......

I also guess mercenaries available during the Chinese Civil War just aren't that good.

[Simon_Jester]

I imagine it varied rather drastically; as is often the case with mercenaries, you get what you pay for. Since Black really just needed the mercs as a sort of ablative meat-shield to keep One Cloud's students busy while he did his necromancy act, he probably didn't break his budget hiring the best.

[Imperial Overlord]

February 2, 1938

"He will see you now," said the man in the black SS dress uniform. He opened the polished oak door and let Black into the office. The man on the other side of the oak desk was small and unassuming. He had the appearance of a glasses wearing minor bureaucrat. The door to the office closed behind Black.

"Herr Schwartz I believe?"

"That is correct Reichsfuhrer," replied Black. "I have come on a matter of mutual interest."

The bookish looking head of the SS looked up. "And that is?" said Heinrich Himmler.

"I have uncovered ancient lore of the Aryan race," lied Black, pushing his will into in Himmler. "Secrets which gave them enormous powers. The myths of heroes and gods are based on ancient truths, truths I have recovered." Himmler's belief in proto-Germanic superhumans and ancient super science had made him a target for charlatans and ambitious men looking for powerful patrons. Charlatans and a superhuman who could deliver on his promises. "I have found references to the formula for creating overmen, a partial account of what would become the golden apples of Idunn."

Himmler's eyes lit up and then dimmed, a crafty look appearing on his face. "Is this so? What proof do you have?"

"Proof I can provide Reichsfuhrer. The formula is somewhat . . . incomplete. I need further tests to refine it."

"So you have nothing."

"Not at all," said Black. Flames flashed from his fingertips. "Not at all. But I need many more resources to finish my work."

"Resources you wish me to provide."

"Yes. Scientists, laborers, soldiers, laboratories, money, and subjects. Most especially experimental subjects. You control the camps, yes? The consequences of consuming the imperfect formula can be . . unpleasant." Extraordinarily lethal might be a more accurate way of putting it. "It will need to be refined before it can be used on Aryans. What better use for undesirables than experiments which will improve the master race?" Black pushed hard, forcing his will into the smaller man, but he barely needed to push at all.

"Very well then. I will provide you with what you need and you will provide me with results to show the Fuhrer."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 8, 1938

Ash fell from Hermann Lange's cigarette to the cold concrete floor. "This place is an ice box," the lanky doctor muttered. He took another drag from his cigarette.

Everyone here was an SS man from the guards to the academics. There were two dozen of them, mostly clustered together near the center of the storehouse and muttering. No one really wanted to be working in a concentration camp, especially in a building that appeared to have no working heating.

The sound of feet on metal stairs dragged Lange's attention upwards. A stocky Mongolian in a heavy coat that had seen better days was descending the stairs. Behind him was a tall man in an expensive coat. His eyes were blue and his hair was light brown. He could have been on an SS recruiting poster. A corona of power, violet and crimson, surrounded him. Lange's cigarette dropped from his hand.

"Gentlemen, I am assured that the heat will be on in a day or two at most," said Black. "We'll be sleeping rough for the next few days as all the furniture and equipment arrives over the next few days, but I'm sure we can take a few hardships. This area we will reserve for the holding of subjects and testing. I'll want to get started as soon as possible, using large batches. Hopefully we'll be ready to begin by the end of the week."

Black reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled. "I'll want to conduct personal interviews with all the staff. Starting now." He stared right at Lange. "You. Come with me."

[Dargos]

February 2, 1938

The sound of feat on metal stairs dragged Lange's attention upwards.

Minor typo. I think you mean feet. Intersting story, I look forward to reading more.

[LadyTevar]

OOf. Black's all business and no compassion, isn't he. *shiver*

I hate to think what they will do with the 'successes' from the mass testing.

[White Haven]

Does it occur to anyone else that a Nazi program to give Jews and/or homosexuals and/or prisoners of war or politics superpowers is, on its face, an extraordinarily bad idea from the Nazi perspective?

[Imperial Overlord]

Does it occur to anyone else that a Nazi program to give Jews and/or homosexuals and/or prisoners of war or politics superpowers is, on its face, an extraordinarily bad idea from the Nazi perspective?

Black has this one covered. You'll see.

[Imperial Overlord]

Lange followed Black into a barren corridor. "I see you have a gift doctor," said Black. "Don't bother denying it. I can tell."

The cigarette in Lange's hand trembled. The German took a drag on it. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"You have an ability that sets you apart from mortal men. Like me. Do not be afraid. I have no intention of harming you. We shall have plenty of subjects soon enough. That reminds me, body disposal will be an issue."

"God in heaven."

"You did not join the SS because you valued clean hands above all else," said Black. "The subjects are all the walking dead. The state will work them to death or starve them or let disease take them or perhaps even shoot them. If they're lucky, it will only be mass deportations under wretched conditions for the survivors. We both know that. Smoking is a bad habit, by the way. You should quit."

"The Fuhrer agrees with you."

"More importantly, so do the dead," said Black. "My gift. I can take knowledge from the dead and it is a very useful gift indeed."

"So recognizing other 'gifted' comes with that?"

"No," said Black. "That was a skill, a learned ability another man had. I took it from his corpse when he refused to share it."

"A learned skill?" asked Lange.

"Ah, you're curious now. Yes, Herr Doctor Lange, a learned skill. Once upon a time they would have called it magic. Ancient science or psychic abilities would probably be the terminology used now in the West. The man I took it from thought it was the truth behind Daoism." He saw Lange's blank look. "Chinese mysticism. It doesn't matter. It's very, very hard. Almost no one can attune themselves to the energy flows and shape the power. Almost no one. But there are others like you and me and those that we will make here who will not need years of training and exacting mental discipline and talents to manifest superhuman abilities. Abilities we can induce."

"An army of supermen?"

"Yes. What in other times were wizards, gods, and heroes. But that's secondary. We will understand the greatest secrets of the universe and possess the key to unlock all of humanity's potential."

He's mad, thought Lange. A megalomaniac. "That's very ambitious."

"Some men have ambitions. Others waste immortality meditating on a mountain top. We shall not waste time trying to sort through dubious metaphysics to find the truth. Science shall be our tool. And our road to power. So, for the last time, what is your power?"

"I. . . see things. Light, flowing from strong power sources. Engines, generators, things like that. And you."

Black clapped his hands together. "Excellent! You can see the power! Yes, this will be most helpful. We'll be able to manage far more subjects at a time."

"In what way?"

"Well, we can't exactly leave super powered Jews strapped to tables, especially when the treatment we've given them has killed most of the subjects. We'll have to kill those who are developing powers immediately, before they have time to understand what they've become. And then dissect them, of course. I can only watch so many subjects at one time."

February 25, 1938

Black looked down from the catwalk to the room below. The barren room was now filled with restraint equipped examination tables. Other tables held vials and syringes of serum. Light fixtures hung overhead and the SS men in grey camoulflage with rifles stood on the catwalks. Others with submachine guns stood guard on the floor.

"In an hour we begin the first trial," said Black. "Our serum will be Compound Two. Over the next several days we will be handling two hundred subjects of varying gender, age, and nationality. Communists, gypsies, homosexuals, and Jews. No one that will be missed. Our quest is to unleash the sacred power that lies dormant in Aryan blood, the powers of the heroes and gods of myth. There is no higher duty to the Fatherland. Heil Hitler!" He gave the Nazi salute.

"Heil Hitler!" His men shouted as they returned it. Black had already killed several hundred Chinese peasants with his earlier experiments, based on the 'alchemy' he had obtained from One Cloud. The fool had found immortality, touched the primal powers of the universe, and learned how to make gods and what had he done with it? Experiment? Research? No, the fool had crawled up a mountain to meditate on why his formulae worked on so few and killed so many. As if the answer lay in gazing into thin air and hoping data would spontaneously materialize. No, knowledge had to be seized, at whatever price necessary.

Apotheosis was worth breaking a few eggs.

[Simon_Jester]

Yeah. Come to think of it, the Nazis are about the only place that can readily explain where juicing in your setting would come from.

[Imperial Overlord]

Yeah. Come to think of it, the Nazis are about the only place that can readily explain where juicing in your setting would come from.

You would think so. However there's these nagging thoughts about the Japanese biowarfare experiments on the Chinese and US experiments on US citizens involving the injection of radioactive materials and the Tuskegee syphilis experiments and the Soviets aren't saints either so . . . .

[Simon_Jester]

It's not just the lack of bioethics. It's the combination of no bioethics and a strong ideological bent favoring the creation of supermen and a nation with high background technological capability. You need a country that's smart enough to discard the stuff that won't work, committed enough to fund it, and ruthless enough to kill several thousand experimental subjects in the process.

[Imperial Overlord]

Oh yes, the Nazis are by far the most likely group to start juicing for all the reasons that you mentioned.

[White Haven]

Scrolling forewards, of course, Stalin starts to make a lot more sense in the context of juicing.

[Simon_Jester]

Scrolling forewards, of course, Stalin starts to make a lot more sense in the context of juicing.

To a point, but while he might want it and be willing to fund it, he's got handicaps. One is that his nation's scientific and technical communities are several years behind the curve, for reasons that aren't going to go away. So his experiments may simply fail, much as this attempt to create ape-man supersoldiers did in real life.

On top of that, there's the problem of identifying people who really can create metahumans. Say what you will about the German necromancer Black*, but he's not a fraud. He is sincerely capable of doing and willing to do what he promises, give or take a little. God help the poor bastards who get sucked up into juicing experiments run by a Lysenkoist, on the other hand.

Finally there's the ideological aspect. If someone promises that he can create a thousand supermen for the Red Army, Stalin is going to sit down and ask "is the program going to cost less than recruiting an infantry division, and will 1000 supermen be worth more than 10000 men?" He doesn't already have a preexisting fetish for the idea of a race of supermen stomping over all opposition; Hitler and his followers do.
_______

*"necromancer" is exactly the word...

[White Haven]

Not necessarily saying it's practical, but a program of irrational, knee-jerk purges and disappearings makes a good deal more sense in the context of 'we need people no one will ask after to attempt a high-mortality ultra-secret process on' as opposed to the context of 'I'm a paranoid hatfucker' as we had in the real world.

[Simon_Jester]

Not necessarily saying it's practical, but a program of irrational, knee-jerk purges and disappearings makes a good deal more sense in the context of 'we need people no one will ask after to attempt a high-mortality ultra-secret process on' as opposed to the context of 'I'm a paranoid hatfucker' as we had in the real world.

There's plenty of precedent for rulers killing off lots of people because they are paranoid hatfuckers, though. I'd say it honestly doesn't need an explanation.

[LadyTevar]

However, if you recall how the German rocket scientists were spirited away to America and Russia. I can see the Juicers also being smuggled out of post-war Germany and 'pardoned' in exchange for their knowledge.