Conduits vs Supes : Civil War

Hello, everyone ! Enjoy the new chapter !

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Empire City safe house #3, underground training facility.

Clutching his wooden staff in his fists, Frederic Saint-Claire worked through the katas. He had translated a number of ancient texts to find something suitable for him. He'd struck gold, after sifting through a pile of sand and shit.

There were things he had no idea whether or not they'd serve anyone, or if they ever had. If cultivation methods were hidden like so much secret intelligence, he thought it was natural that some people would create false information. Or rather in this case, flawed or useless methods. Still, the more he went through his treasures, the more surprised and excited to discover more he was.

Which also meant that he hadn't gone back to his foster family in a while… He kept contact with Danielle, as she was the only person in this family he actually care for, however, he didn't plan on going back there. After all, he believed he had accomplished most of what he had to do while fostering here : meet up Danielle, bring her to Ground Zero the day the Ray Sphere detonated. The rest was… well, he wasn't sure. Of anything.

He believed, she had a role to play in curing the Ray Field plague. Probably lend her DNA and make a vaccine or serum with it, one that would allow people to overcome the disease. He only hoped that Ray Field Energy would still have an effect on Vought-Babies once the plague was cured… In fact, the possibility that it wouldn't terrified him, as it would mean they were back to square one !

Homelander would, once again, be invincible, the most powerful human on the planet. And he'd have a legion of supes to call on to do his bidding. All under the Vought banner, with its multinational economic power.

Perhaps, he should consider helping Kessler's company to grow. The problem was that… he had a soul. And a moral compass. He doubted he'd be able the things needed to compete with Vought. Kessler might, however…

Frederic shook his head as he recalled one of the ancient texts. An ancient text about the important of Karma on a cultivator, or rather a conduit. According to the text, it not only influenced the very nature of the conduit's power, but also his psyche. If the conduit was naturally selfish and callous, his power started to become more suited to killing people or satisfy his desires. On the other side of the spectrum, the more someone was altruistic and good-natured, the better his powers would be suited to restrain enemies and help people.

He sighed in contentment as he got out of his ready-stance, thinking about the veritable treasure trove of esoteric knowledge he's been unknowingly collecting over the years. So much of it appealed to him, as much because of his inherent curiosity and desire to improve himself, as it was because of his own interests and passion. Esoterism, religion, myths and legends had always subjects that interested him. First because he felt his own power was lacking compared to other supes, then, when he finally learned to accept himself, simply because the subjects were so rich and interesting. The possibility of learning Alchemy or other obscure practices - at least, to him - like acupuncture and eastern medicine was a very enjoyable prospect in his opinion. A prospect that would take up most of his time for months, perhaps years to come…

Alternatively, he might be choose to compete with Vought's monopoly on heroes himself, once he got his hands on the Ray Sphere. With his intuition, figuring out how it worked, even drawing a blueprint wouldn't be impossible. Frankly, his power was extremely useful even before the Blast. Now that it had been heightened by several degrees, he wasn't that far from possessing a kind of omniscience.

Reverse engineering and even improving the Ray Sphere, doing the same with Compound V… These were all in the realms of possibilities. Even before that, he could create a company and build up its power, economy and influence. But he couldn't do these things with the threat of Homelander out there. A man who could hear from miles away, see through solid walls and get anywhere incredibly fast was a threat for any long term project he might have against Vought.

So, before making any plans for his future war against the amoral corporation, Frederic needed to see the events of Empire City coming to a satisfying conclusion. Then, deal with Homelander and his ilk.

As if on cue, his phone rang. Looking at the display, the number was hidden, making his wary and consider refusing to answer. In the end, he did, preparing to cut off the person on the other end.

« Hello, young Frederic ? It's Kessler. »

He smiled, glad to have decided on picking up. Especially when he learned the reason for the call.

* * * * *

Yet another rooftop, Empire City.

Frederic and Kessler's meeting was set to take place on a rooftop overlooking the Historical District. The older man stood on the edge, his back turned, contemplating the impact and consequences of his actions. The conversation in the bunker, in particular, kept playing in his mind. Unlike his youth where he mostly reacted to the events around him, this time around, he was actually the architect of most of the city's, and perhaps the world's, ills. The Activated Conduits, the gang war, the epidemic and quarantine…

Watching the very tragic symbol of the culmination of his efforts to change the future, and consider that it might have actually precipitated things, made him feel melancholy. He missed his wife, his best friend, his little girls… Most of all, he missed their presence and counsel.

A few days ago, he had visited Trish, revealing who he was and that he actually was the person behind the Blast. Needless to say, it had been painful to see such loathing from his wife. Or rather, from a younger version of the woman he'd always consider his wife. That's when he'd learned that Amy, Trish's sister, had died on that day… No wonder she hated him.

Frederic is right ! Kessler thought. I am a dumbass.

All this time, he knew that he would destroy the lives of many people. He also planned on destroying the life of his younger self, in order to prepare him to face the Beast. His plan was to push him to fight against the gangs and their leaders, power up by absorbing the Rayacite, the shards of earth irradiated by the Ray Sphere Energy, and force him to make a choice between the woman he loved, and a bunch of strangers…

« It's all my fault… » He muttered just as the person he was waiting finished climbing up the ladder.

« You're wrong, Mister Kessler. While you did accelerate the timeline, the Ray Sphere would have detonated sooner or later. Maybe not here, probably not before half a decade or more, but it would have still happened. And frankly, while the loss of life is a terrible tragedy, I'm hoping something good will come of it. »

As he spoke, Frederic made his way to stand beside the older man and watched the area where he had his conduit gene activated. Kessler considered the teen's words. He was right of course. He was living proof of it, after all. In his timeline, neither he nor an older version of himself had anything to do with the Ray Sphere's creation.

The First Son, led by Richard Tate and then his son, Alden Tate, had carried the project to fruition, with DARPA's funding. He wasn't sure whether it had been an accident or a premeditated act… But it had detonated. And he was Activated.

Still, it didn't absolve him of his sins, or washed the lives he took. All to see his life's goal being shown to be… a mistake ! He still wasn't sure about Fred's theory about the Beast. Some part of him believed it, while the other… It didn't want to as it would mean that there was nothing he could have done to save his family. Or the world.

All this power… and yet he was powerless to prevent the end of the world ! So, now that it was all revealed and a seed of doubt had been planted into his previously iron-clad resolve, Kessler would see where the teen's meddling would lead. At least, for a while…

If the kid couldn't produce results, he would resume his original plan.


Kessler turned toward a reservoir, Frederic following his gaze. At its base was an inconspicuous wooden box.

« Is that ? » He asked.

« The Ray Sphere. » Kessler confirmed. « Are you positive about your ability to accomplish what you promised us ? »

Even from this far and without laying eyes on it, Frederic's intuition was whispering frantically behind the door to his subconscious. About the device's potential, about the energy it contained and what it could do. Even about its history and the work put in to get it to this current version. Finally and most importantly, it purred what he could do to improve upon it.

With a slight smile and a somewhat distant gaze, Frederic nodded :

« Yes. Yes, I believe I can ! »CHapter 6 : Learning

Empire City safe house #3, underground training facility.

Clutching his wooden staff in his fists, Frederic Saint-Claire worked through the katas. He had translated a number of ancient texts to find something suitable for him. He'd struck gold, after sifting through a pile of sand and shit.

There were things he had no idea whether or not they'd serve anyone, or if they ever had. If cultivation methods were hidden like so much secret intelligence, he thought it was natural that some people would create false information. Or rather in this case, flawed or useless methods. Still, the more he went through his treasures, the more surprised and excited to discover more he was.

Which also meant that he hadn't gone back to his foster family in a while… He kept contact with Danielle, as she was the only person in this family he actually care for, however, he didn't plan on going back there. After all, he believed he had accomplished most of what he had to do while fostering here : meet up Danielle, bring her to Ground Zero the day the Ray Sphere detonated. The rest was… well, he wasn't sure. Of anything.

He believed, she had a role to play in curing the Ray Field plague. Probably lend her DNA and make a vaccine or serum with it, one that would allow people to overcome the disease. He only hoped that Ray Field Energy would still have an effect on Vought-Babies once the plague was cured… In fact, the possibility that it wouldn't terrified him, as it would mean they were back to square one !

Homelander would, once again, be invincible, the most powerful human on the planet. And he'd have a legion of supes to call on to do his bidding. All under the Vought banner, with its multinational economic power.

Perhaps, he should consider helping Kessler's company to grow. The problem was that… he had a soul. And a moral compass. He doubted he'd be able the things needed to compete with Vought. Kessler might, however…

Frederic shook his head as he recalled one of the ancient texts. An ancient text about the important of Karma on a cultivator, or rather a conduit. According to the text, it not only influenced the very nature of the conduit's power, but also his psyche. If the conduit was naturally selfish and callous, his power started to become more suited to killing people or satisfy his desires. On the other side of the spectrum, the more someone was altruistic and good-natured, the better his powers would be suited to restrain enemies and help people.

He sighed in contentment as he got out of his ready-stance, thinking about the veritable treasure trove of esoteric knowledge he's been unknowingly collecting over the years. So much of it appealed to him, as much because of his inherent curiosity and desire to improve himself, as it was because of his own interests and passion. Esoterism, religion, myths and legends had always subjects that interested him. First because he felt his own power was lacking compared to other supes, then, when he finally learned to accept himself, simply because the subjects were so rich and interesting. The possibility of learning Alchemy or other obscure practices - at least, to him - like acupuncture and eastern medicine was a very enjoyable prospect in his opinion. A prospect that would take up most of his time for months, perhaps years to come…

Alternatively, he might be choose to compete with Vought's monopoly on heroes himself, once he got his hands on the Ray Sphere. With his intuition, figuring out how it worked, even drawing a blueprint wouldn't be impossible. Frankly, his power was extremely useful even before the Blast. Now that it had been heightened by several degrees, he wasn't that far from possessing a kind of omniscience.

Reverse engineering and even improving the Ray Sphere, doing the same with Compound V… These were all in the realms of possibilities. Even before that, he could create a company and build up its power, economy and influence. But he couldn't do these things with the threat of Homelander out there. A man who could hear from miles away, see through solid walls and get anywhere incredibly fast was a threat for any long term project he might have against Vought.

So, before making any plans for his future war against the amoral corporation, Frederic needed to see the events of Empire City coming to a satisfying conclusion. Then, deal with Homelander and his ilk.

As if on cue, his phone rang. Looking at the display, the number was hidden, making his wary and consider refusing to answer. In the end, he did, preparing to cut off the person on the other end.

« Hello, young Frederic ? It's Kessler. »

He smiled, glad to have decided on picking up. Especially when he learned the reason for the call.

* * * * *

Yet another rooftop, Empire City.

Frederic and Kessler's meeting was set to take place on a rooftop overlooking the Historical District. The older man stood on the edge, his back turned, contemplating the impact and consequences of his actions. The conversation in the bunker, in particular, kept playing in his mind. Unlike his youth where he mostly reacted to the events around him, this time around, he was actually the architect of most of the city's, and perhaps the world's, ills. The Activated Conduits, the gang war, the epidemic and quarantine…

Watching the very tragic symbol of the culmination of his efforts to change the future, and consider that it might have actually precipitated things, made him feel melancholy. He missed his wife, his best friend, his little girls… Most of all, he missed their presence and counsel.

A few days ago, he had visited Trish, revealing who he was and that he actually was the person behind the Blast. Needless to say, it had been painful to see such loathing from his wife. Or rather, from a younger version of the woman he'd always consider his wife. That's when he'd learned that Amy, Trish's sister, had died on that day… No wonder she hated him.

Frederic is right ! Kessler thought. I am a dumbass.

All this time, he knew that he would destroy the lives of many people. He also planned on destroying the life of his younger self, in order to prepare him to face the Beast. His plan was to push him to fight against the gangs and their leaders, power up by absorbing the Rayacite, the shards of earth irradiated by the Ray Sphere Energy, and force him to make a choice between the woman he loved, and a bunch of strangers…

« It's all my fault… » He muttered just as the person he was waiting finished climbing up the ladder.

« You're wrong, Mister Kessler. While you did accelerate the timeline, the Ray Sphere would have detonated sooner or later. Maybe not here, probably not before half a decade or more, but it would have still happened. And frankly, while the loss of life is a terrible tragedy, I'm hoping something good will come of it. »

As he spoke, Frederic made his way to stand beside the older man and watched the area where he had his conduit gene activated. Kessler considered the teen's words. He was right of course. He was living proof of it, after all. In his timeline, neither he nor an older version of himself had anything to do with the Ray Sphere's creation.

The First Son, led by Richard Tate and then his son, Alden Tate, had carried the project to fruition, with DARPA's funding. He wasn't sure whether it had been an accident or a premeditated act… But it had detonated. And he was Activated.

Still, it didn't absolve him of his sins, or washed the lives he took. All to see his life's goal being shown to be… a mistake ! He still wasn't sure about Fred's theory about the Beast. Some part of him believed it, while the other… It didn't want to as it would mean that there was nothing he could have done to save his family. Or the world.

All this power… and yet he was powerless to prevent the end of the world ! So, now that it was all revealed and a seed of doubt had been planted into his previously iron-clad resolve, Kessler would see where the teen's meddling would lead. At least, for a while…

If the kid couldn't produce results, he would resume his original plan.


Kessler turned toward a reservoir, Frederic following his gaze. At its base was an inconspicuous wooden box.

« Is that ? » He asked.

« The Ray Sphere. » Kessler confirmed. « Are you positive about your ability to accomplish what you promised us ? »

Even from this far and without laying eyes on it, Frederic's intuition was whispering frantically behind the door to his subconscious. About the device's potential, about the energy it contained and what it could do. Even about its history and the work put in to get it to this current version. Finally and most importantly, it purred what he could do to improve upon it.

With a slight smile and a somewhat distant gaze, Frederic nodded :

« Yes. Yes, I believe I can ! »