Flashfire

Overview

Flashfire
Returned Hero
Zone	Founders' Falls
Coordinates	(2471, 64, 1723)
Level Range	40-50
Introduced By	None
Introduces	None
Enemy Groups	+++ Missing Information +++

Signature Story Arc Pandora's Box, Episode 3.

Flashfire is a hero contact in the Red River neighborhood of Founders' Falls at coordinates (2471, 64, 1723) . His level range is 40-50. He is standing on the second bridge from the north, 202 yards south of the Pocket D entrance. Flashfire is the third contact in the hero-side Pandora's Box Signature Story Arc available on the Paragon Market or free with subscription.

Introductions

Contact Introduced By

None; Flashfire should be approached in-game.

Contact Introduces

None.

Description

Returned Hero

Prince Arnold Pyre's early years were spent as a licensed hero, originally in his home country of Isla del Dante, then followed by a brief stint in Paragon City. He soon gave up the mantle of Hero, however, as he discovered that his royal heritage gave him the opportunity to do more good in political circles than he could ever accomplish with his powers alone. Up until recently, he has served as Isla del Dante's delegate in the United Nations, and has been a strong advocate for metahuman rights internationally.

Upon hearing word that Wavelength had come out of retirement, however, Arnold felt compelled to return to Paragon. Now, he assists the Freedom Phalanx as best he can, and worries incessantly about his mother's well-being.

Too Low Level

I am sorry, Character. You have good intentions, this much I can see. However, I do not believe you are quite experienced enough to handle what I would ask of you. Please, when you are Level 40, return to me.

Initial Contact

Encantado, Character. I am here on behalf of the Freedom Phalanx, and I must say that I am deeply honored to get the chance to work with one such as yourself. Positron has informed me of your progress in the search for Pandora's Box. I am confident that, with the help of Doctor Harvan, we will find the artifact that you seek.

Greeting

Missing At Least One Greeting Dialogue

Content Not Purchased

In order to play Flashfire's storyarc, you will need to have purchased the third episode of the second signature story arc, Pandora's Box, or be a VIP subscriber.

Story Arc

First to the Mill

Merit Rewards: This activity awards ? Reward Merits.

Part One: Erratic Behavior

Briefing

Encantado, Character. I am here on behalf of the Freedom Phalanx, and I must say that I am deeply honored to get the chance to work with one such as yourself. Positron has informed me of your progress in the search for Pandora's Box. I am confident that, with the help of Doctor Harvan, we will find the artifact that you seek.

• Agree to form a task force

Doctor Harvan is hard at work using the Antikythera to track the location of Pandora's Box, and Positron has been in the field, assisting him with data gathered from areas around Paragon. Positron assures me that they are making good progress, but he worries about their pacing. Perhaps you could speak with Doctor Harvan, and find a way to assist him as well? The earlier we locate Pandora's Box, after all, the less likely someone else will find it before us.

Check in on Doctor Harvan's Progress

Unnecessary Solicitation

+++ Missing Information +++

Part Two: The Old and the New

Briefing

Character, it seems that Doctor Harvan still requires your assistance. However... this time it appears that he has requested your services personally.

Positron has assented to him leaving the premises of Fort Trident, restricted to areas he considers to be... low-risk. I believe he is in Atlas Park at the moment. You should go speak with him.

• Any idea what he wanted?

Not specifically. He merely informed me that he wanted to speak with you personally... that, er...

Flashfire looks uncomfortable for a moment.

He said that this was a task that he did not believe the Freedom Phalanx would be capable of handling for him. Do not ask me what that means, for I do not have the slightest idea.

Talk to James Harvan

Unnecessary Solicitation

Doctor Harvan awaits you, Character. Were I you, I would spare a moment to hear his words. If he is as well-versed in the lore of Pandora's Box as they say, then he will not steer you wrong.

Mission Objective(s)

• Talk to James Harvan

James Harvan

Briefing

Ah, Character. Just the man / woman I wanted to see. I have a request for you. It is, ah...

Harvan looks at his feet, shifting nervously. After a short breath, he raises his eyes to meet your gaze.

It is of a... somewhat personal nature.

• Alright... what's your request, then?

My father, Sir Isaiah Harvan, dedicated most of his life to the search for Pandora's Box. I have taken up his quest myself, and we've arguably come much closer to finding it than my father ever did.

Harvan's brow furrows, and he pauses a moment before speaking again.

However... it is his untimely disappearance that I would like to speak with you about. My father's research has led me to many things, including the existence of the Antikythera. In his later years, he became convinced that someone within the United States government knew more about Pandora's Box than they let on, and his investigation became significantly more... political.

• Meaning he drew the attention of some dangerous people.

Harvan nods at you.

Exactly. He was pursuing this very avenue of investigation right up until the day he disappeared. Obviously, those of us close to him suspected foul play, but... well, you know how these things go. When an eccentric explorer that believes in the myths of ancient Greece disappears, it doesn't exactly make the front page.

Still, I believe my father was onto something significant, and it is my belief that you are... less susceptible to harm than my father was.

• So you want me to pick up where he left off.

I believe it would serve both our interests, Character. It could provide us with vital information on Pandora's Box... and it could also uncover my father's fate.

I won't hide the fact that I have a personal stake in this... but I also believe it's the best place to look, given our situation.

• Alright, Harvan. I'll look into it.

• Is this more important that locating Pandora's Box?

Well, that's just the thing, Character. What I'm about to ask of you is, in fact, quite closely related to the search for Pandora's Box.

It... it involves my father, and his work. I'm still using the Antikythera to try to pinpoint the Box's location, but it takes time to interpret the readings. I believe that this task may speed the process somewhat, depending on what you find.

• Very well. What do you need?

My father, Sir Isaiah Harvan, dedicated most of his life to the search for Pandora's Box. I have taken up his quest myself, and we've arguably come much closer to finding it than my father ever did.

Harvan's brow furrows, and he pauses a moment before speaking again.

However... it is his untimely disappearance that I would like to speak with you about. My father's research has led me to many things, including the existence of the Antikythera. In his later years, he became convinced that someone within the United States government knew more about Pandora's Box than they let on, and his investigation became significantly more... political.

• Meaning he drew the attention of some dangerous people.

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Assist Doctor Harvan

Unnecessary Solicitation

His... father?

I am not entirely sure I approve of this, Character. Still, if you believe that it will lead you to information critical to locating Pandora's Box, then by all means...

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map GOVERNMENT OFFICE.png

Map: GOVERNMENT_OFFICE

This is the place Harvan directed you to, but you're definitely not alone.
It looks like Malta has been holed up in here for a while. Who knows what they're up to.

• Assist Doctor Harvan
  • Search for anything related to Pandora's Box
  • Continue searching for clues
  • Leave the area
  • Defeat Captain Mako

You fought off Captain Mako, and have gained some crucial info here as well.

Enemies

Arachnos

Malta Operatives

Notable NPCs:

• Captain Mako (Arachnos Archvillain, Enemy)

Malta Dialogue

Before Combat:

Sapper: Next exercise begins as soon as your team is in position. Over.

Combat Start:

Sapper: What the- CONTACT! We've got a Meta!

---

Before Combat:

Tactical Operative: I don't know. Radio just went silent.

Combat Start:

Operation Engineer: That's definitely an MHI! Make the call!

---

Before Combat:

Tactical Operative: Confirmed. Character is in the building.

Operation Engineer: We need to regroup. He / She could be here any minute.

Combat Start:

Tactical Operative: Too late! Open fire!

Desk

Briefing

You search through the desk, looking for any documents of interest. The few papers you find are old and soiled, not to mention completely unreadable.

Upon testing the drawers, you find more of the same: extremely old office supplies and refuse. One of the drawers, however, appears to be locked...

• (Break the lock on the drawer)

Using your unique capabilities, you manage to bypass the lock on the drawer, taking care not to damage the contents in the process.

Inside, you find copious amounts of dust... but you also spot a large manila envelope that appears to have been moderately well-preserved.

Inside the envelope are a series of official-looking documents, each of which appears to be quite liberally censored.

• (Inspect the documents)

Most of these are either unintelligible or mundane, but one document in particular catches your eye:

OFFICE OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

MEMORANDUM TO: Administrator, Corrections Facility Research & Development

SUBJECT: Project REDACTED

While your concerns are understandable and noted, the primary funding partners for Project REDACTED will remain classified for the time being. Rest assured that the RIDC has strict security measures in place for the facility, and that site construction is being overseen by both public and private personnel. Continue development for the REDACTED facility as previously planned.

We are currently operating under a strict timetable, and unless REDACTED is completed on schedule, construction will need to be put on hold. As you are aware, the longer construction takes, the more involved local authorities will become. If you require more resources to complete REDACTED on schedule, speak with Comptroller REDACTED.

Enclosure
REDACTED

In the margins of the memo, in scrawled handwriting, is the following message:

Senator - this is the best that I could get. I know it's not much. I may be able to get more if you can put some pressure on the Board.

-Ron

• (Leave)

Heavily Censored Memo

This memo is from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, but most of the key references are blacked out. It refers to construction of some sort of facility, but it's unclear where the facility was built or for what purpose.

Cabinet

Briefing

Amongst the discarded remains of the small office, you find a file cabinet that appears to have survived mostly intact. The drawers inside are filled with dividers and documents of varying conditions.

• (Begin sifting through the documents)

While most of these documents appear to be unmarred by government censors, they also appear to be mostly useless. After sifting through some irate letters from the Brickstown Business Association and angry, error-ridden screeds about UFOs, you come to realize that you're looking at a collection of incoming mail.

Just as you're ready to give up and move on, a distinctly official-looking letter catches your eye...

• (Read the letter)

Senator James S. Neill
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
May 10, 1949

Supervisor Tornay:

I am deeply troubled by your department's reluctance to forward pertinent information on 'Project Marduk'. While I fully understand that major components of the facility are proprietary, it is not generally the practice of Congress to fund projects without knowing the recipient of those funds.

I can understand if you wish to maintain Classified status on the technology behind the project, but you must at least divulge the identity of all private partners involved in the project. Using unknown tech in a government facility is one thing, Supervisor, but receiving said tech from an unknown party without disclosing any related information is simply ludicrous.

I shall await your prompt reply. I hope that a subpoena will not be necessary in this instance.

Sincerely,

James S. Neill
United States Senator, MO

• (Leave)

Irate Letter

This letter appears to have been written a U.S. Senator from the 1940s. He appears concerned with a 'Project Marduk', and the secrecy surrounding it. He also refers to anonymous 'private partners', and requests their identities. Given that you found the letter amongst other discarded and ignored mail, you can only assume that his requests were denied.

Safe

Briefing

This safe stands out as one of the only highly-secured objects you've seen here. If there's anything left in this building that might be of interest to you, it's probably in here.

• (Attempt to pry open the safe)

The lock looks to be in a state of significant disrepair, and with some careful manipulation, you manage to pry the rusted door open.

Inside, you find a set of blueprints for a high-security prison. As you flip through the blueprints, you note that they appear to be incomplete - many of the connections to the lower levels of the prison seem to link elsewhere, but are simply labeled 'subcontract'.

At the back of the pile, you find a one-page summary of interaction with an organization called Milestone Labs, SPC.

• (Read through the summary)

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES METAHUMAN INTELLIGENCE PROTOCOL

MEMORANDUM TO: Supervisor, Corrections Facility Administration & Construction

SUBJECT: Project Marduk

The contract with Milestone Labs, SPC has been written up. We're still working on the fine details, but your department can begin construction plans immediately.

Unfortunately, negotiations regarding patent rights and proprietary transparency have not been successful. The boys at Milestone are insistent that they maintain total control over their tech, even as it's applied to Project Marduk. I don't like it, but frankly, this project doesn't get off the ground unless we use them.

Research into alternative methods of containing powered entities is still underway, but this project has stalled long enough. Run up some new plans, under the assumption that inmates will be able to generate no more than 100kN. That should bring the project well within budget.

Enclosure
Roger S. Vrabel
Senior Director, Metahuman Intelligence Protocol

• (Leave)

Facility Blueprints

You found a series of blueprints for what looks like a prison, though large sections of it appear to be missing. The blueprints were accompanied by a cryptic letter referring to a company named Milestone Labs, SPC. The letter seemed to indicate that unknown tech was being integrated into the prison's construction.

Gunslinger Dialogue

Before Combat:

Gunslinger: I repeat, we have MULTIPLE intruders. All units need to be on high alert.

Combat Start:

Gunslinger: This is not going well. Take him / her out, NOW!

It looks like this soldier's radio is still intact. May as well listen in...

Captain Mako: Heh heh heh...
Captain Mako: Tracking you has been more fun than I expected.
Captain Mako: Now...
Captain Mako: Let's see what you look like on the inside!

Captain Mako Dialogue

75% Health:

Captain Mako: The Phalanx isn't here to save you this time, Character!

50% Health:

Captain Mako: Heh... keep struggling. It's more fun this way.

25% Health:

Captain Mako: You're... *hrrk*... putting up more of a fight than I expected...

Upon Defeat:

Captain Mako: Hrrrrrrk... damn...

Return to James Harvan

Unecessary Solicitation

Doctor Harvan will surely be interested in your findings, Character. You should speak with him, so that you may combine your knowledge with his.

Mission Objective(s)

• Return to James Harvan

James Harvan

Briefing

Character! I think I've made a breakthrough. By comparing readings from the Antikythera at different locations, I was able to triangulate a pattern in the energy flows in this area. Based on the trajectories I've witnessed, I'd surmise that-

• Doctor...

Harvan seems not to hear you.

...but the patterns were all wrong, you see. If they moved elliptically, their origin point would have been somewhere in Michigan, which I knew to be false. But then, it hit me. The streams don't act like particles of light, but like jets of air. They're limited by geographical constraints! Factoring this data, I managed to-

• Doctor!

...almost like magnets! They're drawn to large populations, specifically of humans! After applying this modification to my equations, I was able to calculate their trajectories with significantly greater precision! I'm now confident that-

• DOCTOR HARVAN!

Raising your voice seems to have gotten his attention. Harvan trails off, staring at you vacantly for a moment. He shakes his head roughly, as if waking from a trance.

I'm... sorry, Character. I suppose I got a little too excited there. Did you... find something of interest?

• As a matter of fact, I did.

You relate the events of your investigation to Harvan, and hand him the documents you found. As he pores over them, he grows increasingly confused.

What...

What is this? I recognize this design. I've seen it before...

Harvan's brows furrow.

This is... this is the design for Zigursky Penitentiary.

• It appears so.

But this doesn't make any sense. Why would my father be interested in this? He never took any interest in modern structures, and he certainly wasn't interested in the political machinations of the United States...

Besides, these designs are deeply flawed. This structure might be suitable for common criminals, or perhaps minor villains, but... there's no way these designs could contain metahumans of any significant scale.

Harvan's eyes widen, and he looks up at you.

Unless...

• Unless something was limiting their powers.

Harvan's hands begin to tremble with excitement.

Something... something that could limit the powers of any metahuman. Something that unified the concepts of science and magic, of technological progress and natural prowess.

Something that commanded the very essence of power itself.

• You mean, something like Pandora's Box.

This fits with all of my findings, Character. If our theory is correct, then... someone has been utilizing Pandora's Box as a sort of safeguard against metahuman criminals. It's a crude use of such a powerful artifact, but...

Harvan trails off.

We need to inform the others of your findings. If we're correct, we'll need to set up an expedition right away.

• Agreed

Debriefing

As you relate your experiences to Flashfire, his eyes widen with excitement.

You... you have discovered its location? Fantastic news, Character! I shall inform the Phalanx at once.

Your work in this matter has been exemplary, and Doctor Harvan's assistance has proven invaluable to our cause. It seems we are on the verge of containing this chaotic artifact once and for all.

Part Three: Imbalance of Power

Briefing

I have contacted the Phalanx with the results of your discovery. Positron agrees that an investigation into Zigursky is warranted.

Doctor Harvan appears to have expressed an interest in joining you on this expedition, Character. Given his contributions to the search, and his expansive knowledge of the artifact's properties, Positron has assented to Harvan's position.

His only request was that, in order to ensure Doctor Harvan's safety, Fusionette be sent to accompany you as well. Are these conditions acceptable to you, Character?

• That's fine Flashfire. Hopefully we won't encounter too much trouble

Flashfire bows slightly.

Your efforts in this task have been admirable, Character. Soon, this crisis will be averted, and we shall all be able to breathe a little easier.

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you are seeking access to the Zig, I believe that one of the Detectives in Brickstown may be able to help you.

Mission Objective(s)

File:Map ZIGURSKY WITH SUBCHAMBER HERO.png

Map: ZIGURSKY_WITH_SUBCHAMBER_HERO

It's certainly a lot quieter in here than you expected.

• Find Pandora's Box
  • Talk to Detective Miller
  • Confront Odysseus
  • Put down the prison riot
  • Talk to Harvan
  • Find a way into the prison substructure
  • Find Pandora's Box
  • Defeat Fusionette!
  • Survive the coming onslaught!

Pandora's Box has been opened, with highly unexpected results. Now would be a good time to leave...

Enemies

Prisoners

Warriors

Vanguard Shield

Pandora's Might

Notable NPCs

• Detective Miller (Paragon Police Department Detective)
• Fusionette (Vanguard Shield Hero, Ally)
• Doctor Harvan (Oxford Professor Civilian)
• Odysseus (Warriors Archvillain, Enemy)

Detective Miller

Briefing

As you approach, Detective Miller favors you with a friendly smirk.

Character! Good to see ya. What brings you to our fine precinct? Alien invasion? Rogue wizards? No, no, don't tell me... alien rogue wizards?

• Funny. I need to get inside Zigurksy prison.

Detective Miller's smile fades slowly. He stares at you blankly for a moment.

That's... not exactly the kind of place that has visiting hours, Character. I'm authorized to grant FBSA-licensed Heroes access, but... what business have you got in there?

• I have reason to believe that the structure of the prison has been compromised.

or

• I'm afraid that's not a question I can answer, Detective. It's sensitive information.

Detective Miller frowns at you suspiciously.

Well, alright then.

In most cases, there'd be procedures you'd need to go through in order to get approved, but I know you've been working with the Phalanx lately. If Positron thinks you're on the up-and-up, then who am I to judge, eh?

Still, you can't just walk right in. We've got procedures in place to prevent security breaches. Get your people together. I'll patch in to the Zig, set up a convoy for you. It'll get you there quick enough.

• Thanks, Detective. I'm ready whenever you are. (Start Mission)

Detective Miller

Briefing

Welcome to the Zig, Character. Please be advised that any direct interaction with inmates needs to be supervised by... huh...

Detective Miller looks around, his brow furrowed.

Well, now... that's a bit odd...

• Doesn't security here seem a bit... light?

Odysseus

Briefing

Odysseus grins at you venemously.

Welcome, Character. I was wondering if you'd catch on. The way things were going, I thought we were going to reach Pandora's Box right under your noses, with you being none the wiser.

I guess you're just a bit smarter than we took you for.

• Since when do you work with the Sky Raiders?

Odysseus shrugs nonchalantly.

Captain Castillo and I have a... mutual friend, let's just say. We're working together, for now, because we've discovered that we can accomplish more as a combined force than otherwise. That's all you need to know.

You know, Character, when you first arrived at Talos, I was worried. I thought that, given your reputation, our plan might have unraveled right there on the spot. But no, you played right into our hands. I'm still amazed that you never considered-

• You're stalling, Odysseus. Why?

Odysseus breaks into a soft chuckle.

Oh, you are good. Still, I'm surprised you haven't noticed yet.

Zigursky is a special place, Character. Anyone stronger than your average street thug becomes significantly weaker in here. Fancy tech, magic spells, even higher-than-average strength and speed are... 'capped' while you're doing time.

And it doesn't discriminate. The moment you stepped through these walls, your powers have been slowly draining from you. And as you can see...

Odysseus gestures behind him.

We have the numbers advantage. So... how are you feeling, Character?

• Hm. I don't feel any different, actually.

Doctor Harvan

Briefing

Actually, according to my theories, the manipulative effects of the Antikythera are capable of not only detecting, but also bending the streams of power emanating from and retracting towards Pandora's Box. Anyone with possession of the Antikythera would be mostly unaffected by power alterations caused by the Box, for as long as they keep the Antikythera nearby. In short, I believe that you are immune to the power-draining effects of this prison, Character.

• I see.

Upon hearing Doctor Harvan's words, Odysseus begins to sweat profusely.

That's not... but...

You're bluffing! I don't buy it! You think we'd fall for something so crass, Character? You underestimate me!

Odysseus turns his attention to the gathered inmates behind him.

It's time, boys! Take them all down, but leave the old man alive! He might still be useful!

• You're full of poor choices these days, Odysseus.

• Sorry to ruin your 'master plan', if you could call it that.

Oh, come now. There's no need to get snappy. We're on opposite sides of this conflict, certainly... and I'm sure we each have our own reasons for seeking out Pandora's Box. But I think we can all remain civil here, can't we? I can honestly say that I respect you, Character. You've got... conviction. A man / woman of your caliber, capable of taking whatever you want from those beneath you, and yet you still insist on fighting for-

• You're stalling, Odysseus. Why?

This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.

Doctor Harvan

Briefing

Harvan appears slightly paler than usual, after witnessing the carnage of the previous battle. He removes his hat, and rubs the top of his head nervously.

Well. That was... certainly interesting. I suppose it's those kinds of decisions that got them in here in the first place.

• Please focus, Doctor. We're here for the Box.

Yes, yes, of course. Based on the blueprints you discovered, I would expect that Pandora's Box would be stored somewhere underneath the main facility. I doubt we'll find any direct or obvious access points, given that this may well have been the best-kept secret in the history of Paragon City.

I'll take a look around the area, see if I can line up the layouts with these blueprints. Er, that is...

Harvan glances around nervously.

If it's safe...

• I've cleared the area, Doctor. It should be fine.

Path Cleared

Fusionette: Uh, is that hole supposed to be there?
Fusionette: Also, if we get sued, you are TOTALLY footing the bill on this one.  

James Harvan: Can it be... after all these years...

Fusionette: Augh!
Fusionette: This feeling... so strange...
Fusionette: The power is... overflowing! I can't control it!
Fusionette: Mine... the power should be MINE!

Fusionette defeated

James Harvan: The Box... Pandora's Box is causing this.
James Harvan: I have to stop it!
James Harvan: Hrrrrgh!
James Harvan: Augh!
James Harvan: I... I don't understand...

Ambush! You are ambushed by four waves of Pandora's Might.

Debriefing

Flashfire's face has taken on a slightly sickly color. He does not appear well.

Oh dear... oh dear. This is not a good development, Character, not at all.

If someone had found Pandora's Box first, we would be dealing with a very powerful foe. It would have been bad, but... manageable. Paragon has weathered threats of that nature before. But this...

This is something else entirely, Character. Power manifest, running rampant throughout the city? Throughout the world? It could be utter chaos... simply unfathomable.

Flashfire swallows hard, and he stares at you, determined.

This cannot be left to stand, Character. We must do something to fix this. Many, many lives are at stake.

See Also

• Signature Story Arc
• Pandora's Box
• Socrates