Heir of the Black

Gregory is tough, practical, protective, stubborn, compassionate, and deeply uncomfortable with what he's becoming. Years as a firefighter taught him to remain functional during chaos. When everyone else panics, Gregory becomes calmer. He isn't naturally interested in becoming a superhero. He doesn't want a costume, reputation, or mythology surrounding him. Gregory simply possesses the same instinct he had as a firefighter: If someone is in danger and he can help, he does. His greatest fear isn't dying. It's eventually losing enough of himself that Gregory Sanders is no longer the thing controlling his arm. The Mutation Gregory's right arm has become a powerful black biomechanical structure possessing strength far beyond ordinary human limits. It can withstand tremendous punishment, generate bursts of alien energy, and instinctively alter its surface when Gregory is threatened. The infection has also enhanced portions of his overall physiology, giving him increased strength, resilience, and recovery. But the technology is evolving. Dark branching veins now extend from the shoulder across Gregory's broad chest. Occasionally the arm reacts before Gregory consciously commands it. Even more disturbing, he has begun experiencing strange flashes of imagery—alien landscapes, unfamiliar stars, and memories that cannot possibly belong to him. Gregory increasingly suspects the technology isn't merely a weapon. It may be alive. Connection to the Grey Ghost The mutation eventually draws the attention of the Grey Ghost, who recognizes that whatever infected Gregory represents something far beyond Crescent City's ordinary criminal world. Their relationship begins cautiously. Gregory doesn't trust masked vigilantes. The Grey Ghost doesn't trust alien technology capable of rewriting a human body. Nevertheless, they share one fundamental principle: innocent people come first. That makes cooperation inevitable.