Dispatch: Lightning Bolt

by manIDKbro

Summary:

Shortly before the beginning of Robert Robertson’s hiring, Cole MacGrath has already become a controversial figure after the Manhattan disaster, with many people blaming him for the Ray Sphere explosion that devastated the city and awakened his electrical abilities. The rumors eventually reach Shroud, who decides Cole is more useful alive than hunted. Instead of attacking him, Shroud approaches with a deal, claiming he has access to experimental research that could suppress or even remove Cole’s powers entirely.

In exchange, Shroud wants Cole to infiltrate the Superhero Dispatch Network in Los Angeles and report back on how the organization operates. It means working inside the same system that coordinates heroes across the city, including people like Blonde Blazer, the leader of SDN’s Torrance branch who oversees operations and recruits new talent into the network. For Cole, the offer means lying to a room full of heroes, but the chance to finally be free from the power that ruined his life is enough to make him take the risk.

Notes:

Welcome to my new dispatch fic! This is a character I’m VERY nastolgic for and I hope you’ll enjoy this one too!

Chapter 1: Conduit

PHOENIX PROGRAM FILE — SUBJECT: “CONDUIT”
REAL NAME: Cole MacGrath
AGE: 28
OCCUPATION: Courier (Former), Independent Electrical Contractor (Unlicensed)
ALIGNMENT: Criminal (Former), SDN PHOENIX SQUAD
SPECIES: Human
AFFILIATION: SDN PHOENIX SQUAD

ABILITIES
• Electrokinesis: Generates and projects high-voltage electrical currents with precision or wide-area discharge capability.

• Electromagnetic Absorption: Drains power from grids, generators, vehicles, and infrastructure to replenish stamina and amplify output.

• EMP Emission: Short-range electromagnetic pulse capable of disabling advanced tech, drones, weapons systems, and communications.

• Conductive Mobility: Rapid traversal along energized rails, power lines, and conductive surfaces.

• Grid Stabilization: When regulated, it can reroute or temporarily restore compromised electrical systems.

• Electrical Immunity: Resistant to conventional tasers, shock weapons, and standard energy suppression tools.

TRAIT - RAY SPHERE CONDUIT
MacGrath is the sole surviving anomaly of the Manhattan Electromagnetic Detonation Event involving the terrorist-engineered “Ray Sphere” E-Bomb device. During activation, the device experienced a catastrophic implosion, causing its electromagnetic discharge to collapse inward rather than outward. MacGrath absorbed the core surge at ground zero.

During critical stress events:
• Electrical output increases exponentially.
• Nearby electronics may overload or fail within a variable radius.
• Municipal grid stability may degrade if absorption thresholds are exceeded.
• Emotional volatility directly correlates to discharge intensity.

The Ray Sphere was designed by a domestic extremist cell as a citywide electromagnetic weapon intended to paralyze New York’s infrastructure. The device failed during deployment. Instead of leveling the grid, it imprinted its entire discharge into a single civilian: Cole MacGrath.

MacGrath had no verified ties to the terrorist organization and no evidence of prior involvement. However, public association with the blackout event led to widespread distrust, employment termination, and sustained media hostility. Medical observation confirmed internalized bio-electrical generation beyond known scientific precedent.

Over time, the subject engaged in criminal activity including infrastructure siphoning, organized power theft, and electrically assisted assault. Intelligence indicates financially motivated behavior rather than ideological extremism. No mass-casualty escalation patterns observed. Damage modeling suggests consistent output restraint despite the capability for significantly higher destructive yield.

Apprehended by Blonde Blazer during a coordinated blackout operation in Queens. Blonde Blazer formally recommended Phoenix Program evaluation, citing anomalous victim status and strategic anti-EMP value.

CRIMINAL RECORD
• Grand Larceny
• Aggravated Assault
• Destruction of Public Infrastructure
• Criminal Conspiracy
• Resisting Arrest
• Illegal Weapons Discharge

(Note: No terrorism charges filed, confirmed non-affiliation with Ray Sphere creators.)

PROGRAM: Phoenix Squad

Evaluator Notes:
“Doesn’t deny what he’s done. Doesn’t justify it either. Seems like a guy that can’t catch a break.” - RRIII

“He survived something that was supposed to erase a city, his power is immense but I think it’s his heart that counts.” - Blonde Blazer

“I think the ###### just needs to distract himself with some hero ####, I say let ‘em.” - Chase

THREAT ASSESSMENT
• Control Risk: High
• Combat Potential: Extreme
• Infrastructure Dependency: Severe
• Loyalty Index: Undetermined, responsive to structured leadership
• Recommendation: Continuous monitoring required.