Keeper of Infinite Earths - Freedom Brigade
Created by Bob Justice
Piercer
Alter Ego: Melody Emerald
Occupation: Super Hero
Known Relatives: Major Dexter (deceased) and Maria Emerald, parents,
Drake (Archer) half brother
Group Affiliation: Freedom Brigade
Base of Operations: Los Angeles, CA
Background/History:
Melody’s father was an overachiever, striving to be better than anyone else by
any means possible, and that meant volunteering for the most demanding training
and dangerous missions. His risk taking limited his ability to advance in the
military, as did his willingness to disobey or creatively interpret direct
orders. In the early 60’s, an attempt was made to recreate the Stars and
Stripes Formula that gave Star his powers and Dexter volunteered. It failed to
produce any noticeable results and he returned to active duty. He had a son,
Drake, with his first wife who died in childbirth. Her father had come to the
conclusion that he would never advance in the military beyond the point he was
at and he simply could not tolerate that fact, so he left the service and became
a mercenary, leaving the teenaged Drake to fend mostly for himself. He hooked up
with Maria Rodriguez, the secretary for the banker who helped set Dexter up with
jobs and they married. Unknown to either Dexter or Drake, Maria became pregnant
with Melody. Then, one of Dexter’s jobs went wrong. A South American
government official who set him up against drug lords as a cover for his corrupt
dealings and sold him out betrayed him. With advance warning, Dexter and his men
were slaughtered upon arrival as an example to any whom opposed the drug
traffickers. Drake put on a mask and used his archery skills to avenge his
father’s death and became the Protector named Archer, not finding out until
years later that he had a half-sister. When Maria found out what had happened to
her husband and his murderers, she was terrified for her life and that of her
unborn daughter fearing reprisals from the drug lords. So, she took the money
they had and emigrated to America heading to Los Angeles where the bank had sent
her for training years before. Melody grew up angry, resenting the father she
never knew for the hardships her mother faced as a single parent. When she
reached puberty, she developed super powers that were remarkably similar to the
hero known as Star. When Melody revealed her powers to her mother, they decided
the best thing to do would be to see if the Freedom Brigade could help her. They
went and Masquerade instantly became intrigued by the last name and the
description of her powers. A phone call to Protectors HQ and a quick chat with
Archer put all the loose ends together. She joined the team to learn how to use
her powers, taking her half-brother’s old spot on the team, using the name
Piercer.
Personality/Motivation:
The angry youth has slowly mellowed as she trains with her powers and
concentration. Perhaps inspired by her half-brother to excel, she is still a bit
feisty and not willing to allow much offense, as many villains have discovered.
Quote: "You don’t want me to hit you, it may leave a mark."