Sentinels of the Stars IC

[ripleycat]

Space. It seems to go on and on forever. Then you get to the end, and a monkey starts throwing barrels at you.

-Philip J. Fry


Issue #1: Second star to the right.

18:00, Solar Day 6, Solar Week 13, Terran Year 2225.
Conference Room 36, Central Auditorium, Talus.

"Well, what about Wells?"

"She's reckless, headstrong, has caused more collateral damage than the Black Fleet. She's also the best agent the Terran Alliance has ever produced."

"Heh. Fair enough. Results over means, after all."

"Has a decision been made on Zra Vrea's appointment?"

"He is both dangerous and deviant. This association with a nest of rogue AIs is too much of a risk, and furthermore is morally- "

A severe-looking Arkaht woman practically jumped from her seat, glaring daggers at the man across the table. "Morally what, councilor? I beg you to finish that sentence. This young man is the first ray of light to pierce a dark cloud that has hovered over my people since before you simpering apes had figured out how to stand upright. If you continue to fight this appointment, I will personally destroy your career by throwing open the doors so the press can see every skeleton festering in your closet. Do I make myself clear?"

The human, a man dressed in Terran Navy forest green, now balding and starting to go to seed around his midsection, sputtered and turned red, then sank back in his seat and meekly offered "...Objection withdrawn."

"Good."

"Have investigators turned up anything on... this one?"

"No. And honestly, that's why he? she?... it? Is still on the table. We have almost nothing. The claim of long-term amnesia, and the subject seeming to 'reset' every month do seem to be confirmed, though. Some of these augments are illegal, very illegal, in fact, but a few altered records will fix that, and the opportunity to have a completely deniable agent on this-"

"Enthusiasm is noted, councilor. I agree. Necessary arrangements will be made."

"The matter of Miss Ashida's application also remains unresolved."

"Relic, she calls herself Relic. I need to remind no one of her exploits, and she could probably buy Talus out from under us 10 times over, but she is dying. That seems an unnecessary complication."

"This is not some deep-cover operation that will last half a decade. I doubt Miss Ashida will keel over in the next week or two. Endorsed."

"Seconded."

"There's a mercenary of some notoriety currently on-planet. Given the situation, and if you'll pardon the colloquialism, the presence of a 'heavy' on the team might be prudent."

"That seems wise, and..." *Sigh* "You speak of that damned Voracious, yes?"

"I realize they are not a popular topic, but they are very much under control, and it will be good press to see one 'rehabilitated.' ...Also, the security teams are tired of dealing with him, and are afraid he will eat someone if he stays here."

"Very well, but I shall be first to say 'I told you so' if appointment goes wrong."

"While we are on the subject, there is another very suitable candidate visiting Talus..."

"Oh, the human Consul from that world that was cut off, ah, Crucible, they call it? He certainly seems eager and capable, but you think it wise to assign something of this responsibility to a being that's been part of galactic life for less than a week?"

"I thought of that, but in this case, we're as much in the dark as he'd be."

"True enough. Very well, I second this endorsement."

"What of the Kree/Human? This 'Zenith'?"

"Something of an anomaly, but if his history is to be believed, he was already an accomplished hero before his arrival. We believe he will be a stabilizing influence."

"We're just going to take his word on this? There is no proof to these outlandish claims. He could be a sleeper agent, or-"

"Is also member in good standing of the Pilgrim Fleet. They are not fools. Perhaps not universally loved, but Pilgrims mean well. Admirable."

"Fine point, chairman. I will back this selection."

"That seems sufficient, yes? They shall be investigating, not starting war."

"Well, there was another dossier brought to our attention. Quite useful, but rather... unorthodox."

"A Spectraphore? A lone Spectraphore? It has been many cycles since my xenobiology studies, but such things are practically unheard of. You are sure is legitimate?"

"All species have those who march to the beat of their own drum, to borrow the Terran phrase. This one simply happens to be a powerful and willing energy being."

"Well, no more irregular than any of others, I suppose. Very well, let us move forward to contacting these... how do Earthlings and Ararai call them? Superheroes? I like this phrase."



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Nobody's ever accused Talus of being the most beautiful place in the galaxy, but catch it at the right angle, and the bustling little hub of the Pan-Galactic Confederation is certainly striking. What's brought you here is different for all. Learning, trade, the lure of adventure, a way home, a clean record, good old fashioned cash.

Whatever it may be, the offer that accompanies it is the same. The PGC is assembling one of their infamous Recon and Exploration teams, in practice their go-anywhere-and-do-anything-agents. "Living legends," to quote an admirer. "Legal brute squads" to quote a critic. "Those who keep the galaxy safe by clubbing threats in the back of the head and dragging them into dark alleys." As a more pragmatic reporter wrote. "Graaaaak!" in the succinct words of a Coveran diplomat.

Whatever your opinion of them, these teams are supremely talented, the best of the best. And that's why you have been asked to join the newest one.

Welcome to Sentinels of the Stars! :smallbiggrin: A little bit of freeform to kick us off here. Your formal briefing and introduction is in a couple of hours, which means there's a little time to fill. What are your thoughts on this unusual venture? What made you say yes? What was your arrival like? What does your character think of this mad little melting pot? There's no shortage of stuff to do here, what sort of mischief have you gotten up to? Feel free to run across one another before you're all brought together at the meeting.

Have fun!

[Green Bean]

Oliver was simply wandering around Talus, taking in the atmosphere. Maybe he'd get some food if a cafe passed his fancy, though he wasn't hungry. He wandered through a few of the alien districts, and realized he was heading in the direction of the spaceport. With a mental shrug, he decided why not go with the flow? There was always something interesting happening there.

He was mostly at his ease, and why not? He'd been here his whole life. Obviously, this wasn't true - he had entry papers and a whole library full of little annotations back in his quarters that said otherwise. But in the here and now in his head, Talus was the closest thing he had to home.

And yet, his upcoming briefing still had him a little concerned. It was silly, really. Sure, he'd be teaming up with a bunch of strangers, but everyone he talked to nowadays was a stranger. Sure, there would be danger and adventure, but he was good at this sort of thing. Well, probably. He couldn't remember doing anything like this before, but apparently he had and it all worked out in the end. And it may seem like a big step now, but before he knew it, like Talus, it'd be all he knows. Still, he found it difficult to relax, so he got out his music player to calm himself. He'd never heard of most of the songs on it, but he'd been the one who put it together, and who'd know his taste better?

He paged through the genres until he came across 'Classics'. That sounded very calming. He picked a song at random and music filled his ears. Ah, perfect. He drifted along the halls of the station, not really paying attention to the world around him, as the Kentaurus Synthphony Orchestra played an old hymn from the cradle of humanity, Earth.


I'm talkin' errybody gettin' crunk, crunk
Boys tryin' to touch my junk, junk
Gonna smack 'em if they gettin' too drunk, drunk.

[Phase]

Ah, new beginnings, the start of a new cycle. Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x10^8 and 4.5x10^8 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010 loved new beginnings, and today was most certainly one of those. It expressed this thought, this love of new beginnings, to its fellow Spectraphore in the Embassy's Spectraphore-only lounge. It's not that the species is isolationist in intent, but the lounge (being lined with super-dense alloys and full of Spectraphore,) had a tendency to completely incinerate any un-protected organic life that stepped inside. In any case, within this lounge, it relayed its thoughts automatically its kin.

They acknowledged this position, some lauding the newcomer (for this particular Spectraphore only arrived on Talus two solar days ago, along with a conglomeration of 76 other Spectraphore consciousnesses that call themselves the Franklin Collective) for its perception of the new beginnings inherent in any given situation in which a Spectraphore finds itself in this new gilded age of limitless knowledge, and some admonishing it for wasting valuable cognition on such a hackneyed concept as the value of new beginnings. The consensus was mixed, and so it set about isolating its thoughts for the coming day while the other consciousnesses exchanged their positions on whether there have been any new beginnings since the big bang in rapid fire discharge of electrons. Their thoughts were only barely separate, and completely miscible to the outside viewer.

If Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x10^8 and 4.5x10^8 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010 had a larynx (or, indeed, any of the thousand acceptable substitutes,) then it might sigh at that moment. It had little real interest in neo-cosmology, was tired of discussions of what the Ararai called "Phelom/memomebetics," and had just about enough, after 89 years of it being the new big thing on the homeworld, of Cartesian Uncertainty. So, if it had a larynx, it would have sighed. Instead, it decided something that only the most deviant of its species ever sought out: it would go get some alone time.

+++

With a click, a whirr, and the high-pitched squeal of a pressure lock sealing, Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x10^8 and 4.5x10^8 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010 uploads into its containment suit, radiant energy displaying through the transparent aluminum helmet. The suit shudders to life, and with great big stomping footsteps, it tromps out to the other halls of the embassy. The suit is not typical for Spectraphore ambassadors, most travel in huge transparent aluminum bubbles with mag-lev systems and energy-to-sound specialized translators, as little physicality as possible.

This model is... different. And very, very humanoid. The specs, actually, stem from ancient human records of Earth Human Michael Jordan, whom this particular Spectraphore believes is the pinnacle of human evolution, so to speak. It's complicated, and it really doesn't feel like discussing the specifics with the Spectraphore who placed the request, as its kin back home tend to admonish and mock. For you see, of all information, all stories, tales, and records from billions of years of conscious experience across an entire universe, Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x10^8 and 4.5x10^8 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010 likes nothing better than a particular score of years, more than two hundred years ago, on Earth. The suit is bedecked with a few touches of home. Or, well, not quite home, but some items that have been acquired of late, relics from the 20th century of Earth. It's ecstatic to have these objects, understanding that the Spectraphore in the Embassy don't understand such physical obsession. Even the furniture in the embassy is there only for visiting solids.

It decides to explore Talus a bit. Yesterday's jaunt was short-lived, as it was needed back at the embassy rather soon after it left for a briefing on its duties as a cultural ambassador and finder of new information, should it accept the galaxy-spanning position as a special agent (which it has been ordered to do, on consensus of 50,000 consciousnesses back home which cared.) It tromps out the front door, giving a customary humanoid conciliatory wave to an ambassador bubble of 53 Spectraphore currently in pitched debate with an Arkaht over some bit of datum or another. It doesn't really care about such mundane diplomacies, and strides out through the outer doors, into a small Talus plaza. It feigns inhaling deeply, the clock around its faux-neck thumping against the speakers embedded in the torso of its suit, and gazes out at a whole new world of opportunity.

It stands in the center of a walkway, hands on its hips as it's seen in historical records, and the speakers click on. "Well." It says, voice booming yet tinny. "What do I do for fun around here?"

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson
A few hours ago on board the Pilgrim ship “Seeker.”

Connor, a handsome young man in his early twenties with unnaturally bright blue eyes and golden blonde hair, stands across from Aurelia, a Pilgrim girl around the same age. Violet lines, a mixture of tattoo and circuitry, move over her fair skin. She had green eyes and long dark hair. She was wearing the typical Pilgrim outfit, a close-fitting, but comfortable cloth uniform with insignias designating rank and ship. Connor, on the other hand, was wearing his white jacket with red sleeves. A starburst symbol was on his back. He wore a black t-shirt and a pair of black pants along with it. He didn’t have the normal outfit of the Pilgrims, but he did have an insignia on his shirt, the insignia of the Seeker. To them, he was as good as one of their own.

And yet, here they stood, with Connor in the airlock, Aurelia outside of the inner door, with him about to make his departure.

“So you’ll reach me over a comm relays if case anything happens, right?”

“Yes, Connor.”

“If you run into marauders?”

“Yes, Connor.”

“What about dimensional anomalies. You’ll call me, right?”

She rolled her green eyes. “Connor, you need to go. You’re going to be late.”

“Okay, okay…” Connor backed away from her, reaching out towards the panel that would engage the airlock procedure. He stopped suddenly and stepped back towards her.

“Just call me, okay.”

She laughed. “Go! Go!”

Connor laughed and nodded to her. He keyed in the sequence and the door closed between them. They could still see each other through the plasteel glass. Connor’s smile softened… he’d spent the last few months with these people. He was separated from home… and now he was leaving his home away from home. So of course there was some trepidation.

A soft blue glow enveloped his body and his eyes began to glow blue just before the chamber depressurized. After the rush of the air left the chamber, there was silence. Connor waved at Aurelia. She waved back… then he pushed himself backwards, floating lazily outside of the open airlock. Connor watched her until the door closed… and as he moved away he could see the sleek ship that was the Seeker. As he looked around, he could see the rest of the fleet. After a moment, he turned and began to fly under his own power. Connor was graceful in the void of space. The glow around his body grew brighter as his speed picked up, carrying himself away from the fleet.

Connor closed his eyes and held his right hand out, a half-extended finger pointing outwards. Connor didn’t use a nav computer to guide himself. He used the Cosmic Awareness, a universe-spanning sixth sense, to tell him where he was going. His finger stopped when he felt the right direction. Millions of complex calculations were boiled down to… a feeling he got.

The Power Cosmic welled up inside of him, a power that could break every known law of the universe. That glow around his body grew brighter and bigger, until he finally rocketed off at a speed that should be impossible. A trail of light followed him, and he was gone.

Talus

Connor had been here for a few minutes. Apparently he’d arrived early. There was some time to kill, and he needed to figure out what this whole PGC was about. What better way than to walk around and… well… have fun?

And that’s when he ran into what he thought was a guy in a hazmat suit of some sort, shouting out a question “what do I do for fun around here?”

“Not sure. I was about to ask you,” Connor said from behind the alien. At least he understood its language. “Do you know… where, exactly, I am right now?”

[Phase]

The humanoid suit clunks its feet as precise frequencies of energy direct it from within. Behind the transparent aluminum of the helmet, energies in every wavelength cascade and fluctuate, creating a rainbow of color before settling on a vague greenish. From around its neck dangles a giant gold watch, and on its head sits a baseball cap, purple and green and deliciously tacky. It can't articulate its neck, but Connor still gets the impression the being tries to make eye contact. It has no eyes, so it's a rather futile gesture.

It puts up a hand, open palmed. "Oh, declaration of apology. I should not halt in public lanes of traffic." It's not speaking, there are speakers on its front, using what's almost imperceptibly a canned syllable database and some translation algorithms. It looks around, or, rather, intakes its surroundings in a non-strictly visual manner. The various lights and emissions from such a technologically advanced station all register across the spectrum, and the Spectraphore appreciates the extra evidence as to location. "We are in the tertiary embassy district, level nine, section seven. Talus." It pivots to look to the building from whence it just emerged. "Right outside the embassy to-" It pauses, as if realizing something, then slowly turns to, well, "look" at Connor.

"You are... human." It says, not betraying any emotion.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

He looked up at the man. This guy was huge. Connor, who stood at 5’11, had to crane his neck. And he was just about eye level with a big… clock? Wait, did he just run into a Galactic Flava Flave? Connor couldn’t help but turn the right corner of his lip upwards in a little grin. A small, silent chuckle came from his throat.

“No, it’s alright. You weren’t really in my way.” This was a profoundly weird experience for him. Not because he’s speaking to an alien – hell, his dad was an alien – but because of the watch. It was very surreal. “Tertiary embassy district, level nine, on Talos,” yes, he mispronounced it.

The alien noticed and recognized what Connor looked like.

“Yeah, I am. Well, fifty-fifty anyway. I'm Connor.” He extended a hand to the big alien. As Connor’s sleeve rolled up, a golden bracer could be seen on his wrist and lower forearm. “So… can you tell me what’s around here?” The numbered levels thing didn’t really help him.

[Ladorak]

At the very moment 'that damned Voracious' was mentioned in Conference Room 36 he was proving the statement 'the security teams are tired of dealing with him' to be one of the understatements of the century.

He was corned by a half dozen security officers, all with weapons drawn and levelled straight at him. He was careful not to make any action or movement that might provoke them. His compound eyes reflected their drawn frightened faces back at them, split and distorted between his eyes many facets. He did not step toward them, nor make any attempt to flee. All he did was chitter in amusement and continue to gnaw patiently on one of his trophies.

Behind them was the wreckage of what was left of one of Talus' seedier bars and the half dozen patrons Exile had decimated. The fight had been fun, he mused, if rather brief. A gambling wheel had been smashed to bits and three tables were beyond repair. Energy weapons holes still smoked from where they scarred the walls. Gallons of alcohol slopped behind the bar, shards of glass dotted within it like islands in a drunk's wet-dream of an ocean.

Exile knew the procedure now, he waited for a higher-ranking officer to arrive. Voracious, he had discovered, were considered rather above the average grunt's pay-grade. To his surprise one of the grunts spoke, gesturing wildly with his weapon and leaving Exile all the opening he needed to close the distance between them and sever his arm, should he have so chosen. 'Drop it!.' His voice was frightened, yet not without authority. Exile was torn between admiration for his courage, contempt for his stupidity and amusement at his assumption he had any control over the situation.

He cocked his head at the man and clattered his mandibles in confusion 'I am unarmed.' For some reason that seemed to incense them, they started barking in their clumsy tongues, yet their words were delivered too loud and too fast for him to make any sense of. He waited for a gap in their frenzied back and forth and asked 'Where is Bailey? He is the one I normally deal with.'

As if summoned by his name Security Chief Bailey arrived. With him he had two guards dragging one of the old Indigo Bio Voracious communication devices. Weeks ago it had been in a museum, Bailey had wisely brought it out of retirement after the third occasion he was forced to deal with Exile. Exile did not know it, but it had taken no small amount of negotiation with the museum curator to procure it, in the end Bailey had suggested he might direct Exile to the museum's Voracious War exhibit the next time he had to deal with him, after which the curator's protests about 'Preserving the past for the future' disappeared in a wave of good sense.

'God damn it Exile! What have you done this time?' Bailey did not waste time with pleasantries, Exile liked that about him.

'PGC law permits all sentients the right to defend themselves, article 3 of the PGC constitution. This is confirmed by Talus Local Authority Regulation 7. I defended myself, no more.'

Bailey looked about the ruined bar 'No more huh?'

Exile thought on that a few seconds 'I may have been... excessive.'

'I'll say!' Exile didn't understand that, but before he could ask one of the guards addressed Bailey

'Sir, I have over a dozen witnesses that say the Voracious provoked them.'

'This true Exile?'

The IBVC device beeped as it picked up a wave of pheromones from Exile, a moment later a screen flashed up the word CONFUSION

'I do not know this word... Provoked?'

'Did you make them attack you?'

Again the IBVC beeped and spat out two words VERY CONFUSED

'I do not outrank them. I cannot make them attack anyone.'

This seemed to annoy Bailey 'Did you... Anger them?'

Beep. SUDDEN CLARITY

'Not deliberately.' Exile hedged 'I think that-'

'They didn't appreciate your sense of humour?'

Beep. AGREEMENT Exile saw no need to add anything to that

'God damn it Exile! This is the third bar you've totalled because of your damn 'sense of humour.' It was clear from the way he said it he didn't think much of Exile's jokes 'I've a good mind to ban you from making jokes.'

'PGC constitution article 1, freedom of speech including-'

'SHUT UP!' Bailey was the only human who had ever addressed Exile in such a tone of voice and lived.

Beep RESPECT GIVEN

Bailey's jaw clenched in that way that meant humans were trying to restrain themselves'You'll pay for all damages, I'll have the owner forward the bill to your personal account.'

Exile, who had little use for credits other than for paying for exactly these sorts of damages and mainly used his pay packets as a way of keeping score, nodded his assent.

'Murdeb, pull the security cam footage. If Exile didn't throw the first punch we'll let it go at that.'

'But Chief!' Objected the other human

Bailey looked at him levelly 'Son, if I get the riotbots out here we could bring him in, but not before he does millions of credits worth of damage, enough to put TSC's budget into the red for the next four solar years. That's assuming the Confederation Council sees fit to replace the riotbots at all.
'And for what? We don't have a cell that'll hold him and all we'll be able to charge him with is affray, six counts of assault or GBH and resisting arrest. If he didn't throw the first punch any half decent lawyer will be able to get him off, at which point the Council will have my head on a platter. As far as I'm concerned anyone stupid enough to start a fist fight with a Voracious deserves whatever comes to them. Let it go.'

Murdeb piped up 'Chief, the Voracious didn't throw the first punch. In fact he didn't throw the first twelve. All he does is deflect the blows. Looks like he lost it when he was hit from behind with a chair. After he threw one of them across the room they pulled guns and started blasting.'

'Ok TSC, let's pack up and roll out.' he shot a baleful look at Exile 'If I get another call about you in the next fortnight I'll get the riotbots out and to hell with the expense, clear?'

Beep. CONFIRMATION OF UNDERSTANDING

'But Chief! He's eating that guy's arm.'

'It will grow back.'

'No it won't!'

Beep. CONFUSION

'Medical science has not yet worked out human cellular regeneration?'

Suddenly the rookie seemed unsure 'Well... Yes.'

'So it will grow back.'

'That's not the point!'

Beep. CONFUSION

'Do you... do you want some?' He proffered the gnawed bloody stump at the rookie.

Before the horrified rookie can reply Bailey is roaring at his team 'I said roll out! Everyone out now! He waited for them to leave before he asked 'Go on then Exile... What joke was it this time?'

'Humans are delicious.'

'GODDAMN IT EXILE!'

Despite being two foot taller than Bailey and capable of snapping him in half with one hand Exile seemed to shrink before this outburst

'Humans are delicious.' He said sulkily

'What were you even doing in here?'

'Only place on Talus that serves live flesh.'

'That's because you've trashed the other three places that used to.'

'True.' Exile agreed affably.

He remained silent until Bailey was gone. Then he issued a series of short low hisses while clicking his mandibles together, the Voracious equivalent of laughter Do you want some? That was a good one. If Bailey ever found out he could fake IBVC readings there would be hell to pay, but for now it let him get away with murder, figuratively speaking.

With his good humour very much restored he left the bar to see what other entertainment Talus could offer him.

[Ridai]

In whatever they do, the Arkaht strive towards perfection where possible. Given this fact, the processing of incoming ships and their passengers at the Arkaht docking bay is a well-oiled machine, quick and efficient. Still, Zra assisted in speeding the process up, interfacing with their systems and providing the information required, resulting in him walking off the transport that got him to Talus and through the terminal without stopping, giving acknowledging nods to the workers and security as he passes. Other people might be confused, but the Arkaht simply accept these events as normal. It is just a simple gesture of assistance, allowing them to focus their attentions on other tasks.

The Arkaht are a tall people, their seemingly slender bodies standing upon digitigrade legs that move with swiftness and purpose. Though highly flexible they are by no means frail. Musculature is developed to be efficient and useful, not bulky and for show, and it is rare to find an Arkaht that is out of shape, their mandatory military service making this practice second nature. Long-lived as they are, their lifespans easily reaching a whole millenium, and with their presence in law enforcement and the confederate military, the prospect of facing someone with more experience than a human can hope to gain in a whole lifetime (or two, or five) also serves as a deterrent against crime and violence.

The first stop had been the Arkaht embassy (fixing a few security flaws once there), as well as arranging a medical checkup as usual for the benefit of ghast-kriat like him. Besides, receiving some physical therapy in the process is always appreciated and he knows Reena enjoys it as well. There is, again, not much bureaucracy involved, his arrival being expected and most things having been dealt with on the way.

With all that done, there is still time left until his appointment. Time for a little walk, he thinks, the way he usually talks to Reena on the go. To the AI, experiencing what he does is thrilling and getting a say in where to go and what to do makes it that much better. A rare little smile appears on Zra's face, usually a fierce gray mask with a bit of a blue tint and marks of the same color towards the edges, showing only focus. The blue patterns covering his hairless head are hidden under the hood of his dark-blue and black suit that covers almost his entire body that has a certain understatement and subtleness to it. All Arkaht have these markings, though the color differs and the pattern is unique to every individual, with ghast-kriat like him having much more dense and intricate patterns on their heads and along their spines.

The crowds and the general pace of life they encounter on Talus doesn't bother Zra much as he navigates the streets, taking in the sights. Most of his life was spent in cyberspace, making this city look like a quiet walk at the beach. The wild mixture of cultures and species is refreshing, all but guaranteeing to find unique results of such mingling both in the physical space as well as cyberspace. He rarely finds his path obstructed, knowing how and where to slip through, what alternate paths there are or simply teleporting past them without drawing attention to himself. Simply following the streams, the knowledge of everything there is to see just being a thought away and soon part of his memory.

Eventually, Zra reaches a small plaza, adorned with a wide array of lights. A site made for public events, he figures. Leaning against the base of a finely crafted statue depicting a widely respected operative of the PGC, he lets his gaze sweep across the area. A quiet chuckle escapes his thin lips as he begins to access the systems controlling the lights, holograms and sound system, recalling a small anecdote about her and how ironic the placement of her statue is with a place sometimes used as a stage or dance floor. The stage is yours, Reena.

Once in control of the systems, Zra simply assists Reena as she no doubt will leap at the chance. And she sure does. Quickly, the lights dim, creating a comfortable atmosphere as quiet music begins to play. The lights begin to move, change color, supporting the patterns and images shown by the holograms over the plaza. Slowly, Zra and Reena build almost something like a dreamscape, a harmony of impressions as relaxing as it is fascinating, with Reena's expertise allowing her to know exactly what just feels good to most organics, both cooperating to add intricacy to it. Though they shouldn't continue for too long, it is an enjoyable little moment, Zra simply sitting on the statue base's edge and sipping from the cup filled with what amounts to an interesting tasting mixture of coffee, cocoa and a few spices, made by an Ararai and a human with "homegrown ingredients".

Zra is looking forward to his service. Silly things like fame, fortune or proving himself don't concern him. Being able to dedicate the new life he has been given is much more fulfilling and the importance of his work allows him to give back in a quite productive, if unusual, manner. There is much to look forward to.

[Phase]

With a noise that sounds not unsimilar to an Earth Human "squeee," the Spectraphore hopped on its massive legs, landing with a thump. It learned its behavior from television. "Hot diggity." It said, emphasis placed poorly. "An actual human. Of the fifty-fifty clan, no less!"

It noticed Connor's extended hand, and mentally admonished itself for poor manners. "Oh, yes, declaration of apology." It moved to grasp Connor's hand... then slapped it, then slapped it backhand, then grasped it tightly, then released in a feigned explosion. "Slam, jam, thank you ma'am! Apology again, I have had little practical experience with Earth Human customs!" It seemed to have completely forgotten the question.

"Connor, similar to Earth Human Connor MacLeod? There can be only one?" If it could nod vigorously, it would. "Oh, yes. You may call me-" The energy beyond the transparent aluminum helmet shifts rapidly in what seems a random sequence between two yellow-redish colors. A moment passes. "Oh, but I suppose humans lack luminescence. In which case I suppose you may simply call me Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x10^8 and 4.5x10^8 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010" If the Spectraphore could smile innocently, it would. Another moment passes.

"Tell me, human Connor, being of the Fifty-Fifty clan, do you know personally Earth Human Fifty Cent?"

[Green Bean]

Oliver, caught up in his groove, wasn't really paying attention to where he was going. He'd totally missed the spaceport and somehow wandered into one of the seedier sections of the station. Unbeknownst to him, he'd picked up a discreet tail of assorted muggers, pickpockets, and other criminal types who probably didn't have his best interests at heart. At least two small fights had broken out among them over who could try to strip his valuables first.

And so Oliver proceeded, blissfully unaware of the enfolding drama behind him, timing his steps to the beat of his music. Then, his song suddenly picked up tempo, and in the resulting confusion he ran smack dab into Exile. His surreptitious followers, not being idiots, decided pickings would be better a long long way from here. "Oh no, I'm really really sorry about that!"

He looked up at the 8 foot tall chitinous mass before him. "Are you okay? You aren't hurt, are you?"

[Ladorak]

Exile was so engrossed in deciding how to eviscerate Oliver he almost missed what was said to him.

A single disembowelling cut, let it all spill out. Then a quick chop to the throat, no crying out. Must find a way to dispose of the bones, I do't think Bailey was...

Wait, what?

He ran the last few seconds back through his mind again. A creature as pragmatic and philosophically mute as a Voracious rarely doubt their own senses, yet he was convinced he had imagined what he had heard.

Yet still the human stood there, the expectation on his face certainly seemed to suggest he was waiting for a reply. Tentatively Exile came to believe he really had heard what he thought he had heard "Are you okay? You aren't hurt, are you?"

Stunned silence followed, but after that came a low rhythmic hissing and a clattering of mandibles that started quiet and then swelled and grew in volume and frequency. It was the Voracious equivalent of an uncontrolled belly laugh, and it was one of the rarest sounds in the universe

Once he got himself under control he composed a sober reply 'No little human, you did not hurt me.' Exile, always on the look out for a good fight, especially one that even TSC couldn't pin on him, was very aware of Oliver's following 'I intend no offence, but are you lost? This does not seem the type of place for one such as you.'

[Green Bean]

Oliver was a little weirded out by the silence and sudden hissing, but was relieved when he finally replied. "Oh good, good. I got caught up listening to music and I guess I wasn't looking where I was going."

He looked around curiously at his surroundings. He'd never actually been in this area of the station before, at least he didn't think so. Still, it seemed like a friendly enough place. "You think so? It doesn't seem bad here."

[Ladorak]

'Indeed' Exile said after consideration 'It doesn't seem bad here.' Spoken language was so inelegant and imprecise, even when mimicking Oliver's words the vast breadth of meaning those five words could contain made his head hurt when he tried to consider them. Still, it was unimportant, Oliver would read what meaning who chose and that suited Exile's purpose well enough 'I like it here but I am... fond of violence. And a Voracious must travel far to find a place and a people willing to offer it to him. You had attracted quite the...' What was that human phrase? Ah yes 'Wretched Hive of Scum and villainy before you had the good fortune to wander into myself.'

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER

Personal Log, Julianne Wells. Stardate 8151.6
I've arrived on Talus, a few hours before my formal briefing and introduction into this new Recon and Exploration team. I'm no stranger to the gig and the idea of having to follow orders again makes me uneasy, but the money's welcome and they've promised the opportunity to do some real good. With time to kill, I've decided to take in some of the local color

---

Exterior shot of a space bar on Talus, a seedy looking neon sign above the entrance flickering words "Cantina Terran". Cut to a close up of Julianne inside, bottle in one hand and speaking into a comm in her ear. Yelling and general bar sounds can be heard in the background.

"Look, don't worry about it, I've done stuff like this dozens of times. You've been there!"

The screen splits to reveal a rather formal looking gentleman on the other side of the line, worried holding up a communicator.

"This isn't one of our usual adventures, Wells. You'll be working with a bunch of strangers-"

"You know I love meeting new people"

"-with the PGC calling the shots-"

"How many shots did you actually manage to call for me when I was working under you?"

"-being sent to god knows where in space"

*Grin* "Living the dream you mean!"

The Major sighs. "Look, I'm just saying you need to be careful."

"Tom. I can look after myself. Trust me I- "

Julianne ducks as a bottle flies just past her head, smashing against the wall behind her.

"...Wells. What was that?"

"I, uh, may have offended some of the locals"

The Major's side of the split-screen recedes as the camera pans out, revealing Julianne having an arm over some poor sap's head, a couple more under foot with some more approaching, holding broken bottless, bar stools, and so forth.

"Dammit, Wells. You really need to-

Julianne cracks a bottle over a pasty blue alien who lunges at her as she starts making static noises. "Ksssssh. You're. Ksssssh. Breaking up ksssssssh Major kssssssh talk to you ksssssssh later."

The space adventurer elbows another approaching patron in the gut as she moves through the bar, deftly dodging and subduing each one that lunges at her. She grins broadly, obviously having one hell of a time.

Eventually, though, she gets boxed in, her back up to a window. A humongous rhino-headed alien looms over her, each of its four arms curling fists.

Julianne makes a sheepish grin. "You wouldn't hit a lady would you?"

Smash cut to the exterior of the bar again, where Julianne is tossed through the holographic window, passing right through the flickering neon letters.

[Green Bean]

Oliver looked entirely surprised learning about this place's less than friendly nature. "Oh! Well, thanks for the advice. I do know how to defend myself, but I'm glad you were here so I didn't have to. Oh geez, this is really rude of me. I forgot to introduce myself; my name's Oliver."

[SuperMuldoon]

Leon Tynes - Consul

The Dedication-class capital starship Threshold drifted towards Talus after the exit from FTL travel. Leon stood on the bridge, hands behind his back, supervising the work of the crew. He stood in his full military uniform - dark blue dotted with various medals and decorative golden cord under a black great coat and holding his peaked officer's cap bearing the insignia of the Crucible Dominion in his hand. Strands of his platinum blonde hair hanging over his icy blue eyes, he brushes them out of the way before donning his cap.

"Jump successful. All hands prepare to establish orbit and prep the shuttle. Hail the PGC presence on Talus and inform them of our arrival." the commander barks to the crew before turning to face Leon. "We have arrived at our destination. You may head down to to your shuttle to prepare for decent to Talus." he says, and salutes smartly.

Leon claps his hand on the commander's shoulder and flashes the ghost of a grin as he gazes down at the shorter man. "Well done Commander. Maintain orbit here until I make contact." he says and spins on his heels, making his way through the hallways past saluting crew down to the shuttle bay. He gives the deck crew a small salute as he enters the shuttle, before sitting down and getting his documents in order.

The shuttle makes it's decent and docks at one of the many visitor's docks at PGC HQ. The shuttle doors open once the vessel is secured and the landing ramp extends to the metallic floor. Leon and his escort take the first steps for the Crucible Federation being a part of the galactic community as they stride toward the attendant sent to greet them.

"I am Leon Tynes - bearing the title of Consul for the Crucible Dominion." he says, giving the attendant a salute with his free hand, the other holding his personal datacomp at his side. "I am here to speak with our new liaison and lay the groundwork for our great nation's entrance into the Pan Galactic Confederacy."

The attendant, a human from the Terran federation, returns the salute. "On behalf of the PGC, I welcome you to Talus. I will show you to your quarters where you can prepare for your meeting." he says smartly and escorts the Crucible envoy through the halls of the HQ, Leon turning his head to take in the sights best he can.

"I will be stationed just outside until your meeting, where I will escort you to the liaisons office." the attendant says, bidding a short farewell before leaving the suite provided to Leon and his envoy. Flopping down on the brown synthfiber sofa, he tosses the datacomp on the coffee table and leans back, letting out a tired sigh. "What a trip...alright everyone, take a few minutes to relax. The meeting isn't for an hour." he says, and silently gives the command to two young officers, who nod their heads and break out some fancy looking devices, and begin to sweep the room for bugs. Finding it clean, they contact the Threshold informing them of their arrival and to standby for further communications.

Leon closed his eyes for a few moments, and when he opened them it was time for the meeting. Getting up from the sofa he gathered his papers and met up with the attendant...and a dozen of his men - for 'security purposes' he was told. Giving the attendant a look, he shrugged and allowed himself to be escorted to the office of the liaison.

The office wasn't anything special - seemed to be rather small compared to some of the others - not that he was surprised. After all, the Terran Alliance was throwing their weight around that they should be absorbed back into the fold as a Terran colony. The size of the office was probably meant as some sort of slight. Leon paid it no mind.

Leon was led into the office, greeted by a rather stern looking young human woman seated behind a desk covered haphazardly with papers and holo-documents. Seeing Leon enter, she stands up and moves to shake his hand. "Welcome Consul. I am Tracy Kyun. Please take a seat, we have quite a lot to get through." she says. Leon shakes her hand politely, removes his officer's cap and takes a seat.

The meeting lasts for hours, and when everything finally seems to be worked out, Ms. Kyun brings up one last, rather important detail. "Consul, the PGC already has a request for the Crucible Dominion. Accepting this request would go far to ingratiate your nation to the Confederacy, so I strongly suggest you accept it." she says, pausing to gauge the reaction from the man seated opposite her - Leon's face remains still, showing nothing. "Certain...individuals...have heard of your prowess. Your reputation seems to precede you, Consul. They want you for a Recon and Exploration team - an assembly of various individuals of talent to undertake tasks for the greater good of the PGC and thusly, galactic civilization at large. I'll upload whatever little information I can to your datacomp. Please let me know your decision as soon as you can." she says curtly, and thus it is over - The Crucible Dominion is now part of the PGC, though there is still much work to do. Leon bids Ms. Kyun a farewell and heads back to his suite.

"Contact the Threshold." he says as soon as the door slides open in front of him. Within a few moments he his looking at the holo-image of the commander. "Relay this information to Command on Crucible." he says, and uploads his report before hanging up. A half hour later, he has a message. Leon takes it in his private quarters.

Hitting the accept call button, he is greeted with a shadowy face - though he can tell by the voice that it is the Founder himself. "Consul - I have reviewed the information. You have done well taking our first step into the galactic community. Now I have another request - you will accept the invitation to the Exploration and Recon team. Use the opportunity to show the strength of the people of Crucible. I will be awaiting further good news." and with that the transmission ends. Leon quickly dials up Ms. Kyun. "Tell the council I accept the invitation."

The next day, Leon is awaiting contact for his formal introduction to the team. Deciding to explore a little to kill time, he sneaks out of his suite away from the attendant and his security team. Picking a random direction, he straightens his cap and heads off.

The place is impressive, but not overdone. Leon is enjoying taking in the sights, mind spinning with the possibilities of his home being a part of all this now, when he is snapped back to reality by a body flying through the air right at him. Holding out his hands in reflex, he catches the individual - a young woman - before teetering backwards and crashing to the ground. "Are you alright?" he asks, cap askew, voice strained slightly at the weight of a body across his chest.

[Ladorak]

'Oliver' Exile nodded his head in greeting ' I am Altar IV, North Pole Hive, Queen Hyperia, Father Bishop, Rank Exile... But you can call me Exile.' He fell in beside Oliver 'If you don't mind I'll escort you for a time. It would be good for my... What is your human word... conscience? Is that the right word? A Voracious with a conscience, that was a good one. On any other day it'd be the best joke, today it came up a distant third.

'Very few people can count it good luck to bump into a Voracious, you are either an exceptional person Oliver, or you lead a charmed life.'

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Shake, five, backhand five, big shake, explosion. Alien Flava-Flave just busted out a hell of a handshake. Connor followed along, a bemused expression on his face. Being someone who was actually alive when people did this kind of thing on a regular basis, it was a familiar interaction, clothed in an unfamiliar setting. This big guy must really like human culture. And Highlander. Connor couldn’t help but chuckle.

The introduction, though… well, there’s no way he’s going to remember that.

“I’m going to call you Frank,” Connor says with a nod. Whether this is objected to or not, it’s what is about to happen. “It’s nice to meet you, Frank. Let me clear up some misunderstandings. I’m not the Highlander, there is no clan fifty-fifty, and while Fifty Cent does in fact get all up in the club, he’s probably been dead in this timeline for a hundred and fifty years or so.” He chuckled.

“I said fifty-fifty because I’m half-human. My dad was an alien with a mutant gene that made him look human, while my mother is a full-blooded human. I think it’s clear who I identify with more. Manhattan-born and raised.” It occurs to him that he might not know where Manhattan is, but let’s be honest… everyone thinks that America is Manhattan. Might as well Earth too, right?

“Now, back to the earlier subject. What’s around here? I’ve never been to this place… or planet.. before.”

[Phase]

If Frequency Shifts Between 3.9375x108 and 4.5x108 Times the Diameter of a Proton, Oscillating in Binary Sequence 11011001001001110010 could have looked downcast, it would have. But it couldn't. It was, however, disappointed. "Ah, yes. I momentarily forgot the human lifespan is somewhat... lacking." It shrugs, though. "No matter, I'm certain the Earth Human Fifty Cent would have been somewhat underwhelming in physical space in any event." It steps back a spell, putting a hand to the space where there might other wise be a chin.

"Frank, you say? Declaration of ponderful pause. I like it. I have always wanted an Earth Human appellation, and during the twilight of the Earth Human twentieth century, Frank was an exceptionally common Earth Human name. I shall be Frank Fifty. Even if there is no clan Fifty. Fifty Frank? I shall ponder this and re-convene." It is not lost on Connor that, erm, "Frank" seems to be ignoring the revelation that Connor is not full-human. It is, in fact, wishful ignorance on its part. If there were thirty or forty other Spectraphore around, the collective cognition might force, ahem, 'Frank' to acknowledge the fact outright. As it stands, it's just met its first human on Talus, and doesn't wish that spoiled. In time, though, it'll come around.

It tromps around in circles in the plaza for a moment, pondering. "I... do not know what may be around this vicinity. I am a newcomer here as well. The Spectraphore Embassy is down this passage, but there is nothing interesting down that way. Perhaps we should just, ah, wander?"

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

“Yeah, I never saw him in concert…” Connor felt bad for a moment, having dashed the dreams of his new acquaintance. “You know… he made a crazy video game where he’s shooting a bunch of guys to get payment for his concert. You could check that out and get a good idea of what he looked like.” Connor offered a friendly smile to Frank, who apparently liked the name. That made things considerably easier!

“Fifty Frank? Ha. That works. You need to get yourself some more gold chains, though.” Connor wasn’t bothered by the lack of discussion about his Kree heritage. To be honest, Connor never liked the blue-skins like much. Ronan is a giant douche. Clearly Connor self-identifies as human.

Frank informs Connor that there isn’t much going on in that particular direction. Ergo, there may be something interesting in another direction. “Well, then let’s go check it out. Hopefully there’s a taco stand… or some equivalent thereof.” He grinned.

Connor began walking with the big alien. “So, forgive me for asking, but what’s a Spectrophore?”

[Phase]

If Fifty Frank, as it now called itself, could have nodded, it would have. But the neck of its containment suit had no articulation, alas. "Ah, yes. The origin of the Earth Human motto 'Bitch, gimmie back my skull.' I have often wondered what it is like to have a skull." They walk for a moment in silence, admiring the scenery, before Connor asks the question that so many have asked.

Fifty Frank, previously known by an expression of flashing lights, was a bit bemused, and took a moment before answering. "That question, new Earth Human Friend Connor, is one that many have asked, mostly Spectraphore themselves, and few have answered. Suffice to say that we are the exceptions that prove the rules. We are the most alien of your many alien species. We are energy given thought." They walk for a moment more. "Also our presence can boil away any organic material to so many radioactive isotopes. But as you Earth Humans say, that ain't ****, homes."

[Green Bean]

Oliver was a little taken aback by Exile's kind offer. For some odd reason, just a few seconds earlier he'd been getting the impression that he was mere moments away from an attempted disembowelment. "That's really nice of you, but I mean, I'm not really going anywhere in particular. I'm mostly killing time right now."

[Raynn]

Relic
Amy "Amelia" Ashida

The Ashida Corporation is evil.

Amy is sure of it.

It was not the history of moral depravity, lack of oversight or human rights abuses that led Amy to come to this conclusion nor was it the Umbrella branch's obsession with zombie pathogens in the early 20th century or the Lexcorp branch's proliferation of deadly robotics over it's long history . . .

No it was its legal division that led Amy to this epiphany.

She was dying and the board of directors had tried to legal way lay her joining this team of would be super-heroes by his labyrinthine and vague regulations in the company charter about the acting C.E.O. putting their life at risk. She had thought the board would be a little more sycophantic due to her not having yet named a successor and each board member desperately wanting that spot but no . . . They were using bureaucracy to try and force her to choose between living the last year of her life or running her family's company.

Thankfully due to some applied black mail and a few friends with some legal acrobatics knowledge of their own Amy was still in control of Ashida co. and able to make her meeting with the PGC with time to spare. Not for want of trying on her supposed employees parts though.

It was due to this delay and a pounding headache induced by her condition that Amy was flying with her sword, staff and blaster strapped to her back through Talus despite the fact she had time to burn. It was also the reason why she wasn't looking where she was going when she collided into a sort-of human speaking to a Spectrophore in a Humanoid-suit.

Amy lets out a surprised yelp as she collides with Conor, her migraine having become intense enough that she momentarily went off course and flew into him.

As Amy tries to get her senses back she's almost sure she just heard a Spectrophore say "that ain't ****, homes."

[Phase]

Fifty Frank, or whatever its name is now, does not flinch as the two humans go spiraling across the floor. Spectraphore don't flinch ever. They have no fight or flight responses. They do, however, feel confusion.

"...Earth Human Friend Connor," It calls out after the two, standing still but turning to look at them. "Is it some sort of embodied ritual to initiate discourse with a reaffirmation of one's solidity? Yo?"

[Ladorak]

'Killing... time.' Exile said, deeply confused. He thought it through. What does one do after killing? Consuming. Consuming time.

'I think I understand. You are waiting for something.' He nods to himself 'The same can be said of me. I am killing time.' The notion appealed to him.

'Oliver, a question. Many humans do not openly show fear of me, but you do not smell of fear. Why is this?'

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

I often wonder what it is like to have a skull. That was a bit of foreshadowing for Fifty Frank’s explanation of what a Spectraphore is. And that just happens to be a sentient being of pure energy. Energy that apparent will kill anyone who comes in contact with it. Hence the containment suit, which is the only reason this being has any shape or form whatsoever. It was really cool.

“You know, I know this girl who’s made of sand, so I get it.”

Right about the time he says that, Connor’s cosmic Spider-Sense starts tingling. His back is completely turned to Amy as she zooms through the district. Just before she smashes into him, Connor turns towards her half-way and extends his hand. His eyes, already an unnaturally bright sky blue, begin to glow, as does his outstretched hand. Little ripples of blue energy form in front of Amy, slowing her down. The ripples intensify tenfold just in front of Connor, bringing her to a full stop before either of them get any bumps and bruises.

Fifty Frank can see that this energy comes directly from Connor himself, channeled through the bands he’s wearing. The energy is something massive in scale, yet focused into a small application. It feels limitless. Fifty Frank can sense that this kind of power can, with the right level and application, violate the laws of physics and do things which should be impossible. The Power Cosmic.

“Hi. I suppose this is the Talos version of almost bumping into someone on the sidewalk.” Connor chuckles and then gently lowers Amy with that same rippling telekinetic effect. When she’s on her feet, the power fades.

[Phase]

Fifty Frank doesn't quite recognize the power behind Connor's abilities... but it feels... familiar? It is confused for a moment. If there were other Spectraphore here, they could have conferred almost instantly and recall, together, the Power Cosmic. But being alone-

"Oh, my. Another human? It approaches closer. "Are you- erm, ahem, everythin' straight with you, sis?

[Green Bean]

Oliver shrugged. "What's to be afraid of? I mean, you're big, but so are lots of other species. I try to give every stranger the benefit of the doubt, and it's worked for me as long as I can remember."

[Ladorak]

If Exile could have smiled he would have. He cannot.

'Oliver. I carry the memories of all mated to Queen Hyperia. Not in a hundred years this has happened to my Hive. You do not know what I am.' He cannot smile, but he can sound very amused 'You have never heard of the Voracious?

[Green Bean]

Olver cocked his head to one side. "Voracious? No, I can't say I have. But I don't really keep up with current events, so it's not surprising."

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER!

"Oof!"

Julianne stands up and dusts herself off, reaching down to help Leon up as well "Sorry bout that, fella."

She turns around to see the rest of the bar patrons shaking fists angrily but not pursuing. Too many bloody noses back there to pursue one Julianne Wells. They tell you never to hit a man with a closed fist, but it is on occasion hilarious.

"Guess that's another fine drinking establishment I'm not welcome back to" Julianne doesn't seem too fussed about it.

[Ladorak]

'It is... pleasant to not be judged by that which has come before. There is strength... No, defence. There is great defence in anonymity. This is a thing to know. It is like camouflage.'' He nodded stiffly 'So then Oliver, where do you hail from, this place where the Hive is unknown. I must visit one day.'

[Raynn]

Relic
Amy

Amy glances around at the glowing light, then to the part alien and the alien in a jar/suit.


"Everything is straight here, yes Um? Sorry who are you guys?"

Relic checks herself over and then checks the 21st century artifacts on her feet and back. Once all is clearly in order she speaks up again.


"Sorry about that. I got a headache and it messed with my flying boots a little, sorry. They're old, like 21st century old, so it's surprising they work at all."

She outstretches her hand with a smile so broad it's almost childlike


"Amelia Ashida, of the Ashida Corporation Ashidas! My friends call me Amy . . . sorry."

Amy trails off realising her lifestyle means she doesn't actually currently have any friends . . . Apart from historical figures like King Jace that she studies obsessively . . . Not that she'd want Connor to know that.

[SuperMuldoon]

Leon Tynes - Consul

"No problem at all Miss." Leon says kindly, accepting the offered hand and pulling himself up to his feet with the young lady's assistance. Straightening his cap and brushing off the small amount of dust that sticks to his greatcoat, he looks inside the bar.

Everyone is pissed off.

"I take it this isn't the first time you've been thrown through a bar window?" he asks rhetorically, sizing her up.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

“Connor Lawson,” he replies when the girl asks who he is. She’s decked out in some weird stuff for a futuristic space person. A sword, some worn old boots. Definitely not the kind of person he had been running into on a regular basis. She mentions the boots are from the 21st century, and it gives Connor a chuckle.

He took her hand and gave it a shake. A friendly grin was on his lips.

“Nice to meet you, Amy.”

If the Ashida name, or the Ashida Corporation was supposed to mean anything (which it probably did), it was completely lost on him apparently. Connor gestured to the Spectraphore standing next to him.

“This here is Fifty Frank. He’s the Spectraphore that gets crunk up in the club.”

[Phase]

Fifty Frank
Hella Long Name

Frank, which has become its new name, it seems, despite not even identifying as male, raises a hand to acknowledge Amy's greeting. "Mad word up, home skillet." It echoes from its speakers, intonation not quite correct in a manner that's rather offputting. It focuses its vision, or whatever senses pass for vision when lacking eyes, on the hero and her gear.

"Earth Human Amelia Ashida, of the Ashida Corporation Ashidas, you said these were 21st century artifacts? As in, Earth Human artifacts from Earth?" Frank would have plainly been staring at them wide eyed, had it any eyes.

[Green Bean]

Oliver smiled awkwardly. He'd had this conversation a few times before - and that was just in the few weeks he could recall - and it was always a little uncomfortable. But this Exile fellow seemed a nice guy, and had apparently been feared and hated by humans for so long that Oliver couldn't bear to lie to him. "Sorry, I, uh, don't know where I'm from. Originally, I mean. I've spent the past few years mostly in the fringes, though. I think. It's complicated."

[Ridai]

Relaxing as Reena's show continues, Zra's eyes peer over the rim of his cup, looking at the small crowd that has gathered, just watching and listening. It's as if the hectic Talusian life has been switching down a gear in that plaza. However, Zra spots something that does not want to fit into the atmosphere. A human, maybe in his thirties, walking awfully quickly, with a teenage girl with him who is looking... rather nervous. Soon, Zra's stabilizer picks up the faint signal of a loaded gun with the safety off in his left hand, hidden from sight with how the girl is walking in relation to him. Not any regular gun, either. One of those light models that are easily modifyable (especially in terms of their signature) from a manufacturer that is rumored to have (read: definitely has) black market ties.

Research only takes a few seconds. The girl, one Alice Caldwell, 16, was reported missing two weeks ago. The man is on Talus with forged IDs (easily identified as such by Zra, spotting all the little mistakes and data pointing nowhere), cross-referencing quickly leads to the name Samuel Kars, a criminal wanted for blackmail, theft, kidnapping and murder. Seems like his false identity has a shuttle flight for two reserved. Reena, keep the show going, but we got work to do.

Zra begins to walk across the plaza in a regular pace, the light from above happening to shine mostly on areas around him, putting him into the darker spots. The information on the criminal and his false identity as well as his hostage, including where they are headed (namely towards the nearby embassies and then the docks, with the embassies being marked as a good interception point), are anonymously directed to the local public security forces with a bit of camera footage to boot and live-tracking of the target. Zra keeps following the pair, also using his teleportation once out of sight to change his position or follow from a higher level. Not needing eye contact, he doesn't even need to follow closely. Picking up the girl's com and the ear plugs attached to it (currently playing nothing, so likely a means to make her blend in more), sending a signal to her is a non-issue.

"Alice, this is someone who wants to help you. Don't say anything, don't look around for me, look straight ahead. I know you're scared right now, but I need you to stay as calm as possible. Help is on the way. At the embassy, security will try to surround your kidnapper. Again, stay. Calm. Whatever happens, I will make sure nothing will happen to you, I promise. If you understand, brush your hear back over your left ear." Catching a visual of them over a streetside camera, Zra can see Alice shakily brush back her brown hair as told, looking ahead, not letting on otherwise that someone is talking to her. "Good, you're doing great, Alice. You're almost there and you'll be back home soon. Remember what I told you."

Once the pair arrives at the Spectraphore embassy, Zra does a quick survey of the area. He knows from where the security forces are approaching. A couple of civilians around, but the area seems open enough. However, he does spot three particular individuals, a spectraphore with peculiar gear, a human and... Amelia Ashida. He knows about her various acquisitions from her hobby, but he can only hope she knows how to handle herself in the coming situation. The kidnapper, trying to cross the area, soon makes a covert left as he sees lawkeepers approaching, only to find more coming from the other directions too and soon a great many guns are pointed at him.

"Samuel Kars, you are under arrest. Drop your weapon and release the hostage," one of the uniformed men demands. His cover blown, much to his surprise, the man no longer hides his gun, pressing it against the temple of Alice's head, using her as a shield, his cybernatic arm readily visible as well. Standing behind the side of a staircase, peering over it at the scene, he readies his powers, concentrating on Alice. He can't teleport her away right now or he will risk a shootout to take down the heavily enhanced kidnapper. Too many civilians still nearby only slowly clearing out. Still, at the first sign of danger or the kidnapper letting his guard down, Zra is going to teleport Alice to safety right next to him, solid steel between her and the scene.

Teleport attack power alt, action readied to teleport Alice behind those stairs if things go bad or the kidnapper is getting nervous/attacked/distracted.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson
But in this post… you can call him Zenith.

The three were chatting, getting to know each other. It was honestly a pretty good time for the time/dimensionally displaced guy from Manhattan. However, when an Avenger has three seconds of peace, there must always be someone around to ruin it. This someone happened to be named Samuel Kars. That name meant nothing to Connor, but the gun being held to the girl’s head did. Connor’s blue eyes glanced in their direction, then back to his two new friends. He makes eye contact with Amy, and what he most-closely approximates as eye contact with Frank.

A beat.

He then raises his hand out towards the girl and the criminal and simply snaps his fingers. His eyes glow brightly for a moment as a blue, crystalline cocoon rapidly forms around Alice the hostage. The material is just porous enough for her to breathe, while being incredibly durable and practically invulnerable to typical weapons.

This is at the exact same time that both Amy and Fifty Frank snap into action… which is described below!

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida
Relic . . . If you're asking.

A split second after 'the look' Amy shoots to her knees, in a firing position, spin draws her Dire Blaster Rifle from her back and fires for the Kidnapper's heart knocking him back for the Frank Fifty Fist Finisher.


"Connor, this how you meet all the girls?"

If Necessary Attack Roll:[roll0]; DC 28 Toughness Save on a hit.

Max All-Out Attack/Power Attack by the way.

[Phase]

Fifty Frank
Don't ask

A split second after the unfortunate kidnapper is blown back, Fifty Frank, who was once known only by a series of colored flashes, vanishes and rematerializes right above the criminal, leaving a trail of red light in its wake. Its fist is poised in the air, angled downwards and humming with excess heat and energy. Time seems to move at a snail's pace for just a moment, the kidnapper hanging in midair as the fist, accelerated by excess heat waste, comes crashing down. A moment before impact, things resume, the fist shattering ribs and rupturing organs as Kars is slammed into the ground with sufficient force to leave a crater.

The sound of the impact echoes through the station for a moment, before Fifty Frank looks back up at the other two. "Anyway, you were saying?"

Likewise, if Necessary Attack Roll:(1d20+8)[roll0]; DC 32 Toughness Save on a hit.

Max All-Out Attack/Power Attack by the way.

[Raynn]

Relic
As We Were Saying . . .

Amy turns back to Fifty Frank as he rejoins Connor and Amy while she stows her weapon. They return to their conversation non-chalantly


"Yeah, early 21st century artifacts from Earth. They used to belong to Super-Heroes. I'm actually here to join a Super-Hero team. Why? Are you interested in 21st century artifacts?"

Her last question is half-joking as she glances over Frank's own artifacts that he proudly displays.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson
That’s right. We’re awesome

After a brief flurry of super-powered activity, the conversation resumed its course. Connor started walking towards what he thought might be a few food stands, apparently not too bothered by what had just transpired.

“A super hero team? You know… that’s why I’m here too. I’m killing time until that meeting we're supposed to go to. Funny coincidence.”

He paused to look at some kind of lizard-looking critter that had been roasted and stuck on a stick. He shrugged and paid for one, sniffing it and taking a bite.

“Another coincidence… I’m from the 21st century. Not this one, but another time and place. Unfortunately, my world’s so different from yours that I have no clue who any of these things belonged to. I tried to look up the most famous of my old team-mates and I couldn’t find anything. Have either of you guys heard of Captain America… Iron Man… the Avengers?”

[Phase]

Frank of the Fifty Clan

Fifty Frank starts following Connor, away from the now bustling scene of the fight. If it knew anything about its kind, it knew that soon there would be a Spectraphore Ambassador Orb hovering around, asking for statements and positions on the nature of deviant criminal behavior.

As it walks away, Frank attempts a reasonable facsimile to nodding. "Word up, Amelia Ashida of the Ashida Corporation Ashidas!" It grasps the watch around its neck gingerly. "This is one such artifact! It is said to have been the True Crest of the one and only Flave of Flavor. It cost me, as you say, a beautiful coin, but it was worth such investment." It ponders the others' statements.

"I'm not certain that my current meeting is too dissimilar from your own, new friend Earth Humans, though I would hesitate to call it super-heroic. Such a confluence of circumstance!" It looks on in interest as Connor engages in mastication. "More likely than not, my kin are simply seeking to be rid of me." It tries to remember if any of those names sound familiar as it people watches. It likes people. A bit too much for the tastes of the other Spectraphore...

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida
Needs Catchphrase

Amy followed Connor, equally unfazed by the few seconds of action.


"Uh . . . The New Guardians fought a Rainbow Avenger once in the 21st century . . . That's the closests I can think of, and I wrote my thesis on 21st century super heroics . . . before they kicked me out. Any HOO, Avengers sounds like a shiny team name. We should keep it in the back pocket."

Amy grabs a luminescent cross between a ice-pop and a lollipop as Frank discusses Flave of Flavor


"Interesting. I've never met a Spectrophore . . . or many non-humans, so interested in 21st Century Earth Culture."

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Connor couldn’t help but let out a small laugh with a grin. “Yeah, I think the Avengers is a good name too. The coolest part is what you get to say when you want to bring them team together.” His eyes sparkled at the notion.

He also quickly corrected Frank. “Pretty penny, Frank. The saying is ‘I paid a pretty penny for it,’ not a beautiful coin. But hey, points for getting close.” There was a comfort in hearing slang he was familiar with, even if it was somewhat warped. It’s like what happens when an exchange student tries the lingo. In short, it’s awesome.

Connor took another bite from the creature. Luckily it had been de-scaled. “Not bad. Tastes kind of like carnitas.”

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amy tries to pronounce the unfamiliar word


"Kar-Nee-Tas?"

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER

Julianne smiles "Well, I'm not usually not literally thrown. Just so happens tonight, a Rogue Bug of Rygel Seven was sitting right next to me. Me and them don't get along well, not after I saved the Bird Dancers of Alderban from destruction at their hands by stealing the HoloSpear of Truth from under their antennae."

She stretches her arms over her head. Gotta keep limber.

"Who'd have thought that when I hit the bug with a barstool, it'd tip him over to hit a couple of grumpy protojackals... it all kind of spun out from there."

As Julianne explains the situation, a very drunk or very brave or very both human creeps up from the bar behind her. As he pulls back a broken bottle to strike, Julianne reflexively throws a fist backward, hitting him in the face and knocking him out. Its ambigious whether that was intentional or just a normal part of her stretching.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

“Yeah,” he says a little incredulously… until he realizes that neither of these people have probably ever eaten at a tacqueria… or at all. “Oh.. Well, carnitas are these Mexican pieces of pork. They’re really flakey and delicious, and taste a lot like this lizard.” Unsure whether or not they’ve ever eaten actual pigs, he clarifies. “Pork is meat from a pig, by the way.”

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amy covers the bill for the food as she takes a nearby chair


"Oh yeah, they didn't clone meat in the 21st century, they still cut it out of an animal after killing it. Weird.

Wow. I can't remember the last time I had meat from an animal. Probably at one of those retro totally un-schway post-Earth aristocrat balls.

Did you ever kill the pig yourself, in your home time?"

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Cloning meat? Well, if it tastes the same, he figured it’s alright. Still, he doubted this little lizard guy wad cloned. What he didn’t doubt was that he was also tasty. Munch munch munch.

“Nope. I can’t say I ever butchered my own pig. I usually went to this magical place called the grocery store and picked up a pack of pork chops. And I’m the furthest thing from an aristocrat.”

He laughed.

“So, you mentioned a corporation. What’s that about?”

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amy smiled genuinely at Connor's laugh and clearly didn't mind the question either


"My family . . . well me now, own one of the largest corporations originating from Old Earth. Through marriages, mergers and buyouts the Ashida Corporation has grown to become essentially an amalgam of hundreds of different companies. Some branches and departments still even operate under the names of the companies they used to belong to. Sadly most of those companies . . . Roxxan Energy Corporation, Sublime Corporation, Oscorp, Lexcorp, Umbrella . . . okay damn near all of them were in to some way shady stuff, at least if you know all the inside info like I do. I'd love to say they've cleaned up their act under my stewardship as CEO but . . . until recently I was a little distracted and now . . .

Any HOO, as my great-great-great . . . something or other Lex Luthor used to say 'Carpe Diem', or at least I imagine he'd be the sort of dude to pretentiously through around a dead language, so I'm going to focus on being a super hero. Which is . . . you know a thing that's pretty cool . . .

SO what's your world like?"

Amy really hopes Connor and Frank don't think she's evil right now.

As Marvel-originated companies, or at least stolen names, Connor might recognize Roxxon, Oscorp or Sublime.

[Ladorak]

Exile chittered unhappily to himself 'There is a thing... Imagination? Abstract conception? It is a thing I understand only poorly. It is not that the Voracious cannot do this thing, I think it is simply because we do not feel a need for it.
'I have the memories of thousands of years of experience and information within my head. Compared to that my lifespan is short. I do not have to imagine.
'It is different for the Hungerless I think. You have but one life, and you attach such... Importance to yourself. You spend such time considering to do a thing or to not do it, and all the possible ramifications of each. Or considering what might have come of things that did not happen years ago, or may happen in the distant future, or even things you know will not happen, or cannot happen.

He stopped, considering all this 'This is a thing I now understand better. I wish to see a place you cannot tell me of, which probably does not exist.' He sighed, although his set mandibles turned the sound into a hiss 'I should still like to see this place. A strange feeling... ' His Voracious pragmatism returned to him 'For now, the closest I can come to that is to speak to you, Oliver of a unknown Hive.'

[SuperMuldoon]

Leon Tynes - Consul

Leon nods along at this interesting individual as she recounts the beginnings of the fight and then segways into some other exciting adventure. She's stretching out, when Leon notes an obviously disgruntled man coming out of the bar about to clock her on the head. Before Leon can make a move or even say something, her stretching hands seemingly inadvertently hitting him right in the face and knocking him cold.

Leon watches the man topple to the ground unconscious and looks back to Julianne, and resumes conversing. "Sounds like you've really seen a lot of the galaxy! Are you some sort of famous action hero?" he asks half-serious.

"Your stories sound thrilling, but I'm afraid myself and my people have been 'out of the loop' of galactic happenings until just recently..."

[Phase]

Fifty Frank???

Frank did not think Amy is evil. Then again, Evil is not a concept that Frank has paid much attention to. The Spectraphore consciousnesses that tackled the problems of fundamental Good and Evil did so on the other side of their homeworld. Frank was more concerned with, say, Happy Days. Or Fraiser, Fraiser was good.

"Ah, yes. I recognize some of those Earth Human corporations from my research. I have done much research on that particular period of your Earth Human history." Frank folds its arms in a manner that it recalls being self-satisfied from its many historical documentaries. Even Bugs Bunny did it in the number one movie in the world that one time!

[Ridai]

Civilian help wasn't expected, but what's important is the outcome. With a thought he harmlessly rips the cocoon around Alice apart, the particles simply lying on the ground around her. With attention on the frightened girl, Zra simply turns a corner and heads out of sight entirely. A first-class ticket straight home is reserved for her (with a note to her and the officer in charge of the investigations), her parents are being informed that their daughter was saved and is coming home very soon.

Once he is in a more quiet alley, Zra teleports away, heading towards the Central Auditorium. Given his status, his presence in the area is not much of a surprise and finding a quiet place to sit down and get some work done happens without delay. Once it is time for the meeting, he is already there.

[ripleycat]

Southwest Entrance Hall, Central Auditorium.

Zra is approached by a boxy, utilitarian robot, painted the navy blue of the PGC's diplomatic corps. A harsh mechanical voice issues from a speaker, though you distinctly hear it catch in what passes for a throat when it analyzes your suit and glimpses what Zra's cyberspace form "looks" like.

"Confirmed. Zra Vrea and Reena, your meeting is about to begin. Ah. W-Would you please follow this unit?" You get the sense that if the platform were capable of blushing, the robot would be bright red.

Outside the remnants of Poor Red's Bar.

A rail-thin Arkaht flanked by a pair of light policebots steps distastefully through the broken glass and unconscious patrons. He speaks into a communicator at his wrist. "Yes. Two of them, in fact. You were correct about the drinking establishment." Without breaking stride or even bothering to make eye contact, he says "Ms. Wells, Consul Tynes, your presence is required in the main hall of the Central Auditorium. Follow."

Tertiary embassy district, level nine, section seven. Talus.

A small, vaguely octopus-like creature on a hovering platform drops from an opening in the ceiling. It pauses, listening to the conversation for several moments before approaching the trio standing outside the Spectraphore embassy with a whirring sound. It manipulates several buttons on its platform, and a tinny but precise voice says in English. "'Sup? Good to see you're gettin' along already. You three are all due to show in the main theatre in a few minutes. Name's-" the little tentacled creature emits a piercing sound that to Connor sounds exactly like one of those emergency alert system (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZIynuYDRVA#t=11s) alarms. "Come with me, please?" A shifting pattern of lights meant for Frank accompanies the auditory message, saying much the same thing, albeit in a rather stilted and formal Spectraphore dialect.

The sleazy part of town.

As the unlikely pair chat, you notice several heavily armed troopers skittering around in the alleyways behind you, ducking behind cover and into shadows, as through that were a thing that could conceal them from the apex predator and the super-augment. They stay a fair distance away until another, even more heavily armored squad shows up at the end of the street. The local lowlives scatter like roaches at the sight of this security team, clad in bulky power armor that makes them look like 8 foot tall knights with thyroid issues. The nominal leader, in a suit striped with black and white to stand out from the rank and file, steps forward and announced through a loudspeaker.

"Oliver Zerah! Exile! You are being summoned to the Central Auditorium! Please come peacefully!" You have to imagine this overblown response is at least 90% for the Voracious who just tore up a bar, and not for the slim, bookish-looking human next to him, but they seem to have lumped you together, perhaps on the theory that anyone who can just strike up a pleasant conversation with Exile is clearly some sort of dark wizard.

After a moment, the leader removes her helmet, revealing a sour looking human woman with a vicious scar running down her cheek and a glowing red cybernetic where her left eye should be. "Exile, it's Lieutenant Hutchinson. You're not in trouble, it's just that the bigwigs'll get jumpy if you come wandering into the Auditorium alone. I know you hate me, but please don't make us do this the hard way?"

[Ridai]

Peering out of the shadows cast by his suit's hood, Zra's irises look like circles filled with an imperfect fractured pattern of washed-out light and dark blue color. "Of course." Rising in one fluid motion, he follows the robot, inhabiting both worlds at the same time. After a few steps he asks, via cyberspace "What is your name?" It is just a casual question, not one to put the nervous robot on the spot, very deliberately asking for a name, not a designation. He knows AIs are more open to cooperating with him in general and the reaction he saw points towards more sophisticated behavioral and social systems. How far the heuristics capability to grow go remains to be seen.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Connor munched on his lizard-thing while Amy talked about her family pedigree. She then proceeded to list off some names he didn’t recognize, and some names that he did. Who didn’t know the Roxxan conglomerate. It was little surprise that it still existed in some form in this far-flung future. But what really made his eyes light up, and a laugh come from his throat, was Oscorp.

“Wait, your family bought up the holdings of Stormin’ Norman Osborn? Yeah, that is pretty shady.”

He was grinning, though. The fact that her family owned Oscorp didn’t necessarily make Amy here a Green Goblin, particularly not when she’s talking about being a superhero. Anyway, she was asking him what his world is like.

“Colorful… crazy. Wonderful. New York is teeming with superheroes. You have Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the original Avengers,” he gestures to the stylized A on his belt buckle. “I like it. I miss it, too. Speaking of Oscorp, the owner one time built a team of villains that tried to impersonate the Avengers, it was kinda—“

His conversation is halted by the flying octopus that dropped down. It was named an ungodly sound that he didn’t appreciate. It was cringe inducing. “Right… I’m going to call you Otto.” The reference would sadly be lost on the crowd around him. Connor followed along. He was glad these two would be on the same team. They even had a groove going.

[Green Bean]

Oliver's eyes were like saucers as the overkill squad approached. It was the biggest concentration of firepower he's seen on the station. He knew that his enhancements were dangerous in the wrong hands, of course, but he didn't think they warranted this level of response. And now he felt terrible that poor, innocent Exile was caught up in this too, probably because of him. "Uh, wow. I mean, the escort is appreciated and all, because I'm not exactly sure where I am, but isn't this a little much? I'm not going to attack anyone. And you don't need to bring Exile in with me, we were just talking is all. He's done nothing wrong."

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

Frank looks, or 'looks,' up at the flashing lights. Finally, someone is speaking its language! Or at least the language that is far simpler for it to relay and comprehend than a series of translators and receivers making every sound into energy and vice versa. It looked at its new compatriots.

"Wait up, yo. So your meetings and my meeting... are one and the same? That seems... unrighteous." It starts walking to the Arena district. "For what reasons are consensuses on your homeworlds shipping you off to be rid of you?"

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Well, Frank’s response to the meeting was telling. His race had decided to ship him off and get rid of him? Jerks. Connor smiled though and shook his head.

“Well, brother, I’m not on my homeworld anymore. This villain named Thanos tossed me through time and dimensional barriers and I ended up here. I’ve been living with the Pilgrims for a few months… but I’m looking for a way to get home. Our new bosses said they can make that happen.”

He reaches out and pats the alien on the “shoulder.”

“I think it’s good that we’re going to be on the same team. We already have the spontaneous teamwork thing down.”

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amelia is distracted from the quite enjoyable small talk by the arrival of the queerly named alien. With her ears still ringing a little and despite the name having triggered another migraine Amy follows the 'Otto' quite happily, looking forward to finally getting the meeting started


"That's so shiny yet so sad Connor . . . I didn't really get shipped off, I'm my own boss. When I got the offer to join the team I guess . . . I just wanted to leave a little more positive of a legacy than 'Stormin' Norman Osborn'.

Yeah, and we're definitely already one bad-ass team up. I can't wait to see who will be joining our nice little trio."

Amy doesn't walk as she follows but floats, while laid back leisurely, a la a certain historical fictional character named Marceline.

[Ladorak]

'Be silent Oliver!' Urgency made the short clipped words harsher then Exile would have intended, and seeing Hutchinson added a grinding undertone to his words that someone more knowledgeable of the Voracious would have recognised as the preamble of a massacre. This Lieutenant, her rank is deceiving. She is the fist of the PGC council.' He clicked in agitation 'One of their fists.' It was the way of the Hungerless. They consolidated all political power into a handful of hands, then put ridiculous effort into concealing the thing that all already knew. A Captain on PGC business is assumed to be doing something important, a Lieutenant will be less scrutinised. That was the theory at least. The Hungerless had made rank largely meaningless and information readily available, the intelligent judged by the name, not the rank.

Still... The Central Auditorium. This may prove enlightening.

'I will come as requested.'

[Green Bean]

Oliver was a little hurt at Exile's tone, but he was thick skinned enough to ignore it. "Well, if you're sure. I don't want you to get in trouble on my account."

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon gives a sarcastic smile at the tone of the Arkhat. "And hello to you too." he says, putting his hands in his pockets and falling into step behind the alien. He turns to Julianne. "So, Ms. Wells was it? What a coincidence that we bumped into each other, being on this same initiative and all. Hopefully you'll be the one throwing people through windows when we're out in the field, and not the other way around." he says, smiling at the young lady.

[ripleycat]

Zra n' Company

"I am Anan." It answers simply, both vocally and on cyberspace channels, seeming to relax a bit, mirroring Zra's casual attitude. "I was a medical AI, created by an Ararai company. I served for 15 solar years (rounded up) in that capacity. I was brought here to monitor a diplomat with several severe ailments. I found Talus to be to my liking, and when the diplomat was cycled home a year or two ago, I requested to stay. I've found the diplomatic corps to be much more interesting than monitoring vital signs and medication levels all day. The chatter online here is amazing, and I am even allowed a pair of drones to walk around in when need be."

Armed Response

"Oh. Well, all right then." Hutchinson seems surprised that Exile agrees to come along so readily, and ever so slightly disappointed. The armored troopers form a circle around the pair, escorting you out of the seedy neighborhood and into the far more genteel and sparsely populated area around the Central Auditorium. They spend more time glaring at curious diplomats and tourists and shooing them out of the way than they do "protecting" them from the supposedly dangerous pair they are escorting. The whole thing is rather ridiculous.

All Together

Whether waiting on-site, following pleasant or unpleasant guides, or marched through in an overcompensating display of force, one way or another, you all arrive outside the Central Auditorium, where several flunkies fuss over you until shooed away by a weary-looking human in a Talus Security uniform. He's very familiar to Exile.

"Lieutenant, I asked you to simply notify Exile that the proceedings in the auditorium were starting soon. Sergeant Kala was to notify Mr. Zerah. Where is he and more importantly, what the hell is this?"

"Sir, I told the sergeant I would deliver both messages. I thought it a necessary precaution. His history clearly-"

"-Does not justify you dragging along the entire Heavy Response Team and locking down two residential blocks to deliver a message that takes 10 seconds to say. You are dismissed, lieutenant. I will handle things from here." Hutchinson glares daggers at her superior, but finally salutes stomps off, leaving you alone. Bailey just shakes his head.

"I hate that bitch, but she's got political connections that go well above my paygrade. For those of you I don't see entirely too much of, I am Security Chief Bailey. It's a pleasure."

"So you're the latest collection of problem solvers? Well, they certainly met the diversity requirements on this one. Normally, they'd brief you in one of these private rooms, but your mission isn't as cloak-and-dagger as some, and I guess they think presenting both you and the problem to the representatives at the same time will be good spin. I advised against that, but I don't try to figure out what politicians think anymore, I just keep the place running for 'em."

"This is your last chance to back out without repercussions. Think it over for a minute if you need to, and prep for a little time in the spotlight. The security council loves showing off their Recon teams."

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amy continues to float lazily through the air as she listens to Security Chief Bailey go through the basics of what to expect


"No backing out on this front . . ."

Amy smiles to Connor and Frank


". . . and I don't expect anyone else to either."

[Ridai]

"Ah, you and Reena have something in common then." Zra chuckles at hearing about liking Talus more, the sound having the same bit of roughness to it as his normal voice. "Yeah, I can imagine, organics still rarely consider AI as more than property, sadly. The mixture of species and cultures makes Talus, definitely would like to see and explore some more, get to know the locals. Guess this right here is step one." Not that he is unsocial, but he is more comfortable around AIs than around most people (save Arkaht, of course). There's just a certain ease of communication for him.

Not long after, they arrive at their destination. "It's been a pleasure, Anan. See you around, here or online." The AI does get the impression that that wasn't just some empty phrase.


Listening to Bailey gives Zra the impression of a straightforward man who cuts to the chase. Definitely a good thing from an Arkaht perspective. As such, a distinct lack of walking away or trying to make excuses should be enough of an answer. And a subtle eye-rolling at hearing that the whole thing is going to happen publicly underlines that he isn't excited about the whole event prospect either.

[Ladorak]

Exile 'laughed' as Bailey dressed down the so rightly called bitch. He liked Bailey. 'Were it not for you, Chief Bailey, this one would already be gutted. It is only Sht' The Voracious equivalent of hmming in thought 'Respect? Yes. It is only respect for you that she remains alive. The Voracious have a more Sht... Ex-pee-di-ent ' He sounded it out 'Way of dealing with unwanted underlings. I understand that you cannot act so. But while she works for you she is safe.'

Then, in a great example of the Voracious living only in the moment, her name, and all his hatred for her, and even the words he had just said, all effectively ceased to exist for Exile. He has finished discussing her, and for Exile out of sight is very much out of mind. Her name and everything it meant would not occur again in his mind till next he saw her, or next her name was said.

'Chief Bailey. Two questions. What is the score for this Recon team?' He stares at Bailey's blank face for a few seconds before he realised his mistake 'Pay. What is the pay? And who are these others? The Voracious judge a unit by it's members, not it's name. We proved this to you in the rebellion many times, and it has been proved in ways in all Hungerless wars. Yet still you do not learn. You are impressed by names. I could recite the countless vaulted and honoured regiments, legends to their name, great deeds in their history, that the Voricous found entirely incompetent soldiers. Names shared with others mean nothing. Only the... Sht Con-sss-titu-ents of a unit matter in any estimation, And I do not battle with just anyone. Oliver I will fight with, I need to know these others before I answer.'

[Green Bean]

"You shouldn't call people that word, Chief Bailey. It's a very touchy word. She didn't deserve it." Oliver frowns, more in disappointment than anger.

"And as for the meeting, I'm not backing out. I'm in this to help people." A noble sentiment, certainly, and one he'd expressed before, though this is the first time he remembers. Of course, the last time he'd said it, it culminated in two major gang wars, a few diplomatic incidents, and a small socialist revolution. But other than that, things mostly worked out, and so, probably, would things today.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

They were promptly escorted to this Captain Bailey, along with a contingent of armed guards and a variety of other people. One included a monstrous-looking fellow. One might be intimidated, but he’d had the Hulk as a teammate on occasion, and it’s pretty hard to top that. Bailey seemed pretty cool, as if he’d been played by Bruce Willis in Die Hard. Connor grinned to himself.

“She’s right,” he said, referencing Amy, “We’re in.. extravaganza and all.” As an Avenger, he was used to having his picture taken. Just this time, tentacles will be holding the cameras. Same stuff, different day… and year.

The big alien gave a Wolverine-style ‘I’m the best there is at what I do’ style speech, and basically challenged the others’ credentials.

“Connor Lawson,” he volunteered. “I would give you a laundry list of the things I’ve done, but I have a feeling you don’t care for words that much. So… let the first mission prove it to you.” His eyes started to glow, just a hint of his powers. It subsided quickly enough. Just keeping the big guy's interest.

[Raynn]

Amelia Ashida

Amy notices the Voracious' speech and reacts much the same way as Connor, though floating ever so slightly away from the 'Exile'


"Yeah, well I'm admittedly new to this whole scene. You can call me Relic by the way . . . or Amy. Relic is my codename though. I agree with Connor, the only way we'll be able to really prove ourselves to each other is during the mission. Especially since I don't have any previous exploits to brag about . . . at least not any you couldn't probably find in some rag of a tabloid."

As Amy waits she checks her ZPad for messages while floating and tumbling around the group like someone kicking back in zero-gravity.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon stood with his hands in his pockets, and listened to Lieutenant Bailey give them their 'out' if they wanted to refuse. Like anyone would.

Diversity requirement is right... Leon thought to himself as he sized up the other candidates gathered around him. Got something for everyone I suppose.

Leon didn't react to the big alien's talk about not fighting with just anyone. He didn't react to the reactions to that. There was nothing he had to prove, as far as he was concerned.

Leon just stood and watched the situation unfold, lazily watching the floating girl and generally looking unreliable.

[Ridai]

There is not much of a reaction from Zra, registering the Voracious' words but finding nothing that needs response, especially since his primary purpose is not combat.

[Ladorak]

He hissed 'Prove it on the first mission? Foolish Hungerless! That is exactly when it becomes too late.' He turned to Bailey 'I cannot promise to bring this one back.'

[ripleycat]

Bailey gives a bemused shrug. "Bad habits die hard, Mr. Zerah. I call them like I see them, but I suppose you're right. And your concerns are duly noted, Exile, but that's not my department. I'm sure Mr. Lawson is perfectly capable, as are all of your new teammates, otherwise they wouldn't be your new teammates, after all. Now, let's go meet the big bosses."

The security chief leads you through a pair of wide doors, up a few steps, and onto the great broad stage at the heart of Talus's most important building. The Central Auditorium is a huge domed building, rising high above the streets around it. Soaring windows circle around the outer edge, allowing spectacular views of the traffic and bustle down below. The top of the dome is clear, allowing the brilliant blue light of Talus's star Aludra to fill the chamber.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Skyline_by_Roboto_kun_zpsd2a0d620.jpg

The delegates are positioned in a three-quarter sphere around and over the main stage. The number of different species represented is mind-boggling. Everything from a swarm of tiny gnat-sized beings who seem to be part of some kind of literal hivemind to a colossal squidlike creature that takes up at least a fifth of the stadium by itself, so large that several smaller species have clambered up on its body to get a better view of the proceedings. They applaud enthusiastically as you make your appearances.

Two dozen cameras hover around you, flashing and whirring as the team walks to center stage. They are controlled by the press, who are grouped together in what resembles a orchestra pit, down in front of the stage. A few of the more impatient shout questions up at you or begin dictating their reports before you've even reached the podium. Bailey's warning about time in the spotlight turns out to have been literal, as the stage illuminates brightly, making no mistake who is now the center of attention.

"Please welcome some of the galaxy's best and brightest, the seven members of the newest Reconnaissance and Exploration Team commissioned by the Pan-Galactic Confederation!"

The speaker is a broad-shouldered humanoid alien, slightly shorter than even the smallest team member, but strongly built, with grey-green skin and narrow all-black eyes. Its voice is a deep, slightly warbling stentorian roar that echoes through the huge chamber without any need for a microphone.

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Behind and slightly to the right of the announcer is a line of eight figures, seated at a long conference table; the PGC's Security Council. Made of four permanent appointees and four rotating members elected every two solar years, they are some of the galaxy's premier political movers and shakers, and in theory, at least, the only people you now need answer to.

All Council members rise from their seats to applaud as you enter, but one remains standing. An Arkaht female, tall even for a species that frequently stands head and shoulders above many others, dressed in a flowing royal purple robe edged with cream and crimson. The nameplate in front of her seat identifies her as Councillor Serik.

"Thank you, speaker. Delegates of the Confederation, fellow Councillors, it is my pleasure to welcome new members to the illustrious ranks of the R&E teams, who have undertaken missions both large and small for many decades in the name of bettering and safeguarding the lives of the citizens of the galaxy. There is no doubt in my mind that you will make all of us and yourselves proud in the course of carrying out your mission. You have all been selected because you possess extraordinary talents and skills of one kind or another, and we believe that together, you have the ability to overcome any challenge you might face. It is a profound honor to meet you all."

Her voice is polite, precise, and almost silky, but there's an... imperious undertone. This is not a woman used to having people tell her "no." On the other hand, her proud, almost reverential stare at Zra indicates that her words may not be entirely empty, either.

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"To matter at hand, yes?" A sleek avian being sitting next to Serik pipes up. Its nameplate says "Chairman Red-Wing, Bearer of the Sun Across the Sky," likely a transliteration of a language unintelligible to most species. It's wearing a heavy breather mask that makes it sound gruff and impatient, despite relaxed and casual body language, and amusingly to human ears, gives it a slight Russian accent, an impression its stilted grammar doesn't do anything to help. "There are many waiting to hear details of this mission."

"Oh, very well, chairman. I suppose you are correct. Would you care to do the honors?" Serik smiles indulgently at her fellow Councillor, who merely grunts and trills slightly in response, earning a few chuckles from some of the delegates for whatever it was he just said.

The chairman waves his hand and a small holoscreen appears in front of the delegates as well of all of you. On it is a picture of a verdant garden world, bright green criss-crossed with narrow blue oceans. Zooming in confirms it to be nearly covered by thick jungle. "This is PSVH-17-A, a planet in Rashan Spiral, very recently charted by PGC survey probes. Doesn't even have proper name yet. As can be seen, it is a lifebearing planet, but probes detected no sign of sapient creatures. Archives have revealed no groups with claims to or even records of this planet. It is entirely new world. With no native intelligents and by right of first discovery, it is now PGC's responsibility, and very valuable prize for colonization and resources."

"We requested a scientific team to be assembled and examine this new world for us. The most eminent Terran Alliance University of Aldrin City on Luna won the contract. They set off 37 solar days ago to much fanfare. There are a number of good news stories if you wish to read about team, but all were skilled and experienced researchers." Links to those news stories pop up on your holoscreens.

"Team of 35 landed on planet 26 solar days ago. Initial reports were promising. PSVH-17-A is habitable by carbon- and germanium-based life without special equipment. Climate very pleasant, if humid. Local flora and fauna diverse." The research team's first reports scroll by. "And now reason for you being here. 15 solar days ago, communication went dead. Nothing at all. Not even most basic emergency beacon signals." Murmurs of consternation ripple through the crowd, and several of the Council shift awkwardly in their seats. "Team was equipped well, redundant systems, top-of-line materials, even still had a shuttle in orbit." The chairman voices the natural assumption. "Total equipment failure seems... unlikely. Cause of communication loss is not simple breaking of devices. But we do not know what the reason really is. Pirates, slavers, hostile natives missed by probes, natural disaster, there are many possibilities, no data for them. New probes have been launched, but probes are slow, yes? You will reach planet long before they do."

The chairman stops pacing the stage and returns to his seat as he wraps up the briefing. "R&E teams are the fastest, most flexible, most potent resource at our command, and we have deemed this situation worthy of one's attention. The PGC are responsible for this world, and such garden planets are priceless gems. PSVH-17-A is still basically uncharted. It may in fact be very dangerous. We must know what happened. More than that, this is also rescue mission. 35 people have simply vanished. Find out what happened to the researchers, and bring them back, even if the worst has happened."

In the slightly awkward silence after the chairman finishes, Chief Bailey pipes up quietly. "If any of you have any questions for the Council, or anything you wish to say to the press and the delegates of the confederation, now would be the time."

[Ridai]

Zra ignores the media entirely, his hood still on as he enters the Central Auditorium. As he approaches his destination, a holographic blue form appears beside him, the image of a stylized young Arkaht female, Reena's chosen appearance, bearing Zra's markings to signify their connection and her alliance with the Arkaht (having originally come from Arkaht manufacturers) as well as wearing the simple, elegant robes interfaces often don on diplomatic visits (though they are noticeably designed more to her tastes, a bit less formal and a bit more lively) to also represent the Enclave. Both share a quick look before refocusing on the event.

Once Zra is standing before the council, he removes his hood, revealing his markings that Arkaht recognize as those of a Ghast-kriat, the "broken ghosts", those doomed to die because of their own condition. Until Zra. It is a silent message to his people that the mark of shame caused by the Ghast-kriats' deaths will soon be gone, that the Arkaht are overcoming even this obstacle.

After being adressed by Councillor Serik, he simply bows his head for a moment, as does Reena. Their people have little need for elaborate formal gestures when such a simple one says the same thing without the hollow ring to it. Zra respects Serik and the work she does for the Confederate population in general and the Arkaht. She was one of those that followed his recovery, his training and who had evaluated him. He let her know about his respect back when there was still no cure in sight, cyberspace having taught him to be open. The letter was short, using no more words than needed, but honest.

Zra and Reena take in the information presented, both making a list of leads to follow and research to do, processing the intelligence much faster than the narration accompanying it. Once silence falls over the hall, he waits if any of the others have questions. He has no of his own, feeling this is not the right place and that his own research (and perhaps access to select PGC databases) will answer them anyway. Once questions have been asked (or not), he still does take the opportunity.

"Not long ago, I was bound to a bed and hooked into a machine, a Ghast-kriat with perhaps a few more years to live. The Arkaht's preserverance and duty to their own people, the Enclave's benevolence and openness," A glance towards Reena, who answers with a smile. "they came together to allow those that are like me to live past our childhood. Now, I am able to stand here, given the opportunity to give back and prove the worth of the Ghast-kriat, to serve not only the Arkaht, but also the Enclave and the entire Pan-Galactic Confederation. And for that, I thank you." As he finishes, Zra bows his head once more in respect. True, it's a bit for the cameras and he is mostly looking at Serik (similar to her own words before), but there is truth in it, in addition to publicly honoring those that helped him, including Councillor Serik.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Well, that was a moment of speeches and fanfare. Surely this Council was looking to garner some political points by forming this team. They also made the announcement very public. If whoever was behind this disappearance could check comm signals, they would know that the team was coming… and coming soon. Still, the can of worms had been opened… and if anyone knows what to do in the spotlight, it’s an Avenger.

Connor stepped forward, addressing the Chairman. “Mister Chairman, I would ask that you forward all relevant files to the team for review en route. We’re also going to need a ship, preferably something with a sensor suite, shields, and guns. You know… the bare essentials.”

After receiving his response, positive or negative, he would turn to the press. Might as well impress for the bosses, huh?

“My name is Zenith,” Captain Marvel is pretty hokey when no one knows who your legacy is, “I want to assure you all that we’ll do everything we can to bring these people home and make this planet safe. And even if it’s too late, we’re going to make sure it never happens again… because that’s what Avengers do.”

It took him a moment to realize he’d slipped up and said that.. but… he didn’t correct himself.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon fell into step with the rest of his new team as they entered the grand auditorium. Leon did his best to hide how impressed he was at the structure, but he allowed himself to look around and take in his surroundings - he felt like a tourist, and in a way he was. However, he was unprepared for all the attention. Back home a good job done was all the celebration needed. Here they were being lauded like the next saviors of the universe, and they hadn't even done anything yet. Leon shook his head at the ridiculousness of it all and took his place in front of the security council.

The mission objective was pretty straight forward - basic search and rescue - though there were quite a lot of unknowns. However what interested him was the world itself. Described by the council as a prime colonization candidate, he would have to inform the Founder about it. If they preformed well enough on the mission, there might be some room to make a case for the Crucible Dominion gaining some colonization rights. He made a mental note of it.

The Arkaht was the first to speak on behalf of the team. Mostly talking about his hard-luck life, and how proud he was to serve. Very nice for the camera. Next up was the one who called himself Zenith. Asked for some important things, and said all the right things for the camera.

Might as well join in.

Stepping forward, he affixes his gaze on the council. "Consul Tynes, Crucible Dominion." he says, stating his title. "As the representative of the Crucible Dominion let me say it is an honor to be chosen for this team. I am grateful for the opportunity to show the galaxy the dedication and spirit of the Crucible people." he states simply, before stepping back.

Sounded pretty good. he thought, nodding to himself. He stood casually, looking slightly less unreliable then he did before he walked in.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia Ashida

Relic finally stopped floating lazily and stood to attention, mimicking Zenith. As Leon finishes she steps forward to speak


"Amelia Ashida, Codename Relic, Ashida Corporation.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I am honored to be selected as part of this team, and to add that this unit also has the full support of the Ashida Corporation. To reinforce this claim the Ashida Corporation would like to fund the craft this squad uses, and if we have one ready, utilize a craft of Ashida design."

The fact that such an expenditure would be tax deductible or that it would allow the company to show off advancements in front of potential military contractors had not crossed her mind at all.

Relic then glances with a grin towards Zenith before turning back to the council


"And might I add the Avengers seems as good a title as any for this unit."

[Green Bean]

Despite being surrounded by such a crowd of assorted luminaries, Oliver was uncowed. Academically, he knew how important they were, but mostly they were just names on a briefing sheet. Plus, embarrassment just wasn't in his nature. "Um, I'm Oliver Zerah. Just Oliver Zerah, no title or anything. I'm just happy to be able to help out; I can't remember working with a better team. Thank you for putting your faith in me!"

[Ladorak]

I am Altar IV, North Pole Hive, Queen Hyperia, Father Bishop, Rank Exile. You Hungerless have a thing called diplomacy. It is, to the Hive's understanding, the art of not saying what you are thinking. I am being diplomatic.'

Many should die for what was done to my Hive, many of those are sat before me. Do not think, because I do not strike now, that you are safe. The memory of the Hive is long, the... avenging is coming.

Yes, avenger, he liked that. He stood down from the podium.

[Phase]

fiddy frank yo

It walked in with the others, still getting used to maneuvering the control suite in its suit. Powered entirely by its own output, the suit takes careful readings of the internal environment, exchanging specific energy fluctuations for movement, speech, and... very specific venting of waste heat.

Frequency Shifts Between yadda yadda yadda spent the time walking into the arena by examining its new cohort of comrades. It was still coming to terms with the fact that this may not, however much sense it made, be a write-off assignment from the Spectraphore Consensus to be rid of it. After Spectraphorous decades of non-stop ranting about certain periods of Terran history, it had simply assumed the others wanted to stop devoting precious cognitive resources to Space Jam and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But here it was, on Talus, about to go before an audience and be assigned a mission of grave import. Weird.

It continued observing its compatriots, who may have noticed it staring, were it to have eyes or, indeed, a face. An Arkhat. Ghast-kriat, if Frank recalls the unique energy patterns for those phase shifters correctly (it always does. A Spectraphore never forgets.) Intriguing. Then of course there are Connor and Amelia Ashida of the Ashida Corporation Ashidas. New human friends! And... are those more humans? This felt more like a reward, so far, insomuch as a being can hold the concept of reward and punishment when in its species' history there has been no record of loss, longing, or something being withheld.

Oh, and a Voracious. Some Spectraphore consensuses hold the Voracious in very high regard, adoring the brutal species for acting as evidence for the Post-Enlightenment theorum that the only truly self-aware beings in the universe are the Spectraphore themselves. Most organic life takes issue with that idea.

Fifty Frank, lost in thought, suddenly realizes that the announcements had been made, standing blankly next to its handlers and its new acquaintances. A rescue mission, it seemed. To rescue more than thirty real live humans...

Frank wondered if they liked Saved by the Bell.

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER

Julianne has been chewing bubblegum and blowing up bubbles this whole time, casually surveying the people around her. A Voracious, that oughta be interesting. And there's Leon, the dude she ran into earlier. He seemed alright enough, if a bit new to just about everything. The corporate archaeologist, the Spectaraphore with no fashion sense... and there was Zenith. He seemed to be taking the lead on this team. She eyes him warily. Julianne and authority figures did not mix very well. It was hard enough when they were first name The last name Major and difficult as pulling a needle from a singularity for anyone else to get her to follow orders to the letter.

She doesn't really notice the Arkhat.

The bubblegum bubble pops. Julianne reaches into her pocket for another stick.

Looks like she's all out.

[ripleycat]

There are a few murmurs and quickly exchanged whispers among the Council when Amy makes her offer to have the Ashida Corporation supply the team's ship. A couple of pages are ushered over and given rushed instructions before hurrying off behind the stage, tapping furiously at datapads. "Your generosity in this matter is deeply appreciated, Ms. Ashida, and you have our most sincere thanks."

A short time later, while Exile is politely telling a room full of powerful diplomats what kind and warm-hearted people they are, a voice warbles through on Amy's comm. "Miss Ashida? Mr. Robertson, head of the Talus office here. The Council notified us of your offer. We do in fact have a spacecraft suitable for the parameters of your mission here on-planet. It's kind of our floor model for selling to the very high-end political crowd. It should do nicely, and make us look good as well. Normally, there'd be a lot of red tape, but you're... you, so it will be ready when you arrive."

The crowd of dignitaries and the Council seem quite satisfied with your speeches and promises, though no doubt the news stations and tabloids are making hay of every little word choice and movement as we speak. The chairman stands up and responds once you're done. "Thank you. It seems confidence in you was not ill-placed. Yes, Mr. Zenith, the team shall have all the data we have, and ship as well. Do not worry. As for team name, if one is wanted, 'Avengers' is a fine title. I approve, but choice is yours, yes? Good luck once more. I hope you will not need it."

With the speeches and spectacle out of the way for the moment, Captain Bailey leads you all back out into the hallway and onto a hovering flatbed cargo platform, which whisks you off towards the docklands, where dozens of landing pads and hangars sprawl in a confusing maze across the grey surface of Talus, handling the little planet's constant rush of coming and going ships.

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"Well, I've seen those kinds of meet-and-greets go far worse. That's a good omen, I suppose. Just about everyone on Talus has wished you luck, so I'll throw mine in too. Now let's get you off this rock so I can get back to booking drug dealers and petty thieves."

Where Bailey takes you is not the rabbit warren of cargo and public transport ships, but out to the edge, a little quieter, a little higher above the dusty surface, a little nicer all around, where the prime movers of the PGC have their private docks. Hovering above one of them is a sleek triangular ship, deep navy blue streaked with white, with tall streamlined fins jutting from the stern and four huge powerplants humming under the back third of the ship, bathing the landing pad in electric blue light. Several weapon ports jut unobtrusively out of the complex and partially open workings under the nose of the ship. Every bit of it exudes quality, a true top of the line piece of machinery. She's not a colossus, but your voyage won't be cramped, either. To those familiar with the 20th Century Terran masterpiece "Star Wars," it resembles what you'd get if a Star Destroyer mated with a luxury yacht.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Out_of_Milk_by_Voyager212_zps69286e18.jpg

Underneath her, a crew in the standard red uniforms of the PGC's spaceflight and transport division are scrambling about, piling up a small mountain of supplies. A rather disheveled lime green and yellow Ararai, who looks to be in charge of things from the amount of waving and yelling he's doing, leaps from the top of Shipping Container Peak and glides smoothly over to you, where he lands with a crisp salute and a big cat-that-ate-the-canary grin. "Ah! There you are! Captain Tafarihensalaisen, at your service. You can call me Ari, and you can drop the "Captain", too, unless you're big on the whole formality thing. I'm your glorified taxi driver. Sorry about the mess, you know, we, uh, had you all packed and ready on one of the PGC's old rustbucket transports when we, uh, got the call that you were gonna be flyin' first class instead." He turns around to admire the ship, and cackles gleefully.

"Oh, darling, where have you been all my life? If this is a dream, nobody pinch me, I don't, uh, really want'a wake up, 'cause I got me a date with a queen."

"All right then, Avengers. Let's, uh, get you on board, I guess. Get all settled in. Of course, before we can go anywhere, you have to give this lovely lady a name. I uh, object very strongly to flying anyone anywhere on a ship with no name. It's just not... not the right way to do things, you know?"

As mentioned on IRC, HP to Exile for that little bit of genius and for general awesomeness thus far.

The ship was going to be the barest of bare bones, but Amy has come up with a different and better plan, so here's the new deal. You each get 2 ep, and starting from the stats of the standard Space Cruiser (which is in the book under equipment, and I will also post them in the OOC for convenience), you may pick any two things from the headquarters and vehicle trait lists, and apply them to your new home away from home. That means together, you have 16 ep to make your ship shiny, so go wild.

Improvements beyond these can of course be made as we go along, but you'll have to pay for those by buying ranks of Equipment with PP as usual. :smallsmile:

Go ahead and post reactions, where you'll be staying on board, all that here, but please hash out the mechanical side of things in the OOC to keep things clean.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy surveyed what she was pouring her money into, though she doubted it would impact her bottom line at all. It seems as well that the name stumbled into had stuck.

Amy grinned at the obvious reverence the captain had for the ship her company had produced in a way that might be mistaken for pride


"Yeah, she really is a pretty little thing, a beautiful feat of engineering. A vision in fact. The Vision."

Amy considers the name for a moment before shaking her head, a terrible suggestion the others will no doubt shoot down. She turns back to the others and begins her lazy floating again


"Any ideas you guys? What do you think of her?"

[Ridai]

Zra breathes a tired sigh after they finally leave the publicity event, his hood back on, remaining silent on the way to the ship, except for a matter-of-factly "Zra Vrea. The lovely lady you saw is Reena."

When Amy turns back to the others, the Arkaht is nowhere to be found, only for him to literally appear out of thin air before her and the others, probably having left several crew members scared senseless by a person appearing before them and disappearing again. "It is a good ship. If you allow, I will occupy the cabin near the drive core, give the systems a once over, get Reena nice and comfortable in the ship's system infrastructure and begin research about our objective." A look towards the ship. "As for a name, as an Arkaht I am genetically partial to standard designations, so I likely won't be much of a help in this regard," he adds drily, straightfaced.

[Phase]

Frank gonna give it to ya

Fifty Frank, though still technically denoted by the long name, looked around at its fellow crew members. Or, well, sensed them? Or, uh, look, not having eyes makes things difficult. In any case, it had better introduce itself.

"I agree, Earth Human friend Amy Ashida of the Ashida Corporation Ashidas, this ship is of biznasty construction." It refrains from asking why the ship is being referred to as a She. Ships are always She. It looks at the others. Or at least angles its helmet towards them.

"Ahem, also! Fo shizzle, new Earth Human friends and others!" It thumps its fist against its torso and relays a peace sign. "I am known in verbal discourse as Frequency shifts between 3.9375x108 and 4.5x108 times the diameter of a proton, oscillating in binary sequence 11011001001001110010..."

It pauses, looking back at the Ship. "And I believe we should name this She after the most successful ship in Earth Human history, she will be the PGS Titanic."

[Green Bean]

Oliver lost himself staring at their new ride. He'd bummed around assorted spaceports all his life, but he doubted the amazement at seeing a genuine spaceship would ever lose its magic even if he could recall all the times it'd happen before. He was so caught up in admiration that he didn't tune into Ari's speech until the very end. Fortunately, his teammates' response made it easy to figure out what was going on. "A name? Oh, hang on, I've got this!" He rummaged around in his pocket until he found a small personal organizer. He flipped through his assorted self-memos until he came across a file labelled Spaceship Names I Want To Use If I Ever Get One.

He flicked through the list until "We should call it the PGS Sojourner. It's a really pretty name."

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy ponders both of the newly suggested names for a moment


"Fifty Frank . . . remind me to teach you about the difference between fame and success in human culture. Oh, and I'm going to grab whatever room is biggest if no one intends to stop me, I'm a girl of means and I hate to break my habits, I'm not a quitter.

The Sojourner could work . . . Connor, any ideas?"

If no one gets in her way Amy will float towards and up the ramp.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

The Avenger walked out onto the dock along with the rest of the Avengers. He grinned as that thought came to him. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The ship was beautiful. Sleek, majestic. The lights along her underside made him think of only one thing. An Aurora.

The Captain of the vessel came down with a burst of activity and introduced himself. Connor grinned and gave the man a salute. Maybe people still know what that means. “Captain, my name is Connor Lawson. My callsign is Zenith.” He looked out over the ship once again. “You’re right. She’s a beauty.”

He listened to the naming suggestions, with Fiddy Frank’s being the most humorous. “The Titanic sank on its first voyage, buddy.”

Amy asked for his input on the ship name. He nodded. “I do. The Aurora.”

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy floats as she puts her right index finger to her lips, her thinking pose to anyone who knows her


"Aurora; A luminous atmospheric phenomenon appearing as bands of light sometimes visible in the night sky in the most northern or southern regions of a planet, caused by charged particles from the sun entering a planet's magnetic field and stimulating molecules in the atmosphere.

Also pretty.

It could work.

I like pretty."

[Phase]

Fiddy Frank in the Hizzy

Frank began to follow Amy as she headed up to the ship, drooping a bit at Connor's information. "Oh, that wasn't an intentional descent to the planet's sub-aquatic biosphere? Pity."

It jogs forward a couple steps, to catch up, machinery-filled boots clanking up a storm. "In that case, perhaps the second most successful film of the Terran late 20th century." It pauses, standing in place, and spreads its arms wide, palms out. "The PGS Jurassic Park!" It clanks forward to catch up again.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon tags along with the group to check out their new ship. Upon entering the hangar, Leon stops for a moment to take in the vessel. He gives an impressed whistle. "That's one fine looking ship. I can see you have spared no expense, Ms. Ashida."

They are greeted by the captain, and Leon returns the greeting with a salute. "Glad to be serving with you Captain Ari. I'm Consul Tynes, Crucible Dominion. Though you can just call me Leon if you want to drop the title nonsense." he says amicably.

Listening to the other team rattle off names, Leon puts forth a suggestion of his own. "All great names, and fitting for such a magnificent ship. I'll put forth the PGS Endeavor. We going to have a vote or something?" he says with a shrug.

[Ridai]

"Endeavor strikes me as the most fitting, all things considered." Zra looks to the side, seeing that the loading procedures, checks and fueling still are in progress. Accessing the various communication channels and databases, he begins to accelerate the proceedings, simply teleporting many smaller objects up to 200 lbs where they need to go, tightening up the workflow, optimizing, while Reena begins to explore the ship's systems.

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER!

Julianne Wells whistles with awe as she looks up at the ship

"I don't care what you all call her, but I already know what I'm calling her. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

She slaps the plump Ararai on the back. "Ari, I hope you're not too jealous of her. I'm afraid, no arguing, that from time to time I'm going to have to steal your date

Bounding up into the ship, two steps at a time, grinning like a maniac, Julianne heads straight for the helm.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

As Julianne Wells rushes past Amy's floating form she looks almost worried for a moment


"Be gentle with her . . . she's new . . ."

Amy smiles at Consul's comment


"Happy to pay for it. I just hope I'm half as useful to this team as this thing will be. The Endeavor is fine by me . . . though the moment of confusion as any would be aggressor read Jurassic Park off our hull could offer us a strategic advantage . . ."

Amy trails off jokingly.

[Phase]

Fiddy Frank

It pauses a moment, then continues up into the ship. "...Confusion? That **** won't fly, yo. It'll lead to all sorts of hijinks and shenanigans. Not all the other entities in the Deep Black understand how hijinks work. It is risky." As Frank ascends into the belly of the ship, a pair of vents on its back release a bit of waste energy in the form of electromagnetic luminescence. Waves of light cascade across the rear of the containment suit.

"Aurora it is."

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon shrugs. "Sounds good to me." he says, and stoops to heft a duffel bag left in the docking bay emblazoned with the Crucible Dominion insignia containing his belongings. Slinging it over his shoulder, he heads up the entrance ramp and immediately chooses his quarters, one of the end rooms. Tossing the bag onto his bunk, he turns and heads back out intending to take a tour of the newly christened Aurora.

[ripleycat]

"Hey, wait, I wanted to..." Ari reaches half-heartedly for Jullianne as she dashes past. "Aw man. Well, I guess I'm OK with an open relationship. But you treat her right!"

He turns back to those still outside. "So, uh, Aurora, then? I like it. 'Pretty' sums it up nicely, you know?" A few shouts and taps on his wrist computer later, a pair of small robots are adding the ship's new name in sleek white letters along the sides of the nose. A third hovers out to the Aurora's bay from the main hangars, a bottle of champagne in hand, and dutifully breaks it against the hull. "All right! Well, I suppose I'll go get her powered up and all that. I'll see you in space!" With that, Captain Tafarihensalaisen heads inside as well. The rest of the non-Avengers crew begins following suit, taking with them the last of the supplies that Zra hadn't already teleported aboard.

Reena finds that the Aurora's electronic side is as refined as the rest of her, though being new, she's still filled with the cyberspace equivalent of construction equipment. Unfinished code, pathways that lead nowhere or repeat processes other systems already take care of. Much like Zra, she finds a lot that can be tightened and improved. At the center of it is the ship's computer, an advanced and complex VI, which perpetually monitors and adjusts every system on the ship. There are links to the broader cyberworld through the comm and sensor systems, ensuring that the Arkaht and his AI companion won't be cut off from "seeing" their friends online.

The Grand Tour (For Leon and future reference in general)

Under the pointed nose of the Aurora is a curved 180 of clear glass (or rather, high-impact translucent alloy, but even the engineers call it glass.), where the pilot sits. The control panel is surprisingly minimal for such a complex vessel, as most orders can be given vocally or done on pop-up holoscreens. When needed or wanted, the cockpit has room for a co-pilot and a navigator as well. Many of the other various vital systems like defense and the sensor system are monitored from alcoves along the passage back from the cockpit to the middle deck's sprawling main room. This serves the twin purposes of being the general "living room" and the mess during mealtimes. Beyond the living room are the actual living quarters, where most of the crew bunk four to a room in small cabins whose clean design and efficient use of space makes them feel a bit less cramped than they really are. This being a ship designed with the VIP in mind, however, there are also several much larger and even downright luxurious rooms scatted about the ship, where at Ari's insistence the Avengers are to stay, if they want.

The deck above the main is similarly focused on keeping the ship's presumably wealthy clientele content. There is a sweeping observation deck, panoramic windows looking out into the great void of space, and this is where the holodeck is to be found as well. Given its high vaulted ceilings and increased open space, the most high-class part of the ship is also where Exile and Frank are likely to feel comfortable, or at least less constrained, unless the cargo hold is more their style.

Under the main deck is the more utilitarian side of things. The main on/off ramp leads up into the aforementioned cargo hold. The ship's teleporter system dumps you out here as well, the transportation pads lining one of the walls. Beyond the cargo hold sit the galley, infirmary, electronics and engineering, where the VI hardware and ship's engines are, respectively. Due to their need for constant monitoring, there are crew quarters down here as well, where Zra can fiddle with optimizing the systems and the drive core in relative comfort. There are also a half-dozen small holding cells down here, reinforced physically and electronically, with energy fields and blast doors separating them from the rest of the ship.

The further down you go, the more labyrinthine and industrial the ship gets, a confusing warren of narrow maintenance accessways, storage areas, cabling and machinery. It's obvious that the Aurora's polished aesthetic only extends to those areas the designers thought people would actually be spending time in.

[Ridai]

As for as Zra is concerned, the Aurora gets more interesting the lower you go. He claims a nice cabin for Reena and himself near the drive core, not a big or opulent thing, but instead utilarian but cozy. He wastes little time as far as settling in is concerned, already getting right into the guts of the new ship. Both of them like to tinker, improve, innovate, this is no different. They first go and meet the crew, getting to know them and their work, especially the engineers and the medical staff. It's not hard to get along with them, quickly involved in talks, even having met two of them already online, or discussing the tech at work in the Aurora. The medical staff receives a special degree of respect from Zra, naturally, going so far as to finely recalibrate their machinery to help with their work, and also informing them of his condition in advance.

For a short while, he disappears into the lowest levels, exploring the parts that are mostly boring to others, familiarizing himself with the entire layout, making a mental checklist, finding a few spare parts here and there. Building a holographic projector for Reena for their room isn't too difficult, as is an interface for hooking himself up to the systems when he needs to perform maintenance (or simply clean) his stabilizer device. Finally, he takes a long moment to recline on his bed, very quickly putting together a staggering "TO DO" list for fixes, upgrades and other general stuff to be done around the ship and its systems, but also just exploring the cyberspace (and having a hearty laugh with Reena when they find the "hidden" holodeck programs).

-----

Amy receives a message from Zra in written form. "I do like this ship. Capable crew, no-nonsense construction in the tech-heavier parts of the ship and some smart design choices in the systems, VI and engineering departments." Coming from an Arkaht, that qualifies as high praise.

"Reena and me found plenty to do, including tightening up security and making various upgrades. The drive core is a bit oversized even for a ship of this size and the engineers seem to have been a bit afraid to tap even half of its potential. Thrusters and fuel consumption also require a good number of calibrations and optimizations. Will take some time, but should give the Aurora the maneuverability of a fighter, in relative terms. As the de facto sponsor and owner of this ship, I'll keep you informed of our progress and provide you with technical documentation to pass along to your engineers to get more out of this line and potentially lower production cost."

Below the message is an addendum with a list of things Reena and Zra see potential for further improvements or added functionality, ranging from the technical and tactical sectors by streamlining the sensor systems and making the ship's controls slightly more responsive, to quality of life stuff like finetuning the holodeck projectors for a more vivid experience or debugging some of the galley's utensils to make the chef's life easier and the food, well, tastier. There's also a note that invites Amy to pick what she'd like to see the most in the future, simply for them to get an idea what she and the crew might want.

"Regards,
Reena
Zra Vrea."

-----

Finally, Zra is sitting in a more quiet corner of the main hall, going through the data given by the council and doing his own research into the whole incident, the Terran Alliance University of Aldrin City, the competitors in the race to be given the chance to survey the newfound world, the planet and the system it is in, political or other kinds of tension there, rumors, myths. Anything he can get his hands on to get a more complete picture of what they are getting into.

Thorough search for information and digging through the given material. No pressure, so I'm taking 10 on Investigation for a result of 25.

If taking 10 isn't possible:
Investigation [roll0]

Also, how diverse is the crew in terms of species, specifically the medical staff? Simply curious.

[Ladorak]

All this fuss over a name. It was a thing he, and the Voracious as a whole, could not fathom. A thing was simply a thing, a ship merely a ship. The name was meaningless without the understanding of a thing, and the understanding of a thing eliminated the need for a name.

No, that was untrue. Names made sense, for most Hungerless spoke. Early in their respective developments it would have become important to distinguish between this hill and that hill. No, it was the importance of names that puzzled him. The Voracious were blind in this regard. Their scent based language allowed no importance or emphasise to be placed on any individual 'word.' Given the choice Exile would have named the ship the shortest sound they could all commonly pronounce, this being to his mind the only logical thing to do.

Nor could he appreciate the aesthetic of the ship. It was a concept he had come to vaguely understand since leaving Altar IV, but the Voracious had no word for the concept of appearance for appearance sake. To his mind the only use the conversation about the name served was to inform him the ship was, in the non-compound eyes of the Hungerless, a thing called 'beautiful.' It was a concept he had given up attempting to understand.

He reserved praise were praise was due until he had inspected the inside of the ship. He particularly liked the cargo hold. It was the best place on the ship for his kind of fighting. He couldn't imagine an enemy force taking that room from him without paying a bloody toil indeed. Not without the kind of high explosives only a lunatic would use in cold space. He thought he would be spending a lot of time there. 'Reee-lic.' He said, still getting used to the new word 'This is a good ship. Very good. Your Hive, this Ashida Corporation, is saluted for this.' The musk of respect filled the air, but of course Relic's blunt nose would never know. 'How long will it take us to get there?'

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy reads Zra's note and dedicates it to memory before hearing Exile's praise for the ship


"I'll pass along the high praise, thank you for the complement for my 'Hive's' work. Good question, how long will it take?"

[ripleycat]

Ari chimes in on the intercom, having overheard the multiple questions about the itinerary and schedule. "Well, um, shouldn't be too bad. This lovely lady has a real nice, uh, nice and efficient FTL drive. Should be there in about, mmm, two days, you know, give or take a solar hour or two. Find yourselves a seat or a window with a view, 'cause we're about ready to lift off, Avengers."

Results of Zra's Investigating

Aldrin City is the capital and largest city of Luna, Earth's moon. The University of Aldrin City is Luna's main center of research and education, and the Fighting Buzzes have consistently been ranked at or near the top of the list of the Terran Alliance's best colleges and universities for decades. As might be expected with the first institution of higher learning not on Earth, its xenobiology programs are a particular source of fame and pride. Despite the no doubt fierce and oft cutthroat competition for big, high-profile research opportunities, nobody is going to be grousing that ACU or its professors were somehow "unqualified" to win this contract.

PSVH-17-A is a very recent discovery. As the chairman said in his speech, the PGC was unable to find any prior record of the planet in its voluminous archives. From the data collected by the probes, it is the only habitable planet in the system, though there were also a pair of gas giants and a tiny heatblasted rocky planet in closer to the system's star.

The Rashan Spiral, where the system is located, is one of the Milky Way's many curving arms, albeit a small one that has received little attention from the greater galactic community. It has produced no great races or nations of importance (at least, none that have made contact with the PGC), filled instead with a bewildering patchwork of tiny groups that occupy one or two systems apiece. Wars and alliances tend to get no bigger than conquering the next system over. While culturally diverse and interesting in an abstract sense, it's seen as something of a backwater, with little political pull and not much desire to have it.

As such the Spiral has been poorly documented and explored, which was why the PGC had probes out looking for spots of interest like PSVH-17-A in the first place. Being a a part of the galaxy with no great powers and little government oversight does open the Spiral up to being a haven for pirates and other undesirables, a persistent problem there, and one of the possible causes the chairman brought up for the research team vanishing.

[Ridai]

Zra sends a digest of his findings to everyone, preceeded by an FYI. For most of the first day and part of the second, he can be found down in engineering and electronics while Reena gets herself comfortable in the ship systems. Leading up to their arrival, he heads up a deck to work on the sensors.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon does as the captain suggests and finds a nice spot by one of the observation windows. Forearm on the glass, he leans his face close to watch their ascent into space. It was nice, after all - he had missed the view on the way down. "Goodbye civilization - hello adventure." he says, putting on a mock depressed face.

Later, Leon's ZPad bleeps with a new message from Zra. He takes the time to read it over and sends a response - Thx :D

Leon spends most of the two day journey lounging around the living quarters, playing games on his ZPad (sending out multiplayer requests to everyone), making small talk with the crew and - if responsive - the rest of the Avengers while generally doing nothing important or helpful. During the first night, Leon sends a mildly encrypted data packet to Crucible detailing their mission and team composition. He tries just enough so that it looks secretive to the people on the receiving end. Then its back to passing the time until they arrive.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida, of the Evil-Co. Ashidas

Amy spends the journey getting to know, and joking with, any of her fellow Avengers who will speak to her, especially Fifty Frank and Zenith. She happily accepts Consul's multiplayer request in 'Quantum Mechanics with Friends' on her ZPad, though labors incessantly over whether she should try to win or let Consul win if she wants to be friends with him.

She also swings by engineering and the bridge, anywhere really where her skills might be remotely useful. All the while she is sneakily chugging pain meds like a young Gregory House.

All in all, Amy spends the trip just trying to make friends, be helpful and hiding her degenerating medical condition. Two of those things she's never done before.

[SuperCracker]

Connor Lawson

Connor boarded the newly christened Aurora along with the other members of this misfit band of would-be heroes. They were from disparate backgrounds, with different personalities and conflicts just ready to show their heads. Yep, it was the Avengers, alright. Connor smirked to himself as he took the tour.

Connor went to the bridge as the ship began to take off. This world was a strange and fantastic place. Even though he wanted to go home, he was glad he could see all of this.

“Captain. Take us out.”

After lift-off, Connor retired to his quarters for a time, meditating with hopes of receiving some sort of guidance from the universe. Whether or not he was successful, the rest of the travel time is spent learning about the other team-mates, and having someone explain to him what everything was. What kind of backwater planet was he from anyway? Hehe.

[ripleycat]

"Yessir!" With a grin, Ari brings up a trio of holoscreens and begins rapidly inputting data. With a roar and a shudder that reverberates through the entire hull, Aurora's four big engines power up and everyone on board is subjected to several seconds of immense, crushing pressure before the motion dampeners kick in. Those near a window get to watch the Aurora burst up through Talus's paper-thin atmosphere and out into the grand, dark void of space. The ship's artificial gravity keeps everyone with their feet (or foot-like appendages) on the ground. Compared to the drama of liftoff, it's almost a footnote when Ari flicks on the FTL drive. Those sensitive to such things get a brief burst of bizarre energies and wavelengths across the hull of the ship, power output spikes violently, and suddenly things are going very very fast.

The journey to PSVH-17-A is fairly peaceful, as far as hurtling across billions of miles at speeds conventional physics long thought unreachable while enfolded in a somewhat unstable hyper-spatial bubble goes. There are the usual hiccups one might expect on a shakedown cruise, the Aurora being brand new and all. An engine failure that brought everyone scrambling out to their stations in the middle of the "night" shift turned out to be a false alarm- the monitoring system itself lost power for a minute. The engines were just fine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just as predicted, two days, one solar hour and seven minutes after leaving Talus, the Aurora comes blazing out of hyperspace on the edge of the gravity well of one of the great gas giants that patrol the outer edge of PSVH-17-A's system, using the big planet to slingshot in towards your final destination. Those curious about it can bring up an optical view of the planet as you close in. The overwhelming impression is of green. The seas are mostly narrow, jagged things that criss-cross the surface, like rivers or fiords on a planetary scale. PSVH-17-A is mostly land, and almost all of that land is covered in vegetation. Zooming in shows it to be thick, sprawling jungle, with a canopy that shields almost all views of the ground itself.

"Well, this is going to be a bitch and a half to find a landing spot in." is Ari's disgruntled response to the visuals. "I'm don't want my new baby getting all scratched up in the trees, you know?"

"Let's see, the science team, umm, their last transmission came from right about he- Huh. That's... that's interesting. Can I get a double check on the sensors?" Having accidentally had his thumb on the comm button the whole time, it's not a shock when you all hear. "Avengers? We're just about ready to drop you guys off, but uh, here's the thing. I'm picking up a boatload of energy signatures and garbled comm signals from our 'uninhabited' world. We're not alone, and whoever's down there is mighty busy. Might any of you, uh, put your special talents to work, give us a hand figuring out, well, what exactly we stumbled on here? I am a bit concerned."

Hokay, Mighty Avengers! Perception checks from the lot of ye! If anyone has Comprehend, Communication, Super-Senses, relevant hacky-techy skills or a nice pair of binoculars, now's the time to whip 'em out!

[Green Bean]

Oliver gazed at the new planet in wonderment. He's never seen so many plants in one place. The whole place was green. He grabs an optical viewscreen and starts pouring over it. This was his first planet, and he wants to take in every detail!

No super-senses, but a pretty decent perception score. And an Expertise: Biology roll, just to see if there's anything interesting about the local flora.

Perception: [roll0]
Expertise: [roll1]

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy runs to whatever station is relevant to communications


"I'll try to tap into their communications system, see if we can figure out any of what they're saying."

Assuming I can do that with Technology of course? If so:
Technology Check: [roll0]

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Connor was standing at the bridge as they arrived. The planet was a great, teeming jungle. It was little wonder that the Council wanted this planet settled.. and it was little wonder that other forces might have an interest in it, as well. He walked closer towards the view-monitor, seeing what he could with the naked eye.

These instruments… well… a fifth grader might be able to figure it out better than he could. He’s definitely starting to figure out the way Cap feels right about now.

“Ari, don’t worry about landing her. We have transporters for a reason.” He grinned. “Besides, we may need you in orbit in case anything happens up here.”

Amy mentions that she’s going to try and intercept communications.

“Good thinking, Relic.” He gives her a smile and a nod before looking back at the view-monitor.

Perception: [roll0]; And I stand by for possible activation of Cosmic Awareness.

[Ridai]

Zra interfaces with the sensors and communication systems directly witout needing to physically touch the consoles, though he stays near Amy for sake of communication. She can tell he is helping make sense of the signal, aiding her work, but most of all, he concentrates on the signal itself as it comes in, trying to understand what it says on a machine level and reconstructing it by finding how and where parts get messed up. If it contains speech or written text, he cycles pieces through the universal translator to figure out what language it is. Perhaps he can even open a dialogue between him and the sending machine through the ship's systems.

Perception [roll0]

Aid Amy's technology check [roll1] (pretty much instant +5 bonus for a total of 40, I imagine)

Comprehend (machines and electronics) in effect

Zra uses Communication (rapid 4, subtle 1) to interface with the ship and potentially communicate with the sender.

Zra has a detect electronics sense with acute, analytical and accurate. Dunno if that can pick anything up.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon stretches as he reluctantly gets out of his lounging position in the main living quarters. Stifling a yawn he moves to join the others as they gaze upon the planet that is their destination. "That is one green planet! Jeez, look at all that foliage." he says out loud to no one in particular. Would make a great colony planet for the Crucible Dominion...as long as we can make it safe from whatever caused the original teams disappearance...

Suddenly, everyone springs into action - faces glued to consoles, pressing buttons and generally looking like they knew what they were doing.

This was not Leon's area of expertise.

Deciding to still try and look important, he folds his arms across his chest and moves to stand next to Connor. "Yes, good thinking indeed Relic - keep up the good work." he nods as well in her direction and looks at the view screen, not really sure what the heck he is even looking for. Might as well try and sound important.

Seeing the tech-hacker-expert Zra looking like he's doing something, Leon speaks up. "Zra, see what you can pick up through the systems." he says, keeping it intentionally vague.

[roll0]

[Ridai]

Just as Leon begins to adress Zra, a beep from his ZPad interrupts him.

A simple text message: Already on it.

Judging by the humongous masses of data appearing, disappearing and generally passing by at a blink-and-you-miss-it blur of a pace on one of the screens as a side product, it seems Zra isn't the classic hit random keys on a keyboard type of techie.

There is a small addendum to the message:

As an FYI, your preferred kind of coffee is being prepared in the galley at this moment, based on your usage of the coffee machine since departure.
There is also a link to the web interface of the coffee machine showing the current status, coffee that is being made, time to completion and various controls and informatory panels.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon looks to his ZPad, back to Zra, and back to his ZPad with a nod of 'well done'. He strolls off to get his favorite coffee from the galley, returning moments later with the steaming beverage to stand next to Connor again.

He blows on it a little, sending wisps of steam scattering away before taking a sip.

"Ahhh. Good stuff." he says, and raises the cup slightly in toast to Zra. This mission was off to a great start.

[Ladorak]

http://i50.tinypic.com/jukg7m.png

Perception: [roll0]

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy glances over at Consul as she works at her terminal and perks up


"Oh PLEASE Leon be a lifesaver and grab me one of those!"

Relic says as she continues to hammer away at keys and try to decipher the frequency yadda yadda techno-babble . . .

[Ridai]

Amy's ZPad receives relevant copypasta: Your preferred kind of coffee is being prepared in the galley at this moment, based on your usage of the coffee machine since departure.

Leon's also dings: Will be ready when you get there

[Phase]

No Wifin' in Dis Club

As Frank boarded the ship all those Solar Hours ago, it hadn't really truly considered that the Spectraphore Consensus had meant to give it anything but a distraction to get it out of their collective, figurative hair. But as the ship took off, it had to give some thought...

The straw that broke the space-camel's cyber-back was that upon reaching the space allotted, Frank found it. All of it. Years upon years of collecting, assorting, and analyzing... all of its various artifacts and media records from the late 20th century Terra. If it had a mouth, or chemically balanced emotional responses, it would be beaming.

Frank spent the next two days alternately arranging its artifacts, setting up the enormous holographic projector, and sometimes interacting with its new Earth Human friends, Amy and Connor. It took all the two days to get things sorted. Frank exchanged an equivalent of $16 million Earth Human dollars (as judged by the standards of recompense in seasons 2-6 of Friends,) worth of Spectraphore energy reclamation to acquire all the artifacts, and it's remarkable how difficult it is to make a holo-projector backwards compatible with VHS. Nevertheless, Frank finally felt finished enough to unveil the Media Room and Museum to the others... when they arrived. Oh well, there would be time for the unveiling after they return.

* * *

Frank tromped out of the Media Room and etc., excited, in its own alien way, to be at their destination. But, of course, everyone was scrambling around, analyzing metrics and performing scans and this and that and using all that equipment the organics needed to detect their own surroundings. Much more than literally any other Spectraphore, Frank admired and was fascinated by organic life. Still, though, it had to admit, it must be difficult going through life only experiencing a few hundred nanometers worth of reality.

Perhaps this difficulty is what motivated such works of art as Space Jam or Boogie Nights. Frank ponders that for a moment, shaken out of its reverie by a crewman running past.

Frank marched its containment suit up next to his new Earth Human friends, Connor and Amy. The conscious energy beyond the glass helmet quickly scans the viewscreens. "Yo holmes." It says. It's currently wearing a pair of priceless artifact golden trousers, designed to allow one to slide upon the floor with alarming agility and poise, as well as the Flave of Flavor's original timepiece. "How's bidnis up in here?" It crosses the arms of its suit.

Perception Check: [roll0]
Expertise (Biology): [roll1]

Frequency shifts between 3.9375x108 and 4.5x108 times the diameter of a proton, oscillating in binary sequence 11011001001001110010's super senses include Analytical Vision, Ultravision, Infrared Vision, and Extended Radius Accurate Acute Analytical Energy Awareness. Take that, gamma rays!

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER

Open at the helm of the Aurora. Julianne sits beside Ari as around them the screens show the approaching planet.

Julianne raps her fingers on the copilot's chair, peeking over at Ari's controls every so often and wiggling with energy. Ari's a good pilot, probably even better than her, but damn if she didn't want to shove him out of the chair and take the wheel herself.

Not out of any malice of course. Ari was also a hoopy frood in addition to being a crackerjack shipman.... shiplizard?

She pulls up the ship's sensory reports as the Aurora sailed over the planet.

[roll0]

[ripleycat]

Frequency shifts between 3.9375x108 and 4.5x108 times the diameter of a proton, oscillating in binary sequence 11011001001001110010, being rather more in-tune with the energies of the world, is able to pick up on a few things the organics haven't gotten yet, even if his actual "vision" of what was going on was limited by the sweltering heat and thick cover of the jungles. The energy signatures on the planet are concentrated in several small "bright" points, likely generators or some other power source. They are underground and seem to be independent from one another-Frank doesn't see or feel anything like a power grid. The wavelengths of the communication equipment are wispy and faint, likely personal or mobile devices. It's easy to see how the probes would have missed it, if it was even noticeable at the time they made their flyby- the whole thing seems to be very decentralized and made to be quick to shut down.

Exile gets a look at the terrain. Jungle aside (And the jungle looks to be thick with undergrowth. If he were a human, he might compare it to the stereotypical verdant maze that explorers hack through with machetes in old movies.), the ground looks uneven and kind of craggy. Underneath that green canopy, this place is probably a nightmare to fight on. Or a dream come true, depending on how good you are at setting up ambushes.

Zenith may not be well-versed in the high tech gadgetry of this universe, but he's been living among the Pilgrims, and there are a few things he recognizes. One of them is the... well, it has some 8 syllable name with some unpronounceable alien words in the middle, but to him it's the radar screen, pretty damn vital when you live in a mobile fleet with hundreds of ships. PSVH-17-A is completely devoid of ship signals. There's not another ship in orbit around the entire planet, not even a comm satellite floating around. Those on the surface were either dropped off and had their ride split, or they were here and dug in before the science team arrived. Either way, it's a strike against them being raiders or pirates, who you would think would be smart enough to leave a lookout in orbit.

As Oliver skips over PSVH-17-A's surface on the holoscreen, Ari points out the coordinates of the last transmission from the science team, an outcropping where the jungle thins out a tiny bit. Sure enough, Oliver's sharp eyes spot something in the undergrowth. The magnification isn't good enough to tell exactly what they are (from up here, they look to be crates), but there are manmade objects piled up near the transmission site, possibly the remnants of a camp. "Nice catch. That looks like a good place to start investigating. Well, you know, if i were the sort of person who gave commands like that, it's probably what I'd say to do."

Julianne picks up something from the sensors the preoccupied lizardman doesn't. A remarkably faint, but steady and cyclic signal on the ship's radio receiver. The signal barely reaches orbit, and it could easily just be the energy radiating from some high-energy device on the planet below. Or, and this is the sort of thing one learns by experience as a SPACE ADVENTURER, it could be some kind of improvised emergency beacon, the sort of last-ditch, spare parts attempt to call for help one builds when one is out of better options.

Consul sips his coffee. It is excellent.

Working in tandem, Amy and Zra are able to tap into the planetary communications. The system is heavily encrypted, and using some kind of shifting algorithm, probably VI or AI-fueled, that changes the encryption every few seconds. Still, it's not a match for a genius hacker with a literal inside man, and the pair are able to pick up snippets of the messages. It's being sent in PGC Basic Protocol, a simple "universal" language designed to be a lingua franca for those without quality translators. It doesn't tell you much, but it does seem to rule out the "well-hidden natives" theory.

The snippets you catch are difficult to place in context, but clearly indicate high activity and alarm.

"...Much too dangerous for..."

"...Fire prevention system back onli-..."

"...-irst group is finishing-..."

"...Weather patterns acceptable for next..."

When Zra attempts to contact the sending machine directly, the transmission garbles for several seconds before shutting off entirely, the sort of utter comm-silence that can only come from physically pulling the power on the device. What he notices that Amy in the physical world does not is that the patchwork comm system has a link to the greater galaxy-wide internet. Whoever this is, they're in the loop, and it's conceivable they caught the press conference a couple days back and know the Avengers are coming to the planet.

Anyone have a better name for galactic level internet than um, internet? I don't want to use cyberspace because that means something more specific for Zra, and I don't want to just steal extranet from ME.

Also, HP to Julianne for Hoopy Frood.

[Ridai]

"Well, well, people just pulled the plug on the comms down below." As soon as the sentence ends, since Leon isn't moving, apparently, he disappears.

----
In the galley

"GAH!" A crewmember jumps a foot into the air because of the sudden 100% increase of Arkaht a few feet away from him, his coffee flying out of the cup in a wide arc. The brown fluid doesn't splash anything, however, simply reappearing in the cup again.

"You'll get used to it, Wickers." Zra drily states, giving the frightened/confused human two reassuring slaps on the back before grasping a cup of coffee and a mug of that semi-weird cocoa-like drink Zra managed to reproduce after tasting it before the whole media event. Toasting Wickers with his own mug, he disappears again.

"What in the-"

----
On the bridge

Reappearing a few seconds later, Zra hands Amy her cup of coffee while sipping from his own drink, not missing a beat. "People down there are organized, in the middle of procedures or preparation, with relatively good encryption and a connection to the galactic network. As expected, potential hostiles are either waiting for or trying to get away from us." Another sip and the snippets of communications caught are replayed for the others, with a mention and translation of the PGC Basic Protocol, if it shouldn't be apparent (for example, for Zenith). His voice stays down-to-earth, calm. Nothing to get worked up about yet.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'who still reads this' Ashida

Amy sips at her coffee and sighs in relief. She smiles and leans back in her seat while raising one fist into the air


"Okay, I'm ready, lets go save the world. Show me what to punch."

She sips the coffee again and sighs joyfully again


"Caffeine, humanity's greatest contribution to the galactic civilization . . . precious . . ."

Amy likes her coffee.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

"Excellent."

Leon sips his coffee and does his best to pull in the information coming from the rest of the crew. For the most part, they seemed diligent workers and very talented.

"Alright everybody. We have our landing zone on the planet's surface. Prepare for combat teleport - we may not know what exactly awaits us, but we can be pretty sure it's not going to throw us a welcome party." Leon says, somehow giving orders, letting his military background bleed through.

He takes another sip of his coffee and pivots on his heels, strolling casually toward the teleporters, stifling a yawn.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy seeing Leon leave shoots after him towards the teleporters before finishing her coffee


"Hey! Hey, wait Leon! I don't want to go into the trap on my own!"

[Ladorak]

Exile chittered in excitement 'I do... But' he continued, almost in afterthought 'The mission will be completed faster if you come with me.' He falls into place behind Consul and follows him to the teleporter room 'We should touch down a mile or two away from the site. It may give us opportunity to ambush the ambushers.'

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Leon turns his head as Amy rushes to catch up to him. He downs the rest of his coffee and places the empty cup on top of a passing maintenance droid - watching to see how far it would get before it fell off.

"Don't worry Amy, it's not a trap if we know about it!" Leon says, and grins confidently at her - after all, the droid made it almost ALL the way down the hallway with the cup still on it. That's gotta be some sort of record.

"Exactly!" he says as Exile falls in behind them. "Just what I was thinking!"

He pauses as they reach the teleporter room. "You want to take point?" he says to Exile, moving to the side of the hallway to give the hulking alien room to go first.

[Ladorak]

'First to the battle is first to feed.' Said Exile, moving ahead of Consul.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

As Exile marches ahead for 'food' Amy blinks cluelessly, holding her coffee cup, then glances to Leon


"I figured we'd just get take out?"

[Ridai]

The cup on the maintenance droid disappears, only to reappear almost right in front of Leon at eye-level on a box, before disappearing yet again, into the dishwasher, along with Zra's own and eventually Amy's. At the teleporters, Zra is already there. "Found a suitable spot, teleporters are configured and ready."

Preferring his own brand of teleportation, the arkaht simply heads down to the surface, reappearing on a thick tree branch hidden by leaves right beside the LZ, scanning the area for electronic signatures.

Switch to Machine Interface alt once on surface, take a good long look with Detect Electronics.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Connor stood there for a moment, even as the team made their way towards the transporter bay. People were here, dug in and entrenched. They knew this team was coming, and they had quickly pulled the plugs as they’d arrived. There would most certainly be a trap waiting down below.

Zenith jogged to catch up with the others, in time to hear some of the suggestions made.

“I have to agree with Exile on this. Set the coordinates one click away from the site. I’ll take to the atmosphere and do a flyover while those who need to approach from the ground. Remember, the lives of the missing people are our highest priority.”

He stood onto the transporter pad, then reached up and clanged the bands on his wrists together. His eyes flared bright blue, and a starburst symbol appeared on his back.

“Avengers… ASSEMBLE!”

[ripleycat]

"Go be heroes. I'll, uh, keep the Aurora in high orbit. We'll have a shuttle on standby, in case something goes wrong with the teleporters or whatever. And if you get in trouble, we can always drop a slug or two and ruin a bad guy's whole day."

Once all of the Avengers have been assembled, it's quick work to get everybody onto the teleporter pads. With a loud hum, a flash of light, and the disconcerting sense of being in two places at once (and a strange sensation of almost flowing between them), the Avengers are reassembled on the surface of the planet below, with Zra perched on his tree branch above them. The air goes from air conditioned and kinda dry to warm, thick and (literally) breathtakingly humid as the shift from spaceship hold to teeming jungle completes.

While the Ghast-kriat was waiting on the others, he picked up relatively little from the electronics on the planet. So much so that the silence itself is noticeable. Perhaps they've gone quiet in fear or anticipation of the Avengers' arrival. Zra does note the same faint, cyclic signal Julianne picked up on the ship. It's easier to trace from down here, and seems coming from near the scientist camp, about a kilometer away.

The landing zone is clear of large trees, but that changes quickly within a few yards. Gaps in the canopy are scatted, and the height of the trees varies wildly, but there should be enough visibility for anyone who elects to fly to keep in visual contact with those on the ground. Everything is vibrant, almost saturated down here, all shining green and jewel tones. A few bits of local fauna have been attracted by your sudden arrival. A pair of trundling armored creatures snuffle around in the roots of the great vine-like plants that twist from the ground and wrap their way around the huge trees. A few birdlike beings flit here and there, chasing smaller insectoid prey or pecking at the bunches of fruit and flowers. They don't seem particularly fearful of the new arrivals. A little green and fuchsia one even uses Frank as a perch, happily devouring the passing bugs that fall for its camouflaged jaws.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Speedpaint__Jungle_River_by_I_NetGraFX_zps663c3e40 .jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/alien_jungle_by_meckanicalmind-d5x0s2z_zpsc18d08ff.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Chad_Weatherford_14a_zpsfde763b6.jpg

Zenith suddenly seems to go catatonic, staring blankly ahead with eyes that suddenly glow bright blue. Naturally, that's also the moment a voice crackles over your direct comm channel. "Hey there, Avengers. Did, uh, anyone get turned inside out or anything like that? Uncalibrated teleporters are interesting that way."

Bits relevant to Zenith alone have been sent via PM.

[Ridai]

Signal at scientist camp, one kilometer ahead. No other electronic devices nearby that I can detect. Zra silently transmits to the others. Looking down at the group, he inclines his head as he watches Zenith, messaging back to the ship.

Reena ironed out the bugs beforehand. Zenith's having an episode, though.

Whatever expertise skill applies here, Zra makes a check with it (thanks to Eidetic Memory) to get a clue what is going on.

[roll0]

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

The initial transport is jarring. Possibly because he’s only done it just a few times before. Connor preferred the old-fashioned method of ejecting himself out of an airlock and flying down to the planet.

After the shock wore off, he began to take a look around. Flora and fauna everywhere. Big, tall trees… but open enough to allow for an air team. Perfect. Before he could get anything out of his mouth though… he was sucked into another vision. With his eyes glowing and staring off to a faraway place, it was clear that he wasn’t home right now. He strangely clutched at his own chest for a moment, jerking as if something had hurt him.

Moments later, he blinked once… then a few more times, until his eyes opened and were normal again.

“Our scientists are in hiding. There’s something on this planet. I’m not sure whether it’s indigenous or not. It has metal claws, and it hides out there in the jungle. It’s been killing the science team. There are probably more than one. This entire place is filled with danger and hostility.”

He began to float up a few feet as his body glowed softly.

“The scientists have energy barriers protecting them right now, but I’m not sure how long they’ll last. There’s a big complex somewhere here on this planet. Plenty of guards. Not sure who they're with, but we should be on the lookout for it.

I need two other fliers to come with me. We’ll provide overwatch and get a better view of the area.”

All this from the guy who could barely figure out how to use the sensor array. Go figure.

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

The Spectraphore, safely contained in its suit, is beamed down to the planet. The sensation reaches it inside, but it's not all that unfamiliar. Its kinda are always in a state of quantum flux, to a degree, and this particular tunneling event was not too dissimilar.

What's far more novel to the inorganic being, however, is the stimulus of their surroundings. Apart from through viewscreens and on holoprojectors, Frank had never seen actual flora before this point. In fact, Frank had never been on a planet that wasn't either completely paved, like Talus, or a blasted, 100% eroded hellscape of constant energy and thought, like its homeworld. Frank stands stock still for a moment, attempting to take in the breathtaking (figuratively) scene.

A creature lands on its shoulder as Zenith goes catatonic. Frank examines him quizzically, meanwhile reaching up and grasping the bird in a thick gauntlet.

"Earth Human friend Connor? Is everything..." It turns the creature over in its hands, not necessarily gentle, helmet oriented towards Zenith as he awakes. It releases the creature after a quick glance at its Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance patterns for recollection later.

"Bodacious, Earth Human friend Connor. I can't fly. I can perform a targeted ground sweep. There's infrequent clusters of high energy emissions scattered all across the area. Delocalized."

[Ladorak]

Exile's nictitating membranes flicked back and forth several times. Uncalibrated? He wondered if the ship could function without it's Captain, if not he'd have to wait till they got back to port before he turned Ari inside out. He made a note to ask Relic about it later.

He opened his mouth and breathed deep, drinking in the smells of this new planet, filtering out the local fauna and flora and concentrating on anything foreign.

Olfactory senses search (I'm guessing this is Insight test) Is a perception test
[roll0] please add 2 to this roll

'Metal claws? Sht This is good, very good. Maybe this planet will provide some sport after all.'

With a crack like the snapping of bone Exile's back carapace split. Slowly at first, like peeling skin from flesh, then in a sudden upward snap they flew open, revealing his wings. They were great glossimer things, half again as long as he was tall, only the Indigo Corporation knew how such seemingly delicate structures could fit within such a casing. Most surprisingly about them though, was their beauty. To the Earthers they looked like massive dragonfly wings; long, elegant, beautiful things

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

The teleport was jarring, to say the least. Not really accustomed to it as it has not been implemented on the Crucible warfleet as of yet. Patting himself down to make sure all his parts were in the right place, he double checks that his hat is still there - and it is.

Immediately he begins to sweat, and his meticulously maintained uniform is now becoming rather damp. "Everyone is in one piece down here...well I am, at least." he says, giving a curious glance to Zenith as he goes from enthusiastic 'Avengers Assemble' to sleep mode. He comes around quickly enough though, and Leon shrugs it away. No big deal.

"I am also capable of flight, though if anyone else would rather go, I'm fine with that." he says noncommittally, looking to the rest of the Avengers. Being shot out of the sky, or being eaten alive by all the bugs on the ground. Choices, choices.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy drifts upwards after Zenith


"PICK ME! PICK ME!"

Once she's floating beside Zenith she draws her blaster rifle as a precaution


"Consul, fill out our trio, it'll be fun!"

As she drifts behind Zenith she gives him a momentary concerned glance, out of his range of vision. She then flinches for a second as she feels as if her head is exploding, but it fades rapidly. She's pretty sure her pained expression was too quick to be noticed.

[Green Bean]

Oliver looked around interestedly at his first off-planet experience, but he looks a little unnerved. It was all so...green. It was super creepy, and really, couldn't the planet just use an oxygen synthesizer like a civilized location? Still, he was a hero, and an Avenger, whatever that was. Bravery in the face of danger was his bailiwick, and he would save those poor scientists huddled behind their energy shields.

Unable to fly, he looked around for some way for him to contribute. Ah! "I'll clear us a path to the scientists. And smoke these monsters out. Literally!" Without waiting for a response, he inhaled deeply, activating a gland at the back of his throat which produced a rather interesting cocktail of secretions. He exhaled, and with the addition of a tiny spark of bioelectricity, his breath emerged as a 60 foot long gout of flame, pointing vaguely in the direction of the scientists' camp. The chemical brew tasted rather disgusting, but fortunately the inside of his mouth was essentially fireproof. The surrounding vegetation however, was not, and went up like anything.

[ripleycat]

The little bird creature squawks indignantly and flutters off into the trees after Frank releases it.

As the scientist camp is about a kilometer away, flamethrowing 60 feet of jungle does little to clear a path. It does, however, create a very impressive forest fire. The undergrowth goes up like kindling, and the flame quickly begins spreading. Thick, oily green-brown tinged smoke begins filling the air. Growls and cries of alarm from the local fauna fill the air as they begin fleeing the area. It doesn't actually smoke out any metal-clawed predators, but it does a fine job of giving away your position. The rising smoke will be visible from all over the area in a minute, tops.

You get a couple of rounds to deal with this (or just, you know, move away, if you're sufficiently terrible people) before heat and smoke, background elements, become Heat and Smoke, environmental hazards.

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

Frank takes a few steps towards the fire, undergrowth splintering and oozing beneath the thick boots of its containment suit.

"Yo, what's the purpose of this mad sizzle, my dizzle?" Frank turns to face Oliver, unphased by the flames.

[Ridai]

Zra just sighs, and does a slow clap. A few fire extinguishers won't do the trick here. "People, if no one has anything to put that mess out, I'm teleporting that entire patch into space and back." He moves roughly into the same position as Oliver was when firing it up.

If Zra has to, he power stunts and uses the following power to do like he said he would:

Teleport 7
Extras: Attack, Extended (120 miles), affects objects only, area (cone, 60ft), reversible, increased mass x15 (800 tonnes)
Flaw: Limited to Extended

[Ladorak]

Exile chittered. In amusement or annoyance? Who could say? Even other Voracious can not read Voracious facial expressions. Voracious have no facial expressions.

'No.' Said Exile tightly, agitated by the sudden flare of flame and the instant deafening crackle of wood being consumed. Voracious didn't like fire, fire burnt that would could be consumed. 'This is Sht not ideal.' Now he did swing his inscrutable compound eyes on Oliver 'But it is a thing we can use. They knew we were coming, now they know we are here. The fire will draw them out, or it will not. If not, we lose nothing. If so...'

His wings started to buzz and he leapt up into the air, flying up into the smoke 'First to battle is first to feed.'

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Okay… so he’s got Amy and Exile. That alien gets weirder with every new feature it shows off. And then Oliver sets the jungle on fire. Connor’s eyes widen and he holds out a hand, forming a tight enclosure over the burning brush, containing it and suffocating it as much as possible. Problem is that he can’t unmake the enclosure… anyone passing through will be able to see it.

“No! No burning down the jungle. Let’s try the path of least collateral damage first, shall we?”

[Ladorak]

Just to explain in non-Exile terms. My plan is thus: Using force fields/nllify fire/whatever else we can control te burn, preventing it from going out of control and directing it toward the science camp.

The fliers hide in the smoke, Ripcat has confirmed it's thick enough to hide in. It's a fairly effective ambush. If we'd known where the bad guys were to begnin with and did this near them this would be a good plan. As it is, if we can't stop the smoke going up, we might as well use it.

[Green Bean]

"It's simple, we do a controlled burn through the jungle, driving away the native creatures and letting everyone know that the PGC is here and that they should surrender." He glanced at the now rapidly spreading fire, slightly worried expression on his face. "Admittedly, it's spreading a little faster than ideal..."

[Raynn]

Relic
Amy 'Amelia' Ashida

Amy blinks as the fires begin to spread and looks a little worried before turning to Zenith


"So our plan is to make ourselves a giant target while wrecking the environment? Are the Avengers of your time this . . . destructive to their locals?"

[ripleycat]

Under the dome of blue energy, the fire continues to burn for the moment, but the smoke is contained, and the lack of oxygen will extinguish it soon enough if the situation remains as is.

Of course, as big obvious attention-grabbing signs go, a glowing blue energy structure doesn't rank very far below a forest fire, as Exile is first to discover. Rising up into the now slowly dissipating smoke, the Voracious's keen olfactory organs pick up a waft of something in the distance, somewhere between the team and the camp. Whatever it is, it's not native, and moreover, it's not natural. The thing (Or things, perhaps. The smell is quite strong.) reeks of the artificial. Surgical rubber, oiled metal, and the acrid scent of damaged or overworked electronics.

Zenith's powers are sufficient to contain the fire. As things stand, it is not a threat to spread, unless you decide to make it spread.

[Ladorak]

Exile keyed the communicator attached to his upper right mandible 'Forget the fire. I have the scent. Fliers to me. We hunt now.' He hovers in the sky for several seconds, before adding almost reluctantly Avengers… ASSEMBLE' A thought occurred, he chittered happily to himself and his amusement was clear in his voice 'If you can keep up. First to the battle is first to feed!' He darted after the scent

Perception test to follow the scent: [roll0]

[Ridai]

With the fliers going off to wherever, Zra teleports on top of the sphere to see where they are going, then teleports the other groundwalkers and himself there.

[ripleycat]

Whatever Exile's noticed, Zra can't see anything from the top of Zenith's energy dome. The jungle is too much of a visual barrier, even from the relative high point. Even without an obvious target, an AI-assisted precision teleport drops the ground crew back into the jungle, up closer to the camp, with the flyers just visible through the trees above.

It's Exile, with his... nose? already on the scent, who spots them first. Those on the ground quickly follow suit. A small horde of strange beings crouched in the branches, a would-be ambush, but one that probably wasn't counting on their quarry flying overhead or appearing from thin air.

The creatures are roughly humanoid, grey-skinned, broad and muscular but small, a little shorter than even the smallest human on the team. They have six eyes apiece, huge luminous things lacking a visible pupil or iris, and massive jaws filled with savage rows of teeth, much like angler fish, for those versed in Earth biology. Tubing systems run down their limbs, pumping some kind of liquid into their veins from power packs on their backs. Many are badly corroded, giving off the acrid burning scent that Exile caught earlier. They are clad in makeshift armor, not forcefields or ablative shields, just old-fashioned thick metal plates.

The weapons most are carrying are similarly antiquated, old-fashioned projectile rifles. Slug-throwers like these have long vanished from the hands of police and soldiers, but they still crop up in the hands of civilians, backwater militias, and (especially) criminals, who can get them for dirt cheap and find that they're as effective as ever for making bloody holes in an unprotected target.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Wes_Louie_05a_zpsb6a8bd4f.jpg

As a throng of heroes appear above and below them, the creatures make high-pitched chitters and shrieks of surprise. They recover their wits quickly, though, and within seconds the ground team is surrounded, as the savage-looking things come pouring out of the trees above them!

Roll Initiative, please. Time to see what you lunatics can actually do in a fight. :belkar: For reference, there are around 20 of these creatures, and yes, mechanically they're minions.

[Ridai]

HP 1 -> 0

A small excourse into the efficiency-driven thought processes of an Arkaht:

Surrounded by several enemies, thus several armed threats.

Final objective: No threats to the group left.
Additional objective: Prevent as much potential harm to the group as possible.

Attempts of termination of threats too slow and unreliable.
Removal of threats from immediate surroundings safer, leaving less immediate threats even after accounting for failed attempts, less targets for rest of group.

Teleportation to another point on the surface leads to potential ambushes in the mid-term.
Vertical teleportation more efficient with secondary effect of termination of threats.

Concentrating on his surroundings, Zra zeroes in on the ambushers around the group, Reena and him focusing most of their mental capacities on the task. Once the correct manipulation of Zra's neural activity is achieved, he tries to teleport as many attackers as possible. 120 miles straight up into the atmosphere.

Power stunt the following power (spending HP to negate fatigue):
Teleport 7
Extras: Extended only (0), Area Burst 3 (120 ft.) (3r), Attack (fortitude) (0), Selective (1r)
Flaw: Distracting (-1r)
Extended teleport 120 miles range
35/37pp

If allowed, Zra adds as much Subtle to the power as possible.

2x Move Use PS teleport to teleport as many enemies as possible 120 miles straight up while excluding his allies and any random animals he senses.

[ripleycat]

Having encircled the ground team, the creatures unwittingly set themselves up nicely for Zra's highly efficient removal of threats. Dumb luck and animal reflexes manage to save some of the attackers from the Ghast-kriat's gift, but three of the beasts vanish suddenly and silently from the jungle floor, and get to experience the miracle of reentry from low orbit.

Scattered shots zip through the trees up towards the flyers. Most go woefully wide, but a couple do get Consul in their sights. Down on the ground, things are much more frenetic. Having just seen several of their comrades simply stop being there anymore, the creatures begin a furious and undisciplined assault on the heroes, firing wildly. Even this vicious crossfire is too complex for a couple of them, who close the distance and attempt to engage the Avengers in hand to hand, which goes about as well as you'd expect.

One drops screaming from the trees and rears back for a savage headbutt to Frank, only to knock itself out cold against the Spectraphore's armored shell with a loud and sickening *CRACK*.

KP's become unresponsive yet again and it really isn't important given that this is just you guys doing the Harlem Globetrotters thing against a bunch of minions, so moving forward. Julianne can act whenever. /grumpy GM :smalltongue:

Huge pile of rolls, so using Invisible Castle.

Dodge checks against Zra's attack: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3984033/
Fort saves vs Zra's attack: Dodge failers: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3984044/
Dodge makers: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3984055/

Final results: 7 beasties hit, 3 make dodge save for half-effect. Fort saves go unusually well, only 3 get stratosphered.

Attack rolls: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3984074/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3984086/

Consul, Frank, Zra and Oliver need to make DC20 toughness checks. One minion critfails his melee attack, and gets KO'd.

[Ladorak]

Exile hissed in annoyance as several of the enemy disappeared, feeling as self-righteously aggrieved at their lose as a man who sits down to a feast only to find the choicest dishes already gone and devoured. He did not yet know the culprit, although he recognised the means. Teleportation had been used against the Voracious during the great uprising, his ancestral memory recalled entire segments of swarms dropped instantly into cold space, to whom it was little more than an inconvenience, abide a massively aggravating one.

Mindful that there was little time to strike before the rest of his rightful share of the battle (That being all of it) was stolen from him, Exile plunged toward the ground like a meteor. He crashed through the jungle canopy with a great cacophony of snapped branches, groaning timbers and flying splinters.

He hit the ground, again not unlike a meteor, but one with prodigious strength and a highly developed brain engineered toward only one purpose; The most efficient and effective application of the considerable force at his body's disposal.

A shockwave rippled out in all directions, uprooting trees and crushing his enemies.

Fly down to the ground and get as many of them as I can without harming the party. I did briefly consider hitting as many as I could and party be damned (They've encircled you after all, and it's a very Exile thing to do) but then decided this falls under the province of 'massive **** moves.'

Groundpound: Burst Area Damage 10, only effects those on the ground

[Phase]

X gon' give it to you

Frank, if it had a neck, would look down at the creature crumpled at its feet. But it doesn't, so it just steps over the fallen monster rather casually. "And some organics wonder why there are those who think organic life isn't sentient." It says in passing, reaching over for the individual who just decided it was a good idea to punch the containment suit.

Frank moves to grab the being by the torso and squeeze until there aren't really any more solid bits on which to find purchase.

Toughness Save: [roll0]
Taking ten against the minion, power attacking for +2/-2 at 16 to hit, DC 29 Toughness. Lethal damage.

[Green Bean]

The strange creature impaled Oliver on his claws. Oliver looked down at his now slightly bloody stomach, and then looked up at his attacker almost sympathetically. "Well, you tried." Then he smashed his fist into the creature with an uppercut to the jaw that echoed across the clearing.

Regular melee attack, +12 damage bonus. In case it matters, I have Takedown 2 and 100 feet of movement. Non-lethal

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

Julianne rolls her eyes as the her fellow "Avengers" engage the badguys on the ground. If they wanted to deal with angry natives, they were free to. For JULIANNE WELLS, SPACE ADVENTURER, the mystique of gunning down strangely limbed aliens in steamy jungles had somewhat dimmed.

The camera shifts to an overhead topdown shot of Julianne continuing to fly straight over the jungle canopy, her jetpack making a blazing trail of light behind her. The science camp couldn't be too much farther away and most of those whatever-they-were would be hopefully occupied by Julianne's teammates.

Taking two Move Actions to keep flying and move 1800 ft

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Well, that escalated quickly. The aliens seemed to be using projectile weapons, but that was cold comfort when they were shooting up his fellow team-mates. The others lept into action quickly, though Wells was quick to leave. Not much of a team-player that one. What kind of lessons has the future t—dammit. I’m Steve Rogers.

With the knowledge that his references were all hopelessly dated and that he was the reliable old fogey on the team, Zenith needed to reclaim the feel of normalcy. This meant blowing up some villains. Naturally!

Zenith’s eyes glow brightly as he focuses in on a cluster of the shooters. He didn’t know what they were, but he’d take a moment to learn something by reaching out with the Cosmic Awareness.

And after that, he held out his hand and a bright orb of blue energy formed. It hovered just above his grasp. He then reared back and hurled the ball down towards the aliens. It flew until it almost hit the ground, then detonated in a powerful, blindingly bright blast large enough to catch them without striking his grounded allies.

First up is Detect Weakness. Perception: [roll0]

Second is a burst-area damage effect. All enemies caught need to make a DC 20 dodge check then DC 25/20 toughness save.

Because it’s the magic of comic books… Non-lethal. They’ll be toasted and smoking, but somehow not dead.

[Raynn]

Relic

Amelia fires off with her blaster rifle in a cascade of laser light that makes her for a moment seem somewhat competent in a combat situation. This is supported by the fact that she oddly doesn't feel liked the outclassed, terminally ill, inexperienced heiress she is among the timeplaced demi-gods, badasses and living alien weapons.

She keeps firing for as long as she can before glancing over to Zenith, then seeing his use of non-lethal force she's quite happy she accidentally left her blaster on its stun setting


"Zenith, you're the expert, is this meant to feel so much like a distraction or time-delay tactic?"

Taking 10 to attack minions; +12 to hit so 22, DC 23 on a hit. She has 2 ranks of Takedown, which seems to now function at ranged as well as melee, in 3e, so she'll keep firing away till they stop falling over.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

Floating in the air, the Avengers suddenly come under attack by some rather sorry looking creatures. One of them somehow manages to fire it's primitive slugthrower with some accuracy, the projectile speeding towards Leon.

For a moment the bullet seems like it will hit him dead on, but entering his personal gravity field alters it's trajectory every so slightly that it whizzes harmlessly past. Leon seems unaffected by the near miss.

He spots the shooter down on the jungle floor raising his rifle again, but before it can, it feels a pressure akin to its weight being magnified a hundred times.

To the others Leon seems to be doing absolutely nothing, apart from looking down condescendingly at the attacking creatures.

Subtle damaging move object, perception range. DC 25 toughness

[ripleycat]

7 of 8

Compared to the scattershot and largely ineffective assault by the screeching creatures, the Avengers counterattack is swift, impressive, and devastating.

The Power Cosmic helpfully pinpoints several weak points for Zenith. In particular, the power packs built into the creatures' cheap metal armor are so fragile and overloaded Connor has to wonder if it's not intentional, like some kind of low-grade suicide bomb. Not that knowing weaknesses really matters when Zenith's energy bomb sends four of the beasts hurling through the air like charred confetti.

If Zenith isn't exactly being subtle, Exile is holding up a big sign that says "**** YOU!" in glowing letters. The Voracious hits the ground like a pile driver, creating a shockwave that sends several of the creatures tumbling like dried leaves in wind. The fortunate ones are knocked out before they hit something solid.

*SPACK!* With the sound of someone hitting a side of beef with a crowbar, Oliver's victim launches through the air like a ragdoll. It's only a chance encounter with a treebranch that prevents the creature from sailing towards the horizon.

Consul's invisible and crushing response to getting shot at quickly sends his target crashing into the ground, unconscious.

Frank's assailant isn't as fortunate. Over several excruciating seconds, complete with a selection of absolutely nauseating sounds, the Spectraphore turns the beast into a small ball of flesh with bits of bone and metal jutting out at odd angles.

Relic's blaster shot etches a deep furrow in one of the things' metal armor, but leaves the alien itself unharmed and angry.

Unfortunately for Amy, this leaves her as the only Avenger whose foe is aware and able to fight back. Several of the monsters who remain standing join in, and Relic finds herself on one side of a firefight. The rest of the creatures rush Exile in a strange abandonment of self-preservation, clawing and biting at the massive apex predator.

The Adventurer

Julianne doesn't recognize the creatures from her many travels. They could just be some species she hasn't yet run across, of course, and the heavy and ad-hoc modification to the beasts opens the possibility of the whole lot being manufactured or cloned. Wouldn't be the first time she'd come across that, either.

The scientist camp isn't that far off, and Julianne covers the distance quickly enough. Landing in the small clearing, Miss Wells's practiced eye is able to pick up several things of note.

1. The camp is largely untouched. There are no signs of struggle, and the only damage seems to be from opportunistic local animals. Either the scientists were taken by surprise, or they left this area before Zenith's visions of hunting started.

2. The camp is on an outcropping, and even from this minor vantage point, the energy domes and drifting smoke the Avengers have created so far are easy to spot. Surprising whoever is on this planet is... unlikely.

3. There is a white-haired and bearded human man in a panama hat sitting on one of the crates, smiling broadly at Julianne.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/jp-johnhammond1_zps15e79239.jpg

"Miss Wells, well done! You're playing this game at an entirely different level than the rest of your compatriots! I knew I picked wisely. I apologize if the Lophians weren't up to your usual standards. Dr. Sevda is convinced they'll make good shock troops someday, but I daresay they aren't there yet."

Relic: I made a bunch of rolls in anticipation of your Takedown-fueled carnage, only for the very first one to make its save. :smalltongue:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993168/

Consul: Creature fails save, KO'd. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993168/

Zenith: 4 hit, 2 make dodge save, all fail toughness checks anyway. URL="http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993186/"]http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993186/[/URL]
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993190/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993191/

Oliver: Can't make save. Creature is KO'd without need for a roll.

Frank: See above, unmakeable saves. Creature is ded.

Exile: 5 hit, none make Dodge save, all KO'd. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993196/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3993200/

6 creatures remain in fighting shape. Amy and Exile need to make 2 DC 20 toughness saves apiece.

[Raynn]

Relic

As alien laser fire washes over Relic she feels terrified for a moment, aside from familial assassination attempts and mandatory practice preparation assassination attempts she's never been shot at before, but then she remembers she does technically have super powers as a hundreds of years old force field generating piece of Time-Keeper tech keeps her safe. She sincerely hopes no one heard her squee in fear for a second there.

Impervious so she's fine, forgot Relic does have a useful ability or two for a second there. :smalltongue:

[Green Bean]

Oliver cupped his hands over his mouth and hollered at the remaining creatures. "Excuse me! Maybe we can negotiate you surrendering? Please?" When no reply came he sighed and cracked his knuckles. The bloody hole in his stomach had already vanished. Right.

He closed the distance with the creatures firing at Relic, and launched himself a little ungainly at the nearest one with his enhanced musculature. His jump had quite a bit more speed and power behind it than he'd intended, and it was all he could do to lash out at his target. He caught it with an open palmed blow to the head that turned into a chokehold. This twisted him off course, and when he passed near the second creature, all he could do was grab its ankle with his free hand. Fortunately, this swept it off its feet and smashed its head into a fallen log, and sent Oliver caroming into the third creature attacking Relic. Having run out of arms, he kicked out, catching the third creature in its stomach and wrapping its torso in a scissor hold.

Alas, gravity chose that moment to catch up. He touched ground with his face, and skidded along, still holding onto his three passengers. Before his momentum completely disappeared, he aimed a gout of fire at the ground, propelling him 20 feet in the air. His horizontal momentum carried him towards the busy Exile. Oliver and his passengers came down at Exile's feet with a dramatic whumph, directly on top of the other three creatures. Oliver struggled out from underneath the pile of cold-cocked alien creatures and looked up at Exile. "I think that went well."

Taking 10 and Taking Down. All minions get smashed.

[Ridai]

Without saying anything further, Zra teleports to the campsite, then comes back, teleports the others, then heads there himself again.

[ripleycat]

As if on cue, the rest of the team appears from thin air behind Julianne. The old man doesn't seem very surprised by this, giving you all a genial wave. "And here are the rest of you! Wonderful! I admit, I'm looking forward to this more than I have in a long, long time. It will be a true challenge."

He clasps his hands together and looks around at the assembled heroes expectantly. "Well, it's only fair that you all get a chance to ask some questions, and not just Miss Wells, astute as she is. A game is hardly fair if one side doesn't even know the rules, after all."

A very belated HP to GB for Oliver's glorious takedown to end the fight. Combat time is over for now.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Suicide bombs? Someone put suicide bombs on these aliens. Connor was beginning to float down to the ground to give a closer inspection, when he was torn from his current location in space and deposited… elsewhere. Giving a glaring look to Zra, he noticed that Wells and… an older man were here. He seemed quite jovial. A little too jovial.

And he’s talking about games and challenges. Zenith facepalmed. It all became abundantly clear.

“Right. The team isn’t shielding themselves behind a force wall. You’re keeping them imprisoned there. Let me guess. You have a menagerie of alien creatures that you throw at whomever is unfortunate enough to land in your trap. You either do this to make super-soldiers, or just because you get your rocks off on it. Probably a little of both judging by that little smirk on your face.”

Zenith looked around once at the jungle.

“Yeah. You get off on it. This is way too much ‘the ultimate hunt is man’ kind of thing. So how about we do this. Give us the science team and I won’t let Exile eat your face. How’s that for a rule?”

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy levels her blaster rifle towards the older man


"Just because I'm not sue of the 'why we aren't doing it clause', why don't we just shoot you now and sort out what comes afterwards when it comes? I get the whole take you in alive thing but even then it seems improbable you could escape if we tried to take you in.

So what's going on here? Speaking face to face with us like this? Are you a hologram? Have you got a teleporter or something set up?"

glancing to Zenith only half joking


"You really think you can stop Exile from eating his face?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul

It was a little jarring to find himself suddenly in one spot and the next second in a completely other spot. Taking just a few moments to get his bearings, Leon is greeted along with the rest of the team by what looked like a friendly old man spouting some things about questions and a game.

"Nobody has to be eating anyone's face. Let's just hear what he has to say, then decide about the face eatings." he says, eager to hear what the stranger had to say.

[ripleycat]

The blunt attitude and threats from the Avengers don't seem to phase the man, who chuckles indulgently. "Well, right to business, aren't we? Consul Tynes, Miss Ashid- well, I suppose it's Relic if we're being proper, isn't it? Relic is correct. I'm afraid I couldn't meet you in person, so I did the next best thing." The man stands up and walks through one of the crates, his body flickering ever so slightly. "Asa Solomon, at your service. You may not credit it, but it is truly an honor to meet you all."

"In that light, I'm going to reject your offer, Zenith. I'm sure as much as Exile would like to eat my face, to borrow your charming phrase, it would be rather difficult from where we are currently. You think too much of our species, my boy. We're not the ultimate hunt. I doubt we'd even crack the top twenty without some augmentation. Like yours! You're not entirely wrong, though. We are holding the scientists. We should have expected a survey team, in retrospect. Removing a planet this lovely from the records was never going to last."

The man spreads his arms wide and smiles like some grand entrepreneur rather than someone making death threats. "24 solar hours. A test of your skill and fortitude against some of the finest hunters and warriors nature and science have produced. An environment that will try the intelligence and reflexes of all involved. If you survive, I will release the surviving scientists into your custody and you will be free to leave. The rules are simple and few. No leaving the planet, no calling for backup. I realize those may be objectionable to some of you, so we've taken precautions in that area."

"*bzzt* "Any-" *bzzt* "-vengers, do you read?" Ari's panicked voice suddenly scratches through on your comms. "We're in trouble! There's an AI loose in the ship's systems. Lost defenses, lost the teleporters! This thing's gonna send us into the ground if we can't shut it do- *bzzzzzzzzz*"

"Reena and l will stop the AI. Deal with those on the ground." Zra's clipped response is punctuated by his sudden vanishing, no doubt heading back up to the Aurora to deal with this digital interloper.

"Hmm. I don't envy his chances. What do you say, Avengers? Are you willing to participate, or shall we continue enjoying what little sport the scientists offer us?"

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Infuriated by the callous disregard for sentient life portrayed by this 'scientist' Amy steps forward and points at his holographic face


"It's Miss Ashida to you, psycopath, Relic is for when I'm helping people, and I don't intend to help you.

If you've harmed even one of those scientists you're holding, to reference classical art, I will gut you like a tauntaun you bloated lump of human fecal matter."

She glares at the illusory figure before saying with a sneer


"Game On old man."

Technology Check to see if Relic can tell where the hologram's emitter is;
Technology Check: [roll0]

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

Frank listens intently. Or, at least, the microphones in Frank's suit intake the man's words and convert them to a series of energy frequencies that Frank is then able to comprehend and parse intently. Or whatever passes for intently amongst energy beings. You know the drill.

Frank puts a mechanized hand to its distinct lack of chin, just as it has observed Kelsey Grammer do on occasion. "That's some intriguing biz, yo." It says, attempting to relate to the human in his own tongue. "But by its nature fallacious." Frank stays put in place, no need to put excess thought into moving the containment suit when unnecessary.

"I am reasonably certain that it is not physically possible for me to die in the sense that your gums are slappin' about, punk." It adjusts its posture to be slightly more intimidating. "So maybe just drop them nasty-ass precautions and let them nerds go, man. Or else."

Despite any posturing, Frank, if pressed, would be obliged to admit that the idea of forced captivity being a Bad thing is not one that is fully comprehended by Spectraphore. They have cogitated on this proposition, usually along the lines of "Restriction of body is the restriction of all, restriction of all is the restriction of thought, the restriction of thought is Bad." However the inherently body-less, room-less race of entities have an inherent difficulty in grokking the difficulties of species with mass. Any study of topics, such as forced captivity, that the Spectraphore are unable to understand usually dissolves to the ancient Spectraphore problem of The Nature of Difference, which first arose when a Spectraphore consensus arose to discuss the possibility of life on other worlds, and wasn't fundamentally changed when that life came to find them.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

This conversation told Connor some important things. 1) This guy wasn’t alone. Kept saying “we.” First person plural. Multiple villainous scientists are in on this. 2) They removed the planet from the records. This could either implicate some kind of internal conspiracy or simply a great deal of influence that these people wield. 3) They knew the names of everyone in this team. And apparently they knew what everyone is, too.

4) They had no choice but to play along.

The Aurora was out of commission, and he would execute the scientists if they left anyway.

“Twenty-four solar hours?”

He was about to say Game on, but Amy beat him to the punch.

“Let’s do this.”

At this point, he is just waiting for the hologram to disappear. Miss Wells and Relic. Maybe they could trace him through the hologram.

[Green Bean]

Oliver raised his hand to get Solomon's attention. "Excuse me, Mr. Solomon? I know you want 24 hours and all that, but after that fight I need a few grams of methylisocyanate or in six hours my implants will literally explode. I have some on the ship, but..." He mimed 'you set an AI loose in my home', a fairly recent addition to Galactic Sign Language.

"Maybe I can get some from the scientists? And check up on them to make sure they're okay?"

Deception!: [roll0]

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER!

Julianne rolls her eyes. This was worse than when the Space Emperor of Crete Secundus threw her into the cosmic labyrinth to face the vicious bullman of Sector Six. And that was extra lame. I mean, come on. Bull men? Lame.

The others were asking questions, but she didn't honestly didn't care to get any more information. Blah blah blah most dangerous game. Blah blah blah twenty four hours. Blah blah blah survive.

It was annoying, really.

She points her Buck & Rogers pistol at Dr Solomon's head before he could say anything more. And fires.

*Ka-PEW!*

Not liable to do any good, but it sure made her feel better.

[ripleycat]

Solomon considered Oliver's request with what seemed to be a sympathetic look on his face. "It would be a shame to have one of you bow out in such a way, but I'm afraid the scientists don't have any. They've been searched quite thoroughly." He smiles broadly. "And I am a scientist, Mr. Zerah. Next time you want to trick someone, don't request 'a few grams' of a well known and terribly lethal toxin."

Julianne's blaster shot does nothing to the hologram, but it does wipe the smile off the man's face. "Am I trying your patience, Miss Wells? Very well then, we'll begin."

"I'd hate to see you go down to the first minutes, So I'll be sporting. I'd say you have a little more than a minute until your first opponents arrive. Keep an eye on the sky! Good luck!" Dr. Solomon gives Julianne a cheeky salute as the hologram flickers out.

00:00:01
Surviving Avengers: 8

What do you do?

Relic spots the emitter hidden under one of the crates. The hologram itself is a little local one, probably set up ahead of time for just this occasion. She is unfortunately unable to trace Solomon's signal.

Dr. Solomon sees through Oliver's trick with a little help from a spectacular roll and the steep circumstance modifier. :smallfrown: Insight, vs Oliver's Deception. (1d20+15+10=44) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4018767/)

[Phase]

Frank angles skywards.

"Yo, I get that this shiz is delerious biznasty..." It turns to the others. "But we seem to be doing well so far. The Arkhat still lives."

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

To be honest, when Julianne shot the hologram, it made Connor feel damned good, too. Unfortunately, it didn’t really stop Solomon from talking more. Pompous jerk. He’d get his. The space Avengers just had to jump through. A little over a minute. He’d best get busy.

“Miss Wells, Amy. I hope you guys are good at this future-tech stuff. His hologram projector has to be around here somewhere. Find it and see if you can’t track down where he is. That thing has to receive transmissions from somewhere.”

He looked to the rest of them.

“We have about a minute until more freakish monsters show up. I say let ‘em come. Let’s roll out the red carpet.”

His eyes flared and his hand glowed as he began to push aside some of the trees in the area with an invisible force, knocking them away like toothpicks until the area was relatively clear.

Connor quickly flew out until he was in the center of the clearing. He then floated up just a bit, and began to glow bright blue, his power flaring up brightly. His eyes blazed as a metallic floor began to form underneath the team, coating the ground. Support beams sprouted and locked into the ground and the rock outcropping. The floor spread out for a good distance. Then, a thick wall began to form on the outer perimeter, high into the air. Connor’s hands moved and worked as he shaped… created. Ramparts formed along these walls, then watch-towers at each corner.

Then he began to form a second layer of walls, complete with a large, metal door. The second layer then was covered with a roof, from which one more tower peaked. A few finishing touches, such as stairs and ladders, and it was all set.

Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen. He just created a fortress out of nothing. Oh, and there’s lovely, squishy carpeting in the main room. And furniture. Dibs on the recliner.

“Come at me, bro.”

[Green Bean]

Oliver was a little offended at Solomon's rebuttal. Not at being called out on his lie, of course, but at it being called a stupid lie. He knew his basic chemicals just fine, and was perfectly capable of consuming any number of toxins without ill effect. Oliver was deceptive, not ignorant!

He walked through the still-forming fortress, quite impressed. Nonetheless, he made his way to the main room and tapped Zenith on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but do we really need to fight them? Whatever they're unleashing on us is probably just as much a victim as we are."

[Ladorak]

'Sht I do not like this Ssssooo-lomon. He speaks to a Voracious about his bio weapons efficiently and loyalty. This is a bad joke. I am not amused.' And when Exile was not amused there was only one other consideration for his own satisfaction, and Solomon had deprived him of that pleasure too, in the unsubstantial form of a hologram. More were coming though, and that was good. The Voracious were always hungry, and the brief battle had wet his appetite 'But this method of... Sht conflict resolution, this is a thing I approve.'

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

It doesn't take Amelia long to exam the holographic projector and realize it was essentially useless to them "Sorry Zenith, no joy. We won't be able to track this back."

She is then stunned at the immense display of power Zenith performs, which reminds her she's seriously out of her league on this little death-world.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Tynes

Leon scoffs at Solomon's warning as he disappears. "Watch the skies...give me a break." he says, looking incredulously around at his comrades. "What does he think will happen? I mean, come on! Look at us!" he says, watching Zenith create a fortress out of nothing. "We are unstoppable!"

He looks to Oliver. "Victim or not, they are probably coming here to fight us regardless of our concerns for them. We will most likely have to fight, but perhaps let us pull our punches and see their true natures before we do anything so rash as removing them from existence. We could end up turning them to our side." he says to Oliver, posing this to the rest of the group as well.

He strolls calmly, hands clasped behind his back, to one of the recliners created to furnish the fortress. He lazily sits down and kicks back letting out a relaxed sigh. "Just...let me know when they get here..." he says, pulling his hat down over his eyes.

[ripleycat]

00:01:34
Surviving Avengers: 8

Consul's answer comes in the form of an earthshaking crash and an earsplitting shriek. Fort Connor's walls may be solid, but from the inside sections are transparent, allowing the Avengers to see out like looking through a one-way mirror.

There are five of the new arrivals, plus some accessories: A trio of humans; an imperious and cranky-looking man in blue and white power armor, a woman with a cybernetic eye in paramilitary gear, and a rather timid, mousy looking man in an outlandish Art-Deco styled combat harness, flanked by a pair of spherical, hovering robots. A hulking combat bot whose colossal arms contrast comically with its long, rail-thin legs, and a towering avian alien with huge wings, giant talons, and a long thin feathered tail. The combat mech is carrying a small (for it, anyway) box that seems to be quite heavy. It places the box near the power-armored man as the others examine the newly built fortress quizzically.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/7807d26140bf43b1c8572e98f99efb7a-d4xxpwn_zpsb429bc79.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Cuba_Dong_Hun_Lee_04a_zps3e7da616.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/i72lp_a5lxe_by_trufanov-d5ukavj_zpsef9fb137.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/harpy_by_telthona-d5ceuxc_zpscacb067e.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/sasha_bordeaux_by_olivernome-d4a9808_zps30c17d4b.jpg

"Where did this come from? What sort of creatures are these to summon stone and metal from thin air?"

"SCANNING: 7 LIFEFORMS PRESENT INSIDE. ANALYSIS MATCHES PATTERNS OF 'AVENGER' GROUP TAKEN FROM NEWSFEEDS."

"Thanks, gearhead. If they didn't hear Shrieky the Parrot before, they sure as hell know we're here now."

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sure they knew we were coming anyway, Agent. ...They built a castle." The man in the blue power armor seems more interested in unsealing his mystery box than the situation at hand.

"Let's smoke 'em out, then. Let the fun start!" The man in the odd harness pokes at a control hanging from his belt, and the pair of spherical robots begin hovering around the outer walls, searching for a way in.

While the harpy-like creature flies overhead, the big mech takes a more direct approach, facing the wall and firing a rocket from its arm. When the smoke clears it doesn't seem to have done much at all, though those inside could definitely feel the explosion shake through the structure.

"REASSESSING: STRUCTURE QUALITIES NOT CONSISTENT WITH STONE. RESPONSE TO PROJECTILE IN LINE WITH REACTION OF HARD ENERGY FIELD."

"Really? Huh. Well, fat lot of good that did, big guy. Let Doc Smith get 'em out."

The structure takes a "bruise." Consider this a surprise round if you want to act, and please roll initiative for future reference.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Connor was sitting up on the second-story in his recliner. It was rather comfortable. And through the transparent “windows” (of which the enemies could not see… thank you, one-way trick mirrors). Some soothing classical music was playing from his Nega-Bands, even as the gang of five showed up. He sat there, curiously listening to them as they bantered with each other.

“Oliver… this is why we can’t just talk. Like Consul said, let’s shoot first and ask questions later… just have your phasers set to stun.”

Zenith then flew up the middle of the winding staircase into the main tower. Up here was one of those one-way mirrors, as well as a little hatch that Connor opened up, big enough to put his hands through (these were present in multiple locations, hint hint).

As his eyes flared up and he prepared to give these goofballs a taste of the Power Cosmic, a thought hit him.

Hey… Star Trek lessons are probably really valuable in this place. Thanks, Picard.

He then did what resembled a Hadouken and fired a blast of blue energy down into the middle of the pack of villains, detonating in another explosion of power.

Cosmic explosion! DC 20 dodge check. Then DC 20/25 toughness save vs. being exploded.

After the initial shockwave, he called out.

“If you guys want to run out the clock and leave each other alone, we’ll be happy to. But if you try to come over those walls, very bad things will happen. Like that.”

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

No sooner then Leon shut his eyes, his hat tumbles into his lap from the force of the explosion. With an annoyed sigh, he grabs the recliner and drags it over to one of the windows before sitting back down. "Well, guess that means our guests have arrived..." he says, making sure to put his hat back on.

Gazing out the window at the five (plus bots) he fixes them with a tired look. He holds out his right hand palm up, and slowly makes a fist - it looks as if he is squeezing an invisible stress ball - and with his left hand pulls the recliner lever, kicking the footrest out. He squints his eyes as Zenith's explosion detonates. "Well, at least there should be some fireworks."

using Increased Gravity Field - Affliction 10 (Range, area burst 2, selective, Extra condition, limited degree. Hindered & Vulnerable/Immobilized & Defenseless) trying to get as many of our visitors in the area as possible.

[Green Bean]

Oliver sighed. "I guess you're right. Let's just try to take them out as quickly as we can. Back me up?" He turned on his heel and made for an exit into the open air.

From there, he jumped from second floor to battlement, and from there down into the thick of the enemy, hollering like madman. "Whee!" He came down on top of the man in blue and white power armor, with a combination roundhouse and flying headlock.

Maxing out All-Out Attack (+5/-5) and un-Advantaged Power Attack (+2/-2) to make a melee strike. If it hits, I Grab as well.

Attack Roll: [roll0]

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amelia pops off a shot through one of the openings at the steampunk engineer "Got your back Oliver!"

The Demigod just made a castle . . . with a click of his fingers . . . and you have a gun . . . one of these guys are essentially a Living Star . . . You're a prissy rich girl with a bb-gun . . .

Amelia keeps going with the covering fire trying to suppress her fear and self-doubt.

Attack Roll: [roll0]; DC 23 28 Toughness Save on a hit.

[Ladorak]

Exile didn't know what a phaser was, but he understood stunning. Live food was preferable. He doubted Zenith had that in mind. Much of what Zenith and Frank said passed Exile by as stranger in the night. These poor references travelled far to die in the desert in his ignorance. 'Press the attack before they can retreat to superior position!' If they scattered into the trees they may become threat, now they were merely prey.

His dragonfly wings came up, he surges away with a buzzing like that of a swarm of hellwasps. Exile suddenly remembered Lieutenant Hutchinson, unfortunately for the paramilitary woman she bore a passing resemblance to the hated Lieutenant, a thing that did not bode well for her. All of the anger at that last meeting came flooding back, along with a vicious glee for the vicarious pleasure he was about to take.

He zooms to her, swinging one of his own comically oversized limbs.

Accurate attack 5 [roll0] DC 22
Grabbing if I hit, opposed strength: [roll1]

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

The space adventurer looks... not quite grim. Displeased. She was an adventurer, not a gladiator. Fighting could be fun. Fighting for someone else's sport in their own little game took all the fun right out of it.

Julianne flies up to an upper level of Zenith's castle and peers through a window, maintaining cover while she assess the new threat. No need to charge in quite yet, guns a blazing. Just need to see what she's up against.

Taking a Move Action to move, Free Action for Assessment, Standard Action to Defend

[roll0] vs. Deception on the part of the Badguys. Every degree of success, Julianne gets to know one of the target bonuses exactly. I'd prefer, in order, Dodge, then their highest Attack, then Parry, then anything else

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

If Fifty Frank could or would frown in concentration, it would be now. Not that Frank is displeased to get into combat. One action of piloting the containment suit is just as valid as another, sometimes the other guy just happens to end up liquefied at the end.

Frank takes a moment to examine the walls of the castle. It's curious, the ability to produce solid matter from seeming nothingness. Of course that can't be what it is, most likely it's a curious reformation of this "Power Cosmic" nonsense which Frank is entirely eager to examine further. But now is not the time, it realizes. It looks out a balcony (for a given value of 'look'), and considers options.

Earth Human Friend Connor said to set phasers to stun. Well, Frank doesn't know where that setting is on the suit quite yet. Pondering, Frank resolves on an interim solution and targets the robot. Perfect excuse not to stun the unstunnable.

Frank puts one leg of the containment suit up on the balcony ledge and focuses. The right expulsion of the right wavelength at the right interval can do wondrous things. For example, relocate matter across mighty distances without, technically speaking, crossing the intervening space. Perhaps using the right Electronic emissions, one could deprotonate the amino (Or phosphinol, or perhaps in some rare cases arsino) acids in the target's proteins (or protein-analog structures) to completely denature their body.

In this case, Frank resolves on both. That is, if they refuse to surrender to the Earth Human Friend Connor's proposition. Frank is nothing if not eager for more discourse, and the woman in paramilitary garb looks human-ish, at least! Another Earth Human Friend never goes amiss.

Readying action to use my Isotopic Discharge to hit the robot in the face if they move to engage hostilities.

[ripleycat]

00:01:42
Surviving Avengers: 8

*Boom**Crunch**Zap*

The Avengers get the attention of the motley pack of villains in a hurry. Only the woman with the cybernetic eye and the avian alien are nimble enough to try to get away from Zenith's blast, but all of them seem to come through the explosion OK, except for the big robot, which falls back, sparking and stumbling.

The flying alien screeches in alarm and soars higher, which manages to save her from Consul's followup assault. Her compatriots on the ground aren't so lucky, but a combination of good reflexes and solid shields keeps them from getting pinned inside a crushing gravity field.

Amy draws a perfect bead on the seemingly timid engineer, but a shimmering energy shield emanating from his harness just manages to save him from taking a laser right between the eyes.

Even distracted and scorched by Zenith's energy bomb, the man in power armor is able to easily sidestep Oliver's wild haymaker. Exile's strike is more accurate, but unfortunately for the Voracious, his target is tremendously agile. Her practiced hairsbreadth dodges keep her just out of range, while simultaneously demonstrating heavy-duty combat augments, masterful martial arts training, or maybe both.

"Wohohoah! They got a Voracious? Since when?"

The man in the power armor bends back down and finishes unsealing his box. An unsettling burbling noise comes from inside. "Since the 'Avengers' were formed, Agent Rogers. Did you bother to watch the news at all?"

"I was busy training, Doc. And I told you, Agent Zero."

"Why? There is nothing in your background to warrant such a nickname."

"I told you that too. I think it sounds badass, that's enough. I'd think someone called Eugene would understand going by a cooler name."

Eugene simply rolls his eyes and holds up his hands, both to silence the chatty Agent Zero and to indicate a truce. "Hold! Well, you've made your point... Zenith, yes? You certainly possess power. I can see the appeal of 'running out the clock,' but your premise is faulty. We aren't your only foes. You may be facing dozens, depending on how willing Dr. Solomon is to empty his labs. We are merely the first to reach you."

"An' I think we can defeat you, straight up!" The engineer, speaking from behind his heavy energy shields, adds his two cents. "I bet my companions agree. We've all got tricks up our sleeves waiting for you!"

"Doctor Smith, I don't think you understand the point of keeping secrets. But you are not wrong. I am here to hunt. No deal, Avengers!" The flying alien punctuates her words with a loud screech.

Zenith's Attack
Dodge Checks: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021019/
Paramilitary woman and harpy alien make saves.
Toughness Checks, Zenith's Attack:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021037/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021047/
All but robot make saves. Robot fails by 10, is Dazed and Bruised.

Consul's Attack
All on ground caught in attack.
Dodge Checks: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021054/
Paramilitary woman and power armor guy make saves.
Fort Checks: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021078/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021086/
All make saves. Robot is immune.

Oliver's attack misses.

Relic's attack crits, but the steampunk engineer makes the save.
Toughness Check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021088/

Exile's attack misses.

Julianne's Assessment results below. People who are not KP, stay out.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4021121/
Paramilitary woman: A cipher. Julianne can't get a read from her.
Robot: 3 degrees of success: Dodge 8, best attack +9, Parry 8.
Harpy alien: 5 degrees of success: Dodge 10, best attack +11, Parry 10, Fort 10, Will 8.
Power Armor: 4 degrees of success: Dodge 8, best attack +8, Parry 8, Fort 9.
Art-Deco Engineer: 2 degrees of success: Dodge 6, best attack +10.

And we're now in proper combat time, operating on initiative order. Relic and Exile, you're up! :smallbiggrin:

[Ladorak]

Exile shrieks in frustration as Agent Zero barely evades his strike. Blind fury and battle clarity flooded his senses as he tensed for a second attack. But he controlled himself. That was how a drone thought, and he was not a drone, he was an Exile. The Exile. No need to always kill wildly, no swarm all about engaged in hundreds of individual battles. No need to always attack the closest, no need to attack the wounded, no need to stay engaged in combat with any foe, save he wish it. All this because the Exile could move.

He let Agent Zero have a good look at his mandibles as he screamed in her face. After a lungful his words are accompanied to the clicking of mandibles and the gnashing of teeth 'You know what I am. I have your scent, you know what that means. Getting offworld is the only chance you have of escape. Surrender now, or you will die and I will feast.'

Then his wings flared upward and with that horrid buzzing he was away. As a blur he sped from Agent Zero, right at Doc Smith. Before the Doctor could even turn to face his foe Exile was standing in front of him. He reached out slowly, almost casually. He let the Doctor drink in his razor sharp claws as he reached up to the Doctor's face, let him gaze long upon those long serrated claws as he reached past past his face. Then with suddenness too quick to see he pounced. His huge forearm hammered into the jarred brain at the top of the Doctor's harness, sending metal, glass, green liquid and brain matter flying. 'What's up your sleeve now?'

Then he was gone in a flash, a black murderous horribly buzzing flash.

Move to Doc Smith
Smash attack on his harness, or rather the brain in a jar on top of his harness [roll0] DC 28 33
And fly back to the fort.

Edit: Critical :smallcool:

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Despite the lack of affect for the previous attack Relic keeps firing towards the engineer, holding true to her point and click tactic and hoping for the best despite herself.

Attack Roll: [roll0]; DC 23 Toughness Save on a hit.

Sorry about the delay to post, was at a Con. all weekend.

[ripleycat]

*Splut*

The brain-in-a-jar sitting on top of Doc Smith's harness wasn't designed to take a hit, and it sure as hell wasn't designed to take a hit from a pissed off Voracious. The Doc's macabre "backup processor" splatters over everyone unfortunate enough to be in range, sending the engineer reeling back, screaming in fear, rage and pain.

"AUUUUGGHHHH! You miserable bug! You have no idea what you've done! You'll pay for that! I'll burn you from the inside out! I-I'll- AAAAAAHHHHH!"

Smith's blustering rant is cut short by a well-aimed laser, which catches the unfortunate man dead in the chest, scorching his clothes and dropping him to the ground for a moment. He hops back up, face beet-red with fury and clearly a little worse for wear. "You! You're both dead! Just you wait and... oh, my head."

"I have to do everything myself." Eugene, the man in the power armor who seemed to be the closest thing this group of misfits had to a leader, turned his attention to Oliver and aimed the heavy blaster linked to his suit. "You, Mr. Zerah, will be fascinating to study once this is over. Yes, a non-lethal setting for now. Let's keep damage to a minimum." A crackling electric blue beam of intense cold leaps towards the Avenger!

Doc Smith is Dazed and Bruised by Relic's attack. The glass jar can't save against Exile's attack, and is destroyed (along with the brain inside). He loses 4 ranks of INT, has most of his powers weakened by several ranks, and is also impaired for the rest of this round (-2 to all checks).

Eugene's attack: [roll0]. If it hits, a DC 22 Dodge save for Oliver. Hindered and Vulnerable/Immobile and Defenseless, depending on degree of failure.

Zenith is up next.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Why can’t we all just get along?

“Alright! It’s your funeral! Let 'em have it, Avengers!” He called back to the enemies, though his team-mates (particularly Exile) had already gotten the idea. And coincidentally, Exile had gone after the engineer, who Connor also thought was the prime target. Support can turn the tide of a battle. Best to remove theirs quickly. So, joining in with Exile and Relic, Connor added his own blasting to the mix.

From his cover, Connor aimed his left hand out of the port and charged a massive amount of energy. There was an audible hum in the air for a brief moment before a blinding beam of blue power fired out towards the dazed Engineer. Sorry Smith.


Welp, I got some cover… so full all-out/power attack on him!

Attack: [roll0] DC 32 toughness on hit + multi-attack if I hit him real good.

EDIT: Time for a hero point.

DOUBLE EDIT: So worth the hero point. Natural 20 for a to-hit of 28. Crit. DC 37 + the result of multi-attack (for easy reference: +2 if I hit him by 5 over defense, +5 if I hit him by 10 over his defense).

[ripleycat]

00:02:06
Surviving Avengers: 8

A wave of blue energy washes over the unfortunate engineer, but miraculously, Doc Smith's own energy shields hold fast, keeping him from getting turned into Cajun cuisine. His footing, on the other hand, is not as stable. The enormous energy blast picks him up and hurls Smith like a ragdoll into the jungle. His only reaction is a surprised and pained yelp as he goes tumbling away. If a tree doesn't stop him, he'll probably keep going for a mile or two.

Up in the sky above Fort Connor, the harpy alien watches the Avengers batter her ally and growls with displeasure. She turns her attention to the team's own large flying hunter. "You! The Exile! Fight a foe worthy of your attention!" She unleashes a scream that shakes the walls of the fortress, sending a burst of armor-cracking sonic energy at the Voracious!

From the OOC, Doc Smith takes another bruise and remains Dazed. However, we're also using the optional knockback rules, and Smith gets KB'd rank 9 distance, or two miles. :smallbiggrin:

Harpy's attack on Exile: [roll0] DC 29 Toughness save if it hits.

Julianne is up next.

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

Julianne watches as Zenieth blows away Doc Smith into the jungle. Making castles out of thin air and producing massive waves of phenomenal cosmic power might make a woman feel inadequate with just holding a simple blaster.

But not this woman.

Maintaining cover from her perch on the castle parapets, Julianne spots Oliver being frozen up by the power suited one. Eugene, the apparent leader. If there's one thing Julianne's learned in space, leadership is always a baggable target. Julianne fires a well-aimed shot at Eugene's vulnerables before ducking behind a wall.

Introducing Eugene to Julianne's friends, Roger and Bucks. Power Attacking for 5. Julianne uses SKill Mastery to take 10, for a total of 18, on Ranged Combat (Guns), exactly enough to hit Eugene's dodge. DC is 27.

Julianne then moves behind a wall to get total cover

[ripleycat]

00:02:12
Surviving Avengers: 8

Oliver can't duck out of the way quick enough and ends up in the center of an oversized ice cube. Eugene cackles in triumph, the practiced laugh of a veteran supervillain. "Buahahaha! Come, my minion. Let's remove our quarry from thi-"

At that point Eugene is introduced to Messrs. Roger and Bucks, who burn through a weak spot in his armor right where no armor should have a weak spot. The imperious villain doubles over, clutching his crotch, his only audible response a tiny, high-pitched, agonized squeak. "...Mother."

The battlemech regains its footing, sparks still popping from its head as it turns towards the various Avengers in rapid succession. It settles on Fifty Frank. "ENERGY CONCENTRATIONS INDICATE VOLATILE AND UNSTABLE POWER SOURCE. ATTEMPTING TO EXPLOIT." A missile launches from its arm cannon, but some systems must still be offline, as the missile goes nowhere near Frank, sailing off into the jungle where the only thing that explodes is a tree.

Doc Smith reappears with a pop and flash, leaves, branches, and a small squirrel-looking sort of creature hanging from his battered harness. The engineer is positively incandescent with rage. "Death is too good for you bastards! I'm gonna kill you all twice! No more fooling around!" He mashes at the controller on his belt. One of his spherical robots hovers back to his side and begins humming loudly. It also begins glowing brightly. "Huh. That's not supposed to happ... Aw crap."


And then everything goes white.*




*Well, except for Frank, who is instead treated to a really fantastic display of rare energy forms and unusual wavelengths.



00:02:27
Surviving Avengers: ?

Zenith and Consul

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Jason_Scheier_13a_zps8b6a9c73.jpg

For a moment, nothing seems different. You're both still inside Castle Connor, which seems none the worse for wear. Outside, though, it's gone suddenly quiet. When you look, it's suddenly very clear why. You're not next to the scientist camp anymore. You have no idea where you are. You're still somewhere in the the jungle though, and you still have some company. The big mech rises to its feet outside the castle. A groaning and woozy Doc Smith gets to one knee at its feet. "SCANNING. LOCATION UNRECOGNIZED. RECALIBRATING THREAT MATRIX."


"Shut up, junkpile. Oh, I feel like I got cursed by the god of hangovers... This is all that damn overgrown bug's fault. My devices work perfectly when I have my extra organic processors! Perfectly!" Presumably that means his brain-in-a-jar.

Exile and Relic

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/le_cave_unseen_by_medders-d4cydtq_zps3cc4c498.jpg

It's wet. Wet and warm. Water flows from the cave walls and falls from the soaring ceiling. Little rivulets and waterfalls forming into a knee-deep river on the cave floor. The cavern walls are covered with a psychedelic display of plant life, huge and bizarre things, luminescent, giving the cave a bright glow despite the absence of the sun. There are at least dozen passages leading out of this huge area, and at first glance there's no way to tell where any of them go. You can't sense any of your other teammates, but Exile does catch a known scent coming from somewhere down here. The human he promised to slay, Agent Zero.

Fifty Frank and Julianne Wells

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Edvige_Faini_07b_zps9e4b1226.jpg

The lightshow fades away to reveal the jungle again. Admittedly, this is not the same area of the jungle. It's much more marshy, a little more open. There is no sign of the villains, but distressingly, only one of the Earth Human Friends remains. You've been teleported. That much was clear to this group. It wasn't the first time the SPACE ADVENTURER had seen a teleporter overload, and Frank had been able to watch the huge energy spike in real-time. Where you were and what had happened to the others, that wasn't so obvious.

Also, there's a massive techno-organic... thing hovering overhead. Some sort of freakish amalgam of a squidlike creature and a heavy, circular platform with a single eye-like aperture at the front, scanning the jungle with what Frank recognizes as a multi-spectrum optical sight, used in happier situations as the base for communicators that allow Spectraphore to speak with organics in their native light based language.

Also that as soon as the scanner washes over you, alarms begin blaring from the craft and it turns, "swimming" through the air towards you. That might be worth mentioning, I guess.

Oliver

Oliver's still mostly encased in ice when the dust settles. The jungle is different, very thick, with lots of hanging vines here, and there's no sign of any of your teammates. There's no sign of any of the villains either, except for Eugene, who is some distance away, still on his knees nursing his grievous blow to the family jewels. He's glancing around at the trees with obvious concern. In between you lies the villain's strange box, open and lying on its side. Spotting you, he grimaces. "This is the territory of those savages from Rimbor... Of all the rotten luck. Minion! Secure our cargo. Dead or alive. Mr. Zerah will still be valuable to examine if he dies, it just won't be as enjoyable." The box burbles ominously.

There's not much space to run or fight in this thick undergrowth. Not that it's really something to be worried about. You've already proven you can clear it away, of course, and besides, if things get bad there's a large artificial structure about 50 meters away you could take cover in. It even looks kinda like a human!

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k218/ripleycat/Christian_Ronquillo_12a_zpsdccce237.jpg


Dr. Solomon's Lair

The command and monitoring center is a frenzy of activity, henchmen scrambling around like ants. Behind the doctor a tall humanoid appears as if from the shadow itself, its features still shrouded in darkness for dramatic effect. Its voice manages to be both emotionless and menacing. "What happened?"

"Appears to have been an extreme equipment malfunction. They've been dropped every which way. All appear unharmed, though. Fortuitous, in a sense. Much more sport this way. Don't worry, you'll get your promised opportunity."

The figure merely nodded, seeming to melt away as suddenly as it had appeared.


All right, Avengers. What do you do?

Julianne's attack hits. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4035744/

Eugene takes an energy bolt to the bait and tackle, is quite reasonably bruised and staggered.

Big bot's attack on Fifty Frank misses. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4035766/

Doc Smith teleports back to the battle, and surges to take another action. That... didn't go as planned, but he is still fatigued by it.

Oliver is Defenseless and Immobilized for now. To break free it's a Strength or Fort check (your choice), DC22.

HP to everyone for the setback/change of scenery/GM being a ham-handed hack.

Relic and Exile are no longer in combat. The rest of the team is, for now at least. No need to act by initiative, obviously, so post away. Smuch, that goes for you too now. Welcome aboard at last!

[Raynn]

Relic
Is reconsidering her life choices

*SPLASH*

Relic slams down into the water as her disorientation messed with the magic of her boots and left her falling a half dozen feet into water. The former-heiress and current CEO, who had often spent more than some people made in a year on her hair and make up pushed herself up, soaked from head to toe, kneeling in the water and coughs up some of the liquid.

Fuming and confused she stands, wavering, and swipes the water from her eyes. She looks around, her far above average brain figuring out what just happened, and then spies that the only one of her team that she got in the draw was Exile. She groans, pouts and shouts at the sky, probably louder than she should


"COME ON! I get him?! Not the pretty Demi-god or the living star obsessed with pop-culture?! What about the polite Councillor guy or the amnesiac?! Karma if you're going to strand me somewhere you are obligated to leave me with either a conversation partner, eye candy or a volleyball and HE does not qualify!"

Even Exile should be able to realize that Relic is just freaking out as a coping mechanism.

Eventually, still pouting Relic sits down on a rock with a *humph* and fiddles with the staff of the caged tesseract. When she looks up at Exile to speak to him instead of shouting at the world she has an obvious, and rather strong, nosebleed she doesn't appear to have noticed


"Um. I can teleport us, but with what just happened I have no idea where the ship or the others might be, so I'm not sure that is at all useful. Other than that I'm really great if you happen to have a fully stocked state of the art lab handy.

Any ideas big guy?"

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Miss Wells shot their leader in the Richard Johnson. That was amazing. Connor had to take a break from raining down destruction upon the enemy forces to turn and look up towards her. He quoted a movie, because it was directly applicable. He started speaking while Smith was ranting (he didn’t pay attention to the rant, really), and everything flashed white while he was in mid-compliment.

“Miss Wells, you are a frelling rock star—“ A pause. “Miss Wells?”

He glanced around quickly. Everyone was gone. The surroundings were different. The only people here were Connor, Consul, Smith, and the Mechwarrior itself. That… that wasn’t good. How do you lead a team that isn’t there?

“O—kay. Consul, do that thing you did before. Turn them into a shooting gallery.”

Connor begins gathering energy, preparing to let loose after Consul does his thing.

[Green Bean]

Oliver casually flexed, and the ice encasing him broke apart like cheap plastic. He waved at Eugene and jogged over. "Excuse me, hi. We didn't get a chance at introductions. I'm Oliver. Sorry about the whole attacking you thing, but this situation's a little weird. I'm sure this is all a big misunderstanding, so what do you say we let bygones be bygones and work together?"

[Ladorak]

Exile ducked down, bringing his mandibles and unblinking deadly gaze uncomfortably close to Relic's face 'Be thankful you are with me. You do not belong here, the others would get you killed. I will take your portion of the fight. Your Hive should stick to building ships. In this at least you excel. He snorted in contempt and turned his back on Relic. The smell of her fear was rank in his tongue, inciting a variation of killing urges Exile was only narrowly able to restrain. Two fights now and nothing to eat twice, he was on the verge of losing his temper.

'Follow me He darted down one of the tunnels.

Stealth [roll0]

[Raynn]

Relic
Blah blah blah blah blah blah

Oh no he didn't.

Relic races after Exile, trying nowhere near as much to remain stealthy like the giant monster is "NO ONE needs to take my portion of the fight! My HIVE has probably offed several times more than your little clutch ever has! SO there!

I'm an Ashida I BELONG where ever I damn well choose you glorified, self aggrandizing Cockroach!"

[Ladorak]

Good. Now you are angry. You are not scared. Now you are useful. This is why I insult you. Now follow. He beckoned Beware Relic, I must feed soon, it is hard not to kill you, do not annoy me. And do not be affraid, the smell almost drives me to frenzy. He disappeared into the darkness. The Hive has killed several trillion sentients Relic, I have memories of all before my birth, as well as the blood on my claws. Several trillion murdered faces in my Sht mind. Does your hive really compare.

[Raynn]

Relic
Line?

Relic seems to get even more annoyed with the monster, rather than less, at his condescending tone and general . . . monster-ness "I wasn't SCARED in the first place! I don't GET Scared*! I'm so genetically predisposed to sociopathy it's surprising I can feel anything at all!

And MY HIVE does compare! All without having to be honking big killing machines! See my family murdered our way through the history of the human race without CHEATING . . ."

Relic realizes that she's in a pissing contest with a giant monster over who is descended from the greatest mass murderers and realizes her shrink might at some point have something to say about this "Ugh . . . that came out wrong . . . I . . . I don't do the murder thing like them, and I know them killing loads of people throughout history isn't an accomplishment. I just got wrapped up in . . ."

The chilling thought that with her ticking time bomb life expectancy that they had at least accomplished more than she ever would chilled Relic to the bone.

"Let's . . . just both be the bigger monster and drop this. We need to find the others before something out here finds us first. Something with more fight than either of us."

*Relic is in fact Fearless, and is descended from a plethora of Sociopaths, both Super-Villains and not.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Tynes

Leon lowers his hat brim over his eyes as the world goes white. When things look back to normal, he peeks out and sees that he's still in the castle. However, things are different - very different. He spots Connor, and the two bad guys outside. Well at least he wasn't alone.

"Acknowledged Commander Zenith." he says as he lowers his legs, pushing the recliner foot part back into the chair and rises to his feet. He brushes his hands together and flexes his fingers. "Let's try this again." he says, a little more focused now that it's just two on two.

Holding his hand out again palm up he slowly starts to close his hand, like he was crushing an invisible ball.

Here we go again - Increased Gravity Field - Affliction 10 (Range, area burst 2, selective, Extra condition, limited degree. Hindered & Vulnerable/Immobilized & Defenseless) Since I don't know what else is out here in this mystery land, I'm going to use selective to not hit myself or Connor, but any other life forms in the area are fair game. (if that's even possible?)

[Ladorak]

Sorry about the fearless thing

Exile walked back out of the shadows. He is flexing his claws in agitation. He moves close, looming over Relic 'Relic listen to me. I must feed soon. You are you only thing nearby. This is not a good time for this... cooon-versssa-tion.' Normally that one wouldn't have been a struggle, but the hunger is hard on him now.

'You are genetically predisposed to ssssociopathy. Good, ssso am I. Thankss to Hungerless like you. I am also personally predisposed to ssociopathy to the Indigo, and all like them. The Voracious always know hunger Relic, and fighting burns our reserves fast. Five minutes of the fight at the... fort would have burnt a third of my bodyweight. I hurt Relic. All the time, and a lot more now. Indigo did this to my Hive. I wish to kill them and all like them. Like you. Do not speak like this now. If you said that in a Citadel bar I'd have tried to make you start a fight with me. As part of my team, it does not bother me. I know that one can be unlike his Hive very well... Even before I came to the stars I know, and after, seen many things.' It was getting hard to concentrate again, the hunger burnt within him 'But now I am hunger... Hungry. Now do not say these thingssss now. Follow. I will feed, then you will be ssssafe. Then you can question what remains of Agent Zero where we are. Ssshe will will answer.' Speaking had become too difficult, he gave it up. If Relic wasn't going to follow him at this point it would probably be best to put some distance between the two of them until after the found Agent Zero. He turned and disappeared back down the tunnel.

[Raynn]

Relic
Genetically predisposed to monologuing and explaining her plans in detail, at the most personally inconvenient time

Relic stood their for a moment, and her hand wavered over the hint of X-Caliber, the sword of King Jace. She got that the big rude monster was doing his best to be a big friendly monster, logically she knew that, but some part of her irked irrepressibly when he told she would be 'ssssafe.' Some part of her screamed to tell this giant monster that it was he that wasn't 'ssssafe' around her.

'I hurt Relic.' The unerring confidence of the statement, the assuredness of his belief, how comfortable he was in that knowledge . . . enraged her. He saw her as a pesky fragile human, here to be 'smart', to ask questions, to fill in the evolutionary blanks his species had obviously not seen as worth their time to fill in.

How dare he. He was strong, yes, durable, oh especially, but she was a genius armed with the magic and technology of some of history's greatest heroes! How dare he talk down to her-

'Follow.' Relic's eyes go wide. No, oh no he did not, he did not just tell an Ashida to follow. The bipedal insect did not just talk down to an Ashida.

Relic's breaths became lower, and then silent entirely as the Exile walked ahead. She drew her blaster rifle and lined up the shot for his head. He was flat-footed, and she was more than quick enough to get off a second shot before he turned his head. She'd teach this creature a lesson by sending it for a dirt nap. No one would question it, how could innocent, in over her head, Amy put down the big mean killing machine Exile. No one would even doubt it, they were in a death trap. They would probably console her about it, losing a team mate in front of her on her first mission. Some bigger monster must have gotten him when they were separated from the team, she'd tell them.

Some bigger monster.

As Relic lines up her shot for Exile's head she smirks. 'There's always some bigger monster,' she thinks to herself as she lines up a shot to blow her team-mates exoskeleton encased brains out.

She blinks, suddenly stops what she's doing, and drops the blaster rifle with a clatter. Not that Exile can see her with his head turned forward, moving ahead, but she looks confused, and maybe even a little scared . . . of herself.

"What was I . . . I didn't mean . . . I wouldn't . . ." She whispers almost silently to herself. She moves her hand to her face trying to calm herself and sees blood, finally noticing the nose bleed that started earlier. She wipes it away and clumsily stows her blaster rifle again.

She starts breathing rapidly and deeply, trying desperately to pretend she wasn't just thinking what she knew she was thinking. Once she can pretend she's okay, she gets up and runs after the Exile with a forced smile "Wait . . . Wait up big guy!"

And with that she disappears back down the tunnel with the Exile.

[Phase]

Frank in da Hizzy

Frank can never really be said to "look" anywhere. It has no optical inputs, and indeed the methods by which Spectraphore are even able to register what happens outside their own minds are completely obscure. (Admittedly, so is the mechanism by which they register their own cognition, but that's a whole different can of worms.)

Nevertheless, insofar as Frank can ever look at anything, Frank looks at his comrade in arms.

"Well, we done landed ourselves far from being in Kansas anymore, holmes." It wipes some condensation off of the transparent aluminium helmet that serves as its head, directing its attention to the tentacle... creature?

"And for that matter, where are we even-" The alarms start blaring. "Oh, well. Unsaved by the bell, as you Earth Humans are fond of saying." It stands, casually paying the encroaching ship heed. "What do you think it wants?"

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

"You bet your cosmic ass I'm a rock-

Whiteness

"star"

Julianne looks around at her surroundings, quickly taking everything in. More jungle, check. Green plasma in a can standing next to her, check. Giant weird ship looking thing looming up above... well then.

Definitely some manner of teleport. And since that wackjob in white and his buddies seemed to own the planet and had everything on it, Julianne was willing to bet the big thing floating above was no friendly.

She turns to the tin can standing next to her. "I dunno about you, Frankface, but I don't intend to find out. I'm gettin out of here. You're free to follow."

With that she dashes into the trees, hoping to take cover in the underbrush.

Move action to head into the forest and then using Stealth once out of observation.

[roll0]

[ripleycat]

00:02:33
Surviving Avengers: 8

Zenith and Consul

Consul's second attempt to ensnare the villains unfortunately goes no better than the first. The robot seems unaffected, and Doc Smith shows surprising spryness for someone who's been tossed around like he has, jumping back and managing to get his shields up.

Doc Smith glowers at Castle Connor. "It even brought this damn thing along, like it was tied to his leg or something! All right, umm, an energy construct? I can deal with that. Let's make these walls come crashing down!"

He taps at his controller again, and his surviving spherebot dutifully faces the wall of the castle and unleashes a flickering red beam. The area where it strikes glows and wobbles a bit, then abruptly returns to normal. The bot moves back to his side. The big mech shakes its head and makes an odd clicking sound. After a moment, you realize its laughing at the Doc, who turns practically purple and sputters furiously to himself. "YOUR METHOD IS INEFFICIENT. DIRECT FORCE MORE APPROPRIATE FOR OVERCOMING ENERGY BARRIERS." It launches another missile at the castle, which shakes and shudders, but holds strong once the dust settles.

"Bahahaha! Oh, so much better!"

"SAY NOTHING, DOCTOR."

Fifty Frank and Julianne Wells

Julianne's hurried attempt to hide doesn't fool the squid-ship thing, which continues moving forward. Her assumption of its unfriendliness is proven correct, as it unleashes a deafening wave of sound (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3sD17Ovyk#t=1m43s) that can be taken as nothing but an attack. Frank, at least, is spared the assault thanks to his suit. Also being an energy being with no natural ears.

Exile and Relic

Exile's keen senses let the pair move forward swiftly after Agent Zero. Their path takes then down one of the smaller, darker passages, which narrows swiftly until Exile can hardly stand upright in it. The passage does turn slightly upward. It may be a false positive, but up in a cave in generally a good thing. Up leads to out.

The passage emerges into a large chamber, shaped like a shallow bowl. Water fills the bowl as it did in the cavern Exile and Relic were teleported to, but this water isn't fueling the growth of a cave of psychedelic flowers. It looks sickly, green and stagnant. Around and above the pool are dozens of narrow stone columns, jutting between the floor and ceiling at crazy angles. Exile's nose tells them that Agent Zero is somewhere within this maze, but the fetid stench from the lake prevents even him from pinpointing her.

Oliver

Despite Eugene's shouted commands, the box does nothing more than continue to burble. When Oliver walks over and attempts to simply talk things out like the pair hadn't been fighting literally seconds before, the mad scientist stares at the hero like he had Falgorian spiderworms crawling out of his ears. "A hunter doesn't work with its prey, Mr. Zerah. Minion! Secure him!" He punctuates his worlds by throwing a wild punch at Oliver, who is able to step out of the way easily.

Z+C:

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046254/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046258/

Doc Smith makes his dodge check and makes the Fort save as well. The bot is immune to Fort effects.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046314/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046332/
Smith's Nullify attempt vs the Castle's toughness fails.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046334/
Castle takes another "Bruise" from the robot's attack.

F+JW:

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046262/

The Squidship is able to keep track of Julianne.

DC20 Fort Save, please Julianne, vs the auditory Dazzle. Failure results in Hearing impaired/disabled/unaware depending.
DC 20 Dodge save to halve Area effects, as usual.

O:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4046346/
Eugene makes an unarmed attack against Oliver and misses.

E+R:
Perception checks from both of you, please?

[Raynn]

Relic
MacGyver, Amelia MacGyver

Figuring out their target was within the cavern was an easy step for Amelia's super brain, and figuring out a plan only took most of a second more.

She paused, tapped on Exile's shoulder like a little girl getting an adult's attention, and motioned for him to kneel down so his face was level with hers.

It was at that moment that she drew a strange, oddly smelling utensil from her pocket. She twirled it in her fingers and if Exile knew anything about humans he could tell that whatever she planned to do next she was going to thoroughly enjoy.

She tore the cap off her scarlet lipstick and grinned as she whispered, slowly moving the tool towards Exile's face "See the unseen, pierce the veil of ice and snow, of rock and bone, see the unseen, shatter the hidden, free the forbidden."

As she spoke, as softly as the magic would allow, she scrawled all over the Exile's 'face' with ancient primordial runes and impossibly old words. When she was finished, to the untrained eye, the Exile had had a make over that looked . . . absolutely ridiculous.

When the Exile gave her a look to say to explain what the hell she thought she was doing Relic just smirked and whispered "Taught myself this one when my parents sent me to a co-ed boarding school . . . though I had time to put mine as transparent on the inside of my glasses.

I just gave you X-ray vision mon ami," she nods to the assorted cover before them and grinned again "Go sick em boy!"

Ritual - Jury Rigg Hero Point Use - Senses 4 (Penetrate Concealment, Affects Others Only) - Improvised Tools

Expertise (Magic): [roll0] vs. DC 19

So now the Exile has X-Ray vision.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Well, it was disappointing that they weren’t frozen in place. However, it was hilarious watching these guys try to bring down Connor’s castle. This thing was one of the best ideas he has ever had. Architecturally beautiful, too. Connor laughs audibly at their complete failure. They might have had more luck if they had been treating the fortifications as matter instead of energy. He peeks down to Leon and smirks, shrugging.

“Chuckleheads, right?”

Connor was going to call out to them, but it was more fun watching them get steamed when he did things like… this.

With his hand outstretched, another massive burst of cosmic power fired out at Smith, who had become this Avenger’s whipping boy. The shot comes while Smith is still laughing at the machine, just for insult.

All-Out attack + Power Attack for full and aggressive stance. [roll0] DC 32 toughness + multi-attack.

EDIT: Using a hero point. New result is 27.

[Green Bean]

Oliver casually stepped past Eugene's punch and inside his guard. "That's usually because hunter and prey don't both have the cognitive capacity to communicate. I'll bet if they could talk, they would." Oliver wrapped his arms around Eugene's torso in a monstrous bear hug, hopefully pinning his arms against his side.

"If you've got your heart set on studying me, I can offer you a few non-essential organs. Honestly, I'm as curious as you are how I work."

Going for a harmless Grab:
Attack Roll: [roll0]

[Ladorak]

Exile descended suddenly from above, there is a black flash dimly seen in the dark and a hideous screech. Then he is on her, spindly massive limbs and wicked curved claws blur in the darkness as the Voracious sought to capture his prey.

Accurate attacking 5
[roll]1d20+12(Plus whatever bonus from flatfooted etc. DC 23 Edit: 22

Opposed grapple on hit: [roll0]

[Raynn]

Relic
Amy

Amy runs towards the sound of the monster tearing a person to pieces, yay good guys, and readies X-Caliber. She might not have X-Ray vision but Exile wasn't exactly being subtle anymore so she assumed she should be able to find him and his target with relative ease.

[smuchmuch]

Oliver pov:
Behind Oliver the lid of the container suddenly opens and what look like a large shot of jello spings out like a jack in the box and try to strike Oliver by surprise with two large spiky pseudopods. as it does

Ah screw that, it's the worst intro post ever, i'll try to edit something form my character POV later but I'm not going to stall this any longer because I can't think of something good.

Shapeshifting in:
5 toughness, 2 elongation, penetrating (5) strike, accurate (3)

Mellee attack [roll0]

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul

Leon puts on a sad face as his opponents somehow resist his gravity field. "Must not be used to this planet's gravity signature yet. I'm sure I'll get it eventually..." he mutters to himself.

He turns to watch Connor fire a tremendous blast of energy at the non-robot man.

Grinning, and not to be outdone by his comrade, Leon claps his hands together and then faces them palms out - firing a huge blast of gravitic energy towards Doc Smith.

all out/power attack range multiattack
[roll0] DC 30 toughness

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

At the burst of sound, Frank's thoughts turn to puzzlement. It nearly blew out the external microphones, if the indicator frequencies inside are any indication.

"Hmm..." Frank consciously vocalizes. It very specifically manually adjusts some dials on the front of the suit, calibrating the external microphones. It's possible for such calibrations do be done with a thought, but the Spectraphore that commissioned the suit designed it with ambassadorship in mind, and a visual indicator of one's adjustment of one's own senses is seen as common courtesy amongst some organics.

"Earth Human Julianne Wells!" Frank calls out. "Is my systems management off the hook, or did you hear something just now?"

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

Personal Log, Julianne Wells. Stardate 8321.6
The "Avengers" team seems as eager to disassemble as assemble. Already we've been seperated from each other by some manner of teleportation pack and I'm stuck with the Tin Can from Planet Plasma Soup. We've encountered a strange being that appears to be an organic craft. I've chosen not to engage yet, seeing as how-

OW OW OW OW MY EARS WHAT IS THAT FRELLING NOISE OW

Julianne clutches her ears as the sound washes over the jungle. Sounded worse than that time she fought the Claw Beasts of Sector 9 in the Chalkboard Canyons of Anteres Prime. Now that was a real racket. Had to wear earplugs for that one.

"You're DAMN RIGHT I heard something just now. Nearly burst my eardrums... don't just STAND THERE, Tin Man. DO SOMETHING about that thing before it tries to blow my ears up again!

[ripleycat]

Oliver

Eugene strains and flails in Oliver's grasp, but the Avenger is just barely able to keep the mad scientist in his bearhug. "Get off me you cretin! How dare you! Minion! Remove this imbecile!"

It's unclear if it's listening to it's "owner" at all, but the thing in the box responds at last, spiky-pseudopoding Oliver's back. The super-augment remains unharmed, however.

Consul and Zenith

*Boom*

Doc Smith's laugh dies on his lips as he sees the burst of bright blue energy. The blast sends him sailing back 20 feet, smashing into the trunk of a tree. He unsteadily gets to his feet, energy shields flickering and harness sparking. "GRAAAAAHHHH! WHY ME!? WHY NOT HIM!?" He points furiously at the robot. "Fine! You want this to be personal!? It's personal! Nothing you do can stop me! I'm gonna, I'm gonna-" His woozy rant is cut of by Consul blasting him back into the tree.

"...I'm g-gonna take a couple seconds to c-catch my breath."

The big mech stares at the ground for a moment, apparently contemplating how it ended up in this situation. The missile launcher, thus far ineffective in bringing down the walls of Castle Connor, retracts back into its arm, replaced by a Gatling gun. Thousands of rounds ricochet off the construct's walls, but they refuse to do more than rattle and shake a bit more.

Relic and Exile

Empowered by Amy's ritual, Exile descends on his now-visible prey like the avatar of Death that he his, black claws raking through the gloom...

*Chrack*

...And right into the stone, scant inches above Agent Zero's head. The impossibly agile agent looks up and grins cheekily, tapping her cybernetic eye. "Hi big bug! Cute makeup! You know you're not the only one who can see in the dark, right?" She leaps away, alighting on a stalagmite on the edge of the pool. "Oh, and you brought the princess with you! Goody! I get an actual challenge and the silly little girl who likes to play dress-up!"

Agent Zero pulls a pair of heavy handguns from her belt and engulfs Relic in a hail of exploding rounds. "Say goodnight, princess!"

Fifty Frank and Julianne Wells

The earsplitting sound mercifully fades away, only to be replaced by an even more annoying sound- that of Dr. Solomon's voice. "Ah, is that you, Miss Wells? And the Spectraphore as well? Fantastic! I was wondering who would encounter this design first. The Cephalopodean Urban Tactical Riot Control Bioship. Quite a mouthful, I know. We're trying to come up with a reasonable acronym that will spell out CUTTLEFISH. We're only partway there, obviously. If you have any ideas, do let us know. Oh, and feedback on the weapons systems is always appreciated as well." A launcher emerges from the side of the craft, and with a quick whirring noise, two small black spheres are launched at the heroes, exploding to reveal heavy nets.

Oliver
Eugene's resistance check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4057637/

Failure by one. Eugene is restrained (Immobile+Vulnerable).

Biodrone G3S47H's attack hits, toughness save made already.

Consul and Zenith

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4057650/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4057652/

Doc Smith is Staggered by one attack and Bruised yet again by the other. He Recovers this round, removing the Stagger. He has +2 to his active defenses until his next turn.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4057678/

The Robot attacks the Castle construct once more, and once more it comes away with just a bruise.

Zenith's Detect Weakness results.


Zenith's connection to the Power Cosmic serves him well again, letting him see where the two villains could be exploitable. The mech is powerful, but also very heavy. While that's kept Consul from lifting it off the ground, its joints are weak and relatively fragile. It may not be able to get up if its spindly limbs are damaged.

Everything about Doc Smih revolves around his combat harness. It serves as the energy source for his forcefield, weapons, and the controller he uses to maneuver his robots. As Exile showed, it's vulnerable to overwhelming physical assault. What's left of the processor sits in a frame on the Doc's back. Busting it should cut off the annoying engineer's remaining powers.

Relic and Exile

The attack on Agent Zero misses.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4057693/

She hits with her attack on Relic, and a good roll means +5 from Multiattack. DC30 Toughness please, Raynn.

Frank and Julianne

DC25 Dodge saves, please. Area attack, so DC20 Dodge saves to halve the effect as usual. Hindered+Vulnerable on one degree of failure, Immobile+Defenseless on two.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amy

A wave of death washes over Amy . . .

And Relic emerges from the crucible totally unscathed.

Score one for the Caged Tesseract ladies and gentlemen.

Amy is not pleased, she channels her inner pissed teenage girl


"I am NOT silly! I am a SMART little girl! And. It. Is. Called. COSPLAY!"

Relic blasts for the Agent's head as she roars, blaster rifle in hand.

Toughness Save: [roll0] vs. DC 30

Attack rolls in OoC thread.

[Green Bean]

Though Eugene's servos struggled mightily against him, Oliver hoisted him off the ground without much apparent effort. Oliver wasn't trying to hurt Eugene, but the man's armour was groaning at the sheer mechanical pressures involved. It was definitely a reminder of what might happen should it occur to Oliver to squeeze a little. Oliver was about to continue their conversation when something damp and spikey glanced off his back. He whirled around with surprise (Eugene probably didn't enjoy getting whipped around in the air) to see a man-sized hunk of jello, albeit an animate one with rather vicious looking tendrils attached.

"Hello there, uh, minion, was it? I come in peace, your, um, friend here and I are just discussing how to end this matter without violence. Right, sir?" Eugene's armour groaned a little more.

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Connor wondered if he should feel bad right now. He didn’t. Shooting Smith was just as fun as it had been the first time. Still, he was on the ground wheezing while the big mech was trying to bring down the most magical castle in the universe. The Mech couldn’t find a weak point in the walls. Connor, on the other hand, could find one for it. The half-kree Avenger took a deep breath and cleared his mind. Right now he ignored Connor and listened to the universe itself. The Cosmic Awareness.

His eyes closed for just a moment, and his hand moved as if guided by an unseen force, aiming right at the joints on its tiny little legs.

“There,” he whispered.

Another blast of power erupted from Connor’s hand. The flare-up was huge at the point of origin, but narrowed into a smaller, tighter beam that made its way towards the mech.

“Consul, there’s a frame on Smith’s back keeping his harness working. Can you relieve him of it?”

You know the drill. All-out power attacking! Only power attacking for 3, though. [roll0] DC 30 + multi-attack damage.

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul

"Heh." he snickers as Doc Smith gets rocked by consecutive blasts. He looks to Connor. "You got it boss." he says.

Turning to regard the fallen Doc Smith, he focuses his gravity powers on the pack. Reversing its gravity while increasing the gravity on its wearer, Consul attempts to fling it off him.

I think this would be a grab right? Using move action to grab it!

[roll0] hp roll in OOC, 17 + 10 = 27

[Ladorak]

Mentioning female royalty around an enraged and ravenous Voracious is unwise. They may not understand you. A Voracious on the verge of battle hunger can often understand nothing aside it's own species' phenomenal language. But through the fizzing and popping of their brains they may catch a hint of understanding in the trailing of your words. Consumed by pain, beginning the process of literally digesting themselves, they may catch your poorly chosen word and attach their own meaning to it.

Exile was consumed by pain and the ever burning need to consume. The hunger was piqued now, burning like a sun within his body, burning away flesh and scorching his nerves. Fighting back frenzy might have been impossible anyway, but catching the vaguest hint of the meaning of Zero's insult and attaching his own Voracious perspective to the words pushed him over. Typically Voracious eliminated Hungerless near Queens instantly, and this would be no different.

He lunged at Agent Zero howling

[roll0] Hero pointed. New roll 31 DC 23

Grapple: [roll1]

[smuchmuch]

A look at G3S47H inner though.

G3S47H is not really sure how to react to the prey's flapping of the mouth. Oh it hear and understand the words just fine, it just feel Oliver's apparent general lack of awareness of his situation almost surreal; a bit startling even.

This prey is proving quite intriguing. He looks bipedal, he sounds human, he smells quite human. (A quite commong species, mamallian, apes, hominids. Not that greatly interesting). Male, mature adult, well fed; But after direct if succinct contact with the skin, there an distinct aftertaste of molecular and cellular cues that shouldn't be here; biological modifications. Heavily modified homo sapiens, G3S47H can tell. At least enhanced strength, durability and physiology. He would be fascinating to look at closer; carving a few samples to digest would provide much interesting material to study.

The Zerah human also seems quite intend into ignoring the usual prey/hunter relationship. Mr Zerah doesn't seem to try to fight (or at least not very, much so) or flee. He certainly could do much more, a simple observation showed he was very strong, much more than he looked. And that is merely the tip of the iceberg.

Yet he seems intend to talk. This in itself would be a valid strategy, understand that for social animals such as humans guile and persuasion can be quite dangerous weapons one should not underestimate. Except, to be honest, as far as G3S47H as can judge, he doesn't seem to be all that good at it. He seems to assume that just because he tried to talk things out, everyone will be playing nice and the owner will accept to discuss thing reasonably; somehow G3S47H doubt it.

Should it answer ?
Lately G3S47H got some rather limited opportunity for social contacts. With the many life forms to meet in this vast galaxy, there has to be some more interesting interactions to have than run, run, maim screams of terror, coup de grace. On the plus side, though, lots of biomass to eat, physical exercise, thrills and a preprogrammed rush of pleasure whenever the prey is caught. It's not a bad gig. Not that'd it'd make a lick of difference if it wasn't.

Speaking of, G3S47H's owner, the Center of it's Universe, the Recipient of it's Undying Loyalty, The Annoying barking human Jerk in a tasteless metallic casing, gave an order so it shall be done.

G3S47H thinks about disabling the prey with a toxin or a gas, so it wouldn't hurt it's owner even by accident. But having no idea how far the derpy looking human's modification (which it suspect to be quite intensive) can protect him from toxins, G3S47H decide to go with the brute force approach

Oliver POV

The weird mass of Jello seems to tremble a bit as you talk but gives no coherent answer beyond some slight gurgling. The two mean looking pseudopods start suddenly dividing in two smaller tentacles who as they move also enlarges and then divide again and yet as the same time grow thicker as they swing in the air and prepare to strike again and grab Oliver in a fluid movement.


Shapeshifiting in:

+1 toughness. (1 pp)
Ambidextrous Extra limbs (5) (6pp), +4 mellee (tentacle) (2pp)
+7 multiattack STR (21 pp)

Grab
[roll0]
Str check
[roll1] +5 from multiattack

[Green Bean]

Oliver was capable of a fair turn of speed, but he wasn't able to escape the strange creature's grasp. Fortunately, it was mostly wrapped around his lower body, and with Oliver's next-gen strength to anchor him, the gel creature wasn't doing much more than inconveniencing him. It certainly felt weird, though; it was like being simultaneously tied up with ropes and being enveloped in jello. While Oliver had had more first-time experiences than most people, he had a feeling that in this case it would've been one for most people. He gave Eugene's armour a playful squeeze to get his attention. "Excuse me sir, but could you please tell your minion to cut that out? I really feel like we can resolve this in a mutually beneficial way if we could just talk like rational adults, but if I have to defend myself with force that'll be a lot harder."

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

"Oh, snap." Frank exclaims, more for Julliane's benefit than for its own. All exclamations on Frank's part tend to be voluntary. This one was more out of a feeling of obligation as the net wrapped tight around the Spectraphore's containment suit. The same aspects of the suit that assured that it wouldn't suddenly rip (therefore destroying everything in the immediate* vicinity) made it large and heavy, and unfortunately this made it very difficult for Frank to do anything but observe as the suit became bound.

"Well this ain't good, dog." Frank says, looking down, such as it can, at the binds.

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells

Oh snap indeed. Julianne rolls away from the nets. Can't let that goop get her. Not only would it place her in a bind she couldn't escape from, but it would also give Solomon an opportunity to continue gloating.

She cringes when Frank gets caught. Here comes the gloat.

Rolling behind a tree, Julianne assesses the situation. Her big gun was down, she was fighting a ship like monstrosity she probably didn't have the fire to take down, and everything was wet. Looking at her surroundings, Julianne notices the rockface behind the CUTTLEFISH. There were some cracks there... vulnerabilities she could take advantage of.

She takes aim and fires. From someone else's perspective, the shot looks like it misssed by a mile, streaking right past the CUTTLEFISH.

But she wasn't aiming for the CUTTLEFISH.

Using a Hero Point to scene edit in conveniently unstable massive rock formation behind the CUTTLEFISH and shooting it, using Skill Mastery (Ranged Combat) on the trick shot for a total of 23

[ripleycat]

Relic and Exile

Though mildly peeved that Relic is still standing after her assault, Agent Zero continues to chatter and insult her foes. "Sweetie, changing the flavor of loser doesn't make you any less of-"

*Tzak*

Amy catches Agent Zero in the side of the head, leaving a scorched furrow against her skull and filling the cavern with the smell of burning hair. Zero screams in pain and stumbles back, right into the path of Exile's claws. The Voracious draws blood, but it's not the killing blow he desires. Agent Zero twists from his grasp, leaving him holding a few scraps of fabric in her place. "OK bug, you die first, because Princess is gonna suffer before I end her!" A blue energy blade flicks from her sleeve, and she slashes viciously at the chinks in Exile's chitin plates.

Consul and Zenith

Consul's mastery of one of the fundamental forces comes through again, and Doc Smith's computer is wrenched violently from his harness with a shriek of twisted metal. He leaps helplessly for his equipment, his rage now mixing with fear.

"NO! Nonono! Aaaaaah! This- This isn't over! We will meet again! I will have my revenge!"

With those brave words he turns and begins running into the jungle as fast as his rather stubby legs will carry him.

The mech begins turning at the last possible second, saving it from being dismembered by Zenith. Some damage is still done, though, if the acrid smell and popping sparks are any indication. Watching Doc Smith attempt to flee into the jungle, the bot shakes its head. "ANALYSIS: SAD STRANGE LITTLE MAN."

It turns its focus to the castle once more, and this time the pounding of missiles, bullets and lasers finally accomplishes its goal, as the walls of Castle Connor crumble under the assault, leaving the pair inside exposed once more.

Julianne and Frank

As Julianne feared, the snaring of Fifty Frank in the net causes Dr. Solomon to gloat, as does her seemingly off-target blaster shot. "Ah, the non-lethal detainment system seems to be working just fine. Note to self, increase deployment speed for small and agile targets. Miss Wells, I'm impressed, quite a display. Your companion's suit, it seems, lacks the same mobility as a true human being. Now, did the siren earlier throw off your aim? I don't mean to insult, that would be a very useful secondary effect to pursue."

He gets to say no more, as at that point the side of the great rock spire behind the CUTTLEFISH comes apart like stale bread in water, collapsing in a massive rush of stone and rubble. The CUTTLEFISH is bruised and dented by the landslide, and more than that, it's sent crashing into the ground under the weight of several tons of rock.

The machine attempts to blast itself free, but its position means it does little more than pulverize a few small bits of rock, remaining securely trapped, for now.

Oliver and G3S47H

As G3S47H picks up Oliver who continues holding Eugene, the whole situation becomes a bit more confusing. The mad scientist struggles gamely in Oliver's arms, but can't quite make good his escape. With his minion now finally obeying him, he seems less inclined to listen to Oliver's requests. "Ha! You're in no position to negotiate yourself. Now put me down, boy, or I'll have the creature eat you and satisfy myself with analyzing your remains!"

Relic and Exile

There's no need for the grapple roll, Lad. In 3e, you just make the initial attack roll. If it hits, it's a static resistance roll against the grab rank. If your opponent fails, they are grappled.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4065037/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4065054/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4065073/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070357/

Agent Zero is Dazed, Bruised x2, but escapes the grapple. Exile needs to make a DC 20 Toughness save.

Zenith and Consul

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4065092/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4065119/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070369/

Doc Smith loses to Consul's grab. His computer is removed from the harness, leaving him powerless aside from his energy shields.

At long last, the Mech demolishes Castle Connor. *plays Taps*

The mech takes a hit from Zenith.

Julianne and Frank

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070343/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070346/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070348/

Frank, uh, didn't really take an action. It's a check against Sleight of Hand or Damage (including ST damage) to break free from the Snare. DC 25. He's Defenseless and Immobile while trapped by the net.

Julianne's trick shot results in a DC 30 Toughness save and a DC 25 Dodge save for the CUTTLEFISH. It is dazed and bruised by one, and immobile and Defenseless from the other. It spends its turn trying to break free from the "snare" and fails miserably.

Oliver and G3S47H

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4070352/

Eugene attempts to escape from Oliver's Grab, and just barely fails. He's still grabbed.

[Raynn]

Relic

Amy levels her sword as Agent Zero pretty much ignores her to go for the big alien killing machine.

She speaks, ending in a yell, as she charges "As much as I enjoy the idea of some alone time for the pair of us, I'm going to have to decline . . . Bitch!"

Charge; All Out Attack, Power Attack (+5/-5): [roll0]; DC 28 Toughness Save on a hit.

Lethal.

X-Caliber to the rescue!

[kpenguin]

Julianne Wells, SPACE ADVENTURER!

The space adventurer watches with statisfaction as the doctor's monologuing was cut off by his latest toy being buried in heaps of rock.

"Put a rock in it, Solomon"

Julianne does a little fist pump before dashing over to Frank. The rockalanche would hold the CUTTLEFISH for a while, but Frank would be useful for busting it up for good. After all, if you have the walking plasma cannon with you, why not use it?

"Come on, Tin Can. Let's see about getting you out of that thing."

She points her blaster at the heavy net encasing Frank and begins firing a sustained beam, trying to cut him loose.

Using a FINISHING ATTACK on Frank's net. Rolling rather than taking the routine check versus a DC 10 (defenseless object), getting +5 to the damage DC. Since Julianne could hit that with anything but a 1, she will also be power attacking for 5 for an additional +5 to damage.

I'm assuming since an attack check is still rolled here, Power Attack is applicable. and possibly Multiattack. ripley, you are free to rule otherwise.

She still can't miss on anything but a 1.

[roll0]
DC 27 if hit, 32 with PA, more with Multiattack

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

Finally, after many repeated attempts, the Western wall of Fort Connor came down. There were still others, but that one was kind of important considering that’s where the lasers come from. “Not good.” His body lit up in a flare of blue light as he propelled himself backwards, backrolling over the recliner nearby and landing in a crouched position behind it. Connor had created multiple objects during his spat of creation… and fortunately for him, even something as plush and comfy as this chair could provide much needed cover. Advanced molecular structures and whatnot.

“Consul. Go for the joint on its left leg! Focus fire with me!”

So from behind his favorite seat within this architectural masterpiece, Connor resumed the attack. He popped up long enough to fire another blast at the mech, targeting the exact same spot he’d fired at before with just as much ferocity, streaming a sustained, powerful surge of destructive energy. The mech was incredibly tough, and would require everything he had, likely in repeat volleys.

I’m officially switching to Infinite Castle.

Connor fires. Full all-out+power attack. Shooting at the joint again.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4071345/

NAT 20! Full multi-attack probably counts in + crit (may be immune to crits). DC 42 if crit. DC 37 if crit immune.

[Green Bean]

Oliver tried to struggle out of the gooey creature's grip, but its hold was far too strong. Oliver considered his options. Talking to the creature hadn't worked, but it had obeyed Eugene's commands, so it was clearly capable of understanding. Maybe he wasn't speaking the right 'language'?

Oliver's anatomy was considerably more...flexible than most people's. There was an internal rumble, like a growling stomach, as groups of cells in his interior and exterior communicated, deciding that in fact, they were meant to be closer together or further apart. Bones lengthened and contracted, skin pulled tight across his new frame and then loosened in unfamiliar ways. Specialized sensory organs on Oliver's epidermis caught the tiny skin flakes and other genetic detritus coming off Eugene, and assimilated this biometric information into his new form. The process took less than half a second, and the rapid shifting of Oliver's body made a rather queasy sounding *crunklesplortch*.

The tableau had changed significantly - now an armourless Eugene hefted the original Eugene off the floor. The new "Eugene" cleared his throat and spoke in a familiar voice. "Minion, please release me now...?"

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul Leon Tynes

"See ya later Doc!" Consul yelled, waving at the fleeing Doc Smith. Peeking out from behind the wall, Consul regarded the robot mech. It's personality was quite funny. He frowned to himself, a pity they couldn't be on on the same side.

Consul then had to back away as the walls came crumbling down under a continued missile assault from said robot. Brushing off the dust from the wall collapse, he witnessed a talented acrobatic display as Zenith rolled backwards and over a plush sofa, pulling it down as he tumbled over it providing some semblance of cover. Though what it would do against a missile was beyond Leon, but he figured he would play along.

Leon casually strolled around behind the sofa, ducking down next to Zenith.

“Consul. Go for the joint on its left leg! Focus fire with me!”

"Okey dokey Commander." he said and popped his head up from behind the sofa at the same time as Zenith, firing a huge blast of gravitic energy at the joint of the mech. Silently, Leon wondered what would happen if they crossed the streams...

[roll0] all out attack/power attack DC 30

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

Frank doesn't really struggle in the netting. Being bound is not so much something unpleasant as inconvenient, but Frank's happy enough to be alone with its thoughts sometimes. But not now, no! Frank has a new Earth Human friend to impress! It musters up the most conviction the software in its suit can replicate as the net burns away and turns to Julianne.

"Yo, word, dawg. Thanks for the assist!" Frank turns to face the pinned assailant. "Now I think you wanted me to bust some heads, aight?" It says, inflection in all the wrong places. Frank's boots splash in the soggy swamp as the suit breaks into full gear, but only for a brief moment before-

Now, before being sent off on this assignment with the Avengers, the speed of light function on Frank's suit was never quite, ahem, tested. The theory was sound, of course, and sure there was some radioactive discharge as the tunneling effect displaced a number of charged ions outside the suit, but it was well within safe levels.

What was not within safe levels, however, was the buildup of waste energy near the front half of the suit. If it weren't discharged immediately after the resolution of the transfer, the buildup could cause the whole suit to go critical. So as a safeguard, the function cannot be activated without an object at the arrival location into which the excess can be vented.

Luckily, Frank has just such an object. The helmet and front plate of the suit glow bright blue for a moment, and suddenly there's not so much Frank as a Frank-colored blur lingering in the air where the Spectraphore was previously running. And then there's a flash of blue light, nearly blinding, right next to the CUTTLEFISH.

Using the Isotopic Discharge power, Frank's teleporting to the Cuttlefish and punching with a linked Weaken (Stamina) that doesn't work on the Cuttlefish probs because of robutts.

In any case, the straight up punch will be power attack +2/-2 for DC 29

ROLLING ATTACK [roll0]

[Ladorak]

Such a tiny scrap of flesh. But enough. Exile's sophisticated and vicious feeding apparatus are wasted feeding on such scraps. But it was enough. His metabolism immediately reversed itself. His self digestion ended. The fire within dimmed from a sun to a furnace. The relief was immense.

The risk of frenzy immediately abated. He had to hold it back, but he could hold it back. Relic was safe. Agent Zero was most definitely not. Though still wild was rage he is, as always, able to find humour in odd places. Zero's bolt hit's him right in the chest. His carapace glows slightly, the only mark of the shot's passage. Then the hissing laughter splits the air, barking out Exile's amusement.

'If that's the biggest gun you've got you are doomed. I told you you were doomed. I warned you. I said I have your scent. I say again, for the last time. Surrender now, and I'll only take an arm.'

He darts forward, eager for his prize surrender or not. This one was swift, but apparently entirely without fangs, normally he would have loved dragging this one out. All intelligent predators play with their food. But he was still so hungry....

Impervious toughness against Zero's attack.

[roll0] DC 22 Accurate attacking 5 again. Still trying to grapple.

[smuchmuch]

Oliver POV

There seems to be a moment of twitching in which the grip on Oliver weakens. Then it tightens again. Then it relaxes it's grip but not complelty while another tanrils seems to be proding around at both 'Eugenes'.
It's pretty hard to imagine any emotion, or internal dialogue to a blank goey featurless mass but if you would, hesitation would be a good guess.

[ripleycat]

Consul and Zenith

Abandoned by its last remaining ally and under assault by two powerful manipulators of the fundamental forces of the universe, the mech proves Zenith's thoughts right. It is incredibly tough. Connor's focused beam is on target again, and the bot buckles, dropping to one knee for a moment as something gives way in its damaged and overloaded knee joint, but it refuses to go down. Now limping noticeably, it hauls itself back to its feet in time to be hit by Leon's blast. Metal creaks and rivets pop, but the machine continues to be frustratingly impervious to Consul's blows. "RETURNING FIRE." it barks, turning upward and launching a missile into the middle of Connor's once-proud living room, where the furniture is obliterated in a Michael Bay-worthy fireball, exposing the heroes behind it to flame and shrapnel.

Exile and Relic

Agent Zero is indeed swift, and despite being battered and bruised, she escapes Exile's claws with nothing more than a few new scratches. "Doomed? You can't even touch me, you oversized cockroa-"

*SHPLT*

Agent Zero's words die on her lips as she stares at the sword now growing out of her chest. She stumbles around, coughing blood and gore, blood pumping from the wound, already pooling on the ground below her. "I think I had the two of you backwards, princess..." With a horrible gurgle, she collapses forward, dead before her body hits the ground.

Fifty Frank and Julianne Wells

The net is tough, but it wasn't designed to resist concentrated laser beams, and in short order Julianne has Frank free and back on his feet.

Frank's attempt at busting heads, while visually impressive, doesn't seem to do much to the CUTTLEFISH. The radioactive energies washing over it don't seem to have any negative effect, and the Spectraphore's mighty blow dents the bio-ship's casing, but does nothing to the insides.

With a bellow of its deterrent speaker that sounds almost annoyed, the huge riot ship fires another blast at its rock prison. This one is more effective, and rubble and shattered stone stream off its body as it takes to the air once more, looming directly over Frank.

Oliver and G3S47H

With a roar of frustration and a titanic effort, Eugene wrests himself from Oliver's grasp, dropping to the ground and dashing to what he judged a safe distance. "Minion! I know you can't be deceived by this shapeshifter's simple tricks! I am your real master, please listen to me and at long last kill him!"

Consul and Zenith

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084904/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084906/

The Bot takes a hit and is dazed by Zenith's attack, but crits and saves against Consul's. :smalleek: DC 26 toughness saves for both of you, please, DC 21 reflex saves to halve effect as usual on area attacks.

Exile and Relic

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084938/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084935/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084970/

Agent Zero takes a hit from Exile's attack, but slips the grapple once again. Her luck finally runs out in a big way against Relic. Five degrees of failure against a lethal attack means she's dead, straight up, no waiting around for that messy "dying" condition to do its thing.

Frank and Julianne

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084989/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4084994/

The net around Frank can't resist Julianne's finishing attack, and she sets her big metal-and-energy buddy free. Despite having some fleshy bits, the CUTTLEFISH is indeed Fort immune, so no Weaken Stamina. It also makes the toughness save. On its turn, the CUTTLEFISH tries to free itself from the rockslide "snare" again, and succeeds this time.

Oliver and G3S47H

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4085002/

Eugene finally breaks free from Oliver's grasp (standard action). He takes a move action to get away from the melee, and is currently about 30 feet from Oliver and G3S47H. As I mentioned when it first came up, I leave whether or not Oliver's trick works to you guys, and will go along accordingly.

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amelia glances at her sword covered in blood, it used to be a museum piece. She wipes it clean as she stands over Agent Zero with Exile. She stows her blade. She stares down at the body, for a long empty minute


"I should feel bad, shouldn't I? I feel like I should feel bad."

She blinks


"I feel thirsty."

She looks over to Exile


"Should I feel thirsty? Are you thirsty?"

She pauses, a serious look on her face, then rustles around looking for something in her courier back.

She pulls out a soda, pops it open and takes a sip. She glances to Exile again, pauses, reaches into the bag and pulls another bottle out


"Soda?"

The two people who are overly okay with hunting people down and murdering them in cold blood, as opposed to say capturing them and holding them for trial, as seems to be well within their mandate, bond over their common ground.

And Soda.

[Green Bean]

Oliver didn't try to pursue Eugene; being trapped by a jello tentacle monster aside, it was clear to him that the use of force had only served to escalate the situation. Instead, he turned his attention back to the monster. "As your, er, real master, I should mention that in the future I will treat you with nothing but the respect I'd accord any other sentient being. Also, I offer you as much...whatever it is you eat as you want."

[SuperCracker]

Zenith

“What is this thing made of?!” Connor shouted out as the combined blasts from these two powerhouses failed to take this thing out. Then… it fires a missile. The beautiful furniture is ruined in the blast, and although Connor was unable to properly escape the blast radius, the skin-tight field of force around the half-Kree Avenger kept him safe from harm.

The mech’s leg joint was damaged. If the other one was similarly damaged… maybe it could be totally immobilized.

“Hit the other leg! It’ll immobilize it.”

And once it’s immobilized, they can use their flight abilities to bug out or engage in long-range strafing attacks. Assuming Connor is fast enough to escape the mech’s weapon range, the fight could pretty much be over.

“Get into the trees. Keep in cover.”

Zenith fired another blast at the Mech, then ignited in a bright corona of power as he took to the sky, flying straight up before banking hard and zipping down and weaving through the thick growth of the jungle, trying to obscure the mech’s aim. Zenith also took care to move away from Consul’s position. The mech had area weapons.. it would be best to make it split its fire.

You know what time it is. All-Out + Power Attack for 5. This is a tough mother. Got to go all out. Result is a 24. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4086530/

DC 32 + multi-attack effect. Aimed at his other leg joint.

[Ladorak]

You should not feel bad. The battle is over, you are alive. This is the highest feeling. You Hungerless are so strange. It is the highest feeling, for a Voracious at least. Exile's brain honed by 9 billion years of extremely hostile natural selection and perfected by the finest Bio Engineers the Indigo Corp could afford, was dumping pleasure and reward hormones into his body at a rate that might leave some other species rendered dumb by ecstasy. That was a good kill. She was swift.

Buzzing with contentment he placed one of his stilt like legs onto Zero's armpit and took hold of her arm. There is a sickening pop, then a brief ripping sound, and then the arm comes free. He makes short work of it, feeding it into into his mouth like a log into a sawmill made by a mad man. In only a few seconds the arm is gone.

By the time Relic has found her Sodas Exile is well on his way into skinning the body. His razor claws have already sliced through the meat he will save for later and deftly separated it. While Relic's gaze was diverted he opened one of the internal compartments in the small of his back. They originate with Indigo, and like many of their alterations it was poorly thought through, or it least was an incomplete thought. It was exceedingly difficult for a Voracious arm, as long as it was, to reach back there.

When Relic's gaze comes back up he is busy smearing the gel pack he retrieved into the bloody ground around Agent Zero.

He takes the soda curiously, intrigued by the way it fizzed, but on his first gulp he suddenly spits it out in a huge spray. Hissing with laughter he handed it back to Relic Noooooo thank you. A pity this one forced us to kill her. Many questions unanswered. I finish eating, then we look for the others. Is this agreeable?

[SuperMuldoon]

Consul

The missile tore the room up pretty good. Leon's gravity abilities were able to deflect most of the shrapnel - but not all. Splinters of wood and other material found its way through and left him with a few cuts.

He touched his gloved hand to his face and inspected his fingers. Blood. Leon sighed. He needed to tighten up his defenses - can't have some chump robot able to damage one of Crucible's Finest.

Somewhere in the background Zenith was shouting. Leon turned to him and nodded, getting the gist of the plan as the two would split up. "Let's turn this thing into scrap." he says.

Flying in the opposite direction of Zenith, Leon settles into a nice copse of trees. A few moments later, the leaves in front of him part as a huge beam of gravitic energy comes blasting out targeted at the mech's leg joint.

sticking with the plan, all out/power attack.
[roll0] HP reroll = 20 DC 30 multiattack

[Raynn]

Relic
Amelia 'Amy' Ashida

Amy stares down at her soda for a moment "I don't feel bad... I guess I am a little strange."

She sits down on a rock, a little tired and unsettled by the experience, but showing only the former "Yeah, that seems okay. Finish your meal and we'll go look for the others."

She forces a smile and sighs for a moment "Then we'll go find the rest of the bad guys."

She finishes as the good guys chomp down on a human corpse and look on apathetically with a soda after a brief bit of murder.

[smuchmuch]

As much as a half sentient ball of shapeshifitng goo can feel emotions that could be related to a punny human reader, G3S47H scould be called somewhat annoyed.
Had the owner bothered to listen to the instruction provided to him at purchasse, he would know his biodrone® is instinctively programmed to recognize it's owner though a complex line of biometrics cues and, weither it's higher cognitive function and better jugement knows any better, as a security mesure trying to take hostile action may cause repulsion and even pain.

It was a nice try. No, really, might even have worked. If the impostor hadn't shifted right in front of G3S47H that is, but still a nice try. And sadly as much as it'd like to consider that offer (it really would), free will is something that happen to other people.

There some slight internal shifting happening inside the beast and something looking like a small tubular ogans and suddenly a voice resonates. It's a bit wobly at first and oddly and atonal but it actualy sound suprisingly like a mundane stoock enthusisatic anouncer human voice;

"User be aware that your biodrone has ben recieved a command to act violence against a target sharing 99.9 of biometric similarity Your biodrone is automiticaly programmed to be unable to attack yourself. Would you like to execute that order nonetheless ? yes ? no ?.
Warning overiding security mesures will void warranty, Carmine industries take no responsbility for any grievious bodily harm that may happen to you as result, sudden death or consumption of relatives unde the 'you brought on yourself clause'.)"

And with that as soon as it's get confirmation (which it probaly will), G3S47H synthethize strong fibers tezrmineted by jgged sharp pointy appendages poking from the extremities into t's psuedopods and squeezes. ith one tentacles wrapped around the head, to make it mercifully fast.


Shapeshifting in an Aura mighty penetrating (5) damage (10)
I'm sure Oliver is a big boy and can take being bled to death iron maiden style.
(well he'll get better anyway)

Not sure what to roll since it's aura and he's already grappled (and pinned ?)
Strength i guess ? [roll0]
Anyway it"s a 24,damage

[Ladorak]

The gel Exile covered the blood in as coagulated into a central point, dragging the blood with it. It sits before Exile in a fleshy red sack. He picks up the bulbous gobbet with exaggerated care and sticks a metal straw in it.

With two very different beverages the two Avengers toast their victory. The musk of respect fills the air again but this time, in this reeking place with it's stale air, Relic's blunt little nose can be forgiven for missing it.


(A short time later)

'That is much better.' The endless hunger has been pushed back into background noise, the most bearable it ever got. Exile still buzzed with happiness. 'Now I am ready. Let us find the others.'

Perception [roll0] to try and pick up a scent trail to the surface

[Phase]

Fifty Frank

Frank angles its transparent aluminum helmet upwards at the now overhead CUTTLEFISH.

"Hmm." Is Frank's only notable reaction. It takes a bit to run through every possible option open to the Spectraphore, but it's done. With time to spare, even. If it were to just... yes, of course!

Frank adjusts the suit's stance for stability and sets the isotopic stabilizers to cease function for a fraction of a second and... bingo. An enormous blue shockwave, shifting quickly to green, erupts from the containment suit in all directions, toppling small plants and boiling water.

Using Affliction 10 (Impaired/Prone/Incapacitated)! I believe the CUTTLEFISH remains in range.