The fight was over. All the Destroyers except
for Annihilator had been captured.
Patty looked around, appearing slightly muzzy.
"Thanks, Rubles. Did we win?"
Spotting the downed MISHA and the surrendered Ratman, she said "Hey, check on your, uh, bear. I'll keep an eye on this rat."
She stood up, popped her neck, and stared hard at Ratman.
Rubicon finally provided Patty a distracted, "Da....yes". He looked questioningly at MISHAs still form as he kneeled down with his hand on him. Chewing on his bottom lip and visibly perplexed he attempted to shake the great, but still form of MISHA. Not certain if he's asleep (that’s new....) or paralyzed.
Demy peered close to MISHA's left eye that is most accessible, peeling the "skin" around the eye wider trying to see in. Find some sign of response.
"Perezagruzit"
<..........1.................0........00...............10.......>
He tried to make a connection, to sync with MISHA. Demy's eyes start to glaze over before returning to normal.
Somethings not right. "Huh, nothing....".
Looking up at Patty with furrowed brow, he eventually stood. Reaching with his right hand up over his head to scratch behind his left ear. He eventually gave her a shrug then decked Ratman on the chin as he walked past him towards the door for the debriefing with CHESS units start to take up security in the building.
Ratman dropped to one knee, but he was still conscious.
{Rubicon did d6+1 HtH damage. He rolled 3 points of damage. Ratman took all to Hit Points, but it wasn’t greater than half of his remaining HP. Ratman was still awake.}
William heard the familiar sound of a punch. He looked up at Rubicon who was some yards away and nursing his fist. Using the staff for leverage he hauled himself out of his chair and made his way towards Rubicon, noticing Patty and the deactivated MISHA.
Demy walked from the room from the last fight and into the adjacent hall to the west. He moved in the direction towards where the oncoming CHESS troops and personnel originate assuming some Command elements are gathering for debriefing. A CHESS medic momentarily comes up and asked him something. He momentarily looked up at her with vacant eyes until he processed what was said. He realized he's flexing his right fist and the soreness of his right-hand knuckles. "Nyet", he shook his head and moved down the corridor.
Wondering the halls and rooms, just needing to walk and be away from others. Finally, being directed by voices he doesn't hear and pointing by CHESS members, he finally came to the open launch bay. Mindless of the broken bay doors in the ceiling, damage to the area and equipment in the room, the repel cables from the initial CHESS troops, or the personnel coming and going through the now open stair well to the roof.
Finding an open area near a gaggle of those milling Demy leaned back against a work bench with rubberized surfacing, still blank faced, looking down, chewing his bottom lip, and reflexively the fingers of his right hand.
Feeling an arm around his shoulder and after a moment he heard a gentle voice of Dr. Wildman, "Demy, tell me how did you and MISHA first connect?"
"Conne.....Connect? I-I can't....", He stumbled in his reply before continuing.
"I was the only one who could they said. They said it. the others at the Project Parastroika facility at the Russian army base. So-it was so painful, you know, the process, being strapped in the chair with that thing around my head. It was dark. Then the pain. I think there was hallucinations, visions."
"COL Zaytsyev was there - when I was awake- that I was the only one who had done it. To Sync with the M.I.S.H.A. prototype. He was very pleased and the others in the room were happy, too."
Demy mulled something around in his head for another moment or two before looking over at his friend. Perplexed, he says, "Why do you ask, Doc?".
Dr. Wildman didn’t answer Demy’s question. Dr. Wildman instead indicated that he needed to rest, and they could talk about this more later.
Dr Wildman sat down again, exhausted. He recognized that he was the least helpful Crusader when it comes to technological detective work. He decided that he would stay here and help with the people 'work' at the CHESS temporary HQ and think through the Rubicon/MISHA dilemma...but first sleep ZZZzzzz...
“Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own”
William found himself overlooking a vista held in deep contrast as the ‘hunters' moon reflected light over the bleak and craggy wasteland before him. He could hear the haunting slow repetitive drone of the song playing over in his mind accompanied by a mournful violin.
One of Dr Wildman’s greatest gifts was his ability to sleep almost everywhere and in any circumstance. The drawback of being magically attuned was that dreams were quite often far more than dreams.
The blue filter of moonlight gave a cold harshness to the dreamscape before him but as he turned, he could see a flicker of red light. ‘Well, that seems to be the subject of whatever this is.’ he mused to himself. The song kept playing and it felt like a mournful lullaby, a discordant attempt to send someone or something off to sleep. It had a familiar lilt, an almost folk-like sound that if he had to guess had a Russian flavor to it…
William, at least in his dream, was dressed in his Cowl of Storms jacket. He made a note that he needed to make space at some point to wrestle that back off Stormlord soon, now that the threat of the World Storm was over. He picked his way towards the crimson glow that was now emanating from a cave some 100 yards in front of him.
He could hear heavy breathing from something that was beastlike and big, very big. He entered the cave and kept to the shadows. It was only a dream, but it was always better to be prudent. He pulled the hood over his head and crept forward.
What he saw surprised him. There was a fire in the center of a cavern and next to the fire danced an old woman with a fiddle playing the droning song to the most enormous bear William had ever seen. The woman was not small herself; she was at least 7 foot tall and hideous in appearance. William knew enough that this was the avatar of ‘Baba Yaga’, the witch fiend of Russian myth. As she played the tune small flickering fiends would leap from the fire and land in the fur of the great bear. They all danced to the tune. The bear seemed in some distress, but its mesmeric state prevented it from resisting. Each imp clearly caused it pain.
William had seen enough. He stood up revealing his presence.
“Oh, my dear, I have known you were there for some time - you are too late. Your petty skills can do nothing here.” Her voice was as old as time and had a heavy cracked Russian accent. “MISHA here is beyond your help…or control.”
<HATE> <PAIN> <RAGE>
With unbelievable speed the bear pounced, surrounded by a mane of hellfire and with a thunderous roar that sounded like the amplified laughter of a man.
As he awoke with a start all William could hear ringing in his ears was the laughter and a voice bearing a warning: ‘You have meddled in my plans long enough. You have sown the wind of fate, now reap the whirlwind of destruction!’
As the sound of conflict died down, Erdbeben did his best to help his comrades back onto their feet and help to secure the Destroyers.
Anybody paying close attention will be able to catch him quickly taking a DNA sample of the prisoners as he helped to secure them.
Erdbeben was able to get samples from Behemoth and Electrocutioner.
Shapershifter's skin was too rubbery to discreetly get a sample. He thought about opening her mouth to get a sample from the inside of her cheek, but it would be obvious to CHESS what he is doing. So, he did not.
Erdbeben was not able to get a sample from Chrysalis and Iron Maiden as CHESS did not remove their armor before transporting them. Erdbeben decided it would not be wise to try to remove their armor.
Ratman wouldn't let Erdbeben get near him. Ratman had already been attacked once after he had surrendered. He wasn’t going to let that happen again.
Erdbeben was feeling a little frustrated at only getting two DNA samples. But he took solace in the fact that at least he had two and this line of work should give him ample opportunity to grow his collection and allow him to delve into the research side of what gave people superpowers and, in his case, how to take them away.
Adamas shook his head as he rose from the building he fell to. Grateful that he didn't penetrate to the apartments below, He scanned the area for Annihilator.
Failing to see his opponent, he used his enhanced vision to find the rest of the team. Adamas could feel his energy returning but the pain from being knocked out was not something he's used to experiencing.
Adamas was concerned regarding his defeat at the hands of Annihilator. While he's been knocked out before, he's always come out on top... this had shaken him.
Adamas flew head back to base scanning to ensure there are no civilians in need of assistance from the ravages of the battle. He mentally beat himself up for not taking into account the damage a prolonged combat could have in a populated area, we should have done this differently, somehow gotten them away from the city... this is not the first time one of his battles has gotten out of hand, and his intent is for it not to let that happen again.
Hopefully one of his teammates can help get his health back to where it needed to be for the next confrontation.
William rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he watched Adamas glide into the temporary base. He spotted a slight wobble in the powerhouse's landing. The scorch marks on his uniform suggested that Adamas had been at the sharp end of the confrontation with Annihilator. William rolled his shoulder as he remembered the agony of taking a shot himself. Using his staff as leverage he hauled himself out of his chair and made his way over to Adamas.
He fished out a titanium vial from a pocket and passed it to the mighty man of myth. "This should help mate, probably better with a cold pint of beer" he said with a wink
"Looks like the rest of the team are still at the Destroyers Base. Perhaps when you feel a bit more up for it, you want to fly over there and use that funky vision of yours - they could probably do with your help."
All of the joy and exuberance Adamas normally expresses was missing from his face as he returned to the temporary HQ they were working from.
Dr. Wildman nodded in understanding as he read Adamas demeaner.
{GM note: Dr. Wildman’s vial provided 9 points of healing. Adamas received 1 day’s healing for 3 points. On day 2 he healed 3 more points}
The Black Orchid jumped at the chance to start pillaging the Destroyers’ computer system.
“OK, everybody, we want to jump in and start trying to pry into the Destroyers computer system. More than likely, they’re trapped to self-destruct taking it and/or us with it. Who among us has tech skills we can use? I’ve got some.” As she was talking, she flashed her CHESS credentials to the agent in charge. “We’ll help any way we can!”
As Erdbeben searched read through Ratman’s journals and notes he was shocked to see his own name in emails that were printed out and stuffed into the back of one of the books. An organization was attempting to hire the Destroyers to hunt him down. The communications showed that while they knew that James Watts was heading to the USA, they didn’t know he planned to become a licensed superhero. They didn’t know about his Erdbeben identity. After reading several emails he discovered that the organization’s name was TOTEM. Ratman had been a scientist employed by TOTEM. It was with them that he discovered the process to use the DNA from a rat to empower himself with super abilities. TOTEM was attempting to leverage Ratman into tricking the Destroyers into working for them. Ratman had refused stating the Destroyers would send anyone they sent after him back in a body bag.
His anxiety level began rising again as he read through the printed emails in Ratman's notebook. TOTEM?!? Is this the organization that had sponsored his work? If they were willing to go as far as hiring the Destroyers to hunt him down, it was a good thing that he'd been able to join up with the Crusaders. He also said a quiet thanks to Adamas, Black Orchid, Dr. Wildman, Demy, Strikeforce, and the rest for proving that they'd be able to handle a group like the Destroyers so easily and give him some measure of security.
In any case, it was time to find out as much as possible about this TOTEM organization.
TOTEM. He wondered what that could stand for and if it provided any insight into the organization itself. Did that mean it was a highly vertical organization with a very direct and confined hierarchy? Or did they call themselves TOTEM for a different reason? He decided to follow up with Black Orchid as soon as she was free.
"Hey Black... Uh, Orchid. I understand that you work with CHESS? I was wondering if you could tell me what CHESS has on an organization known as 'TOTEM'? I found some notes that indicate the Destroyers were hired by them to find me. If that's the case, I'd really like to know what I'm up against and what they're all about."
"Erdbeben, I will be glad to share what we can release. I myself have not encountered them but I'm sure CHESS has a file."
The Black Orchid accessed a CHESS system, a dedicated machine, and started looking.
Several hours later a CHESS Rook showed up carrying a CHESS tablet. He handed the electronic device to Erdbeben as well as providing your access code. “Based on your security clearances and sponsorship by the Crusaders, CHESS can give you access to the data on TOTEM but you can’t have access to CHESS systems. This tablet is not connected to our systems but it has everything you are entitled to.”
On the table was a collection of news articles, police reports from various agencies, surveillance reports from various Federal agencies, Interpol reports and United Nations reporting on TOTEM. There were several CHESS analysis reports which correlated and linked the various sources of information. The best CHESS could determine on the origin of the name of TOTEM was it was created by a marketing department. There was nothing in the meaning, context, or historical significance of the work TOTEM with how the organization is using it. The criminal organization’s focus is on science related crimes, especially those related to genetics. It appeared as if a brand manager had looked at a photo of a Totem Pole and thought it was the perfect symbol of the genetic splicing of animal and man. The perfect branding for genetic merger. There was a lengthy list of lab break-ins, theft of genetic equipment and related I.P. The kidnapping and murder of scientists. There was a description of a lizardman wanted in the death of Dr. Henry Harris, a leading genetic researcher at Axiom Labs in Megalopolis’ Foundry. Another lab break in results in an explosion with multiple injuries and one missing scientist. When Erdbeben shared the information with the New Crusaders, Black Orchid was sure the lab explosion was the same one that gave her powers. When Dr. Wildman reviewed the information, he silently nodded and stated slowly that it was very interesting. That is all he said, Dr. Wildman did not mention that the lizardman description reminded him of Skink and what happened to Skink’s adoptive father.
StrikeForce called his father to let him know he would be coming by Vanguard tomorrow. He needed to use the specialize facilities to heal himself faster. After wrapping things up with his father, Jason set the Sci-Sat drone to go to the Destroyers H.Q. so that he could use it to help in the search for information. StrikeForce stood on the roof of the base. Activating the scanners on the drone he made his way downward room by room and floor by floor. The Bionic Brawler used his senses to determine if any clues are available and allowed the drone to keep a listing of what was found and where. "I know C.H.E.S.S. will be searching as well, I will collect what information that I can, and cross reference them. Hopefully this will allow us to not miss anything." Jason thought to himself.
Patty Plus discovered that Annihilator was a donor to multiple Universities in the Megalopolis. He was funneling his money through the Human Uplift Foundation. These grants were funding research in human evolution especially the area of acceleration and achievement. Patty noticed that the Human Uplift Foundation branding included the phrase “For the Greater Good” in their materials and it was included in the signature of every letter and form.
Black Orchid was contacted directly by CHESS HQ. Because of the success of the New Crusaders several Federal Agencies were sending senior level leaders to interview the Destroyers and review the evidence gained. CHESS needed a senior level leader of their own on location. The communications then switch to the King of CHESS, Alexandra Huffington. She told Black Orchid that effective immediately Pawn Promotion protocol has been activated. Black Orchid has been promoted from Bishop to Queen. She is the senior field agent on site and is only second to the CHESS King and Queen. Alexandra congratulated Black Orchid on her temporary promotion, wished her luck, and warned her not to “Zugzwang” the situation.
Anyone observing the brief phone call observes the Black Orchid being at first flustered, then speechless and finally pulling herself back together returning to her professional demeanor. "Yes Director, I understand.... Thank you very much.... I appreciate your confidence in me.... No... I will not "Zugzwang;" I believe there are always more advantageous opportunities than appear at first blush... Again, thank you and I am honored."
The Black Orchid stared at the floor for about ten seconds and then snapped her head up. "Ok everybody, I am now helping to direct CHESS operations here. Please give each other respect and space as needed to figure out what is going on. First and foremost, we need to make sure the Destroyers we have are properly handled for everyone's safety. Also, if anyone needs medical or mechanical attention, we have agents here... and here. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Next order of business is to crack these computers. Let's see what we can get off of them right now and then we will have our team of specialists disconnect the systems and take them to our labs for further analysis. Any questions?" She swung a pointing figure around, wondering if she was overdoing it.
Rubicon even clapped automatically during Black Orchids promotion announcement. Whether others do or not does not seem to cross his mind.
She noticed Demy clapping, almost blushed then nodded her acknowledgement to Demy. "Thank you"
Patty Plus offered congratulations mixed with sympathy to Black Orchid on her promotion. With military experience, she knows that Black Orchid has just been handed a stress pie without the authority to always back it up.
Black Orchid was able to break the security for the rest of the emails of the Destroyers.
·
Chrysalis: Black Orchid discovered that
Crimetech was supplying armor upgrades and needed ammunition refills.
Apparently, she didn’t let Iron Maiden close to her.
·
Annihilator: corresponded with Dr.
Apocalypse concerning the debt that Pietor owed the Destroyers. Without them,
he would still be an apprentice magician and not the Sorcerer Supreme he is
today.
·
Iron Maiden: there were email address of
all the crew members that would run the Doomsday destroyer. They all lived on
the same 2 block radius in the Foundry. Why would Androids have homes?
·
Ratman: he had deleted all his email and
ran a scrubber program to prevent the recovering. All Black Orchid could
retrieve was a request for Ratman to capture James Watts and bring him to
Totem.
·
Behemoth: he was attempting to bribe a
corrupt politician into obtaining him a pardon. Senator Bennett didn’t respond
with a yes, but the email hinted he was open to reaching an understanding.
Unfortunately the hint was vague enough that no action could be taken against
Senator Bennet.
StrikeForce scanned any computer that he found, hoping to collect any information that wasn't wiped by Iron Maiden. He searched the private quarters and common areas, and additionally check, for hidden personal computers to scan. “Hopefully there will be enough evidence to ensure that the Destroyers spend a long time behind bars and give us some idea where Dr. Apocalypse is located,” StrikeForce thought.
Adamas was scanning the area looking for anyone trapped by the damage the fight caused when he was surprised to see several black SUV vehicles pull up. From the vehicles exited multiple people in black suits with sunglasses on.
{GM Note: Think Men In Black (MIB) movies}
Next a man in a lab coat exited the vehicle. Adamas knew the man was the Director of Alien Affairs on Earth. Adamas had meet with Dr. Mark Ravage when Adamas was obtaining his planetary visa after he made the decision to stay on Earth.
Adamas stared in amazement as he watched the last person getting out of the SUVs. He wasn’t expecting who he saw!
It was Joshua Rose who was the superhero DarkStar. Adamas hadn’t seen him since he left the team and didn’t enter the Domain with them. {GM Note: See Quest issue 36}. All the other agents deferred to Commander Rose. “Was Joshua working for GIANT now. {GM Note; for GIANT historical information see the Megalopolis Website. http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/2020/11/organizations-of-megalopolis.html”}.
Adamas flew down and shook Joshua’s hand. Adamas was surprised when Joshua winced in pain. He saw the look on Adamas’ face. Joshua explained he no longer had his superpowers because he was betrayed and ambushed. “They took everything but his intelligence and skin color.” Adamas was furthered shocked. “Who has betrayed you” he asked the Cobalt Commander.
“Starbolt”
Adamas remember that at the Dimension Portal on Easter Island, Starbolt did not use the portal to join him and the other members of the Fellowship in the Domain. When Starbolt had entered the portal, he went elsewhere. Adamas wondered if Starbolt had use the portal to return to Megalopolis. {GM Note: Yes, he did, see Quest issue 53}.
Before Adamas could speak his thoughts out loud he heard another familiar voice. It was speaking from above him but coming closer. It was the voice of Donnah.
{GM Note: Granddaughter of Dr Avery. Read the Quest Comic series to learn about Dr. Avery and Donnah}
“Now Joshua, we both know you never saw Starbolt. All you saw was a yellow forcefield which trapped you. Preventing you from using your combat teleport.”
“You are right, Donnah, that there are other capes with forcefield capabilities but who else knew me well enough to trap me like that?”
Donnah, now the new Dr Arcane landed next to Adamas and Joshua. Donnah said “Oh, C’mon Joshua, you never kept your identity or powers secret. You even did interviews with the press bragging about your teleportation ability and how it separates StarCorp from all these other space companies which are your competitors. If someone wanted to know your weaknesses in order to create a trap for you all they would have to do is search the internet. In fact, Bull was able to set a trap for you and we all know a genius he is not.”
Joshua raised his hands in mock surrender. He knew he would lose this argument … again. He was one of the 3 smartest men in the world, but he could never win an argument with Donnah.
Adamas did a very poor job of keeping a smirk from showing on his face. Donnah wasn’t sure he was even trying.
StrikeForce had walked over to the group when saw Dr. Arcane land. He didn’t know anyone in the group beside Adamas, so he had only listened. He knew of DarkStar and Starbolt from their time as teammates with Adamas and Black Orchid.
{GM Note: See Quest Comic series}.
StrikeForce introduced himself as the leader of the New Crusaders and expressed his curiosity of who and why she was needing to perform an interview.
Dr. Arcane introduced herself to StrikeForce and Joshua turned to talk with the other agents in dark suits.
Demy is doing a lot of lip chewing with arms folded lost in thought. During introductions he makes quick eye contact and a flash of a semblance of a half smile before returning to his solemn stance.
Adamas took solace in seeing his old friends again, Talking to Donna about their old friend, who it looks like they will be facing again, soon
Commander Rose said, “We know that Annihilator is an Alien in Residence on Earth. We are here to take him to a GIANT facility.
Adamas looked at Joshua, trying to figure out what he was going to say. He's sympathetic to his big blue friend who seems to have lost his powers, he'll be sympathetic, and try to stay away from discussing it. Losing phenomenal cosmic power has to be difficult for anyone and losing the ability to teleport literally anywhere instantly must be causing him immense frustration.
Adamas offered his assistance if there is anything he can do, but he'll be focused on convalescing... he had to get his strength back for the battle to come.
Dr Wildman spotted the descending Dr Arcane and wandered over to the gathering group around her. There were a couple of folks he had never seen or heard of, so he stayed near the back, listening.
Dr. Arcane said, “Now onto more important business. I have been requested here to perform an advanced form of detect magical traits on a prisoner. I need to see one of the Destroyers”.
"Hello Padawan, looks like you made full 'knight' status then. Not unexpected!" Dr Wildman grinned and gave Donnah a friendly wink, fondly remembering their time when William helped Donnah with the more 'elemental' elements of her arcane understanding.
"Not wearing sensible boots though." he chastised gently.
"Doctor...nice to see you too" replied Donnah "That's a fun helmet, did you steal it from your hunting lodge? How is your 'mystical pest' problem going?" William winced as he remembered the menagerie of mythical creatures that have 'found' themselves released from his Steading as a prank from some winsome dryads. That was another problem to add to the list of things he will need to deal with.
"Touche Doctor..
On seeing Shapeshifters plans, Black Orchid calls over Dr. Wildman and Dr. Arcane.
"This is more up your alley than mine. Take a look at this. We'll dig into this Dr. Harcrow but what do you make of this demonic portal business? The deal doesn't look complete so maybe we can spoof her correspondence and get this Dr. Harcrow to tell us a little more"
Dr Arcane agreed this had to be followed up on.
Dr. Arcane said, “Now on to more important business. I have been requested here to perform an advance form of detect magical traits on a prisoner. I need to see one of the Destroyers”.
So as the Crusaders mystical 'expert' can I assist you with your 'inquiry'?" the Dynamic Druid said.
Dr. Arcane agreed to allow Dr. Wildman to assist him.
“Electrocutioner is claiming to be a magical avatar of lightning. That he is the totem on this plane. If this is true, then CHESS wouldn’t have jurisdiction over him, but FISH would. That is why I am here. I need to verify his claim. FISH believes he is claiming this because of his obsession with Shapeshifter. Since Shapeshifter is from the Domain, FISH will be here soon to take her to a location which will ensure she is held properly. Electrocutioner wants to be taken to the same place.”
{GM Note: Here is the link to webpage on Government Agencies http://vav-megalopolis-pbem.blogspot.com/2020/11/organizations-of-megalopolis.html }
At that time several Hummer SUVs drove up. Several men and women exited the vehicles. They were wearing overalls or gray fatigues, heavy boots, and several belts and harnesses. Unusual equipment was attached to the belts and harnesses. One or two wore backpacks as well. All except one. From the distance she appeared to be the ideal woman in stature and figure, as if she was made in heaven. When up close you knew that why she, in fact, was made, it just wasn’t in heaven.
{GM Note: Think Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. or Atomic Robo comics}
When up close you knew that while she, in fact, was made, it just wasn’t in heaven.
William looked up at the sound of doors opening and closing. "Well I'm used to many things but today is getting weirder and weirder!" he commented to no one in particular.
The Lillith of FISH’s Monster Squad and Lt. Col. Steven Romita, the FISH squad leader, looked for who was in charge. He needed to start working on the prisoner exact. All the CHESS Agents pointed to Black Orchid.
Strikeforce took the time to introduce himself to the newly arrived heroes and agency heads. He wanted to maintain good relations.
Patty Plus watched all of the various groups and government agencies arriving on the scene. Given her previously street-level hero experience it was a bit bewildering.
"It's like alphabet soup mixed with unending clowns coming out of a car," she jokes but is polite and friendly when introduced to the various new arrivals. She keeps her distance from Lillith but tries not to be rude or obvious about it.
Black Orchid said to Lillith and Lt. Col. Steven Romita, "If you don't mind, I would like to have two Pawns accompany you partway. I still feel responsible for the Destroyers until they are fully off this site and under FISH control. Particularly, I'd like to keep Shapeshifter's capture need to know only. I have a plan that requires her to seem to be still 'at large'"
Lt. Col. Steven Romita tried his best to hide his annoyance, Lillith didn’t try to hide anything. They reluctantly agreed to wait until the Licenses Superheroes Magus and Jack Frost showed up. The pawns of CHESS were the licensed superhero community. The four of them with the rest of the FISH squad went to secure Electrocutioner and Shapeshifter for transport. As evening came they left with their prisoners.
Trying to be productive, Patty Plus focused on the area she is already familiar with.
"Listen," she said to anyone willing to listen in the middle of the follow-up activity. "This connection between Annihilator and the Human Uplift Foundation at several universities can't be good. Either they're criminal fronts or else being used as dupes."
She tapped on the printout she's holding.
"I know we have a lot to follow up on but let's make sure this doesn't get overlooked. If there aren't enough resources, I can take the lead myself."
Black Orchid and StrikeForce that Patty should follow up on the lead herself at a later time.
StrikeForce reviewed the data he had complied from the day of scanning the systems and rooms of the Destroyer’s HQ. He discovered that while Iron Maiden had erased the hard drives to the main computers there were digital breadcrumbs hidden in active RAM across the network. He pieced the digital with the paper copies, and anything else he could find. He found the secret that Iron Maiden was trying desperately to hide. Not only had she stole Vanguard Technology to be the technical foundation of her armor, but she was also selling the tech. He found dozens of clients listed. He recognized Mocker, F.I.S.T., Toxic, Centurion, and Huntsman. There were other names he didn’t recognize as well. Apparently, she did not sale to individuals only but to organizations as well. He found two organizations, FORCE and NEST. Vanguard Technologies’ designs and inventions were powering 2 criminal organizations.
Taking the time to step away from everyone, StrikeForce places, a call to his father. Talking in an altered manner, in case anyone might overhear him. "Hello. After reviewing the data that has been collected, It appears that the situation is worse than we initially thought. The technology is, in addition to being the basis for her armor, was sold to multiple villains and to two organizations. I will discuss this more when we are together."
StrikeForce uses his comm to contact Manta-Man. "Hello M.M., I need to set up a vehicle pick up. Unfortunately, we suffered serious damage."
Manta-Man replied, "Roger. Will send flyer over immediately. "
Within 2 hours the Crusader Jet lands on the Destroyers HQ rooftop. Enforcer and Manta-Man step out.
StrikeForce found instructions that if any superheroes were captured, they were to be sent to Doctor Apocalypse’s secret base on Nacht Island.
Patty watched "Rubles" as she likes to call him from afar, knowing he is in pain over M.I.S.H.A. but not knowing how to help and sensing that joking around wouldn't help.
Those that notice Demy rub the side of his face then run his hand through his and to the back of his head and neck. Certainly, as a dramatic motion to relieve stress, but also not too different than someone who's experiencing a hangover.
《....000..1111..01010001110011010111...ONLINE》
Eyes snapping open and standing up right, Demy races from the room.
《CONFUSION》
Demy makes his way until he finds where last M.I.S.H.A. still form was last left.
Coming upon the massive bear form of his now-conscious construct from behind, Demy visibly seems relieved and drops his shoulders.
"Privet, trovarishch....you gave me a scare, da?"
As the bear starts to turn Demy’s way in the corridor, he continues, "Maybe it's time you rested and we'll try again next fight, heh?"
Dr Wildman started. His mystical senses telling him the beast had awoken. He gripped his staff a little harder with his left hand and placed his helmet on with the other. Donnah sensed something too and tensed up looking for a steer from the Dynamic Druid. William calmly walked to find Demy and what state M.I.S.H.A. might be in.
StrikeForce will share the information that he recovered regarding the location of Dr. Apocalypse's secret base on Nacht Island. He will request all available information on the Island.
CHESS was not able to provide much information as it was a privately owned island in international waters. The United Nations had placed a visitation ban on it. It was identified as one of the islands which countries were barred from exploring because it was too dangerous. Nacht Island didn’t have sovereign status. It wasn’t a country but no country was allowed to annex it or lay claim to it. These bans were the only time that unanimous votes were taken where all nations were in agreement. Adamas and DarkStar shared what they knew about Nacht Island from the time they were on the island. They were with the other members of the Fellowship when they had assisted Pietor in acquiring the Mystic Gem. The Island had fierce supernatural creatures protecting it. DarkStar admitted the Fellowship helped in providing Pietor the power to become Dr. Apocalypse. The island has always had magical protection which prevented it form being observed magically. Recently the island had the technology to block out electronic surveillance. DarkStar didn’t know who did it or how they did it but Cybil couldn’t even find the island anymore. Pilots could visibly spot the island with normal human sight. So, it has been verified the island is still there.
Black Orchid was informed that the joint taskforce has everything under control and secure if the New Crusaders were ready to leave for Nacht Island.
<Turns and Actions due Nov 21st>
Battle Conditions (Mighty Protectors character data):
Adamas Hit Points: 19 Power Points: 72
Black Orchid Hit
Points: 24 Power Points: 92 Visible
Dr. Wildman Hit
Points: 12 Power Points: 60 Form: Man
Erdbeben Hit
Points: 46 Power Points: 66
Patty Plus Hit
Points: 15 Power Points: 60
StrikeForce Hit Points: 26 Power
Points: 93
Rubicon Hit
Points: 20 Power Points: 66 Absorption Protection
MISHA Hit
Points: 41 Power Points: 101
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic Tom!
Hope you and the rest of the group are well!
Looking forward to this.
Thanks for all you do.
Greg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Great issue Tom. A lot of angles to take into
account. Starbolt?!
Jamey
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Soo many
Easter Eggs and threads in there, you could make a coat of many colors with
that issue!
Adamas is happy to introduce his old friends to
his new team members, and continue resting to prepare for the battle ahead.
OOC: I'll try to write up some of the
interactions with his old acquaintances over the next few weeks.
Great stuff Tom!
Jon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah Jon, I enjoyed the Easter eggs myself.
StrikeForce is interested in the theft and sale of his companies IP to be used
for nefarious purpases. I was shocked that Starbolt could have become a
villain. It definitely doesn't fit his character, but I'm wondering where Tom
is headed with it. DarkStar's power loss was not something I would have
predicted.
Jamey
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Taking
the time to step away from everyone, StrikeForce places,a call to his father.
Talking in an altered manner, in case anyone might overhear him. "Hello.
After reviewing the data that has been collected, It appears that the situation
is worse than we initially thought. The technology is, in addition to being the
basis for her armor, was sold to multiple villains and to two organizations. I
will discuss this more when we are together."
Strikeforce will take the time to introduce
himself to the newly arrived heroes and agency heads. He wants to maintain good
relations.
StrikeForce uses his comm to contact Manta-Man.
"Hello M.M., I need to set up a vehicle pick up. Unfortunately we suffered
serious damage."
Jamey
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Manta-Man
replied, "Roger. Will send flyer over immediately. "
Within 2 hours the Crusader Jet lands on the
Destroyers HQ rooftop. Enforcer and Manta-Man step out.
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Erdbeben was feeling a little frustrated at
only getting two DNA samples. But he took solace in the fact that at least he
had two and this line of work should give him ample opportuntity to grow his
collection and allow him to delve into the research side of what gave people
super powers and, in his case, how to take them away.
His anxiety level begain rising again as he
read through the printed emails in Ratman's notebook. TOTEM?!? Is this the
organization that had sponsored his work? If they were willing to go as far as
hiring the Destroyers to hunt him down, it was a good thing that he'd been able
to join up with the Crusaders. He also said a quiet thanks to Adamas, Black
Orchid, Dr. Wildman, Demy, Strikeforce, and the rest for proving that they'd be
able to handle a group like the Destroyers so easily and give him some measure
of security.
In any case, it was time to find out as much as
possible about this TOTEM organization.
TOTEM. He wondered what that could stand for
and if it provided any insight into the organization itself. Did that mean it
was a highly vertical organization with a very direct and confined hierarchy?
Or did they call themselves TOTEM for a different reason? He decided to follow
up with Black Orchid as soon as she was free.
"Hey Black... Uh, Orchid. I understand
that you work with CHESS? I was wondering if you could tell me what CHESS has
on an organization known as 'TOTEM'? I found some notes that indicate the
Destroyers were hired by them to find me. If that's the case, I'd really like
to know what I'm up against and what they're all about."
Paul
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC:
Patty works in super genetics in academia in her private life, and has strong
feelings about genetic privacy. She didn't notice Ebderben taking samples from
prisoners, but if she ever does or finds out about it some other way she would
definitely confront it, strongly.
Patty Plus watched all of the various groups
and government agencies arriving on the scene. Given her previously
street-level hero experience it was a bit bewildering.
"It's like alphabet soup mixed with
unending clowns coming out of a car," she jokes but is polite and friendly
when introduced to the various new arrivals. She keeps her distance from
Lillith but tries not to be rude or obvious about it.
She watches "Rubles" as she likes to
call him from afar, knowing he is in pain over M.I.S.H.A. but not knowing how
to help and sensing that joking around wouldn't help.
She offers congratulations mixed with sympathy
to Black Orchid on her promotion. With military experience, she knows that
Black Orchid has just been handed a stress pie without the authority to always
back it up.
Trying to be productive, she focuses on the
area she is already familiar with.
"Listen," she says to anyone willing
to listen in the middle of the follow-up activity. "This connection
between Annihilator and the Human Uplift Foundation at several universities
can't be good. Either they're criminal fronts or else being used as
dupes."
She taps on the printout she's holding.
"I know we have a lot to follow up on but
let's make sure this doesn't get overlooked. If there aren't enough resources I
can take the lead myself."
OOC: She doesn't reveal that in her secret
identity she can use her role in Academia to begin an investigation.
OOC: Tom, if Patty investigates herself, she
will reach out to HUF under guise of her role in super genetics and wanting to
share research.
Best,
Shane
----------------------------------------------------------------------
StrikeForce will share the information that he
recovered regarding the location of Dr. Apocalypse's secret base on Nacht
Island. He will request all available information on the Island.
Jamey
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Demy is
doing a lot of lip chewing with arms folded lost in thought. During
introductions he makes quick eye contact and a flash of a semblance of a half
smile before returning to his solemn stance.
He even claps automatically during Black Orchids promotion announcement.
Whether others do or not does not seem to cross his mind.
Those that notice Demy rub the side of his face
then run his hand through his and to the back of his head and neck. Certainly
as a dramatic motion to relieve stress, but also not too different than someone
who's experiencing a hangover.
《....000..1111..01010001110011010111...ONLINE》
Eyes snapping open and standing up right, Demy
races from the room.
《CONFUSION》
Greg
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks,
I had intended to write more, just never got around to it.
Adamas is concerned regarding his defeat at the
hands of Annihilator. While he's been
knocked out before, he's always come out on top... this has shaken him.
He'll take solace in seeing his old friends
again, Talking to Donna about their old friend, who it looks like they will be
facing again, soon. He's sympathetic to
his big blue friend who seems to have lost his powers, he'll be sympathetic,
and try to stay away from discussing it.
Losing phenomenal cosmic power has to be difficult for anyone, and
losing the ability to teleport literally anywhere instantly must be causing him
immense frustration.
Adamas will offer his assistance if there is
anything he can do, but he'll be focused on convalescing... he has to get his
strength back for the battle to come.
Jon
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr
Wildman spotted the descending Dr Arcane and wandered over to the gathering
group around her. There were a couple of folk he had never seen or heard of so
he stayed near the back, listening.
Dr. Arcane said, “Now onto more important
business. I have been requested here to perform an advanced form of detect
magical traits on a prisoner. I need to see one of the Destroyers”.
"Hello Padawan, looks like you made full
'knight' status then. Not unexpected!" Dr Wildman grinned and gave Donnah
a friendly wink, fondly remembering their time when William helped Donnah with
the more 'elemental' elements of her arcane understanding.
"Not wearing sensible boots though."
he chastised gently.
(Tom - forgive me if I'm taking liberties,
please edit the dialogue if it is out of kilter)
"Doctor...nice to see you too"
replied Donnah "That's a fun helmet, did you steal it from your hunting
lodge? How is your 'mystical pest' problem going?" William winced as he
remembered the menagerie of mythical creatures that have 'found' themselves
released from his Steading as a prank from some winsome dryads. That was
another problem to add to the list of things he will need to deal with.
"Touche Doctor..so as the Crusaders
mystical 'expert' can I assist you with your 'inquiry'?"
William awaits her reply...
At that time several Hummer SUVs drove up.
Several men and women exited the vehicles. They were wearing overalls or gray
fatigues, heavy boots, and several belts and harnesses. Unusual equipment was
attached to the belts and harnesses. One or two wore backpacks as well. All
except one. From the distance she appeared to be the ideal woman in stature and
figure, as if she was made in heaven. When up close you knew that why she, in
fact, was made, it just wasn’t in heaven.
William looked up at the sound of doors opening
and closing. "Well I'm used to many things but today is getting weirder
and weirder!" he commented to no one in particular.
M.I.S.H.A woke up ...Dr Wildman started. His
mystical senses telling him the beast had awoken. He gripped his staff a little
harder with his left hand and placed his helmet on with the other. Donnah
sensed something too and tensed up looking for a steer from the dynamic Druid.
William calmly walked to find Demy and what state M.I.S.H.A. might be in.
Steve
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This
happens right after the call but before the computer hacking
----------------------------------
Anyone observing the brief phone call observes
the Black Orchid being at first flustered, then speechless and finally pulling
herself back together returning to her professional demeanor. "Yes
Director, I understand.... Thank you very much.... I appreciate your confidence
in me.... No... I will not "Zugzwang;" I believe there are always
more advantageous opportunities than appear at first blush... Again, thank you
and I am honored."
The Black Orchid stares at the floor for about
ten seconds and then snaps her head up. "Ok everybody, I am now helping to
direct CHESS operations here. Please give each other respect and space as
needed to figure out what is going on. First and foremost we need to make sure
the Destroyers we have are properly handled for everyone's safety. Also if
anyone needs medical or mechanical attention, we have agents here... and here.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Next order of business is to crack these
computers. Let's see what we can get off of them right now and then we will
have our team of specialists disconnect the systems and take them to our labs
for further analysis. Any questions?" She swings a pointing figure around,
wondering if she is overdoing it. She notices Demy clapping, almost blushes
then nods her acknowledgement to Demy. "Thank you"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On seeing Shapeshifters plans, she calls over
Dr. Wildman and Dr. Arcane.
"This is more up your alley than mine.
Take a look at this. We'll dig into this Dr. Harcrow but what do you make of
this demonic portal business? The deal doesn't look complete so maybe we can
spoof her correspondence and get this Dr. Harcrow to tell us a little
more"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On seeing Shapeshifter and Electrocutioner
getting turned over to FISH.
"If you don't mind, I would like to have
two Pawns accompany you partway. I still feel responsible for the Destroyers
until they are fully off this site and under FISH control. Particularly, I'd
like to keep Shapeshifter's capture need to know only. I have a plan that
requires her to seem to be still 'at large'"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
On all of the other information she finds
"Crimetech. Damn. One more reason to shut
them down sooner rather than later."
"So Dr. Apocalypse owes the Destroyers.
This is not good. They are not just lackeys that can be discarded and he may do
something to try to get them out." The Black Orchid relays this
information to the teams holding the Destroyers to be on high alert for a
jailbreak attempt from Annihilator and/or Dr. Apocalypse.
The Black Orchid takes down the names and
addresses of the pilots. "We will start looking into this."
"Goodness gracious, Ratman certainly lives
up to his name. I'm glad he's in custody, but maybe we can provide some
leverage against his paranoia by trying to convine him he wasn't quite as
successful as he thought he was."
"Behemoth and Bennettt. I'll take this up
with CHESS HQ later."
After things settle down a little bit and the
group is together again, The Black Orchid starts planning. "I'm finishing
up the final CHESS cleanup of the site, but where should we ocus our attention
first? This odd business of the androids "living" at the Foundry is
somewhat troubling and should be easy to run down quickly. What do you
think?"
I made The Black Orchid's CHESS card in honor
of her promotion.
Marc
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc, in
my Mighty Protectors universe the CHESS pawns are not duplicate simdroids of
people. They are licensed
Superheroes. Do you want to send 2
Licensed Superheroes with FISH? If yes who? You have all of the Crusaders, New
Crusaders, or any Megalopolis based hero listed on my Megalopolis website.
If you want to change it from Pawns then the
most appropriate CHESS agents to send would be Knights.
Thanks
Tom
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Are Magus and Jack Frost available? Their
powers seem like they would be good counters to Shapeshifter if needed.
Marc
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes,
Magus and Jack Frost can be contacted for this assignment
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Erdbeben,
I will be glad to share what we can release. I myself [OOC: unless I'm
remembering incorrectly] have not encountered them but I'm sure CHESS has a
file."
The Black Orchid will access a CHESS system
(probably a dedicated machine) and starts looking.
[OOC: Since Erdbeben is part of the group and
finding out information on TOTEM is relevant from the information taken from
the Destroyers, I assume I can share most, but maybe not all the information
CHESS has]
Marc
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I would
assume that Erdbeben would have a rather low security rating at this point.
He's new and hasn't had much of a chance to prove himself yet.
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I think
as full members of New Crusaders we all have a certain security level by
default.
But we don't have cool CHESS ID cards like The
Black Orchid :D
Best,
Shane
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc,
Cool I.D. card for Black Orchid Maybe The New
Crusaders should carry a I.D. card as well. If I remember correctly, The
Avengers carried one. What does the team think?
Jamey
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I found
the CHESS one online and yes it is modeled on the Avengers one from the comics.
I’d be glad to whip up a New Crusaders card.
Marc
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc,
that sounds cool. Would love to see it.
Jamey
--------------------------------------------------------------------
A Team
card sounds like a wonderful bonding idea.
Demy makes his way until he finds where last
M.I.S.H.A. still form was last left.
Coming upon the massive bear form of his
now-conscious construct from behind, Demy visibly seems releived and drops his
shoulders.
"Privet, trovarishch....you gave me a
scare, da?"
As the
bear starts to turn Demys way in the corridor, he continues, "Maybe it's
time you rested and we'll try again next fight, heh?"
Greg
