Four sets of eyes watch Samhain intently. They are waiting for him to pry himself from the Temple wall and the fight to begin anew. Seconds tick by. Samhain doesn’t move. He is down.
Slowly the four adventures turn to where the portal was. They want to make sure it is gone. It is. As well as the Dragon Statue, it is under guard by Pietor, Dr. Avery’s student.
Windblown summons a slight wind to blow the dust and debris from his person, his hair and clothing rippling slightly in the breeze. "That, my brothers, was a job well done, if I do say so myself. So what now? Is this the part where someone says, 'You know, we make a good team.'?"
Laughing heartily as the rush of adrenaline fades away, Joshua smiles warmly at his new battle companion "I think someone just did hero"
Nonchalantly looking around for the electronic eye monitoring the teams battle action, Rose pulls out a roll of duck tape from his jungle pack and walks over to the Occult. "Like every other Op there's still the aftermath to deal" Wrapping the duck tape tightly around the witch's eyes, mouth, hands, arms and ankles, the Cobalt Commander verbally activates the Holo-Pad's Bloodhound program. "Cybil I need to know if there are any international or domestic arrest warrants on Occult, Samhain or Rob Zombie. Use holo-footage from the battle to cross reference for visual identification.”
Agent America un-holstered his Magnum and shot the Huntsman's blinded sensor out of the air! BLAM!
The daredevil of democracy said to the strike team, "Nice work everyone. I'm going after the Huntsman. If I need backup, I'll call through the amulet."
DarkStar looks at the destroyed Electronic Eye. "Cybil, were you able to backtrack the signal source to its owner? Cybil replies it was unable to trace back to the signal source to find its owner. The protection coding was very difficult. DarkStar diverted Cybil to the SatCom project before it was able to complete the trace. Cybil points out it was not able to connect to SatCom without being detected.
Rose finished taping up Occult. Agent America looked at Windblown to see if he would join him. Windblown is busy removing the arcane markings from the floor surrounding the pedestal, so superspy exits the Temple alone.
"Hey Doc? If you’re not too busy dealing with the Dragon we could use a bit of advice. We're not exactly all that familiar what to do with prisoners in a case like this. Dumping Occult in center of the floor, the Commander goes to check on Samhain. "I could use a beer, how about you guys?"
Adamas decides his goal is to ensure the Statue is safe at the mansion. He is not too concerned with things like ensuring the villains serve justice, his main goal is to protect this world and the people in it. Once the enemies are defeated, they are of no additional concern to him. He activates the amulet. He recommends to Dr Avery that the Dragon statue should be destroyed. He's willing to fling it into the sun or hide it on the dark side of the moon. The good Doctor agrees to allow Adamas to throw it into the sun. Adamas disappears through the hole in the ceiling.
Cybil replies that CHESS has outstanding International Arrest Warrant for Samhain. Contact CHESS BISHOP Codename: Prince.
No International Arrest Warrant for Occult. The New York City police and Megalopolis have her listed as ‘person of interest’ for stolen museum pieces. If we don’t have the stolen museum pieces then they will not authorize restricted transportation. She will have to come in on her own, willingly.
Cybil asks for more detail on Rob Zombie, please scan him again. Cybil can’t find him in the Temple.
While keeping an eye on Samhain, Joshua says to the alien powerhouse. "Adamas, if we leave that psycho in the ocean he's bound to show up somewhere and start killing innocents. Any chance you can bring him back here? Just blast his sorry butt into unconsciousness from the air if you have to. Maybe we can contain them in the well outside if it's suitable? We should be able to get the authorities to take it from there." Looking around but not finding his teammate. “Now where did he go?”
Hey Doc, once we get these psychos to CHESS is there anything you can do to neutralize Occult as a threat to the Quest?
Appearing in front of the Cobalt Commander is Dr. Arcane. Floating six inches off the ground he waves his hands in a series of choreographed movements. Occult starts to float off the ground as well. Her body is outlined in a silver glow and then she vanishes leaving behind the Duck Tape. The Mystic Master looks at DarkStar, “Being a former covert agent you should understand that sometimes the most effective treatment is to send them back to their Masters in failure. Occult was promised a great reward for success. Her failure with not go without punishment.”
“As for her returning as a threat to the Quest, only time will tell. In our world there is not a way to guarantee she will never return. Death is not a deterrent. She has allies that would quickly bring her back from the dead. And you, Joshua, would have created a blood enemy.” Dr Arcane then fades away like smoke in the wind.
Cmd. Rose sighs, "Cybil you've done great, but the jobs not finished yet. Contact Bishop Prince at CHESS and tell him friends of Dr. Arcane have captured Samhain. Connect as a Bravo priority com-link.”
DarkStar checks the holo-pad again. Pilot and Helicopter are safe and the three spies are now gone. He checks the results on the trace on the 3 pirates’ cell phone.
The trace on the spy’s telephone leads to another cell phone. The phone is owned by Jake Bua of New York City. The signal did not originate from New York but from the Capital City of Juompur. It caller is located in the Capital Building in the Ministry of Transportation. WHOUMP! Rose returns Adrian and the helicopter to StarCorp HQ.
WHOUMP! The Terrific Teleporter is back in the Temple. He picks Samhain up on his shoulder. “Okay Cybil where do I meet Prince again?” WHOUMP!
At the Mansion, Dr Avery and Adamas converse on how to transport the Dragon to the sun. Avery is unsure if the Statue can withstand traveling at Adamas’ maximum speed. He is confident the Dragon’s enchantment will survive being in the sun. He is worried that being hit by micro-meteorites might activate a defense which would teleport it back to Earth. He recommends a slower journey which would take Adamas two days to deliver it to the Sun and then using his max speed he can be back in 8 minutes. Dr. Avery assures Adamas that he will not miss anything in that time. The Quest needs to wait at least 2 days before starting next because Dr Arcane needs to prepare the magic spells necessary. Reluctantly Adamas agrees with the plan. He picks up the Dragon of Juompur and flies off toward the sun.
Meanwhile back at the Island of Juompur. When Agent America searches the area, he decides to enter the cave. As he enters he knows has found the right place. At the back of the cave is the Huntsman. He is packed to leave and there is a LAW Rocket Launcher on his shoulder.
"Hello, China Man. I figured you would find me. So are you coming alone?"
Huntsman has the Launcher ready but not aimed at the Superspy. His eyes are constantly scanning all areas of the cave as if he is expecting something to appear in any possible spot.
Agent America made his face form a relaxed, easy smile. He calmly held out his left palm in a "slow down” signal, and to show it was empty.
"Huntsman. Pleasure to meet you. Your reputation precedes you," said the rural Chinese man in American accented English. "I've got no fight with you. And I won't try to stop you from leaving."
As he spoke, he gestured carelessly with his empty hand. Classic misdirection, learned from the old magician, intended to keep Huntsman's eyes on the empty hand and away from the one wrapped around the .357 Magnum.
"But out of professional curiosity, I have to ask: What was your stake in this business?"
“I wish I could say who it is a pleasure to meet. At least, I can thank you for letting me know your an American Spy." Huntsman gives a slight smile. "A Spy fighting beside Superheroes. I weird time for us, isn't it Agent. I was hired to get intel on the ritual that Occult performed and to destroy the Dragon."
I was only successful in half of my assignment. Enjoy ownership of the Dragon. Don't worry I will not accept an assignment to destroy it again."
Huntsman picks up his gear.
"A Spy fighting beside Superheroes. A weird time for us, isn't it Agent?" It was true, America thought. These two were a dying breed. He hoped that wasn't the reason why he was so determined to track the Huntsman, even as he knew that it was. After dealing with the Commander, Avery and all those metahumans, here was someone with whom he could be honest. Relatively speaking, of course.
Huntsman previously said, "I was hired to get intel on the ritual that Occult performed and to destroy the Dragon. I was only successful in half of my assignment. Enjoy ownership of the Dragon. Don't worry I will not accept an assignment to destroy it again."
"That's good to know, but you're wrong about your success rate. You did destroy the Dragon, and your employer need never know that you outsourced the job. A contractor's fee of your choosing can be deposited in the account on the back of this card," America said as his left hand placed a business card on a rock ledge between them. It was a card for a night club in Islamabad that Agent America had never been to. The back was blank except for the microchip on the lower right corner that held the numbers of a Swiss bank account that was Agent America's retirement account. Given the unsuitable nature of his current assignment, it was only a matter of time before he and MEDUSA parted company.
"Finally," the Chinese peasant said, "I'd like to buy the intel on the ritual, and the name of your employer, assuming they're for sale. I expect, and will provide, complete discretion." He still appeared relaxed and would hold the Magnum, pointed down, for as long as Huntsman held the launcher.
The Huntsman picks up the card. He looks at the card and at Agent America's magnum. He smiles, this is his world. A tense negotiation between respected adversaries. Where wits are the order of the day and only the loser resorts to the use of firepower.
"For sale? no. but it is not uncommon to provide gear and intel to a subcontractor, isn't it? For a nominal fee, of course." Huntsman says. "I will deduct the amount from what I will deposit in your account."
Huntsman puts the card away and products a computer flash drive, also known as a thumb drive. He tosses it to the Agent in Chinese peasant disguise. "It has everything I was able to record before someone covered my electronic eye." The International Mercenary said with a wink.
"We work for no man ..." the rocket launcher carrying spy stops speaking and lets out a frustrated sigh. "The names that they chose today. The fool must think he is being very clever by making me say I work for no man."
"Our employer is the leader of Tarot Masters, Lord Noman"
"Pleasure doing business with you," Agent America said, not insincerely. "Give me a minute or two to open your exit path."
He backed out slowly.
Rose and Adamas were already stateside. Windblown is in the Temple doorway, he sees Agent America exiting the cave mouth. America suggested they search together down by the stream, before calling in the outfield. Guiding him out of the area, Agent America said to Windblown, "You did great back there. KO'ed Occult and tore open the Dragon barrier. I'm sorry I underestimated you."
Before leaving Juompur, America examined the thumb drive to make sure there weren't any surprises. He checked for tracers, recorders, explosives, the usual stuff. The thumb drive shows the symbols inscribed around the statue and the ritual performed by Occult. It is shot in a manner where someone could duplicate the ritual if desired.
Back at the Mansion he turned it over to Arcane and the metahumans. "An associate of mine managed to pull this off Huntsman's electronic eye. Also, my sources tell me Huntsman was working for Lord Noman, the leader of the Tarot Masters. His mission was to record the ritual and destroy the Dragon." Everything Agent America said was technically true. To keep it that way, he wouldn't divulge much more than that. Instead he directs the topic elsewhere.
Agent America informs Dr. Avery what MEDUSA had on the Tarot Masters. “MEDUSA had noticed the Tarot Masters but while they are fledging criminal organization, they are not classified as a threat but as a nuisance group. This is because they claim to use magic for their powers and tend to rob museums and art collectors. Their creator Mr. Noman claims to have a magical wand which can command weather.”
Avery nods, “It is more than a claim and they will become more than a nuisance someday.”
After the successful mission our heroes will have a time to check their personal lives.
DarkStar: After DarkStar returns to the mansion, he receives a summons to StarCorp. He says a quick good-bye to Dr. Avery, Donnah, and the team. WHOUMP. He arrives minutes before his press conference. He quickly reads the brief on the Holo-Pad and corrects his speak with Cybil. Cybil quickly updated the teleprompter with the edits. Joshua walks up and shakes General Samuel’s hand. “Wonderful day for America, the U.S.A. Military and StarCorp, eh General.” The General gives a slight nod and a big smile. Rose then turns to Senator Wicker from Mississippi to shake his hand. Together they walk up to the podium. The Transportation Mogul smiles at the press and says “Welcome to StarCorp. Please see the StarCorp PR team if you did not get your information package. Today I am proud to announce the next leap forward in progress. StarCorp has created a new super-alloy: Diatanium. It is harder than diamonds but is moldable like titanium.”
“StarCorp is also proud to announce with have entered into contractual relationship with the United States Military to provide Diatanium for the production of Aircraft and Naval Vessels. It is my sincere desire to see if used on the Space Shuttle so day. You all know my fondness for space.” Rose receives the laughter from the audience he was hoping for.
“StarCorp will be opening two manufacturing facilities, one in the Foundry and the other in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We are excited to bring economic growth to the areas and know the workforce there will make StarCorp great. Sorry I don’t have time to answer questions but if you would review the packages. If the answer to your question is not there and my esteemed colleagues can’t answer them, then leave it with my PR people. I will respond to them personally.”
With that he allows Senator Wicker to step to the podium to answer questions on both the regional importance of the facilities and how the Armed Services Committee is structuring the next budget to get Diatanium to our brave men and women in our great military.
Cmd Rose steps to the side and down the hallway. WHOUMP. He is in the R&D wing of StarCorp. “So tell me are my Diatanium special projects completed. The scientists all jump. As often as he does this, they still can’t get use to how he shows up. The lead scientist responds, “Yes, Mr. Rose they are ready. Come this way”. Together they walk into a special room. On the center table are a pair of glasses and a pair of arm bracers. Rose lets out a soft whistle, “Come to papa”. He picks up the bracers and places them on his arms. “Thanks, these look great”.
The lead scientist has worked with Rose long enough to know that he might as well leave. Rose is lost in his new toys. DarkStar activates the bracers. He sets his Holo-Pad on the table and turns it on. He mentally commands the transfer of Cybil and all protocol, security, database, and miscellaneous files from the Holo-Pad to the Bracers. The bracers glow and hum as they come to life. “How do you like your new home Cybil”
“Satisfactory, I am experiencing a 23% improvement in processing time”
Rose smiles and signals the Holo-Pad to reformat itself. The Cobalt Commander reaches down touching the Holo-Pad. Reaching out with his electricity he fries the circuitry and craters the hard drive. Rose picks up his goggles and puts them on.
WHOUMP.
He is in Trisha’s security office. She turns without flinching. She can always sense when he is about to appear. “New look you got there. Was Juompur a little too bright for you”
“Ha, Ha, very funny. Now please brief me on the Crusher break-in that I heard about on the news RSS feed. What kind of advance technology did they use to get past my security? You know I take stealing from me very personally”
Joshua Rose had to wait 5 minutes to be briefed. It took that long for Trisha to stop laughing. “Personally, yeah these Meta-morons woke this last week and decided they didn’t like blue people so they would steal all their stuff. Joshua they did steal from your home. They stole from one of the top 5 tech companies in Megalopolis and the world. They don’t care that you are the genius that created it. They care that all the leading tech firms and governments in the world use us to transport their stuff. We are the equivalent of the ancient sailing ships that carried the world’s wealth from one end to the other. So of course they are going to rob us. I would be insulted if they didn’t”. Trisha takes a minute to steady herself. She is able to prevent herself from laughing again.
“The best way to explain how the genius of Joshua Rose was circumvented by the tech pirates known as Crushers were able to overcome your security,” Trisha starts the surveillance video.
On screen appears one on the StarCorp transportation centers. At far end of the location an individual is walking up to the gates. Floor lights come on and the fence electrifies. The gate lock is a high tech encryption keypad with a full QWERTY keypad. The security pass phase is 48 characters long. Joshua looks on with interest. He is keenly interested in seeing how the person broke the pass phase.
The individual walks up to the keypad and smashes it with his fist. He reaches up grabbing the electrified fence. He yanks the fence from the posts in the ground throwing it over his head.
“Meet Bull Buckford, formerly of the Infidels and now with the Crushers. He has had a 10 year criminal career.” Trisha looks sideways toward Joshua. “if you enjoyed your little party with Behemoth, then Bull will be fun too”.
Bull walks toward the main building where the cargo and delivery trucks are stored. “Well, Trisha I would like to see how this brainiac gets away with enough to make the news. All our trucks are built with electronic computer locks and computer sensors to prevent hot wiring.
Trisha gives him that smile that he hates so much. The one that says it isn’t always about having a genius I.Q.
And she busts out laughing all over again.
Adamas is flying through space. He is taking care to use his power blast to destroy the mico-meteorites as they appear in front of him. It is slow traveling but he is completing the mission and the Dragon will never be a threat again. That is enough for him.
DarkStar WHOUMP. Joshua makes a quick stop at Diamantes during his business day, to visit with Mr. Fitzson and thank him for the service Adrian received the night before. He was hoping he could ask a small favor for this evening. Rose thinks it might be a more pleasant dining experience for all of Diamantes guest if there were a way for him and his party to arrive without stirring up a hornets’ nest of paparazzi. Say a side room where they can make a more discreet entrance? Mr. Fitzon smiles and nods his head. Mr Rose is surprised how much he likes the little man. "Do not worry, Mr. Rose, we do not have paparazzi at the entrances. I have arranged special cameras for all entrances. All pictures are provided immediately to Power Witness Weekly and Truth Seeker Weekly News at a service rate. There is no money for the paparazzi to make at Diamantes. WHOUMP.
Agent America In the privacy of his room in the mansion, he checks his accounts. He confirms the Huntsman did deposit his fee in his account. It is $2 million dollars. The Man from Medusa focuses his mind and memorizes his briefing from the mission.
DarkStar WHOUMP. The Earthhopper arrives at the new offices of Meta-Manpower. He meets with his Chief Executive Officer. The Teamsters union has filed for an injunction to prevent Meta-Manpower from hiring using its discriminating practices. Currently they cannot hire anyone except their own support staff. WHOUMP. Joshua is back at the mansion. He asks Dr. Avery if he can arrange a meeting with DSA and CHESS for support for his new company. He tells Dr. Avery, “My "vision" of Meta-Manpower is based on those temp services people go to when they're having problems finding stable employment. The company will test the metas skills and then set up employment with the real employer, taking a portion of the standard pay as a finder/headhunter type fee. After a designated period of time that employee is eligible to be hired by that employer full-time - thus no longer on Meta-Manpower’s books. My intent is a mix of this and Monster.com. I don't want to employ all these metas myself, rather encourage society to employ financially disadvantaged metas, thus making them less likely to commit crimes for profit.
Dr. Avery arranges the meeting with Director Gaunt. WHOUMP. He appreciates Mr. Rose’s desire to give Metas a third avenue to use their powers, especially to benefit themselves, society, and you. Unfortunately with this position being cabinet level, he cannot speak on political issues outside his legal charter without the current administrations blessing. He has been instructed that on the subject of Labor Unions and Workforce matters involving Metas, he is not allowed to comment. He understands the logic and reasoning behind what Mr. Rose wants to do, but this is not about logic and reason. If he wants to understand what the Unions, Civil Liberty groups, and ‘The common man’ Politicians fear, watch the movie: Gattaca. It is a 20th century movie that while dated, really sums up the fear of the world that Meta-Manpower would bring.
WHOUMP. Rose is frustrated with Director Gaunt’s attitude. Given Megalopolis’ long history of meta and the positive benefits they can have on society.
Dr. Avery attempted to arrange a meeting with Deputy Director Huffington. She refused but sent a message to Mr. Rose. “If jobs and money cured crime then why does NFL stand for National Felons League?” The reserve commander’s thoughts on her response are not suitable for print.
Joshua decides he will obtain legal aid from the ACLU. The ACLU turned down the request because they are supporting the Teamsters and AFL-CIO in the case. Their written response ended with “Super Strength will not become a job qualification”.
Fortunately, C.A.P.E.R. and G.A.L.A.N.T. have both stepped forward to help Mr. Rose in his crusade to better Metas lives. They both recommended Mr. Rose hire Jimmy Cocker. While he is a defense attorney specializing in Meta-power criminal cases, he is the best there is at Meta-Human law. Joshua has Trishaa check them out and if everything is okay hire Mr. Cocker.
Senator Wicker contacts Joshua. He lets him know that there is a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce willing to meet with him for a possible resolution on the Meta-Manpower situation. WHOUMP.
Congressman Kildee of Michigan is very receptive of working a solution. Limiting Meta-Manpower to only service positions (Security, Bodyguards, Entertainment, Sports, and Delivery Services) would appease the AFL-CIO. It wouldn’t work for the Teamsters. Congressman recommends the best solution is to hire a Union rep on staff of Meta-Manpower. He would be responsible for creating Meta-Manpowers employment strategy for placing metas in Union represented fields. He would guarantee the metas are integrated smoothly and seamlessly into their jobs and respective unions. He recommends meeting with Leonard Fritz. He used to be an insurance claims agent but has joined the AFL-CIO as a union organizer. He would be an excellent choice to lead the Meta-Manpower Union Division. Reluctantly Joshua agrees to hire Mr. Fritz. WHOUMP
Adamas has finished his delivery to the sun. He will be back at the mansion in 8 minutes.
DarkStar decides that he may need to look at his own image. He has had PR personnel for StarCorp from the beginning. He calls Mega-Star Marketing. He tells who he is and he was there best. Nigel Bird is their best PR agent. He was the butler to Dr. Arcane before Dr. Arcane’s 1st retirement. Instead of finding a new hero to support he decided to support them all in the field of Marketing. He still has the appearance of a gentleman’s gentleman but don’t let that mislead you. He is a shark swimming among minnows in the field of Public Relations. Nigel agrees to a meeting. DarkStar, Donnah, and Trisha meet him at his personal booth in Diamantes.
Joshua and Trisha arrive both dressed in fashionable yet comfortable designer clothing. Joshua's jacket is a dark "Varvatos" double breasted lambskin coat reminiscent of his naval uniform and Trisha looks stunning in a crimson v-neck wrap dress by "Mischka". Donna's "Stitch" original may appear more conservative but no one's paying attention to Rose as the party makes its way to Mr. Bird's booth.
Dave is your waiter. He already has Mr. Bird’s favorite drinking for him. He asks for your drinks and takes their order to the bar tender, T-Rex.
Nigel formally greets DarkStar and Trisha and warmly greets Donnah. He looks across the table, “While I know most business meetings start with small talk and gets serious over the meal.” He nods to Donnah and Trisha. “With both of my lovely guests, permission I would like to discuss the particulars of the Meta-Manpower’s PR issue with Mr. Rose first. He is not the first teleporter I have had the pleasure to represent. By virtue of their power they tend to be impatient and trouble focusing beyond the presence. As Dreamweaver loves to say ‘Teleporters come fast and leave faster’.
Commander Rose winces "Ouch!"
Trisha almost spews her drink from laughter and Donnah blushes deeply while doing her best to suppress a giggle. Nigel gives a quick wink to the transportation mogul across the table. With a mischievous smile of his own, Joshua replies "Well Mr. Bird, feel free to pass along to the lovely lady of dreams, that's only half true" Trisha's eyes roll half out of her head, “men.” She thinks.
“Mr. Rose, you have two issues with Meta-Manpower. The easier of the two is the ALCU. They will be easy to overcome by saying you will consider all applicants equally without DNA testing. Commander Rose says “I suppose that shouldn't be a problem. We'll have to consult with the medical technicians. Some of the testing and training process might require certain exceptions, as well as possible emergency medical issues. I have to say this was one of the last issues I thought would be a concern. I honestly thought they might actually have a problem that we're focusing on Charlie level metas, thus somehow depriving Alpha and Betas equal employment opportunities. I was almost a Charlie myself until my "accident".
Nigel nods and states, “The second problem is harder. Meta-Manpower is not creating jobs; it is competing for existing jobs. To use a sports analogy, if I may; you are creating a basketball league and you were hiring tall people to play. That is fine, because the short people weren’t interested in playing anyway. They were never good at it and wouldn’t expect to be considered. Now let change it. Let’s say you come out with a job placement company for tall people only. Short people will be worried. How is being tall a competitive advantage? If you price your services to be cheaper than a short person and a ladder, how many jobs were just lost? You represent a the powerful StarCorp and are a genius level intelligence, what will you invent and finance that will give Tall-Manpower more advantages to jobs. The short people imaginations come into play about what jobs will be left. All they can think of is shoe shiner and pooper scooper.
Joshua exclaims “Exactly! That's exactly the perception we need to change. Economically Meta-Manpower is going to be a tiny blip on the economies radar screen. I mean what percentage of the population do metas make up anyway? Infinitesimal I tell you. At the most Meta-Manpower is going to be filing niche positions in the economy. We're not competing with the everyday man's job opportunities; we're merely bringing a new solution to old problems. No jobs are being lost here, merely opportunities created for individuals who might never have had a chance.”
“Look at StarCorp, Joshua, you created jobs. You didn’t hire every teleporter and go to FEDEX and UPS offering teleporters to replace pilots and planes. This is what everyone fears”
The Cobalt Commander states in agreement, “Mr. Bird you sound exactly like the man we need.”
“Ah Dave, has arrived with our meal.” With a wink, Nigel looks to the ladies, “So Trisha, do you want to know what American Woman is really like?”
Windblown hangs up his phone. He can’t tell if he is disappointed he lost his job. He decides he is not. He wants to continue in his field but just not with an agency. He gathers his belongings and decides he will take up Dr. Avery’s invitation to stay in the mansion. It will make it easier to respond to the Quest and give him the freedom to change his life.
At the mansion, he starts working with Pietor to improve his control over the wind. While Pietor guides him in the basics in handling magic, Dr. Avery works with him to use the force of his will to command his magic. “It is not your strength that decides what you can do with the Air; it is your will to bend it; to change the rules. You want to fly tell the wind to carry you. Tell the air that is it Windblown who decides what is done; not the law of physics. To fly you have to want to”
Windblown is skeptical but he remembers the fight in the Temple. That is went his powers worked best. He wanted to wind to do it and it did. By the end of the day, the Master of the Wind is tired and sweating but he flew. He focused the air on propelling him through the air and it did. As he sat by the pool exhausted, he pickup the newspaper. There was an article on Meta-Manpower. Kyle knows a few low-power metas that would appreciate a chance to get an honest job. “This would be a wonderful place for a social worker to make a difference”. He decides he will send in a resume tomorrow. As he lays the newspaper down, Adamas returns from his trip. They exchange hellos and both head to their own rooms.
DarkStar and Nigel Bird have an appointment with Wanda Stitch, Seamstress of the Supers. Nigel agreed with Joshua that he needed to change it appearance. While he displayed the powers of a super-hero, his attire state contempt for them. Nigel stated it plainly, “You look like a Mercenary out to make a quick buck and the world is treating you that way”. Nigel has sent the information Wanda needed ahead of the meeting. She had a sample collection for his review. After seeing them, Cmd. Rose stated “While I feel we're on the right path I have to admit the colors you've chosen are just a bit bombastic for me to feel comfortable with them at this time. Maybe I haven't accepted my new role as much as I thought I had. I agree with you and Mr. Bird I need to lay aside the civilian clothes of my past and go for a more classical meta-hero wardrobe, but green and red are a bit outside my comfort-zone. I like the new corporate logo and many other elements of your design but was hoping you might see your may to incorporate another aspect of my background. I am still a member of the U.S. Navy, even if only as a Reservist. The navy uses a lot of (navy) blue and (gold) yellow in our uniforms. Do you think we could see a navy blue top with a dark yellow collar and gold logo, and dark yellow pants with a dark red stripe? As far as boots go, honestly I'm not sure. I'd say black but I'm betting you or Mr. Bird would probably go with navy blue or dark yellow. Either would be fine.”
Ms Stitch shakes her head and thinks, “Evergreen and cherry red are Christmas colors but men whenever they see green and red think Christmas. There has to be something Freudian about that.” Wanda smiles saying, “That is fine Mr. Rose. We can easily make the design changes you have requested. Give me a few minutes and I will have an electronic graphic of it. With your approval we will make the prototype for you to wear.
Dr. Avery assembles the team in the mansion. Dr. Arcane is floating above Avery. The four heroes stand and wait for Dr. Arcane to speak. Instead his image starts to melt away and is replace by Dr. Avery. There are two images of Dr. Avery. Then the floating image melts away as well. Dr. Avery says, “I am Dr. Arcane. Since my injury that has placed me in this wheel chair I have used spells of illusion to give the appearance that Dr. Arcane is still has he has always been. This was to protect me and my family. In the past I had an enemy discover my secret. My daughter and her husband paid the price for that knowledge.”
“Please forgive the deception, but I needed to get to know you first before telling you. Like Gandalf, I like to take those that are powerful in the world to form my fellowships. Having a group of only magic users can limit the creativity in solution finding. That is ironic because magic is about unlimited possibilities but it is still true.”
“The Domain has made it next move. It has stolen 3 Orbs from the Megalopolis Museum. We need to track down these thieves and prevent their theft of the 4th Orb. Unfortunately I do not know where the Orb is and cannot track in magically. It only gives off a magical signature when in use. The Orbs do not open an entrance to the Domain. It brings a monster from the Domain. The Orbs bring the Star-Devourer.
<Due Date is March 3rd, Actions or Replies>
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Email Submission for this turn
Windblown Reply
<OOC>: Indeed, lots of fun. Thanks!
<IC>: Windblown summons a slight wind to blow the dust and debris from his person, his hair and clothing rippling slightly in the breeze. "That, my brothers, was a job well done, if I do say so myself. So what now? Is this the part where someone says, 'You know, we make a good team.'?"
[More IC to follow after others have a chance to speak]
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DarkStar Reply
You mentioned this as sort of a "down" Turn, but I want to make sure I'm straighton some stuff first. I'd also like to open the conversation to our after action plans OOC, before going IC. I have prioritized them to what I Commander Rose's primary concerns are going to be. Alot depends on the amount of "down" time we're looking at. Hoping for some team and GM feedback
Alpha Priority (Team Oriented)
1) Care and handling of Occultist, Samhain, and Rob Zombie. Team thoughts and or Arcane advice? Domestic or International Arrest Warrants?
2) DarkStar was trying to keep track of the Electronic Eye at end of the fight. What is it's status? "Cybil, let's backtrack the signal source to it's owner if possible" AA thoughts?
3) Rose will recuperate and return Adrian and the helo to StarCorp HQ. Try make reservations for Adrian and girlfriend at Diamantes on company dime.
Bravo Priority (Comany Oriented)
- most of this currently is cross connected to the Crusader campaign. Your an evil evil evil man
1) Meta-Manpower has legal issues already? I guess we'll need to line up some assistance from the ACLU. and get some labor attorney's. At the same time we need to hire some professional testimony from experts showing the social impact of employing disadvantaged low-powered metas. While we're at it maybe Dr. Avery could get me a meeting with William Gaunt and/or Alexandra Hufington. The advantages to having these kind of metas employed instead of out robbing banks should be fairly obvious and reduce their workload tremendously.
Combining this kind of legal and professional testimony with the current Crisis at the Crusader Citadel and I think we should be able to squash this thing legally and pubiclly fairly quickly.
2) You know I can't let the robbery at StarCorp slide, right? Of course you do that' why you wrote it in . There's a couple different ways to go here. If there was no potential Meta involvement I'd probably have Trishaa handle the entire affair. Seeing as the Crusher/Infidels are intimated, I feel Commander Rose would feel a need to have a string hand in the situation - stll guided by Trisha, she is the expert. This would also be a potential point to discuss with Alexandra Huffington.
Tom gimme some feedback on these ideals willya? DarkStar was ready to "nuke" an island and potentially hijack a weaponized military satellite if necessary to close the Dragon Portal down. Guess what steps he's willing to take now that it's personal. Dude you really know how to take a side story and run with it.
3) If there's time (and for a planetary teleporter time is rarily an issue) I was going to write a short side story. Since Rose was on Navy's football team I was going to have StarCorp as the Corporate Sponsor for the Megalopolis Intra-City High School Football Championship. Not only would StarCorp televize the event, but also donate 100 computers to each school. Anyone want to be at the Coin Toss with the quest of honor?
Charlie Priority (Personal)
- If he has time I have a few things to do (Cybil's upgrade, updating his science skills on the character sheet) but it's important to get these other things straight first.
Hope yo guys havesome ideals to add to the above. I really enjoyed the character interaction and hope to keep it up in the non-combat portions of the RP
PS: If someone doesn't stop us quick I think Tom and I are going to continue to call us Arcane Knights
John R
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Tom - Hope your feeling a little better
I've played with some pretty good GM's some even as good as myself But you have to be about the best GM I've had the pleasure to be associated with when it comes to developing a players "character". I'm betting I've thrown more sideline character development stuff your direction than probably the next three players combined, and you taken almost all of it in stride and found ways to incorporate into not only my characters campaign but the greater Megalopolis as well. I'm impressed Once again your making me make character decisions that are truly life altering - and that is great fun for me. It forces me to go even deeper into the psyche of a character that I've had a great deal of fun making three dimesional. I have aspirations of making DarkStar an Iconic Character in the Megalopolis Universe. With a background and supporting cast similiar to that of someone like Bruce Wayne or Charles Xavier. No ego here I guess? I mean it's only my first PBeM right?
Company or Quest? You know what, at first I thought no problem. Commander Rose is a very heroic extension of my much lesser self. Loyalty and dedication are very important to me. So easy peasy, Quest it is. Or is it? He has a strong connection to the people in his company. He's dedicated to the Meta-Manpower concept. I have no clue why I like this ideal so much. I think it just makes so much sense, that I'm surprised some wealthy hero/organization hasn't come up with it before. Take away the reason these guys are committing crimes and you can spend less time taking down low powered thugs and focus more on high powered real world threats. Without StarCorp providing a stable financial start up, I don't see Meta-Manpower survivng all the potential problems a socially altering company like this would be confronted with.
Company or Quest? My favorite comics have always been group comics. The character inter-action with heroes really cements his place in the pantheon of heroes. I mean how would we know Captain America is such a great leader if it weren't for powerhouses like Ironman and Thor willingly following his lead all these years? I actually wish there were another hero or two in the Quest. AA has potential to really be a good team leader and I'm excited to see Windblown and Adamas background develop some depth also. In some ways I feel DarkStar is out of place in the Quest due to his hi-tech nature. It's kind of like a Dr. Strange/Ironman team-up. It always seemed Stark felt out of place in those comics. It just occured to me Batman has been pretty good in those circumstances, maybe I can take a page from his book
We've (and I do feel it's been a very cooperative effort) created a guy with deep convictions and he "feels" more experienced than a Level 2 to me. I think part of that is all the side stories I keep coming up with The whole being "On Call" is almost intoxicating. You mentioned that the PCs couldn't chase after all the events happening in Megalopolis. Which is true, but DarkStar probably could come as close to it as anyone. Potentially "whoumping" into Quest one minute and Street Patrol or Crusade the next If he had the background of a 10 year (meta) vet then it would be a blast and make real sense. He has a very patriarch-philanthropic personality. That and he thinks he's smarter than almost anyone else out there (which actually not even close to true after I broke down all the potential badguy "geniuses" you could throw at him)
Too harsh a choice for DarkStar? I don't think harsh is the right word. Tough and definitely interesting, worth exploring - just kind of stuff I like in a role play. Thanks
I appreciate you "listening" to my ramblings. I think I like "thinking" out loud like this. I need someone to bounce these thoughts off of and who better than the guy in charge of the universe
John R
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<Commander Rose: IC> Laughing heartily as the rush of adrenaline fades away, Joshua smiles warmly at his new battle companion "I think someone just did hero" Non-chalantly looking around for the electronic eye monitoring the teams battle action, Rose pulls out a roll of duck tape from his jungle pack and walks over to the Occultist. "Like every other Op there's still the aftermath to deal" Wrapping the duck tape tightly around the witch's eyes, mouth, hands, arms and ankles, the Cobalt Commander verbally activates the Holo-Pad's Bloodhound program. "Cybil I need to know if there are any international or domestic arrest warrants on Occultist, Samhain or Rob Zombie. Use holo-footage from the battle to cross reference for visual identification." Hey Doc? If your not too busy dealing with the Dragon we could use a bit of advice. We're not exactly all that familiar what to do with prisoners in a case like this. Dumping the Occultist in center of the floor, the Commander goes to check on Samhain. "I could use a beer, how about you guys?"
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GM Reply
Alpha Priority (Team Oriented)
Care and handling of Occultist, Samhain, and Rob Zombie. Team thoughts and or Arcane advice? Domestic or International Arrest Warrants? Cybil replies that CHESS has outstanding International Arrest Warrant for Samhain. Contact CHESS BISHOP codename: Prince.
No International Arrest Warrant for Occult. The New York City police and Megalopolis have her listed as ‘person of interest’ for stolen museum pieces. If we don’t have the stolen museum pieces then they will not authorize restricted transportation. She will have to come in on her own, willingly.
Cybil asks for more detail on Rob Zombie, please scan him again. Cybil can’t find him in the Temple
DarkStar was trying to keep track of the Electronic Eye at end of the fight. What is it's status? "Cybil, let's backtrack the signal source to it's owner if possible" AA thoughts?
Cybil replies the Electronic Eye disappears when the Dragon was removed from the Temple. Cybil was unable to trace back to the signal source to find its owner. The protection coding was very difficult and was diverted to SatCom project before able to crack the code. Also, DarkStar please note, Cybil was unable to connect to SatCom without detection.
The three spies left their location and no one is currently watching the copter. Pilot and helicopter are fine.
The trace on the spy’s telephone leads to a cell phone. The phone is owned by Jake Bua of New York City. The signal did not originate from New York but from the Capital City of Juompur. It caller is located in the Capital Building in the Ministry of Transportation.
Rose will recuperate and return Adrian and the helo to StarCorp HQ. Try make reservations for Adrian and girlfriend at Diamantes on company dime.
The reservations for Adrian and his girlfriend at Diamantes is handled by Diamantes owner, Ernest Fitzson , personally. Rose is very pleased with the service and attention his guests received.
I will write up Bravo responses tonight.
Tom
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Adamas first goal will be to ensure the Statue is safely back at the mansion, preferably personally escorting it. He is not to concerned with things like ensuring the villains serve justice, his main goal is to protect this world and the people in it. Once the enemies are defeated, they are of no additional concern. He will be willing to assist in rounding them up if his teammates ask him.
As to the Statue, he'd prefer it were destroyed, so that it can't be used at a later date, but will defer to the team and the Dr. He's willing to fling it into the sun or hide it on the dark side of the moon if they wish.
His second priority will be to move on to the next object of power. There is no time to waste on scheduling dinner dates and ensuring underlings are happy... The fate of the world is at stake, and he is willing to move ahead alone if necessary.
If for some reason there is forced down time, he will attempt to learn more about the objects of power from the Dr. or Pietor. If there is a possiblity of training, he will focus on his Agility. While his Hyper Speed makes up for a lot, his inability to escape Rob Zomie's grasp was frustrating, and possibly he could have avoided the building crashing down on him if his reactions had been quicker.
Adamas powers may be similar to the Titan of Steel, but personality wise, he'd be closer to the Dark Night... very serious... Why so serious???
OOC: I'm having a blast. If I had to do it again, I would probably change the character to be more mystically grounded, hadn't really thought about it unil John brought it up. Way to go team!
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OOC: Hey Jon, I think Commander Rose already delivered the statue to Doc during "the Tide Turns". Could be wrong but I think so. Rose isn't so much worried about justice per se, rather making sure they aren't a further nuisance. I think we really need Doc's input on the woman. The other 2 undead psycho killers just need locked up. Hey even the Dark Knight needs a little down time
<Commander Rose: IC> While keeping an eye on Samhain, Joshua turns to the alien powerhouse. "Adamas, if we leave that psycho in the ocean he's bound to show up somewhere and start killing innocents. Any chance you can bring him back here? Just blast his sorry butt into unconsciousness from the air if you have to. Maybe we can contain them in the well outside if it's suitable? We should be able to get the authorities to take it from there."
Hey Doc, once we get these psychos to CHESS is there anything you can do to neutralize Occultist as a threat to the Quest?
"Cybil you've done great, but the jobs not finished yet. Contact Bishop Prince at CHESS and tell him friend's of Dr. Arcane have captured Samhain. Connect as a Bravo priority com-link.
"Agent, I'm truly sorry, I didn't have a chance to backtrack your spy's location. Cybil did pick up a trace on the spy’s telephone. It leads to a cell phone owned by Jake Bua. The signal originated from the Ministry of Transport in Juompur's capital building.
OOC: Tom at the point Samhain and Rob Zombie are properly secured Rose will try and follow any directions has for handling Occultist. If he has none then someone less vindictive needs to come up with a plan for her, because I just might have DarkStar strip her down and take her to the nearest slaver we can find and wish her luck - all bad. After the the villains are secured he will move onto Bravo Priority actions. First of which will be contacting Kevin and see how bad situation he and Cybil created when trying to see what mil-sats were potentially in a favorable orbit.
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GM Reply
Dr. Arcane will listen to Adamas suggestion. He states he will need to consult the signs. He will inform them of what he learns. The next day Dr. Avery will tell the team that he has has a message. The Sun is a worthy stronghold for the Dragon.
Unless anyone on the team objects, Adamas can take the Dragon and deposit it in the Sun.
[GM note] Even with hyperflight it will take Adamas 2 days to take the Dragon and return to the Mansion.
Thanks
Tom
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GM Reply
A pair of Cyclops-like goggles provide a private HUD and protection from a blinding flash attack. Adamantium Bracers are now Cybil's mobile hardware component. I was thinking he might be able to "charge" a pair of adamantium flying disk to serve in a function similar to the electronic eye at the temple
DarkStar can spend an invention point and all of the Holopad can be converted to the goggles and bracers with the protection from blinding flash attack. [I am unable to attach two different goggles that Cyclops has used. Can you send me artwork with the goggle and let me know what color you want them to be.]
The material can be titanium/diamond composite super-alloy providing SR of 15. All Adamantium is controlled by different World Governments. StarCorp commodities buyers inquiries have come up with the following results in their search for Adamantium.
NATO countries will not sell at any price.
Former Soviet Countries will sell at extreme price (GM note: Wealth would be reduced from 17 to 15) and a complete strategic database on all members of Super Forces, MEDUSA, Crusaders, and U.S. Navy Strategic Operations Fleets.
China will sell at at extreme price (Wealth reduction to 15), rights to StarCorp electronics patents, and U.S. Military Satellite technology.
Malaia will sell at exorbitant price (Wealth reduction to 16), access to StarCorp services upon request with not questions asked/not events recorded for 5 times, and Trisha to spend a month as a guest in the Presidential Palace
Thanks
Tom
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LMAO Tom
Holy Christ and a cow on a stick! 2 pts of wealth? Wow! One does wonder how Henry Pym was able to afford the materials for . . . hmm . . . if I remember, at least three full human-sized robots. Probably punch drunk at 3 in the morning but I'm still chuckling - 2 wealth points indeed. No ... no I think our blue penny pinching philanthropist wil save that kind of investment (along with a luck point or two) on trying to get through the Meta-Manpower situation. I'm pretty sure a lesser alloy will do just fine. Thanks for the opportunity to go "broke" though LMAO (okay that's an extremely relative term but if DS is at Stark level wealth, then building Cap an Adamantium shield must have almost put him in the poor house! - yep must be sleep-deprived I'm still getting a kick out of that message Guess stealing some from Malaia would be rude? Maybe a little? Hey they started it - Trisha at the Presidential Place indeed - do you know what she would do to Rose - I shudder to think of the possibilities
Okay I get the picture - no willy nilly use of adamantium (there goes the hammer ideal - lol) Here's just some rambling thoughts. If this kind of material already existed then he could just buy it. I assume the "Invention Point" is being spent for the material being created, and not so much the form it takes? This would make one of the material's more important qualities it's ability to provide protection from Flash Attacks or their equivilants. Sounds like your suggesting a titanium-diamond weave spun similarly in composition to a high-tech plastic/fiberglass manufacturing process? I like that.
Could? Commander Rose then interest the government and NASA in purchasing this material from StarCorp, for say things like the Space Shuttle and or Military Aircraft? Like his electronics and software inventions, he would fiercly protect his Intellectual Property, (we need to discuss that btw - with the theft and all) but having it designated (crap must be tired - there's a word/phrase used for the manufacture of military materials - like an Abrams tank armor. Made not to far from here in Ohio btw) state secret? Anyway maybe this could improve his Wealth, get govt assistance pushing Meta-Manpower through or maybe benefit his company in some other way I'm too tired to see. Just spit-balling here.
When you say artwork for the goggles, do you mean something I draw or a picture off the net somewhere? When I said Cyclops like - all I really meant was something "slick" looking like those uber-expensive sunglasses you see at Oakley stores. I'll attach a photo. Let me know if you need more input. I want his new "hero" look reflect his continual psychologically acceptance of his new role in society. I picture him hiring a well-established designer (hey someone must be specializing in this kind of thing right?) that understands his clients need to balance the Hero and Corporate image. Like anything else he's doing right now, he'll try to use this and anything else to sway public and govt. opinion to his side of the Meta-Manpower issue.
Crap - its 4 am. Guess I'll try to get some more sleep. Hope this made sense.
John R
PS: You know how I think NPC are a defining trait of a successful superhero? I've created a super character, I'd like to introduce to the campaign at sometime. I think I could make him fit anywhere from Street Patrol on up to Quest level. I want to have him in "reserve" in case something happens to Archer or DarkStar. I've used his involvement in DarkStar's life as the driving force for why Meta-Manpower is so important. Cmd. Rose is to be his legal "guardian" as a foster parent. (not a sidekick) Let me know when we have time to introduce him and we can hash him out. AT YOUR LEISURE
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GM Reply
Holy Christ and a cow on a stick! 2 pts of wealth? Wow! One does wonder how Henry Pym was able to afford the materials for . . . hmm . . . if I remember, at least three full human-sized robots. Hmm, the Marvel history my memory recognizes at truth is Pym use steel and Ultron created his own adamantium versions. I am sure you remember correctly and I never read it or rolled my eyes and promptly forgot it. I have blocked out Marvel’s ‘adamantium era’. When the editors thought Wolverine was popular because of it and was giving every villain adamantium as well.
Probably punch drunk at 3 in the morning but I'm still chuckling - 2 wealth points indeed. No ... no I think our blue penny pinching philanthropist wil save that kind of investment (along with a luck point or two) on trying to get through the Meta-Manpower situation. I'm pretty sure a lesser alloy will do just fine. Thanks for the opportunity to go "broke" though LMAO (okay that's an extremely relative term but if DS is at Stark level wealth, then building Cap an Adamantium shield must have almost put him in the poor house! I believe Stark has the super power of instant wealth. When he spends a grand, two grand appears in his Swiss account the next morning. How else can you explain a man who was so drunk he ran his business into the ground, lost it in hostile takeover, created a new company in the dot.com era that didn’t sell anything but still didn’t bust which he use to buy back his original company, then lost ownership to SHIELD in a hostile takeover because Jarvis had to sell his two shares to save his ailing mother but Stark was too self absorbed to notice Jarvis’ plight, has all his tech stolen by Spymaster and The Ghost, becomes director of SHIELD and leads a Superhero Civil War during the worst recession since 1970s (some claiming it surpasses that one), provides superhero weaponry for free, and the number of paternity suits he has successfully kept secret with quick payola. This man should be as broke as any NBA player out there 3 times over. No, Tony Stark’s real super power is the Midas Touch: When he spends a dollar, it is replaced by factor X. The more frivolous the expenditure the higher the factor is. I am sure he made 5 Billion alone from creating that ridiculous Spider-Armor.
Okay I get the picture - no willy nilly use of adamantium (there goes the hammer ideal - lol) Here's just some rambling thoughts. If this kind of material already existed then he could just buy it. I assume the "Invention Point" is being spent for the material being created, and not so much the form it takes? This would make one of the material's more important qualities it's ability to provide protection from Flash Attacks or their equivilants. Correct, the invention point is for the super-alloy and the blinding flash defense. You can buy titanium (SR 13) instead and forego the blinding flash defense and save the invention point. Sounds like your suggesting a titanium-diamond weave spun similarly in composition to a high-tech plastic/fiberglass manufacturing process? I like that. Good that is exactly what I meant.
Could? Commander Rose then interest the government and NASA in purchasing this material from StarCorp, for say things like the Space Shuttle and or Military Aircraft? Like his electronics and software inventions, he would fiercly protect his Intellectual Property, (we need to discuss that btw - with the theft and all) but having it designated (crap must be tired - there's a word/phrase used for the manufacture of military materials - like an Abrams tank armor. Made not to far from here in Ohio btw) state secret? Unfortunately the Dept of Defense would not settle for just designating the manufacturing process a State Secret (Top Secret of course). While it would give them complete say in StarCorps use of it because of ITAR and Export licensing, it would not provide cost protection for them. They are very leery of allowing another situation of ‘war profiteering’ occurring again like they did with Blackwater and the other service companies supporting the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. They would allow you to provide the material as a sole source contractor for 15 years at 15% profit with a clause for expensing prior IR&D investments to create the super-alloy up to 1/3 of the total IR&D expenditure from the last 5 years. Since the contracts will be Firm Fixed Price award there will be a unique Post Award Audit clause inserted. This is not the Defective Pricing clause for validation of proper compliance with TINA (Truth in Negotiations Act). This will be a War Profiteering review clause to determine the final profit rate of the individual contract. If any single contract experiences greater than 30% profit, then the U.S. Gov’t has the right to Dual Source the purchase of this material to another authorized defense contractor. [Do you want to add a ‘Justin Hammer’ to DarkStar’s world?] All contracts will continue for 2 years and end. The clause further states that the termination on the contracts with greater than two years will by Default of StarCorp without recourse. The calculation of profit will be done per CAS and FAR rules with the exception of IR&D expense which will be calculated based on Defense Industry average under CAS and FAR, not StarCorp actual expenditures. The DoD will not fund StarCorps next breakthrough without complete joint ownership to it.
The ITAR restrictions would be that no aircraft or other type of transport vehicle made with this material can be sold. The vehicles themselves would only be allowed to travel in NATO countries and Satellites. The vehicles could only land on NATO bases. In NATO countries, US Military Special Forces and Super Forces will provide a secure perimeter around the vehicle 24/7 for its stay in the NATO countries. No dignitaries would be allowed to inspect, touch, taste, feel, or contact the material.
Anyway maybe this could improve his Wealth; it will increase from 17 to 24, get govt assistance pushing Meta-Manpower through or maybe benefit his company in some other way I'm too tired to see. If StarCorp agrees to open two manufacturing facilities, one in the Foundry and the other in Olive Branch, Mississippi then Senator Wicker promises to sponsor your contracts through the Armed Services Committees and into the President’s Budget. Senator Wicker has reached out to the Committee on Education and the Workforce to see what quick resolution is possible for Meta-Manpower. Congressman Kildee of Michigan is very receptive of working a solution. Limiting Meta-Manpower to only service positions (Security, Bodyguards, Entertainment, Sports, and Delivery Services) would appease the AFL-CIO. It wouldn’t work for the Teamsters. Congressman recommends the best solution is to Unionize Meta-Manpower under the AFL-CIO. He recommends meeting with Leonard Fritz. He used to be an insurance claims agent but has joined the AFL-CIO as a union organizer. He would be an excellent choice to lead the Meta-Manpower labor union chapter.
Dr. Avery did get you a meeting with Director Gaunt [you can write up a role play dialogue and I will supplement. Here are the basics of what Director Gaunt will say]. He appreciates your desire to give Metas a third avenue to use their powers, especially to benefit themselves, society, and you. Unfortunately with this position being cabinet level, he cannot speak on political issues outside his legal charter without the current administrations blessing. He has been instructed that on the subject of Labor Unions and Workforce matters involving Metas, he is not allowed to comment. He understands the logic and reasoning behind what Mr. Rose wants to do, but this is not about logic and reason. If he wants to understand what the Unions, Civil Liberty groups, and ‘The common man’ Politicians fear, watch Gattaca. It is a 20th century movie that while dated, really sums up the fear of the world that Meta-Manpower would bring.
Dr. Avery attempts to arrange a meeting with Deputy Director Huffington. She refuses but sent a message to Mr. Rose. “If jobs and money cured crime then why does NFL stand for National Felons League?”
The ACLU turned down the request because they are supporting the Teamsters and AFL-CIO in the case. Their written response ended with “Super Strength will not become a job qualification”. C.A.P.E.R. and G.A.L.A.N.T. have both stepped forward to help Mr. Rose in his crusade to better Metas lives. They both recommended Mr. Rose hire Jimmy Cocker. While he is a defense attorney specializing in Meta-power criminal cases, he is the best there is at Meta-Human law.
Just spit-balling here. I love spit-balling too
When you say artwork for the goggles, do you mean something I draw or a picture off the net somewhere? What you sent was exactly what I wanted. When I said Cyclops like - all I really meant was something "slick" looking like those uber-expensive sunglasses you see at Oakley stores. I'll attach a photo. Perfect. Let me know if you need more input. I want his new "hero" look reflect his continual psychologically acceptance of his new role in society. I picture him hiring a well-established designer (hey someone must be specializing in this kind of thing right?) that understands his clients need to balance the Hero and Corporate image. Yes, that would be Wanda Stitch. When do you want to make an appointment? Like anything else he's doing right now, he'll try to use this and anything else to sway public and govt. opinion to his side of the Meta-Manpower issue. Then you want to contact Nigel Bird of Mega-Star Marketing. He is their best PR agent. He was the butler to Dr. Arcane before his retirement. Instead of finding a new hero to support he decided to support them all in the field of Marketing. He still has the appearance of a gentleman’s gentleman but don’t let that mislead you. He is a shark swimming among minnows in the field of Public Relations.
John R
PS: You know how I think NPC are a defining trait of a successful superhero? I've created a super character, I'd like to introduce to the campaign at sometime. I think I could make him fit anywhere from Street Patrol on up to Quest level. I want to have him in "reserve" in case something happens to Archer or DarkStar. I've used his involvement in DarkStar's life as the driving force for why Meta-Manpower is so important. Cmd. Rose is to be his legal "guardian" as a foster parent. (not a sidekick) Let me know when we have time to introduce him and we can hash him out. AT YOUR LEISURE
Send me the background story and his outline with powers. No stats or character sheet, I will get that later. I will see where I could fit him in.
Regards
Tom
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Damn Tom
That made my head hurt, and all I did was scan through it. Is all that stuff factual? Nice research or one hell of an imagination.
Thx for response I'll look it through after coming back from grandmas 90ith birthday party.
Maybe I should quit coming up with all these subplots - feels like Im beginning to bury DarkStar over his head in crap - and that's deep :)
Later John R
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Reply to GM
Hmm, the Marvel history my memory recognizes at truth is Pym use steel and Ultron created his own adamantium versions. I am sure you remember correctly and I never read it or rolled my eyes and promptly forgot it. I have blocked out Marvel’s ‘adamantium era’. When the editors thought Wolverine was popular because of it and was giving every villain adamantium as well.
The "Adamantium Era" - God yes, they took a cool story device and poliferated it to the point I was surprised Daredevil didn't end up with an adamantium billy club.
I believe Stark has the super power of instant wealth. When he spends a grand, two grand appears in his Swiss account the next morning. How else can you explain a man who was so drunk he ran his business into the ground, lost it in hostile takeover, created a new company in the dot.com era that didn’t sell anything but still didn’t bust which he use to buy back his original company, then lost ownership to SHIELD in a hostile takeover because Jarvis had to sell his two shares to save his ailing mother but Stark was too self absorbed to notice Jarvis’ plight, has all his tech stolen by Spymaster and The Ghost, becomes director of SHIELD and leads a Superhero Civil War during the worst recession since 1970s (some claiming it surpasses that one), provides superhero weaponry for free, and the number of paternity suits he has successfully kept secret with quick payola. This man should be as broke as any NBA player out there 3 times over. No, Tony Stark’s real super power is the Midas Touch: When he spends a dollar, it is replaced by factor X. The more frivolous the expenditure the higher the factor is. I am sure he made 5 Billion alone from creating that ridiculous Spider-Armor.
ROFLMAO awesome interpretation
Correct, the invention point is for the super-alloy and the blinding flash defense. You can buy titanium (SR 13) instead and forego the blinding flash defense and save the invention point. Sounds like your suggesting a titanium-diamond weave spun similarly in composition to a high-tech plastic/fiberglass manufacturing process? I like that. Good that is exactly what I meant.
Cool we're inventing a new substance. A high-density polarchromatic material (SR 15) that can be shaped into various configurations. Oh here's a name for it.
Diatanium
I'm skipping the contract information - it still gives me a headache if I study t too hard.
Anyway maybe this could improve his Wealth; it will increase from 17 to 24, get govt assistance pushing Meta-Manpower through or maybe benefit his company in some other way I'm too tired to see. If StarCorp agrees to open two manufacturing facilities, one in the Foundry and the other in Olive Branch, Mississippi then Senator Wicker promises to sponsor your contracts through the Armed Services Committees and into the President’s Budget. Senator Wicker has reached out to the Committee on Education and the Workforce to see what quick resolution is possible for Meta-Manpower. Congressman Kildee of Michigan is very receptive of working a solution. Limiting Meta-Manpower to only service positions (Security, Bodyguards, Entertainment, Sports, and Delivery Services) would appease the AFL-CIO. It wouldn’t work for the Teamsters. Congressman recommends the best solution is to Unionize Meta-Manpower under the AFL-CIO. He recommends meeting with Leonard Fritz. He used to be an insurance claims agent but has joined the AFL-CIO as a union organizer. He would be an excellent choice to lead the Meta-Manpower labor union chapter.
Well, I guess we need to make an appearnace at Wicker and Kildee's next fund raisers.
(Okay time out - I want to make sure we're seeing this the same, because certain things here don't seem to be applicable. My "vision" of Meta-Manpower is based on those temp services people go to when they're having problems finding stable employment - I had to use a service like this myself a couplde decades ago. They test your skills and then set up employment with the real employer, taking a portion of the standard pay as a finder/headhunter type fee. After a designated period of time that employee is eligible to be hired by that employer full-time - thus no longer on Manpowers books. Commander Rose's intent is a mix of this and Monster.com - thus the Meta-Monster.com ad in one of my first message board side shots. He doesn't want to employ all these metas himself, rather encourage society to employ finacially disadvantaged metas, thus making them less likely to commit crimes for profit)
That said, a meta would be required to pay any and all union dues any other employee would - through the company he's ends up working full-time for. That sounds like it should ease most of the union's concerns. Maybe a clause that meta-members would be required to pay a percentage of their wages rather that a flat union fee would also ease fairness concerns and put more money in the union coffers.
Holy Cow We've turned this whole think into a Civil Rights issue
Dr. Avery did get you a meeting with Director Gaunt [you can write up a role play dialogue and I will supplement. Here are the basics of what Director Gaunt will say]. He appreciates your desire to give Metas a third avenue to use their powers, especially to benefit themselves, society, and you. Unfortunately with this position being cabinet level, he cannot speak on political issues outside his legal charter without the current administrations blessing. He has been instructed that on the subject of Labor Unions and Workforce matters involving Metas, he is not allowed to comment. He understands the logic and reasoning behind what Mr. Rose wants to do, but this is not about logic and reason. If he wants to understand what the Unions, Civil Liberty groups, and ‘The common man’ Politicians fear, watch Gattaca. It is a 20th century movie that while dated, really sums up the fear of the world that Meta-Manpower would bring.
Well, that's frustrating. I thought for sure taht would be a strong supporter. Might use that for a side shot if I get time though. I have to say I'm stumped at that attitude. It's been ages since I seen Gattaca, but Megalopolis has a longhistory of metas and the positive benefits they can have on society. Hmmm, Magneto's attitude makes more since every day.
Dr. Avery attempts to arrange a meeting with Deputy Director Huffington. She refuses but sent a message to Mr. Rose. “If jobs and money cured crime then why does NFL stand for National Felons League?”
Wow, between you me and Avery, Rag much?
The ACLU turned down the request because they are supporting the Teamsters and AFL-CIO in the case. Okay that makes no sense what so ever - to me. Their written response ended with “Super Strength will not become a job qualification”. That's like saying "tall" isn't an NBA qualification. Or that you have to hire a guy with a backhoe instead of three guys to dig a ditch - in this case you need less guys. Ones a meta. Pff, never understood the inconsistencies of organizations like that. Metas are minorities, they deserve the same civl and legal opportunties any minority does. One shouldn't be disenfranchised to the nature of their birth. Grrr . . . I can see making a similiar speech on MSNBC or CNN - yukk.
C.A.P.E.R. and G.A.L.A.N.T. have both stepped forward to help Mr. Rose in his crusade to better Metas lives. They both recommended Mr. Rose hire Jimmy Cocker. While he is a defense attorney specializing in Meta-power criminal cases, he is the best there is at Meta-Human law.
Okay, sorry but I'm not familiar with those organizations. Or Jimmy Cocker (but he sounds familiar?) If they and he checks out with Trishaa then put them on the payroll.
Just spit-balling here. I love spit-balling too - Okay head hurts too many spit balls
Cool on the eye-wear then. Glad somethings working as planned
I picture him hiring a well-established designer (hey someone must be specializing in this kind of thing right?) that understands his clients need to balance the Hero and Corporate image. Yes, that would be Wanda Stitch. When do you want to make an appointment?
As soon as possible, if he's going to sway people's opinion, he has to start looking the part. Something that grabs the eye but is conservative enough that it says "professional, dependable, in control of the situation". **Good** examples would be Solomon, Matthew, or Agent America from Megalopolis. Spartan from the Wild C.A.T.S, etc. It should probably sport the StarCorp logo - either something huge across the torso or more subtle like a field of stars like that one Legion hero. I'm sure Wanda will come up with something great And if the Manpower thing works out I could send more buisness her way, maybe even a young lad I have taken guardianship of.
Like anything else he's doing right now, he'll try to use this and anything else to sway public and govt. opinion to his side of the Meta-Manpower issue. Then you want to contact Nigel Bird of Mega-Star Marketing. He is their best PR agent. He was the butler to Dr. Arcane before his retirement. Instead of finding a new hero to support he decided to support them all in the field of Marketing. He still has the appearance of a gentleman’s gentleman but don’t let that mislead you. He is a shark swimming among minnows in the field of Public Relations.
An old associate of Arcane's? It would be a great honor just to meet the man. If they're still on good terms, I'd really like to see if Dinah (I'd say Avery but I'm betting he's busy setting up the next artifact - could do the old guy some good getting out of the house for a couple hours though), could introduce us. If Trishaa's not too busy it might be good to bring her in on this. Say the three or four of us at one of Mr. Bird's favorite dining establishments? He might be good to consult with on Wanda's design concepts also.
PS: New (N)PC? - I've used his involvement in DarkStar's life as the driving force for why Meta-Manpower is so important. Cmd. Rose is to be his legal "guardian" as a foster parent. (not a sidekick)
Send me the background story and his outline with powers. No stats or character sheet, I will get that later. I will see where I could fit him in.
Are really okay with all this? I know I've asked before, but looking at other's responses, I can't imagine anyone else is being this big a busy body in your sandbox? I assume I'm going to get the same response from you as last time, but it's in my nature to be cautious and show appreciation for folks I respect. And our efforts are very appreciated. Megalopolis is a great sandbox. I'm as excited to see how the Crusade Kids do as I am Quest and Street Patrol. I don't want my "enthusiasm" in anyway deter or burn you out.
Just sayin'
Thanks John
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<OOC> Bravo Priorities: I should like to be involved in dealings with Meta-Manpower. WB's ID is a social worker, and he probably knows a few low-power metas that would appreciate a chance to get an honest job. It might also be useful to have some insiders in the organization.
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Hey John
I've actually had that same thought for a few weeks, but didn't think it appropriate, considering Commander Rose doesn't have knowledge of your civilain identity. If you want to "role play" it we could banter back and forth a bit, with Tom adding his 2 cents as needed. I'd assume WB would learn about Meta Manpower like rest of the world did, on the news, so we could pick it up any time after we got back from the island. You could have him contact Rose and express his interest/background through the comm-badge. I think Arcane's amulets allow us to communicate "telepathically" but don't bet money on that, I've gotten confused before.
I think you could have some real fun with this. Tom's really taken this and turned it into an evil little subpolt. I'm having a blast with it, and if it works out I think there could be some cool cross-over stuff with Street Patrol. Of course we might have to kill all the lawyers first but that's a whole other issue :)
Welcome aboard the civil-rights crazy train
John R
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Agent America unholstered his Magnum and shot the Huntsman's blinded sensor out of the air (or tried to)! BLAM!
The daredevil of democracy said to the strike team, "Nice work everyone. I'm going after the Huntsman. If I need backup, I'll call through the amulet."
Rose was taping up Occult. Adamas was thinking about a flight to the sun (!). America looked at Windblown to see if he would join him.
Rose was taping up Occult. Adamas was thinking about a flight to the sun (!). America looked at Windblown to see if he would join him.
Agent America will search the area again for Huntsman. He's not necessarily looking to pick a fight.
OOC:
America's next actions depends on if and how he locates Huntsman.
If Windblown or anyone comes too, America will want to split up to speed the search. Huntsman could be evaccing at this point.
Re: team names: We're headquartered out of Hallowed Hills. How about: 'Hills' Angels.
:)
Best,
Jeff
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Hey Jeff
OOC: I think I made this part of an earlier post. I thought it might help your search for Huntsman.
Information was obtained trying to trace Huntsman's electronic eye wifi signal and what might be his network of spies on the island.
The trace on the spy’s telephone leads to a cell phone. The phone is owned by Jake Bua of New York City. The signal did not originate from New York but from the Capital City of Juompur. It caller is located in the Capital Building in the Ministry of Transportation.
OOC: Thanks. I didn't know who the spy with the telephone was.
AA will search the perimeter first, then he'll ask the team if they want to join him in paying a visit to the Capital Building in Juompur.
Thanks,
Jeff
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<OOC:> Just throwing in a few replies, similar to how we've done things before.
Player Reply
<Commander Rose: IC Actions> Joshua makes a quick stop at Diamantes during his business day, to visit with Mr. Fitzson and thank him for the service Adrian received the night before. He was hoping he could ask a small favor for this evening. Rose thinks it might be a more pleasant dining experience for all of Diamantes guest if there were a way for him and his party to arrive without stirring up a hornets nest of paparazzi. Say a side room (Z) where they can make a more discreet entrance?
Joshua and Trishaa arrive both dressed in fashionable yet comfortable designer clothing. Joshua's jacket is a dark "Varvatos" double breasted lambskin coat reminiscent of his naval uniform and Trishaa looks stunning in a crimson v-neck wrap dress by "Mischka". Donna's "Stitch" original may appear more conservative but no one's paying attention to Rose as the party makes it's way to Mr. Bird's booth.
Nigel agrees to a meeting. DarkStar, Donnah, and Trisha meet him at his personal booth in Diamantes. Dave is your waiter. He already has Mr. Bird’s favorite drinking for him. He asks for your drinks and takes your order to the bar tender, T-Rex.
Nigel formally greets DarkStar and Trisha and warmly greets Donnah. He looks across the table, “While I know most business meetings starts with small talk and gets serious over the meal.” He nods to Donnah and Trisha. “With both of my lovely guests, permission I would like to discuss the particulars of the Meta-Manpower PR issue with Mr. Rose first. He is not the first teleporter I have had the pleasure to represent. By virtue of their power they tend to be impatient and trouble focusing beyond the presence. As Dreamweaver loves to say ‘Teleporters come fast and leave faster’.
<Commander Rose: IC Reply> "Ouch!"
Trisha almost spews her drink from laughter and Donnah blushes deeply while doing her best to suppress a giggle. Nigel gives a quick wink to the transportation mogul across the room.
<Commander Rose: Reply> With a mischievous smile of his own "Well Mr. Bird, feel free to pass along to the lovely lady of dreams, that's only half true" Trishaa's eyes roll half out of her head, men.
“Mr. Rose, you have two issues with Meta-Manpower. The easier of the two is the ALCU. They will be easy to overcome by saying you will consider all applicants equally without DNA testing.
<Commander Rose: IC Reply> I suppose that shouldn't be a problem. We'll have to consult with the medical technicians. Some of the testing and training process might require certain exceptions, as well as possible emergency medical issues. I have to say this was one of the last issues I thought would be a concern. I honestly thought they might actually have a problem that we're focusing on Charlie level metas, thus somehow depriving Alpha and Betas equal employment opportunities. I was almost a Charlie myself until my "accident".
The first problem is harder. Meta-Manpower is not creating jobs; it is competing for existing jobs. To use a sports analogy, if I may; you are creating a basketball league and you were hiring tall people to play. That is fine, because the short people weren’t interested in playing anyway. They were never good at it and wouldn’t expect to be considered. Now let change it. Let’s say you come out with a job placement company for tall people only. Short people will be worried. How is being tall a competitive advantage? If you price your services to be cheaper than a short person and a ladder, how many jobs were just lost? You represent a the powerful StarCorp and are a genius level intelligence, what will you invent and finance that will give Tall-Manpower more advantages to jobs. The short people imaginations come into play about what jobs will be left. All they can think of is shoe shiner and pooper scooper.
<Commander Rose: IC Reply> Exactly! That's exactly the perception we need to change. Economically Meta-Manpower is going to be a tiny blip on the economies radar screen. I mean what percentage of the population do metas make up anyway? Infinitesimal I tell you. At the most Meta-Manpower is going to be filing niche positions in the economy. We're not competing with the everyday man's job opportunities, we're merely bringing a new solution to old problems. No jobs are being lost here, Merely opportunities created for individuals who might never have had a chance.
“Look at StarCorp, you created jobs. You didn’t hire every teleporter and go to FEDEX and UPS offering teleporters to replace pilots and planes.
“This is what everyone fears”
<Commander Rose: IC Reply> Mr. Bird you sound exactly like the man we need.
“Ah Dave, has arrived with our meal. So Trisha, do you want to know what American Woman is really like?”
(OOC:) This is a blast. Senators, lawyers, consulting firms, public appearances supporting local youth programs, I think we've done all we can in the few days available. Oh - not to mention a new government contract as the inventor of Diatanium, and that was the result of upgrading Cybil's abilities to the next level.
John G hasn't had WB contact DS about Meta-Manpower. I know he doesn't seem to post as prolific as I do so if it would make things easier I'll shoot you a couple thoughts and you guys can play with it asking my input when you need to. Truth is I trust you to put it in a neat package on your own if that would be best. The only thing I had any hmm about was unionizing Meta-Manpower. It just doesn't suit a temp agency business schematic. You did a sweet job with Mr. Bird. I could have just left it alone and it would still have played marvelous - I just can't keep Rose's mouth shut or hands still. :)
WIndblown ideals: 1st - how involved is looking to get, and what are his skills best suited for. Recruiter, Administrator, Trainer, etc.?
2nd - I think he'd make a good recruiter and it could create interesting role play opportunities. If he's up to it a mix of roles would be cool too. I plan on Rose having a close eye but hands off approach, maybe visiting the facilities from time to time, all the while monitoring the various applicants for anyone that might be potential StarCorp material.
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Sorry, my reply was confusing.
On the Huntsman, No trace was able to be performed.
It was on the leader of the three spies watching the Bell Ranger that the trace was successful for. That information is about the Leader on the Cell Phone.
Tom
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GM Reply
When Agent America searches the area, he decides to enter the cave. As he enters he knows he knows has found the right place. At the back of the cave is the Huntsman. He is packed to leave and there is a LAW Rocket Launcher on his shoulder.
"Hello, China Man. I figured you would find me. So are you coming alone?"
Huntsman has the Launcher ready but not aimed at the Superspy. His eyes are constantly scanning all areas of the cave as if he is expecting something to appear in any possible spot.
Tom
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Thomas,
As a general rule, I never argue with a GM, kinda biting the hand that feeds you, but I think you are figuring his in atmosphere speed for the trip to the sun, or something like that. I couldn't figure out the math. It takes light about 8 minutes to reach the earth from the sun, depending on where we are in our orbit. According to the rulebook, if you can fly faster than 450 mph, you can shift to hyperflight in a vacum, exceeding the speed of light, so it would take him less than 8 minutes, kinda cool, to the sun and back in 15 minutes. In an atmosphere, he would be limited to 49.6 X the speed of sound or 49.6 X 768mph = 38092.8 mph. Although it doesn't state what the Hyperflight multiplier is, I'd always assumed it was in the same vein, 49.6 X the speed of light, but here, even 1 X the speed of light would get him there in 8 minutes. Here's were I got my info...
This is usually estimated as an average of 8.3 minutes, because the distance from the Sun to Earth can vary by about 3% from perihelion to aphelion.
Earth's distance from the Sun varies between about 147 and 152 million kilometers. Given the speed of light as 299,792,458 m/sec and the Sun's radius of 696,000 km, this makes the time taken for the journey (from the Sun's surface to the Earth's) between 8.14 and 8.42 minutes. On an average, it is about 8.28 minutes or 8 minutes and 17 seconds. Higher values will result if the orbital distances are used, because they are measured from the center of the Sun to the center of the Earth.
Earth's distance from the Sun varies between about 147 and 152 million kilometers. Given the speed of light as 299,792,458 m/sec and the Sun's radius of 696,000 km, this makes the time taken for the journey (from the Sun's surface to the Earth's) between 8.14 and 8.42 minutes. On an average, it is about 8.28 minutes or 8 minutes and 17 seconds. Higher values will result if the orbital distances are used, because they are measured from the center of the Sun to the center of the Earth.
From Wikipedia:
The speed of sound is the distance travelled during a unit of time by a sound wave propagating through an elastic medium. In dry air at 20 °C (68 °F), the speed of sound is 343.2 metres per second (1,126 ft/s). This is 1,236 kilometres per hour (768 mph), or about one kilometer in three seconds or approximately one mile in five seconds.
and of course from the rulebook, here's were I'm getting the rules:
Flight:
The character can propel himself through the sky with no visible means of support. His maximum speed in miles per hour equals S x E. If the character can accelerate to 450mph he can shift to 'hyper-flight' and fly faster than the speed of light (in vacuum only; in an atmosphere a character's maximum hyper-flight speed= one-tenth of mph speed times the speed of sound, i.e. character who can fly at 500mph can hyper-flight in an atmosphere at 50 times the speed of sound). PR=l per hour for regular or hyper-flight. Flying is movement only, but to shift to hyper-flight takes an action.
If you disagree, I'll live with your 2 day ruling, but I hate to miss all the action. :)
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GM Reply
I agree your math is correct. That is why I used GM fiat to come up with 2 days. Here are my two reasons for it.
1) I wasn't sure how to explain why the Dragon Statue wasn't destroyed by space matter on the trip, sorta making the trip moot. So I was thinking Adamas would have to slow down from max speed to protect the Statue from the "Elements". I was a huge Trekker in high school and college. I always like the fact that Starships had to have forcefields to travel at their speeds or meteors and space dust would rip them apart.
2)The more important reason, I figure that was a good use of Adamas time while the rest of the PCs spend 2 days following their side stories. That is what I took from your write-up. That Adamas wanted to get on with the Quest. He had no interest in sitting by the pool while Windblown learned how to fly (Level 2 Advancement) and applied for a job with Meta-Manpower and DarkStar does ALL that his player wanted to do in this downtime.
You won't miss any action unless you have a interest in Adamas being apart of DarkStar's StarCorp and Meta-Manpower side stories.
Thanks
Tom
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Agent America made his face form a relaxed, easy smile. He calmly held out his left palm in a "slow down " signal, and to show it was empty.
"Huntsman. Pleasure to meet you. Your reputation precedes you," said the rural Chinese man in American accented English. "I've got no fight with you. And I won't try to stop you from leaving."
As he spoke, he gestured carelessly with his empty hand. Classic misdirection, learned from the old magician, intended to keep Huntsman's eyes on the empty hand and away from the one wrapped around the .357 Magnum.
"But out of professional curiosity, I have to ask: What was your stake in this business?"
OOC:
fyi, if the phone hack wasn't involving Huntsman, America isn't interested in tracing it to the Capital City.
Also, Tom: a superhuman has already teleported the Dragon out of here, or hyper-flew it into the heart of the sun by now, right?
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GM Reply
[OOC] Dragon is at the Avery Mansion. Adamas is there requesting to deposit it in the sun. He will leave tomorrow morning to take it.
[IC] I wish I could say who it is a pleasure to meet. At least, I can thank you for letting me know your an American Spy." He gives a slight smile. "A Spy fighting beside Superheroes. I weird time for us, isn't it Agent. I was hired to get intel on the ritual that Occult performed and to destroy the Dragon."
I was only successful in half of my assignment. Enjoy ownership of the Dragon. Don't worry I will not accept an assignment to destroy it again."
Huntsman picks up his gear and leaves the cave.
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"A Spy fighting beside Superheroes. A weird time for us, isn't it Agent?"
It was true, America thought. These two were a dying breed. He hoped that wasn't the reason why he was so determined to track the Huntsman, even as he knew that it was. After dealing with the Commander, Avery and all those metahumans, here was someone with whom he could be honest. Relatively speaking, of course.
Huntsman said, "I was hired to get intel on the ritual that Occult performed and to destroy the Dragon. I was only successful in half of my assignment. Enjoy ownership of the Dragon. Don't worry I will not accept an assignment to destroy it again."
"That's good to know, but you're wrong about your success rate. You did destroy the Dragon, and your employer need never know that you outsourced the job. A contractor's fee of your choosing can be deposited in the account on the back of this card," America said as his left hand placed a business card on a rock ledge between them. It was a card for a night club in Islamabad that Agent America had never been to. The back was blank except for the microchip on the lower right corner that held the numbers of a Swiss bank account that was Agent America's retirement account. Given the unsuitable nature of his current assignment, it was only a matter of time before he and MEDUSA parted company.
"Finally," the Chinese peasant said, "I'd like to buy the intel on the ritual, and the name of your employer, assuming they're for sale. I expect, and will provide, complete discretion." He still appeared relaxed and would hold the Magnum, pointed down, for as long as Huntsman held the launcher.
OOC:
fyi, Agent America should be assumed to be "in combat" and Holding his action. :)
Thanks.
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IC:
"Pleasure doing business with you," Agent America said, not insincerely. "Give me a minute or two to open your exit path."
He backed out slowly.
Rose and Adamas were already stateside. If Windblown or anyone else was near the cave mouth, America would suggest they search together down by the stream, before calling in the outfield. Guiding him out of the area, Agent America said to Windblown, "You did great back there. KO'ed Occult and tore open the Dragon barrier. I'm sorry I underestimated you."
Before leaving Juompur, America examined the thumb drive to make sure there weren't any surprises. You know, tracers, recorders, explosives, the usual.
Before leaving Juompur, America examined the thumb drive to make sure there weren't any surprises. You know, tracers, recorders, explosives, the usual.
If the thumb drive was legit, he'd turn it over to Arcane and the metahumans whenever he made it back to Hallowed Hills. "An associate of mine managed to pull this off Huntsman's electronic eye. Also, my sources tell me Huntsman was working for Lord Noman, the leader of the Tarot Masters. His mission was to record the ritual and destroy the Dragon."
Everything Agent America said was technically true. To keep it that way, he wouldn't divulge much more than that.
OOC:
Tom, what's the video on the thumb drive show?
Has America ever heard of Noman or the Masters?
What gets deposited into the account?
Thanks.
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GM Reply
No surprises on the thumb drive
The thumb drive shows the symbols inscribed around the statue and the ritual performed by Occult. It is shot in a manner where someone could duplicate the ritual if desired.
MEDUSA has noticed the Tarot Masters but while they are fledging criminal organization, they are not classified as a threat but as a nuisance group. This is because they claim to use magic for their powers and tend to rob museums and art collectors. Their creator Mr. Noman claims to have a magical wand which can command weather.
$2 million dollars was deposited in the account.
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Agent America will share what litttle he knows about the Tarot Masters with Arcane and the team.
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<IC: Commander Rose e-mail response>
Dear Ms. Stitch
While I feel we're on the right path I have to admit the colors you've chosen are just a bit bombastic for me to feel comfortable with them at this time. Maybe I haven't excepted my new role as much as I thought I had. I agree with you and Mr. Bird I need to lay aside the civilian clothes of my past and go for a more classical meta-hero wardrobe, but green and red are a bit outside my confort-zone. I like the new corporate logo and many other elements of your design but was hoping you might see your may to incorporate another aspect of my background. I am still a member of the U.S. Navy, even if only as a Reservist. The navy uses a lot of (navy) blue and (gold) yellow in our uniforms. Do you think we could see a navy blue top with a dark yellow collar and gold logo, and dark yellow pants with a dark red stripe? I would then infuse my bracers with a dark res tint similiar to the pant stripes. as far as boots go. Honestly I'm not sure. I'd say black but I'm betting you or Mr. Bird would probably go with navy blue or dark yellow. Either would be fine. Actually I suppose the dark yellow might be best.
Thank you for your time and efforts
Joshua Rose
OOC: Hey Tom. wow my eyes popped at the radical new look for DarkStar. I guess I'm just not much for green I suppose - at least combined with red. Too Christmas-y I think? I really do like the basic design. While I was initially thinking something like Matthew or Solomon have (in Megalopolis photo files) this has a very classical feel to it. I really do like the feel of using colors related to his naval uniorm. The yellow will keep it away from looking too much like AA and the blue and red should keep it looking too much like Adamas (that and it has no cape). His blue skin tone makes blue iffy but you have his skin tone a pretty light blue. If you use a blue like on Wraith I think there will be enough difference that it'll look at least as good as Blue Devil. Maybe if the eye wear were dark red oor dark yellow that might help? I know I keep saying "dark" this and "dark" that but that's to distinguish it from what I think are the very light blue and red colors used on the current Commander Rose design.
PS: btw, I have no clue what it takes to do these costume designs (Phil looked complicated as hell - nice color of red though) so if I'm asking too much pleas let me know.
Thanks
John R
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Hey Tom
Sorry to hear about the illnesses in your family. Hope things are headed in the right direction.
Just some stuff "Comander Rose" was contemplating while taking a minute to relax at Sarissa's beach bar, after the "Coin Toss" game.
Rose had a few thoughts while watching the attractive Jessica Anderson on the Megalopolis news. Being who he is, Rose isn't one to sit around letting too much dust collect on his shoulders. I think I mentioned to Jeff my first response to the StarCorp break in was to "visit" Crusader headquarters . . . inside. The known events seem to be mirroring previous Mocker activties. But that would be directly horning in on the Crusade and that might be rude. I even thought about having using Cybil to talk/hack with/into Teacher. His behavior also seems to be a modus operandi connected to Mocker activity. Once again might be a bit much. Still both would very much fit the big blue guys mentality. Maybe instead . . .
. . . has Trishaa come up with anything concerning the break in at StarCorp? He also tosses his ideals about taking more direct action for her opinion. At the same time he'll ask Mr. Bird if involving himself directly might be a positive or negative at this point (not mentioning the potential hack)? Maybe you could toss DarkStar an electronics meta-robbery "In Progress" over the police-band while he's waiting for Avery to call him to action for the Quest?
Speaking of Avery. I'm sure the Doc's doing something "cosmic" but maybe Pietor or Diana (preferrably) could start tutoring Rose on how to better "play" Arthur to Arcane's Merlin? She could show him indicators of arcane activity and how he might apply his tech skills to assist the Quest better. Internet searches of museum or private collector inventories, unusual phenomenon associated with the remaining artifacts, etc. While having dinner in Tokyo, or maybe she'd prefer Italian?
Joshua will also do computer checks on any known Mocker associates. Checking for known locations and abilities that would have been needed to bypass StarCorp security systems - given Rose' skills in electronics and espionage those systems should be absolutely top of the line, no? Also he'll do background checks on any "heroes" who appear in any of the news reports related to the electronic thefts. If Jessica Anderson does interviews he might pick up on Emerald Dragon's detective background or their need for a real computer expert?
Tom that was just a bit longer than I intended - what say we treat it as an impromptu "Side Story" and you pick and chose what if any you find interesting to use.
Get Well - all of you
John R
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