Location: Dr. Avery’s Mansion
The leader of the Safeguard Superhero Security Agency, Firewall, arrived at the Mansion to discuss the plans for the transportation of the Cloak of Ambulation. Dr. Avery explained that Dr. Arcane has requested that Safeguard’s plan be approved by the team of superheroes he is now on. Dr Avery expressed to Firewall, Dr. Arcane’s regret he could not attend in person but this was not Dr. Arcane’s specialty and he had complete confidence in the team.
Firewall was introduced to the 3 superheroes that had saved the Winthrope Station Bridge from the Dhole monster attack earlier in the week and a new hero, Agent America. Dr. Avery, Firewall, and the team discussed Safeguard’s plans.
“All of Safeguard would be dressed in typical Safeguard security uniforms, not the uniforms seen in the commercials. The LodeStone would ride inside the armor car with the isotope and the cloak. Firewall and Stronghold would be driving and riding shotgun. Psi-pher and Watchdog will be in a lead car about 5 miles ahead of the vehicle. They would be making sure the route was open and secure. Skywatch would be the only one in her superhero uniform. She would be following the armor car from above and behind.” He asked if they had any input to make into the plan.
Agent America figured the hired heroes of Safeguard as being similar to the mercenary, Huntsman. Low-drama professionals. He was happy to meet them.
Sitting next to Windblown in the special reinforced chair Dr. Avery had made to hold his weight; DarkStar leaned back and looked at the assembled heroes. “You’re kidding right? That’s the plan? You plan on using just one armored car? Why don’t you paint a big red bull’s eye on the target while you’re at it? I don’t think so. Standard procedure in a case like this requires at least three armored trucks, all weighed down with similar loads. Doc if money is an issue on this I’ll happily cover the difference.”
Agent America merrily sat back with his hands folded behind his head and stayed out of it for now. He turned to Safeguard to hear their initial reaction.
Firewall responded positively, "That is a good idea, would you recommend having the isotope and cloak in the same armor car and the other two empty or splitting them one each and the third armor car empty?
Grudgingly, Rose acknowledged the Starguard Safeguard hero's acceptance of his addition to the planning. "Yeah, no problem. Like I said standard procedure." The past week's events seemingly finally caught up to the naval commander, a sigh of exhaustion escaped the master of movement's mammoth chest. "You guys don't really have a lot of covert transport experience, do you? Agent America's better at tactical analysis than I am, so I'd suggest asking him the set-up."
"Either way ... I'm riding with the cloak. Keep that in mind when figuring the truck's loads." Firewall stared at the special reinforced chair that DarkStar was sitting in, “So It would appear I am going to need 800 to 900 lbs of dead weight for the other 2 trucks”.
Then Agent America said deferentially, playing good cop to Rose's bad cop, "Um... I have a car. "It's been seen around the mansion for a while now.
"Maybe the armored car could be the diversion?"
Firewall nodded in agreement, “With the additional armored trucks, the car, and the new volunteers, how does this sound? The lead car will be driven by Agent America in his car. It will be a 3 armored truck convoy.
“Armor Truck #1 with the isotope will be driven by Firewall with Stronghold.”
“Armor Truck #2 with the cloak will be driven by Psi-pher with Windblown in the cab and The LodeStone and DarkStar are inside the hold.”
“Armor Truck #3 with nothing will be driven by Watchdog with Safeguard employee”
“Adamas and Skywatch will be flying overhead. Skywatch protecting AT #1 and Adamas protecting AT #2.”
Adamas spoke up, “I do not agree with proposed plan. I could see attack for either the isotope, or the cloak, better to have all our defenses in one place. I like to have cloak and isotope in one armored car, all our eggs in one bassinet, and everyone focused on that! With or without Safeguard. “
AA agreed that 3 trucks going everywhere together will attract lots of attention.
“Doc, if this was my set up,” DarkStar said, “Lodestone would be picking up the cloak in a flower delivery truck. Who just so happened to be one of three trucks to be making a delivery to the museum's gala event celebrating a new artifact. That same day you just so happened to be throwing a party for the heroes of Hallowed Hills. A party decorated with a great many flower arrangements throughout the mansion.”
As DarkStar seemed to be changing his vote, it appeared that a four way tie was possible. So Agent America felt the need to talk: "I agree that any armored car is obvious. So let's use it as the diversion. We make a show at the museum of loading the armored car with a wrapped object.”
“Classic misdirection.”
“The cloak and LodeStone ride with me in one of the trailing cars. The armored car is bait. If they target my car it's bulletproof, fast and if LodeStone can jam "magic's" frequency, it should be resistant to "magical" attack as well. Rose, I know you want to ride with the cloak, but as a teleporter you can be wherever we need you when we need you. You should be in the stratosphere with Adamas, as our watchtower. You both have the mobility to be anywhere near the cars instantly. Windy can join you, or ride in the target truck with Safeguard, or in another escort vehicle. Doc Arcane's necklace gizmos, and our electronic communications, have us in constant contact."
DarkStar replied, "I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. I absolutely hate the idea of someone connecting the pickup vehicle with the delivery vehicle. Is there a location we can make a switch from the armored car to your super-car, which I would pay good money to spend half hour under the hood by the way, without it being detected? I don’t think the armored cars should ever come close to Doc's mansion. The switch is the key to everything.”
Adamas looked to Dr. Avery. “My understanding was that we were moving the cloak with the isotope to "disguise" the fact that we were moving the cloak. That's the only significance I had given to the isotope, is there some other reason we would be involved in protecting the isotope?
Dr. Avery thought for a minute. “Well, Adamas, it is a rare isotope that is being moved to the Three Kilometer Island Power Plant, the isotope will be used to power the plant for the next 50 years. If you care about Megalopolis' energy policy and needs then it would have great significance to you.”
Adamas thought about what else the isotope might power in considering whether he wanted to protect it or not.
Joshua spoke, “If we want subtle then we HAVE to go with the flower delivery plan. Using armored cars is obvious and screams ‘look at me’. I know I first suggested 3 armor cars, but that's only because I trusted Doc knew the ramifications of delivering the Cloak to his home is this fashion. I think it's a bad idea to do the armored car scenario and would advise against it. It's Dr Avery’s business and he has more experience than anyone.”
“Back to the 3 armored car plan.
1) 3 armored cars pick up isotope
2) 3 armored cars pick up Cloak.
3) 3 armored cars take 3 different paths arriving at three different times to mansion delivering Cloak
4) 3 armored cars deliver isotope in similar manner to power plant”
“The reasoning is we keep our resources hidden or on standby ready to strike if necessary. This would likely involve leaving the team in reserve, teleporting in only if needed. Might even be best to "stack the deck" by having the team in the empty car monitoring situation. Bad guys might attack the empty car that way, leaving an open path for the car with the Cloak.”
“Once again I would strongly suggest NOT using this plan but going with the "flower delivery" option, but that's up to Doc.” Joshua thought, “I just don’t want to see the fight for the Quest to land on his friend’s front doorstep. That and he doesn't trust Safeguard with Quest business.”
Dr. Avery looked to Firewall. Who looked back in bewilderment. “Maybe transporting the two together isn’t a good idea.” Dr. Avery agreed and looked to Agent America, “If we wanted to use a truck to move the cloak from the High Society Museum but your car to bring it into the mansion, how and where would we make the exchange?”
After the initial meeting Commander Rose took some time out by the pool to bath in the rays of the afternoon sun. “Cybil please run a background check on history of Safeguard and all its employees, particularly the metas, but normals also, especially drivers. I think AA and I should put our heads together to make sure these guys haven’t missed something. I don’t want these “heroes for hire” interfering with the Fellowships Quest.”
History of Safeguard: It is own privately by 4 brothers, The Amazing Floop Brothers Inc. The brothers grew up in the Winthrope Station maximum security orphanage. They are heralded as a success story in the community for pulling themselves from the ghetto of Winthrope Station to ownership of a prestigious private security firm.
Background of Firewall: Billy Floopinski has a no outstanding warrants. His records as a juvenile indicate he had been arrested for assisting with con games and for taking a car for a ‘joy ride’. He currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of Stronghold: Butch Floopinski is the oldest of the brothers. He has experience working at other security firms before founding Safeguard with his brothers. Butch has a no outstanding warrants. He currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of Watchdog: Clark Floopinski graduated from High School with honors and completed two years of college. He dropped out when he was caught in an explosion on campus. The science department’s sophisticated molecular-rearrangement device exploded. His legs were severely injured requiring significant physical therapy. Clark has a no outstanding warrants. He currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of Psi-pher: Charles Floopinski was released early with a full pardon from a twenty year sentence in a maximum security prison due to exemplary behavior and participation in the Pentagon’s PSI program. He is currently a college professor of psychology as well. Charles has a no outstanding warrants. He currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of The LodeStone: Burt Hammond’s record as a juvenile indicate he had been arrested for bullying, truancy, and producing prodigious amounts of graffiti. He has a no outstanding warrants. He currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of Skywatch: Unable find Skywatch’s secret identity at this time. Currently she has a no outstanding warrants. She currently enjoys all the freedoms of an ordinary citizen and is a Licensed Superhero.
Background of Safeguard drivers and other security personnel disclose nothing meeting the significance criteria to include in this report. All data has been downloaded to database and available for review at your convenience.
Later that evening, before dinner, Joshua caught Doctor Avery in the library alone. “Seriously Doc? One of these guys is a dog for Christ sakes. StarCorp can do covert. I might not have a hero division yet, but between AA and me, the team does have members with a little experience in this kind of thing. I understand you were trying to give us time to ourselves, and I greatly appreciate the thought, but next time keep it in the family would you?”
“You and Donnah are as much family to me right now as Trish and Kevin. If you need anything at any time, I’m there for both of you.” Cocking his head with a sly grin, “Hell, even Pietor’s kind of like a pain in the ass cousin you can’t help but warm up to after a while.”
His frustration having run its course, Joshua took a deep breath. “Don’t mind me Doc. I think I’m just nervous because I haven’t had a chance to see all the ways this metamorphosis is going to affect me. I don’t want to be a hindrance as a fighting member of the team. Losing my ability to control electricity has been difficult also. I never used it that much but it was always an ace in the hole when things really got rough. The technicians say I’m stronger than I was, a lot stronger actually, but I don’t know how that translates when I’m going up against the likes of Behemoth.”
Dr. Avery agreed that StarCorp security would be a better choice but since the Crushers have been targeting StarCorp he was worried the Crushers would attack the shipment because they thought StarCorp electronics would be on board, not for the cloak or the isotope.
Letting loose with a relaxed laughter founded on friendship Joshua offered to wheel the leader of the Quest to the dining room. "Doc, there are days you seem like a god among men, and others, when I find your naivety amazingly refreshing. Doc, you know my favorite recommendation is to have LodeStone pick up the cloak in a flower delivery truck. Which just so happened to be one of three trucks to be making a delivery to the museum's gala event celebrating a new artifact. That same day you just so happened to be throwing a party for the heroes of Hallowed Hills. A party decorated with a great many flower arrangements throughout the mansion. I'm sure you know I tend to be slightly paranoid when it comes to planning though. I'm sure everything will be just fine. So what's for dinner?"
“Donnah is making us a surprise. You may wish this change you are going through included the Life Support superpower. I think having the ability of ‘not needing to eat’ is about to come in handy.”
“So Joshua,” Dr. Avery asked, “how much are you willing to spend for the team to follow your recommendation?”
Agent America considered the best location to make the switch from the truck to his car. He didn’t have access to the safehouses anymore, so that is not an option. He does know of a few others locations. Craftsman's warehouse appeared as an abandoned warehouse with 3/4 of it open and unused. He didn't want to pull Craftsman into this, so that location is eliminated as well.
He knew of an abandoned warehouse down by the docks. It was in the vicinity of the gang fight the Nicotines were in recently, that made the news when the Nicotines had left their territory to go to the docks. He also knew of an unfinished construction site as well.
Agent America went to recon the two locations. The warehouse provided better seclusion but has been recently broken into. The man from MEDUSA’s trained eyes spotted a blood trail. It started on the roof. He followed the trail into the building, through the building, to the exit point. It appeared to be about a week old. The superspy deducted the intruder broke into the warehouse the day before the ‘Day of the Star-Devourer’.
The construction site provides better sight lines to monitor approach but you are more visible as well. No activity has occurred in the past 3 to 4 weeks.
Agent America reported back to the team his findings. He recommended the warehouse. He would park his car there with a StarCorp security guard who would drive the ‘switch’ vehicle when he and The LodeStone left in his car.
DarkStar suggested the team could rent a "MVP" limo to act as the ‘switch’ vehicle the Cloak is in first. They're heavy, bulletproof, and between all the Celebrities, Industrialist, Mob Bosses, etc the city is probably filthy with them.
Dr. Avery told the team. “I have decided on our plan. Thank you for all your input. I have already made arrangements with Safeguard to supply the appropriate support.”
Tomorrow is the High Society Museum’s Donor Ball. I have made arrangements with FERNS Inc. for them to hire Agent America for the event. They are decorating the Museum for the event. He will be disguised as one of their employees.
Is that okay with you Joshua? You don’t have the desire to be a florist magnate as well?
“Joshua, what I do need you to do is make platinum level donations for both StarCorp and Meta-Manpower today. This will get you invitations for tomorrow and you can bring unlimited guests. The rest of the team will attend as guests of StarCorp or Meta-Manpower. Donnah and Pietor will attend as my guests and Miss Ellie will stay at the Mansion. Adamas can attend as a guest of StarCorp. Soiree Heights loves superheroes so attending in your work clothes would be met with excitement.”
Windblown informed Dr. Avery that he now worked for Meta-Manpower, so he would attend as their guest but in his civvies.
“Okay, that works perfectly”, Dr. Avery said. “the team will using 2 cloak duplicates. One will be left at the Museum and the other will be given to Safeguard. Safeguard will be transporting the isotope and the fake cloak using the 3 armored truck convoy.”
“Before the convoy arrives, The LodeStone will ride in the limo with Donnah, Pietor, and me. Joshua, I will need one of your StarCorp Security personnel to drive. LodeStone will stay in the limo while the rest of us get out. Agent America will then be disguised as one of the Museum greeters. He will get in telling the driver loudly he will direct him where he can park the limo around back. Instead of parking, Agent and LodeStone will be driven to the warehouse. There they will switch to Agent’s car. The limo will return to the Museum and park out back.”
“The Museum curator will provide the fake cloak to the Safeguard convoy.”
“Joshua will have Cybil monitor their progress and keep you inform. Between her and our communication devices, we should be able to mingle, in public view, and be ready for action. Pietor will declare he left something in the limo. In the limo he will use his portal to return to the mansion unseen. He will be there to take the cloak from Agent America. He will then lock it in Dr. Arcane’s special library.”
Adamas informed the team he will attend the party but he will leave with the Safeguard convoy. He will be flying high above them. He'll stay in communication with the team, but he's going to be focused on the isotope. He'll come to the cloak if called by a team member, but believes they have enough coverage for the cloak, and while he doesn't see what damage anyone could do with the cloak, he certainly sees that an almost unlimited power source could be devastating in the wrong hands.
Dr. Avery nodded, “I will inform Safeguard of your plans. They will want to know if you will be coordinating with Skywatch while in flight. What should I tell them?”
“I will be out of normal visual range, but should be close enough to be in combat range almost instantly at hyper sonic speed.” Adamas replied, “I will use the StarCorp comm units to stay in touch with Skywatch and Safeguard as well as Dr. Avery's amulets to stay in touch with the team.”
DarkStar took Adamas aside "I have a bad feeling about this whole operation buddy. I'd suggest keeping a higher altitude than Skywatch at all times. Keep in mind the technology exist out there to cut off team comms, like what happened at the bridge. Be careful"
"My friend,” Adamas glanced over at one of the few people he actually has to look up to, “obviously Dr. Avery trust Safeguard, and they would not stay in this type of business long if they were not trustworthy. I will take your advice, but I think you worry about things too much."
Agent America's face was obscured by his mask, but his smile was apparent in his voice. "Big guy's right, Rose. Relax. You'll live longer. And you'll probably enjoy the ride more."
Turning to face the patriotic clad super-spy as he intruded on Joshua’s conversation with Adamas, "You, of all people should have a healthy streak of paranoia. Are you not taking what we've been doing seriously? The "vanguard" of an invading force from another dimension is using humans and metas as pawns everyday in an attempt to get a foothold on our world and you want me to relax? . . . Safeguard might be just what they say they are. And they might not be under the influence of the enemy, but I'm not willing to stake the lives of my friends, my teammates, or the world on a might or might not. So I'll happily foster a bit of paranoia thank you very much."
“Doc, I know you're listening. You wanted to know if I was committed to your ‘Quest’. There's your answer. My paranoia in the planning is part of the package. If that's a problem let me know. I'm going out for a while. You know how to contact me if you need me. Meanwhile I have two very large checks to write.”
*Whoump*
Location: High Society Museum in Soiree Heights, the next day.
Everything was going according to plan. The ‘MVP’ limo had been acquired and the Agent in Disguise was at work for FERNS. He had completed bringing in the floral arrangements. He met with the Curator. He provided the special business card that identified him as Dr. Avery’s associate. The Curator led him to the administrator’s office. The Curator left him there for the required privacy. Agent America accessed the safe which the cloak had been transferred to while waiting transport. He switched it with the fake cloak and then changed into his new disguise as a Museum greeter. Taking a little extra time to make sure the cloak was secure in his fake beer belly, he determined he was ready.
Agent America left the office without the curator ever knowing a switch had been made. Later when Dr. Avery provided the second fake cloak to the Curator, he would think he would be taking the real cloak to the Safeguard convoy.
First to arrive were the news reporters Roger Devore and Jessica Anderson. The non platinum members arrived next. Followed by Megalopolis dignitaries:
· Alexandra Huffington, Co-Director of CHESS and Agent in Charge of the Megalopolis office;
· William Gaunt, Director of the Department of Superpower Affairs (DSA);
· Megalopolis Police Chief Ravage,
· Detective Ravage of GIANT (yes they are brothers);
· Sir Stanislas Laird II of London, England
· Maxima and her reporter Neville Taylor;
· American Woman
· Telecom and the Valiants.
Agent America kept to the side doing his greeter role like this was his 140th social event.
“Well, we meet again. Is this going to be a habit for us?” Agent America turned to face the speaker. It was Telecom. She had a sexy smile on her lips and he felt those meta-eyes stripping away his disguise. “Please don’t bother telling me we haven’t met before. I know I used a cheesy pickup line but when you’re Telecom of Telecom and the Valiants. All I really need to do is wink, right”
She gave him a knowing wink.
“Well, I’d best mingle with those here that will think this is the time and place to get to know me. Maybe next time, mysterious stranger.”
{Replies?}
Soon DarkStar, Adamas, Nigel, Trish, and Professor Layton Abercrombie arrived. Professor Layton took Trish by the arm escorting her to the bar as Mr. J.B. Curtis, head of Manning Enterprise operations, signaled for Joshua Rose to join him. He was drinking with:
· John Yamashito, vice president of North American operations of Yasmashito Electronics
· Franklin Emerson, owner of Emerson Electronics
· James Rush, president of Vanguard Incorporated
· Stewart Rhodes, president of Pioneer Oil
· Baron Heinrich, owner of the Circus de' Horror and Hallowed Hills Mayor Pro Tem
· Senator Matthew Bennet, head of the Senate Finance Committee
When Joshua Rose was included in the discussion then the financial power brokers of Megalopolis were all accounted for.
{Replies?}
Kyle Pickerson (aka Windblown) arrived with Leonard Fritz of Meta-Manpower, together they brought the German Superhero Blitzkrieg. Blitzkrieg was here representing German financial interests for their proposed business relationship with Meta-Manpower.
{Replies?}
Dr. Avery, Donnah and Pietor made their arrival. Agent America seamlessly left with the limo. Nigel, Joshua, and Adamas greeted their friends in the grand ballroom. Nigel had suggested a team name for Darkstar and Adamas. They had both liked it but asked for Dr. Avery’s opinion. Nigel suggested the name The Fellowship. Dr. Avery replied, “Fellowship is too Lord of the Rings. Nigel needs to get some new DVDs!” Nigel left the group saying he needed a drink. He was surprised how hard it was to get 4 people to agree on a name. Baron Heinrich joined the group. He shamelessly flirted with Donnah.
{Replies?}
Roger Devore motioned for DarkStar and Adamas’ attention. He joined them when they signaled for him to come over. He was extremely excited about how many internet followers he has gained since their interview. He wanted to know the name of their team. When he found out they didn’t have one he suggested “Arcane’s Knights” or simply “Arcane Knights”. It has immediate name recognition across the generations. He thought it would trend very well.
{Replies?}
Adamas walked to the least crowded area in the grand ballroom. The customs were very confusing and he needed a quiet spot to listen to his comm. units. The limo was moving quickly and unimpeded. The Safeguard convoy was on its way. It would soon be here. Adamas reflected on how weak he felt in the presence in The LodeStone. He wondered why his strength seemed to dissipate when The LodeStone demonstrated how his power worked.
Adamas turned his attention back to the room as he noticed someone approaching him. She was smiling at him. He knew she was trying to communicate something to him with the smile but he didn’t know what.
She was the reporter Jessica Anderson.
She turned her microphone off and set it on a table. “I am so jealous that I wasn’t there for your first press conference. You can make it up to me by providing me an exclusive interview. You do know that the world is a nice place when reporters and superheroes trade favors?” As she said this, she was slowing drawing the shape of the letter A on his chest with her index finger.
“I would love to do an exclusive on you and a featured report on your team, the ‘Hill’s Angels’. Doesn’t that name sound good to you?
Adamas heard DarkStar in his Comm unit. “Sounds like Hells Angels or Charlie’s Angels, either way uh no thanks!”, Adamas turned off his mic.
Jessica continued, “You were the inspiration for it. Whenever you fly off, it is always in the direction of Hallowed Hills and you are an Angel sent to Earth”
“What is it like to fly? I would love to fly with you.”
{Replies?}
American Woman was enjoying the attention of Blitzkrieg, Epsilon, and others. She would deftly deflect their advances but she would make a point to keep Kyle included and interested in the conversation and her company. She asked Kyle if he would like to take a private tour with her of the Museum.
{Replies?}
Det. Ravage of GIANT walked over the Darkstar and Nigel. Accompanying him were 2 people that Cmd. Rose did not know. Nigel muttered “oh, no. Don’t worry Joshua I will be your wingman.”
Det. Ravage shook Joshua’s hand. “Joshua, I would like to introduce you to Neville Taylor and Maxima. She has been insistence on my making a proper introduction. Joshua Rose, former naval officer of Commander ranking, transportation magnate, entrepreneur, adventurer, and scientist; I present to you, Maxima, time traveler, adventurer, and Earth’s Future Hope.”
Joshua was shocked he actually had to look up to her. He noticed as Nigel quickly steered Neville to the other side of the grand ballroom. Nigel was expertly stroking Neville’s ego as only Nigel was capable of doing.
Maxima released a strong sigh, as she reached to touch his gauntlet. “It is a great please to meet you Joshua, I can call you Joshua, can’t it?” She said with a bright smile and a twinkle in her eyes. “I have long been a fan of your tech. It is so advanced for today’s time. To find a mind of this strength with a body to match, that is very difficult to find in this time and age. I would love to compare notes with you.”
She moved on hand from Joshua’s gauntlet to his bicep. “Is Cybil still accessible, I have the time right? It hasn’t happened yet has it?” She stopped and crinkled her nose at Joshua. “Oops, I forgot. That’s your future isn’t. I may have said too much. Anyway it is you Joshua I am interested in not Cybil.” Maxima slowly touched buttons on the gauntlet while firmly squeezing his bicep with her hand. “Cybil please register my bio-signature.”
Maxima looked into Joshua’s eyes. “Now you can find me anywhere. I know you can be anywhere at any time as well. Please Joshua when you have free time, think of me and come to me. We would share in a grand ‘adventure’ together.”
{Replies?}
The Safeguard convoy made the transfer of the fake cloak from the safe to the armor car without incident. Adamas said good-bye to Jessica Anderson and informed the team he was leaving.
The rest of the evening past with idle conversations, Agent America and The LodeStone made it to the warehouse without issue. At the warehouse LodeStone listened his comm. unit. Agent America waited with his car do open. Lodestone realized he had stopped walking. He apologized for the lapse. He moved to his side of the car and climbed into passenger seat. Together Agent America and LodeStone sped off for Dr. Avery’s mansion.
The limo drove away from the warehouse returning to the High Society Museum’s Donor Ball on schedule.
Joshua wondered how he could be wrong. Something bad had to happen but why hadn’t it happened yet?
Emergency Alert!! Code: OMEGA-RED!!
Joshua, Bull has broken into the StarCorp Research Facility. He has stolen the Nexus Yottabyte Matrix Prototype Helicopter. He is currently running down the highway with it toward Center City. All of StarCorp Security patrols at the Research Facility had been disabled. There are no StarCorp patrols that can reach Bull before he escapes into the skyscrapers of Center City.
<Due Date: September 14th, Actions? Replies?>
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DarkStar
Cool Thanks for the 411
Off Topic: Awesome additions to the DarkStar Semi-Annual. I had "assumed" it was just a compilation of the stuff I put together for the Side Shots - little did I know "cookies" had been added - good stuff pal.
Thx again
John R
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DarkStar
DarkStar’s Responses to Quest Issue #15: Safeguard
Sitting next to Windblown in the special reinforced chair Dr. Avery had made to hold his weight; DarkStar leans back and looks at the assembled heroes. “You’re kidding right? That’s the plan? You plan on using just one armored car? Why don’t you paint a big red bull’s eye on the target while you’re at it? I don’t think so. Standard procedure in a case like this requires at least three armored trucks, all weighed down with similar loads. Doc if money is an issue on this I’ll happily cover the difference.”
After the initial meeting Commander Rose takes some time out by the pool to bath in the rays of the afternoon sun. “Cybil please run a background check on history of Safeguard and all its employees, particularly the metas, but normals also, especially drivers.” I think AA and I should put our heads together to make sure these guys haven’t missed something. I don’t want these “heroes for hire” interfering with the Fellowships Quest.
Later that evening, before dinner, Joshua catches Doctor Avery in the library alone. “Seriously Doc? One of these guys is a dog for Christ sakes. StarCorp can do covert. I might not have a hero division yet, but between AA and me, the team does have members with a little experience in this kind of thing. I understand you were trying to give us time to ourselves, and I greatly appreciate the thought, but next time keep it in the family would you?”
“You and Donnah are as much family to me right now as Trish and Kevin. If you need anything at any time, I’m there for both of you.” Cocking his head with a sly grin, “Hell, even Pietro’s kind of like a pain in the ass cousin you can’t help but warm up to after a while.”
His frustration having run its course, Joshua takes a deep breath. “Don’t mind me Doc. I think I’m just nervous because I haven’t had a chance to see all the ways this metamorphosis is going to affect me. I don’t want to be a hindrance as a fighting member of the team. Losing my ability to control electricity has been difficult also. I never used it that much but it was always an ace in the hole when things really got rough. The technicians say I’m stronger than I was, a lot stronger actually, but I don’t know how that translates when I’m going up against the likes of Behemoth.”
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GM
IC:
Dr. Avery agreed that StarCorp security would be a better choice but since the Crushers have been targeting StarCorp he was worried the Crushers would attack the shipment because they thought electronics would be on board, not for the cloak or the isotope.
Best,
Tom
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DarkStar
IC: Letting loose with a relaxed laughter founded on friendship Joshua offers to wheel the leader of the Quest to the dining room. "Doc, there are days you seem like a god among men, and others, when I find your naivety amazingly refreshing. Doc, if this was my set up, Lodestone would be picking up the cloak in a flower delivery truck. Who just so happened to be one of three trucks to be making a delivery to the museum's gala event celebrating a new artifact. That same day you just so happened to be throwing a party for the heroes of Hallowed Hills. A party decorated with a great many flower arrangements throughout the mansion. I'm sure you know I tend to be slightly paranoid when it comes to planning though. I'm sure everything will be just fine. So what's for dinner?"
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GM
IC:
Firewall responds positively, "That is a good idea, would you recommend having the isotope and cloak in the same armor car and the other two empty or splitting them one each and the third armor car empty?
Best,
Tom
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DarkStar
IC: Grudgingly, Rose acknowledges the Starguard hero's acceptance of his addition to the planning. "Yeah, no problem. Like I said standard procedure." The past week's events seemingly finally catching up to the naval commander, a sigh of exhaustion escapes the master of movement's mammoth chest. "You guys don't really have a lot of covert transport experience. do you? Agent America's better at tactical analysis than I am, so I'd suggest asking him the set-up."
"Either way ... I'm riding with the cloak. Keep that in mind when figuring the truck's loads."
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Agent America
[OOC: Safeguard look awesome. Nice choices with the art Tom.]
Agent America figured the hired heroes of Safeguard as being similar to the mercenary, Huntsman. Low-drama professionals. He was happy to meet them.
Sitting next to Windblown in the special reinforced chair Dr. Avery had made to hold his weight, DarkStar leans back and looks at the assembled heroes. “You’re kidding right? That’s the plan? You plan on using just one armored car? Why don’t you paint a big red bull’s eye on the target while you’re at it? I don’t think so."
Agent America merrily sat back with his hands folded behind his head and stayed out of it for now. He turned to Safeguard to hear their initial reaction.
(Insert here, please)
Then Agent America said deferentially, playing good cop to Rose's bad cop, "Um... I have a car.
"It's been seen around the mansion for a while now.
"Maybe the armored car could be the diversion?"
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DarkStar
Hey Tom
Bet you been busy. PDF looks awesome. Like how you kept DS look the same minus the charged up fist.
Would only adjust one thing that I can see. the Knowledge and Skill sets.
Aerospace - doctorate
Astrogation - masters
Business Management - bachelors
Financial Management - bachelors
Chemical Engineering - docrorate
Computer Engineering - doctorate
Computer Programming (hacking) - double doctorates
Electrical Engineering - doctorate
Electronic Engineering - doctorate
Material Engineering - doctorate
Mechanical Engineering - doctorate
Nano Engineering - doctorate
Combat Tactics - bachelors
Espionage - masters
Surveillance - masters
Aerospace Plot - bachelors
Blind Teleportation - masters
The "degrees" are just a way to indicate his knowledge/skill level in an area. I think that covers everything I've used for himor planning to in near future.
Thanks Tom looks good
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Adamas
Looks good to me. I'm not sure I understand the auto-fire... Does he do 2D6 damage/attack, or is it 2D6 attacks at full (D20) damage, - the # of attacks?
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GM
Here is what 6 shots of Autofire Power Blast would play out. How many shots is your decision
To Hit Damage
0 2d6+5
+1 2d6-1
+2 2d6-2
+3 2d6-3
+4 2d6-4
+5 2d6-5
Regards,
Tom
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Agent America
Awesome. Thanks.
Did we gain any Charisma this level?
Best,
Jeff
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GM
No.
At this point the world doesn't know Agent America exists (he has always been in disguised).
Windblown didn't stay for the interview so he needs a few more appearance.
Adamas admitted he destroyed too much personal property.
DarkStar was too reckless with the Orbs to get any Charisma.
Let me know if you agree. I tend to think of Charisma boosts to be from public response to the heroes' actions.
Thanks
Tom
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Agent America
That works.
Best,
Jeff
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GM
I need to start referring to the team by name from the NPC's. Now that you have done interviews the media will name you. As players I need to know what you like best (your PC doesn't have to like it and you can have fun role playing the PC's dislike)
I remember there were some that favored Arcane Knights. Recently John R referred to the heroes as The Fellowship. I think it has a cool sound. Let me know which you want the NPC's of Megalopolis to referred to you as.
a) Arcane Knights
b) The Fellowship.
While Hill's Angels has been mention, the media doesn't know that the team in HQ in the Hallowed Hills, so they wouldn't think of it themselves.
Thanks
Tom
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DarkStar
The poll got a whole 3 votes in November. :)
POLL QUESTION: What name sounds best for the Quest team?
- the first sound kinda cool the last two more so (to me)
poll closes Nov. 28th 2010
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- the Seekers, 2 votes, 66.67%
- the Searchers, 0 votes, 0.00%
- the Questors, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Arcane Rangers, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Arcane Knights, 1 votes, 33.33%
Fellowship sounds better than Seekers doesn't it? Open to whole new ideals myself - as long as they don't endanger Doc and Donnah in some way. Just a thought, but if we plan on keeping the team together (maybe even add a member?) after the "quest" is completed, the name might not want to reflect our current goal at all
Unless someone has a more classic concept I’m good with the Fellowship (sounds a bit religious, no?)
John R
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GM
Jeff voted for Arcane Knights, he couldn't put it in the poll since he is not a member of the yahoo group. I had forgotten that Seekers had received 2 votes as well.
Tom
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Adamas
I like the Fellowship as well.
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Agent America
Agent America
I vote Hills' Angels.
Thanks,
Jeff
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GM
Okay so far I have 2 votes for the Fellowship and 1 for Hill's Angels.
Thanks
Tom
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Agent America
Fellowship is too Lord of the Rings.
DarkStar needs to get some new DVDs!
:)
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DarkStar
Har har
I'm not against an alternate name at all ... nit Hill's Angels mind you. Sounds like Hells Angels or Charlie’s Angels, either way uh no thanks. :)
That leaves us with options like Protectors, Guardians, Champions, Crusaders, oops, no, that one’s taken.
Megalopolis
Arcane
Guardians &
Investigators
Corporation (for tax purposes)
Magic - lol
Seriously no clue if we’re trying to protect Doc and Donnahs secret identities. Speaking of I'm only for the Armored Cars because that was how Doc started this Issue. DarkStar strongly advises to go with some version of the flower van delivery system, but isn’t going to make an issue of it. Personally I think delivering it in the Armored Cars is just as likely to give Docs secret away as anything I’ve seen in the whole campaign so far - it’s the major reason I’m against such an obvious delivery system
Rose can fund the group and write the expenses off on his taxes. Star Knights
Come on someone come up with something cool (like Vanguard) before I kill one of us with these corny ideals
John R
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GM
There have been 3 options, please tell me which one you want to use.
1. 3 Armored Trucks - 1 has the isotope, 1 has the cloak, The LodeStone and DarkStar, and 1 is empty
2. 1 Armored Truck and Agent America's Spy Car - Armored Truck has isotope and Spy Car has cloak and LodeStone
3. Cloak is not with isotope. A ball is thrown for Museum and a party for Dr. Avery (For Heroes would spoil Dr. Avery's secret identity). Cloak is moved with florist trucks.
Let me your vote by tomorrow, August 31st.
Thanks
Tom
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DarkStar
OOC: I'd love the party for roleplay purposes, and bet we could make it work sans revealing Secret IDs, but I'm voting on #1
Later Questors
John R
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Adamas
Just like Prom... DarkStar teaching Adamas to two step in the bathroom, Windblown walks in... I can see where this is going.
Jon H.
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DarkStar
Dude! That is so messed up. You just ain't right bro
Anyway I'm pretty sure if Doc throws a party it'll be a waltz. The "two steps" for the after party party at Tobacco Road.
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Adamas
Option 4... Originally, cloak and isotope in one armored car, all our eggs in one basket, and everyone focused on that!
I could see someone attacking the car for the isotope, or the cloak, better to have all our defenses in one place. With or without Safeguard.
Hate to make things difficult, of course Adamas will go along with whatever the team decides... flying overhead.
Jon H.
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Windblown
I like option 1, myself.
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Agent America
I vote Option 2.
Thanks,
Jeff
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GM
I have 2 votes for no.1, 1 vote for no 2. and 1 vote for no 4.
1. 3 Armored Trucks - 1 has the isotope, 1 has the cloak, The LodeStone and DarkStar, and 1 is empty
2. 1 Armored Truck and Agent America's Spy Car - Armored Truck has isotope and Spy Car has cloak and LodeStone
3. Cloak is not with isotope. A ball is thrown for Muesum and a party for Dr. Avery (For Heroes would spoil Dr. Avery's secret identity). Cloak is moved with florist trucks.
4. 1 Armored Truck - It has the isotope, the cloak, The LodeStone and DarkStar in it.
Please submit your turn information with the following plan being chosen
1. 3 Armored Trucks - 1 has the isotope, 1 has the cloak, The LodeStone and DarkStar, and 1 is empty
Armor Truck #1 with the isotope will be driven by Firewall with Stronghold.
Armor Truck #2 with the cloak will be driven by Psi-pher with Windblown and The LodeStone and DarkStar are inside.
Armor Truck #3 with nothing will be driven by Watchdog with Safeguard employee
Lead car will be driven by Agent America using his spy car.
Adamas and Skywatch will be flying overhead. Skywatch protecting AT #1 and Adamas protecting AT #2.
If there are any modifications you want to make to the plan please let me know.
Best
Tom
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Adamas
Tom,
A couple of questions:
1) My understanding was that we were moving the cloak with the isotope to "disguise" the fact that we were moving the cloak. That's the only significance I had given to the isotope, is there some other reason we would be involved in protecting the isotope?
2) I was kind of joking about us putting all of our eggs in one basket, but it appears that's pretty much what we are doing with the cloak. Doesn't that pretty much make it evident to anyone who's paying attention that the Cloak is behind door number 2?
3) I'm unaware of what impact being around The LodeStone might have on Adamas, since I've changed him to more of a Captain Marvel type/Magical creation. I guess that's not really a question, more of a plot thread...
This is going to prove interesting, of that I have no doubt!
Jon H
-----------------------------------------------------------
GM
A couple of questions:
1) My understanding was that we were moving the cloak with the isotope to "disguise" the fact that we were moving the cloak. That's the only significance I had given to the isotope, is there some other reason we would be involved in protecting the isotope?
GM: It is a rare isotope that is being moved to the Three Kilometer Island Power Plant, the isotope will be used to power the plant for the next 50 years. If Adamas cares about Megalopolis' energy policy and needs or considers what else the isotope might power then he may want to protect it or he might not.
2) I was kind of joking about us putting all of our eggs in one basket, but it appears that's pretty much what we are doing with the cloak. Doesn't that pretty much make it evident to anyone who's paying attention that the Cloak is behind door number 2?
GM: It might, why do you think it would be evident? {GM keeping his cards close to his chest}
3) I'm unaware of what impact being around The LodeStone might have on Adamas, since I've changed him to more of a Captain Marvel type/Magical creation. I guess that's not really a question, more of a plot thread...
This is going to prove interesting, of that I have no doubt!
I agree
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
Okay guys something to chew on. I don't pretend to be an expert on this stuff but I'm fairly certain this is how something like this would go down.
If we want subtle then we HAVE to go with the flower delivery plan. Using armored cars is obvious and screams "look at me". I know I voted #1, but that's only because I trusted Doc knew the ramifications of delivering the Cloak to his home is this fashion. I think it's a bad idea to do the armored car scenario and DarkStar would advise against it and then let Doc decide. It's his business and he has more experience than anyone (unless AA has some "healing factor" we don't know about yet)
Back to the 3 armored car plan.
1) 3 armored cars pick up isotope
2) 3 armored cars pick up Cloak.
3) 3 armored cars take 3 different paths arriving at three different times to mansion delivering Cloak
4) 3 armored cars deliver isotope in similar manner to power plant
The reasoning is we keep our resources hidden or on standby ready to strike if necessary (this would likely involve leaving DarkStar and others in reserve, teleporting in only if needed. Might even be best to "stack the deck" by having team in the empty car monitoring situation. Bad guys might attack the empty car that way, leaving an open path for the car with the Cloak.
Once again DarkStar would strongly suggest NOT using this plan but going with the "flower delivery" option, but that's up to Doc - just doesn't want to see the fight for the Quest to land on his friends front doorstep. That and he doesn't trust Safeguard with Quest business.
Wow I must have a really bad feeling about this whole armored car business?
John R
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
So is DarkStar changing his vote to the flower delivery option?
AA agrees that 3 trucks going everywhere together will attract lots of attention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
OOC:
Found a minute to do this IC.
IC:
DarkStar said: "If we want subtle then we HAVE to go with the flower delivery plan. Using armored cars is obvious and screams "look at me". I know I voted #1, but that's only because I trusted Doc knew the ramifications of delivering the Cloak to his home is this fashion."
As DarkStar seemed to be changing his vote, it appeared that a four way tie was possible. So Agent America felt the need to talk:
"I agree that any armored car is obvious. So let's use it as the diversion.
We make a show at the museum of loading the armored car with a wrapped object. Classic misdirection.
The cloak and Lodestone ride with me in one of the trailing cars.
The armored car is bait.
If they target my car it's bulletproof, fast and if LodeStone can jam "magic's" frequency, it should be resistant to "magical" attack as well.
Rose, I know you want to ride with the cloak, but as a teleporter you can be wherever we need you when we need you. You should be in the stratosphere with Adamas, as our watchtower. You both have the mobility to be anywhere near the cars instantly. Windy can join you, or ride in the target truck with Safeguard, or in another escort vehicle.
Doc's necklace gizmos, and our electronic communications, have us in constant contact."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
OOC: DarkStar's never really trusted AA, Respected - hell yes - trusted no way, always seemed to be one of the "Commanders" boys. The whole experience with MEDUSA left a mistrust of people who operate in that world.
DarkStar IC: "I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. I absolutely hate the ideal of someone connecting the pick up vehicle with the delivery vehicle. Is there a we can make a switch from the armored car to your super-car, which I would pay good money to spend half hour under the hood by the way, without it being detected? I don’t think the armored cars should ever come close to Doc's mansion. The switch is the key to everything
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
OOC: Tom, does AA know of a safehouse or some other location in Megalopolis to make the switch in private?
Empty garage? Abandoned warehouse? Unfinished construction site?
Thanks,
Jeff
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM
AA doesn't have access to the safehouses anymore. He does know of a few locations. Craftsman's warehouse appears as an abandoned warehouse with 3/4 of it open and unused.
He knows of an abandoned warehouse down by the docks. It was in the vicinity of the gang fight the Nicotines were in, that he heard about on the news when the Nicotines had left their territory to go to the docks.
He also knows of an unfinished construction site as well.
Best
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
If time allows before the mission, AA will recon the dock warehouse and the construction site and report his findings to the team. He doesn't want to pull Craftsman into this.
Thanks,
Jeff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
Guys it just occurred to me. We are making this way too hard.
AA and Loadstone pose as museum visitors. They "purchase" a souvenir from the gift shop and depart the museum after 3 armored cars leave the shipping dock. Adamas flies a high altitude CAP keeping an eye on the supercar with his telescopic vision. DS will be on standby with Windblown monitoring the situation with StarCorp's industrial satellites hidden sensor package - focused on Megalopolis (standard info available through Cybil)
The rest of Safeguard delivers the isotope.
AA and Lodestone drive around town, hit a drive through at Rally's, whatever, maybe even make an additional switch at a parking garage to another vehicle? You get the idea.
What do you think?
----------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
Works for me.
Jeff
----------------------------------------------------------
GM
Agent America: If time allows before the mission, AA will recon the dock warehouse and the construction site and report his findings to the team. He doesn't want to pull Craftsman into this.
GM: There is time to recon. Please let me know what he is looking for and what are his priorities for choosing.
Here are a few basics.
Warehouse provides better seclusion but has been recently broken into (you found blood trail from roof through the building, not noticeable to anyone without AA's trained eye).
Construction site provides better sight lines to monitor approach but you are more visible as well. No activity has occurred in the past 3 to 4 weeks.
Thanks
Tom
--------------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
OOC: He'll recommend bloody warehouse to team, but describe both options.
----------------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
Was thinking we could rent a "MVP" limo to act as the second vehicle the Cloak switches to. They're heavy, bulletproof, and between all the Celebrities, Industrialist, Mob Bosses, etc the city is probably filthy with them.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Adamas
Adamas will be flying high, He'll stay in communication with the team, but he's going to be focused on the isotope... He'll come to the cloak if called by a team member, but believes they have enough coverage for the cloak, and while he doesn't see what damage anyone could do with the cloak, he certainly sees that an almost unlimited power source could be devastating in the wrong hands.
------------------------------------------------------------
GM
Skywatch will be flying too. Where will Adamas' location in flight be in regards to her's? Will he communicate with Skywatch? StarCorp comm units can switch between the team's frequently and Safeguard's frequency with a simple voice command.
Best
Tom
--------------------------------------------------
Adamas
Sorry as to Skywatch, he'll try to stay aware of where she is, but not really coordinating with her.
Jon H
---------------------------------------------------
Adamas
Adamas will be out of normal visual range, but should be close enough to be in combat rang almost instantly at hyper sonic speed.
He will use the StarCorp comm units to stay in touch with Skywatch and Safeguard as well as Dr. Avery's amulets to stay in touch with his team.
I'm kind of picturing Superman in Superman Returns, floating above the city... aware of all three trucks, but perhaps more focused on the Isotope truck.
Jon H
-------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
IC: Taking Adamas aside "I have a bad feeling about this whole operation buddy. I'd suggest keeping a higher altitude than Skywatch at all times. Keep in mind the technology exist out there to cut odd team comms, like what happened at the bridge. Be careful"
--------------------------------------------------------
Adamas
IC: "My friend, glancing over at one of the few people he actually has to look up to, obviously Dr. Avery trust Safeguard, and they would not stay in this type of business long if they were not trustworthy. I will take your advice, but I think you worry about things too much."
Jon H
-------------------------------------------------------
Agent America
Agent America's face was obscured by his mask, but his smile was apparent in his voice. "Big guy's right, Rose. Relax. You'll live longer. And you'll probably enjoy the ride more."
---------------------------------------------------------
DarkStar
IC: Turning to face the patriotic clad super-spy as he intrudes on his conversation with Adamas "You, of all people should have a healthy streak of paranoia. Are you not taking what we've been doing seriously? The "vanguard" of an invading force from another dimension is using humans and metas as pawns everyday in an attempt to get a foothold on our world and you want me to relax? . . . Safeguard might be just what they say they are. And they might not be under the influence of the enemy, but I'm not willing to stake the lives of my friends, my teammates, or the world on a might or might not. So I'll happily foster a bit of paranoia thank you very much."
Doc, I know you're listening. You wanted to know if I was committed to your "Quest"? There's your answer. My paranoia in the planning is part of the package. If that's a problem let me know. I'm going out for a while. You know how to contact me if you need me.
*Whoump*
OOC: I do so love the non-combat roleplay parts
