Megalopolis: Quest: Separate Ways

Location: All across Megalopolis

The team was very close to successfully completing half of the Quest. They had been summoned by the mysterious Dr. Arcane. Who had come out of retirement to ask for their help. The forces of the Domain were preparing to invade Earth’s dimension again. To do this they needed to secure 6 objects of power. The Quest was to protect these rare artifacts. They were the statue, orbs, cloak, scrolls, gem, and scythe.

They successfully prevented the statue and orbs from being used by the Domain. {See Issues 1 to 7: Dragon of Juompur for the statue and Issues 8 to 13: Day of the Star-Devourer for the orbs, helpful editor.}

Currently the team had the cloak and was in the process of moving it. They chose to separate in the hope of hiding the true location of the cloak as it was moved from the High Society Museum in Soiree Heights to Dr. Arcane’s magical stronghold in Hallowed Hills. Unbeknownst to the world the magical stronghold was inside Dr. Avery’s Mansion. Dr. Avery, one of the world’s leading researchers on Parapsychology and Occult Science, is also Dr. Arcane’s secret identity.

The team used the High Society Museum’s Donors Ball to give the appearance they were enjoying some well deserved relaxation. They used the transport of a rare isotope by the Superhero Security Agency: Safeguard as a misdirection by having a fake cloak placed in the armored truck carrying the isotope.

Agent America, the Super Spy, sneaked off with the real cloak. The Safeguard superhero The LodeStone was with him because of his ability to negate the magical enhancement of the cloak.

Adamas, the Amnesic Alien, followed the Safeguard armored truck convoy. He was doing this partly to help with the ruse but mostly because he believed the isotope to be the greater danger if it fell into the wrong hands.

Dr. Arcane, Mysterious Magic-user, and Windblown, the Wind Wielder, attended the Donor ball in their secret identities. Also in attendance was DarkStar, Teleporting Titan, who doesn’t have a secret identity. The entire world knows he is Joshua Rose, inventor and founder of StarCorp and Meta-Manpower.

Windblown had a wonderful time. He attended the ball on behalf of his employer, Meta-Manpower. He had been hired specifically to help win a new contract with the German Industry Association. He and Mr. Fritz brought the delegation here for a little social time with negotiations ongoing. The contract was for Meta-Manpower to recruit and relocate Meta beings to work in Germany. In Windblown’s life before super powers he was a social worker. It was for this talent he had been hired. He would help the recruits prepare and adjust to life in a foreign country. Winblown stood with Mr. Fitz and the German Delegation at one end of the Grand Ballroom.

Very few of the Museum’s patrons noticed there was more than one person in the German delegation. Germany’s most famous superhero Blitzkrieg was the only one most people noticed.

Windblown enjoyed showing all of the delegation the High Society Museum. He especially enjoyed telling the history of Megalopolis. He didn’t speak German but the all of delegation spoke English. The group enjoyed a lot of laughing and talking without any awkward silences. American Woman, the Ravishing Radiant, joined the group for some casual conversation. Soon the delegation laughed at the attention Blitzkrieg was giving her. Windblown and American Woman shared the same background in social work but he wasn’t interested in her. He gently let her know when she hinted she was interested in him. She expressed her pleasure in meeting all of them and moved on to mingle with another group. Blitzkrieg followed after her. The Germans busted out laughing. One of them said, “It is like what happened with a ballerina.” Windblown didn’t understand what they meant. The beautiful woman next to him spoke up. “No, not A ballerina. The Ballerina is what Johann meant. She is another one of our superheroes. It is from her the saying “Lightning Speed doesn’t always deliver the most memorable results”. She said the last sentence with a slight blush. The rest of the delegation did their best to stifle a huge laugh. She ignored them and looked to Windblown. After a pause, she said with a bright smile and while doing a perfect pirouette, “Pleasure to meet you.”

Windblown was stunned and at a loss for words. Fortunately the silence was broken by a loud crash from across the ballroom. Windblown saw that DarkStar had pulled a red table cloth from a table sending the place setting crashing to the floor. He also saw Nigel signal to the Museum Curator that the costs were covered.

DarkStar walked to the middle of the grand ballroom. He launched into one of his grand speeches. For the first time it didn’t have the same effect on him. Before, after one of Joshua’s speeches, Windblown would be ready to follow Cmd. Rose to the gates of hell. Not this time. He watched as other heroes walked over to stand with the Cobalt Commander. Windblown was shocked to see Blitzkrieg join them. He could tell that none of the German delegation was surprised. Windblown looked to The Ballerina. “Is it always like this? Always another emergency putting the rest of your life on hold?” The Ballerina nodded that it was. She indicated that she had sustained an injury recently and it hadn’t completely healed. If it had she would be joining them as well.

When DarkStar looked toward him, for the first time Windblown looked away. He was tired of putting his life on hold. He had ambitions and goals which were not being met. He had to make a choice.

Windblown excused himself from the group. He told them he needed to take care of something. The Wind Wielder walked over to Nigel. He took the StarCorp communication unit from his ear and handed it to him. He went to find Dr. Avery.

As he looked, Windblown remembered how it had all started. He had stopped to help an elderly man who was being mugged. The old man claimed to be a powerful sorcerer and offer Kyle a reward, but the young man merely scoffed. "Nonetheless", the man persisted, "you shall be rewarded for your bravery." Kyle bid him a good day and laughed all the way home. Back at his apartment, Kyle turned his thoughts to other matters and had soon all but forgotten the whole incident. He was in the process of cleaning, which always aggravated his asthma, and without thinking, he muttered, "I wish I could do something about all this dust."

In the next instant, a blast of wind blew through the apartment, sending the dust (and several small objects that were not secured) out the window. Kyle was stunned. Had he done that? Surely not. He chalked it up to a freak occurrence and gave it no more consideration until the next day, when he was walking to work. It was a blustery day, and as he passed a construction site, the wind kicked up a cloud of sand and grit into his face. Choking, he fumbled for his inhaler but was surprised to find that suddenly, the wind had died down about his person. Moreover, it was only around his person. All about him, the fierce dust storm continued unabated.

Faced with the evidence, Kyle decided that the old man had been a sorcerer after all, and must have given him a wish. When Kyle unwittingly voiced his wish back in his apartment, it was granted.

Kyle spotted Donnah. A lot had changed from that day but it as apropos that he found her first. Since it was she who entered his life first, he walked over to them. When he arrived he smiled at Donnah and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He reached into his jacket. He pulled out the amulet. Kyle handed it to Dr. Avery. Kyle explained he had started this to help people but he had found a new way to help. It won’t be the same but in his own way he hoped he will make as big an impact.

Dr. Avery stated he understood and wished that Kyle would enjoy a grand adventure. Kyle thanked him and he wished both Donnah and Dr. Avery health and happiness. Kyle returned to the German delegation and Meta-Manpower.

Dr. Avery watched Kyle leave. “Thank you my friend. Unfortunately that won’t be the case. Rarely does a superhero get to enjoy either. Happiness is fleeing and Health is stolen from us.” Those were the thoughts behind the sadness in the aging superhero’s eyes. “Donnah, please tell the High Society Curator I am not feeling well. I need to use his office to rest.” Donnah gave him a knowing look. Letting Dr. Avery know that she knew exactly what was about to happen. That Dr. Arcane was going to recruit new members for the Quest.

Earlier in the evening for DarkStar.

*Whoump* {for our new readers this is the sound of that DarkStar’s teleportation makes ~ your ever helpful GM}

Teleporting his party in from the pre-gala gathering, Joshua arrived in his newest Italian made power suit. StarCorp had just opened its European headquarters in Edinburgh and he couldn’t resist asking Nigel along. Slipping his goggles into the suit’s breast pocket and adjusting the sleeves to cover his gauntlets, Joshua smiled as they entered the festivities. Smiling he looked over at his newest and best customer of diatanium, “I can’t wait until Alfred and Layton meet each other.”

Joshua enjoyed mingling with his counterparts in the business world. Shaking hands with J.B. and the other titans of finance it occurred to him how far he had come since the “accident”. A few days ago I made my first jump to Mars. Today I’m bumping elbows with men who have made Megalopolis into the jewel it is today, Crusher Crimewave, notwithstanding. Looking at the others over a stein of Utopia ale, Joshua gives the party a wicked grin. “So who has a deck of cards?”

Later, Rose joined his friends and teammates 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!” DarkStar put his hand on his PR director’s shoulder. “Well Nigel, Doc might have a point, but I still think Fellowship has a dignified ring to it.” Seeing how the Baron had cornered Donnah by the fireplace, Joshua’s face suddenly turned dark. “Excuse me gentlemen, I see someone who might need an extraction route.” Realizing the harshness in his voice, Joshua put on his friendly face and lightly comments as he left. “This looks like a job for DarkStar”

After extricating Donnah from the lecherous attentions of the Baron, Joshua ended up finding himself cornered by Roger Devore. 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. “Roger, honestly I like it, but we’ve only worked with Doctor Arcane that one time. It wouldn’t be very accurate to insinuate he was a regular member of the team.” Turning Rose caught a glimpse of Donnah and Trisha moving through the crowd. But you never knew from where the next generation of heroes might arise.

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.” Happy to finally see someone he knew, Joshua heartily shook Detective Ravage’s hand. Then he was absently introducing Nigel, as he had suddenly lost the ability to put two coherent thoughts in a row. Blinking, he barely remembered seeing Nigel and Neville move to another table. Where the hell were they going? Turning back to the Amazonian time traveler before him, he barely heard what she said and barely understood what he does hear. “What was she rambling on about? Cybil what? Christ, is she flirting with me? Where the hell is that coming from?” Finally starting to focus his thoughts, he started to remember the data MEDUSA had him memorize on metas shortly after becoming DarkStar. It occurred to him that he and Maxima definitely had one thing in common. As the strongest creature on the planet, Maxima probably had very few people she could relax and comfortably associate with. She probably just wants a friend.

Gently taking the Titaness of Time Travel’s hand in his own, “Maxima, may I call you Max? I do believe … it would be impossible to find a woman matching your strength and beauty in any timeline.”

Later in the evening on a trip back from the bar, Joshua sub-vocally communicates with his constant companion. “Cybil please do a self-diagnostic and run an analysis of the bio-signature tracking program Maxima referred to please. I want to make sure you haven’t caught a cold.” DarkStar thought, “If Cybil checks out with a clean bill of health, I’m going to have to find a special gift for Max. Off the top of my head, I can think of half a dozen uses for this kind of tracking program.”

Within 5 minutes Cybil reported back. All systems checked out as fully functional. I have analyzed the bio-signature tracking system Maxima loaded in me. It is not designed to accept different variables other than hers. The active scan she performed was to update it to her current information.

Joshua continued to monitor the progress of the cloak’s movement. As 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 door 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.

4.9 seconds

Cybil suddenly activates her holo-pad program producing a three dimensional map of the area Bull is being reported in. Simultaneously Joshua opens the StarCorp comma-link with an Alpha level override, “Trish you’re fired … again. Our bullish friend is back, and he’s already taken out the Yottabyte’s security teams. Contact all available medical units in the vicinity and bring in additional security teams from the Refuge Island R&D facility.”

0.9 seconds

DarkStar heard Adamas through the amulet given him by Dr. Avery, "Convoy under attack Mid-town Center City. At least 7 Unidentified Metas involved, look for the smoke, they appear to have advanced weaponry, as well as hirelings. They have captured the isotope, and appear to be easily handling Safeguard. I am engaging."

Standing up, Joshua quickly but carefully shrugs off the thousand dollar dinner jacket and hands it to his ‘wingman’. “Thank you Nigel. Max’, Neville, my apologies but there seems to be a matter that requires my attention in Center City.” Looking the woman he had spent half the evening with in the eyes Commander Rose placed a gentle hand on Maxima’s shoulder. “Care to join me in a grand adventure Max?”

“Cybil, tie me into the museum’s public announcement system. Grabbing a red table cloth, Joshua focused on his amulet as he moved to an open position of the ballroom’s dance floor, “Windblown” You’re more than welcome to come if you want, but it might put a crimp in that civilian identity of yours. If you’re staying please keep a close eye on the “family”. This would be a perfect time for the Domain to make a move on the “old man”. DarkStar thought through the amulet.

DarkStar’s strong booming voice carried throughout the High Society Museum. “Heroes of Megalopolis and the world, there is a meta-villain group attempting to steal the new power core to Megalopolis’s primary power source. It is happening in Center City as I speak. I’m offering twenty-five thousand dollars to the charity of every hero willing to assist my friend Adamas in stopping this assault. I leave in fifteen seconds, speed is of the essence.” Rose’s eyes slowly took on the hue of two giant rubies. As he focused, the edges of the ballroom’s teakwood floor took on a reddish glow. “Cybil, we’re going to be moving fast. I’m depending on you for fast accurate analysis of the battlefields. Link into the Ares satellite for sensor data and activate the onboard GPS for the Yottabyte. You’re not getting away this time Bull.”

Similar to his Mars teleport-booster platform, DarkStar prepared jump to the Central City LZ near Adamas. With a mischievous smile he winked at Doc and Donnah. Maxima was the first to join the Cerulean Commander. She licked her lips in excitement for the upcoming battle. Blitzkrieg was on the other side of the ballroom one second and standing beside DarkStar the next. Then Detective Ravage and American Woman quickly followed. After conferring with the Mayor of Soiree Heights, Telecom and the Valiants, Epsion and Serena, joined as well.

With either a nod or handshake Rose acknowledged each as they step onto the teakwood dance floor. Windblown did not. DarkStar watched Windblown leave the group he was with. He walked first to Nigel and then to Dr. Avery. DarkStar assumed that the Wielder of the Wind was taking his advice to stay and protect Dr. Avery.

The Titan of Teleportation said, “There are reports of multiple meta-attacks throughout the city coming in over the emergency service bands. I apologize but I will be addressing one of these myself. I appreciate your joining this fight. Adamas wouldn’t have asked for assistance unless he really needed it. I will try to bring Bull down as quickly as possible and bring more help as soon as possible.”

DarkStar heard Agent America though he was miles away in his car. “Rose, you can afford to buy hundreds of copters. Thousands of them,” he said calmly through the scrambled communicator and Doc's necklace thing simultaneously. “Think. It’s clearly a distraction.

"Bull. Running away with a helicopter. Don’t fall for it. You’re taking their bait. They know your temper. They’re playing you like a violin. Keep with the mission. Stay professional. You’re being misdirected

"Adamas, can you identify or describe the metas who've extracted the isotope?"

"Rose, how soon can you reach the isotope?"

Simultaneously focusing on Arcane's amulet, DarkStar thought. Of course it's a trap Agent, but you see anger where there is loyalty, and worry where there is deep planning. Something you have in common with "the Commander" I think. I have extra security teams already in route and I'm not letting Bull send good men. My men, to the hospital or morgue and not pay the price.

"Sorry, Rose. I keep forgetting it's all about you and your vendettas."

The Isotope's not the mission, the Cloak is, but Adamas cares about so I took it into consideration ... I think Max and the others can fill in for me just fine. Suggestion, ask Pietor to teleport you in if you're so ‘worried’. DarkStar out.”

Adamas responded to Agent America’s earlier request for more intel. "I saw 7 costumed meta's... The largest is close to Dark Stars size, wearing only large shorts. There were a couple of armored females, a large rodent, a couple of flyers, one with wings, a sword and shield that seemed to be part of its body, one that appeared to be controlling lightning, and a few henchmen. I have recovered the Isotope and hidden it beneath the bay, I am returning to aid Safeguard, as most of them had been rendered unconscious before I was able to gain the Isotope. I believe the isotope is now safe, but have no idea what has transpired since I left the initial site of confrontation. If anyone has followed me away from the battle I will engage them on sight to prevent anyone from gaining the Isotope."

“That sounds like Behemoth to me! The New Super Society is going to take down the Destroyers! I stay with them so I could see Max hit Behemoth in the face!

Having made his decision DarkStar positioned each according to their known abilities. Those heroes with strong defense powers shielding those without them. He suggested the fliers to join Adamas as soon as possible. “Time to go heroes. For at least one night let this Super Society of Heroes show these villains that Megalopolis is under our protection.”

*Whoump*

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 90 Power Points: 104 Invulnerability: 30

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 1--------------------------------------------------------

Back to back with the Princess of Power Joshua looked over his shoulder. “Watch your back Max, and don’t you dare get yourself hurt before I get back. The moons of Mars are a spectacular sight to behold as they travel through the sky.”

*Whoump*

"Trish, I'm preparing to engage Bull. I need an ETA on the security teams, I want them assisting in recon, clean up and crowd control til the cops show up."

Trish replied, “ETA on security teams is 5 minutes. The gps tracking system has gone dead. Satellite images reveal that Bull has torn apart the NYMPH (acronym for Nexus Yottabyte Matrix Prototype Helicopter) removing the Yottabyte Matrix and destroying the gps tracker.

DarkStar watched Bull leap into the air.

Bull will land in Center City. Joshua I have calculated his trajectory. Here are Bull’s landing coordinates. You have to beat him there or we will lose him in the skyscrapers for Center City. Cybil out.

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 90 Power Points: 98 Invulnerability: 30

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 2--------------------------------------------------------

Maybe I can catch him with an uppercut before he actually lands "Send the security teams, CHESS and the police our coordinates as they change Cybil"

*Whoump*

WHAM!!!

DarkStar landed a massive uppercut on Bull. The windows on the lowest floor of the buildigs next door shatters from the shockwave. Bull swung back at DarkStar with a round house of his own, missing the cobalt commander.

Bull yelled, “Yeah! Blue Man finally showed up to fight Bull. Bull beginning to think Blue Man might really be yellow instead.”

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 90 Power Points: 92 Invulnerability: 30

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 3--------------------------------------------------------

Pulling out the red table cloth DarkStar waved it in the manner of the bullfighters he enjoyed watching in Spain last month. Holding it lightly as a tool of "misdirection", his feet are positioned for another move altogether. His psychology profile was right. He does seem to "think" in connection with colors. Let's see if we can take this fight somewhere more private. "Alpha Alpha over-ride. New Mexico security chief, Omega event, Bravo testing grounds. Commander Rose out."

Bull charged in anger, “I hate red. Why would Blue man show Bull red? Now I must really hurt Blue man, RAARRGGH!” Bull swung both his massive fists at DarkStar

WHAM!

Bull smashed one of his fists into DarkStar’s face {GM Note: 24 damage, -24 Inv. 6 remain}

DarkStar is unfazed by the massive blow but is concerned when he heard the sound of more windows breaking. DarkStar maneuvered behind Bull and grabbed him.

WHOUMP!

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 90 Power Points: 86 Invulnerability: 6

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 4--------------------------------------------------------

Location: New Mexico Military Base

DarkStar appeared above the base at a dangerous altitude holding Bull and he lets go of him. “See you at the bottom”.

WHOUMP!

DarkStar stood on the sand looking up. He braced himself for the falling monster coming his way.

RAAWWGGH!

BULL WILL CRUSH BLUE MAN!!!!

DarkStar stared at the exact same attack as he delivered to the Star-Devourer. Bull coming at him with both fists extended. He readied his blow and swung his fist with all his might.

WHIFF!

DarkStar missed. All the time he had to think was “Uh-oh!”

!!!!KA-BLAM!!!!!

Both fists struck DarkStar in his chest. The move through attack knocked him back into the ground

BLAM!

A large crater was created from impact. Bull was sitting on top of DarkStar and he was singing.

“Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker’s Man!”

“Beat ‘em up, Beat ‘em up, Crush the Blue Man!”

{GM Note: Terminal Velocity, Dual Punches, Bull’s weight, and double knockback effect from move through delivered 64 points of damage: -30 Inv, -8 PP, and -26 HP}

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 64 Power Points: 72 Invulnerability: 0

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 5--------------------------------------------------------

Joshua thought, “Really going to have to do a combat teleport optimization analysis at some point” as he was laid out spread eagle. As Bull played patty cake on his chest, DarkStar focused on the Crusher’s face, “Bull looks a lot older than he did in the combat database videos. How old is the data anyway? 8 or 10 years would be my guess and who was insane enough to teach him how to box?”

The Cobalt Commander teleported behind the big man and attempted to slam both his hands with all the power he can muster against Bull’s head.

WHAM!

WHIFF!

Bull started ducking when he saw Blue man had disappeared. Only one of DarkStar’s palms struck Bull’s head. Fortunately it was a perfect blow to the raging Crusher’s ear. Bull swayed to his left, then to his right, and then fell face forward to the ground.

DarkStar had KO one of StarCorp’s most wanted.

Current Conditions:

DarkStar Hit Points: 64 Power Points: 64 Invulnerability: 30

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 6--------------------------------------------------------

DarkStar stood over his fallen foe. “Trish, did we ever figure out how to create an injection device to get past his invulnerability? I would really like my Security Team to transport him to prison. He has been a major thorn in their side for months. If we can’t sedate him during transport I will have to do it myself.”

Trish replied, “No Joshua, we haven’t figured it out yet. Basically it has to be as powerful as a rifle and capable to delivering the meds.”

DarkStar nodded, “Okay, I take him to Fear Island myself and then I am back check in on the New Super Society”.

*Whoump*

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 7--------------------------------------------------------

Joshua arrived back into Center City to find the fight already over. As he expected Max was the last one standing. He watched her leave from where she was talking to Adamas and Agent America. She walked past 4 superheroes he hadn’t seen before who were helping the others. Even cover in dirt and debris and her has a mess she was beautiful. “You’re out another hundred grand, DarkStar. It was a little tougher than we expected. Now after showing me this ‘grand adventure’ would you please take me home?”

The day before the Donors Ball at Dr. Avery’s Mansion.

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."

*Whoump*

Agent America turned to the man from another world. “Maybe you can talk some sense to him. Preparation is one thing. Worrying is another. It’ll get in your head; throw off your game. Besides, the unexpected always crops up. Chaos theory.

“You stay relaxed and deal with it then. You can’t fight a tidal wave. But if you’re calm, you can ride it. Panic, and you’re dead.”

It was about at that point that the man from MEDUSA realized he was philosophizing the human condition to someone who wasn’t even human.

“Anyway,” he said, and moved on.

Adamas stands watching Agent America walk away admiring his disguise and wonders to himself if anyone that seems to live so many lives is ever really able to be truly himself. Not usually one for such conversations, he begins to look for a quiet spot where he can observe, the activities uninterrupted.

Later at the briefing Agent America asked, Doc, what happens if somebody wears the Cloak?”

Dr Avery replied, “Nothing if they have not bonded themselves with it. If bonded to them, it gives the wearer flight and the ability to control their movement. If they are knocked backwards by an explosion they can will themselves to stop instead of being thrown backwards. The Cloak of Ambulation gives the wearer complete control of where they are moved. The wearer could stop an airplane from taking off just by sitting in it and not wanting to move.

The next day at the High Society Donors Ball, Agent America is in disguise as an event greeter.

“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.”

Agent America was going to hate himself in the morning. A superhero.

Worse, one who sees everything. Every man’s nightmare.

The seductive superspy smiled easily, “What’s your hurry? I’ve got a few minutes. Maybe we could find someplace private and you could remind me where we've met before? You sure seem familiar but I can't quite place you.”

Telecom didn’t have to be a human microscope to see where this was going.

They quickly left the ballroom together to go to the VIP lounge. Telecom made it known that she desired privacy and all the patron’s gladly left for her. They all chatted between each other about whom it could be that Telecom planned on hooking up with. None there imagined it was the greeter next to her. They all figured he was there to guard the door.

Later … Agent America looked out across the museum at the most powerful men in Megalopolis. And he didn’t mean the superheroes. Here were those that represented, employed and governed the millions who, tonight, lived in terror of the Crusher crime wave.

Champagne corks popping. Laughter rising. Crystal and silver clinking.

Same as it ever was.

He remembered a different sound, from some dream he had forgotten. The roar of an inferno. Right there in his ears, and then gone again.

He paused.

And then he got back to work.

Dr. Avery, Donnah and Pietor made their arrival. Agent America seamlessly left with the limo. The rest of the evening past quickly, 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 door 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.

The Man from MEDUSA heard Adamas through the amulet given him by Dr. Avery, "Convoy under attack Mid-town Center City. At least 7 Unidentified Metas involved, look for the smoke, they appear to have advanced weaponry, as well as hirelings. They have captured the isotope, and appear to be easily handling Safeguard. I am engaging."

Racing across the city in the Z06, the American Super Spy listened as Joshua call for attention from the gathered superheroes. He requested them to aid Adamas and Safeguard. Then the man from MEDUSA heard DarkStar abandoning the mission over a helicopter.

“Rose, you can afford to buy hundreds of copters. Thousands of them,” he said calmly through the scrambled communicator and Doc's necklace thing simultaneously. “Think. It’s clearly a distraction.

"Adamas, can you identify or describe the metas who've extracted the isotope?"

"Rose, how soon can you reach the isotope?"

"Sorry, Rose. I keep forgetting it's all about you and your vendettas."

“The Isotope's not the mission …”

By then Agent America had heard enough. "Copy that. Out," he chuckled.

He removed Doc's necklace thing and said to Lodestone, "Apparently the isotope is no longer the mission. You'd best alert your team to the change in plans. Half the instantaneous backup won't be coming. I think we're trying to outsource backup right now. No word if they include teleporters. Your team should do what they need to in order to protect themselves, including withdrawal. Because after all," he laughed sardonically, "the isotope isn't the mission."

LodeStone nodded in understanding. He communicated with the rest of Safeguard but Agent America was focused and didn’t listen to what was being said.

“Hang on," he said to Lodestone as he stepped on the gas.

His pulse remained unchanged and he smiled, ready to ride the tidal wave.

As America roared up Arcane's driveway, he slipped the amulet back on and prepared to race the Cloak into the mansion with Lodestone.

Then he heard Adamas' thoughts in his head. "I saw 7 costumed meta's... The largest is close to Dark Stars size, wearing only large shorts. There were a couple of armored females, a large rodent, a couple of flyers, one with wings, a sword and shield that seemed to be part of its body, one that appeared to be controlling lightning, and a few henchmen. I have recovered the Isotope and hidden it beneath the bay, I am returning to aid Safeguard, as most of them had been rendered unconscious before I was able to gain the Isotope. I believe the isotope is now safe, but have no idea what has transpired since I left the initial site of confrontation. If anyone has followed me away from the battle I will engage them on sight to prevent anyone from gaining the Isotope."

America said to himself. "That magnificent bastard." This head case from another planet shamed America with his courage and coolness under fire, especially after the pointless argument with Rose.

The man from MEDUSA delivered the Cloak to Pietor and said, "Once you file that baby away, we need immediate transport to the nearest dry land near Adamas. Hurry."

As Pietor locked up the Cloak, America put on his superhero disguise as he thought-communicated to Adamas, "Big guy, your opponents are the Destroyers, experienced, professional and powerful metahuman criminals. Handle with extreme caution."

The special agent rattled off their MEDUSA dossiers from his ‘willpower-fueled’ memory and added, "Annihilator, Iron Maiden and Shapeshifter can handle underwater operations. Lodestone and I will deal with the landlocked ones until more backup arrives. Keep out of range of Ratman at all times."

In costume, Agent America prepared himself to be dropped into the fight. This was less than optimum; a straight up fair fight with metahumans. Not America's preferred way of operating. Not even close.

"Lodestone, the Destroyers are an independent Super-villain team with Shapershifter as the leader with Annihilator as tactical leader in combat. They have not exhibited any magical abilities. I would recommend your staying here.”

Since Safeguard was there, LodeStone insisted on going. “If there isn't any magic, I have this conventional weapon.” He pulled out and ready a grenade launching pistol.

"Petey boy! Step on it. We don't have all day. Put us in behind the Destroyers if you can."

This was it.

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97 Evading

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 1--------------------------------------------------------

As Pietor opened the portal Agent America went over his plan. He would boldly berate Behemoth like a drill sergeant, "Hyram, you god damn mental defective! The Army sent me to drag your sorry ass back to Leavenworth! You're AWOL, you maggot! You'll be scrubbing latrines for the rest of your pathetic life!" When he had his attention, AA would use his Blinding Flash gimmick on him. If it worked, he'll silently close on Behemoth with a special martial arts strike attempt to the head, in an attempt to knock him unconscious.

If, and only if, they teleport in behind the Destroyers and he had a chance to attack them without their knowledge, then he'll martial arts kick Ratman in the head to start things off, before moving to Behemoth. But Ratman was so dangerous he would only do this if he could catch them unaware. Otherwise his target was Behemoth.

Agent America moved quickly through the portal with LodeStone close behind. Pietor had done his part perfectly, they were behind the Destroyers and they were completely unaware. Agent America signal to LodeStone where he wanted him as he prepared to attack Ratman.

Agent America stopped.

Something wasn’t right. The Destroyers weren’t fighting. They were standing together 100 feet from DarkStar and the DarkStar named ‘Super Society’. The Super Society was getting in position defend against an attack from the Destroyers but the Destroyers were just watching like spectators.

The Super Spy and the Safeguard Superhero moved further into the shadows. Overhead they heard Annihilator barking orders. “The alien has been subdued. The interlopers are in the target zone. Time to Evac! Move Destroyers Move! CyberDoom execute your rear guard action now!” Annihilator flew away at top speed.

*Whoump*

DarkStar left the Super Society. Out of the parking garage next to them emerged 5 Robots that were over 9 feet tall. They fired energy beams from both their palms at the Super Society heroes.

Agent America watched Electrocutioner teleported out with Iron Maiden and Chrysalis. Ratman climbed onto the back of Behemoth. “Time to go big guy.”

“Aw, I so wanted to see DarkSap get blasted by the Cyberions.” Behemoth bent into a crouch then leaped into the sky.

Only the Angel in shining armor remained. Agent America knew it was Shapeshifter. She spread out her wings and in a mighty flap took to the air. In seconds she was gone.

In the distance the man from MEDUSA spotted a form in a cocoon. In a panic he ran toward it. He looked to the top to see Adamas’ face.

“Help me. I am not strong enough to free myself.”

Agent America grabbed his KA-BAR Knife. He cut with all his strength and the utmost of urgency.

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97 Evading

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 2--------------------------------------------------------

As the battle raged between the Super Society and the Cyberions, a less flashy but equally fierce battle was waged against Chrysalis’ cocoon. Agent America and Adamas were unable to break the silken cage.

LodeStone signaled that he had made contact with the two remaining active members of Safeguard, Stronghold and Watchdog. He was going to rendezvous with his team.

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 3--------------------------------------------------------

The ranks of the Super Society were being thinned at an alarming pace but the heroes fought valiantly against the Robotic Ambushers. Agent America had successfully cut enough for Adamas’ strength to rip the cocoon apart.

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 4--------------------------------------------------------

Adamas removed the remaining pieces of the cocoon. In a shot he took flight. He disappeared toward the bay. Agent America stared at his friend. After seeing how badly beaten he was the Super Spy was amazed that Adamas could stand, let alone fly.

He instinctively knew Adamas would be back, so he contacted LodeStone. Safeguard had recovered two of their armor trucks. The third was wrecked, the handy work of the Behemoth. They had loaded the injured and beaten Safeguard members in one. Fortunately there were no fatalities. They were in route to his location.

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 5--------------------------------------------------------

Adamas returned soaking wet. In his hand was the isotope. He had deprived the Destroyers of their prize.

“LodeStone, I have a surprise for you. Please get here as quickly as possible. You are not going to believe this. I am not even sure that I do.”

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 6--------------------------------------------------------

The arrival of 4 new superheroes to help Maxima removed any second thoughts that Safeguard had about their next action. They needed to get the isotope to Three Kilometer Island power plant and their teammates to the infirmary in their HQ. Stronghold, Watchdog, and Adamas were going to take the armored truck with the isotope. LodeStone was driving the armor truck with the rest of Safeguard back to their HQ. LodeStone asked Agent America if he wanted a ride. “This time you can ride shotgun.”

Current Conditions:

Agent America Hit Points: 83 Power Points: 97

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 7--------------------------------------------------------

Agent America watched Adamas, Stronghold, and Watchdog leave. He climbed into the cab. He reflected on the last two days as he rode back to Dr. Avery’s Mansion.

Back at the Donor’s Ball with Adamas.

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.”

Adamas replied, “Jessica, I believe, I've seen some of your work. It does appear that you enjoy doing interviews with Meta's. My press release was not intended to be an interview, but rather an apology. That was my first "battle" in public, and I did not think about the damage I was doing to property, and the fact that I put innocents in harm’s way. I was so caught up in doing what I thought had to be done that I paid no attention to anything else going on around me. I will endeavor to ensure that does not happen again.”

Jessica smiled, “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.”

“Jessica, I have found this world to be a nice place, but I am unaware that I have done any favors for reporters... In addition, it appears my team mates think little of the Hill's Angels moniker. While I can appreciate your attempt to compare me with the mythical beings created to battle evil and guide humanity, I assure you, I am no Angel. I really do not believe I would have a lot to share in an interview. I have very little knowledge of where I came from, or how I came to be here. While an interview might not be as fruitful as you might wish, I'd be happy to fly you around the city for the experience, if you would in turn help me to better understand this world, and it's fascination with death and destruction. It seems that is all the news coverage focuses on.

I will contact you in the near future to discuss this further, but right now I have other pressing matters to attend to, if you can please excuse me."

Adamas will exit through the front of the building and launch to get the best view of the motorcade.

Later, the Safeguard armored car convoy was ambushed with tactical precision. All vehicles and Safeguard Superheroes were attacked at the same time. The thieves successfully identified the armor car with the isotope. They hid it in one of three special lined bags which prevented the detection of the isotope. Three mercenaries were each given a bag and were running back to the car garage they had emerged from.

Adamas grasped the amulet given him by Dr. Avery, "Convoy under attack Mid-town Center City. At least 7 Unidentified Metas involved, look for the smoke, they appear to have advanced weaponry, as well as hirelings. They have captured the isotope, and appear to be easily handling Safeguard. I am engaging."

With that thought, Adamas released the amulet and sprung into action. As he dove toward the isotope carrying men the Angel stretched her sword arm out on an intercept course.

SWOOSH!

Adamas dodged the sword strike. He flew by and grabbed the three individuals with the bags, one of which contained the isotope. He got them away from the ambush site as fast as possible. Adamas pulled the satchels away from the mercenaries as an adult would take a confection from an infant. He dropped the mercenaries on different roof tops without harming them.

He flew towards the bay area that he knew was nearby, and slammed into the water at his maximum speed, burying the bags in the deepest part of the bay, releasing them in the silt and mud at that point. With his vision powers, he believed he would have no trouble retrieving the bags when he had time, and for now, it would keep them safe.

Adamas planned to fly back out of the water to return to the site of the attack. He would engage any flying opponents that appeared to be following him, and then attempt to aid Safeguard.

As Adamas roar's out of the bay spraying water in a geyser, he heard Agent America's request "Adamas, can you identify or describe the metas who've extracted the isotope?" Again he grasped his medallion. "I saw 7 costumed meta's... The largest is close to Dark Stars size, wearing only large shorts. There were a couple of armored females, a large rodent, a couple of flyers, one with wings, a sword and shield that seemed to be part of its body, one that appeared to be controlling lightning, and a few henchmen. I have recovered the Isotope and hidden it beneath the bay, I am returning to aid Safeguard, as most of them had been rendered unconscious before I was able to gain the Isotope. I believe the isotope is now safe, but have no idea what has transpired since I left the initial site of confrontation. If anyone has followed me away from the battle I will engage them on sight to prevent anyone from gaining the Isotope."

{GM Note: This action is all happening on the same phase of the turn. So while it reads sequentially, keep in mind it is not across multiple phases}

As he neared the ambush site, Adamas saw the villain with the A on his chest using the skyscrapers to close on him. Adamas veered his course to engage him. He heard the villain say, “Shapeshifter and Iron Maiden perform Zulu Dawn on my mark. MARK!”

The rocket powered villain blasted two blasts at Adamas (one from each hand.)

ZzzBOOM! ZzzBOOM

Both hit Adamas (GM Note: Blasts did damage of 16 and 3 for total of 19. Invulnerability -19, it is now 5)

The Angel Woman had changed her sword and shield into huge fists shaped like maces. She attacked Adamas from below stretching her arms to hit him with her maces.

BLAM! WHIFF!

One of the Maces struck Adamas in the Chest (GM Note: Mace did 8 points of damage, -5 to Invulnerability and -3 to Power Points)

From above the woman in purple armor with the sparking staff leaped down toward Adamas.

BLAM! ZZAAKK!

She smacked him with her disrupter staff. Electricity fried Adamas’ nervous system. (GM Note: HtH plus Electrical carrier attack did 17 points of damage, -7 Power Powers and -10 Hit Points.}

Annihilator commanded, “Now Behemoth perform Trojan Horse! MARK!”

Adamas looked down to see another mercenary standing next to man wearing only trunks, who was as big as DarkStar , who was lifting the Armor Truck as if he was about to shot put it.

ZZWTT!

The merc fired his pistol and energy blasted Adamas. {GM Note: Power Blast did 9 damage, -6 PP and -3 Hit Points)

“Catch, dumb wit!” the man-mountain yelled as he threw the armored truck at him. Adamas was shocked to see Rodent suit man riding on top of the cab. Before the truck arrived, the truck surfer leapt toward the alien superhero

RIP! RIP!

Both set of claws from the Rodent man struck Adamas across his shoulders. {GM Note: Claws did 23 damage, -10 PP and -13 HP}.

WHOOMMHH!

Adamas barely ducked up the armored truck before it could deliver the knockout blow. To his shock clinging underneath the truck was the other woman in armor.

PFFFT! PFFFT!

Adamas was hit with her entangling chrysalis goo. He was completely covered and couldn’t maintain flight. He dropped to the ground. He tried to free himself. At the same time he tried to rip it apart with his strength and blast with his vision. {GM Note: Dual attack -2 PP and Power Blast -1 PP}

He blasted the goo away from his face but was unable to open the cocoon. Adamas lay on the ground, unable to turn his head, wondering what would happen next.

*WHOUMP*

Current Conditions:

Adamas Hit Points: 5 Power Points: 45 Invulnerability 0

-----------------------------------------End of Turn 1--------------------------------------------------------

Adamas could hear noise but without seeing what was happening he couldn’t make sense of it all. He heard DarkStar teleport.

*WHOUMP*

He heard the fight start anew.

He then saw the face of Agent America before him. He felt a sense of relief. With his team here to support him, Adamas knew they would be victorious.

Looking toward his teammate he said, “Help me. I am not strong enough to free myself.”

Adamas tried with all his immense strength to rip open the cocoon and again he failed.

Current Conditions: