Crucible #23 - "The Morning After"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #23 - "The Morning After"


Edgar & Eldrich - Basic Astronomy

"Natural satellites. An interesting name for fragments."

"To employ the term 'fragments' implies that the planets and their moons are part of a greater body. They are not. Each planet and moon was formed from the same dust cloud from which the solar system itself was formed. The intense gravity caused the gases near the center of the cloud to ignite, thus causing the sun to come into being. Gravity caused the solid material to clump together to be shaped into spherical planets and moons as the years passed. Today, there are 9 recognized planets along with many dozens of moons."

"Are any of these nine worlds or their satellites inhabited?"

"The inhabitants of this planet do not believe any of the other worlds are inhabited due to the lack of a breathable atmospheres on the other celestial bodies. However, they do suspect that there is primitive oceanic life forms on one of the moons of the planet they have designated 'Saturn'.

"Do they orbit in the belt of air around the Sun?"

"Such a thing is not physically possible. Atmospheres only surround large physical bodies. There is no atmosphere to speak of in the deeps of space. It is an environment inhospitable to the vast majority of inhabitants of this planet."

"If so how are they reached? Can the Sun be reached?"

"A spaceship is required to reach any of the other moons and planets, although some metahumans have the ability to make the trip on their own. Goldstar is such an entity."

"And if not, where would I find a 'nuclear reactor'?"

"Nuclear Reactors are typically used to generate electrical power to run cities and power machines. Such places are high dangerous, as nuclear radiation exposure can be fatal to most beings. Such areas are also highly guarded."

"The ring shall be destroyed soon Edgar I promise this."

"The simplest alternative is to have Goldstar fly the ring to the sun and toss it in, completing its destruction."

"A twenty four hour day. How extraordinary. That leaves less time for exposure to sunlight. Was it arranged that way on purpose?"

"It is based on how fast the Earth rotates in its orbit around the sun. Factors determining this are the mass of the planet and its distance from the star it circles. It is a naturally occurring circumstance and one that was not predetermined."

"What are metahumans? Do you mean these people gifted with talents?"

"Metahumans is a colloquial term used to describe those humans who have abilities and talents far beyond what is considered normally possible. Each member of the Vigilant would be considered a metahuman."

"If this is one of the more powerful nations and 'technology' is not dispersed throughout the world then to whom does it belong?"

"Technology typically belongs to the being or the company who created it. They sell their technological devices to the masses in order to generate a profit allowing them to research and create even more advanced devices."

"Who rules this nation?"

"An elected official known as the 'President'. The current president is called Ronald Regan." (1986, remember! )

[GM Mad]

Lily:

Morning finally comes to the Pak apartment. Rose is already up and has been watching cartoons on cable TV. The fact that rose is hovering in front of the television tells Lily that yesterday was not a dream.

After making and eating breakfast, Lily checks her E-mail. There is a reply from Sanctuary. The return address as metalla at sanctuary.org and is timed shortly after Lily retired for the evening.

Dear Lily Pak,

Thank you for writing and I hope that you are coping with your current situation. The San Diego division of PRIMUS contacted Sanctuary earlier in the day. We are putting an emergency medical unit together and they are being dispatched to San Diego along with some of the Young Champions team. They should be arriving Sunday afternoon, local time. Based on the information provided by PRIMUS, the relief team will be using a 'castle' in North San Diego Bay to set up operations, if that makes any sense to you.

The relief team will provide medical examinations, counseling, and try to provide options for you, including training in the Young Champions program. If you and your daughter can reach the castle during the afternoon, we will attempt to assist you through this trying time.

Sincerely,

Metalla


Vigilant:

After a refreshing rest, you awake to a new day: Sunday, July 6th, 1986. Those out at the Castle will be greeted by Edgar. During the night he added two sub-levels underneath the basement of the castle. Entrance is via a concealed elevator in the basement.

The first sub-level is a general living area complete with individual rooms for each member of the group along with guest quarters. Each room is tailored to the individual who it belongs to. For instance, Flux's room had a military simplicity to it, while Frostbite has hockey memorabilia in his. Serena's is more primitive with shields decorating the walls. Eldrich and Blackout's rooms are also spartan.

There is a meeting area near the center of the level, close to the elevators. As Edgar warned before, he cannot create food to be consumed as it would, literally, be a piece of Edgar himself, and really who wants to take a bite out of Edgar?

The level below this one is still being formed, but consists of the training facilities that Serena requested.

Those away from the castle will arrive to find the platform missing near the docks. However, it does appear as they get closer. It will take each back to the Castle as easily as before.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Welcome, finally, to day two of this game. The group from Sanctuary will arrive in a few hours.

News coverage has the death toll rising to over 3000 people from the incident in downtown San Diego. Roughly forty percent of the people exposed to the white radiation perished. More rescue and fire fighting action occurred during the night, but nothing of great significance. The Protectors helped out as needed and are still in the area.

Now what?

[Bruce]

Flux:


Flux had made his way home via an indirect method: Shrinking down and phasing through the trunk of a passing vehicle and dropping out again when a change of direction was needed.

Confident that he remained unseen, Flux enters his apartment building still small and phasing through walls to reach his own place. After entering he checks the phone for messages and peels off the clothes ruined by the day's work.

Going to have to come up with something better than a ski mask. Makes me look like a bankrobber. Maybe camo face paint...

Heading to the bath Dave remembers he had 'changed' his clothes yesterday by phasing them out in exchange for the working set.

Phasing again Dave finds he is redressed in his casual attire from yesterday and must undress all over again.

Well at least that set is all right. Hardly wore them at all.

While running the water for the tub Dave rummages through the medicine cabnet for iodine and bandages to treat the gashes left by the Monster.

Probably too late now but I'll do some work on them after the bath. Hope there's no such thing as demonic infections. Who knows where those claws have been?! Maybe Serena could heal them. Better remember to ask her.

The hot water goes a long way to easing the ache in the knees but increases the torpor of the tired man.

Aspirin and bed. Right after a phonecall.

Drying off and wrapped in a towel Dave calls his brother's home.

"Hi Artie! It's your Uncle Dave. How's my favorite nephew?"

"I'm your only nephew Uncle Dave. And it's Art! Are you coming for dinner?"

Dave smiles at the joke. It's the same they've shared for some years now.

Enjoy it now. He's already seven. It'll be 'lame' too soon.

" 'fraid not Art. Things are too rocky around here right now. Is your dad around?"

"Aawww. I was gonna beat you at Nintendo again. Hang on."

The phone clunks down and "daad! unca Dave is calling!" can be heard over the line.

"Hello Dave. Everything all right over there?"

"Hi Sam. That's just what I was going to ask you. That and cancel the Sunday dinner. I'm going to be busy today."

"I thought as much. Everything's fine here. A few people from work are missing-and worse. We may be on short staff for a while. Don't overdo the volunteer work."

And more quietly, " We still don't know all the aftereffects of your encounter with those particles."

That's not the half of it brother mine! But now's not the time.

"I know Sam. But I'm feeling normal so far. Just tired. I gotta go. Much to do around here. Take care of your family and tell 'em I'll be there next Sunday for sure."

"I will Dave. You take care too. Bye."

"Bye."

Hanging up the phone Dave considers a brief bite to eat but sleep beckens too strongly.

Dave sets the alarm for late morning and folds up into bed.................


........and the alarm goes off immediatly! Or so it seems to Dave as he peels one eye open to look at the cursed machine.

Unfortuntely it is indeed time to rise and shine and duty calls. Dave rises showers and shaves.

After a quick bite of food he digs out another set of camo pants and clean black tee to wear and paints up his face in stripes. Now dressed for 'work' he shifts out of his apartment the same way he entered and makes his way to the dock to board the platform for what will be his new commute.

Have to see what we can do for food out there. Buy foodstuff in bulk, get the discount and store it someway or other. Much to do....

[Menagerie]

Lily:

Rising from a night of troubled sleep, Lily makes her way into the living room. She can see Lily floating in front of the television, watching some animated silliness or other. Clearly, yesterday was no dream, though it may qualify as something of a nightmare. She pauses for a few moments, as she often does, to admire her beautiful daugher before Rose becomes aware of her presence.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?" Lily chats with Rose for a little while, before turning her attention to the task or providing them both with breakfast. They chat a bit more as they eat, reviewing the events of the previous day. Rose seems quite comfortable with all that happened, far moreso than Lily can claim.

After breakfast is done, Rose returns to the TV and Lily retreats to her room to bathe and dress. Then she boots up her computer, finding an email from Sanctuary waiting, as she had hoped it would be. The news is good, as they will have representatives here in San Diego soon! A medical team will allow them to be checked for any health problems relating to the acquisition of their new abilities. Apparently, at least a few of the Young Champions will be here too, which would give both her and Rose a chance to meet them.

Interesting that they will be using the mysteriously-appearing castle as a base of operations. Lily can only guess that when her new friends checked the place out, it was found to be benign.

Thankful for the information, Lily takes the time to write a reply. She seems to recall seeing this Metalla listed on the web site as an important figure among the Sanctuary staff. It's nice of her to have responded personally.

Dear Ms. Metalla,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my missive. The information you have provided is greatly appreciated. I will make certain that both my daughter and I are present to meet with your representatives. It will be a great relief to get proper medical examinations for both of us. I can only fearfully imagine what lingering effects might be possible from an exposure to an unknown radiation such as we experienced.

Gratefully,

Lily Pak

Hitting the send icon, Lily then proceeds to shut the computer down. Her next task it to get Rose bathed, dressed and ready for the day. As they progress, Lily tells her daughter what she has learned, enticing Rose with the promise of meeting the Young Champions.

Some time later, Lily and Rose arrive near the waterfront. Driving about the area, Lily searches for any PRIMUS operatives or a means to get to the castle on the island.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Blackout really doesn't remember the short ride over or finding his room or laying down. It takes him a few seconds upon awakening to remember where he is exactly. Once that is figured out, he will check out his spartan room, making mental notes of things like closet space and any other small changes he will need done to accomidate his small amount of personal stuff he plans to bring over today.

In a little while, Blackout will search out Edgar and head down to the level where the training facilities will be. He will discuss some options he would like to see including various poles set in a variety of increasingly difficult angles and heights, sort of like a large, adult-sized junglegym. Blackout will also discuss what other kind of devices Edgar might be able to provide, possibly some resistance fields or weights to test and improve physical strength, and maybe a few tandem areas where teamwork could be worked on, or for friendly competition between members.

After all this discussion, Blackout realizes he needs to shower badly, and also work on getting more than one costume. He also hopes someone who is due to meet back here this morning remembers to pick up some breakfast.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Incant:

Eldrich digests the slew of information given to him by Edgar. The bulk of it seems to solidly confirm that he is nowhere near anything like his home realm. The idea of only having a thin sheath of air around the planet is disturbing to him. All other planets being uninhabited or unlivable and for the most part unreachable seems unatural as well.

"Most of what you have told me does not make sense to me Edgar. This by no means implies that I doubt you; only that it is all far from the ways I know."

"If you believe Goldstar can fly to the sun with that evil ring in safety then let me have it back again. I will seek out Goldstar and ask her to destroy it."

Suiting action to words Eldrich will take the serpintine ring to Goldstar, wrapped in cloth, and ask that she take it as close to the sun as she can and cast it in.


After this, he makes his way to his quarters to wash and rest, preparing to meet the visitors expected later.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

The night passed SO slowly to Goldstar! There was nothing to do once Eldritch went to sleep. And what's up with that? Why do people have to sleep? It seems so-- wasteful. There are lots of things that could be done otherwise!

Fortunately Eldritch did come up with a little task for me. Seems he wants to destroy that icky mages ring by having me toss it into the sun!

"Stellar!", Goldstar cries out in excitement. "I've been dying to go off into space but no one seems to want to go with me." Taking the wrapped up ring, Goldstar steps out onto one of the balconies of the castle and prepares to take flight.

"One moment, Goldstar", Edgar calls out. The guy who used to look like me steps up with a small device in his hand. "Take this with you."

Edgar holds up something that looks like a wrist watch.

"What's that for?"

"It will act as a homing beacon," Edgar explains.

"That's silly! I know here I can find the sun!"

"It is so that you can find your way back here," Edgar explains further.

"OOOOH! That's a really good idea!"

Taking the device, Goldstar straps it on her wrist and steps away. She waves goodbye and streaks straight up into the air, flying as fast as she can. The castle becomes smaller and smaller below Goldstar as she climes higher until even San Diego itself is nothing but a speck below.

The air becomes thinner and colder but it does not bother Goldstar. Finally she breaks out of Earth's gravity and streaks out into space. Now weightless, Goldstar pauses to look back at the planet Earth below her. Boy, it sure is big!

The moon is closeby, so Goldstar goes to check it out. Flying faster than before, Goldstar suddenly breaks the light barrier for a just a few seconds and reaches the moon in the span of a heartbeat.

Goldstar flies lower and over the surface of the moon. It is a desolate and dusty place. Nothing grows here and no one lives here. Flying on, Goldstar passes through the boundary between the bright side of the moon and the dark side.

Having done that, Goldstar notices something below. Something reflecting off the starlight.

Flying down, Goldstar finds what appears to be, or rather have been, some sort of moon base. Its been destroyed, blown up from the inside from the looks of it. How peculiar!

There's a buzzing come from her wrist device and that snaps Goldstar back to reality. "Oh that's right, I've got this ring to destroy!"

Rising up once more Goldstar flies out of the moon's gravitational field and towards the distant sun. Once far enough away form the moon, Goldstar breaks the light barrier once more, this time for several minutes.

Slowing down once, the sun dominates nearly half of the sky before Goldstar. She watches in innocent fascination as solar fire dances about the star.

"Stellar…", Goldstar saws in awe.

Sometime later, Goldstar remembers about the ring. Finally, she flings it towards the sun. Since there is no friction in space, there's nothing to stop the ring's momentum and the close proximity of the sun will ensure that it'll get sucked in, destroying it.

Finally, Goldstar turns around and flies back away from the sun. Once more, the trip passes in just a few minutes back to Earth. Guided by the watch, Goldstar is led back to San Diego and the castle.

But instead of heading directly back to the castle, Goldstar flies around the area. Down below her, she spots Lily conversion to some one in a red, white, and blue uniform.

Flying down, Goldstar and gives Lily a big, but gentle hug!

"LILY! You've come back! I've missed you so much! Hi ya Rose! Want to come check out our neato base? I just come back from a trip to the sun!"

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

The sun shines brightly through the window of his bedroom, He tries valiantly to cover his head from the invading sun but to no success. He rubs his eyes wondering how long he slept . 9:35am. Having to start his day this early doesnt suit well has he half drags himself to the bathroom and proceeds to take a hot shower. He dresses in a casual manner typical Sunday, jeans and a shirt.

Placing money in his wallet, $40, he heads downstairs where He finds his Father sitting at the table reading the paper.

"Mornin Papa, I'll see ya later."

Without looking up from his paper, "Okay, but make sure you cut the Lawn later on. The neighbors are complaining."

He groans to himself, "I'll do it as soon as I get back."

His stomach let's it be known than he is hungry as he walks to the water front district of town with a deep growl. He looks around at any nearby establishments. A Dunkin Donuts is within a few yards, "That's the ticket." and proceeds there.

Not knowing what the others may like or if they have even eaten he orders 2 Dozen donuts of various flavors and 8 single Orange juices and 3 local papers. With Breakfast/brunch in his hands he retraces his steps from the prier night. He reaches the Docks and looks around for the platform, it seemingly pops out of no where greeting him. Upon reaching the castle and the others , "Breakfast Is Here!!!" Placing the donuts and OJ on the table," I didn't know what you guys would like so got 2 of each. Hope its enough."

Upon seeing the new castle and Edgar's Butler outfit, "You been busy it appears." with a smirk on his face.

[Serena]

Serena:

The Knight sleeps peaceful and awakens some time the next day. The sun has already risen and from observation it appears high in the sky. Mid day from the looks of it, or close to it.

Rising, Serena finds a pitcher of water on a nearby stand along with a washing bowl. Using soap and a towel, Serena cleans herself up as best she can.

Dressing, Serena departs her chamber and goes forth to discover what has transpired in her absence. The rest of the Vigilant seem to be present eating and drinking foodstuffs that Serena has never seen before.

"Pleasant morning, comrades," Serena will greet everyone. "What transpires here?"

Serena can feel the pangs of hunger in her stomach. She will sample the food that Frostbite brought, experimentally smelling each since she has no idea what they are.

The beverage has a tangy taste to it and it seems to wake Serena up even more. "Invigorating." The dough-nuts are some sort of circular cake with sweet toppings on them. Interesting and tasty to eat.

Edgar states that he has constructed several new levels underneath the castle for the teams use. Serena goes with the others to investigate these new areas.

At first she is unsure just how this is going to happen. They enter a small chamber with no visible exits! However since most everyone else steps inside without any sign of concern, Serena will do the same. Unexpectedly, the door shuts and the room begins to fall!

Again no one shows concern. The room slows and stops and the door opens once more. As if by magic, the areas outside the door have changed! The castle is seemingly gone, replaced by something more modern.

Edgar shows us the meeting area and the training rooms. Blackout offers more suggestions to the training areas, things that Serena had not considered before. The private quarters suits Serena just fine.

"This resembles a typical order guest chamber", Serena notes. "How did you know?"

"I based each room on what I saw of your personality when I scanned each of you. Each room reflects your individual tastes. If I have erred, please let me know."

"You have not erred, Edgar. This will suit me perfectly."

Serena will experimentally look around. Behind one door she finds a small room with several ceramic-looking objects whose functions Serena can only guess at.

"What is this?"

"This is a modern bathroom", Edgar explains. "Permit me to show you how it functions."

After being shown the bathroom and just how it works, Serena is eager to try it out. Stripping once more, Serena takes a 'shower'. The warm water emerges from overhead and goes down a hole in the bottom of the shower area. A fragrant shampoo is used to cleanse her hair. Feeling cleaner then she ever felt before, Serena will dry off and redress.

Later Serena returns to the upper halls of the castle and finds Lily and Rose among us once more. "Welcome, Lily and Rose. I trust you had a relaxing evening. Have you met Edgar yet? You must try to chamber Edgar has designated as the bathroom. It is a most marvelous place to cleanse oneself!"

[GM Mad]

Post Update:

Flux:

Returning to the castle, Flux will find Edgar waiting for him at the platform dock. "Welcome back, Flux. I have added several new things during your absence. You are welcome to examine the new areas and make suggestions for improvements."

"Pardon me for asking, sir, but why have you painted your face? Also, do not your knee joints hurt you? I detect that the tissue is breaking down there, causing bone to rub on bone. It must be most painful."


Lily:

"Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?"

"Fine, mommy! I'm hungry!"

As they progress, Lily tells her daughter what she has learned, enticing Rose with the promise of meeting the Young Champions.

"Who are they?", Rose inquires. (The general public is unaware of the Young Champions program.)


Leaving the apartment, Lily drives back to the dock area. The streets are nowhere near as packed as they were yesterday. Driving through the affected area reminds Lily of driving through a ghost town. What had once been the heart of downtown San Diego is gone. Many buildings were damaged during the incident if not outright destroyed. Coupled with the huge loss of life it will take years for this area to recover. Looting seems to be a major problem at the present.

Reaching the docks close to the castle out in the harbor, Lily can see that a lighthouse style light has been added, no doubt to warn ships and planes at the nearby airfield of its presence. Spotting a police officer, Lily steps up to speak to him. Before she can get too far, Goldstar comes flying in and hugs Lily.

Goldstar can carry Lily out to the castle is she wishes it.

Assuming that she does, Edgar will greet the two new arrivals. "Welcome. I have been given the designation of Edgar."


Blackout:

Edgar will appear to be pleased when Blackout approaches him.

"Forgive me for prying, but it appears that you have not informed your teammates of your handicap. Is there a particular reason for this?"

On the subject of the training area. "Not to worry, Blackout. The training room is modeled after the various metahuman training areas on this world. It can be adjusted for the particulars of each training session with scaleable difficulty levels. You should find it most challenging."

"I have taken the liberty of setting up a separate work out area for exercise, weight lifting, and endurance training. It should be able to accommodate all of your needs."

When the subject of a shower comes up, Edgar will point out the private bathroom in each of the private quarters.


Eldrich:

"Most of what you have told me does not make sense to me Edgar. This by no means implies that I doubt you; only that it is all far from the ways I know."

"This is the norm in any dimension where magic is among the weakest of fundamental forces. Obviously, you are from a dimension where magic is stronger and what would normally be impossible is possible."

"If you believe Goldstar can fly to the sun with that evil ring in safety then let me have it back again. I will seek out Goldstar and ask her to destroy it."

"According to my scans, Goldstar is capable of surviving in other space and traveling faster than the speed of light. To her, the otherwise impossible task of traveling to the sun is simple."


Goldstar:

Sensing that Goldstar may not be skilled enough to find her way back to the castle, Edgar gives her a homing beacon. It will also allow Edgar to monitor her progress. As with most newborns, Goldstar is easily distracted as she mysteriously flies to the moon first. After buzzing her, Goldstar continues on her mission to the moon.

Goldstar's speed is quite impressive. She not only can travel faster than the speed of light, but many times over. It is quite possible that she had yet to achieve her top velocity during this short trip to the sun and back.


Frostbite:

Upon seeing the new castle and Edgar's Butler outfit, "You been busy it appears." with a smirk on his face.

"I have much to accomplish", Edgar will agree. "Would you care to see the sub-levels that I added during the night? I have set up a meeting area, training areas, private quarters for your use."


Serena:

Edgar will show Serena about and explain the function of each object to her. Much like Eldrich, the woman is from another dimension and somewhat ignorant of advanced technology.

[Menagerie]

Lily:

Rose's question elicits a chuckle from Lily. "You're right, they wouldn't be well known. The Young Champions are a training team of metahumans - supers as some people call them - based on the island of Sanctuary."

Seeing the blank look in her daughter's eyes, Lily continues. "Sanctuary is an island in the south Pacific that serves as a resort and rest area for metahumans. It's a very nice place where meathumans can go to rest and relax, and no violence is allowed.

"The Young Champions is a program designed to teach new metahumans - like us, how to control and use their powers. This enables them to get on with their lives without being a danger to themselves or others. Anyway, several of them will be hear to help with the recovery from the tragedy that occured yesterday. I thought you might enjoy meeting some other young metahumans."

=====

Driving through town, Lily is still shocked by how extensive the damage is. She can't help but wonder if even a cyclone could have caused so much destruction and chaos - not to mention loss of life.

Spotting some PRIMUS agents, Lily finds a place to park and gets out. She and Rose talk with the agents for a few moments, then Goldstar appears seemingly out of nowhere! "Goldstar! How are you? It's good to see you. You remember Rose..."

Goldstar's statements are almost more than Lily can keep up with. She had noticed the changes to the castle since she had seen it the previous day, so assumes the reference to the neato base must have something to do with it. But a trip to the sun?!

Surprise and confusion color Lily's tone. "The sun?! You mean you actually travelled to the sun... and back... since yesterday?!"

Eventually, she gets a grip on her incredulity and proceeds in a more measured tone. "So I take it the castle turned out to be uninhabited? And you've turned it into some kind of base?

"Yes, I would like to see the others, as well as the castle. However, I'd like to try to make my own way there, if possible. Please, lead the way."

After telling Rose and Goldstar what she's about to do so it won't be too much of a surprise, Lily tells Rose to follow along as they fly out to the castle. Then, Lily shifts her form to that of a large eagle and leaps into the air. She will follow Goldstar as best she can to the island. If nothing else, this will prove a good test of how long she can retain a new form and how quickly she gets tired. If it looks like she's not going to make it, Lily will ask Goldstar to carry her the rest of the way.

Upon reaching the island, they are met by someone Lily has never seen before. He's introduced to Edgar. His statement of greeting, sounds odd to Lily's ear, and something about him just seems a little strange as well. "Hello Edgar. I am Lily Pak and this is my daughter Rose.

"I hope you won't think me rude, but what do you mean by, I have been given the designation. Is this not your usual name?" As she speaks, she uses her enhanced senses to try to identify what it is about him that seems odd.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Edgar will appear to be pleased when Blackout approaches him.

"Forgive me for prying, but it appears that you have not informed your teammates of your handicap. Is there a particular reason for this?"

"Actually Edgar, with my other enhanced senses, I really don't even think of it as a handicap, almost to the point of forgetting about it altogether. It is something I should probably bring up when the team is re-assembled however," Blackout will reply.

Blackout will be quite impressed when he walks into the training area. He stops talking about what he thinks the team might need and will check out a few of the things Edgar has already devised. "This should work quite well Edgar. I'll let you know if I think of anything else that we might need."

Blackout will take a quick, and much needed, shower. The water pressure feels wonderful, but he doesn't linger, not this morning. Once he is dressed and leaves his room, he notices Frostbite was indeed psychic and picked up some breakfast.

"You are a lifesaver, Frosty," Blackout will grab a doughnut as he expresses his thanks. Trying not to be too messy while he eats, Blackout will wait for the others and say good morning to those already present.

[Bruce]

Flux:


Flux is not taken aback by Edgar's remark; the scan must have been at least as comprehensive as an MRI or CAT.

"Yes, Edgar the cartilige is wearing thin in my knee joints. The universe has a distinct irony to it, don't you think, giving someone like me the power to increase my weight?"

"It's nothing to be worried about though. I dosed up on liniment, wrapped up in Ace bandages and if need be can reduce my weight too." Flux grins through his camo paint. "Compensations and all that. As for the paint, well it beats a scratchy ski mask and still confuses my facial features."

"Show me these new levels, Edgar. I'm not up for a run but a few other types of exercise will do me good. Then we need to have a meeting before the arrival of the medical team."

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

"Goldstar! How are you? It's good to see you. You remember Rose..."

"Hi Rose!", Goldstar happily says and will hug the little one too.

Surprise and confusion color Lily's tone. "The sun?! You mean you actually traveled to the sun... and back... since yesterday?!"

"Actually, I left just a few hours ago and came right back. It only took me a few minutes." Goldstar has no idea just how fantastic that may sound to others.

Eventually, she gets a grip on her incredulity and proceeds in a more measured tone. "So I take it the castle turned out to be uninhabited? And you've turned it into some kind of base?"

"Well, it's a bit more complicated then that."

Goldstar will take a deep breath, not that she really needs to, before launching into her one long explanation in her own unique style.

"Okay, well you see the castle isn't really castle, its dimensional traveling being, so the whole thing is alive and it was being controlled by this medieval evil who called himself the Warlord along with his stooges the Priestess and the Black Magus. You see, the being can alter its shape to better fit into its surroundings and it picked up the Warlord in another dimension. When the accident took place that changed you, the ship was in mid-dimension flight and was damaged, causing it to appear in the middle of the bay. The inside also looked like castle, but was actually much bigger as the being could alter the laws of physics within itself. Ya know, dimensionally transcendental and all of that."

"Anyway, we beat up the Warlord and freed the being. After Serena healed him, he chose me to bond with to make it a link to this world. I gave him the name of Edgar as he looked like an Edgar. So now Edgar is our living base and he's something of a medical relieve vessel and here to help out."

"The Black Magus had an EVIL ring and Eldrich wanted it destroyed, so I flew to the sun and throw it in and I just got back. So what's new with you?"

"Yes, I would like to see the others, as well as the castle. However, I'd like to try to make my own way there, if possible. Please, lead the way."

"Uhm, sure Lily. I didn't know that you could fly?"

After telling Rose and Goldstar what she's about to do so it won't be too much of a surprise, Lily tells Rose to follow along as they fly out to the castle. Then, Lily shifts her form to that of a large eagle and leaps into the air. She will follow Goldstar as best she can to the island. If nothing else, this will prove a good test of how long she can retain a new form and how quickly she gets tired. If it looks like she's not going to make it, Lily will ask Goldstar to carry her the rest of the way.

"Okay…", Goldstar will say when Lily says she's going to change into a bird to fly out to the castle. But right before her eyes, Lily does change into a bird! "Neato! What else can you do, Lily?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lily:

Seeing the blank look in her daughter's eyes, Lily continues. "Sanctuary is an island in the south Pacific that serves as a resort and rest area for metahumans. It's a very nice place where meathumans can go to rest and relax, and no violence is allowed."

"Are there other kids with superpowers there too?", Lily will wonder aloud.

After telling Rose and Goldstar what she's about to do so it won't be too much of a surprise, Lily tells Rose to follow along as they fly out to the castle. Then, Lily shifts her form to that of a large eagle and leaps into the air. She will follow Goldstar as best she can to the island. If nothing else, this will prove a good test of how long she can retain a new form and how quickly she gets tired. If it looks like she's not going to make it, Lily will ask Goldstar to carry her the rest of the way.

Rose's eyes will grow wide as Lily changes into a eagle. "That is so cool, mommy!"

Rose will leap into the air and follow Goldstar and Lily out to the castle. Lily reaches it without any problems.

Upon reaching the island, they are met by someone Lily has never seen before. He's introduced to Edgar. His statement of greeting, sounds odd to Lily's ear, and something about him just seems a little strange as well. "Hello Edgar. I am Lily Pak and this is my daughter Rose."

"Welcome Lily Pak and Rose. How can I be of assistance?"

"I hope you won't think me rude, but what do you mean by, I have been given the designation. Is this not your usual name?" As she speaks, she uses her enhanced senses to try to identify what it is about him that seems odd.

"It is the designation assigned to me by the one I have bonded with. It has superceded all other designations I had in the past."

As Lily looks at Edgar, everything turns red in her eyes as her sight changes to be able to see into the infrared range. The effect is momentarily startling to Lily. Goldstar shines incredibly bright to infrared sight and is nearly blinding to gaze upon. Edgar isn't as bright, but even more mysteriously the heat signature he shows is the same as coming from the walls of the castle!


Blackout:

"Actually Edgar, with my other enhanced senses, I really don't even think of it as a handicap, almost to the point of forgetting about it altogether. It is something I should probably bring up when the team is re-assembled however," Blackout will reply.

"I understand. It is my nature to address such issues in private before speaking publicly of them."

Blackout will be quite impressed when he walks into the training area. He stops talking about what he thinks the team might need and will check out a few of the things Edgar has already devised. "This should work quite well Edgar. I'll let you know if I think of anything else that we might need."

"Very good, sir."


Flux:

"Yes, Edgar the cartilage is wearing thin in my knee joints. The universe has a distinct irony to it, don't you think, giving someone like me the power to increase my weight?"

"It's nothing to be worried about though. I dosed up on liniment, wrapped up in Ace bandages and if need be can reduce my weight too."

"It is a bit surprising", Edgar will state. "In those with metahuman abilities, typically their bodies adapt to being comfortable in using their powers. However, the condition is treatable should you so desire."

"As for the paint, well it beats a scratchy ski mask and still confuses my facial features."

"Why would you wish to conceal your facial features? I do not detect any abnormalities."

"Show me these new levels, Edgar. I'm not up for a run but a few other types of exercise will do me good. Then we need to have a meeting before the arrival of the medical team."

"Very good, sir."

Edgar will show Flux the concealed elevator entrance and take him to the lower levels to show him the meeting area, training facilities and private quarters.

[Bruce]

Flux:

"Yes, Edgar the cartilage is wearing thin in my knee joints. The universe has a distinct irony to it, don't you think, giving someone like me the power to increase my weight?"
"It's nothing to be worried about though. I dosed up on liniment, wrapped up in Ace bandages and if need be can reduce my weight too."

"It is a bit surprising", Edgar will state. "In those with metahuman abilities, typically their bodies adapt to being comfortable in using their powers. However, the condition is treatable should you so desire."

Treatable! Does he mean....?

"How is it treatable, Edgar? It's a product of my age and former occupation. What would this treatment entail?"

"As for the paint, well it beats a scratchy ski mask and still confuses my facial features."

"Why would you wish to conceal your facial features? I do not detect any abnormalities."

"In this business we're in, Edgar powerful enemies will be made by our activities. We will be in conflict with others with metahuman capablities and varying degrees of ruthlessness. And if they can find a way to hurt us directly or indirectly they will. This includes threatening our loved ones and families-if they can discover who they are. It's a form of defense to keep one's birth-name and facial features out of the public eye. I choose the paint scheme instead of a mask."

"Show me these new levels, Edgar. I'm not up for a run but a few other types of exercise will do me good. Then we need to have a meeting before the arrival of the medical team."

"Very good, sir."

Edgar will show Flux the concealed elevator entrance and take him to the lower levels to show him the meeting area, training facilities and private quarters.

"Who else is here Edgar?"


"Love what you've done here Edgar. The inside looks very professional."

Flux will greet anyone he sees on the way to the elevators and down in the new level.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane:

Eldrich takes himself off to bed after giving the Black Magus' ring to Goldstar. For him a twenty hour day is normal but it's catching up to him now. Just a quick nap of an hour or three...

...and the battle is joined! Deep in the recesses of the mind of Eldrich Arcane, the Curse of Unremitting Loss begins it's attack! Personal memories recovered during the day are savagely assaulted, severed, torn apart. The unconsious mind and will of Arcane resist fiercely, clinging to what has been recovered after so long. The result is a stalemate but not without cost: the nightmares grant little rest to the mage and he awakens sooner than he expected.

Upon awaking, Eldrich seeks out the rooms facilities for washing, puzzling out the secret to warm water drawn from the taps after only a few false starts. He dimly remembers having similar functions at home as a child although of course it derived from magic.

A quick-conjured change of clothes and Eldrich is ready to start again with the remains of the day.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

"How is it treatable, Edgar? It's a product of my age and former occupation. What would this treatment entail?"

"My assignment is to travel the multi-verse curing disease and healing injuries. Treating your minor ailment would not be a problem. The treatment would require me to construct medical equipment that I have not replicated yet. Specially, it would be a painless procedure. A ray would be beamed at your knees to encourage cartridge re-growth and strengthening. It would most likely take several treatments to completely cure."

"In this business we're in, Edgar powerful enemies will be made by our activities. We will be in conflict with others with metahuman capabilities and varying degrees of ruthlessness. And if they can find a way to hurt us directly or indirectly they will. This includes threatening our loved ones and families-if they can discover who they are. It's a form of defense to keep one's birth-name and facial features out of the public eye. I choose the paint scheme instead of a mask."

"I think I understand. Most peculiar. However, I have noted that several of the others do not attempt to do so. Goldstar, Serena, and Eldrich do not conceal themselves in any manner."

"Who else is here Edgar?"

"Blackout, Serena, Frostbite, and Eldrich are exploring their quarters. Goldstar has just returned from her trip to the sun with a woman named Lily Pak and her daughter Rose."

"Love what you've done here Edgar. The inside looks very professional."

"Thank you, sir. I am pleased that you find this arrangement suitable."

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"Are there other kids with superpowers there too?", Rose will wonder aloud.

"I don't know, Rose, though I suspect so," Lily replies with a motherly smile.

"Actually, I left just a few hours ago and came right back. It only took me a few minutes." Goldstar has no idea just how fantastic that may sound to others.

"A few minutes?... That's-- That's amazing, Goldstar! Do you realize that we have yet to invent a spaceship capable of travelling that distance even in a couple of years?"

"Okay, well you see the castle isn't really castle, its dimensional traveling being, so the whole thing is alive and it was being controlled by this medieval evil who called himself the Warlord along with his stooges the Priestess and the Black Magus. You see, the being can alter its shape to better fit into its surroundings and it picked up the Warlord in another dimension. When the accident took place that changed you, the ship was in mid-dimension flight and was damaged, causing it to appear in the middle of the bay. The inside also looked like castle, but was actually much bigger as the being could alter the laws of physics within itself. Ya know, dimensionally transcendental and all of that."

"Anyway, we beat up the Warlord and freed the being. After Serena healed him, he chose me to bond with to make it a link to this world. I gave him the name of Edgar as he looked like an Edgar. So now Edgar is our living base and he's something of a medical relieve vessel and here to help out."

Lily can barely follow Goldstar's disjointed account, and the references toevil people from other dimensions and a living building as a sentient spaceship throws her for a serious loop. She listens, jaw slightly agape as the words flow over her. "Uhm... okay. At least it sounds like they have a base to operate from - even if it is... alive?"

By time Goldstar mentions Eldritch asking her to dispose of an evil ring, Lily is just kind of numb. She really can't think of anything intelligent to say, so remains quiet.

"Uhm, sure Lily. I didn't know that you could fly?"
"Okay…", Goldstar will say when Lily says she's going to change into a bird to fly out to the castle. But right before her eyes, Lily does change into a bird! "Neato! What else can you do, Lily?"

Lily replies as they fly across the water. "Actually, I seem to be able to do a lot of things I didn't know about last time I saw you. With some practice last night, I found that I could change into just about any person or any kind of animal. I haven't tried fish yet, but I will when I get the chance. I also seem to have a variety of enhanced senses. There may be more that I haven't discovered, but it seems my dream yesterday of turning into a bear may not have been a dream..."

Rose's eyes will grow wide as Lily changes into a eagle. "That is so cool, mommy!"

Lily chuckles. "I'm glad you approve, sweetheart."

"Welcome Lily Pak and Rose. How can I be of assistance?"

"I don't really know for sure, Edgar," Lily replies. "We have primarily come to meet the delegation from Sanctuary island which is due to arrive this afternoon."

"It is the designation assigned to me by the one I have bonded with. It has superceded all other designations I had in the past."

"Oh, that's right... Goldstar gave you that name." She glances over at Goldy. "Right?" She's still a little confused by all this. "And you are somehow linked - or part of - this castle?"

As Lily looks at Edgar, everything turns red in her eyes as her sight changes to be able to see into the infrared range. The effect is momentarily startling to Lily. Goldstar shines incredibly bright to infrared sight and is nearly blinding to gaze upon. Edgar isn't as bright, but even more mysteriously the heat signature he shows is the same as coming from the walls of the castle!

When her vision shifts, Lily is startled, though she's starting to get used to these strange events occuring in her body. "Uh!" she grunts, shielding her eyes from the glare emitted by Goldstar. She can't help but notice that Edgar's glow seems to match that of the building behind him. Somehow, that seems to make sense.

Curious, she turns to look at Rose, to see how her daughter appears in this new visual effect.

"Do my eyes look different right now?" she asks of no one in particular.

[Bruce]

Flux:


A cure for my bad knees. Just about the last thing I would have expected to come across in this new line of work.

"Alright Edgar you have a deal. As long as I don't have to pay for it out of my lunch money."

Uh-oh. Now I'll have to explain money you wait...


On the subject of identity....


"Eldrich, Serena and Goldstar don't have to worry about strikes against their families Edgar. Eldrich and Serena aren't from this , uh dimension and Goldstar is less than two days old and has no family-that we know of."

"Their problem will be moving among others without attracting unwanted attention. They might consider creating identities or personas that are anonymous just for the sake of privacy but that's up to them."

"You said something to me yesterday about me having an effect on gravity over a wide area. Could you elaborate on that? I'm not aware of having any powers that are gravity-related."


On the roster question...


"Goldstar went to the SUN?? With Miss Pak and Rose?? They're here now? When did this happen?
And why? Is that how she recharges or something?"

Flux is thrown by that last bit of info and it shows.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Frosty eats a few donuts and drinks the OJ as they converse about the events of last night.
"Anytime Blackout."
He will go see his new room that Edgar was so kindly to provide. As he walks into the room his mouth drops. This stranger from across the galaxy went through the trouble of making rooms for each of us as well as decorating them with our personal interests. He walks with in the room looking at the various decorations and pictures on the wall. Picking up a hockey stick in the corner he will turn to Edgar. "This is to much Edgar. How can I repay you?"



"I have much to accomplish", Edgar will agree. "Would you care to see the sub-levels that I added during the night? I have set up a meeting area, training areas, private quarters for your use."




"Of course! Lead on." As he walks beside the gold skinned man he will ask him. "What about a Medical room or Laboratory?"

As he begins to walk through the corridors his mind races back to the pervious day as well as the new rooms he has so kindly given us. " Edgar how did you know I like hockey so much? Better yet how did you know about the aura that damages people? Is it possible to suppress the aura and only use it when I wish?"
He wonders if it is possible and asks if Edgar can scan him yet again while he tries it. He will revert back to his icy form and try to suppress the aura's vicinity to only a few inches. Afterward he will run through some training on the equipment he "made" afterward he will shower and get changed. Before the members of Sancutury arrive he will become his forzen form once again and await the new arrivals.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

"A few minutes?... That's-- That's amazing, Goldstar! Do you realize that we have yet to invent a spaceship capable of travelling that distance even in a couple of years?"

Goldstar will shift uncomfortably. "Uhm, no... Did I do something wrong?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

"I don't really know for sure, Edgar," Lily replies. "We have primarily come to meet the delegation from Sanctuary island which is due to arrive this afternoon."

"Ah, I see", Edgar will see. "I have been preparing for their eventual arrival. If it is in regard to medical treatment or an examination, I would be able to assist you. My internal medical scanners are most adept at analyzing physical abilities and traits."

"Oh, that's right... Goldstar gave you that name." She glances over at Goldy. "Right?" She's still a little confused by all this. "And you are somehow linked - or part of - this castle?"

Before Goldstar can answer, Edgar will say, "Goldstar served as my template for this location. My previous template abused his authority and forced me to do things against my will. Based on my analysis of the beings inside of me at that time, Goldstar was deemed the least the most innocent and thus the least likely to be a threat to me. A template is required to allow me to fit in to a location better, but upon learning that not all beings here had similar physical characteristics as Goldstar, I modified the template a bit."

Goldstar will beam with pride at Edgar's statement.

Curious, she turns to look at Rose, to see how her daughter appears in this new visual effect.

"Do my eyes look different right now?" she asks of no one in particular.

Rose doesn't look all that unusual-- her body radiates various shades of reds showing the various temperature ranges of her body. However inside her torso is a single spot where the red inexplicably shifts to white, signifying an area far hotter then normal. It appears to be around the area of her appendix.

"They look kinda red, mommy", Rose will answer with a giggle. "Are you going to change into a dog?"

"Alright Edgar you have a deal. As long as I don't have to pay for it out of my lunch money."

"I assure you, sir, that monetary reimbursement is not required."

"Eldrich, Serena and Goldstar don't have to worry about strikes against their families Edgar. Eldrich and Serena aren't from this , uh dimension and Goldstar is less than two days old and has no family-that we know of."

"Their problem will be moving among others without attracting unwanted attention. They might consider creating identities or personas that are anonymous just for the sake of privacy but that's up to them."

"In the case of Goldstar, such a thing would not be possible. She constantly emits glitters about her body, much like a star erupting plasma. This cannot be concealed."

"You said something to me yesterday about me having an effect on gravity over a wide area. Could you elaborate on that? I'm not aware of having any powers that are gravity-related."

"According to my analysis of yourself and your companions, that is what I detected. My internal medical scanners are finely tuned and highly calibrated to analysis a wide variety of life forms and physical characteristics. You do possess a measure of gravity control and manipulation, even if you are not aware of it. The ability to grow giant size and not collapse under your own weight and size is a reflection of this talent. Your ability to increase the gravity around yourself to become denser is another."

"The ability to manipulate gravity around you is probably a talent untried as it is an affect not centered on yourself. Typically one's body 'knows', for lack of a better term, how to use its abilities. Thus, manipulating gravity on yourself requires no great concentration, while using it externally would."

"Considering that you are even unaware of this talent suggests that it is a very raw ability that will require a great deal of practice to master. Most likely you will only be able to do very simple tasks with this talent.

"Goldstar went to the SUN?? With Miss Pak and Rose?? They're here now? When did this happen? And why? Is that how she recharges or something?"

"Permit me to clarify, sir. Eldrich asked Goldstar to fly the Black Magus' ring to the sun and throw it in to destroy it. The task took several hours to complete, but Goldstar's total flight time was about ten minutes. Upon returning, she spotted Lily and Rose Pak on the dock seeking access to the castle."

"I am conversing with Lily Pak right now. She states that she is here to see the Sanctuary contingent. I am offering to examine her and her offspring immediately should she so desire."

He will go see his new room that Edgar was so kindly to provide. As he walks into the room his mouth drops. This stranger from across the galaxy went through the trouble of making rooms for each of us as well as decorating them with our personal interests. He walks with in the room looking at the various decorations and pictures on the wall. Picking up a hockey stick in the corner he will turn to Edgar. "This is to much Edgar. How can I repay you?"

As he begins to walk through the corridors his mind races back to the pervious day as well as the new rooms he has so kindly given us. " Edgar how did you know I like hockey so much?

"I assure you, sir, that monetary reimbursement is not required. When I scanned each of you in search of a template, I accessed each of your minds to determine your temperament. I discovered your enjoyment for the activity called 'hockey' and decorated your private quarters appropriately. I must admit, sir, that your enjoyment of this sport also disqualified you from being selected as my template. It was far to violent an activity."

"Of course! Lead on." As he walks beside the gold skinned man he will ask him. "What about a Medical room or Laboratory?"

"I am endeavoring to regenerate my medical faculties. Since most of the equipment is rather complex, it will take longer to create. The speed it takes me to construct any item depends on how complex the elements that make it up are. What type of laboratory are you interested in?"

Better yet how did you know about the aura that damages people? Is it possible to suppress the aura and only use it when I wish?"

He wonders if it is possible and asks if Edgar can scan him yet again while he tries it. He will revert back to his icy form and try to suppress the aura's vicinity to only a few inches.

At Frostbite's request, one of Edgar's scanners will emerge from the ceiling. A red beam is emitted and it rapidly scrolls up and down Frostbite.

"It is most likely that you can control the cold aura about yourself and simply need practice to direct it properly."

(In game terms, you need to spend earned XP's to buy off all the 'Always On' limitations on the powers that make up the chilly aura. Since all these powers are linked together, they all must be paid off before the affect can be controlled. This will cost you 11 XP's to do so.)

"This is most interesting", Edgar will say. "Are you aware that your physical characteristics are different when you change into your ice form?"

[Menagerie]

Lily:

Lily smiles at Goldstar. "Wrong? No, no. It's just... astounding. I'm no scientist, but I suspect that what you've done may not even be theoretically possible. The scientist may have to invent whole new theories just to cover what you can do."
=====
Lily pauses to consider Edgar's offer. "I hope you won't be offended, Edgar, but I really don't know you. You're welcome to scan me and see what you can determine, but I think I will go ahead and get checked by the doctors from Sanctuary all the same. If your scan of me goes well, I may let you scan my daughter too, though again, I'll still have the doctors look her over." Lily will submit to the scan, but to see how that turns out before deciding if it's okay to scan Rose as well.

Edgar's explanation of his "templating" doesn't really clear up the situation any for her, but Lily decides to let the matter rest for now. Perhaps Flux or one of the others will be able to explain it to her later in a way she can understand.

"No, sweetheart. I don't plan on changing into a dog right now, though I probably could. Maybe later, okay?" She turns to address Edgar and Goldstar as well. "I have noticed that most of the abilities seem to involve some kind of change in my appearance, so that's why I asked."

Looking at Rose, Lily's eyes are drawn to the bright spot in her daughter's lower abdomen. Unfortunately, Lily doesn't really know what the different colors and brightnesses indicate, but still this alarms her. Lily reaches out and indicates the spot on Rose's body. "Do you feel anything unusual here, Rose? When I look at you this way, this spot looks different than the rest of you."

[Bruce]

Flux:


"Miss Pak is talking with 'you' now?" Could you please tell her I would like to speak with her when she's able. We'll skip the excercise for now."

Almost everybody's back. But Yu and IT are still unaccounted for. Nightstalker hasn't turned back up. And the two people at the Plaza have made themselves scarce. Still, it's encouraging.

"I'm sure I saw a bear at Horton Plaza. Maybe Miss Pak saw it too. It's a minor thing but I haven't heard about any bear sightings in the news reports."

Gravity manipulation? Not mass. I wonder if....flying might be possible?

The idea of flight is as exciting to Flux as presents at Christmas time is to children.

"Is there anything else I should know about my condition, Ed? I think I've noticed an increase in my personal motion but I can't be sure. It's hard to tell when everybody else moves faster than normal too."

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lily:

Lily pauses to consider Edgar's offer. "I hope you won't be offended, Edgar, but I really don't know you. You're welcome to scan me and see what you can determine, but I think I will go ahead and get checked by the doctors from Sanctuary all the same. If your scan of me goes well, I may let you scan my daughter too, though again, I'll still have the doctors look her over." Lily will submit to the scan, but to see how that turns out before deciding if it's okay to scan Rose as well.

"That is your prerogative, Madame, and a I take no offense. Stand still please. This will only take a few seconds."

Unexpectedly, a small mechanical tentacle emerges from the ceiling that ends with a dark, camera-like eye. It stops six feet away from Lily. A wide beam of reddish light is emitted from the eye and it rapidly runs up and down Lily's body. Just as quickly as it appeared, the appendage disappears back into the ceiling once more.

"Based on my scans, I would categorize you as bio-morph. You have the ability to alter your appearance to appear as either other humans or creatures you are familiar with. You can also enhance your own natural physical capabilities as needed."

"I am speaking to Flux right now and he wishes speak to you when you are able. Shall I take you to him?"

"No, sweetheart. I don't plan on changing into a dog right now, though I probably could. Maybe later, okay?" She turns to address Edgar and Goldstar as well. "I have noticed that most of the abilities seem to involve some kind of change in my appearance, so that's why I asked."

"Can you change into Clifford? Or Benji? Or Scooby?"

Looking at Rose, Lily's eyes are drawn to the bright spot in her daughter's lower abdomen. Unfortunately, Lily doesn't really know what the different colors and brightnesses indicate, but still this alarms her. Lily reaches out and indicates the spot on Rose's body. "Do you feel anything unusual here, Rose? When I look at you this way, this spot looks different than the rest of you."

"I feel fine, mommy. How does it look different? Is it pretty?"


Flux:

"Miss Pak is talking with 'you' now?" Could you please tell her I would like to speak with her when she's able. We'll skip the exercise for now."

"I am relaying your request."

"Is there anything else I should know about my condition, Ed? I think I've noticed an increase in my personal motion but I can't be sure. It's hard to tell when everybody else moves faster than normal too."

"As I noted earlier, part of your powers is gravity based. As you correctly noted, they are also related to mass, as in the ability add or remove mass as needed. However, the consequence of when dealing with mass is that gravity is always a factor that must be considered. The greater the mass, the stronger the effect of gravity, thus you must be able to counter the effects of gravity to function as you do."

"There is nothing else that I note out of the ordinary at this time. Since I do not have a scan of you before you were in this condition, I cannot determine if your range of motion has been increased or not. All I can do is compare it to others I have scanned since my arrival on your world."

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"That is your prerogative, Madame, and a I take no offense. Stand still please. This will only take a few seconds."

Unexpectedly, a small mechanical tentacle emerges from the ceiling that ends with a dark, camera-like eye. It stops six feet away from Lily. A wide beam of reddish light is emitted from the eye and it rapidly runs up and down Lily's body. Just as quickly as it appeared, the appendage disappears back into the ceiling once more.

"Based on my scans, I would categorize you as bio-morph. You have the ability to alter your appearance to appear as either other humans or creatures you are familiar with. You can also enhance your own natural physical capabilities as needed."

As the scanner snakes down out of the ceiling, Lily eyes it suspiciously. Still, she remains motionless as directed. The reddish beam plays across her body, but she feels no particular sensations as a result. If it is harmful in any way, she cannot detect it.

"That would appear to match what I have discovered so far," she replies. "I seem to be able to increase my strength and speed, as well as enhancing my senses - particularly vision. Did you note any other facets that you think I might be able to affect?

"Also, did you note any medical concerns that I should be aware of?" she asks, her tone reflecting her concern in this area. "It's hard for me to know what kind of effect this transformation may have had on my body."

"I am speaking to Flux right now and he wishes speak to you when you are able. Shall I take you to him?"

"Flux?" she asks. "He's here, now? Good. I would like to speak with him as well, but let's finish what we're doing here first."

"Can you change into Clifford? Or Benji? Or Scooby?"

Lily laughs. "Yes, dear, I might be able to manage all of those, though I don't know about being as big as Clifford. However, let's worry that later, okay?"

"I feel fine, mommy. How does it look different? Is it pretty?"

"Pretty? Well... I guess so," she says. "Most of you appears reddish, but this spot is white, and much brighter than the rest."

Lily turns to Edgar. "When I look at things this way, I see a number of colors and brightnesses that don't match my normal vision. Do you have any idea what it is that I am perceiving?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

"That would appear to match what I have discovered so far," she replies. "I seem to be able to increase my strength and speed, as well as enhancing my senses - particularly vision. Did you note any other facets that you think I might be able to affect?"

"Apart from being able to make your skin more resistant to injury and your bones more resistant to breaking, there is nothing else that comes to mind, Ma'am."

"Also, did you note any medical concerns that I should be aware of?" she asks, her tone reflecting her concern in this area. "It's hard for me to know what kind of effect this transformation may have had on my body."

"You are currently in excellent physical condition. Perfect health."

"Flux?" she asks. "He's here, now? Good. I would like to speak with him as well, but let's finish what we're doing here first."

"Yes, I am showing him around the lower levels of the base I formed overnight. I will inform him of your desire to converse."

Lily turns to Edgar. "When I look at things this way, I see a number of colors and brightnesses that don't match my normal vision. Do you have any idea what it is that I am perceiving?"

"You've altered your eye site to see into the infrared band range. A side effect of this is your eyes turning reddish in color. What you should be perceiving is heat signatures. As to why one spot is much hotter than another, I cannot say without examining your daughter. The fact that she is in no physical pain suggests that it is not harming her."

[Frostbite]

Frostbite



"I assure you, sir, that monetary reimbursement is not required. When I scanned each of you in search of a template, I accessed each of your minds to determine your temperament. I discovered your enjoyment for the activity called 'hockey' and decorated your private quarters appropriately. I must admit, sir, that your enjoyment of this sport also disqualified you from being selected as my template. It was far to violent an activity."





He begins to smile as Edgar explains his reasoning behind not picking him for his template. Hockey being far to violent? Yeah it can be rough at times but not everyone plays it as a blood craving lunatic.
"Hockey is a very fun sport Edgar. It challenges you physically, by trying to weave between defense men and shooting the puck past the goalie as well as skating continuously for your entire shift. Yes there are fights between players, but that is because someone threatens or hurts a team mate I know this may seem strange to you, but on the ice teams are like a family ."
But it also challenges you mentally. You have to be able to get into the other people heads, to make assumptions on what they will do and want to do. Oh and Edgar I know we just met but there is no need to call me sir. It reminds me of my father. Please call me Frosty."



"I am endeavoring to regenerate my medical faculties. Since most of the equipment is rather complex, it will take longer to create. The speed it takes me to construct any item depends on how complex the elements that make it up are. What type of laboratory are you interested in?"




"I understand it must be frustrating getting yourself back up to normal operating conditions. Well I was thinking about this before. Many times things are left behind after an encounter. Whether it be clothing, weapons of some sort or everyday items. I was wondering if you could come up with a machine that maybe able to analyze the items for finger prints certain fibers that are available only in certain areas. Stuff like that."
"Another thing that maybe useful would to set up a meeting room with a computer or screen that relays information to those of us that are here of disturbances of a certain caliber. A radio that tapped into our Police band radio system would be wise as well."

Another scanner appears from the ceiling and engulfs him in a reddish glow. Knowing that Edgar only wishes to scan him for his benefit, he relaxes as it scans his body.

"It is most likely that you can control the cold aura about yourself and simply need practice to direct it properly."
"I see. I'll have to work on it so I'm not a threat to the others. Last thing I want is to turn them into popsicles."



"This is most interesting", Edgar will say. "Are you aware that your physical characteristics are different when you change into your ice form?"


"Whats most interesting? How so? I can only recall two things: I was able to clear a 6ft wall of ice I created and "ice skating" over the ground faster than I can run."
Frostbite will begin to see just how much stronger he is in ice form compared to human form. Reverting back to human form he will try to bench press as much as he can when he feels he can lift anything more with out injuring himself he will change back to ice form and try again and add waits till he can't lift it. He will also does this for runnning and leaping(standing as well as a running leap in both form).

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"Apart from being able to make your skin more resistant to injury and your bones more resistant to breaking, there is nothing else that comes to mind, Ma'am."

"Oh, yes," Lily says, thinking back to the previous day. "There was one point when I fell while running at impossible speeds, and it didn't do much more than scuff me up. I remember thinking that seemed strange, considering how fast I was going and the fact that I fell on concrete."

"You are currently in excellent physical condition. Perfect health."

Lily pauses to consider that statement. "Perfect health? That's kind of hard to imagine. My doctor has long warned me about the risks of being overweight, and I've long suffered from elevated blood pressure. You didn't note any arterial buildup or anything like that?"

"You've altered your eye site to see into the infrared band range. A side effect of this is your eyes turning reddish in color. What you should be perceiving is heat signatures. As to why one spot is much hotter than another, I cannot say without examining your daughter. The fact that she is in no physical pain suggests that it is not harming her."

"Wait a minute!" Lily exclaims in alarm. "You're saying that my daughter's appendix is blazing hot?!"

She turns back to look at Rose, who strangely shows no sign of discomfort. Lily stares, dumbfounded, desperately trying to reconcile what she's hearing with what she's seeing. She glances over at Goldstar, who is shining like a star in this bizarre visual effect. "Goldstar. Your whole body is glowing brightly like Rose's. Are you hot? In any discomfort?"

Part of her feels faint, but she's not about to let her weakness interfere with determining if Rose is in any danger. Lily pivots to regard Edgar once again. "Maybe you're mistaken about what I'm seeing. Please scan my daughter and make sure she's okay!.."

[Bruce]

Flux:

"Alright Edgar, guess I'll have to test that out with a stopwatch later."

If I am moving more quickly than before it must be a product of my exposure to that energy mix. I know I wasn't extrordinarily fast after gaining my mass, er, gravity powers. Although I was the quickest man in my platoon come to think on it.

"I'm going up to speak with Miss Pak. Let me know when the medical people are about to arrive."

Hope she's receptive to an offer of joining us now that she's had some time to adjust.

Flux reduces to small size to save wear on his knees and makes his way to where Lily is speaking with another 'Edgar'.

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane:


Eldrich casts the Folding Step spell to place himself in the main hallway.

Practice the Art whenever possible they said. And it makes for a good test of my orientation.

Precisly what I shall say if asked too!

Eldrich will seek out food and companionship in any order it manifests........


............................................................................................................................................
Must be the shortest post I ever wrote!

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

She glances over at Goldstar, who is shining like a star in this bizarre visual effect. "Goldstar. Your whole body is glowing brightly like Rose's. Are you hot? In any discomfort?"

Unsure about what Lily is going on about, Goldstar will hesitantly answer. Hot? No, not really. I'm not quite sure what you mean. I don't get hot and I don't get cold either. I think Frosty said I was warm to the touch. Does that count?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Frostbite:

He begins to smile as Edgar explains his reasoning behind not picking him for his template. Hockey being far too violent? Yeah it can be rough at times but not everyone plays it as a blood craving lunatic.

(That may well be true, but to someone who has never seen or even heard of hockey, it could seem very violent. Likewise Flux was discounted due to his military service-- participating in a violent activity such as in wars, Blackout because of his martial combat training, again violent related, and finally Serena was right out as she has killed others in battle. That just left Goldstar as the least hostile of the beings around Edgar at that time. Or as he put it, the most innocent.)

"I understand it must be frustrating getting yourself back up to normal operating conditions. Well I was thinking about this before. Many times things are left behind after an encounter. Whether it be clothing, weapons of some sort or everyday items. I was wondering if you could come up with a machine that maybe able to analyze the items for finger prints certain fibers that are available only in certain areas. Stuff like that."

"Analyzing is one of my primary functions in the treatment and curing of physical aliments. Adapting those systems to perform the functions you speak of is not outside my operating perimeters."

"Another thing that maybe useful would to set up a meeting room with a computer or screen that relays information to those of us that are here of disturbances of a certain caliber. A radio that tapped into our Police band radio system would be wise as well."

"A meeting area is already in place. The electronics are mostly in place, but are not ready to be activated. Once complete, you will be able to monitor all communication bands."

"What's most interesting? How so? I can only recall two things: I was able to clear a 6ft wall of ice I created and "ice skating" over the ground faster than I can run."

"Most interesting in the sense that in when you change, you are not essentially exactly the same and just coated with ice. You physical strength, agility, and stamina are all greatly increased as well."

The strength test is an easy one. In human form Frosty can lift around 330 lbs. (or 13 STR in game terms.) When frosted up, this increases up to 1760 lbs! (Or 25 STR in game terms. Stronger, but not a brick. It was this STR boast that allowed Frosty to do a 6' standing high jump, the upper limits of his ability to jump in that fashion.)

When it comes to running, Frosty is about 3 times faster sliding around then running as Cyrus. (Or 17" of running compared to the standard 6" of running everyone starts with.)


Flux:

"I'm going up to speak with Miss Pak. Let me know when the medical people are about to arrive."

"Very good, sir."


Eldrich:

After casting his spell, Eldrich finds Edgar, Goldstar, Lily Pak, & her daughter Rose on the other side of the room conversing. As he approaches, Flux joins them as well.


Lily:

"Oh, yes," Lily says, thinking back to the previous day. "There was one point when I fell while running at impossible speeds, and it didn't do much more than scuff me up. I remember thinking that seemed strange, considering how fast I was going and the fact that I fell on concrete."

"Accelerated healing may also be something your body does naturally too."

Lily pauses to consider that statement. "Perfect health? That's kind of hard to imagine. My doctor has long warned me about the risks of being overweight, and I've long suffered from elevated blood pressure. You didn't note any arterial buildup or anything like that?"

"None at all, madam. As you are a bio-morph, I simply assumed that your being overweight was the appearance you desired to have. I did not consider such a thing to be a risk to your health."

"Wait a minute!" Lily exclaims in alarm. "You're saying that my daughter's appendix is blazing hot?!"

"No, madam, what I am saying is that infrared vision allows you to see heat patterns. The brighter an object is to you then the hotter it is. I have not examined your daughter, therefore I cannot say if her appendix is blazing hot or not. That is a conclusion that you reached."

"Goldstar's body functions like a nuclear reactor, taking in hydrogen and converting it to energy for her to use. She is very much like a star in human form."

Part of her feels faint, but she's not about to let her weakness interfere with determining if Rose is in any danger. Lily pivots to regard Edgar once again. "Maybe you're mistaken about what I'm seeing. Please scan my daughter and make sure she's okay!.."

"As you wish, madam. Stand still please."

The telescoping tentacle will come down once more and scan Rose just as quickly as it did Lily. Edgar has the answer in just a few seconds.

"Apparently, your daughter's appendix, what seems to be a unneeded organ in you humans, is acting as a type of power absorption and distribution system. It is the source of her powers and these powers are cosmic in nature. Her appendix is absorbing Zero Point Energy and her body is using that energy to fly. It's an energy storage cell of a fashion. I can also detect that the organ itself protects her from being harmed by the heat generated. As with most beings who can tap in to the cosmic background energy, your daughters powers will become varied and stronger as she becomes older and more skilled in their usage. She is also in perfect health."

After laying that bit of information on Lily, Flux and Eldritch arrive separately. Serena follows short after them. Blackout and Frostbite are elsewhere in the base.

Now what?

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"Accelerated healing? That sounds interesting... I'll have to ask the medical team about that."

Lily looks strangely at Edgar. "The appearance I desired to have? I wouldn't say that. I've been heavy most of my life, and I only got these abilities yesterday. It is my natural shape. I can change my shape, but if I stop concentrating, this is what I return to."

Trying to take in all that Edgar is telling her, Lily shakes her head. "It seemed to follow the logic; her appendix is far brighter than any other part of her body. If I really am seeing heat patterns and brighter is hotter, then it would seem to follow that her appendix is pretty hot."

Lily looks over at Goldstar. "A star in human form... And you feel no discomfort, Goldstar?"

The telescoping tentacle will come down once more and scan Rose just as quickly as it did Lily. Edgar has the answer in just a few seconds.

"Apparently, your daughter's appendix, what seems to be a unneeded organ in you humans, is acting as a type of power absorption and distribution system. It is the source of her powers and these powers are cosmic in nature. Her appendix is absorbing Zero Point Energy and her body is using that energy to fly. It's an energy storage cell of a fashion. I can also detect that the organ itself protects her from being harmed by the heat generated. As with most beings who can tap in to the cosmic background energy, your daughters powers will become varied and stronger as she becomes older and more skilled in their usage. She is also in perfect health."

Lily watches nervously as the mechanical arm scans Rose. Fortunately, it doesn't take long. Unfortunately, Edgar's explanation is a bit over her head. "What's Zero Point Energy? I'm a lawyer, not a scientist, so I need you to break it down and explain this stuff in simple terms. And what do you mean by cosmic background energy?

"Let me see if I understand what you're saying. Rose is absorbing this energy and converting it to her use in some manner. This process is occuring in her appendix and is generating heat, but she's also protected from any harm resulting from that heat or energy conversion. Her health is fine, and as she gets older she'll find new ways to use that energy. Does that about sum it up?"

Lily is sufficiently absorbed by her conversation with Edgar that she fails to notice the others entering the room.

[Serena]

Serena:

The Knight notices Lily and Rose have returned and they are speaking to Edgar. Seeing Lily in deep discussion, Serena will bend down on one knee and say hello to Rose.

She will also greet the others as they arrive: Goldstar, Flux, Eldrich, etc.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

Goldstar will give a cheerful "Hiyas!" as people star to arrive.

Lily looks over at Goldstar. "A star in human form... And you feel no discomfort, Goldstar?"

Once more, Goldstar is a bit confused by the question. "No… Should I be?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lily:

Lily looks strangely at Edgar. "The appearance I desired to have? I wouldn't say that. I've been heavy most of my life, and I only got these abilities yesterday. It is my natural shape. I can change my shape, but if I stop concentrating, this is what I return to."

"More accurately, madam, this is what you consider your natural shape to be. This is the image you have in your mind, thus you've convinced yourself that is must be the default shape. In essence, this is what you consider to be your natural shape, thus it is."

Lily watches nervously as the mechanical arm scans Rose. Fortunately, it doesn't take long. Unfortunately, Edgar's explanation is a bit over her head. "What's Zero Point Energy? I'm a lawyer, not a scientist, so I need you to break it down and explain this stuff in simple terms. And what do you mean by cosmic background energy?

"Zero Point Energy is a type of energy that exists everywhere in the universe at the quantum level. It is a by product of Quantum Mechanics. Simply put, every point in the universe has energy in it that a suitably advanced civilization can tap into for power. Rose does this naturally."

"Cosmic Background Energy is a different type of energy, that also exists everywhere. It is residue energy left over from the creation of the universe. Rose can absorb this energy as well. A simple way to put it is that your daughter has cosmic powers and is powered by the universe itself."

"Let me see if I understand what you're saying. Rose is absorbing this energy and converting it to her use in some manner. This process is occurring in her appendix and is generating heat, but she's also protected from any harm resulting from that heat or energy conversion. Her health is fine, and as she gets older she'll find new ways to use that energy. Does that about sum it up?"

"It is a workable explanation."

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"More accurately, madam, this is what you consider your natural shape to be. This is the image you have in your mind, thus you've convinced yourself that is must be the default shape. In essence, this is what you consider to be your natural shape, thus it is."

"Uhm... yeah, right," Lily responds, skepticism in her voice. "So if you're right, how do I determine my *true* natural shape?"

Once more, Goldstar is a bit confused by the question. "No… Should I be?

"I guess not," Lily says, shaking her head. "I'm just having a hard time comprehending all of this. It so totally diverges from how I've learned to understand the world to be."

"Zero Point Energy is a type of energy that exists everywhere in the universe at the quantum level. It is a by product of Quantum Mechanics. Simply put, every point in the universe has energy in it that a suitably advanced civilization can tap into for power. Rose does this naturally."

"Cosmic Background Energy is a different type of energy, that also exists everywhere. It is residue energy left over from the creation of the universe. Rose can absorb this energy as well. A simple way to put it is that your daughter has cosmic powers and is powered by the universe itself."

The concept is enough to stagger Lily. "My daughter is powered by the universe? You make her sound like some kind of... god. I don't know if I'm ready to handle that."
=====
Rose floats around Serena in a circle as the warrior-woman kneels in the floor. "Hi Serena! How are you? Edgar says I'm cosmic!"
=====
The various greetings and commotion attract Lily's attention, bringing awareness of the new arrivals. She looks at the three, still feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Hello, Flux. Hi, Serena. Hello Eldritch. It's nice to see you all again."

[Bruce]

Flux:

Flux had been walking gingerly up to the main level of Castle Vigilent to meet Lily Pak and Rose, expanding back to normal size so as to not startle anyone when he heard the tail-end of something that sounded like one of Sam's physics lessons.

Entering he sees several of the team gathering around Miss Pak and Rose.

A cosmic-powered child! With abilities unknown. Miss Pak had better find a way to fly soon, I think.

"Hello Miss Pak. I see you've met an Edgar. Are you here to see the medical team from Sanctuary? I believe Edgar has better answers for you than they will. He specializes in medical knowledge and has superior equipment too."

"Hello Rose. Seen much of the castle yet?"

[Bruce]

Eldrich Arcane:


Appearing suddenly in the main hall does not seem to have garnered much attention; everyone sees him but has no reaction beyond friendly recognition.

Well, let us be fair. The small child flying about effortlessly and without magic is more visually arresting to be sure.


Eldrich will approach the group more confidently this time and smile openly at Rose's happy chatter.

"Greetings Miss Lilypak. I am pleased to set eyes upon you again. Will you be staying here for a time?"

[Blackout]

Blackout:

After a brief conversation with Frosty and a much-needed breakfast, Blackout makes his way to join with the others. He comes in hearing some different conversations and remains quiet, picking up what he can. The conversation and explaination about Rose's powers is a bit too much this early morning and he lets it slide past his mind.

He will greet everyone upon entering and will hang back and wait to see what develops.

[Serena]

Serena:

Rose floats around Serena in a circle as the warrior-woman kneels in the floor. "Hi Serena! How are you? Edgar says I'm cosmic!"

"He does, does he? I'm sure that Edgar knows what he is talking about."

Although Serena remains a bit unclear on just what cosmic means.

"I am pleased that you are among us once more, Lily Pak. I trust you had a pleasant rest?"

Serena will greet Eldrich and Blackout as well. "Pleasant morn, gentlemen."

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

"I guess not," Lily says, shaking her head. "I'm just having a hard time comprehending all of this. It so totally diverges from how I've learned to understand the world to be."

"I get that a lot", Goldstar responds with a grin.

"Stellar!", Goldstar will cry out when it is said that Rose is cosmically powered. "Me too, in a certain sense! So what can you do, Rose?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Edgar & Lily:

"Uhm... yeah, right," Lily responds, skepticism in her voice. "So if you're right, how do I determine my *true* natural shape?"

"Logically, the longer you maintain a particular shape, the easier it is to remain in that shape and in time the less concentration is required. You are comfortable with your current shape, therefore it is natural to you. Your true natural shape is what you desire it to be. The choice is yours."

The concept is enough to stagger Lily. "My daughter is powered by the universe? You make her sound like some kind of... god. I don't know if I'm ready to handle that."

"I made no attempt to deify your offspring, madam. There are other beings who can make use of the energy around them for fantastic affects and they are not considered to be gods."

[Frostbite]

Frostbite





"Most interesting in the sense that in when you change, you are not essentially exactly the same and just coated with ice. You physical strength, agility, and stamina are all greatly increased as well."




"That would explain it! When I woke up I felt better than I ever had before in my life. I felt stronger and faster not to mention the fast that I was radiating cold and causing everything near by to frost over."

Cyrus begins to move to the weight bench and places 100lbs upon it and begins to lift it. With some effort he lifts it a few times and adds more weight to it. After about 20 minutes he stakes more weight and tries again and is pleased that he can lift 330lbs even if it is only for a few moments.

As he wipes the sweat from his face he concentrates on his icy form and begins doing the same, but starting at where he left off. He grabs the weights and braces himself for the weight on his arms. Much to his surprise it feels fairly light and he begins to do a set of reps.
Curious by this he adds more pounds to the bar. His eyes widen in surprise as he realizes he can lift more and more weights. He adds more not looking and keeps trying finally the weight is to much and he stops. "Edgar how much is on here? You gotta be kidding! Let me see." he looks at the weights and the tally is 1760lbs. His mouth falls to the floor in shock....." I can lift a Car!" he stammers.

He begins to try running and finds he can move far faster than he can as when he is normal. He begins to smile as he glides across the surface of the training room. "This is amazing. I didn't think this was possible. Sure you see it on Tv but In real life."

As his abilities begin to sink into his head Frosty will remember that they we receive company soon. "Edgar where are the others?" Upon hearing they are all assembled he will go to them keeping his distance as not to freeze em. "Guys, Edgar and I just tried something out. He had said I was a lot stronger in Ice form and I didnt believe him. But sure enough he was right. I can lift a lot of weight and I'm 3 times as fast too."

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"Hello Miss Pak. I see you've met an Edgar. Are you here to see the medical team from Sanctuary? I believe Edgar has better answers for you than they will. He specializes in medical knowledge and has superior equipment too."

"Oh, hi Flux. Yes, I've... met Edgar." An Edgar as a statement hurts her head just a little too much to think about right now. "That's correct. Rose and I came here to get checked out by Sanctuary's medical team.

"You may be right about Edgar, but this matter is too important. Hopefully, the medical team can confirm his findings. Also, there are other matters that I need to speak with the representatives from Sanctuary about."

"Hello Rose. Seen much of the castle yet?"

"Hi Flux!" Rose replies happily as she floats near Serena. "Nope, just this room. And the outside, of course..."

"Greetings Miss Lilypak. I am pleased to set eyes upon you again. Will you be staying here for a time?"

"Ah, greetings, Mr. Arcane." Lily smiles. "I should be here for some few hours, at the least. Beyond that, it is too early to say."

Noting Blackout, Lily will greet his arrival. "Good morning, Blackout. Nice to see you again."

"I am pleased that you are among us once more, Lily Pak. I trust you had a pleasant rest?"

"Yes, thank you, Serena," Lily says. "I also had an opportunity to contact Sanctuary and to explore my new abilities a bit more. As a result, I'm feeling a little more confident, though I'm sure there's still a lot to learn."

"Stellar!", Goldstar will cry out when it is said that Rose is cosmically powered. "Me too, in a certain sense! So what can you do, Rose?"

"Really?! That is so cool!" enthuses Rose. She likes the idea that Goldstar and she might have similar powers. Goldy's question throws her for a bit of a loop, however. "Uhm... I can fly, and I glow. Mom thinks the glow protects me, as well. Other than that... I don't know." Rose shrugs.

"Logically, the longer you maintain a particular shape, the easier it is to remain in that shape and in time the less concentration is required. You are comfortable with your current shape, therefore it is natural to you. Your true natural shape is what you desire it to be. The choice is yours."

All of this is beginning to give Lily a headache. "So you're saying that I can pick any shape I want, and if I practice that form enough, it will become my default - my... natural shape - eventually?"

"I made no attempt to deify your offspring, madam. There are other beings who can make use of the energy around them for fantastic affects and they are not considered to be gods."

Lily shakes her head. "That's not what I meant, exactly. Just that it sounded like she might be, or become, as powerful as some kind of deity. Having a child with that kind of power is a little intimidating - and an incredible responsibility."

As his abilities begin to sink into his head Frosty will remember that they we receive company soon. "Edgar where are the others?" Upon hearing they are all assembled he will go to them keeping his distance as not to freeze em. "Guys, Edgar and I just tried something out. He had said I was a lot stronger in Ice form and I didnt believe him. But sure enough he was right. I can lift a lot of weight and I'm 3 times as fast too."

"It's nice to see you, Frostbite," Lily says. "You sound to be in a good mood." She pauses to consider for a moment. "Perhaps that kind of testing would be useful for me as well. I know I have increased speed and strength, but it might help me define the limits of them both."

She turns to Edgar. "What do you think?"

[Serena]

Serena:

"Yes, thank you, Serena," Lily says. "I also had an opportunity to contact Sanctuary and to explore my new abilities a bit more. As a result, I'm feeling a little more confident, though I'm sure there's still a lot to learn."

"I am pleased that you are making progress, Lily."

When Serena hears about testing and training, she'll agree to go with the others. "Some practice would be most beneficial."

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

"Really?! That is so cool!" enthuses Rose. She likes the idea that Goldstar and she might have similar powers. Goldy's question throws her for a bit of a loop, however. "Uhm... I can fly, and I glow. Mom thinks the glow protects me, as well. Other than that... I don't know." Rose shrugs.

"That could be", Goldstar will agree. "I can fly and have glowing glitters about me for protection. Perhaps you can project energy like I can? Although, I have a variety of powers, some more nastier than others."

Goldy will go with the others when Edgar does his testing. She's curious to see just what her own limits are.