Crucible #39 - "Age of the Machine"

[GM Mad]

Crucible #39 - "Age of the Machine"


Roll Call: Lily, Goldstar, Eldrich, Serena, Tesla, and Sapphire


Out at the castle...

Upon reaching the surface, they encounter Goldstar, Starguard and Edgar. Goldstar tells them of Starguard's repairs to Edgar. Lily turns to the sentient starship. "I recall you saying something of coming here because you were damaged. Does this mean you will be leaving soon?"

"I go where I am needed, madam", Edgar will state. "There is need for the services I can provide here, so I will remain for the immediate future. I will get the defenses up as soon as possible and begin to upgrade my systems."


Before Lily, Goldstar, and Tesla depart after Flux, Lily attempts to test her mimicking powers on her teammates...

Lily will take Tesla's form first, then attempt to expel electricity in a manner similar to what she has seen from the electrically-charged woman. Afterwards, she will change to resemble Goldstar. With a shout of "Stellar Blast!", Lily gestures up in the air out over the bay.

Lily is able to mimic Tesla's appearance easily enough and even her electrical discharge. Assuming Goldstar's form is just as easy, although figuring out her powers is a little more complicated.

"Uhm, Lily? I don't have a Stellar Blast. I do have an Ion Blast, a Photon Blast, a Radiation Blast, and a Plasma Blast. I can create an Electro-Magnetic Pulse, Generate a Solar Flare, and become as dense as a Neutron Star. Does that help?"

"Oops. My bad," Golden-Lily says. "Guess I better try that again. By the way, what do you do, say or think about to activate your Neutron Star ability?" Once Goldstar gives her answer, Lily will try to do the same and increase her density, then return to the blast idea and attempt to mimic the Ion Blast instead.

Goldstar will answer, "I don't really think or say anything to go into Neutron Star mode. It just happens naturally. Or maybe I do have to think about it. Oh, and if you're going to try one of my energy blasts, use the Photon Blast. It's the least harmful one. The Ion Blast is next, and the Radiation Blast is the most lethal. The Plasma Blast is an area effect attack."


With the quick practice session out of the way, the three heroines fly off to join their teammates at the ADT building, leaving behind Serena, Eldrich, and Sapphire to guard the base.

[GM Mad]

Roll Call: Blackout, Flux, Nemesis, Frostbite, Tesla, Lily, Goldstar, Gladiator, Psi-Lad, Polaris, and White Crane


At the ADT Building, things are happening fast and furious.

In the upper floors of the building, Blackout and White Crane located Chimera and her new associate Dr. Photon being chased by Agents of Genocide. Having eluded their pursuers, the group is rushing down the stairs in an effort to vacate the building.

A similar race is transpiring in a hidden sub-level. Frostbite, joined by Gladiator, Polaris, and Psi-Lad of the Young Champions, discovered a secret Genocide lab where they were constructing cyborgs. Even more ominous a new type of Minuteman robot was being built. However this new unit has been hijacked and is now active! Behind the fleeing group, large chunks of the ceiling come crashing down as the Minuteman Mark 7 breaks free of its construction pit.


Outside the building, Quasar and Doc Sonic are contending with a pair of regular Minuteman Mark 5 robots. Flying on to the scene to aid the Protectors are two of their teammates, Helios and Maelstrom. Nemesis of the Young Champions is with them and they are joined by the fast flying Flux.

The ADT building visible trembles from some unseen inner stress. Flux goes to examine the building while the other three new arrivals engage the two Minutemen Mark fives. Once more Maelstrom calls down lightning and it obliterates the construct. Nemesis follows suit and her 'robot killer blast' does it job.


Flux flies into the building through the blown out window at a smaller stature. He immediately sees men in black and gray military styled fatigues sprawled about the floor near an open elevator shaft. Behind the sprawled men is a gruesome figure that makes Flux pause. It is a woman in a black leather outfit whose missing a part of her face! Where skin normally would be a metallic skull can be seen. Even one of her eyes is mechanical!

"Another mutie freak!", the woman screams, looking directly at the shrunken Flux. As she speaks, she aims an oversized pistol at the leader of the Vigilant.


Down on the ground floor, Blackout leads his group towards the exit around the same time that Frostbite and company arrive. Both groups rush out of the building as shaking continues to grow in intensity. Tremendously loud crashes are heard as the Minuteman tries to break out of the building.

In the construction sub-level, the foot jets of the Minuteman Mark 7 come to life. An energy force field appears around the giant construct as it rises into the air. Its eye lasers fire once more, blasting another pair of huge holes in the building. Rising up on its jets, the Minuteman breaks through the ceiling and continues upward through the building!


Back up on the 9th floor of the building, the shaking gives Flux a reprieve. The vibrations make the woman in black's shot go wide of the mark. Flux wisely flies back out the windows, more energy discharges chasing him.


Those outside the ADT Building can see that something is happening inside the building. There was another bright energy discharge that blasted out of the roof. One of the beams destroyed the Genocide transport that was on the helipad.

A succession of loud crashes is heard as metal and concrete groan in protest. Finally, with one last tremendous smash, the Minuteman Mark 7 rises up through the roof of the ADT Building, having ramroded it's way through the center of the structure! Huge chunks of metal and concrete go flying in its wake.

The Minuteman Mark 7 rises above the roof of the building and hovers. While it has the same color scheme as the other Minuteman that have been fought and destroyed, this one is nearly twice as high and is surrounded by a glowing energy field.

Below the mechanical titan, what remains of the ADT Building begins to collapse in multiple sections. With the building literally hollowed out by the passage of the Mark 7, there's not enough support left to keep the building standing.

Goldstar, Golden-Lily, and Tesla fly onto the scene right around this time.

The Mark 7 continues to hover and then a female voice is heard over a loudspeaker.

"Pitiful organics! Know you that the Age of the Machine is at hand! Your existence as you know it is over!"


Now what?

[Bruce]

Flux

Flux flies into the building through the blown out window at a smaller stature. He immediately sees men in black and gray military styled fatigues sprawled about the floor near an open elevator shaft. Behind the sprawled men is a gruesome figure that makes Flux pause. It is a woman in a black leather outfit whose missing a part of her face! Where skin normally would be a metallic skull can be seen. Even one of her eyes is mechanical!

"Another mutie freak!", the woman screams, looking directly at the shrunken Flux. As she speaks, she aims an oversized pistol at the leader of the Vigilant.

...says the woman with the cyborg face!

The buildings eminent collapse and the rather too precise aim of the cyborg woman convince Flux to vacate post haste via the nearest broken window. Behind him the structure signals its demise with loud rending noises and the emergence of a huge Minuteman robot completes the destruction.

Goldstar, Golden-Lily, and Tesla fly onto the scene right around this time.

The Mark 7 continues to hover and then a female voice is heard over a loudspeaker.

"Pitiful organics! Know you that the Age of the Machine is at hand! Your existence as you know it is over!"

Whoever or WHATEVER is inside that thing just killed everyone in the ADT building. If it's a machine or not is irrelavent. It can't be allowed to menace the city.

"Everybody on that thing! Before it gets away!"

Flux will fly directly above the machine in his small form , poise over it at a good height, and switch to full mass-size to drop down upon it.

( This is the Flying Tackle move-with real flying!)

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"That is good to hear, Edgar," Lily says with a relieved smile when Edgar says that he will remain with them, at least for a while.

"Okay, gotcha." Lily tries to quickly commit Goldstar's information to memory. In quick testing, she seems able to mimic both Goldstar's and Tesla's power. Pleased, she joins the group in heading toward the commotion at ADT.

They approach the building just in time to see it crumble into ruin, and a huge robot - looking like a more advanced Minuteman - rise from the rubble. The words it speaks make it clear that it is not a friend!

Flux, who was apparently already on the scene, shouts out an order to attack. Lily finds that she agrees with the sentiment, though she is uncertain what they will be able to do to this monstrosity.

She looks around at her companions. "Tesla, your powers were effective against the other Minutemen, let's see if they work as well here! Goldstar, now may be a good time to try that radiation blast of yours! We must stop this thing as quickly as possible!"

Lily will Hold to see the effects of her friends' powers. Then she will copy and replicate to the best of her ability whatever seemed most effective.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite
Running as fast as his feet will carry him he hears the building begin to groan in protest,"Come on guys we gotta move!"

The soon clear the build and he is happy to BlackOut is alright. Soon the robot comes out tof the building and hovers above.

"Pitiful organics! Know you that the Age of the Machine is at hand! Your existence as you know it is over!"
he soon hears the voice of his leader, "Everybody on that thing! Before it gets away!"
"Dont gotta tell me twice!! Time for the Age of machine to have an unfortunite Ice age!!!"

He will gesture at the minuteman and hit it with an ice ram with everything he got.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

The Minuteman Mark 7 rises above the roof of the building and hovers. While it has the same color scheme as the other Minuteman that have been fought and destroyed, this one is nearly twice as high and is surrounded by a glowing energy field.

She looks around at her companions. "Tesla, your powers were effective against the other Minutemen, let's see if they work as well here! Goldstar, now may be a good time to try that radiation blast of yours! We must stop this thing as quickly as possible!"

Tesla's not sure exactly when Lily took over as team captain, but her words make sense. She will unleash an electrical blast at the new and improved Minuteman and see what the results are. If the Minuteman is not destroyed and looks to attack her, Tesla will put up her force field, otherwise, she will continue to use her electrical attack until the foe is no more.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Down on the ground floor, Blackout leads his group towards the exit around the same time that Frostbite and company arrive. Both groups rush out of the building as shaking continues to grow in intensity. Tremendously loud crashes are heard as the Minuteman tries to break out of the building.

The soon clear the build and he is happy to BlackOut is alright. Soon the robot comes out tof the building and hovers above.

Blackout is relieved that Frostbite and the others made it safely out. The scene switches to the enormous Minuteman as the building begins to collapse from all of the damage it caused from its departure. Blackout lacks the distance attacks that many of his companions possess, so he will keep alert if anyone needs his assistance or on the off-chance the Minuteman drifts closer enough for his rod to truly be effective.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

After Lily tests duplicating her powers, Goldstar flies with the others towards the ADT building. As they arrive, another giant robot erupts from it!

"Wow! They had that thing hidden in there?"

"Goldstar, now may be a good time to try that radiation blast of yours! We must stop this thing as quickly as possible!"

"Yeah, that makes sense, Lily."

Goldstar will surge forward and shout, "Radiation Blast!", as she attacks the giant robot.

[Nemesis]

Nemesis:

Jen is wrapped up in destroying another Minuteman she fails to see the giant one arrive until it's already spoken.

"That must be the momma robot and she sounds angry!"

Trusting her robot killer blast to be just as successful against this bigger one, Nemesis will fly up and blast it!

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Roll Call: Blackout, Flux, Nemesis, Frostbite, Tesla, Lily, Goldstar, Gladiator, Psi-Lad, Polaris, and White Crane


The secret of the ADT Building has been revealed! In concealed labs it was creating cyborgs for the organization known as Genocide. Even worse it was constructing a new type of Minuteman Robot, the Mark 7. Now that Mark 7 has been stolen and is on the loose!

With its first act, it erupted out of the ADT building, shredding the structure from the inside out. What remains of the building begins to collapse, raining down debris and rubble on those on the ground below.

At Gladiator's direction, those who just emerged from the building continue to run for safety. Polaris picks up Psi-Lad and carries the youth off in giant leaps and bounds. Frostbite slides along the ground, while the others run as fast as they can.

Thanks to Blackout's enhanced senses, he is able to call out direction changes as debris falls down all around them. Sometimes its hunks of concrete, other times its steel girders! The dust generated from the rubble blinds the sight of everyone and those on the ground are lost from sight by those overhead.

Overhead, Quasar and Doc Sonic of the Protectors help out as they came, blasting the larger chunks to rubble.

Miraculously, those on the ground are able to reach safety mostly unscathed. The dust cloud lingers and is unpleasant to breath. Only those with enhanced senses are aware what is going on around them as the dust cloud obscures sight and the roar of the building collapse drowns out most noise.


Unaware of what is going on inside the dust cloud, the other heroes have another problem to contend with. The Mark 7 hovers over what once was the ADT Building and proclaims that the "Age of the Machine" is at hand. Flux orders the Vigilant to attack while he flies up over head of the giant machine.

Tesla is happy to oblige. The electrically charged heroine flies closer and unleashes a blast of energy at the giant robot. The blast penetrates the Mark 7's force field and appears to do some damage to the robot.

Maelstrom from the Protects joins the fray and causes a bolt of lightning to strike the mechanical titan. In the past, each bolt has destroyed a Mark 5 upon impact. But the Mark 7 is made of sterner stuff. Much of the bolt is deflected by the glowing force field. What does get through does damage the Mark 7, but it remains intact and functioning.

What happens next comes as a surprise to everyone! The Mark 7 simply flies off, greatly accelerating with each passing moment! Helios attempts to blast it with fire, but misses the fast moving machine.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

My fault in the previous post for not stressing the danger of the building collapsing to those on the ground. Was in a hurry and mistakes crept in.

The Mark 7 is rapidly flying away from the scene and is continuing to accelerate. Going to give chase?

[Frostbite]

Frostbite


Sliding as fast as he can he hears Blackout yell directions of which way to move which Frosty quickly adheres to as his vision is critical.

he begins to find it hard to breath as the smoke envelops him and his comrades as the Roar of the building comming down takes it toll.

Once out of harms way he will stop and try to clear his lungs and eyes of the smoke/debris fromt he building.

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Thanks to Blackout's enhanced senses, he is able to call out direction changes as debris falls down all around them. Sometimes its hunks of concrete, other times its steel girders! The dust generated from the rubble blinds the sight of everyone and those on the ground are lost from sight by those overhead.

Overhead, Quasar and Doc Sonic of the Protectors help out as they came, blasting the larger chunks to rubble.

Miraculously, those on the ground are able to reach safety mostly unscathed. The dust cloud lingers and is unpleasant to breath. Only those with enhanced senses are aware what is going on around them as the dust cloud obscures sight and the roar of the building collapse drowns out most noise.

Blackout will take a count of everyone and make sure no one is missing. Unable to affect anything going on above him, he will linger along the outskirts of the rubble to make sure no one is trapped within. Once he is certain everyone is safe and clear, he will rejoin Frostbite and the others to see what will be their next move.

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"Wow! They had that thing hidden in there?"

"So it would seem, Goldstar," Lily replies, as surprised by this turn of events as her teammate. The robot is truly huge; much larger than the ones they fought on the island just minutes ago.

Both Tesla and Maelstrom unleash electrical attacks, but the damage seems relatively minor. Unfortunately, before Goldstar can test her radiation attack, the gigantic machine begins to fly away! Suddenly, they have a choice to make.

"Flux!" Lily calls out. "Do we pursue or stay to help the survivors?"

If he says to pursue, Lily will change to the form of whomever seems to be the fastest flyer and follow in that form. Otherwise, she will shift to Gold-Lily form and look for survivors in the rubble of the building. She figures that since Goldstar seems to be able to survive in space, a cloud of dust should pose little problem.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Tesla is happy to oblige. The electrically charged heroine flies closer and unleashes a blast of energy at the giant robot. The blast penetrates the Mark 7's force field and appears to do some damage to the robot.

"Upgrades," Tesla says as she sees her blast does not down the new version of the Minuteman. The fact that some damage appears to get past its field does make her feel a bit better.

However, it doesn't appear that this robot wants to stick around and fight it out. Instead it begins to accelerate away. Tesla will begin to give chase, unless Flux or another calls out to let it go. Tesla isn't sure if she will be able to match the Mark 7's speed if it gets much faster, but if everyone does give chase she will attempt it.

[Bruce]

Flux

#$&%$@! Can't let that murder machine get away.

"Everyone who can, go after it! Those who can't check for survivors!"

Flux homes in on the large robot with all the speed he can muster, still trying to get above it for a possible drop-down attack.

Too many unanswered questions here and I am going to get some out of that thing-and whoever's driving it.

[Nemesis]

Nemesis:

Jen watches as the big robot withstands not only one electrical strike, but two!

"Somehow I think this isn't going to be as easy as the other ones."

Then the giant robot simply flies off at ever increasing velocity! Jen considers pursuing for a second, but does not. Considering she had trouble keeping up with those two protectors, she doubts she can keep pace with that thing!

"Hey!", Nemesis will call out to the nearest member of the Vigilant. "Can Edgar track that thing? If so, we can use the Young Champions jet to follow it! It's back at the PRIMUS airfield!"

Jen waits for an answer.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

Goldstar watches in awe as the robot takes several hits and then just flies off!

"I'm after it!", Goldstar calls out as she accelerates after the robot.

Goldstar will chase the big robot with her full flight.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Some quick notes here:

Those flying after the fleeing Mark 7 will not only fail to make up any ground, but quickly fall behind. Even the fastest among you cannot keep pace. Likewise, none of the Protectors present can reach those speeds.

If it's any consolation, the Mark 7 is flying due north and seemingly out of San Diego.

(Goldstar ends up being the fastest at Non-Com flight, but even she's still six times slower than the Mark 7!)

Nemesis asks if Edgar can track the Mark 7 as the Young Champions jet is back at the PRIMUS Air Field.


Those on the ground safely make it out of the debris cloud and can be spotted by those in the air, so those on the ground can be brought up to speed.


What are you going to do now?

[Menagerie]

Lily:

Following Flux's orders, Gold-Lily takes off after the giant robot. However, it quickly becomes apparent that she doesn't have a hope of keeping up, much less catching up.

Lily returns with the others to the ADT building. Nemesis asks a good question, but she has no answer for the youngster. "I don't know, but I suppose we can ask him."

Afterwards, and if there are no orders to the contrary, Gold-Lily will search through the rubble of the former ADT building for any survivors that weren't able to get out in time.
_____________________________________________________________
I cannot remember if they have some kind of radios / communicators. If so, Lily will try to reach Edgar and pass Jen's question on to him.

[Tesla]

Tesla:

It quickly becomes apparent that even the fastest flyers amoung us will not be able to catch the Mark 7, let alone Tesla. She will slow to a more manageable speed and return to the scene of the building collapse.

It appears that everyone has managed to get to safety that had been inside, but Tesla will remain airborne to see if she spots anyone trapped within or in need of assistance while waiting for Flux and whatever he decides should be our next step.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

After catching his breath he looks around the dust cloud still lingers clouding his eye sight.

"One sec Im gonna see what's happening." he says to the others.

Gesturing before him he will make an ice ramp before him and try to raise above the cloud one for information and two for locational purposes.

[Bruce]

Flux

Well that puts paid to that as Flux watches the robot recede into the distance.

Turning about Flux will survey the ground for activity and /or injured and fly towards the area.

He is happily relieved to see Frostbite rising up out of the cloud of dust and heads in that direction.

There's one. I hope the others made it out too...

As soon as all are gathered Flux will ask for a situation report on the visit to the Steel Squadron base, and about the events inside the ADT building.

He will also check for restored communication with Edgar

[Blackout]

Blackout:

Seemingly finding no one to be unaccounted for, Blackout will make his way over to Frostbite. Once there, he is aware that Flux and several of the others are all regrouping around the area.

"It's been a while since we've all been together," he will say and stand ready for whatever the next move will ultimately be.

[Nemesis]

Nemesis:

Jen watches helplessly as the big robot flies off.

"Maybe its gonna terrorize Canada for a while?"

The dust begins to settle down below and Jen spots Gladiator and other members of the Young Champions. So she files down to say 'Hiyas" to her friends and make sure that they are all right.

Lily returns with the others to the ADT building. Nemesis asks a good question, but she has no answer for the youngster. "I don't know, but I suppose we can ask him."

"Yeah, it makes sense to me. I mean, we really just can't let that killer robot go flying around where ever it wants!"

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

"WOW!" Goldstar says mostly to herself. "That thing has supersonic flight capabilities!"

Unable to keep pace with the Minuteman, Goldstar flies back along with Gold-Lily to meet the others. Among them, Goldstar sees Frostbite whom she hasn't seen in what seems like a very long time.

"Frosty!", Goldstar will cry out as she gives her frozen friend a hug. After catching a breath, Goldstar will begin to ask a bunch of questions like any child would.

"So what the heck is going on here? Was that giant robot inside that building? What is that building anyway? Is anyone else around? We were in space and fought some giant killer bugs! It was really neat!"

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Riding up his ice slide a little bit he can barely make out the form of Flying closer. He soon hears the cries of a lost teammate though he isn’t sure which Goldstar it is until he feels her embrace.

"Frosty!", Goldstar will cry out as she gives her frozen friend a hug. After catching a breath, Goldstar will begin to ask a bunch of questions like any child would.

“Hey Star!” He answers as he returns her hug gently. “God, You had me worried.” looking at her at arms length. “Its glad to have you back!” and gives her another hug.

"So what the heck is going on here? Was that giant robot inside that building? What is that building anyway? Is anyone else around? We were in space and fought some giant killer bugs! It was really neat!"

“There was a secret facility of Genocide’s down there. What ever that robot was it was in the basement. It blew a huge hole in walls and we barely got out. We did a head count not to long ago, It looks like everyone I came with got out okay. The Others are down below.”

“You Fought killer bugs!?” being the sci-fi nut that he is he will ask further, “Perhaps later you can tell me all about it? ”

Flux soon asks about the situation and Frosty fills him in the best he can explain of the enhanced humans hijacking of the mark 7 as well as the ability to control cyborgs from a far.

When everyone gets together he will ask , “We got anyway to track that oversized rust bucket?”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The majority of the Vigilant, along with some of the Protectors and Young Champions have gathered outside the rubble pile that once was the ADT building. A few minutes ago a Minuteman Mark 7 erupted from the building, bringing it down in the process. The giant robot withstood a few attacks and then mysteriously flew off.

As the heroes exchange greetings and bring each other up to date, Flux contacts Edgar.

"Greetings, sir", Edgar will say over the communicator. "Thanks to Starguard, my healing process has been greatly accelerated. My scanners were functioning during the incident in question. I can detect varying life signs within the debris. Some are strong, others very weak."

"As for the Minuteman, I tracked its flight path to a location approximately 265 miles to the north. It landed in a place that has been designated as 'Death Valley'. I am currently reading numerous explosions and energy discharges at that location. The Minuteman is attacking a concealed installation of some type."

"Starguard will be arriving momentarily to provide further information."


True to Edgar's prediction, Starguard materializes nearby from out of nowhere. He is quickly brought up to speed with what has been going on thanks to Frostbite, Gladiator, and Polaris.

"My guess is that the identity of the Minuteman's operator is a woman called the Engineer. She has a past history of hatred against Mechanon, while at the same time showing many of the same traits he has. She hates humanity and wishes to see it destroyed. She can mentally control machines and must be controlling the Mark 7."

"If she took to Mark 7 to Death Valley and is attacking a concealed installation, then I would have to guess that it is a Mechanon base. The Engineer stole the Mark 7 to use it to try and destroy Mechanon. If she succeeds, humanity would be next."

"Who's up for a trip to scenic Death Valley?"

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here's a breakdown of those supers current here:

Vigilant: Blackout, Flux, Frostbite, Goldstar, Lily in Goldstar form, and Tesla. Eldrich and Serena are back at the castle, but can easily be brought up to speed to the current situation from Edgar.

Young Champions: Gladiator, Nemesis, Psi-Lad, Polaris, and White Crane.

Protectors: Helios, Quasar, Doc Sonic, and Maelstrom.

Free Agents: Chimera and Dr. Photon are here, but did not take part in the gathering. They are helping search the rubble of the ADT building for survivors.


Quasar will offer the use of the Protectors Skycruiser for the trip to Death Valley. The Young Champions jet is also available. Among the NPC heroes, Quasar, Helios, and Maelstrom will be going on the trip to Death Valley. Doc Sonic, Gladiator, Psi-Lad, Polaris, and White Crane will remain here to help search for survivors.

What’s everyone else going to do? Starguard could have teleported here with Eldrich and Serena should they so desire.

Among your other options from digging out survivors or going to Death Valley, there is the situation back at the Steel Squadron HQ and there are at least three more Minuteman Mark 5's unaccounted for.

Now what?

[Bruce]

Flux

Scenic Death Valley he says....in summer no less. I guess a guy who can travel in space won't be bothered by 120 degree heat. Ditto for Goldstar. Maybe the same for Frostbite. Me? I remember the place from my Army days and I don't miss it a bit! Well, to business....

"So we have to fly up to Death Valley to save Mechanon? That means we'll have to fight both of them at the same time. And clear the area of civilians if there are any too. Better ring in Eldrich and Serena for this trip. We're going to need all we can get.

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"It's been a while since we've all been together," he will say and stand ready for whatever the next move will ultimately be.

"That's true, Blackout," Lily replies. "I'm glad everyone survived."

"Maybe its gonna terrorize Canada for a while?"

"Somehow, I doubt we'll get as lucky as to have it go that far away. Of course, that wouldn't be lucky for them. A nice, deserted island would be optimal, but I doubt there's much chance of that, either."

“There was a secret facility of Genocide’s down there. What ever that robot was it was in the basement. It blew a huge hole in walls and we barely got out. We did a head count not to long ago, It looks like everyone I came with got out okay. The Others are down below.”

Overhearing Frostbite's analysis, Lily comments, "Another secret facility? I'm starting to think that every building in the city has some kind of secret base underneath."

The mention of 'killer bugs' peaks her interest as well, and she looks forward to hearing more about it later.

Having never heard of this Engineer before, Lily listens carefully as Edgar and Starguard report on the activities of the huge robot and it's apparent controller.

"So we have to fly up to Death Valley to save Mechanon? That means we'll have to fight both of them at the same time. And clear the area of civilians if there are any too. Better ring in Eldrich and Serena for this trip. We're going to need all we can get.

Lily grimaces. "I don't know that it's true that we have to. I believe there are closer superhero teams in Los Angeles or perhaps Las Vegas? Besides, I think we have some issues here to contend with. Aren't there still a few of those Minutemen around unaccounted for? There was also some kind of powerful robot-man in the building that Serena, Eldrich and I visited earlier today; and we should look into the situation with the Steel Squadron, as well."

[Nemesis]

Nemesis:

“There was a secret facility of Genocide’s down there. What ever that robot was it was in the basement. It blew a huge hole in walls and we barely got out. We did a head count not to long ago, It looks like everyone I came with got out okay. The others are down below.”

"Nice. A secret genocide base right here in San Diego. This might be the city has just about everything!"

"So we have to fly up to Death Valley to save Mechanon? That means we'll have to fight both of them at the same time. And clear the area of civilians if there are any too. Better ring in Eldrich and Serena for this trip. We're going to need all we can get.

Lily grimaces. "I don't know that it's true that we have to. I believe there are closer superhero teams in Los Angeles or perhaps Las Vegas? Besides, I think we have some issues here to contend with. Aren't there still a few of those Minutemen around unaccounted for? There was also some kind of powerful robot-man in the building that Serena, Eldrich and I visited earlier today; and we should look into the situation with the Steel Squadron, as well."

Jen, not being on to hold back her feelings, will say, "You might want to think this one through a bit there Flux. I have some idea what Mechanon can do and some of us here are going to be seriously outclassed by a Mechanon and Minuteman Mark 7 combination. They are both really tough and hard to damage. Fortunately, my powers will adapt to what I need to take those things down, so count me in."

"But don't forget there are still three more of those Mark 5's flying around here too. Someone with the power to counter them should remain behind to help take those out. On second thought, maybe I should stay behind to deal with those? What do you think?"

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

“Hey Star!” He answers as he returns her hug gently. “God, You had me worried.” looking at her at arms length. “Its glad to have you back!” and gives her another hug.

"Well, to tell the truth, I really didn't know I was even gone!"

“You Fought killer bugs!?” being the sci-fi nut that he is he will ask further, “Perhaps later you can tell me all about it? ”

"Sure! It was all over before I woke up, so I missed all of that fun. They even said that their ship was shaped like a giant bug!"

Back to the current situation, Goldstar doesn't really have anything to add to Flux's orders.

"Let's get going then!"

[Serena]

Serena:

The Knight listens to the reports of what is going on thanks to Edgar's magical long range listening device.

"I have no qualms about going forth to battle when commanded, Flux, but Eldrich and myself are here to protect Edgar should he be attacked again. In our earlier encounter with the giant metal men, I was unable to cause any significant damage to them. I can't help but wonder just how useful I would be in this mission. If you still wish for me to go along, then I will."

[Tesla]

Tesla:

Jen, not being on to hold back her feelings, will say, "You might want to think this one through a bit there Flux. I have some idea what Mechanon can do and some of us here are going to be seriously outclassed by a Mechanon and Minuteman Mark 7 combination. They are both really tough and hard to damage. Fortunately, my powers will adapt to what I need to take those things down, so count me in."

"But don't forget there are still three more of those Mark 5's flying around here too. Someone with the power to counter them should remain behind to help take those out. On second thought, maybe I should stay behind to deal with those? What do you think?"

Tesla will add, "I could also stay behind and deal with the remaining Mark 5's easily enough as well, and then return to the castle in case additional defenses are needed there for some reason. Nemesis might be better equipped to handle the Mark 7 and the Mechanon with her power. I believe I did some damage to the Mark 7 before it fled, but how much I can't be certain. Either way, I'll go with you or stay here, just let me know."

[Blackout]

Blackout:

"That's true, Blackout," Lily replies. "I'm glad everyone survived."

"It looked iffy for a while there," Blackout admits, "but everyone pulled together and we all made it."

Having said that, Blackout turns towards where Chimera and Dr. Photon are still sifting through rubble. He isn't quite sure he trusts either one of them and is baffled at their true agenda. "Does anyone know any more about those two?" Blackout will ask of the assembled group, shooting a thumb back towards the pair's direction. "They seemed pretty much out for themselves and appeared more than a little shifty to me. They only aided us because they couldn't escape alone."

As far as going to Death Valley, Blackout doesn't care either way. "If it's raw firepower against them, then I'm not going to be of much use. If there's a need for scouting, stealth and general 'sneakery' then I'll tag along." The last will be said with a bit of a chuckle.

[Frostbite]

Frostbite

Goldstar wrote

"Well, to tell the truth, I really didn't know I was even gone!"
"Sure! It was all over before I woke up, so I missed all of that fun. They even said that their ship was shaped like a giant bug!"

“What was the last thing you remember?” He will ask .
“Sounds like I missed all the fun, But we managed here as well. “

When the discussion of Going after The Mark 7 Frosty is all for it, “ I dunno how well my powers will be out there but Ill go. Besides I owe that Rust bucket a round or two.”

[Bruce]

Flux

"Ok I realize this runs somewhat out of our choosen 'jurisdiction' but Mechenon is a world threat and the Engineer runs a close second. Some of the Protecters are going out there and some of us should too. That said, it's not necessery for all of us to go. Goldstar ,Frostbite and I can go with the others out to Death Valley. Nemesis, I can't give you instructions on this but you are well suited to deal with the situation out there. As for guarding the castle, Edger says his defenses are operational now so I'm less worried about that end of things."

Flux turns to Lily with his next statement.

"Miss Pak you seem to have found your footing powers wise today. I'd like you to help out here with a few things, namely securing this area by finding our prisioners, locating survivers and tracking down the Mark V's. If you can find time to investigate Steel Squadron's HQ too so much the better. There's a lot of questions unanswered still and PRIMUS is no longer in any state to delve into them. Tap the shoulders of who you think best for aid in that."

And in a quieter voice ''...and keep an eye on those two over there. As Blackout observed, they are not exactly the most trustworthy of folk."

"Everybody who's ready to head out let's get ourselves together for air transport and pick the plane."

And with any luck we might be in time to take down two weakened global foes before their mutual escapes.

Flux privately does not believe that Mechenon will stay in a losing fight or that one combat robot-no matter how large- will be enough to swiftly overpower the defenses of a base of Mechenon's calibre. But Genocide might have a trick or two to play yet and he intends to make some effort towards impeding ALL of them if possible.

[Goldstar]

Goldstar:

“What was the last thing you remember?” He will ask. “Sounds like I missed all the fun, But we managed here as well. “

"Well, I picked up Major Star who was, like, going to explode at any moment! So, I flew upwards and then went to lightspeed once out of the atmosphere. So, like, I was just flying along and then Major Star blew up! That's the last thing I remembered before being woken up and removed form some alien bug gizmo that was taking my body heat and converting it into energy. They had squashed all the bugs by then!"

"Goldstar ,Frostbite and I can go with the others out to Death Valley."

"Okie!", Goldstar will happily say and she'll go stand behind Flux. "Let's pay a visit to those machine people!"

[Nemesis]

Nemesis:

Overhearing Goldstar's and Frostbite's conversation regarding the alien bugs, Jen will add, "Don't listen to her Frosty! They were ICKY!"

"Nemesis, I can't give you instructions on this but you are well suited to deal with the situation out there."

"Thanks Flux!" Nemesis will beam with pride at his comment. She'll take a quick glance at Gladiator for his approval and will then say, "Sure, count me in! Someone has got to stop those nutty machines, so why not us?"

[Serena]

Serena:

The Knight nods as Flux hands out the assignments. "I shall endeavor to do my best, my friend. I shall assist in the search for survivors within the remains of yon edifice. I may be able to heal those who have not yet succumbed to the icy touch of death. Best of luck on your mission, my friends. Return safe and victorious!"

Having said that, Serena will go forth to search for survivors.

[Menagerie]

Lily:

"It looked iffy for a while there," Blackout admits, "but everyone pulled together and we all made it."

"Yes, being split up into small groups seemed to make us more vulnerable," Lily replies. "Fortunately, all of the groups were able to get through it."

"Miss Pak you seem to have found your footing powers wise today. I'd like you to help out here with a few things, namely securing this area by finding our prisioners, locating survivers and tracking down the Mark V's. If you can find time to investigate Steel Squadron's HQ too so much the better. There's a lot of questions unanswered still and PRIMUS is no longer in any state to delve into them. Tap the shoulders of who you think best for aid in that."

And in a quieter voice ''...and keep an eye on those two over there. As Blackout observed, they are not exactly the most trustworthy of folk."

"I have some concerns about splitting up our group, but perhaps it cannot be helped right now. I recommend you take either Nemesis or Tesla, as both have had some success against the robots. Anyone else who is willing is welcome to come with me. Serena, that includes you and Eldrich; your powers could be very helpful in this."

Lily just nods at the mention of the two Furies, or whatever they are calling themselves. She has her own suspicions regarding them.

Once the others have left, Lily's group will get down to sifting through the rubble of the former ADT building. They will be looking both for any survivors, as well as any sign of the prisoners that had been brought earlier.
___________________________________________________________
I don't remember - who were the prisoners that they had brought over earlier?

[GM Mad]

I don't remember - who were the prisoners that they had brought over earlier?

That would include Electra, Fire & Ice, Silver Avenger Rackham, the Denier, Devilspawn, and the Aviator. Others known to be in the building at the time would include the various PRIMUS Agents, although how many were left standing at the time is unknown, a small squad of GENOCIDE Agents and their commanders, Purifer and the Black Queen. That just leaves about half a dozen cyborbs, some of whom attacked Frostbite and Blackout.

The guy who warped reality is asleep back at the castle. That accounts for about everyone.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed